The construct reaches next to it and yanks the air 3 times.
“Try the blue plate special! It’s delicious.”
The be-tassled rope lies just under where it yanked.
Search Posts
My feeling (and granted, I'm still not at all an experienced PBPer) is that if it's not an Adventure Path, people just aren't as connected. I started running a Realm of the Fellknight Queen and it just feels like a different experience than with my Kingmaker campaign I'm running. I think people have just come to know what to expect from the Adventure Paths in some ways, so they feel a bit more comfortable. That might just be me, though. Oh yeah, that's a lot of it: the APs have much more cache and trust in them. They *matter* in a way a side campaign doesn't. It doesn't mean that a homebrew doesn't work (there are lots of homebrews that hit lots of posts), but that it's a different feeling, definitely. Anyhoot, I'm happy to continue or let die.
I leave it up to do you. This is the fun part of the scenario for me, but I could also let it die. I accept that I didn't quite build the story and interest that I wanted.
You and your companions wait. And wait. And wait. And wait. Nothing happens. Well, almost nothing happens. I'm sure Kergrik gets hungry again.
@Kergrik: It does not answer. There are double doors and the north and east walls. And couches and books if you wish to read and wait.
"“The Guard & Gear exists to serve Mendev,” is the reply to Kergrik. The construct stands by the door. The large statue is made of iron. The 'face' looks familiar, as if crafted from what every man would like.
The construct moves his arm above the coiled rope, makes a yanking motion 3 times, then returns to the door. "“Master Wargan will be with you shortly, please be seated.” Outside of that, the room is eerily quiet.
@Aurelian: You see a old frayed rope, be-tassled, next to the construct. You detect no evil, nor good, nor chaos, nor law. The place is empty.
When the door opens, Kyson Tirc arises quickly and readies his bow. "What is it?" Kyson asks. Responding to Aurelian's question, Kyson just shrugs his shoulders. * * * The constructs clothing might have been cultured at one time, but it also seems to be moving towards disrepair. As Aurelian enters the room, he intones, “Welcome to the Guard & Gear. Please make yourself at home. I shall summon the Master.” The construct moves to a place near the door, reaches out with his left hand to grasp at air, and makes a yanking motion three times, then returns to his post beside the door. Inside the room, various couches and chairs await. Once elegantly appointed, several pieces now sport rents from a losing war with insects and vermin, and a dusty haze stirs meagerly in the stale air. A large iron statue sits motionless in the southeast corner, also covered in dust. Twin sets of double doors exist on the north and east walls. Kyson reaches the door and looks in. "Hmm. Never seen anything like this." Kyson turns and looks out the cave at the storm. "You guys go look around. I'll watch the horses." Kyson takes a few more good looks at the construct as if trying to understand it better. * * *
@Zaharin: The doors open to what must have once been a very tasteful and elegantly appointed foyer (about 40' by 35') , now fallen into disuse with time. One light source on the far wall provides the illumination for the room. To the side of the door, the 6’ tall humanoid construct stands motionless, as if waiting your entrance.
@Aurelian: Sorry, yeah, that's what I meant. You don't recognize it above with your roll. Sometimes I post via phone and have less ability to be clear. :( Apologies.
@Aurelian: The construct stands by the door.
@Zaharain: not with that roll. :) The construct stands by the door.
Kyson seems to appreciate Kergrik's singing. One might sense that he travels alone often and the sound of singing is rare for him. After the fire is lit, Kyson does spend some time fiddle-faddling with his rations and a skillet trying to make something more interesting from the bland rations. The storm lasts all night...flickers of various colors of lightning striking nearby light up the cave. "Meh. Maybe by morning. We'll move on when the storm passes." Kyson, seemingly not concerned about setting watch, rolls over in his bedroll and tries to sleep. * * * The night passes uneventually. At sunrise, a heavy rasping sound is heard in the cave, awakening even the most heavy of sleepers. A 10’ section of the north cave wall, previous thought to be solid, opens inward. The doors open to what must have once been a very tasteful and elegantly appointed foyer, now fallen into disuse with time. One light source on the far wall provides the illumination for the room. To the side of the door, a 6’ tall humanoid construct stands motionless, as if waiting your entrance.
Exploring the cave further, there seems to be enough room for the mounts inside the front lip of the cavern, and enough space in the back for sleeping. The cave opening gives decent view to oncoming storm. The clouds swirl with an ominous red and black, and often streaks of purple and white lightning arc between clouds. "Yep. This one is going to be a doozie," Kyson says as he drags in a bit more firewood. Noticing Zaharin's efforts, Kyson says "Not sure that's going to matter too much, but it's good practice to that." Kyson kneels at the cave entrance, looking out at the storm. "These storms aren't natural like. See the way the come from the west?" Kyson points his arm at the clouds billowing eastward. "From what I understand, their path comes off the great north ice circle and swirls down through the Worldwound. Now, whatever is in the Worldwound seems to change some of the storms, making them more...weird. Changed. It's a perversion of what is natural. I don't know how else to explain it." Kyson settles in to watch. "I haven't seen many of them, but it isn't good to be out amongst it." As if to make Kyson's point, 4 flashes of purple lightning hit a hill not from the cave. A small fire alights where one strike hit, 2 others leave big divots, yet another leaves a ball of icy slush. "Nope. No sir. Not going out there. We might be here a while." Kyson looks around. "Let's cook. Any of you have any music? Nothing much will be traveling in this storm."
Kyson presses his mount at a quick pace and takes quick trips through thickets and near canyons looking for a place to shelter. In encouraging the party to do the same, it is Aurelian who finds a suitable cave a few hours away from the battle site. Kyson looks frantic but ultimately relieved when the cave is found (and found to have no current residents of note). "Last thing we need now is a fight with an owlbear or dire wolf. They seem to love this open area...let us get inside before the storm hits." After seeing his horse inside the cavern, Kyson takes his first moments to drag in as much firewood that is reasonably near as he can. "Not sure how long this storm will last. Trust me, you've never seen a show like this!" Any preparations before the storm hits?
Saiai's second arrow does hit and along with the nick from Aurelian's blade does bring the demon down, a look of surprise upon it's face. "So close to many mortal souls. I shall return, mortals. Our kind rises." The demon dies and its body does not blink out of existence. The ambush site is red with blood...from cultist and demon as well as your own. * * * With the demon down, Kyson comes down from his vantage point. "Well struck! I was worried for you. This demon is bigger than I thought would be freed. I worry for the wardstones if this is what is escaping. Either way, we can return when you are ready." * * * There is slim pickings from the cultists and demon. A search of the demon body reveals only a necklace made of strange teeth with a peculiar cord. From the cultists you amass 5 greatswords and 5 sets of filthy leather armor, a few days of trail rations and random bits of demon paraphernalia (worthless bits of chalk, half burnt candles, copies of "Going Rouge" by Parah Salin).
@Kergrik: A mighty wind. @Kosz: Another solid blow rocks the demon. Saiai, Aurelian, & Zaharin: Ye be up.
@Aurelian: from last post: "...the demon ichors in several places, still searching for a soul to consume." Your blow does little, but does some to the total on the beast. The demon stays surrounded by his enemies, happy to be in the middle of a bloodbath. He invites Kergrik to enjoy more bloodspillage. 2 claws at Kergrik: to hit, Rendface;
to hit, Rendflesh;
And a bite at Kosz: to hit;
And a gore at Kosz: to hit;
The demon pants at the exertion of beating so much mortal flesh. it is weakening, but still dangerous. A bit of damage to Kergrik and Kosz. Saiai, Kosz, and Kergrik are next.
@Kosz: You whackify good, the demon ichors in several places, still searching for a soul to consume. @Kergrik: You swear loudly and proudly. The grass bends away from you. @Saiai: You miss twice. @Zaharin: As you wish. Aurelian is up. Then the demon.
The Demon is up: Sensing the weakness in Kosz, the demon tries to claim Kosz' soul as his own. Kosz: DC 18 Will save, please. This is an enchantment/compulsion effect. @Kosz: Then, the demon looks at you and commands you to bow (go prone) to him. DC 14 Will save. (casting defensively ) Saiai, Kosz, and Kergrik are next. Init Repost:
@Kergrik: You hit twice with flank, but only muster small wounds to the demon. @Kosz: You have missed. @Saiai: Your 2nd arrow hits. CIA 2 Damage damage Up next: Aurelian and Zaharin.
Wow, a round of whiffs and a strike that doesn't do as much as he had hoped. @Kosz, your attack will miss regardless of flankage. @Kergik: You also miss, but generate laughter from the demon who thinks they have an easy soul to devour. @Aurelian: You strike solidly, but your blow does not do as much as you hoped. @Zaharin: you aided. Gr. Command lasts until you save, I believe...or so I rule here. Once the save is made, the effect is ended. The Demon is up: He looks as the weakened and bloody Kergrik and says words of power, trying to bind Kergrik's soul to his. Kergrik: DC 18 Will save, please. This is an enchantment/compulsion effect. He then 5' steps toward Kosz and attacks: to hit, Rendface;
to hit, Rendflesh;
And a bite: to hit, Rendflesh;
And a gore: to hit, Rendflesh;
@Kosz: Looks like one hit for 8 damage...and you get a creeping feeling of evil that his words of binding on Kergrik are *BAD* news. Init Repost:
Up next: Saiai, Kosz (with aid +2 to attack), & Kergrik.
The arrows do miss. Awaiting Kosz and Kergrik. Maybe this round, Kergrik will be covered in demon blood.
No AoOs on 5' steps, my friend.
@Zaharin: The demon is pleased, indeed. On his turn, the demon about faces to those who would try to stab his back. He 5' steps to R23 and shares his talons, bite, and horns with the fleshy Aurelian. Sense Motive DC25:
The demon seems to be looking for an easy soul upon which to snack, testing for weakness. Knowledge Planes DC25:
Some demons can harvest souls to immediately heal themselves. @Aurelian: taste the love: to hit, Rendface;
to hit, Rendflesh;
A bite of holy goodness: to hit;
Then a gore: to hit;
@Aurelian: looks like 20 points of damage. Up next: Saiai, Kosz, & Kergrik.
@Zaharin: your bomb did minimal to the demon...he almost seemed to enjoy the fire. @Kosz: your strike missed, but the fanning effect diminished the fire from Zaharin's bomb. The demon is pleased by your efforts. @Saiai: You arrows both hit and do damage, though don't sink in as much as you would like. The demon wishes you were kabob'd on his horns. @Aurelian: You hit him hard, but your glaive does not seem to do much damage. Zaharin next, then the good guy.
@Zaharin: what kind of damage does your bomb do? Is it typed? @Aurelian: you missed, the demon was not impressed. The demon still wants to play and introduces Rendface and Rendflesh to Kosz. to hit, Rendface;
to hit, Rendflesh;
Then a big bite o' holy: to hit;
Then a gore, trying to get some loving because he's horny: to hit;
Looks like 2 hits for 25 damage. @Kosz: I think he likes you. Init Repost:
Saiai, Kosz, & Kergrik up next.
@Kosz: Sure. I'll get a simple map later on today. Btw, you whack the demon good. @Saiai: Both arrows hit. Doing 'some' damage. @Kergrik: I assume that you are 5' stepping closer to the demon with each pull and drink. Typical dwarf: won't move unless he's drinkin'...a pub crawl of empty potion bottles along the way. Next: Aurelian, Zaharin, & the Demon.
The demon requests that the grovelers stay groveling. @Kosz & Zaharin, will saves again to resist the command. Kosz: Will save vs. compulsion
You both can act normally on your turn. The demon will 5' step to R22 and begin to introduce the brave Saiai to his claws: Rendface(R) & Rendflesh(L) Claw vs AC 30 Saiai
The demon, sensing weakness, tries to take a bite of delicious holy goodness: Bite vs AC 30 Saiai Then, failing to get a good bite out of Saiai, gives her the horn. Gore vs AC 30 Saiai
Saiai, 22 damage from 2 claws. Saiai, Kosz, and Kergrik to act.
@Kosz: Good action. Zaharin next, then demon.
As you wish. You CAN do other actions while prone, you just can't stand up. Dropping prone is a free action. You have a move and a standard and if you wish to use them to bow and scrape to the almighty demon, I will accept that. Feel free to change your action if you so choose.
@Aurelian: Indeed, a 5' step will flank (with the spear) with Zaharin who still has his spear out though he will be kissing the ground. Next: Kosz, then Zaharin, then the demon.
@Saiai: your bravery and words are noted. You stand over Kosz, defiant. @Kergrik: move to pull, stnd to drink. Awaiting Kosz, then Aurelian's actions.
@Zaharin, Kosz: On your next turn, you will free action drop prone. You may not stand up during your turn, but can do other stuff...like grovel before the demon, eat dirt, wish Kergrik had saved his crits for this guy, etc.... @Zaharin, Kosz: On your next turn, you may save again. Init Repost:
Saiai, Kosz, & Kergrik to act.
@Kergrik: You are now being investigated for war crimes against cult-manity by PETA. The demon, now surrounded by enemies (as well as potential minions and worshippers), takes a step back (to R23), and casts a spell. spellcraft DC20:
"Puny mortals, you should be groveling before me and begging for your lives. Beg Mortals! I command you to beg for your lives. Grovel before me!" I need will saves (vs. Enchant/Compulsion) from Kosz, Zaharin, & Aurelian, DC18, as some of you might feel like going prone as your only action next round.
@Kergrik: You are now big. And your big bloody spray dominates the road. There are some Blood Golems who are now angry at you for stealing their schitck and putting them out of work. @Aurelian: You can run to flank. You hope the demon is too preoccupied with easy kabob appetizer (Zaharin) and main course (SmiteBoy) to notice you. @Saiai: Kosz is now in your firing line. @Zaharin: One of your melee strikers has arrived, but decided to smite earth instead of the outsider. The other striker is covered in a pool of his own blood...and the blood of others. A head of one of the cultists rolls its way by you. @Kergrik: The last cultist still stands against you. to hit;
The cultist looks sad that he missed. Maybe you will end his sadness. Zaharin, then the demon.
@Kergrik: well struck (and well described) yet again. This is a heck of a fight up there. I wonder who is going to win? But yeah, you are doing some nasty good work up there. @Kosz: you have missed. The demon would be laughing but he's still in shock that he missed having Zaharin on his horns, like a kabob. @Saiai: Your arrows fly wide. Aurelian next, then the cultists...whatever his left of them, that is.
@Zaharin: You are brave, indeed. First to deny the demon's offer of succor, but then to stand defiantly before it. Nice spear. The demon charges Zaharin, it's long horns screaming for blood while Zaharin's planted spear remains in unquaking hands. Zaharin hits the demon on the charge, the cold iron spear sinking deep, but the demon continues, trying to place his horns in he would stand before it. to hit;
The demon trips over his feet, partially loses his balance, and misses Zaharin, though he did not think he could miss.
@Aurelian: You hit, the arrow does not sink as deeply as you would wish it. @Kergrik: It was clear enough. The close cultist to Kergrik, steps up (5') and tries to take down the dwarf. to hit;
The remaining two cultists, those covered in the blood mist of the other cultist you sliced clean though, charge you. They seems to think that you are too weak to do that again. Kergrik, you have yet another AoO. The first (the one to be AoO'd):
The last:
Zaharin, then the Demon to act, followed by Saiai, Kosz, Kergrik. I'll get a new map on the morrow.
The first (the one to be AoO'd):
The last:
@Saiai: both your arrows miss. @Kergrik: You completely and totally murderize that guy. Gone. Paste. Red splatter. Well struck. Day-uhm! The other does get a nice slice against you. @Aurelian: No melee yet. Waiting for Kosz and then to Aurelian at the top of the round.
@Aurelian: I assume you 5' step to M12 as you really need to avoid the cover of the tree blocking your view. Your arrow hits. He demon barely notices the scratch though you think you struck true. @Kergrik: Two swift moving cultists are near enough to charge you, heedless of your size. The other two move within 10' of you, their swords ready to draw dwarf blood. Cultist #1 (with arrow in his chest, now in AJ12): to hit;
Cultist #2 (lower of the two hitting you, AJ13): to hit;
Due to your large size, you may take an opportunity attack in the first as you lack the reflexes and training needed to strike at both. Zaharin to act.
@Saiai: Your second arrow hits. @Kosz: Holy is a +2 weapon upgrade. May I suggest keen (+1 equivalent) instead? @Zaharin: Drat! Curse ye! Next up: Aurelian, then the cultists meet Kergrik.
The demon addresses Zaharin in common. "Put away thy spear, mortal. You should be helping me...I will show you the riches of carnage and destruction." The demon casts Dominate Person (DC18 Will) at Zaharin, then steps to S24. Zaharin, save please.
Updated Map (The positions are slightly off the marks, but I believe that are correct relative to your last moves. Apologies...still working on how to do these.) (I moved up the cultists for their upcoming turn.) @Aurelian: gave you the hit on the cultist (you would have missed via cover if you targeted the demon). You are up. Round 2: Aurelian: 24
@Aurelian: not sure why you think you can change your target. And since you selected Bane (humanoid/human), I presume, with your initial shot, you don't get that advantage against the demon? Unless I'm missing something. :( You round 1 arrow at BB16 would hit. The demon grins. So many tempting targets. Aurelian: 24
Top of the round. I'll update the map when I get home tonight.
Your first arrow hits & does some damage. This demon is a nasty bugger.
The demon raises his head and looks to the forest and the arrows that fly out of it. It concentrates inwardly and blinks out of existence. It reappears in T26. It roars, then smiles. He is happy to be free and have food before it. EDIT:
The cultists seem stunned that one of their own has spinned to the ground with multiple arrows flying at them from the woods. Shrieking in fury, they point to the woods where you guys are as if to command the demon. They yell and scream and exhort, demanding that the demon slay their enemies. And then they draw their weapons, 4 greatswords come out. Zaharin to act, then the Good Guy.
|