White Cloud City IC

[Zelphas]

Spoiler: OOC

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If possible, Shiori will contact a member of the Yamazaki in the Dreamscape to mark the dying dream; it doesn't seem like a dangerous situation, but caution is the watchword of the Dreamwalkers.

Almost exactly ten minutes later, Shiori awakens gasping, eyes darting all around.

He springs to his feet, looking around until he sees a fallen branch or stick. Grabbing it, he bends down, sketching out the fading memory; a pen, point down, the top of the pen blooming into a flower. He taps the shape once, twice, before looking to the others for recognition.

"Not famous or rich enough to have personal enemies," Shiori mutters to himself, scratching a wobbly line over the shape. He squints at nothing for a moment, fixing the face of the mentor into his mind. "But, nobles are nobles are nobles, and status has killed before..."

Shiori shudders, standing up. A mental 'knock' heralds the forming of the Collective once more. We should move; nothing else to do here.

[Hyperbolic sine]

Tsugiharu frowned as he tried to decipher the symbol.

"That's...the Aokeda crest? How...no, nevermind."

"Yeah, I think we're done here. Let's follow the trail, best case we get an easy sac."

Worst case...well, better to be the ambusher than the ambushee.

[Dorni]

Following the blood trail proved simple enough for our heros. They soon learned the scorpion hadn't gone too far, just to a little deeper into the wood. The wounded beast had returned to its lair.

Tsugiharu scouted the way, following the blood trail to a set of bushes which framed and partially concealed a burrow entrance. A blood smear at the entrance served as a clear marker that the beast had gone to ground. Scouting around a bit revealed 2 more tunnel entrances, neither of which had any blood nearby. No, the wounded demon had holed up in its lair.

Spoiler: OOC

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Map has been updated. You may place yourselves anywhere on the map. Also, I'm trying something new. This map has 2 tabs - an "Above Ground" and "Below Ground" tab. You may use a square marked as a Tunnel Entrance/Exit by spending 5' of movement to move between tabs. You end up at the entrance in the corresponding cell location on the other tab. Most of the underground is "unexplored" terrain right now. I'll reveal it as you explore.

The entrance the scorpion used is the one at AE4

[Hyperbolic sine]

Fortunately, the blood trail led indeed to scorpions, and not another crime scene. Unfortunately, it appeared to be a scorpion nest.

With no chance to delve inside due to lack of torches, there weren't many options. Part of Tsugiharu wanted to just give up and keep looking for safer engagements, but he had to have Kotetsu win, and he doubted the Trials could be passed by playing it safe - and if the adept doesn't go the the scorpion...

Armed with some alchemical knowledge and the general sense for things that ki users developed, he started gathering fuel for smokey fire.

Spoiler: OOC

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As per Discord, Survival (1d20+4)[14]

[Zelphas]

Shiori picks up on what Tsugiharu is doing after a short while. While he is far from the most versed in woodcraft, he knows how to carry wood and can easily do a mindless task; he works to put together brush piles and grab dry wood in bulk as much as he can, freeing Tsugiharu up to actualyl organize the piles and make sure they burn well.

Spoiler: OOC

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Rolled to Aid Another in the OOC; +3 to Tsugiharu's roll.

[Dorni]

Starting a few fires proved no complicated task. Between what our heroes could collect and the local shrubberies proving far from a match for an adept's blade, the group was able to gather fuel and arrange it inside the mouths of two of the three tunnels without incident. After striking flint and coaxing the fires to life, all that remained was to wait for the fires to grow and for the smoke to fill the tunnels. And so, they waited.

There was little warning when the scorpions burst from the open tunnel at last. Two scorpions clacking like mad emerged right after the other while another trailed behind them.

Spoiler: OOC

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Combat begins! You may place yourselves anywhere on the map.

Initiative
Kotetsu: (1d20+6)[9]
Tsugiharu: (1d20+9)[11]
Shiori: (1d20+3)[17]
Keiji: (1d20+2)[10]
Scorpions: (1d20+2)[11]

Tsugiharu and Shiori are on turn

[Hyperbolic sine]

Tsugiharu had been lying in ambush above the tunnel entrance, perched on the boulder; as soon as the scorpions ran out, like a textbook predator, he pounced on the wounded straggler - and then he was gone.

Spoiler: OOC

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Start in L10.
Swift: Dizzying Venom Prana.
Standard: Attack S3 with Sting of the Asp (1d20+9)[17], crit on 27+. @+4 for BotN if flat-footed.

(1d26+8)[23] 9 P
(1d6)[5] Deadly Strike if flat-footed.
(1d6)[5] BotN if flat-footed.
(1d6)[2] Sting
2 Str damage (Fort DC 20 half). On a failed save, 1d6 damage + 2 Str damage next round.
Staggered
2 Wis damage (Fort 19 negates).

Move: L10 -> [T] L12 -> L14.[/INDENT]

Status: Veiled Moon Style, Body of The Night.

Maneuvers
Dimensional Strike
Dizzying Venom Prana
Fading Strike
Weakening Venom Prana
Sting of the Asp

[Zelphas]

Using the boulder as his guide, Shiori rushes one of the clicking Scorpions, making sure to be obvious; he's hazy, but he thinks he's still technically bait, after all! He swings his warhammer down once again upon the "head" of the Rock Scorpion, and... the smoke must be affecting the sight of those around, because for just a few moments, the hammer looked like it was somehow twice its actual size.

Spoiler: OOC

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Starting at K6.

Move Action: Shift to L8.

Standard Action: Attack S2, Activating Impossible Girth. The Warhammer increases by 1 size category and Shiori deals double his strength to the damage.
Accuracy: (1d20+7)[14]
Damage: (2d6+4)[10] Bludgeoning, x3 on Crit

[tonberryking]

Kotetsu had bravely been waiting near the mouth of the remaining cave., though perhaps cleverly brave as she planned to bottleneck the arachnids against her attacks. And/or have an escape route by jumping up the side of the boulder...

The first one to crawl out she lets have it, with two swift strikes aimed at its head.

Spoiler: OOC/rolls

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Kotetsu positioned herself at J11 and goes for S1

Mizuchi time!
(1d20+8)[24]
(1d20+8)[21]

(1d8+2)[5]
(1d8+2)[5]


(1d20+14)[25] Acrobatics roll to tubmle away down to J12 or J13 to bottleneck the scoprions so only one of them can come after her at a time.


Stance Maneuvers:
Phantasmal Blade stance

Mizuchi
Mizuchi
Twilight Ambush
Shock Blade
Aerial Leap

[Dorni]

Tsugiharu executed his ambush perfectly, dropping onto the scorpion's back with his weight behind his blade, skewering the already injured beast - then he vanished while the creature was still shrieking in pain and surprise. Before he disappeared he had moment to register - now that the demon was in the light - that there was a weighted dart stuck in the creature's back where it had failed to penetrate the creature's stone-armor.

Shiori smashed his massively enlarged mace into another scorpion's "head" but the scorpion simply absorbed the blow, bending with it and being driven to the ground, but its armor still holding. The beast lashed out with its tail to sting in reply, pushing itself back to its feet and lurching to the side to clear the tunnel and pin its attacker against the boulders.

With Tsugiharu behind it's reach, the injured scorpion scuttled out of the tunnel next to its brethren and stung Shiori.

The final scorpion, with the other scorpions at its back and trapped between the smoky tunnels and the brush, snapped and stung at Kotetsu.

Spoiler: OOC

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Scorpion 1
Move: To G7
Standard: Sting Kotetsu at (1d20+8)[13]. On hit (2d6+6)[15] damage and DC 15 Fort vs poison (1d6 str / 1d6 str) Miss

Scorpion 2
Free: 5ft step to K8
Move:
Standard: Sting Shiori (1d20+8)[15]. On hit (2d6+6)[13] damage and DC 15 Fort vs poison (1d6 str / 1d6 str) Miss

Scorpion 3
Free: 5ft step to K9
Standard: Sting Shiori (1d20+8)[12]. On hit (2d6+6)[13] damage and DC 15 Fort vs poison (1d6 str / 1d6 str) Miss

PCs are on turn

[Hyperbolic sine]

Having gotten a sense for the extent of a Rockback Scorpion's endurance, thanks to the previous battle, Tsugiharu knew it was time to finish the wounded creature.

He dashed forward, jumping off the boulder and landing besides the scorpion in a kneeling posture - difficult to dodge from, and an obvious opening. Whe the beast moved to attack, though, it would find its prey becoming briefly insubstantial and vaulting over it, its extended "neck" woefully exposed to the metal claw...

Spoiler: OOC

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Swift: Activate Acrobat's Boots. Spend 1 charge, +10' speed this round.
Move: L14 -> L9 -> [T] J8
Standard: Weak Point Attack S3 with Dimensional Strike (automatically flat-footed, @+4 for BotN) (1d20+13)[28], crit on 31+.

(1d6+8)[11] P
(1d6)[4] Deadly Strike
(1d6)[5] BotN

40 damage after doubling.

Status: Veiled Moon Style, Body of The Night.

Maneuvers
Dimensional Strike
Dizzying Venom Prana
Fading Strike
Weakening Venom Prana
Sting of the Asp

[tonberryking]

Kotetsu moves to try to finish off the rock scorpion she's engaging with, her sword crackling with electricity as she waits for the right time to let loose a cutting blow.

Spoiler: OOC/rolls

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Shock Blade Activated

(1d20+8)[21]

(1d8+2)[4]
(1d8)[8]

[Zetion]

Keiji rushes over to assist Kotetsu.

Spoiler: OOC

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Basic attack on S3: (1d20+10)[17]
If it hits
Damage: (2d6+5)[9]
Grapple Attempt: (1d20+15)[22]

Manuevers:
Ariel Leap
Flurry Strike
Mighty Throw
Bruising Grip
Moving Performance

[Zelphas]

Well, at least the Rock Scorpions are attacking the right person. Shiori continues swinging, his hammer a normal size now.

Spoiler: OOC

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Move Action: Nah.

Standard Action: Attack S2.
Accuracy: (1d20+7)[14]
Damage: (1d8+2)[5] Bludgeoning, x3 on hit

[Dorni]

Though wounded, the lagging scorpion didn't hesitate when gifted an obvious opening. It stabbed the kneeling boy - and its stinger found nothing but empty air as Tsugiharu vanished. He reappeared just above and behind the extended stinger, in the creature's blind spot. The scorpion never even saw the blade that severed its stinger head from its tail coming.

Kotetsu channeled her ki and enveloped her sword in crackling lightning. She struck the scorpion in front of her and while the blade didn't bite deep in the stony monster, it spasmed at the lightning coursing through it. Keiji rushed to her assistance and tackled the demon from bin close, slamming into it and seizing it in a death grip.

Shiori got into form, once more swinging his mace at the scorpion's head. The demon dodged just enough that the mace deflected off of its stony armor.

The scorpion Keiji had seized gave a surprised shriek and started thrashing wildly, trying to sink its stinger into its attacker.

The remaining scorpion, meanwhile, found itself surrounded by enemies. It stung at the luchador restraining its brood-mate behind it while snapping its claws at Shiori who menaced it from the front. It leaned into the snap, scuttling to the side and putting its back to the boulder formation.

Spoiler: OOC

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Scorpion 1
Standard: Attempt to Sting Keiji. Opposed Grapple (1d20+7)[8] vs (1d20+15)[23]. On hit (2d6+6)[13] damage and DC 15 Fort vs poison (1d6 str / 1d6 str) Hahahaha No.
Move: Grappled

Scorpion 2
Full Attack:
Claw Shiori at (1d20+6)[11]. On hit (1d10+3)[8] damage. Miss
Claw Shiori at (1d20+6)[19]. On hit (1d10+3)[10] damage. Hit
Sting Keiji at (1d20+8)[19]. On hit (2d6+6)[13] damage and DC 15 Fort vs poison (1d6 str / 1d6 str). Hit
Free: 5ft Step to L9

All PCs are on turn

[Hyperbolic sine]

One.

Flicking away the scorpion fluids from his blade, Tsugiharu readied to pounce on the next enemy - the one being manhandled by Keiji. It was vulnerable, and he could not let the chance pass by.

~Focus on defence! Just keep it busy!~ he sent to Shiori, then assaulted the thrashing Demon Beast with the bait-and-fade trick he was becoming quite praticed at.

Spoiler: OOC

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Move: J8 -> I9
Standard: Weak Point Attack S1 with Fading Strike (no Dex because grappled, @+4 for BotN) (1d20+13)[20], crit on 31+.

(1d6+8)[13] P
(1d6)[5] Deadly Strike
(1d6)[6] BotN

42 damage after doubling.

Tsugiharu teleports to L11.

Status: Veiled Moon Style, Body of The Night.

Maneuvers
Dimensional Strike
Dizzying Venom Prana
Fading Strike
Weakening Venom Prana
Sting of the Asp

[Zelphas]

Shiori feels the claw punch into his already-weakened side and wills the claw away. From the outside, the scorpion seems to hesitate as something catches its attention, causing its claw swing to go wide. His vision doubling as he steps through the Collective to take the pain of the stinger away from Keiji, Shiori responds to Tsugiharu I am my shield and swings at his foe once again.

Spoiler: OOC

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Counter: Use Drowned Aggression on S2, forcing it to take a -4 on its second Claw attack roll. This causes it to miss Shiori.

Reaction: Use Martyrdom on Keiji, redirecting all 13 damage from the Stinger to Shiori, and then spending 4 Power Points to reduce that damage to 1.

Move Action: Nah.

Standard Action: Attack S2.
Accuracy: (1d20+7)[27] Crit
Damage: (1d8+2)[8] Bludgeoning, x3 on Crit.

[Zetion]

"Ha! You think that sting is going to save your partner? Think again!" Keiji shouts as he goes for the pin to expose the Scorpions weakpoint.

Spoiler: OOC

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Grapple Check to attempt a pin: (1d20+15)[23]

Manuevers ready:
Ariel Leap
Flurry Strike
Mighty Throw
Bruising Grip
Moving Performance

Active Stance: Font of Inspiration: Allies gain +1 Sacred bonus to all saves vs fear, enchantment effects, STR checks, and attack and dmg rolls

[tonberryking]

Not wishing to have Keiji's grappling be in vain, Kotetsu carefully raises her blade and then let's loose with a pair of cuts, making for damn sure the cut is as clean as she can make it.

Spoiler: OOC/rolls

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Mizuchi!
(1d20+8)[12]
(1d20+8)[26]

Damage:
(1d8+2)[3]
(1d8+2)[8]

[Dorni]

Tsugiharu dropped his guard and rushed the scorpion wrestling with Keiji. The scorpion didn't miss the opening and lashed out only to find it was feigned and be met with ready steel. Tsugiharu's blade bit deep into the creature's vulnerable throat while the demon's own sting found nothing but empty air where Tsugiharu teleported away.

The beast recoiled in pain, bleeding heavily. That was the break Keiji was looking for. He promptly lifted and slammed the beast down, coming down on its back and pinning it to the ground. Kotetsu put the battered, pinned, and bleeding scorpion out of its misery with two quick slashes.

Meanwhile, Shiori battled the remaining scorpion. Penned as it was against the boulders, it struggled to avoid the strange boy's mace, taking a solid hit that cracked the carapace where its eyes should have been.

Although it was alone it wasn't about to go down without a fight, snapping and stinging with desperation.

Spoiler: OOC

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Scorpion 2
Full Attack:
Claw Shiori at (1d20+6)[17]. On hit (1d10+3)[11] damage. Miss
Claw Shiori at (1d20+6)[20]. On hit (1d10+3)[4] damage. Hit
Sting Shiori at (1d20+8)[15]. On hit (2d6+6)[18] damage and DC 15 Fort vs poison (1d6 str / 1d6 str). Miss

PCs are on turn

[Zelphas]

"We seem to be doing well," Shiori pants wonderingly, feeling a set of claws dig into his side even as he knocks the scorpion's stinger aside with his shield. "You should hit this one hard now, I think," He calls out a bit louder, putting all his weight into another, oddly humming strike down at the Rock Scorpion.

Spoiler: OOC

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Move Action: Use the Zealot-specific version of Aid Another, Aiding himself. Attack roll (DC 10): (1d20+7)[8] On a "hit", +2 to Shiori's next attack roll. Either way, all Maneuvers recovered.

Standard Action: Use Harmony-Shattering Strike on S2. Expending 4 Power Points and Shiori's Psionic focus.

Accuracy: (1d20+9)[16] -2 if Aid Another fails.
Damage: (1d8+2)[6] Bludgeoning, x3 Crit

On a hit, all allies this turn deal an extra 3d6 damage on all of their strikes against this Rock Scorpion.

[Hyperbolic sine]

Two.

And one left. Incostant as moonlight on a cloudly night, Tsugiharu disappeared from atop the boulder and materialised besides Shiori, his blade ready to plunge in the scorpion's flesh.

Spoiler: OOC

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Switf: Enter Leaping Spirit Dance stance.
Move: L11 -> L10 -> [T] K8
Standard: Attack S1 (@+1 for FoI) (1d20+10)[29], crit on 28+.

(1d6+9)[15] P
(3d6)[13] HSS

Critical hit. Total 48 damage, Deadly Strike active on S2 for 4 rounds.

Status: Veiled Moon Style, Leaping Spirit Dance (+2 AC [dodge], +2 Reflex [cmp]).

Maneuvers
Dimensional Strike
Dizzying Venom Prana
Fading Strike
Weakening Venom Prana
Sting of the Asp

[tonberryking]

Kotetsu tries to be agile herself as she takes a step off against the side of the boulder and with a lunge tries to sail over head, using her jump's momentum to propel her blade at a sheering angle, trying to take the scorpion's head clean off as if it were a cattail stalk down by a river...

Spoiler: ooc/rolls

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Finally getting some use out of Aerial leap.

(1d20+14)[17] Initial Acrobatics check. And then following this up with another: (1d20+14)[18] if the first doesn't get me close enough to strike, but either way, I'll have moved, hopefully, 10ft to trigger her stance and deal skirmish damage:

(1d20+8)[22]
(1d8+2)[7]
(1d6)[2]

[Dorni]

Shiori's mace struck true, the more-than-physical blow thundering into the scorpion's stony armor. Its armor cracked under the strike, sending stone chips flying, but that was only part of the damage. The spiritual weight imbued in the strike slammed into the creature's spirit, leaving it reeling and vulnerable.

Tsugiharu instantly materialized as if the vulnerability itself had summoned him there. His blade flashed, disposing of the final scorpion before it could recover.

Which left our heroes alone on the field, surrounded by dead scorpions while smoke rose from the plugged burrows.

Spoiler: Searching the bodies

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You harvest 2 Pristine Venom Sacs, 1 Venom Sac, 3 soul gems (total value 660gp), and a +1 Weighted Dart

Spoiler: Weighted Dart

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Thrown Weapon, 1d4 damage, 20ft/50ft*, 1.5lb.
The weighted dart is a barbed arrowhead attached to a lead weight on a short shaft. Unlike its lighter cousin, it is meant to be thrown in a high arc where it will self-correct its point downward and plunge onto its target. While it is useful for striking from an unexpected angle or over cover, it is favored by adepts capable of flight. When dropped from above it has a range increment of 50ft.

Spoiler: Heal or Alchemy DC 20, Tsugiharu

Show

After extracting the dart from where it had embedded itself in the scorpion's armor, you notice a faint scent on it. Almond-like. Hint of bitterness. Gleamblossom Oil.

Battle Over. All PCs gain a VP.

[Hyperbolic sine]

Thr- ah

The scorpion's defences were wide open - so much, in fact, that Tsugiharu reflexively thrusted his blade and skewered the beast's head, venom sac and all.

He kept his guard up for a moment still, then relaxed his muscles as no more enemies showed up.

"Uh...sorry." he offered sheepishly, glancing at the dead creature, then set to quickly smother the flames - last thing he wanted was for the team to get disqualified for starting a forest fire - before joining the others in extracting the sacs.

***

Hmm.

Tsugiharu frowned after examining the dart - the kind favoured by those able to fly. Like the Murakumo.

Was it evidence, or misdirection? Or perhaps a mere coincidence? He couldn't say, and the uncertainty gnawed at him.

"We should probably get back to base and score some points, see how we're doing. What do you want to do about the dead guy?" he asked Kotetsu. "I, uh, I think it would be best to act like we never found him, for now."

[Zetion]

"As much as I wish we could help the poor warrior, I've pledged my aid to Kotetsu for this so I'll leave the decision to you," Keiji says before giving a slight glance back in the direction of where the body was, "Though I think we should at least send up the signal for them."

[tonberryking]

Kotetsu takes a long moment of silence, tucking her chin and most of her lower face under her scarf with a gesture of self calming. She's clearly not usually asked to take charge this way, but this also no time for her to be indecisive.

"I...We shouldn't go back there. It could be a trap and we've already had to make sure once already to leave him with his possessions. We can report that we saw a body and that we think it may have been left out on purpose so we didn't (really) tamper with his remains beyond checking that he wasn't alive any longer. I realize that might allow others to accuse us of robbing him if we admit to encountering the corpse, but better WE say we discovered him rather than someone ELSE proving it."

She folds her arms and nods her head, "Or... I could say I alone discovered him. This is my chance to shine, so I should be the one to risk defamation or accusations."

[Hyperbolic sine]

Tsugiharu shook his head. "We're a group, no point in any one of us taking individual responsibility."

"But I'll follow your lead. Just...don't let your guard down."