Journey To The Hive (DM Cayzle) Tuesday January 20th, 2015 9:37:09 AM
The Vanguard head off from Plateau City to the Monster preserve. You have a map and a mission: To evict the verminologist nesting at the border of the Preserve!
The magical road is in perfect shape despite its age. As you step on it, a magical compulsion to make no attacks locks in and covers you like a blanket of peace. The reason the road is safe from all perils is clear: No one can attack or be attacked by anyone on the road.
It takes a couple days to arrive, and the party spends the night at a peaceful inn, built inches from the road, and sharing in its aura of enforced peace.
On the second day, the magical road brings the party to the Monster Preserve. Where the road meets the Preserve, there is an entrance -- one of the few that allow passage into or out of the Reserve. There is a ranger station here, and the Chief Ranger, an elf, emerges to greet you.
"Hail, worthy heroes! Are you the group known as 'Vanguard'? I was told to expect you. I am Chief Ranger Curileg. Please, come and have lunch with us."
Curileg brings you into the station, and explains the problem. "This monstrologer has grown a huge tree exactly on the border, and by passing through a tunnel through the tree trunk, it is now possible to enter and exit the Preserve. What's worse, she has captured two rangers we sent to negotiate, and is holding them hostage. That tree has to come down, and if possible, the rangers need to be rescued."
He invites your questions.
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Tuesday January 20th, 2015 5:47:29 PM
One more time Ariach doesn´t like what he hears. To destroy the tree is one thing, but fighting an enemy who has hostages is worse. "That sounds great" he says sarcastically. "If we fight the monstrologer while he has the hostages, he will kill them or blackmail us with doing it." With a look of entreaty to the magic users of his group he continues "I hope there are some magical ways and means which can bring us close to them unseen."
Evaris Tuesday January 20th, 2015 7:04:25 PM
Evaris listens, frowning, to the ranger's tale. "Has she issued any demands?" he asks. "And do you know where her entrance/exit is located? On the Preserve side, I mean?"
[OOC: Some of the Vanguard have been here before! It was part of their Final exam from Maplehurst. :) ]
Yeshua (Ken) AC 23 Truman AC 22 Joint hp pool 114/114 Tuesday January 20th, 2015 7:14:36 PM
Yeshua asks about the terrain around the tree, the specific stengths, abilities and weaknesses of the monstrologer himself and his cronies, details of the path that leads to the tree, rules of engagement, etc.
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 Tuesday January 20th, 2015 10:42:11 PM
Emrys shakes the hand of the Chief Ranger, "Yes, good to be back. A few of our present number, including myself, have been here before. You may remember the great ankheg infestation. I hope Ranger Quila has recovered well from her injuries. A most traumatizing encounter for someone so young."
After listening to everyone's comments about the Curileg's report, Emrys interjects, "Good point, Ariach. Hostages do complicate things. There should be a few things in our bag of tricks to discern the location of the hostages and get to the root of the problem, so to speak. If I recall, the ankheg's burrowed tunnels throughout this area of the Monster Preserve. Do any of these tunnels remain uncollapsed? They could provide valuable cover from prying eyes." Emrys awaits to hear the answer to Evaris' question. Maybe they could possibly scry the location and gain a lay of the land from their present location.
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 Tuesday January 20th, 2015 10:52:54 PM
"We understand that this monstrologer has an infinity for vermin. Do you possess any members of the hive, alive or dead? Such a specimen could prove valuable."
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 Tuesday January 20th, 2015 10:53:58 PM
(ooc: blah, that's affinity ... not infinity.)
Jeff L Zero McHero. 76/76, AC 20 (T10, FF 20) Wednesday January 21st, 2015 12:25:20 AM
Zero McHero took a big bite of food and spoke with his mouth open.
"How do ya know they're hostages? Did you get a note or somethin? If so, could we see it?"
Grell , 87/87, AC21/14/18 Wednesday January 21st, 2015 6:13:40 AM
Grell grunts in between bites of food. "You think you can describe these hostages to us? Might be important once we find them."
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Wednesday January 21st, 2015 5:32:52 PM
check
Yeshua (Ken) AC 23 Truman AC 22 Joint hp pool 114/114 Wednesday January 21st, 2015 9:07:42 PM
Yeshua continues asking questions about their foes, including capabilities, likely tactics and offensive and defensive options, etc...
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 Wednesday January 21st, 2015 10:11:49 PM
"Oh myy!" he says after spotting an umber hulk's hand nailed to the wall.
Evaris Wednesday January 21st, 2015 10:24:32 PM
"I've prepared a couple of spells I hope will be effective against swarms," Evaris says.
Journey To The Hive (DM Cayzle) Wednesday January 21st, 2015 11:59:02 PM
Ariach expresses reservations about fighting an enemy who holds hostages. Emrys asks about hidden ways to get into the lair. Zero asks how they know there are hostages. Grell asks for descriptions.
Chief Ranger Curileg listens to the talk about the hostages, and his face is grim.
"Maybe the hostages are already dead. Maybe they will be slain as you attack. Or they may die trying to escape. That is the risk of the job, and if they come to Gargul, it will be with honor, and the Lord of Death will take them home. Their first job is to deal the breach in the Preserve, and that is your job too. Rescue them if you can, but all rangers guarding the Preserve are ready to lay down their lives."
He explains that the hive is about 15 miles away from this station, across country, not near the road. If you push on right now, you can get there before midnight. Or you are welcome to stay the night and leave in the morning. The walk would be off the Safe Road, of course, so beware.
He mentions that Quila, the ranger that Grell, Ariach, and Emrys met before, will be back this evening. One of the two hostages is Crumorn, a half-orc you once met as well.
It seems that some enchantment had hidden the breeching tree until the monster invasion a couple months ago. "Crumorn and a druid named Symon were attacked by invisible bees, with a paralytic poison. Symon's animal companion flew away and returned to us with this news. Since then, we got a message, delivered by some large insect, we think, that explained that the two of them would only be safe so long as the hive was not attacked. The companion confirms that Symon at least is still alive."
There are no ankhegs in the area. The rangers have spied on the hive, and they have confirmed that there are giant ants and bees in the vicinity.
The breech itself is a huge tree grown astride the border. There is a tunnel bored through the trunk. The breech allows passage through the tunnel into and out of the Preserve freely.
Yeshua asks about the terrain around the tree, the specific stengths, abilities and weaknesses of the monstrologer himself and his cronies, details of the path that leads to the tree, rules of engagement, etc.
Within the Preserve is it heavily forested. Outside, it is plains and scrub with a few plants. A large hedge has been grown, likely with Plant Growth spells, around the breech like a wall with no door or gate. Curileg believes that bees carry agents over the hedge as needed. There are no rules, and the party is free to use force as needed. Of course, please inflict as little damage to the Preserve as possible.
He has no dead bugs to study.
He asks if you want to press on immediately or stay the night.
Yeshua (Ken) AC 23 Truman AC 22 Joint hp pool 114/114 Thursday January 22nd, 2015 3:34:05 PM
Yeshua is curious about the paralytic the bees and/or ants use, including its strength, effects and possible antidotes or ways of vaccinating against it.
His preference is to stay the night and start out fresh in the morn.
Evaris Thursday January 22nd, 2015 4:15:38 PM
"For myself," Evaris says, "I would welcome your hospitality tonight, and a fresh start tomorrow. It will also give us time to discuss strategy. If my companions are amenable, that is."
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Thursday January 22nd, 2015 6:32:41 PM
"Sounds good to me" says Ariach. "I hate fighting at night."
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 d100=19 ; d100=97 ; d100=86 ; d100=47 ; d100=56 ; Thursday January 22nd, 2015 11:24:27 PM
"I remember Crumorn. I find it deeply troubling that he was captured" After a short pause, Emrys continues, "If I may be so bold, would you be in possession of one of his belongings? I could try and scry his location. Anything of his will help with the connection. The more personal the better, such as a tooth or lock of hair."
IF Chief Ranger Curileg does happen to provide a possession that belongs to Crumorn, Emrys will use it in his scrying spell. First he will attempt to summon a small cauldron with his Witch's Tool spell (leyline check: 19). However it fails to fully materialize, then cracks and fizzles into nothingness. Emrys is clearly embarrassed and gives an excuse ... "The magiks are very wild here." He then tries again (leyline check: 97, free cast!) and the cauldron appears very quickly with a snap of his fingers. "That's more like it!" Even tiny runes appear to faintly glow around the rim this time. Emrys smiles and looks to the others. "This casting will take a little time, so I advise you all to get comfortable."
After the cauldron is filled with water and seasoned with various ingredients (salts, herbs, an eye of newt and hair of gingrich), Emrys begins his incantation. As he chants the waters begin to swirl.
(Leyline: 86, woot ... free cast! Casting the Scrying spell; cast time 1 hour. Knowledge: Firsthand. Connection: depends on what Curileg provides. Will save: 21)
IF Emrys makes a connection, he will attempt to assess Crumorn's condition, how he is being held and where he appears to be located. He will also attempt to look and listen to everything around him. Emrys will also attempt to Detect Magic and possibly send a Message through the sensor ... 35% chance for success: 47% and 56%. (Does Emrys get multiple attempts to cast through the sensor?)
Journey To The Hive (DM Cayzle) Thursday January 22nd, 2015 11:25:32 PM
According to the Ranger, the invisible bees emit a zone of silence so you do not hear them coming. And they attack with uncanny accuracy. And the poison is fierce. [OOC: Poison: Fort save DC18 for 1d8 Dex initial and secondary.]
The party decides to stay the night.
Emrys uses Crumorn's pillow to scry him. You see the grizzled ranger in an underground cell, in manacles, guarded by giant ants. In fact, as a student of nature, Emrys sees that the underground cell is part of an underground ant colony. The only light comes from fire beetles. Crumorn is in tolerable shape -- somewhat beaten, but hale.
Your old acquaintence, Ranger Quila, returns to the lodge after completing her rounds. She greets you warmly. Aside from a few scars, she is none the worse. Thanks to Grell, Ariach, Emrys, and former members of the group.
In the morning, Quila offers to escort you to the vicinity of the tree. In this terrain, with a trained ranger who knows the area, it should take about 6 hours to get there. You'll arrive early-afternoon if you leave an a usual hour. How far out do you wish to stop, and what will you do when you get there?
Evaris Friday January 23rd, 2015 3:48:25 PM
Evaris doesn't see any need to rush to the site; whatever happens will likely happen quickly.
"I have little in the way of scouting ability," he says to the others as they travel. "It would be good to get as much information as we can on site. Does anyone have any suggestions?"
Yeshua (Ken) AC 23 Truman AC 22 Joint hp pool 114/114 Saturday January 24th, 2015 9:18:56 AM
Yeshua and truman are excellent scouts so that's no concern. However, they are concerned about the bees and ants, especially how many of the invisible poisonous variety are known to be near the tree. Their venom could wreak havoc in the team and they want to have some preventative measures in place...
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Sunday January 25th, 2015 5:21:02 PM
Ariach thanks Quila for her offer to escort the group to the tree. "At first we should free Crumorn. We will not leave him behind."
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 d20+18=29 ; d20+16=35 ; Sunday January 25th, 2015 11:34:27 PM
Emrys describes what he saw in his scrying, if the others were unable to see for themselves. Crumorn is alive and being held underground and guarded by giant ants and fire beetles.
The mystical and bewitching bard considers several possibilities for remaining unnoticed as they approach their target. "Quila, the Preserve is known for having a few shambling mounds, I assume. I have an idea to create the illusion of a shambler and those among us unable to disguise themselves could stand and walk within it. For those aware and within the canopy of the illusion, it will appear translucent. To those outside, will see only the shambler ... if they see it as a shambler at all; mistaking it for the natural flora of the forest.
(Survival: 29, Perception: 35)
Journey To The Hive (DM Cayzle) Monday January 26th, 2015 6:18:45 AM
Evaris asks for ideas, and his clever friend has one ... Emrys mentions a plan to approach in disguise. Quila is thoughtful. "If you approach the Hive from inside the Monster Preserve, that might work, because the Preserve is heavily forested there," she says. "If you approach from the outside, which is only lightly forested, you would have less cover, and of course, shamblers would be surprising to see outside the Preserve."
Will you approach from the inside of the Preserve or the outside?
Yeshua is concerned about the poison. Ranger Curileg offers the group vial each of antitoxin from the ranger station's stores. "It's good for about an hour, so if you drink it just before you go in, it will offer considerable protection."
"It seems a small offering of help," he says, "especially since you are so set on rescuing my people." He bows to Ariach.
Evaris Monday January 26th, 2015 2:35:33 PM
Evaris accepts his vial of antitoxin.
"I like your idea, friend Emrys," he says. "We shall approach from the Preserve side, and endeavor to act like shambling mounds. Or at least, endeavor not to give the disguise away."
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Monday January 26th, 2015 4:31:53 PM
"We don´t care if they are your people. It is our duty to free them" says Ariach in his tipical manner. He thanks Curileg for the vial and thinks Emry´s plan will work.
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 d100=43 ; Monday January 26th, 2015 11:58:18 PM
Emrys crafts an illusion of a shambling mound against the ground (10'x10'), large enough for everyone to step into and he will concentrate on it and animate its movements as they travel through the forest.
(Leyline: 43. Casting Silent Image.)
Jeff L Zero McHero. 76/76, AC 20 (T10, FF 20) Tuesday January 27th, 2015 8:02:06 AM
OCC: Silent image has a range. It doesn't extend beyond that range, even when concentrating.
Zero will turn himself into a Shambling Mound as they approach.
Yeshua (Ken) AC 23 Truman AC 22 Joint hp pool 114/114 Tuesday January 27th, 2015 12:38:38 PM (OOC - Sorry for missing yesterday. Had sewer line backup in basement... Big mess... have to run home again today to get fixed with plumber...)
Yeshua appreciates the antitoxin and takes 2 vials, especially as it'll help him and his sibling resist the attacks of the flying insects.... The two like the wisdom of going as a shambling mound and join the others, taking the point position and scouting around them for threats, etc...
(DM - Can you give us stats on antitoxin so we can account for its affects, or is it just like that listed in equipment on Pfinder website?)
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Tuesday January 27th, 2015 4:16:37 PM
check
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 Tuesday January 27th, 2015 6:02:51 PM
(ooc: isn't that range from the caster? Doesn't that range move with the caster?)
Evaris Tuesday January 27th, 2015 10:16:25 PM
[OOC: I had always assumed the area moved with the caster unless the spell said otherwise, but that's really DM Cayzle's call.]
"And what should we do when we get there?" Evaris continues. "Send scouts, or everybody go at once?"
Jeff L Zero McHero. 76/76, AC 20 (T10, FF 20) Tuesday January 27th, 2015 10:17:44 PM
OOC: I wish it did. I have an illusionist in the Bonetown game. I did a lot of reading on the pathfinder boards on the topic. I was especially interested in setting up a whole bunch of programmed illusions in advance and have them all go off in combat. Sadly, it seems to be subject to the same range limitation. However, if a DM ruled otherwise I'd be very happy about it!
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 d100=7 ; d100=9 ; d100=4 ; Tuesday January 27th, 2015 11:25:52 PM
"Well," exclaims Emrys, "we should consider other forms of stealth as we approach if my illusion doesn't hold up. Zero, you should have no trouble with this ... in fact, you would make a right proper scout in beast form if you desire the challenge. However we may just need to stay well guarded as we approach. I can keep an eye open for invisible vermin flying about. I can weave an illusionary canopy of flora if I see any of these buggers approach."
Emrys attempts to cast the divination that will allow him to see invisible creatures but each one he attempts fails. "Peas and Carrots!! What madness is this!"
(Attempting to cast See Invisibility. (Leyline check: 7 fail. 9 fail! Hero point reroll: 4 FAIL!!!!! The dice roller is cursed!)
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Wednesday January 28th, 2015 8:38:38 AM
Ariach seems disappointed about Emry´s revealing that there is a chance his illusion will not hold up.
Journey To The Hive (DM Cayzle) Wednesday January 28th, 2015 4:48:41 PM
[OOC: Sorry to miss a day. The blizzard kicked me off the Wold!]
[OOC: The antitoxin is just like the core item. +5 alchemical bonus on poison saves for an hour, IIRC.]
[OOC: I'm well aware of the ambiguity of the rules on illusions ... do they move with the caster? For my games, I say yes! at least for THIS module ... but see below for other problems.]
Emrys intends to use a Shambling Mound illusion to hide the group.
Ariach and Evaris are eager to use the disguise. Grell is silent about it.
Yeshua and Truman offer to just be plain sneaky. That might work ... roll one or two stealth checks, you two, if that's what you are doing.
Zero will "hide" AS a shambler.
However, only four can hide under/within the illusionary shambler's 10x10 bulk (one person in each 5x5 square). And the group numbers 7 ... Grell, Emrys, Evaris, Ariach, Yeshua, Zero, and Truman. Zero can BE a second Shambler. Truman can be another monster -- but how likely is it that two shamblers would have a tiger friend? But that still leaves one humanoid uncovered by the illusion. So how is that going to work? Stealth? ALSO, four people do not make the sounds of one shambler. That's another flaw in the disguise, right?
If the group manages to find a solution to these issues -- extra person (plus Truman) needs coverage, plus the sounds problem -- then the group manages to get to the site undetected. If not, there is a chance of detection as the group arrives.
Comments? Solutions?
Yeshua (Ken) AC 23 Truman AC 22 Joint hp pool 114/114 d20+16=31 ; d20+16=32 ; d20+13=26 ; d20+13=14 ; d20+18=26 ; d20+18=24 ; d20+13=18 ; d20+13=20 ; Wednesday January 28th, 2015 5:36:16 PM
Yeahu and Truman are skilled hunters and trackers, and both volunteer to sneak in. Yeshua will use the low underbrush while Truman uses the trees and shrubbery to remain quiet and unobserved...
Yeshua perc rolls - 26, 24 Truman perc rolls - 18, 20
Evaris Wednesday January 28th, 2015 8:18:19 PM
If Evaris is to have any hope of advancing without being seen, he'll need to be inside the illusion. He is not especially sneaky, but he does his best to move quietly.
[If possible, Evaris would like to take 10 on his Stealth check for a net result of 10.]
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 see invisibility d100=12 ; d100=23 ; d20+16=33 ; Wednesday January 28th, 2015 11:29:53 PM
With Zero, Yeshua and Truman relying on their own talents, this leaves the other four to take a position under the illusion. However before casting the illusion (if allowed to backtrack), Emrys will attempt to cast his divination one more time.
(Leyline check: 12, FAILLLL!!!!! WHAT IS UP WITH THE DIE ROLLER???!!! FIVE ROLLS IN A ROW UNDER 20%!!!! Emrys will attempt again using a 3rd level spell slot, Leyline check: 23, pass ... barely!!!! HAD TO USE FOUR SPELL SLOTS AND A HERO POINT TO CAST A SINGLE 2ND LEVEL SPELL!! ABSOLUTELY INSANE!! Casting See Invisibility. Lasts 70 minutes.)
A very beguilingly furious Emrys takes his place under the conjured shambling. He takes no other action other than to concentrating on the illusion and move through the forest. He keeps an eye on the skies for any unseen vermin.
(Perception: 33)
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Thursday January 29th, 2015 2:29:36 AM
Ariach looks at Emrys and doesn´t understand why the bard is in a bad mood. But now it is not the right time to discuss other problems than freeing the rangers. The warrior steps next to his friend and does what he is told to do.
Evaris Thursday January 29th, 2015 11:03:02 PM
Evaris watches Emrys a little anxiously. He does have a Calm Emotions prepared, but he hopes he doesn't need to cast it on a companion.
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 see invisibility Thursday January 29th, 2015 11:24:24 PM
If only he had his mirror ... he could then behold his exquisite grace and loveliness. That always made everything better.
Journey To The Hive (DM Cayzle) d20+10=19 ; d20+10=27 ; d8=2 ; Friday January 30th, 2015 10:40:20 PM
OOC: Sorry to have missed a post. Lost Internet and got snowed in!
Emrys sees two silently flying giant bees as the party approaches. They ignore the shamblers ... but do they see Yeshua and Truman? They have Perception +10, and they roll a 19 and a 27. They fail to detect Yeshua, but one sees Truman! What will it do, having spotted a tiger, of which some are known to dwell in the Monster Preserve? The DM rolls a random d8 to determine the result --- a 2! --- and the bee ignores the tiger. That's not what it is looking for!
The party approaches the hive-tree. It looks like this: Base Hive Map. (Note: A Ariach; M Emrys; V Evaris; T Truman; Y Yeshua, G Grell; Zs Zero --- and F = Forest)
Yeshua (Ken) AC 23 Truman AC 22 Joint hp pool 114/114 d20+18=29 ; d20+18=31 ; d20+13=29 ; d20+16=32 ; d20+13=14 ; Saturday January 31st, 2015 9:37:08 AM
Truman lets out his held breath, as it seems their deception worked well and the bee didn't attack the friendly tiger...
(Good call DM, as that is what I hoped would happen with the bee, overlooking a tiger in its habitat...)
The two continue approaching, moving silently through the underbrush... They stop at the edge of the forest, remaining in cover and hidden from above... They wait to see what the group wants to do next, knowing the empty area between them and the hedge is exposed... Also, they suggest the group find a way into the vale without going through the gate...
Stealth Y 32 Stealth T 14 Perc Y 29 (ignore 2nd roll, hit twice) Perc T 29
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Saturday January 31st, 2015 4:21:46 PM
While the group approaches Ariach feels more than just a little bit uncomfortable. He doesn´t trust magic completely and fears they will be detected every second. But nothing happens and they really make it close to the gates. Ariach would like to enter through one gate but he knows that his friends prefer stealthiness.
Evaris Sunday February 1st, 2015 11:35:58 AM
"Let's head toward the gate," Evaris whispers. "Unless somebody has something to get us through the hedge?"
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 see invisibility Sunday February 1st, 2015 11:35:14 PM
Whispering back to Evaris, Emrys says, "Yes, but let's wait for the bees to pass." Once the invisible bees have passed by and traveled a good distance away, he will move the shambling in that direction.
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 see invisibility Monday February 2nd, 2015 2:16:56 PM
just to clarify, Emrys is moving the shambling toward the gate in a lazily fashion, not a direct "bee line" sort of way. :)
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Monday February 2nd, 2015 5:40:07 PM
check
Journey To The Hive (DM Cayzle) Monday February 2nd, 2015 6:15:49 PM
The Vanguard creeps closer. Just inside the gate, you see a giant slug standing guard. Well, lying guard. Puddling guard. Whatever it is doing there, it will make it harder to just walk through the archway in the hedge.
You are within the trees still, and so there is no danger of discovery. But if any creature gets close to the illusion, they might see a leg poke out at the wrong time, or hear a footstep or a clank of armor. So watch out!
Ariach is nervous about it, for sure!
Yeshua seems confident in his sneakery. He sees that there is a big hole in the tree, 100 ft up, and that bees go in and out of it. Many are big, like the size of your hand, and one or two are giant, five footers, the size of the invisible patrolling bees.
Evaris wonders if there is amny way through the hedge, rather that through the gate. The slug-blocked gate.
Emrys notes that the invisible guard bees are not close, but they do not seem to stray all that far from the tree either.
Yeshua (Ken) AC 23 Truman AC 22 Joint hp pool 114/114 Monday February 2nd, 2015 8:43:17 PM
Yeshua is at a loss at how to get in without a fight.... The gate is guarded and the bees can fly while the group can't... Unless someone has magic or a way to get thru the hedge unobserved, they may have to sneak close to the slug and then sneak attack...
Evaris Monday February 2nd, 2015 10:35:50 PM
"That looks like a battle," Evaris whispers, eyeing the slug. "I can create water, but alas, I cannot create a huge bucket of salt. That would be really handy right now...."
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 see invisibility d20+14=28 ; Monday February 2nd, 2015 11:29:30 PM
(Knowledge [Nature]: 28)
"Truly, I have eight pounds of salt in my haversack," ... "excellent idea, Evaris," he says in a hushed whisper. "I had a premonition that salt would be important on this trip!"
(ooc: lol, 8 pounds of salt was a LnB lottery prize!!)
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Tuesday February 3rd, 2015 5:45:25 PM
Ariach has no idea why his friends are talking about salt right now. Is it possible to harm a giant slug with salt, Ariach wonders himself. "If you need a distraction to shower the slug with salt, i am ready to attack it" he whispers one more time scared the magic of the illusion will break every second.
Journey To The Hive (DM Cayzle) Tuesday February 3rd, 2015 6:13:46 PM
Evaris has the great idea of using salt on the monster, and Emrys happens to have some! A lot, in fact. And it is a known poison to slugs ...
Those with nature skill can reassure Ariach about the substance's efficacy. But how will you deliver such a load onto the beast?
Meanwhile, Yeshua deduces that the hedge was magically grown, for example with a plant growth spell or such magic. You could hack through?
[OOC: No need for a new map!]
Yeshua (Ken) AC 23 Truman AC 22 Joint hp pool 114/114 Tuesday February 3rd, 2015 9:45:32 PM
Yeshua suggests that they could try hacking through, but on the other hand, the salt might be the best thing to use vs. the slug, especially if they could launch a sneak attack... If they could kill it before the bees arrive, they might be able to get past it with little damage...
Evaris Tuesday February 3rd, 2015 10:37:21 PM
"Well," Evaris whispers, "other than 'get as close as we can and then everybody dump salt on it,' I don't really have a plan. Anybody else?"
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Wednesday February 4th, 2015 8:38:28 AM
Ariach is thankful about the clear words of Evaris. The words encourage Ariach that they have to attack the slug. "I am ready!"
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 see invisibility Wednesday February 4th, 2015 2:12:45 PM
(Ooc: sorry, I passed out early last night.)
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 see invisibility d20+16=26 ; Wednesday February 4th, 2015 7:57:22 PM
"I will do what I can, but I must concentrate on the illusion until that moment we strike," he says whispering. "If someone could dump our salt mixture from above, that would produce the most optimal results."
(Perception: 26)
Journey To The Hive (DM Cayzle) Wednesday February 4th, 2015 10:33:24 PM
The party continues a whispered discussion of how to launch the attack. You figure you can throw a handful of salt as a ranged touch attack with a 10 ft range increment. A handful weighs half a pound --- and so you have 16 handfuls.
Can anyone come up with an idea on how to dump the whole thing on the beast? That's what Emrys wants to know!
Yeshua (Ken) AC 23 Truman AC 22 Joint hp pool 114/114 Thursday February 5th, 2015 9:13:53 AM
Yeshua and William ponder the idea and murmur that if one of the group could fly, he/she could drop it on top of the slug... Yeshua and Truman could try to distract it and while it's busy with them, the flier could drop salt on it
Evaris Thursday February 5th, 2015 2:05:17 PM
"Flight would be good," Evaris agrees. "I didn't prepare any of those spells today, but perhaps Zero could be persuaded to change into something with wings."
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Thursday February 5th, 2015 7:02:24 PM
Zero is also in Ariach´s mind. He has seen Zero before flying through the air. So there should be a good chance that Zero could dump the slug from above.
CDM Jerry Thursday February 5th, 2015 7:16:46 PM
Jeff, I have sent you an email sir. Please read and respond.
[You may delete this Jeff, now that you have seen it.]
Journey To The Hive (DM Cayzle) Friday February 6th, 2015 6:25:14 AM
OOC: For now, my friends, let us assume that Zero and Grell are off scouting and are not available for the fight. Kathy, Stephen, Joe, and Ken, if you prefer to wait and see if either are returning, that's okay, but it may mean further delay of game. Or go ahead and go for it, you four -- I've modified the encounter for a 1/3 reduction in raw power with those two out. If either/both appear, they can join in!
If you wish to start the melee, please give your positions and actions. You can take a surprise round --- but note that you must start in any the forest. Note that since a surprise round consists of only a single standard action, you may need to use it to move to the attack.
Note that a handful of salt will inflict 1d6 damage with a successful ranged touch attack on the slug. You cannot effectively throw more than that just using your hands.
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Friday February 6th, 2015 2:41:50 PM
"Maybe it is possible to decoy the slug out close to a tree. There we can use my shield to throw more salt on the slug from above" proposes Ariach.
Evaris Friday February 6th, 2015 5:00:10 PM
"I don't like the odds of that, Friend Ariach," Evaris says. "Likely the slug has been given instructions to stay inside the perimeter. I think we should move up and make the best of it."
Yeshua (Ken) AC 23 Truman AC 22 Joint hp pool 114/114 d20+10=15 ; d20+4=6 ; Friday February 6th, 2015 8:47:59 PM
The deadly duo agree with Evaris and consider what they know about slugs... Know Nature (Y 15, T 6)...
"Brother Evaris, from what we remember, they like to use acid against attackers... Could you cast Resist Energy on one or both of us? Since we'll be engaging it in melee, we need the protection..." While Evaris is doing that, Yeshua will cast Magic Fang on both of them, boosting their attacks...
If that's done, their plan is to move out quickly (surprise round) into flanking positions around the slug to attack the next round...
Journey To The Hive (DM Cayzle) Saturday February 7th, 2015 12:16:10 AM
Friends, please set your location on the map and then give your surpriase round action.
Not sure how you can flank the beast since it is blocking the gate. Like I said yesterday, I need [b]Positions and actions!!!
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 see invisibility d100=56 ; Sunday February 8th, 2015 11:35:49 PM
"Where is Grell?" He thinks, 'did he see a squirrel and wander off?' "I will move the illusion where we can best surprise." Emrys moves the party under the shambler to a location against the wall and next to the door (Q7, Q8 & R7, R8).
"He then whispers, "Then I will enlarge everyone to giant size. We'll have greater reach, strength and be too big and heavy for the bees to carry off. Do we agree with that tactic?"
(IF anyone agrees, he will cast Mass Enlarge Person on everyone. Leyline: 56. Casting Mass Enlarge Person on everyone.)
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Monday February 9th, 2015 7:04:52 AM
Ariach knows that the Vanguards will miss the brutal offensive power of their best fighter Grell. And Ariach will miss his friend as well but no time for complaining,he agrees with Emrys´s proposed tactic. He asks for some salt and makes himself ready for the charge.
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