Hermit Rescue
There are definitely hermits out there. People, on their own, living on the rugged ALexandrian frontier. It's a dangerous sort of life but some people prefer it. These people, of course, do occasionally need supplies and any number of them wander into towns and villages once a month or less to get them.
One such person has a regular standing trip and he hasn't made it. People worry. He's never *not* made it before, and thus, you've been hired to head out to his home in the middle of nowhere in the rugged hillscape. It's treacherous grounds, and you've been walking for a while with the man who hired you, a half-sil trader by the name of Penvalos who's been out his way before.
It's been /hours/ now. Rocks are getting into your boots.
Caranthir, a Silvanyori who keeps his bow in his hand for the entire time in the event that they are snuck up on, Keeps his attention on the landscape and the environment, though his attention eventually shifts to Penvalos. "Penvalos, how much longer would you say until we reach our destination?" Of course, its a very polite 'are we there yet', but its an honest question. They've been hiking across tough terrain for some time now.
Klaus follows along quietly, his eyes on the terrain, mainly, using his guisarme as a walking staff as we go trudging across the land, mile after mile, to where this Penvalos fellow says we need to go. Well, he's getting paid for it, and we're helping the fellow, presumably. Or at least making sure he's OK. The gold's just a way of them saying thank you. So he doesn't complain as the rocks accumulate in his boots. Gold soothes most wounds.
Hubert trudges, grumbles and trudges on. He nods in a gruff agreement with Caranthir at the question of their guide, not adding anything to the question beyond his gruffness.
Walking and walking, and walking and walking, and walking and walking, and walking and walking. Skribbles sometimes thinks that she is destined to walk this whole world on her very dainty feet. She sighs a bit as she puts her hammer on the other shoulder and burps.
Konstance has arrived.
GAME: Hubert rolls perception: (6)+9: 15
GAME: Klaus rolls perception: (3)+1: 4
GAME: Konstance rolls perception: (6)+8: 14
GAME: Caranthir rolls Perception: (19)+4: 23
Konstance says, "and Caranthir wins the most noticing char"
GAME: Skribbles rolls perception: (17)+11: 28
Edinaz has arrived.
Ah, there you go. You're going up a hill covered in trees at this point and along a path that looks fairly marginal. It's ugly, but navigatable as dusk begins to settle. It's eerily quiet here.
Finalyl, you pass through the trees and find a solitary hut placed between two large trees who've had their branches tied together to pull their tops together to help provide additional shelter to it. The hut seems... quiet.
Klaus keeps on walking, mostly oblivious to events as he strolls along in the dimming light. It's been a long walk, and he's looking forward to getting a chance to sit down. He rolls his shoulders and yawns as we proceed.
Caranthir walks for a moment but then he narrows his eyes. What does his elf eyes see? "Wait...there are spider-webs there, rather large ones, tying those trees together. We may be walking into danger, prepare yourselves."
Konstance been walking along, his robes fluttering as he looks about the various people who are present. When the hut is seen he shrugs. "Seems like a quaint place...probably made it in the wizard's defination of quaint." He says as he adjusts his crossbow and makes sure it's loaded before looking to the others. "Dont mind me, clearly this isnt an ambush." He says with a wave of his hand.
Skribbles sighs as Caranthir speaks to what she also sees. Skribbles normally doesn't mind a hairy creature or two...just ask her ex-boyfriend. This is different though, this time it's big eight-legged freaks who should be burned off the planet...in Theos' name. She takes her dragonspitter out and cocks the hammer back. "They probably already know we're here. Watch where you're stepping."
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- ATTENTION -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Whirlpool has dropped a TIMESTOP!
Please +init, then cease all roleplay and actions immediately and wait for Whirlpool to instruct you further. You may earn RPP by logging a scene for a GM.
For in-combat commands, type: +thelp.
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Edinaz was just trotting along behind the group, bringing up the rear.
GAME: Skribbles rolls int: (12)+int: 12
GAME: Skribbles rolls intelligence: (10)+2: 12
The hut remains quiet, yes, but the trees do not. Crashing out of the trees behind you, having evidentally shadowed you, are two rather large spiders.
Big spiders.
/Enormous/ spiders. And they're coming right for you, leaping and spring on their many legs right into your midst.
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 24.
It is now Caranthir's turn! Klaus is next!
GAME: Caranthir rolls 7: (12)+7: 19
GAME: Skribbles refreshes spells.
GAME: Caranthir rolls 1d8+0: (8)+0: 8
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 22.
It is now Klaus' turn! Edinaz is next!
Caranthir turns to see the one of the biggest spiders he has ever seen baring its fangs and starting to unleash its arms at him! So he immediately draws an arrow from his quiver, knocks it into his bow and fires at the larger spider! Maybe he takes out an eye?
Klaus steps forward and swings his guisarme in a flat arc, getting an idea of how much ground he covers as he stands ready to receive the spiders. He's assuming they'll come at us, his knowledge of giant spiders is not first rate. But it seems like a good guess. "Forming a defensive line," he calls to his allies, though that's more of a soldier thing than an adventurer thing. They certainly already know what he's doing.
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 17.
It is now Edinaz's turn! Hubert is next!
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 15.
It is now Hubert's turn! GIANT FRIGGING SPIDER is next!
GAME: Edinaz casts Shield. Caster Level: 4 DC: 13
Edinaz looks up as the spiders come at the group, and utters a quick invocation to Kor, speaking in Yrch. The air shimmers in front of him, and he rushes forwards, drawing both swords as he interposes himself.
GAME: Hubert rolls 1d20+6: (1)+6: 7 (EPIC FAIL)
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 12.
It is now GIANT FRIGGING SPIDER's turn! Konstance is next!
GAME: Whirlpool rolls 1d20+8: (18)+8: 26
GAME: Whirlpool rolls 2d8+7: (14)+7: 21
Hubert reels about as they approach the quiet hut through the not-so-quiet forest, unshouldering his bow and shrinking behind his boldest ally, Klaus. From his safe space behind the Dranei soldier, Hubert exudes confidence. From his safe space, he draws and attempts to fire an arrow at the bigger of the spiders headed at them, but fumbles and shoots the arrow into the ground right at Klaus' own feet. He awkwardly croaks out an apology, "Sorry!" as he reaches to nock another arrow.
GAME: Klaus rolls 1d20+7: (4)+7: 11
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 11.
It is now Konstance's turn! SOMEWHAT LESS GIANT SPIDER is next!
So.
There it goes. The massive spider *leaps* at Klaus, knocking aside his polearm as he brings it to bear with a leg and grabbing him in its mandibles with a massive crunch. It pierces through his armor, causing enough pain and damage to knock the warrior clean out. It starts to drag him back...
GAME: Konstance rolls weapon1: (8)+6: 14
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 8.
It is now SOMEWHAT LESS GIANT SPIDER's turn! Skribbles is next!
GAME: Whirlpool rolls 1d20+7: (7)+7: 14
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 6.
It is now Skribbles' turn! Caranthir is next!
The second spider sees the flash of magic and finds its eyes drawn towards it. It lunges towards Edinaz, but its mandibles and legs bounce off the shielding.
GAME: NEW ROUND!
Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 24.
It is now Caranthir's turn! Klaus is next!
Konstance raises his crossbow and tries to fire, but seeing the man go down means the spider isnt where his bolt lands. Ah well. "Someone get that asshole before he becomes lunch?" He calls out to the various people as he pumps the crossbow, loading another bolt.
GAME: Skribbles rolls weapon21: (19)+8: 27
GAME: Skribbles casts Cure Moderate Wounds. Caster Level: 5 DC: 16
GAME: Skribbles rolls 2d8+5: (6)+5: 11
Skribbles winces as she spies Klaus take a large hit for the team. She stands up and runs towards Klaus, unslinging her hammer as she does. Her eyes flash red, the Great Forge entering her soul as Reos grants his blessing. She slides on the ground, a hand touching Klaus and filling him with the energy of the God and healing him.
GAME: Caranthir rolls 7: (15)+7: 22
GAME: Caranthir rolls 1d8+0: (1)+0: 1
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 22.
It is now Klaus' turn! Edinaz is next!
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 17.
It is now Edinaz's turn! Hubert is next!
GAME: Whirlpool reverses the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 22.
It is now Klaus' turn! Edinaz is next!
GAME: Klaus rolls 1d20+6-4: (14)+6+-4: 16
GAME: Klaus rolls 1d8+6: (8)+6: 14
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 17.
It is now Edinaz's turn! Hubert is next!
GAME: Whirlpool rolls 1d20+9: (3)+9: 12
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 15.
It is now Hubert's turn! GIANT FRIGGING SPIDER is next!
GAME: Whirlpool rolls 1d20+4: (17)+4: 21
GAME: Whirlpool rolls 1d20+4: (13)+4: 17
GAME: Whirlpool rolls 1d8+2: (5)+2: 7
GAME: Whirlpool rolls 1d8+2: (6)+2: 8
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 12.
It is now GIANT FRIGGING SPIDER's turn! Konstance is next!
Klaus wakes up being dragged off by the spider, and he acks and strugges for a moment. He can't get up with the way it's git his leg, and so he grabs his battle axe and gives the spider a good 2-handed chop across the face. It did not like that, but fair's fair. It's trying to eat him.
GAME: Klaus rolls fortitude: (17)+4: 21
Caranthir had twirled his bow in his hand before firing off another arrow, though it finds its mark, it doesn't seem to do much to the spider!
GAME: Whirlpool rolls 1d20+8: (8)+8: 16
It'd distracted by the arrows, yes, but it sees a tasty morsel in Skribbles and lashes its mandibles out at her instead. Perhaps this one will be easier to eat?
Fortunately, the goblin is able to duck under it.
In the meantime, Edinaz attempts to bash in the other spider's carapace with his longsord and Hubert lands two arrows in the giant(er) spider's side.
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 11.
It is now Konstance's turn! SOMEWHAT LESS GIANT SPIDER is next!
GAME: Whirlpool rolls 1d20+6: (3)+6: 9
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 8.
It is now SOMEWHAT LESS GIANT SPIDER's turn! Skribbles is next!
GAME: Whirlpool rolls 1d20+7: (4)+7: 11
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 6.
It is now Skribbles' turn! Caranthir is next!
GAME: Skribbles rolls weapon21: (2)+8: 10
GAME: Skribbles rolls 1d8: (6): 6
GAME: NEW ROUND!
Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 24.
It is now Caranthir's turn! Klaus is next!
Skribbles finishes her slide, reaching down and grabbing her pistol with her hand and pointing it at the spider who has recently gotten a hold of Klaus. She slides into a kneeling position, takes aim, and fires. The round flies true, hitting the spider in the abdomen with and heart-warming 'thump'. "Die spider, die!"
GAME: Caranthir rolls 7: (12)+7: 19
GAME: Caranthir rolls 1d8+0: (7)+0: 7
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 22.
It is now Klaus' turn! Edinaz is next!
Since this spider likes to bite, Caranthir draws another arrow and takes careful aim, firing at it once again in order to pierce it right in the mandible to stave it off (or get its attention) for just a moment longer.
GAME: Whirlpool rolls 1d20+8: (15)+8: 23
Klaus gets his shield from his back and holds it ready, then, weapon out and warily, he rises up. The spider snaps at him as he rises, but with his shield ready, he fends off those fangs until he can get to his feet.
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 17.
It is now Edinaz's turn! Hubert is next!
GAME: Whirlpool rolls 1d20+9: (18)+9: 27
GAME: Whirlpool rolls 1d8+5: (3)+5: 8
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 15.
It is now Hubert's turn! GIANT FRIGGING SPIDER is next!
GAME: Whirlpool rolls 1d20+6: (16)+6: 22
GAME: Whirlpool rolls 1d8+2: (5)+2: 7
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 12.
It is now GIANT FRIGGING SPIDER's turn! Konstance is next!
GAME: Whirlpool rolls 1d20+8: (3)+8: 11
The hungry spider really does want its meal. It grabs at Klaus again when he stands, and tries a second time afterwards. It's oozing from its wounds, carapace cracked in spaces. This is further aided by the arrow from Hubert, while Edinaz is swinging at his own.
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 11.
It is now Konstance's turn! SOMEWHAT LESS GIANT SPIDER is next!
GAME: Whirlpool rolls 1d20+6: (11)+6: 17
GAME: Whirlpool rolls 1d10: (4): 4
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 8.
It is now SOMEWHAT LESS GIANT SPIDER's turn! Skribbles is next!
GAME: Whirlpool rolls 1d20+7: (2)+7: 9
Edinaz's spider friend is finding magical shielding very tasty.
What i t really wants, as Konstance's bolt slams into it, is to nom on a delicious Edinaz instead. It isn't working.
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 6.
It is now Skribbles' turn! Caranthir is next!
GAME: Skribbles rolls weapon21: (18)+8: 26
GAME: Skribbles rolls 1d8: (6): 6
GAME: NEW ROUND!
Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 24.
It is now Caranthir's turn! Klaus is next!
Skribbles dodges the spider as it comes for her, growling as she does. "Oi! Get off me!" She points her pistol at the spider again and aims, firing off another round and hearing another satisfying thunk into the abdomen. "Snickersnack!"
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 22.
It is now Klaus' turn! Edinaz is next!
GAME: Klaus rolls 1d20+6: (13)+6: 19
GAME: Caranthir rolls 5: (3)+5: 8
Caranthir says, "but cookie accepted"
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 17.
It is now Edinaz's turn! Hubert is next!
Caranthir puts his bow away and draws his twin blades to attack the giant spider. Alas, the beast is quick enough to move out of his distance, but Caranthir remains ready all the same!
GAME: Klaus rolls 1d8+4: (2)+4: 6
Klaus fights on, bleeding pretty badly still, particularly from the leg he was being dragged by. So when he plants his leg, he really can't get great leverage from it. Even so, with everyone attacking, he manages to score a hit, and his axe thunks into the spider's side, drawing a bit of ichor.
GAME: Edinaz rolls 1d20+9-2: (10)+9+-2: 17
GAME: Edinaz rolls 1d20+9-2: (11)+9+-2: 18
GAME: Edinaz rolls 1d8+5: (4)+5: 9
GAME: Edinaz rolls 1d6+: (1)+: 1
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 15.
It is now Hubert's turn! GIANT FRIGGING SPIDER is next!
GAME: Whirlpool rolls 1d20+6: (18)+6: 24
GAME: Whirlpool rolls 1d8+2: (5)+2: 7
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 12.
It is now GIANT FRIGGING SPIDER's turn! Konstance is next!
GAME: Whirlpool rolls 1d20+8: (4)+8: 12
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 11.
It is now Konstance's turn! SOMEWHAT LESS GIANT SPIDER is next!
GAME: Whirlpool rolls 1d20+6: (13)+6: 19
GAME: Whirlpool rolls 1d10: (7): 7
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 8.
It is now SOMEWHAT LESS GIANT SPIDER's turn! Skribbles is next!
GAME: Whirlpool rolls 1d20+7: (1)+7: 8 (EPIC FAIL)
Edinaz turns, stabbing twice, with the spider, as it bites at his magical shield.
...both the spiders are not fairing well, by now, and they seem to capable of recognizing that given the steadily more wary way htey're engaging. Seems like they might try to get out of this real soon. Either way, they still press their attack *for the moment*.
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 6.
It is now Skribbles' turn! Caranthir is next!
GAME: Skribbles rolls weapon21: (7)+8: 15
GAME: Skribbles rolls 1d8: (7): 7
Skribbles watches as the spiders are now a little off-step and she needs to take advantage of it even as her fingers are reloading her weapon with trained fingers. "Oi, we can finish them off here!" She points her gun and fires off another round, sending it into the spider's eye. It screeches in pain before it flips on its back, the legs twitching. Skribbles takes a moment and then realizes what's she's done and throws her arms in the air, "WOO! Skribbles da bomb!" Yea, she's from the 1980's. She'd do an air-guitar solo, but Rufus has taught her too well.
GAME: NEW ROUND!
Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
Round Five - Init 24.
It is now Caranthir's turn! Klaus is next!
GAME: Caranthir rolls 5: (6)+5: 11
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
Round Five - Init 22.
It is now Klaus' turn! Edinaz is next!
GAME: Klaus rolls 1d20+8: (10)+8: 18
GAME: Klaus rolls 1d8+4: (7)+4: 11
GAME: Whirlpool advances the initiative order.
Round Five - Init 17.
It is now Edinaz's turn! Hubert is next!
Klaus takes a couple panting breaths as the gunshot rings out, and the spider he's fighting stops. That's a relief. But there's one left; a solder's got to finish the battle if he's not dead - that's duty. But he can apply tactics, no rule against that, so he will come up begind the spiderm and he delivers a strong overhead chop into the back end of the abdomen, ichor spurting out from the wound.
GAME: Edinaz RAGES!, gaining +2 to melee attack/damage/Will saves and 8 temporary HP
GAME: Edinaz rolls 1d20+11-2: (14)+11+-2: 23
GAME: Edinaz rolls 1d20+11-2: (18)+11+-2: 27
GAME: Edinaz rolls 1d8+7: (8)+7: 15
GAME: Edinaz rolls 1d6+7: (5)+7: 12
GAME: Edinaz ends his rage.
GAME: Whirlpool removes the timestop.
Timestop by Whirlpool has left.
Edinaz takes advantage of the opening, driving both swords into the spider's face (in the face!) one at a time. Then it devolves into a little bit of savage stabbing, as it twitches and dies with help
YOur friendly guide, who hit the ground the moment the spiders turned up, gets up. YOu spend some time hunting around, finding many egg coccoons that nede to be undone. Many animals are inside. Some alive, some dead. Either way, you eventually locate one in which the hermit, alive but unconscious and barely cling to life in the first place, is freed. He'll need treatment, but he'll survive.