Draymun's warhammer crashes in among the rats and the rest scatter in fear.
You lose 4 days worth of rations and two of your tents are destroyed. Your other gear looks to be intact.
20 feet away from Twiggy's position, two shapes appear out of the ground. They're hard to see in the dim light thrown by Shade's lantern, but they are large and the light plays across a shiny carapace of some sort.
(Twiggy's initiative vs. the new creature's: 9+2 vs. 13+0)
They scuttle forward into the light:
(Attack against Twiggy: Natural 20, confirmation roll: 12+5 = 17 which is a hit. 3+3+2+4+8 = 20 points of damage as well as 1 point of acid damage. I believe that's enough to knock Twiggy out.)
Twiggy slides, unconscious, from his horse and the horses he had gathered up scatter in fear, bolting as far as they can in every direction.
(Attack against Shade: 8+5 = 13 which is a hit. 6+6+4 = 16 damage and Shade is grabbed)
Shade is grappled and his lantern is in danger of being flung from his hands, but he manages to hold on to it for this round. (Successful Reflex save.)
It is the party's turn.
Tom yells, "Attack the one on Shade, before he hurts him more!"
ReplyDeleteTom drops his warhammer, draws his longbow and fires at the bug attacking Shade.
((Attack: 16+6+1=23 Damage: 7+1=8))
((My view on my actions, drop hammer=free, stand=Move, draw while move due to BAB, attack=standard. I assumed that we didn't have a round of no-combat, correct and that Twiggy's song ends when he's creamed by the bug. Also, Sam, this is the second character your rolls have beat down on their first combat, meanie...;) ))
Tom stands while dropping his warhammer and drawing his longbow.
DeleteYour play looks good. The arrow hits and the creature hisses in rage.
DeleteTurning to see a new threat emerge from the darkness, Thor watched in horror as the bugs attacked Shade and Twiggy. In his furious frustration, he let out a blood curdling scream, as if all the rage and hate from all of time had welled up inside his throat and been thrust forth like a blade into the darkness. Turning toward the creatures, Thor moved across the camp ground and launched a vicious attack at the creature that had latched onto Shade.
ReplyDelete((Power Attack: -1 attack roll, +2 damage rolls
((Reckless Abandon: -1 AC, + 1 attack rolls
((Attack Roll: 1d20 + 7(hit) + 1(mgc wep) = 19 + 7 + 1 = 27 [[Martial Greatsword 19-20/x2]]
((Confirm Roll: 1d20 + 7(hit) + 1(mgc wep) = 15 + 7 + 1 = 23
((Dmg Roll: 2d6 + [4*1.5](str) + 1(mgc wep) + 2(Power Attack) = 6 + 5 + 6 + 1 + 2 = 20
((Crit Dmg: Dmg Roll x 2 = 20 * 2 = 40
((Penalty: -1 AC for 1 round due to reckless abandon
((Today's Rage Rounds Used: 4 of 16
The monster falls to the ground with a shudder and black blood seeps from it's wounds.
DeleteRayla reaches across to the slumped form of Shade. while speaking her prayer of healing she tenderly touches his wounds.
ReplyDelete((1d8+2=3+2=5))
Kumo guides Draymun around to the remaining bug's flank, allowing a clear shot at the beast's backside.
ReplyDelete(( Attack (Warhammer) 1d20+3: 16 + 3 + 2 (Flanking) = 21 ))
(( Damage (Warhammer) 1d8+3: 8 + 3 = 11 ))
That's a hit, your hammer lands with a sickening crunch.
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ReplyDeleteShade summons what little courage and fire is in his heart and kicks Darkness into a gallop, charging at the Ankheg and bellowing a challenge as he levels his rapier.
ReplyDelete((15 Roll + 1 Str + 1 BAB = 17 to hit, 1d6+1 dmg = 2 + 1 = 3.))
You hit, the rapier slides between two chitinous plates and pierces the monster.
Delete(ROUND 5)
ReplyDeleteThe bug wins initiative with a natural 20.
It will bite Thorvald.
(To hit: 15+5 = 20 vs AC 14. 5+1+4 = 10 damage plus 1 acid.)
It is cornered and feels aggressive so it takes advantage of a 5-foot step and releases a 30 foot stream of acid at Twiggy, Thorvald, Shade and Rayla as well as Shade and Rayla's mounts.
Saves:
Twiggy automatically fails as he is unconscious. I'll need a d20 roll for your Death Save.
Thorvald: 20+2=22, 3 points of damage
Shade: 10+1 = 11, 7 points of damage
Rayla: 18+1 = 19, 3 points of damage
Shade's mount: 12+5 = 17, 3 points of damage
Rayla's mount: 7+5 = 12, 7 points of damage
Your mounts are in an absolute panic, they will attempt to bolt on your turn. You can either try to stay mounted and make a Reflex save to stay mounted and go with them or you can dismount and land on the ground. Either one will take up a move action.
It's the party's turn.
((d20+ dex= 12+1=13))
Delete((I will dismount where I am and allow Darkness to run free for now.))
Delete((Death Save: 9, Death Table Roll: 14))
DeleteTwiggy regained consciousness in a haze. He'd been dreaming of the Loft... of dangling from the branches, like he used to do for fun when he was an elfling... but this time was different. The branch he clung to, which had been part of his Home Tree for his entire childhood, this dream-branch writhed and swelled until it had taken on a lumpy, dark, sinister shape and reached out one wicked claw... and scratched him crown to toe, severing him from the tree... wheeling, he fell and fell and fell... landing with a gasp among a pile of writhing rats.
Coming to, he realized that the fall and the betrayal of the branch had been a terrifying dream. Fighting off his blurry vision, it took all of his strength for Twiggy to roll onto his back. He saw the Ankheg looming over him. In a flash, he remembered being struck down from behind during the rat fight. He knew it was this nasty bug that had nearly killed him.
In all of Twiggy's travels since leaving the Loft, he'd kept his optimism and light mood. He'd fought battles against demons of all sorts, always keeping the right balance of courage and enthusiasm to rally his mates. But this... this was too much. A vicious unprovoked attack from behind, all but killing him. The ravaging of his friends. The horses, scattered -- supplies ravaged. It was too much... and something inside Twiggy snapped... it was a sickening jolt that lit his brain on fire and made him retch. He felt a rage grow inside him as he looked at the towering insect.
Twiggy was still much too weak to strike or even move away from the Ankheg. But through his pain and rage, he howled. To most ears what he said was incoherent, lost inside his agony and seething anger. But the trees heard. The trees heard and shivered... they carried his message along their leaves back even to the Loft:
"FROM HELL'S HEART I STAB AT THEE; FOR HATE'S SAKE I SPIT MY LAST BREATH AT THEE."
Tom moves north to get a clear shot. ((move diagonal once, move north 3))
ReplyDeleteOnce he has a clear shot he fires an arrow at the bug attacking his friends. He follows that arrow with another one. ((Rapid Shot))
((Attack 1: 20+6-2=24 Confirming: 9+6-2=13 Damage(assuming crit confirms, not sure) 1+5+4=10))
((Attack 2: 5+6-2=9 Damage (if hits): 2))
((gah low damage rolls...))
The critical doesn't confirm.
Delete(What's your total damage?)
((Rolls are in order, so it looks like 1 on the first hit and if the second hits, which I doubt, 2. Yayy 1 point of damage!))
DeleteGaining control of the terrified mule, Rayla fires her crossbow at the Ankheg.
ReplyDelete((d20-4 to hit =4-4=0))
Harken swoops down from above its caw the only indication of the pain it will bring.
ReplyDeleteHarken swoops down and attacks the Ankheg, dealing 1 point of damage.
DeleteHis tattered robes are singed by acid and his cowl falls back to reveal a face scarred and ugly, framed by jet black shaggy hair and an unkempt beard. "I have had about enough of this! This ends here! No more friends will fall this day! Thus far, no farther! Thorvald show this insect what vengeance truly is." Working his hands through a series of motions, a power begins to build and hum in the air... Crackles of pure elderitch power leap forth from the wellspring of his inner strength and begin to warp the fiery haired barbarian into a visage of something truly titanic in proportion.
ReplyDeleteThorvald watched as the world around him shrunk to smaller proportions, a disconcerting but familiar sensation. In one moment of lucid thought, Thor remembered that he'd left Shade behind him and the crafty wizard had cooked up another of his arcane mysteries for Thor to bludgeon things with. Grinning, Thor leapt into action. Stepping around a rejuvenated Twiggy, he planted his feet and swung Thunor's Vengeance at the hideous bug.
ReplyDelete((Enlarge Person: +2 Str, a -2 Dex, -1 Attack rolls, -1 AC
((Power Attack: -1 attack roll, +2 damage rolls
((Reckless Abandon: -1 AC, + 1 attack rolls
((Attack Roll: 1d20 + 7(hit) + 1(mgc wep) - 1(Enlarge) = 7 + 7 + 1 - 1 = 14
((Dmg Roll: 2d6 + [6*1.5](str) + 1(mgc wep) + 2(Power Attack) = 6 + 3 + 9 + 1 + 2 = 21
((Penalty: -2 AC for 1 round due to reckless abandon & enlarge
((Today's Rage Rounds Used: 5 of 16
Thorvald swings with abandon and his attack goes wide, missing the beast.
DeleteDraymu urges Kumo forward and swings his warhammer at the back of the creature but it bounces harmlessly off the Ankheg's thick carapace.
ReplyDelete(To hit: 3+4+2 = 9)
(ROUND 6)
ReplyDeleteSince Thor is directly engaged with the creature, I'll take his initiative.
(Thorvald's initiative vs. Ankheg: 2+2 = 4 vs. 19+0 = 19)
The Ankheg clicks it's mandibles with fear and frustration and makes an attempt to grab Thorvald.
(To hit: 8+5=13 vs. 13)
The Ankheg bites Thorvald for 14 points of damage. and has him in it's pincers and swivels it's body toward the hole it came from. (5 ft step.)
(You aren't grappled, you're just in it's pincers. It's at -20 to maintain the grapple: http://www.d20pfsrd.com/bestiary/rules-for-monsters/universal-monster-rules#TOC-Grab-Ex-)
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DeleteRayla moves her mule into position and whispering sends her healing waves in the direction of her friends.
ReplyDelete((concentration check = d20+caster level +charisma modifier= 7+2+1
channel positive energy 1d6=3))
The jarring motion of your mount makes you lose your concentration for a moment and the spell fizzles out.
DeleteSeeing the big red guy getting carried away Shade knows what must be done. He channels his life force into the ring, prying back the arcane power to recast his spell. Rushing past Twiggy his eyes briefly connect with the elf, letting the bard know this may be his last act without words. The arcane words spill forth from him unbidden and with all the requisite haste and a burst of colourful light shines forth to spray the bug.
ReplyDelete((Shade moves in front of Twiggy, sacrifices 1d6 hp per spell level to recall Color Spray, 2 hp loss, remember Color spray should be functioning at caster level 2 now if that helps overcome his resistances))
(Ankheg Will Save: 19+2 = 21)
DeleteScintillating colors shoot out everywhere but the Ankheg shakes off the effects and continues worrying at Thorvald like a dog with a bone.
((If Shade can he will take a 5 ft step back))
DeleteTwiggy becomes even more enraged when the Ankheg grabs Thorvald. He leaps back out of the creature’s reach and pulls out a pot of butter from his nap sack. He scoops out a handful of the goo and hurls it at Thorvald, aiming for the region around his waist where he’s being held by the insect.
ReplyDelete“Grease is the word, you… you… JERK!”
((Twiggy moves directly back one square. I updated the map.))
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DeleteOff balanced from his missed attack, Thor reeled as the strange insect bit him fiercely and snatched him up in its pincers. It twisted away as though it were planning to drag him off into some dark hole in the ground, and Thor was overcome with memories of his encounter with the Leech Queen. Her vicious grasp had sapped his strength and kept him from breaking free, but he would not allow that to happen again. Not this time.
ReplyDeleteCrouching as though he were a cannon ball, Thor erupted in a mighty surge of exploding limbs.
"By Thunor's Fist," he shouted in a rage, "release me foul creature! You have awakened the vengeance, and by the gods we will strike you down as sure as the thunder follows the lightning!"
((Enlarge Person: +2 Str, a -2 Dex, -1 Attack rolls, -1 AC
((CMB: BAB + STR + Size = 2 + 5 + 1 = 8
((Break grapple: 1d20 + CMB + Grease bonus? = 16 + 8 + ? = 24 + ?
((If successful, Thor will take a five foot step away from the Ankheg and toward the party, meaning that if it wants a meal, it'll have to come back for more!))
Thorvald breaks the grip of the Ankheg easily.
DeleteTom moves around the bug a bit more to keep Thor out of his line of fire. He then fires two arrows very quickly.
ReplyDelete((Arrow 1: Attack 14+6-2=18 Damage:3+1=4))
((Arrow 2(Rapid Shot): Attack: 14+6-2=18 Damage:6+1=7))
((Not sure what the chances are for rolling two 14s in a row, but that online dice roller did it...))
((The odds are 1/400 against.))
Delete((Reference here: http://1d4chan.org/wiki/Probability))
Watching his barbarian compatriot wriggle free from the creature's mandibles, Draymun quickly directs Kumo to Thor's side. With a swift dismount he establishes a defensive flank around his wounded friend before placing a hand on his shoulder.
ReplyDeleteWith a small chant he begins to absorb and channel the natural aura of the local flora, attempting to close and regenerate any sounds that have been suffered.
((Action: Cure Light Wounds on Thor))
((Heal 1d8+2: 8+2= 10hp))
(ROUND 7)
ReplyDelete(Thorvald's initiative vs. Ankheg: 16+2 = 18 vs. 7+0 = 7)
It's the party's initiative. The Ankheg is seeping black bile from beneath several crushed plates of it's thorax. One of it's appendages hangs useless.
Tom fires another arrow into the bug.
ReplyDelete((Attack: 16+6+1=24 Damage: 8+1=9))
((I think i forgot to add Point Blank shot last time))
Tom's arrow hits the bug and it shudders and begins to sway. It reaches out for Thorvald again but it's arm goes far wide of the barbarian and it crashes to the ground with a thud.
DeleteXP for the party:
ReplyDelete3 rat swarms: 1800
2 Ankhegs: 1600
Total: 3400
Split 6 ways: 567 xp per person
Rayla rides forward on her mule and dismounts. Less frantic and hurried this time she focuses her healing powers and sends them out to the entire party.
ReplyDelete((Channel Positive Energy 1d6= 4))
Again she sends the soothing waves of healing to the entire party.
Delete((1d6=5))
Carefully touching Shades wounds she heals him yet again.
Delete((1d8+2=6+2=8))
Moving to Thor and Twiggy she heals them as well.
((1d8+2=4+2=6 for Thor. 1d8+2=4+2 for Twiggy.)
That done Rayla chooses a spot near the group, spreads out a blanket and sits down to begin her meditations for the day.
Shade surveys the carnage and then turns to Thorvald, "Next time you are carrying the bloody lantern!" Laughing at his own joke he then turns to Tom, we better get to rounding up those horses before they find themselves to be dinner for trolls. Oh and while we are at it, let's save some of this acid and chitin, it could come in handy."
ReplyDeleteThe horses are nowhere to be seen nor heard. Rayla says when Twiggy dropped the reins, the two she was holding were headed South, away from the beast. Shade's horse would be much closer, but you can't see him either. Tom can easily track them, but he needs a light and some time and that would carry risk. It's up to you guys.
DeleteThe acid gland is empty, he spit it out at you and it takes some time to refill.
Tom can recover as many as a dozen plates of chitin if you wish. They weigh 50 pounds each and are too big to fit even in a sack.
Working carefully, you can extract 4 vials of acid.
Delete(I base this on the damage the Ankheg's acid spit attack does, which is 4d4.)
Shade takes one of the flasks of acid and then begins to lash the plates of chitin to the remaining mounts. "If we are to wait for morning than we had best prepare to hit the road at first light. I shall study my spells and replenish my powers." With that Shade sits down where he is, nodding to thank Ray for her heals.
DeleteThe horses are weighed down quite heavily now and will move at a reduced speed. With riders they'll move at a greatly reduced speed.
Delete((Take your time finishing up any other business. When the party is ready, I'll start a new thread.))
ReplyDeleteFinishing her daily meditations, Rayla pulls together sticks and weeds and builds a small fire for coffee.
ReplyDeleteShade approaches Rayla and the others around the fire, the light of its crackling flames dancing small shadows across the pits of his bared scars. "I think it is time I was honest with you all, you have proven to be true friends, something I have never known. You have known me as Shade and seen me in one guise or another but these are but bits of a performance, a tale I spin to protect my secrets. My name, my true name, is among my most cherished of secrets. I have told Thor and Twiggy before that names have power and I did not want to share that power. My true name is Vailian, I am the second son of a court jester in a far off land. I play the fool because that is what I was trained to do. I have no depth of dark magic or powers unimaginable. All of my strength comes from those around me. I tell you this because I trust you and there may come a day when you must trust me too. There are those who look for me, who wish to find me, so I hide in crowds and try to remain mysterious.
DeleteWhen I saw Twiggy fall I felt... I felt loss. I have never imagined that I could care for anyone or anything but this is not true any longer. It is this care that moves me to speak of another observation...
I have seen the vengeance and rage play out in you all, the consumption of your hatred. When I lashed those plates to Twiggy's horse I could feel his hatred for them. You cannot let your hatred drive you, we need to strive for more than petty revenge and vengeance, we have been entrusted with a power that eclipses anything we are like to ever know. I call on you now, as Vailian the Unmasked, to commit yourselves to a higher purpose. We created this group with the intention of safeguarding the time compass and we have begun to see just how powerful it can be, Tom is witness to that. When we find our other friends and free them from fate we must seek out the knowledge that will allow us to guard our charge. While Thorvalds festivities were in full swing I received word of the White Fortress in far off Gayama. I have set my sights for that place and would like to ask you all to accompany me, not as men-at-arms of hired thugs craving vengeance and death, but as friends with a duty to discharge."
Vailian shifts uncomfortably in the sand, unsure of how his sharing will be received and worried for the first time in his life what others might think of him.
Draymun stands beside Kumo, gently stroking the beast's fur as Vailian spins his tale. Nodding politely as he takes it all in, he smiles as the speaking halts and the weight of words hangs in the air.
DeleteWaiting for a beat, he breaks the silence. "Vailian, eh? And here I thought Shade was a strange name!" He lets out a large, bellowing laugh as he approaches and slaps the jester on the back heartily. He grins to his fellows before sitting down beside his friend and taking on a more serious tone. "I joke, as I do, but your words do not go unheard. I agree that we few have lived, breathed, sweat, cried, rallied... and even died together" He catches himself eyeing Tom with a mix of sadness and joy in his eyes.
"Nonetheless, we stand here united and stronger for it!" He stands and holds up his warhammer high above his head in a salute. "I pledge myself and, should he have it, my companion Kumo to the bettering of our time and way of life. No longer shall we go forth in Vengeance, let us become Keepers of Time and Justicars of Fate. I stand with you all as a brother, until *my time* has come at last."
After Rayla’s healing spells, Twiggy is finally able to stand upright without wobbling. He walks over to her, bows, and gently raises her hand to his lips. “Thank you, kind lady. I am in your debt.”
DeleteAlthough sound in body, Twiggy feels far from sound in mind and very UNSOUND of heart. He moves toward the fire, looking at no one. As he stares into the firelight, he feels akin to the fire, his emotions pounding in his chest. “What has that infernal insect done to me? Its acid harmed more than my flesh & bone.” Where his inner core had always been light and charming, after the fight, Twiggy had felt a shift inside him… towards darkness. Although Twiggy knows the ankheg is dead, he longs to kill it again. And again and again.
Still staring into the fire, Twiggy listens to Shade’s speech. Now the wizard is claiming a new name. Or an old one, depending on your point of view. “He deceived us,” Twiggy thinks, “but still wants us to call him friend.” Twiggy does not make eye contact with Vailian. “How can I trust again? How can I be a bard if I cannot feel the brotherhood and connection I need to rally my friends? Maybe I am doomed. Maybe they should’ve let me die.” Then the firelight reminds Twiggy that Shade had stepped in front of him, with nothing more than his cloak to protect him, even into the jaws of the ankheg. Vailian had risked his life for Twiggy and Thor. “Well, at least Thor was worth saving,” thinks Twiggy.
Twiggy moves away from the fire to sit apart from the group at the edge of the flames’ light. Then the druid speaks and Twiggy listens. Draymun is unknown to him but Twiggy had to admit that leading off with a joke is a textbook charisma move. As an entertainer, Twiggy has to admire the dwarf’s tactic. The rest of the druid’s speech is rousing — it could’ve rivaled Twiggy’s own talents if it had been presented in song. “Or at least with rhyme,” thinks Twiggy. “Rookie mistake.”
And yet, Twiggy notices something strange when Draymun looks at Tom. Beneath the joviality, Twiggy thinks he sees a flash of pain. “Something dreadfully sad has passed between them,” thinks Twiggy, sympathetic in spite of his previous darkness. At the conclusion of the dwarf’s speech, the camaraderie of the group was palpable, even Twiggy admits.
Twiggy walks over to the druid and says, “You talk pretty. I like that. I have a proposition for you…”
Draymun gives a feigned worried look as the elf approaches and speaks. "I think your singing is pretty and all, Elf, but I'm not sure I drink enough for that..."
DeleteHe grins and offers a plot of land next to himself. "Come, join me and let's get to know one another. What'cha got in mind?"
Rayla refills coffee all around and then turns to face Shade. “I have not known you as long as some of the others, Shade…Vailian, but the man I know is true to his friends. You have fought beside us and you fought to save my sister. Your flight into Rawley Estate to help the people, your fight against Minx, your bravery against the rats and the ankheg all show you to be brave and true.” Looking to each one in turn, “ I joined this band because I had no friends and no place to go. I stay because you all have proven yourselves to be friends and comrades. I am with you wherever you choose to go. I am with you for life or for death. “
ReplyDelete"Vailian," Thor says, trying the name out for the first time as he broke his silence. "I will never care what your past was, although I can understand how that might hold power over a person. Thunor has given me a gravely important responsibility and that has meant that I have left behind a past that has created enemies as well. But you have far more power than you give yourself credit for, and you have proven yourself a true ally and a friend. I think its safe to speak for everyone here," Thor continues as he looks at each of his companions in turn, allowing his eyes to linger for a moment on Tom, "each and every one of us would give our lives for one another, and there is no greater power than that."
ReplyDelete"Vengeance," Thor continued, "has been our essence since we joined together. We have had a need to bring vengeance upon those who would harm our allies, despoil an ancient grove, or who preyed upon the weak and vulnerable. Vengeance has served us in the past, but it doesn't mean that it has to serve us in this past, in this future. Draymun has once again spoken true. I pledge my blade and my life to this purpose, as a Justicar of Fate!
"Once we have met our purpose here, I will gladly join you, Vailian, on your quest to the far off land of Gayama. We will seek out this White Fortress, and discover what secrets it hides.
"Twiggy," Thorvald said, interrupting the jesting between he and Draymun. "It seems you have a new struggle you'll need to deal with. If you ever need help with this struggle, I will always stand by your side." Nodding his support to his friend, Thor turned back to Tom.
"Well my friend, it appears as if we will need your unique skills to find our scattered horses. The sun will be dawning and the horses are loaded. At first light, we will need you to track them for us before we can carry on with our journey. I trust we can count on you as we have in the past. You have never let us down and we all know that we can count on you." Placing a hand on Tom's shoulder, Thor squeezed tightly as a sign of camaraderie, and smiled at his old friend. "It is good to have you back," Thor said, "Even if you insist on attacking me instead of our enemies. Ending with a hearty on slap on Tom's back, Thor burst into a raucous laughter.
Tom spends the rest of the night staring out into the night, taking care to not look into the fire as to save what little night vision he has.
ReplyDeleteHe listens to the words spoken, seeing his friends glance at him at times. When Thor speaks to him about the horses, Tom looks to him. After Thor is done talking, he nods.
After a few moments of thoughtful reflection, Tom speaks. "I know you are trying to keep from saying it, but I am not that dumb. I realize something must have happened to me and had I followed that eagle druid, I apparently wouldn't come back. I realized that right after I found you again. I feel bad that I allowed our horses to run off. From now on, not only will we picket the horses, but we will hobble them as well. Once the dawn breaks, I'll start looking for tracks and hopefully we can find them, but they've been through a lot the last few days. Plus, this is not the most hospitable of areas. The soft sand and the breeze we have is probably going to make it even harder to track. I just want you all to be aware, we might not find these horses."
Tom pauses to allow his words to sink in. "We need to load the remaining mounts very carefully and take our time and plenty of rest to keep them healthy. I suggest we pack all our supplies on the mounts and each of us carry our saddles, if possible. We should also try to pack as much stuff as we can carry in our packs, I know that will slow us down and keep us from moving as far, but we can't lose these mounts. As we camp, I'll try to field prepare those chitin, it should eventually remove some of the weight, but it's going to take me several days."