conversations: human
conversations:  You have been staying at an inn in the metropolis of Pyn-Quey for about a week now.  This city has almost everything its inhabitants could want, except for a reliable one-stop shop of magical trinkets and arsenals.   Well, not since the last one blew up under mysterious circumstances.  You have asked around, and have determined that you will need a large sum of gold to start your own business and begin your road to financial-fame.
  
  At a bulletin board in a local tavern, there is an advertisement for a resourceful individual or group to explore some ruins outside the city.  There has been strange reports and rumors about the place but the watch has been too busy to investigate, and there has been suspicions that a few mission persons cases lately is linked to the ruins.  The advert specifies for you to go see one Ms. Fernalia at xxx address for more information.  High reward is promised, and you can kep anything you find in the ruins.
conversations: Frosty:
conversations: human
conversations:  Grok sends out his best musk, puts on a nice silk jacket, and heads off to the address.
conversations: Gorgondantess:
conversations: human
conversations:  You arrive at the address, and the domocile you are staring at easily takes up 1 fourth of the block by itself.  It looks spacious, well kept, and has guards posted the the gates surrounding the garden.  Two dwarves with horned helms and halberds stand tall (relatively speaking) at the front gate, and they turn to you after sniffing the air.
conversations: Frosty:
conversations: human
conversations:  Spoiler 
  Remember, my musk is pleasant!😁
   
  
  Grok walks up to them, speaking in a raspy, inhuman but pleasing voice. "Good day, gentlemen! I'd like to inquire about the spelunking advertisement."
conversations: Gorgondantess:
conversations: human
conversations:  Your musk, while pleasant, is still distinct in this city given its...distinct lack of other Troglodytes.  The two dwarves give you a once over, but look unconvinced.   "Are yer sure yer here fer the right job?  Yer look too NICE to be a...spelunker."   They chuckle a bit, anf you can't tell whether he's being sarcastic or not.  He may be referring to your silk jacket.
conversations: Frosty:
conversations: human
conversations:  Grok just smiles at the man. "I assure you, my good sir, that I am quite the spelunker.  Don't you agree? "
   
   Spoiler 
  Charm person, DC 18
   
conversations: Gorgondantess:
conversations: human
conversations:  Spoiler 
  are you just casting a spell in front of them?  Not gonna try to conceal it?  You realize that might be a bad idea right?
   
conversations: Frosty:
conversations: human
conversations:  Spoiler 
  Oh. Right. Sleight of hand check: (1d20+3)[ 5 ] 
  ....huh.
   
conversations: Gorgondantess:
conversations: human
conversations:  One of them recognizes the gestures of a spell and immediately his hand reaches out to grab you! [AoO grapple]   "WHOA!  STOP what you are doing right now before things get UNPLEASANT!  What are you thinking?" 
conversations: Frosty:
conversations: human
conversations:  Grok's eyes shoot open, and he lets the man take him to the ground. "Just a little charm to break the ice a bit. Watch." He casts prestidigitation, creating a little image of a crystalline bird that flies around, then dissipates. "See? Just a harmless charm..."
conversations: Gorgondantess:
conversations: human
conversations:  "Are ye DAFT?  Ye should know better than ta walk up ta the front gates offa mansion and start waving yer hands around.  I'm not sure if Ms. Fernalia would want ta hire one such as yerself if you ain't smarter than this."   He lets go of you, but watches you carefully.
conversations: Frosty:
conversations: human
conversations:  Grok gets back up flashing a grin. "So... how about that job?"
   
   Spoiler 
   (1d20+9)[ 21 ] 
   
conversations: Gorgondantess:
conversations: human
conversations:  The dwarf shrugs, retracting his weapon.   "Well, the decision ta hire isn't really mine ta make anyways.  Just BEHAVE yerrself around Ms. Fernalia.  Go on in." 
  
  Inside the large manor, servants lead you to a reception area, and you notice that much of the furniture is either sized for children or just plain too small.  A group of 2 humans and a gnome, all obviously equipped as adventurers walk past you with a nod.  Sitting in one of those too-small smalls is a halfling woman wearing a rich blue-colored dress.
  
  Upon seeing you, she gestures to a larger chair made for normal-sized people.   "Ahh, please make yourself at home.  I am Ms. Fernalia, and I've been informed that you'll be of the people helping with the task at hand."   She waits for you to be situated.   "Now, as you know, there are numberous ruins not too far outside of this fair metropolis, barely 2 days' travel away.  My brother Lenwik had heard rumours of a forgotten stash of treasures in one of those ruins and went out to search for it.  That was 10 days ago.  Would you please search one of the ruins for me and bring my dear brother back to me?  He's all the family I have right now and reward will be significant.  15,000 gold if you can bring him back alive." 
conversations: Frosty:
conversations: human
conversations:  Grok puts on an air of confidence, approaching the lady with bravado. He takes her hand into his own, looking into the distance dramatically. "My lady, I assure you. So long as your brother yet lives, I will not end my search for him. This I promise. Do not fret; Gro...orgondantess is here to aid you!" He puffs out his chest, looking like a buffoon but... oddly compelling nonetheless.
conversations: Gorgondantess:
conversations: human
conversations:  Ms. Fernalia has a look ok concern, all frowns and no smiles.  At least up until now.  With your antics, silly as they are, she smiles, relaxing a little.   "I think you may be just the right man for the job, Gor...gondantess."   She sounds out your name trying to get it right.  She motions to a halfling servant standing nearby, and the servant leaves.   "Mikel there will bring you a map of the area surrounding the ruins so you can get to it.  In the meantime, would you please tell me a bit about yourself and your skills?  It would greatly reassure me." 
conversations: Frosty:
conversations: human
conversations:  Grok speaks flamboyantly, gesticualting airily. "I am a sorceror and scholar of the draconic arts of some merit, as well as warrior, fast-talker, factotum, spelunker and sagacious scoundrel." As he says scoundrel, he bows with a flourish, grinning toothily.
conversations: Gorgondantess:
conversations: human
conversations:  The halfling gives you a slightly amused look of incredulity.   "Oh really?  One or even two of those I can believe.  But all of those?  You must be the answers to my prayers.  Look, I am not in the business of sending people to their deaths.  Before Mikel gets back, perhaps you could...showcase some of your talents in the garden area?"   She gestures to the back garden, very large and full of rocks.
conversations: Frosty:
conversations: human
conversations:  Grok smiles, stepping outside. He casts a quick enchantment, then the air around him blows hard, lifting him into the air; dust flies everywhere, and he rises at least 50'. At the pinnacle of his ascent, he casts a spell, and there is a loud crack as the rocks all fly apart, many of them crumbling; Grok lands perfectly, and as a rock falls near him he swings out with a hand, clawing it in half.
   
   Spoiler 
  Casting magic claw, then updraft; at the pinnacle casting great thunderclap, and landing to claw one of the rocks.
   
conversations: Gorgondantess:
conversations: human
conversations:  Ms. Fernalia claps as she stands up.  Walking towards you, she says,  "You have brought both a smile to my face and a revival of my faith.  The confidence you posses will sure be crucial in the timely recovery of my brother." 
  
  She looks behind her momentarily.   "Ahh, Mikel is back.  Here is the map to the ruins, or at least the aboveground environs.  I look forward to your safe return with Lenwik." 
  
  THe servant hands you the map then steps back.
conversations: Frosty:
conversations: human
conversations:  Grok bows, taking the map and going on his way.
   
   Spoiler 
  Well, let's go. Fast forward. Y'know.
   
conversations: Gorgondantess:
conversations: human
conversations:  Your walk towards the ruins is actually somewhat pleasant.  The first day and night passed without much incident.  You had camped in the woods, and are currently finishing up some breakfast...
  
   
   Spoiler 
  Please make a Spot and Listen check for me
   
conversations: Frosty:
conversations: human
conversations:  Spoiler 
  In the future, please make spot &amp; listen checks for me.
   (1d20-2)[ 11 ] 
   (1d20-2)[ 9 ] 
   
conversations: Gorgondantess:
conversations: human
conversations:  Because you were pre-occupied with cleaning up, you did not sense the two powerful, muscled beasts sneak up behind you and charge you!  Luckily for you and unlikcily for them, their claws bounce off your hard skin, causing nothing more than a slight bruise!  The two Dire Wolverines howl in frustration at the resiliency of their supposed breakfast.
  
  Roll initiatve!
  You -  (1d20+3)[ 8 ] 
  Wolverines -  (1d20+3)[ 10 ] 
conversations: Frosty:
conversations: human
conversations:  The massive, low-slung creatures with wedge-shaped heads and short thick legs are quicker than you and unleash a flurry or clawing and biting!  The first Dire Wolverine lands two solid swupeswith its claws, while its bite finds nothing but armor.  Meanwhile the second wolverine only gets one solid hit on you with its claw.  Now, your turn to act, brave adventurer!
  
   
   Spoiler 
  Dire Wolverine 1:  Two hits: 19 damage total.
  Dire Wolverine 2:  One hit: 8 damage total.
   
conversations: Frosty:
conversations: human
conversations:  Grok, being assailed, casts a quick spell; in an instant, a gust of wind and dirt lifts him into the air, where he casts a potent spell at the beasts.
   
   Spoiler 
  Casting Updraft, which will take me 40 feet into the air (I believe, don't have my books with me) until the beginning of my next turn. Then, an extended great thunderclap; the wolverines both must make a reflex save or be knocked prone, a will save or be deafened for 20 minutes, and a fort save or be stunned for 2 rounds. DC 20. Fun spell.😁
   
conversations: Gorgondantess:
conversations: human
conversations:  Both wolverines try mightily but fail to remain on their feet!  The first wolverine seems to have its senses knocked out of it while the second one shakes it off and gets up.  It growls as it can't seem to reach you this round, and waits for you to come down.
  
  Your turn again!
conversations: Frosty:
conversations: human
conversations:  Grok lands with finesse, striking a pose and casting a quick spell. In the same motion he whips out a claw, attacking the wolverine.
   
   Spoiler 
  Shield, then using my feat to make a quick claw attack.
  Casting defensively: (1d20+14)[ 31 ] 
  And claw attack: (1d20+7)[ 21 ] 
  Damage: (1d8+2)[ 3 ] 
   
conversations: Gorgondantess:
conversations: human
conversations:  Your clawing gives the wolverine a flesh wound only, but its return strikes are a whirlwind of misses as your new and improved protections render it next to impossible to hit you!  The other wolverine has come to its senses, but is still on the ground.
  
  Your turn!
conversations: Frosty:
conversations: human
conversations:  Grok casts another spell, and his claws lengthen considerably. He reaches out to hack at his opponent once more.
   
   Spoiler 
  Magic claw, cast defensively- concentration check: (1d20+14)[ 32 ] 
  Attack: (1d20+8)[ 12 ] 
  Damage: (1d8+3)[ 6 ] 
  Curses. That's a miss.
   
conversations: Gorgondantess:
conversations: human
conversations:  Spoiler 
  OOC - Magic Claw is a swift action?  Or is your attack a swift action?
   
  
  The wolverine on its feet continues to snap at you, but your defenses are too good!  It howls in frustration.  Meanwhile, the other one begins to get on its feet, provoking an AoO from you.
  
  It will then also try to bite you, and will miss.
conversations: Frosty:
conversations: human
conversations:  Spoiler 
  My draconic claw feat allows me to make 1 claw attack as a swift action whenever I cast a spell. Nifty.
   
  
  Grok leaps forwards, clawing and snapping at the already wounded wolverine.
   
   Spoiler 
  Full attack!
  Claw1: (1d20+6)[ 13 ] / (1d8+3)[ 11 ] 
  Claw2: (1d20+6)[ 10 ] / (1d8+3)[ 7 ] 
  Bite: (1d20+6)[ 26 ] / (1d6+2)[ 8 ] 
  Well. A full damage crit on my weakest attack. Interesting.
   
conversations: Gorgondantess:
conversations: human
conversations:  What is best in life? 
conversations: Gorgondantess:
conversations: human
conversations:  You need to 1)  make the Attack of opporunity you got when the wolverine stood up.  2)  You need to make another attack roll to CONFIRM your critical hit.
conversations: Frosty:
conversations: human
conversations:  Spoiler 
  Riiiight. AoO: (1d20+8)[ 24 ]  damage: (1d8+3)[ 7 ] 
  Crit confirmation: (1d20+6)[ 18 ] 
   
conversations: Gorgondantess:
conversations: human
conversations:  Between your attack of opportunity swipe and your VICIOUS bite, the first Dire Wolverine starts running away, severely wounded.  The second one flies into a RAGE and renews its attack against you!
  
  Its sharp claws miss wildly but its bite finds purchase!  7 Damage to the hero.
conversations: Frosty:
conversations: human
conversations:  Grok grins, and moves to a position where the two wolverines are in a line. The grin widens to a smirk, and he draws his hands back, gathering energy. Thrusting them forwards so that the wrists are together and the palms forward, he says the magical incantation:
      "HADOKEN!"    
   
   Spoiler 
  Lightnign bolt SLA,  (8d6)[ 27 ]  damage to the both of them, reflex save DC 20 for half.😉
   
conversations: Gorgondantess:
conversations: human
conversations:  The Dire Wolverine that was already running away is shocked by the lightning, and falls to the ground, lifeless.  Fried worg anyone?  The one that as attacking you also gets the FULL brunt of your electric fury, and it also starts running away, afraid!
conversations: Frosty:
conversations: human
conversations:  Grok speaks an incantation, and swings a claw forwards: the air ripples before him, after the fleeing wolverine.
   
   Spoiler 
  Blood wind, to give me a 30' range on my natural attack: (1d20+8)[ 17 ] 
  Damage: (1d8+3)[ 6 ] 
   
conversations: Gorgondantess:
conversations: human
conversations:  ooc - For your heroic deeds, you gain 900 exp.
  
  The last Wolverine falls to the ground DEAD as you slap it from afar.  The forest is quiet once more, except for some birds flying away from all this commotion.  You are left to yourself to pack and continue.
conversations: Frosty:
conversations: human
conversations:  Grok merely shrugs, slings on his pack, and continues.
conversations: Gorgondantess:
conversations: human
conversations:  You continue onwards.  Days pass into nights...which become days again.  It felt long, but it wasn't too bad of a journey.  Perhaps your efficient dispatching of the wolverines scared away other predators, but you were not botered again for the trip there.
  
  Finally, your eyes catch sight of what appears to be some ruins.  Broken columns and ancient, crumbled cuildings dot the landscape.
conversations: Frosty:
conversations: human
conversations:  Grok heads in to aforementioned ruins.
conversations: Gorgondantess:
conversations: human
conversations:  Spoiler 
  Roll me some spot and listen checks!  If you wish, you may also roll a search check.
   
  
  
  As you head into the ruins, you see that there really isn't much of worth.  Everything valuable is either decayed or already taken.  There appears to be a trapdor inside one of the ruined buildings, and the door itself is missing, leaving just the hole downwards.  There may be other things of interest here if you search.
conversations: Frosty:
conversations: human
conversations:  Very well then... but if it's not so hard, please roll these passive things in the future. As well as stuff like saves.
  Spot: (1d20-2)[ 10 ] 
  Listen: (1d20-2)[ 18 ] 
  Search: (1d20+3)[ 23 ] 
  Wow, 2 nat 20s! Sweet!😁
conversations: Gorgondantess:
conversations: human
conversations:  You search around a little bit, and you manage to brush away some dust from a small and ancient mural of some sort.  The scene depicts a group of people kneeling in front of some large, red circle...possibly a portal of some sort, and a fiendish-looking creature stepping through said red circle.  You think you hear a few quiet moans coming from down the trapdoor...
conversations: Frosty:
conversations: human
conversations:  Never one to do things simply, Grok casts a great thunderclap right behind the trapdoor, blasting it open (and anything behind it).
conversations: Gorgondantess:
conversations: human
conversations:  The trapdoor is completely obliterated, and the unfortunate zombie that was under it is also shredded to bits!  Looking down, you manage to see a few more zombie-like things shambling aroun, moaning.  You don't know if they're strong and/or smart enough to jump up the trapdoor to get at you.
conversations: Frosty:
conversations: human
conversations:  Grok starts breathing lightning at them.
conversations: Gorgondantess:
conversations: human
conversations:  Two zombies drop instantly from your cone of shocking death, while an unknown number appear to have survived the onslaught or got lucky and got out of the way, avoiding the worst of it.  Some seem to notice you now, and walk towards the trap door...
conversations: Frosty: