The Destiny of the Queen (Inactive)

Game Master The Little King

Road to Fwey--1515
Umaveti points his finger in an authoritative manner at Bronan,"Tired? I'll have you know--" Umaveti collapses back onto his pack in exhaustion.

The troupe leaves him to rest and ventures into the brush.

Bronan also remembers that centipedes love to hide and surprise their prey...

I've put a crude map up, faded green is the path, dark green is obstructive trees and brush, lighter green is easily navigated brush (only have a penalty if you try to run). I think I put everyone in the right order, feel free to change about as you move.

"Be on your guard. This looks a fine place for an ambush. C'mon boy, what's out there?" Despite his best efforts, the mop dog simply looks confused.

Handle Animal to 'Push' for the Seek trick: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20
As we progress down the path, I'm going to retry each round

Odd'n, scoffing at the abuse Bronan is reigning down on his poor pooch, presses on ahead beside Baru. "He uses the dog like its an expendable life.. sending him ahead for the slaughter. I won't have it.. will you?" he asks the long-armed man. Without waiting for an answer he begins to stalk ahead, his steps carrying him a few feet further in front of the group as they proceed down the path.

His eyes scanning the shrubs and the trees ahead, Odd'n keeps his eyes peeled for any signs of centipedes.. whatever they are. Centipede.. centipede.. I think we ate them.. didn't we? Food isn't dangerous.. he thinks absent mindedly, his heavy footfalls sending birds flittering away in the branches above.

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Odd'n will remain ahead of the group as they proceed down the trail, reluctant for anyone but Baru to come astride or try to get ahead. He will NOT let the dog go on ahead under any circumstances.. and will run along with or ahead of the pooch if he does so try :P

Caltrop gets low to the ground and begins to growl at a suspicious-looking shrubbery...

Hearing the growl, Gwyn looks down the path and sees nothing.

Gwyn Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

I hang back a bit and try to make myself unobtrusive, or less of a target, as the dog begins to growl.

Stealth 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12
Perception 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

Road to Fwey--1520
Garret sees two centipedes in the clearing ahead.

One of them (the one to the south) sees him and Gwyn.

Everyone roll stealth (because I'm going to go ahead and assume you're all sneaking on account of Bronan's warning), perception, and initiative if you haven't already...this is going to be a slightly complicated surprise round, but if it's too bad it won't happen again.

Gwyn Stealth: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
Gwyn Init: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

Stealth: 1d20 ⇒ 14
Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

Stealth: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (7) - 3 = 4
Caltrop's Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 8
Caltrop's Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Caltrop's Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

"What is it boy?" Bronan looks around nervously, but sees nothing.

Initiative 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

"There." I point out the two centipedes with a whisper.

on my turn to act

Swift action, Arcane Strike
Move action, move to within 30ft of the closest centipede (almost everyone goes before me so far)
Standard action, Attack 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24 Damage 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

K waiting on Alhandra and Baru

Baru keeps pace with the dog and Odd'n. Baru whispers to Odd'n That particular animal is braver than most. I suspect its tooth and claw are equally impressive. Hearing Bronan's comments about surprise, Baru scans the area, taking care to slow is movements as he makes his way to the horse's cries.
Stealth: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

Garret, unless LGM wants to treat the surprise round as a full round, you can only take free actions and either a move or standard action, not both

Yeah, surprise isn't a full round, so I need to know what's more important: being within 30' to get your bonuses, or shooting the centipedes...also I've posted a note in the discussion regarding playing out of turn. Soon as Alhandra posts, we're free and clear.

Stealth: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
Perception: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (8) + 0 = 8
Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

Alhandra hangs back. It's been a long day and she's a little too tired to be sneaking around.

Road to Fwey--1520

Round 1
I misspoke in the discussion, only Garret and the House Centipede to the North are in the Surprise Round.

The brown spindles protruding from the back of the centipede to the heroes' right begin to shiver. Those on his partner's back shiver in kind as if in response. The troupe can hear rustling in the parts of the clearing occluded by the forest, it seems this pair is actually a colony.

The first centipede skitters straight for Caltrop.

Garret warns his teammates before loosing an arrow which, with a flash of light, finds its way through the centipede's head and second segment, killing it.

Full round action- charge nearest centipede and attack; +2 to hit, -2 to AC until my next turn

Seeing nothing more than a flash wizz by before the nearest centipede fell rocked Odd'n back on his heels momentarily. Right.. that damn noble he thinks before launching himself headlong towards the nearest centipede.

Uncertain as to why these centipedes would need such caution, Odd'n runs ahead oblivious to the earlier warning that these simple beasts can manufacture some semblance of team-work. As he approaches the nearest critter he brings his huge right fist slamming down with all his strength; a truly ridiculous and comical thing to behold.

Attack roll: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 7 + 2 = 26

Literally chomping at the bit, Caltrop nips atthe offending bug in front of him.

Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Damage: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Alhandra remains in the back, clapping her hands and laughing. This is great fun and she is clearly enjoying herself immensely.

Edit:

Round 1 cont'd; Note: enemies outlined in black are dead. @Bronan: the centipede at C10 had already been killed by Garret's surprise round shot, I moved you as requested post the centipede's death. @Baru: by your turn, the way is blocked and you can't charge; I had you double move to get up to the front lines (no attack).

Odd'n runs up to the middle living centipede and comes down on it hard, killing it. Alhandra looks on as he does laughing and applauding.

After getting sprayed in the face with centipede gut--a product of Garret's sharp-shooting--Caltrop moves toward the enemy centipedes. Caltrop to C5.

The centipede to Odd'n's right scuttles over and bites at him. Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7 Odd'n chuckles as its pincers merely scrape his leathers. Centipede from B2 to C2. Gwyn, inspired by her friend's bravery runs into battle, drawing her dussacks and trying to flank the next polypod. Gwyn to C1

The southernmost centipede also moves to bite Odd'n. Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14 Odd'n frowns, he felt that one, and it just barely pierced his leathers... Centipede F2 to E3. During this attack, Bronan and Baru run to aid their comrades. Bronan to C4, Baru to B1. As they run forward, the centipede to Odd'n's left bites him hardAttack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24 injecting a poison. No damage, but FORT save please. Before the pincers clasp, Garret treads forward, aiming, enchanting, and firing an arrow just past Bronan's neck into the rearing centipede in front of him. The arrow splits the centipedes head, and Bronan gets a spray to match his dog's. Garret to C8 (D8 is technically 35'), Centipede-C2 is dead.

The northernmost centipede tries to bite Baru Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13, but his armor proves too thick.

Bronan whirls around as the arrow whizzes by his head "Not so close next time!"

Not to be left out of the fun, he and the dog rush forward, snapping and pounding on any centipedes left standing.

Caltrop Moves to D1 and bites the centipede in E2
Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
damage: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

"Don't worry, I wouldn't hit you." I state to Bronan.

Fortitude save vs Poison: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

Feeling an immense heat swell up and spread from where he was bit, Odd'n is momentarily distracted from the bizarre confrontation going on around him between his travelling companions and what he once considered an easy meal. Chuckling to himself he thinks; Never had my dinner bite ME before.. I'll have to get this looked at by Gwyn.. before turning his attention to the two critters alive and within his reach.

Odd'n, at this point irritated by the little bastard that bit him and the heat radiating from the fresh wound, turns to the centipede on his left (E3) and unleashes first his right, then his left, before falling upon the beast and chomping at it with his teeth.

Main Hand atk: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
DMG: 1d3 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

Off Hand atk: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
DMG: 1d3 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Secondary Bite atk: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11
DMG: 1d2 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Looking around, Odd'n spots caltrop sporting the same combat technique and offers him an approving, toothy grin!

Baru turns and swings hard into the centipede that tried to bite him (A2). Filthy little mongrel! he spits as he swings.

attack: 1d20 + 4 - 1 ⇒ (15) + 4 - 1 = 18
damage: 2d8 + 3 ⇒ (2, 5) + 3 = 10
Combat Expertise -1 to hit +1 AC.
Net AC: 17/13/15.

Baru briefly glances around as if looking for something.
Where is that blasted horse I heard.
Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Round 2

Odd'n unleashes his bestial fury on the ridiculously outmatched arthropod. His first punch crushed the centipede, and after that the pit-fighter was simply mutilating its carcass. HC-E3 is dead

Surprised and slightly put-off by the lull in combat, Odd'n awkwardly picks the chunks of centipede out from between his teeth as he tries to avoid making eye-contact with those around him.

Way to go oaf.. not everyone is used to such barbarisms. How will you fit in with these free civilians if you are still acting like a savage slave fighter.. he thinks thoughtfully as he swallows the last bit of chitin he finds lodged between his rear teeth with his tongue.

Round 2

The party begins to notice that Alhandra's laughing and clapping has been intermittently interrupted by what sounds like maniacal ramblings. Little do they know she's secretly been summoning her eidolon since Caltrop's first growl. The ritual takes ten turns (1 minute) so the aberration will get a turn after Caltrop's.

Caltrop runs up and bites the southernmost centipede's head clean off. HC--E2 is dead

Suddenly there appears behind Garret a dark and ominous beast who is revolting even to the hardened pit-fighter, and the asura-born tiefling; altogether difficult to behold, and therefore to describe. This mass slinks forward toward the group, but seems altogether slow to move, as if outside its element. The troupe shudders at the thought of what that element might be. I'll retcon as necessary, but I'm assuming the Aquatic base form for Alhandra's Eidolon, and doing what I can without making decisions about it's stats.

Last one you guys! Take 'em out Gwyn!

Attack mwk Dussack vs. Centipede (A2): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Gwyn steps in the gap between Baru and Bronan, then stabs the last Centipede with one of the long knives she uses.

"Bugs," she mutters, "Why'd it have to be bugs?"

I think Bronan's spoilered action is still to be resolved?

Gwyn walks up and nonchalantly stabs the last centipede through the eye, killing it.

End Combat

@Bronan: Your turn comes after Gwyn's, and she just killed the last centipede. This is why if it's not your turn, I recommend spoilers.

Once the pests have perished, the played-out paramores peruse the precinct for products that might make them a profit. And they find:

A wounded horse

The half-eaten corpse of what seems to have been a dark-skinned, bald man, but it's hard to tell

A torn tent

Seeing no more of the creepy crawlies, Gwyn flicks the ichor off the blade she used and wipes it clean with an old rag.

"Is anyone hurt?" She calls out.

Looking at the half-eaten corpse, she adds, much more quietly, "And does anyone know how to give the dead rites?"

I will look through any belongings of the half eaten man to see if there is any form of identification.

Odd'n limps over to Gwyn, his leg still feeling the heat from the centipedes venom. "I was bit, uhm.. I'm don't know why but it feels.. hot.." he says slowly, exposing the wound to Gwyn.

Did Odd'n pass his fortitude check?

"No to both questions." Bronan responds. "We should probably bury him at least."

Road to Fwey--1525...Is no one concerned for the wounded horse?

Garret finds a rolled up note in the folds of the deceased's monk's robes written in Tien. Linguistics DC 25 to decipher if you don't know Tien.

Also in the robes, Garret finds a blowgun, and an empty belt pouch. Further, he sees a backpack beneath the body.

@Odd'n, yes, sorry, I lost track of that once I read your attack (can you blame me?)

Bronan does his best to calm the horse.

Handle Animal: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Looking up from Gwyn, Odd'n notices the arrogant fighter rummaging through the dead-mans belongings. "Is this how your family came by its wealth? Rummaging through a dead mans materials?" Odd'n shouts at Garret, irritated by the mans disrespect to the dead and apparent interest in only improving HIS lot in life.

Walking a short distance from Gwyn he begins to claw at the earth with his bare hands. His fingers; callused and strong from years of working, fighting-- simply surviving-- with nothing but his own two hands; dig deep into the earth. Muttering under his breath Odd'n throws handfuls of dirt into the nearby brush, occasionally tossing the larger pebbles he comes across at the arrogant noble. Speaking to no one in particular, Odd'n mutters aloud "Well.. you said we should bury him.. does no one care to help?".

Looking for caltrop, Odd'n spots him and lets a goofy-toothy smile split his face as he props his rear in the air and begins to dig like a dog. He stops momentarily to try to coax Caltrop into joining him dig the man a grave.

Wanna do an attack roll to hit garret with the rock? And/or a handle animal roll to actually try to get caltrop to help you? To everyone: whenever you think a roll might be in order, feel free to roll it (if we don't use it we don't use it, but chances are I'll use it)[/b]

Road to Fwey--1525

Bronan succeeds in calming the horse, but he notices it's bleeding from it's wound.

Horse's Stabilize: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

It stops bleeding while Bronan looks on, but it still seems in bad shape. It's dying, in fact.

Good point, but for now lets assume Odd'n does it half-heartedly. Garret is aware Odd'n is throwing rocks towards him without much effect, and Odd'n is just bein' a goof with regard to the pooch.

Gwyn, fearing that a confrontation was about to turn ugly, breathes a sigh of relief. She finds something to use as a shovel and begins to help Odd'n dig.

"Odd'n, please, try to control your temper. The last thing we need is to turn on each other before we even find the bandits. I know he's a pompous ass," she says with a grin, "But we don't need to be as ugly on the inside as he is."

Garret finds a rolled up note in the folds of the deceased's monk's robes written in Tien. Linguistics DC 25 to decipher if you don't know Tien.

Also in the robes, Garret finds a blowgun, and an empty belt pouch. Further, he sees a backpack beneath the body.

I do not disturb the backpack, after finding the note I open it and attempt to read it.

Linguistics 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

Looking up from Gwyn, Odd'n notices the arrogant fighter rummaging through the dead-mans belongings. "Is this how your family came by its wealth? Rummaging through a dead mans materials?" Odd'n shouts at Garret, irritated by the mans disrespect to the dead and apparent interest in only improving HIS lot in life.

I speak without looking to Odd'n, "I am trying to discern who this man was and what he was here for, child, do not try to guess at what it is that your betters do."

"Odd'n, please, try to control your temper. The last thing we need is to turn on each other before we even find the bandits. I know he's a pompous ass," she says with a grin, "But we don't need to be as ugly on the inside as he is."

I stop trying to decipher the note as I look to Gwyn, "You say I am a pompous ass, I say I know my worth as a human. Just because I am confident and speak my mind does not make me pompous."

Hands now covered in horse blood. Bronan looks to be getting a little frantic. "I don't suppose any of you has any training as a vet? Or a field surgeon? I'd really hate to have to put the mare down."

Caltrop sits at the edge of Odd'n's pit panting. The mop dog doesn't really understand what the man child wants, but is hoping that it will involve him getting treats.

Untrained Heal: 1d20 ⇒ 16

Odd'n rolls his eyes before taking a brief pause to stretch his back. "Should this about do it..? I mean.. it's maybe a little short.. but.. we can.. uhm.. fold the man?" Odd'n asks Gwyn, clearly new to this 'respect the dead' business. At least I'm trying.. he thinks to himself.

While waiting for her to step outta the pit Odd'n leans towards Caltrop to tickle his chin. "Good fighting little guy.." he whispers to the pooch as his hand approaches.

I stop trying to decipher the note as I look to Gwyn, "You say I am a pompous ass, I say I know my worth as a human. Just because I am confident and speak my mind does not make me pompous."

"Perhaps, but just because you say you're better, or even think you're better, doesn't make it so. 'Sides, assuming you are the best is a good way to get yourself killed." She says, her eyes darkening at that last sentence.

Road to Fwey--1530

With great struggle, Garret recognizes enough of the symbols to piece together the general purpose of the letter. The letter is asking this man, Sun, to meet the writer at the gates of Krisol. It seems they're love interests. It's signed "Queen Debala." A Post-script reminds Sun to "come as he is." Whatever that means.

Bronan rubs some mud into the bite wound in the horse's abdomen. Successful First Aid, but it needs to heal at least 1 HP to start walking

Almost forgot: XP for the centipedes: 50 XP ea.

Baru looks quietly leans against a tree checking to see if anything else is around. Seeing nothing new however, he turns his attention to the argument at hand. Garret, I think you've demonstrated your a worth while ally, but I feel most everyone here has done the same. Talking down to people, however you may feel, only results in resentment for both parties. Baru cracks his knuckles and smiles. It has its uses at times, but this is not one of them.

Odd'n winks at Baru as he climbs out of the pit. "You may as well put those arms to good use.. come.. grab his legs.." Odd'n asks of Baru, gesturing in the direction of the partly-eaten man.

Smiling at Gwyn he adds- "You've dirtied your hands enough today.. let us deal with this... but maybe you can keep an eye on that mop-top dog slaver while we deal with this.."

"Huh? Slaver? I didn't--" Gwyn begins, but her closes with a click as she realizes who Odd'n is talking about.

"Oh right, I'll keep an eye on him." She says before hopping out of the shallow grave and dusting herself off. Her eyes narrow in thought as she approaches Bronan.

Why would Odd'n call him a slaver? He doesn't seem to be the type, but I've been wrong before.

She finds him tending to a horse and lets out a giggle.

"Sorry, but Odd'n wanted me to see if you needed any help," she lied, sorta.

"I'm afraid I don't know much about horses, or animals, but I guess an extra pair of hands is better than nothing, right?"

"Very well, I will attempt to be more civil for now. Apparently this monk was traveling to meet a lover outside of Krisol. I will take his pack and deliver it to said person so that she may know of his demise."

With that I lift the pack from under the dead man and sling it across my shoulder. Placing the blow gun in one of its pockets.