GM Omelas's Destiny of the Sands (Inactive)

Game Master panegyric

Theshen affixes his morningstar to his belt, then begins to move forward towards the halfling once she is on the ground.

The healer moves quickly under the distrustful gaze of the thugs. He is relieved to see that, despite bruises and a black eye, the halfling is breathing normally and can be moved safely. With Rawiya’s help he carries the leader of the Hundredfingers outside the old building. He gently places her on the ground again, her back against the wall of another abandoned shack.

Despite the clear hostility, the thugs do not make any threatening gestures and seem relived once the group leaves.

Theshen breathes out.

That was rough. But we did well.

He ensures the rescued is less injured.

lay on hands

In response to Theshen’s healing touch, the halfling opens her eyes, lets out a gasp of surprise and tries to crawl away. Still weak from the beatings, however, she soon grows tired and gives up. ”Ok, ok, you and those friend of yours with the sap win. The Torch is hiding in an abandoned building close to the caravanserai. I can show you the way,” she bluffs.

Theshen speaks up:

"We still need to bring back the girl."

"Those were certainly no friends of ours, Naleth." Sorkesh says with a chuckle.

You're welcome for being rescued, by the way."

Naleth squints at Sorkesh and sniffs. ”Rescued? What the hell you prattling on about? Who are y’all? Other Mantis people? And that one over there, the silent bekyar with the spear? I know the good guard/bad guard trick, if that's what you're trying to do”

Are we departed from the thugs yet?

Theshen gently interjects:

"The Torch sent us to retrieve a message for his ears only from the head of the Hundred Fingers. Though I now wonder if he knew we would have to rescue you first."

"Took the bastard long enough!" She looks at Theshen for a second, scanning him from top to bottom. "He probably didn't know, if that's a relief. What happened to the b#*&# with the crossbow?"

"She died from a nasty bout of crossbow poisoning.
"He goons' courage, such that it was, evaporated after that."

"Much as my friend points out, she is quite deceased."

Naleth grins. "Well, that's the best bloody news I've had today. Here, help me stand up" she says and extends a hand. "I guess the message's pretty clear by now, eh? These people are in town and after him. They wanted to know where that ugly boss of yours is. Broke a few bones of us Hundredfingers in the process."

"So there's more than just those three after him?"

"That reminds me. Do you require any more healing?"

Rawiya extends her hand and helps Naleth up. "Hell if I know. Crossbow c!&! could have been just checking things out, preparing the terrain for the big boys." She shrugs. "No offence, but y'all are alive and pretty healthy. Doubt she was very big in…that organisation."

"Ah, you're sweet, healer, but this gal's been touched by enough strangers today. Might go find my little uns, unless I can do anything else for y'all."

"You and your lot will probably need to find a new place.
"Or at least fix it up rather a lot.
"We might have broken a few floor boards trying to help your friends."

"I think that is everything. Good luck to you."

”Ah, that’s fine, we’re leaving that place anyway, now that everyone and their mother know about our hideout. If you don’t mind it, then, I’ll be going now.”

After a short discussion, Rawiya convinces Naleth that the halfling is too weak to walk around on her own, especially with the thugs still on the prowl. ”I’ll meet you in the city, once I’m sure she’s safe.”

Shu-kri, Sorkesh and Theshen watch the two women go, with three tasks still in front of them: claim the shipment of artefacts on a well nearby outside the city walls, discover Madam Zelekhati’s source of information and find a way to place a prayer book amidst Ionacu Lozar’s belongings before his caravan departs.

"Well, we're outside the city walls now as it is.
"Maybe this is a good time to look for those goods in a well?"

"May fortune smile on you both!" ,Theshen says.

"And us also.", he adds more quietly.

He turns to the others who remain.

"This well sounds like a fine idea, Sorkesh."

A short walk later, the group reaches the well. Wild grasses hug the low walls surrounding its wide mouth, a 15-feet wide opening at the top which narrows to a width of about 5 feet at the bottom, 30 feet below.

It is hard to see much from where they stand, but it seems there's no more than a puddle of water. Though he cannot explain why, Theshen feels a sudden, ominous chill coming from the well.

If you want to climb down, please roll a climb check (DC 15)

@ GM Omelas: is there anything to secure a rope to to climb down the well?
And would that reduce the climb DC?

Same query here.

Seeing a suitable rock, Theshen produces a loop of fine silk rope.

"I will tie this on. I can climb, but I am no expert."

Assuming you are all ready and decided to take 20 on climbing since there is no penalty for failing with the rope

Once down, the group sees that about 2 feet of sediment-laden water occupies the bottom of the well, obscuring a submerged horizontal shaft large enough for a human creature to crawl through. Sorkesh leads the way and emerges into a vast chamber; a dark pool fills its centre, liquid spilling out of its cracked basin. The trickle of water flows west through a short tunnel of rough-hewn stone and pools at the bottom of a collapsed well. Alcoves set in the walls give the illusion of staring at the flared hood of a cobra. Two altars face each other across the pool in the chamber’s northwest and southeast corners. A statue of a robed human male stands in the northeast corner, and what must have been its twin lies toppled in the southwest corner.

Theshen looks upon the statues and alcoves, hoping to see something that he recognises.

Knowledge Nobility to recognise noble lineages or figures: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Knowledge Nature to recognise the cobras: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20

Knowledge Planes to recognise any extra-planar entities represented: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

Knowledge Religion to recognise any religious figures or significance: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

knowledge arcana: 1d20 + 8 + 1d6 ⇒ (10) + 8 + (3) = 21
knowledge religion: 1d20 + 8 + 1d6 ⇒ (16) + 8 + (1) = 25
knowledge local: 1d20 + 8 + 1d6 ⇒ (16) + 8 + (1) = 25
knowledge history: 1d20 + 8 + 1d6 ⇒ (5) + 8 + (2) = 15
knowledge nature: 1d20 + 8 + 1d6 ⇒ (6) + 8 + (3) = 17

Shu-Kri also studies the strangeness.

Theshen finds his eyes unwilling to turn back from altars and the cobra-like alcoves. He moves towards one of the statues, a chill down his spine with each step until the revelation dawns on him with violence. This is a shrine dedicated to Apep, the serpent old god. He only has the time to mutter a feeble explanation seconded by Shu-kri, before two snakes emerge from the basin.

There is a few moments of silence in which the serpents seem to stare at Theshen with evil intent; once their target has been acquired, they pounce.

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⁞⁞⁞ Round #1 ⁞⁞⁞  
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The first snake snaps at Theshen, but the healer simply sidesteps the attack. Unfortunately, this puts him closer to the second snake which bites his leg. Theshen takes 1 damage

Map updated. Everyone is up.

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⁞⁞⁞ INITIATIVE ⁞⁞⁞  
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1. Snakes 
2. Theshen 
3. Shu-kri
4. Sorkesh 

longspear: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9Shu-Kri takes a furtive stab at a snake but it is too small and quick for her.

Shocked out of the trance by pain, Theshen takes a steo back towards Shu-Kri, draws his morningstar and strikes.

5ft west, draw weapon, attack green

Mirningstar: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

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⁞⁞⁞ Round #1 ⁞⁞⁞  
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Whilst Sorkesh seems paralysed with fear, Theshen and Shu-kri attack the snakes. The healer hits the first snake with a violent blow; for a moment the animal seems to be about to succumb, but as if empowered by some dark energy it refuses to stay down. Shu-kri’s spear instead seems far from an ideal weapon against the serpent as her stabs fail to hit anything solid.

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⁞⁞⁞ Round #2 ⁞⁞⁞  
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The snake hit by Theshen bites nothing but thin air, whilst its companion buries its fangs deep into Shu-kri’s thigh. Something in the creature’s bite seems to drain the bekyar’s strength away and propagate through her body. Shu-kri takes 1 HP damage and 1 Str damage. On your next action, please roll a Fort saving throw.

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⁞⁞⁞ INITIATIVE ⁞⁞⁞  
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1. Snakes  
2. Theshen  
3. Shu-kri (poisoned, Fort DC 13)
4. Sorkesh 

fort save: 1d20 ⇒ 18attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Shu-Kri grunts in pain but presses her attack.

Emboldened by his first strike, Theshen lashes out once again at the reptile!

Morningstar: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18

Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

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⁞⁞⁞ Round #2 ⁞⁞⁞  
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Theshen strikes the snake once again, smashing part of its body against the floor. The critically wounded beast tries to scurry away, but a bolt coming from Sorkesh's crossbow nails it to the floor. green snake dies

Shu-kri is also successful in her attack, impaling the other snake with her spear, at the same time as her body successfully fights off the venom in her blood.

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⁞⁞⁞ Round #3 ⁞⁞⁞  
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The remaining snake refuses to die and climbs Shu-kri's spear with uncanny agility. Before the scholar can react, it bites her next to the collar bone, dangerously close to her neck, before falling to the ground again. Sickness and nausea start to overtake her. Shu-kri takes 1 HP damage and another 1 Str damage (she passed the save on round #2, but was poisoned again on round #3). Until the ability score damage is healed, she has -1 on attack rolls, damage and str-based skills. Also, another DC 13 Fort check is required to avoid more ability damage next turn

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⁞⁞⁞ INITIATIVE ⁞⁞⁞  
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1. Snake
2. Theshen  
3. Shu-kri (poisoned again, Fort DC 13)
4. Sorkesh 

Sorry for the delay! Just assume Sorkesh couldn't hit the broad side of a barn the first three rounds...

Round 4

Sorkesh tries killing the snake with his gladius:

gladius: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
(p/s damage)

fort save: 1d20 ⇒ 11attack: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 The poison weakens Shu-Kri and unsteadies her stance.

Theshen does his best to circle around the snake - and to pound it into the stone.

Morningstar: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

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⁞⁞⁞ Round #3 ⁞⁞⁞  
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Sorkesh drops his crossbow and charges, managing to cut its tail off, though not outright kill it. Meanwhile, Theshen and Shu-kri both fail to hit the animal.

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⁞⁞⁞ Round #4 ⁞⁞⁞  
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Cornered and in a deathly rage, the snake once again pounces at Shu-kri, landing a fearsome bite on her thigh. Shu-kri takes 3 HP damage. She also takes another 1 str damage. This means a total of 5 HP damage and 3 str damage.

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⁞⁞⁞ INITIATIVE ⁞⁞⁞  
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1. Snakes  
2. Theshen  
3. Shu-kri (poisoned, Fort DC 13)
4. Sorkesh 

potion: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5fort: 1d20 ⇒ 2
Shu-kri falls back and quaffs her healing extract.

Theshen refuses to give up on striking this snake.

Morningstar: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Round 5

Sorkesh tries killing the snake, again, with his gladius:

gladius: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
(p/s damage)

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⁞⁞⁞ Round #4 ⁞⁞⁞  
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Sorkesh and Theshen lash furiously at the snake, but both fail to even graze it. Shu-kri retreats and drinks a potion; her arms tremble and she almost drops the life-giving liquid twice. Shu-kri takes 1 str damage. Str-based rolls now have a -2 modifier

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⁞⁞⁞ Round #5 ⁞⁞⁞  
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Though Theshen and Sorkesh did not wound the snake, they managed to grab its attention. The serpent snaps at Sorkesh, but barely catches a piece of the half-orc’s clothes. It’s the adventurer’s time to hit back.

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⁞⁞⁞ INITIATIVE ⁞⁞⁞  
————————————— 
1. Snakes  
2. Theshen  
3. Shu-kri (poisoned, Fort DC 13)
4. Sorkesh 

fort: 1d20 ⇒ 4
attack: 1d20 ⇒ 20
damage: 1d8 ⇒ 3
crit?: 1d20 ⇒ 10
Shu-Kri feels the poison sap her strength but lashes out with her longspear nonetheless.

Round 6

Sorkesh strikes at the snake with his gladius (yet again):

gladius: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
(not much of a wallop, that!)

Theshen tries once again, seeing Sorkesh hit the reptile.

Morningstar: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Shu-kri, Sorkesh and Theshen en the battle in a concerted attack that results in a snake cut in half, pierced and with a smashed skull. Suddenly the only sound in the room is that of water dripping from the edges of the broken pool.

Theshen feels the chill permeating this room receding, but not to the point it withdraws completely.

Somewhere within this room the group should be able to locate the Torch's shipment.

Summary: Theshen took 1HP damage and resisted the poison; Shu-kri took 5 HP damage and 5 Str damage, but the poison has worn off. Sorkesh is unharmed.

Theshen leans back, a little fatigued.

"That...was far too close! Were I stronger in the ways of Isis, I could remove the very venom from our veins. Alas, that is not today. Let us bring this shipment away with alacrity. I would return to within the city walls swiftly."

"Agreed. I think we also need more practice dealing with snakes!
Didn't first think something so small could be so fast."

"I feel terrible." She seems uninjured but nearly skeletal.