GM Peachbottom's War for the Crown

Game Master Peachbottom

With a look at each other, Henrika and Jack move towards the sounds of combat still continuing to the east. Once she is past the rubble, Henrika casts another spell (displacement).

Icabhod enters the round room and sees that all of their foes are dead. Are we finally done? These blasted rocks hamper me so much.

Round 12

Xallis moves through the stone-coated floor, simultaniously slowed and quickened thanks to the various spells. When he passes by the lone silder wandering back, he stops and casts a spell to slow him down.

Casting grease on Officer #1's weapon. DC 16 Reflex to avoid dropping it.

Round 12

Julania follows after her brother, gracefully stepping over the rubble and making the best of her dwindling quickness. When Xallis stops, so does she. The paladin raises her holy symbol and concentrates, causing it to glow with divine energy.

"Alright, let's clean up." she says, hoisting her blood stained scythe.

Using Divine Bond to empower her holy symbol. She now has one extra Lay on Hands for the day.

Round 12

Despite its essence barely clinging to this world, the hound archon fights on. Unsure if it needs to hold the line for its allies, the hound takes a step back and coats itself in protective magic.

Aid temp HP: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Round 12

Turning around to follow Jack, Tychus aims past the half-orcs shoulder at the draconic shape in the cloud. His crossbow lights up as he prepares to fire, promising him that it will strike true.

Attack: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (2) + 16 = 18
Damage: 1d10 + 15 ⇒ (8) + 15 = 23

Dignity's Barb will negate the miss chance from the Stinking Cloud.

Attack RR: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (2) + 16 = 18

Round 13

Tychus bolt aims true thanks to Dignity’s Barb’s enchantments. Unfortunately, the bolt fails to pierce the drake’s scales.

Tychus misses the desert drake.

Traitorous Officer Reflex DC 16: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17

Xallis conjures a glob of grease to coat the officer’s weapon. By shear dumb-luck, the officer jerks his arm back at the sight of the spell and flicks the grease harmlessly away.

Traitorous Officer #1 passes the reflex save for the grease spell and doesn’t drop his weapon.

Desert Drake AoO, power attack vs. Hound Archon’s AC 21: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29
Concealment 20%: 1d100 ⇒ 60
Damage: 2d6 + 18 ⇒ (4, 5) + 18 = 27 Electricity Damage: 1d10 ⇒ 8

The hound archon tries to cast a spell to last a little longer. However, in doing so, the drake reacts quickly and bites down onto the upper half of the hound archon. The drake is left unsatisfied as his meal fades back to the Outer Planes.

The hound archon provokes an attack of opportunity for using his spell-like ability. The desert drake hits for 17 damage after DR and kills the hound archon. He had a good run.

The officer steps into the room and gets up in Xallis’s face menacingly. ”I’ve had enough of you and your spells.”

The traitorous officer #1 is no longer nauseated at the end of his turn. Next turn he can finally act normally again.

The desert drake takes to the air and flies in an ascending spire to escape the stinking cloud then it lets out a terrifying roar and spits out a ball of electrically-charged sand in Tychus’ direction. The ball hits the ground and explodes into a miniature sandstorm.

Sandstorm Breath Damage: 3d6 ⇒ (5, 4, 3) = 12 Electricity Damage: 4d8 ⇒ (7, 6, 8, 2) = 23

Tychus Reflex save: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14
Jack Reflex save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Xallis Reflex save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

Duration: 1d4 ⇒ 3
Recharge: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Tychus, Jack, and Xallis are caught in the effect. They are blinded by the swirling sands. The course sand scrapes at their exposed skin and their bodies shake uncontrollably as electricity courses through them. Hidden in the cloud of sand, Jack falls to the ground.

Tychus, Jack, and Xallis all fail the reflex save and take the full 35 damage. That puts Jack at -7 hp and he is dying. The cloud will remain for 3 rounds. It does not do any more damage but otherwise acts like an obscuring mist. The drake is currently 20 ft. in the air.

Round 13
Initiative
26 – Desert Drake
20 – Jack (-7/49 hp) (Dying)
18 – Icabhod (54/54 hp)
16 – Tychus (23/58 hp)
16 – Xallis (18/59 hp)
16 – Julania (19/39 hp)
11 – Henrika (49/66 hp) (Defending +1 AC)
07 – Traitorous Officers #1
06 – Malphene (22/42 hp) (Defending +1 AC)
05 – Trevor (39/55 hp)

Active Spells/Effects
Henrika: ▲Bless (7 min), ▲Bull’s Strength (3 min), ▲Displacement (7 rd)
Falchion Jack: ▲Bless (7 min), ▲Bull’s Strength (3 min)
Icabhod: ▲Barkskin (+3 AC, 70 min), ▲Heroism (70 min), ▲Shield (7 min), ▲Bless (7 min)
Trevor: ▲Bless (7 min)
Malphene: ▲Bless (7 min), ▲Aid (6 min)
Tychus: ▲Bless (7 min), ▲Divine Favor (+2, 3 rd)
Xallis: ▲Mage Armor (60 min), ▲Bless (7 min)
Julania: ▲Barkskin (+3 AC, 70 min), ▲Bless (7 min), ▲Aid (6 min), ▲Divine Favor (+1, 3 rd)
Jaliessa: Stone Call ▲(6 rd)
Dretch (Yellow): Stinking Cloud (1 rd)
Desert Drake: Sandstorm Breath (3 rd)

I know the officer's initiative is mixed in there but everyone can go. Also note, haste just ran out. It’s been a long combat.

Since I'm next to Jack, I'm assuming I can see him go down? I will correct my post if I'm incorrect.

Shielding his eyes from the sudden onslaught of sand, Tychus nevertheless sees his ally go down. He hurriedly speaks a few words of healing, hoping to staunch the half-orc's wounds.

Casting Stabilize on Jack. Can I start to drag his unconscious body back to safety?

Henrika stows her sword and draws her sling, craning her neck to get a better look at their foe where it is flying above the clouds. She frowns as Tychus drags Jack past, relieved to see he is stable, and thinking that they should start keeping track of how many times he falls unconscious in the line of duty. If nothing else, he is still a good soldier, she thinks admiringly.

Round 13

Godspike in hand, Dame Trant moves through the difficult terrain, toward the sound of draconic battle.

Double move through diffult terrain.

Round 13

Trevor follows Malphene as much as he can, stopping only to unleash another selective channel energy.

Channel Energy: 4d6 ⇒ (1, 6, 5, 5) = 17

Pass turn

Round 13

With his body wounded and an enemy right in his face, Xallis attempts to further layer himself with protective magic.
Caster Defensively check for Shield (DC 17): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Hero Point: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

D'oh!

Round 13

The officer steps into the room and gets up in Xallis’s face menacingly. ”I’ve had enough of you and your spells.”

"Then you're gonna love dealing with me!" Julania shouts as she swings her scythe.

mwk cold iron scythe (divine favor, power attack, bless): 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 7 + 2 + 1 = 11 damage: 2d4 + 7 ⇒ (4, 3) + 7 = 14

Round 13

Xallis tries to cast a shield spell but between his injuries and the enemy standing over him, he loses his concentration and the spell fails.

Xallis’ shield spell fails. After Xallis’ turn, the last stinking cloud effect vanishes.

Julania swings her scythe and the officer leaps back out of the weapon’s reach.

Julania’s attack on Traitorous Officer #1 is a miss.

Traitorous Officer #1 – Scimitar, Cleave vs. Xallis’ AC 15: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27
Concealment 20%: 1d100 ⇒ 62
Damage, Challenge: 1d6 + 4 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 6 = 16

Traitorous Officer #1 – Scimitar, Cleave vs. Julania’s AC 23: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17
Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

The officer declares Xallis his opponent and cleaves his scimitar forward. The blade cuts through Xallis then stops when it connects with Julania’s scythe with a clang. The officer revels in Xallis’ pain. ”Any last words, wizard?”

Traitorous Officer declares a challenge against Xallis then cleaves at Xallis and Julania. He hits Xallis for 16 damage and misses Julania.

Then Trevor’s timely channeling heals back some of those wounds.

If Trevor is okay with it, I’m going to swap the token positions of Trevor and Malphene before he channels. Channel energy doesn’t work through walls but if he’s between the two doorways, I’ll be generous and say it can radiate at the right angles to hit everyone. Anyone injured heals 17 hp.

Round 14

The dragon is impatient and doesn’t wait for its enemies to come out. It flies down and lands on the porch outside the kitchen, then with a burst of speed forces his way through the doorway.

Julanina AoO, divine favor, bless, power attack vs. Desert Drake: 1d20 + 9 + 2 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 9 + 2 + 1 - 2 = 18
Concealment 20%: 1d100 ⇒ 53
Damage: 2d4 + 4 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (3, 2) + 4 + 6 + 2 = 17

Desert Drake – Bite, power attack. flanking vs. Julania’s AC 23: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 12 + 2 = 17
Concealment 20%: 1d100 ⇒ 58
Damage: 1d6 + 18 ⇒ (4) + 18 = 22 Electricity Damage: 1d10 ⇒ 3

Julania strikes at the drake but her scythe bounces of the creatures’ scales. The drake, barely fitting in the confined space, crushes cabinets and knocks cookware in every direction with each clumsy move of its wings and tail. It bites at Julania but Julania is able to avoid the attack.

Desert drake uses its speed surge ability for a second movement action to squeeze into the room which provokes from Julania. Her attack of opportunity misses. The desert drake attacks Julania and also misses. The desert drake is within its sandstorm breath so attacks against it have 20% concealment.

Round 14
Initiative
26 – Desert Drake
20 – Jack (10/49 hp)
18 – Icabhod (54/54 hp)
16 – Tychus (40/58 hp)
16 – Xallis (19/59 hp)
16 – Julania (36/39 hp)
11 – Henrika (66/66 hp)
06 – Malphene (39/42 hp)
05 – Trevor (55/55 hp)
05 – Traitorous Officers #1 (Challenging Xallis)

Active Spells/Effects
Henrika: ▲Bless (6 min), ▲Bull’s Strength (2 min), ▲Displacement (6 rd)
Falchion Jack: ▲Bless (6 min), ▲Bull’s Strength (2 min)
Icabhod: ▲Barkskin (+3 AC, 69 min), ▲Heroism (69 min), ▲Shield (6 min), ▲Bless (6 min)
Trevor: ▲Bless (6 min)
Malphene: ▲Bless (6 min), ▲Aid (5 min)
Tychus: ▲Bless (6 min), ▲Divine Favor (+2, 2 rd)
Xallis: ▲Mage Armor (59 min), ▲Bless (6 min)
Julania: ▲Barkskin (+3 AC, 69 min), ▲Bless (6 min), ▲Aid (5 min), ▲Divine Favor (+1, 2 rd)
Jaliessa: Stone Call ▲(5 rd)
Desert Drake: Sandstorm Breath (2 rd)

I’m going to have the officer delay his initiative until after Trevor next round. Everyone can go.

Jack shakes his head groggily, and then seeing the dust kicked up by the drake's passage into the kitchen he stands and hustles to follow.

Henrika drops her sling and quickly darts back through the mess hall to face the drake head-on. She draws her sword as she moves, and when she reaches the kitchen she gazes at the creature with her hypnotic stare.

I think she's only moved 30', so if I've calculated that right, I'll have her attack with her standard.

Attack drake (Koriana's blade), bless, bull's strength, flanking, Power Attack: 1d20 + 12 + 1 + 2 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 12 + 1 + 2 + 2 - 2 = 24
Damage (magic, slashing), bull's strength, Power Attack: 1d8 + 7 + 3 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 7 + 3 + 6 = 20
Painful stare: 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (4, 3) + 3 = 10

Round 14

Despite the localized sandstorm messing with his vision, Tychus once again reloads his crossbow. As he runs his hands over his pockets, he notes with slight distress that he only has 3 cartridges left.

Round 13

Then Trevor’s timely channeling heals back some of those wounds.

If Trevor is okay with it, I’m going to swap the token positions of Trevor and Malphene before he channels. Channel energy doesn’t work through walls but if he’s between the two doorways, I’ll be generous and say it can radiate at the right angles to hit everyone. Anyone injured heals 17 hp.

I'm very okay with it! especially if it keep people up.

Round 14

Trevor can't see his family and friends, but hears there screams of pain.
"Cayden! Guide my hand once more!"

Selective Channel Energy: 4d6 ⇒ (3, 1, 2, 4) = 10

2 more channels to go! Come on, team!

Round 14

Despite the rough terrain, Malphene moves shoulder-to-shoulder with Henrika! "We survive this, you're my Maid of Honor!"

Godspike: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29
Confirming: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28 OH FU<K YEAH!!!
Dmg.: 1d6 + 3 + 2d6 + 1d6 + 3 + 2d6 ⇒ (4) + 3 + (3, 1) + (1) + 3 + (5, 5) = 25

Pass

Round 14

Kn. Arcana, Dessert Drake Lore: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29
Xallis frantically points at the drake. "Sister! Focus on that, everything you've got! I'm fine on my own!"

Stepping a few feet out of the way, he attempts to carefully channel magic.
Defensive Casting of Summon Monster 2 (DC 19): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14

Hero Point, ya boi is sweatin': 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26

Round 14

A small sized earth elemental, vaguely shaped like a spikey-haired gnome, rises from the floor and into the material plane. It takes one glance at its opponent before attempting to smash his legs out beneath him.
slam vs officer #1 (power attack, earth mastery): 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 7 + 1 = 24 damage: 1d6 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15

Round 14

Julania raises her scythe above her head and gives it a twirl, bringing it down over her shoulder. She points at the dragon with her free hand and winks, as if promising to her goddess that she's going to knock the drake over the horizon with one blow!

Activating smite and swinging for the fences!

mwk cold iron scythe vs drake (SMITE, power attack, bless, divine favor): 1d20 + 8 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 8 + 2 + 1 + 2 = 28
damage: 2d4 + 7 + 10 ⇒ (4, 1) + 7 + 10 = 22

Round 14

”More tricks!” The officer growls in response to Xallis’ spell. The earth elemental slams the officer, possibly breaking a bone.

The earth elemental hits Traitorous Officer #1 for 15 damage. I’ll give you the earth mastery because of the stone call on the ground. Otherwise, I’d probably say you are actually on a raised wooden building above the ground. But honestly, I’m nitpicking at this point.

Julania, Henrika, and Malphene forgot to roll for the 20% concealment against the desert drake. But I’m in a generous mood and don’t want to s$*@ on your good rolls, so I’ll give you a pass this time. Next round, if you remember, roll for it.

Julania’s scythe sizzles with divine energy as she smites the drake. Her blade cuts through scales and flesh and the drake jerks back, smashing its flailing wings against the wall with a clatter of wood and metal.

Julania hits the desert drake for 22 damage. The dragon is evil so the smite affects it.

Then Henrika makes her way into the room and finds her own opening. She slashes the drake’s softer underbelly and psychically enhances the pain.

Henrika hits the desert drake for 30 damage.

Next, Malphene steps up beside Henrika. She finds one of the open wounds the other girls inflicted and jabs her rapier in. The holy energy of Godspike burns and cauterizes the area.

Malphene gets a critical hit on the desert drake for 25 damage.

Trevor heals anyone who still needs it for 10 more damage. I didn’t realize how much juice Trevor had in him. I don’t know if he’s ever had to use this much healing. I guess that means I can hit you even harder next time. =)

Traitorous Officer #1 – Scimitar, power attack vs. Earth Elemental’s AC 17: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 11 - 2 = 20
Damage: 1d6 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 4 = 13

Traitorous Officer #1 – Scimitar, power attack vs. Earth Elemental’s AC 17: 1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 6 - 2 = 13
Damage: 1d6 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 4 = 10

The officer maintains his focus on Xallis but is forced to deal with his summoned creature first. He hacks at the elemental and finds that its body is more akin to packed dirt than solid stone. Still the elemental survives the assault.

Traitorous Officer #1 hits the earth elemental once for 13 damage.

Round 15

The drake realizes that its impatience has gotten itself trapped. It lashes out wildly.

Desert Drake – Bite vs. Henrika’s AC 21: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (16) + 15 = 31
Concealment 50%: 1d100 ⇒ 88
Damage: 2d6 + 9 ⇒ (3, 6) + 9 = 18 Electricity Damage: 1d10 ⇒ 5

Desert Drake – Tail Slap Malphene’s AC 16: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (1) + 15 = 16
Concealment 20%: 1d100 ⇒ 17
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

The drake bites Henrika. Electricity discharges from its mouth, shocking her. Then its tail comes sweeping around at Malphene. The wild drake slips of the clutter littering the room and its tail swooshes over Malphene’s head.

The desert drake bites Henrika for a total of 23 damage (18 piercing, 5 electricity). Its tail attack misses Malphene.

Round 15
Initiative
26 – Desert Drake (77 damage)
20 – Jack (20/49 hp)
18 – Icabhod (54/54 hp)
16 – Tychus (50/58 hp)
16 – Xallis (29/59 hp)
16 – Earth Elemental (4/17 hp)
16 – Julania (36/39 hp)
11 – Henrika (43/66 hp)
06 – Malphene (42/42 hp)
05 – Trevor (55/55 hp)
05 – Traitorous Officers #1 (15 damage) (Challenging Xallis)

Active Spells/Effects
Henrika: ▲Bless (6 min), ▲Bull’s Strength (2 min), ▲Displacement (5 rd)
Falchion Jack: ▲Bless (6 min), ▲Bull’s Strength (2 min)
Icabhod: ▲Barkskin (+3 AC, 69 min), ▲Heroism (69 min), ▲Shield (6 min), ▲Bless (6 min)
Trevor: ▲Bless (6 min)
Malphene: ▲Bless (6 min), ▲Aid (5 min)
Tychus: ▲Bless (6 min), ▲Divine Favor (+2, 1 rd)
Xallis: ▲Mage Armor (59 min), ▲Bless (6 min)
Julania: ▲Barkskin (+3 AC, 69 min), ▲Bless (6 min), ▲Aid (5 min), ▲Divine Favor (+1, 1 rd)
Jaliessa: Stone Call ▲(4 rd)
Desert Drake: Sandstorm Breath (1 rd)

Everyone goes. Probably the last turn.

Jack coughs, still recovering and unsteady on his feet but anxious to make a good showing. As the sand drake whips its tail past, Jack grabs hold of one of the cabinets and upends it onto the creature, entangling it in cookware and causing a loud clatter.

Dirty trick (entangle) maneuver vs drake, bless, bull's strength, dirty trick bonuses, flanking: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 2 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 8 + 1 + 2 + 4 + 2 = 36
Concealment (high is good): 1d100 ⇒ 85

Henrika quickly activates her Mesmeric Mirror as the drake lashes out at her.

Immediate action to implant Mesmeric Mirror on herself, and a free action to activate it.
Mesmeric image (1 is Henrika): 1d3 ⇒ 2

She is not sure if she can mislead the magical creature with her standard tactics, but she calculates that it is worth the trying. She stabs at the drake's mouth as it snaps before adjusting her swing to hack at its wings.

Bluff to feint, trait: 1d20 + 19 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 19 + 3 = 38
Attack drake (Koriana's blade), bless, bull's strength, flanking, Power Attack: 1d20 + 12 + 1 + 2 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 12 + 1 + 2 + 2 - 2 = 26
Concealment (high is good): 1d100 ⇒ 21
Damage (magic, slashing), bull's strength, Power Attack: 1d8 + 7 + 3 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 7 + 3 + 6 = 22
Painful stare: 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (2, 2) + 3 = 7

With a spin, she is ready to bring her sword back to stab at the drake's head if it fell for her feint.

Bonus attack (Surprise Strike), bless, bull's strength, flanking, Power Attack: 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 2 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 7 + 1 + 2 + 2 - 2 = 25
Concealment (high is good): 1d100 ⇒ 100
Damage (magic, slashing), bull's strength, Power Attack: 1d8 + 7 + 3 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 7 + 3 + 6 = 22

Round 15

Crossbow in hand, trefvor kneels to steady his aim around Henrika.
Concealment (high = good): 1d100 ⇒ 48

Round 15

Malphene, thrilled by her last attack, dedoubles her effort to end the draconic threat.

Concealment (high = good): 1d100 ⇒ 25
Godspike + bless: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 9 + 1 = 14
Dmg.: 1d6 + 3 + 2d6 ⇒ (1) + 3 + (5, 3) = 12

Round 15

Tychus hurries into the main room, pausing as he stubs his boot on piles of rubble. Slowing down to carefully pick a safe route, he spots the drake flailing amongst his allies.

Attack: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (8) + 17 = 25
Damage: 1d10 + 15 ⇒ (8) + 15 = 23

Still stuck on mobile. I should have enough movement to get into a firing spot.

Round 15

use magic device: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (1) + 14 = 15

Xallis raises his magic missile wand and attempts to aim it, but the magic backfires and sparks against his hand. He flinches, feeling the wand become completely uncooperative. He takes his time to sheath the tool aside for next time.

"No no no, not now.... you ungrateful..."

Only a matter of time before I Nat 1 one of those!

Round 15

The elemental takes another swing, ignoring its own wounds.
slam vs Officer #1 (power attack, earth mastery): 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 7 + 1 = 23 damage: 1d6 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

Round 15

"Sit! DOWN!" Julania shouts as she takes anther swing with killing intent.
mwk cold iron scythe vs drake (SMITE, power attack, bless, divine favor): 1d20 + 8 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 8 + 2 + 1 + 2 = 25
Miss chance (under 20 miss): 1d100 ⇒ 93
damage: 2d4 + 7 + 10 ⇒ (2, 1) + 7 + 10 = 20

Round 15

The cabinet falls on the drake, trapping it underneath.

Jack’s roll exceeded the drake’s CMD by 5, entangling it for 2 rounds.

Tychus fires into the sandstorm and hits the drake.

Tychus hits the desert drake for 23 damage.

The earth elemental continues to pummel the officer in the shins.

Earth elemental hits Traitorous Officer for 13 damage.

Then Julania’s scythe comes down on the drake’s neck. Trapped under the rubble, the drake can’t escape and Julania ends the drake’s life. It’s body collapses into a heap.

Julania hits the desert drake for 20 damage and kills it.

The last surviving traitor’s jaw drops in shock as the drake dies. With the drake dead, Henrika turns her attention to the officer and ends the officer’s life as well.

Henrika can switch her stare to the officer. She hits for 29 damage and kills Traitorous Officer #1.

Combat over!

While you are catching your breath from the exhaustive combat, the sandstorm and the stony ground from the stone call fade away.

Clean up and exploration upcoming in separate post.

I’m giving everyone TWO (2) hero points, up to your max of 3, for this epic combat.

Status
Henrika (43/66 hp)
Jack (20/49 hp)
Icabhod (54/54 hp)
Trevor (55/55 hp)
Malphene (42/42 hp)
Tychus (50/58 hp)
Xallis (29/59 hp)
Earth Elemental (4/17 hp)
Julania (36/39 hp)

Active Spells/Effects
Henrika: ▲Bless (5 min), ▲Bull’s Strength (1 min)
Falchion Jack: ▲Bless (5 min), ▲Bull’s Strength (1 min)
Icabhod: ▲Barkskin (+3 AC, 68 min), ▲Heroism (68 min), ▲Shield (5 min), ▲Bless (5 min)
Trevor: ▲Bless (5 min)
Malphene: ▲Bless (5 min), ▲Aid (4 min)
Tychus: ▲Bless (5 min)
Xallis: ▲Mage Armor (58 min), ▲Bless (5 min)
Julania: ▲Barkskin (+3 AC, 68 min), ▲Bless (5 min), ▲Aid (4 min)

Treasure

To save myself the hassle of a million identify rolls, I’m only going to roll on items that you would need a higher result than if you took 10.

There were (10) Taldan Traitors and (6) Traitorous Officers altogether.

For the Taldan Traitors, you collect a total of:
(8) potions of cat’s grace
(10) potions of cure light wounds
(10) masterwork studded leather armors
(10) masterwork bucklers
(10) daggers
(10) masterwork composite shortbows (+3 Str)
(200) arrows
(10) masterwork scimitars
(10) camouflage nettings
(10) waterskins

For the Traitorous Officers, you collect a total of:
(6) potions of cure moderate wounds
(4) potions of haste
(6) antitoxins
(6) masterwork half-plate armors
(6) masterwork heavy steel shields
(6) composite longbows (+4 Str)
(120) arrows
(6) masterwork scimitars
(6) shortspears
(6) cloaks of resistance +1
(6) banners

From Jondus Staubel, you get:
(2) potions of cure light wounds
(2) alchemist’s fires
(1) antitoxin
(1) masterwork breastplate
(5) javelins
(1) masterwork earth breaker
(1) cloak of resistance +1
(1) lover’s bangle
(1) everburning torch
(1) spell component pouch
(36) gold

Jaliessa’s Sword - Spellcraft DC 28
Xallis: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15

From Jaliessa Staubel, you get:
(1) potion of delay poison
(1) potion of lesser restoration
(1) +1 chain shirt
(1) masterwork light wooden shield
(1) unidentified magic sword
(1) cloak of resistance +1
(1) ring of protection +1
(1) keys to all locks in Tallgrasses
(316) gold

From Anua:
(1) masterwork leather armor barding

Exploration

With the enemies dealt with, you can now go through Tallgrasses and see what was left behind. You start with the first floor.

K5 and K6 Barracks

In both barracks you find the soldiers footlockers contain mundane gear and Qadiran disguises. (Nothing of value to add to the treasure list.) In addition, in the northern barracks, wrapped in colorful shawls at the bottom of one of the footlockers, you find a cache of five bottles of spiced wine. A few similar bottles—all empty—are strewn on the ground. You estimate the unopened bottles are worth about 50 gold each.

K7 Officer’s Mess

The fine ornaments and dishes in this room seem to hold some value. 900 gold in total.

K8 Kitchen and K9 Mess Hall

These rooms have been completely destroyed by the thrashing drake and Jaliessa’s spells. You find nothing of value.

K10 Feed Storage

Two lazy halfling servants are found asleep here. They slept through the entire fight and immediately surrender.

You confiscate their meager gear:
(2) studded leather armors
(2) masterwork light crossbows
(80) bolts
(28) gold

K11 Armory

Navia initially spotted a number of grasslings sabotaging the equipment in here. There is no sign of them now. They must have fled during the fight.

Among the equipment that hasn’t been destroyed, you find:
(6) studded leather armors
(9) masterwork scimitars
(8) composite shortbows
(4) arrows

In addition, there is a large trunk at the eastern end of the room that is closed and locked. The key that Jaliessa possessed works on the lock. It contains the distinctly Taldan gear that the traitors brought with them, which they no longer used as part of their disguises.

All these items are clearly marked with the heraldry of the Taldan Horse:
(3) masterwork longswords
(8) longswords
(5) studded leather armors
(4) masterwork breastplates

K12 Officer Barracks

Within, a bulging leather pouch lies atop a footlocker with a few gold coins spilling out the top.

Henrika, Icahbod, and Tychus all recognize the pouch as an obvious trap. With Navia temporarily out of the picture, it is up to Icabhod to attempt to disarm it.

Icabhod – Disable Device: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12 Oops

Poison Arrow vs. Icabhod’s AC 26: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (9) + 15 = 24
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1

A little rusty, Icabhod accidently springs the trap and a poisoned arrow launches across the room at him. Fortunately for him, his shield spell is still active and the arrow harmlessly hits the barrier. Icabhod, studies the arrow and with his knowledge of poisons, notes the arrow was coated with a potent dragon bile poison. Icabhod can harvest the poison for his own use if he wishes.

Afterwards, checking the pouch of gold, you are disappointed to find out that the pouch mostly contains copper coins with only a few gold coins at the top to make it seem like it is full of gold. You receive 130 copper coins and 9 gold coins.

K13 Training Room

This room contains only padded weapons used for sparring. However, one of the weapons pings on your detect magic and upon closer inspection, you unwrap the safety padding from a spear and find it to be a functional +1 spear.

Next, you head upstairs, starting on the west side.

K16 Commander’s Quarters

The north wall of this once-opulent office contains a massive bookshelf filled with carefully folded maps, ledgers, and scroll tubes. Most of the books here are plodding military histories, but Tychus notices a thick religious treatise that is out of place. Taking it off the bookshelf, he discovers the treatise is hollow and contains a pouch with 300 platinum inside.

You take some time to examine some of the other records kept in this room. One of them is a correspondence to the traitors signed by someone called the “Gray Kingmaker.” Xallis examines the documents closer and realizes that the Gray Kingmaker’s source of funds is highly placed in the Taldan military, and seems likely to be Maxillar Pythareus himself.

It takes you about 10 minutes to read over the documents in the room, during which time, many of your remaining short-term spells end. Not that it matters much. What’s left is Icabhod’s barkskin and heroism, Xallis’ mage armor, and Julania’s barkskin.

Finally, you move on to the rooms that have yet to be seen.

K17 Aerial Stable

Much of the eastern wall of this large room is gone, with only a low railing to prevent anyone from falling into the courtyard below. The west side of the room contains bedding made of dead grass and torn tablecloths. The room has a sharp reptilian reek.

The drake’s nest is primarily made of straw and linens that had been stored in the closet in this room. One of those items has proven magically resistant to tearing and remains intact in the nest.

Cloak – Spellcraft DC 25
Xallis: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16
Trevor: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

The cloak is made from a single male lion’s coat with the main surrounding its hood, but remains unidentified for now.

Tychus makes an interesting discovery, however, and points out that the drakes’ nest homed not one drake but two.

Once done here, you walk back down and over to the second floor on the east side.

K14 Ranger’s Quarters

The floor of this private bedroom is covered in mud and dried stalks of grass. A single unmade bed is pushed into an alcove in the northeast corner of the east wall. A table strewn with several maps and a couple of chairs piled with dirty clothes occupy the southwestern corner, opposite a larger door on the north wall. A small door sits in the southeast corner.

Jondus was clearly much sloppier than his sister Jaliessa and it looks like Jondus had allowed his grassling allies to paw through the room as well, adding to the mess. The only items of interest are maps on the table which detail several popular travel routes through the Whistling Plains. The southeastern door opens to a small closet. Interestingly, the closet contains both male and female clothes.

K15 Lounge

Several overstuffed chairs and small tables have been pushed up against the eastern wall of this room, leaving a wide space covered with a thin layer of soil and weeds. A double door opens to a balcony to the west. Two chandeliers dangle from the ceiling, broken.

None of you notice the trap and upon stepping into the room, unnaturally deep crack appear in the soil and masses of colorful scuttling insects spill forth from the First World to attack.

I’ll spare you the encounter.

You quickly realize that like many insect swarms, these swarms are immune to weapon damage, and while a few of you may have a few tricks to deal some elemental damage, you are ill-equipped to deal with a swarm of this magnitude, so you choose to flee. The insects pursue, slipping underneath the cracks in the doors and climbing down walls after you. Fortunately, the magically summoned creatures vanish after a short period, returning to the realm they were summoned from.

Clasp – Spellcraft DC 23
Xallis: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16
Trevor: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Once it is safe to return, you return to the lounge. After the trap triggered, you now see a magical item has popped out of the dirt pile and sits atop it. A bug-shaped clasp which was used as a spell focus for the trap retains some magical powers, yet you aren’t sure just what. You collect the unidentified clasp to try identifying again later.

And with that, you have fully explored Tallgrasses. What would you like to do from here? Do you want to rest here? Or head straight back?

Henrika says: "That bracelet that the traitor with the earth breaker was wearing... Sir Xallis says that it pulsed when he was defeated, and he spoke of someone named Fathry. I suspect that his lover-- or whoever is attuned to this lover's bangle-- has another desert drake and is off on another mission. Thus, if we stay here until morning, we should remain on our guard, for they may be returning quickly. I do not think we should travel back to Yanmass in the dark, however."

She turns her gaze to Jack. "Jack," she says tolerantly, shaking her head slightly. "You great courageous buffoon. What were you doing? Were you trying to die a martyr to our cause? Why, I believe I counted three separate near-death experiences. Did your orc blood get the better of you, revolving on Pharasma's threshold like a corpse tied to a windmill? There is no shame in stepping back when you are in such dire straits, my friend." Her words are harsh, but said with a smile, and she rolls her eyes and embraces him all the same. "We are surely indebted both to Dame Julania and Sir Trevor for keeping you from slipping off of this mortal coil."

Jack shrugs, smiling at the mesmerist's attention. "Just doin' my job, Ren," he grins. "Maybe we can see about gettin' me some potions mixed with sack, to get me back in the fight faster when I fall, but you aren't going to convince me I should have let you charge in alone. That isn't the Karthis way, right? We go to where we are needed whenever the battlefield changes. That's just basic military strategy! Though ideally there are more soldiers than just us... Anyways, I need a drink."

Hm...A lover avenging their slain partner? The stuff of bard's ballads. Perhaps we could lure them with the warrior's body and cut the problem in the nub.

"That was a tiresome combat. I'm not sure I'm up for another round today..."

Xallis leans forward, hands on his knees, breathing heavily. "That felt like we were in battle forEVER." he says, looking around at the results. "Well, at least we avenged Navia. And we've gotten enough equipment to open up our on minor magical item shop. I'll have to tell her the good news in the morning."

"We killed a dragon!" Julania cheers as she plants a foot on the body of their draconic foe.

"Actually, sister, it's technically a dr-"

"WE KILLED A DRAGON!" she shouts, as if appealing to some unseen audience.

Xallis sighs. "Well, shall we clean up? Put the bodies to rest, tend to our wounds, and perhaps rest? Though we'd better rummage through the commander's quarters first. Better to see reports and make sure some patrol won't be due to return exactly when we'd be asleep."

She turns her gaze to Jack. "Jack," she says tolerantly, shaking her head slightly. "You great courageous buffoon. What were you doing? Were you trying to die a martyr to our cause? Why, I believe I counted three separate near-death experiences. Did your orc blood get the better of you, revolving on Pharasma's threshold like a corpse tied to a windmill? There is no shame in stepping back when you are in such dire straits, my friend." Her words are harsh, but said with a smile, and she rolls her eyes and embraces him all the same. "We are surely indebted both to Dame Julania and Sir Trevor for keeping you from slipping off of this mortal coil."

"Don't be too hard on Jack", Trevor walked up, holding Malphene by the waist. "The man just enjoys punishment. Just look at who he serves", the cleric chuckled.

Trevor kissed Malphene. "Great job, darling! That's my warrior woman."

"WE KILLED A DRAGON!" she shouts, as if appealing to some unseen audience.

"You are damned right we did, Lord Livara!" Malphene cheered along with the summoner.

The lore warden returned the cleric's holy rapier. "I'm sure we can find an suitable replacement for my sword", Malphene frowned slightly.
"I know that sword was a gift from your father. I'm sorry, Love." Trevor gave Malphene a quick hug.
"Yes. But I'm sure my father would be pleased it helped me survive. It would have been nicer if I broke it on the dragon's hide. But that was a very intense battle. Thanks for keep up all alive, dear", Malphene smiled.

☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

As the group explore the barracks (K5 and K6), Malphene and Trevor pick up three bottles of the spiced wine, tossing one to Jack. "It's not an overwhelmingly positive vintage, but it will do", Trevor smirks, as both he and Malphene open their bottles and drink. The caydenite offers to share his spiced wine to any interested parties as they walk.

In the (K11) armory, the lore warden takes an interest in one of the masterwork longswords and claims it.

⌑ ⌑ ⌑ ⌑ ⌑

Out of the treasure pile, Trevor would like to claim a potion of cat's grace, one of the masterwork bucklers, and add 3 antitoxons to his healer's kit.

Malphene would like one of the potions of cure moderate wounds and one of the masterwork daggers.

Rova 18, 4718 (Toilday) (Tallgrasses, Taldor)

You decide it would be best to rest before making the journey back to Yanmass. With so many bodies, you spend most of the afternoon burying or burning them all.

”Though we'd better rummage through the commander's quarters first. Better to see reports and make sure some patrol won't be due to return exactly when we'd be asleep.".

According to the commander’s documents, there does sound like there are multiple patrols away from Tallgrasses at any given time. Unfortunately, Jaliessa’s notes do not include detailed scheduling, so it is unclear when these patrols are due back.

There are more than enough beds to comfortable house all of you. You set up a watch and manage to get a decent night’s sleep. Although the stabled elephant trumpets all through the night, possibly making your sleep a little restless.

The watch spots a few grasslings curiously scurrying around edge of the grasses around the outpost but none approach or attempt to enter the building. No human bandits are spotted that night.

Everyone rests and restores the hp and spells.

In the morning, while preparing to head back, you give Xallis time to study the unidentified magic items again. This time, you take 20 which is enough to identify them all.

The remaining items are:

Jaliessa’s sword is a shatterspike.

The cloak in the drake’s nest is a lion cloak

And the clasp from the grassling trap is a swarmbane clasp

Returning with the dozens of horses and an unagreeable elephant would be problematic. The two servants you captured offer to tend to the animals until a group can be sent to properly retrieve them. The halflings hope their offer will grant them some leniency when judged. (You don't have to accept their officer and instead make your own decision about the animals if you choose.)

Once ready, you depart. The journey begins uneventful, but as you suspected, it doesn’t remain that way.

About halfway back, the sky darkens under the shadow of another large flying creature and you hear the sound of the hooves of multiple horses approaching behind you in pursuit.

In the sky you see another drake, even larger and meaner than the last one you fought. Even though high in the air, you hear a booming female voice shout, ”Murderers! I will have my revenge!” (This must be Fathrie, Jondus’ lover.)

On the ground, four traitorous officers approach on horseback, charging in fast.

You have just enough time to dismount and brace to meet the charging enemies.

Since Fathrie is mounted, she and the drake will share an initiative.

Round 1
Initiative
23 – Henrika (66/66 hp)
22 – Fathrie
22 - Desert Drake
21 – Icabhod (54/54 hp)
20 – Trevor (55/55 hp)
20 – Malphene (42/42 hp)
18 – Tychus (58/58 hp)
17 – Xallis (59/59 hp)
17 – Navia (39/39 hp)
14 – Julania (39/39 hp)
06 – Traitorous Officer (Red)
06 – Traitorous Officer (Yellow)
06 – Traitorous Officer (Blue)
06 – Traitorous Officer (Purple)
02 – Jack (49/49 hp)

You can have any long-term spells cast, let me know which ones. Then you have one round to prepare for the enemies to approach. They are too far to attack in that round, but you can cast a short-term buff spell, or make any other preparation you want. You can also move your token anywhere you want on the right side of the map. Then Henrika is starting us off.

After preparation, Henrika goes.

Fathrie is mounted on the drake and is starting 100 ft. in the air.

Using the road map again: Map

In the preparation Round, Tychus will cast Divine Favour and will Study the Drake if possible.

For long-term spells, the only ones I think she could have up reliably while traveling are false life and message (since she can re-cast it every seven minutes). She also implants Mesmeric Mirror in herself and Jack. During the preparation round, she will cast displacement on Jack, but she doesn't move away from the clump just yet in case the others are casting group buff spells.

Temporary hit points (false life): 1d10 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

Through her message spell, Henrika informs the others her plans. "Jack and I will split south to meet the officers' charge. Once we have finished preparing, I suggest we separate somewhat to make us harder to target as a group. I wish to make that drake be unable to catch more than two of us in its breath whirlwind!"

On her initiative, Henrika follows Jack and casts displacement on herself.

Jack also takes two of the cure moderate wounds potions, somewhat sheepishly. (We have like 20 of them!) I also gave him the ring of protection +1 and one of the potions of haste. Totally willing to redistribute if anyone feels they aren't getting their share of the loot!)

After the rest of the group goes, Jack drinks a potion of bull's strength and moves towards the charging officers (and away from the clump of breath weapon targets). He will activate his Kitsune Style feat as a swift action.

Trevor casts bless once more on the party.

and will Study the Drake if possible.

Yes, you can.

Round 1

After Henrika breaks off, the drake bearing Fathrie dives down 60 ft. and pulls up to spit its ball of electrically charges sand at the group of you bunched together. Everyone except Jack and Henrika get caught up in the effect as the ball explodes into a cloud that obscures vision. Afterward, the cloud already seems to be thinning.

Damage: 3d6 ⇒ (4, 3, 4) = 11 Electricity Damage: 4d8 ⇒ (2, 3, 8, 3) = 16
Duration: 1d4 ⇒ 1 Recharge: 1d6 ⇒ 5

The sandstorm breath deals 27 damage (11 untyped, 16 electricty). Icabhod and Xallis save for half damage and take 13 damage each. Trevor also saves and resists 5 electricity so he takes 8 damage. Malphene, Tychus, Navia, and Julania take the full 27 damage each. This cloud is only lasting 1 round.

Then with a surge of speed, the drake moves again. It dives down and comes crashing into the ground in front of Henrika and Jack, kicking up a small explosion of dirt upon impact. Fathrie wields a scimitar in each hand and one of them is covered in flames. She swings these swords at Henrika from the drake’s back.

Fathrie – Flaming Scimitar, favored enemy vs. Henrika’s AC 21: 1d20 + 9 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 9 + 4 = 26
Displacement 50%: 1d100 ⇒ 35
Damage, favored enemy: 1d6 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 4 = 9 Fire Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Fathrie – Flaming Scimitar, favored enemy vs. Henrika’s AC 21: 1d20 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 4 = 16
Displacement 50%: 1d100 ⇒ 14
Damage, favored enemy: 1d6 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 4 = 13 Fire Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Fathrie –Scimitar, favored enemy vs. Henrika’s AC 21: 1d20 + 9 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 9 + 4 = 29
Displacement 50%: 1d100 ⇒ 41
Damage, favored enemy: 1d6 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 1 + 4 = 8

Fathrie –Scimitar, favored enemy vs. Henrika’s AC 21: 1d20 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 + 4 = 25
Displacement 50%: 1d100 ⇒ 100
Mesmeric Mirror: 1d3 ⇒ 3
Damage, favored enemy: 1d6 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 4 = 6

Henrika’s displacement makes it difficult for Fathrie to pinpoint her location and her scimitars cut through empty space. Her final attack comes close, but then Henrika jumps through a mirror image avoiding that attack as well.

Fathrie attacks Henrika four times. Her first three attacks miss. Her fourth attack would be a potential hit, so Henrika can activate her mesmeric mirror and the last attack hits an image instead of Henrika.

Round 1
Initiative
23 – Henrika (66/66 hp)
22 – Fathrie
22 – Desert Drake
21 – Icabhod (41/54 hp)
20 – Trevor (48/55 hp)
20 – Malphene (15/42 hp)
18 – Tychus (43/58 hp)
17 – Xallis (46/59 hp)
17 – Navia (12/39 hp)
14 – Julania (12/39 hp)
06 – Traitorous Officer (Red)
06 – Traitorous Officer (Yellow)
06 – Traitorous Officer (Blue)
06 – Traitorous Officer (Purple)
02 – Jack (49/49 hp)

Active Spells/Effects
Henrika ▲False Life (+14 hp, 6 hr), ▲Bless (7 min), ▲Mesmeric Mirror (1 image, 7 min), ▲Displacement (7 rd)
Jack ▲Bless (7 min), ▲Bull’s Strength (3 min)
Icabhod ▲Bless (7 min)
Trevor ▲Bless (7 min)
Malphene ▲Bless (7 min)
Tychus ▲Divine Favor (+2, 10 rd)
Xallis ▲Bless (7 min)
Navia ▲Bless (7 min)
Julania ▲Bless (7 min)
Desert Drake ▼Sandstorm Breath (1 rd)

Icabhod, Trevor, Malphene, Tychus, Xallis, and Julania go.

Round 1

"Sonova..", Trevor curses as he hold his holy symbol aloft.
Channel Energy: 4d6 ⇒ (4, 3, 1, 6) = 14

Round 1

Malphene squints her eyes as she runs out of the sandstorm. Upon witnessing Henrika engaging the dragon, the lore warden double moves to help flank the dragon.

Prep time

Icabhod drinks his Heroism extract (+2 attack/skills/saves) then he drinks Barkskin(+3 AC)

Round 1

Icabhod then starts moving up