Strange Aeons - Solo (Inactive)

Game Master Just a Mort

Howard nods to Elder Thyrr.

"I thank you for that."

He then listens attentively as Lythiin expounds at length about Okeno.

"I will be sure to especially on my guard; I already use Keep Watch when I rest, but I will double my security at all times, just to be on the safe side. It sounds like a wretched hive of scum and villainy!"

When Lythiin reminisces about his friend, Howard sighs.

"I know the feeling. When my brother died, I was wracked with guilt; I mean, it was his life, and his choices, but I always felt that I could have done more to help him... that led me down (somewhat) dangerous paths, and I was able to preserve his essence in this world through magic, although I fear I got a little too much of his rage, and not enough of his sanity. However, if you are interested, I could teach you the basics; it would not be quite the same, but you would have your friend back, after a fashion..."

I was thinking of helping him 'retrain' into Soul Binder, so that he could bring his friend back as, say, an 'Emissary' Raven...?

He then smiles ruefully.

"That said, I understand if that is not something that you wish to pursue."

"It IS a wretched hive of scum and villainy."Lythiin points out. "And I don't think there's really any use going against the social order. It's like dealing with a hydra. For each head you cut off, two grow in its place."

"And you get another bunch of people saying that mortals and outsiders were never meant to be friends. I don't know how much truth there is in that one.." Lythiin's voice trails off. "So what happened to your brother exactly? Raise dead is a thing, you know."

"I wouldn't want to bring him back that way - since he would be a shadow of himself, and not free. Not to mention he's gone back to Heaven. Archons do that.Which is a better place for him."He declines Howard's offer. "And if you truly cared about someone, you would want them to be happy."

"I'm not sure if your brother is happy the way he is - being able to interact with the world but not being...himself."

Familiars still have to serve their masters, not to mention the religious incompatibility.

"Fair enough. As I said, I was simply making the offer."

Howard then looks vaguely sheepish/uncomfortable.

"Given what would have happened to my brother's soul after Pharasma judged him? Trust me - I highly doubt that he would have preferred that option. People some that there are things worse then death; but for some people, what is waiting for them after death is worse than anything that they might encounter in life."

Wallowing in filth, and basically being a giant larva / demon snack is not exactly my idea of a pleasant afterlife...

Howard then looks thoughtful.

"At least with a Greater Hat of Disguise, he is able to be himself again, after a fashion. It's not perfect, but then again, what in life is? As for Raise Dead? Well, I certainly didn't have access to that sort of magic (or the money to buy one) at the time; I was barely out of my apprenticeship!"

"And your brother must have done some really, really bad things if he feared Pharasma's judgement. Why didn't you stop him from doing them? He's your brother! And I'm sure a smart person like you could see what was going to eventually happen."

"I'd think what you did to preserve his essence might have had adverse effects on his sanity."Lythiin comments.

"Well I've heard of some powerful magics beyond what I can do that could create new bodies just like the old one, but that's if you have a piece of his flesh. If you don't, I hope you managed to get a piece of his bone, then you could use restore corpse to create flesh."Lythiin starts expounding to Howard. Then he looks pained, "Doesn't work on outsiders though."

Howard sighs.

"Yes, I was the smart one... but he was the strong one, and quite impulsive. I could never restrain him from doing anything; the best that I could do was to try and pick up the pieces afterwards. I do still want to restore him properly... but given what I had to do, as you say, it will require the intervention of some quite powerful magics, which are currently beyond my grasp (albeit hopefully not forever)."

"Well, that suit of yours must've been pretty strong, if terrifying as hell, if it got me out of 2 Yigs. So I don't really get what you mean?" Lythiin asks Howard questioningly.

"Oh, that? Well, it is something that I came into relatively recently, catalysed by my months of delving into the Dreamlands; as I delved into it, so it delved into me, until a synergy was formed. It happened well after my brother's first death."

"I see. A pity. Anyway the temple of Sarenrae over there," He points to an open air building that has brass mirrors reflecting sunlight onto an altar of Sarenrae. A priestesses in gold robes is polishing the mirror while another is cleaning the altar.

"I've got some matters to attend to - some keepsakes I need bury with the Keeper."He tells Howard, his expression somber. "I'll be waiting at your place to teleport you to Okeno tomorrow morning.Then I can go face judgement for what I've done.His mouth gives a wry twist.

Howard nods.

"Understood. Do what you need to, in order to honor the memory of your friend. I will see you tomorrow."

He then moves over to speak with the Priestess.

"Good day. I am looking for some Restorations? Claude has suffered some drain to his strength, dexterity, and constitution; I have suffered a similar problem, with respect to my wisdom. I was hoping that someone here might be able to help us fix that...?"

"Sure." The priestess cleaning the altar states. " We'll be able to fix that but you'll have to pay some too. And provide the material components or equivalent value in gold pieces. Else we wouldn't be able to help the needy you know."

You pay full material cost but only 75% of spellcasting cost.

Once the price is agreed on, the priestess begins to chant a prayer which restores Claude's strength. She then repeats the process restoring his Dexterity, constitution and Howard's wisdom.

4 Restorations. Change your saves if they have been affected. Also you ding 12

"Oh, of course! I naturally assumed that I would have to pay..."

Howard happily hands over the requested funds.

Feeling somewhat refreshed, he then goes shopping!

Wand of CLW: 1d100 ⇒ 99 = Yes.
Wand of CLW: 1d100 ⇒ 16 = No.
Upgrade dust (to +5 cloak): 1d100 ⇒ 91 = Yes.
Tunic of Careful Casting: 1d100 ⇒ 70 = Yes.
Spellguard Bracers: 1d100 ⇒ 77 = Yes.
Stagger-proof Boots: 1d100 ⇒ 4 = No.
Trapspringer's Gloves: 1d100 ⇒ 62 = Yes.
Vest of Endure Elements: 1d100 ⇒ 28 = Yes.
Scroll of Create Demiplane: 1d100 ⇒ 59 = Yes.
Scroll of Create Demiplane: 1d100 ⇒ 62 = Yes.

The following morning, feeling rested, and more sure of himself than ever, he meets-up with Lythiin, and after moving to a secluded spot, summons his shell.

"Morning. I am ready to depart."

Lythiin in contrast to Howard, looks like hell. He is pale and haggard, and dark circles under his guilt ridden, red and rimy eyes indicate his night was hardly restful.

"Ok - lets get done with it." Lythiin says, then casts the spell for teleport.

teleport: 1d100 ⇒ 16

For a moment Howard feels himself back in the vast stone chamber is lit with large burning braziers set in nooks at each corner. A number of grand podiums set throughout the room hold enormous books, and other massive tomes hang from the ceiling on iron chains like condemned prisoners. However this time the chamber smells of smoke and is burning hot.

Then Howard is somewhere else. He finds himself looking at a city nestled within a mountain range.The city itself is a hodgepodge of architecture. Some of the buildings are magnificent mansions that fly the yellow flag with a chained human skull on it, others are little more then mud hovels.

"That's Okeno." Lythiin points at the city nestled within the mountain range. "Find the Necromonicon as swiftly as possible and bring it back to Katheer for destruction - before its knowledge can be used for evil." He bids Howard. "Farewell." Then he poofs off in a puff of grey smoke.

Howard nods his thanks, and then starts heading straight for the city.

I guess that I will look for Hyena Princess Njano at the Laughing Fleshfair...?

The cobbled streets are filled with humans and gnolls, being busy and sweaty; the dusty, feral stench of gnolls is everywhere.One gnoll with his body guards(who shove everyone out of the busy street to make way for his string of halfling slaves) catches Howard's eye. He decides to tail the slaver at a discreet distance, thinking he may lead him to the Laughing Fleshfair.

Howard arrives at a large, bustling market place filled with gnolls, many leading slave strings of chained humanoids. Howard's 'mark' starts heading to where a finely dressed gnoll is talking to a group of gnolls, calling out, "Hyena princess Njano, I've got some bargains for you. You were looking for a massage slave, and I just acquired a batch of halflings. They've got dexterous fingers and are very good at massages." He then joins the group of gnolls talking to her.

The finely dressed gnoll is accompanied by two unconventional bodyguards, a short muscular human woman, and a halfling swaddled in black robes with a monkey perched on his shoulder.

Howard approaches the finely-dressed Gnoll, and bows respectfully.

"Greetingsss, Hyena Princessssss Njano. I would beg to treat with you - I have heard that you are a font of knowledge about what goesss on around Okeno, and I ssseek to track down a particular... 'Gnawing Whip', if you catch my drift."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (18) + 27 = 45.

As Howard approaches, the gnolls give disgruntled growls. The short muscular woman bars Howards path, and gives him a shove. "Yo, punk! You're not gnoll! And all the others have brought gifts for my mistress! You come empty handed and design to speak with my mistress? Go Fk off!"

"Kistez! You cease and desist this very moment! He's clearly new to this place and doesn't know local customs!" Hyena Princess Njano yells her bodyguard off. "Besides...foreigners have..fresh... perspectives."

The short muscular human, Kistez backs off, glowering at Howard. "Now you've made me lose face. One day, we'll settle scores." She cracks her knuckles menacingly.

"Enough of that, Kistez, I will NOT have you threatening people in front of me!" Hyena princess Njano berates Kistez, who this time gets the point and backs down.

"I am sorry about my subordinate's behavior. She is good at what she does, but she does have a hair trigger temper and needs to be disciplined occasionally."Hyena princess Njano apologizes to Howard. "There WILL be words later."She assures Howard, her voice carrying a hint of steel.

"I don't know anyone currently taking the name of Gnawing Whip, but a busy slave market isn't the best place to discuss that kind of business. Why don't you wait till I've finished my purchases here then come to my estate with me? "She offers Howard. " We could come to a mutual beneficial agreement."

Howard narrows his eyes at the bodyguard, and sighs.

"I would recommend againssst that. It would not end well for you; I have taken down much nassstier opponentsss, without breaking a sssweat."

He then nods in response to Njano's ameliorating words.

"Of course! I would be delighted to come to sssome sssort of mutually beneficial arrangement."

Howard then waits patiently for just that.

Kisetz grinds her teeth and Howard’s words, and one of her hands moves towards her scimitar briefly, before she pulls it away.

Then she gets back to her gnolls, mingling with them like a shrewd shopper picking out the best bargains. ”Ah Hassian, you said you had some myrrh and frankincense to offer me? Why don’t you take out some of it so I may determine its quality.”

”Ode – take out the myrr and frankincense. Top Grade.” The gnoll commands and a bag is brought out by a Mwangi human slave. Hyena Princess Njano takes out some samples, and delicately gives it a few sniffs. ”Not quite up to stuff. Come back when you have items of QUALITY to offer.”She says disdainfully as the gnoll shuffles away, disappointed.

”Ahadi, the halfling massage slaves?” Hyena Princess Njano asks the gnoll that brought the string of halfling slaves. She looks at the halfling slaves calculatively, who back away with frightened eyes under her watchful gaze. ”I would like to test them for quality.”She makes a flat statement.

”Hakim, bring out the chair. A noble esteemed lady such as you should not dirty her frock on these streets.” Ahadi flatters the Hyena Princess Njano. After a Kelish slave brings out a luxurious looking chair, Hyena Princess Njano takes a seat, then points at one of the female halflings. ”This one. I want a shoulder massage.” The female halfling dutifully takes out a stool and stands on it, then begins to massage her shoulders, and Hyena Princess Njano makes a few delighted ooohs and ahhs of relief.”Excellent. You truly know your products.” She compliments Ahadi.

”I’ll take her.” She tells Ahadi.

”Hyena Princess Njano, would you like others as well? I guarantee they are of the same calibre.” Ahadi asks Hyena Princess Njano. ”If you take 3 I’ll give you the fourth one free.” He offers. ”I mean you could get one to massage your shoulders, the other your back, and your paws, and also some of your esteemed guests may wish for a massage too.”

”Well…that’s an idea, but I need to try them all out.” Hyena Princess Njano states, then begins to do that. After she is satisfied with their services, she orders another slave, Zain to give Ahadi a heavy chest of coins, and gets another slave, Dalia to take charge of the halflings.

”And about the garden slaves, Bahdru?” She prompts another gnoll. ”Oh yes Hyena Princess Njano, I have trained these slaves on the care of trees – I assure you your gardens will be well taken care off.”
”Hmm… let me test their knowledge.” She approaches one of the male Kelish slaves, ”What kind of care do Honey Mesquite Trees require?”

”Honey Mesquite Trees require alkaline soils, mistress. It would also not be advisable to give them too much water, lest they grow too quickly and their trunks become weak.” He answers deferentially. She then asks gardening questions to the other slaves.

”What plants would you recommend for a desert garden of alkali soil?”

”Ice plants make excellent ground cover, mistress, and for shade, the Honey Mesquite, Acacia and Desert willow will serve well.”
Satisfied with their knowledge on gardening, she orders Zain to give Badhru a medium sack of coins in exchange for his garden slaves.
”And the figs, Banou?” She approaches a female gnoll. ”Shorty, bring out the figs.”

Once the figs are brought out by a female halfling, the female gnoll advertises her figs, ”Imported from Katheer. Deliciously sweet, just the way you like it.” Hyena Princess Njano tries a fig out of the sack, ”Mmm. Not bad.” She compliments Banou.”Any discount for buying in bulk?”

”Uhh…I could give you 10% off on bulk purchases.” Banou offers.
”All right, I’ll take the whole lot.” There is an exchange of coin, and she orders Dalia to carry the figs.

Her shopping done, goods and slaves collected, Hyena Princess Njano starts heading back to her estate with Howard following her train.

Howard is lead to a villa made of red sandstone, with beautifully manicured gardens and a pond stocked with ornamental fish.

Hyena Princess Njano commands Dalia to get the new slaves settled, then brings along two guards to the whipping post at the back of the garden. ”Kisetz, you shame me with your rude behaviour and by issuing threats to others. I pride myself on my civility and you have ruined that image. Furthermore you show that I cannot control my subordinates actions.”
”5 lashes for Kisetz.” She orders. Kistez gives Howard a dirty glare as she walks to the post dutifully, where the guards tie her to the post and administer the said punishment. Throughout the lashings she grits her teeth in pain to keep from crying out. Once the lashing is done, Hyena Princess Njano threatens Kistez coldly, ”Don’t make me have to do this again.” Then she turns to Howard, ”Lets get to somewhere…more comfortable for business.”

Kisetz staggers off after the whipping, giving Howard a murderous glare, as she puts her armor back on, wincing all the way.

Howard is then lead to a high open room with bathtubs. ”Prepare the milk bath. We will sit in the milk baths, and have slaves fanning us and figs and dates to nibble, as we talk business. That is our way.” Hyena Princess Njano tells Howard.

Once the bathtubs have been brought out and filled with milk, Njano strips, then sinks herself into the cool milk, heaving a relieved sigh. ”It’s so hot out there.” The halfling slaves that were bought earlier attend to both herself and Howard, fanning them with large fans and offering them figs and dates.

”Would you like a massage, mistress?” One of them asks Hyena Princess Njano. ”Shoulder Massage.” She tells the slave as she begins to relax into the massage, as she nibbles a fig. ”Lesson no. 1. Always pay more for premiums. It’s worth it.”

After Howard has gotten into the bath, a female halfling asks him, ”Would you like a massage, sir?”, as another offers him figs and dates, and two more halflings start fanning him with large fans.

Kistez has also accompanied her mistress to the bathing room, and stares hatefully at Howard.

"So - you were looking for someone - feel free to speak your mind. Everyone who can overhear this conversation is either someone I trust, or someone who knows they won't come to a good end should the conversation be leaked. Or both. " Hyena Princess Njano tells Howard.

Howard watches, non-judgementally, as the Gnoll completes her purchases.

At least she seems to be civil enough, and treats her slaves well...

Back at the Villa, he winces, internally, as the whipping is applied, but refrains from commenting.

I suppose a small punishment is required, to maintain authority, and may work to prevent a greater transgression later...?

Once in the bath, he displaces more water than would be expected, given his size. When the Halfling makes the offer, he gives her a toothy grin.

"You are welcome to try, but I doubt that you will actually be able to reach my true flesssh."

He then turns to the Princess.

"Thank-you for agreeing to meet with me, and for your hossspitality. I wasss trying to allude to earlier, I am trying to track down Biting Lasssh. I wasss led to believe you were the bessst-connected perssson in Okeno, and therefore I of courssse thought it bessst to treat with you directly. Obviousssly, I do not expect anything for free; I believe in quid pro quo, after all..."

Howard gets a shoulder massage and his shell seems to appreciate getting pampered.

”Ah Biting Lash,” She nods sagely, ”The name might mean something to me, if I weren’t so distracted.”

”A good friend of mine, Dahab has been kidnapped. You know that one as…connected as I am…draws the ire of those who are…well off. Someone possibly jealous of my success and looking to strike at me in some way…”

”Now I don’t know who would do such a cruel thing to someone as kind as Dahab. Why yesterday, I was sent a part of him – his right ear, with a message saying that other parts will follow unless I meet the kidnapper at a place called the Shipwreck at dawn.” Her eyebrows furrow in distress. ”Now I suspect this kidnapper means me harm, so I do not wish to see whoever or whatever it is.”

”If you could manage to find and retrieve Dahab alive, then I would be less distracted…sufficiently so to remember more about Biting Lash.”

”Should you accept my proposal, I’ll be sending Kisetz and Hakoor to watch over the operation – we’ve just met – and no one gets to a position of power without taking certain…precautions.”She mentions delicately. ”And of course – if any harm came to Dahab, or my assistants, Kisetz or Hakoor, it would not bode well for you.” She raises her eyebrows at Howard after giving that statement.

Howard nods.

"I can work with thossse termsss, with the caveat that, if I am attacked by Kisssetz or Hakoor, I ressserve the right to defend myself; I don't like to offer blanket promisssesss that could force me into unfortunate sssituationsss. That sssaid, I very much hope that it doesss not come to that. Far too messssssy, and bad for bussssinessssss."

He then pauses thoughtfully for a moment.

"You sssaid that you had an ear, and a note? Could I sssee both, pleassse? Alssso, do you have any possssssessssssionsss of hisss?"

EDITED.

"If you are attacked you have every right to defend yourself, though I would appreciate if you brought them back to me alive, so that I can have the satisfaction of administering the punishment."Hyena Princess Njano answers.

"But Kistez should have learned her lesson by now, haven't you Kistez? " She gives a pointed look to Kistez, who answers submissively, "Yes I have, mistress.

The moment Hyena Princess Njano's looks in another direction, Kistez gives Howard a look of seething hatred and makes a cutthroat motion at Howard.

"I do NOT want this to degenerate into an open brawl in the streets, both of you. Have I made myself clear?" Hyena Princess Njano lectures both Howard and Kistez.

"Ah Zain."Hyena Princess Njano orders. "Bring out Dahab's ear and the note."

Zain goes into one of the rooms and comes out with a note as well as a dusky skinned, bloody human ear.

He hands them both to Howard. The note reads, "Esteemed Princess, greetings from the unworthy. I am honored to bring your beloved serf to bosom as my guest, but his appetite is so great that unless I act, he’ll eat everything I have. I therefore return him to you piece by piece, part by part, unless you wish to discuss his fate at the Shipwreck at dawn. "

Howard notes that the grammar of the note is particular and it is highly likely the writer primarily communicates in Infernal.

"Dahab acted as one of my spies and information brokers. He had contacts around and about Okeno, in particular at the Black Circus where he knew a beast tamer called Rahmir, and he frequented the domed temple of Gozreh, where he knew a builder called Azeem."Hyena Princess Njano informs Howard.

"I do not have any possessions of his."

Howard shrugs.

"Never mind... I will work with what I have."

Taking the ear, he prepares Scrying in an open slot, and casts it.

Effectively DC 26 Will save, thanks to the Ear, and having 'second hand' info about him.

If it doesn't work the first time, I will try again.

will: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

Howard sees in the mirror a large bed covered in silk sheets sits in the eastern side of this L-shaped room. A standing mirror and armoire occupy the northern portion of the room. Tooled and carved leather pictures of mountains and desert landscapes cover this room’s walls.

Tied and gagged in the northeastern corner of the room is a human with a missing ear, still bloody, wearing ocher jerkin, belt, and boots.

"I'll be back momentarily..."

Howard studies the room carefully, and then Teleports in.

Off Target: 1d100 ⇒ 7.

Howard finds himself in the room with a large bed covered in silk sheets sits in the eastern side of this L-shaped room. A standing mirror and armoire occupy the northern portion of the room. Tooled and carved leather pictures of mountains and desert landscapes cover this room’s walls.

Tied and gagged next to Howard is a human with a missing ear, still bloody, wearing ocher jerkin, belt, and boots.

He gives an alarmed meep when Howard first shows, then meeps piteously through his gags.

Howard puts a scaled finger to his lips, then floats over to the man, whispering:

"The Hyena Princessssss sssendssss her regardsss."

He then cuts his bonds.

Howard then asks:

"I can get you out of here, but firssst, where isss your captor?"

Dahab stops meeping as soon as Howard mentions the Hyena Princess and Howard begins to remove his gag.

Howard has just finished removing his gag and asks him where his captor is when he hears the sound of a door being unlocked and a rush of air.

"There! Behind you!" Dahab screams as he kicks his bound feet in the direction of the door.

Howard turns to see a blue-skinned humanoid fiend and draped in tight brown leathers, with a scimitar in one hand, key in another, flying in the doorway looking very pissed with Howard. "Who are you and what are you doing with this human? He's mine!" She snarls at Howard.

Howard Init: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (13) + 15 = 28
creature init: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

Howard knowledge planes: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (11) + 21 = 32

Howard recognizes her as a pair Pairaka div and she has 10 DR cold iron/good and can change shape into small/medium animal or a medium humanoid.

Howard up, slide 16

Howard snorts.

"Did you really think that there would be no repercussssssionsss for your theft? The Hyena Princessssss will want to play with you..."

He then casts Monstrous Physique III, and Shifts next to her.

"Bigger doesn't mean anything. I will cut you down, agent of the Hyena Princess!"

She then drops her keys, draws her hand axe and studies Howard.

Howard up

Bite: 1d20 + 22 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 22 + 2 = 25, for 6d10 + 11 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (4, 9, 7, 2, 5, 9) + 11 + 2 + (3, 4) = 56 damage.
Claw: 1d20 + 22 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 22 + 2 = 43, for 4d8 + 11 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (4, 2, 4, 4) + 11 + 2 + (6, 5) = 38 damage.
Claw: 1d20 + 22 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 22 + 2 = 25, for 4d8 + 11 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (6, 8, 2, 1) + 11 + 2 + (3, 4) = 37 damage.
Tail Slap: 1d20 + 17 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 17 + 2 = 28, for 4d10 + 5 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (8, 7, 2, 6) + 5 + 2 + (5, 2) = 37 damage.
Grab/Constrict: 1d20 + 22 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 22 + 2 = 35, for 4d10 + 5 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (7, 8, 9, 4) + 5 + 2 + (2, 6) = 43 damage.

Wow. That is some right rubbish, there...

She lithely dodges all the other blows except for one of the claws which draws a deep line on her ribs. 38 dmg done

She then turns on Howard, scimitar and axe flashing.

Scimitar: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (7) + 21 = 28
hand axe: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (9) + 21 = 30
Scimitar: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (2) + 16 = 18
hand axe: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (9) + 16 = 25
Scimitar: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24

None of the blows get through Howard's reptilian hide.

Same here. I think we need to make sacrifices to the dice roller.

Well at least she is having similar problems. Get your head back in the game!

Hissing in amusement, Howard takes another crack at her, this time trying to subdue.

Bite: 1d20 + 22 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (6) + 22 + 2 - 4 = 26, for 6d10 + 11 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (2, 6, 4, 5, 7, 1) + 11 + 2 + (1, 1) = 40 damage.
Claw: 1d20 + 22 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (6) + 22 + 2 - 4 = 26, for 4d8 + 11 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (6, 1, 2, 7) + 11 + 2 + (3, 2) = 34 damage.
Claw: 1d20 + 22 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 22 + 2 - 4 = 27, for 4d8 + 11 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (8, 6, 7, 1) + 11 + 2 + (3, 1) = 39 damage.
Tail Slap: 1d20 + 17 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (8) + 17 + 2 - 4 = 23, for 4d10 + 5 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (9, 4, 6, 2) + 5 + 2 + (3, 1) = 32 damage.
Grab/Constrict: 1d20 + 22 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 22 + 2 = 42, for 4d10 + 5 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (9, 2, 10, 7) + 5 + 2 + (4, 2) = 41 damage.

...and the terrible rolls continue!

Howard's attempts to subdue her by pulling his blows make them slower then they should be, and she ducks away from all of them.

She then counter attacks, without much success.

Scimitar: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (15) + 21 = 36
hand axe: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (3) + 21 = 24
Scimitar: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (4) + 16 = 20
hand axe: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (13) + 16 = 29
Scimitar: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14

Howard up. Well, better but again it's kinda hard to hit you. Odds are I hit only on nat 20.

Hey, a 19 will hit me ;-)

Now getting a little frustrated, Howard pushes his attacks, still trying to subdue.

Bite: 1d20 + 22 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 22 + 2 - 4 = 24, for 6d10 + 11 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (3, 7, 9, 3, 10, 2) + 11 + 2 + (1, 3) = 51 damage.
Claw: 1d20 + 22 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 22 + 2 - 4 = 30, for 4d8 + 11 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (7, 6, 3, 2) + 11 + 2 + (2, 1) = 34 damage.
Claw: 1d20 + 22 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (8) + 22 + 2 - 4 = 28, for 4d8 + 11 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (8, 8, 4, 5) + 11 + 2 + (6, 3) = 47 damage.
Tail Slap: 1d20 + 17 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 17 + 2 - 4 = 35, for 4d10 + 5 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (3, 9, 10, 4) + 5 + 2 + (5, 5) = 43 damage.
Grab/Constrict: 1d20 + 22 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 22 + 2 = 27, for 4d10 + 5 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (1, 5, 7, 9) + 5 + 2 + (1, 5) = 35 damage.
Crit Confirmation: 1d20 + 17 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (14) + 17 + 2 - 4 = 29, for 4d10 + 5 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (9, 9, 2, 10) + 5 + 2 + (3, 5) = 45 *ADDITIONAL* damage.

Howard smacks her in the chest then knocks her out with a well timed tail slap. On her body Howard finds +3 leather armor, +1 handaxe, +1 scimitar, boots of Elven kind, a key ring with keys hanging, and 69 gp.

"Oh Wow, I never saw anyone or anything do that before."Dahab whistles in appreciation. "Urm...can we be off before I bleed to death from being missing a ear?"

In the room Dahab is imprisoned in, the tooled leather landscapes on display here are masterfully done. There are five of them: two are worth 150 gp each and the other three are worth 200 gp each. In addition, a box beneath the bed holds a suit of +1 bolstering leather lamellar armor.

Howard raises an eyebrow, and taps the man with a wand.

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3.

"There. That ssshould ssstop the 'bleeding'. Jussst be glad that they did take an ear, and were then foolisssh enough to sssend in to the Hyena Princessssss; it isss what allowed me to find you..."

He then crates everything up, dismissess Monstrous Physique, and returns to the Hyena Princess' lair.

Teleport: 1d100 ⇒ 15.

"Apologiesss for the abrupt exit and entrance, but I thought you might want him back asss quickly asss possssssible. I have alssso brought you hisss captor; ssshe isss very much alive, ssso have fun... Jussst be aware that ssshe is a ssshapechanger."

EDITED.

"Its my ear! Have you had your ear chopped off before? But not too bad in the long run of things except the Hyena Princess is going to dock my pay to pay for the regeneration of my ear."Dahab complains.

"How delightful!" Hyena Princess Njano squeals with delight on seeing Howard's prisoner."You bring me the most lovely presents, you."

"Zain, see that he is handsomely rewarded. 13000 gold pieces will suffice. And Kistez, tie this insolent cur up and bring her to the dungeons."She orders."Get Kitava to extract every ounce of information out of her, but leave her alive. We'll arrange for a public execution to show everyone what happens to those who harm those in my service."

Zain brings out a large chest containing 13,000 gold coins and gives it to Howard.

"Now I need to bring my man to the Temple of Abadar to get his ear regenerated. No one should say that I do not take care of my own."Hyena Princess Njano informs Howard. "Afterwards, we can talk business over dinner. Please do stay for dinner, my cook does the most marvelous dishes!"

Howard nods modestly.

"I had a feeling that you might want to 'chat' with the perpetrator. I would be honored to join you for dinner!"

He then quietly happily does just that (after scooping the gold into his Bag of Holding).

Hyena Princess Njano takes a retinue of guards, and Dehab, then heads out.

Howard smells the smoky smell of a barbecue going on at the backyard as the Mwangi cooks begin preparing the feast.

Hyena Princess Njano returns with Dehab, now with two ears and her retinue of guards. The table is set up and dinner is served.

One of the dishes is an enormous platter filled with kebabs, venison steaks and spicy sausages. The soup is a thick, spicy broths made with okra and flavored with chicken chunks.

A plate of grilled fish is accompanied by a dish of cassava leaves in a peanut sauce and maize porridge.

A plate of sizzling prawns and squid is accompanied by spicy chilli sauce and hollowed-out quarter-loaves of white bread filled with a blistering-hot curry is

"Enjoy your dinner."Hyena Princess gestures at the spread on the dining table. Several Mwangi slaves hover over the dinner table, passing Hyena Princess a mug of beer.

"Would you like any drinks, Sir?" One of them asks Howard.

Howard sniffs the meal appreciatively.

"Thisss certainly looksss deliciousss!"

He then tucks in.

When beverages are offered, he nods.

"Sssome fruit juice would be nice - I try to sssteer clear of alcohol when working..."

Howard is given a glass of pomergrenade juice.

Kistez returns to bodyguarding her mistress.

Hyena Princess makes quite a large dent into the venison steaks, sausages and scoups herself a large bowl of thick spicy broth and maize porridge.

"I told you my cook was a good one, right?" Hyena Princess Njano smiles at Howard, showing her fangs. "I always get the best."

"Speaking of which, would you consider working for me... on a more permanent basis? I was very impressed with the way you handled Dabah's kidnapping. Locating him took an hour, and the extraction, less then 5 minutes. Efficient way of doing things."Hyena Princess Njano compliments Howard. " And you even brought the kidnapper back. Most would have just brought back Dahab, and not the kidnapper at all."

As she says those words to Howard, Kistez glares at Howard with jealousy and hatred.

"Biting Lash is currently in the fortress, the Blossoming Thorn. It is in the north western quadrant near the Vajad River. Dahab can lead you there, if you need a guide. He's spied on her for me many times before."

Howard nods.

"Indeed, your cook isss quite good. Asss for my ssservicesss... well, I have a task that I need to complete, which will probably take some time, but once it isss done, I am sure that a mutually beneficial accord could be arrived at. Asss for a guide, yesss, that would be appreciated."

"It would be best if you set off tomorrow then - I could order Dahab to set off tonight, but humans don't have Darkvision." She notes. "Unless you'd want to fix that?" She gives Howard a questioning look.

"Oh well, I have lots of spare suites anyway!"

Howard shrugs.

"I don't have the required magic to grant him the ability to sssee in the dark prepared at the moment. Moreover, I don't sssleep. However, a quiet location to think would be appreciated, and then he can ssshow me the way in the morning."

"You don't sleep?" Hyena Princess Njano's eyes widen in surprise. "Thats sort of odd, but I've heard of Clerics pulling a whole week on lesser restoration."

"Dalia, show him his suite."

Howard is shown to a luxurious suite of which the walls are a vibrant shade of red. The bed is made of ebony, has a white mattress and maroon pillows and bolsters. An ebony chest of drawers is next to the bed, and an ebony writing desk, stocked with writing materials lies opposite the bed. The windows, lined with ruby red curtains, overlook into the Okenian night sky.

"If you need anything, just ask." Dalia informs Howard.

Howard nods to Dalia.

"Thank-you. I do not need anything at presssent, but if I think of anything, I will be certain to asssk."

He then casts Keep Watch, and spends the night cogitating about what he needs to do.

Howard's night is uneventful and at the crack of dawn, he hears a knock on the door. Opening it up, he finds that its Dabah, who is a brown shirt and breeches, and brown boots,carrying a large backpack. "Let's go - the faster I get there, the faster I can return back to Okeno.Im not that fond of tromping under the hot sun."

Following his lead through the mountain valleys, Howard is brought to the Blossoming Thorn two hours later.

Grim granite walls rise 30 feet between each floor. The ground floor has only one entrance, and none of the walls have any outer windows. The second level of the fortress has a few windows that look down into the inner courtyard. These windows are large enough to let in some light and fire a ranged weapon through. A Small or smaller creature can easily climb through one of these windows, but a Medium creature must squeeze. The rooftop garden has a 3-foot-high stone lip around it. The outer walls are made of large, smooth, tightly fitting blocks of stone.

D1

This is a building is designed for defense, not for looks. It is a cylindrical fort 60 feet high and capped with lush gardens. The outer walls are large smooth stone blocks. A single arched entrance allows access. The entrance is strangely enough, open.

"I'll leave you here and get back to Okeno. I have other tasks to do. You can just poof back the same way you poofed me out, right?" Dabah asks Howard.

Before leaving:

"If the heat isss going to be a problem for you, let me deal with it now."

Howard then casts Endure Elements on the man.

Upon arrival at Blossoming Thorn:

Howard nods.

"Yesss, I can make my own way back."

He then buffs (including tapping himself and Claude with the Wand of Invisibility), and then Dimension Doors to the top of the wall, with the intention of starting at the top, and working his way down the building.