GM R0B0GEISHA's Carrion Crown

Game Master R0B0GEISHA

Current Scene Music: Sergei Prokofiev – Dance of the Knights [Romeo and Juliet]


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[ HP: 32/39] | AC: 21 T: 12 FF: 17| F: +8 R: +7 W: +4*| Init: +2 Perc: +13 (Low Light) (Favored Terrain: Forest)  Effects: none Hero Pts: 2

I dare it to try me. It's a better alternative to wasting time in the gods forsaken marsh waiting for a Shadow Plane Spider to make the same mistake twice.


skills & init:
Init +1 Per +2 Know(All)+11 Know(Rel) +15
Points:
HP 18/26 FS 0/1 SS 0/1 HeP 4/5
Defences:
AC 11(15) Touch 11 Flat Footed 10(14) CMD 12 Fort +1 Reflex +2(+1) Will +5 +2 vs fear/death

"It is too late to travel further tonight. It makes sense to keep a strong guard schedule and head off in the morning." Aduard looked pointedly at Radag "I agree it likely wont try, but if we lose someone because we underestimated it then the mistake will be ours."


So what is the consensus here?


Female CG Half-Elf Hedge Witch 5 | HP: 23/29, 4 Dex dmg. | AB: +2 | AC: 12 (16), T: 12, FF: 10 | F: +2, R: +5, W: +6 (+7 vs. enchant.) | Init: +8 | Perc: +10 (+12 w/ Oolong) | Oolong Init: +2| Oolong Perc: +8

"If we're gonna camp out here t'night, we should prob'ly start settin' up now," Esta says as she looks up at the darkening sky. "We should get it done fast so we're not caught unawares if th' spider decides to show up again." She looks around to the others. "I can take first watch, if everyone else wants t' get some sleep."


skills & init:
Init +1 Per +2 Know(All)+11 Know(Rel) +15
Points:
HP 18/26 FS 0/1 SS 0/1 HeP 4/5
Defences:
AC 11(15) Touch 11 Flat Footed 10(14) CMD 12 Fort +1 Reflex +2(+1) Will +5 +2 vs fear/death

"Wise words." Aduard acknowledges, as he walks over to the Doctor. "Alright - I'm going to be helpless for a few seconds. Keep it off me."

Aduard's words were optimistic; whatever he was doing took a good minute to pull off. When he was done casting, however, the doctor's colour improved.

mechanics:

Use spell study and burn remaining level 2 slots to cast lesser restoration.
restore: 1d4 ⇒ 1


1 point of Strength damage is healed for Arruk.

The Bearded Lady, a seven foot giant of a woman named Lidia with a waist length beard of fine brown hair, steps forward. "If this child will take first watch, I will keep it with her." She looks down to Esta and nods grimly.

"Who will take second watch?" asks Caleb.


skills & init:
Init +1 Per +2 Know(All)+11 Know(Rel) +15
Points:
HP 18/26 FS 0/1 SS 0/1 HeP 4/5
Defences:
AC 11(15) Touch 11 Flat Footed 10(14) CMD 12 Fort +1 Reflex +2(+1) Will +5 +2 vs fear/death

"I'll take last watch. I need to rest anyway." Aduard grumps, exhausted from his little stunt, and starts to get ready to sleep.


[ HP: 32/39] | AC: 21 T: 12 FF: 17| F: +8 R: +7 W: +4*| Init: +2 Perc: +13 (Low Light) (Favored Terrain: Forest)  Effects: none Hero Pts: 2

Radag scoffs, Doubling up is a smart move. Dashil and Aduard might take the last watch. I'll take the second along with Karras. Sleep close to your weapons.


skills & init:
Init +1 Per +2 Know(All)+11 Know(Rel) +15
Points:
HP 18/26 FS 0/1 SS 0/1 HeP 4/5
Defences:
AC 11(15) Touch 11 Flat Footed 10(14) CMD 12 Fort +1 Reflex +2(+1) Will +5 +2 vs fear/death

Aduard gives Radag a hard look, unsure if Radag is pulling a subtle prank. A moment's reflection shows the reasoning, and grudgingly he nods.
"A good mix on each shift." he agrees. "I'd suggest the... performers also stand shifts. If this comes we need to meet it with overwhelming force - and more eyes make it less likely it might sneak in and grab someone while they sleep."


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N Male Human Alchemist (Grenadier) 5 | HP: 27/38 | AC:16 (12Tch, 14Ff) | CMB: +3, CMD: 17 | F:+6, R:+6, W:+3 | Init: +2 | Perc: +8, SM: +1 | Speed 30 ft | Spells (1) 4/5 (2) 2/3 | Bombs 6/8 | Ammo 5/6 | hero points: 3 | Active conditions:

The Doctor nods and heads towards the group's carraige. "Anyone mind if I use this as an impromptu lab? I've got some work to do. Radag, get me when it is our watch."

Taking his alchemy kit, Karras removes a syringe, and an alembic, a beaker, some mugwort, and a small dose of arsenic. Sighing, the Doctor ties his arm off and then jabs the syringe into his vein and draws a substantial amount of blood. There should be minute traces of poison there, even though it had run its course. Which is good, in this case - it will need to be isolated, and then used in reaction to the mugwort and arsenic...

Hours later, the doctor stretches and sighs. There was more work to be done, but at least next time he wouldn't be caught unaware.

Taking 10 on alchemy check for 25. With the unchained crafting rules and swift alchemy, Karras should be able to make 16 gp worth of progress towards an antitoxin. Wow, crafting rules are wonky!

Oh, and doc won't be sleeping tonight. Not sure what malus, if any, that will entail.


Female CG Half-Elf Hedge Witch 5 | HP: 23/29, 4 Dex dmg. | AB: +2 | AC: 12 (16), T: 12, FF: 10 | F: +2, R: +5, W: +6 (+7 vs. enchant.) | Init: +8 | Perc: +10 (+12 w/ Oolong) | Oolong Init: +2| Oolong Perc: +8

Esta smiles up at Lidia and nods in return before moving to set up an area to keep watch. When finished, she settles in with Oolong curing up in her lap and tucking his nose under his tail.


Holy site update, Batman.

The night passes without incident. In the weak light of the morning sun, the Crooked Kin somberly bury Aleece beside the road. Kaleb, the Kin's appointed leader, offers a brief prayer of mercy before they begin to prepare their wagons.

Afterwards, Kaleb approaches. "I want to thank you for helping us last night. I know the beast wasn't slain, but you seemed to have scared it back into whatever hole it crawled out of." He reaches to his belt and produces a dagger, sheathed in a simple leather scabbard. "I want you to have this. It is my greatest possession."


skills & init:
Init +1 Per +2 Know(All)+11 Know(Rel) +15
Points:
HP 18/26 FS 0/1 SS 0/1 HeP 4/5
Defences:
AC 11(15) Touch 11 Flat Footed 10(14) CMD 12 Fort +1 Reflex +2(+1) Will +5 +2 vs fear/death

Aduard looked around awkwardly at the others. 'I can hardly refuse when half of my companions are mercenaries'.


Female CG Half-Elf Hedge Witch 5 | HP: 23/29, 4 Dex dmg. | AB: +2 | AC: 12 (16), T: 12, FF: 10 | F: +2, R: +5, W: +6 (+7 vs. enchant.) | Init: +8 | Perc: +10 (+12 w/ Oolong) | Oolong Init: +2| Oolong Perc: +8

Esta looks at the dagger, then back to the man holding it. "Speakin' only for myself, I don' want you t' think you need t' part with somethin' so impor'nt t' you. You don' owe us anythin'."

Her parents had taught her that refusing a gift was rude, but she didn't think she could take a man's 'greatest possession' without checking first. "Are y' sure?"


Kaleb shakes his head. "I won't hear of it. To risk the wilds of this land for a group of uncommon strangers is heroism worthy of reward. Please, accept my gift as thanks and a sign of friendship."


[ HP: 32/39] | AC: 21 T: 12 FF: 17| F: +8 R: +7 W: +4*| Init: +2 Perc: +13 (Low Light) (Favored Terrain: Forest)  Effects: none Hero Pts: 2

Of course, this is very generous of you. Radag says stepping in and taking the dagger with both hands and a modest bow. Continuing to hold it he asks, What will you and yours do now?


Kaleb looks over to his companions, finalizing the preparations to get their caravan on the road once more. "We press onward, to Lepidstadt. They've caught the Beast and will place it on trial soon. People from all over the county are said to be there for it, and we hope to take advantage of the crowds."


skills & init:
Init +1 Per +2 Know(All)+11 Know(Rel) +15
Points:
HP 18/26 FS 0/1 SS 0/1 HeP 4/5
Defences:
AC 11(15) Touch 11 Flat Footed 10(14) CMD 12 Fort +1 Reflex +2(+1) Will +5 +2 vs fear/death

Aduard nods his head - again, awkwardly. "Indeed. Thank you. Once the signs are up we'll ride to catch you. We are also heading to Leipstadt."


N Male Human Alchemist (Grenadier) 5 | HP: 27/38 | AC:16 (12Tch, 14Ff) | CMB: +3, CMD: 17 | F:+6, R:+6, W:+3 | Init: +2 | Perc: +8, SM: +1 | Speed 30 ft | Spells (1) 4/5 (2) 2/3 | Bombs 6/8 | Ammo 5/6 | hero points: 3 | Active conditions:

The Doctor's curiousity is peaked. Raising an eyebrow, Karras reaches into his satchel and withdraws a notebook, ink, and quill. "Beast? What do you speak of, Kaleb?"

As an aside, he turns to Esta. "I'll need your knowledge of the thing in the woods later, as well. Everything you know of it - leave nothing out, no matter how mundane you think it may be. Lives could be saved with it."


Female CG Half-Elf Hedge Witch 5 | HP: 23/29, 4 Dex dmg. | AB: +2 | AC: 12 (16), T: 12, FF: 10 | F: +2, R: +5, W: +6 (+7 vs. enchant.) | Init: +8 | Perc: +10 (+12 w/ Oolong) | Oolong Init: +2| Oolong Perc: +8

Esta smiles at Kaleb as he hands the dagger to Radag, then nods to Karras. "I can write everythin' down for you," she says. "I can prob'ly have it done by th' time we get t' Leipstadt, actually..." She rummages through her bag for an pen, parchment, and ink, making her way back towards the carriage to work.


skills & init:
Init +1 Per +2 Know(All)+11 Know(Rel) +15
Points:
HP 18/26 FS 0/1 SS 0/1 HeP 4/5
Defences:
AC 11(15) Touch 11 Flat Footed 10(14) CMD 12 Fort +1 Reflex +2(+1) Will +5 +2 vs fear/death

knowledge: All, looking for information on the beast: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17


Aduard:
You've heard of this Beast. Nothing definitive, except that dozens of murders have been attributed to it and hundreds of Lepidstadters have claimed to see it. Descriptions vary wildly.

Kaleb's eyes widen. "You've not heard of the Beast? It's a devil that has cursed the county for years. It gives good folk cause to fear the lonely roads and shadowy alleys of their city, lest their loved ones find them missing the next day. They say it's killed over fifty people!"


skills & init:
Init +1 Per +2 Know(All)+11 Know(Rel) +15
Points:
HP 18/26 FS 0/1 SS 0/1 HeP 4/5
Defences:
AC 11(15) Touch 11 Flat Footed 10(14) CMD 12 Fort +1 Reflex +2(+1) Will +5 +2 vs fear/death

"Sensationalist codswallop" Aduard snorts "Witnesses can't even get the height the same. Although..." he allows "There are ways of doing that."


"Well," Kaleb continues, "if you're headed to Lepidstadt, you might just get that opportunity."

Anything else before we wrap up and move on?


Female CG Half-Elf Hedge Witch 5 | HP: 23/29, 4 Dex dmg. | AB: +2 | AC: 12 (16), T: 12, FF: 10 | F: +2, R: +5, W: +6 (+7 vs. enchant.) | Init: +8 | Perc: +10 (+12 w/ Oolong) | Oolong Init: +2| Oolong Perc: +8

I'm good to move on.


N Male Human Alchemist (Grenadier) 5 | HP: 27/38 | AC:16 (12Tch, 14Ff) | CMB: +3, CMD: 17 | F:+6, R:+6, W:+3 | Init: +2 | Perc: +8, SM: +1 | Speed 30 ft | Spells (1) 4/5 (2) 2/3 | Bombs 6/8 | Ammo 5/6 | hero points: 3 | Active conditions:

"Ah, yes," the Doctor says, "Beast, with a capital "B," not just any beast. I'm aware. We shall have to pay this Beast a visit - codswallop or not."

Ready!


The knife is a +1 humanoid (shapeshifter) bane dagger, fyi.

With the wagons packed and oxen yoked, the Crooked Kin and the party restart their journey. Quickly putting the shadows of the Shudderwood behind them, the caravan makes good time, reaching the border between Lozeri and Vieland counties, a tributary of the Moutray River. Following the river north and west, is the colorful town of Lepidstadt, with its wide streets and pointed roofs.

The Crooked Kin escort the party into the center of the city, through muddy, crowded streets. They pass workshops and studios, shops small and large where, thanks to the University, goods were sold that the rest of Ustalav had no access to, or would find pointless. The aromas of street foods and exotic spices float through the air and every street corner is packed with hucksters, merchants, and whores.

In the city's square stands a massive pyre, shaped like a man. Conglomerated of timber, straw, and pitch, it stands just over 30-feet-tall, its chest a hollow cavity.

"The Punishing Man," Kaleb muses as they arrive. "Famous Ustalav justice. Gods but I can't imagine a fate worse than that." He offers a weak grin. "This is your stop. The Kin and I will find a place to perform by the University. Stop by when you've finished your errands. You're always welcome to share our wagon."

Just as a reminder, you have two goals in Lepidstadt: returning the tomes from Professor Lorrimor’s chest to Dr. Montagnie Crowl at Lepidstadt University, and delivering the curious locked, brass-eyed tome to Judge Embreth Daramid at her townhouse in the city.


1 person marked this as a favorite.
skills & init:
Init +1 Per +2 Know(All)+11 Know(Rel) +15
Points:
HP 18/26 FS 0/1 SS 0/1 HeP 4/5
Defences:
AC 11(15) Touch 11 Flat Footed 10(14) CMD 12 Fort +1 Reflex +2(+1) Will +5 +2 vs fear/death

Aduard's eyebrows raise as he realises what the kinfe is, but he stays silent. 'No small treasure' he notes to himself.

---

Aduard stops for a moment at a bookseller's stall to discretely note the price his latest novel fetches. He flits from stall to stall when they reach a street with alchemical and wizardry vedors, refilling components he's used along the way.
He ticks items off a list on a scrap of paper with a grubby pencil. "Eye of newt, toe of frog, wool of bat, and tongue of dog, adder’s fork, and blind-worm’s sting, lizard’s leg, and " he pauses at the last item "howlet’s wing. Why is it so damn hard to find some howlet's wing in this place? Doesn't anyone carry the staples anymore? Well, I can probably substitute Egret down, I suppose."

---

Aduard doesn't meet the gaze of the Punishing Man. There was a story there, but not one he'd ever write in one of his books. "You're a fortunate man, Kaleb. All the best to you and your Kin, and it may well be that I will stop by when we're done."

He turns to the others "I suggest Embreth first, as I intend to spend some time at the library looking for more detail on our quarry - and that damned spider. Hmm - We should also report it to the city. Perhaps we can convince them to raise a bounty. They take banditry seriously, here in the north. Embreth might have an idea of who to notify."


[ HP: 32/39] | AC: 21 T: 12 FF: 17| F: +8 R: +7 W: +4*| Init: +2 Perc: +13 (Low Light) (Favored Terrain: Forest)  Effects: none Hero Pts: 2

Up until a few weeks ago I would have loved to see the sight of it at work, but now I am all too weary of burning murdering bastards alive. I assume that's what he's made out of kindlin for anyway. Radag says in slack jawed awe at the spectacle of the Punishing Man.

Then as Aduard announces his plans, Radag grunts before declaring his own way, I'm going to deliver these books. The doctor first on account of my dislike for judges. Let me know if the bounty gets high enough to risk putting my neck out for would you Bookman?

Radag slings his things over his shoulder and settles up with the drivers before picking a direction that promises the most spirits and promising leads on where to find said doctor. Come on Esta. I need a pretty face to distract people from mine.

Though Radag doesn't take more than a step or two before he remembers something. He turns and eyes Arruk, Doctor Karras wasn't it? You should come with me too. Given your nature I bet you know how to get us into the university.


skills & init:
Init +1 Per +2 Know(All)+11 Know(Rel) +15
Points:
HP 18/26 FS 0/1 SS 0/1 HeP 4/5
Defences:
AC 11(15) Touch 11 Flat Footed 10(14) CMD 12 Fort +1 Reflex +2(+1) Will +5 +2 vs fear/death

"Irefist!" barks Aduard as Radag turns away "Good gods man, alright. We'll deliver the books first. Make sure we get a receipt."


Female CG Half-Elf Hedge Witch 5 | HP: 23/29, 4 Dex dmg. | AB: +2 | AC: 12 (16), T: 12, FF: 10 | F: +2, R: +5, W: +6 (+7 vs. enchant.) | Init: +8 | Perc: +10 (+12 w/ Oolong) | Oolong Init: +2| Oolong Perc: +8

Esta spends most of the carriage ride writing and editing and rewriting her notes for the doctor, quietly conferring with Oolong on anything she might have missed. As they enter the city, she stares out of the window with great interest, excitedly taking in the sights and smells of what was easily the biggest town she'd ever seen.

"When we're out there, stay close," she whispers to Oolong as they crowd the window, trying to take everything in. "It'll be real easy t' get lost here, I think."

Exiting the carriage, she stops and looks up at the Punishing Man with a small knot of anger in her stomach. Shaking her head at the level of cruelty, she turns her back to it and gathers her things before taking a few slow steps towards town, almost overwhelmed by its size. The smell of food wafts over her and she suddenly realizes how hungry she is. If they had time, maybe they could stop somewhere...

Radag Irefist wrote:
Come on Esta. I need a pretty face to distract people from mine.

She hears her name from behind her and turns to Radag with a smirk, hurrying to make sure she can keep up with him.


N Male Human Alchemist (Grenadier) 5 | HP: 27/38 | AC:16 (12Tch, 14Ff) | CMB: +3, CMD: 17 | F:+6, R:+6, W:+3 | Init: +2 | Perc: +8, SM: +1 | Speed 30 ft | Spells (1) 4/5 (2) 2/3 | Bombs 6/8 | Ammo 5/6 | hero points: 3 | Active conditions:

Karras rocks back on his heels, a grin gracing his bearded face. "I was a guest lecturer there in my twenties, for a semester. Provided campus hasn't changed much, I should be able to guide us around."

Clapping Aduard on the back, the Doctor makes to follow Esta and Radag. "The Library is a fine one, Master Bookman, but the archives - they are a bit of a mess. I'll assist you in your research. How long do you suppose Irefist can sit still?"

Uncapping one vial and then another, Karras tips them back before spitting the second back into the vial. Clearing his throat the doctor ransacks his memory for any information on Montagnie Crowl.

local to recall information on Dr. Crowl, burst of insight, alchemical allocation: 1d20 + 9 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 9 + 8 = 33


skills & init:
Init +1 Per +2 Know(All)+11 Know(Rel) +15
Points:
HP 18/26 FS 0/1 SS 0/1 HeP 4/5
Defences:
AC 11(15) Touch 11 Flat Footed 10(14) CMD 12 Fort +1 Reflex +2(+1) Will +5 +2 vs fear/death

"I suspect that'll depend on whether we can park him at an entertaining area. I gather he is in some what of a hurry? Dashil should be fine at one of the student pubs. Kendra; do you fancy a delay at the library, or did you want to find rooms first?" Aduard enquires

Aduard:

Aduard had been trying to study the books. Okay if he copied the spells he found out?

The thin man sighs "Rooms. Judge. Books. Perhaps we should concentrate on settling in, I suppose there'll be time to research tomorrow. Our quarry could have gone anywhere."


Mood music for Lepidstadt.

Kendra grunts as she drags a piece of luggage from the wagon, a rather unladylike sound. Blushing, she turns to Aduard. "I should probably head to the university as well. Find out when my first classes are."

Arruk:
Dr. Montagnie Crowl is a respected professor of archaeology and anthropology at Lepidstadt University, recently becoming the head of their Antiquities Department. You recall him as an eccentric, likable fellow.

Aduard:
Copy away.


[ HP: 32/39] | AC: 21 T: 12 FF: 17| F: +8 R: +7 W: +4*| Init: +2 Perc: +13 (Low Light) (Favored Terrain: Forest)  Effects: none Hero Pts: 2

Radag chuckles, loving the opportunity to show off and without asking the favor. He walks over and grabs up Kendra's stuff, though the weight of it catches him a bit off guard as he lets out a bit more breath than normal breathing would call for, I've got this sweet-heart.


skills & init:
Init +1 Per +2 Know(All)+11 Know(Rel) +15
Points:
HP 18/26 FS 0/1 SS 0/1 HeP 4/5
Defences:
AC 11(15) Touch 11 Flat Footed 10(14) CMD 12 Fort +1 Reflex +2(+1) Will +5 +2 vs fear/death

Aduard directs his footman to retrieve his own impressive trunk. "Let's find rooms on the way first - we'll make a better impression not carrying our own weight in luggage. There's many reputable rooms for let near the university, given the transient nature of many students."

rooms:
knowledge:local: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28

"I used to know a quite good inn by the walls. I doubt anyone remembers me, though I recall the barmaid with some fondness. A few minutes to check in will probably be paid back by losing our encumberance."


[ HP: 32/39] | AC: 21 T: 12 FF: 17| F: +8 R: +7 W: +4*| Init: +2 Perc: +13 (Low Light) (Favored Terrain: Forest)  Effects: none Hero Pts: 2

Radag chuckles as he teases Aduard, Aduard has a fondness for a barmaid? Of all people! Wouldn't that normally be too low-born for someone like you? She'll remember you. Just depends on how hard she wants to pretend she doesn't.


skills & init:
Init +1 Per +2 Know(All)+11 Know(Rel) +15
Points:
HP 18/26 FS 0/1 SS 0/1 HeP 4/5
Defences:
AC 11(15) Touch 11 Flat Footed 10(14) CMD 12 Fort +1 Reflex +2(+1) Will +5 +2 vs fear/death

Aduard snorts a good natured laugh "I don't like the high-born particularly either, Irefist. The girl in question, though, had a way about her. Everyone loved her - enough I suspected magic at first."


N Male Human Alchemist (Grenadier) 5 | HP: 27/38 | AC:16 (12Tch, 14Ff) | CMB: +3, CMD: 17 | F:+6, R:+6, W:+3 | Init: +2 | Perc: +8, SM: +1 | Speed 30 ft | Spells (1) 4/5 (2) 2/3 | Bombs 6/8 | Ammo 5/6 | hero points: 3 | Active conditions:

"Ah, Crowl!" the Doctor says, snapping his fingers. "I recall him now! He was an eccentric and likable fellow, recently made the head of the Antiquities Department. Let's get a room and then drop him a visit. If Master Bookman isn't so entranced by his barmaid that he can leave, of course."

"Ms. Lorrimor, you'll need a room as well, until you get settled more permanently, I'd imagine."


skills & init:
Init +1 Per +2 Know(All)+11 Know(Rel) +15
Points:
HP 18/26 FS 0/1 SS 0/1 HeP 4/5
Defences:
AC 11(15) Touch 11 Flat Footed 10(14) CMD 12 Fort +1 Reflex +2(+1) Will +5 +2 vs fear/death

"Don't be in a hurry to rent a room." Aduard advised "You'll end up being gouged on price, or cheated on quality."


Female CG Half-Elf Hedge Witch 5 | HP: 23/29, 4 Dex dmg. | AB: +2 | AC: 12 (16), T: 12, FF: 10 | F: +2, R: +5, W: +6 (+7 vs. enchant.) | Init: +8 | Perc: +10 (+12 w/ Oolong) | Oolong Init: +2| Oolong Perc: +8

Esta pulls a folded piece of paper from her bag and hands it to Karras. "Here's th' information on th' spiders tha' you wanted, doctor. There's not a whole lot there, but... there isn't a whole lotta information on them. This is everythin' I could remember."

Karras:
The page is full of hurried but legible handwriting, with several small blotches in ink scattered throughout.

Phase Spider

Avg. size: 8 ft. long
Avg. weight: 700 lbs.

Resistances/immunities: none

Languages: Aklo

Phase Spiders are predators from the Ethereal Plane who come to the Material Plane to hunt. When they locate prey, they shift back to the Ethereal Plane to prepare an ambush.

Against a lone victim: the spider shifts to the Material Plane, bites the victim, then goes back to the Ethereal Plane to wait for its poison to take effect.

Against multiple enemies: the spider follows the same approach as above on random enemies within reach. If none are in reach, it moves while ethereal to prepare another attack on a new, now nearby target, but it won’t phase back to attack unless it feels safe enough to not need an immediate escape.

In their home of the Ethereal Plane, phase spiders are able to manipulate the smoky ether similar to the way regular spiders make their webs, leading to huge, sprawling nests of semisolid webbing that float through the Ethereal Plane, each housing numerous phase spiders. Scholars say that the spiders enjoy each other’s company, but have no actual concept of family, as a newborn phase spider is completely capable of fending for itself and is treated like any other phase spider by its parents/siblings (I do not understand how they could possibly know this.)

Phase spiders are the natural enemy of the Xill, another inhabitant of the Ethereal Plane. They have fought for a long time, with no end to the very violent, very bloody conflict in sight. (If you would like more information on the Xill, please ask.)

At the bottom of the parchment is a messy doodle of a Phase Spider and its nest

Arruk Karras wrote:
Clapping Aduard on the back, the Doctor makes to follow Esta and Radag. "The Library is a fine one, Master Bookman, but the archives - they are a bit of a mess. I'll assist you in your research. How long do you suppose Irefist can sit still?"

She perks up. "A library?" she asks excitedly. "Is it big? Can... can anyone go in it?" The thought of so many books at her fingertips was thrilling.


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Kendra smiles as Radag struggles briefly with her luggage. "I'm sorry, Mr. Irefist. I can see now that I might have overpacked." She turns to Aduard and glances towards a clock tower looming over the central square. "I expect my father's estate will afford me a room on campus. Speaking of that, I'm late for my meeting with the bursar. Could I bother one of you to accompany me?"

Dashil immediately steps forward. "I volunteer to escort you, my lady." The inquisitor bows in a mockery of knightly mannerisms. "This is Ustalav after all, somebody needs to protect you from a roving band of bloodthirsty co-eds."

---
After rooms have been procured, the university is not difficult to find. A cluster of blue-slate roofed buildings rise above the surrounding buildings to the south of the city. Seeing Kendra and Dashil, her face purple from dragging luggage, off to their meeting, the rest of the party inquires after Dr. Crowl.

Located inside of a museum named for the adventuring brothers that founded the university, the Antiquities Department is surprisingly busy, with a dozen builders and craftsman hard at work on a project. It is immediately apparent why: the front doors have been torn from the museum. Stepping through, the party follows a path of destruction into the main lecture hall.

Paneled in oak, the auditorium contains a sunken, 5-foot-deep central area lined with books, tribal fetishes, and curiosities. A small stage and lectern stand in the center of this shallow pit, which is edged with an oak rail, worn smooth by the hands of generations of students. Another door, destroyed by some great force, branches off to a combination workshop and library.

Inside, the high-ceilinged room seems as if it has been hit by a whirlwind. The walls are lined with mostly empty shelves and a trio of great leaded windows looks out over the university lawn. A staggering array of books, scrolls, maps, and curios including shrunken heads from the M'wangi Expanse, tribal masks from the Realm of the Mammoth Lords, and bits of shattered Azlanti pottery, lie scattered across the tiled floor. The room is otherwise crowded with overturned tables, desks, and cabinets. In the center of the room stands a single man, dressed in the robes of a professor.

He turns to look at the party, focusing on them behind a pair of bifocals. Under one eye sits a small white line, a dueling scar denoting an alumni and member of one of the fraternal orders at Lepidstadt University. "Excuse me," he calls out, his voice soft. "This area is off-limits to non-faculty."


[ HP: 32/39] | AC: 21 T: 12 FF: 17| F: +8 R: +7 W: +4*| Init: +2 Perc: +13 (Low Light) (Favored Terrain: Forest)  Effects: none Hero Pts: 2

Radag cracks a smile at Dashil's volunteering and he sets down Kendra's luggage. Careful with that anvil, Dashil. Its probably an heirloom. We'll meet up again later for a proper meal, right. Radag heartily pats Dashil on the back and lingers long enough to see Dashil's face when she starts on the luggage.

Radag steps into the hall, and his face lights up as he replies to the robed man, Hell of a party or what? You'll pardon our visit I hope. There weren't any doors on the way in, and the men in the hall just waved us on through. We're 'ere on business for a Dr Crowl. Might you be him?


The professor nods and approaches. "I am Doctor Crowl, yes. And you are?"


[ HP: 32/39] | AC: 21 T: 12 FF: 17| F: +8 R: +7 W: +4*| Init: +2 Perc: +13 (Low Light) (Favored Terrain: Forest)  Effects: none Hero Pts: 2

I'm Radag and these here are my associates... Radag thumbs at himself and gesture toward the others, granting more than ample time for each to speak for themselves as they see fit. All associates of Professor Lorrimor. Trust you know of him, but do you know of his circumstances? Radag pauses mouthing a short prayer and habitually tracing the symbol of Pharasma over his heart.


N Male Human Alchemist (Grenadier) 5 | HP: 27/38 | AC:16 (12Tch, 14Ff) | CMB: +3, CMD: 17 | F:+6, R:+6, W:+3 | Init: +2 | Perc: +8, SM: +1 | Speed 30 ft | Spells (1) 4/5 (2) 2/3 | Bombs 6/8 | Ammo 5/6 | hero points: 3 | Active conditions:

The Doctor takes Esta's notes and reads through them carefully, scratching his beard, lost in thought, as he does so. "Miss Vyrelian, this is... remarkably detailed. I've long thought I should write a book on all of the cryptozoological horrors this land contains. Would you like to join me in such an endeavor?"

----------------

Stepping forward, Karras proffers his hand. "Doctor Crowl, we meet again. You may not remember me, for I was younger and clean-shaven, but we met many years ago. Doctor Arruk Karras, of Caliphas. My associate Master Irefist has the long and short of it - we bring unfortunate news regarding Professor Lorrimor. Likewise, I'm afraid I can't ignore the strangeness occurring here. What has happened to the antiquities department?"


skills & init:
Init +1 Per +2 Know(All)+11 Know(Rel) +15
Points:
HP 18/26 FS 0/1 SS 0/1 HeP 4/5
Defences:
AC 11(15) Touch 11 Flat Footed 10(14) CMD 12 Fort +1 Reflex +2(+1) Will +5 +2 vs fear/death

Bookman stumbles through the wreckage like a priest through a battlefield. Hesitantly he holds out a shaking hand towards a pottery fragment from a late Shao dynasty Azlanti vase, but cannot bring himself to touch it. "Monstrous." he mutters to himself.

When the doctor reveals his true identity Bookman snaps out of his funk. "Someone needs to pay for this, Doctor Crowl. Who is it?"


Female CG Half-Elf Hedge Witch 5 | HP: 23/29, 4 Dex dmg. | AB: +2 | AC: 12 (16), T: 12, FF: 10 | F: +2, R: +5, W: +6 (+7 vs. enchant.) | Init: +8 | Perc: +10 (+12 w/ Oolong) | Oolong Init: +2| Oolong Perc: +8

Esta can't stop the large smile that spreads across her face. "Yes," she replies to Karras, almost breathless with excitement. "I think I'd like tha' a lot."

* * * * * * * * * * * *

The young girl hops effortlessly over the rubble as she follows the group through the university and into the museum, her head swiveling back and forth to take everything in. Even with the destruction surrounding them, Esta is in awe. The things she could learn here...

She looks to the man in front of them, Doctor Crowl, as the others ask about the state of the building, mirroring her own unasked question.


The doctor sighs and sits on a fallen bookcase. "Petros was a friend and mentor. Thank you for bringing me this news, Mr. Irefist."

He looks up towards Arruk. "Yes, Dr. Karras. I remember you. I believe I was a graduate student at the time. A symposium on animal depictions in Age of Destiny artifacts."

A pained expression crosses Dr. Crowl's face. "Bad news upon more bad news, I'm afraid. We've had a break-in." He looks towards Aduard. "The perpetrator has been caught. One of Lepidstadt's more famous inhabitants, actually: the Beast."


[ HP: 32/39] | AC: 21 T: 12 FF: 17| F: +8 R: +7 W: +4*| Init: +2 Perc: +13 (Low Light) (Favored Terrain: Forest)  Effects: none Hero Pts: 2

Infamous more like. Radag says taking in the chaos's aftermath around him a second time. Petros wanted you to have something. Mentioned it was dangerous, and on account of naming you specifically we're here to honor his final wishes by handing this 'book' over to you. Radag says as he tries to recall where we left the book, before finding it in the case the party had originally discovered it.

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