[PFS] GM ShieldBug's The Year of the Sky Key

Game Master ShieldBug

Then, shalt thou count to three. No more. No less. Three shalt be the number thou shalt count, and the number of the counting shall be three. Four shalt thou not count, nor either count thou two, excepting that thou then proceed to three. Five is right out...

Or, as Tim says... Look at the bones!

Yaiho suddenly roars with such ferociousness a few birds wake up and start squawking in panic. His eyes then turn red with rage and looks at the tiger thing with murder in his eyes.

He brings his maul up and slams it down before trying to take a bite out of the monster.

+1 Earthbreaker +Flank -PA: 1d20 + 11 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (19) + 11 + 2 - 1 = 31
Damage +PS +PA: 2d6 + 10 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (3, 2) + 10 + 1 + 3 = 19

Razortusk +Flank -PA: 1d20 + 5 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (18) + 5 + 2 - 1 = 24
Damage +PS +PA: 1d4 + 5 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 1 + 2 = 12

Free: Rage Mode w/ Power Stance
Full-Round: +1 Earthbreaker + Razortusk (Power Attacks)

Missed a crit by 1.

10' drop + 5' on the ground, move action.

As Arin steps away from the tree, his guttural abyssal words seems to boom across the opening in a way that doesn't seem likely from the little gnome. The harsh words grate on the ears of the conscious.

Well, the Baron is stable and nobody else is near death, so I'm going to keep with the original plan. I know it's already shaken now, but that looks like it expires quickly.

He inspects the Baron and confirms that while out of it, he appears to be stable. With the beasts attention on the halfling, he will be safe. Arin squares himself, stares down the creature, and begins to gesticulate awkward and spew more harsh incantation.

Cast Doom on the Leucrotta, standard action. DC15 will save or it becomes shaken for 2 minutes (20 rounds).

I have a feeling I'm missing several references there. Don't worry Forrest, I was just trying to say that it is really really tough. :)

The leucrotta almost seems to smile at Forrest's hesitancy, but before it can double down on its Danicka impression, there's an explosion from the trees, and it howls in pain as a musket ball tears through its rump. The beast turns, with a snarl that quickly turns into a yipping laugh as Brock takes a tumble from the tree and lands in an undignified heap on the floor. "Yaiho think little, clumsy man smell of elderberry! Leave fight to me." It roars with laughter in Yaiho's voice.

Fall Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 1) = 5

You also get a higher ground bonus, which just about turns that into a hit. :)

However, with the aid of Brock's distracting acrobatics, Rook and Yaiho are able to unleash fire and fury with devastating results. Rook's bomb hits the beast squarely, engulfing it in a massive fireball. With the alchemical weapon working to maximum effect, there's a scream of pain that sounds like the amalgamation of all your voices as the smells of burnt hair and roast game fill the air. As soon as the flames subside, Yaiho lets loose with his massive hammer, striking the leucrotta between the shoulder blades. Its legs sprawl out in front of it, as the power of the blow forces the beast's chest to the ground. "NO! No! That damned tiger is mine. CEASE FI- AAggh!" The baron yells, but is cut short as the raging half-orc bites a huge chunk out of the back of the leucrotta's neck.

With the onslaught in full flow, the beast somehow manages to shrug off the gnome's terrifying magic. Perhaps it already knows it's doomed?

That is actually a pretty nice combination, Arin. Brock or Forrest shake something for a round or two, making it easier for you to land a more long-term solution. Unfortunately, I rolled a 19 this time. ;)

The beast scrambles back to its feet and takes a panicked bite back at Yaiho's arm, digging its boney ridges into soft flesh and tearing away at the muscle. The wound is significant, but compared to the damage suddenly inflicted upon the leucrotta, it is nothing. Once again, it kicks out behind with two strong legs, one hitting Prickles painfully on the snout, giving the vicious dog a bloody nose.

COMBAT TRACKER - Round 3/4 - Bold may act - Map
------------------------------------------------------------

Brock (-5hp, prone)
Danicka (-5hp, shield)
Prickles (-10hp, 5NL, mage armour)
----------------------
Red / Square (-65hp)
----------------------
Rook (3NL)
Yaiho (-14hp)
Rudyahm (-43hp, 3NL, prone, stable)
Forrest (4NL)
Arin ( )

ONGOING EFFECTS / ENVIRONMENT
Moon/Dim light: 20% miss chance unless you have dark or low-light vision. Counteracted by Prickle’s collar.
Stream: The stream is not very deep but does count as difficult terrain to splash through any square with blue on it.
Hides: The hides do not provide cover, are 20' in the air, and require a DC 10 to climb check go down the ladder at quarter speed, DC 15 if you want to climb the tree itself. To move at half speed add 5 to the DC.

PENDING
None.

Grunting in pain from the fall, Brock drags himself to his feet and shuffles towards the fight wheezing as he splashes through the water.

Double move

Forrest grins and looks sideways at Yaiho. "Get 'em, Yaiho! " Forrest takes his own advice and spins, stabbing at the beast.

Rapier: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 10 + 2 = 29
Damage: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Seeing his rapier land, Forrest shows off his grin. He bares his teeth and shakes his head, spittle spraying out onto his beard and the devil-cat's fur. "Go back to hell, beast! "

Intimidate: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30

A reminder on how Demoralize works: The rounds keep stacking. This demoralize goes for one round, then one more for each five I beat the DC.

Not feeling the bite done on him in his fit of rage, Yaiho has the monster's blood dripping from his mouth as he looks at it and gives a wicked smile. "You taste good. Yaiho eat you."

Yaiho then once again swings his maul at the monster and chomps down on it as a following attack.

+1 Earthbreaker +Flank -PA: 1d20 + 10 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (11) + 10 + 2 - 1 = 22
Damage +PS +PA: 2d6 + 10 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (1, 3) + 10 + 1 + 3 = 18

Razortusk +Flank -PA: 1d20 + 5 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (18) + 5 + 2 - 1 = 24
Damage +PS +PA: 1d4 + 5 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 1 + 2 = 11

Full-Round: +1 Earthbreaker + Razortusk (Power Attacks)

With a pained snarl, Prickles bites right back at the leucrotta!

Attack: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 2 = 8
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Trip Attempt (if bite hits): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

But the constant kicks to the head have thrown off his aim! He shakes his head, trying to fix his vision and cease the pounding. Surely there aren't four of his striped meal? And why is he hearing two of his pet?

Nice use of the voice mimicry, by the way! I actually hesitated when I read that the Baron told us to stop! Hahaha.

Danicka's eyes widen at the many voices coming from the beast. She ignores it as best as she can, pulls out her wand and uses it on the very unconscious, and definitely NOT TALKING Baron.

Healing: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

"Impressive it is still standing! Even better I get to blast it again..."

Bomb vs. Touch: 1d20 + 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 2 + 1 + 1 = 22
Damage (Fire): 1d6 + 5 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 10

I would be surprise after two rounds of Yaiho hitting plus you guys biting and exploding things on it if it will still be standing.

Winded, Brock regains his feet and starts splashing his way through the stream and towards the action. Meanwhile, Rook revels in the opportunity to throw another of his bombs, and once again his aim is true. Through the heat haze, of another fireball, he can see the beast beginning to panic as it circles around looking for an escape route. Before it can get anywhere, Yaiho hits it once more with his maul, the crack of huge ribs echoes through the clearing. Now suitably tenderised and cooked to a succulent medium-rare, Yaiho bites another chunk out of the beast's shoulder, spraying blood everywhere. After spurring Yaiho on, Forrest spins around with a flourish and sinks his sword to the hilt into the beast's throat. It promptly acquiesces to the sprayed request, slumps to the ground with a gurgling groan, and dies, presumably on its way straight back to hell.

Prickles is a bit late to the party, and after shaking his head clear, starts chewing on a leg as Danicka begins work on the baron with a tap of her wand. The leucrotta really did a number on him, and although a few of the more superficial wounds start to knit back together, his body remains mostly broken, and he has yet to regain consciousness.

COMBAT OVER!!!
Party Status:
Brock (-5hp)
Danicka (-5hp)
Prickles (-10hp, 5NL)
Rook (3NL)
Yaiho (-14hp)
Forrest (4NL)
Arin ( )
Baron Rudyahm (-41hp)

Y'all look a bit beat up after that one, but you did it! Technically Forrest dealt the killing blow, so Rook you can keep your last bomb, and Yaiho can keep a round of rage. I'll give you a little time to recover, but to save some guesswork, the baron will wake up after being healed of 7hp and you'll have the option to rest here for the night. ;)

Seeing the broken body of the beast lay before him and it's blood dripping from his mouth. He lets his rage subside and then joins Prickles in munching on another leg of the beast.

He stands up again remembering something and walks over to Danicka, handing her his wand of cure light wounds. "Heal everyone."

Yaiho then goes back to munching on leucrotta leg and thigh.

With our good rolls, this battle was easier than the Emperor Cobra battle.

Forrest laughs as the beast falls to his blade. "THE HONOR IS MINE! " He shouts to the heavens, quite proud and full of himself. After a few moments of jumping up and down, he returns to his senses. "I mean... nicely done, everyone! That was scary! " He can't suppress his grin, however, as he wipes the beast's blood off his rapier. Take THAT, Brock!

Forrest looks around for tigers, and pats Yaiho on the back.

Arin frowns that the creature resisted his doom, but is relieved when it finally falls.

He looks around and takes stock of the many bruises and cuts.

"You're all hurt, to various degrees. This is going to take a decent amount of patching."

He thinks for a moment.

"Please don't be alarmed..."

After the last word completes the little gnomish body lifts slightly off the ground and lightens rapidly and faint flames start to flicker around his body. The increase more and more until it seems they've consumed him, leaving behind what appears to be a golden-white fire elemental. Or, alternately, like his whispy flamy hair became all of him.

Activate energy body, duration two rounds.

The fiery entity immediately moves to hover over the baron so that he also seems consumed by the flames.

Energy body healing to baron, round 1: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Energy body healing to baron, round 2: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

The flame subsides to reveal the gnome kneeling next to the baron. He gets up, pulls his healing wand out of his pack, and gets to work on the rest of the group.

Cast cure light wounds, Brock: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
Cast cure light wounds, Danicka: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Wand of cure light wounds, Danicka: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
He pets prickles as h taps him with his wand.
Wand of cure light wounds, Prickles: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Wand of cure light wounds, Prickles: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Wand of cure light wounds, Prickles: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Wand of cure light wounds, Prickles: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Wand of cure light wounds, Prickles: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Wand of cure light wounds, Yaiho: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Wand of cure light wounds, Yaiho: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Wand of cure light wounds, Yaiho: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Wand of cure light wounds, Rook: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
Wand of cure light wounds, Forrest: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Wand of cure light wounds, Baron: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Wand of cure light wounds, Baron: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Wand of cure light wounds, Baron: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Wand of cure light wounds, Baron: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
Wand of cure light wounds, Baron: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Wand of cure light wounds, Baron: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Arin wipes his brow after several minutes of watching wounds close and bruises fade away.

I don't think a single nights rest would have taken care of much of that, 1 hp / level, so 2 or 3 after one night for most of us. Not sure if the baron would have healed much more.

Rook laughs with excitement at Arin's transformation. When he passes through his body he laugh turns to a bit of shock and he calls out.

"Hey little guy. Mgepah nafl ymg' ilyaa l' ah cahf mgng embracing fahff r'luhh ah proving mgmnahn' indeed"

Yaiho wipes the blood off his mouth and looks down at the prey. "Will make a good pelt."

He then grins at Arin, "Thank you for healing. Yaiho likes flame look of yours."

Shaking the water from his boots as he limps toward the beast, pick in hand Brock grunts in dissappointment that he didn't get a more decisive blow in, but still manages to mutter.

"Guess my shot bit in pretty deep."

Knowing full well from the look of it that Yaiho, as usual, did the lions share of killing with his mighty hammer and tusks.

When Arin approaches with his wand, Brock instead holds his own out, to save the magic of the gnomes own healing wand.

"save your chagres in case we need them in battle." he says with a smile.

Once the party is stabilized he wanders back to his blind to retrieve and reload his musket, in case other predators or scavengers smell all the blood and come wandering by. He then stands near the group, listening to discussion as he watches out for further danger.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

When Arin approaches with his wand, Brock instead holds his own out, to save the magic of the gnomes own healing wand.

"save your chagres in case we need them in battle." he says with a smile.

Arin nods.

One charge saved from Brock, thanks

Nothing surprises this group. It's for the better.

Arin smiles to himself.

Danicka fusses over the baron while Arin heals everyone, not even noticing Arin catch aflame. Eventually she passes Yaiho back his wand, and spends a few minutes trying to get Prickles to stop eating the leucrotta. Unfortunately, Prickles listens about as well as Yaiho does, and they both continue to gnaw on the corpse.

She turns and lets out a sigh.

"That creature was... disturbing. It was so cunning!" She places a hand on her throat nervously.

"Baron, are you alright?"

@ Arin: You beat me to it! Haha. FYI, you used two too many charges on Prickles, so you have two more charges saved. Thanks!

@ Arin: You beat me to it! Haha. FYI, you used two too many charges on Prickles, so you have two more charges saved. Thanks!

Is that because it was NL damage?

Forrest smiles at Arin and bows. "Always the gentleman! " He reaches into his backpack. A slightly creepy gentleman. He pulls out a wand. "Use mine! I hear it works better on halflings! That's what the merchant said! "

Save yourself another charge!

Danicka Raburnus wrote:

@ Arin: You beat me to it! Haha. FYI, you used two too many charges on Prickles, so you have two more charges saved. Thanks!

Is that because it was NL damage?

Yep. When a spell or ability cures hit point damage, it also removes an equal amount of nonlethal damage. ;)

The baron's wounds start to quickly heal, his broken bones resetting as Arin, consumed by flames, hovers over him in all his fiery glory. "Am I dead?" Rudyahm wonders as his eyes open to the sight of a small figure engulfed in golden-white fire. As the flames subside and the gnome returns to normal, the baron regains his senses. "The beast!? Did you get it, is it over?" He sits up, perhaps a bit too quickly for his poor bones, and looks over to see Prickles and Yaiho gnawing on the leucrotta's legs. "Bwahaha- aagh!" He holds his sore ribs, the toning down his laughter, releasing five years of angst and tension now that the 'tiger' is finally dead.

"Thank you, Arin! I thought I was dead for sure when that... whatever it is, got me in it's jaws. I have no idea how you kept me alive, but I am in your debt." He then nods at Danicka and holds up his hand so that she can help him to his feet. "Ha! I'm more than alright!" Once back to his feet, he uses his musket as a makeshift walking stick and hobbles around the smoking creature towards the tiger-like haunches and tail, "Here! See? This is clearly the creature that murdered my friends." He points at a scar along the leucrotta's flank, "That's where I shot it." It looks like a weight has been lifted from his shoulders. "I wanted to be the one to do it, but all that really matters is that it's dead. Bengenn, Nadhil, Rimmes, and the rest of my friends can rest in peace now. You have my eternal thanks, Pathfinders."

It's very late, and even with Arin's diligent work with everyone's wounds, you are still fatigued from the difficult trials the day brought. The baron insists that you should make camp in the machans, and spend the rest of the night recovering.

Everyone should be at full health, Yaiho recovers from 1 point of his Con damage, and all your daily abilities / spells / panache have been restored.

The next morning over a breakfast of jerky and leucrotta, the count confides in you that he has decided to retire from hunting now that his friends have been avenged. "You saved this old fool's life, perhaps more than once yesterday and I will never forget it. Now... Falroun said that you're hoping to find for some lost temple of somesuch in the lowlands? Well, I know from experience just how easy it is to get lost in those swamps, so if you would have a decrepit old soldier, I am more than happy to guide you to your quarry. It's the least I can do to repay you."

You have three options: Return the baron to his son-in-law at the hunting lodge half a day's journey away, then go to the temple. Head straight off to the temple now and let the baron return to the hunting lodge by himself, or go to the temple with the baron.

There's nothing else to do at the lodge except drop off the baron and possibly buy some supplies, so whether you head straight to the temple or go to the lodge first, I will need a survival check for to find the way through the swamps. Elect one person to roll, and the others can aid. (Survival checks can be made untrained.) If you want the Baron to come along, you can elect him to make the check.

Yaiho has a +5 Survival plus I don't like the idea of the Baron going to his camp alone.

Yaiho looks at the others and then he speaks up. "Yaiho say take Baron back to camp. Get supplies and then go to ruins."

Also maybe rest a couple of days if there is no time restraint to get rid of all of the Con damage on Yaiho.

Brock nods at the large half orc, "Yes, I agree. These lands are far too dangerous for anyone to traverse alone. Even one as accomplished as yourself".

Brock nods to the Baron, before gathering his gear for the trek back.

"I would agree, Baron. This had been an ordeal for all of us. That and I am sure the Count will be interested to hear the tale! However it is your choice." Rook adds not wanting the Baron in any more danger but letting the man decide.

Completely fine with a travel back. I have a +6 to Survival.

Forrest looks back and forth between the baron and the dangerous woods
. I don't want to make our benefactor upset. Or upset the count, even. He shrugs. "It's up to you, Baron. What would you prefer? "

I think Danicka has the best survival with a +8+1d6.

"Oh, thank you for the offer, but our first mission was to keep you safe and help you in your endeavours. Let us see you safely to the lodge. I should be able to find the ruins without trouble."

Arin looks up at the Baron.
"If you would have us along, we can all keep each other safe and our party may have need of supplies and minor rest before embarking on our search of the temple."

Arin's survival is a robust +1

The hunting lodge it is. :)

The Baron pokes at the dwindling campfire with his ornate walking stick and nods. "Very well. I'm not going to second guess you after everything you have shown me of your skills. I'll go with you to the lodge, but leave the machans where they are, you can use them when you make your way back towards your temple." Once you have finished your breakfast and packed up camp, you start escorting the Baron towards the hunting lodge to rendezvous with Count Matsanda. The baron is in good spirits throughout the journey, sharing stories of his favourite hunts, and the trophies he and his lost friends had gathered over the years as he ambles along.

It's late afternoon by the time you arrive at the lodge, and the count looks mightily relieved to finally see you. "It was a success then? Did you kill the- Oh?!" He's interrupted as Rudyahm grabs his hand, gives it a firm shake, and brings him in for a man hug. "That it was, son! That it was." After a few heavy slaps on the back, the baron lets go of his shocked son-in-law and limps into the lodge. "I'll tell you all about it, but first things first. Hey, you... WHISKY!" He commands a passerby; whether or not the man works here is unknown, but he certainly rushes off to get Rudyahm a drink anyway. Meanwhile Matsanda thanks you wholeheartedly for a job well done. Still looking a bit dazed, he offers to set you up for the night at the lodge, should you be so inclined.

The lodge has mundane survival gear available for purchase, so let me know if you want buy anything. Time-wise, Danicka and Brock did find out that there is competition for the temple, and the venture-captain was quite worried that looters would pick the place dry before you arrive. If you head straight out again, you'll either have to camp out in the clearing again, or head through the swamps at night. If you spend the night at the lodge, you can get to the swamps while it's still light, but you'll have to worry about the hazardous mid-day heat. You are free to stay an extra night in either location to help with Yaiho's Con damage, but that might have consequences as far as competition for the temple is concerned. ;)

Seeing the Baron off, Yaiho looks at the rest. "Yaiho say eat and then head out right away. Beat anyone else there, then beat them when they arrive."

"Right! We don't want competition beating us to our possible vaults of treasure." agrees Rook.

Brock grunts, "Agreed. The sooner we get this done, the sooner we get paid. But let's not hurry too much, this "competition" might have nice stuff for us to loot from their corpses."

"Agreed. "Forrest smiles, then looks at Danicka. "You have sharp eyes and magical light. Can you lead us through the night? " He lifts his eyebrows, obviously believing in her.

Danicka nods and smiles at her friend's faith in her. I can do this!

"Yes. Let's go."

Survival: 1d20 + 8 + 1d6 ⇒ (8) + 8 + (2) = 18

Brock snorts at Forrest's words but quickly covers it with a cough.

Giving Danicka a, hopefully supporting, smile, he says "Lead on."

Bluff: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

You return to the scene of the 'tiger' hunt just as the sun begins to set, and from there Danicka takes the lead as you head towards the Urapangi Lowlands. As she informed the rest of the team at the briefing, A large freshwater swamp dominates this area, and travel quickly becomes difficult. As you traverse dense foliage and wade through still water that reaches Forrest's chest on a few occasions, the mosquitoes start to come out in force. The incessant buzzing is enough to annoy even the most patient of people. Fortunately, Rook was prepared for this and starts handing out homemade vials of vermin repellent to the whole team. It doesn't help with the noise, but it does keep you safe from their disease-ridden bites.

An 18 just about does it! Fun fact: Without vermin repellent (or a good survival roll,) you might have malaria by now. :)

Despite Brock's misgivings, Danicka confidently leads you out of the swamp in impressive time, managing to find the least obtrusive paths and limiting your time in the dirty, stagnant water. It's now a few hours before midnight, and you are standing in a small clearing with what appears to be a set of stone steps leading up to some standing ruins. The site is almost entirely overgrown by vegetation, and only bits and pieces of its brown sandstone exterior are visible from the outside. The weight of the huge roof and the passage of centuries have caused the ceiling to collapse near the building’s centre. The interior is pitch black thanks to the encrusted vegetation. The jungle around the temple is exceptionally thick and would be next to impossible to move through at more than a snail's pace.

It's completely dark inside the temple, so please let me know how you are planning to light the way. Also, remember that you have had a night's rest, so bombs, panache, rage, and spells are all refreshed. ;)

Now that you have finally found the real objective of your mission, you waste no time climbing up the steps and entering the main chamber from the south. Columns line the walls of this small room, each decorated with a high-relief carving of a monkey in a different pose. Some of the monkey sculptures sit serenely in meditation or reach out with their hands as if to deliver blessings to the viewer, while others adopt more naturalistic poses. The floor is littered with decaying plant matter and mud, and the stench of rotting muck pervades the area. An open archway leads south out into the jungle, while a second leads north deeper into the temple.

Just as you enter, however, you see the flickering light of a torch and the woman holding it bursts from the northern archway followed by two men. They are slightly taken aback when they see you. The men are dressed in chain shirts and are carrying sacks over their shoulders, while the woman is lightly dressed and covered with exotic tattoos. The men waste little time in putting down the sacks and drawing their axes with vicious looking spikes on the back. The woman in the centre smirks at you, and exclaims haughtily, "What have we here, small-time looters? Bah, get out of the way unless you want to face the wrath of my magic!" She waves you off dismissively with the torch as her other hand slowly moves towards a pouch on her belt.

The Map has been updated, and there is a picture of the leader on slide 5.

When it gets dark, Danicka casts light on her fancy broom, refreshing the spell whenever it flickers out.

At the sigh of the looters, Danicka suddenly looks worried. She hurries forward to speak with the unfortunate people.

"Oh, dear! You really should surrender before my friends kill you. Please!"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 3 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 3 + (4) = 8

Prickles lets out a growl and places himself between Danicka and these new talkative enemies.

Prickles it back to being on defend (Danicka), as usual.

"Aviska, maybe we-" One of the men starts to say, looking at their apparent leader, but she cuts him off with a look. "I have no patience for threats little girl. Step aside, and I'll graciously allow you to take what we left in temple." The other man grips his axe tighter, puffs out his chest, and scowls, making it very clear that if anyone were to step any closer than Danicka, there'll be trouble.

Anyone want to assist that roll? You don't have to, of course, just curious. ;)

Sorry Danicka, Brock is gonna... go in a different direction

Brock follows the group and is pleasantly surprised (flabbergasted, really) at the skill and ease with which Danicka navigated the disease and vermin filled jungles to their destination.

Seeing the looters in front of them Brock's smile takes on all the warmth of flint as he sizes the trio up.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Hearing Danicka attempt to appeal to the groups survival instincts he casually holds his musket not quite pointed at the lead lady and adds.

"No, please, try to fight. I want to see what loot I can pull from your corpse."

intimidate: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26

If necessary (or possible) Brock will use Dazzling Display from the Braggart cavalier feature. Turns out I didn't realize I get a +2 to hit demoralized foes too, gotta remember that

That is pretty neat, Brock! You can debuff and self-buff at the same time. I'm going to say no for dazzling display since we're out of combat, but that is certainly something to remember. :)

Aviska pales slightly, but puts on a brave face. "Please, as if you could-" *clang* *clunk* She glances around at the sounds of metal hitting stone to see both of the men shaking with their hands in the air, having dropped their weapons. "Sorry, boss. It just ain't worth it." The one on the left says with a quivering voice. "I've got kids ta think about... I just wanna get out o' 'ere!" The other says apologetically. "FINE!" Aviska spits through gritted teeth, "We'll surrender... IF you let us leave quickly and without harm." She begrudgingly adds. "You don't need to take the loot from our corpses, just take it."

Forrest looks at the monkey statues with interest as the group walks into the temple.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Allowing Brock to do what he does best, Forrest smiles. "Aye, we're no Paladins. Just drop your weapons and get out of here." He looks behind him and sighs. "And if we see you along the trail, trying to set up an ambush for us, we won't be so kind." His eyes gleam in the torchlight, fingers rubbing the rapier lovingly.

Which does Danicka dislike more, violence or us threatening violence to avoid violence? lol.

While traversing the swamp, Yaiho is appreciative of the vermin repellant but occasionally snaps at a mosquito that gets to close with his jaws.

Letting Danicka and Brock 'negotiate' with the three tomb raiders, Yaiho cleans off his armor and pants from the swamp.

When done he looks at the woman before speaking.

Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 9

Yaiho snorts. "Begone. Yaiho not kill you today. Maybe tomorrow."

What does she dislike more? The consumption of our enemies! No contest!

Danicka smiles with relief. "Oh, thank goodness."

Danicka moves up to collect the stolen loot from the people.

---

When the looters leave she waves goodbye. "Goodbye! Be careful in the jungle. It's dangerous."

Creating 1x Targeted Bomb Admixture, 1x Heightened Awareness, and 1x CLW.. Creating 1x Strength Mutagen.

---

Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 12

"Ruin diving isn't usually the occupation of cowards. Saved us some leg work at least. Watch out for those mosquitoes..." Rook says with a laugh as they look through the loot.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19

Having stayed inside during the trek due to the poor conditions it was time for Needle to stretch its wings as they enter the ruins. Peeking out from under the bandanna as they meet the looters.

During the encounter Needle notices the men looking behind them nervously...so as to warn his master he screeches while extending his neck in that direction.

"WRAAAH WRAAAH."

His master not sure of the specifics holds up the chalk board to get clarification while palming a bomb in his other hand.

BEHIND. BEHIND. is hastily written on the board with crumbling chalk.

"Behind? You two...what is back there!? Quickly before you have a threat on each side of you!" Rook says looking beyond them for a possible threat.

Brock looks dissappointed as the thugs drop their weapons, clearly saddened that he wasn't going to get the chance to kill them.

At the Aviska's words Brock sneers, winks and makes a kiss sound at her, "Feel free to come back." bobbing his musket barrel, "there's a bullet in here with your name on it."

As they walk away Brock perks up at Rook's warning, peering into the darkness.