Cleo will spend the journey relating all the others need to know about this place. Once she's within yelling distance of the shanty-town she'll call out hello in goblin, letting them know we're coming up. Hopefully to avoid being shot with arrows.
Wabbit listens intently to Cleo having never been here and then adds his voice to hers trying to avoid an arrow barrage
Helgar offered a bearhug to Grunyar - "I never really thanked you for all your help my friend" - she smiles - "You and your girls have made the difference" - the barbarian nods at his wolves - "For that reason, and for taking care of Shalelu in our absence, when we return I will, on behalf of the group, grant you a rematch of the last drinking competition"
To Shalelu, she speaks in calmer tones - "Rest easy - we shall soon return, and the nightmare will be over. Trust us"
-----
For the young barbarian, the trip is relaxed, as she listens to Cleo's recount of the knowledge they have gathered regarding the area, with but only one or three sidelong glances at Brelin.
As they approach Thistletop though she tenses somewhat, memories of the death of Furnok returning with a vengeance.
She shakes it away resolute, but still the trust in the goblins they left behind is a feeble thing as of yet, so her hands remain away from any weapon, but ready to reach for them in a moment's notice.
Brelin keeps quiet for most of the journey immersed in her thoughts, seemingly ignoring Helgarr's looks
Nearing their destination, she slows down and waits as the halflings do their thing trying to remain out of shooting distance.
Grunyar looks up in surprise. "'ow'd ye remember bout that drinkin match?! Since yer companions ain't around 'ere no more I might as well tell ye, I think it be cheatin if yer an outsider summoned by one's thoughts and magic. They shouldn't 'ave taken that tankard, but I'd drink a rematch if ye represent em. That is, if'n ye can 'andle dwarven brew, hahaha! Oh and uh, keep safe Helgarr. Cleo and ye are good folk, Maria too in 'er own way." The proud dwarf huntsman hesitates at the sight of the bearhug, but sighs and gives in.
When Helgarr speaks to Shalelu, her face turns hopeful. "You mean to free him then? I'm so glad, thank you Helgarr. Malfeshnekor may seem like a monster on the outside, but believe me, he is the true victim here. He has suffered for so long."[/b]
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The goblins yell back hello to Cleo. Shortly, the newly founded Chief Gogmurt arrives. Accompanied by his trusty companion Tangletooth the firepelt cougar. Gogmurt welcomes the group to Thistletop and asks if they're here to trade, or perhaps to kill off the Mosswood goblins eh?
Hannah is awestruck at the sight of Thistletop and the thistles. Never before did she expect to actually step foot in this place. It's surprising how much work must have gone into the thistles, the clearings, the tunnels. Gogmurt must have spent most of his life at it, since goblins rarely make it past the age of 20.
Cleo will give a deep curtsy to Gogmurt and to Tangletooth. She is delighted Gogmurt opens with the idea of trade and silently kicks herself for not bringing anything to show their good faith. Not as yet, though if you have a list of needs and what you wish to trade in return, I'll do my ever loving best to make sure it happens.
Today, we've come to clean out the last remnants of the long shanks woman. If you are okay with us descending down into the mountain again, that is. as she pauses to here his answer, she remembers
Oh and also to meet a friend. A large crab in a giant's helm. I promised to return with honey and fish.
She'll also introduce the others Gogmurt might not have met.
Brelin seems to relax but just a bit.
I remember the cards! The Snakebite hiding, overwhelmed by the Big Sky. It must be these goblins! - she shrugs a bit - I thought it would be just a storm
She comes closer with the friendlier face she can muster
Greetings, I am Brelin the... seeker of hidden knowledge
This is one of those places where the word "witch" might get me into real trouble
The red goblin and his trusty cougar stand regally as Cleo curtsies. In common, he replies. "Yess you come to kill de servant of de old god. De one who de she-man wanted to free. De tribe bled and died for dat god, but dey got noffing from it. I told dem it was stupid, but dey never listened."
He hunches over on his staff and snarls. "Find de servant and end it. My tribe will be free from its voices and we will ally wit de 'umans. We will fight Mosswood and Seventoof, and not attack de 'umans. But, de 'umans must trade. If we cannot eat, den we must raid. Understand? And of de servant and its god, take what you want, but of Thistletop, take noffing. It will be for trade. Also, do not 'urt de big golden crab. It is now sacred to my people."
Gogmurt continues meeting those who introduce themselves while Tangletooth plays bodyguard. He talks about potential trade, jobs, and alliances. For a goblin, he has quite the vision. Gogmurt also speaks with Hannah for a very long time, even once the party moves downstairs. They talk about Gozreh, the god of nature and weather, and if it can have a presence within Thistletop. Mr. Quink is eager to get inside the ruins, for the talk of nature and goblins is of little interest to the old man.
Gogmurt wants:
- Goblin sized swords, sickles, and crossbows
- Food, alcohol, and clothing
- Cooking, sewing, leather working, and fishing tools
- Rope, pottery, baskets, crates
Gogmurt is able to trade:
- Human coins
- Human sized sword, and chain shirt
- Sparkly gold religious symbol
- Sparkly silver religious symbol
- Herbs, poisons, potions, animal skins and furs
The big golden crab is my friend as well, so no worries. I'll take the list to the townsfolk and implore them to begin as soon as possible. Well as soon as we are done here of course. she curtseys again quickly. Thank you Gogmurt
Helgarr stands there, arms crossed over her chest as Cleo and Gogmurt exchange pleasantries, nodding at the goblin in acknowledgement - "Well met Gogmurt - it is good to see you are willing to change the ways of your tribe, and prosper together with the nearby settlements"
Marveling at the civilized (at least by goblin standards) greenskins....Wabbit feels a little kinship with them just some little folk trying to make it in a big confusing world
Whispers to Cleo you're doing good things here
they're still goblins.... but maybe with the right environment and examples.....
Whenever Wabbit has a chance to speak with Brelin...we don't know each other Brelin but looks like we are going into danger together and it's for a good cause so big points in your favor... I've traveled with casters of arcane magic before and most of them knew they spell "mage armor". If you know that spell I have a little item that would allow you to cast it an additional time each day.
Wabbit shows her three pearl of power lvl1
if I lend this to you, would you be willing to cast mage armor on me before we go into dangerous territory. That spell makes me harder to hit and therefore makes me more dangerous to any baddies which in turn helps me to keep them occupied and away from you. Which I imagine is something you would like. Am I right? Deal?
Cleo reddens a bit at the compliment from Wabbit, Thank you she mumbles. She is proud of things turning out this way though.
Brelin smiles
These adventurers know what they're doing, maybe we can survive this
She then turns to Wabbit
Of course friend. I was just going to cast it
She accepts the pearl, casts two spells and returns it to the halfling
She then casts another spell pointing at each member of the group
Not sure if we're going to be separated but just to be sure this will keeps us in contact if no barriers blocks it. I can whisper to you and hear you replies
(whispering)Testing 1,2,3 - She grins
Cleo stiffens and shoots Maria a look. Making sure she is close to Aggah in the upcoming melee.
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Not quite sure how this works
Pointing at Cleo trying to whisper directly to her I can't figure out where the mute button is for Maria
And just in case he misunderstood this spell and Maria overheard .... he gives her one of his patented wide grins that all the girls love trying to convey "just kidding"
mute... where is the mute button.
(whispering) You can only speak to me, I'll relate the message to everyone else. Also, our messages CAN be heard but only by someone with specially keen ears.
I understand that everyone is on edge but our destiny begins down the mountain, and a grand destiny it will be. Both in victory or in death
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"Not all of us are on edge" - Helgarr takes a sidelong glance at Brelin, her arms still crossed over her chest.
Be nice. Everyone. Cleo encourages. Are you ready to open the door Helgarr? gesturing to the medallion around their barbarian's neck.
Down in the furthest reaches of Thistletop's dungeon, a massive set of stone double doors stand. The seven pointed star keyhole looms to one side, waiting for the key Maria picked up when the group was wracked with pain and grief. Cleo pumps out tons of magic to help protect the group from the evil that seeps through the cracks in the door.
Upon putting the key in, smoke escapes through the orange barrier that lines the entrance to the prison. The smoke is so thick that the roaring fire pit beyond it is only barely visible. A deep, sinister growl rolls along with a wave of smoke, turning into the face of a wolf.
"End me, vermin. If you dare..."
1. Helgarr
2. Lair Action
3. Maria, Wabbit
4. Malfeshnekor
5. Cleo, Brelin
"Come get us!" - Helgarr roars, ready to swing at the first opponent she sees.
Lair Action (stolen from 5e d&d mechanics)
Right after Helgarr yells, a large wolf head made of smoke lunges out. Helgarr swipes at it with her weapon, but the smoke simply disperses, then reforms. It's mouth clamps down on Helgarr's leg, then pulls hard. Helgarr is swept off her feet and pulled into the dark smoke, right into the fire pit. Fortunately, she is able to roll out of the worst of the fire, which prevents her from burning. Though the smoke is thick, Helgarr's lungs are in peak condition.
Through the smoke, Helgarr sees the shifting figure of a creature next to her. A giant, mutilated wolf, with long ears, a snubbed snout, and wickedly long claws glares down at Helgarr.
"Welcome to my home, little mouse. Hahahahahaaa!!"
Helgarr
Severe Fail
Passed
Passed... by a lot
Seeing Helgarr disappear into the smoke in the jaws of the wolf-thing
Wabbit quickly moves in to help, drawing on his blessings bestowed upon him by Chaldira
Chaldira guide me
free action Celestial BloodRage +4dex rd 5/6 remain
swift Crane style
move: Wabbit takes a 5ft step forward
Wabbit moves into the smoke within striking distance of the wolf-thing and attacks with his tiny blade
now that Wabbit is face to face with the wolf thing he purposefully begins antagonizing it...."WOW they said your kind was UGLY but damn that was an understatement"
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Maria moves to flank it with Wabbit and slashes at the monster unleashing a touch of combustion spell against it. [dice=Touch of Combustion (link)]1d6[/dice]
Wabbit bravely darts into the smoke (followed by Maria) and unleashes a flurry of stabs with his tiny dagger, both of which connect and pierce through the beasts' magical hide. Perhaps by his determination, fortitude, or sheer madness, the beast barely reacts to the halfling. Maria swings around and stabs Malfeshnekor in the hind legs. She feels a powerful resistance against her dagger, but thanks to her cunning tactics she still draws black blood. Fire shoots out from her dagger attack and burns the beast, but even for such a large creature it nimbly snuffs out the fire before it has a chance to catch.
Malfeshnekor fights like an enraged wolverine and tears into the prone Helgarr with an unearthly hunger. It bites and claws her chest and stomach leaving blood flooding gaping wounds.
Maria begins coughing and choking. She only has either a move action or a standard action on her next turn.
Cleo yeps as Helgarr is drug into the room. Only a second passes before she finds her courage, holds her breath and runs in. She tries to pray to heal her friend, realizes she needs to speak so breaths in and
doesn't die!
Seeing the horrible wounds, she gets to work as quick as possible.
Aggah, clutching Cleo's shirt, gets pulled into the room by surprise, only to breath in all the caustic smoke and collapse in coughing gagging horror.
Brelin keeps her distance and focusses on the beast trying to hamper it with her powers
She then starts to cackle, empowering her curse
Helgarr is savagely mauled by the hideous creature and magical attacks of some nature even before she has a chance to react. Still she roars in its face, even as her wounds mend from Cleo's divine power - "You will need much more than that to take me down, dog!!
She knows the risks, but still decides to stand up and accept the attack from the beast, then she swings hard - "My turn!"
Unfortunately for both Cleo and Helgarr, as Cleo casts a healing spell upon the injured woman, Helgarr lashes out with rage in distrust of a spell being cast on her. She uses her impressive mental fortitude to resist the spell, thereby receiving no healing.
Brelin stays back and begins cursing Malfeshnekor with her evil eye. The creature manages to resist the majority of the curse, but Brelin's cackling lengthens the effects for just a little bit more time. It wasn't long after however that the smoke wolf lunges out again, this time catching Brelin by the leg and pulling her right into the fire pit. Brelin successfully rolls away from the fire before catching, and survives smoke inhalation, but is still lying prone.
Helgarr bravely stands back up to face Malfeshnekor. He tries to bite at her but Helgarr blocks it with her bardiche. Seizing the opportunity, she lashes out with an incredibly fast and powerful blow, slicing into the monster's flesh to reveal black blood gooping onto the floor. Since her bardiche glows softly with magic, the monster's resistances have no effect.
So evil eye will last 1 round +1 round for cackle
Passed (20)
Technically I should have done this for Maria's and Wabbit's attacks as well, but I forgot.
Passed (14)
I always forget to do this. I'm pretty sure Helgarr has to fail the will save in order to gain the healing. In which case, she doesn't get the heal here. I'm not sure if I like this mechanic, since it punishes both players, but it is in the core rules to help balance out Barbarian rage.
Failed by 5 or more
Maria successfully backstabs the monster, wounding it greatly. Judging from the wounds and black blood, it is likely that Malfeshnekor cannot take much more of this, yet he continues to fight with great ferocity.
let's see how you like this
Wabbit proceeds to stab the beast again...
Flurry +4bab +6dex +1size +1bless, -2FD ,+2flank,+1d6damage to evil outsiders,
Magic/piercing/good
Immediate action
If any of the attacks connect. Wabbits magic tattoo will snake up his blade take a sip of the beasts blood and faster than the eye can follow a glowing white snake with a head of a rabbit extends from his blade moves to the beasts face and spits it's own blood in its eyes hopefully blinding it
Wabbit continues to pummel the beast, but with only minor effects. It seems that with all the threats around, Malfeshnekor is fairly unconcerned with the little halfling. That being said, it now turns its attention to Maria, who has been backstabbing it. It desperately claws and bites at Maria, catching her by the arm. Maria sees its claws coming down upon her in slow motion, likely slicing her up into little pieces. Then all of a sudden, Maria disappears. Malfeshnekor rears his head back and forth while sniffing to try to find her, but seems to have no success whatsoever.
You have retreated to the rear wall in the blink of an eye. Your body and gear are pitch black. Furthermore, you notice that even after breathing in so much smoke, no harmful effects are triggering.
Cleo doesn't understand why Helgarr's wounds are not closing. Maybe the smoke. Bad stuff, so she decides to hold her breath and help as best as possible. Moving up next to her friend she coordinates her attack with the barbarian.
Aggah's hacking stops as she decides the same as Cleo. Smoke bad, don't breath it. Holding her breath, she fires her brand new shiny crossbow at the god trying to kill Cleo... and friends.
Brelin looks surprised and tries to distance herself from the fray
Edit:
Cleo successfully grabs Malfeshnekor's attention after it searches for the vanished Maria. Aggah tries shooting her new crossbow, but nothing short of a miracle is going to help her actually hit or pierce the outsider's flesh.