GM_MG's Extinction Curse (Inactive)

Game Master GM_MG

Alright, new section of the book, new session for hero points purposes. Tracker reset.

Time for another obligatory loot sale post
Selling:
03.00_hide armor x3
01.50_tridents x3
01.50_wooden shields x3
07.50_lesser salamander elixir
01.00_hide armor
00.50_trident
00.50_wood shield
25.00_fighter’s fork
10.00_composite longbow
02.00_20sp
20.00_jade and silver necklace
40.00_coral statuette
01.00_leather armor
00.50_trident
00.05_wooden holy symbol
12.50_formulae book
01.00_tridents x2
02.00_scroll of personal rain cloud
06.00_scroll of sea surge
06.00_scroll of sudden bolt
--------
141.55gp
+ 25.45gp previous party balance
--------
167gp / 5 = 28gp to each PC
and 27gp for party treasure.

BumBum, I am not seeing anything I really want right now, so I am happy to loan you my share again, but that'll put it up to 48gp you owe me after loaning my share (20gp) last time to help ya buy the handwraps. But that'll be great once we move on to the next town to help me buy a striking rune, or better yet a +1 striking composite shortbow (which would let me hand down the +1 shortbow to you and let me start adding a small Str bonues at 5th).

You'll have no problem selling all the items. Are you guys ready to move on?

Are you guys ready to move on?

Well, I am. Please have any purchases or changes to your character finished up by Friday.

Erran Tower is easy enough to find—it's a mere 15 miles from the Hermitage of Blessed Lightning. The tower, which must stand well over 100 feet tall, is visible for most of the journey, which is mostly over hilly grasslands, and light forest.

What exploration mode activity would you guys like to be performing.

BumBum will be Avoiding Notice.

I am going use Call Companion to try out my new little buddy, Pinchy the scorpion, which takes 1 minute. Ambrosius will be inactive, so he is nearby foraging for food, but it will take a minute during exploration mode to switch back to him. After that I will be Tracking, looking for troglodyte tracks as we approach the tower.

before we leave, would there be a Lesser Maestros Instrument available in town? If not, no big deal. As we are traveling Kvothe will be Searching for any odd signs

"Don't take this the wrong way, kiddo, but your instrument could use some tuning. Here, why don't you see if that merchant in town has something infused with fey magic. That'll put a little extra pep in your playing!"

loaning 12gp to Kvothe for the magical instrument

I would like to look around for some prairie dogs or something to talk to. Al is feeling chatty!

Any common item equal to or less than level 3 is available.

As you travel along, Didy notices some tracks of some reptilian humanoids. They seem to be in groupings of three and four, and appear to be patrolling the area, as far as he can tell.

A praerie dog wanders its way over to Al on the journey.

"Wow, excardon me, lady lady. Many salmontations to yours and yours. What brings a personed like yourself to my dumbled ahome?"

graciously accepting the loan from Lada Al, Kvothe purchases the new lute.

BumBum standing in the shadows inserting pickles in his nose.

BumBum gets a +1 Circumstance bonus against scent-based attacks and on saves vs. scent-based threats.

Sorry, got busy the last couple of days!

"Well hello there, little fella! It is rather nice to make your acquaintance! I mean, just look at those chubby little cheeks!" she says with a playful pinch.

"Me? Why my friends and are are on our way to the great stone tower. Do you know it? Oh silly me, why don't I show it to you?" she says as she scoops up the furry creature and places him on her head so he can see over the terrain to the tower off in the distance.

Didy marvels at the odd exchange of chittering going on between the prairie dog and the gnome.

Seeing BumBum's jury-rigged solution to the Troglodyte's notorious stench, he weighs the pros and cons in his head. With a heavy sigh he asks, "Could you spare a couple for me? I'm not looking forward to the ole sniffer getting a whiff of them."

Afterwards he makes sure to tell the others of the signs he's picked up so far, "I cad teww dat dey traveww in groupths of tree or foe, and theem to be patrowing da awea, so be cawefuwl."

It peers at Al curiously. "Oh, thanks for the clift, Grendolyn. That tobler is on-a my left nerve. Stinkymups keep walkin' on my good flowers. I'd most a-surgery preferary it if you didn't detect me there." the little praerie dog says.

"You are most welcome! What did the tobler do to you? We've heard that it's been making plants sick and such. Some wizards want us to fix it I guess." she says with a bored shrug.

She gets really upset as she hears about the troglodytes trodding on the poor little guy's flowers. "They stomped all over your flowers!? The villains! Stinkymups, eh? We heard they've been lurking around these parts. We'd be happy to exterminate those pests for you. Can you enlighten us to any insights you might have about their habits and such?"

After a moment she adds, "Do you ever see anybody telling the Stinkymups what to do? Maybe a tall human-type lady? Also I hear tell about plants walking around. Have you seen the likes of them?" she hardly waits for a reply after hearing how silly the words sound as they come out of her mouth.

"Basically if there is anything scary or mean around here, you tell us about it and we can make it go away for you. It's what we do now. Well, what they do mostly. I prefer the limelight, but it passes the time in between. Wanna see a trick?!"

Man, writing like Senor Cardgage talks is harder than it looks.

"I might could help you out there, Grendolyn. Yeah, I see all kinds a lady types. Human. Halfling. Trees. I don't know."

"If you could make them go away, you'd be making me the bend of the ball. I don't know what they got in that stinky old tobler, but there sure are a lot of them." he looks expectantly at Al, waiting for the trick.

Anyone who comes up with a similar covering of their nose/mouth can get a similar circumstance bonus.

Since the tower is so tall and obvious, any preparations yo want to make before arriving can be timed out however you would like.

"Alright. Trick first and then you tell us more about the meanies in the area." she says as she folds her arms, impressed by the negotiating skills of the little guy.

She leans over and gently traces a small rune on the prairie dog's forehead with her finger. "This will let me read your thoughts and dreams... Hmm... I see you digging, digging, digging away through the earth..." I cast Ghost Sound to create the sound of exaggerated digging noises, and use my Annoint Ally feat to have my blood magic (which I constantly forget about!) to envelop the prairie dog in a concealing fey mist.

"But what's this? Danger!" Ghost Sound again, this time to mimic a coyote's howl, off in the distance.

"Oh but he's no match for your wiles is he? You quickly warn the others..." I cast again, this time for a series of prairie dog warning barks echoing in rapid response to each other as the word spreads.

"Alas, the danger has passed, you have saved the day once again. You curl up in your burrow, snuggled with your pack, warm and safe..." One last Ghost Sound of happy chittering of prairie dogs grooming each other and drifting off to sleep with a tiny snore.

Al, having lay down on the ground a couple feet in front of the prairie dog while he was distracted by her magic, waits for the final mist around him to fade. His first clear image is of her with a kind smile on her face, which rests on her hands. As she sees his eyes widen in wonder, she raises her head up, flips her palms up to the sky and says, "Ta da!"

Oh yeah, and I will tie my scarf around my nose and mouth when we approach the tower. Also I will use the Annoint Ally rune on the scorpion--Matt, really!? Ugh, on the scorpion.

One hero point for Al.

The little prairie dog cheers excitedly.

"That was very exconderful, miss."

As you get closer to the tower, he scampers off.

"Try not to get eaten!"

The tower rises up from the plains and hills around it in the center of a slight depression. The vaguely pyramidal bulk is made of brown mud-bricks, and has a switchback ramp leading to a door about 40' from the base of the pyramid. The only door you can see is here.

At the summit of the tower, a tiny light makes a lazy, chaotic orbit about the top, although it never seems to come within thirty or fourty feet of the tower.

umm, why are you all covering your faces? I don't smell anything.... do I?

perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

As the group starts to approach the tower, he whispers a suggestion, "I think before we enter, we should track down one of these patrols I keep seeing tracks for. If we can get a patrol on their own--out of earshot of the tower of course--it will dwindle the number we have to face in the tower. Plus if we can capture one, we could find out more about what we can expect inside. And I'd rather not have a patrol return while we are inside and attack us from behind."

that sounds like a good plan Didy, where is the patrol? Let's set a trap for them

"Yeah, we can pick off a patrol. Do we's know if they come out at day or night? One thing to remember is that when that patrol don't return, the ones inside'll know something's wrong. We may want to move fast after that."

"Ooo! Good point, BumBum. Alright, let's hunt us some troglodytes!"

survival: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15

The group follows a set of tracks for several miles, eventually coming across a group of troglodytes resting beside a creek, eating dried rations of some kind.

BumBum (Hidden)
Blue
Kvothe
Didy
Red
Yellow
Al
Green
Black

The xulgath's seem unaware of your presence.

BumBum is up.

BumBum will Stride to the edge of the ridgeline and fire his shortbow down on Blue flat footed twice.

sbow vs FF: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23 P: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 5) = 9
sbow vs FF: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9 P: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 2) = 5

BumBum (Hidden)
Blue (-9)
Kvothe
Didy
Red
Yellow
Al
Green
Black

Blue grunts in pain as the arrow grazes him. He leaps to his feet, grabbing a javelin and returning fire at BumBum.

Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

The javelin shatters on the limestone cliffs beneath BumBum's feet.

Kvothe and Didy are up!

Trying to take advantage of their surprise, Kvothe strides up and calls upon his arcane powers to unleash a sound burst in the groups of creatures

stride, cast spell, fort save DC19 for half

sound burst: 2d10 ⇒ (5, 2) = 7

Didy makes some strange clicking noises with his tongue at the oversized scorpion, which responds by scurrying forward and waiting for an opportunity to lash out with its barbed tail, dripping with venom.

Didy sizes up his prey and fires off a pair of arrows.

command: stride + support (Your scorpion drips poison from its stinger when you create an opening. Until the start of your next turn, your Strikes that damage a creature in your scorpion's reach also deal 1d6 persistent poison damage.). Hunt Prey. Hunted Shot. All targetting blue.

hunted shot 1: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20
piercing: 1d6 ⇒ 3
hunted shot 2: 1d20 + 11 - 5 ⇒ (5) + 11 - 5 = 11
piercing: 1d6 ⇒ 3
precision: 1d8 ⇒ 2

BumBum (Hidden)
Blue (-17, 1d6 persistent poison)
Kvothe
Didy
Red (-7)
Yellow (-3)
Al
Green (-7)
Black (-7)

1d20 ⇒ 12

Kvothes sound burst damages the group, and Didy hits blue with an arrow.

Red and Yellow hop to their feet, grab clubs, and rush forward towards the group.

Al is up!

I'm going to retreat to the high ground with Geoffrey, and then use Electric Arc on Red and Yellow. I'll have my blood magic give the scorpion concealment for the next round.

DC 20 basic Ref save vs elec: 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (2, 1) + 4 = 7

BumBum
Blue (-17, 1d6 persistent poison)
Kvothe
Didy
Red (-14)
Yellow (-10)
Al
Green (-7)
Black (-7)

1d20 ⇒ 11

Whoopsy, forgot to put paste in the stuff about the stench. I'll need a DC 16 Fort save from BumBum, Al, Kvothe, Diddy, but not the scorpion. Won't affect Al's actions pass or fail, though.

The stench of the xulgaths is overwhelming, and it doesn't improve any when they're scorched by Al's spell.

Green stands, grabs his club, and moves to the scorpion.

Black hops to his feet quickly and rushes over, getting around behind Kvothe, although he hasn't drawn any of the numerous daggers that are hanging off his belt.

BumBum is up.

fort: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 8 + 1 = 27

fort save: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

whew, you guys weren't kidding when you said these guys STINK!

Fort: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 7 + 1 = 13 "Ugh, they smells like they dead already!

So sickend 1?

BumBum will attempt to Demoralize Yellow with Intimidating Glare.
Intimidate: 1d20 + 11 - 1 ⇒ (5) + 11 - 1 = 15
Maybe that works. If so it is FF to BumBum. If not subtract 1d6 damage.

Then he will fire his shortbow twice at Yellow.
sbow vs frightend1?&FF?: 1d20 + 10 - 1 ⇒ (15) + 10 - 1 = 24 P: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 2) = 3
sbow vs frightend1?&FF?: 1d20 + 5 - 1 ⇒ (19) + 5 - 1 = 23 P: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 3) = 8

BumBum (Sickened 1, fort save needed on next turn at -2)
Kvothe (-8)
Didy
Red (-14)
Al (Fort Save needed)[/b]
Green (-7)
Black (-7)

BumBum's two arrows thwack into the xulgath, who lets out a strangled croak before dropping.

Blue moves past the scorpion and swings his club at Kvothe, following up with a swipe from his claw.

Club: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11
Claw: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Claw damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

The claw slices into Kvothe, drawing blood.

Poison: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Unfortunately for the Xulgath, its the last thing he'll ever do, as he succumbs to the poison.

Kvothe and Didy are up!

Fort with bonus: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 8 + 1 = 22

Those who pass their saves are unaffected by the stench of any Xulgath for one minute.

I'll delay until after Kvothe in case he's got the action to spare for inspiration, but posting now to get it out of the way.
Hunt Prey on Black. Hunted Shot. Command: stride+strike.

Didy whistles for Pinchy to fall back as he points out Mr. Stabby as the big threat and launches a quick volley of arrows. Pinchy scurries around behind the creature and lashes out with her stinger.

hunted shot 1: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13
piercing: 1d6 ⇒ 1
hunted shot 2: 1d20 + 11 - 5 ⇒ (8) + 11 - 5 = 14
piercing: 1d6 ⇒ 1
precision: 1d8 ⇒ 1

pinchy stinger vs FF: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21
piercing+precision+poison: 1d6 + 3 + 1d8 + 1d4 ⇒ (2) + 3 + (2) + (1) = 8

Realizing me made a tactical error, Kvothe hot foots it back behind Didy and Ambro. Unslinging his new lute and striking a quiet chord he begins to inspire his companions. He then summons his arcane powers and hurls a magic bolt at Black

Where it began, I can't begin to knowing
But then I know it's growing strong
Was in the spring
And spring became the summer
Who'd have believed you'd come along
Hands, touching hands
Reaching out, touching me, touching you

stride, inspire+lingering comp, magic missile x1

performance: 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 11 + 1 = 26

magic missile: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

"Sweeeeeet Caroline!" Didy belts out as Kvothe gets to the chorus.

BumBum (Sickened 1, fort save needed on next turn at -2)
Kvothe (-8)
Didy (-8)
Red (-14)
Al
Green (-7)
Black (-18)

Kvothes bolt of energy hits Black.

Pinchy manages to land a stinger on black, but both of Didy's arrows miss.

Red bellows and charges forward at Didy, swinging with its club once and following up with a swipe from its claw.

Attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12
Claw: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
Claw damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Al is up!

Al gives Black a withering stare, then unleashes a crack of lightning through him and red.

intimidating glare on black: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22

DC 20 basic reflex: 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (3, 3) + 4 = 10

concealment for Pinchy again

BumBum (Sickened 1, fort save needed on next turn at -2)
Kvothe (-15)
Didy (-16)
Red (-19)
Al
Green (-7)
Black (-28, Frightened 1)

Reflex: 1d20 ⇒ 18

Green rushes forward and swings at Kvothe.

Attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Black circles around Didy and attacks with his claws.

Attack, Claw: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22
Damage: 1d4 + 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + (3) + 3 = 8

BumBum, Kvothe, and Didy are up!

As I understand sickened you can take an action to remove the condition, but you don't have to.

BumBum will start with a Demoralize check on Green with Intimidating Glare.
Intimidate: 1d20 + 11 - 1 ⇒ (14) + 11 - 1 = 24

Then he will fire on Green twice.
sbow vs Frght&FF: 1d20 + 10 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 10 - 1 + 1 = 17 P: 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (5, 5) + 1 = 11
sbow vs Frght&FF: 1d20 + 5 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 5 - 1 + 1 = 22 P: 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (6, 5) + 1 = 12

. whoa there, this is a bit too close as he moves away from the melee again

suckas be thinkin' that they can fade this
But I'm gonna drop it at a higher level
Cause I'm inclined to stoop down
Hand out some beat-downs
As he casts a new spell he came up with

stride and cast blistering invective at Black. Need will save DC 19 for half

blistering invective: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 1) = 7

BumBum (Sickened 1, fort save needed on next turn at -2)
Kvothe (-15)
Didy (-16)
Red (-19)
Al

1d20 ⇒ 14

Both Green and Black drop, leaving only Red behind.