Male Gnoll 5th lvl Order of the Dragon Cavalier (Huntmaster)/5th lvl Inquisitor HP: 120/120 AC 24, touch 13, flat-footed 22 DR 3/- Fort +12, Refl +3, Will +8 Darkvision 60' Perception +15; Init +3
Ulretha steps up to the undead creature that made it to them, though he waves the Pack back. It's not hard to convince them not to attack. The meat is a little too old even for their tastes.
He draws Gorum's Thorn as he steps up and slashes with it.
Female N, looks human (actually mostly human Ifrit) | Psychic 10 | Reroll 1/1 | Chaldira reroll 1/1| Rod Extend 3/3 | Rod Piercing 3/3 | HP 93/93 + temp HP 0/0 | AC 21 T 8 FF 21 | CMD 11 | F: +11, R: +7, W: +15 | Init: +1| Perc: +14, SM: +17, Dipl (Influence): +21, Bluff (Deceive): +21 | Focused Trance 3/3 | Expanded Awareness 3/3 | Phrenic Pool 8/8 | Spells: 1st 8/8 + 1/1 CP, 2nd 6/8, 3rd 8/8, 4th 7/7, 5th 4/4 | Darkvision 60ft | Speed 20ft | Active cond:
Granny tries to remember…
Using Spell Recollection (Ex) to know summon monster 4:
Once per hour as a swift action, an amnesiac can attempt to remember any spell from the psychic spell list of her choice from either of the 2 highest spell levels she can cast. When she does, she rolls on Table 2–1: Spell Recollection to determine the result. Because the mental stress of combat brings memories to the surface more easily, the amnesiac adds 1d10 to this roll’s result if she’s in combat when she attempts to recall a spell. Regardless of the result, the amnesiac expends an amnesia slot of the appropriate level for the spell she is attempting to remember; she must cast the spell remembered (if any) using that amnesia slot during the same round, or the spell slot is lost without effect. Once a spell has been remembered in this way, the amnesiac can cast it as one of her spells known for the rest of the day (even if she failed to cast the spell during the round in which she remembered it), unless spell recollection allowed her to cast a spell of a higher level than she would normally be able to cast.
d% Result
1–10 The amnesiac is unable to cast spells this round.
11–35 The amnesiac can’t remember the new spell (but can still cast spells this round).
36–95 The amnesiac remembers and can cast the new spell.
96+ The amnesiac can choose to treat this result as 36–95. Alternatively, once per day, she can instead temporarily recall any spell from the psychic spell list that’s 1 level higher than the spell she’s attempting to remember. When she does, her caster level counts as the minimum caster level required to cast the higherlevel spell, and she forgets the spell after it’s cast.
The closest creature takes a beating, poking, slamming and only with Snp form Little buddies bite does it fall.
Will:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13
The final giant walks away under the power of grandmother and its few remaining brain cells. Still confused every now and then you see the creature rip a large piece of its own flesh and eat it.
Out of combat.
As you look around to survey your surroundings you notice the high above the valley a quart mile ahead of you stands a massive facade carved into the side of the cliff face. Of simple design, it consists of four colossal tapering pillars flanking a dark opening. Just below the doorway, white stains cover many of the surrounding rocks. On the valley floor below lie the rotting carcasses of two large, dragonlike creatures covered in long spines.
Male N/N Half Orc Druid (Goliath)/10 | HP: 139/139 (+8 if elemental body) | AC Norm/FF/Tch: 24/23/11 26/25/13 | CMD: 24 25 +1 if troll | F/R/W: +16/10/16 | Init: +0 |Darkvision, Speed 30 ft | Climb +6, Dip +5, Heal +11, KnGeo,Loc +7, KnNat +5, Kn Pla +7, Perc +12, Scraft +5, SMot +4, Surv +17 | Active Conditions: Longstrider, Hunter's Blessing (giants/cold), fly
"Frankly, it doesn't look like anyone won. I must have been quite the spectacle, though, when I am a part of it, I prefer something more one-sided. Like the battle we just had."
Ben starts poking through the giant's remains, though a bit tentatively, as if the unlife might be sticky or something. With a sad grimace on his face he turns to the others and remarks, [b]"I know some of you have a beef with the orcs and giants, but they are not all bad. It's a pity when someone stirs them up and brings out the worst in them. This cloud giant leader of theirs should know better. From what I understand they can be normally quite... I don't know, reasonable?"
Male Gnoll 5th lvl Order of the Dragon Cavalier (Huntmaster)/5th lvl Inquisitor HP: 120/120 AC 24, touch 13, flat-footed 22 DR 3/- Fort +12, Refl +3, Will +8 Darkvision 60' Perception +15; Init +3
Ulretha sheaths Gorum's Thorn almost with disgust. He is plainly disappointed with how easy the combat was, if it could even be called that.
He perks up somewhat as he sees the other corpses in the distance.
"Dragons mean treasure, right?" he says to Thyste as he follows Lidia toward the structure.
You are able to get up to the mouth of the cave easily and the valley sides are not too steep. In the entranceway, you find that the walls are chiselled with archaic Giant runes. The cave is beyond your best dark vision but you see gold and silver pieces dappling the path in.
Male Gnoll 5th lvl Order of the Dragon Cavalier (Huntmaster)/5th lvl Inquisitor HP: 120/120 AC 24, touch 13, flat-footed 22 DR 3/- Fort +12, Refl +3, Will +8 Darkvision 60' Perception +15; Init +3
"Who cares? I have the answer to whatever tricks they might pull right here," Ulretha says, patting Gorum's Thorn.
Still, he waits for Ben's Coin to land and Lidia to investigate before entering the cave.
Male Gnoll 5th lvl Order of the Dragon Cavalier (Huntmaster)/5th lvl Inquisitor HP: 120/120 AC 24, touch 13, flat-footed 22 DR 3/- Fort +12, Refl +3, Will +8 Darkvision 60' Perception +15; Init +3
Ulretha casts a quizzical gaze at Thyste, wondering if she meant a double entendre with her comment but not at all able to figure it out if she did.
"To glory," he replies to Azardra's question, drawing Gorum's Thorn and taking the lead with the Pack following close at his heels or surrounding him, if there's room for them.
Male N/N Half Orc Druid (Goliath)/10 | HP: 139/139 (+8 if elemental body) | AC Norm/FF/Tch: 24/23/11 26/25/13 | CMD: 24 25 +1 if troll | F/R/W: +16/10/16 | Init: +0 |Darkvision, Speed 30 ft | Climb +6, Dip +5, Heal +11, KnGeo,Loc +7, KnNat +5, Kn Pla +7, Perc +12, Scraft +5, SMot +4, Surv +17 | Active Conditions: Longstrider, Hunter's Blessing (giants/cold), fly
Ben nods at the group appreciatively and trods heavily footed forward, head step making a loud thud, landing quite flat footed. Little Buddy is as squirrelly as usual, finding the whole thing a big lark and trying to play with anyone that will give him attention. At the moment he has a bone he has found, and not a clean one, and is trying to get Ben to throw it for him.
As you make you way down the cave a slight vibration can be detected underfoot. As you move deeper it becomes a sound like nails on a calkboaded. Peering around the corner is a dragon, another spire drake, though this one is a little larger seeming mourning of the corpses of others of its kind. It also seems like most of its hoard has been removed. You see one reaming piece of treasure a horn made from the horn of a primordial drake.
DC 20 Linguistics check or magic such as comprehend languages to decifer the Runes carve into the wall each one about the height of a human:
Spoiler:
Jogrothir’s thoughts on various events that took
place during his life. Of particular note is one section that
describes in great detail how Jogrothir first lit the fires
of Minderhal’s Forge with dragon’s breath. While Jogrothir
forced a dragon to breathe upon the forge, he later speculates
that if the forge ever went cold, it might be possible rekindle
the forge by igniting the fire geodes with flame from a torch
lit by a dragon’s breath, or even using the blood or glands
of a fire-breathing dragon.
Male N/N Half Orc Druid (Goliath)/10 | HP: 139/139 (+8 if elemental body) | AC Norm/FF/Tch: 24/23/11 26/25/13 | CMD: 24 25 +1 if troll | F/R/W: +16/10/16 | Init: +0 |Darkvision, Speed 30 ft | Climb +6, Dip +5, Heal +11, KnGeo,Loc +7, KnNat +5, Kn Pla +7, Perc +12, Scraft +5, SMot +4, Surv +17 | Active Conditions: Longstrider, Hunter's Blessing (giants/cold), fly
"Do you think the giants are trying to build up a war chest and decided dragon hordes were a likely target? So, you guys want to try to talk to it first?"
Male Gnoll 5th lvl Order of the Dragon Cavalier (Huntmaster)/5th lvl Inquisitor HP: 120/120 AC 24, touch 13, flat-footed 22 DR 3/- Fort +12, Refl +3, Will +8 Darkvision 60' Perception +15; Init +3
Ulretha sighs as though Ben has just told him he can't have dessert until he finishes all of his dinner or that he can't sleep with a female until after they get married.
He doesn't sheath Gorum's Thorn but he also doesn't rush in to sheath it in the drake's chest.
It's as much approval as anyone can expect for the "let's talk" plan.
Male N/N Half Orc Druid (Goliath)/10 | HP: 139/139 (+8 if elemental body) | AC Norm/FF/Tch: 24/23/11 26/25/13 | CMD: 24 25 +1 if troll | F/R/W: +16/10/16 | Init: +0 |Darkvision, Speed 30 ft | Climb +6, Dip +5, Heal +11, KnGeo,Loc +7, KnNat +5, Kn Pla +7, Perc +12, Scraft +5, SMot +4, Surv +17 | Active Conditions: Longstrider, Hunter's Blessing (giants/cold), fly
Ben shrugs and walks out with his hands...
Ben turns back into a half orc, and walks out with his hands...
You know, considering the mad-on this thing has with giants and orcs and the like right now, I'm thinking Ben is a poor choice in spokesperson of the moment.
In lieu of linguistics, let's get a perception from everybody, along with a finalized plan. Feel free to include an arcana about the dragon in front of you while you are at it.
Male Gnoll 5th lvl Order of the Dragon Cavalier (Huntmaster)/5th lvl Inquisitor HP: 120/120 AC 24, touch 13, flat-footed 22 DR 3/- Fort +12, Refl +3, Will +8 Darkvision 60' Perception +15; Init +3
The walls depict the detail f how Jogrothir first lit the fires of Minderhal’s Forge with dragon’s breath. While Jogrothir forced a dragon to breathe upon the forge, he later speculates that if the forge ever went cold, it might be possible rekindle the forge by igniting the fire geodes with flame from a torch-lit by a dragon’s breath or even using the blood or glands of a fire-breathing dragon.
Lidia you realize that the depictions of the stones on the wall are warm rocks you are carrying.
The spire drake you are looking at is a creature of negative energy and does not breath fire. They do like to coup de grace victims and arise them as wights.
F Human Ranger/10 |HP:140/140|AC25,F19,T18|F+13,R+16,W+11|Init+8|SPD30|PERC +18|ACRO +15|CLIMB+10|ESC ART +9|HNDL ANML(b) +14|HEAL +12|INTIM +6|KNOW(Dung) +5|KNOW(Geog)(b) +13|KNOW(Local) +9|KNOW (Nat) +11|RIDE +12|SENSE MOT +11|STEALTH +20|SURV +17|SWIM +9|
"Look, if you guys are gonna talk to it, you better do it before it notices us. Maybe leave out the part where we killed its friend a little while ago. Just be aware that if you walk up to it to pat its nose and ask it if its sad, it may just bite you in half for your trouble."
"Otherwise we should just go. It looks like whatever treasure was here is pretty much gone anyway."
Female N, looks human (actually mostly human Ifrit) | Psychic 10 | Reroll 1/1 | Chaldira reroll 1/1| Rod Extend 3/3 | Rod Piercing 3/3 | HP 93/93 + temp HP 0/0 | AC 21 T 8 FF 21 | CMD 11 | F: +11, R: +7, W: +15 | Init: +1| Perc: +14, SM: +17, Dipl (Influence): +21, Bluff (Deceive): +21 | Focused Trance 3/3 | Expanded Awareness 3/3 | Phrenic Pool 8/8 | Spells: 1st 8/8 + 1/1 CP, 2nd 6/8, 3rd 8/8, 4th 7/7, 5th 4/4 | Darkvision 60ft | Speed 20ft | Active cond:
Azardra looks at the female Fox Halfling and shakes her head.
She slowly moves forward also in her clanky heavy armor.
"Hello from me too big dragon! My little friend and I here would like to talk! Do you have time for a quick chat? You seem super strong and powerful by the way! So listen ... we kind of know that giants and your kind are not friends, ok? I don't if you know but we are also not friends with the dragons. So ... you know ... count one and one together ... I mean I am not as old as you are I can imagine but we both can spell 'alliance', right? Ehhh ... yes! That is why we are here! Alliance!" she says a smile that shows a couple of missing teeth.
Male Gnoll 5th lvl Order of the Dragon Cavalier (Huntmaster)/5th lvl Inquisitor HP: 120/120 AC 24, touch 13, flat-footed 22 DR 3/- Fort +12, Refl +3, Will +8 Darkvision 60' Perception +15; Init +3
Ulretha makes no move to hide or help with the diplomacy.
Instead, he stands down the passageway leading into the cavern where he can watch what happens and get into the fight quickly when it inevitably breaks out.
After a moment of careful consideration, the creature locks eyes on the group, "You right knowing my strength and you not giants. Why you come when the enemy grows?" The drakes common is rusty or broken so her speech is slow and laboured.
Female Foxy Halfling Swash (Arrow Champion/Dashing Thief)/10 | AC 24, T 17, FF 18 | 100/100 hp | Fort +5, Ref +12, Will +5| Init +4 | Percep +9 | CMD 25
"Sprechens ze...?" Thyste asks, running through Common, Halfling, Goblin, Elven, Giant, and Gnoll. If none of those are more convenient for the draconic creature, she'll settle on Common.
"We're in these lands to stop the Giants from marching," she explains. "Also, what's your pronouns?"
Female N, looks human (actually mostly human Ifrit) | Psychic 10 | Reroll 1/1 | Chaldira reroll 1/1| Rod Extend 3/3 | Rod Piercing 3/3 | HP 93/93 + temp HP 0/0 | AC 21 T 8 FF 21 | CMD 11 | F: +11, R: +7, W: +15 | Init: +1| Perc: +14, SM: +17, Dipl (Influence): +21, Bluff (Deceive): +21 | Focused Trance 3/3 | Expanded Awareness 3/3 | Phrenic Pool 8/8 | Spells: 1st 8/8 + 1/1 CP, 2nd 6/8, 3rd 8/8, 4th 7/7, 5th 4/4 | Darkvision 60ft | Speed 20ft | Active cond:
Azardra continues in draconic and explains what she’s saying to the rest of the team.
”Hmm… yes, pronouns are very important! So I’m a she! So we are seeing an increased activity by the Giants which unfortunately ends with many humans being eaten and killed! Well, for you probably this is not substantial but for me personally it is important! Especially, because my children and grandchildren and my husband were murdered by giants and I am very angry and want my revenge against these creatures! So can we be on the same team?!“ the old lady asks.
Male Gnoll 5th lvl Order of the Dragon Cavalier (Huntmaster)/5th lvl Inquisitor HP: 120/120 AC 24, touch 13, flat-footed 22 DR 3/- Fort +12, Refl +3, Will +8 Darkvision 60' Perception +15; Init +3
"But you don't know MY strength," Ulretha grumbles quietly.
They haven't gotten to fight yet, though so he keeps Gorum's Thorn sheathed and simply watches out for signs of aggression from the dragon.
F Human Ranger/10 |HP:140/140|AC25,F19,T18|F+13,R+16,W+11|Init+8|SPD30|PERC +18|ACRO +15|CLIMB+10|ESC ART +9|HNDL ANML(b) +14|HEAL +12|INTIM +6|KNOW(Dung) +5|KNOW(Geog)(b) +13|KNOW(Local) +9|KNOW (Nat) +11|RIDE +12|SENSE MOT +11|STEALTH +20|SURV +17|SWIM +9|
Azardra, the other Grandmother wrote:
”Hmm… yes, pronouns are very important! So I’m a she!
Well at least the drake didn't immediately incinerate them with its breath, thinks the ranger.
From her hiding place, Lidia stands still and silent in the shadows, letting Azardra and Thyste try their diplomacy. But her eyes narrow in confusion over this talk of ... pronouns? Whatever those were. And her lips scrunch sideways at the proposal of an alliance as she begins to imagine the implications.
She glances down at Esmé who stands tensely about 10 feet behind her. The cat looks ready to bolt and run. Lidia exhales long and heavy and returns her attention to the drake.
Male N/N Half Orc Druid (Goliath)/10 | HP: 139/139 (+8 if elemental body) | AC Norm/FF/Tch: 24/23/11 26/25/13 | CMD: 24 25 +1 if troll | F/R/W: +16/10/16 | Init: +0 |Darkvision, Speed 30 ft | Climb +6, Dip +5, Heal +11, KnGeo,Loc +7, KnNat +5, Kn Pla +7, Perc +12, Scraft +5, SMot +4, Surv +17 | Active Conditions: Longstrider, Hunter's Blessing (giants/cold), fly
Ben throws a look Lidia's way, as he deals with his own companion. Little Buddy never was much of one to sit still. Far easier to train him to do active things like fetch and attack. His little brain really struggles with the concept of stay and he never learned that trick.
