The group spots the tracks of some creature and they try to identify it.
Lara has seen these things before. She immediately recognizes the trails as being left by some sort of ooze, but on closer examination she finds some remnants that one of them left behind. the metallic sheen of the droplets left behind help her identify it as an Adaptive Ooze.
They are good at blending in, and can adapt their bodies rapidly to defend against attacks, making further attacks of the same type much less effective.
“Well, probably an ooze, by all the slime,” Lara says. “And the metallic look of its slime probably means it’s an adaptive ooze. Definitely keep an eye out- they’re good at camouflaging themselves.”
An adaptive ooze? That makes is sound like it is intelligent or bred for a purpose. Just like those oozes we were attacked by in the sea, I will never understand why someone would create such a thing. I guess keep our eye open and stick close so I can protect us all from its slime. May Abadar protect us and see us through this day!
Kragg lets those with better perception and tracking skill go first. He is more akin to the city life and knows that the wilderness is not his forte.
"Interesting. That is a rather unique ability. The blending less so I think many can do that."
"The minions of Dahak lurk at every corner" Lolito makes a sign with his hands looking for the protection of the gods, then advances after an examination at what Lara means "Maybe there is some kind of evil sorcerer at the island creating all of the oozes. As Kast they also remember me to our fight at the sea"
With the idea to see through it, the man keeps his advance towards the next location, but now with an eye to possible ooze ambushes.
Lolito spots the glint of something metallic in the bushes ahead. it appears that one or more of those oozes are along the path you are taking.
what do you do? ambush the ambushers? go the long way 'round?
"Attack and clear them out? We don't know if they were put here or created for a specific reason so clearing them might be the smart move."
"After hearing Lara about their shapeshifting, it is perhaps better if we face them now here, rather than let them come for us when we are unready" Lolito points out the place where the oozes are hiding, and then, with a long jump and acrobatic movement, he plants himself there, ready for the fight!
Derym nods, "At the moment, we're aware of them -- better to end the threat than to stumble over it when we're in worse shape."
I don't know if we need to worry about them at all as long as we make certain to spot them ahead of time. Also we don't know how many of them there are. If we do need to eliminate this threat then we need to plan an ambush carefully and focus on 1 at a time. Or we just go with the safe approach and enlarge Alyn and let him fly to stay out of range with his reach weapon.
For all worries there must be, things are a bit late, as Lolito is already charging forward with the fury of a dragon!
"I can definitely fly and poke them to death without magic. I have wings a lunge and a reach weapon. It is a good plan but save your blessings."
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Lolito is about to charge in when Alyn calls him back and shows off his ability to deal with a slow and land-based enemy in the open easily.
It takes a while, as the oozes gain a resistance to Alyn's strikes as he hits them, but eventually the fighter is able to wear them down from the air one poke at a time.
with the oozes dealt with, the group continues towards the southern coast.
as you move along the coast line, you spot what looks like a large ruin ahead. there are several buildings that have been severely damaged though the walls still stand at least partially. there is a stone courtyard between these buildings that is dominated by a giant fallen statue made of bronze. a raised stone pedestal still holds the statue's feet.
From the distance you are currently you don't see any other details, but it does look like the courtyard has been intentionally cleared, as there is no vegetation growing in the area.
Derym points forward, "Cleaning up line of sight -- nowhere to hide or sneak. Seems someone's home. Or has been, recently."
Lara nods her agreement. "Want to check it out? Probably not going to be full of anything inviting us to tea-and-crumpets, but we'll still have to deal with it at some point, I think."
Happy that Alyn was able to easily deal with the oozes so they can continue to the real goal of their visit to the island, Lolito observes the fallen statue from a distance "This is impressive indeed... what an advanced and well organized society could do this..."
Triggered by Derym and Lara's observations, the man does examine the area for traces of creatures in order to know if the ruins are still inhabited.
Unless there is a clear danger that blocks them passage before, Lolito advances into the ruins trying to study the stone pedestal at the statue's feet.
Well done Alyn. Much safer that way.
As they continued to move onward and find the ancient ruins Kragg pauses to appreciate the find. Every day we find more and more relics of the past. Some day I hope that we are able to discover enough to reveal this knowledge to the world. Then the departed souls may rest comfortably knowing that their history and legacy has survived and that others may learn from their mistakes and triumphs.
He then waits patiently as the more stealthy and observant move forward to search the area. He does cast guidance on those that wish it and detect magic to observe any auras that may be revealed. Blessed Abadar, grant me the ability to see the unseen and the wisdom to discern what you reveal.
"Wise words Master Kragg..." Lolito says observing the marvel of the fallen art "This place must have been impressive. We must document all of this"
"It can also do for a great tavern tale" he quips with a smile.
Lolito moves forward to examine the area. The group is approaching from the north, and Lolito starts near the head of the statue.
As soon as you are close to the clearing you can make out some more details. And it is very clear to Lolito that this area has been recently used. Remnants of recent fires are found in a few spots, along with many footprints and some loose weapons (mostly crude wooden and stone weapons).
Most of these weapons look more like training weapons than primitive weapons. Looks like a group of fighters were training here recently
Lolito also notices that the hands of the statue are missing, but otherwise the pieces all seem to be there. Maybe it never had hands sculpted?
The sound of the sea is quite close here, and the hill the ruin sits on slopes very slightly towards the water to the south.
From here you can see that there are two openings into the hillside on either side of the stone pedestal.
you spot motion behind one of the ruined walls. looks like several creatures are moving around in there to the sides of the statue's torso
Kragg watches as the monks move in deeper into the ruins. From his vantage point Kragg feels confident that he can get to and assist the monk quickly should something happen like another mimic. Until then though he keeps his detect magic up scanning the area.
Know local
Prof soldier
Careful Lolito, looks like there are plenty of weapons here that people were using recently.
As such he ends his detect magic and casts shield on himself.
Lara watches Lolito barge ahead, shrugs, and slips off after him.
As she gets closer, she pauses and tries to catch Lolito's attention, pointing toward the statue's torso. She mouths silently, "Movement."
"Oh? These ones?" Lolito points to the weapons Kragg makes the group aware of "That can only mean there has been someone around recently, and I do not think this are weapons from the Ghost Lanterns. The Ulat-Kini perhaps?"
The man advances through the courtyard and over the broken arms, renewing his ki armor if it has past more than an hour from the encounter with the oozes "Interesting... the statue was carved without hands, or they were taken before it shattered..."
"Yeah! There is something there Lara! Be ready everyone!" Lolito starts to move his hands in circles flexing his knees and entering the stance of the dragon.
How did someone carve this statue without hands? Was it magically shaped then or...wait you meant the statue was without hands not the carvers were without hands...my bad.
Alyn is happy that his studying is paying off, but is well aware every fight will not be so easy.
"I see it. I'm ready"
Lara spots movement in the ruins, followed shortly by the rest of the party. She is quick to respond as targets appear.
four faceless stalkers, in their natural form, move into view from behind parts of the fallen statue and the wall tot he west. each of them is holding a long polearm.
Lara, Stalkers, Alyn, Derym, Lolito, Kragg
Lara takes aim at one of the nearer stalkers and snaps off a shot with her shortbow. Unfortunately, in her haste, it goes wide.
Oh, look, the enemy we actually *came* for...
Derym shakes his head, I'm glad you approve..
The stalkers advance, one of them gets an arrow shot in its general direction but the shot is very wide.
two stalkers move to attack Lolito, one on Derym and one on Alyn
Lolito is hit twice, the others avoid injury
With their flexible arms and long poles the monsters have incredibly long reach and they use it to their advantage to stay back poking people.
the whole party may act
Global Condition: |Derym HP: 44/47 - AC: 22/14/18 Status:
Lara: HP: 44/47 - AC: 17/12/15 Status:
Kragg HP:51/53 - AC: 20/10/20 Status:
Lolito HP: 39/60 - AC: 24/19/21 Status:
Alyn HP 54/58 - AC: 22/11/19 Status:
Trick HP 41/41 - AC 18/11/15 Status:NPCS:
Red stalker HP: ?? | AC: ??
Green stalker HP: ?? | AC: ??
Yellow stalker HP: ?? | AC: ??
Purple stalker HP: ?? | AC: ??
A polearm? How unsporting. You should get us inside his reach...
I would never have thought of that...
If you don't think you need my help, you can draw that dead thing on your belt
Oh, stop sulking and stab the thing, would you?
Derym takes a graceful step forward, getting inside the reach of the faceless one, then swings Antipatharian, pushing both some of his own magic and the blade's into the attack.
for
Lara takes another shot, but is still too hasty.
Lolito is surprised by the long reach of the attackers "Ouch! I did not expect that! You can go to a circus with such a display!"
The man then enters in a dragon stance and jumps doing a spiral in the air to avoid the long polearms.
As it falls to the right, he extends his leg spinning in the air as his foot burst into cold flames to strike at the yellow ugothol at the Hamatulatsu way to pierce through the Ugothols tough skin with the tip of his foot.
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Kragg watches as the faceless stalkers get the jump on almost everyone. It looked like Derym was holding his own and Lolito was flying around kicking everything he could. Lara was alone on the flank though and a stalker was heading her way. He asks Abadar for his most potent blessing upon the party as he moves towards red. He tries to avoid the blows of the stalker but does manage to get behind it setting Alyn up for a flanking maneuver.
Trick flies into position (5ft) once in position as does Alyn they both attack from their respective flanks.
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Derym moves in and slashes at the stalker, doing good damage
Lara misses her shot
Lolito tumbles thorugh the reach of two polearms. he spins around one, but the other stabs at him as he passes. even a step off, Lolito still dodges the attack
he lands and puts a big kick into the stalker, stunning it
Kragg moves to the flank to help his alies set up better attacks
Alyn and trick attack two of the stalkers. Alyn hits twice, but trick misses.
the stalker alyn attacks falls down dead on the second swing.
one stalker is stunned and does nothing.
one attacks Derym
and the final one attacks Alyn
the party may act
Global Condition: |Derym HP: 44/47 - AC: 22/14/18 Status:
Lara: HP: 44/47 - AC: 17/12/15 Status:
Kragg HP:51/53 - AC: 20/10/20 Status:
Lolito HP: 39/60 - AC: 24/19/21 Status:
Alyn HP 40/58 - AC: 22/11/19 Status:
Trick HP 41/41 - AC 18/11/15 Status:NPCS:
Red stalker HP: -50 | AC: 18 | dead
Green stalker HP: -14 | AC: 18
Yellow stalker HP: -25 | AC: 18 | stunned
Purple stalker HP: ?? | AC: 18
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Derym follows the Stalker forward, then smiles as he feels Kragg's magic take effect, Well, now, that's incredibly useful.... Drawing on the Blessing, he simply speaks the words to a spell, causing energy to begin to crackle through him -- before driving the blade forward to discharge the spell.
for
Suddenly feeling renewed vigor coursing through her limbs, Lara launches a pair of arrows at the nearest faceless stalker ().
Kragg uses the blessing of his god to gain some extra speed as he hurries to the south of purple setting up another flank for Alyn. The last stalker missed so hopefully this one will as well as he moves in. Once in position he distracts the stalker allowing Alyn to hopefully land a more solid hit.
Aid another to hit dc 10
Lolito smiles satisfied as the stalker is stunned, which should see his polearm falling off his hands too!
With considerable blood covering him from his injuries, he focuses on disabling the stunned stalker, piercing through his skin with the Hamatulatsu attacks "Where do you have the kidnapped colonists?!"
And then steps back.
Alyn moves over and attacks another creature with Trick's help (yellow).
Derym uses magic and steel to cut down one of the stalkers.
Lolito lays into the one he stunned and kills it as well, getting no rpely to his questions.
Kragg moves into position to aid against the last remaining stalker.
It strikes him as he closes the distance. Alyn moves to attack purple as well (changed because the other one died). he deals some damage
Unfortunately, the party is not out of it yet. four more stalkers appear from the rubble. one of them comes over the top of the toppled statue
the last from the first wave attacks Alyn
the other hurl javelins at the party
all told it is a really bad showing from the monsters as all of their shots miss the mark...
the party may act
Global Condition: |Derym HP: 44/47 - AC: 22/14/18 Status:
Lara: HP: 44/47 - AC: 17/12/15 Status:
Kragg HP:43/53 - AC: 20/10/20 Status:
Lolito HP: 39/60 - AC: 24/19/21 Status:
Alyn HP 40/58 - AC: 22/11/19 Status:
Trick HP 41/41 - AC 18/11/15 Status:NPCS:
Red stalker HP: -50 | AC: 18 | dead
Green stalker HP: -50 | AC: 18 | dead
Yellow stalker HP: -65 | AC: 18 | dead
Purple stalker HP: -35 | AC: 18
red stalker HP: ?? | AC: 18
cyan stalker HP: ?? | AC: 18
black stalker HP: ?? | AC: 18
orange stalker HP: ?? | AC: 18
Lara snaps off another couple of arrows at the stalker farthest away from her allies (and, coincidentally, nearest to her).
Kragg finds that Abadar has graced him with mobility as he steps to the left ignoring the difficult terrain. From that position he strikes at the stalker using the blessing to grant him further attacks.
2 handed morning star attack flank for
Blessing attack for
"Oh, no, there are more of them!" Lolito flexes his legs gathering strength there "Do not let them surround us!"
With a big swirling jump to avoid the stalker's reach, he jumps over the statue and gives light weight small jumps to reach the top of it and face the stalker there.
Focusing all his strength at the tip of his fingers to pierce through the creature's flesh, if Lolito reaches the top of the statue, he tries to stun the stalker.
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More of them? How very... interesting...
I'm glad you're pleased -- though I note they're well out of your reach
That's why you have feet, isn't it?
You're incorrigible.. Still, it can't hurl javelins if we're standing next to it....
Derym calls on the blessing for aid in combat as he closes with the nearest stalker, driving the black blade forward.
for
Alyn and trick team up on purple.
Lara hits twice, dealing good damage
Kragg and Alyn work together to finsih off purple
Derym gets a hit in with his magical blade.
Lolito hops on top of the statue and attacks the stalker there
he deals damage but does not stun the monster.
The stalkers continue to fight
there is a crashing noise as more stalkers push out of the ruins. these look bigger than normal and are moving in a rage. their arms are formed into large cutting blades made of their own flesh.
The party may act
Global Condition: |Derym HP: 44/47 - AC: 22/14/18 Status:
Lara: HP: 44/47 - AC: 17/12/15 Status:
Kragg HP:35/53 - AC: 20/10/20 Status:
Lolito HP: 34/60 - AC: 24/19/21 Status:
Alyn HP 34/58 - AC: 22/11/19 Status:
Trick HP 41/41 - AC 18/11/15 Status:NPCS:
red stalker HP: -14 | AC: 18
cyan stalker HP: -16 | AC: 18
black stalker HP: ?? | AC: 18
orange stalker HP: -34 | AC: 18
Blue Berserker HP: ?? | AC: ??
Green Berserker HP: ?? | AC: ??
Yellow Berserker HP: ?? | AC: ??
Purple Berserker HP: ?? | AC: ??
Careful Derym, you are about to be overrun! Kragg considers falling back to the chokepoint of the entrance to this nest of faceless stalkers but isn't sure what Lolito or Derym were going to do.
Hoping to hold off the reinforcements for a bit Kragg continues using the blessings that Abadar provided to aid his attack on the stalker in front of him and grant him some much needed protection.
morningstar 2 handed attack for
crit confirm for
He then moves 5ft to the side to provide a flank for trick and so that Lolito and himself could fight back to back if needed.
"They just keep coming!" Lara exclaims, snapping off two more shots before she withdraws a step to the east.
Lolito gets alarmed by the new arrival "What are those? Mutants?" taking yet another cut from the sword, the man tries to make short service of the stalker in front, trying to end it quick so he can go support the others "We need to stick together, do not sprawl too much!" his first punch bursts into cold flames as he tries to end him with one big hamatulatsu hit.
If that first attack downs the stalker, Lolito falls back to the east descending the statue to help Derrym. Otherwise he continues the pouncing.