Exploration activity will be to 'Scout'. Though ultimately leaning towards Perception(preferred) or Survival as a close second.
Despite the strangeness and eeriness that came with traversing the landscape, Narrakas moved with more of a purpose and with far more confident pep in his step than he had with the Caravan. As if he was more at home in the wild -- any wilds than within civilization. But for all his growing self-assuredness, he'd still pause at times at an odd sound or growl or grumble whenever the haunting melody hit certain pitches that really unsettled the nerves.
Nevertheless, knowing or believing the others to be less adapt at navigating such terrain, there are points in which he'd quietly offer to 'scout' just a ways ahead just to make sure the party didn't run headlong into ambush predators or worse.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Narrakas, well-versed in the ways of the marsh, uses his goblin instincts to pick up on subtle disturbances in the underbrush, guiding the party through the twisting path. Before long, he begins to range further from the other two of his party, scouting for trouble so that they will not be surprised. Narrakas cautiously advances toward the lair, his goblin senses attuned to every rustle and whisper of the surrounding swamp. His footsteps are light, barely disturbing the undergrowth as he moves with the grace of a predator. The air is thick with a foreboding tension, and every nerve in his body is alive with anticipation.
As he reaches a vantage point that provides a partial view of the entrance to the lair, he crouches down behind a moss-covered rock, his keen eyes scanning the darkness within. The ground leading into the lair is adorned with the detritus of victims: tattered toys, fragments of children's clothing, and a perverse collection of trinkets that once held sentimental value. The entrance emitted a dim, sickly glow, casting eerie shadows that dance like specters on the walls of the cavern. Shadows dance eerily along the walls, cast by flickering, pale, greenish light. The floor is covered in a tangle of vines and murky waters. The air is damp and heavy, carrying with it a faint scent of decay.
Amidst the eerie shadows, a subtle movement catches Narrakas' attention. He focuses his gaze, and his heart quickens as he beholds a sight that sends a shiver down his spine.
The head of the relatively tiny creature dominates its form, a grotesque mass that seems almost too heavy for its own existence. Its eyes, tiny and beady, offer a sinister glint, barely visible amidst the morbid chaos that surrounds them. Between these eyes lies a large gem, pulsating with an eerie, otherworldly light that seems to hold the essence of its malevolent power.
From the gem downwards, the head transforms into a horrific maw, a lipless expanse lined with rows upon rows of needle-like teeth. These teeth seem to have no end, each one sharpened to a lethal point, creating a nightmare of a mouth that's ready to rend and tear apart anything that comes too close.
Emerging from the head is a tadpole-like tail, the body narrowing as it extends behind the creature. Along the length of the tail, a row of flint-like spines rise, adding a deadly edge to this already terrifying appendage. This tail appears almost prehensile, capable of swift, sinuous movements that contribute to the creature's eerie grace.
Sprouting from the body are four sets of leathery fins, these membranous extensions resembling the wings of some grotesque and malevolent fish. These fins ripple and undulate as if in water, despite the creature moving through the air. They serve as both guidance and propulsion, allowing the creature to navigate its surroundings with an uncanny agility that only adds to its enigmatic and chilling aura.
In its entirety, this appears to be a creature born from the deepest, darkest corners of the universe. Its form defies nature's laws, resembling an abomination that's part fish, part serpent, and part nightmare. Its shadowy form seems to pulse and writhe in time with an otherworldly rhythm. As it does, it emits a low, burbling sound that reverberates throughout the chamber, like the ominous hum of a distant storm.
Narrakas eyes went wide as soon as he could make out the creature's form, and for a time he stood there paralyzed on the spot. Yet so intense was the fear that it became its own saving grace, as every instinct both goblin and bestial demanded he flee on the spot in a blind panic, and risking drawing the creature into a chase that he... would not likely win. But after a few moments he manages a quiet gulp, shakes himself a bit, and then tried to creep back away and to the party; who no matter the distance he'd urge them to still urge them to back another twenty feet more for good measure.
"Not big snapper. Not stink eaters. This.... this thing worse. Not good to fight in lair for sure, least you wind up like chitterlings."Narrakas shudders. "Not see any kids either. Not risk get any closer to try. But Narrakas not so sure is paid enough to deal with this." He admits, frowning before retreating into his own headspace a bit, absentmindedly recounting the visage of the creature and maybe provide others something to recall any knowledge about potentially.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Yet, as Narrakas stepped away, his foot found an unnoticed puddle on the ground. The water responded with a small, betraying ripple that pulsed through the silence of the swampy surroundings.
"Not big snapper. Not stink eaters. This.... this thing worse. Not good to fight in lair for sure, least you wind up like chitterlings."Narrakas shudders. "Not see any kids either. Not risk get any closer to try. But Narrakas not so sure is paid enough to deal with this." He admits, frowning before retreating into his own headspace a bit, absentmindedly recounting the visage of the creature and maybe provide others something to recall any knowledge about potentially.
Any of you may attempt a Religion check to Recall Knowledge about the creature described by Narrakas.
Remembering the image of this thing still fresh in his mind, Narrakas hearkens back to his childhood among his tribe and the shaman who whispered stories hinting at the existence of such malevolent beings. From these stories he senses the creature's characteristics fit the description of a daemon, a manifestation of the darker aspects of the world.
Eldon listens to Narrakas' description and realizes he has come across a similar description before, specifically in an old and obscure tome during his studies. This tome, hidden away in the corners of a dusty library contained rare insights into the world of daemons. A portion of the book had been devoted to the hierarchy and classifications of daemonic entities, including the lesser Cacodaemons, also known as Harvester Daemons. They are the weakest of daemonkind, an amalgam of various petty forms of death without the strength that comes from focusing on a single cause of demise. These embodiments of demented violence and spite are spawned from eddies of angry and warped souls. Cacodaemons constantly hunger for mortal souls and yearn to create suffering. An excretion of these Cacodaemons, called a soul-gem, is prized in the 'economy' of Abbadon - the nihilistic plane of daemons separate from the Abyss and the Hells.
"Mn. Mn. The more this one thinks, the more Narrakas believes it to be a daemon. And not the fun kind for wrecking other people's stuff."Narrakas shudders. "If not send rest you here, I be thinking maybe boss lady be wanting you dead as surely as this one... Hmn... But, small comfort that is."He lets out a nervous chuckle, before noting a look in Eldon's eyes. "You be knowing more, yea? Good. Narraks not want be daemon food, so if no better way to beat up all the better. But 'fore we do that, I be needing some.. time to change bandages anyways. So, make with the planning and Narrakas be ready soon after."He asserts, and without waiting for much of response from the pair, began looking about from a root to sit on long enough to fish out the healer's kit and began redressing his wounds.
It the ten minutes that Narrakas takes to heal himself, the party notices the ominous sing-song humming has subsided. The marsh about the lair lies ominously quiet.
Eldon shares what he knows of the creature he suspects the creature is to the group, quietly, as they watch Narrakas get their wounds treated.
“Yes, i’ve read of these.. Daemonkind- Cacodaemon, from the description. They constantly hunger for mortal souls and yearn to create suffering. An excretion of these Cacodaemons, called a soul-gem, is prized in the 'economy' of Abbadon- the lower plane where they live. We should be prepared to fight hard- and flee, if neccesary.”
As the party takes a brief respite to heal and discuss their plan regarding the daemon, the ominous silence hangs heavily in the air. The subtle scent of brimstone wafts through the surroundings, almost imperceptible at first but growing stronger with each passing moment. It's an acrid, sulfurous odor that stings the nostrils and serves as an unsettling prelude to something ominous.
A few injuries still stung, but Narrakas tuned it out in favor of listening to Eldon's story. Just as he'd incidentally tuned out the deadening of the song. But as he's nodding in agreement the goblin abruptly stopped and started sniffing at the air. After which, he eyes went wide, and in somewhat of a panic, he leaped to his feat, and made sure club and shield were held at the ready while facing the direction of the liar. "Shoot... We waited to long! And now... now it's on the prowl. Everyone get ready!"He curtly warned the others under his breath, before with his shield raised and eyes narrowed, he waited for the creature to break through the underbrush to attack.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
The Cacodaemon, previously invisible and lurking, suddenly materializes before the party in a horrifying display. Its form is grotesque and nightmarish, a writhing mass of spines, teeth, and fins, with a bloated, misshapen head dominated by rows of dagger-like teeth.
With a malevolent hiss, the creature lunges at Lord Foppington with alarming speed. Its enormous maw opens wide, revealing a nightmarish expanse of serrated teeth set in sickly pink gums.
Melee Strike by Bite:15 - if successful, take 2piercing plus 3evil damage. Also if successful, Lord Foppington must make a Fortitude saving throw.
The air is filled with an acrid, sulfuric odor as the Cacodaemon's foul breath washes over him. Its tiny, malevolent eyes gleam with malicious glee as it savors the taste of its victim's fear.
After the attack, the daemon swiftly takes to the air, retreating from the party's immediate reach. It hovers behind a thick shrub, using the underbrush as cover. ((Lesser Cover +1 AC))
((Sorry! I can roll initiative to keep things moving... will do so in the encounter tool and post here - if anyone rolls their own, I will just replace their roll for mine.))
((Ack forgot +1 circumstance bonus to initiative due to Narrakas' scouting which would have Eldon tied with the Cacodaemon - but in PF2e initiative ties with a monster are settled in the monster's favor - so initiative order remains the same this time))
Fop Stealth: 14
Coriana - Company of the Grey Chain
Wagner - Dragon Heist: Bards.
DM - The Old Keep
eldon stealth 8
love your writing!
Narrakas' Stealth: 24.
Exploration activity will be to 'Scout'. Though ultimately leaning towards Perception(preferred) or Survival as a close second.
Despite the strangeness and eeriness that came with traversing the landscape, Narrakas moved with more of a purpose and with far more confident pep in his step than he had with the Caravan. As if he was more at home in the wild -- any wilds than within civilization. But for all his growing self-assuredness, he'd still pause at times at an odd sound or growl or grumble whenever the haunting melody hit certain pitches that really unsettled the nerves.
Nevertheless, knowing or believing the others to be less adapt at navigating such terrain, there are points in which he'd quietly offer to 'scout' just a ways ahead just to make sure the party didn't run headlong into ambush predators or worse.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Narrakas, well-versed in the ways of the marsh, uses his goblin instincts to pick up on subtle disturbances in the underbrush, guiding the party through the twisting path. Before long, he begins to range further from the other two of his party, scouting for trouble so that they will not be surprised. Narrakas cautiously advances toward the lair, his goblin senses attuned to every rustle and whisper of the surrounding swamp. His footsteps are light, barely disturbing the undergrowth as he moves with the grace of a predator. The air is thick with a foreboding tension, and every nerve in his body is alive with anticipation.
As he reaches a vantage point that provides a partial view of the entrance to the lair, he crouches down behind a moss-covered rock, his keen eyes scanning the darkness within. The ground leading into the lair is adorned with the detritus of victims: tattered toys, fragments of children's clothing, and a perverse collection of trinkets that once held sentimental value. The entrance emitted a dim, sickly glow, casting eerie shadows that dance like specters on the walls of the cavern. Shadows dance eerily along the walls, cast by flickering, pale, greenish light. The floor is covered in a tangle of vines and murky waters. The air is damp and heavy, carrying with it a faint scent of decay.
Amidst the eerie shadows, a subtle movement catches Narrakas' attention. He focuses his gaze, and his heart quickens as he beholds a sight that sends a shiver down his spine.
The head of the relatively tiny creature dominates its form, a grotesque mass that seems almost too heavy for its own existence. Its eyes, tiny and beady, offer a sinister glint, barely visible amidst the morbid chaos that surrounds them. Between these eyes lies a large gem, pulsating with an eerie, otherworldly light that seems to hold the essence of its malevolent power.
From the gem downwards, the head transforms into a horrific maw, a lipless expanse lined with rows upon rows of needle-like teeth. These teeth seem to have no end, each one sharpened to a lethal point, creating a nightmare of a mouth that's ready to rend and tear apart anything that comes too close.
Emerging from the head is a tadpole-like tail, the body narrowing as it extends behind the creature. Along the length of the tail, a row of flint-like spines rise, adding a deadly edge to this already terrifying appendage. This tail appears almost prehensile, capable of swift, sinuous movements that contribute to the creature's eerie grace.
Sprouting from the body are four sets of leathery fins, these membranous extensions resembling the wings of some grotesque and malevolent fish. These fins ripple and undulate as if in water, despite the creature moving through the air. They serve as both guidance and propulsion, allowing the creature to navigate its surroundings with an uncanny agility that only adds to its enigmatic and chilling aura.
In its entirety, this appears to be a creature born from the deepest, darkest corners of the universe. Its form defies nature's laws, resembling an abomination that's part fish, part serpent, and part nightmare. Its shadowy form seems to pulse and writhe in time with an otherworldly rhythm. As it does, it emits a low, burbling sound that reverberates throughout the chamber, like the ominous hum of a distant storm.
Eryndor - Red Dead Annihilation | GM - Volo's Trade Franchise - PF2e Adventures set in the Forgotten Realms
(OOC: Now that... THAT is a monster description!)
Narrakas eyes went wide as soon as he could make out the creature's form, and for a time he stood there paralyzed on the spot. Yet so intense was the fear that it became its own saving grace, as every instinct both goblin and bestial demanded he flee on the spot in a blind panic, and risking drawing the creature into a chase that he... would not likely win. But after a few moments he manages a quiet gulp, shakes himself a bit, and then tried to creep back away and to the party; who no matter the distance he'd urge them to still urge them to back another twenty feet more for good measure.
"Not big snapper. Not stink eaters. This.... this thing worse. Not good to fight in lair for sure, least you wind up like chitterlings." Narrakas shudders. "Not see any kids either. Not risk get any closer to try. But Narrakas not so sure is paid enough to deal with this." He admits, frowning before retreating into his own headspace a bit, absentmindedly recounting the visage of the creature and maybe provide others something to recall any knowledge about potentially.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Yet, as Narrakas stepped away, his foot found an unnoticed puddle on the ground. The water responded with a small, betraying ripple that pulsed through the silence of the swampy surroundings.
Eryndor - Red Dead Annihilation | GM - Volo's Trade Franchise - PF2e Adventures set in the Forgotten Realms
Any of you may attempt a Religion check to Recall Knowledge about the creature described by Narrakas.
Eryndor - Red Dead Annihilation | GM - Volo's Trade Franchise - PF2e Adventures set in the Forgotten Realms
-Narrakas Religion: 18. (Untrained)
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Eldon religion 11
Remembering the image of this thing still fresh in his mind, Narrakas hearkens back to his childhood among his tribe and the shaman who whispered stories hinting at the existence of such malevolent beings. From these stories he senses the creature's characteristics fit the description of a daemon, a manifestation of the darker aspects of the world.
Eldon listens to Narrakas' description and realizes he has come across a similar description before, specifically in an old and obscure tome during his studies. This tome, hidden away in the corners of a dusty library contained rare insights into the world of daemons. A portion of the book had been devoted to the hierarchy and classifications of daemonic entities, including the lesser Cacodaemons, also known as Harvester Daemons. They are the weakest of daemonkind, an amalgam of various petty forms of death without the strength that comes from focusing on a single cause of demise. These embodiments of demented violence and spite are spawned from eddies of angry and warped souls. Cacodaemons constantly hunger for mortal souls and yearn to create suffering. An excretion of these Cacodaemons, called a soul-gem, is prized in the 'economy' of Abbadon - the nihilistic plane of daemons separate from the Abyss and the Hells.
Eryndor - Red Dead Annihilation | GM - Volo's Trade Franchise - PF2e Adventures set in the Forgotten Realms
"Mn. Mn. The more this one thinks, the more Narrakas believes it to be a daemon. And not the fun kind for wrecking other people's stuff." Narrakas shudders. "If not send rest you here, I be thinking maybe boss lady be wanting you dead as surely as this one... Hmn... But, small comfort that is." He lets out a nervous chuckle, before noting a look in Eldon's eyes. "You be knowing more, yea? Good. Narraks not want be daemon food, so if no better way to beat up all the better. But 'fore we do that, I be needing some.. time to change bandages anyways. So, make with the planning and Narrakas be ready soon after." He asserts, and without waiting for much of response from the pair, began looking about from a root to sit on long enough to fish out the healer's kit and began redressing his wounds.
-Medicine(DC 15)[T]: 21.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Treat Wounds Healing to Narrakas(if party has 10 mins/willing to wait): 8 HP Regained.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
It the ten minutes that Narrakas takes to heal himself, the party notices the ominous sing-song humming has subsided. The marsh about the lair lies ominously quiet.
Eryndor - Red Dead Annihilation | GM - Volo's Trade Franchise - PF2e Adventures set in the Forgotten Realms
Eldon shares what he knows of the creature he suspects the creature is to the group, quietly, as they watch Narrakas get their wounds treated.
“Yes, i’ve read of these.. Daemonkind- Cacodaemon, from the description. They constantly hunger for mortal souls and yearn to create suffering. An excretion of these Cacodaemons, called a soul-gem, is prized in the 'economy' of Abbadon- the lower plane where they live. We should be prepared to fight hard- and flee, if neccesary.”
As the party takes a brief respite to heal and discuss their plan regarding the daemon, the ominous silence hangs heavily in the air. The subtle scent of brimstone wafts through the surroundings, almost imperceptible at first but growing stronger with each passing moment. It's an acrid, sulfurous odor that stings the nostrils and serves as an unsettling prelude to something ominous.
Eryndor - Red Dead Annihilation | GM - Volo's Trade Franchise - PF2e Adventures set in the Forgotten Realms
A few injuries still stung, but Narrakas tuned it out in favor of listening to Eldon's story. Just as he'd incidentally tuned out the deadening of the song. But as he's nodding in agreement the goblin abruptly stopped and started sniffing at the air. After which, he eyes went wide, and in somewhat of a panic, he leaped to his feat, and made sure club and shield were held at the ready while facing the direction of the liar. "Shoot... We waited to long! And now... now it's on the prowl. Everyone get ready!"He curtly warned the others under his breath, before with his shield raised and eyes narrowed, he waited for the creature to break through the underbrush to attack.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
The Cacodaemon, previously invisible and lurking, suddenly materializes before the party in a horrifying display. Its form is grotesque and nightmarish, a writhing mass of spines, teeth, and fins, with a bloated, misshapen head dominated by rows of dagger-like teeth.
With a malevolent hiss, the creature lunges at Lord Foppington with alarming speed. Its enormous maw opens wide, revealing a nightmarish expanse of serrated teeth set in sickly pink gums.
Melee Strike by Bite: 15 - if successful, take 2 piercing plus 3 evil damage. Also if successful, Lord Foppington must make a Fortitude saving throw.
The air is filled with an acrid, sulfuric odor as the Cacodaemon's foul breath washes over him. Its tiny, malevolent eyes gleam with malicious glee as it savors the taste of its victim's fear.
After the attack, the daemon swiftly takes to the air, retreating from the party's immediate reach. It hovers behind a thick shrub, using the underbrush as cover. ((Lesser Cover +1 AC))
All roll initiative!
Eryndor - Red Dead Annihilation | GM - Volo's Trade Franchise - PF2e Adventures set in the Forgotten Realms
((Sorry! I can roll initiative to keep things moving... will do so in the encounter tool and post here - if anyone rolls their own, I will just replace their roll for mine.))
Cacodaemon (24)
Eldon (23)
Fopp (22)
Narrakas (18)
Eryndor - Red Dead Annihilation | GM - Volo's Trade Franchise - PF2e Adventures set in the Forgotten Realms
The party sees the Cacodaemon briefly moving behind the brush, then it is gone!
Initiative order: Eldon -> Fopp -> Narrakas -> Cacodaemon
Eryndor - Red Dead Annihilation | GM - Volo's Trade Franchise - PF2e Adventures set in the Forgotten Realms
((Ack forgot +1 circumstance bonus to initiative due to Narrakas' scouting which would have Eldon tied with the Cacodaemon - but in PF2e initiative ties with a monster are settled in the monster's favor - so initiative order remains the same this time))
Eryndor - Red Dead Annihilation | GM - Volo's Trade Franchise - PF2e Adventures set in the Forgotten Realms