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As the party pushes the crates into position, Mahuman gets more and more agitated. As the final carrier slides into place, Vykral hops behind them to the theoretical safety of the barricade. "This looks like a good place for me!" Mahuman then says "They approach!!!" as he leads his warriors into the brush. A billowing cloud of fog suddenly washes over the shore, and the sound of a boat running ashore, suddenly loud, shushes the jungle into quiet...
Mahuman gives a worried glance at the river "Whatever you propose, do it quickly. The sun is down, and the mists are coming."
"No living creature likes to nest in the open my friend, so many of the jungles creatures seek the shelter of our mines. They do not bother us, but there is at least one King Naga about that is almost as big around as your leg, and twice your length. It's just best not to disturb him."
"They usually just come for the stones. Until these raids began, we had rarely even posted an overnight guard here. They come, steal the stones, and leave." Mahuman then gets a funny look on hi face "But you DO have to watch out for the snakes in the caves."
In a whisper that's almost a hiss I say to Dram, "You work for such a man?? Collecting myself a bit and in a much more controlled tone, "Do we have a way of verifying his story? Are there any people that can be trusted in this army of yours?"
As the evening draws close around the camp fire, Vykral sings small songs of bravery in the face of certain death. After she finishes one shanty, Mahuman asks "So, what will you do? The creatures will most likely come again tonight. If the stones are stolen again, I fear for the safety of my village."
Mahuman leans in to Dram and speaks in a low voice Spoiler:
"Your lack of tact may get you killed southerner. Keep your wits about you and your tongue still!!! Now, as to the stones, Pacha Bosh has been eagerly seeking obsidian since the last rains. Lugh and several other villages supply him with as much as we can dig, but we know it is forbidden by Bahz Qasheen the Rotund. We would refuse, but he has taken some of our children as his "guests". The last headman to refuse, his child was thrown into a pit to be eaten by rats. Do you know how long that takes human? I would brave his wrath for myself, but for my son who is in Pacha Bosh's care? I dare not do any other than to submit. It is the threat to his precious rocks that motivated Pacha Boshs request for your aid, not concern for his subjects. Be wary, Pacha Bosh is wily, and is no friend of Bahz Qasheen. As the tropical night begins to fall, full throated bird calls resound through the forest. A light mist rises from the cool waters of the river, and the moon less night lies ahead. Most of the workers depart the mine, using the same path the party traveled. There is a fire pit, with a pot of guinea pig and yam stew bubbling away. As you all settle around the fire, Mahuman asks "How will you face these demons? What plans will you make?"
@ Crisk Spoiler: They are vials of Silversheen. None of the other gear appears magical.
@ Dram Spoiler:
The orders in the map case read as follows:
"Follow river southward to mines. Establish base camp and patrol for Revenants. If encountered, do not engage, but follow back to point of origin. Use of boats during raids argues for offshore site, but could also be using boats as a diversion. Use Silversheen ONLY to escape capture to return with information. Captain Yrell" Ash Spoiler: It looks like the soldiers were moving along a narrow game trail, and got jumped from the undergrowth. You can see a number of foot prints, and even a Naga print or two, but they are so confused by the melee that you can't use them to get an accurate count or to follow them anywhere.
So I'll keep vyk going as plot hook/group buffer, anyone have a buddy they want to join us? re: combat- Ash aactually did a ton of damage against the undead, as did Dram. The issue was with equipment, not rolls/damage. But I have no problem adding another bruiser either, so...
@ Daiwik Spoiler:
Pacha Bosh is the rulers common name. Roughly translated into common it means "Dressed like a boy". His reputation is similar to other Rakshasa nobles-greedy, voracious, occasionally murderously capricious. Rose to power the old fashioned way, by poisoning the former ruler and their entire family. His soldiers are known for enforcing his will with both cruelty and aplomb. Basically, the people he rules over just try to give him whatever he wants to avoid being noticed. If he is paying attention to you, it rarely ends well. It is rumored that Pacha Bosh is a spell caster of some power, and is among the few Rakshasa nobles that have learned to tap into divine AND arcane energies. The cruelties of his rule have inspired other rumors, of fighters dedicated to his overthrow sheltering in the mountains to the south east. His forces spend a lot of time patrolling that area, but usually leave the coastal areas alone, unless, like now, raiders threaten. The appearance of one of his patrols is usually cause for great trepidation, as the soldiers are largely unaccountable to the local magistrates, anwsering only to their own superiors. @ Crisk Spoiler:
You seem to recall the undead naga being unusual, in so far as the raiders tend to use manufactured weapons, posibly to avoid leaving spawn behind?. (this was several pages ago, just a friendly reminder :)) A thorough search of the bodies turns up:
Spoiler:
5 lg bronze shields 5 scale mail vests (treat as chain shirt) and helms 4 Spears 4 Short swords 4 curved daggers 5 backpacks, each containing -5 days rations (mostly dried meat) -5 waterskins -5 bedrolls -5 50' ropes -2 hand axes -1 shovel -1 bronze pot -3 friction fire starters (look like small bows) -2 mirrors the odd man out was equipped differently. Same armor and shield, mostly same pack contents, but:
The map case contains a map of the local area and written orders. Anyone speak Infernal?
World info in profile, recent posts link to char gen and ongoing game thread. Or feel free to email me Spoiler: , just put Faysal in the subject line somewhere :) rpatrick_mccann at yahoo
Crisk Spoiler:
No spell residue, and the bodies appear to have been killed with "normal" weapons, most likely swords or spears. The are equipped for a long march, with full packs.
@ Daiwik Spoiler:
Neither of those Knowledges will really help you, but since you have been around the area longer than the rest of the crew, you recognize the Black Paw as the livery of Pacha Bosh, the local ruler. The gear is standard issue for Pacha Bosh's soldiers, and the sunlight gleaming off the highly polished bronze tells you these will not rise as undead anytime soon. I can give you a bunch of random historical facts about Pacha Bosh and his rule if you want more background fluff. Let me know :)
As Ash' line of sight clears the grass, he is treated to a grisly spectacle: the remains of 5 persons, probably common Rakshasas. They are all dressed alike in a peaked bronze helm, bronze scale vest, and shirts and trousers of flowing purple and orange material. Each bore a bronze faced shield, with an onyx paw print in the center, thrusting spears, and short swords at their waists. All are dead, as evidenced by their lack of eyeballs due to the birds handiwork. They appear to have been ambushed and slain very quickly, as their packs are still on their backs. The bodies are beginning to putrefy in the hot jungle sun....
The stone flies true, landing inside the disturbed area with a loud "THONNNNG!!!' as if it hit something metallic. Birds in nearby trees take flight, as do a pair of buzzards and a handful of crows that apparently were on the ground near the point of impact.
Crisk- you could, but it is late afternoon, not going to do much other than give away your position with the casting. Your call. Ash- Do you let him Light it? Or just chuck it?
Vykral Spoiler: You know it is illegal to mine for obsidian, and that it is used for weapons, Jewelry, and creating undead, but as to WHY it is appearing along the route, you're not sure. Using that same check for Bardic Knowledge, tells you Amethyst and Obsidian are often found near volcanos, and that Bahz Qasheen is very fond of amethyst. And welcome back :)
Dram Spoiler: You don't see much, but you DO see a small area clear of trees where Ash is pointing. Some of the tall grass in that area look bent, or broken...
As the party responds to Ash's alert, Mahuman and the other Naga form a defensive ring of spears, slightly behind the party. "Never hurts to be cautious, but remember, it may just be one of my villagers going back and forth from the mines." The jungle, however, is quiet here, as if hiding from someone. Or something....
Vykral's cheery song stutters to silence as she notices the serious demeanor of her companions. "Ash, trouble?"
Ash Spoiler: Ha, yup, Raj :) He stays fixed to the branch he was traveling on, looking at a spot about 15-20' off the trail to the west, but then jumps down and clambers up Ash's arm.
Daiwik Spoiler:
Nothing springs immediately to mind. You know of main uses for obsidian: Jewelery, weapons, and creating undead. As the sun makes it was towards the western horizon, the jungles shadows lengthen and darken. Ash Spoiler:
Ash starts acting funny, like he smells something. Perception check please "Come, there is food and shelter at the last mine, for the porters and overseers." Mahuman urges the group forward.
@ Dram Spoiler:
Mahuman looks startled for a moment, looks around, then hisses "Not now you fool. The jungle has ears. Wait until we are at the third mine." @ Daiwik Spoiler: Obsidian is a primary ingredient in many rituals and spells intended to grant unlife. It is also illegal to mine in Baz Qasheen's realm...
Dram Spoiler:
He is obviously lying, and hiding something about the stones and the middle mine. Crisk Spoiler: It is obsidian
Dram bends over to pick up some of the amethyst and the black stone. "Mahuman, what is the difference between these stones. I know this one is an amethyst, but what is this black one? and why does it look like people have been going to the tapped out mines lately." Mahuman looks panicked for a moment, then says "Oh, it's just some dross from the mining process. And it has been an unusually dry year." Dram Spoiler: Feel free to make Sense Motive checks, etc
Ok, so back to front
Everyone BUT Daiwik
Spoiler:
A- Wow, great rolls :) B- As you pass the side trails leading to the mines, you notice the trail that leads to the "tapped out" mine has been used recently. Dram
Spoiler:
Along the trail you see small bits of stone, none larger than a pinky nail, most likely dropped from baskets or carriers. Most look like ordinary stones, a few have what appear to be small amethyst crystals attached. After passing the second mine trail, you start to see small flecks of a black, glass like stone mixed in with the spall. Ash
Spoiler: There are obvious signs of the nagas moving along the trail bearing heavy loads. But there are also some humanoid foot prints, mostly moving across the trails instead of along it. They appear to be a mixture of races, Common Rakshasa and human, maybe 2-3 individuals total.
So as Jah flies off into he afternoon sun, the party shoulders its packs and prepares to move to the mines. Hosk delcares his intent to stay behind and set up billets for the company, and wishes you all luck. The trail is narrow, and hemmed in by vegetation on all side. It is hot, and the humidity makes the sweat just run down your skin, providing relief only to the insects that swarm around your heads, and bite your exposed flesh. Mahuman explains "We have three mines, but one has been tapped out. The mine furthest upstream is where we cache the stones for transport, we will take you there"
Spoiler: Ja appears somewhat confused. INT 7, you may want to be a bit more precise, like with a 3-4 year old. "Take to commander who? back to old village? Kaw!" Or something like that :)
Vykral grabs a spare parchment and pen and prepares a report (). "So you're gonna tie it to your bird?" Mahuman looks visibly relieved that you are not leaving, but also on edge. "Allow us to show you the way to the mines." He motions to the warriors, who fall in around him as he moves out of the temple.
Mahuman looks uncomfortable at this confrontation. "We all have our masters, and we must follow their will. Is it as you have said, that an army follows after you? Will they be here by tonight? The gems will move in the morning, after that, they will not come again until next month." Hoke leans in to Dram and Ash "Lads, Aldur needs to know what is going on, but we may be able to get to him and back by night fall. Unless your magical friends can send a message any other way?"
Running a pseudo Indian/Southeast Asian inspired PbP right now. Feel free to check out the source materials and follow the thread if you like. re: Castes: figure the 4 traditional castes
Add
-Explorers, though canon, seem to be a subset of the warrior caste to me. Could be a fun one though, the "inter-caste" group, where they belong to all and none at teh same time.
"All we know of them is this: They come every few weeks, and raid the gems we are preparing for shipment. Pacha Bosh demands a certain number of amethysts every month, the rest we trade up and down the coast. They come only at night, by long boats with muffled oars. Between raids we find no evidence of their presence, so we have no idea how they know to strike our shipments." Mahuman looks around nervously as the summoned guards crane their ears to hear. "Sugit was slain near one of the amethyst pits. I can have someone lead you there if you wish, but it will tell you nothing."
"I don't like our chances if we come up against even a few of these..." "We are noticeably lacking on silver weapons, and the majority of my spells will have little to no affect..." "Our mission was to scout and report... we should involve the army to clear these out... If you wish the aid Mahuman" Mahuman, still reeling frpm the horror of Sugit's reanimation, shakes his head affirmatively. "Yes, yes, we need the help. I had no idea what we faced. You must find out where they are coming from."
The sunlight dances over the corpse, but there is no other apparent reaction.
Mahuman tells Daiwik the same information about Sugit, but includes his rise to unlife. Vykral explains about the reflected sunlight and lack of reflection, Crisk about the ineffectiveness of his curses, and Dram and Ash about Sugit's ability to shrug off damage. After considering this for a moment... Daiwik is unable to discern between the new and old wounds, but... Spoiler: You are familiar with Wights, who have many of these attributes (intelligent, energy drain, spawn) and Vampires (sunlight vulnerability, DR/Silver, no reflection) but this appears to be some hybrid of the two. It is not a "normal" undead.
As the party discusses what to do with the remains, the guards summoned by Mahuman arrive, along with a seemingly out-of-place human. He look like an ascetic, but carries himself like a warrior.
Okey dokey, you're up. Re: Scribe Scroll- usually at character creation I have no problem with using Crafting feats for one use items, such as scrolls or potions. Unless you get silly with it, it's not terribly unbalancing to have a bunch of low level scrolls running about.
re: AC- you'd remain Cleric 3/Monk 1, but have the AC as Monk 4, so at next level, no matter which class you take, you get that +1 AC for Monk 5. I've used it with the aforementioned PbP PC, and in some RL Table top games, and it works pretty well. It will only get out of balance if it is abused, but I doubt that will become an issue. Que coming up. Sorry for the delay, had to get that last round out of the way.
@ Ash Spoiler:
Did you miss me asking for a Fort save? No biggie, . Looks like you are fine, but you feel a strange tugging at your spirit, as though the creature had not just struck your body, but also your soul... Ash's Attack finally seems to drop the creature, it's slithery form falling immobile on the teak wood floor. @ Vykral- You manage to knock the mirror off the wall, but it shatters into jagged shards. On the way down you notice something odd.
Spoiler: The Revenant cast no reflection in the mirror. You could see Asha nd Dram on either side of it, but the creature may as well have not existed...
Vykral sees a number of mirrors on the walls of the temple. Getting one down may be difficult, as they are hung for "full sized" creatures.
@ Crisk Spoiler: You recall hearing that some Revenants can only be harmed by silvered weapons, or holy magic....
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