The Shelynite wakes with a start in the wee hours. He takes a moment to pray, which in his case involves lighting a candle and taking out his sketchbook. Over a few minute's time, his quill depicts an angry crowd of nobles bloviating towards the viewer. At their backs, a bright sun illuminates a beautiful river valley. Even in the worst of times, beauty. He blows out the candle and returns to a restful sleep.
In the morning, he attempts to gather his fellow landgraves. "I think it would be helpful to gather around our trusty cricket for a few minutes, don't you?"
Once the clever clockwork is chirping, he shares some observations from the previous day.
"I took some few moments last night to observe the crowd, to get a read on their dispositions. I fear some of our fellow lords and ladies may have mistaken me for an ogler. No matter."
He pours himself some water. "What I can say is this: Our host and several members of his circle exude palpable malevolence. The Duchess, Sir Gul (an apt name, I think), Lord Titus (no surprise there). The Earl, as well. They may be honorable, in their way, but only if it serves them."
He waits a moment to let his words sink in before continuing. "Of all the notable guests, only Mayor Piscum radiates good will. Not so much toward the Count and his people, but Shelyn herself would forgive her for that. I think we can trust her to support the well-being of all the county's folk."
"The others — the Baroness, the Baron, Dame and Miss Crabbe, Lady Martaine... Well, not everyone needs to be an angel. But they are not villains either. I for one think the Baroness would make a formidable ally. It's clear she's no fan of the Count. She's managed her Barony so well that Dame Crabbe actually requested she take Moost Village under her care. And, well, I must admit I admire her toughness. Perhaps we can win her over today. Though I'll probably need to tone down my compliments."
He listens intently to any other insights or recommendations his companions have.
. . . . .
Over breakfast, Anselm gamely antes up and aims his harpoon at his eels.
He chuckles at himself as the eels splash water on him. He says to Onora, "This reminds me of a game we played at the Erlking's court. But I'd better not tell our host about it and give him ideas... Bobbing for freshwater urchins. I did a little too well. These marks on my cheek aren't from the pox, you see. But it was that, or have the eyes of a goat for a year."
"You really must go. I’ll admit, some aspects of the hunt are… I’ll say unusual,”
A look of joy dances upon Elen's face. "Oh, alright then! Seeing as there will be plenty of time after all, I will go on the Hunt."
The following morning she dresses for the Hunt and heads down to breakfast.
Wanting crack of dawn social obligation to quickly evaporate, Elen adds 5gp to the pot and grabs a miniature harpoon, hoping to get breakfast over with as soon as possible.
Let the quiet of the Hunt begin! Oh!!! Does that eel look like the Count?!
Elen instinctively stabs at the doppelganger.
"Oh! I, uh --" she makes eye contact with the Baroness. "I swear, I wasn't thinking of anyone when I did that!"
"Oh," she says, leaving to take a seat. She curtseys to the Baroness on her way, "I apologize. That didn't come out sounding at all right."
She invites Anselm to sit with her, should he so dare.
"Ah, yes! Coffee please! Perfect," Kort asks of the Purple Finch in the morning, hopeful for a good burst of energy. "You treat us well, Purple Finch, you are to be commended. It is appreciated." Kort is not used to such luxuries and appreciates it.
Kort is intrigued by the gamesmanship of the hunting experience, but has no interest in betting on it for he feels it might diminish his enjoyment of the experience. Obviously, he's hunted before, but it was more like foraging for supplies while in the army. Somewhat and very different.
Kort waits for others to stab and grab before trying his hand at the exercise, and seeing to Mama D before securing his own food.
"M'Della, might I procure an eel for you?" Kort offers, holding the miniature harpoon.
ranged to hit; - [oco]Kort food.[/ooc]
ranged to hit; - [ooc]Mama D food.[/oox]
Kort declines any specific social overtures, preferring to focus on getting himself and Mama D fed.
"I almost wish you hadn't shared, Anselm. I was beginning to like the Duchess."
--
After a rough and tumble week for her whole body, including her stomach, Kamari looks askew at breakfast but joins in the contest.
Ignoring the presentation, she finds the eel to actually be quite tasty.
She seeks out Baroness Legte Adella Voinum for more conversation.
"Was life in the Phalanx difficult as a woman or were people judged by their skills and commitment? Hopefully the caravan leaders you protected didn't care as long as their goods got through."
He chuckles at himself as the eels splash water on him. He says to Onora, "This reminds me of a game we played at the Erlking's court. But I'd better not tell our host about it and give him ideas... Bobbing for freshwater urchins. I did a little too well. These marks on my cheek aren't from the pox, you see. But it was that, or have the eyes of a goat for a year."
”Really…” she says dryly, not believing you, but enjoying the story.
"Oh! I, uh --" she makes eye contact with the Baroness. "I swear, I wasn't thinking of anyone when I did that!"
"Oh," she says, leaving to take a seat. She curtseys to the Baroness on her way, "I apologize. That didn't come out sounding at all right."
The Baroness looks at the younger woman (at least as each race counts time) with a frown, banishing the thought. Her dour expression seems more of her perceived lack of civility.
Major Kort and Mama D take their own spitchcock eels and sit quietly, chatting to each other and avoiding the noise and excitement on the other end of the garden space.
She seeks out Baroness Legte Adella Voinum for more conversation.
"Was life in the Phalanx difficult as a woman or were people judged by their skills and commitment? Hopefully the caravan leaders you protected didn't care as long as their goods got through."
”Life in the Phalanx was difficult because we were on the front lines, protecting Taldor! Being a woman had nothing to do with it.” She snaps a bit at the question, and it seems clear that while she broke some boundaries she’s still somewhat conservative in her views. She forged her opinions and world view in her youth, in a different time, and has hardly wavered from them in decades of service to the country.
Finally, those who are trying for the eel in competition get to go! (A number of other folks also try, but they don’t do as well as the nobles, or at least aren’t paid attention to and/or aren’t a part of the wager.)
(ranged)
(melee)
(melee)
(ranged)
(ranged)
Sadly, Lord Titus wins it, as he apparently does most years, to the chagrin of more than a few if you look closely enough. With his usual mean spirited nature, Titus lords his win over the other diners at breakfast, cracking jokes at others expenses about their slowness.
The main event for today is a mock hunt: peasants are dressed as animals and released from the estate to hide within nearby territories to which they have been assigned, and then the assembled hunters are allowed to track their quarries and bring them back to the palace. The use of fake quarries helps prevent accidental injuries (at least to the nobles) that might otherwise mar the grand event.
Count Bartleby brings out the four local volunteers, each of whom will earn a mighty 50gp for the days efforts - an enormous sum, totaling more than a year’s wages for them. They look uneasy, but determined. Each is cut on their forearm very lightly, just so the hounds can get their scent, and then they are released - each headed in a different cardinal direction from the house - all to cheers from the assembled nobles.
The four hunting teams, Titus and his cronies representing the Count, Baroness Voinum is represented by her seneschal, a broad shouldered ex-military man from the cavalry side, as well as a few huntsmen, Baron Okerra with his closest friends and a few lesser local lords, and you, ostensibly representing Baron Telus, but really just because you’re new.
Lots are drawn by Titus from the Count and everyone gets a direction. Titus laughs meanly as he draws yours, but he goes off to prepare for the hunt with his cadre and says nothing further about it.
For the next hour or so, the hunters lounge around drinking and talking while their quarry is given that time to get to ground. During this time, the Purple Finch approaches you with a pair of harrier hounds in tow. Or rather pulling her a bit. ”Whew! This is the hardest part of the Jubilee I can tell you!” she arrives and gets the hounds under control before turning back to you and smiling, ”I’m not as good with the dogs, sorry, hounds, as I should be. But I can manage. You should have seen me my first year! Oh what a mess of things I made!”
”We’ll give your ‘prey’ some time to hide and see what we can do to track him down. So, do any of you have any tracking skills?” she asks innocently, clearly assuming there’s one among you with such abilities.
She shrugs and continues, ”I’m sure he’ll go to the Brashen Deeps. They’re about an hour away on foot, and it’s a hilly pine forest run through with rocky creeks and shallow caves further covered by low lying ferns, chicory and wild asparagus. It means we’ll be on foot and we’ll just have to trust to the, uh, hounds.”
Do you make any special preparations for departure? You’ll have the the rest of the morning (it’s about 11am), and the early afternoon to find your prey, before preparation for, and consumption of, an early supper - then the masquerade!
Kort does not immediately react to the hounds, but instead looks at Underfoot. He watches for any reaction to the dogs, and hopes that companion animal might help with the chase.
"I am merely barely competent tracker, but can mostly keep myself alive when I need to. I do hope one of my companions might have more skill..." Kort seems at a loss of how best to hunt.
K'Aldrian makes no special preparations, eager to get a good constitutional out of the endeavor.
"I have been known to take part in hunts. I suppose Shelyn blesses me, helping me see the beauty in things. Happy coincidence when small delights lead us to our quarry."
Anselm buttons his tailored hunting jacket with embroidered elk, foxes, and hounds running up and down its plackets. His long boots are more practically styled than some noble hunting outfits — it seems he's a practical courtier, after all.
”We’ll give your ‘prey’ some time to hide and see what we can do to track him down"...
"Will he run when we find him? I for one don't plan to chase him. Has anyone been hurt during these hunts?"
Kamari puts on her mithral beneath her hunting outfit and relaxes until it's time to leave.
”I’m sure he’ll go to the Brashen Deeps... a hilly pine forest run through with rocky creeks and shallow caves further covered by low lying ferns, chicory and wild asparagus."
Elen's eyes light up. "Well, at least we won't go hungry!"
"I wish Muri were here! I bet he and Underfoot could find all of the shortcuts! Well, shall we?" If everyone agrees, Elen takes some time to get to know the hounds then heads for Brashen Deeps when everyone is ready.
[notdice=Survival] Blindsense should it apply. [notdice]
"Will he run when we find him? I for one don't plan to chase him. Has anyone been hurt during these hunts?"
The Purple Finch laughs a little uneasily, ”Some run and some don’t, but they get their 50 gold either way. I don’t think Moffis, excuse me, your prey, will run. But I don’t know him well.”
Elen ensures that the hounds have the scent and the Purple Finch says she made sure to give them a good sniff of your prey.
Eventually, the hunters are released, most on foot, and you make your way to the Brashen Deeps about an hour away. You arrive without incident, though there are a number of trails and possible entryways into the forest from this side.
You have some options. One of you can attempt a DC 14 Survival check, with each one taking about 30 minutes of searching, or you can simply rely on the hounds noses - which will take longer but perhaps be more reliable. You might even have ideas outside these two. What would you like to do?
“Finch, have any of the ‘prey’ been harmed in the past? I would like to see Moffis and the others enjoy their earnings.”
Anselm takes the lead in tracking while Elen commands the hounds. As he breathes in the smell of moss and woods, a look of peace on his face.
“Ah, there he went. Come.”
Kamari lets Anselm and the hounds take the lead in this strange area without any cobblestones or buildings.
Kort also follows a hound: that of Anselm who seems to know where is going and what he is doing.
"If it wasn't your proclivity for prose, Anselm, you'd have been a find scout in the Queen's army, I'd say," he notes as he walks along and tries to help.
Survival to aid
"Oh, this way!" Elen exclaims as the hounds take off as Anselm speaks.
“Finch, have any of the ‘prey’ been harmed in the past? I would like to see Moffis and the others enjoy their earnings.”
Asked this question again (link), the Purple Finch is unable to dodge it this time. She responds sheepishly, ”Well, no one has been killed…” she looks a little uneasy. She is however happy to hand the dogs over to someone who knows what they’re doing as she passes over their leads to Elen.
Anselm thinks he’s picked up the trail, and after a few thoughtful false starts on the part of your prey, you eventually find the path he took with the help of the dogs quickly snuffling along and speeding your journey now that they’re on the scent.
You make your way into the forest and are glad you didn’t bring horses, for someone would surely have been left behind to care for them. The forest is thick and uneven, and movement is slow.
Eventually, some thirty minutes after you enter an area of even thicker undergrowth, and an hour into the forest, you hear a deafening roar - followed immediately by a scream for help!
You rush forward just in time to see a creature with a vaguely humanoid head, the body of a lion, and the wings of a dragon. Its tail ends in long, sharp spikes, one of which it launches at poor Moffis! Moffis is hit and collapses bleeding and partially pinned to a tree as the flying creature descends to eat him. The creature’s face seems to smile as it sees you upon descending from the tree canopy and remains 10' up appraising the newcomers to its meal. More meat!
The Purple Finch screams, as she collects the dogs from Elen, though they’re barking furiously. ”That’s the Iron Lash of Meratt! I thought it was just a story!”
- - -
Round 1
"How ironic that we're about to give him a lashing. Hang in there, Moffis!"
Anselm moves toward the unfortunate Moffis, conjuring up living hot air as he does so. The small elemental flies swiftly, striking at the manti-horror.
HP 30/30
AC 17 / 15 ff / 12 touch
Active effects: Perceive cues, voluminous vocabulary
Teamwork feat: Scion of the Lost Empire
1st level spells: 4/4
2nd level spells: 2/2
Summon monster: 6/7
CLW wand: 36
Lesser Restore wand: 50
HP 17/17
AC 17
Duration 4 min
Round 1
"That's a big foe, we should be cautious." Kort moves up and begs for Aroden's favor in dealing with such a dangerous foe.
hp: 28/28
AC: 15/13/12
Saves: F2/R6/W7 +3 vs. enchantment, +1 vs. illusions +2 vs. poison
Lowlight. PBS.
Aroden's Verve: 0/5 used
Adhere to the Law: 0/1 used
Extend GammaRadiation: 0/0 used
Quantum Leaps used:
Pathfinder Carry: 0/0
Staff of Courage: 0/0
0: (create water, detect magic/poison, light, stabilize,read magic)
1: 0/7 used (CLW*0,Shield*0,PfE*0,DF*0)
2: 0/3 used (Inv*0,RE*0)
[ dice]1d20+2[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]1d6-1[/dice] damage.
[ dice]1d20+6+1[/dice] to hit; (+PBS)
magic cold iron damage;
HP: 30/30
AC: 19 (+1 mithral chain shirt +5, ring of protection +1, Dex +2, Nimble +1)
Touch: 14
Flat-footed: 16
Fort +1; Ref +7; Will +5 (+2 vs enchantments, +1 vs mind-affecting)
Initiative +6 (Dex +2, Elven Reflexes +2, Swashbuckler Initiative +2)
Speed 30
Load 31.5/100 lbs (33 is light. Buckler 5 lbs. Backpack with items 5.5 lbs)
BAB +3
CMB +3
17 CMD (14 Flatfooted) +2 vs. disarm of rapier
Armor & Weapons
+1 MIthral chain shirt
+1 Ring of Protection
Rapier +7, 1d6+2+3 (Dex for Str from feat & Precision), 17-20x2 (anatomist)(Quick draw, Weapon Finesse, & Weapon Focus for rapier only)
Masterwork Dagger +3, 1d4, 18-20x2 (anatomist) - Always hidden. Take 10 Hidden Blade is DC 23 to spot.
Sap +1, 1d6 nonlethal, x2
Thankful to not be fighting in a dress again, Kamari moves up quickly with her rapier in hand. She's also thankful to see another one of Anselm's otherworldly friends pop up as they are so great at harrying their opponents with blunt force, allowing her to pick out her precise targets.
She hears Kort's words of caution, but also knows she's not much use from a distance.
I'll just be careful to not get hit.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Round 1
Mama D shakes her head to try to clear the fog.
“I can’t quite pin it down, my dears. Still, there must be something we can do to help our earstwhile prey.”
She draws her wand of magic missile as she skirts forward 25 feet and sends one unerringly at the creature, while calling out, ”Yoo Hoo! This way, you big brute! We will be better fare by far!”
More quietly, she urges her companions, ”Bring it this way, so someone can go help the poor child.“
| 3 people marked this as a favorite. |
Round 1, Init 24
Elen shoots at the FrankenCreature with her bow.
for
”Here, hold this,” she says, holding out the bow to Purple Finch, but promptly drops it.
She rushes forward drawing her glaive.
"Oooh! What timing! Moffis is in luck, if the group can get to him in time! This group is well known for successful collaboration in combat! Ooh! False start for the Elf, though! Great excitement! Back to you, Wallace."
Hits: 32/32
AC: 22
for
for
for
Anselm moves up and summons an air elemental to aid the group - which hits! Elen launches an arrow, though it goes a little wild. However she jumps the log like a gazelle, leaping six feet into the air as she crosses it. Major Kort moves up and summons aid from on high. Kamari double moves, charging forward to save the peasant. Mama D magic missiles it to further get its attention.
The creature takes your measure, leaving his meal for the moment. Flying unevenly, but hovering well, and harassed by an air elemental, it shreds the elemental - or tries to.
Having handily dealt with the elemental, it 5' flaps closer, using the trees as cover.
Also, as it hovers, it kicks up debris from the forest floor! Clear vision within the cloud is limited to 10 feet. Creatures have concealment at 15 to 20 feet (20% miss chance). At 25 feet or more, creatures have total concealment (50% miss chance, and opponents cannot use sight to locate the creature). Remember to locate the square its in you need a perception check as a move action - unless you’re close enough of course.
Moffis, amazingly, stops bleeding. Some moss stirred up in the wind lodges in the wound.
The Purple Finch grabs the bow from Elen and begins to sing boosting your morale!
Round 2
Anselm calls forth another bundle of wind, wishing he had time to learn its language.
Impressed with the power of a little air, he scrambles over the fallen tree and continues to advance toward the wounded "prey".
HP 30/30
AC 17 / 15 ff / 12 touch
Active effects: Inspire courage
Teamwork feat: Scion of the Lost Empire
1st level spells: 4/4
2nd level spells: 2/2
Summon monster: 5/7
CLW wand: 36
Lesser Restore wand: 50
HP 17/17
AC 17
Duration 4 min
HP: 30/30
AC: 19 (+1 mithral chain shirt +5, ring of protection +1, Dex +2, Nimble +1)
Touch: 14
Flat-footed: 16
Fort +1; Ref +7; Will +5 (+2 vs enchantments, +1 vs mind-affecting)
Initiative +6 (Dex +2, Elven Reflexes +2, Swashbuckler Initiative +2)
Speed 30
Load 31.5/100 lbs (33 is light. Buckler 5 lbs. Backpack with items 5.5 lbs)
BAB +3
CMB +3
17 CMD (14 Flatfooted) +2 vs. disarm of rapier
Armor & Weapons
+1 Mithral chain shirt
+1 Ring of Protection
Rapier +7, 1d6+2+3 (Dex for Str from feat & Precision), 17-20x2 (anatomist)(Quick draw, Weapon Finesse, & Weapon Focus for rapier only)
Hidden Strike 1d8 (or 1d4 on flank)
Masterwork Dagger +3, 1d4, 18-20x2 (anatomist) - Always hidden. Take 10 Hidden Blade is DC 23 to spot.
Sap +1, 1d6 nonlethal, x2
Kamari moves up while hoping she can reach the hovering monster. If she can, she'll stab. If not, she'll ready to do so.
Round 2
Kort steps closer, loading his bow, and shoots the beast.
to hit; (+bard,DF)
magic cold iron damage;
hp: 28/28
AC: 15/13/12
Saves: F2/R6/W7 +3 vs. enchantment, +1 vs. illusions +2 vs. poison
Lowlight. PBS.
Aroden's Verve: 0/5 used
Adhere to the Law: 0/1 used
Extend GammaRadiation: 0/0 used
Quantum Leaps used:
Pathfinder Carry: 0/0
Staff of Courage: 0/0
0: (create water, detect magic/poison, light, stabilize,read magic)
1: 0/7 used (CLW*0,Shield*0,PfE*0,DF*0)
2: 0/3 used (Inv*0,RE*0)
[ dice]1d20+2[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]1d6-1[/dice] damage.
[ dice]1d20+6+1[/dice] to hit; (+PBS)
magic cold iron damage;
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Round 2, Init 24
Elen rushes into the cloud and swings at the strange creature, wishing she had the more time to appreciate its abyssmalish beauty.
”Shame on you, picking on poor Moffis! You must outweigh him by a ton! Why don’t you go pick on something your own size?”
for
”Well, Wallace. This is a never-before-seen-at-least-in-my-time Hunt occurrence. My gods, what is that thing? Lion? Tiger? Bear with wings? Well, it looks like we’ll not know soon because it’s obscured by all the dust it is kicking up.”
”And what’s this now? A TORNADO?! HISTORY IN THE MAKING, WALLACE! Maybe it’ll suck away some of that debris and we’ll see the action in front of it! Back to you! pant, pant."
Hits: 32/32
AC: 22
for
for
for
Round 2, Init 12
Never terribly fast on her feet, Mama D hurries after the others as she tries to get close enough to be useful.
Anselm summons another ally who’s as lucky as the first, tweaking the manticore further. Elen slashes around the tree, but not even the cover provided by the tree can stop her blade. Major Kort steps closer, but can’t thread the shot as yet, though the crossbow is better in the debris than most. Mama D double moves up. Kamari readies a swing that occurs, though she doesn’t manage to scratch the creature as yet.
The flier dispatches with the elemental, descends 5’, and lashes out at Kamari, so delectably close and much tastier than an air elemental. Blood…
Also, as it hovers, it kicks up debris from the forest floor! Clear vision within the cloud is limited to 10 feet. Creatures have concealment at 15 to 20 feet (20% miss chance). At 25 feet or more, creatures have total concealment (50% miss chance, and opponents cannot use sight to locate the creature). Remember to locate the square its in you need a perception check as a move action - unless you’re close enough of course.
The Purple Finch holds Elen’s bow, and restrains the dogs (who might just as well go after Moffis) as she continues to sing.
"Where is it! Someone tell me!" Kort strains to see where the beast might be so he can shoot wildly into the skirmish.
Anselm advances. "You'll need to move up to get a clearer look, Major."
With another short prayer to Shelyn, yet another zephyr appears to flank with Kamari.
HP: 17/30
AC: 19 (+1 mithral chain shirt +5, ring of protection +1, Dex +2, Nimble +1)
Touch: 14
Flat-footed: 16
Fort +1; Ref +7; Will +5 (+2 vs enchantments, +1 vs mind-affecting)
Initiative +6 (Dex +2, Elven Reflexes +2, Swashbuckler Initiative +2)
Speed 30
Load 31.5/100 lbs (33 is light. Buckler 5 lbs. Backpack with items 5.5 lbs)
BAB +3
CMB +3
17 CMD (14 Flatfooted) +2 vs. disarm of rapier
Armor & Weapons
+1 MIthral chain shirt
+1 Ring of Protection
Rapier +8, 1d6+4+3 (BAB, Dex for Str from feat, WF & Precision), 17-20x2 (anatomist)(Quick draw, Weapon Finesse, & Weapon Focus for rapier only)
Masterwork Dagger +3, 1d4, 18-20x2 (anatomist) - Always hidden. Take 10 Hidden Blade is DC 23 to spot.
Sap +1, 1d6 nonlethal, x2
Panache Points - 3 to start day. 1 used this round
Kamari finds herself battered about again in another battle, but tries to keep her wits about her and moves another 5' before stabbing with her rapier. She adds a bit of flare to it, which was evidently too much as she fails to even touch the winged monstrosity.
She shouts at Kort, "It's still in the same spot, just lower!"
Round 3
"AH GOOD! THANK YOU KAMARI! TALLY-HO!" Kort loads and fires again.
to hit; (+bard,DF)
magic cold iron damage;
hp: 28/28
AC: 15/13/12
Saves: F2/R6/W7 +3 vs. enchantment, +1 vs. illusions +2 vs. poison
Lowlight. PBS.
Aroden's Verve: 0/5 used
Adhere to the Law: 0/1 used
Extend GammaRadiation: 0/0 used
Quantum Leaps used:
Pathfinder Carry: 0/0
Staff of Courage: 0/0
0: (create water, detect magic/poison, light, stabilize,read magic)
1: 0/7 used (CLW*0,Shield*0,PfE*0,DF*0)
2: 0/3 used (Inv*0,RE*0)
[ dice]1d20+2[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]1d6-1[/dice] damage.
[ dice]1d20+6+1[/dice] to hit; (+PBS)
magic cold iron damage;
Round 3, Init 24
Elen moves into flank with Kamari.
”It hasn’t moved!” She slashes at it again.
for
for
”You can expect Lady Elen to dance all around the field with her fancy glaive. Also we have Lady Lotheed -- also known as ‘Mama D’ -- on the Hunt today! Don’t let her, uh -- elderly appearance can I say that? deceive you -- she’s known for her surprising and creative use of magic! Lord Anselm brings much needed refreshment, whether it be in the form of energy Potions and -- as you can see -- plenty of fresh air. Lord Kort rounds it out with adding good old-fashioned Solider Intelligence to the team! Look at him pluck away, I’m sure he hit! Uh!! ..."
"... Did you see that? Is that blood spouting out of the Tornado's top? Let's assume that's the Creatures!
Back to you Wallace!"
Hits: 32/32
AC: 24
for
for
for
Mama D continues to move up until she can see the creature through the debris.
Anselm summons yet another elemental, who just misses the target. Elen reaches up and taps the Iron Lash on the shoulder, possibly ending him. Major Kort also just misses, though the debris is now receding so he won’t have that to worry about next time. Kamari fumbles her grip and nearly loses her blade. Switching grips and with grim determination, she prepares her next swing. Mama D moves up to see the creature, and casts a personal pair of missiles at it.
(High is always good for me, so 75+ means Elen failed to crit.)
Alas, though Elen’s blow was mighty, it did not crit. Perhaps the creature’s anatomy wasn’t quite where she thought it would be. Perhaps the creature is simply cheating unfairly. Though her cut is still deep, it does not fell the foul beast.
It ‘flumphs’ (5’ drop) to the ground and focuses on Elen, concerned about such damage getting through next time.
Unfortunately, its many limbed attacks only land a single blow, and that not even a crit, as the creature clearly frowns, upset at this turn of events. It begins looking for a way to withdraw from the engagement, being no fool.
The Purple Finch holds Elen’s bow, and restrains the dogs (who might just as well go after Moffis) as she continues to sing.
Round 4
Anselm reaches out to his friend Kamari, giving her a bit of Shelyn's love before moving to get closer to Moffis.
The air elemental continues its assault...
HP 30/30
AC 17 / 15 ff / 12 touch
Active effects: Inspire courage
Teamwork feat: Scion of the Lost Empire
1st level spells: 3/4
2nd level spells: 2/2
Summon monster: 4/7
CLW wand: 36
Lesser Restore wand: 50
HP 17/17
AC 17 (-1 to hit and damage from airborne creatures)
Duration 4 min
HP: 23/30 (13 damage from manicure, 6 healing from Anselm)
AC: 19 (+1 mithral chain shirt +5, ring of protection +1, Dex +2, Nimble +1)
Touch: 14
Flat-footed: 16
Fort +1; Ref +7; Will +5 (+2 vs enchantments, +1 vs mind-affecting)
Initiative +6 (Dex +2, Elven Reflexes +2, Swashbuckler Initiative +2)
Speed 30
Load 31.5/100 lbs (33 is light. Buckler 5 lbs. Backpack with items 5.5 lbs)
BAB +3
CMB +3
17 CMD (14 Flatfooted) +2 vs. disarm of rapier
Armor & Weapons
+1 MIthral chain shirt
+1 Ring of Protection
Rapier +8, 1d6+4+3 (BAB, Dex for Str from feat, WF & Precision), 17-20x2 (anatomist)(Quick draw, Weapon Finesse, & Weapon Focus for rapier only)
Masterwork Dagger +3, 1d4, 18-20x2 (anatomist) - Always hidden. Take 10 Hidden Blade is DC 23 to spot.
Sap +1, 1d6 nonlethal, x2
Panache Points: 3 to start day. 2 used.
Thankful for Elen's arrival and sharing in the pain, Kamari looks to finally take advantage of the assistance.
Round 4
Finally being able to see, Kort loads and fires again.
to hit; (+bard,DF)
magic cold iron damage;
hp: 28/28
AC: 15/13/12
Saves: F2/R6/W7 +3 vs. enchantment, +1 vs. illusions +2 vs. poison
Lowlight. PBS.
Aroden's Verve: 0/5 used
Adhere to the Law: 0/1 used
Extend GammaRadiation: 0/0 used
Quantum Leaps used:
Pathfinder Carry: 0/0
Staff of Courage: 0/0
0: (create water, detect magic/poison, light, stabilize,read magic)
1: 0/7 used (CLW*0,Shield*0,PfE*0,DF*0)
2: 0/3 used (Inv*0,RE*0)
[ dice]1d20+2[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]1d6-1[/dice] damage.
[ dice]1d20+6+1[/dice] to hit; (+PBS)
magic cold iron damage;
Round 3, Init 12
Mama D weighs the wisdom of moving any closer and decides using her wand would be more prudent.
”Oh, but do be careful! she whispers for the others, though it is likely only she and Cuddles can hear it.
Round 4, Init 24
Elen focuses to end the creatures reign of terror again.
for
”And there’s Lady Mama D with the only attack guaranteed to hit! Having all gone into The Cloud, this group is becoming barely discernible as The Cloud now begins to recede! Only the Lord Major Kort is still clearly visible, plugging away quite solidly into the middle of the scrum! Did he hit? Only time will tell!”
Hits: 24/32
AC: 24
for
for
for
Anselm heals Kamari a little though his elemental doesn’t land another blow as yet. Elen also misses the tough creature. Major Kort snakes a shot in (no more debris so no miss chance) and lands a telling blow. Kamari also skewers the Iron Lash, summoning up additional energy to sink the blade deeply into its hide - and she staggers it! Mama D steps in with her wand, and the creature finally falters.
The manticore attempts to rise back up into the air, but too much damage has been done. It teeters slightly, before falling to the ground in a lump - and it grows still.
The shrill cry of the Purple Finch breaks the moment, ”You did it! I can’t believe you did it! You killed the Iron Lash of Meratt! This beast has been preying on the area for years in the early growing season. That’s so wonderful! Will you take its head for your estate? I know a decent taxidermist in Lotheedar. She’s never done work like this before, but I doubt many have!”
"My goodness. Well done, everyone." Anselm tends to Moffis' wounds before turning to his comrades. "I'm so frightfully sorry that happened to you, my good man. I am Lord Anselm Basri. Please, take my hand up."
He nods at the Purple Finch. "That makes sense. And perhaps its wicked tail. Thank you for cheering us on. Would you perhaps like one if it's spikes as a memento? With the right lacquer, it would make an interesting pick for a stringed instrument."
”Will you take its head for your estate? I know a decent taxidermist in Lotheedar. She’s never done work like this before, but I doubt many have!”
Kamari imagines looking at that thing every day and shudders.
But, it would be good for our reputation.
"Well, as long as it's not mounted in my room."
Kamari cleans her blade and ponders aloud.
"Does anyone know anything about this type of creature? Might it have a lair around here? Will there be more?"
Kort huzzahs lustily as the ‘core drops, moving to help the injured.
”That was a good effort, indeed. You all were brave to handle the beast...and save our man Moffis/,” Kort moves up, breaking out his cane again.
”Oh yes, Ms. Finch! We absolutely should take the head, body, and that tail to be stuffed. What a wonderful idea. The people will want to celebrate this. Good.”
Kort, though unable to help carry too much, will help where he can.
”...lair around here...”
”Ms. Finch, do you think the hounds could track the creature back to its lair? Surely, they will have fresh scent. We would know where it has been hiding. Is such a thing possible?” Kort asks the Purple Finch.
You pull the manticore spike from his liver and prop Moffis of Voinaris up against the tree, administering at least one charge from the wand to awaken the poor man (unless someone has smelling salts?). His eyes flutter a moment as he takes in his surroundings.
He’s pale from blood loss and petrified by fear and only calms but a little when he sees the creature dead before you. ”Oh, woe is me!” he cries, ”I’ve been captured!” he clutches the wound in his side still in some pain (pending further healing of course).
The Purple Finch shrugs at Major Kort’s request, not knowing enough about how to work the dogs to make that happen, nor how far away the lair may be. ”These are thick woods - easy to get lost and turned about. I wouldn’t want to take on a hunt such as that without a guide. Or at least several days to accomplish the goal.” she suggests nervously.
“Tis a good thing you were captured, my good lad. Else the beast here had its way with you. Let’s get you fully patched up, now.” Anselm taps him with the wand again.
“The whole body would be grand, but I can’t imagine any of us carrying it all the way back. I wonder if our local innkeeper would like to put the head on display.”
Kort is pleased to see that Moffis is fully healed, knowing to never leave a man to unnecessarily suffer.
"You've done fine, Moffis. Don't you worry. Your bravery will be noted when we tell this tale," Kort tries to pick up the man's confidence.
"Come now, is it time for us to return? Have we won the hunt in more ways than one?" Kort asks stiffly, relying on his cane to stand. "We should get back to celebrate our victory."
"It would be rather fun, though, to steal Lord Titus' quarry from him."
Anselm takes out a dagger, looking between it and the manticore's body. He considers what he might know about dismembering such a creature.
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
Elen shudders slightly when Purple Finch mentions taxidermy.
”And perhaps its wicked tail.””As long as it isn’t mounted in my room.”
”What, on an internal wall with the head on one side, and the tail on the other?” She grimmaces betraying her distaste in the matter. ”Maybe we should put it somewhere everyone can, er, ‘enjoy?’ it with a bronze embossed memorial placard. Like -- not in the estate? At the entrance of the town maybe? Or perhaps we should build a museum...”
”"It would be rather fun, though, to steal Lord Titus' quarry from him."
”Oh, Lord Tideous is so petty! Perhaps we should just play by the rules and head back. Even if we stole his quarry he’d somehow find someway to turn our efforts to his own credit. The 'Killing of the Iron Lash of Meratt. That should be showy enough for now. We shouldn’t be so hasty at flaunting our abilities. They have already determined us to be a ’force to be reckoned with’. Let’s not show too much of our hand at once.”
”I agree with Major Kort. Let’s look for the lair later after we’ve prepared some. As far as I’m concerned -- for us this hunt is over. Hrm, do you think the dogs can help us haul the whole thing back? It’d be nice if we could keep it as much intact as possible.”
"I've no real taste for taxidermy, but others find such things of note. I would propose we make an investment in the tavern, if the Mayor agrees."
He considers for a moment. "I wouldn't think it a bad thing to demonstrate our capabilities, all in support of the Count and the County, of course..."