The Road so Far...
You are fleeing for your lives. Three days ago you left Quodeth in search of a legendary ruined city and a cavern of gold in the jungles of the Ghan Peninsula that lie along the shores of the great Golden Sea. Yesterday you left your boats at a small landing on the banks of the Ghan River, but at dawn beastman scouts picked up your trail. Scores of savage warriors are pursuing you through the jungle. You can hear them grunting and hooting to each other behind you, while sudden flights of jungle birds and the sounds of thrashing brush makes it clear more are closing in. You break into the open for a moment, and discover an old stone roadway crossing your path.
What do you do?
*General Knowledge* The Beastmen are vicious half ape, half human creatures that dwell in the jungles and mountains of Thule. They are cannibals, and savages wielding weapons of stone and bone. There are also those that channel wicked supernatural powers and curses. It is rumored they have created a city of their own in mockery of grand civilization, something they are very jealous of. Some say that given the slow turn of ages, they may become humans themselves.
Brett- Does it appear the roadway leads anywhere in particular? 21 perception roll or 12 local knowledge
The road leads deeper into the jungle to the north, up ahead you think you can make out a cluster of small ruins. They are roughly 200 yards away. You sense your pursuers are not far off, you hear hideous grunts echoing from the way you came. Your knowledge of Beastman (local) tells you there is likely a small band of warriors and a chief in pursuit.
Jurundr- I say we head to those ruins and make a stand. These savages won't hold up to my might!
Brorn- I agree. Let's make our way to the ruins!
You find a vine-covered stone ruin not far from the old road. The structure has no roof, but the walls look to be about two feet thick, and still stand about 10 feet tall. There are several old embrasures choked with vines looking out toward the road. The embrasures are awkwardly high for humans, at least 5 feet above the ground. It looks like as good a place as any to make a stand against the beastmen!
I need stealth rolls for everyone. We might as well do initiative as well just in to get it out of the way.
There is very little present within the vine-chocked ruin. It has obviously been abandoned for ages. The jungle surrounding the small stone structure is thick. By the time you reach the ruin you can tell the Beastmen are not far behind. They will be on you within minutes.
Jurnundr- "Jurundr of Nar has no need for such trickery! Let them come and so I may redecorate their skulls with my axe!" I stand in front of the structure, axe drawn ready for battle.
Llara- "For Nyx sake Jurundr. If I had known you were going to behave like this my first trap would have been set to snare you!"
Brorn- Moving towards higher ground, Brurn prepares his invocations. A glow like red wine dimly pulses from his eyes as they smoke and burn from his newly found power, making his usual maniacal twitch even more terrifying. Ritualistically, he states: "Glorious homage for the Lord.. मैं विशेष रूप से मेरी गेंदों जमे हुए हैं जब सर्दियों समय में बड़े चूतड़ की तरह ..."
Brurn never was too fond of life.
Bran- Bran casts Brurn a dismissive side glance and strides quickly to an embrasure, leaping into in and turning to prepare for battle. He is still. With his trident drawn, he appears statuesque, ready to pounce on the first unsuspecting Beastman to pass by.
Jurundr stands amidst the foliage and time-weathered stones, solid and unwavering. His great bronze axe gripped at his waist with both hands; a grim smile painted across his visage. To the left and behind him, draped in the shadows of the ruin stands Brorn. He is whispering to himself in a language none present understand. Born of a barbarian tribe himself, when compared to Jurundr, he is just another, darker side of a coin.
Out of the overgrowth burst four monstrous shapes. Their bodies are bulky with sinew and muscle hidden beneath ragged manes of matted hair. Their faces are much like those of apes, but somewhere some forsaken god saw fit to grace them with the intelligence and cruelty only a true man possesses. As armor they wear the bones of the slain, crudely sewn together with hide and fur. Their weapons are crude; a stone axe, wooden clubs and a spike covered morningstar are clutched in meaty fists. Each hunter is carrying a clutch of bolas at his waist.
One of the beastmen stands head and shoulders above the others. Atop his furrowed brow sits a crown of jagged bone. He is a war chief for his tribe, a leader among vicious savages.
He steps forward staring down Jurundr like a sabre-cat seeking a challenge. His lips spread and words spill out. Not the harsh tones of his native Urgan, but blasphemous and broken Low Atlantean speech.
"Others! Where!?"
Brorn- *Nature Roll* Having been raised a Nimothian nomad, you have encountered Beastmen before. They are feared by civilized men but barbarians fear little. They hunt men like dogs. Most are dragged off as slaves or sacrifices to heathen gods. Others are devoured as an act of complete domination. Somewhere amidst the jungle rot they have erected a gross mockery of civilization
Jurundr- "Heh, a skull crown. Clearly the leader and worthy of MY attention. Focus not your attention on OTHERS. I will be your challenge, Chieftan!" I will begin rage as a free action and then on my turn, barring someone trying to stop me, I will attack with a 16 attack roll/19 attack second roll with 5 and 10 damage for those two attacks.
Initiative from 1st to last:
Jurundr
Warchief
Llara
Bran
Brorn
HunterA
HunterB
HunterC
I have placed a makeshift snare trap at the entrance of the ruin. Bran and Llara are in hiding and are able to pass and await ambush if they want. Brurn and Jurundr are in front of the ruins/trap.
Brorn- Still murmuring to himself, the air heats and swirls around Brurn as he invokes a Frightful Blast to hurl around Jurundr at the Chieftain.
Jurundr and the grotesque chieftain strike together with the sound of thunder, their battle cries brimming with unchained fury. A bronze axe fills the the beastman's vision as it lays into his flesh. Blood pours from gaping wounds but the pain fuels the monstrous rage all the more. The War chief raises his weapon and smashes it across Jurundr's chest., knocking him back a pace.
The air around Brorn burns with fiery life as he leaps from the shadowed vaults and into the light. The already sweltering jungle burns with the intensity of Hell itself as a bolt of flame engulfs the War Chief.
Two of the warriors rush past the Jurundr and and their Pack leader. One of them runs to the northern side of the ruin, searching for the rest of their quarry. His partner charges headlong into the open threshold and steps into the snare trap that Llana placed. The vines snap tightly and the Beastman falls to the ground, breaking teeth on the cold stone floor.
The last warrior removes a bolas from his leather belt and swings it around his head. With a savage grace, the creature hurls his weapon toward his target, Brorn. The stones and leather wrap around the Warlock so tight he is unable to move. Struggling he falls to the ground.
Jurundr- 16 damage
Brorn- 4 damage, entangled
Bran- Hiding, round 2 will be surprise round
Llara- Hiding, round 2 will be surprise round
War chief- Shaken
Warrior A- Standing near Northern side of ruin, closest to Bran
Warrior B- tripped in center of Ruin
Warrior C- Standing in original place
This ends Round One!
Round Two, FIGHT!
Dice roll of 10 for dmg
Test post
Jurundr smirks at the fact the challenger can push back a bit, but continues the assault. Attack 1 roll 16, attack 2 roll 7. Dmg roll 1 11 dmg roll 2 also 11, if it hits.
Efficiently, Brorn unbinds the bolas and gets to his feet. Displeased to have been put prone, he invokes a Harrowing, Frightful Blast at his attacker.
damage roll - 9 + 2
Recoiled for 2
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Liara slips an arrow into her short bow and waits for a target to come in range. (is there one in view?)
Yes, Beastman C, who is currently prone in the center of the ruined doorway.
Liara waits for Hunter C to stand up before firing her arrow. (Attack roll of 19)
Leaping from the embrasure on mighty thews, Bran of Atlantis pounces with aquiline grace upon an unsuspecting beastman. The three barbed prongs on his gleaming trident are splashed with crimson as they sink deep in the his quarry's thigh and through the other side. For a moment he was figure of living bronze, red death arching through the air.
"Come forth and die, dogs!" Flailing in pain, the jungle warrior's blow glances harmlessly off Bran's cuirass.
At the sight of the Atlantean juggernaut, Llara moved silently from behind a crumbling pillar placing arrow to string. The other beastman scrambled to pull himself up for fear of the the Atlantean's wrath. He did not see the leather clad hunter poised to introduce his doom. Before a step could be taken or a bestial word spilled, an arrow lodged itself squarely in his heart. The creature fell back to the ground into a pool of its own blood. Death followed closely behind.
Outside the ruins, Jurundr continues his vicious assault against the tribal leader. His axe head buried deep into the monster's shoulder. Steaming red life flows forth from the gash and onto the ground below. The chieftain raises his weapon to swing but the frantic blow meets only Jurundr's axe. Each implement of death arcing to the side, the intended targets narrowly missed.
Brorn rips at the chords that bind him with all the fury of the heritage he has forsaken. In a burning wreath of fire, he rises again to wreak havoc upon his attacker. Flames crackle, searing the air around him as he unleashes his rage. The beastman is engulfed in a brilliant blue hell; the sickly sweet odor of burning flesh fills his nostrils.
End Round 2.
Jurndur- 1 hit, takes no damage
Chief- No longer shaken
Brorn- Standing, 2 recoil damage
Bran- 1 hit, takes no damage
Llara- 1 hit (sneak attack), takes no damage
Warrior A- Takes damage
Warrior B- Takes Damage, shaken
Warrior C- Dead
Begin Round 3
Time to let out a war cry and declare a power attack! All my attack rolls this turn take a -1 so that I get a +2 to all dmg rolled, if I understand this correctly.
With that I will attack the Chief twice again (I assume I am still close to him) - 1st roll 6 (ugh!) 2nd roll 15, 1st dmg 10 (to the air!) 2nd dmg 14.
"This Bronze Great Axe never finishes third at drawing blood!"
I slip over to where my dead opponent lies. Say a small prayer for his departed soul and then sight down another beast man. Roll 26 to hit.
Tears of pain stream downwards, then quickly evaporate as I invoke a Harrowing, Frightful Blast. 8 total damage.
Jurundr swings once, the chieftain narrowly escaping the blow. He would not be so lucky with the back swing. The axe buries itself deep in the the creature's abdomen. Life pour from terrible wounds but still the beast clings desperately to life.
Bran lands a flurry of jabs, piercing the beastman's chest. The last, grievous stab forces its way through bone and muscle, the trident bursting out the quivering back of the warrior on the receiving end.
Brorn, seething with infernal energies, erupts in an inferno. The grotesque hunter bursts into unholy flame. Flailing and screaming in a blasphemous tongue, he falls to the ground in a blistered, smouldering heap.
Just as Jurundr heaves his axe from its resting place within the convulsing body of the bestial chief, the a sharp sound blasts past his ear. An arrow, released from Llara's deadly bow, rang true. The bronze arrow head was driven firmly, deep into the beastman's furrowed brow. Death was quiet and quick.
Combat ends!
Each player gains 600 EXP. (Each character is now at 5600/9000 for level advancement).
Llara's Shortbow is now the Bow of the First Kill which acts as a shortbow +1.
You came to the jungles of Ghan on the trail of a wild story. A few days ago, a jungle trader named Jodom stumbled out of the jungle and died in delirium shortly after, but not before telling his story. Near a nameless ruin in the Mozar Vale, Jodom’s party was set upon by beastmen. Fleeing the bloodthirsty savages, the trader blundered into a cavern temple. Here Jodom discovered a stone throne on which sat the gigantic mummified corpse of a mighty king of old. Rivulets of liquid gold slowly ran from the dry eye sockets of the dead king, solidifying into gold stalagmites around the body. Jodom snapped off a chunk of gold, and made his way back to the outpost of Ghanport. There he died shortly after he was tended by priests of Set, who took the gold tears and admonished Jodom’s household that it was better not to dabble in the jungle’s secrets. After speaking with Jodom’s servants and other traders in Ghanport, you set out to find this wonder for yourself … but, as you’ve seen, this is beastman territory.
No other parties of beastmen seem to be nearby at the moment—this seems like a good chance to get moving again. From the old ruined guardhouse, you can spy the steep limestone bluffs of a tall hill a mile or two away to the northwest. The old, overgrown road continues toward the north. You know that the Ghan River and the place where you landed lie several miles behind you to the south.
What do you do?
Hmm, well if Jodom was here and running for his life, I would suspect he didn't find this temple right on the road. It's possible it is in a cave near the bluffs. Any other ideas?
"Our best chance is to head to the bluffs. The road only leads where men want us to go."
I commune for a moment and nod in agreement.
"The bluffs it is then!"
Bran smiles grimly, "Keep an eye to the jungle. Move out!"
The road you travel was once paved with massive granite blocks. How any man could have such a load in this sweltering clime, if they were even men at all. The forests around you swell with noises and screams, some obviously bestial while others less so. An hour passes under the burning sun. Little wind reaches the depths of the jungle floor. As you walk you come across something you would not have expected to see so far from the high walls of civilization.... Footprints...human footprints. They converge with the road from a shadow veiled jungle trail. Where did they come from? Where do they go? Dare you follow them back to their origin? Or carry on to the bluffs that loom above the dense, green hell?
Perception and knowledge checks all around!
13 Nature roll
Brorn notices that sandaled feet are not the only tracks to grace the dirt trail. Aside from typical jungle game and small birds, a saber toothed cat meandered down the path. But most notably, the prints of a giant ground sloth move deeper into the forest.
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Perception: 19
Knowledge: 2
Perc - 18
Knowledge Local - 8
Do we know how long ago Jodom was here and found the temple?
Llara and Jurundr notice a ruined temple atop the craggy bluffs.
Jodom died in Quodeth over a week ago. Its not likely these prints are his. There seem to be at least 5 sets, if not more. Jurundr knows that there are a number of small lakes in the jungle that traders and explorers use as base camp. There might be some supplies left over from the unknown travelers.
"Following these tracks might lead us to know more about Jodom. It's unlikely he came up alone and all the information we can gather before we run into the temple will benefit us. Although, they have a saying among my people: 'follow the trail of a saber cat and you'll find the death you deserve.'"
"Wise words, Llara. We must be cautious. But the trek may be longer than we planned. Let us see if we can raid any available trader supplies to prepare."
"Heh, my people have a saying too. 'Strike while the witty man prepares!' However it would be unwise to separate, so I will follow the vote of our party and resist my instinct to charge into that temple."
The trail leads beside a swampy lowland broken by several large, open lakes. Near one lakeshore you find the remains of a destroyed camp. A tent lies in tatters, and packs of provisions have been torn open and scattered around the area. Two half-devoured humans lie dead here, ripped apart by some jungle predator.
You are free to search and investigate.
"Then your people know little." said Brorn coldly. "I have seen Death, and she is cunning. Greater things wait for us in the Shadow. Be on your guard."
Nature - 14
Perception - 11
Uses Detect Magic
Bran kicks over some of the human remains. His eyes rake over them, searching for anything noteworthy.
Perception: 24
Perception: 9
Brorn can tell that the camp was used within the last two days. Whatever attacked this encampment was massive in size and strength. Grisly, jagged wounds decorate the black robed corpses.
While searching the bodies Bran discovers a golden symbol of the god Set underneath one of the bodies. These are corpses of Setists, the worshippers of the ancient serpenet god. The amulet is worth 400 gold pieces (100 xp per player). Half buried in the blood soaked mud are two vials of a potions (heal light wounds).
High in the tree tops, unbeknownst to the warriors, a pair of crested eagles, giant birds of prey, have been watching all along. Not quite full from scavenging from the festering corpses, they swoop down in a surprise assault.
Llara barely dives out of the way, nearly falling prey to the razor edged talons.
Bran is not so lucky, the claws share enough to scrape through his bronze armor.
Bran takes 7 damage.
Roll initiative!
Also, make your first attack rolls and damage while you're at it.
That was supposed to be *the claws are sharp enough* but my phone wanted to put something different.
GAH! Damn birds...
Initiative: 19
First attack roll: 15
Damage if I hit with my trident: 8
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Wretched creatures. Perhaps we can fry them up!
Initiative: 17
First attack roll: 16
Dmg: 7
Initiative 20
Frightful, Harrowing Blast, full round action 7
Gain 2 life!
Initiative:20
I bring my bow up as I come out of my dive, roll.
Attack: Natural 20 (26)
Damage:12
Initiative Order:
Llara
Brorn
Crested Eagle
Bran
Jurundr
Crested Eagle
Llara's arrow rips through the air, piercing the Crested Eagle that had sought to make a meal of her. The bronze arrowhead strikes at the base of the beast's neck, breaking bones as it travels it bloody course. The eagle reels in pain and fury.
Brorn turns to the sky and conjures a bolt of searing fire that arcs through air, leaving a shimmering trail in its wake. The infernal sorcery overwhelms the eagle that had attacked Llara and reduces its being to a charred pile of burnt flesh and bones.
In retaliation, Bran thrusts his trident. Bronze plunges through feathers and flesh as the monstrous bird frantically flaps its 6 foot wings.
Jurundr plunges into the fray, cleaving at the giant bird with his axe. The bladed edge separates meat from bone, spilling blood across the muddy shore.
The eagle tries frantically to escape but Jurundr will not allow that to happen.
*Attack of Opportunity, Jurundr expends 1 hero point for full round action*
Jurundr leaps and buries his axe into the eagle's wing, causing it to crash into the earth. Standing tall above his dying victim, Jurundr raises his axe high into the air. The blow crushes the giant bird's skull into a bloody pulp. Jurundr's barbaric visage is split with a grim smile.
Combat ends!
Each Player gains 300 EXP, plus the 100 EXP from the found treasure. Each character should be at 6000/9000 EXP to Next Level.
Jurundr's axe is now Skull Crusher (acts as a Great Axe + 1). Awarded for a Nat 20 on his Heroic Attack of Opportunity.
Party has gained the Golden Symbol of set (treasure) and 2 vials of Heal Light Wounds.
You now stand upon a blood soaked beach amidst the screaming jungle. The sun in now halfway through its path in the sky; nothing more is found along the shore. Behind you, down the jungle trail and back to the ancient roadway, lies the the ruins atop the bluffs.
"Ahaha the battle Gods reward my strength! Time to put this to good use up ahead!"
"To the bluffs then. I have no more need of this place."
The stony bluffs rise above the jungle floor. High atop the crags are the ruins of some ancient edifice. After a survey of the cliffs, you find a hand-hewn stair case that leads to the ruins above.
Upon reaching the the top of the stairs you enter a long forgotten courtyard. A wide plaza or terrace of heavy stone serves as the base for a ruined building with thick walls and a simple corbel roof, now collapsed in places. Ancient bronze doors hang crookedly in the entrance, and a number of strange statues—each depicting a tall warrior with not-quite-human features, dressed in ancient arms.
From this vantage you can make out the muddy brown ribbon of a river below you to the southwest, while seven or eight miles to the northeast, another hilly area climbs up out of the jungle floor. But as you get your bearings, you note that the jungle is eerily silent here.
Use detect magic.
Crit fail Nature roll... kind of perfect for this spot - 11
History roll - 11
Local Knowledge roll 10
Do I recognize any of the warriors from any myths or stories? Can I tell what race they are?
Perception roll 12 to look inside the bronze doors for the mummified corpse on the throne. Stealth roll 8 to do it quietly.
Brorn -Your knowledge of the Ghan Peninsula and its history is vague since your home is in the frozen north. However, you do recall reading of many races that inhabited the Earth before the coming of men. This architecture is not of Serpentmen, Rakshasa or even Mi-Go. These statues are life-like and elegant, so human yet subtly unreal. Perhaps this a ruin of the followers of Moz, an inhuman wizard king of ages lost.
Focusing, you feel a darkness blanketing the structure but you are unsure of it cause or purpose.
Jurundr- Looking inside the ruins, you see a stone altar. This is some kind of temple. You are not the first person to have come this far.Ragged skeletons of long dead warriors and adventurers lay scattered in their ragged mail across the marble floor. A closer look at the altar may give clues as to who worshipped here.
Your knowledge of this place is rife with legends. Being able to connect this to any one tale would require more investigation.
"Jurundr, I sense a strangeness from within. Be wary."
"I agree. Several warriors have met untimely ends in this place. I don't see any inhabitants though."
Jurundr steps forth through the carven bronze doorways and into the eerie silence to the temple ruins. The footsteps echo from marble column and corbeled roof. Looming near the back of the complex is the gleaming stone altar. Brorn follows, Bran and Llara stand near the door on the outside, peering out at the jungle below.
From this vantage point, Llara spots the arrow straight roadway leading off into a denser part of the jungled vale, another jagged ridge of bluffs just on the other side of the overgrowth. There are no ruins or buildings visible, but the road must lead there for a reason. the sun is not far from making its final descent into the west; the moon is already hanging in the sapphire sky.
The barbarian tribesmen step lightly towards the altar, stopping midway to the altar as the sound of metal scraping stone screeches through the ruins. They turn to see the grisly remains of the dead lurching to unholy life. The calls of rusting mail and notched bronze roar across the silence. Half a dozen skeletal warriors, swords and bows ready to draw to blood, rise from their resting places in this cursed place. Unearthly moans escape their fleshless throats as they ready themselves for another battle.
Everyone roll initiative and attacks!
"Mindless undead gathering new recruits, eh? I will enjoy grinding you to dust!"
Initiative: 1 (I guess I am pretty casual about them?)
Attack: 21
Damage: 7
I will target the nearest undead to me.
Oh and I will start rage as a free action.