Kagyu charges in behind Gortrek and Tahata, but only wrinkles his nose at the smell,
...I've been in triage rooms that smelled worse...
He watches the nearest reptile's club looking for an opening...
but is distracted by what he can recognize as a dwarven skull on the end.
That's odd. I haven't heard of any dwarven colonies this far east...
Durian steps into the room and faces down the two reptilian creatures, holding his spear out as he moves to aid Tahata.
He doesn't recognize the skulls or the creatures, but his blood rises as he hears Losjien's words.
You desecrate my people's remains! Let's see you handle a living dwarf!
Kagyu acts first but is so taken aback that they are using a dwarven skull as a weapon that he cannot land a hit with his spear. Losjien alerts the group to the weapon and takes a defensive posture.
Tahata also misses when he attacks with his spear but Maitoh bloodies one of the creatures with a bite before dragging it to the ground. Durin stabs at the prone creature ending its life.
Finally Gortrek crosses the room and with one deft swing slices the second creature in twain.
Combat Over - Well that was impressive
Taking a breath you can now see what had captured the creatures attention. A giant tick lies on the table, dead and clearly partially eaten.
After a moment of catching your breath the East door flies open and two more of the same creature rush in swinging clubs.
The creatures miss and are quickly slain by the party. Through the door to the east you find the following.
T8. East Barracks (Pg 27)
Several ruined beds lie in various states of disrepair in this room, their moldy mattresses piled into a filthy heap against the northern wall. While there was no noise the stench is unmistakably the same as the last room.
There are two doors our of this room leading south or you can retrace your steps.
Durian checks the bodies and looks around for anything useful in the room before they move on to the next section.
"I don't know anything about the design of this fort, either door is fine with me. If that's the one you want to try Losjien, I'm with you
Durian checks the room thoroughly and in the process finds a secret door in the second room. The room is cluttered but it is mostly bird offal with a few common items ruined by time and neglect.
While searching you do here voices behind the secret door and the ont that does not lead to the stairs. While you cannot make out what is being said it seems there is a conversation of some sort taking place behind both the normal and hidden doors.
Durian points to the wall where he found a door.
There's a secret door over here. Sounds like someone having a conversation on the other side. My vote would be to go through this door and try to surprise whoever is on the other side. It's possible even they don't know about all the hidden doors in this fort.
"I agree with you. I will bless us before we breach the door."
Then, remembering Durian's previous grappling abilities, "Do you think you could subdue one of them? We know so little about this fort and why they are here. Something metaphysical is occurring, but we don't know what."
After you each receive a blessing from Kagyu Durian is first though the door and the occupants; four dire corbies and a human sized red skinned man all turn and stare.
T6. Throne Room (Pg 24)
Rotting, faded banners hang from the walls of this long hall, depicting a stylized castle sitting on a seaside cliff. Thick stone pillars support the ceiling, while at the far end of the hall sits an old wooden throne, it's back carved to resemble the towers of a castle wrapped in the coils of a serpentine dragon.
On the throne sits a red skinned man with ebony black wings. He wears an ornate red shirt over his black and blue pants along with a kusarigama and composite long bow. As you enter he cackles in delight and addresses you.
"Sit, sit! You are in time for my latest masterpiece. My actors are wanting but the material is very good and they are trying."
It is a Yamabushi tengus which is an oni with a predilection toward thievery and trickery, wearing the flesh of wicked, fiendish tengus. When a yamabushi tengu first appears, its first course of action is invariably to seek out a well-hidden nest or other nook to serve as a lair.
They are capable fighters and spell casters and can take on different shapes.
Kagyu's demeanor shifts suddenly to inquisitive and energetic. "Masterpiece!? I'm somewhat of an artist myself! The materials are the basis of any great work. What are you working with?"
Tahata moves in behind Kagyu and Durian, spear at the ready and Maitoh by his side, but is confused to hear talk of actors and performances. He keeps his guard up while Kagyu engages the fiendish looking man sitting on the throne.
At Kagyu's suggestion, Durian prepares himself to try to capture one of these things alive. Do any of you know what they are speaking to each other? It sure isn't Dwarven. If we capture one we'll need to be able to understand it!"
Either way Durian focuses on his training and prepares to tackle something.
_____________________________________
Durian steps through the doorway and is surprised at the lack of surprise on the part of this red-skinned being. As the creature speaks, Durian slowly walks into the room.
He decides to try being friendly, but fully expects a creature with a retinue of Corbies to immediately attack them.
He puts his spear at an easy rest on his shoulder and calmly approaches the red man, hand extended.
"Well hello! We didn't expect to find someone as noble as yourself in this ruin, especially after the Dwarf-killing lizard men. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Durian, devoted of Agran, and these are my fine companions! Well met sir!"
He approaches to within arm's reach of the man, hand extended, but prepares an action to grapple the man if he makes an aggressive move or orders an attack
As the party talks the red skinned man gestures to the dire corbies telling them to stop. They corbies give the group a not welcoming look but obey.
"Yes, yes hello. I am Kikonu and my work is a play about a flock of ravens who one day woke to discover they had lost the ability to fly. See...." he gestures in the corbies direction "it makes sense! Now I said sit and watch so SIT!" clearly there are not chairs so if you sit it will be on the floor.
He turns back to the corbies and yells.
Durian you can tell beyond a doubt that what he has just said is true. It is also obvious that he does not consider your group to be a threat.
The corbies shift position and begin screeching at each other in what you can only consider to be a conversation. As they talk Kikoun is clearly growing frustrated with them.
Tahata moves into the room with the others, but chooses not to sit. Maitoh waits calmly by his side. Both are wary of the unusual scene unfolding before them and want to be ready to fight should the need arise.
Kikonu glances at the party from time to time and nods at those that sit ignoring, for the most part those that don't.
After two or three minutes he jumps up screaming and moves towards the corbies clearly frustrate withe them.
"STOP!!! Stop!! You idiots... sorry not idiots ACTORS! Back up and get the lines right." He raises his had as thought to smack on but pulls it back down and gives a week grin over his shoulder. Do it right this time for our.... guests."
At the opposite end of the room, one of the paired double doors was pushed in by a familiar looking monk from their caravan, looking well rested and better from the last time his allies had seen him. It was not easy slipping his way through the castle walls alone, but luckily his friends made it easier by taking care of resistance along the way.
Upon entering, he managed to spot the red skinned, winged human-looking creature ordering around his bird-men minions and spotting some new faces watched their display while not spotting his allies around the corner.
"STOP!!! Stop!! You idiots... sorry not idiots ACTORS! Back up and get the lines right." He raises his had as thought to smack on but pulls it back down and gives a week grin over his shoulder. Do it right this time for our.... guests."
"Worry not. Am patient monk. My feathers not ruffled." Miyagi stated light-heartedly, letting these entertaining strangers know of his additional presence.
Being ignored suits Tahata fine, but the corbies' 'play' is becoming even less comprehensible as frustrations among the troupe rise. He looks askance at Losjien, whispering "I fear if we encourage them our torture will last longer."
Kikonu screams as the Miyagi catches up with the group disrupting his limited concentration.
Again he steadies himself until Losjien and Tahata speak
“I said sit that means QUIETLY! Do as your told and watch the…... You know what my actors are terrible. Maybe they have more skill as guards. Actor-guards remove these from my presence!”
Bold may act:
[u] Round 1 [/u]
Miyagi
Corbies
Durian, Losjien, Kagyu, Tahata, Gortrek
Kikonu
'Wow. Rude'
Trying to read the room artfully Losjien begins clapping loudly. "YEAH GOOD SHOW! He looks to the others to see if they will follow suit.
Being ignored suits Tahata fine, but the corbies' 'play' is becoming even less comprehensible as frustrations among the troupe rise. He looks askance at Losjien, whispering "I fear if we encourage them our torture will last longer."
“I said sit that means QUIETLY! Do as your told and watch the…... You know what my actors are terrible. Maybe they have more skill as guards. Actor-guards remove these from my presence!”
Hearing the voice of of his friend brought the samsaran a sense of relief, knowing he had caught up to his friends. Hearing the threats of violence against him and his comrades changed that mood very quickly. Theses strangers just became far less curious and entertaining. With that he fell back onto a saying from his monk training; 'He who strikes firsts wins' Moving quickly, he made his way to the nearest bird creature and yelled a kiai as he struck out against it.
Miyagi advances and lands a solid hit on the corbie with yellow feathers. For those that fought corbies already these appear they may be a bit tougher.
The yellow corbie strikes back with both claws at Miyagi
Hit
miss
Hit
The red and blue corbies leap forward and both lashes out with one claw at Durian .
Miss
HIt
The final Corbie moves between its master and the bulk of the party screeching wildly.
Bold may act:
Round 1
Miyagi {-8HP}
Red, Blue, Green, Yellow {-6HP}
Durian {-8HP}, Losjien, Kagyu, Tahata, Gortrek
Kikonu
|
Gortrek sighed as he stood up. Any hope of a peaceful solution had been dashed, but the least he could do was try to minimize any injuries.
He pointed a hand at the director, shouting.
"You pathetic coward! Sending your underlings to do a lord's work! If you have any true sense, face me in honorable combat!"
Miyagi advances and lands a solid hit on the corbie with yellow feathers. For those that fought corbies already these appear they may be a bit tougher.
The inevitable collapse of the 'play' comes as no surprise to Tahata and his is already moving forward with his spear raised when the corbies attack. Maitoh needs no command, moving alongside his master with his teeth bared. Both of them move to attack one of the corbies trying to cut down Durian with it's claws.
Durian holds his spear in one hand and takes two punches at the blue corbi with his off hand
Durian steps forward and jabs twice at the blue corbie. The first blow glances off feathers and muscle the second simply misses.
Tahata and Maitoh both attack the red corbie and Tahata's spear connects with the beast.
The samauri Gortrek extends one finger at Kikonu and pointing challenges him to a dual. Kikonu nearly resists but feels himself compelled into combat.
Bold may act:
[u] Round 2 [/u]
Miyagi {-8HP}
Red {-10HP}, Blue {-11HP}, Green, Yellow {-6HP}
Durian {-8HP}, Losjien, Kagyu, Tahata, Gortrek
Kikonu {Challenged 2/2}
"This play is a farce! And I say that as a disciple of Shelyn, Goddess of poets and artists."
Kagyu raises his shield, lips moving and the air around him briefly appears to solidify and shimmer right before he moves into a position between two Corbies.
Kagyu casts some protective magic and steps forward while Losjien moves to the middle of combat as well.
Kikonu, not normally being one for direct confrontation is surprised by the focus he suddenly has on the samurai. He starts to step forward but realizes that magic is part of any combatant instead he utters a quiet word that threatens to overwhelm Gortrek.
Hideous Laughter DC 16 Will Save
Eyes still locked on the samurai he takes a step towards the wall.
Bold may act:
[u] Round 2 [/u]
Miyagi {-8HP}
Red {-10HP}, Blue {-11HP}, Green, Yellow {-6HP}
Durian {-8HP}, Losjien, Kagyu, Tahata, Gortrek
Kikonu {Challenged 1/2}
"Ho ho a tough half-orc plays the roll. I believe I am facing you my friend but a good director faces on his terms"
Bold may act:
[u] Round 2 [/u]
Miyagi {-8HP}
Red {-10HP}, Blue {-11HP}, Green, Yellow {-6HP}
Durian {-8HP}, Losjien, Kagyu, Tahata, Gortrek
Kikonu {Challenged 1/2}
Miyagi recoiled from the surprise blow the creature dealt to him. It was certainly stronger than he thought. Still, he had to keep pressing the attack. He was not about to back down. "Omae wa mou shindeiru!"* He shouted in Tian as he started sending his fists flying.
Clearly Miyagi-san is feeling himself again. He misses with his first strike but the second connects solidly with the side of the creatures head.
The red corbie finds itself surrounded but lashes out at the Kagyu with its claws.
Hit
Blue ignores the priest and swings again at Durian.
Hit
The Green corbie shrieks wildly as it tries to disembowel the sorcerer.
Hit
Finally orange tries an extra vicious attack at Miyagi-san.
Bold may act:
Round 2
Miyagi {-8HP}
Red {-10HP}, Blue {-11HP}, Green, Yellow {-13HP}
Durian {-8HP}, Losjien {-4HP}, Kagyu {-4HP}, Tahata, Gortrek
Kikonu {Challenged 1/2}
Durian recoiled a bit as one of the claws cuts his arm, but then pushes back in for another 2 punches.
one swing is wild, but one of his punches connects solidly
The throne room rapidly devolved into a swirling melee, leaving Tahata and Maitoh unable to use their normal tactics. The two remained stalwart against the dire corbies though, stabbing and biting to bring down the oversized bird-things.
Durian lands a solid blow and the cobie falls bleeding form the beak. Its unfeeling avian eyes stare lifelessly as the dwarf steps over its body.
Tahata stabs again but misses while his companion, Maitoh, bites the creatures flank but fails to trip it.
Bold may act:
[u] Round 2 [/u]
Miyagi {-8HP}
Red {-18HP}, Green, Yellow {-13HP}
Durian {-8HP}, Losjien {-4HP}, Kagyu {-4HP}, Tahata, Gortrek
Kikonu {Challenged 1/2}
Kagyu steps deeper into the melee, eyes fixed on the Corbies that had slashed Losjien.
He quickly recites "Shelyn, help me take on the burdens of my allies, " as he takes up his new position.
As Gortrek moves green reaches for him with a claw.
hit
Losjien Tries but misses with his spear.
Laughing Kikonu takes a small step back "I would have just left you to them you know. You made this personal." and releases a cloud of golden dust at the samurai.
pass
Bold may act:
[u] Round 3 [/u]
Miyagi {-8HP}
Red {-18HP}, Green, Yellow {-13HP}
Durian {-8HP}, Losjien, Kagyu, Tahata, Gortrek {-4HP}
Kikonu {Challenged 0/2}
A cloud of golden particles covers everyone and everything in the area, causing creatures to become blinded and visibly outlining invisible things for the duration of the spell. All within the area are covered by the dust, which cannot be removed and continues to sparkle until it fades. Each round at the end of their turn blinded creatures may attempt new saving throws to end the blindness effect.
Any creature covered by the dust takes a -40 penalty on Stealth checks.
The creature cannot see. It takes a –2 penalty to Armor Class, loses its Dexterity bonus to AC (if any), and takes a –4 penalty on most Strength– and Dexterity-based skill checks and on opposed Perception skill checks. All checks and activities that rely on vision (such as reading and Perception checks based on sight) automatically fail. All opponents are considered to have total concealment (50% miss chance) against the blinded character. Blind creatures must make a DC 10 Acrobatics skill check to move faster than half speed. Creatures that fail this check fall prone. Characters who remain blinded for a long time grow accustomed to these drawbacks and can overcome some of them.
Kagyu ducks behind his shield and is just able to avoid the worst of the blinding glitter.
Dodging the creature's claw, Miyagi retaliated in full with his own fists, making sure to put some 'oomph' behind his punches this time.
With fists like lighting Miyagi-san manages to land yet another punch and his foe is not looking so good, not good at all.
The red corbie again lashes out with his claws having shaken off the effects of glitterdust.
Green swings fuitially at Kagyu as he is not that bright.
Bold may act:
[u] Round 3 [/u]
Miyagi {-8HP}
Red {-18HP}, Green, Yellow {-18HP}
Durian {-8HP}, Losjien, Kagyu, Tahata, Gortrek {-4HP}
Kikonu {Challenged 0/2}
Immediate Actions
Much like a swift action, an immediate action consumes a very small amount of time but represents a larger expenditure of effort and energy than a free action. However, unlike a swift action, an immediate action can be performed at any time—even if it’s not your turn. Casting feather fall is an immediate action, since the spell can be cast at any time.
Using an immediate action on your turn is the same as using a swift action and counts as your swift action for that turn. You cannot use another immediate action or a swift action until after your next turn if you have used an immediate action when it is not currently your turn (effectively, using an immediate action before your turn is equivalent to using your swift action for the coming turn). You also cannot use an immediate action if you are flat-footed.