Nuveril surges forward to the base of the rubble, drawing her hammer, and swings up at the spider.
Linah incants a quick spell and lays a healing hand on Grall easing his wounds if not the posion that races through his veins.
Nuveril moves into place next to Grall, stepping onto a piece of stone and thrusting her hammer up at the spider's body.
Knowledge (nature) to identify the spider
Attack
Damage frost damage
Fortitude DC 15 or staggered.
Knowledge (nature) 1d20+9 to identify the spider
Attack 1d20+4-4
Damage 1d6+4 frost damageFortitude DC 15 or staggered.
Arjun's aim is again good and the bomb hits the spider in the body before exploding into shards. The spider again seems to fight off the slowing effect.
Grall jumps back out of the way of much of the explosion but it causes his main attack to miss. He does land a solid bite back to the creature in his fury ending his turn with a mouth full of spider goo.
He is able to shake off any further strength drain from the monster.
Grall's falchion very narrowly missed cleaving one of the spider's front legs off. The bite connects solidly.
Khalid manages to score with a solid thrust to the creature's side, Tempest easily penetrates the spider's body and a stream of ichor flows down onto the stones.
The spider is clearly suffering now from its multiple wounds.
Sajan leaps straight up into the air and lashes out at the spider with a flurry of high kicks. They are evaded, although the last only by a finger width.
Severely wounded, the spider has obviously had enough and withdraws, skittering back up the shaft despite the fire which singes it further as it passes.
climb
The spider easily navigates the shaft and disappears outside through a hole in the top.
By the time you get outside and round to the tower the spider appears to have vanished into the hills. Even wounded, it would be awfully difficult to track in the rough terrain. Anyone who wants to try please make me a tracking check.
The fire gave off very little smoke and it burns out very quickly. It has also dislodged the body of the very dead herdsman. Although you can only conclude it is him from his clothes, his face is a bloated mess of web and putrified flesh.
Linah let's out a burst of healing energy before she runs towards the exit to continue the chase.
This section has a peaked tile roof. You can see a seperate higher roof section for the nave to your west. To the north west you see the chapel roof, a dome. There are holes of various sizes in each of these. Looking north you can see the chapter house (stirge room), a protruding rectangular section with its own flat roof about ten feet higher than where you currently stand. To the east you can see the partially collapsed tower. It would have perhaps been about fifty feet high originally but about thirty five feet remains.
This section has a peaked tile roof. You can see a seperate higher roof section for the nave to your west. To the north west you see the chapel roof, a dome. There are holes of various sizes in each of these. Looking north you can see the chapter house (stirge room), a protruding rectangular section with its own flat roof about ten feet higher than where you currently stand. To the east you can see the partially collapsed tower. It would have perhaps been about fifty feet high originally but about thirty five feet remains.
With it being partially collasped and the general description you gave us earlier, are there plenty of hand holds going up?
If so Grall will speed climb and take the -5 to be up and over. he will fall the 35 feet to the bottom of the tower to beat the creature down...and be ready to greet it!
This section has a peaked tile roof. You can see a seperate higher roof section for the nave to your west. To the north west you see the chapel roof, a dome. There are holes of various sizes in each of these. Looking north you can see the chapter house (stirge room), a protruding rectangular section with its own flat roof about ten feet higher than where you currently stand. To the east you can see the partially collapsed tower. It would have perhaps been about fifty feet high originally but about thirty five feet remains.
With it being partially collasped and the general description you gave us earlier, are there plenty of hand holds going up?
If so Grall will speed climb and take the -5 to be up and over. he will fall the 35 feet to the bottom of the tower to beat the creature down...and be ready to greet it!
Edit:
...my progress stops half way...grrrr....
...my progress stops half way...grrrr....
Grall takes his time on the following round to try and get to the top and not fall back down the shaft...
EDIT: and falls 20 feet to the bottom. Can I apply my first Acrobatics roll I never got to use? Oh well we either loose it or track it the old fashion way. With Khalid and Nuveril's help, we should make pretty good trackers though.
Grall takes his time on the following round to try and get to the top and not fall back down the shaft...
EDIT: and falls 20 feet to the bottom. Can I apply my first Acrobatics roll I never got to use? Oh well we either loose it or track it the old fashion way. With Khalid and Nuveril's help, we should make pretty good trackers though.
Grall ascends easily to the half way point of the shaft but finds it difficult to progress any further. Eventually he is forced to leap for a handhold and falls. He manages to control his descent somewhat but still lands heavily.
Nuveril growls as the spider flees up the shaft. "We should have positioned ourselves to cut off its flight before we ever attacked," she reproaches herself. "Move out of the tower," she warns the others sharply, taking her own advice and backing into the dormitory. "The stonework is crumbling; I learned that on the roof. If the gnoll falls, he may bring the rest of it down on our heads."
Nuveril growls as the spider flees up the shaft. "We should have positioned ourselves to cut off its flight before we ever attacked," she reproaches herself. "Move out of the tower," she warns the others sharply, taking her own advice and backing into the dormitory. "The stonework is crumbling; I learned that on the roof. If the gnoll falls, he may bring the rest of it down on our heads."
1d20+4
Sajan plucks your javelin out on the way back down.
Grall drops out of rage and calms down for a few seconds before picking himself, his javelin, his falchion up off the floor and walking to the outside of the tower. He looks at the terrain is it:
Firm Ground: Most normal outdoor surfaces (such as lawns, fields, woods, and the like) or exceptionally soft or dirty indoor surfaces (thick rugs and very dirty or dusty floors). The creature might leave some traces (broken branches or tufts of hair), but it leaves only occasional or partial footprints.
or
Hard Ground: Any surface that doesn't hold footprints at all, such as bare rock or an indoor floor. Most streambeds fall into this category, since any footprints left behind are obscured or washed away. The creature leaves only traces (scuff marks or displaced pebbles).
Either way he takes a 10+11 for skill, and follows at normal speed tracking -5, which with the 2 assists for +4, gives him a 20 track.
We must have justice forrr our fellows, this beast can not escape, just to come back in a few days to set up its nest again. he growls.
using his senses to start to track the monstrous spider.
It can't run forrr too long, the heat of the sun with eventually slow it down as well.
Grall drops out of rage and calms down for a few seconds before picking himself, his javelin, his falchion up off the floor and walking to the outside of the tower. He looks at the terrain is it:
Firm Ground: Most normal outdoor surfaces (such as lawns, fields, woods, and the like) or exceptionally soft or dirty indoor surfaces (thick rugs and very dirty or dusty floors). The creature might leave some traces (broken branches or tufts of hair), but it leaves only occasional or partial footprints.
or
Hard Ground: Any surface that doesn't hold footprints at all, such as bare rock or an indoor floor. Most streambeds fall into this category, since any footprints left behind are obscured or washed away. The creature leaves only traces (scuff marks or displaced pebbles).Either way he takes a 10+11 for skill, and follows at normal speed tracking -5, which with the 2 assists for +4, gives him a 20 track.
We must have justice forrr our fellows, this beast can not escape, just to come back in a few days to set up its nest again. he growls.
using his senses to start to track the monstrous spider.
It can't run forrr too long, the heat of the sun with eventually slow it down as well.
By the time Grall and Sajan join Nuveril and Khalid, Nuveril has already managed to find the point the spider entered a nearby valley. Grall takes the lead of the tracking efforts and as a group you move quickly and confidently over the rocky terrain. It takes ten minutes or so for you to feel that you are closing on the spider and only another five to locate it: wedged between two parallel sheaths of rock it tries futilely to hide at your approach.
You quickly finish it off with missile fire, Nuveril landing the killing blow with a javelin, and return to the monastery without further incident.
Nuveril enters the monastery preening herself on her latest kill.
Grall returns to the monastery emotionally spent. It has been another day of him being biten, slashes, bruised, poisoned and going into an all out fury. He disappears during the heat of the day to the main chapel to pray to Sarenrae and wonder, is this all there is for him to kill or be killed? He returns to Garavel after this period of prayer, expecting to be punished for not checking in with him once he returned...
Grall returns to the monastery emotionally spent. It has been another day of him being biten, slashes, bruised, poisoned and going into an all out fury. He disappears during the heat of the day to the main chapel to pray to Sarenrae and wonder, is this all there is for him to kill or be killed? He returns to Garavel after this period of prayer, expecting to be punished for not checking in with him once he returned...
Having been deeply contemplative of his recent dreams all day, Sajan finally seems more alert, and in particular, resolute.
Sajan is ready for orders... he declares to no one in particular, his head bowed.
Linah gathers the group and emits two bursts of healing energy close any wounds suffered in the battle with the spider.
Back at the monastery the cleric helps to prepare Dalkus body for a burial, a cermony she performs at the following dawn. When she's finished with the preparations she asks Garavel for Gralls aid (if Grall's not already there) and joins Khalid to restore the chapel.
Arjun has mixed feelings; pleased that his alchemical concoctions are effective in combat, yet rather embarrassed by his general lack of athletic ability. "If I could follow that spider, I surely would. Perhaps our petite... er, diminutive... uh... small. Yes, our small friend could perhaps climb up and see what can be found?"
After the spider hunt, Nuveril checks the spiders lair carefully. Much of the webbing either burnt or fell to the tower floor and after a bit of effort she manages to climb up to a more or less stable section where she can see the rest. The findings are fairly grisly, there are several pugawampi bodies in various stages of advanced decomposition with all of the moisture sucked out and even what looks to be a baboon skeleton. She is about to give up when she spots another body, seemingly human, wedged into a crack in the stonework. The body looks perhaps years dead although it is hard to be sure. It wears a suit of foul smelling but seemingly serviceable hide armour. A fine looking scorpion whip and a curved dagger still rest tucked behind the bodies leather belt along with a money pouch with 55gp, 120sp and a small garnet.
Grall will spend the day in rest and contemplation...unless told to do something...so he can rest up from his spider bite.
Nuveril carefully removes the weapons before dislodging the body and letting it fall with a puff of dust and popping of dried tendons onto the heap of rubble at the base of the tower. She tucks the weapons into her pack to free up her hands for the climb down. Examining what remains of the dessicated corpse after the fall, she grunts in satisfaction. "The hide didn't burst open upon impact; that means it will still repel a blow in battle." She opens her pack and brings out the whip and dagger for the others to see. She doesn't mention the pouch of coins, as to her mind it is just as worthless as the dead body inside the armor; hopefully, someone else will notice it.
Linah will prepare the second body as well for the burial ceremony the following morning. The rest of the day will be spent in the chapel, unless something something else is planned, like a scouting "raid" on the town.
The spider hunting party returns safely to the monastery. There is general relief from the group at the news Dalkus's killer is dead but it is muted. Dalkus had apparently been part of Almah's retinue for some years and her servants and the other herders are clearly grieving. Almah herself seems subdued (far more so than at the death of the astrologer) and she states simply to those assembled that the danger is now past and a service will be held for the herder once the proper burial rites have been observed.
As everyone disburses to their respective duties even the more hardened mercenaries and pact-master guards seems affected, although it may be more the thought of being taken in the night by a giant predator than affection for the lad. Several of the mercenaries also seem discontent. The lanky Dullen is heard to say I thought this place was cleared out...Brotis nods along. Others seem to consider the words.
You have a late breakfast, goats's cheese, dried dates and bitter coffee before separating to be about your various activities.
Father Zanthus, as Almah's chaplain, is quick to claim Dalkus' body although he seems happy enough to have Linah's assistance, at least at first. The doctrinal differences between their respective faiths become fairly quickly apparent though and after a time Zanthus asks Linah, not unkindly. Would you mind if I continue alone? I want to see him along the dark road.
Linah attends to the needs of the unknown spider victim, then assists Khalid in the chapel. Whether because of Linah's request or for his own unstated reasons, Garavel asks Grall to assist.
Nuveril searches the ruined tower.
Sajan works in the courtyard and even the weaker morning sun soon has a coating of sweat over his skin. He has left the nest untouched.
Arjun, meanwhile, pours over the discovered alchemical notes. After even such a short period of time he feels himself close to unlocking the secrets of several new alchemical formulae.
Those mercanaries and guards not on watch work at bolstering the monastery's defenses although it seems a task for which they are not particularly well suited or equiped. Fixx seems to have the best idea of what to do, directing the others to move rubble in an attempt to reduce the size of the gaps in the western wall of the nave and in the placement of stone benches to provide interior cover in the event an enemy manages to penetrate the interior.
Around noon Garavel summons you all to speak to Almah and you gather in the library.
Nuveril carefully removes the weapons before dislodging the body and letting it fall with a puff of dust and popping of dried tendons onto the heap of rubble at the base of the tower. She tucks the weapons into her pack to free up her hands for the climb down. 1d20+8 Examining what remains of the dessicated corpse after the fall, she grunts in satisfaction. "The hide didn't burst open upon impact; that means it will still repel a blow in battle." She opens her pack and brings out the whip and dagger for the others to see. She doesn't mention the pouch of coins, as to her mind it is just as worthless as the dead body inside the armor; hopefully, someone else will notice it.
Acrobatics
Nuveril takes damage from the fall.
Almah is polite but curt asking you to elaborate on your findings yesterday.
Her eyes widen at the mention of the flying creature and the other unexplained occurences.
Garavel. When Father Zanthus is finished please ask him whether he has any information that may be of assistance. In particular, ask him whether he knows anything about this flying creature and whether this burrowing monster is likely to be one of several.
The gnolls will be hard enough to fight on their own. If they have monstrous allies then it would seem we will need to deal with them as well.
Dashki sighted several things from his watch over the town yesterday. Some you seem to have seen yourself but I'll let you hear from him and make up your own mind.
Garavel brings Dashki in. He immediately fawns over Almah, running one hand through his lank hair, but can't help throwing a cold look at Grall.
Yes Mistress. What I saw yesterday.
Well first of all the brutes seem to patrol the lower town every three hours or near enough, they aren't exactly tardy, lazy animals. Most of em seem to be in the battle market tho I saw a few walking around and there might be some in the buildings on top ó the hill. Saw some hyenas on top as well.
Bout lunchtime I saw a wagon come in from the north. It was covered but looked like humans driving it, not gnolls. They seemed friendly with the Kuldis though. They met em in the lower town and took em up the hill. Haven't seen em leave yet.
Then in the afternoon... well you probably heard all of that, we did here. About half a dozen of the dog faces took some bastard out to a square just west of the battle market and tortured him. Took their time about it. Blades, fire and well.. other stuff. He died hard obviously. Told ya sometimes its better to have em kill you than take you. They looked like they was laughing as they did it. What was left at the end they threw to the hyenas.
Arjun gathers the monetary loot from the spider's den, assuring the rest of the party that the basement is very safe place for treasure to be held.
"Then we must not waste time and let innocents continue to suffer. We will rest for the evening and depart again in the morning. This time, we will be better prepared."