PrP: Goblin Guards Gone
First, the notes I had written up before the actual plot started:
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Adventure for Merkabah Month.
This is losely based on an adventure I recall being ran years ago. I think it was outside Sendor, before the seige, but I plan to use elements in Merkabah anyway.
Basic plot, goblin workers have gone misisng who were looting... I mean working legally on the edges of Merkabah. Local guards were sent to find them. The Guards didn't come back either. Now you're being sent to find teh Guards, the workers, or at least what happned to them.
Behind the scenes: Ages ago, a Merkabah artificer needed test subjects for his cybernetics lab, so made some minions to find him volunteers. By force. When Merkabah went underwater, the lab of course shut down. When the lab first crashed into the mountain, it opened up again, and minions went out to find new test subjects, finding Alexandria locals. Adventures went to the lab, killed the minions, killed the lab guards, wrecked the place, and saved the locals. However, recent events have activated a second set of minions. Who go out, kidnap people, bring them back to the ruined lab... and let them go, because that's their programming. They then recharge, repair, and head out and look for more victims to kidnap. In theory. The entire process is breaking down, so 'repair and recharge' isn't going so well.
The minions look like cat sized scorpions, and are basically re-skinned ghouls. When holding still, natural camoflage gives Hide DC of 18. Only one claw (stinger) attack. First success causes staggered condition, second success causes paralysis. Bite attack poisons immediately, dex and con damage, no paralysis. For my own mental health, scorpions communicate with radio chatter, each knows what all others know. Scorpions have a 'detect race' spell effect. Action to cast, tells caster what race the target is. Scorpions will ignore elves, as they are immune to paralysis, war golem who are already cybernetic and not good targets, and sith, who are not in the database. Half-orcs and giantborn are given priority as desired test subjects. Paralyzed victims are face-hugged (grappled) by a scorpion, who gives a fresh dose of paralysis each round, and 'puppets' the victim back to the lab. Non-targets are ignored until they attack, at which point they are neutralized with poison bites.
Swarm is intended to overwhelm the party, with most of the group being taken as test subjects, hopefully a few party members left free to follow along. When the scorpions reach they lab, they shift from 'Hunt and Capture' to 'Organize and Release' then shift to 'Recharge Mode' and head back to their refuel stations down a small tunnel. The lab is shattered, with the missing guards just rousing from paralysis. The goblin workers are also present, but hiding, too scared to help. Player who venture down the small tunnel with find the refuel station, with a shattered OverSystem that demands repairs. It is utterly unable to enforce these demands, and quite easy to destroy. The Scorpions are in 'Recharge Mode' and don't attack or defend themselves. If the OverSystem is destoryed, the scorpions can't recharge, and will shut down.
((APL+2)*2)=number of scorpions :: (average 4, 6 players(+2)=6)+2)=8)*2=16 scorpions))
The actual log of the event
Tenebrae - Saturday, March 07, 2020, 8:08 PM
Merkabah, a ruin of terrors and nightmares on the best of days, but also a horde of ancient treasures and technological wonders. And more recently, neighbor to a host of goblins, working on thir own project... and maybe doing a little exploring, maybe a bit of looting... all in good taste, of course! And while precautions are taken, a group of goblin 'explorers' have gone missing. The goblins have their own guards, of course, who were sent in to find the missing workers. They've gone missing as well.
This is where you come in. Find the workers, find the guards, try and get everyone out safe, or at elast find out what became of them and rport back. This part of the ruins is a maze of shattered buildings, but near the edges safe paths have been clearly marked with chalk. The guards marked their own route with red chalk, so you'll at least be able to trail them for a while...
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= At a glance around PrP Room: Five =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Cryosanthia 6'7" 245 Lb Sith-Makar Female A dashingly tall, lithe white lizardgirl with tattoos. Ezil 5'11" 175 Lb Human Male An armored man with dark skin, and grey-blonde hair. Lysos 5'6" 105 Lb Human/Tsuran Female Dark eyes, dark hair, olive skin, a jotun-sized chip on the shoulder. Mikilos 6'8" 180 Lb Dawn Elf Male Tall male dawn elf, rosey blonde and handsome. (GM) Nels 3'7" 42 Lb Goblin Male Tall, for a goblin, and athletic. Close-cut black hair. Poc 2'11" 34 Lb Goblin Male A green goblin with pointed ears and woodland attire. Shin 5'0" 130 Lb Human Male Short, stocky Xian human with a tiger. -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-
Ezil adjusts his shield, strapping it to his arm as he looks at the lines of red chalk. "We should expect trouble." stating the obvious, but the Paladin seems to think it needs be said. "They were kind enough to leave us a trail for now, but we best be ready to make our own too." looking the the party as he takes inventory of his equipment once again before they delve much deeper. "I'll okay to take point. That's if we don't want a scout."
Nels has been in this place a lot lately, it seems, which is pretty good for a non-gadgeteer goblin. Well, not even a goblin just at the moment, but that's a temporary curse, nevermind that. "I swear this place gets harier by the moment," she observes. But at least they marked their trail. "Just .... if there's any lakes or pools, don't throw stuff in. Unless it's like a huge explosive. Don't ask why."
Poc is here! While browsing for missions available in the Explorers Guild, it was hard for him to ignore the venture that included rescuing fellow goblins. Perhaps it was a sense of duty or some other sort of patriotism, but the diminutive figure felt so inclined to partake, he didn't even heed the dangers of where he was venturing to. Which is essentially what brings him here. Extremely happy to let his more experienced companions take the lead, Poc just wanders along his his woodland attire. With a short longbow strapped across his form, his beady yellow eyes peer out from behind his mask. The advice from Nels earns a curious look, but Poc shrugs. "Maybe group find treasure on path too?" A gobber can only dream!
Cryosanthia is hanging back, near Ezil and looking over the others whom she also has a decent familiarity with. Nels gets a nod, Poc a smile. Shin and Mirai a wave, if the tiger is looking her way. The sith is sure she remembers Lysos from somewhere, but is having trouble placing it. "Well, at least we'll have a trail part-way. How many are we rescuing total? Do we have cart or a disk, if they can't walk? Travois poles?"
Lysos leans on her staff, looking at the red chalk line as if it might start moving. And maybe bite her. "How did I let him talk me into this..." she mutters to herself, then shakes her gaze away from the lines to look at everyone else. Cryosanthia gets a quick nod of recognition, Poc and Shin a quick moment of speculation. Nels.. her gaze rests on her for a few seconds longer, as if the tsuran woman wants to say something, but the moment passes and she looks at Ezil. The familiar skin and accent bring a small smile to her before she bows her head to him. "I'm new to this, so, I'll follow everyone else's lead."
Lysos pointedly does not look at Shin's tiger. Easier to not contemplate things when you don't see them.
Shin is along with Mirai, his trusty tiger. The tiger is noticeably staying away from the two goblins. And even giving a small growl at the two. He's armed, of course, and looks perhaps a bit strange to other humans with his armor. The young man looks at the others, then shrugs as he looks to Ezil, "Go ahead and take point." He looks to the others, "Is anyone good with a bow besides myself? I'm not the best at it, but I can at least provide some cover."
Ezil laughs at Nel's comment. "Yes, lesson learned. If it looks like a place something will nest. It's most likely a nest." affirming the transformed-goblins words as he turns to offer Lysos a soft nod in return. "It's nasty in here, Cousin. Be wary." a glance then shot to Cryosanthia. "All good suggestions and concerns, White-One. We must find them first, and see the situation. Too many supplies wills low us down, and make us prey I suspect."
To Shin's he nods, moving to the front of the party. "We'll follow the marks first, then decide what must be done?" seeming content to go.
Two massive, if crumbeling, towers dominate the local skyline. Gob-zilla has thus far stayed on the far side of them, leaving this area relitively safe, if disturbingly quiet. The trail of red chalk 'X' and arrows is clear enough, if perhaps not quite so organized as you might hope. Some of the arrows are numbred, in case the path happens to loop upon itself or double back... but only some of them.
Not that those are the only signs of passage. Muddy footprints, overturned rubble in the assorted debris, the occasional mark of other chalk colors, all make a path that's not too hard to follow, if a little winding. The five guards may have had a set goal in mind, but the original six workers were exploring, and good exploration tends to wind and wobble a bit.
Nels peers at Shin, and says, "I /can/ use a bow. But why would I?" She's carrying a goblin-sized thunderbelcher with a determined set to her jaw, eying the markers critically, as if there were something she could divine from them other than that the party passed this point.
"We should make our own signs," Cryosanthia says, falling in step and moving up beside Ezil, "Did anyone bring chalk? I'll Arcane Mark otherwise."
"Poc good at shooting the arrows!" Despite the fact that Shin has a damned TIGER growling at him from afar, Poc doesn't hesitate to reply. Like Lysos, perhaps he's trying not to notice the big cat? Tigers are freaking scary. And that's when they don't have armor on. Regardless, unslinging his bow from his body, the pointy-eared gobber wields the thing to show that he at least has some sort of passing skill with it. "Um," He follows up with. "Poc might hit others if too close. Don't worry though." Pause. "Not personal. Kakakaka!" A chortling laugh escapes from between his pointed teeth.
"This chalk handy, but path windy. Hopefully not walk for all day, or Poc's legs get sore." Grump grump. "Big buildings ruined. Who do that?" Yeah, he noticed the skyline.
"Of course it's nasty. Why wouldn't it be nasty? All of these jobs seem to send me somewhere nasty," Lysos grumbles, then takes a deep breath and shakes her whole upper body. "Positive thoughts, Lysos." She lets the breath out, raises her chin, and follows everyone. "I didn't bring chalk.. I did bring a small jar of cotton balls, though. To stuff in our noses. In case someone falls in fire or something."
Shin looks at Nels blankly for a moment or two, then shakes his head as he looks at Ezil. "... I get the feeling I may regret this." He comments, then shakes his head as he moves to get going, keeping the odd polearm in hand as both a walking stick and a weapon for the moment. The growling tiger moves along with Shin, still growling if it notices the goblins get too close. Even the transformed one. Then he looks over at Lysos, "Try getting eaten by something and having another creature inside it's belly trying to eat you again." And Shin looks perfectly serious that he can say that, too!
Two once multi-story buildings have collapsed upon each other, leaving a canyon of rubble between them. The chalky path clearly continues between, opening to a large courtyard on the far side. Long ago, this might have been a lovely neighborhood center, with a beautiful fountain at the center of a brickwork plaza. Now, the bricks are shattered and barely visible though the mud and overgrowth, and the fountain is collapsed, the large stone bowl tilted on it's side. Does make fora handy spot to place a big chalk 'X' with some smaller scribbles, however.
Shin frowns as he looks up at the buildings. "I really don't like the look of those buildings... they won't come down on top of us, will they?" The tigress stops growling to look around, sniffing a bit as she tries to pick up some scent or something it seems.
"I'll put that on my not-to-do list." Cryosanthia says. When no chalk is offered up, she starts leaving her own mark. Every 60' or so she flips her free hand through a gesture, the tattoos on her arms flare, and she draws a Dragon Eye that is formed with the letters CRYO, on the ground near the other marks. Slightly more durable than chalk, they're spaced so someone running would be able to find the next one fairly quickly. As she does this, she examines the other markings the previous two groups left, in case there is something useful hidden in the symbols. The stone bowl is a tempting thing to write on. "Think it's safe to touch that?"
Ezil pauses a moment to inspect the other colors of chalk, and then look to the route the guards took. "I've not been eaten...and I'd like to keep it that way." smirking to Shin's words, and tossing a glance to Lysos. "Oh, we could of used those the last time. I smelled pretty bad after that flaming slime had it's way with me." looking to Nels after that. "So far the guards seemed to not deviate... but the workers were all over. Keep a look out for trouble." stepping then to continue down the path towards the writing in the plaza, shield brought higher as he's on guard.
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "Look up and around, sniff, follow if I don't see anything"
"Poc /likes/ fire." Poc suggests helpfully to Lysos as she mentions it. "Burn smell nice." As the wander continues, the gobber takes in the sight of the flora that has started to grow amongst all of the rubble. A small smile can be seen on his face as he takes it all in, before he squints at the chalk scribbles from afar. Without much regard for the buildings likelihood to further topple, he trudges after Ezil with a small bounce in his step. "Poc like the green flowers and vines here. It smell nice."
Nels peers at Ezil, but nods, and she stops paying close attention to the marks and starts paying more attention to our surroundings. The terrain requires her to check high and low, left and right, near and far. She can't check everything at once but as she proceeds with the others, she does the best she can.
Lysos stumbles, nearly tripping entirely at Shin's claim. She comes to a complete stop and just stares at him, then slowly shakes her head and resumes walking. When the party reaches the buildings and the fountain, she stops and lets those better experienced and talented to inspect the writings. And the area. She just keeps her eyes open and looking around, as if expecting rocks to come tumbling down on everyone's heads. "Flaming slime?" Oh, how her resolve is tested. So tested.
'Rescue Squad E7: half past 3 bells. Guards Thom and Dobs to explore western path. Others to remain on site until return.'
Simple enough, if a little messy writing. Of course, that was a couple hours ago, by best guess of the current time. And while there are signs of recent activity, there are no rescure guards present...
From afar, Lysos has incredibly unlucky as a flaw, so may deliberately flub a roll if in doing so it enriches the RP. And if you need something unlucky to happen to someone, please pick me.
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls perception: (15)+5: 20
GAME: Poc rolls perception: (7)+9: 16
GAME: Lysos rolls perception: (17)+1: 18
GAME: Nels rolls perception: (1)+7: 8 (EPIC FAIL)
You paged Lysos with 'You're on this misson, so that's unlucky already... ;) But will bear that in mind.'
GAME: Ezil rolls perception: (2)+2: 4
GAME: Shin rolls Perception: (1)+1: 2 (EPIC FAIL)
GAME: Shin rolls Companionperception: (1)+7: 8 (EPIC FAIL)
You paged (Lysos, Cryosanthia) with 'It's very well camofloged, but -something- is moving along the grass... and the wall... and the fountain. And if you're sensitative to magic, it did -something- arcane.'
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- ATTENTION -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Mikilos has dropped a TIMESTOP!
Please +init, then cease all roleplay and actions immediately and wait for Mikilos to instruct you further. You may earn RPP by logging a scene for a GM.
For in-combat commands, type: +thelp.
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-
GAME: Poc rolls initiative: 13 + 4 = 17
GAME: Shin rolls initiative: 8 + 2 = 10
GAME: Nels rolls initiative: 1 + 4 = 5
GAME: You roll initiative for Bad Guys1: Roll: 2 + Bonus: 2 = Total: 4
GAME: You roll initiative for Bad Guys2: Roll: 11 + Bonus: 2 = Total: 13
GAME: You roll initiative for Bad Guys3: Roll: 14 + Bonus: 2 = Total: 16
"Ezil! Wait! There's something." Cryosanthia calls out, "It's in the grass, and the wall and by the fountain. It's very well camoflagued. I think it did something arcane too. Everyone, get ready, try to spot it in those areas."
GAME: You roll initiative for Bad Guys4: Roll: 19 + Bonus: 2 = Total: 21
GAME: Cryosanthia refreshes special ability pools.
GAME: Ezil rolls initiative: 9 + 1 = 10
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls initiative: 18 + 4 + +2 = 24
Lysos opens her mouth to stay something too, but Cryosanthia beats her to the punch. Probably those quick, lizardperson reactions. So she just points to the area that she saw the movement, and instead says, "This can't be good."
GAME: Lysos rolls initiative: 7 + 7 = 14
===================== Current Initiative Order - Round 1 =====================
---Init--Name------------AOO-Notes--------------------------------------------
24 Cryosanthia 1 Flat-footed (0 rnds active)
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21 Bad Guys4
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17 Poc 1 Flat-footed (0 rnds active)
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16 Bad Guys3
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14 Lysos 1 Flat-footed (0 rnds active)
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13 Bad Guys2
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10 Shin 3 Flat-footed (0 rnds active)
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10 Ezil 1 Flat-footed (0 rnds active)
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5 Nels 1 Flat-footed (0 rnds active)
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4 Bad Guys1
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GAME: Mikilos advances the initiative order.
<OOC> Mikilos says, "I was just about to ask where everyone planed to be. I should have made a map or something. Big courtyard, call it 100 feet across, fountain in center, roughly square with a sorta large passage to each side, tough holes all over the place one might squeeze into with effort."
<<My first major mistake, placing the bad guys too far away to properly ambush. Springing out, then taking a full round to reach the heroes, is a bad ambush. Should have hit while they were all still flat footted.>>
GAME: Cryosanthia attempts to cast Snapdragon Fireworks but fails due to ASF.
GAME: Mikilos advances the initiative order.
Cryosanthia flips her hand through an arcane gesture and points. There is a brief glow on her arm, but nothing happens. Her leather was a bit too restrictive this time. She stays back with the Nels and Lysos, and calls out, "Behind the fountain, north east corner, south west corner, east wall. All have movement. Be mindful of the holes in the floor, but nothing at them yet."
She draws her weapon and waits.
Now that they've been spotted, the.... things... move swiftly, rushing from thier hiding places on scurrying legs. They're fleshy... sort of...but are the color of the surronding stone, blending in very well, making them almost impossible to see unless they've moving, or you look right at them. And when you do look right at them... might wish you hadn't.
Product of ancient artifice, it's hard to tell what these creature once were, but now they look a bit like scorpions, with a body the size of a house cat, many multi-jointed legs, and a large barbed tail arching up over their backs. Small heads have a few too many beady eyes, and far too many needle like fangs. A group of four rush from the far corner towards Cryoanthia, tails lashing and ready.
GAME: Mikilos advances the initiative order.
GAME: Poc rolls weapon0: (13)+4: 17
GAME: Poc rolls weapon0: (15)+4: 19
GAME: Poc rolls 1d6+1: (1)+1: 2
GAME: Poc rolls 1d6+1: (4)+1: 5
GAME: Mikilos advances the initiative order.
| Name | Race | Class | CHP | HP | AC/FF/T |CMD |For |Ref |Wil |
|Cryosanthi|SITH-MAKAR|Sor/Swb | 29 | 29 |21/17/16 | 20 | 3 | 7 | 3 | |Ezil |HUMAN |Pal | 41 | 41 |22/21/12 | 19 | 10 | 5 | 9 | |Lysos |HUMAN |Sor | 11 | 11 |13/10/13 | 14 | 1 | 3 | 4 | |Nels |GOBLIN |Ftr | 37 | 37 |18/14/15 | 19 | 6 | 5 | 2 | |Poc |GOBLIN |Mnk/Rgr | 19 | 19 |18/14/18 | 19 | 6 | 8 | 2 | |Shin |HUMAN |Cav | 33 | 33 |17/15/12 | 20 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
Safe to say, Poc was not expecting anything to emerge from the fountain! The walls, sure. But the fountain? Cryo's calls alerts him to the danger, causing the goblin to turn and spot them coming over the fountain. Way too close to hit with his bow, unfortunately. "Ezil!" He cries out to the paladin not far from him. "Watch out! Here they come!" Still wielding his bow, the small gobber leaps into action! With his feet he lashes out with two swift, rounding kicks. Feeling them strike true, he leaps back - but that feeling of oozing ichor on his feet is not pleasant. "Poc a good kicker. Poc kick. Ezil slash!"
<<Mikilos pages: See party AC is fairly high. Bumping up monster hit to a +6.>>
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d20+6: (9)+6: 15
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d20+6: (15)+6: 21
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d20+6: (7)+6: 13
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d6+1: (2)+1: 3
<OOC> Mikilos says, "poc, roll will please"
GAME: You damaged Poc for 3 points. 16 HP remaining.
GAME: Poc rolls will: (19)+2: 21
Two scorpion thingies scuttle towards Poc, tails flashing. One connects, the venom... unplesantly numbing, but not crippleing. Not yet. Another swipes at Shin, while a third charges towards Ezil... only to stop a few feet away, waving it's tail with some kind of arcane effect.
<<The 'tail wave' is the scorpions using a magic effect, 'Detect race' to tell what targets are priority victims.>>
GAME: Mikilos advances the initiative order.
At least Lysos has /this/ part done to nearly an art... as the unidentified horrors start to swarm everyone, she thrusts her hand towards the nearest, fingers splayed and palm out, then shouts, "Defendarius!" A blue-ish, shimmering shield flares into existance before fading into invisiblity. Yeah, that part definitely looked practice. Expert, almost. An effect entirely ruined as she starts to fumble at the strap holding her crossbow in place.
GAME: Lysos refreshes spells.
GAME: Lysos casts Shield. Caster Level: 2 DC: 15
GAME: Mikilos advances the initiative order.
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d20+6: (11)+6: 17
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d20+6: (3)+6: 9
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d6+1: (1)+1: 2
GAME: You damaged Shin for 2 points. 31 HP remaining.
GAME: Shin rolls Will: (8)+2: 10
More scorpion things scuttle out of the grass and rubble, a pair snapping tails at Shin while another scurries towards Ezil. A fourth runs up to the great Mirai, and pauses, as if uncertain, waving it's tail in a magical effect again at the tiger.
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d4: (3): 3
GAME: Note Staggered added to Shin with a duration of 3 rounds.
GAME: Mikilos advances the initiative order.
GAME: Shin rolls weapon6: (14)+9: 23
GAME: Shin rolls companionattack: (11)+companionattack: 11
<OOC> Shin says, "... +5 on that roll for my kitty."
GAME: Shin rolls 1d4+4: (3)+4: 7
GAME: Shin rolls 1d4+2: (3)+2: 5
GAME: Mikilos advances the initiative order.
Finding himself pretty well.. staggered, or whatever the scorpion-automaton-things did, Shin does the sensible thing with three of them trying to sting him. One ends up with a mithril covered fist punching it. Meanwhile, Mirai pounces the one near her and swipes her claws at it.
GAME: Ezil rolls weapon8: (17)+8: 25
GAME: Ezil rolls damage8: aliased to 1D6+3: (3)+3: 6
GAME: Mikilos advances the initiative order.
Ezil springs into action at the warning from the others. He steps forward to engage the strange creature that had paused near him, and draws his curved blade with a fluid movement. With a testing swing he cleaves a leg from it with ease, but that seems to do little to slow it down. He's still on guard, shield at the ready as he guages his foe once more. "I don't like this! How many are there?" their natural camouflage making it hard for his eyes.
GAME: Nels rolls 1d20+11: (14)+11: 25
GAME: Nels rolls 1d10+1: (5)+1: 6
GAME: Mikilos advances the initiative order.
Nels is not ready for the call to action. She was so busy being hyper vigilant she was looking in entirely the wrong place, and it's a shock when things go down that completely surprise her. It takes a few moments to frantically load powder and ball into her thunderbelcher, but then we're swarmed by the monsters, and it's all she can do to keep out of stingers and claws as she reorients, picks a nearby target, and fires. A thunderous explosion and smoke, and she's frantically cleaning out the smoking gunbarrel. The little thing took a ding, but did not stop working, unfortunately.
Yet -more- of the scutteling abomination scurry over the walls and though the rubble, running towards the group near the canyon passage. That's a total of 16 of the things... at least, that you've spotted. Might be more holding still and hidden, and who knows what lurks in the crumbeling walls, watching?
GAME: NEW ROUND!
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls weapon2: (16)+7: 23
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls perform/dance: (14)+10: 24
<<Cryo keeps wagging her tail back at the scorpions, which amuses me but has no real impact. The wagging is a side effect, not the important action.>>
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls damage2: aliased to 1D6+2: (6)+2: 8
GAME: Mikilos advances the initiative order.
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d20+6: (11)+6: 17
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d20+6: (10)+6: 16
Cryosanthia catches glances of movement everywhere. At least 16 of these things, whatever they are. She focuses on the one Nels wounded, and thrusts. Her rapier pierces in, and the creature-construct expires.
She stays in her fighting stance, keeping her rapier leveled and sways her tail behind her. She's seen their dancing, and she copies it, side-stepping and coiling, effective in her improve.
One of the... things... falls in a twitching flurry before going still. Of the three from its...pod? Two focus on Cryo, while the third turns it's attention to Nels, waving it's tail at the goblin. of the two that face the lizard lady, one waves it's tail... and promptly both lower their tails behind them. Success? Not so much, and the second springs at Cryosanthia, trying to -bite- her. Thankfully, only trying.
GAME: Mikilos advances the initiative order.
It is now Poc's turn! Bad Guys3 is next!
GAME: Poc rolls weapon0: (19)+4: 23
GAME: Poc rolls weapon0: (11)+4: 15
GAME: Poc rolls 1d6+1: (1)+1: 2
GAME: Poc rolls 1d6+1: (6)+1: 7
<<Mikilos pages: Scorpions are fallign way too easy. Bumping up the hp of half the remaining by 10.>>
"Ah!" The unpleasant stinging sensation Poc feels draws him to reel back his leg, but the feeling of numbness is already there. "Poc sees a lot of scorps! A dozen! No, more! Someone need to go help Dragonia. STACKS near her!" By 'Dragonia', he is of course referring to Cryosanthia. That one that looked a bit like a dragon. Regardless, given he is still being attacked at close range, he cannot focus on picking them off from afar with his longbow. Instead he just re-engages the one that stung him, kicking the thing a couple of times to bring it down with his gangly green legs. "Dumb. Things!" Poc breathes. "Hurt Poc's leg!"
GAME: Mikilos advances the initiative order.
It is now Bad Guys3's turn! Lysos is next!
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d20+6: (10)+6: 16
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d20+6: (13)+6: 19
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d20+6: (13)+6: 19
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d6+1: (1)+1: 2
GAME: You damaged Shin for 2 points. 29 HP remaining.
<OOC> Mikilos says, "Shin, another will save, please"
GAME: Shin rolls Will: (12)+2: 14
More stinging tails near the fountain, with another hit to Shin. The venom stings, numbing the man's limbs, but he's still upright and fighting. For now.
GAME: Mikilos advances the initiative order.
It is now Lysos' turn! Bad Guys2 is next!
GAME: Lysos casts Color Spray. Caster Level: 2 DC: 15
<<The scorpions are constructs, and should have been immune to Color Spray. However they are based off ghouls, who are not immune. I was looking at the ghouls page, and didn't catch the oversight for a couple rounds.>>
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d20+5: (6)+5: 11
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d20+5: (3)+5: 8
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d20+5: (19)+5: 24
GAME: Lysos rolls 1d4: (3): 3
GAME: Lysos rolls 1d4: (1): 1
GAME: Mikilos advances the initiative order.
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d20+6: (3)+6: 9
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d20+6: (17)+6: 23
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d20+6: (3)+6: 9
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d20+6: (20)+6: 26
Lysos's staff clatters to the ground as she takes a few steps sideways. Thoughts of exposing herself like that scream at her to stop... she's no hero. But she's determined to at least try and make a difference. When she has a small group of the monsters in line, she flicks her left hand out, palm turning up, fingers forward, and utters, "Razzle Dazzle!" A garish display of coloured light springs forth from her hand, washing over the three not-scorpions, stunning two of them in their tracks.
Then Lysos begins frantically loading her crossbow.
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d6+1: (3)+1: 4
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d6+1: (4)+1: 5
GAME: You damaged Shin for 4 points. 25 HP remaining.
GAME: You damaged Ezil for 5 points. 36 HP remaining.
GAME: Ezil rolls will: (13)+9: 22
<<Mikilos pages: Need to remember flanking. Monsters are smart enough to use tactics. Do so!!>> <<It was sveral rounds yet before I started to remember, and even then forgot pods that had flanking with other pods.>>
===================== Current Initiative Order - Round 2 =====================
---Init--Name------------AOO-Notes--------------------------------------------
24 Cryosanthia 1
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
21 Bad Guys4 1
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
17 Poc 1
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
16 Bad Guys3 1
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14 Lysos 1
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>> 13 Bad Guys2 1 <<
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10 Shin 3 Staggred (2 rnds remaining)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10 Ezil 1
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5 Nels 1
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 Bad Guys1 1
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
==============================================================================
GAME: Shin rolls Will: (1)+2: 3 (EPIC FAIL)
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d4+1: (3)+1: 4
GAME: Note Paralyzed added to Shin with a duration of 4 rounds.
GAME: Mikilos advances the initiative order.
It is now Shin's turn! Ezil is next!
GAME: Shin rolls 1d20+5: (9)+5: 14
GAME: Shin rolls 1d6+2: (4)+2: 6
Shin looks about to punch another one, then suddenly... freezes for some reason. The tiger, meanwhile, takes a bite out of another, ripping something off but it's still moving.
GAME: Mikilos advances the initiative order.
It is now Ezil's turn! Nels is next!
More scorpion attacks near the fountain. It might be worth noting the artifice creature attacking Mirai isn't trying to sting the tiger, but is attempting to bite her. More of note is the stings on Ezil and Shin, numbing, but while Ezil is okay, Shin.... not so much.
GAME: Ezil rolls weapon8: (1)+8: 9 (EPIC FAIL)
GAME: Mikilos advances the initiative order.
It is now Nels' turn! Bad Guys1 is next!
Ezil took his sting, as several of these creatures begin to pile up near him and Shin. While he's not badly hurt, the damage and shock of their numbers cause him to miss his strike. "Shin, you okay?" not knowing what's going on there as his companion locks up. Oh, this doesn't seem to bode well.
GAME: Nels rolls 1d20+11: (2)+11: 13
GAME: Nels rolls 1d10+1: (7)+1: 8
GAME: Mikilos advances the initiative order.
It is now Bad Guys1's turn! Cryosanthia is next!
Nels's fingers pluck out another paper cartridge from her ammo bag, pour the contents down the barrel, drop the ball in after, and pack it in with the crumbled paper so it's wedged in place. She draws a bead on her target, one of the ones that was attacking Shin, and she fires. There's an eruption of flame and smoke as the thunderbelcher fires. The shot is one of those thread-the-needle shots, over a swinging arm, under a flailing leg, and the lead ball smacks into the little monster, smashing it to the ground. Well, hopefully that helps! Full combat support!
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d20+6: (20)+6: 26
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d20+6: (10)+6: 16
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d20+6: (12)+6: 18
GAME: Mikilos rolls 2d6+2: (9)+2: 11
GAME: You damaged Nels for 11 points. 26 HP remaining.
GAME: Nels rolls will: (9)+2: 11
GAME: Nels rolls will: (8)+2: 10
The creatuers Lysos hit are still shaking off the effects, but the third is still attacking, though the magical shield seems to be working. But another scorpion takes advantage of Nels' distraction, stinging him in the neck! The toxin is potent, and works swiftly, paralyzing the goblin where he stands! ...well... slumps.
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d4+1: (2)+1: 3
GAME: Note paralyzed added to Nels with a duration of 3 rounds.
GAME: NEW ROUND!
It is now Cryosanthia's turn! Bad Guys4 is next!
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls weapon2: (9)+7: 16
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls damage2+3: aliased to 1D6+2+3: (6)+2+3: 11
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls perform/dance: (9)+10: 19
Cryosanthia keeps up her performance, rapier pointed, tail waving, dancing from side to side, looking for an opening. She spots a gap in the way one turns, and strikes out. The point slides in between two plates, deeply piercing the scorpion construct-abomination. It doesn't drop, but it seems hurt.
"Are they making any noise? Chirping like bugs to each other? How are things going? Anyone injured?" The white-scale sith calls, focusing mostly on her opponents.
GAME: Mikilos advances the initiative order.
It is now Bad Guys4's turn! Poc is next!
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d20+6: (16)+6: 22
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d20+6: (3)+6: 9
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d6: (5): 5
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "Opportunte parry & riposte. I spend a panache, roll and see if I get an attack higher than theirs, if I do, that is a parry and I get to roll another attack. They still have to get past my AC to hit if I roll badly."
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls weapon2: (17)+7: 24
GAME: Cryosanthia spends ONE point of PANACHE.
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls weapon2: (5)+7: 12
The pair of scorpions attacking Cryosanthia leap and snap, but are unable to get past her flashing blade and swift movments.
The scorpion facing Nels, however, has no such difficulity. In fact, it has no problems at all, scurrying up the paralyzed goblin, and wrapping it's legs around his head. These aren't just scorpions, they're FACE HUGGERS!
GAME: Note Grappled added to Nels.
GAME: Mikilos advances the initiative order.
It is now Poc's turn! Bad Guys3 is next!
GAME: Poc rolls weapon0: (7)+4: 11
GAME: Poc rolls weapon0: (12)+4: 16
GAME: Poc rolls 1d6+1: (4)+1: 5
GAME: Mikilos advances the initiative order.
It is now Bad Guys3's turn! Lysos is next!
Poc is still engaged with these scorpions in close quarters combat. Swift dodging is made when necessary, before he swings his elbow into one to injure it! The follow up attack is missed, causing the gobber to curse in frustration. "What the plan?! Fight forever?" Note to self: bring bombs next time. All the bombs.
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d20+6: (9)+6: 15
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d20+6: (20)+6: 26
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d20+6: (10)+6: 16
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d6+1: (5)+1: 6
GAME: You damaged Ezil for 6 points. 30 HP remaining.
<OOC> Mikilos says, "Will save from Ezil, please"
GAME: Ezil rolls will: (12)+9: 21
GAME: Note grappled added to Shin.
Near the fountain, scorpions sting at Poc and Ezil, the later taking a blow from the venomous tail, but shaking off the paralytic effects. Shin, however, is not so lucky, getting his own hug to the face. Ew.
GAME: Mikilos advances the initiative order.
It is now Lysos' turn! Bad Guys2 is next!
GAME: Lysos casts Color Spray. Caster Level: 2 DC: 15
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d20+5: (2)+5: 7
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d20+5: (10)+5: 15
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d20+5: (6)+5: 11
GAME: Lysos rolls 1d4: (2): 2
GAME: Lysos rolls 1d4: (1): 1
Lysos backpedals away from the upgraded-to-nameless-horror that is trying to stab its way past her magic shield and almost frantically gestures with her hand again. "Razzle Dazzle!" she cries out, less commanding and more panicked this time, and another wash of colours falls over the one trying to get her and the two playing with Nels.
GAME: Mikilos advances the initiative order.
It is now Bad Guys2's turn! Shin is next!
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d20+6: (16)+6: 22
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d20+6: (16)+6: 22
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d20+6: (15)+6: 21
<OOC> Mikilos says, "Okay, what is mirai's AC? I havn't roleld well before, so hadn't mattered..."
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d6: (2): 2
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d6: (3): 3
GAME: You damaged Ezil for 5 points. 25 HP remaining.
GAME: Ezil rolls will: (5)+9: 14
GAME: Ezil rolls will: (5)+9: 14
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d6: (6): 6
GAME: Shin rolls companionfortitude: (2)+6: 8
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d3: (2): 2
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d3: (1): 1
<OOC> Mikilos says, "ooooo. 6 damage to teh tiger, plus 2 DX damage, and 1 CON damage. Scorpion bites are nasty."
A pair of scorpions sting at Ezil, landing blows, but not slowing the man of faith down. Th tiger is slightly less lucky, a soild bite putting toxic poison into her veins. Not that it's going to stop her that easy, right?
GAME: Mikilos advances the initiative order.
It is now Shin's turn! Ezil is next!
GAME: Shin rolls 1d20+5: (5)+5: 10
GAME: Mikilos advances the initiative order.
It is now Ezil's turn! Nels is next!
GAME: Ezil rolls weapon8: (2)+8: 10
GAME: Mikilos advances the initiative order.
It is now Nels' turn! Bad Guys1 is next!
GAME: Mikilos advances the initiative order.
It is now Bad Guys1's turn! Cryosanthia is next!
Lysos's victims are still out of it, but seem to be shaking off the effects. Little hard to tell with abominations of mad artifice.
GAME: NEW ROUND!
It is now Cryosanthia's turn! Bad Guys4 is next!
Nels is in a bit of a state. Paralyzed, but able to think, with a ... a thing clinging to her face. She can't even scream. So, she kind of just stands there. What else is she going to do. This is going to hurt when she comes out of this, isn't it? She is not enthused.
Ezil every time Ezil moves his shield to counter one of these mechanical scorpions, he gets stung somewhere else! A leg... his arm. It's painful, but thankfully the poison is not taking hold. The are slowly wearing the man down though. A death by a thousand cuts. "STOP IT!" he yells in frustration with the last nip of their tail's tip. "It friggin hurts!" sounding much like a boy who's been pinched one too many times. Unfortunately, the distraction causes him to miss, and his nostrils to flare. "I hate this place more and more!"
Every time Ezil moves his shield to counter one of these mechanical scorpions, he gets stung somewhere else! A leg... his arm. It's painful, but thankfully the poison is not taking hold. The are slowly wearing the man down though. A death by a thousand cuts. "STOP IT!" he yells in frustration with the last nip of their tail's tip. "It friggin hurts!" sounding much like a boy who's been pinched one too many times. Unfortunately, the distraction causes him to miss, and his nostrils to flare. "I hate this place more and more!"
GAME: Cryosanthia spends ONE point of PANACHE.
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d6: (2): 2
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls acrobatics+2: (2)+9+2: 13
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls acrobatics+2: (18)+9+2: 29
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d20+6: (5)+6: 11
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d20+6: (13)+6: 19
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+5: (6)+5: 11
Cryosanthia is doing her dance with the scorpions, while quickly glancing around to see what's going on. She catches sight of Nels, with one of those things clamped over her face."
"Maugrim Resurgent!" The sith turns and dives, rolls then comes out of it in a crouch, running towards Nels. The poor woman has suffered to much! Stabbing with her rapier seems too risky, so she grabs the thing by its legs, trying to pull it off.
"Nels! It's okay. I'll get it off you. Hang in there. Don't swallow!" Cryo anxiously tries to loosen the thing, and fails. At best she's distracting it from what it is doing.
GAME: Mikilos advances the initiative order.
It is now Bad Guys4's turn! Poc is next!
===================== Current Initiative Order - Round 4 =====================
---Init--Name------------AOO-Notes--------------------------------------------
24 Cryosanthia 1
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>> 21 Bad Guys4 1 <<
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
17 Poc 1
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
16 Bad Guys3 1
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14 Lysos 1
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13 Bad Guys2 1
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10 Shin 3 Staggred (0 rnds remaining); Paralyzed (2
rnds remaining); grappled
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10 Ezil 1
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5 Nels 1 paralyzed (1 rnd remaining); Grappled
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 Bad Guys1 1
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
==============================================================================
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d20+6: (19)+6: 25
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d20+6: (6)+6: 12
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d6: (4): 4
GAME: You damaged Cryosanthia for 4 points. 25 HP remaining.
GAME: Cryosanthia spends ONE point of PANACHE.
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls fortitude+3: (8)+3+3: 14
The pair left behind come after Cryo, fangs snapping. And while the lizard lady dodges, she's just distracted enough that a bite lands. But while the injury burns with poison, her limbs stay loose and under control.
However, while she's so distracted, the face hugger embeds it's tail into Nels neck... and the former goblin stands up, and starts walking away. Well, stumbeling away... shuffeling away? You try and pilot a humanoid via a remote stuck in it's neck while clinging to it's face. It's harder than it looks!
GAME: Mikilos advances the initiative order.
It is now Poc's turn! Bad Guys3 is next!
GAME: Poc rolls weapon0: (6)+4: 10
GAME: Poc rolls weapon0: (1)+4: 5 (EPIC FAIL)
GAME: Mikilos advances the initiative order.
It is now Bad Guys3's turn! Lysos is next!
"Here comes Poc!" Cries the gobber, who leaps over to one of the scorps clambering upon his buddy known as Ezil. Ezil had been very kind to him in pretty much every interaction they had had! This was just hopefully a bit of reimbursement. Unfortunately though, during the attack, the scorpion STILL ON HIM provides to be too much of a distraction, causing him to trip and just stumble onto the ground. "Damn!" How embarrassing.
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d20+6: (18)+6: 24
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d20+6: (13)+6: 19
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d6+1: (4)+1: 5
GAME: Poc rolls will: (13)+2: 15
GAME: You damaged Poc for 5 points. 11 HP remaining.
Scorpions near the fountain sting at Poc and Ezil, the goblin taking a hit, but staying upright. Speaking on upright, Shin is back on his feet! ...with a face hugger still clinging to his face... oh... oh that's not good. The human starts to shuffel away as well. Not good at all.
GAME: Mikilos advances the initiative order.
It is now Lysos' turn! Bad Guys2 is next!
GAME: Lysos casts Color Spray. Caster Level: 2 DC: 15
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d20+5: (11)+5: 16
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d20+5: (12)+5: 17
GAME: Mikilos advances the initiative order.
It is now Bad Guys2's turn! Shin is next!
"So... gross..." Lysos whispers to herself with a shudder, then sucks in her breath. Another shout and another spray of rainbows, and then she's off to try to get in the piloted Nels's way.
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d20+6: (5)+6: 11
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d20+6+2: (6)+6+2: 14
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d20+6+2: (12)+6+2: 20
A scorpion bites at Mirai some more, unsuccessfully, and a pair sting at Ezil, finally remembering to work together, but not yet successfully.
GAME: Mikilos advances the initiative order.
It is now Shin's turn! Ezil is next!
GAME: Note Staggred on Shin ended.
<<My bad for not keeping up on paralysis condition for those being 'puppeted'>>
GAME: Shin rolls 1d20+5: (12)+5: 17
GAME: Shin rolls 1d6+2: (4)+2: 6
Lysos pages: Cryo is going to pilot me.
GAME: Mikilos advances the initiative order.
It is now Ezil's turn! Nels is next!
GAME: Ezil rolls weapon8: (4)+8: 12
GAME: Mikilos advances the initiative order.
It is now Nels' turn! Bad Guys1 is next!
Lysos has disconnected.
Ezil is not having the best of luck against these bug-like devices. His blade is failing to find it's mark, and it seems the party is hard-pressed. "I'm open to suggestions!" he calls to those behind him, wincing as this fight presses on. "Anything, really!"
GAME: Mikilos advances the initiative order.
It is now Bad Guys1's turn! Cryosanthia is next!
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d20+6+2: (15)+6+2: 23
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d20+6+2: (19)+6+2: 27
<OOC> Mikilos says, "And now I need two Lysos will saves..."
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+4: (12)+4: 16
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+4: (2)+4: 6
The group of stoned scorpions start to shake off the rainbow effects, and a pair team up to take on Lysos, stinging her twice. The magic user isn't paralyzed yet, but the numbing effect leaves her staggered.
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d4+1: (3)+1: 4
GAME: NEW ROUND!
It is now Cryosanthia's turn! Bad Guys4 is next!
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+7: (5)+7: 12
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+7: (1)+7: 8 (EPIC FAIL)
<>
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20: (15): 15
GAME: Nels rolls intelligence: (4)+3: 7
<OOC> Mikilos nods, considers... points out they treat you different.
GAME: Mikilos advances the initiative order.
It is now Bad Guys4's turn! Poc is next!
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d20+6+2: (18)+6+2: 26
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d20+6+2: (9)+6+2: 17
Cryo startles as Nels jerks like a marionette and staggers away. She blinks, then scrambles after her, hands transforming into claws. Grabbing this thing doesn't seem to work, perhaps she can carefully slash it up without hurting Nels.
Swipe! Slash! She attacks so carefully she avoids hurting Nels, and the creature itself.
"Ezil? Shin? Poc? Nels is staggering off, Lysos just got stung, there's a lot more of these. They react strangely to me? It might be time to go, I don't know. How are you holding up?"
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "rolling Lysos' will"
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+4: (12)+4: 16
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+4: (10)+4: 14
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d6+1: (1)+1: 2
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d6+1: (4)+1: 5
Nels the puppet continues to shuffle... poorly. There are people in the way. People getting attacked. Like Lysos, as the pair who have ben snapping at Cryo shift focus, stinging at Lysos instead. Painful, but the magic user shakes off the toxins. Mostly. Still reeling from that last hit.
GAME: Mikilos advances the initiative order.
It is now Poc's turn! Bad Guys3 is next!
GAME: Poc rolls weapon0: (19)+4: 23
GAME: Poc rolls weapon0: (11)+4: 15
GAME: Poc rolls 1d6+1: (5)+1: 6
GAME: Poc rolls 1d6+1: (2)+1: 3
"Poc think it time to go!" The goblin yells out, feeling the stinging sensation of a scorpion rush into his body. "Regroup, recharge! Now know what happened to gobbers. Can prepare better next time." Certainly it seemed that fighting all of these things was not a victory that could be had. They were surviving, but every cut takes a toll. As he grits his teeth to destroy one that's upon his frame, the goblin turns to look at his comrades. Were they in any position to flee?
GAME: Mikilos advances the initiative order.
It is now Bad Guys3's turn! Lysos is next!
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d20+6: (10)+6: 16
Shin the puppet also tries to shuffle, but has a tiger in his way. That's a pretty effective fuzzy wall. A wall still dealing with poison, but shaking off the worst of it. A scorpion tries to sting Ezil, but can't get past the defenses.
GAME: Mikilos advances the initiative order.
It is now Lysos' turn! Bad Guys2 is next!
GAME: Mikilos advances the initiative order.
It is now Bad Guys2's turn! Shin is next!
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d20+6+2: (19)+6+2: 27
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d20+6+2: (2)+6+2: 10
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d6+1: (1)+1: 2
GAME: You damaged Ezil for 2 points. 23 HP remaining.
GAME: Ezil rolls will: (10)+9: 19
Lysos was badly hurt by those last two scorpion bites, and the poison is starting to sting. She staggers, having difficulty with her crossbow. She won't be able to cast anything, she knows this, they're too close. Cryo's and Poc's words are heeded, it's time to go. She backs away from the scorpions, retreating past Cryo, unable to get far but it's distance.
Scorpions still sting at Ezil. Still hit, but the paladin still stands. No one is really happy with the situation, but not a lot of common ground to work with here.
GAME: Mikilos advances the initiative order.
It is now Shin's turn! Ezil is next!
<OOC> Mikilos says, "Shin, you are still a puppet, and i forgot Mirai is still poisoned. have her roll a fort, please."
GAME: Shin rolls 1d20+6: (13)+6: 19
<OOC> Mikilos says, "that clears up the poison. Anything done other than stay close and in the way?"
<OOC> Shin says, "Um... hm... so the scorpion thing's obviously something wrong with me... well... I think she'll try to claw said scorpion thingie off my face?"
GAME: Shin rolls 1d20+5: (2)+5: 7
GAME: Mikilos advances the initiative order.
It is now Ezil's turn! Nels is next!
<OOC> Ezil laughs. "I am going to provoke AoO, and run away towards Shin... and shield bash the one on his face, yelling retreat?" XD
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d20+6: (5)+6: 11
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d20+6: (3)+6: 9
GAME: Mikilos rolls 1d20+6: (9)+6: 15
GAME: Ezil rolls 1d20+7: (11)+7: 18
GAME: Ezil rolls 1d4+3: (1)+3: 4
<OOC> Mikilos says, "Quite the bash. Doesn't seem to hurt the hugger too badly, but a shield to the face does nothing good to Shin."
GAME: You damaged Shin for 2 points. 23 HP remaining.
GAME: Mikilos advances the initiative order.
It is now Nels' turn! Bad Guys1 is next!
GAME: Note paralyzed on Nels ended.
GAME: Mikilos advances the initiative order.
It is now Bad Guys1's turn! Cryosanthia is next!
Ezil suddenly disengages, turning on his heel and runs away from the fight toward Shin. "Poc, get the hell out of there!" leaving three stingers that try and strike him in the dust. His weapon is sheathed, and his momentum used to skitter to a stop, swinging his shield into Shin's face-hugger... and by proxy, Shin's face. "We got to get them out of here!" suddenly blinking as he realizes the shield did more damage to Shin than the scorpion. Not well thought out.
The quad of previously sprayed scorpions all seem recovered now... but hesitant. This prey has caused way more problem than they're used to. The four linger in front of the shuffling Nels, staying close, but keeping the transformed goblin between themselves and Cryo, letting Lysos go without a chase.
<<Originally, the scorpions would have continued to attack mindlessly, unheeding of their own mortality or the odds of their companions. But it had gotten really late and I was looking for excuses to wrap the battle up.>>
GAME: NEW ROUND!
It is now Cryosanthia's turn! Bad Guys4 is next!
GAME: Mikilos advances the initiative order.
It is now Bad Guys4's turn! Poc is next!
Cryo is ready to block for Lysos as she runs by, but the scorpions seem uninterested in her once she's retreated. The sith-makar scoops up her rapier, sheating it, and follows in behind Nels. The construct-creatures seem to be ignoring her, as long as she's simply hanging out, for now. She's doing her best impression of them, even though she lacks most of the legs, and they only did their tail-wiggle once. She adds a little stagger effect, the way Nels is walking.
"All, they're ignoring me, for now? I might be able to follow Nels to where the others are. I can carry her out, but it might be easier if I wait until that thing falls off. Are you able to retreat? Lysos is hurt badly Ezil, if you can get to her."
The pair that had been snapping at Cryo join with the four that had been after Lysos. That's a lot of scorpions in one place. A fact they seem to agree with, a pair moving rapidly towards the group closer to the fountain.
GAME: Mikilos advances the initiative order.
It is now Poc's turn! Bad Guys3 is next!
GAME: Poc rolls weapon1: (9)+8: 17
GAME: Poc rolls 1d8+0: (4)+0: 4
"Poc running!" The goblin doesn't need to be told twice. With his senior company handling the situation around Shin (maybe? Poc cannot tell), the pointy eared ranger flees from the fountain, legging it back to the chalk paths from whence they came. Once he gets a reasonable distance away, he turns to wield his bow -- hoping to provide some sort of cover fire for his allies to also get clear. "Watch out! Poc firing arrows!" Pew! One is notched and let go.
GAME: Mikilos advances the initiative order.
It is now Bad Guys3's turn! Lysos is next!
The Shin-puppet stumbles and staggers... it wasn't moving well before, and a shield bash didn't help, but it makes some progress. Other scorpions seems okay with the mounting ceasesfire, moving towards Shin, but not attacking as now.
GAME: Mikilos advances the initiative order.
It is now Lysos' turn! Bad Guys2 is next!
GAME: Mikilos advances the initiative order.
It is now Bad Guys2's turn! Shin is next!
Lysos keeps staggering away as quickly as she can, following the markings, sticking to the wall for support. She doesn't want to get out of sight of the others, but some distance, especially in her condition, seems like a good idea. She leans against a wall, shaking her head, trying to clear it and loads up her crossbow as she watches the other make their withdrawal.
Another scorpion settles in near Shin, just staying close, one of the few survivors from it's original pod.
GAME: Mikilos advances the initiative order.
It is now Shin's turn! Ezil is next!
GAME: Note Paralyzed on Shin ended.
<OOC> Shin says, "Hm. The paralyzation ended. Can I move on my own, or still a puppet?"
<OOC> Mikilos says, "And shin still has a stinger in his neck, and scorpion on his face, and a worried tiger nearby."
<OOC> Shin says, "Tiger will try to kill the face hugger again, BTW."
<OOC> Mikilos had not been keeping up with refreshing paralysis each round, but basically hit again while grappled. :( okay, roll the swipe.
GAME: Shin rolls 1d20+5: (5)+5: 10
GAME: Mikilos advances the initiative order.
It is now Ezil's turn! Nels is next!
<<Chatted OOC a bit, Shin and Poc needed to crash, hoped Cryo and Ezil could wrap things up.>>
Shin has disconnected.
Poc has disconnected.
"Ezil. They're ignoring me. I think I can follow them. Regroup with Lysos and Poc, I'll put Message on you, you can follow 100' behind me. I can see where they go. There might be a way to solve this without fighting them." Cryo calls over to Ezil, careful not to be too loud, and staying behind Nels.
Ezil begrudgingly listens, his instinct being to chagre back into that battle, but he ignores it. He turns and heads to regroup with the others, and tend their wounds, as well as his. If the line was drawn by his foe, this time he will respect it. Mostly because of Cryosanthia, but.... he doesn't like it.
Without further disruptions, the little scorpion group forms a bit of a parade, the shuffeling puppets making decent progress once they get going. Shuffeling feet also make for a clear trail, if you know to look for it. A rather worn trail, with far more than just two sets of shuffeling feet having gone this way.
The monster parade leads to a fair sized building, the upper floors collapsed upon themsevles, but a large doorway open in the side, two large door panels jammed open. The scorpions line up outside the open doorway, and wait a few moments. There is a whirr of machinery above the dooway, and the parade enters in. After the scorpions pass, the machine whirrs again... the jammed doors don't close, but the scorpions seem content, moving down the hall into a large room.
Cryo flicks her fingers, casting a quick cantrip to set up her communication spell with Ezil. Hopefully, this doesn't set the scorpions off. She is casting away from them at least. She's whispering, "Ezil, can you hear me? I'll describe what I see. Really wish I had a bag of holding right now. Or three." She relays the sights, pausing at the jammed doors.
"Well, hopefully I can get through these. Not sure what that machine does."
Ezil is busy using his magics to heal those who made it out, but he replies to the message with a sigh. "Be careful, White-One. We don't have much left in us. Just don't get caught." his glance going to Lysos, and then Poc.
"I'll try not to. If something goes wrong, I'll run." Cryo says. She mimics what the scorpions did, stand, wait for the whrrr, then go through the doors. She's ready to spring aside if something untowards happens, but after she plans to follow the shuffle trail.
There is no whirr. Whatver silent signal the scorpions sent, it was more than just standing in place. Come to think of it, they made no sound communicating with each other at all. But, the jammed doors are wide open, something having ripepd them off the hinges long ago.
Ezil takes his time, waiting for Cryosanthia's signal as he begins to take inventory of supplies and his own wounds. Yep, staying put for now as he's been asked. He's at least true to his word.
"Ezil, they've got some way to communicate with this structure. It responds to them." Cryo lopes along, to catch up with the parade and sneak in at the end of it as if she belongs. She's looking around, at the walls and other places, now that she knows how well they blend in, she's seeing if there are sentries. "Like mechanical ants, maybe."
The large room was once a lab, but can no longer claim the title. A few stone slabs are still lined up against one wall, where the puppets are lead, and made to lie down upon the slabs. Five goblins in guard uniforms also lay upon slabs of their own, weakly trying to sit up and look around. With their charges put in place, the scorpions march off down a small tunnel set into the far wall, disappearing into darkness.
Upon the floor are three massive cybernetic guards. What's left of them, anyway. They were once hulking monstrosities, about the size of an ogre, fitted with metal limbs and places of armor. They're quite dead, one with a smashed skull, another filled with the rotted remains of arrows. The third's breastplates seem melted, though by what and how would take a far closer look. Whatever happened here, it happened years ago... likely not long after the city crashed into the mountain.
<OOC> Mikilos says, "No, sorry, the face huggers let go once the puppets laid down."
"Find out what you can. We will start to approach the building, and stay out of sight. Just... be careful. If you have a chance, let us know." Ezil's words filled with a bit of concern, but he will do as he said, and find a place to watch that doorway, but try and not draw notice. After all, there seems to have been some sort of ceasefire.
Cryo pauses at the door, watching the room, examining the destroyed cybernetic guards. The hole where the scorpions disappeared draws a lot of her attention. She strains, trying to hear if they're heading away, or parked just inside the darkness.
Her voice is very low, "They're on slabs, unguarded, there are five guards here. The guards seem groggy. I'm going to see if I can free some."
The sith-makar slinks in, moving as quietly as she can for her size, watching the other exit from the room and slipping over to the nearest slab.
The scorpions have disappeared down the tunnel. It's fairly small and low, but exteends at least several feet into the wall before disapeparing into darkness.
The guards seem to be shaking off their own paralysis, likely brought here as puppets themselves.
As for the original workers... well, it takes a minutes, but once they're very sure the scorpions have gone, they peek out from behind some rubble along the side wall. "Ya here fer da rescue, yeah? Looks like you did near bad as we did. But yer were up and wake the whole time, yeah? can ya point us the right way back out of this hell?"
"We're outside waiting. Let us know if you need us, of if we need to do something?" Ezil says by message to Cryosanthia, prepared and ready from the position they have taken.
"Oh thank Ceinara, yes!" Cryo says eagerly, nodding to the workers, "Our party retreated, they're waiting, I'm scouting. I can lead. Can you help with the others and my friends?
"Ezil, I've found the rescue party, and the workers. The workers are awake." Cryo speaks into the air, and taps at the side of her head as explanation to the others present. "The Rescue guards are groggy. Nels and Shin are still out. I think we can move everyone. Give us a moment."
The workers are... fairly useless, honestly. Pathetic scavengers at the best of times, they've had a heck of a day and are near scared out of their wits. The guards, givens a few minutes to rouse, are a bit more helpful, though still fumbeling and shakey. Shin and Nels are... out of it. By the effects of the others, might be hours before they're moving on their own again.
And the scorpions havn't exactly been killed off. They might be out there again already... a concept that has the workers shaking as they stand.
Ezil sighs. "Are there any of them between you and the door? Do we need to go in?" Ezil asks, watching closely. It seems he's nervous, but with how the last fight went, there might be reason. "Let us know?" not knowing the situation, but offering as he hopes the messagin magic holds out.
"They're worried there is an ambush waiting. It's clear for now, I don't know how long it will stay clear." Cryosanthia whispers to Ezil, then looks at the other goblins present, "The rest of my party is nearby, they've come this far safely, it should stay good for a little longer. We can cover, once we get back to the fountain room, the way back is a lot clearer. I'm not sure it's safe to stay here, something clearly was going to happen, even if it didn't yet. Help me get Shin on Mirai?"
Cryo does her best to convince the tiger that carrying Shin is a good idea, and not worth biting her over.
One of the worker clarifies. "Them bug things. They're new. We been to that courtyard before, no problems. But all sorts of nasty stuff waking up. No bets what might be out there iffen we leave. Been safe enough in here, for now. Ain't bothred us none once they got us inside."
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls diplomacy: (2)+8: 10
"Ezil, bring everyone in, they want to know we've got a force that will keep them safe." Cryo says, looking around helplessly with a small shrug. "I really want to leave, I don't have any supplies. If you want to stay I can't make you leave. I'll mark a trail so another party can get here, but I'm not sure they'll send another workers group if it's that risky with all the things waking up."
Ezil nods, motioning to those with him to follow. "Snatch and grab. Let's get in there, get them, and get out." moving to follow Cryosanthia's words, and do as she asks. "We're coming now, get them ready, we're going to get out as quick as we can." answering the Sith-Makar.
Nels wakes up, shakes her head as she groggily rouses. As soon as she's coherent and understands the situation, she asks, "Is there a way we can rig drag-litters for the ones that can't walk?"
"Most can walk, I think." Cryo answers looking around at various faces. Her attention never strays too far from that dark hole of scorpion surprise. "Shin is right out, but Mirai has him. Ezil, you nearly here? Move quietly, but quickly."
The gobs seem fairly untied around a simple concept. It's dangerous out there. In here isn't so bad, once you get used to it.
On the other hand, in here is a tiger. And a rather large lizard. And a couple of big humans. And they all seem to be getting grumpy...
Nels adds, to the goblins, "And you don't know when the things that broughs us here will come back and do whatever they have planned for us. It can't be good if they have to kidnap us, right?" Maybe that will motivate them to get going?
Ezil comes down the steps, shield and sword in hand. "We need to get out of here. What are they waiting for? It was clear just seconds ago." he says, meeting up with the other bit of the party, sighing. "They might come back, or something else might show up. Now we can make a break for the barricade."
Cryosanthia makes sure Shin is properly strapped to Mirai. She looks at the goblins, then she crouches down so she's at their height, and steadies herself on one of the slabs. "I followed those things to save my friends, who came to save you. Alone. Unsure if they were going to turn on me at any second, what I would find, if this was a trap of no return. I'm not staying, it's safe now. I can't say if it will stay safe or if anyone else will come for you. If we'll even make it back, but we've got a better chance as a large group. We need to go now. Ezil? I know you wouldn't leave anyone behind. Have you words?"
GAME: Ezil rolls diplomacy: (19)+11: 30
Ezil looks to the workers, his glance going stern. "We are your one shot at getting out of here with... all of what you have intact. Look at this place. Think of what you've been through." letting those words sink in as he looks to Cryosanthia. "It is not our first excursion into Merkebah, and it's been rough every time. This is your last chance to get out. We are going to go with, or without you. It's your choice, but we're exhausted, and we can only keep up so long. Now is the time, ladies and gentlemen. We need to go." turning and looking back up the steps. "Be glad it wasn't flaming slimes." oh this was worse, but he won't admit that.
The gobs are unhappy, but agree this is the best chance they're going to get.
The trip back is straight foreward, if somewhat terrfying. The worst is when a swarm of copper wing butterflies flap overhead. They ultimately just fly away again, but it's really scary for a few moments.
Making it back to the camp, you're able to make a report, and are swiftly passed up the chain of command to someone with some real authority. Hearing your story, they agree something needs to be done, and begin to ready a second group to enter the ruins again, hunt down these scorpion monsters, and make sure they don't become a lasting threat to the area.
Which is to say, another adventure is about to start.
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