GM Edwin's River Queen (Inactive)

Game Master Insnare

"Told the last fool no snake is a friend. Your walkin snake goin eat you one day."

I cock my head in confusion at Jean. "I fraid I not understand. Walkin snake? I don't have a walkin snake? No no, I leave snakes be an they leave me be."

Poulain looks around, spits, and says, "Enjoy your idiote." Then he goes to his room.

Angelo looks skeptically at Umodo. "Well, we have been a bit shy of certain skill sets. I think even Poulain would have trouble saying you don't belong in this jungle. If the walking snake is litter-trained, we may make a place for you."

"Umodo, do you have any allegiances we should know about? Is there some group or tribe, or something similar to which maintain ties of affection or loyalty?" The question has a formality and formalism that speaks of an employer bringing on an indentured servant, or a military officer inducting a new recruit. Angelo weighs Umodo's response extremely carefully - his manner is very neutral, if haughty. There is an edge of intimidating condescension about Angelo to which even his longer-term companions have not been exposed. There is a flash of the younger Carvesan, baronette, imperial occupier, and scion of privilege.

Angelo looks sharply at Umodo, and weighs his response closely.

sense motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

Corax surveys the newcomer and his accompanying creature. She shrugs as words are exchanged before adding, "What will be, will be. If your little friend is a boon, nobody will pay it the slightest notice. If it forgets its loyalties, then it must expect to pay the price.. There is no malice in her voice, merely pragmatism.

I straighten up. "I come from Gaki's tribe. I live among is people for many moon. They are good, honest, trustworthy, folk an I expect same from Gaki. He is my dear friend an ally. He will not be problem for anyone. I come forth seeking to be adventurer again an want help in great adventure. I do what I can for you an help you find greatness."

"It is understandable to have loyalties to your clan or tribe. If your loyalties do not stray, we have a place for you."

"For now, your duty is to recover. You suffered significant hardship. Rest now and recover your. I will tend to your injuries further later. While you rest, can you tell us more about the situation upriver? As Captain Selim says, we will be at Whitebridge tomorrow, and then on to Nightfall. Are your elves and apes along this path? Are the elves of the Ekujae clan - cannibals?"

'Perhaps we'll meet the antagonists of Nightfall farther down river. Or maybe there are a lot more of them than advertised,' Angelo thinks to himself.

Feeling somewhat reassured that their visitor is not an immediate plant or threat, Angelo's demeanor loses some of its hard edge.

Selim ponders for a moment on what Umodo has been saying, "I think it would be a good idea drop the group of you off just south of the station to do a reconnoitering of the situation. This boat is just one of four erm, looking at Corax, three left in existence. but we need the fuel because we won't make it to Nightfall without it."

If the Captain's words were supposed to have an impact on Corax it doesn't show. Instead she mutters, "What will be, will be."

And so decided, Angelo prepares to reconnoiter in the morning. Before sleeping, Angelo will use enough divine healing to bring Umodo to full HP, and change his bandages (just in case), and ensure he gets lots of hearty snake broth ("It's What's For Dinner!") and clean water. Angelo will complete his day with heartfelt prayers to Pharasma for good fortune on the following day - for all of them, even Poulain.

Poulain fastidiously checks his gear. Aggressively, even.

Whitebridge Station suddenly rises out of the
haze that has stood on the river all day. As
if in anticipation of your arrival, the wind
rises and clears the air, giving you a perfect
view of the famous station that sits upon the
trade route cutting through the heart of the
Mwangi Expanse. The river flows through a
narrow gorge, where two massive columns
formed from dozens of tree trunks, bound
into clusters around stone pilings, and sunk
into the riverbed support this giant span. The bridge rises forty feet over the Vanji, from the
top of one tall bank to the other. A large pier
and tower of some sort rise from the near
bank, and a multi-level caravan serai can be
seen up the bank beyond. It is the bridge itself
that commands immediate attention, arching
above the river and bearing buildings and fortifications
all along its length. The shield and
snake standard of the Aspis Consortium flaps
gently from a stanchion atop the bridge’s central
supports, but that is the only movement
to be seen at what should be a bustling trade
station. The only sound is the gurgling of the
muddy river.

Upon approach to the station, Selim
proceeds slowly with all hands on alert and
docks on the other side of the river of the main pier.

Ok, Faruq you go with them, after hearing what happened to Umodo, we need to proceed carefully. So check out the bridge and once you are finished we can get the arcophage fuel. Alright?]

"You want out there, that means you think death awaits."

"Right. Is there anyone here you know Captain Selim? It appears," Angelo waves at the pennons, "that you may have business allies here. If there is no maledicto, is there anyone we should check in with? Or anyone you owe money to that we should avoid?"

Selim crinkles his nose and says bluntly to Poulain, This is exactly what you are getting paid for he cheers up a little bit and says Fact is without the fuel we cannot continue up river, so get your behind off of my boat and do some recon, pretty please with a halberd in your rear, whichever you prefer. "

In response to Angelo, "A decen friend of mine The station manager, named Alec Blough,
who is an experienced agent of the Aspis Consortium
well versed in the Mwangi interior.
The station’s contingent also includes a garrison
of two-dozen Aspis mercenaries, a few officers,
and a handful of Aspis-affiliated merchants
and vendors including a competent
blacksmith. A few dozen locals are kept on as
laborers as well.

Corax continues with duties to ensure the boat is ready to dock before checking her gear, clearly eager to be off the vessel. "I am ready Captain, for whatever awaits."

She looks at the deserted station without fear but her brow definitely wrinkles as she addresses nobody in particular.

"You're not wrong to be wary comrades but we'll never find out what's wrong sitting on the boat."

"Andiamo! Time to meet the locals."

So saying, Angelo vaults from ship to shore, and strikes out for the nearer end of the bridge. His posture and bearing scream out with confidence and boundless energy.

Poulain walks and watches. Occassionally he'll spit some brown fluid

I emerge from resting to join the others. I am hunched and grizzled looking and seem just a mess of a man even after my healing.

I join the party and my companion Gaki is at my side. "I come wit you. We encounter much I sure. I warn you though, this not my favorite form. I change now."

I curl up and focus my primal energies to reshape my body. My features mutate before your eyes as I become a Veloceraptor just like Gaki but bigger.

I join the others. "Growl...Squawk...snarl." I motion with my head for the party to lead on.

Corax watches the transformation, shakes her head slightly and then carries on as if nothing had happened.

"Oh, right, of course." Poulain spits an extra big squirt after a hard suck.

"Mio dio! Snakes, why is it always snakes? I guess snakes with legs are better than no legs. Worst case, snake legs for dinner."

Poulain rolls his eyes.

Onward then?

"Poulain, you scoff. But look at those drumsticks! Tastes like chicken, but never such drumsticks on a chicken."

"Shut up, idiot."

Angelo continues the badenage - however annoying to Poulain - as they make their way to the bridge. Angelo is aware that it conveys an impression of confidence, casualness, and avoids surprising anyone jumpy standing guard.

this is the best rp ive seen from these guys since the new year

You climb your way up the cliff into jungle and make your way to the road with the squaking of umodo and the pointing of Faruq. It is earily quiet and you can see blood trails in and out of the encampment.

Gm Rolls

Surprise Round

Poulain, Umodo, Ekujae

Poulain and Umodo see movement of elves behind some cover.

So much for 'confident and casual'.

I want to speed this game up

Poulain shoots an arrow at one of the elves 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21, hit 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Umodo

Before I make a fool out of myself with some crazy attack post, I need to know, are they at the edge of the cover, is the cover something I could jump over as part of a charge, ultimately I am asking if I can charge them.

One of them is hiding behind a barrel, do you want to jump over the barrel land and attack or jump on the barrel and attack?

If I can get the charge then I would leap onto the barrel and attack. I have pounce so it would result in a volley of all five of my attacks. If I cannot make the charge then I would cast a spell instead

Then try the charge onto the barrel.

*SURPRISED*

Okay I charge my target using the vicious velociraptor scream. I leap onto my foe with teeth, claws, and talons.

Attacks!

Bite:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23 For1d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Foreclaw 1:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7 For:1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Foreclaw 2:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7 For:1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Talon 1:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25 For:1d8 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
Talon 2:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20 For:1d8 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

My AC is currently a 13 :p

Is the barrel structurally sound less than 50 no1d100 ⇒ 13 no, the Umodo jumps on the barrel DC 10 Acrobatics to not fall and get an A.o.O1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12 and it collapses causing the dinosaur to fall down but away from the elf.

Elf 1 shoots an arrow at Poulain 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24 hit 1d8 ⇒ 6 25% chance to be embedded 1d100 ⇒ 15 take 1 hp damage extra.

Elf 2 shoots an arrow at Umodo 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17 hit 1d8 ⇒ 2 25% chance to be embedded 1d100 ⇒ 59 no

Elf 3 shoots an arrow at Angelo 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15 hit 1d8 ⇒ 6 25% chance to be embedded 1d100 ⇒ 38 no

Elf 4 shoots an arrow at Gaki 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21 hit 1d8 ⇒ 4 25% chance to be embedded 1d100 ⇒ 79 no

Elf 5 shoots an arrow at Corax 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10 miss

Initiative: Angelo 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19, Poulain 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24, Corax 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11, Umodo 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9, Gaki 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12, Faruq 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (13) - 2 = 11, Elves 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

Round 1

Poulain, Angelo, Elves, Gaki, Corax, Faruq, Umodo

Poulain snarls, spits, and seems to curse. Except it wasn't a curse, it was a spell. Plants from the jungle begin grabbing for the elves. Cast Entangle!

Angelo ducks quickly behind some cover, and takes the rest of the round retrieving bow and arrows.

Round 1
Status: HP 21/27 | AC 16 | T 12 | FF 14 | CMD 16 | F +1 | R +5 | W +4
Free: 5' step into cover
Full: ready bow and arrow (c.f. oracle curse 'haunted' - if it's not on a string, it takes me longer than usual to retrieve items.)

I know Poulain wants to get the most elves as possible.
Reflex from entangle DC 13
Elf 1 Reflex 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25, Elf 2 Reflex 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10, Elf 3 Reflex 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26, Elf 4 Reflex 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19, Elf 5 Reflex 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25, Umodo 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8, Elf 2 and Umodo are Entangled and now it is difficult terrain.

Elf 1 shoots an arrow at Poulain 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15 miss

Elf 2 shoots an arrow at Umodo 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27hit 1d8 ⇒ 8 25% chance to be embedded 1d100 ⇒ 80 no

Elf 3 shoots an arrow at Angelo 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21 hit 1d8 ⇒ 8 25% chance to be embedded 1d100 ⇒ 58 no

Elf 4 shoots an arrow at Gaki 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17hit 1d8 ⇒ 3 ⇒ 25% chance to be embedded 1d100 ⇒ 13 take 1 hp damage extra.

Elf 5 shoots an arrow at Corax 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12 miss

Gaki

Are any of the elves within melee range of Corax?

Yes but due to Poulain's spell you could end up entangled. On the other hand the DC is only 13 reflex so you can move to attack.

Gaki moves forward to pull Umodo out of the weeds that Poulain sprung up, pulling Umodo by his tail. Now he is no longer entangled but prone.

Corax

With my dice rolls, I'll not risk it

Corax shoots Poulain a look of annoyance as she draws her sword but holds back from getting involved as the weeds would, in her opinion, just as likely affect her as the elves.

Shaking her head, taking an attacking stance, she waits for an opportunity to get involved.

Faruq attacks with his longbow 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16 hitting 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Umodo

I total didn't notice it was Gaki's turn, Sorry about that.

I stand up and snarl as I pace back and forth just outside the entanglement of vines. That's all I do in my turn.

Angelo lines up on a wounded elf, and lets fly.

Round 2
Status: HP 21/27 | AC 16 | T 12 | FF 14 | CMD 16 | F +1 | R +5 | W +4
Standard: bow attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23, damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
(I'm assuming they haven't lost their Dex bonus, or are otherwise 'surprise strike'-able)

You hear a whistle from one of the elves.

Round 2

Initiative Girallon 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

Poulain, Girrallon

Poulain shoots an arrow at one of the elves 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26 hit 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

A girrallon comes out of the bush from the west and charges Umodo 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 10 + 2 = 17 hitting for 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

@Angelo, not to mention they are concealed.

Angelo hits an elf with his bow.

Poulain and Gaki take an extra 1hp of damage for not pulling out the arrow.
Elf 1 shoots an arrow at Poulain 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9 miss

Elf 2 shoots an arrow at Umodo 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26hit1d8 ⇒ 5 25% chance to be embedded 1d100 ⇒ 78 no

Elf 3 shoots an arrow at Angelo 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12 miss

Elf 4 shoots an arrow at Gaki 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26 hit 1d8 ⇒ 8 25% chance to be embedded 1d100 ⇒ 88no

Elf 5 shoots an arrow at Corax 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28 crit, 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14 no, 1d8 ⇒ 7 25% chance to be embedded 1d100 ⇒ 12, yes take 1 hp extra.

Gaki, Corax, Faruq, Umodo