Marzela's page

Marzela splits her share of the money equally between Jaed and Lily, to offset the healing costs they incurred that she couldn't do anything about. She realizes that she needs to learn much, much more before taking on so big a task again, and so she returns to the temple where she partially grew up and instead of dreaming of leaving like she used to, starts studying all she can so that someday she will be able to face challenges like this and *not* fail.

Yes, thank you indeed, it was a fun game. I will treasure my Kaooa board forever. :)

Nope, no dreams like that. Mental tracking seems unlikely, although... did he bite you? Do you think you could be turning into a weretiger too? There must be a cure for that.

What knowledge do I roll to know whether there is a cure, or to know whether he actually has such a disease? Nature/heal?

Knowledge Nature: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Heal: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

_____

To Raheem, she responds

That will not be necessary. We found the cultists and we know they are responsible for the murders, but we don't have the manpower to root them out.

She relates their encounters with the tiger-man and their welcome and then attempted kidnapping in the town. She explains how terrified the people in the town are, why Finnrick decided to stay behind and help them, and then offers blow-by-blow detail of their fight with the undead. She then explains the complex they entered, describes the cultists that they encountered and the minor battles they fought, but then concludes with the information that because they were unfortunately not at their full strength and without their full group, they were unable to confront the cultists on their own turf. There was little chance of winning, and so unfortunately the wisest choice was to come and report locations and strength so that the realm would know what is going on.

She explains about the murder on their way back, and that they are worried the tiger man is following them, still trying to save the cult. She tells him the investigation is over, the murderers identified, and advises him to put together a large group to take out the cultists, since their guerilla tactics and natural abilities will naturally whittle away whatever he sends against them.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (9) + 21 = 30

Oh yeah, wow. How quickly I forget. Poor Shreya. At least she is alive, for now.

Heal: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

Looks like he was clawed and eaten. This is horrible. I wonder if tiger-man followed us here. I vote we report to Niswan quickly and let them know what is going on. I hope they have people who can handle this.

Shreya... isn't that the one they executed in front of us?

Nope. And I truly wish it were otherwise, but things are as they are. We should tell them right away, so they can leave if they want to, or come with us.

I want to stop back at the village and tell them we're going and we didn't kill them all and we're sorry. Just so they know to stay on guard, or leave. They are welcome to come back with us if they like. We have to stop back there to get the elephants anyway.

Okay, nevermind. No fight. We can't agree not to report. Might as well leave.

Okay, for our big ending, let's do Carrakas versus this evil lady, duel to first blood. If we win, they leave Jalmeray and never return, and no one else from their cult ever visits the town again. If they win, we leave Jalmeray and never return, and we don't interfere with their governance of the town. Terms are no magic buffs, only natural abilities, and both combatants have to stay on the circular platform below us during the entirety of the (probably very short) fight or forfeit. Fight starts when they are both on the platform and both sides agree that there are no buffs in place (if we can tell that with detect magic... I think we can, but it might be hard with magical armor?).

I actually don't know if any of Carrakas' abilities are magical, but I don't *think* so...?

This of course doesn't really solve anything either way, but it does give the option for (as Jaed suggested) a nice Carrakas all-out scene, (although I don't really want it to kill him... I like the character), and it gives us a chance to sort-of win the module if we get lucky. If they leave, the cult will still exist, and if we leave, we'll tell the town so they can leave if they want to and we'll tell the government what we learned... so, just a small skirmish in a war that we aren't powerful enough to fight, but hey... it's something.

Thoughts?

(I don't think a prisoner will help that much since the actual murderer isn't here (that we know of). It was that guy that we stole the papers from. They are still going to have to root out cultists. There will just be a few less to find. Totally not ideal from a leaving-evil-murderers-in-the-wild standpoint, but probably what we can do.)

If you are determined to do the duel, then say the rules are to first blood rather than to death or unconsciousness. Then, whoever gets lucky first wins. If that gives us a chance of winning, done... but be super careful about the rules, because I'm sure they will be as little in our favor as possible. For instance, it can't be just no spells, but no flying, because if she can, she will, and then Carrakas is screwed.

Not cool. That is still easy fireball range. :) ... And yeah, that's what I meant by a bad party balance and non-optimized. I don't want to have to have the "perfect" combination in order to be able to survive. I would rather play a module where any characters with smart tactics could find a way. I mean, I could build a character that could succeed in this module, but *this* character would probably have given up after the warehouse and told the guy that they couldn't do it, sorry.

Okay. "He is not associated with us" seems like a bald-faced lie to me, but she probably just has a really high bluff skill. As far as "too far into the room" how far is that / how does she stop us? / Is it farther than we have already moved?

Personally I think a duel is a bad idea.... well, I guess depending on what our goal is. If we are actually going to allow the option that she wins and we walk away, then we might as well walk away now before risking defeat. We have some treasure and some information we can share with our employer before admitting that we couldn't do the job... and honestly okay if that is how we end it. We could even do a sham duel to first blood and then walk away.

However, if we actually want to try to "beat" the module, then any arrangement we enter into will be a false agreement. I mean, if we think Carrakas is a slam dunk to win, that's another thing, but not sure that is the case. We don't really know what she can do. Honestly, I'm okay either way (fighting or walking away). I'm not saying I'm bailing as a player or anything. I loved this module when we started it, but I think perhaps we had the wrong mix of characters for it, and we are not as optimized as the bad guys are, which makes it a little frustrating, and not as fun with people dropping off. I don't want to drag it out. You make the call Jaed. I'm with whatever you want. I will fight/die/retreat at your word. :)

Hmm, main intent is avoiding an area attack spell, but not discounting the other. I think everyone in this room knows that there is going to be a battle, so not sure that anything I said was actually a bluff but happy to roll.

Bluff: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26

And while we're at it, she can't possibly be telling the truth that tiger-boy isn't in on it.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (20) + 14 = 34

Marzela softly warns the group to split as soon as they enter the room, because they are sitting ducks for a magic user if they stay together, and the cultists are obviously positioned for a battle. Marzela walks to the right, her bow in her hand, but not drawing an arrow or making any threatening gestures yet, hoping to give the others time to position themselves more strategically as well. Then she raises her voice and addresses Zaafira.

We're here for several reasons. We started out just investigating one murder, and I suppose that is still the main reason, but then we were ambushed and shot at several times, in addition to meeting the absolutely terrified people in that little village we came through where some of your friends attempted to kidnap us. I assume you are in league with the murderer we were chasing, and that you sent the tiger-headed man after us as well.

I admit to some curiosity however: why are we talking? Surely you don't believe that we would either trust you or take you at your word at this point? Are you going to deliver some dire warning that we should leave if we value our lives, or are you waiting for further reinforcements like Tiger-boy or that Flying idiot at the warehouse? It's a little late for diplomacy, don't you think?

Marzela makes sure all of the stuff is gathered up and secure, then follows with her bow ready. She is somewhat worried when a woman asks to speak with them, but she waits to see what will happen.

Marzela puts her multitool away and casts detect magic, trying to identify some of the things that they found.

Spellcraft (metal urn): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (17) + 13 = 30
Spellcraft (pots of pigments): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29
Spellcraft (metal rod): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19

Darn. If they were just in the order B-C-A instead, we'd be golden. As it is, we only got A.

Marzela pulls out her Traveler's Any Tool and fashions it into a crowbar for Carrakas, handing it to him with a smile.

Your wish is my command.

Marzela waits for Jaed to come back from scouting, and then asks if maybe Carrakas should force the door open. She doesn't want to leave bad guys behind them if they can avoid it.

Marzela waits at the L intersection while Jaed checks the door and scouts the room, hoping to see any enemies approaching before they arrive. She will, of course, help out in any battle... just is waiting outside until we know what is in there, guarding the way forward with her bow.

I'm okay with it... I guess we could all hold onto Carrakas as he feather falls ... not sure of the rules on that, but seems sort of full circle since he carried us all up the cliff that once. :)

If it were a full-blown dungeon I would say no way, we have to finish the level first, but hopefully this place isn't that complex. :)

Marzela shoots again.

Attack 1: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 8 + 1 = 13
Attack 2: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 1 = 5

Again, utterly failing.

Marzela takes a step to get a clear shot and then shoots at the woman.

Attack 1: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 8 + 1 = 12
Attack 2: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 1 = 10

Unfortunately, she doesn't have the distance down very well, and misses pretty badly.

If you have good acrobatics, you can go in there, balancing on the poles or whatever.

Sounds like a good strategy.

Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Marzela sees Jaed get seriously injured, so she goes up to heal him.

Cure Critical: 4d8 + 8 ⇒ (3, 8, 5, 4) + 8 = 28

We gather up the jewelry. Marzela follows Jaed, whatever way he chooses.

Anyone want these? Marzela says, referring to the masterwork spear, masterwork kukri, and masterwork temple sword that have fallen to the ground.

Then she examines the body to see if there is anything else on it.

Perception: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (14) + 21 = 35 (+4 if disguised or hidden)

Jaed, you should check to see if there is anything valuable among the offerings. I think you were rudely interrupted last time you tried.

Note: Marzela isn't translating anything she says.

Marzela heals the party, excluding the multi-armed enemy.

Channel: 6d6 ⇒ (6, 6, 1, 6, 5, 3) = 27

Okay. I didn't post again until you wrote that she reacted to my arrows, but I can hold off posting this time. Although it seems kind of pointless if a 23 misses. I'd have to do some pretty lucky rolling to do better. I can always heal though.

Marzela takes a step forward and shoots again.

Attack 1: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 8 + 1 = 14
Miss Chance: 1d100 ⇒ 86

Attack 2: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 3 + 1 = 23
Miss Chance: 1d100 ⇒ 74

Damage 1: 1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 1 = 8
Damage 2: 1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 1 = 8

Marzela takes a step and shoots twice.

Attack 1: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 8 + 1 = 13
Attack 2: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 3 + 1 = 18

Damage 1: 1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 1 = 8
Damage 2: 1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 1 = 10

Marzela also takes a look.

Perception: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (10) + 21 = 31 +4 vs concealed/hidden as well

Marzela packs up some supplies to put in the bag of holding and refills her canteen, and then follows Jaed.

Marzela collects the chits.

Probably worthless, but you know, she can make a nice necklace out of them. Bonus if she is messing up their laundry organization. :)

Don't think it matters. I'm sure we'll get to kill them later.

Marzela waits for Jaed to check for traps. If he finds none, she suggests they proceed to the first passageway on the right to start their search.

Waiting for Jaed and Carrakas to look a little more damaged, Marzela takes a couple more shots at the cultists.

Attack 1: 1d20 + 8 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (13) + 8 + 1 - 4 = 18
Attack 2: 1d20 + 3 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 3 + 1 - 4 = 10

Damage 1: 1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 1 = 6
Damage 2: 1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 1 = 7

Having no one to heal, Marzela takes a potshot at one of the cultists, even though she doesn't have a good shot.

Attack: 1d20 + 8 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (13) + 8 + 1 - 4 = 18
Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 1 = 7

Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Marzela motions to Jaed, letting him know that there are many people behind the curtain.

Then she backs off, wondering if the entire cult is waiting to ambush them. She casts Shield of Faith. [AC 19 for 8 minutes]

knowledge religion: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

Marzela listens to see if she can hear anything going on beyond the curtain.

Perception: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (20) + 21 = 41

Could be. I sure hope they don't have any more of them. We seem to be in way over our heads in this.

Knowledge Religion: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

Suggestion for single-file marching order: Jaed (can scout), Carrakas (to protect), Lily (so she isn't last in case something sneaks up, and can still see to cast), and then me (because I am a long-range fighter and healer anyway, and if something sneaks up better me than Lily). ... But totally open if people have other ideas. If we were expecting undead it might be different, but I am hoping that last fight isn't typical.

Zamanda just casts Restoration on Lily as well, and then casts Lesser Restoration on Carrakas:

Lesser Restoration: 1d4 ⇒ 1
Lesser Restoration: 1d4 ⇒ 1

Twice. :)

Took 300 gold off my sheet. Hoping that is okay for the diamond dust requirement. I figure we either retcon that I bought some, or we fast forward through spending several days here (?) Whichever the DM prefers.

Marzela casts Restoration on Jaed and herself.

Still waiting on the number for Lily, but will then roll Lesser Restoration until she and Carrakas are healed.

In the morning, Marzela has prepared spells to eliminate the damage that the Vetala did to them.

I have Restoration and Lesser Restoration prepared. Restoration is stronger and heals it all, but I can only cast it three times, and I can cast Lesser Restoration (heals 1-4 points) four times. So, it just depends on how much CHA damage everyone has... I am down by 5, looks like Jaed is down by 8. Last posted looks like Carrakas is down by 3? How much are you down, Lily?

Don't worry. I'll prepare the right spells since we just got a rest... just don't have time to look it all up right now, sorry. Hopefully in the morning.

Find the original body... wow. Well, might as well get this over with. We can't let that thing return to life.

Marzela thinks about what the vetala looked like, sighs, and begins to methodically look through the corpses, looking for similarity, and working to keep track of the ones they have already looked though.

Perception: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (16) + 21 = 37

I don't now, but if I sleep and refresh my current spells with new ones, I can get spells that will remove the damage.

Totally okay with continuing if you would rather though. It is just more risky... but you know. That is where we are.

Marzela channels to heal people up again:

Channel: 6d6 ⇒ (2, 6, 2, 4, 2, 6) = 22

She also tries to remember if she knows anything about how to lay a Vetala to rest:

Knowledge Religion: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

Unfortunately, it is hard to remember lessons learned so long ago at the temple and never used since.

She then says

To cure everyone the rest of the way, I will have to pray for spells that can restore our abilities. Perhaps we should retreat to the village again for now. As Lily said, we need to ask them if they know how to remove this threat permanently, and it would be unwise to continue in our weakened state. What do you all think?

Fort Save: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

Marzela channels to heal again.

Channel: 6d6 ⇒ (1, 6, 3, 1, 5, 1) = 17

Should also affect Carrakas.

... but the Vetala didn't move. It is 40 feet away from her.

Let's just finish this.