DrK's Age of Worms IC pt2

[DrK]

The small lizard scurries forward leading you three more sleeping chambers before pointing down a steep slope, as you approach you can hear crackling flames, a faint whiff of pork and the screams of a man in agony.

Racing down it opens into a large chamber with a crackling fire at the centre, a throne with skulls on its back and arms. The ground on front of the throne is stained with blood, 3 bodies lying there writhing slowly on pain, a 4th spitted through legs and shoulder rotating over the fire howling in fire. Skin charred and red raw, hair burned off and one eye burst open trailing optic jelly the soldier is clearly in agony.
Atop the throne is a hulking massive lizard with a strange purple scales.



Beside him is 2 additional lizards, both massive and hulking. Your eyes drawn to the prisoners, one in particular with long brown hair and a red dress with her jaw squint and dislocated...

Spoiler: chamber

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Chamber is 40ft long,
Go go players

[Felhammer]

Goat

The Goliath levels Palefist at the Chief, "MONSTER, HAVE BEEN MARKED FOR DEATH BY THE HIGHEST AUTHORITY IN THE LAND! I SHALL BRING THE WEIGHT OF THE MOUNTAIN DOWN UPON YOU FOR YOUR CRIMES AGAINST THE GOOD PLAINSFOLK YOU NOW TORTURE!" The Cleric then rushes head long into battle, going straight for the Chief!

Spoiler

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Bless is up!

a (1d20+13)[17] (includes 2 for charging and 1 for bless)
d (2d8+7)[11]

[Stegyre]

Taliesn

"AAAARRRRRROOOOOOOOOOO!!!!" 'Tis the best of times, as Taliesn surges forward to do what he does best.

Spoiler: Starts with a "T"

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My expectation is that the trip was not so long that I needed another Enlarge, so I'm still big, and unless these guys are Huge or bigger, they are subject to my attack:

Chief Guy: trample (2d6+6)[16]
Minion #1: trample (2d6+6)[17]
Minion #2: trample (2d6+6)[18]

Ref Save DC 12 for half damage, still, or AOO vs. 22 AC.

Sure, someone might land an AOO that knocks my head clean off, but in this party, you go big, or you go home. AMIRIGHT?

EDIT: Oh, just look at those sweet rolls: 10, 11, 12 on 2d6. I feel the love. What could possibly go wrong?
Oh, no! Did I just say the magic words?

[redzimmer]

Halsaephus

The potion and divine enhancements wash over Hal as he calmly moves to eliminate the "king's" lackeys.

Channeling again his new shocking power he stabs the nearer of the hunt boss lizards.

Spoiler: Bzzzt

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(1d20+10)[24] 28/29/30 will get you crit
(1d8+2)[4] damage
(3d6)[16] shocking grasp channel
(1d20+10)[14] crit is needed
(1d8+2)[8] x2 damage if needed

Condition
HPs: 33/34; AC: 17 19
F +1, R +1, W +3 (+4 vs. fear)
Incubating filth fever. 1d3 days.

[Starbin]

Landahl

With an apparent deal struck, Lan followed the others, trying to keep to the shadows best he could, least this turn into an ambush. When Hal said something in flowery tongue, and Goat responded in a gutteral one, Lan simply raised an eyebrow in confusion and shook his head. Why didn't anyone speak a civilized tongue, like halfling?

When they entered the clearing, he scanned the space for threats, noting the three lizards at the throne room and the prisoners being burnt alive below. As Goat, Hal and the others rushed in, Lan tapped Mirriana on the leg and nodded to the prisoners. Slipping towards the prisoners, he let his companions distract the chief and his bodyguard - if they mage died, this whole thing will have been a waste ...

Spoiler: Actions

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Stay on target ... stay on target! Slipping up to the prisoners to try and free them while Goat, Hal and Tal to keep those yahoos engaged! Hoping that's a move action and standard action. If I can only get close, then Lan will shoot if nothing else

Need any checks?

Move Silently - (1d20+12)[20], Hide - (1d20+16)[17]

HPs: 34/34; AC: 21
F +7, R +11, W +4

[RCgothic]

Mirriana

I nod agreement to Lan. Whilst he goes for the majority of the prisoners, I make a line straight for the one being roasted! I barge into the spit, knocking it out of the fire and away from danger. I then channel the fullest extent of my healing power into the soldier, doing my utmost to save him!

Spoiler

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Summon Monster III -> CSW (3d8+5)[25]

[DrK]

Talsien tramples through the chamber headbutting and kicking the lizard lords. Even as he pushes through them the rest of the party rampages in. Hal slashing one of the black scaled lieutenants, lightning crackling as he unleashes magic causing the beast to roar. Beside him the Goat charges in but Palefist is parried by the spinning trident. Behind the others Lan rolled forwards reaching Merzana and the other soldiers, hand and dagger slitting free one of the prisoners.

The lizasdrs hiss and howl, the lesser ones thrusting at Hal and Goat, the massive beast stabbing at Goat as well as the big Goliath clubs and bashes at him.

Spoiler: lizards

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vs Hal - Minion 1 (1d20+9)[24] dam (1d8+3)[11]
vs Goat - Minion 2 (1d20+9)[11] dam (1d8+3)[8]

Big chief (1d20+14)[33] dam (1d8+7)[13]
Big chief (1d20+9)[28] dam (1d8+7)[9]

[Stegyre]

Taliesn

Apparently, they don't regard me as a sufficient threat. *Hmph!*

Spoiler: This is for letting that -- THING -- live in your rubbish tip!

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Trample Chief: (2d6+6)[12]
Trample Minion #1: (2d6+6)[10]
Trample Minion #2: (2d6+6)[15]

Ref Save DC 12 for half damage, still, or AOO vs. 22 AC.

Edit: Meh. The probabilities are trying to even themselves out after last time. It's still some nice damage totals over two rounds: 28, 27, 33. I can feel like I'm holding my end up.

[Starbin]

Landahl

After freeing the woman first, Lan pushed the knife into her hands. "Free the others quickly!" Once he was certain she could handle it, he moved swiftly, drawing his bow and firing off a shot at the minion engaged with Hal - it looked hurt, and the quicker they dropped one, the quicker the elf could help Goat with his opponent.

Besides, he was never certain how Goat's whole 'honor' thing worked ...

Spoiler: Actions

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Freeing one, letting her free the others. If she's able, Lan will move on and lay down some PBS supporting fire! If not, he'll free the others.

Attack - (1d20+11)[27], Damage - (2d6+2)[7]

Status
HPs: 34/34; AC: 21
F +7, R +11, W +4

[redzimmer]

Halsaephus

The shielding potion, ineffective as it was, fizzles as Hal feels ribs cracking from the blow.

Changing to a different offensive position, Hal stabs again.

Spoiler: DoD I mention I have Combat Expertise?

Show

Taking -4 on bab to increase AC this round.
Attack
(1d20+3)[4]/(1d20+3)[16] +1 due to bless = 5!/17
[Roll]1di+2[/roll]/(1d6+1)[5]

Condition
HPs: 22/34; AC: 21
F +1, R +1, W +3 (+4 vs. fear)
Incubating filth fever. 1d3 days.

[Felhammer]

GOATTRACKER

Thinking quickly, the Goliath takes up a defensive posture, then thrusts Palefist into the lizard chief's sternum!

Spoiler

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Fighting Defensively, oh god, Fighting Defensively!

a (1d20+6)[20] +1 (Forgot Bless!)
d (2d8+7)[22]

[RCgothic]

Mirriana

With the most critical of the prisoners stabilized, I can turn my attentions back to the main fight. Perhaps I can turn the odds in our favour? "Hold!" I command the chief before he can get another swing in! Then I move closer so as to present an additional target.

Spoiler

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Hold person on chief. DC15 to save.

[DrK]

For the chief of the lizards its all over in seconds! Even as Talsien tramples him once more he stabs back with savage strength, Lans arrow drives into his shoulder staggering him as Palefist rises and slams down smashing the chief to the floor!

His two bodyguards hiss savagely flying into a rage as the chief falls! Both unleashing a torrent of pheromones as they frenzy, one throwing off Mirranas mental commands as both are buffeted and stompd by Talsien. With sharp claws they tear at Goat and Hal!

Spoiler: hail to the chief

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The chief is dead!
Raging bodyguards
Vs goat
(1d20+11)[16] dam (1d8+5)[6]
(1d20+11)[21] dam (1d8+5)[13]
Vs hal
(1d20+11)[17] dam (1d8+5)[6]
(1d20+11)[31] dam (1d8+5)[7]

[Felhammer]

Goattracker

The Goliath roars, "THE AVALANCHE HAS DROWNED YOUR CHIEF! NOW THE SNOWY TSUNAMI IS RACING FOR YOU!" The Cleric drops out of his defensive stance, whirls around and buries Pale fist into one of the Brutes' stomach.

Spoiler

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a (1d20+10)[23]
d [roll2d8+7[/roll]

[Starbin]

Landahl

At Goat's exclamation, the normally stoic Lan almost snorted with laughter, choking it back as he aimed to assist his companions in killing the remaining lizards. Two arrows flew forward, leaping towards their targets as the small man tried to make a difference ...

Spoiler: Actions

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Rapid shot, PBS, Bless ... get some!
Attack 1 - (1d20+10)[25], Damage - (1d6+2)[6]
Attack 2 - (1d20+10)[29], Damage - (1d6+2)[7]

Status
HPs: 34/34; AC: 20
F +7, R +11, W +4
Effects: bless (+1 att/saves vs fear)

[redzimmer]

Halsaephus

The berzerker onslaught unnerves Hal slightly and he drops his defensive posture.

He stabs with his long blade, seeking a vital point in the reptile's torso.

Spoiler: Attack

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(1d20+10)[16]
(1d8+2)[9] damage

(1d20+10)[14] crit if so needed
(1d8+2)[5] x2 damage if needed ditto

Condition
HPs: 15/34; AC: 17
F +1, R +1, W +3 (+4 vs. fear)
Blessed
Incubating filth fever. 1d3 days.

[RCgothic]

Mirriana

I step over the chieftain's corpse, positioning myself between the two beserking lizards in order to distract them from my companions - keeping my shield raised and my sword in a position to parry, even as I stab at the stronger-looking of the two.

Spoiler

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Provoke attacks of Opportunity from both lizards! AC 28 against first hit (ring of the four winds), AC 26 otherwise.

Fighting defensively +2 to AC -4 to hit.

Attack: (1d20+5)[19] +2 flanking, -4 to hit.
Damage: (1d8+4)[12]

[Stegyre]

Taliesn is feeling bedraggled and exhausted, as he rounds on the lizards yet again. It's a relief to see the chieftain down, but he's unsure how much longer he can keep this up.

Spoiler: Once More, Into the Breach!

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Trample minion #1 (2d6+6)[9]
Trample minion #1 (2d6+6)[15]

Here's hoping Mirriana manages to soak an AoO or two for me. The damage rolls are provisional, as once I get hit for more than 4 (22 AC), I'm going down.

[Cardea]

Claire

Claire raises her wands, pouring out more draining magic, aware of a certain... issue. "I ukrást vaše síly! Any of them could be infected and simply be incubating!"

Spoiler

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Ray of Enfeeblement (CL4) on healthier of the two lookin' guards:
Touch Attack: (1d20+3)[11]
Strength Penalty: (1d6+2)[7]

[DrK]

With Talsien staggering and Hal and Goat bleeding the lizards move to savage them but the response from the heroes is dramatic. Goat smashes one in the face shattering its snout before an arrow thuds into an eye socket... felling it.
The second crumples as an arrow drives it to its knees before swords plunge though it from both sides and it topples forwards blood pouring from its chest.

Spoiler: lootz

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Amulet of natural attacks +1
Potion (Cure moderate, urchin spines, Bite of the werewolf)
Returning +1 trident
Armbands of might

Small chest....
186gp,
Marzena's stuff:
Cloak of Salamander
Wand Fireball (4/50), Wand of Snowball swarm (Cl5, 16/50)
Ring mystic lightning
Third eye of clarity

Marzena sits up as the party cut down the cooking man and free the others. Despite her bruised and battered face she is striking with keen eyes and sharp features.

"I don't know who you are but my thanks. We thought we were for the fire" eyes staring at the downed lizard king with venom. Reaching her men she looks at Mirriana, "I saw your attemptscto hold him. Do you posses curative magics for them?"

[redzimmer]

Halsaphus

"You are the militia battlemage? We are here to retrieve you from these lizards' hands," says Hal, ever the purveyor of the obvious.

"Are you in any physical condition to cast? I cannot guarantee the efficacy of the truce we have made with the liardfolks' shaman. Any assistance you can offer would certainly ensue our continued rescue efforts."

[RCgothic]

Mirriana

"There are several of us here skilled with healing magic," I confirm. "We made a deal with the shaman. If we took care of their zealot of a chief, the shaman will take their encampment deeper into the swamp and leave you be. There's always a chance the deal won't hold, but I don't believe he was playing us false. We should be safe to return to the keep without interference now."

I attend to the prisoners and deal out healing where required.

[Starbin]

Landahl

Satisfied that the enemy was dead, Lan let the others converse with the rescued prisoners. As word turned to the bargain they had made with the shaman, Lan knew some proof would be needed. Without a word, he slipped over to the lizards, looking around for whatever egg the shaman mentioned. Of course it could have been what hatched the worm, but he wasn't sure. Once he was sure there wasn't anything else of value to their mission, Lan drew his greatsword and decapitated the chief. With the head in tow, he readied himself to move out.

Spoiler: Actions

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Hey, the Shaman wants proof, right?

Status
HPs: 34/34; AC: 20
F +7, R +11, W +4

[Stegyre]

Taleisn

Not at all sure what the Shaman may have meant about a dragon, Taliesn decides it would be best to heal up as quickly as possible. Nature knows he could use some healing!

Shifting back to human form, he pulls out the small wand and shakes it a few times. "Getting low. I should get another one of these soon. Anyone else need healing?" he asks, as he gives himself three quick zaps.

Spoiler

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Heal! (1d8+5)[13]
Heal! (1d8+5)[7]
Heal! (1d8+5)[10]

. . . brings me down to 9 charges left. Who says wands never run out?

[redzimmer]

Halsaephus

Clutching his cracked and possible shattered ribs, Hal raises his hand.

"I would not nay 'no' to some, please"

[Stegyre]

Taliesn

*Zap* *Zap* *Zap*

Spoiler

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Let me know how many of these you, or anyone else needs:

Heal! (1d8+5)[12]
Heal! (1d8+5)[6]
Heal! (1d8+5)[9]
Heal! (1d8+5)[13]
Heal! (1d8+5)[8]

[Felhammer]

Goattracker

"We have saved the captives. Let us leave this den of evil." The Cleric bends down and heals those who need it with what little magic he has left.

Spoiler

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3 Cure Minor Wounds for others to use
1 CLW (1d8+4)[12]

He will claim Tal's 12 and 9.

[Stegyre]

Spoiler

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Taliesn will happily claim the other two CMW, bringing him back to full.

[RCgothic]

Mirriana

"I am unhurt." I confirm for the benefit of the others. I then take a few moments to expend all of my remaining magic on the prisoners.

Spoiler

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3x CLW
(1d8+5)[9]
(1d8+5)[11]
(1d8+5)[7]

5x CMW

[redzimmer]

Halsaephus

Hal happily accepts the wand's curative magic.

Newly intact, he takes the potion of cure moderate wounds.

"Easy come, easy go. I trust those are yours, Lady Marzena?" Hal says motioning, to the items in the chest.

Spoiler: Heals

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I will take the 6 and the 13, thanks and good day.

Where we at XP-wise? About half-way to 6?