Alhallor
Finally these two weird elves are falling down! They have been hardened by the metal construct (probably a weird golem) that still has several chambers full of differently colored liquids and gases that it injected into them, but you are still being harassed by these birds and the lunatic above that did threw more of his potions down screaming something about a "New and improved Formulae tm " again.

But just as these weird elves are down, another two manifest with the ripping sound of invisible ones decloaking and shower you with hurtful bolts!

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Shadow suffered 10 damage from bird pecks.
Feyella got 6 fire damage (already doubled) and 1 damage from a prior slash.
Enadyo (the whole hydra, not just the one head) got 20 damage from bolts.
Morazzt got 12 damage from prior slashes.
Finally Nevral got an accumulated 15 damage from pecks and bolts.
It's you're turn, happy hunting.
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 
 I like fights on bridges  It's you're turn. You should be able to adjust you're charakters on the map. I'm not sure if I have gotten all the sizes correct, please give feedback on that.
 
Ridai
   State of the Bommel:   63/73 HP
 Secret Techniques:  [x] Burning Blade, [ ] Cloak of Deception, [ ] Shadow Jaunt, [ ] Sudden Leap
 Feeling:  Pecked on! 

So here Bommel is, on a bridge, hand-sized, cotton candy pink, vaguely reminding most people of mochi at a distance, were it not for the ears and the yellow tuft, and covered in ladybug bandaids to boot because of all the mean peeps! His training came at a price in that  even more  birds want to snatch him up as a snack, for his condensed strength also condensed his size. But that is not important right now.

  "Hey! Shooting my friends with fire is mean!"   the tiny silktail rabite yells over to the strange elves on the other side of the chasm, while bouncing around and waving his ears menacingly to try and keep away the malicious featherheads.   "And shooting Feyella with that is double mean! See how  you  like it!"  

Landing, Shadow Ear Bommel engages in one of his secret Way of Many Ears techniques, conjuring the smiting fires of rabite justice!   "Ohhh!"   His ears swirl in a blur, forming the secret ear seals, followed by rubbing his ear tips together until they are alight with mystical flame (as are his eyes, filled with biting spirit), pointing them straight outwards.

  "Art of Shadow Conflagearation!"   And Bommel jumps off the bridge.

In a big arc, rapidly rotating like a burning wheel in the air! As he passes one of the bad Pricklebeaks, he tries to slap it with his ear like a rabite might spike a volleyball (  "Bad peep!"  ), before ideally blobbing right onto the face of one of the crossbow elves with a big HROMPing bite. What follows is the pink bouncing ball of fury unleashing a rain of blows on the mean elf (or elves, should it be too much for one of them and Bommel is sent ping-ponging between the two).

  "Now don't do that again!"   the Seeker of the Black Rabite says, accusingly pointing an ear at a knee.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
 Swift  Activate the  Summer Forest  Desert Wind  Burning Blade  maneuver, making Bommel deal an extra 1d6+4 fire damage on all his melee weapon attacks for this turn.

 Full Action  Do a Spring Attack. This is enhanced by Anthropomorphic Animal's Fastest ability, thus allowing him to full attack with a Spring Attack. There is no further explanation on how exactly this is supposed to work in detail, so I might be doing this wrong (apologies in advance). Bommel has 5ft reach with his attacks due to Anthro Animal's Size Change ability.
As part of the Spring Attack, Bommel jumps from O12 to L19. He has Jump +51 and Leap of the Heavens (always has a running start), so he can't fail the jump, his speed also being enough.
One of his ear attacks (read: claw natural weapon) is aimed at the Pricklebeak bird in O14 as he passes, then the rest of the attacks is aimed at the elf in M19 (should the elf go down and there are attacks left, please distribute to the elf in K19).
Power Attacking for -2 to-hit and +4 damage (due to Earwraps (Armbands) of Might).  All damage done (except the fire) is nonlethal  at no penalty due to Improved Unarmed Strike (I think?).
  Claw vs bird  - (1d20+15)[ 23 ] , Damage:   Slashing  - (1d2+8)[ 10 ]  +   Fire  - (1d6+4)[ 5 ] 
  Bite vs elf  - (1d20+15)[ 28 ] , Damage:   Slashing  - (1d3+14)[ 15 ]  +   Fire  - (1d6+4)[ 5 ] 
  Claw vs elf  - (1d20+15)[ 23 ] , Damage:   Slashing  - (1d2+8)[ 9 ]  +   Fire  - (1d6+4)[ 8 ] 
  1st unarmed vs elf  - (1d20+16)[ 24 ] , Damage:   Slashing  - (1d2+8)[ 10 ]  +   Fire  - (1d6+4)[ 8 ] 
  2nd unarmed vs elf  - (1d20+11)[ 19 ] , Damage:   Slashing  - (1d2+8)[ 9 ]  +   Fire  - (1d6+4)[ 5 ] 
 
Metastachydium
While the rabite trades jabs (literal and otherwise) with all the (indeed) double mean little things around, the mind of Morazzt the Mound is preoccupied with concerns far more esoteric, so much so that Morazzt the Mound finds Morazzt the Mound largely unable to pay due attention to Shadow Ear Bommel's  exact  words. And those concerns, Morazzt the Mound opines, need adressing. Otherwise, it would seem, Morazzt the Mound will be hard-pressed to determine what a mound can do against such reckless hate.

  W hy A RE YoU  doing  thiS?   Morazzt the Mound gurgles, with great sadness, leaping into the air and reaching out towards the potion-thrower. Maybe all the creature needs is the consoling presence of another close by!   AnD w ha t IS a    ti-em?   
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Move action vertical Jump, without a running start, as far up as the check carries the Mound beyond the base vertical reach of 16':  (1d20+8)[ 16 ] ;
swift action use Plant Predator to extend them vines all the way to 70' out;
standard action attack the guy on N14 with both vines:  (1d20+8)[ 15 ]  for  (3d6+4)[ 17 ]  and
 (1d20+8)[ 16 ]  for  (3d6+4)[ 12 ]  (Morazzt the Mound means no harm, but orazzt the Mound is occasionally still somewhat bad at hitting as lightly as Morazzt the Mound would like to);
initiating a grapple with Shambling Grab if both hit:  (1d20+13)[ 33 ] 
 
wantgame
      
   Feyella Glace    
       AC:  25 (27)   T: 19 F: 22 (24)   Init:  +4   HP:  36/43  Saves:  F: +4  R: +8  W: +4   Conditions:  None 
 
   Movement:  40', Swim 30', Fly(G) 80'  Special:  None 
 
   Senses:  Superior Low Light Vision, Dark Vision 60';  Perception:  +13 
 
   Defenses:  Immune to Cold x2, Resist Cold 10, Vulnerable to Fiire 
 
   Special:  HiPS w/o cover (+Darkstalker), so long as not in equivalent to a daylight spell 
 
   Martial Maneuvers:  8/10, Stances 4 
 
    
 Spoiler: Buffs, Debuffs, Maneuvers and Stances 

                           Stance:  Ice Body    ( Assassins Stance, Deadly Dance, Frozen Body, Ice Body )

                           Maneuvers:
                            Cold Sign (CrySil) Boost (2/3)
                            Counter Charge (Setting Sun) Counter
                            Flower Wither Away (CrySil) Strike
                            Frost Pillars (CrySil) Strike (1/1)
                            Ghastly Dream of Death (BoL) Strike  (0/1)
                            Gifts to the Deceased (BoL) Strike
                            Law of Mortality-Poisonous Moth (BoL) Strike (1/1)
                            Midsummer Snow (CrySil) Counter (1/1)
                            Mystic Cold Wind (CrySil)  Strike (2/2)
                            Shadow Jaunt (ShadowH) Strike (1/1)
                            Strike of the Broken Shield (Setting Sun) Strike

                         Effects:
                            Ice Body (stance) : +2 natural armor AND if hit in melee the attacker makes a DC 18 Reflex save or be entangled until the end of Feyella's next two rounds

 
  
 
   
 
  

Feyella rubbed her arm where a nasty burn mark had appeared marring her otherwise icy smooth skin,  What an annoying bunch to attack just as they were crossing a bridge, and with fire too! 

She noted that some of her compatriots were already in motion, and while she was pleased they were going after the fire bomber, she was also a bit annoyed that she would not be able to deal with that trash herself as she would affect her comrades as well.

" Tch! " she said aloud in anger as the preeceding actions changed her plans.  Then looking at the rest of their group behind her she announced, " Cover me. "  She hoped they would advance on that golem but time would tell.

That done she looked between the golem and the birds and a smile came across her face as she announced, " Your warm welcome deserves nothing but my cold shoulder in turn. " As she said that she performed an intricate dance.  One that ended with her whole body shimmering like sunlight reflecting off of ice crystals as she dis-corporated into a large volume of space as the very embodiment of freezing hail and biting winds that struck at some of their enemies.  Only to re-corporate seconds later right where she had been standing having been careful to caress only their enemies in the process.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 

  Go after the birds and golem. As many as she can get in 35' radius.
  Swift:  Boost Cold Sign
  Full: Pop off strike Ghastly Dream of Death (cold version so Cold Sign buffs it).  Note this targets all enemies (and only enemies) in 35' radius
  SU ability so no SR.  DC 18 Ref save for no effect/damage if passed... Otherwise they take the following status effect: -1 to their AC and saves for 1 round and cold damage for
  Bird1     [roll]3d6+6[/roll]
  Bird2     [roll]3d6+6[/roll]
  Bird3     [roll]3d6+6[/roll]
  Bird4     [roll]3d6+6[/roll]
  Golem:  [roll]3d6+6[/roll]
 

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 I assumed...  she started in a stance given those are maintainable.  That she would have a default load out of maneuvers.   And that she was 'full' at this point.  If not just let me know.
 
wantgame
Guess I will just have to do her actions as a separate post on the go forward...

 
 Spoiler: Actions 

  Go after the birds and golem. As many as she can get in 35' radius.
  Swift:  Boost Cold Sign
  Full: Pop off strike Ghastly Dream of Death (cold version so Cold Sign buffs it).  Note this targets all enemies (and only enemies) in 35' radius
  SU ability so no SR.  DC 18 Ref save for no effect/damage if passed... Otherwise they take the following status effect: -1 to their AC and saves for 1 round and cold damage for
  Bird1      (3d6+6)[ 17 ] 
  Bird2      (3d6+6)[ 16 ] 
  Bird3      (3d6+6)[ 19 ] 
  Bird4      (3d6+6)[ 14 ] 
  Golem:   (3d6+6)[ 18 ] 
 
Armonia13
Several heads hiss out in pain as bolts rain down on the hapless hydra. Angered and annoyed at the perilous predicament, Enadyotriatesserapenteexiepta turns their attention to the golem, the only creature within range to take his frustration out on. One head turns to Feyella.  "Fine, We'll draw the big one'sss attention. But you better pay usss back later!"  Charging forward, the seven heads of the hydra snap at the mechanical miscreant, praying their fangs can crush its armor plating.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Charge attack going for the golem!
Moves 25ft then attacks from 10ft using Hydra's Hunger, which let's me attack with all of my bites.
Bite 1:  (1d20+9)[ 14 ]  Damage if hits  (1d10+4)[ 13 ] 
Bite 2:  (1d20+9)[ 14 ]  Damage if hits  (1d10+4)[ 10 ] 
Bite 3:  (1d20+9)[ 16 ]  Damage if hits  (1d10+4)[ 13 ] 
Bite 4:  (1d20+9)[ 28 ]  Damage if hits  (1d10+4)[ 5 ] 
Bite 5:  (1d20+9)[ 13 ]  Damage if hits  (1d10+4)[ 7 ] 
Bite 6:  (1d20+9)[ 26 ]  Damage if hits  (1d10+4)[ 14 ] 
Bite 7:  (1d20+9)[ 10 ]  Damage if hits  (1d10+4)[ 10 ] 
-2 AC for a turn due to charging.
+3 HP from Fast Healing
 
D&DPrinceTandem
Nevral exhales slowly and deliberately, thoroughly irritated.   "Well. If the might of the Grand Empire is what you wish to see, then that is what you will get. FLAYWIND!, Let's take after our many headed compatriot. I'm sure you would love to find out what elf taste like, a fine delicacy."   A magical gust of sand and wind envelops the hell hound as the lupine monarch mounts it, raises both a leg and a scepter, releasing a howling chant of transformative magic.
The Hell Hound polymorphs into a massive seven headed hydra and breaths fire at a particularly annoying Bird, then advances towards the Golem.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Nevral
 Standard Action : Polymorph targeting Flaywind into a 7 headed pyrohydra
 Move Action : Mount Flaywind

Flaywind
 Standard Action : Breath weapon @bird in Square T7, Reflex Half ( DC19 ),  7 Fire Damage , Recharges in  5 rounds 
 Move Action : move Bottom left corner from R11 to O13
 

 
 Spoiler:  statistics 
 
 Spoiler: Nevral 
   Nevral, Dread Emperor of the Dunes   Male Lawful Evil Marrucrat Abomination Marrucrat 5, Marruspawn Abomination 2,  Level  7,  Init  4,  HP  38/53,  DR  3/Magic,  Speed  30ft
 AC  18,  Touch  16,  Flat-footed  14,  Fort  +5,  Ref  +7,  Will  +5,  Base Attack Bonus  +4
attacks
   Scepter of the Marru (Masterwork Club)   +5 (1d6, x2)
   Bite   +4 (1d8, x2)
   Claw   +4 (1d6, x2)
 (+2 Dex, +2 Natural)
 Abilities  Str 10, Dex 14, Con 16, Int 24, Wis 10, Cha 8
 Condition  Magical Effects:
Mage Armor [7hr Duration, +4 Armor bonus (applies to touch attacks)]


Magic Item Effects
Headband of Intellect +2: +2 enchantment bonus to intelligence
Amulet of Health +2: +2 enchantment bonus to Constitution
Scepter of the Marru: Multiple effects
 - Functions as a spellbook with limitless pages,
 - whenever weilder casts a spell apply ONE of the following to the spell: +1 to Attack roll as part of spell, +1 to damage against each creature damaged by the spell [bonus applies once to each creature damage, even if dmg is dealt to the same creature multiple times such as with wall of fire or magic missiles], +1 to Save DC, +1 to healing for each target
 - may expend a spell slot to gain that many more uses of Healing Howl per day.
Right Eye of Nevral: +1 hit point, +1 intimidation checks


Spellcasting: as a Wizard Lvl 7
Spell Slots: 0|4/4, 1st|5/6, 2nd|5/5, 3rd|4/4, 4th|1/2
Spell DCs
Prepared Spells by Spell Level
prepared spells
0 (4): DC 17
 Detect Magic  (x2): Detects spells and magic items within 60 ft. (Player’s Handbook; Pg219)
 Amanuensis : Copy nonmagical text. (Spell Compendium, Pg 9)
 Silent Portal : Negates sound from door or window. (Spell Compendium, Pg190)
1 (6): DC 18/19 (for [earth] spells and desiccation spells.)
 Mage Armor : Gives subject +4 armor bonus. (Player’s Handbook, Pg 249)
 Magic Missiles  (x2): 4 missiles, 1d4+1 damage each. (Player’s Handbook, Pg 251)
 Parching Touch  (x2): 8 touch charges, 1d6 dessication damage and possibly 1 Con damage. (Sandstorms, Pg 118)
 Grease : Makes 10-ft. square or one object slippery. (Player’s Handbook, Pg237)
2 (5): DC 19/20 (for [earth] spells and desiccation spells.)
 Alter Self  (x2): Assume form of a Simular Creature [Outsider] (Player's Handbook, Pg 197)
 Rope Trick : As many as eight creatures hide in extradimensional space. (Player’s Handbook, Pg273)
 Web : Fills 20-ft.-radius spread with sticky spiderwebs. (Player’s Handbook, Pg 301)
 Glitterdust : Blinds creatures, outlines invisible creatures. (Player’s Handbook, Pg236)
3 (4): DC 20/21 (for [earth] spells and desiccation spells.)
 Haste  (x2): Up to 8 creatures move faster and gain +1 on attack rolls, AC, and Reflex saves (Player’s Handbook, Pg 239)
 Slow  (x2): Up to 8 creatures takes only one action/round, –2 to AC, –2 on attack rolls. (Player’s Handbook, Pg 280)
4 (2): DC 21/22 (for [earth] spells and desiccation spells.)
 Polymorph  (x2): Gives one willing subject a new form. (Player’s Handbook, Pg 263)
 
 
 Spoiler: Flaywind 
Flaywind Statistics (Hell Hound with Marrucraft Transfusion)  BOLD  = Changes due to Polymorph  STRIKE-THROUGH  = what is replaced

Type:  Outsider (Evil, Lawful, Fire, Extraplanar , Marruspawn) [ Magical Beast (Fire)  (Marruspawn)]
Size:  Medium  [ HUGE ]
Hit Dice: 4d8 +4  [ +20 ]  (26hp)  [ (42hp) ]
Initiative: +5
Speed:  40ft. (8 Squares)  [ 20ft. (4 squares) ]
Armor Class:  24  [ 25 ] (+1 Dex,  +9  [ +12 ] natural, +4 armor bonus [Mage Armor] [ -2 size ]), touch  15  [ 13 ], Flat-footed  23  [ 24 ]
Base Attack/Grapple:  +4/+5  [+4/ +16 ]
Attack: [ 7 ] Bite[ s ]  +5 [ + 6 ] melee ( 1d8+1  [ 1d10+4 ] plus 1d6 fire)
Space/Reach: 5ft./5ft.
Special Attacks: Breath Weapon (Su), Fiery Bite (Su)
Special Qualities: Darkvision 60ft, Low-light vison., Immunity to Fire, Scent, Vulnerability to Cold
Saves: Fort  +5  [ +9 ], Ref +6, Will +5
Abilities: Str  13  [ 19 ], Dex  13  [ 12 ], Con  13  [ 20 ], Int 9, Wis 10, Cha 6
Skills: Hide+13 [ +4 ], Jump  +12  [ +11 ], Listen +11, Move Silently +13, Spot +7, Survival +7*
Feats: Improved Initiative, Run, Track[Bonus feat]
Environment: A Lawful evil-aligned plane
Organization: Familiar
Treasure: None
Alignment: Lawful Evil
Advancement: Familiar
Level Adjustment: +3 (Cohort)
A typical hell hound stands 4½ feet high at the shoulder and weighs 120 pounds.
Flaywind does not speak but understand Infernal.


Combat


A hell hound’s natural weapons, as well as any weapons it wields, are treated as evil-aligned and lawful-aligned for the purpose of overcoming damage reduction.
[ Hydras can attack with all their heads at no penalty, even if they move or charge during the round. ]

Breath Weapon (Su)
10-foot cone, once every 2d4 rounds, damage 2d6 fire, Reflex DC  14  [ 19 ] half. The save DC is Constitution-based. [10 + 1/2 HD + CON mod]


Fiery Bite (Su)
A hell hound deals an extra 1d6 points of fire damage every time it bites an opponent, as if its bite were a flaming weapon.


Skills
Hell hounds have a +5 racial bonus on Hide and Move Silently checks.
Marruspawn have a +4 racial bonus to Listen checks
*They also receive a +8 racial bonus on Survival checks when tracking by scent, due to their keen sense of smell.
[ Due to Speed, -4 to Jump Checks
Due to Size, -8 to Hide checks ]

Spell Effects
Mage Armor [7 hours] [Shared] +4 AC, applies to touch AC
Polymorph [7 minutes] take the form of a Pyro-Hydra.
 

 
Alhallor
Feyella's intricate dance draws the attention of the birds and even the mechanical golem and while three birds can only watch in awe (and get covered in ice for it, that they hastily shake off) one bird and even the mechanical construt clumsily mirage her steps and doesn't get affected by her impressive display.

Bommel meanwhile, flys towards one of the struggling birds and brings it down, letting Feyella's ice fully encase it, while the other is incarcerated by Flaywind. The ice wonderfully reflects the fire while the two birds fall deeper into the chasm.

Morazzt stretchy vines are ineffectful as one of it get's sidestepped and the other one can't seem to get through a protective spell.

Enadyotriatesserapenteexiepta rushes forwards and in a wild mass of crashing bites, two hits penetrate the tough outer chassis of the golem, and something inside it produces a distinctive loud   Krcht'chunk   sound and fills one of it's maws with...

 
 Spoiler: Enadyotriatesserapenteexiepta 
You hit the Alchemical golem in melee! 😁 And because of you're mystery roll of 3 you get... Heroism gas that tastes like fresh milk and gives you a +2 to hits, saves and skill checks for 10 minutes.
 


The elf who get's heavily hit by Bommel takes a step back and get's shot at by the golem, but instead of damaging it, it seems the golem actually heals the elf.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Elf healing:  (3d8+5)[ 21 ] 
 

  Atna'or tu!  
 
 Spoiler: Undercommon 
Drink you're potion, dammit!
 


The elf who didn't get hit drinks a potion and disappears where he stood, the other one, getting a furious Bommel to the face, drops his small crossbow and draws a claw-like weapon to get rid of the Rabite.

 
 Spoiler: Attack against Bommel 
Attack:  (1d20+10)[ 28 ]  Crits on a 18
Possible confirmation roll.  (1d20+10)[ 19 ] 
Damage:  (1d6+3)[ 6 ] 
If crit is confirmed get  (3d6)[ 12 ]  Sneak attack damage.
 


The golem seems to want to hit the visible elf once again but only procures a distinctive  HHHSSSSSSS  sound while he stretches his other hand towards Enadyotriatesserapenteexiepta. Inside the golem bubbling and churning is heard, which then releases a torrent of flame trying to engulf the hydra.

 
 Spoiler: Enadyotriatesserapenteexiepta 
You get  (4d6)[ 14 ]  fire damage, Reflex save against 16 for half. Yes, the Heroism effect is already working.
 


The birds, seeing two of they're kind fall chirp angrily and fly aggressively towards Feyella pecking at her!

 
 Spoiler: Feyella 

Attack 1:  (1d20+8)[ 15 ] 
Damage 1:  (1d8+6)[ 7 ]  nonmagical piercing damage.
Attack 2:  (1d20+8)[ 14 ] 
Damage 2:  (1d8+6)[ 12 ]  nonmagical piercing damage.
 


The alchemist at the bridge yells out towards Morazzt. "It means that I MADE IT! And it seems a good time to use my new and improved herbicide! Dark seeds!"

He rummages around and throws three darkly colored seeds at Morazzt.

 
 Spoiler: Morazzt 

Touch attack 1:  (1d20+5)[ 19 ] 
Touch attack 2:  (1d20+5)[ 12 ] 
Touch attack 3:  (1d20+5)[ 16 ] 
For every hit make a Will save against 13 or get
1  (1d6)[ 2 ] 
2  (1d6)[ 4 ] 
3  (1d6)[ 1 ] 
damage.
 

 
 Spoiler: Bommel, Feyella, Morazzt, Enadyo, Nevral 
The golem looks weird, but you all know that golems are pretty sturdy (most of them have hardness) and it's pretty normal that they produce clunking or other sounds while they fight.
 

 
 Spoiler: Nevral, Feyella 
The golem seems to be pretty recently made (a new model, high hardness) it has diverse alchemical products on him that it seems to be programmed to disperse. (Per round it has one swift action and two "attacks" that it can use to release diverse alchemica.
 

 
 Spoiler: Nevral 
This is a highly theoretical golem construction (at least it was in you're day) and you're sure it's still not perfect and that it's able disrupt it's dispensing method by simply damaging it in melee, which inevitably will hit one of it's compartments. But it will then also affect the one that hit it.
 

 
 Spoiler: Updated map 
 The fight continues 
 
Ridai
   State of the Bommel:   57/73 HP
 Secret Techniques:  [x] Burning Blade, [ ] Cloak of Deception, [ ] Shadow Jaunt, [ ] Sudden Leap
 Feeling:  Raked on! 

The Shadow Ear puts up his fearsome fighting instruments like a boxer as he blobs and weaves, only for the big, uh, uhhh, angry gas and beverage machine to do something weird (as an aside, Bommel has heard the wild tales of the tall people communal dungeons known as taverns where many fights happen, so the machine is designated Monsieur Bartendeaux for now, befitting its status as a fierce Tavern Keeper, no doubt). The weird elf that just got a flaming earful gets shot by Bartendeaux!

  "Wha-  hey-  oh, hm"   is heard as Bommel observes that the  shot  actually  heals  the weird elf. That must be what the humans are talking about when they mention doing shots! Bommel is learning so much today as he nods sagely towards Monsieur Bartendeaux.

Then the other weird elf drinks something and disappears!   "Hey-  AHHH!"    Bommel first wanted to complain and start sniffing out the escaped elf, only to be struck with an elven gardening tool, yelping more out of surprise than pain. He jumps reflexively, and given that is what rabites do best besides biting things, he blobs the weird elf right under the chin, followed by a spinning tornado of resounding ear slaps and a proper bite!

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
 Full Action  Full attack the visible weird elf! All attacks count as magic and adamantine, and deal nonlethal damage at no penalty. Power Attack -2 to-hit for +4 damage.
Bite  (1d20+15)[ 20 ] , for  (1d3+14)[ 15 ]  physical damage
Ear 1  (1d20+15)[ 19 ] , for  (1d2+8)[ 10 ]  piercing and slashing damage
Ear 2  (1d20+15)[ 25 ] , for  (1d2+8)[ 10 ]  piercing and slashing damage
Unarmed blob 1  (1d20+16)[ 30 ] , for  (1d2+8)[ 10 ]  piercing and slashing damage
Unarmed blob 2  (1d20+11)[ 21 ] , for  (1d2+8)[ 9 ]  piercing and slashing damage
 
Metastachydium
Morazzt the Mound plops back down upon the lower bridge with a plop both loud and literal, but none the worse for wear. If the  ti-em  dark seeds did something, Morazzt the Mound is yet to perceive it.   No NEE d to b E  RU  D   e!   Morazzt the Mound complains, sounding more saddened than offended, before attemting the same maneuver as before. The weird man strikes Morazzt the Mound as someone who  really  needs that friendly hug, after all.  ANY one I  n neeD  of a HEAl er's  attenTIOn?   the Mound inquires, in the meantime, keenly aware of how the fight going on all around may complicate matters.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Move action Jump straight up:  (1d20+8)[ 15 ]  against double DC;
swift action extend vines all the way to 70';
standard action double slam:  (1d20+8)[ 11 ]  for  (3d6+4)[ 12 ]  and
 (1d20+8)[ 20 ]  for  (3d6+4)[ 9 ] ; with
free action Improved Grab grapple if both hit:  (1d20+13)[ 23 ] 
 
wantgame
      
   Feyella Glace    
       AC:  25 T: 19 F: 22   Init:  +4   HP:  36/43  Saves:  F: +4  R: +8  W: +4   Conditions:  None 
 
   Movement:  40', Swim 30', Fly(G) 80'  Special:  None 
 
   Senses:  Superior Low Light Vision, Dark Vision 60';  Perception:  +13 
 
   Defenses:  Immune to Cold x2, Resist Cold 10, Vulnerable to Fiire 
 
   Special:  HiPS w/o cover (+Darkstalker), so long as not in equivalent to a daylight spell 
 
   Martial Maneuvers:  8/10, Stances 4 
 
    
 Spoiler: Buffs, Debuffs, Maneuvers and Stances 

                           Stance:  Assassins Stance    ( Assassins Stance, Deadly Dance, Frozen Body, Ice Body )

                           Maneuvers:
                            Cold Sign (CrySil) Boost (2/3)
                            Counter Charge (Setting Sun) Counter
                            Flower Wither Away (CrySil) Strike
                            Frost Pillars (CrySil) Strike (1/1)
                            Ghastly Dream of Death (BoL) Strike  (0/1)
                            Gifts to the Deceased (BoL) Strike
                            Law of Mortality-Poisonous Moth (BoL) Strike (1/1)
                            Midsummer Snow (CrySil) Counter (1/1)
                            Mystic Cold Wind (CrySil)  Strike (2/2)
                            Shadow Jaunt (ShadowH) Strike (1/1)
                            Strike of the Broken Shield (Setting Sun) Strike

                         Effects:
                            Assassins stance so +2d6 sneak damage

 
  
 
   
 
  

Her last attack had worked... to an extent. But, several of her foes had resisted which was vexing.  What was revealed was that the golem was perhaps the key player to all this encounter, but that she could not both move to get a clear shot at it and take that shot.  The bomber was too high as well.  She could target the remaining bird, but that felt like a waste.

Not liking her options Fey decided to risk closing with the golem anyway, and thus help Enadyo who had covered for her.  She unfurled her wings and few toward the golem to engage it directly for a bit with an icy touch as cold as her heart.   She called out to Enadyo, " Mind a duet? "  And then to the golem she sang, " A cold, cold wind's coming.  With my ice your gears will be jammed and guming. "


 
 Spoiler: Actions 

  Fly and melee attack to the golem

  Swift:  switch to assassin's stance
  Move: to H12 about 15' up, With 80' fly she should have movement to 'circle round' without triggering off more than one maybe/potential AoO.  Note this should give both Fey and Enadyo flanking.
  Standard:  Icy touch attack with sneak from flanking.  if it hits she will recover a martial maneouver.
  to hit (touch):  (1d20+11)[ 30 ]  includes flank +2
  Damage (cold):  (1d8+9)[ 12 ]  +  (2d6)[ 3 ]  added cold sneak dmg - Yes, the golem is probably immune to this, but maybe not...
 

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 None
 
D&DPrinceTandem
Nevral raises his staff once more, reciting a piece of his own legend in the Marru tongue. A silver glitter comes about the monstrous fellowship, which fades quickly leaving Nevral and his Allies quickened and empowered. “  Feel the fury of 10,000 desert storms!  ”
The Jackal lord then draws a strangely viscous Silver potion, a Zyme, and only of Flaywind’s many heads turns an around to drink it. After drink the liquid, the Hell hound turned Hydra races past ally and foe alike, until she reaches the rear of the enemies Constructed monstrosity.
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Actions
 Nevral Actions 
 Standard Action : Cast Haste on up to 7 Allies (Self, Flaywind, Endayo, Feyella, Morazzt, and shadow [one remaining])
 Move Action : Draw Zyme of Speed

 Flaywind Actions 
 Standard Action : Drink the Zyme of Speed
 Move Action : Move and Squeeze [Speed = 20 + 20 (Haste) + 30 (Zyme) = 70ft]
[Flaywind] provokes AoO from [Golem] for moving through threatened Squares.

following any possible AoO Nevral will use  Swift Action : Healing Howl if Flaywind is heavily damaged.
 
Alhallor
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
As mentioned I'll control Enadyo for now.
 


Bommel heavily pummels the visible elf and is even able to bring him down, though it did feel like he really needed everything he had for it. Bommel can hear some distinctive splashing sound around him, kinda where the other elf disappeared, but he doesn't reappear.

Feyella gracefully steps around the golem but with mechanical aprubt hastiness... It sprays some acid at her.

 
 Spoiler: Attack at Feyella 
Touch attack:  (1d20+6)[ 24 ] 
Acid damage:  (4d6)[ 17 ] 
 


Her attack though is succesful and her eyes seems to jam some golem components and also is freezing enough to let another compartment explode and shower the Fey with it's contents.

 
 Spoiler: Feyella 
Make a Fortitude save against 15 or get  (1d8)[ 7 ]  Constitution damage. This is a poison effect.
 


Morazzt does hit with it vines this time which greatly startles the things thrower "OW, that HURT! Screw this, I'm not risking my life for this." He hastily runs away while drinking a potion.  
 Spoiler: Thrower healing 
 (1d8+1)[ 4 ] 
 


Nevrals mighty magic infuses everyone with greater speed and the jackal quickly finds himself at the golems side that doesn't react to Flaywinds approach.

Enadyo's many heads spring forth again and pierces the golems hard metal once again, which sprays him with the same biting acid that was thrown at Feyella.

The enraged birds seem to really hone in on the fey now, seemingly getting more and more furious.

 
 Spoiler: Attack against Feyella 

Attack 1:  (1d20+10)[ 12 ] 
Damage 1:  (1d8+6)[ 8 ] 
Attack 2:  (1d20+10)[ 20 ] 
Damage 2:  (1d8+6)[ 10 ] 
 


The golem however behaves quite strange, it points at Feyella and Flaywind but nothing seems to be happening. It seems that his concoctions have run out, probably because they violently exploded.

 
 Spoiler: Updated map 
 Golem juice has run out. 
 
Ridai
Bommel tips the strange elf away from the long way down. But that leaves the mysteriously vanished strange elf. And the splashy sounds! Wobbling left and right, Bommel can't spot a thing, so instead his trusty nose is on the case. There is a little bit of regret involved in that deep breath in, all the acid getting thrown about on the bridge stinging his nose. If the others were closer, they'd see the silktail's face scrunch in a great many ways. Still, gotta look for the fire-firing meanie! And HROMP 'em!

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
 Move  Use Scent to maybe pinpoint the elf's location, should Bommel be that lucky. He also does a five-foot step towards the center of the outcropping he is on.

 Standard  If Bommel is able to pinpoint the elf by happening to be within 5ft of them, he does a big ol' bite (with Power Attack -2/+4)!
 (1d20+15)[ 31 ] ,  (1d3+14)[ 17 ]  physical damage
 
Metastachydium
  DIDn 'T Me  an to H   ur  T y O U, SoRR y !! PleaSE C  om E  BaCk!   Morazzt the Mound calls after the poor fleeing soul quite apologetically. That'd have been rude! But the man doesn't seem too interested in polite conversation anymore. That leaves one outstanding concern. That poor bird still seems rather agitated and it's taking out its frustration on poor Feyella!   An  D YO  U neED tO  CA  LM do Wn!   Morazzt the Mound admonishes it, pulling back somewhat and trying for a hug, gentler than before this time.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Morazzt the Mound moves to S/T9/10,
swift action extends those vines all the way,
standard action  NONLETHALLY  slams the BIRDY twice:  (1d20+5)[ 21 ]  for  (3d6+4)[ 11 ]   NONLETHAL  and
 (1d20+5)[ 17 ]  for  (3d6+4)[ 21 ]  nonlethal,
free action trying for an Improved Grab if both hit: [roll]1d20+13[roll] grapple
 
Metastachydium
 
 Spoiler: That Grapple Check, 

once more, with the correct tags:  (1d20+13)[ 14 ] 
 
Alhallor
The mighty Flaywind turned Pyrohydra get's a slight spray of... Drizzle by the golem who's seemingly beginning to run out of stuff to use.

With him positioned favorably his many heads strike out, ripping into the golem. His many fangs aren't able to penetrate the hardy shell of the golem, but some fangs come through, hitting another compartment which... drenches the ones surrounding the golem in nice healing mist.

 
 Spoiler: Enadyo, Flaywind, Nevral, Feyella healing 
 (6d8+10)[ 46 ] 
 


The golem then proclaims loudly.   Out of Options, carry out self-destruction sequence.   And the golem proceeds to simply jump off the bridge. You'll try to hit it while it get's away, but it's hard shell seems to be too hard to destroy it outright.

Morazzt hits both remainig birds with his vines and retreaves the unconscious birds to avoid letting them fall.

Bommel hears an invisible person (who he bit previously) curse heavily and retreat, the other elf he bommel'd unconscious is left behind.

 
 Spoiler: Loot 
You have 2 unconscious birds and one dark elf that has a magical crossbow, 20 bolts, magic studded leather armor, 3 potions and 25 gold in silver coins.
 


After the battle you remind yourself how you even came to the situation in the first place.

 
 Spoiler: Updated map 
 Won the 1st battle. 
 


--------------------------In an unremarkable clearing in a unremarkable forest.------------------

A lot of monsters and some shady-looking individuals have gathered here, seemingly all to met this tomato man called  Jerry . He seems rather normal for a tomato man anyhow, the menagerie of others are a bit baffling you see some  Mallards  rubbing feathers with an enormous Ghast, who seems to have a Chobin as a companion, Jerry gives a flying  bedsheet?  a potion "go to the Laurent mountains and hoot three times, if someone comes to you give them this potion." Then points to the Ghast and Chobin "you come with me later." After having given several people seemingly random assignments he faces you as the few ones who are left.

"Oh, hello! I have a rather serious quest for you, I have heard of you're desires and I'm certain I can help every one of you if you do a little thievery for me." Jerry raises a hand. "I know that sounds wrong at first but please hear me out. There is that dwarf Don Xeraan. He has been appointed leader of the dwarfhold Xeraania, newly named I heard and he has in possession massive amounts of wealth and I have also heard he has an "eye" out for diverse powerful magic items." Jerry intones eye rather loudly and looks decisively at Nevral while doing so.

"He also has a hammer of Gnome in his possession if you can believe it! If you can get this hammer out of his possession and bring it to Golden square, a small independent village southwest of Xerania I'll help you with you're stuff and give you some rewards to boot. I'll also throw in this magic map that shows you the way towards Xerania, do we have a deal?"

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Of course you have to accept this quest but of course you can still ask questions, haggle, whatever you deem appropiate for you're character.
 
Ridai
 In the caves 

When the Shadow Ear sees they won, his face lights up and he proceeds to engage in a victory dance(?), seemingly consisting of bouncing, spin jumping, rolling, and sliding (along with a fair share of ear claps).

  "Yay, we beat the meanies!"   And since the winner wins the reward, Bommel nabs the strange elf's magic items (and pats 'em on the head a few times). Mouth full with loot, he  leeeeaps  back onto the bridge where the others are, dumps the loot on the ground, and does more bouncing.

  "You all were all really strong and cool!"   And if someone raises a hand, he resoundingly high-fives it with an ear. Go team!

----------------------------

 In the Presence of Jerry 

Now, thieving doesn't sound very Great Martial Artist-y, so Bommel gives Tomato Man Jerry his best squinty inquisitive look, while rubbing his imaginary chin in contemplation.

Now this probably would have a greater effect if there wasn't also this very obvious twinkle in his eyes at the possibility of someone knowing where he can find what he is looking for, which would mean continuing his quest with some sort of direction!

  "Maybe I can do a wee bit of nabbing if you know where the Black Rabite is."   After all, it will probably also be great challenge! And the dwarf has a whole dwarfhold named after them, and lots of money, so a hammer less shouldn't be too much of a problem for him!
Metastachydium
 
 Originally Posted by Ridai 
  In the caves   "Yay, we beat the meanies!"   
 

  AnD SA VE D tw O   of THE B Ir dS !   Morazzt the Mound is quick to add, as if that were something they were actually  trying  to achieve.


 And if someone raises a hand, he resoundingly high-fives it with an ear. Go team! 

The Mound even  does  let a thick vine rise into the air, but then the Mound remembers what, exactly, happened the last time the Mound tried to taps someone gently. Case in point, the robed person  still  didn't came back, despite the Mound's previous pleading. The Mound lets the vine-arm flail feebly, and Bommel to do all the  active  high-oneing (as the case may be).


  In the Presence of Jerry  

Morazzt the Mound wants to trust this tomato man. This tomato man looks very friendly, has lots of friends and wants to help Morazzt the Mound help people. And that is good. Still, there is a concern scratching on and on in the deep recesses of Morazzt the Mound's big, green ball of a body.  YO u don'T W  aNT t o h IT p EOpl e wiTh tha T haMM  er , do YoU, MaS teR  JeRR y,  SIr? I hE ar  thAt H urt  s. 
Auranghzeb
Impigo had always been there. It was the tremendous advantage of being invisible at will and becoming a boar at will. He'd had enjoy the company of Ridai and Morazzt as much as serious Imp could.
He listened to Jerry's offer for a quest and one right on Impigo's line of work: thievery and burglary of magic items.

Impigo nodded and answered with his thick accent.

  Well well, senor Jerry, consider that magic hammer gone and that dwarven eye poked!  

He made a flamboyant reverence and arranged his moustache.
Ridai
 In the caves 

Bommel jumps and gives Morazzt an enthusiastic and resounding high five. The more it reverberates, the more friendship was put into the high five!

---------------------

 In the Presence of Jerry 

Bommel feels emboldened by the presence of  The Moustache . He needs to contemplate its tactical advantages.

And also wonder if rabite wool can emulate such wonders.
Alhallor
  In the caves  

The high-five reverberates in a resounding  "Blobobobobob"  way because a wooly hand hits a wobbly vine.

  Jerry  

Towards Bommel. "Well I'm sure that you're nabbing will probably be succesful I don't know about how he'll defend his vault but I'm sure you can figure something out. You're information will of course be ready when you have the hammer."

Towards Morazzt, in a bit of an honest shocked tone. "Hitting someone? Nonono, definitely not. I rather think that it contain some traces of Gnome's magic, it's probably still a minor magic item and I hope to restore it in a fashion. Give it back to Gnome. More something in that direction."

Towards Impigo: "Good to have you well-spirited on the job. The dwarfs are known to be pretty friendly and welcoming. Good for trade you know? You may be a rather eclectic bunch but I'm pretty sure they won't be outright hostile if you don't give them any reason for it."

Jerry gives you a piece of paper which has an arrow pointing decisively on a certain direction, no matter how you turn the map. Should you check it magically it seems to have a lesser version of the spell  Find the Path  imbedded.
Metastachydium
  YoU ME an   tO  heL P ?? I w IL l G  la dly hEl P YOU H elp !   Morazzt gurgles at Jerry, letting those big vines undulate cheerfully in the air. Morazzt the Mound is all about helping!
Ridai
  "Deal!"   And Bommel shakes hands on it by way of jump-slapping Jerry's hand before he can reconsider. Even with said hand not being extended. No backsies in this forest!

Balancing to see what is on the note, the Shadow Ear turns his rabite eyes in the direction to spot the hidden dwarfhold. He hops away at high speeds, briefly disappearing behind the trees. Only a few seconds later he blobs back to the group.

  "I think the dwarfy place is further away. So we are going traveling! Hi! I'm the Shadow Ear Bommel, Disciple of the Way of Many Ears, Seeker of the Black Rabite! I go by Bommel. Nice to meet you!"   And he ear-waves enthusiastically as Shadow Ears most definitely do.
Auranghzeb
Impigo bows and then makes a flourish with his sting, a salute he learned in Maximo Strachetti's  etiquette for fencers , fourth edition.

  The name is Impigo Montoya, my name freezes the blood of wizards everywhere! I'm the libertador of familiars and homunculus.   
Alhallor
  Jerry  

Bommel's hand hits Jerry's unprepared hand, thereby sealing the contract of getting Gnome's hammer for good.

While chatting you follow the arrow, which leads you (perhaps after some checking) towards a cave. You rest for a day and continue to travel till you arrive at an intersection where you meet...

  Caves  

If you're checking the items of the weird elf you find out the following

 
 Spoiler: Items and OOC 
Normally you'd need a way to identify stuff, I'm just giving this to you to fast-forward a bit.

The weird elf has a
Hand-Crossbow +1 a
Studded Leather armor +2
20 normals bolts
250 silver coins (25 gold)
2 Poitions of Invisibility
1 Enhanced drow poison (DC 15 or -2 dex, after one minute DC 15 or falling asleep for 1 hour)
You can take them, you can also leave him at them.

The two knocked out ragebirds are sleeping soundly.
 


When you continue you're getting towards a well-maintained underground way. The walls looks smooth and seem to have been carved out, you can't really make out how well-traveled the way is.

At a small side cave you see a small nearly burned down fire, besides is a fish person, with some clothes on who seems to be sleeping. You have been traveling quite a bit yourself and could probably also use a rest, but could still push further if you want to.

 
 Spoiler: Map 
 On the way 
 
Ridai
The Shadow Ear takes nothing of the loot, on account of his little bag being way too small for any of it, though he does briefly aim the hand crossbow, finding it not so handy since it is almost as big as he is himself.

Later on, along hops Bommel, coming to a halt next to the campfire. Again, he can't add much of anything to the fire, but he does settle down beside it. Meaning he becomes a little flatter and rolls a little to the side, soaking in the warmth with a content look on his face.

  "Break time!"   he declares.
Metastachydium
After long and hard deliberation, Morazzt the Mound decides to take a farewell from the birds that would be quite tearful if Morazzt the Mound could  actually  secrete the fluids that make a farewell tearful. Their little strike team of hammer-retrieval is activelt heading towards danger which could be dangerous for the poor souls! Morazzt the Mound, therefore, puts them down  very gently  at a spot Morazzt the Mound deems reasonably safe, and quietly offers to carry the assorted gear retrieved instead.

 ♣ 
Morazzt the Mound is quick to echo Bommel's sentiment with a somewhat more muffled   BRe a K T im  e!  of Morazzt the Mound's own, only making sure to raise the tip of a vine so as to caution the others not to make too much of a ruckus as Morazzt the Mound pokes at the fire ◙  and gathers the combustibles involved closer together with another (maybe that will help it burn better!). Morazzt the Mound had the occasion to experience that unlike Morazzt the Mound, other creatures do sleep and might get grumpy if disturbed – and that fish person looks very tired.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 ◙ Fire resistence 11 hopefully makes that somewhat less bad an idea than it sounds.
 
Alhallor
The fish person doesn't seem to wake up when the party settles, when Bommel and Morazzt declare "Break Time" however his eyes open and he gasps at the air, speaking some syllables in his blubbery language. "Gaarrabubulagh! Ohmhada, Shwarf!"

 
 Spoiler: OOC, for someone with Tongues or something 
They got me! Beware the Shwarf's!
 


When the fish person seems to really wake up, with Morazzt sturdy vines getting the fire going again, it grasps for his trident, more for comfort than for anything else it seems and sits up halfway.

 
 Spoiler: Bommel 
By his movements you think he may be a fellow  summer forest  desert wind student, but not as advanced as you.
 


"Greetings neighbors." It says, a bit taken aback. "It seems you are no enemy's of mine, I'm Grabralglagwoub" It hesitates a moment. "Woub would do fine, what are you doing on these old paths?" Woub nods thankfully to Morazzt, picks some mushrooms of a nearby wall and uses his trident to simmer them over the fire while talking.
Metastachydium
 
 Originally Posted by Alhallor 
 The fish person doesn't seem to wake up when the party settles, when Bommel and Morazzt declare "Break Time" however his eyes open and he gasps at the air, speaking some syllables in his blubbery language. "Gaarrabubulagh! Ohmhada, Shwarf!"

(…)

"Greetings neighbors." It says, a bit taken aback. "It seems you are no enemy's of mine, I'm Grabralglagwoub" It hesitates a moment. "Woub would do fine, what are you doing on these old paths?" 
 

The fish person sounds almost like Morazzt the  mound. This pleases Morazzt the Mound. The fish person gets a floppy vine-wave.  GOO d to Me e ET yO u, WOU B   ! I'm  MORAZZT t  hE  M ounD !  HER e  to H  eLp SOME  o NE HEL p PEOpL E  , so th EY'  lL heL P  US  aftER WAR  DS! HOw a bOUt  YOU?   the MOund gurgles with unconcealed enthusiasm.
Ridai
  "Shwarves?!"   Bommel immediately bolts up, jumping about with burning ear strikes at the shadows to catch his dastardly, sneaky foes, even spiking a rock at a particularly suspicious bit of shadow on the wall. He squints about, going through the katas of the Way of Many Ears to strike fear in any errant assailants.

  "I think I scared them off,"   Bommel concludes, having determined victory. He waves to the fish man.

  "Hi Woub, I'm the Shadow Ear Bommel, Disciple of the Way of Many Ears, Seeker of the Black Rabite! I go by Bommel. Nice to meet you! We're looking for regular dwarves that took a hammer. Hopefully regular dwarves."   He briefly stops, inquisitive look under a nearby rock to check for a possible shwarf ambush.
Alhallor
Woub seems pretty appreciative about Bommel's reaction. "Ah you know of them." He nods sagely and then takes an inquisite look at Morazzt. "Ah, helping... Yes, helping is good." Woub seems to want to find out more about Morazzt motivations but he fails to read the mass of vines that is Morazzt's face. He nods towards the others arriving and eats a mushroom and gestures about the tunnel while talking.

"I like to roam around the old tunnels to search for... Them." He nods at Bommel. "You know, nobody who has seen a shwarf has lived. But I'm pretty sure I'll be the first!" Woub puffs out his chest and makes a decisive motion with his trident. "They won't know what hit them you know? But you search other dwarfs? Hmm..."

Woub seems to think a bit. "You can only mean Xeraania? You still have some ways to go then. They opened up the town for everyone, but that was only after the bloody coup. You know for dwarfs it was pretty bloody." Woub continues in a grave tone, trying to incorporate the fire to throw some creepy shadows against the wall.

"They say at first it was a typical thing at first. One dwarf stating that they want to take the lands of another. After that everything is open to cut and undermine the dealings of the other dwarf. But instead of ruining him financially they say that this Don Xeraan just marched in, take over every business, giving everyone bloody noses all around. Even building new temples they say. And a giant building for all of his great treasures. Raising taxes but also giving everyone new opportunities. They say you can get really everything at a Xeraanian market."

Woub shrugs his shoulders. "Well not me. I was never there myself. If you really wanna go there, you need to follow this tunnel here." He points towards where you're magic arrow is pointing.

"If you want to get towards Blibaaldaboubs seat you need to go the other way. I'll roam around the tunnels some more. You never know when you find another opportunity."
Ridai
 
 Originally Posted by Alhallor 
 "I like to roam around the old tunnels to search for... Them." He nods at Bommel. "You know, nobody who has seen a shwarf has lived. But I'm pretty sure I'll be the first!" Woub puffs out his chest and makes a decisive motion with his trident. "They won't know what hit them you know? But you search other dwarfs? Hmm..." 
 

At the "Them", Bommel full-body knowingly nods, squinting and dramatically remarking    "Shwarves"    And is there a quieter  "Shwarves"  echoing his word?

  "Shwarves are mean and tricksy, never hunt them alone if you can help it. Hard to watch everything with just two eyes, no matter how much you try!"   At this, Bommel's eyes briefly move a little further away from each other to demonstrate. A roughly 180-to-200-ish degrees of vision is his personal best and things get awfully strainy and blurry. Clearly, he still has much to learn and practice.

  "I have heard many a curse about their misdeeds, like them stealing homework, or one half of sock pairs! I hear they love to give their secret techniques harmless names to give you a false sense of security like Tied Shoelaces."   The silktail nods sagely.


 
 Originally Posted by Alhallor 
 "You can only mean Xeraania? You still have some ways to go then. They opened up the town for everyone, 
 

  "Oh, wonderful!"   The Shadow Ear beams.

 
 Originally Posted by Alhallor 
 but that was only after the bloody coup. You know for dwarfs it was pretty bloody." Woub continues in a grave tone, trying to incorporate the fire to throw some creepy shadows against the wall. 
 

And that beaming expression immediately turns upside down, jittering.


 
 Originally Posted by Alhallor 
 Woub shrugs his shoulders. "Well not me. I was never there myself. If you really wanna go there, you need to follow this tunnel here." He points towards where you're magic arrow is pointing.

"If you want to get towards Blibaaldaboubs seat you need to go the other way. I'll roam around the tunnels some more. You never know when you find another opportunity." 
 

Bommel immediately peers down the way Woub points, and hops up to see where the magic paper pointer points. And they line up! Woub is a great source of knowledge!

  "Blibber- Blibaab- Blibblub- what's that?"   He inquires.   "And good luck to you! May the Summer Forest always keep your ears warm!"  
Auranghzeb
Impigo makes a reverence at the fishmen at hearing the information about Xerania. Though he is quite confused about Bommel's profound knowledge on dwarves.

 Thank you, good Sir. Your ayuda is invaluable in our quest to catch these thieving dwarves.  

He then slowly resets his plumed hat on his head and prepares to go on.
Alhallor
You continue you're way, there are occasionally resting places to the side, they are also some occassional ways that doesn't seem to lead towards you're goal.

The little birds awaken after a while and seem to not be aggressive towards anymore. They fly around a bit but seem to be mostly be around Morazzt who get's occasionally slightly pecked on to clean him off of some moss, stone dust or the occasional rock.

On the way forward you hear some loud sounds, hard crashing wood on stone, masses of sand getting whirled on and several beasts screaming.

Should you rush towards the sounds, you come towards a crossing, you see some masses of eyes, mouths and screams surround a carriage, with a riding lizard trying to get the carriage out of some sand, while some massive two-legged mantises getting towards the carriage. A dwarven women jumps out of the back of the carriage branding a hammer, screaming towards the enemy's some profanities in dwarven.

The two birds seem unsure what to do.

 
 Spoiler: Map 
 Map 
 
Ridai
The next morning (presumably, what with them being in a cave), Bommel makes sure everyone gets something from his Snack Box when he announces   "Snack Time!"  . The rations are Bommel-appropriate-sized when Bommel takes them out of his tiny box, but are more Bommel-sized when anyone else takes something out of it. There is a little bit of sparring with his fellow Summer Forest student Woub, and a vigorous ear-waving goodbye when they part ways.

At the carriage, the Shadow Ear immediately springs into action in a big arc, rapidly rubbing his ears, to dive-blob the nearest giant mantis ant right in its mean, dumb face!   "Falling Shadow Tea Kettle Strike!"  

Only Bommel soars over its head with a long, whistling sound.

B-but psyche! He  improvises after his goof   surprise attacks his intended target  when the silktail instead flaming dive-blobs the mantis ant behind the first one, and showers it in a rain of blows and bites!    "RabibibiCHOMPbibibi!"    as the rabite warcry goes.

Eyes (and ears) burning with determination, the Hopper of the Way of Many Ears impresses with his katas, luckily also helping to douse the unpleasantly lingering fire on the tips of his ears. It is also in that moment Bommel realizes the giant mantis ants are rather big. And that there are four of them. Well, no crying over spilt carrot juice, there's a non-shwarf to save!

I will leave it to the reader's and party's discretion whether setting up a flank for Impigo against the southernmost mantis ant was an intentional of his rabite martial arts or not.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
 Swift  Activate the  Summer Forest  Desert Wind maneuver  Burning Blade , adding +1d6+4 fire damage to Bommel's attacks this turn.

 Full Action  Do a full attack Spring Attack against the mantis ant in H6-I7! Bommel jumps into square J8. No AoOs from the southern-most mantis ant, and I don't think Bommel can roll low enough to not make the jump distance. All attacks count as magic and adamantine, and deal  nonlethal damage  at no penalty. Power Attack -2 to-hit for +4 damage.
Bite  (1d20+15)[ 32 ] , for  (1d3+14)[ 17 ]  physical damage +  (1d6+4)[ 9 ]   fire damage 
Ear 1  (1d20+15)[ 25 ] , for  (1d2+8)[ 9 ]  piercing and slashing damage +  (1d6+4)[ 10 ]   fire damage 
Ear 2  (1d20+15)[ 20 ] , for  (1d2+8)[ 9 ]  piercing and slashing damage +  (1d6+4)[ 9 ]   fire damage 
Unarmed blob 1  (1d20+16)[ 20 ] , for  (1d2+8)[ 9 ]  piercing and slashing damage +  (1d6+4)[ 8 ]   fire damage 
Unarmed blob 2  (1d20+11)[ 20 ] , for  (1d2+8)[ 10 ]  piercing and slashing damage +  (1d6+4)[ 6 ]   fire damage 

In the unlikely case the mantis ant goes down, any leftover attacks are distributed to the southern-most mantis ant in J9.
Tumble check to avoid AoOs (should he provoke more)  (1d20+16)[ 25 ] 
 
Metastachydium
Morazzt the Mound has spent rest time helpfully awake and ready (much of the heavy lifting there done by Morazzt the Mound's, so to say, limited need for sleep), mostly trying to figure out how Impigo knew the mushrooms were called  ayuda  and why he thanked the Woub for them when the fish person didn't give him any.

The pleasant surprise of having actually placed the birds on Morazzt the Mound's own back, on the other hand, only came after the road was already hit and Woub has been taken a farewell from with many a wiggling vine (which is to say, two, which is to say, all of them). While Morazzt the Mound has been consistently amused by the little things' happy pecking on Morazzt the Mound and Morazzt the Mound's gear, Morazzt the Mound couldn't help but wish Morazzt the Mound knew about them earlier. Maybe Woub could have told Morazzt the Mound what the birds actually like to eat. He seemed to know a lot about curious little beings of this place, what with his research into these Shwarf-things.

But all good things come with a date of expiration (Morazzt should know; half a good swamp's thing is process matter past that!) and hostiles rear their (as the case may be actually quite) ugly heads again.   STay baCK   And   SA   FE,     BIRDies, I'lL go   SAvE  that L  ITtL e LIZA rd!!   Morazzt the Mound pronounces, seeing said lizard threatened and Bommel too busy squashing bugs, if somewhat confusingly, perhaps, given how Morazzt the Mound absolutely doesn't go anywhere. Morazzt the Mound has  vines  for that!

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

So… Slam-slam-grapple attempt on the mouthing mouther looking thing on QR10/11, naturally:
Standard action slam:  (1d20+8)[ 21 ]  for  (3d6+4)[ 19 ] ,
slam:  (1d20+8)[ 18 ]  for  (3d6+4)[ 12 ]  and
free action grapple if both somehow hit:  (1d20+13)[ 23 ] 
 
Auranghzeb
Impigo looks at the dwarf with hatred, thinking " We finally corralled one of these putrid foes" ! But then Bommel and Morazzt attack the  OTHER  monsters, leaving Impigo truly confused for an instant...


 The dwarf! the dwarf! isn't the dwarf the bad guy? 

He tries to ask them... maybe they don't want to share the dwarf's flesh with these other creatures?

 Oh well, let's save the dwarf! 


He turns into a Dire Boar the size of Morazzt and Charges against one of the mantis!

 
 Spoiler: OoC 
 (1d20+15)[ 18 ] 
Damage (1d8+12)[ 20 ] 
 
Metastachydium
Morazzt the Mound's vines slap hard against the being. It feels weird to the touch, but Morazzt the Mound doubles down, wrapping the vines around the damn thing and  squeezes !

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Constrict, in addition to the slam damage above:  (2d6+6)[ 17 ] 
 
Alhallor
Bommel fly's high over his first target and chomps and bowels right through his second one. So much even that the first one falls and he arrives at the one he flew over the first time! In hindsight they seemed to resist Bommels attacks a bit, with the chitiny bits being pretty rough to gnaw through, but with his fiery passion it was just too much!

Impigo as a Dire Boar rushes towards the first target and assisted by two really lazy birds and a hammer strike from the dwarven lady, this enemy falls too.

Morazzt also seems to be succesful in getting one of the creatures away from the lizard but as it explodes it's flesh and many eyes flow towards the other creatures making them bigger and propably hungrier for lizard flesh!

Nevral summons the winds of the desert again to empower it's allies. Thanks to that, the carriage get's slighty out of the sand, but not totally.

The two massive flesh beings seem to be stunned by getting more mass added to them.

They're insectile foes however are undettered, both vomit on they're claws and one charges the dwarf, the other bowels right past Bommel to attack the massive Boar that suddenly appeared.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 Haste  for every player charakter, the dwarf, the lizard, flaywind and one bird.
Attack against Impigo as a Dire Boar:  (1d20+12)[ 13 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+8)[ 9 ]  and  (1d6)[ 5 ]  acid.
Attack against the dwarf:  (1d20+12)[ 25 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+8)[ 11 ]  and  (1d6)[ 3 ]  acid.
Bommel get's and AoO.
 

 
 Spoiler: Updated map 
[URL="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1sh0fERfrY2JEYSO7akkhvuvS0D7ABb_C19AVqWSeWwI/edit#gid=0"]The Blob.
 
Ridai
  "That's a dwarf, not a shwarf!"   Bommel says to Impigo. It is important to disperse shwarven propaganda where possible.

Soon after, Impigo's biting spirit is so powerful he turns into a house-sized boar! The silktail still has so much to learn!

With the winds kicking up, the Shadow Ear accelerates, bouncing faster and faster, until he is a pink vibrating blur. Whether blobbing bite the passing mantis ant suffers was on purpose or the result of enormous restless energy is left to the reader's discretion.

It has been a while since he last felt like this, not since the last time he was allowed to have Triple Choccy Rocky cake and achieved speed like he had never before. And was stuck in the unlit fireplace by Aunt Coney to heat the house, after he did 149 laps through the living room. Needless to say he was never allowed to have Triple Choccy Rocky again.   "oooOOOOO OOHHH MASTER PANTRY APPROACH! "   And Bommel vibrates so fast he disappears.

    "RABIBIBICHOMPBIBIBI!"     It's funny, everything is moving so slow all of a sudden. Oh well, Bommel uses the extra time to get some more slaps in, for good measure! Feeling awfully warm in this cave all of a sudden, huh.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
 Blob of Opportunity!  Bite  (1d20+16)[ 31 ] , for  (1d3+14)[ 17 ]  physical damage

 Swift  Use the  Shadow Ear  Shadow Hand maneuver Cloak of Deception, giving Bommel the effects of  greater invisibility  until the end of his turn, so he may or may not be attacking the mantis ant's flat-footed AC.

 Full Action  Full attack the mantis ant attacking the dwarf! All attacks count as magic and adamantine, and deal nonlethal damage at no penalty. Power Attack -2 to-hit for +4 damage.
Bite  (1d20+16)[ 28 ] , for  (1d3+14)[ 15 ]  physical damage
Ear 1  (1d20+16)[ 36 ] , for  (1d2+8)[ 10 ]  piercing and slashing damage
Ear 2  (1d20+16)[ 21 ] , for  (1d2+8)[ 10 ]  piercing and slashing damage
Unarmed blob 1  (1d20+17)[ 21 ] , for  (1d2+8)[ 10 ]  piercing and slashing damage
Unarmed blob HASTE  (1d20+17)[ 20 ] , for  (1d2+8)[ 9 ]  piercing and slashing damage
Unarmed blob 2  (1d20+12)[ 18 ] , for  (1d2+8)[ 10 ]  piercing and slashing damage

After the attacks, if the mantis ant attacking the dwarf was KO'd, Bommel uses his way too fast movement to move between the eastmost blob and the lizard.
 
Metastachydium
Morazzt the Mound is about to cheer, but then the blob… Reforms? As part of the other blobs? And worse yet, leaving the lizard even more threatened while at that. That's not exactly what Morazzt the Mound intended to achieve. And so, engulfed by concern (and Nevral's friendly helpful power), Morazzt the Mound begins shambling forward, after all, and at ludicrous speed, intent on hopping on top of the wagon so as to present a better incentive for the blob things to just   Go A  WA y! 

Still, in case they prove unreasonable, Morazzt the Mound is more than prepared to throw in a little slapping and batting for extra emphasis. The vines extend once more!

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

With Haste, M. the M. should have enough movement to reach OP9/10 and high Jump on the wagon with the appropriate running start and a 16' default vertical reach:  (1d20+8)[ 22 ] 

Then, a standard action slam/slam follows, with +1 from Haste and another from the high ground:
 (1d20+10)[ 11 ]  for  (3d6+4)[ 20 ]  and
 (1d20+10)[ 18 ]  for  (3d6+4)[ 17 ]  with
Shambling Grab free action grapple attempts if both hit:  (1d20+14)[ 16 ] 
 
Auranghzeb
Feeling Boarish ad hasted, Impigo gores the attackers that miss his thick porcine skin!

He   OIIIIIIIIINKKKKKS IN RAGE  
 
 Spoiler: oOc 

 (1D20+16)[ 21 ] 
Damage  (1D8+12)[ 14 ] 

Haste Extra Attack
 (1D20+16)[ 34 ] 
 (1d8+12)[ 19 ] 
 
Alhallor
The two mantises fall both from Bommels invisible strikes and some dwarven hammering.

The last one succumbs to an enraged boar, some slight pecking (one even finds a place to peck between the armor plates!) And some magic missiles throwed by Nevral.

Morazzt jumps on the carriage which seems to get a reaction out of it. The carriage seems to scream.

 BETSY! PROTOCOL: RETREAT! 

The carriage opens up and the lizard quickly scatters inside. As soon as the lizard is in, the carriage closes up immediately.

 ARE YOU ALRIGHT, DARLING?! 

The dwarven women is too occupied in fighting to respond but takes a big gulp of air in preparation.

Morazzt slaps one of the big things, but both of his vines aren't able to get a good grip on the hard, rubbery flesh.

One of the big things retreats a bit and opens his mass of mouths to... Sing.

  G aN she cro! Arm en ke! Armi Ne  Kar a  en  ka!  

The sounds are alien, undescribable and seem to worm into your minds.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Make a DC 20 Will save or suffer a -2 penalty to attack, damage and skill checks. This is a fear effect. If you're immune against fear, you get a +5 to you're save but are not immune!
 


The other thing seems to be invigorated by the strange singing however and one wandering mouth bites at Bommel, the rest focus in on Morazzt, trying to rend his vines.

 
 Spoiler: Attack against Bommel 
 (1d20+14)[ 34 ] 
Damage:  (1d10+8)[ 15 ]  and  (1d4)[ 1 ]  acid damage.
 

 
 Spoiler: Attacks against Morazzt. 

Attack 1: (1d20+14)[ 22 ] 
Damage 1:  (1d10+8)[ 17 ]  and  (1d4)[ 2 ]  acid damage.
Attack 2: (1d20+14)[ 27 ] 
Damage 2:  (1d10+8)[ 12 ]  and  (1d4)[ 1 ]  acid damage.
Attack 3: (1d20+14)[ 23 ] 
Damage 3:  (1d10+8)[ 14 ]  and  (1d4)[ 3 ]  acid damage.
Attack 4: (1d20+14)[ 22 ] 
Damage 4:  (1d10+8)[ 16 ]  and  (1d4)[ 1 ]  acid damage.
Attack 5: (1d20+14)[ 17 ] 
Damage 5:  (1d10+8)[ 12 ]  and  (1d4)[ 1 ]  acid damage.

If you get hit by at least two bites make a Grapple check against.

 (1d20+18)[ 20 ]  this thing is one size category larger than you. For the moment.
 

 
 Spoiler: Updated map 
 Time to eat! 
 
Ridai
    "-BIBIBI AAAAAAH!!! "     The silktail has been counter-chomped! They are wise to his battle tactics! The woes of the cotton candy colored!

But! One has to be tough to make it in the Forest of Seasons! It's bite or be bitten! So Bommel does the natural thing.

Frantically slap, flail, and chomp back so the tooth jelly stops wanting to take a piece out of him.


 
 Spoiler: Actions 
 Full Action  Full attack the weird mouth pudding! All attacks count as magic and adamantine, and deal nonlethal damage at no penalty. Power Attack -2 to-hit for +4 damage.
Bite  (1d20+16)[ 20 ] , for  (1d3+14)[ 15 ]  physical damage
Ear 1  (1d20+16)[ 17 ] , for  (1d2+8)[ 9 ]  piercing and slashing damage
Ear 2  (1d20+16)[ 27 ] , for  (1d2+8)[ 9 ]  piercing and slashing damage
Unarmed blob 1  (1d20+16)[ 28 ] , for  (1d2+8)[ 9 ]  piercing and slashing damage
Unarmed blob HASTE  (1d20+16)[ 23 ] , for  (1d2+8)[ 9 ]  piercing and slashing damage
Unarmed blob 2  (1d20+11)[ 17 ] , for  (1d2+8)[ 9 ]  piercing and slashing damage
 
Metastachydium
Morazzt the Mound is sufficiently blindsided by all the impossible blabbering that not only is Morazzt the Mound overcome with a great fear (what if it is trying to tell something very important but Morazzt the Mound simply can't and won't understand?  What if there's no need for needless violence?! ): even an attempt at a counter-grab avoids Morazzt the Mound's carefully hponed notice!    I S  ai D  G o A  Wa  y !    Morazzt the Mound repeats, somewhat louder for the creatures's benefit, trying to slap the grasping… Whatever that even  is  away. Still, dire as the situation might have turned, Morazzt the Mound is far more pleased and content than a moment before: the little lizard got away, and should be safe for now! And Morazzt the Mund HELPED!

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Are grapple checks attacks enough to have the -2? I'll add the -2, just in case:  (1d20+11)[ 20 ] 
 
Auranghzeb
The gibbering mouthers ramblings made it clear: this was not a battle of wits, but a battle of strength, and they didn't know that one of the classical blunders was to try your luck in battle of strength with a Wild Boar when death is on the line!


He charged the nearest one and gut him!


   OOOOINNNK    
 
 Spoiler: OoC 
Will Save  (1d20+12)[ 25 ] 
Attack!
 (1d20+16)[ 20 ] 
 (1d8+12)[ 15 ] 
 
Alhallor
The dwarven women screams some words in dwarven, the carriage responds.

 WHAT? Nobody dies on my carriage! 
 
 Spoiler: Morazzt 
You heal 8 HP
 


The heavily armored dwarf stands besides Bommel and with a heavy swing that seems to be glistening with divine energy... Swings and hits the ground heavily which slightly cracks.

The massive thing that seems to be mostly eyes and mouths that attached itself towards Morazzt drags itself towards him and wants to engulf the mighty mound.

 
 Spoiler: Morazzt 
Make an opposed grapple check against.  (1d20+18)[ 28 ] 
 


Mighty Bommel pummels the massive creature with unknown ferocity and while he does damage, it doesn't seem to be enough to bring the creature down.

Impigo turned boar, gores the singing creature with his tusks, likewise damaging it and makes it stop singing. Though the effects of it still linger.

 
 Spoiler: Song 
It still maintains aftereffects for 3 rounds.
 


That creature however seems way shyer than the other one and retreats, leaving an opening for Impigo!

 
 Spoiler: Impigo 
You can make an AoO.
 


But as soon as it's out of range it screams at Impigo in a very hurtful way.

 
 Spoiler: Impigo 
You get  (1d8)[ 3 ]  Sonic damage, make a DC 15 Fortitude save or get stunned for 1 round.
 


Out of the carriage a hand emerges and grabs one of Morazzt vines.

 You can do it, you massive mass of... Mass! 
 
 Spoiler: Morazzt 
You heal 16 HP.
 


The two birds seeing Morazzt hurt scream out in avian rage and begin to hack and peck furiously at the offending creature.

 
 Spoiler: Updated map 
 Omnomnom 
 
Ridai
The mighty OOOOINK is answered by   "Yeah! What he said!"  

And Morazzt getting encouraged, Bommel also joins in:   "Yeah! You can do it, Morazzt!"  

The Shadow Ear's eyes are burning with  Biting Spirit!  He has to protect his friends! And the dwarf! And the carriage! And the lizard in the carriage! And whoever else is in there!

So even though his ears are feeling really gross and icky, and he has the most nasty taste in his mouth (him shaking from that looks more like the silktail violently vibrating due to the haste spell), Bommel launches himself at the mouth-goop again!

He will need so many snacks to get rid of that taste, ew ew ew.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
 Full Action  Full attack the mouther attacking the the carriage and Morazzt! All attacks count as magic and adamantine, and deal nonlethal damage at no penalty. Power Attack -2 to-hit for +4 damage.
Bite  (1d20+16)[ 22 ] , for  (1d3+14)[ 16 ]  physical damage
Ear 1  (1d20+16)[ 33 ] , for  (1d2+8)[ 9 ]  piercing and slashing damage
Ear 2  (1d20+16)[ 20 ] , for  (1d2+8)[ 10 ]  piercing and slashing damage
Unarmed blob 1  (1d20+16)[ 22 ] , for  (1d2+8)[ 10 ]  piercing and slashing damage
Unarmed blob HASTE  (1d20+16)[ 36 ] , for  (1d2+8)[ 10 ]  piercing and slashing damage
Unarmed blob 2  (1d20+11)[ 12 ] , for  (1d2+8)[ 9 ]  piercing and slashing damage
 
Auranghzeb
Impigo seizes the opening with a thrust of his tusks.

 
 Spoiler: OoO 
 (1D20+16)[ 22 ] 
 (1D8+12)[ 13 ] 
 


But then the creature adds insult to injury in a really STUNNING display of nonesensical rethoric!


 
 Spoiler: FORT SAVE 
 (1D20+6)[ 21 ] 
 
Auranghzeb
 
 Spoiler: APOLOGIES 
Apologies for the double post
 


Impigo charges the insulting gibbering mouth, retorting the insult in his head!
  
 I'm not fat, I have big bones!   

But all that comes out of his mouth is:


   OOOOOOOIIIIINKK!   
 
 Spoiler: CHARGE ATTACK 
 (1D20+18)[ 28 ] 
 (1D8+12)[ 18 ] 
 
Metastachydium
The tangled matter that makes up Morazzt the Mound seems to wrinkle and writhe with… Effort, perhaps? Yes, that – but also emotion. Good, warm feelings. Good people surround Morazzt the Mound (well, for the most part: Morazzt the Mound begins to think the one with too many eyes and mouths might not be a very decent person, after all) and they are coming to Morazzt the Mound's aid! And Morazzt the Mound's plight is not in vain either, as the lizard is still safe and maybe,  maybe  the other big thing will be too busy wrestling Morazzt the Mound to do bad things to the others. If  Morazzt the Mound stands firm anyway.  I  Will hO  Ld F A  sT  !  Morazzt the Mound proclaims, thus.   Kee  P tH e Li  TT  l e On  es Sa FE !  
 
 Spoiler: OOC! 

Grapple, at -2:  (1d20+11)[ 21 ] ; whether it fails or not, Morazzt the Mound will use an immediate action to negate all bludgeoning or halve any piercing/slashing damage received (Thick Vegetation!)
 
Alhallor
Bommels furious swipes and the enraged pecking of the birds are still not enough to bring the mass of mouths and teeths and eyes down, though it seems to slowly lose cohesion while it enwraps Morazzt with it's whole body trying to crush him with it's mass while it's acid are doing it's work too.

 
 Spoiler: Morazzt 
You get  (2d10+16)[ 29 ]  bludgeoning damage (which you can ignore, I just wanted to see what number it rolls) and  (5d4)[ 12 ]  acid damage.
You are swallowed which means that you can only use onehanded or natural weapons to attack. If you deal 30 damage you can get out of the "stomach" which immediately closes when you're out. I don't know how that works, ask garbtoghrahazuf the gibbering mouther.
 


Impigo's enraged oinking and his continous attacks totally confuse the other creature which totally loses cohesion... To flow towards the other creature which, after eating Morazzt, seems to be stunned... And becomes bigger again. The carriage is nearly completely covered the wood is aching and you hear the frantic closing of several things. The carriage screams some more words but you can't understand them anymore.

The dwarven warrior swings her hammer again, hitting this time.

 
 Spoiler: Bommel 
You heal 7 HP
 


At Nevral's command Flaywind charges towards the carriage while the jackal hurls more magic darts at the monstrosity to bring it down.

 
 Spoiler: Magic missiles. 
 (4d4+4)[ 15 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Updated map 
 Bigger and bigger. 
 
Metastachydium
Morazzt the Mound makes a quick attempt to politely express Morazzt the Mound's disapproval of the other big blob's conduct, but all that comes out is a gurgling less discernible than Morazzt the Mound's usual gurgling. But where eloquence fails, example might still succeed! And so, Morazzt the Mound elects to be the polite one about this, and begins to knock. Perhaps that will make the the heap of eyes and mouths let Morazzt the Mound out!

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

So, attack attack it is:
 (1d20+7)[ 19 ]  for  (3d6+2)[ 11 ] ,
 (1d20+7)[ 23 ]  for  (3d6+2)[ 11 ]  and
 (1d20+7)[ 18 ]  for  (3d6+2)[ 12 ]  (because Haste).
 
Ridai
 The teeth pudding gets even bigger! Why does it get even bigger?! 
  "Hey!  Hey!  Don't eat Morazzt!  Hey! "   Bommel protests, shaking an ear at the babbling mystery ooze.

A resounding OINK is interpreted as Porkigo agreeing with his point.   "Yeah! You tell 'em!"  

But the blob of chompers is indeed very rude and just eats Morazzt! Thus, drastic measures need to be taken. Orienting himself so he is aiming at the back of the thing (defining "back" as "opposite of where Morazzt went into"), the Shadow Ear applies the tried-and-true method of preventing someone from choking and getting little rabites to spit out the many things they try to put in their mouths that don't belong there: Slapping 'em on the back. And Bommel applies the technique with gusto. And probably even after Morazzt comes back out.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
It is time for the Extreme Heimlich Maneuver!

 Full Action  Full attack the Morazzt-eating mouther! All attacks count as magic and adamantine, and deal nonlethal damage at no penalty. Power Attack -2 to-hit for +4 damage.
Bite  (1d20+16)[ 27 ] , for  (1d3+14)[ 16 ]  physical damage
Ear 1  (1d20+16)[ 26 ] , for  (1d2+8)[ 10 ]  piercing and slashing damage
Ear 2  (1d20+16)[ 17 ] , for  (1d2+8)[ 9 ]  piercing and slashing damage
Unarmed blob 1  (1d20+16)[ 35 ] , for  (1d2+8)[ 10 ]  piercing and slashing damage
Unarmed blob HASTE  (1d20+16)[ 30 ] , for  (1d2+8)[ 9 ]  piercing and slashing damage
Unarmed blob 2  (1d20+11)[ 14 ] , for  (1d2+8)[ 10 ]  piercing and slashing damage
 
Auranghzeb
Bommel’s strategy was to make the mouthbreather spit, Impigo’s was to gut him open in a gory display of affection!

He moved his muscular porcine body around the enemy and swung his tusks in a clever upward motion looking for a vulnerable spot.

 
 Spoiler: attack 
 Move to flanking position [roll0][roll1] + [roll2] SA
 
Alhallor
With bites, gores and vines Morazzt is able to free himself from the massive creature, which seems to basically melt and flow away, gibbering a little but then stopping.

The dwarven warrior nods at you and then knocks several times at the carriage.

 BETSY! Protocol: Out! 

The lizard opens the carriage sniffing the air and slowly, going out.

The enraged birds seem to calm down a little bit, flutter towards Morazzt and nuzzle him slightly with they're beaks, ensuring if the Mound is fine.

The dwarven warrior gets to one knee and bows towards you, when looking at Bommel she seems to be in a bit of a social panic and lowers her head that her forehead touches the ground.

One small slap of the carriage opens up, a pair of black beady eyes look out and adress you.

 I understand that you helped us, yes? We thank you, massively! The roads from here are normally more save. How many chitin can we take from these guys, Darling? 

The dwarven warrior gets up again, checking the mantises.

 Oh you left some alive? Well we won't touch them, but let's give you a little bit in return, right?  After some clinking, another slap opens, offering a big pouch.

 
 Spoiler: Pouch 
Filled with 200 Gold pieces.
 


The monster that flowed into one another and then dissolved totally also left behind a small crown, that when you take a second look at it, looks like it's made of teeth. If you don't want to do anything specific with it Nevral will take a closer look at it.

 Anything else we can help you with, fine wanderers? 

Asks the carriage helpfully.
Ridai
Bommel quickly slaps away whatever else is left of the teeth pudding on Morazzt.

And looking at the dwarf panicking when looking at him, he is at first confused, then a bit alarmed, quickly putting an ear between the ground and her forehead.   "No no, it's okay! Hello, I'm Shadow Ear Bommel, Disciple of the Way of Many Ears, Seeker of the Black Rabite! These are Morazzt, Impigo (currently the biggest oinker I have ever seen!), and Nevral. What's your name?"  

To the carriage person:   "Oh, thank you! We are looking for the dwarfhold!"  
Alhallor
The dwarfen warrior stands up after held by Bommel, nods and puts a closed fist to her heart. "Watt."

 Oh, and I'm Mul. Well, actually, Mulberry. But that's a bit embarassing. 
 A dwarfhold? There are several smaller settlements. That's kinda what we do, getting from the town... Oh, you probably mean Xeraania? Wait a minute I could swear that I have...  There is some rummaging, clonking and other noises from the carriage, the dwarven warrior seems to give a loving look towards it, while she checks Betsy and then reins her in.

 There we have it! You'll find it easily, just follow the road you're on. I have purchased a map of Xerania a while back, it's a rather big town and they're some interesting sights to be seen there. 
 A map  is given towards you.

 You can buy and sell pretty much anything there, you just need to find the right place to get it. Go towards Luna's retreat and say that you helped us, they'll give you a discount! And they're pretty discreet too. 
 We'll have some food and water packed and other small things and knickknacks. Do you have any interest in that? If not, we're on the road again. 

Nevral tells you what he found out about the weird teeth crown.

 
 Spoiler: Crown of many eyes. 
If you wear this crown, eyes spout on a lot of places on you're body. This not only gives you a +2 to Spot and Listen, but also makes you immune against flanking AND gives you a -2 save malus against gaze attacks and anything that may blind you or is an effect that relies on sight.

This crown may have been made by Jerry.
 
Ridai
Bommel keeps jumping up to squint at the map and its tiny numbers.   "Yeah, that's the one!"   He has no idea what Luna's Retreat is, but it's probably a nice place.

He perks up when he hears a certain word.   "Knickknacks? What knickknacks do you have?"   Bommel must investigate the knickknacks.
Metastachydium
The little birds get an encouraging gurgle-noise as Morazzt the Mound's top indents somewhat to offer them a nestlike hollow.  Any ONe  N EEd   s anY HEal  inG?  i  HE li  TTlE    LIZard   al rig ht?  I ho Pe S O.   Morazzt the Mound then adds in rapid succession, flattening Morazzt the Mound's main mass beside Bommel to provide the Rabite with a comfortable perch to mapread from.  A Nd thANK  YOU for E VERY thi N  g!   Morazzt the Mound suddenly remembers Morazzt the Mound's manners.   We CO ULD N't h A   VE DO n e So W Ell WithO  UT YoU!    Except Bommel, but that's just Bommel being Bommel.

Morazzt the Mound briefly contemplates asking what's embarrassing about Mulberries, since Morazzt the Mound knows many very fine Mulberries and likes them (granted, they are tree trees, don't walk much and talk less, but still). Nevertheless, Morazzt the Mound would certainly prefer to avoid overstepping the boundaries of people so nice, and thus elects to push the issue not. Talking of which…    DO YoU nE Ed   heL  P wit  h YouR sandP   It iss Ue S, by  tHe W a y? W e CAn H el P wiTh  Yo   uR saN D Pi T is sue s!  
Alhallor
Watt pats the lizard and answers Morazzt question. "Betsy, fine, good?" The Lizard seems to be in mint condition, she was still a bit nervous before but has calmed down now.

The ragebirds after circling a bit above Morazzt seem to decide that now is a good idea to do other things, drop 4 feathers on Morazzt head and flutter away.

Just as Morazzt asks about the sand, it slowly hardens again, pushing the cart up to stand there like nothing else happened again.

 Well if you want some knickknacks I can show you! 

There is, again, some rummaging in the carriage a metallic clank and then the carriage seems to... Open up, like a multisegmented box multiple platforms appear out of the carriage all full of most diverse things.

And in the middle of it is a brightly grinning dwarf, adorned in earthy tones.

 Welcome to Mul's Massive Mall! 
 
 Spoiler: Mul's massive mundane mall 
You see a lot of, pretty mundane things. A diverse assortment of needles, thread and cloth. Bar of silver, copper, bronze and metal, ready to get made into other things. Kit's full of herbs, fresh bandages, or climbing gear. Some small tubes with mushroom spores in them for the mushroom connoisiuer, etc... In short you can get pretty much everything you can see in the players handbook under equipment, even the alchemical stuff.
He does have some special knicknacks however.
 

 
 Spoiler: Knickknacks 
2 massive leaves  From Ferolia!  that work as magic bedrolls and can also be worn on the torso slot. 450 Gold a piece.
4 Cockatrice feathers, that cast  Feather fall  on you once, when you fall and then crumble to dust. 100 Gold a piece.
1 Unidentifiable potion that radiates divination and restoration magic. You can have that for 20 Gold.
10 Crossbow bolts made out of Mithril, and are carved with pretty rad runes. 50 Gold a piece.
1 Ring of Protection +1, for 1800 Gold
1 Ornately crafted silver ring that has a depiction of Luna on it. 200 Gold.
3 magical stones that have a range increment of 50 feet and deal 1d4+1 damage, 10 Gold a piece.
 

 
 Spoiler: Updated map 
 Mul's massive mall!  The picture of the box is just for visualization purposes, Betsy is fine.
 
Ridai
Bommel pats Morazzt with an ear when he gets lifted up to read better. He also chimes up when asked for healing by raising an ear. He also waggles it for emphasis. Also a few hops.

Much hopping about and investigation is had as the mall opens, looking at all the various  things  arrayed in front and around Mul. Very tricky to pick from, but in the end, Bommel emerges victorious with a tin of apple strudel tea leaves and a glorious, shiny, rainbow-colored, very round and wide tea spoon. Though with Bommel's dimensions, it is most likely more a large spoon for cooking for him, possibly a ladle.

With his treasures safely stashed, but the spoon ready to be drawn and put to action, Bommel is ready to move on.
Auranghzeb
Impigo returns to his impish form, and feeling more powerful than before, he practices some movements with his stinger, carefully fencing and darting, he was indeed the best swordimp in the realm!

But the sneaky dwarf showed his true colors, they only wanted gold!

Oh but there were so many goods and trinkets, and Impigo fell to the urge of shopping stuff.

He parted with 450 gold coins in exchange for a Ferolia leave, for resting well at night was the swordimp best trick.


  Gracias!  

Begrudgingly he added, watching his coin go into the dwarf's purse.

  Pardon me good dwarf, but you wouldn't have seen or heard of a dark wizard with six fingers to each hand? A lean tall fellow with an army of zombies to his service?   
Metastachydium
Morazzt the Mound makes sure to helpfully tap Bommel a couple of times with a couple of vines while, with some helpful help negotiated, trades some gold for that shiny, interesting potion that sounds like a good thing for Morazzt the Mound to carry. Only when beginning to see about restoring some of Morazzt the Mound's own diminished bodily integrity does Morazzt the Mound notice that the little birds have abandoned Morazzt the Mound. Saddened as Morazzt the Mound may be, nevertheless, Morazzt the Mound opts for, once again, not voicing this sentiment. After all, what is important's that the little birds were saved and kept safe for as long as the dangers persisted! Now they can fly free, and if Morazzt the Mound had a heart, it would be warmed.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Alhallor allowing, Bommel will unarmed slapped twice, suffering  (2d4+8)[ 11 ]   nonlethal  damage, but helaing for  (4d8+6)[ 20 ]  points of lethal (and nonlethal) damage, by the grace of the stupid item that is the Inquisitor Bracers!

Morazzt the Mound then uses Morazzt the Mound's own Healing Belt twice, to heal for  (4d8)[ 17 ]  points of damage.
 
Alhallor
Mul seems to be happily trading, when Impigo gets the leaf he mentions.

 These are really great! You can even push them together to make a vest out of it and then stretch it again to snuggle in at night. 

When the imp mentions a six-fingered necromancer Mul scratches his beard deep in thought. When Watt asks Mul translates and she shakes her head but Mul mentions the following.

 Well I haven't traded with him personally, I would probably remember someone with six-fingers. But the other thing I heard is that the Black Onyx trade in Xeraania seems to be flourishing a lot more than usual and from another colleague I heard that this is used in the creating of undead and a favorite gem of Necromancers of all sorts.

If it's not a trade secret or anything you could probably found out if you rummage a bit in the Xeraanian market.

If you're necromancer really did buy big lumps of the stuff you should ask about at Trade house Scorch, they trade mostly in gems and other valuable materials. 

Towards Morazzt:

 This potion is a bit weird. It just was in my inventory one day after I traded with a very nice Chobin. At least I'm sure that it's not harmful. 

Towards Bommel:

 Let the tee steep for 5 minutes, longer and it get's too bitter. At least for my taste. 

Mul let's you rummage around a bit more and then closes his shop.

 Just follow the road towards Xerania I'm sure you have another day or two of travel ahead. 

And as the dwarf mentioned, it probably took you one and a half days toward the mighty walls of Xeraania. From the colloseum outside the walls you can hear cheers and... Gurgling? The big castle-like structure at the opposite side of the colloseum seems to be almost looming towards you when you follow the paved road. There are numerable people getting inside and outside of the dwarven city. There are of course dwarfs and humans but also a surprising number of more monstrous races, as a small example: some Fish-like people, some earth and stone elementals, you even spot a white dragon! There seems to be some sort of ritual before you can enter the city and people getting handed out slips of paper by some dwarfen guards.

There are some more guards stationed at the top of the walls, scanning the coming and leaving masses, some maintain they're crossbows, others seem to nearly doze off.
Ridai
Arriving at Xerania and armed with tea and a spoon, Bommel's eyes fill with Biting Spirit as he gazes at the coliseum. He would really like to try his ear at that one.

  "I think we need to go in there at some point for the hammer?"   he asks the others, pointing at the looming castle.

  "We can look for the wizard with the"   Quick look at Impigo's hands.   "too many fingers first though! The burny trade hourse was it?"  
Metastachydium
Morazzt the Mound, trudging along ponderously, wiggles a vine in agreement as Bommel brings up the castle.   It'S B  Y the    RivER  ,  riV  Ers  a R E G  Oo  D!  Morazzt the Mound makes sure to share this astute observation with the others.   NoT lIk E FIRE y th  InG S  ;   Fi RE y th ingS a re  U  np LEAs anT. Th eY  IT ch.  Morazzt the Mound muses on.  Bu T I wiL l g  o alON  G, if  IMPiGO  w anT s m E  T  o.    the Shambler affirms with great conviction. Impigo is a good Imp and a good friend. And he can turn into funny things Morazzt the Mound likes.
Alhallor
While you talk about what to do, you take occasional glances and hear words from the gate towards the town Xeraania.

It looks like people who want to get in who don't have a slip of paper (the one who have one get waved through) Get asked what they're name and they're plan in Xeraania is (most answer business) and how long they intend to stay.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Listen check if you want to hear about more reasons. You don't need to roll that if you don't want to or don't feel the need to.
 


And then get the aforementioned paper slips. It seems to be a pretty smooth progress all things considered and most people seem to be used to the process.

The one with obvious weapons (like swords, maces or something NOT the dragon or others with natural weapons) get they're weapons stamped and sealed which seems to cost 1 silver coin, which you get back when you're seal is unbroken.

There is one of these weird elves that attacked you before (you're pretty sure it's not the one who ran away, but he is of the same ilk) who seems to be pretty agitated of that costum but he does get calmed down when it turns out that the dwarfs are able to give out change.
Auranghzeb
Impigo didn't like guards. He Transformed into a raven and made his way over the wall cawing at the people below.

He tried to locate the Black Onyx from above.
Ridai
Bommel hops over to the gate.   "Hello! I'm Shadow Ear Bommel, Disciple of the Way of Many Ears, Seeker of the Black Rabite. I'm on a training journey. I don't know what's in the city, but I want to find out, so I think I'm in the discovery business!"  

Provided they get in, he hops on through, heading down the main road, where he is promptly waylaid by a very big shiny building to his left. Well then! Time to find out what that is!

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Hopping over to Xeraan's House of Gold.
 
Metastachydium
Morazzt the Mound shambles after Bommel, if not without difficulty in terms of keeping that pace (the little guy is quick!), wondering, in the meantime, wherever Impigo could have went after turning into his nice bird form.  I' m Moraz  zt t he M  oun  d.  Morazzt the Mound tells the guards, pleased to meet  them  instead for the time being.   I' m W itH h IM.    Morazzt the Mound adds, pointing a thick vine in Bommel's general direction.
Alhallor
----------Impigo-----------

Impigo flights over the wall, some dwarven guards spot him and one nudges the other to talk to his colleague.

 
 Spoiler: Dwarven 
"Look, a familiar get's over the wall again." "I don't care we're told to look out for something bigger, as you now! But shouldn't we at least report it? Note it down if you want to. As long as the defenses don't spring up it probably get's ignored.
 


There are some runes on the wall that briefly glim up when ravenigo fly's over the wall, but they don't react further.

There are not many other flying creatures in the air, but flying is pretty good, because there are several warm winds that make flying rather pleasant.

Impigo's sharp eyes spot the big market quickly and there are some traders who also trade in gemstones, including black onyx.

Tradehouse Scorch is also easily to see from up above.

-------------Bommel, Morazzt-----------

When Bommel get's in line the dwarf responsible looks around a tad surprised till he finds the small rabite.

 
 Spoiler: Dwarven 
"By the greedy digger, that's the smallest rabite if ever seen!
 


The dwarf brings his documents in order and notes down Bommels full name.

 A disciple? And on training? I'll note down religious causes and give you a month, that's the usual procedure. 

The dwarf then looks at Morazzt, a bit surprised.

 You're a mound? Didn't knew that you're also around as plants. And as religious advisors? I'll give you a month too. 

The dwarf finishes you're pieces of paper and stamps them. The stamps glow briefly, faintly till the stamp disappears totally and hands them out.

 Wave them around when you enter and leave town again, ok? They glow red when you're time is up but you can renew them at every major business for a small fee. Don Xeraan wanted to know how many people he has in town for a few months, for a bet with another Don. Visit the new temple grounds, I'm sure you're find there what you're looking for. 

With that you're free to enter and leave town.

Xeraans house of gold is rather big. A massive building made out of stone and steel with small windows, just big enough for a Bommel to squeeze through. The roof is full of Gargoyles who stare down at the people, some stretch a bit and change they're position with another gargoyle. They are two big double-doors who are intricately carved with typical dwarven symbols like gold, dragons, gems but also a greedy looking version of gnome with fistfuls of gold and gems instead of his usual two hammers and a grin that is full of golden teeth.
Ridai
  "Hmm.  Hmmmmmm."    Bommel squints at the very expensive building.   "I have no idea what this place is for! I'll just go ask."   And so, the diminuitive silktail jumps up to the roof.

  "Hello! I'm Shadow Ear Bommel, Disciple of the Way of Many Ears, Seeker of the Black Rabite. What is this place?"   he asks the gargoyles.
Metastachydium
Why do Morazzt the Mound's faithful companions in not carrying arms keep doing this to Morazzt Mound, Morazzt the Mound has to wonder, as Morazzt the Mound hastily thanks the security personnel for their ministerings and turns to try and hustle after Bommel. And Morazzt the Mound had so much to tell those nice guards about mounds both Shambling and Tumbling too! At any rate, the priorities have shifted. With still no sign of Impigo and having some significant difficulty checking the map unaided, not to mention those newfound duties as spiritual advisot to the little Rabite of big punches, Morazzt the Mound shambles in the general direction of the Golden House of Gols where that… Hammer thing probably is, and makes sure to wave a friendly 70 feet long tentacle-vine towards the Gargoyles engaged in what must be a very pleasant conversation with Bommel.
Auranghzeb
Impigo waits for Reverend Mound and the Disciple of the Way of Many Ears to cross the doors and then flies towards them, perching on one of Morazzt branches/twigs and cawing.


   Caw caw caw   


He gows with them to the Golden House of Gols, keeping an eye for anything that suggest the foul presence of his mortal enemy.
Alhallor
------------Bommel, Morazzt, Impigo------------

The Gargoyles freeze when Bommel arrives at the roof so suddenly, for a moment it seems like no one wants to answer till ones teeth grate and it takes a moment till it get's out a few words of hacked-up-common.

  THIS! DON XERAAN HOUSE! ONLY ENTER ENTRANCE!   A decisive stone finger is kinda pointed towards the gate.

There don't seem to be any entrances on the roof, the exact number of moving gargoyls also seems to be a bit unclear.

Some Gargoyles seems to watch Morazzt pretty closely when he waves his long vines around.

Impigo can't see his mortal enemy as of right now but a place as big as this must have some magicians walking around.
Ridai
  "Ohhhh! You got it!"   Bommel bobs forward in the rabite version of a nod.   "Thanks!"   And with an imagined whistling sound, the diminuitive silktail drops back off the roof, bouncing once on the floor (and briefly looking rather flat).

  "This is where we're supposed to go,"   he points an ear towards the shiny edifice.   "Sooo, probably look around elsewhere first? There's this Luna's Retreat place and the onyx merchants and such?"   He looks back and forth between Morazzt and Cawpigo. He just went off to look at the shiny house, so it's their turn to look at something (probably less shiny).
Metastachydium
 
 Originally Posted by Auranghzeb 
 Impigo waits for Reverend Mound and the Disciple of the Way of Many Ears to cross the doors and then flies towards them, perching on one of Morazzt branches/twigs and cawing.


   Caw caw caw    
 

 O h. I w  As sta rTINg to W  ONder: wHERe  eVEr did  our I m   py Im piGO go?  Morazzt the Mound greets the sudden replacement bird on top of Morazzt the Mound.


 
 Originally Posted by Ridai 
   "This is where we're supposed to go,"   he points an ear towards the shiny edifice.   "Sooo, probably look around elsewhere first? There's this Luna's Retreat place and the onyx merchants and such?"   He looks back and forth between Morazzt and Cawpigo. He just went off to look at the shiny house, so it's their turn to look at something (probably less shiny). 
 

Morazzt the Mound rocks back and forth in agreement.  Th AT'S wO NdeR   Ful wORK do  nE, Bo  mm el !  Ca N I s E e thE MA P, n  oW? I thiNK it Ha  D BAD S TO reh  OUS  ES o n iT, anD THAt SOuN DE   D Bad, BUt  in a  GoOD  W ay . An D theY arE bY T HE HAR bouR ! Th  aT MIght   be  GooD  tO o, afTER SE einG the   BURNinG onyX P  Eop le ! 
Ridai
Bommel tries to hold up the map with both ears as high as he can, but that ultimately doesn't raise it that far above ground level. So he instead hops onto Morazzt, so Morazzt and Impigo can look at  the map  more closely. Maybe the currently feathery imp can peck on a spot, too!
Auranghzeb
 
 Spoiler: more stuff 
Because Imp is probably one of the most ridiculously loaded monsters I got telepathy
 


Impigo flutters around Morazzt and the Disciple of Too Many Words, and while they only hear:

   Caw Caw   
They actually understand:

   I shall go to the Onyx Market, where the Necromancer finds materials for their foul deeds. And I'd appreciate the assistance of such formidable warriors as yourselves.    
Ridai
A mystery. The Bird language packs a lot of meaning into "caw". Learning to do that will be tricky. They must have a vast information network!

  "Two votes for Onyx Market, so Onyx Market it is!"   And this time, Bommel goes at the Speed of Mound.
Metastachydium
  BUR  niNg  O   Nyx peopL e, h e Re  we  c oM E !   Morazzt the Mound confirms Morazzt the Mound's assent. These six-finger-bad-folks sound mean, and an actual spiritual advisor once told Morazzt the Mound that making dead people walk and hit things is the opposite of healing. How could then Morazzt the Mound not support a good friend's good cause to stop a mean one who deals in that? Refraining from giving Bommel an appreciative tap on the back for slowing down (flat Bommel looks funny, but it might hurt, and Morrazt the Mound would prefer to avoid making Bommel hurt), the Shambler shambles along, happy to be helping.
Alhallor
The group wades through the town to reach the big market. There aren't any particular reactions from the dwarfs all around as an imp covered with eyes, the smallest rabite ever and a shambling mound is a pretty normal sight.

You see some small children playing "Get the hoard!" where they need to trick another child into giving away his hoard (a bunch of crispy chips that look like gold coins.) You pass some vendors that sell typical dwarven foodstuff, like mushroom-steak (cut out of giant mushrooms) dragon on a stick (small lizards grilled over open fire) and of course, edible gold and gems! (Either sweet or meaty snacks poorly disguised as money or gems.)

The nearer you get towards the market it seems it gets warmer. While the temperature in the caves was always pretty cool it's much warmer now and you see why pretty fast.

The harbor is actually a giant sea of molten rock, with massive dwarven iron ships gently swaying there. You can see some obelisks etched with glowing runes that probably are responsible for keeping out a lot of the heat.

The market itself is a massive conglomerate of (mostly dwarven) shops that sell basically everything from diverse (imported) fabric to tools, weapons and magic.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
You can buy (and sell) nearly everything here. The market is limited to all items in the MIC (and other sources) up to 15.000 Gold total magic item cost. You can get more expensive ones but you need to make an effort to find someone to actually make that.
 


With Impigo having already scouted out the general area you make you're way towards where most of the gem traders have set up shop. Getting past a lobster person who try's to sell a chest full of algae  OnLy, 500 GoLd anD yoU're BrinGinG mE InTo RuIn! 

You do see some dwarven traders who sell, cut and buy diverse gems. There are also some who sell Onyx. There is one human with a black cloak around who seem to want to buy some (but he only has 5 fingers on each hand.)
Metastachydium
Morazzt the Mound deflates somewhat, seeing that there is no water in the harbour, only itchy liquid fire and Dwarves on weird ships, but Morazzt the Mound will not let such little setbacks dishearten Morazzt the Mound for long. For the time being, Morazzt the Mound remains determined to faithfully see Impigo's scouting of the place to the end, beginning to gently shepherd the others towards the Flamy House of Onyx Trading from the map that the nice plant-named Dwarf with the lizard mentioned earlier.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Mysterious WIS check:  (1d20+2)[ 9 ] 
 
Auranghzeb
Impigo is genuinely impressed by the city and the molten port. He hated wizards and didn’t care much for stinky rude dwarves, but a sensible soul like himself had to admire the work.
Ridai
Bommel investigates the many stands and shinies. The burny sea reminds him of the Summer part of the Forest of Seasons, which incidentally also inspired his  many-named  well-practiced fire martial arts. Hard to use for training, though, since swimming in it would have to be very brief. But maybe doing exercise on the ships,  hmmmmm... 

There is also being curious about the algae, since he never had that, but getting a whole chest seems a little much.

But back to the issue at hand! There is a dark wizardy person! Inquisitively squinting at the onyx, then the hands, then the face, Bommel hops directly over to begin his investigation.   "Hi! Do you know a wizard with"   Quick glance at the hands.   "six-finger-hands?"  
Alhallor
When Bommel jumps over to both the dwarf and the dark-robed person look at him.

"The smallest rabite I have ever seen."

The dwarf immediately after that says.  "As I have already told this Altenan Necromancer, his traditionally schooled, six-fingered colleague buyd off a lot of our onyx supplies. 

"Which isn't a problem for me, I just had to place the order, Necromancy wants to do some research."

The necromancer looks at Bommel, then at Morazzt and then at Impigo and can't really decide at which eye he should look at, a quizzical look on his face. "Are you wanting to place an order for you're master too, familiar? The rest of you don't seem like magic-users."

 
 Spoiler: 1 point in Knowledge:Arcana or Spellcraft 
Altenan Necromancers focus mostly on fighting undead and typical debuffing spells while traditionally schooled ones are all who have learned under
a freely practictioning necromancer and the cliche is that they are you're typical "let's raise an army of undead and take over the world!" guys.
 

 
 Spoiler: Morazzt 
You hear... Well it seems more like you feel something peculiar, like there is another mound who try's to communicate but has a weird accent or something. It seems to be closest to the lake of molten lave though you couldn't see another mound there.
 
Metastachydium
 I c ASt speL  Ls! ALl m anN[B] NER [/B ]s o f sPe Ll s!  Morazzt the Mound raises the very self-conscious tip of a vine.   I'm m   oRE oF   a  ShINy  P OSit i Ve  h  ELp-HEa  L ma GIc pER soN th aN a Weir D-D eaD-thIN   Ggs-OnYx   so RT,  Th OUGh.   Morazzt the MOund adds, Morazzt the Mound's entire body beginnig to faintly glow with soothing, pretty white light. But polite conversation skills so eloquently displayed aside, it is quite obvious that something else has Morazzt the Mound's attention already: Morazzt the Mound turns slightly towards the harbour every now and then, taking a couple nervous steps in the general direction, even, before shuffling back.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Activating Nimbus of Light nimbus of light; and
Spot, scanning the horizon for Mounds:  (1d20+2)[ 17 ] 
 
Ridai
Bommel inclines his whole body at the question. How is the black-robe-wizard familiar with him? Bommel has never seen him.

...Oh, maybe he means familiar like with Rince's raven back in Rabiton.

  "I'm not a bird, I'm a silktail. And I trained hard to be one! I trained so hard I became small!"   Bommel says with a degree of pride, his teeth practically shining in... whatever light there is. It's okay, the wizard couldn't know. Unless he  knew  with secret wizardly ways, hmmmm...

  "I'd like to find the"   Look back at the wizard's and dwarf's hands.   "six-finger-handed wizard for a friend."  

He spots (and hears, let's be honest) Morazzt shuffling tactically, so the Shadow Ear turn-blobs around.   "Did you spot the"   Another look to check.   "many-fingered wizard? Is he hiding in the lava?!"  
Auranghzeb
 My name is Impigo Montoya, you killed my parents... prepare to die! 

Thinks Impigo repeatedly trying to calm his anger at the insinuation of him being a Familiar. The trauma of the imprisonment, of the experimentation, of the shame of serving a necromancer! No, he was not a familiar anymore, and he was here to hunt wizards like these... but he understood there was little to gain and much more to lern about the whereabouts of his archnemesis.

He collected all his pride and spoke softly, accepting the patronizing tone of the wizard.

  Yes Masters, yes. I'm sent here by my Master to fetch Onyx. But my master would be happy to know that Silgirix, the Six FIngered Necromancer,  was around buying supplies. Could you indicate where he'd gone?   

And he offered a reverence.

 
 Spoiler: Rolls 

Bluff
 (1d20+15)[ 28 ] 
Gather Info
 (1d20+5)[ 15 ] 
 
Metastachydium
 
 Originally Posted by Ridai 
   "Did you spot the"   Another look to check.   "many-fingered wizard? Is he hiding in the lava?!"   
 

  I diD N'  T SpoT  , a Nd  N   O t  tH a T .  Morazzt the Mound gurgles reassuringly, but the shuffling about continues unabated. Could there  really  be a Mound there? What if that Mound is in danger?!
Alhallor
The necromancer is totally put off by Morazzt glowing and the following explanation. "I have never... I mean... Good for you, I guess?"

The necromancers confusion only grows with Bommels explanation. "You trained and became... Small? Shouldn't it be the other way around? Training to grow you're muscles and all that?"

With his growing confusion he answered Impigo's question without much trouble.

"Oh yes I met him actually. Talked a bit about necromancy and golemcrafting I thought he had some interesting ideas. Bring this to you're master. I'm pretty sure the... Many-fingered caster would love to have someone else to converse with."

The necromancer is going, or possibly fleeing, from the trio. But not without handing Impigo a small map that indicates a small laboratory, probably three hours away from Xeraania!

 
 Spoiler: Morazzt 
You can't see any mounds lingering on the horizon.
 
Auranghzeb
 Farewell Mister! Who shall my master thank for this tidbit of information? 

Says Impigo, bowing deeply and flamboyantly.

As the wizard turns his back, the imp has to suppress his murderous desires, another day he'll take down this mage, all mages who enslave poor familiars!


 Mister Mound and Mister Disciple of Many Things, I now have a map to my dreaded enemy. Upon whom I shall enact my revenge! But i owe you both, let's grab a bite of something nice and discuss the matters at hand. We still need to finish our original mission 
Ridai
When asked if training wasn't actually about growing muscle, Bommel does his full-body nod.   "Yeah, that's what I did."  

Once Impigo is done asking the wizard questions and informs them he has a map, Bommel says   "Oh, you can call me Bommel. I think Morazzt wants to look at something, so lets go look at that, then eat, then go look for that"   Hand check.   "wizard. Fair?"  

But the topic of getting something to eat came up, so Bommel is being  smart  by scoping out the map for a place to get something to eat.

He also finds his smart approach was not necessarily an easy one to accomplish what he wanted to do.   "'Watering Hole' doesn't sound very tasty. There's the 'Meatman guild', maybe they have something?"   Bommel stares at the map's legend in deep concentration.   "Maaaybe there is food at 'Luna's Retreat' or the 'Naughty Mermaid'? Retreats have food, right? The mermaid might have some, but we need to be careful she doesn't smuggle Salamander spices in there, if she's naughty."  

The miniature silktail looks up from the map, up at Morazzt and Impigo.   "Do you think the mermaid swims in the burny sea? I should ask her how she does that."  
Metastachydium
 Ve rY f A Ir!   Morazzt the Mound signals Morazzt the Mound's own agreement.   I thou GHt I  HE arD s omE  thiN g  or was it  someone ?   aNd I nE Ed to gO Loo   K n oW, b uT It SH  OulD b  e  N ea R th e bIg FiR E laKe , so  wE can aSK  y our Mer  MA  Id th   ER  e, the N eaT an d p unCH BA  d P eo P l e .  Morazzt the Mound elaborates with great conviction, beginning to lead a way.  Ma YBe sh E   'S p a  RT MOUND  !  Morazzt the Mound shares Morazzt the Mound's sudden idea regarding that naughty sea woman just as it takes shape, while at that.  T h E  MERm aid.   I thINk I cou  L D S wi M in THAt fo R a WHilE if  I REALly w ante D t O.  Morazzt the Mound muses, striding onwards, before issuing a loud, gurgling call, just as suddenly. Who knows? Maybe the other Mound who may or may not also be a Mermaid will hear that and answer! That would be very good.
Ridai
Bommel hops onto Morazzt and continues to study the map.   "Oh yeah, we'll come by the mermaid on the waAAAH!"   Morazzt's sudden scream has the silktail toss the map in the air with both ears as he assumes defensive positions in multiple directions at once. When he realizes there is no current threat, he remembers the map and hastily jumps after it to fish it out of the air before anything bad happens. Like sailing into the burny lake, or being nabbed by the naughty mermaid! It takes a third jump, after sailing past the object eluding him with cunning maneuvers twice, no matter how much he flails his ears in the map's direction or engages in swimming motions to get closer. Happy (?) mound noises are good (?), but will take some getting used to (?).
Auranghzeb
Impigo is once again beyond confusion with the parlay of his comrades in arms... well comrades in ears and vines.

The devilish imp cannot make sense of a word they say, but decides to just go with it.
Alhallor
The walk through the town is mostly uneventful, despite the odd dwarf glancing at the unusual trio.

 
 Spoiler: Morazzt 
You have you're hearing organs sharp as you try the Mound equivalent to a general "hello" and there... Is a sort of response but it feels somehow weird. It seems that you can't really discern the direction of the response and now that you listen pretty attentively it also seems... Muffled. Kinda like wherever the (perhaps hopeful, or confused) response comes from it needs to get through several layers of... Something till it reaches you. It's a confusing mystery that is probably easier to digest if you have some food in you.
 


The naughty mermaid is easy to find, when you open it there is some heat coming at you and steam escapes the tavern.

 Don't let the heat out, dear guests, come in, come in. 

There are a few guests, not a single dwarf it seems, some fire elementals in a corner radiation heat, some worm-like things that are currently eating a plate full of hot gems, apparently garnished with pepper and a dark-skinned elf munching away on a mushroom-steak.

At a open grill stands a naked salamander, flipping some hot gems towards the table of the worms who react favorably.

The whole place is pretty warm but not as hot as you may think with some fire-aligned beings sitting there, the floor is made of packed dirt and the walls seem to be of steel with a green alloy.

 Oh, new guests? I'll whip something up for you and you either take it or leave it. That alright with you? 

With an amused look towards Morazzt.  Pretty sure I have something fitting for you, vine guy. 
Ridai
  "That's alright with me!"   One has to be wary of the naughty people. But also open to new, possibly exciting things!

  "Hello! I'm Shadow Ear Bommel, Disciple of the Way of Many Ears, Seeker of the Black Rabite!"   A beat of silence.   "Are you the mermaid? How do you swim in the burny lake?"   Is it the roasted gems? There was no gem roasting in Rabiton, they didn't see many gems, and Bommel doesn't remember Rince ever frying some up. The tiny rabite examines the procedure closely, perhaps to unlock some advanced secret of the Summer Forest Style. And everyone knows you examine extra closely if you squint extra hard while leaning forward!
Auranghzeb
Impigo takes a good deep breath inside the place, letting the warm hot fumes fill his lungs! This is what home looked lwhen he was little impish cub in hell, before the Necromancer with the Six fingers summoned his parents and himself to turn them into familiars and infuse them with the blood or Karsus.

OH! The nostalgia just made Impigo madder with the Necromancer.


But he was also very hungry.


 Excuse me, my friends the Ear and the Mound deserve a most delicious supper, something as luxurious as those gems, but more edible to them.
 
Metastachydium
The (granted, to a Mound, mostly) somewhat sad and sullen-looking Morazzt the Mound squeezes in and wiggles the tip of a vine towards the nice Salamander person in greeting.  A s doEs  o   UR won DRou SL  y i MP IsH  I mP  wh O'S someTIM Es a  BIR  d!   Morazzt the Mound adds to Impigo's kind comment with utmost conviction, despite Morazzt the Mound's slightly less than stellar mood. Maybe they have that  ayuda  thing he talked to the fish person in the caves about! It seemed to make Impigo happy.  A nD I'l L re ad IL y  tR U ST youR E xp E  RT ExpERT  isE, of C oUR s e ! U nlesS YoU   seRVE   tHOSe  WiL  D Elv  e S; I ne VER  sa W th  E appE  AL of EaTI Ng WiL d EL  ve  S.  Morazzt the Mound politely admits.
Alhallor
 Well, I'm Guldes Shen'dem and I promise you all a meal you won't forget. 

Bommels question get's answered immediately while preparations for a meal are made. It seems to involve some sulfur, gold powder and a weird earthy smelling paste. All thrown on the open grill.

 Yes! I came up with the name! Swimming in the lake is easy you just have to be convinced that you don't get burned.  A short pause.  I don't really get why others have problems with that though. 

There's a snort regarding Morazzt comment and the dark-skinned elf seems a little afraid, even after Morazzt made his comment a bit clearer.

Bommel get's a sizable mushroom salad (as big as Bommel) interspersed with bits of meat and sweet fruits that are dripping with honey, garnished with gold flakes.

Impigo get's a dish which almost smells like hell, having several filled hot peppers baked in sulfur.

Finally Morazzt get's a... Steaming pile of earth? Which is actually a pile of different minerals, moisture and manure, heated to the point that makes absorption effortless.

Guldes leaves the grill for a moment and sits beside you.

 Say could you help me out a bit? I have a pretty big cellar that seems to be connected to other dwarven cellars and there's... Well I don't really know a weird sound everytime I go in there. I don't really have time to search for it and I'm also a little bit afraid here. If you could take a look you can eat a week for free, what do you say? 
Metastachydium
Morazzt the Mound perks up as Morazzt the Mound senses the approaching meal and hears the subsequent words. Both are of quite the pleasing sort, and Morazzt the Mound is quick to sit on the former.  I aM   MORazzT the MOU   Nd, Gu l DEs, and I 'D BE  vERy HappY TO LO o k aT S  Ou nd S . I'm  LOOkINg  fO R SOUN Ds  fROm  UndeR  So METH in G and  YoUR so UND s fROm  UNd ER So mE  THING intR  igue  M E.   Morazzt the Mound declares very seriously, with happy gurgling mixed into Morazzt the Mound's other gurgling used fro speech.   A n D thE M Eal T OO iS FAN  tas tIC! Ve R Y g o O D m i X!   Morazzt the Mound compliments the food with the same Mound-equivalent of a breath, to signal that Morazzt the Mound hardly minds the offered payment either. It really is good. Morazzt the Mound wonders what kind of manure it has. Beyond being the good kind, of course. Maybe it's from one of those funny lizards? That would be nice.
Ridai
Copious mental notes are taken. He just needs to believe enough to swim in the burny lake! He has much to learn.

Upon receiving the bowl of salad, the experienced Shadow Ear does an inquisitive sniff at it to deter-

Bommel is already face-first in the bowl, munching away happily. This is almost as good as Aunt Coney's tuber closeness!

From the depths of the bowl comes:   "We can  *munch*  take a quick  *munch HROMP*  look, yeah!"   Even more rapid munching occurs, as the bowl + silktail spin on the table.   "But we  *slurp*  need to talk with Impigo first!"  
Auranghzeb
The spicy food reminded Impigo of his little barracks in Abbyss, where they would smoke the flesh of elves with hot hellish peppers. A single sulfurous tear rolled down his face. Those were the times.

  Oh, I'm fine with whatever decisions you make my friends. Now that I know the location of my dreaded enemy, my heart is entertained with plans of revenge 

And as he bit the food, he smiled and imagined.
Alhallor
 Oh, thanks a lot! I'll show you right after the meal. 

You're being lead down a flat ramp to the basement, it's filled with a lot of food (or what passes as food for some) items, there is also a weird moan clearly to be heard with Guldes immediately shivering.  There! I heard it again. 
 
 Spoiler: Mound 
"hI! i'M HerE! PleAsE, HelP! TheY aRe ToRtuRIng mE! PlEaSe, hELp!"
You can easily follow the direction of the other mound asking for help.
 


You can also feel a slight... Warm draft from a clearly badly constructed wall, that does not seem to be important for the integrity of the structure.
Ridai
Re-emerging from the bowl, the silktail's face is plastered with salad. Nothing a big circular slurp with his tongue can't fix, leaving him squeaky clean (relatively).

Hopping after Guldes, Bommel  shudders  bravely faces the weird moans, and quickly identifies the Suspicious Wall. It cannot deceive him!

  "Winter Forest Style: Giant Hail Boulder Strike, HAIYAAAA!"   And Bommel launches himself at the dastardly wall to punch it with an ear.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
Bommel switches out Burning Brand in favor of Mountain Hammer.

And Bommel attacks the Suspicious Wall with  Giant Hail Boulder Strike  Mountain Hammer. Power Attack -5
 (1d2+11)[ 12 ]  bludgeoning damage +  (2d6)[ 4 ] . Damage ignores DR and hardness
 
Alhallor
Bommel launches himself through the air directly at the wall and leaves a... Perfectly Bommel sized hole in it, it was as easily as cutting through undead with a holy sword. A few seconds after the wall falls at Bommel! Only to fall exactly in the way that the bommel sized hole falls through Bommel leaving the now defenseless wall in bricks.

The moaning and weird sounds seem to be even more pronounced and after a short sprint through some tunnels.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Enough time to give Bommel back Mountain hammer.
 


You arrive at a pretty big cavern, it's kinda lit with some luminous fungus and there you see... A pretty big mound. Even bigger than Morazzt, with some dwarfs on it's back with weird saws in they're hands. Before him are several goblins and more dwarfs, what is different with this mound however is that he's not made out of plant matter but seems to be mostly made out of grey steel, but you can see some vines that seem to be made out of copper, silver and gold!

The dwarfs seem to be talking with each other and the goblins are busy cutting at some of the steely fines, currently it seems you haven't been spotted.

 
 Spoiler: Map 
 Didn't forget to post the map in! 
 

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Because of the good food you're currently under a "Good hope" like effect, giving you a +2 to all d20 rolls (including attacks, but not damage, even if it should be somehow d20's.)
 
Metastachydium
The moaning from below elicits a moment of shocked silence from Morazzt the Mound; there seems to be fear in the shock, but a different kind of fear than the Salamander's. Worry. And  anger . The moment the wall falls, the Mound bursts forward, hustling as fast as those stumpy legs allow for. And then, Morazzt the Mound  sees  it. And then, it's not anger anymore. It's  rage .

A drawn out, gurgling moan resounds in the cavern.  WE aRE coMInG! We aRe COMing!  Morazzt the MOund adds for extra emphasis. And Morazzt the Mound explodes forward, and vines explode forward from Morazzt the Mound, at the closest Dwarf.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Morazzt the Mound is PISSED! Moves to ST6/7;
standard action attack/attacks the chainsaw Dwarf:  (1d20+11)[ 30 ]  for  (3d6+4)[ 19 ]  and
 (1d20+11)[ 25 ]  for  (3d6+4)[ 16 ] ,
initiating a grapple if both hit:  (1d20+14)[ 27 ] .
 
Auranghzeb
Lovely, thinks Impigo, battle at last against these no-good dwarfs!


He dips a tiny arrow with poison and shoots at the magic looking dwarf across the room, Impigo, an honorable duelist, has no honor to spare for those who enrage the Mound!

 
 Spoiler: Finally, a mage! 
Swift, adopt Punishing stance.
Move: draw bow an arrow and dip the arrow in poison.
Standard: Shoot at the dwarf at J 14 with no warning.  (1d20+14)[ 33 ]  damage  (1d3)[ 2 ]  if the creature can cast spells (divine or arcane) then add 5+ highest spell level to damage.
Dispelling effect from arrows: Will DC 19 or creature struck gets all their items dispelled.
Posion: Fort negates DC17  (1d6)[ 1 ]  dex damage
 
Ridai
When the Shadow Ear furrows his brow, you know things are about to get serious.

  "You big meanies! Burning Vengeance Corrective Slapassacre!"   Bommel yells as he turns into a bouncing blur, appearing behind the chainsaw dwarf further away from the group.   "Completely personal, kid!"   And he drops a flaming hailstorm of ear slaps and blobbings on the fool, with extreme prejudice! Even bites the beard! That's how serious things are!

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
 Swift  Use Burning Blade maneuver to add 1d6+5 fire damage to all attacks for the turn.

 Full Action  Move and full attack the dwarf in L6! All attacks count as magic and adamantine, and deal nonlethal damage at no penalty. Power Attack -2 to-hit for +4 damage. +2 attack from Good (Hope) Food.
Bite  (1d20+18)[ 22 ] , for  (1d3+14)[ 16 ]  physical damage +  (1d6+5)[ 7 ]  fire damage
Ear 1  (1d20+18)[ 27 ] , for  (1d2+8)[ 10 ]  piercing and slashing damage +  (1d6+5)[ 7 ]  fire damage
Ear 2  (1d20+18)[ 34 ] , for  (1d2+8)[ 10 ]  piercing and slashing damage +  (1d6+5)[ 11 ]  fire damage
Unarmed blob 1  (1d20+19)[ 31 ] , for  (1d2+8)[ 10 ]  piercing and slashing damage +  (1d6+5)[ 10 ]  fire damage
Unarmed blob 2  (1d20+14)[ 28 ] , for  (1d2+8)[ 10 ]  piercing and slashing damage +  (1d6+5)[ 7 ]  fire damage

Gains concealment from Child of Shadows stance for moving 10+ft, until the start of Bommel's next turn.

If attacks are left over, Bommel spreads remaining attacks at the nearby goblins.
 
Metastachydium
 
 Originally Posted by Metastachydium 
 The moaning from below elicits a moment of shocked silence from Morazzt the Mound; there seems to be fear in the shock, but a different kind of fear than the Salamander's. Worry. And  anger . The moment the wall falls, the Mound bursts forward, hustling as fast as those stumpy legs allow for. And then, Morazzt the Mound  sees  it. And then, it's not anger anymore. It's  rage .

A drawn out, gurgling moan resounds in the cavern.  W E aRE  c   oM In G! W e a R e  COM in   g!     Morazzt the MOund adds for extra emphasis. And Morazzt the Mound explodes forward, and vines explode forward from Morazzt the Mound, at the closest Dwarf.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Morazzt the Mound is PISSED! Moves to ST6/7;
standard action attack/attacks the chainsaw Dwarf:  (2d6+6)[ 11 ]  for [roll1] and
[roll2] for [roll3],
initiating a grapple if both hit: [roll4].
 
 
 

 
 Spoiler: Constrict! 

Constrict:  (2d6+6)[ 11 ] 
 
Alhallor
Morazzt extends his vines rapidly, getting one of the dwarfs in his grip. The dwarf swinged at the vines with his weird saw, but missed get's drawn toward the Mound and heavily crushed. The dwarf, cries out, filled with bloodlust he brings his saw to work against the mound, cutting into him!

 
 Spoiler: Attack against Morazzt. 

Attack:  (1d20+13)[ 30 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+10)[ 18 ]  If hit reduces every DR by 2 for the rest of the fight.
Attack:  (1d20+9)[ 10 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+10)[ 18 ]  If hit reduces every DR by 2 for the rest of the fight.
 


Impigo takes aim, hitting the dwarfen mage bullseye but his general dwarfiness seems to prevent that the poison or the dispelling takes hold. Though his tiny arrow does seem to hit the dwarf pretty hard.

 
 Spoiler: Impigo 
The dwarf is able to cast up to 4th level spells.
 


The dwarf screams something and rubs some glistening powder on himself.

 
 Spoiler: Spellcraft: 19 
The dwarf casts Stoneskin on himself.
 


The other dwarf begins to sing an enchanting song in honor of the greedy digger which seems to motivate anyone. Well, not you.

 
 Spoiler: Spellcraft= 18 
The other dwarf casts Prayer.
 

 
 Spoiler: OOC, Team 
You get -1 to attack, damage, saves and skill checks.
 


Bommel nearly seeming like he teleports around, pummels the dwarf which corrects him so much, that he has to sit and think about his life decisions for a while (he becomes unconscious), Bommel also have enough momentum to strike one of the goblins.

The goblin however get's placed out with... Pretty much another goblin, who says to the small Bommel.  I'll make a nice cap out of you, small one!  And attacks! Which motivates all goblins to swarm around poor Bommel and attack heavily, while seemingly attacking from all angles at once!

 
 Spoiler: Attack against Bommel 
Oooohkay.

Goblin captain:

Bommel level check:  (1d20+9)[ 25 ]  I don't think that Bommel has modifiers against fear.
Intimidate check:  (1d20+15)[ 27 ] 
If intimidate is over the level check, gain shaken condition.

Attack against Bommel:  (1d20+16)[ 17 ]  Miss chance  (1d100)[ 15 ] , Miss chance 2  (1d100)[ 27 ]  two times because of Blind fight. 20 or lower ON BOTH is a miss.
Damage:  (3d6+9)[ 22 ] 

Goblin 1
Attack against Bommel:  (1d20+12)[ 21 ]  +4 if the goblin captain hit;  (1d100)[ 31 ]  20 or lower is a miss.
Damage: 1d12+6[/ROLL]

Goblin 2
Attack against Bommel:  (1d20+12)[ 20 ]  +4 if the other captain hit;  (1d100)[ 30 ]  20 or lower is a miss.
Damage: 1d12+6[/ROLL]

Goblin 3
Attack against Bommel:  (1d20+12)[ 26 ]  +4 if the other captain hit;  (1d100)[ 24 ]  20 or lower is a miss.
Damage: 1d12+6[/ROLL]
 


The metal mound seems to try to help, but can't really move much.
Auranghzeb
Impigo is blinded by hatred at the confirmation that one of the dwarves is a wizard! Using his chronocarhm of the horizon walker and his normal fly movement, he flings himself next to the putrid spellcaster!


 
 Spoiler: Spellcraft rolls 
Spellcraft  (1d20+12)[ 27 ] 
 

 Miserable mage, you don't get to win this battle by thy wit nor thy spells! Fight me as you should! 


Once next to the wizard, Impigo lunges with his sting aiming to dispel the creature's effects.

 
 Spoiler: Karsus dispel: 
Touch attack  (1d20+13)[ 23 ] 
Targeted dispel magic:  (1d20+8)[ 18 ]  vs 10+CL
 
Ridai
The axe-wielding goblins suddenly tower over tiny Bommel, and threaten to make a hat out of him! The silktail's ears flatten against his round body, sweat drops run quickly, and Bommel vibrates in place as the mental images flood in.

  "H-ha-h- ha,  a-a-and you smell b-bad, you m-m-meanie!"   Damn, got 'em.

  "R-Rabite H-hat P-P-Preventation Flurry!"   And the resulting storm of slaps, blobs, and bites is so masterful, someone not in the know of the deep Shadow Ear martial arts secrets may think it looks like panicky flailing in the threatening goblin's direction, followed by hopping out from between the many big gobbos and their big axes that want to make hats out of rabites!

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
 Full Action  Full attack the goblin who wants to make a hat out of Bommel! All attacks count as magic and adamantine, and deal nonlethal damage at no penalty. Power Attack -2 to-hit for +4 damage. +2 from Good (Hope) Food, -2 from being shaken.
Bite  (1d20+16)[ 21 ] , for  (1d3+14)[ 17 ]  physical damage
Ear 1  (1d20+16)[ 26 ] , for  (1d2+8)[ 9 ]  piercing and slashing damage
Ear 2  (1d20+16)[ 31 ] , for  (1d2+8)[ 10 ]  piercing and slashing damage
Unarmed blob 1  (1d20+17)[ 29 ] , for  (1d2+8)[ 10 ]  piercing and slashing damage
Unarmed blob 2  (1d20+12)[ 26 ] , for  (1d2+8)[ 10 ]  piercing and slashing damage

Bommel also jumps to H12 with Tumble  (1d20+20)[ 38 ] 

Gains concealment from Child of Shadows stance for moving 10+ft, until the start of Bommel's next turn. Leftover attacks get re-distributed as usual.
 
Metastachydium
 I  doN'T LIK e y OU! Y o U SH o  ulD sTOp C   uT TIn g peO plE  !    Morazzt the Mound tells the Dwarf with utmost seriosity,squeezing harder, just as Morazzt the Mound's various viny bits snake away from the snake as though moving of their own accord, absorbing the juices squeezed out of the Dwarf in the meantime with an equally blasé automatism.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Immediate action negate half the damage from the saw (Thick Vegetation);
free action heal for  5  hp (Rotting Suffocation);
maintain the grapple:  (1d20+16)[ 34 ]  for  (2d6+5)[ 9 ]  Constrict damage, healing half of the damage dealt (as above);
try to get in a punch edgewise:  (1d20+6)[ 19 ]  for  (3d6+3)[ 9 ] ,
automatically healing the big metallic Mound for  2  hp if succesful (Martial Spirit).
 
Alhallor
----------------Impigo----------------

Impigo dashes towards the wizard and with merely a touch he dispels the magic that the dwarf has laid upon himself.

"As you wish!"

Sickly green energies swirl around the dwarven wizards hands as he touches Impigo, draining him of his strength (if he hits).

 
 Spoiler: Spellcraft 18 
Casts Vampiric Touch
 

 
 Spoiler:  attack against Impigo 
TOUCH attack against Impigo:  (1d20+7)[ 19 ] 
Damage:  (4d6)[ 10 ] 
 


"Get the devil!"

The other dwarf makes some sharp motions against Impigo which makes a spectral dwarf appear that rushes towards Impigo, wildly swinging picks.

 
 Spoiler: Spellcraft 18 
Casts Spiritual Charger
 

 
 Spoiler: Attack against Impigo 
NORMAL Attack:  (1d20+14)[ 33 ] 
Damage:  (2d8+2)[ 8 ] 
 


The spectral dwarf still stays around after that, with a mean glimmer in his eyes.

As an afterthought the other dwarf also makes a small motion, letting a glimmering coin fall towards the fighting goblin.

 
 Spoiler: Spellcraft= 17 
Casts close wounds on the Goblin leader, heals  (2d4)[ 6 ] 
 


------------Bommel-----------------

Bommel's scared flailing manages to hit the goblin four times.

"Definite Rabite hat acclaiming burn!"

As an answer to Bommels flailing the Goblin answers with a burning touch, hitting the rabites fur.

 
 Spoiler: Bommel, counter 
Touch attack:  (1d20+14)[ 15 ] 
Fire damage:  (4d6)[ 10 ] 
 


When Bommel jumps away the other goblins can't use his movement to attack but they circle him again all the same, flurrying him with a shower of axe-blows.

"Smash the enemy!"

 
 Spoiler: Attack against Bommel 

Goblin captain:  (1d20+16)[ 23 ]  Miss chance 1:  (1d100)[ 11 ]  Miss chance 2:  (1d100)[ 18 ]  Only misses when both roll under 20.
Damage:  (3d6+9)[ 21 ]  and  (2d6)[ 7 ]  Ignores DR and hardness.

Goblin 1
Attack against Bommel:  (1d20+12)[ 31 ] ;  (1d100)[ 65 ]  20 or lower is a miss.
Damage:  (1d12+6)[ 7 ] 

Goblin 2
Attack against Bommel:  (1d20+12)[ 20 ] ;  (1d100)[ 66 ]  20 or lower is a miss.
Damage:  (1d12+6)[ 8 ] 

Goblin 3
Attack against Bommel:  (1d20+12)[ 28 ] ;  (1d100)[ 78 ]  20 or lower is a miss.
Damage:  (1d12+6)[ 15 ] 
 


---------------Morazzt-------------

Morazzt is able to maintain his grapple but the crazed dwarf still try's to bring his weapon against him.

 
 Spoiler: Attack against Morazzt 


Attack 1: (1d20+13)[ 32 ] 
Damage 1:  (2d6+10)[ 22 ] 

Attack 2: (1d20+13)[ 31 ] 
Damage 2:  (2d6+10)[ 17 ] 

If hit reduces every DR by 2 for the rest of the fight.
 


The big metal mound seems to be pretty afraid of doing much, but he stretches itself towards Morazzt to possibly help him.

 
 Spoiler: Map 
 Forgot the map... 
 
Ridai
Bommel rolls out of the way of the sudden Goblin Hatmaker Style attack, but still gets flattened by more strikes.

Popping back up to his normal volume and dimensions, but sporting a bandaid or two, he counters with   "Spring Forest Style: Nuh-Uh No Jutsu!"   And he hops over the goblin boss to martial artsily bite him on his big stupid face!

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
 Standard  Soaring Raptor Strike vs the goblin boss. Bommel has to beat the target's AC with a Jump check, which literally can't fail. +4 to attack, +6d6 damage. Power Attack -2 to-hit for +4 damage. +2 from Good (Hope) Food. Damage still nonlethal.
Bite  (1d20+22)[ 26 ] , for  (1d3+14)[ 17 ]  +  (6d6)[ 27 ]  physical damage

 Move  Hop back over the goblins, tumble to J10  (1d20+20)[ 29 ] 

Gains concealment from Child of Shadows stance for moving 10+ft, until the start of Bommel's next turn.
 
Auranghzeb
The mage touches Impigo with vampiric intentions, but the spell fizzles on Impigo's magic resistant skin, disipating harmlessly and tickling Impigo into a grin.

The spectral charger bounces agains tiny miniature impigo as if against the solid wall of a castle.

Impigo's grin grows even bigger!


 Little mage lost it's way! I'll sting him to find it! 


And twice attacked the Dwarven mage!

 
 Spoiler: Rolls 
Sting first attack:  (1d20+15)[ 19 ]  damage  (1d4+12)[ 15 ]  (-1 str +5cha+8(spell level x2)) + (1d6)[ 2 ]  from punishing stance.
Sting second attack:  (1d20+9)[ 25 ]  damage  (1d4+12)[ 16 ]  (-1 str +5cha+8(spell level x2)) + (1d6)[ 6 ]  from punishing stance.

If any hit then DC 18 poison  (1d6)[ 4 ]  dex damage.
 
Metastachydium
 I  saI  D StoP C u TT iNg P  eOPle, i  t'S RU de!  YoU a rE  A  baD P ErsO N!   Morazzt the Mound gurgles at the Saw Dwarf, giving it one more good squeeze and one more slap over the head, the thick, moist matter of Morazzt the Mound continuing to undulate about the saw.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Morazzt the MOund immediate action negates half of all damaeg dealt once more (Thick Vegetation); throws in
some more squeezing, with Constrict:  (1d20+16)[ 32 ]  for  (2d6+6)[ 17 ] ;
free action heals half that damage (Fertilizer);
tries to punch the Dwarf once more with Crusader's Strike:  (1d20+6)[ 19 ]  for  (3d6+4)[ 12 ] ,
healing the big metallic Mound for  (1d6+3)[ 4 ]  hp if it hits,
and helaing Morazzt the Mound for  2  hp if it hits.

Meanwhile, let's see the timer on Rotting Suffocation:  (2d4)[ 7 ] 
 
Alhallor
Bommels mighty Nu-uh no Jutsu fells the leader of the goblin pack, when he falls down and hits the ground the other goblins stand there for a moment, One of them pops open a bottle. "You beat the boss. You're a mighty small rabite." and offers Bommel a drink, while another try's to give the downed boss one. While the rest of the battle is still raging on.

 
 Spoiler: OOC, Bommel 
The goblin offers you an alcoholic beverage, you can make a Knowledge:Local roll regarding Goblins if you want.
And the goblins do give you AoO's if you want to take them.
 


With the spells not being able to affect Impigo at all and his stinger used expertly, the dwarfen mage seems to be in a bit of panic. He retreats towards the other dwarf, ducking to avoid any attack of Impigo.

 
 Spoiler: Impigo 
Retreat action, no AoO.
 


Instead of healing the retreating dwarf the other dwarf holds up a sphere and throws it towards Impigo. The sphere transforms into a heavy pick that the ghostly dwarf catches and attacks Impigo with!

 MY TREASURE! 
 
 Spoiler: Impigo 
Two SR checks.
SR 1:  (1d20+6)[ 17 ]  Charger
SR 2:  (1d20+9)[ 10 ]  Weapon.

Charger
normal attack:  (1d20+14)[ 24 ] 
damage:  (2d8+2)[ 9 ]  Force damage

Weapon
normal attack:  (1d20+16)[ 29 ] 
damage:  (3d6+3)[ 20 ]  magic weapon piercing damage

If charger or weapon don't get above you're SR you can ignore them.
 


Morazzt finally crushes the saw-wielding dwarf, with some help of the metal mound (which seems very thankful for the healing).

 
 Spoiler: Updated map 
 I can't see the forest with all that mounds! 
 
Metastachydium
Tossing the Nepharious Saw Dwarf aside, Morazzt the Mound valiantly plods on to try and interpose Morazzt the Mound between the other Mound and the other spellcaster person, the former getting an encouraging gurgle noise.  M Ay I IM  pIGo  ?   Morazzt the Mound asks, to be certain that Morazzt the Mound is not stealing the fun of a valued friendly companion, even as two bundles of vines shoot forward to catch the enemy still standing (and not offering drinks).

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Move to Q/R-11/12;
heal self for  2 hp  with Martial Spirit;
standard action slam-slam the enemy on P15:  (1d20+10)[ 27 ]  for  (3d6+4)[ 14 ]  and
 (1d20+10)[ 18 ]  for  (3d6+4)[ 17 ] ,
initiating a grappl,e if both hit:  (1d20+15)[ 18 ] ,
Constricting if that succeeds for  (2d6+6)[ 15 ] ,
and healing half of  that , if it deals damage.

Also, I forgot Morazzt is a  Crusader , so weird random rolls time:
 (4d5)[ 2 ][ 4 ][ 5 ][ 4 ](15) 
 
Metastachydium
 
 Originally Posted by Metastachydium 
  
 Spoiler 
Also, I forgot Morazzt is a  Crusader , so weird random rolls time:
[roll6]
 
 
 

 
 Spoiler: More OOC 

Damn, I did that wrong. So, again:
 (1d4)[ 3 ] 
 (1d3)[ 1 ] 
 (1d3)[ 3 ] 
 
Auranghzeb
Impigo nods to the mound and simply tries to touch and dispel the magic charger facing him.

 Your arcane middling can only delay what's inevitable. Surrender! 
 
 Spoiler: OoC 
Dispel touch vs Charger touch attack:  (1d20+13)[ 17 ]  then CL check to dispel vs 11+CL  (1d20+8)[ 15 ] 
 
Ridai
Bommel squints up at the goblin trying to  poison  him, hops up and slaps the bad stuff out of the goblin's hand.   "Drinking poison is bad for you! Carrot juice makes you strong! And no more being meanies, you hear?"   And with the goblins  told , Bommel bommels away to bommel some sense into the meanie dwarf mageytypes!

Thus, he lands on the head of the dwarf near Impigo to deliver some corrective blobbing, before jumping off to do the same with the other dwarf near Morazzt.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
 Full Action  Moving and full attack dwarf in J16, then P15! All attacks count as magic and adamantine, and deal nonlethal damage at no penalty. Power Attack -2 to-hit for +4 damage.
Bite (at J16)  (1d20+16)[ 34 ] , for  (1d3+14)[ 17 ]  physical damage
Ear 1 (at J16)  (1d20+16)[ 31 ] , for  (1d2+8)[ 9 ]  piercing and slashing damage
Ear 2 (at P15)  (1d20+16)[ 23 ] , for  (1d2+8)[ 10 ]  piercing and slashing damage
Unarmed blob 1 (at P15)  (1d20+17)[ 22 ] , for  (1d2+8)[ 9 ]  piercing and slashing damage
Unarmed blob 2 (at P15)  (1d20+12)[ 32 ] , for  (1d2+8)[ 10 ]  piercing and slashing damage

Gains concealment from Child of Shadows stance for moving 10+ft, until the start of Bommel's next turn.
 
Alhallor
Impigo's magic dispelling touch hits the spectral dwarf who begins to dissipate with some unfitting screaming, the fast is the last thing to go and the eyes of the dwarf who begin to resemble gold coins gives Impigo one death stare.  You won't get my treasure... 

With Morazzt and Bommel getting the last standing dwarfs down, the fight is over. The goblins are punching they're leader who gets up in a friendly way and they get over towards the group, offering drinks.

"That was a great fight guys! Didn't thought we would get ANY action guarding that thing."

The metal mound shudders and seems to flatten out with some heavy heaving... And a way smaller creature made of stone with veines of other material included gets out of the big metal mound. It stretches itself and procures some grating gurgling noises that nonetheless sound very thankful.

 
 Spoiler: Loot 
For easier loot stuff I'm gonna assume that Nevral has opened up shop somewhere and identifies stuff for you.

The chainsaw dwarfs

have 2 +1 Chainsaws (that sell like +1 Scythe's) who need an Exotic weapon proficiency to use and they're also seem to need some kind of fuel...
They're also have some kind of weird plating and leather armor (basically +1 chain mails).

The magic dwarfs

1 +2 intelligence headband
1 +2 wisdom amulet
masterwork splint mail
5 potions of mage armor
a hammersphere
3 potions of cure moderate wounds.
3x diamond dust that is exactly worth 250 Gold (can be sold for the full price)

The goblins offer you some stuff for besting them.

5 diverse alcoholic beverages.
1 wine of Magic Fang +3.
 
Ridai
Bommel squints some more at the goblins for wanting to poison him  again . Taking away all the combat-y stuff from the various dwarves, he demands   "What's going on here anyway? Why were the dwarves doing bad things to, uh, that one?"  
Metastachydium
Morazzt the Mound pats the top of the Other Mound, swiftly electrocuting them in the process, appending the Shambler Gurgling equivalent of "it is all going to be fine now" to the gesture, before waving the other vine at the oddly friendly Goblins, making sure Morazzt the Mound doesn't accidentally slaps any of them while at that. They  are  oddly friendly now, after all.  Y eS! YOu doN' T  Sou ND LIK   e BAd  Peo PL E, b Ut HURtinG    MOUNDS   i s me A N. WH  y DId yOU H ELp the SE Dwa rF P E oPlE be M  Ean?   
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Shocking Grasp on the Oher Mound, granting  (1d4)[ 4 ]  points of temporary CON.
 
Auranghzeb
Impigo approaches the defeated wizard.

 One less of these filthy enslavers. 

He takes the headband with his tiny hands from the messy pulp of a skull that Bommel pummeled.
With his Karsus enhanced eyes he detects the magic items.

 I'll claim this, unless Senor Mound or Senor Bommel want them.  
Metastachydium
  Mor A   ZZ  t, n Ot se N-Y -o- R.   Morazzt the Mound helpfully corrects Impigo, indicating, with a casual wave of a vine, that the little Devil can, of course, have the funny trinket that's probably magical.
Ridai
  "Go ahead!"   Bommel says to Impigo, along with a full-body nod.
Alhallor
The goblins seem... Pretty casual that the ones they were fighting against get essentially mugged and the leader answers.

"Oi, they're just needed some people to help with some kind of mining operation? And we did need the money or we wouldn't had anymore grakz."

"Grakz, grakz, grakz!"

 
 Spoiler: Goblin or I guess other posibilities to understand languages 
Grakz is the goblin name for both food and drink to live and they're national drink, the Grakz. Some kind of fizzing drink but unlike beer.
 


"They're just told us that they had some kind of dangerous metal that needed to be mined. We thought it would be like a more hard jelly and not some actual peoples."

 
 Spoiler: Sense motive 15 
They tell the truth about that.
 


The mound who get's shocked gurgles thankfully and indicates with some intricate vine motions that it will gladly cross the hot river and try to avoid any dwarfs in the future.
Ridai
  "Hmmmm, okay then! I guess, uh, grax is pretty important. No more being meanies for grax, though!"   Bommel tells the goblins. He hops over to see if the metal-mound is okay (quick look to Morazzt for wiggle translation).

  "Guess we should report back that the basement is less spooky now!"   And if the others agree, that is indeed what the Shadow Ear hops to do. While of course leading the non-Morazzt-mound safely outside.
Auranghzeb
Impigo despises goblins, but he keeps his violence for mages and dwarves.

 This is a dwarven city, I wonder if we can really take these dwarves to Justice... What is it they even were doing here 
Alhallor
The goblins seem pretty conflicted about Bommel's request but they do seem to agree at the end.

"That's a pretty rough order, boss. But alright we try to withhold form the meanie business."

Towards Impigo. "I doubt they'd try to do anything mayor without Don Xeraan's permission, you could try to bring them to the court but... You're probably end up needing to pay up. Money runs everything here."

When you get back towards the basement of the "naughty mermaid" the salamander already greets you with a "have you cleared up the... Oh?" The metal mound is happy to get out and then... Goes towards the lava, floating away on it, waving you goodbye.

"I'm not gonna ask you any questions, I'm just glad that you seemed to have taken care of the spooky."
Auranghzeb
 Say what you will of the Nine Hells, but at least we have LAWS there, Evil Laws. 

Says Impigo, lawfully legally angry.


 Turns out you had termites under the canteen. Do you have more of those delicious spicy peppers? 
Metastachydium
 V erY B A d terM I TEs.  Wi   tH  SA Ws !    Morazzt the Mound adds, all in agreement, pressed against all of the doorframe as Morazzt the Mound waves back to Other the Mound, floating away, hopefully to safety. Impigo is probably right too, Morazzt the Mound figures. Maybe they should collect those bad Dwarves and do something about them.
Ridai
Bommel didn't even see any termites. Morazzt and Impigo made them go away before he could even know they were there!  Woah! 

The silktail waves goodbye to the more metal-y mound.

  "So we are looking for the finger wizard next?"  
Alhallor
 Termites you say? Guess you'd need a bit more food after that. 

Impigo get's some more deliciously hellish peppers, while you're still getting you're second helping one of the goblin get's to you, handing the group a sack with 500 Gold in it.

"We decided to take the leftovers and sell it. You have earned you're fair share."

The lair of the finger-wizard should be like half a day away from Xerania, according to Impigo's info.
Alhallor
After making some last supply runs, you get out towards the lair of the six-fingered wizard.

Getting out of town is no problem with you're papers acquired the stream of people wanting to get in and out also seems to have been slightly subsided.

You're travels take you half a day through abandoned tunnels, they are some dwarves who check to tunnels for integrity but you see not much more on the way. The lair of the wizard is also pretty nondescriptive, it seems like it's just a hole in the tunnel but when you step inside you see... Darkness.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
The tunnels had lights, most of the lair will be dark, but it's no problem to take a tunnel light from the walls who are filled with brightly luminating insects (same as a lantern)
 


If you can see in the dark or have brought a light you see something that seems like an waiting room in any other setting. The thing that doesn't fit in are the haphazardly strewn across bones. They're is no smell of decay in the air, it seems more like old, dusty air.

 
 Spoiler: map 
 WELCOME! In my lair. 
 
Ridai
Bommel hops along the market, selling some things, and acquiring two neat training bandanas! And they even heal him!

At the tunnel, the Shadow Ear has a little sniff of the air, inclines to have a think, and puts one of the glowy bugs on top of himself. Armed with a light source, he hops inside, seeing... bones! Many bones! He perks up, glowy bug bouncing up and down once.

  "M-maybe it's just decoration, right? Haha... ha..."  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 
Bommel sells one chainsaw, both magic leather armors, and the splint mail. Everyone gets 831gp. Bommel then buys two healing belts, and heals himself with them, using 5 of the 6 charges.

At the lair, he switches to Hunter's Scent, using the granted scent ability to see if anything lies in wait while he hops inside.
 
Metastachydium
Morazzt the Mound's thoughts are chiefly elsewhere throughout the journey, but as they reach the entry point of Impigio's Really Bad Evil Enemy's Lair, Morazzt the Mound suddenly remembers Morazzt the Mound forgot to even ask the others if they need healing after the Saw Termite Dwarf battle and so Bommel had to heal himself himself. Which Morazzt the Mound didn't do, even as another battle is approaching (or, as the case may be, is being approached).

To at least remedy that (making up for the thoughtlessness towards Bommel will have to wait, sadly), Morazzt the Mound casually slaps Morazzt the Mound with a vine, sending small bolts of lightning crackling all about Morazzt the Mound. So revitalized, the Shambler follows the brave Rabite in, beginning to glow with pleasant, warm light (and temporarily plugging the whole side tunnel shut as a side effect of the slow but steady advance).   YoU  ca N puT thA t PO   OR BU g dOWn,  BOMM e l, I  sh OULd  be E  nouG  h for NO W.  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Shocking Grasp temporary CON attack:  (1d4)[ 3 ] ;
Morazzt then free action activates Nimbus of Light;
and squeezes!
 
Auranghzeb
Impigo cannot believe this is really happening. As they arrive at the entrance of his worst enemy lair, he readies himself with a special gift for the Six-Fingered Wizard and taking a scroll from his pack he Uses Magic Device to make his natural poison more deadly!

 
 Spoiler: UMD Venom 

 (1d20+15)[ 25 ]  vs DC 25 (Venom fire minimum CL is 5 so it's 20+5)

If succeed, Impigo's venom will do 5d6 acid for the next 5 hours. Note that it is additional damage to the poison, so it only applies if the creature fails the save, it is already cheesy as it is.
 


Then he moves valiantyl into the darkness before Morazz and Bommel light it up, as his Infernal eyes can penetrate the deepest darkness of hell!
Alhallor
Impigo's sting is imbued with additional magic from his mighty scroll, when he flies further he can see... Dwarfs. But they look kinda strange, being pretty grey and wearing some full-body-armor with a hammer and claw attached. As soon as they see Impigo they double in size, brandishing they're weapons.

Another on of these strange dwarfs is fully-robed like a sorcerer and casted a spell as soon as Impigo has gone into view.

When Morazzt squeezes in, the chairs who are covered in red silk give a stark contrast towards the totally white bones that almost look like they have been bleached and grinded with emery to let them shine and gleam.

"You have not been invited!"

Screams a voice, a sceletal dragon fully emerges from some of the bones, cutting off Impigo who flew forward and the rest of the team.

"Go back and you won't be harmed!"

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
One dwarf got into the stink...  (1d20+6)[ 9 ]  Against 15 or nauseated.
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 
 It's a nice lair 
 
Auranghzeb
Impigo is startled by the size-changing dwarfs and their threats.


 What are these!? 

He wonders, but he also knows the answer is not important: they are protecting the six-fingered Wizard. They either move away, or they will perish.


  My name is Impigo Montoya! Let us pass and YOU won't be harmed!  

He says, puffing his impish chest and looking at them sideways!


 
 Spoiler: Rolls 
 (1d20+13)[ 26 ]  Spellcraft
[roll]1d20+17[/intimidate]-4 per each size category I'm smaller (so that's at least a -12 lol)
 
Auranghzeb
Seeing that these fools were were mindlessly menacing him and his noble friends, Impigo lunges next to the Sorcerer avoiding the giant dwarfs!


 OUT OF MY WAY OXIMORONS!  

He yells as his sting seeks only the spellcaster at the back


 
 Spoiler: Actions 
Swift: Chrono Charm to move 25' into melee range of the sorcerer

Free Demoralize:  (1d20+17)[ 28 ]  -4 per size category of differency. Impigo is Tiny.
Full attack with Sting  (1d20+13)[ 26 ] 
 (1d4-1)[ 3 ]  plus 5+2XHigher spell possible  plus poison DC 18 Poison damage [roll]1d6[/dex] damage  (5d6)[ 18 ] acid damage

 (1d20+7)[ 13 ] 
 (1d4-1)[ 0 ]  plus 5+2XHigher spell possible  plus poison DC 18 Poison damage [roll]1d6[/dex] damage  (5d6)[ 27 ] acid damage
 
Ridai
Since Morazzt starts to glow (which is very handy!), Bommel puts the glowy bug back where he found it, patting it a little to say sorry.

Once inside and seeing the shadowy dwarves, Bommel narrows his eyes.    "Shwarves..."    He hops into battle position (meaning at a slight angle and with his ears at the ready), he says   "I am Shadow Ear Bommel, Disciple of the Way of Many Ears, Seeker of the Black Rabite. Prepare to d-d-d-d-"   The formation of a bone dragon right in front of him does lead to a fair bit of stuttering, looking up at the towering creature with briefly flattened ears.   "...duel?"  

Well, here he is now. In for a lucre, in for a gold?

Bommel boings into the air above the dragon.   "Spring Sky Mortar Blob,  ohhhhhhh !"   And he crashes down on the dragon skeleton's face, before bouncing off to the side.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
Bommel starts in Child of Shadow Stance.

 Standard  Soaring Raptor Strike vs the skeleton dragon. Jump check vs AC is basically an auto-success, which grants +4 attack and +6d6 damage. Power Attack for -2 attack, +4 damage via Earwraps (Armbands) of Might.
Bite attack  (1d20+21)[ 39 ] ,  (1d3+15)[ 18 ]  +  (6d6)[ 23 ]  damage

 Move  Tumble on over to O13. Tumble check  (1d20+20)[ 37 ] . The movement triggers Child of Shadow, granting Bommel concealment until the start of his next turn.
 
Metastachydium
Shwr… Shwrf… Shw… SHWARVES? So  this  is what those are, it dawns upon Morazzt the Mound. Where is that nice fish person when the world needs him the most, he wonders on. At any rate, polite as they might be, Morazzt the Mound can tell that Bommel and  especially  Impigo don't like these people, and the latter was very clear in affirming they work for someone very bad too, and for Morazzt the Mound that is enough. With but a tentative  I T's nO T yOu, i t'S  Y Our ME A N LEadER F igu Re!   uttered as an apology in advance, vines shoot out to aid the little Rabite of Doom in his endeavour.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Morazzt is still a simple Mound of simple pleasures, so attack it is:  (1d20+9)[ 13 ]  for  (3d6+4)[ 16 ]  and
 (1d20+9)[ 18 ]  for  (3d6+4)[ 14 ] ;
if either hits, Bommel gets  2 hp  restored (Martial Spirit stance);
if both hit, it's trying for a free action grapple time:  (1d20+14)[ 18 ] .

Meanwhile, rolling for maneuvers:
 (1d5)[ 4 ]  and  (1d4)[ 4 ] 
 
Alhallor
The shwarves don't seem to be pretty impressed by Impigo's words, well one is definitely because he fears Impigo so much that he pukes his guts out, stumbling toward the bone dragon.

Impigo, almost to late realizes that the robey shwarf was just using a scroll of  Mage Armor  and when his sting connects he also realizes that this guy is not a mage at all!

The shwarfs make they're counterattack with furious hammerswipes while the uncovered one draws a dagger to stab Impigo with in a viscious and brutal way.

 
 Spoiler: Attack against Impigo 

robey shwarf attack:  (1d20+12)[ 26 ] 
Damage:  (1d4+3)[ 4 ]  Sneak attack if hit:  (3d6)[ 10 ]  Flanks with a big dwarf

Hammer swipe 1: (1d20+15)[ 17 ] 
Damage 1:  (2d8+9)[ 22 ] 

Hammer swipe 2: (1d20+15)[ 27 ] 
Damage 1:  (2d8+9)[ 20 ] 
 


One of the other shwarfs retreat and *plunks* himself into the ground to stabilize itself.

The bone dragon get's hit by Bommels mighty attack and by one of MOrazzt vines, it retaliates with a bony bite and sharp pointy claws.

 
 Spoiler: Bite attack against Morazzt 
Attack:  (1d20+17)[ 23 ] 
Damage:  (2d8+10)[ 19 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Claws against Bommel 
Attack 1:  (1d20+12)[ 19 ] 
Damage 1:  (2d6+5)[ 15 ] 

Attack 2:  (1d20+12)[ 24 ] 
Damage 2:  (2d6+5)[ 14 ] 
 


"You have been warned. Release the bones."

In the consultation room, the bones suddenly begin to fly around in a wild pattern, battering Morazzt and Bommel with creeping cold and also sapping they're life, while invigorationg the bone dragon. The chairs however don't seem to be affected.

 
 Spoiler: Morazzt, Bommel 
Damage:  (3d8)[ 13 ]  half cold, half negative energy, no save, Bommel can get the one heal from Morazzt now.
 

 
 Spoiler: Spellcraft 23 
A localized Vortex of Teeth is enveloping Morazzt and Bommel, it also deal cold and negative energy damage.
 
Ridai
Bommel is spiked flat against the ground by a dragon claw, bouncing back into the air with spinning body and spinning eyes. But the silktail will not be deterred so, uh, easily!

A decent counterargument is made, however, in the form of spooky bones doing even spookier things! Thus, they engage in a very cold juggle combo, bouncing Bommel back and forth in the air, leading to even faster spinning eyes!

So it is less Bommel launching an assault on the bone dragon, and more trying to move and warm up and batter away the spooky bones. Which also happens to hit the dragon a whole lot.

  "C-c-c-campfire C-c-c-combo!"   And Bommel just wildly spins and jumps around, off of the flying bones and the dragon-shaped bones, clapping burning ears. The flames get even bigger from Bommel blowing additional air on his ears in hopes of making things warmer.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
Concealment check for the dragon claw attack that hit Bommel last round (21+ hits)  (1d100)[ 23 ] 
 Swift  Use  Burning Blade  maneuver to gain +1d6+5 fire damage to all attacks this turn.

 Full Action  Full attack the bone dragon, then moves over to the west side of the bone dragon (no AoOs by the dragon)! All attacks count as magic and adamantine, and deal nonlethal damage at no penalty. Power Attack -2 to-hit for +4 damage.
Bite  (1d20+16)[ 17 ] , for  (1d3+14)[ 16 ]  physical damage +  (1d6+5)[ 8 ]  fire damage  Nat 1 
Ear 1  (1d20+16)[ 32 ] , for  (1d2+8)[ 10 ]  piercing and slashing damage +  (1d6+5)[ 7 ]  fire damage
Ear 2  (1d20+16)[ 21 ] , for  (1d2+8)[ 10 ]  piercing and slashing damage +  (1d6+5)[ 9 ]  fire damage
Unarmed blob 1  (1d20+17)[ 33 ] , for  (1d2+8)[ 10 ]  piercing and slashing damage +  (1d6+5)[ 11 ]  fire damage
Unarmed blob 2  (1d20+12)[ 32 ] , for  (1d2+8)[ 9 ]  piercing and slashing damage +  (1d6+5)[ 7 ]  fire damage  Nat 20 

Gains concealment from Child of Shadows stance for moving 10+ft, until the start of Bommel's next turn.
 
Metastachydium
Morazzt the Mound didn't quite expect such an utterly vicious form of resistence; the worst part is watching poor Bommel swirl in the bony air: it gives Morazzt the Mound a veritable vertigo of a kind Morazzt the Mound wasn't aware Morazzt the Mound could even experience earlier.  Th AT i S v eRY un n ECCE sA ry.   Morazzt the Mound tries to hurriedly calm the bone dragon with a few friendly pats, figuring this situation requires some quick defusing. Maybe a hug would help with that?

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Martial Spirit healing for  2 hp  for self if any attack hits (ouch);
immediate action use Thick Vegetation to halve the damage from the bite;
accidental friendly Furious Counterstrike standard action Foehammer:  (1d20+10)[ 25 ]  for  (3d6+4)[ 14 ] ,
 (1d20+10)[ 16 ]  for  (3d6+4)[ 13 ] ,
and  (2d6)[ 10 ]  extra damage on a hit (which, at any rate, ignores DR and Hardness);

if both slams hit, Morazzt is trying for a hug:  (1d20+14)[ 33 ]  too.
 
;
Metastachydium
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Oh, right. Maneuvers:  (1d4)[ 2 ] 
 
Auranghzeb
Impigo was proud, headstrong, and daring, but he was no stupid goblin! After taking a heavy beating, it was the moment of a tactical retreat.

He called into his infernal abilities and became invisible, hoping these foes couldn't hammer him to pulp.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
Standard: Spell like ability (No AoO) to turn invisible.
Move away from the big guys.
 (1d20+10)[ 19 ]  move silently.
 
Alhallor
Bommel and Morazzt together bring down the massive bone dragon which falls apart after they're combined attacks. But it doesn't stop the battering of flying bones.

 
 Spoiler: Morazzt 
Morazzt heals 4 HP.
 

 
 Spoiler: Morazzt and Bommel 
Damage:  (3d8)[ 13 ]  Negative energy and ice damage.
 


When Impigo disappears the now giant dwarfs are confused, the robed dwarf try's to help the situation in hissing something in dwarfen.

 
 Spoiler: Dwarven 
Urkl, stay in stability mode, you others, stay ready!
 


He then rummages around to draw another scroll.

 
 Spoiler: Illness roll 
 (1d4+1)[ 3 ] 
 


The puking and heavily breathing dwarf sees Bommel and Morazzt but is to occupied with heaving to alert the other armored dwarfs who stay on the defensive.

 
 Spoiler: Map 
 It's still a lair. 
 


From the south there comes a voice in weird common.

"I smaellll sooomething tooo devooouuuur. Whhheeere issss myyyy fooooooood!??!"
Ridai
An unusually large pink ice cube comes sliding from the room of angry cold bones, thudding against the feet of one of the giant shwarves. The cube cracks, revealing a shaking little silktail, spinning at the maxi-shwarf to warm back up.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
 Full Action  Move to O19 and full attack the shwarf in O20-P21! All attacks count as magic and adamantine, and deal nonlethal damage at no penalty. Power Attack -2 to-hit for +4 damage.
Bite  (1d20+17)[ 22 ] , for  (1d3+14)[ 15 ]  physical damage
Ear 1  (1d20+17)[ 22 ] , for  (1d2+8)[ 9 ]  piercing and slashing damage
Ear 2  (1d20+17)[ 23 ] , for  (1d2+8)[ 9 ]  piercing and slashing damage
Unarmed blob 1  (1d20+18)[ 30 ] , for  (1d2+8)[ 10 ]  piercing and slashing damage
Unarmed blob 2  (1d20+13)[ 23 ] , for  (1d2+8)[ 9 ]  piercing and slashing damage

Gains concealment from Child of Shadows stance for moving 10+ft, until the start of Bommel's next turn.

No AoOs triggered by the target of the attack, tumbling at half speed to avoid AoOs from the rest:  (1d20+20)[ 25 ] 
 
Metastachydium
Morazzt the Mound, feeling not so well about this whole business all of a sudden, primarily on account of the cold bones punching Morazzt the Mound continuously in some odd way that is particularly unpleasant, mutters an apologetic  S OrR Ry .   to the sad remains of the dragon creature, and with a quick tap on Morazzt the Mound in the hope of recharging Morazzt the Mound somewhat, plods after Bommel.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Alright, standard action Shocking Grasp on self for  (1d4)[ 2 ]  points of temporary CON;
move action move the heck out of that accursed room onto MN16/17, taking the AoO if there's one; and
rolling for another manuever to join Mountain Hammer and Stone Bones on the list of readied stuff:  (1d3)[ 3 ] 
 
Auranghzeb
Impigo turns into an invisible Large Dire boar and silently oinks in his head, ready to pounce on the dwarf rogue next round


 OOOOOOINKKK 
Alhallor
"IIIIII'mmmm allloowweed tooo eeaat theee fallleeen!"

A tentacle snags the dwarf that Bommel attacked, who fell unconscious and returned to normal dwarf size.

Morazzt doesn't get harassed currently because it seems the one dwarf who could attack him is still too occupied puking in fear.

The giant dwarf who sees his companion falling and beaten by a tiny Bommel heaves a mighty hammer and proceeds to pummel Bommel with it, it's accompanied with a lot of shwarven curse words.

 
 Spoiler: Attack against Bommel 
Attack:  (1d20+15)[ 29 ] 
Damage:  (2d8+9)[ 14 ] 
 


The dwarf who stabilizes himself into the ground can't aim at Bommel, because his bigger brethren is in the way, slighty changes the position of his arms and unleads multiple crossbow bolts unto Morazzt, who is slighty protected by the natural walls.

 
 Spoiler: Morazzt 
You have +2 AC against these attacks because of cover.

Attack 1:  (1d20+10)[ 17 ] 
Damage 1:  (2d8)[ 5 ] 

Attack 2:  (1d20+10)[ 19 ] 
Damage 2:  (2d8)[ 3 ] 

Attack 3:  (1d20+5)[ 23 ] 
Damage 3:  (2d8)[ 7 ] 

Attack 4:  (1d20+5)[ 18 ] 
Damage 4:  (2d8)[ 14 ] 

They all do piercing damage.
 


The robey dwarf has finished rummaging in his backpack and proceeds to use a scroll he fished out.

 
 Spoiler: Roll 
 (1d20)[ 10 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Impigo 
You're boar nose smells something horrifically putrid, coming out of the southern way, it drags a shwarf with it to add to the smell. It's not only droppings of creatures but also decayed flesh, which seems unusual for a necromancer to have, don't they normally use everything?

I'm also not sure where you got away invisibly from, you could make an AoO at the robe dwarf if you want to.
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 
 Without the bones. 
 
Ridai
The appearance of the shwarf-eating tentacle is a bit alarming, almost as alarming as the amounts of fluid coming out of that one shwarf. Bommel did not know they had bags of holding for stomachs. The silktail is still shivering and sniffling from the cold, and a big sneeze sends him flying, quickly enough to luckily dodge the hammer strike aimed at him.

Wanting to be a bit further away from a tentacle and an endlessly spewing dwarf, Bommel more or less rolls up the front of the shwarf in front of him and down his back, which also happens to deliver his many strikes. Clearly on purpose. Yes.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
Bommel dodges the hammer attack by virtue of Concealment (rolled in OOC).

 Full Action  Full attack the shwarf in front of Bommel (+ moving around it without provoking to trigger Child of Shadows)! All attacks count as magic and adamantine, and deal nonlethal damage at no penalty. Power Attack -2 to-hit for +4 damage.
Bite  (1d20+17)[ 36 ] , for  (1d3+14)[ 16 ]  physical damage
Ear 1  (1d20+17)[ 37 ] , for  (1d2+8)[ 10 ]  piercing and slashing damage  Double 
Ear 2  (1d20+17)[ 37 ] , for  (1d2+8)[ 10 ]  piercing and slashing damage  Nat 20s?! 
Unarmed blob 1  (1d20+18)[ 29 ] , for  (1d2+8)[ 9 ]  piercing and slashing damage
Unarmed blob 2  (1d20+13)[ 20 ] , for  (1d2+8)[ 10 ]  piercing and slashing damage

Gains concealment from Child of Shadows stance for moving 10+ft, until the start of Bommel's next turn.
 
Auranghzeb
Impigo implales the cloaked dwarf with his invisible tusks, that become uninvisible, or visible, as some say.
 
 Spoiler: AoO 

 (1d20+16)[ 35 ]   (1d8+12)[ 15 ] 
 


Then he pushes on with another round or relentless Tusking

 
 Spoiler: full round attack 

 (1d20+16)[ 17 ]   (1d8+12)[ 14 ] 
 (1d20+11)[ 17 ]   (1d8+12)[ 15 ] 
 
Metastachydium
Morazzt the Mound, glowing softly in the background, stares at the vomiting Shwarf, in the meantime.  A rE yO U… Go  iN G  T o…   Morazzt the Mound begins to awkwardly inquire why exactly the expected hammer isn't coming, but the puking just doesn't seem to stop.  Y oU knOW wHA t, L   et mE  he LP, G e T it a LL ou  T!    Morazzt the Mound bobs forward at last, trying to pat the poor thing on the back and maybe squeeze it a little.

For their part, the crossbow bolts go mostly unnoticed.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Okay, so normal grappling this time, because that's easier, right?  Right?  (Also, the Mound really needs some healing right now.)

Melee touch attack:  (1d20+9)[ 23 ] , retried melee touch attack if the first one fails:  (1d20+4)[ 7 ]  and
grapple, if succesful:  (1d20+14)[ 25 ] ;
do tell if the grapple succeeds, because a Constrict would be nice;
at any rate, if a hit goes through, Martial Spirits gives the Mound back  2hp .

Also, immediate action halving the damage from the one bolt that hits;
and rolling for maneuvers:  (1d2)[ 2 ] 
 
Alhallor
Bommel with his newly-found sneeze-no-jutsu delivers some expertly strikes, bringing down another massive shwarf.

Morazzt on the other hand get's his vines around the other shwarf, it seems to be helping, because he did stop spewing. His armor also does the same rooting into the ground like the other shwarf did, perhaps that's also a relief?

 
 Spoiler: Morazzt 
You get a Constrict.
 


Boarigo get's the robed shwarf (who clearly ISN'T a caster) but his mighty tusks miss him once, which gives him enough life to flee, though he did drop his scroll. He points at the mighty boar, with a bloody grin and yells. "Get it, you stinking carnivorous devourer, GET IT!"

 
 Spoiler: Impigo 
Withdraw action, no AoO.
 


While the rooted shwarf now shoots both at Morazzt and Bommel.

 
 Spoiler: Attack against Bommel 

Attack 1:  (1d20+10)[ 21 ] 
Damage 1:  (2d8)[ 12 ] 
Attack 2:  (1d20+5)[ 6 ] 
Damage 2:  (2d8)[ 9 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Attack against Morazzt 

Attack 1:  (1d20+10)[ 23 ] 
Damage 1:  (2d8)[ 6 ] 
Attack 2:  (1d20+5)[ 16 ] 
Damage 2:  (2d8)[ 6 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 
 Two oxymorons and a robe. 
 
Ridai
  "H-h-hey, th-th-that's not  ACHOO  n-nice!"   Bommel says to the non-giant-shwarf, his defense immaculate and not at all sneezing out of the way of the shots on accident at all, no sir!

Thus, Bommel jitters over to the more giant shwarf between the party and the shooty shwarf and Bommels him whatfor, so that Porkigo can get a word in with the shooty shwarf.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
 Full Action  Move to and full attack the giant shwarf to the east of Bommel! All attacks count as magic and adamantine, and deal nonlethal damage at no penalty. Power Attack -2 to-hit for +4 damage.
Bite  (1d20+17)[ 22 ] , for  (1d3+14)[ 16 ]  physical damage
Ear 1  (1d20+17)[ 25 ] , for  (1d2+8)[ 9 ]  piercing and slashing damage
Ear 2  (1d20+17)[ 22 ] , for  (1d2+8)[ 9 ]  piercing and slashing damage
Unarmed blob 1  (1d20+18)[ 37 ] , for  (1d2+8)[ 10 ]  piercing and slashing damage
Unarmed blob 2  (1d20+13)[ 18 ] , for  (1d2+8)[ 9 ]  piercing and slashing damage

Gains concealment from Child of Shadows stance for moving 10+ft, until the start of Bommel's next turn.
 
Metastachydium
 Is iT BEtteR Now?  Morazzt the Mound continues to squeeze and pat, as it would appear, quite succes- and helpfully the sick Shwarf. Morazzt the Mound does Morazzt the Mound's best to keep track of Morazzt the Mound's own friends in the stricter sense as well, of course, in the meantime, but they seem to be in control of whatever in the Ventral Planes is happening all about. Joining them in pursuit of the Robe can wait a little more. Morazzt the MOund is not a very good chaser anyhow.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Constrict from last round:  (2d6+6)[ 11 ]  (Morazzt heals for half the damage dealt (Fertilizer)); then:

–immediate action halve crossbow bolt damage (Thick Vegetation);
–slam and slam the grappled Shwarf:  (1d20+10)[ 27 ]  (+1 from Furious Counterstrike) for  (3d6+4)[ 22 ]  and
 (1d20+10)[ 12 ]  for  (3d6+4)[ 12 ]  magical bludgeoning;
–heal for 2 hp if either hits (Martial Spirit);
–continue to grapple:  (1d20+15)[ 19 ] ;
–and Constrict if it succeeds:  (2d6+6)[ 16 ] 
 
Auranghzeb
Charging around Bommel and the big dwarf, Impigo pursues the robed schwarf who just treated him as an unintelligent beast!

 OOOOOOINNK 
 
 Spoiler: Action 
If the oximoron is still standing, I'll tusk him, if not, I'll full pursue the robed one!
Swift: punishing stance
Move towards the dwarf at speed 40'
 (1D20+18)[ 27 ] 
 (1D8+12)[ 15 ] 
 (1d6)[ 1 ] 
 
Alhallor
Bommel, together with Oinkigo bring down another giant shwarf, the grin of the robed dwarf get's downsided when the voice from the stinking place replies with a.

"Oooohhhh noooo, thaaaaaanks, Iiiiii'm basically... Thiiiiiis fuuuuuull"

Panicking, the robed shwarf... Disappears into thin air.

On Morazzt sides, the big shwarf squirms and try's to get away from Morazzt's massaging embrace.

 
 Spoiler: Break out of Grapple 
 (1d20+12)[ 15 ] 
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 
 Sudden disappearance 
 
Metastachydium
Morazzt the Mound, rather unaware of what is happening on the robed Dwarf front still, tries to stay useful where and how Morazzt the Mound can. More hugging and patting ensues, therefore. Still, the shadows of doubt creep in: the Shwarf appears not to be having a very good time. Is that simply the nausea? Is it more than that?  Bo MMel? You KNo w A L   Ot *** UT  Shw ARV  e s. Is iT NOR maL f oR TH em   To pUKE THroug  H thE  Ski N ? MIn  e iS kI NDa  doin G th At, I thIN k .  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

So, Crusader's Strike slam on the Shwarf:  (1d20+9)[ 10 ]  for  (3d6+4)[ 13 ] ,
with Morazzt healing for  (1d6+4)[ 9 ] ,
 plus 2 hp (Martial Spirit if it hits);
also, more grappling:  (1d20+14)[ 20 ]  and
Constrict if it stays on:  (2d6+6)[ 11 ] 
 
Ridai
Replying to Morazzt, Bommel is still sniffling from the cold.   "I don't thin-"   Surprisingly loud toot as Bommel cleans his nose with a handkerchief.   "It should come out through the mouth. I think. Might be shwarf secrets."  

Nose a little clearer now, the little silktail sniff(les) at the air, see if he can see where that robey shwarf went.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
Switch to Hunter's Sense stance as swift action to gain scent.

Move action to try and locate the robed shwarf's scent.
 
Auranghzeb
Impigo is getting anxious, how dared the cloaked dwarf to turn himself invisible as some sort of lowly rogue?!


 OOOOOOINK 


Impigo screams, as he concentrates in detecting magic for any traces of the invisible dwarf.
Alhallor
The armored shwarf, getting crushed and massaged by Morazzt, releases all tension and sleeps in blissful contempt, falling down and returning to they're nomal size (or is dead.)

With both Bommels nose and Impigo's unfailing knack for magic it's clear that the robed shwarf has gone through a tunnel that only bears the illusion of a wall, with the two of them they bring them down.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Either subdual or all dead, the choice lies with you, he does not have much more fight in him.
 


From the tunnel where the abhorrent smell comes some happy munching sounds can be heard. The tunnel that Impigo and Bommel found in interpersed with several holes (big enough for Bommel to get in, though they are very dark.)

In a small side-arm of the tunnel are two big chests.

 
 Spoiler: Loot 
3 Masterwork Mountain Plate (these things are heavy with 200 lbs. But are worth 1000 Gold when sold, you don't need to halve that)
3 Masterwork Battleaxes
1 Scroll of Invisibility Purge,
3 Scrolls of Mage Armor
1 Scroll of Fireball
2 Scrolls of Spider Climb
1 Dagger +1
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 
 Yep, still a Lair. 
 
Ridai
Bommel hops back over to Morazzt.   "We found a secret hallway. And it has a lot of holes!"   A beat.   "But it is not made of cheese, despite the holes."   A conundrum.

Thus, Bommel looks at the treasure, before taking the group down the hidden corridor. He doesn't feel a particular need to squeeze into the wall holes.
Metastachydium
 T hAt SOUNds vE Ry    SP Oo Ky.   Morazzt the Mound pokes the now soundly sleeping Shwarf with a vinetip (Morazzt the Mound is helping!).  I'lL  pUT thIS S   H  War F D ow N SOm ew  HeR  E…  Morazzt the Mound half-turns to eyelessly gaze into the scary tentacle room with all the scary munching sounds  …  EL sE , a  Nd bE w iTH yOu T w O .    – and extending those big tendrils, deposits the shrunken Shwarf on a couch in the Bone Room with No Tentacles.
Alhallor
With the shwarf safely deposited (the storm of bones have stopped and the furniture doesn't seem to be affected) the group continues they're travel.

The two chests, that Bommel taps open contain typical necromantic stuff and... Another chest, that seems magical.

 
 Spoiler: Chests 
One chest contains Onyx worth 3.500 Gold.

The other one contains a smaller chest that is clearly some version of a bottomless pouch, you can see that it contains a handfull  (5d6)[ 22 ]  grimy, rusted, corroded copper coins and a short piece of rope that on closer inspection seems to be 1 foot long black hair bound with white cloth, on the cloth some arcane symbols on red are written on it.

The hair is clearly magical.
 


The holey path, some of the mounds are definitely big enough for Bommel to fall into, ends in an L shape. It branches out in a larger room, the only thing that Morazzt currently illuminates is a bloody table.

 
 Spoiler: Map 
 Secrets. 
 
Ridai
Bommel opens the chests to look for  quick look at Porkigo  the mage with hands, but doesn't find anyone. Well, only part of someone. The scrungly looking coins and the bit of hair in a magic box are... confusing. Holding the box in one ear and the lid with the other, Bommel squints into the magic box for a good while before slowly closing it again.

  "The wizard likes dirty coins and hair,"   the silktail informs the others before filing away all the found object into evidence for the future investigation! Meaning it was loaded onto Morazzt along with the stuff taken from the shwarves so they don't do silly meanie things with them.

In the corridor, Bommel hops closer to one of the holes and has a little sniffy-sniff and lookie-look inside, but he still doesn't feel so keen about going into one. No, he'd much rather stay on top of Morazzt, who is less likely to fall into any holes.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
Bommel is using scent granted by his stance to see if there is weird stuff going on with the holes. If they don't find nasty traps, I guess they are going to the bloody table.
 
Metastachydium
  I nE Ve r g O T th  E A pp EaL o f H Air.   Morazzt the Mound admits rather apologetically as Morazzt the Mound lets the topside of Morazzt the Mound deflate for the convenience of Bommel and the Loot (well, most of the loot; Morazzt the Mound gives up on trying to make the clunky armour things stay on after the first few failed attempts; maybe they'll be able to drag them back to town on their way out) and begins shambling on into the tunnel.
Alhallor
Bommel's keen nose is not able to detect any traps, the only things he get's from the holes is the smell of freshly packed dirt and "Boneclean! tm  the necromancers best friend when it comes to cleaning bones!" The other smell of blood, decaying flesh and "Boneclean! tm  the necromancers best friend when it comes to cleaning bones!" from deeper in the dungeon assault his nose too. There is also the familiar smell of sulfur that Impigo sometimes emits but it smells kinda different than Impigo himself.

The bloody table is exactly that, a table with still a bit of blood on it, there is another table that get's thoroughly cleaned by 2 zombies however.

It may be a bit hard to get deeper into the whole lair, with a massive golem, seemingly made out of gravestones and grave memorabilia, acting like a plug.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Even Bommel would need to make an Escape artist check to get past the grave-golem.
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 
 A slightly unusual guardian. 
 
Ridai
Bommel's face scrunches up something fierce as he smells lots of rotty things and BoneClean™ (When stains are being mean, you need BoneClean™! When the meat is looking iffy, BoneClean™ cleans it in a jiffy!).   "There's bony, meaty, Impigo-y, and marketing-y stuff in those holes, and it's smelling icky."  

There's a big golem in the way, so Bommel greets it with   "Hi! I'm Shadow Ear Bommel, Disciple of the Way of Many Ears, Seeker of the Black Rabite! We're looking for a hands wizard! We have magic hair!"   And Bommel briefly shows the inside of the weird magicky chest.
Auranghzeb
 Ah! a Golem! Another fellow slave from mages 
 Alas, greetings sir Golem, We are here looking for the six-fingered wizard. I know you serve him, but be asured that we have no qualms with you, who are used as a tool. We intend to liberate familiars, homunculus, golems, and other indenture servants of wizards and necromancers. You shall no longer suffer the indignity of following mindless orders! Thou I imagine you are Mindless yourself.  


Of course, Impigo forgot he was in boar shape, so all he uttered was:


   Oiiink   
Metastachydium
  I do N'T  Th iNK Go LEm  s cA n tAL k.   Morazzt the Mound remarks somewhat sheepishly, carrying Bommel and the chest close enough for the Golem to see it sufficiently well, but staying, nevertheless, out of punching distance. Morazzt the Mound has been told that showing bald creatures hair is commonly considerd a bit mean.
Alhallor
The depiction of a crying woman, clad in marble, turns towards the rather vocal boarigo. Some gravestones grind together, eliciting a groan from the cleaning zombies who quickly scoop up the dust and throw it back to the golem, it seems to quickly absorb the dust back into itself. The grinding stones make some noise but don't seem to have any meaning, till the echoes of the first grinding stone and the current kinda seem to coalesce into words.

  Passage is not accepted until given Permission by the master of the lair. You're in it's lair...  

There is some subtle movement from the golem, bringing him into a better position but giving enough space for Bommel or even Impigo (in Imp form) enough space to get through.
Ridai
Bommel is vibrated by every syllable spoken by the giant golem.

  "Hm. I see my mistake. Hair doesn't have hands."   Bommel puts the hair away again. Looking back up to the very big huge giant golem, the diminuitive silktail says   "How do we get permission?"  
Metastachydium
 
 Originally Posted by Alhallor 
   Passage is not accepted until given Permission by the master of the lair. You're in it's lair...   
 

… or  Mrazzt the Mund could be entirely wrong and Golems  do , in fact talk.   SoRR  y! I di dN'  T ME  aN to o  ff  E Nd.   Morazzt the Mund raises both big vines in what Morazzt the Mound believes should read as a sheepish and socially acceptable defensive posture.


 
 Originally Posted by Ridai 
   "How do we get permission?"   
 

  A ctUA Lly,  C   OulD y Ou j uS T ca LL hiM  h E R  e?    Morazzt te he Mound helpfully offers a solution that should be easy for all.   We aRE  moST ly HE Re f oR  hI m, noT  the   OthER   La iR   bi Ts  . 
Alhallor
  That can be arranged!  

The golem produces another grinding tone, that reverberates deeper in the lair.

  Please wait here. I'll give you and the master some privacy.  

The golem awkwardly shuffles out of the way, taking a bit of wall with itself when he gets out of that room. One of the zombies offers Bommel a cigarette.

 
 Spoiler: Bommel 
It's a chocolate one.
 

 "Uuaaggghh, brains! I don't like the new boss much, you know. The old boss was also pretty bad, but the new one is way more worse, right Jeffrey?" 

The other zombie procures sounds that are more expected from a zombie.

You can't really continue the conversation because the other Impigo smell appears. It looks like an amalgamation of Impigo... And several other fiendish people stitched haphazardly together, followed by a thin, haggard women with weird hair and one sceletal hand.

 
 Spoiler: Impigo 
It's not the six-fingered wizard, but her cruel apprentice! The one who jotted down the experiments that were done to you and was as happy to hear you're screams as he did.
 


The women stays behind the fiendish lump and says. " I don't happen to know you, do I? 
Auranghzeb
Impigo can't think, Impigo can't forget, Impigo can only hum and roar in anger, the hellish blood jetting into his eyes...


 My name is Impigo Montoya, your master killed my parents, prepare to die. 


He says, calmly but firmly and solely focused on the necromancer, not even wanting to look at the faux impalgam

His voice carries the threat.

Intimidate
 (1d20+17)[ 32 ] 
Ridai
A question mark appears over Bommel's ears as he is offered a weird paper stick. He sniffs at it, and it smells chocolate-y! He wasn't allowed to have that back home, on account of too many zoomies! But maybe zoomies aren't such a bad thing here. He takes the choccy stick with an ear, takes off the paper, and just eats the whole stick. Listening as he munches, Bommel says   "I'll 'alk 'o new bosh, thash no' nishe bein' a meanie 'o you!"  

When the boss arrives, Bommel hops forward, putting on his best serious face.   "Hi, I'm Shadow Ear Bommel, Disciple of the Way of Many Ears, Seeker of the Black Rabite! Are you the new boss? Stop being a meanie to your workers! You bullied one of them so much they can't even talk anymore, that's not nice!"   Bommel pokes an ear in her direction. Jeffrey makes some noise that Bommel counts as agreement.

Also quick finger check.

Impigo's words are also accompanied by   "So you are a  super meanie!"   
Metastachydium
 
 Originally Posted by Alhallor 
   That can be arranged!  

The golem produces another grinding tone, that reverberates deeper in the lair.

  Please wait here. I'll give you and the master some privacy.   
 

  ThANk y O u!   Morazzt the Mound waves after the Golem with one vine. Being a plant and all that, Morazzt the Mound should have known only good things ever come out of interacting with dirt, even if said dirt doesn't talk. Even as the words are spoken, Morazzt the Mound's other vine slides over the last moonstone of Morazzt the Mound's belt. Morazzt the MOund intended to save that one for later, should one of Morazzt the Mound's friends get hurt, but it would be impolite to engage in talks with people so polite ruffled as Morazzt the Mound currently is-


 
 Originally Posted by Auranghzeb 
 Impigo can't think, Impigo can't forget, Impigo can only hum and roar in anger, the hellish blood jetting into his eyes...


 My name is Impigo Montoya, your master killed my parents, prepare to die.  
 

If Morazzt the Mound had eyes (that do that), Morazzt the Mound would now blink. Those are far too few (or far too many) fingers (was it six per hand, or six overall, Morazzt the Mound quietly wonders), and yet Impigo looks very angry.  I  tAKe  It YoU A REN 't fri EnD  S  ?   Morazzt the Mound asks, confused.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Healing Belt:  (2d8)[ 9 ] 
 
Alhallor
The magician is taken aback by Impigo's harsh words, a sceletal hand is raised up and she takes half of a step back, overtaken by fear. But at the same time her eyes flash up, the hair on her non-sceletal hand is raising up and she also seems to look a little excited?

 The little imp? Oh, how delightful, I feared I wouldn't hear you anymore. 

She procures a greased up piece of leather and her eyes find Bommel after a bit of searching.

 Oh, I haven't experimented on one of your kind. That will be exhilerating. 

She stabs the piece of leather violently with her sceletal hand, her eyes findind Morazzt.

 Quite the little theater you gathered here, little imp. It won't help you. 

The impigomation quietly observed, sending the feeling of prickling needles down you're spine (or equivalent).

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
You all take  (2d6)[ 7 ]  necrotic damage, get -2 AC and are shaken for one round, no save. She loves being scared.

Make a Fortitude save against 21, Impigo doesn't need to make that, because he is a lawful evil outsider. It is currently not apparent what the failed save does.
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 
 Not the master, but the apprentice. 
 


Jeffrey and the smoke-offering zombie seem to be undecided what to do, at least they don't attack you outright, yet.

The golem also doesn't seem to interpret the attack as anything worthwhile at the moment.
Ridai
Bommel shakes from front to back at the icky sensation, but he won't let that stop him.   "I'm not a theater, I'm a silktail rabite!  Boss Reprimanding Strikes!"    And the tiny pink blob suddenly flame-zooms at the necro boss to show them what for!

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
Switching to Child of Shadows stance beforehand

 Swift  Use Burning Blade maneuver

 Full Action  Move at and full attack the necro boss! All attacks count as magic and adamantine, and deal nonlethal damage at no penalty. Shaken (-2 to-hit). Power Attack -2 to-hit for +4 damage.
Bite  (1d20+15)[ 19 ] , for  (1d3+14)[ 15 ]  physical damage +  (1d6+5)[ 11 ]  fire damage
Ear 1  (1d20+15)[ 28 ] , for  (1d2+8)[ 10 ]  piercing and slashing damage +  (1d6+5)[ 8 ]  fire damage
Ear 2  (1d20+15)[ 25 ] , for  (1d2+8)[ 10 ]  piercing and slashing damage +  (1d6+5)[ 7 ]  fire damage
Unarmed blob 1  (1d20+16)[ 23 ] , for  (1d2+8)[ 10 ]  piercing and slashing damage +  (1d6+5)[ 7 ]  fire damage
Unarmed blob 2  (1d20+11)[ 12 ] , for  (1d2+8)[ 10 ]  piercing and slashing damage +  (1d6+5)[ 10 ]  fire damage

Gains concealment from Child of Shadows stance for moving 10+ft, until the start of Bommel's next turn.

Tumble check to avoid AoOs  (1d20+20)[ 38 ] 
 
Metastachydium
Morazzt the Mound is suddenly overcome by a feeling Morazzt the Mound cannot quite place. It is as though Morazzt the Mound wanted to be somewhere else for some odd reason, like being worried aphids or water snails might chew Morazzt the Mound's green bits if Morazzt the Mound stays. It really is an alien thing. Still, Morazzt the Mound knows quite well Morazzt the Mound has things to do here with Impigo and Bommel and cannot see a single water snail present, so stay Morazzt the Mound does.

 ThE AT Re iS W Hen pEOPlE p lAY sTORieS on a  stAGe,    BOMM  el. I thI Nk sHe' s s AYinG  we   IMp  erso NATe  p  eOPle weL L anD lOOk  PreT Ty. Or  SP eak  lo UD. ONe  oF   thOSE T Wo.   Morazzt the Mound gurgles to the Rabite as an explanation while at that, extending some vines to try and pull the weird not-Impigo out of Impigo's way. He looks like he doesn't like looking at it.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Imma be insidious and lean into the Mound's stupid reach here. Touch attack to start a grapple on Frankenstein's Not-Impigo (I'm not really worried about the AoO, given the distance (hence insidious)):  (1d20+7)[ 16 ] ;
and grapple:  (1d20+12)[ 30 ]  if that succeeds;
if the thing is succesfully hit, Morazzt heals  2  hp (Martial Spirit stance);

speaking of which,  (1d5)[ 4 ]  and  (1d4)[ 2 ]  for starting maneuvers;
and a Fort save:  (1d20+12)[ 22 ] 
 
Auranghzeb
Impigo watches how Morazt grapples with Uncle Ben and Aunt Marie and all the fragments of other imps in that frankenimp. He then lunges forward reciting his litany in his head.


 my name is impigo montoya 


He charges the horrible creature Sting first!

 
 Spoiler: OoC 
Rolling a will save for reasons detailed in the OoC discord
 (1d20+10)[ 12 ] 

Then charge!

 (1d20+15)[ 29 ]  damage (1d4-1)[ 1 ]   (1d6)[ 2 ]  +(5+(2xhighest spell level)) and then poison (still venomfire)  (1d6)[ 1 ]  dex Damage DC 18 and  (5d6)[ 21 ]  acid damage.
 
Alhallor
With nobody being affected by Not-Impigo Morazzt has no problem in wranging it up, constricting his movement which give both Impigo and Bommel the possibility to charge toward the necromancer.

Bommels strikes hit hard and fast, he realizes swiftly that his enemy is coated with a thick stone-like skin. But thanks to his training and dedication he shatters that stone-like layer quickly and efficiently, burning his adversary all the way to the bone, swatting her other protective spells away like it was nothing.

Impigo follows up, his tail likewise stinging through the protective magic woven around his enemy, his enhanced poison quickly running it's course and burning her up from the inside.

She crumbles to a pile of slag, burned by fire and by poison. The scene is silent for a moment, like you could hear a needle drop.

  Well, this is awkward!   Drones the graveyard golem, abominatago likewise seems shocked from the development.

 
 Spoiler: MAP 
 Once a lair... 
 
Auranghzeb
Impigo's blood rage recedes as the necromancer woman crumbles. His breathing steadies as the litany stops slowly.


 impigo montoya...prepare to 
 prepare to die 

He then looks around at the mesh of parts that once were his family.


 Uncle ben, aunt Marie, you are free! no more enslavement under this naughty necromancer.  
Metastachydium
Although not positioned exactly in such a way as to see what, if anything remains of Not-the-Wizard, Morazzt the Mound is quite ready to make an informed inference based on the smell.  … iN OUr  seL F-DE fen Se, thaT W As  iN  S Elf-de f  EN Se.   Morazzt the Mound tells the Golem rather apologetically.  I hoPE You weREN't vERy clOSE.  Speaking of which, that is, close…

Morazzt the Mound can hear Impigo give the Devil Creature an
 
 Originally Posted by Auranghzeb 
  Uncle ben, aunt Marie, you are free!  
 

, and can't not realize that's in no close proximity to true at the moment. In fact, Morazzt the Mound would appear to have continued squeezing – bad force of habit and all that.   SHou lD I no W  R E Leas E…  ALL th eS e Peop  lE,    Imp i GO?   Morazzt the Mound is quick to ask.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Naturally, I can't just  not  try to Constrict heal when Morazzt the Mound has somneone grappled, so I'll try for some quick and dirty Constrict healing before this wraps up:  (1d20+14)[ 20 ]  for  (2d6+6)[ 11 ] , if succesful.
 
Ridai
 Earlier 

Morazzt explaining the theater remark, while Bommel is highly exothermically reprimanding:   "Ohhh, I see! I can speak very loud!  THEATERTERTERTERTERTER-"   

Bommel looks at the pile of former necroboss.   "Oh."   Then to Morazzt:   "Is that normal for bosses getting reprimanded?"   Then yelling over to Jeffrey:   "Is that normal?"  

Looks back to the pile. Then to the golem.   "Do you have other wizards with fingers?"  
Metastachydium
 
 Originally Posted by Ridai 
 Bommel looks at the pile of former necroboss.   "Oh."   Then to Morazzt:   "Is that normal for bosses getting reprimanded?"   
 

 Als O, I d oN'T thINk so, b UT…   Morazzt the Mound replies in a tone of the more hushed sort to Bommel, seemingly side-eyeing the Golem at the meantime (it's hard to tell with a Mound of no eyes).   …I soR T  of figU RE it  coULd b E u  nKIN  D T O  A   SSUme, yO U KN oW? M ayb E SHe  jus T DoeS  TH at, I Won' T juDG E.  
Alhallor
The parts of devils stitched together shrugs it's shoulders.  Release me...
Please!  When Morazzt does so the thing adresses Impigo.  I don't know what you're talking about, I don't know these names and I sure as the Nine Hells don't remember you. Now that I'm free I'm going! Finally I'm not under the whim of that witch anymore! 

The pile former known as boss doesn't seem to be responding about being talked about.

Jeffrey and the smoking zombie come looking though and are like. "ooouuughhh, aaaarrrrhgllll!" "You said it Jeffrey! You just got there and... Smacked here, that was really brave man! I even thought I could join up and go smack her too but then it was over before it started, dudes that was sick!" "aaaaoooouuuurrrrgh." "Yeah, Jeffrey and I are going to ditch that joint. That place isn't that great either way."

The golem responds to Bommels question.   I was told to protect the boss, from the former boss. I don't know when he will return, or even if he will return. But now that the boss is no more I have no more reason to protect the boss.  

The golems grinding may sound a little bit smug over his last few words.

 
 Spoiler: Some loot 
The former boss has dropped some stuff.
A perfectly clean sceletal hand.
A book "The Fear - Observations of the humanoid mind on extreme fear stimulation." An extensive 600 pager.
A magical hat.
A magical amulet.
Around 20 bones that are carved in weird arcane runes.
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 
 A lair without it's master. 
 
Auranghzeb
Their individual minds are gone, fused into this abomination of devilish flesh and necromancy. But they are inside, and Impigo must let them go. The are free.

A tear rolls slowly from his right eye and drops into the floor with an acid hiss.

 Go, go and be free! 

Then he looks at the golem.

 You could come with us, we are after your former boss, among other things, and on way of retroactively meet your orders would be to help us smash the former boss to pieces.  


Impigo takes a moment to stare intently at the dropped loot, detecting magic and appraising them.


 The hat would suit you, dear Bommel. 
Metastachydium
 Ve RY SoR Ry .   Morazzt the Mound gurgles to apparently-not-really-Impigo's-relatives, retracting the squeezing vines without furtrher prompting.   BE CAreFuL  wi TH tH E TE ntac L E TH Ing  and plEASe DO N't wa   KE THe  SH  WArf oN   thE  coUCH. I THINK he'S  RATH eR UNwe ll and N EE dS re  ST.    Morazzt the Mound adds, for the beneift of the friendly walking dead.
Ridai
Bommel ear-pats Impigo on the shoulder. Which takes quite a bit of doing (read: stretching), given how tall the imp is.

To Jeffrey and the choccy-smoky zombie:   "I really didn't expect this to happen. The Way of Many Ears holds many secrets, hmmm... Oh well, have a nice trip!"  

The silktail's attention is drawn to the very big  tent  hat, which Bommel hops around to examine and sniff at.   "Is it a fancy hat? Someone once hid me under one, but just suddenly pulled me out of it while I was having a nice chat with a dove about something called rent in hats and bags smaller on the outside. I wonder if I am bigger on the inside. The person didn't want to talk to me anymore when I accidentally knocked him out."  
Metastachydium
  ThAT HAP  penS a LO t wh E N I  trY  T O hU g PEop le.   Morazzt the Mound appends to Bommel's last remark understandingly. It's almost like they are vulnerable to hugs. Must be something like the thing with lightning shock healing.
Alhallor
The abomination made out of devil parts strides away... But something makes it stop suddenly and adress Impigo.

 You should have this.  It places... A sting sheath in Impigo's hands, it kinda looks like the one Uncle Ben always bragged about, but it seems to have been tempered with... Or even made better. Was it the last of his families concentrated will? A random gesture from a random creature? After the gesture it strides away.

 
 Spoiler: Impigo's Sting sheath 
If this is worn at a sting, it gives the following bonuses:
Sting counts as a +2 Silver poisonbearer weapon (Poisonbearer raises the DC of all poisons by 2.)
 


The other items are quickly appraised.

 
 Spoiler: Loot (mostly identified) 
The big hat/Tent is a Hat of Charisma +2 with a +2 Deflection bonus woven in.
The sceletal arm is a sceletal arm. You can chop one of your arms off to gain a claw attack if you attach this one. It's pretty easy to do for an undead graft and has no other mali attached, besides that you absolutely NEED to lose an arm for that. (Probably worth 3.000 Gold)
The book gives every non-caster to cast the following spells 1 time per day. Cause Fear, Scare and Crushing Despair at Caster Level 5. If you already can cast these spells they're DC raises by 2. (Probably worth 10.000 Gold or more)
The magical amulet is an Amulet of Constitution +2 but it also gives you the ability to ignore natural terrain and thorn-like spells. (Also probably worth around 10.000 Gold)
The bones are helping necromantic casting in an unknown way (Knowledge:Arcana check) but should be worth, altogether 1.000 Gold
The band of hair is definitely magical but is beyond Impigo's ability's currently.
 


The golem stoods still for a moment before responding.   There is one thing to not defend the annoying apprentice of my creator but another thing to actively pursue and kill them! Please don't ask me further on this subject.  

When searching through the lair once more there is not much else to see. The sceletal snakes that have been hidden in one of the rooms have not been sprung and otherwise don't react. The golem laboratory is full of weird ingredients that are hard to appraise and unwieldy (like A LOT OF CLAY, some pieces of Graveyard stones (for repairs?), and some other alchemical stuff that is probably only usable if you make golems for a living. There is a note though some other notes that speaks to Impigo.)

 Dear Natraxa,

You will find me missing this morning, I see that you are absorbed in your own studies and I have found an interesting information in my current research. Please use everything as you see fit, I will collect you when I'm done, don't expect me until next month the earliest. The Grey dwarfs have been paid, please remember to feed the cravenous eater in his pit once in a while. There is hope that finally some adventurers will wear that cursed hair so we can finally observe it's effects. I implore you to make notes.

Edifying greetings,

The six-fingered-Necromancer. 
Auranghzeb
 I knew it was you uncle Ben. Thanks. 

Says a visibly moved Impigo as the frankenImp fades into the distance.


 I'll have that amulet if you allow me, friends. And once again express my gratitude for your company in this vendetta.

What now? My blood boils with the burning desire of finding the six fingered wizard, but vengeance must not be hurried. He will now be on guard.  
Ridai
Regarding the amulet:   "Go ahead!"  

Regarding the vendetta, Bommel is not sure what a vendetta is, but it must be dealing with meanies, so:   "Sure thing!"  

Since they seem to be done in this finger wizard place and everyone is going home, Bommel adds   "We could go back to Xerania and look at places and see if we can get Gnome's hammer?"  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
If in doubt, heading back to Xerania.
 
Metastachydium
Morazzt the Mound bobs Morazzt the Mound forward in a rather Bommelesque, if larger, style of nodding.  Of course  Morazzt the Mound would help Impigo! That's what friendly people do for friendly people. Besides, he helped save Other the Mound. Morazzt the Mound was, then, in debt on top of the general sentiment.

And quite naturally, the nod is a nod, at the same time, to Bommel as well. The three of them still have things to do back in the city. While Morazzt the Mound now  suddenly  has a brand new idea how to turn shocking healing into non-shocking healing for the benfit of others, that would be much easier with the Healing Hand, so Jerry's request needs sorting out of its own.
Alhallor
The way back to Nevarl is uneventful (well despite waving back to the zombies and hearing some concerning sounds from the disposing chamber). You get back into town without much problem, waving your cards.

Before you get back to the hustle and bustle of the town, you find Nevral and let him look at the weird hair you found from the Necromancer. He weighs it with a hand while casting a spell, sniffing on it.

 Hrm... It seems to confer some sickness to an enemy hit, but...  He parts some part of the hair with his claws and you see a tiny... insect? Or something crawl deeper into it's black confounds.

 I have heard of items such as this. They are woven out of someone died through an insect swarm and as soon as it's worn you're whole body will crawl with critters. Quite uncomfortable I heard. 

He weighs the item a bit more, a quizzical look around his snout.

 I heard the curse can be broken and the hair becoming more beneficial, but I haven't researched about a measure. You can keep it, or leave it to me to weave a curse-breaker. 
 
 Spoiler: Black hair of an insect victim 
As soon as this is worn as a headband (or woven into you're own hair) you're sickened as you're whole body begins to crawl with insects. (There is no save, if you're normally immune to being sickened, you can't wear the item.) In battle the insects become ferocious and bite you, dealing 1 damage through every kind of DR imaginable, at you're initiative count. Every round.

It does confer some more benefits however.

Constitution +4

N.A. Increases to +2.

If you hit someone with a handheld weapon, the insects crawl unto him, making him sickened too, if he fails a Fort save against: 10+1/2 your level + you're con modifier, these don't bite though.

You can command the insects that are on you to bite and damage yourself up to you're own HP. This doesn't seem to have any benefit whatsoever.
 


The hall of gold still towers in the middle of Xeraania.

They are still steel ships that cross the burning lake.

The big market also seems to be ready for anyone who wants to get something off or get something out of it.

Luna's retreat may wait for a visit.

And the Colosseum waits for new challengers every day.
Ridai
Bommel turns green hearing about what the hair does.   "You can keep it."   The silktail honestly also wants to leave the skelly arm there.

  "Wanna hop over to the Luna place and stop by the coliseum afterwards?"  
Metastachydium
 B itiNG INS e ct s c AN  fEE l  weIR d.   Morazzt the Mound gurgles in agreement with Bommel's expressed sentiment, before shuffling about some to look like Morazzt the Mound is mostly facing Nevral.   I n  the MEANti M   E, you'VE be EN MI NglinG  wi TH  th E MERchaNt peoP Le he R e, ri GHt?  Ha VE    YoU   meT an YON e  thAt co ULd  wa NT TO BUy lo T s of   biG, WEi  rd, clu nKY arMOU rs ?  WE…  Fou Nd s o M   E  of thO Se .    Morazzt the Mound motions, with the tip of a vine, to behind Morazzt the Mound, where a mountain of pilfered mountain plates is piled up. Dragging it back in here  really  was  some hassle!

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Let's not forget about all our other, bulkier loot!
 
Alhallor
Nevral accepts the curious hair and will do some research regarding it, perhaps something good can come out of it.

Nevral nods toward the bulky plate armour that Morazzt has brought up.

 You can leave these here, I can definitely find some people who are... Interested. 

Flaywind drags the armor, one by one. Into a bit of a better place to sell them later. Nevral hands you out some money for the plates for now.

 
 Spoiler: Selling loot 
3000 Gold for the mountain plates, 1000 for each of you.
 


Luna's retreat seems to be in a quieter part of the town. It's a bit of a bigger building like a warehouse that has been refurbished.

When you enter you see a row of banks, some dwarfs, some humans, a few other oddities sitting on the banks, chatting with one another, A small statue of  Luna  with coins at it's feet seems to be the most prominent statue.

There are statues of the other elements strewn about in some niches, definitely smaller than Luna's, a statue of the goddess of mana seems to be totally missing.

A dwarven lady waves at you, handing out some rock candy's, she seems to be unsure if Impigo or Morazzt even want some, but nonetheless.

"Luna's greetings. We are glad for everyone who finds they're way to our humble abode."

 
 Spoiler: Impigo 
The one who have greeted you seems to be some kind of spellcaster, doesn't  taste  arcane though.
 
Ridai
A piece of rock candy is already in Bommel's mouth, causing him to speak and vibrate faster than usual.

  "Hello, I'm Shadow Ear Bommel, Disciple of the Way of Many Ears, Seeker of the Black Rabite! We helped Mul and Watt, and they told us to come here!"   A pause.   "What is this place?"   Bommel listens as intently as he munches.
Auranghzeb
Impigo follows Bommel's lead and chews the candy, his face tranfixes and he almost spits it out. Too sweet.


He remains suspicious of the dwarven lady, he doesn't like dwarves, and he doesn't like spellcasters.
Metastachydium
Morazzt the Mound hangs back for now, letting the others do the talking, and merely gurgles a greeting at the candylady, waving and sweeping a rock candy onto the ground to sit on it non-threateningly. Maybe it'll dissolve! Sugar is healthy; that's why plants like Morazzt the Mound make it with their bodies. This gives Morazzt the Mound hope, in fact. Maybe when the lady answers Bommel, she'll tell them this is a place of healing. That would  be nice.
Alhallor
"Seeker of the Black Rabite?" The demeanor of the dwarven lady, open and friendly before stops dead in they're tracks, looking at Bommel concerned... Perhaps even afraid?

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
You're free to Roll a Sense motive here.
 


"But you helped Mul and Watt you said? How are they? I hope they didn't get into any trouble?"

The dwarf seems more than a bit reserved, but still answers you're questions.

"You see here the only refuge we believers have currently. Thanks to an..." The face contorts briefly to righteous wrath as a fist is shook to the ground.  "An outrageous temple tax!"  This declaration get's repeated by several others. "Outrageous! Unbelievable! Taxes!"

 
 Spoiler: Religious talk incoming 
Very religious
 


"Here is the only temple that you can have for the sprites and of course the giver of money, and fortune, Luna." A brief hand is guided towards the Shrine of Luna. "Together with the keeper of the Vault and security." A brief hand gesture towards what Bommel can definitely say is a depiction of the Goddess of Mana.

"And of course all the other sprites that guide us through our daily lives." An encompassing gesture that includes the whole room.

"But Don Xeraan embraces the new faith, in his takeover he razed the old temples and took they're most valuable treasures to bring them to financial ruin." She snorts dismissively. "He build the new temples, with places of worship to the greedy digger, the eternal devourer, the deep beasts and the surviver in the sky."

She bows towards the shrine of Luna. "Thanks to some fortune I decided to build this retreat here, to give us a place where we can worship in peace, feed the poor, help them back to Luna's path and of course give tips for financial wealth, opening businesses, that kind of stuff."

 
 Spoiler: Religious talk ends 
Bommel, is that you?
 


A concerned gaze is layd on Bommel. "You don't seem like you want to cause trouble or threw windows in, despite you seeking the black rabite. What is up with that?"
Metastachydium
 
 Originally Posted by Alhallor 
 "But you helped Mul and Watt you said? How are they? I hope they didn't get into any trouble?" 
 

 Th EY weRE  BUG  geD by  Bu g   S aNd som ETHIn g mouTH ing  wiTH mouTHs, BUt we HEL ped th E M CH asE thO Se  oFF.  THeIR   LIZARD   friENd is V ErY frIE Nd   lY.   Morazzt the Mound offers an account of the encounter to make sure the nice lady knows her friends should be alright. Worrying is bad for one's health, and Morazzt the Mound wants the nice lady to have good health.


 "You see here the only refuge we believers have currently. Thanks to an..." The face contorts briefly to righteous wrath as a fist is shook to the ground.  "An outrageous temple tax!"  This declaration get's repeated by several others. "Outrageous! Unbelievable! Taxes!" 


  
 Spoiler: Religious talk 


"Here is the only temple that you can have for the sprites and of course the giver of money, and fortune, Luna." A brief hand is guided towards the Shrine of Luna. "Together with the keeper of the Vault and security." A brief hand gesture towards what Bommel can definitely say is a depiction of the Goddess of Mana.

"And of course all the other sprites that guide us through our daily lives." An encompassing gesture that includes the whole room.

"But Don Xeraan embraces the new faith, in his takeover he razed the old temples and took they're most valuable treasures to bring them to financial ruin." She snorts dismissively. "He build the new temples, with places of worship to the greedy digger, the eternal devourer, the deep beasts and the surviver in the sky."
 
 

  Tha T's no T VE ry niCE  .    Morazzt concedes with a soothing gurgle, feeling much better already about the task of borrowing things from Don Xeraan that he might not mean to lend. If these don't mean ill to Bommel, they should probably help them help other people, Morazzt the Mound begins to opine.
Ridai
Bommel seems confused about the reaction towards his introduction, inclining towards the right, with a quirked implied eyebrow and an ear in the rough shape of a question mark.

But then TAXES are mentioned!   "I've heard about Taxes! It's an undodgeable combat technique!"   A beat.   "Using Taxes against peaceful temple people is mean!"  

The diminuitive silktail looks to the statues and shrines as they are indicated, rotating on the spot.

But again with the weird response to him.   "Why would I want to do that? That's mean bully stuff! I'm on a journey to train in the Awesome Forgotten Ancient Rabite Arts Way of Many Ears (that a dream showed me!) and hone my Biting Spirit. Also I found this Totally Legit Almighty Black Ears of Doom Charm (a dream also told me that name and it sounds pretty cool!), but it doesn't seem to do anything, so I'm looking for the Black Rabite to say hi and, uh, kind of stick it on them and see if it is Totally Legit. Then drink carrot juice, talk about cool Rabite Arts, and then I'm going home! Also I really need to write Auntie Coney, I need to find an, uh, letter sending place."  

 
 Originally Posted by Alhallor 
  
 Spoiler: Religious talk ends 
Bommel, is that you?
 
 
 

Hearing his name, Bommel perks up, looking around, with additional jumping in place to see better. And giving his Hop Force, that's big jumps.   "Yes, Bommel here! Who's calling?"  
Alhallor
 
 Originally Posted by Metastachydium 
  Th EY weRE  BUG  geD by  Bu g   S aNd som ETHIn g mouTH ing  wiTH mouTHs, BUt we HEL ped th E M CH asE thO Se  oFF.  THeIR   LIZARD   friENd is V ErY frIE Nd   lY.   Morazzt the Mound offers an account of the encounter to make sure the nice lady knows her friends should be alright. Worrying is bad for one's health, and Morazzt the Mound wants the nice lady to have good health. 
 

It's clear that the temple lady doesn't fully understand what has transpired but she seems grateful nonetheless. "Yes, we can have some pretty dangerous bugs in the tunnels, sometimes. Thanks for helping them, my dear." She gratefully pats one of Morazzt vines.



 
 Originally Posted by Metastachydium 
   Tha T's no T VE ry niCE  .    Morazzt concedes with a soothing gurgle, feeling much better already about the task of borrowing things from Don Xeraan that he might not mean to lend. If these don't mean ill to Bommel, they should probably help them help other people, Morazzt the Mound begins to opine. 
 


 
 Originally Posted by Ridai 
 But then TAXES are mentioned!   "I've heard about Taxes! It's an undodgeable combat technique!"   A beat.   "Using Taxes against peaceful temple people is mean!"  

The diminuitive silktail looks to the statues and shrines as they are indicated, rotating on the spot.

But again with the weird response to him.   "Why would I want to do that? That's mean bully stuff! I'm on a journey to train in the Awesome Forgotten Ancient Rabite Arts Way of Many Ears (that a dream showed me!) and hone my Biting Spirit. Also I found this Totally Legit Almighty Black Ears of Doom Charm (a dream also told me that name and it sounds pretty cool!), but it doesn't seem to do anything, so I'm looking for the Black Rabite to say hi and, uh, kind of stick it on them and see if it is Totally Legit. Then drink carrot juice, talk about cool Rabite Arts, and then I'm going home! Also I really need to write Auntie Coney, I need to find an, uh, letter sending place."   
 

"Combat technique? Well, it's a very buraucratic one, but it seems I have misjudged you before. You do seem like a nice kid." Bommel get's another piece of candy. "It's just that they are some other kids in the old temple grounds who seem to are just intent on chaos. Throwing windows in, slapping market stalls that they collapse, sneezing around, whirling around documents... They are quite a bother and I heard that they are doing all that somehow to revere the black rabite. While I think they are just causing a ruckus."

Bommel can't see a familiar face around here, but they're is a dwarf who hurriedly leaves the temple.
Ridai
Yay, extra candy! Bommel vibrates a little faster now. As he is chewing (with many a  CRONCH ), he once again inclines to the side, confused, as he hears about these Black Rabite "worshippers".   "What would that even do? The Black Rabite isn't even around and why would they like rabites kicking tables over? That sounds dumb. Dumb and mean! Where are those meanies, I gotta show 'em what for!"   Bommel is already rolling his ears to deliver some corrective slappings.

But a dwarf seems to be running out all of a sudden.   "Sorry, I'll be right back!"   And with Bommel's speed, he basically leaves a cloud in his shape behind as he suddenly appears before the fleeing dwarf.   "Hello! Do you know me?"  
Auranghzeb
As the dwarven lady tells them the story of Don Xeeran tax, he nods enthusiastically and approvingly, specially at the mention of the dark gods Don Xeeran provides funding.

 Ah, nothing like a good old use of taxation to promote healthy religions! Comrades, the law in this city is splendid! 


He simply does not understand the dwarves indignation.
Alhallor
------------Temple--------

Impigo get's the stink-eye from the dwarven lady, regarding his comments which... Aprubtly changes when she takes a closer look at the Outsider.

"What did bring you here, winged one? It's normally not easy for you're kind to visit our realms. Are you searching for a certain soul or do you also want to bring havoc?"

-----------Some street----------

Despites Bommel's impressive speed he does need to make a turn or two till he reaches the dwarf... Who is standing still in the middle of the street and takes a look at Bommel from his beady dark eyes.

 "Well, well, well... If it isn't small Bommel... Becoming smaller and smaller... Don't you think it's time to become so small that you... Just disappear? 

There is whispering and it even seems like small eyes are looking out of the walls at you.

The whispering is almost like a slowly repeating chant.

 
 Spoiler: Bommel 
Something about the situation feels familiar and... Not really threathening. It's hard to pinpoint why exactly.
 

 
 Spoiler: MAP 
 An alley 
 
Ridai
Suddenly, things have become awfully spooky. Ears flatten against the round body.   "N-no...?"   Bommel is getting the jitters, not gonna lie. Glancing at the many eyes peering at him, he tries to mind his manners.   "S-sorry, d-do I know you...?"  
Auranghzeb
 Bring havok? 

Thinks Impigo.

 Oh, no! I believe in order and authority! My name is Impigo Montoya, former slave to a Necromancer, I only aim to find the Six Fingered Necromancer. You see, but now I'm helping my comrades Bommel and M o ra zz t.  

Impigo explains trying his best to replicate the mound's name complicated pronunciation. Then his eyes narrow!

  Do you happen to know where the six fingered necromancer is hidden?  
Alhallor
--------------The temple------------

The temple lady seems to be calmed with Impigo's description and hears his honest wrath in his words.

"No... If he is religious at all, he sounds more like he goes to the other temple I mentioned before. But I see how much it means to you, I ask around the community, perhaps someone else knows more about someone who is mad enough to enslave you're kind."

Morazzt feels slight nuzzling on his upside and realizes that one of the birds who has traveled with them before has nestled on his top.

------------------Some side-street------------

 BAH, you are no fun at all Bommel!  The big dwarf seems to folds into itself and reveals himself to be... A Rabite. Who does seem slightly familiar to Bommel. The eyes and the whispering however stay.

"It is I! Mirrorear! You're greatest nemesis!"

Bommel kinda remembers a pretty cocky member of the yellow stingers who claimed to be "the greatest illusionist of all time.  And you're greatest nemesis! " who was pretty obnoxius, changes his name constantly (must be something about rabite casters, though Aunt Coney never did that... But she is also a bit older and more grounded) but also provided helpful illusionary pits and aggressive bees who followed Bommel to spur him on in his training.

"Priest Rem asked me to search for some other rabites, because I'm just so great. I just overheard someone talk about them and then YOU show up! What is the meaning of this, Bommel!?"
Ridai
The jitters stay around just as the whispering and eyes do. But he's meeting another rabite, and one he knows!   "H-hey Phantastooth, n-nice to see you. H-how're things at home?"   There is also the nemesis bit.   "You don't look like an owl."  

Bommel double-checks for bees seeking to attack, just to be sure.   "My friends and I helped a merchant against some meanies, and they told me to go to the Luna place. I got candy! Twice! What rabites are you looking for?"   Memories of candy do wonders for momentarily forgetting the existential pressure of the fear of the unknown, evidently.
Metastachydium
Morazzt the Mound doesn't endeavour to correct Impigo's odd pronounciation of Morazzt the Mound's name, weird as Morazzt the Mound might find it that someone would pronounce it anything other than Morazzt (the Mound); as the Six-Fingered Wizard comes up, and the local lady offers help in finding him, Morazzt the Mound suddenly perks up.   WE a lmo St foUND hI m    wiTH t hE ON yx…   Morazzt the Mound hesitates here for a moment; clearing out that weird place of wizardry was not a bad thing to do, but was it a thing they should tell the locals about, Morazt the Mound wonders? Maybe not.  … TH a T o Ne ti  m  E.  And nO w we  Ha vE A LL  th  at onYX; we  coU l d…  

…which is when Morazzt the Mound notices!  A  liTTle  BIRD   ca ME b aC K!   Morazzt the Mound gurgles, quite happily.  W e TRAve  lle D to GETH e r, u nTIl w  e MEt yoUR  f  riE  N ds, but  the  BU g s and t he  m OU th T HinG scaREd  mY BirDY   frI E N ds  oF F, and noW  oNe of  THeM ca ME ba  ck!    the Mound explains, quite cheerily still, for the nice lady's benefit.
Auranghzeb
 I appreciate your asking.  

Impigo watched the Mound's elation at the apparition of the little bird.

Then he remembered...

 Snap! where is Bommel? Should we go and find him? 
Metastachydium
 Mis PLAc in G a fri E   N D is ne V e R  a  GooD  THin g.   Morazzt the Mound agrees, rising slowly for the comfort of the birdy sitting on top of Morazzt the Mound. The candy Morazzt's been sitting on is revealed to be gone, likely all dissolved and absorbed.  We'l L ComE BACk and s EE You  LaTE  r , I'Ll hop E .  Morazzt the Mound gurgles at the nice lady, waving a friendly goodbye as Morazzt the Mound turns to leave.
Alhallor
----------------A side street--------------

"It's not phantastooth! It's Miragefur...ry like I just say'd! Miragefurry the greatest illusionist of all time!" With a swirl of his ear the eyes and the chanting stop... But Bommel hears that it only stops for a moment and there is other chanting still to be heard.

"It's... Fine, it's all good. Some people miss you, Coldhand finally decided on his name. It's Coldhand. Rince seemed to have found a resting place of a... Dryad or the Dryad I'm not sure when he rambles. He just doesn't stop and he uses all that stupid magebabble that no one can really, understand, I mean come ON Rince!"

An ear is shaken to an imaginary Rince standing next to Miragefurry.

"Well I have my ears... Everywhere! And I heard that these rabites are like... Well they paint they're fur black, some wear black robes and... Well they seem to be a pretty darn nuisance. A thorn in this town's side which doesn't seem all that bad but they are ruining us Bommel! You do realize that, right? Dragging all of us rabites down with they're ruckus."

Phantastooth seems to be pretty adamant in talking which is pretty much the reason that he doesn't realize that some big black robes appear behind him.

---------------Luna's retreat-------------

The dwarfen leader of the shrine smiles at Morazzt unbridled joy and congratulates him on a good friend found again. About the question regarding Bommel she nods towards the door. "I think you're small friend followed a dwarf outside. I'll reach out to you, should I find anything."

---------------------------------
Morazzt and Impigo, lead by they're intuition (and an airborne imp) reach Bommel when chanting reaches a concerning height, loud enough that even Mirrorear can hear it. It's followed by a hail of stones pummeling the group and the other rabite.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Enemy's are first.
Will save against 19 if you fail -2 to all d20 rolls and damage (Morazzt is immune against this morale effect).
Hail of stones against Impigo's SR:  (1d20+9)[ 23 ] 
Bommel:  (5d4)[ 14 ] 
Phan... Other rabite:  (5d4)[ 13 ] 
Morazzt:  (5d4)[ 15 ] 
Impigo:  (5d4)[ 11 ] 
They were in ambush and attacked first, it's now you're turn.
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 
 Crowded street 
 
Metastachydium
Morazzt the mound is pleased, at first, that they found Bommel so fast and easily, but then they are attacked with all sorts of stones and pebbles, which is far less pleasing.  Tha T IS a lOT oF  BOMM   elS.   Morazzt the Mound comments as Morazzt the Mound tries to reshape Morazzt the Mound in a way that the odd precipitation, bouncing harmlessly off of Morazzt the Mound, doesn't get near the birdy on Morazzt the Mound's topside, even as Morazzt the Mound reaches out past Bommel and Not-Bommel, trying to grab hold of a couple asailants. Maybe that will stop them from throwing stones at people.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Immediate action negate the Hail of Stone damage (Thick Vegetation);
standard action touch-touch to start a Grapple with any two opponents of your choice within, like, 70':
 (1d20+9)[ 21 ]  and
 (1d20+9)[ 21 ]  melee touch;
healing 2 pints of damage for each if it connects (Martial Spirit);

Maneuvers are being readied:  (1d5)[ 3 ]  and  (1d4)[ 3 ]  in the background
 
Ridai
  "O-oh, okay, Mirro- Mira-"   Was it ear? Tooth? Fur?   "I-I'll write today."   A beat.   "But Coldhand d-doesn't have hands."   Another beat.   "A-aren't you a m-mage?"  

The chanting not really stopping doesn't help things, but he is hearing about ridiculous rabites painting themselves black!   "Oh, I h-heard about those m-meanies! I'll show them what for! Throwing stones through windows for the Black Rabite when the Black Rabite isn't even around and would call them bullies is no good!"  

Worse, now there actually are black robes!   "F-furhand, y-you can stop with the scary m-magicky stu-"   And rocks the size of Bommel hit the diminuitive silktail. Things just got scarier, so naturally, Bommel's flight response kicks in. Unfortunately for the black robes, that means incoherent screaming and panic-batting at them with flaming ears to make them go away.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
Suffers -2 attack and damage morale effect.

 Swift  Use  Burning Blade , adding 1d6+6 fire damage to all attacks this turn.

 Full Action  Move to and full attack the black robe duders! All attacks count as magic and adamantine, and deal nonlethal damage at no penalty. Power Attack -2 to-hit for +4 damage.
Bite  (1d20+16)[ 33 ] , for  (1d3+12)[ 13 ]  physical damage +  (1d6+6)[ 9 ]  fire damage
Ear 1  (1d20+16)[ 36 ] , for  (1d2+6)[ 7 ]  piercing and slashing damage +  (1d6+6)[ 7 ]  fire damage
Ear 2  (1d20+16)[ 20 ] , for  (1d2+6)[ 8 ]  piercing and slashing damage +  (1d6+6)[ 10 ]  fire damage
Unarmed blob 1  (1d20+17)[ 34 ] , for  (1d2+6)[ 7 ]  piercing and slashing damage +  (1d6+6)[ 8 ]  fire damage
Unarmed blob 2  (1d20+12)[ 25 ] , for  (1d2+6)[ 8 ]  piercing and slashing damage +  (1d6+6)[ 8 ]  fire damage

Gains concealment from Child of Shadows stance for moving 10+ft, until the start of Bommel's next turn.
 
Auranghzeb
Impigo just got  pelted  that really triggered him


He first tried to resist the negative influence of the chanting, and then lunged with his new sting  into the nearest caster enemy!


 DIeeeeeeeeeee! 
 
 Spoiler: OoC 

Move: Fly over to H11
and sting that MF   (1d20+15)[ 28 ]  damage  (1d4+1)[ 5 ] + (1d6)[ 5 ]  5*Highest spell available
Poison  (1d8)[ 8 ]  Dex damage DC 22
Magic draining attack DC 19 Will save of have their gear dispelled.
 
Alhallor
Bommel and Morazzt disrobe four of the 5 giant assailants and reveal... Each a stack of 3 rabites, covered in soot who, when they're helpful robe is taken away, crumble down and fall over one another. After they're revealed they quickly take tail and bob away from the fight.

The other giant robe however get's burned away by Bommel's flailing and reveals a Silktail at least as big as Morazzt who looks down upon Bommel... And rolls over him, Phantastooth and Morazzt with a severe amount of crushing.

 
 Spoiler: Morazzt, Bommel, Phantastooth 
You can either make an AoO with -4 or make a Reflex save against DC 23 for half damage.
Damage:  (3d10+15)[ 29 ] 
Phantastooth Reflex save:  (1d20+7)[ 24 ] 
 


"That wasn't me! I don't even know what's going on!" The other rabite cry's out, quickly vanishing after having been flattened.

 
 Spoiler: Spellcraft=17 
Casted Invisibility.
 


Impigo rushes over to one of the real target's his sting finding it's mark.

 
 Spoiler: Impigo 
the target you hit can cast Level 5 spells.
 

 
 Spoiler: Save against Poison, magic items 
Poison:  (1d20+10)[ 30 ] 
Items:  (1d20+12)[ 23 ] 
 


Though to Impigo's surprise someone wanted to hit him with a net, which adjusts mid-flight to his diminiutive size.

 
 Spoiler: Impigo 
Touch attack:  (1d20+14)[ 28 ] 
If hit, entangled. Strength check to keep you in the trails of the net (10 feet around J10):  (1d20+6)[ 17 ] 
 


Bommel too get's two nets thrown at him, both adjusting to his size just like with Impigo's.

 
 Spoiler: Bommel 
Touch attack:  (1d20+14)[ 32 ] 
If hit, entangled. Strength check to keep you in the trails of the net (10 feet around P3):  (1d20+6)[ 20 ] 
Touch attack:  (1d20+14)[ 34 ] 
If hit, entangled. Strength check to keep you in the trails of the net (10 feet around K3):  (1d20+6)[ 26 ] 
 


Morazzt on the other hand sees shadowlike entrancing ribbons explode from around him.

 
 Spoiler: Morazzt 
Fortitude save against 17. if you fail -4 to strength and dazed (can't act normally but no penalty to AC.)
 


While another of the more black rabites begins to hum and chant again.

Impigo's target (either clumsily or grazefully) takes a quick hop back and speaks some words that ring in Impigo's ears and makes hand motions that look sickening to the Imp, which all culminate in a feeling of overwhelming dread as his skin ruptures and begin to bleed.

 
 Spoiler: Impigo 
Damage:  (2d6)[ 9 ]  No save.
Holds up for  (1d6)[ 2 ]  rounds.
 


Adding insult to injury, another one throws a lance of Ice at Impigo.

 
 Spoiler: Impigo 
SR check:  (1d20+14)[ 31 ] 
Attack roll:  (1d20+16)[ 34 ] 
Damage:  (6d6)[ 25 ]  half frost half piercing damage.
If you're hit, make a Fortitude save against 18 or you're stunned for 1 round.
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 
 Phantastooth is invisible, believe me. 
 
Ridai
  "B-b-b-bullies!"   Bommel states the obvious as the stacked rabites are revealed, before the great impression of the biggest rabite he has ever met leaves him floored. The bite on the giant silktail is more accidental than anything.

Flat Bommel is soon layered with nets, but as he pops up into a more three-dimensional state again, he just... appears outside the net, on top of it.

The Shadow Ear is bristling with energy and Biting Spirit, most likely, given how he is shaking in place.

Followed by a sooty rabite learning that rabites are not, indeed, immune to opponents fighting them under foot blob, the tiny pink mass using the larger blackish spherical creature for  cover  tactical advantage.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
Bommel bite AoEs for  (1d20+18)[ 32 ] ,  (1d3+15)[ 17 ]  subdual piercing damage

 Standard  Use  Shadow Jaunt  to teleport just outside the nets above his current position.

 Move  into square of sooty rabite in K3 via Underfoot Combat, gaining +4 AC while there. Bommel does not provoke AoOs for doing so.
 
Metastachydium
Morazzt the Mound is likewise rolled over, and likewise deflates somewhat, but Morazzt the Mound is quick to inflate again, none the worse for wear.  I th iNK You shOUld STO p do   Ing  thA T. H Ow w  oUl  D iT F EEl if  I STE pp ED oN   YOu?    Morazzt the Mound calmly scolds the giant not-Bommel, with a light tap added for emphasis. But Morazzt the Mound knows battle is a frenzy that frenzies people who like battle and is somewhat worried the giant Rabite might not listen; and so, the big vines lash out as one to restrain the giant not-Bommel. In the worst of cases, holding the giant Rabite in place should still keep them from rolling about onto people.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

AoO against the giant Rabite:  (1d20+5)[ 15 ]  for  (3d6+4)[ 14 ] ;
immediate action negate all damage (Thick Vegetation);
standard action attacks:  (1d20+9)[ 11 ]  for  (3d6+4)[ 14 ]  and
 (1d20+9)[ 25 ]  for  (3d6+4)[ 13 ] ; if both hit,
free action initiate Grapple:  (1d20+14)[ 34 ]  and Constrict if possible;
Morazzt heals 2 hp for each succesful hit (Martial Spirit) and
 succeeds on the Fort save 
 
Auranghzeb
 This undignified! 

Yelled Impigo as the spellcaster tried to put him in a net!

 
 Spoiler: Immediate, wall of blades 
Only if I'm aware of the attacker, I think I'm not, but it's easier to post and let you adjudicate  (1d20+15)[ 19 ]  This is my AC vs the net's touch attack
 

 
 Spoiler: AoO? 
I think I may have an attack of opportunity due to Mage Slayer. I'll roll it, you decide.

[roll]+15[/roll] +9

 (1d4+1)[ 2 ] +[roll]1d6 +25[/roll]

Poison  (1d8)[ 7 ]  Dex DC 22
 



Then he roared as he transformed into a Dire Boar, trying to get rid of the net!

Strength of the boar!   (1d20+8)[ 9 ]  
 
 Spoiler: Stats as a Raging boar 

   Impigo Montoya   

HP Explanation: Took 9damage +12 piercing damage then 12 cold but that's down to 7 due to my resistance to cold. Total damage 28 -4 Fast Healing=24

m NE Imp/Karsite (Oslecamo) Ex-Familiar ,  Level  9,  Init  2,  HP  119/133  DR  DR 4/Good 5/Magic,  Speed  20'/ Fly 50'
 AC  15,  Touch  9,  Flat-footed  13,  Fort  9,  Ref  9,  Will  11,  Base Attack Bonus  9/4
 Poison [roll]1d8[/roll] Dex / 1d8 Dex  DC 22 Sting +2 Silver   [roll]+15[/roll] +9 ([roll]1d4+1[/roll]+[roll]1d6[/roll] 5*Highest spell available , x2)
 Poison 1d8 Dex / 1d8 Dex  DC 20 (1/round) MW Shortbow (19 tiny arrows)   +14 (1d3, x3)
   Tusks(Dire Boar Shape)   17 (1d8+12 (+5vs spellcasters), x2)
   Bracers  (+1 Armor, +2 Dex, -1 Size, +5 Natural, -2 Misc)
 Abilities  Str 27, Dex 10, Con 20, Int 16, Wis 8, Cha 20
 Condition  None
 
Alhallor
Bommel hits the rolling Silktail with his bite, but it almost seems like it doesn't recognize the tiny wound small Bommel manages to inflict, such massive and spherical is the creature.

The two blackened rabites can't believe they're eyes when Bommel teleports out of they're nests and uses one of them as cover.

 "Wawawawa! He invades my personal space! 

While one rabite is majorly confused the other try's to hit Bommel with an ear that pulses with dark energy.

 
 Spoiler: Attack against Bommel 
Attack:  (1d20+15)[ 30 ]  (your bonus AC does apply) Miss chance? 20 or under:  (1d100)[ 30 ] 
Damage:  (1d6+6)[ 12 ]  Subdual damage, and make a Fortitude save against 19 or be paralyzed for  (1d3)[ 3 ]  rounds.
 


A more meaner and more magically inclined rabite appears on a rooftop above Bommel but isn't able to see him from this angle.

Morazzt lashing vines are only able to hit the massive silktail once, his other vines grasping the smooth fur but finding no possible way to squeeze.

The Silktail grins, revealing massive teeth and CHOMPS down on the mass of vines that is Morazzt.

 
 Spoiler: Attack against Morazzt 
Attack:  (1d20+20)[ 30 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+8)[ 17 ]  Piercing damage and a will save against fear that you can ignore.
 


Two other black soothed rabites jump down ready to get towards

Boarigo rips through the net that hold him down but the weird sounds and gestures are still burning in his mind and hurting him.

 
 Spoiler: Damage against Impigo 
 (2d6)[ 9 ] 
 


The magician that Impigo already hit once, hops another small step back. "Shapechanger! Knock him out!"

Another spell try's to overwhelm Impigo's defenses.

 
 Spoiler: Spell against Impigo 
Check against SR:  (1d20+9)[ 16 ] 
Nonlethal damage:  (5d6)[ 19 ]  Spellcraft 16: It's a  Whelm. 
 


Meanwhile another rabite has positioned himself behind Boarigo and try's to knock him out.

 
 Spoiler: Attack against Impigo 
Attack:  (1d20+10)[ 13 ] 
Damage:  (1d6+11)[ 17 ]  Subdual damage.
 


"That's enough! Fell the might of the mightiest Illusionist of all time! Let there be quickness!" Screams a disembodied voice that may or may not belong to Phantastooth.

 
 Spoiler: OOC, all 
You get  Haste  for 8 rounds.
 

 
 Spoiler: Map 
 Personal space! 
 
Auranghzeb
A hasted boar is something to be scared about, and a hasted boar that knows how to fight is  boar  dangerous!

ImPIGo steps lightly 5' to his left and feints the little bommel-like mage who is causing so much trouble!

 Corsairs feint:  (1d20+16)[ 31 ]  vs Sense Motive 

Then he thrusts his accelerated tusks into the little creature, no mercy attempted!

 full attack  (1d20+20)[ 40 ]  Haste included.  (1d8+37)[ 40 ]  extra damage if feint succeeds  (1d6)[ 1 ]  
Ridai
  "Th-th-that titan silktail invaded my p-p-personal space! And your net! And your earWAAAAAH!"   is heard from underblob. Unfortunately for the sooty rabites, Bommel appears to not stop, but rather gets even faster!

  "Rab-b-bite Unimpersonation Slappies!"   And the mean ear touchy rabite has the sooty pummeled out of its fur in big clouds!

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
 Full Action  Full attack on the "black" rabite in, uh, L3! All attacks count as magic and adamantine, and deal nonlethal damage at no penalty. Power Attack -2 to-hit for +4 damage. -2 attack/damage from being afeared. +1 attack from Haste.
Bite  (1d20+17)[ 36 ] , for  (1d3+12)[ 15 ]  physical damage
Ear 1  (1d20+17)[ 24 ] , for  (1d2+6)[ 7 ]  piercing and slashing damage
Ear 2  (1d20+17)[ 19 ] , for  (1d2+6)[ 8 ]  piercing and slashing damage
Unarmed blob 1  (1d20+18)[ 25 ] , for  (1d2+6)[ 8 ]  piercing and slashing damage
Unarmed blob HASTE  (1d20+18)[ 21 ] , for  (1d2+6)[ 8 ]  piercing and slashing damage
Unarmed blob 2  (1d20+13)[ 25 ] , for  (1d2+6)[ 7 ]  piercing and slashing damage

No concealment this turn, staying underblob. Leftover attacks, if any, directed at the rabite Bommel is hiding under.
 
Metastachydium
Morazzt the Mound is saddened further by the Big Not-Bommels pointed refusal to be reasonable about this, even as Morazzt the Mound's vines prove rather difficult to chew off.  YoU shoulDN't bE JUsT BITing pEOplE EIthER.  Morazzt the Mound goes on, hoping, at some level, that the Big Rabite has merely misunderstood Morazzt the Mound and thought only rolling over others is impolite.  It's vErY RUde.  Morazzt the Mound explains, trying to bat the toothy ball of fur away with a rapid flurry of vines.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Morazzt immediate action halves the damage dealt (Thick Vegetation) and
moves 5 points of the rest into that fancy delayed damage pool;
then Furious Counterstrike Haste triple attacks:  (1d20+11)[ 25 ]  for  (3d6+4)[ 16 ] ,
 (1d20+11)[ 31 ]  for  (3d6+4)[ 12 ]  and
 (1d20+11)[ 30 ]  for  (3d6+4)[ 17 ] ,
healing for 2 hp with each succesful hit (Martial Spirit);
if at least two slams hit, Morazzt will try to grapple;
until then, I'll go on and roll for two more manuevers (because I forgot to roll for one last round):  (1d3)[ 3 ]  and  (1d2)[ 1 ] 
 
Alhallor
Boarigo's eyes and tusk twinkle menacingly and when his tusks retreat they are covered in... Not that much blood actually and a sizable amount of fur?

 Guys, retreat! They are pretty good! 

The sooty rabite grabs the caster one with an ear, it seems the caster rabite is protected by a protective shell of wool, but unable to really move.

 
 Spoiler: Impigo 
Spellcraft-check and boar of opportunity with a tusk
 


Bommel easily pummels his target unconscious and hits the other one too, though one wants to actually get away with the other while the other caster teleports away.

The big silktail doesn't really want to get wrapped up in Morazzt vines.

 
 Spoiler: Morazzt 
Grapple is succesful, rolling opposed grapple check:  (1d20+20)[ 39 ] 
 


The big silktail is able to slap away Morazzt vines, though they do seem to begin to hurt slightly. He wants to jump away but is hindered by a pit of tar he finds himself suddenly in.

A disembodied voice says. "Greatest, illusionist, of all, time."

 
 Spoiler: Updated map 
 Change of plans! 
 
Ridai
The sooty meanies skedaddle, but the titanic silktail is still around!   "I-I-I'll come help!"   Hopping on over, Bommel does a sudden braking slide.   "Careful, there's a, uh, black sticky pit!"   Must be meanie shenanigans by those sooty rabites!

Careful not to hop into the sticky stuff, Bommel hops over the silktail, raining ear slaps on it so it takes a break.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
 Full Action  Full attack on the giant silktail! All attacks count as magic and adamantine, and deal nonlethal damage at no penalty. Power Attack -2 to-hit for +4 damage. -2 attack/damage from being afeared. +1 attack from Haste.
Bite  (1d20+17)[ 24 ] , for  (1d3+12)[ 15 ]  physical damage
Ear 1  (1d20+17)[ 27 ] , for  (1d2+6)[ 7 ]  piercing and slashing damage
Ear 2  (1d20+17)[ 32 ] , for  (1d2+6)[ 7 ]  piercing and slashing damage
Unarmed blob 1  (1d20+18)[ 26 ] , for  (1d2+6)[ 7 ]  piercing and slashing damage
Unarmed blob HASTE  (1d20+18)[ 33 ] , for  (1d2+6)[ 7 ]  piercing and slashing damage
Unarmed blob 2  (1d20+13)[ 31 ] , for  (1d2+6)[ 7 ]  piercing and slashing damage

Gains concealment from Child of Shadows stance for moving 10+ft, until the start of Bommel's next turn.
 
Auranghzeb
Impigo tries to tusk the fleeing rabite!
 
 (1d20+19)[ 22 ]  damage  (1d8+12)[ 20 ]  +25 

Then he takes a strategic decision and goes back to his Imp shape and takes a higher position with his tiny bow.

 Yes we are GOOD, better than you! surrender and we will have clemency! 
 
 Spoiler: Intimidate 
[roll]1d20+18[Roll]
 
Metastachydium
Seeing that Bommel has already busied himself with…  Punching  the big not-him out of the sticky puddle? It must be a Rabite thing; not having big vines should make things more difficult sometimes.  Anyhow , seeing Bommel is taking good care of the slippery giant Rabite, Morazzt the Mound decides to disengage for now and make an attempt at drawing some of the already fleeing ones back to where they can be properly  chided . So up Morazzt the Mound jumps, and out those long,  long  vines reach.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Morazzt moves to NO12/13 and Jumps up:  (1d20+13)[ 22 ]  (+4 from Hasted speed of 40');
Crusader's Strike strikes the Rabite on X11:  (1d20+10)[ 17 ]  with a melee touch attack
healing Bommel for  (1d6+5)[ 8 ]  hp if it hits,
as well as initiating a grapple:  (1d20+15)[ 26 ] ;
and normal melee touch attacks the Rabite on X13:  (1d20+10)[ 30 ] ,
initiating a grapple if it hits:  (1d20+10)[ 27 ] ;
healing 2 hp with each succesful attack
 
Alhallor
Morazzt grabs one of the sooty bommels and pulls him back and Impigo's intimidation... Makes the sooty rabites stop in they're tracks and discussing.  He is right, they ARE pretty good. They even made silky drop down! 

Bommel hit's the giant silktail again several times which make him do a strange.   Arwahwah!   Sound and he suddenly drops down and plays dead. Very badly. He opens one of his eyes to see if anyone is still looking and shuts them again.

The more castery rabite has ran away but the others (and the one grappled by Morazzt) coming closer.  We would like to have some of that clemency please! 
Ridai
Bommel zips in front of the rabites, pointing an ear, pointedly.   "No! More! Bullying! That's dumb meanie stuff for mean dummies that don't get any dessert! Why even do that, the black rabite isn't even here! And they would call you silly dummies!"  
Auranghzeb
Impigo the clement was enjoying this rare air of moral superiority. Well of  validated moral superiority .

He added to Bommel's words:

 And if any of ye, dirty mages has a familiar, you must release them from that shameful bond and provide the a stipend that allows them to be free! 
Metastachydium
Morazzt the Mound is mostly quite pleased with the others's eloquent attempts at deescalation, as well as the success of these endeavours, so instead of joining the choir, Morazzt the Mound merely bobs forward a couple of times to signal agreement and looks around.   BOMM  eL?  WH ere  D i D y ouR NIce fr IEnD WH o maDE US faS T    G O?[/B]  Morazzt the Mound wonders aloud while at that, absently squeezing the Rabite Morazzt the Mound recovered earlier in the meantime.   SO RRy *** Ut thA T !   Morazzt the MOund is quick to apologize, nevertheless, the little accident reminding Morazzt the Mound of a pressing concern to raise.  AnD   O N thAt  no   TE, do ES   ANY  on E eL Se n EEd moR E he AL in g?  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Just a quick and dirty Constrict for Fertilizer Constrict healing:  (2d6+6)[ 11 ] ;
meanwhile, I never checked if Bommel's been updated to account for the 8 hp he's been healed the other round; if not, feel free to add those in
and do note that Morazzt has all Morazzt's healing potential currently available for use, so don't be shy
 
Alhallor
Bommels words seem to inflict a bit of confusion in the other rabites.  What are you even... We tested you! And you!  Ears are pointed towards Bommel and Impigo, leaving Morazzt out of the picture.  If you are worthy of joining our glorious cause! And yes, we think you are pretty good. Way exceeding our and our boss's expectations! Anyone who survives being crushed by Silky is worth joining the cause but you have crushed us! Longstanding ( 2 months really... ) members off our aeons-old ( was founded half a year ago I think? ) Organization! You can be sure to already getting promoted into black-teeths and it won't take long till you become ears of the boss! We are brimming with the righteousness of the black rabite and are mere moments away of his awakening, you can join too, small-sized comrades! ( And we are definitely going to get some of that dessert too. ) 

Towards Impigo:  Brave imp I can definitely tell you that non of our caster-aligned members even have a familiar, releasing them of they're bonds is unneccessary. 

Answering Morazzt questions with a hard to define ripping sound Phantastooth appears out of nowhere, near Morazzt. "I'm not in need of healing, but if you could provide some I wouldn't say no." Phantastooth keeps an eye on the black, sooty rabites that realize he appeared again but seemingly don't want to say anything to him. Phantastooth harruumphs, the blackened rabites take a longer look at him but still doesn't seem to be interested in talking to him.

"Well, what about me?" He says finally.

 We are NOT asking YOU to join. 
Auranghzeb
Impigo cackles loudly with an infernal laugh, he is, after all, pretty infernal.


 Na, na, your graces are ignoring the fact that  we beat you , whether this was a test or not, we beat you in an unfair combat. Ye cowards tried to ambush us and now you have the audacity to ask Us to join You?  

He makes a flamboyant floriture with his sting-rapier.

  You  should be begging us to join us. For why would we join an organization that admittedly says we will be the strongest members? When we could by our own means become formidable and attract followers to our cause?   
Ridai
Bommel raises an ear when asked about healing.

  "I don't want black teeth, I like them shiny!"   Blinding sparkle from Bommel's chompies.   "Where's that boss, I'm gonna give him an earful! And no picking on Phantastooth!"  
Metastachydium
Morazzt the Mound, rather confused by the sheer absurdity of the conversation and the fact that Morazzt the Mound is somehow not even invited to get involved in it continues to tower in the background and with but another silent bobbing of Morazzt the Mound's full bulk, pokes Yellow Bommel Who Wants to Be Firends with the Black Bommels (or Phantastooth, apparently) in the side, in view of granting his not-request.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Mirrorear gets Belt-healed for  (2d8)[ 16 ]  points!
 
Alhallor
One of the black-soothy rabites sneeze and another points an accusing finger at Impigo.

 You're overestimating yourselves verily! You are pretty good yes, but the ears of the boss are on a whole other level! And our boss itself! Oh yes, he has made a p...  And quickly gets an ear slapped on his mouth before talking too much.

 Let's try to calm down a bit, yeah? It's no problem, we can guide you to our boss and then you can decide who joins who? Sounds good? Of course you're retainers and followers can join too. No problem. 

Phantastooth looks like he's going to throw a temper-tantrum for a moment but he breathes in heavily once, rummages around for a scroll of  Calm emotions  and reads it several times (without activating it) which seems to calm him down enough.

"Thank you." He says to Morazzt, while keeping an eye on the black-furred rabites.
Metastachydium
The new developments only serve to perplex Morazzt the Mound even further.  Yo u tWo  haVE  R Etai  NErs   no W?  A Nd follOW Er  s t OO?  That m Ust  be  NI cE.  Morazzt the Mound doesn't mind that in the slightest; but Morazzt the Mound finds it a real pity Morazzt the Mound never got around to meet them so far. They must be marvelously wonderful people if they follow Impigo and Bommel around.

The Ragebird cautiously emerging from a safe spot among the various sorts of plant matter Morazzt the Mound's composed of seems to take a different approach, and would appear to be merely glaring at the black blobs for the time being.
Ridai
Bommel turns around to Morazzt the Mound, inclining his body.   "I do? What do retainers do? What do they retain? Do they keep juice from spilling?"  

Bommel hop-turns back around, putting on his game face again.   "Yeah, take us to your leader! Phantastooth and I gotta have a word with 'em!"  
Auranghzeb
 We don't have retainers nor do we have servers 

Says Impigo, seeing that his comrades in arms are lost at the social interaction. A sequel of having spent his life with either wizards or demons was that he was not really used to being the voice of rationality...


 We will come with you freely and under no pretense of joining you, cowardly ambushers, but to learn why your boss is so interested in us. 


He then realizes he is speaking FOR the others...

 Unless of course, my honorable comrades DO not want to come! 
Metastachydium
The one right answer to the implicit question is, needless to say, obvious enough to Morazzt the Mound.  I F  Y OU  gO, I'll G o alo  NG.   Morazzt the Mound pronounces firmly. Impigo is a friend, and these not-Bommels might be dangerous in greater numbers and even bigger punches, after all. Morazzt the Mound does have to wonder, nonetheless, if following Impigo to the High Black-Blob Rabite Leader makes Morazzt the Mound an actual follower, on account of Morazzt the Mound following someone. Unhelpfully, the Ragebird, still out and suspicious, only really makes a Ragebird vocalisation and comments on the issue no further.
Ridai
Bommel rotates in place, looking to Impigo, Morazzt the Mount, Phantastooth, the sooty rabites, Impigo.   "I'm still going! I think?"   Or is this going somewhere else? No, the same spot and leader rabite. Probably? Yeah. Yeah? Yeah!   "Yeah!"  
Alhallor
"Okay, good! follow us!"

Silky get's up too. The black tar pit having disappeared suddenly, he rolls and slightly hops to follow all of you, several times it just seems to stare thoughtfully into space, but get's reminded to follow.

The rabites show you through the streets of Xerania, around the "old temple grounds" where you see a slightly bigger open place, fenced into several allotment gardens where people seem to grow vegetables and mushrooms, the sooty rabites look around and with a key open one garden up.

The plants seem to be all well cared for and deliver a sharp contrast to the bustling completely stone dwarfen city.

The rabites seem to handle one bramble and after several cursing and some cuts on they're ears open it up for easy access. The opened hatch seems big enoug for Morazzt to squeeze through, and everyone pours in.

You arrive at something of an underground bar, complete with a dwarven barkeeper, several tables and charis for different individuals. In one corner you see some axe-wielding goblins (who drink carrot juice!) that raise a hand to greet you but after a short chat you get shown towards a slightly hidden door. "The boss awaits you."

You get into a... Nice looking room. There are several amenities like some very comfy chairs, several bookshelves with titles like "the history of Xerania" from Don Xeraan, "How to build a clacking tower" from K.S. Sulivan and "Only one arrow left in my endless Quiver MK II" from Larimar Flint.

On the desk that dominates the room sits a rabite, that just sets away some sheets of paper he has studied before and adresses you.

"Ah, Mr. Bommel! And SenÃ³r Impigo! That means you must be... Morazzt?"

The old rabite looks at every one of you and makes an elusive ear motion that seems to do... Something.

 
 Spoiler: Spellcraft 17 
It's a modified silence that makes everything INSIDE of this room unhearable for everyone outside. But you can still understand each other.
 


"I'm deeply sorry about the way my associates contacted you. It's a bit of a curse having very motivated retainers, you know?" He rummages around in one desk drawer.

"I'm Claudius and we have a common... Friend? I'm sure you know Jerry, right?"

He finds a small Incense cone that he hands Bommel.

"I was given that by another rabite, a 'mother of farrows' as she told me. Should you burn it, you're mind may travel to the black rabite. But I fear it won't allow you to take anything with you, Jerry told me you may need it Mr. Bommel."

Claudius harrumphs and adresses the rest of you. "Me and my organization are ready to help you should you do... Well I don't know exactly what you're plans are, but Jerry told me should I help you it may help my own goals. We could make a distraction or just give you a place to sleep. Everything within reason that a bunch of rabites and some other helpers can do. You'll definitely get this."

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
He hands you a bag with easily tradable gems  tm  that are worth 10.000 Gold.
 

 
 Spoiler: MAP 
 The boss 
 
Ridai
Bommel whole-body nods to the goblins of culture.

Once inside, Bommel receives a gift from   "Auntie Coney!"   Bommel holds the tiny cone in front of his sparkling eyes (and teeth). Hearing about not being able to bring anything with him, though, kind of disappoints the diminuitive silktail.   "But I got the Black Rabite's Totally Legit Almighty Black Ears of Doom Charm and that needs to get back to the Black Rabite somehow! At least I can say hi."  

Oh right, there was something else. Game face back on!   "And tell 'em how these sooty rabites are being mean bullies! Auntie Coney would be pulling your ears for this nonsense!"  

But back on the other topic.   "Oh yeah, Jerry! We're supposed to get Gnome's Hammer from, uh, the guy in the big shiny place with the gargoyles! We've been looking around town so far."  
Metastachydium
 
 Originally Posted by Alhallor 
 "Ah, Mr. Bommel! And SenÃ³r Impigo! That means you must be... Morazzt?"

The old rabite looks at every one of you and makes an elusive ear motion that seems to do... Something. 
 

  MORazz T th e MOU N d ! A nD Ve rY deL IGH te D To o   !   Morazzt the Mound replies in greeting, trying to wave, but abandoning the idea quickly as the overly long vine is even quicker to just flop against the ceiling. This Claudiius person is surprisingly nice, and it wouldn't be nice of  Morazzt the Mound  to wreck up his ceiling.



 Claudius harrumphs and adresses the rest of you. "Me and my organization are ready to help you should you do... Well I don't know exactly what you're plans are, but Jerry told me should I help you it may help my own goals. We could make a distraction or just give you a place to sleep. Everything within reason that a bunch of rabites and some other helpers can do. You'll definitely get this."

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
He hands you a bag with easily tradable gems  tm  that are worth 10.000 Gold.
 

 
 Spoiler: MAP 
 The boss 
 
 

Understanding that Morazzt the Mound will likely carry it in the end, Morazzt the Mound also accepts the bag with a thankful gurgling noise, before appending Morazzt the Mound's own voice to Bommel's.


 
 Originally Posted by Ridai 
 Oh right, there was something else. Game face back on!   "And tell 'em how these sooty rabites are being mean bullies! Auntie Coney would be pulling your ears for this nonsense!"  

But back on the other topic.   "Oh yeah, Jerry! We're supposed to get Gnome's Hammer from, uh, the guy in the big shiny place with the gargoyles! We've been looking around town so far."   
 

 An D yeS, we arE  tRYINg to  do THa T, an D I'D bE   HA PP y t o he L P    yoU B y  BEing HELp E D!   whatever that means in practice.  B uT yOU  reaLLy ha vE TO Do somE THi NG ab O U t y O Ur f riEN Ds, b ecauSE MY oTHer N Ew  frIENdS weRE  comPLAIN ing aBOUt the m, a Nd SiLKy likE s to  sTEp  on peo PLE, WHi CH   isn'T gOOD.   WE h  aVE A loT of OPTi  on S to eXPlo Re, in  thE me ANTIme , ye S, sO the  HAMM e r th inG miGHt o NLy haPPEN LA TE r any WaY. 
Alhallor
"Well Mr. Bommel, just see it as one part of a puzzle. With this your mind may wander to your destination, now you only need to find a way to bring that... Charm towards the Black Rabite. I'd wager he'd be quite delighted if he finds that."

When Claudius get's chided he does look quite uncomfortable. "Well I'm really sorry for you're inconveniences. I hope my financial aide helps you to at least partially be compensated, but be sure that I'll gonna give them the talk as soon as I have finished my business with you!"

His face does get a bit more relaxed when talking about Silky.

"We were blessed with a Silktail, yes. I'll try to reason with him but they are really elusive creatures, all in all. Quite the fascinating change that Mr. Bommel, clearly a Silktail has become that small and the ones I know about have become quite large."

Regarding the hammer and Don Xeraan's house of gold.

"That is your plan? It seems Jerry was right, you're plans will help mine too. I do have the info that the Don is currently outside of Xerania, some meeting with other dwarfen Don's and Donma's. It will probably take weeks till we hear about him returning. But his house of gold... Hrm..."

Claudius is in thought for some moment.

"I know that the various guilds bring they're tax money regularly into the foyer where a counter is for that kind of business. It's also the place where you can ask for credit... And that the Don has hired a bunch of scribes that keep his finances in check. The door to his place of gold can only be opened by the highest of his guards, the Gargoyle's follow everyone fleeing... And there is the guardian of the Gold chamber itself, I only heard his name whispered in passing, its...

  .  
  .  
  .  
  Khidma'kha'bul  
 
 Spoiler: Impigo 
make a Knowledge:The Planes check, or another one that gives you infos about demonkind, I'd be ok with other fitting Knowledge skills.
 
Ridai
  "I trained so hard I became small!"   Bommel clarifies as if this would absolutely clarify anything.

The underground thunderstrike underlining the reveal of the big name is accompanied by an   "Aaaaaah!"  

...

  "Who?"  
Auranghzeb
Impigo hears a name in a passably pronounced Abyssal and his memory juggles around,   HE HAS NO IDEA WHO THIS Khidma'kha'bul MAY BE!   but still he acts surprised and incensed!

 Why is he guarding the gold chamber? Has he been a victim to a Gate or a Geas? Ah! once again the wizards and mages manipulating the good will of my KIN to serve them in their nefarious businesses! 
Metastachydium
How come everyone has a lot of friends Morazzt the Mound has never heard about.  I S hE as B i   G a s t hAT NAm e ?  A ND D A Nger ou S?   Morazzt the Mound asks, calmly enough that the Ragebird decides it's safe to emerge again from within Morazzt tha Mound's tangle of vines  without  entering an angry rage.  Is  HE a G ooD e nOU GH   a frI E N  d tha T Yo u COULD  JUSt t alk to H i M?   Morazzt the MOund then asks Impigo, who  clearly  knows exactly who's being talked out.
Alhallor
Answering Bommel's question: "Well, that is the problem, I only heard the name. I'm pretty sure it's in Abyssal but I couldn't find any more clu..."

Claudius does seem very happy that Impigo seems to know the name. "Well I can't tell you what kind of deal they have made, or even if there was manipulation involved but it seems that you already knew this abyssal individual. Well, knowing is half the battle."

Claudius harrumphs again. "Well that is all that we could find out. You're of course always welcome here, but if you don't have any further questions, I guess it'd be better that I talk to some of my, well, employees and you're probably still have some angles where you could find some more clues or allies."
Metastachydium
Morazzt the Mound bobs forward twice.   THanK  YoU foR  E VER ythI NG, thEn! W   E'lL suRE  Be   Back someT  IMe !   Morazzt the Mound says, as a way of faring well; but then Morazzt the Mound suddenly raises the tip of a vine, having remembered something.  Ju s T    oNE QUEStiOn, b eFORe th  aT  . Ho W BAD aRE  the  BAD WARE h  ouse S ? 
Ridai
  "Wow, you know a lot of people!"   Bommel commends Impigo.

  "Maybe we can ask the people at the big cheery arena place if they know something. There's probably a lot of people there!"  
Alhallor
"Well then I guess everything is cleared u..." Morazzt question seems to take Claudius a bit back and he needs to collect himself before answering. "Oh! These warehouses? East of Luna's Retreat? Well, they're mostly used by some... Shady people I'd say. I don't think that you will have much problems, but they're dealing with stuff like Black Pearls, poison and other more unpleasant things. On the other hand it's not illegal to deal with these things in Xerania as long as you pay you're taxes."

 
 Spoiler: Knowledge Arcana 20 
Black Pearls are used as a component to summon a special group of, lava swimming demons who are immune against the massive heat.
 

 
 Spoiler: Knowledge Nature 15 
Black Pearls can only be found (rarely) inside of lavashells.
 

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Claudius doesn't know where Black Pearls come from or what they are used for, he only knows that they can be purchased adjacent to the bad warehouses.
 
Auranghzeb
Great, though impigo, now everyone thinks  I know him...




 Well, not exactly know him, much more like  heard of him  but in any case, a fellow from the Abyssal Hell needs our help to be freed from the oppression someone has subjected him to serve and guard their mundane possessions. I say we go there and find how can we help!  


Impigo seems decided to go to this warehouse and make right what seems to be classic case of Gate or Planar Binding. These mages and their ways of interrupting with the pleasant life of Hell dwellers.
Ridai
  "Oh, then we go to the shiny house, okay!"   After all, they need to rescue Impigo's friend!
Alhallor
After a swing by to Luna's retreat to tell them that the bullies are under control (which is met with some cheering and a bunch of delicios snacks) you decide to at least go to the direction of the area. The streets of Xerania funnel you back to the massive house of gold, which can basically be seen from any point in the city. It still stands massively in the middle of the town, it's small slits (where Bommel and probably Impigo can get through.) Now definitely seem more like arrow holes or could possibly be used to defend the place. The gargoyles are still taking watch and the massive golden gate with depictions of which can only be the greedy digger and treasures kinda seems like it's both a place to hoard treasure and revere this strange new deity.

A smaller door inside the massive golden gate opens up and a dwarf with an empty sack and armed with a weird looking piece of paper which she seems to study meticulously leaves the house of gold. When she passes you she nods at you out of courtesy but is soon transfixed by the piece of paper she seems to study.
Ridai
Snacks!

Seeing the dwarf, Bommel hops up to look at the paper and goes   "Hi! What are you reading? Is it a Biting Spirit Cultivation scroll? Workout regiments? Brownie recipe? Funny jokes?"  
Metastachydium
Morazzt keeps quiet for most of the way, somehow not sure going all in on the House of Gold isn't somehow…  Premature.  But then, someone like Impigo, and probably just as nice as Impigo too is trapped in there, and they promised Jerry. Too bad Morazzt the Mound, then, has no time to properly let more snacks absorb at the Retreat; but Bommel seems to like those even more and eats much faster – and so leaving Bommel with  more  snacks only leaves Morazzt the Mound the happier too.

 ♣ 
As eating goes, the day afterwards continues to come with more instances of Bommel being Bommel. Morazzt the Mound wouldn't have thought to ask much of that of the Dwarf (albeit Morazzt the Mound bob-nodded to the Dwarf and the Ragebird made a bird sound to return her greeting); but Morazzt the Mound sees the wisdom in engaging in some good conversation with one who has been in and comes to a halt.   WHa t iS   A BIti ng SP iR iT CULTIva tiO n scr O LL?   Morazzt the Mound needs ask, nevertheless. Morazzt the Mound never quite understood the appeal of biting things, and not being able might have been part of why. Perhaps some Biting Spirit Cultivation could make Morazzt the Mound more appreciative of the little joys of others?
Ridai
Bommel looks to Morazzt the Mound, helpfully explaining:   "I have no idea! But I heard of them! Scrolls that make your rabite Biting Spirit bigger, like 'The Sharpest Teeth', 'Chomp Chomp Revolution', and 'Applied Omnomonomics'!"  
Alhallor
The dwarfen lady laughs heartily at Bommels excitement.

"You're a pretty excitable little fellow and new here, eh? And nah it's not anything like the great old tomes like "how to fight, cheer and drink beer!" but only the receipt I got from the house of gold."

The dwarfen lady shows you the receipt.

 
 Spoiler: Receipt 
 Taxes! Oh joy! 
 


"I just can't wrap my head around it. I pay'd the exact same sum last month and I only got 1 month free and now it's 1 month and 8 days. I mean last month business was a bit slower than usual but how does the Don take notice of something like that? It's just weird I tell you. And I kinda want to see the great treasure hall but you know you would need to make a Donation of 100.000 Gold or grant the Don an artifact to even see inside. Would be a long time till I get enough gold and it will probably not be worth just to see all of that."
Metastachydium
Morazzt the Mound stares at the receipt lost in thought.   MAYbe  wE SH  OUld go  IN anD A SK I F W e arE D ue  AnyTHI ng.   Morazzt the Mound then says.  FOR CE ful  ta X co LLEC tio N s OU  nd  S un PLEASa nT.    and then they would be in there, too. Morazzt the Mound is now also quietly wondering if weird hair that bites people counts as an artifact. It's not like  they  need weird hair that bites people.
Ridai
Bommel bobbles down and up again.   "I am little! And new here!"   Hearing about what the document is, he seems impressed.   "That's some serious martial arts! I hear how some people try to evade taxes, but it seems to rarely work."  

But there is a conundrum at hand, one that makes Bommel ear-rub his nonexistant chin.   "Maybe the tax collector sifu thinks you are nice and is nice in turn? I think you're nice! Forceful Tax Collection sounds like a serious technique, though."  

And thus, Morazzt the Mound brings up a genius idea.   "Ohh, yeah! I'm not sure I'm ready to fight tax collectors. Maybe they spar in the coliseum later, that might be cool! We could ask them about the eight day thing too."  

Bommel hands the nice dwarf lady a gold coin as a good luck charm to continue avoiding the Forceful Tax Collection attack, waves to her, and follows Morazzt the Mound.
Auranghzeb
Well, it was kind of embarrassing to have been misinterpreted such, but now Impigo had to push forward and find out what was the deal with this demon at the Gold House. And he thanked the nine hell lords the sunny disposition and simplicity of his companions.


after enjoying some spicy threats at Luna's they set off.

So far Impigo has grown very wary of dwarfs. So he lets Bommel deal with introductions. while he peers around taking advantage of the dwarven lady distraction and becoming invisible.


 
 Spoiler: actions 
Turn invisible and try to peek around the corners to see if there are any guards, doors or hallways.
 
Alhallor
Lady Strongarm adresses Morazzt and try's to ease his worries. "Well if you're new you're... Probably not due anything, but it can't hurt to ask, I'd say."

Towards Bommel. "Yes, you really, really shouldn't try to evade taxes, no matter how strong you are or how skilled, I haven't seen anyone pull it off yet. And I don't think it has anything to do with me being nice, thank you though. And actually you CAN see some of the collectors fight in the colliseum occasionally but they never announce it for some reason. They do announce other fights like that crazy battle a week ago! One Fishguy against three trolls! He trounced them really bad."

Lady strongarm accepts the gold coin a bit confused but as soon as it reaches her hands it disappears in her pocket. "Well, thanks little one, I'm sure I'd put it to good use."

Towards the place that was formerly occupied by an invisible Impigo. "Weird I could have sworn there was another of you guys. Well, have a nice day!"

The golden doors of the house of gold are still standing ominously closed, but when Morazzt comes closer towards the gate, probably with the intention to go inside, a smaller gate inside the big massive gate opens, shortly after a bit bigger gate opens up, high and wide enough to let through an Ogre (or a Morazzt).

Inside seems to be a grand hall with a grand desk where... One very tired office elf sits and unenthusiastically looks up.
Auranghzeb
Impigo basks in awe at the goldenish  and bureaucratic magnificiency of this mausoleum for order and evil, for all banks are evil and bureaucratic and make Impigo feel warm inside remembering sweet hell with it's regulations and forms...


 Sigh 

An invisible Impigo says as he scans the  big hall for magic.

 
 Spoiler: oOc 
Activate Detect magic.
 
Ridai
Bommel and his starry wizard hat bounce into the hall, the shiny shininess of the surrounding gold reflecting in his teeth. He looks up at the office elf (a real olf!).

  "Hello! I'm Shadow Ear Bommel, Disciple of the Way of Many Ears, Seeker of the Black Rabite, nice to meet you! You can call me Bommel. I hear this is the place where the taxation martial artists are. Oh, can you tell me why the same amount of money gives different lengths of not being visited by tax warriors? Did they manage to get better at fueling their arts with gold and need less now? Do nice people get more time?"   This is a grand place of learning! Such an opportunity must not be missed!
Metastachydium
Morazzt the Mound, having waved a proper goodbye to the friendly Dwarven lady, shuffles over and then in after Bommel and (presumably) Impigo (Morazzt the Mound often doesn't quite know where Impigo truly is, but suspects that he must be near), looking about with care and caution. It's a very shiny place and Morazzt the Mound wants to make sure Morazzt the Mound doesn't break anything, unless they need to.  W E aRE veR Y nE w t oo . AS  You ca N, I BELievE, teLL. We d oN'T M EAn to upSE t    anY ONe or   th  e ciV IC OR der not K NoWIng  th i NG s.   Morazzt the Mound gurgles in a friendly tone. Morazzt the Mound then gives the Elf a better look.  …dO  You n EE d healING? YO U    lOOk w eath ERe d .  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Knowledge (architecture&amp;engineering) on the structural integrity of things in the entry hall (including the entry hall):  (1d20+3)[ 8 ] 
 
Alhallor
Impigo's magical sight doesn't come up with much. Besides the desk there are still two rather big doors on the left and right sides, labeled with a shield that reads in multiple languages. "Only for people with clearance."

The rest of the room seems magicless, well if not for the office elf who definitely seems to be a caster of some sorts and looks at the invisible Impigo.

In regards to Bommel the olf seems to stare into space, then slowly turns his head towards Bommel, the olf blinks and let's his eyes closed a bit longer than seems normal before opening again and hit's Bommel critically with a cold smile that doesn't have any emotion behind it.

 Hello. 

The olf keeps staring at Bommel while shuffling some very serious looking papers around and filling it from one box to three other boxes.

 You're inquisitive nature is appreciated, Mr. Shadow Ear Bommel, Disciple of the Way of Many Ears, Seeker of the Black Rabite. But the business of the whole town funnels through me, now that the Don is on a Business trip and part of these instructions where pretty clear that the business side of things are only to be discussed with people who directly work under him. 

From one of the closed doors comes a small thin dwarf with an important piece of paper and runs towards the elf and presents it to him.

 
 Spoiler: Paper 
For anyone curious, why are you looking at documents that are not yours?
It's a material cost summation of the materials used in the upkeep regarding the harbor.
 


The office elf only takes a small look at it and waves the dwarf away.

 Do it again. You have missed a zero. 

Flabbergasted the dwarf returns and the elf turns his gaze towards Morazzt.

 Nothing a Potion of Restoration can't cure. Though if you have a spare spell or potion I wouldn't complain. If you want a list of what crimes you can or can't commit here, I'd advise you to ask a guard or did you have something different in mind? The Don is always willing to let a fortune disappear for convenience and let it appear elsewhere if the cut is worth it. 
 
 Spoiler: Structural integrity. 
For Morazzt knowledge is vast and great this hall seems basically indestructible. The gold used has been either painted on or was applied differently but for Morazzt the Mound knowledgeable gaze and experience it's clear that it can't be used for construction because it's too soft for that, but conducts electricity particularly well.
 
Ridai
  "Ohhhhh!"   Bommel says as The Way Things Do Be Like are explained to him. Tax Fu rules.   "Are there tours of this place? What does that dwarf just now do?"  
Alhallor
The elf blinks again. Again it seems he keeps his eyes closed a tad too long.

 Tours?  It almost seems like he thinks about it for a bit.

 No, the only way to get access to the inner chambers are either you're shown by the Don himself or by making a sizable donation of either a massive sum of gold or an artifact of a nature the Don is interested in. No a simple magical sword with a minor enchantment will NOT do. 

The olf sighs as he explains to Bommel.  This dwarf just made a mistake. We don't allow mistakes to be made here. 
Metastachydium
 
 Originally Posted by Alhallor 
 Flabbergasted the dwarf returns and the elf turns his gaze towards Morazzt.

 Nothing a Potion of Restoration can't cure. Though if you have a spare spell or potion I wouldn't complain. If you want a list of what crimes you can or can't commit here, I'd advise you to ask a guard or did you have something different in mind? The Don is always willing to let a fortune disappear for convenience and let it appear elsewhere if the cut is worth it. 
 
 Spoiler: Structural integrity. 
For Morazzt knowledge is vast and great this hall seems basically indestructible. The gold used has been either painted on or was applied differently but for Morazzt the Mound knowledgeable gaze and experience it's clear that it can't be used for construction because it's too soft for that, but conducts electricity particularly well.
 
 
 

Morazzt the Mound bobs forward, doubly saddened. Things that conduct electricity are always good; but further their goals in no immediately obvious ways. And Morazzt the Mound cannot help the poor Elf either!  I ca N ONly h eaL, N O T REs toRe. S oRR y.   Morazzt the Mound admits apologetically, taking a mental note to pick up something for that at some point. Well, besides the Mystery Potion. But Morazzt the Mound still doesn't know what the Mystery Potion really does.


 
 Originally Posted by Alhallor 
 The elf blinks again. Again it seems he keeps his eyes closed a tad too long.

 Tours?  It almost seems like he thinks about it for a bit.

 No, the only way to get access to the inner chambers are either you're shown by the Don himself or by making a sizable donation of either a massive sum of gold or an artifact of a nature the Don is interested in. No a simple magical sword with a minor enchantment will NOT do.  
 

…but speaking (or the case may be,  thinking ) Mystery Objects of Magic… An idea from not long ago re-occurs to Morazzt the Mound.   WhaT AB ouT  curS ED maGIc H  AI  r? Do ES the  DoN  liK E cuR SeD Ma gi C  h AIr ?  Morazzt the Mound doesn't, that's, at least, certain; and it's unlikely Nevral could sell something that bites people with insects  so  fast.
Ridai
  "We also found an arm!"   Bommel holds up the skeletal arm graft. Maybe the Don could start building something out of this stuff.
Alhallor
 
 Originally Posted by Metastachydium 
 Morazzt the Mound bobs forward, doubly saddened. Things that conduct electricity are always good; but further their goals in no immediately obvious ways. And Morazzt the Mound cannot help the poor Elf either!  I ca N ONly h eaL, N O T REs toRe. S oRR y.   Morazzt the Mound admits apologetically, taking a mental note to pick up something for that at some point. Well, besides the Mystery Potion. But Morazzt the Mound still doesn't know what the Mystery Potion really does. 
 

 Curious. Healing but not restoring? Seems quite unusual. 
 Cursed hair? 

Not only is the curiosity of the olf piqued, he also seems to be very interested.

After you tell him the properties of the hair he seems to be looking that kind of stuff up in a very small booklet (which seems to have way more pages that it really should have). And after he reads the entry over and let's himself explain the effects again he seems to nod with some gravitas.

 You are in luck that the Don searches for cursed artifacts too. If you offer the hair to the Don you will be escorted to the hall of treasures and can place it in a place you deem fit. You'll get a letter afterwards if the Don found the place of choosing fitting. 

The arm get's looked at with a hint of curiosity.

 You are free to donate this... Arm. 
Ridai
  "Sure!"   Bommel keeps holding the arm that is much bigger than him with an ear. The skeletal hand somehow shows a thumbs up while wobbling back and forth.
Alhallor
After getting the info regarding the hair you're getting back to Nevral (who wasn't able to break the curse, thankfully.) After you do some more preparations you come back with the arm, the elf doesn't seem to look any better but he quickly checks the hair with a  detect magic . Nods and shakes a bell which doesn't seem to produce any sound, but shortly after three dwarf appear from a door on the left side.

One is clad in darkblue clothing the other looks like the biggest dwarf you have ever seen, and the last one wears a scholarly robe and puffs on a pipe. The one in the robe is also the one who talks.

"Oh, another donation, come along. Come along." You get guided towards one of the doors, the other two dwarfs remain silent while the robed one keeps talking. "I'm Gorktnek Marblearm, chief archivist of the house of gold. On you're left side you see some of the dedicated scribes that make sure that Xeraania's bureaucracy works the way it should be and keep the town running." He points one arm to several offices filled with diligent dwarfen scribes.

"My two colleagues are hired by Don Xeraan and don't talk much, I'm afraid, they're just here for additional security, you know some people do want to steal from the Don and we can't have that."

You get towards a pretty big wodden door which is otherwise unornamented. "And this is it. The great hall of gold! It's always breathtaking even for me... Ahem."

He holds up a small mithril plate and the door opens revealing a big hall, utterly filled with gold, gems, highly ornamented weapons and four pillars where rather simple looking weapons rest. A hammer, a sword, an axe and what looks like a bunch of golden hair needles?

When you enter the hall it seems like every gold coin, every gem and every other item, besides the pillars and the things on it are vibrating and talking with a lot of small voices which when finally coming together become one big voice.

  Greetings, mortals! I'm the protector of vaults, the will of every single coin and you're guide. Nice to see another denizen of the nine hells, little imp! Please place you're donation on a place of you're choosing.  
 
 Spoiler: Maps 
 VAULT! 
 
Ridai
Bommel doesn't see much of the treasure vault, as he is perpetually squinting against the extremely bright gold reflections. His teeth, likewise, are shining brightly with gold reflections.

  "Hello, I'm Shadow Ear Bommel, Disciple of the Way of Many Ears, Seeker of the Black Rabite, you can call me Bommel, and I can't see the places to put things down very well."   Bommel's squinting only seems to get more intense, as it isn't helping much.

  "What are those, uh, four big things in the middle? Can we put the hair on where the, uh,"   Extra Hard Squint Technique! As the skeletal arm makes sweeping, erratic motions towards the items on the pedestals.   "weirdly wide and short shovel is lying in the center? The hair might pull the room together, like Gruncle Hoppocrates'es rug made from his own fur."   The skellington hand points towards the  hammer  shovel, wagging back and forth.
Metastachydium
With waves and understanding nods, as well as polite introductions thrown in, Morazzt the Mound shambles along into the vault. Morazzt the MOund's first impression is a melancholy feeling, as the guardian with the long name seemingly fails to recognize its old friend Impigo; and the second that this is probably the right place they were looking for, since there is a hammer at hand and it looks very special.  D O youU M Ind if I  W AlK a bOUt a bI T, in  th e M EAN tiM E?   Morazzt the Mound collects Morazzt the Mound, however, quickly enough to swiftly ask (in addtion to scooping Bommel up and placing him on top of Morazzt the Mound beside the nest of the Rage Bird, figuring that must be what he meant when he said he doesn't see things well: he needs a better vantage point!).  W E W OUl d liK E To p  Ut thE H  AIr some WHERE ve Ry fi TT ing .   That much is true; it would be unkind to mess this tidy vault all up.
Alhallor
The spectacled dwarf, thinking about a way to help Bommels predicament seems relieved when Morazzt take on the problem with his vines. He gestures around.

"Of course, you're free to walk around and admire everything you want to. If you have any questions you're free to ask of course, I'd be happy to be you're guide." The dwarf walks along, currently the mass of gold and other stuff gently flows away when you're touching the ground, leaving enough room for you to walk unimpeded

 
 Spoiler: MAP 
 Hey, ho, into the vault we goho! 
 
Metastachydium
 THa nK  Y ou ! THa t iS HELPfuL to kn O W !  Morazzt the Mound gurgles thankfully indeed as Morazzt the Mound begins shuffling further in, quite pleased by how polite the assorted coins giving them way like that are.  A nd thiS  IS S Ome V Ery  OBLIg i NG TRea su RE  h ERe too !  Morazzt the Mound makes sure to vocally acknowledge that much, even, taking a turn left first (avoiding the axe for now might be some manner of Plant instinct, Morazzt the Mound quietly figures).  BUt I THI nk Y OU m iGHt h ave MISS ed My f RIEN  d  BOMMel 'S qu ESti o n .  Morazzt the Mound adds, almost apologetically; Morazzt the MOund doesn't mean to hurt the helpful Dwarf's feelings, and it's only because Bommel is so small, probably. His questions might be hard to spot in a loud room like this!  Ca N wE PUT thiN Gs o n the SHinY PEdESTals if theY'D LOOk g OO D o n  tho SE ?  
Auranghzeb
Impigo looks at the great demon with a reverence


 We are here to free you, fear not noble sir! This ingrateful servitude that holds you down ends today.

What is it? A geas? A gate? How did they trap such a powerful creature? 
Alhallor
  It's my pleasure!   The coins and the treasure itself all say in unison as Morazzt comments on how easy it is to traverse (currently).

The scholarly dwarf at you're side harrumphs and answers the question.

"Well you could, theoretically I mean, put it on the occupied pedestals if you really, really think it would fit. But you would put it on the same pedestal, literally, as one of the Don's greatest treasures. And by all the properties this hair might have... I don't think it would fit, but the choice is yours of course."

Impigo's outburst is met at first, with silence. Then a clinking and rustling which after a while seems like the coins are... Laughing?

 
 Spoiler: Impigo 
It's a good-natured abyssal laugh, as seldom as it happens, Impigo is probably familiar with that.
 

  A geas? Me? I'm  Khidma'kha'bul  little Imp. As much as the mortals imprison and bind you're folk I'm not surprised but I'm here on a contract of my own free will, and is has been very lucrative so far.  
Ridai
If anything, Bommel's squinting gets even worse higher up, as more things can blind him with their shininess, his teeth practically shooting a gold beam at this point.

  "But this place is the shiny storage, right? Do the shinies go away for the contract? What? Are you the coins? Do you guard yourself?"   Bommel inquires, as he slowly approaches the center, mounted on the mound.
Metastachydium
Morazzt the Mound bobs forward understandingly. The things on the pedestals  do  loom important, and the hair… Doesn't  sound  quite as important, to Morazzt the Mound at least.   ThoSE PIn thi N   Gs  do LooK liKE som ethING I S ee pE Opl e pUt in th EIR h aI R.   Morazzt the Mound gestures with a vine towards the pile of golden needles with a vine, as though to excuse Morazzt the Mound's previous, eminently silly question.    WH  at a Re theY fO R,  I w onDe r?   Morazzt the Mound wonders. The rage bird pops out from somewhere beside and slightly below Bommel as well, making a rage bird noise, as if to signal curiousity of its own.
Auranghzeb
Surprised, Impigo does not understand... working on his own volition with humans and dwarves and mages?

 What kind of contract binds you that it is worth your time, immortal evilness? And then how does that affect us?  

At this time, Impigo looks at his companions with a puzzled look. If they are not here to liberate Khidma'kha'bul, then what to do? Defy him and take the hammer?
Alhallor
  You are quite the inquisitive little rabite, but I'll humour you. I'm the guardian, every single coin is in my possession and can be freely manipulated by me. Therefore other guardians are not necessarry.  

The dwarfen guide besides you, who does seem to be slightly impeded by the gold, does seem a bit miffed by this statement, but nonetheless answers Morazzt's question. "Oh, you know, Don Xeraan is a bit of a romantic and these hair needles are a present to his mate to be. He hasn't found the right person currently, but he certainly already has the right gift."

The gold giggles a bit after Impigo's question but doesn't seem to answer.

You are near the pedestals, the hammer in question in easy reach but the eyes of every valuable in here seem to be on you, not talking about the three dwarven guardians.
Auranghzeb
Impigo moves his eyes  mysteriously  from  Khidma'kha'bul  to the hammer as his brow twitches with intensity, a small vein pops up in the imp's temple.
Metastachydium
[QUOTE=Alhallor;26092639]The dwarfen guide besides you, who does seem to be slightly impeded by the gold, does seem a bit miffed by this statement, but nonetheless answers Morazzt's question. "Oh, you know, Don Xeraan is a bit of a romantic and these hair needles are a present to his mate to be. He hasn't found the right person currently, but he certainly already has the right gift." T Hat iS QUITE  NIC e o f Hi M!   Morazzt the Mound concedes.  D o thE Y  D o A  NYTH  ing  beyoND B Ein g …  but the great voice of Impigo's forgetful fiendish friend the draws Morazzt the Mound's attention away for the moment.


   You are quite the inquisitive little rabite, but I'll humour you. I'm the guardian, every single coin is in my possession and can be freely manipulated by me. Therefore other guardians are not necessarry.   

 You sh ouLDN't s AY th at IN F ROnt of TH E OT Her gu ARd s .   Morazzt the MOund gurgles to the coins more softly, half-turning as though to look at the other guards for an instant.  TheY  LOOK lik  E THE Y lIKE f  e  eLIng n eccessaA R  Y.   
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Morazzt the Mound rolls an initiative Morazzt the Mound doesn't know Morazzt the Mound needs:  (1d20+1)[ 8 ] ;
in the interim, Morazzt the Mound works on accidentally sowing some discord Morazzt the Mound also doesn't know Morazzt the Mound needs.
 
Ridai
  "O-okay, then I'll just-"   Bommel has the skeletal arm grab the hair and he carefully,  caaarefullyyyy  does a wee little jump onto the hammer pedestal and-

 *CRASH* 

So things did not quite go according to plan, as gold coins are flying everywhere, courtesy of a newly created tangle of miniature silktail, hammer, skeletal arm, and coins, bouncing around the room uncontrollably. Confused and blinded Bommel screaming accompanies the display.
Alhallor
The other guards do grumble and apparently don't like the situation but gulp down they're frustration because they still have a duty to do.

When Bommel jumps up the Pedestal the scholarly dwarf who accompanied you, harrumphs, not that happy with you're choice of placement... But then the're is crashing and coin jingling and the deafening sound of all the treasure, rumbling through the whole room.

   THIEVES! THIEVES IN THE CHAMBER! YOU WILL NOT GET AWAY!   

The whole chamber erupts into chaos, a mass of coins, jewels, swords and other valuables fly around the room, though mysteriously they don't seem to hit you... But instead the three other guards who seem more confused than alarmed.

"What?! I can't see... What are they stealing!? We are here to help you!"

The other guards seem to be impeded by the gold... Though it still parts for you.

 
 Spoiler: Map 
 Oh no, THIEVES?! 
 
Ridai
The chaotic mess of hammer, hair, rabite, coins, and screams keeps bouncing randomly off of walls and ceilings, until it rockets out the door. Or through the door. One of the two.
Metastachydium
The scene that unfolds confuses Morazzt the Mound. Whatever happened to Bommel? Where are the thieves?  Are the thieves invisible?  At least Bommel secured the Hammer, purely by accident, it would seem before anyone could steal it. That would make  reclaiming it for … Whoever Jerry wants to give it so much more difficult.  I  nEED T O s   EE i f  BOMM e l is s aFe and we LL.   Morazzt the Mound begins shuffling out, so as not to disrupt operations any further.  Mak E SUre t o ca TC H all  TH e th  IEV  e s !  Morazzt the Mound bids the guards, evidently doing their dutiful job most dutifully.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Morazzt the Mound is leaving this room.
 
Alhallor
There is absolute, utter chaos. Coins and treasure are flying everywhere. Magic is flying around, Bommel's charm, reserved for the Black Rabite begins to shine in a bright light and shares his incredible speed with the rest of the party. Mighty magic clashes against them, to root them into place but Morazzt's Healing Hands of Man activate and unravel them softly. When the treasure itself rises up in the form of a dragon, scales made out of platinum coins, the eyes are diamonds, teeth are magical daggers and swords... But Impigo's Rod of Disjunction dispels the hold the demon has on every single coin.

It's not hard to get out with the treasure. You're epic items that seemed to have activated themselves cease to function but it seems like a good first step on you're journey to unlocking they're power.

When giving the hammer to Jerry he has some positive things for you.

Bommel may find a way to transport his body to the place where the Black Rabite sleeps in some underground Nevarlan ruins.

Morazzt may found a forgotten necromantic way to access unknown healing powers.

And even when they are not many demons trapped in this world, there are still some who are enslaved by cruel magicians. And there is still a dept to be paid to Mammon for Impigo.

This adventure may have ended but there are still mysteries to be uncovered for our trio.

Great to have played with you.