"Kill that thing! Help is on the way folks!"
Vlad, panting as he runs at top speed through the meadow, finally reaches the barn.
Unheeding the strange web-shrouded eggs that dangle from the ceiling, Ragnarr charges at the alien arachnoid being, his fear of the monstrosity only intensifying the madness stemming from his battle lust. "THOOOOOORRR!!!" screams the man-beast, spittle dribbling from his scraggly chin and eyes going white as he swing his great axe in a high overhead arc at the abomination.
"Hagalaz!" Kveldulf curses as he realizes his attempts to remain unnoticed have failed. His eyes then widen with shock as he realizes what is happening to the multitude of eggs about the barn.
Kveldulf looks over his shoulder back to his companions coming up behind. "The babes of spider kin are not like those of our kin. They come forth from the womb cunning and strong. Have your wits about you!"
As Ragnarr charges past screaming his beastial battle call, Kveldulf falls to his knees, mere feet from the spider demon, raises his head skyward as if he were looking through the barn's dingy roof. He then dramatically splays his hands outwards, fingers outstretched.
"Father of all, I have served you all of my days. May you will guide my arm. May your son, the red warder give me strength. Until Valhalla, where we may battle until the wolf runs free. Hail Odin!"
He then stands, drawing his flail from his hip as he does so.
"Protect me, Uruz. This may not end well for our friends."
The great hound tilts it's massive head to the left, causing it's massive ear to flop about. It then raises its hind leg and begins scratching itself furiously.
"Or for me..." admits the warrior quietly.
As Ragnarr hurls himself forward in a blind charge towards the alien creature at the end of the barn two other similar monsters emerge from the shadows at the sides. One creature spits out a stream of webbing at the barbarian.
atk 17=11+6
Ragnarr becomes entangled in the sticky silken strands halting his charge.
The other creature also hurls a stream of webbing at Kvedulf as he advances also entangling him.
atk 22=16+6
Initiative
Ottar 17
Ragnarr 14
Kvedulf 14
Ettercap 6
Dorvarr 6
Vladimir 4
The Scene:
One of the bloated creatures stands fifty feet away at the far end of the barn. It had been ripping apart the crude barricade protecting the two youths but now turns to face you. Two other similar creatures have emerged from the shadows on both sides to threaten your band. These two creatures are only fifteen feet from your position. Twenty five feet ahead lie the strange strands of silken eggs.
Above bits of the barn roof appear unstable as fiery ash falls from the ceiling. The roof will hold for a bit more time (ie a few rounds) but after that it is uncertain.
Knowledge (nature) or (dungeoneering)
DC 10
15
20
Like many spiders, ettercaps are venomous, possessing a poisonous bite that stiffens and slows victims. Despite their horrific appearnace, ettercaps are relatively intelligent and speak Common.
25
Knowledge (nature) or (dungeoneering)
DC 10
** spoiler omitted **15
** spoiler omitted **20
** spoiler omitted **25
** spoiler omitted **
"Everyone, take heart! You have fought greater foes than these and come out victorious!"
EDIT: The man-beast swings his axe frantically, desperate to cut himself free of his unexepcted, silky bonds.
does Bardic Knowledge qualify me to read any of those spoilers?[/ooc] 1d20+7=15
yeah use your bardic knowledge roll.
Ragnarr hacks wildly at the webbing that ensnares him. The half-man rips free.
Kveldulf up.
Free from the web and ignoring the hazards of the flaming structure, the enraged man-beast takes a few more steps towards the spider-being that is trying to tear apart the barricade behind which hide the humans. He stops when he is within 10' of the creature, then roars at it at the top of his lungs. "You're even uglier than me!!! Come here and meet my axe, demon!"
"Defend me, Uruz, or we will both end up as a feast for these demons!" Shouts the warrior through the vile shroud of webs.
Despite his best efforts to keep the webs out of his mouth as he does so, much of the disgusting, sticky strands still cling to his lips and work there way into his mouth.
Infuriated by his predicament, the warrior roars, his muscles bulging with effort. He throws back his arms and bursts from the webbing, sending the bulk of the sticky mass flying from him.
"Now cursed ones, flee from this place! There is no easy meal here. Just a prickly dose that will make you wish you were dead. Begone now or perish!" yells the raging warrior.
(-2 atk, -4 Dex, 1/2 move, web is 5 hp, Str DC 25 full round action to break free,
EDIT: I don't see any daggers or the like in your equipment.
Despite Kveldulf's heaving grunts the silken strands hold the barbarian fast.
The bloated shape rushes up against Kveldulf but Uruz moves to defend his master. The creature makes a wild bite against the hound but missteps and completely misses Uruz.
The other creature rushes against Ottar its mandible clashing viciously. The monster's fangs tear into the skalds arm biting deeply. The skald feels a coldness running through his veins.
The larger creature at the end of the barn ignores its intended victims and charges towards Ragnarr head on. The enraged barbarian smartly ducks the monster's hungry mandibles.
Spot DC 10
Dorvarr, then Vlad up.
Yes, the webs are only ensnaring Kvedulf and formerly Ragnarr. The strands that the eggs are suspended from are amidst the rafters and thus above you.
EDIT: Looks like I neglected to put Utgaror in the init order. He'll go after Vlad.
The stout man maneuvers to a point to help out the hard-pressed skald.
(-2 atk, -4 Dex, 1/2 move, web is 5 hp, Str DC 25 full round action to break free,
Uruz, enraged by the ettercap's attempt to harm his ensnared master lunges at the creature, but goes tumbling past as it nimbly dodges out of the path of the deadly hound.
The stout man maneuvers to a point to help out the hard-pressed skald.
The cleric's hammer scores a telling blow against the monstrosity but the creature stands its ground.
Utgaror's Spot 10=5+5
Utgaror shouts out "'Ware the eggs! They hatch!" The bearded druid clutches his spear and seeing Vladimir in front of him advance, the druid calls on the gods to grant him the strength of the earth.
Vladimir advances against the hideous monstrosity on Kveldulf. The knight lands a staggering blow against the abomination with his sword.
Initiative
Ottar 17
Ragnarr 14
Kvedulf 14
Ettercap 6
Dorvarr 6
Vladimir 4
Utgaror 2
Top o the round, Ottar up.
Ragnarr roars again and charges with axe held high at the abomination that stands before him, in front of the barricade.
Ottarr draws his short sword in his off hand, desperately stabs at the ettercap, then begins to back away.
Still covered of with the sticky goo from the webs, yet free of their ensnaring grasp, Kveldulf grunts with effort as he brings Jotunbludder down upon the creature's bulbous, multi-eyed, purple head. The razor sharp head of the weapon creates a spray of ichorous fluid as it tears a gash of nearly a foot in length.
His opponent seems to reel for a moment, fanged maw hanging agape. Seeing an opening Kveldulf thrusts his shield at the creature's abdomen, but with a show of unexpected dexterity, the creature bats the warriors shield away like a play thing with its twin clawed arm while hissing savagely at it's warm blooded opponent.
Uruz lunges at the creature with such force that the hound actually leaves the ground only to be swatted away by the ettercap as it avoids the hound's attack.
Kvedulf winces as the hound rolls to it's feet. "You are a worthy opponent demon. I will revel in your death."
Ottarr draws his short sword in his off hand, desperately stabs at the ettercap, then begins to back away.
The bloated humanoid's mandibles darts out quickly as the Ottar draws his blade. atk 18=13+5 dam 4=2+2 Ottar Fort 9=6+3 Dex Dam=5
The skald feels a wasting lethargy consume his limbs as the ettercap's poison works quickly but Ottar holding his sword fast with a heaving grunt slashes upwards striking a smiting blow across the hateful thing's inhuman face. Inky ichor gushes from a deep gash upon its head but the creature still stands. Once again the abomination lumbers forward but this time claw and fang strike out at the bard. The ettercap's attack sends Ottar staggering from his wounds but his steely resolve shake off the creature's venom.
rolls link
Bite atk 18=13+5 dam 6=4+2
Claw atk 8
Claw atk 22=19+3 dam 4=3+1
Ragnarr roars again and charges with axe held high at the abomination that stands before him, in front of the barricade.
The barbarian's axe rips into the flesh of the gibbering monstrosity. It bleeds an inky ichor profusely. Yet, this one is larger than the other two and though injured holds its ground and with an alien cry it lashes out at Ragnarr with savage ferocity.
Bite 18=12+6 dam 11=8+3
Claw atk 10=7+3
Claw 18=15+3 dam 5=2+3
The barbarian is viciously injured and as the creature's venom works into his veins Ragnarr feels a draining lethargy threaten to slow his limbs but under the power of his channelled rage he shrugs the poison off and presses to attack.
Still covered of with the sticky goo from the webs, yet free of their ensnaring grasp, Kveldulf grunts with effort as he brings Jotunbludder down upon the creature's bulbous, multi-eyed, purple head. The razor sharp head of the weapon creates a spray of ichorous fluid as it tears a gash of nearly a foot in length.
His opponent seems to reel for a moment, fanged maw hanging agape. Seeing an opening Kveldulf thrusts his shield at the creature's abdomen, but with a show of unexpected dexterity, the creature bats the warriors shield away like a play thing with its twin clawed arm while hissing savagely at it's warm blooded opponent.
Uruz lunges at the creature with such force that the hound actually leaves the ground only to be swatted away by the ettercap as it avoids the hound's attack.
Kvedulf winces as the hound rolls to it's feet. "You are a worthy opponent demon. I will revel in your death."
The bloated humanoid stands its ground and as if to answer Kveldulf's challenge roars a keening shriek of bloody fury. The creature lumbers forward with darting strikes but the barbarian nimbly sidesteps and ducks the ettercap's fangs and claws.
rolls link, nothing higher than a 7. one clumsy ettercap.
Dorvarr up.
The stout man continues to lend his aid to the Skald. "Die, abomination! Feel the might of a servant of Thor! Someone get those people out of here!"
Lashing out with his hammer, he attempts to crush the creature's skull in one swing.
Just to repost for ease of reference:
Initiative
Ottar 17
Ragnarr 14
Kvedulf 14
Ettercap 6
Dorvarr 6
Vladimir 4
Utgaror 2
Vlad up.
The stout man continues to lend his aid to the Skald. "Die, abomination! Feel the might of a servant of Thor! Someone get those people out of here!"
Lashing out with his hammer, he attempts to crush the creature's skull in one swing.
Dorvarr's strike scores a solid blow sending the creature reeling backwards but it recovers its footing. Its injuries are telling but possessed by an iron will its mandible clash furiously and it raises its claws to strike back.
Utgaror stands back and intones in a bearish baritone chant in the old tongue of his people beseeching the forest for aid against your alien foes.
Kjelsbergson bolstered by Utgaror's enchantment whips his sword down with tremendous strength. The blade slashes deep across the monster's bloated belly nearly felling his fiendish adversary. It barely stands bleeding its inky ichor but with inhuman endurance the creature clings to life.
atk 15=7+8 dam 12=8+4
Ottarr steps back, stows his bow and clutches at his arm, muttering to himself. "...Sigurd stabbed up, into the gut of the dragon..." His wound begins to seem superficial, the blood flow already beginning to slow.
Ragnarr continues to swing his axe frantically at the abomination that stands before him. Yet a chunk of burning debris falls from the ceiling, throwing him off balance as he just manages to dodge it. The man-beast's clumsy swing slices high in the air, above the creature's head. He curses, disgusted with himself, then mutters: "May Thor's eyes be blind to this poor showing..."
Also, the barn we're in is still burning, right?[/ooc]
The roof burns hotly and the flames are spreading amidst the higher rafters. The fires burn particularly intense at the rear of the barn. Aside from hot ash and acrid smoke the structure holds but the roof is weakening very quickly...
nope, just cleared it. Still not sure if folks want to do crit fumbles.
"You fight like a clumsy tavern drunkard, Demon!" chides the warrior, "Odin will it, I'll end your life before you accomplish the task on your own."
Kveldulf punctuates his taunt with a powerful overhead swing of his flail. Alas, the blow was reckless and the nimble spider demon dodges the blow.
Uruz, with a thunderous roar, seizes the moment and pounces upon the demon as it is off balance while dodging Kveldulf's mighty swing. The hound's maw drips with ichorous blood as it and its victim head crashing towards the floor.
The warrior replicates the hounds tactics and with a grunt and smashes the demon with his shield as it crashes past the hound mauling at it's legs as it does so. The sharpened spike sinks deep into the creatures back. "Odin be praised," adds the warrior with a smirk.
Vlad, still beet-red in the face and gasping for breath, dashes forwards, trying to take the blows of the spider-beasts on his back, while attempting to reach the youths at the rear of the barn.
Kveldulf's shield spike tears a bloody gouge across the monster's bank. Flecks of ichor stain the young barbarian's face adding to his fearful countenance. Snarling Uruz rips into the leg of the creature reaving its chitinous flesh and throwing it off-balance. The bloated frame falls hard to the ground.
opposed trip 19=16+3
Your init is posted above. Just before Utgaror.[/ooc]
Vlad, still beet-red in the face and gasping for breath, dashes forwards, trying to take the blows of the spider-beasts on his back, while attempting to reach the youths at the rear of the barn.
The knight dashes forward to the pleading cries for help. Vladimir quickly raises his shield knocking back the creature's clashing mandibles as they dart forward. With a heaving grunt the knight attempts to push over the bloated beast as it claws flailingly. Using his shield he bashes his opponent sending him reeling over backwards.
Ovverun: Vlad 9, Ettercap 4Vladimir
The large ettercap though facing Ragnarr though barely standing from its injuries emits a keening alien shriek as it attacks the beastly barbarian. atk link
dam link
Bite 22 dam 11
Claw 21 dam 5
Claw 22 dam 6
Overhead the two combatants a crashing sound is heard as a burning beam falls downward from the fiery roof directly ontop of the two.
Ref saves: Ettercap 13, Ragnarr 12
Fire damage 2d6=5
The beam crashes upon the monster's head splitting its skull it falls to the ground gurgling. However, the hay on the barn's ground quickly catches, spreading the fire and thickening smoke. Other beams in the rafters can be seen that are also nearly collapsing. The far end of the barn may fall in on itself anytime now.
The other two creatures knocked prone attempt to roll back upright.
Amidst the din of battle and the crackling of flames overhead the strand of eggs suddenly heave with great movement. A cracking sound is heard as the eggs burst open and a horrific crawling swarm emerges spilling onto the ground near Ottar and Dorvarr.