Hearing no unusual noises, the Pathfinders draw closer to the cavities carefully. Interestingly, some of the walls of the cavities are decorated by chalk drawings which are only a few days old at most. The drawing is crude and rather incomprehensible. Two humanoid figures, one clearly a goblin while the other is significantly larger, stand on either side of some kind of structure. Directly in front of the structure lies a pool of purplish goo. Beside it, lay a forgotten cold iron dagger, forming a conspicuous indentation where the goo has grown around, but not touched, the weapon.
knowledge(local) DC10:
That large lopsided figure can only be a bugbear.
knowledge(religion) DC15:
You study the structure for a few moments then it strikes you as you recoil in horror. That is a rendition of a shrine to Lamashtu, the Mother of Monsters! The demon bile seem to have been placed there as an offering...
Once you are convinced that there are no other dangers present, you turn to leave. Yen Wu's sharp eyes though spot the hint of something shiny resting on the edge of the topmost cavity which lie 20 feet up the side of the cliff.
To get there, you need either to make a climb check, or acrobatics check by swinging down from the top of the cliff. Or any other ways if you can justify.
"I believe what we are looking at here is a Shrine to Lamashtu. Notice how the demon slimes is placed- as though it is a tribute to the 'Mother of Monters'. Quite curious, that this crude drawing appears to be a bugbear, along side this goblin like creature"
Looking at the goo closer, Rithon's eyes flash purple, as he begins to look for magical auras in the area- specifically on the dagger. He purposefully moves about the clearing, meticulous to ensure that he has examined everything thoroughly.
Detect magic
"If nothing else, perhaps we should take the dagger with us... It appears to have some sort of importance for these people"
The dagger exudes no magical aura. Rithon, however, senses magic emanating from the highest cavity.
Meanwhile, Yen Wu made his way to the top of cliff and gracefully slid down one of the veins. He finds the cavity to be similar to those below, and does not lead anywhere. However, it contains a rusty metal canister with the symbol of the Isgeri army on it. Inside contains two small vials. Beside it lies a masterwork light steel shield. Scatted across the ground are coins that when gathered, tally up to 73 gp in total.
perception DC17 or detect magic + spellcraft DC18:
Finding nothing further of interest, the Pathfinders press on, following the trail that Kebro initially has difficulty finding, but with the help of the whole party, finally manages to locate.
It is late in the afternoon when the trail leads into a steep-sided ravine running east to west, opening at the far western end into a wide grassy depression. As you approach, you find that the scene would be idyllic if it weren’t for the scattered rusting weapons and pieces of armor, a few of which still contain moldering bones, strewn about the area. Pungent moss and a few patches of mushrooms dot the field; this place looks like it is the final resting place for many unfortunate souls.
Like any good Pathfinder, you stride into the area carefully, hunting for clues, and of course, any forgotten treasure. But before you make much headway, suddenly a patch of vines nearby suddenly burst forth!
Thankfully, most of you except Rithon noticed the vines quivering before the creature attacks.
Knowledge (nature) DC 13:
This is a plant creaturer known as a yellow musk creeper, although it appears more mature than the usual. It can spray forth a burst of spores at individuals, entrancing them to approach and stand helplessly.
For every 5 that you beat the DC, you may ask for one piece of information from this list.
combat map Bold may act
-------
Surprise Round: Status: standard or move only
~~~
Krennel Kebro Elytria
Rithon (surprised)
red plant
Yen Wu[/b]
Rel
GAB!
Kebro nods to krennel, steps to the side with Elytra in tow, and girls a very clearly self made short spear at the plant.
short spear ranged:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18 dmg:1d6 ⇒ 2
To be clear, the spores only attack individuals, i.e. not an AoE. And oops, it's pollen, not spores.
Krennel, Kebro, surprise round so only move or standard. Krennel, I'll take your attack. Kebro, I'll take your move .
Krennel knows also that the attacks of this plants are more insidious. Anyone caught helpless within its grasp will have tendrils sent boring into the brains, eventually turning them into some kind of zombie under control of the plant!
Immediately, he flings a flash which smashes into the plant, withering some of its life force. At the same time, Kebro and his vermin companion moves some distance away.
As warned, the plant spew forth a cloud of pollens which descends upon Yen Wu, who fights to ward of the mental assault.
combat map Bold may act
-------
Surprise Round: Status: standard or move only
~~~
Krennel
Kebro
Elytria
Rithon (surprised)
red plant (-8)
Yen Wu (will DC14 or entranced 1d6 ⇒ 2 rounds)
Rel GAB!
GM screen:
red pollen spray vs Yen Wu FFTAC10:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Rithon follows closely on the heels of Krennel, looking for an open opportunity to strike at the creature with a globule of acid. The begins to mumble and chant, before a small green orb streaks off at the plant.
The plant creature is more dextrous that it looks, and evades the flying vial, the globule of acid and the short spear with relative ease.
The musk creeper, more focused on the helpless prey in front of him, ignores the attacks and sends dozens of tendrils all over Yen Wu, driving them into his brain and starts to feed!
Kebro, Yen Wu took intelligence damage. CLW does nothing for that. I'll move on but I'll allow you to repost your action for this turn, i.e. post 2 rounds worth of actions.
Rel's strike fails to connect as the plant simply dodges to one side. Krennel's blow fails to make a dent it, nor do Elytria's jaws manage to find purchase. It similarly evades GAB!'s first attack, but thankfully the second manages to pierce through its tough bark-skin. Desperate to free his teammate, Rithon summons his magic, summoning three arcane bolts that slam into the creature.
The musk creeper, ignoring all these, continue to feed on Yen Wu!
(Yen Wu, entrancement over. You can act normally now.)
combat map Bold may act
-------
Round 2: Status: Nil
~~~
red plant (-26)
Yen Wu (Int 4/10)
Rel GAB!
-------
Round 3: Status: Nil
~~~
Krennel Kebro (2 rounds of actions)
Elytria Rithon
move and attack for one turn, then just attack again for the second
Kebro moves around to the back side of the plant and attacks.
scimitar attack+flank:1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 + 2 = 23 slash dmg.:1d6 ⇒ 4 crit confirm:1d20 ⇒ 6
Seeing their teammate recover his senses (albeit somewhat damaged), the Pathfinders press on their attack before another falls victim to musk creeper's attack. Unfortunately, neither Rel, GAB! nor Elytria's attacks manage to get through the plant's fibrous outer shell to damage it. And with his teammates in the way, Rithon still finds it difficult to land a proper shot with his spells. Thankfully, Kebro manages to slash a deep wound across its back. Yen Wu ends it all - despite the loss of wits, his strike remains true as he plunges his rapier deep within its body, ending its life once and for all!
Combat Over! Character Status:
~~~
Yen Wu (Int 4/10)
Taking a short breather, the Pathfinders search the battlefield for some treasures to compensate the grueling batter. Unfortunately, whatever that might have been of worth has long been looted or corroded over the many years.
The Pathfinder press on, and in the gloom of the forest, the party almost loses the trail until Rel thankfully picks out faint foot impression under fallen leaf. But night starts to fall eventually and you find a quiet part of the forest to camp. Here, the interlocking branches of the trees form a thick, shadowy canopy, and perhaps is less likely to draw the attention of goblin rearguards if there are any. Thankfully, the night passes peacefully.
Yen Wu heals 1 Int, unless some provides long-term care, i.e. heal DC15, in which case he heals 2 Int.
Next morning, even with the risen sun, the canopy casts a dim light over the area. You set about to break camp, but the noise has attracted attention!
Suddenly, a large (small size) brilliantly coloured caterpillar descends on a thread of silk! (see maps and handouts for picture) In a haughty and demanding voice, the caterpillar-creature calls out, "Who are you? How dare you trespass my kingdom? Harrumph! And make a mess of my beautiful lawn!"
Sense motive DC20:
The creature is more arrogant than hostile at this time. (Indifferent)
Knowledge (arcana) DC 13:
This magical beast is a katroome. Brilliantly beautiful but nearly as elusive as the breeze, the caterpillar-like katroome is a little creature with an enormous ego. Katroomes are rare and mostly live deep within forests or similar uninhabited areas. They have the ability to turn invisible.
For every 5 that you beat the DC, you may ask for one piece of information from this list.
Krennel pulls Yen Wu over to him. The big dumb oaf!"Let's take a look, shall we?" The alchemist takes some ointments and salves trying to decide what, if anything, may be of use.
Heal (trained):1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
"That's going to have to be sufficient until we can return to Sarringallow."
*******************
Sense Motive:1d20 ⇒ 8
Arcana:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23 "A katroome! It has a big ego. Also, be on the look out for its..."
Special Attacks & Special Abilities please
Kuey, just so you know, Google Sheets says that your list is in your trash and I will soon lose access to it.
sense motive:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19 so close! Lol
Kebro looks to the katroome.
"Hello there." Kebro nods with a tip of the hat.
"Pardon the intrusion into your lovely habitat. We were actually looking for some goblins. We really could use some of your great knowledge of this wonderful kingdom of yours."
Male Race: HP 51/51 | AC 16 T 10 FF 16 | CMB +5, CMD 15 | F: +6, R: +2, W: +8 | Init: +0 | Perc: +11, SM: +10 | Movement: 20 Feet Cleric of Shelyn 5
Nothing to add at the moment (and posting on mobile so long posts are hard) just checking in to let you know I am here and following. Kebro seems to have things well in hand at the moment.
M Vishkanya |HP43/44|AC 21/FF16/T15|F+4/Ref+9/W+1|Per+5 Swashbuckler-5|Move 30'|Panache 2/2|
Aid Sense motive:1d20 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2
"Oh, you look very pretty!" Yen said, as his thought process changed changed from trying to help to enjoying the pretty colors on the caterpillar.
"No, I do not pardon your intrusion to my demesnes! And I am no servant nor scout of yours. You're hardly in the position to make request of my person!"
