Night Hunt
Log Info
- Title: Night Hunt
- Emitter: Grush
- Characters: Sarcis (Inq5) Baz da Ork (Cl3)
- Place: Oddland Forrest
- Time: Dec 14, 2017
- Summary: Styx leads some daring Adventurers out into the Forest at night, investigating a mysterious object
- APL: 3
You have gathered at the Meat Forge as the sun is dipping below the horizon, Styx lets you in and fills you in on the basic details over some warm mugs of meads
Sarcis leaves the mead untouched as she gives a look to Styx, a slow rise of an eyebrow. She tilts her head to the side and waits to hear about the details. "So, let's hear it then!" She crosses one leg over the other, placing her folded hands on her knee.
The big Ork smashes his mug down on the table and belches, a long steamy gout of blarp from deep within. Then he speaks up as well. "Oy, wot dis den? Wot you need? Ya got Orks 'ere. Only thing bettah den drink'in and eat'en is kill'en. Right? RIGHT?" He grins then his two capped tusks glinting in the torch light.
"Well, so far we've only gone out into the forest during the day, a cautionary measure. But I want to go out there at night, partially to see if we can observe any new fauna, but also..." She fishes a small, leatherbound book out of her pocket and opens it up on the table. The page bears a detailed sketch of what appears to be a large, stone door, build in a rockface, there are strange engraving on its surface "Because of this. I found it in a previous expedition. It's big, about 15 feet tall or so. Every time I've been out there it's been closed and I've tried everything short of explosives to get it open, so I thought, maybe it might be different at night"
Sarcis looks over to Baz with a slow raise to a crafted brow, a sigh exhaled through her nose as she forces a smile to stay on her lips. She gently wipes at her knee as if getting rid of some dust that had congregated there before folding them again. She looks back to Styx again. "Sounds like a reasonable request. It could be quite interesting." Her accent, by contrast, sounds Alexandrian instead of Oruch.
Leaning forward and squinting the big green Ork pokes a finger at the picture. "It's a door? You want the door? I ain't never been hired to get a door before." He licks his lower lip and fingers the holy symbol of Kor that's burned and nailed into the flesh beneath his throat. "Sure it's a big door, but not sure that's a good fight yeah? I mean it just kinda sits dere. Unless you think it's gonna start walk'n at night?" Baz blinks a few times. "Is it a WereDoor?" His own accent is from the coastal mountains in the north of Dran, Bonesworn territory, though he makes not mention or holds no markings of that clan.
"No, no, I want whats be-" Styx freezes, staring off into the distance as Baz says 'WereDoor'. She's silent for a few seconds before shaking her head quickly "What, no, I don't think so"
The engravings seem to be simple pictographs on the top is a carving of what appears to be a mushroom with arms and legs, with another carving of two of those mushrooms holding hands. Beneath these is a large Crown and below that is what looks like a pickaxe and then the last one is rather unclear, it looks a little like a tear or a droplet of water
A big green finger pokes at the picture. "Dem pictures don't look like anything I seen a'fore. Awww look, Mushrooms holding hands. That's right adorable ain't it?" He shrugs and lifts his mug looking down into it's empty bottom forlornly then setting the mug aside with a shrug. "Sure, I'll get your door so you can see what is on the otherside. Right? It's just a door. Wit pictures on it." He lifts his leather and metal gloves from his lap and starts sliding them onto his hands. Shifting the spikes into place across the knuckles. "Right, when we gonna go? Time ta crush the adora-door."
Sarcis, looks toward Baz again, a look up and down and then she passes her mug over to him, holding it at a bit of a distance with a rather distasteful look hidden behind a plastered smile, "Yes... What he said."
"Well don't let your guard down too much" Styx smiles at Bazs enthusiasm "We don't know whats going to be out there at night. I've got traps and stuff if we need them, but hopefully if we move quickly and quietly we should be alright"
With the pleasantries and mead finished, Styx gears up and leads you down into the basement, down the ominous pit and into the carriage. Goldie is asleep as usual but wakes up when Styx jumps on him, grumbling something about having to work so late.
The trip doesn't take too long and soon you are at the edge of the Forest. It feels different at night, the trees seem larger and more threatening. And you soon notice that not a single star shines in the sky, just a perfectly full moon. There is the strong smell of woodfire on the breeze. The usually clear area on the edge of the forest is scattered with, bodies? They look like large balls of wool, about the size of a cow. As you get closer you see four long, insectoid legs protrude from their sides, crumpled motionlessly. Large, black, Crow-like birds are perched on the corpses, tearing away chunks of flesh. They CAW aggressively as you get near
The big Ork lopes alongside Styx and Goldie, his long stride eating up distance and the thump and jingle of his armor offering a ryhtmic musical quality. As they near the clearing and the scene of some sort of slaughter. Baz swings his big curved blade down from his back and holds it in his left hand, while his right taps the odd quiver hanging at his side. The two taps seemingly summoning a javelin to his right hand which he hefts in his fingers and raises up near his shoulder. "You said you been here before? Dis new? If dis is new den something else is happening here. You got any competition for da door?"
Styx sniffs at the air, looking concerned "Dis new, *ahem* this is new, possibly... worrying" she rushes over to one of the strange corpses, shooing away the birds feeding on it and starts to inspect it. The birds retreat a short distance to a different corpse, CAWing indignantly and shooting Styx filthy glances
A sigh and Sarcis takes the moment to string her bow. A look toward the other two and a raise of an eyebrow. Her eyes scan over, panning to the puff balls before her brows arch a little higher still. "Well, those are quite odd looking, aren't they?" She reaches back and nocks an arrow, just in case.
Large slash marks on the bodies reveal flesh beneath a deep layer of wool "These bodies, they only show signs of scavenging, meaning whatever killed them didn't do it for food... Some of them are even burnt?" She looks around anxiously "Whatever it is, it's killing for sport"
There's a grin at Sarcis from Baz. "Odd eh? Right civilized of you." He snorts then grining, his two big tusks framing his face. "You should let yer hair down. Enjoy the night." He raises his curved blade and points out over the field. "Deres a slaughter, someone won, dey lost. We get the winnah, right? Hah!" At Styx's proclimation Baz wanders over and pokes one of the corpses with his blade. "Sport eh? Nah sport in this lot. This is hate, hate of the living see? Or the weak. Something found something ta kill, so it killed right? Nah honor, no meat, just hate." The big Ork grins and chuckles low in his chest. "Something like that needs kill'n, a thing that needs ta be put down, yeah?"
An ear-splitting roar breaks the silence of the night, echoing from deeping in the forest. It sounds like a foghorn crossed with a seal barking, with a deep rumbling base that you can almost feel. All of the birds immediately take to the sky, completely silently, not a single caw. The torches mounted on the carriage flare up, burning intensely. "I think we may have to put it down indeed" Styx slings the long rifle off her back and loads it quickly
A frown and Sarcis turns her head to look off in the direction of the screech. "Well. That does sound /interesting/." A slow curve of her lips as she glances to Baz and then Styx before looking back out at the trees.
There's a woosh as Baz swings his blade once. He shifts his hand and slides the javelin back into the odd quiver and the weapon seems to vanish as it's passed within. Then he brings up his curved sword in both hands and digs his feet into the earth as he takes up a position between the other two and the noise from the forest. "Right, dats the noise of a WereDoor if ever I heard one." There's a grin and a chortle from the big Ork before he takes in a big wuff of breath, his chest expanding and the metal and leather creaking. "WAAAGH!" His exhale rolls outwards, the battle cry rejoining that odd roar, taunting it and letting the creature know right where they are.
The torches on the carriage begin to shudder in their fastenings, their flames burning white hot at the centre. There is a bright flash, and a creature leaps from the flame, landing with a thump on the ground. Standing about 4 feet tall, this creature is a strange, mismash of parts. It has a long snouted, equine head, with eyes that glow like smouldering coals. Its upper body is humanoid, with long arms and large hands that rest on the ground. Its legs are digitigrade, balancing delicately on long toes. Apart from its eyes, its entire body is a deep black that seems to absorb the light around it.
Sarcis draws back the bow to its full extension as she glances toward Baz, "I doubt this is the door, and I have a feeling its coming this way anyway." She gives a smile and then... A blink, she cants her head to the side as the creature lands.
The creature stares at you for a second before baring its long, sharp teeth and barking at you. Then then carriage bounces on its suspension as two more of them leap out of the torches in flashes of fire
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- ATTENTION -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Grush has dropped a TIMESTOP! Please +init, then cease all roleplay and actions immediately and wait for Grush to instruct you further. For in-combat commands, type: +thelp. -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=- GAME: Sarcis rolls initiative: 3 + 7 = 10 GAME: You roll initiative for Unknowns: Roll: 20 + Bonus: +6 = Total: 26 GAME: Baz da Ork rolls initiative: 18 + 1 = 19 GAME: Grush advances the initiative order. Round Zero - Init 26. It is now Unknowns' turn! Baz da Ork is next! <OOC> Grush says, "need a reflex save from both of you" GAME: Sarcis rolls reflex: (4)+5: 9 GAME: Grush rolls 1d20+8: (1)+8: 9 (EPIC FAIL) <OOC> Grush says, "Styx didn't dodge" GAME: Baz da Ork rolls reflex: (20)+2: 22 (CRITICAL SUCCESS) GAME: Grush rolls 2d4+2: (3)+2: 5 GAME: You damaged Sarcis for 5 points. 13 HP remaining. <OOC> Grush says, "Thats a mix of fire and negative energy sarcis, let me know if you have resistances to either"
The creatures split up and spread out, two dashing around to surround the three of you as the other leans back and spews a stream of black fire at you. Styx staggers back, swearing loudly as the blackpowder in her rifle ignites, blowing up in her face
<OOC> Baz da Ork is going to slash at the one spewing fire to get it off Styx. GAME: Baz da Ork rolls 1d20+7: (20)+7: 27 <OOC> Baz da Ork says, "Ooh, possible crit? I think I roll that again to confirm a hit." GAME: Baz da Ork rolls 1d20+7: (17)+7: 24 <OOC> Grush says, "thats a crit! Roll it up" GAME: You damaged Sarcis for -100 points. 38 HP remaining. GAME: You damaged Baz da Ork for -100 points. 22 HP remaining. GAME: You damaged Sarcis for 5 points. 33 HP remaining. GAME: Baz da Ork rolls 4d4+12: (10)+12: 22
"WAAAGH!" The Ork bellows as the creature leaps out and breathes fire on his employer. Baz rushes forward the short distance, swinging his blade upwards with both giant hands. The huge curved sheet of metal slicing up into the creature from beneath. Cutting into it's jaw and torso, ripping through flesh and bone. Making the back arch, twist and distort then tearing completely free in a hail of black blood and organs. A visceral rain of meat and organic juices. The biscected skull breaking open and it's flaming breath splashing out in all directions, charing it's dying corpse. With a snarling snort the Ork flicks the blade once sending a lump of bloody flesh to the ground. "Thats one for Kor! One more corpse for the battle grinder! One more soul for the throne of war!"
GAME: Grush advances the initiative order. Round Zero - Init 10. It is now Sarcis' turn! Unknowns is next! <OOC> Sarcis says, "Is it within 30 feet?" <OOC> Grush says, "the two left are both 10 feet away from you" <OOC> Sarcis says, "Okay, swift for Bane, then Rapid Shot one to each." GAME: Sarcis rolls Weapon5 +1: (19)+8+1: 28 GAME: Sarcis rolls Weapon5 +1: (19)+8+1: 28 <OOC> Grush says, "Nice! Both hits" GAME: Sarcis rolls 1d8+5+2d6: (6)+5+(7): 18 GAME: Sarcis rolls 1d8+5+2d6: (8)+5+(11): 24 <OOC> Grush says, "Well, that was quicker than I thought it would be :D. Two kills!" Timestop by Grush has left. GAME: You remove the timestop.
Sarcis looks between the two that are here, her head whips to the side as Baz rushes the one. She sees it cut down into the one, ripping it apart, "Mmm.. Looks like an Aberration." She raises that eyebrow again, curiously, a slip of her black mane in front of her eyes and she pulls back a little further. Just far enough to max out the draw, angles for the first one, looses, draws back - shifts to the second - and looses the second. Both slam into the creatures in vital spots, sending them to the death they deserve.
One of the creatures rears up and vomits an inky glob into its hands, rearing up to throw it as Sarcis' arrow punches through their skull. They slump to the ground motionless GAME: Grush removes the timestop.
"Yaaay." Sarcis mutters as she shifts her weight from one foot to the other, a slip of her eyes back off to Baz and then Styx, "You two alright?" A slow slide of a smile along her lips.
Styx pulls a bit of shrapnel out of her forehead, blinking rapidly, her hair is still smouldering a little "Oh, wow, nice work" Oruch might be strange but they certainly were reliable "Goldie! Box these things up" She shouts over at the giant born who somehow managed to fall asleep despite the attack. "Alright, we need to move fast, get to the door" She starts running towards the western path into the forest
Raising his blade Baz goes to slice at the one on the left, just as it's hit with an arrow and dies. Then he turns to hit the one on the right as that dies as well. Looking back and forth he snorts and lowers his blade. Poking the corpses with his sword he makes a titching noise in his throat. "Well that didn't even get me blood up." His curved blade turns one of the corpses over onto it's side. "Des ain't things that should be. If dis has ta do wit your door maybe you might wanna be think'n abo...." He pauses mid sentance then turns and looks at Styx, walking back he extends a hand and murmurs under his breath calling on Kor's divine aid to flow healing energy into Styx's form before she can rush off.
You rush after Styx into the dark forest (Not a problem for superior Oruch eyes) and down the path, opening up into a wide area at the foot of a steep rocky hill. Ahead of you Styx has stopped in her tracks and is pointing at a large mushroom which appears to be in the middle of chopping down a tree. The Mushroom is about 10 feet tall, with a large leathery brown 'cap' on the top of its body and a thick, trunk like body. It has two, stubby humanoid arms and legs and a very large, toothy mouth in the centre of its body. It is holding a large axe and has a simple rope backpack on its back, filled with logs.
Sarcis is finding that her head is permanently cocked for the time being, just staring at this oddity or that and now? Another one. This large mushroom. "Huh." She says, a furrow of an eyebrow and she glances to Baz, "Think we have to make friends with the big mushroom?"
"MUSHROOM!" Styx shouts excitedly and the big Mushroom almost falls over, turning to see the three of you and dropping its axe, throwing its arm up in the air
The big Ork shrugs. "Friends? I nevah seen anything like dis." He raises his blade in his left hand and sniffs the black blood on it. "Nawt smell'n like any of the stuff I've 'ad before ta see things." He jolts up though at the shout though doesn't raise his blade. "So, dis is what is behind yer door eh? Big mushroom people? Den the puffy corpses and dem fire breathing things?" There's a pause as Baz takes a moment to scratch himself. "I think I drank too much?"
"ITS USING TOOLS!" Styx is literally bouncing with excitement "Look, It's intelligent!" She drops her rifle and puts her arms in the air as well, walking towards it slowly "Hey, Friend!"
Sarcis shrugs and looks at the Mushroom with a frown, "I don't know. Who's to say they're from the other side even?" She asks as she gives another look to Baz, then back to Styx. "Calm down, you're scaring it." She nods her head toward it. "Oh for heaven's sakes." She says... and gives a wave of her hand to the side and advances more quickly on the mushroom - trying to touch it and cast tongues on it.
GAME: Sarcis casts Tongues. Caster Level: 5 DC: 15
Another bone vibrating roar sounds from the forest, much closer this time. The Mushroom looks around in fear and gestures at you to follow before starting to waddle quickly up the hill. Then a fireball arcs out of the forest and explodes in front of the Mushroom, setting the hillside shrubbery ablaze. The Mushroom screams “FIRE FIRE!” and dives away to safety
"IT CAN TALK!!" Styx cackles as she chases after the mushroom, shortly before being blown back down the hill by the explosion
The fire flares up, blazing like the ground is soaked in petrol, belching out foul black smoke as, with a ground shaking thump. A huge shape leaps from the blaze. This misshapen creature towers on dainty, fox-like legs that seem far too frail to support its massive upper body. Built like a 30ft tall gorilla, it’s huge fists drag along the ground. Its head is that of a horse, its eyes glowing like red coals. Its body is a deep, inky black that seems to flow under its hard, crystalline skin. A thick black smoke leaks out of its body in various places, pooling on the ground around it.
"Sonova." The Ork mutters, he lopes forward through the fire and grabs Styx up by her collar. Tossing her over his shoulder the big Ork pounds across the ground after the mushrooms. "Dis is what I get for tak'n any job over ale!" Even Baz's small brain can tabulate the numbers with his seven foot versus the thirty feet stomping away behind them. Hoisting Styx up over his shoulder he puts his head down and runs for all his Ork worth.
"It can talk because I cast on it." Sarcis says, "It's okay" She calls out to the mushroom as she draws an arrow from its quiver and aims it in the direction of the strange creature now attacking them. Or, at least the thing that's setting everything on fire.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- ATTENTION -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Grush has dropped a TIMESTOP! Please +init, then cease all roleplay and actions immediately and wait for Grush to instruct you further. For in-combat commands, type: +thelp. -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=- GAME: You roll initiative for BigUnknown: Roll: 16 + Bonus: +15 = Total: 31 GAME: Sarcis rolls initiative: 9 + 7 = 16 GAME: Baz da Ork rolls initiative: 1 + 1 = 2 GAME: Grush advances the initiative order. Round Zero - Init 31. It is now BigUnknown's turn! Sarcis is next! GAME: Grush rolls 1d20+10: (11)+10: 21
The massive creature bares its fangs and bellows at you before vomiting an inky black glob into its hand and lobbing it at Sarcis. It strikes her in the chest and explodes into thick black smoke that seems to flow like a liquid, swirling around Sarcis obscuring her from sight Then it jumps backwards into the fire, thrashing its arms around and sending embers flying, flaring up into spot fires.
<OOC> Grush says, "Sarcis, you can now only see 5ft away, everything else is obscured" GAME: Grush advances the initiative order. Round Zero - Init 16. It is now Sarcis' turn! Baz da Ork is next! <OOC> Grush says, "I need you to make a will save" GAME: Sarcis rolls will: (14)+9: 23 <OOC> Grush says, "BAH, your superiour will wins out, the smoke clears around you and you can see clearly" <OOC> Sarcis says, "Well! IN THAT CASE! I'm going to guess this thing is an aberation, bane, rapid shot. Is it within 30 feet?" <OOC> Grush says, "yes, its within 30 feet, but its hard to see it clearly in the flames, its outline wavering (it has concealment)" <OOC> Sarcis says, "Okay." <OOC> Sarcis says, "Oh! THere's flames round it?" <OOC> Grush says, "yes, its standing in the fire" <OOC> Sarcis says, "Can I douse the area in water then via create water instead?" <OOC> Grush says, "Yes you can!" <OOC> Sarcis says, "Up to 35 feet away I can create it. So, I'll dump it right next to the creature on the shortest path for Baz." GAME: Sarcis casts Create Water. Caster Level: 5 DC: 13 <OOC> Grush says, "So yes, pose casting it, you will douse all the flames around it. Making it lose its concealment just in time for Bazs turn!" GAME: Grush advances the initiative order. Round Zero - Init 2. It is now Baz da Ork's turn! BigUnknown is next! <OOC> Baz da Ork is going to charge, so +2 to attack, -2 to ac till my next go. GAME: Baz da Ork rolls 1d20+9: (13)+9: 22 GAME: Baz da Ork rolls 2d4+6: (8)+6: 14
Sarcis looks toward Baz, blinking rapidly as she waves in front of her face. She clears the smoke away, her vision clearing up and she sees... Well huh, that creature almost looks liquid because of... Oh the fire is wrapped about it. She sees it more clearly as the smoke fully fades from her vision. She reaches out, reciting words in a different language as a splash of 10 gallons splashes down hard on the shortest path for Baz. "Go get it tiger."
The beast stops thrashing around and looks down in confusion as the fire goes out, slapping the ground as though expecting it to burst into flame again
GAME: NEW ROUND! Grush advances the initiative order. Round One - Init 31. It is now BigUnknown's turn! Sarcis is next! GAME: Grush rolls 1d20+12: (10)+12: 22 GAME: Grush rolls 1d8+6: (5)+6: 11 GAME: You damaged Baz da Ork for 11 points. 11 HP remaining.
The big Ork skids to a stop as Sarcis works her magic. Rotating on his feet he hefts Styx up on his shoulder and grunts. "Ya gett'n a ride right into the fick of it boss." He chuckles and then grips his blade with both hands. "Hold on tight, or roll with the drop!" Then the large Ork is pounding across the ground his blade held out infront of him, with a roar he drives the curved metal weapon up at the creature and slashes deep into it's hide.
"Wait?!! Wha-Just put me downnnnN!!" Styx wails, grabbing hold of Baz tightly
The creature jerks back, blood pouring from the wound like a waterskin with a hole in it, sizzling and boiling as it hits the ground. It bellows at Baz and swipes at him with claws that seem to form out of shadows, gouging deep into his flesh before bounding away, over to where the smaller spot fires are still burning
<OOC> Grush says, "Baz, you can take an AoO if you can" GAME: Baz da Ork rolls 1d20+7: (15)+7: 22 GAME: Baz da Ork rolls 2d4+6: (3)+6: 9 GAME: Grush advances the initiative order. Round One - Init 16. It is now Sarcis' turn! Baz da Ork is next! GAME: Note Flat-footed on Sarcis ended. GAME: Sarcis casts Create Water. Caster Level: 5 DC: 13
A laugh as Sarcis shakes her head, watching it run off toward the next bit of fire. She says the same words, reaching out with a hand and SPLOOSH! More water slams down on the ground to clear the way for Baz's attack.
The creature actually sounds a little worried as it whinnies, angrily hitting the ground
GAME: Grush advances the initiative order. Round One - Init 2. It is now Baz da Ork's turn! BigUnknown is next! GAME: Note Flat-footed on Baz da Ork ended. <OOC> Grush says, "also, Baz, your wounds are starting to burn, literally, the blood is catching on fire" GAME: You damaged Baz da Ork for 1 points. 10 HP remaining. <OOC> Baz da Ork is going to do a quick channel this round, going to move as much as I can to hopefully put Sarcis in the range with Styx so they get some too. I have that pick and choose feat for the channel so I can exclude the thing. GAME: Baz da Ork rolls 2d6: (6): 6 GAME: You damaged Sarcis for -6 points. 38 HP remaining. GAME: You damaged Baz da Ork for -6 points. 16 HP remaining. <OOC> Grush says, "Styx is still ontop of you, and Sarcis should be in range I think" GAME: NEW ROUND! Grush advances the initiative order. Round Two - Init 31. It is now BigUnknown's turn! Sarcis is next! <OOC> Grush says, "Reflex rolls!" GAME: Baz da Ork rolls Reflex: (9)+2: 11 GAME: Sarcis rolls reflex: (18)+5: 23 GAME: Grush rolls 2d6: (12): 12 GAME: Grush rolls 2d6: (10): 10 <OOC> Grush says, "okay, this is a mix of fire and negatve energy damage" GAME: You damaged Baz da Ork for 22 points. -6 HP remaining. (DYING) GAME: You damaged Sarcis for 11 points. 27 HP remaining.
Grunting at the pain of his wounds Baz shifts his feet and puts his left hand's fingers to the holy symbol at his throat. "KOR! I need more energy ta keep in this fight! This fight is worth it! Look at this thing! It has ta die!" He growls as the healing energy spills out of him into the area, partially closing the bleeding cashes in his flesh from the creature's claws.
The creature shrieks in terror as Baz begins channeling, flinching back and spewing a massive torrent of black flames that engulf all of you
GAME: Grush advances the initiative order. Round Two - Init 16. It is now Sarcis' turn! Baz da Ork is next! <OOC> Sarcis says, "Okay! NOW bane, and rapid shot." <OOC> Sarcis says, "I'm going to assume it's an aberration. Is it?" GAME: Sarcis rolls Weapon5 +1: (20)+8+1: 29 <OOC> Sarcis rolling to confirm GAME: Sarcis rolls Weapon5 +1: (14)+8+1: 23 GAME: Sarcis rolls Weapon5 +1: (6)+8+1: 15 <OOC> Grush says, "second doesnt hit though" GAME: Sarcis rolls 2d8+9+2d6: (6)+9+(6): 21
Sarcis winces, pulling up an arm to help guard her from the breath weapon of the creature. It flares all around her and singes her quite well - though thankfully it doesn't blast her full-force. As she moves off to the side she draws two arrows, "I'm going to bet you're like our little friends from before." She pulls back and shoots the first arrow, then the second. If she hadn't hit it so hard with the first one, the second might not have missed - but that first one struck true, sinking in to the creature's hide and making the inky blood flow more freely from it.
GAME: Grush advances the initiative order. Round Two - Init 2. It is now Baz da Ork's turn! BigUnknown is next! <OOC> Baz da Ork is only allowed standard actions so is going to channel again. GAME: Baz da Ork rolls 2d6: (7): 7 <OOC> Sarcis says, "Cuttin' in close there!" GAME: Grush rolls 1d20+4: (20)+4: 24 <OOC> Grush says, "Nice! you are no longer taking any ongoing damage, Styx manages to pat out the fire on your wounds" <OOC> Grush says, "also, Baz are you excluding the Creature from your channel?" GAME: You damaged Sarcis for -7 points. 34 HP remaining. GAME: You damaged Baz da Ork for -7 points. 1 HP remaining. <OOC> Baz da Ork says, "Not this time, since it flinched so badly."
Styx was largely sheltered from the fire by Bazs body, she is still clinging tightly to him and quickly slaps at the fires that are flaring up on him
There's a blast of flame across the Ork, he doesn't have a chance to dodge or move, he simply shrugs Styx off his shoulder behind him as the flames wash over his body and sear his flesh. Gripping down on his holy symbol he starts to topple over when a burst of healing energy erupts once more from his form, flowing outwards, just barely keeping him on his feet. An exhale of smoke and pain from his cracked and bleeding lips is followed by a grin. "Naw quite yet Kor, one more swing left in me, aye?"
The beast SHRIEKS its skin blackening and curling up. It grabs its face, punching itself with one hand and convulsing in pain Then it's burning red eyes wink out and it slumps to the ground. its blood pooling around it, hissing and bubbling. It's absolutely smaller than it was before now, not much taller than 15 feet or so
GAME: Sarcis casts Cure Light Wounds. Caster Level: 5 DC: 14 GAME: Sarcis rolls 1d8+5: (7)+5: 12 GAME: You damaged Baz da Ork for -12 points. 13 HP remaining. GAME: Baz da Ork rolls 1d8+3: (6)+3: 9 <OOC> Baz da Ork will cure light himself too. GAME: You damaged Baz da Ork for -9 points. 22 HP remaining. GAME: Grush removes the timestop. Timestop by Grush has left. GAME: You remove the timestop
"You did it!" Styx jumps up on Bazs shoulders, doing a little dance and ruffling his hair "HAHAHAH! Look at that beauty!" She gives Baz a quick hug before jumping down and scurrying over to investigate the monsters body. "AH!" she shouts in pain as she sticks her finger into the boiling blood "Its hot!"
Sarcis looks over toward Baz with a curve of her lips into a smile as the create shrieks out in pain. She pats him on the arm, a near purr of her words before she turns away and starts off toward where that Mushroom was. "Hello!" She calls out, looking for where it might've gotten off to.
The mushroom is hiding (poorly) behind a small shrub, watching in what seems to be abject terror. They look a little burnt, a few bits of their leathery cap still smouldering, but it doesn't seem bothered by it
"Friendly Mushroom!" it shouts, coming out from behind the bush and dropping to its knees, placing its axe on the ground in front of it "Please don't kill!"
"That hurt." Baz mutters, he pauses at Styx's enthusiasm then at Sarcis. Blinking as he looks from one female to the next. Then his curved dagger comes out and he shears some of the burnt flesh from his face showing the healing almost pink-tint to his usually green skin. "This night keeps get'n wierder and wierder."
A shake of her head, the flow of her black mane of hair behind her as she casts another glance to Baz. Just... a shake of her head, a roll of her eyes, and she looks back to the Mushroom. "Hey there. We wouldn't exactly be trying to hurt you if we just saved you from that. C'mon out. We're more interested in a giant door around here."
"Yes! We want to be friends with you, friendly!" Styx rushes over to Sarcis side, her arms open wide "Friendly? Very strong. Strong Friends" the Mushroom stands up, slowly picking up its axe and tucking it into its pack "Door?" it points up the hill "Thats back door"
Coming over to stand behind Styx and Sarcis, Baz kind of just stands there. Ocasionally peeling off a bit of old charred flesh, or flicking some ruined leather or cloth off his armor. There's a strangely aromatic odor about the Ork as if the flame broiling he recieved works like a kind of apetizing cologne.
The Mushroom nods and starts waddling up the hill. It leads you up a well worn trail, up to the stone doors you saw in the drawing, only now they are wide open! The Mushroom points at the carving on the door "See. Home, friends welcome, we have strong Momma! and lots of tools and lots of juice!"
"Are we sure we want to meet dis thing's Momma?" Baz asks, scratching under his chin at the fresh skin there. He coughs a couple of times, then spits, expelling a blob of burned lung from his chest. "Not that I 'avent had a fun time and all. But dis is getting wierd. Like I don't think I can be tell'n anyone of dis fight. Even Kor is going to tell me ta keep dis adventure out of me prayers."
The Mushroom points at the carving on the door "See. Home, friends welcome, we have strong Momma! and lots of tools and lots of juice!"'
Sarcis looks toward Styx, a sort of Don't you dare try to mess with them sort of look, before turning back to the Mushroom. "Really now? Well, if that's the case, then by all means -- we would love to see your home. What sort of juice?"
The Mushroom jiggles happily "Juice! Funny Juice, Tasty Juice, Fuzzy Juice, Lots of Juice! You have some" The doors open into a large tunnel, carved into the rock and down this tunnel comes running a number of Mushrooms. One of them is about 6 feet tall, but it looks much more lithe and muscular that the far larges mushroom you've already met. It's body is a stark white Ivory colour and its large mouth is filled with nasty looking fangs. On its heels are three small, purple mushrooms with round, button caps. They are about the same size as Styx and have no mouths at all.
Sarcis is so going to wait for their new Mushroom friend to explain this one, adding in to the one that can talk to them, "Oh, by the way, it's my magic that allows you to talk to us but... it doesn't last forever and I can't cast it often. So I'll need you to translate for us."
Stomping along after Baz remains mostly quiet, the random grunt or snort his only real contribution at the moment. He doesn't put away his sword though, his right hand tight around the grip as his left occasionally pokes at his armor or skin. Those small black eyes moving back and forth as he tries to make sense of this.
The big Mushrooms jaw falls open and it whispers "Magic" with an awe filled voice "Magic!" it turns and shouts at the newcomers, waving its arms "Big Strong Magic Friends!" The larger, rather toothy Mushroom stops and eyes the three of you suspiciously. After a moment of consideration the little purple mushrooms trot over to you and hold out their little hands. Styx quickly takes one of their hands and shakes it gently
Sarcis too takes one of the little purple mushroom's hands in her gloved hand, shaking it gently and giving a shrug to Baz.
"Ya know, me hand on a purple mushroom like this. I think it's kinda, ya know. La-de-da? I mean it ain't like they've bought me enough drinks right?" He sniffs, watching the other two shake hands. Finally his gloved one reaches out tentatively and does so. The metal and leather groaning and the spikes probably not making the best impression.
The small creatures hands are firm and cold but you feel a very strong, warm sense of welcome and friendliness, followed by a slightly confused feeling "They want juice!" The big Mushroom smiles at the smaller ones, then nods a few times and looks up at you "Come see Momma, and have juice!"
"Well, I' think I'd like to try it anyway." Sarcis says, looking to Baz, "Maybe it'll be alcoholic juice?" A shrug of her shoulders and she turns back forward. She looks to the purple one, a little confused herself after the handshake.
The small mushrooms start trotting off down the tunnel and the big one gestures to you to follow before waddling after them. The toothy Mushroom stays at the door
With his blade hiked over his shoulder the big Ork follows after the others. He peers at his gloved hand for a moment then wipes it on the front of his breast plate. "Ya, maybe dere juice is good. Can't make anything any weirder can it?" He blinks a few times and glances over his shoulder. "Ey, is someone counting down the time? I mean if the door don't open in the daylight right. I don't tink I want to have a long day here in the mushroom garden."
The Mushrooms lead you through a couple of tunnels and down some stairs and out into a large, bustling underground chamber, similar to a dwarf hold, but much more simply decorated. All kinds of Mushrooms are trotting about, carrying things or pushing wheelbarrows. Its quite quiet for so many, individuals, just a low murmur of occasional vocalizations. In the distance somewhere though you can hear drums playing. The Purple mushrooms lead you down a large, spiraling stone staircase that goes on for quite a while. At one point a large (and rather bad smelling) black and yellow mushroom joins you and offers you a tray of large mugs, filled with differently coloured liquid. They actually smell quite good and you can definitely get a whiff of alcohol coming from at least one of them "Juice!" The big Mushroom shouts, grabbing two mugs and upending them its its large mouth. One of the little Mushrooms turns around and somehow manages to glare at the Big one, despite not having eyelids
Well common sense isn't common for the big Ork. The moment he scents liquor that particular mug is gone. There's a OOMPRH, and a slosh followed by a blech. "Ah, that hit the spot. What I always say, just after yer about cook'd ta death by a giant thingy, drink booze given to you by walking dicks, right?" The Ork's right eye twitches as he continues. "Nah, can't get any wierder can it? I just nearly died so I can drink with a dick that shook me hand." Baz sighs and shakes his head.
GAME: Grush rolls 1d6: (3): 3 page Baz da Ork It tasted like very strong, honey mead. Really good actually, with a REAL kick to it, enough to give you a buzz from drinking it so fast
The Big Mushroom smiles broadly and nods at Baz. It doesn't seem to really be understanding, despite the magic.
Sarcis takes a sniff of the juice as the mug is offered to her and she takes a sip of the liquid, raising the mug to the mushroom, "Very good juice." She says with a nod, solemn nod, though she's really not sure if she likes it yet or not.
GAME: Grush rolls 1d6: (4): 4 page Sarcis It tastes a bit like carrot juice. Surprisingly inoffensive. Unless you hate carrot juice
After a bit more walking you encounter a sudden shift in construction. What had been rough carved stone gives way to perfectly smooth granite, buffed to a polish. The small Mushrooms lead you off the stairs, through a landing and into a large hallway, lined with doors made of metal. At the end of the hallway is a large set of metal double doors. The Big Mushroom steps up and grips between the doors, pulling them open, the doors sliding back into recessed alcoves in the doorway
Those black eyes blink and wobble a bit as the Ork fights through the haze the 'juice' threw over him. "Mwaah." He murmurs and blinks a few more times as he peers around at the change in environment. "Oy, like Khazadul in 'ere. These Mushrooms do good work, aye? Or is this someone else's hole that dey took over?"
Sarcis glances back toward Baz with a quirk, "You alright?" She asks curiously as she takes another tip of her juice. She's taking her time with her's, no need to rush. She actually finds it rather refreshing.
Behind the boor is a large, stone room with beautifully carved stone desks. A few of the desks have delicate arrays of gold wire and crystals on them. Most of the far side of the room is taken up by a gigantic, sprouting mass of mushrooms. It twitches and shivers as tiny Mushroom people grow out of it like budding spores.
the purple Mushroom rush over and touch the mass gently. Gesturing to you to follow. Styx has been wide eyed and silent in amazement the whole trip but now she starts letting out a sound like a balloon deflating, bouncing slightly and staring at the mass
There's a steady pace to Sarcis' steps and she does much the same, following along as the tiny mushrooms urge them forward. She looks up at the mass of mushrooms and murmurs out, "I wonder if this is the crown maybe that we saw on the door? Their leader?"
"Oy well da employer is happy." Baz comments, using his left hand to rub his head, his right still holding the blade over his shoulder. He doesn't approach the giant mushroom that is leaking other mushrooms. Instead he seems to be centering on trying to throw off his buzz. His forehead scrunching up as he continnues to seem to have trouble accepting what is going on around himself.
A large, human arm slowly grows out of the Mass and begins to beckon to you. You feel a warm sense of calm and safety filling the chamber "It wants to talk to us" Styx whispers, walking forwards slowly
"Uhh." The Ork intones, he follows along though starting to stray back at a distance. Letting the two women do all the conversation as he eyes the environment. There's too many of them and only one of him, plus he's not the biggest here. That's important to the Ork, biggest is the strongest and he's surrounded on all sides by things bigger then him. Not to mention the giant big thing making thing before him.
Sarcis glances back toward Baz, then looks toward the arm, she'll take the step forward toward it. She's curious where this is going to go.
Styx reaches up and grasps the hand. Standing there still for a few seconds before reeling back, grabbing her head and doubling over. Two of the purple Mushroom rush to her side, one rubbing her back and the other helping her stand. The third one trots over to Sarcis <We know you now. You can hear us yes?> a soft voice sounds in your heads.
That curved blade hefts up as Styx doubles over. "Right time for the Kill'n ta staa..." He pauses at the voice in his head, his black eyes squinting. Baz finally replies to the air. "Wot was dat?" He holds the blade steady, both hands on the grip as it shows a measure of isometrics to keep from shaking or lowering the heavy weapon.
"Well, it probably doesn't communicate using words." Sarcis says, pondering as she heard the voice too. She glances back to Baz for a moment, then back to the large mushroom. "Think about it. Something like this? It's based sort of on a mushroom, and those purple ones have no mouths, maybe pheremones." She takes a sip of her juice.
"I'm okay, I'm okay!" Styx gives Baz a shaky thumbs up "It was just a, like, a rush of thoughts and feelings, just a bit dizzy"
"Fairy-moans?" Baz lowers the blade, holding it infront of himself, pointed downwards though both hands remain on it's grip. "It didn't put something in the drink did it? I don't need no more things running around inside me. I eats enough pork for that." Then the Ork shrugs and snorts at Styx's comment. Baz seems to quiet down once more, simply watching and waiting.
<OOC> Grush says, "Sleep! If you have any questions you want to ask the Mushrooms just page them to me or something at some point and I can fill you in. Otherwise you will all return before day break. Bringing back the bodies of the monsters you killed and important new knowledge!" <OOC> Grush says, "Unless you really want to pick it up I was going to say its done. Further interactions with friendly mushrooms can be held in the future :3" <OOC> Grush says, "Thankyou again for playing <3 I honestly didn't realise just how much darkvision and create water would mess up that monsters Strategy :D"