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Shaking her head, "I would not say we are enemies, the Ekujae though, they are very protective of their land, they have little tolerance for outsiders. Something must have happened to them if they are letting two different groups roam their territory unimpeded," Starting to cook a giant Quetzelcoatlus leg over the fire, like a 7 foot drumstick, "Have you encountered the Elves?"
its cosmic humor y'all's dice rolls are this bad
Your group spends another day at the ranch putting Soon-Chong into a panic as you continue to batter his already destroyed fence, at one point Yuranosuke comes back with a decent amount of the sheep only for Ayane to be pretending to be a gate pop out and scare them, scattering the sheep back into the woods.
Another 8 hours gone, with little to show for it so far, still Summer is only just begun and there is plenty of time.
Nodding, explaining while they rebuild the camp, "These Kishi are demons of disguise, they will play tricks, win your trust, make you love them and then they reveal their true nature and devour you whole. My nephew is strong, he escaped but lost an arm still,"
Continuing to chat, "We were afraid to venture into the territory of the Ekujae, we are not enemies but the Ekujae are. . protective of their domain,"
The first day is spent trying to fix the paddock and fencing, though it unfortunately never quite clicks, the damage to the area is severe and in some areas you have to break it down further before being able to build it back up. . . or so you explain to Soon-Chong. Resting for the night after a hard day's labor, sitting down in the Tavern you're left deciding to try again the next day or pursue other quests.
the group springs into action to defend Wilbur from the hungry Pterosaur's advances. In an explosion of violence your group brutally wounds the dinosaur with Violant blasting its mind with negative thoughts.
It staggers badly and Lyra spurs Wilbur and the Pig is adamant it will not be eaten today gores the Quetzalcoatlus tearing it open with its tusks and the great dinosaur falls over dead. The other one, intelligent enough to know something is wrong decides it would rather fly away then follow the same fate as its wingmate.
The three orc hunters only speak Mwangi and Orcish, but they see Lyra and address her in Orcish. Orcish:
“You carry the Dawnflower’s fire, I can see it in how you stood your ground.” The other two orcs step to immediately putting the camp back together and butchering what meat they can salvage from the giant Quetzelcoatlus while their leader Ifiok talks. Orcish: she continues.“We hunt demons,” orcish:
“Tracks led us into these lands. A kishi. Clever. Cruel. It took my nephew’s arm and left him breathing so he would remember. I swore it would not keep that victory.” Nature DC 24:
Kishi are actually not demons like these half orcs think, they are actually Fey. Kishis are duplicitous and murderous fey who dwell on the edges of Golarion's densest jungles. At first glance, kishis appear to be attractive humans, usually of a local ethnicity, but their full heads of thick hair conceal a second face: that of a snarling hyena. When a kishi lures their prey into a vulnerable situation, their head swivels around, revealing this fearsome visage. In this form, a kishi's powerful jaws are almost impossible to pry loose and can crush a victim's bones in a matter of moments.
Like most fey, a kishi has inscrutable motives, though to their victims, the kishi's goal seems simple—to revel in the expression of shock, betrayal, and terror on a victim's face. These ultimate sadists derive pleasure from the thrill of the hunt as well as the delicious reward at the end. The more uptight, prudish, or haughty a target, the better—for nothing satisfies kishis as much as earning (and destroying) the trust of someone who rarely grants it. When kishis get their new friends or lovers alone, they choose the most dramatic moments to reveal their true monstrous forms and clamp their jaws down on their victim. turning to acknowledge the rest of the group and continuing in Mwangi, "“We have little to offer but food and blades beside yours,” she says. “If you hunt the same darkness, we share the road. If not, we share a meal anyway. Hunters who waste gratitude do not live long."
Nah it’s been a few days since then. Each Hex traveled is at least 1 day of exploration to clear it. It’s why pretty much every fight feels so hard, book has it rated as a severe encounter since it’s often the only one each day
Samael creeps over to the humanoids, upon closer inspection they look like orcs or half orcs hunters, there are three of them. They say something in Orcish and then switch to Mwangi, but are confused when Samael understands neither. Samael is able to point and communicate, having them follow him around the outskirts of the camp back towards your group. gm rolls:
Unfortunately, the three hunters were not as stealthy as Samael was alone, and one of them makes a large enough commotion. You all look slowly as you see the two Quetzalcoatlus heads rise in eerie unison. Black eyes fix on the newcomers. The larger of the two lets out a low, rattling hiss and takes a careful step forward, its talons sinking into the mud with a wet suck. Nature DC 15:
These creatures are hungry and are likely aggressive because of it, if one had food to provide, they could potentially be driven off, a nice tasty war pig could probably do the trick Initiative:
The first Quetzalcoatlus unfurls massive wings, and does a quick swooping hop to close the 130 foot distance on your group. Landing in front of Wilbur.
Round 1 - When Dinosaurs Roamed the Golarion
Your group agrees to help Kum Soon-Chong, but for now its late. Your group retires to their respective sleeping arrangements, agreeing to meet up in the morning at the Stables. Arriving to the stables, you see the ranch's fencing is in a very sorry state and most of the flock is missing. Your group estimates it would take at least 2 days of good, hard, successful work to not only repair the stables but also gather all the missing sheep and livestock.
Gm rolls:
Samael is able to sneak up closer to the campsite, he doesn't see any blood, nor do the creatures look hurt like they were in a battle. The creatures appear to be rooting around looking for any food they can find. As he is sneaking closer, he catches glimpse, like metal flashing off the sun. It draws his attention to three humanoid creatures about a 100 feet out of the camp, hiding in the foliage from the giant creatures.
Lyra knows this creature as a Quetzalcoatlus, the largest flying members of the pterosaur family and are often mistaken for dragons due to their immense size and 40-foot wingspans. Using the joints of their massive wings as forelimbs, they are also quite capable of moving on land, snatching smaller prey from the ground or out of streams. She knows it doesn't have any real weaknesses or strengths other than being a 25 foot tall giant Dinosaur likely capable of eating a small to medium creature in a single bite.
Willowshore Stables proprietor Kum Soon-Chong stands wringing his cap in calloused hands. When Ayane’s song winds down and the applause fades into chatter, he edges closer to the table, offering a respectful bow. “Begging your pardon,” he says, voice rough with fatigue. “I hate to trouble you while the town is still catching its breath, but my ranch didn’t fare so well in the chaos.” He exhales through his nose, eyes flicking toward the dark street outside. “The monsters smashed my fences to splinters. Half the herd bolted straight into the wilds. Every day they’re out there is another day they might get taken by beasts or wander too far to ever come back.” He gestures helplessly with one hand. “If you or your companions could spare the time, I’d be grateful beyond words. Some of you could track the animals and drive them home. The rest might lend a hand setting new posts and mending the fencing. It’s honest work, a full day of it, but it would put the stables back on their feet.”
Through Oppa and the groups efforts, you guys are able to effectively forage for enough food and supplies beyond just berries to subsist for the day. gm rolls:
You guys continue pushing around to the West, doing your best to avoid the Fortress of Sorrow, you are able to avoid passing patrols of Cinderclaws, at one point you see in the distance a magical dome of energy that pulsates in a pattern through green, yellow, and blue, but you never approach close enough to make out better details. Continuing on, nothing much of note comes about until The jungle canopy clears a bit here, giving way to a swampy area of murky pools and twisting creek beds. A demolished campsite sprawls across an island in the shallow bog. Towering over the camp and actively destroying it are two towering dinosuar creatures. At first thought was that it was way too big to be a bird. Its head alone was the size of a canoe paddle, stuck on the end of a long neck like a spear. The beak was huge and smooth, no teeth, just this sharp, pointed wedge that looked perfect for snatching something off the ground. Behind its head was a strange bony crest, like someone had bolted a fin onto the back of its skull. What really got attention was the height. Standing on all fours, it was as tall as a giraffe at the shoulder. It moved in this careful, stalking way, using its folded wings almost like extra legs. Those wings were enormous. It looks like this camp was recent, the fire is still smoldering, if these creatures haven't already eaten the camps inhabitants they are likely actively trying to.
The laborers look up as Kwan settles in, their table a clutter of steaming bowls, chipped cups, and hands bandaged from three straight days of hauling rubble and hammering beams back into place. One of the laborers you recognize as a Fisherman, "We’re alive, and for that we owe you," he says gruffly. "No one’s forgetting who drove the worst of those things out." A murmur of agreement rolls around the table, but it carries a sour undercurrent. Another fisherman spits into the rushes and shakes his head. “Still doesn’t change what those turtle devils did to the docks. Slipped in quiet as fog and made off with half a dozen boats. Just untied them and paddled away, bold as you please. Boats we built with our own hands.” The first man exhales through his nose. “Hard to fish without boats. Hard to feed families without fish. And folks say those kappas were talked into leaving peaceful. floated right out of town with our livelihoods under their feet.”
"Two stews, then. I’ll tell the cook to make them hearty,” she says, before hurrying off into the smoky bustle. Ayane’s drumbeat rises bright and quick, a lively rhythm that cuts cleanly through the murmur of voices. A table of laborers near the hearth begins clapping along, rough hands keeping time. Someone laughs. Someone else joins in on the chorus. The heavy air of grief that has hung over the inn for days seems to thin, just a little, as the music threads through the room. By the time Ayane finishes, the inn answers her with warm applause and a scattering of cheers. The half-elf innkeeper, Reverent Mother Otis, lifts a mug in her direction from behind the counter in silent thanks.
Gathering up the Bida's hoard of treasure, you make camp a ways away from the ruined temple to Dahak, no doubt avoiding the gaze of such an evil dragon. Renali arrives and reports back about the nearby area. She wipes a smear of dark mud from her forearm and speaks in a low voice meant for the circle alone. “The land ahead is changing,” she says. “The earth is… wetter. Not a river swamp, but the kind that drinks your boots and does not give them back easily. The air tastes wrong. Thick. Like rot wrapped in incense.” She glances back the way she came, jaw tightening. “The closer I moved toward the Fortress of Sorrow, the heavier it felt. Not fear exactly. Something older. The jungle itself does not want to grow there. Even the insects thin out. Every step toward it felt like walking into a held breath.” Renali’s fingers flex unconsciously, as if remembering the branches she clung to. “There are patrols. Cinderclaws. I counted at least two routes circling the approach. I slipped past them, but they are alert. Not disciplined like soldiers, but watchful. If we continue straight in, we will need quieter feet than we have used so far.” Looking to the group, "And we have another problem. It has been nearly two weeks since we left the last friendly settlement. Game is scarcer near the fortress. Whatever dwells there has pushed much of it away,"
that is concerning! I'm sorry to hear you're going through something like that. Probably nothing I can do to help, but if there is, let me know!
The taverngirl brightens at the question, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face as she leans a little closer to be heard over the din. “Tonight? We’ve got river fish stew,” she says, ticking it off on her fingers. “Fresh catch, thick with roots and greens. There’s roast duck too, if you’re quick. Cook swears it’s the last of the good stock till the traders start moving proper again. And sweet rice with honey for after, if any’s left by the time you finish.” She throws a wink toward your group, “For folks who’ve been keeping the town standing,” she adds with a warm grin, “first round of tea’s on the house. So what’ll it be?”
Opting for dinner, you guys know the Thrice-Blessed Inn is nearby and is often cooking dinner and provider shelter while folks rebuild. The town has come a long way in just three days, but still there is much more to go. Striding inside, the Inn is crowded for the evening already, heavy smoke from cooking fires fills the air, the sound of music and drinking. Your group quickly finds one of the last remaining tables and claims it. It isn't long before one of the taverngirls approaches your table, "What'll it be for y'all, t'night?"
Frowning, but staying silent as you recount, "This is disturbing indeed, to be cut off completely from any aid, this goes beyond a single monster attack. Give me a few days, to plan what to do next. I will summon your group when I have figured out our next steps," With that he turns quickly, disappearing back into his estate accompanied by his advisors. The five of you are left standing in an empty courtyard, grooms take your horses back to their stables.
Violant slaps Stom on the . . . back and sends him soaring after the Bida, unaccostumed to flight though Stom's attack is badly placed. Oppa follows up with a massive crackling lightning bolt that splits the sky.
Oppa's lightning bolt blasts the Bida out of the air, its smoking corpse goes sailing across the clearing before crashing and destroying a large swath of trees. Exploring the ruined temple, it looks ancient, though diving into it, there is no doubt this was a Temple of Dahak. Though ruined, you still feel a slight sense of dread. Lyra notices this dragon pillar had two large black fire opals inset into the eyes of the pillar. They are each worth 200gp. Further investigation you find the Bida's hoard and lair, inside is a considerable pile of wealth, all told you find 310 gp, 2400 sp, 8500 cp, a pair of healer's gloves(similar enough to the ones y'all already have), a magical shield with 5 large spikes on the front of it and a wand made of two copper plates and a ceramic center. Identify on the Shield DC 23:
This is a spined shield Identify Wand DC24: This is a wand of crackling lightning
Your group hobbles the rest of the way back to town, a bit more battered and bruised than when you left, though the area safer for it. Still the mystery of the fog, trapping you and preventing you from leaving the greater Willowshore country side must be brought up to the city leads. By the time you return to Old Matsuki's manor, you should have been arriving in the neighboring town. His surprise and confusion is palpable, though he sees the battered sight and softens slightly. Looking to the group, standing on a small raised deck looking out on the courtyard, "Report, you look as though you've seen death and lived to tell us about it, more monsters waiting in ambush?" Some of the more tired looking guards, immediately looked worried a second attack is coming for the city, hands clench polearms tightly, faces paling.
yeah that's fine, I don't think you had ever had the chance to use the wandering chef abilities anyways
I believe that is the case Oppa, as long as it’s one of your 5 spells known as a summoner you can cast them using any of your spell slots. Looks like summoners only get the 4 spell slots a day + only knowing 5 spells at a time but the advantage is you are always heightening those spells for maximum bang for your buck out of them.
a single stom strike could possibly kill it yes
its flight speed is much more than 30 feet, non magical flight treats direct ascent as difficult terrain, at least I think I read that correctly.
possibly, off guard is making it easier to hit, you could always hero point doxie's attack of opportunity
Lyra charges the pillar atop Wilbur and with the momentum delivers a powerful kick knocking the dragon pillar over, breaking it. Samael juggles his cards and flicks a sharp one at the Bida but the card is blown away by the powerful wings. Doxie tries to chomp him has the Bida takes flight but misses with Oppa firing off a zap of electricity.
Red Bida - 134 damage, 1d6 bleed, 30 feet up
Yes it was only able to rise up 30 feet this first turn. So any spell with a range of at least 30 feet will hit it Stom that’s a good point forgot you had removed your hand which is an action.
Stom gets ignited by a fiery beam, smoking and singed, he shrugs it off and swings at the Bida with all his might, delivering a gruesome blow, his axe creating a vicious bleeding wound in its wake. Doxie roars, then bites down hard, sinking her teeth into the creature, she claws at it but is unable to hook her claws and tear. Violant launches another blast of lightning, favoring the element, and in turn a cold nimbus surrounds her, protecting her from possible fire damage.
The Bida roars and fights, though it looks quite wounded.
It chomps Stom, hard and whacks Doxie and tries to curl around her but she is nimble enough to escape its grasp. It then looks around, "You win this time, but I'll be back, You won't sleep safe in my jungle," It then takes off straight up, wings unfurling along its snakelike body. It shoots up 30 feet.
Red Bida - 123 damage, 1d6 bleed, 30 feet up
All good! Life happens, I was just starting to worry a little bit. Glad to know things are steadying out for you though. I hope your kiddos did well at their competition! My daughter has regional spelling bee this weekend!
Both Samael and Lyra are able to escape the Bida's constricting embrace, and try to deliver counteracts, though Samael badly misses, Wilbur is able to effectively stomp on the Bida's tail as he runs away.
The Red Dragon Pillar has a new juicy target in its sight and it charges up and fires a lance of fire at Stom's back.
Red Bida - 69 damage
Stom is finally able to squirm free, it moves into a more advantageous position and hacks at the Bida but struggles to find the strength to punch through its tough hide. Violant and Oppa blast the creature with a joint lightning offensive, bolt and boom, hurting it.
It curls in on itself just enough to void all the damage from Violant's thundering boom but not enough to prevent itself from still taking some lightning damage from Oppa's bolt. Doxie is able to get into the fray and bites, tearing into the tough hide and drawing blood. The Bida is wounded and surrounded, it again starts by crushing Lyra and Samael.
It then Bites at Doxie
Red Bida - 65 damage
appears as though as long as you cast any elemental spell, you get your choice of energy resistance equal to the spells rank
Samael, Lyra and Stom all get squeezed slowly. Lyra and Samael try to escape but struggle to find a way out. Samael tries to stab the creature but can't get a good angle to pierce its scales. Oppa instructs doxie to hang back and then rips a massive lightning bolt striking the creature.
It takes the full brunt of the blast and levels its evil eyes on Oppa. The dragon pillar launches another fire-y ray at Wilbur.
Red Bida - 39 damage
Uh yeah, let me think about it. Its definitely a thematic archetype, though not a ton of support from Paizo on the alchemical food front. Do you have an idea what you'd want to change too?
Setting up for a more extended rest isn't too hard, you set out to clear the ground in the overgrown clearing. While doing so you find the remains of broken cart and the skeletons of two oxen and a few humanoids and a number of broken crates. Sifting through the old items, you do find a number of items that appear to still be in good condition. there is a bag with 88 gold pieces, a magic wand, a small finely carved onyx statue of a dog, an elixir, as well as some common items. Identify DC 18 Magic Wand:
this is a Wand of Carryall Identify DC 17 Onyx Dog Statuette:
This is a Wondrous Figurine(Onyx Dog) Identify DC 17 Elixir: This is a Lesser Darkvision Elixir
Kwan is able to safely administer the healing potion to Jiang, revitalizing him.
Stom tries to escape the Bida but it only coils tighter around him. Violant casts a spell making multiple duplicates of her spring into existence before hurling a dagger at the Bida. The Bida continues to try and wrap more of you into its coiling embrace.
It lashes out and grabs at Lyra, still mounted on Wilbur but firmly trapped in the Bida's lengthy tail. He then constricts, crushing Samael and Stom.
With Ayane's well placed Rock it slams into the remaining Snapping Flytrap, the creature weebles and it wobbles before slamming into the ground in a loud wet thunk, sending up droplets of acid, sap and dirt.
Shandari awakens, still trapped in the flytrap, she creates a dagger made of lightning and is able to cut the creature's mouth open and roll out. Yuranosuke strides to join the fight, though the creature looks nearly done at this point, its wobbling on unsteady roots, and green lifeblood leaks from half dozen wounds.
Round 4 - Feed me now!
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