Ruin’s Price of Immortality

Game Master Ruin Explorer

Sumak stands and steps further back away from the wolf and sends a bolt of energy at the wolf closest to him.

Stand, 5 ft step back. Send a bolt of Fire at the wolf.

Empower: 1d100 ⇒ 43 No Problem here.

Ranged Touch w/PBS: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 2 + 1 = 20

Ranged Damage w/PBS: 2d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3, 3) + 2 + 1 = 9

Sumak's fire bolt slams into the wolf and the smell of burn fur fills the air. Startled and enraged, the wolf turns and darts after it's attacker. It takes a bite into Sumak's leg and pulls him down. (3 damage and knocked prone).

Wolf bite + trip: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 191d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 31d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

Another wolf grabs Jubo's leg in it's jaws and begins dragging him into the woods. The last wolf moves toward and attacks Seffie, knocking her down as well. (4 damage and knocked prone)

Wolf dragging Jobu: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
Wolf bite + trip: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 161d6 ⇒ 41d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22

Jobu continues to bleed out.

Stabilize: 1d20 + 4 - 1 ⇒ (3) + 4 - 1 = 6

Round 1 (Bold may go)
Sumak 16
Wolves 16
Jobu 15
Aeric 14
Mizuchi 12
Somanti 11
Seffie 6

Sumak, you can also post for round 2

Free action Bloodrage +4 STR

MURDER WAKE OR DIE

Aeric, having slept without his armor but with his bardiche in hand, shouts entering his rage, and lashing out with his right claw at the wolf next to him, without even bothering to stand up.

prone is a -4 to attack, not powerattacking
Attack on wolf next to him, prone: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 7 - 4 = 23
damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Attack on wolf next to him, prone confirm: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 7 - 4 = 15 confirms
damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

His shout makes the wolf turn his snout to him, ideally setting aeric up to rips its throat out.

He then rises, and makes a decision, narroly being able to see Jobo
EVERYONE SAFE SEFFIE, I SAFE JOBO as he, unhindered by wearing any armor, uses his considerable mobility to move after Jobu, howling in the process.

Current AC is 12, he cannot currently sleep in medium armor, and does not have a suite of light armor to sleep in. Next round is his last round of Bloodrage.

"Save me too!" Sumak calls out as the wolf savages his leg.

I am going to wait and see if someone will finish this wolf off before I go. since I am after them.

If things were less serious it would almost be comical. Somonti surges to her feet just moments after Sumak and Seffie lose theirs.

There is a brief smell of burning wood, as if caught on the wind, and Somonti's shape shifts. Her hands and lower arms become claws that defy description, wolf like and yet also arachnid. If anyone was willing to look closer they would see patches of what looks like scorched wood between fur and chitin. More horrific still is the bestial maw that has replaced the bottom half of her face. Spider like mandibles clack and click against long canines.

Growling and hissing Somonti moves up behind the wolf that is attacking Seffie, crouching in preparation to attack.

"Miz-z-zuki c-c-can you sheee to Shumak-k-k-k"

Unleash the beast!.... stupid standard action!

Aeric's claws tear through the standing next to him, blood spraying across the forest floor.

[occ]This was awesome that you crited while lying on the ground![/occ]

While still lying on the ground, Mizuchi grabs his crossbow and fires a bolt at the wolf drooling over Sumak, which drops it to the ground.

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 201d8 ⇒ 5

Seffie finally shakes of her surprise as the wolf drops. She grabs her crossbow and fires a bolt at the wolf dragging Jobu away, but the bolt goes over the wolf into the woods.

1d20 + 0 ⇒ (3) + 0 = 31d8 ⇒ 8

I'm loving your roleplaying.

Round 2 (Bold may go)
Sumak 16
Wolves 16
Jobu 15
Aeric 14
Mizuchi 12
Somanti 11
Seffie 6

Sumak stands again and steps back before launching another bolt of fire at the wolf dragging Jobu.

Empower: 1d100 ⇒ 92 Good.

Touch Attack w/PBS: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 2 + 1 = 8 8 Touch is terrible.

Fire Damage w/PBS: 2d6 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (4, 5) + 1 + 2 = 12

As Sumak's bolt of fire flies into the dirt, the remaining wolf jumps onto its meal, now trying to take a bite out of Aeric. Its teeth sink in, but they rip out as he attempts to pull the bloodrager down.

Wolf bite + trip: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 131d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 21d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
Jobu stabilize: 1d20 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 4 - 2 = 4

Round 2 (Bold may go)
Sumak 16
Wolves 16
Jobu 15
Aeric 14
Mizuchi 12
Somanti 11
Seffie 6

Aerics is in a fugue state, he can sense Jobos lifeblood leaking out of him, knowing that he has to act now!
kn. nature should wolves attack such a large group?: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (2) + 0 = 2
Кровь за кровь
смерть за смерть
:Abyssal: Blood for Blood, Death for Death.
He shouts the Abyssal translation of an ancient sarkorian battlecry, his claws ripping into the wolf, as he drops his bardiche
Claw 1: 1d20 + 4 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 2 + 1 = 9
Claw 1: 1d20 + 4 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 2 + 1 = 10

Overcome with memories from his worst days, his net contribution is sadly zero.

The RNG giveth me a crit while prone, and now the RNG taketh away!

Mizuchi will fire a bolt keeping an eye out to see if any of his ally's get hit

attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

damage: 1d8 ⇒ 6

Somonti moves in a circuitous route, eyes never leaving the the lone remaining wolf, before launching herself at its hind flank, her new claws rake out...

Claw: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Claw: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20 Damage: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Bite: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (2) - 2 = 0

Her assault is accompanied by an horrific scream

Intimidate(as swift): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30

Only one strike finds purchase, a hooked arachnid claw tearing a ribbon of skin from the animal. The wolf is clearly spooked.

Nearly got the flank!

Somanti's monstrous scream (and appearance) startle the wolf and makes it uneasy (shaken). Still, it turns on its new attacker, snapping at it with its own jaws.

bite + trip: 1d20 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 - 2 = 21d6 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (4) + 1 - 2 = 31d20 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 - 2 = 8

Somanti's monstrous scream (and appearance) startle the wolf and makes it uneasy.

Unsure of what to do, Seffie moves over to Sumak and casts cure light wounds on him.

1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Round 2 (Bold may go)
Sumak 16
Wolves 16
Jobu 15
Aeric 14
Mizuchi 12
Somanti 11
Seffie 6

Sumak moves to get behind the wolf.

[ooc]I just double move to get in a better position.

Though visibly shaken, the wolf still turns on its new attacker, snapping at it with its own jaws. It hesitates too much and bites nothing but air.

bite + trip: 1d20 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 - 2 = 91d6 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (4) + 1 - 2 = 31d20 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 - 2 = 10
Jobu stabilize: 1d20 + 4 - 3 ⇒ (7) + 4 - 3 = 8

Round 3 (Bold may go)
Sumak 16
Wolves 16
Jobu 15
Aeric 14
Mizuchi 12
Somanti 11
Seffie 6

Oh Lord in Iron, let me save that boy, for his battles lie ahead of him still

Aeric 5 foot steps back and strikes, as his rage leaves him.

attack: 1d20 + 1 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 1 + 3 + 2 = 25 Flanking with Somonti Crit threat

attack: 1d20 + 1 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 1 + 3 + 2 = 15 Confirms

damage: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6 damage

damage: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6 crit

Quick, someone heal him! He is dying! Aeric snarls as he, perhaps aided by the Lord in Iron, rams his Bardiche into the Wolfs Mouth, turning it into Wolf Kebab, and literally throwing it away from Jobu.

heal to stabilize: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (17) - 1 = 16 S$$* I cant do that because I used my standard! Team your up!
Inspite oh his fatgiue, he quickly moves to stabilize Jobu, but maybe to late unless his allies can safe the boy first!

Mizuchi will float over at a quicker pace and one of his tail swishes front and brushes across Jobu, glowing with magical energy

cure light wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Aeric is fatigued for 4 turns.

Seeing Mizuchi minister to Jobu's wounds, Somonti turns her attention to the fresh corpses. With one wolf-like paw she reaches out and lifts one of the dead wolves' lolling head, inspecting it with arachnoid eyes.

"why did thhhhhey come back-k-k?" Her words re still tisted by her warped jaws

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12 Any sign of corruption on the wolves? or why they attacked despite being scared way earlier by the fire?

With Mizuchi’s healing touch, Jobu wounds begin to heal , and he begins to stir. He opens his eyes and blinks a few times trying to adjust his eyes. He looks at those gathered around him and groans. Somethin’ bad happened, did’n it

Seffie joins and tends to the wounds of anyone one who needs healing. Between the two oracles, I assume there’s enough healing to get everyone back to full health.

Somanti searches the wolf, but sees no unusual marks.
Out of rounds

Anyone knows how to cook Wolf? They tried to eat us, lets eat them?
Aeric offers as he picks his Bardiche back up.

May sound dumb, but less dumb then trying that with demons. I f!*%ing tell you, Dretch tastes like s#+%. Or to quote the Bard of my former Merc company: He pauses, before speaking with a very exact feminine timbre

As my thankfully solid teeth pierced the exterior,
which had multiple olfactory and sensory means
of reminding me of a well worn boot-sole just...
without any of the redeeming features.

I felt the urge to drink several gallons of bleach
But thankfully the Surströmming, quickly brought up by Loki Lokison
served the same taste removing purpose,
never have I indeed been gladder about smelling this unusual Kellid "deliquacy"

Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 7

I'd rather eat wood

Somonti casts aside the carcass she has been inspecting in disgust.

"I won't eat them."

Sumak examines one to see if he can figure out why they would attack humanoids around a campfire.

I look to see if they look particularly starved or maybe sick."

Heal: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (18) - 1 = 17

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

I think he’s joking, she says hesitantly, though it’s hard to tell. She helps Jobu to his feet, checking on his wounds.

There are no unusual marks or identifiers on wolves that lead you to believe that the wolves were anything but hungry.

Jobu indicates that he wants to continue sitting first watch. Not like I’d be able to sleep right now anyway.

Anyone want to do anything else before bedding down?

"They look like normal wolves. I am not sure what would drive them to attack people without dire need. Could someone see to my wounds before we sleep?"

I am down 3. I can get 1 back over night but the other two would be nice.

Seffie can cast one on you. 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

The night continues on with members taking turns with watch. There are no other incidents during the night. The sun rises the next morning to a clear sky and a chilly air.

I'll move the party on tomorrow.

Sumak rises feeling the power rippling inside and gathers his equipment to move on. "We should be cautious as we move forward. Whatever caused those wolves to attack may be causing more trouble as we head to the fire." he says.

Its a long time before Somonti can get back to sleep, her sudden mutations fade just as fast but her skin remains sore and itches intensely. She spends some time staring into the fire. Wolves seem to dance in the flame, or maybe they writhe in pain.

Imaginary orcs and indomitable wolves. Today just keeps getting worse.

Eventually sleep takes her.

Somonti rises early thee next morning, all trace of her transformation the night before have reformed. She is every bit the troubled teen once more. Her hands shake, almost uncontrollably.

If Aeric hadn't been with us... none of us are strong enough...

She moves to the edge of the woods and looks for something to boost their morning rations.

Lore(Fangwood: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Her finds are meagre, a few local berries, she returns to the others. Eventually she plucks up the courage and steps over to Aeric, offering him her finds.

"Is that how you fought the demons? Could you... Look I know how to fight. I can take care of myself! But it would be cool to learn different things... would... would you show me?" she gestures over to where her makeshift spear leans against a fallen log "Or not, you know, whatever. I can take care of myself."

The trail continues south from camp as it meanders through the barren trees of the Fangwood. After a couple of hours of travel, they near the shore of the Grey Lake. As the approach, they see two figures, one humanish and one orcish in appearance, standing over what appears to be a body.

The slender, humanish figure crouches down to examine the corpse – initially – without touching it.

Do I recognize the body? Any obvious signs of death?

Noting the approaching group, she glances at her half-orc companion. ”We have company.” She doesn’t move from her crouch yet and no weapons appear in her hands. She just watches.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Ruin, were Kazzar and I given backpacks or sacks for our mission?

With the new guys.

No weapons drawn, we outnumber them, diplomacy seems reasonable. If they murdered that guy, they would likely be moving away from him.

Hail travellers, we bid peace to thee if you return it. He announced.

I'm assuming we're not quite in visual identification range, but taking a few liberties with my previous roll...

Moon mulls on a response for a moment. That voice is familiar, and their number is about right. She raises her voice to reply across the distance, "Peace is our way this day. I am Moon, daughter of Akechi Temue, of Kassen. I think you are of Kassen too, are you not?"

Common Knowledge in Kassen: Temue Akechi is a known figure in Kassen. He is a proud Tian who emigrated from the Dragon Empire two decades ago. He associates minimally with other villagers and is generally regarded as aloof. His daughter, Moon, was raised in Kassen and has far less of her father's reserve but she isn't particularly popular or outgoing in village society. She is largely seen as quiet and/or athletic.

As Moon crouches down to look at the body more closely, Kazzar looks around, trying to spot any tracks that can provide a clue to what might have happened.

His attention shifts towards the party as they approach, and following Moon's lead, Kazzar greets them as well.

"And I am Kazzar, from the temple." The last part of his sentence almost sounds like a question - with his tendency to avoid people, Kazzar is a bit a unsure of how many people might recognise him.

"Greetings, why are you two out here?" Sumak says as he wonders if this is some test.

As he focuses on Sumak, Kazzar notices the lantern he's carrying. "Ah, you're this year's chosen to quest for the Everflame!" Kazzar's tone clearly carries his respect for the group's involvement in their community's tradition.

"We were making our way back to Kassen... But we came across this body as we approached the lake and were trying to figure out what might have happened here"

Bluff: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (15) - 2 = 13

Moon adds, "We've been in Crossfen at Mayor Uptal's request... getting supplies for the celebration that follows your quest."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

The body is that of a human. His body is clearly decaying, and his gear has rotted away. There are huge bite marks all over his torso, but the body does not show any signs of scavenging.

perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
Oi, I found something!

Aerics mercenary instincts kick in instantly.

Kn. Local: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (4) + 0 = 4
heal: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (5) - 1 = 4

sense motive: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (8) - 1 = 7

Which wholy prevents him from doing anything else as he is counting the money, and dividing it through the active party.

Dagger is masterwork, I prefer war weapons, or claws for closer quarters, so who wants it? If we sell it, price is devided. Normal loot terms, unless you win it in a duel, it gets split.

Using my PER roll above and…
Heal: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Moon turns her attention back to the body and the goods from the pouch. ”About 130 pieces of gold… fresh from Tamran, I think.” She looks at the rotting corpse again, wishing he could tell his tale. ”Whatever killed him had a large maw.”

"Dagger is masterwork... so who wants it?"

The Tian merely shakes her head and lays a hand lightly on the leather loop at her hip holding three short oak staves linked by brief lengths of chain.

"been in Crossfen" is it? Had some fun with us on your way back is my guess. Illusionary Orcs and kamikaze wolves...

"Have you been in the woods long? Met any Orcs? Wolves maybe?" The look on Somonti's young face stops short of accusation, but only just.

The dagger is beautiful, but she would never ask favours from these newcomers.

Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17
Heal: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

"Those clothes would have been from a large city, I don't think he was from around here. From Tamran, maybe, given the coins?"

"You're right, we have been in the woods longer than would have been necessary for our trip." Kazzar replies back to Somonti "I ended up getting ourselves lost, when I should have known these woods better." Kazzar is clearly embarrassed at his own lack of skill as he looks apologetically at Moon and Somonti, having misinterpreted the reason for the latter's accusatory looks.

"We've encountered no orcs or wolves. Aside from Greywind here of course." Kazzar gestures behind him, and his wolf companion cautiously approaches the party.

"Were you attacked on your way here? Is anyone hurt? I can cast a couple of healing spells if anyone is need of healing"

Could the bite marks have been made by wolves? Would a Knowledge Nature check help in narrowing down the cause?

Knowledge (Nature): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

Those who make the knowledge check, or if Kazzar share what he learns, can make the following check. I’ll also accept a relevant lore check.

Somonti takes a step back as Greywind makes his presence known.

If you are extra vigilant or particularly interested, from a certain angle it looks as if Somonti steps behind Aeric.

***king Wolf!

Kazzar kneels down to look at the bite marks more closely.

If the group was attacked by wolves, that might be what happened to this poor man.

"These bite marks... They seem like they belong to some kind of snake. Poison would explain why the body has been untouched by scavengers so far. But the size of these marks... It'd have to be a huge snake to leave marks like these."

Big Snake? Hmm, I do wonder what that snake didnt eat the guy then. Maybe it thought he was diseased? Or he got away with that wound and succumed to the poison later?
Aeric speculates a fair bit.

You feel like tagging along for the quest? I think there was something about Kassem recruiting help along the way wasnt there? Certainly safety in numbers to be had. Jobo over there nearly died. If I wasnt there it probably could have been worse. Good thing a certain someone was paranoid and insistent enough to have me signup.

cue the sad trombone… I got no Knowledge Skills yet.

"You're right, we have been in the woods longer than would have been necessary for our trip." Kazzar replies back to Somonti "I ended up getting ourselves lost, when I should have known these woods better." Kazzar is clearly embarrassed at his own lack of skill as he looks apologetically at Moon and Somonti, having misinterpreted the reason for the latter's accusatory looks.

At the vaguely accusatory tone, Moon gives Somonti a long look, then turns her attention back to her traveling companion. In a decidedly non-Tian gesture, she waves off Kazzar's self-blame. "We both got turned around in the forest… it happens. That merchant in Crossfen delayed us as well.” Frustration and sarcasm drip from her words, ”From the start, this entire mission has been a slow-rolling goat-fv<k… and we got stuck with the ugliest goat.”

You feel like tagging along for the quest? I think there was something about Kassem recruiting help along the way wasnt there? Certainly safety in numbers to be had. Jobo over there nearly died. If I wasnt there it probably could have been worse.

Moon's eyes light up, excited by the idea. She looks to Kazzar. "What do you think? The celebration can't happen without them so our supplies aren't really needed until they return with the Everflame. And their quest is better than what we got stuck doing. AND there's a big, man-killing snake on the loose..." It's clear that Moon wants to join the quest but she won't abandon Kazzar whatever his decision.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (17) + 0 = 17

Kazzar ponders Aeric's and Moon's words for a bit before answering.

"As much as I would like to be part of the group, they were this year's chosen, not us. Tradition is important."

"And yet, we can't put tradition above everyone's safety. You're both right, there's safety in numbers, and between giant snakes, orcs and feral wolves, I think it would definitely be best if we went together."

Kazzar looks up to the sky and shortly after a hawk dives down and lands on his shoulder. After petting its head for a bit, Kazzar continues.

"I'm thinking we could write a note to Mayor Uptal explaining the situation, and have Razorwing here deliver it and bring back his reply while we go along with you, just in case he disagrees. Does that seem reasonable to you all?"

As if somehow understanding that they will all be traveling together, Greywind approaches Aeric and Somonti, snifing at them as it approaches and looking up at the two.

Greywind: Diplomacy: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (19) - 2 = 17

Willsave against mind effecting compulsion to deliver tummy rub: 1d20 - 1 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (3) - 1 + 3 + 2 = 7 fails haha

Oh, hi there big guy, your name was grey wind?

Aeric slowly moves to pet him a bit.

Want some jerky?

Greywind quickly scoops up the jerky, rolls on his back and gets into a very tummy-rubbable position.

Eh, sure why not Aeric says

Now who is a good boi? Yes you are. Aeric delivers a

animal handling: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 + 2 = 11 +2 circumstance from jerky, +2 from charisma

adequate, barely tummy-rub.

You wanna join in Somonti? Should be good for your nerves Aeric remarks merrily.

"I'm thinking we could write a note to Mayor Uptal explaining the situation, and have Razorwing here deliver it and bring back his reply while we go along with you, just in case he disagrees. Does that seem reasonable to you all?"

"That makes sense to me. The mayor should know about this killing and the giant snake, regardless. He may want to alert the other villages as well."

She holds up the fine dagger. "If anyone wants this, speak up. If not, I'll stow it for the trip back to town."