Catastrophes Spark with DM Deevor PFS2 #02-03 - T1 (Inactive)

Game Master Deevor

Incendia moves a bit closer and peers into the dim light in the area that Nal pointed out.

If she sees it..
She recalls what she can about the creature, then conveys what she knows to her allies.

If she doesn't see anything...
She gathers her magic around her to protect from the hidden foe.

◆Stride, ◆Seek, ◆Recall Knowledge or Cast shield

Rannarix angrily follows the direction of the filament, looking for whatever it was that attacked him.

1. Seek

If Successful:

2. Hunt Prey
2a. Monster Hunter - Recall Knowledge
3. Strike w/ Precision

If not successful with Seek, keep seeking until it's found.

◆ Point out, ◆ Stride, ◆ Ready

In 2e a Ready action is ◆◆ i.e. 2 actions so remember for next time.

Rannarix peers into the darkness seeking out the creature, but the shock of being caught by the sticky filament, causes his eyes to fog with tears, he is unable to locate the creature. highest roll was a 10, ugh!!

Incendia moves forward, but she is unable to locate the creature, so raises her shield in readiness for action.

Redd gets herself ready for any upcoming battle by getting her bow out.

Nal, points to where she thinks she saw the creature and get ready to attack any more filaments that might attack a party member.

And sure enough a new filament shoots from a crab-like creature in the dim light that reveals itself, it's size larger than the shell that seems to have been set as a trap for any unsuspecting creature.

The first filamant shoots at Incendia 1d20 ⇒ 2, but misses as the gnome ducks out of the way. Next it tries at Nal, 1d20 - 5 ⇒ (20) - 5 = 15 the sticky line taking hold around the rogues waist, as she reacts trying to slash the filament with her shortsword. Although she strikes with all her effort, the line remains and she is grabbed. The line is made taut and Nal feels the creature starting to pull her towards the drop into the storage channel. 1d20 ⇒ 14 Unable to resist, Nal is dragged over the edge into the storage channel as she falls to the floor, bumping and hitting herself, bruises coming quickly to the half-elf Nal 7HPs damage, reaction, as already used. She continues to be dragged along the bottom of the channel, unable to get to her feet. Nal is prone.

You are all up round 2, Nal Round 3

Sorry away for a busy weekend.

"It's bigger than--Aagh!" Nal begins to warn the group as she's snagged and dragged into the channel. OW! Scrambling to her feet, she tugs on the filament with her left hand and slices at the taut section beyond it with the blade that is, remarkably, still in her hand.

Shortsword (S): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 261d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

I haven't moved her token, but I did put an arrow on the map for her potential movement, if she has an action left.

◆ Stand, ◆ Strike, ◆ Strike OR Sneak

Have we now seen the creature? Or no?

Incendia slips into the dim light and then gestures with her hand at a piece of rubble on the ground. It streaks across the trench toward the creature.

Concealment: 1d20 ⇒ 6

telekinetic projectile: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17 for bludgeoning: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Have we now seen the creature? Or no?

Yes you see the creature

Nal you cut the filament with your first strike, so 1 action left. My understanding of the rules, it's 1 action to move (Stride/Step), 1-action to Take Cover and another action to Hide.

Incendia's stone rubble, strikes the wall above the creature, as the rubble bursts into dust, that covers the crab in a grey coating of dirt.

Nal is able to get up and free himself of the tether, cutting through in a single strike.

Redd moves to the edge of the pit and sees the creature in the light shining from her wayfinder.
Ooh! There it is. I see it.
She takes two shots in succession with her bow.
+1 shortbow: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
piercing: 1d6 ⇒ 5
deadly?: 1d10 ⇒ 6

+1 shortbow & MAP: 1d20 + 8 - 5 ⇒ (16) + 8 - 5 = 19
piercing: 1d6 ⇒ 3
deadly?: 1d10 ⇒ 5

1. Hunt Prey
...1a. Monster Hunter: Free Action Recall Knowledge.
...Arcana +5, Crafting +5, Nature +3, Occultism +5, Religion +3, Society +5
2. Strike
3. Strike

If the Recall Knowledge is a critical success, everyone gets +1 to hit for a round.

shortbow First Strike: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 261d6 ⇒ 6
shortbow Second Strike: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 191d6 ⇒ 4

Precision (additional damage to first shot to hit): 1d8 ⇒ 4

Nal you cut the filament with your first strike, so 1 action left. My understanding of the rules, it's 1 action to move (Stride/Step), 1-action to Take Cover and another action to Hide.

Nal is able to get up and free himself of the tether, cutting through in a single strike.

Nal is female.

Since she cut the filament, Nal's actions were: Stand, Strike, Sneak. I missed the part about the Stealth roll being a secret check, so feel free to re-roll it.

With the crab now a bit camouflaged by the dust from Incendia's shattered rock, Redd fires into the moving shadows on the opposite ledge, but both bolts smash into the wall missing the crab.

However, Rannarix used to the hunt and the way creatures can hide in the colours of their surrounding fires a shot that hits the crab. Now aware of Rannarix, the crab is able to just step to the side, showing it's hardened carapace, that deflects the arrow harmlessly by.

The crab decides to snatch at the nasty little creature that sent a deadly stinger at him. It shoots out another filament, Strike 1d20 ⇒ 7 that hits, the thin strong as steel line wrapping itself around the small dragon. The line goes taut as Rannarix feels himself being dragged towards the precipice. Athletics 1d20 ⇒ 10 The kobold is small, despite digging heels into the ground, the crabs strength is too great and Rannarix tumbles into the channel, Rannarix takes 7HPs damage from falling.. The crab then crawls along the ledge seeking to hide in the debris, but despite it's best efforts, it remains in plain sight of those who watch it.

Crab
◆ - Strike ranged filament 15ft
◆ - Pull Filament
◆ - Sneak

Rannarix is prone and grabbed.

Can I attack the filament?

Seeing the nimble nature of the creature, Incendia decides to adapt her tactics, with a twist of her wrist, she attempts to brush psychic pain through the attacker.

Daze: 4 mental damage, DC 17 Basic Will. Also stunned 1 on critical failure.

She uses the remnants of the spell to shield herself from a possible reprisal.

◆◆Daze
◆Shield

The creature feels a flash of pain in it's mind sent from the motherly gnome's fingers. Will save 1d20 ⇒ 18 Incendia sees the creature click it's armoured claws, as it fights the pain, before it huddles down again, seemingly content.

Rannarix, Redd and Nal are up, Creature is observed.

Redd bolsters her companions' morale with stories of the brave Pathfinder, Durvin Gest.
(◇ lingering composition & ◆ inspire courage.)
"...and when Durvin fell into that deep pit in battle, all bloodied and battered, his adventurin' companions dropped a rope down to pull him up!..."
Performance: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14
I think that's a fail, so, only 1 round of Inspire Courage.

She then takes careful aim at the creature across the pit and lets two arrows loose.
+1 shortbow & IC: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 8 + 1 = 19
piercing & IC: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
deadly?: 1d10 ⇒ 3

+1 shortbow, IC & MAP: 1d20 + 8 + 1 - 5 ⇒ (12) + 8 + 1 - 5 = 16
piercing & IC: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
deadly?: 1d10 ⇒ 8

Redd's stories of Durvin Gest, provide a bolster to the morale of her companions, Not lingering, just 1 round. Though her concentration on the story doesn't improve her aim as two arrows fly harmlessly high and wide, smacking into the wall high above Nal.

Weird. I posted here hours ago, but I don't see the post...

Rannarix shoves his bow over his shoulder, draws his sword and attacks!

Shortsword v. Filament: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 161d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Despite Rannarix's best effort and accuracy with his shortsword , the filament seems as strong as steel. The blade just makes no mark on the thread that binds him, as though he doesn't have the strength to break his bonds. He struggles on his back, prone on the floor kicking out and digging in against the inevitable.

Rannarix hint - read and inwardly digest all the narrative.

Time to put a target on my back. Nal's wry thought lingers in her mind as she plants a boot against the wall to give herself a boost. The rough, aged wood of the crate drives splinters into her hands as Nal heaves herself up to the top of the crate.

Climb: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

Turning to face the south wall, she backs up against the far side of the crate, takes a powerful step forward, and leaps upward to catch a handhold halfway up the south wall.

Jump: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

"Uhhgh!" The impact drives the air from her lungs. Gasping for a breath, she begins pulling herself upwards.

Climb: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

◆ Climb, ◆ Jump, ◆ Climb

Copied from the discussion thread....

Is it morning-ish there yet?

Nall manages to climb up the crate and wall, after deciding that jumping wasn't on the menu today.

The crab creature starts to reel the kobold in, Pull Filament 1d20 ⇒ 14 - Critical Success, despite Rannarix's struggles against the crab, he can't stopped being taken closer to the dangerous looking claws. Dragged up and onto the ledge next to the crab, grabbed by the stickly filament that holds him.

Now with a tasty kobold in front of it, the claw tries to rip the flesh from it's captive. Claw 1d20 ⇒ 17 - damage 1d10 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14 Rannarix feels his body crushed and flesh and bones broken by the deadly claw, that is now covered and sticky from the kobold's blood. The creature scurries to the far end of the ledge, ready to pull it's dinner towards it,

Rannarix is at dying 1 and grabbed by the filament.
Everyone is up .... Rannarix's action is moved in front of the enemy. Rannarix please roll your recovery check, straight d20 at the start of your turn.

[spoiler=GM Screen]
Incendia 28/28 AC 17/18
Nal 21/28 AC 19
Rannarix 0/16 AC 18
Redd 24/24 AC 18
Crab damage taken 10.

Oh no! It's eating Rannarix! Eww, gross!
Redd gags in disgust.

She bolsters her companions' morale again.
(◇ lingering composition & ◆ inspire courage.)
"...Durvin was once captured by hill giants that were going to eat him. He tricked them into thinking he was too lean to be eaten and that his body was diseased. They cut his bonds and let him loose!..."
Performance: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

She takes careful aim again at the creature across the pit and lets two arrows fly.
◆ +1 shortbow & IC: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 8 + 1 = 24
piercing & IC: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
deadly?: 1d10 ⇒ 7

◆ +1 shortbow, IC & MAP: 1d20 + 8 + 1 - 5 ⇒ (18) + 8 + 1 - 5 = 22
piercing & IC: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
deadly?: 1d10 ⇒ 3

Inspire Courage up for 3 rounds!
+1 attacks & damage!

So it looks like Nal climbed 10 feet last round.

Climb: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Ouch. Falling 10 feet.

Heaving herself up the last bit of wall, Nal scrabbles at the edge. Her fingers slip on the centuries' buildup of dust and she falls to the ground. Crap! ... Ow. Brushing herself off, she hastily tries to climb the wall again.

Climb: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

◆ Climb, ◆ Stand, ◆ Climb

"Hang in there, everyone!"

Incendia channels some magic into healing Rannarix.
heal: 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

She protects herself with her magic.

◆◆Heal, ◆ Shield

Redd inspires the group to greater things, her words echo in the halls of your mind as you all recall your training in Absalom and the deeds of Durvin Gust. She then slams two arrows into the creature, making it squirm as it's beady eyes search for the source of the pain.

Nal manages to climb onto the ledge, despite finding holds more difficult than she thought. Nal didn't fall 10ft, but made no progress with the fail. 1-action left. She has used both hands for climbing, so no weapon ready.

Incendia's magic enters Rannarix, bringing back the life into his battered and bloodied body.
Rannarix is Wounded 1, prone, grabbed by the filament and nothing in his hands.
Rannarix is up

Nal didn't fall 10ft, but made no progress with the fail. 1-action left. She has used both hands for climbing, so no weapon ready.

So it looks like Nal has climbed a total of 15 feet over the last two turns. That should bring her to up out of the channel.

Scrambling to her feet, Nal reaches for her shortsword.

Final action: Stand. (She'll draw her shortsword next round.)

Rannarix tries desperately to slip away from the sticky filament.

If he can use the Escape action, he will. Otherwise, he'll draw a dagger and saw at the filament.

Rannarix is able to wriggle free from the filament, grab his sword and stand up on the ledge in front of Nal, who had just climbed up behind the kobold.

The creature unable to ignore the stinging arrows that came it's way, looks across the channel at the two possible targets, but see that only one looks active, so fires a filament at Redd 1d20 ⇒ 4, but the nimble bard is able to dodge out of the way. Unperturbed the creature follows up again, 1d20 - 5 ⇒ (13) - 5 = 8 so quickly that Redd finds herself grabbed by the filament and feels the crab start to pull her towards the edge, but she just manages to dig her heels in enough to stop her falling into the channel. 1d20 ⇒ 7

You are all up Redd is grabbed
Redd can strike at the filament or use escape, if she wants to free herself from being grabbed by the filament.

"Well, we can guess where all of the bones came from!"

Incendia levitates another chunk of debris at the creature and shields herself.

telekinetic projectile: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 7 + 1 = 16 for bludgeoning: 1d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 1 = 9

◆◆Telekinetic Projectile, ◆ Shield

Rannarix drops his sword, draws his bow and fires twice.

Shortbow v. Crab: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 161d6 ⇒ 4
Shortbow v. Crab: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 271d6 ⇒ 1
Precision (Add to damage of first successful hit: 1d8 ⇒ 3

I'm guessing that's a whopping 8 damage. :-p

Incendia's rubble makes the area around the crab dusty, making visibility difficult when the lump of rubble cracks against the wall.

Rannarix finding it difficult to find his range misses with the first shot, but as the dust settles, is able to fire the shot straight into the crab's exposed flank.

Nal and Redd are up

"Glad you're alive, Rannarix! 'Scuse me!" Breathlessly, Nal draws her shortsword, scoots past Rannarix, and tries to stab the crabby thing in one of the cracks in its armor.

Shortsword (P): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 221d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

◆ Interact (draw weapon), ◆ Stride, ◆ Strike

No, no, no, no, no!
Redd shouts as she's dragged by the sticky filament towards the pit.
She digs her heels into the flagstone floor and manages to catch a crack that prevents her from being pulled into the pit.
She twists and turns to try to break free of the filament.
Acrobatics & IC: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 7 + 1 = 9

If that's a crit fail, I'll wait to do next actions after finding out effects of crit fail.

As Redd tries to break free, she further entangles herself.
Redd cannot make another escape attempt this turn - Crit Fail
Redd remains grabbed.

Nal goes and strikes the crab, as the crab watched Redd's efforts to escape.

Redd has 2 actions left.

Since Redd can't use the escape action this turn, I'm at a loss as to what to do.

I think I got myself all wrapped up in a sticky situation.
Redd jokes about the filament.
She tugs backwards on the filament, hoping she doesn't get pulled into the pit.

Aunt Cindy!
Redd calls out with despair in her eyes.
Do you have a dagger or sword to cut this tentacle?

With Redd struggling with the filament, the crab has felt exposed and threatened by the nasty Nal that stabbed it and drew blood.

With a quick turn the crab snaps at Nal with it's vicious claws, 1d20 ⇒ 8 then tries again 1d20 - 5 ⇒ (16) - 5 = 11. Despite Nal's best efforts both times the claw bite deep into her flesh, ripping her stomach apart and dropping the rogue to the ground. Nal takes 26 HPs damage, is at Dying 1, unless you have a reaction.

The crab then tries to reel Redd in again, 1d20 - 10 ⇒ (12) - 10 = 2 . but fails to find the strength, as the wounds it has taken seem to impede it's stamina to continue attacks.

You are all up again Nal is now going just before the crab. Nal is prone, nothing in her hands and dying 1.

Struggling to free herself, Redd tries to escape from the tentacle.
Acrobatics & IC: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 7 + 1 = 16

Now grimly determined to destroy this crab that has his teammate, Rannarix continues to fire his bow.

Shortbow v. Crab: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 201d6 ⇒ 1
Shortbow v. Crab: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 171d6 ⇒ 5
Shortbow v. Crab: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (2) - 3 = -11d6 ⇒ 1
Precision (Add to damage of first successful hit: 1d8 ⇒ 6

As Nal's bloody body crumples onto the ledge, her shortsword clatters to the floor beside her with a discordant clang. (If she'd been left handed it would've fallen into the channel.)

Recovery check DC 11: 1d20 ⇒ 8

Oh, the irony. She could cast Stabilize on herself if only she could wake up. :p

Or the alternative ending for Nal: As the deadly strike from the crab is about to hit, Nal's reaction is quick enough to nimbly dodge out of the way of the first strike...

She stands over the crab shortsword in hand, with the image of what might have been flooding through her mind...

Remember your character sheet Nal ;-) Applying your reaction Nimble Dodge to the first hit of 10HPs means you have survived.... you lost 16HPs on the second hit... Nal mow stands at 5HPs and is living and standing.

Redd struggles against the filament trying to escape, but this time being more careful. she doesn't get herself tangled in the sticky line holding her. Redd you have 2 more actions and can try to escape again.

Rannarix takes careful aim at the crab but in his efforts to avoid Nal, the first shot scraps of the crab's shell, doing no damage. But with adrenalin still surging through Rannarix's body, the little kobolds shaky aim misses completely with the rest of his shots.

Nal and Incendia 3 actions, Redd has 2 actions

Frustrated at her unsuccessful attempts to hit the creature, Incendia switches back to attacking the creature's mind and shielding herself.

Daze: 4 mental damage, DC 17 Basic Will.

◆◆ daze
◆shield

The crabs claws reach for the sky, snipping at an illusionary foe, Will Save 1d20 ⇒ 4 almost wincing, squirming on the floor as this illusion attacks it, getting past the creatures defences.

Nal has 3 actions, Redd has 2 actions

Redd tries to escape from the tentacle again.
Acrobatics & IC: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 7 + 1 = 15

Redd continues to struggle to free herself, but this strand is so sticky it holds onto her fastening her in place.

My apologies that I missed Nimble Dodge. I've adjusted my character sheet so it's where I would think to look for it next time.

Feeling woozy, Nal takes a guarded step back, fishes out a potion, and chugs it down. "Ugh. It's all yours, Rannarix." She flattens herself against the wall so he can get a clearer shot.

Lesser healing potion: 2d8 + 5 ⇒ (4, 8) + 5 = 17

◆ Step, ◆ Interact (draw potion), ◆ Interact (drink potion)

With another meal getting up and walking off, the crab knows it has a meal at the end of it's line, now is the time to pull that meal to it. Filament Pull 1d20 ⇒ 14 - critical success Suddenly the line goes taut and Redd is taken spinning and falling into the channel, Taking 7HPs damage as she bumps across the floor.

Smashing her head into the crate, she is pulled all the way up to the ledge in front of the crab. Taking advantage of it's catch, the crab uses it's claw to try and finish the straining and prostrate halfling. Strike Claw 1d20 - 5 ⇒ (13) - 5 = 8. The halfling still bound by the filament, is struck by the deadly claw, ripping at the halfling's throat, trying to stop the awful noise from the stories that came from the meal's mouth, Redd takes 17pts of damage.

The crab takes it's claw high, dripping with Redd's blood, the crab tries to finish the job. Strike Claw 1d20 - 10 ⇒ (19) - 10 = 9 Which it does as it rips into the defenseless Redd, 9 HPs damage as the lights in Redds eyes dim and darkness clouds her mind in unconsciousness and she drops her deadly bow.

The crab, heavily injured rises up on its legs, triumphant over it's dinner.

Redd is dying 1, prone and weaponless

You are all up, Redd goes just before the crab

"Land sakes!" Incendia gasps when she sees Redd ripped into. She gestures and the bleeding stops, for the moment at least.
◆◆ Stabilize

She then shields herself, lest she become the next meal.

◆Shield

"No! No! NO!" Rannarix yells in a shrill voice as he fires desperately at the predator.

Shortbow v. Crab: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 231d6 ⇒ 2
Shortbow v. Crab: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 101d6 ⇒ 1
Shortbow v. Crab: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (12) - 3 = 91d6 ⇒ 1
Precision (Add to damage of first successful hit: 1d8 ⇒ 3

Redd lies still on the ground, but Incendria's magic enters her body, sealing the wounds and stopping her bleed, but not the images that pass through her mind in her unconscious sleep.

With Nal flat against the wall, Rannarix sends one arrow straight into the crab, weakening it further, but in it's tottering state it still protects it's meal to the end.

Nal to go, Redd unconscious on the ledge.

"Reddiwhipple! You're kneadin' the dough too hard! Go easy, child."
Redd looks up, blinks, and suddenly finds herself in her grandmother's kitchen. The smell of freshly baked fruit pies and pastries permeates the tiny halfling-sized kitchen. She stops kneading the pastry dough in the large wooden bowl and turns to find Granny Appleblossom smiling lovingly at her.
Sorry, Gramma. I was daydreaming about being an adventurer again. Oh, how wonderful it would be to fight bravely among my heroic companions. Wizards casting flashy spells, knights in armor slaying dragons, and daring rogues sneaking in the darkness to strike the monster in the back!
Redd picks up the rolling pin next to her and thrusts it forward like a swashbuckler's rapier.
"Oh, Redd. You've been readin' them storybooks too much."
Granny says as she rolls her eyes with a tilt of her head. A dusting of flour falls from her hair tied tightly into a bun on the top of her head.
"Now quit daydreamin' an' knead that dough gently. We need four dozen pastries for your gran-pappy's birthy-day party t'morrow."

Yes, ma'am.
Redd says as she gets back to kneading the dough. She goes back to dreaming about being a brave adventurer like many other twelve year old halfling girls her age.

"Redd. Blackberry pie's done. Fetch it from the oven, dearie."

Redd opens the small wood burning oven and sighs in disappointment.
Uh-oh, Gramma. This one got burned on one side.
Quickly donning her oven mitts, she carefully pulls the blackberry pie out and holds it up to show her grandmother.

"Oh, dear. Well, luckily that's the first one to be overdone."
She does a quick count of the pies set out throughout the kitchen.
"We have fifteen. Three more and we'll have enough. Why don't you take a li'l break and you can eat some o' that pie that didn't get burned.
Be sure to share with your little brother, now."

Redd gives her grandmother a squinty-eyed smile and marches out the back door of the kitchen to the small garden out back.

Bibby, where are you? Granny said we can have some pie!
Redd calls out.

A smiling young boy, half Redd's age, with curly orange hair flowing from beneath a straw hat peeks out from a flower bush and strides forward. He reaches for the pie but Redd quickly pulls it away from his grabby hands.
No, Bibby. We need to let it cool down a bit. Here... Blow.
They both blow on the pie with giddy grins to help it cool down faster.
There. That should be good.
Redd says after a while.
They both sit down on the soft carpet of grass as Redd places the pie on the ground between her and her younger brother. They quickly scoop small finger-fulls of fresh pie and stuff it in their mouths, licking the warm berry sauce from their fingers as they giggle with joy.
Mmmmm. So delightful.
Redd says between licks and a scoop of pie.
She feels the warm berry sauce dripping down her chin. Then she feels the warm sauce dripping down her arms. Then her legs. Everything around her begins to turn into a blur.

"Land sakes!" Incendia gasps when she sees Redd ripped into.

"No! No! NO!" Rannarix yells in a shrill voice as he fires desperately at the predator.

Redd lies unconscious on the cold flagstone floor, with blood as warm as fresh blackberry pie covering her body.