GM Wydroe's Run: The Rebel's Ransom (Inactive)

Game Master Wydroe

Laiashi swings and misses twice. Fox darts under the creature again, biting away, but does not find a soft spot. Walla stabs the thing, severely hurting it, but misses with the follow up swing. The giant insect seems to slow and takes one last claw attack at Laiashi.
claw 1: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24; dmg p/b: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
claw 1 misfortune: 1d20 ⇒ 5
But befuddled by Toral's hex and missing with its claw, the thing, going into death, collapses from its wounds taken, unconscious.
Purple was at 0 after Walla's attack, disabled. Then it attacked with a standard action and loses 1 hp to go unconscious.

Combat over! I will post the situation later. You can't fail the survival check to reestablish your course. So I just need your healing or what your plans are for the rest of the day. You think you are close to the tomb. Maybe half day's walk.

Philthy seems satisfied with the carnage - "Some good scars and good memories to form good tales around the campfire"

"I believe the good Trade Prince had some business for us to attend to... Toral, Fox" Philthy points to the venom.

Required skill?

"We can get closer to the destination, but should probably heal and rest up overnight, no point going in tired and injured"

Philty will happily take any healing, but with half a day and a nights rest he will be full again by the next morning

”What unnerving creatures!!“ Toral says and heals himself.

CLW : 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

I believe the good Trade Prince had some business for us to attend to... Toral, Fox" Philthy points to the venom.

Required skill?

Survival, maybe, when we find it.

GM, could a stinger be safely removed with survival?

The scenario has the skill as heal DC(10). Two vials of approximately 8 ounces can be extracted from each on a successful check. A failed check means the poison is spoiled/contaminated during the act.

It is just after mid morning. Your group is surrounded by death, rotting scorpion bodies. There are many cuts still openly blooding and unbandaged in your group. The sun is hot, the temperature approaching triple digits. What does your group want to do? The map would seem to indicate you are close, maybe 5 or 6 miles as the crow flies, to the tomb.

heal : 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31
heal : 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29
heal : 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15
heal : 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30

Toral extracts the venom of all the beasts.

“It is important to be in alignment with nature … a merchant has to have many skills!!“ he says smiling.

“Let us continue now!“

"Let's find some shelter then, rest up for a bit - no one wants to walk through the heat of the day"

Find shelter and rest, we aren't on a particularly tight timer

Are you looking for a place to camp for the night or just a place to take a short rest to heal and recover before continuing to the tomb?"

Laiashi -47hp
Walla -41hp
Philthy -22hp
Toral -1hp
Fox - full

This area has several rocks and a few bushes. The mud hole has about 6" to a foot of mud water in it. The area has evidence of animal traffic. But what is a few hyenas, compared to 8 giant scorpions?

Camping or continuing??? I have one vote for camping (Philthy) and one to continue (Toral). What are the thoughts of the others?

Barely clinging to consciousness, Laiashi finds the closest thing that resembles shelter and pulls out her healing wand. ”I’m going to… need some… time.”

Fox is good either way.

Walla pulls out a wand."Anyone help me with these wounds?" I'm good either way once I'm healed.

I think you would move on after gathering the poison and healing. The tomb is a few hours ahead. So I will advance the story to there. It will then be close to 5 in the afternoon and you can decide how to proceed.

After a few more hours of travel you again settle into routine of climbing dunes. As you crest the hundredth dune of sand, is a small patch of stone, in the center of which is a ravine, like a crack in the desert floor. Upon approaching the ravine you see broad, worn stairs lead down into this ravine. The stair descend 40' to the bottom of the ravine. on the southern ravine wall is an opening, an entrance. There is a host of nine camels, tethered just outside this entrance.

The entrance to the Hall itself is a series of columns leading to a simple stone door that stands open. THe columsn bear numerous carvings praising the accomplishments of a man, a merchant prince.

What do you want to do?

"I can give us a blessing of haste once more today, but am fresh out of fireballs"

Seeing as the intent is to press on, Philthy taps himself with a wand twice to recover his wounds.

Wand of Infernal Healing x 2 charges + Regen = all HP back

***

I assume Toral can use the CLW wand for Walla

***

Perception - auto pass on both.

"These camels seem to belong to two groups. Three are marked with brands from camel dealers in Sothis. The other six have different gear and markings"

"The column carvings seem to have a theme with the number 7 as significant"

***
"Right, I'm up front. Everyone stay at least 15' back from me because whoever built this area is fond of traps and whilst I am fond of finding them it can all end in a flash of flame or lightning, so no point all of us being hit"

"We will move in carefully, no one is to open, pick up, close, move or otherwise mess with anything until it has been well examined by magical detection, Fox's snout for funky smells, and Toral and I have eyeballed it. If you see something of interest, communicate it to me, and likewise I will call you forward if needed. Like the scorpions, if there is a significant enemy my first move will likely be to give us all haste to get in there and start carving them up"

Philty readies...
Resist Energy - Fire (10) - 1hr
Anti-plague - +5 Fort vs Disease - 1hr
Antitoxin - +5 Fort vs Poison - 1hr
Veil of Positive Energy - 10 mins, will renew as required.

Then moves in.

*Perception +21
*Stonecunning +2 +2 bonus to Perception vs. unusual stonework. Free check within 10 feet.
*Trap Spotter (Ex) Whenever you come within 10' of a trap, the GM secretly rolls for you to find it.
*Trapfinding +1 Gain a bonus to find or disable traps, including magical ones.

Seeing as Philthy used sorcerous magic, (as far as fox knows) fox approaches him with a wand of mage armor, which has an ingraving of a breastplate picture. Fox tries pointing at itself, as far as fox paws allow.

Philthy taps the Fox with the wand and triggers it.

[Feral Speech]"You should be able to understand me, and I understand you"

Oh yes, reminder, I cast message on everyone - less yelling on the battlefield :)

To everyone else, the fox makes just animal sounds, but to Philthy it sounds like: "Thank you sir."

Fox wiggles the wand back into the pouch it carries, with a little effort.

heal : 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23

Toral examines the camels.

“The camels are weak. It appears no one as food or watered them in several weeks. Though it appears the provisions they are carrying have such!“

He starts searching the camels and will use his own water if he does not find water / food with the camels.

“It is important to be in alignment with nature … a merchant has to have balance!!“ he says smiling.

“Let us continue now!“

Philthy makes arrangements to enter the hall.
Toral helps out the suffering camels.
Fox gets a wanding from Philthy.
Toral helps Walla with her wand.
Walla, please roll your healing assuming Toral used it on your prior to leaving the scorpion area.

Just outside of the entrance door, a small bloom of blue flowers seems to thrive in this unusual environment.

Assuming you are entering the Hall door.

Cool silence greets you as you descend the stairs into the ancient tomb. At their base is a spacious chamber with a large sandstone altar at its center. Set into the walls are four smaller altars, surrounded by ancient writing, each one a little different from the last. On opposite side of the room are a pair of corridors leading off into darkness and a largr hallway, ending in a great stone door. A trio of rods are slotted into the alter in the center of the room.

What would you like to do? The map will be up shortly. Place your token next to whatever you would like to examine.

The walls, floors, ceilings and dorrs are all constructed entirely of stone. The ceilings are 15' high and there is no light source.
Most of you have darkvision, but what is everyone doing to see?

Toral investigates the flowers.

kn nature : 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Fox sniffs the flower....

Survival, do they smell 'peculiar'?: 1d20 ⇒ 13

Survival to harvest safely?: 1d20 ⇒ 17

Philthy presses ahead, checking the stairs before moving down them, then sweeping the room with a Detect Magic before moving through in a clockwise direction.

He will call the others forward once he has completed the circuit.

GM, happy to just take 10 for the checks as we go - and take 10 on Stealth. Philthy will be checking each door, the altars, rods etc. Otherwise this will be a bajillion rolls

Walla reaches into her backpack and pulls out a sunrod. She then smacks the gold top to light it up.

Laiashi moves up to inspect the altar in the center.

Perception (trapfinding): 1d20 + 5 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 5 + 3 = 28

"What a curious contraption this is..."

Toral would remember that the letter from his faction asked specifically for a blue flower that grew near tombs. Between Fox and Toral, a few flowers are gathered and stored away.

I was not really asking for rolls. There is a lot of information here, but I need to know what you look at or examine.

There is a lot to examine. There is the center altar with the 3 rods inserted into its top. There are smaller 4 altars, two on the west wall, and two on the east wall. There are three exits, a passage leading off NE, another leading off to the NW, and double stone doors in the center of the north wall. These doors are shut, but have two circular holes in their center. There are two narrow holes in the doors that let through a flickering light from the room beyond.

Toral slowly but steadily starts to search the place.

We don’t have any buffs so take 20 search for the place.

Fox will cautiously move through the room, and sniff the air for any scents other than the party.

As Laiashi looks over the center altar. She notices it is made of sandstone as is most of the complex. However, there are four holes in the top, one square, one circular, one triangular, and one rectangular. Scepters extend out of the triangular, Square, and circular holes. The rectangular hole is empty.

The scepter extending from the triangular hole is made of one large piece of ebony, studded with tiny rubies, and capped by platinum rings. It narrows to a triangular base cap now resting in the altar hole.

The square hole has a scepter of iron inserted in it. This rod is lined with long grooves of silver that converge on a diamond tip. The narrow end is perfectly square.

The third, rectangular hole is empty.

The final hole, circular in shape, is filled by a scepter of copper, with precious pearls spiraling around its surface. The narrow end is circular.

The altar base is encircled with a single line of script.

As Toral makes his way around the altar examining the carvings on the walls, he notices the same significance of the number seven. Things like a man enthroned looking down on 7 bushels of wheat, 7 oxen, 7 boats, or 7 men bowing before him. He passes and notes, the four wall recesses with altars.

The SE altar is made of iron and lined with silver coated grooves. The top center has a square hole. An inscription decorates the front.

The NE altar is black stone with a triangular hole. It too has an inscription on its front.

The NW altar is copper colored and inscribed similarly to the others. Its top has a circular hole.

The SW altar is made of sandalwood and decorated with a fine ivory inlay. It is inscribed as well.

As Fox sniffs the air, he notices a distinctly different odor coming form the double doors to the center North. As he approaches he notices the pair of gigantic stone doors bar your way. Carved into their surface is a pair of figures holding aloft a throne, on which is seated a man of regal bearing. In one hand, he holds a scepter, in the other, a merchant boat. Beneath the carvings are the two narrow holes letting through a flickering light. The odor has a feint smell of roasted meat. A women's voice, in common, calls out from behind the door.
"Hey there, little guy, I was wondering when someone else wound show up." "Can you understand me?"

Walla and Philthy check the NW and NE exits respectively. Both seem to lead out for 20 feet or so then turn off into the darkness. Philthy with his keen ears picks up the voice from the double doors as Fox ventures close to them.

What do you all want to do? I will place pictures of the three scepters you see in the center altar in the slides for reference.

Fox is drawn to the smells, in particular that of food. The sudden voice coming from beyond makes its ears stand up in alertness.

In its own mind, it kind of laughs at the notion of someone, other than Philthy's powers it seems, is asking if it can understand them.

Perception, anything visible through the holes?: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23

Whatever the result of the perception, fox cautiously backs up, walking over to Philthy.

Animal speech: "There is someone behind the doors. It also smells of food."

[message]"People located, unknown if friend or foe, a good opportunity to stay out of sight and be prepared for combat"[message]

***

Philthy wanders over "You must have been down here for a while if you are trying to have a conversation with a fox, thing wandered off, can't get good pets these days - you didn't feed it did you?"

"I'm Phil, wandering merchant and craftsman, what are you doing back there - are you ok?"

"Foxes are usually uncommonly intelligent. I might have been talking with the brains of the outfit for all I knew." "He appears to be a magnificent animal." The voice pauses and becomes more serious, "Yes, we have been here a while." "We are running low on supplies." "So, no, I did not feed the fox." Another pause, "Hey, could I get you to let us out of here?"
The voice continues, "If I were to pass you a rod through this hole in the door, would you mind sticking it in that last hole in the center altar?" "We would appreciate it immensely."

"Oh, the rod operates the central altar? Sure. Did you take it out and the door closed after you passed through or something?"

"Well I don't have much in the way of supplies pretty much on my own , so can't share much - but did you come across another group in here? There are a lot of camels out front."

Philthy waits for the rod.

Toral casts barkskin, heroism, daylight and heightened awareness on himself.

Suddenly, the whole area around him is filled with bright sunlight that banishes darkness.

"Can you also clearly tell us who you are and give us proof with respect to your identity?" he says to the trapped woman.

"Oh yeah this is my business partner Toral come in from watering the camels, no one here but us two dwarves, geez I found our fox... hes worth at least fifteen gold in town, can't afford to lose that!"

"Well, I'll be! Two 'desert dwarves'!" "Yes i just saw a strange woman in armor carrying a sunrod headed towards the NW tunnel." "Are you all chasing her?" "She looks well equip for a runaway slave." The voice asks.
"Wow, that is bright light. Caught me by surprise a little." The voice pauses. There is a minute or so of no sound. Then the woman returns. "I am Alarka of the yellow rose clan, daughter of Alark. The others are my cousins, Gazeem and Halket. They are sleeping." "And you are traders? Hopefully not slavers. Please, tell me, we can leave without you making slaves of us." "Before I pass this rod you must guantee us save passage to leave."

"Slavers? Us? HA! No. I guarantee we will not take you as a slave - we might rob you at the bazaar with a ridiculous mark-up on basic goods, but slavery is not on our list of wares." Philthy says as he scratches under his chainmail "Not chasing anyone, it's hot outside and this fox just wanders off"

"You must be camel traders, left your stock outside. Nine camels and only three of you? Definitely camel traders yes? I can smell a fellow merchant!"

"Pass us the rod then Alarka" Philthy looks at the lady expectantly "But the fox is super curious down here and will probably run past you if the door opens that's fine he wont go too far, you in the market for any pets?"

Fox looks up at Philthy at the suggestion of potentially getting sold.

Sense motive unknown person?: 1d20 ⇒ 10
Totally not suspicious.....

sense motive, heroism : 1d20 + 2 + 16 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 16 = 22

"No, not camel traders. We are water carriers for our tribe." "They are definitely missing us."
Slowly, you see the end of a wooden staff being passed through the right side hole. It appears to be made of sandalwood with an inlay of ivory.
It extends approximately 10" or so from the hole. "Here is the rod." A male voice.
Toral senses the lady is relieved at the help. She seems to be happy to be rescued. But it is very difficult to tell as he cannot see her and barely able to hear her.

Who is taking the rod? Philthy is up by the door. I forgot, no magic was detected in the cone when Philthy walked in. Neither he nor Toral spotted any traps. Fox is up by the door. Toral and Laiashi are back by the center alter. Walla is still by the NW tunnel. Who will put the rod in the center altar slot?

Since Philthy seems to be maybe implying that she should lie low (a subtle cue, but she's very good at reading between the lines), Laiashi slips behind cover to ensure she can't be seen from the holes in the door.

Stealth: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

"Ahh, water carriers, of course!" Philthy takes the rod and moves off to the altar, "I just put it in the hole?" he calls back cheerfully.

[message]"I don't trust these people as far as I can spit them. Water carriers? I don't see any bulk water out there and they sure don't own nine camels."[message]

[message]"Fox, hopefully now they think you are an animal they wont be suspicious if you move into their flanks. Walla and Laishi, the deadliest knife is an unseen one, be ready to come from the shadows - Once we're all in tight I can hasten us again if needed. Toral, before I open the door do you want to find a good vantage point to engage with your magic?"[message]

[message]"They might be harmless, in which case no problem."[message]

I THINK I have us laid out well enough, just tucked Laishi and Walla back a bit so they will be well and truly behind anyone coming in. Toral MIGHT have cover behind the altar, and Fox is positioned to walk casually past them. We are also dispersed to avoid area attacks

Placing her hand towards the hilt of her rapier, Walla sits and waits to see what happens.

Since we're preparing for the possibility of a fight I'll have my swords drawn.

Toral nods at Philthy.

“You probably are right. I support your suggestions!“ he says via the message spell.

OK GM, looks like were all ready - open the door - of course they will betray us horribly, no good deed ever goes unpunished

Fox, hopefully now they think you are an animal they wont be suspicious if you move into their flanks.

Fox gives its animal smile, and shows a body pose that resembles stealthy crouching, returning to normal thereafter.

The party tenses as Philthy opens the door by inserting the sandal wood scepter into the center altar rectangular hole. The two doors swing sharply into the chamber. Two men dressed in light loose clothing swifty move into the main room shields and scimitars at the ready. A women in similar clothing flanked by another man holding another human women emerges just behind original two men.
"We seem to be at a juncture here... All we want is to leave." "Let us get to our camels and leave. We will release this women to you as we leave. I am not sure but I am guessing she means something to your group." "Else we can kill her now and settle this the desert way."

Blue has the woman with a scimitar at her throat and holding her in front of him. She appears to be unconscious.

Surprise Round 0. All will act but Walla and Laiashi as they can't see the situation unfold. I will walk through player by player this surprise round as it is important to keep actions true to the moment.
Fox

Fox is up. The doors open and Fox is the first to react.

With the door opening, and the group of people standing there.... fox is looking a little doubtful.

But it sniffs the air, seemingly focused on whatever produced that lovely smell of food. It casually starts walking towards the room, not even turning its head towards the enemy group for a moment.

AC is currently 27 with the mage armor, 31 if they decided on random acts of violence against a defenseless animal passing through.

If they'd pass the DC 40 perception, they could ID me as not a regular animal. (or pet, as Philthy put it :P )

Fox makes it through the sea of legs and stops short of a drop off.

The blue guard seems to straighten and readies to plunge the dagger in the woman's neck if ... something.

Round 0 (surprise) (movement or standard only)
Fox (acted)
Blue (acted0
Laiashi (not aware)
Philthy

Philthy, you are up. please post your action

"This isn't the actions of a bunch of water traders" Philthy comments flatly "And don't threaten us"

He casts Glitterdust
DC 16 Will or be blinded by Philthys Sparke Party.

The readied action of the blue guard goes off.
dagger attack: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16
dmg P: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

blue, red, green saves: 3d20 ⇒ (6, 15, 12) = 33
alarka save: 1d20 ⇒ 5

The glitter seems to have affected some of the group, but not before the blue guard drives his dagger deep into the throat of the helpless woman.
Nice! Alarka and blue are blinded.

No use in walking through anymore. Combat!

Round 0 (surprise) (movement or standard only)
Fox (acted)
Laiashi (not aware)
blue (readied action used, acted, blinded)
Philthy (acted)
Toral
Walla (not aware)
Alarka (blinded)
Green
Red

Toral is up!