PrP: Cattle Wasps
<nowiki>*Initiate Log*
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ | Name | Race | Class | E Lev| CHP | HP | AC | For | Ref | Wil | ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ |Jex |WAR_GOLE|Art | 2 | 9 | 16 | 12 | 5 | 5 | 2 | |Temarie |HOBGOBLI|Ftr | 3 | 32 | 39 | 23 | 6 | 4 | 3 | |Tatyannah |GIANTBOR|Rog | 3 | 17 | 23 | 14 | 3 | 5 | 3 | |Lanier |HUMAN |Rgr | 2 | 21 | 21 | 17 | 5 | 6 | 1 | |Laoise |HALFLING|Sor | 5 | 33 | 33 | 14 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
GAME: Rogun damaged Jex for -100 points. 16 remaining. GAME: Rogun damaged Temarie for -100 points. 39 remaining. GAME: Rogun damaged Tatyannah for -100 points. 23 remaining.
<OOC> Rogun says, "Okay, for those who have not scened with me I tend to @pemit perception results to people. So if you roll low hopefully someone will point out what you are missing. Also, when we get into combat if you get sucked away from real life its okay. I will skip you after a time and give you a chance to make up your turn when you return. Don't take this personally - its not intended to be - its just a means of making sure we don't stray past four hours."
<OOC> Rogun says, "Okay, roll perception."
GAME: Laoise rolls perception: (3)+2: 5
GAME: Tatyannah rolls perception: (13)+12: 25
GAME: Lanier rolls Perception: (19)+6: 25
GAME: Jex rolls perception: (2)+7: 9
GAME: Temarie rolls perception: (19)+5: 24
Not long ago...
As the villagers in Vadran conduct their business few initially hear the hoof beats as they pound away upon the dirt road leading into the village. One by one they pause as a distant shouts can be heard and then someone points to the cloud of dust that wafts along the horizon..
A cloaked rider charges into the village and hurriedly dismounts. Clambering to the bell at the center of the town he rings it loudly drawing every that is not already at the streets to peer outward from windows and doors to see the source of the alarm...
"The wasps!" He exclaims, "They've returned.."
These words sends a wave of panic through the village. Many hear no more of the man's story instead running for their homes and boarding the windows, "..at my farm, killing my cattle, someone, anyone, help..!"
-=FADE IN=-
Five souls stood where others feared to tread. Listening to the man's plight they abandoned their individual business and took up arms..
Those five - you five - have followed the farmer to the perimeter of the farm.
A small cottage sits amongst ten acres of fenced land. Upon arriving the sound of the buzzing wasps is unmistakable; As is the sorrowful sounds of the bovine. It seems that no bovine is left uninjured for those that remain within the fenced space the lie upon the ground and flail in injury. They are unable to escape for their wounds and the poison. The animals cry out in terror as the giant wasps move from living cow to living cow and begin picking them apart with their flesh sheering mandibles...
Still within the trees the adventures have a moment to deduce what they should do. It looks like there are only a pair of wasps buzzing about..
- PERCEPTION 15* You notice that it looks like the opposite side of the fence has
a break in it. No doubt where most of the herd escaped to when the creatures descended upon them.
- PERCEPTION 20* One, two, wait there is a third wasp. It's actually nestled
within a pile of three bodies and appears to be actively feasting rather than sheering the cows apart.
<OOC> Rogun says, "Currently the wasps are about 200 feet out. There is a fence between you and them."
<OOC> Rogun says, "Those with knowledge/nature may roll such to learn about giant wasps."
GAME: Lanier rolls Knowledge/Nature: (5)+7: 12
- Knowledge/Nature 12* Wasps Sting.
Temarie grimaces a bit. "I heard about this." She growls a bit as she straps her shield to her arm and draw her sword. "There's three wasps. it's actively feasting upon the bodies here. I'm pretty sure they're not friendly....."
"Not the wasps. AGAIN." Tatyannah is irritated, but just sighs and brings out her bow. She says to the group, "I'm seeing three wasps." She points to a spot on the fence, "And I bet the herd went through there." You paged Lanier with 'Unfortunately, its been a while since you had dealings with wasps. You know they are large and sting but not much else.' Looking decidedly like she's trying to figure out why she's even here, the diminutive blonde who hurriedly introduced herself as Laoise("-just- Laoise.") as the group made their way to assist the distraught farmer is hanging near the back of the little gathering, frowning deeply at the distressing sound of buzzing wings and terrorised cows. "I don't even like -normal- wasps," she murmurs, mostly to herself, and nervously fingers the pommel of the dagger sheathed at her side, for all the good it's likely to do her.
"Wasps? I do not recall those noted as significant fauna for this area..." Jex is surprised at the news, and is not even aware of the insects until they are pointed out to it. The feasibility of a large mechanized device to swat away giant insects is noted for future exploration.
Lanier nestled securely and stealthily against a tree, his form melded to the very bark it seems as he glares out across the landscape towards the wasps. He begins pointing this out, "I see three wasps as well. Only two are feasting on the cattle. The third picks the bones of the humans." He considers it for a moment then adds, "There is a path to the wasps there. Through a break in the fence. Alternately, we can approach slowly, and I can use my bow to bring them to us." He then cautions, "These are giant wasps. While my training in the Elvenwood did not expose me to these creatures, I do know that they fly and sting. You do not want to be touched by their sting if you can absolutely avoid it."
The two wasps continue to tear apart the cattle. The third wasp continues to sit amongst the corpses feasting. They make no sign of having noticed you although its possible they do not care about you from this distance.
Tatyannah notes to Lanier, "I can help with the shooting." She indicates the bow in her hands. "We should send the golem in to fight hand to hand, because those stings hurt like - well, like a," and she rather creatively describes the sort of hurt in rough language. "It shouldn't be able to get it." Temarie says, "Well.....if there's three there are either going to be more nearby, or they are going to go after more cattle, and that means the farmer will be in danger." She says as she slides her sword from it's scabbard. "And that, I won't sit still for." She then looks to Tatyannah. 'Think you can bring them to us?""
"I, uh." Laoise raises a hand as though to make a significant point, then lowers it again, sheepishly. "Anyone here not a member of the Explorers' Guild? 'Cos I'm pretty sure we'd get an... audit or something, if we didn't help out." She sounds hesitant to point it out, as though trying to convince herself, but not very successfully. "I prefer to remain distant and attack from afar," Jex adds its notations to the dicussion of potential tactics. "I also agree that action be taken. If we can engage at range, can we not approach and do so?" Jex does not appear to be a tactician, but it does possess some common sense.
Tatyannah blinks, glancing towards Laoise, confused, "I don't think we said we weren't going to help out." She nods towards Lanier, saying, "Let's see if we can get their attention, huh?" Pause, "Is everyone ready to fight?" Temarie twirls her sword. "I'm ready."
Lanier glances towards Laoise, a slight smirk playing on his lips, "Have no fear. This is within our capabilities." He looks towards Tatyannah for a moment then adds, "I must close into sword range to make a good impact on this battle." He then continues, "Remember, these wasps are not native to this area. Their numbers must be curtailed or the entire ecology of this area will suffer until bigger predators move in, at which point it will be even more problems." He then looks to Tatyannah, "We will. I will fire until I need to advance, at which point I will advance forward with the others. Good hunting, everyone."
<OOC> Rogun says, "If anyone is ready to take action against them just shout out what that action will be. :)" <OOC> Tatyannah says, "I will be shooting." <OOC> Lanier says, "200' is two range increments with a longbow (110') right?" <OOC> Rogun says, "Yes." <OOC> Rogun says, "The one that is feasting is considered to have concealement and cover." <OOC> Rogun says, "The other two are pretty out in the open though." <OOC> Rogun says, "Which would you like to attack?"
Laoise crosses her arms, trying to look determined. She's totally not hugging herself because she really kinda hates wasps in general and giant ones make it even worse, nosiree. "Right. We should... do that. Yeah." One hand gestures vaguely at the horrors eating the cows. "I'll uh... provide moral support." She's totally not trying to edge away from the group without looking like that's what she's doing either. Nope.
Temarie literally stands in front of everyone. Her shield is up, but she can't do much more than that. "Someone cover my back."
<OOC> Lanier says, "I'll attack one of the ones out in the open." <OOC> Tatyannah says, "Yes, me too." <OOC> Rogun says, "You are firing together?" <OOC> Tatyannah will have to move in, since I have a short bow. <OOC> Rogun says, "You can move up to twenty feet until you reach the fence." <OOC> Rogun says, "Will you climb the fence and will Lanier hold their attack until you do so?" <OOC> Lanier says, "I'll be advancing as well." <OOC> Rogun says, "Will Lanier climb the fence?" <OOC> Lanier says, "I'll stick with Tatyannah. Ask her."
<OOC> Tatyannah says, "Ok. Then I will do that, move in. And yeah, I'll climb the fence." <OOC> Jex will advance and climb the fence. <OOC> Temarie is going to advance as well, but I can't climb the fence this turn. <OOC> Temarie climbs the fence next turn. <OOC> Laoise will... kinda hang back, but proceed with the rest if everyone's going. <OOC> Lanier says, "As soon as I cross the fence, I'll be taking my shot Rogun."
<OOC> Rogun says, "All who are climbing the fence roll climb. If you are holding your weapon the DC will be more difficult." <OOC> Lanier will hold his weapon and climb. <OOC> Temarie will put her weapon away and climb.
GAME: Tatyannah rolls climb: (15)+8: 23
GAME: Lanier rolls Climb: (20)+6: 26
GAME: Jex rolls climb: (13)+0: 13
GAME: Temarie rolls climb: (10)+-3: 7
GAME: Laoise rolls climb: (3)+1: 4
<OOC> Rogun says, "Jex, are both your hands free?" <OOC> Jex says, "Yes, but only for holding my weapon." <OOC> Jex says, "They are not fre for climbing."
GAME: Rogun rolls 1d20+9: (18)+9: 27 GAME: Rogun rolls 1d20+9: (16)+9: 25 GAME: Rogun rolls 1d20+9: (6)+9: 15
The adventurers move forward and over the fence.
Tatyannah and Lanier nearly leap over with their weapons still in hand.
Temarie and Laoise attempt to climb the fence and though they make it to the other side they get tangled up and wind up on the ground, prone.
Likewise Jex's very nature makes it seem as if he has some difficulty. He also falls over the fence and is prone.
The clambering seems to get the attention of the wasps. The two which are sheering the cattle are now alerted to your presence and, likewise, the one nestled within the corpses beats its wings and rises so-as to hover.
As to who goes next, that is a matter of initiative..
Jex retrieves the long firearm from its stowed position and ensures that it is readied for use. "I am prepared." Jex begins to move forward, then pauses as the others loose with bows. Its technomagical achievements far surpass such primative tools in nearly every category. A notable exclusion is accuracy at great range. When some begin to move forward, Jex also advances. When it reaches the fence, it attempts to scale it before cosnidering the difficulties doing so with hands full. Fortunately, Jex can still has its face free to break its fall.
Laoise, in an awkward tangle of limbs and decidedly undignified-looking at the base of the fence, sounds petulant. "Nobody told me I'd have to -exercise-."
<OOC> Rogun says, "Initiative."
GAME: Temarie rolls initiative: Roll: 20 + Bonus: 3 = Total: 23 GAME: Laoise rolls initiative: Roll: 11 + Bonus: 3 = Total: 14 GAME: Lanier rolls initiative: Roll: 16 + Bonus: 3 = Total: 19 GAME: You roll initiative for Wasp 1: Roll: 19 + Bonus: 1 = Total: 20 GAME: Tatyannah rolls initiative: Roll: 3 + Bonus: 3 = Total: 6 GAME: You roll initiative for Wasp 2: Roll: 1 + Bonus: 1 = Total: 2 GAME: Jex rolls initiative: Roll: 16 + Bonus: 2 = Total: 18 GAME: You roll initiative for Wasp 3: Roll: 10 + Bonus: 1 = Total: 11
Current Initiative Order ====
23 Temarie
20 Wasp---------------------------------------- 19 Lanier
18 Jex
14 Laoise
11 Wasp
6 Tatyannah
2 Wasp
============================
<OOC> Rogun says, "Top of the Round. Temarie. The wasps are 180 feet away and obviously alerted to you. You made it over the fence are armed and prone." <OOC> Temarie says, "I get up." <OOC> Temarie says, "and......that's it."
Flopping rather noisily on the ground, Temarie pushes herself up to her feet, grinning as the wasps start their way. "Looks like we got their attention. Klutzy me."
The first wasp makes a bee-line for the adventurers.
Although it is the size of a horse it flies with incredible speed and closes the distance between its activity and the adventurers in only a few seconds. It threatens Tatyannah and Lanier.
<OOC> Rogun says, "Lanier." <OOC> Lanier says, "Taking a 5' step away, shooting my bow towards the next wasp down range." <OOC> Rogun says, "Okay. The other two are 180' away. The one you stepped away from is 5' away." <OOC> Lanier says, "Oh screw it then. Rapid Shot into the one 5' away from me." <OOC> Rogun says, "So -2 penalty for the ones down range." <OOC> Rogun says, "Okay. Roll it. :)"
GAME: Lanier rolls 1d20+5-2: (7)+5+-2: 10 GAME: Lanier rolls 1d20+5-2: (16)+5+-2: 19 <OOC> Rogun says, "Miss. Hit." GAME: Lanier rolls 1d8+4: (2)+4: 6 <OOC> Rogun says, "You wound it."
<OOC> Rogun says, "Jex. You are prone. The wasp does not threaten you as it is 5' away." <OOC> Rogun says, "Laoise. You are in the same boat as Jex. You may also declare action." <OOC> Jex says, "Stand up and fire at the nearby wasp." <OOC> Laoise says, "Imma get to my feet and cast Shield, 'cos I have a horrible feeling I'm going to end up stung." <OOC> Rogun says, "Very well. Jex. Roll you attack. Laoise expend your spell. :)"
GAME: Laoise casts Shield.
<OOC> Jex says, "It threatens others, so it considered in melee?" <OOC> Rogun says, "Correct."
GAME: Jex rolls ranged-4: (11)+3+-4: 10 <OOC> Jex says, "Melee touch, but ouch." <OOC> Jex says, "Er. Ranged touch, even." <OOC> Rogun says, "Horse sized wasps are large and not very nimble. You hit." GAME: Jex rolls 1d12: (10): 10 <OOC> Rogun says, "You damage it nicely. It is moderately wounded."
Lanier clears the fence easily, climbing the logs making the slats of the fence on simply his sure feet. He lands on the other side, his hand reaching over his shoulder to his quiver, drawing an arrow and stringing it in one smooth motion. He raises his bow as the wasps zooms in, drawing back the massive bow and releasing the arrow. He repeats the well-practiced gesture quickly, firing a second arrow. While the first goes wide, the second hits and hits solidly. As he fires he speaks a prayer, "Gilead, Lord of Rangers, make my eyes sharp."
Jex's unintended test to verify gravity is successful. It rises to its feet and aims its weapon at the nearby wasp. The thunderbelcher looses its projectile with a flash and ...belch of thundrous noise. The second wasp is right on the heels of his hive-mate.
You can feel the sharp beats of its wings as it disperses the air to stay aloft. Upon arrival it threatens Temarie.
<OOC> Rogun says, "Tatyannah. The first wasp threatens you. A five foot step will bring you into the second wasps threat as there are allies all around you."
Mumbling grumpily under her breath, the blonde woman of the Travelling Folk scrambles to get to her feet, eyes widening as she sees the sheer -speed- of the enormous wasps as they close in. With a brief gesture and a quick trickle of complicated, arcane syllables, Laoise conjures up a shimmering field vaguely shaped like a kite shield in front of herself, which quickly fades to invisibility. It seems she's got more to defend herself with than that little dagger.
<OOC> Tatyannah says, "Ok, then I drop the bow, use the dagger and try to stab the first one, can I do that in an action?" <OOC> Rogun says, "Yes." <OOC> Rogun says, "If you have quick draw you will still have your move action (for what its worth)." <OOC> Rogun says, "If not that will be your turn." <OOC> Tatyannah says, "No quick draw." <OOC> Rogun says, "Roll to stab it." GAME: Tatyannah rolls 1d20+6: (12)+6: 18 <OOC> Rogun says, "Hit." GAME: Tatyannah rolls 1d4+3: (2)+3: 5 <OOC> Rogun says, "You damage it. The wasp appears to be nearing bad shape."
Tatyannah got over the fence, looked up and all the sudden: WASP! Skipping the bow, she lets that fall, pulls out her dagger and when she can, stabs the nearest wasp and gets a good shot in. There's a little prayer in there too, 'please don't let me get stung, please don't let me get stung.'
The third wasp comes next for it is drawn in right behind the other two. It winds up adjacent to Lanier and Tatyannah so-as to threaten them both.
<OOC> Rogun says, "Top of the Round." <OOC> Temarie says, "I attack the closest wasp." <OOC> Temarie says, "Which, if I read correctly, is wasp 2." <OOC> Rogun says, "The one that threatens you is closest (#2 in the init). Roll to-hit."
GAME: Temarie rolls weapon1: (11)+8: 19 <OOC> Rogun says, "Hit." GAME: Temarie rolls 1d10+3: (7)+3: 10 <OOC> Rogun says, "Nice damage. It is somewhat hurt."
<OOC> Rogun says, "Is everyone's AC correct in their +sheet?" <OOC> Laoise says, "Yes. I have +4 from Shield, currently." <OOC> Rogun says, "Jex 12, Temarie, 23, Tatyannah, 15, Lanier 17, Laoise 18 (due to magic)."
<OOC> Rogun says, "Ok." GAME: Rogun rolls 1d20+6: (6)+6: 12
<OOC> Jex has +4 from Titan Armor that is pending as an inventor item.
Staying behind her shield, Temarie doesn't flinch when the Wasp buzzes threateningly in front of her. Rather than wait for it to talk, she takes a good hearty slash with her sword, giving it a good gash on it's flank.
The first wasp is barbed, gouged, burned from the attacks. Green-black blood leaks through the cracks in its exoskeleton as it bobs angrily up and down. Whirling on Tatyannah is jabs with a sword-like stinger piercing the air aside her head.
<OOC> Rogun says, "Lanier. The third wasp threatens you." <OOC> Lanier says, "Can I threaten two wasps with a five foot step?" <OOC> Rogun says, "Not with a bow." <OOC> Lanier says, "No, I'm drawing the greatsword." <OOC> Rogun says, "Yes, but you would draw an AoO from 3 to reach that position." <OOC> Lanier says, "You don't draw AoO's with a 5' step unless I move out of its threatened space?" <OOC> Lanier says, "If it would, it's cool. I'll just nail three." <OOC> Rogun says, "That's my bad. You can move to threaten two of them but you cannot step to do so." <OOC> Lanier says, "Ok. I see now. :) I'll drop my bow, draw my greatsword, and power attack Wasp #3. Thanks for clarifying things. Sorry for the holdup."
GAME: Lanier rolls 1d20+5: (18)+5: 23 <OOC> Rogun says, "You hit it." GAME: Lanier rolls 2d6+9: (7)+9: 16 <OOC> Rogun says, "Amazing damage. It is badly hurt." <OOC> Lanier nods.
Laoise pages: Are the wasps positioned so that I could conceivably hit two or more with a cone shaped effect without hurting allies?
You paged Laoise with 'You could hit 1 and 2 by moving next to 2. However, it would threaten you as you cast.'
Laoise pages: Eep. Yeah, better not.
<OOC> Rogun says, "Jex." <OOC> Jex will stow his empty firearm and draw his Death Ray.
As the first two wasps descend upon them, it only takes a moment for Lanier to take a look around and see how his compatriots are faring. It is cut short, however, as the third wasp comes barreling in on the Gileadan ranger. Whispering a chant beneath his breath, Lanier casts his bow aside, reaching up to grasp the hilt of the greatsword next to his quiver. With a yank, it comes free of the leather bindings which hold it attached and safe. He takes a step forward with his left foot, establishing his grip on the sword. With a mighty heft, the ranger brings his sword above his head and swinging down to land a mighty blow upon the wasp which faces him.
<OOC> Rogun says, "Sure." <OOC> Rogun says, "Laoise." <OOC> Lanier says, "afk a sec" <OOC> Laoise says, "One of the wasps is starting to look in pretty bad shape, yeah?" <OOC> Rogun says, "#3 just took a mighty hit and appears to be in bad shape. #1 has taken several hits and is likewise not a great deal better." <OOC> Laoise says, "Right. Hm."
Jex's firearm has belched. It now stows the weapon (it would be sacreligious to simply toss it upon the ground) and draws another long-barrelled firearm.
<OOC> Laoise says, "Elemental ray (sorcerer bloodline power) on #3, I think." <OOC> Laoise says, "Also a skip and a hop back away from danger. Just a 5' move." <OOC> Rogun says, "Sounds good." <OOC> Laoise says, "Ranged touch is just a straight ranged roll, yeah?" <OOC> Rogun says, "Yes. A ranged roll. Their AC is lower is the advantage." GAME: Laoise rolls ranged: (3)+6: 9 <OOC> Rogun says, "Miss." <OOC> Laoise says, "Goddamn, my dice." <OOC> Temarie says, "you knew that. never mind."
GAME: Rogun rolls 1d20+6: (19)+6: 25 GAME: Rogun rolls 1d8+6: (1)+6: 7
<OOC> Lanier says, "I'm back." <OOC> Rogun says, "Temarie. Roll fort save with any poison resistance you may possess."
Maybe it's the stress of the situation. Maybe she's just a natural fumblefingers. Laoise steps back and squints at one of the wasps, SQUINTS at it most fiercely, and raises a hand to point at it dramatically. A searing flash, and a line of pure elemental fire streaks out from the Lucht woman's outstretched fingertip, heat washing over her compatriots as it passes them by... and misses the wasp by a mile. Oops? The blonde looks embarrassed.
<OOC> Rogun says, "Tatyannah. Temarie was just stung." <OOC> Tatyannah says, "Can I flank and attack?" GAME: Temarie rolls fort: (2)+6: 8 <OOC> Rogun says, "You can potentially flank with Lanier. If you want to attack
- 3"
<OOC> Tatyannah says, "Ok. I will do that." GAME: Rogun rolls 1d2: (1): 1
GAME: Rogun damaged Temarie's dexterity for 1 points. 1 total damage. <OOC> Rogun says, "Roll it." GAME: Tatyannah rolls 1d20+6: (17)+6: 23 <OOC> Rogun says, "Hit." GAME: Tatyannah rolls 1d4+3+2d6: (1)+3+(8): 12 <OOC> Rogun says, "You killed it."
Tatyannah avoids being stung and swears about it, loudly, in many languages. Still, she does manage to keep a cool enough head that she chooses a different wasp to attack and blam! Take /that/! Of course, there are still two wasps and killing one of their buddies probably won't make her any friends with them. Still, it's dead and she's good with that.
The wasp nearest Temarie thrusts with its poisonous stinger catching her with a solid hit in the soft spot in her armour. The stinger goes in deep before being ripped painfully out and although the pain is intense Temarie would realize, soon afterward, that her coordination seems to be failing...
...she is poisoned.
"MOOoooo...." An agonized cry rips through the air. The belly of one of the cows bulges suddenly and it struggles madly upon the ground. The stomach begins to tear open and diminutive creatures begin to escape through the wounds..
The stomach suddenly bursts and hundreds of tiny wasps spill outward in a cloud above the remains.
GAME: You roll initiative for Swarm: Roll: 16 + Bonus: 1 = Total: 17
Current Initiative Order ====
23 Temarie
20 Wasp
19 Lanier
18 Jex
17 Swarm
14 Laoise
11 Wasp
6 Tatyannah
============================
<OOC> Rogun says, "Top of the round. Temarie. You have been stung." <OOC> Temarie says, "and I attack my stinger." <OOC> Rogun says, "Sure. :)" GAME: Temarie rolls weapon1: (10)+8: 18 <OOC> Rogun says, "Hit." GAME: Temarie rolls 1d10+3: (3)+3: 6 <OOC> Rogun says, "It is slightly hurt."
Grunting as she is stung by the wasp, Temarie swings an overhand swing at the wasp who stung her. Of course, this isn't her prefered way of attack, so she cuts off a leg. not very much to cut......
GAME: Rogun rolls 1d20+6: (2)+6: 8
As the swarm spills outwards from the bovine carcass the buzzing of the wasp becomes even more intense. It attempts to sting Tatyannah again but the sudden buzzing seems to have upset its flight for it is a very clumsy attempt that manages to spear nothing but air.
<OOC> Rogun says, "Lanier." <OOC> Rogun says, "Those with knowledge/nature may roll to see what they know of wasp swarms."
<OOC> Lanier says, "It's cool. Can I still set up that cleave?" GAME: Lanier rolls Knowledge/Nature: (19)+7: 26
- KNOWLEDGE/NATURE 20* This particular swarm seems to be less than a full hive.
As it it hundreds of diminuative creatures you know that standard attacks will be unable to hit enough of the swarm to do any real damage. However a strong gust of wind or a damage area attack would be particularly effective.
<OOC> Rogun says, "Yes." <OOC> Lanier says, "I'll take a move action and set up that cleave." <OOC> Lanier says, "Then, try to cleave." GAME: Lanier rolls 1d20+5: (10)+5: 15 GAME: Rogun rolls 1d20+6: (8)+6: 14 <OOC> Rogun says, "Lanier you hit." <OOC> Lanier says, "Here's damage." GAME: Lanier rolls 2d6+9: (11)+9: 20 <OOC> Lanier says, "Here's the second attack." <OOC> Rogun says, "Was the first one on 1 or 2?" <OOC> Lanier says, "We'll call it #1." <OOC> Lanier says, "Here comes #2." GAME: Lanier rolls 1d20+5: (14)+5: 19 <OOC> Rogun says, "Hit." GAME: Lanier rolls 2d6+9: (11)+9: 20 <OOC> Lanier says, "That's neat. I've never rolled the same damage on a cleave before." <OOC> Rogun says, "You killed #1. #2 is in very bad shape."
Current Initiative Order ====
23 Temarie
19 Lanier
18 Jex
17 Swarm
14 Laoise
11 Wasp
6 Tatyannah
============================
<OOC> Rogun says, "Jex." <OOC> Rogun says, "The swarm is about 180' away. As reference. Near where #3 started from." <OOC> Jex attempts to zot #2 with Acid Death Ray. <OOC> Rogun says, "Roll to zot." GAME: Jex rolls ranged+1: (4)+3+1: 8 <OOC> Jex remembers PB this time. Ranged touch again. <OOC> Rogun says, "Miss."
Jex aims its weapon and sends a blob of acid hurtling off ... into the sunset.
Hundreds of tiny wasps form a black cloud above the corpse they burst from.
As the larger wasps begin to buzz they seem to swarm angrily around one another as a small tornado of insects before moving as one singular force across the field. They are on a direct path for the melee although it doesn't appear that the tiny wasps are quite as fast as the larger ones.
They are now thirty feet from where you are fighting and seem intent on pressing forward.
<OOC> Rogun says, "Laoise. The swarm has moved within 30'." <OOC> Laoise says, "Can a swarm be hit by a standard ray?" <OOC> Rogun says, "Roll knowledge/arcana." <OOC> Rogun says, "Or Knowledge/nature" GAME: Laoise rolls knowledge/arcana: (10)+10: 20 <OOC> Rogun says, "Depending on whether you are pondering the ray or the wasps."
As the wasp directly in front of him falls to Tatyannah's attack, Lanier seems to gain his full momentum. With a fleet stride, the Elven-trained ranger brings his sword along low and to his right side. Interposing himself between the first and second wasp, Lanier delivers a powerful upward slash that severs the first wasp clean in half. Continuing the momentum of his cut, the sword sails over his head in a tight and well-controlled crescent. He steps as the sword comes down, cutting deeply into the second wasp as well with a yell. He looks away from the combat for a moment, spotting the swarm. His eyes raise and he calls out, "Swarm! Regular weapons will be no good here. We must deploy magics. Anything in an area, or a gust of wind." He then looks towards Jex, "Can you make fire quickly?
<OOC> Laoise says, "Actually. I'm going to hold my action until it's 15' away, then use Fire Breath on it."
- KNOWLEDGE/ARCANA 15* You are fairly certain that a swarm can only be affected
by area-attacks. A single-target attack will not take out enough of them to significantly reduce their potency.'
<OOC> Rogun says, "Noted. Your attack will trigger as they move next round." <OOC> Laoise says, "'Kay!" <OOC> Rogun says, "Tatyannah."
Keeping an eye on the remaining wasp, Laoise steps out from the general throng of people, putting a hand into a pouch, other hand held up with a gesture that's undoubtedly part of some arcane spell. She does nothing yet, however; instead peering over at the rapidly approaching swarm of wasps, eyes narrowed as she calculates the distance on the fly. It seems the diminutive blonde is planning something, but needs to get the wasps within a certain range.
<OOC> Tatyannah says, "Sorry. Stabbing the nearest one, can I flank?" <OOC> Rogun says, "Yes. It is pretty surrounded now." GAME: Tatyannah rolls 1d20+6: (14)+6: 20 GAME: Tatyannah rolls 1d4+3+2d6: (1)+3+(5): 9 <OOC> Rogun says, "Dead."
<OOC> Rogun says, "Top of the Round. Temarie." <OOC> Temarie says, "I.......can't really do anything against the swarm. I have no magic." <OOC> Rogun says, "Do you wish to move anywhere?" <OOC> Temarie says, "back up a few steps and full defense."
Tatyannah doesn't quite celebrate just yet, there's still one alive and so she turns to get a good shot at the last remaining wasp. Again, she takes it down. DEAD. There may be an end zone dance. For 1.3 seconds, until she notices the menancing buzzing from the wasp babies. Then it's back to swearing up a storm. As the wasp falls, Temarie finally notices the loud buzzing of the approaching swarm and........actively curses. "By the ass of Thul...." She mutters as she backs up and braces her sword on her shield.
Laoise pages: Question. Would Web affect the swarm at all? From afar, Laoise is considering changing it to Web, catching the swarm in it, then Fire Breathing the whole damn thing on her next go. Would that work? You paged Laoise with 'I would rule yes. Although there's not two opposed points to anchor it on (in a field).' Laoise pages: Ah, drat. Nevermind then. Fire breath hoooo...
<OOC> Rogun says, "Lanier?" <OOC> Lanier says, "Can Heal remove the effects of poison?" <OOC> Rogun says, "The skill or..?" <OOC> Lanier says, "The skill, yes. Standard Action."
<OOC> Rogun says, "Jex." <OOC> Jex will hold and pose. <OOC> Rogun says, "Ok." <OOC> Rogun says, "Laoise. Fire breathe?"
GAME: Laoise casts Fire Breath. GAME: Laoise rolls 4d6: (17): 17 <OOC> Laoise says, "..." <OOC> Laoise says, "Swarms get +50 damage from area effects, yeah?" <OOC> Rogun says, "Correct." <OOC> Rogun says, "So thats 25 damage." <OOC> Rogun says, "You have defeated the wasp-swarm."
Falling back as the swarm begins heading their way, Lanier drives his sword point first into the ground next to himself. He reaches into his belt pouch, deft fingers finding a certain green substance. He brings it to his mouth, swishing it around for a moment before pulling it out. He turns towards Temarie, "This will take some of the sting out and restore some feeling back to the sting." He plugs the hole in Temarie made by the stinger with the poultice, turning away moments after to draw the sword back from the ground.
GAME: You clear initiatives. GAME: Rogun has cleared initiatives.
Temarie wipes her sword on the ground to get the bug guts off of her sword. "Excellent, ma'am." She says bowing her head to Laoise. "Well done." She says to everyone here.
The hand that's been in the pouch comes out. It's holding a chili pepper. A Khazad-cultivar of the Ghost Pepper, to be precise, for anyone interested in the culinary arts. The small blonde swallows audibly, mutters, "The things I do for the Explorer's guild..." and pops the whole thing in her mouth, chewing noisily for a moment before swallowing.
There's a little hiccup, accompanied by a tiny flame licking out of her mouth.
And then the small Lucht Siuil woman draws a shaky breath and BREATHES out towards the approaching swarm. It's like reading one of the funny papers, except it's real:. A vast sheet of fire billows out of her mouth, barreling forward and completely engulfing the swarm of wasps.
There are no survivors.
<OOC> Rogun says, "Roll perception." GAME: Lanier rolls Perception: (3)+6: 9 GAME: Tatyannah rolls perception: (9)+12: 21 GAME: Laoise rolls perception: (16)+2: 18 <OOC> Rogun says, "Also, Knowledge/Nature if you have it." GAME: Jex rolls perception: (20)+7: 27 GAME: Temarie rolls perception: (10)+5: 15 GAME: Lanier rolls Knowledge/Nature: (18)+7: 25
Tatyannah stares at Laoise, opened mouth. "That was AMAZING." She stops, "Can I have some of those? I wanna learn how to do that!"
Although the field is littered with the corpses of both insects and wasps it appears that no enemies remain.
The farmer emerges from the woodsand looks to what remains of his herd. Turning then he begins to move cautiously around the fence and appears to be both searching for any remaining wasps while working his way towards the small cottage.
- PERCEPTION 15* You estimate that although there were three giant wasps here now
that according to the damage - not to mention the farmer's account - there was at one point more than a dozen. As you examine your surroundings you note a trail of gore that leads off into the woods.
- KNOWLEDGE/NATURE 13* Giant Wasps don't usually feast out in the open. You're
pretty certain they took a number of carcasses away given the trail. If they're like most insects they'll probably be back as long as there is fresh food just lying about this field.
<OOC> Lanier says, "Ok. I'd like to roll Survival to pick up the trail, if neccesary." <OOC> Rogun says, "If you are intending to follow it you may roll survival to begin to do so." GAME: Lanier rolls Survival: (15)+6: 21 <OOC> Lanier says, "I'm sure I get some kinda bonus as a ranger." <OOC> Lanier will look it up in a sec.
"Milk." Her voice is little more than a croak, and she's sweating profusely, red-faced. "Anyone have some milk? I could really - *hic!* - use some right now." There's another little flame at the hiccup. Laoise just gives Tatyannah a look for a moment... then reaches in and grabs another pepper. "Help yourself," says the woman, with perhaps a tiny bit too wide a smile, handing another of the extremely potent peppers to the Gaintborn woman. So cruel.
<OOC> Rogun says, "You get a bonus if the woods (forest) are a favored terrain." <OOC> Rogun says, "Also you add half your level."
Jex lowers its weapon as the swarm is dispersed or incinerated. It surverys the carnage and remains of the wasps. The effect of the former does not evenly correlate to the cause of the latter. "There are numerous other wasps in the area or that were in the area. We did not encounter all."
<OOC> Lanier says, "I don't have the favored terrain, but with my half-level, the result would be 22." <OOC> Rogun says, "In any event you can follow the trail pretty well. Its likely to lead to a dozen or more wasps." <OOC> Temarie says, "ooooh boy."
Tatyannah takes the pepper, cheerfully, even as she reaches in her pocket and pulls out some bread. "It's not as good as milk, but it should help some." She adds a banana-like fruit in there, "That might help." She asks, "Are we going after the other wasps?"
Lanier peers towards Laoise, grinning after a moment. He reaches down to his healing kit, his skilled fingers seeking out a particular root. He then offers it to Laoise with a grin, "Place this in the roof of your mouth. It will calm the burn." He then turns, looking around, "Well, alright. Giant wasps generally don't feed out in the open like this. They take it back to their hive." He retrieves his bow, placing it back across his shoulders. He squints, then points, "There. That is the way. Being that it is a hive, it is likely to be about ten to twelve of them. If you wish it, I will lead you there."
Laoise gratefully accepts the bread, stuffing a big chunk of it into her mouth. "Dwuh wuh wuhluh..." She pauses, chews, and swallows the bite before trying again. "Do we really want to - *hic!* - sorry, take on a whole hive though?" She's still sweating, and her eyes are streaming, but she doesn't really look - too- worse for wear. Perhaps she's one of those crazies who actually likes really spicy food. Another bite is taken though. Chew chew.
Temarie nods to Lanier. "I'm in as well. Lets go and take care of this nest....."
"If we do not stop the creatures, more cattle and individuals will likely perish," Jex advises all of the obvious. "The insects will reproduce and the hive will grow." "We should probably take care of it while we can," Tatyannah sighs. She bends down to pick up her bow.
The farmer makes it to the house. He bangs upon the door several times with his fist, "Maela?" He says pressing his cheek to the door, "It's me - are you alright?"
A muffled voice can be heard even at your distance. To this voice the farmer nods and steps down to makes his way back towards you. Seeing you gather your things to leave he seems concerned, "Will they be back?"
Temarie looks to the farmer. "More than likely, unless we stop them, sir. We shall return." She says rubbing her leg.
<OOC> Rogun says, "After them, then?" <OOC> Tatyannah says, "I believe so, yes."
Lanier nods his head, as he takes stock of the general concensus, "We hunt." He looks to the farmer, then replies, "If we return, they won't." He then returns his gaze to the forest, and upon finding the trail once again, Lanier begins walking towards it. It is slow going, but the ranger tracks with all the skill expected of a Green Warden.
Laoise, fanning herself and looking distinctly uncomfortable, follows along. She's a bit too distracted to really pay much attention to her surroundings, but she does try. Uncharacteristically for one of her race, she also seems to be keeping the chatter to a minimum, only offering a couple of half-hearted observations here and there. Dreading having to chew another of those Ghost Peppers, perhaps.
Temarie is definitely following along, but not at the rear of the party, near Lanier is more like it.
Jex moves along the path defined by thos before it. Jex does not recall how much of this area has changed since it last viewed it, or if it ever travelled here. The interior of the city was Jex's home, not the surrounding lands. It remains alert, as they expect many other insects.
Lanier on a trail is an interesting sight to behold. The youth of the Ranger becomes apparent, as everything becomes new and curious to him. He examines every bit of gore, scratch on a tree, and branch that has fallen to the ground with an intense curiousity. Constantly, he is whispering to himself under his breath, cataloguing clues and deciphering the mysteries of the forest before them.
Tatyannah falls into line with everyone else, wandering along. She tucks away the ghost pepper for another time. She is going to savor this later.
The farmer nods and bids you farewell.
It is pretty easy to follow the trail at first for gore and the odd half- hollowed cow carcass is strewn upon the ground. As you continue though the trail becomes more and more sparse as clearly flying creatures, even large ones, do not leave as much of a trail as something which must tread upon the ground.
Nevertheless, your ranger is able to follow the trail for several hours..
-=FADE IN, Wasp Fort=-
The ruins of a small wood fort rests upon a small hill. At some point this territory was overrun with evil goblins whom constructed this place as an outpost for whatever business they carried on further away from Alexandria.
It is not immediately clear whether the fort was abandoned or overrun but the walls and the buildings are covered in a thick sticky substance making several distinct structures within one larger one. Overall the hive is about sixty feet high with several cave-like entrances about twenty feet high.
There is a great deal of buzzing from within. It's difficult to know how many but the structure could conceivably conceal a dozen or more of these giant wasps - and likely a queen. Three giant wasps fly around mid-way up the structure as if on patrol.
<OOC> Lanier says, "Is the hive built into the wood of the fort?" <OOC> Rogun says, "Its layered over it. However, imperfectly so such that the wood is exposed in some places." <OOC> Rogun says, "Imagine something like this with the forst having procided the skeletal structure: http://falltoclimb.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/wasp- nest-on-cliff.jpg" <OOC> Lanier says, "Rogun, can I strap Laoise to my back and use my stealth skill for both of us? ;)"
<OOC> Rogun says, "You would be a large sized creature." <OOC> Lanier says, "So it would be at a -4?" <OOC> Rogun says, "So yes. With the penalty for being large." <OOC> Rogun says, "Correct."
<OOC> Temarie says, "Hey Rogun?" <OOC> Temarie says, "Can we pause it here?" <OOC> Rogun says, "That is fine."
<OOC> Rogun says, "We have a couple of options: We can either Fade to Black with y'all near-to the fort and figure out what happened off-camera or consider continuing another time. I honestly didn't plan on this going all the way to the hive so I'm good with whatever." <OOC> Temarie can handle FTB. <OOC> Rogun says, "With some reinforcements and preparations you could probably torch the thing (as I suspect you were planning). A straight-fight would be very tough because twelve + queen > three + swarm."
<OOC> Lanier says, "Well, lets fade to back then. We'll all report it to our respective orgs and let them handle it with better equipped people."
<OOC> Rogun says, "Sure. I'll write a closing. If anyone needs to go due to any reason it'll be in the final log (you could read it then) or you can just idle here a few minutes and I'll emit it."
With the wasps no-doubt gorging upon the stolen cattle they adventurers are able to remain nearby for some time. They discuss the options before them but realize the perilous task of confronting the entire hive and decide, until they can gain help, that the optimal solution might be to cut-off their food source and buy some time.
Returning to the farm they find that the farmer has located a number of his cattle nearby and placed them into an adjoining field. Setting the remains of the mutilated cattle afire they aid the family in loading his wagon with his most valuable possessions and begin driving the half-dozen bovine that remain to a farm which lies two hours away as the herd goes.
-=FADE OUT=-
Having located what is thought to be the first giant-wasp nest the adventurers race back to Alexandria - but not before Lanier has taken the time to chart the course back to the hive with a map found in the Vadran village.
Each of the adventurer's report back to the guild as well any individual organizations in which they possess membership. Heralded as heroes to the widows and orphans of the original attack some months ago they are aptly rewarded for their courage...
..however now it must be decided what forces can be sent to destroy the nest and how many more like them may be gaining forces somewhere beyond the Vadran..
..and some questions still remain: What force has brought so many of these creatures to one area? Will the destruction of one nest somehow upset the others bringing vengeance on more innocent souls..?
Perhaps - in time - the truth will be made plain.
-=FADE TO BLACK=-<\nowiki>