Xan walks slowly down the path, pointing out the various items he's found. I'd say that whoever was here didn't want to be followed. Something spooked the horse and it took off running. We need to be on our guard. I'll go first, follow about 15' behind me. Flynn, you're with me. Xan will then proceed forward cautiously.
Perception check
Bisimone reigns in her horse slowly, falling to the rear of the group. She leads Midnight gently, concerned that she not cause a misstep and injure him or herself. She will rely on the others to strike first, should trouble arise.
Lead on, dear Xan.
Bisimone, your perception check allows you to read Flynn's most recent spoiler. Congrats.
Xan, you are leading the group into a rougly straight, southerly stretch, about 50 feet wide from sharp slope to slope. This stretch remains fairly straight for a hundred twenty feet or so before beginning a slow curve to the southwest.
Bisimone notices something strange ahead of her band of merry men.
Xan, what do you make of that area ahead? It seems different from the rest of the trail. Could it be something large passed this way?
She points to the area ahead that seems discolored and unusal. She reins Midnight to a stop, until the others advise it is safe to ride on.
The black disk to the right is the discolored area Flynn and Bisimone spotted.
Xan and Flynn lead their horses to the front, followed by Keiran, Rash, Simondale, and Bisimone, in that order unless otherwise indicated. The sides of the track rise sharply, 10 to 12 feet in a 5 foot slope. The large rocks are roughly 5 to 7 feet in height. The terrian is loose dirt and gravel, but does not impede movement.
Xan dismounts and hands the reins of Sunspot to lady Bisimone, If you would be so kind, my lady. Looking at Sunspot Xan points at the ground and says Stay.
Xan then pulls his greataxe off his back and proceeds cautiously towards the spot that was pointed out.
Not sure what that is ahead. Looks like some peculiar roots sticking out of the side of the gully. Proceed with caution!
Flynn follows Xan forward toward the odd looking roots. Flynn pulls his shortbow out and knocks an arrow.
Keiran will dismount and follow, weapon drawn
As Xan, Flynn, and Keiran approach, the rough patch of hillside gives way as two large hairy brown spiders, with glossy black legs spring forth, sensing their presence. Their mandibles twitch incessently as they sniff the air, poisonous secretions dripping upon the rocks. The larger spider to the right is scarred across the head and torso, with a mandible broken from some past injury. The duo crouch, legs quivering to spring forth upon their prey.
Initiave rolls please.
From the left of the pic, please note I dismounted the other players. Bisimone holds the reigns for her horse and Xan's, Simondale holds his and Keiran's, then Rash holds his and Flynn's. Careful masters, I remember a rumor the Stag Lord had driven off some giant spider when he took over his fortress. Xan and ax are closest to the spiders, Flynn holds his bow at the ready, and Keiran follows with his sword out and flashing.
Xan leaps forward to attack, the huge blade of his axe flashing with incredible speed.
Initiative
On Bisimone action, she will attempt to cast a sleep spell to go off roughly five feet beyond the larger spider. This should only catch the one spider, but should keep our guys out of the effect zone.
Small Spider Initiative
Large Spider Initiative
Rash Initiative
Keiran Initiative
Order of Action
24 Flynn
23 Large Spider
18 Bisimone
14 Keiran
14 Xan
08 Small Spider
07 Rash
02 Simondale
Flynn shoots an arrow at the nearest spider.
Flynn's arrow bounces off the larger spider's scarred abdomen, flying up and out of the trough.
The spider ignores the strike and jumps at Xan, attempting to sink it's fangs into this large and potentially tasty morsel.
Bisimone adjusts her aim and releases her pent up energies, a burst of somnolent arcana washing over the marred arachnid's frame.
Will Save vs DC14 Bisimone watches with some small satisfaction as the creature releases it's hold on Xan and settles to the ground.
Assuming Xan and Keiran act at roughly same time...
Xan lunges at the smaller spider, his original target, striking a solid blow for 12 points of damage, splitting the creature's carapace and spilling it's venom over the rocky terrain. It shudders under the attack but remains standing, if somewhat wobbly.
He then spins on the larger beast, burying his weapon between it's slumbering multifaceted eyes. The creature twitches and thrashes awake under the weight of the heavy axe, it's manidbles lunging once more at Xan.
Keiran is up...
Xan is face to face with the spiders. Flynn and Keiran stand 15' south of Xan, to the right and left respectively. Bisimone, Simondale, and Rash remain in their previous positions.
Keiran, seeing the large spider acting with Xan's axe still deep in it's head, rushes forward to attack the creature, careful to stay clear of Flynn's sight line.
Longsword attack Damage
Critical confirmation Damage
Keiran's sword slices cleanly through the unprotected area behind the spider's head, sending broken manibles heavily to the ground under the weight embedded in the head. It's mastiff sized body and legs twitch and spasm, but no longer offer any threat.
As Keiran slays the larger arachnid, the small companion, reeling from the damage it has suffered, strikes back at Xan.
Bite Damage
Xan nearly cries out from the burning venom coursing through both his legs, but stifles himself before utterance, conscious of Bisimone looking on.
Rash holds back the horses, concerned over Xan's injuries. What happens should Xan fall, will the others offer him freedom, servitude, or death? He loosens his grip on the reigns, ready to rush to the men's aid should one of them fall.
Simondale is up.
Careful of Xan's position, the young priest chooses his moment, and calls upon his goddess. Simondale's bolt of holy flame sears the edges of the smaller vermin's wounds, but alas does not finish it. With a start the arachnid lurches sideways to avoid further flames, still very much in the fight.
Xan takes 7 hit points damage and must make a Fort Save against the Spiders' venom.
The larger spider is dead, decapitated.
The smaller spider takes 14 hit points damage, is severely wounded, but still fighting.
Round 2
At Initiative 25, a small swarm of spiders boils up from the spiders' lair, sensing the violence and bloodshed of it's progenitors. The carpeting mass currently fills the tunnel opening, spreading forth into the sunlight seeking blood and nurishment.
Flynn is up next.
Fort Save
Xan feels himself getting tired, a little weaker, as the burning venom courses through his system, attacking his muscular frame from within. With some small measure of pain, and a well hidden sense of mortality, Xan focuses his anger upon the smaller spider, and jerks his ax from the larger foe, eager to end this quickly. He swings to chop down upon the smaller spider, seemingly unaware of the smaller foes rising up from the earth below.
Single Attack with Greataxe against the Smaller Spider. Damage
His axe-blow falls short, his arms' unable to clear the swing before the vermin springs out of the way at the last minute.
Flynn moves diagonally 20 feet so he is 10 feet left of Xan and notches another arrow and lets loose on the small spider.
Seeing the baby spiders swelling up from the nest, Bisimone releases her grip on the horses and rushes to Xan's side. (Free action and move action) Someone catch the horses please.
When she gets next to Xan, she reaches out her arms, thumbs hooked together, and intones the words to a quick spell, Burning Hands. A sheet of red and golden flames blast forth as she sweeps them over the nearest spider and then the baby swarm. DC 14 Reflex Save for half damage, fiery damage.
I need Xan alive, thank you very much, so BUGGER off.
Smaller Spider Reflex save
Spider Swarm Reflex save
The smaller spider nearly explodes as the flames of Bisimone's spell wash over it and into the gash created by Xan's greataxe. It's remains twitch for a second or two, then simply curls in on itself.
The swarm of spiders reacts to the lady's flames with panic and confusion. Unable to flee entirely, the mass is engulfed and consumed in ribbons of fire, popping and bursting like tiny chestnuts or corn kernels. A small handful, a dozen at most, scurry off into the rocks and crevasses of the gully, seeking any refuge from the inferno. Webbing around the mouth of the tunnel quickly smolders and melts from the heat, leaving a sooty, smoky smelling darkness behind.
With a look of suprise and exuberance, the group realizes they have bested the nest of arachnids, with only the small tunnel left yet to explore.
And of course, Xan in need of assistance.
At this point I will assume Rash and Keiran rush to gather the horses, while the rest of the group sees to Xan's injuries. He still needs to make his save(s) against the poisons running through his veins. Anyone care to make a Heal check, or apply an antitoxin or other curative aid?
Congrats folks.
Flynn quickly runs over to the crevice that the spiders were coming out and begins killing off any stragglers. He mumbles to Xan as he passes, Remind me not to get on her bad side.
Xan comments to Flynn, You and me both, then settles down onto a rock, pulling pieces of armor free to check the wounds below.
Flynn rushes from rock to rock, stomping and smashing very small spider he can find. After a minute or so, he has destroyed every baby he can find, though he can't be certain one or two might have escaped. With luck, the creatures are still too young to survive without their nest mates.
I will assume both Xan and Bisimone will attempt to Aid Simondale in providing basic first aid to the spider bites.
Xan Heal Check
Bisimone Heal Check
I will assume Simondale will attempt to abate the poison with a Heal Check
Xan's next Fort Save is boosted by four, thanks to everyone's efforts.
Fort Save
Thanks to everyone's involvement and quick thinking, Xan manages to overcome the poisons coursing through his veins. He still feels weak, but the worst is over.
So, should someone crawl down the spidey-hole and look for possible valuables or humanish victims? I can torch the tunnel, if anyone thinks it would be wise or warranted. Bisimone moves towards the tunnel, trying to gauge for herself which might be the best option.
DON'T torch the tunnel! Their might be something of value that is combustible. I'll go down, just tie a rope off first and if I scream like a little girl pull me back up immediately. Flynn pulls out his silk rope and begins tieing himself off and then hands the other end to Keiran and Xan. Hang on tight, I don't want to end up spider food.
Xan will slide down the rope after Flynn.
The climb down is relatively easy. I will assume Simondale casts light for you and decribe what you find beyond.
The tunnel extends roughly 15' or so into the hillside, at a rough 8 degree grade, ending in three rough chambers. Branching off roughly to either side are bolt holes, about 5' deep and 5' wide, empty save for bits of old webbing and rocky debris.
The larger chamber opens up to roughly 10' deep and 15' wide. It is littered with a few webbed bundles of differing sizes, though most seem to be small animals and game from the nearby hills and copses.
Along the right hand wall hangs the shredded remains of a large egg sack, likely that of the tiny swarm you encountered above. Near it lays the remains of a humanoid sized cocoon. A sword scabbard sticks out along the lower end, and a black boot shows forth, twisted at an odd angle.
The opposite wall holds yet another egg sack, this one still very much bloated and full. The contents seem to wiggle and shift as you near, perhaps sensing your presence. Another presence seems to sense you, a smaller bundle along the floor that quivers so very slightly. A plaintive whimper barely rises over the sound of your own breathing and the scraping, shifting of the loose scree covering the tunnel's floor.
Actions???
Flynn cautiously climbs down to the small bundle, looking over his shoulder at Xan, Xan, check what's in that human sized bundle with the foot and scabbard sticking out. I'll check what's quivering down here. Let's make this quick though. I don't want to get caught down here with another one of those swarms.
When Flynn reaches the shivering bundle, he double checks it to see if he can determine what's inside.
Flynn lets out a sigh, swiftly grabs his knife and begins to cut the webbing that have captured this creature.
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Simondale does, indeed, cast light- aiming it on his hair, illuminating the narrow tunnel around him.
He draws his sword and holds it to where he approximates the twitching bundle's head would be.
Under his breath he rehearses the spell that would bring forth flame to burn the webs (and its tiny inhabitants) away.
Flynn determines that the creature encased in webbing is a young wolf; were it a dog, he'd say possibly five or six months in age. It has obviously suffered from multiple spider bites and is weak, near death, yet still attempting to free itself. It briefly growls as Flynn approaches, but tires out quickly, resigning itself to fate. As he starts to cut away the webbing, it's tail attempts to wag, and Flynn sees hope in it's piercing, near intelligent gaze. If Flynn cuts the webbing free, the wolf will be shorn VERY, VERY close.
I assume Simondale uses a Firebolt on the egg sack . The squirming womb bursts as the flaming spike strikes it, spewing hot, bubbling bits of spider eggs and fetal insects all over Flynn, the wolf, and the flooring nearby.
Xan snorts at the sight, , then begins dragging the large cocoon back out of the shaft. It's occupent is a dark haired human male, roughly in his mid-twenties, clad in fine red leathers. In the cramped conditions and poor lighting, it would be best to examine the remains outside, to reduce the risk of 'missing' something. Xan scours the area around the body's resting place first, and makes sure nothing else remains. Everything appears intact, at least from the point when encasement occurred.
Indeed, all of the other web cases are determined to be animals, mostly gophers, badgers, and the odd yearling. Only the wolf still breathes. Will you be taking it out of the tunnel as well?
Flynn shorns the wolf short and wraps his cloak around it as he lifts it up and out of the spider's den. Once outside, Flynn will take another look at the wolf to ascertain its health, allowing it to walk free if it so wishes. Looks like we got a young pup here. Any suggestions? I think it's cute. Flynn offers the pup a piece of dried meat.
Flynn then takes a look at the massive bundle Xan brought to the surface. Who's that?
Flynn's Nature check indicates that the webbing could be washed from the wolf with alcohol, if anyone has a bottle or flask available. It would save the shearing of "his" coat. The wolf is weak from dehydration and venom saturation. He has lost a good bit of strength from the poisoning, with only a little life remaining. This time tomorrow, the animal would have likely passed, even should the egg sac have not hatched. The animal weakly takes the offered meat, but has trouble with it due to it's own dry gums and tongue.
The dead man does not have a backpack, but does wear a 6 pocket bandolier holding two labeled vials of antitoxin, a vial of men's cologne, two potions of cure light wounds bearing Erastil's markings, and an unknown bottle bearing Calistria's mark. Attached to the bandolier is a satchel bag, containing three sealed scroll tubes, a small journal, two broken vials of ink, three battered quills, several sheets of parchment, a weapon paste jar and applicator, and a strange silver item shaped like a convoluted twist of bent silver piping. On his belt is a masterwork aldori dueling sword, an empty dirk scabbard, and his belt pouch. Within the pouch he has 6 platinum pieces, 13 gold pieces, and three small baguette cut rubies, about a half inch each. The armor itself remains remarkably clean despite the webbing and tunnel debris, and is of masterwork quality. However, what at first seemed to be red dyed leather is actually a form of red leather scaling exclusive to the Drakes. The man shows signs of a having suffered a broken leg and dislocated shoulder, as well as taking multiple bites from the large spiders.
Flynn offers some of his water to the wolf pup. He then examines the dead man.
In checking out the corpse, Xan notices the man's right ring finger has a tan line, but no ring. Searching further, he finds a hollow in the deceased's left boot-heel. Within is a small bronze signet ring, with the crest of the Surtova family. Many of these rings exist, usually held by the patriarch of each branch of the Surtovan family, as well as perhaps the heir-apparent.
Keiran looks closer at the man, and determines he does resemble a second cousin, but cannot place him with certainty, due to the dessicated condition of the body.
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Were I only a bit more powerful, I might have means to make the dead talk. For now, I suppose we ought to decide what to do with the body. A proper burial, or take him back to civilization? What does the family generally do with the dead. Simondale also gives a solemn prayer to Seranrae to take the dead to the underworld.
Second scroll, tab of which indicates it is addressed to Kressle, seal unbroken, stamped with a stylized flying dragon motiff.
Third scroll, tab of which indicates it is addressed to the Stag lord, seal unbroken, stamped with the Regency Seal of Brevoy.
The loose sheets and quills are mostly ruined or stained due to the damaged ink vials. The strange item and weapons paste are servicable, if stained.
The wolf seems to respond to Flynn's minstrations, lapping up the water and snapping up a few more bits of dried meat before succumbing to weakness and falling into a slightly fitful sleep. Before doing so, the wolf did show a bit of gratitude, nuzzling the young rogue's hand, and even risking a slight lick of his palm.
Keiran, seeing the name Taminon on the scroll, recognizes the name and ties it to the image of the lad he remembered. The dead man is family to the Surtova's. Acknowledging this, he thanks Simondale for the offers of prayer, but indicates perhaps he and Addreccam should escort the body back to Brevoy, and look further into the events occurring there. Thoughts of family politics threatening your activities here disgusts him thoroughly. He volunteers, should Flynn wish it, to see to it his letters are delivered immediately, and using the messenger pidgeons the Restovian Council has to send any responses offered. He then looks to Simondale to help prep the body for travel.
Shortly thereafter, your group remounts and makes steady progress to the secluded grove Rash indicated as a viable shelter for the night. How does the group wish to deciminate the goods taken from Taminon's body. Keiran, as the only recognized family member present, sees little disagreement in allowing his cousin's equipment to be put to good use. His only concern is the return of the signet ring. He leaves it up to the group to discuss what to do with the documents.
Flynn, you can determine what of the following you share with the group, unless someone else does well on their checks...
The following equipment awaits to be examined/divided from Taminon.
2 vials of antitoxin
1 vial of men's cologne,
2 potions of cure light wounds bearing Erastil's markings
1 unknown bottle bearing Calistria's mark.
1 weapon paste jar and applicator
1 silver item shaped like a convoluted twist of bent silver piping.
1 masterwork aldori dueling sword
6 platinum pieces
13 gold pieces
3 small baguette cut rubies, about a half inch each.
1 suit of masterwork Crimson Drake armor {Light Armor, cost 240gp, +5 armor bonus, +5 max dex bonus, -1 armor check penalty, 20% arcane spell failure, Speed 30', 25lb weight, masterwork quality included}
1 bandolier with attached satchel, {Adventurer's Sash}
I believe we could use this to our advantage. One of us could pose as this gentleman and perhaps we could deliver these ourselves and gain a better understanding as to who this Kressle is and the Stag Lord? Maybe after that we can take the body back to its home?
Flynn then rubs the belly of the wolf pup as he sleeps. Flynn continues to scratch the wolf pup behind the ears. If we can get an in with the group that this gentleman was a part of, we may be able to get inside information into why the noble families are sticking their foot into our business.