Evasion
Tyrandro fires two arrows directly into Cindermaw's mouth. It reels back it pain and lets loose a horrid shriek.
Sebastian attempts to use his acrobatics to avoid Cindermaw's attack when he approaches but Cindermaw is too powerful for that tactic. Cindermaw's fiery tail bursts out of the ground and bashes Sebastian. Sebastian also finds out that the worm's skin burns on contact.
After getting hit, Sebastian manages to continue forward and get right up to Cindermaw. He thrusts once with his rapier but cannot puncture its rock-hard body.
Ayako blasts Cindermaw with a wave of freezing interstellar air. Its hearty constitution insulates it from the full force of the cold but it is vulnerable to the cold that it can't resist.
Iolana blasts Cindermaw with another cold spell. This one, Cindermaw is unable to dodge and takes the full effect and then some.
Trinia maintains her inspire greatness and then starts to patch her allies up. She moves up to Ayako and heals her with a sonorous touch.
The Boneslayers regain their composure and hold their arrows for now.
Cindermaw is badly wounded from your cold attacks and has had enough. It retreats back into the ground and burrows away to recover. The sandy ground collapses behind it, sealing its burrow hole and preventing you from following underground.
"That didn't go as planned. I wonder if he'll let us just do what we want next time we meet." Iolana muses. "Maybe we shouldn't all out hit it, and give more of our team fire resistance."
Ayako sighs. I can protect us better but I think Cindermaw will be gone for quite some time.
Ayako casts Cure Critic Wounds on Sebastion
"At least it went better than I feared. Besides Sebastian who has a talent for standing in the way of large beasts recently, no one seems really hurt." Tyrandro comments.
Akram says, ”Cindermaw is a being of fire and can heal itself with the element. It only needs to find an emberstorm, volcano, or other source of heat and once it does, it will be back and it will be angry. Unlike a normal beast that would take days to heal from the wounds you inflicted, Cindermaw can heal in hours. If you wish to fight it again today, you need only to wait, but if you don’t, I suggest moving far away until you are ready.”
Perhaps we can try trickery? Iolana, so you know any illusions to perhaps disguise one of us as a tasty animal?
"This is getting more stupid by the hour." Tyrandro sighs.
"I can use Zellara's harrow deck to create an image. I'm not sure that's the best idea. I'm all for waiting and trying again. What do you all think? I'll try to make him angry with less damage."
Who here is injured so I can fix people up? Ayako taps herself with the almost empty CLW wand
I can try restraining it with a spell that causes tendrils to emerge from the ground, but it is so big that will be difficult to pull off
"I'm fine, thank you." Tyrandro replies. "But a game of cards would be nice to pass the time until Cindermaw can make time to receive us again."
Then let us try to make our plan. I can protect everyone from fire enough to shield from it's breath and can still speed our movement, plus use shadoy tendrils to try to hamper it. Worst comes to worst, I can try to steal it's mind away, but that is permanent.
You heal up and wait around in the same area for Cindermaw to return. After about two hours, the ground rumbles and shakes heralding Cindermaw's approach. The warning gives you enough time to cast any spells you wish to before it appears.
You dress Iolana up as a hunk of meat and she floats up into the air with fly.
Unlike last time, Cindermaw does not appear in front of you. Instead, it bursts up from underneath you like a great shark. It catches Iolana in its mouth and prepares to swallow her whole.
"Ouch. I guess that worked! I hope he swallows soon. Iolana pulls out a potion of Cure Serious Wounds from her Handy Haversack, and drinks it down.
Ayako takes the time beforehand and stitches Sebastion up wth some anti-burn cream
Ayako then feeds him a potion of CSW
Ayako will cast Resist Energy-Communal on herself,Tyrando,Sebastion,Iolana. and Fluffy, Mushu shares Ayako's Resist spell with her. (20 points protection,20 minutes[/ooc]
When Cindermaw appears, Ayako cats Blessing of Fervor again.
Stand up as a swift action without provoking an attack of opportunity.
Make one extra attack as part of a full attack action, using its highest base attack bonus.
Gain a +2 bonus on attack rolls and a +2 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves.
Cast a single spell of 2nd level or lower as if it were an enlarged, extended, silent, or still spell.
These effects are not cumulative with similar effects, such as those provided by haste or a speed weapon, nor do they actually grant an extra action, so you can’t use it to cast a second spell or otherwise take an extra action in the round. Blessing of fervor does not stack with haste.
Ayako also cast CLW on herself before the fight
"Who's going to speak the blessing for the meal?" Tyrandro asks watching as their plan comes to pass.
"I guess we're going to wound it again, so it leaves once Iolana is out again, yes?"
But his arrows deflect at the beast.
This time Cindermaw has the kindness to burst out of the ground right in front of him, instead of forcing Sebastian to move up to it. He manages to keep his footing despite the ground's attempts to throw him to the air like so much rubble. He stabs repeatedly at the creature, but only once does his sword find a weak point in its carapace. "Save the blessings for when it's over!"
He stabs repeatedly at the creature, but only once does his sword find a weak point in its carapace.
Sebastian and Tyrandro both attack Cindermaw but neither can penetrate its thick armored hide.
Trinia switches songs and plays an epic melody to inspire courage on her flute.
Ayako casts blessing of fervor.
Cindermaw tosses back its head and Iolana slides down its gullet. Cindermaw's hundreds of razor-like teeth slash her on the way down.
Akram shouts, "Cindermaw has swallowed her. Will she succeed at recreated the legend of Skurak?"
Tyrandro shoots another set of arrows . "That worms is a pain in the ass to hit."
Iolana screams as she is swallowed whole. I decided to do this why?
Coming to her senses she fishes at her efficient quiver, and pulls out the wand of dimension door. She taps herself with it.
Mushu will tap Iolana with the CSW wand
Though Trinia's song is invigorating, it does little to make the slabs of armor-like plates along Cindermaw's body any easier to penetrate. As it rears up, presumably swallowing Iolana, it exposes just a bit of less well-armored flesh. "I'm more worried about it killing us," he agrees with Tyrandro.
Ayako 5' back and casts Black Tentacles on the Wyrm, making sure to keep Sebastion and Tyrando out of the area of effect
Every creature within the area of the spell is the target of a combat maneuver check made to grapple each round at the beginning of your turn, including the round that black tentacles is cast. Creatures that enter the area of effect are also automatically attacked. The tentacles do not provoke attacks of opportunity. When determining the tentacles’ CMB, the tentacles use your caster level as their base attack bonus and receive a +4 bonus due to their Strength and a +1 size bonus. Roll only once for the entire spell effect each round and apply the result to all creatures in the area of effect.
If the tentacles succeed in grappling a foe, that foe takes 1d6+4 points of damage and gains the grappled condition. Grappled opponents cannot move without first breaking the grapple. All other movement is prohibited unless the creature breaks the grapple first. The black tentacles spell receives a +5 bonus on grapple checks made against opponents it is already grappling, but cannot move foes or pin foes. Each round that black tentacles succeeds on a grapple check, it deals an additional 1d6+4 points of damage. The CMD of black tentacles, for the purposes of escaping the grapple, is equal to 10 + its CMB.
The tentacles created by this spell cannot be damaged, but they can be dispelled as normal. The entire area of effect is considered difficult terrain while the tentacles last.
Iolana dimension doors out of Cindermaw and appears next to Akram.
"She's done it!" exclaims Akram. "Never did I think I would witness this event in my lifetime. I was impressed with you before, Iolana, but you've truly proven yourself to be exceptional now. You've escaped Cindermaw's cleansing fire and have been reborn. I shall speak of this deed to the Sklar-Quah on your behalf. Now, we just need to escape here alive."
Sebastian continues stabbing at Cindermaw multiple times. He punctures Cindermaw once with his rapier.
Tyrandro also manages to pierce Cindermaw with one of his arrows.
Trinia maintains her song and moves over to heal Iolana. Mushu also helps with his wand.
Ayako attempts to grapple Cindermaw with her black tentacles but it has little chance of succeeding against such a gargantuan creature.
Cindermaw shifts slightly and lets loose another torrent of fire from its mouth that washes over Ayako, Tyrandro, and Tunstall. This time, none of them are able to dodge out of the way, but Ayako's spell protects them from the full force.
Tyrandro is glad Iolana took on the challenge. All that doesn't look healthy and it is disgusting. But magical cleaning has no priority now. He keeps shooting.
"Oh, yes, just escape. I'm so glad the hard part is over!" Tyrandro has been rubbing off on Sebastian. He would revel in crossing steel with a worthy opponent, but fighting giant beasts is hardly what he considers sporting.
Ayako tries using Gift of Madness on Cindermaw again while continuing to shuffle backwards.
Drenched with worm slime and still bleeding from a dozen cuts, Iolana points her finger at Cindermaw and fires two rays of ice that slam into its body.
Sebastian and Tyrandro each get one more hit on Cindermaw.
It looks like you are backing Cindermaw into a corner again, so Trinia conserves her resources and just maintains her bardic performance.
Ayako tries to muddle Cindermaw's mind with madness. However, again, Cindermaw's relatively simple mind resists.
Luckily, Cindermaw has had enough. It rises higher into the air and arches over Sebastian forming a great 'worm rainbow' before plunging down into the ground and burrows away.
Well thank the gods we don't have to do that again, I don't think Iolana would survive. Who here is damaged?
Tyrandro checks hinself. "Nothing a good night of sleep wouldn't fix." he replies.
Fluffy sits down in front of Ayako as if awaiting a treat.
"I'm still a little injured, and I'm filthy." She begins to cast Prestidigitation on herself as she shudders at the memory of being swallowed. "I think I'm going to have nightmares from that."
Let us move out of the area while we heal. Ayako helps both Tyrando and Fluffy
Shadowy needles stitch cuts together and a black ooze soothes burns.
"So we're going to bring some distance between us and Cindermaw's home turf?" Tyrandro asks.
We can proceed with the talks or return to Korsova, now that we have delt with Cindermaw, there are no significant threats and perhaps we can head back with Iolana's magic, although I don't know how long the Sklar-Quah will be willing to wait.
"Akram where can we find the Sklar-Quah who might have the information about the fangs? We have received a message that will help both our peoples to damage the enemy. We should follow up on that soon. If we are close to learning what we seek from your people I'd like to continue that."
Akram says, "The Sklar-Quah are currently gathered at a camp called Flameford. The Sklar-Quah favor the camp location since it is in a very defensible spot, nestled in the middle of a field of razor-sharp slash rock at the edge of an 80-foot-high cliff. The Sklar-Quah's chief is Chief Ready-Klar. He is the aging and well-respected uncle of the tribe’s greatest living hero, Krojun Eats-What-He-Kills. The Sun Shaman you seek is the clan's venerable spiritual leader. When a Sklar-Quah shaman has seen sufficient winters, he is invited to abandon his name and take on the mantle of a Sun Shaman. Hence, “Sun Shaman” is both his name and a title. Flameford is two days east of here. The Sklar-Quah are notable hot-heads but my presence should be enough to assuage their tempers and gain you passage."
"Hey, we get to see out old friend Krojun again!" Tyrandro rejoices.
We should probably introduce ourselves at least. Akram is here and going back to the city and then trying to track down Akram again is impractical.
You head out east towards Flameford. The trip is relatively uneventful. The only creatures you see is a herd of aurochs grazing near the Sklar-Quah camp. The creatures are peaceful and don't bother you but would make for good hunting.
Like ever other encounter you've had with the Shoanti, as you approach the camp, you are intercepted by a patrol of six mounted Sklar-Quah burn riders.
With weapons drawn, one rider shouts, "Stop right there, tshamek!"
Akram steps forward, "Enough of this nonsense. Can't you see there are representatives of the Skoan-Quah and Lyrune-Quah with them. Take us to the camp so we can speak with the chief."
"Very well. Follow us." The burn riders grow serious and agree to escort you to the camp.
Flameford consists of 17 yurts, two larger tents, and a yard for the tribe's horses. As you approach the camp that sits on the edge of a cliff, one of the burn riders says, "Dismount and follow directly behind me. The path to Flameford is protected by a field of undetectable spike stones and only members of the clan know the safe route through them."
You make your way through the winding maze and into the camp. You note that the path is very confusing and doesn't just protect against outsiders coming in, but also, effectively traps you inside unless you risk stepping on the jagged stones on your way out. All of the Sklar-Quah eye you and make no attempt to hide their contempt. Your escort takes you to a guest yurt and motions for you to go inside. "You must wait here. You can address the chieftain at the council fire tonight." Apart from a few furs and a single small fire pit, the yurt contains no furnishings at all.
Once inside, while you are waiting around, Akram informs you, "I will speak for your deeds as is my duty, but when the chief addresses you, you must first speak for yourselves. He must hear from your own lips why you have come here."
"I guess with the Sklar-Quah the buffet in the guest tent is axed." Tyrandro comments and fishes for some trail ration in his backpack. "I suggest the ladies do the talking, if we are addressed."
"I'll do my best not to trip over my words. Did you choose your future wife on the way in?" she jokes.
"I wonder if Krojun will be here tonight? I don't think we've impressed him enough to give us a good recommendation." She sits down and starts to hum to herself.
Ayako tends to Sebastion's wounds again while they travel, slathering on the burn cream
Well we best make ourselves presentable. Ayako dusts herself off and pours water for everyone, Mushu flops into the dirt and rolls around on his back.
So asking about knowledge of the Crown of Fangs and Karzovan are the big questions, I wonder if we will have to do another trial. Hopefully one not involving tentacles.
Night approaches and finally, someone comes to escort you to the Council Fire.
The fire is large and a dozen Shoanti sit around it, including who must be the Chief and the Sun Shaman. Unsurprisingly, Krojun is also in attendance. He sits quietly, looking at you with a big stupid grin on his face. Your escort motions for you to sit then also takes a seat around the fire.
Once everyone is seated, the Chief cuts right to the chase. He speaks loudly, "I am Chief Ready-Klar. Tell me why you have dared to enter Sklar-Quah lands."
The other Shoanti sits tensely, waiting for your reply.
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Greetings Chief Ready-Klar, we have come from the City of Korsova in order to find a way to defeat the Queen who has made a crown made of the teeth of Karzovan, a mighty servant of the god Zon-Kuthon and has unleashed death upon the city for her ends. We have been told that the knowledge of Karzovan and his teeth lie with your tribe and we hope to find a way to stop her from causing the people of Korsova more misery. Please, we ask that you tell us more about these teeth and how we might be able to stop her
Mushu nods and also speaks, even though he was with the group a short time in the city he knows that their quest is just and truthful. He has seen the streets fill with corpses and diseased trash. How animals and House Drakes suffer along with the humans(Except for the Imps, nobody likes them) He recounts the trials the party has endured and how completing them shows how determined the group is to prove themselves worthy. Would the chieften please help them?
Oink
Iolana stands tall next to Ayako. She gives Krojun a quick glance before she begins talking.
Thank you for seeing us. As my companion said, we are looking for information on the Fangs of Kazavon. We understand that your people were to guard this great evil before the city was built on top of their resting place. We believe the current Queen has created a crown of these fangs. It may be corrupting her. I do not know, but I do know she is causing a great deal of evil and misery in the city. If she gets what she wants, I'm sure her eyes will turn to your people in the Cinderlands. We see your assistance to learn what we can about the Fangs of Kazavon. Specifically how we might destroy this crown."
Tyrandro smiles at Krojun. He is excited about being able to annoy Krojun even on his home turf.
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Chief Ready-Klar seems to be mollified by your request and takes a less harsh tone. "Our Sun Shaman may indeed have the information you seek. I am not unsympathetic to your cause, but unfortunately you are still tshamek and do not deserve the Sun Shaman's advise."
"Wait!" Akram stands up. First he recites the Ritual of Cycles—a long, convoluted story of the never-ending relationship between the sun and the moon. Once tradition has been appeased he boldly announces, "I am a Truthspeaker. If anyone challenges my standing, speak up now."
A lengthy period of uncomfortable silence hangs in the air. Krojun seems to be thinking long and hard as to whether to speak, but in the end he does not. The silence is eventually followed by a patient nod of approval from the Sun Shaman.
Akram then breaks into a tale of yours recent deeds, tying them to the legend of Skurak. He includes a description of Iolana being swallowed by Cindermaw and escaping out alive. Krojun and a few others make guffawing noises in disbelief, but they are silenced by a glare from the Sun Shaman.
After Akram’s tale is complete, he says "I formally requests that the Sklar-Quah accept these people as Shoanti with full entitlement to walk the Cinderlands."
The Sun Shaman silently retreats to his tent with Chief Ready-Klar to further discuss the implications of what you seek in private. An uncomfortable silence looms while the crowd waits. Krojun crosses his arms and stares at Ayako. Akram quietly explains to you, "If the Sun Shaman rejects my petition and decides you are still tshamek, you and I will be disemboweled for trespassing on Sklar-Quah land."
An hour later, the shaman and chieftain return to the fire. Chief Ready-Klar stands and addresses each of you, "Stand before me and speak your names." Once you do so, the Sun Shaman repeats your names in sequence. "Ayako. Iolana. Sebastian. Tyrandro. Henceforth, you are tshamek no more. You are free to come and go among the lands of the Sklar-Quah as long as you maintain peace and honor and respect Sklar-Quah tradition." Many of the Shoanti, Krojun included, struggle to contain their fury but none openly reject the Sun Shaman’s proclamation.
The Sun Shaman speaks, "You seek information on the Fangs of Kazavon." He shakes his head. "While you are no longer tshamek, neither are you Sklar-Quah, and this deep history of my people is not for other tribes to know."
Akram suggests on your behalf, "Then I petition for these four to join the Sklar-Quah. After all, now that they are no longer tshamek, there is no reason why they can’t." All of the Sklar-Quah gasp at this proclamation. The initial shock that you have become Shoanti is replaced by this new scandal. Only the great respect the Sklar-Quah have for the Sun Shaman prevents an uprising.
A look of amusement crosses the Sun Shaman’s face. In his ever-patient voice, he explains, "If you can pass the Trial of the Totem, you can be acknowledged as honorary members of the Sklar-Quah, but that is the best I can offer you. If you pass the trial, I can speak to you of the tribe’s past."
At the mention of the trial, Krojun can take no more. He shouts in protest and then storms off with several burn riders to take a long ride through the Cinderlands to cool off, much to the Sun Shaman’s apparent amusement and the chieftain’s shock and anger.
The Sun Shaman advises, "The Trial begins after dawn." and motions for everyone to disperse from the council fire.
For his part, Akram explains, "My traditions preclude me from sharing a sunrise with the Sklar-Quah and so I intend to depart before dawn." The four boneslayers accompanying you volunteer to escort the old Truthspeaker back to the Lyrune-Quah. "Good luck in your trial. Let me offer one final bit of advice before I leave. Krojun is an important member of the tribe. Anything you can do to win his respect can only help you."
Ayako listens to Akram recount the tale and calmly returns Krojun's stare, when Akram drops the little surprise, Ayako is annoyed. It might have been best to tell us that beforehand.
Ayako breathes a sigh of relief as the Sun Shaman declares them kin and their insides will stay on the inside. The discontent among the tribe does worry her and the upcoming trial makes her sigh. Yet another labor. If I ever become head of a community, I think something less tiresome would be the requirement of joining.
Tyrandro thanks Akram for standing up for them. "Courage and physical might are impressive and go a long way. But forcing your adversaries to give in with wisdom in the face of superior martial forces is superior to that in every way."
"I've seen the display of might from Krojun. And I've seen the intrigues played by my people to win with wisdom and deceit. But never have I seen someone go with wisdom such a straight way putting his life at stake to earn such a triumph. You totally changed my view on the Shoanti as a whole and I'm honoured to be counted among them now."
Once Akram is gone and the group is alone in the guest tent again Tyrandro tells Ayako "You know - we're Shoanti now. If we don't get accepted with the Sklar-Quah you can always found your own tribe, the Ayako-Quah. And I think the void isn't yet occupied as an identifying item of any of the tribes."