Tora no Senaka - The Back of the Tiger (Inactive)

Game Master Dreaming Warforged

I believe DW said the water is difficult terrain. I think you can still flank with Bear Spirit though.

Raith shin kicks the skeleton's knees.

Crane Style: AC 19/CMD 21
Flurry: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (6) - 1 = 5 (1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7)
Flurry: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1 (1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5)

It is difficult terrain (mentioned earlier, sorry). Pavel has moved in first in D/5.5. Where will Izumi stand? He can go in the water, but he won't be able to do 5-foot steps once there...

I wonder if I am supposed to aid Izumi if he has challenged another warrior? What rules of honor would apply? No time to ask him! I will have to target Pavel instead this time.

Sorin removes his final scroll from his scroll case. He quickly unfurls the parchment and begins chanting off the runes. Drips of silver incandescence fall from the bottom of the scroll for a few seconds as the words tumble from Sorin. Suddenly the entire sheet vaporizes and tendrils of silver snake across Sorin's hand before rolling into a small, seed-like ball. Taking careful aim, he makes a motion like flicking an apple pip, causing the glittering seed to flip through the air and land on Pavel. In an instant the seed sprouts, and as the tendrils expand, so does Pavel, until his head brushes the ceiling and his club is nearly as large as the bear cub. As soon as Pavel's growth ends, the silver vines fall away as glittering motes and vanish.

Enlarge person. Ends up as size large, so 4 squares, has 5' reach, +2 damage, -1 AC

Seeing that Pavel has stepped in before him, Izumi will instead make his way around the edge of the combat, being unable to step in to strike.

Alright, instead of attacking (since I can't), will move through Raith and Bear Spirit's sqaure, around to C/5.5. This movement provoked an attack of opportunity from Tsutamu. AC:19 cause no combat expertise this round.
AoO: 1d20 ⇒ 6

Thanks for the roll! Anyone can do the same when they create a situation where I should be rolling one, like saves and such.
Garand is up.

Garand spares a moment to concentrate on bear-spirit, attempting to precisely direct his companion to first attack, and then to step back.

bear spirit full attack
bite 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
claw 1 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
claw 2 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

bite damage 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
claw 1 damage 1d3 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
claw 2 damage 1d3 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Handle Animal, DC 12, because bear-spirit is wounded. Free actions, thanks to Link. It's already attacking, so he just has to give it the 'Down' command after it attacks, to get it to take a 5 ft. step back (since, after a Full Attack, that's the only move bear-spirit can take to disengage). 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

He also intones a brief plea to the spirits to assist his companion Pavel, whom he taps lightly on the shoulder, to pass on the spirit's favor.

Guidance on Pavel. +1 to next attack roll, saving throw, ability check or skill check, in the next minute.

Round 7 - The Companions
Pavel move to the skeleton and he lashes out with his morningstar! The mass of steel smashes into the undead’s shoulder, cracking bones.

Raith shin kicks the skeleton's knees, but fails to find an opening.

Sorin removes his final scroll from his scroll case. He quickly unfurls the parchment and begins chanting off the runes. Drips of silver incandescence fall from the bottom of the scroll for a few seconds as the words tumble from Sorin. Suddenly the entire sheet vaporizes and tendrils of silver snake across Sorin's hand before rolling into a small, seed-like ball. Taking careful aim, he makes a motion like flicking an apple pip, causing the glittering seed to flip through the air and land on Pavel. In an instant the seed sprouts, and as the tendrils expand, so does Pavel, until his head brushes the ceiling and his club is nearly as large as the bear cub. As soon as Pavel's growth ends, the silver vines fall away as glittering motes and vanish. (Please double-check the modifiers for Enlarge person. I thought it meant 10’ reach, +1 damage and -2 AC)

Seeing that Pavel has stepped in before him, Izumi will instead make his way around the edge of the combat, being unable to step in to strike. He’s wide open as he moves, but Tsutamu curses as Izumi moves too fast for him to get a shot.

Garand spares a moment to concentrate on bear-spirit, attempting to precisely direct his companion to first attack, and then to step back. He also intones a brief plea to the spirits to assist his companion Pavel, whom he taps lightly on the shoulder, to pass on the spirit's favor.

Bear-spirit obeys and lashes then retreat. Though some of his claws and bites connected, the bone structure of the undead warrior makes it unlikely that the animal companion will damage it.

Round 7 - Tsutamu
Tsutamu follows Izumi’s movement, turning around and stabbing at the warrior.

Cry in the corner now. At -2.

Izumi once again clatters to the ground, the hammer ringing off the ground. He is bleeding profusely.

Constitution Check: 1d20 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 1 - 2 = 0 Now at -3.

I keep forgetting you have the hammer for now... Sorry.

I really considered having Izumi pull the sword out for Tsutamu, but he doesn't want to damage it further before it's repaired.

The target gains a +2 size bonus to Strength, a –2 size penalty to Dexterity (to a minimum of 1), and a –1 penalty on attack rolls and AC due to its increased size. So a possible -3 AC, +2 damage, -1 attack, with 10' reach. Its a good thing that I am close enough to get you with the ward, to give you the +1 AC. I will take care of the AC issue shortly.

Also, please note that Pavel's weapons are now 1 size category larger now. 1d8 turns to 2d6.

Oh yeah! Large club baby!

My last spell...thinks Sorin as he reaches into his sleeve for the material focus. I don't think we have any other options if we cannot defeat this creature.

As Sorin begins a low droning chant, he removes a small bell from his sleeve and holding the stem with his index finger and thumb, rings it vigorously. The shimmering peal of the bell fills the cave and for an instant, seeming to push back against all other noise. Minute runes pop into existence around the bell, forming a web of light. Sorin moves to stand behind Pavel, and when he steps close, touches him with the bell, causing the globe of runes to pop like a bubble, then swirl around Pavel to form a glowing ring on the ground beneath his feet.

Protection from Evil: The subject gains a +2 deflection bonus to AC and a +2 resistance bonus on saves. Both these bonuses apply against attacks made or effects created by evil creatures.

Raith slides to C.5/5. No fighting defensively.
Flurry of Blows: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 (1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6)
Flurry of Blows: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9 (1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6)

Raith goes all out offense. It's all or nothing.

Sorin would need to move forward at least a bit to get Pavel in the area of his ward.

Current AC before Protection from Evil- 15. +1 attack with Garand's guidance spell.

"Wh'what the-?!", Pavel booms as his size doubles. He quickly adjusts once he remembers Sorin using this trick before on the trail with Sandru. He lashes out with his gigantic morningstar, aiming to crush the brutal skeleton.
Large Morningstar w/ favored enemy bonus: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 172d6 + 6 ⇒ (4, 5) + 6 = 15

Sorry, Sorin has to be in E/5.5 to activate the touch spell. Thank you for the breakdown CB, I was brainlocked on the strength modifier.

Garand is up.

Garand steps closer and gives Pavel another blessing.

Guidance, +1 to next hit roll, skill check, saving throw or ability check in the next minute

Bear-spirit moves forward and attacks again, but cannot step back again this time.

bear spirit full attack
bite 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
claw 1 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
claw 2 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

bite damage 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
claw 1 damage 1d3 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
claw 2 damage 1d3 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Round 8 - The Companions
Izumi once again clatters to the ground, the hammer ringing off the ground. He is bleeding profusely.

My last spell... thinks Sorin as he reaches into his sleeve for the material focus. I don't think we have any other options if we cannot defeat this creature.
As Sorin begins a low droning chant, he removes a small bell from his sleeve and holding the stem with his index finger and thumb, rings it vigorously. The shimmering peal of the bell fills the cave and for an instant, seeming to push back against all other noise. Minute runes pop into existence around the bell, forming a web of light. Sorin moves to stand behind Pavel, and when he steps close, touches him with the bell, causing the globe of runes to pop like a bubble, then swirl around Pavel to form a glowing ring on the ground beneath his feet.

Raith goes all out offense. It's all or nothing. But it seems he can’t find the right timing for this fight.

"Wh'what the-?!", Pavel booms as his size doubles. He quickly adjusts once he remembers Sorin using this trick before on the trail with Sandru. He lashes out with his gigantic morningstar, aiming to crush the brutal skeleton. The weapon lands with a satisfying cracking sound in the skeleton’s ribs. Pieces of bone rain on the cavern floor.

Garand steps closer and gives Pavel another blessing.

Bear-spirit obeys and lashes then retreat. Though some of his claws and bites connected, the bone structure of the undead warrior makes it unlikely that the animal companion will damage it. Bear-spirit moves forward and attacks again, but cannot step back again this time. Again he manages to hit the skeleton, but fails to damage it somehow.

Status
Izumi dying, -4 hp not stabilized
Protection from evil on Pavel (+2 AC), round 1
Enlarge Person on Pavel, round 2
Guidance on Pavel, next round only

Round 8 - Tsutamu
Tsutamu is taken aback but the powerful blow. He turns to Pavel, his sinuous voice, dark and booming :”Anata wa shin no senshidesu! Sorehānata o korosu tame ni watashi no meiyo ni naru. Watashi wa sensō no kami ni jibun no s%$#ai kara no teikyō ni narimasu.”

He raises his sword in a migi jodan posture as he takes a step back, then steps forward at an incredible speed, his sword first going back to his hip and then arcing upward, aiming for Pavel’s armpit.

Updated Map
The Companions.

Raith punches the skeleton's bony arm hoping to break it.

AC 16/CMD 18
Flurry: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6 (1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4)
Flurry: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16 (1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4)

"Wh'What'd he say?! Was that about me?!", giant-sized Pavel bellows before swinging once more for the talking skeleton.

Plus-sized Morningstar w/ favored enemy bonus, guidance: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 262d6 + 6 ⇒ (4, 6) + 6 = 16

"Izumi's nuh'not looking so good over there, guys!"

Garand calls upon the spirits again to bind the force of the wind to Pavel's next blow, and then moves diagonally into the area that Sorin has magicked, in an attempt to cross to the fallen Izumi.

Guidance on Pavel again, +1 to next hit roll, skill check, saving throw or ability check in the next minute

Reflex save to avoid falling, DC 11 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

His attempt ends with a pratfall in the space behind Raith, and he begins attempting to crawl on hands and knees out of the enspalled area.

Bear-spirit continues his ineffective attacks, growling in frustration.

bear spirit full attack
bite 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
claw 1 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
claw 2 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

bite damage 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
claw 1 damage 1d3 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
claw 2 damage 1d3 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

"Pavel, I have no idea what he said! Hit him again so we can get to Izumi!"

Sorin starts wading through the water to get to Izumi, being careful to stay well back from the skeletal warrior.

I hope he stays focused on Pavel so I can get to Izumi...This may not be the brightest idea, that sword can take me down easily.

Double move. So with the difficult terrain, it should be 6 squares right? Around Pavel through the water to end up at B.5/6.5. If I survive I can try and start treating Izumi next round.

Stabilization roll: 1d20 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (17) + 1 - 4 = 14

Blood stops gushing as profusely from Izumi's wounds.

Pavel's morningstar crashes through Tsutamu's neck. Its skull bounces once in the dirt, eyes still alight with eldritch energy, while his body falls on its knees then forward, sinking in the cold water of the cave.

The skull utters its final words as the light fades from its eyes: "Shi... Fumeiyo no mae ni shi!"

The cave turns to silence as Garand gets up from his spread and bear-spirit calms and roars one last time at the undying last faithful servant of Rokuro Kaijutsu...

Congrats. I wasn't sure I hadn't put a bit too much on your plate... You gain a level!

Great fight! Got through by the skin of our teeth.
"And stay dead this time!", giant Pavel retorts.

"Uh... is Izumi alive?"

Kneeling by Izumi, Sorin shrugs.

"I think so...but I am not as much of an healer as Garand here." Sorin pauses and looks up at the hulking warrior. "Pavel, do you mind looking around the corner and seeing if there is anything threatening? If there is not, I am going to cancel the spell...you are awfully big and having you this large in the cave is making me a mite claustrophobic. I didn't realize when I cast this on you by the caravan how big it actually makes you, of course we were out in the open then."

If Pavel gives the all clear, Sorin will cast Detect Magic, and then start searching around.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Big P lights a torch and looks into the darkened chamber the talking skeleton had emerged from.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Garand crawls out of the greased area, unconcerned with his dignity, and gets up and crosses to Izumi, to check his wounds.

Take 10 heal check to determine that he's stable.

Once he's confirmed that the man is not bleeding to death from his injuries, he tells the others, Izumi is stable, but will require magical healing of some sort to awaken. The spirits will answer my calls no more this day, so we must either carry him from this place, and up the rise, or remain here to rest.

He stops to sniff the air, before adding, A great spiritual wrongness has departed this place. The destruction of these lingering undead has pleased the spirits of the natural world. I feel that, with some rest, I will be able to call upon their favor more effectively than before...

fancy-talk for 'I think I just went up a level and will get another cure light wounds tomorrow!'

"Anyone have one of those cure potions left?", Raith stands over Izumi, "He would be a load to carry out of this place." He takes a look about the cave. "Not much of a tomb. I wonder how these things ended up here."

Izumi has a spare CLW potion on him.

Pavel, his torch piercing the darkness, doesn't see any sign of imminent threat. He nods to Sorin, who dispels the arcane threads altering reality.

The main cavern has, along its walls, old furniture of Tien make. They are in poor shape and seem rotten to the core. You can also notice, among those, other pieces that more likely belonged to the two ships.

Tsutamu's armor is still in a decent enough shape and could probably be repaired by a good smith. (broken masterwork chainmail) His wakizachi, on the other hand, shows no sign of usage or time. Kanjis are on the sides of the blade: Mozu no sasayaki. Finally, a small bronze key is tied to its severed neck.

The second cavern is smaller. It holds a single very large wood chest painted jade and cherry. The chest is locked.

Please roll appraise and perception if you sift through the items.

From his position near Izumi's body, Garand casts a spell, and peers around, seeking signs of active magic, or, more specifically, signs that any of the undead are stirring...

detect magic

Perception 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

Bear-spirit complains loudly about his injuries, and plops himself down and begins licking at a cut, as if attempting to wash it away.

After looking at the items for a moment, Sorin hazards a guess as to their worth.

Appraise 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
Perception 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

Then, after retrieving the torch, Sorin stands in the entryway to the second cave and looks speculatively at the wooden chest.

"We may be able to open the chest here, but it may damage the contents. "

Sorin ponders for a moment.

"Or I can stop speculating like a fool, and see if Tsutamu's key fits this chest first."

Sorin turns around and walks back to the skeletal remains. He removes the bronze key, walks up to the chest, keeping his eyes open for anything untoward.

Perception: Traps 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

If there isn't anything keeping him from the chest, Sorin will attempt to open the chest with the key.

Raith searches Izumi's body for a potion figuring no one else must have one. "Let's see if you have one on you." He pulls out Izumi's potion and pours it down his throat holding his mouth closed so he'll swallow it.

Go ahead and roll for you own potion, Izumi.

Back to regular size, Pavel watches Sorin's back as he tries out the key, stealing a glance at the felled undead and its outlandish accoutrements.
Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Sorin checks to see if the key fits the chest. It does. First off, it’s obvious that many objects,
fireworks and potions from the looks of it, have been removed from numerous slots in the chest’s velvet-lined interior, no doubt the handiwork of the Licktoad goblins. However, the chest
still holds 10 potions showing three different labels, a ring of jade showing a monkey pulling its tail, a wand made of ebony with bronze bands, a chain shirt of Tien make and a wakizashi.

In addition, silver and gold coins are carefully grouped and wrapped in wax paper. There is a lot of coins... and various pieces of fine jewelry.

Regardless of who is holding Tsutamu's wakizashi, Pavel reaches out a hand to the end of the grip, twisting the end of the handle ( the kashira) until it comes unscrewed.

"Would ya luh'luh'look at that.", he says.

"Wow. That is impressive." Sorin shouts over his shoulder, "It looks like we have found where the fireworks came from, and there is significant amounts of treasure here...no papers or scrolls though."

Sorin does a quick count of the money in the chest and attempts to estimate the value of the jewelry.

Appraisal 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Then sitting down and making himself comfortable, Sorin casts Detect Magic. He then beings the process of identifying the remaining items in the chest.

Spellcraft: Potion 1 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27
Spellcraft: Potion 2 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24
Spellcraft: Potion 3 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23
Spellcraft: Potion 4 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11
Spellcraft: Potion 5 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30
Spellcraft: Potion 6 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22
Spellcraft: Potion 7 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24
Spellcraft: Potion 8 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18
Spellcraft: Potion 9 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30
Spellcraft: Potion 10 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11
Spellcraft: Ring 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30
Spellcraft: Wand 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24
Spellcraft: Chain Shirt 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24
Spellcraft: Wakizashi 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25

Spellcraft DC is 15+spell level of the item. So potion 4 and 10 are unidentified, number 8 Sorin id'd if it is level 3 or less.

That blade is magical, Pavel. Garand says, Be careful that you do not trigger some ward or trap.

Or, yanno, break it!

Out of the secret compartment found in the wakizachi's tsuka (handle) slides a thin metal tube. It's metal of such lightness and strength you believe it is mithral.

Within the tube is a small piece of parchment with Tien inscriptions.

Pavel picks up the tube, looking over the foreign characters... upside down. He narrows his eyes and scratches his four days of beard growth on his chin, deep in thought.

"Hmm... Nope, cuh'can't read it. Raith, you stuh'studied this stuff, right?"
He thrusts the parchment to Raith and walks back over to Sorin.
"Wow, that's a lot of truh'treasure! Think wuh'we should take the whole box or luh'load up our bags..?"

Pavel's sudden exuberant outburst from behind Sorin causes him to start out of his focused research. After a second of confusion, he realizes that Pavel is standing behind him, and he laughs a bit, as he gestures at the spread of items neatly piled and sorted on the floor of the cave before him.

"Pretty impressive isn't it?" Sorin thinks for a moment, about the weight of the chest, and the terrain of the swamp.

"We should distribute the weight among the group. That will be the best way to carry it. Honestly I don't know if one of us can carry everything in one box, it would be pretty awkward. And now Pavel, I am going to give you the listing of what we have, that way you can help me tell Raith, Izumi and Garand later."

"The short blade has an attacking enhancement on it, the chain shirt is mundane, the ring enhances a person's climbing ability, you see the monkey on the side? The wand casts Cure Light Wounds, and has about 19 uses remaining. As for the potions, you see this symbol? This mimics an Identify spell, there are 3 of these. This symbol here, is for Cure Light Wounds, there are 3 as well. This symbol indicates Lesser Restoration, there are 2 of these. As for the monies, as they were neatly packaged, it aided my counting, and there are 3,820 silver coins of some odd manufacture, Tien I would guess, 421 gold coins, again Tien probably, and some nice pieces of jewelry which I would hazard are worth 560 golds in the market.

Sorin indicates two potions off by themselves. "These two I was unable to identify immediately. I will think on it and try again later. And I am guessing that the labels are possibly in Tien, so I will also see if Raith or Izumi can identify them."

The labels on the potions wouldn't happen to match any of the ones that I had already identified?

"I was wondering how much daylight we have left? Do you think we can get out of the swamp before dusk?"

CB has already posted the unclaimed loot list on the campaign page.

As he examines Izumi's wounds, Garands thoughts turn to Koya, who has been so generous to him, after saving him from the goblins.

still waiting for you to roll the results of that potion Izumi!

He looks around at the equipment the skeletons bore, and at any other things lying around, to see if anything, cleaned up, might make a suitable gift for his mentor. Perhaps some salvagable embroidered silk, that could make an exotic scarf, as he recalls that the Varisian woman is fond of scarves...

"Yeah, guess we should wuh'worry about this stuff later.", Pavel says, scratching the back of his head before walking back to the cave mouth and looking outside to check the daylight and estimate just how long it will take to get the group back out of the swamp- either by the same route or a new path.

Survival: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

Raith takes the parchment from Pavel. He reads it. He reads it again. He becomes engrossed in the parchment ignoring the others. "Izumi, you need to take a look at this when you're feeling up to it. You're better at reading Tien than I am. You may know this Rokuro Kaijutsu.", Raith pronounces the name as it is spoken in Tien with the emphasis on each syllable, "But I'm not too sure about the rest of it. Something about Brinewall Castle and some hidden box."

Raith know anything about Brinewall or hear Ameiko or anyone make mention of Rokuro?

Knowledge [Local]: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

"A hidden box? So... it's a truh'treasure map?"

CLW Potion: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
Sorry, hectic day yesterday. Weekends are my bane.

Izumi coughs a little bit of the last of the potion then then draws fresh air into his lungs, his eyes opening. His hand instinctively goes to his katana hilt, but he does not draw, seeing Raith crouching over him. He takes Raith hand to help him stand, but he winces as he feels himself opening a wound. "I'll sit while I recover. Thank you Raith." Izumi says quietly as he clanks down on the hard cave floor.

He listens as Sorin details what they found. Izumi seems a little downcast, but pipes up as Raith examines the letter. "I used to be able to read the script, though it has been 3 years. Let me examine it." Izumi reads the letter aloud, stopping to translate the meaning of each sentence before reading it aloud. When he finishes, he says: "Rokuro was Ameiko's grandfather."