Bear Witness
Log Info
- Title: Bear Witness
- Emitter: Crosanthia
- Characters: Barclaiigh, Slixvah, Bannon
- Place: The Greatwood
- Time: Sunday, March 13, 2022, 3:15 PM
- Summary: Barclaiigh has consulted with the big twigs at the Yggdrasil Union and managed to locate the companion he'd been separated from since his encounter with the alien tree in the fey wilds. A pair of faces (one familiar, Slixvah, and the other new, Bannon) have taken work from the union and agreed to help on a voyage into the distant Greatwood.
An expanse of forest that stretches for distances larger than whole countries. Filled with secrets, fey, and lately a spreading corruption of unknown origin. Fantastic beasts, some not seen for generations, have been appearing.
And one not very fantastic beast has disappeared. A bear, companion to a dwarf druid, who now seeks him.
There are trees all around, a maze, of twisty little forest trails, all alike.
The druids at the Union helped Barclaiigh track down the bear and provided a location.
"... 'n so she reckons we get tripped up and int' th'realm'a faeries." Barclaiigh is trying to catch Slixvah up; a task made all the easier now that his mouth doesn't seem to get turned around in his head half the time. "'Moseyed on over t'take a gander at th'horse-sized'n glowin' butterflies'n the dang ol' tree came t'life and whouped me good."
The dwarf pauses in his looking around to comb his beard with his sausage fingers. There's an involuntary wince as he remembers the melee. "Porter'n I both got nobbled out t'some nightmare corner'n 'ventually I woke up back yonder, near Alexandria."
"Th' big twigs're sayin' th'Word reckons Porter (that's m'bear buddy) is over this way..." he concludes with a curt nod. The Khazadi man continues on, trying to split his attention between the trees and the forest floor, looking for tracks and the like. His darkwood armor glows with an inner fire and his spear is employed as a walking stick, also glowing faintly of green druidic runes.
Slixvah, a white and rusty red Eglarin woman, walks just behind the wild man. She's none too privy to being the one to lead through the underbrush, despite not minding it in the slightest.
She bobs her head along as Barc fills her in. "Goodness sugar, I'm sorry you went through all that. I couldn't imagine what it'd be like if I lost my friend like that. I'd be worried sick!"
There's a muffled 'chirp chirp!' that comes from one of the many shawls on her person.
"Does your friend like bear-ries?" she asks, trying to lighten the mood as she twirls a set of bolas in her hand.
There are bear.. berries around. Well, several blackberry bushes that presumably will bear fruit in the summer, which are cable-like vines in the dead of winter. The snow which managed to make to the forest floor has largely retreated to melting drifts around the base of rocks and trees, leaving the ground muddy and treacherous, frozen with the footprints of forest creatures and other, stranger tracks.
There's an opening in a cliff face, a rough hole that has been well travelled according to the path that leads to it. Some of the prints are a bear's.
GAME: Slixvah rolls knowledge/nature: (17)+7: 24 GAME: Barclaiigh rolls Knowledge/Nature: (9)+10: 19
The cave entrance maintains its width for a good fifteen feet, straight into the rockface, at which point it jogs to the south. It's dark.
You might get eaten.
"Porter just sprouted mid-winter thanks t'all the danged food folk leave 'round outside the'city," Barclaiigh grins, though the worry is still clear in his voice and eyes. "He'll eat anythin' y'have the misfortune of leavin' alone where he can smell it."
The shaman pauses outside the cave and runs his hand up and down the bare vines. He lets the spear fall against his shoulder and grabs up his boar's tusks, muttering under his breath. The plant blooms rapidly, sprouting bright red currants that look fit to burst. Bar collects a handful and drops them into his pouch.
"Just'ncase," grunts the dwarf to his necklace. Then he takes ahold of his spear again and turns to the tracks.
GAME: Barclaiigh casts Goodberry. Caster Level: 4 DC: 15 GAME: Barclaiigh rolls 2d4: (8): 8 GAME: Barclaiigh casts Longstrider. Caster Level: 4 DC: 15
Following not too far behind is the swashbuckling airman Bannon Vayne, most recently of the church of Tarien. He glances towards the others for a moment and then smiles, "This is not the first cave I've dived into, but certainly one with the most questions. Still, I can't fault you for this when it's your companion on the line, Barclaiigh." He looks down to the tracks, his brows furrowing for a moment, before getting pleasantly distracted prior to being expected to add his input on the nature of them, "Hmm. Smells like outside to me." Ha. Distraction. Take that.
Slix's crown feathers press against her skull as they come upon the cave entrance. "I know a thing or two about cave diving," she chirps as her wings fan out, then flap once. "Romar." The gust of wind strangely becomes and updraft, ruffling all her feathers as they take on a stiff sheen to them.
She looks to Barclaiigh, pats him on the shoulder, and offers some advice: "We'll get your friend back, honey. Just trust your gut!"
She frowns some, rubbing her hands together once Barc gets the berries together. "Hate to break it to you, cupcake, but this here is un' centipede tracks. But they're way too big. Keep on your lil' tosies."
She holds up a hand, muttering something soft, and her crown feathers glow a warm, calm light. "Glad you could join us, shug," she offers to Bannon as he catches up
GAME: Slixvah casts Light. Caster Level: 2 DC: 13 GAME: Slixvah casts Mage Armor. Caster Level: 2 DC: 14 <OOC> Slixvah also uses Hex: Ward on Barc. +2 Deflection AC and +2 resistance to saves.
"'preciate the help," the dwarf nods with a genuine smile in response to Bannon; a smile that grows a fraction when he feels the birdwoman's ward.
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+7+1: (10)+7+1: 18 (Stealth) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+6: (15)+6: 21 (Perception) GAME: Barclaiigh rolls Perception: (12)+11: 23 GAME: Slixvah rolls perception+2: (4)+9+2: 15 GAME: Bannon rolls Perception: (15)+16: 31
A sudden, sophoric mist washes out of the cave entrance. It lingers in beads on the walls, even the bush that so recently grew the goodberries. The shimmering wall of it halts just before the group.
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d4: (3): 3 (Acid Reload roll, 3 rounds) GAME: Barclaiigh rolls Knowledge/Nature: (5)+10: 15 GAME: Barclaiigh casts Goodberry. Caster Level: 4 DC: 15 GAME: Barclaiigh casts Longstrider. Caster Level: 4 DC: 15 GAME: Barclaiigh casts Aspect of the Bear. Caster Level: 4 DC: 16
"Good wiff'a that's likely t'tucker you right out..." Barclaiigh warns, taking a half-step back from the rolling mist. He takes up his fetish once more and resumes muttering in the secretive cant.
Just like the time in the streets of Blar, the druid's hair grows in thicker, fuller, and covers more of his body. If he could bottle this it's likely that middle-aged noblemen would make him rich!
When he speaks his voice is lower, rumbling. "Do yer best t'hold yer breath..."
GAME: Bannon casts Detect Magic. Caster Level: 1 DC: 12
The whole area is magical at low level. There are visual effects, magic 'cracks' arcing off around things with every blink. It's purplish, sometimes green or red.
As the mist spreads, Bannon moves up to the edge of the cave, peering into it with concern. He narrows his eyes, and then brings his hand up, pressing his fist to his chest, "Tarien, the Trickster God, and ever present pain in the backside, open my eyes to the magic of the word so that I may extend my mighty middle finger against those who would remove joy from the world and steal bears, because who does that?" He lowers his hands and takes a look around, as if seeing it through new eyes, "There's certainly magic at work here." This last part said less to a divine entity and more towards those he accompanies into the cave.
Slix is a bit busy preening her steel-like feathers for whatever was ahead, a bit in her head at the moment to catch what was going on.
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "1 barc, 2 Slix, 3 bannon" GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d3: (1): 1 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+4+2: (5)+4+2: 11 GAME: Bannon rolls weapon14-2: (20)+12+-2: 30 (THREAT) (AOO) GAME: Bannon rolls weapon14-2: (17)+12+-2: 27 (THREAT) GAME: Bannon rolls 2d6+12+5: (7)+12+5+8: 32
There's a loud skittering noise, what sounds like round pegs being thumped on the ground, and then a centipede bursts out of the cave. Chitinous, it has a large, remora-like maw, circular and full of serrated teeth. They clench at Barclaiigh as it rushes towards him.
Inadvertently as it was, as Bannon peers into the cave, the skittering noise echos off the wall at him, giving the airman just enough time to step back into a stance with his rapier raised. His eyes narrow, and as soon as the centipede bursts from the mouth of the cave. Bannon leaps forward, his right foot planting into a lunge. He almost slides the last few inches as he angles his rapier to sink into the side of the insectoid, initially hitting resistance but then sinking deeply into it. The creature seems to try to continue its advance on Barcleigh, but the Tarienite holds it fast with his rapier until it fights forward no more. Return to his full height, Bannon removes the rapier as he simultaneously removes a cloth from a beltpouch. Fastidiously, he runs the cloth up the length of the sword, removing the blood. He glances to Barc, tilting his head to the side in an unspoken 'phew' before he asks, "Are you alright?"
The dwarf is low and ready with his spearpoint ahead of him a few seconds after the oversized vermin stops twitching. "'Spose that means... we're done?" Bar rumbles, narrowing his eyes into the dark cave as he slowly stands and lowers the point of his weapon.
"Fancy choppin' there, mister Vayne. Plumb through the thing in one go!" The druid observes, balancing the spear on the ground as he collects a rag from a pocket and ties it around the lower part of his face.
Slix, finishing with fussing with her clothes and fluffing her feathers out, looks up finally.
She blinks twice. And clasps her hands together. "Good heavens, honey! What a strike!" she coos. "That would have ended disastrously for us!"
Taking on Barc's idea, the eccentric birdwoman pulls up three of her shawls and wraps it around her beak.
Curious, she buffets a bit of air into the cloud before them with a wing.
The cloud is easily dissipated. The centipede is a little harder to pull out of the way, but can be done safely. The cave is now accessible.
Bannon blinks, "It's a talent, really." He then nods, "Good. You're alright." He looks towards Slix, nodding his head, "Glad I could help, miss." He watches as the Eaglefolk blows into the mist, curiously watching the reaction of the mist. As he continues, he adds, "This whole place is magic. Not just one effect. It's like... At the corner of my eye. Unfortunately, the Laughing One doesn't illumine me further on the nature of this place."
There isn't a particular source, although things do seem stronger inside the cave.
The entrance maintains its width, turning south then east again and splitting into a branch that heads south once more, while the other continues towards a wall. It's a mixture of rock and earth.
GAME: Bannon rolls Stealth: (9)+8: 17 GAME: Bannon rolls Perception: (3)+16: 19
"Ain't no normal forest here," Barclaiigh advises in a half-growl, looking back over his shoulder with his half-concealed hirsute expression. "Whole place had a big ol' magic blankie keepin' th'elves out'a harms way."
The dwarf starts into the cave with his weapon held in both hands, doing his best to keep an eye out. "Elves lost th'blankie'n now things are all kinds'a cocked up."
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+13: (17)+13: 30 (Hive warrior stealth) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+14: (20)+14: 34 (Hive warrior perception)
Slixvah gives a two toned chirp as she bounces on the balls of her feet. "And a bit of luck!"
She sighs, and stashes her bola away to pull out a dagger as they file in. "Just remember, loves, there's a big ol' centipede 'round here somewhere."
"Also a magic blankie sounds downright pleasant."
Replying with a simple, "Mmm hmm," Bannon replies, "You're right. It's stronger inside the cave, but there doesn't seem to be a particular source." As they head into the cave, Bannon uses his slighter frame to slide easily to the front. Waving the arm with the buckler strapped to it, Bannon does his best to displace some air and clear some mist. Covering distance quickly, the swashbuckler then drops into a lower stance, staying near to the wall and careful not to touch it. His steps become quieter, and his eyes are certainly peeled. He leads on until the first split in the hallway, his voice dropping to a whisper, "Take a right, or straight ahead?"
Both directions seem to go a short distance and then branch in a 'T' at a wall.
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "sure, DC 15 percp to see tracks, Survival to follow, k/nat to identify" GAME: Barclaiigh rolls Perception: (1)+11: 12 (EPIC FAIL) <OOC> Barclaiigh says, "I'ma use my reroll." GAME: Barclaiigh rolls Perception: (2)+11: 13 GAME: Bannon rolls Perception: (15)+16: 31 (Aid Another) GAME: Barclaiigh rolls Knowledge/Nature: (1)+10: 11 (EPIC FAIL)
There are more of the peg-like tracks, although they're different sizes, some very small, others equivalent to what you saw, and bear tracks.
As they make it to the t-intersection, the Tarienite inquisitor narrows his eyes. He then looks up and then back towards Barc, "What do you make of these? Which ones should we track in?"
GAME: Barclaiigh rolls Survival: (11)+13: 24 (Follow tracks)
The bear tracks head East, further in.
Slix creeps along, her idly twirling her dagger in hand as her crown feathers shimmer a soft white light. She's keeping an eye on their back, her throat bobbing at the thought of something coming up from behind them.
But she's got a knife!
GAME: Slixvah rolls perception+2: (2)+9+2: 13 GAME: Barclaiigh rolls Perception: (19)+11: 30
The dwarf stops a minute to crouch, looking through the loose dirt and scree around the floor of the cave. With the mist gone he pulls down the cloth covering his face. His head cocks to one side and he squints, pausing to reach up and wipe the tears forming in his eye. "Danged... brambles," he grunts. "Boulders trundle... swaying, nngh."
The druid takes a moment to drive a knuckle forcefully into his eyes and steady his thoughts. "Sorry... sorry," he lifts a sausage finger and points left. "Thattaway."
It's a small maze of twisty little passages, all alike. They go forward a few paces, hit a wall and branch, and then repeat. This cracked cavern is clearly inhabited, there are insect tracks everywhere, from tiny to shockingly large.
And bear prints, heading off to the east. Into the darkness.
Out of the darkness, a clear stream of liquid shoots at Bannon.
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+8: (5)+8: 13
In the light, there's a bug. A creature that is humanoid in shape and covered with chitinous plating. Its head is elongated, spout like and it has a long, bladed tail. It carries no weapons, but the maw, claws and tail look fearsome enough.
<OOC> Barclaiigh says, "Heading to 7,12. That'll provoke an AoO, Then I'll give it a stab. PA, 2h." GAME: Barclaiigh rolls weapon3-1: (13)+7+-1: 19 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+9: (11)+9: 20
Slix is busy twirling a knife through her fingers. One, two, three-
Splash! She squawks in surprise!
"Varmint!" Barclaiigh warns just a bit too late for folks to prepare properly. The spray of acid lands a split-second after he's opened his mouth and then the dwarf is surging ahead. Slap-slap-slap go his sandals in between heavy footfalls on the cave floor. The dwarf takes up a position but receives a chomp on the arm for his troubles! "Ow!"
It's not some preternatural ability, it certainly isn't skill. It's just simple dumb luck that as the clear stream of liquid arcs towards Bannon, his surprised start takes him just to the right of the acid, allowing it to sail over his shoulder as he makes an equal parts muffled and shocked shout.
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+9: (11)+9: 20 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+10: (11)+10: 21 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+10: (15)+10: 25 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+7: (19)+7: 26 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d4+4: (1)+4: 5 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d6+2: (4)+2: 6 GAME: You damaged Barclaiigh for 11 points. 21 HP remaining.
As the dwarf moves up, the insect humanoid turns to attack. It's thin, ant-like, yet vaguely humanoid with talon-like claws and a long whip of a tail. It snaps, slashes and slashes again, the second swipe hitting and setting him up for a solid tail-slap.
It hits hard.
Up close, there are a few odd features. A mold or fungus seems to cover it. There's the sensation that it is old, for a bug. It has a lot of scratches on its carapace. One antennae is chipped.
Old, but still strong, and stinging worse than a bee!
GAME: Slixvah casts S1: Shield of Faith. Caster Level: 2 DC: 14 <OOC> Slixvah says, "+2 Deflection ac! for 2 minutes"
Slix sighs as she feels a few feathers ruffle unnaturally. "On my way, sugar!" the fortune teller calls out, her jogging around the bend to see Barclaiigh get injured. She twists to the side, a hand reaching out as a wing extends. Feathers elongate from her wingspan and brush against her fingertips, sparks of arcane flickering from them to transfer over.
"Tsay afse, gusar!" she chants as some of her ribbon-like feathers brush against the dwarf's back.
Instilling that feeling that: today's going to be a lucky day.
"Ow! Dangit!" Barclaiigh is bloodied but judging by the bursts of ember from his wooden armor and flash of lights more than one blow was deflected. He glances over his shoulder at Slixvah for a half-second and then returns to the battle at hand.
The dwarf lifts the spear across his body in a loose grip and shuffles back a few quick steps. "C'mere y'filthy..!" snarls the dwarf, the fur on his head and arms seeming to stand on end.
<OOC> Barclaiigh says, "If Bannon wants to delay, Bar is gonna try to bait it towards him. Hopefully setup a flank." <OOC> Cryosanthia says, "roll bluff, DC15, every success and 5 over is another weight for it to randomly attack you." <OOC> Cryosanthia says, "Bannon you can assist Barc with Bluff" GAME: Bannon rolls Bluff: (16)+14: 30 GAME: Barclaiigh rolls Bluff: (14)+0: 14 <OOC> Cryosanthia says, "1 melee Bannon, 2-6 Barc" GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d6: (6): 6 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+10: (6)+10: 16
As the dwarf backs up, the bug follows, coiling its tail for a vital strike. The bladed appendage snakes out and clatters off the walls.
GAME: Bannon rolls 1d20+1d6+Acrobatics: (19)+(2)+11: 32 <OOC> Bannon says, "2/3 Panache remaining." GAME: Bannon rolls 1d20+12-2: (19)+12+-2: 29 (THREAT) GAME: Bannon rolls 1d20+12-2: (7)+12+-2: 17 GAME: Bannon rolls 1d6+5+Dex+1+1+4: aliased to 1d6+5+Dexterity+1+1+4: (5)+5+4+1+1+4: 20 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d4: (1): 1 GAME: You damaged Bannon for 1 points. 42 HP remaining. <OOC> Bannon says, "Intimidate + 2 for Stern Gaze + 1 for the Ominous Rapier." GAME: Bannon rolls Intimidate + 2 + 1: (17)+13+2+1: 33
Holding back for a moment as the tactical retreat by Barclaiigh and the subsequent taunting alerts the airman to the plan at hand. He takes a moment, putting an expression of shocked terror on his face. Using his best body language to imply he's terrified, weak, and absolutely no threat to the bug. As the bug darts for the druid, the Inquisitor grins. He leaps forward into a dive that carries him all the way through to his feet. He then performs a one-handed turning handspring on this free hand to bring him directly behind the bugman. He whips his sword around, a wretched howl of pain and despair filling the air and almost surrounding Bannon with a menacing aura. He lunges forward, a vicious scowl on his face and rage in his eyes as he sinks the rapier into the side of the bug man, "You've dared attack my companions!"
GAME: Slixvah casts Guidance. Caster Level: 2 DC: 13 <OOC> Slixvah says, "barc you /may/ add +1 to your next att roll/save/or skill check for the next 2 minutes. Usable once."
Slix steps back as the stinger comes out, her stepping to the side and brushing a feather along his back as she goes. "tisck meht eth pnoity dne!" she chants, giving a bit more luck that's so desperately needed.
She absconds to the bend, getting out of the way for them if they needed to fall back.
<OOC> Barclaiigh says, "Alright. Try again, no PA. Flank and Guidance" GAME: Barclaiigh rolls weapon3+2+1: (10)+7+2+1: 20 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d4: (1): 1 (Acid Splashback) GAME: You damaged Barclaiigh for 1 points. 20 HP remaining. GAME: Barclaiigh rolls 1d6+5: (3)+5: 8
Bar is settling into the combat, bolstered by the witch at his back and the flamboyant fellow bouncing around opposite the insectoid creature. He narrows his eyes when little streams of light start playing between two pieces of chitin. The druid decides to follow the ephemeral instruction and stabs, finding a chink in the creatures natural armor and producing a squirt of acidic blood.
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "order is bite, claw, claw, tail" GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+9-2: (4)+9+-2: 11 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+10-2: (9)+10+-2: 17 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+10-2: (10)+10+-2: 18 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+7-2: (9)+7+-2: 14 GAME: Bannon rolls 1d20+11: (11)+12: 23 (OP&R) GAME: Bannon rolls 1d20+14: (4)+14: 18 (Riposte) <OOC> Bannon says, "1/3 panache points, darn it. :D"
With a screech bug turns and flails at the airman, and misses. And misses. It snaps, swipes, lashes with its tail and all attacks fail to connect.
It's leaking, the clear fluid washing clean its carapace as beads drop towards the floor.
GAME: Bannon rolls 1d20+12-2+2: (3)+12+-2+2: 15 <OOC> Bannon says, "Can I use my reroll?" GAME: Bannon rolls 1d20+12-2+2: (14)+12+-2+2: 26 GAME: Bannon rolls 1d6+15: (5)+15: 20 <OOC> Bannon says, "20 damage." GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d4: (3): 3 (Acid Splashback) GAME: You damaged Bannon for 3 points. 39 HP remaining.
After the airman tumbles in, it almost seems as if he never quite stops moving. He rolls back and to the left as the creature attempts to bite him, the ducks low at the first claw, and then back again at the second. He seems to have had enough and steps in, whipping the rapier around to catch the tale with a slap of the flat of the blade, deflecting it away from him. Rolling to the side, Bannon attempts to precisely place the rapier once again into the side of the creature as a riposte to the attack against him. Fluidly, he takes a step, replants his feet and lunges forward once moment, his rapier flashing and finding the softer skin and vital organs of the beast.
GAME: Slixvah rolls perception+2: (18)+9+2: 29 (vs DC 20) GAME: Slixvah casts Light. Caster Level: 2 DC: 13
Things are moving, just out of sight around the corner.
Slixvah is about to turn around the corner to help Bannon out. But she stops, cocks her head to the side, and her ribbon feathers pull in tight against her. "Uh... lovelies? Uh... we need leave. Now! Lotsa little critters!" she calls out, pulling off a glowing feather and stabbing it into the wall so there's a light source as she absconds to the front of the cave with a glowing, not hot torch in hand.
"Draw them out!" comes her voice, echoing from the entrance.
GAME: Barclaiigh rolls weapon3+2: (10)+7+2: 19 <OOC> Barclaiigh says, "Move to 3,9 and eat the AoO" GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+10: (15)+10-2: 23 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d4+4: (3)+4: 7 GAME: You damaged Barclaiigh for 7 points. 13 HP remaining.
"I... dang-- hrm!" Barclaiigh glances over his shoulder when his enchantress leaves cold, empty air to back him up. The furry dwarf growls stubbornly and takes another stab at the creature but it bounces off the bug-thing's hide.
"Let's skedaddle, mister!" He growls, trying to hop back quick but taking a swipe form clawed appendages in the process. He chokes out a gasp of frustration and then starts slap-slap-slapping his way towards the exit.
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "do you want to OP&R any of the attacks?" <OOC> Bannon says, "Negative. Thanks for checking though. I really appreciate it. :)" GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+9-2: (3)+9+-2: 10 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+10-2: (12)+10+-2: 20 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+10-2: (7)+10+-2: 15 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+7-2: (3)+7+-2: 8
With a hiss, which comes from the dripping acid, the bug attacks the airman again. It's a terror in the darkness, but nothing lands.
<OOC> Bannon says, "I'm going to tumble to 6,12 and attack the bug and pronounce judgement." <OOC> Bannon says, "Judgement of Healing, btw." GAME: Bannon rolls 1d20+10: (1)+10: 11 (EPIC FAIL) GAME: Bannon rolls Acrobatics: (5)+11: 16 (vs CMD 21 - Fail) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+10-2: (10)+10+-2: 18 GAME: You damaged Bannon for -1 points. 40 HP remaining.
Bannon As the call comes out regarding the swarm, Bannon sees it advancing towards them, noticing the druid getting out of the way in time. He glances towards the path he came through, taking a quick leap forward into a dive, rolling just beneath the attacking claw of the bug. He comes up on the other side, striking out with his rapier but having the attack go off to the side, possibly from the dizziness of the expedited roll.
GAME: Slixvah casts Cure Light Wounds. Caster Level: 2 DC: 14 GAME: Slixvah rolls 1d8+2: (2)+2: 4 GAME: You damaged Barclaiigh for -4 points. 17 HP remaining.
Slix's eyes widen as Barclaiigh comes out a bit worse for wear. Her feathers drape over the entrance and brush against the dwarf, sealing up some of the wounds as she chants, "Oh precious, oh goodness, eb ealdhe..."
She caws into the cave, "Honey! Get out of there! Don't play hero! Heroes are in stories because they're /dead/!"
GAME: Barclaiigh casts Cure Light Wounds. Caster Level: 4 DC: 15 GAME: Barclaiigh rolls 1d8+4: (8)+4: 12 GAME: You damaged Barclaiigh for -12 points. 29 HP remaining.
There's more in that cave than the big bug.
There are little bugs. Larva, a multitude of them. A mass of writhing, maggot-like creatures with legs that secrete a caustic odor.
The coat the walls, floor and ceiling, moving en-masse.
Unintelligent, they swarm, but not in the usual way. They should head for the sounds of combat if they respond to simple stimulation. Moving to cut off retreat.
That's a directed action.
"Porter's still in there..." The Khazad-aul looks away from the cave long enough to consider Slixvah, rolling between the heels and balls of his feet. It really does seem a toss-up which direction the Khazadi wildman will go right up until he retreats a few steps, drops his spear into a one handed grip, and grabs at the boar's tusks hanging before his breastplate. Tendrils of soft green curl around his body and little vines suture the worst of his bloodied wounds closed, bolstering the healing already delivered by the egalrin.
"Need'n idea, Truffles," he mumbles into the fetish he still clutches.
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "bug attacks Bannon, last round of it's shaken status" GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+9-2: (16)+9+-2: 23 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+10-2: (19)+10+-2: 27 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+10-2: (5)+10+-2: 13 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+10-2: (8)+10+-2: 16 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d6+4: (5)+4: 9 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d4+4: (3)+4: 7 GAME: You damaged Bannon for 16 points. 24 HP remaining.
Perhaps it was in on the plan?
The large bug turns and bites Bannon, teeth ripping at his scalp. It's followed by a slash on his inside thigh, definitely a dirty pool attack.
Its second claw goes wild, and the tail clatters around between his ankles, but the decrepite insect isn't finished yet.
<OOC> Bannon says, "Er, better. I'd like to throw the alchemists fire at 5 11" GAME: Bannon rolls Acrobatics: (17)+11: 28 (vs CMD 25 - Success) GAME: Bannon rolls Ranged: (4)+9: 13 (vs AC 10) GAME: Bannon rolls 1d6: (3): 3
Spinning away from the bites and claw attack from the bug, he notes that his companions have made a tactical retreat. With a grunt, Bannon continues his spin, turning sideways into a handspring that takes him away from the bug before it has a chance to react. He then dives forward, finding himself momentarily in between the two swarms. He continues the movement, tactfully and acrobatically extricating himself from the situation. As he makes it to the mouth of the cave, he turns around, picking up a flask from a loop on his belt. With an unladylike grunt, he chucks it back into the mouth of the cave and right into the narrow passage he just maneuvered through. As a bright flash of light emits from the passage, he turns and grins towards Slixvah, "Heroes are heroes because they're heroic. Heroes are in stories because they're mortal and books last for-farking-ever." He looks back over his shoulder, bringing the rapier back up and then asking, "Any ideas?"
<OOC> Slixvah is unsure if Bannon has deflection/resistance bonuses, but will use ward on him. <OOC> Slixvah says, "+2 deflection to AC and +2 resistance to saves"
Slix pats Barc on the shoulder. "Worry not, sugar, we're not running away, we're funneling them out. Gotta play this smart."
Though, the fortune teller lets out a bated breath as she sees Bannon emerge, her chuckling in chirps as there's an explosion behind him. A bit worse for wear, but still emerging. "Glad you took my advice to heart, sweetie!" she chirps, fanning one of her ribbon feathers out in his direction. "And /I/ don't want to read heroes I know in an obituary, you dig?"
She rubs the underside of her beak. "Any of you loves have torches? Pass 'em out, get 'em lit, we keep this opening surrounded and we burn the snot out of 'em?"
<OOC> Barclaiigh says, "Draw a tanglefoot bag and ready to throw it when something moves into 4,9" <OOC> Barclaiigh says, "Will move to 1,9 as part of that move action." GAME: Barclaiigh rolls ranged: (8)+5: 13
"'can see'n th'dark..." Barclaiigh offers sheepishly along with a shrug at Slixvah's suggestion. He fishes out a bulging sack instead, the thing sappy and tacky on the outside.
The swarms of maggots move up, converging and blocking off the entrance.
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+9: (13)+9: 22 <OOC> Barclaiigh says, "Can I take my readied toss, Cryo?" GAME: Barclaiigh used a Tanglefoot Bag.
As the hive warrior steps into view, the dwarf throws his tanglefoot bag. It explodes, sticky strands fastening it to the walls and ceiling. There are hundreds of little maggots caught up in the explosion, but thousands more remain free.
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+9: (19)+9: 28 GAME: Bannon rolls 1d20+10: (18)+10: 28 (THREAT) GAME: Bannon rolls 1d20+10: (13)+10: 23 (Confirmed) GAME: Bannon rolls 2d6+5+18: (11)+5+18: 34 <OOC> Cryosanthia says, "totally kills it, make the pos."
As the airman peers into the cave, the bug explodes out of the darkness at him. He steps back with a start, his body seeming to momentarily tense up to make a break for it. When the tanglefoot bag sails over his hand and impacts the bug, Bannon's eyes widen. With a shout of adulation, the swashbuckler grits his teeth and jumps forward. Lacking the grace he may have shown before, he seems all about as quickly and efficiently putting his rapier into the side of the bug as hard as possible, and his rapier pierces through the carapace of the bug with a loud crack. Bannon recoils back as the swashbuckler achieves the goal, taking a few steps back as he removes his rapier from the side of the beast.
The bug collapses as Bannon's rapier runs it through. Some internal acid bladder was burst, it fountain streams of acrid liquid that splash and smoke. It falls into a pile, not completely immune to its own acid.
It sizzles, stinks, there's a bubbling inside it's elongated skull and purplish fluids pour out of it's limbs.
The swarms, the swarms are immune to acid. The little maggots bounce and float around in the boiling liquid, the ugly carpet of them impeded but bunching up to move forward.
Some of the maggots instinctively crawl into the ruined carapace, only to emerge later or get washed out by the dissolving flesh streams.
<OOC> Slixvah says, "slix will cast guidance and request a torch again" GAME: Slixvah casts Guidance. Caster Level: 2 DC: 13
Slixvah chitters, "Oooh, very nice sugar!" She gives Bannon a thumbs up as a feather tap-taps Barclaiigh. "Ryt gaina," she hums.
Now, she holds out a hand. "I know, shug. Ya Khazdul love ya'lls mines. But it ain't for seeing, it's beating creepy crawl ass. Any ya'll got a light of flame?"
<OOC> Barclaiigh says, "Move to 2,10 and Guidance Bannon, I s'pose." GAME: Barclaiigh casts Guidance. Caster Level: 4 DC: 14 <OOC> Barclaiigh says, "Also of note that the alchemists fire do x1.5 damage to the swarms (dunno if that was mentioned)" <OOC> Barclaiigh says, "Any damage from an AOE attack does x1.5 damage to swarms."
"'pologies, miss," Barclaiigh shrugs. He puts his back to the wall of the cave and mutters into his tusks. Then he reaches out with his spear and baps the swashbuckler lightly across his shoulder with the stick to deliver the spell.
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 2d6: (6): 6 GAME: You damaged Bannon for 6 points. 18 HP remaining. GAME: You damaged Bannon for -2 points. 20 HP remaining. (healing from Judgement)
The big bug is down, but the little larva move like an unsettling wave of goop and the airman ends up coated. He feels them wiggling into the cracks of armour and clothes, and the burning sensation where their acidic exteriors touch flesh.
<OOC> Bannon says, "Or rather, throw another alchemists fire. I'll take a point of fire damage offset by my judgement." GAME: Bannon rolls Ranged: (17)+9: 26 GAME: Bannon rolls 1d6: (5): 5
As he's overtaken, Bannon grits his teeth and emits a pained grunt as the little bugs bite into him. He hops back, dropping his rapier and drawing the mace from his belt. His opposite hand dips down, picking up another flask off his belt and tossing it. Another gout of flame rises where he already was, with some of the fire flying his way. He then calls out, "Do you have a hammer or a mace?" This seems to be directed towards Barclaiigh as the Swashbuckler maintains his attention on the swarm in front of him, "They don't like getting swatted!"
<OOC> Slixvah will take off one of her shawls and start to wrap it around her everburning torch <OOC> Slixvah says, "five foot step to 1,9, use prehensile hair to jam cloth covered everburning torch into fire"
Slix steps aside to look into the cave as she grinds her beak. Blue eyes flicking about....
C'mon birdbrain, think! Think!
There's a complaining chitter of chirps from a bird in the woman's shawls as she pulls one off. "Oh hush, I can get another one."
She quickly wraps it around her heatless torch, ties it off, then one of her ribbon-like feathers grab the handle and jam it into the swarm. "Working on it!"
The makeshift torch catches fire.
GAME: Barclaiigh casts Guidance. Caster Level: 4 DC: 14 <OOC> Bannon says, "What size is the swarm anyway, C?" <OOC> Cryosanthia says, "it's taking up 4 squares, so 10' on a side" GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 2d6: (3): 3 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 2d6: (9): 9 GAME: You damaged Slixvah for 3 points. 8 HP remaining. GAME: You damaged Bannon for 9 points. 11 HP remaining.
Barclaiigh just shakes his head, doing his best to bolster the swashbuckler much like the egalrin woman had done for him. His eyes are narrowing, though, and he glances down at the tusks as an idiot plan begins to form.
The swarm is on fire, and some of it is in acid. The big dead bug continues to boil away, a hazard itself. The mass of maggots glorps forward, engulfing Slixvah.
The early bird may indeed get the worm, but she's not early, and these aren't worms. Very wriggly though.
As Bannon can attest. The maggots find even more chinks in his armour, and some are unsettling close to his eyes, ears, nose and mouth. In his pants too.
Unusually, not all of the maggots emerge. It's possible to see a second mass of them, hanging back in the tunnels.
GAME: You damaged Bannon for -1 points. 12 HP remaining. <OOC> Bannon says, "I'm at 3, 9 so I don't know... -9 9 if I take a double-move?" <OOC> Barclaiigh says, "'withdraw' as in 'run away' ie: we have nothing for this." <OOC> Bannon says, "Yeah. We don't seem to have a reliable way to do damage." <OOC> Bannon says, "I'm down to my last alechemist fire flask. I don't think any of us were setup for swarms."
Bannon As the swarm overtakes the swashbuckler again, there's another of the pained grunt. He then calls out as he takes another step away from the swarms, "We're not set up for this, but we know more about what to expect. Let's withdraw, resupply, and come back in a better condition to deal with these things." With that, the airman begins making a tactical retreat.
GAME: Slixvah rolls melee-4: (18)+1+-4: 15 GAME: Slixvah rolls 1d3: (3): 3 <OOC> Slixvah says, "3 bludgeoning and 1 fire" <OOC> Slixvah nod! 30 run with banon
Slixvah acks as pain, her using her makeshift torch to bat at the bugs, but it does nothing. "He's right! We take flight! We'll be back!" she shouts, some of her ribbon feathers brushing against Barclaiigh to spur him on as she beats wing and talon after Bannon.
"-- but..!" And they're going, leaving Barclaiigh to stand there for a moment with his free hand bothering his necklace. The druid again twitches as if he might dive head-long into the cave before ultimately issuing a sound of supreme frustrating and speeding through the wilds after the other two.
As the group flees the maggots withdraw as well, slowly flopping and crawling back into the cave.
As they're padding along and getting away to catch their breath, Slix mentions to Barclaiigh. "Hey sugar, don't worry about it. We know what to expect, and where your friend is."
Barclaiigh looks up from his feet as they put some distance between the cave and themselves, considering the treeline and sky beyond before looking at Slixvah. He presses his thin lips together and shakes his head. "Critters like that in'ere with Porter... ain't tryin' t'keep'm as no pet..."
"Reckon he could be back a spell, away from all that mess'n safe but... fer how long?" The dwarf sighs heavily, finally slowing to an idle trot, turning to walk on his heels, and then stopping. "Ain't gonna get anyone killed savin' no animal. Even Porter."
The dwarf gives a helpless grin and pushes a hand across his eyes. "Truffles went savin' my auntie'n he's still with me every day," he adds, patting the tusks hanging over his breastplate. "Just can't stand thinkin' about him sufferin'n there. Gettin'... chewed on..."
Bar crouches down and bows his head between his arms, holding onto the shaft of his spear with both hands.
Slixvah slows, stopping by Barclaiigh as she breathes heavily. One not too used to overworking themselves. Her crown feathers flatten, and she looks up to the sky.
She listens, head canted down to look at him. And she knees beside him, ribbon wing draping around his shoulder. "Hey..." she intones. "We'll get him back. It's right n' lovely to see you care 'bout your friend, sugar."
Her eyes crinkle in a smiling way. "We got knowledge, and that's power. Rather we rescue your friend /and/ be able to get him out, than get there and drop dead at his feet. Them's tracks are fresh. So he's gotta be there recently. We got time, hon."
She looks back over her shoulder, squinting and slowly sighing out something that sounds halfway like a ragged tweet. "... we got time."
OOC & Combatty
Glorious Map!
https://www.mipui.net/app/index.html?mid=m2me530uexo
https://www.mipui.net/app/index.html?mid=m2me530uexo&secret=sul5tfqfay1
Video!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sqz5dbs5zmo
Encounter 1
===================== Current Initiative Order - Round 1 =====================
---Init--Name------------AOO-Notes--------------------------------------------
22 Petey The Pede
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11 Barclaiigh 1 Flat-footed (0 rnds active)
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8 Bannon 1 Flat-footed (0 rnds active)
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6 Slixvah 1 Flat-footed (0 rnds active)
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| Name | Race | Class | CHP | HP | AC/FF/T |CMD |For |Ref |Wil |
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|Bannon |HUMAN |Inq/Swb | 43 | 43 |21/17/15 | 21 | 4 | 8 | 5 |
|Barclaiigh|MOUNTAIN_D|Dru | 22 | 32 |18/16/12 | 18 | 7 | 3 | 8 |
|Slixvah |EAGLEFOLK |Wtc | 11 | 11 |12/10/12 | 13 | 1 | 2 | 6 |
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Encounter 2
===================== Current Initiative Order - Round 2 =====================
---Init--Name------------AOO-Notes--------------------------------------------
20 Bug 1
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20 Slixvah 1 Flat-footed (2 rnd active)
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17 Barclaiigh 1 Flat-footed (2 rnd active)
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>> 17 Bannon 1 Flat-footed (2 rnd active) <<
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===================== Current Initiative Order - Round 3 =====================
---Init--Name------------AOO-Notes--------------------------------------------
20 Bug 1
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20 Bannon 1 Flat-footed (3 rnds active)
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>> 20 Slixvah 1 Flat-footed (3 rnds active) <<
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17 Barclaiigh 1 Flat-footed (2 rnds active)
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===================== Current Initiative Order - Round 5 =====================
---Init--Name------------AOO-Notes--------------------------------------------
21 Bugs
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>> 20 Bug 1 <<
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20 Bannon 1 Flat-footed (4 rnds active)
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20 Slixvah 1 Flat-footed (4 rnds active)
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17 Barclaiigh 1 Flat-footed (4 rnds active)
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===================== Current Initiative Order - Round 3 =====================
---Init--Name------------AOO-Notes--------------------------------------------
20 Bug 1
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20 Bannon 1 Flat-footed (3 rnds active)
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>> 20 Slixvah 1 Flat-footed (3 rnds active) <<
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17 Barclaiigh 1 Flat-footed (2 rnds active)
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===================== Current Initiative Order - Round 7 =====================
---Init--Name------------AOO-Notes--------------------------------------------
21 Bugs 1
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20 Bug 1
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>> 20 Bannon 1 Flat-footed (7 rnds active) <<
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20 Slixvah 1 Flat-footed (6 rnds active)
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17 Barclaiigh 1 Flat-footed (6 rnds active)
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| Name | Race | Class | CHP | HP | AC/FF/T |CMD |For |Ref |Wil |
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|Bannon |HUMAN |Inq/Swb | 42 | 43 |21/17/15 | 21 | 4 | 8 | 5 |
|Barclaiigh|MOUNTAIN_D|Dru | 20 | 32 |18/16/12 | 18 | 7 | 3 | 8 |
|Slixvah |EAGLEFOLK |Wtc | 11 | 11 |12/10/12 | 13 | 1 | 2 | 6 |
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