Kilthan gets dropped by the tentacle and full attacked once again getting hit and grappled once more. The displacer beast attacking Justin and returns the favor by missing all of its attacks as does the displacer beast attacking Dryn'taka.
*Hit*
- Tobar, Kilthan (Grappled), Aarakess, Dryn'taka, Justin, Anala, Felines
AC 20 T 15 FF 14 CMD 26
Kilthan relaxes as the beast releases him, and readies to bash with his Klar as the tentacle grabs him again, pinning down his shield arm. "I think I hate these things," he mutters, but then smiles as he sees his furry companion using his magical speed to circle the beast and attack it from the rear, hoping to use the beast's distraction to finally cut it to ribbons.
for
for
for
Kilthan: HP: 66/82 ; AC: 23/14/21 ; Full Attack
Jagdbach: HP: 64/77; AC: 20/10/17 [Rage Used: 3 of 12, raging]; Move Action: Move to L5, avoiding threat-zone (45' of 60' [hasted]);
Standard Action: Bite
Anal misses twice and Dryn'taka throws a bomb connecting on #4, but gets hit in the process.
_____________
_____________
Deciding to focus her powers on the most injured cat, Aarakess stares at the displacer beast fighting Justin, #3, causing the beast to feel that something is behind it so that it keeps glancing behind itself thereby dropping its guard toward real attackers.
Standard: Evil Eye Hex -- -2 AC for 9 rounds, DC19 Will reduces to 1 round.
Move: Cackle -- continues previous Misfortune (unless that is the dead beast) and this Evil Eye
Justin looks at his axe as if it broken and resumes his onslaught.
He swings three times with his axe.
Bites at him.
His loyal steed attacks too.
After swinging he is still disappointed in his axe.
Round 4
Anala steps to the side of the creature, attempting to do what Tobar is doing by pinning it between her and Dryn. She strikes out at the displacer beast and while her first attack just barley slices by her 2nd attack seems to score a direct hit, but the creature just is not where it seemed to be. "What the...?" The woman says as she shakes her head trying to understand why her attack failed.
5-foot move to C-7
Scimitar attack miss
Hasted Scimitar Attack (hit), miss chance (attack missed)
Dryn Throws another bomb
*Hit*
*Hit and Grappled*
*Hit, not grappled*
*Hit and Grappled*
- Tobar, Kilthan (Grappled), Aarakess, Dryn'taka, Justin, Anala (Grappled), Displace Beast
AC 20 T 15 FF 14 CMD 26
Justin quickly heals and resumes his onslaught.
The armored steed attacks:
Justin whiffs completely again, but his mount lands a nasty bite.
Round 5
Deciding that her hexes need some help, Aarakess calls out to her patron. A moment later you here a buzzing sound. Aarakess opens her mouth and suddenly a pair of insect wings appears, followed immediately by the rest of a huge wasp. A moment later this wasp is followed by by another, and another. Before long a cloud of buzzing stinging insects have appeared and moved over the beast being fought by Anala and Dryn.
5-foot move to E/4.
Move: Cackle to maintain the -2AC on Justin's cat.
Standard: Cast Vomit Swarm <-- I should be about 20' up in the air so that I do not need a concentration check.
The swarm of wasps then moves slowly forward until it encompasses the displacer beast attacking Anala and Dryn.
Damage: + Poison + Nauseated
Poison - Fort DC13 or -1 Dex for each of the next rounds
Distraction - Fort DC13 or Nauseated
Kilthan raises his shield as the beast releases him, again readying a bash and trying to keep the bladed thing between himself and the beast, and lets out a long string of dwarven curses as the tentacle wraps around him, pinning him again. "Now I know I hate these things!, he growls and tries, once again, to hack the thing to bits with his waraxe, planting his foot as he swings.
for
for
Kilthan: HP: 60/82 ; AC: 23/14/21 ; Full Attack
Jagdbach: HP: 64/77; AC: 20/10/17 [Rage Used: 4 of 12, raging]; Full Attack
Round 5
HP 46/65
AC 18 FF15 T13 CMD19
F/R/W 8/9/3
Bombs 6/11
Mutagen Dexterity
Bora Beads 1 1/1
Extracts
1st - Cure Light Wounds, Shield , Bomber's Eye, 2 open
2nd - Cure Moderate Wounds, See Invisibility, 2 open
3rd - Cure Serious Wounds x2
Ammo Tracker
Normal - 19
Silver - 20
Cold Iron - 20
Effects
Haste
Prayer
Dryn steps back and sends a crossbow bolt flying into the beast's eye. At least what she thought was it's eye as it passes cleanly through and misses behind it. "Me too, Kilthan, me too!"
Round 5
Anala tries to escape the tentacle that has her wrapped up., "Let... go...!"
The beasts once again let go of their targets to full on attack, scoring light hits only but re-grabbing both Kilthan and Anala.
*Hit and Grappled*
*Hit and Grappled*
- Tobar, Kilthan (Grappled), Aarakess, Dryn'taka, Justin, Anala (Grappled), Displace Beast
AC 20 T 15 FF 14 CMD 26
Round 6 Justin
Justin continues to square off at his frustrating opponent. The creature seemed to phase out just when Justin was about to hit him.
After completely missing again, Justin's horse tries to attack.
Sally fares little better, and the fight continues.
I will use an evil eye on whichever has the most HP to reduce its attacks by -2. Not sure which one and have limited time the next few days.
Standard: Evil Eye: -2 attack for 8 rounds, DC19 Will reduces to 1 round.
Move: Cackle - continues all in effect Evil Eye, Fortune and Misfortune hexes.
As soon as he's released, Kilthan tries to ready himself for the beast's onslaught, successfully dodging or putting his shield between himself and the oncoming attacks... save one. With another dwarven curse he feels the tentacle wrap around him and growls, "I'm getting so used to this, I'm making this blasted thing into a cloak when I've killed it." Once again, he lashes out with his waraxe, trying to fell the bloody thing.
Kilthan: HP: 54/82 ; AC: 23/14/21 ; Full Attack
Jagdbach: HP: 64/77; AC: 20/10/17 [Rage Used: 5 of 12, raging]; Full Attack
Tobar comes in and kills one while Jagdbach adds another wound to the one they are fighting. Justin's normal deadly attacks continue to miss due to the confusing defenses of the displacer beast.
Round 6
Anala, thankful for Tobar's attacks and killing the creature and now being free of the things tentacles takes a long route around the crature that Justin is fighting to help give him a better chance. She is surprised at her quickened pace by the haste spell which lets her strike out at the creature, and is able to score a minor shot with her mithril blade.
Round 6
HP 46/65
AC 18 FF15 T13 CMD19
F/R/W 8/9/3
Bombs 6/11
Mutagen Dexterity
Bora Beads 1 1/1
Extracts
1st - Cure Light Wounds, Shield , Bomber's Eye, 2 open
2nd - Cure Moderate Wounds, See Invisibility, 2 open
3rd - Cure Serious Wounds x2
Ammo Tracker
Normal - 19
Silver - 20
Cold Iron - 20
Effects
Haste
Prayer
Dryn aims her crossbow at the displacer beast and unleashes another bolt at the creature, watching it sink into it's hide.
"Anala, great hit. I can't touch it!"
Anala moves around the Displacer Beast, taking an attack as she approaches, but she manages to dodge the attack and to wound it. Dryn'taka fires her crossbow true at the displacer beast fought by Kilthan and also scores a hit which finally kills it.
The remaining beast sees its pack fallen and flees (Provoking from Anala and Justin/horse.
Combat Over (except for any AoO)
After the battle you heal up and continue on the way and make Sandpoint by nightfall. You are surprised by how busy the town is. Enjoying a night sleeping indoors and a great meal at the Rusty Dragon, you find out from the owner, Ameiko, that people are starting to make the trip to Magnimar for the upcoming arena games. Then a few weeks after that there will be the Swallowtail festival in Sandpoint.
Heading to Magnimar in the morning you travel with many others heading the same way. Finally at mid afternoon you have reached the City of Monuments.
Scores of common folk, along with carts and wagons laden with wares for market, form a long line slowly trudging toward the nearest gate. From the length of the line, it looks like it will take well over an hour, maybe two, to get access into the city.
Justin swings and Sally bites as the creature retreats.
Justin finally feels what it is like to hit the creature.
Justin looks over the long line with a shrug.
"Guess we wait our turn. Anala, should we preach to the crowd while we have a captive audience?"
Anala looks to Justin, "I am not one to preach of my faith to others. We are all entitled to our beliefs, so long as they do no harm to others."
She looks out over the crowd, "But if you feel the need to do so, than I shall not stop you. A word of caution, there are those people who do not enjoy being preached too."
"I wonder if we will be able to make the Swallowtail Festival in several weeks time? While I am not a follower of Desna, the event itself sounds like something that would be enjoyable to attend." Anala asks of no one in particular. If anyone is interested in knowing about the festival, she explains what it is.
She keeps a causal watch over the moving line towards the city gates, especially those about the group.
[ooc]At Magnamar...
Kilthan looks at the line and shakes his head, grumbling to himself before finally sighing and saying gruffly, "I suppose we can't just hack through 'em like cave moss?", ending his statement with a wink to make his joke obvious.
He then steps closers to Aarakess and offers, helpfully, "First lesson: You're not complaining enough. Any dwarf would grumble at this waste of time and, especially, the inefficiency that allows such a bottleneck."
Aarakess nods:
Perhaps I can help. Lets see if people will allow a priestess of Sarenrae, a Paladin of the Inheritor, and a healer, no reason to mention that the strange elf . . . er, dwarf . . . is using witch magic rather than divine healing, to move forward and heal those waiting in line.
Turning to Kilthan:
I will never fit in as a dwarf. I was born of elves, and will always be one, albeit a short one. For now though, we need some personality to get us moving forward.
Kilthan pulls his hair away and flicks his pointed eartip, saying, "Aye, well, so was I, but look how I turned out."
He chuckles at his own joke for a brief moment and then nods, "I agree, but that sure isn't my strong suit.", and steps aside to let Aara begin making her offers, following her closely in case there are any misunderstandings or disagreements.
"Moving more quickly instead of standing here line is more desirable, but at the same time we could wait our turn. I am sure that others here would not appreciate us moving in front of them. Of course, if they consent, I see no real issue." Anala comments.
"I might be able to help you the negotiations of your offer Aarakess. I can sometimes be rather persuasive." She says to the elf-now-dwarf, which she is still trying to get her head around seeing her friend as such.
Diplomacy
Diplomacy
Diplomacy
Diplomacy
Diplomacy
Diplomacy
Diplomacy
Diplomacy
Diplomacy
Diplomacy
Diplomacy
Diplomacy
Diplomacy
"Well, we can use the time productively. Cutting ahead seems so unfair."
Justin begins to discuss the tactics of the previous battles. He is interested in hearing what Tobar has to say, especially about the use of alchemical mixtures and devices. Producing his smoke pellets, he discusses the possible use of smoke in battles to keep the enemy from seeing them before it is too late.
After being split on a course of action you decide to wait in line, which takes nearly 2 hours. As you get near you see that they seem to be checking people items, carts, etc before allowing them in.
Finally it is your turn to approach the gate. The guards turn their attention to you and say, "Well what do we have here? Fancy Folk coming to spend their coin in Magnimar," the guard calls out from the gate. "Well what is your business here? And be prepared to turn out your pockets."
One of the guards seems ready to record your names while a couple other of the guards indicates to you that they are going to search all of your possessions, every bag, scroll case, and pocket.
Aarakess will use her healing hex on anyone that appears injured along the way attempting to build goodwill from those among them in the line, even if we are not attempting to jump the line.
"Things that explode? Hmm." Dryn considers the sheer amount of substances in her pouch that could be used to make explosions. "It might not be a good thing for them to keep it. Some of this stuff could be dangerous if they kept it stored improperly." She seems genuinely concerned for the guard's well being. She then passes her alchemist kit, and the vials of fire and acid stored in her own bag, off to Tobar.
Feeling darn near naked without her supplies, Dryn simply does the best she can to stay quiet and let Tobar work his words.
As they look at your weapons, they have concerned looks and disapproving sighs. One guard lets you know that it looks like they may have to confiscate some of your gear and do a thorough inspection of your bags.
He is looking for a small bribe. 5 gp should do it.
Kilthan looks at the guard squarely and says, "I am Kilthan, scion of Clan Hammerstone.... and it as our small friend says. I carry no contraband, only the weapons I've needed to keep myself and others safe on these roads."
The young woman has traveled to the city on a few occasions in the past and known them to be a bit on the paranoid side when it comes to letting people into the city.
"Thanks Tobar, I am free of such things."
As the group is up she gives her name and presents her belongings to be searched as the guard tend to do.
Anala seems to catch what the guard is saying as he looks over the rest of the group... While not the most adept at the art of slight of hand, she does take out her coin purse, on the premese of it being searched and places five gold coins beside her backpack... "I hope that we will not have an issue with our weapons, as explained by my companion, we use them to protect ourselves."
The guards smiles and says, "Of course not my lady, please enter the city and enjoy the upcoming games."
You pass under the Grand Arch Guardians into the Naos District. The Guardians are one of Magnimar's largest statues, a pair of vast colossi that tower over two hundred feet tall. The statues depict the local twin heroes Cailyn and Romre Vanderale who saved the burgeoning settlement of Magnimar from an attack by strange spidery horror unleashed from the Irespan. The twin statues stand facing each other with their weapons held high forming the gigantic arch for which "Grand Arch" district is named.
The streets are cobbles with well-worn stone and scored by deep wagon ruts. Throngs of people of all races, some bearing exotic raiment, crowd the streets. The creak of wagons and neighing of horses is interrupted by the call of merchants hawking their wares and the shouts of customers haggling over prices. The air hangs heavy with the smell of civilization, the stench of sweat and refuse mixed with the aroma of fresh baked bread and fire roasted meats.
Aarakess looks carefully at the notes that she took when speaking with Allustan and then tries to recall the general layout of the city.
Knowledge(local):
--> trying to find the quickest, and safest, way to Eligos's address
"Well, after that little shakedown, the guard should be well equipped. Banditry should be at a minimum."
Justin tries to see the positive.
"At least our eclectic group will not stand out. Look at all the exotic wares and nationalities. And I do like this arch, it is not the least bit overdone."
Justin says the last without blinking.
After being in line for a couple hours you start to feel hungry, so after finding suitable vendors so you can walk while you eat, you begin to head west into the Lowcleft district, also known as The Rubble. Lowcleft is the home of avant-garde artists and performers of all sorts, and is filled with small theaters, tap rooms, hookah bars, dance halls, and even brothels. Venues in this part of town tend to show performances too innovative or shocking for the more famous Triodea theater, one of the most famous opera houses in all of Varisia.
The intersection ahead is packed with a throng of people, straining their necks and cheering as a pair of jugglers, preceded by a large metal cage, makes its way down the cross street. The parade continues to roll past, displaying the talents of numerous street performers and various caged beasts. One large and extravagant cage on a horse-drawn wagon actually consists of two cages. The inner cage is made of iron bars, with panes of glass mounted outside the bars on all four sides. Within is a three-headed monstrosity with the heads of a goat, a lion, and a brilliant blue dragon. As the parade trundles along, the beast roars over and over as its dragon head blasts the iron cage with bolts of electricity that play along the metal bars.
This amalgam creature that has a body of a lion and heads of a dragon, lion and goat is a chimera.
A chimera’s draconic head may be that of any evil dragon type. Because of their three heads, chimeras have exceptionally good hearing and vision.
Chimeras can attack from the ground or while flying, using their claws, both sets of teeth, its horns, or its breath weapon. The damage and shape of its breath weapon depends on the variety of its dragon head.
