lostsole31
       "The orcs attacking Trunau have been defeated, but the danger remains—the hill giant chieftain Grenseldek  still wants the treasures of the tomb beneath Trunau. In order to  protect their chosen community, the heroes must leave it and travel by riverboat through the orc-ruled Hold of Belkzen  to the abandoned border fort that the giant has claimed as her lair.  Yet even putting down Grenseldek and her squabbling monstrous minions  may not be enough to save Trunau. For the hill giant has sent a fateful  letter, and a storm is brewing on the horizon...  "      
 
 
    DRAMATIS PERSONAE    
      Name
[Player]
   
   Color
   
   Race [Ethnicity]
(Gender ID)
   
   AL
   
   Side 1
   
   Side 2
   
 
    Aasgar Axewielder
[Buck Godot]
   
   Saddle Brown 
  
 Dwarf [Vizier Creature]
(M) 
 LG 
 Epilektoi 4/
LA 1 
 Fighter 6
[Two-Handed Warrior] 
 
    Abenor Quentrias
[Old Glory NPC]
   
   Purple
   
 Elf
[Barbarian-Ranger Ilverani]
(M) 
 CG 
 Fighter 3
[Two-Weapon Warrior]/
Stalker [Bushi] 1/
LA 2 
 Warder 6
[Dervish Defender] 
 
    Clemency (Cici) Larosière
[NPC]
   
   Dark Green
   
 Human [Kellid-Taldan]
(F) 
 LG 
 Monk (Erastil) 6
[Disciple of Wholeness] 
 Witch 6
[Herb Witch] 
 
    Galakhar the Gray
[Old Glory NPC]
   
   Gray
   
 Dunesage Savant
[Keleshyte-Taldan]
(M) 
 LG
(NG) 
 Investigator 6
[Polymath] 
 Swashbuckler 4
[Inspired Blade] 
 
    Ingrahild Nargrymkin
[NPC]
   
   Violet
   
 Barbarian Dwarf
(F) 
 NG 
 Fighter 4
[Siegebreaker]/
LA 2 
 Ranger 6 
 
    Kurst Grath,
Patrol Leader of Trunau
[NPC]   
   Blue   
 Human [Taldan]
(M) 
 LN 
 Cavalier 5 
 Ranger 5 
 
    Valanar the Verdant
[Old Glory NPC]
   
   Teal
   
 Titanblooded Aiuvaran
[Taldan]
(M) 
 N 
 Druid 5/
Green Faith Acolyte 2 
 Soulknife 5
[War Soul]/
LA 2 
 
  
lostsole31
  
 
 Moonday, 1 Pharast 4715 AR (Waxing Gibbous):   Given the grueling nature of the day before, this day is a complete day of rest for the heroes.

 Toilday, 2 Pharast:   The day is spent - mainly by the newly-christened Galakhar, as aided by Cici - to determine the properties of all magical items. Abenor then assists Galakhar in the best valuation of nonmagical goods.

 3-5 Pharast:  Time is spent - mainly with the help of Banker Lessie Crumkin of the Church of Abadar - for the various disposition and sales of the many goods, and then in the evening on the last day, Imrijka spends time celebrating the Day of Bones with the few Pharasmins in Trunau, or just the curious.

 Starday, 6 Pharast:  The group spends the time picking through treasure and going shopping.

 Sunday, 7 Pharast:   After various religious celebrations, as each person's faith or piety dictates, the group sees off Imrijka and Bariswort Littlefox, who leave for Ustalav.

 Moonday, 8 Pharast:  The heroes agree to take the mission to Redlake Fort by way of Ghostlight Marsh, and will be joined by Patrol Captain Kurst Grath (and his horse Hope).

 

    Toilday, 9 Pharast 4715 AR (Waning Gibbous)  
 Weather: 35 / 15 F. Winds N 20 mph. Dry. Wind Chill: 10 / -10 F.   

Today's scheduled ride promises to be brutally cold as the wind will cut right into the party, and it is an 18-mile trek to the Kestrel River. Galakhar has the means to protect (only) himself from the weather. this means that seven persons will not have full protection .... Aasgar, Abenor, Cici (and Lucette), Gharmez, and Kurst (and hope).

 Gharmez , you are the only one who can really do anything about this. What do you prepare for your morning spells?
Admyral
Gharmez will replace her Protection From Evil prepared spell with Endure Elements, and then use all of her divine power to protect herself and the other six from the cold.

 
 Spoiler: Tech Info 

Gharmez will prepare Endure Elements for 5 CL1 slots, 1 Ranger 1 slot, and 1 CL2 slots.
She will also prepare Aid, Find Traps, and Greater Detect Magic as CL2 slots.
She then casts Endure Elements on herself,   Aasgar, Abenor, Cici,  Lucette, Kurst and Hope provided each person is willing.
  
 
lostsole31
With everyone thus protected, the new roster heads out. The Kestrel River, where Raag Bloodtusk’s keelboat is waiting for them, lies approximately 18 miles north of Trunau. The short trip to the river is uneventful, and with Halgra’s letter of introduction, the PCs have no trouble boarding the boat. The group arrives at the boat late in the early evening as Aasgar's slower movement defines the group's rate of travel. Captain Bloodtusk doesn't travel the river at night, and the boat is scheduled to set sail the following morning.

Does anyone do anything before bedding down for the night?
BuckGodot
Even though it’s been uneventful thus far, Aasgar still suggests a watch rotation be established and volunteers to take the first round.
lostsole31
Ever since Freedom Town assassins tried to kill them in their sleep while they rested in the safety and comfort of the Ramblehouse, Abenor has no problem with that. He'll take part of a midwatch. Kurst offers to take the dog watch, and Galakhar will take the morning watch ... allowing Gharmez and Cici to fully sleep this night.


 

    Wealday, 10 Pharast 4715 AR (Waning Gibbous)  
 Weather: 40 / 20 F. Light snow at early morning. Winds W 10 mph. Dry. Wind Chill: 25 / 5 F.   

It will still be freezing today, and a light blanket of snow covers the ground to an inch, with the wind knocking it about a little for a little less than.

Gharmez will need to prepare one less  endure elements , as where Hope will be kept will be made warm for her. 
 Spoiler: Gharmez 
So, as before, but you can free up the 2nd-level slot for something else now. What will you prepare?
 

For his part, Aasgar was so tired after dealing with the troubles in Trunau and resting afterwards that he didn't really keep up with maintaining his discoveries with the strange energies that allowed him to form the sash, spectacles, and diadem from previous. Now that it is back to business, he is sure to include that in his morning routine.
 
 Spoiler: Aasgar 
Aasgar is thankful for having survived the recent troubles, but one of the things that worried him was the use of poison among some of Skreed's minions. His ruminations follow this and an earring of gold and jade forms at his left ear that will help him sniff out poisons and diseases in an area, on an object, or in a creature. He has unlocked the minor veil   Earring of Safe Health  .

Keeping the theme of life, entwined bands of silver and onyx akasha wind their way around his head, forming a tight-fitting circlet. With this, he knows he could save the life of a dying person, or cause a dying person to slip further into Pharasma's grasp. He has unlocked the minor veil   Circlet of Life and Death  .

But these veils are minor, and now a mischievous side of him giggles when he thinks what others might think of his circlet and earring. This wily mindset makes him think of trickery. Before long, he discovers that he can create veils on his fingers ... as if to create a magical ring itself. With the ring he shapes, he could fold space a short distance away, leaving behind an illusory double of himself. Aasgar easily recognizes the gnomish influences at work in the shaping of the ring and its effects. However, its power is such it can only be used a limited number of times a day. Unlocked   Band of Trickery  .

Finally, Aasgar realizes his body can now shape and hold more veils than he had before. Thinking of Cici for some reason, from his hands he shapes a witch's broom which could be used as a quarterstaff he could enchant variously should he be unable to use his axe. Unlocked   Witch's Broom  .

Also, while we're at it, I need you to tell me what 3 guaranteed maneuvers and what 2 withheld maneuvers you will have prepared.
 
BuckGodot
Aasgar will have *Encouraging Roar*, *Strike of the Infinite Protector*, and *Defending the Pride* as GR. *Red Zephyr’s Strike*, and *Scything Strike* as W.
Admyral
Gharmez will add Burst of Radiance to her prepared spells.
lostsole31
    THE RIVER JOURNEY     

Bloodtusk’s keelboat weighs anchor and sets off on the river journey first thing in the morning after the PCs arrive. Captain Bloodtusk makes it abundantly clear on the first day that the PCs are not idle tourists; Halgra negotiated working passage for the PCs, and they must make themselves useful while aboard. Bloodtusk expects everyone to help row the riverboat as well as perform other duties. In addition to rowing, each of the PCs can choose one of the jobs listed below. The PCs don’t have to keep the same job for the entire journey, but they must do something daily. Any jobs not taken by PCs are filled by crew members.
 
  Cooking:  PCs can assist the boat’s cook, Gashnakh, in preparing meals and cleaning, stocking, and maintaining the galley (area  A4 ). 
  Fishing:  PCs can help haul in the day’s catch to feed the crew. 
  Lookout:  PCs can watch for hazards from the crow’s nest atop the mast. 
  Rowing:  PCs can spend 5 hours rowing the keelboat in the rowing banks (area  A11 ). 
  Sounding:  Helping the keelboat’s pilot avoid the shallows along the riverbeds is an important safety job. 
  Stable Mucking:   This involves maintaining the horses and stable (area  A2 ). 
 

Aasgar and Gharmez, for which jobs do you volunteer today?
BuckGodot
Aasgar realises he could use some new blisters so elects to take the first day to row.
lostsole31
As most jobs are beneath her, beyond her expertise, or probably just boring and lonely, Gharmez volunteers to help take soundings. She'll be with the ship's pilot in the forecastle for her duties during the day. 
 Spoiler: Gharmez 
Roll a Profession (sailor) or Perception check (your choice).
 

Meanwhile, Aasgar grunts down in the hold as one of the rowers. 
 Spoiler: Aasgar 
Roll a STR check, followed by a CON check.
 
Admyral
Gharmez, trying to follow the Captain's instructions carefully, throws the line from the bow waiting for it to slack. Her inexperience shows as she quickly pulls up the line soaking herself with river water while counting the knots.
 
 Spoiler: Technical Info 

Check Perception(Skill Mod 11)  (1d20+11)[ 18 ] 
 
BuckGodot
 
 Spoiler: Rowing Checks 

Str check:  (1d20+4)[ 9 ] 

Con check:  (1d20+5)[ 17 ] 
 
lostsole31
Meanwhile, Cici will take the crow's nest with Lucette; Abenor will help fishing; Galakhar will aid the cook Gashnakh in the kitchen; and Kurst will do the stable mucking.

It's still early morning when the keelboat begins its journey, and Abenor and others are on the main deck working to bring in the day's haul of fish. Abenor is doing well. While his survival skills tend more to hunting and foraging, still he has a feel about things - and in the manner his fellow sailor-fishermen do their job - to perform competently. As they pull up a haul of fish, the rail breaks. Abenor, ever quick on his feet, jumps back. Not so lucky is a half-orc (ALL keelboat sailors are half-orcs, by the way) named Oorug who splashes into the water.

  "Man Overboard, Port Beam!"    calls Abenor's voice, higher pitched, but carrying well. 
 Begin Round One  ...

 R1T24:   Gharmez , you heard the splash first, followed by the call, but you are up in the forecastle with the captain. From your position, you don't see the sailor in the water. What do you do?
Admyral
Gharmez will repeat the call from below,   "MAN OVERBOARD, PORT BEAM!"  , and then rush down the stairs as fast as she is able heading to the port side of the boat, while readying a rope to throw to the sailor.
lostsole31
 R1T24:  Gharmez will repeat the call from below,   "MAN OVERBOARD, PORT BEAM!"  ,  and then rush down the stairs as fast as she is able heading to the  port side of the boat, while readying a rope to throw to the sailor.

 R1T19:  Just down at the next deck, Galakhar hears Gharmez' call. He steps over and opens one of the galley doors and repeats,   "Man overboard, Port Beam!"  
 R1T18:   Aasgar ,  you hear the shouts of man overboard (port beam, whatever that means),  but you are currently rowing on the starboard side. Coxswain Halrex  hasn't yet given you any orders. Do you simply quit your oar and station  and investigate? Continuing rowing until directed otherwise, or  something else?
BuckGodot
Aasgar will wait for instructions and act accordingly when they are given.
lostsole31
 R1T18:  Aasgar will wait for instructions and act accordingly when they are given.

 R1T15:   Abenor takes out his silk rope, steps up to the open gap, and tosses  the coil of rope to Oorug while maintaining the bitter end.

 R1T12:  Cici starts to keep a verbal update, shouting from the crow's nest to the captain in the forecastle.

 R1T11:  Oorug grabs the rope, and then swims to the side of the boat.

 R1T8:  Kurst hustles to get to Abenor.

  "Crocodiles, Port Aft!"   comes Cici's warning cry.

In  the hold, Coxswain Halrex orders port rowers to ship oars, and then  gives a command to starboard rowers (including Aasgar) that Aasgar seems  to have trouble complying with, and Halrex gives him an earful.

 End Round One, Begin Round 2 ...

R2T24:   Gharmez , your rope is in hand. I assume you move as quickly to trouble as possible?

Galakhar on deck, Abenor in the hole ...
Admyral
Gharmez continues to move as quickly as she can towards the sailor in the water. She offers assistance if needed.
lostsole31
 R2T24:  Gharmez continues to move as quickly as she can  towards the sailor in the water. She passes Galakhar in the galley, who  has the door open for her, shooing her past.

 R2T19:  And then Galakhar passes her by ....

 R2T15:  Abenor has the rope braced for Oorug's climb.

 R2T12:  Cici continues to call out important information.

 R2T11:  Oorug is a solid climber, and with Abenor and Kurst's help he makes it to the deck no problem.

 Initiative Over ... 

The easy meal gone, the crocodiles ease off.

The rowers are told to stand fast while the Coswain goes topside, but not before she calls Axewielder to join her. There, they meet Captain Bloodtusk and the others converging.

Oorug and Abenor state they were pulling up the morning haul of fish when the railing gave way. Abenor and Galakhar examine the railing where it broke free. There are signs that the railing was sabotaged and did not break as a function of poor material readiness.
BuckGodot
Aasgar will volunteer to conduct a search of the ship to find any evidence.
Admyral
Gharmez will say to Aasgar,   "If I may be of help, I will certainly volunteer to assist."  
BuckGodot
Aasgar nods to Gharmez in acceptance.
lostsole31
Galakhar shakes his head,   "Search for what, exactly? Simple tools could have done this, and I couldn't help notice they are secreted about the ship all over the place. Each of those burlap sacks with the red dye on the outside have the tools you could've used for this."  

Captain Bloodtusk says,   "They're for damage control purposes, so that each part of the keelboat has tools to quickly grab in case of a casualty. No, hold off on a search, unless you've a better idea what you would be searching for. In the meantime, don't mention about any sabotage, and just be vigilant in your daily routines." 
 
He heads back to the forecastle.

Does the party have any further comments, or split back up to your assigned jobs?
BuckGodot
Aasgar will shrug and return to his duties.
Admyral
Gharmez says to no one in particular,   " 'Damage Control' bags to separate working tools from emergency ones... What a clever idea."   She then turns to follow the Captain back to the fo'c'sle to resume her duties.
lostsole31
Everyone does well at their jobs ... except Aasgar.  Everyone, except Aasgar, earns some level of camaraderie with the other sailors. Aasgar, however, did a poor job as a rower. As strong as he is, his legs don't go to the floor while he's on a rowing bench, and legs are a big part of leverage. His smaller arms and smaller torso likewise mean that his "body rotation" is limited by his size, and he has earned Coxswain Halrex's contempt.  She asks Aasgar to find another job on the morrow.

Gharmez, do you volunteer to take Aasgar's place among the rowers on the morrow?
Admyral
Gharmez sits and tries to lift her friend's spirits. Smiling, remembering one of the tenets she learned, she says,   "A platinum coin in a beggar's market is worthless."   She finds the Coxwain and offers to take Aasgar's place at the oar in the morning.
lostsole31
 Aasgar , what job do you volunteer to help with the next day?
BuckGodot
Aasgar will point out that since his legs are so much shorter, he’ll be closer to the bottom and volunteers for sounding duty.
lostsole31
The captain laughs at landlubber Axewielder's very off assessment of what the job entails .... because he takes him to the forecastle, which other than the crow's nest is the most elevated part of the keelboat ... and is where soundings are made.

 
 Spoiler: Gharmez 
Roll a STR or Profession (sailor) check, followed by a CON check. If you don't have Profession (sailor), you can still roll a straight-up WIS check in its place.
 

 
 Spoiler: Aasgar 
For soundings, roll either a Profession (sailor) check (or a WIS check) or a Perception check.
 
Admyral
Gharmez listens closely to the instructions and takes her place on the rowers bench.

 
 Spoiler: Technical Info 

Wisdom Check in place of Profession(Sailor)  (1d20+4)[ 7 ] 
Constitution Check  (1d20+1)[ 17 ] 
 
BuckGodot
Aasgar watches carefully and follows instructions as given.


 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 
Perception Check:  (1d20+10)[ 15 ] 
 
lostsole31
By focusing on the Coxswain's instructions and watching the others instead of just on brute force (like Aasgar did), Gharmez does a passable job of rowing, and does so efficiently enough to note be wrecked by the end of her shift.  Aasgar gets flustered with his instructions, but his keen senses still help him when his lack of knowledge fails him, and he does Captain Bloodtusk says he does alright. The NPCs do well at their given jobs.

That night, as the previous nights, the keelboat puts ashore and ties off. Abenor works on his own swordplay and tactical acumen. Galakhar gets herb knowledge from Cici (for the kitchen) while he in turn tutors her on some alchemical manufacturing tips. Kurst takes time to tutor Gharmez and Aasgar on how best to track orcs.

 

    Fireday, 12 Pharast 4715 AR
 Weather:  65/ 45 F. Dry.  
 
Does anyone prepare anything differently today for their dailies?
Admyral
Gharmez will switch her prepared spells to Protection From Evil, Detect Evil, Comprehend Languages, Air Bubble, And Sanctuary. She leaves the 2nd level Cleric and Ranger spells as is.
lostsole31
Recognizing that spring is having its say, Gharmez no longer prepares group-wide protection, but settles on a different mix of prayers and spells.

Meanwhile, Aasgar releases his veils from the previous days and concentrates. Since there is a saboteur onboard, it would be helpful to find things that others might overlook. Saboteurs usually have strong emotions that lead them to such dire actions, and that is what Aasgar focuses on, creating a monocle over his eye in which impressions flit across the surface. 
 Spoiler: Unlock OOC 
You have unlocked the minor veil   relic seeker's monocle  .
 
Of course, saboteurs are in the habit of breaking things. Dwarves, on the other hand, are usually trained in making or fixing things, so Aasgar concentrates on a way to bring Torag's gift to his hands. Ripples of akasha in the shape of gears and cogs constantly turning  form mesmerizing patterns on his hands, allowing him to repair items  using his essence. 
 Spoiler: Unlock OOC 
You have unlocked the minor veil   hands of the mender  .
 
Now it is time for the more powerful veilshaping. A saboteur hides their deeds in the dark, but what about a hero who can hide from evil using the light, like a raptor that dives towards its prey from the sun? While Aasgar, especially heavily armored, is not stealthy, yet there might be need of such power in the future and he suffuses his body with the ability to be harder to discern, especially in sunlight or similar bright light. Perhaps if he is captured one day or without his armor.... 
 Spoiler: Unlock OOC 
You have unlocked the body slot veil   luminosity of the lurker in light  .
 
Finally, sometimes the old ways are the best, and Aasgar concentrates on his connection with the earth while he is on this accursed floating deathtrap. Gleaming plates of polished stone surround his flesh to protect him from harm. 
 Spoiler: Unlock OOC 
You have unlocked the chest veil slot   shaitan's earthen armor  .
 

Everyone having taken care of their morning routines, the keelboat weighs anchor. You aren't on the river very long at all ... Abenor and a fellow orc are still taking in the morning catch ... when there is a tremendous noise of splintering wood from the rower's hold.

 Begin Round One ...

R1T29-26:  ....

 R1T24:   There is a slurred but intense growling and bestial roar and the sound of a man screaming in pain.

 R1T23:  ...

 R1T11:   Gharmez ,  you are the only one of the group in the hold as you are  one of the rowers. You are stationed in the forward-starboard section,  and something creates a shower of shattered wood throughout the aft  portion of this deck from the double doors to the aft that led to  you-know-not-where. You turn to look and see a large, white-furred  monster on the main plankway, but from your lower position it is hard to  get too much detail. What do you do?
Admyral
Gharmez curses,   "SPILLED COINS! What is that THING?!?"  . She moves around the bench and up the stairs to the center plank way to get a better look. She readies her earth breaker.
lostsole31
 R1T11:  Gharmez curses,   "SPILLED COINS! What is that THING?!?"    She moves around the bench and up the stairs to the center plank way to  get a better look, readying her earthbreaker as she goes. The scene  only gets more horrific as she gets a much better view of the monster.  This four-armed, gorilla-like creature, covered with matted white fur,  roars in rage as it rears up to its full, towering height (8' tall, ~  800 lbs.).

 R1T7-6:  ...

 R1T5:   Aasgar, in the distance, you hear a monstrous roar. The captain has a  look of fear, and he seems to have a sense of something as he says,   "Quick. The rower's hold. Bakkara must have gotten free. Try not to kill him, but my crew is more precious than he is. Go!"  
 Aasgar , what do you do?
BuckGodot
Aasgar nods draws his axe, and heads toward the rower's hold.
lostsole31
 R1T5:  Aasgar nods and draws his axe while heading  toward the rower's hold. He gets right up to the galley door that  Galakhar had just opened for him.

 R0:  The  half-orcs all squeal in terror. The one that seems to have been bitten  tries to dodge and duck in self-defense to get away, displaying a  surprising gymnastics ability. The other aft rower - the one that was on  the starboard side, likewise ducks out of the way. Those two  crewmembers both try to go along the outboard - more slowly because of  the rowing benches, but not wanting to become a target on the plankway.  Coxswain Halrex also musters forward with the gathering crew members.   "Somebody get that damn door open!"  
 End Round One, Begin Round 2 ...

R2T29:  But Galakhar doesn't wait for the dwarf as he leaves towards the sound of trouble himself.

 R2T26:  In answer to the half-orc prayers, Abenor opens first one, and then the second hold door to help speed traffic along.    "Everyone topside!"    he yells.    "We'll handle it from here."   
 R2T24:   With all of the tasties now out of reach, blood dripping from its maw  where it had gotten a taste of a rower, the white ape looks around,  vision along the plankway obscured but it scurries forward perhaps to  cut off the fleeing meals. Getting to the mast, it holds from the mask  and rower's walkway to stabilize itself and then bite again at the  half-orc it tasted before, snapping its jaws as the half-orc ekes out of  the way.

 R2T23:  Gharmez sees Cici just rounding  the corner from the port ladder into the hold. Cici then rushes past  Gharmez, stopping just in range of where she could be struck.   "Gharmez, any idea what that could be?"  
 R2T11:   Gharmez , what do you do? The mast is thick and brawn, making things hard to see downline of the plankway.

Kurst on deck, Aasgar in the hole ...
Admyral
  "I haven't seen it yet, but it is sure causing a fuss!"  , Gharmez replies to Cici, as she moves around the mast prepared to strike.

 
 Spoiler: Technical Info 

Move up to 25' around the mast.
If able, attack the monster with the earthbreaker. ATT:  (1d20+8)[ 21 ]  DAM:  (2d6+4)[ 9 ] 
 
lostsole31
 R2T11:    "I haven't seen it yet, but it is sure causing a fuss!"  Gharmez  replies to Cici as she moves around the mast, finding herself  uncomfortably close to the monster which is half-climbing along the mast  and side of the walkway. This four-armed, gorilla-like creature,  covered with matted white fur,  roars in rage as it rears up to its full, towering height (8' tall, ~  800 lbs.).

 R2T7:  ...

 R2T5:   Aasgar continues being very dangerous over short distances, lagging  some 15' behind Galakhar as the dwarf is passing the stables.

 R2T0:   Aasgar sees the port ladder from his vantage on the main deck as some  rowers are on it and just getting topside. Down below, the lone rower is  desperately fending off attacks while making a poor share of being  acrobatic across the rowing benches, but finally manages to just barely  escape a bite, move forward, and start traveling up the ladder to the  walkway.

The coxswain calls out from the forward compartment,   "If there's any chance you can subdue it without killing it .... please do so!"  
 End Round 2, Begin Round 3 ...

R3T29:    Topside, Galakhar continues to move aft, seemingly getting into a  combat stance while drawing his rapier. Instead of going for the closer  ladder with all the half-orcs coming up, he ducks out of sight to the  starboard.

 R3T26:  Abenor travels 30' aft down  the coxswain's walk, changes his fighting stance, and then disappears  suddenly from right behind Cici to reappear just as suddenly just aft of  the monster while drawing his katana on the attack, slashing the  monster along the lower back for  30 . The monster yells out a roar of pain and surprise.....

 R3T24:   .... and ignores his former prey to focus on this pesky, similarly  white-haired antagonist. Abenor manages to fend off bite and three of  the claws, but one claw grazes him in his lower left arm for  4 mod .

 R3T23:   Cici steps back out of reach and casts a protective spell on herself,  and her whole form is briefly outlined in a light blue shimmer before  that disappears.

 R3T11:   Gharmez , you are staring up at this monster, which now has a more solid purchase on the plankway. What do you do?

Kurst on deck, Aasgar in the hole ...
Admyral
Gharmez, holding her weapon at the ready, will start singing a tune she was taught during her time at the counting house. She will attempt to calm the creature and stop it from attacking.

 
 Spoiler: Technical Info 

Gharmez will cast Enthrall

 
lostsole31
 R3T11:  Gharmez, holding her weapon to the side to keep a hand  free for casting, begins to sing a tune she  was taught during her time  at the counting house in hopes of calming the creature ...

 R3T7:  Kurst travels aft down the coxswain's walk while readying  his shield and then taking out his longsword, passing Gharmez, and  ending up between her and Abenor.   "So, what's this about taking this thing  alive ?"   he asks incredulously.

 R3T5:   Aasgar , what do you do?

Galakhar on deck, Abenor in the hole ...
BuckGodot
Aasgar continues towards the battle, muttering about how boats were not made with dwarves in mind.
lostsole31
 R3T5:  Aasgar continues towards the battle, muttering  about how boats were not made with dwarves in mind. As he moves aft  along the port gunwale, he sees Galakhar making his way down the  starboard ladder.

 R3T0:  Half-orcs continue to stream topside.

 End Round 3, Begin Round 4 ....

R4T29:  Galakhar makes his way into the hold, and then starts down the forward-port rower's ladder.

 R4T26:  Abenor gives out tactical advice to try and keep people safe as he quick draws his  Kyadrimme   in his off-hand, and now blends a different component style into his  current fighting stance. He performs a soft crit against one of the  monster's four claw-hands, and utilizing a special maneuver so that he  does  24 NL + marked , even as his wakizashi also scores a light crit at its groin for  19 NL .   "It's okay,"   he says,   "I'm  causing it enough pain. Let me do submission combat, but the rest of  you - unless you're trained - don't try to worsen your fighting style if  you aren't good at causing non-injurious wounds."  
 R4T24:   Something appears to be wrong with this monster, now that everyone  (well, everyone there) has had a couple rounds to see it fighting. It is  definitely acting .... loopy. It is powerful and quick, yes, but it  also appears to be under the effects of something that make it unsteady.  With Abenor's strikes it focuses its rancor against the snow elf. The  monster bites at him but Abenor acrobatically dodges and moves back a  few feet. Still, its arms are long enough to reach him, but his flashing  blades keep him from getting hit.

 R4T23:  Cici  enters a broad-limbed combat style and moves up next to Gharmez, glaring  intently at the monster, but its rage and total focus on the elf keeps  it safe from her slumbering stare.

 R4T11:  Gharmez, you finally finish your  enthrall   spell. The white-furred ape-monster and Cici definitely are enthralled,  but not completely dumb-founded. Kurst just barely manages to resist  the effect. Abenor seems to have no trouble ignoring the effect.

 Gharmez , now what? Continue singing? Switch to speaking? Do you let the others know what you're doing?

Kurst on deck, Aasgar in the hole ...
Admyral
Without dropping the spell, Gharmez will attempt to speak/sing the ape back to the aft hold where it came from. She tries to explain as she's doing this that they may be able to prevent the creature from being harmed.
lostsole31
 R4T11:  Without dropping the spell, Gharmez attempts to speak/sing the ape  back to the aft hold where it came from. She tries to explain as she's  doing this that they may be able to prevent the creature from being  harmed.

 R4T7:  Kurst steps back carefully,  sheathing his sword. He speaks soothing words to the creature. Gharmez  recognizes what he's attempting, but also knows it is not a "combat  speed" task, usually taking about a minute.

 R5T5:   Aasgar makes his way past two half-orcs (one of which is the coxswain)  and around the corner of the hold to partially see the monster, and a  little bit of Cici, Gharmez, and .... Abenor? Aasgar also notes he hears  Gharmez' voice speak-singing with an almost supernatural volume, yet  with a sort of lulling quality. 
 Spoiler: Aasgar 
Roll a Will save!
 
Admyral
Gharmez is going to attempt to coax the ape monster back towards the double doors to the aft of the ship.
lostsole31
 Out of Initiative ... 

The captain will come down to observe the goings-on. Meanwhile, Gharmez continues her  enthrall ing speak-singing, as she assists Kurst in trying to communicate to its animal intelligence to go back to the cave. The captain himself will feed more drugged meat to the creature ... what Captain Bloodtusk calls a "girallon" .... and it snacks hungrily but glibly before nodding off to nap.

Once it is fully in sedation, the captain closes the door and produces a key, locking it. He shooes everyone out of this area, and only Gharmez and Kurst of the PCs were even allowed in this area, which is the armory.

 CORR:  The girallon didn't burst through the iron-bound double doors, but had to burst through the port wall of rower's banks.

The captain orders everyone back to their duties.

 Gharmez , you go back to rowing?  Aasgar , back up to the forecastle for soundings?
Admyral
Gharmez will make sure that there are no injuries among the crew and the party, then will resume her rowing station at the bench.
BuckGodot
Aasgar will return to his station.
lostsole31
Gharmez only needs one burst to heal both Abenor and the one wounded sailor.

Aasgar, while you are looking over the gunwale, the Coxswain comes up to the forecastle to speak with the captain. They both head off to the side, but underestimate your hearing... 
 Spoiler: Aasgar 
The problem is that the girallon got out because somebody unlocked the cage, not because it powered out of the cage. The captain and the coxswain are both speculating about a possible link between the sabotaged rail and the unlocked cage door. They assume the door was tampered with, because only the captain has a key.
 

 Aasgar , as this was a private conversation that you overheard, do you PC Glow Power-Up and say something, or sit on the information for now?
BuckGodot
Aasgar will keep quiet for now, but share the information with his teammates at the next opportunity.
lostsole31
It had been an eventful morning, and folks are at their stations except  for Abenor, who tends to spend his time when not collecting the haul  doing a variety of martial exercises or just looking out over the  sterncastle to admire the view. The sun is drifting low to the WSW,  which is nearly fully relative south to the ship - right behind it.  Already, where the keelboat is to stop for the night is seen up ahead,  and Galakhar and the boat's cook Gashnakh must be cooking up something  good, as delicious smells waft everywhere a PC is located.

 Surprise Round ...

S27:   Abenor shouts out "Dragon!" in warning as he darts off the sterncastle,  moving forward as he draws his bow, and shouting the warning again down  into the hold as he heads amidships.

 S19-13:  Abenor gets hit by a ball of caustic acid, but was prepared and only takes   7 acid    while not getting trapped in its stickiness. The crow's nest gets hit  with a similar attack, but Cici and Lucette both use the crow's nest  basket to fully protect themselves.

 Begin Round One ....

R1T27:    "Repel boarders! Three dragons amidships!"   Abenor yells at the top of his lungs. Abenor shoots an arrow into the head of Red for  9 .

 R1T22:   Cici feels that sometimes a voice is inadequate, so from her witch's  pouch she takes a smal amber rod and casts a spell. A sharp, cracking  report of thunder as heard as she sends a lightning bolt at the dragon  at highest elevation that attacked her, lighting it up for   20 electricity  , the first time she ever showed such power before. Still, she follows that up,   "Repel boarders! Three dragons amidships moving forward quickly."  
 R1T21:   Gharmez ,  you hear the sound of someone yelling something in the distance,  followed by the same voice (Abenor's) having shouted "Dragon!" down the  hole. More shouting on deck, and then it sounds like the sky itself has  joined the battle. You had already been given permission (because of the  last event) to leave your rowing station to tend to Repel Boarders!  without wasting time asking permission. Then Cici's distance voice calls out Repel boarders as well. What do you do?
Admyral
  "Looks like we are going to have a busy day!"  , Gharmez says to her rowing mates as she leaves the bench and heads up to the main deck as quickly as she can.
lostsole31
 R1T21:    "Looks like we are going to have a busy day!"    Gharmez complains to her rowing mates as she leaves the bench and heads  up to the main deck as quickly as she can. She ends her move 15' before  the forward double doors.

 R1T20:  ....

 R1T19:  A dragon lands in a charging pounce towards Abenor, managing a light-crit tail slap at Abenor's right knee for  4 mod .

 R1T16:   Aasgar , from up in the forecastle, you happened to  be skylarking, looking athwartships when these things came out of the  blinding, setting sun to make their attack, noting Abenor has been hit  with acid and tail. What do you do? Double move downstairs as far as you  can go?
BuckGodot
Aasgar double moves down as far as he can get.
lostsole31
 R1T16:  Aasgar double moves down as far as he can get,  on the last bit of stairs of the galley. Galakhar already opened the  door for him.

 R1T15:  Though not seen by any PCs  at this time, a particular large member of the rampage flies over the  stables to bite the old warhorse in the stables for 15, pick it up in  his jaws, and continuing flying past the port beam and start heading  aft.

 R1T13:  Blue was up much higher to strafe  the crow's nest, but now has turned back around and dive bombs the Cici  with a charging pounce, but she manages to deflect the attack.

 R1T10:  Lucette squeaks in alarm, and tries to be very small and especially unpalatable in Cici's hood.

 R1T9:  Kurst bursts forth angrily from the stables with bow in hand and shouts angrily,   "You're mine, scaly demon!"   as he shoots his bow. The arrow flies to hit the dragon's rear haunches for  15 .

 End Round One, Begin Round 2 ...

R2T27:   Abenor drops his bow, gets into a "no-stance" stance, and then quick  draws his katana in a slice that only gets deflected off of the dragon's  hard scales.

 R2T22:  Cici tries to hard to end the fight quickly by putting the dragon to sleep, but it doesn't work.

 R2T21:   Gharmez ,  you are 15' from the forward hold doors. The coxswain had already  rushed forward and opened a door for you to simply go through without  having to stop to open it. What do you do?

Galakhar on deck, Red in the hole ...
Admyral
Gharmez will make her way through to open forward doors and up the port side ladder trying to move as far as possible.
lostsole31
 R2T21:  Gharmez will make her way through one of the open forward hatches and just begins to move up the port ladder.

 R2T20:  Galakhar looks at the dwarf who is almost off the ladder.   "Dragons, eh?"  
 R2T19:  Sounds of battle from near the top of the port ladder Gharmez is traversing.

 R2T16:   Aasgar , what do you do?

Enemies on deck/ in the hole ...
BuckGodot
Aasgar completes his journey down the ladder and looks at Galakhar and sighs.

  "So I hear... Let's go get them."  

And turns and hurries towards the deck drawing his axe.
lostsole31
 R2T16:  Aasgar completes his journey down the ladder and looks at Galakhar and sighs.   "So I hear... Let's go get them,"   he  says, before turning and hurrying aft while drawing his axe. He ends up  port outboard of the stables, and sees Kurst several feet aft with his  bow. Aasgar follows what Kurst is looking at, and he sees a large dragon  with blue scales carrying one of the horses away, heading relative  west. He thinks he sees some type of ruckus well aft on the ship, but up  above in the crow's nest, another one of these blue dragons is  attacking Cici in the crow's nest. However, the dragon way up there is  about half the size of the one out over the water with a horse in its  mouth.

 R2T15:  The alpha dragon opens up speed,  even though it is weighed down by a horse, and performs a run action to  the west. It is easy to lose it because it is flying into the sun that  is now low in the sky.

 R2T14:  Galakhar leaves the galley, but moves along the starboard gunwale.

 R2T13:  Aasgar sees the dragon above peel away from Cici and dive bomb Kurst, biting the man in the upper arm for  6 , while whipping wildly with its tail.

 R2T9:  Kurst steps back, drops his bow, readies his shield, and draws his sword.

 End Round 2, Begin Round 3 ...

R3T27:   Abenor quick draws his wakizashi, changes his stance made for TWF, and  then teleports to the forward side of his foe, but this time manages to  catch his foe in the back for  12 .

 R3T22:  Cici concentrates on a spell and a flaming sphere drops on Blue and burns it   11 fire   as the sphere is entangled in the air with the dragon.

 R3T21:  Gharmez, a single MA brings you to the map, a second MA brings you just up onto the deck. Do you grab your hammer as you move?

Red on deck, Aasgar in the hole ....
Admyral
Gharmez draws her hammer as she moves up to the main deck.
lostsole31
 R3T21:  Gharmez draws her hammer as she moves up to the  main deck, bringing Gharmez in flank with Abenor with what must be one  of the creatures in question. With graceful wings and wide fins, this  sleek dragon looks equally well equipped to glide through sea and sky.  It is about 8' long, and probably weighs somewhere ~ 700 lbs.

 R3T19:   That same dragon (Red), not enjoying the flank it has found itself in,  snaps defensively at Abenor and Gharmez as it tries to get out of there.  As it does so, Abenor makes a brilliant stroke down its side for  20  as Gharmez swings the unfamiliar  Agrimmosh . Red manages to jump off the port side of the ship and then begins flying aft.

 R3T16:   Aasgar , what do you do?

Galakhar on deck, Blue in the hole ...
BuckGodot
Aasgar dashes to the blue beast and planting his feet firmly swings his axe at the creature.

 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 

MA: 20' west
SwA: Enter Valiant Keeper's Stance
Attack using Risky Strike:  (1d20+12)[ 26 ] 
Damage:  (1d12+16)[ 19 ] 
 
lostsole31
 R3T16:  Aasgar dashes to the blue beast and planting his feet firmly swings his axe at the creature, landing right in its head for  21 . It's a devastating blow, but not enough to drop it.

 R3T14:  Galakhar double moves from around starboard and does a tuck and roll to come up and flank with Aasgar.

 R3T13:  Furious, the blue dragon hisses and spits at Aasgar and Kurst. Both targets are focused and agile, only taking   6 acid    each (or in Aasgar's case, to his DDP). The dragon then tries to move  away carefully, but Aasgar's axe bites it in the upper chest for a  brutal  18 , dropping it, with Galakhar providing the misericorde strike.

 R3T9:  Kurst comes out of initiative, as he's not going to try and do the fallen weapons shuffle.

 End Round 3, Begin Round 4 ...

  R4T27:   Abenor lets his weapons clatter to the ground as he races aft along the  port side while taking out his bow. He shoots, hitting the dragon in  the rear claw for  9 .

 R4T22:  Cici delays (coming out of initiative) ...

 R4T21:  Gharmez, is there anything you think you can do?

Red on deck, Aasgar in the hole ...
Admyral
Gharmez is going to move 5' to the rail and switch to her crossbow and take a shot at the blue dragon hovering over the water.

 
 Spoiler: Technical Info 

ATK (1d20+9)[ 29 ] 
DAM (1d10+1)[ 2 ] 
 
Admyral
  "What a fortunate shot!!"  , Gharmez yells.
 
 Spoiler: Critical Damage 

 (2d6)[ 9 ] 
 
lostsole31
 R4T21:  Gharmez moves to the rain, drops her hammer on  deck to switch to her crossbow. She takes a shot at the blue dragon  hovering over the water, with the bolt piercing its upper foreclaw to  continue into its chest for 20. The thing falls out of the air to splash  into the water.

  "What a fortunate shot!!"   Gharmez yells.

 Combat Ends! 
BuckGodot
  "Status check! Is anyone seriously injured?"   Aasgar asks looking around and assessing the damage.
lostsole31
The acid damage from the caustic spit begins to show on Aasgar.

Gharmez assists Cici in doing triage on the party, and this is the wounded:
Aasgar ~ 95%.
Abenor ~85%.
Kurst ~80%.

Cici uses her healing hex on all three. Aasgar is now fully healed, and Abenor and Kurst have nothing a good night's sleep can't cure.

The captain orders everyone back to stations for maneuvering watch and in short order the keelboat is moored. Once moored, Captain Bloodtusk says,   "Well done on killing those dragons, but the alpha got away with a horse. While you were busy, I had a smoke filter I put on the lens of my spyglass and clearly saw a cave where the alpha took the horse. It's actually not very far from here. I'm asking if you'll go and retrieve the horse. Maybe the dragon already killed it for a meal, maybe not. But losing a horse makes travel a lot harder once we begin heading up the other river."  

Cici didn't know what type of dragons they were, but she describes what she does know ... as someone who has some basic understanding of dragon physiology .... to Galakhar.  Galakhar tells you all he knows about the creatures from his observation and party reports. 
 Spoiler: River Drakes 
Yes, they are blue-ish, but they are not the true dragon known as a "blue dragon." These assailants were a lesser known category of dragons known as a "drake," and in this particular case they were "river drakes."

First, yes, they do belong to the dragon family. This means that pound-for-pound, they are extraordinarily skillful, tough, resilient, and immune to magical sleep and paralysis.

Most drakes are able to call upon a burst of speed when moving, which is how the alpha managed to get away so quickly. If Gharmez hadn't been able to shoot that last one out of the sky, it would likely have zipped out of there too quickly to follow.

A river drake is an all-terrain dragon in many ways, though its aquatic adaptations means it is a bit slower than a man on land. They are average fliers, moving at a decent clip but not as fast as a raptor like an eagle or even a crow. More like twice the speed of a man on open terrain. They can move as quickly in the water as a normal human on land.

River drakes can spit a caustic mucus in a very limited splatter area. The mucus is really an enzyme that while corroding everything is designed to help break down flesh. It is a very high viscosity that hardens quickly on contact with air, and if a person isn't careful not only take the initial shock of acid, but they get rooted to the spot while even hardened the mucus begins to digest them slowly. A river drake tends to recharge this mucus more slowly than a true dragon might with their breath weapon.

Given their caustic mucus, river drakes have a high tolerance for other solvents, corrosives, acids, bases, enzymes, etc.

Unlike the nigh impenetrable larger true dragons, the scales of a river drake protect them little better than the thick hide of any other animal.
 

Does the party gather to go retrieve the horse? The captain can't really make such a request into an order.
BuckGodot
Aasgar is willing to go if the others are. Can’t have these beasts terrorising the waterways.
Admyral
Gharmez agrees,   "If we are able to rescue the animal, we should surely attempt it. And to Aasgar's point, making the river safer would keep the trade lanes open."  
lostsole31
The heroes head out in vengeance of horseflesh, with Kurst leaving Hope behind.

It was a low sun when the drakes attacked. And after the maneuvering watch and getting something quick in your bellies, it is now dark, so Abenor and Kurst lead the track, with light sources used as needed.

It isn't long before the pungent odor of fish entrails permeates the air near an open cave mouth. The beach outside the cave is littered with the remains of several marine animals, including the bleached skeleton of an immense crocodile. The area is eerily quiet and devoid of wildlife. However, a nervous whinnying is heard from within.
BuckGodot
Aasgar whispers to the group,     "I think it would behoove us to catch the creature in its lair since it can take to the air... Huh... A rhyme..."     and he draws his axe. He then makes an effort to adjust his protective veils to help against acid attacks.
lostsole31
Aasgar finds he cannot shift his veils at this time. It really does take a morning of concentration as normal.

Abenor nods and agrees.

 Gharmez , anything for you before entering?
Admyral
Gharmez says,   "I've never seen a dragon horde before."   She looks over her crossbow and grips it tightly as she walks towards the cave with the rest of the group.

 
 Spoiler: Crunch 

No changes to spells or preparation.
 
lostsole31
Abenor leads the others in while keeping formation. Though he knows that  the entire party is not designed for stealth, he does move at a pace  and gestures for the party to at least to "try" to be stealthy. He knows  Aasgar well enough to slow his own speed down so that even Aasgar (and  the armored Gharmez) can still move half speed themselves to go slowly  and stealthily.

He only moves forward 10' before he stops the party. Kurst is next to him, and Abenor points north as  Ileor   - Abenor's magical katana - just barely in dim light reveals the horse,  but only to Abenor's elven eyes.  Abenor holds his hand up to the  others and moves in a little more with Kurst as the rest of the party  filters into the spot they were told to wait at.

The party doesn't even have a chance to do more than that as a roar erupts from inside, causing the frightened horse to whinny.

 Begin Round One ... 
 R1T27:    "Unholy dragon senses!"   Abenor spits. He looks to the party.   "We'll cover Kurst's retreat. Kurst, get the horse out."  

And  with that, Abenor goes into his hunting stance and moves forward north  and then west around a corner. His voice is heard echoing from within.   "Eyes on target!"  
 R1T23:  Another draconic roar is heard, followed by the sound of it spitting at Abenor.

 R1T22:   Since it can see light, the old warhorse bolts to the south where there  are a mass of heroes. It doesn't run over the heroes, but is stamping  away angrily, and can't be considered an "ally" for the purposes of  movement as it is frightened and confused.

 R1T20:   Gharmez , what do you do?
Admyral
Gharmez will cast a veil of divine power over herself and move into the cave.

 
 Spoiler: Tech Info 

Cast Protection From Evil: Target: Self
Move: 20' N
 
lostsole31
 R1T20:  Gharmez casts a veil of divine power over  herself and moves into the cave, skirting around the scared horse that's  stamping on the ground.

 R1T19:  Galakhar quick  draws his rapier even as he gets into a fighting stance, drinks an  extract, suddenly shrinking down to just under 3' tall, and then zooms  along the ground to follow his lady.

 R1T15:   Kurst puts his sword away, and unlike some animals that might take a  ranger longer to calm, he has already built a relationship with this one  and is able to bring it to heel. Even though it has no tack at this  time, he does a brilliant quick mount.

 R1T13:   Aasgar , what do you do?

Cici on deck, Abenor in the hole ...
BuckGodot
Aasgar adjusts his footing and moves north after Abenor.

 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 
Enter Valiant Keeper's Stance and head north 20'.
 
lostsole31
 R1T13:  Aasgar adjusts his footing and moves north after Abenor. 
 Spoiler: Maneuver 
 Scything Strike 
 

 R1T7:  Cici darts north and west (and south).

 End Round One, Begin Round 2 ...

R2T27:   Abenor changes footing to slow down a little and disappears from  Aasgar's sight. There is a sound of metal passing through hard scale and  flesh and a draconic roar of pain.

 R2T23:  And that, followed up by more bestial noises of aggression that slowly give way to frustration.

 R2T20:   Gharmez , what do you do?

Galakhar on deck, Kurst in the hole ...
Admyral
Gharmez moves up behind Aasgar, ready to fire if she has a target.

 
 Spoiler: Tech Info 

Move: 5' NE, 15'N
If able, Crossbow ATK:  (1d20+9)[ 13 ]  DMG: (1d10+1)[ 3 ] 
 
lostsole31
 R2T20:  Gharmez moves up behind Aasgar. In doing so, her golden light shows the deeper cave  entrance to the west that seems to then go south.

 R2T20:  Galakhar says to Kurst,   "You're the best rider, lad, and the horse is already skittish. Guide him back to the keelboat. We got it from here."  

Gala-midget then takes a sip of another extract before heading north himself, and gets in front of Gharmez while looking west.

 R2T15:  You see Kurst nod in understanding to Lil' Gal and then ride off (off map, and out of this encounter).

 R2T13:   Aasgar , what do you do? Sounds of battle to west and south.

Cici on deck, Abenor in the hole ...
BuckGodot
Asgard heads towards the sounds of battle as fast as he can.
lostsole31
 R2T13:  Asgard heads towards the sounds of battle as  fast as he can. He turns around the corner to see the battle, and moves  up next to Cici. Also, he enters a deep field of bones and other  detritus that is difficult terrain that halts his progress.

 R2T7:   Cici enters her crane style stance and begins angling closer through  the bone field. She takes out a shuriken and tosses it, but it bounces  off of the tough hide.

 End Round 2, Begin Round 3 ...

R3T27:   Aasgar sees Abenor dance with his daisho in hand, but particularly with  the blue-glowing katana, almost glowing brighter like the moon before  he attacks too aggressively, his sword stroke stopped by dragon scale  and the extra blue dissipating. His attack failed, and preparing for the  arrival of friends, Abenor tries to carefully move around to the south.  Not so careful that the dragon doesn't bite at him, but then Abenor  dances off of the dragon's snout and own body to help him move to a  better position, shifting his stance to someting more defensive.

 R3T23:   The alpha river dragon seems to have learned from fighting Abenor, and  isn't so wildly aggressive, but Abenor in his defensive stance is able  to parry away the attacks.

 R3T20:   Gharmez , what do you do?

Galakhar on deck, Aasgar in the hole ...
Admyral
Gharmez grumbles to herself,   "I really need to buy lighter armor."   She will move towards the western battle noises.

 
 Spoiler: Tech Info 

MV: 20' W
MV: 10' SW 5' W
 
lostsole31
 R3T20:  Gharmez grumbles to herself,   "I really need to buy lighter armor."   She moves towards the western battle noises, seeing the full scope of the battle now.

 R3T19:    "No, milady,"   says mini-Galakhar who moves with her at first.   "You are the primary buoyant and healer. We need you as protected as you can be."  

He then stops behind a few paces to take another extract, and disappears from sight.

 R3T13:   Aasgar , what do you do?

Cici on deck, Abenor in the hole ...
BuckGodot
Aasgar moves south as far as he can through the bones but begins calling out tactical advice.

 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 
MA: Attempt to move south 20' but understanding that the poor terrain affects that.

Maintain Valiant Keeper's Stance

Defending the Pride: Grant all allies w/in 60' a +4 morale bonus to AC for 1 rd.
 
lostsole31
 R3T13:  Aasgar moves south as far as he can through the  bones but begins calling out tactical advice. As he does so, the  dragon's long neck bites him in the shoulder ( 12 DDP ), holding Aasgar in its jaws when the dwarf actually calls out that advice. 
 Spoiler: Maneuver 
 Red zephyr's strike .
 

 R3T7:  Cici prepares for a closer encounter by casting a protective spell on herself before moving in.

 End Round 3, Begin Round 4 ...

R4T27:   Abenor nods to Cici since she brings the flank, layering his martial  stances, both blades flashing. Though the dragon's scales are thick, it  is more vulnerable in flank while focusing its holding bite on Aasgar,  and Abenor strikes a foreclaw for  12  and its back for  9 .

 R4T23:  The drake worries Aasgar in its mouth for  9  ( +11 DDP )!

 R4T20:   Gharmez , what do you do?

Galakhar on deck, Aasgar in the hole ...
Admyral
  "No Dwarf snacks today, foul creature!"   Gharmez yells out as she moves into the bone pile while readying her earthbreaker. Using the weapon's size to keep a safe distance, she strikes the beast.

 
 Spoiler: Tech Info 

MA: 5' S
ATK: (reach 5')  (1d20+8)[ 14 ]  DMG:  (2d6+4)[ 10 ] 
 
lostsole31
 R4T20:    "No dwarf snacks today, foul creature!"    Gharmez yells out as she moves into the bone pile while readying her  earthbreaker and dropping her crossbow. Using the weapon's size to keep a  safe distance, she  strikes the beast. Any other day, she would miss, but with it grappling  and having flank with Abenor she just manages to succeed in clipping it  in the wing for  10 .

 R4T19:   Though invisible, a line of bones get kicked around as Galakhar  approaches. He appears again, having stabbed it in the upper rear leg  for  9 .

 R4T13:   Aasgar  Chewtoy, what do you do?

Cici on deck, Abenor in the hole ...
BuckGodot
Aasgar attempts to free himself from the creatures grasp whilst letting forth with a bellow to bolster his allies.

 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 
MA?: Try to break free

Encouraging Roar: Allies w/in 30' +2 morale attk/ dmg
 
lostsole31
 R4T13:  Aasgar attempts to free himself from the  creatures grasp but finds that this monster's jaws are incredibly  strong. He shouts, trying to bolster his allies, but his ability to do  so isn't contingent on just making noise, but is a function of properly  bodily alignment; he neither makes the maneuver, nor expends it. In  fact, being grappled takes him completely out of stance as well (so,  stance is dropped). His wounds catch up to him from the effort, as he  takes  23 .  
 Spoiler: Maneuvers 
First round fallow.
 

 R4T7:  Cici stares menacingly at the dragon.

 End Round 4, Begin Round 5 ...

R5T27:  Abenor nods to Gharmez and gives her a backhanded compliment,   "Excellent strike; of course, it's par for the course for an Abadaran to hammer a savage into submission, isn't it?"  

He  shifts to a more offensive stance, putting as much power as he can  behind his strikes to get the drake to drop his friend. He cuts deep  into its hip and haunches for  25  with one blade, but with little  Kyadrimme  he gives a vicious flat-blade thwack which does  35 NL !

The drake falls, and Aasgar is spilt from its mouth unceremoniously ... making a re-inflating squeaking sound.

 Combat Ends! 

Now what?
BuckGodot
Aasgar climbs to his feet and collects his dignity. Putting a hand to his ribs, he winces.   ”Might as well have a quick look around since we’re here.”  
lostsole31
Lying among the reeds and bones of this den is the following ...
 
 Masterwork Buckler 
 Masterwork Heavy Pick 
 Three vials - all different - that all radiate magic. Galakhar IDs them as  elixir of swimming ,  oil of flame arrow , and  potion of resist energy [electricity]  
  Scroll of spear of purity  
 Coins: 5 platinum, 20 gold, 35 silver 
 Gem: Bloodstone (25 gp value). 
 

Then, regarding wounds, Cici had already used her healing hex for today for the "blonde twins" (well, one is blonde, the other is white-haired, er, "platinum blonde").

Gharmez can spend her last positive energy burst to get Abenor to where he needs a good night's sleep. It takes Gharmez spontaneously casting two of her most powerful spells to get Aasgar to the same point, and then the party collects the treasure.

Are we done here?
BuckGodot
Aasgar is ready to go if everyone else is.
lostsole31
The party returns to the keelboat, and you see it is ready to sail despite the evening. The captain had a job to do, and he didn't want to stop here, but wanted to get the horse back. You travel an additional 90 min. or so downriver.

You see, Captain Bloodtusk had a scheduled stop to make as you are no longer in the Holds of Belkzen, but coming to a riverside way station in Lastwall. Staffed by the Knights of Ozem, the station services river traffic and provides a disembarkation point for people and supplies heading inland to Castle Firrine. Bloodtusk is supposed to deliver the arsenal of battleaxes, spears, and chain shirts in the keelboat’s armory to the knight staffing the way station, but as the keelboat sidles up to the crude dock, it is clear the station has come under recent attack.

A few orc and dire wolf corpses litter the ground outside the way station—a testament to the knight's prowess in battle.

A broken pier rises from the gently flowing waters of the river, its pilings blackened by fire and splintered by axe. Only a few waterlogged planks remain, hanging drunkenly from twisted nails. A path leads up from the dock toward a small stone building atop a low hill nearby.

Bloodtusk stopped here 15 days ago and the way station’s dock was sturdy and whole. Worried at this sign, the captain asks the PCs to take the jolly boat and row ashore to scout the area and learn what happened to the knight in charge of the station.  Kurst rejoins the group for this.

As the PCs take the jolly boat closer in, you can see a bloated orc corpse tangled in nearby reeds. It is dark now, so you need your light sources as before.
Admyral
Gharmez picks a coin hanging on her tunic and casts Light on it. She looks around the area for anything obvious indicating what happened.
lostsole31
The area of the dock and grounds is searchd by the party, including a wider circumference of the area.

Other then the scattered bodies of orcs and dire wolves (who have been picked clean of anything valuable, useful, or informative), and the copse of trees to the west and north, you find nothing.

As far as the way station itself, T\there are a set of stables on the southern portion of the eastern exterior (you haven't closed in to search more that way; there are external double doors on the ground level of the building, on the eastern portion of the building's north facing; and finally, a set of stairs go up to a lowered drawbridge where there's a door on the second story (south facing).

What now?
Admyral
  "Isn't it odd that those stable doors are still intact and closed?"   Gharmez says in a questioning tone.   "Perhaps we should investigate around the river side of the building with the drawbridge?"   As they walk amongst the dead, she tries to ascertain if they were killed by violence or magic.
lostsole31
  "I wouldn't mind taking a closer look at the stable first, but after that, sure,"   says Kurst.
BuckGodot
Aasgar agrees with Kursts suggestion so as to leave nothing behind them.
lostsole31
The party had taken a wide perimeter about the place,  not wanting to get hit by pot shots from fortified orc archers.  One  thing they seemed to miss was the stables, but what was in the stables,  at the time, didn't really care about you, either.

Two dire wolves, fur matted with the blood of horses they were killing, step out of the stables, look at the party, and growl.

 Begin Round One ...

R1T31:   Galakhar's rapier is in his hand in a flash and he is in one-handed  stance, zooming across the dirt. He takes a quick measure of the rear  dire wolf and stabs it in the chest for  18 .

 R1T21:   Kurst runs around the back of the group to give himself some time and  room to ready his shield and draw his sword, but closes to meet Red and  attacks, missing.

 R1T18:  Abenor comes around on a  smaller arc and quick draws his smaller blade (the katana was out to  provide light) to slash Red in the upper chest for  23 . He begins giving his defensive advice to the party.

 R1T17:   Aasgar , what do you do? Your axe is stowed right now.
BuckGodot
Asgaar draws his axe and moves forward to engage shifting his stance.

 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 
SA: Draw weapon
MA: Step SW to engage RED 1 square
SwA: Valiant Keeper's Stance

Combat Reflexes: He may make 3 AOOs/ rd
 
lostsole31
 R1T17:  Asgaar draws his axe and moves forward to engage, shifting his stance.  
 Spoiler: Maneuver 
 Red zephyr's strike .
 

 R1T16:  Red snaps at Abenor, but the elf evades and moves a few feet away.

 R1T11:  Cici gets into her fighting style, moves around the stump and then south while drawing her waveblade, and then misses wildly.

 R1T16:  Blue attacks Galakhar, who fails to parry but does duck out of the way.

 R1T6:   And anchoring the round for all .... Gharmez! What do you do? Like  everyone else, your weapon isn't in hand as you were in "investigation  mode."

Galakhar on deck, Kurst in the hole ...
Admyral
Gharmez moves up to the closest beast, readying her earth breaker on the way. She attacks the foul creature.

 
 Spoiler: Tech Info 

MV: SW 5', S 5'
ATK:  (1d20+8)[ 10 ] 
DMG: Bludgeon  (2d6+4)[ 6 ] 
 
lostsole31
 R1T6:  Gharmez moves up to the closest beast, readying  her earth breaker on the way. She attacks the foul creature, but it is a  wild swing.

 End Round One, Begin Round 2 ...

R2T31:  Galakhar studies Blue for a second. "Nothing special," he says.   "Dire wolves. I know the A-team already fought them in the tunnels before we got there. Big, strong, fast, can knock you down."  

While  maintiaing a focus on defense, he makes a special maneuver that  actually cuts into both wolves standing next to each other, doing  14  to Red and  16  to Blue.

 R2T21:  Kurst nicks Red for  4  with his sword, but bashes it on the snout for  5 .

 R2T18:   Abenor is slightly winded from last round and recovers and moves around  to the eastern part of the battle where he can protect the most people.  The blue of his katana, already lit a lambent blue, glimmers a little  bit whiter like the light of the moon as he strikes Red for  17 +  9 force  , killing it outright.

 R2T17:   Aasgar , you no longer have an enemy in front of you, but an obstacle. Red is dead, and acts as difficult terrain. What do you do?

Cici on deck, Blue in the hole ...
BuckGodot
Realising he cannot easily reach his foe, Aasgar lets out a frustrated but encouraging bellow and steps back 5 feet.   "Make this beast come to us!"   he shouts.

 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 
SwA: Encouraging Roar

MA: 5' step back
 
lostsole31
 R2T17:  Realising he cannot easily reach his foe, Aasgar lets out a frustrated but encouraging bellow and steps back 5 feet.   "Make this beast come to us!"   he shouts.  
 Spoiler: Maneuver 
 Scything strike 
 

 R2T11:  Cici casts a spell, infusing a coarse black  hair into her casting, but nothing happens and she backs up to the other  side of Aasgar to enjoy Abenor's protection.

 R2T16:  Blue makes a vicious attack againt Galakhar, who in turn is able to read his foe and defend brilliantly.

 R2T6:   Gharmez , what do you do?

Galakhar on deck, Kurst in the hole ...
Admyral
Gharmez changes to her crossbow and attacks the remaining wolf.

 
 Spoiler: Tech Info 

ATK:  (1d20+9)[ 19 ] 
DMG: piercing  (1d10+1)[ 9 ] 
 
lostsole31
 R2T6:  Gharmez drops her earth breaker at her feet to  change to her crossbow and attacks the remaining wolf, the bolt striking  it in the neck for  11 . 
 Spoiler: Gharmez 
It takes a MA  (provokes AOOs) to put a weapon away, and another MA to draw a weapon  (doesn't provoke), so I had you drop the earth breaker.

I don't  mind you adding in the Point Blank Shot, since I put it specifically on  your sheet. You merely forgot to include it in your attack roll, but had  it there for damage.
 

 End Round 2, Begin Round 3 ...

R3T31:  Galakhar catches the wolf in the forepaw for  9 , and then steps back. He looks at Gharmez and nods.   "Nice shot."  
 R3T21:   Kurst steps back to Aasgar, readying a strike. He shakes his head and mutters to the dwarf with a smile,   "You want us to step back, but you give us a great exhortation to kill. Confusing."  
 R3T18:  Abenor recovers from a little extra effort he had expended. He also seems prepared to attack.

 R3T17:   Aasgar , they listened to you. The engaged pulled back. What do you do?

Cici on deck, Blue in the hole ...
BuckGodot
Aasgar backs away again and encourages the others to do so.   "Draw it out! Use ranged attacks and then we can surround it and be done!"  
 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 
Move another 5' step north holding further actions.
 
lostsole31
 R3T17:  Aasgar backs away again, stepping up onto a tree stump, and encourages the others to do so.   "Draw it out! Use ranged attacks and then we can surround it and be done!"  
 R3T11:  Cici steps in front of Aasgar and while still in Crane Style she tosses  couple shuriken at the dire wolf, one hitting for  3 .

 R3T16.1-16:  The dire wolf comes around the body of its fallen and as soon as it gets to Kurst strikes it in the shoulder for  9 , and Abenor teleports and cuts its forepaw off at the knee, dropping it. It is summarily beheaded by Abenor.

 Combat Ends .... 

All stances and styles end, and all maneuvers refreshed. Cici's shuriken are unrecoverable. Also, she has Lucette chill out back at the pier to hide and give her a mental warning in case of trouble.

Now what?  The northern doors at ground level? or, the weird upper-level drawbridge door?
BuckGodot
Aasgar suggests that they stick with the ground level before heading up...
lostsole31
Abenor puts his hand on Aasgar's shoulder softly to have him hold off, a common gesture over the years to keep Aasgar from getting tunnel vision.

The elf moves around the stables and inside to get a better look. A hitching post stands outside a simple stable with two stalls built along the eastern wall of the way station. Two horses were normally housed here for the use of the knights posted to the station, but the attacking orcs slaughtered the steeds, and several black-tipped javelins now pierce the unfortunate beasts’ flanks. They were dragged in the cramp space where the dire wolves started to feed on them.

His survey complete, Abenor guides the group around to the northern doors, a shed attached to the stables, really. There is a simple lock attached to the shed. Galakhar moves up to look up at and says,   "The orcs didn't break into the shed. I'm going to pick the lock and we'll have a quick look. But if there aren't prisoners or something there, then we leave it alone. Otherwise, it is theft of the waystation ... for now."  

Galakhar doesn't even really put much focus into the lock, it is that laughably simple. There are some tools and the like. as well as extra tack and a very fine saddle, but Galakhar clsoes up the shed and relocks the door.

The party makes its way around to the south where they would have to go up to the ladder leading straight up to the narrow platform with the drawbridge to the door. Abenor sheathes his daisho, Galakhar his rapier. Kurst puts away his sword, but keeps his shield readied.

Abenor looks to the party and even though you've all made the sounds of battle, yet he whispers.   "Aasgar, you should go up the ladder and knock first. You are the best armored while begin our best physical shock trooper. I will wait, hiding on the top of the stairs. Cici, you behind me. Kurst with shield at bottom. I recommend Gharmez take a standoff position to the west-southwest in the woods at a distance where this ladder-and-platform and the drawbridge won't foil her shot. Galakhar stay with her in case there's anything in the woods. Sound good?"  
BuckGodot
Aasgar agrees and approaches the ladder. As he puts his hands on it, he turns to look back to the group for a silent nod to proceed.
Admyral
Gharmez says,   "I think this is a great plan."   She picks up her earth breaker and stows it while moving to the position Abenor suggested.  Readying her crossbow,  she waves a hand to let the party know she's prepared.
lostsole31
Everyone gets into position.  Aasgar, you climb the ladder onto the platform. A flight of steep stairs and a lowered drawbridge lead into the dark interior of the way station. Inside, a single room contains a large fireplace, a table and chairs, a pair of bunks, and stacks of crates and barrels. The only light inside the way station shines out through the open doorway, providing dim light.

 Aasgar , what do you do?
BuckGodot
Aasgar will signal to the others it’s clear to ascend while drawing his axe.
lostsole31
Abenor joins Aasgar on the platform. Cici takes his place at the upper part of the ladder. Kurst puts away his shield and waits at the lower part.
Admyral
Gharmez adjusts her position to have the clearest shot possible as the door opens.
BuckGodot
Aasgar moves quietly up to the door and listens. If he hears nothing, he will open the door, axe ready to engage whatever there is on the other side.
lostsole31
Aasgar approaches the  already open door , but doesn't enter yet, taking a look at what he can see from the drawbridge and giving a listen. A fire burns very low, casting a dim red glow from bright embers in the fireplace.  He hears ... not close to the entrance, but somewhere back from it ... some heavy mouthbreathers trying to be quiet.
BuckGodot
Looking back at the others, Aasgar turns and says,   "We know you're in there. Come out and face the consequences of your actions..."  
lostsole31
Very weakly inside, at a slightly higher pitch than expected, you hear a struggling "voice,"    "Mmm. MMM-mm-MMmm MMM-mmm mmm-mmm-mmm."   
BuckGodot
Aasgar looks at the others and proceeds carefully into the room, watching for traps as best he is able.
lostsole31
As soon as it looks like Aasgar is heading in, Galakhar taps and  gestures for himself and Gharmez to head to the others, and everyone  only moves a few feet before a porcine shout of rage is heard!

 Begin Roud One ...

R1T19:  Galakhar hustles towards the platform.

 R1T18:   Abenor moves right past Aasgar to go inside before he teleports out of  view. There is an anguished cry of pain from a bestial voice inside.

 R1T15-14:   Sounds of battle from within ... and definitely a sound of pain from  Abenor! Followed by an indescribable, closed-mouth gurgle or some  wounded mouth noise where the body can't even find the air or power to  scream out.

 R1T11:  Cici does an accelerated climb for the remainder and heads past Aasgar inside the cabin.    "Aasgar,"    she practically screams more than reports,    "Abenor is almost disemboweled!!"   

The sound of Cici casting is heard from within.

 R1T9:   Gharmez ,  your loaded crossbow is in hand, and it looks like the battle won't be  coming outside after all. If Cici had just shouted a normal report, you  might have not understood from where you are, but she screamed it more  in desperation, so you know a friend is in peril. What do you do?
Admyral
  "Spilled Coins!"   yells Gharmez as she moves as quickly as she can towards the open door.
lostsole31
 R1T9:    "Spilled Coins!"    yells Gharmez as she moves as quickly as she can - breaking out into a  flat out run - towards the ladder to get to the open door.

 R1T5:   Aasgar , what do you do?
BuckGodot
At hearing his friend may be mortally wounded, Aasgar throws caution to the wind and rushes forward into the room.
lostsole31
 R1T5:  At hearing his friend may be mortally wounded,  Aasgar throws caution to the wind and rushes forward into the room,  knocking a chair over near the fire. He takes a look around. Directly to  the east on the other side of the room is a woman in armor that is tied  and gagged. Nearby, Abenor stands atop a bed, but with two  wicked-looking cuts across his abdomen. There are three orcs there. Two  directly oppose Abenor. A cloud of golden dust surrounds two of the  orcs, both of whom seem to be having visual troubles (Blue and Green).  Cici is only a few feet to his southeast. 
 Spoiler: Aasgar 
 Scything strike .
 

 R1T4:   To his credit, Green is able to clear his vision before raging like his  two fellows. In his hand looks like what might be a goblin's skull, but  a lit fuse is on it and he tosses it as Cici but she bats it away just  south of her where it immolates a chest which now begins burning  brightly. He pulls out a falchion and steps up to Cici.

 R1T3:  Lucette squeaks in terror under Cici's hood.

 End Round One, Begin Round 2 ...

R2T19:   Galakhar continues his run at the platform and clears the ground by a  full six feet, allowing him to land a hand on the top of the platform.  He drops his rapier on the top of the platform, and then uses isometrics  to then hop up onto the platform proper.

 R2T18:  Abenor takes   1 bleed    from his gut wound as he gets into his two-weapon defensive stance. His  blue-glowing katana now includes a silvery light as he strikes out at  Red, slashing his lower right arm for  18 +  11 force  . Abenor springs gracefully off the bed.

 R2T16:  Kurst does an accelerated climb up to the top of the platform and rushes into the room with sword and shield.

 R2T15-14:   Blue, blind, slashes the area atop the bed where Abenor was a second  ago. Red picks up its falchion, apparently having dropped it even though  it is slick with red blood. He steps down and attacks Abenor catches  the blade with both of his own, and then controls the falchion so that  it continues in its arc with the orc's strength to have it bind close  and cut his own arm for  15 , cutting deep and definitely doing something arterial, but the orc refuses to fall.

 R2T11:   Cici steps away from the burning chest and forgoes her normal defensive  combat style. There is a patient in need of her help she needs to get  to. She badly misses Red with a snap kick before jumping in a spin kick  to the orc's shoulder for  13 , dropping it.

 R2T9:   Gharmez , you have a crossbow in hand, which you need to drop (FA) or put away (MA) before climbing the ladder. What do you do?

Aasgar on deck, Green in the hole ...
Admyral
Gharmez stows her crossbow and moves up the ladder and into the building, making best speed to Abenor to attempt healing.
lostsole31
 R2T9:  Gharmez stows her crossbow and tries to move too quickly on the ladder, sliding to the ground and making no headway.

 R2T5:   Aasgar , what do you do?

Green on deck, Galakhar in the hole ...
BuckGodot
  "To Abenor!"   Aasgar moves south to box the foes in and starts giving tactical direction to boost defense.

 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 
MA: Move 2 squares south
SA: Move 1 square east
SwA: Defending the Pride: Grant all allies w/in 60' a +4 morale bonus to AC for 1 rd.
 
lostsole31
 R2T5:    "To Abenor!"   Aasgar shouts as he moves south to box the foes in and starts giving tactical direction to boost defense.  
 Spoiler: Maneuver 
 Red zephyr's strike .
 

 R2T4:   Seeing the dwarf stagger oddly to him, attention on the bloody elf, the  orc smiles and attacks Abenor in a rage. It is a baleful attack, one  which could have struck the elf down on the spot. Abenor failed to  tumble away, but his dual-flashing blades still protect him in an  unbelievable defense.

The fire on the chest now has fully engulfed that portion of the chest, but doesn't spread any farther.

 End Round 2, Begin Round 3 ... 
 R3T19:  Galakhar kicks his rapier up into his grasp and runs deep north into the room.

 R3T18:  Abenor suffers   1 bleed  .  His katana still finds its mark on Green, though, hacking into the orc's  upper left arm for  16  while striking him in the groin with his wakizashi for  15 . He ducks away to the east and hops back up onto that bed.   "That fire is going to grow! Somebody get that knight out of here, and stay away from the fire!"  
 R3T16:    "Aasgar, you're the strongest,"   says Kurst as he slashes Green in the chest for  11 .   "can you get that woman out of here?"   He then smashes the orc in the face for  5 .

 R3T15:  Blue is still blinded, and desperately trying to protect itself.

 R3T11:   Cici starts off tumbling well, but then her focus tapers off and Green  lashes out at her, but her skill at just this thing has her dodging that  blade as she goes up to Abenor. She tries to stop his bleeding, but  fails.

 R3T9:   Gharmez , you realize that you weighed down, even with a ladder, isn't going to find success through haste. What do you do?

Aasgar on deck, Green on deck .....
Admyral
Gharmez climbs the ladder at normal speed and attempts again to enter the building. Once inside, she uses her remaining action to ready her earthbreaker.
lostsole31
 R3T9:  Gharmez climbs the ladder at normal speed, just getting to the top.

 R3T5:   Aasgar , what do you do?

Green on deck, Galakhar in the hole ...
BuckGodot
  "But I... Grrrrr..."   and he strikes out at green, swinging with both hands grasping his axe, before turning and moving towards the woman.

 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 

Attack using Risky Strike and Overhand Chop

Attack:  (1d20+14)[ 33 ] 

Damage:  (1d12+18)[ 30 ] 

Overhand Chop (Ex):  When he makes a single attack (w/ the attack action or a charge) w/ a two-handed weapon, STR * 2 bonus on damage rolls.

SwA: DEFENDING THE PRIDE: Grant all allies w/in 60' a +4 morale bonus to AC for 1 rd.

MA: Move NE for 20'. Moving diagonally. Aware of AOO.
 
lostsole31
 R3T5:    "But I... Grrrrr..."    and swinging with both hands grasping his axe, he bifurcates Green from  where the left shoulder meets the neck, down past the inguinal tendon  of the groin on its right side. It falls apart in two sloppy pieces.  Aasgar turns and moves to the woman while shouting ways for the party  ... to defend itself heroically .... from the last orc. The blinded one.

 R3T3:  Lucette comes out of the hood, down Cici's arm, and is ready to help her mistress.

 R3T0:  The fire on the chest doesn't fully consume the chest yet, but it DOES set fire to the southern wall.

 End Round 3, Begin Round 4 ...

R4T19:  Galakhar rushes to Abenor's aid and stops his bleeding, and little Lucette helps him.

 R4T18:   Abenor leaps off the bed and acrobatically rolls on the ground. While  he does so, he lashes out with his katana to slice Blue along the neck  for 20, and then pops up onto his feet by Cici.

 R4T16:   Kurst repositions to flank Blue with Cici, and mutters a challenge  under his breath. He hits Blue in the back with his longsword for  17 .

 R4T15:  Blue is still blinded, but swings his falchion in the direction of Kurst, missing.

 R4T11:  Cici casts a spell and touches the orc's back for   23 electricity  !

 R4T9:   Gharmez , what do you do?

Aasgar on deck, Fire in the hole ...
Admyral
Gharmez steps through the open door and exclaims,   "What is it with this party and fire?!?"   She will cast Create Water over the burning chest and wall, hoping to extinguish the flames.
BuckGodot
Aasgar continues east and approaches the knight. He does a quick evaluation of the best way to get her out. If it's easier to untie her he will do so, otherwise, he will lift her and carry her out.

 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 
MA: Move to her square (10' I think as I have no map to go by)
FA: Assess
SA: See above. (Untie or lift)
 
lostsole31
 R4T9:  Gharmez steps through the open door and exclaims,   "What is it with this party and fire?!?"   She casts  create water  over the burning chest and wall, hoping to extinguish the flames, but only a few drops of water come out!

 R4T5:   Aasgar, already having approached the knight, does a quick  evaluation of the best way to get her out. He has to put his axe away,  and then he goes to pick her up. Unfortunately, with his own gear, with a  muscular human woman's body, and her own armor, he finds that he can  barely get her off the ground.

 R4T0:  Maybe those few errant drops of Gharmez's created water helped, for the fire does not grow this round. She does take   1 fire   from the heat, though.

 End Round 4, Begin Round 5 ...

R5T20:  Lucette crawls right back up Cici's arm and behind her hood again.

 R5T19:    "Gharmez, you need to cast into a container,"   says Galakhar.   "You tried to cast into the open container of ... everywhere, which exceeds your powers."  

He  stabs the last orc in the upper arm in the brachial artery, giving him a  quick and merciful death, and moves over to Gharmez.   "But, if we can get that woman out of here, I am not a firefighter beholden to this structure."  
 R5T18:  Abenor sheathes his katana and hops off the bed, moving up to the beleagued dwarf.

 R5T16:  Kurst puts sword and shield away.

 R5T11:  Cici  leaves the structure, heading outside and starting quickly down the ladder.

 R5T9:   Gharmez , are you going to continue attemping firefighting methods, or clear the structure? What do you do?

Aasgar on deck, Fire in the hole ...
Admyral
Gharmez leaves the building and jumps from the platform. Moves over to the ladder to assist in getting others out.
lostsole31
 R5T9:  Gharmez leaves the building and jumps from the  platform. To her credit, she sticks the landing and moves over to the  ladder to assist in getting others out.

 R5T5:   Aasgar, you can only lift her off the ground. You don't have the  strength to full on carry the adult human woman of muscle and her armor.  What do you do?

Fire on deck, Lucette in the hole ...
BuckGodot
Aasgar looks around for something he could use to carry her.   ”Need help! Too heavy!”  
lostsole31
 R5T5:  Aasgar looks around for something he could use to carry her.   ”Need help! Too heavy!”  
 R5T0:  The fire flares and Galakhar keeps from getting seared, though the fire does not grow this round, either.

 End Round 5, Begin Round 6 ...

R6T20:  Lucette delays ...

 R6T19:  Galakhar calls out,   "Kurst, help Aasgar. Abenor, clear out. Cici, come in and help me drag one of these orcs out of here for intel."  

Galakhar steps to the side, away from the fire, and yanks a half-orc a little closer to the exit.

 R6T18:   Abenor quits the building. Where Garmez made this death-defying stunt  of a jump in armor that had anyone who would've watched grit their  teeth, Abenor practically floats to the ground in grace, despite holding  his insides ... inside. He stands next to Gharmez, smiling weakly.   "Medic?"  
 R6T16:  Kurst comes to help Aasgar .... and unties the woman's legs.

 R6T15:  The woman, assuming Aasgar lets her go, hustles and gets out to the drawbridge.

 R6T11:  Cici's  glitterdust  effect goes away as she goes inside and also gets hold of the same half-orc as Galakhar.

 R6T9:   Gharmez , a terribly wounded elf who was nearly emboweled stands next to you. What do you do?

Aasgar on deck, Fire in the hole ...
lostsole31
 R6T9:  Gharmez, hoping there will be no undead this day, loses  burst of radiance  to instead cast CMW on Abenor for   16 healing  .

 R6T5:   Aasgar , what do you do?

Fire on deck, Galakhar in the hole ...
BuckGodot
Aasgar looks around quickly to make sure everyone is out or able to get out and then heads out the door himself.

 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 
MA: Full move SW to door.
 
lostsole31
 R6T5:  Aasgar looks around quickly to make sure everyone is out or able to get out and then heads to the door himself.

 R6T0:  The fire suddenly grows northwards, catching Galakhar for   1 fire  . It is only through brilliant instinct and quick thinking he keeps from catching fire.

 End Round 6, Begin Round 7 ...

R7T19:  Galakhar opens datum, heading out and landing on the ground below the platform deftly, and then around to Gharmez.

 R7T18:  Abenor nods to Gharmez,   "Thank you, but I was nearly killed, and could use more succor if you would grant it."  
 R7T16:  Kurst goes around the table to the north and comes around to Cici, waving her out, and readied to follow her.

 R7T15:  The knight moves to the east along the platform and jumps, landing with a whump ( 6  damage) by Galakhar, but having been sure to avoid the path of the ladder.

 R7T11:  Cici exits, easily lands on her feet below, and then comes around to the fallen knight.

 R7T10:  Kurst was waiting for that and heads out to the platform.

 R7T9:  Gharmez, what do you do?

Aasgar on deck, fire in the hole ...
Admyral
Gharmez smiles and says to Abenor,   "Nothing quite like the thrill of being a orc punching bag."   She lays her hands over the wounds to attempt more healing.

 
 Spoiler: Tech Info 

CMW on Abenor  (2d8+4)[ 7 ] 
 
lostsole31
 R7T9:  Gharmez smiles and says to Abenor,   "Nothing quite like the thrill of being a orc punching bag."   She lays her hands over the wounds for   7 healing   more. Gharmez is a little woozy as she has now emptied herself this day of her most powerful miracles.

 R7T5:  Aasgar, what do you do?

Fire on deck, Galakhar in the hole ...
BuckGodot
Out, out da*n dwarf! Aasgar runs out and down the ladder.
lostsole31
And with that, we are now out of initiative as everyone safely got out of the burning waystation.

Galakhar directs actions for a fire line around the building so that only the building will burn, and not the forest to the west of it.

Afterwards, with Abenor still heartily wounded and the knight now freed in the meantime (and having helped put out the fire), she introduces herself as Calrianne Blix.

Of course, it is Abenor who is the voice of reason and says, "The forest will be safe as Gal's advice has been ept. But let's not tarry. If a larger force of orcs follows the bright fire, we want to at least be at the safety of the keelboat.

What do you do?
BuckGodot
Aasgar closes on his friend muttering about heroics and rushing in to burning buildings and helps him into the boat before offering what he can for his remaining wounds.
lostsole31
During the early part of the burning of the building, Calrianne runs to the shed on the north side of the stable, takes a key from around her neck and unlocks it.  She goes in, and comes out with a very fine saddle and brings it with her.

Meanwhile, Cici gets rid of the laughably minor wounds on Galakhar and Gharmez, and then puts in some healing on Calrianne. She had already healed Abenor during the previous encounter, and Abenor asks Gharmez for more healing. In assisting Cici, Gharmez and Cici learn that Abenor is at roughly ~50% of his vitality.  Calrianne, for her part, is similar, though her wounds are more scattered about, whereas Abenor's belly had been split open.

As you finish making the fire line and then head to the boat,  Calrianne heartily thanks the party for rescuing her, and asks if there  is anything she can do to repay the group, and if you know anything  about the orc attack.
BuckGodot
Aasgar will makes introductions and explain that they unfortunately do not know anything about the orcs and we’re hoping that she could in fact shed some light on that.
lostsole31
  "What brings you to this place, then?"   she asks.
BuckGodot
Aasgar looks around at the others and back at her before speaking up.   "We are traveling on the river and had a stopover here to deliver supplies. We saw the way station had come under attack and decided to investigate. How came you to be here?"  
 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 
Sense motive
 
Admyral
Gharmez quietly listens to the newcomer while continuing to heal Abenor's wounds with what magic she has remaining.

 
 Spoiler: Tech Info 

CLW  (1d8+4)[ 12 ] 
CLW  (1d8+4)[ 5 ] 
If necessary, CLW  (1d8+4)[ 8 ] 
If necessary, CLW  (1d8+4)[ 7 ] 
 
lostsole31
Gharmez completely exhausts herself of her blessings, suffering a headache and a nosebleed in the process, as she puts four healing spells on Abenor.

Galakhar spends only one charge of his wand for an unimpressive heal, and that is all he'll use.   "Don't worry, lad,"   he reassures the elf.   "You're almost good to go, and I think if I bind you well tonight, you'll be fine on the morn."  

Meanwhile, the knight is confused.   "Wait, if you were hearing delivering supplies .... wouldn't that mean you know what that way station is, and who I am?"  
  "Pardon my short friend,"   says Galakhar,   "he neither knows the symbol of the Knights of Ozem, nor that your way station was staffing it."  

"Still, you came to deliver supplies..." she says, still trying to track things.

  "And a messenger does not always know the name of the people that live in the house where his message must go."  
  
"Oh, okay,"   she says, satisfied, and now take  a more condescending tone, to 'teach' the dwarf, which includes speaking more slowly and just a little louder.   "I am Calrianne Blix, and I and a member of the Knights of Ozem. We staffed the riverside way station. Our station services river traffic and provides a disembarkation point for people and supplies heading inland to Castle Firrine. But we were expecting a weapons shipment from Captain Bloodtusk, not ...."   and here she waves her hand generally to indicate the mixed group of adventurers.
BuckGodot
  ”Ah. Well the captain is here…”   and he turns away to find the captain and get him over.
lostsole31
As Captain Bloodtusk comes over as the party returns, he shakes his head once the situations is explained to him.   "You're too damned paranoid, Master Dwarf. We've been in Lastwall for the past day - no longer in the Hold of Belkzen. But tomorrow, when mid-day we switch from having come down river into Lastwall along the River Esk, we'll then use the horses to pull us up the River Esk and then back into the Hold of Belkzen." 
  "Where on earth are you going that you would take my rescuers  back  into the Hold?"   Calrianne gasps.

  "There's a giantess who seems to be pushing orcs forward as a war machine,"   says Kurst.   "They attacked Trunau - that's where we're coming from - and were beaten back. It could be that this far across the border those weren't just raiders, but possibly orcs allied with this giantess. Now, we're part of a group that is looking to infiltrate Redlake Fort, where we believe they are based out of."
  
Calrianne grows visibly excited and produces a map for the party.   "This is a map of Redlake Fort, best as can be rendered. My ancestor - Fabian Blix - was the fort's cleric. Fabian died during the final siege of the fort, but one of his sons - my great grandfather - escaped through a hidden sewer tunnel, though I do expect the sewer tunnel to be submerged. I would be interested in knowing of my ancestor Fabian's fate, should you learn anything about him while there."  
 
 Spoiler: Aasgar 
Calrianne seems to be bothered by something as she talks about her ancestor.
 
Admyral
Gharmez makes an unimpressed smirk as she wipes her blood from her face.   "She is certainly welcome to go back into the building where we found her,"   she mutters under her breath towards Aasgar.
BuckGodot
Aasgar nods.   ”Can you tell us a little more of what you know of your ancestor?”  
lostsole31
Calrianne reluctantly adds,   "There are stories that were passed down in my family regarding the keep's castellan, who was a despicable, vile man. My great-grandfather rarely spoke of his time at the fort. I'm sorry, I don't remember anything else, but I recall that mere mention of the fort or its castellan would cause him to go pale and visibly tremble."
  
She hands the very fine saddle to the group.   "Here, for rescuing me, I offer you this magical saddle. I see that at least one of you is garbed like a rider. This is a  horsemaster's saddle , and it increases the bond between horse and rider. The horse can jump farther. The rider has greater control over their mount. And some specially trained riders who are good at group tactics can magically share that knowledge with their mount. All I ask is that you try to find me after your time at Redlake Fort, and tell me what you can."
  
Galakhar seems gobsmacked by what she just gave the group.   "My lady, I happen to know the value of that saddle, and it is more than the captain's keelboat and everything upon it. Are you sure?"  

She nods.   "It is nothing compared to the life saved, and if you hold your end, the closure that you may bring my family in knowing what happened at Redlake Fort."  
BuckGodot
Aasgar looks at her and nods.   ”We will endeavour to do our best.”  
Admyral
Gharmez asks Calrianne,   "Where will you go now?"
"The roads may still be fraught will orc peril, or worse."
  Looking over to Captain Bloodtusk, she suggests,   "It may be safer on the keelboat."  
lostsole31
Captain Bloodtusk says,  "You can stay on the keelboat's main deck tonight ... nothing below decks. I'll drop you off tomorrow when we're deeper in Lastwall." 

Calrianne thanks the captain, and goes right to bed as her ordeal was tiring.

Anything else for the PCs, or to bed with you?
Admyral
Gharmez makes sure that all of her gear is accounted for, bids everyone a good evening, and turns in for the night.

 
 Spoiler: Spell Prep 

1st Level Cleric
Remove: Detect Evil
Add: Air Bubble (total of 2 copies)

2nd Level Cleric
Remove: Find Traps
Add: Aboleth’s Lung

1st Level Ranger
Remove: Endure Elements
Add: Longstrider
 
BuckGodot
Aasgar checks up on Abenor before turning in for the night.
lostsole31
Galakhar will assist Cici in making sure wounds are properly dressed before all turn in for the night.

 
   
 Starday, 13 Pharast 4715 AR 
Weather: 70/ 50 F. Light rain.   

The next morning, folks have their morning routine. Though a little drizzle is extant, it seems like it will be a fine day. For her part, seeing the weather and realizing she needs more aquatic help, Gharmez prays to Abadar for more focused blessings.

Aasgar's meditation has him clear the previous days veils to prepare for the next...
 
 Spoiler 
For his first minor veil, faint spectral images circle around your head, forming a faint jewelry of ghostly light. He can call upon very simple spectral illusions of sight or sound. Unlocked minor veil   aigrette of specters  .

Next, his akashic wanderings lead him to discover how to make a strange half-circle of bronzed akasha that shapes itself snugly  around his wrist. Its surface shifts and swirls along with his thoughts. This very handy veil will allow him to accomplish a host of mundane tasks. Unlocked minor veil   penannular of prestidigitation  .

His first primary veil shaped is that of a terribly intimidating blackened gauntlet. It has no ability as a weapon, but by raising it into the air, he can terrify to witlessness any who would stand against him. Unlocked   warlord's fist  .

Finally, he taps into his dwarven heritage of artifice and creates for himself an akashic ring. This ring will allow him to repair broken or destroyed objects, even constructs .... repair suppressed veils ... and makes him a better and faster overall crafter. Unlocked  band of creation .
 

Aasgar, are you happy with your current maneuver setup?

Having enjoyed the hospitality of Captain Bloodtusk's protection, Calrianne will leave now instead of later, as the terrain the keelboat will enter will soon be the river surrounded by swamp. She thanks her rescuers again, and then is gone.

What tasks will you each volunteer for today?
BuckGodot
Aasgar will muck the stables.
Admyral
Gharmez will ask to remain topside and assist with sounding.
lostsole31
Aasgar mucks the stables with Kurst. 
 Spoiler: Aasgar 
Roll a Handle Animal, Profession (stable master), or Ride check ... whichever is better.
 

Gharmez helps with the soundings this time, which incidentally also means something of a forward watch. 
 Spoiler: Gharmez 
Roll a Profession (sailor) or a Perception check.
 
BuckGodot
Handle Animal check.

 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 

 (1d20+7)[ 14 ] 
 
Admyral
  "Let's see if I remember how to do this,"   Gharmez says to no one in particular.

 
 Spoiler: Tech Info 

Perception:  (1d20+11)[ 21 ] 
 
lostsole31
Aasgar surprises Kurst with his animal husbandry skill, getting admiration from the patrol captain.  Likewise, Gharmez does well with soundings. In fact, with her on soundings Abenor had gone to take her place on the bench and one of the captain's own half-orcs is in the crow's nest.

The boat spent about a third of the day enjoying the downriver movement as before on the Kestrel River. But then it joins the River Esk, which continues southeast 15 miles or so to Vigil, the capital of Lastwall. But where you have to go is upriver. So Aasgar is even there when the horses are unloaded and men are taken off the bench for the most part (only a couple to use oars more for guiding, as the oarsmen just can't fight against the current like the horses) to guide horses.

Gharmez spotted an obstacle in the river even before the half-orc in the crow's nest, once you've gone several miles up the River Esk, as the keelboat’s draft horses slowly pull the boat upstream. Ahead, a crude dam constructed of large boulders, animal carcasses, and mud blocks the keelboat’s route upriver.

The captain confides in you that technically, you are still in Lastwall, and there's no way orcs would put up such a barricade because they enjoy shipments by river as well. It is too big a dam on too wide a river to be put up by an animal, so "something or someone else" is doing this.  And he asks the PCs to go up and do a safety check. Even if it turns out no hostiles, it is going to take as much as three days for everyone on the crew and the horses to dismantle enough of that dam for the boat to get through safely.
Admyral
As the party is preparing for the reconnaissance, Gharmez asks the captain,   "Captain, would you happen to have a chain shirt in the armory that I could borrow or purchase?"  
  "I'm afraid"  , she explains,   "that my current armor may slow me down too much for this particular mission."  
BuckGodot
Aasgar readies his axe and is prepared when everyone else is.
lostsole31
Captain Bloodtusk shakes his head.   "Sorry, we dropped Ms. Blix off a little bit ago, and set her ashore with our promised shipment."  
Admyral
  "No problem, thank you, sir,"   Gharmez replies. She joins the rest of the party preparing to go ashore.
lostsole31
So, the so-called heroes head out to the dam to investigate.

What do you do once there?
BuckGodot
Aasgar knows he is perhaps not the best for the job but will advance slowly using his skills to aid anyone who can determine how this dam was formed and how it could be disassembled.

 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 
Perception and Know: Engineering
 
lostsole31
Abenor, who is surprisingly a little better at engineering than Aasgar, steps up with his friend, and then Galakhar follows behind both of them. They get out to the middle, and start discussing things. By this point, it is obvious that once again Galakhar is the superior scholar as regards engineering, though he is quite surprised that it was the elf over the dwarf to provide helpful insights.

Galakhar, looking around, says, "Something large ... and of prodigious strength, likely multiple of count ... made this damn. It was no animal, but had to have been fashioned by creatures with opposable thumbs as you can tell by the way that this stone is carefully fitted to that one, and a special mud-mortar was made. The entire thing is suspended on a thick bedding of branches and only dams the surface like a bridge, rather than actually damming this large river, which is why the water itself freely continues. It was purpose-made to stop shipping, and nothing else."

He stops speaking for a second, as if in concentration.   "We are about to be attacked from below. Arm yourselves."  

Just then, three large, greenish bipedal creatures burst forth from the  water to stand upon the dam, but Galakhar's warning kept the party from  being surprised.

 Begin Round One ...

R1T23:  Kurst seems to recognize the threat immediately even from the shore.   "Freshwater merrows! Aquatic giants of lakes and rivers! Hides like thick leather. Ogre mentality - savages and degenerates!"  

He  is not idle during this time, however, as he is calling this out as he  moves on the dam while taking out his bow and shoots. His shot  illustrates the thickness of its hide as his arrow bounces.

 R1T22-21:   Just because the party isn't surprised, doesn't mean they are prepared,  either. Aasgar finds himself flanked, and "Red" swings but wasn't  expecting dwarves this day as its clawed arm extends too far and it  tears a muscle ( 1 STR drain ). Its savagery is such that  it simply slashes with the other claw, which Aasgar dodges as well.  Abenor isn't so lucky as Blue slashes him along the lower back for  9 mod  and along the back of the neck for  4 mod .

 R1T20:  On shore, Lucette chirps in alarm.

 R1T19:  Galakhar quick draws his rapier and gets into his fighting stance, nodding back to Kurst.   "I concur. Nothing to add."   He  does a sidestep while studying Green and stabs. The merrow hadn't  expected their "prey" to be so ready for him, and is unprepared for the  lightning fast thrust that catches it in the belly for  12 .    "Yes,  only  like thick leather, but my rapier is an awl punch."  
 R1T15:  Abenor feels like the punching bag of late.  He quick draws his daisho while getting into an aggressive stance. He  performs his fading strike where he teleports behind his enemy and  slashes Red in the right hamstring for  19 .   "Aasgar! Flank!"  
 R1T13:   Gharmez , what do you do?
Admyral
Gharmez closes range on the beasts by walking out onto the dam. She brings her crossbow to bear on the closest creature, and fires.

 
 Spoiler: Tech Info 

Move: 3 squares NE
Attack(Crossbow): Green (Giant Subtype?): Point Blank Shot : ATK:  (1d20+11)[ 30 ]  DAM:  (1d10+2)[ 11 ] 
 
Admyral
 
 Spoiler: Critical 19 

Critical Severity: giant subtype?:  (1d20+2)[ 7 ] 
Damage:  (2d6)[ 6 ] 
 
lostsole31
 R1T13:  Gharmez closes range on the beasts by walking out onto the dam. She  brings her crossbow to bear on the closest creature, and fires, striking the merrow in the back of its right upper arm for  14 .

 R1T8:   Cici darts just ahead of Gharmez and Kurst, concentrates carefully  while casting a spell, and then from the joined fingertips of both hands  a sheet of flame rolls out over Green for   11 fire  .

 R1T7:  Green slashes Aasgar across the top of his helm  (9 DDP ), though its second swipe clangs against the dwarf's armor.

 R1T6:   Aasgar , what do you do?

Kurst on deck, Red in the hole ...
BuckGodot
Aasgar, not liking his current situation of being surrounded, yet understanding Abenors request turns and moves to complete the flanking maneuver with Abenor. Adjusting his stance, he launches an attack with his axe swinging in a high arc overhead.

 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 
MA: Move west 5' (unless these are 10' then he moves that distance) then north 5' (see above move) to engage and complete the flank with Abenor.

SwA: Circular Stance [ST1; Cannot be flanked, unless foe level 4+ higher.]

Attack using Risky Strike and Overhand Chop:  (1d20+14)[ 28 ] 

Damage:  (1d12+18)[ 28 ] 

Blooded [Region]:  +1 trait bonus on weapon damage rolls vs. giants, goblins, &amp; orcs.

Outflank (Ex, TW):  Whenever he and an ally who also has this feat are flanking the same creature, his flanking bonus on attack rolls increases to +4.
*  Whenever he scores a critical hit vs. the flanked creature, it provokes an AOO from his ally.

Defensive Training

If Aasgar is hit with a crit use Roll With It [Campaign]
 
lostsole31
 R1T6:  Aasgar - not liking his current situation of being surrounded, yet  understanding Abenor's request - turns and moves to complete the flanking  maneuver with Abenor. Adjusting his stance, he launches an attack with  his axe swinging in a high arc overhead that strikes Red in the neck for 29, dropping the merrow.

 End Round One, Begin Round 2 ...

R2T23:  Kurst steps back a few feet and shoots Green in the neck for  10 , dropping the enemy.

 R2T21:  Blue looks at how quickly his kin were dropped and wants no part of this, and withdraws into the water.

 Combat Ends! 

The two merrow are put to the sword. They have nothing of value, and are kicked into the river on the downstream side. Aasgar's wound catches up with him ( 9 ).
BuckGodot
Aasgar takes off his helm and looks at it and gingerly touches his scalp.

  "Ow..."  
lostsole31
In looking over the bridge with Abenor, the very best Galakhar says he can do is to organize working parties that will take a total of 2-1/2 days, instead of 3 days.
Admyral
  "I have never seen such a beast as these, "   Gharmez says to Galakhar.   "Any idea what they were?"  
  "And maybe more importantly, do you think there will be more?"  
lostsole31
  "Anthropomorphic awakened muskrats,"   says Galakhar glibly.   "I doubt we shall see that one again."  
BuckGodot
  "Let's make that happen. I presume you mean to use the crew as well? Also, I have a potion that will make a person larger. Would that help?"    Aasgar says in response to Galakhar.
lostsole31
Galakhar shakes his head.    "That potion only lasts one minute, unless it's a more expensive version. Not enough for sustained work."  
Admyral
  "We should get to clearing this debris, and of course keep our eyes open for any more friends from the river, "   Gharmez says to the group.   "In my morning prayers, I will request Abadar's blessing to assist us in this arduous task."
  
 
 Spoiler: Spell Preparation 

In next morning prayers, Gharmez will replace:
Cleric 1:Air Bubble x2, Comprehend Languages, and Protection from Evil with Ant Haul x4
Ranger 1: Longstrider with Ant Haul
 
  
  
lostsole31
 
 Spoiler: ALCON 
CORR to above: Gharmez changes up her prayers now, not later.
 

At Cici's behest, Gharmez will do a channel burst for healing for the party. Cici tops the only two wounded - Aasgar and Abenor - off with a healing hex to each.

The plan is presented to the captain, including Gharmez' intention of spell changes, and he approves, and he actually asks that his own men get the benefit of the "brawny bug spell" so that the passengers (i.e., the PCs) can focus more on overall supervision of the project and standing by fresh in case of attack. Interestingly, it does a lot for morale, as now five chosen half-orcs get to feel like superheroes, and really appreciate Gharmez' allowance on giving some benefits directly to "dirty blue shirts" (whatever that means, as only a couple actually wear blue tunics).

Things progress so well today with Gharmez' liberal  ant haul  spells, that Galakhar estimates that the overall will only take a total of two days ... meaning that they should finish clearance enough for safe passage for the keel boat (and other boats) late tomorrow afternoon.

That evening after the working parties are complete and dinner has been eaten, Galakhar tells an entertaining story about a hero who tracked a dragon across the world, and below it, in a mission of vengeance.

That night, after all have gone to sleep, there is a faint dinging sound above the heads of both Aasgar and Abenor!  
lostsole31
   Sunday, 14 Pharast 4715 AR (Last Quarter) 
 Weather:  70/ 50 F. Light rain. Dry.   

The next morning, what do you change for dailies as another day of dismantling the merrow dam is expected?
BuckGodot
Aasgar readies Encouraging Roar, Defending the Pride, and Dazing Attack. (GR) He prepares Warning Roar, Red Zephyr's Strike, and Scything Strike. (W)
Admyral
Gharmez prepares 10 Ant Haul spells and casts them as the Captain directs.   "This should get us through this task a little quicker,"   she remarks.
lostsole31
As Aasgar begins his meditation, the chill air from the sudden dip in temperature affects him subconsciously, and akasha forms bands of elemental ice entwined throughout the fabric of  a pair of gloves, lashing out to strike distant targets at his command.  
 Spoiler: Unlocked 
Unlocked minor veil   Gloves of Lashing Elements [Cold]  .
 

He continues his minor meditations in the same general area, and weightless pins of silvery akasha form themselves in the wrist-cuffs of his shirt, granting him minor telekinetic abilities. 
 Spoiler 
Unlocked   Cufflinks of the Telekinetic  
 
.
Now time for the more powerful abilities....

Aasgar maintains the theme of cold and concentrates on his heart, his chest chakra, and glittering threads of frozen akasha suffuse his clothing giving the appearance that they are made of ice and frost. This enchantment will make his  gloves of lashing elements [cold]  more deadly with cold. In addition, he no longer feels the bite of cold, or heat, should it come to that. 
 Spoiler: Unlock 
Unlock  Frostweave .
 

Now about his shoulders wraps of cloth garb him, glowing with a pattern that shifts and churns as he shapes his other veils. 
 Spoiler: Unlock 
Unlock  Tactician's Tabard .
 

Aasgar, before we continue, will you lock 0, 1 or 2 essentia into the  tactician's tabard  (meaning will you shape and store up to 1, 2, or 3 other veils in the tabard)?
BuckGodot
Aasgar will choose 2.
lostsole31
As Aasgar realizes he can store more veils for tactical options at the expense of energy that he hasn't yet learned to really shift properly yet, he goes for discovery over energy management. For a person with the powers of a vizier but not the true training path, this is probably the wisest course of action. And so, while he cannot directly access the following without retiring  frostweave , his mind and spirit wanders to see how he might shape the akashic magic within.

Should he need to hone his senses and understanding of others while easily piercing the veil that shows the hidden color ... the color of magic ... he forms lenses of air, fire, water, and earth to be connected to his headband chakra.   
 Spoiler: Unlocked 
Unlock   Spectacles of the Sheikh   (Headband).
 

However, he might need to convince someone - through truth or reason - of the rightness of his words, so from the same chakra he forms the means to subtly affect the receptiveness of his words in others.  
 Spoiler: Unlock 
Unlock   Alluring Voice   (Headband).
 

Another possibility, stemming from the last veil discovered, is less about convincing but more about speaking in a way that is to be heard without voice ... to speak directly to the mind of someone nearby.  
 Spoiler: Unlock 
Unlock   Adamant Crown   (Head).
 


 

The captain, once apprised of Gharmez's Great Gift, directs the placement of the many  ant hauls  across the whole of his crew, and while not an Abadaran, he has no problem thanking Gharmez and giving Abadar a little recognition for making his men mighty, indeed.

It is a hard day of work indeed, and Galakhar - like yestereve - is not helping in the kitchen but supervising efforts at the merrow dam. With Gharmez' spell and Galakhar's engineering supervision, the keelboat completely dismantles the merrow dam for all vessel traffic by late afternoon! It is too late to move onward today, as it takes time with the hitching and so forth of the horses, but that actually means the crew will dine well already camped, rather than trying to eat on the go for a late night mooring as happens sometimes.

 Aasgar , are you happy using the  frostweave  through the day, or would you have any reason to switch that veil out with any of the others for some reason?
BuckGodot
Aasgar is happy with not changing anything at this time.
lostsole31
The party partakes of the meal, sitting with the captain, as the coxswain sits with the rest of the crew separately.

Something is wrong with the meal as everyone at your little circle - Captain Raag Bloodtusk, All of the PC and NPCs, and even little Lucette (Cici's weasel familiar) - feels uncomfortable. Looking over, you hear sounds of distress from the rest of the crew as well.

Everyone takes   4 poison   damage from the tainted meal. This distress occurs 10 minutes after the meal is eaten, by the way.

 Aasgar ,  Gharmez , roll a saving throw vs. poison!
BuckGodot
Saving throw vs. Poisson


 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 

 (1d20+14)[ 23 ] 

Hardy (Ex):  +2 racial bonus on saves vs. poison, spells, &amp; SLAs.
 
Admyral
  "I'm not feeling so great, "   says Gharmez as she tries to keep from vomiting.

 
 Spoiler: poison save 

 (d20+6)[ 7 ] 
 
lostsole31
Aasgar still doesn't feel good, mind you, but Gharmez takes 1 STR damage, as does Abenor. Lucette, Cici's familiar, also seems to be doing poorly.

  "The meal is tainted!"   Galakhar calls out,   "Either the fish in the area was diseased or we were poisoned."  
 Gharmez , you feel worse than others, but it hasn't had a "mechanical" effect yet.

What do you (Aasgar and Gharmez) do?
Admyral
  "This is beyond my ability to heal, but I may be able to slow it down..."   Gharmez explains.   "Provided I have enough time to prepare."
  
She finds the quietest place she can and begins to meditate.

 
 Spoiler: reallocate spell slots  

Replace all four 2nd Level CL slots with Slow Poison
Replace all five 1st Level CL and one RA with Remove Sickness
 
BuckGodot
Aasgar picks up his plate.   "We should save this and see if we can determine if it was poisoned. Get the cook up here."   Looking at his group, he asks   "Does anyone have any specialized knowledge of poison?"  
lostsole31
  "Specialized? No, but I am an herbalist and a healer,"   says Cici who quickly descends upon Abenor, giving him some manner of purgative.   "But we've talked before, Aasgar, and you and Abenor are both capable field healers. Start helping people purge the poison! Poisons like this ... even if 'poison' is tainted food ... are slow and insidious. So don't assume people are fine. Go check on the captain, Aasgar."  
  "And I an alchemist and a physician,"   says Galakhar, who head over to Gharmez.   "My lady, we have not time for that now. There are many who ate the food, and where you no longer have magic, you still have knowledge."  

Galakhar begins to treat poison on Gharmez as Cici gives Abenor a cure-all remedy of her own devising.
BuckGodot
Aasgar crosses to check on the Captain and offers aid if needed.
Admyral
Gharmez waits for Galakhar to finish his treatment and then starts to check on the others that may have left the room already to make sure they are aware, using the purgative techniques she observed Cici doing to treat poison on as many as she can.
lostsole31
 At the end of the first minute ... 

Thanks to the timely intervention of Cici using a cure-all on Abenor,  Abenor makes his first save as well.

Galakhar stops Gharmez from moving around, as doing sympathetic Heal checks doesn't work ... Galakhar wants a "good patient" who will let him do his job.

Coxswain Halrex takes an antitoxin and rallies, but begs someone to see to the captain.   "He's had liver damage and years in Urgir's fighting pits makes him susceptible if this is a poison, and not just bad food!"  

Aasgar sees to the captain, and is expert in anti-poison measures, but the captain does feel the effects anyway, likely from what the coxswain said.

A healer can't do everything by themselves. They can only prime the body to better be able to fight for itself.  Cici's herb lore keeps Abenor from succumbing to the poison (for now).  But for all of his medical expertise, Gharmez could do nothing for

A minute after the first pangs washed through the encampment, all of the other unnamed crew members are fine. Uncomfortable, and they will have some GI distress, but otherwise fine. It is as if they ate a different batch of a thing that only had minor tainting.

However, as for the "named" folk .... Captain Bloodtusk and Gharmez become  weakened . 
 Spoiler: Weakened 
 Weakened : A character weakened by  Strength   poison  suffers a –2 penalty on  Strength -based  attack rolls ,  damage rolls, skill checks, and ability checks. Her carrying capacity  is divided by 3. She is always considered to be carrying at least a  medium load.
 


 

That said, NOBODY from the main group is fine just yet, as there is still significant discomfort, so things still need to happen.

Galakhar treats Gharmez, but this time, he administers an antitoxin to her as well as normal medical procedures.

 Gharmez ,  you must take this time to "be a good patient" and can't administer aid  to anyone while someone is administering to you. Roll a Fort save with an additional +9 bonus.

Cici goes over to administer herbs and medicine to the captain.   "See to the coxswain."  
 Aasgar , do you go to the coxswain as Cici directed? Assuming so, roll a Fort save but also a Heal check.
Admyral
With a little grumbling about being useless, Gharmez submits to the weakness and sits.   "Thank you, my friend,"   she says graciously and lets Galakhar do his work.

 
 Spoiler: tech info 

Fortitude: [roll]d20+6+9[/roll]
 
BuckGodot
Aasgar will go check on the coxswain as recommended.


 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 

Fort Save:  (1d20+14)[ 28 ] 

Hardy (Ex):  +2 racial bonus on saves vs. poison, spells, &amp; SLAs.

Heal Check:  (1d20+10)[ 23 ] 
 
lostsole31
 First Minute Complete, Second Minute ... 

Despite all of Galakhar's brilliant medical attention and the significant help from the antitoxin,  Gharmez   had completely emptied herself today of spells in assisting the crew's  task, and her body is "primed" to accept the secondary effect of the  tainted food .... and she falls unconscious.

 Aasgar 's  dwarven constitution holds so firmly, that he burns off the remains of  the poison in his body (no more saves needed).  Dwarven persistence  helps, and Aasgar doesn't "let" the coxswain fall unconscious. But she  isn't out of the woods yet, still fighting off the secondary effects of  what is surely a poison, rather than simply tainted food. Some type of  sedative, it would seem.

Thanks to Cici's remedy, Abenor need  fight no longer, and he attends to Kurst. With the help of elven  medicine hybridized with desert healing, Kurst is now fully in the  clear.

Cici makes and administers a quick remedy to the captain,  and the effect ends.  Unfortunately, she was so focused on the captain,  that the poison catches up to her and weakens her. Worse, her little  weasel familiar Lucette now feels it, and is weakened.

Galakhar's  not a tough older man, but he is clever, and it is his cleverness that  finally and fully clears the poison in his system.

So, to recap ... Aasgar, Abenor, Galakhar, Kurst, and Captain Bloodtusk are clear, though Abenor and the captain are weakened.

Cici,  Lucette, and the coxswain are weakened and still fighting, though the  coxswain might pull through clear if Aasgar stays with her.

 Aasgar , what do you do?
BuckGodot
Aasgar remains at the coxswains side giving aid.
lostsole31
 Second Minute Complete, Third Minute ... 

Galakhar lets the encampment know that the poison is NOT deadly ... that  it is a sedative. So if someone goes unconscious, move to someone you  can  help.

Aasgar continues giving aid to Coxswain Halrex. With his help, she is finally clear!

Cici  takes one of her own remedies while giving normal medical aid to  Lucette, though her weasel still falls unconscious. Her remedy does  fully heal herself though.

And that is the end of it.

 Crisis Ended  ...

Galakhar  studies Gharmez and realizes that the sedative will keep her  unconscious for a few hours ... there's no "slapping her awake" or  anything like that; she's unconscious, not asleep. Also, he can expect  her to feel pretty sick for about a day afterward.
BuckGodot
  ”It seems we were meant to be rendered unconscious for a reason. I suggest we double the guard for the night and be at the ready.”  
lostsole31
Galakhar gathers Aasgar, Abenor, Kurst, and Cici to him for a quiet conversation.    "I've taken a look at the remains of the food and I've identified, as I've mentioned, a powerful sedative ... a sedative not meant for something as small as us, mind you, but for something far larger. I think that whatever the captain uses as a simian tranquilizer for his girallon was put into the meal. The main crew was not as badly affected, though most feel a bit weakened, where the rest of us .... we who are the passengers, but also the two officers, were most affected. I was not helping in the kitchen today as I normally do, as I was needed to supervise the dam removal efforts. All of the other crew members save one were in the working party, but Gashnakh ... the cook ... still stayed in the scullery to see to his duties as cook."  
BuckGodot
  ”We should inform the captain before we take action but not delay in doing so.”   Aasgar says awkwardly as he draws his axe.
lostsole31
  "I'll go with you,"   says Galakhar.

Galakhar and Aasgar go to the captain, who looks up at the two of you ...
BuckGodot
  ”Captain, after researching the cause of the crew’s ailment, we have determined that it was some of the sedative you use to calm your simian. By reasoning out who was present in various places, we have reason to believe that Gashnakh may have more information about how the sedative came to be in the food. We wished to inform you and to ask what you would like the next course of action should be considering he is one of your crew?”  
lostsole31
He looks at his coxswain and then nods slowly.   "Question him. Not the whole crazy lot of you, mind you. Just one or two of you. He's not to be killed, regardless of what you learn."  
BuckGodot
Nodding to the Captain Aasgar turns and takes Galakhar to the side.   " Coincidentally enough, I have just learned some skills that may aid us in an interrogation. How are you at determining if one is lying? "  
lostsole31
  "I need a minute of observation or conversation with a subject to note only analyze their tells, but also to get an insight into how best to interact with them,"   Galakhar answers.   "After that, I'd like to think I'm ... adequate."  
BuckGodot
  "Excellent. I can engage him in conversation while you analyze him. You?"    he points to the coxswain,   "Kindly remain quiet, please."   and turns to head for the galley.
lostsole31
You won't find him in the scullery on the keelboat, but back ashore amongst the other sailors. And like the other sailors, he also appears under the weather. 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Note, again, he's with other sailors, not in a quiet space himself.
 
BuckGodot
Turning to Galakhar Aasgar says,    "If you can act as though you're examining a sailor near him, I'll try to get him away from the group and offer to help him. Then you can observe our interaction. Sound plan?"   
lostsole31
Galakhar shakes his head.   "I should be the one to chat with him. I worked with him in the scullery, previously. I will be the one to bring him away as you check on the sailors like a caring general (with some medical skill). Gashnakh doesn't know you, so you rolling up on him might spook him.  I'll subtly wave you in when ready.  How is that counter-plan?"  
BuckGodot
Aasgar nods his agreement and heads toward a sailor near Gashnakh offering his aid but subtly watching the interaction between the two.
lostsole31
Galakhar goes up to Gashnakh and asks to speak to him to the side, and does so. They seem to converse for about a minute when Galakhar does a "beckon" hand signal behind his back.

As Aasgar comes up, Galakhar goes,   "Hey, Aasgar! I don't know if you ever actually met the cook, Gashnakh. We were both trying to figure out what went wrong with the dinner. Gashnakh, what were you telling me?"  

Gashnakh begins talking. As he does, Aasgar ... are you doing anything?
BuckGodot
Aasgar will use his keen insight to try to determine if Gashnakh is trying to deceive us.

 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 
Sense motive
 
lostsole31
 "Oh, I poisoned the meal,"  says Gashnakh plainly and flatly, even helpfully, as if it was five o'clock on a Toilday eve at the pub and he was ordering his first pint of the day.

Galakhar looks at Aasgar with a smile,   "See?  He  poisoned the meal,"   before turning back to Gashnakh.   "And what was it? It was pretty effective."  
 "Ohh, uhh, it was the monster drug that we use to dope the captain's cargo-beast." 

Galakhar looks at Aasgar, staunching an incredulous smile,   "Simian tranquilizer, you mean?"  
 "Yeah, that's it,"  says Gashnakh, with Galakhar still looking at Aasgar with that goofy grin.

Galakhar turns back to him,   "Whose idea was it?"  
 "Oh, my idea .... yeah-yeah, my idea." 
  "And .... why did you drug us?"  
 "Don't ... remember? Seemed like a good idea at the time?"  questions Gashnakh with his porcine face screwed deeply in thought.
 
 Spoiler: Aasgar 
Your keen insight gives you nothing.
 
BuckGodot
Aasgar looks surprised.   ”That was too easy…    he says aside to Galakhar.   “I have no proof but I believe he was mind controlled somehow. The fact that he struggles to remember why and that he claims to have come up with it on his own are all suspect. What are your thoughts?”  
lostsole31
Galakhar mutters to you in the aside,   "Not a question. I wouldn't say 'mind-controlled' so much as I would say 'charmed,' which is much harder to detect, but...."   and here Galakhar lists some very specific "tells" for how he is absolutely sure Gashnakh was ... is ... charmed.
BuckGodot
  "Is there a way to overpower that effect or counter it? I am not familiar with these mystical ways."  
lostsole31
  "Ohh, yes, yes, of course,"   says Galakhar, now speaking at normal volume again.   "The ancient hematomantic art of suppuration."  
BuckGodot
Aasgar looks at Galakhar with a clear look of confusion…   ”What do blood or pus have to do with… You’re having me on, aren’t you…”  Rolling his eyes  he crosses back to Grishnak and looks at him with intensity in his gaze…   “Who suggested this to you?”  
 
 Spoiler: Technical Information  
SA: Using his formed veil he attempts to counter the charmed effect.
 
lostsole31
Whatever mystical effect Aasgar was going for ... failed.

But that's okay, the demanding shift and intense gaze of a drake-killing dwarf is too much for the nerve of the half-orc and he says quietly.  "There's a stowaway in the pump room. A woman. Maybe she might now? Yes, I think she might now." 
  "Thank you, Gashnakh, get some sleep now and heal,"   says Galakhar.  Once he guides Aasgar away from the charmed half-orc he says,   "Let us check in the morning, not tonight, that Gharmez may enjoy the festivities. Perhaps not tell the captain tonight, either. Captains are ornery and usually more immediate than is tactical when it comes to stowaways."  
BuckGodot
Aasgar nods his agreement to the wisdom of this statement and moves off with Galakhar and leaving Gashedlip to his own devices.
lostsole31
When you get back to the captain and the coxswain, who are barely maintaining consciousness, Galakhar says,   "Results inconclusive as someone else might have had an opportunity to poison. We will continue investigation in the morning."  

Aasgar, what do you do now?
BuckGodot
As they are moving off, Aasgar suggests posting a subtle watch on the pump room.
lostsole31
  "I'll do it,"   says Galakhar.   "You get some rest. I'll beseech Gharmez to prepare a  lesser restoration  for me in the morning. The others have already gone to bed, and no need for two of us to be tired."  
BuckGodot
Aasgar looks at Gharmez curiously but shrugs.   ”Thats very kind of you. I’ll check on Abenor first. You’re quite sure? I’m happy to at least take a shift.”  
 
 Spoiler: Technical Information  
Sense Motive on Gharmez.
 
Admyral
Gharmez, waking from an agonizing slumber, notices the note written in Galakhar's familiar pen... "Lesser Restoration". Suspecting that more than just one will require aid, she prepares the spell as much as she can.

 
 Spoiler: Spell Info 

When able:
 Prepare 4 Lesser Restoration spells in the CL2 slots.
For the CL1 slots, she prepares Protection From Evil, Detect Evil, Air Bubble, Sanctuary, and Comprehend Languages
For the RA1 slot, she prepares Longstrider
 
lostsole31
Galakhar waves off Aasgar, and Abenor has entered his sleep for healing purposes, as has most the camp, and Galakhar goes onboard to conduct his watch.

 

    Moonday, 15 Pharast 4715 AR (Waning Crescent)  
 Weather:  75 / 55 F. Heavy rain. No wind.   

The morning brings misery, because the rain is hammering hard as the group is on the edges of the Ghostlight Marsh. Strangely, the rain is knocking the humidity out of the air, so it shouldn't get to be too stuffy today.

Gharmez woke briefly the night before, then simply rolled over again because she wasn't feeling well. This morning that feeling ( sickened ) continues. She sees Galakhar's request before he gets a chance to say it, and gets right to prayers to lend succor to the group, taking an hour as needed.

Galakhar will come to her after that time, asking for  lesser restoration  to overcome his fatigue for keeping watch all night.
 Gharmez , will you give it to him?

Aasgar, time to reshape those veils and discover ....
 
 Spoiler: Akashic Explorations 
Feeling a little hotheaded and peevish from what really ended up being an annoyance more than anything significantly dangerous, Aasgar shapes the  Gloves of the Lashing Elements  as before, but this time with fire. 
 Spoiler: Unlock 
Unlock Fire as an element with these gloves.
 

He didn't realize there was actually a lower hold, though. He thought he saw everything. Knowing that while he's fine others might have issues with ready light, his mental explorations fashion light chains dotted with glowing motes of light that wrap themselves around his wrists, faintly chiming and glittering as he moves. 
 Spoiler: Unlock 
Unlocked Minor Veil Wrists:   Bangles of Roving Light  , the akashic version of  dancing lights .
 

He tries to reform that cool tabard that seemed like a Rolodex of several powers, but his own knowledge that he has a "target" that must be hunted affects his meditations. He creates energy about his shoulders, unseen to the naked eye, from which he may transmit that energy to a foe. In doing so, you can sense the area around a creature you "brand" with this ability, though investing energy into it makes them aware of your power.  
 Spoiler: Unlocked 
Unlocked Shoulders:   Watchful Spirit  .
 

Finally, from the depths of your heart and soul, you have the power to reach out and crush the minds of your enemies with a cone of disruptive mental energy! 
 Spoiler: Unlock 
Body:   Mantle of Murderous Intent  
 

 

 Aasgar , do you change your guaranteed and/or withheld maneuvers?
Admyral
Gharmez wakes briefly to cast her healing on Galakhar.   "If anyone else needs similar attention, please send them to me,"   she says weakly, then lies back down attempting to sleep off the sick.

 
 Spoiler: Casting Info 

Cast Restoration, Lesser on Galakhar
If anyone else comes for help, she will cast the same on them, with the party members getting priority.
 
BuckGodot
 
 Originally Posted by lostsole31 
  Aasgar , do you change your guaranteed and/or withheld maneuvers? 
 


No. Aasgar will not change any maneuvers.
lostsole31
Galakhar, now refreshed,   "I appreciate the positive energy stimulant, my lady. But we have news, and we may have need of your continued services, if Abadar would approve. Something about a stowaway ... and as stowaways are those who refuse to pay passage for the service of transit, surely that should enliven thee. Let me see you that I may judge your current wellness."
  
Galakhar does a basic check on Gharmez.   "Too late to administer soothe syrup, which is a preventative only, not a purgative.  Cici? Does your herbalism help? She is no longer poisoned, but her body suffers significant imbalance in the humors from that sedative."  

Cici looks over Gharmez as well and says,   "Actually, yes. Gharmez, I want you to take this leaf-wrapped herbal mash."  
 Gharmez , do you take said item that she proffers?
Admyral
  "Nothing like a good salad for breakfast,"   Gharmez says as she sniffs the small bundle of leaves and half smiles at Cici.   "I am thinking that there was a spell that could help these symptoms, but the name escapes me."  

She swallows the medicine, then suddenly looks at Galakahr,   "Wait... did you say  purgative ?!?"  
lostsole31
While there is some GI distress as her stomach is awakened by the mash, and Gharmez DOES need to visit the Little Girl's Shrub, afterwards she feels fine, and is no longer sickened.

Now what?
BuckGodot
Aasgar goes to find the others after his morning routine and says,  "Good morning, my friends. I trust you are all well rested and ready for the day? I was pondering how he’s to resolve this situation and I think that it would be bad to have more than 2 of us to find the stowaway, but not bad to have some for backup nearby as this person obviously wishes harm upon us. That being said, I think myself and Galakhar should go and try to detain them whilst the others be nearby and ready in case they get past us. Sound reasonable?"  
Admyral
  "Sensible,"   replies Gharmez.   "I think I was asleep for the part identifying where this  zaloo  is hiding. How many exits are there to that compartment?"  
BuckGodot
  "I believe"  , says Aasgar,   "That we will need the aid of the coxswain in this."  
lostsole31
As the heroes are having their private confab .... lest we forget what we're about ... the captain calls all hands to station the maneuvering watch, and from the keelboat orders the heroes ... who are lagging behind because of their morning routines ... to hurry aboard and report to him.
Admyral
Gharmez asks Aasgar,   "Is the Captain not aware of the rat hiding in his hold?"  
lostsole31
Galakhar has his usual grin on him, but as soon as Gharmez asks that, something vital leaves ... and a grin without vital force is either scary, comical, or just plain disturbing. And then he swallows hard.

  "Uhhh, you see,"   he begins to demur,   "see, we only have  hearsay  about a stowaway, no actual proof of one, and I sneaked into a smuggler's hold the captain never showed us and watched all night - that's why I needed the magic this morning. Now, I  feel  that the cook may be right that there could be a stowaway in this hold, but I didn't want to alarm the captain. Yeah, that. I, uh, I mean,  we  - right Aasgar? Right. We ... didn't want to alarm the captain with hearsay."  
BuckGodot
Aasgar looks at Galakhar oddly and then back to Gharmez raising his eyebrows and giving a subtle nod in Galakhars direction before speaking.

  "We did find that the chef had been charmed but I was able to overcome that, I believe. I trust that Galakhar was thorough. Let's leave it at that for now. Galakhar, why don't you go let the captain know we're preparing to go and we'll take our stations? Gharmez, a word, if I might?"  
 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 
Sense motive on Gal followed by Diplomacy.
 
lostsole31
 
 Spoiler: Aasgar 
It's as simple as Gharmez asked a simple question ... and Galakhar feels - too late, in hindsight - that perhaps first thing this morning the captain should have been notified.
 
Galakhar nods and heads off to chat with the skipper while Aasgar speaks to Gharmez.
Admyral
Gharmez has a puzzled look, which is not uncommon when Galakhar attempts to explain things to her. She watches him leave and then turns her attention to Aasgar, pausing to look around for eavesdroppers.   "What is it that you wish to tell me, my friend?"  
BuckGodot
Aasgar leans in close before speaking and says,    ”You know him better than I, but… well… I suspect that Galakhar may have succumbed to a charm or control spell. I have no proof of this… but his behaviour in this issue seems… odd? What say you?”    
Admyral
  "Perhaps,"   she says quietly back to Aasgar,   "or perhaps Galakhar is not looking forward to telling the captain that he not only knows of the smugglers' hold, but broken into it."  

After a couple moments of pondering, Gharmez says,   "I think I will pay the captain a visit myself, in case Gal needs some moral support."  

She puts her hand on Aasgar's shoulder in a reassuring gesture and then starts walking towards the bridge.
BuckGodot
Aasgar shrugs and decides to tag along.
lostsole31
The captain is on the forecastle, shouting orders to the coxswain, who in turn is calling commands to the "tenders" on each side with lines going to horses as the gird the horses for pulling the keelboat up the River Esk.

The two of you get to the captain, and Galakhar is standing by.

The captain is actually embarrassed, it seems ... kind of like the time a girallon burst out of a space at the back of the ship and he had to tell you he was smuggling a beast.

 "Er, so, yeah,"  he begins.  "I have a hatch below ... one that your funny-hatted feller seems to have found. Mind you, it's perfectly legal ... it goes to a pumproom for bailing water. Every ship has a hold, you know. Anyways, Gilliker tells me the cook was likely charmed by a stowaway that's hiding down there? 'zat right?" 
BuckGodot
  ”That seems to be the case. Although it’s difficult to tell from someone under another’s power. Given that this person attempted to poison us all, how would you like to handle it? It is your boat, after all.”   Aasgar replies.
lostsole31
 "Well, you aren't skylarking here! I put your man Kurst to work since he's really good with the horses. He's my port side supervisor for the puller. I and the coxswain are busy. Girallon just got a fresh dose of tranq so it won't give you no trouble. And, uh, it seems you   r old valet can show you how to get there ... don't need my help,"  says the Captain while calling out orders.  "Bring that stowaway up here, and we'll find out what's what .... alive, preferably."  
BuckGodot
Aasgar looks at the other two and says,   ”Right. Then I guess we grab Abenor and the four of us can handle this. Galakhar can lead us where we need to go. I suggest we stay in pairs in case someone is mentally compromised.”   He looks for confirmation from the others before proceeding.
lostsole31
  "What about Cici?"   asks Galakhar to Aasgar and Gharmez.

 "Oh, her?"  interjects the captain.   "Yeah, I have her 'helping' Gashnakh in the kitchen since I figured the old guy would want to be part of your Stowaway Task Interdiction ... or STI. Really, though, she's watching him to make sure he isn't mind-fuddled to do anything else harmful."  
BuckGodot
  "STI? Quick thinking. I like it. I'll go find Abenor and bring him into the loop. Meet back here."   and he goes to retrieve the elf on the... The elf.
lostsole31
Aasgar gets Abenor. Do you have anything private to tell him, or just show back up with the others?
BuckGodot
I bring him up to speed in everything that’s happened… but I do tell him that I found it odd that Galakhar delayed everything…
  ”I suspected that he may have fallen victim to the control of this person as well, but now I’m not sure. I feel like we’re walking into a trap…”  
lostsole31
Abenor shrugs.   "I always think everything is a trap. How do you think I survived so long?"  

Abenor, Aasgar, Gharmez, and Galakhar are together now.
BuckGodot
  ”By having me as a friend, of course. Anyway, I suggest me and Abenor confront the stowaway while you two cover any exits. Sound good?”  
lostsole31
  "Actually, that's a terrible idea,"   says Galakhar.   "This is not an innocent stowaway to be poisoning us. Your big hobnailed boots would clod right into any booby traps they may have set up. I can do a safety search first, and Gharmez can be behind me covering down with her crossbow.  You big bruisers can chill in the back. I only know of the one entrance - the smuggler's hatch."  

How do you (all, Gharmez included) feel about that plant.
BuckGodot
Aasgar looks first at Abenor and then to Gharmez for their reactions.
lostsole31
  "Sounds fine to me,"   says Abenor, who shrugs in that aloof, elven way.

And now all eyes are on Gharmez.
Admyral
  "I love this plan! I'm glad to be part of it! The venomous maar won't get past us all!"   Gharmez exclaims with maybe a little too much enthusiasm.
BuckGodot
  ”Then let’s make it happen.”   and he grabs his axe and turns to go.
lostsole31
The captain will escort them down, leaving the coxswain temporarily in charge, to open the rear area that holds the currently sedated girallon in its cage.

 "I don't want to even know how you knew about this place,"  says the Captain to Galakhar,  "but it sounds to me like you know where the hatch to the bilge pump room is." 

And with that, the Captain walks back to oversee the upriver hauling of his keelboat.

Galakhar opens a very well-concealed hatch, and the four of you head down, with Galakhar asking Abenor in the back to shut that hatch.

It's dark down here. Abenor draws his katana with its blue glow, but with the elf and dwarf staying behind so Galakhar can do a safety search covered by Gharmez, the older man asks her,   "Any chance we could get a little holy light on the situation, my dear?"  
Admyral
Gharmez pulls a copper coin from her pouch, touches it gently, and says,   "Abadar, show us the way."   She then hands the glowing piece to Galakhar.

She then holds up her crossbow, and checks the various mechanical bits for readiness, and then loads a bolt.

 
 Spoiler: Spell 

Cast Light Orison
 
lostsole31
Right now, the party is in the Smuggler's Hold ( A13 ). Shelves along the walls of this compartment keep the ship’s more questionable cargo safely above the water that frequently floods this area. Bloodtusk is currently carrying no contraband, so this compartment is empty. A flight of stairs to starboard climbs to the secret trap door in the armory ( A12 ) and a shorter set of steps descends into the narrow bilge ( A14 ) that runs along the boat’s keel.

As the two of you steps down to the lower platform, there is a door leading to the bilge, and Galakhar doesn't really take the time to look around, and yet he casually points out something. He mutters,    "Alarm snare. Looks more like a ranger trap than an urban rig."   

He casually disarms the alarm, and then carefully opens the door that reveals the bilge beyond. This 5-foot-wide corridor stretches for 80 feet between two doors. The corridor is filled with sludge and muck to a depth of 2 feet, and counts as a shallow bog (costing 2 squares of movement to enter a square).

He only gets in before he sees and disarms a ranger snare trap.    "Yup, definitely dealing with a trained hunter ... a trapper, at least,"    he remarks softly to Gharmez.

 Gharmez , any comment?

 Aasgar , do you step down to the bilge door to see or anything? What do you have in hand?
BuckGodot
Seeing that the rest have gone through, Aasgar will enter but only go so far as to be able to guard the exit, axe drawn.
lostsole31
Abenor follows, on the stairs leading down to the bilge entrance.

Another 25' along the bilge walkway and again, with pitiful ease Galakhar finds another snare trap and disarms it.
Admyral
Gharmez looks around the floor just outside of the room for water, or dirt, or other detritus to spread in front of the door that Asgaar entered.   "Just in case the rascal tries to escape invisibly,"   she says.
lostsole31
It turns out that because this is a smuggler's hold ... and a bilge room ... it's really dirty and mungy in here. That doesn't mean that the bilge walkway is technically "slippery" but it is not a pleasant place for someone with any sense of cleanliness.

While Gharmez did that, Galakhar advanced (to current position) and undid a  third  snare trap.
BuckGodot
Aasgar will continue to keep watch at the door.
lostsole31
Galakhar finally makes it to the end of the walkway to the door. He turns around slowly and does a faint almost clucking-like sound with his tongue to get Gharmez' attention.  He gestures for her to come closer, but slowly, cautiously.
Admyral
Gharmez moves slowly and carefully towards the door. She points at her readied crossbow with a questioning look on her face.
lostsole31
Galakhar concentrates briefly, lost in thought, then he turns to Gharmez and says.   "There is danger here, but we'll be fine."  

He draws his rapier and raps on the door loudly and forcefully.    "A-hem! ..... A-hem, I say! I am...."    he sighs, but then just nods at fate,    "Galakhar the Gray, peerless swordsman. Behind me ready to rain death is Gharmez al'Demirah. Farther back to keep out of any nasty area surprises are Aasgar Axewielder, whose name speaks for itself, and Abenor Quentrias, relentless elven hunter. We ... are the heroes of the Battle of Trunau and slayers of betrayers, giants, orcs, and those creatures that will not sleep in deserved death. Your poisoning plan was puerile ... your toddler traps weren't even a test ... and you are a stowaway on Captain Bloodtusk's keelboat. Lest you wish to add yourself to those bodies we leave behind on our path to glory, divest yourselves of all weapons ... slowly open the door ... and yield to our capricious mercy!"   

Pleased with himself .... 
 Spoiler: OOC 
That was a modified  5  on his Intimidate check, by the way.
 
... he looks back to Gharmez with a smug expression.   "We may have to allow them time to change their pants. I'm quite sure I put the fear of Rovagug in them."  
BuckGodot
Aasgar looks at Abenor, shrugs, and gets into a ready position.
lostsole31
Gharmez and Galakhar both look at each other when they both hear a woman intoning magic on the other side.

  " Shield  spell,"    says Galakhar before he looks past her and not trying to shout that  ridiculous distance waves his arm for Aasgar to come forward.

 Begin Round One ... 
 R1T23:   Galakhar drops the copper light coin on deck, takes out some  specialized tools, and begins to work on the door, easily unlocking it.

 R1T18:  Up some on the stairs, Abenor didn't see Galakhar's signal, and is just hanging around waiting (delay).

 R1T17:   Aasgar , what do you do?
BuckGodot
Aasgar shifts his stance, taps his friend's arm, and nods in the Galakhars' direction before dashing off toward them.


 
 Spoiler 
SwA: Enter Circular Stance

SA: Move 20' forward
MA: Move 20' forward
 
lostsole31
 R1T17-16:  Aasgar shifts his stance, taps his friend's  arm, and nods in Galakhar's direction before dashing off toward them,  with Abenor following but not trying to overtake his  friend. 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 Red Zephyr's Strike .
 

 R1T8:   Gharmez , what do you do?
Admyral
  "I think we have our answer,"   Gharmez says to Galakhar.

Gharmez drops her crossbow, and brings her Earthbreaker to readiness.

Adding,   "Nice speech, though,"   she bursts through the door to attack the stowaway.

 
 Spoiler: tech info 

If able to close the distance, she will attack with her Earthbreaker. [roll]1d20+8[/roll}

If not, she will move towards the stowaway as far a possible in a direct line.
 
lostsole31
 R1T8:    "I think we have our answer,"   Gharmez says to Galakhar as she drops her crossbow and brings her Earthbreaker to readiness.   "Nice speech, though,"  
 End Round One, Begin Round 2 ...

R2T23.5-23:   Seeing Gharmez bristling to get through, Gal backs out of the way  immediately to put his tools back in a small pouch. As soon as he  clears, Gharmez steps up and opens the door wide and a big snake bites  her left foot for  10 . That bite holds, and it quickly loops around Gharmez to have her grabbed in its coils.

 R2T22:   From seemingly nowhere hits Gharmez in the soft nerve-filled area of her left elbow for  17 . There is now a woman with a bow on the stairs, but Gharmez didn't see her come down, or even shoot the bow, but there she is.

 R2T17:   Aasgar , what do you do?

Abenor on deck, Gharmez in the hole ...
BuckGodot
Aasgar continues his forward momentum and, even though it is difficult to see, begins calling out tactical advice on how to deal with the enemies. Upon reaching Gharmez he assesses the situation.


 
 Spoiler: Technical information 
SwA: Defending the Pride (Grant all allies w/in 60' a +4 morale bonus to AC for 1 rd.)

MA: Move east 20'
SA: Move up behind Gharmez

Assess enemies
 
lostsole31
 R2T17:  Aasgar continues his forward momentum and, even  though it is difficult  to see, begins calling out tactical advice on how to deal with the  enemies. Upon reaching Gharmez, he assesses the first enemy he sees is  the constrictor snake on Gharmez. It appears to be some type of snake.  And it is constricting Gharmez. 
 Spoiler: Inspiration 
 Warning Roar .
 

 R2T16:   Abenor quickly follows while taking out his wakizashi and getting into a  TWF stance, crouching low, and then teleporting behind the archer at  the top of the small forward ladder. He tries to swing hard against the  archer, but his katana goes wide from a deflection field.

 End Round 2, Begin Round 3 ...

R3T23.5:   Gharmez , you are in the grasping coils of a big snake. What do you do?

Nope-Rope on deck, Gal in the hole ...
Admyral
Gharmez attempts to wrest herself free of the snakes coils.

 
 Spoiler: Tech info 

SA: Combat Maneuver:  (1d20+7)[ 11 ] 
MA: If able, she wants to move towards the Stowaway and clear the doorway for the rest of the party
 
lostsole31
 R3T23.5:  Gharmez attempts to wrest herself free of the  snakes coils, and learning that while a snake doesn't look it, it is  vastly stronger than herself as she is held fast.

 R3T23.2:   With Gharmez struggling, the constrictor only takes advantage of each  slight, self-inflicted of her muscles and lungs for a crushing  18   from bite and coils. Gharmez goes limp, dropping her earthbreaker to  the ground, and falls ... unmoving. The snake, obviously trained to do  this so quickly, releases its prey and with lightning speed zips onto  the gangplank and into the bilge water before Aasgar can even react to  it.

 R3T23:  Galakhar races forward while drawing a wand, saying to Aasgar,   "Step forward and pull her back to me. I'm ready to heal her with a curing wand."  
 R3T22:   Even though Abenor is right there attacking her from high ground, she  seems to ignore him. Oh, she brilliantly defends, but her focus in on  Aasgar.   "You! [xxx]! You were there, weren't you?  You killed him, didn't you?!?!"   

She  steps off the stairs away from Abenor and shoots a volley of arrows at  Aasgar. Two arrows bounce off of his armor, and one completely misses.

 R3T17:   Aasgar , what do you do?

Abenor on deck, Gharmez in the hole ...
BuckGodot
Aasgar looks at her confused and lets out a roar before dashing forward to collect the fallen and drag Gharmez back to receive aid.

 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 
SwA: Encouraging Roar (Allies w/in 30' +2 morale attk/ dmg)

MA: Grab Gharmez and drag back 2 squares
 
lostsole31
 R3T17-16.5:  Aasgar looks at her confused and lets out a roar before dashing forward  to collect the fallen and drag Gharmez back to receive aid, whereupon Galakhar taps Gharmez with the wand for   3 healing    - enough to bring her to wakefulness. Unfortunately, Aasgar dragged her  back farther than Galakhar expected and he didn't know to be ready to  step back as well, so Gharmez awakens with Galakhar standing over her,  which will make things awkward should she try to stand. 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 Scything strike .
 

  "Heal yourself, milady,"   Galakhar says to her.

 R3T16:   Abenor gets into a fighting style and comes down the stairs. He does a  flat-slice along a fatty section of the woman's belly for  16 NL  with  his katana, though she seems to deflect and dodge his remaining  attacks.  With Aasgar's roar heartening him, he manages to also get a  second katana draw cut along fascia of the woman's back left leg  17 NL .

 End Round 3, Begin Round 4 ...

R4T23.5:   Gharmez ,  you are barely conscious and alive. You are prone. Galakhar stands over  (he's in the same square) you so unless you crawl to an open square  first, you can't just stand. Gal also recommended you apply some healing  to yourself. You can't see the constrictor snake anywhere. What do you  do?

Enemies on deck and in the hole ...
Admyral
Gharmez, trying to smile, manages to whisper up to Galakhar,   "      Snakes... It had to be snakes. "  

She touches he hand to her chest and whispers a healing incantation, then tries to get out of the way.

 
 Spoiler: Tech Info 

SA: Cast CMW on self  (2d8+4)[ 8 ] 
MA: Crawl 5' NW
 

 
lostsole31
 R4T23.5:  Gharmez, trying to smile, manages to whisper up to Galakhar,   "      Snakes... It had to be snakes. "  

She touches he hand to her chest and calls out a healing incantation that gives her   8 healing  . She is about to crawl off the walkway when she clears her head and goes west instead.

 R4T23.2:  But as she does so, she comes face-to-face with the snake, which just crawls out of the bilge and onto the walkway!

 R4T22:   The woman steps away from Abenor and out onto the bilge walkway. With  rage and confidence he shoots right at Aasgar ... terribly. But despite  the miss, she does so with such expertise that Aasgar doesn't get an AOO  on her like he would with most shooters standing next to him. Her  second shot, though, hits him right in the head ( 15 mod DDP ).  T hen a third shot she makes strikes him in the right elbow ( 11 mod DDP ).

 R4T17:   Aasgar , what do you do?

Galakhar on deck, Abenor in the hole ...
BuckGodot
Aasgar goes into full defense mode for the moment and says,   "I think you may have me confused with someone else. We have you outnumbered and surrounded. Put down your weapons and let's sort this out."  
 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 
Full defense

Intimidate check
 
lostsole31
 R4T17:  Aasgar goes into full defense mode for the moment and says,   "I  think you may have me confused with someone else. We have you  outnumbered and surrounded. Put down your weapons and let's sort this  out."  

As Aasgar finishes his appeal, for  that is what it sounded more like with him as he was more focused on the  energy to protect himself than really scare the archer, his wounds  begin to show ( 28 ).

 R4T16.5:  Galakhar taps Gharmez with the wand for another   8 healing  . Knowing what is about to happen he pleads with Gharmez,   "Worry  either about the very best defense you can muster, or the very best  healing. Because of that snake catches hold of you, m'lady, you're done.   Don't  underestimate it."  

He studies the snake carefully, though with Gharmez' fallen form he is powerless to do much right now.

 R4T16:  Abenor steps off the stairs to flank with Aasgar, but gives the intensity of danger that Aasgar lacked.   "My  dwarven friend has the right of it. You are flanked. Your mobility is  impacted. Surrender. You are skilled. Don't waste those years of effort  in a gutwater bilge on a nameless riverboat."  
 End Round 4, Begin Round 5 ...

R5T23.5:   Gharmez ,  what do you do? You have nothing in hand and you are prone on a  5-foot-wide bilge walkway with a constrictor snake staring you in the  face. Blessed be the Golden Lord, but you feel better than you did  thanks to Galakhar, but you also suffered under the incredible power and  strength of these coils.

Chokehold on deck, Archer in the hole ...
Admyral
Gharmez starts to reach for her dagger, but stops to consider Galakhar's words.   "You are right, old friend."   She makes a gesture of closing and locking a vault door while incanting,   "Da mihi sanctuarium ad praesidium."

   
 Spoiler: Tech Info 

Cast Sanctuary on herself
 
lostsole31
 R5T23.5:  Gharmez starts to reach for her dagger, but stops to consider Galakhar's words,   "You are right, old friend."   She begins to make gestures and incantations when the snake lashes out to bite her in her spellcasting hand for  11 ,  causing her to lose her spell. From her hand, the thing winds around  her quickly and powerfully to then hold her again, crushing for  10 . Again, Gharmez' world fades to black.

 R5T23.2:   It then continues to crush Gharmez's limp body, the sounds of bones  snapping and popping. Though Aasgar doesn't see it, Galakhar has a  haunting sight of Gharmez's eyes bugged wide and her tongue extended a  little too long from her mouth as she lies dead on the bilge walkway.

The snake releases its grip then hisses menacingly at Galakhar.

Galakhar, a trained healer, knows what has transpired, even if his other two companions do not.  " She's - she's gone,"   he says hollowly.

 R5T22:   To tell the truth, despite Abenor giving time and focus that Aasgar  didn't, Abenor's attempt to intimidate through reason was doomed to  fail. But with the dwarf's wounds making themselves known and the  gray-haired man mentioning that her pet made its first victim, she  smiles.    "Outnumbered? Not for long. And certainly not outclassed."  

She  deftly jumps over the side of the bilge walk railing into the water  below. It isn't that deep, probably knee-deep. She sloshes towards the  side of the boat's hull.    "Chokehold, attack!"    she points at Galakhar, even as she lets takes aim and shoots once at  Aasgar. Aasgar was prepared for defense, though, and taps the arrow  offline to hit the bulkhead several feet behind him.

 R5T17:   Aasgar ,  you've been fortunate, honestly. With you and Abenor protecting others,  nobody has died on your watch in your party since you got to Trunau.  Sure, there was a murder of the elder Grath, but that wasn't your watch.  And there have been some close calls. But if Galakhar is to be trusted  and isn't simply panicking .... it's been awhile since you lost  somebody. What do you do?

Galakhar on deck, Abenor in the hole ...
BuckGodot
Aasgar feels the levels of rage rising in his throat. Though he hadn't known her long, he had come to value Gharmez as an important member of the team...

He steps off the bilge walk to the SE and into the water to close the distance with his foe swinging his axe in a mighty arc and not holding back...


 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 
MA: Move SE 1 square

Attack using Risky Strike (Furious Focus)  (1d20+13)[ 28 ] 

Dazing Attack: Dmg + 3d6. Fort save or be dazed 1 round.

Damage:  (1d12+16)[ 19 ] 

Dazing Attack Damage:  (3d6)[ 13 ] 



Reminders:
Patient Counterpoint (Ex):  During his turn, he gains a +4 [WIS] insight bonus to damage rolls whenever his DDP has points in it.

Mystic Attunement [Path of the Seer] (Su):  All allies w/in 60' of him gain a +5' enhancement bonus to their base land speed.
 
lostsole31
 R5T17:  Aasgar feels the levels of rage rising in his throat. Though he hadn't  known her long, he had come to value Gharmez as an important member of  the team. He steps off the bilge walk to the SE and into the water to close the  distance with his foe swinging his axe in a mighty arc and not holding  back. It is a sideways swing that catches her in the belly for  32 . It is a brutal swing, but it doesn't inhibit her. 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Round 2 fallow.
 

 R5T16.5:  Galakhar takes an extract and disappears from view!

 R5T16:   Abenor now has a very defensive posture. He moves forward to stand  astride Gharmez's body and in a low crouch cuts very low for  24 + halve all speeds (+1d6 bleed) + marked .

 End Round 5, Begin Round 6 ... 
 R5T23.2:  Chokehold takes   4 bleed  . It comes at Abenor powerfully, but he dodges out of the way and back a few feet.

 R5T22:   The angry assassin-archer of Abadaran accountants aims at Aasgar and  allows her ample volley of arrows to attack. Aasgar feels stymied that  any archer can stand face-to-face with him and he can't get an AOO on  them for making themselves so vulnerable. The first arrow hits him nicks  his right hand ( 8 mod DDP ), then another in his chest ( 10 mod DDP ), and a final to his forehead for  4 +  ( 14 mod DDP ).

 R5T17:   Aasgar , what do you do?

Galakhar on deck? Abenor in the hole ...
BuckGodot
Aasgar shifts his stance and shrugs off her attacks following up with another strike of his own, grabbing his axe with both hands and swinging down over his head, anger fueling his motions.

 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 

SwA: Golden Commander Stance (Grants allies w/in 30' that understand his shouts: flanking with all adj. allies that are fighting the same foe.)

Attack using Risky Strike and Overhand Chop:  (1d20+11)[ 29 ] 

Damage:  (1d12+18)[ 25 ] 

Overhand Chop (Ex):  When he makes a single attack (w/ the attack action or a charge) w/ a two-handed weapon, STR * 2 bonus on damage rolls.

If Abenor is attacked: Bodyguard (Ex):   When an adjacent ally is attacked, he may use an AOO to attempt the aid another action to improve his ally’s AC.
*  He may not use the aid another action to improve his ally’s attack roll w/ this attack.

Reminders:

Patient Counterpoint (Ex): During his turn, he gains a +4 [WIS] insight bonus to damage rolls whenever his DDP has points in it.

Mystic Attunement [Path of the Seer] (Su): All allies w/in 60' of him gain a +5' enhancement bonus to their base land speed.

Weapon Training (Ex):  Whenever he attacks w/ a weapon from the axes group, he gains a +1 bonus on attack &amp; damage rolls.
 
lostsole31
 R6T17:  Aasgar shifts his stance and shrugs off her  attacks following up with  another strike of his own, grabbing his axe with both hands and swinging  down over his head, anger fueling his motions.  She tries to get out of  the way, putting up her arms to defend herself (but keeping the bow  away from the axe), and gets hit in her right upper arm for her troubles  for  29 .  Aasgar's wounds now show for  28 , even as his mind flushes and his inspiration and maneuvers all reset.

 R6T16.5:  Galakhar appears on the western side of the walkway from the snake, with his rapier in its back for  11 .

 R6T16:  Abenor gets into his longarm stance, steps carefully over Gharmez' body to slice Chokehold for  23 .

 End Round 6, Begin Round 7 ...

R7T23.2:  Chokehold suffers   4 bleed  . It snaps at Abenor, but too slowly. Aasgar's axe was there to help, but the elf was fine.

 R7T22:   The archer continues her withering assault at point-blank range.  Knowing what's coming, the dwarf crouches to dodge the first shot, only  to get hit by a quick readjustment in the chest ( 10 mod DDP ). His armor is brawn against the final shot.

 R7T17:   Aasgar , what do you do?

Galakhar on deck, Abenor in the hole ...
BuckGodot
Aasgar brings his axe back around for another blow yelling in anger and attempting to stun his opponent again.

 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 


Attack with Risky Strike:  (1d20+11)[ 19 ] 

Dazing Attack

Damage:  (1d12+16)[ 19 ] 

Dazing Attack Damage:  (3d6)[ 7 ] 


Reminders:

Patient Counterpoint (Ex): During his turn, he gains a +4 [WIS] insight bonus to damage rolls whenever his DDP has points in it.

Mystic Attunement [Path of the Seer] (Su): All allies w/in 60' of him gain a +5' enhancement bonus to their base land speed.
 
lostsole31
 R7T17:  Aasgar brings his axe back around for another  blow, yelling in anger and attempting to stun his opponent again, but  his axe is deflected. His wounds continue to show for  10 . 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 Red Zephyr's Strike .
 

 R7T16.5:   Galakhar continues to study the flow of combat as best he can and  attacks again, making an inspired strike to just barely hit the snake  for  15 .

 R7T16:  Abenor gets into  his focused TWF stance as he steps over Gharmez. The snake is wary of  the katana, but then gets stabbed with a wakizashi for  20 , killing it.

 End Round 7, Begin Round 8 ...

R8T22:   The archer's eyes narrow at the death of her snake, but maintains her  deadly focus on Aasgar. Her first two arrows miss wildly, but the third  hits Aasgar in the chest ( 15 mod DDP ).

 R8T17:   Aasgar , what do you do?

Galakhar on deck, Abenor in the hole ...
BuckGodot
Aasgar swings his axe again and calls out to Abenor,   "Abenor, switch with me!"   and then moves away to the north east.

 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 


Attack using Risky Strike and Red Zephyr's Strike:  (1d20+11)[ 16 ] 

Damage:  (1d12+16)[ 28 ] 

MA: Red Zephyr's Strike: Success = Dmg + immediate 10' move that doesn't provoke AOOs.

Move to the NE 2 squares
If attack fails: move 5' NE

Reminders:

Patient Counterpoint (Ex): During his turn, he gains a +4 [WIS] insight bonus to damage rolls whenever his DDP has points in it.

Mystic Attunement [Path of the Seer] (Su): All allies w/in 60' of him gain a +5' enhancement bonus to their base land speed.
 
lostsole31
 R8T17:  Aasgar swings his axe again as she ducks out of the way. He out to Abenor,    "Abenor, switch with me!"    as he steps away, and climbs back up onto the bilge walkway. More of Aasgar's wounds show ( 15 ). 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 Scything Strike .
 

 R8T16.5:   Galakhar trusts in Abenor's sword skills, but races to Aasgar's side.  He goes to use the wand of healing. And fails ... critically. He looks  at Aasgar with a pained expression mixed between guilt and anger,   "Damn! Now I can't use this again for a day!"  
 R8T16:   Abenor jumps off the walkway into the bilge where Aasgar was a minute  ago, mainly to try to screen his allies and get her to focus on him.   "Aasgar, take cover, and down some healing potions. Galakhar, get help."  

And  then, with his friend critically wounded ... Galakhar a relatively  unskilled warrior to the duo ... and Gharmez dead on the deck ... Abenor  doesn't hold back anymore. He descends into the primal nature of the  Hunter that allowed him to survive on the brutal tundra outside of  Icestair for so many years. He strikes her knee with  Ileor  (his katana) with a light crit and a deadly strike for  25 + marked . She ducks away from the shorter blade's stroke.

 End Round 8, Begin Round 9 ...
 
 R9T22:   Abenor's cut got her attention, finally. She empties her quiver firing  at him, but the Hunter merely dodges or deflects them all - even one she  is sure should have hit him in her less-focused wrath. Finally, the  archer is out of arrows. But her stance is of one ready to continue the  fight as her hand goes to her shortsword in its scabbard.

 R9T17:   Aasgar , what do you do?

Galakhar on deck, Abenor in the hole ...
BuckGodot
Aasgar steps 5' west and grabs a potion from his bandolier and drinks it down.

 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 
5' step west and drink potion of CMW.

 (2d8+3)[ 11 ] 
 
lostsole31
 R9T17:  Aasgar grabs a potion from his bandolier and drinks it down for   11 healing  . 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 Warning Roar .
 

 R9T16.5:   Galakhar simply drops his temporarily useless curing wand. He moves a  little west over the bodies, into the bilge, and then along the bulkhead  before threatening the woman with his rapier as he settles into a  fighting stance.

 R9T16:  Abenor tumbles in the  bilge water for 10' in an offensive roll and comes up with shocking  speed. It's so perfectly timed that the woman is flat-footed against his  attack, which is against her left knee again for  34 . She screams in pain and falls from the shock, her back splashing into the several inches of bilge water. She is not moving.

 End Round 9, Begin Round 10 ... 
 R10T17:   Aasgar ,  the woman is not moving. Maybe you want her to die to avenge Gharmez;  maybe you want to find out more. But Abenor let go and entered the  Hunter, and once he does that, it is a sure bet that he won't simply let  go of his primal descent until his enemy is definitely dead, unless his wrath is assuaged. What do you do? Do you let the predator that your friend  has become have its prize and suffer the guilt later, do you calm him,  or something else?

Galakhar on deck, Abenor in the hole ...
BuckGodot
Aasgar will cross to Abenor and try to calm him, speaking in a soothing voice,  ”Abenor? She’s down… Let her go. Our vengeance is had… We need answers. Abenor? Let it go.”  
lostsole31
 R10T17:  Aasgar will cross to Abenor and try to calm him, speaking in a soothing voice,  ”Abenor? She’s down… Let her go. Our vengeance is had… We need answers. Abenor? Let it go.”  
 R10T16.5:    "She needs medical attention,"   says Galakhar.   "I'll have to use trepanation, stand back."  

And then, Galakhar does that ... performing a trepanation to her skull with his rapier for  15 .

He nods.   "Yup, patient did not survive procedure. And accounts are paid in full for the loss of an Abadaran cleric ... and a friend."  
 Initiative Ends. 
BuckGodot
Aasgar sighs and slumps down, feeling quite well abused. Then climbs back to his feet and goes to examine her body for any kind of indication as to what she might have been talking about.
lostsole31
  "Well, don't look at her in the bilge,"   chides Galakhar.   "Bring her out and over by the light coin I dropped by the door."  
BuckGodot
Aasgar looks at him and rolls his eyes before grabbing her corpse and dragging it up and over to the light.
lostsole31
Not because of weight, but because of bulk, a fatigued but now calmed Abenor helps his friend out. Meanwhile, Galakhar heads over and then just inside the bilge door, picking up the lit coin and putting away his rapier, ready to search the woman.  Here is what she has on her...
 
 Masterwork Longbow ... and 7 arrows recovered from the area. 
 Masterwork Shortsword 
 Thieves' Tools    
   Potion of Cure Serious Wounds   
 A couple odd sticks 
 (2) vials of acid 
 Tanglefoot Bag 
 A golden locket. Inside is a picture of Skreed Gorewillow, the blonde half-orc that you killed in the Hill Giant's Tomb in Trunau. You actually have his  true love locket  in party treasury, and it is her picture inside the one you got from him.  
 

In the forward bilge room, she also had...
 
 Backpack 
 (14) rations worth of food, likely given her by Gashnakh 
 Waterskin 
 Belt Pouch w/ 104 gold pieces  
 
  "Well, it's pretty obvious what she was here to do,"   says Galakhar.   "And now it makes sense why she wanted you dead so badly. I mean, my name changed and it is easy to overlook Abenor despite his exoticism ... but you, Aasgar, are the Crier's Board Boy of the 'Heroes of Trunau.'"  
BuckGodot
Aasgar reaches out for the potion of CSW and unless someone stops him and offers a better solution, pops the stopper and drinks it down.
lostsole31
Nobody stops him. As it is, it isn't really as great as hoped, as this most powerful draught ever drank only provides Aasgar with   14 healing  .

Abenor had spent a minute alone to the side before rejoining the other two.   "We should take the armor off of Gharmez to make it easier to carry her ... use a first aid litter to transport her topside and bring her gear. Meanwhile, Galakhar, will you contact the captain, please?  Sound like a plan?"  
BuckGodot
Aasgar wearily nods his agreement.
lostsole31
The heavy deed is done, followed by collecting the saboteurs belongings. Galakhar informs the captain who comes down, and then hears the report from Aasgar.

Captain Bloodtusk nods solemnly.   "That will mean dark things for your mission, won't it? Without a cleric? Will you be aborting your mission?"  
BuckGodot
   ”No. We set out without one and were fortuitous to find this lady, but we shall continue and work something out.”   Aasgar replies with a shake of his head.
lostsole31
The word is passed along, and now Cici and Kurst have been given the bad news (they are on shore guiding horses to pull the keelboat upriver).

The captain cannot and will not stop the day's progress, but he does ask of the three that are onboard with him today.   "Will you take her ashore to bury her, or will you sink her in the river?"  

Galakhar answers,   "She was an Abadaran cleric. She is to be buried like the secrets in the Golden Lord's vault."  

Does anyone have anything for the remainder of the day, or shall we move to the evening?
BuckGodot
Aasgar will do what he can for himself using his healing skills… unless there is someone better or who will aid him.
lostsole31
Cici is technically the better healer, especially in helping others than herself, than is Galakhar (but only barely), but she is busy ashore right now guiding horses to pull the keelboat upriver.

So Galakhar it is, who prefers medicine as science rather than intuition and folk remedies and herbs, anyway. He looks over Galakhar's wounds, fretting. "This would've gone so much better if I actually had a healer's kit with me, but oh, well," and with that he attempts to treat Aasgar's wounds the best he can with an hour of ministration to his wounds. By the end of that time, Aasgar hasn't regained anything, but is still expertly patched up.

Given the severity of Aasgar's wounds, Galakhar appeals to Captain Bloodtusk to give Aasgar complete bed rest, with the minor switching around necessary when the keelboat makes landfall in the evening. The captain agrees as much for Aasgar's health as for recognition of his deed in killing the saboteur.

 Aasgar , do you play proud and stubborn dwarf or smart dwarf? Do you take the bed rest?
BuckGodot
Aasgar will not argue but will grumble on the way to the rack.
lostsole31
Of course, there is no rack (because sleeping "quarters" are on the ground of wherever you land for the evening), but Galakhar has Aasgar sleep in the moderately-stinky stables as the horses are out and about, the partial walls help screen a little bit of sun and noise, and Aasgar's dwarven frame (shape of boulder) isn't in the way.

Aasgar gets awoken in the evening with a meal from Galakhar.   "Working party finished digging Gharmez' grave. We''re going to bury her in her armor with her crossbow and earth breaker, and two gold coins - one on each eye - but the rest of her gear will be absorbed by the party, especially that  Agrimmosh  artifact-hammer. I'm not a priest - in truth we no longer have any - but as her closest ally for a few years, I know the Abadaran secular words that must be said, and the lay prayers for when a Banker is not present. Walk with your bowl of stew and bread. Cici and Kurst await us on shore. You'll notice Cici already took the liberty of putting a healing hex on you to help make you more comfortable."  

Galakhar walks a groggy dwarf down the gangplank to the other two heroes of Trunau (Cici and Kurst). A little ways way is Gharmez' grave, and some rope for lowering her carefully down.
BuckGodot
When appropriate, Aasgar will approach the grave and observe the ceremony but will remain silent.
lostsole31
 Kurst , technically as a representative of Trunau, the town that bestowed honors among the deceased, do you have anything to say?
lostsole31
 Kurst , not really knowing Gharmez, and having fought in a different section of Trunau, doesn't have anything to add.

Abenor is not a big talker, especially in front of a crowd, and he is given to quiet observances at times of death, anyway.

Cici likewise feels awkward. Gharmez only joined at the end of the battle in the hill giant's tomb. They were connected in some outlook but otherwise weren't really friends.

So, it is Galakhar who takes the role of eulogist, and speaks at length about Gharmez's story and what brought them from their home in Qadira. 
 Spoiler: OOC - Wow! 
Galakhar spent inspiration, but he still got a  26  on his oratory ... as an untrained orator.
 

Galakhar finishes the lay Abadaran rites, and Gharmez is placed in the earth with what was mentioned and some other accoutrements.

At that, the funeral is over.
BuckGodot
Aasgar will then limp away to return to resting.
lostsole31
When Cici comes to check on bandages, she talks to him softly (she says it aids in the healing process), though Aasgar is half-awake. She'll remind Aasgar on the morrow, but she says those two odd sticks were wands (as expected). One a  wand of invisibility , the other a  wand of cat's grace  - neither of which Aasgar can use.  Aasgar is groggy, and more like a puppet to be manipulated as Galakhar helps and he goes back to sleep.
 
  
  TOILDAY, 16 PHARAST 4715 AR (WANING CRESCENT)  
 Weather:  75/ 55 F. Light rain (1/2"). Dry.   

The next day, Aasgar awakens. He will find out that while his hardy dwarven body and Cici's medicine did fine, he was helped a long by a few charges of various healing wands as well. This was to make sure he would at least be operable today.

Also, as the keelboat was going through the swamps of the River Esk, Galakhar estimates that the expedition should be able to spot the stone on the riverbank carved with a circle of thorns today - the marker Silvermane described that will lead them to the entrance to the Vault of Thorns.

 Aasgar , do you keep yourself wide open to new places that akashic discovery takes you, or do you favor anything current or from the past (and/or a mix)?

Meanwhile, as before, Kurst will be on the swampy riverbank, helping guide horses pulling the keelboat.
BuckGodot
If they are about to venture into a "vault" (cave?) Aasgar will keep Bangles of Roving light to help the others but will see what other veils he can form elsewhere.
lostsole31
Aasgar keeps his focus on his wrists to maintain the bangles for the sake of the party, if needed. While he's at it, his explorations with his hands find a new variation. Where he had unlocked cold and fire, now he finds he can modulate his gloves to instead deliver a static charge of electricity. 
 Spoiler: Unlocked 
 Gloves of the Lashing Elements  - Unlocked Electricity damage.
 

His desire for light for the bangles affects his thoughts during his exploration. Before long, a brilliant sash of white silk is wrapped about his waist, filling him with a light that spills out from his eyes and mouth with every blink and spoken word. Not only could this provide incredibly bright light, but is disconcerting to those who don't know what to think of Aasgar. Of course, for courtesy's sake at this time, he suppresses the light for now. 
 Spoiler: Unlocked 
Head:   White Rider's Sash  .
 

Finally, the akasha of the greater geography and the culture that has inhabited it for centuries finds Aasgar, and a ring is formed on his hand that channels the destructive power of the orcs themselves, giving Aasgar a tremendous ability to break or destroy objects and the weapons of his enemies. 
 Spoiler: Unlocked 
Ring:   Band of Destruction  .
 

Cici checks in on him in the morning after meditations, administering her healing hex for Aasgar for the day (  13 healing  ).

Again, Kurst (and Cici) will be helping guide the horses upriver through the swamp as they tow the keelboat up the River Esk.

 Aasgar , what task do you seek to aid with today?
BuckGodot
Aasgar will take on the depth finder position again.
lostsole31
Because you both know what to look for, and because Kurst is ashore (well, as ashore in a swamp can be ) leading horses, both of you (Aasgar and Kurst) is easily spot the stone on the riverbank carved with a circle of thorns - the marker that the druid Silvermane described to the group as leading to the Vault of Thorns. Once the marker is sighted, the PCs can prepare to disembark and head into the swamp in search of the Vault of Thorns. The horses are all brought aboard, being swum over from Cici's side (the far side, or south bank) as needed to get them aboard.

 Kurst , because there is a swamp, do you intend to take Hope with you (your mount), or will you leave her in the captain's care on the deck stables? In addition, is there anything you wish to leave behind, or are you taking all equipment?

 Aasgar , same question ... are you leaving anything behind, or taking all equipment?
BuckGodot
Aasgar will take everything.
Admyral
  "The way looks to be treacherous for horses; I think, Hope, you should enjoy the Captain's hospitality a little longer"  , Kurst says to his steed. He will pick up all of his gear and ready himself for the trip, looking briefly at Aasgar's loadout.   "Are you sure you don't want to take the ship's anchor as well? We might need it."  
lostsole31
A primal war cry is heard, and several deep, throaty voices join in.  Half a dozen orc warriors surge forward from hidden positions behind  thick swamp foliage towards the gangplank that the heroes have just  started moving down. As the orcs move forward, it is obvious they are  digging deep with their boots in the thick mud, being slowed by the land  itself (i.e., difficult terrain).

 Begin Round One ...

R1T29:     "For Gharmez!"    cries  Galakhar as he draws and lifts his rapier high and moves down the  gangplank, landing just past with a thick *pluck* sound in the mud.  Despite his brave advance, Galakhar is no fool, and facing off against  six orcs he chooses more defensive pointwork. His blade zips into the  chest of Blue, the lead orc, for  11 + disabled/staggered .

 R1T24:  Cici  makes that first difficult step up onto the gangplank, and then zooms  down to stand beside the older man. Her waveblade slashes out to catch  Blue with a long, bloody gash from his elbow up along his brachial  artery for  8 (+  2 bleed ) . She is also in her crane stance and fighting carefully.

 R1T19-17:   Brown tosses its javelin at Abenor and then moves up to Galakhar while  drawing its falchion. Pink does the same with a toss at Aasgar before  moving up to Cici. Another javelin has little chance of hitting Aasgar  as Purple adjusts around the side while drawing his sword.

 R1T14:   The slow, undulating movement of the keelboat in the movement comes to a  sudden halt, as if the keelboat were sitting on steady blocks in a  drydock. Another orc appears, this time on the waterborne side. Part of  his body appears to have been badly burned at some point in the distant  past, but that it might still give him discomfort even today. He is  demonstrably larger and stronger-looking then the rank-and-file orcs  below.

 R1T13:  Abenor looks to Aasgar and Kurst.   "Go get that big guy that just came aboard. I'll help protect the others ashore."  

He  moves down the gangplank while drawing both swords and getting into  fighting form, leaping off the end of the gangplank, and diving his  blade into Purple's gut for  18 + disabled/ staggered . He also calls out defensive advice for his allies.

Meanwhile,  the Captain calls for all of his sailors and the coxswain to clear the  main deck and let the heroes handle this, but to standby in case they  need to repel boarders.

 R1T12:   Kurst ,  that first step off the lifted edge of the gangplank is difficult  terrain if you move back on the ship to engage the bigger guy (Yellow).  You weren't expecting battle, so your shield is not readied and weapons  are sheathed. What do you do?
Admyral
Kurst bellows   "Nasty creatures! Put them down like the diseased beasts they are!"   He moves towards the other side of the boat, taking his time raising his shield and drawing his sword. In Orcish, he rasps towards the orc on the opposite gunwale,   "You picked the wrong day, my friend."  
 
 Spoiler: Tech info 

Move Action: Invoke Hunter's Bond
Replace SA with another Move Action: Move 5' north (difficult), 5' NE, 5'N
Free Actions while moving: Draw Longsword and ready Shield
 
BuckGodot
Aasgar shifts into a stance and moves up the gangplank drawing his axe. Assessing the enemy, he begins calling out defensive instructions to Kurst.


  
 Spoiler: Technical Information 
SwA: Golden Commander Stance: Grants allies w/in 30' that understand his shouts: Gain flanking with all adj. allies that are fighting the same foe.

MA: Move up gangplank 2 squares (difficult terrain?)

SA: Defending the Pride: Grant all allies w/in 60' a +4 morale bonus to AC for 1 rd.

FA: Draw axe


Reminders:
Blooded [Region]:  +1 trait bonus on weapon damage rolls vs. giants, goblins, &amp; orcs.
Mystic Attunement: All allies w/in 60' of him gain a +5' enhancement bonus to their base land speed.
 
lostsole31
 R1T12:  Kurst bellows from the top of the gangplank, visible to those above and below,   "Nasty creatures! Put them down like the diseased beasts they are!"    He moves towards the other side of the boat, taking his time raising  his shield and drawing his sword. In Orcish, he rasps towards the orc on  the opposite gunwale, *,  "You picked the wrong day, my friend."  &gt;*

 R1T11:  Red drops his javelin, takes out a falchion and clumsily attacks the dancing, deflecting elf.

 R1T6:  Aasgar shifts into a stance and moves up the gangplank drawing his axe.  Assessing the enemy, he begins calling out defensive instructions to  Kurst, while having replaced where Kurst was standing and just as heroically spurring heroes to greater defense! 
 Spoiler: Inspiration 
 Scything Strike .
 

 R1T5:  Green drops his javelin and draws his falchion, but Cici's crane style keeps him at bay.

 R1T4:  Lucette, hidden in the folds of Cici's cowl, delays...

 R1T1:  Blue takes a total of   3 bleed  , swings at Galakhar, and then drops dead as the effort had him bleed out more.

 End Round One, Begin Round 2 ...

R2T29:   Even with increased difficulty from the swampy ground, Galakhar  effortlessly dances around the orcs to physically flank with Cici  (despite Aasgar's tactics making that redundant). Face it, Gal just  can't help trying to look cool when he can. His rapier just nips back of  Pink's right shoulder for  8,  Kurst's advice having helped.

 R2T24:   Cici does a spinning back elbow to Pink's abdomen, liquefying his liver  and killing him instantly, followed by a rising punch to Green's  shoulder for  13 + disabled .

 R2T19-17:   Brown swings at Abenor, which is a critical mistake as the elf does a  back and forth deflection-and-guiding that drops the orc's own blade  right down into its knee for  12 + disabled ! As this happens, Abenor's blades are never lacking in response to bat away Purple's blade as well.

 R2T14:     *&lt;"I am Tark Singeskin, and I am your doooom!"&gt;*     rages the orc in his natural language to Kurst's challenge while  entering a primal defense. He steps up to Kurst and swings. Using  Aasgar's tactical advice, Kurst desperately tries to move out of the way  of the massive blade. The blade still lands a terrible gash against the  left side of Kurst's hip and rump, but it could have been worse, as  this critical strike "only" does  27 . But then to Kurst's terror ... Tark follows up with  another  critical strike at the same spot for  22 !

 R2T13:  Below, Abenor chides Galakhar as he quickly darts to Cici's side.   "Old man, you need to stay within 10' of me so I can protect you!"   Both blades dart low against Brown to finish him off.

 R2T12:   Kurst , in two swift, powerful strokes, even with Aasgar's advice, this beast you face has critically wounded you. What do you do?

Red on deck, Aasgar in the hole ...
Admyral
*&lt;  "Tork Sang-scum,"  &gt;* Kurst snarls in Orcish, *&lt;  "it will take more than lucky shots to win this day."  &gt;*

Kurst bashes the orc with his shield before delivering a blow with his longsword.

 
 Spoiler: Tech info 

Swift Action: Challenge: Tark Singeskin
ATK: Shield Bash (favored enemy):  (1d20+10)[ 21 ]  DAM:(favored enemy)(challenge) (1d3+11)[ 12 ] 
ATK: Longsword (favored enemy):  (1d20+9)[ 22 ]  DAM:(favored enemy)(challenge) (1d8+11)[ 12 ] 
 
lostsole31
 R2T12:  *&lt;  "Tork Sang-scum,"  &gt;* Kurst snarls in Orcish, *&lt;  "it will take more than lucky shots to win this day."  &gt;*

Kurst lifts his shield upwards and hits the massive orc with the top rim in the orc's neck for  12 , then cuts past armor to graze his neck for  12 .

 R211:   Red sloshes across muddy and now bloody ground to engage Galakhar. The  sword swings and Galakhar fails to deflect but dodges back to the blade  seems to strike Galakhar in the foot, and yet it doesn't strike hard  enough to actually break the man's skin. This odd development gets  questioning glances from Abenor and Cici.

 R2T6:   Aasgar , what do you do?

Green on deck, Galakhar in the hole ...
BuckGodot
Aasgar moves straight north past the mast to take up a position next to the orc and lashes out with his axe and preparing to defend his ally.

 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 


MA: Move north 4 squares if able to be on the left of the orc.

Attack using Risky Strike and Dazing Attack:  (1d20+13)[ 19 ] 

Dazing Attack: Dmg + 3d6. Fort save or be dazed 1 round.

Dmg:  (1d12+16)[ 19 ] 

Dazing Attack Dmg:  (3d6)[ 10 ] 

If Kurst is attacked use King's Castle (Su):  IA, when a foe makes a melee attack vs. ally w/ this feat who is no &gt; from him than half his land speed, he can move up to half his speed directly towards the ally. This movement provokes AOOs.
*  As long as he ends this movement adjacent to the targeted ally, he may take the attack in their place.
  **  The attack is resolved as though he were the original target of the attack, comparing the attack roll to his defenses and dealing damage as appropriate.
*  He may invest E into this feat, increasing his land speed by +5'/ E invested.
*  He gains 1 point of essence.


Reminders:
Get Behind Me (Ex):  When he readies his maneuvers, he may treat 3 [INT] creatures as though they had the King's Castle feat. Designees: Kurst, Abenor, Cici
Blooded [Region]: +1 trait bonus on weapon damage rolls vs. giants, goblins, &amp; orcs.
Mystic Attunement: All allies w/in 60' of him gain a +5' enhancement bonus to their base land speed.
 
lostsole31
 R2T6:  Aasgar moves straight north past the mast to take  up a position next to  the orc and lashes out with his axe at Tark's hand, right at the nerves  as they come together at the web at the base of the thumb and index  finger for  32 + dazed  as Tark howls in pain so raw as  to make him temporarily insensate. Aware that it might be a ruse, Aasgar  prepares to defend his ally. 
 Spoiler: Inspiration 
 Red Zephyr's Strike .
 

 R2T5:  Green attacks Cici, but the blood loss he's suffering includes blood on his face to affect his vision, and his swing is wild.

 End Round 2, Begin Round 3 ... 
 R3T29:   Galakhar ducks and dives to the east along the swamp mud to come up and  strike Green dead with a perfect thrust to the heart from the back.

 R3T24:  Cici dances over dead orcs to slash the back of Red's knee with her waveknife for  9 .

 R3T17:  Purple staggers forth to engage Abenor. It is a valiant effort, but Abenor completely dodges with a  counter step .

 R3T14:  Back on deck, it seems it was not a ruse as Tark stumbles around dazed, trying to protect himself while vulnerable.

 R3T13:   His enemy having been kind enough to come to him, Abenor's blue-glowing  katana glows a little brighter as the elf dispatches Purple with a  special maneuver.

 R3T12:   Kurst , what do you do?

Red on deck, Aasgar in the hole ...
Admyral
In Orcish, Kurst says through a mirthless grin, &lt;*  "It's going to take us an hour to wash your blood from the deck..."  *&gt;.

He again bashes the Orc with his shield, and strikes out with his sword.

 
 Spoiler: Tech Info 

ATK:Shield:  (1d20+6)[ 7 ]  DAM:  (1d3+2)[ 5 ] 
ATK:Longsword:  (1d20+5)[ 25 ]  DAM:  (1d8+2)[ 5 ] 

Reminders:
Challenge (Ex): His attacks do +5 [CL] damage vs. target of challenge, but this takes his concentration, and he suffers -2 AC from any other target than that of his challenged foe.
Favored Enemy (Ex): +4 bonus on weapon attack and damage rolls against Orcs.
 
Admyral
 
 Spoiler: Critical Fail/Hit 

Shield: Fumble Save:  (1d20)[ 18 ] 
Longsword: Critical Hit:  (1d20)[ 13 ]  Bonus DAM:  (2d6)[ 5 ] 
 
lostsole31
 R3T12:  In Orcish, Kurst says through a mirthless grin, &lt;*  "It's going to take us an hour to wash your blood from the deck..."  *&gt;.  He misses wildly on a bash attempt with his shield, but when he strikes  out with his longsword, he cuts Tark in the neck for  24 ( +1d4 bleed ) !

 R3T11:  Below, only Cici's crane style saves her from getting cut in half by Red.

 R3T6:   Aasgar , what do you do?

Galakhar on deck, Cici in the hole ...
BuckGodot
Aasgar lets loose a bellow, gabs his ake with both hands, and swings his axe around again at the creature.


 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 
SwA: Encouraging Roar

Attack using Risky Strike and Overhand Chop

Overhand Chop (Ex):  When he makes a single attack (w/ the attack action or a charge) w/ a two-handed weapon, STR * 2 bonus on damage rolls.

Attack:  (1d20+11)[ 24 ] 

Damage:  (1d12+18)[ 22 ] 

If Kurst is attacked use King's Castle (Su): IA, when a foe makes a melee attack vs. ally w/ this feat who is no &gt; from him than half his land speed, he can move up to half his speed directly towards the ally. This movement provokes AOOs.
* As long as he ends this movement adjacent to the targeted ally, he may take the attack in their place.
** The attack is resolved as though he were the original target of the attack, comparing the attack roll to his defenses and dealing damage as appropriate.
* He may invest E into this feat, increasing his land speed by +5'/ E invested.
* He gains 1 point of essence.


Reminders:
Get Behind Me (Ex): When he readies his maneuvers, he may treat 3 [INT] creatures as though they had the King's Castle feat. Designees: Kurst, Abenor, Cici

Blooded [Region]: +1 trait bonus on weapon damage rolls vs. giants, goblins, &amp; orcs.

Mystic Attunement: All allies w/in 60' of him gain a +5' enhancement bonus to their base land speed.

Patient Counterpoint (Ex):  During his turn, he gains a +4 [WIS] insight bonus to damage rolls whenever his DDP has points in it.

Golden Commander stance active (bonus from flanking)
 
lostsole31
 R3T6:  Aasgar lets loose a bellow, grabs his axe with  both hands, and swings his axe around again at the creature to hit him  in the lower left calf and shin for  25 . 
 Spoiler: Inspiration 
 Warning roar .
 

 End Round 3, Begin Round 4 ... 
 R4T29:  Galakhar dances over the fallen orcs to puncture the lung of the one remaining below for  11 + disabled .

 R4T24:  At the same time, Cici comes in low to gut the orc, putting it out of its misery, and Cici begins up the gangplank.

 R4T14:  Tark takes 2 bleed. Barely standing, he stumbles back to the gunwale and takes out a potion and downs it for   5 healing  .

 R4T13:  Abenor double moves up the inclined gangplank to get on deck.

 R4T12:   Kurst , what do you do?

Aasgar on deck, Galakhar in the hole ...
Admyral
  "Where are you going, friend?"  , Kurst says as he closes the gap between himself and the injured orc. &lt;*   "You need permission from the captain to leave the ship!"   *&gt;

Kurst again bashes Tark with his shield before slashing with his longsword.

 
 Spoiler: tech info 

MA: 5'N
ATK:Shield Bash:  (1d20+6)[ 24 ]  DAM:  (1d3+2)[ 3 ] 
ATK:Longsword:  (1d20+5)[ 14 ]  DAM:  (1d8+2)[ 9 ] 

Reminders:
Challenge (Ex): His attacks do +5 [CL] damage vs. target of challenge, but this takes his concentration, and he suffers -2 AC from any other target than that of his challenged foe.
Favored Enemy (Ex): +4 bonus on weapon attack and damage rolls against Orcs. 
 
 
lostsole31
 R4T12:    "Where are you going, friend?"  , Kurst says as he closes the gap between himself and the injured orc. &lt;*   "You need permission from the captain to leave the ship!"   *&gt;

Kurst again bashes Tark in the face with his shield for  14 + disabled , but in his orcish ferocity Tark will not go down and blocks Kurst's follow-up sword stroke.

 R4T6:  Aasgar, what do you do?

Galakhar on deck, Cici in the hole ...
BuckGodot
  "Oh no... No, you started this. Now you're finished..."  , Aasgar says as he moves up to the orc and swings his axe again.

 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 
MA: Move NE 1 square

Attack using Risky Strike:  (1d20+11)[ 20 ] 

Damage:  (1d12+16)[ 27 ] 

If Kurst is attacked use King's Castle.

Reminders:
Get Behind Me (Ex): When he readies his maneuvers, he may treat 3 [INT] creatures as though they had the King's Castle feat. Designees: Kurst, Abenor, Cici

Blooded [Region]: +1 trait bonus on weapon damage rolls vs. giants, goblins, &amp; orcs.

Mystic Attunement: All allies w/in 60' of him gain a +5' enhancement bonus to their base land speed.

Patient Counterpoint (Ex): During his turn, he gains a +4 [WIS] insight bonus to damage rolls whenever his DDP has points in it.

Golden Commander stance active (bonus from flanking)
 
lostsole31
 R4T6:    "Oh no... No, you started this. Now you're finished..."  ,  Aasgar says as he moves up to the orc and swings his axe again, cutting  his upper right arm, digging deep into his chest, and killing him.

 Combat Ends! 
BuckGodot
  "I guess my cutting remark was too much for him..."   says Aasgar as he nudges the corpse with his foot and looks at Kurst and the others with a grin...

He then proceeds to check the body for anything of interest before pushing it off the boat and into the water.
lostsole31
Meanwhile, the others return from their combat below.

Tark had the following on him...
 
 Falchion 
 Javelins (4) 
 Masterwork Chain Shirt 
 Potion of CLW 
 Substance that Gal identifies as "fire ward gel" 
 Belt Pouch w/ 21 gold 
 A letter (see Discord) 
 

The weapons and armor are too bulky to deal with, but the captain is happy to take for his armory (as well as the other orc falchions and javelins).

Gal hands Kurst the potion.   "Drink this now, son."  
Admyral
Kurst, coming down from the rush of combat starts to notice the extent of his injuries. Gingerly feeling his left side, he winces slightly and says,   "This is going to leave an interesting scar."   He takes the potion offered and drinks it down.   "Thank you, friend, this should help."  

Reading over the letter, he says,   "It seems that our stowaway has been busy sending messages in addition to poisoning our stores."  

Handing the letter to Aasgar,   "How many more are going to avenge Skreed, I wonder."  
lostsole31
  "O-ho! Don't thank me, my boy. This potion was that orc's go-juice, and you earned it."   says Galakhar.   "We just kept the riff-raff of you while you did the hard job."  

Kurst enjoys   7 healing   from the spoils of war. Cici will come up to him and touch him for   12 healing  . Not wanting failure like yesterday, Galakhar hands his healing wand to Cici. She uses the wand on him twice to get put Kurst to the halfway point for now before she hand the wand back to Galakhar.

The handful of useful items and coins kept, the enemies' weapons and armor claimed by the captain, and Tark kicked overboard .... the captain is curious about the unnatural stillness of the boat. It takes several minutes, but it seems a special type of magic token was put on his ship - an  anchor token  - but once removed the magic leaves it forever.

Ready to continue your quest?
BuckGodot
Indeed! Let’s push on!
lostsole31
 


Captain Bloodtusk agrees to wait here for the PCs’ return. Silvermane’s marker shows that they’re in the right place, but to find the hidden entrance to the Vault, the PCs first need to find a will-o’-wisp to place in the ghostlight lantern that Silvermane gave them. Once the PCs disembark from Bloodtusk’s keelboat, Silvermane’s instructions are to head northward from the marker into the swamp.

The heroes of Trunau begin to push on through the delta of the Ghostlight Marsh feeding into the River Esk. North of the stone marker on the riverbank, Ghostlight Marsh is comprised of slow-moving streams, pools of stagnant water, and scattered hummocks of mud and waterlogged reeds. On average, the water is 4 feet deep and counts as deep bog, requiring 4 squares of movement to enter a square and providing cover to creatures in the bog.

To minimize spending too much time in the water, the PCs take a primarily northward track, though lean a little NNW to try to get from dryer patch to dryer patch. The party continues in this way NNW for about a thousand feet, slogging along. Then, from a distance away, the party sees a multiple, angry snake-like heads rising from a sleek, serpentine body of terrifying monstrosity some 20' long to the north, rising up out of the bog!

 Begin Round One ... 
 R1T28:  Both of Abenor's blades are in his hands in a flash defensively.   "Somebody smarter than me, please tell me what that is."  
 R1T20:   Kurst , what do you do?
Admyral
Kurst slogs 10 feet to the west and readies his bow, saying to Abenor,   "That is a terrifying monstrosity with multiple angry-looking snake heads."  
lostsole31
 R1T20:  Kurst slogs 10 feet to the west and readies his bow, saying to Abenor,   "That is a terrifying monstrosity with multiple angry-looking snake heads."  
 R1T17:    "That is a hydra, a magical beast of ancient myth,"   says Cici in awe.   "Be careful, it's long necks can bite at us from 10' away."  

She  quickly takes out a strip of boiled leather and casts a magical spell  that briefly illuminates a field of force around her before she puts  that leather away. She then moves forward 20' through the mud to get  ready to meet it.

 R1T16:  Galakhar quick draws  his rapier and gets into a narrow profile fighting stance. He swallows  down an extract and disappears from sight, though his voice gives him  away.   "I concur with the witch; 'tis a hydra indeed."  
 R1T15:   The hydra doesn't try to move along the bottom, but uses its long,  sinuous shape to swim quickly towards the walking feast in its  territory.

 R1T9:  Lucette squeaks in terror, hiding deeper in Cici's hood.

 R1T8:   Aasgar , what do you do?

Abenor on deck, Kurst in the hole ...
BuckGodot
Aasgar shifts his footing and realising he won't be able to close distance as well as the others, draws his axe.

Thinking for a second, he looks at his hands, then tries to slog west.


 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 

SwA: Golden Commander Stance: Grants allies w/in 30' that understand his shouts: Gain flanking with all adj. allies that are fighting the same foe.

SA: Draw weapon

MA: Move west 2 squares (pretty sure that's all he can do)

Reminders:
Get Behind Me (Ex): When he readies his maneuvers, he may treat 3 [INT] creatures as though they had the King's Castle feat. Designees: Kurst, Abenor, Cici

Blooded [Region]: +1 trait bonus on weapon damage rolls vs. giants, goblins, &amp; orcs.

Mystic Attunement: All allies w/in 60' of him gain a +5' enhancement bonus to their base land speed.
 
lostsole31
 R1T8:  Aasgar shifts his footing and realizing he won't  be able to close distance as well as the others, draws his axe. Thinking  for a second, he looks at his hands, then tries to slog west.   
 Spoiler: Inspiration 
 Red Zephyr's Strike 
 

 End Round One, Begin Round 2 ...

R2T28:   Abenor changes to his long-armed stance and lopes forward. He tries to  lunge from 10' away, but ends up dropping his katana in the slick mud  for his troubles when he attempted a very low cut. He now has just his  very short wakizashi in hand ... and gulps at the massive creature  heading his way.

 R2T20:   Kurst , what do do? Bow in hand.

Cici on deck, Galakhar in the hole ...
Admyral
Kurst will move closer to the beast closing the gap and fire an arrow at the creature.

 
 Spoiler: tech info 

MA: 10' N
SA: Longbow: ATK  (1d20+8)[ 22 ]  DAM  (1d8+2)[ 5 ] 
 
lostsole31
 R2T20:  Kurst closes the gap by moving closer to the beast before firing an arrow that easily hits the massive creature for  5 .

 R2T17:  Cici calls out,   "Kurst,  switch to your sword. You and Aasgar move up and start focusing on  cutting off the heads - the key to their fast healing. Galakhar, Abenor,  and I - attack the body."  

She starts to move  acrobatically north through the muck. One of the heads snaps at her as  she goes. She ends with a leaping kick into its body for  8 .

 R2T15:   The hydra sends two heads towards Cici, who was no in her  characteristic crane style in favor of something decidedly more  offensive, but now making her more vulnerable. Still, she proves adept  at defense when on the offensive as she dances around the heads. Another  two heads dart towards Abenor. While no longer possessing a windmill of  two flashing blades, Abenor deflects with one and dodges the other two.  As this is happening, the hydra's wounds begin to close rapidly (  FH5  ).

 R2T8:   Aasgar,  what do you do?

Abenor on deck, Kurst in the hole ...
BuckGodot
Aasgar moves north as far as he can and begins calling out tactical support to his allies.

 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 
MA: Move north 2 squares

SwA: Defending the Pride: Grant all allies w/in 60' a +4 morale bonus to AC for 1 rd.




Reminders:

Golden Commander Stance: Grants allies w/in 30' that understand his shouts: Gain flanking with all adj. allies that are fighting the same foe.

Get Behind Me (Ex): When he readies his maneuvers, he may treat 3 [INT] creatures as though they had the King's Castle feat. Designees: Kurst, Abenor, Cici

Blooded [Region]: +1 trait bonus on weapon damage rolls vs. giants, goblins, &amp; orcs.

Mystic Attunement: All allies w/in 60' of him gain a +5' enhancement bonus to their base land speed.
 
lostsole31
 R2T8:  Aasgar moves north as far as he can and begins calling out tactical support to his allies.  
 Spoiler: Inspiration 
 Warning roar .
 

 End Round 2, Begin Round 3 ...

R3T28:    Abenor disappears from his current point, reappearing instantly  adjacent to the hydra's NW. He slashes with Kyadrimme along the  monster's body for  15 .

 R3T20:   Kurst , what do you do?

Cici on deck, Galakhar in the hole ...
Admyral
Kurst will reply,   "Good thinking, Cici!"   and will move towards the creature and take another shot with his bow.

 
 Spoiler: Tech Info 

MA: 10' N
Longbow: ATK:  (1d20+8)[ 27 ]  DAM: (1d8+2)[ 7 ] 
 
lostsole31
 R3T20:  Kurst will reply,   "Good thinking, Cici!"   and will move towards the creature and take another shot with his bow, striking the center body for  7 .

 R3T17:   Cici tries to carefully move north, but it is hard in this bog and a  hydra's head comes at her. She just barely manages to bat it away and  get into position within the muddy-thickened water. She tries to cast a  spell carefully, but the threatening heads and unfamiliar bog water  throws her off and her spell is ruined.

 R3T16:  The monster roars in pain, as Galakhar - now visible again - had struck its body for  15 .

 R3T15:   The hydra sends two heads towards Abenor, two heads towards Galakhar,  and one head at Cici .... but all attacks are dodged or deflected.

 R3T8:   Aasgar , what do you do?

Abenor on deck, Kurst in the hole ...
BuckGodot
Aasgar rushes as far as he can slog on his mighty dwarven legs and lets out a bellow.

 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 
Double move 20' North

SwA: Encouraging Roar [GL1-B, SwA, Allies w/in 30' +2 morale attk/ dmg]

Reminders:

Golden Commander Stance: Grants allies w/in 30' that understand his shouts: Gain flanking with all adj. allies that are fighting the same foe.

Get Behind Me (Ex): When he readies his maneuvers, he may treat 3 [INT] creatures as though they had the King's Castle feat. Designees: Kurst, Abenor, Cici

Blooded [Region]: +1 trait bonus on weapon damage rolls vs. giants, goblins, &amp; orcs.

Mystic Attunement: All allies w/in 60' of him gain a +5' enhancement bonus to their base land speed
 
lostsole31
 R3T8:  Aasgar rushes as far as he can slog on his mighty  dwarven legs and lets out a bellow. As he does so, a head whips out at  him and misses wildly as Aasgar just hunkers down more. The exertion is  too much for the massive beast as it exhausts itself from its wounds and  trying to fight so many more creatures than it has ever had to before  in its life.  
 Spoiler: Inspiration 
 Scything strike 
 

 End Round 3, Begin Round 4 ...

R4T28:    It's definitely not his best attack, but with flanking and Aasgar's war  cry, Abenor somehow still manages to make a clumsy attack strike true  into the creature's body even as the light from his wakizashi flares a  ghostly blue. (His katana  Kyadrimme  can glow blue on command, but  Ileor   - his wakizashi - does not normally glow. This glow seems related to  his martial skill rather than the weapon.) His strike does  19 +  7 force   as the blade simply passes past the monster's scales. The exhausted hydra drops.    "Don't relent!"    he shouts.

 R4T20:   Kurst , what do you do?

Cici on deck, Galakhar in the hole ...
Admyral
Kurst drops his bow and moves towards the creature while drawing his sword and shield. He slices and bashes at whatever still seems to be moving on the injured beast.

 
 Spoiler: tech info 

MA: 5'N, 5'NW
SA: Longsword: ATK  (1d20+5)[ 9 ]  DAM  (1d8+2)[ 4 ] 
Shield Bash: ATK[T]  (1d20+4)[ 10 ]  DAM  (1d3+4)[ 6 ] 
 
lostsole31
 R4T20:  Kurst drops his bow and moves towards the creature while drawing his  sword and shield. He slices at whatever still seems to be  moving on the injured beast, lightly cutting it for  4 .

 R4T17:   Cici repositions north for safety. And with arcane power lets loose  with a 15-foot fan of flames that washes over body and heads of the  hydra. The creature is now officially deceased, and no more healing  seems to avail it.

 Combat Ends! 
Admyral
  "Is this the type of beast to naturally live in a bog?"   Kurst says.   "Perhaps it is guarding something. I think we should search the area."  
BuckGodot
Aasgar slogs over to the rest of the group...   "I'm... here... What are... whoof... What are we talking about? I agree with whatever..."   he says between panting breaths.
lostsole31
Abenor retrieves  Ileor  from the boggy water.

A search of the general area is conducted, and something like a "lair" is found on a mild hillcok, but other than the remains of past meals, there is nothing of value among the remains.
Admyral
Kurst says,   "We should continue our will-o-wisp hunt, I suppose."   He checks his bow for any damage from the water and stows it.   "Hopefully there are no more hydras lurking about."  
lostsole31
With Abenor more in the lead, the party continues mostly north, more along the western "bank" of this small delta of the marsh, for another 400 yards or so before reaching an old wooden bridge that traverses the stream you've more or less splashed in on and off. The old trail goes east-west across the north-south running stream.

What do you want to do at this point?
BuckGodot
Aasgar is in favour of the drier direction.
lostsole31
Aasgar notes that while a swamp is a swamp, he is pointing to go east.

Abenor settles into his hunting stance and shakes his head.   "That eastward path seems to slide a little south. Besides, I am smelling things this way."    He takes a few whiffs of the air.   "It is distant and old, but definitely blood a day or two old. And .... something fragrant, not of the swamp and not a flower. We should go west, and it seems to take its way a little more north ... which is the general direction we know we need, anyway."  

Not having any reason to doubt his friend, that is what happens, this time with Abenor clearly in the lead in his  Running Hunter's Stance , the martial stance that makes him faster but also heightens his olfactory sense. The western path very quickly heads north for about 200 yards to another footbridge. The path after the second footbridge heads northeast for ~250 yards to yet another old footbridge.

The path after this heads NNE, then NNW for a total run of about 400 yards to another old footbridge.   "I smell a cooking fire,"   Abenor says, this time more cautiously as he follows the path, which follows NE for only a little over a hundred yards before yet another footbridge.

The path after this footbridge heads west into a thick copse of trees, with the old path ending at the trees.

  "Cautious now,"   says Abenor, still in his stance.   "Make preparations for unknown now, but recognize if you cast any spells or use showy magic, we will be revealed from whomever is deeper in that copse."  

Do you do anything to prepare? Do you have anything in hand, or go weaponless to seem less threatening?
BuckGodot
Aasgar figures that a large group suddenly approaching your campfire is going to be intimidating anyway, so he quietly draws his axe to add to the overall effect.
lostsole31
The path reappears briefly and then cuts north. The ground becomes a bit firmer on this section of path (and difficult off the very pale section that is the same color as the path). There to the north, hovering over a moldering fire is a red-haired dwarven female. A crudely-erected tent is nearby.

Abenor turns around and looks at Aasgar with a mischievous eyebrow and smile.   "So, you are still currently our talker, right? You should go and talk."   😁
BuckGodot
Aasgar rolls his eyes at Abenor and peeks around at the dwarf trying to size her up before putting his axe away.

He clears his throat and as he slowly walks forward into the light of the fire and stops with his hands out and away from his weapons saying,   "Greetings and well met. I am Aasgar Axewielder. We are 5 weary travelers and I see you have some space about your fire. May we approach and enjoy the safety of the light and the company of a new acquaintance?"   
lostsole31
The dwarven woman looks at Aasgar with a look of shock at first. Then,  as he continues speaking, she sees several more people way down the way.  As Aasgar wraps up his speech, her shock, which had turned a little to  fear, now turns to unbridled rage, shivering with vitriol as she stands  to her full height of 4'7" (a giantess among dwarves) and unstraps and  readies her finely crafted dwarven waraxe.    "You'll ... never ... take me ... alive.  YOU FILTHY, BEARDLESS, POETRY-READING, GREENSKINS!"   
 Begin Round One ...

R1T25:  Cici bolts in a hustle to stand behind Aasgar, her waveblade in hand.   "Just stand down you mutant rock-kisser! This here's Aasgar Axewielder, hero of Trunau ... and his friends!"
  
 R1T21:   Kurst , you heard something about "greenskins" but it looks like a fight is about to break out. What do you do?
Admyral
Kurst moves towards the impending battle as quickly as he can while drawing his sword and shield.
lostsole31
 R1T21:  Kurst moves towards the impending battle as quickly as he can while drawing his sword and shield.

 R1T18:   Aasgar , what do you do?
BuckGodot
Aasgar shifts his footing and draws his axe before shouting in his most authoritative voice,   "STOP!!! I DON'T KNOW WHO YOU THINK WE ARE, BUT WE ARE THE HEROES OF TRUNAU AND WILL STRIKE YOU DOWN IF YOU CONTINUE!"   followed by a roar.

 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 
SwA: Golden Commander Stance: Grants allies w/in 30' that understand his shouts: Gain flanking with all adj. allies that are fighting the same foe.

SA: Draw weapon

Intimidate

Encouraging Roar [GL1-B, SwA, Allies w/in 30' +2 morale attk/ dmg]

Reminders:
Get Behind Me (Ex): When he readies his maneuvers, he may treat 3 [INT] creatures as though they had the King's Castle feat. Designees: Kurst, Abenor, Cici

Blooded [Region]: +1 trait bonus on weapon damage rolls vs. giants, goblins, &amp; orcs.

Mystic Attunement: All allies w/in 60' of him gain a +5' enhancement bonus to their base land speed.
 
lostsole31
 R1T18:  Aasgar shifts his footing and draws his axe before shouting in his most authoritative voice,    "STOP!!! I DON'T KNOW WHO YOU THINK WE ARE, BUT WE ARE THE HEROES OF TRUNAU AND WILL STRIKE YOU DOWN IF YOU CONTINUE!"    followed by a roar to punctuate his shout. 
 Spoiler: Inspiration 
 Scything Strike .
 

 R1T17:  Abenor hustles to get next to Abenor.

 R1T15:  Galakhar hustles to move closer.

 R1T11:    "I've heard of Trunau. The free folk live there.  And you orcs are heroes of Trunau? That means Trunau has fallen?!  I shall avenge them against you! "     she laments before returning to anger and charging Aasgar. Her finely  crafted dwarven waraxe bites Aasgar's right thigh, though the wound  doesn't seem to show.

 R1T9:  Lucette squeaks in terror at such ferocity and hides in Cici's hood.

 R1T0:   "Hello! Hello, I say out there!"  comes a voice shouting from within the makeshift tend.  "If  it wouldn't be too much trouble, can you please untie me that I might  help subdue my mentally meandering mate? We fought a green hag and  through a curse she suffered a psychotic break, I fear." 
 End Round One, Begin Round 2 ...

R2T25:  Cici stares at the dwarf, but is unsurprised when the dwarf's hardiness is proof against her own witchery.

 R2T21:   Kurst , what do you do?

Aasgar on deck, Abenor in the hole ...
lostsole31
 R2T21:  Kurst hustles to get up to the dwarves.

 R2T18:   Aasgar , what do you do?

Abenor on deck, Galakhar in the hole ...
BuckGodot
Aasgar focuses his attentions on her again, saying   "STAND DOWN! WE DO NOT WISH TO HARM YOU!"  
 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 

SA?: Using White Rider's Sash with 1E added for bonus intimidation attempt.
[60' cone of birght light. +2 Intimidate] 1E = +5' cone &amp; +1 Intimidate.

SwA: Defending the Pride: Grant all allies w/in 60' a +4 morale bonus to AC for 1 rd.




Reminders:
Get Behind Me (Ex): When he readies his maneuvers, he may treat 3 [INT] creatures as though they had the King's Castle feat. Designees: Kurst, Abenor, Cici

Blooded [Region]: +1 trait bonus on weapon damage rolls vs. giants, goblins, &amp; orcs.

Mystic Attunement: All allies w/in 60' of him gain a +5' enhancement bonus to their base land speed.
 
lostsole31
 R2T18:  Aasgar focuses his attentions on her again, saying   "STAND DOWN! WE DO NOT WISH TO HARM YOU!"   As  he does so, Aasgar's eyes glow a brilliant white ... so powerful that  an actual cone of light extends forth over the dwarven woman. She does  seem a little taken aback by this.

After Aasgar makes that intimidating display, his wounds begin to show ( 14 DDP ). 
 Spoiler: Inspiration 
 Warning roar .
 

 R2T17:  Abenor enters his  Inner Sphere Stance   as he quick draws his blades and tumbles around to the other side of  the dwarf from Aasgar. He is still close enough to give Aasgar and Kurst  defensive directions. He then strikes singularly with his katana. One  of the things that's easily forgotten about Abenor - as he hasn't lifted  a finger to save the life of the many orcs that you have slaughtered to  get here - is that as a worshiper of Sarenrae, the goddess of  redemption and healing, Abenor knows a holy combat art known as the  "Blade of Mercy" that is designed to be more easily subdue an opponent  without lasting injury. He uses this in combination with his strange  elven martial arts and hits the woman aside the head with his blade for  11 mod NL +  7 NL force  .

 R2T15:   Galakhar takes an extract and disappears from view. The flap of the  tent unsettles for a second, and then Galakhar's voice is heard from  inside the tent.   "She has a prisoner, so she doesn't kill everything. It's a half-elven male that has worked his gag loose."  
 R2T11:   Outside, the dwarven woman recovers from her charge. She unbelts a  masterwork handaxe to complement her masterwork dwarven waraxe and steps  out of flank position. She attacks Aasgar with extra force and her  larger axe starts to bite into his armor, but last minute advice from  Abenor keeps the axe from biting deep enough to score the fleshy inside  of Aasgar's can.

 R2T0:   Phaevin Sylquinal ,  you hear the battle outside, and it was you who tried to tell whomever  it was of the issues as you had previously worked your gag free. You  don't see anyone, and yet you saw the tent flap open and shut  momentarily, and then a man's voice call out from inside the tent with  you. You are hogtied right now (arms and legs) and helpless/ immobile.  What do you do?

 End Round 2, Begin Round 3 ...

 Cici on deck, Kurst in the hole ...
Admyral
  "I say, hello? I'm afraid I am somewhat indisposed for proper cordiality."   Phaevin continues,   "Hello? Perhaps you could help me with these bindings? They are a tad tight."  
lostsole31
 R2T0:    "I say, hello? I'm afraid I am somewhat indisposed for proper cordiality."   Phaevin continues,   "Hello? Perhaps you could help me with these bindings? They are a tad tight."  
 End Round 2, Begin Round 3 ...

R3T25:    "Aasgar,  Kurst .... if you are worried about your ability to do nonlethal  combat, then help or protect those of us who are so trained,"    says Cici as she takes an indirect route through the mud to get to the  dwarven woman. She gives a quick side kick to the side of the dwarf's  right knee for  8 mod NL . While not really injurious, it was right at a critical nerve point that causes intense pain. The stranger is  stunned  and drops her axes onto the ground as her hands clench and unclench involuntarily from the pain.

 R3T21:  Kurst comes around the far side of Cici from the south and fails to bull rush her back into the center of the cleared area.

 R3T18:   Aasgar , what do you do?

Abenor on deck, Galakhar in the hole ...
BuckGodot
Aasgar looks down and shakes his head in frustration before bringing his axe to bear against this foe. He begins yelling out tactical suggestions to his allies.

 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 


SwA: Defending the Pride: Grant all allies w/in 60' a +4 morale bonus to AC for 1 rd.

Attack action w/ Risky Strike(Non-Lethal):  (1d20+13)[ 22 ] 

Damage:  (1d12+16)[ 20 ] 

IA: King's Castle - when a foe makes a melee attack vs. ally w/ this feat who is no &gt; from him than half his land speed, he can move up to half his speed directly towards the ally. This movement provokes AOOs.
*  As long as he ends this movement adjacent to the targeted ally, he may take the attack in their place.
  **  The attack is resolved as though he were the original target of the attack, comparing the attack roll to his defenses and dealing damage as appropriate. Designees: Kurst, Abenor, Cici




Reminders:
Get Behind Me (Ex): When he readies his maneuvers, he may treat 3 [INT] creatures as though they had the King's Castle feat. Designees: Kurst, Abenor, Cici

Blooded [Region]: +1 trait bonus on weapon damage rolls vs. giants, goblins, &amp; orcs.

Mystic Attunement: All allies w/in 60' of him gain a +5' enhancement bonus to their base land speed.
 
lostsole31
 R3T18:  Aasgar begins yelling out tactical  suggestions to his allies. He looks down and shakes his head in frustration before bringing his  axe to bear against this foe, carefully hammering her left shoulder with the side of his axe for  19 mod NL . 
 Spoiler: Inspiration 
 Red Zephyr's Strike 
 

 R3T17:  Abenor continues to adjust stance for the situation. He steps up and blade slaps her in the chest for  18 mod NL  with his katana, but with his wakizashi he cuts her armor straps for  20 mod NL + movement reduced 10' + ACP doubled until fixed . He then backs that up with another blade slap to her intercostals but does more injury than expected as he does  6 mod NL + 19 mod (lethal) + 2 DEX .  She falls down, unmoving.

 Combat Ends! 

Within the tent, an invisible force unties Phaevin, and Phaevin can collect his stuff that is in a messy pile in the tent.
BuckGodot
  "Let's get her tied up before she comes around. Anybody got any rope?"   asks Aasgar as he moves her weapons away from her.
lostsole31
Galakhar comes out, leading the newcomer (who has recently re-garbed himself) and says,   "I don't know, I have this in my alchemy kit. Would this help?"  
 
 Spoiler: What he shows Aasgar 
 
 
BuckGodot
Aasgar rolls his eyes at Gal and then reaches into his backpack extracting rope. He begins to hogtie the dwarf assailant.
lostsole31
  "Who are you?"   asks Cici asks of the man with elven features and a funny hat.
Admyral
Turning towards Cici, and removing his hat with an exaggerated bow.   "Milady, and to all my rescuers, greetings!"  , Phaevin says.   "I am 'FEE-vin', collector of songs and stories."   He strums a chord on the Lyre hanging from a cord on his backpack, then lets it go to swing back into place behind him.   "I was a sailor until my shipmates decided on a more... nefarious... path. So I have become a wanderer of sorts."  

Bowing again he says,   "I appreciate whomever used their wizardry to release me."  
  "You look like a capable and intrepid band. And while I commend your timing, what brings you to this wretched swamp?"  
BuckGodot
  ”Whoa, there fella. We’re asking the questions… you answer some first and then we’ll consider answering yours… Who is this person and why did she have you tied up?”   Aasgar asks, gesturing at the now secure dwarf.
lostsole31
Galakhar appears from nowhere and says,   "That would be me,"   from behind Phaevin, causing the lutist to give a very unmanly whimper.

Phaevin begins to tell his story. Make no mistake, there is probably a lot more embellishment and unnecessary detail that needed, but here is the nut of what he has to share that is salient to current circumstances....

A few weeks ago, a pair of dwarf siblings, Ingrahild and Umlo Nargrymkin, entered Ghostlight Marsh in search of the tomb of their ancestor, the giantslayer Nargrym Steelhand. Unfortunately, Phaevin now believes that they might be hundreds of miles away from the real location of their kin’s final resting place, likely in the Mindspin Mountains—likely having confused stories of this place with those of Nargrym’s tomb. Accompanied by a trio of hired mercenaries, Phaevin and two others, the dwarves stumbled upon the druidic circle of standing stones, and were ambushed by a coven of green hags and their marsh giant bodyguard. Although the two mercenaries were killed, Phaevin knocked unconscious, and the dwarf siblings were driven insane by a  bestow curse  cast by the coven, the group did manage to kill two of the three green hags, effectively destroying the coven. The surviving hag, Ewigga, retreated deeper into the swamp, while the schizophrenic dwarves wandered off into the swamp and became separated, having thoughtlessly left Phaevin behind.

When Phaevin awoke, not being a survivalist, he was terrified to find himself alone and saw Umlo at a distance. as he approached, Umlo was captured by an orc raiding party and taken away. Not foolish enough to give chase, he south to find the sister and with luck, managed to see Ingrahild alone in Ghostlight Marsh, aimlessly searching for her lost brother. Diplomacy failed, she mistook him for an orc spy, and knocked him unconscious. Her intention was to torture him so he would give loud, (p)orcine cries that might bring more orcs to the raggedy camp she created so she could kill more orcs, and get a clue as to where her brother might be.

The worst part of it, is that Phaevin happens to know that the very (possible, because it's not guaranteed) cure to Ingrahild's affliction is on her belt. She has a potion of bestow curse that she purchased because supposedly her ancestor's tomb included some ancient curse.

[/fin]
BuckGodot
Aasgar will look over the dwarf, specifically her belt, to find said potion.
lostsole31
Aasgar will find a small vial on the unconscious dwarf's belt. There is a thick, pink liquid inside that seems to bubble lightly, even though it is capped and not warm.
BuckGodot
Aasgar takes the vial and holds it up asking,   "Would this be the potion in question?"  
lostsole31
Phaevin (since the player might not know) nods his head.
BuckGodot
  ”Right then. Should we give it to her? Knowing she needs it for her quest? But without taking it, she can’t complete her goal… so… thoughts?”  
lostsole31
Cici holds out her hand to Aasgar, obviously signaling a request he should hand the potion to her.
BuckGodot
Aasgar hands the potion over.
lostsole31
Cici in turn hands it to Galakhar.   "Can you verify it for us?"  

Galakhar looks at it, holds it up to the light of the sun to slowly turn the vial and see how it coats the inside of the vial. He studies it for about a minute.   "Definitely a  remove curse . This is in the style of a couple of the dwarves that moonlight at the carbauxine shops in Riddleport, which goes into making this particular brew. It gives it a certain type of acidic taste, and though carbauxine gas is colorless, is related to the pink color after distillation. Unfortunately, it's not a guarantee. And as a potion, you're not assuring maximum benefit of a better spellcaster, but dealing with the least possible efficacy ... but it's still true. It also tells me she was in Riddleport for some reason."  

He hands it back to Cici, and Cici then bends down to carefully and slowly administer it to the unconscious Ingrahild.

She stands up to look at the others.   "Now, we wait to see if it took effect."  
BuckGodot
Aasgar looks at Cici and steps to her side...   "How long do you think it will take? Oh... and do you have any more of that healing stuff? I'm still kind of banged up..."   
lostsole31
  "We'll know when she awakes, I guess, but if it succeeded it took effect as soon as the last of it was down her throat,"   Cici replies.

She does a check of the camp.   "Sorry, Aasgar, but you're a buff boy. Kurst is far more wounded still from the fight with the orcs earlier. And both of you are the only ones I used my healing hex on already."  

She takes out her healing wand and touches Kurst with it for   6 healing  , and then again for   3 healing  . She will tap Aasgar once with the wand for   3 healing  . She then gives a report on the health status of the party: Aasgar (~80%) and Kurst (~70%).

  "So, before I use any more healing from a wand that doesn't recover,"   she says,   "we need to figure out whether we want to continue today or not. Do we leave Mr. Sylquinal and sleeping beauty here and wish them well while I use as much as my wand as possible so we cover as much ground as possible today? or, do we bivouac here and take a more thoughtful approach as we look for the remains of the Council of Thorns?"  
BuckGodot
  "I believe we could all do with some rest. Let's keep her secured until we know if the potion worked and make our determinations after we recover. Are we all agreed?"   Aasgar says looking at each person.
lostsole31
The NPCs all agree, and then everyone turns their head in perfect synchronicity towards Phaevin.
Admyral
  "Well,"   Phaevin says with calculated sheepishness,   "I think leaving her tied is a very good plan indeed."  

Turning to Cici,   "Fee-vin, please.     Mr. Sylquinal is my father, who taught me all my great jokes!" 
 "Biv-Wak?"   he asks trying to get his mouth around the odd unknown word. 
 "If that means camp for the night, then it might also be a good plan. The swamp seems to fill with all manner of nastiness after sundown."


  
lostsole31
So, the party will camp for the night, but surely you will post watches given the dangers of the swamp.

What are watch rotation recommendations?  Remember that Cici (and as you will discover Phaevin) is an arcane caster, and so shouldn't have a midwatch to allow them to rest well for spells.
BuckGodot
Aasgar would like the middle watch if no one else objects…
lostsole31
Very briefly after Aasgar takes the watch, Ingrahild seems to shift from unconsciousness to sleep (which are very different states of non-consciousness), and she snores softly.

The rest of the watches go by uneventfully, but there is a faint dinging above Galakhar the Grey's head!
 

    WEALDAY, 17 PHARAST 4715 AR (WANING CRESCENT)  
 Weather:  75/ 55 F. Light rain (1/2"). Dry.   

That morning, do you change anything on your dailies?
lostsole31
Aasgar's akashic discovery begins, as always, by flushing all current veils upon him and meditating for 30 minutes.

He then reforms the same gloves as before, as his mind leads him to the last possible configuration. This time, the "energy" is a corrosive one, breaking down materials at an unseen level and deconstituting materials.
 
 Spoiler: Unlock New Aspect of Minor Veil 
Unlocked:   Gloves of Lashing Elements  . As before, but now he has unlocked the acid version, which is the final version to unlock of his minor veil.
 

Concentrating on the chakra at his midsection, Aasgar is subconsciously reminded that the dwarves came from underground, and very often overlooked are the common enemies, allies, and sources of food below the earth - vermin (as in invertebrates with chitinous outer shells, like insects, arachnids, and the like). Drawing on the primal connection to the earth and those oft-ignored creatures, a pair of wicked arms ending in giant pincers sprout forth from his waist. These pincers pulse with lethal intent, while also suggesting stability in movement.
 
 Spoiler: Unlock Veil 
Unlocked:   Pincer Arms   from Belt chakra.
 

Next, from his wrists Aasgar's mental wanderings are taken to memory of his people working with metals from meteorites - starmetals. He forms bracers that seem to gleam in the same manner as some unknown variant of these starmetals, in particular, to protect him against electrical discharges. With enough energy invested, he could choose another form of energy to protect himself from, and on later occasions when he would shape this again, he could likewise use a different energy as the base resistance source, amping up with essentia to protect against variant forms as well.
 
 Spoiler: Unlock Veil 
Unlocked:   Star Metal Bracers   from Wrist chakra. He knows about all energy forms right off the bat, but his mental guidance brought him to prepare electricity for today.
 

 Aasgar , which of the following unlocked minor veils do you wish to provide yourself for today (see Discord)?
lostsole31
Finally, Aasgar makes the same circlet he had made before to protect the fallen members of his company.

Morning routine complete, now ... to check on Ingrahild. Who is going to do that? Mind you, for safety's sake she had to be tied up "just in case."
Admyral
Phaevin checks on  Ingrahild, making sure she is comfortable, but also that her bindings have not worked themselves loose.    "Good Morning, Aasgar,"    he says politely.    "What manner of adventure will your merry band be undertaking today,"    he continues,    "and... perhaps more importantly, what may I do to assist?"  
BuckGodot
Aasgar watches Pavement very closely while he's checking on Angryhild.

After assuring no shenanigans, he will, ignoring the man's inquiry, cross back to the others...

To Abenor he asks,   "If this cure didn't take... Well... We obviously can't just leave her out here tied up... I'm not sure how far it is to the nearest village and I don't trust the little guy to be able to handle her... I'm open to suggestions."  
lostsole31
  "That's a long, difficult, walk back with her in a litter as we try to drag through mud and the like,"   says Abenor,   "as otherwise I would say take her back to the keelboat. But if she IS cray-cray, I am sure the captain isn't going to want to deal with her anyway. As it is, neither of them are part of the deal, and that's a different matter."  

He turns to Galakhar.   "Galakhar? You think you can get her in conversation enough to determine if she is still seeing all greenskins at a garden party?"  

Galakhar nods.   "I am confident that I can ferret out the truth."  
  "If nothing else,"   says Kurst,   "I can stay with her while maintaining the camp if you don't want to take the chance. I am sorry, Galakhar, but too many stories of the mad seeming normal abound. She might be fine  now  only for something to snap and she is back to being all murdery again."  
BuckGodot
  "Galakhar, see what you can do. Kurst, you'll be in charge of her until we're sure whether we can trust her or not."  
Admyral
   "A keelboat you say?!?"   , Phaevin says a little too excitedly.   "Perhaps,"   he continues more calmly,   "I could barter passage with the captain to a more... civilized location?"   Raising his hands and shrugging his shoulders he says,   "It would appear my current employment is a bust, and the prospect of heading back on foot is not that agreeable."  
lostsole31
Galakhar nods and goes to talk with the subdued dwarven female.

Kurst nods and begins making the camp more amenable to him.

The Kellid woman looks to Phaevin.   "Oh. Oooh. Tss. Yeah, no. The captain is a businessman, but you'll have a long wait to go to civilized lands. See, since you've been getting muddy in a swamp for profit, orcs have attacked Trunau. Intelligence states there might be more at work going on, and we're here in Ghostlight Marsh looking for will-o'-wisps who are ghosts of druids who are helping us in what now appears to be a war effort.

"Oh, you can scurry back to the keelboat .. if you can find it in the swamp, what with ... what was it we fought yesterday, Abenor?"
  
  "Hydra."  
  
"... yeah, hydras and whatever fell beasties are here. Or, you can throw in your lot with us and help the good people of Trunau throw off the impending yoke of doom as delivered by orcs. But that keelboat won't be leaving for  anywhere  civilized anytime soon. But that's okay, because you can handle yourself on a long overland trek through trackless marsh and river grasses, right?"  
Admyral
The mirth and smile visibly drain from Phaevin's face, and his already pale skin flushes even more.   "Trunau? Orcs? I... I didn't know."   Looking back over the swamp in the direction (he assumes) is the city.   "I know people there, made friends."   Turning back towards the group, and addressing Cici in a cold, serious tone.   "I'll join the search, if you'll have me."  
lostsole31
  "Sounds good to me,"   says Abenor, looking briefly at Aasgar.   "Tell me, with what skills do you consider yourself well acquitted?"  
Admyral
With a deep bow, Pheavin says in sing-song,   " ♫  I'm very well  ♪  acquainted with  ♬  all matters mathematical;  ♬  I understand equations,  ♫  both the simple and  ♪  quadratical..."  

Pausing, he sheepishly smiles and says   "I guess you haven't heard that one."  

Switching to a more serious tone, he continues,   "I am quite adept putting arrows and fencing blades into those that require puncturing, and I have a certain talent for getting into and out of places that others don't want me in and out of. I also have a bit of diplomatic flair from my time working at my sister's inn."  
  "Oh! And I have a touch of magic to assist with injuries and such when the need arises."  
BuckGodot
Aasgar looks skeptical but nods to Abenor.

  "Before we go anywhere, let's see what Galakhar determines."  

Turning to the new man, he says,   "Perhaps as a gesture of thanks for saving you and a demonstration of teamwork, you would be willing help me with these bruises and scrapes?"  
lostsole31
Galakhar is still quietly talking with Ingrahild.

 Phaevin , it seems that the dwarf is referring to wounds he has. What do you do?
Admyral
  "Oh, of course! Now..."   With a strong look of straining to remember something long forgotten, Pheavin raises his hands and starts to gesture saying shakily,   "Let's see if I remember how to do this..."  

Dropping the ruse, and giving the dwarf a sly smile, he confidently casts healing magic to mend the wounds.

 
 Spoiler: Tech Info 

Cast Cure Moderate Wounds on Aasgar  (2d8+5)[ 9 ] 
 
lostsole31
The above occurs, and finally Galakhar steps to the group and says,   "I confidently believe that the elixir removed the hag's curse."  
BuckGodot
Crossing to the dwarf (as opposed to "Crossing the Dwarf", an ancient game played by children throughout the region), Aasgar says,   "Your... er... companion here, has opted to join our quest. I don't know if Galakhar has told you anything about it, but if you wish to confer with Mr. Feely... Er... Freegle... Feedme... before making a decision about what you will do... Just be advised that given the nature of your past... actions... We have chosen to assign a watcher to you, should you choose to join us. At least until we're 100 percent sure you are of your own mind again."  
lostsole31
  "I need time to be sure my wits are still about me and to rest, and your dark-haired warrior has already agreed to watch me at this camp,"   she says. She then looks to Sleevin Philquinal(?).   "Our mission is a failure. My personal mission now is the recovery of my brother once I am well enough to travel. Your employment with the sad scions of Nargrymkin is at an end, and you are free to do as you will, and whom you will."  
Admyral
  "I... uh... don't suppose I could get some of the money I'm owed?"  , Phaevin says, immediately regretting it.   "I'm truly sorry that your brother and the quest are lost."  

He shakes his head and turns away from  Ingrahild. Speaking out to the swamp and nobody in particular.    "It was my sister... well half-sister, that gave me this name. Whenever I would pinch slices of bread or meat, and later ale and mead, she would feign disgust and call me a  'Thievin' Bastard' , but with her accent it sounded like  'Feevin' ..."   

Turning back to the group and removing his hat, Phaevin continues,    "See! She even wrote it in Elven inside my hat! Closest spelling I could figure out in Taldane was P-H-A-E-V-I-N, and I have to admit, it's fun to have people trip over pronouncing it."   
 
lostsole31
  "Absolutely,"   says Ingrahild.   "We promised you a cut of the treasure earned, and you took that to be a likely better haul than any wage we could actually afford, so ...... 33-1/3% of nothing is .....?"  
Admyral
  "Ah, of course, it was crass of me to suggest it, please accept my apologies,"   Pheavin says.
  "I hope you have a safe journey back."  
*&lt;Dwarvish   "May all your mines be filled with gold and pockets lined with gems."  &gt;*
lostsole31
She gets a sly smile and says in Dwarven,   &lt;*"And may the trees hug you back and your beard grow in."*&gt;  
BuckGodot
Aasgar rolls his eyes at the two of them and turns away.   "If everyone is ready to go?"  
lostsole31
The NPCs are ready to go.  Aasgar is by the question.   Phaevin ?
Admyral
Pheavin replies,   "As an old sea captain friend of mine, Admiral Curq, was fond of saying;     ' May the wind be at our backs! '"  
BuckGodot
Aasgar looks at him, raises an eyebrow and says,   ”Fascinating…”   before turning to gather his gear.
lostsole31
  "Before you go,"   says Ingrahild.   "Phaevin, show him where we found the strange floating light. Galakhar told me your band was looking for something like that."  

Phaevin, you and the other two dwarves had encountered a will-o'-wisp, also known in some places as a witchlight, but you heard stories that they lead lost travelers in swamp to a soggy death, so you had the group avoid the area. It is to the northeast, and you would remember how to get there.

Aasgar, if you remember, the idea is to get a will-o'-wisp - who supposedly are the spirits of the druids of the Vault of Thorns - to enter your  ghostlight lantern  to help find the Vault of Thorns.

Does the party head where Phaevin can guide you to a place where a will-o'-wisp was last seen, or do something else?
BuckGodot
Aasgar nods his agreement and gestures for Phoebe to lead on…
lostsole31
It starts out following a brook north until it curves down, and then the party splits from there to push through thick swampy forests, but without as much streams and brooks as before .... just a lot of mud and puddles and the smell of death and decay. Finally, the party enters a clearing to the northeast.

 Aasgar , where do you currently have the  ghostlight lantern ?
BuckGodot
Normally stowed in the backpack. But I feel like once we ventured into the swamp, he would take it out to have it ready.
lostsole31
 Surprise Round ...

  S16:  A  bright flash followed by the crackle of static and electrical noise and  the smell of ozone as something of electricity hit Aasgar in his head (  12 mod electricity DDP  ).  Appearing right in front of Aasgar, a faintly glowing ball of light  hovers in the air, the nebulous image of what might be a skull visible  somewhere in its depths. A buzzing type of voice is heard, shouting in  Taldane,    "Thieves!"   
 Begin Round One ....

R1T22:  Cici casts  mage armor  on herself and looks at the assailant.   "Will-o-'wisp!"   she calls out.   "These things are fast and agile flyers."  
 R1T21:   Abenor instantly gets into his long arm stance as he draws his katana  out and strikes. The thing is damn fast, like Cici said, yet it looks  like Abenor's hit will connect until a similar charge of electricity  deflects his blade!

 R1T18:   Aasgar , what do you do?
BuckGodot
Aasgar shifts his footing, draws his axe, and then lashes out at the entity with it. If no one had been looking closely, they may be surprised to see two pincer-like arms coming from Aasgar's midsection that he also attacks with.


 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 


SwA: Golden Commander Stance: allies w/in 30' that understand his shouts gain flanking with all adj. allies that are fighting the same foe.

MA: Draw axe

SA: Attack w/ axe using Risky Strike:  (1d20+13)[ 21 ] 
Dmg:  (1d12+16)[ 19 ] 

SA: Attack 1 using Pincer Arms  (1d20+10)[ 17 ] 
Dmg:  (1d6+2)[ 4 ] 

SA: Attack 2 using Pincer Arms  (1d20+10)[ 11 ] 
Dmg:  (1d6+2)[ 6 ] 

Reminders:
Patient Counterpoint (Ex): During his turn, he gains a +4 [WIS] insight bonus to damage rolls whenever his DDP has points in it.

Mystic Attunement [Path of the Seer] (Su): All allies w/in 60' of him gain a +5' enhancement bonus to their base land speed.
 
lostsole31
 R1T18:  Aasgar shifts his footing, draws his axe, and then lashes out at the  entity with it, but misses as an electrical spark knocks his axe away from the witchlight. 
 Spoiler: Inspiration 
 Warning roar 
 

 R1T17:  Galakhar doesn't draw a weapon, but concentrates and then calls out,   "My  friends, I sense that our meeting with this creature is fortuitous, and  it merely defends itself. Perhaps it knows of Silvermane and we can  treat with it for our mission?"  
 R1T16:  The will-o'-wisp withdraws to a height of 15' .... out of reach of any weapons. Its buzzing voice is heard,    "Where did you get that?"   
 R1T13:   Phaevin , what do you do?
Admyral
  "What are we accused of stealing?  ", Phaevin says while showing the creature his empty, weaponless hands.   "Surely a discussion is better than a pointless battle."  
lostsole31
 R1T13:    "What are we accused of stealing?  ", Phaevin says while showing the creature his empty, weaponless hands.   "Surely a discussion is better than a pointless battle."  
  "The lantern!"  
 R1T12:  Lucette hides deeper in the folds of Cici's cowl.

 End Round One, Begin Round 2 ...

R2T22:  Cici says,   "We  are charged by Silvermane - formerly of the Council of Thorns - of the  town of Trunau to go to Ghostlight Marsh and seek out the Vault of  Thorns."  
 R2T21:  Abenor looks a little embarrassed.   "If I get this right, we were told to ask one of the spirits of the swamp - his fallen brothers - to enter the  ghostlight lantern  to help guide our way."  
 R2T18:   Aasgar , what do you do?

Galakhar on deck, Will-o'-wisp in the hole ...
BuckGodot
Aasgar will lower his axe and hold his action pending the beings response.
lostsole31
 Initiative Ends! 

The creature ceases its attack, and the ghostly image of a venerable human with a bushy beard appears within the creature's glow.   "I am Mossmoon, a former member of the Council of Thorns. Why are you in the swamp? Why do you seek help from the Council of Thorns? What is it you really seek beyond the Vault of Thorns?"  
BuckGodot
Aasgar bows low to the image and says,   "You honor us with your time and patience, if you have but a few moments we can recount the tale..."   and Aasgar will give a reasonable summary of the events that led them here...

  "If I've left anything out, Cici, would you be so kind as to fill in the spots I missed?"  
lostsole31
  "Sounded good to me,"   says Cici.   "All the important bits covered."  

Galakhar says,   "Well, yes, the important facts are there, but perhaps if we gave more of the story so that our new friend Mossmoon could understand the sociopo-"   and here he is interrupted by a firm, a very firm, hand on his shoulder and Abenor whispering to him,    "I am an elf, and even I have not the years for such details."   
  "Ahem, yes, right,"   Galakhar says.   "What the dwarf said."  
  "Follow me,"   says Mossmoon, which is always a dangerous thing when dealing with rushlights, but what can you do?

It leads them to another clearing in the marsh containing a strange collection of pale, spongy globes.

   "Dead will-o'wisps,"    whispers Galakhar with some level of respect.

Galakhar's solemn whisper is echoed in its buzzing way by Mossmoon, who informs the party that this is the resting place of the fallen members of the council.     "Aasgar Axewielder, bearer of the  ghostlight lantern , gently place one of my fallen siblings into the lantern."   
BuckGodot
Aasgar will look around and carefully select one. With solemn respect and care, he will benevolently place it in the lantern and close the door.
lostsole31
There is a larger one that stands out, surely a chieftain or one of the leaders among the druids to have been such a large will-o'-wisp.  Aasgar starts to put the willy-corpse into the lantern, and finds that it is difficult. A nervous smile crosses his face as he starts to press against the malforming, spongy body that still sticks out. Everyone is staring at a now-sweating Aasgar, who probably tries to cut the tense silence with a nervous laugh and goes back to trying to force the will-o'-wisp body into the lantern, all eyes upon him.

  "That-"   says a curt voice from Mossmoon,   "was sister Chatterchew. She was a gourmand and a large woman, who in turn was a larger will-o'-wisp. May I suggest one of our smaller members?"  

Aasgar now has to work to pull the rubbery-spongy corpse-o'-wisp out of the lantern, and "she" is just as difficult to extricate. Another nervous smile to all with an "I got this" vibe and Aasgar finally tears the corpse out, one half of the sphere dangling wanly to the other.

...
...
...

He daintily puts the mutilated corspe on the ground and pats it for good measure, before picking up a decidedly smaller corpse, placing it in the lantern.

As soon as he does, the lantern lights a lambent blue glow, with a directed beam of light to the west.
BuckGodot
Aasgar picks up the lantern and turns back to Mossmoon saying,   "Thank you for your guidance allowing us through. Is there any other insight you might be able to give regarding the vault before we press on?"  
Admyral
   "Is this a normal activity for your band to regularly engage in?"   , Phaevin whispers to Galakhar.
lostsole31
   "Aasgar Axewielder has been blessed by the gods with fantastic strength and fortitude,"    whispers back Galakhar.    "Alas, the universe seeks a balance."   

Mossmoon doesn't answer, and Aasgar follows the light leading the rest of the merry band through the swamp and to the west by northwest (according to Galakhar, and seconded by Abenor).

Finally, the group is led by the  lantern  to an area where a circle of monolithic standing stones surrounds a central menhir covered in a layer of thick, thorny vegetation. In all, eight formations surround the central stone: five intact trilithons and another three that have crumbled and partially sunk into the swamp’s soggy floor. A large pool gently bubbles to the northwest of the standing stones.

What do you do?
BuckGodot
  "Everyone fan out and look around. I'm unsure as to what we need to do here..."   and he moves into the circle.
lostsole31
As Aasgar moves towards the circle, Galakhar says,   "Stop. There's something on the other side of the central menhir that is hiding .... it's big."  
BuckGodot
Aasgar stops and draws his axe...
lostsole31
Galakhar says,   "If you'd like, I can hold the lantern while you put two hands towards a pressing problem."  
Admyral
Phaevin draws his bow and notches an arrow, slowly circling to the left scanning and maintaining his distance from the stone.
BuckGodot
Aasgar hands Galakhar the lantern and moves to the right to mirror Phaevins actions.
lostsole31
Phaevin is followed by Abenor and Cici, while Aasgar is followed by Galakhar and Mossmoon.

The  tension palpable, a creature stands up, now visible from the arc that  the PCs come in from. She has cold, black eyes that stare out from the  fish-like face of her hideous, green-skinned, web-fingered, gigantic  form. She must stand around 11' tall.

 Begin Round One ... 
 R1T26:   Phaevin ,  you instantly recognize her as the giant that helped the hag Ewigga.  You and the Nargrymkin siblings killed two of the hags, but the  remaining hag leader and her giant sent you all running, with Ingrahild  cursed with insanity. What do you do?
Admyral
  "It is not every day that one gets the chance to tie up a loose end!"   Phaevin drones in a mirthless singsong voice.

He positions himself to take a shot between the stones at the monster.

 
 Spoiler: Tech Info 

MA 10' W
Attack: Shortbow ATK:  (1d20+10)[ 20 ]  DAM:  (1d8+1)[ 6 ]  +  (1d6)[ 6 ]  fire
IF he hits, he will taunt,   "You have felt that flaming bite before, yes?"  
 
lostsole31
 R1T26:    "It is not every day that one gets the chance to tie up a loose end!"    Phaevin drones in a mirthless singsong voice. He positions himself to  take a shot between the stones at the monster, but the arrow bounces off  of her interminably fat flesh.

 R1T25:  Galakhar hustles to the southwest and hunkers down by a fallen menhir, using his cloak to cover the  ghostlight lantern 's emanation.

 R1T22:  From  out of her bag, the giantess grabs a rock she had collected and sails  it at Phaevin with all the force she can muster. The half-elf turns at  the last second so that he feels the boulder skim his armor, but leaves  him unharmed.

 R1T20:  Abenor teleports to the  north of the giantess to block her direct line to Phaevin as he draws  his swords and flays her left knee and leg for  35 .   "Phaevin, move within 20' of me!"    he calls, and gives tactical defensive advice should he do  so. 
 Spoiler: Phaevin 
Because it is hard to translate without actually  seeing/ hearing, Abenor has an ability where if you get within 20' of  him, he gives you a morale bonus to AC and Will saves.
 

 R1T18:   Aasgar , what do you do?
BuckGodot
Aasgar moves in closer to the battle as fast as he can manage and begins to call out tactical observations to aid his allies.



 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 


MA: Move W 5', NW 5', W 10'

SwA: Defending the Pride (Grant all allies w/in 60' a +4 morale bonus to AC for 1 rd)


Reminders:
Get Behind Me (Ex): When he readies his maneuvers, he may treat 3 [INT] creatures as though they had the King's Castle feat. Designees: Phaevin, Abenor, Cici

Blooded [Region]: +1 trait bonus on weapon damage rolls vs. giants, goblins, &amp; orcs.

Mystic Attunement: All allies w/in 60' of him gain a +5' enhancement bonus to their base land speed.

Patient Counterpoint (Ex): During his turn, he gains a +4 [WIS] insight bonus to damage rolls whenever his DDP has points in it.
 
lostsole31
 R1T18:  Aasgar moves in closer to the battle as fast as  he can manage and begins to call out tactical observations to aid his  allies, his powerful dwarven lungs reaching even Cici to the  north. 
 Spoiler: Inspiration 
 Red Zephyr's strike .
 

 R1T15:  Mossmoon disappears from sight.

 R1T13:   Cici enters the center circle from the north. She takes out a small,  thin stick or wand that looks translucent and dark yellow. Calling on  the elements that empower her she casts a spell. There is a flash and a  report, the air smelling of ozone, and during that time a bolt of  lighting shatters the stick she holds and blasts through the giant for   15 electricity  .

 R1T3:  Lucette squeaks in alarm and hunkers deeper in Cici's hood.

 End Round One, Begin Round 2 ...

R2T26:   Phaevin , what do you do?

Galakhar on deck, Gripwort (the name Phaevin remembers the giantess being called) in the hole ...
Admyral
Phaevin will take another shot at the giantess with his bow.

 
 Spoiler: tech info 

Attack: Shortbow ATK: (1d20+10)[ 28 ]  DAM: (1d8+1)[ 2 ]  +  (1d6)[ 4 ]  fire
 
lostsole31
 R2T26:  Phaevin takes another shot at the giantess with his bow, striking her for  2 +  4 fire  !

 R2T25:  Galakhar is now half-sized, nearer to the giant and hiding behind the stone.

 R2T22:   Gripwort attacks Abenor with her gaff as Abenor attempts to counter  with his acrobatics, which he does brilliantly while also moving back a  few feet towards Cici. She attacks him again, but flashing swords  deflect the attack.

 R2T20:  Abenor got a taste of  her blood last round, and the elf starts to give into the blood inertia  that sometimes carries him as a bushi stalker. He sets up fighting  style now to match his stance. He strikes once with his blue-glowing  katana, which flashes an even brighter blue.  Ileor  seems to cut right past her skin and fat as the blade bites her bicep for  19 +  10 force  .

 R2T18:   Aasgar , no ally was hit last round, and your group defense is done. What do you do?

Cici on deck, Phaevin in the hole ...
BuckGodot
Aasgar lets loose a roar and moves west to face the enemy. Swinging his axe over his head, he attempts to rain a powerful blow down on the giant creature.


 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 

MA: West 10'

Attack using Risky Strike and Dazing Attack:  (1d20+13)[ 18 ] 

Dazing Attack: Dmg + 3d6. Fort save or be dazed 1 round.

RA Damage:  (1d12+16)[ 22 ] 
Dazing Attack damage:  (3d6)[ 8 ] 


Reminders:
Get Behind Me (Ex): When he readies his maneuvers, he may treat 3 [INT] creatures as though they had the King's Castle feat. Designees: Phaevin, Abenor, Cici

Blooded [Region]: +1 trait bonus on weapon damage rolls vs. giants, goblins, &amp; orcs.

Mystic Attunement: All allies w/in 60' of him gain a +5' enhancement bonus to their base land speed.

Patient Counterpoint (Ex): During his turn, he gains a +4 [WIS] insight bonus to damage rolls whenever his DDP has points in it.
 
lostsole31
 R2T18:  Aasgar lets loose a roar and moves west to face  the enemy. As he does so, she spins in time to strike Aasgar in his left  elbow. He doesn't feel it enough to hurt, but feels it enough that it  fuels his power. Swinging his  axe over his head, he rains a powerful blow down on the giant  creature, but it only gets caught in her rolls of fat, not actually  harming her. 
 Spoiler: Inspiration 
Warning roar granted. Sorry, it was  listed as granted when it shouldn't have been. I even had last battle's  DDP value in there.
 

 R2T13:  Cici stairs at the giant, and she drops her gaff and slowly sinks down to the ground. Soon, she is snoring loudly.

 End Round 2, Begin Round 3 ...

R3T26:  Phaevin, what do you do?

Galakhar on deck ...
Admyral
Phaevin moves to the sleeping giant's neck switching out his bow for his sword.

  "My venom and thirst for cold revenge is great towards this creature."   He spits in the ground.

  "I need a chorus of cooler heads to advise if she should be dispatched in her slumber."  
 
 Spoiler: tech info 

SA: stow shortbow
MA: move 15' south while drawing sword
 
lostsole31
 R3T26:  Phaevin moves to the sleeping giant's neck - grabbing his sword and switching his bow to his off-hand.   "My venom and thirst for cold revenge is great towards this creature."   He spits in the ground.   "I need a chorus of cooler heads to advise if she should be dispatched in her slumber."  
 R3T25:  Galakhar stands and says, "Abenor, your blade is made for the task."

 R3T20:  Abenor dispatches the giantess with his katana.

 Combat Ends! 
BuckGodot
  "Pheobe, go ahead and look through her belongings. I feel like you should get dibs on anything as she was your problem first. The rest of you, look around as we started out to do."   says, Aasgar. He starts to look around the strange stones for a hint as to their next action.
lostsole31
The  19  catches up to Aasgar from his DDP to his actual vitality now causing him to take a breath or two.

Pharmajam, what do you do?
Admyral
Pheavin raises his hand with his pointer finger extended,  and opens his mouth to correct the Dwarf, but then reconsiders.

  "Very well. Thank you,  Aasgar,"   he says, pausing a little too long on the first syllable of the man's name.

He then turns and starts to loot the dead giant corpse.
lostsole31
In addition to Gripwort's gaff (her weapon), she has a stinky, awful bag which contains the following ...
 
 Loose coins (10 gp) 
 A half-eaten bird 
 An interesting collection of mushrooms 
 Two lives snakes 
 

Phaevin notices the last two and jumps back. Unless stopped, the poisonous snakes come out of the bag threateningly. Abenor asks everyone to back away ... and the snakes slither off into the swamp.
BuckGodot
Aasgar looks at Phaevin and asks,   "Could you spare a little more healing?"   as he winces in pain.
lostsole31
Cici comes over to Aasgar to touch him for   6 healing  .  She then looks hopefully-expectantly at Phaevin, as that was an extremely poor attempt for her.
Admyral
Pheavin steps over to the dwarf and says,   "Here... this should help."   He hands him the half-eaten bird and waits for a reaction.

He then holds his hand over Aasgar's wounds and recites a poem in sing-song:   " ♫  Stop the blood and mend it right.  ♬  Pull the tiny stitches tight.  ♫  Disinfect and dull the pain.  ♬  Until the patient's whole again." 
 
 
 Spoiler: tech info 

Cast Cure Moderate Wounds  (2d8+5)[ 16 ] 
 
lostsole31
  "Nobody touch the central menhir,"   says Galakhar suddenly, sharply.    "Something's not quite right. Danger."  

Half-sized Galakhar turns the  ghostlight lantern  to wash its light over the central menhir. In doing so, the thick vegetation obscuring it withers away, revealing a faintly glowing, olive-hued stone.    "The danger is abated. This lantern must be bypassing some trap left for the clumsy and curious.  I am guessing everyone should gather close around me here at this button before we proceed."  
 Aasgar  and  Phaevin , do you get close to Galakhar and the others, bunching up into a fine  fireball  formation like he said?
BuckGodot
Aasgar will trust the man and move in closer.
Admyral
Phaevin follows Aasgar's lead and moves closer as well.
lostsole31
Galakhar touches the touchstone on the menhir, and there is a very brief  green flash. A lone menhir stands in a clearing in a vibrant forest  filled with thick, verdant plant life. Exotic flowers drape the standing  stone, which pulses with brilliant chartreuse light. A path lined with  rose petals leads from the monolith to a giant floral bloom carved from  wood. Two carved wooden stamens stretch out toward the pulsating menhir,  extending from either side of a set of ornate doors carved into the  giant flower. An overpowering fragrance of flowers and sweet grass  permeates the air. The sun above sits at its zenith, basking the area in  light and warmth.

Not that you have time to really drink in the view right now!

 Surprise Round ...

S18:   From the woods to the relative SW, something pops out of the treeline  in front of Galakhar. Something really smaller ... smaller even than  mini-Galakhar at this time. It shoots forth a withering barrage of  thorns, brambles, and splinters. Everyone except for Phaevin and Lucette  are able to move in time to minimize the effect. Aasgar takes ( 6 mod DDP ); Abenor takes  4 mod ; Galakhar takes  3 mod ; Phaevin takes  17 ; Lucette takes  11 ; and Cici completely evades.

 S13:   Lagging only slightly behind, another hops out behind Phaevin and lets  loose with a similar spray, but that split second is enough for Phaevin  and Lucette to get their acts together, as he, the weasel, and Cici all  completely dodge the spray. Aasgar takes ( 6 mod DDP ); Abenor takes  7 mod ; and Galakhar takes  2 mod .

 Begin Round One ...

R1T32:    "Away from the bushes!"   warns Galakhar.   "They're  twigjacks - fey - and they need the tree section to do their bramble  jump ability. Careful, though, they've a few more of those sprays, each.  They hate fire."  

He pops down an extract and disappears. Though invisible, the glow of the ghostlight lantern still gives away his position.

 R1T30:   The sudden assault puts Abenor into flight or fight ... and he descends  into the feral mindset of the Hunter, ignoring Gal's advice. He gives a  sidestep to the south and snarls, quick drawing both blades, one of  which manages to strike the twigjack for  24 .

 R1T18:   Giving a cry of anger and pain, Blue steps into Aasgar's immediate  area, but his elven friend completely destroys the little monster.

 R1T17:   Phaevin , you still have your bow in hand, and the other "twigjack" (Red) is right behind (north) of you. What do you do?
Admyral
Phaevin drops his bow in front of him, before spinning around while drawing his rapier. He attempts to strike the creature to the north.

 
 Spoiler: tech info 

MA: Draw weapon
SA: Attack Red - Rapier ATK: (1d20+9)[ 14 ]  DMG: (1d6+4)[ 5 ] 
 
lostsole31
 R1T17:  Phaevin drops his bow in front of him, before spinning around while  drawing his rapier. He attempts to strike the creature to the north, but the quick creature just barely ducks out of the way.

 R1T16:   Cici steps around Phaevin and gets into her wide-armed,  straight-but-sweeping-legged fighting stance. She does a low spin that  strikes the twigjack for  8 + tripped , kicks again for  11 , and follows with another super-fast kick for  4 .

 R1T13:  The twigjack warily gets to its feet. Phaevin stabs, but catches only bark, and Cici completely misses.

 R1T9:   Aasgar , what do you do? Do you try to horn into the limited space, or leave the thing for Phaevin and Cici?
BuckGodot
Aasgar turns to face the group and lets loose with an encouraging roar!

 
 Spoiler: Technical information 
SwA: Encouraging Roar: Allies w/in 30' +2 morale attk/ dmg
 
lostsole31
 R1T9:  Aasgar turns to face the group and lets loose with an encouraging roar!
 
 Spoiler: Aasgar's Encouraging Cheer (slow-and-chant-like) 
  BREE-KAH! ..... BRAH-KAH!
 
 Spoiler 
SIS - BOOM - BAH!
 
 Spoiler 
OLD ONES ..... OLD ONES ....
 
 Spoiler: Finale 
RAH .... RAH ... RAH!
 

 

 
   
 Spoiler 
 

 

 R1T4:  Lucette whispers encouraging ferret chirps into Cici's ear.

 End Round One, Begin Round 2 ...

R2T32:  Galakhar delays ...

 R2T30:  Abenor teleports to the spot of the twigjack and shreds it.

 Combat Ends! 

Abenor's rage subsiding, he say,   "I need a few seconds to catch my breath. I am so sorry for that display."  
BuckGodot
Aasgar sighs.   "Well... So much for all the healing we just did... Is anyone terribly bad off? Do we need to rest for a bit before we continue? Wherever that may be..."  
lostsole31
Abenor is only flushed for half a minute before he's fine.   "My wound is light, let's keep going."  

Galakhar returns to normal size.   "Same here. I just want another minute to mix up another reduction, if you don't mind."  

Cici then puts a healing hex on Abenor, Galakhar, Lucette, and Phaevin, and to her astonishment they are all fully healed.   "I have most of my resources, and only Aasgar sports noticeable wounding ... which we could reduce with our wands, at the cost of not having them later. I .... I have a lot to think about ... what with all we've gone through lately, and I'd like to study some of these plants. I think we're on a demiplane, not on Golarion ... this Vault of Thorns. It seems like my healing magic is empowered here, and I ask the chance to meditate and drink in this power and sleep on everything I've learned so far. I have an instinct that once we open the doors to the Vault proper, that our lives are thrust forward on our mission precipitously. I also want to study some of the plants that are near us, the menhir, and the dead twigjacks.

"Phaevin, are you willing to cast your healing spells on Aasgar again ... especially since now it seems our healing magic is enhanced here?"  
Admyral
Phaevin nods to Cici and performs the healing song again over Aasgar's wounds.   "You know, my friend,"   he says as the spell comes to an end,   "if you want me to sing for you, you can just ask... you don't need to keep getting injured."  
 
 Spoiler: Tech Info 

Cast Cure Moderate Wounds on Aasgar:  (2d8+5)[ 18 ] 
 
lostsole31
Even Phaevin feels it as he casts the healing spell, and both the half-elf and dwarf are stunned to find that a more serious wound is completely healed with that spell!

Do either of you do anything before setting watches and camp?
BuckGodot
Aasgar does not have anything he wants to do aside from get cleaned up a bit.
lostsole31
With the readily available and delicious, juicy fruits and leaves right around the periphery that Cici can scrounge up, nobody needs to eat dry rations. In fact, there is enough fluid in the foragings so no waterskins need be tapped either.

During downtime, Aasgar and Abenor work together on brutal body hardening exercises. Phaevin spends time giving care to his bow and arrows, while Cici and Galakhar both work privately on their own intellectual pursuits.

The sun doesn't go down ... and yet for those that wish to sleep, it comes comfortably and easily. Meanwhile, the sunless sunny sky keeps whomever stands watch at a given time an almost preternatural, predatory alertness.

After everyone has had their rest, some 10 hours later, it is time to prepare yourselves for the coming day.

 

 Aasgar , it is time for that discovery meditation. All of your veils are released.

Instead of gloves, this time you form gauntlets that spark with black energy whenever you move your fingers. Unlike the past several days of the  gloves of lashing elements  in the many varieties, this gauntlet is not for projecting energy, but for touching an enemy and opening wounds just from a touch. 
 Spoiler: Gauntlets of Disruption 
Unlocked:   Gauntlets of Disruption  . This is the very last "minor veil" you had left to discover.
 

You maintain the  circlet of life and death .

Next, you form a leather belt with a smooth, detachable silver plate on the buckle. From this, you realize you can throw it to create a translucent wall in an opening.  
 Spoiler: Barrier Wall 
Unlocked:  Barrier Wall .
 

For the first time ever, your mental wanderings construct an offensive veil ... not one that is fully "worn" and lashes out with energy. Rather, it is a strange type of veil that brands another creature with a particular type of curse. In this case, the brand can turn an enemy into a Small animal against their will for a short time before their mental strength overcomes the curse.  
 Spoiler: Visage of the Beast 
Unlocked:  Visage of the Beast .
 

 Aasgar , do you change your setup for what maneuvers are guaranteed readied, and which are withheld?
BuckGodot
Aasgar will not change his lineup and will keep all the above discoveries active for use.
Admyral
Phaevin tries to write lyrical prose to properly capture the sunless, yet bright morning.

He says to nobody in particular,   "Where does the path lead us today, friends?"  
lostsole31
By the way, it takes 2 hours - not the normal one - for morning routine to be finished. It seems Galakhar likes to brew something called a "mutagen."

Galakhar looks up at the strange inscription that nobody understood, and takes a draught of something then looks up again.   "I can't identify the language, though I am sure it is Druidic given where we are and who fashioned this place. The inscription above the Petal Gate says, 'If you seek peace in nature, welcome. If you seek anything else, beware the wrath of the Vault of Thorns.'

"Well, shall we form up and forge ahead?"  
BuckGodot
Aasgar looks around at the grove, feeling rested and better than he has in a long while. He shoulders his pack and gears up ready to head out.
lostsole31
  "Before we go in, boys,"   says Cici.   "You heard the man. Keep your weapons stowed."  
 Aasgar ,  Phaevin , what do you have in hand ... if anything?
BuckGodot
Aasgar will continue to carry the lantern but his weapons are stowed.
Admyral
Pheavin keeps all of his weapons stowed as suggested.   "Could the phrase 'seek peace' also mean silence? Should we watch our noise as well?"   he asks.
lostsole31
  "Couldn't hurt,"   says Cici, then nods to Aasgar to open both doors of the Pearl Gate.
BuckGodot
Aasgar will cautiously proceed and open the doors.
lostsole31
An extensive wooden bridge stretches across a wide, high chamber and overlooks an exotic garden far below. The air is hot and humid, and a powerful stench of overripe vegetation wafts throughout the massive, domed chamber. The ceiling overhead is a complex series of star-patterned glass that magnifies the rays of the sun directly above. At the far end of the bridge, interwoven branches form a doorway.
BuckGodot
Aasgar gives the bridge a quick look over before stepping onto it and heading across.
lostsole31
Once the party is in, Cici doesn't whisper, but she does speak in a lower, more reverent voice,   "Should we leave the gate wide open, or shut it?"  
BuckGodot
  "I suppose the polite thing to do would be to close them behind us..."   Aasgar says.
lostsole31
Cici closes the Petal Gate.
Admyral
Scanning the area for any other possible means of egress to the garden below, Phaevin says in a hushed tone,   "I guess we are supposed to go across the bridge? Does anyone see any markings that might be language?"  
BuckGodot
Aasgar starts to cross slowly, but on the look out for anything.
lostsole31
   "Not since the message on the petal gate,"    returns Galakhar's reverent tone.

   "This bridge doesn't have the same springiness I'd expect from wood,"    says Cici.

Galakhar kneels down and inspects the bridge.    " Ironwood  - a fabulous enchantment placed on wood to make it as strong as steel."   

The  ironwood  bridge is 15 feet wide, with no railings or supports, and runs the length of the greenhouse between the Petal Gate and the double doors beyond, bisecting the circular chamber. The bridge is 80 feet above the greenhouse floor below, and the glass ceiling is the same distance above the bridge. Because the ceiling magnifies the sun’s light, bright light prevails throughout this chamber, and the temperature within this area is much hotter than you are going to find anywhere else in the Vault. The environment on the bridge itself and in the upper half of the greenhouse dome (between the bridge and the ceiling) is considered to be under very hot conditions.

 Surprise Round ....

S16-13:  Something cuts Aasgar along the back of his knee with a draw cut for ( 16 DDP ), and there is a brief fluttering as Cici gets cut in the neck for  9 .

There is nothing there, though.

 End Surprise Round, Begin Round One ...

R1T30:   Galakhar bolts past Aasgar and tumbles all the way before quickly  spinning around so that the blue-white light of the ghostlight lantern  illuminates all creatures in a soft blue glow, including two small,  winged creatures of bright light - having been hidden by the dazzling  radiance of the greenhouse effect, which are now outlined as well.

 R1T21:   Aasgar , some little bugger that slashed you with a back draw cut on the knee is right in front of you. What do you do?
BuckGodot
Aasgar nearly draws his weapon in response but remembers he was advised not to. He steps back and holds his hands up, palm out, and says,   "Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! We come here peacefully on a quest!"  
 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 


MA: 5' step NW
SwA: Enter Valiant Keeper's Stance
 
lostsole31
 R1T21:  Aasgar nearly draws his weapon in response but remembers he was advised  not to. He steps back and holds his hands up, palm out, and says,   "Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! We come here peacefully on a quest!"  
 "Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!"  both chirp in mocking unison.

Despite Aasgar taking a more peaceful tack, his mind is still inspired with defensive abilities.

 R1T16:  And in returning that mockery Blue chirps to his fellow,   "They came here peacefully on a quest!"  

Both  of them have a good laugh at that, and then Blue reaches out to touch  the bewildered Cici, but she reflexively .... reaches down and bites the  fey! It doesn't do any damage, but surprises it for sure. Meanwhile, it  holds a dagger in one hand, but now it has dark energy on its other  hand. It sidesteps.

 R1T14:  Lucette hides in Cici's cowl.

 R1T13:    "Oh, we peacey, bigguns! We take you to peaces!"    says Red, as its off-hand with black energy now misses a more aware  Galakhar. It then steps out of the cone of blue light and is no longer  visible.

 R1T10:  Abenor gets into a fighting  stance while drawing both his blades and moves north at first, only to  juke while rolling on the ground past Cici and popping up. The creature  tried to attack him as he moves, but Abenor's roll still surprises it  when he pops up and slashes with his katana and strikes it in the elbow  with the flat of his blade for   17 mod NL  .

  "They have moderate resistance to weapons!"   he calls out.   "They're lurkers in light - evil fey that hide in the light and can blind you. Use cold iron, if you have it."  
 R1T8:   Phaevin , what do you do?

Cici on deck, Galakhar in the hole ...
Admyral
  "I hope this is what cold steel means,"   Phaevin says as he draws his rapier while moving up next to Aasgar. He strikes where he assumes Red is hovering.

 
 Spoiler: Tech info 

MA: Draw weapon while moving SE 10': Rapier
SA: Attack Red: ATK: (1d20+9)[ 12 ]  DAM: (1d6+4)[ 5 ] 
 
lostsole31
 R1T8:    "I hope this is what cold steel means,"    Phaevin says as he draws his rapier while moving up next to Aasgar. He  strikes where he assumes Red is hovering, but doesn't contact anything.

 R1T7:    "Cold forged iron, not steel,"    chides Cici as she steps back. She carefully concentrates on a spell,  forming a ball of flame in front of her that she rolls right into Lurker  Blue for   14 fire    as it screams out in pain. So surprised was it by this, that its dagger  turns white-hot and it drops it on the ground, whereupon it turns to  slag..   "But where you don't have cold iron, hot flame works just as well."  
 End Round One, Begin Round 2 ...

R2T30:  Galakhar  adopts his single-weapon fighting stance and sidesteps to the southwest  to catch the lurker closest him in the cone of light from the  ghostlight lantern .  He takes a second to study the now-illuminated lurker in light before  attacking defensively, stabbing it in the lower right leg for  5 mod .   "Or, in lieu of cold iron, expert precision could do the job."  
 R2T21:   Aasgar , Galakhar has Red illuminated clearly, and red has some type of icky blackness on its off-hand. What do you do?

Enemies on deck and in the hole ...
BuckGodot
Aasgar focuses his attention on red and stares intensely before he begins calling out tactical suggestions to the crew.

 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 
SA: Visage of the Beast

SwA: Defending the Pride - Grant all allies w/in 60' a +4 morale bonus to AC for 1 rd.



Reminders:
Mystic Attunement: All allies w/in 60' of him gain a +5' enhancement bonus to their base land speed.

Defensive Training: +4 dodge bonus to AC vs. monsters of the giant subtype.

Blooded [Region]:  +1 trait bonus on weapon damage rolls vs. giants, goblins, &amp; orcs.

Practiced Initiator:  +2 trait bonus to IL as long as IL doesn't &gt; current HD.

Patient Counterpoint (Ex):  During his turn, he gains a +4 [WIS] insight bonus to damage rolls whenever his DDP has points in it.

Get Behind Me (Ex):  When he readies his maneuvers, he may treat 3 [INT] creatures as though they had the King's Castle feat. Abenor, Phaevin, Cici

King's Castle (Su):  IA, when a foe makes a melee attack vs. ally w/ this feat who is no &gt; from him than half his land speed, he can move up to half his speed directly towards the ally. This movement provokes AOOs.
*  As long as he ends this movement adjacent to the targeted ally, he may take the attack in their place.
  **  The attack is resolved as though he were the original target of the attack, comparing the attack roll to his defenses and dealing damage as appropriate.
*  He may invest E into this feat, increasing his land speed by +5'/ E invested.
*  He gains 1 point of essence.
 
lostsole31
 R2T21:  Aasgar focuses his attention on Red and stares  intensely before he begins calling out tactical suggestions to the crew.  Nothing seems to change with his target. As he finishes his  exhortations for his friends, the damage catches up to him ( 16 ), which inspires him to strike-and-move and not just stand still. 
 Spoiler: Inspiration 
 Red Zephyr's Strike 
 

 R2T16:  Blue steps away from the fire and reaches for  Cici with the tiny hand currently surrounded by bright energy. As it  does so, Aasgar and Cici instantly teleport 5' to where the other was  standing. Since it was originally targeting a human it was reaching  high, so as soon as Aasgar's King's Castle occurs, he is touched in the  head as the bright energy flashes to the dwarf's eyes and threaten to  occlude his vision forever!

 Aasgar , roll a Fort save!
BuckGodot
Fortitude Saving Throw

 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 

 (1d20+15)[ 20 ] 
 
lostsole31
Fey are foolish indeed if they think they can overpower a dwarf, and  Aasgar is dazzled only momentarily before the effect completely ends. 

R2T13:  Red sidesteps out of the cone of light, instantly turning invisible in doing so.

 R2T10:   Abenor hooks south then east so that when Aasgar's dramatic and timely  advice ceases to be of effect, Abenor's more steady and constant  defensive advise is ready to protect as many of his friends as possible.  He makes a power stroke and  Ileor 's blue light increases in a flash as he strikes the lurker-in-light to crit its wing for  20 mod +  13 force    + disabled .

 R2T8:   Phaevin ,  Blue is disabled (not down, but disabled). Red did a 5' step to no  longer be in the glow of the lantern, but that short movement tells you  where it is right now, even if you can't see it. What do you do?

Cici on deck, Galakhar in the hole ...
Admyral
  "Fire... ok... accuracy... got it,"   Phaevin says while dropping his rapier to bring his bow to bear.

 
 Spoiler: tech info 

MA: Drop Rapier and Equip Shortbow
SA: Attack Red, ATK: (1d20+10)[ 17 ]  DAM: (1d8+1)[ 3 ]  +  (1d6)[ 4 ]  fire
 
lostsole31
 R2T8:    "Fire... ok... accuracy... got it,"    Phaevin says while dropping his rapier to bring his bow to bear. He  shoots, and it passes through the area where Red is and beyond, having  missed.

 R2T7:   Cici rolls the fiery sphere  right up to the disabled fey. It dodges easily this time, but it is  nervous now. She steps to the side to get to the fey and does a spinning  kick, catching the thing on the jaw to dislocate it as it falls to its  death somewhere below the canopy.

 End Round 2, Begin Round 3 ...

R3T30:  Galakhar adjusts southeast to relight the fey, showing its position. He is unsuccessfully in striking it, though.

 R3T21:   Aasgar ,  you are slightly winded from using King's Castle, and your defensive  boost has ended. One lurker-in-light remains, courteously made visible  for now with the  ghostlight lantern  in Gal's hands. What do you do? 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Slightly winded = no swift action this turn.
 

Lurker on deck, Abenor in the hole ...
lostsole31
 R3T21:  Aasgar puts fancy on the shelf where it belongs,  and bellows as he rolls forth in a classic dwarven charge, ending with  an overhead chop that cuts into the fey's forearm for  16 mod .

 R3T13:   Enraged and in pain, the fey turns on Aasgar and touches his brow. As  before, a flash of light rolls over Aasgar's eyes, threatening to burn  out his retinas.

 R3T10:  Abenor is now fully in  fighting form as he moves up and despite the creature's small size, the  elf sweeps in for a low strike and a flat-blade thwack to its elbow for  37 mod NL + half speed (+1d6 NL bleed) .

 R3T8:   Phaevin , what do you do?

 Aasgar , roll a Fort save!

Cici on deck, Galakhar in the hole ...
BuckGodot
Fortitudinal Saveidge

 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 

 (1d20+15)[ 19 ] 
 
Admyral
Phaevin fires another flaming arrow at the creature.

 
 Spoiler: Tech info 

SA: Attack Red with shortbow; ATK: (1d20+10)[ 21 ]  DAM: (1d8+1)[ 7 ]  +  (1d6)[ 3 ]  fire
 
lostsole31
 R3T8:  As Aasgar continues to show how dwarven bodies  are better than fey magic, Phaevin fires another flaming arrow at the  creature that strikes it in the left wing for  2 mod +  3 fire  .

 R3T7:  Cici mentally controls her  flaming sphere  to  roll around allies and into the area of the lurker, but it just barely  manages to avoid it. Meanwhile, she follows quickly behind and right up  to it and stares at it for no apparent effect.

 End Round 3, Begin Round 4 ...

R4T30:  Galakhar performs a draw cut on the lurker's left calf for  18 mod   before stepping back out of the way to make sure it can't just simply  sidestep out of the lantern's light. But there is no need, for the pain  it felt is such that it goes unconscious from shock and falls  unconscious.

 R4T21:   Aasgar , you recover  from the charge you made last round. The last enemy is down in front of  you, though there is a flaming sphere practically atop it. What do you  do?

Abenor on deck, Phaevin in the hole ...
BuckGodot
Aasgar coups de grace... Er... Coup de graces... He hits the thing on the ground by bringing his hands together and swinging down over his head.


 
 Spoiler: Technical information 
Overhand Chop: 2x STR bonus w/ single attack

Using Risky Strike

Attack:  (1d20+11)[ 24 ] 

Damage:  (1d12+18)[ 29 ] 
 
lostsole31
  *SPLUT!*
  
 Combat Ends! 

Cici dismisses her  flaming sphere .

Abenor takes out his other blade and gets into a preparatory stance.

Galakhar does want to take a couple minutes of examining the dead fey, just so he can make some scientific notes, but it had nothing of value on it.  Once that is done, he says,   "I am going to be in front with the lantern.  Abenor, I've noticed that you are better at helping group defense in the long-term as compared to Aasgar's more short-burst team focusing.  I recommend Aasgar be behind me ... but give me a 5' gap (so 10' behind him) while we're in this wide area. Then Abenor in the center protecting Phaevin. Finally, Cici in the rear. She has good senses, defenses, and the speed to quickly respond to the front."  

 Is everyone fine with Galakhar's suggestions?
BuckGodot
Aasgar, minorly winded from the last encounter, agrees.
Admyral
Phaevin stows his bow,  retrieves his dropped sword, and keeps it at the ready.    "I like Galakhar's plan. Does anyone have ideas as to why we were attacked after being all peaceful-like?"  
lostsole31
  "I can ven-,"    and here Galakhar clears his throat.  "I can venture a guess,"   he continues with his throat clear of whatever phlegm made him sound like Phaevin.   "You see, this place was built by the Council of Thorns. And while druids are normally more about balance and oft deal with unsavory types, these lurkers in light do not serve the wild lands, but live to kill and turn around a person's sense of safety in the light. I don't think they were guardians of this place. Maybe the twigjack outside was, as they are more natural creatures - just vicious - but that is two evil types of fey. It is possible there is a First World incursion of members of the Unseelie Court."  
BuckGodot
  "So you're saying there's been an invasion of sorts by those things?"   Aasgar asks.
lostsole31
Galakhar thinks for a second and answers.   "I am saying that is my hypothesis, but not a confirmed truth."  
Admyral
Looking towards the burst fey corpse, Phaevin says,   "I wonder if they were here just by coincidence, or if they are here specifically because of our quest."   Pulling a piece of dried meat from some unknown animal from his pack, he tears off a chunk and puts it in his mouth. Waving the meat in the general directions of the party members and through the chewing he says,   "Anybobby elbse fancy a sback?"  
lostsole31
Galakhar turns his attentions to the double doors to the southeast. He thinks about it, and puts his rapier away ... as much to have a hand to open the doors as to at least convince himself of his own connection to what had been previously warned.  He opens both double doors, even as the  ghostlight lantern 's eerie blue-green light spills into the area beyond. A series of detailed woodcarvings depicting druidic worship decorates the walls of this room. To the southeast, a short flight of stairs leads to a dais, upon which sits a throne crafted of dead, overgrown brambles and thorns. Doors to the north, west, and northwest offer exits from the chamber.

As the light spills onto the throne, a figure there seems to slowly move, as if coming out of reverie. It is an elven woman, beautiful and severe, decorated liberally with ancient druidic markings and wearing a hardened leather corset or vest from which spring many small growing things. Yet, for the rare few who have been in elven cultures before, this beautiful elf betrays some lines of age that are unseen to human and dwarf (so, Phaevin and Abenor notice her age, but not the others).

She stands unsteadily, as if she has not stood for awhile, or she was fatigued.    "I am Ivilva, Guardian of the Vault of Thorns. You are not the invaders of the Unseelie, and you possess ancient magic to give off so strange a light from the lanthorn. Approach, and give thy names and purpose."  
Admyral
Pheavin follows Galakhar's lead and sheathes his rapier.
BuckGodot
Aasgar stows his axe and quickly tries to straighten his beard and runs his hands through his hair, then steps forward bowing.

  "I am Axegard Wielder... Aaswield Axegard..."   Clearing his throat in embarrassment, he starts again.

  "Aasgar Axewielder, at your service, Lady."  
lostsole31
  "Abenor Quentrias of the Ilverani near Icestair, in the Realm of the Mammoth Lords."  
  "Clemency Larosière, Hearth Guardian of Trunau, though everyone just calls me 'Cici' for short. And this is Lucette."  
   "Chitter-chitter-squeak!"   
  "My name ... currently, mind you, given a story of its own ... is Galakhar the Gray, formerly of Qadira."  
BuckGodot
Aasgar turns and looks at Phaevin expectantly...
lostsole31
Every NPC turns their head and looks at Phaevin in time with Aasgar. All eyes now on Phaevin ....
Admyral
Phaevin meets the gaze of the party and feigns embarrassment. Turning away slightly, he pulls the lyre hanging from his pack and breaks into song.

  "A beautiful elf name Elmyra is known to have fallen in love with a smuggler,
Although, it's been said, that reason was that she did, was there was no one in port that would snuggle-her.
They both sailed the sea for careers with great glee, but romantic meetings were fleeting,
They did have a kid, named Phaevin, that's me! and I humbly offer my greeting."  

He removes his hat and deeply bows towards Ivilva.
lostsole31
  "Those are your names,"   she says,   "how amusing some of them are. But what of your purpose?"  
BuckGodot
Aasgar steps forward, seeming to have recovered, and apologizes, then, much as he did with Mossmoon, recounts their quest.
lostsole31
  "I will help you, but first you must help me,"   says Ivilva.   "The unseelie are many and could overbear me, were it not for their own worries of mortality. Some of the more stupid, less fey don't realize their peril when they leave the First World, upon which their unknown captains count. You see, fey on the First World are immortal. Oh, they can be 'killed' but then they respawn to continue their dalliances. But away from the regenerating power of the First World, they are truly mortal. I fear that they have done more than discover the demiplane of the Vault of Thorns, but seek to draw it in or at least connect the energies of the First World to it. If you help me purge them from the Vault of Thorns, I will then help you on your quest."  
BuckGodot
Aasgar bows low replying,   "It would be an honor, M'Lady. Can you recommend a starting place?"  
lostsole31
  "At this point,"   she says as she stands, limbering up old muscles,   "I feel the gods have sent you to me to aid me. So I will leave it to the intuition of the god's vessels."  
BuckGodot
Aasgar bows again...   "As you wish..."  

Turning to the others, he says,   "You heard the Lady. Form up and let's go hunting..."  
lostsole31
What direction do you take from here (see last map posting)?
BuckGodot
Aasgar suggests they try the southern doors to start.
lostsole31
  "A very wise choice, Master Dwarf,"   says the elven druid.   "That is seed storage, and there are no other forms of ingress to that room. It is a way to verify that still is true, while making sure we check out 'backs' before striking out to the north."  

The double doors are opened, and as mentioned, it is as she said. The Council of Thorns packed this chamber with crates, burlap sacks, and gardening tools—which they used to tend to the flora planted within the Vault—and to conserve various seeds and heirloom specimens (especially those from exotic locales) for the future. The magic of the Vault of Thorns preserves organic material placed within this otherwise unremarkable room against the ravages of time, much like  unguent of timelessness , and though the gardening tools have rusted and dulled over the years, the seeds and plants here are as vital as the day they were placed here.

Do anything else here, or leave it alone?
BuckGodot
Do a thorough search to make sure there are no hidden openings.
lostsole31
It takes 24 minutes for the group to do a thorough search of seed storage. In addition to a pouch containing 13  goodberries  (they remain fresh for 1 week after being removed from this room), Galakhar can identify 12 exotic seeds and plants worth 50 gp each. Of course, that is just informational, as I doubt you want to be stealing from this place with your host right there.

Now what?
BuckGodot
Aasgar suggests they check to the north next.
lostsole31
  "The place beyond,"   says Ivilva,   "is the Lily Pad path that floats over what is basically a yawning, 100' hole to our compost. There are distracting flies, but they serve nature and the breaking down of our compost, but a flying blue monstrosity has made its way here from the First World. It looks like a dragonfly, but I have not been able to leave the Council Chamber in so long for the danger of this monster. It is not large, but vicious, and I call it an 'ultramarine chaser.'

"We will go down 20' from the door to a platform. From there, you have to travel by Lily Pad, which will test your athletics. Beware. Anything - be it an individual, or an individual with their gear - that weighs more than 200 pounds will cause the floating lily pads to start sinking. The greater over that weight, the faster the pad will fall."
  
The double doors are opened, revealing an ornate staircase that descends to a small platform. Several giant lily pads sway gently in the chamber’s air currents, each floating at a different height. Below the lily pads, a sheer drop fades into darkness, where a droning buzz reverberates off the chamber’s walls. At the other end of the chamber, a second platform and staircase lead out of the room.
BuckGodot
Aasgar eyes the lily pads with distrust... He looks at his gear carefully and then takes off the two daggers, the morning star, and looks at the others.   "Would someone with less of a weight challenge be willing to carry these across once we've dealt with the beastie?"  
lostsole31
Galakhar says,   "Just leave them on the side there. I am sure this isn't a carnival attraction with a different exit than we entered."  

The elf nods.   "Yes, once we have expunged the infestation of fey, we will likely return this way."  
BuckGodot
Aasgar nods and deposits the aforementioned items in a neat stack by the wall before drawing his axe and heading back in to the room.   ”Okay. How do we want to do this?”  
lostsole31
Abenor speaks up,   "Okay, here's what I recommend. You know I have great balance. I'll play leapfrog lily pad across to the center.  Meanwhile, Phaevin - you seem to be a good shot - I need you to watch out for this dragonfly with a bow out and ready.  I'll be there to take the initial attack in the meantime.

"Cici, you hop across fully - unless it looks like this thing might overpower me. But head across and create a beachhead on the other side.  Galakhar follow.  Ivilva, if you're willing to come, you come next.

"Aasgar, you and Phaevin then both bring up the rear and if that thing is about, I'll help out with sword or bow.  We're getting rid of the fey, so avoidance isn't the name of the game.

"Does that sound good to you?"  
BuckGodot
Aasgar nods his agreement.
Admyral
Pheavin shakes his head vigorously as if trying to clean out cobwebs.   "Forgive me, I seem to have gotten lost in thought."  

Noding to Abenor whilst readying his bow, he says,   "Aye, watch for the dragonfly and clip it's wings. Understood."
 
 He whispers aside to Aasgar,  " I think I might be a little over 200 pounds... think I should tell her? " 
lostsole31
Cici is annoyed by the whisper.   "You are a solidly built man, Phaevin, and you are well-provisioned. I would do as Aasgar does, and divest yourself of anything that might take you over that 200-pound limit."  

Phaevin, what do you do?
Admyral
Pheavin gives out a defeated breath. He removes his backpack and places it next to the dwarf's things. The bag on his belt, the pouch with his prized compass, and his lyre soon join the stack.

Finally, saying   "I have a bad feeling about this"  , he removes his chain shirt and hat.

  "I hope that's enough,"   he says to Cici with a worried look.   "I'm not really sure what any of this stuff weighs."  
lostsole31
With Phaevin prepped on the bow, Abenor then divests himself of his own  backpack as it is full of gear, though he takes two vials out of his  backpack and puts them at his belt.

Abenor practically dances out  onto the first lily pad, bounces forward, and then sails out to another  lily pad immediately after that.  As soon as he does that, a swarm of  bloated flies rises from the floor and fills the chamber in a thick  blanket of buzzing insects.

 Begin Round One ... 
 R1T22:  Galakhar keeps Abenor and as much of the room as possible limned in the glow from the  ghost light lantern .

 R1T20:  Abenor, working from inertia, continues to the second-to-last lily pad, moving to the center and then keeping watch.

 R1T19:   Phaevin , see the plan (Post #574). What do you do?
Admyral
Phaevin keeps his bow at the ready waiting for everyone else to cross.

 
 Spoiler: Tech Info 

SA: Ready Attack Action with Shortbow if an enemy appears, or move if everyone else has left the ledge.
 
lostsole31
 R1T19:  Phaevin keeps his bow at the ready waiting for everyone else to cross.

 R1T16:  Ivilva delays ...

 R1T15:   With Lucette in her hood holding on for dear life, Cici jumps across to  the first lily pad, rolls forward, and takes out her waveknife.

 R1T14:  Lucette delays ....

 R1T12:  Cici's lily pad seems a little unsettled on the western side, which seems strange until the  ghostlight lantern  outlines with  faerie fire   a man-sized dragonfly that was invisible, just like those lurkers in  light were. Though Cici seems bothered by the flies, Phaevin is able to  ignore them for now and shoots, his arrow striking the brilliant blue  dragonfly in the head for only  1 mod +  1 fire  .

 R1T12:   The dragonfly's attention focuses on the group standing on the balcony  and it makes a strange sort of dragonfly zigzag dance and green sparkles  erupt from it to the platform where Phaevin, Aasgar, Galakhar, and  Ivilva are. None of these heroes are entangled (currently), but it is  now difficult terrain and the actively writhing grasses, vines, and  roots threaten to grab them in the near future and make movement very  difficult.

 R1T11:   Aasgar , roll a Fort  save for the beginning of your turn to ignore those pesky flies.  What  do you do? Then, roll a Ref save for the end of your turn just in case  you are still in the entangling effect (which is the entire southern  platform, stairs, and northern platform above right up to the doors.

Galakhar on deck, Abenor in the hole ...
BuckGodot
Aasgar adjusts his footing and chooses to hold his ground where he is to ensure the thing doesn't try to get out of the room while drawing forth a flask from his bandolier.


 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 
Fortitude Save:  (1d20+15)[ 17 ] 

SwA: Enter Golden Commander Stance

Draw flask of Alchemists Fire from bandolier

Reflex Save:  (1d20+10)[ 27 ] 
 
lostsole31
 R1T11:  Aasgar adjusts his footing and chooses to hold  his ground where he is to  ensure the thing doesn't try to get out of the room while drawing forth  a flask from his bandolier. He does a great job of both not letting the  flies bother him while picking up and stomping dramatically to keep  from getting entangled. 
 Spoiler: Inspiration 
 Red Zephyr's Strike 
 

 R1T10:  Phaevin shoots and misses.

 End Round One, Begin Round 2 ...

R2T22:    "I hope that's not for the flies, Aasgar,"   says Galakhar, guessing the contents of the flask.   "The  flies don't have enough mass by themselves to impact and break the  flask, and there aren't many solid structures to break it against, and  it wouldn't do much against this many."  

His rapier is already in hand and he gets into fighting stance, likewise avoiding flies and plants from overcoming him.

 R2T20:  Abenor takes out his bow as he repositions and shoots, missing.

 R2T16:   Ivilva casts a spell at the ultramarine chaser as she takes out a green  plant and splits the leaves in her hand, the yellow-amber poison  disappearing and infusing into the spell. The dragonfly then begins to  look like it has a lot of pus-filled blisters forming on its body. She  keeps herself from begin entangled.

 R2T15:  Cici  takes a breath and is not bothered by the flies right now. She then  stares at the dragonfly ... and succeeds! The thing falls asleep mid-air  and falls to the darkness below. "Hurry! I doubt a fall into a compost  pit killed it, and the pain it feels on impact will wake it right up.  Everyone across!"

So as not to gunk up the works herself, Cici starts moving east and north.

 R2T11:   Aasgar , roll a Fort and a Ref save. What do you do?

Phaevin on deck, Galakhar in the hole ...
BuckGodot
Aasgar does his best to cross quickly and carefully.

 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 
Fort Save:  (1d20+15)[ 23 ] 

Reflex is a lonely child, who’s waiting by the park… The reflex is in charge of finding treasure in the dark…

 (1d20+10)[ 13 ] 
Full Move action north as far as he can go.
 
lostsole31
 R2T11:  It's not great, but Aasgar just barely makes it  across to the first lily pad. Which is when the whole lily pad folds and  plummets from the more than 300 pounds placed on it. It doesn't even  drop slowly, but Aasgar sinks out of sight all the way to the bottom.  The compost pile helps to soften the blow a little bit, but not much  2 mod + (28 DDP) .  Luckily, Aasgar knew to face his back to the ground and hold the  alchemist's fire up so it wouldn't explode on impact. He is knocked out  of stance. 
 Spoiler: Inspiration 
 Scything Strike .
 

 R2T10:   Phaevin ,  not only did Aasgar disappear from view, but he took that first lily  pad with him! What do you do? Roll a Fort save and a Ref save.

Galakhar on deck, Abenor in the hole ...
lostsole31
 R2T10:  This time, Phaevin is bothered by the flies all about him and partially distracted. He calls down into the hole.   "Aasgar, are you okay? If you are okay, roll off of the lily pad so others can use it!"  

He continues to skillfully high step like Aasgar did to keep the vegetation from ensnaring him.

 End Round 2, Begin Round 3 ...

R3T22:  Galakhar fights off the flies, but otherwise delays, keeping himself from being ensnared.

 R3T20:  Abenor delays ...

 R3T16:  Ivilva delays ...

 R3T15:  Cici continues, getting onto the stairs just above the far platform.

 R3T12:  Aasgar, the dragonfly zooms into view as it charges you! It bites the dwarf in the upper left arm for  9 mod + grab !

 R3T11:   Aasgar , you are currently being grappled by the big blue dragonfly (and prone). What do you do?

Phaevin on deck, Cici in the hole ...
BuckGodot
Aasgar tries to break free of the hold and stand up, shouting   "Bruised but grappling with the bug!"  
 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 
SA: Break free of grapple  (1d20+10)[ 30 ] 

MA: Stand
 
lostsole31
 R3T11:  Aasgar breaks free of the hold and stands up even as it tries to nip at him and shouts,   "Bruised, but grappling with the bug!"  

The injuries from the fall begin to show ( 28 ), but he gains his final inspiration ( warning roar ).

 R3T10:   Phaevin , you manage to shake off the flies for this round. What do you do?

Cici on deck, Bogey in the hole ...
Admyral
Hoping to get a better view of Aasgar, Pheavin moves to the edge of the balcony closest to the second lily pad and attempts to leap the gap.

 
 Spoiler: Tech info  

MA: East 10', then leap 10' North to the Lily Pad
SA: Delay until he has a clear shot at the dragonfly.
 
lostsole31
 R3T10:  Hoping to get a better view of Aasgar, Phaevin  moves to the edge of the  balcony closest to the second lily pad and attempts to leap the gap. But  he doesn't make it. In fact, he doesn't really leap. He trips over the  grasping vegetation and falls into the darkness below, landing in a  disgusting pile of what must be rotting vegetation and takes  25 lethal + 5 NL .  There is all sort of frenetic movement next to him in the darkness. I  mean RIGHT next to him, but his half elven vision doesn't help him so  far from a light source.

 End Round 3, Begin Round 4 ...

R4T22:   Galakhar fends off the flies and deliberately moves the opposite way  Phaevin went, but instead of jumping for a lily pad he deliberately  jumps DOWN, taking  22 mod + 1 mod NL  on impact, and  immediately getting up on his feet. Now, however, the lantern is turned  to light up the ultramarine chaser currently grappling a prone Aasgar.  He gets back into his fighting stance.

 R4T16:   Ivilva now moves to the edge, and mixes up some natural chemicals in  little bark vials and throws one down. Despite being nearly a hundred  feet above, the little bark vial impacts the dragonfly solidly and it  takes   12 fire  .  Aasgar sees the flash and rolls to minimize but still feels the heat,  while again protecting the vial of alchemist's fire in his hand (  4 fire DDP  ).

 R4T12:  The ultramarine chaser just barely manages to keep its hold on Aasgar, biting him ( 13 mod DDP ).

 R4T11:   Aasgar ,  you prone, grabbed by this thing (which is now lit up by the lantern),  and have one hand holding alchemist's fire. What do you do?

Phaevin on deck, Galakhar in the hole ...
BuckGodot
Aasgar lets loose with a bellow of encouragement and since the thing has hold of him, he reaches out and touches it with his hand.

 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 
SwA: Encouraging Roar: Allies w/in 30' +2 morale attk/ dmg

Use Gauntlets of Disruption

Melee touch attack:  (1d20+13)[ 20 ] 
Boost with 2 E

Damage:  (3d3)[ 7 ] 


Reminders:

Patient Counterpoint (Ex):  During his turn, he gains a +4 [WIS] insight bonus to damage rolls whenever his DDP has points in it.
All allies w/in 60' of him gain a +5' enhancement bonus to their base land speed.
 
lostsole31
 R4T11:  Aasgar lets loose with a bellow of encouragement  and since the thing has  hold of him, he reaches out and touches it with his hand. Phaevin sees  that spectral, dark gauntlets form over the ones Aasgar has with his  armor. He touches the thing and it dark energy lashes forward in  addition to Aasgar's own wounded anger to strike the thing for   13 disruption  .

 R4T10:   Phaevin ,  you are prone with bow in hand. Galakhar is lighting up the enemy now  with the lantern. It was never a "clear shot" because it is in a  grapple, and so you never got your readied action off. With the bug  focused on Aasgar, you could shoot it at point-blank range and you  wouldn't provoke an AOO. What do you do?

Galakhar on deck, Ivilva in the hole...
Admyral
  "What an incredible smell you have discovered!"   Phaevin says to Aasgar as he stands up and tries to get his footing in the muck.   "Now let us see what we can do with this beastie."  

He takes aim at the bug and fires and arrow point blank.

 
 Spoiler: Tech info 

MA: Stand up
SA: Attack bug: ATK: (1d20+10)[ 20 ]  DAM: (1d8+1)[ 2 ]  +  (1d6)[ 2 ]  fire
 
lostsole31
 R4T10:    "What an incredible smell you have discovered!"   Phaevin says to Aasgar as he stands up and tries to get his footing in the muck.   "Now let us see what we can do with this beastie."  

He takes aim at the bug and fires an arrow point blank right at it. The  arrow itself shatters against its chitin, but it still takes   2 fire  .

 End Round 4, Begin Round 5 ...

R5T22:   Galakhar stumbles through the muck of the compost to get to reposition  to then get the lamp to illuminate the bug, Aasgar, and Phaevin. He gets  into his preferred stance and then makes a special strike that does  19 mod .

 R5T16:  Ivilva delays ...

 R5T12:   Though badly wounded, the bug is too hungry for warm-blooded prey. It  maintains its hold on Aasgar and tears into him terribly for  4 mod (+ 11 DDP) .

 R5T11:   Aasgar , what do you do?

Phaevin on deck, Galakhar in the hole ...
BuckGodot
Aasgar struggles to free himself from the creature while once again attempting to damage it.

 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 


SwA: Defending the Pride: Grant all allies w/in 60' a +4 morale bonus to AC for 1 rd.

SA: Break free from hold

Attack: Using Gauntlets of Disruption with 2E boost
Touch Attack:  (1d20+13)[ 23 ] 

Damage:  (3d3)[ 7 ] 

Reminders:

Patient Counterpoint (Ex): During his turn, he gains a +4 [WIS] insight bonus to damage rolls whenever his DDP has points in it.
All allies w/in 60' of him gain a +5' enhancement bonus to their base land speed.
 
lostsole31
 R5T11:  Aasgar struggles to free himself from the  creature, and in failing, finds he is out of position at this second to  make an attack as well. He now feels the wounds from last round ( 17 ).

 R5T10:   Phaevin , what do you do?

Galakhar on deck, dragonfly in the hole ...
Admyral
Pheavin will move as slowly as possible to try and get into the creature's flank while it concerns itself with Aasgar. He quietly notches an arrow and fires again at point blank range.

 
 Spoiler: Tech info 

MA: North 10'
SA: Sneak Attack bug with Shortbow PBS: ATK: (1d20+10)[ 16 ]  DAM: (1d8+1)[ 7 ]  +  (1d6)[ 1 ]  fire +  (3d6)[ 5 ]   sneak attack
 
lostsole31
 R5T10:  Pheavin wants to get into the creature's flank,  but Galakhar has the only spot possible. Which is fine, technically, as  Phaevin can't take advantage of a flank with ranged combat. He quietly  moves north in the squishy and difficult steps of the compost, notches  an arrow, and fires again at point blank range, but his arrow bounces  off of its chitin.

 End Round 5, Begin Round 6 ...

R6T22:   Galakhar takes a second to study the dragonfly, and then strikes. It  was only because of his careful study that his rapier finds a spot  between chitinous plates and he twists his rapier as it enters the  creature's thorax, killing it outright.

A few seconds later, the last of Aasgar's wounds ( 11 ) catch up to him.

 Combat Ends! 
  "Aasgar, I know you're feeling poor,"   says Galakhar.   "But roll off of the lily pad for Ivilva to use. We'll trudge through the compost to the north and give her a chance to cross the lily pads above. We'll figure out how to get you up once we get there."  
BuckGodot
Aasgar groans in response and literally rolls off the lily pad before climbing to his feet.
lostsole31
As soon as Aasgar gets off of the lily pad it immediately begins to float back above.

 Phaevin , do you try to get onto the lily pad for it to take you upwards, or do you stay down in the compost pit with no immediate way out?
Admyral
Phaevin stays off the lily pad and moves to Aasgar.   "You look pretty banged up for just fighting a little bug,"   he says while smirking. He then hums the little ditty of healing and mends some of Aasgar's wounds.

 
 Spoiler: Tech Info 

Cast Cure Moderate Wounds on Aasgar:  (2d8+5)[ 17 ] 
 
lostsole31
After Aasgar gets 17 healing from Phaevin, Galakhar performs triage on the three of them to see how they are...
Aasgar: Critically wounded @ ~35%.
Galakhar &amp; Phaevin: Both seriously wounded @ ~65%

Galakhar looks to Phaevin.   "My consumable magic doesn't really heal a lot, pound for pound. We need your more focused bardic healing, my friend .... Aasgar especially."  
Admyral
Phaevin nods to Galakhar and recites several slightly off-color jokes about nurses in tight clothing and casts more of the healing spells.

 
 Spoiler: tech info 

Cure Moderate Wounds: Aasgar :  (2d8+5)[ 17 ]  HP
Cure Light Wounds: Galakhar :   (1d8+5)[ 10 ]  HP
Cure Light Wounds: Self :   (1d8+5)[ 11 ]  HP
 
lostsole31
Galakhar does another round of triage and informs his friends:
Aasgar:  ~50%
Galakhar: ~80%
Phaevin: ~80%

Aasgar, do you ask for more healing, or stay with that for now?

Phaevin, what about you?

What's next?
Admyral
  "So I think you may have heard this one before, but laugh anyways,"   Phaevin says to Aasgar as he recites the healing spell joke again.

 
 Spoiler: tech info 

Cast Cure Moderate Wounds on Aasgar:   (1d8+5)[ 13 ]  HP
 
lostsole31
A very powerful   20 healing   infuses Aasgar that time, though Phaevin has to catch his breath, as that seemed to take a lot out of him and he is a little flushed.

Galakhar triages him at ~70%. He then uses 2 charges from his healing wand to bring the dwarf to ~85%, putting the wand away for now.

Now what?
BuckGodot
Aasgar thanks both of them and stiffly starts looking for a way up.
lostsole31
Other than the walls, he doesn't see anything.

Ivilva's voice is heard calling down as loud as she can,   "I am going to take the lily pads to help your friends. They are across already. Something wrong with elf. May the Green ever bless your efforts."  
BuckGodot
Aasgar asks the others if they are light enough to ride the pads back up? He can use his weight to pull one down and let them on and ride to the top.
lostsole31
Looking around, the trio sees that the lily pads are at least like real lily pads and have an "underwater" component of a long trailing tether .... not just the surface component.

  "Well,"   says Galakhar.   "We might as well head north to the northern wall and then do that, so that maybe then we can bring you up."  
BuckGodot
Aasgar agrees and starts to make his way north. Enroute he asks if someone could pop back across and get the gear he left behind when they are up.
lostsole31
Galakhar says,   "Once we deal with what is ahead of us, we can return for that. Otherwise, we all have to deal with the fact that you have a lot of equipment, my husky brother-in-arms."  
BuckGodot
Aasgar grudgingly nods his acceptance and prepares to help them up.
lostsole31
With fresh death, the swarm of flies lands on and begins to deal with the body of the dead dragonfly.

The trio squish their difficult way through the horrendous compost to get to the northern wall.

The three of you easily pull down a lily pad.

  "Go ahead, lad,"   says Galakhar to Phaevin.
Admyral
Looking at the swarm of flies covering the insect body, Phaevin says,   "What a charming decorative style they have here."   He then climbs onto the lilypad.
lostsole31
Releasing the lily pad, Phaevin slowly floats up to the top, where Ivilva holds out her hand to get to solid ground, and Cici seems to be consoling or comforting Abenor in some way.
Admyral
Looking ruefully at his pile of gear on the other side of the pit, Phaevin says,   "I don't suppose anyone brought rope with them over the lilies to help out our dwarf friend wallowing in the muck below?"  
lostsole31
Abenor has 50' of silk rope, but that's it for rope for what the party has immediately available.
Admyral
  "Well then,"   Phaevin says to Galakhar,   "please hold this until I return, it's rather precious to me."   Smiling, he hands over his short bow, then makes his way across the lily pads.

Cursing himself under his breath in the mocking tone of his sister,    "Why didn't you think of this earlier, you oaf?!?"   

 Upon reaching his gear, he takes the rope from his backpack and stuffs it into the bag where his bedroll is kept.

Testing the weight of the bag, he makes his way back to the group across the lily pads.

Pulling the rope from the bag and placing it on the ground, he says,   "OK, who is good with knots?"  
BuckGodot
Aasgar waves his hand from below and shouts,   "I can do some knots... But... Well... I'm down here..."  
lostsole31
Abenor ties a sheep's bend between the knots.

With all the things it is enough to pull up Aasgar (with difficulty) and the party is finally above. Ropes are then unbent.

The party is all finally on the upper level north of the compost section. From that dropoff to the far northern wall is 30', and 10' of the west section is a wide turn to the west which leads down a short flight of stairs.

Cici does a round of her healing hex on those that need it: Aasgar (  11  ), Galakhar (max), Phaevin (  13  ). Abenor, Ewigga, &amp; Lucette are unharmed, and the wound Cici has is too light for her to bother.

After the 10' length of stairs, it is another 70' to the western wall, and a set of double doors on the southern wall. The party moves past the double doors, and find themselves on a balcony overlooking the great garden.

What now?
BuckGodot
  "I guess it's the garden... Anyone bring a hoe?"   says Aasgar, adjusting his axe.
lostsole31
The party makes their way down the slightly curving stairs to the floor below. All manner of exotic flora fills this massive conservatory. A thick mist floats just above the ground, carpeting the area in a perpetual fog. The air is moist, and a thousand smells, both pleasant and pungent, waft throughout the area. Water drips from a bridge high above, falling like rain to the greenhouse’s floor. A constant symphony of birdsong and other animal noises fills the air.

Bright light from the “sun” overhead illuminates this chamber. The ceiling is 160 feet high; the  ironwood  bridge above (area  J2 ) is 80 feet high. The mist on the ground is approximately 3 feet deep; Small or smaller creatures, or larger creatures crouching down inside the fog, find that all sight is blocked beyond 5 feet, and creatures 5 feet away have concealment. Two massive, hollow trees provide
exits from the greenhouse, accessible via curving,  wood shaped  staircases.

The greenhouse contains a wide variety of plant life, including bamboo from Tian Xia, teak trees from distant Vudra, vines from the Mwangi Expanse, and even stranger, unrecognizable plant life. The entire chamber is considered medium forest.

The animal life in the greenhouse—howling monkeys, chirping birds, and hissing reptiles, among others—shows no fear toward visitors. In fact, some of these docile creatures peacefully approach the PCs with genuine curiosity, becoming quite playful if visitors reciprocate the goodwill.

What do you down here in this massive space?
BuckGodot
Aasgar suggests they fan out, keeping each other in sight and sweep the forest cautiously due to the poor visibility. Advises to head east and follow the wall around the dome circling inwards as they go.
Admyral
Snapping out of a daze as Aasgar spoke about his plan, Phaevin says,   "I had the oddest daydream. I was sitting at a small table in front of a pane of window glass that was set into a frame allowing it to stand upright. And even odder... more odd?.. stranger was that the glass seemed to glow and have pages of a book on it. In front of me was a tray filled with orderly arranged tiles with runes inscribed on them. The characters were in a language I didn't recognize..."  

He pauses as if lost in thought again.

  "Anyways,"   he continues,   "I like the plan of spreading out. Following your lead, friend Dwarf."  

He readies his bow.
lostsole31
 Surprise Round ...

S25:  Galakhar shouts,   "Aasgar, look out!"   as he gets into a fighting stance while studying what he sees and steps up behind the dwarf.

 S5:   Despite the warning, it wasn't enough to get Aasgar's attention before  the vegetation itself seems to come alive. A plant with a thick trunk  capped by a crown of wide leaves, whipping vines, mushrooms, and a  ravenous purple maw reaches out and bites the surprised dwarf ( 10 DDP ) and  grapples,  him, drawing him close to the creature.

 End Surprise Round, Begin Round One ...

R1T32:   Abenor gets into a fighting stance and charges the monster with both  blades coming in from a low angle, but thrashing blades and such knock  Abenor stumbling 10' away.

 R1T25:    "Tendriculos!"   informs Galakhar.   "Plant  monster. Immune to some standard biology as well as mind-affecting, and  these are particular good grapplers with powerful strikes. They  understand Sylvan, but can't speak it."  

Of  course, as Galakhar doesn't begin speaking Sylvan, he instead speaks a  far more universal language as he closes. He is in a constant state of  study and observation as he does, and once there seems less to attack  with his rapier so much as he places his sword at a medium speed as if  performing surgery, and does  21 .

 R1T24:  Ivilva comes a little closer, and drawing on her powers of nature she sends forth an arc to strike it for   6 electricity  .

 R1T22:  Lucette squeaks in fear and hides in Cici's cowl.

 R1T12:   Phaevin , what do you do?
BuckGodot
Fort in a tude save...

 
 Spoiler: Fort Save 
 (1d20+15)[ 24 ] 
 
Admyral
  "Well that is not something I would have planted in my garden back home!"  , Phaevin says as he looses a flaming arrow at the beast.

 
 Spoiler: Tech Info 

[SA]Attack the plant creature with Shortbow ATK: (1d20+10)[ 24 ]  DAM: (1d8+1)[ 8 ]  +  (1d6)[ 2 ]  fire
 
lostsole31
 R1T12:    "Well that is not something I would have planted in my garden back home!"   Phaevin says as he looses a flaming arrow at the beast that lands center-mass for  8 +  2 fire  .

 R1T11:  Cici nods to Galakhar.   "Usually  solitary, but it could be a pair or even a grove of up to half-a-dozen.  It has a powerful regenerative factor, but using heavy pulping weapons  or fire helps to kill them."  

With the monster engaged with Aasgar, she charges it with a flying kick to hit it for  9 .

 R1T8:   Aasgar ,  you are currently in the huge clutches of this creature, and your  greataxe is too clumsy a weapon for such tight quarters. What do you do?

Monster on deck, Abenor in the hole ...
BuckGodot
Aasgar first tries to break free from the creature's grip. Barring that he will try to reach his dagger.

 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 
SA: Combat Maneuver check  (1d20+10)[ 30 ] 
 
lostsole31
 R1T8:  Aasgar breaks free from the creature's grip!

 R1T5:  The tendriculos bites Cici for  17 + grappled . It attacks her with its tentacles as well but her magical force field protects her.

 End Round One, Begin Round 2 ...

R2T32:   Abenor zips over to the far eastern wall as he gets into a second  stance and then does a double slash against the plant monster for  34 .

 R2T25:  Galakhar does a power light-crit on the plant in a vital area for  26 .

 R2T24:  Ivilva, worried about striking Cici, delays ...

 R2T12:   Phaevin , what do you do?

Cici on deck, Aasgar in the hole ...
lostsole31
 R2T12:  Though his new friends surely could do with some  jokes or a tune, Cici's advice means that his bow is now one of the  most important weapons on the field right now. He steps a few feet south  for a clear line of fire, pulls back on his bowstring as fully as he  can, and lets fly an arrow. It hits true deep in the mass of the  tendriculos to do  6 +  1 fire  . Not a lot of fire, but not a lot is needed - just a steady pinning of the enemy under his arrows.

 R2T11:   Instead of trying to overpower so large and strong a creature, Cici  simply tries to pulp it with her fists while held. In its grasp, it is  actually her power and not her speed that will avail her. She strikes  for  6  and then  8 , enough for the thing to release its grasp and go limp.

Cici will be the one needed to continue to pulp the creature with foot and fist, but it is dead.

 Combat Ends! 
BuckGodot
Aasgar collects his things and nods a well done to Cici.   "Well, now we know what to look for... Eyes sharp, everyone!"  
lostsole31
The party makes its way to the south to the opposite stairs and balcony that head up to a set of double doors.
BuckGodot
Ansgar readies his axe and then opens the doors.
lostsole31
Abenor and Aasgar step up and open the doors. Numerous flowers cling to the myriad vines and creepers growing over every inch of this curving corridor. A powerful bouquet of competing floral fragrances floats throughout the enclosed space.
BuckGodot
Turning to our guide, Aasgar asks,   "What's in here? Anything we should know about before we go in?"  
lostsole31
Ivilva says,   "It has been so long, but I am sure this used to be a clear passage, not a garden corridor, so this is more of the First World incursion."  
Admyral
  "Judging by some of the botanical nasties we have seen so far, we should be cautious, "   Phaevin says.   "During my time with my merchant crew, I gained some experience in trap-finding, I wonder if that might be useful here."  

Phaevin offers to search the floors and walls at the head of the party to try and find hidden dangers.
lostsole31
Galakhar is fine with that, though Abenor, Cici and Ivilva have no comment. Does that work for Aasgar?
BuckGodot
Ansgar agrees that’s fine.
lostsole31
As the party moves through the garden-covered hallway, the scents of flowers becomes thicker and more cloying.

 Phaevin  &amp;  Aasgar  ... roll Will saves!
BuckGodot
Will Save

 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 
Will Saving throw

 (1d20+9)[ 28 ] 
 
Admyral
 
 Spoiler: Tech Info 

Will Saving Throw  (1d20+4)[ 19 ] 
 
lostsole31
Though the heavy scents are soporific, the heroes are too strong for that. A couple of plants in particular shiver.

 Begin Round One ...

R1T27:  The particular scents of certain plants reaches Galakhar. He yells out in warning,   "Xtabay!"    He ducks around the garden and heroes to use the lantern to light up a  particular patch of vines ornamented with beautiful crimson and violet  flowers, the petals of which seem to bear tiny faces. He savages it with  his rapier before he spins around light up another farther up the  passage.

 R1T20:  The xtabay he lit up shuffles  closer, right up to Galakhar. There is another thick flush of that  scent, ever so slightly different.

 R1T18:   Phaevin , roll a Will save against the second plant's sleep scent. Assuming you are fine, what do you do?
lostsole31
 R1T18:  Phaevin finds a little-tested rumor - that elves  and those with elven blood - are immune to enforced and magical sleep  effects. Knowing that the rest of the group, except for Abenor, is not  so blessed by heritage, starts telling jokes to make fun of the plants  for the heroes' sake.

 R1T17:  Lucette squeaks and hides in Cici's cowl.

 R1T15:  Abenor teleports to the north of the flower and strikes with his blade, splashing the plant, and ending combat.

 Combat Ends! 

The place is searched quickly for a few minutes, and there is nothing of interest here. The group continues up the curving garden corridor to another set of double doors to the west. The doors are checked safe and opened, revealing a round balcony with stairs to the north.
BuckGodot
Up the stairs to the north, is Asgard recommended course.
lostsole31
The party heads onto the landing, and realize it only sees the western back end of the massive gardens, and when the stairs goes up to a new level, it is a closed passage, but large. This wide passage turns sharply in a practical 180 to the south for a full length of some 60' ... with a quick turn to the east to double doors. The doors are completely checked and opened and the party moves in a little to take a look. This large, arched chamber provides a grim contrast to the Vault’s other life-filled rooms. Instead of lush vegetation, a massive briar patch and layers of thick humus form high mounds throughout the room. Hundreds of varieties of fungi choke out any attempt for healthy plants to root, and the air is heavy with the stench of decay. At the chamber’s eastern end, a large, swollen wooden chest sits atop a high mound of compost.

What do you do?
BuckGodot
  "Well... That seems a bit... Obvious and inviting... What was this room for, Mistress?"   Aasgar asks of their host and guide.
lostsole31
  "This ... is an abomination..."   she says as she steps in just enough to see, the awful stench rolling out into the hallway.   "This must be the seat of power of the blighted intrusion."  
Admyral
Trying to examine the chest from afar,  Phaevin steps into the chamber.  He says,    "Is that chest... alive? Why is it swollen? "  
lostsole31
As Phaevin moves forward asks his question, a massive, animated bramble  plant rips out of the mound with the chest on it and gives a screeching  roar!

 Begin Round One ...

R1T25:   Phaevin ,  because it ripped out of the hill at a higher point, you initially saw  it. That said, it traveled lower than your sightline, because ALL of  these mounds are tall, blocking your sight. You would have to move much  closer to it to actually see it. What do you do?
lostsole31
 R1T25:  Realizing light will be a problem in this dark,  humid place, Phaevin casts a dull red light on his bow and moves forward  to mid-room, center, putting out what light he may.

 R1T20:  Lucette delays...

 R1T18:  Sounds of wriggling and unholy plant sounds and roots ripping out of the ground.

 R1T17:  Abenor takes off into the maze of brambles. His voice is heard in the distance.   "Contact!"  
 R1T12:   Aasgar , what do you do?
BuckGodot
  "I hate when he does that... Damned long-legged elves!"  says Aasgar as he draws his axe and follows Abenors path.

 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 
Speak While Moving(TM)

Follow Abenor as fast as possible. (double move? Sprint? Run?)
 
lostsole31
 R1T12:    "I hate when he does that... Damned long-legged elves!"  says  Aasgar as he draws his axe and follows Abenor's path, finding that some  of the places where mounds come close to each other are harder to move  through.

 R1T9:  Cici says something, and Lucette  climbs down from her. Cici then casts a spell upon herself and flies in  at high speed 10' off the ground.

 End Round One, Begin Round 2 ...

R2T25:   Phaevin , what do you do?

Enemy on deck and in the hole ...
Admyral
  "Do you need me to carry you?  Or perhaps get you a box?"  , Phaevin says with a devilish grin. He moves deeper into the room trying to get a shot at the plant creature.

 
 Spoiler: Tech Info 

MA: 10' SE
If able to see enemy, SA: Attack with shortbow. ATK: (1d20+10)[ 17 ]  DAM: (1d8+1)[ 7 ]  +  (1d6)[ 5 ]  fire
 
lostsole31
 R2T25:    "Do you need me to carry you?  Or perhaps get you a box?"  ,  Phaevin says with a devilish grin. He moves deeper into the room and  takes a shot at the creature, but its brambles catch the arrow in its  body and the dampness puts out the flame.

 R2T18:   The primary monster adjusts its position south and west. It waves its  branches around, and in doing so, a second, batch of weeds and brambles  burst out of the hill south of Abenor which then moves forward to engage  Abenor and Phaevin. The first of the animated brambles swings at  Abenor, who tumbles north out of the way.

 R2T17:  Abenor gets into a combat style as he quick draws his second blade and then disappears from view.

 R2T12:   Aasgar , roll a Fort save. Regardless of that, what do you do?

Cici on deck, Lucette in the hole ...
BuckGodot
Aasgar adjusts his footing and feeling there may be a possible opportunity to flank, should he ever arrive at the scene of combat, darts north to try to come around the bush.

 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 
Enter Valiant Keeper's Stance

MA:Move North 5' then East 15'
 

 
 Spoiler: Fortitudinal Saving Throw 
 (1d20+15)[ 26 ] 
 
lostsole31
 R2T12:  Aasgar adjusts his footing and feeling there may be a possible  opportunity to flank, should he ever arrive at the scene of combat,  darts north to try to come around the bush.

 R2T10:  Galakhar continuing movement you didn't notice, is moving east along the southern wall.

 R2T9:   Cici flies in - now at a height of 15' tall and wielding her waveknife -  aerobatically gets within the Secondary Bramble #2, cutting it wither  her blade for  6 , though it seems weaker than it should, as Cici is affected by the rotting stench.

 End Round 2, Begin Round 3 ...

R3T25:   Phaevin , what do you do? Roll a Fort save.

Enemies on deck and in the hole ...
Admyral
Phaevin squints and brushes his nose attempting to ignore the irritating stench.

He attacks the mass of brambles directly to the south with a fiery arrow.

 
 Spoiler: tech info 

FORT save  (1d20+6)[ 7 ] 

ATK: (1d20+10)[ 14 ]  DAM: (1d8+1)[ 6 ]  +  (1d6)[ 6 ]  fire
 
lostsole31
 R3T25:  Phaevin squints and brushes his nose attempting to ignore the irritating stench, but it is too sickening ( sickened ). He goes to shoot the mass of brambles directly to the south with a fiery arrow, but he is struck in the chest for  12 + grappled !

 R3T18:   The primary horror wriggles and makes strange noises, and a third  animated bramble (3) rips out of the hill between itself and Phaevin,  and moves south to attack Galakhar. Galakhar tries to parry but ends up  having to do more dodging to avoid the attack. Animated Bramble #1  closes on Aasgar and slams him in the chest ( 12 mod DDP ) and holding him fast ( grappled ) and taking him out of stance. Meanwhile, Animated Bramble #2 constricts Phaevin for  23 .

 R3T17:   Abenor rallies past the sickness and gets into his long-armed stance so  as not to impale himself. He drops his wakizashi and attacks the main  bramble monster two-handed, hitting for  25 +  9 force  .

 R3T12:   Aasgar ,  this is a place you don't want to be a as a two-hand stylist - grappled  - because you can't use a weapon two-handed, and without any grappling  skill you can't use any of your stances or maneuvers. At least the  wretched stink of rot will no long bother you. What do you do?

Galakhar on deck, Cici in the hole ...
BuckGodot
Aasgar concentrates and calls on the spirit of Uskroth to infuse him with power and then tries to break the grapple.

 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 
Using Uskroth's Armour and activating Righteous Might.

Breaking free of Grapple roll:  (1d20+14)[ 19 ] 
 
lostsole31
 R3T12:  Aasgar concentrates and calls on the spirit of  Uskroth to infuse him with power. Though he doesn't have the focus to  try to get out of the grapple, the bramble strains to keep him held as  the dwarf is now 8'10" tall, and weighing in well over 3/4  ton! 
 Spoiler: Inspiration 
 Warning Roar .
 

 R3T10:   Galakhar brilliantly tumbles away from his animated bramble and downs  an extract which causes his entire musculature to swell up.

 R3T9:   Cici recovers from the blighted aura's sickening effects and  concentrates on a spell, and a blast of golden particles covers two of  the servitor brambles and the main one. It appears both servitors are  wiggling more erratically. Unfortunately, even though Phaevin  technically was outside the effect, his grappled condition and being  brought close to an animated bramble means he is blinded as well. She  then repositions to the east.

 R3T6:  Ivilva's  voice is heard casting right next to Aasgar, but she is not seen. It is  not a quick incantation, for she continues it ....

 End Round 3, Begin Round 4 ...

R4T25:   Phaevin ,  roll a Fort save to get over being sickened. You have a bow in hand and  are currently blinded by friendly glitter. What do you do? At the end  of your round, you then get a Will save to no longer be blinded.

Enemies on deck and in the hole ...
Admyral
Phaevin mutters a nasty curse in Dwarvish, mainly because they have the best curse words, and tries to push down the sickness.

He twists and bends attempting to free himself from the brambles and draw his sword.

 
 Spoiler 

Fort Save versus sickness  (1d20+6)[ 20 ] 
SA: Attempt to break grapple
IF successful, MA: Draw Rapier keeping bow in off-hand
Will Save versus Blindness  (1d20+4)[ 21 ] 
 
lostsole31
 R4T25:  Phaevin mutters a nasty curse in Dwarven, mainly  because they have the best curse words, and that vitriol rallies him  past the sickness. He twists and bends attempting to free himself from  the brambles. Normally, trying to beat such mass with brute force is a  foolish proposition, and he does still fail, but his adrenaline at least  makes it difficult for the bramble as it fights to maintain its hold.  Despite still being held, Phaevin then manages to wrench free his rapier  .... at least he has partial success, even as the flakes of gold clear  from his eyes and he sees again.

 R4T18:  There is  a tearing and squelching sound as yet another bramble frees itself from  another mound ... the one SW of Aasgar. It disappears west and south,  to where the indirect glow of the lantern is that Galakhar holds.  Aasgar's bramble continues to hold him, more branches wrapping around  him to constrict for  3 mod (+15 DDP) . Phaevin has a better hold against the smaller aiuvaran, squeezing Phaevin for  30 , though the bramble still seems to have problems from the golden dust, even as #3 thrashes wildly.

 R4T17:  Abenor slashes at the primary bramble to strike it for  20 .

 R4T12:   Aasgar , you are still grappled, but mighty and powerful in a way you've never enjoyed now that  Uskroth's armor  is activated, but you are still limited from using your greataxe with both hands in the grapple. What do you do?

Galakhar on deck, Cici in the hole ...
BuckGodot
Aasgar struggles mightily to break free of the hold while calling out tactical advice to his allies.

 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 
SA: Break free from grapple

 (1d20+13)[ 30 ] 

SwA: Defending the Pride: Grant all allies w/in 60' a +4 morale bonus to AC for 1 rd.
 
lostsole31
 R4T12:  Aasgar struggles mightily and breaks free of the  hold while calling out tactical advice to his allies, his voice  carrying farther than normal with his prodigiously large lungs. He is  inspired with his last withheld maneuver, but at the cost of his wounds  showing ever more ( 13 ).

 R4T10:  Galakhar, probably unseen by most as he is against the southern wall midway into the room, is heard calling out,   "If  you can bypass the base brambles to do so, make your way to the leader  and cut it down and the others will fall as well! These  servitor-brambles aren't even real plants, but animated plant-like  constructs."  

Despite his own advice, he is  limited by his available path and is seen coming in to engage the  blinded bramble (#3). He takes a quick sense of the thing and then hits  it with an upwards thrust that does  21 .

 R4T9:    "Got it! Thanks, Gal,"   says Cici.   "But  that big one Abenor is fighting is definitely some type of plant. Fits  the description of something I've heard called a 'brambleblight' before,  but that's all I know of them."  

Now that Aasgar  got away from his, Cici has to be more careful and aerobatically moves  from Bramble-1, but then exposes herself to the brambleblight itself  even as she was taking out a small amber stick. The brambleblight misses  Cici thanks to Aasgar's advice, and Bramble-1 also tries to attack her  but misses wildly. Cici goes down to a height of 10' and the  southeastern corner before casting her spell. With a loud crack and a  flash, a lightning bolt goes partly through the brambleblight (  11 electricity  ) to hit Bramble-3 squarely (  20 electricity  ).

 R4T6.1-.0:   Ivilva's voice finally ends the long casting she made. A rat with  thick, gnawing teeth appears to the east of Bramble-1, flanking with  Aasgar. It bites and gnaws the servitor bramble for  4 .

 End Round 4, Begin Round 5 ...

R5T25:   Phaevin , you are in a very bad way, barely conscious and grappled by Bramble-2. What do you do?

Brambleblight and all animated brambles on deck and in the hole ...
Admyral
Pushing down the panic, Phaevin says as loud as he can,   "Need... some... help!"  

He then hums a song of healing attempting to keep himself conscious.

 
 Spoiler: tech info 

MA: None SA: Cast Cure Moderate Wounds on Self  (2d8+5)[ 16 ] 
 
lostsole31
 R5T25:  Pushing down the panic, Phaevin says as loud as he can,   "Need... some... help!"  

He then hums a song of healing attempting to keep himself conscious,  working past the thrashing about from being grappled, only to realize  with horror that he had expended all of his best spells already.

 R5T18:   Being pressed by the little creatures, the brambleblight whips out a  set of thorns at Abenor and Cici. The elf cuts the thorns coming at him  out of the air, but Cici gets hit in the chest for  8  and her left shoulder for  8 . Bramble-1 swings at the rat. Bramble-2 constricts Phaevin for  28 ,  squeezing his body in half, and then it releases the halves of the  half-elf to fall to the ground in wet, glumpy sounds. Bramble-3 swings  wildly in Galakhar's direction. Bramble-4 comes up behind Galakhar and  hits him in the lower back for  10 mod + grappled .

 R5T17:   Mercifully for his focus, a mound was in the way, keeping Abenor from  seeing Phaevin's gruesome death. He still fails to get past outer  branches with a long-armed swing.

 R5T12:   Aasgar , Phaevin was on the other side of the mound, which means you didn't see his death, either ... only hearing his call for help, and unidentifiable wet sounds.

Galakhar on deck, Cici in the hole ...
BuckGodot
Hearing the advice from Gal, Aasgar lets loose with a roar and continues away from the thing that grabbed him, looking to engage with the main plant.   "Somebody help Pheavin!"  
 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 
MA: Can't see on the map how far I can go. Move East until Aasgar sees the big bad and engage.

SwA: Encouraging Roar:(GL1-B, SwA, Allies w/in 30' +2 morale attk/ dmg)
 
lostsole31
 R5T12:  Hearing the advice from Gal, Aasgar growls and  tries to bowl over the bramble to the east of him, but fails to get a  good purchase to do that and stays where he is.  Failing that, he  shouts,   "Somebody help Phaevin!"  

Aasgar's DDP empties out, and he feels the effects of  15 damage .

 R5T10:   Galakhar suddenly changes form into a rocky creature of similar size,  and in doing so, rips out of the bramble's grasp. He tumbles over, past  and through the blinded bramble (#3), ducking a swing from the primary  brambleblight, to stand face-to-face with that creature.

 R5T9:  In a bad way, Cici keeps her position and altitude, and uses her own hex to give herself   6 healing  .

 R5T6.1:  The summoned rat bites Bramble-1 for  5 .

 R5T6:  Ivilva's voice is heard next to Phaevin, though she is unseen.   "Your aiuvaran friend is dead, dwarf. He was ripped in half at the abdomen. There is no power that can restore him."  
 End Round 5, Begin Round 6 ...

R6T18:   Bramble-1 strikes the dire rat. But instead of squishing it, it simply  disappears with a *pop!* Bramble-2 swings where it heard a noise  (Ivilva's voice) and misses wildly. Bramble-3 swings wildly where the  little person ran over and through it, missing. Bramble-4 disappears to  the west. The main Brambleblight strikes Galakhar in the chest for  9 mod  and misses with the second attack.

 R6T17:  With the brambleblight occupied by Galakhar, Abenor hits it from behind for  26 .

 R6T12:   Aasgar , what do you do?
BuckGodot
Aasgar sets his footing and decides it's best to eliminate the foe in front of him and then move on to the main baddie.

 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 
SwA: Enter Golden Commander Stance

Attack action using Risky Strike and Dazing Attack (Dmg + 3d6. Fort save or be dazed 1 round.)

 (1d20+14)[ 21 ] 

Damage:  (1d12+17)[ 24 ] 
Dazing Attack Damage:  (3d6)[ 13 ] 
 
lostsole31
 R6T12:  Aasgar sets his footing and decides it's best to  eliminate the foe in front of him and then move on to the main baddie,  striking Bramble-1 and destroying it.

 R6T10:  Galakhar stabs the brambleblight in a major sap transfer point for  20 +  1 bleed  . The brambleblight's thorns scratch at Galakhar, but don't penetrate his new rocky hide.

 R6T9:   Cici flies in close and acrobatically, concentrates on a spell, and  blasts the upper parts of the brambleblight with a jet of flame that it  partially ducks for   5 fire  .

 End Round 6, Begin Round 7 ...

R7T18:  The main brambleblight takes   1 bleed    and swings around to attack Cici, but she flies around both attacks.  Bramble-2 swings wildly where Ivilva's voice was last heard. Bramble-3  misses Galakhar who turns around and riposte's under the blow and destroying it. Bramble-4 appears to Aasgar to the west.

 R7T17:   Abenor crits the brambleblight and destroys it, and the animated  brambles all shatter and fall, though are still moving impediments.

 Combat Ends! 

As soon as the last bit of animated bramble falls, there is a blast of green energy that washes over the heroes, healing all of their wounds. (Not including Phaevin ... who is not wounded, but dead.)
BuckGodot
Aasgar stands in shock.   ”Where did that come from?”   he asks. Then he move solemnly over to Phaevin to start gathering his remains.
lostsole31
Phaevin's body shudders and warps. The earth churns over him as if to bury him in honor in this fane of Nature...

... before spitting him back out.  Standing up, and partially changed. He is ... similar ... to the half-elf you once knew.  But now, you couldn't quite call him a half-elf anymore.

His tricorne went under the earth when he was momentarily buried, but never resurfaced. Not that it would matter, as his head could no longer keep such a bit of frippery on his head anymore, what with massive, almost tree-like horns projecting outward and behind him.  There is the hint of a green tattoo partially hidden peeking from his mithral shirt and chemise, and his gear is mostly the same, but more changed than his head is the lower part of his body .... thick, almond-brown fur covers the lower part of his legs before the color lightens on the fur before reaching very sturdy hooves. Out of the back of his pants projects something like a deer's tail - short and fluffy.  This  .... replacement ... has his bow still in hand. He no longer has a lyre tied to his pack, but rather a set of pan pipes are on a lanyard around his neck. He is an inch or so taller than before, even with the now backwards-bending nature of his legs, and is of a much broader and sturdier build than before. His eyes are slightly lighter in shade then before, and there is an oddity about his pupils.
Admyral
  "Aasgar, Galakhar, Cici, Abenor... I..."   , the newcomer pauses and visibly appears to by looking for words.    "I was... I am your friend."    He sings a short arpeggio then says through a smile,    "Is this my voice now?"   

Shaking his head as if clearing cobwebs,    "Nevermind that, I bring... word... yes, word, that we have been betrayed. The green hag has snuck into the vault, masquerading as one of us... We... We are in danger."  The newcomer pulls the bow from his back and tests the weight in his hands.
BuckGodot
Aasgar holds up his axe defensively... Unsure how to proceed...   "Who... What are you? Why should we trust you?"  
 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 
Maintain stance.

Sense Motive:  (1d20+13)[ 31 ] 
 
Admyral
  "I'm me. I am..."  , the newcomer pauses, seemingly looking for words in the air.

  "Calen."

    "Yes, that is a good name,"   Calen adds.   "As for "what" I am, Aasgar, I am clearly me,"   he says as he looks down while making a sweeping gesture with his free hand.

  &lt;*"[Dwarvish Curse Word]!"*&gt;   he exclaims. He holds up one of his legs to get a better look.   "They said there might be changes but..."   Calen's voice trails off.

  "Ah, my friends, I can certainly see the confusion,"   says Calen after regaining some composure.

  "Let me ask you this; why should you NOT trust me?"  , he says making a shrugging motion with his shoulders and then glancing down at one of them in mild surprise.
lostsole31
Meanwhile, the power of  Uskroth's armor  runs out and Aasgar returns to regular size, as does Cici's  glitterdust  cloud. Abenor picks up his wakizashi, and sheathes both blades and closes.
lostsole31
 Surprise Round ...

 Ivilva's voice is heard  casting a spell, and ripping from the ground and the mounds all around  are writhing brambles, roots, grasses, and branches grasping at  everything around, with the characters primarily at point zero. Aasgar  and Lucette get entangled by the vegetation. Meanwhile, Galakhar had  quick drawn his rapier, entered a stance, and moved to the southwest.

Ewigga  Thorhide, the green hag that the bard-formerly-known-as-Phaevin had  fought w/ the Nargrymkin siblings (along with her now-deceased marsh  giant Grenseldek), appears to the majority of the party to the  northeast. Her cackling voice making it easy to find her even if she isn't seen.

 Begin Round One ... 
 R1T32:   Abenor enters his hunting stance and disappears north and northwest out  of sight. Even though he wasn't entangled, the constantly grasping  plants slow his movement.

 R1T23:   Calen ,  you are not entangled (now), but that doesn't mean the field of grasping  plants aren't making things difficult. What do you do?
Admyral
  "Foul creature! You have no business here!"   Calen bellows and fires a flaming arrow at the newly revealed hag.

 
 Spoiler: Tech Info 

SA: Attack Ewigga with Shortbow: ATK: (1d20+11)[ 17 ]  DAM: (1d8+1)[ 7 ]  +  (1d6)[ 3 ]  fire
 
lostsole31
 R1T23:    "Foul creature! You have no business here!"   Calen  bellows and fires a flaming arrow at the newly revealed hag, getting  past her leather armor, but not her thick, warty hide, even as he dances  away from being caught up by the continually grasping plants.

 R1T18:  Galakhar is out of sight, actions unknown.

 R1T16:  There is an indirect green glow and a faint  humming coming from somewhere to the northwest, possibly by the  entrance. Walking into sight from that direction, a man appears, easily  navigating the normally difficult undergrowth between the two mounds he  passes, walking right up to the hag. He dresses in fine, yet simple,  clothing. In his hand is some type of green, glowing sword ... not a  metal sword glowing green ... but apparently a sword of green light  casting light like a sword and attended by some type of vibrant humming  noise. Though he could strike at her, he sees the handful of heroes to  the southeast of him and something north of his position and grumbles.   "I am sure that hostilities are a requirement, yes?"  

She snarls at him.

Looking disappointed, he calls out,   "Myst, attack!"  
 R1T15:  A dark, winged, feline form flies in 5' above  the ground appears from the strange direction, and the man uses his  green energy sword as a type of pointer and the bird-cat snaps at  Ewigga, but as with Calen can't get past the hag's hide.

 R1T14:  Ewigga steps to the southwest and with great  skill she defensively casts a spell - and tendrils of natural battle  magic reach outwards to all. Aasgar, Calen and Cici fail to resist, but  Abenor is fine. Aasgar and Calen's armor, and Cici's waveblade at her  side (in truth, all metal on their person), starts to get warm.

 R1T13:  Cici takes her waveblade out of her sheath and drops it. Leaving Lucette behind in the vegetation, Cici flies north and west.

 R1T11:   Aasgar ,  you are currently held fast by the plants in this vast field of  writhing, grasping, gripping tendrils. It doesn't hurt, but damned  inconvenient. What do you do?
BuckGodot
  "Didn't we just..."   Aasgar says through gritted teeth and he struggles to break free.

 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 
Break free from Grapple

 (1d20+10)[ 13 ] 
 
lostsole31
 R1T11:    "Didn't we just..."   Aasgar says through gritted teeth and he struggles to break free and fails.

 R1T3:  Lucette manages to wriggle out, then scampers north and northwest by the wall, but still in the grasping field.

 End Round One, Begin Round 2 ...

R2T32:   Abenor closes on Ewigga from the north while drawing both weapons  before teleporting behind her to the south, getting blocked by a  dizzying defense that dazes the elf.

 R2T23:   Calen , roll a Ref save to not be entangled. What do you do?

Galakhar on deck, Green-Sword Guy in the hole ...
Admyral
Trying to stay free of the vines and tendrils, Calen says,   "One of these will have to punch through that filthy hide."   He fires another arrow at the hag.

 
 Spoiler: tech info 

Reflex Save:  (1d20+12)[ 22 ] 
IF entangled, will use MA to attempt escape. STR Check:  (1d20+2)[ 8 ] 
SA: Attack  Ewigga with Shortbow:  ATK: (1d20+11)[ 22 ]  DAM: (1d8+1)[ 3 ]  +  (1d6)[ 6 ]  fire
 
lostsole31
 R2T23:  Trying to stay free of the vines and tendrils, Calen spits as he fires another arrow the hag,   "One of these will have to punch through that filthy hide."  

But it will not have been that arrow.

 R2T18:   Galakhar, who has been holding the Ghostlight Lantern this whole time,  appears from the north. Or rather, he is does not appear as he is  invisible, but his position is clearly seen as the lantern light still  extends from his position.

 R2T16:    "My elven friend,"   says the man with the glowing green sword,   "I do hope you don't mind a spell which will cover you and keep you from going invisible or effectively hide."  

Unfortunately,  Abenor is insensate so the older man simply concentrates on a spell,  and a burst of green light erupts to then limn Ewigga and Abenor with a  softly glowing green light. He then steps out of flanking position and  to the east ...

 R2T15:  ... and Myst (the flying kitty) lands on the ground to take up the flank. It bites at her armor, not penetrating her hide.

 R2T14:    Aasgar, Calen, &amp; Cici's metal equipment - everything from armor to  backpack, to the coins in their pocket - continue to burn, this time  causing discomfort to Aasgar (  3 fire DDP  ),   3 fire   to Calen, and   4 fire   to Cici. Meanwhile, Ewigga swallows something small. As she does so, the cat bites her in the chest for  10 ,  but Ewigga still succeeds in swallowing whatever it was. Ewigga then  lets loose with a multi-lingual tirade that is truly terrifying to all  of her enemies in close range that see her with the following effects:
 
 Calen takes   7 fire  + shaken . 
 Cici takes   10 fire  + shaken +  catches fire  ! 
 Galakhar takes   3 fire  + shaken . 
 Lucette takes   1 fire  + shaken +  catches fire  ! 
 Myst is  shaken . 
 All others are unaffected. 
 
 R2T13:  Cici suffers   3 fire    and takes a 5' step south and then does the stop/drop/roll, putting out  the fire on herself (but still wearing a backpack with buckles that  burn her from the other spell).

 R2T11:   Aasgar , your armor is hot (causing damage) and you are still entangled. What do you do?

Lucette (burning) on deck, Abenor (dazed) in the hole ...
BuckGodot
Aasgar gives an encouraging roar and struggles to break free...

 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 
SwA: Encouraging Roar: Allies w/in 30' +2 morale attk/ dmg

Break free from grapple:  (1d20+10)[ 24 ] 
 
lostsole31
 R2T11:  Aasgar gives an encouraging roar and struggles  to break free, ripping out of the vines. They still try to grasp at him,  but he is free for now. 
 Spoiler: Inspiration 
 Scything strike .
 

 R2T3:  Lucette takes   1 fire  . She wriggles around in her holding vines, unable to put out the fire.

 End Round 2, Begin Round 3 ...

R3T32:  Abenor has to shake his head for his whole turn before he regains his composure.

 R3T23:   Calen , roll a Ref save. What do you do?

Galakhar on deck, New Guy in the hole ...
Admyral
Calen, wanting to avoid getting entangled, moves towards the newcomer and tries to get a better angle for shooting.

 
 Spoiler: tech info 

REF Save:  (1d20+12)[ 29 ] 
MA: 40' (or as far as possible) NW
SA:MA2 toward the west as far as possible to escape the grasping vines
 
lostsole31
 R3T23:  Calen, wanting to avoid getting entangled, moves  towards the newcomer and tries to get a better angle for shooting.   Because of having to partially climb and skirt around mounds and the  difficulty of the grasping terrain itself, Calen ends up standing over  the fallen stack of one of the previously animated brambles, and still  just inside this wide area of angry plants.

 R3T18:  Galakhar closes the shutter on the  ghostlight lantern   so his invisibility can be more effective ... and is unseen.  Calen  hears Galakhar whisper to him a second later, giving his position away  to Calen.    "Don't mind me, lad. I'm just trying to get to Lucette to help the ferret put out the fire on its fur."   
 R3T16:  The older half-elven man, or now ... the only  half-elf, with Calen's existence removing that of  Phaevin-the-once-half-elf ... does some fancy movement with his green  sword. As he moves it around, the humming of the energy seems to change  pitch to then lance down at Ewigga's foot, and his strike gets through  very possibly because of the heartened yell of the dwarf, doing  20 +  2 fire  .  The sudden strike makes her stand upright stiff, and the newcomer then  swings upwards with whirring sword to then shred her armor.

  "There, thanks for the assist, Warleader  Dwarf. That should make it easier to get to. Oh, my manners! Please do  not target me, Heroes of the World That Was. My name is Valanar the  Verdant, and I was once an esteemed member of the druids of the Vault of  Thorns."  
 R3T15:  Myst bites Ewigga in the knee for  10 ; claws her shoulder for  10 ; misses with a claw; and one of her wings smashes Ewigga's shin for  8 . Myst looks over at the dwarf with a happy smile.

 R3T14:  Ewigga's spell continues to cause metal weapons and gear to sizzle as everything is now searing hot: Aasgar takes  6 fire DDP , Calen takes   7 fire  , and Cici takes   5 fire  .  She steps to the northwest over brambles and roots and vines (not  magical) with uncanny grace and concentrates, using holly and mistletoe  to then cast a spell.

 R3T13:  Cici detaches her pouch of shuriken and takes off her hopeknife, dropping both to the ground.

 R3T11:   Aasgar ,  your use of the roar made a huge difference last round, as was evidence  in thanks from "Valanar the Verdant" and his killer kitty from the  skies Myst. You have wounds in your DDP yet to show.  What do you do? Please roll a Ref save.

Lucette on deck, Abenor in the hole ...
BuckGodot
Aasgar charges west to confront the foe brandishing his axe and calling out tactical advice as he does so.

 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 
SwA: Defending the Pride (Grant all allies w/in 60' a +4 morale bonus to AC for 1 rd.)
Ref Save:  (1d20+10)[ 25 ] 

MA: Move NW 5' and then W as 15' to close the distance.

 
 Spoiler: If/Then 

SwA: Defending the Pride (Grant all allies w/in 60' a +4 morale bonus to AC for 1 rd.)

Investing 2 points of Essence Aasgar attempts to use Visage of the Beast on her

[Polymorph enemy into Small animal]

libraryofmetzofitz.fandom.com/wiki/Visage_of_the_Beast

1E = +1 rd. to periodicity target can make a save.
 

 
lostsole31
 R3T11:  Brandishing his axe, Aasgar charges west to  confront the foe, calling out tactical advice as he does. The difficult  terrain means that a plan Aasgar was forming in his mind doesn't have  time yet, but he still mentally wills his energy to his face, ready to  project enemy when there's a chance. Once he gets to his intended mark,  something he doesn't see makes itself felt, and he finds himself  standing right in the middle of a powerful windstorm - not powerful  enough to move his powerful dwarven frame, but noticeable. He also feels  3  from his DDP. 
 Spoiler: Inspiration 
 Red Zephyr strike .
 

 R3T3:   Being held fast by the plants, Lucette has to wriggle around without  the benefit of dropping prone to put out the flames on itself, but it  has trouble and takes   4 fire  . The weasel's screams of pain are jarring.

 End Round 3, Begin Round 4 ...

R4T32:    "Somebody help put the fire out on Lucette!"    Abenor calls, too far from the burning weasel to be of help, and  wincing in sympathetic pain. He adds a layer of complexity to his  martial stance. He double moves around the mound to begin an approach to  the enemy from the west.

 R4T23:   Calen ,  what do you do? Roll a Ref save (you are still in the field). Lucette -  Cici's weasel familiar - is a few feet away and on fire, but unable to  do well in putting out the flames on it because it is held fast by the  plants. You also heard Galakhar's voice next to you, though you don't  see him (invisible).

Galakhar on deck, Valanar in the hole ...
Admyral
Calen moves towards Lucette attempting to dodge the grasping vines. He pats out the fire while applying healing magic to the beast.

 
 Spoiler: Tech Info 

REF Save:  (1d20+12)[ 17 ] 
If entangled, use MA to attempt escape: STR  (1d20+2)[ 4 ] 
otherwise MA: 5' east
SA: Cast Cure Light Wounds on Lucette:  (1d8+5)[ 7 ] 
 
lostsole31
 R4T23:  Calen moves towards Lucette, just barely ripping away from the grasping vines. He  casts a spell that fully heals Lucette, though that healing doesn't put the fire out.

 R4T18:  The sound of a rapier thucking into the muck and slowly appearing as staccato hands heard patting at Lucette.

 R4T16:   "Master Dwarf, I hope you don't take this is as being dismissive of my  thoughts of a dwarf's natural constitution, but please allow me to  augment that with the stoic physical reserve of the bear," says Valanar.  And with holly and mistletoe he casts a spell on Aasgar, invigorating  him greatly.

 R4T15:  Myst bites Ewigga in her left thigh for  5 ; claws her in the chest for  8  and  7 ; and wing buffets her hip for  6 .

 R4T14:  Ewigga's previous spell continues to affect Calen for   2 fire  ; Cici's backpack metal parts for   6 fire  , and Aasgar's armor for (  6 fire DDP  ). She then disappears from view.

 R4T13:  Cici drops her backpack and pouch, ending Ewigga's hold on her through searing heat.

 R4T11:   Aasgar , what do you do?

Lucette on deck, Abenor in the hole ...
BuckGodot
Aasgar shifts his footing and lashes out with his axe.

 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 
SwA: Golden Commander Stance (Gain flanking with all adj. allies that are fighting the same foe)

Attack Action: Attack using Risky Strike and Dazing Attack:  (1d20+13)[ 28 ] 

Damage:  (1d12+16)[ 25 ] 

Dazing Attack (Dmg + 3d6. Fort save or be dazed 1 round.):  (3d6)[ 12 ] 

Reminder: Patient Counterpoint (Ex):  During his turn, he gains a +4 [WIS] insight bonus to damage rolls whenever his DDP has points in it.
 
lostsole31
 R4T11:  Aasgar shifts his footing and lashes out with his axe, missing the empty air, even as  6  catches up with him. 
 Spoiler: Inspiration 
 Warning Roar .
 

 R4T3:   With Galakhar's invisible assistance, it is enough that Lucette can  mash her body against the plans and finally put the fire out, but not  before taking a final   2 fire  .

  "Lucette's fine now!"   calls out Galakhar.

 End Round 4, Begin Round 5 ...

R5T32:  Abenor moves to the north to cover Cici.   "Galakhar,  we're going to need you to come around with that lantern. I recommend  we pull out of this room to the nearby corridor so we aren't tripped up  by the plants and we can corral her with the  ghostlight lantern ."  
 R5T23:   Calen , now that the ferret is no longer burning, it is still entangled by the plants. Roll a Ref save. What do you do?

Galakhar on deck, Valanar in the hole ...
Admyral
  "Thanks for the assist, Gal,"   says Calen. He attempts to wrestle free of the vines, and moves towards the entrance, scanning for any sign of the invisible hag, ready to attack.

 
 Spoiler: tech info 

REF Save:  (1d20+12)[ 18 ] 
MA:
IF Ensnared, attempt escape STR Check  (1d20+2)[ 8 ]  Second attempt if required: STR Check  (1d20+2)[ 20 ] 
else MA: 15' NW

SA:
IF he sees hag: Attack with bow: ATK: (1d20+11)[ 26 ]  DAM: (1d8+1)[ 4 ]  +  (1d6)[ 4 ]  fire
else Second MA: towards entrance as far as possible.
 
lostsole31
 R5T23:    "Thanks for the assist, Gal,"    says  Calen. He attempts to wrestle free of the vines, and finds it difficult  at first, but finally pulls free and moves towards the  entrance, scanning for any sign of the invisible hag, ready to attack.  Just as he passes the last mound, he pushes through a powerful wall of  wind before getting several feet from the entrance, and right next to a  prone Cici with weapons and gear laying on the ground around her.

 R5T18:  ......

 R5T16:  Valanar gets to an intersection and faces the southern and southeastern alleys between the great mounds.   "I am holding off here until everyone is past me and in the corridor. Go! Myst, you too!"  
 R5T15:  Myst flies out and into the hallway, taking up a defensive stance and sniffing about.

 R5T14:   Ewigga's spell continues to affect Aasgar (  2 fire DDP  ), Calen (  3 fire  )  and Cici's gear (on the ground). It should also be noted that everyone  in the northeastern clump actualy sees Ewigga's invisible outline by  Valanar's faerie fire spell to the south between the western wall and  the western-most mound.

 R5T14:  Ewigga casts a  spell and sends a ball of sticky tar towards Valanar. The older man was  already prepared to defend himself and just barely manages to duck out  of the way. With that, Ewigga is no longer just a lit up silhouette, but  fully visible again.

 R5T13:  Cici gets to her feet and smiles,   "I ... I could see her, but she moved. Druid, that humble spell may have saved us."  

Valanar nods to her and says,   "Move out anyway."  

Cici nods and touches Calen to give him   10 healing   before she moves out into the hallway.

 R5T11:   Aasgar , what do you do?

Lucette on deck, Abenor in the hole ...
BuckGodot
Aasgar follows everyone else and dashes towards the entrance.

 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 
MA: move N 5' and then NW as far as he can get
 
lostsole31
 R5T11:  Aasgar follows everyone else and dashes towards  the entrance, passing the double doors and standing next to Myst. He  then suffers  6  from his DDP, and this is a fallow round for inspiration.

 R5T3:  Despite Galakhar's help, Lucette is still entangled.

 End Round 5, Begin Round 6 ...

R6T32:  Abenor runs into the hallway and calls out,   "Calen,  pass us northwards. Everyone else, we need to fall back north a few  more feet to give Calen a line of fire while Aasgar and I hold her off."  
 R6T23:   Calen , what do you do?

Galakhar on deck, Valanar in the hole ...
lostsole31
 R6T23:  Calen warily moves into the hallway and behind  Cici. Though bow in hand, he is more focused on defense (total defense  action).

 R6T18:  ...

 R6T16:  Valanar moves into a spot behind the two leads (Abenor and Aasgar) as his bird-kitty delays.

 R6T14:  Aasgar's armor continues to sear him (  4 fire DDP  ), as does Calen's (  6 fire  ).  Ewigga's raspy old voice is heard intoning a spell some distance away,  still in the room. Her faerie fire outline appears inside the doorway,  though in the silhouette of her hand is a far brighter light, a red  flame as bright as a torch that she seems to wield.

 R6T13:  Cici stares directly at the hag's silhouette for no effect.

 R6T11:   Aasgar , what do you do?

Lucette on deck, Abenor in the hole ...
BuckGodot
Aasgar reaches down to his belt and grabs something, then tosses it towards the opening in front of him.

 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 
SwA: Barrier Belt [Create a wall of force] Adding 2 pts of E adding 4 HPs to the strength of the wall.

 https://libraryofmetzofitz.fandom.com/wiki/Barrier_Belt 

Create a wall of force 10' across and 10' high (Or as high as the entry allows)blocking the entryway.
 
lostsole31
 R6T11:  Aasgar reaches down to his belt and grabs  something - a detachable silver plate from a belt that now appears -  then tosses it towards the opening in front of him.  2  catches up with him.

 R6T3:  ...

 End Round 6, Begin Round 7 ...

R7T32:   Unfortunately, Abenor has never seen this effect before - indeed, still  "sees" nothing, and steps forward. His first attack with katana makes  some type of terrible scratching sound, but doesn't strike the hag. His  follow-up with his wakizashi seems to destroy the barrier.   "Your sorcery avails you not, witch!"   he says as he continues with his katana but misses.   "Sorry, no offense, Cici!"  
 R7T23:   Calen , what do you do?

Galakhar on deck, Valanar in the hole ...
Admyral
Unable to get a clear line of sight on the hag, Calen will move next to Aasgar and apply healing magic to the dwarf to soothe the burns.

 
 Spoiler: tech info 

MA: 5' SE
SA: Cast Cure Light Wounds on Aasgar  (1d8+5)[ 8 ] 
 
lostsole31
 R7T23:  Unable to get a clear line of sight on the hag, Calen moves next to  Aasgar and applies healing magic to the dwarf to soothe the burns for   8 healing  .

 R7T18:  ...

 R7T16:  Valanar concentrates briefly, and as he does, all forms of light generation - spells, weapons, even the  faerie fire  on Ewigga - flicker and fade for a second before returning to normal. He then says something to Myst in an unknown language.

 R7T15:   Myst darts forth around people and Ewigga swishes the fire in her hand  at the bird-kitty and just barely touches and in doing so, the spell  affect disappears, ripped away by the animal's supernal nature. Now  flanking with Abenor, it snaps at her but she ducks aside.

 R7T14:  The burning continues as Aasgar takes (  6 fire DDP  ) and Calen suffers   4 fire  .

 R7T13:  Cici takes out a wand and taps it to herself for  2 healing .

 R7T11:   Aasgar , what do you do?

Lucette on deck, Abenor in the hole ...
BuckGodot
Aasgar adjusts his footing and steps forward bringing his axe to bear upon the hag.

 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 
SwA: Enter Golden Commander Stance (Grants allies w/in 30' that understand his shouts gain flanking with all adj. allies that are fighting the same foe.)

Attack using Risky Strike and Overhand Chop:  (1d20+13)[ 31 ] 

Damage:  (1d12+18)[ 27 ] 
 
lostsole31
 R7T11:  Aasgar adjusts his footing and steps forward  bringing his axe to bear upon the hag, his axe biting deep into her left  shoulder for  31 . No sooner does that happen then  6  of Aasgar's previous wounds appear on him, and his mind swims with inspiration as his maneuvers are reset.

 R7T3:  ...

 End Round 7, Begin Round 6 ...

R6T32:   Abenor tried to hold off, but his worry about no sign of Galakhar or  Lucette for several rounds overwhelms him and his mind descends into the  Hunter ... the mindset he once held in the Realm of the Mammoth Lords  when his existence was predicated on his position as either predator or  prey. And now, Abenor is very much the undiscerning predator. His first  attack with his main blade his blocked high even as he performs a gut  slash with his wakizashi for 31 + (1d4 bleed, halved). Now in dire  straits, she more desperately blocks his next to attacks. That strike  likewise gives her full focus on the dangerous elf.

 R6T23:   Calen , what do you do?

Galakhar on deck, Valanar in the hole ...
Admyral
Calen moves into the doorway muttering,   "I wonder if there is any way to call some more help."   Experimenting with the new pipes hanging from the cord around his neck, he plays an unknown tune that seems oddly familiar.

 
 Spoiler: tech info 

MA: 5' S
SA: Cast Pied Piper. If successful, command the swarm to attack the hag.
 
lostsole31
 R6T23:  Calen moves into the doorway muttering,   "I wonder if there is any way to call some more help."    He has a set of pipes hanging from the cord around his neck, and he  takes those pipes in hand, ready to play, though he must still contend  with holding the bow in his off-hand.

 R6T18:  ...

 R6T16:  Valanar steps north and puts his hand on Cici's shoulder, concentrating, and providing her with   12 healing  .

 R6T15:  Even flanking, Myst is unable to land a blow against the hag.

 R6T14:  The searing heat continues to affect Aasgar (  7 fire DDP  ) and Calen (  6 fire  ) even as Ewigga takes   1 bleed  .  Ewigga steps away from the doors and attempts to staunch the bleeding,  but Myst finally gets a blow in by biting Ewigga in the knee for  11  ... dropping her. Happy at her success, Myst yowls.

 R6T13:  Cici taps Calen with her wand for   7 healing  .

 R6T11:   Aasgar , what do you do?

Lucette on deck, Abenor in the hole ...
BuckGodot
Aasgar moves around to where the hag lies on the ground and performs a coup de grace on the off chance...

 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 
MA: East 5' South 5'

Attack: Choppy choppy with the big axe
 
lostsole31
 R6T11:  Aasgar moves around to where the hag lies on the ground and separates her head from her neck with his axe. He suffers  6  from previous wounds.

 R6T3:  ....

 End Round 6, Begin Round 7 ...

R7T32:  Abenor's rage ends, and now he's fatigued, but he rushes back into the room.

 R7T23:   Calen , what do you do?

Valanar on deck, Myst in the hole ....
Admyral
Calen says,   "Has anyone seen Lucette? Did she escape the vines?"   He moves back into the vault, switching out his weapons as he goes, looking for the beast.

 
 Spoiler: tech info 

MA: 15'E
If Lucette is spotted then he will move towards her as far as possible ONLY if the vines are not active.
SA: Stow bow and ready rapier.
 
lostsole31
 R7T23:  Calen says,   "Has anyone seen Lucette? Did she escape the vines?"   He moves back into the vault, switching out his weapons as he goes, looking for the beast.

 R7T18:  ...

 R7T16:    "The weasel and the stone man are still in there,"   says Valanar.   "Myst, guard the corridor."  

He then moves into the moldering room.

 R7T15:  Myst goes into the corridor and a little north of Cici.

 R7T14:  Death of the hag druid doesn't mean her active spells drop. Aasgar takes   6 fire   into his DDP, and Calen takes   5 fire  .

 R7T13:  Cici flies into the room, having trouble with an invisible barrier by Calen.

 R7T11:   Aasgar , what do you do?

Lucette on deck, Abenor in the hole ...
BuckGodot
  "Ow! Stupid hag with her stupid spell..."   the dwarf mutters as he heads after everyone into the room.

 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 
MA: Move S 15' and east 5'
 
lostsole31
 R7T11:    "Ow! Stupid hag with her stupid spell..."   the dwarf mutters as he heads after everyone into the room. 7 DDP rolls forward to show as wounds on Aasgar. 
 Spoiler: Inspiration 
 Warning roar .
 

 R7T3:  ...

 End Round 7, Begin Round 8 ...

R8T32:  ...

 R8T23:   Calen , what do you do?

Galakhar on deck, Valanar in the hole ...
lostsole31
 R8T23:  Calen delays, to let others handle things while he is overwatch at the entrance.

 R8T16:  Valanar finds himself caught up by the vegetation, and struggles to get out.

 R8T14:  The dead hag's magic persists as Calen takes   5 fire   and Aasgar notes   6 fire DDP  .

 R8T13:  Cici aids Lucette ...

 R8T11:   Aasgar , what do you do?

Lucette on deck, Abenor in the hole, Calen delaying ....
BuckGodot
Aasgar follows the group to the east a bit but breaks south while calling out advice on how to handle any tactical situation that may arise.

 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 
MA: 10' E then 10' SE
SwA: Defending the Pride (Grant all allies w/in 60' a +4 morale bonus to AC for 1 rd.)
 
lostsole31
 R8T11:  Aasgar (taking  6  from DDP) follows the group to the east a bit but breaks south while  calling out advice on how to handle any tactical situation that may  arise.

 R8T3:  With all the help she was  receiving, Lucette finally wriggles free of the grasping vegetation and  hustles to the northeast, ending up a few feet from Calen.

 End Round 8, Begin Round 9 ...

R9T32:   Abenor moves out to get to a few feet from Calen, where the sounds of  great winds buffeting Abenor is heard, but he pushes through just fine.

 R9T18:  The disembodied lamp light held by the invisible Galakhar moves out of the room to the doorway.

 R9T16:  Valanar pulls out far enough to end up astride over the dead hag's body.

 R9T14:  Ewigga's spell continues its postmortem malice, even though the heat is diminishing as Aasgar grunts (  2 fire   DDP) and Calen hisses (  3 fire  ).

 R9T13:  Cici flies next to Galakhar at the doorway,   "Aasgar, everyone else is out! Come back."  
 R9T11:   Aasgar , you are in the entangling field. Roll a Ref save. What do you do?

Lucette on deck, Abenor in the hole, Calen delaying ...
Admyral
Calen moves to the edge of the entangling field, ready to help Aasgar escape if he get stuck.

 
 Spoiler: tech info 

MA: 15' SE
 
lostsole31
 R9T12:  Calen moves to the southeast, closer to the entangling field.

 R9T11:   Aasgar , you are in the entangling field. Roll a Ref save. What do you do?

Lucette on deck, Abenor in the hole ...
BuckGodot
Aasgar rolls his eyes at his forgetfulness and backs out of the field and heads to the door.

 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 
Duran Duran save:  (1d20+10)[ 28 ] 
The reflex is a lonely child, who's waiting in the park
The reflex is in charge of finding treasure in the dark

MA: Move NW 20' or as far as he can get towards the door.
 
lostsole31
The party pulls out to allow the entangling field to peter it. In the meantime, Aasgar takes   1 fire   and Calen takes   4 fire   ... then their metal armors are very warm and not damaging for a few more rounds ... and then Ewigga's  heat metal  spell finally ends.

Aasgar's DDP catches up with him.

It will take a few minutes for the entangling field to abate. In the meantime, do you do anything, or sit quietly with post-battle let-down?
BuckGodot
Aasgar slumps down in a big pile of sweaty dwarf.  
lostsole31
Several minutes later, Valanar says that the  entangle  and  wind wall  are surely done now, so it is safe to go in to the next room.

This was the big boss battle and last known section of this place. Even though it is massive, do you do a deep search ... or just stick with a quick search ... or something else entirely?
lostsole31
It takes nearly 4-1/2 hours to perform a deep search in the room that Cici has dubbed "The Bramblemounds." Cici recovers her waveblade and gear, putting it back on. Abenor recovers his lone errant arrow.

The arched ceiling is 60 feet high in this chamber. Several 30-foot-high mounds of compacted compost and soil, draped with twisting masses of thorny vines, form a complex warren throughout this chamber. A larger, 50-foot-high mound towers above the others at the eastern end of the room. Harmless rodents live among the rotting mulch and fungi, skittering about in a desperate hunt for food. The tiny animals flee at any sign of movement—a survival instinct honed by encounters with the room’s much larger former occupant (the brambleblight), which likely savagely fed on the vermin.

There is a large wooden chest atop the eastern mound that is locked. Galakhar doesn't sense any danger. It takes him two tries before he is able to unlock the chest, containing the treasure that brought the group here in the first place. Only Cici can interpret magic auras, though once done, Galakhar and Cici attempt to further define and identify what has been found. For the objets d'art have Galakhar attempting to appraise them (assisted by Calen &amp; Abenor).
 
 Masterwork Permanent  Ironwood  Breastplate 
 Masterwork Greatsword:  Magic, ID'd as *Gorum's Thorn* (q.v.) 
 Masterwork Scimitar: Magic, ID'd as a  flaming scimitar  
 (11) Masterwork Arrows:  (10) of the arrows have a moderate aura that Cici couldn't define. (1) arrow is a single  arrow of orc slaying . 
 (3) Scrolls:   Scroll of Barkskin; Scroll of Call Lightning; Scroll of Summon Monster IV  
 (2) Wands:  Wand of Flaming Sphere  (9 charges);  Wand of Greater Magic Fang  (12 charges) 
 An permanent  ironwood  crown w/ a stylized thorn motif (250 gp value) 
 Ceremonial, gem-encrusted cudgel (150 gp value) 
 (2)  platinum pieces 
 (133) gold pieces 
 (453) silver pieces 
 (1594) copper pieces  
 

Looking over the dead hag Ewigga, she had the following:
 
 (5)    goodberries   (good for another 2 day each 
 Leather Pouch w/ a single gold piece 
  Lesser Extend Metamagic Rod  
  Scroll of Call Lightning  
 Holly &amp; Mistletoe 
 Alchemy Crafting Kit 
 Pair of Faded Baby Shoes 
 Wooden Toy Rattle  
 
Admyral
  "I wonder if there is any special significance to this,"   Calen says as he holds up the singular gold piece from the hag's pouch.   "Is there any magic emanating from it?"  
lostsole31
Cici shakes her head.
BuckGodot
  "Is anyone seriously wounded? We should use those berries before they go bad. I could stand for some minor healing but otherwise, I'm fine... Although... I'm not feeling quite... as nimble as I usually do? Probably just tired."   says Aasgar.
lostsole31
It seems that Cici and Valanar are almost evenly matched, with the latter demurring to the former.  The results of their triage:
 
 Abenor, Valanar, &amp; Myst:  Unharmed. 
 Galakhar &amp; Lucette:  95% 
 Aasgar &amp; Cici:  80% 
 Calen: 65%  
 

Cici taps Calen w/ her wand for   11 healing  . Galakhar taps Calen w/ his wand for   2 healing  . Valanar has a healing wand, and taps Calen for   5 healing  . He then taps Aasgar for   3 healing  .

Valen then concentrates and gives Calen   6 healing  . He then does the same thing for Aasgar for   9 healing  .

Triage now is Aasgar (90%) and Calen (85%). Valen uses his wand again on Calen for   9 healing  .

Are you both fine with that for now, or ask for more wand healing? If good, what now? Ready to leave?
BuckGodot
Aasgar is fine with that and quite ready to move on if the party is.
lostsole31
It takes some doing, what with the twists and turns of the Vault of Thorns and the difficulty of the compost room (the floating lily pads) but the now-enlarged party makes it out of the demiplane with Galakhar's guidance and use of the  ghostlight lantern , finally making your way to the end, and then shimmering out of view there and shimmering into view in the part of the swamp from which you departed, standing in front of the mehirs.

What now?
BuckGodot
Aasgar suggests resting to heal before we decide our next moves.
lostsole31
Galakhar assists Cici in tending to Aasgar's wounds and then binding them for the night of rest, as well as Calen and Lucette's wounds. Cici tends to Galakhar, and vice-versa, and Galakhar even manages to treat her wounds expertly for   5 healing  , despite lacking a healer's kit.

Too tired to really do much more, and everyone dragging from the great ordeal of the Vault of Thorns, everyone falls asleep.

That night, there is a faint dinging sound above Galakhar's and Cici's (and by extension Lucette's) head!  
 

   Fireday, 19 Pharast 4715 AR [New Moon] 
75 / 55 F. Light rain. Dry.  

The next day, do either of you do anything different for setup?
BuckGodot
Other than eyeing Calen with suspicion, Aasgar does nothing differently. He will spend time cleaning his weapons and armour to ensure they are in working order.
lostsole31
With Aasgar's morning routine, he seems to have discovered all the minor tricks he can do with this "akasha" (so-called by Galakhar), and keeps the *gauntlets of disruption* and *circlet of life and death*, reshaping them when he can.

Meanwhile, the *barrier belt* and *visage of the beast* are unshaped while he meditates. He shapes a ring in which pure radiant energies burst forth from this ring as he commands, ready to wash over his allies and soothing their injuries before disappearing until essentia is invested. 
 Spoiler: Unlocked 
Ring Slot:   Lifechannel Ring  
 

The next veil to shape covers Aasgar's entire body, and has a disgusting feel and even stings a little. A leathery layer of slime-coated flesh oozes with magic as it forms around his body before disappearing. 
 Spoiler: Unlocked 
Body Slot:   Babau Skin  .
 

After morning routines, Galakhar says,   "Now that we are finished and have the weapons from the Vault of Thorns, I recommend we do a couple passes of the treasure divvy just to gird ourselves with what we will. Then, we should rendezvous with the Nargrymkin dwarf-woman, before returning back to the riverboat. Sound good?"  
BuckGodot
Aasgar nods his agreement with the plan to divvy up the goods but before doing so, asks all who are still wounded to gather around him. He will concentrate again on his ring and activate it when they do.

 
 Spoiler: Technical Information 
Putting 1 additional point of essence and activating the ring.

 (2d6)[ 2 ] 
 
lostsole31
There is an extremely weak burst of positive energy that provides   2 healing   to Aasgar and Cici. Cici barely seems wounded anymore.

 Calen , do you say or do anything?
Admyral
  "If anyone requires further healing, I can use some of my magic."  , Calen says, looking specifically at Aasgar.
BuckGodot
Aasgar politely declines indicating he should save his magic for more dire times.
lostsole31
Cici seeks to amend  Galakhar's statement.   "I know that we fought hardest, but remember that our entire mission to the Ghostlight Marsh and Vault of Thorns was to secure weapons to take the fight back to the orcs and the minions of this rumored hill giantess warlord and her kin. We should only do a brief 'divvy' for things that we can actually use, and then offer the same to Ingrahild and Kurst. Kurst, because he is with us but keeping the barge safe and couldn't come this time but will the next. And Ingrahild because her brother was taken and has already chosen to go to Redlake Fort to get him."  
BuckGodot
Aasgar nods his agreement with Cici's statement.
lostsole31
Treasure pick begins ... (see Discord).
lostsole31
With some input from Abenor, Galakhar charts a slow, slogging course straight towards the camp. It is about 3/8 of a mile from the Druid Circle to camp, but it takes 45 minutes. Still, you get there to Ingrahild stoking a cookfire with questionable met on a spit - only part of a larger animal, not a whole smaller animal. Maanwhile, stacked like cordwood about 50' from camp are a jumble of roundish, green, umanoid bodies. She still bears wounds from a recent battle.

  "You made friends ... and lost one,"   Ingrahild Nargrymkin says flatly.   "What happened to the cute half-elf kid? And who's the old dude, flying cat, and the guy with the horns?"  
Admyral
Calen says   "Tis true, Phaevin is gone. But his essence and memories still live on in me. I am Calen..."   He pauses,   "...of the green, um, for the green... no, that's not right."   After another beat, he exclaims,   "Mondegreen! Yes!  I am Calen Mondegreen."  

Looking at the pile of bodies, he continues,   "I see you may have had some troubles on your own? Do you have wounds that require tending?"  
BuckGodot
After Calen offers his assistance, Aasgar makes the other introductions and gives a brief of what happened.

  "After we reached the grove and rested, we entered and were immediately attacked by what Abenor called Lurkers in the Light—annoying little buggers. We dealt with them and moved on. We then encountered what appeared to be an elven woman who called herself Uvula...No... Wait... Ivanka... Ivilva... That was it... Ivilva, Guardian of the Vault of Thorns. After conferring with her, she asked us to undertake a quest. It seems the unseelie had invaded the vault and she wanted us to help clear them in exchange for her help on our quest. After an uneventful encounter with some giant floating lilypads, ahem... We made our way through the greenhouse, dealing with some plant tendrils and xtabay in the next section... We eventually ended at the vault which was filled with large and deadly funghi and brambleblight. Unfortunately, this is where Phaevin met his end. We finished off the nasty plants and that's where it got weird. We were all suddenly healed, and out of Phaevin's remains, up pops this guy. Calen. And he tells us that Vulva is really Earwig Sorehide! The green hag! So then she kind of appears out of nowhere and we commence to fighting her! And then this OTHER guy just... shows up with his batcat and starts talking all posh and joining us in fighting her! Valanar the Verbose, I think he said... To make a long story short, after what seemed like 8 or 9 rounds, we finally killed the hag and made it back here... How was your day?"  
lostsole31
Ingrahild listens with the stoic intensity of a dwarf regaling another of battles.  Once Aasgar finishes his report, she shakes her head slowly. "Ewigga, you mean. Well, at least that bitch is dead. Been a mountain hunter all of my life, so never had much run-in with any of ta' fey courts, Seelie or Un, though I did clear a nest of mites under a hill one time early in my career - me and me brother."

She looks wistfully at the ground. "Well, I'm the one who hired him, so his death is on me, but at least you avenged him and ta' one that turned me mad. Thank you for that."

She whistles,   "Nine rounds? I hear tell of formal boxing in Pitax ... the River Kingdoms? And what I learnt is that a lot of pit fights get their 'rules' from there. If I remember correctly, a round is... what? ... three minutes? So, you fought for nearly a half hour?!

"Anyway, you were gone two days, and a boggard scout - that's what those frog-men are - came up on me and I rent his body asunder. Next day, his mates come looking for him, so kilt them, too, but I imagine it won't be long before they'll send the whole tribe out, and then I don't think all of us could handle a whole tribe a' them croakers."  
BuckGodot
Aasgar listens respectfully nodding at the critical parts and looking at her with sympathy when she mentions her brother.

  "We should rest but we also need to return to the boat. Thoughts? What's everyone's status?"   asks the dwarf looking around.
lostsole31
Cici says,   "We just started our day and moved an hour in the swamp. Let's get out of this mudbath."  
BuckGodot
Aasgar nods his agreement and gathers his things to move out when everyone is ready.
lostsole31
Nothing - neither animal, plant, nor foolish sapient swamp-dweller - is foolish enough to accost the heroes returning to the keelboat.

A very nervous Kurst Grath is pacing on the outer edges (facing the swamp) of a partial encampment, and he calls out,   "Captain Bloodtusk, they've finally returned!"  

Captain Bloodtusk asks the group to hold, for there are several unfamiliar faces here.  "Who are these three?" he points to Calen, Valanar, Ingrahild, and Valanar's winged, black mountain lion Myst.
BuckGodot
  "Captain, it's good to see you... These have joined our cause and shown themselves to be trustworthy by action. We will vouch for them. Do you have room aboard for them?"   he says and then introduces each.
lostsole31
Bloodtusk shakes his head.   "They are not part of the bargain, however trustworthy you may think them. What would you pay me to add them for passage?"  
Admyral
  "Well met, Captain"  , Calen Says with a bow.   "We could barter our passage with entertainment to keep the crew's spirits high! And hard work to ease their burden!"  , he continues in bright tone.   "We also offer our sword arms and magic in defense during the perilous journey ahead."  
lostsole31
Having had time to observe the interaction, Galakhar adds to the dubious captain.   "Of course, if the end of those sword arms had some coin liberated from ancient vaults. Perhaps 30 ancient platinum coins," here he holds one of them up, "would help with the wear and tear such new additions would bring, while they still offer their services to you, your keelboat, and the crew."  

The captain's greedy eyes light on the coin, nodding enthusiastically. Galakhar goes and out of sight of the captain takes 30 platinum coins from the party treasury and hands them over.

  "Welcome aboard, gentlemen!"  
lostsole31
  
 
 

With having waited a couple days, the PCs find that Captain Raag Bloodtusk has recovered from his previous poisoning, and is ready to pilot the boat the rest of the way to Redlake Fort, continuing upstream along the River Esk for another 50 miles. Fortunately, Bloodtusk has negotiated safe passage with the orc tribes along the river, and the boat is able to make the journey unmolested. After 5 days, Bloodtusk drops the PCs off on the southern bank of the river. Redlake Fort lies about 10 miles to the west, along a small tributary that feeds into the Esk.

Plenty of time for a keelboat full of partial strangers to get to know each other more...
lostsole31
    Fireday, 19 Pharast 4715 AR (New Moon)
 75 / 55 F. Light rain (1/2"). Dry.   

Smooth travel for that first day. It's an odd nature of the swamp that the fast-moving River Esk creates a cool air current that acts as its own form of insulation, keeping the surrounding swamp's humidity sealed in and the air above the river itself rather dry. Otherwise, a beautiful day ... as far as swamp's go.

Being older and seemingly more experienced, Valanar - having been apprised of the group's mission, commits himself to it, and recommends that the group cross-trains as much as possible for the coming trials at Redlake Fort, as well as dedicate to individual focuses and pursuits that make each member a specialist in their field.

In the morning, Abenor will talk about ways that giants tend to be fooled more easily because of their unique societies, with Calen, Valanar, Galakhar, Ingrahild, &amp; Kurst part of that discussion. Aasgar will instead be more focused on akashic meditation, learning more about the strange powers of his birth. Cici also spends time meditating in the morning. 
 Spoiler: Veils Discovered 
Today's veils uncovered:
  Aura of the Adaptable   (Shoulders)

He also discovers his first neck slot veil:   Voice of Winter  .
 

That afternoon, Abenor gives specialized martial training to Aasgar, Galakhar, &amp; Valanar. Aasgar and Abenor (The Two A's) are the still the only two "dedicated" martial initiators. He might not have realized it before, but Galakhar's "Moncorvo School" of fencing is a function of his special training as a polymath - a man trained in the sciences, including the martial sciences. Valanar is the new one, however. While not a dedicated initiator like The Two A's, he has training as something called a "Force Knight," which is really just his nature religion's version of a War Soul, a splinter group of people with strange mental powers he can create energy weapons with the power of their mind (or soul, or some other mechanism with which Aasgar is unfamiliar).

That evening, while Valanar sequesters himself for his own meditations. Galakhar talks general philosophy and matters of insight with the rest of the party.

That night, after only talking with Valanar, Calen jumps ship to follow his own destiny.
lostsole31
    Starday, 20 Pharast 4715 AR (New Moon): SPRING EQUINOX!
 75 / 55 F. Light rain (1/2"). Dry.   

Today is the Spring Equinox, and for Cici's observances as a worshiper of Erastil, Planting Week begins.

In the early morning, Aasgar's discovery leads him to his chest (heart) chakra, and touches on a power that speaks of a time loop. It might not be his cup of tea, but it is still a possibility he has opened himself to. Then, for his brow he creates a hat of roiling black akasha, out of which crawls a black cat to aid him in the day's endeavors. 
 Spoiler: Unlocked 
Chest:   Ceradon's Eternity  
Head:   Black Hat of the Witch  
 

For the main part of the morning, Abenor focuses on his own two-weapon drills. Galakhar tutors Aasgar on combat footwork. Valanar changes into the form of an eagle, and then he and Myst fly about. Cici casts a spell on herself and Lucette, and they fly about as well, all working on their aerobatics skill.

In the afternoon, Valanar leads Ingrahild, Aasgar, Galakhar, Kurst, &amp; Myst in strength training. Aasgar learns that he and Ingrahild are pretty evenly matched for raw physical power, but finding that the middle-aged "Force guy" (as Ingrahild is given to offhandedly referring to him) is the strongest member of the party is rather jarring. His physical strength doesn't just outstrip the dwarven warriors, but by a significant amount, so there must be some other story going on there.

That evening after dinner, Valanar goes to work private combat training with Myst. Galakhar gives area avoidance training to Aasgar, Ingrahild, &amp; Kurst, while the others work on private projects.
lostsole31
    Sunday, 21 Pharast 4715 AR (New Moon)
 80 / 65 F. Dry.   

Aasgar's daily discovery focuses, as expected, on his hands as he is able to coax more power out of such veils. He draws on the powers of cold, death, and darkness, reaching into the void within to draw forth from his hand to bring forth a massive blade as large as he is, that cuts with the crushing ennui of oblivion. Then, focusing on his arms still - but his wrists this time - he brings forth linen wrappings on his arms that can help him bridge the boundaries of space. 
 Spoiler: Unlocked 
Hands:   Voidblade  
Wrists:   Runecloth of Doorways  
 

For morning training, Galakhar gives first aid and medical training to Valanar, Aasgar, Abenor, &amp; Cici.

Also during the morning, the keelboat quickly passes through the thin ribbon of green and enters hill country.

In the afternoon, Aasgar takes time to simply think about what he's heard and seen about his companions, imagining varying tactical situations that he might employ, but he observes everyone else. Valanar puts Myst through her paces, teaching her charging techniques. Abenor gives Ingrahild, Cici, Kurst, &amp; Galakhar various finger strength and lifting drills for climbing.

After dinner that evening, Galakhar will discuss matters of the history of the Hold of Belkzen to Ingrahild &amp; Cici. Meanwhile, Aasgar pegs the other side of the meter, holding grueling dwarven calisthenics for Valanar (&amp; Myst), Abenor, &amp; Kurst.
lostsole31
    Moonday, 22 Pharast 4715 AR (Waxing Crescent)
 80 / 65 F. Moderate rain (3/4").    

Aasgar continues the theme of darkness and his hands form a pair of glossy black crossbows. Today, for the first time, he finds that even his feet hold energy and power. Unfortunately, the power of darkness he had for his hands today is on wild runaway to frigid cold and has to suppress the aura from the veil he creates on his feet today. 
 Spoiler: Unlocked 
Hands:   Sable Shots  
Feet:   Polar Showshoes  
 

That morning, Aasgar throws himself into his own impossible exercises. Galakhar and Cici discuss magical theory. Abenor gives training to Ingrahild and Kurst.

In the afternoon, the discussion of magical theory Galakhar and Cici had turns to matters of cosmology and mysticism. Valanar, on the other hand, speaks with Aasgar on more simpler matters of wisdom over knowledge.

In the evening, after the evening has begun to cool, Abenor gives combat acrobat training to Valanar, Cici, Galakhar, &amp; Ingrahild. Aasgar meditates on his akashic powers. Lucette and Myst play rabbit games with each other under Kurst's supervision (and inclusion).
lostsole31
    Toilday, 23 Pharast 4715 AR (Waxing Crescent)
 70 / 55 F. Heavy rain (1-1/2"). Winds S 20 mph. Medium humidity.    

The keelboat gets hammered by rain and wind today, but as this is the last full day of travel on the Esk, that works in the character's favor, for it may help to conceal the keelboat's movements.

That day during Aasgar's discovery, Aasgar forms the shape of a manacle and chain wrapped around his arm. He can either use it as a spiked chain that he intuitively knows how to use, or to simply wrap the chain around his first to fight unarmed. This chain also helps in a variety of tactical situations, but also to help get free of a grapple and similar situations, even being used to help others escape. Given the hostile nature of the weather - though the temperature is much more moderate when this trip began - Aasgar forms a ring veil on his hand that limits his need for sleep, makes him more comfortable in inclement weather, nourishes his body through pure akasha rather than needing food and water, and even protecting him from energy, in this case today being sonic ... as he intuitively seeks to dull the crack of thunder in todays' storms. He even realizes he can pass on this protection for a short period to allies as well.
 
 Spoiler: Unlocked 
Hands:   Bonds of Freedom  
Ring:    Band of Adaptability   (unlocking sonic resistance).
 

In the morning, Galakhar continues his discussion of cosmology and mysticism with Valanar. Cici will tutor Aasgar and Kurst on Erastilian country healing techniques.

In the afternoon, Valanar spends time with Myst. Combat training is held by the rest of the party. In the late afternoon, the keelboat reaches its final point on the southern part of the river.

Captain Bloodtusk allows the group a final night aboard, but tomorrow they are to disembark. Redlake Fort likes 10 miles to the west, along a small tributary that feeds into the Esk.
lostsole31
    Wealday, 24 Pharast 4715 AR (Waxing Crescent)
 75 / 55 F. Winds WNW 5 mph. Low humidity.    

The characters get their final breakfast, and Captain Bloodtusk wishes the heroes well before pushing off.

Redlake Fort is about 10 miles ... so it will be a trek along with whatever combat/ reconnaissance you may find yourself doing.

 Aasgar , what do you want to do for daily akashic meditations? Do you shape specific normal and/ or minor veils, leave it to discovery, or a mix of both? Also, do you change your list of guaranteed and withheld readied maneuvers?
BuckGodot
He will leave his maneuvers untouched for now. As to the veils. He will use the Aura of the Adaptable to load the Band of Adaptability (Primary), and Ceradon's Eternity for now. (Until I do more research.) Feet will be the Polar Snowshoes ( I presume these are not constantly active.) Sable Shots to hands. Runecloth of Doorways to wrists and I will work with everyone on this skill to show the advantages of moving quickly around a battlefield. And the cat in the hat to head.
If there are more I can do, I leave it up to discovery.

I hope I did that right.
lostsole31
Aasgar has had time to really think about one of the veils he discovered days ago, and this time he forgoes discovery to try to shape all the things he thinks about, only to find out he isn't quite powerful enough to shape all of that energy yet, and even then has to adjust his minor energies as well. By the time he is fully loaded, he doesn't have enough for the  Runecloth of Doorways .
 
 Spoiler: Loadout 
Veil #1:  Aura of the Adaptable  (Shoulders)
&gt; Loaded:  Band of Adaptability  (Current Primary),  Ceradon's Eternity , &amp;  Polar Snowshoes .
Veil #2:   Sable Shots  (Hands)

Minor Veil #1:  Circlet of Life &amp; Death  (Head)
Minor Veil #2:   Earring of Safe Health  (Headband)
 

Once everyone's morning routines are complete - which is two hours due to a long routine set by Valanar the Verdant - he gathers everyone together.   "I recommend moving towards Redlake Fort as stealthily as we can manage. There are likely to be scouts, and their job will be more to return to alarm the fort rather than to engage.  Here is what I recommend: Abenor, Cici, and her Lucette take point at a distance of 50'.  Then we have the main body with myself and Myst, Aasgar, and Galakhar. And then a rearguard 30' behind them of Ingrahild and Kurst mounted on his horse Hope.

"How does that sound?"  
BuckGodot
  "I concur with your suggestions. It's a sound plan. If no one has any other points to bring up, I suggest we move on it."   replies Aasgar.
lostsole31
It's a slow move through the countryside as the party's overall demeanor is one of stealth. There are distant scouting patrols noticed here and there .. usually a giant and some orcs ... but Abenor leads the party to the end of the day and within striking distance of Redlake Fort, which you can now see.

Galakhar (aided by Cici), discusses the history of the fort...

Originally part of Harchist’s Blockade, the second line of strongholds defending Lastwall’s retreating northern border with Belkzen, Redlake Fort (named for a variety of crimson algae that grew within its moat) was abandoned in 4482 AR when the Blockade fell and a new border, the Hordeline, was established farther south. The fall of Redlake Fort was more than just a military defeat, however, for in the face of an orc siege, the human garrison resorted to cannibalism under the influence of their desperate castellan. The acts committed in the fort’s final days echo to the present, and it is rumored that several haunts now manifest within its walls.

Valanar seeks out the best section - a cramped cave for this party (including the horse and winged mountain lion - from which to create a redoubt, though it has no escape secondary exit. Beggars can't be choosers.  A vegetative screen is placed in front of the cave so to block light from spells, though no cookfires will be made for fear that the escaping smoke will signal the party's position.

Once everyone is settled into this redoubt, Abenor says,   "With the light fast fading, I intend to do a reconnoiter of the exterior to try and get a sense of how best to infil."  

Galakhar says,   "I have no doubt in your elven abilities, but you know giants' larger sense organs are often better than we give them credit. But it still only is mundane hope-and-prayer stealth. On the other hand, my dunesage meditations from Qadira allow me to take on the form of an earth elemental, including the ability to earth glide...that is, to 'swim' under the surface of the earth - even through solid stone - and my extracts allow me to be invisible. I should go in your place, as most of what we see of the fort is dust and dirt and earth. I also sense things up to 60' away with my tremorsense. I shall go as soon as everyone agrees."
  
 Aasgar , opinions?
BuckGodot
Aasgar nods his agreement but adds,   "While Abenor does have experience with giants' larger organs, I think perhaps having a backup in place should something go wrong would be in order. Perhaps he could go with you to the outer edges and keep watch until you return, Galakhar? There have been too many instances of someone heading off never to return and the rest guessing what happened."  
lostsole31
Aasgar's words make sense, and there is an argument before Aasgar's suggestion wins out over Galakhar's.

 Aasgar , anything before Abenor and Galakhar go off to recon?
BuckGodot
Aasgar has nothing to add other than telling them to be careful.
lostsole31
They both come back a few hours later, well after dark to give a report.

Built from reddish stone (which also contributed to its name), Redlake Fort was originally surrounded by a water-filled moat fed by a nameless tributary of the River Esk, but after the construction of a dam (K8), the water eventually evaporated, leaving the fort sitting atop a rocky outcrop 20' above a wide, dry trench. The bottom of this dry moat is 15' below the level of the surrounding land, encircled by a 10-foot-high wooden palisade constructed of 2-foot-thick logs lashed together. Climbing the palisade was relatively easy for both of them (DC 15 Climb check). The only gaps in the palisade are where a stone bridge leads to the fort’s barbican ( K1 ), and where the wall butts up against the old dam that separates the moat from the Esk’s side channel ( K8 ).

The outer wall of the fort itself is 15' high, and it is estimated to be a a challenging climb for Abenor, and extremely difficult for Galakhar to attempt to scale it (DC 20 Climb check). However, there is a crumbling section (between areas  K11b  and  K11c ) which would require no Climb checks. Several arrow slits pierce the wall, too small for anyone or anything in the party (except) Lucette to wriggle through.

This means that the party would need to come in from the north to that crumbling section to get easy egress into the Fort.

Abenor heard an Orc grumbling: “If those stinkin’ ogrekin take any more pot shots at us from that wall, I’m gonna kill ’em all myself. Ain’t fair that they get to stay inside the fort while we live down here like rats.”

Galakhar heard the following Orc rumor: “Our fearless leader ain’t so tough after all, I hear. She’s holed up in her room crying like a whelp. Something ‘bout her true love don’t feel the same for her. Never thought that oversized beast would be so feeble.”
BuckGodot
Aasgar listens intently.   "I wonder if we could make use of the dam in some way? Provide a massive distraction as well as potential damage? Any thoughts?"   he asks.
lostsole31
Galakhar smiles.   "I like where your head is at, Master Dwarf. But the dam support is too big and sturdy to do without being unnoticed. We would have the hole of the fort bearing down on whoever was trying that well before ever bringing the dam down, and then such a person would not only be put up against insane odds, but then if successful the dam would wash away the saboteur."  

Valanar asks Aasgar,   "So, whatever we do, we have to do it as stealthily as we can for as long as we can. I notice you shifting magical powers. Is there anything you can set up with them for stealth?"  
BuckGodot
Aasgar nods in response and answers hesitantly,   "I... Can, yes... but I am still not very stealthy even with it activated."  

Aasgar asks,   "What if we used bringing the dam down as a ruse? One person who could fade away quickly before the foe was upon them? Perhaps I am overthinking it..."  

He looks off and then back at the others as if suddenly remembering something.   "Oh! I just remembered. I can help up to 5 other people with the environment and allow them not to need to eat or drink and only need 2 hours of sleep if any would like such? They must stay within 30' to maintain the ability.  
lostsole31
  "The more I think about it,"   says Galakhar,   "the more I think the dam attack might have merit.  I would venture to say I am the most knowledgeable engineer, but I wouldn't mind having a dwarven engineer along for their insights."  
  "Don't look at me!"   says Ingrahild, shocked at the mere suggestion.

Galakhar can't help laughing, but finally collects himself and says,   "I was speaking of the dwarf who's idea it is.  So, with my earthen awareness and Aasgar's stonecunning, we can be a small force to infil and try to get a closer look at the dam to see if it can be sabotaged, is that right?"  
  "If that's the case,"   says Valanar,   "then our strategic focus is the dam, but our energies should be at two points elsewhere to harry and tie up their forces and attention. Anyone have the best idea how to accomplish that, and with what people placed where?"  
BuckGodot
  ”I think that’s a sound idea to start, Galakhar.”  Aasgar looks at Abenor and says,   ”Would you be up for such a venture?”  
lostsole31
  "Of course,"   answers Abenor,   "I know that dwarves and academics can be too focused on matters of mechanics. If it wouldn't be me there, you two would surely both be surrounded by a legion of orcs before you realize that there's something more than levies and levers."  
BuckGodot
Aasgar chuckles and replies,   ”It seems logical to me that the distraction should be as far from the dam area as possible. Could your team work something up near the north western tents (K5) that could draw as many away to the north as possible? Maybe an air attack from outside that would allow you to fade into the safety of the northern reaches and drawing the orcs out in that direction?”  
lostsole31
  "I can cast fly on myself,"   says Cici.

  "Myst can fly,"   says Valanar.   "I can fly in as a small air elemental, but would likely form back into my preferred form, and then wild shape again to head out."  
  "For myself,"   says Kurst,   "I can ride in from the east just out of arrow range with Ingrahild, trying to draw some out."  