GM R0B0GEISHA Presents: The Dragon's Demand

Game Master R0B0GEISHA

As Cira looks about, the glint of something golden catches her eye. A rotting arm near the water's edge bears a slime-covered golden ring. The ringed hand clutches a short arcane implement, likely some manner of wand.

"Yeah, this place is just great. A nice warm fire, a packed tavern and an adoring audience sounds real great right now." Marcus mutters as he looks around, "not to mention the adoring groupies."

Cira pulls her hand back from the carvings. "These carvings don't bear any tool marks. I think they were made with magic." She shakes her head, sitting back on her heels. "Probably not important," she mumbles, looking around her. A glimmer in the water near her catches her eye, and she shifts to get a closer look. "There's a... hand over here," she says, swallowing hard, her voice a bit strained. "It looks like it's holding something. I think it's a wand." She quickly finds a stick nearby, using it to nudge the item out of the rotting hand and closer to her.

Cira nudges the hand and wand closer to her when a massive reptile launches itself from the water with shocking speed. Its massive jaws open in a roar and its tail smashes back and forth, spraying water.

The map is updated and combat begins! Maffei, Marcus, and Cira can act first.

With a shout, Cira stumbles back from the quick moving reptile and flings her hands out before her, casting the first spell that comes to mind. As she raises her outstretched palm towards the ceiling of the cavern, a mass of weeds and plants form around the creature, wrapping around its form.

Casting Entangle.

Marcus slides to the side as the monster jumps from the water, shaking out his whip. Roaring in response to the beast he lashes out with his whip.

Attack, Power attack: 1d20 + 8 - 1 ⇒ (13) + 8 - 1 = 20
Damage, S: 1d4 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 2 = 7

Maffei's crouch's low to the ground and springs along the other side of the reptile. After landing and sliding, she slashes her enchanted blade across the beasts side.

Main Hand: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30
Confirm Crit: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23
Damage: 4d6 + 2 ⇒ (2, 4, 4, 4) + 2 = 16

What meager vegetation grows in this dank cavern reaches out to snare the crocodile, but the creature explodes forward and out of its grasp. Marcus delivers a strike with his scorpion whip, and Maffei moves in close to stab the beast in the side. The crocodile twists and snaps at Maffei, grabbing the rogue by the leg. Its bite secured, the crocodile tucks in its legs and rolls rapidly, slamming Maffei into the mud.

While rolling, it lashes out with its thick tail, nearly crashing into Marcus's leg. Before the crocodile can drag Maffei underwater, Cira's plants wrap it tightly.

Seeing Maffei's dilemma, Francis splashes across the river and heals the most grievous of Maffei's wounds.

Maffei takes 10 damage and gains the grappled and prone conditions. The crocodile is now entangled and has used its AoO. Map is updated and the party can now act.

Cira cringes as she watches the animal grab and smash Maffei to the ground, but breathes a small sigh of relief as she sees her spell ground it in place before it can disappear into the water. Palms forward, she sends a beam of fire towards the crocodile's face.

Attack (Scorching Ray): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Damage: 4d6 ⇒ (2, 4, 1, 6) = 13

1st: 4/7
2nd: 2/4

"What in th' hells is that!?"

Grargath's eyes widen as the beast emerges from the water, breaking through Cira's spell at first to attack their newest companion. He rushes to the other side of the crocodile, axe and shield at the ready.

[ooc]Move 20 feet. Attacking with Power Attack

Attack: 1d20 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 8 - 2 = 19

Damage: 1d8 + 3 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 4 = 13

Marcus casts grease on Maffei's trapped leg, singing out a lilting chorus of rapid rhymes while swirling his hand in a curiously ... slippery ... manner.

I believe that will give you a +10 escape artist check

Maffei barely retaining her consciousness, twists her body and with her less-chewed foot kicks out at the monsters teeth, to pull her leg out.

Escape Artist: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (13) + 22 = 35

With a bit a grease, and a hard twist Maffei slides out of the beasts grasp, hopping back on her unwounded leg, 5 feet away from the crocodile.

That is, if I escaped, if not....ouch.

The cave illuminates for a moment as Cira's spell slays the massive crocodile, leaving a bright line in your vision that takes several seconds to dispel. The smell of charred meat overwhelms as the beast thrashes for a moment, its side scarred and pitted, before collapsing to the ground.

Combat over!

Cira snatches the ring and wand from the hand, stuffing them into a pocket for later. Breathing heavily, she pushes some hair out of her face and looks at Marcus and Grargath, cheeks red. "I am never going near water again unless I absolutely have to," she says firmly, crossing her arms as she glances down the cavern. "Do not let me forget that."

Marcus shares a look with Cira before nodding in agreement, then looking at the beast and shivering. Shaking it off, he turns to Maffei and calls Francis over, "You Ok? He had you good. Francis! Need a hand here I think."

The cleric approaches and crouches to inspect Maffei's leg. "Hold still and let me see," he asks.

How injured is Maffei?

Grargath shakes his head, still keeping a wary eye on the murky water. "Aye, though I don't think you'll be forgettin' it anytime soon, lass."

He grimaces and finally breaks away from searching for any further emerging beasts. While Maffei is attended to, the dwarf takes a few steps further into the cavern, taking care not to stray too far from the group. He keeps his axe and shield raised, alert for anything else that might try to ambush them.

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

I am only down 10

Maffei grins wickedly at the party, before looking at down at her own leg. She plucks a loose tooth from her leg, and flicks it at the beasts corpse. "Well hopefully that's the last of whatever that thing was."

Her smile turns warmer, as Francis examines the wound, "I appreciate the aid Francis." her voice falling to a softer tone then what the party had heard before.

Francis will cast cure light wounds spontaneously, using one of his summon monster i spells.

CLM: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Following the stream out of this tunnel, the party enters a wide cavern split by a swiftly flowing river. The only path across is a sweeping stone arch—a small fire at its end throws weak light. On the southern bank of the river, which quickly vanishes beneath a cave wall, sits a series of lizardfolk nests. Crude shrines fill the niches of the wall behind the nests, decorated with wooden effigies of Luhalianna and other pathetic offerings.

Paintings of mud and soot decorate the rest of the walls here with simple images of lizardfolk life. Older scenes show fishing, hunting, and likewise activities. Newer scenes display a treefolk's rampage, battles with humans, and the worship of a crowned female lizardfolk.

A group of five armed green-scaled lizardfolk stand warily at the edge of the camp. One massive brute towers above the others, carrying a massive spear and shield similar to the others. All have short, stubby snouts, an alligator-like tail, and are covered in dry sores.

Map updated!

Grargath glances at the primitive paintings on the wall, distracted for a moment by their variety, before his eyes lock back on the running water as they make their way through the tunnel, not eager to be ambushed by another crocodile.

"Hm. Don' like th' looks o' that one," the dwarf mutters quietly as the brutish lizardfolk suddenly catches his eye. "But unless we want t' go fer a swim," Grargath looks sheepishly at Cira, "I don' see a way t' get past 'em."

Staring at the group of lizards with anger smouldering in his eyes Marcus growls, "After what I've seen here so far I'm not looking to go around them. Through, then over feels better."

The Bard begins mentally tallying the combat magics he has available and eyes the group critically.

"A sleep spell might go over well here..." he mutters to Cira.

Cira narrows her eyes at Grargath before turning her focus to Marcus, but she can't help but chuckle all the same. "I can try to daze one of them," she says with a nod of agreement. "The big one in the back there?"

Grargath nods in solidarity with Cira and Marcus, preparing his axe and shield.

"Aye. Keep th' big one out o' th' fight for as long as possible. Then we can take care o' him when his friends are done."

"Or, you know. A fireball. Do you have a fireball? " Marcus quips as he uncoils his whip and prepares to kick off some combat.

"Ha. If only."

Creeping forward, Cira reaches the middle of the stone arch and focuses on the larger lizardfolk, enveloping it in a faint cloud of smoke.

Sneak: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

Casting Daze on the big guy.

1st: 4/7
2nd: 2/4

Seeing Cira act, Marcus stomps forward, whip uncoiling as he stomps. As he moves he lets his anger flow, he thinks of the things he has already seen in this cave, lives destroyed. The pain, anguish, horror those poor victims must have felt, and even an anger for what was done to this tribe, how a seemingly peaceful, or near enough, tribe was corrupted by whatever filth was controlling it now.

In his gut the anger festered, brewed, and gave life. As he stomped he opened his mouth... but not for song, not this time. Instead of inspiration and hope, good tidings or stalwart faith, instead a stream of filth poured out. His anger and hate made manifest, a stream of insult and curse, in several languages, couched in an elegance and inventiveness he had never before possessed.

They say looks can kill, maybe, maybe not. But words do have power, and can burn like the fires of hell.

casting

it should be able to reach all of them, at least all of the little ones

Demoralize: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26

Since you guys are clearly taking the initiative here, I'll give Maffei and Grargath another day to post their actions before jumping into the combat.

As the spellcasters start to work, Grargath runs up behind them ready for battle. Seeing an opportunity he drops his axe to the ground, draws one of his remaining throwing axes, and hurls it at the nearest lizardfolk.

Dropping axe as a free action, combing movement with draw weapon. Attacking the lizardfolk in the square to the left of the 6.

Attack: 1d20 + 7 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 7 - 2 = 19
-2 range penalty

Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Maffei darts forward past the group to the other side of the bridge, and ducks out of sight of the lizardman. With a grin to her party she leans against the wall and seems to blend into the shadows of the cave.

Stealth: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (8) + 15 = 23

Waiting for them to walk past us to try to get some flanking going.

The lizardfolk scatter as Marcus's spell sets them alight, catching each of the warriors in its burning wake. They respond by leaping into the river, though each suffers some manner of burn. Grargath hits one with a thrown axe while they flee. Using the water as cover, they begin swimming upstream, towards the party.

The massive lizardfolk blinks rapidly, trying to shake off the effects of Cira's magic.

Map is updated and party can now act!

Grargath grunts triumphantly as his throwing axe makes contact, then hurriedly bends down to retrieve his proper weapon. The dwarf runs to face the lizardfolk now swimming towards them, putting himself between them and Francis.

Two move actions: Pick up weapon and move 20 ft

Spell launched, Marcus moves behind the more armored members of the part and starts singing a Kellish battle hymn.

Inspire courage

As she keeps an eye on the dazed lizardfolk, Cira launches a volley of energy orbs at one of the smaller, oncoming enemies.

Magic Missile: 2d4 + 1 ⇒ (4, 1) + 1 = 6

Targeting lizard number 1.

1st: 5/7
2nd: 2/4

Maffei presses against the cave wall, the shadows lengthening and deepening around her as she slowly and silently draws her obsidian blade ready for the lizardfolk to pass.

Maintaining stealth, and prepping for the lizards to run by to get a hit in.

The lizardfolk continue to swim upstream, under the rock archway supporting the party. They emerge on the opposite bank, moving towards the natural ramp leading up the arch. The large lizardfolk shakes off the effects of Cira's spell and lumbers to join them.

Map is updated and the party can now act!

Grargath runs forward, battleaxe in hand. He watches the lizardfolk with intensity, ready to bring his axe down on any that might rush the party now that they are on land.

Move 20 feet and Ready an attack for the first lizardfolk to step in a threatened square

Maffei, presses against the wall, as the lizards run up, waiting to cut down the largest of the humanoids.

Stealthing and waiting for the large lizardman to cross my path for an attack.

As she watches the fight unfold and considers her next move, Cira raises her hands to run them through her hair, but pauses—held in front of her, she observes her fingers as they tremble slightly, and she realizes that she's been overexerting her magic.

She takes a deep breath and grips her crossbow instead, aiming down the sights at the largest lizardfolk.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 1 = 5
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Trying not to use up all of my resources before we get to the end of the tunnels, but also kinda regretting that decision after... whatever that roll is.
1st: 5/7
2nd: 2/4

Letting his song finish, for the moment, his tones echoing in the chamber (inspire courage will last two more rounds) Marcus steps to the ledge and lashes out at the big lizard with his whip as it passes under him.

Attack, inspire courage, power attack: 1d20 + 8 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (16) + 8 + 1 - 1 = 24
Damage, power attack, S: 1d4 + 4 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 1 + 2 = 11

The lizardfolk continue their mad rush up the cavern. When they draw close enough, the four normal-sized warriors hurl javelins towards the party, but none are accurate enough to be dangerous.

The large lizardfolk lumbers forward, snarling from the fresh lash wound on its head.

Sounds of distant splashing draw the party's attention away from the approaching warriors, towards the eastern end of the cavern. Nearly twenty lizardfolk, elders and children by their appearance, flee from the nests and rush into the splashing water.

Map is updated and the party can now act!

As the lizardfolk draw closer Grargath, now wanting to waste the energy coursing through him from Marcus' song, charges at the closest warrior.

He cries out "Taste th' steel o' my axe!" as he brings the blade down hard.

Attack: 1d20 + 8 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 8 + 1 - 2 = 22
+1 inspire -2 power attack

Damage: 1d8 + 3 + 1 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 1 + 1 + 4 = 12
+1 inspire +1 zest for battle +4 power attack

Cira bites her tongue as her shot misses its target completely. She takes a deep breath, and aims again.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 1 = 8
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Marcus slides forward along the bridge as Grargath engages the lizards, reading proper range the bard lashes out again with his whip, hoping to trip up the nearest lizard.

trip attack on the closest lizard, unless Grargath killed it. If so I'll try to trip the big guy.

Trip, inspire: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 8 + 1 = 21

Inspire Courage continues this roun

Maffei beams in excitement as the first lizardman crosses her threshold, but she holds back her strike for the largest among them.

Readying an attack until big guy passes Maffei.

Grargath's axe slams into the lizard warrior's shield, shattering the barrier and limb beneath it. Clutching its wounded arm, it has little opportunity to retreat before being tripped by Marcus's whip. As it falls, Grargath finishes it with an arcing slash.

The gigantic warrior steps into the space, thrusts its spear towards the dwarf and snapping gator-like jaws at the bard. The attacks are rushed and too high. Maffei uses this opportunity to strike from the shadows.

I took the liberty of rolling for Grargath's attack of opportunity. Now Maffei can post her prepared action.

A sinister giggle whispers out of the darkness as Maffei's obsidian blade arcs out, slashing deep right into the nose of the largest lizardman knees.
Sneak Attack: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21
Damage: 3d6 + 6 ⇒ (5, 6, 4) + 6 = 21

I am also applying Debilitating Injury: Disoriented: The target takes a –2 penalty on attack rolls. In addition, the target takes an additional –2 penalty on all attack rolls it makes against the rogue. At 10th level and 16th level, the penalty on attack rolls made against the rogue increases by –2 (to a total maximum of –8). It lasts for one round.

The massive lizardfolk warrior crumples, dropping to one knee. Another of the reptilian braves rushes towards Maffei, its spear slicing a painful line across her shoulder.

Maffei takes 8 damage.

Two more warriors hurl javelins towards Cira and Marcus, one grazing the sorcerer.

Cira takes 3 damage.

The party can now act!

Grargath turns the attention of his axe to the massive lizardfolk brought to kneel by Maffei. He rears back and swings down hard against the scales of their imposing enemy.

Using Power Attack

Attack: 1d20 + 8 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 8 + 1 - 2 = 20

Damage: 1d8 + 3 + 1 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 1 + 1 + 4 = 12

Marcus steps back to gain some space and also lashes out at the huge warrior.

Attack, power attack: 1d20 + 8 - 1 ⇒ (3) + 8 - 1 = 10
Damage, s, PA: 1d4 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 2 = 7

Cira hisses in pain and surprise, pressing a hand over the wound as the javelin slices into her arm. She looks towards the source of the attack, but as the others move to finish the largest lizardfolk off, she turns her attention to the other oncoming enemies.

Glaring at the group of smaller lizards, she swings her injured arm out and sends out a barrage of magic darts out towards them.

Magic Missile: 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (1, 2) + 2 = 5

Aiming at lizard 1.

1st: 6/7
2nd: 2/4