Ala'a Dawnchaser's page

Understood Fabian - thanks for communication and the gaming we did have!

Ala'a woke from the strange dream slowly, replaying the images in her mind.

"Toward Tyr, but not to it ... and not by the roads," she said. "That's something, at least. And that mountain with the face on it seemed important - is that anything you recognize, Barega?"

Ala'a thought hard about the places she'd seen or heard about in her travels, trying to dredge up some memory of a narrow canyon and a rock spire with a carved face in it near the Tyr valley.

Knowledge (geography): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

~~~~0~~0~~~~
After the others had offered their obvervations, Ala'a quietly maneuvered the group and Korgunaard toward their wagon. Trying to be subtle about it, she directed her companions to lay out their bedrolls in a circle around the unconscious preserver, ensuring no one else could approach unnoticed.

"We'll set a watch as we normally would. I think the Free mean well, but there's no sense taking chances," she said.

~~~~0~~0~~~~
The next morning, the elf priestess approached Elentha and took her aside as the other members of the Free shared a cold breakfast.

"I'm not sure what you had in mind, but I think it will be safer if we go on with Korgunaard alone," she said. "Large groups draw attention and - as we all saw in Urik - there's a greater chance for betrayal. If the Free don't object, they could help by covering our backtrail and harrying anyone that follows. We seem to have lost Hamanu's agents several days ago, but templars have a way of turning up when it's least convenient."

We seem to be moving a little slower lately, but I wanted to let you know that I will be on vacation and likely without Internet access until late Wednesday. I should be able to post then, but bot me as necessary.

Ala'a listened quietly as Nemburri vented. When the woman was done, she picked up a stick from the fire and held it, the flame twisting in the wind.

"Tell me, is fire evil? Is it good? It cooks your food, so it doesn't make you sick. It keeps you warm at night and drives off predators. It can also burn you, take everything you own, leave you scarred and hurting," she said. "Good and evil, master and slave, these things come from how the fire is used. Korgunard, this Great One, is filled with fire. But he has used it, so far, to light and warm those around him. Do you mistrust everyone who wields a flame? Or do wait to see how they use it?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

~~~~~0~~0~~~~~
Ala'a laughed - not unkindly - at the mul's exuberance.

"I don't know if water will well up from the ground when he walks - he hasn't done much walking at all, from what I've seen," she said. "But he did manage to calm a swarm of hungry thri-kreen, which was far more useful at the time than a drink of muddy water."

She kept a smile on her face as she rolled the thoughts over in her mind. The fervor with which some of the tribesmen seemed to believe in Korgunard was surprising. It could prove useful, sure, but it could be dangerous, as well.

It has been ages since the gods deserted Athas, she thought. I don't know that we should create new ones now.

Ala'a considered - she didn't like the idea of staying in one place longer than necessary, but they were essentially wandering blind at the moment. She nodded, then gestured for the others to follow the Free wherever they led.

1)
"The visions do seem to be coming from the preserver," Ala'a said, after listening to Barega relate the dream of the dark tower. "It is clear some part of his mind remains active. We were attacked by a swarm of thri-kreen, but he was able to drive them off, somehow, without saying a word."

Addressing Elentha, she asked: "Do you know where we are supposed to take him next? And what of the others who were present at the ritual? We saw the elf as we were leaving Urik, but have seen nothing since. After the attack in the sanctuary, I don't think he trusts us. Not that I trust him that well, either."

"Your people also should be on the lookout for a templar leading a group of hunters - we lost him a few days ago in the desert, but he could still be on our trail. And these black-cloaked raiders - can you tell us anything of them? The group we encountered had a defiler with them."

2)
Ala'a shrugged as Jeevo recounted the strange occurrences.

"It could be Korgunard, I suppose - the thri-kreen certainly reacted strangely to his presence. Perhaps he upset some balance when his ritual was interrupted. Whatever the reason, we should take him where he seems to want to go and hope his condition can be reversed before things get worse."

Fabian posted in one of his other game threads on Tuesday that work and being out of town would take him out of commission for a few days. Hopefully we'll hear something soon.

Ala'a listened carefully as Lalali described the magical effects of the treasure they had recovered. None seemed particularly useful to her - the fire spirits provided similar powers - but the fruits, especially would be useful to the other warriors.

"You should divide these among yourselves in case I am not close by to heal you in battle," she said. "I'll keep the templar's cloak for the time being - it still could come in handy as a disguise, or in case we need to interrogate anyone. I don't have a need for these other tools - take them if you do, or we can try to barter them in Tyr for something more useful."

~~~~~0~~0~~~~~
Knowledge (geography) to know tribes in the area?: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

Ala'a resisted the urge to draw her sword when the newcomers appeared. She thought about what she knew of the surrounding territory and the tribes and raiders that called it home. Based on the questions, she had an idea the visitors might be part of the slave tribe known as the Free. She wouldn't put it past them to help themselves to some water, but she didn't think they would resort to violence unless provoked.

"My companions speak truly - there are no masters here, and those among us who were once slaves threw off the yoke long ago," she said. "Those among you with scars and brands can sympathize, I am sure. We seek only to pass on to Tyr, where we have business that will benefit many of the less fortunate, in Tyr and elsewhere."

She decided against saying any more about their goal, but hoped to see some sign that the newcomers were open to reason.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

On the subject of new rules: I haven't read through the new rules yet. From the little I've gathered, the automatic bonus progression and scaling items seem like they would require little effort (or study) to implement. Don't know anything about damage thresholds. My preference is toward keeping things an uncomplicated as possible, but I'll brush up on the rules if you want to adopt them.

Ala'a nodded at both of Barega's suggestions - Tyr seemed a likely destination, and the extra kanks would allow them to cover more ground before setting up camp.

Thoughts of Tyr and her brother preoccupied her as she ran alongside the wagon carrying Korgunard. They had not parted on good terms ...

She found herself near exhaustion when the halfling finally called a rest. After scouting the immediate area, she returned to the group, coaxing forth the inner flames needed to clean and seal their remaining wounds.

Perception while scouting area: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30

Ala'a will cast one cure light wounds spell on each member of the group:

Gbaji: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Valsavis: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
Lalali: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Barega: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Ala'a: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

She conserved a portion of her power, in case something attacked in the night, but the desert was quiet and empty??. Before walking away from camp to say her morning prayers, she moved among her companions and healed what remained of their battle wounds.

Assuming no encounter at night, Ala'a will use her remaining spell slots for healing, just before they are renewed at dawn.

Cure light for whoever: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Cure moderate for whoever: 2d8 + 5 ⇒ (4, 7) + 5 = 16
Cure moderate for whoever: 2d8 + 5 ⇒ (4, 4) + 5 = 13
Cure moderate for whoever: 2d8 + 5 ⇒ (5, 1) + 5 = 11

I agree with regard to difficulty - we'd have been in serious trouble if the second fireball had hit harder or if the defiler had been able to continue casting. The other raiders were a significant distraction that kept our main melee combatants tied up and away from the softer and more dangerous targets.

Ala'a caught her breath as the battle-fires dimmed and her tongue unraveled. Inspecting the body of the dead halfling, she looked for valuables and anything that might shed light on the origin of the raiders. She also turned her eyes to the horizon, searching for signs of other pursuers or a settlement of some kind.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27

Survival to look for tracks: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

Returning to the group with her findings, she helped Barega search the defiler and other raiders. She paid particular attention to the condition of the raiders' bodies, trying to determine if they were well-fed or bore evidence of living in a particular environment.

Heal check: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

"They could range a considerable distance on kanks. Perhaps you can shift into your feathered form and try to determine where they came from, Barega," she said. "With the wagon hampering us, we don't want to stumble into another group."

I can't attack this round since I ran, but I assumed that once Ala'a and the air elementals caught up to the halfling we'd default to the standard 'beat it and stick it with sharpened sticks 'til it's dead' routine.

Oh, he's not getting away ;)

Ala'a smiled grimly as the defiler crashed to his death and was finished by Gbaji. The movement of the fleeing halfling caught her eye and her smile widened. Spinning Ash-Caller in her hand, she set off after the cowardly savage at a brisk run.

Run 200 feet toward the halfling.

Actually, Ala'a's gaze of flames oracle ability lets her see through smoke and fog without impairment.

Ala'a watched in frustration as defiler and the halfling fled. She could catch the halfling if she ran flat out, but decided the defiler was the greater threat.

"Azzfarriss, va'krawl!" she said, trying to draw attention to the fleeing defiler.

Summoning the power of the burning flame, she pointed a finger at the foul sorcerer and spoke a word that she hoped would set his nerves on fire, locking them in place.

Cast hold person on the defiler, hoping to give Barega time to take him out at range.

Ala'a spared a glance toward her companions as the nascent fireball streaked toward them, but this one exploded with little power, doing little more than singeing them. Lalali looked to be in bad shape but the others had killed several of the raiders and were in a better position to help.

She cursed as the halfling hunter fired an arrow into the sand at he feat. Circling around to the south, she put the fat defiler between her and any further arrows. Weaving her sword in a distracting pattern, she kept her eyes on the mage's hands - if he made a move to cast another spell, she'd bury her blade in his guts.

Move around to D12 and ready an action to attack the defiler if he moves or casts a spell. I'd also be in position for an Attack of Opportunity if he tries to move more than 5 feet or casts a spell without casting defensively.

Also - my reason for delaying rather than attacking now is to try to cause damage while he's casting and force a Concentration check.

Sorry for the delay. Had a couple of days with limited time and nothing but my phone.

First, a question: Judging from the map, it looks like Ala'a should have received an attack of opportunity against either the raider that charged Valsavis or the one that charged Gbaji. You didn't give us any AoOs against the thri-kreen, either, so is that something we just aren't messing with? Just wondering for future reference.

Ala'a grimaced as the defiler twisted the land's energy into sickly flames that corrupted, instead of cleansed. Feinting high, she tumbled past the mounted raider in front of her but the human moved faster than she thought he would, his black blade catching her as she raced past to engage the tainted sorcerer.

The defiler seemed to surprised to see her close the gap so swiftly, and she grinned as she circled him, Ash-Caller ready to strike if he attempted another spell.

Use Acrobatics to tumble past the raider I'm engaged with, then move west to G13 and ready an action to attack the defiler if he tries to cast a spell or move away.

Acrobatics to avoid AoO: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12 Probable fail, so I assume I get hit with an AoO.

For reference, Ala'a is +11 to hit, 1d8+6/18-20 damage if the defiler ends up provoking.

Sorry, busy day at work Friday and on the road today. I should be able to post tonight, but it will be several hours.

Armed riders appearing out of the dust were seldom a good sign in the desert - armed riders wearing identical black hoods even less so, Ala'a thought as she drew her sword.

Resisting the impulse to run ahead and try to flank the attackers, she forced her quivering muscles to hold still and wait for their charge. She whispered the words of a familiar prayer, her fingers flexing as she prepared to spread a sheet of flames as soon as they charged.

Ala'a will ready an action to cast burning hands when the raiders approach within range. She'll try to catch more than one of the raiders in the area of effect and will cast defensively if necessary.

Concentration to cast defensively: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

burning hands damage: 5d4 ⇒ (3, 4, 2, 3, 3) = 15 Reflex DC 14 for half.

Lalali, I think that power only affects a total of 250 lbs of targets, not X number of targets each weighing up to 250 lbs. So you could probably only toss the Halfling and one other (I vote the creepy looking guy in the back).

Gazing across the dunes, Ala'a thought back to the last time she'd crossed the wastes on the way to Tyr. She'd been coming the other direction, pursued by a gang of half-breed cutthroats Havel had set on her as he tried to collect on her brother's debt. She'd run the bunch of them into a dead-end canyon in the hills where she'd spied a silkwyrm den. The rest of the trek had been rather leisurely.

"We can head due west until we reach the hills, then follow them southwest to Tyr's valley. The less time we spend among the dunes the better - push the kanks, but not too hard. If one breaks a leg we'll have to carry Korgunard ourselves," she said, heading into the sand at a steady lope.

~~~~0~~0~~~~~
The sand dancing a cross-step across the top of the dunes was the first sign. The low whistle, like a whisper across the top of a bottle, the next and Ala'a needed no more after that.

"A storm is coming. Quick, unharness the kanks and let them burrow," she said, running to the top of the nearest dune for a clearer view. Seeing the haze on the horizon, she pointed. Hearing Barega's suggestion she shook her head."The winds will flip the wagon if they can get under it. Go ahead and tip it over and put Korgunard on this side. We can use the canvas from our tents to create a shelter to keep the worst of the sand out of our lungs."

Ala'a wanted to fall on the ground and curl up into a ball as soon as they settled on a camp, but she forced her weary legs to complete another circuit around the site, checking for dangers and helping Barega conceal their tracks.

"We can use the same watch order as before," she said. "Gbaji can take the first watch. Lalali, now that you're awake you can sit with me for the second. Barega and Valsavis will take third watch together."

Seeing no disagreement, she unrolled her blankets and allowed herself to sink to the ground. A day in which I didn't become a meal for thri-kreen is a good one... she thought as she shut her eyes, fingers curled tightly around the hilt of her sword.

~~~~~~~~~0~~0~~~~~~~~~~
Ala'a stumbled as the vision cleared, nearly falling to her knees - she'd been in the middle of hoisting her pack to her shoulders when the episode began and only a split second seemed to have passed.

Not by the roads ..., that much seemed clear. She peered west into the desert. Somewhere out there the templar and his hunters stalked them. She saw no sense in putting the group in their path. But the voice in the dream had been insistent.

"Turn the kanks. We must get off the road. Barega, fly high and tell us what you see - I'd like to no more of our surroundings before we chart a course."

"Yes, let's use the light we have left to find a better campsite for the night - I don't like the smell of this place, and I'd like to find a place out of view in case some other foe comes calling," Ala'a said, helping to reload their gear after Valsavis and Gbaji righted the wagon.

Ala'a will use her remaining 1st- and 2nd-level spell slots to cast cure spells when they stop to rest, working from most-wounded to least.

Well, you definitely got me with the April fooling. I was careful all day at work and home, but wasn't expecting it here. Bravo.

Ala'a still wasn't sure whether to turn and run or fall to her knees in prayer. After seeming to pay their respects to Korgunard's unconscious body, the thri-kreen had scuttled off like nothing was amiss.

Like they got us half chewed and decided they'd rather have jankx for dinner after all, she thought.

And now the human woman was awake. Although the time she'd spent senseless since Korgunard's ritual appeared to have left her more than a little confused.

"Crash? No, we've just been attacked by a swarm of rabid thri-kreen. We've got a templar and crew on our back trail and an unconscious preserver who must resemble some sort of bug god, judging from the way those kreen lost their appetite," she said. "So welcome - and no, you can't go back to sleep."

Still marveling at their survival, she crossed to Valsavis, motioning for him to let her inspect the deepest of his wounds. Summoning the healing fire, she scorched the worst closed, then moved to Barega to repeat the process.

Cure moderate wounds on Valsavis: 2d8 + 5 ⇒ (8, 6) + 5 = 19

Cure moderate wounds on Barega: 2d8 + 5 ⇒ (1, 5) + 5 = 11

Oh, Ala'a is not acting strategically at this point. She fully expects everyone else to die in the next few moments and is getting ready to flee. Just RP'ing elven instincts.

On a more metagamey level, she's got the best AC in the group, so I'm not too worried about being mobbed, and that might help draw some fire away from the rest of you if the kreen follow the tasty elf. And if it works, she'll of course say that was her plan all along...

Er, yeah. This is an unavoidable TPK at this point. Based on the stats I can see (attack, average damage, saves and apparent hit points) these suped-up thri-kreen are at least CR 3 (and with the average damage output of CR 6 creature, per this table). At just CR 3, 18 creatures is a CR 11 encounter. We're not that optimized - at best, we're punching up maybe one level over the baseline. On a good round, we might take out three thri-kreen, while they took off more than half of our combined hit points in one round.

If there had been 12 instead of 18, if we'd been able to take attacks of opportunity when they leapt over the walls, if our fortifications had actually been useful in limiting their ability to swarm us ... maybe. But as is, we're all dead, barring DM fiat or some Korgunard-based deus ex machina. I don't mean to be a downer, but the campaign appears to be headed to an abrupt end otherwise. How do you want to proceed?

Ala'a watched as the kreen's claws gouged bloody holes in her new friends. She'd suffered a few scrapes herself, but could still run if she had to, although who knew how long she would last in the desert by herself.

At least we tried, she thought, leaping past the attacking thri-kreen as she tried to make her way to the fringe of the battle. Slashing at another bug-like attacker, she prepared to retreat when the others fell.

Five-foot step northwest, fighting defensively to boost AC to 26.

Attack on thri-kreen in O9: 1d20 + 11 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 11 + 1 - 4 = 181d8 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

The thri-kreen were everywhere, on all sides, claws scraping against Ala'a's shield as she ducked their clacking mandibles.

Got to make some space, keep them from flanking us, she thought, spinning to block another attack. She turned toward Barega, separated by a jumping mass of armored bodies.

"Valash'ska, fu'zax!" she yelled, waving at the halfling with her sword to try to signal him to move out of the way to the north.

Watching as best she could while defending herself, she called forth another fiery prayer before slinging another fan of flames to the southeast, charring bodies and hopefully clearing space to maneuver in their makeshift fort.

I'll delay until after Barega acts, then cast (defensively) burning hands in an arc to the southeast. That should catch the thri-kreen in fives squares: 10Q, 10R, 11Q, 11R, and 12Q. Reflex DC 14 for 1/2. If the bug in 10Q dies, she will 5-foot step to there.

Concentration to cast defensively: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

Burning hands damage: 5d4 ⇒ (3, 1, 4, 4, 4) = 16

Ala'a's breath stopped in her throat as she watched the swarm of thri-kreen emerge from the dust storm.

Spirits help us, she thought as she tightened her grip on her sword and shield and readied the words of a prayer that would summon a sheet of flame to blast the first kreen to draw near.

She held the spell as long as she could - dodging the clicking mandibles of the most eager of the creatures - hoping to catch as many as possible in the wave of fire she sent curling over their glistening carapaces.

Ala'a will hold her position and ready an action to cast burning hands, directing the arc to the northwest. She will wait until multiple thri-kreen approach, casting defensively if needed, in order to maximize the number of enemies in the area of effect.

Concentration check to cast defensively: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

burning hands damage: 5d4 ⇒ (1, 3, 4, 4, 4) = 16 Reflex DC 14 for 1/2

At least this way there are limited spaces for them to land inside, they'll take attacks of opportunity from passing over us, and we'll probably be able to flank them if we stay near the 'walls.'

What does everyone think about something like this?

Wagon set up

~~~~~0~~0~~~~~
"Push that wagon over here, like this. Yes, then flip it on its side for better cover. Okay, now drag that one there, to funnel them in one at a time," Ala'a said, sweat pouring down her sides from the work as well as the threat of the advancing thri-kreen.

She took a deep breath when Barega spotted the insect warriors, forcing her muscles to go slack as she harnessed the fire within.

Moving among the others, she wove curtains of invisible fire around those most likely to be in the thick of the fighting. Loosening her bow, she called down a final prayer, beseeching the flames to guide their blows.

Ala'a casts shield of faith on herself, Gbaji and Valsavis, then casts bless when the thri-kreen are near but still out of range.

Drawing back her bow, Ala'a aimed for the thri-kreen leading the charge.

"Eat this, you bastard," she said as she loosed the arrow - a glancing shot, if it hit at all - and retreated into the wooden palisade they'd erected.

Longbow attack: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 10 + 1 = 141d8 ⇒ 1

Ala'a rose the next morning feeling better than she had in days. The belgoi poison seemed to be gone from her system and they were miles from Urik. There had been some close calls ... but they'd made it through, thanks to her quick tongue. She smiled as she said her morning prayers. Her brother Tsu'uto would be proud.

************
"At least they aren't on our backtrail," Ala'a said when Barega brought news of the templar and hunters to the west. "If they get closer, we'll deal with them. Until then, let's keep our eyes on the road. I'm sure we'll find plenty to keep us busy."

************
Thri-kreen. Wonderful, Ala'a thought when Barega made his pronouncement. Looking around, the lack of bodies made sense. She shivered - she'd encountered thri-kreen once or twice before, and the hungry stares had been worse than the time she'd accompanied her brother in a brothel in Tyr.

"How close are they, Barega? We can't outrun them with Korgunard and the wagon. And if we have to fight, I'd rather do it on ground we choose, rather than walking into an ambush," she said. She glanced around, noting the ruined wagons. "If we made a stand here we could arrange these wagons for cover, funnel them into a space that allows us to gang up on them."

The idea wasn't entirely comfortable - she didn't like to think about being confined behind makeshift walls, unable to run. But open terrain favored the hunters, not the hunted.

"I was hoping to trade them for something more useful in the desert - with no one to wield them, these weapons do me little good. Although you might be able to return them in Urik for a reward," Ala'a said.

Diplomacy to get him to trade? I don't think any of that is untrue ...: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

Also, Appraise: 1d20 ⇒ 5

Frowning, she realized she had no idea what the weapons were worth. Well, they're worth less than nothing weighing down the wagon ....

"They are well made, but I'd be willing to part with them cheaply, if you are interested," she said, leaving herself at the mercy of the mul merchant.

Looking at the equipment list, I'd say we're trying to get rid of the (3) MW large clubs, the MW metal spear, MW obsidian great axe, MW stone hand axe, (2) MW knives and the MW shortbow, unless someone wanted any of those.

Ala'a kept right on talking as the mul considered her offer.

"As for me and my task: I am Indira, a humble servant of King Hamanu, may his talons envelop the world," she said, making a show of bowing as she did.

"My men and I are chasing down a motley crew of mages and thieves. A mix of races but of unmistakable evil - their dark looks merely reflect the foul deeds they have committed. You would know them if you saw them," she said, trying to bluff her way through without providing any concrete details.

"Unfortunately, the other templar who follows is scarcely better than our prey. A conniver and cheat, he's sacrificed far more deserving servants of Hamanu in his selfish quest for status. I've heard he's the bastard son of some House Tsalaxa trader. Probably set on selling out Urik to those dishonest crooks. I won't even sully your ears by speaking his name. Be wary, if your paths should cross. His honeyed words will only bring you ill."

Bluff!: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28

Yeah, my intention was to get them out of the area and spare them having to make any Bluff rolls, but if it's just traders I don't see any harm - and they seem eager. I'll get another post up with responses in a bit.

I was thinking we'd strike west into the desert for a few hours but curve back to the road by nightfall. Also, didn't mean to derail your plans - House Stel is so tied into Urik, I just figured they'd be a problem best avoided. But seeing as the ruse is working...

"I can spare a few minutes to speak with your master," Ala'a said. "Perhaps he has some news of the roads to the south that could be of use. I also have some weapons from my fallen guards that I might try to trade for something more useful - with no one to wield them they merely weigh down the wagon. If you and your men will carry them for me I will have my servants begin the march to the west - they move so slowly, I do not wish to lose any more time."

Ala'a motioned to the rest of the group to pack up and get moving, then gestured to the crodlu rider to lead her back to the mekillot wagon. As long as I stay outside, I should be fine, she thought. And if things do go south, it wouldn't be the first time I've had to outrun a crodlu ...

Retrieving the rest of the group's stash of ceramic coins, as well as some of the more valuable weapons they'd taken from their defeated foes, she went to see what the merchant had to trade.

Might as well see if I can get some information from the House Stel rep, or trade some of these old half-giant weapons for something more useful.

Normally I GM, so it's interesting getting to use that craftiness for good ...

I tell ya, I'm going to get some mileage out of those Bluff ranks. Just have to keep coming up with the BS to go with the rolls!

Wow, that mekillot wagon crept up on us fast! Must have rolled a 20 ;)

Action 1

"I'm feeling better - still strong enough to run circles around you mekillots," Ala'a said in response to Gbaji's question, softening the comment with a forced grin. Truth was, she still felt like she'd been down with a fever for a month, but she wasn't about to show weakness in front of her new companions.

Action 2
"Cover Korgunard, quickly! And let me do the talking,"Ala'a said, a plan forming in her head.

Retrieving her satchel, she quickly flung the sulphur-colored templar's cloak around her shoulders and adopted an imperious stance, as if ordering the others about.

Action 3
Ala'a glared coldly at the crodlu rider making demands. Use Studied Target to gain a +1 to Bluff.

"Would you like to rephrase that question, merchant? Perhaps something along the lines of 'How may honorable House Stel be of service to one of the King's emissaries?'" Ala'a said, her eyes narrowed to dangerous slits.

"As you can see, we've been attacked. I lost two half-giants and my other scout in an attack by belgoi last night. The fugitives we've been tracking from Urik lured them out, using the cannibals against us," she said, motioning to Gbaji and Barega when she mentions her surviving servants.

"These traders were camped nearby and lost several of their own," she said, indicating Valsavis and Lalali. "We've been able to commandeer water and supplies to continue the hunt."

Leaning in toward the man, she adopted a conspiratorial tone.

"A rival of mine is about a day behind. Whichever of us brings the fugitive back will find considerable favor in the Lion King's court," she said. "We plan to follow the fugitives' tracks west, into the desert, but if you happen to run into my ... friend ... you might mention that we were headed east, into the mountains."

Reaching into the group's stash, she pulled out a handful of ceramic pieces and held them up to the rider. "Your service to Urik is most appreciated."

Lies, lies and more lies!: 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 11 + 1 = 24

Assuming he goes for it, we can head west into the open desert a bit before cutting back west to the road once the House Stel caravan has passed. I'm hoping the House Stel guards will run into the other templar party and tell them (for a second bribe) that we headed into the desert, while we actually keep to the road.

Ala'a grinned with satisfaction as Valsavis cut down the wounded belgoi. She wasn't surprised when the two survivors turned tail and ran.

Not so fast, you cannibal bastards, she thought, her weakened legs still more than capable of running down the short-legged creatures. Whipping her sword around in a tight arc, she slashed at the slowest belgoi, Ash-Caller carving a signature in blood.

Charge the nearest belgoi: 1d20 + 11 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 11 + 3 = 211d8 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Ala'a will continue pursuit until the belgoi are dead, then return to the camp and let Barega examine her wounds. Exhausted,she tries to catch a little more sleep, then rises at dawn to make her prayers.

As the sun rose, Ala'a kneeled in the sand east of their camp, singing a low song to the fiery orb rising into the sky. She felt the sun heat her battered muscles and her heart felt full, on fire with the spirits favor.

Ala'a gasped as her muscles seemed to turn to jelly from the venom. She switched tactics, spinning into a dance that would allow her to use her momentum to power her blows, while keeping her shield in position to block any more claw attacks.

Ala'a will attack the most wounded-looking of the belgoi near her, taking a five-foot step if necessary to set up a flank with Valsavis. She will fight defensively, boosting her AC to 24 for the round.

Attack while fighting defensively: 1d20 + 11 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 11 - 4 = 141d8 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Feinting low with a sweeping kick, Ala'a swung her body around, whipping Ash-Caller around in a slashing strike that sliced deep into the shoulder of the nearest belgoi.

Ala'a recognized the pale-skinned humanoids for what they were almost immediately - her mother had sung her many songs of the psionic cannibals, whose bells could fascinate the unwary.

Belgoi! she spat, although it came out twisted into the tongue of fire. "Uvisst!"

Glancing over her should at Gbaji, she pointed him to the left flank, where he'd have a clearer shot, then raced to the right, her feet taking her in a wide arc before rushing in at the farthest of the belgoi. Ash-Caller sang its deadly song as she whipped it toward the creature's exposed flesh.

Move to B2, avoiding AoOs, then attack belgoi in C2 with longsword.

Attack: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 161d8 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

Hmm, 16 could be close. If it hits:

The creature twisted away from the flickering bone blade, but Ala'a reversed course, redirecting the razor edge of the sword toward the belgoi's unarmored leg. The blade bit deep, severing muscles and arteries and sending dark red blood pumping into the sand.

Or, if it missed:

Ala'a cursed as the creature twisted away from her attack, the bone blade passing within an inch of its unarmored flesh. She brought her shield up, ready for a counterattack as she plotted her next move.

I was planning on getting by with low-light vision and moon/starlight for now (I don't imagine clouds are an issue ...) then casting a lightcantrip if needed for combat.

Ala'a rolled to her feet, Ash-Caller in hand and free of its scabbard even before she had opened her eyes.

She shook her head, clearing the cobwebs, as she tried to process Barega's words. Sorcery ... bell ... human following ...

"Valsavis. Damn it. Gbaji, come with me. Barega, wake Lalali and keep an eye on Korgunard - we don't know what, or how many, are out there," she said.

With that, Ala'a moved off in the direction Barega had seen Valsavis take, eyes scanning the darkness for movement.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12

No problem, and I on rereading my post comes off as more pissy than I intended. The joyous obscurity of electronic communication. :)

Is there a reason you've done the watch order that way? Because it is not at all like we described. The order I proposed, which the others seemed to agree with, was:

1st watch: Gbaji
2nd watch: Ala'a
3rd watch: Valsavis and Barega (Lalali wasn't included, mostly because she hasn't been posting).

It's a gallon a day in the desert to avoid negative effects, and I figured they had gone a while without and so would need a full-ish share to recover (and not knowing exactly how many there were, estimated 10 gallons would do it on the high side.)

Surprised when the others looked to her for guidance, Ala'a hesitated before weighing in on what to do with the desperate humans. On her own, she would probably have avoided them altogether ... They did have plenty of water, but didn't need the attention a dozen grateful humans would bring.

"I, well, do you ..." she said, before her stumbling was cut off by Gbaji handing over his waterskin.

As it always did, the need for a quick decision spurred her creativity.

"Yes, yes, of course, we will share with you enough water to make it to Urik's gates. Our master, the trader Marek, tells all of his caravans to be generous to those in need. Although small, Marek's trading coster is one of the most successful in Urik. Look him up when you arrive in Urik, thank him for his generosity and provide him with equally generous rates on the goods you produce. You will find few truer friends than Marek."

Ala'a continued to talk up Marek's good graces, good looks and shrewd business dealings as she helped Gbaji hand out water. By the time they get to Urik, I want Marek's name to be the only thing they remember ...

Bluff: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26
Altogether, I'd think 10 gallons is enough to get them to Urik?
~~~~~0~~0~~~~~

Ala'a nodded at Barega's suggestion for a campsite and watched with approval as he obscured their trail.

"Go ahead and sleep Valsavis, I'll take the middle watch,"Ala'a said. "My eyes see better in the dead of night. The light begins creeping in early this far out in the desert, so you should be able to see better by the time I wake you for the third watch."

Removing her cross-dressing disguise, Ala'a prepared to sleep, scooping out a shallow depression in the sand near the rocky crag and checking for spiders, snakes and blood-sucking cactus. She kept her armor on and set Ash-Caller in easy reach nearby along with her bow and quiver of arrows.

Ala'a will also wake Barega for the third watch, so we'll at least have two people with bad vision on duty. At the end of her watch she'll use her last 1st-level spell slot to cast cure light wounds on whoever appears most injured.

Sorry for not posting, I've been down with the flu. Will try to get something up tomorrow.

I figured Ala'a would stay in her disguise until we stop for the night.

Ala'a smiled at Gbaji's compliment. He was as slow as a mekillot, but strong as one, and proving to be more loyal - she didn't think she'd have to worry about losing a leg when she turned her back. Come to think of it, the little cannibal wasn't half bad, either, although he had licked his lips once or twice when she was binding the others' wounds ... Still, even the suicidal human had fought well underground, and Korgunard's words had seemed to calm him somewhat.

And what had her mother always said? A slow companion is the best companion when running from a hungry klar.

Ala'a breathed a sigh of relief as the templars moved on and the group was able to pass beneath the obsidian lion at the gate. The elves and halflings presented new problems, but at least Urik was behind.

She was less sure about the road ahead. The sun was hot upon her skin, burning away some of the tension built up in Hamanu's city. But the others weren't used to the desert like she was, and lacked her elven resistance to the sun. She'd have to keep an eye on them, make sure they didn't over do it in the heat. Other than Gbaji, they also lacked her nightvision, which made traveling after dark too risky.

"I think we ought to stick to the trade road for now. Once Barega returns we reconsider if he's seen sign of a threat. But I'd like to put some distance between us and the city's walls before stopping," she said.

Ala'a will stay on foot, using her superior speed to scout ahead and to the flanks but staying within earshot of the cart.

~~~~~0~~0~~~~~
Ala'a watched as the halfling seemed to unfold into his own form. She handed him a waterskin as he approached, gesturing to the shade of the cart.

"How soon can you transform again? It would be helpful to have eyes above - if those elves mean us harm, advance warning could be important. And I'd like to know if those halfling hunters are on our trail," she said. "I know we're all weary from lack of sleep, but I think our best course is to continue on the road until nightfall before stopping to rest. I can expend some more of the fire's blessing so we'll be in fighting shape if it comes to that."

Ala'a will go ahead and use her remaining 2nd-level spells to cast cure moderate wounds on Gbaji and Valsavis, then cure light wounds once each on Barega, Lalali and herself (leaving her with one 1st-level slot). She'll also cast create water, creating 5 gallons to help stretch their water supply.

CMW for Gbaji: 2d8 + 5 ⇒ (1, 3) + 5 = 9

CMW for Valsavis: 2d8 + 5 ⇒ (3, 4) + 5 = 12

CLW for Barega: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

CLW for Lalali: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

CLW for Ala'a: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

"You survived - should I pay you extra because you did your job?" Ala'a said, bristling at Valsavis's mock complaint.

She turned back to the templar with a shrug.

"I'd gladly let you take this pair to the obsidian quarries, but I need them for the trip to Altaruk. Now, does this cover those fines?" she said, counting out 20 ceramic pieces from the group stash.

How many ceramic pieces came with our wagon?

Also, Ala'a takes the unclaimed templar cloak we found earlier and conceals it in her satchel. Always have a back up plan ...