September 5, in the year 670 by Kingdom reckoning. Afternoon
You are relieved as you watch the Hive Queen fall and release her grip on Thorvald. You have to quickly shush Kring before he bellows his triumphant war cry. Remember, there had to be something upstairs to throw the corpse you saw drop.
It takes little time to push the bodies into the green goo and they float for but a moment before sinking below the surface with a gurgle.
The party debates quietly for a moment and then a decision is made.
What will you do?
"I think it's best if we decide quickly. We don't know who else, or whatelse is around. We are in need of rest, bandages, and food. Lets don our disguises and get back to town, with any luck quickly and quietly. " with that, Kring picks up his defialers cloak, and with a slight wince of plain pulls it on over his sore and achey body. As he pulls the hood over his head he surveys the carnage. "Today was a good day."
ReplyDeleteThorvald hauled the unconscious queen from the pool of vile goo, collapsing to the floor. He heard as someone, or several someone's, ended their unconscious foes. Thor was exhausted, and drained. Even worse, he'd been no help to his friends, these stalwart heroes that had risked everything for him when he'd been at his worst.
ReplyDeleteIt had been some time since the she-wolf had snarled at him and served his shoulder. It was still searing in pain, and it felt as though he was alone, even surrounded by those he trusted with his life. It was worse than that. The taint of this place had kept Thunor from lending his might to his devoted champion. For the first time since he'd laid his hand upon the Thunderstone on the island his people called Thunor's heart, he couldn't feel the presence of his mighty lord, bolstering his strength.
Laying upon the desiccated earth of the Leech Queen's lair, Thorvald thought he might just close his eyes and did upon this despoiled dirt, but then he felt the familiar warmth of Khazad's power. It rejuvenated him, at least somewhat, and he stood, as the fierce druid Draymun handed him some goodberries. Thor ate as much as he could, and while they fed his will to stand, he could tell he was still not himself.
"Thank you, my friends," he said, looking at each of them in turn. "Were it not for your presence of mind during the heat of battle, and your unrelenting assault, I fear I would be drowned in the green filth." Turning to the newest member of their company, Thorvald walked before the the stout Dwarf and placed a hand upon the Dwarf's shoulder, as firmly as he could muster.
"And you," Thorvald said, taking a knee before Dolgi. "You carry the most admirably qualities of your people. I owe you my life, and that is a debt I intend to repay a hundred-fold. I swear that I will someday repay you, or die trying. "You are a mighty hero, Dolgi the Queenslayer, and I salute your bravery."
// ... it's best we decide quickly ... //
Turning back to the mighty gladiator, Thor concentrated on paying attention, while fighting back the pain in his shoulder.
// ... Today was a good day ... //
"Indeed, it could have been much worse," Thor said the half-orc, mustering a smile. Turning back to the Dwarves, Thor proposed a change of plans.
"Perhaps it would be best if one of you other Dwarves were to take my place as the captor, I fear I am in too much pain to maintain the ruse of strength at the moment."
Dolgi nods at Thorvald, "No problem, glad to do my part and consider us even after you and your friends saved me from this certain doom."
ReplyDelete"I know I am new to this group, but perhaps these large ones are correct, we should get back to town, I am sure the farmer out at the wagon would appreciate that."
"Before we go any further, take this weapon," Thorvald said, handing Dolgi his bow and half of his arrows ((10)). "I can make better use of the new bow that we received, and I will not need this one," he continued, "But I believe in your hands it would prove fatal to every leech in all of Ashmont!" Thor finished, as a sarcastic smile creeped across his face. "Ha!" Thor laughed at his own joke, slapping Dolgi on the back and welcoming him to the group with his good natured humor.
DeleteDonning his robe and throwing the heavy hood forward Khazad strides forward through the opening headed back towards the decrepit bear chained miserably in an alcove.
ReplyDeleteDraymun nods to his friends as they prepare yet another ruse for the escape from the dark chambers. He approaches the green pool and observes it closely before grunting in satisfaction.
ReplyDelete"It appears that this... stuff will slowly take its leave now that the Mistress is slain." He turns toward his companions and smiles for the first time in ages, adding, "The Grove will return to its former glory, and life should return to the region in time."
He pats Thorvald on the back and continues, "You have all proven to be the greatest of companions, and do not believe that your assistance and kindness has gone without notice. You put your lives on the line to help me restore this place, and it shall not be forgotten. My kin and I are forever in your debt."
"There is but one more request I have before we leave this place. On the way down we encountered a bear chained to the wall that attempted to attack us. Do not mistake hopelessness for maliciousness, the bear is a good soul. I wish to return that way and calm him, assure him we are friends, and bring up forth from this place. If no one objects, Khazad and I shall take point on the way back to his forced den."
He nods to Khazad and quickly dons the Defiler robes, assuming his position in the ruse.
Dolgi nods and dons a robe. Dolgi smiles as he readies his new bow, testing the pull and feel.
ReplyDelete"Lead on good druid, let's rescue the bear and kill those who would oppose us."
Despite his weakened state, Thorvald followed the lead of his Dwarven companions and threw one of the Defiler robes upon his shoulders once more. He knew it would be difficult to maintain the ruse, but if he kept to the back, the odds are he wouldn't even be noticed. Gritting his teeth, he welcomed the pain as he fought to keep his rage from overwhelming him. Anyone looking into his face at that moment would have seen it, an explosion of violence, just behind his eyes, waiting to be unleashed.
ReplyDeleteKring falls into step, sticking close to Thorvald. Kring can almost feel the fury inside his fellow barbarian, knowing it was that animal side of him that was fueling him to move forward. Kring felt odd to be on the flip side of the coin; the cool and collected one while another sat burning inside. Wanting to be there for Thorvald as the others had been there for him. Kring knew if they ran int trouble he would not let Thorvald take the brunt of the attack. It was his turn, and he ached for it.
ReplyDelete(Dice clatter)
ReplyDeleteYou make it back to the bear's room unmolested. He lies in the corner with his head tucked between his front paws, apparently sleeping.
As Draymun leads the party into the makeshift den, he signals for them to spread out and watch the exits while he tends to the furry captive.
ReplyDeleteSlowly, he removes the Defiler robes and drops them on the ground in the middle of the room. As he begins to move toward the beast, his features begin to change shape as his snout extends and his hands grow great, fur-covered claws. He maintains his upright walking until just in front of the captive bear, and then adopts a more animal-like stance.
He focuses a moment on his thoughts and words as an ursine, and then begins to gently rouse the sleeping mammal with soothing words:
"Awaken, friend. The foul mistress of this lair has been defeated, and we mean to free you from your bonds. Allow us to help you from this place and tend to your wounds, and I promise you that no harm shall come to you..."
[Mechanics:
-Totem Transformation (Natural Weapons)
-Speak With Animals
-Wild Empathy (1d20 + Druid Level + Cha Bonus + 4 Bear; Result: 16 + 2 + 2 + 4 = 24)
Speak With Animals is at-will while Totemic Transformation is in effect. This is my last 1-minute interval for TotTrans for this day. If not mistaken, I am attempting to influence the bear from Indifferent to Friendly.]
He slowly wakes and you can see there is great pain in his eyes. "Hello, brother. I hurt, and I long to see the skies again. I accept your help."
DeleteEveryone else hears growling and snuffling and you see the bear roll over and attempt to get up off the ground. It takes him a couple of tries, but he eventually gets his legs under him.
At that moment (rolls dice to see who is watching what passage) Kring and Khazad, who are standing at the East entrance where you hadn't explored previously, hear the footsteps of at least 4 humanoids.
(I rolled a 6 on the random encounter. I just gave you all a number and rolled a dice to see who was watching what passage. You won the perception roll so you are aware of them and they aren't aware of you.)
Kring and Khazad, you get *one* action before they come into view. You are still wearing your defiler robes I assume?
Khazad looks over his shoulder, catching the attention of the others and gestures to his ear, shows his fingers walking, holds up four fingers and points ahead. Satisfied that the message will soon be disseminated properly, he pulls out a vial of alchemists fire, cocks his arm and readies it, trained on the corner where the four will soon be appearing. As soon as they round the bend, they will be lit aflame....
ReplyDeleteDraymun is focused intently on speaking with the bear but Dolgi sees your signal and bumps Thorvald on the arm to alert him.
Delete(What do the other party members want to do to prepare? You have one action.)
Being fully ready when the defialers are ready, Kring starts to boil. He takes advantage of knowing what is about to happen by readying his axe, tightening the grip until his knuckles go white. Feeling the hate boil inside and knowing that after they catch fire, they will have HIS axe to put it out. Knowing their fate fuels his rage.
ReplyDeleteDolgi equips his new sword and his shield and stands between the coming defilers and his new friend Draymun.
ReplyDeleteThorvald advances next to Khazad and steels himself for combat.
ReplyDeleteThe footsteps draw closer and as the figures come into view around the corner, Khazad lets his Alchemist's fire loose.
ReplyDelete(I need Khazad to make a ranged attack please.)
You hear a yelp of surprise followed by another yelp of pain as 4 Orcs stumble into view. They are carrying sticks and clubs and wearing nothing more than loincloths. One is covered in dark, red blood that is beginning to dry and cake into his body hair. He leans on a quarterstaff with one hand while he cradles the other arm close to his body.
ReplyDeleteOf the other three, one is holding a quarterstaff and the other two are carrying great clubs.
(DM rolls a d4) You hit the orc on the far right for 6 damage, the other three take an additional 1 point of damage.)
The two with great clubs rush forward with a primal shout and attack Kring and Khazad, respectively.
The one who attacks Kring swings wide and misses.
The one who attacks Khazad connects with a crunch and does 9 + 4 = 13 points of damage.
(There is a wounded orc who is holding back, the orc you hit with the flask is the other one with a quarterstaff, the two with great clubs have taken 1 point of damage.)
Reeling, Khazad falls back after the brutal assault of the Orc.
ReplyDeleteKring plants his foot and swings his axe in an upward arc, catching the orc under his ribs and cutting a deep gash in his side. He slumps to the side and falls, leaving a streak of blood on the wall of the passage.
ReplyDelete(7 + 8 + 8 = 23 damage, he is well and truly dead.)
Thorvald advanced past Khazad in a blazing charge as his rage unleashed upon the nearest Orc.
ReplyDelete((Attack: 1d20 + 3(Hit) + 2(charge) + 1(mgc wep) = 7 + 3 + 2 + 1 = 13
((Damage: 2d6 + [4*1.5](str bon) + 1(mgc wep) = 5 + 3 + 6 + 1 = 15
((Penalty: -2 AC until next round
Thorvald's swing hits the orc across his chest and cuts a wide swath. The orc slumps to the earth with a gasp and a gurgle.
Delete(He's dead dead.)
The orc on fire attempts to put out the flames but to no avail, he takes 4 points of fire damage and is at -3 hit points.
ReplyDeleteThe previously injured orc looks back down the passage as if to bolt but thinks better of it, takes a step toward you, roars in frustration and raises his good arm in a gesture of surrender.
Kring steps up and swings his weapon at the orc who was burned but his blow misses it's mark and the flat of the axe glances off the orc's shoulder.
ReplyDeleteDolgi yells out in Orcish to the surrendered one, "Why are you here, this is not your home, nor your normal area?"
ReplyDeleteThorvald turns his mighty blade upon the orc-on-fire. Feeling little pity and less remorse, Thor put all of his remaining strength into a mighty blow that caught the orc's head on an angle, sending part of it blazing into the wall as the remainder of his charred corpse slumped to the ground in front of the surrendering orc.
ReplyDeleteWith blood dripping from his sword, Thor raises his head slowly and looks over his shoulder at the final orc, preparing to strike with the full fury of Thunor's Vengeance.
((Attack: 1d20 + 3(Hit) + 1(mgc wep) = 19+3+1 = 23))
((Confirm: 1d20 + 3(Hit) + 1(mgc wep) = 15+3+1 = 19))
((Note, greatsword crit threat range is 19-20/x2))
((Damage: 2d6 + [4*1.5](str) + 1(mgc wep) = 6+1+6+1 = 14*2 = 28))
Khazad, having fallen back near Draymun, locks eyes with the bear, "By the will of my anccestors!" A brilliant flash of light erupts from Khazads' fist and engulfs him in brilliant light. (Heals 1d8+2.... 3+2=5)
ReplyDeleteThe wounded orc looks shocked to see a dwarf speaking his language and he takes a step back as Thorvald's blade sunders his companion.
ReplyDelete"We were on a scouting mission when we were captured. The strange ones who were guarding us ran toward some loud noises and we escaped. What are you doing here?"
Dolgi speaks in Common to his companions, "Let us not kill this orc right now, perhaps he will give us some information."
ReplyDeleteIn Orcish, Dolgi says, "Loud noises, what kind of loud noises? You were in this cave when the loud noises sounded?"
Thorvald turns in a violent rage and strikes the Orc speaking in a language he couldn't understand.
ReplyDelete((Attack: 1d20 + 3(hit) + 1(mgc wep) = 10 + 3 + 1 = 14
((Damage: 2d6 + [4*1.5](str) + 1(mgc wep) = 5 + 3 + 6 + 1 = 15
His eyes widen as you draw closer and he looks imploringly at Dolgi for a split second then he crumples to the ground under your assault.
DeleteKhazad moves forward, looting everything even remotely of value off the corpses, stopping to ensure they are all good and truly dead. At the last corpse, that of the surrendering Orc, Khazad glances back at Dolgi... "We... Have met with.... Difficult circumstances from letting our foes live." Standing and moving closer to Dolgi he whispers, "And some of us have become overly used to the slaughter of the helpless... but mind you, they have always been monstrous beings to behold, things that would like to kill, rape and eat you... and maybe even in that order if you are lucky..." Standing back up Khazad speaks so that others can hear, let us away, tarrying overlong is a fools bargain and anyways, I can almost taste my ale at the wagon!"
ReplyDeleteDolgi shakes his head as he puts his sling away. He grabs his sword and shield and awaits the group's plan.
ReplyDeleteYou make your way slowly out of the caves and nothing hassles you on your way out. Dolgi sees the tracks of several groups of humanoids as well as the lion-like tracks from before leading out.
ReplyDeleteDraymun coaxes the bear out of the caverns and he seems to brighten up a bit when he smells fresh air.
The bear limps badly and has to stop often but you get to the wagon without trouble. Alis and Hamish are happy to see you, even Rethas seems relieved.
It's early evening. Do you want to move somewhere before you camp, or camp here. Dolgi saw no tracks heading this way, but the creatures of the night are still around. What aid will you give the bear?
After reaching the wagon and those left to guard it, Dolgi begins circling the camp to determine if anyone has seen the wagon or not. In addition, Dolgi tries to attune himself with the sounds and movements of the forest, even though these are reduced due to the defilement. After several trips around the camp, checking signs and tracks, Dolgi returns to the fireside to listen to the plans of the group.
ReplyDeleteDolgi is confident that nothing has been within 100 yards of the wagon in the last day.
ReplyDeleteYou bind your wounds and settle in. The night is quiet but Draymun already senses the life returning to the place.
The first watch passes uneventfully.
During the second watch however, you see a bright, white glowing about 60 feet away from the camp to the South. You wouldn't be blamed for thinking it was a huge firefly, that's how it flickers and moves.
(Recall that the tree and cave are to the North.)
Rising out of the night, Khazad moves silently forward, keeping to the shadows and listening and watching intently. (Rolled a 2 on listen and a 12 on sight, don't know if I have modifiers or what they might be)
ReplyDeleteYou make it about 15 feet before you see the light bob and flit to the East and then stop again. You can't make out much about the light itself.
Delete"Dolgi stands up in the open and waves at the light, beckoning it in to the campsite."
ReplyDeleteIt floats around the camp in a counterclockwise direction until it is due East of your camp. It hesitates for a moment and then floats closer until you can see it is a small humanoid creature, about a foot and a half tall, with wings.
It waves and says in a strange accent "Hello there, peoples. Ale drink you have?"
Dolgi laughs and says, "Sure." He heads over to the wagon to get some ale for his guest. "Are you here to check out the portal's safety? We killed the Leech Queen and some of her followers."
ReplyDeleteHe holds out his hands greedily and drinks deeply from the cup offered him. He burps and floats further into camp.
DeleteWhen you speak he looks at you quizzically and has to stop and consider for a moment before he answers. "Sleeping is what I was doing but I woke up now. I woke up because I heard the earth again. Did you wake up the earth?"
Wandering back to camp Khazad sits at the fire, dropping his mace to the ground and putting his shield on his back. "I'm glad you aren't here to kill us, some of us take safety seriously." He glowers at Dolgi and then changes his mind about what company he keeps. Standing and carrying his mace, he wanders out of the firelight and into the cold dark.
ReplyDelete"We are trying. The earth is waking, I am sure. My druid companion rescued a bear and we are trying to heal him and make him strong. We are going to leave this area and let nature heal itself." Dolgi pauses for a moment.
ReplyDelete"Do you need any assistance from us?"
"Oh then heroes you are! Heroes with ale drink!"
DeleteHe floats over to the bear and lays hands on him. "There, now the bear is strong." Sure enough, some of his wounds heal and he breathes easier.
"I have a present for you, for waking up the earth." He pulls out what appears to be a tree branch. "It is a house plant."
"Why thanks!" Dolgi takes the present from the pixie and holds it reverently. "Would you like another ale?" Dolgi asks
DeleteHe looks eager for another ale but shakes his head. "I have to go now. The earth is waking up!"
DeleteHe takes another look around the camp and smiles at each of you in turn.
As he begins to float away, you hear him chirp "heroes with ale drink!"