You invest in making civic improvements to Stachys next. This involves repairing potholes, leveling the streets, repainting buildings, and patching roofs. All off these general repairs help improve the quality of life for the people of Stachys and attracts new visitors to the town.
Gozran 30, 4718 (Moonday) (Gold Canyon, County of Meratt, Taldor)
You decide to head to the bridge of the Gold Canyon to investigate the rumors of it being destroyed personally. The bridge lies about 20 miles west of Stachys and takes you just under a day to reach it.
Gold Canyon not a natural canyon but rather the remains of a strip mine that followed a winding vein of gold and quartz for miles through rugged, rocky terrain some 4,000 years ago. For a few centuries after the veins played out, the canyon still served as a quarry, providing much of the granite used in local fortifications. All that remains today is a staircase-style ditch some 30 feet deep, 80 feet wide, and nearly 10 miles long. A stone bridge, left over from the quarry days, once crossed the canyon, providing the only easy travel between east and west portions of southern Meratt. As you heard, the bridge is collapsed, leaving only the watchtowers on either escarpment.
Locals can cross the canyon fairly easily on foot. Since steep stairs are carved into the rock next to the old bridge, all one has to do is descend; wade through the shallow, stagnant water in the canyon’s bottom; and climb the opposite side. The path is completely inaccessible to livestock and wagons, however, and this isolation has only contributed to nearby Stachys’s economic woes.
It is getting late in the afternoon and the sun is beginning to set casting an orange hue over the canyon. Light reflects off some of the rocks with a golden glitter.
Trevor looks around the site. "Oh! THIS is Gold Canyon! I've heard to this place. This place is an unsanctioned pilgrimage site for Abadarans. Yes, finding gold flakes or nuggets in the water is seen as a sign of approval from Abadar."
"Wait!" the cleric exclaimed. "There! In the water! Look!" Trevor points out the body in the water. The nobleman tries to find a way down to the water.
Does Trevor think he can slide down the embankment safely?
"I've been meaning to visit this place, but I could never find the time..."
"Wait!" the cleric exclaimed. "There! In the water! Look!" Trevor points out the body in the water. The nobleman tries to find a way down to the water.
"And it appears I still don't..."
Tychus rushes after the cleric to what is most likely a dead fellow Abadaran.
Trevor carefully make it to the dead body with Tychus not far behind. The cleric digs with his hands in the rocky mud to uncover the poor soul.
Tychus and Trevor rush down the stepped canyon walls to reach the body at the bottom. They can see as they get closer, that the body is indeed wearing the robes of an Abadaran priest. The body appears to be dead, but before they can give it a thorough inspection, they heard a muffled male voice call out from what must be a hidden cavern they can’t quite see. Neither Trevor nor Tychus can make out exactly what the person is saying.
When the two men turn towards the direction of the voice, what at first looked like nothing more than smooth river stones, a few of which glinted with traces of gold, rises up out of the river to reveal a 12-foot-long water snake. Focused on the snake's sudden appearance, they fail to notice the snake’s mate also rising up behind them.
Surprise Round
Before Trevor even sees the second snake, it darts its head forward and sinks its fangs into his shoulder. Then with incredible strength, it yanks Trevor backwards off his feet and wraps its body around him, holding him under the water. To make matters worse, the snake excretes a chemical that chills the already cold water to near freezing levels, making it even harder to hold his breath.
Round 1
Initiative
21 – Icabhod (41/41 hp)
20 – Xallis (43/43 hp)
20 – Navia (26/26 hp)
12 – Snake (Red)
12 – Snake (Blue) (Grappling)
12 – Liraela (43/43 hp)
09 – Tychus (43/43 hp)
09 – Henrika (41/41 hp)
09 – Trevor (27/39 hp) (Grappled, Holding Breath 24 rd)
When the character fails one of these Constitution checks, she begins to suffocate. In the first round, she falls unconscious (0 hit points). In the following round, she drops to –1 hit points and is dying. In the third round, she suffocates.
Snake Lore
•This snake is called a goldpebble.
•A goldpebble’s type is magical beast (aquatic).
•Goldpebbles are solitary creatures, except for when they gather during the twice-annual breeding frenzy for which the alchemist selected the original species as a test subject. They often lurk in rivers and streams, mimicking the smooth river stones along the bed and waiting for some unlucky wanderer to notice the shimmering traces of gold in their skin. Once the target is near, the creature ambushes the unsuspecting victim, sinking its narrow teeth into the target’s skin and attempting to drag its target below the water. In addition, most goldpebbles have the unusual and instinctive ability to cause the water around them to grow extremely cold, making it harder for a surprised victim to hold its breath. Weaker prey will often succumb to this attack, drowning and settling to the river floor to serve as dinner for the goldpebble. However, even if the victim of the goldpebble’s bite manages to escape, it’s not yet out of danger. Hours after the attack, the victim’s blood begins to transmute into frigid water.
•A goldpebble is resistance to cold.
•A goldpebble’s bite inflicts poison.
•Goldpebbles understand Common but can’t speak.
Icabhod and Xallis go first.
Icabhod had downed a Barkskin extract when they arrived since they tended to get assaulted more often than not.
He then starts hurrying down to rescue his allies.
The sudden attack of the hidden serpents catches Xallis by surprise, but he gets his head back in the game in short order. After stepping forward and down a small cliff, He extends his arms and makes rapid gestures with fluid chanting. The spell seems to weave time itself around him. Xallis, Navia, Icabhod, Henrika and Liraela find themselves hastened by transmutation magic.
"Be careful, their bites are potent. And don't rely on freezing spells if you have them!"
Navia launches forward, diving through the air to crash into the serpent that has her friend in its clutches.
"Stupid snake! Ugly snake! My gold is better than yours!"
Round 1
Icabhod climbs down the cliffside on foot. Navia with her new wings isn’t restricted as such. She swoops down at the snake holding Trevor. The creature looks up at the descending shadow just as she digs her claw into its face.
The goldpebble looming over Tychus turns as Icabhod’s movement catches its attention.
The goldpebble grabs Icabhod with its fangs and drags him screaming the rest of the way down the cliff and holds him in its grip.
The second goldpebble snaps back at Navia. It bites into her but chooses to release rather than grab in favor of swinging its tail at Trevor. Fortunately for Trevor, his armor absorbs the blow.
Round 1
Initiative
12 – Liraela (43/43 hp)
09 – Tychus (43/43 hp)
09 – Henrika (41/41 hp)
09 – Trevor (27/39 hp)
Round 2
Initiative
21 – Icabhod (30/41 hp) (grappled)
20 – Xallis (43/43 hp)
20 – Navia (18/26 hp)
12 – Goldpebble (Red) (grappling)
12 – Goldpebble (Blue) (9 damage)
12 – Liraela (43/43 hp)
09 – Tychus (43/43 hp)
09 – Henrika (41/41 hp)
09 – Trevor (27/39 hp
Active Spells
Icabhod: Barkskin +2 (50 min), Haste (5 rd)
Henrika: Haste (5 rd)
Liraela: Haste (5 rd)
Xallis: Haste (5 rd)
Navia: Haste (5 rd)
Everyone goes. Liraela, Tychus, Henrika, and Trevor in round 1; then Icabhod and Xallis in round 2.
Liraela uses her enhanced speed to get around on the other side of the left hand snake (hopefully dodging any bite coming in) and attempts to stab it in the back.
Round 1
Torn in between rushing to Icahbod, Trevor instead stepped closer to fight the nearest giant snake to him (blue).
The cleric starts rattling off a torrent of curse words as he cast bestow curse on the giant snake.
Cursing himself for his own inattentiveness, Tychus reaches for his crossbow. Luckily, loading a bolt was quick work, and he soon was ready to dispense of these overgrown snakes.
Round 1
Liraela leaps over the goldpebble’s writhing tail and stabs her dagger into its scales.
Tychus steps back and fires a bolt that lodges into the snake’s underbelly.
The goldpebble lunges at Trevor as he casts his spell and again his armor protects him. He lays a hand on the snake’s icy skin and Cayden Cailean’s curse befalls it.
Round 1
Initiative
09 – Henrika (41/41 hp)
09 – Trevor (27/39 hp)
Round 2
Initiative
21 – Icabhod (30/41 hp) (grappled)
20 – Xallis (43/43 hp)
20 – Navia (18/26 hp)
12 – Goldpebble (Red) (15 damage) (grappling)
12 – Goldpebble (Blue) (26 damage) (cursed)
12 – Liraela (43/43 hp)
09 – Tychus (43/43 hp)
09 – Henrika (41/41 hp)
09 – Trevor (27/39 hp
Active Spells
Icabhod: Barkskin +2 (50 min), Haste (5 rd)
Henrika: Haste (5 rd)
Liraela: Haste (5 rd)
Xallis: Haste (5 rd)
Navia: Haste (5 rd)
Goldpebble (blue): Bestow Curse (-4 penalty on attack rolls, saves, ability checks, and skill checks)
Henrika, Icabhod, and Xallis are up.
With one serpent surrounded by allies, Xallis glances towards the other. Less contained, and with only one ally in immediate range. He decides to even the odds by conjuring an explosion of blinding, glittering dust.
"Those scales of yours look nice... but they could use a little more shine!"
Navia licks her lips before diving into her foe as though she were trying to burrow through it.
Round 1
Henrika leaps down the hill in lightning fast hops and chops into the flesh wrapped around Icabhod.
Round 2
Icabhod frees his weapon-hand and stabs at the beast hoping that enough pain will cause it to release him. The snake’s grip loosens indicating that he may be correct.
The goldpebble closes its eyes at just the right time to avoid blindness from Xallis’ glitterdust but its body does glitter much more brightly afterwards.
Navia unleashes a flurry of attacks. Perhaps her enthusiasm causes her to attack a little too wildly. Although, one claw still manages to get through.
The goldpebble holding Icabhod releases him, uncurling and rising up to its full height. It lunges down at Henrika. Henrika creates two illusory doubles of herself but the snake’s giant head just barrels through them and into the true form. Then with a powerful slap, it smacks Icabhod in the side with its tail, nearly knocking him over.
The second snake snaps at Navia and swings its tail at Liraela. Trevor’s curse has caused the creature to become clumsy and the women easily avoid the attacks.
Round 2
Initiative
12 – Liraela (43/43 hp)
09 – Tychus (43/43 hp)
09 – Henrika (28/41 hp) (+1 AC defending)
09 – Trevor (27/39 hp)
Round 3
Initiative
21 – Icabhod (20/41 hp) (+1 AC defending)
20 – Xallis (43/43 hp)
20 – Navia (18/26 hp)
12 – Goldpebble (Red) (33 damage)
12 – Goldpebble (Blue) (36 damage) (cursed)
12 – Liraela (43/43 hp)
09 – Tychus (43/43 hp)
09 – Henrika (28/41 hp) (+1 AC defending)
09 – Trevor (27/39 hp)
Active Spells
Icabhod: Barkskin +2 (50 min), Haste (4 rd)
Henrika: Haste (4 rd), Mesmeric Mirror (2 images, 5 min)
Liraela: Haste (4 rd)
Xallis: Haste (4 rd)
Navia: Haste (4 rd)
Goldpebble (red): Glitterdust (Not blind, 5 rd)
Goldpebble (blue): Bestow Curse (-4 penalty on attack rolls, saves, ability checks, and skill checks)
Everyone goes.
Round 2
Trevor, pleased to see the suddenly clumsy giant snake fail his attacks, casts [url=https://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/all-spells/w/weapon-of-awe]weapon of awe on his +1 rapier and attacks.
Icabhod spits up blood and attempts to stab at the Goldpebble that harmed him
Still taking advantage of her positioning on the snake, Liraela lashes out with a flurry of strikes intended to end this things existence. A shame, she really likes snakes. Just not when they're trying to kill and eat her friends. Friends. What a weird word to think, much less to say. A thought for another time perhaps.
Round 2
Liraela stabs the goldpebble with three rapid strikes. The snake collapses into the river. Its blood mixes with the flowing stream.
Trevor, pleased to see the suddenly clumsy giant snake fail his attacks, casts weapon of awe on his +1 rapier and attacks.
Round 3
Icabhod stabs his rapier into both of the second goldpebble’s eyes. The second strike pierces through into its brain, killing it instantly.
Combat over
Current Status
Henrika (28/41 hp)
Icabhod (20/41 hp)
Liraela (43/43 hp)
Trevor (27/39 hp)
Tychus (43/43 hp)
Xallis (43/43 hp)
Navia (18/26 hp)
Once the commotion dies down, you hear the voice cry out again. This time you can make out that it is a clear cry for help. Following the sound of the voice, you find a second Abadaran acolyte huddled shivering in a nearby cave.
He says, ”Please help me. My name is Festo Mise. I traveled here from Lotheedar with my fellow priest, Dradi Maladus under the instruction of Archbanker Lady Paril to investigate the silence in Jambis. We were ambushed by a pair of goldpebbles that we mistook for gold nuggets in the river. I was badly injured and poisoned and am too weak from exposure to climb out of the canyon on my own. Poor Dradi was not so lucky. Please help me back to Lotheedar and return Dradi’s body for a proper burial. I promise you will be rewarded. An Abadaran always pays his debts.”
”Dradi had on her a returning chakram. If you help us, she would want you to have it as well.”
As Tychus kneels down to examine Festo, he flashes his own symbol of Abadar.
"Fear not, you are in good company. Are you able to make the trip?" He beckons Trevor over to examine the wounded man.
Trevor bends down to cast delay poison. "That will help you un tip we get back to Betony Estates. I will continue your treatment there."
The cleric stands and holds his holy symbol aloft.
"Ladies drink for free! Gather close!"
Navia flexes and stretches as the healing energy washes over her. "Well, I guess that proves that my gold glitters brighter, right?"
Xallis regards her with a smile and a nod before returning his attention to the group. "Let's finish what we came for and go home."
"Fear not, you are in good company. Are you able to make the trip?"
"That will help you un tip we get back to Betony Estates. I will continue your treatment there."
"If you just help me out of the canyon, a few days of civilization will restore my health."
If Festo isn't too badly injured, Tychus might spend a few minutes looking around the canyon. Would be a shame for an Abadaren to pass up the opportunity.
Since Stachys is on the way to Lotheedar, you stop there first. Festo comments, "Dradi and I had stopped overnight in Stachys on the way to the Gold Canyon. I must say in this short amount of time, the town has changed a great deal."
Eager to get back to Lotheedar, Festo insists on heading there first thing in the morning. He requests you come with him and speak with the Archbanker to be rewarded properly.
Desnus 2, 4718 (Wealday) (Lotheedar, County of Meratt, Taldor)
In Lotheedar stands the Grand Bank of Abadar, the largest temple to Abadar in the County of Meratt. As one would expect of a temple of Abadar, it is a lavish building build of marble and gold. News of Festo’s return quickly reaches Archbanker Lady Paril and she greets you in the temple. ”Thank the Wealthy Father, that you were able to find my wayward acolyte. I am saddened to learn of Dradi’s fate, but I thank you for returning her body to us so she can receive a proper burial.
Lady Paril produces a wooden box and withdraws an elegant wooden wand from within and hands it to you. [b]”Please take this as a reward. It is a fully charged wand of cure moderate wounds. Let it serve you well.”
Festo speaks, ”Archbanker, may I speak with you for a moment in private?”
The Archbanker nods and the two move to a side room to talk. After a few minutes, they return.
Lady Peril tells you, ”Acolyte Festo Mise has requested to be reassigned to help modernize Stachys and I have agreed to allow it. He will be tasked with aiding the construction of a temple of Abadar in Stachys and then serving as the head cleric of that temple, as long as that is agreeable with you.”
”We will be holding the funeral for acolyte Dradi Maladus tomorrow, if you wish to stay for it. And one last thing. I am in no position to ask a favor of you after to gift you have given the church by returning her children to her, but I had sent Dradi and Festo to investigate what is going on in Jambis. All trade and communications from Jambis has stopped and it is very concerning. If your travels take you that way, I’d be grateful if you informed me of what you find.”
Since Stachys is on the way to Lotheedar, you stop there first. Festo comments, "Dradi and I had stopped overnight in Stachys on the way to the Gold Canyon. I must say in this short amount of time, the town has changed a great deal."
As they pass. Trevor points out the new Public House/Temple to Cayden Cailean to the young acolyte.
Desnus 2, 4718 (Wealday) (Lotheedar, County of Meratt, Taldor)
In Lotheedar stands the Grand Bank of Abadar, the largest temple to Abadar in the County of Meratt. As one would expect of a temple of Abadar, it is a lavish building build of marble and gold. News of Festo’s return quickly reaches Archbanker Lady Paril and she greets you in the temple. ”Thank the Wealthy Father, that you were able to find my wayward acolyte. I am saddened to learn of Dradi’s fate, but I thank you for returning her body to us so she can receive a proper burial.”
Since Trevor stepped off the coach on to the Grand Banks grounds, the cleric seems to be mildly uncomfortable; his shoulders fidgeting like a itch on his back he can't scratch. When in the Archbanker's presence, Trevor bows with respect, accepting the thanks of a lawful high priest.
Lady Paril produces a wooden box and withdraws an elegant wooden wand from within and hands it to you. ”Please take this as a reward. It is a fully charged wand of cure moderate wounds. Let it serve you well.”
Trevor bows once more and accepts the gift graciously on behalf of the Betony coterie.
Festo speaks, ”Archbanker, may I speak with you for a moment in private?”
The Archbanker nods and the two move to a side room to talk. After a few minutes, they return.
Lady Peril tells you, ”Acolyte Festo Mise has requested to be reassigned to help modernize Stachys and I have agreed to allow it. He will be tasked with aiding the construction of a temple of Abadar in Stachys and then serving as the head cleric of that temple, as long as that is agreeable with you.”
”We will be holding the funeral for acolyte Dradi Maladus tomorrow, if you wish to stay for it. And one last thing. I am in no position to ask a favor of you after to gift you have given the church by returning her children to her, but I had sent Dradi and Festo to investigate what is going on in Jambis. All trade and communications from Jambis has stopped and it is very concerning. If your travels take you that way, I’d be grateful if you informed me of what you find.”
Trevor looks slightly shocked to hear Festo's and The Archbanker's plans for Stachys. To his credit, the aasimar didn't let it bother him for more than a few seconds.
”I should like to stay and attend the funeral for Dradi”, Trevor requested his Betony family members. ”I've read about Abadaran funeral rites, yet I have not seen them performed. It would be a ecclesiastical opportunity.”Trevor takes a moment to congratulate Festo in his new position. The aasimar explains his role as high priest of Cayden Cailean in Stachys, and wishes to team up with Festo to better serve the spiritual needs of Stachys and Meratt County.
Tychus enters the Grand Bank, immune to the effects of it's opulence.
Usually confident and self-assured, Tychus seems to shrink in size once in the Archbanker's presence. His head hangs low in reverence, spending most of the conversation staring at the floor.
Lady Paril produces a wooden box and withdraws an elegant wooden wand from within and hands it to you. ”Please take this as a reward. It is a fully charged wand of cure moderate wounds. Let it serve you well.”
"Thank you, Lady Archbanker. Your generosity is a boon to us all. I will certainly attend the funeral. And we were planning on visiting Jambis with all due haste. We have also been gravely concerned with the recent developments..."
Trevor takes a moment to congratulate Festo in his new position. The aasimar explains his role as high priest of Cayden Cailean in Stachys, and wishes to team up with Festo to better serve the spiritual needs of Stachys and Meratt County. Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13
Festo is receptive to working with another cleric and says he looks forward to serving the community together.
Desnus 3, 4718 (Wealday) (Lotheedar, County of Meratt, Taldor)
You stay overnight at a local inn in Lotheedar to attend the cleric’s funeral the next day. When you wake, you find a note pinned to the outside of your bedroom’s door with a dagger.
It reads, ”Parasites, BEGONE! This land has run out of teats from which your piggish lot may suckle! I bear this warning before I bear arms, for I am generous. LEAVE the county of Meratt, and take as many of your noble swine with you as you would see saved from slaughter. My next message comes on a spear’s point.” The message is signed with an image of a swan.
The staff at the inn report that they did not see anyone suspicious entering the building that night but are concerned that the safety of their guests was threatened.
The funeral for acolyte Maladus is held in the afternoon. The weather turns out to be rainy which is fitting for the mood of the attendants. Archbanker Paril presides over the event and gives a pleasant summary of the young woman’s life before the casket is put in the ground. Count Lotheed is not in attendance, but standing in the distance, you can see his seneschal, Sir Gul Gusairne watching stoically.
Icabhod looks at the letter from the Night Swan. It appears that the Night Swan is woefully misinformed about us. Besides taking precautions, I believe they should be disposed of as quickly and discreetly as possible, no reason to make a martyr
Out of the.
Henrika respectfully attends the funeral. She has no particular divine patron, but her father was similarly honored by Abadar when he died, and so she knows how she is supposed to behave.
Afterward, she prepares herself for the journey to Jambis.
In response to Ichabod, she says "Let this Night Swan come at us, if she dares. Being so misinformed about us, indeed, her ambush cannot be so well thought out as to cause us concern. It is a pity, though, that she lumps us in with the Lotheeds, for if we could direct her beak in their direction in any way, we would bless our mission in every way."
"I agree, Henrika", Trevor adds. "So 'cousins', we have been gifted a wand of cure moderate wounds. Who would like to be in charge of it?
I have a potion of cure light wounds at the ready, plus the healing gifts of The Accidental God.
Someone else should hold it and use it for emergencies."
Henrika looks around in response to Trevor's question. "I believe I could trick the wand into activating for me, but perhaps it is better off with someone for whom it is certain to recognize. Assuming it is being used during an emergency. As it is a gift from the church of Abadar, perhaps it would be most appropriate for Sir Tychus to wield it?"
"Logically sound", Trevor agrees, handing the wand of healing to the abadaran.
Henrika looks around in response to Trevor's question. "I believe I could trick the wand into activating for me, but perhaps it is better off with someone for whom it is certain to recognize. Assuming it is being used during an emergency. As it is a gift from the church of Abadar, perhaps it would be most appropriate for Sir Tychus to wield it?"
Tychus nods solemnly. He stows the wand with care into a leather pouch on his chain coat.
"It is indeed a pity that the Night Swan chose to make enemies of us. She would have made a formidable ally..."
"In a pinch I can use it as well, should the situation arise. Truly a generous reward for a service performed. Perhaps your church isn't that bad after all!" Liraela exclaims, clearly poking some good-natured fun at Tychus.
Night swan things
Her face twists in concern after seeing the letter, clearly bothered by it. "A shame, I was hoping we could come to some sort of agreement with the Swan. Doesn't seem all that possible anymore, I suppose."
She pinches her nose with two of her fingers, clearly lost in thought.
"We should probably deal with her now, in one way or another. Before things get out of hand."
Indeed. I'll get a bag of lye, it is excellent for when one needs to dispose of a body.
Xallis attends the funeral, shielded from the rain under Navia's wing. He takes the time to consider Count Lotheed's absence and how, or even if, it could be used to discreetly slander the man in a future endeavor.
And then there's the note from the Swan. "What a bothersome fool. We're doing what we can to help these people and still the would-be assassin sees us as part of the problem. I'm starting to think we should prioritize discovering the identity of this Black Swan before they do something reckless and violent."
You inquire further about the Night Swan while in Lotheedar and hear a strange rumor.
“You kids today are too young to remember, but the Night Swan is clearly the spirit of Lauchlein Lake! Count Lotheed stopped sacrificing virgins to appease it like his father did, and now it’s hunting in the county again.”
Lauchlein Lake is in the opposite direction than the one you are heading, so you can investigate later.
Since you can’t take your horses over the Gold Canyon until the bridge is repaired, you take the long way around to Jambis which takes 3 days of travel.
Along the way, you make a brief overnight stop in Moost. While there, you encounter a man who claims to be a former resident of Jambis. He tells you, ”Jambis was once the capital of the Telus barony but its homes and buildings are abandoned now. A few years ago, Baron Telus disappeared from public view. However, the village truly became a ruin about a half year later, when a massive fire started in an abandoned tavern called the Rat’s Nest and tore through the entire settlement. With few resources and our ruling baron nowhere in sight, my family, like most remaining residents opted to flee rather than rebuild. Most residents can be found in a sad camp called New Towne to the southeast of Jambis. I was fortunate enough to have enough money to restart here in Moost.”
Desnus 5, 4718 (Starday) (Jambis, County of Meratt, Taldor)
The next day after departing from Moost, you arrive at the ruins of Jambis. Once a prosperous town, Jambis appears to be all but abandoned now. What remains now are leaning wooden buildings and bleached bones—some animal, some not—gathered in corners like autumn leaves. In addition, dozens of hand-sized jumping spiders skitter through the shadows like rats, scavenging flesh from discarded bones, but giving your party a wide berth. You get the sense that if there are larger spiders among the ruins, they may not be so timid. In the distance, the Telus Estate overlooks the town from atop a hill. To reach the estate, you need to pass through the mats of sticky webbing in the streets along the way.
"Cousins, allow me a few minutes, please?"
Trevor gets off his horse to stand in the middle of what is left of Jambis. The cleric holds his holy symbol aloft and casts detect undead.
Looks like an excellent spot for alchemist's fire.
Trevor does not detect any undead anywhere in the vicinity.
After his spell concentration, Trevor opens his eyes and announces, "No sigh of undeath. I just wanted to make sure. Icabhod, whenever your ready."
Henrika, who had been unconsciously holding her breath, releases it. "That is a relief," she mutters with feeling. To be safe, she wordlessly casts a spell, causing mirror reflections of herself to appear around her.
Icabhod looks embarrassed. No alchemist's fire on me. Never thought I would need it. I have torches as well as flint and steel.
"As do I", Trevor discovers. "Let's burn some cobwebs from our path."
Tychus dismounts from his horse and immediately gets stuck in a nearby web. Cursing his luck, he brushes off what he can. He reaches for his crossbow, but rather than wield it at the ready, he also reaches for a torch. He lights it and holds it in his buckler hand.
He sheds light down several alleys, looking for a clear way forward.
"Shall we?"
Icabhod lights a torch as well.
Xallis wastes little drawing his wand of mage armor to weave protective magic around himself and Navia. The excitable eidolon creeps up to the webbing and pokes at it with her claw. "Ohhhh, it feels soft. Softer than the nice clothes you bought."
The two share a thought before Xallis shakes his head. "No, we are not going to try to domesticate the spiders. I don't care how nice their silk feels."
The eidolon lets out a cackle as she flies in small circles just above the party, attempting to get a better view of the terrain from her vantage point.
Your efforts to burn away the webs are successful. With the webs overlapping so close together, it only takes a small fire to burn away large swathes at a time. Not unexpectedly, burning the webs rouses large species of spiders which angrily skitter out of hiding towards you. Thanks to Navia’s position in the air, she spots the spiders coming and shouts a warning.
Round 1
Initiative
28 – Icabhod (41/41 hp)
23 – Tychus (43/43 hp)
17 – Trevor (39/39 hp)
16 – Spider (Red)
16 – Spider (Yellow)
16 – Spider (Blue)
14 – Xallis (43/43 hp)
14 – Navia (26/26 hp)
13 – Liraela (43/43 hp)
05 - Henrika (41/41 hp)
Active Spells
Henrika: Mirror Image (2 image, 5 min)
Xallis: Mage Armor (60 min)
Navia: Mage Armor (60 min)
•These are giant black widow spiders.
•A giant black widow spider’s type is vermin.
•Females of this species are larger than males. Males are identical to the typical giant spider.
•A giant black widow spider can throw webs that entangle opponents.
•A giant black widow spider’s bite inflicts poison.
•Mindless
Icabhod, Tychus, and Trevor go first.
Round 1
Having spotted the giant spiders, thanks to eidolon, Trevor bolsters him by casting heroism on himself.
Round 1
Icabhod quaffs a Barkskin extract. I have an antitoxin and two Delay Poison potions for people to grab as needed.