Megan's Other Legacy of Fire Game 1

Game Master Megan Robertson

...with a short hop, Aurichalcum settles on a pillow, proudly poised in front of Lady Alma

"Lady Alma, there is evidence that points to the work of Pugwampis. Tracks lead away out into the desert, and my comrades have set off in search of their makers. By your leave I will return to them, and we shall discover whether the Pugwampis exist, or whether something equally foul is responsible... we have no other suspicions, other than if Dashki is in league with them. He appears to be rather fond of you, what is your history?"

Aurichalcum, Lady Almah listens to you, still clearly fascinated by a miniature talking dragon!

As she hears what you have to say, she grows thoughtful.

"I had not realised he was minded thus... however, I did spend a lot of time with Eloais - time that could well have made Dashki jealous. Not that Eloais and I had any, ah, romantic attachment either.

"I hired Dashki weeks ago in Solku, while investigating the land granted to me by the Pactmasters. Since Kelmarane was said to be under the control of gnolls, I needed an expert who could explain what I was up against and provide an edge in any possible negotiations with the creatures. Largely due to his animated first-hand accounts of gnoll savagery, I've given up on the idea of diplomacy, but I kept him around because I trust his advice, despite his, ah, eccentricities... although I do wish he'd wash occasionally!

"He has made reference to 'pugwampis' before, but only in passing. Apparently some kind of vermin that annoy gnolls greatly, but which seem fascinated by them and congregate wherever gnolls settle."

And as for the rest of you...

Following Dashki, you set out into the scrubland hills north of the Sultan's Claw, and search about in darkness for signs of the pugwampis. The terrain is rocky and populated by prickly cactii and even more prickly thorn bushes... Dashki has a flaming brand in hand, and it casts an uneven and flickering light over the rough ground.

Do you have light sources or darkvision capability? And may I trouble you all for an Awareness check, please?

Talahel has low-light vision only.

Talahel follows Dashki and tries to peer out to the limits that the light from Dashki's brand will allow. He has his long sword in hand and is ready for anything that may attack. Perception 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

PERCEPTION:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

At the appropriate time I will be following up the party; I move a lot quicker so can catch up, just chime me in at the right time :)

Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 15

Able draws his wayfinder and holds it aloft, in order to add to the light from Dashki's brand.

OY! Perception rolls from the rest of you, please! (Oh rats! It's snowing here again!)

Not me I presume, I'd probably be in flight...

Pedant! Yes, you're still airborne, and I'm not going to ask you to roll to see the lights of the rest as they head out... :)

Yeah they'd be hard to miss, the one single bright spot walking across the inky blackness of the desert :p

Flickering uneven shadows are cast by torches, and a slightly steadier glow from Ablenaffener's Pathfinder, making the very bushes seem alive. They rustle with phantom creatures haunting the underbrush - or at least seem to until closer inspection reveals nocturnal birds and rodents scuttling around, mostly trying to get out of your way.

Dashki says, "Right, we're looking for a little humanoid creature that's much smaller than a halfling, with light fur, dirty claws, and a tiny jackal head."

He drops to his kness suddenly, Tahluminali nearly falling over him, and points to the ground. Look! Tracks! That's them...."

Looking where he points, you can see dozens of small footprints leading off towards the darkness of hill country. There are also a few tracks made by small hooves, looking as if their owner has been pulled along against its will.

Then there's a flapping overhead and Aurichalcum comes in to land.

OK, I want TWO Acrobatics checks from everyone, please. Aurichalcum, you are excused if you decide to remain airborne. And a Perception check from you all as well.

Touching the ground momentarily, so he can be sure you have seen him, Aurichalcum flaps back off into the darkness scouting overhead at a height of around 30 feet...

Talahel sees the tracks Dashki is pointing toward. He tries to peer through the dim light from the torches to spot whatever made the tracks. His long sword is still poised, ready to strike if necessary.

Perception 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

Acrobatic Check #1 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Acrobatic Check #2 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

As Tahl catches his balance after nearly bowling Dhaski over when he suddenly drops to look at tracks he glances around for anything that might have made them while swearing silently about hyperactive humans.

Perception:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

Acrobatics1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

Acrobatics1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 12
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Able leans in close to get a good look at the tracks. "Ah," he says, smiling. "It appears that the pugwampi have taken Rombard against his will. I assume that they'll be preparing to eat him."

You all, apart from Aurichalcum for obvious reasons, are finding it increasingly difficult to keep your footing. Stones turn under your feet, thorns snag your clothing, branches lash back into you...

Tahlumilali seems to be doing the best, but even he finds it heavy going. Poor Ablenaffener manages to get totally tangled in a thorn bush he could have sworn he was going round not through and there's a ripping sound as he pulls himself free.

Something bad's going to happen. You just know it!

And then a sound not unlike the brief cry of a human child comes out of the darkness ahead....

...turning his miniature snout in the direction of the cry, Aurichalcum wheels in and tries to spot the source of the noise from the safety of the sky...

Talahel hears the cry, sees that Auri has heard it too and watches the pseudodragon fly to investigate. He pauses and waits to hear what Auri reports. His hands tighten briefly on his long sword, then relax, ready for whatever is out there. He continues trying to see in the dim light from the meager torches.

perception 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

"And that would be Rombard! Delightful, he's not yet been eaten," Able says happily, his perpetual enthusiasm still not diminished by the bizarre nature of the flora. "Come, let us rescue him quickly." Able pushes ahead, looking forward.

Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 9

Attempting to move in the direction of the cries, you all find that the cactii are more dense.

Aurichalcum, you can make out a small and very scared-looking goat struggling right in the middle of a dense thicket of cactii. From the way it's moving, you think that the panicked animal may be tethered or caught up in some way. Beyond the thicket, on the far side from the others, the ground falls away quite steeply into a gulley.

Talahel, you can just about make out the goat's head through the darkness.

The rest of you are finding it very heavy going, struggling over uneven ground between thornbushes and cactii, all of which seem to be hell-bent on pricking you and catching your clothing and equipment...

... and you all feel a sense of growing dread, a foreboding that all is not quite right.

Two more Acrobatics checks, please, from all those on foot.

As Aurichalcum wheels back past the party, his chirping voice enters your head...

"Rombard is in the middle of the patch, but he is tethered, and as he couldn't do that himself he is clearly bait for some kind of trap... perhaps we are the targets"

His missive delivered, Aurichalcum maintains his vigil around twenty feet above the party, scanning the terrain for threats in the darkness.

Hoping to pick anything out within 60' via Darkvision/Blindsense

"Able, STOP! shouts Talahel in a loud whisper. "Yes it is Rombard, but Auri says he is tethered and it may be a trap. Something is out there ready to pounce.

Talahel turns to Dashki. "Are Puwampis smart enough to set traps? If not, then there is something more dangerous than the Pugwampis out here.

Acrobatic check #1: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
Acrobatic check #2: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Acrobatics:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
Acrobatics:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Perception:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Tahl peers ahead trying to get a glimpse of these "pugwampis" creatures.

Able nods at Talahel's advice, standing still while the party decides on the best course. He whispers back to his companions. "Do we need more light? I can summon more if we want to send them ahead."

I'm thinking Dancing Lights, send them forward to try to reveal anything (or trigger anything out there to attack the lights and reveal itself).

Acro 1 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Acro 2 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17

Sorry to keep you waiting, the 'C' key on my keyboard decided to stop working!

Ablenaffener stops at Talahel's call. Stops a bit too suddenly it seems as a rock turns under his left foot, causing him to stumble. He tries to catch his balance by grabbling a nearby branch, but not only does it break off in his hand, it also manages to gash his palm badly with a thorn. He ends up sprawled on the ground, his hand bleeding and throbbing... bad luck!

1 hp damage, you don't want to use that hand (your off hand) for much right now

Dashki says, "Yes, pugwampis can set traps and ambushes. You're right to be cautious."

Nodding, Talahel turns back to peer into the darkness once more, and there's a loud ripping sound as a thorn branch neatly takes the seat out of his breeches... bad luck!

Tahlumilali strains his eyes but cannot make out much... then a branch flips into his face and he has to take evasive action to avoid getting a thorn stuck in his eye... bad luck!

"Very good idea Able. We need to shed more light on this situation. Plus, the thorny vegetation in this area may do is in well before the Pugwampis." Talahel strains to see the damage done on his trousers.

"I suggest we prepare our ranged weapons first, then when Able sets off his light, we can be ready to surprise anything we see with a volley of bolts and arrows."

Talahel waits for the others to voice their opinion while, still holding his longsword and ready for an attack.

If this sounds like a good plan to everyone else, Talahel will resheath his long sword, take out his longbow and ready it for firing.

Sounds good to me. Tahl says quietly in elvish. While sliding both blades back into their sheaths and removing his bow from its case that protects it from the sand nocking an arrow just in case. From this point on I advise elvish just in case these creatures are close by.

Able gives a little 'squeak' as he tumbles, and another as his hand is pierced. He gives a small laugh. "Zyphus, you'll have to more than that to claim me," he says in Elvish, mostly to himself. He lifts his hands above his head, his hurt hand a little lower, and calls forth four lantern-like lights above him, in a 10-foot radius. He peers forth to see what the lights may reveal.

Perception - 1d20 ⇒ 15

Talahel peers into the now illuminated brush, his bow drawn and ready to fire at any hostile action. Perception 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

All you see are thorn bushes and cactii.

Rombard the goat bleats again and again, becoming louder and more terrified with each passing moment.

Aurichalcum, you can see Rombard is getting quite tangled in his tether, his eyes are rolling and he looks quite paniced.

Talahel, a chance breath of wind carries a voice to your ears. Low and sibilent, it whispers "Supper will be nice... diced chunks off your quarters, seethed in some milk with tomatoes and carrots.."

Talahel whispers in elvish to the others. "I just heard a voice. They are waiting to attack. I am going to fire an arrow in the direction of the voice to flush them out. Be ready for their attack."

Talahel pulls back his arrow and aims it in the direction he heard the shot. He says a brief prayer to Ketephys and let's fly his arrow.

Attack 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
Miss chance 1d100 ⇒ 10%
Damage 1d8 ⇒ 5

Aurichalcum ignores the plaintive cries of the goat, seeking only to find its tormentors. He continues to circle above the party, seeking his prey like a raptor seeking field mice.

Tahl nods his head to Talahel as he pulls back on his bow string ready for anything to run out of hiding.

Ready an attack for anything that might run out of hiding from Talahel's arrow.

Attack:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
Damage:1d8 ⇒ 6

Able will send the dancing lights to circle around Rombard's assumed position, lighting the area around him.

Would you believe it? Tahlumilali and Talahel both draw their bows... and both their bowstrings snap! Bad luck...

Ablenaffener sends his dancing lights to Rombard's location, and the goat is now clearly visible. He's got his tether tangled around his horns and one rear leg, and is clearly panicked.

Aurichalcum can see a figure crouched under a thornbush to the north-east of Rombard's position, quite small. The wind shifts, and you realise the figure is quite smelly too... almost rivalling Dashki when it comes to body odor!

The small draconic voice pierces your mind as he circles above your heads...

"Small and smelly, and north east of the goat, I see it!"

Talahel lets out a curse under his breath in Osiriani as his bowstring snaps. He stows his bow and draws his long sword. He hears Auri point out the direction of the creature. He whispers to Tahl in elvish "Do you smell and see what Auri found? Ready to move in to attack?"

When you say the bowstring snapped, do you mean it came off one of the ends, or do you mean that the bowstring actually broke and is unusable?

Diabhal é! Tahl curses as his bow string snaps on him. He stows his bow and redraws both blades as he extends his senses to see if he can hear, see, or smell the creature.

Perception:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Both bowstrings have actually snapped. Bad luck, that.

Tahlumilali, as you reach out with all your senses you feel a deep forboding...

And then a shrill yell of outrage is heard "Youse nasty peoples come ta steal my dinner!" and the flat twang of a shortbow.

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

You don't see where the arrow went.

Initiatives, please, and state actions/make appropriate rolls. Unless you're quick it may be Wednesday before I resolve the first round... it's the weekend, and I have an all-day job interview on Tuesday.

Talahel springs to action and moves in to attack the source of the arrow with his cold iron longsword.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
Damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Aurichalcums normally gentle voice takes on a decided boom as it enters your mind, reminiscent of a great drake in all its magnificence

"Steal YOUR dinner! Thats MY dinner, I spotted him first! You DARE attack the companions of a Dragon?!"

There is the sound of a beat of wings above you and a hiss like a steam kettle as Aurichalcum wheels rapidly and and shoots at the bushes like a bolt from the sky.

Init:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Attack - Sting - 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19
Damage 1d3 - 2 ⇒ (1) - 2 = -1 + (Posion) = 1pt Non Lethal + Poison.
Poison (Ex)
Sting—injury; save Fort DC 14; frequency 1/minute for 10 minutes; effect sleep for 1 minute; cure 1 save. The save DC is Constitution-based and includes a +2 racial bonus.

Able moves forward cautiously, drawing upon his inner energy. With a flick of his wrist and a mouth-bending arcane cry, he casts a spell towards the sound of the voice.

Init: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Perception to find voice? 1d20 ⇒ 19
I will cast Sleep (DC 17) in my best guess as to the direction of the voice/arrow. 1 minute worth of sleep if the foe falls.

Apologies for neglecting you, the job-hunting went crazy this week just past: 3 interviews (all whole-day) in 3 days, and I only found out about the 3rd one when I got home at 6pm from the 2nd! (And then had to write a 15-minute presentation...)

Even in the flickering torchlight, Aurichalcum makes a magnificent sight as he stoops, tail lashing, to the attack. His stinger sinks into the small creature, 1d20 ⇒ 20, who staggers back from the assualt, screeching.

Rombard's screeching as well, in full-blown panic.

Ablenaffener steps forwards gesticulating and uttering words that seem to twist reality itself.

1d20 ⇒ 4

The small creature slumps to the ground, motionless.

End of combat, what are you doing now?

Aurichalcum begins a fast loop around the briar patch, using his draconic senses to identify any further enemies.

Aurichalcum:

Talahel moves forward toward the slumped creature, longsword still at the ready, and begins to investigate the creature.

Able moves behind Talahel, as the Dancing Lights move back in to light the area. He darkens his wayfinder and replaces it in his bag, drawing his tome and pen as he moves forward.

3 more first level spells, only Ghost Sound and Prestidigitation left for gnome magic.

Dashki comes forwards, holding his torch high.

"Looks like you've caught a pugwampi all right... Told you it was them causing all the trouble."

Auri lands beside the prone Pugwampi and studies it carefully.

"Dirty little creature. Anything that small is unlikely to travel alone, so we should stay wary of the rest of his pack - or his gnollish cousins. What do we do with him now?"

The bleating behind him is obviously taxing his attention.

"I suppose someone had best unhitch that goat before it frightens itself to death... you know I didn't mean that part about it being my meal don't you?" he adds, guiltily.