Age of Ashes - A Grand Tour of the Inner Sea (Inactive)

Game Master Luke_Parry

Jean-Pierre tells the tale of his first adventure - answering the call for heroes, rescuing townsfolk from the burning building, then heading to the Citadel to find out what happened to the Goblins; in the process, he learned of the Cinderclaws, and headed downstairs, where he found some of the cultists trapped, and dealt with them, before putting the souls of the restless Hellknight dead to rest. From there, he notes his discovery of the Ring, and the final battle against the local leader of the Cinderclaws, deep under the Citadel.

"It was a long, brutal battle; one of my allies sacrificed his life in the process, and he was put to rest with those of his people who still remained in that land, so that in death, his bones would find the comfort that he deserved..."

Jean-Pierre's tale is met with a measure of approval.

The feast then gradually winds down.

Afterwards, Jean-Pierre is approached by Nketiah, who obviously wants to talk:

“You are trying to track down the cultists who invaded your lands, yes? They’ve tormented us as well, and if you can find them and defeat them, we will all prosper. I think I can give you a place to start. Shortly after we drove the cultists away from the temple of Ketephys, we sent scouts east to track them as they fled. Yet these scouts swiftly came to a spot in the forest they could not enter without being struck blind. They said it was as if the air had turned to embers and ashes, and they could not breathe or see—as if they were somehow caught in that terrible battle our people fought against the Darkness, thousands of years ago.

When I studied the broken pillar that the Cinderclaws left behind in the temple after we drove them off, I could tell that some of it was meant to channel power against my people in particular. The Darkness has a grudge against us, and I think the Cinderclaws are using the power of that grudge to keep the Ekujae from striking back against them where it matters most: at the seat of their power. So, what would you say if I asked you to investigate the jungle to the east? If I am wrong and you end up blind, I promise to heal you—free of charge!”

Jean-Pierre nods.

"As a matter of fact, I was going to ask you where I might find them, anyway, so I am more than happy to do as you ask."

"Wonderful! I will speak with you again, in the morning."

Feel free to level up to 6, by the way :-)

---------------

In the morning, you are met by several of the Ekujae:

Akosa and Jahsi, looking tired, but content, approach arm in arm, with gifts:

Akosa presents a +1 striking longbow, grinning as he explains that he swore on the bow to kill every Aspis Consortium member at Whitebridge. In passing it on to Jean-Pierre, Akosa suggests that you could swear the same vow to eliminate all of the Cinderclaws.

Jahsi presents a red, white, and black spellguard shield, explaining he received the shield in a distant land as an honor for killing an evil necromancer.

Shortly thereafter, Nketiah approaches, and gives Jean-Pierre a map.

"This is roughly the area that we are unable to enter into, so I would suggest you explore there."

Slide 1.

She then looks over Jean-Pierre's equipment, nodding with approval for the most part.

"Good. You mostly seem to know what you are doing. However, there are a few things we can grant you."

So saying, she hands over some mosquito netting, 4 weeks worth of Rations, 12 vials of lesser antiplague, 3 lesser elixirs of life, 10 vine arrows, 4 lesser potions of healing, 35 cold iron arrows, and Boots of Elvenkind.

With a smile, she then hands Jean-Pierre a multi-colored, dragon-shaped pendant (A Dragon's Eye Charm), explaining that it was given to her years ago by a friend when Nketiah faced a dangerous mission, and that she is now passing it on to her newest friend, for what he did for her father.

"Good luck!"

----------------

Alright, so, the next section is mostly an Exploration activity - basically, you can move to, and search, one Hex per day, and there may or may not be encounters there. Let me know where you want to go.

Feeling revitalised, and extremely appreciative, Jean-Pierre heads out on his quest!

I will take a left-to-right approach, doing the map row by row.

Day 1:

It is hot and humid, but apart from the occasional glimpse of a wary predator, Jean-Pierre does not see anything unusual.

That evening...

Jean-Pierre: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (17) + 13 = 30.

Camping for the evening poses no difficulties; Jean-Pierre is able to set up his tent and mosquito netting without any issues.

Day 2:

After half a day of hard searching, you find something of interest!

A one-person campsite occupies a small clearing in this narrow valley. A smoldering bonfire is at one side of the camp, while a ten-foot-tall wooden pillar topped with a carved dragon head looms over the other. The dragon head and pillar have been stained black with pitch, and thin wisps of smoke rise from the head’s open mouth...

Immediately upon spotting it, Jean-Pierre casts Invisibility upon himself and Archibald, then stealths forward.

Stealth: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28.

Jean-Pierre is able to get closer without any issues.

He sees what can only be described as some sort of hybrid between one of the ape-men that he encountered earlier, and a dragon, moving about the clearing.

What do you do?

Jean-Pierre confidently moves over to the pillar (giving the hybrid as wide a berth as possible), and attempts to Disable it.

Thievery: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (12) + 15 = 27.

Jean-Pierre easily erases the runes upon the pillar, causing the dragon's eyes to go dark.

The hybrid looks up in startled alarm, and moves over to investigate, sniffing the air suspiciously...

R: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (1) + 16 = 17.
Jean-Pierre: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (18) + 15 = 33.

The Black Pillar, Round 1:

Jean-Pierre (-)
Archibald (-)
R(-)

Jean-Pierre unloads upon the hybrid, whilst with a roar, Archibald hurries closer...

Hunted Shot: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (7) + 15 = 22, for 2d8 ⇒ (1, 8) = 9 damage, +1d6 ⇒ 1 Sonic damage.
Hunted Shot: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17, for 2d8 ⇒ (4, 6) = 10 damage, +1d6 ⇒ 2 Sonic damage.

He then tosses a brace of force missiles!

Magic Missile: 6d4 + 9 ⇒ (1, 4, 4, 2, 1, 2) + 9 = 23 Force damage.

Jean-Pierre's arrows go wide, but his force missiles strike true!

The hybrid, finally seeing its target, roars, and charges forward to engage Jean-Pierre...

Jaws: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (13) + 20 = 33, for 2d8 + 9 ⇒ (5, 3) + 9 = 17 damage, +2d4 ⇒ (3, 1) = 4 Fire damage.

...delivering a nasty bite!

The Black Pillar, Round 2:

Jean-Pierre (-21)
Archibald (-)
R(-23)

Somewhat surprised, Jean-Pierre directs Archibald to harry his foe, and unloads again...

Hunted Shot: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (8) + 15 = 23, for 2d8 ⇒ (8, 6) = 14 damage, +1d6 ⇒ 2 Sonic damage, +1d8 ⇒ 6 damage.
Hunted Shot: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25, for 2d8 ⇒ (1, 3) = 4 damage, +1d6 ⇒ 3 Sonic damage, +1d8 ⇒ 1 damage.
Iterative: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12, for 2d8 ⇒ (6, 4) = 10 damage, +1d6 ⇒ 1 Sonic damage, +1d8 ⇒ 5 damage.

...before tossing another brace of force missiles.

Magic Missile: 6d4 + 9 ⇒ (4, 3, 1, 4, 1, 1) + 9 = 23 Force damage.

Once again, Jean-Pierre's arrows are wholly ineffective, but his magic is quite dependable.

The creature, angered, rips into Jean-Pierre...

Jaws: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (8) + 20 = 28, for 2d8 + 9 ⇒ (1, 2) + 9 = 12 damage, +2d4 ⇒ (1, 1) = 2 Fire damage.
Jaws: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (1) + 15 = 16, for 2d8 + 9 ⇒ (5, 8) + 9 = 22 damage, +2d4 ⇒ (4, 3) = 7 Fire damage.
Jaws: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28, for 2d8 + 9 ⇒ (4, 6) + 9 = 19 damage, +2d4 ⇒ (1, 3) = 4 Fire damage.

...delivering a couple of further nasty bites.

The Black Pillar, Round 3:

Jean-Pierre (-58)
Archibald (-)
R(-46)

A bit put out by the ineffectiveness of his arrows, Jean-Pierre nevertheless keeps trying...

Hunted Shot: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (1) + 15 = 16, for 2d8 ⇒ (4, 8) = 12 damage, +1d6 ⇒ 3 Sonic damage, +1d8 ⇒ 7 damage.
Hunted Shot: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26, for 2d8 ⇒ (6, 4) = 10 damage, +1d6 ⇒ 2 Sonic damage, +1d8 ⇒ 8 damage.
Iterative: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27, for 2d8 ⇒ (1, 7) = 8 damage, +1d6 ⇒ 6 Sonic damage, +1d8 ⇒ 1 damage.

...before tossing another brace of force missiles.

Magic Missile: 6d4 + 9 ⇒ (2, 4, 1, 3, 1, 1) + 9 = 21 Force damage.

This time, one of his arrows manages to find a chink in the hybrid's defenses, doing a small amount of damage.

However, his force missiles continue to do a sterling job of harming the opposition!

Understandably upset, the creature tries to rip Jean-Pierre apart...

Jaws: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (6) + 20 = 26, for 2d8 + 9 ⇒ (8, 4) + 9 = 21 damage, +2d4 ⇒ (4, 2) = 6 Fire damage.
Jaws: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (12) + 15 = 27, for 2d8 + 9 ⇒ (2, 3) + 9 = 14 damage, +2d4 ⇒ (3, 1) = 4 Fire damage.
Jaws: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21, for 2d8 + 9 ⇒ (7, 6) + 9 = 22 damage, +2d4 ⇒ (3, 3) = 6 Fire damage.

...delivering a couple of further nasty bites.

The Black Pillar, Round 4:

Jean-Pierre (-103)
Archibald (-)
R(-82)

Damn. If this is the usual calibre of the elves' foes, no wonder they have been having trouble!

Not losing his cool, Jean-Pierre keeps up the steady stream of arrows...

Hunted Shot: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (17) + 15 = 32, for 2d8 ⇒ (5, 5) = 10 damage, +1d6 ⇒ 5 Sonic damage, +1d8 ⇒ 5 damage.
Hunted Shot: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32, for 4d8 + 1d10 ⇒ (1, 7, 3, 4) + (4) = 19 damage, +2d6 ⇒ (6, 6) = 12 Sonic damage, +1d8 ⇒ 2 damage.
Iterative: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17, for 2d8 ⇒ (7, 3) = 10 damage, +1d6 ⇒ 3 Sonic damage, +1d8 ⇒ 7 damage.

...before tossing another brace of force missiles.

Magic Missile: 6d4 + 9 ⇒ (3, 2, 4, 4, 3, 2) + 9 = 27 Force damage.

This time, Jean-Pierre's first two arrows strike true, nailing the creature through its heart.

Combat over.

For reference, the pillar is 'disabled', but not 'destroyed'...

Jean-Pierre pulls out the weapon the elves gave him, and methodically starts hacking the statue to pieces.

That will do it!

As Jean-Pierre shatters the statue, a black cloud rises up from it, then dissipates. A weight that he didn't previously realise was there, is suddenly lifted from his shoulders.

That is it for this hex, so...

Jean-Pierre: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14.
Jean-Pierre - Hero Point: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20.

The following morning, both Jean-Pierre and Archibald are feeling unwell...

Please roll Fort saves, for both yourself, and Archibald.

Fort: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (17) + 13 = 30.
Fort: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29.

Both of you manage to fight off whatever it was ;-)

Moving on...

Day 3:

This hex does not contain anything of interest.

Jean-Pierre: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15.

Once again, overnight, both Jean-Pierre and Archibald are feeling unwell...

Another pair of Fort saves, please.

Jean-Pierre frowns.

What in the Nine Hells is going on?

Fort: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (19) + 13 = 32.
Fort: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22.

Once again, both of you manage to fight off whatever it is.

Day 4:

This time, searching the hex reveals another area of interest!

A sinister pall seems to hang over this area of the forest. Where jungle birds, frogs, and insects once sang in an deafening cacophony, there is now only a menacing silence. Ahead, an ominous pillar topped with an indigo carving of a dragon’s head looms in the middle of a tangled clearing.

Before getting closer, Jean-Pierre will once again try Invisibility, and sneaking.

Stealth: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31.

Jean-Pierre glides into the clearing like a wraith!

Gathered around the Pillar are four small frog-men, who appear to be of a different type to the human-sized ones that you have encountered before; notably, all of their eyes glow with the same green light as the eyes of the pillar.

Jean-Pierre: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25.

Jean-Pierre realises that these creatures are under some kind of compulsion effect.

Frowning, Jean-Pierre carefully moves forward, trying to avoid the frog-people as best he can, and attempts to disable the pillar.

Thievery: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (2) + 15 = 17.

Jean-Pierre does not succeed in disabling the pillar, which flashes a warning, attracting the attention of the frog-people...

Pillar: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (4) + 16 = 20.
GA: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11.
GS: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20.
Jean-Pierre: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (18) + 15 = 33.

The Indigo Pillar, Round 1:

Jean-Pierre (-)
Archibald (-)
Pillar (-)
GS (-)
GA (-, -, -)

Scheisse!

Jean-Pierre frantically tries to disable the pillar.

Thievery: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (4) + 15 = 19.
Thievery: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (16) + 15 = 31.

On his second attempt, Jean-Pierre manages to disrupt the runes, causing the light to fade from the pillar's eyes.

Immediately, the green light fades from the eyes of the frog-people as well; they look at each other, and retreat into the forest in alarm!

Combat over.

This time, when Jean-Pierre destroys the pillar, an Indigo cloud raises from the shattered remains, before dissipating.

Jean-Pierre: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (20) + 13 = 33.

That night, Jean-Pierre sleeps soundly!

In the morning, he receives an Animal Messenger - allies of the Ekujae have confirmed that there is nothing of concern in the hex directly South-East of the ruined temple.

Day 5:

Jean-Pierre's journey is blessedly uneventful...

Jean-Pierre: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (17) + 13 = 30.

...and he sleeps well that night.

Day 6:

Jean-Pierre's journey is blessedly uneventful...

Jean-Pierre: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (19) + 13 = 32.

...and he sleeps well that night, again.

Day 7:

Jean-Pierre comes to a broad river, which fortunately proves to be no barrier to either himself, or Archibald.

Just as he is getting ready to set up camp, however, he hear crashing through the undergrowth, as a quarter of human-sized frog-men, led by an ape-man, charge out of the undergrowth!

CDP: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (6) + 15 = 21.
BW: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25.
Jean-Pierre: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (5) + 15 = 20.

All four frog men charge Jean-Pierre...

Club: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14, for 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11 damage.
Club: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23, for 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11 damage.

Club: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15, for 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7 damage.
Club: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25, for 2d6 + 12 ⇒ (2, 1) + 12 = 15 damage.

Club: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16, for 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9 damage.
Club: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8, for 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12 damage.

Club: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28, for 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9 damage.
Club: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9, for 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7 damage.

...scoring several lucky blows.

The ape-man the dumps a incandescent pyroclastic explosion upon Jean-Pierre and Archibald!

Fireball: 6d6 ⇒ (5, 3, 5, 5, 1, 1) = 20 Fire damage. DC 25 Reflex.

The First Crew, Round 1:

BW (-, -, -, -)
CDP (-)
Jean-Pierre (-24)

Reflex: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (20) + 14 = 34.
Reflex: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20.

Frowning in annoyance, Jean-Pierre designates one of the frog-men as his Prey, and opens fire...

Hunted Shot: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (17) + 15 = 32, for 4d8 + 1d10 ⇒ (1, 5, 7, 3) + (10) = 26 damage, +2d6 ⇒ (1, 2) = 3 Sonic damage.
Hunted Shot: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29, for 4d8 + 1d10 ⇒ (7, 2, 6, 8) + (4) = 27 damage, +2d6 ⇒ (4, 1) = 5 Sonic damage.
Iterative: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14, for 2d8 ⇒ (3, 3) = 6 damage, +1d6 ⇒ 3 Sonic damage.

...whilst Archibald, with a roar, takes a swing...

Jaws: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21, for 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (4, 3) + 4 = 11 damage.

...and then Jean-Pierre dumps a Fireball on them.

Fireball: 6d6 + 3 ⇒ (6, 1, 2, 6, 6, 6) + 3 = 30 Fire damage. DC 20 Reflex.

Jean-Pierre completely dodges the blast, whilst Archibald takes the brunt of it.

Jean-Pierre then pins his Prey to the ground, with a pair of well-placed arrows.

Archibald chomps on the one next to him...

Reflex: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21.
Reflex: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13.
Reflex: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11.

...and whilst that one then dodges the worst of Jean-Pierre's fiery blast, the other two are not so lucky.

In a frenzy, the remaining frog-men try to club Jean-Pierre like a baby seal...

Club: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11, for 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10 damage.
Club: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18, for 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10 damage.
Club: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (14) + 0 = 14, for 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10 damage.

Club: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13, for 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11 damage.
Club: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10, for 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8 damage.
Club: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (9) + 0 = 9, for 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10 damage.

Club: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20, for 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12 damage.
Club: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15, for 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11 damage.
Club: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (9) + 0 = 9, for 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7 damage.

...but he is just too quick for them.

The ape-man chitters angrily, and after moving forward, breathes a gout of flame upon Archibald and Jean-Pierre...

Breath Weapon: 7d6 ⇒ (6, 1, 3, 1, 5, 5, 5) = 26 Fire damage. DC 23 Reflex.

The First Crew, Round 2:

BW (-26, -30, -30)
CDP (-)
Jean-Pierre (-24)
Archibald (-20)

Grinning, Jean-Pierre shifts his focus to the apen-man, and opens-up on it...

Hunted Shot: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (9) + 15 = 24, for 2d8 ⇒ (1, 5) = 6 damage, +1d6 ⇒ 1 Sonic damage, +1d8 ⇒ 7 damage.
Hunted Shot: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19, for 2d8 ⇒ (2, 8) = 10 damage, +1d6 ⇒ 5 Sonic damage, +1d8 ⇒ 6 damage.
Iterative: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13, for 2d8 ⇒ (6, 4) = 10 damage, +1d6 ⇒ 1 Sonic damage, +1d8 ⇒ 5 damage.

...before dumping a Fireball upon all of his foes!

Fireball: 6d6 + 3 ⇒ (1, 2, 1, 5, 3, 4) + 3 = 19 Fire damage. DC 20 Reflex.

Meanwhile, Archibald rips into the one adjacent to him.

Jaws: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15, for 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (6, 7) + 4 = 17 damage.

Only Jean-Pierre's first arrow hits, much to the indignation of his opponent.

Reflex: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20.
Reflex: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6.
Reflex: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11.

The ape-man actually seems to enjoy the flames, writhing in ecstasy...

...but his frog-man allies are not so lucky; the first one is barely left standing, whilst the other two are burnt to a crisp.

The remaining frog-man stubbornly targets Jean-Pierre...

Club: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22, for 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8 damage.
Club: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6, for 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11 damage.
Club: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (11) + 0 = 11, for 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9 damage.

...but, badly burned as he is, his strikes have no power behind them.

The ape-man, meanwhile, rushes forward, and attempts to pimp-slap Jean-Pierre with a hand that crackles with black energy...

Vampiric Touch: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (1) + 17 = 18, for 6d6 ⇒ (5, 3, 4, 6, 3, 2) = 23 Negative damage.

...but nearly trips and falls, instead!

The First Crew, Round 3:

BW (-35)
CDP (-7)
Jean-Pierre (-24)
Archibald (-20)

Chuckling, Jean-Pierre focuses on the ape-man, trusting that Archibald will be able to handle the frog-man.

Hunted Shot: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (14) + 15 = 29, for 2d8 ⇒ (1, 3) = 4 damage, +1d6 ⇒ 3 Sonic damage.
Hunted Shot: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22, for 2d8 ⇒ (7, 2) = 9 damage, +1d6 ⇒ 4 Sonic damage.
Iterative: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29, for 4d8 + 1d10 ⇒ (6, 3, 1, 2) + (3) = 15 damage, +2d6 ⇒ (4, 1) = 5 Sonic damage.

Jaws: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30, for 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (5, 2) + 4 = 11 damage.

He then tosses a brace of force missiles into the ape-man.

Magic Missile: 6d4 + 9 ⇒ (1, 2, 1, 1, 2, 2) + 9 = 18 Force damage.

Jean-Pierre's arrows, for the most part, strike true...

...as do his force missiles.

Archibald then crushes the throat of the frog-man.

The ape-man, looking increasingly alarmed, slams his fist into the ground, causing the land around him to explode in fire!

Volcanic Eruption DC 25 Reflex, or fall prone, and take 1d6 ⇒ 2 damage, +2d6 ⇒ (6, 2) = 8 Fire damage.

The First Crew, Round 4:

CDP (-52)
Jean-Pierre (-24)
Archibald (-20)

Reflex: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (10) + 14 = 24.
Reflex: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17.

Jean-Piere keeps his footing, but Archibald falls over, with a surprised roar.

Jean-Pierre keeps up his arrow attack upon the ape-man...

Hunted Shot: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (15) + 15 = 30, for 2d8 ⇒ (8, 8) = 16 damage, +1d6 ⇒ 6 Sonic damage.
Hunted Shot: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30, for 2d8 ⇒ (6, 6) = 12 damage, +1d6 ⇒ 6 Sonic damage.
Iterative: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21, for 2d8 ⇒ (4, 4) = 8 damage, +1d6 ⇒ 2 Sonic damage.

...before tossing another brace of force missiles.

Magic Missile: 6d4 + 9 ⇒ (4, 4, 1, 2, 1, 3) + 9 = 24 Force damage.

This time, Jean-Pierre's first two arrows drill straight into the ape-man's heart.

Combat over.

Searching the bodies reveals:

Club x4, Javelin x12, Studded Leather x4, Leather Armor, +1 Striking Longsword.

Jean-Pierre: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (10) + 13 = 23.

Despite the interruption, Jean-Pierre's night passes uneventfully.

Day 8:

In the morning, Jean-Pierre finds another Animal Messenger; this one indicates that the Hex south of the last one is also clear.

Continuing on with his exploration, Jean-Pierre comes upon another area of interest!

The terrain in this area gives way to thick, cloying mud and swampy ground. Shallow puddles lie scattered across the oversaturated earth, the water rising up to fill footsteps and other indentations left in the soil. Droplets slide from leaf to leaf before falling into the puddles, causing the pools to froth and boil. Soft bells sound intermittently between the patter of rain.

There is also another dragon pillar, this one painted orange...

Jean-Pierre opts to continue to use the tactic that has worked so well for him thus far, and turns himself and Archibald Invisible, before stealthily approaching.

Stealth: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16.
Stealth - Hero Point: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28.

Jean-Pierre easily stealths forward.

Jean-Pierre: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15.

Cracking his knuckles, Jean-Pierre takes a crack at disabling this pillar...

Thievery: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (12) + 15 = 27.

The runes go dark.

As soon as that happens, four small creatures, that look like small humans... apart for the fact that they have crocodile-like snouts, rush out of a hollow tree nearby in alarm!

BV: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (10) + 13 = 23.
Jean-Pierre: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (20) + 15 = 35.

The Orange Pillar, Round 1:

Jean-Pierre (-)
Archibald (-)
BV (-, -, -, -)

Surprised by this sudden turn of events, Jean-Pierre designates a target as his Prey, and opens fire...

Hunted Shot: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (7) + 15 = 22, for 2d8 ⇒ (3, 2) = 5 damage, +1d6 ⇒ 4 Sonic damage.
Hunted Shot: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16, for 2d8 ⇒ (7, 7) = 14 damage, +1d6 ⇒ 2 Sonic damage.

Incidentally getting Archibald to charge forward...

...before tossing a ball of flame which envelopes all four creatures!

Fireball: 6d6 + 3 ⇒ (3, 6, 4, 6, 5, 6) + 3 = 33 Fire damage. DC 20 Reflex.

Jean-Pierre's first arrow strikes true.

Reflex: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25.
Reflex: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15.
Reflex: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26.
Reflex: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22.

Most of them then avoid the worst of the fire-blast.

Howling, they charge forward, and try to snack on Jean-Pierre...

Jaws: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (18) + 14 = 32, for 2d8 + 5 ⇒ (2, 1) + 5 = 8 damage.
Jaws: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11, for 2d8 + 5 ⇒ (1, 6) + 5 = 12 damage.
Jaws: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (11) + 14 = 25, for 2d8 + 5 ⇒ (8, 6) + 5 = 19 damage.
Jaws: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25, for 2d8 + 5 ⇒ (5, 5) + 5 = 15 damage.
Jaws: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (19) + 14 = 33, for 2d8 + 5 ⇒ (7, 2) + 5 = 14 damage.
Jaws: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22, for 2d8 + 5 ⇒ (8, 2) + 5 = 15 damage.
Jaws: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (15) + 14 = 29, for 2d8 + 5 ⇒ (4, 8) + 5 = 17 damage.
Jaws: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22, for 2d8 + 5 ⇒ (4, 4) + 5 = 13 damage.

...doing quite a number on him.

The Orange Pillar, Round 2:

Jean-Pierre (-73)
Archibald (-)
BV (-25, -33, -16, -16)

"Scheisse!"

Jean-Pierre frantically pumps arrows into the injured one (and calling Archibald to his side)...

Hunted Shot: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (2) + 15 = 17, for 2d8 ⇒ (5, 8) = 13 damage, +1d6 ⇒ 1 Sonic damage.
Hunted Shot: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13, for 2d8 ⇒ (5, 7) = 12 damage, +1d6 ⇒ 6 Sonic damage.
Iterative: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22, for 2d8 ⇒ (7, 2) = 9 damage, +1d6 ⇒ 2 Sonic damage.

...before Stepping back, and dropping a Fireball onto them.

Fireball: 6d6 + 3 ⇒ (4, 2, 5, 4, 3, 1) + 3 = 22 Fire damage. DC 20 Reflex.

As Jean-Pierre lets loose with a flurry of arrows, all four croco-men take an AoO!

Jaws: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (17) + 14 = 31, for 2d8 + 5 ⇒ (3, 6) + 5 = 14 damage.
Jaws: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (3) + 14 = 17, for 2d8 + 5 ⇒ (1, 8) + 5 = 14 damage.
Jaws: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (6) + 14 = 20, for 2d8 + 5 ⇒ (7, 4) + 5 = 16 damage.
Jaws: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (9) + 14 = 23, for 2d8 + 5 ⇒ (6, 4) + 5 = 15 damage.

Luckily, only one manages to hit, but it is sufficient distraction that only one of his arrows finds his target.

Reflex: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15.
Reflex: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (11) + 13 = 24.
Reflex: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29.
Reflex: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (10) + 13 = 23.

The one that he had been shooting then expires in the flame-blast, whilst the others are all singed to a greater or lesser degree.

Nevertheless, they all step-up, and keep snacking upon Jean-Pierre...

Jaws: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (12) + 14 = 26, for 2d8 + 5 ⇒ (4, 1) + 5 = 10 damage.
Jaws: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11, for 2d8 + 5 ⇒ (4, 8) + 5 = 17 damage.
Jaws: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (16) + 14 = 30, for 2d8 + 5 ⇒ (3, 6) + 5 = 14 damage.
Jaws: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23, for 2d8 + 5 ⇒ (6, 4) + 5 = 15 damage.
Jaws: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (1) + 14 = 15, for 2d8 + 5 ⇒ (5, 5) + 5 = 15 damage.
Jaws: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12, for 2d8 + 5 ⇒ (2, 3) + 5 = 10 damage.

...but he manages to dodge all but two of the frenzied bites.

The Orange Pillar, Round 3:

Jean-Pierre (-97)
Archibald (-)
BV (-44, -27, -27)

Jean-Pierre winces.

"This is starting to sting!"

He Steps back, designates a new Prey, and goads Archibald into harrying them...

Hunted Shot: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (2) + 15 = 17, for 2d8 ⇒ (8, 2) = 10 damage, +1d6 ⇒ 4 Sonic damage, +1d8 ⇒ 4 damage.
Hunted Shot: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17, for 2d8 ⇒ (6, 2) = 8 damage, +1d6 ⇒ 3 Sonic damage, +1d8 ⇒ 5 damage.

...before dropping a Fireball upon them.

Fireball: 6d6 + 3 ⇒ (2, 4, 2, 6, 1, 3) + 3 = 21 Fire damage. DC 20 Reflex.

Both Jean-Pierre's arrows go wide.

Reflex: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15.
Reflex: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (19) + 13 = 32.
Reflex: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16.

The heavily injured one burns like a torch, whilst one of his colleagues manages to hide behind him; the other is not so lucky, and is badly charred, but not outright killed.

The two remaining croco-men lick the blood from their lips, step up, and keep biting...

Jaws: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (9) + 14 = 23, for 2d8 + 5 ⇒ (7, 2) + 5 = 14 damage.
Jaws: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22, for 2d8 + 5 ⇒ (1, 1) + 5 = 7 damage.
Jaws: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (2) + 14 = 16, for 2d8 + 5 ⇒ (1, 5) + 5 = 11 damage.
Jaws: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29, for 4d8 + 10 ⇒ (8, 7, 6, 3) + 10 = 34 damage.

...with one manage to crunch down hard upon Jean-Pierre's torso!

The Orange Pillar, Round 4:

Jean-Pierre (-131)
Archibald (-)
BV (-27, -48)