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Post by DM Quietus on Nov 28, 2012 14:03:56 GMT -5
At first the woman seems shocked into silence, as you describe getting information from the wyverns. When you tell her about Kalfyra, however, she lets out a horrified gasp, falling to her knees and sobbing. Surprisingly, your raised hand does in fact silence the abrupt murmurings of the gathered townsfolk, and they remain quiet while you talk about research. When you've finished, the village Speaker steps forward to say, "I've heard that name before. I'll look up what information we have, and bring it to you when I have something. For maps, speak with Gerard, if anyone has something like that, it will be him." The name Gerard is familiar to you, as he's the local mercantile contact - any maps he has will likely be related to trade routes, but locally he would be the person most interested in the area outside the village.
The rest of your interaction with the crowd is pretty much what you might expect - they close in around you, demanding that you tell the tale of your fight, asking about your wounds, asking to see your trophies. More than once you find yourself stopping a young boy from poking at one of the severed stingers, for fear that he poisons himself. When it becomes clear that you're not going to give up your story, the villagers begin taking guesses, becoming more wildly improbable with each round. Eventually, the crowd dwindles, heading off to their homes, or the local drinking hall, where no doubt more wild stories will be imagined. Abene's father escorts her mother home, after thanking you sincerely for all you've already done. You do manage to get hold of the few people that could buy things from you, primarily the local apothecary (interested in the stingers) and Gerard, who agrees to buy any trophies you want to part with, but tells you he'll need at least until tomorrow to find the maps you're seeking.
Once everything is settled and you're tending to Fireheart - who seemed mildly annoyed at the uncomfortable load you'd had her carry, but warms quickly under her brushing - you hear the familiar, steady thud of an old man leaning heavily on a walking stick. You know that Sidgen's use of the stick is just a front, and that he's still deadly with his two-handed hook sword, but that he prefers to be underestimated when confronted. "Seems you've made quite a name for yourself.", he says to you, as he enters the stables. "I figured you'd be more beat up, after hearing you strangled a wyvern while riding it mid-flight." Though his tone is dry, you can see the barest quirk at the corner of his mouth; clearly he doesn't believe half of what he's heard from the locals.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Nov 28, 2012 21:44:01 GMT -5
"You should have beaten me harder." Xanadu says without looking up from his brushing duties, "You always drove me to my limits, and each time pushed me a little further..." Xanadu trails off briefly. "But, you should have kept pushing." His hands stop moving, but Xanadu seems unaware, "All the training, all the abuse, all the horror stories. None of it can prepare you for the sight of a Dragon on the wing. Especially one that has gotten it into it's head that you would make a good snack." Fireheart stamps a hoof, and Xanadu resumes brushing, still seeming distant, "let alone two!" Turning to face his mentor, Xanadu adds, "I think they scared the ability to feel fear right out of me."
Xanadu goes on to explain the entire battle, blow by blow with no flash or exaggeration. Retelling the battle like this really drives home how crazy it was for him to have gone to the Wyvern cliffs at all, but then Xanadu smiles, 'It had to be done, and it's a bloody job but somebody has to do it.' He thinks to himself. "I guess this means I'm officially a Dragon Slayer then?" The question sounds more like an actual question, nothing rhetorical about it.
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Post by DM Quietus on Nov 28, 2012 22:19:10 GMT -5
While you speak, Sidgen remains quiet, listening - you know that this is as much a sign of approval as you'll get from him, if he isn't picking you apart for one mistake or another. "What makes you think I ever stopped pushing?", he asks, gesturing vaguely south. "You can't learn what you're dealing with unless you face it down. Wyverns ain't the worst that's out there, boy, and you'd do well to remember that. As for being a dragon slayer, that depends. You crazy enough to do it again?" Unlike your question, his is entirely rhetorical; he knows your answer as well as you do.
Once you give him your answer, he nods, and draws something from a pocket within his jacket, handing it to you. It's a belt, the buckle made from polished silver and molded in the shape of a single shining star hanging over a nebula - the holy symbol of Bahamut. "Figured you'd need a little something to pick you up. S'called a 'Healing Belt', lets you recover some wounds. Place a hand on the buckle and pray to Bahamut, and he'll provide you some healing. Refreshes each day, so you won't be stranded on the road and near-death."
((The item is, literally, called a Healing Belt. It gains 3 charges per day, and you can use any number of charges per standard action activation. Each time it's activated it heals 1d8 hit points, plus 1d8 per charge used - so it can spike as high as 4d8 healing, or spread slowly for 2d8 three times.))
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Post by DM-Delfon on Nov 29, 2012 8:33:25 GMT -5
"You know I plan to face Kalfyra in the Eastern mountains as soon as my wounds are mended some, a day or so, perhaps two days from now." When Sidgen reveals the healing belt, Xanadu puts aside the horse brushes, and takes it reverently in both hands. Fireheart snorts, but quickly quiets down. Removing his old belt, Xanadu replaces it with the healing belt.
Following the instructions given by his mentor, Xanadu holds the belt buckle and whispers a quick prayer of thanks to Bahamut for giving him the strength to survive the day. He follows that up with two more prayers, the first asking for comfort for all the families affected by the Wyverns kidnapping villagers. The last is a prayer for the well being of any of the women currently held by Kalfyra. May his rescue be timely, and effective, so they suffer no further.
When his prayers are completed, Xanadu checks over his wounds, and smiles, "If you will tend to what remains I think I will be able to leave in the morning. That is of course after I sort through the information that the villagers bring me. On that front, what do you know about Red Dragons, or Kalfyra specifically?"
(Rolls: Healing belt: 2d8=14, 2d8=10, 2d8=6 = 30 Current HP 49/70 Rest Healing: Level+con = 8 * 3 = 24 Morning HP: Full!)
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Post by DM Quietus on Nov 29, 2012 21:37:18 GMT -5
Sidgen nods in approval as your wounds knit themselves shut, each prayer producing a soft blue-white glow that spreads through your body and tends to the worst of your wounds. "Good. Finish with Fireheart, and then I'll tend your remaining wounds. Let me think about Kalfyra."
When all is said and done, you have more than enough time to finish with Fireheart, but you can tell from Sidgen's posture - head down, eyes closed, one hand moving as though chasing spiders along a web only he can see, that he's still thinking. From previous experience, you know better than to interrupt him when he's like this, but thankfully this time it doesn't take a great deal of waiting before he snatches his invisible spider out of the air and relaxes his shoulders. "Sit.", he says, gesturing to a nearby stool. "Wounds out while I get my kit."
It doesn't take long for Sidgen to grab what he needs, his portable healing kit. You've been under the man's needle before, and know that he's good at what he does, though his bedside manner is garbage. "Right. Kalfyra. She's a red, youngish, but in dragon years that just means she's still older than you. Hell of a lot more dangerous than a damn wyvern, so you watch your fool self this time. Should be able to cast a few basic spells, no idea what those might be. Lots of options that can make your day miserable. She'll breathe fire, like all reds, and at that age could do enough damage in one breath to roast you alive, if you're stupid enough to stand still and take it. Immune to fire, too. Dragons are generally immune to whatever they breathe, best to remember that." Here and there as he speaks, Sidgen is busy cleaning out or bandaging your wounds, but thankfully the belt took care of the worst of them; the rough cleansing of a cut, the harsh pull of a bandage, is only uncomfortable rather than outright painful. Once he's finished tending to you, he finally says, "That's all I know. Be nice to know how she fights, but she's still young, grows fast. They learn new tricks quickly in their first century."
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Post by DM-Delfon on Dec 1, 2012 20:08:01 GMT -5
It takes quite a while to remove the remainder of his armour. After which point Xanadu sits stoically where suggested, an ignores the pain of Sidgen's rough healing. He knows that fidgeting or flinching only leads to bigger scars, while complaining leads to unnecessary extra stitches, and bandages wound just a little tighter than they need to be.
After hearing Sidgen out, Xanadu rises, "You have my thanks as always old friend, but now I must rest. Tomorrow I sift through what the villagers bring me and head to the mountains to face my first True Dragon. More importantly, tomorrow I put an end to villagers being taken from their peaceful lives." Xanadu smiles, and gathers his belongings before heading to his sleeping arrangements.
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Post by DM Quietus on Dec 3, 2012 16:08:25 GMT -5
"We'll see.", Sidgen answers. "Get your rest, and prepare yourself. A fight with a True Dragon is a very different beast from a wyvern. Be prepared for a fight against a creature smarter, tougher, and stronger than you, with the advantage of mobility and range. Kalfyra won't fight you tooth and claw if she thinks you've got a chance of winning, unless you force her into it somehow. You'll need leverage over her."
Once you've picked up your belongings, as you're headed back to the farmer's home, Sidgen adds, "I'll be headed home tomorrow. When you're done with Kalfyra, come see me, and bring her scales. I'll expect you within the week.", before heading in the opposite direction - apparently he's headed to different sleeping arrangements than your own.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Dec 4, 2012 15:07:00 GMT -5
Xanadu smiles again, and calls over his shoulder, "I've heard Dragons like their treasure. Perhaps I'll sit on her hoard until she comes to fight me." Although meant as a joke to lighten the intensity of what he intended to do, it isn't such a bad idea. Xanadu would have to find out how many entrances and exits Kalfyra's lair has. If he could rig it so they were collapsible, he could keep her contained, or at least limit her mobility. Repeated strafing runs by a fire breathing Dragon doesn't sound like a good idea.
When Xanadu wakes in the morning he quickly prepares himself for the day, and heads to do the same for Fireheart. Once both are ready to fight at a moments notice, Xanadu heads to the tavern to eat and sort through what the villagers have prepared for him.
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Post by DM Quietus on Dec 6, 2012 21:36:07 GMT -5
You think you catch a brief smile when you mention your plan, but you can't be sure; whatever you thought you saw is gone almost immediately, and Sidgen makes no effort to turn around or say anything further.
Once morning breaks, you feel much better. Examining your wounds, you find that any remaining cuts have scabbed over, and aside from your arms feeling a little stiff from fighting off wyverns, you're back in fighting shape. Fireheart, too, seems ready to move, and you do notice her trying to nose you a little in the spots you'd been wounded the previous day, only letting you fit the feed bag on her once she's satisfied that you're alright. Once she's set, you make your way to the tavern, and find that you receive perhaps the best service you've ever had; The young man waiting tables provides you with a steaming mug of coffee and a bowl of oatmeal seasoned with brown sugar and cinnamon before you even order, and anything you ask for is brought immediately on being prepared. You do notice that the few other patrons - four older folk split among three tables, and a pair of men in their early 30's sitting together - are often stealing glances in your general direction, with the exception of the better dressed man in his 30's. Every now and then you catch him calling out his table mate for being rude and staring.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Dec 16, 2012 12:59:36 GMT -5
Xanadu eats his fill while waiting for any townsfolk to bring him what he requested. He is very polite to the staff, pleases and thank you's given where appropriate. When he is done he leaves two gold pieces on the table. It might be four times what the meal was worth, but if spent here and he fails with the Dragon that's four less gold she adds to her hoard. If by the end of the meal he still hasn't seen anybody with information, then Xanadu heads out to the cartographer Gerard.
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Post by DM Quietus on Dec 24, 2012 23:21:31 GMT -5
Here and there while you eat, you get interrupted by the older folk having their meals, either asking for clarification on some wild story from the night before, or thanking you for what you'd done. One offers you a story about having seen a pair of dragons flying Northward about a year ago, but describes them as having black scales, not red.
Eventually, as you wind down your meal, Gerard enters the tavern, and comes directly to your table. He's already decked out in his travelling clothes, a simple, primarily brown outfit with a few minor embellishments - since the last time you:d seen him, he's added a Dwarven-made beard clip made of some burnished orange metal, being used Tie back the saddest excuse for a ponytail you'd ever seen.
"Hear you're looking for information on Kalfyra. I'll gladly help in any way I can, that beast deserves the worst you can give her. I brought the maps you need, what other information would help?" he asks, his usual talkative demeanor vanished in the wake of important events. While he speaks, he lays out a scroll case in front of you, the high quality waterproof sort typical of traders.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Dec 25, 2012 10:52:12 GMT -5
Xanadu takes the interruptions in turn, outright rejecting wild accounts of his supposed actions, but still refusing to give any real details of what really happened. He does accept thanks, but always adds that he simply did what he trained to do. He thanks anyone that offers any information at all, even if that information isn't helpful, or years out of date. When Gerard enters, Xanadu smiles. He knows that this man is the most likely to have real information. "I am, and thank you." Xanadu spreads out the maps, and gets Gerard to point out the meanings of anything not covered in the map's legend. Throughout the rest of the conversation Xanadu studies the map, learning the in's and out's of the topography. Potential hiding places for Fireheart and himself if things go poorly, and they need to retreat. Tactical locations where Kalfyra can't use her flight to her advantage, or where Xanadu can use the natural environment against the Dragon. "Here's what I know so far: Kalfyra is a younger Dragon, which is still much older than you or I. She should be able to cast a few basic spells, but what those are are unknown. She will be able to breath fire, and be immune to it as well just like any other Red Dragon. Any information about her beyond that, or information about her lair itself would be useful."
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Post by DM Quietus on Dec 27, 2012 1:02:41 GMT -5
As expected, the maps primarily describe trading routes - the one in question actually leads across difficult terrain, headed mostly East from this village, leading through a sparse patch of forest labeled with the phrase Greatmaw Clan and into the mountains that form Vethedar's spine. There, he seems to have noted a small valley where word Cauldeg is scrawled. "Greatmaw are a kobold clan, you needn't worry about them. They're fairly cowardly, but they'll let you pass for some dye or a few spools of thread. Cauldeg's a nasty bit of work, but practical - some blue skinned ogre, knows some magic. I trade with him for magic items every now and again, last time I was out he mentioned Kalfyra was getting more active, more demanding. If anyone can pinpoint her lair for you, it's him, I didn't make a point of asking." His tone is apologetic, but you can tell he's spent time sorting out what would be useful against what would be pointless.
"Kalfyra herself, now, she's something else. Beautiful creature, but terrifying. One word, and she was able to make me stop in my tracks - I think she just did it to show off, though, she was already close and flew so damned fast. She likes to talk, and let me tell you, nothing's quite as terrifying as having those teeth so close to me, looking down a dragon that's hungry and is asking me a load of questions about the places I've been. Think by the time we were done, she must've known some of these routes almost as well as I did. I was only able to leave because I promised to do business with her when she needed it, and gave her my ring." It's only as he says that last that you realize he's been subconsciously touching the bare spot where his wedding ring used to be this entire time, a simple gold band you knew to be one of the least ostentatious pieces Gerard owns, yet by far his most valued.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Dec 30, 2012 18:07:50 GMT -5
"Thank you Gerard, this information is most helpful. Based on what you've shown me, I would like to purchase some dye, and some spools of thread if you have them. I will also visit your pigmented Ogre, Cauldeg, was it? Hopefully he can reveal some further details about the area, possibly even first hand information about the lair itself." Standing Xanadu places one hand on Gerard's shoulder, and takes Gerard's missing ring hand in the other to stop him from fidgeting. "If I can find your ring among her hoard, I will return it to you Gerard." Although his tone is confident, there is no boast in Xanadu's words. With his recent Wyvern experience he knows full well what damage the Draconic form can dish out.
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Post by DM Quietus on Dec 31, 2012 16:02:47 GMT -5
"That would be appreciated.", Gerard answers, unusually humble. "I would owe you a great debt if you could do so. Be warned, though - that ring is enchanted with magic that helps deflect blows as effectively as a heavy shield, and I've no doubt Kalfyra has discovered that by now. None of my guards were able to penetrate her scales before, that ring could only worsen the situation."
With your mention of buying dye and thread, he shakes his head and holds up one hand as if to ward off the very idea. "I'll see to it that you have enough. They cost so little, I consider it a simple cost of business. If you think you can defeat Kalfyra, then it's a worthwhile investment. Come by my wagon when you're ready to go, and I'll put together a package for you."
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Post by DM-Delfon on Jan 16, 2013 11:34:35 GMT -5
"There will be no debt. The ring belongs to you, I would simply be returning it to its rightful owner." Xanadu sighs, "As to the properties of your ring, I expect the Dragon to capitalize on every advantage she can. I will attempt to midigate those advantages as best I can. Do not worry, Bahamut will provide me with what I need to survive this. He has already provided me with a belt to heal the wounds caused by the Wyvern's. He has also provided me with a merchant that knows where to go, and how to deal with the locals on the way there." Xanadu smiles, "It is these small things that prove to me that this is the correct path."
"Unless you have other things you must take care of, I'd like to gather those supplies now if I may. The longer I delay, the longer those women suffer." Xanadu stands as he speaks, slipping his arm into the straps of his shield, and tucking his helm under that same arm. 'Always leave your weapon hand free.' Sidgen's voice whispers in Xanadu' mind, 'People think twice about attacking an armed man.' Casually resting his free hand on his weapon, Xanadu waits for the merchant to lead the way.
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Post by DM Quietus on Jan 19, 2013 22:16:45 GMT -5
It doesn't take long to reach Gerard's wagon, stationed just off the road near to the few stores this town has. A pair of burly men stand guard, though they give the impression of being extremely bored up until they notice Gerard approaching, when they straighten up. Pretending not to notice, the merchant opens one of the many drawers hidden in the sides of the wagon, withdrawing some brightly colored thread and jars of dye.
"This ought to get you through - I'd give you the name of their clan leader, but it changes so often that it'd be as likely to get you into trouble as help you. Just let them know that I sent you, and things should go smoothly. Is there anything else I can help you with?"
Once any other concerns are attended to, Gerard begins the process of packing up his wagon, to get back on the road - he's due in Vaeles in four days, he explains, to get first grab at the results of a recent diving expedition. Whatever thoughts and conversation you might have been having are immediately halted, however, when the sudden sound of a horn cuts through the air, and everyone freezes for just a moment before moving in a frenzy to take cover. "Wyvern attack!", you hear someone shout, and on a scan of the sky, you can see it - a black shape silhouetted against a cloud at the southern edge of the city.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Jan 20, 2013 12:24:30 GMT -5
Xanadu shrugs, "You've given me so much already. Perhaps, when I return you can broker the trades required to help me disperse the Dragon's hoard. I will most likely require some new equipment, or at least be upgrading my old equipment." Taking the offered supplies, Xanadu offers Gerard another heartfelt thank-you.
As the call goes up of another Wyvern attack, Xanadu pivots scanning the skies until he sees the familiar silhouette gliding toward the town. Although this one appears to be mounted. He whistles for Fireheart, and begins issuing commands while digging around inside his backpack. Xanadu pulls out an antitoxin, and downs it immediately. He also draws out two jars of alchemist fire, and two vials of acid. "Gerard, can I borrow your men long enough to throw these?" Xanadu hands each man a jar and a vial, and says, "Aim for the rider if you think you can hit them, otherwise just aim for the Wyvern. These things have a bit of a splash radius, so please try not to cut it too closely." Mounting up, Xanadu turns back to the men, "No heroic's now, Gerard needs you boys healthy. Throw, throw, and retreat. Got it?" Xanadu puts on his helmet, and glares at them until they nod. Then he drops the visor, and rides out to meet this new draconic threat. Xanadu doesn't open with anything fancy, assuming that the rider shows hostility (and comes within reach), Xanadu simply stabs the Wyvern with his heavy pick.
Rolls: Spot: 20 + 3 = 23 Diplomacy: 14 + 10 = 24 Init: 4 - 4 = 0 Attack: 11 + 14 = 25 Damage: 3d6 + 7 (3,6,6+7 = 22)
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Post by DM Quietus on Jan 20, 2013 23:06:11 GMT -5
As the groups of people around you dive into the nearby buildings for cover, the street grows quiet and you can make out the sound of the rider's voice, though not his words. A moment later, however, the figure approaches, and you begin to make out details - a thin, well dressed man in studded leather. Weapons dangle from his hips, the hilt of a sword on one side and a a hand crossbow on the other. He rides confidently, seated in the supple leather of the custom saddle, holding the reigns loosely in one hand. His wyvern hovering in place with powerful beats of its wings, he calls down to you, "You're the one that killed three wyverns yesterday, aren't you? I don't suppose you'd be so kind as to lay down your weapon and die peacefully, would you? I'm not interested in the people of this town, but you've proven yourself to be a mild irritation, and I'm here to put a stop to that."
((Distance note : I'm going off the assumption that he's 30 feet up, 30 feet away. And he wins initiative when it comes down to that, obviously.))
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Post by DM-Delfon on Jan 23, 2013 22:06:15 GMT -5
"I will stop all further hostilities against the Wyvern's, if they return the people they've taken from this village and villages like it. I did not seek violence when I made my inquires, but I did defend myself when attacked. If you want to avoid future bloodshed, perhaps speaking to visitors, instead of calling them food and attacking? Just a suggestion."
Xanadu sits confidently, ever alert for an incoming attack.
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Post by DM Quietus on Jan 24, 2013 22:37:27 GMT -5
"Interesting suggestion, but I'm afraid I'm not at liberty to negotiate. No, your death is a necessity, the only question is how many innocent people need to die to make that happen.", the man says, his mount slowly drifting forward, until it's nearly right above you. As it does so, you can hear the gibberish words, see the awkward hand movements, that indicate some sort of spellcasting - without specific training, however, you can't tell what he's done, nor can your tell what effect, if any, his spell has had.
((He's taken his turn, but is remaining roughly 35 feet away - initiative-wise you're up, and it's up to you if you'd consider his unknown spell to be a hostile action. It didn't force you to make a save in any way.))
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Post by DM-Delfon on Jan 28, 2013 23:30:15 GMT -5
(I would treat his outright saying that my "death is a necessity" as hostile enough.)
"Nobody needs to be harmed at all stranger. In fact-" Xanadu cuts off as the stranger begins to cast a spell. Bracing himself for the worst, Xanadu is surprised when he doesn't feel any ill effects, or see any outward sign of hostility. Xanadu thinks quickly, knowing that he is at a disadvantage at ranged combat - especially with a spell caster. Grabbing his coiled rope and hook, he sets it to spinning above his head and quickly launches it at the caster. Attempting to hook the fellow, and yank him from the saddle. Casters in melee are about as useful as horse-bound knights in ranged Xanadu thinks to himself with a mental, self admonishing smirk.
Rolls: Use Rope DC Explained 10+2/10ft=18+caster dex mod? Use Rope: 17+2+2=21 Opposed Str + 2 military saddle?, rolled 15+3=18
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Post by DM Quietus on Feb 7, 2013 22:47:08 GMT -5
The moment you begin preparing your attack, you see the stranger give his hands an odd jerk, and an admonishing shout - for a moment, you feel the sharp urge to not attack after all, but you quickly recognize the movements as a spell being cast, and push through it. Your thrown hook reaches its mark, and does a fine job of it - the rope pulls taut against one of the man's arms, wraps around his back, and catches his other with the metal prong. A sharp tug later, and he's pulled free from his saddle, and sailing toward the ground; unfortunately for you, his wyvern is quick, snagging the falling man in its jaws. The shift in weight breaks its ability to hover, however, and it clumsily moves forward, rapidly losing height and dropping its rider before sweeping toward you on the wing. The force with which it lands in front of you causes dust to billow up, briefly obscuring your sight just enough for its stinger to jerk over its head, and sink deeply into your shoulder. Through the noise, you again hear the caster's voice forming arcane syllables, but feel no response in yourself - a moment later, you hear him shout, "Back away! Don't anger the wyvern!", and your recruited help immediately follows his commands.
((Action breakdown : You succeeded at pulling him down, but the wyvern caught him with a reflex save as per catching a falling ally. On their turn, rather than the caster risking a failure at climbing back up, the wyvern takes a move action to approach you, dropping the caster safely at ground level, then swinging in to attack. 10 damage from the stinger, and a check vs. poison. Caster casts a spell, both your companions are now Charmed and backing away from the wyvern.
If you attack the wyvern, its AC is 22.))
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Post by DM-Delfon on Feb 11, 2013 18:35:29 GMT -5
Xanadu focuses his attention on dodging the Wyvern's attacks, while he circles around the Wyvern to take out the caster. (provoke from Wyvern) Not really needing any more solid tactics aside from beating the man senseless. Xanadu's tries to steer where the man will be forced to back away from him toward some obstacle, and continue to keep himself between the man and his mount.
Rolls: Fort Save: 12 + 18 + 5 = 35 Attack: 11 + 8 = 19 Damage 6 + 4 = 10
Dodge declared on Wyvern. (Which I would have been doing before any way, but I thought I would make it official.)
Current HP: 60 / 70
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Post by DM Quietus on Feb 15, 2013 23:24:40 GMT -5
When you go to move past the wyvern, it jerks its tail around in a wide arc, catching you across the back. The blow is not a good one, but the strength of it makes you stumble as you move toward the caster, regardless. Still, you manage to land your intended strike, and find the caster's flesh far more yielding than the dragon's. As he backs away from you, he hisses something in Draconic - "Hold him down!", before shouting past the combat, "Help! He's gone insane, and he's attacking me instead of the dragon! Help!"
As soon as the words escape him, you can hear the shouts of Gerard's bodyguards as they run back into the fray. The first to arrive has to dodge beneath the wyvern's lashing tail, barely avoiding it, before both place themselves between you and the caster. Once he's guarded, the caster weaves arcane sigils once more, and this time a thick fog seems to roll in from nowhere, filling the area so thickly that even with him just beyond his two guards, you can't see him at all. Even the wyvern behind you is somewhat difficult to pick out, though at least you can see it well enough to catch your shield in between its teeth when it lunges in to bite you, despite the distraction of the two men standing between you and the caster.
((Wyvern attack of opportunity : Hit with tail, 7 damage and a fort save vs. nat 1. Caster : Five foot step back, ready action to cast when covered. Call for backup. Guards : Come when called to, double move. Caster readied : Obscuring mist.
This coming turn, if you provoke AoO's from the guards, they will attempt to grapple. I already know the results, should that happen.))
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Post by DM-Delfon on Jul 10, 2013 10:12:54 GMT -5
Pain flowing from the burning poison Xanadu stumbles forward. Lip curling with annoyance, Xanadu hopes that he can get around the enchantment on Gerard's Guards, after all the Wyvern isn't the spell caster. "You heard him boys, the dragon is the bigger threat. Lets finish off the dragon together!" As the words leave his mouth, he steps strategically back toward the Wyvern, spinning once he is out of reach of the guards to bring is weapon to bear.
Rolls: Fort save: 2+18=20 Diplomacy: 17+10=27 Attack: 8+10=18 56% / 18+5=23 63% (if diplomacy costs a move, then I will use this next attack.) Damage: 1+7=8, 2+7=9
Current HP: 53 / 70
(Well it took forever, and it's short - but at least it's up!)
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Post by DM Quietus on Aug 9, 2013 16:08:53 GMT -5
Your first blow seems like it should have hit, but instead feels like it struck a sheet of metal just over the wyvern's flesh, brought to an abrupt halt and sliding loose. The second strike finds purchase, however, and slides between the beast's scales. It utters an ear-splitting scream of pain, shrieking and flailing until your pick comes free.
From within the fog, you hear the caster's voice chanting once more, and a glance over your shoulder shows an odd sight; from within the fog, it seems the color is being stripped from his body, and congealing as a sphere in the palm of his hand. All at once, the sphere explodes toward you, and your senses are absolutely overwhelmed, your vision blocked with bright bands of colored light. Blinded, you have only your other senses to work with, and the combat is more difficult to navigate : The crash of glass vials tells you that the guards are working with you, though one is off to your left. The caster has fallen silent after completing his spell, and is difficult to hear over the wyvern's screeching. Most importantly, you try to follow the wyvern's movements, and keep your shield to your chest; for the most part, you manage to evade its attacks, but it lands two solid hits - first, a wing to the side of your head, disorienting you for a moment, and then its talons rake down across your chest, pushing your shield aside. The full weight of the wyvern is then pushed against you, and you can feel it trying to crush you beneath that foot.
((Caster : Casts spell, blinds you and turns invisble. Is moving silently, DC 26 to hear. Spell duration is 4 rounds, though Xanadu wouldn't know that. Guards : One hit, one miss with alchemist's fire. No splash damage to you. Wyvern : Hits with wing for 3 damage, talon for 8, starts grapple with improved grab and gets grapple check of 36 - it nat 20'ed. I'm not giving it the free sting, since it already nat 1'ed that.))
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Post by DM-Delfon on Oct 20, 2014 20:05:43 GMT -5
Things are not good, in fact they really can't get much worse. I've been blinded by magic, and I have a Wyvern trying to crush the life out of me. Somewhere out there, there is a caster circling looking for his opening. 'This has to end quickly, even more so now that I can't see.' Xanadu thinks, annoyed that the Wyvern still draws breath. Forcing his strength against the sheer weight of the Dragon, Xanadu struggles to get his dagger in hand. Drawing it free, he runs a hand up to the Wyvern's jawline. Xanadu yanks the Wyvern's head down hard, while stabbing his dagger up into the muscles that control the jaw.
Rolls: Listen: 3 + 1 = 4 Grapple Resist: 3 + 11 = 14 (fail) Grapple Draw Dagger: 17 + 11 = 28 Dagger: 19(Threat)+13-4=28(in Grapple), 12+13-4=21. (8*2=16)+11=27 Damage, 66% Blind (Hit)
Current HP: 42 / 70
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Post by DM Quietus on Nov 9, 2014 23:04:02 GMT -5
Even without your sight it's easy enough to find the dragon's jaw, following the stink of its breath. The satisfying feeling of blade parting flesh until it meets bone is met with a flood of hot liquid, and somewhere in the back of your mind you register that even a dragon's blood tastes of copper pieces. In the moment, however, you're more preoccupied with wedging your shield in between the beast's teeth as it attempts to bite you, though without that protection you feel the burning pain of a poison-filled stinger ripping into your shoulder. The only saving grace is that it is limited by your armor, and cannot pierce through; the wound will hinder you, but not as badly as it could.
((I was really tempted to give you that crit, because damn, 27 damage with a dagger - the extra 11 is from one of those feats or something to that effect, yes? Unfortunately, 21 does not confirm the crit, one point shy - AC is 22. 19 damage with a damned dagger is still ridiculous though!
I've actually covered two turns here; one where it misses the bite attack and then prevents whatever you try and do with a 32 grapple check, followed by stabbing you with its stinger. If you would have attempted anything other than a dagger attack, then you need to beat 32 grapple to succeed. Otherwise, if you land a dagger hit in that first turn and do another 27 points of damage - irony? - then you will interrupt before the sting and drop the wyvern. If not, then the sting is 5 damage and a fort save vs. nat 1, which I'm assuming you'll pass.
After your two turns, you'll have one turn of blindness remaining.))
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Post by DM-Delfon on Nov 25, 2014 22:09:46 GMT -5
Allowing thought to slip away Xanadu allows his body to simply react, feeling the ebb and flow of the battle through all of his remaining senses. First comes the bite, deflect that to the side. Now comes the sting, even with vision I never know where that thing is going to hit. Waiting for the ting of stinger on metal, or the searing pain of poison filling my veins I lash out at the tail as it strikes.
Rolls: 13+13-4=22(in Grapple), 4+15=19 Damage, 64% Blind (Hit) 14+13-4=23(in Grapple), 1+13=14 Damage, 59% Blind (Hit) Fort save NAT 1! You assumed wrong!
Current HP: 37 / 70 Current Con 14 / 14
(My Dagger damage vs dragons is 1d4+7+2d6)
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