I could probably last one more fight like that myself, but I think that's all the singing I could muster. I'm fine to rest if we need to. Polyoinos, do you need any more healing?"
[b[“I think we could win. But we might take casualties, which wouldn’t be worth it. We could camp outside, off to the side. That way we can keep watch for a third, should it come out or in.”[/b]
Polyoinos mulls the dwarves words, then chuckles;
"Ho-Ho! Of course we have the scions of Olympus in our midst! I myself was begat of the ardent loins of one of Bacchus' seilēnós!"
He pauses at Teledoros' question, examining his existing wounds;
"Aye my friend a drop of healing is as welcome as the grape!"
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"Yes, well, should we decide to debauch the troll to death, then we have brought the proper god-spawn with us, haven't we?"
Teledoros casts a cure light on Polyoinos.
The party leaves the catacombs and makes camp outside. Nothing of note happens save the party regaining their spells and vitality.
Polyoinos chuckles bawdily at Varocles' jape, clapping the shoulder of the dwarf;
"Hah! You old salt! Debauch a troll indeed!"
Fully healed the burly skald drinks, rests and drinks a little more before they once again enter the lair...
"Well, let's go meet our doom, or make it."
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The party makes their way back into the catacombs. They head south, following along until they come upon a room, where they find a creature resembling a hound, but one seemingly made of bronze, brass and even bits of iron. It's crystal eyes seem to light up as the group enters and it prepares itself to strike!
Amphitryon, expecting trouble, wasted no time in charging forward. Knowing that he had a bard and a skald watching was certainly motivating.
He brought his totem spear down upon the foe, though he was certain that it would not fall so easily.
Having no idea what this metal hound could be, Kyronai fires an arrow to see if it has the same effect as a hound made of flesh and bone.
He will move up when Polyoinos and Varocles do so that Teledoros can bring his arrows into the mix.
This construct is a clockwork hound. It has DR5/Adamantine. For every 5 you beat the DC, you get an additional fact.
Amphitryon moves forward and lands a solid blow though his shadow weapon is blunted by the construct's plating. Kyronai also lands an arrow but finds that it does no damage.
Hound-10
As the metallic hound appears, Polyoinos attempts to discern its nature;
:
"Ho! A Clockword Hound... I have heard fable of such, but never seen one! A clockwork owl I have seen... a hound, nay! Ware its armoured skin my friends - only adamantine will truly piece it!"
The Bacchanal bellows his insight as he moves forward , then using the reach of his magical spear attempts to skewer the creature;
"Oh-Ho Hound of Hephaestus... Let us test your mettle eh?"
:
:
Polyoinos lands a blow on the hound who in turn counter attacks on both the bard and Amphitryon.
Clockwork Hound - 17, Amphitryon - 8 Prone, Polyoinos 12
"Yes, well, neither I, nor my trident hit like adamantine, so I shall stick to keeping you lot alive for this endeavor."
Varocles moves forward, casts CLW and leads his hand on Amphitryon.
Amphitryon hit the ground hard, his spear falling out of his hands. It vanished soon after. Lying prone, he felt the soothing touch of Varocles‘ divine power. The hound came at him, and just as it was leaping towards him, he caused a new spear to form in his hands. The metallic beast landed on it...
Polyoinos' proves nimble enough to avoid being dropped, and he stabs once again at the mechanical beast:
:
Realizing that he will have minimal effect against this construct hound, Kyronai pulls out his scroll of summon monster and begins to summon a hound of his own.
Varocles heals Amphitryon while the latter lands a solid blow on the construct. Polyoinos also strikes the hound.
You know that in addition to it's armored plating, the creature is built with a large hollow chest cavity that can hold a small magical item such as a necklace or ring that it can benefit from.
You know that the creature is a mindless construct and therefore will not be affected by smite evil.
You also know that it is vulnerable to electricity.
Clockwork Hound - 38, Amphitryon - Prone, Polyoinos 12
Teledoros starts up his song and moves in.
Teledoros begins inspiring his party. The hound continues the assault.
Clockwork Hound - 38, Amphitryon - Prone, Polyoinos 22 - Prone
Still fighting on his back, Amphitryon found it difficult to defend himself. The metal teeth dig into him, and he stabbed at it as best as he could. This was *not* a fighting style he was accustomed to.
Despite the disadvantage, Amphitryon is able strike down the clockwork hound.
Varocles will channel to heal his friends...
30' radius
Twice...
30' radius
Amphitryon lay on the ground for a minute, letting the healing energy wash over him. At length he sat up, took off his helmet and ran his fingers through his hair. ”Got to say, not a fan of being knocked down all the time. The legends tend to leave that part out.” He got to his feet. ”Let’s push on. Worst comes to worst, maybe we can put the thing back together and sell it as a statue.”
"I knew a gnome once, every time he got into a fight he was getting grappled, and pinned, and swallowed etc, until their Bard took to casting grease on him first thing, every fight. Made for lots of jokes, but it helped out with the problem!"
Teledoros plops down to the ground and laughs at Varocles' story. "I might have to learn that one."
Polyoinos also accepts the healing with a wry laugh;
"Indeed push on... In the spirit of the greasy gnome, can I suggest we lubricate our throats?"
He produces his wineskin from his pack with a grin...
As the party pushes on, they hear a voice call out as you exit the hallway.
"What is it now you dolts?" Amphitryon sees a man in dark robes, hood covering part of his face standing as he looks over a checklist of sorts. He looks up and seems a bit shocked. "No, you are adventurers aren't you? I assume the idiot villagers asked you to stop us? How much are they paying you?"
Polyoinos flashes a hard smile;
"Ho-ho old one! We are Greeks! We are men of the civilised world... Introductions first... then questions and answers eh?"
:
:
The heavily built skald leans on his longspear and gives his garlanded head a bow;
"I am Polyoinos... Beloved of Bacchus. Scion of a Satyr, Woo'er of Amazons, Drainer of Casks and most recently Slayer of Trolls! I will let my companions make their own introductions, then once we know with whom we speak, a parley can be sought!"
Grinning he gestures to the others;
"Introduce yourselves my friends..."
”Amphitryon, known as the Shadow Warrior.” Clad in traditional Greek breastplate, with full-helm, greaves and shield, he looked every inch the warrior. He put fist on chest in a warrior’s salute.
"Kyronai."
"Varocles, priest of Poseidon!"
The man eyes the lot of you warily. "Galen. I would have suspected that you make some grand speech about justice or some nonsense before charging me with your weapons. I am glad you are more reasonable than that. Now what is it that you want exactly? I assume you have already slain all my minions?"
"I am Teledoros of Naxos, voice of Apollo. We have come to stop the raids upon the nearby village. I take it you twere the mastermind behind this foul plot?"
"Mastermind is a bit harsh. But yes, those trolls you killed were under my employ. Which means I am in the market for some new lackeys. Interested? I pay very well. Certainly more than that village can pay."
"Were you paying those trolls to raid the village? If yes, why?"
"No, the village was a means to an end. I do not know if you are aware or not, but trolls require a lot of sustenance."
”Alright. And it was a means to what end? Speaking just as a mercenary here, one doesn’t raise a force of hungry trolls without having a pay off worse that kind of hassle.”
"Oh it is worth it. But I think I've said enough for now. If you want to know more, you will have to join my ranks."
Amphitryon took a moment to scan the room. Where there any doors the mage could escape from? Did the mage have any wands or the like in easy reach? Any statues that might come to life or corpses that could rise from the ground? Important information for what he had planned.
Once he had the information, he nodded. ”Sure. If it pays.” He turned around, winked at his companions, and tossed his spear out the door that they had come through. With his hands open and up he started walking towards the mage.
”Sign of good faith, no? Now that I’m unarmed, how about you start telling us what the score is. The peasants could barely scrape together enough for a decent meal. Figure we’ve shown that we are better than your trolls. Now you tell us why this is worth our time.”
Amphitryon sees nothing out of the ordinary and no other exits to the room.
"Fair enough. It's rather simple. I have a master who has tasked me with building an army. I was able to convince some trolls to join me and all I had to do was keep them fed. The plan was to gather up more beasts and giants. But a few smaller generals to lead the herd would be prudent. My offer is whatever spoils we make along the way minus what we need to feed the ranks will be divided amongst yourselves. Plus glory and fame beyond all your wildest dreams if that is what you're into."