I spend the 400 GP taking one for the team. I will remember and hopefully still get info. I hope I always remember her. I think she is hot. Yeppers!
Wow she is giving me all the information... More than 30...
Next steps?
Waste of 400. Do not what next steps are....
.??
I am wasting my time and money.
Let's go to the forest?? Let's go back to Lepiostat.
To our group only: "Let's go hunting with the noble or wander around the woods on our own. If the warden won't let you see his books, I can always try to break into his room."
Randtam, you should go check out what books the Warden has to offer. If he wasn't forthcoming about them earlier with you, my guess is that there is something in there he doesn't want you to see. I'd take Uuranx with you just in case he changes his mind and decides you should suffer an 'accident'. If you don't find anything worthwhile then maybe Vraxel should pay his office a visit. Hopefully there won't be any trolls hanging out or acid gas...
What books are you referring to Alamin. I asked the Warden and he told me there are no other books to be found here. If he has a personal library would he have not let me know about it. Uuranx and I can ask again but I think it is a fools errand because he has been very honest with me. This is what a sense motive roll of a 1 gets you. Complete trusting of someone you know is lying. Uuranx, shall we go talk with the Warden again in his office? Maybe he forgot or does not know he has a collection of books in his office.
Randtam makes sure he visits the Warden in his office not outside in casual passing.
He said you asked if there were any more libraries. Apparently he does not categorize his collection of books as a library; but if he is keeping some books in his office they must have valuable information in them, otherwise why not leave them in the libraries? I don't trust the man frankly, and I think he is actively hiding something from us. There is more going on in the Lodge than meets the eye I think.
As Alamin finishes speaking the party hears the shrill scream of a woman from outside in the courtyard. Rushing to the noise you behold a terrifying scene: An enormously sized tarantula (body about 10' with another 10' of legs) is smashing against Ivanja's wagon. You can hear the screams of the women within.
Laying on the ground around the massive spider are several of Duristan's remaining men at arms and a few Lodge guards. Duristan and Cilas Graydon fight a losing battle against the massive beast; both are clearly wounded and suffering from the creatures venom.
I am ready. Let's go!
Cast haste on our group. 7 rounds.
Alamin rushes in to try and ease the pressure on the valiant defenders.
Move action to melee then two attacks-1 hasted one regular:
Uuranx shall do the same:
do I lose 2nd attack?
1st attack
2nd attack
Rapid shot
Haste
Second 1d6 is shock damage.
If I can flank and sneak attack add 2d6 to each hit.
Uuranx shall do the same:
[dice=arcanestrike]1d20 + 12
do I lose 2nd attack?
Yessir.
1st attack
[dice=bow]1d20+16-2
[dice=dam]1d6+1d6+4
2nd attack
[dice=bow]1d20+11-2
[dice=dam]1d6+1d6+4
Rapid shot
[dice=bow]1d20+16-2
[dice=dam]1d6+1d6+4
Haste
[dice=bow]1d20+16-2
[dice=dam]1d6+1d6+4Second 1d6 is shock damage.
If I can flank and sneak attack add 2d6 to each hit.
Getting your bow out is a move action so you can make one standard attack plus your haste attack?
Randtam pumps up the party with magical speed!
As he gets close, Uuranx can't adjust for his new speed and trips on a loose cobble stone spoiling his attacks. The giant creature has no trouble striking at him as he comes within its REACH!
Alamin's strikes are unable to cut through the critter's thick hide. The giant creature has no trouble striking at her as she comes within its REACH!
The creature tries to bite Uuranx!
Vraxel blasts two bow shots into the giant creature's flank for
It launches a salvo of hairs at Vraxel and Randtam:
If hit see Alamin/Uurax spoiler above.
Round 2.
56/79 HP
57/79 HP
Being struck by the barbed hairs, Vraxel snarls and shouts at the creature: "Try some of my barbs!"
1st attack
2nd attack
Rapid shot
Haste
move back and cast infernal healing plus
15/72hps 1/10inf
Nauseated for 4 rounds. Move to a position where I am covered from attack by spider.
Uuranx falls back, savaged from the creature's strikes. Alamin's blade cuts it twice but the real damage is done once again by Vraxel's bow shots.
Maddened by the pain the gargantuan spider JUMPS into the air towards Vraxel taking an AOO from Alamin in the meantime:
if hits
plus DC 24 FORT save as above.
if hits
if hits
102
Alamin streaks back to re-engage the spider.
Move action to flank.
Continue moving to stay safe until I stop retching.
Vraxel goes down in bloody heap as a result the creature's staggering attacks, on the up side he loses no strength. The thing needed to roll a 1 or 2 to miss me.
-80hp
Do other people, duristan and Graydon get an AOO also?
cast 2nd infernal healing, hasted I drink potion of lesser restoration plus swift action
21/72hps inf 2/10
inf 1/10
-6str
As i am making sure I am safe under cover I think about what I know about this huge spider and how to defeat and defend against it. This is a mighty beast.
Do other people, duristan and Graydon get an AOO also?
The other combatants are down and/or dying.
As i am making sure I am safe under cover I think about what I know about this huge spider and how to defeat and defend against it. This is a mighty beast.
[dice=KnowNature]1d20 + 12
You know spiders this size are close to unheard of outside of wild forests like the Shudderwood or large remote deserts. Thick hide, poisonous barbed hairs and bite, multiple claw attacks, one of nature's nastier creatures for sure.
Vraxel goes down in bloody heap as a result the creature's staggering attacks, on the up side he loses no strength. The thing needed to roll a 1 or 2 to miss me.
[dice=fort save]1d20+8
-80hp
Actually, looking at my post, the 'to hit' roll were 18, 19, and 26 (bonus to hit is +15; damage is +18) so you should still be up (only -31 HP I think).
Go ahead and post an action for the round.
Sorry!
Vraxel who looked like he was about to go down under the onslaught narrowly avoids some of the attacks and shouts back, "my turn now ugly!"
1st attack
2nd attack
Rapid shot
Haste
Please add damage for flanking if applicable.
The creature is overcome by Vraxel's savage bow work and Alamin's sword.
***end of combat***
Randtam pukes a couple of more time moving forward . Vraxel awesome work with the bow. Are there other creature around us. Alamin can you heal the wounded? Uuranx, you and I need to be ready for anything to come at us.
Randtam looks quickly about to see who from the Lodge is here. Duristans men some lodge warriors, Graydon. Is Belik or Estovion here?
If it is secure around the perimeter, check the building.
-19strloss
Uuranx is hoping he doesn't have to swing his axe, because he's not sure that he can lift it.
Randtam pukes a couple of more time moving forward . Vraxel awesome work with the bow. Are there other creature around us. Alamin can you heal the wounded? Uuranx, you and I need to be ready for anything to come at us.
[dice=perception]1d20 + 12
Randtam looks quickly about to see who from the Lodge is here. Duristans men some lodge warriors, Graydon. Is Belik or Estovion here?
If it is secure around the perimeter, check the building.
Alamin's pulse revives Duristan and Graydon as well as a few men-at-arms and guards. However, there are two men-at-arms that will not rise again this day.
Belik and Estovion are on the scene, but you can't tell if they had just arrived or had been watching from safety hoping someone could slay the terrifying spider. At this point the only folks that you don't see are the huntmaster Delgros and the grounds keeper Paucy.
A review of the grounds and the building find no other threats, although you do find a heavily hungover Paucy sleeping it off in the stables on a bed of hay. Delgros apparently is in the Shudderwood.
Make sure Madames wagon is okay. Especially the ladies. Still miffed I recidved no information from her.
Cilas and Duristan, we heard the screams and came right away. Your fighting ability and élan saved the day for many at this lodge. Are you OK, our healer looked at you. What brought this huge beast into the lodge? What did you see or hear. In a powerful voice I am sure Warden Estovion can hear. This is egregious.
Make sure Madames wagon is okay. Especially the ladies. Still miffed I recidved no information from her.
Cilas and Duristan, we heard the screams and came right away. Your fighting ability and élan saved the day for many at this lodge. Are you OK, our healer looked at you. What brought this huge beast into the lodge? What did you see or hear. In a powerful voice I am sure Warden Estovion can hear. This is egregious.
The ladies are quite safe if extremely rattled. You (Randtam) receive several passionate kisses of appreciation from all of them for rescuing them from the savage spider.
Estovion ashamedly-I think I can answer your question Randtam; we keep here at the Lodge a menagerie of beasts penned for guests to hunt when local game is sparse. This spider was one of those creatures penned and somehow must have broken free of its cage. I will certainly review this with Delgros and Paucy and see what additional steps must be taken to prevent this from happening again. All of you have my deepest and most sincere apologies.
Vraxel pipes up, his anger and the adrenaline of battle getting the better of him.
"Save your apologies for their families" glancing at the dead,
"What other creatures inhabit this menagerie and why is this the first we are hearing of it?"
When he regains control of his anger, just to his companions.
"I don't believe this was an accident, someone here does not welcome our presence and purpose here."
Estovion trying to be discreet with the party-Yes, yes; horrible I know, but the Lodge will compensate their families generously and I'm sure Duristan's family will contribute as well. Please, calm yourself Vraxel. You have not heard about the menagerie because you have expressed no interest in hunting...animals at least. There are other creatures there if you have any interest. As to the nature of this event, clearly we will investigate and I am sure that your purpose is best one kept, shall we say, discreet? It would not do well for our enemies to know your true purpose here.
Estovion and the staff set about helping the wounded and tending to the dead.
Next actions?
Help with the wounded and dead.
Alamin, I believe you are right. Estovion does not seem sincere. Where was he when this happened? Nothing seems normal here. Belik knows something.
@party Where is Delgros? Who is this Paucy guy? He seems to be hungover...or was he drugged? Things are not adding up. A mishap like this, in my opinion, is not an accident? We need to Investigate this further.
Arrange a discreet meeting with Estovion in his office with Uuranx by my side. Want to know more about the backgrounds of the Lodge staff. Also want to look around his office. Maybe I will be in his office to meet him before he arrives...
****Later that day in Estovion's office. You head up to the top floor of the SW tower; it was securely locked when you arrived and Estovion shows up soon afterward to open it and meet with you.
His office is filled with books and most would not hesitate to call it a library, at least a small one.
Estovion motions Uuranx and Randtam to chairs on the far side of his desk. He appears tired, worn, and distracted as he sits in what looks to be a comfortable chair, Busy day and dark. What can I do for you Randtam. I'm tired and have another full day in front of me tomorrow.
Warden, what can you tell me about Paucy? Does he take his job seriously? Where was your woodsman Delgros? What information can you give me about him as well. Are there any other incidents that might occur here at the Lodve?
This is a serious small library you have here Warden. I would like to take a look at it if you don't mind. It is important to the people who know I am here. My comrades will investigate the two gentlemen in question while I do research here. Uuranx shall stay with me and aid.
Estovion-Paucy has lived most of his life here at the Lodge. His mother was a serving woman here and brought him with her as a babe. I'd say he takes his job seriously for what it's worth-he's the groundskeeper and resident handyman. Not a lot of stress most days, and yes, unfortunately, he does like to find the bottom of the bottle.
As for Delgros, well he IS a woodsman after all and he was actually out in the Shudderwood hunting game for our kitchen's spits. He's been here for several years and is a good man if a bit rough about the edges.
As for other incidents, I'm not sure that I take your meaning. We are in the heart of the Shudderwood; one of the most feared places in all of Ustalav. Some might say in all of Golarion. Giant spiders may not be an everyday event in your cities, but out here they are not unheard of and certainly one of the reason we keep so many guards and such a sturdy stockade. The fact that it broke free from its cage in the menagerie and caused such mayhem is most unfortunate.
I'm glad you like my collection. I may not have as many years of formal schooling as I would presume you do but I do fancy myself a learned man. I'd be happy to help you with any research you would like to conduct here.
As for investigating Delgros and Paucy, I'm sure you won't find much but you are more than welcome to. Anything to advance the Order and all that.
@Estovion. You sound like people I know. You are a very learned man. What University did you study?
I see books in your office/library. I get excited.I wish to peruse your library.
These are new revekations for me. Why not start right now. The adrenal from today will keep me focused.
o]]]
Go investigate others.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Estovion stays with Randtam directing him to various tomes for his research as Uuranx heads back to the rest of the party with Randtam's request to investigate the pair of Lodge employees.
Randtam eventually comes across what he thinks is a significant book-The Halo of Dreams. It is a text about the Desnan faith, and its spread from Varisia throughout Avistan. The book contains, among other things, references to a sacred Desnan relic known as the Dusk Moth, a sacred Desnan relic hidden in the stonework of an ancient temple called the Stairs of the Moon. Legends speak of priests transporting the relic
to the temple, but all knowledge of it was lost when the Whispering Tyrant conquered Ustalav and the temple was abandoned.
What appears to be an important passage from the book-The origin of the Dusk Moth can be traced back to pre-Thassilonian Varisia, though the role it played in those ancient times has been lost to history. During the Age of Enthronement, Desna’s priests recovered the relic from the ruins of Thassilon, and carried it into the Shudderwood during the founding of Ustalav. There the priests constructed a temple to the goddess of dreams and disassembled the Dusk Moth, incorporating its parts into a great observatory atop the temple, which they dubbed the Stairs of the Moon. High atop the observatory, during the twilight hour, the faithful enacted a sacred ritual of communion to activate the power of the Dusk Moth, placing them in a heightened dream-state in which they could commune directly with the Song of the Spheres.
There are several other interesting books, but nothing that Randtam deems will help the party on its quest.
Was there per chance anything Randtam discovered about the Seasisde Effigy?
Return to party relay what I found out.
"Sounds good Randtam, does your new found knowledge give us an idea where to find Desna's temple?"
Nope, it is somewhere in the Shudderwood.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Was there per chance anything Randtam discovered about the Seasisde Effigy?
Return to party relay what I found out.
No mention anywhere of the Seaside Effigy but when you mention it to Estovion and that the researchers at the University thought it was from the deserts of distant Osirion he just snorts, THAT is why I'm glad I didn't receive my classical training at a University. Those few really steeped in the local lore of Ustalav know that it was recovered from the shores of Avalon Bay near the village of Illmarsh.