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Post by DM-Boneyard Ben on Sept 26, 2017 18:15:43 GMT -5
A wave of laughter, and the mixed smell of pipe smoke and ale washes over you as you open one of the double doors that leads into The Wayfarer's Rest. Guardsman Jackson at the gate into Clifton suggested this inn, saying, "If you need a place to stay, the Wayfarer's Rest is a great place to find a bed. Tell old Borris that Guardsman Jackson sent you, and he will give you an ale."
A few steps into the common room and the cooking smells coming from the kitchen make your mouth water.The inn itself is a fairly large three story rectangle, the exterior recently white washed, and the windows and doors are bordered in chestnut stained wood. The common room is quite large, with twin fire places set in opposite walls. A dozen round tables cover the center of the room, with several long tables with benches along the outside. A few more private booths line the back wall.
Groups of men sit at all the round tables, laughing, dicing, and listening to a fellow play the dulcimer. A group of guards sit in one of the booths, looking visably bothered.When you enter, several people look up for a moment before going back to what they were doing before. One fellow even nods a greeting. The closest server brushes past you with a laden tray, "Find a spot where you can M'deary, we will be with you shortly." Another server finds you almost immediately after you find a spot, "What can I get you hun?" After placing your order, you spot another fellow entering the common room from the back where the servers have been coming and going. The front half of the man's head is bald, and the rest is graying. He's wearing simple white cotton, and a leather belt strains to contain his considerable girth. Over the rest he wears a pristine white apron. One of the guards shouts, "Innkeep!" and the man heads to their table. He must be the Old Borris that Guardsman Jackson was speaking about.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Sept 27, 2017 6:53:44 GMT -5
Xanadu steps into the common room, and takes a long deep breath through his nose. Announcing to no one in particular, "I'm home." before walking over to one of the stools at the bar to wait for Old Borris. The thick metal scales of his armour make a rhythmic clinking in time with his steps as he walks. Standing only 4'6" the braided golden-red of the Dwarf's hair only reaches a little higher than the bar itself. His blue eyes are the eyes of an older man, the kind of eyes that have see far too much of the worst this world has to offer, sad eyes. He wears a slight frown by default, though the rest of his body language doesn't speak of melancholy. That frown is hard to see under the massive braided beard that hangs down just past the Dwarf's belt buckle. That buckle depicts a nebula of silver starts on a purple background. Before the Dwarf climbs up into the bar stool, he removes his backpack with a clatter of wood banging against wood. Two Javelin cases with five javelins sticking out the top of each, two quivers bristling with arrows, and a map case are tethered to the back, and a tightly rolled bedroll is tied underneath. He carries a war pick, and shield strapped close at hand, and a longbow crosses his chest. All in all the Dwarf looks ready to go to war.
When the server comes by, Xanadu says, "I'll wait for Old Borris." Once the Innkeeper arrives, Xanadu says, "Jackson says you will give me an ale." Xanadu places two Gold Phoenix on the bar, "I need a meal, and a place to stay tonight. Full stock of the local rumors, especially information on what troubles this place. Lastly directions to the Mages Guild, and the Temple to Bahamut."
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Post by DM-Boneyard Ben on Sept 27, 2017 14:59:04 GMT -5
The female server shrugs and moves on to the next customer when you say you'll wait for Ol' Borris. Soon after your met by the man himself. "Ah, yes. The guardsman is better than the sign out front for sending me custom." You see Borris slip a silver protector, the armored knight etched on the face glinting in the light before it slips it from his pouch to a pocket, that coin clinks against others already there. You suspect that Guardsman Jackson is paid to suggest the Wayfarers Rest over other inns in the city. He takes your coins and waves at one of the servers making a couple signs with his hand. The server nods in response and takes off to the kitchen and then out of the kitchen to disappear upstairs."Now then" he smiles. "Rumors? Well, lots of hearsay, apparently a exiled Prince is wandering around our fair streets, can you imagine?" He laughs and then rubs his chin thoughtfully. "I heard rumors of a great beast guarding a treasure.... Had some goblin underlings who were capable of some surprising things But..." He continues. "I suppose the main problem these days is the Lizard folk attacking the mine in the Swamp, I hear lots of adventurers have headed that way. Many sadly, haven't returned" he bows his head. "Pelor bless 'em". After a second He lifts his head. And mentions a few other smaller things that you don't much care for. Someone's necklace gone missing, someone else's with marriage troubles, someone supposedly pregnant with a noble's child, mostly things that don't need weapons or scaly heads on a platter. After going on a bit of a tangent, a quick "Ahem" for you gets the old Innkeep back on track and you get basic directions to the Mage's Guild, Temple and the Swamp itself.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Sept 27, 2017 18:25:10 GMT -5
The Dwarf sits back and sips at his ale while the man talks, only perking up at the mention of Lizard Folk attacking the mine, "Where is this mine?" The Dwarf demands, interrupting the innkeeper. Once he has a good enough idea of where to go, the Dwarf settles back again and begins to sip his ale once more. Once the man is done rambling on about whatever he was going on about, Xanadu clears his throat and puts his empty tankard on the bar top, "I thank you for the food, and the drink. I'll have those directions to the guild and temple now, and I will return later for the bed." With directions in mind, the burly Dwarf gears up and heads out into the city.
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Post by DM-Boneyard Ben on Sept 27, 2017 18:56:59 GMT -5
Ol' Borris seems a bit put off by your sudden interruption but it fades fast and he happily gives you the directions to the Mines. With all that knowledge in noggin, you head into the city proper and start making your way to your chosen destination. The town is active at this time of day, people are traveling to and fro focused on their own business. Women with trays call out that their fruits, vegetables, or pins and ribbons are the freshest, tastiest, sharpest, or prettiest. Shopkeepers beckon you offering food and rations, weapons and armour, potions and scrolls, adventuring gear of all kinds. One fellow, a human child or a Halfling, you can't be sure, approaches. "Hey! You look like your strapped for battle, do you require the services of an Acolyte?" His voice is fairly high pitched, almost like a female's, and carries with it a lot of hopefulness. He wears simple robes and carries a shield baring the mark of a cornucopia (Roll religion). His hair is a bright blonde and his eyes a deep brown. he seems to have no weapons to speak of.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Sept 27, 2017 21:02:12 GMT -5
Xanadu tries to avoid smashing into anyone, or catching his equipment on anything while making his way though the throng of people. Having just eaten the food hawkers get waved off. Pins and ribbons get scoffed at, you can't kill a Wyvern with a ribbon, and using a pin would take to long. Not to mention that it would be impractical. All the equipment is briefly looked over, looking for anything on my wishlist. Ah, the wishlist. Long days spent pouring through the Encyclopedia Magica, trying to figure out what would be needed to avenge his companions. The Dwarf shakes his head, not yet. Not yet. Setting a quicker pace, the Dwarf heads to the Temple first.
When the boy approaches, the Dwarf brushes past him like all the others that have tried to sell him something, or simply beg for it. The boy is persistent, following close at hand until his high pitched voice is finally heard. "What does this boy of Yondalla want with me? To offer a blessing? Maybe read my fortune in some tea leaves? Well tea is disgusting boy, shove off." Xanadu has no time for soothsayers and fortune tellers, this one better start taking no for an answer.
Rolls: Knowledge Religion Nat 20+2=22
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Post by DM-Boneyard Ben on Sept 28, 2017 0:23:35 GMT -5
The young halfling opens his mouth but isn't watching where he's going and winds up slamming into a person. You watch briefly before continuing on. Better things to do than kissing his boo-boos. You hear several apologies behind you and a rush of steps and you find once more the boy is beside you again. "I'm a cleric, sir. Yondella has gifted me with the power to heal. I wish to offer my services in your coming battles" He explains, huffing and breathing heavily as he tries to keep pace with you while dodging other people.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Sept 28, 2017 5:36:17 GMT -5
The Dwarf glances down at the boy without turning his head, "Yep, I got that from yer emblem." Xanadu barely lifts his arm, and points at the boys shield to put emphasis on what he is saying. "If you can call on Yondalla to heal my wounds, I'll not turn you away. I also won't baby you, and expect you to pull your own weight while we travel." He stops suddenly, and draws the boy out of the crowd, "To be sure you know what you're getting yourself into, I intend to destroy every Wyvern in the Wyvern Straight. Do you fancy yourself ready to be a dragon slayer?" He holds the boys shoulders, looking him dead in the face to await his response.
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Post by DM-Boneyard Ben on Sept 28, 2017 18:45:14 GMT -5
The boys face is aglow with glee, his eyes lighting up. "Every Wyvern!? Every single one?!" He asks excitedly. You nod concerned, questioning if you used the right word in Common. "What a magnificent undertaking, Sir!" He beams. "I mean I am certainly not Slayer material, but I will certainly fancy myself a Halfling who can heal a Dragon Slayer" He blushes a bit and scratches his cheek nervously. "if you'll have me that is..."
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Post by DM-Delfon on Sept 28, 2017 19:24:45 GMT -5
The Dwarf shrugs, "Like I said, if you can call on Yondalla to mend my wounds, I won't turn you away." The Dwarf begins to walk away again, a small clear area in the crowd seeming to follow him along, almost like the commoners don't want to risk bumping into the armoured man bristling with weaponry. If the Halfling manages to keep up with him all the way to the Temple he will pause for a moment, "What was your name boy? If you're going to be following me around, I should at least know what your mother called you." Once he has the Halfling's name, he will go inside the Temple to look for the High Priest.
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Post by DM-Boneyard Ben on Sept 28, 2017 19:43:52 GMT -5
"Of course, Sir!" he says and follows close behind you, being less winded without having to push passed all the people. When you arrive before the Temple and talk to the lad he bows apologetically and says. "Fillin, Sir. My mother called me Filly for short though" He blushes a bit. And you both turn to the temple. The temple before you is a modest stone structure with depictions of Dragons and great warriors. The inside is much like a chapel, but with only a few pews. Not many come here for the sermons. The Alter at the end of the far end depicts a great Platinum Dragon standing stoically. Many of the people around you are fellow warriors, clad in armor and carrying fine weapons. Most wear the scales of chromatic dragons. You find the head priest in the back, staring at a great map of the Clfiton area. Several places on the map have been marked with red pins. Including Wyvern Ridge. The Priest himself is a Silver half dragon and stands a solid 7 foot tall, he wears modest robes and carries a platinum symbol of Bahamut. "How may I help you, my child?" he speaks softly given his great stature and isn't demeaning when he refers to you as child.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Sept 28, 2017 20:51:39 GMT -5
As the doors open, the Dwarf grunts out, "Xanadu. I'll call you Fillin, Filly makes you sound like a horse." Once inside the Dwarf smiles, "I've come home for the second time today." He murmurs to himself. Upon meeting the high priest, the Dwarf bends a the waist with a hand on Fillin's neck to make him do the same, "Wyrmspeaker, I come before you to begin my pilgrimage. Wherever my path leads from here I spread the glory of Mighty Bahamut. My path ends there." He points to the Wyvern Straight, "but I know I'm not yet ready to walk those cliffs. I come before you seeking the blessing of Bahamut, and guidance as to where I can hone my skills."
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Post by DM-Boneyard Ben on Sept 29, 2017 4:46:00 GMT -5
The Half dragon smiles. Or the closest thing to a smile you think his features allows him to muster as he guides your pointing hand, gently away from the Straight and into the swamps. "It has come to our attention that the Lizardfolk in this swamp are worshiping a Dragon" He explains, his voice soft and soothing. "We know not of a metallic dragon in this area and that leaves us with one alternative" He pauses and lets you put the pieces together. Fillin speaks up before you get to. "A chromatic" He breathes out in shock. The head priest nods. "I fear so, and given the terrain it could very well be one of the most dangerous. A Black Dragon." He lets that hang in the air for a moment before continuing. "We need someone to infiltrate the swamps and gather information. Establish a foothold if possible" He looks to you. "Are you willing to do such a task?"
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Post by DM-Delfon on Sept 29, 2017 6:00:02 GMT -5
The mention of a chromatic dragon doesn't phase the Dwarf, Somehow he knows that once she the Wyvern Straight is cleared of Wyvern's, he will be much more prepared for the True Dragon.
The Dwarf nods, "Of course Wyrmspeaker, Consider it done. Can you provide me with any details about the tribes?"
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Post by DM-Boneyard Ben on Sept 29, 2017 7:09:12 GMT -5
"Of course" The head priest nods. "From what we've been able to figure there are 3 tribes. There exact locations are unknown but each has a different symbol and seems to occupy a certain amount of territory." He pulls out out three sheets of paper each with a symbol on it. One symbol is green and looks like 3 claw marks The second one is of a Black fang and the last sheet depicts a red reptilian eye. "We've run into the green ones the most, sometimes they run when they see us but others have attacked" he explains. "The ones who bare the black mark always attack and always with the intent to kill" He seems saddened by that but moves on. "The red ones are tricky. We actually found them by accident, one of ours had casted detect magic on a dare and found some of the swampland tainted by the weave. We think they are the most magically capable of the 3" He finishes. "Thoughts?"
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Post by DM-Delfon on Sept 29, 2017 8:38:45 GMT -5
The Dwarf nods along with the new information, processing it quickly, "Since the Black Fang are always hostile, I think I will start with them first." Xanadu then gets information regarding the territorial lines of each tribe, as well as what land Clifton forces have manages to secure. More questions are asked, with a lot of it having to do with enemy tactics, and quantities of Lizard Folk. Xanadu studies the map, knowing that his training as an Outlander will come in handy later. With all that discussed, Xanadu asks about one of the items he read about in the Encyclopedia Magica, "I once heard of a belt that can channel the divine healing power of Bahamut a few times a day, I believe it was simply called a Healing Belt. I'm interested in acquiring one of those, can you make some inquiries on my behalf?"
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Post by DM-Boneyard Ben on Sept 29, 2017 15:38:16 GMT -5
Your informed of what they know. Which isn't a lot. The black ones appear to prefer one on one combat but are brutal in their attacks and often travel in three man cells. The only headway into the swamp Clifton seems to have is the mine itself and that is constantly under threat. Needing adventurers to guard the caravans that travel there. The Lizardfolk keep to themselves so not many higher ups in Clifton are interested in taking any of the mired swamp lands. Plus they would do little for farmland and other such things. The half dragon strokes his chin. "Yes, I can certainly inquire about such things..." He seems thoughtful and then looks to you. "I shall make you a deal; if you can establish a foothold in the swamp or bring us the black dragons location the belt is yours" He offers a clawed hand to you. "Deal?" Assuming nothing else needs doing you wrap things up and move to your next location.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Sept 29, 2017 19:29:45 GMT -5
The Dwarf clasps the Silver scaled Half-Dragon by the wrist, "Wyrmspeaker, we have a deal." With nothing else needing to be said, the Dwarf makes his way to the mages tower. Once there he will try to find mages looking to acquire things that can only be found in the swamp, or any other reason to send an adventurer into the swamp. Since Xanadu is going there anyway, why not double dip the place for resources. Xanadu will specifically be trying to gain items from his wishlist, but failing that any reward will do, especially things that can be traded. Xanadu will do the same with the city watch, guardsmen often have bounties for local criminals that might hide in the wilderness around town. In this case he hopes they have a bounty on Lizard Folk. If one can double dip, why not triple dip?
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Post by DM-Boneyard Ben on Sept 30, 2017 1:41:05 GMT -5
You follow the directions your given, ask some locals to confirm and even talk to Fillin to make absolutely sure that you are indeed in front of the Mage's Guild. All signs say yes. But, there is a heavy frown on your face. You've seen the massive merchants guild, the dazzling temple to Pelor and various noble's houses on your way here. Many shops on this side of the river are gorgeous to say the least but this? What stands before you is a big blue wooden box that looks like it could hold 4 thin men at the most. It has a white sign the reads; "Mage's Guild". With some kinda strange looking lantern on top of it. One of the strangest things about it is its just kinda sat here on one of the street corners. But, you've read books about magic items that could do weirder things than be a wooden box that holds an entire guild. No, your frown is for the white sign that sits on the door. A drawing of a boy wearing robes with a lightning bolt on his head is bowing apologetically. His head attached to a bubble that read; "One does Not Simply Go Into The Mage's Guild Whilst Repairs Are Happening." Your pretty sure this is suppose to be some kinda joke or reference. Hmm... Well, anyway as it is, no mage's guild today. Damn. Now what?
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Post by DM-Delfon on Sept 30, 2017 6:55:36 GMT -5
"Hrumph." is all the strange sign gets from the Dwarf. Walking away, his steps a little heavier than strictly necessary, he heads off to a guard post. After visiting with the guards and finding out where he needs to go to discuss bounties and odd jobs in the swamp with the watch, the Dwarf goes there and makes such arrangements. With all that arranged, he looks to Fillin, "I'm going to bed. Meet at that gate" He says pointing, "Tomorrow an hour past dawn." That said he wastes no time heading back to the Wayfarer's Rest to see what the night brings to the place.
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Post by DM-Boneyard Ben on Sept 30, 2017 15:32:09 GMT -5
You are informed that there are Guard posts around various parts of the city where you can collect your bounty and even a few just outside the city walls and at the mine. The bounty itself being 5gp a head. You are also told that there is a certain person looking to collect live Lizardfolk for a handsome some; One male and one female for 100gp. The trick in being that not many people have seen a female Lizardfolk out in the swamps. That and its difficult to tell the difference to start with... After departing from Fillin you head back to the Wayfarer's Rest, get directed to your room and settle in for the night.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Sept 30, 2017 15:57:26 GMT -5
In the morning Xanadu takes his breakfast on the road, downing his coffee at the bar while it's still hot enough to burn his mouth. He marches through the city like a man on a mission, because that's exactly what he is. It feels good to have a purpose again, a quest! He almost smiles, but then thinks better of it. When he reaches the gate at dawn, he begins praying to Bahamut, spending a full hour thanking the deity for everything he has and asking for his protection in the coming trials. As he sees Fillin walking toward him, he even adds a, "Let the boy live too I suppose."
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Post by DM-Boneyard Ben on Sept 30, 2017 18:25:35 GMT -5
Fillin approaches right on time. With a large backpack on him (almost bigger than he is), his usual robes on and shield in hand. Still no weapon though. He greets you cheerfully at the gate. Seems excited for the first mission that'll change, you figure. He all but leaps out the gate as you guys exit the city to the swamp proper. You survey your surroundings and recall the map. You believe the Black ones were this way and head in. After several hours of trudging through the swamps and several times where Fillin had sunk into the marsh. As predicted the boy's luster for the mission seems to have faded slightly. He still smiles when you look his way but you note he sighs as he surveys the surroundings to find nothing but swamp. This happens several times and when you finally decide enough is enough and turn to give him a piece of your mind you find he's disappeared. You survey your surroundings and find ripples in one of the swamps pools when you look at it closer, the water burst forth and a large creature springs over you and lands behind you. 10 feet away. The cart sized, smooth skinned green and black frog turns to look at you with its vacant expression as it sucks in a halfling-sized leg into its mouth and you hear a muffled scream.
Roll initiative.
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Post by DM-Delfon on Sept 30, 2017 20:22:14 GMT -5
The Dwarf springs into action, charging forward at the giant frog thing. Drawing his war pick he holds it high above his head until just before he closes with the beast. Then he lets it fall backward, using the force of the arc to bring the weapon forward and up into the creature's jaw. Figuring if he can hook the pick in, he can pry open it's mouth. In Draconic he will curse the thing from between clenched teeth, "Idiot frog, that Halfling is not food!"
Init: 1d20+2=15, Attack: 1d20+6=15, Damage: 1d8+4=10
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Post by DM-Boneyard Ben on Oct 1, 2017 0:51:08 GMT -5
The frog makes an audible gulping sound and the muffled screaming stops. You fear the worst when the frog leaps away before you manage to close the gap to. It hops over a 10 foot pool and looks back at you and you could swear the amphibious creature is smirking at you mockingly
Initiative Order Frog Xanadu Fillin
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Post by DM-Delfon on Oct 1, 2017 5:40:02 GMT -5
Grumbling, Xanadu pulls out his rope and hook as he slogs after the frog. He sets the rope to spinning, and launches it at the from. "If you won't sit still, I'll put a bloody leash on you." If the frog braces to leap again, Xanadu will leap with it allowing the leash to pull him along. Whenever his feet are on the ground, he will slog forward to close the distance, ever tightening up on the leash as needed.
Acrobatics (Use Rope): 19+2=21 Athletics (Jump): 12+6=18 Might as well use the attack from before since it was already rolled.
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Post by DM-Boneyard Ben on Oct 1, 2017 5:58:14 GMT -5
Your rope hooks around the creature's neck, creating a nice make shift leash. The frog attempts to escape its bindings but to little success. It turns around narrows its horizontal eyes at you and jumps up. You follow it with your gaze but are temporarly blinded by the sun, you regain your vision just in time to see the creatures large body descending toward you. (DC 11 Dex Save to roll out of the way)
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Post by DM-Delfon on Oct 1, 2017 6:12:00 GMT -5
Xanadu leaps back until the leash goes taut, then he pulls hard to reverse direction using the leash keep him on target. He uses a similar motion to what he was planning before, but instead of aiming to drive his war pick into the lower jaw, now he tries to drive it through the upper jaw.
Rolls: Dex Save: 8+4=12 Str Check: 15+4=19 I'm using up the jump and attack rolls from previous posts
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Post by DM-Boneyard Ben on Oct 1, 2017 16:48:26 GMT -5
You pull yourself up along the rope, dodging the Frog's massive body as it comes crashing down and then you yank the rope taut once more to bring yourself down onto the beast, slamming into it pick first using all of your weight. Your aim strikes true and your pick comes down through the creatures jaw, but it worked a little too well, as your pick pierces through its lower jaw as well, buttoning its mouth shut. It writhes in pain and manages to rip free of your pick. Its blood splatters across your form and soaks the ground. The creature then turns and tries staggers back into the pool it first came out of.
(Frog, contested STR check: 12+1=13 to drag you under water assuming your still holding the rope taut, you can just let it go.)
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Post by DM-Delfon on Oct 1, 2017 17:04:59 GMT -5
Xanadu isn't having this overgrown frog snack on his healer before he even needs any healing. Looping the rope around his wrist he braces himself for when the frog leaps. Once he leaves the ground, and can no longer brace against it he hauls the beast back toward himself. Dropping the rope, Xanadu winds back his war pick with both hands and tries to obliterate this things skull.
Rolls: Strength Check: 13+4=17 Attack: 9+6=15 Damage: 8+4=12
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