Xilt examines the telescope and then looks through it. After looking through it for a while he responds to Almaas.
"That sounds exciting. Certainly we should look for Leeara in the morning. You know she might know something about the meteor that Dalviss has spoken of. I am very interested in strange occurrences especially if they might be of extra-planar or arcane origin."
Male N Salt Mephit | Buffs: Endure Elements, Mage Armor, False Life (16/16), Ablative Barrier (50/50). | HP 41/41 Temp 16/16|DR 5/Magic|First 5 points of damage is converted to nonlethal|FH 2 Arid Env|AC 29 T 14 FF 26|CMB +5 CMD 18|F +4 R +5 W +7|Init +6|PER +14 DV 60' SM+1|40' Fly +18 Stealth+20|Improved Evasion,SR 16
Dalviss shakes his head. "It's not a bad idea, Tachonious--using the telescope as a sort of spyglass? Unfortunately, the terrain around here is pretty hilly and we're not very far up. And, with it being so dark and the swamp several miles away, it'd be a miracle for us to spot anything."
Is there anything else your PCs want to do before turning in?
I can fly 5 minutes per day. I was thinking about flying straight up for 2 minutes. At half speed, that would be 600'. Then, I could use the telescope for 2 minutes, then double speed back and land safely. If nothing else, we could see any flames/fires that may have been started.
”Taman” | male CN Medium Human Barbarian 8 | HP 93/93 (117/117 in rage) ||AC 21, T 12, FF 20 | CMD 25| F +12 R +6 W +6; | Init +3 | Perc +11 |IN RAGE AC 19; hp 117; Fort +13, Will +8; Str 24, Con 20; CMB +13 (+15bull rush); CMD 25 (27 vs. bull| Speed 40ft | Rage 21/23 | Power attack -3/+9 | Active Conditions: None. | rations 12/14
Izlin grabs the telescope and launches into the sky! "Please be careful with that--it's an antique!" Dalviss calls out after him.
Izlin:
You do see a few tiny flickering lights scattered about beyond the town limits--most likely campfires from local hunters and trappers. You don't notice any major flames, glowing meteorites, or anything else unusual, however.
That was a really clever idea, Izlin. I always appreciate creativity like that.
After having spent a few days journeying cross-country, it's nice to sleep in a bed again. The night passes without incident, and you find a simple breakfast of bread and fruit waiting for you in the common room.
Dawa:
Dawa had a rough night of tossing and turning, with strange, violent dreams that he can barely remember in the morning. He will suffer from painful headaches and be noticeably more prone to anger for the rest of the day. In addition, I need him to roll a Fortitude saving throw.
Male Aasimar CG Oracle 8/Bard 1 | HP 69/75 | AC 20/16/14 | CMB +8, CMD 14 | F +8, R +15, W +13 | Init +3 | Perc +10 (+2 to notice haunts) SM +1 | Speed 30' | Bardic Performance 26/28 Active Conditions: Inspire Courage, Ant Haul, Life Bubble, Defending Bone (30/40), Resist Energy 20x4 | Constant: Resist Negative 10; SR 14 vs evil descriptor & evil outsiders; Flagbearer & Banner
GM:
I haven't caught up with the thread yet but for now... Dawa Fort:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14+1 sacred vs undead, +2 untyped vs haunts
In the morning, Dawa appears ill at ease, even irritable compared to his normally jovial style. He tries telling a few jokes but they all go awry when he finds himself delivering the punchlines in an angry bellow instead of the droll patter that they require. Finally, he rolls his eyes in frustration and throws his hands heavenward. "I knew it was a mistake to look in that telescope. It was so tempting, to see the moon up close, finally, after all these years, to look it in the eye, so to speak. I should have known! How could I have been so foolish - the moon is no carnival attraction to gawk at - it is a mystery, one beyond our understanding! Ohhhhh --- " he groans in exasperation. "My head is splitting. It's all the fault of that accursed telescope - I'm sure of it!"
Tachonius slept well, once he's eaten well he gets his gear ready to go.
Well, let's head for that swamp as soon as we can. I'd rather be out there in the daylight than late at night. Hey Dalviss, anything in that swamp we should be aware of?"
Dalviss shakes his head. "Old Frog Swamp? I don't think it's really dangerous, though I haven't been out there myself."
A few other townsfolk--oldtimers, it looks like--come into The Mineshaft as you finish your breakfast. They sit at the bar and Dalviss fills a mug of foamy ale for each of them. Drinking in the morning isn't something most "respectable" folks would do, but Dustpawn has always been a mining town and it seems the standards are different. The three grizzled men seem to bicker a lot, and at one point almost come to blows before Dalviss separates them. Most of what they're talking about seems rather mundane--local gossip, observations about the weather, etc.--but you do overhear one of them say something interesting: "Been a lot of folks lookin’ for the meteorite crash site, but no one’s found it yet. Most of the folks seem to think it crashed somewhere to the west, but I’m startin’ to think old Dalviss there has it right and the crash was farther south.”
Male Aasimar CG Oracle 8/Bard 1 | HP 69/75 | AC 20/16/14 | CMB +8, CMD 14 | F +8, R +15, W +13 | Init +3 | Perc +10 (+2 to notice haunts) SM +1 | Speed 30' | Bardic Performance 26/28 Active Conditions: Inspire Courage, Ant Haul, Life Bubble, Defending Bone (30/40), Resist Energy 20x4 | Constant: Resist Negative 10; SR 14 vs evil descriptor & evil outsiders; Flagbearer & Banner
Despite his splitting headache - "Dalviss, your strongest coffee, if you please!" - Dawa attempts to endear himself to the three oldtimers by busting out some of his hottest knock-knock jokes before concluding with a limerick that - it's said - once made a satrap of Kelesh laugh for a week straight.
Perform (Comedy):1d20 + 14 ⇒ (15) + 14 = 29
"Ah, me oh my, you fellers are good un's, no doubt about it. Now, did I hear you saying something about the meteorite? What makes you think it's to the south?"
Did the telescope radiate magic? I will go check if I have to. Also, do I think I would have any better luck flying up and looking for the crash site in the daylight?
Almaas laughs his butt off after hearing Dawa’s jokes.
“Ha ha .. that was good! Dawa, you look horrible today but when you perform you shine. I am ready to leave to the swamp!“ he says preparing his bow and backpack.
Dalviss brings a round of strong coffee while Dawa tells his jokes. At first the three oldtimers look surly and sceptical, but even they can't resist the aasimar's comedy for long. In seconds, they're chuckling and have warmed up to the group. One of the men says "Yer better than that bard we had come through last winter!"
The one who had spoken up about the meteorite just shrugs when asked about it. "I figger it must be there, since it ain't no where else! I guess ya could call it a rumor, but rumors are just truths what folks ain't had time to prove yet."
Izlin & Tachonious:
You could swear that the man who just spoke about the bard was almost . . . growling just before he was won over by Dawa's jokes.
Izlin:
The telescope is not magical. You don't think it's likely flying up high during the day will dramatically increase your chances of spotting the crash site. The terrain around town is just too rugged, and if it were in an obvious spot nearby, the townsfolk out looking for it probably would have come across it already.
Secret GM Dice:
Sense Motive (Almaas):1d20 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18 Sense Motive (Tzleztor):1d20 ⇒ 3 Sense Motive (Xilt):1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15 Sense Motive (Tachonius):1d20 + 19 ⇒ (19) + 19 = 38 Sense Motive (Izlin):1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20 Sense Motive (Taman):1d20 ⇒ 6 Sense Motive (Dawa):1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
”Taman” | male CN Medium Human Barbarian 8 | HP 93/93 (117/117 in rage) ||AC 21, T 12, FF 20 | CMD 25| F +12 R +6 W +6; | Init +3 | Perc +11 |IN RAGE AC 19; hp 117; Fort +13, Will +8; Str 24, Con 20; CMB +13 (+15bull rush); CMD 25 (27 vs. bull| Speed 40ft | Rage 21/23 | Power attack -3/+9 | Active Conditions: None. | rations 12/14
Following Dalviss’ instructions, you take one of the many old mining roads that lead out of Dustpawn. The road (little more than heavily-rutted, hard-packed dirt) leads about five miles to the southwest, through some hilly country, before reaching a bridge across the Grackle River. The road splits in several places—-probably heading to old mines—-before skirting what can only be Old Frog Swamp for the next several miles.
Old Frog Swamp looks pretty much what you would expect: a desolate, boggy landscape permeated with the ever-present croaking of frogs.
Somewhere along this stretch must be the overgrown path that Leeara described in her journal as leading to the cave she sometimes spends the night when out foraging for ingredients.
In order to spot the path to Leeara’s cave, I need a Survival check vs a low DC or a Perception check vs a high DC. Each of you should attempt only one of these.
Male N Salt Mephit | Buffs: Endure Elements, Mage Armor, False Life (16/16), Ablative Barrier (50/50). | HP 41/41 Temp 16/16|DR 5/Magic|First 5 points of damage is converted to nonlethal|FH 2 Arid Env|AC 29 T 14 FF 26|CMB +5 CMD 18|F +4 R +5 W +7|Init +6|PER +14 DV 60' SM+1|40' Fly +18 Stealth+20|Improved Evasion,SR 16
Once they spot the trail Tachonius will further augment his abilities by casting heightened awareness and discovery torch. (90 minutes each)
When the cave is spotted, he will cast heroism. (90 minutes)
Note: If there is an encounter on the path I will not end heightened awareness to increase my initiative. If there is an encounter in the cave, I will.
Male Aasimar CG Oracle 8/Bard 1 | HP 69/75 | AC 20/16/14 | CMB +8, CMD 14 | F +8, R +15, W +13 | Init +3 | Perc +10 (+2 to notice haunts) SM +1 | Speed 30' | Bardic Performance 26/28 Active Conditions: Inspire Courage, Ant Haul, Life Bubble, Defending Bone (30/40), Resist Energy 20x4 | Constant: Resist Negative 10; SR 14 vs evil descriptor & evil outsiders; Flagbearer & Banner
Dawa makes sure that his buckler is nicely polished, casts Defending Bone on himself, and brandishes his glyph of the open road banner in both hands. As usual, at the start of the day he cast Ant Haul on himself. Meanwhile, K'nai sniffs about to see if he detects anything unusual.
Dawa Perception:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20
K'nai Perception:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
Once the cave is spotted, before entering Dawa will use a wand of Bless on the entire party (1 minute duration)
Everyone has +2 morale to atks, weapon dmg, and saves vs fear and charm from the banner that Dawa is holding. Won't stack with Heroism.
”Taman” | male CN Medium Human Barbarian 8 | HP 93/93 (117/117 in rage) ||AC 21, T 12, FF 20 | CMD 25| F +12 R +6 W +6; | Init +3 | Perc +11 |IN RAGE AC 19; hp 117; Fort +13, Will +8; Str 24, Con 20; CMB +13 (+15bull rush); CMD 25 (27 vs. bull| Speed 40ft | Rage 21/23 | Power attack -3/+9 | Active Conditions: None. | rations 12/14
Having examined Leeara’s cookbook/journal, you know what to look for and have no difficulty spotting the point where a narrow trail splits off from the main road and winds into the swamp. Although the track itself is relatively dry, it’s bordered on either side by tangles of marshy undergrowth. The trail winds along a low-ridge, snaking through the boggy landscape around you all the way to the banks of the Grackle River. A loamy smell assaults your senses as you see the river ahead; on the far side, a dark cave entrance lays at the base of a densely-forested ridge. This must be Leeara’s hideout!
But before you even reach the banks of the river, a quartet of giant, horse-sized bullfrogs lumber out of the swamp! Fortunately, several members of the group see them coming and are able to react quickly!
This encounter will be on Slide # 7
The river is about thirty feet wide, but the current is slow and it wouldn’t be difficult to swim across.
Dawa, it looks like you have a familiar or animal companion? Can you put a token on the grid—I couldn’t tell what it was from the profile.
On your turn, you can use a free action to identify the frogs. Please share information in-character and in the context of a dangerous battle raging around you--it's more fun that way!
Identify Frogs (DC 15 Knowledge (Nature):
These are giant frogs, and you know they have razor-sharp teeth lining their mouths. These particular frogs look even bigger than "normal" giant frogs.
Identify Frogs (DC 20 Knowledge (Nature):
Giant frogs have crazy-long, sticky tongues that they can use to catch even man-sized creatures!
Identify Frogs (DC 25 Knowledge (Nature):
And if they do catch you . . . they could swallow you whole!
Identify Frogs (DC 30 Knowledge (Nature):
Trying to hide from giant frogs can be tricky, as they can smell nearby prey.
Male Aasimar CG Oracle 8/Bard 1 | HP 69/75 | AC 20/16/14 | CMB +8, CMD 14 | F +8, R +15, W +13 | Init +3 | Perc +10 (+2 to notice haunts) SM +1 | Speed 30' | Bardic Performance 26/28 Active Conditions: Inspire Courage, Ant Haul, Life Bubble, Defending Bone (30/40), Resist Energy 20x4 | Constant: Resist Negative 10; SR 14 vs evil descriptor & evil outsiders; Flagbearer & Banner
Added K'nai IV (Dawa's celestial tiger) to the map. Also, reminder to everyone that Dawa can create a moonbridge for us to cross the river if need be.
Also, if we aren't yet at the cave entrance, Dawa would not yet have cast Bless (since it only lasts 1 minute). However, Flagbearer/Banner of the Ancient Kings are "always on" as long as you can see the banner, giving everyone +2 morale to attacks/weapon damage/saves vs charm & fear. (Which, actually, I'm remembering doesn't stack with Bless anyway...)
”These are big animals that can get you with their tongues! These also skeletal remains about 30’ west of the point where the trail reaches the water!“ Almaas shouts.
He shoots an arrow at the red frog and steps back.
”Taman” | male CN Medium Human Barbarian 8 | HP 93/93 (117/117 in rage) ||AC 21, T 12, FF 20 | CMD 25| F +12 R +6 W +6; | Init +3 | Perc +11 |IN RAGE AC 19; hp 117; Fort +13, Will +8; Str 24, Con 20; CMB +13 (+15bull rush); CMD 25 (27 vs. bull| Speed 40ft | Rage 21/23 | Power attack -3/+9 | Active Conditions: None. | rations 12/14
Taman moves closer to the red frog and tries to hit it with his sword.
In a blur of movement, Almaas nocks and fires an arrow that sinks deep into the mottled gray-black skin of one of the giant frogs! As Taman plunges into the undergrowth to confront another, Tachonious charges forth unhindered by the tall grasses and draws blood with his falcata!
Almaas and Tachonious both hit. Taman, because you only have 1 action in a surprise round and had to move into difficult terrain to get to the giant frog (so no 5' step), you won't be able to attack this round.
The giant bullfrogs open their mouths wide and flick out incredibly sticky tongues! Tachnious and Almaas manage to break free, but Izlin and Taman are wrapped up tight--and Taman is pulled into the fanged maw of one of the unnaturally-large creatures!
Izlin and Taman, you each have the grappled condition. The frogs grappling you have a special ability that allows them to grapple without being grappled themselves.
Yellow is attacking Tachonious, Blue is attacking Almaas, Black is attacking Izlin, and Red is attacking Taman. The tongues have 30’ reach and are touch attacks. All the touch attacks hit, and now they roll CMB checks to grapple as free actions. The grapple checks work against Izlin and Taman. As free actions, the giant frogs try to pull Izlin and Taman closer. They both succeed, and now Taman is in a giant frog's open mouth.
Almaas
Xilt
Taman
Tachonious
Dawa
Izlin
Giant Frogs
Bold may go!
Grappled Condition:
A grappled creature is restrained by a creature, trap, or effect. Grappled creatures cannot move and take a –4 penalty to Dexterity. A grappled creature takes a –2 penalty on all attack rolls and combat maneuver checks, except those made to grapple or escape a grapple. In addition, grappled creatures can take no action that requires two hands to perform. A grappled character who attempts to cast a spell or use a spell-like ability must make a concentration check (DC 10 + grappler’s CMB + spell level), or lose the spell. Grappled creatures cannot make attacks of opportunity.
A grappled creature cannot use Stealth to hide from the creature grappling it, even if a special ability, such as hide in plain sight, would normally allow it to do so. If a grappled creature becomes invisible, through a spell or other ability, it gains a +2 circumstance bonus on its CMD to avoid being grappled, but receives no other benefit.
Casting Spells while Grappled/Grappling: The only spells which can be cast while grappling or pinned are those without somatic components and whose material components (if any) you have in hand. Even so, you must make a concentration check (DC 10 + the grappler’s CMB + the level of the spell you’re casting) or lose the spell.
I forgot that even though most of Dawa's bonuses won't stack with heroism, the damage bonus will apply so add 2 damage to all 3 of the attacks Tachonius has made thus far (63 total if all 3 attacks hit).
”Taman” | male CN Medium Human Barbarian 8 | HP 93/93 (117/117 in rage) ||AC 21, T 12, FF 20 | CMD 25| F +12 R +6 W +6; | Init +3 | Perc +11 |IN RAGE AC 19; hp 117; Fort +13, Will +8; Str 24, Con 20; CMB +13 (+15bull rush); CMD 25 (27 vs. bull| Speed 40ft | Rage 21/23 | Power attack -3/+9 | Active Conditions: None. | rations 12/14
While Taman is in a giant frog's open mouth, can he attack the frog holding his sword with two hands?
While Taman is in a giant frog's open mouth, can he attack the frog holding his sword with two hands?
While you have the grappled condition you cannot take any action that requires 2 hands to perform. So you cannot attack with a 2-handed weapon. One-handed or light only.
Male Aasimar CG Oracle 8/Bard 1 | HP 69/75 | AC 20/16/14 | CMB +8, CMD 14 | F +8, R +15, W +13 | Init +3 | Perc +10 (+2 to notice haunts) SM +1 | Speed 30' | Bardic Performance 26/28 Active Conditions: Inspire Courage, Ant Haul, Life Bubble, Defending Bone (30/40), Resist Energy 20x4 | Constant: Resist Negative 10; SR 14 vs evil descriptor & evil outsiders; Flagbearer & Banner
As the battle begins to rage, Dawa finds his knowledge of the common Taldane tongue slipping away and, as he swiftly strikes the banner against his singing steel buckler to set the beat, he begins to sing a song of victory in Celestial.
Perform (Sing):1d20 + 14 ⇒ (19) + 14 = 33No mechanical difference for the inspire, just rolling for fun.
Due to his Tongues curse, Dawa only speaks and understands Celestial during combat. I'm not sure if we ever figured out if anyone else knows Celestial?
Swift action to inspire courage: everyone now has +2 competence bonus to attacks & damage which stacks with the +2 morale bonus from the flag: total is now +4 to attacks, +4 to damage, +2 vs charm/fear.
Bardic Performance: 1/25
Then, by the power of the moon, Dawa calls forth a shimmering box of opaque moonstuff around the Blue frog. Minor Image. DC 19 Will to disbelieve (if interacted with). Include a "lid" on the box so that it can't simply hop out.
Meanwhile, K'nai IV swiftly enters the stance of a dragon and charges Red. Dragon Style: ignore difficult terrain while charging. I'm not sure if the frog can take an AoO against K'nai while holding Taman in its tongue, but if so this will provoke.
”Taman” | male CN Medium Human Barbarian 8 | HP 93/93 (117/117 in rage) ||AC 21, T 12, FF 20 | CMD 25| F +12 R +6 W +6; | Init +3 | Perc +11 |IN RAGE AC 19; hp 117; Fort +13, Will +8; Str 24, Con 20; CMB +13 (+15bull rush); CMD 25 (27 vs. bull| Speed 40ft | Rage 21/23 | Power attack -3/+9 | Active Conditions: None. | rations 12/14
Not wanting to risk a spell at the moment, the magus uses a mere spark of his arcane energy to enhance his blade, making it much sharper. He tosses it once, it immediately returns to its sheath, only to be hurled again.
Swift action to spend a point for my Arcane Pool {+1 bonus and Keen}, Standard action to flurry. Quick Draw + Blinkback Belt allows for the same dagger to be used more than once in the same round. Also allows for flurry with a single hand.
Male Aasimar CG Oracle 8/Bard 1 | HP 69/75 | AC 20/16/14 | CMB +8, CMD 14 | F +8, R +15, W +13 | Init +3 | Perc +10 (+2 to notice haunts) SM +1 | Speed 30' | Bardic Performance 26/28 Active Conditions: Inspire Courage, Ant Haul, Life Bubble, Defending Bone (30/40), Resist Energy 20x4 | Constant: Resist Negative 10; SR 14 vs evil descriptor & evil outsiders; Flagbearer & Banner
Izlin, are you adding +4 to attacks & damage from Inspire & Flagbearer?
Whoops! I though I missed something. So, the to hits are 14, 25 and the confirmation roll is a 21. The damage rolls would be 15, 14 & 14 additional points if the critical is confirmed. Thank you Dawa.
Xilt eyes the Bullfrogs with much trepidation. He attempts to see what he can remember in the moment.
k-nature:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20
He shrugs remembering some rudimentary facts about these creatures.
Xilt decides to be careful. He reaches into his Handy Haversack and draws forth his Rod of Extend easily and safely. He then casts a spell of protection (Mirror Image CL10,Extended casting defensively).
Tachonious’ falcata glows with destructive energy as he connects twice against the giant bullfrog, leaving it badly hurt!
An instant later, a trio of arrows from Almaas bow plunge into a different amphibious menace, the same creature that Dawa’s celestial tiger easily rips to shreds. Taman now stands safely in a pool of blood and gore.
Izlin’s magical dagger plunges into the eye of the giant bullfrog, but the creature’s sticky tongue remains wrapped around him!
Both of Tachonious’ attacks hit. All of Almaas’ arrows hit. Suffice it to say, Dawa's animal companion takes down its foe. Izlin, you did indeed crit.
Dawa, I don't have the stats for your animal companion. If a 29 vs its charging AC hits, it'll take 22 points of damage.
Taman, your opponent was killed before your turn, so you can take a different action and you are no longer grappled. After that, it'll be the bullfrog's turn.
Male N Salt Mephit | Buffs: Endure Elements, Mage Armor, False Life (16/16), Ablative Barrier (50/50). | HP 41/41 Temp 16/16|DR 5/Magic|First 5 points of damage is converted to nonlethal|FH 2 Arid Env|AC 29 T 14 FF 26|CMB +5 CMD 18|F +4 R +5 W +7|Init +6|PER +14 DV 60' SM+1|40' Fly +18 Stealth+20|Improved Evasion,SR 16
”Taman” | male CN Medium Human Barbarian 8 | HP 93/93 (117/117 in rage) ||AC 21, T 12, FF 20 | CMD 25| F +12 R +6 W +6; | Init +3 | Perc +11 |IN RAGE AC 19; hp 117; Fort +13, Will +8; Str 24, Con 20; CMB +13 (+15bull rush); CMD 25 (27 vs. bull| Speed 40ft | Rage 21/23 | Power attack -3/+9 | Active Conditions: None. | rations 12/14
Taman moves closer to the green frog and tries to hit it with his sword.
Large Male N Celestial Tiger | HP 55/68 | AC 26/13/22 | CMB +14 (+18 grapple), CMD 28 | F +10, R +10, W +6 (+2 morale vs fear & charm) | Init +4 | Perc +6 SM +2 | Speed 40' |Smite Evil 1/1 | Active Conditions: Inspire Courage, Life Bubble, Air Walk, SLOW | Constant: SR 14, Resist Acid/Cold/Elec 10, Flag
