Male NG Halfling Druid 11 | HP 80/80 | AC 22 T 13 FF 20 | CMB +12, CMD 23 | F: +12, R: +5, W: +13 | Init: +2 | Perc: +21, SM: +12 | Speed 30ft | Wild Shape: 5/5 11 hours | Spells: See Stat Block | Active conditions: Barkskin (110 minutes)
"Ki'lala, archer, now"Free action to have ki'lala go after the white target.
Seeing how we have this set of orcs, rufeo focuses on the other set hassling the Hell Knights. He summons another lightning bolt to strike down on one.
electricity damage. DC 18 for half:3d6 ⇒ (4, 3, 4) = 11
Evad rushes among the orcs, especially at those who look to be causing the most trouble to the Hellknights, enticing their attacks and punishing their efforts.
Ki'ala tears apart the archer and, as Ariana and Varian bring down the last two orcs on your front, the rest of the party joins in ranks with the Hellknights to fight off the orc invasion from the rear. With the renewed help from the Pathfinders, the tide of battle begins to turn and soon enough the orcs are beaten back.
Out of combat!
Two of the Hellknights start tending to their dead companion as Signifier Karva looks on with a frown. "They were coming on too strong. I'm glad you came in when you did but we could have used your assistance sooner. But we have something else to attend to now, no use fighting about the past."
She turns to the cowering orcs who sought asylum from their fellows. The captured orcs plead and grovel desperately on the ground, gladly offering to “be good” and tell you everything they know in exchange for a promise of mercy.
Gridger is never pleased at the sight of a fallen comrade, "I'm sorry for the loss.", he immediately turns his attention to the orcs, pacing himself cautiously not too near for he fears orcs are not the most honourable of races. He sheaths his sword as appropriately but keeps a firm grip on the handle with one hand.
"Well, let's hear it then Orcs, we don't intend to kill aimlessly, what information do you seek to share?"
Cirri's Familiar | Spells -/6/5/4/2 | Arcane Pool 11/11 | Flight Hex minutes 10/10 | GM Folio Reroll +2 | HP 86/86 | AC 21, T 12, FF 20 | Saves 11/6/8 | CMD 23 (25 vs trip) | Perception +7 | Init +1 | Female Human Magus 10 | Alignment NG |Ward not set
"Oh...I'm so sorry." Cirri is quiet and offers to help give their comrade a proper burial if she's allowed to. Otherwise she observes silently during the burial.
"Well," one of the orcs stammered, "we... don't know what you know. But those orcs wanted to carve us up and write our sins into our skin. We are afraid of the Wormcaller. It has destroyed our tribe. So we fled. We are in your debt."
Half-Elf Monk (Unchained) Lvl 10 HP 78/94 | AC 33 FF 29 Touch 25 CMD 40 Init+3| Saves Fort+11, Reflex+12, Will+11| Per +21, SenMot +19| Spd 60' Effects Active: Panther Style, Mage Armor, Barkskin, Darkvision, Death Ward, Prot Evil Tracked Resources: Ki Power 6/11, Stunning Fist 10/11
Evad stands quietly observing the surrendered and frightened orcs. Never one whose tongue was able to extract information from those either willing or unwilling to give it; he was instead blessed by Great Gozreh with the ability to listen and generally discern truth from lie and pick up on subtle clues often dangled in conversation. It was very early in life when he learn he was much better at listening than speaking; and that was also the reason he had always exceled at his training. The masters need only tell Evad once before the concept was understood and remember. Perfecting it was a different story, that took time and practice.
"Wait, what is the Wormcaller? Is it another Orc?" Gridger looks perplexed and confused as to what a Sormcaller is, or why these other orcs are attacking their own.
AC 24(26 BOF), T 15, FF 23 | hp 83/114 | Fort +12, Ref +7, Will +10 (+3 vs. fear) Human Garundi Fighter 10 Init +2; Senses Perception +14 Base Atk +10; CMB +15; CMD 30
Did that force damage have a save to it? Did I take all 42?
Ariana staggers after the explosions hit her. She moves to help the other Hellknights, but is too late. She stands and looks very angry at the surviving groveling orcs.
Varian listens to the orcs and their meager explanation of their plight. "Tell us more about this Wormcaller. Who or what is it and where did it come from? What does it want?"
While he waits for their answers, he pulls out a wand of healing and begins to use it, starting with Ariana and Evad who both look hurt.
Half-Elf Monk (Unchained) Lvl 10 HP 78/94 | AC 33 FF 29 Touch 25 CMD 40 Init+3| Saves Fort+11, Reflex+12, Will+11| Per +21, SenMot +19| Spd 60' Effects Active: Panther Style, Mage Armor, Barkskin, Darkvision, Death Ward, Prot Evil Tracked Resources: Ki Power 6/11, Stunning Fist 10/11
In the excitement, Evad forgot all about his wounds. As Varian heals him with the wand. Oh, yes, those orcs did catch me with there blades. Thank you Varian.
Evad draws his Wand of Cure Light Wounds and begins healing the rest of his wounds.
AC 24(26 BOF), T 15, FF 23 | hp 83/114 | Fort +12, Ref +7, Will +10 (+3 vs. fear) Human Garundi Fighter 10 Init +2; Senses Perception +14 Base Atk +10; CMB +15; CMD 30
Depending on if I took all 42 a lot. I'm waiting for clarification from the GM about a save.
@Ariana: No save on the force damage for the direct target.
Gridger Rusk wrote:
"Wait, what is the Wormcaller? Is it another Orc?"
Varian Amari wrote:
"Tell us more about this Wormcaller. Who or what is it and where did it come from? What does it want?"
"Yes, Wormcaller is a name, it is the name of our shaman. Or our former shaman..."
Cirri Merryweather wrote:
"Wormcaller...that makes sense, with all the worms and the tunneling. But why the sins?"
"That Which Peels Flesh has been carving into our skins, often with magic. Our shaman Wormcaller summoned it to help us with the war, but then it ate him. Now Wormcaller's apprentice Olgrahk serves the creature and commands us all to carve our sins. That Which Peels Flesh hates mortal sin and wants to end all signs of mortal life."
AC 24(26 BOF), T 15, FF 23 | hp 83/114 | Fort +12, Ref +7, Will +10 (+3 vs. fear) Human Garundi Fighter 10 Init +2; Senses Perception +14 Base Atk +10; CMB +15; CMD 30
I'm down about 40.
Ariana pulls out her own wand of cure light and hands it to Evad. "Here use this. Thank you"
"This is a peculiar disposition indeed. How does this wormcaller fit into securing the tablets? I don't know. But It also sounds like a threat that puts all at risk if we don't stop it." Gridger looks around to the room, especially paying attention to how the hellknights react to this new found information.
Signifier Karva has remained quiet during your questioning but when asked about the next move, she nods and says, "Yes, I agree. We need to cut out the heart of this taint to restore the region." She draws her sword and comments, "These orcs have served their usefulness. Now let's execute them and get moving."
Cirri's Familiar | Spells -/6/5/4/2 | Arcane Pool 11/11 | Flight Hex minutes 10/10 | GM Folio Reroll +2 | HP 86/86 | AC 21, T 12, FF 20 | Saves 11/6/8 | CMD 23 (25 vs trip) | Perception +7 | Init +1 | Female Human Magus 10 | Alignment NG |Ward not set
"Wait, what?" Cirri is quite surprised by the Signifier. Her naïveté is showing as she watches the Hellknights execute the helpless orcs. But Cirri also knew the party had no time to babysit orcs who would flee or attack them at the first moment's notice.
Half-Elf Monk (Unchained) Lvl 10 HP 78/94 | AC 33 FF 29 Touch 25 CMD 40 Init+3| Saves Fort+11, Reflex+12, Will+11| Per +21, SenMot +19| Spd 60' Effects Active: Panther Style, Mage Armor, Barkskin, Darkvision, Death Ward, Prot Evil Tracked Resources: Ki Power 6/11, Stunning Fist 10/11
Evad nods at the Signifer's decision.
Seems a shame to kill them when they came to us for aid, but the law of nature is the strong survive; Gozreh seldom spares the weak. Had we chanced them on the road in other circumstances they likely would not have spare us a fight.
So be it, Gozreh takes and gives life unexpectedly, may their blood fertilize the ground so that something may grow here some day.
Evad's moral code is set by the whim of the unpredictable, perfect, nature of nature. He is not phased by the Signifier's lack of mercy and since they are under the hellknights authority, instead he readies himself to search for the search for the beast, as the hellkinights execute the orcs.
"THese are victims, why would you execute them?" Varian says, somewhat shocked at the Signifier's demand.
Karva takes a step towards the orcs with her sword drawn but stops at Varian's objection. "As I said, they have served their usefulness. They told us what we needed to know. If we let them wander free, they will only cause more mischief. It is better to kill them now than let them go and repeat the evils they have told us about today."
"You don't know they will do any such thing... we just saved them from a greater menace and have yet to eliminate the threat, I don't see the purpose in killing these poor victims... Perhaps they will be willing to trade future misdeeds for their lives?"
Gridger is conflicted, he knows to serve a higher purpose, but is killing a life that has done no wrong yet the right way?. He observes the conversations at hand silently waiting to see the outcome.
AC 24(26 BOF), T 15, FF 23 | hp 83/114 | Fort +12, Ref +7, Will +10 (+3 vs. fear) Human Garundi Fighter 10 Init +2; Senses Perception +14 Base Atk +10; CMB +15; CMD 30
"They asked for our aid, and gave us helpful information in exchange for that safety. We should let them leave and start over someplace far from here"
Karva sighs and puts her sword away. She grudgingly agrees, "Fine, you can release the orcs, provided they swear an oath."
The orcs nod their heads vigorously. "Anything! Yes! You must save us from the dastardly plans of The Which Peels Flesh!"
Karva pointedly asks, "And what are those plans exactly? How can we stop it?"
The orcs again nervously try to explain the situation. "It has two plans. It hates signs of mortal life. So first it ordered Olgrahk and his orcs into the mountains to destroy all ruins left behind by men. They are on their way to the Temple of the Sky now. Second, now that it has finished reminding the Severed Hand orcs of their sinfulness, it wants to spread out and kill other humanoids in the mountains. It has started a ritual to summon more of its kind here, and then they will attack. Preparations started when we left, so the ritual should begin soon."
AC 24(26 BOF), T 15, FF 23 | hp 83/114 | Fort +12, Ref +7, Will +10 (+3 vs. fear) Human Garundi Fighter 10 Init +2; Senses Perception +14 Base Atk +10; CMB +15; CMD 30
"Which do you think would cause the most long term trouble?"
Male NG Halfling Druid 11 | HP 80/80 | AC 22 T 13 FF 20 | CMB +12, CMD 23 | F: +12, R: +5, W: +13 | Init: +2 | Perc: +21, SM: +12 | Speed 30ft | Wild Shape: 5/5 11 hours | Spells: See Stat Block | Active conditions: Barkskin (110 minutes)
"Yes, the hellknights, I think could handle the ritual thing and we can get to the temple and protect it. Or the other way around." Rufeo inserts, trying to keep the pathfinders together, and not quite trusting Karva after such evil intentions.
Half-Elf Monk (Unchained) Lvl 10 HP 78/94 | AC 33 FF 29 Touch 25 CMD 40 Init+3| Saves Fort+11, Reflex+12, Will+11| Per +21, SenMot +19| Spd 60' Effects Active: Panther Style, Mage Armor, Barkskin, Darkvision, Death Ward, Prot Evil Tracked Resources: Ki Power 6/11, Stunning Fist 10/11
Evad weighs in, Temples can be rebuilt, but lives can not once destroyed. A seeming reversal of his earlier thoughts and perhaps a surprise considering the temple is dedicated to his god. But Gozreh cares nothing of man made places really, even those set aside for him.
But before the orcs depart or before the decision is made, Evad asks them another question.
Sorry for the delay. I'm working on-call from two states away for the next couple months and got the call Thursday to come back to Indiana from Wisconsin for some work.
Evad Alacar wrote:
That Which Peels Flesh can you describe it?
The best the orcs can manage is, "It is a terrible beast, summoned from other places—dark places."
They seem unwilling to talk about it more, being too terrified to even think much about it.
It is after dusk by this time and Signifer Karva says, "I had planned to rest overnight before confronting the orcs. However, given the urgency of the situation, I must insist on leaving immediately. The Temple of the Sky and the Severed Hand tribal home are both roughly one hour away from here but we must make for the tribal home to defeat this creature... That Which Peels Flesh. It is what you agreed to help us with, after all. If the Temple falls, so be it. It is of no concern to us."
Half-Elf Monk (Unchained) Lvl 10 HP 78/94 | AC 33 FF 29 Touch 25 CMD 40 Init+3| Saves Fort+11, Reflex+12, Will+11| Per +21, SenMot +19| Spd 60' Effects Active: Panther Style, Mage Armor, Barkskin, Darkvision, Death Ward, Prot Evil Tracked Resources: Ki Power 6/11, Stunning Fist 10/11
Evad nods at the Signifer,
Let no more moss gather under our feet.
Evad is ready to go, once we are near the location, say within about 10 minutes of the location, Evad casts Mage Armor on himself and then spends a Ki point to put up Barkskin.
"Let us make haste!" Oret says with a burning passion in his eyes. Being a (stone) man of little words, he starts to walk as fast as he can towards the direction, ironically as everyone passes him with ease and he becomes the last in line, as he moves with a heavy step.
Cirri's Familiar | Spells -/6/5/4/2 | Arcane Pool 11/11 | Flight Hex minutes 10/10 | GM Folio Reroll +2 | HP 86/86 | AC 21, T 12, FF 20 | Saves 11/6/8 | CMD 23 (25 vs trip) | Perception +7 | Init +1 | Female Human Magus 10 | Alignment NG |Ward not set
"Yup, sounds like a plan to me!" Cirri practices some more with her staff.
As they approach the site, Cirri will call upon the winds to carry her above the ground.
Cirri will activate her Flight Hex when we reach the ritual site, assuming we know it's there.
AC 24(26 BOF), T 15, FF 23 | hp 83/114 | Fort +12, Ref +7, Will +10 (+3 vs. fear) Human Garundi Fighter 10 Init +2; Senses Perception +14 Base Atk +10; CMB +15; CMD 30
"To the tribal home. We did agree to assist with what the Hellnights requested of us."
Signifer Karva nods approvingly and declares that there is no time to waste. The Hellknights summon phantom steeds for themselves and anyone else who needs one. As you are heading out, Karva addresses you, "I must commend you for doing what is necessary, even though you were tasked with investigating the Temple and disrupting a chaotic ritual of this sort might leave little left for you to investigate. But I believe you are making the wise choice."
Signs of chaotic taint fill the landscape on the march to the orc lair. The terrain is twisted into hellish forms and pits of writhing worms dot the mountainside. Orc totems, including piles of skulls and pillars of bones, line the path to the orc warrens.
The mountain path dead-ends here inside of a box canyon. Crude carvings and ancient paintings cover the canyon’s walls, marking this as the ancestral home of an orc tribe. Scattered across the canyon floor are large piles of stacked skulls. Four sets of carved stairs lead to yawning caves in the sides of the canyon.
Each “small” pile of skulls stands roughly 8 feet tall at its peak, while the large pile of skulls at the back of the canyon stands 30 feet high.
In the center of the canyon is a sprawling pit of worms and writhing insects. A narrow stone path leads to a small island in the pit of worms, where an altar made of bone rests surrounded by a circle of glowing runes.
The worm pit is approximately 10 feet deep and it is filled to the brim with mutated worms, centipedes, and other crawling bugs. Any creature that falls into the pit takes 2d6 points of damage per round and must succeed at a Fortitude saving throw or become poisoned.
When the party arrives, the orcs are nearly finished with a ritual designed to usher more qlippoths into the world. Dozens of orcs lurk inside the cave entrances in the canyon walls, watching the ritual in hushed silence. An orc mystic chants on the island while an orc chieftain stands alert.
Karva orders, "Hellknights, guard the stairs! Keep as many orcs out of here as you can! Pathfinders, deal with those ones in the middle and find whatever That Which Peels Flesh is and kill it! We'll help you where we can!"
