GM ZD Starcrossed Voyages (Inactive)

Game Master Z...D...

Seelah spends some time cleaning off her blade and praying to Iomedae after the battle. If you are close enough to overhear some of her mutterings of prayer you may her her say things such as "By your light my blade has struck true" and "Let there be less battles in this venture... or at least less deaths"

When the call is made that land is near, Seelah prepares herself to disembark. Ensuring that the longsword hung at her hip is out of sight enough to not cause alarm, but her large shield always held and ready in case these dealings do not go well.

Seelah can handle her own in a diplomatic situation, but sits back and observes for the moment as the doctor and wizard attempt to communicate through Jakka. She waits and listens, ready to step in should the doctors personality translate too well through Jakka and offend the locals.

After the battle, Azu spends some time to regain his focus.

Upon meeting the Iruxi, Azu remains quiet and lets those more skilled in these affairs deal with the natives.

Jekka pops up from working on repairs, "sure. it beats manual labor."

Jekka follows the party down and acts as interpreter for the party.

He finally turns back to the party. "A few things. We are not actually on the island of Ekkenshar. We are at the coastal village of Kihirat."

Just as Jekka finishes up with his first set of translations, an older member of the tribe makes his way through the crowd. He speaks in a gentler voice than the male before.

Jekka translates "I see that the storm has caused severe damage to your ship. You may stay and rest at our village as long as you like. I hear you are also on a noble task, we can provide craftsman and some materials to help with the repairs. If you need food and fresh water, it will be provided, just ask."

With that a few of the iruxi move towards the boat, while the other return to the village to gather tools.

Griss bows to the elder, showing courtly manners that seem a bit of of place from his appearance.

Realizing how much work needs to be done on the ship (and unable to communicate), Lazarus rummages through his pack to find his repair kit. He grumbles in elven, "If you want something done right..." and offers to head back to the ship to help with repairs.

Crafting: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20

After the locals have made their aid and their village welcome to the party, Seelah sets to keeping watch over the water for any more of those monsters that attacked the ships on their journey.

"An unusual path to have brought us here. I wonder if it is by the hand of the goddess herself that we've crashed upon these shores"

Feeling the need to repay the villagers their kindness, she will also seek out Jekka to help her converse with the locals and ask if there is anything the group could help the villagers with while the repairs on their ship are being done.

"It seems right that we may offer our help for those who have so readily offered their help to us. Not asking a thing of us, does not mean we cannot do something for them while we are here at the least"

Azu and Ako try to ge the lay of the land. The ranger searches around the village for tracks of any possible dangerous creatures.

Natesh offers his utmost thanks through Jekka and joins Seelah. "I place less stock in all actions being the providence of the divine. Although I'll admit, sending you here may have been the pushed here by her hand."

"I will have no objection to returning with any aid we might offer them. I have rarely gained such aid without first working hard for it, if I left here without even attempting to see if I can help them, then I would feel like I was leaving behind a debt to them that I won't be able to repay."

Natesh travels to the village to help move tools and see if they show any need for anything.

Just to be clear ...
If the party heads into the village, Lazarus shrugs, puts away his repair kit and join them.

Nahansa chuckles heartily. “Oh, we would never hold you to such things. We’re a hospitable folk!” He suddenly looks pensive. “Though... We may share a common concern. Your compasses will not work while Paravaax is active in the region, and we are not safe so long as the gargoyle hunts the edges of our territory. If you are willing to seek the gargoyle out and drive him away, you would be helping both our people.

We also have another problem we could use help with. You see, in our temple of Gozreh, there have been odd noises coming from the belfry for almost a week now. I’m loathe to admit it, but we’ve been too preoccupied the coming rainstorms to look into it ourselves.”

Natesh holds up a hand as she shows some confusion, "my apologies, I feel as though my mind is still at sea, but who or what is Paravaax? What is a gargoyle? How can it affect compasses so far around the region?"

"I am more than willing to provide aid in this matter, but I hesitate to rush forward while my mind lingers behind."

"Oh. I thought that beast's reputation has reached pass this villages. The ancient gargoyle Paravaax lives in the jungle to the east of here. He’s old, cruel, and has an unusual connection to the Plane of Earth. His body has the properties of a giant lodestone, capable of disrupting compasses for miles around. When he rests or moves it causes all kinds of problems for anyone trying to navigate with such devices.”

When the Iruxi starts describing Paravaax, Dr. Lazarus pulls out his writing pad and begins taking notes on the gargoyle.
Lazarus studies the information to Pursue a Lead on Paravaax.

After he's finishing with his notes, he looks to Nahansa and asks via Jekka if necessary, "Very interesting about the odd properties of this gargoyle. I've never heard anything like it." After a short pause, "Can you tell us more about those noises in your temple? For instance, does it sound like a single creature or many? And do they appear to be natural or ... something else?"

Lazarus pours himself a brandy from his flask as he listens to the rest of the conversation. When it dies down, he turns to the group, "It appears we can build some goodwill by driving out this gargoyle."

Khunbish remains silent through this, listening intently at the description of the the gargoyle and the problems they have at Gozreh's temple. While his tribe doesn't worship any particular deity, they do hold some respect for the Wind and the Waves.

Rather uncharacteristically, he then asks, "Are the two events connected?"

Griss discretely, for him, pulls out his wayfinder and takes a look at it.

"Sounds like we'll need to do something. It's hard enough to get to our destination with working compasses."

"Ah, it is as I suspected. Iomedae has guided us here to help these villagers. Our task may be of great importance, but while we are here it is wise to help those who have helped us. I am intrigued by the issues in this temple. It is not common for Iomedae and Gozreh to associate, but if it means assisting you I am sure I can lend my aid to that. This gargoyle seems a much more serious matter, but of course if my party is willing I'm sure we'll handle it just as swiftly"

Seelah looks to the group for any sign of agreement with her course of action.

When Khunbish asks if the events are connected, Lazarus looks up from his brandy, raises an eyebrow, and nods approvingly of the question. He listens carefully and continues taking notes in his writing pad. Later, when Seelah suggests dealing with the gargoyle first, the Doctor agrees, "A reasonable plan." He takes another sip of brandy while the group decides on a course of action.

"Sounds like multiple creatures congregating. Snarls and growls can be heard."

As if on cure, an echoing metallic clang rumbles through the nearby rainforest. As waves of fleeing birds take flight from the canopy, it’s easy to see that whatever is causing the sound is making its way to the coast—right toward Kihirat.

Howling with rage, a pack of metallic hounds bound from the forest’s edge. Their silver scales glint in the sun’s light, and their howls echo like an otherworldly metallic clang.

The map that the provided for this encounter does not make any sense. So, we will stay on the sailing map. Treat the blue water as a coast line.

Seelah may act.

If you wish to recall knowledge, it will be with the Nature or Arcana skills. It is a secret roll, so I will roll for you.

Azu immediately designates whatever is making the sound as his prey, prior to init

Khunbish has a +2 to initiative checks due to Elven Instinct if that makes a difference.

Seeing these beasts break from the tree line, Seelah draws her longsword and moves forward. She halts just short of the beasts and raises her shield.

"Prepare yourselves! These do not look friendly!"

actions: draw longsword, stride, raise shield

Seelah moves ahead and prepares herself.

The hounds begins to rush.

red vs seelah: 1d20 ⇒ 21d10 ⇒ 7
red vs seelah-map: 1d20 - 5 ⇒ (5) - 5 = 01d10 ⇒ 3

Red moves to Seelah and attempts to bit at her, missing twice.

yellow vs selah: 1d20 ⇒ 181d10 ⇒ 5

Yellow attacks the paladin as well. It manages to bite her past the shield. 12 damage. Unless you wish to shield block

Khunbish & Dr Lazarus may go

Seelah will take the 12 damage

Seeing the metallic hounds charging, Dr. Lazarus prepares to attack. He studies the green beast directly in front of him, in an attempt to find a hole in its defenses. He'll quickly share any information with the group.

Devise a Stratagem w/ Known Weakness: 1d20 ⇒ 15 Roll is used for subsequent attack roll.
Recall Knowledge: Please roll Arcana +9

Realizing he has an opening, he draws one of his hammers and flings it end-over-end toward the green hound.

Grabthar's Hammer (w/ Stratagem and Range Penalty): (15) + 9 - 2 = 22 +1 if crit on Recall Knowledge
Damage + Strategic Strike: 1d6 + 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + (6) + 2 = 11

Lazarus calls out to the paladin. "Seelah, the one to your left is slightly dazed if you attack quickly."
If his strike hits, he uses Shared Stratagem to make the green hound flat-footed to Seelah's next strike.

Actions: Devise Stratagem, Draw, Strike

The good Dr does not recall anything about these beast. Not a crit fail, so no false info either.

The strike does hit and knocks the creature off kilter for Seelah's next blow.

Khunbish to act

Party Status
Seelah-12 damage

Sorry for the late update. Had a bad Friday.

Khunbish quickly gestures to Irves to move up to support Seelah, while he concentrates briefly, turning into the form of a grey wolf.

Command Animal, Wildshape

Irves quickly dashes ahead, flanking of the creatures with Seelah, then leaps upon it with his vicious teeth.

vs green, flat-footed: jaws: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22 piercing dmg: 2d6 + 3 + 1d4 ⇒ (3, 1) + 3 + (4) = 11

Khubish commands his animal companion before turning himself into wolf.

Irves moves up into flanking position and attacks the hound. It manages to bite the earthen hound.

Finally, the third hound joins the others in attacking the tastily armored champion. These things love metal and Seelah is looking like some wrapped halloween candy

yellow vs Seelah: 1d20 ⇒ 11d10 ⇒ 8

It seems to have some problems with depth perception as it slams into Seelah's shield before opening its mouth...

Griss, Natesh,Azu may act

"Now comes my turn!" Griss shouts, while drawing his weapon and moving with explosive speed towards the enemy, striking with great force when he arrives.

Draw weapon, then Sudden Charge. This is allows me to stride twice then Strike, which I direct to red.

Attack Roll: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17
Damage: 2d10 + 4 ⇒ (6, 5) + 4 = 15

"A sudden attack and I'm not bleeding on the ground in the first few moments. Already a better fight than most, Natesh mutters to himself as he forces himself forward channeling his magic as he makes a sweeping motion of his hands. He forms an electric web between his hands that he casts out at a pair of the attackers.

Casting electric arc targeting green and red
Electricity Damage, Basic Reflex save DC 18: 2d4 + 3 ⇒ (1, 4) + 3 = 8

Stride (1), Electric Arc (2)

Azu advances draws his weapon(s), and casts gravity weapon.

Griss is a little overzealous in his swing and misses.

saves: 2d20 ⇒ (1, 4) = 5

Natesh cast a electric spell at them. Both get a shocking sensation, one more than the other.

Azu prepares his deadly instruments.

Seelah may act

Seelah strikes twice at the beasts in front of her. First she attacks the one the doctor pointed out to her as being off balance (Green=flat footed to seelah), and then seeing the beast in front of her has taken some hits slashes out at it as well (Red) and raises her shield. Drawing most of the attacks of the beasts, now she hoped that she might do some damage in return!

attack 1 to green: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (1) + 14 = 15
damage 1 to green: 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (2, 7) + 4 = 13

attack 2 to red: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13
damage 2 to red: 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (5, 4) + 4 = 13

Actions: Strike green; strike red; raise shield

Seelah fights back, but does not manage to land any strikes.

Red burrows underground and a trail can be seen heading away from Seelah, before disappearing completely.

green vs Seelah: 1d20 ⇒ 161d10 ⇒ 10
knockdown
green vs Seelah, FF: 1d20 ⇒ 121d10 ⇒ 3

Green attacks Seelah again, grabbing hold of her leg and dropping her down. She manages to just get her shield in place for the follow up bite. Seelah takes 17 damage.

Party Status
Seelah-29 damage & prone

Khunbish and Dr Lazarus may act

Left to his own devices, Irves continues tearing into the creature in front on it with a vicious bite.

vs green, flat-footed: jaws: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26 piercing dmg: 2d6 + 3 + 1d4 ⇒ (4, 2) + 3 + (2) = 11

Khunbish, in the form of a hulking gray wolf, races ahead to the other creature, leaping at it with his gaping jaws in two rapid strikes.

vs yellow: jaws: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (3) + 14 = 17 piercing dmg: 2d8 + 5 ⇒ (7, 4) + 5 = 16
vs yellow: jaws: 1d20 + 14 - 5 ⇒ (18) + 14 - 5 = 27 piercing dmg: 2d8 + 5 ⇒ (3, 5) + 5 = 13

With direct line of sight to the southern yellow beast, Lazarus studies the hound and checks the wind conditions for another hammer throw.

Devise a Stratagem w/ Known Weakness: 1d20 ⇒ 4 Roll is used for subsequent attack roll. Well, damn.
Recall Knowledge: Tried Arcana before. Can I try Nature this time? If so, please roll Nature +7.
He briefly shares any known information with the party.

Not finding favorable conditions for an attack, the Doctor decides to rush to Seelah's aid to perform some in-battle healing.

Battle Medicine: 2d8 + 3 ⇒ (2, 8) + 3 = 13
Assurance => 17, Forensics Investigator +3

Actions: Devise Stratagem, Stride, Battle Medicine

Irves manages to bite the hound in front of it.

Khunbish, now in wolf form, attacks the hound. The first jaw strike misses. The second connects.

Dr Lazarus moves in and heals Seelah. He still is drawing a blank on what these things are.

Not being distracted by the wolf at its back, yellow continues to go after his favorite food source that the Paladin just happens to be wearing.

yellow vs Seelah, prone: 1d20 ⇒ 81d10 ⇒ 3
yellow vs Seelah, MAP, prone: 1d20 ⇒ 71d10 ⇒ 3
yellow vs Seelah, Map x2 prone: 1d20 ⇒ 131d10 ⇒ 1

Seelah is able to keep her shield between her and the jaws of this metallic hound.

Griss, Natesh, Azu may act

Party Status
Seelah: 16 damage & prone

Seeing Seelah on the ground Natesh runs forward and quickly chants a magical incantation that ignites his hands and produces a wave of fire that washes over the pair of creatures. He yells at the monsters in a effort to give Seelah even a moment of room to stand.

I will move forward and cast a 2nd level burning hands while adjacent to green. This should hit green and yellow while avoiding everyone else.

Burning Hands 2, Fire Damage, basic Reflex DC 18: 4d6 ⇒ (4, 2, 2, 6) = 14

1 act Stride, 2 acts Burning Hands 2

reflex: 2d20 ⇒ (2, 15) = 17

Green catches the flames strait to the face. Unable to dodge out of the way. Yellow is able to avoid some of the damage.

Griss and Azu may act

Letting out an explosive roar Griss seems to burst into motion. While locking the creature in with a steely gaze he swings his war flail at the monster.

Actions.
1. Rage (Positive Energy Mode)
2. Demoralize
3. Strike

Demoralize: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15 Intimidating Glare makes the creature a valid target.

Strike: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21
Damage: 2d10 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (4, 1) + 4 + 3 = 12

Azu makes his way around the barbarian, as he is forced to draw another weapon and designates the least injured creature as his prey.

Griss attempts to rattle the creature, but is unphased by him. He still manages to bash the head in of the beast. It lands with a thud and it ceases to move.

Azu moves into a more advantageous position.

Seelah, Khunbish and Dr Lazarus to act

After aiding Seelah, Dr. Lazarus attempts to determine the best way to attack the remaining beast.

Devise a Stratagem: 1d20 ⇒ 6 Roll is used for subsequent attack roll.

Realizing he doesn't have a clean shot from his current position, Dr. Lazarus draws his elven curve blade and moves to the far side of the hound, in an effort to provide flanking for Seelah's upcoming attack.
With 30' speed, he takes a wide 10' berth around the creature to hopefully avoid any AoO.

Actions: Devise, Interact (Draw Weapon), Stride

Seeing that the beast in front of her is the final foe and surrounded by her allies, Seelah stands up and strikes out twice!

attack 1: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (15) + 14 = 29
damage 1: 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (7, 2) + 4 = 13

attack 2: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19
damage2: 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (8, 8) + 4 = 20

Actions: stand; 2 strikes to yellow

Khunbish growls at his cougar companion to close in to attack, while he continues to rip into the creature with his wolf jaws.

vs yellow: jaws: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (1) + 14 = 15 piercing dmg: 2d8 + 5 ⇒ (5, 8) + 5 = 18
vs yellow: jaws: 1d20 + 14 - 5 ⇒ (9) + 14 - 5 = 18 piercing dmg: 2d8 + 5 ⇒ (4, 5) + 5 = 14

Command, Strike, Strike

Irves closes in, flanking the remaining creature together with his master, and similarly tears into it with his jaws.

vs yellow, flat-footed: jaws: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23 piercing dmg: 2d6 + 3 + 1d4 ⇒ (2, 6) + 3 + (2) = 13

Seelah stands and with two strikes, drops the last sod hound.

Out of Combat

In the aftermath of the battle, the noncombatant iruxi return from the jungle. They treat the injuries of iruxi warriors and Grinning Pixie crew alike. Each PC receives the benefits of a successful Medicine check to Treat Wounds. 2d8

The leader begins to speak an a quick tone, Jekka hastily translates, as Mirin Raas listens in on the conversation as well "Nahansa believes this to be a bold move to gain more power by Paravaax. He says that the beast has been hiding in an abandoned observatory ever since he drove out the native Iruxi."

Mirin Raas speaks next, more to the PC's than anyone else. "Myself and Jekka will stay here and oversee the ships repairs and defend the village if more of these hounds show up."

Nahansa calls into the group of Iruxi, as if looking for someone. A moment later a Iruxi appears in scholarly robes, carrying with her a bunch of scrolls, books and an odd device. Jekka translates to the PC's. "This is Lumki. Although she does not speak taldane (common), she can lead you to the observatory. If you will have her of course. "

This female Iruxi nods.

Will need to decide if you all will take her with you or not

Since it sounds like we may deal with the hounds again, Lazarus takes a minute to etch them into his mind. He confirms with Nahansa, "Just to be clear, is it possible these creatures were causing the noises in the temple?"
He Pursues a Lead on the metallic hounds. He's allowed 2 active leads at a time. He's also pursuing Paravaax.

When the scholarly Iruxi step forward with her scrolls and books, the Doctor immediately steps up, quickly dusts himself off, and gives her a short stiff bow. More of a glorified nod, really. He responds to Nahansa, "A fellow scholar would be most welcome. We'd be honored to have her as our guide." Turning to Lumki, he holds open his own book bag and makes a gesture offering to help carry some of her belongings.

Seeing the contraption she's holding, he asks Lumki (with Jekka hopefully translating). "That device ... I've never seen anything like it. Is it some type of compass?"

Seelah looks to the group around her...
"Well, it looks as if we are set on a new path here. I am ready to move on and face this Paravaax. If you all will join me, I know we can free these villagers from the blight of this beast. Though I hate endangering others, I fear that we will have to take advantage of the guidance of Lumki to the observatory, lest we become lost in the jungle before we can complete this task..."

treat wounds: 2d8 ⇒ (3, 6) = 9

Seelah will cast lay on hands on herself, and take 10 minutes to pray and refocus before the group sets off