Heralding the Coming of the Age of Worms (Inactive)

Game Master Fanguar

Updating Spells

Eyeing the tracks Ramos shrugs to himself. Ok then, if you say that they went to the gatehouse, then let's go.

0lv: Detect Magic, Create Water, Light, Stabilize. 1st: Divine Favor, Bless, Protection from Evil, Lesser Confusion.

Sverrir nods

"Aye... when the cairn's o' my folk are raided, they oft rise tae take vengence... Could be one o' the Lands took unkindly to being dug up?"

Spells, channels and 2 hp rest... Max HP? Re: Survival... I'm a librarian!

Sick bastards... Think the dead lad was messing with us? Markus starts towards the old farmhouse.

@Lucid: Sometimes church's dig up old graves to move bones to the ossuary, but there would be no good reason to dig up these graves. Human remains are a key component of a number of necromantic spells.

@Markus: I believe so

The dilapidated Land farmstead consists of a crumbling wall and a sagging, unsafe house with broken windows.

Map is updated and I've placed your tokens in their starting positions

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

I here a faint mewling sound coming from the old house.

Have as care lads, so much for our day off.. Markus advances 20 feet.

Slipping his enchanted blade from his belt, Pavo makes little noise as he approaches the door, taking a spot to the side of the door so he has a good view of the interior of the cabin without exposing himself to whoever, or whatever might be inside.

Seeing the caution displayed by his friends Lucid will cast his Mage Armor spell, planning for a conflict.

Khyrn readies his shield and watches Pavo, preparing to spring to his aid if he comes under attack.

Hefting his mace and giving one final tug on the straps of his armored gauntlets, Ramos gives a nod of readiness.

Sverrir stops ahead of following his comrades lead, fumbling for his flask with a slight tremble in his hand.

He unstoppers the container, takes a swig of the potent dwur brandy, letting the heat burn first in his throat, and then through his soul;

The dwur stows one weapon before hefting his new hammer through clenched teeth;

"Gahhh. Good drop. Now to business... grave-robbers beware!"

Just FYI, all my maps are editable, so you can moves your own token if you wish. That being said...

Pavo Steath: 1d20 + 9 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 9 + 10 = 28

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26

Pavo slinks up to the door way and peers in:

The decrepit house reeks with the stench of decay and of some animal. Pools of blood congealing and shreds of flesh dot the floor. One large and 2 small furred and feathered forms lay unmoving on the floor. Another large growling bear bird beast stomps around the room snuffling. It's fur is damp with blood in places.

Bear! Lure it out, Pavo!

Sorry, thought we could both see it. Token moved.

Glaring back at Markus, Pavo gives a look as if the Librarian should watch his words, then, in a low voice, says, "I work better attacking from surprise...so how about YOU lure it out." His blade out, Pavo continues to crouch against the wall.

Marcus moves, certain the creature heard them by now.

Yelling, HEY! Big and ugly! Over HERE!!

The warrior holds his polearm vertically, so as not to give away its threatening reach.

Lucid takes a couple of steps backwards. A bear??!!

Holding forth his holy symbol Ramos closes his eyes and calls upon Ralishaz. Once again the sound of clattering dice and the groans of madness can be heard upon the wind. Then as quickly as it came, it is gone.

Cast: Bless: Bless fills your allies with courage. Each ally gains a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and on saving throws against fear effects.

I'm interpreting Marku' actions as luring out the beast so Pavo can sneak attack.

The beast runs at Markus:

Pavo readied attack: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 1 = 9
Pavo AOO: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 6 + 1 = 18
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
SA: 1d6 ⇒ 4
12 damage

Markus AOO: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 7 + 1 = 13

and attacks
Beast claw vs Markus: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

Round 1
25 Creature
18 Markus
16 Pavo
15 Lucid
12 Khyrn
11 Ramos
4 Sverrir

The beast attacks Markus:

Claw 1: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
Claw 2: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11
Bite: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12 Awesome...

Map is updated and you guys are up

Pointing with his mace at the beast Ramos summons forth the aura of madness that is inherent in all priests of Ralishaz. I call upon you lord! cries Ramos, and brandishing his holy symbol curses the beast with madness.

Standard Action: Cast Lesser Confusion on the beast (DC 15).

Confusion, Lesser This spell causes a single creature to become confused for 1 round.
Table: Confused behavior
d% Behavior
01–25 Act normally.
26–50 Do nothing but babble incoherently.
51–75 Deal 1d8 points of damage + Str modifier to self with item in hand.
76–100 Attack nearest creature (for this purpose, a familiar counts as part of the subject’s self ).

Markus takes a step back, a pokes at the creature in the hopes of keeping its attention and luring in it precisely between himself and Pavo.

Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
Damage: 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Khyrn double moves into the house and draws his battleaxe.

Moved on the map

Sverrir grimaces as he sees the beast engage the group;

"Worse than a bear..."

The dwur rumbles forward and brings his new hammer to bear:

+1 Warhammer: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Knowledge Nature: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

Its an Owlbear! Do not let it close and grab you.

Lucid casts a Grease spell under the creature and backs away yet another 5 feet. Reflex save DC15 or fall prone. Balance checks DC10 after to move, I believe. Failure means they may fall prone again.

Having drawn blood it as the owlbear came out of the building, Pavo continues to stab, still marveling as the strange creatures the group had encountered these past few days.

attack: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 6 + 1 = 16
damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Markus and Pavo strike true (15 pts damage)

Ref Save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
prone
Will Save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

The owlbear tumbles in the magical grease that forms at its feet, but shakes off the attack on its sanity.

Round 2
25 Creature
18 Markus
16 Pavo
15 Lucid
12 Khyrn
11 Ramos
4 Sverrir

Owlbear stands up Acro: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15

Pavo AOO: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Marcus AOO: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
Damage: 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
Sverrir AOO: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Claw vs Sverrir: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25
Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Grapple: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (9) + 14 = 23

The lumbers to its feet and is grievously wounded for the effort, but still manages to lash out at Sverrir, landing a solid blow and pulling him into a crush embrace.

You guys are up.

Lucid, seeing his friend grappled fires magic missiles at the creature, trying to bring it down. His Gifted Adept ability allows him a second missile at level 2. Two steaks of arcane energy fly from the mages hand striking the beast.

Magic Missiles: 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (4, 4) + 2 = 10

Round 2

Feeling the Owlbjorn's crushing embrace wrap around him Sverrir flails wildly lest the beast sunder his flask o' brandy;

"Nei my liquor beast! Ye can take my life but not my drink!!!"

Grappled (-2 to hit) Warhammer +1: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Khyrn steps forward and attacks the owlbear.

Attack, battleaxe, flank: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 3 + 2 = 20
Damage, battleaxe: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Under a rain of blows, the beast collapses and does not rise again.

Searching the ruins of the house, you find the decomposing corpses of 2 baby and one adult owlbear.

Another yearling owlbear, wounded by a knife wound, stands mewling in a corner. It looks up at you with large fearful eyes.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Khyrn moves slowly to avoid agitating the baby owlbear, but something catches his eye and he points it out with his battleaxe. "Look, it's an arm with a brand on it. A gold coin says it's from the grave robber who didn't run away with his friends."

"Does anybody recognize the brand?"

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13
knowledge Local: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
knowledge Nature: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

I see it Garavin Vesst work there. Nasty little man. Actually branded his employees like property. Balabar Smenk put him under years ago but I hear Belabar picked up some of the worst of Vesst's men as toughs to do dirty work. This must be what's left of one of them.

Cooing to the baby owlbear Lucid offers dried meat to the creature. Hey little buddy, want to be my familiar?

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Sverrir boots the severed arm then spits.

"Smenk is scum... nei good news..."

Taking in the scene, Pavo smirks as Lucid attempts to feed the owlbear cub. "I'd watch your finger there Lucid, if the baby id as fierce as the grown-up, then you just might be short one or two when it is all done." Looking around once more, Pavo continues with, "So it look like Smenk, or at least a few of his men, are who we should be looking to next. It wouldn't be smart to accuse a man like Smenk without some solid evidence though. I say we should ask around down and see what gossip is flying around."

Intelligence check: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Pavo, Khyrn, let's walk the perimeter. This could make for some shelter from the elements. While they check on that... "little one". Let's get it patched up and fed.

Might have to hunt, too... get some fresh meat. The edible kind, and we won't go making a cannibal out of that youngster. That just isn't right.

I need some time to get my bearings and map out where we've been, maybe I'll put a little book together after we're done.

Perception, perimeter check: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12
Prof Survival, best campsite: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
Prof Cartography: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

Knowledge Check (for local): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Knowledge Check (for nature): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22

Lucid! Are you crazy? That thing might be dangerous! Nodding Ramos turns to Markus. I'll stay here with Lucid in case the thing beast attacks. It seems pretty scared, but i'm no expert. Lucid, let me know if you want me to heal it. Its your call.

"Well, I am good at staying out of sight, but I ain't no hunter. I go for a perimeter walk, but put me out to hunt and we are all bound to starve." Pavo says this with a wink as he slips his blade into his belt. I really gotta get me a scabbard for this sword.

Roll Perception... :)

Markus has little trouble finding a place to rest (Just FYI, it's the middle of the day). The old well, while silty, still has water and a number of nearby large trees provide shade and deadfall for fuel.

Sverrir grins at the scene of Lucid gingerly feeding the owlet-cub

"Hah. Let him suckle on some of this..."

He offers Lucid the ever present flask of dwur spirits

"... would put me and my brodirs to sleep as infants."

** spoiler omitted **

Markus has little trouble finding a place to rest (Just FYI, it's the middle of the day). The old well, while silty, still has water and a number of nearby large trees provide shade and deadfall for fuel.

Don't rush me GM Fanguar on the Owlbear cub thing. Had to go back and check alignement... :P. Was curious if anyone else would make the roll.

As Lucid entices the young cub he note to the group. This baby here is likely worth a lot of gold. I mean a very lot of gold. I've heard of animal trainers paying upwards of 3000 gold for one of these this young. This critter is a major boon for us. Ramos, see if you can heal it without upsetting it.

Depending on how it is responding Lucid will try wrapping it in a blanket to help it feel secure. He will also check the parent to see, if the mother, it was lactating.

Is money really our concern, lads? We're privateers now... we'll have more money that we will know what do to with. That's my feeling. Others are free to disagree.

If the creature is to your liking Lucid, you might even train it to be a mount!

Survival, hunt: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Im fine if Lucid wants to try and keep the cub :)

Khyrn walks with Pavo and Markus, thinking about Smenk's involvement and what it could mean.

Did we bury the boy's bones?

Cub's too small to serve as a mount at present. You guys are more than welcome to keep it, but it is a vicious wild animal and it's going to eventually require some extensive training (handle animal checks) or magical compulsion to keep the critter in check. Conversely, if someone wants to start dipping Druid we could stat it up as an animal companion.

@Khyrn: The bones need to be put to rest with his family. Who's own bones are missing at present.

With a bit of skill, Marcus manages to snare a brace of coneys.

Lucid fails to find any mammary glands on the owlbear.

We've not buried the bones...

Sverrir taps the sack he carries containing Alastor's remains;

"Am thinking best we carry the Land boys bones fer now? If there's grave robbers abroad don't want him ending up dug up... What's yer thoughts lads?"

Thanks guys but Lucid does not have the skills or ability to train this critter. He is simply a cash cow for us. The comment about a familiar was me being cute. I am not sure that there are rules for a monster becoming a trained pet. Maybe Leadership. Not even a druid could have an owlbear animal friend.

Oh ya, there no way I'd allow a fully statted owlbear to be an animal companion. It would just be a re-skinned bear.

Personally, I think we should sell him off. Considering how many traps and other dangerous things we have been upto in the last few days it would probably be better for him in the long run. Looking at the baby owlbear, the priest half chuckles Ain't that right beaky?

"Pavo... might the Emporium consider the whelp? For coin or favour?"

I'll agree with that Severrir. We promised to lay the boy to rest. Considering some graverobbers probably dug up his family for god knows what. Well, I don't think we could come back to him with a clean conscious. At least I couldn't. Lets go find Smenk and have a "polite" conversation.