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Tana takes one look at Merkas and her face squinches up in a look of pure disgust, and she points at the blue, burn-scarred kender. "You ugly. You a demon or sum'in?"
As Buckeran stabilizes, his form materializes, and the ogre looks surprized. Then nods her head as if convinced. "Demon." She doesn't seem perturbed by the presence of a demon... or even that concerned. Buckeran finally starts to come too, but he still looks groggy. "Merkas... my lad..." he sighs as he tries to shake off the magical effect. "Are we... there?"
“Huh? Me? Sure I’m a demon, Names Yabbak and not to fond of this place, need more darkness, less heat” (insight:8 on the threat of Tana and puppies) Buckerans comments after waking has Merkas looking back at the other as he says in kender speak “Nope not there yet. I left all my stones back at the hall to be sold, they really that bad?” He motions to the Azers. (History: Dirty 20)
He looks at the surroundings sighs as he resigns himself to another bout of poison gas. (Con save 12)
Sera watched her friends struggle as the poison gas rolled back in thick, choking waves. It crawled low along the ground, clinging to armor and skin alike. The ogre matron turned away at last, clearly uninterested in diamonds or gold—only stooping to scoop up the scattered pebbles left behind by the dust mephit’s remains.
That gave Sera pause.
Why pebbles? The thought lodged itself in her mind, unanswered.
“Let’s follow her!” Sera called out sharply. “She knows this place.”
Her living armor tightened again, sealing and filtering the air as she moved. She stayed alert, moving from one companion to the next, steadying anyone who faltered, guiding them through the worst of the fumes.
Her eyes lingered on Merkas longer than the rest. He looked pale—worse than before. The gas was getting to him.
Sera hurried to his side, keeping her voice calm but urgent. “I’ve got antidote if you need it,” she said, already reaching for the vial.
“I’m good for now, thanks Sera, already wasted one potion don’t want to waste another. It’s making me sluggish right now but not hurting yet.” Merkas gives a weak smile. “Following Tana is probably best for sure, good to go Bucky? Want the bag again?”
“Sorry Orr, we don’t have time.” Hastos says as he reaches down and strikes Orr. (Hit: 21, Dam: 6), Hastos grabs his cloak and wraps it around his Face as the poisonous gas moves in. (Nat 20 +1)
Orr the Unseen's head snaps sideways from the force of Hastos's calloused hand and their eyes pop open. Their lower lip begins to swell and puff out as they try to orient themself and stand. Once they're up and see that the party is on the move, they whisper. "Ow," and starts racing behind the party, wafts of acrid gases swirling at their feet!
CON Save vs Poison (DC 15): 5 Orr the Unseen takes 6 Damage (Poison)
Cold sweat beads on Orr's face and they're struggling to keep up, but they manage to remain stoic, considering the stressful situation. "Why -hurp- why are we following an ogre?"
Tana takes one look at Merkas and her face squinches up in a look of pure disgust, and she points at the blue, burn-scarred kender. "You ugly. You a demon or sum'in?"
As Buckeran stabilizes, his form materializes, and the ogre looks surprized. Then nods her head as if convinced. "Demon." She doesn't seem perturbed by the presence of a demon... or even that concerned. Buckeran finally starts to come too, but he still looks groggy. "Merkas... my lad..." he sighs as he tries to shake off the magical effect. "Are we... there?"
“Huh? Me? Sure I’m a demon, Names Yabbak and not to fond of this place, need more darkness, less heat” (insight:8 on the threat of Tana and puppies) Buckerans comments after waking has Merkas looking back at the other as he says in kender speak “Nope not there yet. I left all my stones back at the hall to be sold, they really that bad?” He motions to the Azers. (History: Dirty 20)
He looks at the surroundings sighs as he resigns himself to another bout of poison gas. (Con save 12)
Tana no longer seems to be paying attention to Merkas, and strides determinedly towards her goal at a breakneck pace (80' per round) with her pets loping to keep pace, their neck pouches wobbling and expanding like a frog's neck pouch.
Buckeran, back on the Giant Strider mount, is grateful to be away from the worst of the vapors, and he covers his mouth and nose with his ascot as well as he can. Mumbling through the fabric as you bound along through the wastes, he replies, "Well... yes and no. They come from the Elemental Plane of Fire, like your friend Barkly here. They adhere to a strict rule of law in their own land, and can sometimes be reasonable under the right conditions. But negotiations can easily turn bloody if you are unfamiliar with their customs. Their soldiers can enamate enough heat to kill someone who doesn't have resistance to fire damage. And attempting to cool the room would be seen as an insult. Species from this plane are often considered weak and inferior to them, so any hint of disrespect can result in swift, fiery retribution. It's likely this is a raiding party. They're here to raid a conveniently hot patch of land for mineral resources, which would make us an easy target. If we possess precious gems, they'll either kill us for them, or take us prisoner. Prisoners can earn their freedom through labor, but that labor will likely occur in their home plane. Which is... well... on fire. So the only one of us likely to not die a slow, horrific, boiling death through grueling toil would be Barkly."
Buckeran's CON Save vs. Poison: 15 Barkly' CON Save vs. Poison: 13 Barkly has the Poisoned Condition
Barkly begins huffing after inhaling a whiff of the nasty vapors, but maintains pace with the Ogre and her pets.
Sera watched her friends struggle as the poison gas rolled back in thick, choking waves. It crawled low along the ground, clinging to armor and skin alike. The ogre matron turned away at last, clearly uninterested in diamonds or gold—only stooping to scoop up the scattered pebbles left behind by the dust mephit’s remains.
That gave Sera pause.
Why pebbles? The thought lodged itself in her mind, unanswered.
“Let’s follow her!” Sera called out sharply. “She knows this place.”
Her living armor tightened again, sealing and filtering the air as she moved. She stayed alert, moving from one companion to the next, steadying anyone who faltered, guiding them through the worst of the fumes.
Her eyes lingered on Merkas longer than the rest. He looked pale—worse than before. The gas was getting to him.
Sera hurried to his side, keeping her voice calm but urgent. “I’ve got antidote if you need it,” she said, already reaching for the vial.
The pace is frantic as you increase the distance from the Azers, who don't seem to redirect their path to follow you. At that speed, they'd never catch you anyway. Instead, they divert course to hunt easier prey.
Tana overhears you. "Tana like dis place. Been here long time. Tana not leave until Tana gets da good rocks. Dat way." She points to a rocky outcropping on the horizen being buffetted by dirt devils... chaotic windstorms that form the shape of little tornadoes. Crackling, wilted plants whip and flail against the winds like they're about to be ripped out at the root. "No stinky stuff there, but it windy and hot."
“I’m good for now, thanks Sera, already wasted one potion don’t want to waste another. It’s making me sluggish right now but not hurting yet.” Merkas gives a weak smile. “Following Tana is probably best for sure, good to go Bucky? Want the bag again?”
Buckeran shakes his head. "I'm good for now." He squints in the direction the ogre is taking them. "What in the hells?"
The closer you get to the area, the hotter it gets, and the heat makes you feel sick to your stomach, but the air feels cleaner here. Perhaps it's the winds that are clearing the fumes away, but now sand whips against your face and gets grit in your eyes.
Everyone (except Barkly) Roll vs Heat (CON DC 5) or take 1 level of Exhaustion before you make it to the rocky outcropping.
"Okay," Orr the Unseen mutters, getting a good enough answer to explain what's going on, and pulls out a small crystal before blinking out of existence, and reappering parallel to Barkly. "Madam... if you'll make way, I can cool the air for us, and possibly disperse the winds."
Sera feel the heat press on her but she is resistent and keep on. "I hope it get some better up ahead..and we not even reached our goal yet..." she do give Buckeran a sidelong glance like...how difficult is it to get to this old dragons den? "Hope we soon there." She heads for the rocky outcropping and glad it seems to be a bit more windy there. "I think we can make it Orr...like we need to get back too. Maybe save it for later?"
“I’m sorry, Orr. I wasn’t sure what it would take, and every minute counts out here.” Hastos shouts as the wind begins to pick up. Hastos notices Orr’s pace faultering, and knows all too well the look of someone suffering in silence. He hurries over to Orr. “I tried a nudge, but that didn’t work.”
Hastos scans the rest of the group who all seem to me handling the situation. (Perception:19)
He offers Orr a weak smile and an arm for support. “Let me make it up to you?”
Hastos feels the heat increase, but seems to be managing it well… for now. (Con: Nat 20 + 6)
Orr the Unseen nods, gratefully taking Hastos's assistance to keep up. They put away their crystal and the energy charging up in their tattoos fades after receiving instructions not to cast. They decide not to speak further, to keep the contents of their stomach inside them.
Orr's Save vs Heat (Dis): 9 Buckeran's Save vs. Heat: 10 Tana's Save vs. Heat: 8
Boldly, the party charges forward until you notice that Tana is slowing her breakneck pace. She looks around at the sand-and-heat obscurred outcropping, squinting her eyes. Her breathing is heavy, but it doesn't look like exhaustion. She's pumping herself up for a fight. She leans forward and holds out her arms wide, making herself big, then emits a terrifying roar that would've been headache inducing had not the winds scattered most of it. Then, as if that was her command to charge, she barrels forward, club held out for a devastating swing!
Her pets are faster! Understanding Tana's plan, they brace themselves and their neck pouches swell to unnatural limits. Then, they open their maws painfully wide and belch out a grotesque wail that blasts a shockwave of sound at the winds, buffeting two particualar cyclones! One of them disperses entirely. The other one wavers and quakes before the form of a face appears amidst the torrent.
Crunch Attacks (Mind-Breaking Howl): Whirlwind is dispersed. - Recharge: 2 (Out of Mind-Breaking Howls) Munch Attacks (Mind-Breaking Howl, WIS Save 13): Save Roll, 11. - Recharge: 2 (Out of Mind-Breaking Howls) Cyclone Creature takes 22 Damage (Psychic) and is Frightened (1 Turn).
You're up. You can see indications of other creatures forming from the rock and wind. There is a probability chart that another monster will form each new round. Defeating all monsters in the round will reduce this probability (I'll roll with Disadvantage). Wind and sand buffet the area. You are not blinded, but Ranged attacks will be fired at Disadvantage. Force spells and Psychic attacks (spells that don't take material form) are not affected by the winds.
Okay," Orr the Unseen mutters, getting a good enough answer to explain what's going on, and pulls out a small crystal before blinking out of existence, and reappering parallel to Barkly. "Madam... if you'll make way, I can cool the air for us, and possibly disperse the winds."
“Hear that Barkly, Orr wants to break wind”The heat and slightly groggy state of being poisoned has the kender a little giddy but focused none the less “Shall we allow them to work?” (Con: 12)
Looking through the sand and wind “Orr if that dispersing thing is still an option…” (poisoned: ability checks at dis/ adv for Bucky = 5: for understanding the creature in front of him, Insight Nat 1= 2 for how much trouble the group is in)
”Hey Bucky any ideas how close we are to clearing up this issue?” Arcane energy arcs across his finger as he casts Sorcerous burst at the wind creature. (Poisoned: Dis attack rolls. Nat 1= 9 Dmg: 14 Psychic) “Oh thats a bit different”
(Recharge Barkly’s flame burst: 6 got it back)
Moving Barkly along in the direction thy were already travelling he tries to yell over the wind. “Tana? Is it best to fight or keep moving?”
"more busy than a marked place..." Sera mutters as the air whirvlewind creature manifest. " Ok ..I think I know this one....we should not underestimate it"
( 19 on my Arcana test)
A bit curious to see if the ogre is just bravade or actually posess fighting skills she let it go up in front to battle it. Calling down a holy flame on it to help at at least some.
( Sacred flame. dex save 13 or take 5 radiant)
Carefully moving south and igniting her sunblade. Will the ogre and her beasts defeat it?
Looking through the sand and wind “Orr if that dispersing thing is still an option…” (poisoned: ability checks at dis/ adv for Bucky = 5: for understanding the creature in front of him, Insight Nat 1= 2 for how much trouble the group is in)
”Hey Bucky any ideas how close we are to clearing up this issue?” Arcane energy arcs across his finger as he casts Sorcerous burst at the wind creature. (Poisoned: Dis attack rolls. Nat 1= 9 Dmg: 14) “Oh thats a bit different”
(Recharge Barkly’s flame burst: 6 got it back)
Moving Barkly along in the direction thy were already travelling he tries to yell over the wind. “Tana? Is it best to fight or keep moving?”
In Tana's frenzied charge, she doesn't even seem to know you've spoken to her. This is the most "ogre-like" you've seen her. Spittle is flying from her mouth, and she's running full tilt towards the whirlwind creature. She only slowed her charge enough to let her pets howl at the thing. Your acidic spray of magic disperses wildly, springling onto the sand a short distance from you, hissing as it absorbes into the dessicated earth.
I'm unclear about how far you wish to advance, and in which direction. You have enough movement speed atop Barkly to keep pace with Tana. If you wish to charge ahead of her, or continue east (somewhat away from the battle), please clarify.
"more busy than a marked place..." Sera mutters as the air whirvlewind creature manifest. " Ok ..I think I know this one....we should not underestimate it"
( 19 on my Arcana test)
A bit curious to see if the ogre is just bravade or actually posess fighting skills she let it go up in front to battle it. Calling down a holy flame on it to help at at least some.
( Sacred flame. dex save 13 or take 5 radiant)
Carefully moving south and igniting her sunblade. Will the ogre and her beasts defeat it?
Sera climbs up to a higher vantage point on the rocks after blasting the creature with radiant light, and can see other disturbances in the sand. Other creatures are stirring and taking shape.
The black squares on the map indicate where more creatures may appear at the end of this round. Clyclone Creature takes 5 Damage, Radiant Tana will finish her charge after Hastos plays. Then Orr and Buckeran will go, and it will be my turn. Those of you who rolled checks may adjust your actions as desired until then.
I'm unclear about how far you wish to advance, and in which direction. You have enough movement speed atop Barkly to keep pace with Tana. If you wish to charge ahead of her, or continue east (somewhat away from the battle), please clarify.
(Assuming North is up and due to having Bucky with him and 120’ range on sorcerous burst, Merkas stay away amd have moved to the west kinda up that ramp looking rock on the left)
With his free arm, Hastos sends a firebolt towards the wind creature. (Hit: 10, Damage: 4) as it leaves his hand, the wind pushes and pulls the bolt, making its direction shift unpredictably. “Well, shit.” Hastos utters under his breath.
"That...is an air elemental!...and new ones arriving it seems.... Tana..have you ever actually beaten such creatures?!" Sera yell to the ogre and cover her eyes some as the swirling dust increase...she looks at the others. "this can fast turn very dangerous..."
The ogre isn't really paying attention to Sera either, and blasts her way to the Air Elemental, roaring with feral animosity! She swings her mighty greatclub at the whirling monstrosity. The Air Elemental wails and roars, and its air is forcibly dispersed by the sheer might of her swing! But it quickly reforms.
As the two titans collide, the air crackles and winds whip around violently, creating a deafening roar!
If your Passive Perception is below 12, roll Perception to hear verbal communications. Right now, it's like trying to talk over a severe thunderstorm or a helicopter. You pretty much have to scream at each other.
Sickened from Poison, and eager to end this quickly, Orr hears Sera's warning about the type of creature they're facing, and looks at their Lightning Javelin with reservations. The buffeting winds negate the impact of their more powerful spells as well. Shifting west, to get between Buckeran and the elemental, their hands charge with blue light until they practically pulse with throbbing energy. Once released, three rapid bursts of force carreen wildly from Orr's trembling hands.
Orr's first shot glances the Air Elemental with no visible effect. The second shot seems to do some actual damage! Even more than Tana's mighty swing! But their arms droop for the third shot, and the force blast rebounds of sand-shielded winds, to explode in the dirt at the elemental's base. The Air Elemental seems to be holding strong in spite of the damage it's already received. And though frightened, it doesn't show any interest in surrendering its territory.
Buckeran studies the Air Elemental, and leans into Merkas's ear. "Magic attacks are better, my boy! Keep a safe distance from it. Getting caught in its winds could be deadly!" he screams over the noise.
No need to roll Perception. At point blank, screaming into your ear, you can hear it.
The Air Elemental cannot advance, due to Frightened Condition.
The Air Elemental, its roars sounding like a hurricane, slams into Tana with as much fury as it can muster!
Air Elemental Attacks, Dis (Slam): 16, 17 Damage: 14, 10 (Bludgeoning) Tana is Bloodied
One massive strike crashes into her ribs, cracking the bone! Another strike slams into her jawline, and blood sprays from her mouth! Her head snaps hard to the right from the force of the blow, and she staggers on wobbly legs. But her rage remains undaunted. She roars back in anger and bloodlust as she readies another brutal strike of her greatclub!
Directly south of Sera, a tiny whirling dirt devil of sand forms and takes shape. You recognize it as another whirling Dust Mephit, leering with its unnerving grin!
The Dust Mephit forms this round, but cannot attack until your turn is done. You're up!
" o not them again" Sera sigh as a new dust mephit forms.
But the air elemental beats the hell out of Tana. The stupid Ogre keep battling it with ineffective weapon. Sera cannot go two places at once...so she pull a card from Deck of illusions and hope something can assist the bloodied ogre. Toss it next to the elemental.
( rolled a 5 finally to get a result. Card no 5. Cloud giant)
As a huge giant steps forth Sera grins. That will keep the elemental busy.
A card from Deck of Illusions is a material component that must be thrown to take effect. In this windstorm, the place it lands will be randomized.
The card flutters out into the chaotic wind, and in a vast puff of smoke, a Cloud Giant appears, to the equal horror of both Tana and the Air Elemental! Tana, startled enough to shake her from her frenzy falls to her rear and scrambles backwards like a crab to get away from the imposing being. "My rock!" She screams, but it sounds more like a pout than anything defiant. When she finally manages to rise to a stand, she looks both to the Air Elemental and the Cloud Giant, trying to piece together what has happened.
The Air Elemental picks up energy and momentum at the sight of a presumed ally, until the Cloud Giant speaks. "CALMMMMM!" It booms over the bluster and claps its hands! Then, the Air Elemental's face turns from malicious glee to sudden terror as the climate begins to subdue.
Cloud Giant uses Control Weather (as a bluff):
Precipitation: Fog turns to Light Clouds Temperature: Hot turns to Warm Wind: Storm turns to Gale
The spell takes 1d4+10 minutes to take effect, but the Illusory Gloud Giant is hoping the Air Elemental doesn't know that. (DC13)
The winds affecting the region, caused by the presence of the Air Elemental begin to subdue, and the Air Elemental visibly diminishes.
The Air Elemental believes that its influence over the weather has been diminished, but not significantly enough to impact its attack/damage capabilities.
The Dust Mephit, on the other hand, looks like maybe this fight isn't worth getting involved in, and is preparing a hasty retreat.
“I hear ya Bucky”Merkas yells back and squints through the flying dust to fire another bolt at the wind creature, and misses terribly as he gets dust in his eyes and his chest is wracked with coughs from the poison in his system. “hack, hugh, cough, I hate this wind, how on earth does this thing knock off a magic attack?!” (Nat 1 attack roll total 9 on the wind creature)
“Barkly, somethin’ seems to trying to arrive over there too” Merkas points over at the other thing forming south of them. “Why don’t we surprise it?”Barkly moves over to the forming wind/dust creature and waits for something solid to attack. (Held attack: To hit: 11, Piercing Damage: 6)
Barkly, also looking a bit under the weather, lopes off in the direction Merkas points. The winds are subdued somewhat, but Merkas's fire bolt dissipates before ever making it to the Air Elemental.
Orr the Unseen notices Hastos's hesitation in the fray and makes a decision. "Hastos! Protect Buckeran for me, please!" they scream over the blasting winds. Leaning their slender frame into the winds, they march towards the storm, charging their hands for another blast... the only ranged attack that seems to be working. Their first shot blasts into the Air Elemental with devastating force! With the second shot, their knees buckle and the shot glances off the cyclone. The third shot is too much strain for their weakened condition, and they vomit into the sand. The wracking expulsion clears their system. Shaking a sweating, Orr wipes their mouth and gasps for air.
Orr Attacks (Arcane Burst) Dis: 22 Damage: 21 (Force) Air Elemental is Bloodied.
Orr Attacks (Arcane Burst) Dis: 11, Miss
Orr Attacks (Arcane Burst) Dis: 7, Miss Poisoned Condition Removed for all party members after your turn. You've been in non-toxic air long enough to be free of it.
Hastos hesitates, turn lost.
Tana takes heart at the sight of the other giant taking her side, and roars at the beleagured Air Elemental! Then throws another powerful swing at it! The more controlled swipe glances off the swirling wind, but it bought her pets the time they need. She steps back and lets them rip into it! Their large ferocious teeth snap at the air, twisting the form of the Air Elemental. A solid form may have suffered mortal wounds from the attacks, but the Air Elemental reforms quickly afterwards.
Tana Attacks: 9, Miss Tana steps out of combat, Air Elemental AoO: 9, Miss
Crunch and Munch descend upon the Air Elemental
Crunch and Munch use Pack Tactics Crunch Attacks (Rending Bite) Adv: 23, Hit and 11, Miss Damage: 6 from DR
Munch Attacks (Rending Bite) Adv: 24, Hit and 11, Miss Damage: 6 from DR
The Air Elementer, a force of primordial rage and raw power, doesn't seem to understand the concept of retreat, but it does know an easier target when it sees one. Fleeing the gnashing maws of the dog-like creatures, it charges towards the doubled over form of Orr the Unseen, and gets a nip from the rear as its punishment!
AoO Crunch: 23 Hit Damage: 3 (from DR)
It descends on Orr the Unseen, envelopping them in buffeting winds, and crashing thunder!
Air Elemental uses Whirlwind: DEX Save 13 Orr the Unseens DEX Save: 5 Damage: 14 (Thunder) Recharge: 6 (Recharged)
Slammed by the cacophanous blast, Orr the Unseen goes flying through the air, slamming into the rocks! Their body tumbles like a rag doll, and they skid to a stop, covered in bruises and scrapes.
Orr the Unseen is Prone.
Wounded though some mebers of your party seems to be, the Dust Mephit wants no part of this fight. It drifts away from the battle, no longer cackling wickedly. Another Dust Mephit starts to form where Barkly has her attack trained. She charges forward and snaps at the forming shape! A cackling face forms and looks the Giant Strider straight in the eye, then looks around at its precarious situation. An Ogre, two giant dog-like things, a Giant Strider, and a Cloud Giant. This fight loses interest to it quickly, and it fades back into the sand.
Both Dust Mephits retreat.
"No don't!" Orr calls out weakly through a strained throat as they witness their friend and best client dragged along for the ride atop Barkly. "Fear not, my friend! Merkas will protect you!" Buckeran shouts boldly back to the prone and battered mage.
“Huh? Me? Sure I’m a demon, Names Yabbak and not to fond of this place, need more darkness, less heat” (insight:8 on the threat of Tana and puppies) Buckerans comments after waking has Merkas looking back at the other as he says in kender speak “Nope not there yet. I left all my stones back at the hall to be sold, they really that bad?” He motions to the Azers. (History: Dirty 20)
He looks at the surroundings sighs as he resigns himself to another bout of poison gas. (Con save 12)
Loyalty Begets Honour
Sera watched her friends struggle as the poison gas rolled back in thick, choking waves. It crawled low along the ground, clinging to armor and skin alike. The ogre matron turned away at last, clearly uninterested in diamonds or gold—only stooping to scoop up the scattered pebbles left behind by the dust mephit’s remains.
That gave Sera pause.
Why pebbles? The thought lodged itself in her mind, unanswered.
“Let’s follow her!” Sera called out sharply. “She knows this place.”
Her living armor tightened again, sealing and filtering the air as she moved. She stayed alert, moving from one companion to the next, steadying anyone who faltered, guiding them through the worst of the fumes.
Her eyes lingered on Merkas longer than the rest. He looked pale—worse than before. The gas was getting to him.
Sera hurried to his side, keeping her voice calm but urgent.
“I’ve got antidote if you need it,” she said, already reaching for the vial.
“I’m good for now, thanks Sera, already wasted one potion don’t want to waste another. It’s making me sluggish right now but not hurting yet.” Merkas gives a weak smile. “Following Tana is probably best for sure, good to go Bucky? Want the bag again?”
Loyalty Begets Honour
Orr the Unseen's head snaps sideways from the force of Hastos's calloused hand and their eyes pop open. Their lower lip begins to swell and puff out as they try to orient themself and stand. Once they're up and see that the party is on the move, they whisper. "Ow," and starts racing behind the party, wafts of acrid gases swirling at their feet!
CON Save vs Poison (DC 15): 5
Orr the Unseen takes 6 Damage (Poison)
Cold sweat beads on Orr's face and they're struggling to keep up, but they manage to remain stoic, considering the stressful situation. "Why -hurp- why are we following an ogre?"
Tana no longer seems to be paying attention to Merkas, and strides determinedly towards her goal at a breakneck pace (80' per round) with her pets loping to keep pace, their neck pouches wobbling and expanding like a frog's neck pouch.
Buckeran, back on the Giant Strider mount, is grateful to be away from the worst of the vapors, and he covers his mouth and nose with his ascot as well as he can. Mumbling through the fabric as you bound along through the wastes, he replies, "Well... yes and no. They come from the Elemental Plane of Fire, like your friend Barkly here. They adhere to a strict rule of law in their own land, and can sometimes be reasonable under the right conditions. But negotiations can easily turn bloody if you are unfamiliar with their customs. Their soldiers can enamate enough heat to kill someone who doesn't have resistance to fire damage. And attempting to cool the room would be seen as an insult. Species from this plane are often considered weak and inferior to them, so any hint of disrespect can result in swift, fiery retribution. It's likely this is a raiding party. They're here to raid a conveniently hot patch of land for mineral resources, which would make us an easy target. If we possess precious gems, they'll either kill us for them, or take us prisoner. Prisoners can earn their freedom through labor, but that labor will likely occur in their home plane. Which is... well... on fire. So the only one of us likely to not die a slow, horrific, boiling death through grueling toil would be Barkly."
Buckeran's CON Save vs. Poison: 15
Barkly' CON Save vs. Poison: 13
Barkly has the Poisoned Condition
Barkly begins huffing after inhaling a whiff of the nasty vapors, but maintains pace with the Ogre and her pets.
The pace is frantic as you increase the distance from the Azers, who don't seem to redirect their path to follow you. At that speed, they'd never catch you anyway. Instead, they divert course to hunt easier prey.
Tana overhears you. "Tana like dis place. Been here long time. Tana not leave until Tana gets da good rocks. Dat way." She points to a rocky outcropping on the horizen being buffetted by dirt devils... chaotic windstorms that form the shape of little tornadoes. Crackling, wilted plants whip and flail against the winds like they're about to be ripped out at the root. "No stinky stuff there, but it windy and hot."
Buckeran shakes his head. "I'm good for now." He squints in the direction the ogre is taking them. "What in the hells?"
The closer you get to the area, the hotter it gets, and the heat makes you feel sick to your stomach, but the air feels cleaner here. Perhaps it's the winds that are clearing the fumes away, but now sand whips against your face and gets grit in your eyes.
Everyone (except Barkly) Roll vs Heat (CON DC 5) or take 1 level of Exhaustion before you make it to the rocky outcropping.
"Okay," Orr the Unseen mutters, getting a good enough answer to explain what's going on, and pulls out a small crystal before blinking out of existence, and reappering parallel to Barkly. "Madam... if you'll make way, I can cool the air for us, and possibly disperse the winds."
She/her, DM and Player.
My DM Registry
My Campaigns:
Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread (PbP); Secrets of the Island (On Discord)
My Characters:
Krik-tul, Thri-kreen monk
Sera feel the heat press on her but she is resistent and keep on. "I hope it get some better up ahead..and we not even reached our goal yet..." she do give Buckeran a sidelong glance like...how difficult is it to get to this old dragons den? "Hope we soon there." She heads for the rocky outcropping and glad it seems to be a bit more windy there. "I think we can make it Orr...like we need to get back too. Maybe save it for later?"
“I’m sorry, Orr. I wasn’t sure what it would take, and every minute counts out here.” Hastos shouts as the wind begins to pick up. Hastos notices Orr’s pace faultering, and knows all too well the look of someone suffering in silence. He hurries over to Orr. “I tried a nudge, but that didn’t work.”
Hastos scans the rest of the group who all seem to me handling the situation. (Perception:19)
He offers Orr a weak smile and an arm for support. “Let me make it up to you?”
Hastos feels the heat increase, but seems to be managing it well… for now. (Con: Nat 20 + 6)
Character: Hastos, Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread
Orr the Unseen nods, gratefully taking Hastos's assistance to keep up. They put away their crystal and the energy charging up in their tattoos fades after receiving instructions not to cast. They decide not to speak further, to keep the contents of their stomach inside them.
Orr's Save vs Heat (Dis): 9
Buckeran's Save vs. Heat: 10
Tana's Save vs. Heat: 8
Boldly, the party charges forward until you notice that Tana is slowing her breakneck pace. She looks around at the sand-and-heat obscurred outcropping, squinting her eyes. Her breathing is heavy, but it doesn't look like exhaustion. She's pumping herself up for a fight. She leans forward and holds out her arms wide, making herself big, then emits a terrifying roar that would've been headache inducing had not the winds scattered most of it. Then, as if that was her command to charge, she barrels forward, club held out for a devastating swing!
Her pets are faster! Understanding Tana's plan, they brace themselves and their neck pouches swell to unnatural limits. Then, they open their maws painfully wide and belch out a grotesque wail that blasts a shockwave of sound at the winds, buffeting two particualar cyclones! One of them disperses entirely. The other one wavers and quakes before the form of a face appears amidst the torrent.
Crunch Attacks (Mind-Breaking Howl): Whirlwind is dispersed.
- Recharge: 2 (Out of Mind-Breaking Howls)
Munch Attacks (Mind-Breaking Howl, WIS Save 13): Save Roll, 11.
- Recharge: 2 (Out of Mind-Breaking Howls)
Cyclone Creature takes 22 Damage (Psychic) and is Frightened (1 Turn).
You're up. You can see indications of other creatures forming from the rock and wind. There is a probability chart that another monster will form each new round. Defeating all monsters in the round will reduce this probability (I'll roll with Disadvantage). Wind and sand buffet the area. You are not blinded, but Ranged attacks will be fired at Disadvantage. Force spells and Psychic attacks (spells that don't take material form) are not affected by the winds.
She/her, DM and Player.
My DM Registry
My Campaigns:
Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread (PbP); Secrets of the Island (On Discord)
My Characters:
Krik-tul, Thri-kreen monk
“Hear that Barkly, Orr wants to break wind” The heat and slightly groggy state of being poisoned has the kender a little giddy but focused none the less “Shall we allow them to work?” (Con: 12)
Loyalty Begets Honour
Looking through the sand and wind “Orr if that dispersing thing is still an option…” (poisoned: ability checks at dis/ adv for Bucky = 5: for understanding the creature in front of him, Insight Nat 1= 2 for how much trouble the group is in)
”Hey Bucky any ideas how close we are to clearing up this issue?” Arcane energy arcs across his finger as he casts Sorcerous burst at the wind creature. (Poisoned: Dis attack rolls. Nat 1= 9 Dmg: 14 Psychic) “Oh thats a bit different”
(Recharge Barkly’s flame burst: 6 got it back)
Moving Barkly along in the direction thy were already travelling he tries to yell over the wind. “Tana? Is it best to fight or keep moving?”
Loyalty Begets Honour
"more busy than a marked place..." Sera mutters as the air whirvlewind creature manifest. " Ok ..I think I know this one....we should not underestimate it"
( 19 on my Arcana test)
A bit curious to see if the ogre is just bravade or actually posess fighting skills she let it go up in front to battle it. Calling down a holy flame on it to help at at least some.
( Sacred flame. dex save 13 or take 5 radiant)
Carefully moving south and igniting her sunblade. Will the ogre and her beasts defeat it?
In Tana's frenzied charge, she doesn't even seem to know you've spoken to her. This is the most "ogre-like" you've seen her. Spittle is flying from her mouth, and she's running full tilt towards the whirlwind creature. She only slowed her charge enough to let her pets howl at the thing. Your acidic spray of magic disperses wildly, springling onto the sand a short distance from you, hissing as it absorbes into the dessicated earth.
I'm unclear about how far you wish to advance, and in which direction. You have enough movement speed atop Barkly to keep pace with Tana. If you wish to charge ahead of her, or continue east (somewhat away from the battle), please clarify.
Sera climbs up to a higher vantage point on the rocks after blasting the creature with radiant light, and can see other disturbances in the sand. Other creatures are stirring and taking shape.
The black squares on the map indicate where more creatures may appear at the end of this round.
Clyclone Creature takes 5 Damage, Radiant
Tana will finish her charge after Hastos plays. Then Orr and Buckeran will go, and it will be my turn. Those of you who rolled checks may adjust your actions as desired until then.
She/her, DM and Player.
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My Campaigns:
Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread (PbP); Secrets of the Island (On Discord)
My Characters:
Krik-tul, Thri-kreen monk
(Assuming North is up and due to having Bucky with him and 120’ range on sorcerous burst, Merkas stay away amd have moved to the west kinda up that ramp looking rock on the left)
Loyalty Begets Honour
With his free arm, Hastos sends a firebolt towards the wind creature. (Hit: 10, Damage: 4) as it leaves his hand, the wind pushes and pulls the bolt, making its direction shift unpredictably. “Well, shit.” Hastos utters under his breath.
Character: Hastos, Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread
"That...is an air elemental!...and new ones arriving it seems.... Tana..have you ever actually beaten such creatures?!" Sera yell to the ogre and cover her eyes some as the swirling dust increase...she looks at the others. "this can fast turn very dangerous..."
The ogre isn't really paying attention to Sera either, and blasts her way to the Air Elemental, roaring with feral animosity! She swings her mighty greatclub at the whirling monstrosity. The Air Elemental wails and roars, and its air is forcibly dispersed by the sheer might of her swing! But it quickly reforms.
Tana Attacks (Greatclub): 21
Damage: 14/2 = 7 (Bludgeoning)
As the two titans collide, the air crackles and winds whip around violently, creating a deafening roar!
If your Passive Perception is below 12, roll Perception to hear verbal communications. Right now, it's like trying to talk over a severe thunderstorm or a helicopter. You pretty much have to scream at each other.
Sickened from Poison, and eager to end this quickly, Orr hears Sera's warning about the type of creature they're facing, and looks at their Lightning Javelin with reservations. The buffeting winds negate the impact of their more powerful spells as well. Shifting west, to get between Buckeran and the elemental, their hands charge with blue light until they practically pulse with throbbing energy. Once released, three rapid bursts of force carreen wildly from Orr's trembling hands.
Attack, Dis (Arcane Burst): 7, 16, 12
Damage: Miss, 13, Miss (Force)
Orr's first shot glances the Air Elemental with no visible effect. The second shot seems to do some actual damage! Even more than Tana's mighty swing! But their arms droop for the third shot, and the force blast rebounds of sand-shielded winds, to explode in the dirt at the elemental's base. The Air Elemental seems to be holding strong in spite of the damage it's already received. And though frightened, it doesn't show any interest in surrendering its territory.
Buckeran studies the Air Elemental, and leans into Merkas's ear. "Magic attacks are better, my boy! Keep a safe distance from it. Getting caught in its winds could be deadly!" he screams over the noise.
No need to roll Perception. At point blank, screaming into your ear, you can hear it.
The Air Elemental cannot advance, due to Frightened Condition.
The Air Elemental, its roars sounding like a hurricane, slams into Tana with as much fury as it can muster!
Air Elemental Attacks, Dis (Slam): 16, 17
Damage: 14, 10 (Bludgeoning)
Tana is Bloodied
One massive strike crashes into her ribs, cracking the bone! Another strike slams into her jawline, and blood sprays from her mouth! Her head snaps hard to the right from the force of the blow, and she staggers on wobbly legs. But her rage remains undaunted. She roars back in anger and bloodlust as she readies another brutal strike of her greatclub!
Directly south of Sera, a tiny whirling dirt devil of sand forms and takes shape. You recognize it as another whirling Dust Mephit, leering with its unnerving grin!
The Dust Mephit forms this round, but cannot attack until your turn is done. You're up!
She/her, DM and Player.
My DM Registry
My Campaigns:
Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread (PbP); Secrets of the Island (On Discord)
My Characters:
Krik-tul, Thri-kreen monk
" o not them again" Sera sigh as a new dust mephit forms.
But the air elemental beats the hell out of Tana. The stupid Ogre keep battling it with ineffective weapon. Sera cannot go two places at once...so she pull a card from Deck of illusions and hope something can assist the bloodied ogre. Toss it next to the elemental.
( rolled a 5 finally to get a result. Card no 5. Cloud giant)
As a huge giant steps forth Sera grins. That will keep the elemental busy.
A card from Deck of Illusions is a material component that must be thrown to take effect. In this windstorm, the place it lands will be randomized.
The card flutters out into the chaotic wind, and in a vast puff of smoke, a Cloud Giant appears, to the equal horror of both Tana and the Air Elemental! Tana, startled enough to shake her from her frenzy falls to her rear and scrambles backwards like a crab to get away from the imposing being. "My rock!" She screams, but it sounds more like a pout than anything defiant. When she finally manages to rise to a stand, she looks both to the Air Elemental and the Cloud Giant, trying to piece together what has happened.
The Air Elemental picks up energy and momentum at the sight of a presumed ally, until the Cloud Giant speaks. "CALMMMMM!" It booms over the bluster and claps its hands! Then, the Air Elemental's face turns from malicious glee to sudden terror as the climate begins to subdue.
Cloud Giant uses Control Weather (as a bluff):
Precipitation: Fog turns to Light Clouds
Temperature: Hot turns to Warm
Wind: Storm turns to Gale
The spell takes 1d4+10 minutes to take effect, but the Illusory Gloud Giant is hoping the Air Elemental doesn't know that. (DC13)
The winds affecting the region, caused by the presence of the Air Elemental begin to subdue, and the Air Elemental visibly diminishes.
The Air Elemental believes that its influence over the weather has been diminished, but not significantly enough to impact its attack/damage capabilities.
The Dust Mephit, on the other hand, looks like maybe this fight isn't worth getting involved in, and is preparing a hasty retreat.
She/her, DM and Player.
My DM Registry
My Campaigns:
Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread (PbP); Secrets of the Island (On Discord)
My Characters:
Krik-tul, Thri-kreen monk
“I hear ya Bucky” Merkas yells back and squints through the flying dust to fire another bolt at the wind creature, and misses terribly as he gets dust in his eyes and his chest is wracked with coughs from the poison in his system. “hack, hugh, cough, I hate this wind, how on earth does this thing knock off a magic attack?!” (Nat 1 attack roll total 9 on the wind creature)
“Barkly, somethin’ seems to trying to arrive over there too” Merkas points over at the other thing forming south of them. “Why don’t we surprise it?” Barkly moves over to the forming wind/dust creature and waits for something solid to attack. (Held attack: To hit: 11, Piercing Damage: 6)
Loyalty Begets Honour
Barkly, also looking a bit under the weather, lopes off in the direction Merkas points. The winds are subdued somewhat, but Merkas's fire bolt dissipates before ever making it to the Air Elemental.
She/her, DM and Player.
My DM Registry
My Campaigns:
Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread (PbP); Secrets of the Island (On Discord)
My Characters:
Krik-tul, Thri-kreen monk
Orr the Unseen notices Hastos's hesitation in the fray and makes a decision. "Hastos! Protect Buckeran for me, please!" they scream over the blasting winds. Leaning their slender frame into the winds, they march towards the storm, charging their hands for another blast... the only ranged attack that seems to be working. Their first shot blasts into the Air Elemental with devastating force! With the second shot, their knees buckle and the shot glances off the cyclone. The third shot is too much strain for their weakened condition, and they vomit into the sand. The wracking expulsion clears their system. Shaking a sweating, Orr wipes their mouth and gasps for air.
Orr Attacks (Arcane Burst) Dis: 22
Damage: 21 (Force)
Air Elemental is Bloodied.
Orr Attacks (Arcane Burst) Dis: 11, Miss
Orr Attacks (Arcane Burst) Dis: 7, Miss
Poisoned Condition Removed for all party members after your turn. You've been in non-toxic air long enough to be free of it.
Hastos hesitates, turn lost.
Tana takes heart at the sight of the other giant taking her side, and roars at the beleagured Air Elemental! Then throws another powerful swing at it! The more controlled swipe glances off the swirling wind, but it bought her pets the time they need. She steps back and lets them rip into it! Their large ferocious teeth snap at the air, twisting the form of the Air Elemental. A solid form may have suffered mortal wounds from the attacks, but the Air Elemental reforms quickly afterwards.
Tana Attacks: 9, Miss
Tana steps out of combat, Air Elemental AoO: 9, Miss
Crunch and Munch descend upon the Air Elemental
Crunch and Munch use Pack Tactics
Crunch Attacks (Rending Bite) Adv: 23, Hit and 11, Miss
Damage: 6 from DR
Munch Attacks (Rending Bite) Adv: 24, Hit and 11, Miss
Damage: 6 from DR
The Air Elementer, a force of primordial rage and raw power, doesn't seem to understand the concept of retreat, but it does know an easier target when it sees one. Fleeing the gnashing maws of the dog-like creatures, it charges towards the doubled over form of Orr the Unseen, and gets a nip from the rear as its punishment!
AoO Crunch: 23 Hit
Damage: 3 (from DR)
It descends on Orr the Unseen, envelopping them in buffeting winds, and crashing thunder!
Air Elemental uses Whirlwind: DEX Save 13
Orr the Unseens DEX Save: 5
Damage: 14 (Thunder)
Recharge: 6 (Recharged)
Slammed by the cacophanous blast, Orr the Unseen goes flying through the air, slamming into the rocks! Their body tumbles like a rag doll, and they skid to a stop, covered in bruises and scrapes.
Orr the Unseen is Prone.
Wounded though some mebers of your party seems to be, the Dust Mephit wants no part of this fight. It drifts away from the battle, no longer cackling wickedly. Another Dust Mephit starts to form where Barkly has her attack trained. She charges forward and snaps at the forming shape! A cackling face forms and looks the Giant Strider straight in the eye, then looks around at its precarious situation. An Ogre, two giant dog-like things, a Giant Strider, and a Cloud Giant. This fight loses interest to it quickly, and it fades back into the sand.
Both Dust Mephits retreat.
"No don't!" Orr calls out weakly through a strained throat as they witness their friend and best client dragged along for the ride atop Barkly. "Fear not, my friend! Merkas will protect you!" Buckeran shouts boldly back to the prone and battered mage.
You're up.
She/her, DM and Player.
My DM Registry
My Campaigns:
Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread (PbP); Secrets of the Island (On Discord)
My Characters:
Krik-tul, Thri-kreen monk