Come morning, a collective sigh of relief escapes the party. The long rest has done wonders for their weary bodies. Gone is the dull ache that plagued them the night before, replaced by a renewed sense of purpose. Morgid, ever the strategist, unfurls his rough map etched onto a piece of weathered leather. He traces a route with his calloused finger, confirming the plan. "Alright, same plan as yesterday," he declares. "Slow and steady wins the race in this cursed swamp. We'll aim for another 8 miles, keeping an eye out for any dangers."
As they ready their packs, Morgid pauses, a curious glint in his eye. "Anyone else notice that crimson moon hanging in the sky during their watch?" He gestured upwards, where only a faint trace of pre-dawn light remained. "Red moon ain't a common sight around here. They call it Ruidus, and some folks say it brings bad luck." His voice carries a hint of superstition, a stark contrast to his usual pragmatism.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Ruidus. Sosen hears Morgid mention the moon but for a moment, her mind went blank. 'Moon of Ill Omens' she thought. What else was it...
Sosen fumed and muttered to herself as she packed up for the trip ahead. And as so often happens, as she was thinking of something totally unrelated, the odd bits of knowledge sprang to the fore. Arcana check: 7 Religion check: 6
Sosen is aware Exandria has 2 moons, Catha & Ruidus, and the red moon is not usually visible in the night sky. She does not have knowledge of Ruidus beyond common knowledge of general folklore interpreting it's appearance as an ill omen.
"An ill-omen. Well I feel the only thing that can make today worse than yesterday is death, so it was nice knowing you all. Lets defy the odds and show the moon it doesn't control our fate." and Lanuwill be ready to head out following Sosen and Morgid
Peregrine simply listens, not knowing enough on the subject the warrant an opinion, though he can assume it only means bad things from them on. He's not too keen on repeating his close call with the Bullywugs, so whatever the red moon does set in their path, he hopes his aim will have improved. He prepared to head out with the rest of the party.
The pre-dawn chill lingers in the air as the party sets off, their path leading deeper into the labyrinthine heart of the Brokenveil Marsh. Morgid, ever the pragmatist, takes point, navigating by his weathered map and the subtle changes in the swamp's topography. Sosen follows close behind, her keen eyes scanning their surroundings for any signs of danger or landmarks mentioned on the map. Peregrine and Lanu bring up the rear with a newfound caution despite Sosen's healing and the recuperative effects of the long rest.
For a glorious six hours, the swamp seems to relent. The treacherous muck gives way to firmer ground, allowing for an easier path than the previous day's slog. The dense canopy overhead offers a reprieve from the scorching sun, and the air, while still thick with the swamp's unique aroma, lacks the biting insects they had encountered earlier. A sense of cautious optimism blooms within the party. Perhaps this treacherous journey wouldn't be quite so relentless after all. However, as the midday sun climbs higher, casting long shadows through the tangled undergrowth, the landscape begins to shift once more. Ahead, the familiar gnarled cypress knees of the swamp give way to a dense wall of tangled vegetation. Towering mangrove trees, their roots a labyrinthine network reaching into the murky water, stretch as far as the eye can see. This is by far the thickest mangrove forest they have encountered today, and a deep foreboding settles over the party. Morgid comes to a halt, his brow furrowed in concern as he surveys the imposing mangrove thicket. "Looks like we've reached the real challenge," he announces, his voice laced with a hint of apprehension. "The Brokenveil Marsh is notorious for its mangrove mazes. They're a pain to navigate, and rumors abound about what lurks in their tangled depths. We'll need to navigate carefully here."
Sosen has been using the bullywug spear as a walking staff as she wades through the marshy water and muck. 'So far, so good', she thinks before flipping the spear to poke at something just under the water's surface. "Morgid, if we can, let's try to keep to the open areas and not get killed trying to weave through thick mangrove branches and roots. Any idea where we can take a rest stop or where we might camp at sunset this time?"
Suddenly, without warning, the deceptive serenity is shattered by a violent eruption. A monstrous shadow explodes from the murky water beside Sosen's spear, a sinuous coil of muscle and glistening scales. A giant constrictor snake, its thick body easily exceeding the width of a man, launches itself with astonishing speed and predatory grace. Its massive body is aimed directly at Sosen, who stands closest to the water's edge. Its gaping maw, lined with rows of razor-sharp teeth, opens wide in a silent scream, promising a crushing embrace and potential oblivion. The ambush is swift and brutal, a complete surprise. In a heartbeat, the monstrous serpent is upon her, its powerful coils whipping through the air with the intent to crush! Constrict Attack: 24 Bludgeoning Damage: 7 target is grappled (escape DC 16)
Sosen shrieks as the giant snake surges up and toward her. No time to whisper a spell (which might fail anyway), she squats while setting/planting the spear into the muck -- hoping the very large body will ram the spear before hitting her.
Adrenaline explodes through Sosen's veins, the idyllic scene of the swamp replaced by a horrifying tableau of fangs and glistening scales. The monstrous constrictor snake, its thick body easily exceeding the width of a man, slams into her field of vision with gut-wrenching speed. The air is ripped apart by the whoosh of its attack, the silent scream of its open maw promising a terrifying fate. Years of honed reflexes take over. With a desperate cry, Sosen throws herself backwards, planting her bullywug spear in the muck with a thunk. The tip glances harmlessly off the side of the massive serpent as it hurtles past, its powerful coils whipping through the air with the intent to crush. The monstrous serpent's thick body slams into Sosen's body with a bone-jarring crunch. The air whooshes from her lungs as the crushing pressure constricts her ribs. Panic surges through her, the primal fear of suffocation clawing at her throat. She claws desperately at the serpent's smooth scales, her efforts as futile as a fly against a wall. The world narrows to the point of the snake's gaping maw, lined with rows of razor-sharp teeth inches from her face. The stench of swamp muck and something far more feral fills her nostrils. Her vision starts to blur at the edges, the constricting pressure a dull roar in her ears. Grappled and restrained, she's utterly immobilized, her bullywug spear lying uselessly out of reach in the mud.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
The air explodes with the thrashing fury of the constrictor. Enraged by the unexpected resistance, the monstrous serpent lets out a deafening hiss that chills the blood and rattles the eardrums. With Sosen firmly constricted, the snake's head snaps towards Morgid, its target now shifted. The monstrous constrictor unleashes a fury that shakes the very ground. Its head, a blur of muscle and glistening scales, whips around with a speed that defies its immense size.
Morgid, a seasoned warrior, throws himself to the side with a desperate grunt. But the monstrous constrictor is a creature of primal instinct, its strike faster than reason. Its massive jaws, lined with rows of serrated teeth that could tear through bone like butter, slam into Morgid's shoulder with a sickening clack. A searing pain erupts in Morgid's shoulder, a white-hot agony that steals his breath. He lets out a scream that curdles in his throat, the world momentarily dissolving into a kaleidoscope of pain. The fetid breath of the beast washes over him, a putrid cocktail of swamp muck and decaying flesh that makes him gag. He feels the raw power coursing through the serpent's body, the thrash of its muscles sending him staggering back. The bite tears through Morgid's leather armor and deep into his flesh. Blood spurts from the wound, staining his clothes crimson. His vision swims, the edges blurring with the beginnings of shock. He stumbles, his hand instinctively flying to his mangled shoulder. The world seems to tilt on its axis, the deafening hiss of the serpent replaced by a high-pitched whine in his ears. Despite the overwhelming pain, Morgid clings to a sliver of consciousness. He knows he can't afford to falter. Sosen is still constricted, her life hanging in the balance. With a deep breath that sends fresh jolts of pain through him, Morgid grits his teeth and forces himself to stand upright. He may be wounded, but he's not out of the fight yet. The glint of determination returns to his eyes as he glances towards his companions, silently pleading for their aid. The monstrous constrictor, having drawn blood, seems momentarily sated. It rears back, its body coiled tight, its obsidian eyes locked on Morgid.
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Yulisen, 6th Thunsheer
Come morning, a collective sigh of relief escapes the party. The long rest has done wonders for their weary bodies. Gone is the dull ache that plagued them the night before, replaced by a renewed sense of purpose. Morgid, ever the strategist, unfurls his rough map etched onto a piece of weathered leather. He traces a route with his calloused finger, confirming the plan. "Alright, same plan as yesterday," he declares. "Slow and steady wins the race in this cursed swamp. We'll aim for another 8 miles, keeping an eye out for any dangers."
As they ready their packs, Morgid pauses, a curious glint in his eye. "Anyone else notice that crimson moon hanging in the sky during their watch?" He gestured upwards, where only a faint trace of pre-dawn light remained. "Red moon ain't a common sight around here. They call it Ruidus, and some folks say it brings bad luck." His voice carries a hint of superstition, a stark contrast to his usual pragmatism.
Ruidus. Sosen hears Morgid mention the moon but for a moment, her mind went blank. 'Moon of Ill Omens' she thought. What else was it...
Sosen fumed and muttered to herself as she packed up for the trip ahead. And as so often happens, as she was thinking of something totally unrelated, the odd bits of knowledge sprang to the fore. Arcana check: 7 Religion check: 6
Sosen continued to mutter to herself about moons and magic and the mess of a marsh they are traveling through.
Sosen is aware Exandria has 2 moons, Catha & Ruidus, and the red moon is not usually visible in the night sky. She does not have knowledge of Ruidus beyond common knowledge of general folklore interpreting it's appearance as an ill omen.
"An ill-omen. Well I feel the only thing that can make today worse than yesterday is death, so it was nice knowing you all. Lets defy the odds and show the moon it doesn't control our fate." and Lanu will be ready to head out following Sosen and Morgid
After joining more my signature got out of hand so I am now a proud member of the extended signature club!! :)
Peregrine simply listens, not knowing enough on the subject the warrant an opinion, though he can assume it only means bad things from them on. He's not too keen on repeating his close call with the Bullywugs, so whatever the red moon does set in their path, he hopes his aim will have improved. He prepared to head out with the rest of the party.
The pre-dawn chill lingers in the air as the party sets off, their path leading deeper into the labyrinthine heart of the Brokenveil Marsh. Morgid, ever the pragmatist, takes point, navigating by his weathered map and the subtle changes in the swamp's topography. Sosen follows close behind, her keen eyes scanning their surroundings for any signs of danger or landmarks mentioned on the map. Peregrine and Lanu bring up the rear with a newfound caution despite Sosen's healing and the recuperative effects of the long rest.
For a glorious six hours, the swamp seems to relent. The treacherous muck gives way to firmer ground, allowing for an easier path than the previous day's slog. The dense canopy overhead offers a reprieve from the scorching sun, and the air, while still thick with the swamp's unique aroma, lacks the biting insects they had encountered earlier. A sense of cautious optimism blooms within the party. Perhaps this treacherous journey wouldn't be quite so relentless after all. However, as the midday sun climbs higher, casting long shadows through the tangled undergrowth, the landscape begins to shift once more. Ahead, the familiar gnarled cypress knees of the swamp give way to a dense wall of tangled vegetation. Towering mangrove trees, their roots a labyrinthine network reaching into the murky water, stretch as far as the eye can see. This is by far the thickest mangrove forest they have encountered today, and a deep foreboding settles over the party. Morgid comes to a halt, his brow furrowed in concern as he surveys the imposing mangrove thicket. "Looks like we've reached the real challenge," he announces, his voice laced with a hint of apprehension. "The Brokenveil Marsh is notorious for its mangrove mazes. They're a pain to navigate, and rumors abound about what lurks in their tangled depths. We'll need to navigate carefully here."
"With the omen in the sky, I am tempted to say we head around it. But that will take too long and so we might just have to brave it out."
After joining more my signature got out of hand so I am now a proud member of the extended signature club!! :)
Sosen has been using the bullywug spear as a walking staff as she wades through the marshy water and muck. 'So far, so good', she thinks before flipping the spear to poke at something just under the water's surface. "Morgid, if we can, let's try to keep to the open areas and not get killed trying to weave through thick mangrove branches and roots. Any idea where we can take a rest stop or where we might camp at sunset this time?"
Suddenly, without warning, the deceptive serenity is shattered by a violent eruption. A monstrous shadow explodes from the murky water beside Sosen's spear, a sinuous coil of muscle and glistening scales. A giant constrictor snake, its thick body easily exceeding the width of a man, launches itself with astonishing speed and predatory grace. Its massive body is aimed directly at Sosen, who stands closest to the water's edge. Its gaping maw, lined with rows of razor-sharp teeth, opens wide in a silent scream, promising a crushing embrace and potential oblivion. The ambush is swift and brutal, a complete surprise. In a heartbeat, the monstrous serpent is upon her, its powerful coils whipping through the air with the intent to crush! Constrict Attack: 24 Bludgeoning Damage: 7 target is grappled (escape DC 16)
Sosen shrieks as the giant snake surges up and toward her. No time to whisper a spell (which might fail anyway), she squats while setting/planting the spear into the muck -- hoping the very large body will ram the spear before hitting her.
[combat log - To Hit: 11 Dmg: 7 piercing]
Roll initiative giant constrictor snake 20
Adrenaline explodes through Sosen's veins, the idyllic scene of the swamp replaced by a horrifying tableau of fangs and glistening scales. The monstrous constrictor snake, its thick body easily exceeding the width of a man, slams into her field of vision with gut-wrenching speed. The air is ripped apart by the whoosh of its attack, the silent scream of its open maw promising a terrifying fate. Years of honed reflexes take over. With a desperate cry, Sosen throws herself backwards, planting her bullywug spear in the muck with a thunk. The tip glances harmlessly off the side of the massive serpent as it hurtles past, its powerful coils whipping through the air with the intent to crush. The monstrous serpent's thick body slams into Sosen's body with a bone-jarring crunch. The air whooshes from her lungs as the crushing pressure constricts her ribs. Panic surges through her, the primal fear of suffocation clawing at her throat. She claws desperately at the serpent's smooth scales, her efforts as futile as a fly against a wall. The world narrows to the point of the snake's gaping maw, lined with rows of razor-sharp teeth inches from her face. The stench of swamp muck and something far more feral fills her nostrils. Her vision starts to blur at the edges, the constricting pressure a dull roar in her ears. Grappled and restrained, she's utterly immobilized, her bullywug spear lying uselessly out of reach in the mud.
Morgid rolled a 5
[combat log - INIT: 10]
[initiative: 16]
Init: 9
Hoping that's my bad rolls out of the way for this combat
After joining more my signature got out of hand so I am now a proud member of the extended signature club!! :)
The air explodes with the thrashing fury of the constrictor. Enraged by the unexpected resistance, the monstrous serpent lets out a deafening hiss that chills the blood and rattles the eardrums. With Sosen firmly constricted, the snake's head snaps towards Morgid, its target now shifted. The monstrous constrictor unleashes a fury that shakes the very ground. Its head, a blur of muscle and glistening scales, whips around with a speed that defies its immense size.
Bite Attack: 18 Piercing Damage: 14
Morgid, a seasoned warrior, throws himself to the side with a desperate grunt. But the monstrous constrictor is a creature of primal instinct, its strike faster than reason. Its massive jaws, lined with rows of serrated teeth that could tear through bone like butter, slam into Morgid's shoulder with a sickening clack. A searing pain erupts in Morgid's shoulder, a white-hot agony that steals his breath. He lets out a scream that curdles in his throat, the world momentarily dissolving into a kaleidoscope of pain. The fetid breath of the beast washes over him, a putrid cocktail of swamp muck and decaying flesh that makes him gag. He feels the raw power coursing through the serpent's body, the thrash of its muscles sending him staggering back. The bite tears through Morgid's leather armor and deep into his flesh. Blood spurts from the wound, staining his clothes crimson. His vision swims, the edges blurring with the beginnings of shock. He stumbles, his hand instinctively flying to his mangled shoulder. The world seems to tilt on its axis, the deafening hiss of the serpent replaced by a high-pitched whine in his ears. Despite the overwhelming pain, Morgid clings to a sliver of consciousness. He knows he can't afford to falter. Sosen is still constricted, her life hanging in the balance. With a deep breath that sends fresh jolts of pain through him, Morgid grits his teeth and forces himself to stand upright. He may be wounded, but he's not out of the fight yet. The glint of determination returns to his eyes as he glances towards his companions, silently pleading for their aid. The monstrous constrictor, having drawn blood, seems momentarily sated. It rears back, its body coiled tight, its obsidian eyes locked on Morgid.