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"So, Irori, huh?" Weiman notes the Holy symbol. "I've trained with monks before. Well, technically, I trained with one and punched a bunch of others in Jalmeray. The one had a mole face sometimes and the others were all wearing body paint. Also, it was only for about an hour and a half."
"I did punch some statues into crumblies a couple times, though."
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I will assume no on the second diplomacy, since the council rules stated one success per skill. That was before the elf showed up, so I wasn't sure if that rule was changed. If a second diplomacy is allowed, Aakif will do that, otherwise....
"Councillor Bravok, Desna and Sarenrae have long been allies. Both teach that violence is not usually the first course of action. There are times, however, when battle is the only option, so it is best to be prepared for when this happens...... Like with Giants."
Aakif's knowledge religion is only +12, so the total should be one less than the number above. If another diplomacy is ok, I'll do that for round three.
"Excuse me, but would you be so kind to walk me and my companions through the plans so far. I would like to see how far you have progressed and if there is anything left we would be able to contribute to further."
“To be honest Brother, the Councillors manage the overall strategy.”
Dhiara warms to Brachus as she begins speaking of her current passion. “Based on my experience fighting Treerazer's forces in the Tanglebriar, I have been assisting them by training new recruits in basic infantry tactics, first aid and weapons drill. Seeing raw trainees grow in confidence and able to contribute to the upcoming battle is extremely rewarding.”
"Councillor Bravok, Desna and Sarenrae have long been allies."
“Some say they are more than just good friends, Imam.” Bravok laughs, enjoying the fellowship with a fellow priest. “I agree that right now it is better to make war not love.”
= PHASE TWO =
Caradeum: Linguistics ; ?
“Some say Desna and Sarenrae are more than just good friends, Imam.”
“I worship Nethys. COOOOL god!”
Caradeum decides to give Aaakif and Bravok a layman’s perspective. “He’s androgynous, you know.”
“Doesn’t get distracted by all that other stuff … so spends all his time doing really fun things ... like reading!”
Dhiara appears to be deep in thought, pondering all the variables the Pathfinders bring to the campaign against the giants.
--- BEGIN FINAL PHASE ---
= PHASE 3 =
Fendahl: Survival ; Prof (trapper) ; ???
Caradeum: Linguistics ; Knowledge (religion) ; ???
Brachus: Sense Motive ; Diplomacy ; ???
Weiman: Knowledge (geography) ; ?? ; ???
Aakif: Diplomacy ; Knowledge (religion); ???
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Varg looks carefully at the map, and decides to throw in a suggestion regarding the Battle Plan.
As I was sayin', I like the plan, but I think that gap needs t'be bigger. If ya really need us at the river to see what's up, then some added shamans or magic throwers could maybe further throw the Giants off the scent. Their not the smartest of enemies, but may be the biggest.
Clearly impressed with Cleaver, the three Councillors gather around to hear his advice on other problems Averaka faces, shake his hand and engage him in polite small talk.
"Any ideas on how I can get citizens to return their library books on time, Cleaver?" Councillor Iron-Tongue gushes.
Caradeum stares at the scene.
Look at him go! Varg's a born politician. And I had no idea Ulfen barbarians made such great skill-monkeys ...
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Not sure if this is an option at this point, but....
I was skimming through the posts earlier, as I had fallen behind a bit. When I got the chance to read them properly, I realized that Weiman had offered Aakif the perfect set-up... and then I ignored it. (Well played, btw Weiman). Aakif should have taken the assist on knowledge religion to influence Dhiara during round 2. GM, is it possible to go back and take this option? We could all just keep the rolls we had, and just move my knowledge religion check over to Dhiara (with Weiman's assist). Then round 2 would be over (no need for Weiman to re-roll or re-choose his action), and then we can begin round 3. Completely understandable if you say no and we just move on from here.
An unsmiling Kalla Tusk-Breaker raises herself up to full height when Fendahl finishes speaking.
As she replies … the Kommandant bows at the waist to the half-elf. 你把荣誉给您的家人，家族和列日。
She straightens up and grins. “As a green lieutenant, I had a platoon sergeant from Minkai.”
“I am pretty sure he knew how much I listened and relied on his advice, even though I was too proud to admit it.”
= PHASE THREE =
Caradeum: Linguistics ; Kn (religion) ; ---
Brachus: Sense Motive ; Diplomacy ; ---
Weiman: Knowledge (geography) ; -- ; ---
Aakif: Diplomacy ; Knowledge (religion); ---
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"When I walk through the shadow of the valley of Death I shall fear no eveil, for Cayden walks beside me and guides me"
(add a +1 if allowed to guidance first)
Brachus has a coughing fit as he starts to hack up some flem from his lungs as he tries to give a rousing speech about not being afraid for the comming combat
Kalla Tusk-Breaker taps the side of her nose in front of Cayden’s soldier before strolling to the Meeting Hall’s hardwood door. Upon opening it, she surprises a crouched Big Linton, eavesdropping at the keyhole.
“Lin, there you are! Run to the dispensary and bring back a dose of alchemist’s kindness for Brother Brachus, will ya?”
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Aakif attempts to improve the battle plan (possibly with an assist?)
"In addition to what my companions have stated, what if you send a second small force over here? Not many people would expect a second distraction, and let's face it, Giants aren't exactly known for their cunning strategies. If their forces are pulled in two different directions, you can concentrate your troops in an area of your choosing, and face only part of their army at a time. "
Kommandant Tusk-Breaker looks up from the map and exchanges glances with Suata, Bravok and … Varg!
In measured voice she replies, “Are you suggesting we split our forces, Imam?”
♨♨♨♨
Dhiara stands wide-eyed and silent, apparently bewitched by Caradeum’s words. About half-way through the Elf Knight’s speech, she snaps out of her Reverie.
“Oh, almost forgot I’m catering officer today! If I don’t supervise the chow line, there might be a riot.” She bows rapidly to her hosts. “By your leave, Councillors of Averaka.”
As she rushes for the open doorway, the monk calls back over her shoulder “Sorry Ser Caradeum, did you say something?”
After she’s left, Councillor Bravok smiles at Cara. “She can be a little flighty. Never mind, Caradeum. Your words impressed me.”
= PHASE THREE =
Weiman: Knowledge (geography) ; -- ; ---
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Applying the dialogue that was an aid in round 2 as a roll now instead...
"Actually... What if..."
"You guys don't realize that we don't need that much of a gap. See, normally you guys are the same size as your enemies, but this time were all smaller than them. That means we have cover they won't be imagining as potential hiding places." Weiman gets off his stool, "Like, let me put it this way. How many different places do you think I could fit in this room if you gave me three minutes to set up?"
He realizes his unintended double entendre and begins to fail to hold back laughter, "Aah, ha ha; me... fit... In! Aaaah, haaaa!"
-Posted with Wayfinder
The Tusk-Breaker stoops and places her big, battle-scarred head close to the halfling’s. Her tusks jut out on either side of Weiman’s ears and he can smell her fetid breath. “Smooth talker, ain’t ya Master Weiman?”
“Ha! Beaus usually hafta buy me flowers and take me to a show before they get ta talk ta me like that!”
She guffaws along with the archaeologist, before returning to the map slapping Aakif soundly on the back.
✿❀❁❃
“You, the hipp ... uh, Honorable Fendahl and ya little pal have convinced me, Imam. I’m gonna lend you my Ready Reserve to support your search and destroy mission on the Little Thunder.”
“But I want them back when ya done, see?” Kalla looks to be thinking hard before coming to a decision. “I’m gonna have Dhiara command them, so you’re free to do ya Pathfinder stuff. She’s trained ‘em and they’d follow her to the Worldwound and back.”
Councillor Bravok once more *clears* his throat.
“Desna’s Nightmare, Bravok!! I was JUST about ta tell ’em!” The Kommandant looks serious. “They haven’t been blooded yet. But they’re all good lassies and lads. They won’t let ya down.”
Big Linton stands quietly next to Brachus. “That was quick … feeling better, Padre? Lin, tell Dhiara to get Goose Company ready to move out with the Pathfinders. NO PACKS! Weapons and ammo only. GO!”
During the steady four hour march in the late afternoon sun, the Pathfinders discover why Dhiara’s company is named ‘G’ for ‘Goose.’
Most of the peasant levy are ex-poultry farmers, armed with a variety of farming implements such as pitchforks and cleavers, with a sprinkling of martial weapons thrown in. However, their morale is high and they are eager to take the fight to the giants in defense of their town.
“Sis Dhiara’s dun trained us good, Pathfinders!” One lanky, freckle-faced lad boasts. “Whys I now stick the right end of me pitchfork inta the practise dummy ev’ry two times outa free!”
The Little Thunder comes to a sudden stop at a crude dam, built with mud, stones, and logs. Muddy water trickles through the dam and drifts sluggishly to the west. A small stone outpost on the south bank of the river has been heavily damaged, its outside walls chipped and scraped.
A group of hill giants defends the dam. A feral, brown-furred(!) female hill giant and a pair of huge birds-of-prey assist in the defense.
Dhiara leads a plucky warcry from the green Averakan troops,
Which evokes a witty comeback bellow from the giants.
Aakif and Varg advance towards the dam with weapons drawn. After casting a spell on Kirrah, Fendahl joins his companions.
Dhiara attempts to rev up the youngsters about to face combat for the first time.
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Caradeum takes a moment, though it seems like days, to study the battlefield as he decides how best to proceed. Seeing his companions have spread out too far for a hastening spell, Caradeum opts for a standard Marduk's opening, casting a spell, and evoking a small glowing red bead. Couching the bead in the palm of his hand, he blows on it, sending it floating toward the central knot of of foes. The bead moves toward the dam, then as it reaches the designated spot, it explodes into a billowing ball of flame, rocking the valley with an echoing, concussive boom.
Caradeum’s fireball lands amongst the opposing force, it blooms a deep crimson as the Dawnflower hears Aakif’s prayer and grants Her blessing to the Pathfinders.
The Averakans cheer as the spell goes off amongst the enemy’s ranks. “Barmy Army! Barmy Army! Barmy Army! Barmy Army!”
The feral, brown-furred giant responds with a roar of pain.
She tosses a weathered boulder at Brachus, before advancing towards the dam.
The gargantuan birds take to the air, the yellow one towards the dam and its slightly singed mate directly at the party.
Red Bird: -15
Yellow Bird:
Tulgra: -31
Purple Giant: -15
Blue Giant: -15
Green Giant:
Black Giant:
Dhiara puts down her spyglass and signals to a wild-eyed, half-orc greybeard in a battered straw hat. “Implement DUCK’S GUTS and GULL-IVER, if you please First Sergeant.”
Goose Company NCO’s relay the order as lids are removed from large cooking pots filled with stinking poultry offal. The recreational hunters amongst the company dip their home-made arrows in the putrid bird entrails, before beginning to fire across the rift, at the giants.
Not only do many of the arrows hit the giants causing the giant grunts to clutch at their stomachs, but some of the soldiers have had the ingenious idea of tying strings to their neighbor's arrow, creating a weave of netting from the many arrows and entangling the four hill giants.
-23hp
Yellow Bird:
Tulgra: -31 -10
Purple Giant: -15 -10
Blue Giant: -15 -10
Green Giant: -10
Black Giant: -10
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Weiman does take advantage of the nonadvancement of the front line and casts Haste on as many melee targets as possible. He'll also move up 40', anticipating the battle moving forward (or at least getting the opportunity to ride a big bird.)
-Posted with Wayfinder
The lioness’ leap from a non-solid surface completely throws the bird-brained behemoth. On pure instinct, it lashes out at its natural enemy with a GREATaxe-like bill.
Once through the raptor’s first line of defense, Kirrah lands on the creatures’s back tearing, raking and biting through feathers and bird-hide until a stream of blood from nicked artery forces the cat back as if she had been hit with a hydraulic push.
Kirrah's front claws also sever one of the wing ligaments that allow the great bird to remain aloft. It screeches to its mate as it falls 10', before managing to right itself.
(-23hp), (-21 hp) may make a hasted attack AND take an AoO against the falling bird.
Red Bird: -83
Yellow Bird:
Tulgra: -41
Purple Giant: -25
Blue Giant: -25
Green Giant: -10
Black Giant: -10
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Bones crunch as the big boulder bounces over Brachus and blood splatters behind it
"..that hurt...hmm..the kitty is bleeding as well, might as well heal the both of us"
Brachus moves forward and proudly displays his holy symbol, channeling the power of the gods through the air and everyone suddenly smells fermenting yeasts as his own and the kitten's wounds close up a bit
Kirrah swipes out one of the giant bird's eyes as it falls, an eyeball the size of a mushy cantaloupe clinging to her right claw. The monster knows it's in bad shape as it pulls up level with the big cat.
Two of the giants observe the flying, feathered fur-ball with undisguised delight.
“ME HATES BIRD AND CAT. ME LIKES DOG.” One of them grunts, before hurling his rock at Kirrah.
His mate also slings his rock at the fighting feline before responding, “ME LIKES CASTY ELF SPIT-ROAST! PALADIN TOO TOUGH.”
Tired of the abuse being dished out and shot at them by Company ‘G’, the two other giants underarm their boulders, bowling some of Dhiara’s Averakans over like ten-pins.
All four giants move closer to the dam.
Brachus –7 hp
Kirrah –5 hp
Red Bird: -111
Yellow Bird:
Tulgra: -41
Purple Giant: -25
Blue Giant: -25
Green Giant: -10
Black Giant: -10
With the unscathed bird eyeing off Kirrah for a revenge attack, Fendahl feels confident his readied spell will go off.
The big bird jerks suddenly in the air for a moment as if confused, before resuming its murderous flight path towards the lioness.
You *snap* your fingers remembering these creatures possess all the characteristics of rocs.
“I want my mother! Mother … where are you ..? Please, Des …na … My mo..”
As groans and cries from the many Goose Company wounded and dying lend a sombre background noise to the battle, each of the Pathfinders hear a familiar divine half-elven voice in their ears.
“Even from this great distance, Irori has the Grace to grant me a bit of skill which I can channel to you, should you need it anywhere on the battlefield.” Dhiara explains.
Brachus –7 hp
Kirrah –5 hp
The hill giant makes a grab at Tulgra, but she pushes him off into the pit in disgust.
;
Every member of the party can clearly hear its echoing screams from the bottom of the pit.
Standing on thin air above the pit, Tulgra looks from the *casting* Caradeum to Fendahl and back like she’s at a tennis match. She seems oblivious to the loud cries of pain below her.
The brown-furred giantess shows a speedy Varg her massive canines.
Brachus –7 hp
Kirrah –5 hp
Red Bird: -111
Yellow Bird:
Tulgra: -31 (A c h T)
Purple Giant: -57
Blue Giant: -25
Green Giant: -10
Black Giant: -10
Varg "Cleaver" Stollufsen
Fendahl Silvermane
Aakif Hazam