2020-08-20

Okay, anything y'all want to do in Moon Hill before you set out on the road?

Niamh sees what the price of an emergency healing potion is locally.

Akio asks, "Do we want to hire some additional muscle?"

Tobias says, "We can if you feel it warranted."

DaR From Another Place says, "I think we're probably better off moving fast and not attracting attention, but if someone feels we need more, then I'm game."

Akio says, "I legit don't know."

Akio says, "If the two of you feel we're good, then I do to."

Manny Mo'Jac exclaims, "OOC Normally 50 GP but since you warned the town, the Sehanine Priestess will sell you one for 40 GP if you want it!"

Tobias says, "Unless you know something I don't, I don't see a need for what in theory is a fairly short trip along a major road in civilized territory."

Manny Mo'Jac says, "roll 1d12"

Result is: (1d12) 9 for Manny Mo'Jac

Akio says, "Fair enough."

Mike asks, "OOC: Ten silver = 1 gold, yeah?"

Manny Mo'Jac says, "OOC Yes"

Niamh forks over 400 silver.

Harrowhark does likewise.

Manny Mo'Jac says, "OOC Add it to your sheet"

Numo tries to get into the holy wine cabinet and zaps himself, then stumbles back to Niamh, moaning.

Niamh reproves Numo.

Okay, you then get your show on the road.

Starting out across the valley.

Niamh seems moody, out of sorts, and uncharacteristically nervous.

Harrowhark says, "OOC: Who has the heart? I nominate Niamh."

You know there's a caravanaseri just past the edge of the valley and you think you should reach it tonight.

Harrowhark says, "OOC: Who also stands in the center of the party surrounded by goons."

Manny Mo'Jac says, "OOC A good question, let's resolve that."

Harrowhark says, "OOC: Who ALWAYS, even."

Mike says, "OOC: Sure, I'll take it."

Harrowhark says, "OOC: Second of all, did we rent horses or a carriage? Walking to Santa Cora will take a long-ass time."

Harrowhark says, "OOC: I feel like we should at least rent a wagon."

Vendrik OOCly aint riding no horse.

Harrowhark asks, "OOC: Do you have objections to riding on a wagon PULLED by horses?"

Manny Mo'Jac says, "OOC You could get a carriage ride. That's five GP each. You can buy horses, but you can't really rent them because no one here has a place for you turn in horses elsewhere"

Vendrik OOCly says, "No. A wagon is fine."

Harrowhark says, "OOC: I say we rent the carriage."

DaR From Another Place says, "Vendrik is huge. Like 7 foot and probably the better part of 500 pounds. It'd take a dire clydsedale for him to ride. And they probably don't like him terribly much, as being ogre blooded, he probably smells of predator to anything short of a trained warhorse."

Manny Mo'Jac says, "OOC Are you all going to do a carriage ride, then? That's 5 GP each."

Niamh offers to dicker for transport, with the confidence of one who has done this a lot.

Harrowhark says, "OOC: We'll put Vendrik and Luke up top, the rest of us inside."

Harrowhark takes Niamh up on that offer.

Manny Mo'Jac says, "OOC Okay. You can use Cha + Pilgrimage Traveller, DC 15 to try and dicker"

Manny Mo'Jac says, "+ Level of course"

Niamh also makes use of her knowledge of the local culture to make this deal.

Mike says, "roll 1d20+4+2+1x2"

Result is: (1d20+4+2+1) 12 (1d20+4+2+1) 8 for Mike

Tobias says, "Feh."

You are unable to convince him to offer a discount.

You go a riding.

Niamh pays her 5 gold.

Harrowhark does as well.

It's a comfortable ride in a mid-level carriage. You get pre-made sandwiches, ham and cheese, with cups of tea for lunch the first day as you are crossing the Valley. At times, you pass now empty craters and lots of work of people rebuilding things.

Harrowhark makes sure Numo doesn't eat all the sandwiches.

Samantha says, "well, that made a mess."

Numo attempts to shove a sandwich up his nose; it is Kiara's sandwich, which he steals while Harrow is defending Samantha's sandwich.

Manny Mo'Jac says, "roll 1d20+11"

Result is: (1d20+11) 21 for Manny Mo'Jac

Only to find he is shoving a dirty napkin up his nose instead; he now acts as if this was some sort of mini-purple-worm invading his nose.,

Harrowhark says, "Yes. This is what I expected."

Kiara looks amused.

Niamh bolts down her sandwich and broods over her tea.

Then settlements thin out but as you rise up the ridge, heading for where the road exits the valley. It's still daylight, but the sun is headed for the horizon.

You crest the ridge and you see trouble.

Akio exclaims, "Big trouble? Right here in Moon Valley!"

A ways up ahead, you can see a crater. Two mutated orcs with horns and red skin stand by it, three of them with bone blades for hands. They are joined by four beings made out of tar in a roughly humanoid form. Anyone with knowledge of the planes can make an Intelligence check to recognize them. DC 15

Mike says, "roll 1d20+10"

Result is: (1d20+10) 20 for Mike

Kiara looks out the window and makes a face.

Niamh looks out the window and screeches. "TURN THE CARRIAGE AROUND."

The driver says, "I'm good for that!"

He wheels it around and drives to the lee side of the ridge, where you can't see the crater and they canna see you.

Niamh says, "Demons. And a hellhole. And fiend-orcs, and I think there may be a summoner of some sort lurking around."

Samantha says, "that's excessive."

Kiara makes a face again. "Is there some way we can just go around?"

Niamh seems about ready to jump out of her skin; it's almost etirely unlike her.

Vendrik makes a deep, angry noise.

Harrowhark asks, "A -hellhole-?"

Harrowhark exclaims, "This close to Santa Cora? That's unheard of!"

Harrowhark exclaims, "Every holy order in the demesne will descend on it!"

Niamh says, "As near as I can tell, the crater may be functioning as a sort of.. halfassed minor hellhole."

Luke says, "Probably something tainted fell from the floating fortress."

Vendrik says, "Not equipped for hellhole fighting. Even small is trouble."

Harrowhark says, "I lack the necessary reagents and unguents, and sealing one requires a full cadre of Black Vestals."

Harrowhark says, "Or a fully qualified high-ranking magus."

The driver says, "I could try and make a run on the road; it's not on the road, thankfully."

Niamh says, "I do not want to fight demons." She says this fervently.

Kiara just stares at Niamh. Then she nods, slowly.

Luke says, "I do not like just leaving it there, but I lack the capaicity to close it."

Niamh says, "The best thing we can do is proceed to Santa Cora. There will be MANY people there well-equipped to deal with it."

Vendrik says, "Demons are needing killing, but without more men and inquisitors, going in is not an option."

Harrowhark nods vigorously.

Kiara asks, "Okay, I'll take your word for it." She looks at the driver. "So how good a chance do we have of making a run right by them?"

He says, "I've never tried to run past a hellhole but they don't seem to have any missile weapons, so pretty good, I think."

Harrowhark says, "Kiara and Samantha should ride up top."

Harrowhark says, "Perhaps the occasional crossbow bolt will discourage pursuit."

Kiara nods. "Alright." She looks at the others. "Sounds like the best option."

Samantha moves topside

Niamh says, "They can hopefully try and spot any obstacles in the road, as well."

Manny Mo'Jac says, "roll d20+10"

Result is: (d20+10) 21 for Manny Mo'Jac

Kiara moves up top as well.

Things go pretty smoothly; your snipers harrass the orcs and dretches with arrows and you race down the road past the hellhole without any trouble. Even as you do so, another tainted orc takes shape inside it and rumbles out.

After two more hours, you reach a caravanaseri as the sun sets. The driver's horses need to rest, though he could switch horses if you convince him to do so.

Harrowhark thinks it wouldn't be a great idea to travel through the night.

Kiara is willing to leave it up to the expert! (Also, she's lazy and could use a rest herself.)

Vendrik fetches the proprietor, fills out several copies of a report on the hellhole, and suggests he have them sent out in multiple directions, with the next travellers to come along, just in case.

The proprieter agrees and posts a night watch to be sure.

Niamh augments the night watch by summoning several sets of alarm sprites to walk a wide perimeter around the inn and scream at the first whiff of demon.

Harrowhark, as always, is vaguely surprised whenever she is reminded that Vendrik is not only literate, but has superb penmanship.

Vendrik ensures that the reports have the right wordings to ensure that they catch the attention of appropriate witch hunter and other parties.

DaR From Another Place says, "Vendrik is all noble and shit. With big floppy pants and poofy sleeved shirts and all."

Kiara looks on admiringly. "Always nice to have connections."

The Proprieter follows Vendrik's guidelines

Harrowhark asks curiously, "How is the heart, Niamh?"

Harrowhark asks, "It's not whispering to you that you should cut yourself open and put it inside?"

Niamh says, "It has not said anything at all that I am aware of."

Samantha says, "oh good."

Harrowhark says, "Yes, good."

Niamh says, "I certainly feel no urge to do any self-surgery."

Kiara asks, "Always good... well, maybe. It'd be interesting to watch, hm?"

Harrowhark says, "My concern is that these ancient mechanical relics seem to cry out to be used."

None of you have heard it whispering to you.

Niamh says, "Well, this one is being very quiet about it if so."

Unless it sounds like the carriage's usual noises

Harrowhark says, "A perfectly sane magus gets their hands on it, and a year later they've built a golem around it. And they say the golem is for productive uses."

Harrowhark says, "And then things go badly."

Niamh says, "Mmmm."

Kiara says, "Hey, was the golem a hot dancer? 'Cause, you know. That might be worth it."

Niamh sits by the fire with a cup of tea, and executes another smoke painting, of the same woman but with a harsh, puritanical air, standing in a pulpit of judgment, hand raised in condemnation of evil.

Niamh gazes at it and sips at her tea for a while, then irritably waves one hand and lets it go up in the smoke it was made from.

Harrowhark says, "You're very good at that, Niamh."

Niamh says, "Lots of practice."

Harrowhark asks, "Is it a meditative aide of some sort, or do you do it for no better reason than the satisfaction?"

Luke says, "Art is its own satisfaction."

Niamh says, "Oh, it gives me no satisfaction." She thinks. "Have you ever had an itch on your skin? One that will not go away? You know it's best not to scratch it, it won't help and may just abrade the skin. But you do anyway, you can't help it."

Kiara asks, "...yeah?"

Niamh sips at her tea and seems uninclined to elaborate.

Kiara pouts. "Aww. Come on, fess up."

Harrowhark has no response to that.

Your carriage ticket pays for a cot in the common room; most people go by boat to bypass the demon coast, so there's the crew of another caravan, twelve strong, who stay in the room with you but they cause you no trouble. You can get a private room for one gold if you want.

Niamh has zero interest in a private room.

Samantha declines the option

Kiara is good.'

Vendrik likewise declines.

Harrowhark does as well.

page> Akemi [to you]: You have a dream about the woman your family wanted you to marry, whose estate was eaten by the Stone Thief last year, begging you to bring her the Wondercore. Only it can save her.

Your dreams are interrupted by tinny voices shouting "DEMONS" and human voices shouting, "DRAGON!" as you wake up.

Harrowhark sighs and grabs her mace.

Niamh, her cheeks blazing red for whatever reason, stumbles out of bed. "Unghawha?"

Vendrik immediately grabs his sword and shield.

Luke leaps out of bed and grabs his gear and dons his armor.

Kiara wakes up, looking disappointed at losing whatever dream she had, then grumbles and gets her arms in order.

You hear a lot of shouting and the caravan folk who are here huddle in one corner, but the attack has not hit the common room yet.

Vendrik pauses long enough to strap on his breastplate, forgoing the rest of his armor, before heading out to the common area to start organizing a defense.

Niamh says, "Just a dragon? Not demons? Right. Let's kill it."

You hear fighting out in the courtyard. The barkeep pops up from behind the bar. "A dragon and some people badly disguised as demons are attacking and the dragon is shouting about revenge for her husband."

Kiara laughs. "Wow, you're eager."

Samantha says, "hopefully it's really that ridiculous."

Niamh says, "I am annoyed." Indeed, she sounds more coldly irked than anything else now, a far cry from yesterday's near-panic.

Vendrik cocks his head. "Mate of kobold's black dragon, most like."

Samantha gets her gear on and sneaks down to see what the hell, and maybe make a side detour to the kitchen for ham sandwiches.

Kiara sighs and facepalms.

Niamh finishes waking up and gets ready to go out and confront whatever is out there behind the shield of Luke and Vendrik.

Kiara joins them.

Coming outside, a dozen caravan guards in two knots of six are trying to fight a dozen poorly armed humans with pitchforks, six well armed guys in studded leather with bows and swords, two big bruisers with halbards, a guy in black robes, and, well, a black dragon the same size as the last one you met.

The mage is riding on the dragon.

Manny Mo'Jac exclaims, "OOC Everyone roll initiative!"

Kiara just... looks. "Who are these people?"

DaR From Another Place says, "Called it."

Vendrik says, "roll d20+1"

Result is: (d20+1) 21, crit for Vendrik

Manny Mo'Jac says, "roll d20+1 d20+9 d20+3x2"

Result is: (d20+1) 3 (d20+3) 12 (d20+3) 5 (d20+9) 17 for Manny Mo'Jac

Mike says, "roll 1d20+2x2"

Result is: (1d20+2) 14 (1d20+2) 20 for Mike

Samantha says, "roll 1d20+2"

Result is: (1d20+2) 14 for Samantha

Kiara says, "roll 1d20+4+2"

Result is: (1d20+4+2) 10 for Kiara

Harrowhark says, "roll 1d20+2x2"

Result is: (1d20+2) 10 (1d20+2) 3 for Harrowhark

Akio says, "Burn the mage."

Tobias says, "Yuuuuup."

Vendrik, Niamh, then the Dragon and the Mage but not your other foes.

DaR From Another Place asks, "What's the melee look like, John? Who's engaged where?"

Voice of John Biles says, "One group of six guards is being attacked by twelve scum; the other group is being attacked by the six guys with swords and bows. The two big guys are shouting orders. The Dragon and Mage are airborne, not clear what they'll do next."

DaR From Another Place asks, "The two big guys together-ish?"

Akio asks, "Wait, hold on, the mage is ON the dragon?"

Voice of John Biles says, "Yes."

Akio says, "Okay, that wasn't clear."

Akio says, "This makes plan burn the mage much harder."

Sniper Ox says, "sam can use her cape's gimmick to pop up on the dragon."

Voice of John Biles says, "Just before I said to roll for init, I said 'The mage is riding on the dragon. '"

Frito says, "I could probably teleport up behind him, and Sam could do that, though dunno if there's room for two up there."

Manny Mo'Jac says, "roll 1d2"

Result is: (1d2) 2 for Manny Mo'Jac

Voice of John Biles says, "They're standing by each other, Dan."

Sniper Ox says, "maybe we can get up there and kick him off the dragon"

Frito asks, "Yeah... John, how much room is there for us up on dragonback?"

Voice of John Biles says, "One other person could be up there at a time."

Vendrik lowers his shield into place, and then bull rushes the two giving orders, sword stabbing from behind the shield at the one on the right d20+7 2d10+5. He hollers for Niamh and Harrowhark to deal with the mage (inspire for 1 resolve, +1 to hit).

Result is: (d20+7) 20 (2d10+5) 8

Voice of John Biles says, "Bodychecking him requires a normal melee hit, then instead of damage, you roll your strength + level against his. "

Sniper Ox says, "alright, so who should go for it"

DaR From Another Place says, "Crappy damage, but a decent hit roll at least."

Sniper Ox says, "sam only got a STR of 12"

Frito says, "You have any special tricks for getting the drop on him? Kiara's only STR 10."

All the Bandits are 17/15/11, save the Mage, who is 17/11/15

Frito asks, "Actually, is the mage using some kind of saddle/harness to stay on the dragon, or is he just hanging out there?"

The Dragon is 19/17/13

Sniper Ox says, "I do."

Sniper Ox says, "the cape sam recently got has a limited teleport function"

Voice of John Biles says, "He has no saddle, which is why this is a straight strength fight"

Akio says, "We might be getting too fancy here."

Akio says, "We may want to clear out the goons first."

Frito says, "OK. Rats. Was hoping if there was a saddle, we could cut a strap and tumble him off."

Manny Mo'Jac says, "OOC Anyway, Niamh i9s next, then the Dragon/Mage" page> Akemi [to you]: You hit him, by the way

Akio asks, "John, if we're closely engaged with the goons, the dragon will have trouble using its breath weapon, right?"

Akio asks, "It's the standard cone attack?"

Tobias says, "Given you are acrobatic-ass rogues, rather than shoving him, maybe loop a cord round his neck and then jump off, still holding said cord."

Voice of John Biles says, "If you're in melee with his goons, he'd have to risk hitting some of his allies, yeah"

Sniper Ox says, "well, if the GM will allow that, sure"

Niamh points her wand at the mage. "Rimururu's Strawberry Ice Cream Ruination," she intones icily.

Mike says, "roll 1d20+4+2+1+1"

Result is: (1d20+4+2+1+1) 27 for Mike

Mike says, "roll 3d6+1"

Result is: (3d6+1) 12 for Mike

Frito says, "Not too shabby."

Niamh then ducks to cover behind Luke.

Voice of John Biles says, "You can try that, but it's -4 to hit."

Sniper Ox says, "I might have better odds bodychecking him"

The mage is splatted with ice cream and loks pretty pissed.

Manny Mo'Jac says, "roll 1d3"

Result is: (1d3) 2 for Manny Mo'Jac

The dragon comes around, and Luke circles to shield Niamh, which means he and Harrow get targetted.

Manny Mo'Jac says, "roll d20+9x2"

Result is: (d20+9) 22 (d20+9) 23 for Manny Mo'Jac

You are both hit by acid, taking 5 damage and 5 ongoing acid damage each round until you save

The Mage fires a magical bolt of acid at Luke.

Manny Mo'Jac says, "roll d20+6"

Result is: (d20+6) 16 for Manny Mo'Jac

Luke takes 6 damage and is now taking 6 ongoing acid instead of five.

Samantha is next, then rhe rest of your foes, then Kiara

Sniper Ox says, "well, he's a mage. he can't be that strong"

Voice of John Biles asks, "He can't stop you teleporting up. You going for the body check?"

Samantha teleports up to the dragon's back and tries to knock the mage off.

Frito says, "You've got the first shot at him, anyway."

Manny Mo'Jac says, "OOC Roll a normal d20+5 to hit him. You get +2 because of surprise, so d20+7"

Samantha says, "roll 1d20+7"

Result is: (1d20+7) 11 for Samantha

Sniper Ox says, "motherfucker"

You are not able to bodycheck him off.

Sniper Ox says, "he's stronger than 11? huh."

Voice of John Biles says, "You had to hit him first"

Voice of John Biles says, "THEN make the strength check"

Manny Mo'Jac asks, "OOC Do you want to jump off the Dragon or stay up there?"

Frito says, "Might be better to just straight attack him next round."

Samantha says, "OOC staying here."

One of the two bravos attacks Vendrik.

Manny Mo'Jac says, "roll d20+7"

Result is: (d20+7) 19 for Manny Mo'Jac

The other follows up the first one's hit.

Manny Mo'Jac says, "roll d20+9"

Result is: (d20+9) 15 for Manny Mo'Jac

The first one inflicts six damage but will get +6 damage next round if he hits.

The Scum and six guards fight each other and two scum die and five guards take 4 damage.

The other clump of bandits and the other guards all injure each other some but no one dies.

Kiara, then Harrow, then Luke!

Akio says, "Dan, imma probably heal Luke rather than you. You're not down enough to justify it yet."

Kiara does a bunny hop for distraction, then attacks the first guy who hit Vendrik (the one that would get a damage bonus if he hits).

Manny Mo'Jac asks, "OOC Is this a tumbling strike?"

Kiara says, "OOC Yeah."

Manny Mo'Jac says, "OOC Roll to hit"

Kiara says, "roll 1d20+4+2+1"

Result is: (1d20+4+2+1) 11 for Kiara

Frito says, "Sigh."

Manny Mo'Jac exclaims, "OOC Roll to disengage!"

DaR From Another Place says, "oh, definitely don't heal me. 6 damage is less than my absolute minimum recovery."

Kiara says, "roll 1d20+5"

Result is: (1d20+5) 8 for Kiara

You are unable to get away from him.

HArrow, you take 5 acid, dropping to 30 HP. Whatcha doin'?

Harrowhark moves forward to the line with Vendrik and Kiara, on the assumption Luke will also move forward as well and that Niamh will tuck in immediately behind us all. She casts Healing Strike, and then swings her mace at a goon...

Harrowhark says, "roll 1d20+7"

Result is: (1d20+7) 19 for Harrowhark

Hit!

Harrowhark says, "roll 2d6"

Result is: (2d6) 5 for Harrowhark

Akio asks, "Luke is down 11, right?"

You smack his side if not as hard as you might ahve hoped.

Voice of John Biles says, "Yes."

Akio says, "I'm wondering if its more efficient to hit my chip healing to Vendrik and then use my "real" heal on Luke; if I direct both to Luke there's a good chance of overheal."

Harrowhark directs 4 HP of healing to Vendrik, and then heals Luke with Heal, also allowing him to save.

Harrowhark then saves herself.

Harrowhark says, "roll 1d20"

Result is: (1d20) 12 for Harrowhark

Akio says, "Nice."

Manny Mo'Jac says, "roll 2d10+4"

Result is: (2d10+4) 13 for Manny Mo'Jac

Akio says, "So far healing strike is off to a pretty good start."

Akio says, "This fight-on-the-line thing might work out."

Luke fully heals.

Then he takex 6 damage

Akio says, "Whoa whoa."

Akio says, "Nope."

Akio says, "Luke gets to save."

Akio says, "I explicitly noted that."

Voice of John Biles says, "Oop, I missed it, sorry"

Manny Mo'Jac says, "roll d20"

Result is: (d20) 13 for Manny Mo'Jac

Luke spits lightning at the Dragon.

Akio says, "God damn is protection domain good."

Manny Mo'Jac says, "roll d20+6 2d6+6"

Result is: (2d6+6) 11 (d20+6) 18 for Manny Mo'Jac

He then moves to help trash the scum with his halbard.

Manny Mo'Jac says, "OOC Actually..."

Manny Mo'Jac says, "OOC He holds his action so he can move to try to protect Niamh because the Dragon may get a free shot at her if he's engaged with someone."

Manny Mo'Jac issues a challenge to the Dragon, in fact.

New Round. Escalation Die is a 1. Harrow is at 30, Vendrik at 42, everyone else is at full.

Vendrik, then Niamh.

Then the Dragon and Mage

The one on the left is going to get +6 damage if he hits you this round, BTW, Vendrik

But he is unhurt and the one on the right got hit twice.

Vendrik shoves his sheild in the face of the left bruiser, but otherwise ignores him, continuing to focus the wounded one on the right d20+8 2d10+5. He inspires Niamh and Samantha this time.

Result is: (d20+8) 10 (2d10+5) 17

DaR From Another Place says, "sad panda in snow. with no sandwich."

Tobias asks, "btw, how much distance have we covered of the trip to Santa Cora? Halfway there? 1/4th?"

Voice of John Biles says, "Ask me when we're not in the middle of a fight."

Niamh's turn!

Tobias says, "I am not asking out of curiosity. I'm asking because I have limited resources wrt things like daily spells, and so the remaining length of our journey has a direct relation to how free I am to use those resources now, in this fight, as opposed to perhaps needing to save them if we're just at the start of our journey."

Voice of John Biles says, "Ahh. Gimme a minute."

Voice of John Biles says, "You have about 4 more days to go"

Voice of John Biles says, "That being said, most of this area is usually pretty safe, more and more so as you get closer to Santa Cora"

Niamh points her wand at the mage again, invoking the Catastrophic Spell-Glacier of the Titanic Leviathan.

Mike says, "roll 1d20+4+2+1+1+1"

Result is: (1d20+4+2+1+1+1) 11 for Mike

Frito says, "..."

Frito says, "Oww."

Tobias says, "Happily, that was exactly what I needed."

The good news is that the Mage is the only person on this field that will actuall hit!

Mike says, "roll 3d6+1"

Result is: (3d6+1) 8 for Mike

Manny Mo'Jac says, "roll 1d20+5"

Result is: (1d20+5) 17 for Manny Mo'Jac

DaR From Another Place says, "Sadly, the damage was almost as bad as the hit."

Tobias says, "Yes. :P"

The impact nearly knocks him from his seat but he holds on... though he is now gravely hurt.

Niamh, looking sour, ducks back into cover. "Finish him, Sam!"

Sniper Ox says, "well, i guess i might as well stab him."

The mage points his wand at Samantha, who gets hit in the chest.

Manny Mo'Jac says, "roll 2d4"

Result is: (2d4) 5 for Manny Mo'Jac

A purple dart of energy hits her for five points.

Sniper Ox says, "somehow the to-hit roll was invisible."

Frito says, "It was probably a guaranteed hit wand."

Voice of John Biles says, "He doesn't have to roll to hit with that power"

Sniper Ox says, "aaaah"

Tobias says, "Magic missile."

Then the dragon tries to shake Samantha off as it comes around to chew on Luke. DC 15 Dex check; you can use Silent Assassin + Dex + level to hold on

Tobias says, "The good: no to-hit roll, it autohits. The bad: A MIGHTY 2d4 DAMAGE, FEAAAAAAR IT"

Voice of John Biles says, "Yeah"

Samantha says, "roll 1d20+8"

Result is: (1d20+8) 28, crit for Samantha

Tobias says, "There's a reason I use Ray of Frost instead."

Samantha basically does a mocking jig and avoids a fall.

Samantha glares at the wizard. "SURRENDER NOW!"

Manny Mo'Jac says, "roll 1d6"

Result is: (1d6) 1 for Manny Mo'Jac

The Dragon bites AND Claws

On Luke

Manny Mo'Jac says, "roll d20+8x4"

Result is: (d20+8) 24 (d20+8) 21 (d20+8) 15 (d20+8) 17 for Manny Mo'Jac

Sniper Ox says, "i saw the darksaber at the grocery today. it's still too stupid."

Luke is bit and clawed, taking 14 and dropping to 22. He gets acid drool on him and has 5 ongoing acid damage.

Samantha, then the Guards, then your other foes!

Manny Mo'Jac says, "OOC Oh, Luke gets his held action, hold on"

Manny Mo'Jac says, "roll d20+7 2d10+7"

Result is: (2d10+7) 17 (d20+7) 21 for Manny Mo'Jac

Luke hits the dragon and leaves it a huge chest wound.

NOW Samantha

Akio says, "I don't get how you don't like the darksaber."

Akio says, "It's one of the best-looking sabers."

Sniper Ox says, "it's as simple as this: it looks ridiculous"

Samantha says, "roll 1d20+8"

Result is: (1d20+8) 13 for Samantha

Sniper Ox says, "oh for fucksakes."

Sniper Ox says, "damn dice"

You try to shove the mage off but you just bruise him a little

The guards and bandits continue to scuffle

Two bravos try to kill Vendrik; the first is the bonus damage guy.

Manny Mo'Jac says, "roll d20+6x2"

Result is: (d20+6) 14 (d20+6) 20 for Manny Mo'Jac

Guy two hits and does 7, dropping Vendrik to 35

Kiara, then Harrow, then Luke!

Vendrik roars, "You hit like little babies. Who sent babies to fight me. It is past your bed time, little babies."

The first bravo shouts, "Go fuck yourself, you ugly mug!"

Akio says, "Luke be gettin' healed again."

Akio asks, "John, how many goons are still up?"

Voice of John Biles says, "8 Scum, 6 sword/bow guys, the two bravos"

Voice of John Biles says, "None of the caravan guards are down yet but they're all injured to varying degrees"

Akio asks, "Plus the dragon and mage?"

Kiara takes a dagger, flips it end-for-end, then throws it hard at the dragon.

Voice of John Biles says, "Yes"

Tobias says, "Something I hadn't noticed before: Satine and Savage die literally an episode apart, in Obi-Wan and Maul's arms respectively. Satine's last words are, "I always will." Savage's last words are, "I never was.""

Kiara says, "roll 1d20+4+2+1"

Result is: (1d20+4+2+1) 8 for Kiara

Frito says, "..."

Akio says, "Deliberate juxtaposition, in fact."

SWISH

The blade just nicks a wingtip

Harrow!

Akio says, "Channel Life coming up. Rolling 1d19; 4 or better I don't clip a PC, 5 or better I don't clip Luke. Technically the caravan guards should be in the pool as well I guess but let's keep things simple."

Akio asks, "Who am I targeting?"

Harrowhark says, "roll 1d20+6"

Result is: (1d20+6) 17 for Harrowhark

Voice of John Biles says, "A sword and bow bandit, who you hit"

Harrowhark says, "roll 2d6+6"

Result is: (2d6+6) 10 for Harrowhark

Harrowhark sucks the life out of a bandit and channels it into Luke, who may heal with a recovery and also save.

DaR From Another Place exclaims, "Harrow is a life communist!"

Manny Mo'Jac says, "roll 2d10+7 1d20"

Result is: (2d10+7) 10 (1d20) 12 for Manny Mo'Jac

Akio says, "Awww yeah."

Luke throws off the acid and heals to 32

Akio says, "I mean, that surge was weaksauce."

Akio says, "But he made the save."

He holds his action in hope that the Dragon comes within reach again and so he can shield Niamh

Akio says, "That "save out of turn" power of mine is a LOT of "effective" healing."

Escalation Die of 2, Vendrik, then Niamh!

Tobias says, "Harrow controls the means of reproduction. She is the working classes."

Voice of John Biles says, "Protection = a very good domain"

Akio says, "DPS and healz."

Vendrik continues to hold his shield in the face of the first bravo while taunting him and wailing on the second. d20+9 2d10+5

Result is: (d20+9) 25 (2d10+5) 16

The Second Bravo is hit in the shoulder; his arm comes off and he screams and quickly perishes as he collapses.

Niamh!

Mike asks, "OOC: What's the status of the two packs of soldiers?"

Manny Mo'Jac says, "OOC Injured, fighting on."

Mike says, "OOC: Yes, but... numbers, etc"

Manny Mo'Jac says, "The bandits fighting one group are injured and fighting on; the scum have lost 4 scum."

Manny Mo'Jac says, "OOC six bandits in one group, 8 scum in the other"

Niamh steps out from behind Luke, points her wand at a clump of four bandits, and invokes Gonk's Mysterious Invocation of Glittering Mysteries upon them.

Mike says, "roll 1d20+4+2+2+1x4"

Result is: (1d20+4+2+2+1) 15 (1d20+4+2+2+1) 23 (1d20+4+2+2+1) 13 (1d20+4+2+2+1) 11 for Mike

Mike says, "roll 2d8+1x4"

Result is: (2d8+1) 5 (2d8+1) 13 (2d8+1) 10 (2d8+1) 10 for Mike

Four bandits soon find themselves baffled trying to solve glittering, impossible puzzles as their brains fry; roll damage.

All four are now weakened and will take 5 ongoing psychic damage until they stop trying to figure out the mysteries

Niamh ducks back behind Luke, mobile tower shield.

The Dragon turns and spits acid at Vendrik's group and tries to shake off Smantha. Roll DC 15 Dex + Silent Assassin + Level, Samantha

Manny Mo'Jac says, "roll 1d3"

Result is: (1d3) 1 for Manny Mo'Jac

Manny Mo'Jac says, "roll d20+9"

Result is: (d20+9) 21 for Manny Mo'Jac

Vendrik is covered in acid goo; he drops to 30 HP and has 5 ongoing acid damage.

The mage swirls his wand at Samantha, who is hit by a cone of swirling light.

Manny Mo'Jac says, "roll 1d20+7"

Result is: (1d20+7) 12 for Manny Mo'Jac

Akio exclaims, "Dammit, Luke, stop getting acidificated!"

Voice of John Biles says, "This was Vendrik this time."

Samantha's keen mind, however, snaps her eyes shut and it doesn't work.

The mage is frustrated, but now Samantha can open her eyes and act!

Sniper Ox says, "john, how close to death is the mage"

Voice of John Biles says, "One hit from you and he dies."

Voice of John Biles says, "If you actually hit."

Voice of John Biles says, "He can take several more rounds of miss damage"

Samantha says, "roll 1d20+9"

Result is: (1d20+9) 18 for Samantha

HIT!

Samantha says, "roll 2d8+4"

Result is: (2d8+4) 9 for Samantha

Samantha's blade goes into him and he falls off the dragon, blood spurting in the air and goes splat.

Manny Mo'Jac asks, "OOC Do you continue riding the dragon?"

Samantha hops off

Manny Mo'Jac says, "OOC Roll DC 15 Silent Assassin + Dex + Level to land smoothly"

Samantha says, "roll 1d20+8"

Result is: (1d20+8) 25 for Samantha

Sniper Ox says, "I always crit or near crit dex checks"

Samantha leaps, lands on Luke's shoulder, and triple-flips back to the ground.

A bandit now dies of the enigmas Niamh inflicted on him.

Ther others she messed up are now cut down.

Two scum die as well.

The scum cut down one caravan guard.

The last bravo shouts, "FUCK IT, RETREAT!"

The bandits begin to flee; Vendrik, Kiara, you can both take free shots at the bravo near you as he runs

Manny Mo'Jac says, "OOC Kiara, you get sneak attack if you hit"

Vendrik says, "roll d20+9 2d10+5"

Result is: (d20+9) 11 (2d10+5) 20 for Vendrik

DaR From Another Place says, "Daamn. If only those were reversed..."

Vendrik takes his hat and a little bit of his hair off

Kiara says, "roll 1d20+4+2+2+1"

Result is: (1d20+4+2+2+1) 22 for Kiara

Hit!

Kiara says, "roll 2d8+1d6+1"

Result is: (2d8+1d6+1) 16 for Kiara

Kiara gives im an ugly wound but his ribcage saves him from death.

Kiara, then Harrow, then Luke!

Kiara asks, "OOC Is he still close enough for me to melee him?"

The Dragon seems inclined to flee, though it can't fly away yet

Manny Mo'Jac says, "OOC No, he's running full tilt"

Manny Mo'Jac says, "OOC You could throw a knife."

Kiara says, "OOC Right, let's try that."

Manny Mo'Jac says, "OOC For normal damage."

Kiara tosses another dagger his way.

Kiara says, "OOC Flying Blade."

Kiara says, "roll 1d20+4+2+1"

Result is: (1d20+4+2+1) 25 for Kiara

Sniper Ox asks, "ya think we should loot that guaranteed hit wand?"

Manny Mo'Jac exclaims, "OOC hit! Roll damage!"

Kiara says, "OOC ...I forgot to note if the dagger damage scales with level. ^^;;"

Manny Mo'Jac says, "OOC Yes, it does."

Manny Mo'Jac says, "OOC All weapons do dice equal to your level"

Kiara says, "roll 2d4"

Result is: (2d4) 5 for Kiara

Harrowhark Invigorates Niamh, and then heals Vendrik. Vendrik may save TWICE if he needs to.

Flying blade adds your dex. So you kill him!

Akio exclaims, "... or maybe not!"

Frito asks, "...damnit, I hope we manage to capture someone alive who can give us a bit more info on what this was all about - standard bandit attack, or were they tracking us?"

Akio says, "... obviously the latter."

Akio says, "They were here for revenge."

Akio says, "They SAID that."

Luke hurls a javelin at the dragon

Manny Mo'Jac says, "roll d20+6 2d6+6"

Result is: (2d6+6) 13 (d20+6) 16 for Manny Mo'Jac

Akio says, "Hold on."

Vendrik says, "roll d20"

Result is: (d20) 17 for Vendrik

Akio says, "Shouldn't Vendrik do his save- okay."

Javelin to the head kills the Dragon

Your remaining foes are fleeing off into the night.

Vendrik says, "roll 2d10+3"

Result is: (2d10+3) 8 for Vendrik

The good news is that you can rest up here tonight and recover your HP since this is a good resting place; that's its job.

Harrowhark says, "Niamh, you got the last set of acid glands. I think I may lay claim to this set."

Harrowhark already has her flensing knife out.

DaR From Another Place says, "Next? This dragon's older sister. Then that dragon's son. Then the barber. And his cat."

You collect 6 copper rings worth 20 GP each; 120 GP, 900 SP, 6 50 GP Opals. That's a 20 GP Copper ring, 20 GP, 150 SP, and a 50 GP opal for each of you

Niamh grumbles. "These cretins have spoiled my rest!" she complains quietly. She does however go around the surviving guards and casts Mending on any damaged armor or gear they may have incurred.

Tobias says, "Travis and I can tell you ALL ABOUT black dragons showing up for vengeance for their relations."

Manny Mo'Jac says, "OOC Roll dc 15 Dungoneering + Wisdom to correctly collect the bits you want, Harrowhark"

Harrowhark says, "roll 1d20+9"

Result is: (1d20+9) 23 for Harrowhark

The guards thank Niamh for the repairs!

You collect the acid glands without acifiying yourself

Akio says, "Hmm."

Voice of John Biles flashes back to the giant dragon fight in Glantri City

Akio asks, "Mike, are you planning to go the distance, as it were, with Acid Arrow?"

Samantha departs to look for a ham sandwich

Akio asks, "Or is it a spell you'll eventually put aside?"

Tobias says, "I don't yet know. It is likely to have reduced importance in the future though."

Frito snickers at Mike.

Akio says, "I was thinking that we've collected enough black dragon parts between us we could probably make something really kickass in the way of a magic item that buffs it."

Akio says, "Maybe permanently give it that multi-target thing you did or something."

Samantha easily GETS a ham sandwich!

The next morning, you head on your way to Santa Cora.

Tobias says, "Could be."

Your driver is nervous but pretty soon, you're heading into farmland and everything seems perfectly fine.

Tobias says, "The multi-target thing would be hideously powerful."

Days of endless riding and ham sandwiches and sleeping at caravanaseries ensues, but MINUES hideous monsters.

Akio says, "Yeah, true."

Samantha is briefly threatned by a skunk during a rest stop but easily evades it.

Sniper Ox says, "clearly i failed a save roll vs ham"

One day away from Santa Cora, you are at the caravanaseri, having a hearty stew of rice, beefsteak tomato, onion, radish, and tuna, while drinking green tea, when a dwarf walks up to your group.

DaR From Another Place exclaims, "Dessert!"

He says, "My name is Gloin, Gloin Hardaxe. I serve the Dwarf King."

Akio says, "Here's the deal. We kill him, and then we tell the cops we thought he was a duergar."

Akio asks, "Does anyone have a drop crossbow?"

Akio says, "Also, that's CLEARLY a dwarf porn name."

Voice of John Biles asks, "'drop' crossbow?"

Akio says, "Like a drop gun."

Niamh says, "Well met, Gloin Hardaxe. May we help you?"

Niamh sips her tea.

He looks around and says softly, "I know what you are carrying. The Dwarf King will reward you well if you bring it to him. It was taken from the body of one of his people. He wants it back. I have no idea what you plan to do with it, but soon, everyone will be aware of what you found and you don't have the power to hold onto it on your own."

Akio says, "Not sure how to approach this guy."

DaR From Another Place says, "It's been 10,000 years, bucko..."

DaR From Another Place exclaims, "Statute of limitations!"

Akio says, "Well, he's not asserting a claim, Dan."

Akio says, "He's offerring to buy."

DaR From Another Place says, "'back' implies at least some degree of legitimate claim."

Akio says, "Assuming he is in fact an emissary of the dwarf king."

Akio says, "It's semi-legitimate. It WAS theirs."

Akio says, "Not sure how to approach this."

Akio says, "If this guy even IS with the Dwarf King."

Frito asks, "Well, it's implied it's kinda needed to Save the World, right?"

Frito says, "Thing is whether he'll take that as an excuse."

Tobias says, "I'd like to propose something, with the group's permission."

Voice of John Biles says, "You could use an icon benefit to determine if his claim is real"

Harrowhark says, "Word travels fast, I see. All the way to Anvil and back to you in just a few days."

Frito says, "Shoot, Mike."

Gloin says, "The Dwarf King has ways of swiftly communicating."

He says, "I am actually on other business, but I was conveniently placed."

Tobias says, "Basically, make the following bargain. Acknowledge that the King has certain claims on it, but note that he isn't the only one. Propose the following: the heart will go into the hands of the Priestess as a neutral custodian until we are ready to make our attempt on the Stone Thief. After the Thief is destroyed... or after our deaths, if we fail and the heart is recovered... it goes to the Dwarf King. In return, he doesn't cause trouble and perhaps lends a bit of aid with our Stone-Thief destroying, since it's in his interests that we succeed."

Frito nods. I was thinking something along those lines myself.

DaR From Another Place says, "I have no problems with this. With the proviso it never goes to another gnomish archmage."

Voice of John Biles says, "The current archmage is a human."

Akio asks, "I'm not sure why we'd bother with this?"

Voice of John Biles exclaims, "Though he could die!"

Akio asks, "Like... one, what's in it for the Priestess?"

Tobias says, "Well, the first gnomish archmage got it by MURDERING a dwarf."

Voice of John Biles exclaims, "Or turn out to be a gnome in disguise!"

Akio asks, "Two, what's in it for US?"

Akio asks, "If we're just gonna give it to the Dwarf King no matter what, why not just... do that?"

Akio asks, "Hand it over for a fat, immediate payday?"

Tobias says, "Because supposedly we're going to need it."

Frito asks, "...because it was very strongly hinted that we're going to need it against the Stone Thief?"

Akio says, "Which brings up another point."

Akio asks, "What if we need it in a destructive capacity?"

Tobias says, "As for what's in it for us, 1. We don't make an enemy of an Icon, and 2. the help of the Dwarf King would be very useful to us."

Akio says, "Now we've pissed off the Dwarf King and/or might need to steal it BACK from the Priestess."

Tobias asks, "What do you mean by 'destructive capacity'?"

Akio asks, "We have to use it in a way that results in its destruction?"

Akio says, "Like 'the reason you need this is because you have to bring it into the stone thief and use it to power a mechanism that will rip it, and the Stone Thief, apart.'"

Tobias says, "Yeah, that's a risk. All we can really do is make it clear that the survival of the heart is not a guarantee."

Tobias says, "Frankly the Dwarf King iirc hates the Stone Thief enough that he might consider that a worthwhile trade anyway."

Akio says, "So to be clear, your offer to this guy is basically 'listen, we know you want it, but we need it right now because we're hunting a dungeon and ancient prophecy says we need it. We're gonna give it to the Priestess for safekeeping. We will vouchsafe to you that if the heart is intact and under our control when we're done, it's yours.'"

Tobias says, "Pretty much."

Frito says, "Something like that, yup."

Akio says, "Okay, I'm down with that. It committs us to nothing."

Akio says, "The Dwarf King might decide there's a LOT of hedging and qualifications in there, but that's his problem."

Niamh tells Gloin, "If you will allow my companions and I an hour in private, I believe we can work out an agreement."

He says, "Of course, we wouldn't want to discuss this in public." You will need to rent a room for actual privacy, but Luke throws in the one GP for it

Tobias asks, "Did we lose John?"

Frito says, "That was him right there."

Niamh, when they're in private, gets out the magical book and peruses it for something.

You get the room to discuss this with him in private.

Niamh says, "Let me be blunt. You are not the first Icon's messenger to make us an offer. But we acknowledge that the Dwarf King has a better claim than many do."

Gloin nods and waits

Akio says, "Wow, Niamh has some balls."

Tobias asks, "?"

Niamh says, "The wondercore coming to us was a matter of prophecy. Supposedly we shall use it to destroy the Stone Thief. But, as you note, we do not have the strength to hold it at present... nor to use it, yet. So let us make you the following proposal:"

Akio says, "This guy is absolutely the first one to make us an offer."

Akio asks, "Unless I missed something?"

Tobias says, "You are wrong."

DaR From Another Place says, "I don't remember anyone else making an offer."

Gloin listens; like most Dwarves, he is hard to read.

Akio says, "Same."

Akio asks, "Was this a private offer, made to Niamh?"

Tobias says, "Yes. To be more specific, the Prince of Shadows wrote it in that book."

Akio says, "Okay then."

Niamh says, "We are taking the core to Santa Cora. It will be given to the Priestess to hold as a trustworthy, neutral third party with secure vaults in the cathedral. When we have gained sufficient strength to challenge the Stone Thief and know what the Core's purpose in that is, we will reclaim it and use it. Then, with the Stone Thief destroyed or us dead, we will renounce all claims to it and the Wondercore will go to the Dwarf King should it survive. In return, he will grant us the assistance, within reason, of the Dwarven Realm in our quest... the Wondercore aside, it is in his interests to see the Stone Thief ended."

Niamh waits for his response.

Gloin says, "I will pass that news on to him, though I expect he will expect it to be handed to him and then if it is really needed for some prophecy, you could get it from him. The Priestess is new and it's not clear she can be trusted with it or trusted to hand it over to its rightful owner in the end. BUt I will pass on the news." He sounds disappointed, but rises. "Probably another agent of the King will contact you once he makes up his mind as I am on the way west. Good day, travellers." He leaves unless you stop him.

DaR From Another Place says, "'GIMME ARKENSTONE NAW PLZKTHX'"

Niamh says, "You will understand that, as the Dwarf King no doubt considers himself with reason the rightful owner of this artifact, once he has it in hand he might understandably be reluctant to loan it out again to a pack of adventurers about to attempt something hazardous."

DaR From Another Place says, "Of course, we're not exactly 100% sure the Priestess is going to be willing to give it back, come to that."

Akio says, "Right, but we DO need to get this thing under cover."

Tobias says, "Everything we've heard about the Priestess has suggested that she's basically on the side of good and is as trustworthy as Icons get."

Gloin says, "And if you give it to the Priestess, the odds are high that he will never see it again; you are hauling stolen property and propose to give it to someone other than its rightful owner. But so be it. I will pass your message on." And then he's gone.

DaR From Another Place says, "Probably, yeah. The alterinative is to live in a Guy Ritchie movie for a good long while."

And cut. Next time, you will reach Santa Cora and see the Prietess barring y'all doing something whacky.

Akio says, "Okay, THAT was a bit dickish on his part."

Tobias says, "He's a dwarf."

Akio says, "Like, dude, you have a colorable claim to it, but basic salvage rights."

Akio says, "That's so."

Voice of John Biles says, "He's a dwarf. Once a dwarf licks something, it's for them forever unless they choose to give it away"

Tobias says, "I expect (I hope) things will calm down a bit if the Priestess basically agrees to our plan, and then communicates to the Dwarf King that she intends to keep the bargain."

DaR From Another Place says, "'on the side of good' doesn't necessarily mean 'our side' or even 'our version of good' or that she will agree that it is good for us to have it back to fight a crazed living dungeon from near pre-history."

Tobias says, "Niamh would have preferred to just give it to the DK, but like she said, she had very little belief that he would ever hand the thing over again when the time came, since in his eyes its his and he has no reason to risk it."

Voice of John Biles exclaims, "We shall see!"

Akio says, "On the other hand, Mike, Dwarves are known for keeping to their bargains."

DaR From Another Place exclaims, "Clearly we should implant it in Niamh's chest in place of her heart so we can never lose it!"

Akio says, "A formal agreement between us and him might have been pretty ironclad, although that can also work against us."

Akio says, "And there it is. :)"

Tobias says, "Yes, but it does probably mean she won't STEAL it from us. So if she chooses not to agree to our plan, and we say, "Okay, guess it goes to the DK instead," then she basically has the choice of letting us go or robbing us."

Tobias says, "Because unlike the DK the Priestess has zero historical claims to it."

Tobias says, "And her only rationale for taking it from us would be 'I am powerful and can'."

Tobias laughs.

Akio says, "You KNOW the mages are gonna be mad they missed out on this."

Akio says, "Like once word gets out I bet a whole bunch of ambitious, shady magi will be all 'we can totes pull of a heist.'"

Voice of John Biles says, "Heh"

DaR From Another Place exclaims, "It's small enough for Vendrik to swallow!"

DaR From Another Place exclaims, "He can use it as a gizzard stone for grinding up his food. It will help him digest cats and small goblins!"