PrP: Tracts of Land

Not all jobs offered by the Explorer's Guild of Alexandria are particularly glorious or complex. Sometimes they are very simple and mundane indeed. Such is the nature of the posting placed up early this morning. Sirus Nebbard, a farmer living just outside the city, reports that he and other farmers in his area have had livestock killed and consumed by a beast or beasts unknown over the past several nights. It is getting to be a serious problem threatening entire herds. The farmers have pooled together money to offer a small reward for stopping the threat to their livelihoods. Adventurers interested are asked to report to the Nebbard farmstead by sundown for further information.

And so, here we are. The Nebbard farmstead is a sizeable tract of land. A herd of cattle can be seen grazing in the pasture, and this season's crops look to be coming along nicely. A chicken coop near the main farmhouse looks to have had a wall replaced recently, a haphazard temporary repair job. A simply dressed older human man, presumably Sirus, sits in a rocking chair on the farmhouse porch, smoking a pipe while he waits to see who answered the call.

His enchanted club over one shoulder, cigar between his teeth, "Aye der, mate." His cigar swaps sides, "We 'eard ye was lookin' tah 'ave somefin' killet, an' we cam tah do the killin'." The heavily-scarred Adventurer grins, showing his gold tooth. "Ye be Sirus, then, aye?"

Walking her way onto the Farmstead, Moonshadow takes a good look around the farm. She smiles towards the cows grazing and takes a look at the chicken coop near the farm house, a good long look at it. She makes a face before turning back towards the farmhouse, definitely standing out among the other farmers. Of course, she also waves her hand in front of her face due to the smoke billowing out of Younger's mouth. "Greetings to thee." She says after Younger makes his gruff introductions.

Even in mundanity, can Serriel's light be shone. Especially when evil things are bullying poor, cute, farm animals. It is upon this premise that Qat shows up to report to Ser Nebbard. A spavined old nag is her mode of transport, something she can be heard thanking the Guardian Lady for, as the little Xian sways and bobs unsteadily on the animal's back. Pulling up to the farmstead, Qat tugs on the reins, convincing herself she actually ordered her horse to stop, when in actual fact, it just got too tired to keep on moving. Turning to her travel qompanion, Teppus, she asks, "Is this the p-place?"

At least it won't be zombie cows, right? It can't be Zombie Cows. Teppus is walking alongside Qat, adding to her, "It must be it. WE'll make sure that Serriel's works are done here. Hail, good sir! We are from the Guild of Explorers. They've sent the lot of us to deal with your problem." Moonshadow and her 'thees' only get a slightly strange look from the shaven-headed man.

As the group approaches the farmhouse, the tall point of Donk's lance-tip sticks up the highest of all, waving a little as the armor-clad gnome with the shocking orange burst of facial rocks back and forth on his sauntering wolf-mount. The latter of which keeps trying to sidle closer and sniff at Qat, before Donk urges him back into focus. "Forward, Destroyer of Worlds! Keep your eye on the prize, and we will win this day!" he says in a slightly-too-loud voice. When Younger speaks, Donk looks up at him like the taller (but not superior!) adventurer just spoke Infernal. "And next, let's ask him in Tradespeak. Sirus! Human! Person thing!" The gnome tips his chin up, peering at the farmer out from under the brim of his helmet. "Your salvation has arrived, in the form of The Great and Powerful Donk Yauti! And company."

The old man looks up at the motley group arriving at his farmstead, eyeing each one for a second with a mildly skeptical sort of gaze. "More of you than I expected." He remarks, taking a puff from his pipe. "Good. Easier for you lot to take care of the problem, then." He rocks in his chair as he looks up at Younger, the first one to have asked. "Aye, I'm Sirus. Sirus Nebbard. This is my farm." He gestures to the fields and pastures with a sweeping wave of his arm. "The Gildren's farm is over past the fence there..." He points out a fence at the far end of the pasture. "... And the Hilmurns have their ranch over yonder." He jabs his thumb in the opposite direction. "We've all lost animals over the last week. Started out with chickens, they got a dozen out of my coop. Then Gildren lost a couple pigs, and it took one of Hilmurn's lambs. Then last night, I lost two of my herd." He gestures towards the cattle. "So now we need you lot to put a stop to it. Kill whatever's eating the livestock, you get the reward. Questions?" He asks, puffing on his pipe.

Moonshadow raises her hand slightly. "Did they all happen around the same time for each kidnapping? Like under the full moon, or when sun set? Or at different times?"

"So the situation is escalating, then. And it is happening every night? I do not believe any of us are trackers, are we?" Teppus glances back and forth, "In which case, we may have to do this the hard way." He rubs his chin for a moment, "You were right to contact us. We can make sure this stops."

"Just one," Donk says, edging Destroyer away from sniffing at the farmer's shoes. "Where can we find where these things last attacked? Destroyer's ability to sniff out the blood of evil-doers is downright legendary. And..." Donk leans forward a little, sotte voce to the farmer, "He /hungers/."

Destroyer sneezes.

Tannin makes her way along at Moonshadow's side, greeting with a raised palm and a little smile, having a glance over the others who've turned up for the afternoon's cause, the Serrielites getting a look of amicable curiosity, greeting the farmer with a little bow. listening intently, then adding, "If there are tracks or remains, perhaps that would be the place for us to begin," she says.

Looking back over his shoulder at the group, the motley lot they are, then back to the old man, "Tha's wha' we do in da 'Venturers, Mistah Sirus." He offers a curt salute, by touching the brim of his steel cap with a finger from his black iron gauntlet. He puffs from his cigar and looks toward Moonshadow, only to glance back toward the old farmer. When the others come forward with their questions, he backs off quietly and walks off a way to enjoy his cigar. He casts a long glance over the country-side in the process, narrowing his eyes.

<OOC> Tannin says, "What manner of beast is Destroyer, anyway? :)"

Sirus answers each in turn as he rocks in his chair, starting with Moonshadow. "Hard to say. It's always happened at night, nobody seems to have seen whatever's doing it. My wife says she heard something last night, a little after midnight. She said it was kind of a scuttling sort of sound, off towards the pasture. Could be the thing, could just be that her hearing's going." He shrugs, puffing his pipe again. "Seems like it's been happening every night. At least, to one of the three farms. I reckon you lot could keep watch. I can show you where they got my cattle... wasn't much left as far as remains goes, I buried what they left. The herd was already spooked enough without having that lying out in the field."

<OOC> Donk says, "A wolf"

Doing her best to always keep Teppus between herself and Destroyer's wet nose, Qat half climbs down, half falls from her nag's back. Eyeing the nice horsie now half-heartedly cropping at some early spring growth, she gives it a few nervous pats and leaves it to its impromptu meal. Slippered feet wending around the various little minefields left behind by farm animals, her spear butt tmp-tmping on the hard-packed earth, she approaches to give the farmer a small, Xian-flavored bow of greeting. Then she nudges Teppus in the side, "The w-wolf has a nose." she says in quiet reminder. The many taller beings gathered get a smile of merry meets, "Serriel's blessings on you." Said smile goes slightly wooden when lastly, Donk is glanced at. "And you."

"The pasture!" Donk says suddenly, and Destroyer yelps as he's spurred suddenly around and off at a trot by the overzealous gnome. "Onward, steed! HYAAAA!" Here's hoping he chose the right direction.

Qat takes a moment to look down at her palm, obviously considering slapping it to her face were it not for the thick spectacles residing there.

Younger snorts back something terrible and spits it on the ground near his own feet, while watching Donk ride off. He grumbles something under his breath, and that makes a wry grin break out for a split moment. He awaits the team, steady smoking his cigar and double-checking his gear. The man is all business, it seems.

<OOC> Younger says, "Gotta run over to a neighbor's right quick. Shouldn't be long."

<OOC> Qat says, "Okay. :)"

Moonshadow watches as Donk and his steed run off towards where the Cow was killed. "I have a good idea. Let's use him as bait, wait for him to issue a challenge, then we run off to rescue him." She says with a completely straight face, but she does make her way towards where Donk strode off to. Tannin is the only one here that would know Moonshadow can joke with a straight face.

Sirus watches the gnome on the wolf charge off, a bit of a frown on his face. "If he tramples any of the crops, it comes out of the reward." He states blandly. He sighs as he pushes himself to his feet, slowly making his way towards the pasture. "Come along. I'll show you the spot. Not sure how much good it'll do you, since the damn thing seems to want to eat a different kind of animal every night." He begins slowly making his way towards the herd. "Whatever it is, it's a big sucker I reckon. Broke down the chicken coop wall to get at them. Took half a dozen."

<OOC> Teppus says, "Sorry for the AFK there, guys."

<OOC> Teppus says, "Folks came home and then I had to help a player in my staff window. :)"

<OOC> Donk <3 Jibbom for the farmer's remark there.

Tannin smiles, rather amusedly, as the wolf-riding gnome dashes off, then nods to Sirus, at his mention of the remains. "Perfectly understandable," she says. She smiles a little up to Moonshadow. "Well, the wolf may well be the one to find our predator or predators, if he does not actually frighten them away," she reflects. Then adds to the farmer, "Could you make for us a rough sketch of how this and the other farm lie? Perhaps we can narrow down our search."

<OOC> Younger is back.

"All right. What sort of animals do you have that it *hasn't* taken yet?" asks Teppus as he walks along after Farmer Sirus. "If its taking different animals every time, we might as well concentrate our attentions where it might hit in all likelyness." He glances towards Qat.

Trailing after the rest, Qat works her short legs to keep up. At the glance from Teppues, she pushes her spectacles back up her nose. "Gathering what h-has not been taken yet into one area, w-would make for easier guarding." She gives a thoughtful look about the farmstead, "Provided the enemy in q-question isn't very smart."

<OOC> Qat says, "*Teppus"

Younger takes up the rear, following the group at a leasurely pace. His enchanted club still very much at the ready.

Sirus looks faintly amused at Tannin's question. "The Gildren's is the next plot east. Hilmurn's are the next one west. I s'pose I could draw you a map if that'd be helpful, but it'd pretty much be a line." He ponders Teppus' question as he walks along. "Well, there's the horses, I s'pose. If it's big enough to take cattle, I reckon it might try to eat them. The stable's behind the farmhouse." As he reaches the edge of the pasture, he points to a spot near the fence. "Here. Both of 'em were up against the fence, like they were tryin' to run away. What was left of them was up against it, anyways."

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Perception rolls, please!"

GAME: Qat rolls Perception: (5)+4: 9

GAME: Tannin rolls perception: (15)+9: 24

<OOC> Qat sees the glasses on her face.

GAME: Younger rolls perception: (3)+11: 14

GAME: Donk rolls perception: (7)+1: 8

<OOC> Donk says, "And one for Destroyer"

GAME: Moonshadow rolls perception: (20)+8: 28

GAME: Donk rolls 7: (4)+7: 11

<OOC> Tannin says, "Nice one, Moon. :)"

<OOC> Teppus returns. ROlls.

GAME: Teppus rolls perception: (6)+4: 10

<OOC> Teppus sees Qat's face too.

You paged (Tannin, Moonshadow) with 'Something is odd in the area identified as the area where the remains were found. There is little grass, and it doesn't just look like it was eaten away by the herd. It actually looks like something burnt away the grass, possibly something corrosive. A few remaining blades around the periphery look half-burnt. There are a few tracks in the dirt that don't look like anything a cow or humanoid would leave. They actually look like they might've been left by small webbed feet.'

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Those getting extra information have been paged it. Please continue. :)"

<OOC> Donk . o O ( Qat has a face. )

<OOC> Donk ?

Donk pages: Anything Destroyer would have been able to pick up from sniffing around?

You paged Donk with 'Does Destroyer have Track or any other relevant abilities aside from the perception roll?'

Tannin nods to Sirus, "That seems simple enough, sir," She brushes back her hair, stooping to examine the ground, and some tracks, thoughtfully stringing her bow, and then stooping to examine the singed-away grass, picking some up in a gloved hand and sniffing at it. meditatively-considering some odd little tracks. "Curious. Have you seen the like, sister Moonshadow?"

Donk pages: +4 to Survival when tracking by scent, is a racial ability for wolves.

Tannin pages: Think it's time to go for one of them untrained Bardic Knowledge checks. :) What kind of creature this might be. :)

You paged Donk with 'Give me a survival roll for Destroyer, please.'

You paged Tannin with 'Good idea. Roll it! :)'

GAME: Donk rolls 5: (4)+5: 9

"Seen what?" says Teppus. Apparently, he missed what Tannin is talking about. has no idea, it seems. He looks around again. "Did I miss something?" He asks, curiously. Then he puts his palm to the top of his head.

You paged Donk with 'Not good enough to discern a trail, but there's definitely some sort of scent in the air that isn't humanoid or bovine.'

Donk pages: Sanku!

Moonshadow walks over to Tannin as well and sniffs at the burnt grass herself, then looking to where the tracks are and where they head. "I have not, Lady Tannin. But I imagine......" She then looks back towards Donk and his wolf. "Donk, could you bring your wolf over here? I think this may be more his forte than ours."

GAME: Tannin rolls knowledge(nature): (5)+knowledge(nature): 5

<OOC> Tannin says, "Hrm, don't think I did that right, but not a good roll, anyway. :)"

<OOC> Donk says, "+roll knowledge/nature"

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Not enough for information unless you've got a +10 to that."

<OOC> Tannin says, "Nope, not nearly. :) Worth a try, though."

Qat sees nothing. A horrid bug had flown over to suicide on the surface of her glasses. Busy wiping it off with her embroidered kerchief, she glances at the blurry blobs emitting voices. "I m-miss pickled cabbage. What a-are we talking about?"

"Wha-?" Younger grunts, peering over at the commotion. "Whassat?" He demands, walking closer. He brings his club to bear, slapping it into his palm.

Within the pasture, Destroyer is wearing a circle in the ground at a quick trot. His nose is in the air, looking like he's being lead around by an invisible hook. When Tannin calls out, Donk holds up a hand. (A little unsteadily, starting to get dizzy from the running in circles) "Hush! Destroyer is hot on the trail! Yes, the scent of an enemy is thrilling his predator's blood, it--WAUGH!"

Destroyer, on the other hand, is more interested in the person calling to him, and he makes a beeline straight for Tannin, leaping the fence and trying to jump up on the cleric with incredibly muddy paws. "Down!" Donk shrieks, holding urgently onto his mount's chain barding, "Down, Destroyer! Don't kill! Don't kill!"

You paged Moonshadow with 'Does Moonshadow have any ranks in knowledge/nature? She can roll if so.'

Tannin indicates the little-ish web-footed tracks, describing them for others to hear about without having to crowd around, "Unless these farms are home to geese that--- "Goddess!" She doesn't seem to know whether to panic or greet the wolf like a friendly puppy, neither of which instinct is sufficient to keep her from thumping to her seat.

From afar, Moonshadow does not. History and religion.

<OOC> Tannin says, "Heehees. :)"

<OOC> Moonshadow AFks for a bit. maybe it'll kill my lag.

Sirus gives the Destroyer another skeptical glare. "... You steer clear of the crops." He warns, taking another puff on his pipe. The farmer then eyes the remainder of the adventurers. "Alright then. The wife probably has supper about ready, I should be heading back. Anything else I can do for you folks first?"

"Get yer fuggin' beast unner control, Donk!" Younger suddenly snaps, his scarred face wrinkling in anger. "This ain' theatre." He growls at him. Then looks to the others, before looking to Sirus, "Aye, ye'll hear from us in da mornin'." Then to the others, "We got work ta do."

Putting her glasses back on, Qat blinks in alarm at the furred blur rushing over to pounce the poor elf-kin. Making a sound of impatience, more so at Teppus' slow reactions, she stamps over and prods Destroyer in the butt with her spear's blunt end. "She is messing the t-tracks! Off! Bad puppy!" Prod, prod!

Moonshadow has disconnected.

And it is a slow reaction. Mostly because Teppus had his hand over his face and looking pained at Destroyer's actions. He makes his way over to grab the dog by the collar himself, "Hey, stop that! Control your mutt," he tells Donk. UH OH. HE'S STEPPED IN IT NOW. Possibly literally. Either way, though, he adds, "We'll, er, we'll let you know," he tells Sirus, then adds, "Now, can someone *explain*?"

Sirus nods his head to Younger. "Good man. Knock on the door in the morning. If you kill the thing, I'll have the reward ready for you then." With one more worried look at the group, the farmer heads to trod back to his home, heading inside for his supper.

<OOC> Jibbom exits pose order until needed or a plan is formulated.

Moonshadow has connected.

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Would someone be nice and page Moonshadow what was missed? It'll make it easier not to have duplicates in the log."

Poor Tannin, getting... mud, let's call it mud, smeared in huge pawprints all over his front. Destroyer even tries to get a few good licks in on Tannin's face, but Teppus' grab gets a pained yelp from the wolf as he's forcibly yanked off the poor cleric.

Donk reseats his helm on his head, looking up at Teppus with a look of mild irritation. "Thank you for the help, paladin, I almost had him under control, and your little nudge was quite beneficial. Sorry everyone! Destroyer gets excited when the scent of the enemies' fear is in his nostrils!"

Destroyer wags happily, licking the "mud" off his muzzle.

Donk sighs and sets his lance upright again. "Anyways...yes? What? Night? Was there something to look at?" He frowns in confusion as Sirus takes off back to his home.

<OOC> Moonshadow tests

Tannin seems to default to laughing, a little, despite the rather dangerous wildness of Destroyer, at least she seems to be an animal-lover of sorts. She sighs, a little, getting her feet under her again. "It's all right, sister of the new-dawn Lady. I think we might wish some of the men of the wood or the Hunter's own were with us to derive much more. It seems the question is, what walks on webbed feet, can smash a henhouse, and can scorch the grass so? It may be that it exudes some manner of corrosive... vapors, perhaps. Thus did it hedge in its prey, perhaps. And, mayhap, it prefers to make its lair in swamps or water, if it be not some misshapen demonling."

<OOC> Younger says, "Can I know/dungeoneering to get some info on this creature, perhaps?"

<OOC> Jibbom says, "It'd be knowledge/nature. But anyone who has that can roll based on the information obtained thus far. :)"

Younger spits, "Who cares wha' it be." He looks around, and then over the group, "We've gotta capture'r'kill it, an' no amou't ah talkin's gonna get 'at work done, iddit? So's we need a plan..."

Qat seems to grow even more pale than she already is by virtue of her Xian heritage, at Tannin's words, "Webbed f-feet?" she repeats in a faint voice. "I met frogmen o-once..." Over the rim of her glasses, she looks ever more closely at the tracks and traces left behind. "I w-wouldn't have pegged them for liking b-beef." Shaking her head, her expression firms. "I will stand watch with w-whomever can sense, or see, well in darkness." She thumps her spear into the earth. "My Beloved's light will be c-called down if what does not belong shows."

<OOC> Teppus says, "Okay. It looks like our plan is for me, Tannin and Donk to hang out in the barn."

<OOC> Teppus says, "While Qat, Moonshadow and Younger are in the farmyard."

<OOC> Teppus says, "Watching. *Waiting*."

<OOC> Donk says, "Poor livestock. Having an apex predator sleeping with them."

<OOC> Teppus says, "WHile we have split the party..."

<OOC> Teppus says, "Everyone is largely agreed on this."

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Okay! We can do that. If everyone's agreed, give me perception rolls from everybody and I'll make a set. Also, if anyone currently has darkvision or low-light vision, please alert me."

GAME: Younger rolls perception: (10)+11: 21

<OOC> Tannin says, "As long as we're close enough to support each other. :)"

GAME: Younger rolls stealth: (6)+11: 17

Donk pages: Both Donk and Destroyer have LLV

GAME: Tannin rolls perception: (1)+9: 10

GAME: Donk rolls perception: (7)+1: 8

<OOC> Jibbom says, "It's not a huge distance, so yes. It's possible."

GAME: Donk rolls 7: (7)+7: 14

<OOC> Tannin says, "Lame. :) Do have elfy eyes, though."

Teppus considers for a moment. "This all sounds good. Donk, Tannin -- the three of us will hide out in the barn and keep an eye on things in there." And with that, he settles in for what he hopes will be a long night of waiting.

GAME: Teppus rolls Perception: (4)+4: 8

<OOC> Teppus flex.

Donk pages: And Destroyer's Scent ability lets him detect the direction of anything living that comes within 30 feet of him. Longer if he's downwind, shorter if upwind, etc etc

GAME: Qat rolls Perception: (11)+4: 15

GAME: Moonshadow rolls perception: (16)+8: 24

<OOC> Tannin will suggest each group keep a bucket or two of water to hand, just cause of the singed grass.

"The...barn?" Nnnnngh. Donk looks a little put off. "With all the...horses? The Donk is not a fan. Perhaps it is better if we sleep in the farmer's bed instead. He is certainly grateful enough that we are taking care of his problem that he will give up a bed."

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Okay, any preparations anyone wants to alert me about before I page and pose results of the watch?"

"Oi kin hide 'n wait fer our predator out here, wif ye Qat, an ye, Moonshadow." He points to each in turn, "Oi'll try 'n catch the sumbitch wif it's arse out, give it ah good walloping." He grins, heading for a hiding spot.

<OOC> Tannin is just gonna prep a spell in a reserve slot here...

<OOC> Younger is putting out his cigar. ;)

Everyone takes their positions, three in the barn with the horses, three in the pasture with the cattle. The sun sets. Hours pass. The night is tranquil and uneventful for the start, a clear night where the stars shine. It is now slightly after midnight, with the moon high in the sky as the animals slumber, skittish about the unfamiliar presence among them.

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Pages coming.,"

You paged (Younger, Moonshadow, Qat) with 'You hear something outside the barn. It sounds like digging, followed by a sort of scuttling sound. It seems to be coming from quite near the farmhouse.'

You paged Donk with 'The Destroyer alerts to an unfamiliar smell. It seems to be outside the barn, in the direction of the farmhouse.'

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Pages sent. Please continue."

GAME: Tannin has prepared protection from evil in a reserved spell slot.

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Noted!"

Looking to his fellow Explorers, Qat and Moonshadow, from the shadows nearby, "I suppose ye 'eard that?" He asks, in a deep whisper. "Le's go..." He steps out of the shadows, still moving quietly.

GAME: Younger rolls stealth: (6)+11: 17

Neither Donk nor the animals get much sleep, what with Destroyer spending much of the night with his head up, staring at the livestock and drooling hungrily while his master tries to grab some shuteye. It's right when the gnome is getting ready to remove his armor for some proper sleep that the wolf's head twists around, sniffing at the air in the direction of the farmhouse, whimpering.

"Hmuu?" Donk mumbles, lifting his head up and petting Destroyer's neck, "Smell something, Destroyer? Psst..." He hisses quietly at his companions, readying his lance and grinning mightily. "The game is afoot!" he says, right when the other arrive.

"Afoot?" says Teppus, rousing himself from cleaning his guisarme. He sits up more, then, and rises to his feet. "WEll, then. Time to be ready." He moves towards the door of the barn that the three of them have been hiding out in, trying his best to open it as quietly as a barn door can be. Which is to say 'not very'.

"I heard it, yes." Moonshadow says as she tries to move stealthily along with Younger. She's probably better at it since she has no armor on. "it's also possible with all of the digging, it might not hear us....."

GAME: Moonshadow rolls stealth: (1)+7: 8

Tannin waits in the barn with the others, ...mostly keeping quiet the while, save to make introductions and, quietly say evening devotions. She glances up, then, nocking an arrow.

For a long moment, does Qat stare up at Younger. Finally working through what he is saying, she nods hard enough her glasses almost fall off. "Wallop. Y-Yes. Serrial approves." Standing in the shadow of the towering Oruch, her lips move in silent commune with her patron Goddess. In that silence, punctured by skittish animals and probably crickets, the small priestress frowns, pausing in her prayers. "D-Do you...?" Younger's confirmation is all she needs, mouth snapping shut to press lips into a thin line. Not the best at stealth, she does her best to just move as little as possible, keeping the scarred fellow and tall Orcess in view.

GAME: Qat rolls Stealth: (14)+0: 14

GAME: Donk rolls stealth: (5)+-2: 3

GAME: Donk rolls 2-2: (9)+2+-2: 9

GAME: Jibbom rolls 1d20+8: (20)+8: 28

GAME: Jibbom rolls 1d20+8: (15)+8: 23

GAME: Jibbom rolls 1d20+8: (13)+8: 21

GAME: Jibbom rolls 1d20+8: (12)+8: 20

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Oh goodness."

GAME: Tannin rolls stealth: (16)+7: 23

As the groups approach the farmhouse, they witness an unsettling sight. Four six-legged insectoid creatures with small webbed feat have emerged from the soft soil surrounding the farmhouse, apparently having burrowed here. The creatures are massive, each the size of a large horse. They come in an array of colors, one a sickly yellow, another a dull brown, one a bloody red, and the last a green. They resemble massive ants with curled tails and giant mandibles, which they are currently using to scratch at the walls of the farmhouse as if looking for loose boards to pry free and rip apart.

Sadly, neither the group from the pasture nor the group from the barn moves quietly enough to escape their notice. Giving up on their home invasion efforts for the moment, the horrible insectoid monsters turn and face the approaching adventurers, letting out an unsettling hissing noise. Hostile intent is evident.

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Inits, please!"

GAME: Younger rolls initiative: Roll: 1 + Bonus: 3 = Total: 4

GAME: Donk rolls initiative: Roll: 1 + Bonus: 2 = Total: 3

GAME: Moonshadow rolls initiative: Roll: 17 + Bonus: 3 = Total: 20

GAME: Qat rolls initiative: Roll: 2 + Bonus: 1 = Total: 3

GAME: Tannin rolls initiative: Roll: 20 + Bonus: 3 = Total: 23

GAME: Teppus rolls initiative: Roll: 15 + Bonus: 1 = Total: 16

GAME: You roll initiative for bug1: Roll: 10 + Bonus: 0 = Total: 10

GAME: You roll initiative for bug2: Roll: 3 + Bonus: 0 = Total: 3

GAME: You roll initiative for bug3: Roll: 4 + Bonus: 0 = Total: 4

GAME: You roll initiative for bug4: Roll: 7 + Bonus: 0 = Total: 7

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Tannin! You are first to act. The closest to you is the red-colored bug, about thirty feet away."

<OOC> Tannin says, "I guess I loose arrow, then. :)"

<OOC> Tannin is blanking on what command to use. I guess I've never actually used a weapon here before. :)

<OOC> Teppus says, "Tannin, type +csheet."

<OOC> Jibbom says, "+roll 1d20+(modifier)?"

<OOC> Teppus says, "See what i lists as your bonuses for your equipped weapons? You +roll 1d20+5 or whatever that amount is."

GAME: Tannin rolls 1d20+4: (3)+4: 7

<OOC> Tannin says, "Darn, just when I was doing my Elven heritage proud. :)"

<OOC> Jibbom says, "The arrow misses, sadly. Moonshadow is next. The closest to the farmyard group is the green bug, about thirty feet from that bunch."

<OOC> Moonshadow says, "I'm gonna warn everyone what's going on, then go after one of the bugs. the green one is going after the farm house, or the group in the stable?"

<OOC> Jibbom says, "The green one was going after the farm house, but when it noticed the adventurers in the farmyard it turned and is now facing them and hissing."

<OOC> Moonshadow says, "I go after that one then. Most direct threat to the farmhouse."

<OOC> Jibbom notes all of them were trying to break into the farmhouse. The red and yellow ones are closest to the barn bunch, the green and brown ones closer to the field, but they were all apparently trying to get in.

<OOC> Jibbom says, "But the green is closest. How do you go after it?"

<OOC> Moonshadow says, "I just go after it. No charge."

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Roll it!"

GAME: Moonshadow rolls 1d20+5: (18)+5: 23

Tannin seems to be showing her Elven heritage rather creditably as she slips out of the barn, and, spotting the creatures, quickly looses an arrow, as the giant bugs turn from the farmhouse.... though the arrow goes, well, who can see, really.

<OOC> Jibbom says, "That's a hit. Roll damage."

GAME: Moonshadow rolls 1d6+3: (3)+3: 6

<OOC> Jibbom says, "That injures it! Pose, please. Teppus is up."

"We've got four of them out here! And they're going after the farmhouse!" Moonshadow bellows out and takes off after the one closest to the farm house, since she can't see color with her darkvision. After running a few steps, she leaps into the air and buries her fist into the chitin of the bug, doing a little bit of damage at least.

<OOC> Teppus says, "How far away is the nearest one from me? :)"

<OOC> Teppus says, "I'm on foot in heavy armor, so I have a 20 foot movement, but a 10 foot reach weapon."

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Thirty feet, assuming you stuck close to your group. The closest would be the red one."

<OOC> Teppus says, "I'll go for it, then."

<OOC> Teppus says, "CHARGE."

GAME: Teppus rolls 1d20+6: (9)+6: 15

<OOC> Teppus says, "Whoops"

<OOC> Teppus says, "Durr."

<OOC> Teppus roll wrong bonus. :P

<OOC> Teppus says, "That should be a +11. :P"

<OOC> Teppus says, "So, uh, 20? :P"

<OOC> Jibbom says, "It's a hit! Roll damage."

GAME: Teppus rolls 2d4+6: (5)+6: 11

<OOC> Jibbom says, "The red one gets a nasty wound! Pose it."

GAME: Jibbom rolls 1d20+5: (3)+5: 8

GAME: Jibbom rolls 1d20+5: (20)+5: 25

GAME: Jibbom rolls 1d20+5: (18)+5: 23

<OOC> Jibbom says, "... Oh goodness. The dice always love DMs, don't they?"

<OOC> Moonshadow says, "yes they do."

<OOC> Donk says, "I'll have to have a TALK to EQ about that."

<OOC> Moonshadow glares are teppus.

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Teppus, what's your CMD?"

<OOC> Teppus says, "My CMD is 19."

GAME: Jibbom rolls 1d20+11: (17)+11: 28

Teppus sees the bugs. Teppus wants to sqush the bugs. "Serriel's light," he says, "Those are some awful looking bugs." And with that, he rushes out that way and jabs his guisarme straight into the side of the big red one. "We'll see an end to this!"

GAME: Jibbom rolls 4d6 + 1d4 + 8: (12)+(3)+8: 23

GAME: Jibbom damaged Teppus for 23 points. 5 remaining.

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Pose coming, then Younger is up."

<OOC> Donk says, "Best pose. +1 to Teppus"

The green creature hisses in pain and anger at Moonshadow's blow, clacking its mandibles in an attempt to seize her, ultimately failing. While the red bug recoils in pain at the injury Teppus inflicts on it, the mottled yellow one dives to the defense of her fellow monster. It scuttles over and suddenly clamps on Teppus' sides with horribly powerful mandibles coated in some horrible corrosive acid, searing him with pain as it lifts him aloft off the ground.

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Teppus is now grabbled by the yellow one. Younger is next."

<OOC> Jibbom says, "*grappled."

<OOC> Younger says, "I am charging over to kill the one attacking Teppus."

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Roll it!"

GAME: Younger rolls 1d20+11: (12)+11: 23

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Hit. Roll damage."

GAME: Younger rolls 1d6+4: (6)+4: 10

<OOC> Jibbom says, "That wounds it."

GAME: Jibbom rolls 1d20+5: (18)+5: 23

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Moonshadow, what's your CMD?"

<OOC> Moonshadow says, "18"

GAME: Jibbom rolls 1d20 + 11: (20)+11: 31

GAME: Jibbom rolls 2d6 + 1d4 + 4: (3)+(3)+4: 10

GAME: Jibbom damaged Moonshadow for 10 points. 8 remaining.

<OOC> Tannin says, "Yikes."

"Shyte!" Younger growls, as Teppus is dealt a mortal blow by one of the bugs. Raising his club, he charges over and smashed into the creature. He brings his club down onto it's carapace, doing damage but not yet bringing it down. "Teppus, how're ye doin', aye?" He growls, and adds: "Some'ne kill this fuggin' thing!"

Much like the yellow bug came to the defense of the red, the brown one comes rushing in to defend the green. It sneaks behind Moonshadow and seizes her in its jaws, lifting her aloft in much the same manner the yellow one seized Teppus. The corrosive acid dribbing from the mandibles sears her flesh in a terribly painful manner.

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Just to be sure: nobody has acid resistance, yes?"

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Donk is next."

<OOC> Donk says, "Not I"

<OOC> Donk says, "Okay, no one is on Brown or Yellow yet?"

<OOC> Tannin says, "I think Yellow's got Teppus and the red one's ...wounded by him. Both are hurt, I guess."

<OOC> Donk says, "Screw it, Donk's going after Yellow. CHAAAAAARGE!"

<OOC> Jibbom says, "No. Moonshadow attacked Green and was grappled by Brown, Teppus attacked Red and was grappled by yellow. Donk is thirty feet from Red and Yellow, fifty from Brown and Green."

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Roll it!"

GAME: Donk rolls lance+2: (12)+lance+2: 14

<OOC> Donk says, "That should be +7"

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Then it hits."

<OOC> Donk says, "With Challenge bonus..."

<OOC> Jibbom says, "For clarity, since I referenced them by number on the init list: 1 is green, 2 is red, 3 is brown, 4 is yellow."

GAME: Donk rolls 2d6+6+2: (4)+6+2: 12

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Yellow is seriously wounded, but still alive. Qat is up!"

<OOC> Donk says, "Destroyer gets an attack on that charge ,I believe."

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Roll that as well."

<OOC> Qat says, "Are my allies in a close enough grouping for me to Bless them all?"

<OOC> Jibbom says, "What's the area effected by bless?"

GAME: Donk rolls 4: (18)+4: 22

<OOC> Tannin says, "By my estimation, I think so. 50' radius is a lot."

<OOC> Jibbom says, "That hits, Donk. And if it's a 50' radius, yes they are."

GAME: Donk rolls 1d6+1: (3)+1: 4

<OOC> Donk says, "And a free trip attempt..."

GAME: Donk rolls 4: (12)+4: 16

<OOC> Qat Blesses all then. :)

<OOC> Jibbom says, "That hits!"

GAME: Qat casts Bless.

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Roll the trip attempt and damage."

<OOC> Donk says, "Jumped the gun a little. :-) 4 for damage, 16 for the trip attempt."

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Ah. It's still alive, and the trip attempt does not succeed."

<OOC> Donk snaps fingers.

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Also, Qat blesses everybody."

GAME: Jibbom rolls 1d20+5: (17)+5: 22

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Younger, what's your CMD?"

<OOC> Younger says, "21"

GAME: Jibbom rolls 1d20 + 11: (8)+11: 19

GAME: Jibbom rolls 2d6 + 1d4 + 4: (8)+(2)+4: 14

GAME: Jibbom damaged Younger for 14 points. 50 remaining.

Like a screaming, orange blur, Donk charges out of the darkness towards the nearest bug...well, screaming. "DEATH TO THE INVERTEBRATES! ONWARD HOOOO DESTROYEEERRRRR AHHHHHHH!" There's a loud CHUNK as lance and wolf-teeth pierce exoskeleton, and the yellow bug has a vicious wolf and an overzealous gnome to contend with.

The red bug, seeing Younger closing in and attacking his yellow cohort, scuttles in and bites him in the leg. When his manibles pierce armor and flesh, the corrosive acid dripping from the creature's mouth adds to the pain. Fortunately, the creature doesn't seem to have enough of a grip to hold Younger aloft, and releases his grip after seconds.

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Tannin! You're up."

"Geddoffa me, fuggin' creep!" Younger yelps.

<OOC> Younger says, "Just for flavor. ;)"

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Always good. :>"

Scrambling to keep up now that everyone's cover is blown, Qat sucks in a horrified breath at the sight that greets those coming in from the direction of the pastures. "Teppus!" she yells, terrified for her fellow Serrielite. Giving the mean, oversized ants a heated glare, she stamps her foot, "Serriel does NOT approve!" Skidding to a halt, the Xian priestess transfers her spear to her buckler-bearing arm and begins a swift series of holy gestures. Slapping her palm into the verdant loam of freshly turned earth, she sends forth an invisible wave of her Goddess' blessing, bolstering each of her teammate's courage and guiding their hands just that little bit more to accuracy.

<OOC> Tannin says, "Better channel healing, I think, if I'm in range, (Trying not to be too close, really) But I'll loose an arrow if not."

<OOC> Jibbom says, "You can certainly get in range. Directed at whom?"

<OOC> Tannin says, "I'd better shoot, actually. Is there a clear shot at yellow? Red, if not."

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Yes, you can shoot yellow. I think you take a penalty for it being in grapple with Teppus, though. Or is that just a 3.5 rule?"

<OOC> Moonshadow says, "it's a PF rule too."

<OOC> Jibbom says, "-4, am I right?"

<OOC> Tannin says, "Will just see if she can take Red, then."

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Red is no penalty. Roll it."

GAME: Tannin rolls 1d20+5: (17)+5: 22

<OOC> Jibbom says, "That hits."

GAME: Tannin rolls 1d6-1: (4)+-1: 3

<OOC> Tannin says, "I think that's a -1 damage. Not sure."

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Red is further wounded. Moonshadow is up! You are being grappled by Brown."

<OOC> Moonshadow says, "Can I break the grapple and flurry in the same round?"

<OOC> Donk says, "I believe that -4 is the normal penalty for firing into melee?"

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Breaking grapple is a standard action."

<OOC> Jibbom says, "So, I don't believe you can."

<OOC> Teppus says, "Jibbom's correct."

<OOC> Moonshadow says, "crap. can I flurry while being grappled?"

<OOC> Teppus says, "That said, moon."

<OOC> Donk says, "Should be able to, yeah."

<OOC> Teppus says, "You can attack while being grappled."

<OOC> Moonshadow says, "Flurry then."

<OOC> Moonshadow says, "two attacks."

<OOC> Teppus |A grappled creature takes a –2 penalty on all attack rolls and combat maneuver checks, except those made to grapple or escape a grapple. In addition, grappled creatures can take no action that requires two hands to perform. A grappled character who attempts to cast a spell or use a spell-like ability must make a concentration check (DC 10 + grappler's CMB + spell level), or lose the spell. Grappled creatures cannot make attacks of opportunity.

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Teppus has it right. I don't think you can flurry, though. Isn't it just a single attack?"

GAME: Moonshadow rolls 1f20+5: (13)+1f20+5: 18

<OOC> Teppus says, "Flurry explicitly can be done even while your hands are occupied."

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Oh, neat!"

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Flurry works, then."

<OOC> Jibbom says, "The first one hits, roll the second."

<OOC> Moonshadow says, "Two attacks then. I hafta reroll....."

GAME: Moonshadow rolls 1d20+5: (14)+5: 19

GAME: Moonshadow rolls 1d20+5: (18)+5: 23

<OOC> Donk | http://www.d20pfsrd.com/images/grapple_flow_chart-01.png | http://www.d20pfsrd.com/images/grapple_flow_chart-02.png

Huh? (Type "help" for help.)

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Both hit. Roll damage."

GAME: Moonshadow rolls 2d6+6: (10)+6: 16

Tannin looks concerned at the state of affairs, hrmins, "Oh, Blessed Lady, be with us, now," As the fighters descend on the nearest creatures, she takes aim at the red one again, hoping to take it out of the fight. *shunk* This arrow flies true, thunking into the creature's hide, though not with hoped-fore effect.

<OOC> Jibbom says, "A side note: I am terribly amused that even though Pathfinder simplified the grapple rules, they still span three pages. Brown is wounded!"

<OOC> Donk says, "Two now, but yes. XD"

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Teppus, you are up. :)"

Screaming as the Acid runs over her body and she's grappled, Moonshadow grits her teeth and, as the bung brings her closer to it's mandible, she kicks the bug in the face, not once, but twice. Both of them rather painful toe kicks to the face.....kicks hard enough to break through the chitin on it....

<OOC> Jibbom also notes, Teppus is still grappled by yellow.

<OOC> Teppus returns.

<OOC> Teppus says, "Sorry about that."

<OOC> Teppus says, "Okay."

<OOC> Teppus says, "Only thing I can do is try to break free. I will also swift LOh myself."

GAME: Teppus rolls 2d6: (6): 6

<OOC> Teppus says, "So restore 6 HP to me. :)"

GAME: Teppus rolls 1d20+8: (3)+8: 11

GAME: Jibbom damaged Teppus for -6 points. 11 remaining.

<OOC> Teppus fails!

<OOC> Tannin thinks yellow may be close to down, at least. I think we need advantage of numbers quick. :)

<OOC> Jibbom says, "You do indeed, sadly."

<OOC> Tannin says, "Oh, dont' forget Qat's Bless is active, peeps. :)"

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Teppus and Younger, please give me a reflex save."

GAME: Jibbom rolls 1d20+5: (11)+5: 16

<OOC> Moonshadow didn't. it's why my flurry was still +5.

GAME: Younger rolls reflex: (8)+8: 16

GAME: Jibbom rolls 4d4: (10): 10

GAME: Jibbom damaged Younger for 5 points. 45 remaining.

GAME: Teppus rolls REf: (19)+5: 24

GAME: Jibbom damaged Teppus for 5 points. 6 remaining.

Glowing with the light of Serriel now, Teppus' wounds do seem slightly better. For a moment. Still, he is unable to free himself from the bug's grasp. The curse words he is uttering are definitely not holy at all. There will be penance.

The green bug, apparently identifying Younger as the greatest threat to its kin, scuttles over and tries to bite at him. This time, the efforts prove fruitless and the manibles cannot pierce the man's armor. The yellow bug, now bleeding profusely and clearly near death, unceremoniously drops Teppus after receiving many serious blows. It scuttles back and suddenly vomits a horribly spray of corrosive acid over both Teppus and Younger. Although their quick reflexes spare them the brunt of the blast, they do receive some nasty burns all the same.

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Younger is up!"

<OOC> Younger says, "I want to finish off that yellow guy."

<OOC> Younger says, "I would like to tumble past the green bug and attack the yellow."

GAME: Younger rolls acrobatics: (7)+11: 18

GAME: Younger rolls 1d20+10: (13)+10: 23

GAME: Younger rolls 1d6+4: (4)+4: 8

<OOC> Jibbom says, "That does it. Pose a suitably awesome pose slaying the yellow bug."

GAME: Jibbom rolls 1d20+11: (8)+11: 19

GAME: Jibbom rolls 2d6 + 1d4 + 4: (7)+(4)+4: 15

Huh? (Type "help" for help.)

GAME: Jibbom damaged Moonshadow for 15 points. -7 remaining.

<OOC> Moonshadow is down.

The brown bug, still having Moonshadow in the grip of its corrosive mandibles, chomps and chews while making a very unsettling crunching sound. In little time, the bug has rendered her entirely unconscious and with some fairly serious injuries. It drops her to the ground and hisses as it spies new prey.

From afar, Tannin was afraid of that. Makin' my way over!

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Moonshaodw is indeed down. Donk is next!"

<OOC> Donk says, "Are there any bugs within melee distance of Donk?"

<OOC> Moonshadow is not down yet.

<OOC> Jibbom says, "The red one is."

<OOC> Donk says, "Okay, Destroyer will take a withdraw action to avoid AoO and head about 50 feet away from the bugs. Donk will proceed to try and Intimidate the whole lot of them."

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Do you have an ability that keeps you from going down, Moonshadow?"

Ducking under the acid spray, he catches a little on his back and neck regardless. "Foul bugs!" A quick glance is given toward the blue bug, half a step taken away from it. A deep breathe, and he throws himself into a handspring, flipping up and away from the blue bug before it seems to know he's gone.

The Barbarian brings his club down upon the mid-section of the yellow bug, "Aye, yer messin' wif' Explorahs!" Bug guts splash him in the face. He roars loudly, celebrating his kill.

<OOC> Moonshadow nods. 'Oruch Ferocity, I believe."

<OOC> Jibbom says, "I'm not familiar with that one. Could you summarize for me?"

<OOC> Moonshadow double checks.

<OOC> Moonshadow says, "Okay"

<OOC> Moonshadow says, "Orc Ferocity: Once per day, when a Orc is brought below 0 hit points but not killed, he can fight on for one more round as if disabled. At the end of his next turn, unless brought to above 0 hit points, he immediately falls unconscious and begins dying."

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Okay. Let me edit my last pose."

<OOC> Teppus nods. That's a bit of house content, Jobbon. :)

The brown bug, still having Moonshadow in the grip of its corrosive mandibles, chomps and chews while making a very unsettling crunching sound. The wounds are ones which would render any ordinary person unconscious, and yet the prey endures. It continues chomping while making that horrible noise.

<OOC> Jibbom says, "There we go. Moonshadow remains conscious, though seriously wounded. Donk, please roll for intimidate. :)"

GAME: Donk rolls intimidate: (5)+8: 13

<OOC> Jibbom says, "A valiant effort, but little effect. Pose it. Qat, you're next!"

<OOC> Donk snaps!

<OOC> Tannin says, "Btw, we allowed to know how many HD these guys are? :)"

<OOC> Qat selective channels at all injured allies.

<OOC> Teppus says, "No, Tannin. :)"

<OOC> Teppus says, "We generally don't want players asking that sort of stuff. xD"

<OOC> Younger says, "Reminder: Younger gets +2 hp from healing spells, because of Fast Healer."

<OOC> Jibbom says, "It'd be a bit of a giveaway. :)"

<OOC> Tannin nods. :)

GAME: Qat rolls 1d6: (6): 6

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Righto, Qat. Younger, Teppus, and Moonshadow are all wounded."

GAME: Jibbom damaged Younger for -8 points. 53 remaining.

<OOC> Qat has the CHA to cover all 3, yep yep.

GAME: Jibbom damaged Teppus for -6 points. 12 remaining.

GAME: Jibbom damaged Moonshadow for -6 points. -1 remaining.

<OOC> Jibbom says, "All are healed somewhat, but not fully. Pose it!"

GAME: Jibbom rolls 1d20 + 5: (12)+5: 17

The red bug, seeking revenge for the slaying of its yellow companion, joins the green in closing in on Younger with mandibles snapping. Also like the green one, it is utterly ineffective at inflicting injury.

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Tannin!"

<OOC> Tannin says, "Popping SHield of Faith and gonna work my way around to Moonshadow."

GAME: Tannin casts Shield of Faith.

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Alrighty. Moonshadow!"

Oh Serriel's light! All that ichor, and blood, and... Wiping away some of the insect guts Younger's mighty blow had sent splattering onto her glasses, Qat spits out a bit more, trying her best not to gag. Keeping a white-knuckled grip on her spear, the priestess closes her eyes for a second, centering herself. Without looking, she draws forth an intricately carved calligraphy brush and begins scribing a word of healing in Xianese. Eyes flying open, she stabs commandingly into the dead center of the glowing, floating word. Immediately, it breaks apart into three even pieces, each flying out to sink into the bodies of each injured comrade.

<OOC> Moonshadow says, "hmm?"

<OOC> Jibbom says, "You're up. You are still grappled by Brown."

<OOC> Moonshadow says, "my turn again? OKay, Flurry."

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Roll it!"

GAME: Moonshadow rolls 1d20+5: (17)+5: 22

GAME: Moonshadow rolls 1d20+5: (16)+5: 21

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Two hits!"

GAME: Moonshadow rolls 2d6+6: (4)+6: 10

<OOC> Moonshadow says, "NOW I'm down."

"Fiends! Villains! Crunchy, stinky creatures!" Donk cries out, as Destroyer beats a hasty retreat, ducking red's snapping mandibles and circling the group, "You dare attack the Donk's companions?? You all will suffer the wrath! I will PIN YOU TO MY WALL, and make you into snazzy, technicolor trophies!" Too bad they don't speak Tradespeak, or they'd be SO intimidated right now.

<OOC> Jibbom says, "That very seriously wounds Brown, but doesn't quite kill him. And yes, Moonshadow loses consciousness."

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Teppus is up!"

<OOC> Teppus says, "Okay. The one grappling me was taken down?"

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Yes."

<OOC> Teppus says, "I will attempt to go finish off brown. :)"

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Super! Roll it. :)"

<OOC> Teppus says, "Can I charge?"

<OOC> Teppus says, "Also, swift LOH."

GAME: Teppus rolls 2d6: (7): 7

Tannin gives the other cleric a smile, then raises her arms, briefly, "By Telmentar's light..." A glimmering shield of some holy force appears about her, and she works her way around to where Moonshadow battles on, trying to stay out of the fighters' way while seeking an opening to rush in and aid the fallen oruch.

<OOC> Jibbom says, "You can, Brown and Green are still some distance from you."

GAME: Jibbom damaged Teppus for -7 points. 19 remaining.

GET YOUR CLAWS OFF OF ME!" Moonshadow yells as she kicks twice more at the bug grappling her. She's hurt quite badly and passes out after the second set of kicks.

<OOC> Teppus says, "Brown, yeah."

<OOC> Teppus says, "Power attack!"

GAME: Teppus rolls 1d20+9: (15)+9: 24

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Hit!"

GAME: Teppus rolls 2d4+12: (5)+12: 17

<OOC> Jibbom says, "That does it. Brown is dead."

GAME: Jibbom rolls 1d20 + 5: (1)+5: 6

<OOC> Jibbom says, "The dice have turned on me."

<OOC> Younger says, "You no longer have the favor of the Gods!"

<OOC> Donk says, "Teach you to take them for granted."

<OOC> Younger says, "Which bugs on +tinit are still around?"

Teppus is still up and still hurt and still unhappy. He casts a glance towards Qat, checking on her briefly, before he sees Moonshadow fall to the ground. He begins running over there, guisarme out and he slides it straight behind the eye of the bug, smashing through its head and leaving it twitching on the ground at the feet of the fallen oruch.

Whether it is due to injury or terror at the loss of their nestmates, the green bug seems to have lost the fighting spirit it entered into this confrontation with. It continues to snap at Younger, jaws still dripping acid, but it doesn't come close to inflicting injury. Meanwhile, in the farmhouse up above, a window can be seen illuminating by candlelight. Evidently the occupants have been roused either by Moonshadow's earlier shouted warning or the sounds of combat.

<OOC> Jibbom says, "bug1 (green) and bug2 (red)"

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Younger is up!"

<OOC> Younger says, "I am raging."

<OOC> Younger says, "+4 Strength and Con. I also get +12 HP."

<OOC> Younger says, "-2 to AC."

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Noted."

<OOC> Younger says, "-1 rather."

GAME: Jibbom damaged Younger for -12 points. 64 remaining.

<OOC> Younger says, "I am attacking the green one."

GAME: Younger rolls 1d20+13: (1)+13: 14

<OOC> Younger says, "YES!"

<OOC> Jibbom says, "No good, sadly."

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Donk is up!"

<OOC> Donk says, "Charging Green, if there's room for it."

<OOC> Jibbom says, "There is. Roll it."

GAME: Donk rolls weapon6+2: (20)+7+2: 29

GAME: Donk rolls weapon6+2: (6)+7+2: 15

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Hit, but no critical."

GAME: Donk rolls 2d6+6: (6)+6: 12

<OOC> Donk says, "And Destroyer's attack..."

GAME: Donk rolls 4: (13)+4: 17

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Hit!"

Frothing at the mouth, Younger screams, "DEATH!" He raises his club quickly in his angry haze, he smashes the club down against the ground near his target. "DIE!" Unfortunately, his rage does not help him this time.

GAME: Donk rolls 1d6+1: (2)+1: 3

<OOC> Donk says, "Trip attempt..."

GAME: Donk rolls 4: (11)+4: 15

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Green is seriously wounded, but still alive and not tripped."

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Turns out it's hard to trip creatures with six legs. Qat, you're up!"

<OOC> Donk says, "Who'da thunk it!"

<OOC> Qat says, "Another channel if I may!"

<OOC> Jibbom says, "You certainly may! Roll it."

GAME: Qat rolls 1d6: (6): 6

Once more, a screaming orange blur streaks in at green, Donk and Destroyer leaping on the green bug to make Invertebrate shish-ke-bab. CRUNCH SPLUT!

<OOC> Qat flex!

GAME: Jibbom damaged Moonshadow for -6 points. 5 remaining.

<OOC> Tannin says, "Nice going. :)"

GAME: Jibbom damaged #-1 NOT FOUND for -6 points. #-1 NO MATCH remaining.

GAME: Jibbom damaged Teppus for -6 points. 25 remaining.

GAME: Jibbom damaged Younger for -6 points. 64 remaining.

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Moonshadow will be able to regain consciousness on her turn."

GAME: Jibbom rolls 1d20+5: (19)+5: 24

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Younger, remind me of your CMD."

GAME: Jibbom rolls 1d20 + 11: (11)+11: 22

GAME: Jibbom rolls 2d6 + 1d4 + 4: (3)+(3)+4: 10

GAME: Jibbom damaged Younger for 10 points. 54 remaining.

<OOC> Jibbom thinks that beats it.

Gratified to see her first attempt to heal the wounded do /something/, Qat wastes no time in painting the symbol a second time. Again, the spear-like tip of her brush pierces the word, sending a second wave of Serriel's healing light into those still injured. Even as she does so, her spear is held at the ready, in case the icky bug tries something funny in her direction.

The red bug, evidently less rattled than its green cohort, surges forward and wraps its horrible corrosive manibles around Younger's midsection. Much like the yellow and brown bugs did with their prey, it suddenly lifts him aloft to begin chewing, aided by the horrible corrosive acid flowing from the creature's mouth.

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Younger is grappled by red. Tannin is up!"

<OOC> Tannin says, "Converting for cure light on Moonshadow. :)"

<OOC> Younger says, "Sorry, was making sandwiches."

GAME: Tannin casts Protection From Evil.

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Younger's CMD is less than 22, right?"

GAME: Tannin rolls 1d8+1: (2)+1: 3

<OOC> Younger says, "20 right now."

GAME: Jibbom damaged Moonshadow for -3 points. 8 remaining.

<OOC> Tannin tsks.

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Righto. Moonshadow! You are up. You are conscious again, but I believe you are prone since you were knocked out."

<OOC> Moonshadow says, "I think it takes a move action to stand up, right?"

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Yes."

<OOC> Moonshadow says, "Am I in AoO range of any bugs?"

<OOC> Jibbom says, "You are not. Red is grappling Younger on the side facing the barn, and green is nearby. You're still on the side facing the field."

<OOC> Moonshadow is green 'busy'?

Tannin spots a quite good opportunity to dash in, ...just behind Teppus, and his valiant charge... She stoops to where Moonshadow falls, and, murmuring prayers, lays some healing on the downed Oruch, smiling a bit in relief at her getting up.

<OOC> Jibbom says, "No, green is not in a grapple."

<OOC> Younger says, "Red has got me right now."

<OOC> Moonshadow says, "How far away from red am I?"

<OOC> Moonshadow says, "Close enough for a.......I imagine if I'm still on the side facing the field I can't charge, huh?"

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Twenty feet."

<OOC> Jibbom says, "And I think charge is a full action, so you can't stand and charge."

<OOC> Moonshadow says, "K. I'm staying put."

<OOC> Jibbom says, "But standing?"

<OOC> Moonshadow says, "Sorry for the confusion.....even on my part."

<OOC> Moonshadow says, "yup."

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Alright, pose it. Teppus is up!"

<OOC> Teppus says, "Okay, so."

<OOC> Teppus says, "I am going to go for red now."

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Alrighty."

<OOC> Teppus says, "Same deal as before. Power attack, charge if I can."

GAME: Teppus rolls 1d20+10: (11)+10: 21

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Hit!"

GAME: Teppus rolls 2d4+12: (7)+12: 19

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Nice. Red is dropped."

<OOC> Teppus says, "Also, before I forget.."

<OOC> Teppus says, "Oh. xD"

<OOC> Teppus says, "Okay!"

<OOC> Jibbom says, "+roll 1d20 + 5"

Snorting awake, Moonshadow pushes herself up to her feet and wipes her mouth off. "This humble one thanks thee, Lady Tannin." Moonshadow says as she rises up to her full height. She then closes, then opens her eyes again. "Where is every......" she then looks and smiles. "Still a couple left, hmm?"

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Whoops"

GAME: Jibbom rolls 1d20 + 5: (8)+5: 13

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Anywho, the red one is dead. Pose away!"

And then Teppus is on the next one -- the red one -- and he drievs his Guisarme right into it. Wham! This creature is also felled by the sheer savagery with which it is impaled on the bladed end of what is effectively a sword on a stick.

The green bug, the sole survivor of the monsters remaining at this point, is clearly panicked. Angered by the death of his red companion, he snaps acidic jaws at Teppus fruitlessly before scuttling backwards, hissing in fear and pain.

<OOC> Tannin cheers. :)

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Younger, you're up!"

<OOC> Younger says, "I smash its brains in!"

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Roll it!"

GAME: Younger rolls 1d20+13: (14)+13: 27

<OOC> Jibbom says, "That hits."

GAME: Younger rolls 1d6+6: (4)+6: 10

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Still alive, but very, very badly hurt. Pose it. Qat is up!"

<OOC> Donk says, "Hold up. :-)"

<OOC> Donk says, "I think it's my turn next?"

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Oh! Donk is right. Sorry!"

<OOC> Donk says, "No worries! Is red at least 10 feet away?"

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Donk, have at it. :)"

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Yes."

<OOC> Donk says, "CHEE-YARGE!"

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Roll!"

<OOC> Donk says, "Anyone to flank with?"

<OOC> Jibbom says, "You could flank with Younger."

<OOC> Donk says, "I'll do that"

GAME: Donk rolls weapon6+2+2+1: (5)+7+2+2+1: 17

<OOC> Tannin says, "Think you mean green, though? Red's down. :)"

<OOC> Donk says, "Uh yeah, that one."

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Yes, green."

<OOC> Jibbom says, "And that hits!"

GAME: Donk rolls 2d6+6: (11)+6: 17

<OOC> Donk says, "Attack from Destroyer next..."

<OOC> Tannin says, "The color coding's very convenient. :)"

<OOC> Jibbom assumed he meant 'the only one still alive' and was not charging a corpse. ;) That kills it!

<OOC> Jibbom says, "Pose an epic bug-slaying pose."

<OOC> Donk says, "Woo!"

Frothing, white foam poaring from his mouth, Younger rushes over toward the last enemy. His magical club flails behind him, it swings up in an arc as he gets closer. He brings it down against the last creature with a crushing blow that sends more spatter in all directions. He howls, his face covered in acid burns and bug guts...

Covered in acidy viscera, Donk's lance pulls out of the downed corpse. A quick flick of slime off the end, and the gnome levels it on the last remaining bug. "Just call me Donk, the Flyswatter! HYAAAAHHH!" One more leaping charge, and the CRUNCH of his lance piercing chitin is followed by a SPLORP in a burst of innards all over Donk at Destroyer. The gnome gags and hacks as the bug shudders and slumps to the ground. "By the Light, I had my mouth open! BLECH!"

<OOC> Younger says, "Hey guys, I have to run soon. It's getting to be bed time around these parts."

Almost as soon as the bugs meet their end, the farmhouse door flies open. There stands Sirus, clutching an old rusted longsword in one hand and a lantern in the other, dressed in his longjohns and floppy nightcap. "Alright, foul beasts! I may be old, but I can still... oh. Oh." He strokes his beard, looking out over the sight of carnage in front of his farmhouse. "Well. Reckon you lot were worth the gold." He steps slowly off the porch, lifting his lantern for a better look at one of the bodies. "Well, I'll be damned. Ankhegs. Haven't had an infestation of these damned things since... well, since a good time before the mists, at least."

<OOC> Donk says, "Good to have you along, Younger! Hope to run into you again soon."

<OOC> Qat says, "Sleep well! Nice to meet you!"

<OOC> Jibbom was figuring he'd wrap it up after one more round of poses. Thank you all for playing! :)"

<OOC> Younger waves!!

Younger has disconnected.

Tannin gives a smile to Moon, and inclines her head over toward Qat, saying, "I think you may credit a team effort, there: the young Serrielite lady..." She pauses, then, as Younger hows his rage, pausing to see if he's actually snapping out of it, and holding up a hand, just in case he needs... help calming down.

<OOC> Tannin says, "Could cover that, but he seems to be doing his own anger management. :)"

Moonshadow runs around the side of the barn just in time for Donk to kill the bug. She holds her side before looking towards the farmhouse. "Ankhegs? That's what these bug things are?" She does look towards Younger and smiles. 'Seems he's a barbarian.....Quite the opposite of me."

"No kidding," says Teppus, looking quite relieved that the last one is dropped by Donk. He gets a respectful nod from Teppus once the thing's done twitching and he stabs his guisarme into it one more time for good measure. Just to make sure. He moves towards Qat, swiftly, saying, "You are all right, Madame?" Then he looks towards the arriving farmer and adds, "Well. They won't bother you anymore, I hope."

<OOC> Tannin can channel some healing, too, btw. :) Generally fuss about tending people. How are people doing?

<OOC> Donk says, "Donk is Donk, so he is wonderful!"

Donk is spitting when the farmer comes out of the house, his helmet tossed off his head as he tries to dig out his mouth. His orange hair is matted on his head, his beard slicked down with green goo. "Ugh! Faithful healers, do you have a way to cure horrible stuff that gets on your tongue?"

The farmer's mention of the creatures gets Donk to blink, a Look in his eyes. "Ankheg? I remember...something... AH! I've heard of these creatures! You can make powerful good armor from their chitin. Destroyer!" He pats his mount on the head, who's also hacking and eating as much grass as he can to get the taste out of his mouth. "Stop fooling around! We need to haul one of these back to a blacksmith, ASAP!"

Sirus inspects the body of each ankheg by the light of his lantern. "Aye, I reckon that's what they are. Had an infestation back when I was a lad. Carried off a neighbor boy back then, if I recall correctly. Fine job you lot did, wiping them out. You've got my thanks. And the reward. Well-earned, I'd say. I'll fetch it now."

And so he does. The adventurers are each paid their share of the gold offered for slaying the beasts. They're also offered a place to stay the remainder of the night before heading back to Alexandria, if so inclined. When they return triumphant to Alexandria the next day, they can mark another success for the Explorer's Guild of Alexandria, and take a little pride in having done their part to protect the lives and livelihoods of the hardworking folks who provide Alexandria's food.