Male Human Fighter 10 HP (83/84)AC 33 (FF 30, T 16), Fort +12, Ref +8, Will +9, CMD 31 (41 vs. grapple, awesome blow), Per +14
"I'm a direct sort, but I want to be clear. What exactly do you want us to do with this tribe of giants? Eliminate them or find out if they are the guilty party? As you sure they are causing the trouble?"
Kill them all, lock them in a box, send them all to the elemental plane of air to float around like balloons for all I care, just be 100% sure that they're not going to try and kill me and my cats again. Needless to say though, I don't think they'll be very open to discussions and parlay. While I'm as certain as I can be that they where the fighting force at the very least, I will admit that it's odd they would go out of their way to attack me, so finding out WHY will probably be important... and if somehow, it turns out that this is all a setup, if you could go about stopping whoever IS behind this instead, I would of course be equally grateful.
A cat jumps up and nuzzles his hand and he smiles at it.
I have no personal grudge against the Jurd as a tribe, I'm just concerned about my safety and the safety of my little ones.
Male Half Orc Druid (Saurian Shaman) 10HP: 83/83 ||AC: 25(30): t12, ff: 24(28), CMD 26/28 vs overrun || Fort: +13 (15), Ref: +10(12), Will: +14(16),+4 vs. SL and SN Fey abilities/effects that work on plants. Init: +3 Perception: +23/25 vs traps and secret doors
During the conversation Vermin sits in the floor and entices the cats with bits of string and feathers.
Yes, the little ones must be protected. he agrees.
Bauble finds Farkas comfortably sleeping at the bottom of the great brass staircase and munching contentedly on a giant's femur. Apparently, while Zoarth had just chucked a few of the giant bodies down, there where several from proceeding battles with his elemental guards that hadn't survived... Farkas was having a feast and was very happy about it.
Bauble pets his new friend, murmurs some endearments, and returns to see what the others are up to. He's all for a going out and gathering more Wolfy food.
Male LG Halfling 10 (Paladin 6/Fighter 2/Monk 2) | HP 83/83 | AC 23 T 14 FF 20 (if Charge -2, if Smite +6) | CMB +11, CMD 23 (28 vs grapple) | F: +21 23 R: +16 19 (evasion) W: +15 17 | Init: +5 (always act in surprise round) | Perc: +5, SM: -1 | Speed 20ft (Mounted Fly 40ft) | Active: | Constant: +6 Aura of Courage 30'
After enjoying a night of sleep on the enormous bed - it's not often that the griffon finds beds suitable for his girth - Mr. P and Griff are ready to set out.
I'm going to swap out one of Mr. P's memorized spells - Honeyed Tongue - for Word of Resolve.
The trail leads to the northwest. Most of the terrain the Pathfinders must cross is at first mountainous; it later turns into a barren, rocky wasteland with occasional broad, thick copses of conifers that spread across hilltops and down into ravines. Cold winds blow across gray skies and tear at everything in the open terrain. Sleet and freezing rain are common companions.
Following the giants’ trail presents few difficulties. Their size alone makes their tracks and other signs of passage obvious, and of course the brutes marauded as they traveled, leaving a trail of burned cabins, crushed crofts, and occasional scenes of widespread slaughter. Although homes and farms are rare here in the first place, the few that the team find along the trial are utterly destroyed, and no one alive is found. A few people, and smaller bodies that are hard to think about, are left out in the cold... It does not take long to bury them, should the team choose to do so.
After about 3 days of marching, in the distance is a dark shape above the horizon. It is serpentine and winds its way across the sky, wingless. It must be close to sixty feet long, with grayish-brown flesh like the rocky crags all around it. The creature has a massive reptilian head with black, angular horns and a single pair of claws. Scales like crusty armored plates cover its body. Most of the beast appears to be a long tail that ends in three spiky tendrils.
Knowledge Arcana DC 24:
It's not a true dragon, but a Crag Linnorm. Don't let it's offbrand nature fool you, it's just as dangerous, able to breath magma at it's victims.
It's still easily a mile or so off on the horizon though, and doesn't seem to have noticed the team. Might be a good idea to consider some precautions to keep it that way though...
"A Crag Linnorm, the worthy namesake of these barbaric lands. Nearly as powerful as most 'High' Dragons, with a breath of magma." Her eyes gleam oddly at that last word.
"I could conjure something to distract it, unless any of you lot think you have a better idea."
Bauble eyes the dragon curiously from atop Wolfy, not quite able to pinpoint what type exactly it is, but nod his head appreciatively when Lucija identifies it.
"Bauble remember now. Sooo many dragons to remember."
He reaches behind him for the wand with bird beaks glued to the handle and taps himself (heightened awareness, which incidentally brings his Knowledge roll up to 25), then pulls a rod out and casts another spell (extended keen edge) just in case the dragon gets frisky.
"Is volcano dragon nice or mean?" he asks, obviously curious about alignment.
Bauble looks around for an alternate and more hidden route in the same direction.
Bauble knows that Linnorms, as a general rule, are half as smart as dragons, and twice as mean and nasty... probably cause there half as smart and high dragons know when to pick a fight. As a general rule, they tend to be evil of various flavors, usually chaotic.
It's to far off at this time to take any notice of you, but there are some trees, shrubbery, and rocks around that one could easily take cover for a bit.
Male LG Halfling 10 (Paladin 6/Fighter 2/Monk 2) | HP 83/83 | AC 23 T 14 FF 20 (if Charge -2, if Smite +6) | CMB +11, CMD 23 (28 vs grapple) | F: +21 23 R: +16 19 (evasion) W: +15 17 | Init: +5 (always act in surprise round) | Perc: +5, SM: -1 | Speed 20ft (Mounted Fly 40ft) | Active: | Constant: +6 Aura of Courage 30'
"If it is indeed evil, perhaps we should venture forth to destroy it. I'm sure the poor farmers of this land will be most glad to be rid of its pestilence!"
As a paladin, Sir Mr. P is honor-bound to at least consider this option. However, he's not the brightest and if the rest of the party wants to "save the Linnorm for later" I'm sure that he'll go along.
Bauble is torn between the novelty of decorating a wand with dragon parts and the fear of being consumed by lava. Besides, he is pretty sure northern dragons (having come from the north himself) carry curses and he doesn't fancy becoming a toad. The toad thing sways him and...
Alright team, you will be traveling through the dragons land, and while he's fairly obvious, I need to know what you'll be doing to attempt to avoid him if that's your plan. Then I need everyone to give me a stealth check (Don't worry, it's an average+modifiers for precautions you take)
Male Half Orc Druid (Saurian Shaman) 10HP: 83/83 ||AC: 25(30): t12, ff: 24(28), CMD 26/28 vs overrun || Fort: +13 (15), Ref: +10(12), Will: +14(16),+4 vs. SL and SN Fey abilities/effects that work on plants. Init: +3 Perception: +23/25 vs traps and secret doors
Vermin changes up some spells and travels in small air elemental form, which is not only fast but also blends in well with the sky.
After seeing the wyrm threat he flies down to speak with the group to consider their options. After listening to the others he offers I agree that the mission should come first. And I am enraged at the damage these giants have done to the farms and their keepers here. They must pay. Its a strange thing to see an enraged air elemental. His form darkens like a storm cloud and arcs of lightning can been seen inside his body. But this great wyrm is also a threat and even it is not in league with our enemies it is hear. If not dealt with could come to the aid of our enemies or it could attack us at a time of its choosing as we must pass through. Better for us and for the people of this land to deal with it on our own terms instead of react to it. If we wait until tomorrow morning I will be able to offer some protections from the thing.
What all do we know about it with Lucija's 29 knowledge roll? DR? Special attacks? Special defenses? SR?
Vermin talks with the others about the power of the dragon. The beast is nearly impossible to hurt without cold iron weapons, and the Magma blast it fires is deadly. Unfortunately, that's all the details that she can muster, though Bauble chimes in about their ability to curse people who do kill it, in the Crag Linnorm's case to make it so that the killer because like kindling around fire, and they are particularly resistant to spells, but that's all he can add.
Bauble will need a handle animal to instruct Farkas to lay low, though it seems there is some suggestion you should try to take on the linnorm, so teammates can chat that out first.
Male LG Halfling 10 (Paladin 6/Fighter 2/Monk 2) | HP 83/83 | AC 23 T 14 FF 20 (if Charge -2, if Smite +6) | CMB +11, CMD 23 (28 vs grapple) | F: +21 23 R: +16 19 (evasion) W: +15 17 | Init: +5 (always act in surprise round) | Perc: +5, SM: -1 | Speed 20ft (Mounted Fly 40ft) | Active: | Constant: +6 Aura of Courage 30'
Proudefeets grumbles a bit about whether sneaking around in the bushes is really the chivalrous thing to do, but he's reassured at the suggestion that they can come back and take care of the dragon after they take care of the giants, who are, in their own way, just as pressing a problem.
He and Griff land and travel on the ground, though Mr. P remains mounted.
Stealth, Mr. P:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Stealth, Griff:1d20 + 0 ⇒ (17) + 0 = 17
If it does appear that the dragon spots them and heads towards them, he'll want to take some specific measures while it is still in the distance (namely, activate wands of Heightened Awareness, Protection From Evil, and Divine Favor, and get out the wand of Saddle Surge, as well as Smite evil on the dragon.
Mr. P offers to help Bauble with training his monstrous dino-wolf, despite what it did to him earlier.
Male Half Orc Druid (Saurian Shaman) 10HP: 83/83 ||AC: 25(30): t12, ff: 24(28), CMD 26/28 vs overrun || Fort: +13 (15), Ref: +10(12), Will: +14(16),+4 vs. SL and SN Fey abilities/effects that work on plants. Init: +3 Perception: +23/25 vs traps and secret doors
Vermin smiles an elemental smile as he watches Mr. P calm and direct the huge wolf. He then adds I think then we must vote. I am for taking the wyrm now but will go along with the majority. I can offer moderate protection from fire for the entire group if we choose to attack now.
communal resist energy memorized: Will offer 20 points of fire resistance. Other than that, lets just not all be grouped into he same cone. :)
Male LG Halfling 10 (Paladin 6/Fighter 2/Monk 2) | HP 83/83 | AC 23 T 14 FF 20 (if Charge -2, if Smite +6) | CMB +11, CMD 23 (28 vs grapple) | F: +21 23 R: +16 19 (evasion) W: +15 17 | Init: +5 (always act in surprise round) | Perc: +5, SM: -1 | Speed 20ft (Mounted Fly 40ft) | Active: | Constant: +6 Aura of Courage 30'
"I agree with Vermin. Why leave such a foul threat at our rear? But if we decide to attack it, we should do so in the open so that we have room to maneuver. Is everyone able to fly so that we can attack it in the air?"
He does not have a cold iron weapon, but that shouldn't matter as long as it is smite-able (i.e. evil).
Male Human Fighter 10 HP (83/84)AC 33 (FF 30, T 16), Fort +12, Ref +8, Will +9, CMD 31 (41 vs. grapple, awesome blow), Per +14
"They don't make cold iron whips, but mine is of sufficient enhancement to hurt things which are vulnerable to cold iron. Admittedly, I am unlikely to sneak past it, so perhaps we should engage it on ground of our choosing. "
Dwarf Fighter 10 | HP 94/94 | AC 30; Tch 15; FF 27 | F +9; R +6; W +4 | CMB+14; CMD 27 | Speed 30 ft | Init +3 | +2 Warhammer (adamantine): +19 (1d8+10/x3) | Perc +12
Clandelve mutters incessantly about hiding from this beast, but apparently his voice doesn't carry to it, and in fact he seems fairly agile for a dwarf in full-plate armor and shield.
Welp, if you guys want to hunt the dragon, then i'll need a plan of action since your pretty well hid enough not to proc it accidentally. Not yet at least. >.>
Male Half Orc Druid (Saurian Shaman) 10HP: 83/83 ||AC: 25(30): t12, ff: 24(28), CMD 26/28 vs overrun || Fort: +13 (15), Ref: +10(12), Will: +14(16),+4 vs. SL and SN Fey abilities/effects that work on plants. Init: +3 Perception: +23/25 vs traps and secret doors
I do not mean to force the dragon hunt. We have not heard from some people on their preference.
Male Human Fighter 10 HP (83/84)AC 33 (FF 30, T 16), Fort +12, Ref +8, Will +9, CMD 31 (41 vs. grapple, awesome blow), Per +14
I don't think anyone has actual cold iron weapons, so it's a really bad idea. However Jothas doesn't know any better so I can't caution people about that. It's just natural caution which makes him not want to fight a large flying thing which breathes lava.
Male Half Orc Druid (Saurian Shaman) 10HP: 83/83 ||AC: 25(30): t12, ff: 24(28), CMD 26/28 vs overrun || Fort: +13 (15), Ref: +10(12), Will: +14(16),+4 vs. SL and SN Fey abilities/effects that work on plants. Init: +3 Perception: +23/25 vs traps and secret doors
Vermin has a mwk cold iron scimitar that he could use or loan. Bauble's black blade counts as cold iron. Mr. P's smite will bypass DR. Hammerhand, like all good dwarfs, is a walking arsenal and has at least three cold iron weapons including MW dwarven waraxe (cold iron), light hammer (cold iron) and a dagger (cold iron). I hope everyone who has a regular arrow or crossbow bolt actually has the cold iron versions as they cost little more and that is all anyone should buy. And you said your weapon will bypass as well. There will be issues fightig a dragon, there always are, but not having cold iron should not be one.
Male Human Fighter 10 HP (83/84)AC 33 (FF 30, T 16), Fort +12, Ref +8, Will +9, CMD 31 (41 vs. grapple, awesome blow), Per +14
Umm, regeneration? Bypassing cold iron DR isn't the issue that concerns me, but I suppose since we have some, it can be put down. Though a well played dragon in open terrain flying is not a trivial encounter.
Male Half Orc Druid (Saurian Shaman) 10HP: 83/83 ||AC: 25(30): t12, ff: 24(28), CMD 26/28 vs overrun || Fort: +13 (15), Ref: +10(12), Will: +14(16),+4 vs. SL and SN Fey abilities/effects that work on plants. Init: +3 Perception: +23/25 vs traps and secret doors
Just above you posted that " don't think anyone has actual cold iron weapons, so it's a really bad idea." I have shown you that this is incorrect. And of course fighting a dragon is not trivial. As I stated, there will be issues. But going after it will be much better than it coming after us when we are not expecting it, or worse, when we are already engaged. It seems to be flying over/patrolling the area where we need to go. I think it likely that it is allied with whatever is at the root of the problem. In my mind its not if we deal with the dragon, but when.
|AC 24**, T 13*, FF 22*|HP: 71/77|F +10**, R +11***, W +11** (+8 vs MA, +4 vs fear, +2 vs despr/confus/insane/death)|Init +2*, Perc +1*|CMB +11** CMD 20|10/11 Summon VI, 1/2 Call, 1/1 Pride, 1/1 Mysteries, 1/1 Davian, #X
Lucija waves her hand dismissively at fighting the linnorm. "This is none of our concern and a waste of time. *I* need not prove myself against a creature of the land - it is insignificant before the power of the Great Beyond."
Male Half Orc Druid (Saurian Shaman) 10HP: 83/83 ||AC: 25(30): t12, ff: 24(28), CMD 26/28 vs overrun || Fort: +13 (15), Ref: +10(12), Will: +14(16),+4 vs. SL and SN Fey abilities/effects that work on plants. Init: +3 Perception: +23/25 vs traps and secret doors
Vermin nods consent if not agreement. Very well. We shall try to avoid this creature. If it comes upon us come to me if you wish fire resistance. the duration is long but not so long that I can cast it now and have it still running hours later.
Alright, if I could get a actual stealth roll from vermin and Lucija, we'll see if you end up fighting it anyways! Though you got some surprisingly good rolls boosting you so far...
Male Half Orc Druid (Saurian Shaman) 10HP: 83/83 ||AC: 25(30): t12, ff: 24(28), CMD 26/28 vs overrun || Fort: +13 (15), Ref: +10(12), Will: +14(16),+4 vs. SL and SN Fey abilities/effects that work on plants. Init: +3 Perception: +23/25 vs traps and secret doors
Vermin is in small air elemental form at the moment with Elemental Body II. He has fly 60 (Perfect) and +3 form bonus to stealth.
With those rolls, even a fail from Lucija won't upset the cart to much. Lucija, still make the roll for roleplay purposes if you don't mind, and we'll continue. If nobody objects, there are a couple of random digressions that have no bearing on the adventure that can occur here but for sanity's sake I'm going to skip those (Obvious plothooks for home GMs that don't mean a thing here.)
The crew manage to stay low, stay mobile, and most importantly, stay out of sight. The great dragon passes by rather closely for comfort several times, but does not spot the group. The next day or two of travel is spent keeping their head down and looking over there shoulders, but the Linnorm never spots them as they move and soon enough they no longer see it's shadow stalking the landscape.
As the team reaches another rise, Vermin's sharp eyesight allows him to halt the team before they continue further. Far off in the distance is a small contingent of Hill Giants, 6 of them all told. They are armored up, carrying greatclubs and giant rocks and painted over with warpaint. They don't exactly look "Friendly". With the team taking precautions against the dragon, you've managed not to be spotted yet... they aren't headed in your general direction, so they may not spot you at all.
Sense Motive 15+:
The giants seem to be looking for something... they are apparently nervous, and grip their clubs tightly, though they are still telling jokes and laughing.
Knowledge (Local) 20+:
The war paint is wrong for sieging a castle. It's actually hunting warpaint for good luck on a successful hunt. Whatever the giants might be up to, these ones seem to be a hunting party
Knowledge (Nature) 30+:
There have been a few tracks and markings on trees... it's hard to notice because they don't match the size of anything else... but considering how big wolfy is, and doing a comparison, one might reasonably assume that a bear as big as wolfy is out and about in this territory.
|AC 24**, T 13*, FF 22*|HP: 71/77|F +10**, R +11***, W +11** (+8 vs MA, +4 vs fear, +2 vs despr/confus/insane/death)|Init +2*, Perc +1*|CMB +11** CMD 20|10/11 Summon VI, 1/2 Call, 1/1 Pride, 1/1 Mysteries, 1/1 Davian, #X
Stealth, guidance:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
As any thieves' guild will proudly tell you, there are many different techniques to stealth. Lucija's is to simply walk through like she belongs there. Somehow, it works.
Male Half Orc Druid (Saurian Shaman) 10HP: 83/83 ||AC: 25(30): t12, ff: 24(28), CMD 26/28 vs overrun || Fort: +13 (15), Ref: +10(12), Will: +14(16),+4 vs. SL and SN Fey abilities/effects that work on plants. Init: +3 Perception: +23/25 vs traps and secret doors
