The Savage Tide, Part 2 (IC)

[PSinger]

Rabbi Cohen prays again, this time using Gili-Nachum as a conduit from the Great Forge. He points his warhammer forward and a blast of heat rolls forward at the Terror.

Spoiler

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Searing light, RTA (1d20+9)[24] (you control prayer/melee mods), damage (3d8)[12] heat

[lostsole31]

R2T17: Rabbi Cohen prays again, this time using Gili-Nachum as a conduit from the Great Forge. He points his warhammer forward and a blast of heat rolls forward at the Terror to hit it for 13 fire.

R2T16: Shouting Tree speaks ot Ix-Caban in chuffles, and though she does not advance she seems ready for battle.

R2T14: The Terror lumbers forth in a great charge to Shouting Tree, going through and ignoring the strange illusion. Before it can land its beak, however, Ix-Caban is all claws and teeth. She bites for 12, latching onto her target. Her claws do not slash, but rather dig in a little to help maintain her hold. The Terror's charge was interrupted and she no longer threatens Shouting Tree, so it lost its attack for this round.

R2T9: Skald, the Terror is held in Ix' maw and the two large creatures are tussling in a ball of feather and fur. The Terror managed to have gotten past the illusory aspect of Barney, which was more of a matter of time. What do you do?

Tom on deck, Shouting Tree in the hole (calmed, hypnotized, and Amella are taken out of the order for now) ...

[lostsole31]

R2T9: With the Terror blinded and sickened, Skald then begins his fully volley. His first attack hits for 17, but the impact of the blood spray from the vein he hits - despite not doing fantastic damage - just manages to get a blood squirt all the way up and onto him so he fumbles his next shot. So much blood ... Skald is sickened, but he still manages to get off his third shot, but that's a miss.

End Round 2, Begin Round 3 ...

R3T28: Tom, this huge chicken is blinded, sickened, badly wounded, and still has a lot of fight in it. What do you do?

Shouting Tree on deck, Lazer in the hole ...

[Swami Monsoon]

Tom readies his crossbow and then fires at the giant bird...

Spoiler

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Attack (1d20+6)[16] (assumes -4 for target in melee)
Damage (1d8)[5]

[lostsole31]

R3T28: Tom readies his crossbow and then fires at the giant bird, with a nice little punch into the bird for 5.

R3T17: Shouting Tree tosses his spear at the bird for 10.

R3T16: Lazer, what do you do?

[PSinger]

Given the nature of his current prayers and such and honoring his teammates holding off the other birds, Lazer delays ...

[lostsole31]

R3T16: Given the nature of his current prayers and such and honoring his teammates holding off the other birds, Lazer delays.

R3T14.1: Though the terror was actually able to move, it is now time for Ix-Caban to try to hold on and tear into the thing. She just manages to hold on and her bite continues to sink in for 15. She slashes with her forepaws, both scoring for 19, and then rakes with her rear claws for 7.

R3T14: That entire flurry of black fur and feathers and blood leaves the Terror barely in the fight. It wildly shakes off Ix-Caban and then goes to flee, but she just manages to take down the creature and the monster is down.

R3T12-11: The two calmed birds caw to each other.

Shouting Tree says, "Release the magic, Amella. The birds I've calmed called the large one the 'Nest Mother.' With her death, no other axe beaks will bother us."

The birds are released from their various holds, and as predicted they bound off deeper into the jungle. "Since we will be unmolested by the terror birds, I will render the mother while standing first watch. Meanwhile, the birds should act as unwitting camp guards. Agreed?"

[PSinger]

[Sorry...]

Lazer nods his head and says, "Sounds good. Good job, everyone."

[lostsole31]

Everyone enjoys Thanksgiving meal with Terror turkey jerky .... which is why it took some time to get to ...

The night before, healing is topped off. The next day, after everyone is sure to have the rest they need, folks perform their daily rituals. Of particular note are the Rabbi Cohen and Skald. The first is dwarf-form, but not a true dwarf; even then he was raised among seacliff dwarves. The latter is a druid, and druids do have see over earth, but Skald's focus his entire druidic and hunting career have dealt with weather and the power of storms. Each divine caster does what they can to pray to see that their needs are met.

Once the party is underway and the meat is included in what the colonists carry on litter for meals, the expedition moves out again. It is only a 75 yards at best until you get to a large nest surrounded by several smaller nests, each with three 1-foot tall eggs.

What do you do?

[PSinger]

"Search the nests and surrounding area for anything noteworthy, and let's see if we can figure anything about these eggs."

Eliezer will do his part to search, including a sweep of detect magic.

[Swami Monsoon]

Tom wonders if the eggs were laid by the giant terror bird... With her gone, would the others care for them? He harbors no ill will against the birds, who are simply wild animals acting on instinct. Maybe the babies will make it, but there's not much the group can do to intervene.

He looks through the nest for anything else interesting. Birds are known for collecting shiny things after all...

[lostsole31]

There is nothing of value here. Perhaps the eggs could have been valuable on the black market, if any were to be had ... but (most of) you are not that type anyway. In the Nest Mother's roost, there is a corpse, seemingly human. It is torn to shreds but was once human .... but not even the gender is entirely certain (the doctor's best guess is male). However, a poorly kept cloak is still somewhat together, and a quick scan discovers that its resiliency is due to its magic. It is a faint aura, but steady.

So, it's a magic cloak ... faint aura .... unknown ability. Do you want to take the time to analyze it carefully (those that can)?

[PSinger]

"Skald ... Shouting Tree ..." addresses Lazer. "The three of us don't have magical cloaks of any kind. Any takers? I doubt we're going to find anyone out here who can help us figure out what the cloak is, so paranoia won't help. Skald, your skill with the bow, power over nature, and skill set are not easily replaced. Do you want to wear it?"

[TickleMeTemplar]

"If you think it will help us successfully complete our mission, I will gladly utilize the cloak until such a time that we might find a more suitable host."

Skald graciously accepts the offered cloak.

[PSinger]

"Clean it up, and it looks good on you. Of course, you are the epitome of the wilderness warrior, so perhaps the mud and grime work better to complete the 'look.'"

[lostsole31]

Light spells, Lazer's continual flame on his hammer, and mundane torches from the colonists are brought to bear.

Forward Guard ...
Shouting Tree, a scout who is well-versed in traps, takes the front with the excellent senses of his jaguar companion, Ix-Caban.

Eliezer is next so his hammer provides good light for the first two. The tribesman has the night vision of his companion, but does not truly see in the dark; but Eliezer's hammer allows for excellent lighting for him should any ancient traps be there.

Tom is in the back of this vanguard with senses aura so that group can react first as well as helping Shouting Tree with searching.

Middle ... Avner is in the middle of the middle with the colonists, walking Thunderstriker.

Rear Guard ...
Skald is immediately after the colonists so his bow might prove helpful to the front if there is enough of a shot, though such a feat is still difficult underground. Besides, he and Lazer are on opposite ends, and both of them have stone-related spells.

The final person is Amella who possesses a magic ring that helps her blend into the surrounding stone. Something attacking from the rear would be in for a big surprise.
.......................

After having traveled quite some distance, Skald has the feeling that he is being watched. Does he mention this, or simply keep wary?

[TickleMeTemplar]

Skald signals for the formation to halt. When the group has stopped he will make a perception check and then approach the lead with his misgivings.

Spoiler: Not sure if I roll this or you roll this, but just in case

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(1d20+15)[32]

He addresses the main party (combat characters) in a low voice "I'm not sure why, but I think we're being followed by something."

**EDIT**

Was getting size formatting correct

[PSinger]

The stern and pensive countenance of the rabbi is lit in that shifting glow of the torch-level light of his flaming hammer. He speaks down the tunnel, easily heard from echo though Skald is in the back, as Lazer makes no attempt at stealth, "We were told that eyes were on us, but your fey senses prove that their eyes are closer than we'd like. With our numbers and the clomping of a horse, we have no chance of subterfuge, so let us comfortably but carefully tread. We already assume we are in an enemy's demesne."

[lostsole31]

An hour-and-a-half since the beginning of travel along the passage, the entire party hears a faint rumbling of rocks tumbling some distance to the back of them, but once again there was no apparent source. Since all you have done is walk along a sometime-natural/ sometimes-worked stone passage that never opened into any rooms, the meaning is silently clear to all .... the way back is closed, and seeing as this is an underpassage that has stood the test of centuries, somebody probably closed that way to herd you forward.

[PSinger]

The rabbi tries to calm everyone, especially the colonists. He moves to them. "We all know the journey has tested all of us beyond the limits of physical and mental endurance, but we are those whom have survived. We know there is danger ahead ..."

As he speaks and for effect and that others may see the shift in his subject, as he walks among them Lazer will find the most visibly frightened and takes softly brings that person's chin up to meet his eyes. "... but you are all Sasserinites."

He continues to walk among them, and hopefully that bit helped with the others. "Hundreds and hundreds of years ago, your forbears came to a small town which was a distant port to them .... much like we go to Farshore. All great pioneers such as yourselves face the most incredible hardships. We have met, and we will continue to meet those challenges. I promise you that I and my crew will see you safely through to our final destination. And once there, you will have proven to the world that you, too, are great pioneers like your ancestors."

Spoiler: The Speech

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When I do the chin lift, in addition to the buck-up-little-camper look, I actually am using remove fear SLA for effect.

I know you roll it, but just in case .... Diplomacy (1d20+15)[21] (+2 added because they are from Sasserine).
* Of course, if you offer any bonus ....

[lostsole31]

The NPCs are heartened by the speech, and the party continues. The southern end of the pass consists of a small complex built by an unknown civilization centuries ago. The passageways have 15-foot-high ceilings and are unlit. The walls are made of stone, decorated with bands of geometric designs and carving animals, all covered in mildew. The air is very dank and carries with it the smell of decay.

You have traveled for four hours when the tunnel finally opens up into a large chamber shrouded in darkness. A small, stagnant fountain lies directly opposite the entrance, while a stone throne sits on a dais at the far end of the room. A humanoid ribcage is pinned to the throne, held there by an ancient spear, while all around it lie the remainder of the poor soul's bones.

What do you do?

[TickleMeTemplar]

"Well, I'll say it: We can agitate the blasted thing on the throne or we can avoid it and just search for an exit. The obvious choice is the latter, but I know some damned fool," he pauses ever so briefly and looks at Avner, "will find it irresistible to pull that spear from the stone. So let's get on with it, then?" He nocks an arrow and waits for the rest of the party. If and when folks start preparing for combat, he will cast abundant ammunition on his quiver and aspect of the falcon on himself. If no one else prepares, he will cast the same spells when begins approaching the throne. He positions himself to get as clear a line to the throne as possible, with no "innocent" bystanders in his way.

**EDIT** Being underground and in a claustrophobic situation is amplifying his paranoia and making him rather irritable.

[PSinger]

"Remember, we are set to live on this island. It is too much for us to pass this opportunity up. If the evil that haunts us is ancient," Lazer says pensively, "then perhaps the more we know about that ancient evil, the better for us. Let us search around."

[Swami Monsoon]

"I'm not sure I have the words for just how suspicious this setup is... Yeah, we should take a look. Look but not touch. And don't forget there's still somebody behind us..."

Tom watches behind the party as the others begin to inspect the chamber...

Spoiler

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Cast Magic Weapon on crossbow while waiting...

[lostsole31]

There is magic in the room, coming from the longspear. It is a faint evocation aura. With Skald assisting Lazer, but the former not touching the longspear, no additional information is learned. Still, a faint evocation aura and nothing else by deduction probably means a +1 longspear. This item may have to be put in with portaged foodstuffs for possible trade or use later, since everyone else has better equipment and this spear has to constantly be held in a hand. Unless .... someone in the party wants to have a reach weapon on hand.

Avner, by the way, has not interested WHATSOEVER in mucking about. He's not a force of chaos, but a bastion of selfishness. In fact, he's rather persnickety about everything he does. During this walk, he has actually been more cheerful than he was traipsing through the jungle, and talks about what food and wine might be found in villages on the other side. He doesn't seem to be operating on all gears since any natives you might possibly find probably don't have wine.

Lazer, when at the well you notice stagnant water, but with a light spell you can actually see some sort of red rod at the bottom. You aren't sure how deep the water is, but it can't be that deep (maybe a few feet over one's head?). Your modus operandi is to inform everyone of things, not keeping things back, so once Lazer tells the group what he finds, what do you all do?

[PSinger]

Rabbi Cohen looks to someone who has been overlooked for some time: Tavey Nesk (sp?), the cabin boy.

"We have no more cabin to clean, no more decks to swab, son," Eliezer says to him. "It is time to be a last defense for the colonists. You shall not accompany us on more dangerous forays, since you have no training, but you need to start learning to protect yourself and those around you."

Lazer hands the boy (how old is he?) the ancient longspear. "Easily several hundred years old, maybe even a millenium, your first weapon is far greater than our own first. Use it with respect.

"Shouting Tree, you are our best warrior and you wield your spear best of all since it was your hunting companion from youth. I charge you with training Tavey in how to fight with his spear and in general combat."

[lostsole31]

To him, without the spiritual attachment one can find such as with the fetishes and spirituality carried with his weapons, it is just a spear. A well-made one, but to Shouting Tree it is just a spear. Its ancient aspect means nothing to him, only its serviceability. He takes the spear and grunts a nod and and thrusts the big spear into the "cabin boy's" hands.

His eyes go big and wide and it looks like he is going to cry. He reaches out gingerly and lightly crabs the weapon. Shouting Tree doesn't let it go; he just has his two hands firmly outstretched and held. Tavey looks confused and tugs again. He does so again, but this time with some focus. He tries several more times, each attempt more determined than the last.

"Strength is good to have for such a weapon..." says Shouting Tree. He instantly releases both hands just as Tavey is putting in his best effort. He cracks himself in the nose and he goes sprawling backwards ass over teakettle.

"... balance is better."

All of the NPCs (and very possibly yourselves) laugh hysterically in friendly schadenfreude, including Avner. Once he sits up, blood trickling from his nose and a confused look on his face, he has no malice or embarrassment. In fact, more in joy than anything else, he laughs hardest. It is likely that the mirth is just as much a buildup and blowout of all of the stress of late, and it is much needed.

[PSinger]

Laser has not forgotten his mortal essence, and humor is as important to his people as occasions of joy should be for a heavenly servitor. Lazer laughs as well as anyone; it is a strange sight to see a four-winged, copper-skinned dwarf guffawing heartily. He comes over and helps young Tavey to his feet. He gives a paternal, though soft, clap to the boy's shoulder.

He lets the group enjoy a minute or two of levity, but then it's time. "Well, let's to it, then."

[lostsole31]

What about the red thing in the fountain?

[PSinger]

Being able to breathe underwater, Lazer goes into the pool. He looks around before looking at the red thing. If it doesn't look immediately dangerous, he'll take it and swim out and get back onto the floor.