Desmond throws up his hands and goes silent. Despite all his prodding he knows that in an open battlefield Kalim would likely drop him in a second.
Grung aims a buttered roll at Desmond
Shaddap and eat!
What is wandering about with the orc?
Grung aims a buttered roll at Desmond
1d20+18
Shaddap and eat!What is wandering about with the orc?
The Keeper responds to Grung's question. "About a year ago a small band of Kytons found their way into this demiplane. Pilum was one of a pack of dreaded kyton that invaded the demesne. I managed to put down 5 of them but Pilum has been difficult. He has now allied with Hrourvex
to wrest control of the plane from me."
She pauses a bit then continues, "Despicably cruel and equally horrible to gaze upon, kytons are evil fiends who feed on the fear and suffering of mortals through painful supernatural means. Their monstrous appearances vary, but their stoic and amoral dispositions are universal, for no kyton cares anything for the plights typical of the creatures they prey upon. They are beings wholly dedicated to metamorphosis achieved through horrific trials of self-mutilation and the mystical power provided them by their sapping of mortal anguish. They thrive in the shadow planes and areas where light and darkness meet." She spreads her arms wide. "They thought this was the perfect place."
Desmond eats his buttered roll in silence.
Karnog nods towards Desmond and raises his mug once more.
"Lad, you have the right idea, for now. Enjoy the good and tasty things while you have the chance, surrounded by friends and allies. Keep this thought in mind next time you have the hankering to delve into the disease pits or gather carnal knowledge of the undead."
The dwarf tucks into the food and chuckles behind his beard at the rogue.
"You've may have heard of chain devils." She states. "They are a...um...variation of the kyton breed. The one that roams this plane is quite powerful." She warns. "Let this foo heal you and bring you comfort. You journey soon, but do you have any remaining questions."
She pauses, "While you finish this task, I'll research the knowledge of many tomes, to see what can be discovered about those Shrines of Powers."
"Do you have any remaining questions?"
"My lady, I am ignorant about much, and your land is counted part of my gaps. But like these Kytons invading here, the Void and its elder 'gods' surely will invade all planes. I am in your debt for your help here, but existence itself compells me to seek your eventual alliance against the Void."
kn:planes to know of weaknesses of Kytons
"Is the Kyton immune or resistant to certain kinds of attacks? I have lots of magic remaining, just a bit of healing burst power remaining, That, plus another protective blessing of Torag, and plenty of potions in reserve. Do they have any weaknesses, or this one in particular? "
Karnog you've heard of Kyton's before.
Felicitas quickly ponders what she knows.
The party benefits for the heroes feast that the Keeper provides. She then walks the group down the wavy cobbled path that leads towards, she reminds you "find the orca and the kyton retrieve the weapon. then come back and I'll have some answers regarding the Shrines of Power. Follow the gem....follow the gem."
If the feast is interrupted for any reason, the spell is ruined and all effects of the spell are negated.
"Aye, we will be back. I hope, for all our sakes, that your information proves correct. And thank you for the feast, I'm grateful for it."
Karnog checks his shield and hammer, looks over the party, and nods his braided head with a jingle of mail.
"I can align weapons, and have lots of healing remaining. I also have a whole lot of potions, so sound off if you need a resupply of anything."
"It has been an honor, madam."
The group begins to walk along the cobblestones which eventually fade away to a soft spongy trail. The giant moon shines above but it's greys glow. Eventually you arrive a fork in the road.
Which way are you heading?
Karnog swings the gem towards each fork, hoping it will grow warm as indicated when pointed toward their goal.
"It goes without saying, but be ready for a fight. Any long term magic, or other preparations, make them now. There's no telling what's really out here, or if our host spoke the truth. Be on your guard."
Taking his own advice, Karnog casts barkskin on himself, using his rod if extend to make it last even longer.
Desmond draws his weapons; about all the preparation he can make.
Karnog holds the stone out towards both paths, and it grows slightly warmer when pointing at one of the trails. That path looks as if it turns towards the heart of the twisted dark forest.
The stone continues to stay warm. You eventually come to tri-fork in the road. There is one of those stone fox statues and it is pointing towards the direction you came from. Using the stone for guidance, the middle path grows a bit warmer.
The group continues on...
perception
The stone shines warmly in Karnog's hand. There are stange sounds coming from just over the next rolling mound...you estimate 100 or so yards away. Due to the terrain and darkness, you can not see what is causing the noise.
Grungsdi & Karnog up front?
Kalim and Nym in the middle.
Desmond & Felicitas taking up the rear?
2x2, with about 10-15' between the pairs?
Just a suggestion, feel free to move around as desired.
Grung is right next to Karnog
The group continues on...
Does the stone light up or just grow warm?
Does the stone light up or just grow warm?
So far, the stone just grows warmer or cooler.
Moving forward in rows of twos the path begins to get more spongy, and your movement slows as the terrain becomes difficult to traverse. The lanky old trees look as if they form a canopy of leafless, dead wood over head.
"Ow..ow...OWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW," The air erupts in howling. It sounds as if you are surrounded by a back of hungry wolves but you don't actually see any wolves.
Felicitas quickly casts see invisibilty.
As does Kalim.
Grungsdi casts See Karnog
"What do ye see, lads? I can use my invisibility purge spell, but it's the only one I've got! Do we need it now?"
There are sucking sounds coming form all around you, they eminent the ground and much all around you. Every so often there is a distinctive *plopping* sound as a gas bulb raises to the surface. It smells like sulfur.
Failure: -4 concentration checks, -2 att/damage, 20% chance of spell failure. Loses all stealth since there is too much laughter.
Karnog the gem has warmed up a few degrees.
fort. -2 if that is not count as poison.
+2 if enchantment
SR if spell
As the others shake off the effects, Desmond starts laughing uncontrollably and pointing at them.
Fort, +2 racial vs posion, disease, Spell or SLA, +4 morale vs poison
Stop farting around Desmond!