"Big scary lizard that can turn me into a rock, no problem," Vesra confided in the trees with a nervous laugh as she began to explore. She found large prints from a clawed beast that seem to surround the statues, although she couldn't figure out where they lead. Bits of poor trees and other plants had also turned to stone, the poor things.
"Alright, Ember," the druid turned to her familiar. "It's time to try something crazy." Vesra began to focus on transforming into a beast again, this time drawing her inspiration from Kayn. When she opened her eyes, she found her vision blurred, as she had transformed into a small bat. She let out a triumphant screech and began to flap her little wings... which did not do anything. Unlike Sear, her wings were malformed and misshapen. Both were on the small side, although one was significantly smaller than the other. They were lumpy, and definitely wouldn't be able to support her weight. Bat-Vesra sighed, beginning to just hop around and use her echolocation to try and find it.
Thirty minutes later, she reverted back to her Kor form. "There are three more statues up on the cliff," she shared. "There's also a great bow up there, if anyone is interested. I know that Basilisks like caves, and the only one I could find was poking out of the lake on that cliff."
Kayn summons sear with a thought and whispers, "Be careful, friend. Try not to become snack." He then sends Sear into the cave, his eyes glossing back into his head as he assumes control of the small white bat.
After a few moments, Kayn says, "Basilisk in small cave by itself. Large with lots of legs. It is eating something stone. I can tell you when it leaves... if someone makes sounds in water we might be able to surprise it. when it looks for sounds."
Vasha drops down to the ground. "Well then, let's get its attention." She made her way down to the water, hooks at the ready, and began to splash around in the shallow water.
"If anyone is splashing, not even Sear can hear it. Make more noise!" Kayn yells out to the others. It's obvious he can't even hear himself when he speaks. His words are jumbled and the volume is odd. His eyes are still rolled back as well. He then remembers he can split his mind.. the gnarlid starts to huff and howl from its location, as if in pain.
After a few moments of howling in pain, Kayn yells out - popping himself from Sear's mind - "IT'S IN THE WATER!"
Moments after Kayn yells out, the group can see a serpentine figure, just barely breeching the surface of the water, slithering from underneath the lip of the submerged cavern. Its long, powerful tail propels it through the water, aiming for the nearest shoreline to the mouth of the cave, about eighty feet away from the group, across the lake. As it emerges from the water, you see what a basilisk really is: a large, reptilian creature, this one with ten legs, and spikes jutting out from its body at various locations. It's skin is a mesh of greens and browns, seeming to meld with the thick foliage and trees the group has acclimated to over the past few hours. Two large horns jut out from its skull, easily capable impaling anything that it might charge towards. It bears its teeth at the group, a row of curved blades, and cries out with a high-pitched roar. The most distinguishing feature of the creature is not its many legs or the number of spikes: rather, it is the piercing, glowing white eyes, the tell-tale and most dangerous feature of the basilisk.
It swings its tail, the jagged blades protruding from the skin cutting through some foliage, and disappears from view into the thick forest.
Kayn doesn't wait. When Sear tells him there's an egg in the cave his natural Grotag training kicks in. Why fight on the creature's terms when you can fight on your own. "To the cave!" He yells. "There's an egg in the cave and it will come to us. Do not chase it into the forest or it will kill us one by one!" As he yells this, both him and the gnarlid plop into the water and begin making their way to the cave entrance.
The dense foliage provided welcome relief after the blazing sun of the previous day's, but Ato nerves were stretched to the breaking point as he constantly expected something to leap out and attack the small group - If the very plants themselves didn't lash out and try to kill someone again. It was almost a relief when they reached the lake, and the statues gave proof of an enemy they knew, by name anyway, and could prepare for.
After the scouting, luring the creature out had been easy enough, but he knew they had precious little time to act before it returned. When Kayn and his gnarlid take to the water, he knows they can't go alone and leaps in after them, swimming below and scanning for anything that could aid in the fight as they make their way to the cavern mouth.
OOC: How deep is the lake? Any useful natural features below the surface, or items dropped by victims or would be hunters?
Vasha looked at the cliffside, then motioned to her sister. I'm going for that bow. I'm sure someone could use it against this thing. Stay close to one of the good swimmers. I'll see you in the cave, I promise. She winked at her sister, and faded into the jungle. She made her way east, as quietly as possible. About 20 seconds later, she found herself at the base of the cliff.
She is insane, Vesra signed to Ember, glancing at the water nervously. I don't think it's a very good idea to take you for a swim, little friend. I guess it's time to try that trick Kayn mentioned? The druid was loathe to see her friend leave, but she focused on sending him back to the mana of Zendikar. She watched as he fizzled away into nothingness, leaving her feeling very alone.
Do you want help across? Veythe asked, using Kor sign. They hadn't spoken much, not since the tree incident earlier.
"Thank you, Veythe," Vesra smiled, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. "Shall we?" The Kor jumped into the water and began to swim toward the cave. It was much easier, and less stressful, than swimming out of the arena had been. Yet her heart still beat loudly in her chest from the nerves.
Ellangil follows with the main body of the group and swims across the lake to the mouth of the cave. As the group nears the cliff lip, and the mouth of the cave, A thunderous stomping can be heard coming from the west. Out of the corner of their eyes, the basilisk bursts through the foliage in a spray of twigs, leaves, and vines, its piercing white eyes glaring at you as it barrels down the slight incline and towards the edge of the water.
Those in the water begin to feel their bodies stiffen as they see its horrible, glowing white eyes.
OOC: CON saves from everyone in the water. We're entering combat, so I'll need initiative checks from everyone. The basilisk is currently just ten feet from the edge of the water, for a total of twenty-five feet from the main body of the group.
Vasha quickly made her way up the cliff face, picking and choosing the perfect places for her hands and feet. Once at the top, she spotted the greatbow, and five arrows.
"Azaleas," Vesra swore loudly, shrugging off the effects of the basilisks gaze for now. She was not about to die here, not in the middle of a lake. With renewed efforts, she swam until she reached the shore of the cave. The druid stood in wait, ready for whatever came her way in the darkness.
Kayn's gnarlid continues the swim up into the cave and deposits a nearly petrified Kayn on the ground. He's able to say, "Stay away from the water," to Vesra, his normally stone-like skin completely pale in the darkness. The gnarlid stands guard at the water-bank, panting. It seems as though the petrification setting into Kayn is also affecting it in some way.
Kayn slooooowly pulls a torch from his pack. He ever so slightly touches it and it flares to life, illuminating the cave.
(Dash action, drop Kayn) (Kayn - Failed pet save, restrained, lights torch)
Ato hangs back just long enough to see Vesra makes it to the cavern and out of the water. He'd avoided the basilisks gaze so far, but knew they were all in grave danger. "Dammit, Kayn, YOU were the one with some sort of plan, I assumed!"
He stays in the water, taking a position near the edge of the dry ground, but hidden in the flickering shadows of the light from Kayn' s torch and waits for the creature to follow them in, planning to attack as soon as it does.
Veythe, dismayed at her children becoming wet again, curses to herself and swims to the waterline [movement and Dash]. Thankful for the light provided by near-statue Kayn, she provides him some bardic inspiration. "Oh Kayn, oh Kayn, don't be petrified, for our gain!" she sings in a melodic voice.
As she sings, the group hears the basilisk swishing its tail, as the spines, back and head poke out of the water. Ato, prepared for this opportunity [Readied action], waits until it's within range. Jabbing upwards at the basilisk, the broadspear natural buoyancy allowed it to sail through the water, sticking deep into the basilisk's side [18 to-hit; 11 piercing damage]. Pulling back the broadspear released a wave of crimson from the beast, causing it to roar within the water, its gaze fixated on Ato now.
Status Tracker:
Basilisk: 11 damage taken
Kayn: Restrained, failed 1st save of petrification
Vasha gingerly stepped around the statues that were on the cliff top, and snagged the bow, slinging it over her back. She took a moment to pick up what arrows she could and stash those away. She started hearing noises below her, and she moved to the edge of the cliff. The water extended well under the lip of the cliff and she couldn't tell what was happening. "Please be okay," she whispered to herself, as she prepared to jump down into the water.
The gnarlid growls in anger and doubles its size, its muscles rippling with sickening pops as it charges toward the basilisk.
Seeing the basilisk upon them, Kayn focuses his will and is finally able to move. He stands and launches a fire bolt, nailing the basilisk right in its open mouth. The sizzling can be heard throughout the cavern. He then drops his torch and moves deeper into the cave.
(Gnarlid uses action to buff up, moves forward to CD56)
(Kayn stands, moves 15 to H3, Crits for 15 fire damage)
"This is not good," Vesra tried her best to look away as she cast Thunder Wave. A wave of force blasted forth from the palms of her hands, hitting the basilisk straight on and sending it flying ten feet back.
(OOC: Basilisk failed his save, so 9 damage and he is pushed back.)
When the creature focuses it's gaze upon Ato, the mer feels it's horrible power begin to over come him. In desperation, he stabs again at the creature but his luck fails him. The beast lashes out with a leg and gashes the fragile shaft of the spear. Still struggling against the purification beginning to take hold he tosses the damaged weapon up into the cave.
"Big scary lizard that can turn me into a rock, no problem," Vesra confided in the trees with a nervous laugh as she began to explore. She found large prints from a clawed beast that seem to surround the statues, although she couldn't figure out where they lead. Bits of poor trees and other plants had also turned to stone, the poor things.
"Alright, Ember," the druid turned to her familiar. "It's time to try something crazy." Vesra began to focus on transforming into a beast again, this time drawing her inspiration from Kayn. When she opened her eyes, she found her vision blurred, as she had transformed into a small bat. She let out a triumphant screech and began to flap her little wings... which did not do anything. Unlike Sear, her wings were malformed and misshapen. Both were on the small side, although one was significantly smaller than the other. They were lumpy, and definitely wouldn't be able to support her weight. Bat-Vesra sighed, beginning to just hop around and use her echolocation to try and find it.
Thirty minutes later, she reverted back to her Kor form. "There are three more statues up on the cliff," she shared. "There's also a great bow up there, if anyone is interested. I know that Basilisks like caves, and the only one I could find was poking out of the lake on that cliff."
PBP: DM of Titans of Tomorrow
PBP: Lera Zahuv in Whispers of Dissent
PBP: Evaine Brae in Innistrad: Dark Ascension
PBP: Cor'avin in Tomb of Annihilation
Kayn summons sear with a thought and whispers, "Be careful, friend. Try not to become snack." He then sends Sear into the cave, his eyes glossing back into his head as he assumes control of the small white bat.
After a few moments, Kayn says, "Basilisk in small cave by itself. Large with lots of legs. It is eating something stone. I can tell you when it leaves... if someone makes sounds in water we might be able to surprise it. when it looks for sounds."
Site Rules & Guidelines --- Focused Feedback Mega Threads --- Staff Quotes --- Homebrew Tutorial --- Pricing FAQ
Please feel free to message either Sorce or another moderator if you have any concerns.
Vasha drops down to the ground. "Well then, let's get its attention." She made her way down to the water, hooks at the ready, and began to splash around in the shallow water.
A dwarf with a canoe on his back? What could go wrong?
"If anyone is splashing, not even Sear can hear it. Make more noise!" Kayn yells out to the others. It's obvious he can't even hear himself when he speaks. His words are jumbled and the volume is odd. His eyes are still rolled back as well. He then remembers he can split his mind.. the gnarlid starts to huff and howl from its location, as if in pain.
After a few moments of howling in pain, Kayn yells out - popping himself from Sear's mind - "IT'S IN THE WATER!"
Site Rules & Guidelines --- Focused Feedback Mega Threads --- Staff Quotes --- Homebrew Tutorial --- Pricing FAQ
Please feel free to message either Sorce or another moderator if you have any concerns.
Moments after Kayn yells out, the group can see a serpentine figure, just barely breeching the surface of the water, slithering from underneath the lip of the submerged cavern. Its long, powerful tail propels it through the water, aiming for the nearest shoreline to the mouth of the cave, about eighty feet away from the group, across the lake. As it emerges from the water, you see what a basilisk really is: a large, reptilian creature, this one with ten legs, and spikes jutting out from its body at various locations. It's skin is a mesh of greens and browns, seeming to meld with the thick foliage and trees the group has acclimated to over the past few hours. Two large horns jut out from its skull, easily capable impaling anything that it might charge towards. It bears its teeth at the group, a row of curved blades, and cries out with a high-pitched roar. The most distinguishing feature of the creature is not its many legs or the number of spikes: rather, it is the piercing, glowing white eyes, the tell-tale and most dangerous feature of the basilisk.
It swings its tail, the jagged blades protruding from the skin cutting through some foliage, and disappears from view into the thick forest.
Kayn doesn't wait. When Sear tells him there's an egg in the cave his natural Grotag training kicks in. Why fight on the creature's terms when you can fight on your own. "To the cave!" He yells. "There's an egg in the cave and it will come to us. Do not chase it into the forest or it will kill us one by one!" As he yells this, both him and the gnarlid plop into the water and begin making their way to the cave entrance.
Site Rules & Guidelines --- Focused Feedback Mega Threads --- Staff Quotes --- Homebrew Tutorial --- Pricing FAQ
Please feel free to message either Sorce or another moderator if you have any concerns.
The dense foliage provided welcome relief after the blazing sun of the previous day's, but Ato nerves were stretched to the breaking point as he constantly expected something to leap out and attack the small group - If the very plants themselves didn't lash out and try to kill someone again. It was almost a relief when they reached the lake, and the statues gave proof of an enemy they knew, by name anyway, and could prepare for.
After the scouting, luring the creature out had been easy enough, but he knew they had precious little time to act before it returned. When Kayn and his gnarlid take to the water, he knows they can't go alone and leaps in after them, swimming below and scanning for anything that could aid in the fight as they make their way to the cavern mouth.
OOC: How deep is the lake? Any useful natural features below the surface, or items dropped by victims or would be hunters?
Vasha looked at the cliffside, then motioned to her sister. I'm going for that bow. I'm sure someone could use it against this thing. Stay close to one of the good swimmers. I'll see you in the cave, I promise. She winked at her sister, and faded into the jungle. She made her way east, as quietly as possible. About 20 seconds later, she found herself at the base of the cliff.
(Stealth 11)
A dwarf with a canoe on his back? What could go wrong?
She is insane, Vesra signed to Ember, glancing at the water nervously. I don't think it's a very good idea to take you for a swim, little friend. I guess it's time to try that trick Kayn mentioned? The druid was loathe to see her friend leave, but she focused on sending him back to the mana of Zendikar. She watched as he fizzled away into nothingness, leaving her feeling very alone.
Do you want help across? Veythe asked, using Kor sign. They hadn't spoken much, not since the tree incident earlier.
"Thank you, Veythe," Vesra smiled, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. "Shall we?" The Kor jumped into the water and began to swim toward the cave. It was much easier, and less stressful, than swimming out of the arena had been. Yet her heart still beat loudly in her chest from the nerves.
PBP: DM of Titans of Tomorrow
PBP: Lera Zahuv in Whispers of Dissent
PBP: Evaine Brae in Innistrad: Dark Ascension
PBP: Cor'avin in Tomb of Annihilation
Ellangil follows with the main body of the group and swims across the lake to the mouth of the cave. As the group nears the cliff lip, and the mouth of the cave, A thunderous stomping can be heard coming from the west. Out of the corner of their eyes, the basilisk bursts through the foliage in a spray of twigs, leaves, and vines, its piercing white eyes glaring at you as it barrels down the slight incline and towards the edge of the water.
Those in the water begin to feel their bodies stiffen as they see its horrible, glowing white eyes.
OOC: CON saves from everyone in the water. We're entering combat, so I'll need initiative checks from everyone. The basilisk is currently just ten feet from the edge of the water, for a total of twenty-five feet from the main body of the group.
Vasha quickly made her way up the cliff face, picking and choosing the perfect places for her hands and feet. Once at the top, she spotted the greatbow, and five arrows.
(Dash action)
A dwarf with a canoe on his back? What could go wrong?
"Azaleas," Vesra swore loudly, shrugging off the effects of the basilisks gaze for now. She was not about to die here, not in the middle of a lake. With renewed efforts, she swam until she reached the shore of the cave. The druid stood in wait, ready for whatever came her way in the darkness.
(Dash action.)
PBP: DM of Titans of Tomorrow
PBP: Lera Zahuv in Whispers of Dissent
PBP: Evaine Brae in Innistrad: Dark Ascension
PBP: Cor'avin in Tomb of Annihilation
Kayn's gnarlid continues the swim up into the cave and deposits a nearly petrified Kayn on the ground. He's able to say, "Stay away from the water," to Vesra, his normally stone-like skin completely pale in the darkness. The gnarlid stands guard at the water-bank, panting. It seems as though the petrification setting into Kayn is also affecting it in some way.
Kayn slooooowly pulls a torch from his pack. He ever so slightly touches it and it flares to life, illuminating the cave.
(Dash action, drop Kayn)
(Kayn - Failed pet save, restrained, lights torch)
Site Rules & Guidelines --- Focused Feedback Mega Threads --- Staff Quotes --- Homebrew Tutorial --- Pricing FAQ
Please feel free to message either Sorce or another moderator if you have any concerns.
Ato hangs back just long enough to see Vesra makes it to the cavern and out of the water. He'd avoided the basilisks gaze so far, but knew they were all in grave danger. "Dammit, Kayn, YOU were the one with some sort of plan, I assumed!"
He stays in the water, taking a position near the edge of the dry ground, but hidden in the flickering shadows of the light from Kayn' s torch and waits for the creature to follow them in, planning to attack as soon as it does.
(Hide 20, Ready action to sneak attack)
Both weapons draw, Ellangil darts to the water's edge and shouts.
"Bring it on, you filth-smelling too-many-legged lizard! Meet your doom!"
He clangs his blades together with a chesty laugh.
Veythe, dismayed at her children becoming wet again, curses to herself and swims to the waterline [movement and Dash]. Thankful for the light provided by near-statue Kayn, she provides him some bardic inspiration. "Oh Kayn, oh Kayn, don't be petrified, for our gain!" she sings in a melodic voice.
As she sings, the group hears the basilisk swishing its tail, as the spines, back and head poke out of the water. Ato, prepared for this opportunity [Readied action], waits until it's within range. Jabbing upwards at the basilisk, the broadspear natural buoyancy allowed it to sail through the water, sticking deep into the basilisk's side [18 to-hit; 11 piercing damage]. Pulling back the broadspear released a wave of crimson from the beast, causing it to roar within the water, its gaze fixated on Ato now.
Status Tracker:
Map:
Vasha gingerly stepped around the statues that were on the cliff top, and snagged the bow, slinging it over her back. She took a moment to pick up what arrows she could and stash those away. She started hearing noises below her, and she moved to the edge of the cliff. The water extended well under the lip of the cliff and she couldn't tell what was happening. "Please be okay," she whispered to herself, as she prepared to jump down into the water.
A dwarf with a canoe on his back? What could go wrong?
The gnarlid growls in anger and doubles its size, its muscles rippling with sickening pops as it charges toward the basilisk.
Seeing the basilisk upon them, Kayn focuses his will and is finally able to move. He stands and launches a fire bolt, nailing the basilisk right in its open mouth. The sizzling can be heard throughout the cavern. He then drops his torch and moves deeper into the cave.
(Gnarlid uses action to buff up, moves forward to CD56)
(Kayn stands, moves 15 to H3, Crits for 15 fire damage)
Site Rules & Guidelines --- Focused Feedback Mega Threads --- Staff Quotes --- Homebrew Tutorial --- Pricing FAQ
Please feel free to message either Sorce or another moderator if you have any concerns.
"This is not good," Vesra tried her best to look away as she cast Thunder Wave. A wave of force blasted forth from the palms of her hands, hitting the basilisk straight on and sending it flying ten feet back.
(OOC: Basilisk failed his save, so 9 damage and he is pushed back.)
PBP: DM of Titans of Tomorrow
PBP: Lera Zahuv in Whispers of Dissent
PBP: Evaine Brae in Innistrad: Dark Ascension
PBP: Cor'avin in Tomb of Annihilation
When the creature focuses it's gaze upon Ato, the mer feels it's horrible power begin to over come him. In desperation, he stabs again at the creature but his luck fails him. The beast lashes out with a leg and gashes the fragile shaft of the spear. Still struggling against the purification beginning to take hold he tosses the damaged weapon up into the cave.
Attack: natural 1!