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Lokaloka summons a dead-head to harrass the snipers, and Zizarc joins Jaxon ready to engage in melee.
The Acid Swamp
Conditions: none.
BOLD May Act
Raph
Scratch
Red Sniper
Blue Sniper
Green Sniper
Yellow Sniper
Black Sniper
Lindelaile
Jaxon
Bushes
Zizarc
Lokaloka
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"Oh, its on like donkey kong now blue streakers!" Scratch grins as the gophers start scurrying out of their hole. He ◆ draws out his favorite death-dealer from afar, a finely crafted and magically enhanced arquebus. He reaches into the breach and ◆ activates its preloaded magical ammunition before laying his sights on green, returning fire!
A cloud of smoke and sparks bellow from the end of his barrel, sending an acidic ball of rifled steel at the green sniper. His aim is not gud. "FUDGE!"
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Raph rouses the dead literally before Scratch does so figuratively. Maybe Scratch should have taken Lokaloka’s advise and waited, cause he just barely misses.
Red isn’t fast enough to avoid the clawing hands, but Blue sees what’s coming and dances aside with ease. They nod to each other before Leaping across the acid swamp and then moving through the wall of wind. Red takes a swipe at Zizarc, and Blue goes after Jaxon.
They splash into the edge of the swamp on their way across, but even so, they seem to catch their opponents somewhat unprepared and draw blood. Some of that damage gets passed through to Raph, too.
The snipers confer on targeting for just a moment then each take their shots:
Despite the noise from the wall, you’re sure you can hear swearing from the Man in Black after his shot at Lokaloka is fouled yet again by the winds. His colleagues glare at him and seem to blame his antics for spoiling their shots.
The Acid Swamp
Conditions: none.
BOLD May Act
Raph
Scratch
Red Sniper
Blue Sniper
Green Sniper
Yellow Sniper
Black Sniper
Lindelaile
Jaxon
Bushes
Zizarc
Lokaloka
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Lindevaile Tindome continues flying higher and towards her wall. She slashes through the air with both hands, toward the closest enemies and calls: "Cirvilin!". A disturbance in air flows toward the enemies.
"Jaxon, let me help you", she says and starts dancing in the air. Her movements alternately obstruct and reveal the sunlight on the blue-dressed enemy, a very distracting effect.
◆
◆◆
◆
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While initially back-to-back with Zizarc, the thug shifts to gang up on the one sniper. He lands a crunching blow to the man's ribs and then hits him even harder in the same spot. There's a sickening pop as something comes loose.
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Lindevaile flies towards the fracas and slashes with blades of air at one of the Blue Streaks, but he dodges away from them. The other man watches her dancing upon the currents of the breeze, but also keeps his eyes on Jaxon.
The sickening pop that everyone can hear is the Red sniper’s neck vertebrae separating and him slumping into the mud. Jaxon turns his steely gaze upon Blue, who seems to ignore it, perhaps having witnessed enough death here in the wastelands of Numeria.
Without a foe in front of him, Zizarc takes a careful step towards the sniper in the Blue bandana and crushes the man’s throat with his first strike.
The Acid Swamp
Conditions: none.
BOLD May Act
Raph
Scratch
Red Sniper
Blue Sniper
Green Sniper
Yellow Sniper
Black Sniper
Lindelaile
Jaxon
Zizarc
Lokaloka
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Raph moves closer and keeps controlling the skeletons on the ground, moving them under Green and Yellow snipers.
He then raises a magical shield for added protection.
◆ Stride
◆ Sustain Rouse Skeletons, 10-ft burst (affecting Green and Yellow), DC 22 basic Reflex save vs slashing damage
◆ Raise Shield
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The dead-head does indeed go BOOM, catching three of the snipers in its blast.
The one on the end takes more BOOM than the others, but they’re all still in the fight. The skeletal hands shift beneath the earth and rise to begin clawing at two of the Blue Streak men.
Scratch fires at and puts a round in the Man in Black’s shoulder. He feels like the universe is picking on him, what with the winds and now Scratch shooting at him. At least he’s not getting eaten by skeletons.
Blue focuses on Zizarc and steps out of the acid before attacking:
Deciding that they can’t really hit anyone else - and not liking Scratch’s attitude - the snipers all aim at their fellow shootist:
Only the middle one hits the wily dwarf, and he looks at Black with a smirk.
The Acid Swamp
Conditions: none.
BOLD May Act
Raph
Scratch
Blue Sniper
Green Sniper
Yellow Sniper
Black Sniper
Lindelaile
Jaxon
Zizarc
Lokaloka
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"Ahh, so you are usin' real bullets. Was startin' to think you were just firin' blanks." The bullet flies clean through his shoulder, but doing more damage to his shirt than his confidence. Scratch pops the gun barrel back through the fallen tree limbs and levels his aim at Black and returns fire.
And BOOM it does!
Scratch blows Black one final kiss then ducks for cover to reload again, popping up and looking for a repeat performance on whoever's left in fighting shape.
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Raph maintains the skeletons on the ground to bother some of their enemies.
◆ Sustain Rouse Skeletons, 10-ft burst (affecting Green and Yellow), DC 22 basic Reflex save vs slashing damage
He then launches needles made of cold iron at Green Sniper.
vs Green Sniper
P damage, plus weakness to cold iron (double damage on Crit Hit and 3 persistent bleed damage)
◆◆ Needle Darts
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Lindevaile flits about the battlefield like a leaf on the wind even as she sends blades of air cutting into two of the snipers. The one in the camo-green shirt takes a deep gash which begins bleeding profusely.
Scratch lines up his first shot at Black. When the smoke from his arquebus clears, Scratch is understandably confused as he can no longer see his target. He realizes that’s because there’s nothing left of the man except a rifle and a few scraps of clothing. After reloading, his second shot is just as effective, but the one in Yellow galoshes is still hanging onto life by a thread.
Jaxon fakes out the one that joined the melee and kicks him solidly in the groin. The man groans in pain, and makes eye contact with Jaxon as if to say ‘You’re next’ right back at him.
Lokaloka plays her pickle pipes (Are they shaped like pickles? Little gherkins for the small pipes, and big ol’ dills for the deeper notes?) She rouses her teammates, but fails to make the song continue of its own accord.
Both snipers roll away just a bit from the skeletons, but Yellow’s galoshes keep him from moving enough and he succumbs to his injuries. Raph’s darts find their target, who then bleeds out.
Can Zizarc finish the fight?
The Acid Swamp
Conditions: none.
BOLD May Act
Raph
Scratch
Blue Sniper
Lindelaile
Jaxon
Zizarc
Lokaloka
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Zizarc punches the man in the gut knocking the wind out of him and dropping him into the dirt unconscious but alive!
Raph
Scratch
Lindelaile
Jaxon
Zizarc
Lokaloka
Each of the Blue Streak snipers has the same gear on them: a falchion, rations, and a set of simple manacles. They’re all wearing studded leather armor. Most interestingly, their guns are some kind of techno-junk railguns. While of interest to Scratch, it doesn’t look like he could use any of the ones wielded by your opponents, though they could be sold.
In addition to their gear, the Blue Streaks have a strange metal and glass slate that bears a glowing image of a map on the glass. By tapping on the image, you can find directions to Annihilation Canyon, a local Blue Streaks hideout. One of the assailants also has a handwritten note in her pocket which says:
“Take care of the scouting party before assaulting the caravan. I need those ledgers! If the Sovereign gets them first, we’re finished. Getting those ledgers is the only way to destroy his trust in those annoying Pathfinders. Plus, I want to see what secrets they’ve been hiding from us, so don’t destroy them. I’ll be waiting at Annihilation Canyon for your return. DON’T COME BACK WITHOUT THEM!
-Crookchar”
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Scratch quickly gathers up the rifles and pours over their construction, forge stamps (or lack-there-of), and the integrity of any welds. Before long he huffs in annoyance "Bunch of weird, cobbled together junk. Everything is one of a kind, and nothin' works without that KIND. Scrap."
Scratch's attention though is quickly gained by the weird little holo map "Well that's different..."
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While you’re clearly eager to take the fight to the Blue Streaks, you still have a responsibility to the caravan and the Pathfinders within. And you have a meeting at the Gorum Pots to get to. A quick check of the “digital” map tells you that Annihilation Canyon lies beyond the Gorum Pots anyway.
Further study of the map reveals that the caravan will need to cross the acid swamp. You can help them get across safely with:
> Acrobatics (to step carefully)
> Crafting (to create tools or devices to block or neutralize the acid)
> Scouting Lore (to find a safe path)
> Survival (to protect everyone from the acidic pools)
> Perception (to observe areas with fewer techno-organic bushes)
> A ranged attack roll (to help destroy the bushes from long distance)
> Or any relevant Lore skill
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"I'm happy that you liked it, I have felt the wind willing to be a wall only a little while", Lindevaile Tindome accepts the thanks.
When seeking the route across the swamp, she chats to Jaxon: "You know, it is actually one name. Like 'Mary Ann', one girl in my class. My mom never told me our family name, she just said 'Listen to the stars, reach through time and space, find what should be' and such when I asked. She was a bit cryptic sometimes." She hops from tuft to tuft while talking. "Last time I only found spots not to step on", she recollects the previous route search.
Surprised of succeeding across, she shouts instructions: "I made it! Can you see my footprints there? Those are steady enough spots!"
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"First things first I guess.. but one way or another, I'll be blowing that place up." Scratch grumbles as the group does some healing before heading out to clear a safe route.
"Jax, Linde, point out the nasty plants and I'll lay 'em out from up range. Just mark 'em with something I can see from far off and stand clear." Scratch finds himself a high point and sets up his rifle for some target practice.
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The driver looks back sheepishly at Jaxon before holding up his hands in front of himself as if trying to remember which one is Right and which one is … the other thing. He shrugs and goes the way that makes Jaxon yell less. Another group follows Lindevaile’s path, hopping and skipping across the dry tufts of grasses and giggling as they do. Suddenly a BOOM erupts as Scratch takes out another of the acid-spitting bushes from a distance. The noise catches Lokaloka by surprise and she missteps on her attempt to do a cartwheel over an acid puddle. Thankfully she doesn’t get hurt, but the caravan opts not to follow her route.
It’s not more than another day before you and the Pathfinder caravan approach the steaming foothills of Gorum Pots. You can smell the sulfur in the air and feel the hot, humid air stick to you. Ahead, a longspear stuck in the ground marks a small encampment. A long gray banner emblazoned with the sign of a sword impaling a mountain hangs from the tallest point in the camp.
At the center of the camp, several warriors steep themselves in a deep hot spring, steam rises up around them as they lounge, relaxing their powerful muscles. A woman dressed in furs and bits of metal spots you and approaches, her hand hovering close to the hilt of her sword.
“Who are you? Have you come to test yourself against the will of Our Lord in Iron? I, Landra Steelreaper, can ensure that you receive a glorious death soaked in sweat and blood. Otherwise, turn back while you piss yourselves; we don’t allow squeamish brigands among our ranks.” Her tone is not overtly hostile; more like a challenge than a threat.
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You all easily recognize "The Lord in Iron" as Gorum, especially with the association to the place you're meeting at - the Gorum Pots.
At the mention of being Pathfinders and asking about Baric the Bloodfist, Landra Steelreaper relaxes, but looks and sounds disappointed. “Pathfinders? Oh, okay, I’ll take you to see Baric. Follow me.” Before she turns, she eyes Jaxon’s “guns” and gives him a look that is clearly a mix of fighting challenge and flirting lust. ”And here I thought I was going to find a worthy foe,” she says as she turns her back to him and then leads everyone to a large tent set up amidst the hot pits.
Landra introduces you to Baric the Bloodfist, a robust man with short silver hair, armor made from an exotic reptile, and thick scars on the backs of his fingers. He carries no weapons save for his massive fists and a bandolier full of alchemical bombs. He immediately welcomes you into his tent and offers you each a shot of Numerian Blue Whiskey, then asks them about the trip.
“So you’re friends of Dagur, eh? Don’t look like much, but then again, I don’t have her eye for talent. Hope your trip here was full of hardship, to make you stronger!” He pours the bright blue fluid into shot glasses, offering one to anyone assembled. “You made it here on time, that shows respect. Tell me of any troubles on the way; I’ll mark it on my map.”
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"Thanks Raphy, yer a peach!"
---
Somehow Scratch is always at the front of the line when 'free' anything is on the table, never is that more true when 'free shot' is on the table. "Name's Scratch, Scratch Steeltoe, great to meet you Baric." He accepts the drink and drinks it down immediately, sliding the empty glass back onto the table.
"We ran into a bunch of BS on the way, but nothin' a crack shot team like this couldn't lay down in a jiff." He scooches ahead and gets his bearings on the map. "Here, hungry kroothe with alotta kids and techno implants, fed 'em and fixed it... Here: swampy and gassy, fixed it. Here, swampy and acidy.. fixed that too, along with some blue haired shotty snipers, one prisoner, 5 feedin' the birds.." He grins.
"But prolly the biggest bit of unfinished business is someone named Crookchar." He finds and points out the Annihilation Canyon and double taps it with his blackened finger.
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Lindevaile Tindome is surprised by Baric's greeting. "Not full, but some. Does it make you stronger? I guess I should be quite strong then, from the dark", she says.
She takes a glass and examines the liquid against light. "It's pretty! Almost like my dress", she says, delighted. "Sometimes I got bad feelings after, but one so tiny can't be too much." She looks at Scratch for example, downs the drink, and blinks her eyes for a while after. "Oh.." she sighs while trying to recover.
"Yes, it is so nice and open! We found a way, not going toward ice wind but a bit to the touch of the lake, and then again to snow. The kroothe are where wind sings of ups and downs. Don't follow the dry feel on the swamp, it doesn't carry. And the acid is simply toward ice wind", she tries to add her hints to Scratch's description.
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Baric listens intently to Scratch’s debrief, asking pertinent questions that show he knows the area well but is also learning more as the dwarf speaks. He seems amused at Lindevaile’s input, even if he doesn’t quite understand her frame of reference.
He nods to Jaxon. ”We’ve got a good group here, but I don’t think you’ll need our help. They’ve clearly got an issue with the Pathfinders, and in this case, you’ve got to show them blue bastards what you’re made of. Respond to strength with your own strength. If you don’t, not only will no one here respect you, but those piss spray Technic League rejects won’t leave you alone. We’ll wait here one more day and keep an eye on your caravan for you so that you can go and destroy them. Give them a display of violence they can’t ignore.”
After looking over the glowing map slate, Baric tells you that it’s only a couple miles away and gives you some tips on the best way to approach the canyon.
At the last point where you can remain hidden, you have a moment to scope out the canyon and make last second preparations before approaching.
A long canyon runs south to north and ends at an abrupt cliff face. Paths have been carved into the sides of the canyon, creating ledges that look down on the damaged remains of a massive scorpion-shaped robot, its six legs bolted and strapped to the canyon walls. Below the robot, against the northern end of the canyon, stands a small, sturdy shack with a single door. Metal pylons protrude from the canyon walls, leading a thick black cable from the remains of the scorpion robot to one of the western ledges.
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"Lindalë!" Lindevaile Tindome calls and a faint music sounds around her. With another word ""Limbëtalaitë!" her steps get a bit faster.
"I could protect someone aa bit from elements, but I don't know which we are facing", she says. "If we are sure they don't see in the dark, you could drink the elixirs I gave you and I'd bring the darkness."