Chaance backtraacks, as far as the last chokepoint where anyone following them would have to maintain surveilling distance. At least where she would suspect this happen. If there is a lack of interest in doing so, the elfdroid refrains from taking this action.
When you move where Rūha thinks to have seen something. You find no trace of anyone.
You find a piece of fur attached to a low branch of vegetation. The fur is gold metallic. You recognize it because you have seen it close before, not too long ago, in the Choking Tower. It is a piece from the fur of an Aurumvorax.
"Well, it's probably nothing if I didn't see it. Let's move on."
Given the choice, Rhoreen would choose to do more in-depth exploration of the current hex, and then follow the wayfinder, but is also flexible. Running through areas is fine, but potentially inefficient as we’ll have to come back eventually.
Zzvkgrogk looks around but sees nothing but more forest.
”Are you sure Rūha, that we are being followed?” Just in case, he attempts to provoke while responding to Rūha’s belief that Binox might just try to fill a power gap if the group manages to take out the dominion. ”It can’t be Binox,” he says, addressing mostly the forest. ”I don’t think he is allowed to leave his hole.”
He points southwest. ”My vote is that way too, but if people want to explore around here more, I guess that’s ok too.”
After the group retraces its steps for a bit, Rūha looks for signs of the being following them but finds nothing. She shakes her head. "Quite sure Zzvkgrogk, though I suppose it could have been a particularly curious and persistent animal. I suppose you're right it wouldn't be Binox itself, but it could be some underling. Something small." She shrugs. "Well, if I see them again I'll let you all know."
She's happy to explore the current hex in more detail, hoping to catch another sight of the stalker following the group.
The group decides to explore the current area more thoroughly, venturing deeper into the forested surroundings. The dense foliage and rugged terrain make for slow progress though.
After a couple of hours of exploration, including getting wet to ford the river to the southern bank, you come upon a small, well-concealed campsite. The remnants of a recent fire and a few scattered personal items suggest that someone has been staying here. As you approach, you notice a tall figure with small horns and tattoo-like birthmarks emerging from the shadows. The scent of brimstone hangs faintly in the air.
The tiefling regards the party with a cautious but friendly expression "Greetings, travelers" he says, probably relieved you are not an alien tree looking for prey, his voice smooth and confident "I am Hyrsek Caio, a tracker and bounty hunter by trade. I see you've stumbled upon my camp. Please, make yourselves comfortable."
Hyrsek's demeanor is open and welcoming, but his eyes are sharp and calculating, assessing each of you "What are you doing in such a place my friends?"
| 3 people marked this as a favorite. |
"I think the aurumvorax is pursuing us, even now." Chaance peels the gold fur from branch, and shows it to the others. "We may need to watch our gear. And our necks."
...
"Well met, Hyrsek. Fate has brought us together again. Have you found Therace yet?" Chaance lobs the introductory question shuttlecock back into the tiefling's court.
"Well met, Hyrsek. Fate has brought us together again. Have you found Therace yet?"
Know (Local or History at -4) -
Rhoreen stares at the tiefling, then at Chaance, then back to the tiefling. She examines it with critical eye while others negotiate a truce. She will examine the wayfinder to see which direction it points.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Hyrsek Caio smiles widely when Chaance walks forward to talk "Long time no see, my dear Chaance"
"Not really found. I discovered though his squad came here, to the Scar, after enrolling two alien hunters. It seems he thought relevant alien tech to be here. But where are my modals? Please sit, let's enjoy a meal together" very happily he points to the place around the campfire "Have you found your own lost man? Khoneer Bane was it again?" the tiefling stares at Chaance and does not look at anyone else.
Rhoreen has heard these names before, someone back in Torch told her about just some weeks ago. Chaance did.
"Yes, Khonnir is alive and well." The elfdroid avoids placing 'Khonnir' in the vicinity, unsure of the tiefling and a bounty hunter's personal agenda.
"Of course we'll join you. Perhaps we can share intelligence, regarding the Scar." Chaance recounts their interaction with Binox, cautioning the tiefling about the cave in question.
"You are brave to venture into the Scar alone. I hope you have the means for expeditious retreat, when something untoward steps out of the local shadows."
Chaance encourages the others to join, in both food stuffs which the elfdroid declines to partake of, and the conversation, which has begun amiably enough.
Yambul is surprised to see Hyrsek Caio out here in the wild... and even more surprised when Chaance remembers him. Hell, knows him at all!
He takes a breather and lets Chaance work his magic while he looks over the campsite casually from his seat by the fire.
"You have any cilantro? It doesn't keep well, but would do wonders for what you've got cooking here." he says amiably in a break in the conversation.
He offers to help cook, since there are so many more of them now, with supplies from his pack. Though, sadly, no fresh cilantro. Prestidigitation is nice, but not as good as the real thing!
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Hyrsek Caio listens attentively at your story about Binox "Mmm... interesting. You say this Binox is collecting tech? Was any human at his base?"
After sharing some food and water with you, Hyrsek seems happy to share a bit of what he has learned himself "Indeed, this is a dangerous place. I have only recently arrived in the Scar, but I have already determined there are two dangerous factions of aliens at war in the valley. It has been a chore to simultaneously manage to avoid direct confrontation with either"
The smiley tiefling opens a bag and offers some cheese "And so... what does it bring you to the Scar... Not the bounty on Therace I suppose..." Hyrsek laughs but he quickly stares attentively, almost inquisitorial, waiting for a response to his no question.
You notice that Hyrsek's campsite is well-organized, with a variety of supplies and equipment that suggest he is well-prepared for an extended stay in the Scar of the Spider.
On a late note, he opens a bag and offers cilantro to Yambul "All yours. This one comes from Galt, as surprising as that might seem"
"I'm sorry...what...what are the two factions of aliens in conflict? I think I know the situation, but you probably have a better sense of things. Would you mind sharing?" Rhoreen asks, eventually trusting others if they would trust Hyrsek.
"And so... what does it bring you to the Scar... Not the bounty on Therace I suppose..."
Chaance regards Hyrsek, hearing something like relaxation in the company of this infernal individual among the Zzvkith. She herself keeps her distance, remembering his airs in Silverdisk.
How odd. To feel more at ease with a computer intelligence trapped in a cave, than a tiefling bounty hunter, alone and loose in the Scar...
"Your bounty is yours, and yours alone, Hyrsek. We are not hunting Therace. If you want to describe them to us, we might even find ourselves helping you locate them as we investigate the Scar. We seek a Dominion Hive. In fact, Binox gave us actionable intelligence as to its location. We are enemies of the Dominion of the Black, you see. And we seek to root them out." The elfdroid is careful to suggest anything more than that, and she presumes the rest of the Zzvkith is smart enough to follow her lead.
Ruha adds to Chaance's commentary by saying "Binox was rather opposed to interaction with any non-machine, unless that non-machine was interested in offering fealty. I cannot say whether there are any humans there now, but I doubt it. I suspect the death toll at the entrance is rather high however. If you do check Binox's lair for your bounty, I would suggest bringing a small technological offering to satiate it."
She also adds the question "Do you know much of the dangers to the north and south of here?"
On a late note, he opens a bag and offers cilantro to Yambul "All yours. This one comes from Galt, as surprising as that might seem"
Yambul gets very excited indeed and pulls off a few leaves. He starts to cook, and loses track of the conversation for a while.
(heroism)
The smiley tiefling opens a bag and offers some cheese
Zzvkgrogk retrieves a bag of ham from his backpack for an offering.. ”You can not have one with out the other.”
Hyrsek laughs but he quickly stares attentively, almost inquisitorial, waiting for a response to his no question.
Realizing that Hyrsek has become (potentially deadly) serious, with a mouthful Zzvkgrogk adamantly shakes his head ‘No.’. Who?
"Your bounty is yours, and yours alone, Hyrsek. We are not hunting Therace.”
Without outwardly reacting Zzvkgrogk finds his memory vigorously jogged. Oh… that’s right.. Had she mentioned this before? I guess I wasn’t listening.
When Rūha is finisthed with her description of the cave and it’s inhabitants he simply adds, ”Murderballs.”
The tiefling looks relaxed after Chaance's statement and picks some of the ham offered by Zzvkgrogk "Oh, I am sure you will recognize him if you spot him, it is hard to not recognize a lieutenant of the Technic League." Hyrsek gives an accurate physical description just in case anyway.
"And about the aliens, well, from what I have uncovered, one of the factions like to eat humanoid brains. The other one are some type of fungoid with wings and an arthropod outlook. They are at war at each other, but I do not know where the base of each of the two are." he further shares while finishing the ham and smelling what Yambul is preparing "You have a hand at that"
"Perhaps we can be of mutual assistance. If you help me in my search, I would be more than willing to lend my aid to your endeavors here." he pauses, allowing the group to process his proposal "What do you say? A temporary alliance could be beneficial for all of us. Specially with all those aliens around. Force in numbers."
It is getting late and the sun is starting to go down in the sky.
"Oh, I am sure you will recognize him if you spot him, it is hard to not recognize a lieutenant of the Technic League."
Rhoreen looks at Hyrsek, then double checks what she heard.
"You're hunting the Technic League? Why didn't you say that earlier? Well hell, I was just waiting to figure out what was wrong with you, but then you drop that piece of information!" Rhoreen relaxes significantly. She smiles smugly.
"I'll gladly help you hunt down that piece of otyugh leavings. Happily. And won't even ask for a part of the bounty. And I don't even know why he's a bounty for you...I just assume because he's a prime a*!*%+&," she continues.
"Oh yeah, let's go hunt us some Technic jerks. Will this lieutenant have lackeys with him? I would be happy to kill them too, if that helps. You just point the way and I'll make sure they regret never knowing my name."
Rūha listens carefully and watches the tiefling's body language. The offer of mutual aid isn't entirely unusual in a place like this, but it struck her as odd for someone to have set a bounty on a Technic League member.
"Oh, well, don't get me wrong, I am not hunting THE Technic League. But someone in Starfall is interested on this one specifically." Hyrsek Caio nods satisfied by the positive reaction from Rhoreen "And yes, he had a small team of humans and elves with him. Not that I hope of anyone still alive in this place after so much time, but I made sure the bounty will pay the same for finding out what was from him and recover his tech and research notes."
You catch a smirk on the tiefling's lips, he is clearly not speaking the whole story.
Yambul’s ears perk up at the mention of the Technic League, and he listens long enough to hear they’re on the same side. He wonders if it’s true. He studies the tiefling swiftly before considering his story.
(heroism, studied)
”Mutual assistance, sure.” he mumbles in agreement with the others though he’ll watch this one carefully in case of backstabbing. He suspects though that Hyrsek will remain trustworthy so long as their interests are aligned.
| 4 people marked this as a favorite. |
Zzvkgrogk suppresses a snort. In his not to far distant youth, Zzvkgrogk fell prey to thieve’s underhanded proposals. How different could tiefling bounty hunters be?
This guy and his pear shaped tones. Is he actually exuding slime? And this cheese is leaving a bad taste. Don’t tell me it’s a cheap Andorian!
"Clearly I need to spend more time in Starfall," he mutters.
”Erm. Your offer is very generous. I see how we might be equipped to help you, though we might already have given you the information you need. But, imagine I'm wrong and we agree to this arrangement anyway. What do you have to offer in a fight against the hive of brain eaters besides what appears to be a semi-permanant camp?”
He carefully scrutinizes Hyrsek to see if he has any spells going.
He palms a piece of cheese for later inspection.
What does Yambul know of Therace?
(heroism)
...not much. He had wanted to compare his knowledge with what they're being told, but probably doesn't know enough.
Instead he'll ask, "Any of you know anything more about this Therace person?"
A touch suspicious that the group may be getting hoodwinked in some fashion, Rūha glances at the others before suggesting "If you're not against THE Technic League in this endeavor, I think our interests don't entirely align. Though they're aren't necessarily in conflict. Are you proposing we join forces and pursue both our tasks together?"
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Rhoreen looks at her companions, then at Hrysek, waiting to hear a response. She doesn’t need him to be against all the Technic League, though it would be both correct and nice. That he’s out to kill whatever is out here is good enough for her, but also, it’s not perfect. Not everyone can be perfect like her.
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
Chaance does her best to account for anything she recalls about Therace, a name that rattled mutely in her memory banks, diminished by the glow of Hyrsek Caio, bounty hunter.
"What do you say? A temporary alliance could be beneficial for all of us. Specially with all those aliens around. Force in numbers."
"This interests me. You see, I entered into a temporary alliance with an irrational computer intelligence, and my companions found it off-putting. Now, they face a similar conundrum- an obviously evil, albeit charming, bounty hunter may prove to be a useful ally here in the Scar. You wooed me with coin, beguiled Yambul with cooking herb... You are a survivor, like us. It's safe to say that you will choose your life over ours, should the occasion arise. I won't begrudge you that. I am not interested in making enemies. It consumes much needed resources."
Zzvkgrogk investigative mind finds all the evidences indicate a single person in the camp, and finds no traces of magic going on on him, other than a frost glimpse on the rapier. He notes though a few potions on his bandolier, without trace of scrolls or spellbooks.
Hyrsek does not seem to notice the ratfolk heist.
The tiefling smiles after Chaance description, he answers her, Zzvkgrogk and Rūha "Let's be open about this, I have no interest to fight the Dominion of the Black more than needed to collect my bounty. No sympathies for them. But I have no desire to risk my life without need. If you put yourselves at not clear situation with them, you will see me flee away. But, that said, I am pretty competent with this one" he taps his rapier "I tell you, with me those aliens will be much easier to defeat. Also, I know how to move myself on the wilderness. So yes, my dear four-armed one, I am proposing to explore this place together. Strength at numbers. I keep everything Therace related. You keep everything else."
You gather some memories from your past, the remnants inherited from Maukui. The name Therace tickles in your brain. The nanites replay the scene from Maukui even more vividly. The description matches with the one given by Hyrsek. Therace. Yes, that is the name of the man there with you and Revion.
"Side by side, but not arm in arm." Yambul suggests.
He looks to Chaance, "You know this man is evil?" He gives the tiefling another look - for not all of them are... And he'd been making an assumption that might not be true.
"I see..." Rūha has some reservations about having this odd and untrustworthy figure joining the group, but she can't deny that having more numbers will be worth something against the Dominion. Her instincts are saying to leave the fellow to his work, but resolves to accept his help if the others want it. She'd have to keep a close eye on him if so.
If given the opportunity to discuss the choice out of earshot of Hyrsek, she shares her thoughts.
Zzvkgrogk shares his thoughts if out of earshot ever also.
"I don't trust him because his kin make for good thieves. How did he even get out here alone?"
He looks at Chaance. "He bribed you once already? What are the odds that we would meet him in such dangerous territory? He's set up to stay for awhile too, from the looks of it. Could he have known we were headed here?"
He presents the pilfered cheese to the group's Cook. "Is this any good? I bet it's just plain ol' Andorian."
Rhoreen chooses to trust Chaance’s choice of friends but will keep her wits about her while in the tiefling’s company.
In the morning, he will ask Hyrsek some questions.
”Where do you think your prey is? Which direction? And do you have a search pattern or are you hoping to get lucky? Or…do you have magics that help you find what you seek?” Rhoreen asks.
”If you don’t have a plan, then we should probably do what I suggest, as I am the smartest here. Or we could follow Yambul, if you just want to find trouble,” she continues.
”I would deeply explore the area to our north, then proceed northeast after that with another deep exploration,” she announces as the best plan.
"Our target is to the west somewhere, maybe even southwest. Why are we going in the northern direction? And then east?" asks Yambul, who doesn't feel the need to search the entire region to find who knows what. They have a goal, why drift from it?
He's still not sure about this creature they're aligning with, however casually. Still, he keeps his study on him in case of trouble... I'm watching you mister.
He presents the pilfered cheese to the group's Cook. "Is this any good? I bet it's just plain ol' Andorian."
Yambul tries to determine the origin of the cheese, or at least it's nature.
He gives it a sniff, and even nibbles a bit.
"A madman told me he saw some Leaguers going southwest from here long time ago, so there is where I was planning to check first. But I am more than happy to follow along if you want to check other areas first." Hyrsek explains in response to Rhoreen.
The night passes, with strange noises in the surrounding wilderness, sounds you have not heard in the plains of Numeria before. But the Sun raises anyway the next day and you are well recovered and ready to continue your explorations.
Yambul checks the breakfast cheese, it is definitely from a region from south of the Encarthian lake. It might well be from Galt indeed.
"You know this man is evil?"
"'Look in your heart - you know they’re evil.'" The elfdroid's voice takes on an eerily similar cadence to the human's, though the pitch and quality remain inherently Chaance's.
"He bribed you once already? What are the odds that we would meet him in such dangerous territory? He's set up to stay for awhile too, from the looks of it. Could he have known we were headed here?"
"You sound paranoid. I said he wooed me. He gave me several gold coins to round my winnings at the Silverdisk to an even two platinum, and asked nothing in return, save perhaps useful intelligence I might have acquired afterwards. Think of the odds of him acquiring the exact same intelligence we acquired, and from what source we acquired it from." Chaance shakes her head. "I don't think Hyrsek planned to join our expedition, but I do think he's smart enough to use us as cannon fodder, and greatly increase his chance of survival in the Scar."
...
Quickly rested and nourished by her Ring, Chaance is ready to depart for the next allocation of Scar land, deemed west, or south-west. She is content for the hounds to lead the way, meanwhile keeping an eye to their rear, expecting an inconvenient encounter with an aurumvorax at any time...
"Use us as cannon fodder is exactly the impression I was getting as well, Chaance." Having recovered during the night, Rūha spends the early hours of the morning stretching before joining the others. Her own thought on where to go would be either to the orchard the group had seen on the way in, or back to make sure Binox wasn't about to cause trouble. But given the earlier discussion in the party she assumes both are right out. As for the remaining directions, heading directly west fills her with trepidation. She figures any other direction will likely have its own horrors.
She just says "Lead the way. I'll keep an eye out as well."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Yambul checks the breakfast cheese, it is definitely from a region from south of the Encarthian lake. It might well be from Galt indeed.
Worst than I thought! Zzvkgrogk flings the cheese into the forest as an offering to the aurumvorax who might be following the easier snacks.
"I don't think Hyrsek planned to join our expedition, but I do think he's smart enough to use us as cannon fodder, and greatly increase his chance of survival in the Scar."
”Oh, well… then I guess that makes it all O.K..” Zzvkgrogk snorts, not bothering to conceal sarcasm. Sure. Because I’m paranoid, not merely cautious. Zzvkgrogk rolls his eyes.
”Are you still 'wooed' Chaance? What are your intentions, here? I’m thinking Therace might might be the individual depicted in the wayfinder we found, and if that’s the case – be prepared to deal with he who would use us as 'cannon fodder'. I am curious to see if our goals and Hyrsek's actually align.”
The next morning, when all are refreshed, Zzvkgrogk packs up his things for the next leg of the journey.
”Let’s head south and west then, shall we? Toward the valley, past the river.”
"'Look in your heart - you know they’re evil.'" The elfdroid's voice takes on an eerily similar cadence to the human's, though the pitch and quality remain inherently Chaance's.
Yambul laughs, "Yes, but this man isn't taking brains for who-knows-what experiment. There's evil and there's evil you know?"
"Still, I take your point. Perhaps we should not be working with this one. Let us go our own way, and south or west toward our goal. So far no one has said why we should go in any different direction."
Yambul is quite ready to tell the tiefling thanks but no thanks, though he won't press it at this time since the party seems past it already. He packs up his gear and makes ready to depart.
”Let’s head south and west then, shall we? Toward the valley, past the river.”
Rhoreen shrugs and follows. She’s more likely to work with Hyrsek than not on a common task vs. a common foe.
"I think it too late, Cook Boy. Hyrsek seems headed in the same direction, so why not let him tag along? We'll see what happnes."
"Hey -- can you make some of that back bacon for breakfast again?"
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Chaance acknowledges Zzvkgrogk's concern by retrieving three gold coins, and pressing them into Hyrsek's palm. "While we all investigate the Scar in our respective ways, we will refrain from revealing your campsite location to anyone we come across. Perhaps the others will consider returning here to debrief and share information with you."
The elfdroid is ready to depart to the west. Or southwest. Or south, then west.
Yambul has bacon, 'cause why wouldn't you. And he cooks it willingly for everyone, including the tiefling. For they might as well be civilized about it.
He'd rather plunge ahead to the west or southwest, but in deference to Rhoreen's desires, he'll help search the region as they go.
(just general poking around. +5 when tracking)
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
When Chaance puts the gold coins on the tiefling's palm, Hyresk helds out her hand "Ah, my lost treasure returns. It's always a pleasure to see you bringing gold back into my life" he sais, his voice smooth and playful.
The group quickly breaks camp, efficiently packing away gear and supplies after enjoying Yambul's meal.
As the group ventures southwest, the landscape transitions from dry ground to soft, muddy terrain. The air grows thick with the earthy scent of wetland vegetation, and the path becomes a patchwork of stagnant ponds, bogs, and trickling rivers. Hot springs and geysers sporadically release steam into the cool morning air, creating an eerie, otherworldly atmosphere.
Tall reeds sway gently in the breeze, and the occasional croak of a frog or buzz of an insect fills the humid air. The swamp's bleak appearance holds a strange, captivating beauty. Mist hung low over the water, swirling in ghostly patterns disturbed by geothermal activity.
The valley's narrowing contours funnel the numerous streams and seepages to the northeast. Despite the oppressive humidity and the treacherously soft ground, you press on, navigating the twisting paths with caution thanks to Yambul's good care at finding a sure foot path.
While you explore this area, you stumble with some vegetation that aggressively move towards you. This mass of tangled vines and dripping slime is strangely blighted with some otherworldly color.
These are effectively shambling mounds but they are blighted by the strange eerie color that covers the whole swamp.
Weapon Equipped = Chainsaw (60m)
Conditions = None
Chainsaw: Att: 10/5 BAB +6 Str +1 magic (-3 PA) Dam: +9 Str +1 magic (+9 PA) Crit: 15-20x2 DR: adamantine, magic Charges: 0/10
Falchion: Att: 10/5 BAB +6 Str +1 MW (-3 PA) Dam: +9 Str (+9 PA) Crit: 18-20x2 DR: adamantine
Chef’s knife: Att: 10/5 BAB +1 magic +6 Str / +2 Dex (-3 PA) Dam: +6 Str (+6 PA) +1 magic Crit: 19-20x2 DR: magic Rng: 10’
Studied: (Hyrsek, pink) (mv|sw|im; +3 att, dam, bluff, disguise, intimidate, knowledge, perception, sense motive, stealth, survival)
Improved Iron Will (1/1d, reroll will save)
Spells: (1/1d, st, Magic Missile, cl 3) (1/1d, st, Prestidigitation, cl1) (1/1d, st, Shield, cl9)
- - -
Deep in the order, Yambul eventually moves up a bit drawing his chainsaw as he does so. Tthen he fires it up! ”Rrrroar!” He burns out the battery in the process and makes a mental note to refresh it after the battle. He’ll also swiftly study the closest one - pink.
Know (Nature) -
Rhoreen relates to the party what she knows as she moves up into the sky at 25' up and draws her ember staff.
"Here comes the fire."
AC = 18
HP = 64/64
Weapon Equipped = Einior
Condition(s) = None
Chaance remains where she stands, resigned to the fight as Yambul signals his intent to engage. She fires at the closest mound, quite reluctantly.
Rūha looks out at the mounds and comments "As usual, position so as not to get surrounded. Their movements seem difficult to predict, so it will be a matter of concentrated firepower."
Zzvkgrogk slogs through the humidity and mud every once in awhile waving aromatic herbs to ward off all of the blood sucking insects.
”Uncle Tufts was born in a swamp. For the life of me I’ll never understand why he missed it so much.”
”Oh,” Zzvkgrogk moans. ”As if the insects weren’t enough. Now there’s mounds looking to make bigger mounds. I hope this strange eerie color that covers the whole swamp isn’t flammable because if it is, we’ll set ourselves aflame too. They are resistant to fire. I wouldn’t use electricity on them either. Too bad we had to sell both zero pistols.”
”Well, at least you’re well equipped for this.” he says to Hyresk.
He pulls out his laser pisot and aims for the white one in the back, hoping any potentially flammable vapors are limited in range.
rtchrtchrtchrtchrtchrtch
for
Plus to adjacent creatures
Yambul puts the chainsaw to roar as he advances towards the first shambling mound.
Rhoreen knows everything about the plants and shares her knowledge while taking height into the air.
Chaance puts one of her arrows on the plant in front, though the other two just go wide.
Rūha starts to give good advise for the group to position correctly and attack at most advantage.
Zzvkgrogk meanwhile flares up the one mound in the rear, his special bursts with an intense light blinding his victim!
The adjacent mounds seems to resist all the splash fire though.
Hyrsek advances himself to where Yambul is currently while drawing his rapier, and eyes at his chainsaw "Nice toy, Yambul. Just remember, finesse can sometimes trump brute force" he remarks with a sly grin, but keeping a wary distance to avoid any accidental swings from the roaring blade.
The shambling mounds begin to lurch forward, their movements slow but relentless. They swim over the watery areas without issue. The blinded one is left confused on the back.
The first mound swings a massive, vine-covered limb at Yambul, attempting to crush him under its weight.
Despite the Kellid's new armor, the vine-limb strikes on him.
Another mound, seeing Hyrsek as a threat, shambles in his direction, its tendrils reaching out to entangle the tiefling legs.
But the branch entangles with a nearby fallen trunk and does not reach the tiefling.
He stretches his eyes, studying the soft spots of the plant, and responds with his readied attack.
Without effort the tiefling stabs his rapier on the mound in front, the weapon freezing the core of the plant, which seems to fully affect the creature.
He is though fast enough to avoid being taken by the vine, and readies to strike back!