Co-DM SteveK (End of Feast) Friday September 7th, 2012 11:10:28 AM
The night and morning of the WLAers as they get ready for the quest, several of them speak more with Third Brother. While nervous and proud, the warrior is able to explain just a couple more parts of the Catfolk society. It turns out, the hierarchy is BOTH hereditary and positional. Those named "Brother" and "Sister" are directly descended from the current Mother. All others are named "Cousin". Competition can happen only between the three designations with two exceptions. The first is when a new Mother is chosen, she is Mother for life. The second is that if ever a third male is littered by Mother, he becomes Third Brother for life, always training for the Quest.
Third Brother, having grown up knowing he was going on the quest, is much more honed in purpose than any of the other Catfolk save Mother herself!
Still, Third Brother seems happy for Arno's company and the hulking presense of Barratore behind him as he leads the WLAers away from the Catfolk lair and down into the bowl of the Valley.
Vegetation quickly closes in from all sides until the group is walking on what used to be a fitted-stone roadway. It is now nearly covered in knee-high grasses, ruined buildings to the left and right completely covered by vines, bushes, and gigantic broadleaf trees. The air is humid and still, making sweat break out without comfort, and an air of oppressiveness as if swimming through the air instead of walking. In a half-hour, Third Brother and the WLA team come to an opening. What used to be a large plaza is now a fitted-stone meadow of knee-high grasses. Standing in the center 50 feet away is an entirely bare Pyramid.
The Pyramid looks like a Mayan step-pyramid, covered in carvings that show various types of animal/monster crosses; Wolf-Eagles, Owl-Bears, Lion-Scorpions, and Snake-Vultures are depicted at every corner among the geographic designs. Worn away paint that may have shown picture scenes is also around, but not enough to see by. There is one that resembles the creation story of the nearby cat-people, and another that looks like a Mer-Lion. ...................
All Heroes get 1200xp! (700 for the OwlBear, and 500 for the excellent role-playing with the Catfolk! Not only getting them to tell thier story, but learning thier culture. Wow. Excellent role-playing everyone!!!)
Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al d20+10=26 ; d20+12=13 ; Friday September 7th, 2012 4:12:18 PM
This is the Pyramid. Harvest Moon's head tilts back as she gazes to the distant top of the structure. It is as big as many of the astounding buildings that she saw in Plateau City - one in particular that she was told was called the Cathedral of Light. Curiosity draws her nearer, near enough to touch the stone. Is this what the many blocks would look like where they cleared of their plant-life?
Harvest Moon's investigation continues until she arrives at one of the many carvings. Something of this form, odd as it may be, tweaks her memory. There is a creature such as this. It is known. She looks at the others and receives the same odd impression. She knows this.
So distracted by the pursuit of these memories is Harvest Moon, that the normally sharp eyed girl loses track of her surroundings.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Knowledge Nature: 26 (To identify the Wolf-Eagles, Owl-Bears, Lion-Scorpions, and Snake-Vultures. Mer-Lion too. Note: Knowledge Nature applies to Magical Beasts too.)
Peza d20+6=25 ; Friday September 7th, 2012 9:52:58 PM
Following 3rd brother down the trail .... Peza keeps her crossbow loaded .... remembering the quick ambush of the owlbear also in hand ....
while inroute to their destination a thought comes to mind .... she quietly asks 3rd brother ... " so how many 3rd brothers have gone before you ??? .... how long has the peoples been here in the valley ?"
Taking a look at the ruined buildings as they walk by .... looking for signs of if the ruination was natural or destructive ....
perception check d20+6=25 !!
"We've seen the owlbear and wolf/eagle .... no doubt more mixture of creatures we'll see " as she shudders at the thought " who would do this too beatuiful creatures ?"
Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 23/23 d20+5=9 ; Saturday September 8th, 2012 4:51:07 PM
Gerox walks next to Barratore pushing through the grass that comes up to his chest. He glances up at the bull man and pushes the grass aside as he walks. "You know I am pretty light. I bet if we made some kind of harness, I could ride on your shoulders and you wouldn't even notice. I could watch your back, cast my spells and keep a good eye out for trouble. You would be able to sling your weapons around and I bet some of my spells could effect and aid you as well. I just learned the vanish spell. Similar to invisibility. I wonder if I cast it on you while you carried me, if we would both be invisible. Think how scary it would be for you just to pop out of thin air after taking that first nasty swing at our enemies. I know it would freak me out." (need DM ruling on that please)
As they come into the clearing and the carvings come into view, Gerox falls silent as he studies them. He then says, "Hmmmmm this looks like beast lord territory. I wonder how many Beast Lords their are? Is their a head Beast Lord and peon Beast Lords. Guess we are going to find out."
Gerox looks around for any bad guys popping up. Perception check 9
He then decides to cast a detect magic to see if he notices any magical auras
Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 18, CMD: 20; HP: 30/30Character Sheet d20+2=18 ; Sunday September 9th, 2012 11:40:39 AM
When the ruins of the pyramid come into view, Barratore draws his blade in his left hand and pulls a javelin with his right. As the group closes, he starts looking to the left and right for incoming threats or things of interest. [perception 18]
Not looking down he answers Gerox with a snort, "I'll never understanding the humor of gnomes." he states.
His ears prick up a bit and his shoulders drop slighlty then, she didn't mean it as a slight he told himself, but it still stung to hear. Somewhere in the hearts of all the 'noble' races it seemed that prejudice lived. he and his kind the taurs, would always at some level be horrid blending of otherwise beautiful creatures. Barratore looks over his shoulder and down towards the small female, his teeth grind subconsciously, he pulls his mind back to the duty at hand and what perhaps this place could mean for all of his kind and their own quest to be united once again.
Barratore picks up his place, his strides elongating and his shoulders setting with purpose.
Lemick 4-Leaf Sted/Anthony hp 26/26, ac 20/12/18 Sunday September 9th, 2012 8:58:13 PM
Lemick smirks at the comrad's jests. It's good to seem them finally relaxing enough with each to joke about riding on shoulders. As for the fact that he considers riding a friend like a pack mule, he's not sure he'd handle it so well.
In the back of his mind he continue to try and consider what this pyramid must 'test.'. Surely the catfolk are capable hunters, stealthy and have superb hearing. What does this group bring, aside from quantity and perhaps greater strength among a few of them. There must be some riddle he decides, and hope that someone in the group can read whatever language it's written in.
Arno d20=16 ; d20=14 ; Monday September 10th, 2012 9:11:10 AM
Arno constantly looks around; while the vegetation was pretty, it could hide almost anything.
Perception: 11 + 16 = 27
Any other time Arno might have been interested in the history of this place. The only thing he was interested in now was what 3rd Brother had to do and to make sure he got back alive. He looked at the others; they seem to be of the same mind set.
Arno starts to look at the pyramid, trying to recall what he knew from some dungeoneering he did to see where possible opening and exits might be on this thing.
dungeoneering: 7 + 14 = 21
Co-DM SteveK (The Pyramid) d20+19=35 ; d20+5=23 ; d20+5=16 ; Monday September 10th, 2012 10:09:38 AM
Peza and Arno look around at the remains of what could have been a large town. Certainly the paved street and buildings made of stone means that someone with considerable civilized skill lived here at one time. Could it have been the Catfolk who lost so many skills and knowledge? Could it have been this mythical Hrrerricko person/people? Why was it abandoned? The adventurers don't have enough clues to piece together any coherent theories.
Neither is Third Brother able to help much in the history regard. Mother was the most knowledgeable in the Catfolk history, but so much detail had been lost with a spoken tradition passed from generation to generation from the shadows of the past. Third Brother doesn't know. The ruination of the town has been so long ago that any trace is mostly wiped away. Still, Peza has the overall impression that while there may have been some fighting, the town's decay was mostly from lack of people.
Gerox' mind jumps with his mouth, looking for a way to keep above the tall grass, deep streams and anything else that would challenge his height. Barratore assumes he is joking and Lemick laughs along with the joke as well. Soon enough, Gerox realizes that a 2-for-1 spell casting wouldn't work anyways. If a wizard couldn't spell both himself and his familiar with one spell without specialized training, it wouldn't work with the gnome and the minotaur. Besides, Gerox can think just a little smugly, the sorcerer is much more complicated than a backpack!
Harvest recognizes the various creatures and that they are magical beasts. More specifically, each of them are a direct result of wizardly manipulation of standard animals which made them stronger, faster, and possessed of other animalistic extraordinary abilities. (Quite unlike the noble majesty of a Taur, passes through her mind.) She thinks of the Wolf-Eagles and the Owlbear and makes a fairly accurate assumption about the other animals. More aggression too, much more aggression.
Arno looks for entrances, but can see none from this one side and 50 feet away. There may be an entrance on the other sides or a secret stone, but the dwarf is going to have to move about or get within 10 feet of the pyramid to find out more.
Third Brother also carefully looks at the pyramid and surrounding open space. Like the WLAers, he sees nothing moving, no lurking animals, no spoor or scat or sign. He glances at the Nobles and squares his shoulders. "Tradition is that I come to the pyramid and ask for Hrrerricko's forgiveness on behalf of the People. That we have learned how to be humble and we have continued to be faithful servants in guarding the Valley." He pauses. "I guess you all wait here while I walk to the pyramid?" The catfolk sounds unsure but also determined that it is HIS quest. His ear twitches, allowing the WLAers a chance to give advice or take charge.
Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 31/35 (37/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal) d20+7=11 ; Monday September 10th, 2012 10:17:25 AM
The jungle opens and Brom is in awe by the massive structure.
The images of half man creatues causes Brom to mumble "looks like we found the beastlords." Echoing Gerox's statement.
Gerox's joke gives Brom a smile, although he is sure Barratore doesn't share in the gnomes humor.
The barbarian switches his axe for his sword once out of the thicker brush. It's business time.
Perception dc11
Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 35/35 (41/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal) Monday September 10th, 2012 10:22:42 AM
Posted at the same time.
Brom thinks Third Brother going alone is not a good idea. "How about you lead and we will stay close behind. I want to be close should something happen."
Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al d20+13=33 ; Monday September 10th, 2012 10:45:25 AM
"Yes, I think that Brom is right," agrees Harvest Moon. This, after explaining both to all and to no one in particular, that Wolf-Eagles, Owl-Bears, Lion-Scorpions, and Snake-Vultures, Mer-Lion too, are magical in their nature, and not, as are the Wemics and the Minotaurs, beings from and of the Wold.
The time has come for the asking of forgiveness. In this, Harvest Moon feels the great import of the moment. She prepares herself with two gifts of magic. Then, she touches Third Brother with the blessing of Guidance.
"Go now," she urges Third Brother. "We will follow thirty paces behind." Then Harvest Moon turns to watch and listen. Unlike before, her attention is fully upon this task. The silent glide of the owl could not, at this time, escape the notice of Harvest Moon.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Cast Guidance and Virtue upon self. Cast Guidance on 3rd Brother.
Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 23/23 Monday September 10th, 2012 4:45:33 PM
Gerox nods at Harvest's suggestion and then says, "Wait, just let me...." He casts a message spell pointing at 3rd brother, Lemick, and Harvest. He then whispers, "If you need help, just whisper and some of us will hear and be able to come to your aid." In a more normal voice, he continues, "This way if you get into trouble or see something, you can let us know what it is."
Arno d20=9 ; d20=20 ; Monday September 10th, 2012 5:28:53 PM
Arno says nothing, hoping no one will ask his opinion as he already knows what he is going to do. He is going to parallel and be slightly ahead of Third Brother. Hes not going to interfere with any test or anything, Arno understands that some battles you have to fight on your own; he just wants to make sure its a level playing field. Hes going to be looking for traps and ambushes specifically. He has his grapple and rope out. Ready for two things: if need be, he can use it to hoist anyone up, out of the way or down. And if needing a diversion he can cast it out and start to drag it in while still retaining cover. But his other weapons are ready, on the off chance he has to drop the grapple and use more deadly force.
When Third Brother moves out, Arno slips silently into the foliage and paces him.
Stealth: 9 + 9 = 18. Perception: 11 + 20 (nat, thank you very much!) = 31.
Bralin the Stonesinger(AC 22, 37 hp) Monday September 10th, 2012 6:34:24 PM
Bralin catches Barratore's eye, and then fans out to the left and slightly ahead of the group as they approach the pyramid.
Following Harvest's, uh, suggestion, the dwarf stays thirty paces away from Third Brother. [left flank in a shallow U-shaped formation behind Third Brother].
Lemick 4-Leaf Sted/Anthony hp 26/26, ac 20/12/18 d20+7=9 ; Monday September 10th, 2012 9:17:57 PM
Lemick listens as plans are made. Surely there is more to this, and he wants to be prepared help the catfolk. "Third brother, if you would like, I am willing to accompany you, to stand beside you in your request for Hrrerricko's forgiveness, to offer my physical support and validation of the humbleness and generousity I have seen from the catfolk in this short time."
OOC: Diplomacy:9 hoping to offer his aide without offending
If allowed, Lemick joins Third Brother standing beside him. If not, he'll be 30 paces behind like the others.
Peza d20+6=26 ; Monday September 10th, 2012 9:51:08 PM
Peza falls into position ... taking up a spot near the back .... scoping out firing lanes between those in front ... her crossbow loaded and readied for action
With a few encouraging words to 3rd brother ... " we're right here with you brother "
Glad to see the Brom keeping a watchful eye on their friend ..... the ranger eyes sweep ahead [perception check d20+6=26 !!! woohoo ] seeking movement
Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 18, CMD: 20; HP: 30/30Character Sheet Tuesday September 11th, 2012 7:47:57 AM
Barratore slows and stops as Third brother speaks. Barratore drops to a knee to be a a better view with him, "Tradition does not seem to have worked thus far. I would be honored to accompany you to ask for forgiveness." He nods as Bralin catches his eye and then Baratore stands and walks with Third Brothers side to the pyramid. Barratore with stow both weapons as he approaches. One does not ask forgiveness for anything at the end of a weapon.
Co-DM SteveK (The Pyramid) d6=3 ; d20+10=27 ; 2d6+9=16 ; d20+3=16 ; d3=1 ; Tuesday September 11th, 2012 10:11:22 AM
The WLAers shake themselves out into a loose battle formation, everyone but Arno used to each others combat moves from long experience. Harvest suggests that they will keep within easy rescue distance, but let Third Brother make the first approach, and most everyone agrees with her.
Lemick offers to pace beside Third Brother, but when the Catfolk shakes his head, stays with the group.
Bralin assumes that the group will be in a shallow U in order to help Third Brother from all sides and paces forward and staying behind.
Arno doesn't wait for permission, but moves out to a supporting position with rope and grapple, using the two foot high grass as concealment pacing slightly ahead of Third Brother.
Barratore also thinks that permission is overrated and when Third Brother moves out, he paces without words beside the smaller Catfolk.
Third Brother himself has a gammut of emotions run across his face before settling on stoic purposefulness. Reversing his spear but keeping it in hand, the warrior walks forward for a few seconds.
Third Brother and Barratore are only 15 feet away from the Pyramid when Harvest, Arno, and Peza all shout a warning together; The stones at the top of the Pyramid are moving!
..................
They are doing more than simply moving, but grow until the stones show as a weaving pillar more than 15 feet tall, a red, bald head of a gigantic vulture with teeth, its fangs dripping a green venom!
Now that it is moving, everyone can easily see it, but the extraordinary stone coloration made it all but impossible to notice unless someone was right on top of it. And it moves very fast indeed, speeding off the top of the pyramid and attacking Third Brother! The incredibly long neck flashes out, targeting the catfolk. A single snap and the beak grabs Third Brother's shoulder and bite hard, fangs piercing lungs. Barratore sees the Catfolk's eyes glaze over as the poison courses through his system, the determined warrior whispers "forgive us", coughs, and collapses.
Third Brother - 16 DAM + 1 DEX (poison round 1) UNCONSCIOUS
Arno Barratore Bralin Brom Gerox Harvest Lemick Peza
Arno d20=14 ; d20=14 ; Tuesday September 11th, 2012 11:17:51 AM
"NO!" Shouts Arno as he spins the grapple and casts it at the Vulture. His hope is that he snag that thing and tie his rope to a tree, so that it doesn't take off and let the bigger folk pound it, until he can find a way to flank it.
Initiative: 7 + 14 = 21
He throws his grapple at the thing and hopes he can grab it. He wants some payback. And he thinks of a couple of empty vials he has; that poison on it's beak-he can use it.
to hit: 6 + 14 = 20 (not a natural, but still)
Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 35/35 (41/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal) d20+5=23 ; d6+5=11 ; d20+7=25 ; Tuesday September 11th, 2012 11:46:23 AM
Brom is surprised as the top of the pyramid is a huge monster. "Beast, you die!" He shouts as he moves up, grabbing a javelin. He lets the javelin loose 5-ft short of Third Brother's position.
AC: 23, damage 11; range increment: 45-ft for javelin.
"Lemick, Harvest get him once you have an opening. Everyone else, let's take this this down!"
Perception DC25
Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 23/23 d4+1=2 ; d3=1 ; d4+1=3 ; Tuesday September 11th, 2012 12:21:42 PM
Gerox raises his hand and two darts shoot from it striking the vulture in the flanks. (magic missile does 5 points of damage. Sorry about the die roller. Rolled die 3 in error)
"Does anyone have a cure for poison? Lemick you need to heal number 3!"
It had not appeared so large at the top of the Pyramid. Such are the tricks that distance plays with the mind. Now that it is nearer it appears very terrible in its size, thinks Harvest Moon as she leaps through the tall grasses that cover the field towards the place at which she saw Third Brother fall. How can they defeat such a thing? She wracks her brain for what she might have learned about such a huge and unusual creature. It seems familiar to her, but what does she know of its strengths and weaknesses? What might they use against it?
Coming in at Barratore Steelwind's side, Harvest Moon kneels at the body of Third Brother and calls on one of the gifts from the Wold. A glow of green life passes from her hand and into Third Brother's body. Where the green glow travels, Third Brother's wounds melt away.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Knowledge Nature 22 for Information/Weaknesses/Etc on Snake-Vulture CLW Heal Third Brother for 7hp (Rerolled the 1, if we're still doing that.)
Bralin the Stonesinger(AC 22, 37 hp) Tuesday September 11th, 2012 3:20:52 PM
Like everyone else, Bralin reacts just a tad too slowly. Plus, of course, the dwarf is totally out of position for a frontal attack.
Calling out an incantation that sounds like rocks breaking, the Oracle is encased in a blue field. Then, he moves directly for the monstrosity, pulling free his battleaxe and humming a low, bass, monotone note.
Cast Shield of Faith - duration 20 rounds. Move 20' to H11 1/7 spells cast
Bralin the Stonesinger(AC 24, 37 hp, Shield of Faith) Tuesday September 11th, 2012 3:21:41 PM
ooc - need to fix header to account for spell
Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 18, CMD: 20; HP: 30/30Character Sheet d20+7=17 ; d20+7=16 ; 2d8+6=13 ; Tuesday September 11th, 2012 5:38:43 PM
Barratore's eyes go wide as the top of the pyramid disengages and comes at them. His hand has just gotten to his weapon when Third brother slumps to the ground. The thing was fast and big, a combination that didn't appeal to him in an opponent. Here though was an exciting challenge, here was what Metascar spoke of in his stories and Barratore could not help but feel thrilled as adrenaline surged and he draw his weapon.
The fighter sidesteps and quickly tries to spin ot his off hand side and come back around on the creature. [Acrobatics 17 to move through threatened square. His blade then thrusts forward in a quick jab hoping to draw first blood [Hit AC 16 Dmg 13] [move to K-15]
Lemick 4-Leaf Sted/Anthony hp 26/26, ac 20/12/18 d20+4=12 ; d6+1=3 ; Tuesday September 11th, 2012 6:47:06 PM
Lemick follows behind Harvest partially up to (H13) while preparing his javlin. He watches the glow of healing go into Third Brother and hopes to see movement momentarily -- in the mean time, he launches his javelin at the large beast.
AC 12, dmg 3
"Seems an uncharacteristic way to accept his plea for forgiveness," grumbles Lemick as he attempts to figure out what to do about this creature -- course a moment of fear flitters through his thoughts should this beast respond to him in words.
OOC: If Third Brother is still unconscious, Lemick intends to drag him next round. What would I roll for that, if anything?
Peza d20+9=13 ; d20+9=12 ; Tuesday September 11th, 2012 9:56:22 PM
Ready for anything ... or at least so she thought ... the pyramid coming to life wasnt one of them ... the sudden swift strike to 3rd brother shocks her she couldn't help prevent ... failing in her words to support him ...
With Brom and Barratore cutting pieces of the vulture beast ... Peza quickly snaps a shot off ... but it goes wide ...
[hero point used to attack ... d20+9=12 !! double ack !!! ] [pukes ]
Vulture shot ... d20+9=13 ?? ack !!!
Co-DM SteveK (The Pyramid) d20+10=25 ; 2d6+9=15 ; d3=3 ; d20+5=17 ; d20+10=21 ; 2d6+9=14 ; d3=2 ; d20+3=22 Wednesday September 12th, 2012 10:35:10 AM
Arno spins his grapple and casts it at the Vulture, but he is too far away to get a good grab. The grappling hook snags a single stone-colored scale and then falls to the ground. (Arno is at 3 range increments for the grappling hook and so takes a -6 to hit)
Brom shouts at the monster as he moves up and lets the javelin loose 5-ft short of Third Brother's position. The iron-tipped shaft flies true and pierces its hard scales! His battle awareness strong, Brom can only see the one enemy.
Gerox raises his hand and two glowing darts strike the vulture in the flanks. "Does anyone have a cure for poison?"
Harvest leaps through the tall grasses that cover the field. Looking at the monster she knows its scales are as hard as the stone they resemble. The only weaknesses that she can see is that it can only attack with its fanged beak, and that the vestigal wings are much too small to allow the huge magical beast to fly. To kill it? Harvest can only come up with a large amount of sharp steel shoved into its body.
Coming in at Barratore Steelwind's side, Harvest Moon kneels at the body of Third Brother and calls on one of the gifts from the Wold. A glow of green life passes from her hand and into Third Brother's body. Where the green glow travels, Third Brother's terrible chest wound disappears and the young warrior opens cat pupiled eyes to look at the half-elf. "I must be alive for I hurt too much to be dead!" he jokes feebly.
Bralin calls out an incantation that sounds like rocks breaking and he is encased in a blue field before moving directly for the monstrosity, pulling free his battleaxe and humming a low, bass, monotone note.
Barratore's adrenaline surges as he draws his weapon. He tries to sidestep up to the beast, but the sinuous head is lightning-quick, and the fangs score the minotaur's thigh! The wound puts Barratore off-balance and his sword skitters across the stone-scaled flank of the beast! (Acrobat vs CMD fail; AOO AC 25 Barratore Damage 15 + Poison: Fort DC 17 or -3DEX; frequency 1/round for 6 rounds; effect 1d3 Dex; cure 2 consecutive saves.)
Lemick follows behind Harvest and, seeing movement in Third Brother launches his javelin at the large beast which only bounces off its hide. "Seems an uncharacteristic way to accept his plea for forgiveness," grumbles Lemick (LOL!)
Peza quickly snaps a shot off with her crossbow, but the bolt goes wide.
Third Brother is prone and still vulnerable to any opportunistic attack by the monster, but he demonstrates his combat saavy by taking his own opportunity. With the vulture-snake's attention on Barratore, Third Brother jumps to his feet and dodges out of the way around harvest. Simultaneously, the Catfolk cocks his spear for a cast at the beast which fares no better than most everyone else's attacks. "A monster from legend!" he gasps, overcoming the green poison. (2nd consecutive save due to earlier Guidance spell.) .......................
The Snake-Vulture stares unblinkingly at the heroes charging at it, its vestigal wings mantling in anger. With a hiss, it strikes again at Barratore, leaving more wounds on his sword arm, and then it slides around to the north side of the pyramid to wait for his prey to be paralyzed and taking it closer to Arno. (Attack 21 Barratore Damage 14 + Poison -2 DEX; Fort DC 17; frequency 1/round for 6 rounds; effect 1d3 Dex; cure 2 consecutive saves.)
Barratore gets an AOO as the monster moves out of his threatened area.
Snake-Vulture AC 20 CMD 23 DAM 16 (Huge with Reach)
Third Brother - 9 DAM (not poisoned, no DEX loss) Arno Barratore 29 Dam +2 Poison saves per round Fort 17 or d3 Dex for 6 rounds Bralin Brom Gerox Harvest Lemick Peza
Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al Wednesday September 12th, 2012 11:00:54 AM
OoC to the other Healers: Barratore is down to 1hp and Harvest is out of Healing. One more hit and he is likely dead.
Who has the wand of CLW that Torian Silverleaf gave us? Last I remember it was Bralin.
Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 35/35 (41/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal) d20+5=12 ; d6=4 ; d20+5=14 ; d20+7=12 ; Wednesday September 12th, 2012 11:16:41 AM
Brom grabs another javelin and sends in towards the beast, used hero point,. This time it fails to pierce the beast's hide. He then moves to Arno's side. "Come face me demon. Come face your end."
Perception DC12
Hero point used.
Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al Wednesday September 12th, 2012 11:30:22 AM
"It cannot fly!" calls out Harvest Moon. It is the most useful thing that she can think of telling to the other League Adventurers. The most useful thing that is not already plainly obvious.
How to approach such a powerful creature. Barratore Steelwind is already gravely wounded, near unto death from such an attempt. The best way seems to be to strike it from afar as Brom has already done.
"Draw back!" calls Harvest Moon. "Cause it to follow us out onto the grasses. I might then call to the grasses to rise up and Entangle the Snake Vulture."
With those words, the half-elven girl herself retreats to Peza's side. From there she watches the Snake Vulture, making ready a spell to catch it should it advance upon the grassy plain.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Move / Ready Action
Ready: If the Snake Vulture comes off the Pyramid, cast Entangle to catch it without catching anyone else.
Arno d20=18 ; Wednesday September 12th, 2012 3:52:55 PM
Reeling in the grapple from his throw, Arno inches closer, still hopping for a better shot. And while it's wings may not give it flight, magic can he thinks. Grasping the grapple again and still looking to tie it down and go for a rear attack he swings his grapple again silently asking his gambler God to bet on his throw and give it good aim. If nothing else, he can try and distract it for the bigger fighters of his group..
'Here we go again,' he mutters swinging the grapple and letting fly at the Vulture.
Attack: 6 + 18 = 24.
Bralin the Stonesinger(AC 24, 37 hp, Shield of Faith) d8+2=7 ; Wednesday September 12th, 2012 7:39:15 PM
ooc- Bralin does not have the wand, I don't think.
Bralin moves up next to Barratore, drops his battleaxe, and calls out another incantation as he lays a hand on the taur. It helps a little....
Move 20' to Barratore Cast Cure Light Wounds - heal Barratore for 7 hp
Shield of Faith - 2/20 rounds. 2/7 spells cast
Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 18, CMD: 20; HP: 30/30Character Sheet d20+6=19 ; d20+6=10 ; d20+7=15 ; Wednesday September 12th, 2012 7:40:57 PM
Blood and air blast from Barratores lungs as the creature nearly rips him to shreads. The poison onslaught overwhelms his system and muscles strat cramping causing a second spasm and spray of blood to coat the nearby area. Barratore makes a second jab as the creature moves off, but there is no real power behind the strike and it glances off impotently.
[Fort save 19 success; Fort save 10 failure lost of 2 Dex] [AoO Hit AC 15]
Barratore staggers back 20' [F/15] "I need some healing here to keep it on the run!" cough cough spit blood
Lemick 4-Leaf Sted/Anthony hp 26/26, ac 20/12/18 d8+2=6 ; Wednesday September 12th, 2012 8:34:46 PM
OOC: I think Lemick had it last from the kobold area. (Or Gerox?)
Finding Third Brother still up to the challenging mentally, Lemick re-assesses the status of everyone.
"Not able to fly," makes Lemick laugh. The mere sight of a rock beast of this size is certainly magical -- and thus magic could easily make it fly. Had he the time, he'd continue this line of thought.
His hands free, Lemick rushes to Barratore (G13) to aid in his recovery -- in part feeling guilty for not wanting to get any closer to the winged beast and finding the need to heal others a good alternative.
OOC: Barratore heals 6 more. Puts Barratore at 14 hp
Spells 4 -0th level Light Mending Resistance Create Water
2 - 1st level Doom Cure Light Wounds -- Used
Granted Powers (used/max) CopyCat (0/5) - move action Bit of Luck (0/5) - standard action
OOC: Dang, should have channelled positive energy -- didn't think about it until I had rolled. Would have helped Brother some, but Barratore less.
Peza d20+9=28 ; d20+9=20 ; d8=2 ; d8=2 ; d8=2 ; Wednesday September 12th, 2012 9:28:41 PM
taking aim again ..... Peza takes a deep breath ..." patience " she says quietly .... with the snake/bird lined up in her sights she snaps the trigger .... the bolt flies true ....sinking into the creatures neck ...
Vulture kill shot !! d20+9=28 !! crit hit !! crit roll d20+9=20 !!! woot !! crit hit damage d8=2 , crit roll damage d=2 , vital strike damage d8=2 !! total damage = 6 [wow 3 two's !! , hope next time for 3 sevens ;-) ]
Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 23/23 2d4+2=6 ; Wednesday September 12th, 2012 11:14:10 PM
Gerox scampers 30' over to c10 and calls releases another magic missile spell at the creature doing another 6 points of damage to it.
"Anyone with a range weapon, use it! Let's take this thing down before it comes back and eats me...I mean one of us!"
(ooc Rigging has the campfire bead and the wand of magic missiles. I believe Lemick or Harvest have the wand of curing)
2/5 1st level spells used
Co-DM SteveK (The Pyramid) d6=6 ; d20+5=22 ; d8=2 ; d20+10=18 ; 2d6+9=15 ; d3=3 ; Thursday September 13th, 2012 11:46:47 AM
Brom grabs another javelin and sends in towards the beast, missing the weaving head. He then moves to Arno's side. "Come face me demon. Come face your end."
"Draw back!" calls Harvest Moon, and hatches a plan as the half-elven girl herself retreats to Peza's side. Harvest's call about the wings allow the other heroes to see what Harvest sees; the snake-vulture can not fly.
Arno reels in his grapple and inches closer, still hopping for a better shot. He throws again, but the unwieldy grappling hook just can't easily snag the huge creature. (ooc: I'm allowing a move action to recoil the rope, a 5' step, and a throw. At 30 feet away, Arno still gets -6 AC to hit and misses. Additionally, if hit, I will allow Arno to perform a Grapple check against the creature [CMB vs CMD], but there will be no other restriction or condition on the Snake-Vulture.)
Bralin moves up next to Barratore, drops his battleaxe, and calls out another incantation as he lays a hand on the taur.
Barratore, horribly wounded, makes a jab as the creature moves off, but there is no real power behind the strike and it glances off impotently. The minotaur staggers back asking for healing and spitting blood.
Lemick rushes to Barratore and heals him some more.
Peza takes aim again ..... takes a deep breath ... and snaps the trigger! The bolt flies true into the creatures neck in a shallow arc and trailing blood.
Gerox scampers over to where he can see the monster on the side of the pyramid and calls another two magic missiles to strike the creature!
Third Brother, unlimbers his bow and moves back to flank Gerox. Setting arrow to string, and marks the monster. "Kuuuu!" he calls, waving his bow over his head while grabbing another arrow. .......................
The Snake-Vulture hisses, still full of life, and slithers forward until it curls around one of the medium-sized statues on the north-west edge of the pyramid, and close enough to Brom and Arno! It attacks again, rearing back and striking on its long neck, bright red head and curved beak flashing towards Brom and ripping into a shoulder! (AC 18 Brom Damage 15 + Poison: Fort DC 17 or -3DEX; frequency 1/round for 6 rounds; effect 1d3 Dex; cure 2 consecutive saves.)
Harvest, in tune with the magical beast, notices that the Snake-Vulture is staying on the pyramid. Insight into the nature of the magical beast allows the half-elf to know it will not come down.
Snake-Vulture AC 20 CMD 23 DAM 30 (Huge with Reach)
Third Brother 9 DAM Arno Barratore 16 Dam +2 Poison 1: 1/6 1 save 2: 1/6 -2DEX Bralin Brom 15 Dam + Poison Gerox Harvest Lemick Peza
Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al Thursday September 13th, 2012 12:03:09 PM
"Draw back! Draw back!"
With it's great size, a direct confrontation with the Snake Vulture can only result in terrible injury. It can strike from afar. The best way to defeat it is to trap it and attack it from even further away. Perhaps, speculates Harvest Moon, it may not even be able to descend from the Pyramid to pursue them. There are no tracks here. A creature of such size and weight must necessarily leave such tracks.
"Draw back!" cries Harvest Moon again. She takes the healing wand of Torian Silverleaf in hand and steps a few paces forward, nearer to the injured Barratore Steelwind and Brom, though she remains prepared to call upon the grasses to trap the Snake Vulture should it venture off the Pyramid.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Draw wand of CLW / 5ft step / Ready Action
Ready: If the Snake Vulture comes off the Pyramid, cast Entangle to catch it without catching anyone else. (Reflex vs DC15 or be Entangled.)
Arno d20=18 ; d20=14 ; Thursday September 13th, 2012 1:07:39 PM
Reeling in the rope and still on the move trying to get a rear or flank action Arno just shakes his head. He wonders if this is the time the rest of the group comes back except for him. Well, that's what they pay me fore.
Arno is moving behind the creature, but this time he has the grapple in his hand and pulls his kukri out. He exhales, runs and then jump on the back of this thing (ride'em cowboy!) and use the grapple to hook into it, so he can use his kukri to to start stabbing it in the back. (At least, thats the plan) If nothing else, it should distract the thing.
Acrobatics: 9 + 18 = 27.
To hit: 3 + 14 = 17 grapple in the back I hope and holding on.
Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 35/35 (41/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal) d20+5=13 ; d6=3 ; d20+16=34 ; 2d6+7=16 ; Thursday September 13th, 2012 8:23:18 PM
[Fort save DC13, failed. Dex 11]
Brom gets wailed from the snake-vulture. He fails to resist the poison and as the poison begins to course through his body, he feels his muscles start to stiffen.
"Arno, back off, regroup. I don't feel like taking this thing on alone." Brom stays until Arno withdraws choosing to cover their withdrawal. He does ready for an attack by the beast.
Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 20/35 (26/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal) Thursday September 13th, 2012 8:24:02 PM
Adjusting numbers:
Temp AC - AC16
Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 18, CMD: 20; HP: 14/30Character Sheet d20+6=15 ; d20+6=24 ; d20+4=13 ; Thursday September 13th, 2012 8:47:30 PM
Healing flows into Barratore and he grins at the pair of clerics, blood still dripping from his mouth, "Round 2." Barratore moves 30' north pulling a javelin and sends it hurling towards the thing. The missile falls well off the mark
A cramp attacks his arm and midsection as the poison continues to due its work
[Move to F/9] [Fort save 15 failed Barratore takes poison for the second hit again ignore the second fort save] [Attack Hit AC 13]
-2 Dex + this round loss
Lemick 4-Leaf Sted/Anthony hp 26/26, ac 20/12/18 Thursday September 13th, 2012 9:22:20 PM
Lemick is stuck following Barratore as he wasn't finished with him, but instead was digging around his belt for one of his potions. (Moves 25' north with Barratore) As Lemick touches Barratore a pair of dice appear above his head rattling, landing on snake eyes and fading away as they sink into his massive minotaur body.
OOC: Cast Bit of Luck on Barratore: For the next round, any time the target rolls a d20, he may roll twice and take the more favorable result
Spells 4 -0th level Light Mending Resistance Create Water
2 - 1st level Doom Cure Light Wounds -- Used
Granted Powers (used/max) CopyCat (0/5) - move action Bit of Luck (1/5) - standard action
Peza d20+8=23 ; d8=5 ; d8=7 ; Thursday September 13th, 2012 9:41:53 PM
"Patience " whispes Peza to herself .... her friends need her ... she won't let them down
loading her weapon .... she smoothly lines up the vulture/snake in her sights .... taking a moment as the beast comes into view in her sights she snaps the trigger ... the bolt flies true ....sinking into its neck again
" LET IT SIT ATOP THE PYRAMID .. WE'LL BLAST IT FROM DISTANCE " shouts the raven haired girl
Bralin the Stonesinger(AC 24, 37 hp, Shield of Faith) Thursday September 13th, 2012 10:10:16 PM
Bralin is not feeling suicidal today. The dwarf picks up his axe and retreats.
Move to F14 Shield of Faith - 3/20 rounds. 2/7 spells cast
Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 23/23 2d4+2=9 ; Thursday September 13th, 2012 10:16:05 PM
Gerox looks to the others, "Well we know it isn't a very forgiving creature. I suspect it is some kind or guard dog. Do we stay and fight or head back and come up with a better plan on how to kill this thing. Maybe some pikes? Range weapons. Catapult?"
Gerox shrugs and launches another magic missile attack at the creature. The two missiles strike home doing 9 points of damage. Gerox winces and moves back to B10. "Hope it doesn't snap me up like a snack."
Co-DM SteveK (The Pyramid) d6=6 ; d20+5=12 ; Friday September 14th, 2012 11:03:28 AM
Harvest knows there are no tracks here and the monster probably does not descend from the Pyramid. "Draw back!" she cries again as she takes the healing wand gets ready to heal or Entangle.
Arno reels in his rope again and then bounds forward and over a writhing coil to flank the monster, his jinking and weaving keeping the fanged mouth too off-balance to strike! Highlight to display spoiler: { Arno takes a move action to reel in the rope, and another move action to move; he can attack next round. Acrobatics allows 1/2 move to go through enemy space without AOO, success! }
Brom feels his muscles start to stiffen. He also calls, too late, for Arno to back off, and sets his axe to guard the withdrawl.
Healing flows into Barratore and he grins at the pair of clerics, blood still dripping from his mouth, "Round 2." Barratore moves, pulling a javelin and sends it hurling towards the thing, the missile falling well off the mark due to a cramp attacks his arm and midsection as the poison continues to due its work. Highlight to display spoiler: { Barratore was poisoned twice and required 2 saves per round. Since the second was a success, he now only needs to save once per round.}
Lemick follows Barratore, giveing him a Bit of Luck. As Lemick touches Barratore a pair of dice appear above his head rattling, landing on snake eyes and fading away as they sink into his massive minotaur body.
"Patience " whispes Peza to herself, and can crow as another bolt bites deep into the monster's neck!
Bralin is not feeling suicidal today. The dwarf picks up his axe and retreats.
Gerox looks to the others, "Well we know it isn't a very forgiving creature. I suspect it is some kind or guard dog. The gnome shrugs and launches another two magic missiles at the creature!
Third Brother lets another arrow fly, missing the weaving monter. .......................
The Snake-Vulture is deeply wounded, but still very aggressive, and it has two tempting targets. One is bouncing around its coils and the other is standing perfectly still... the ugly red head launches itself at Brom, its dripping fangs razor sharp in the wide open beak. But the barbarian is ready and his axe strikes first. Only a hair's breadth from his face, the great beak shoots past and the monster sprawls at Brom's feet... dead!
Though the monster is truely dead, its poison still courses in Brom and Barratore's viens. ( Barratore needs 4 saves and Brom needs 5 saves at Fort DC 17. 2 consecutive saves ends the poison. Every fail = temporary d3 DEX loss. If hero goes to 0 DEX, he falls unconscious.
"Yip!" Harvest Moon leaps into the air, a fist raised to the sky. With a feral laugh, the small half-elven girl goes bounding through the tall grass to pounce upon Brom. "You must call!" she demands of the barbarian. "'Kuu!' You must call 'Kuu!'"
Then she sets about using the wand of Torian Silverleaf to heal the wounds from the great beak of the Snake Vulture. Most of Brom's wounds are smoothed away with two uses of the wand. Barratore Steelwind requires three uses.
There is nothing, however, that can be done about the poison that runs already through their veins. It is a terrible thing, poison. Harvest Moon then begins clambering over the body of the Snake Vulture. Is it truly make of stone? She attempts to dislodge one of its feathers. She feels for the heat of its body. She dabs fingers into the flesh and blood if its wounds.
At some point, she looks up from her examination, taken by the idea that others of the statues upon the Pyramid might come alive as well. The distraction of the Snake Vulture, however, is great, and her eye is soon drawn back to it.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Use wand of CLW Barratore 14/30 +6+3+5 healed to 28/30 Brom 20/35 +6+6 healed to 32/35
Arno d20=20 ; d20=19 ; Friday September 14th, 2012 6:44:23 PM
Arno, still hyped up on adrenaline doesn't know if he should feel happy or sad that he didn't get a good lick in. Realizing that he must be going more crazy he quickly gets out two empty vials and heads for the head of the monster. As careful as he can hes going to get some of that poison for his needles.
As he moves forward he looks around. It would be just his luck, he's miss another surprise attack.
Perception: 11 + 20 = 31
(OOC: Don't know if i need to roll anything to collect the poison. Rolled a 19)
Lemick 4-Leaf Sted/Anthony hp 26/26, ac 20/12/18 d6=1 ; d6=3 ; Friday September 14th, 2012 9:03:01 PM
One issue down, and wounded still about. Lemick moves over to the other poison victim hoping to help his body fight off the poison.
Standing next to Brom, Lemick calls forth more luck. The red dice roll above his head, showing a 1 and 3 it's total being 4. 4 is the number of dependability and productivity, both of which Brom and the group need.
OOC: Brom has been given a "Bit of Luck" for one round.For the next round, any time the target rolls a d20, he may roll twice and take the more favorable result
Spells 4 -0th level Light Mending Resistance Create Water
2 - 1st level Doom Cure Light Wounds -- Used
Granted Powers (used/max) CopyCat (0/5) - move action Bit of Luck (2/5) - standard action
Peza Friday September 14th, 2012 11:48:55 PM "Yeah Brom .... way to finish off the beast!! ..... standing tall "
Peza's eyes sweep the surroundings .... just incase something else is lurking ..... a smile creases her face at Harvests enthusiasm .... checking each each member to make sure everyone is ok ... she settles on their newest friend .... " hmmm ... as the vials come into veiw .... an eyebrow arches " hmm ... that could be helpful in the right spot " muses the girl to herself.
Keeping watch she catches 3rd brothers eye ... giving him a wink ... " you did well " ... then reloads her crossbow
Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al Saturday September 15th, 2012 6:17:30 AM
Harvest Moon suddenly, and quite unexpectedly, thinks of a way in which she might be of help to Brom and Barratore Steelwind. She leaps, quite literally, from where she is scrambling atop the body of the Snake Vulture, and runs first to Barratore Steelwind and then to Brom. To each she imparts the gift of Guidance.
+1 to Barratore and Brom's next saves.
Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 23/23 Saturday September 15th, 2012 7:47:36 AM
Gerox watches Harvest plunder the body, who is quickly followed by Arno collecting poison. He shakes his head and calls, "I don't suppose anyone found any gold? Arno, see how much poison you can collect. I would think the fixers would be interested or maybe an alchemy shop? I saving for a wand of lightning bolts!"
Then young gnome scans his eyes around the area keeping an eye out for any other nasty creatures or surprises. (taking 10 on perception for a 15)
He looks to the others and asks, "Do we push on or bring #3 back to report to his Mother?"
Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 32/35 (38/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal) d20+5=17 ; d20+5=12 ; d20+5=22 ; d20+5=17 ; Saturday September 15th, 2012 2:31:27 PM
Brom eventually fights off the poison, he failed one in four, -3 dex.
Brom's body becomes more stiff, but he doesn't succumb to its effects. The beast lying at his feet, Brom doesn't kuu but instead gives a mighty roar.
He looks to Barratore with a smile, "That's one for me."
"We follow Third Brother. I don't think this is forgiveness."
Brom takes some feathers and a fang from the beast as trophies.
Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 32/35 (38/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal) d20+7=20 ; Saturday September 15th, 2012 2:33:34 PM
Temp: 8 dexterity (-6 total)
Perception DC20
Lemick 4-Leaf Sted/Anthony hp 26/26, ac 20/12/18 Saturday September 15th, 2012 6:57:23 PM
Lemick takes this moment of calm to find the potions in his bag. He also finds the flask he found earlier with the kobolds kicking himself for not determining it's contents over the last weeks. "Got 2 potions of lesser restoration here?" He looks to those affected by the poison.
"So?" he looks to Third Brother, "Shall we all move together to ask for forgiveness now?"
Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 18, CMD: 20; HP: 28/30Character Sheet d20+7=14 ; d20+7=14 ; d20+6=11 ; d20+6=7 ; d20+6=14 ; d20+6=26 ; d20+6=26 ; d3=2 ; d3=2 ; Sunday September 16th, 2012 1:08:40 PM
Barratore smirks back at Brom and replies, "It kept running and hiding from me." The minotaur puts on a brave face, but muscle spasms keep rippling across various portions of his body and his movements are labored and deliberate. Harvest is soon there with the wand and the physical woulnds all but vanish. "Lemick, give one to Third Brother and the other to Brom."
Barratore looks to 'Third Brother', "Your quest. Ready when you are."
Co-DM SteveK (The Pyramid) d4=4 ; d4=3 ; d100=2 ; d100=12 ; d100=6 ; Monday September 17th, 2012 4:05:14 PM
Brom, with a Bit of Luck from Lemick is able to fend off the rest of the poison. Barratore is not so lucky, and even with magical support, stands on very shakey legs. Lemick, however, has found 2 Potions of Lesser Restoration, which, when taken by the minotaur, heal over half the damage! Barratore healed of 7 DEX
Harvest, with the wand of healing, is able to take care of everyone's physical wounds with 5 charges of the wand. (to include Third Brother).
An examination of the Snake-Vulture reveals that while the scales are hard and provide good protection, the creature is not made of stone, only a very good camoflage. The underbelly of the creature has several twists of gold and a few coins lodged between scales as if the monster slid over the treasure backwards and the great weight made the gold fast. There are only 100 gold pieces worth where the Snake-Vulture lays dead.
Arno is excited about using the poison for his own purposes. He gets two vials and is able to collect enough of the Snake-Vulture's venom for 10 doses. Unforetuneately, in his first attempt, Arno accidentally scratches himself with the dead snake's fang, and poison courses through the dwarf! (5% chance each vial; 2 poisoned!, 12 safe) [b]Arno make 6 saves at Fort DC 17. Two consecutive saves ends the poison. Every failed save means Arno takes d3 DEX damage. Highlight to display spoiler: {Applying poison to a weapon or single piece of ammunition is a standard action. Whenever a character applies or readies a poison for use there is a 5% chance that he exposes himself to the poison and must save against the poison as normal. This does not consume the dose of poison. Whenever a character attacks with a poisoned weapon, if the attack roll results in a natural 1, he exposes himself to the poison. This consumes the poison on the weapon. Characters with the poison use class feature do not risk accidentally poisoning themselves.}
Brom takes a feather from the Snake-Vulture's wing. He also nearly poisons himself all over again by snapping off a fang, but gets away with it. (5% chance, rolled a 6)
The WLAers look about but the clearing is quiet, there are no other threats.
Third Brother is looking at the pyramid. "The monsterr must have kept Hrrerricko trrapped in his Pyrramid", exclaims the Catfolk, "this is the chance that the People have been waiting forr! We rrescue Hrrerricko and he will have to forrgive us!" The nimble man takes a leap up the pyramid to where he is standing on the second tier and looks back down to see if the WLAers follow.
.......................
Third Brother
Arno 6 saves at Fort DC 17 d3Dex each failure Barratore -5 DEX Bralin Brom -3 DEX Gerox Harvest Lemick Peza
Arno d20=11 ; d20=10 ; d20=17 ; d20=17 ; d3=3 ; d3=2 ; Monday September 17th, 2012 4:33:55 PM
"OUCH!" Arno screeches. Then quieter, "owie vey." He had heard his parents use that expression when luck seem to not go their way.
Arno can't believe it. he can't believe it! After everything he has been through, to possibly die from getting scratched on a dead creatures fang. Talk about the fickle finger of luck. Well, he knew where that finger could stick it! He steeled him and could already feel the poison working its way through his veins. Provided he survived, this would be good stuff!
((FORT +2. 13, 12, 19, 19...saved twice in a row. But also loss the first two, so; 3 + 2 = 5 off DEX. Is that permanent or can I be healed or...))
He stands, a bit shakily and announces, "If anyone has anything for poisoning, I would not be adverse to a little help." He holdings his hand over the minor scratches, which has done more damage to him than all the encounters he has had since he joined this group.
Bralin the Stonesinger(AC 22, 37 hp) Monday September 17th, 2012 4:44:49 PM
Bralin's eyes shift from conversation to conversation, but it is obvious the dwarf is still in 'battle-mode', and can't understand a thing.
But, it is apparent that Third Brother means to climb the pyramid, and so Bralin starts up with him.
Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al d20+12=14 ; Monday September 17th, 2012 7:51:59 PM
An accretion of some matter upon a creature usually means that there is much more of this matter somewhere else around. Harvest Moon works a coin loose from between two scales of the Snake Vulture. Where there is mud upon a person's feet, one can be reasonably sure that there is much mud also somewhere else around. Where would the Snake Vulture have gone that it would collect such ...
The cry of pain from Arno draws Harvest Moon from her examination. She observes the vials. He has been collecting poison. Curious.
And then the voice of Third Brother draws her attention again. Harvest Moon looks dubious. Could the Snake Vulture alone have kept such a thing as this Hrrerricko within the Pyramid? If the Hrrerricko performed such miracles as creating the Cat People, it seems unlikely.
Harvest Moon leaves the body of the Snake Vulture behind. She rushes up the side of the Pyramid with Bralin the Stonesinger. She glances quickly about, then just as quickly she taps herself again with the spell of Guidance. Third Brother Next. Bralin the Stonesinger after that.
Peza Monday September 17th, 2012 8:11:21 PM
Hearing Arno's yelp .... and plea for help ..... " i've gotten nothing for poison .... but you should talk with the others affected too .... let us know the side effects .... we'll have a good chance of meeting another one of the bird/snakes "
peza giggles a little at 3rd brothers enthusiasm " at least he waited ... Harvest would of charged off already " .. " easy brother .... be patient ... we need to go as a group ... you witnessed how devastating one of those is ... our strength is as a team ..."
" I'm with you .... i'll provide covering fire " as she taps her crossbow " just move carefully "
Lemick 4-Leaf Sted/Anthony hp 26/26, ac 20/12/18 Monday September 17th, 2012 9:04:32 PM
As Lemick gets ready to move on, he finds his comrads being hurt by the dead beast. Is poison and keepsake talismen worth the risk of dying?And it's not even the women this time. Out of potions, Lemick can only watch.
"Poison is beyond my power to heal, and Barratore has consumed the last of the known potions. Course I do have a flask of unknown liquid, it might be a cure poison potion, or some really well aged ale, or I suppose more poison. If you'd like to test your favor with Waard, your welcome to try it." The aged and dirty flask is offered should Arno or anyone else really be interested.
Seeing Third Brother jump up causes Lemick to worry. "Perhaps slower, my friend. We need to be cautious of other traps and creatures that may await our arrival with ill intent. Luck often favors those that know when to be cautious."
Hoping the catfolk slows, Lemick follows slower.
Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 23/23 Monday September 17th, 2012 11:22:14 PM
Gerox moves over to Arno and puts a hand out to help steady the dwarf. "You have to be careful with that poison stuff." I know it is fascinating and maybe worth some gold but obviously you aren't an assassin. I think we are out of healing magic. Do you wish to go on?"
Gerox looks to the others and sees the cat person ready to push on. "Should we push on or rest up?" We have several members of the group under the adverse effects of the poison. What happens if we run into more of those things?"
Gerox moves over to Harvest and says, "Maybe only one of us should go scout. I can make someone invisible for a short time. Really only seconds but it might be enough time to take a quick look around."
Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al Tuesday September 18th, 2012 7:29:16 AM
"But Gerox Shale ... " Harvest Moon considers the idea of the gnome. "Should this honor not belong to Third Brother? You have already cast your Message magic upon him, have you not? If your magic can cause invisibility, should you then not cast your magic upon him so that he might be the first to the top of the Pyramid."
Harvest Moon shades her eyes with a hand and looks up toward the apex. "Would you like that, Third Brother," she asks. "Would you like to scout the top of the Pyramid with Invisibility magic? Or shall I go?"
Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 32/35 (38/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal) d20+7=21 ; Tuesday September 18th, 2012 8:09:39 AM
"Thanks, my friend." He says for the healing.
If possible, Brom will retrieve any javelins that ate still useable.
Brom stands near Third Brother and will follow him up the pyramid.
Perception DC21
Temp Dex: 11; AC 16/14
Co-DM SteveK (The Pyramid) Tuesday September 18th, 2012 9:30:18 AM
Arno is affected by the poison before his stout dwarven constitution rejects the vile serum. He wonders if his agility is affected permenantly or if it is only a temporary effect. (Anyone with Know Nature, Know Arcane, Survival, Healing, Alchemy, or a potion/poison relevant Craft or Profession DC 10 Highlight to display spoiler: { Temporary ability damage returns at the rate of 1 point per night of rest (8 hours) for each affected ability score. Complete bed rest restores 2 points per day (24 hours) for each affected ability score.}
Harvest collects the small ammount of gold on the underside of the Snake-Vulture and wonders, if the Snake never ventures off the pyramid, where did the gold come from. She casts a couple of Guidance spells and follows Third Brother up the pyramid.
Bralin and Brom also flank Third Brother as he ascends the pyramid.
Peza and Lemick call for caution, noting the best strength and luck is in the entire cautious team, but both are ready to back up the four ascending.
Third Brother notes that half the group is with him and the curiousity and instant decisions that the WLAers have noted infect all the Catfolk grabs Third Brother hard. With a grin he bounds to the top of the pyramid with Bralin, Harvest, and Brom on his heels. "We must complete the quest before the sun falls below the mountains!", he calls. Any hero that looks around can see that in this little valley surrounded by higher peaks that Third Brother is talking about mid-afternoon, only a few hours away!
At the top of the pyramid they see a 15x15 stone roof held up by four snake-carved pillars. Here is a burrowing nest of detrius, mostly of vegetation and bones from the snake's previous victims with a few bits of gold scattered to the lip of the pyramid where the Snake-Vulture obviously launched itself to the attack but a few minutes ago.
Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al d20+12=32 d20+12=21 Tuesday September 18th, 2012 9:47:59 AM
From the top of the Pyramid, Harvest Moon looks back down upon the others. He notes the hesitation of the otherwise very forward dwarf Arno. "Do not worry," she cups her hands into a cone and calls back. "The wages of poison will usually subside over time." Then she explains some of what both he, Brom and Barratore Steelwind might expect. (OoC: Ability *Damage* - not to be mistaken for Ability *Drain* - returns at the rate of 1 point per night of rest (8 hours) for each affected ability score. Complete bed rest restores 2 points per day (24 hours) for each affected ability score.)
Then the half-elfish girl turns to the mystery that is the top of the Pyramid. If there is a Hrrerrickko to be found within the Pyramid, there must necessarily be an entrance. The only question is where is this entrance. Her nose leads - almost as though sniffing the trail - as she begins a search for the footsteps of those who might have walked here before. Her eyes also, upon occasion, roam the top of the Pyramid in search of this entrance.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Knowledge Nature and Survival Autosuccess vs DC10
Survival 32 looking for Tracks. Perception 21 for a door or other entrance.
Arno d20=14 ; Tuesday September 18th, 2012 11:03:21 AM
Though he feels a bit dizzy and weak, and being around the females, he feels like he has had the flu. Arno says, "I'll be ok. My own foolishness anyways... we are here for another." He pockets the vials that cost him so, and looks around.
Perception 11 + 14 = 25.
Arno knows that they have been standing here a while and wants to make sure there is nothing out there ready to attack them. Gathering up his grapple and rope he says quietly, "Third Brother says we need to move. He is why we are here, so I suggest we get going."
Lemick 4-Leaf Sted/Anthony hp 26/26, ac 20/12/18 d20+3=13 ; d20+7=22 ; Tuesday September 18th, 2012 4:15:35 PM
"I can offer some minor healing by positive energy, but there is nothing I can do about the weakness in your knees. Only time will heal those wounds."
Lemick is ready to advance with the group, but the nest makes him think of babies, and babies of the giant snake-vulture would still be just as big as any in the group. He keeps his eyes out for a well hidden baby snake-vulture (OOC: Percpetion: 22)
His javelin ready, he looks for danger and shares this knowledge.
Peza d20+8=25 ; d8=4 ; d8=6 ; Tuesday September 18th, 2012 7:49:21 PM
As the group all start to fall in behind 3rd brother .... Peza takes a position in the middle ... giving her the ability to quickly turn and fire where needed to defend her friends
Her crossbow loaded .... Peza cautiosly following Harvest and 3rd brother ....ready to strike at any threats .
Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 23/23 Tuesday September 18th, 2012 11:21:30 PM
Gerox follows along grumbling about the height of the stars and why a harness on a minotaur should be taken as a joke. When he gets to the top, he stops to look around and take in the view. "Harvest, make sure you get this view for the magic map." he says. Not often we are this high.
take 10 on the perception check for a 16
Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 18, CMD: 20; HP: 28/30Character Sheet d20+2=8 ; Wednesday September 19th, 2012 8:50:03 AM
Barratore scrambles up the pyramid to pace Brom. Quiet thanks to Waard that Third Brother mentioned a time frame. At least now everyone would be on the same page and stop talking about sitting about andplaying it safe. Where was the excitement in that?
Barratore looks about, but sees nothing that is not already being investigated or looked at. He keeps his sword at the ready and responds to Harvest's proclamation on the affects of the poison not being permanent. "Good to hear, now let's get ourselves inside"
Ooc Barratore had only been damaged a total of 8 Dex and the intention was to give them to Brom and Third Brother. If the cat does not want it, Barratore will drink one
Co-DM SteveK (The Pyramid) Wednesday September 19th, 2012 10:59:38 AM
Third Brother and the WLAers climb to the top of the pyramid. Under the stone roof held up by thick pillars each in the sinuous form of a snake, they have discovered the Snake-Vulture's nest. It looks like a burrowing nest where the monster must usually sleep or hide under the detrius and the heroes will have to move branches, decaying plant matter and the odd bone away to discover where the trail of small gold items comes from.
Lemick is concerned about the nest equalling babies. But soon his knowledge puts him at ease, and he is certain there is no other animal, sounds, or movement coming from the nest.
Gerox recommends Harvest get a good look around from the top of the pyramid for the magic map. And indeed, the half-elf can ensure most of this end of the Valley is dutifully rendered on the map. Both the range of the map's magic and the high mountains on all sides obscure any other sights.
Barratore doesn't drink the Potions of Lesser Restoration yet, but offers them to others who may need them more. Arno, Brom, and Barratore are the only ones under the effects of the poison. (ooc: Third Brother made two saves right off thanks to Harvest's Guidance spell and so has zero DEX damage.)
Harvest looks around, not only at the sights and the nest, but the top of the pyramid. Looking up, she notices there are holes in the roof that could have supported a wooden beam and winch. For what purpose?
.......................
Whoever drinks each potion recieves a d4 healing to thier ability scores. Need to solve this before moving on.
ooc: The top of the pyramid is a puzzle. The WLAers are going to have to figure it out for the xp and to be able to continue.
Arno d20=10 ; d20=5 ; Wednesday September 19th, 2012 12:20:07 PM
Arno is looking all around and also trying to draw on his dungeoneering knowledge to figure everything out.
Perception 11 + 10 = 21 to see anything Dungeoneering 7 + 5 = 12 (its the poison I tell ya)
"Perhaps the creature slept on top of the entrance?" Arno vocalizes. "We should all be on our toes and at our best before we continue." He nods at Barratore who had offered the [Potions of Lesser Restoration] and accepts the vial.
Harvest Moon (HP27/27; CMD 19 / AC17) - Al Wednesday September 19th, 2012 4:48:31 PM
"We must dig." Harvest Moon extracts her length of rope from her back and begins to bind it about her waist in the manner taught to her by Navigator Artus Morindim. The other end, she secures to one of the four stone Snake Pillars. "I believe there is a hole beneath the branches and old plant loam that covers this place under the roof. Do you see? There once may have been a mechanism," Harvest Moon says, pointing to the holes in the roof," for raising and lowering into the depths of the Pyramid."
With both hands, she begins clearing away the branches and other detritus, trusting to her rope to catch her should things give way and pitch her into the Pyramid. She casts her armload over the side of the Pyramid and returns for more. "We must clear this away. Clear it away to see what is beneath. I believe it to be the entrance."
Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 23/23 d20+6=14 ; Wednesday September 19th, 2012 5:04:30 PM
Gerox starts looking around for an entrance while picking up any choice loot he might find. He casts a detect magic to see if anything around there is magic as well.
perception check 14
Barratore Steelwind (Dan K) AC: 18, CMD: 20; HP: 28/30Character Sheet Wednesday September 19th, 2012 5:51:32 PM
"Good eyes". Barratore says as Harvest begins her work. Personally he did not think so small and light creature had any risk of falling through given the wisely the former occupant, but eventually enough would be cleared
Taking a lesson from his time at sea and from Harvest, Barratore lashes himself to a different pillar and begins to assisting clearing the debris. Aviolent snort is expelled from the Minotaur "and I thought they smelled bad on the outside."
Lemick 4-Leaf Sted/Anthony hp 26/26, ac 20/12/18 Wednesday September 19th, 2012 8:34:35 PM
Lemick catches himself as he breathes heavily, these women are going to be the death of me finding some gratitude in being informed of the plan and seeing that some safety measures are being taken.
With no creatures about at the moment, Lemick watches as Harvest digs. He's not opposed to digging, but his chainmail makes him weigh much more than her. Still he remains diligent just in case this thing had a mate -- otherwise, why have a complete nest?
Peza Wednesday September 19th, 2012 8:41:00 PM
Not wanting to fall in under all the debris .. and unsure if they all can tie themselves to something secure ... Peza adds her voice .. " lets form some lines .... you in front pass stuff back to those behind you .... this way we won't all be in danger of possibly falling in ... to what ever is under there "
Lining up behind her friend " pass me stuff Harvest "
"Bralin ... you have a special bond with stone don't you ??... what can you tell us about it and whats under it ??" she asks of the stonesinger
Bralin the Stonesinger(AC 22, 37 hp) Wednesday September 19th, 2012 8:48:45 PM
Bralin needs to see the stone. All this debris is impeding him. So, he starts clearing it away - although he does makes sure to start at the edge so as not to inadvertantly fall into a possible pit.
Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 35/35 (41/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal) d20+7=9 ; Wednesday September 19th, 2012 10:53:01 PM
Brom assists with the clearing of the brush. He ties himself off anywhere he can before begins clearing.
Perception DC9
Temp Dex (-3 dex): 11; AC 16
Co-DM SteveK (The Pyramid) d4=4 ; Thursday September 20th, 2012 9:18:36 AM
Arno takes one potion and is restored most of his agility. (Arno is restored 4 DEX)
Harvest, Barratore, and Brom use thier knowledge of the sea to tie themselves to one of the snake-carved pillars before digging in the well mulched and decayed vegetation that smells strongly of reptile. Many a wealthy merchant or idle noble have kept turtles or lizards or snakes in glass boxes as an enjoyment, but always had a lower servant have the job of cleaning the box. The WLAers soon discover 'why'. WHEW! THE SMELL!
Bralin and Peza and Third Brother also help, being more careful and keeping away from the center.
Lemick and Gerox keep on watch for any surprises. Each hero sliding into a role to help the team like a well-oiled clockwork device.
It takes about 15 minutes for the detrius to be fully cleared. The heroes are filthy, even the ones on watch flecked with bits and pieces carried by the wind. What has been revealed is a bed of gold and gems and a filthy but still unrusted chain shirt. There is also a 15' square slab with a large rusted iron ring in the center. The edges of the slab are easily seen, weathered and (in places) cracked.
............................
The WLAers gain 1000xp each Brom gets a Hero Point for standing and overcoming the Snake-Vulture The WLAers gain: 500 gp in twisted and bent gold objects 1,200gp in gemstones; pearls, coral, amythyst, and garnets Chainshirt ...........................
Arno d20=9 ; Thursday September 20th, 2012 9:51:53 AM
As soon as Arno sees the 15' square slab with a large rusted iron ring in the center, he carefully makes his way over to it and checks for any traps.
Perception 13 + 9 = 22 Checking for traps.
Harvest Moon (HP35/35; CMD 21 / AC18) - Al Thursday September 20th, 2012 12:51:34 PM
It is strange, the way in which one can become unaccustomed to certain things. Such smells as this were commonplace for life in the Contested Kingdoms. To dig within the refuse, sometimes even the droppings, of others for vital bits of food could sometimes mean the difference between life and death. And yet, after months of great plenty and the leisure of such things as bathing, such a stench as would not have given her pause before, now seems so repellant.
"We now carry the scent of the Snake Vulture." Harvest Moon stands at the edge of the square stone door or lid that seals the interior of the Pyramid. The dwarf Arno searches diligently about the surface and the edges. She is momentarily intrigued at what he might hope to find.
"Those who are accustomed to the Snake Vulture may mistake us from this scent. The enemies of the Snake Vulture may attack."
But before they discover whether there are those within the Pyramid might be friend or foe of the Snake Vulture, they must first lift the door. "Guidance for your strength," says Harvest Moon to Barratore Steelwind. "Guidance for your strength," says Harvest Moon to Brom. Each she touches, and with that touch comes a blessing.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Cast Guidance upon Barratore and Brom. Then on self. And Virtue too.
Barratore and Brom get +1 to STR to lift the slab.
Bralin the Stonesinger(AC 22, 37 hp) d20+2=9 ; d20=10 ; Thursday September 20th, 2012 8:29:33 PM
Bralin gives the slab a once-over, and the corner of his mouth curls up at Harvest's 'enemies' comment. "Tis unlikely it had many friends," he replies in jest.
The iron ring beckons. "Mayhap a rope so we all can pull," he notes, pulling off his backpack and fetching a silk rope from it. Then the dwarf does his best to tie it off on the ring.
[Perception 9 for noticing unusual stonework yada yada yada 10 for the rope tying, no idea what kind of check to make]
Peza d20+6=10 ; Thursday September 20th, 2012 9:30:25 PM
Peza nods at Bralin's idea ... she lines up behind him .... " we should get a stone or block of wood ... use it as a wedge first ... so we can peek under there .... no surprises when we lift it off "
perception check d20=6=10
Brom the Barbarian; AC: 18 (T 12, FF 16, Raged 16), CMD: 20 (22 Raged); HP: 35/35 (41/41 Raged); DR 1/- (2/- vs. non-lethal) d20+6=22 ; Friday September 21st, 2012 9:12:11 AM
"I got the tool for this." Brom takes a crowbar from off the side of his pack. "Thought this might come in handy." He jams the end of the crowbar into a good spot. "As long as it holds..."
Strength check DC22; includes Harvest's bonus. Brom can lift 1200lbs off the ground.
[OOC: are we leveling yet? Or waiting?]
Gerox Shale ac 13 hps 23/23 Friday September 21st, 2012 9:34:01 AM
( I am assuming I don't see anything magic? chainmail?)
Gerox says to the others, "I have detected magic and don't see anything so we should be good vs magical traps."
Gerox backs away from the burly members of the group to give them room to heave and keeps a watch out
(taking 10 on perception check so 16)
Arno d20=8 ; Friday September 21st, 2012 10:02:00 AM
"Allow me to double check on that trap bit. I have had some experience in locating, finding and disarming them," Arno says as he still looks at the 15' slab and rusted ring and being careful as if it was a snake that might come alive and bite him.
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