☠ Season of Ghosts w/ DM rainzax ☠

Game Master rainzax

Sneaking the Kidnapped Away

Guarded behind a sturdy lock, the victims of Mo Douqiu, bound and terrified, try to urge the party into silent caution. Can they spirit them away without alerting to their presence whomever or whatever is deeper in the teahouse?

➤ Level: 4 (Base DC 19)
➤ Complexity: 2 rounds
➤ Timeframe: Moments (Rounds)
➤ Synergies: None
➤ List of Skills: Stealth (moderate)

Thresholds
Critical Success @ ☆☆☆☆☆, ☆☆☆
Success @ ☆☆☆☆☆, ☆
Failure @ ☆☆☆☆

Sigurd has smelled worse happen. Sheela, for all of her grace, reeked of rancid sake one evening when she stumbled into their home. Perfume and some type of smoke didn't help, either. She needed a lot of water that night.

Stealth: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

Sigurd hopes he doesn't bungle things too much as he opens the door. He tries to keep the people calm, but he knows his time is short!

"By the gods, that wretched odor!" Kazuki blurts out between gags under his breath. He dry heaves a few times as he moves to free the prisoners.

Stealth (T) & Sick: 1d20 + 10 - 1 ⇒ (18) + 10 - 1 = 27
His dry heaving and gagging is quiet enough to not alert anyone beyong the doors of the room.
"That... *gag* secret door... Urp!... is right here... *blurgh* behind me."
He holds the cuff of his sleeve over his mouth to keep from gagging while pointing with his shield at the wall behind him.

Lan only made one Stealth check - this is the second:

Stealth, sickened 1: 1d20 + 9 - 1 ⇒ (19) + 9 - 1 = 27

Lan's nervous fingers manage to free a few of the prisoners.

Despite regaining control of her stomach, Auntie Wu is hesitant to enter with the stakes so high. Confronting Mo Douqiu and his goons without any townsfolk in the middle would be preferable. But here, and now? Those disgusting perverts would likely hide behind these poor people, using them as meat shields. Agonizing about her choice, she lingers at the doorway, beckoning out the ones with cut bonds with a wave of her hands. She helps them out, handing each one a small chunk of her rations, and whispers very quietly to each one: "Granny Hu has a safe place at the warehouses."

Presumably, from this post, it seems like people are out and about, but I doubt Auntie Wu would know a better specific place to send the victims.

The great hero constable of Willowshore - Zheng Peng - seizes the opportunity. It begins with a glint in his eye, and, he orders his men over to begin escorting the freed prisoners, one by one, from the tea house, before immediately taking credit for the act of extreme bravery!

"We will bring you back to the safety of Granny Hu in the Northridge!" and giving his men another command - once the party finishes trying to be discreet - marches off barking even more orders at his men!

Going to give 24 hours to finish up the Skill Challenge - opting out is not an option, as the situation requires Stealth with no real workaround beyond leaving the prisoners tied up, which I assume nobody in the party wants to do, and would rather risk failure at being discreet...

The prisoners were left in their own filth. What exactly was happening here? "Do not fear. By the glory of Shizuru, you will all be free! I swear upon it as a Kolphan!"

Stealth: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Sigurd realizes they weren't clapping but trying to shush him.

Barely stopping herself from rolling her eyes at the pompous constable, Auntie Wu swallows the bile that threatens to rise and forces herself into the foul-smelling room to help release the prisoners.

Stealth Round 1, sickened 1: 1d20 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 - 1 = 4
Stealth Round 2, sickened 1: 1d20 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (6) + 2 - 1 = 7

Yikes. Sorry, guys.

Between gagging and dry heaves, Kazuki waves his sword and puts a finger to his lips to signal to Auntie and Sigurd to try to keep quiet after the ruckus they're making.

Kazuki turns to the secret door and checks the opening mechanism to make sure it still works.

Second round stealth check. Is a thievery or perception check needed for the secret door? If so, they're in spoiler below.
Stealth (T) & Sick: 1d20 + 10 - 1 ⇒ (5) + 10 - 1 = 14
Kazuki's last dry heave is very loud.

Round 2:

Vekka is frozen with a frightened expression. Pained winces tear across his face as his blade clangs and sends a forceful, dull echo throughout the room. Many of his feathers are standing on end (except the spell feathers). He quickly looks towards the door to the East, waiting several moments to see if he can hear any reaction to his fumble.

His soul finally returns to his body and he looks over the crowd of captives while his taloned hand slowly, carefully reaches for the blade again. He takes stock of how many of these are children and what they must have endured... the rage returns to him and makes a distant memory of his fright from only an instant before.

Back to work.

Stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

Knocking a shelf over, which crashes into another, and another, falling like dominos, the prisoners all eyeball the main door with increased fear and expectation, as if something would come forth at any minute!

Skill Challenge a Critical Failure

Fortunately, despite making a loud mess, nobody is hurt...

...and all is silent...

The party fails terribly at being discreet - but manages to free the prisoners none-the-less. And. Nobody comes crashing through the door. And it is here that they remember that there is also a secret door... (no check needed)

...and so, taking a moment to prepare themselves, the party proceeds through...

...Which door?

At least they are safe. That's all that matters. Now the enemy will not have leverage.

Sigurd Defends with his shield and moves toward the secret door. With that much noise, the enemy must have heard something. Going through the direct entrance would be folly.

The party slips in through the secret door...

This once-elaborate banquet room has become a den of filth, littered with unwashed dishes, food stains, and what looks to be the aftermath of many grisly debaucheries. Bodies flayed or partially digested to the point of being unrecognizable lie heaped in corners or sway from ropes tied to wooden beams above. A pile of filthy, soiled cushions and blankets lie in a nest-like heap in the middle of the room.

To Do:
1) Place your Token inside the new room on the Map!
2) Exploration Mode? Keep, change?

Sigurd keeps his shield up and his sword grip tight. Is this another one of those horrific cannibals?

The grisly sights in the new room makes Kazuki feel even more ill.
His eyes are wide in shock and disgust.
"Ugh! What in the nine hells did this? This is disgusting! These poor people. I hope none of them are, gods forbid, townsfolk."

Kazuki pokes around with his sword at the piles of debris, all the while gagging and trying not to vomit. He also tries to get close enough to a corpse to see if he can recognize if they're townsfolk.

Perception (E) & sick: 1d20 + 9 - 1 ⇒ (8) + 9 - 1 = 16

He suddenly notices movement out of the corner of his eye.
"Did you all see that!?" he calls out to his friends.
"I'm pretty sure I saw someone -or something- flee through the door across the room!"

With another dry-heave, Kazuki stumbles forward as he tries to move quickly across the room and through the sliding door to chase after whatever he saw.

Vekka keeps his grip tight on his blade.

I cannot let this fall from my hands again...

but most of all minds his step with increased care.

Keeping with Avoid Notice

His eyes dart between the horrors in the banquet hall, but he says nothing, waiting for enemies to burst forth at any moment.

Anticip...

Finally his gaze darts to where Kazuki noticed something. He did not see it.

Not a good start.

Sigurd waits by the door to open it. The hostages are safe, but the enemy knows they are intruders.

Keeping with Detect Magic for Exploration Mode.

Entering the room, it's hard to tell if Auntie Wu is dry heaving or trying to hold back racking sobs. She scans it quickly, then resolutely stares straight ahead.

Her eyes whip around to try to catch what Kazuki saw, but is too slow. She trusts him, though, and follows him as quickly as her queasy stomach allows her.

Perception, sickened 1: 1d20 + 6 - 1 ⇒ (9) + 6 - 1 = 14

"I think you're imagining things, Kazuki."

"Tee Hee!"

Barely audible laughter from the next room!

A large clawed insect drops from the railings, surprising the party!

Clawed Insect to Initiative (Stealth) w/ Bonus (+2): 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 9 + 2 = 20

To Do:
0) Map Updated!
1) Roll Initiative!
2) Party Reactions Unready (Ambush / CF Skill Challenge)
3) If you beat the Clawed Insect, you may immediately Act!
4) Monster ID: Nature (DC ??)

Initiative, avoid notice (Stealth): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

Vekka reflexively jumps into action.

I'll find the source of that creepy laughter later on.

Tapping his oft-used spell drum, the familiar bright flames gush from the blade which is darkening into the blue of deep sea.

Setting his feet he slashes at the... Scorpion?

◆◆ Spellstrike
Cast a spell Ignition
Strike GREEN: +1 striking katana attack, slashing damage (one-handed), Fire damage: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 142d6 + 4 ⇒ (3, 1) + 4 = 83d6 ⇒ (1, 3, 4) = 8
deadly damage IFF crit: 1d8 ⇒ 6
On Critical Success The target takes double damage and 2d6 persistent fire damage.

Despite it not being his best swing of the blade, he follows through so that some of the latent energy can come to rest on his being.

◆ Enter stance: Arcane Cascade

"GAH!" Kazuki yelps in surprise as a giant scorpion drops from the ceiling.

Perception (E), Inc.Init. & SB & sick: 1d20 + 9 + 2 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (7) + 9 + 2 + 2 - 1 = 19

Lan is Scouting, so everyone should have a +1 circumstance.

Perception, sickened 1, scouting: 1d20 + 6 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 6 - 1 + 1 = 21

Lan immediately jumps into action, glaring at the creature, and then casting a spell.

◆ Demoralize (Intimidating Glare), sickened 1: 1d20 + 12 - 1 ⇒ (11) + 12 - 1 = 22 vs Will DC

◆◆ Needle Darts, sickened 1: 1d20 + 10 - 1 ⇒ (16) + 10 - 1 = 25
Piercing: 4d4 ⇒ (3, 3, 2, 4) = 12

Needle Darts provokes, but I think Vekka would have triggered it.

Perception, Scout: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 8 + 1 = 19

As expected, trouble has come for them. At least the hostages are safe.

Everything happens in a blur. Sigurd keeps his shield up, and it costs him precious time. The creature acts first!

“New Entertainment” the voice from the other room addresses you “You may start your Performance!”

New Entertainment: Act One

Auntie Wu's Initiative using Detect Magic: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12

The Clawed Insect lashes out at Vekka - leaving a gigantic puncture wound, which immediately throbs with pain!

Vekka - please make a 2x Fortitude Saves!

His spell goes wide, but it's magic is not wasted as it glows around him.

Lan however manages to cow it somewhat, then fill it with needles! (@ 12 damage, it is Frightened 1)

It retaliates against him out of reflex of fear!

◆) Strike w/ Stinger
◆) Strike w/ Pincir
◆) Grab
↺) Reactive Strike

Stinger (Reach 10 feet) w/ Fright (-1) vs Lan (AC 20): 1d20 + 13 - 1 ⇒ (14) + 13 - 1 = 261d6 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
Pincir (Agile, Reach 10 feet) w/ MAP (-4) w/ Fright (-1) vs Lan (AC 20): 1d20 + 13 - 4 - 1 ⇒ (14) + 13 - 4 - 1 = 221d8 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11
Grab (Athletics) w/ Fright (-1) vs Lan (Fortitude DC 17): 1d20 + 13 - 1 ⇒ (16) + 13 - 1 = 28

➤➤➤ ➤➤➤ ➤➤➤

NEW ENTERTAINMENT: ACT ONE

Monster ID: Nature
Terrain: Tables are Difficult Terrain
Sliding Doors: Interact to Open

Vekka @ 29/42 HP @ 2x Pending Fortitude!
Lan @ Sick 1 @ 16/40 HP @ Restrained by Clawed Insect @ 1x Pending Fortitude!
Clawed Insect @ Restraining Lan
Sigurd
Kazuki @ Sick 1
Auntie Wu @ Sick 1

➤➤➤ ➤➤➤ ➤➤➤

➤➤➤ ➤➤➤ ➤➤➤

Sigurd, Kazuki, and Auntie Wu are Up!

Sigurd sees the creature react instinctively. Casting magic would bring its wrath.

But he's the best defended, so he braves it and advances. Luckily the creature misses.

The power of Shizuru surge through him and he channels his energy to Lan.

"I've got its attention. Go!"

Heal: 2d8 + 16 ⇒ (6, 5) + 16 = 27

◆ Stride
◆◆ Sigurd casts >Heal< on Lan

Fortitude, Sickened 1: 1d20 + 7 - 1 ⇒ (9) + 7 - 1 = 15

I will assume that fails, but does not critically fail.

Lan screams as he's completely, totally wrapped up.

The sudden arrival of this creature startles Auntie Wu so much that she pees a little. She instinctively tries to identify it.

Nature DC ??: 1d20 + 10 - 1 ⇒ (6) + 10 - 1 = 15
Sickened 1

No matter what it is, it needs to be incapacitated so the real problem can be killed. And that means killing this thing as quickly as possible. Bemoaning the fact that most of her spells have been used up, she tries to set the insect on fire.

Ignition: 1d20 + 10 - 1 ⇒ (4) + 10 - 1 = 13
Sickened 1
Fire damage: 3d6 ⇒ (4, 5, 2) = 11

An untimely wave of queasiness affects her aim. Urp!

◆ Recall Knowledge, ◆◆ Cast a spell

Auntie Wu succeeds in identifying this creature as some manner or large scorpion - but fails to ascertain it's capabilities beyond what the party has already seen... Failure ...her flames go wide in distraction.

Lan vs Scorpion Poison (Stage One): 1d10 ⇒ 1

Sigurd draws the scorpion's attention - indeed, it's tail seems to have a mind of it's own! - it lashes violently at him, but he quickly dodges, then restores some vitality to Lan!

➤➤➤ ➤➤➤ ➤➤➤

NEW ENTERTAINMENT: ACT ONE

Monster ID: Nature
Terrain: Tables are Difficult Terrain
Sliding Doors: Interact to Open

Vekka @ 29/42 HP @ 2x Pending Fortitude! (plus likely one more Fortitude at End of turn!)
Lan @ Sick 1 @ 40/40 HP @ Restrained by Scorpion @ Stage One Scorpion Poison (roll Fortitude at End of turn!)
Scorpion @ Restraining Lan @ Reaction Spent
Sigurd
Kazuki @ Sick 1
Auntie Wu @ Sick 1

➤➤➤ ➤➤➤ ➤➤➤

Kazuki, Vekka, and Lan are Up!

Let's take care of saves first

Fortitude: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22
Not knowing the DC, I'm uncertain about any penalty to apply to the 2nd save.
Fortitude: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15
but that can't be good, so...
HERO POINT Fortitude: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

Actually, which action has manipulate? I don't see it on strike, cast a spell, or spellstrike. Arcane cascade has concentrate. I figure I'd better know before I choose my actions next round.

Lan casts glass shield on himself (no Manipulate) and then struggles to free himself.

Acrobatics, sickened 1: 1d20 + 9 - 1 ⇒ (14) + 9 - 1 = 22 vs DC 23 (?)
womp womp
Acrobatics, MAP, sickened 1: 1d20 + 9 - 5 - 1 ⇒ (7) + 9 - 5 - 1 = 10 vs DC 23 (?)

Fortitude, sickened 1: 1d20 + 7 - 1 ⇒ (2) + 7 - 1 = 8
I'm guessing that's a Critical Failure, so I'll Hero Point that.
Fortitude, sickened 1, Hero Point Reroll: 1d20 + 7 - 1 ⇒ (4) + 7 - 1 = 10
Maybe that's not a Critical Failure? :eek:

Lan may not automatically Shield Block the first attack that comes his way. If, after the poison and the first attack, Lan would have 25 hit points or more OR between 1-10 hit points, Lan will save his Shield Block for a potential second and third attacks since the AC bump is probably more valuable than the damage reduction. (Sorry, it's complicated, but basically, if he can still take a future critical hit OR if he's so low that he can't even take a regular hit, then I'd rather have the AC bump than the damage reduction.)

The stabbing stinger-tail makes Vekka nervous to spend his his motions articulating another spell. With sharp movements of his arm, his sleeves make sharp, audible pops as the blade slashes back and forth at it repeatedly.

Depending on the outcomes of the above saves, there might be some penalties to apply below.

◆ Strike: +1 striking katana attack, slashing damage (arcane cascade vs flat-footed, one-handed): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 142d6 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (2, 2) + 4 + 3 = 11
deadly damage IFF crit: 1d8 ⇒ 7

◆ Strike: +1 striking katana attack, slashing damage (arcane cascade vs flat-footed, one-handed): 1d20 + 11 - 5 ⇒ (17) + 11 - 5 = 232d6 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (3, 3) + 4 + 3 = 13
deadly damage IFF crit: 1d8 ⇒ 2

◆ Strike: +1 striking katana attack, slashing damage (arcane cascade vs flat-footed, one-handed): 1d20 + 11 - 10 ⇒ (8) + 11 - 10 = 92d6 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (2, 2) + 4 + 3 = 11
deadly damage IFF crit: 1d8 ⇒ 5

Kazuki, still feeling a bit ill, slices and slashes the giant, clawed insect with his blade, hoping to free Lan from its grip.

+1 Striking Wakizashi (Agile, Deadly d8, Finesse, Vers. P) & Sick: 1d20 + 11 - 1 ⇒ (8) + 11 - 1 = 18
slashing & deadly: 2d4 + 1 ⇒ (2, 2) + 1 = 51d8 ⇒ 3

+1 Striking Wakizashi (Agile, Deadly d8, Finesse, Vers. P), MAP & Sick: 1d20 + 11 - 2 - 1 ⇒ (10) + 11 - 2 - 1 = 18
slashing & deadly: 2d4 + 1 ⇒ (3, 1) + 1 = 51d8 ⇒ 5

+1 Striking Wakizashi (Agile, Deadly d8, Finesse, Vers. P), MAP & Sick: 1d20 + 11 - 4 - 1 ⇒ (2) + 11 - 4 - 1 = 8
slashing & deadly: 2d4 + 1 ⇒ (4, 1) + 1 = 61d8 ⇒ 3

◆ strike
◆ strike
◆ strike

I forgot to Hunt Prey first to use flurry. I probably missed on all of the attacks above anyway. Sorry!

Vekka throws off the poison without ill effect. (Return Hero Point to you, unneeded)

The scorpion's exoskeleton repels most of the party's attacks - only one of Vekka's slashes punctures it. (13 damage)

Lan remains in it's grasp tight - the poison in his system rapidly progresses!

Stage Three Scorpion Poison vs Lan: 2d10 ⇒ (7, 6) = 13 plus Enfeebled 2

It keeps his grasp on him - presumably letting the poison see it's course - and lashes out at Vekka and Sigurd who antagonize from either end!

◆) Grab vs Lan
◆◆) Strike x2
↺) Reactive Strike

Grab (Athletics) vs Lan (Fortitude DC 17): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (17) + 13 = 30
Stinger (Reach 10 feet) vs Vekka (AC 20): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 251d6 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
Stinger (Reach 10 feet) w/ MAP vs Sigurd (AC 21): 1d20 + 13 - 5 ⇒ (15) + 13 - 5 = 231d6 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

Both Vekka and Sigurd to save vs Poison (DC 20) else:

Stage One vs Vekka: 1d10 ⇒ 6 plus Enfeebled 1
Stage One vs Sigurd: 1d10 ⇒ 10 plus Enfeebled 1

➤➤➤ ➤➤➤ ➤➤➤

➤➤➤ ➤➤➤ ➤➤➤

NEW ENTERTAINMENT: ACT ONE

Monster ID: Nature
Terrain: Tables are Difficult Terrain
Sliding Doors: Interact to Open

Vekka @ 19/42 HP @ 1x Fortitude save
Lan @ Sick 1 @ 40/40 HP @ Restrained by Scorpion @ Enfeebled 2 due to Stage Three Poison (☑☑) (roll Fortitude at End of turn!)
Scorpion (AC 20) @ -13 slash @ Restraining Lan @ Reaction Ready
Sigurd @ 34/44 @ 1x Fortitude save
Kazuki @ Sick 1 @ No Prey
Auntie Wu @ Sick 1

➤➤➤ ➤➤➤ ➤➤➤

The Party is Up!

Off to the side, someone or something may be peaking through one of many tears in the fabric of the sliding doors.

"Ha ha ha ha hA HA!" a rapidfire cachinnation can be heard from the other side.

Then he purports to share in his philosophy "Dance! Sing! Fight! Whatever is entertaining! It’s what living is all about, so LIVE!" the strange laughter triggers again "or DIE to Stingy!"

You may attempt to Seek by posting your modifier if you like...

Lan has little else he can do. ◆ Glass Shield, ◆ Escape, ◆ Escape

Acrobatics, sickened 1: 1d20 + 9 - 1 ⇒ (13) + 9 - 1 = 21
Acrobatics, MAP, sickened 1: 1d20 + 9 - 5 - 1 ⇒ (18) + 9 - 5 - 1 = 21

Fortitude, sickened 1: 1d20 + 7 - 1 ⇒ (19) + 7 - 1 = 25

Lan's poison retrogresses - he remains held fast, squirming in pain as the poison recedes only slightly!

Stage Two, 3rd instance: 2d10 ⇒ (2, 4) = 6

Lan HP 21/40, Stage Two (☑☑☑), only Enfeebled 1

"Ha ha ha ha hA HA!"

It continues. But from where?

"Little Pink Man is Food for Stingy! Wonderful!!"

Is that the sound of... clapping!?

You may attempt to Seek by posting your modifier if you like...

Fort Save: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

The poison takes hold.
Fine.

"Can you cover him in grease?" Sigurd turns to Auntie Wu. "I'll distract it again." He takes a Stride back and forth, attracting its tail.

Fort Save: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25

And he pays the price. "There! It can't react!"

Now, he grips his katana and prepares to strike. The blade shines and heals him.

Heal: 2d8 ⇒ (2, 2) = 4

A potency crystal burns as the might of Shizuru flows through him.

Katana, Potency Crystal, Restorative Strike, Enfeebled 1 vs Flanking: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (20) + 8 + 1 + 1 - 1 = 29
Slashing, Potency Crystal, Enfeebled 1: 2d6 + 3 - 1 ⇒ (4, 1) + 3 - 1 = 7 Please double for a Critical
Deadly: 1d8 ⇒ 6

Sigurd is certain someone is guiding his hand. Maybe Kolphanir is sneaking her will directly. It's fine, he won't tell!

Vekka feels vitality flow into him, closing some of his wounds.

◆ Stride to bait the Scorpion's Reaction
◆◆ >Restorative Strike<.
- ◆ Sigurd casts >Heal< on himself. This does not have the Manipulate trait.
- ◆ Sigurd Strikes the scorpion. +1 Status bonus if he uses his katana.
- ◇ If the Strike hit, Sigurd casts Heal on Vekka for the same amount.

He get’s it’s attention - nearly dropping Lan from it’s clutches! - whirling now on the warpriest as he hacks off one of it’s pincirs, black blood gushing profusely!

Stage One vs Sigurd: 1d10 ⇒ 5

20 damage scorpion, bloodying it, 16 damage Sigurd, then +8 healing to Sigurd and Vekka!

”You there!” the voice calls out, perhaps peeved somewhat at being ignored ”Do you have a name? You are the Star of the Show!” more clapping ”Marvelous! Simply marvelous!!”

It craves attention, yet remains hidden…

You may attempt to Seek by posting your modifier if you like...

He get’s it’s attention - nearly dropping Lan from it’s clutches! - whirling now on the warpriest as he hacks off one of it’s pincirs, black blood gushing profusely!

Nice! It can't grapple anyone else until it drops Lan.

[/b]"Can you cover him in grease?"[/b] Sigurd turns to Auntie Wu.

"I can't!" She wails. "I already cast it!" (We haven't rested since the fight with Zoudou, so she's low on spells. She has Restoration and cantrips left.)

Instead, she pulls a bit of moss from the healer's toolkit she's wearing and shoves it into Sigurd's wound to treat the poison. Then she dashes over to Lan to do the same.

Treat Poison on Sigurd, DC?: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (11) + 13 = 24
Treat Poison on Lan, DC?: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14
Halfling Luck reroll: Treat Poison on Lan, DC?: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29

◆ Treat Poison, ◆ Stride, ◆ Treat Poison

Before Auntie Wu has the chance to reply, the poison continues to act up.

Fortitude Save: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25

He manages to keep it in check.

He simply nods to Auntie Wu and ignores the impromptu audience. He'll have their head soon enough.

"We'll get you out of there. Be brave." He calls to Lan. "I have the tail's attention. You can move freely!"

"You'll pardon me if I don't bow," Lan says, calmly. In another life, he would be terrified. In this one, Auntie Wu's voice echoes in his mind.

At least it grab anyone else.

He inhales deeply, and focuses on the present. There's still time. And he can do this.

Exhale.