N Male Grippli Druid 11 | Init +12 | HP: 102|102 | AC:30 (15 Tch, 26 FF) | CMD 21 | F:+15, R:+11, W:+21, +4 vs fey and plants | Per: +28Conditions: Wild Shape
Once again, Miguel has little capacity for stealth and neither does Panza as a massive dinosaur. I am happy to be the front line if the rest want to remain sneaky to perhaps launch an ambush. If we have time to buff then in addition to my regular long duration stuff Miguel will cast heightened awarenss on himelf, barkskin on himself and Panza, animal growth, air walk, freedom of movement and bulls strength on panza.
| HP 64+7/64 | AC 24 / 17 T / 20FF | CMD +4 CMD 20 | F +9, R +10, W +8 | Init +3 | Perc +13 SM +5 |Speed 30ft | Spells 1st:2/3, 2nd: 2/2; Influence 1/5; Taboo 2/2 Dark Communion 6/7 grit 5/5| Active Conditions: Marshal spirit, reroll used
After the rest Puurrupup performs another seance, granting anyone who participates their choice of boon again.
"We should approach in the open to give our enemies a fighting chance, and so that some of them can run to spread our sto-"
Puurrupup watches as Almaas disappears and Lucifer slips into the shadows.
"Actually we should approach stealthily like bandits, that's right good work"
He then casts heightened awareness on himself and starts spinning his pistol around his finger, making quiet swishing noises as he does so unconsciously.
Puurrupup will hang at the back ready to bark instructions and spirit surge as appropriate
Xilt and Tzleztor participate in the Seance in the morning with Puurrupup. Xilt then casts a few spells right before they are about to face the Ettin. He then pulls out his rod (persistent) as he readies himself for battle.
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
The muddy path leads into a large circular clearing, free of the boulders and trees that adorn most of the mountainside. In the center of the clearing, the last embers of a fire burn underneath charred logs. A haphazard pile of grimy furs and skins covers the ground near the fire pit. To the north, a ten-foot-wide tunnel leads into the mountain, but a pile of rubble blocks the tunnel’s entrance entirely. Several ogres and a female ettin meander about here, going about their business and don't notice you in the bushes. The ogres talk to each other in giant, while the two heads of the ettin seems to be having a spirited conversation under their breath, with each other. The ogres stop what they are doing and watch you warily.
perception:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21
--------------------------
Ready for any eventuality, the rest of the group plods forward and breaks through the last line of trees into the clearing. The ettin turns to new arrivals and begins to speak bruskly in a curious blend of languages.
The ettin speaks a pidgin of Giant, Goblin, and Orc. A creature that can speak one of these languages must succeed on a single DC 15 Intelligence check to communicate with the ettin. If the creature speaks two of these languages, the DC is 10, and if the creature speaks all three of these languages, the DC is 5.
Intelligence check (DC see above):
“You!” shouts the head on the left. “Why are you here? Are you here to help?” The head on the right replies, “You dig or you die, tiny scum.” The head on the left counters with, “She didn’t mean that. Actually, she did mean that. But, much better if you help. She keeps saying to dig all day, telling other giants they must dig too. Day and night, nothing but dig. Something is wrong with Pahg.” Pahg snarls, “Why you talk to puny creatures, Vahr? I say we crush them.”
If you can understand them from above and DC 15 Sense Motive check:
You can discern that one of the heads (Pahg?) wishes to kill them, and that while head (Vahr?) dislikes them, she is desperate for assistance and is willing to hear them out. You also realize that intimidating the giant is likely to be difficult.
Ha, my last minute edit was improperly placed. Please move the sentence "The ogres stop what they are doing and watch you warily." to the end of the second paragraph, after the ettin speaks.
Xilt automatically understands the Ettin's strange pidgin. He translates it quickly to the party.
Xilt speaks all three languages and cannot fail a DC 5 Intelligence check even on a 1.
Sense Motive, DC 15:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Xilt tries to converse with the Ettin in her own Pidgin language as a linguistic experiment. He is curious to see if she is able to understand him.
Ettin, Pidgin:
"Greetings Pahg and Vahr. It is a pleasure to meet you today."
This is just something that Xilt would try. I know it is not part of the original plan but speaking a made-up language is just more interesting to Xilt than slaughtering a bunch of giant-class humanoids.
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
N Male Grippli Druid 11 | Init +12 | HP: 102|102 | AC:30 (15 Tch, 26 FF) | CMD 21 | F:+15, R:+11, W:+21, +4 vs fey and plants | Per: +28Conditions: Wild Shape
Tell the uncouth creature that it must release the ogres to return to their trollish overlord and then surrender the ruins to us. If it does so then we may be able to help it with whatever ails it. Does anyone know what is wrong with the beast?
Heal check on the offchance it might tell me something Heal:1d20 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17
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
As the ettin steps forward to parley, you can now clearly see faint but strange reddish symbols etched across one of her faces (the hostile one).
If you can understand the ettin:
"Pleasure? What is that? I have not felt that for countless suns. Not since the collapse." Vahr says with rising hope in her voice. "They come to trick, not to work! They work or they be food for those who will!" Pahg responds angrily. "There is no time to waste. Pahg means what she says, and I alone cannot stop her. Can you give her aid? Can you release my sister from the vile curse that haunts us?" Vahr pleads to Xilt.
DC 15 Knowledge (history) or Linguistics check or you simply know the Thassilonian language:
You know that the symbols on Pahg’s face are the Thassilonian runes for wrath and sloth, suggesting that the curse Vahr speaks of originates from the ancient empire of Thassilon.
DC 25 Knowledge (history) or DC 30 Knowledge (local) check:
You know that the rulers of Thassilon, a group of powerful wizards known as Runelords, developed a curse that they used to force giants into slavery.
DC 25 Knowledge (arcana) check:
You know that the curse forces its target to follow a specific command until it dies, and can only be removed with the most powerful of spells (limited wish, wish, or miracle).
Xilt's face lights up as he sees that the creature is understanding him.
"It is working and one of the heads of the Ettin is cursed with a terrible curse compelling her to force everyone to dig. It is an ancient curse. Play along and dig and perhaps we can find out some answers."
Ettin,Pidgin:
"We will dig and help you remove the curse. I am telling the others to start digging. Hold on I will use magic to understand more (Steps back and casts Heroism(Extended) on self. Tell me more about this curse and what lies in the cave beyond. I can dig as we speak."
(Automatically understands the Ettin, Take 10 on Linguistics of 25, Take 10 on Arcana of 31).
(Take 10 on K-History is now 25 with Heroism and Heightened Awareness)
Xilt places his rod away and begins to dig as he continues his conversation with the Ettin. He keeps a healthy distance as he knows that this might not work out peacefully.
He turns to the party and explains the situation.
"This is a curse developed by the Runelords to force Giants into slavery. It is powerful, very powerful but perhaps we can find magic to remove it."
”I don’t want to dig. This giant is a target. If you have no objection I’d like to start attacking the Ettin now!“ he says in his invisible state to Xilt.
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
Xilt shakes his head at Almaas' comment but does not look in his direction.
"They don't see you so you do not have to dig. I want to solve this riddle. Killing them would be all too easy and I suspect that the Ettin is not evil but is simply cursed and enslaved by an ancient spell."
| HP 64+7/64 | AC 24 / 17 T / 20FF | CMD +4 CMD 20 | F +9, R +10, W +8 | Init +3 | Perc +13 SM +5 |Speed 30ft | Spells 1st:2/3, 2nd: 2/2; Influence 1/5; Taboo 2/2 Dark Communion 6/7 grit 5/5| Active Conditions: Marshal spirit, reroll used
Puurrupup is not following the conversation and relies on Xilt to translate.
"Oh no, curses are very bad, and a curse that robs you of your freedom? Very very bad. But we can break the curse! Xilt, I need you to find out more, perhaps we can break the curse with cunning! Everyone else, dig!"
Puurrupup takes his tiny dagger from his belt and starts stabbing at the ground with it.
He's not much help, but if anyone fails a skill check he's standing by to provide inspiration
Male NG Human Magus 10 | HP 74/74 | AC 25 T 15 FF 22 | CMB +8, CMD 23| F: +8, R: +6, W: +7 | Init: +3 | Perc: +5, SM: +3 | Speed 20ft | Arcane Pool: 11/11 | Spells: C 5/5 1st 6/6 2nd 5/5 3rd 4/4 4th 1/2| Active conditions: None
After a few long pauses, Endrin manages he thinks to get close to Almaas after he hears a whisper. Returning the sentiment to Almaas, "I'm all for the Xilt translations, but I don't like look of at least half that Ettin. Trouble coming is my guess."
Given Xilt's knowledge checks about the supposed curse, anyone can feel free to make some sort of influence check (bluff, diplomacy or intimidate) to see if there is a more relaxed solution to this situation.
”Giants and both Ettin heads. I don’t know if you speak common. But if you do then this is your chance to tell us what your problems with the big Troll are. Maybe if you help us to find out more about these ruins, you can find a cure for the strangely behaving Ettin head!!“
| HP 64+7/64 | AC 24 / 17 T / 20FF | CMD +4 CMD 20 | F +9, R +10, W +8 | Init +3 | Perc +13 SM +5 |Speed 30ft | Spells 1st:2/3, 2nd: 2/2; Influence 1/5; Taboo 2/2 Dark Communion 6/7 grit 5/5| Active Conditions: Marshal spirit, reroll used
"Yes listen to the disembodied voice of reason! If you let us into the ruins I expect we'll find a way to break the curse, we both win. We can, er, dig while we're in there!"
N Male Grippli Druid 11 | Init +12 | HP: 102|102 | AC:30 (15 Tch, 26 FF) | CMD 21 | F:+15, R:+11, W:+21, +4 vs fey and plants | Per: +28Conditions: Wild Shape
Remember you get +4 to diplomacy checks
Miguel sits on the back of Panza becoming increasingly irritable. As a true Knight of Taldor he is pretty certain that he should be doing battle with these beasts not talking to them. He has tolerated an alliance with one monster, a second is becoming simply too much. He shifts uneasily in his saddle, itching to unleash a battle cry but for now he holds.
The two heads cock in separate directions at the disembodied voice of reason and the timely support from the others. Vahr nods in agreement to its quick translation, but Pahg only grows more angry, spitting out "BUT WE WANT TO SERVE!"
Pahg-Vahr draws but a single bastard sword and the ogres squeal in vengeful delight as battle is finally drawn.
Round 1 - Bold can act Sir Miguel <barkskin>
Panza <barkskin, air walk, animal growth, freedom of movement and bulls strength>
Xilt <mage armor, false life 12, mirror images 7>
Almaas <invisibility>
Endrin <greater invisibility>
Puurrupup
Pahg-Vahr (purple)
Tzleztor <mage armor>
Orange Ogre
Red Ogre
Lucifer
Yellow Ogre
@Xilt, based on your Knowledge arcana take 10 from earlier, I'll also let you know that the runeslave curse, while ultimately destructive to their mental faculties, also gives its victims a high tolerance to pain (immune to nonlethal).
N Male Grippli Druid 11 | Init +12 | HP: 102|102 | AC:30 (15 Tch, 26 FF) | CMD 21 | F:+15, R:+11, W:+21, +4 vs fey and plants | Per: +28Conditions: Wild Shape
Miguel gives vent to a strane, crooning howl which echoes through the valley. The ground begins to rumble, the sound of massive beassts moving across the earth and, suddenly, the glade is filled with dinosaurs!
Casttin summon naturres ally 6 as a standard action due to his archetype. Summoning Dinos!:1d3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 ankylosuaruses!
Sir Miguel then flies up, out of reach of annoying giants and orders Panzza to attack.
| HP 64+7/64 | AC 24 / 17 T / 20FF | CMD +4 CMD 20 | F +9, R +10, W +8 | Init +3 | Perc +13 SM +5 |Speed 30ft | Spells 1st:2/3, 2nd: 2/2; Influence 1/5; Taboo 2/2 Dark Communion 6/7 grit 5/5| Active Conditions: Marshal spirit, reroll used
"Oh no, a fight! Stay strong everyone, work together and strike fast and true!"
Puurrupup gives out an inspiring call to his allies to help them in the fight, then he goes to take cover behind a bush, drawing his pistol on the way.
Inspiring Call, +3 competence bonus to attack & damage to all allies who can see and hear him
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
Xilt sees the trio of dinosaurs before him and their main opponent already down. Casting a spell now would be an absolute waste of resources. He moves behind a boulder for cover and adopts a defensive position.
The trio of dinosaurs leave Pahg-Vahr a battered mess on the ground. Xilt finds substantial cover while Endrin moves forward. Puurrupup rouses for what's left of the battle.
Seeing what has become of the poor ettin - two of the ogres flee, cautious of the whipping tails of the summons. one still gets an AOO on orange, I'm afraid
The last one looks like he will run, once he gets his legs under him.
Round 1 - Bold can act
Sir Miguel <barkskin>
Summoned creatures
Panza <barkskin, air walk, animal growth, freedom of movement and bulls strength>
Xilt <mage armor, false life 12, mirror images 7>
Almaas <invisibility> <delayed>
Endrin <greater invisibility>
Puurrupup
Pahg-Vahr (purple) <unconscious>
Tzleztor <mage armor>
Orange Ogre
Red Ogre
Lucifer
Yellow Ogre
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
Tzleztor looks at his bow for a moment before realizing the futility at firing a pin-prick at a retreating Ogre. Instead the Mephit takes refuge with his master behind a boulder.
