Dragon!-ish
Log Info
- Title: Dragon!-ish
- Emitter: Subduction
- Characters: Aimarra, Dax, Paenitia, Jinks, Seyardu
- Place: Alexandros Wilderness
- Time: Thursday, November 25, 2021, 3:17 PM
- Summary: All able bodied Guild Explorers are to assist the Second Armored Cavalry in staving off the Dragon! This sudden call to arms is issued by the army, requesting Adventurers to reinforce them after an apparent Dragon sighting. Rushed to the site of what seems to be a fairly one sided skirmish, the party are ambushed by a Wyvern. They dispatch the beast, but its lingering poison almost wins it the day posthumously.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Appearing, in Order =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Aimarra 5'1" 128 Lb Half-Elf Female Brown hair and eyes, breastplate, leathers, pointed ears. Dax 5'0" 110 Lb Human Female A 5' tall red haired human with piercings and tats. Paenitia 3'0" 34 Lb Halfling Female A Lucht knight, dark skinned in bold feathery finery. Jinks 3'4" 39 Lb Gnome Male A gnomish fellow in fancy garb and jewelry. Seyardu 5'6" 150 Lb Sith-Makar Female A friendly silver sith-makar with a perpetual squint. -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--= -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= As the GM =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Subdution A trench -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=
"Dragon! Dragon sighted! Calling all able bodied Guild Explorers to assist the Second Armored Cavalry in staving off the beast! Dragon! Dragon Sighted!"
It's quite the announcement, urgent runners of the army bursting their way into taverns and the guild hall- the cavalry have already departed, but they are mustering adventurers to aid them, a troop wagon waiting at the northern gate for them. Those that agree to volounteerwill be quickly ushered along- the explanation will be given that a blue-scaled dragon has been sighted north of the city, where it swept from the sky and claimed one of a farmer's cattle. It was seen flying from there to the northeast.
The wagon cannot wait long- as soon as they manage to round up a few brave or reckless individuals, it is away drawn by a team of four of the fastest horses they could find on such short notice. It's a bumpy ride, to say the least.
Aimarra, who'd been crashed out in a corner of the corner of the Guildhall when the army runner burst in, is still gathering her wits, but dragon? There's real money to be made there, and so she yawned and shook her head and put herself together and follows others sleepily out into the sunshine and the bumpy wagon.
The bumpy ride is a wake-up call, to say the least., If she was hoping to sleep on the way, she is doomed to sad disappointment, and grumbles in the sibilant sildanyari tongue about human wagons and roads.
A, what? Dax is squinty eyed and waking up in the drinking portion of a tavern as the loud announcement is being yelled into the place. She grumbles a little bit, and smacks her lips, getting her flask filled up before departure and getting her gear. Well, other than the flask it's mostly just some jerky and other rations to take with her.
Getting outside to the wagon that's waiting, this sure beats having to ride her own horse. "Well, if this ain't a good mornin' ta ya. Some drag-uhn, eatin' cattle, needin' ta be stopped. All I can say is this, at least it ain't no spirits or ghosts. Flesh and blood, regardless of the scales, still far bett'r fer this heart of mine." To anyone around her in the wagon.
"Ah, the dragon!" A Red Knight says. She's in full plate, with a wide-brimmed metal hat as part of the helm, and a smiling man's face. She's also a lucht siuil, from her stature and hair. "It is good the Army come to ask the Adventurers for help."
She laughs, "Hopefully it not the trick to blame us when things go wrong. The knight however, is the best for dealing with dragons!"
Thus, she is soon astride her Ivory Steed, the glorious peacock hippogryph Ramirez. She glides above the wagon, wobbling in her flight path to keep up with the slower vehicle.
"The way things have been going... Coyote owes me one here; this hoard better be substantial." Jinks sits along atop Neighsayers the Pony, patting the mount as gloriously appointed as its rider. Gilded bit and bridle studded with gems. Luxurious, dangling mane. The works. The gnome taps the frolicking coyote pin on the breast of his studded doublet and glances heavenwards, "And none of this 'oh, he said he wants a big 'horde and then there are legions of dragonthrall armies waiting for us, too." He sniffs, emphasizing, "Hoard. Gold and gems."
His patron set right, the fancy little man sets about checking his kit. Scroll pouch, bow, quivers, glittering rapier, and a bunch of better-armored, larger targets to get between he and the wyrm. Check, check, check, check, and most-assuredly check. "We're going to be very, very rich, Enness..."
A dragon? That should be cause for celebration, not concern or panic. It did steal someone's cattle, but it may not have known better, or not cared. With the panic, Seyardu had no choice but to hop into the wagon with little notice, in case anyone got too jumpy and did something wrong.
It was a bumpy ride, but uneventful so far, so she busied herself adjusting her hastily donned gear. "A dragon, yes." She nods to Paenitia. "If it is not immediately hostile, we should attempt to speak with it, to determine the issue, and reason with it. If we can come to a consensus without bloodshed, that would be best. I will not shed blood for the city, if the target is not hostile. But it would be unwise not to go with care."
"Do not worry, friend dragon, I do the talk." Paenitia calls down during one sweep where she can see the other party members as Ramirez banks to reverse direction. "I have not see the big dragon before. This a thing I wish to."
And so the bumpy wagon ride continues apace- they leave the wall of the city behind them, following the main road north a while past the various farms that supply the city proper with the vast quantities of food such a metropolis demands- though, at this time of year, most of the crops are long since harvested, just a few hardy species of beets and potatoes growing defiant of the chilly air.
The farms grow more sparse as they travel further from the city, and it's not long before they catch up with the cavalry... in a sense. They pass a ruined ballista- shattered, the horses that had been drawing it both slain along with the three men who crewed it. The rest of the company must have continued onwards, for there is no sign of them nor the quarry.
Aimarra yawns hugely, and bounces up into the air without warning as the wagon hits a particularly big rock. She comes back down -hard-, and is nearly thrown from her seat by the impact. One hand lunges out and grabs the side, or the nearest person - she isn't picky!
Once she has righted herself. "It's coin, at any rate," she grouses, still hanging on for dear life. "Yeah, if it's something I can hunt and bring down, all the better. I don't do ghosts."
Somewhere along the way, she's stared at Jinks for a good minute or more before turning away with a snort of amusement and turning to the knight and the sith-maker. "That depends if it's nice or if we're prey, If we're prey, don't count on it being anything but a predator."
"I ain't too sure why we'd all be ... talkin' ta the dragon? I mean, it's eatin' cattle. Best I can figure it'd probably eat us too." Dax mentions to the others and shrugs a bit, "Ghosts are terrible. There was this entire crazy show fer some ghosts I had ta be part of. Still makes my skin crawl from the tips of my toes ta the insides of my eyes. Witches..." She shakes her head some at that, and sighs.
It's well known that metallic ones are usually good, chromatic ones are usually evil, they can live for eons and many are accomplished spellcasters. There are also various lesser species of dragonkind who are generally less intelligent and more bestial."
GAME: Seyardu rolls knowledge/arcana: (1)+5: 6 (EPIC FAIL) GAME: Jinks rolls Knowledge/Arcana: (10)+11: 21 GAME: Jinks rolls Knowledge/Arcana: (10)+11: 21 GAME: Paenitia rolls knowledge/military theory: (6)+10: 16
Dax mostly just knows - Dragons are big, powerful and mean, but they still aren't ghosts.
"You eat cattle, and I am speaking to you." Seyardu sighs as they pass by the ballista. "It may be hostile due to it's nature, or it may have slain those guards due to them pointing a ballista at them. They may be servants of the gods, but they do not all follow the good ones. I ah, I should know more."
The silver cleric grumbles to herself, and sighs again. "This is all so sudden, and, nothing springs to mind, I am sorry. But I will not judge it until forced to do so. If it thinks us prey, it will find itself mistaken."
The Red Knight can't think of anything specific to dragons, but against large flying enemies, siege weapons often deliver large nets or bolas in order to bind its wings and ground it.
"Hey, now, I don't eat cattle. I eat meat, at a tavern. If that dragon was bringin' the cattle to a butcher, ta get chopped up, sold as part of a business, with ale present? I'd say, all the more power ta yer conversationin'." Dax responds to Seyardu and shakes her head as she does so, "I think yer jus' not thinkin' straight on account of ya both havin' scales. Don't worry, though, I won't kill ya, I've grown ta like ya. Despite yer odd way of speakin' all educated like."
"Maybe it's just borrowing the cow because it ran out of milk for its tea?" Jinks ventures, leaning back to look up and around. The dandy minstrel gives a laugh and shakes his head, glancing at the silver sith, then across to the paladina. "Because, expect perfidy. A gold dragon the size of a cat that's actually a force of nature on a mission to relocate all fish from the oceans and streams to its gullet and stomach. A green dragon that's really a mad woman and warped lizard smushed together pining for a princess to be delivered to its castle of corpses. It's never ACTUALLY a dragon."
The gnome hums, thinking, and scratches idly at his goatee. "Besides. They say this one flies. The blues are known to burrow and move through the earth-- not the air. Maybe this one's confused and grew up around the egalrin. Watch out for it spitting lightning bolts, either way."
"Though I would call dibs on the biggest gemstone if it is a dragon and it has a proper dragon's hoard." Jinks adds, not wanting to be excluded from the loot after jumping to a conclusion early on.
"The siege weapons, they throw the big nets or the bolas to take them down out of the sky." Paenitia says. Ramirez continues to wing back and forth above the wagon.
"Ah, so not the real dragon. I am disapoint."
Still clinging to the side with one hand against the bouncing of the wagon, Aimarra scowls at the others around her and looks up ahead, squinting against the sky to see if she can see anything.
More signs of Sporadic battle litter the road ahead- ruts torn in the earth, another fallen soldier and his mount. It seems this beast, be it a dragon or no, is a cunning one. Picking off stragglers or separating people from the main force, before making an escape again before it's able to get bogged down by the humans' superior numbers.
GAME: Paenitia rolls perception: (19)+5: 24 GAME: Paenitia rolls 1d20+5: (20)+5: 25 (Ramirez Perception) GAME: Seyardu rolls perception: (1)+5: 6 (EPIC FAIL) GAME: Jinks rolls Perception: (16)+7: 23 GAME: Aimarra rolls perception: (3)+13: 16 GAME: Dax rolls perception: (6)+0: 6 GAME: Subduction rolls 16+5+10: (15)+16+5+10: 46
"Well, if that ain't a sight fer sore eyes." Dax looks over and pays attention to the littered battle grounds. "Smart." She taps the side of her head as she looks at the pieces of battle separated out, "We're probably all gonna die. So, bottoms up." She sips from her flask and then puts the topper back on before stuffing it away.
"Real dragon or no... it seems upset," Jinks ventures, shifting higher in the saddle and settling back as they pass the most recent corpse. "And it's obviously dangerous... and clever."
Taking a moment to close his eyes and concentrate, the gnome's color palette shifts from the vibrant and glittering to the dull and monotone. His jewelry and gems lose their luster and his armor washes out to an unremarkable grey. No need to draw extra attention to one's self. "Just know that I lived through being swallowed by an overlarge worm before. If the 'dragon' eats me be sure to make quick work of cutting me loose-- no need to assume I'm already off to meet the Harpist."
Aimarra, too, is distracted, her eyes drawn from the horizon to the litterings along the road they ride, and she shakes her head. "It behaves like a pack predator, pulling down the stragglers. It followed the group. Malice, or hunger," she says, to no one in particular.
"So we do not know if it is a blue dragon or not. Of course, of course this one knew they should breathe lightning. This one has met several blue scaled sith-makar." Seyardu half grumbles at the explanation. That being said, I will take no chances in the case things go south. I should be capable of shielding several others from any electricity, but only two others. Those at most risk of falling should be prioritized. But if it is not a blue dragon, then that should be saved for later. It will do nothing if it breathes acid or fire."
There was more and more doubt with each passing body. "It seems confident, if it has not fled. But it should know larger groups are coming. I will have to arrange for the mourners to collect the bodies afterwards."
GAME: Seyardu casts Protection From Energy. Caster Level: 10 DC: 17
"Friend Dragon, there is no hope for the fallen? Ah, the Mourners are the help." The Red Knight says, her normally cheerful voice more sombre. She adjusts her shield, pulls up her banner and pulls a lance from its sheath. The magical one. She has no need to shade her eyes, her hat does that, "I do not see it."
'Ruaaaah.' Ramirez concurs. He's seeking challengers.
"Why it would behave like pack predator when it hunt alone? So, the Army send all these, then they ask for help? Ah."
GAME: Subduction rolls 16: (20)+16: 36 GAME: Aimarra rolls perception: (16)+13: 29 GAME: Jinks rolls Perception: (9)+7: 16 GAME: Paenitia rolls perception: (12)+5: 17 GAME: Paenitia rolls 1d20+5: (14)+5: 19 (Ramirez perception) GAME: Dax rolls perception: (4)+0: 4 GAME: Subduction rolls 17: (1)+17: 18 (EPIC FAIL)
Well camouflaged against the blue skies, the beast sweeps down with ferocious speed- who knows how long it had been following the caravan, but regardless it is here now. It's whiplike tail, tipped with a vicious curved stinger as long as a man's forearm streaks out- narrowly missing one of the lead horses, the viscous venom within splashing against the ground. The beast slams into the ground ahead to the left of the group, clawed wings and feet scraping against the ground as it turns and bellows a roar of challenge at the group.
It has blue scales covering its thorny body, its hind legs muscular - it has no forelegs, instead it has batlike wings in lieu of them. Its tail is segmented like a scorpions.
GAME: Subduction rolls 3: (11)+3: 14 <OOC> Subduction says, "The attacked horse panics and breaks its bridle. Everyone in the carriage, roll a reflex save." GAME: Dax rolls reflex: (20)+7: 27 (CRITICAL SUCCESS) GAME: Aimarra rolls reflex: (8)+8: 16 GAME: Seyardu rolls reflex +3: (3)+3+3: 9 GAME: Jinks rolls Reflex: (13)+9: 22
The horse whinneys in terror, and struggles against its reigns, breaking free and pelting for the woods. The other horses, driven by their own fear and herd instinct move to follow. The carriage, already moving at speed, becomes unstable- it lists to the side, an axel breaks and the whole thing tips onto its side, skidding along the road and ejecting its passengers. Aimarra and Dax manage to land on their feet, but Seyardu is not so lucky and finds herself prone on the road.
<OOC> Subduction says, "The Wyvern charges Jinks and attempts to sting Neighsayer" GAME: Subduction rolls 17+2: (20)+17+2: 39 (THREAT) GAME: Subduction rolls 17+2: (20)+17+2: 39 (Oh Lordy!) GAME: Subduction rolls 2d6+12: (6)+12: 18 GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+7: (6)+7: 13 (Neighsayer Fort) GAME: Subduction rolls 1d4: (3): 3 <OOC> Subduction says, "Neighsayer takes 13 damage and 3 constitution damage." <OOC> Subduction says, "This reduces his maximum HP by his HD if it reduces his constitution modifier." <OOC> Jinks says, "So -3. Base Con is 18." <OOC> Subduction nodnods. "So it just looses an extra 1 from con loss, but it also reduces his bleedout HP"
The Wyvern has barely touched the ground before it's clawing at it, reversing its motion and barreling towards the next juice horse shaped target it can see- poor old Neighsayer. It takes it a moment to get going, clawing ruts in the soil as it builds up momentum barreling towards the mounted gnome. It's tail lashes out as it skids to a stop, punturing right through the bejeweled equine's flank and injecting it with the virulent poison within. It withdraws, blooded, the wound dripping the sticky pale green venom.
GAME: Aimarra casts Gravity Bow. Caster Level: 6 DC: 13
Seldom is the sharp-eyed Aimarra caught off guard, but it happens those time, and she squeals in surprise as the wagon goes over sideways. The noise doesn't mean she loses her head, though, not even a little bit. Nimble as a cat, she flies free of the wagon and manages to land on her feet, bolting for the safety of the inside of the overturned wagon and pulling her bow from her back as she goes. A quick prayer to Gilead and a gesture later, and the bow in her hand glows dully with a charcoal gray light.
GAME: Jinks rolls Knowledge/Arcana: (9)+11: 20 GAME: Jinks casts Haste. Caster Level: 8 DC: 19 GAME: Jinks spends ONE use of BARDIC PERFORMANCE. GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+2: (13)+2: 15 (Enness Stabilization) GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+6: (13)+6: 19 (Eness Fort vs Poison)
Jinks is somewhere between reaching for his bow and turning his gorgeous pony away when the wyvern crashes down, spookes the horses, and charges Neighsayers. A choked cough is all the sound the war-trained steed makes before going down in a heap with a burbling, purple-smeared wound.
The gnome manages to tumble free of the military saddle and find his feet. "Wyvern! Clumsy fliers. Strong. Venomous barbs on its tail!" Then he's sucking in a deep breath and issuing a piercing, wordless melody as the Hymn intertwines with his own voice. Arms are stronger. Eyes grow sharper. Steps lighter.
A sweep of the hand and he plucks the glittering strand of the Weave connecting the whole group. The gossamer threading seems to connect all five contracted explorers (as well as noble Ramirez and suffering Ennesss). Tapping his finger to an increasing rhythm makes the world slow its pace for all.
<OOC> Dax says, "It's probably safe to assume the wyvern thingie has reach." <OOC> Dax says, "So, I'd like to move around to the bottom left of it, like 22, 32, so I can 5' next turn to get closer." <OOC> Dax says, "And, I forget, in this edition can I do like a defensive stance with my action in the meantime?" <OOC> Dax says, "Also drawing my weapons while moving, of course."
A dragon? "Oh, it really likes horses." Dax looks around to no one in particular, even as the wagon starts to get pulled, and tipped about, she just hops off of it smoothly. Living on a boat for so long really got her used to things rocking and rolling, she doesn't even think much of it, as others fall about with the motion. Once on the ground she squints with one eye, then the other, "That's a biggun, but ain't dragons 'spose ta be bigger? Maybe it's a young one?" She's contemplating, but everyone seems to be treating it like a threat so she moves up. Drawing her claws, "Alright, time ta die, me or you I 'spose." And off she goes, holding up her claws and trying to be as small and close to the ground as she can while getting pretty close. If this Wyvern keeps facing her allies she'll be much in the clear, but if it faces her, then it'll have to turn it's back to them. Win-Win?
GAME: Seyardu rolls knowledge/arcana: (7)+5: 12
There is only a brief moment where the creature can be seen before the horses pulling them break free of their restraints, sending the wagon tipping over and Seyardu tumbling out of the side of it with much less grace than the others. There is a moment where they are pulling themselves to their feet and assessing the situation, finding Jinks' noble steed fallen. "It is not a dragon! Well, not a true one at least." Seyardu shouts to the others, taking her holy symbol to offer a short prayer, causing a pair of silver wings to sprout instantly from their back.
GAME: Paenitia rolls weapon3+4: (13)+11+4+3: 28 (+3 Jinks bonuses) GAME: Paenitia rolls damage3+8: aliased to 1d6+2+8: (6)+2+8: 16 GAME: Paenitia rolls damage3+8: aliased to 1d6+2+8: (4)+2+8: 14 GAME: Paenitia rolls damage3+8: aliased to 1d6+2+8: (5)+2+8: 15 (Total 45)
"That is not the dragon!" Paenitia calls loudly, as Eness is taken down. She shouts loudly, "You! Beast! Fight only Me!" More quietly, and to her mount, she says, "Ramirez, you make the challenge also."
'RuaaaAHH!' Ramirez squawks loudly.
The pair dive, streaking past as the Red Knight brings her lance around. Inspired by the gnome's song, she feels a strength in her limbs, a keenness of eye.
The point pierces the wyvern.
They land, turning to face, a few steps out of range to lure the creature. She repeats again, "You fight only me!"
<OOC> Subduction says, "Wyvern 5' steps Southwest and full attacks Dax" GAME: Subduction rolls 17: (18)+17: 35 GAME: Subduction rolls 1d6+6: (4)+6: 10 GAME: Dax rolls fort: (2)+8: 10 GAME: Subduction rolls 1d4: (3): 3 (CON damage) GAME: Subduction rolls 17: (15)+17: 32 GAME: Subduction rolls 2d6+6: (5)+6: 11 GAME: Subduction rolls 16: (17)+16: 33 (CMB) GAME: Subduction rolls 12: (19)+12: 31 (Wyvern Wing) GAME: Subduction rolls 12: (20)+12: 32 (Wyvern Wing) (THREAT) GAME: Subduction rolls 12: (8)+12: 20 (Not Confirmed) GAME: Subduction rolls 1d6+4: (6)+4: 10 GAME: Subduction rolls 1d6+4: (3)+4: 7
The lance blow strikes true, and the creature reels back on its hind legs, wings splayed, as it roars in pain- the spines and scales and skin adorning its jaw stripped nearly to the bone, red blood oozing from the wound. It collapses back onto its clawd wings and looks left and right, dazed by the attack- until it sets it's sights on Dax, being the nearest morsel. It steps in towards her, swinging its body around and slamming the spined tail into Dax's side, puncturing something vital-feeling, a burning sensation rapidly spreading from the wound.
After this, its wings buffet her, slamming her with the hard leathery membranes and bony limbs between. And as she is knocked back, its jaws latch onto her leg, sharp teeth puncturing flesh.
<OOC> Aimarra says, "I have Haste/Rapid Shot / Precise Shot / Point Blank Shot / Deadly Aim and have Gravity Bow active." <OOC> Jinks says, "+3 to hit and +2 to weapon damage from my Jazz, ye." GAME: Aimarra rolls weapon1+1+2+1-2-2: (14)+10+1+2+1+-2+-2: 24 GAME: Aimarra rolls weapon1+1+2+1-2-2: (2)+10+1+2+1+-2+-2: 12 GAME: Aimarra rolls weapon1+1+2+1-2-2: (12)+10+1+2+1+-2+-2: 22 GAME: Aimarra rolls weapon1+1+2+1-2-2: (9)+10+1+2+1+-2+-2-5: 14 GAME: Jinks casts Gallant Inspiration. Caster Level: 8 DC: 18 GAME: Jinks rolls 2d4: (3): 3 GAME: Aimarra rolls 1d8+3+2: (2)+3+2+4: 11 GAME: Aimarra rolls 1d8+3+2: (3)+3+2+4: 12 (23 Total Damage)
From beneath the wagon's side, a bow pokes out, and an impossibly fast set of arrows streak towards the creature. Two bury themselves in the beast's flank, and two more go streaking off into the blue sky, never to return, leaving a muttered curse to rumble out from the fallen wagon.
GAME: Jinks casts Grease. Caster Level: 8 DC: 17 GAME: Jinks spends ONE use of BARDIC PERFORMANCE. GAME: Seyardu casts Liberating Command. Caster Level: 10 DC: 15 GAME: Dax rolls cmb+30: (10)+10+30: 50 (+10 Grease, +20 Liberating Command) GAME: Dax rolls weapon8+1: (5)+13+1: 19 GAME: Dax rolls weapon8+1: (8)+13+1: 22 GAME: Dax rolls weapon8-4: (3)+13+-4: 12 GAME: Dax rolls weapon8-4: (3)+13+-4: 12 GAME: Dax rolls weapon8+3: (16)+13+3: 32 GAME: Dax rolls 1d6+9: (3)+9: 12
Jinks kneels behind Enness and extracts the bow from the mount's harness, hoping sincerely that the animal can hold on long enough for the fight to be settled. He snatches out a wax-wrapped, coin-sized parcel of butter and crushes it in his beringed fingers. Dax finds herself covered in a slick, greasy substance with an oily rainbow of colors when it catches the light.
The bite, the stabs, the pain, the burning, oh it hurts a bunch. Dax wasn't prepared for that. Isn't Pae a more appetizing lunch? "Oii, gods, and... wha' in the tarnation is..." She is covered in grease, and she's hurting, stumbling away from the Wyvern that she slips from she does turn. And swipes, a lot, but only one of her wolverine-esque tantrums hit the Wyvern. Anger making her scream out, then groan as she's got clearly something broken inside of her, and she stumbles back a bit from the Wyvern but not terribly far.
<OOC> Seyardu says, "move to 23,29, drawing adamantine bill as part of the movement, and using action to channel energy" GAME: Seyardu rolls 5d6: (14): 14 GAME: Seyardu damaged you for -14 points. 75 HP remaining. GAME: Seyardu damaged your companion for -14 points. 52 HP remaining.
With the wyvern continuing it's assault on the group, Seyardu had no choice but to engage the foe, Jinks' magic prior making it much easier to maneuver around the beast. Even if it stood down, there was too many deaths caused by it now. She holds her holy symbol aloft, sending healing energy outwards, mending wounds sustained, at least to some degree.
<OOC> Subduction says, "Total +6, 1 from haste, 2 from inspiration, +3 for challenge, since it attacked someone else also" GAME: Paenitia rolls weapon3+3+3: (4)+11+3+3: 21 GAME: Paenitia rolls weapon3+3+3-5: (3)+11+3+3+-5: 15 GAME: Paenitia rolls weapon3+3+3: (11)+11+3+3: 28 (Extra attack from Inspire Courage) GAME: Paenitia rolls 1d20+8+3: (6)+8+3: 17 (Ramirez Bite) GAME: Paenitia rolls 1d20+8+3: (7)+8+3: 18 (Ramirez Claw) GAME: Paenitia rolls 1d20+8+3: (1)+8+3: 12 (EPIC FAIL) (Ramirez Claw) GAME: Paenitia rolls 1d20+8+3: (12)+8+3: 23 (Ramirez Bite extra from Inspire Courage) GAME: Paenitia rolls damage3+8+2: aliased to 1d6+2+8+2: (6)+2+8+2: 18 GAME: Paenitia rolls 1d6+4+2: (6)+4+2: 12 (Ramirez Damage) (Total 30 hp)
"Ignore me at your Peril!" Paenitia cries, stabbing with her lance. She misses, and with the benefits of the spell, manages a third. It hits, it draws blood.
'Ruaaaah!' Ramirez squaks, snapping, talons slashing. Much like his mistress, he fails to hit, except for the last one. Both Knight and Steed are bloodied.
"Dax, withdraw, I cover your retreat." The Red Knight calls.
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+2: (7)+2: 9 (Horse Fort Save) GAME: Subduction rolls 1d4: (3): 3 GAME: Dax rolls fort: (1)+7: 8 (EPIC FAIL) (Dax Fort Save) GAME: Subduction rolls 1d4: (1): 1 <OOC> Subduction says, "Wyvern turns and full attacks Pae right back." GAME: Subduction rolls 17: (17)+17: 34 GAME: Subduction rolls 17: (2)+17: 19 GAME: Subduction rolls 12: (17)+12: 29 GAME: Subduction rolls 12: (19)+12: 31 GAME: Subduction rolls 1d6+6: (1)+6: 7 GAME: Subduction rolls 1d6+4: (1)+4: 5 GAME: Subduction rolls 1d6+4: (1)+4: 5 GAME: Subduction damaged you for 2 points. 73 HP remaining. (DR3/- Adamantine Heavy armour, First 2 points NL) GAME: Wvyern damaged you for 6 points of nonlethal. You have 6 total. GAME: Paenitia rolls fort+1: (10)+9+1: 20 (+1 lucky lucht) <OOC> Jinks says, "Enness is down to 12 CON (from 18). Max HP is 11 instead of 17. Currently 7/11 after channel and new Con damage."
The Wyvern staggers back from the combined assaults of Paenitia and Dax, between them managing to scar its muscular hind leg and wing respectively, tearing gouges in the leathery membrane and stripping spines and scales from its thigh. It pauses for a moment, panting- saliva dripping from its razor-toothed maw.
Challenge accepted.
After it catches its breath, it rears up once more, roaring in fierce rage. It spins again, its barbed tail lashing out and catching the knight in the breast, the spine puncturing her plate and gouging flesh. It burns, but the burn does not spread. It lashes out with tooth and wing, failing to find purchase with the former, but the latter manages to catch the diminutive knight and rattle her skull.
GAME: Aimarra rolls weapon1+1+1+2-2-2: (4)+10+1+1+2+-2+-2: 14 GAME: Aimarra rolls weapon1+1+1+2-2-2: (5)+10+1+1+2+-2+-2: 15 GAME: Aimarra rolls weapon1+1+1+2-2-2: (8)+10+1+1+2+-2+-2: 18 GAME: Aimarra rolls weapon1+1+1+2-2-2-5: (3)+10+1+1+2+-2+-2+-5: 8
Another volley of arrows emerges from beneath the wagon's side, but this time, all miss, amid the thrashing of bodies and wings above. Below, Aimarra silently shakes her head. She'll need to slow down and aim more carefully.
GAME: Jinks spends ONE use of BARDIC PERFORMANCE. GAME: Jinks casts Glitterdust. Caster Level: 8 DC: 18 GAME: Jinks rolls Perform/Dance: (12)+17: 29 (CMD for Tumble) GAME: Subduction rolls 17: (4)+17: 21 (AOO Tail) GAME: Subduction rolls 13: (5)+13: 18 (Wvyern Will) GAME: Jinks rolls Fort: (1)+4: 5 (EPIC FAIL) GAME: Subduction rolls 1d6+6: (6)+6: 12 GAME: Subduction rolls 1d4: (3): 3
- "And in my dreams I wander free"
- "And see some things I'm meant to see"
- "And sometimes even I see thee..."
The Hymn finds its form, the words piercing the sounds of frantic battle as Jinks continues to sing. A pinch of ground gemstone from his pocket bursts over the near-dragon in a fantastic display of pink fireworks that leaves the monster unmoved. Onyx-black eyes squint as the gnome sucks at his teeth in disappointment.
This isn't a great idea.
The bow falls into the grass as the minstrel twirls, ducking forward into a roll and coming up to spring forward with his rapier in hand. It's a lot of movement for little effect, sadly. The stinger arcs in and draws a wound across the gnome's shoulder. He lands opposite the paladina with a hiss and tries to focus past the burning sensation already crawling into his flank from the fresh wound.
<OOC> Dax says, "Moving 5' NE, or NW, does that count as flanking with either Jinks or Pae?" <OOC> Subduction says, "No, but NE flanks with Sey since she has a reach weapon." <OOC> Subduction says, "Roll 'em, +1+2+2" GAME: Dax rolls weapon8+3: (18)+13+3: 34 (THREAT) GAME: Dax rolls weapon8+3: (1)+13+3: 17 (EPIC FAIL) GAME: Dax rolls weapon8-2: (11)+13+-2: 22 GAME: Dax rolls weapon8-2: (15)+13+-2: 26 GAME: Dax rolls weapon8+5: (2)+13+5: 20 GAME: Dax rolls weapon8+3: (17)+13+3: 33 (Confirmed) GAME: Jinks casts Gallant Inspiration. Caster Level: 8 DC: 18 GAME: Jinks rolls 2d4: (8): 8 GAME: Dax rolls 2d6+18: (8)+18: 26 GAME: Dax rolls 1d6+8: (2)+8: 10 GAME: Dax rolls 1d6+9: (6)+9: 15 (Total 51)
And the braided haired pirate was about to withdraw, nodding her head to Pae when... tumbling into fight the giant thing is Jinks? The small, gnome? She squints, "I ain't no coward!" She screams back at the Wyvern and instead moves forward. They have this thing surrounded and she moves forward instead. Fueled by the burning pain that still is in her body, eating away at her, she stabs forward with her claws with all her strength and indignation at the Gnome coming to fight when she needs to leave.
Then she swings again, scraping a big gash in the side of the leg nearest her, and stumbling a bit to the side she tears through the wing as she's nearly falling over. She's on her knees, coughing, and wheezing now, holding her side still as she grumbles, not even getting to witness the Wyvern topple itself.
Dax's furious flurry of blows staggers the Wyvern once more, but before it can even catch its breath, she lands the felling blow on it and with one more cry the beast rears back, and then collapses into a heap of bloodied wings and shredded scales on the ground. It shudders once, breathing its last, and then it is still.
But even doomed as it is, the Wyvern's sting is still felt- spreading through those its stinger touched, the burning growing more painful by the moment, as it becomes harder to breathe with each beat of their harts spreading the corruption further.
GAME: Seyardu used a Healer's Kit. GAME: Seyardu rolls heal+2: (20)+8+2: 30 <OOC> Subduction says, "Ennes will get a bonus on their next save."
The creature falls, but the others seem to be still struggling afterwards. She looks at spiked tail, and moves to kneel down beside the fallen steed with healing tools out of her bag. Immediately she begins treating the wound and applying several salves to the area. "This one has anti poison in their bag, the pouch on the side closer to my back. It will help. Stay close, so I need to move less." She shouts to the others.
<OOC> Paenitia hugs Jinks, "okay, heal on Dax" GAME: Paenitia used a Healer's Kit. <OOC> Paenitia says, " GAME: Paenitia rolls heal+4+2: (3)+13+4+2: 22 (+4, 1/2 cav levels for healing other, +2 Healer's Kit) <OOC> Subduction says, "Alright, Jinks, Dax and Ennes Fort Saves, Dax and Ennes get +4" GAME: Dax rolls fort+4: (18)+6+4: 28 GAME: Jinks rolls Fort: (11)+3: 14 GAME: Subduction rolls 1d4: (1): 1 GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+7-3+4: (19)+7+-3+4: 27 <OOC> Subduction says, "Alrighty, no damage this round for Dax and Ennes. Jinks is getting worse."
"Ramirez! I Dismount. Guard!" Paenitia says, dropping her lance and shield as she grabs her healing kit. She makes a quick, secondary look over the victims. She had noticed who was hit, and when.
"Okay, I get the other mount! Jinks, do not despair. You are next." Crouching beside Dax, she flips open her box, and goes through several solutions, quickly mixing something. "Drink."
Not being a healer, Aimarra finally crawls out from beneath the wagon once the wyvern has crashed to the ground, looks around, and silently trades the bow, dropping it next to the wagon, for the sword at her hip. While the others are patching up, she stalks over to the wyvern and makes sure of its demise. Claws, the stinger, horns and teeth, all are cut away until there are trophies for each member of the group. She works in silence, a brooding scowl on her features.
<OOC> Subduction says, "Would you guys like to do it round by round, or just do it all in one go?" <OOC> Subduction says, "You can continue treating them to continue granting the bonus, but none of them are completely healed yet." <OOC> Dax says, "Probably all in one go?" <OOC> Subduction says, "Alrighty. Heal checks from Pae and Seyardu." GAME: Paenitia used a Healer's Kit. GAME: Paenitia rolls heal+4+2: (5)+13+4+2: 24 (Dax gets a +4 bonus again.) GAME: Seyardu used a Healer's Kit. GAME: Seyardu rolls heal+2: (20)+8+2: 30 (Ennes gets a +5 bonus again.) GAME: Dax rolls fort+4: (2)+6+4: 12 (Fort Save vs DC 17) GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+7-3+4+5: (2)+7+-3+4+5: 15 (Ennes Fort Save vs DC 17) GAME: Jinks rolls Fort: (2)+2: 4 (vs DC 17)
Taking whatever Pae gives her, Dax drinks, and grimaces, then takes her flask out and drinks that to wash down whatever the hell Pae gave her. Then she's looking over at the Wyvern, "So, that wasn't a dragon, right? I ain't none too sure, I ain't never been stabbed by no dragon, but..." She reaches up and touches her shoulder where she was bitten and still shows a terrible bloody mess along with tear marks through her skin, and she's grimacing, "That hurts like a ... like if I were being dragged behind a boat through coral."
Jinks takes a steadying breath and carefully slides the rapier back into its loop, taking a step back away from the wyvern corpse before he drops to a knee. He tries to steady his breathing as he feels the heat spread out from his wound and muscles spasm. "I was thinking pirouette instead of a jumping twirl, there, eh..." He sucks at his teeth, "Everyone's a critic. Even somewhat-dragons in the Alexandros wild."
Enness is well-trained. Even wounded and suffering he stays still while being seen to, only issuing a quite, pained sigh of complaint.
<OOC> Subduction says, "Everyone is getting worse." GAME: Subduction rolls 1d4: (2): 2 GAME: Subduction rolls 1d4: (4): 4 GAME: Subduction rolls 1d4: (3): 3 <OOC> Subduction says, "The good news is, this is a rapid poison but it doesn't last very long. This will be Ennes' last save." GAME: Aimarra rolls heal: (7)+6: 13 (vs DC 17), "No bonus for Jinks" GAME: Paenitia rolls heal+4: (12)+13+4: 29 (vs DC 17, Dax gets +4 bonus) GAME: Seyardu used a Healer's Kit. GAME: Seyardu rolls heal+2: (3)+8+2: 13 (vs DC 17) GAME: Jinks rolls Fort: (7)+1: 8 GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+7-5: (4)+7+-5: 6 (Enness Fort save) GAME: Subduction rolls 1d4: (3): 3 GAME: Subduction rolls 1d4: (3): 3 <OOC> Subduction says, "Given there is no threat, I am going to let Sey and Pae take ten, which guarentees a bonus on Jinks and Dax's remaining rolls. Dax, you have 2 left, Jinks you have 3" <OOC> Subduction says, "Go ahead and make them." GAME: Dax rolls fort+4: (12)+5+4: 21 GAME: Dax rolls fort+4: (17)+5+4: 26 <OOC> Subduction says, "Dax takes no further Con damage and is cured." GAME: Jinks rolls Fort+4: (3)+-1+4: 6 GAME: Subduction rolls 1d4: (3): 3 GAME: Jinks rolls Fort+4: (12)+-2+4: 14 <OOC> Jinks says, "Damage" <OOC> Seyardu says, "Sey is going to use her action" <OOC> Jinks says, "G'night, y'all." <OOC> Seyardu says, "to give Jinks a +3 to the save" <OOC> Subduction says, "Barely makes this one." <OOC> Subduction says, "But he is in really bad shape." GAME: Jinks rolls Fort+4: (13)+-2+4+1: 16 (+3 Seyardu Resistant Touch, only +1 stacks with healer's kit) <OOC> Subduction says, "Yeah, Jinks dies then." <OOC> Subduction says, "Aimarra can take over for Sey on one" GAME: Aimarra rolls heal: (16)+6: 22 <OOC> Subduction says, "Alright, then you survive" <OOC> Subduction says, "By the skin of your teeth. Aimarra takes over, Sey uses touch, then pae takes over when Dax is done." <OOC> Aimarra says, "Once Pae has taken over, Aimarra goes and sees if she can bring back the horses pulling the wagon." <OOC> Subduction says, "Would you guys like to pose your touch-and-go battlefield triage, or shall I pose a wrap?" <OOC> Subduction says, "That was a very close shave so if you guys want to pose it, I can stick around. I don't want to steal your thunder or have it just be a bunch of disembodied dice rolls if I can avoid it." <OOC> Dax says, "I almost died, which isn't such a big deal, but I liked that there was a clear likelihood. Thanks!" <OOC> Subduction says, "The con loss also causes HP damage, which puts Jinks down to -1 and he only has 1 con. So I think he still dies." <OOC> Aimarra says, "Aimarra can use a potion if necessary to save him. He's not going to be conscious, but he can survive." GAME: Aimarra used a Potion of Cure Moderate Wounds. <OOC> Dax says, "I can use 1 of mine, since I didn't to heal myself." GAME: Aimarra rolls 2d8+3: (13)+3: 16
Paenitia works quickly, a haste spell helps with that. She leans close to peer at Dax's pupils. Guantlets off, she mixes some more antidote, "This, on the injury. It will sting."
It does.
She looks over her shoulder. "Check the gnome, he does not look well."
She's not working fast enough.
Getting patched, dealing with drinking things, touching all the spots she probably shouldn't, Dax is getting through it. It hurts, she burns on the inside, and she's clearly worse for wear than she's ever felt. Though, she's doing better than the gnome, that seems for sure, or the horse. She sips on her flask when she's not sipping whatever concoctions are being thrown her way, "Well, it ain't fer naught. I need more... harder liquor in my diet. That kills this feelin', right?" She grimaces big, hissing out when the mixture is put on her injuries, but otherwise, she's drinking.
"Hoo..." Jinks' breathing has gone ragged sitting there. He slowly eases back into a supine position before falling entirely onto the ground. His eyes squint shut in a grimace as his body is wracked with spasms. Sweating, he rolls onto his side into a tight, little ball as his guts twist into firey knots. He's not consciously fighting the treatment but it's clear the poison is a vicious one and in spite of all the carousing and self-medication the gnome's system isn't up to combating it alone.
Once the trophies are had, Aimarra returns, claws and teeth and stingers dangling from one bloodied hand and an equally bloodied longsword from the other. She stops short on seeing the frantic work to keep her companions alive, and sword and trophies alike drop forgotten to the dirt road, leaving crimson to stream into the grass and dirt.
Instead, she fairly runs over to the gnome, pulling a vial from her belt pouch. "Here. It will give him strength to fight. Soak as much as you can out of it." She carefully dribbles the potion down Jinks' throat, then applies a firm cloth to the wounds, trying to soak as much as she can of the venom.
It ends up being all-hands on deck to save the gnome's life, with Seyardu channeling her divine power to bolster his system while Paenitia works on drawing out and neutralizing the poison. The Gnome even fades from consciousness, at one point, brought back by Aimarra's swift work administering a potion from her pouch.
As the poison continues to run its course, it seems as though the group are bound to loose at least one of their number- Ennes' breathing grows more and more labored, the horse barely able to stand despite the treatment it is receiving from Seyardu. Meanwhile, Jinks who seemed the best off originally begins to go downhill quickly. Dax seems more robust, and manages to withstand the poison fairly well- with help from Paenitia's treatment.
Seyardu was hard pressed, even with the magic which made her move much more quickly to keep up with several people seeming to be deteriorating from the poison. Enness seems to be doing alright, but then her attention turns to the gnome.
"I am sorry Jinks, I thought you to be sterner than a failed race horse." The sith-makar snorts, turning to tend to his wounds which were much worse than she expected. When Dax's breathing steadied, she immediately gestures the Lucht-knight over. "Tend their wounds, I will do what I can."
The silver makari places one hand on their shoulder gently. "Celestial mother, steel this child of yours against the poison, so they can recover swiftly." she prays, bestowing the gnome with just enough divine protection to allow Paenitia's aid and the gnome's body to correct itself.
"I will not allow you all to perish under my care." She states, moving to check over everyone. "Paenitia, can Ramirez carry either off them? I am sure I can manage Jinks, but I am unsure of Dax." <Draconic>
When all is said and done, none of the party are lost- although to call it a close call is an understatement. The prospect of a walk home is a gruelling one, given that three of their number can barely stand. Aimarra is able to recover the horses- though the carriage is done for. Getting Jinks and Dax onto mounts is easy enough, but the going is still slow to account for poor Neighsayer who drags their hooves with every step.
"Yes. He can carry." Paenitia says, closing up her empty kit. She moves to Ramirez's saddle, there are straps for carrying wounded. He has done this before. The red and white hippogryph serving as emergency air transport. "Dax and Jinks, I could fly them to the Tem... to the Soldier's Defense."
Paenitia looks Ramirez in the eye. A solemn message is exchanged. He crouches, lying on the ground. The little knight is able to assist the gnome and pirate to mount up.
They take to the sky.
Combatty
===================== Current Initiative Order - Round 2 =====================
---Init--Name------------AOO-Notes--------------------------------------------
17 Wyvern 1
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16 Aimarra 1
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>> 14 Jinks 1 <<
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12 Dax 5
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10 Seyardu 1
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9 Paenitia 1
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==============================================================================
Map
https://www.mipui.net/app/index.html?mid=mai9u2xgs9u
Inspiring Music
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjM_SGCIKMw
Who to Treat poison on?
<OOC> Jinks says, "Hopefully Sey and Pae can do some Heal checks to help us out."
<OOC> Subduction says, "They have turns before the Wyvern, so they can attempt to treat poison now."
<OOC> Subduction says, "One person (or horse) each."
<OOC> Paenitia nods
<OOC> Jinks says, "Save Neighsayers, I've lived a full life."
<OOC> Jinks :P
<OOC> Paenitia ha!
<OOC> Seyardu says, "I'm not sure who is in the worst shape"
<OOC> Aimarra says, "I am fine, do not worry about ,e."
<OOC> Subduction says, "Ennes, Jinks and Dax are poisoned. Ennes has been poisoned the longest, and only just recovered from a near death experience. Dax the second longest, Paenitia might be poisoned- you don't know, the stinger hit her- and then Jinks was the most recent victim."
<OOC> Subduction says, "So you'll have to triage before Pae has a chance to"
<OOC> Jinks says, "Treat Poison is a Heal check at the Poison's DC to give the target a +4 on its next save."
<OOC> Subduction says, "Standard action, provokes. But there's nothing to provoke, right now."
<OOC> Jinks says, "Don't worry about Enness."
<OOC> Seyardu says, "5 foot step to move to Ennes, move action to draw doctor kit from bag, and treat poison on them"
<OOC> Jinks says, "He'll be in Heroes' Welcome eating ambrosia soon."
<OOC> Subduction says, "Roll the heal."
<OOC> Subduction says, "Yeah, Jinks dies then."
<OOC> Subduction says, "Alright, then you survive"
<OOC> Subduction says, "The con loss also causes HP damage, which puts Jinks down to -1 and he only has 1 con. So I think he still dies."
<OOC> Jinks says, "hahaha"
<OOC> Jinks says, "Kick a guy while he's down. XD"
<OOC> Subduction says, "XD"
<OOC> Subduction says, "And then a rock fell on Jinks"
<OOC> Subduction says, "I did not expect the poison to be quite so spicy a challenge."
<OOC> Aimarra says, "That was a dice thing, nothing more. There is never accounting for the fickleness of dice."