Seelah's words are clearly well-received by Lieutenant Eloqi and many of the assembled hobgoblins.
"Pathfinders--," Lieutenant Eloqi begins, before he is startled by the sudden interruption of the ground beginning to tremble.
An explosive sound is heard outside the hall. Clumps of rock and dirt pelt the structure’s door and northern wall. Cries outside make it clear; the camp is under attack!
Within seconds of the explosive sound, the hobgoblins and Aspis delegates respond, quickly drawing their weapons. Having rapidly arisen to their feet, they rush outside leaving you to promptly follow.
Outside, the ground continues to rumble as several giant fins poke through the earth and glide effortlessly through the soil. Dirt throughout the camp explodes in showers of roots and rocks as multiple, mighty beasts erupt from the earth. Covered in huge, gray armored plates, each sports an armored crest, much like that of a shark’s fin, along its back.
Picture of creatures now on Slides.
The hobgoblins instinctively draw their weapons, preparing for battle, even as three of the creatures charge towards them. Eloqi follows-up, leading his forces into combat against the attackers.
“These beasts have chosen the wrong prey!” Drussem declares as she draws her blade. “Keep those claws and jaws at bay! I will see to my compatriots, then come to your aid!”
To the east of you, the hobgoblin forces confront a trio of the creatures. To your south, the Aspis agents are already facing off against two more.
Two more of the monsters , the ones that Drussem had motioned toward, are heading towards you!
Map of combat area now on Slides.
CAMP FEEDING FRENZY! - Round One Begins!
Meris
Seelah
NibNok
Jirelle
Sun Fire
Monster (blue)
Monster (red)
Doktor Middens
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Sun Fire Boom Boom shouts to his allies
"To arms my friends!"
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Sun Fire Boom Boom follows up with a fear spell against red.
Critical Success The target is unaffected.
Success The target is frightened 1.
Failure The target is frightened 2.
Critical Failure The target is frightened 3 and fleeing for 1 round.
Sun Fire Boom Boom follows up with a fear spell against red.
The beast finds the screaming goblin rather concerning.
CAMP FEEDING FRENZY! - Round One Cont'd!
Meris
Seelah
NibNok
Jirelle
Sun Fire
Monster (blue)
Monster (red)
Doktor Middens
Seelah instinctively draws her sword, and raises her shield. She moves towards the Red monster, trying to draw any reaction they may have.
Though sleek moving through the ground, the lumbering creature does not quickly react to the paladin.
CAMP FEEDING FRENZY! - Round One Cont'd!
Meris
Seelah
NibNok
Jirelle
Sun Fire
Monster (blue)
Monster (red)
Doktor Middens
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As quick as a flash, Jirelle drew her rapier at the first signs of danger
She sees Seelah moving toward the scared monster, and dashes into position to aid her, dancing through the creature's feet with aplomb to emerge on the other side.
◈ Stride
◈ Tumble Through
◈ Strike - Rapier (Deadly d8, disarm, finesse)
Go Jirelle! Buckle that swash!
She sees Seelah moving toward the scared monster, and dashes into position to aid her, dancing through the creature's feet with aplomb to emerge on the other side.
The skillful swashbuckler drives her rapier between the creature's armored plates, piercing deep into its flesh!
NibNok sees his companions moving to engage and knows he won't find a better time than now to turn up the heat ... he chants a fire chant and motions at the furthest creature causing a burst of fire to erupt.
CAMP FEEDING FRENZY! - Round One Cont'd!
Meris
Seelah
NibNok
Jirelle
Sun Fire
Monster (blue) -11 HP
Monster (red) -40 HP
Doktor Middens
After a moment's delay to ensure they are well and truly distracted, Meris melts from the shadows in a blinding streak, bolting towards the red monster, aiming to thrust a rapier suddenly flashing from her hand into the roof of it's mouth!
And then she is cartwheeling, another flicker and a dagger is swung towards it's eye.
She lands with a backflip next to Seelah, shouting, "That was a nice speech earlier!"
After a moment's delay to ensure they are well and truly distracted, Meris melts from the shadows in a blinding streak, bolting towards the red monster, aiming to thrust a rapier suddenly flashing from her hand into the roof of it's mouth!
One of the monsters falls to the ground dead.
A cheer suddenly rises in the camp over the din of battle. Its source is the Aspis agents as they make short work of one of the armored beasts, surrounding it and bringing it down quickly.
The nearest armored beast charges towards Seelah, then jumps into the air!
As it sails over the paladin's head, it swipes at Seelah and Meris.
The monster then tries to finish Seelah with a bite!
CAMP FEEDING FRENZY! - Round One Cont'd/Round Two Begins!
Doktor Middens
Meris -17 HP
Seelah -18 HP
NibNok
Jirelle
Sun Fire
Monster (blue) -11 HP
Monster (red) -60+ HP
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Jirelle rushes up to stand alongside Seelah and Meris
"Yes it was very well done, even I had a tear in my eye!"
She swishes her rapier back and forth before plunging it deep into the creatures eye.
◈ Stride
◈ Unbalancing Finisher
◈ Strike - Rapier (Deadly d8, disarm, finesse)
"And that was some fancy knife-work Meris, though of course I softened it up for you"
She winks at Meris as she attempts to run between the creature's legs, trying to reach Sun Fire Boom Boom and tell him to retreat.
◈ Tumble Through
Instead she runs right into a meaty leg and pretends that was what she intended to do.
---
Seelah raises her shield and turns to face the creature.
Sun Fire Boom Boom's rock bounces off the armored creature's skull.
Jirelle slides in a good jab.
Seelah misses her opportunistic strike, but shores herself to stick the creature twice!
The enormous beast cries out in pain and spasms before crashing to the ground.
Party Status
Meris -10 HP
Seelah -26 HP
As Seelah fells the beast before her, amidst the settling dust you see that Raike and her bodyguards have already dropped a second beast and have hastily rushed to the aid of the hobgoblins to bring down those remaining.
Though the fierce monsters that attacked the camp have each been brought down, it is clear that the defense of the camp has come at a steep price for the hobgoblins.
Lieutenant Eloqi surveys the scene. "You and your Aspis agents fight well," he says to Raike, commending the woman and her bodyguards.
"As did the Pathfinders," the hobgoblin concedes, seeing the dead beasts lying on the ground. Lieutenant Eloqi motions to an attendant, who produces a series of gems of varying value.
"Please, accept these small stones, a humble sample of the wealth that Oprak has to offer, as gratitude for coming to our defense." says Eloqi. Eloqi offers a similar cache of gems to the Aspis agents as well.
"Unfortunately, this sudden attack has left many of my warriors dead or wounded." Lieutenant Eloqui laments. He releases a low grunt as he ponders for a few moments.
"I am formally suspending the talks." He declares. "The talks will resume tomorrow morning. Until then, my troops will assess the damage to our defenses and prepare the pyres for our fallen. As for myself, I shall be tending to the defense efforts and issuing promotions. It would not do to have leadership gaps within our ranks."
In the aftermath of the battle, the hobgoblins go about their grim tasks. Many collect the remains of fallen comrades on carts as others prepare the funeral pyres. Still others begin dragging the corpses of the dead bulettes out of the center of camp and towards a location where the beast's remains can be harvested for their hides and their plates for use as armor.
Lieutenant Eloqi retires to his quarters in the meeting hall. Morgroar, too, returns to his hut.
As the hobgoblins disperse, Raike momentarily surveys the scene. There is a brief look of satisfaction on her face, before one of her bodyguards speaks to her. She and her entourage then begin circulating the camp, as if conducting some sort of search. One bodyguard, however, remains behind to patrol the areas of the Aspis' lodgings.
Passing the massive hole that looms not far from where the beasts fell, marking where the bulk of the beasts emerged from the earth, Drussem approaches the party.
"I am en route to survey the camp's defensive perimeter I have been tasked with inspecting our defenses and ensuring that they have not been further compromised." she confides. "With so many of our troops lost in the attack, the camp is now quite vulnerable, particularly if the forces of the Whispering Tyrant should choose now to attack. At least, the pyres will ensure that none of our own will rise to join their ranks."
The hobgoblin releases a low growl, "I do not think the attack by these beasts to be a natural occurrence and, I suspect, neither do you."
"The Aspis' response to the attack was quite impressive. No doubt, Lieutenant Eloqi is likely to side with the Aspis due to their part in defending the camp." Drussem continues. "I smell treachery. However, Lieutenant Eloqi is not one to entertain bald accusations that are unaccompanied by competent evidence. If you are plan to cast doubt on the Aspis' actions once the talks resume, then you will need competent, tangible evidence of their misdeeds."
"If I may be of assistance to you, let me know." she offers as she prepares to depart. "For now, I have defenses to attend to."
Six hours of daylight remain. The talks are set to resume in approximately eighteen hours.
Map on Slides now updated with camp locations.
Although Seelah is ill-equipped to do so, she suggests that someone investigate the patch where Raike poured her drink on the ground. Is it some kind of attractant?
Although Seelah is ill-equipped to do so, she suggests that someone investigate the patch where Raike poured her drink on the ground. Is it some kind of attractant?
Meris already suspects Raike, and is eager to go sneak into her hut and investigate it for any other evidence.
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NibNok is still curious about the "halfling" (Greeleep) working for the Aspis, as well as their peculiar jewelry. He would be happy to run interference with the remaining guard while Meris does what Meris does best.
"Meris, I am very curious about Greeleep. Something doesn't smell right. Literally, they have a smell. Also, have we been able to identify that jewelry they were all wearing? I will keep this guy busy as long as I can while you take a look around."
NibNok and Wolfie then ride around from another direction and approach the lone guard.
"Hello there, Is Raike about? I was wondering if Wolfie and I could speak with she and Arthanior. That was some mighty fine teamwork, and I feel like we could use a pointer or two. Say, you weren't too shabby yourself ... he will use his natural charisma and possibly Diplomacy to keep him talking about the battle that just happened.
Seelah doesn't see anything unusual.
---
Seelah will go check out the bodies. Even if she couldn't identify what it was that Raike poured on the ground, would it be possible for Seelah to look for signs of it on the bulettes?
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Sun Fire Boom Boom will follow the Doktor around and aid with a variety of goblin songs.
"There once was a Kobold named Middens
He searched for clues in the provisions
Suspicions abound
but there he found
The clues that prove Aspis misprisions"
Sun Fire Boom Boom frowns at the lack of appreciation to his rhyme.
Meris already suspects Raike, and is eager to go sneak into her hut and investigate it for any other evidence.
"Hello there, Is Raike about? I was wondering if Wolfie and I could speak with she and Arthanior. That was some mighty fine teamwork, and I feel like we could use a pointer or two. Say, you weren't too shabby yourself ... he will use his natural charisma and possibly Diplomacy to keep him talking about the battle that just happened.
knowing the contents of the spill and curious about the beast he will spend some times poking over the bodies to see what they were.
The remains of the armored creatures have been dragged to this location for later harvesting of their hides and plates for armor. Examining the corpses, the kobold notes that the remains are those of bulettes. Though freshly-killed, the bodies possess a pungent, musky odor. Doktor Middens notes that the cource of the musky odor aspheromones. The strength and pungentness of the pheromones emanating from the bodies are a clear sign that they’ve been alchemically enhanced. Male bulettes exposed to the scent would have grown more aggressive and be attracted to the scent. Some of the creatures also show signs of having ingested a time-released, alchemical poison containing hunting spider venom, which would have made the creatures eventually grow clumsy and sluggish as they fought.
While the immediate cause of death of the bulettes is hemorrhagic shock, attributable to multiple, acute lacerations, avulsions, and contusions, he concludes within a reasonable degree of medical certainty that the presence of the alchemical poison within the bulettes' bloodstream was a significant contributing factor to their expiration.
"There once was a Kobold named Middens
He searched for clues in the provisions
Suspicions abound
but there he found
The clues that prove Aspis misprisions"
As the goblin sings in his ear, Doktor Middens considers how much easier this task would be were he able to work in solitude. This thought, however, jars the kobold's recollection. For, he recalls, bulettes are themselves solitary creatures, generally avoiding other bulettes in most cases. The kobold recalls that bulettes, fearsome predators that roam just beneath the surface of the desolate wilderness areas. They are also called “land sharks” due to their sleek appearance, voracious appetites, and iconic dorsal fins. A single bulette patrols a vast territory spanning hundreds of miles and preys freely on anything within it.
The kobold then attempts to interrogate some of the wounded hobgoblins, but he is unable to obtain any additional, useful information.
Meris sneaks around the hut and tries to slip past whilst they may be distracted by some other passer-by. Like a shadow in the night, she is but the memory of a sigh.
Meris sneaks around the hut and tries to slip past whilst they may be distracted by some other passer-by. Like a shadow in the night, she is but the memory of a sigh.
Seelah examines the alchemical components of the bulette's remains.
Sun Fire Boom Boom makes his way to the mess to eat some grub and chat with the chef.
Oltug seems pleased to have the company, though he grumbles about Morgroar's impending arrival at the noon hour. Like many other hobgoblins, Morgroar adheres to a strict schedule. He regularly enters the mess hall for
his meal at the noon hour and again one hour before sunset. While there, Oltug notes, Morgroar seems to delight in chastising him."That is why I believe he stole my alchemical supplies," Oltug explains. Oltug also confirms that none of the hobgoblins in camp use arcane or occult magic or magic items derived from these traditions and that many share a traditional disdain for these types of magic.
Seelah examines the alchemical components of the bulette's remains.
Seelah confirms most of the findings of Doktor Middens' findings with regard to the bulette's pheromones and the presence of chemical poison containing hunting spider venom.
I have added an updated list of possible avenues of investigation to Slides.
Meris sneaks around the hut and tries to slip past whilst they may be distracted by some other passer-by. Like a shadow in the night, she is but the memory of a sigh.
The sharp-eyed Aspis agent gives only passing regard to the goblin, before calling out the elf.
"You there, Pathfinder! What are you doing there?" cries the agent. "The representative of Oprah assured the security of ourselves and property. If you have ill intentions, then I am sure the hobgoblins would be interested in hearing them."
Overhearing about Morgroar's rigid schedule at the Mess Hall, Jirelle resolves to try to get hold of the vellum. She wonders if perhaps combined with the book it could be deciphered.
She waits for him to head to lunch, then sneaks into the familiar tent.
Morgroar's hut is unattended. However, the vellum remains on his person, tucked behind bandolier.
" 'Ill' intentions, indeed! I think I drank something bad. Is this not the latrine tent? My apologies!" Meris veers off course and mutters to herself.
Seelah will investigate the hole from which the bulettes came. If it's dark inside, she'll ask someone to cast light on her shield. Worst case scenario, she'll light a torch - and hold shield/torch rather than shield/sword.
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Jirelle approaches Meris after she is chastisted.
"Psst. I need your help. I found this book of ciphers, and I think Morgroar has the coded messages on a piece of vellum. Or the other way around- whatever. If we can get both, we can decode the message and figure out what the Apsis has been planning with him, and even better it's hard evidence to show Eloqi!"
She tries her sweetest smile.
"The only problem is he's keeping the velum on himself at all times, we need someone with light fingers..."
" 'Ill' intentions, indeed! I think I drank something bad. Is this not the latrine tent? My apologies!" Meris veers off course and mutters to herself.
“As a Pathfinder, perhaps you should spend more time working on finding paths!” cries the Aspis agent, thinking himself clever. Then, pausing for a moment, he mutters, ”Wait, did she just equate our lodgings to a latrine? But, that would make us the --!”
After his failure with covering for Meris, NibNok will head back to the mess hall and chat up the chef, trying to fish for a juicy bit of gossip while trying to fish for a juicy piece of meat for Wolfie ...
At the Mess Hall, NibNok finds gossip and meat, but little fish.
"The only problem is he's keeping the velum on himself at all times, we need someone with light fingers..."
He begins to reach for his weapon and then halts his actions, noting the attention the act may draw and suddenly thinking better of it.
“The Lieutenant, will hear of your affront to an officer of the nation of Oprak!” he declares, then marches off towards the Meeting Hall as other hobgoblins in camp, alerted by the commotion, look on.
Seelah will investigate the hole from which the bulettes came. If it's dark inside, she'll ask someone to cast light on her shield. Worst case scenario, she'll light a torch - and hold shield/torch rather than shield/sword.
The bulettes left a massive hole in their wake, descending thirty-five feet into the disturbed ground. At the base of the hole, it is indeed quite dark. Utilizing a light source, Seelah can see that borrowed tunnels heads off toward the north, south, and east.
Map of area that Seelah can see is now on Slides.Sun Fire Boom Boom will offer Seelah his Wayfinder if it will be helpful.
In addition to the leads above ground,
"Oh, absolutely. Discretion is the better part of valor."
Seelah will back out of the cave carefully, and ask if the others would like to accompany her.
"I'm afraid that I'm not very useful above ground ... I can aid some of your shenanigans here, but at some point when we're all free, we should explore the cave together."
"Seelah! Oh, I'd love to go on a underground excursion with you! How romantic, a dark dalliance in the depths below." Meris teases. " Of course I'm free, silly! I just had to powder my nose with some Aspis. I'm all done now, and it put me in the mood for a good stabbing!"
Descending down through the gash in the earth, the dirt and rock below begins to level out around thirty-five feet below the surface. Below the surface, your noses are assaulted by a pungent, musky smell that permeates the air.
A series of tunnels bored through the ground, each standing about fifteen feet high, head off towards the north, the south, and the east.
Go ahead and place your PC tokens where you wish to go on the Map.
Sun Fire Boom Boom spots a series of deep, roughly parallel markings are appear periodically, etched into the stone throughout this portion of the tunnel.
The markings and signs indicate that several burrowing creatures, likely bulettes, and humanoids have been using this tunnel simultaneously for the past several days, which correlates to a time about two days prior to the Aspis' delegation's arrival in camp.
"I'm not good at following tracks, but I'll be happy to go first if someone points me in the right direction."