*Muddy, please roll another DC 15 Fort save on your turn. If you succeed, that's two consecutive saves and you are no longer poisoned. If you fail, you take 2 points of Dex damage.
With the ettercaps defeated, the Pathfinders who have penetrated further into the chamber have a moment to look around--and they see something disturbing! Behind the altar are several cocoons containing human-sized bundles.
DC 10 Perception or Heal:
Two of the figures in the cocoons are still alive!
Map CG Male Grippli Slayer 8 | HP 71/71 | AC 22 (23 buckler), t16, ff18 | F +8, R +12, W +4 | Perc +12 | Darkvision 60' | Stealth +21 | Init +7 | speed 30', climb 20' | CMB +10 CMD 25 | cold-iron arrows x12 | Active Conditions: ---
I'm still not feeling very well. I feel a little shaky and ill.
Muddy says to his companions as he shivers and rubs his belly.
Do I look a little green to you? I know I have see-through skin but...BluuUrrrp!
He lets out a huge belch then starts heaving like a cat hacking up a fur ball to try and purge the toxin flowing through his system. Grey fluid, probably the spider innards he had for lunch, sputter and dribble from his wide mouth.
fortitude:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
Muddy shivers even more and walks with an unsteady gait as he tries to follow his companions.
I forgot about my Guiding Compass. It gives me +1 on subsequent saves. It didn't help this time, though.
Male|Paladin 8|hp 74/74|AC:26(28) T:12(14) FF:25(27)|CMB+13,CMD24|Fort+12, Ref+9,Will+12|Init:+1, Perc:+0| conditions:none |7 of 9 layhands used|deflection bonus of +3 Human Paladin 8
Orst will move out of webbing cutting his way if necessary and then looks at the cocoons.
perception:1d20 + 0 ⇒ (9) + 0 = 9 "That is very disturbing."
But can't really help with anything useful.
CN Male Nagaji 19/T 11/FF18, BAB +8 F+13/R+6/W+3 CMB +15(+17 w/Disarm) CMD 26(28 vs disarm) rage 9 of 12 left Bloodrager 4/Brawler 2/Fighter (High Guardian) 2 HP 72 / 72 Init +3, Per +13
"Hey, they'sss breathing!" Khugron yelled, as he caught sight of the bundles,
Map CG Male Grippli Slayer 8 | HP 71/71 | AC 22 (23 buckler), t16, ff18 | F +8, R +12, W +4 | Perc +12 | Darkvision 60' | Stealth +21 | Init +7 | speed 30', climb 20' | CMB +10 CMD 25 | cold-iron arrows x12 | Active Conditions: ---
Muddy is down to 15 dex now. He'll attempt 4 more rounds of saves to see if, hopefully, he can get two in a row. Adding bonus from Guiding Compass. I don't think anyone has any 'cure poison' spells, items, or abilities to help. Let me know how much more dex damage he's taken.
Muddy's trembling makes him too unsteady to hold or wield his weapons with his usually awesome skill.
I... I need to... sit down. He stumbles and plops down against the cavern wall.
Urp!
I don't feel well. You all do what you need to over there. Im not going anywhere.
Urp!
This poison makes me clumsy. We may need to rest here overnight until this poison is out of my system.
Muddy, you take 1 more point of Dex damage from the failed save before you get the two successes. You have now have 4 total points of Dex damage. Remember that ability score damage "counts up" (it's not subtracted from an ability score like drain), and that for every two points of damage, you take a -1 penalty on associated checks. So effectively, Muddy has a -2 penalty to AC, ranged attacks, Reflex saves, Dex-based skills, etc.
CN Male Nagaji 19/T 11/FF18, BAB +8 F+13/R+6/W+3 CMB +15(+17 w/Disarm) CMD 26(28 vs disarm) rage 9 of 12 left Bloodrager 4/Brawler 2/Fighter (High Guardian) 2 HP 72 / 72 Init +3, Per +13
With the fight over, Khugron shrunk back down to his usual massive size and stood guard as the others tended to the prisoners that were found.
Mivvy cuts the two living cocooned victims free. Both men look to be in poor shape, both physically and mentally. One of the men, an elderly Osirion, sobs in gratitude. The other pushes himself to his feet, swaying as he shouts and shakes his fist "Are you Lady Riverbane's curs? I'll have my vengeance on that treacherous she-dog if I have to fight the whole lot of you, or my name's not One-Eyed Farl!"
"We're nobody's curs, so stand down!" Truddig snaps. "Yes, we're on her quest, but we were starting to suspect her treachery, and I'm thinking you've just confirmed it. So why don't you tell us your tale and we can figure out--together--what to do about it!"
One-Eyed Farl looks stunned. "Ya mean ya ain't part of her band of cut-throat mutineers? Let me tell ya 'bout Lady Riverbane--she's more treacherous than a snake in a bedroll! She stabbed us in the back, she did, arranged for us to walk right into the arms of these spider-freaks, and laughed as they wrapped us up tight! When the Black Marquis hears what she did, he'll make her walk the plank, mark me words!"
CN Male Nagaji 19/T 11/FF18, BAB +8 F+13/R+6/W+3 CMB +15(+17 w/Disarm) CMD 26(28 vs disarm) rage 9 of 12 left Bloodrager 4/Brawler 2/Fighter (High Guardian) 2 HP 72 / 72 Init +3, Per +13
"Gurr! Hard to walk plank in piecesss after I smash her!" Khugron said. "Make her chum!
Map CG Male Grippli Slayer 8 | HP 71/71 | AC 22 (23 buckler), t16, ff18 | F +8, R +12, W +4 | Perc +12 | Darkvision 60' | Stealth +21 | Init +7 | speed 30', climb 20' | CMB +10 CMD 25 | cold-iron arrows x12 | Active Conditions: ---
Muddy, still a bit wobbly, approaches the group and speaks to the men that were wrapped in cocoons.
Black Marquis sent us to find you. Riverbane lady brought us here on her boat. We must bring you back to let Marquis know what happened and you can tell him in person. We were also told you were after great treasure in this vault. I don't trust Riverbane lady.
Muddy glances around the room.
Maybe treasure still here?
Since we're in no need to hurry, we should camp here tonight. I need a lot of rest.
One-Eyed Farl says "That's the thing--I don't think there was ever any treasure to begin with! Lady Riverbane just wanted the Black Marquis' other lieutenants out of the way!"
Constantin:
Back near the marionette traps, I put a spoiler that your familiar was feeling tremendous concern for your well-being (you might have missed it). That feeling continues.
Male|Paladin 8|hp 74/74|AC:26(28) T:12(14) FF:25(27)|CMB+13,CMD24|Fort+12, Ref+9,Will+12|Init:+1, Perc:+0| conditions:none |7 of 9 layhands used|deflection bonus of +3 Human Paladin 8
Orst listens to the conversation and tries to make sense of it.
sense motive on the pirate:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17 "There is definitely something fishy here."
Orst is okay with resting here if that is the party's wish.
"Can you tell us are there more of these ettercaps around? We have killed only 2 and some spiders. Should we be concerned about others roaming about?" Orst finally asks the pirate.
Mivvy strolls over to Muddy, "I really must protest, a Hetherington does not sleep in such insalubrious surroundings unless she can very much help it." She smiles, "And in any case," Mivvy's head is just before Muddy's and she holds up a vial between the two of them, "Consantin found three of these. I think he's still got the other two."
Mivvy passes muddy the potion of lesser restoration she has been carrying.
Map CG Male Grippli Slayer 8 | HP 71/71 | AC 22 (23 buckler), t16, ff18 | F +8, R +12, W +4 | Perc +12 | Darkvision 60' | Stealth +21 | Init +7 | speed 30', climb 20' | CMB +10 CMD 25 | cold-iron arrows x12 | Active Conditions: ---
Ohhh. That will make me feel better? Make sickness go away? Thank you, Mivvy!
Muddy gently takes the vial from Mivvy. He removes the stopper and pours the contents into his mouth. He swishes the liquid in his mouth and swallows.
It's fizzy. Tastes like soap.
Lesser Restoration:1d4 ⇒ 3
I feel much better. Less shaky. Thank you again, Mivvy!
He struts around making sure his balance isn't askew.
One-Eyed Farl responds to Orst's question, "I haven't seen any more of those monsters than just the two, but who knows? I've been in that blasted coccoon for days!"
Orst:
You don't notice any signs of deception in the man's statements.
Good role-playing everyone! Okay, so what's the plan--are you camping here or heading out? You can vote OOC if you'd like.
Map CG Male Grippli Slayer 8 | HP 71/71 | AC 22 (23 buckler), t16, ff18 | F +8, R +12, W +4 | Perc +12 | Darkvision 60' | Stealth +21 | Init +7 | speed 30', climb 20' | CMB +10 CMD 25 | cold-iron arrows x12 | Active Conditions: ---
Mivvy. Muddy grasps her arm and pleads.
Are you sure you won't rest overnight here?
Muddy points to the two haggard pirates.
These men are probably starving and we could probably get a good night of sleep. We can make a fire to keep warm and cook some food. We're safe in cave - we're not out in the open. Is being a Pathfinder not all about getting sliced, and stabbed, and crunched almost to death and then camping in the wild, or a dark dungeon, or a cold wet cave?
We can give these guys some food and healing but I don’t see the benefit of camping in a cave so Lady Riverbane can attack us in our sleep. Have we burnt through a lot of spells and abilities?
Mivvy looks around at the webbing and dead ettercaps, ”explore, report, co-operate, my friend. I don’t think we can report from a cave. Even one as comfortable and luxurious as this.”
CN Male Nagaji 19/T 11/FF18, BAB +8 F+13/R+6/W+3 CMB +15(+17 w/Disarm) CMD 26(28 vs disarm) rage 9 of 12 left Bloodrager 4/Brawler 2/Fighter (High Guardian) 2 HP 72 / 72 Init +3, Per +13
"Let'sss leave and tell Black Marquis. If find her, play dumb, say we find nothing, place empty." Khugron suggested.
"Bah, I don't mind sleeping, and I don't mind going. I do mind bein' prissy about it, though!" He turns to the freed sailors. "What do you think, can you hike, or do you need another sleep after your long sleep?"
Truddig will go with the majority. He certainly doesn't need rest; he hasn't come close to using up his daily use abilities and hasn't cast a single spell.
Since I'm at 17 dex, I'm at -1 to all my Dex based stuff, right?
Ability Damage and Drain work differently:
Ability Damage (what Muddy has taken) counts up from zero, and imposes a -1 penalty per 2 points of damage. Muddy is actually still at 18 Dex, with 1 point of Dex damage. So, since Muddy only has 1 point of Dex damage currently, he takes no penalties.
Ability Drain counts down from your ability score, so could have the potential to start imposing penalties with a single point of drain (from even ability score values), but this is not what has happened to Muddy. If Muddy had experienced 1 point of Dex Drain, he would then be treated as if he were at 17 Dex. Again, though, this isn't what happened to Muddy.
After some discussion, the Pathfinders decide to leave the loathsome shrine. When they re-enter the glade, however, they see Constantin's faerie dragon familiar flying at top speed toward them! "I tried to warn you, master, they're right behind me!"
Seconds later, a group of pirates burst into the far side of the glade: Lady Riverbane and four of her flunkies.
“Well,” says the jet-haired pirate woman, lips twisted in a grin. “Shiver me timbers! Look who made it out alive. I hoped the crawling horrors would be the end of you, but I suppose vermin don’t eat each other.” Riverbane spits on the moss covered ground before continuing. “Why do Pathfinders always have to meddle in what doesn’t concern them?” Pulling out an ancient-looking tome from a pouch, she throws it unceremoniously in the mud. “Fools! All this for a book . . .” She erupts in laughter. “Bazzak the 'Black Marquis' dies tomorrow and you die today! KILL THEM!”
This encounter takes place on Slide # 2, an apparently featureless glade. Despite his earlier bravado, One-Eyed Farl slinks back into the shrine along with the other rescued prisoner once Lady Riverbane appears.
CN Male Nagaji 19/T 11/FF18, BAB +8 F+13/R+6/W+3 CMB +15(+17 w/Disarm) CMD 26(28 vs disarm) rage 9 of 12 left Bloodrager 4/Brawler 2/Fighter (High Guardian) 2 HP 72 / 72 Init +3, Per +13
Khugron stepped closer to Lady Riverbane, saying some arcane words. A brief shimmer of fore can be seen surrounding him. "Bring it on."
Insert Bruce Lee hand motion. 5' step. Cast Shield (AC now 23) Martial Flexibility (Combat reflexes)
Male|Paladin 8|hp 74/74|AC:26(28) T:12(14) FF:25(27)|CMB+13,CMD24|Fort+12, Ref+9,Will+12|Init:+1, Perc:+0| conditions:none |7 of 9 layhands used|deflection bonus of +3 Human Paladin 8
Orst moves forward drawing his sword shield ready.
"Treachery! What happened to your moral compass? Well, really, what did I expect from pirates?"
Orst picks his way towards the pirates.
Map CG Male Grippli Slayer 8 | HP 71/71 | AC 22 (23 buckler), t16, ff18 | F +8, R +12, W +4 | Perc +12 | Darkvision 60' | Stealth +21 | Init +7 | speed 30', climb 20' | CMB +10 CMD 25 | cold-iron arrows x12 | Active Conditions: ---
Urrp! Muddy exclaims as the group is suddenly ambushed.
Kee-kee-kee, Muddy snickers after listening to Riverbane's speech.
You double-crossed Pathfinders. Prepare to be Murder Toad-oed.
Muddy draws his bow in a flash as he steps next to Constantin to get a clear shot at Lady Riverbane. He then rapidly lets two arrows loose.
deadly aim, rapid shot & IC:1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 8 + 1 = 29 normal arrow:1d6 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 8 + 1 = 10 sneak?:2d6 ⇒ (3, 1) = 4
Mivvy sprints across the open field and impales one of the pirates, leaving the man barely standing. An instant later, Muddy looses a pair of arrows that fly with unerring accuracy to wound Lady Riverbane.
A pair of the pirates work together to contain Mivvy, with one leaving a deep slash along her back. A third pirate dashes towards Orst, but he turns aside the man's blade at the last second. The fourth and final pirate retreats to protect Lady Riverbane and tries to loose an arrow at Muddy, but the shaft falls harmlessly in the grass. The four pirates seem to be slightly shimmering, just like the ones that launched the attack on the Scrag Fisher!
Mivvy, you take 12 points of damage.
Yellow 5' steps and readies to attack when he has a flanking partner, which he does once Black moves into position. Red charges Orst. Blue moves back to protect Lady Riverbane and tries to return fire on Muddy.
GM Dice:
Yellow (w/ flanking) vs Mivvy):1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25 Black (w/ flanking) vs Mivvy):1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19 Red (charging) vs Orst):1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22 Blue's arrow (w/ range inc penalty) vs Muddy:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10 Damage vs Mivvy (w/ sneak attack):1d6 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (5) + 2 + (5) = 12
Male Human (Azlanti) Bard (Duettist) 7 | HP 52/52 | AC 18, T 11, FF 17 CMD 14 | Fort +6, Ref +8, Will +7 | Init +4(5)* | Perc +10 | SM +18* | Spells Remaining: level 1 4/5 level 2 4/4 level 3 2/2 | Bardic Performance Rounds 22/23
Constantin dashes forward towards the fray, words of power echoing from his lips to smash into Riverbane as Riddy strings together the flares of his magic into an inspiring performance!
Ear-Piercing Scream:3d6 ⇒ (1, 2, 4) = 7Fort DC 15 for 1/2 damage and not to be dazed.
Riddy's starting Inspire Courage
Constantin's sonic attack does carry far enough to hurt Lady Riverbane, but Truddig's arrows sure do! Two of them streak through the sky and embed themselves in the pirate's throat, killing her instantly!
Mivvy strikes at the black-hearted pirate unless yellow somehow survived Muddy's assault, straining to strike painfully spending one panache on precise strike.
CN Male Nagaji 19/T 11/FF18, BAB +8 F+13/R+6/W+3 CMB +15(+17 w/Disarm) CMD 26(28 vs disarm) rage 9 of 12 left Bloodrager 4/Brawler 2/Fighter (High Guardian) 2 HP 72 / 72 Init +3, Per +13
Rage,PA,FF:1d20 + 14 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 14 + 1 = 341d10 + 17 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 17 + 1 = 24
With a roar that his original target got cut down by arrows, Khugron quickly moved forward and smashed the closest pirate with DOC.
Attack red. If down, charge any pirate still standing.
The Pathfinders' might is overwhelming! Muddy drops another of the pirates with a pair of arrows, while Mivvy's swordplay cuts another foe down to size. Khugron smashes into the last pirate. In a matter of instants, the battle is won.
Muddy's arrows take care of Yellow. Mivvy massacres Black. Khugron takes out Red. I feel sorry for these pirates :)
Male|Paladin 8|hp 74/74|AC:26(28) T:12(14) FF:25(27)|CMB+13,CMD24|Fort+12, Ref+9,Will+12|Init:+1, Perc:+0| conditions:none |7 of 9 layhands used|deflection bonus of +3 Human Paladin 8
"Now who do we get to crew the vessel back to the black Marque?"
Orst puts his unused sword away. He lines up behind Muddy and Truddig ready to move out.
Map CG Male Grippli Slayer 8 | HP 71/71 | AC 22 (23 buckler), t16, ff18 | F +8, R +12, W +4 | Perc +12 | Darkvision 60' | Stealth +21 | Init +7 | speed 30', climb 20' | CMB +10 CMD 25 | cold-iron arrows x12 | Active Conditions: ---
The book! Riverbane Lady threw it in the mud over there.
Muddy runs over and pulls the tome from the muck. He wipes it off the best he can.
Here! Let's have a look.
