[Game Thread] Chapter 3: A Member of the Wedding

[Yoshimi]

A-ru A cone of web wraps lightly around ranger and mount, who sit for a moment like a silken park monument of the world's smallest cavalry general. But as one, A'ru and Sneech shake themselves vigorously, sending the adhesive strands flying off in harmless droplets. To his frustration, a bit of webbing still attached to the marda's staff makes it difficult for him to wield it effectively. While he wipes it on a pant leg, he says firmly, "Sneech. Maul." A'ru leaps lightly off the back of his mount and lands beside the spider creature. The mastiff's eyes flash white with primal energy. He growls menacingly and crouches with saliva dripping from his fangs, then rears on his hind legs and lunges barking at the hand-spider, slashing deeply into the monster with his front claws. "Good boy." Sneech raises his muzzle and howls in triumph.

 

Name: A-Ru
Class: Beastmaster Ranger Level: 3 HP: 14/28 AC: 15 (without shield)
Inspiration: No
Attack bonus: Melee: +1, Ranged: +4
Passive Perception: 15 Passive Investigation: 9 Passive Insight: 15
Spells Known: Cantrips: Shillelagh, Produce Flame; Level 1: Speak With Animals (Primal Awareness bonus), Absorb Elements, Entangle, Longstrider
Spell Slots: Level 1:1/3 available
Spell Save DC: 13 Spell Attack Bonus: 5
Saves: STR: 1 DEX: 4 CON: 2 INT: -1 WIS: 3 CHA: 1
Special Abilities: Favored Foe, Primal Companion (Beast of the Land)

 

ROLLS:
Attack 11, miss

Sneech attack 24 for 9 damage

Out of Combat:
Saving throws: Dex save vs web 19 for A'ru and 19 for Sneech
Move: Dismount Sneech to the Northeast, ending up 1 square E of hand-spider
Action: Attack with Shillelagh
Bonus Action: Command Sneech to maul
Reaction:
Conditions:
Concentrating:
Other:
OOC info:

[Wynamoinen]

Laisren Hlin, ever perceptive, seems to sense Laisren's frustration at the cramped quarters. He suggests that the farmer move around to flank the awful creature, as it talks back. He can appreciate both sides of the conversation. "Wha? Of course I can spe... rude? No, but I didn't mean... hey, but you're stabbing my frie.... No, you can't eat.... Huh? Move? Oh, yeah, good id.... Hey stop trying to eat them!" Laisren pivots around the adversary, wary of the fire and smoke beyond. As he moves, he gains freedom to maneuver with this fork. Halfway around, he brings the tines down. What leverage he lacked last time, he has gained this pass. He skewers the spider and uses its tough chitin to plant his pole and to vault to its other side. It twists, Nat 20 to hit! Not great damage, 12, but worthy of putting some combat flair on, all the same.rending the beast. Laisren plants his feet on the far side of the spider, hemming it in and allowing the others to move in and dish out some blows.

OOC   Action block Laisren's stat block (full sheet link) HP: 12/32 | Armor Class: With a very high probability in combat of also having an additional 1d8 added on.14 | Saves: Str +5 ; Dex +2; Con +4; Int -1; Wis +0; Chr +1 Senses: Passive Perception 12 (+2); Passive investigation 9 (-1) | Move: 30' | Conditions: (None) Default melee: +6 to hit, 1d10+4 piercing (1d10+6 while Raging)The Family pichfork | Default ranged attack: +5 to hit, 1d6+3 slashing, 20/60 rangeHandaxe Expendables: . . . As a bonus action, activate Rage. +2 damage to STR-based melee attacks. Resistance to nonmagical BPS damage. Advantage on STR checks and saves. Ends if I don't either attack or take damage. Cannot cast spells.Rage 2/3 LR | Make a ranged spell attack against the target (+3, with CHA as casting stat). On a hit, the target takes 2d8 poison damage and must make a Constitution saving throw (DC 11). On a failed save, it is also poisoned until the end of your next turn. Acquired via Magic Initiate (Sorceror)Ray of Sickness 1/1 LR | Hit dice 3/3 LR | Inspiration: Yes Passive: . . . When I enter a Rage, I can use my tail both offensively and defensively. As a reaction when hit by a creature I can see within 10', I can add 1d8 to my AC. I can also use the attack action to attack with my tail with 10' reach, +5 to hit, and 1d8+3 damage.Form of the Beast: Tail Ie, my cantrips acquired through Magic Initiate (Sorceror)Tail Utility: A creature within 10' must succeed on a Constitution saving throw (DC 11) or take 1d12 poison damage.Poison Spray | Until the end of your next turn, you have resistance against bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage dealt by weapon attacks.Blade Ward ----- Turn Summary Move: keep in spider's reach but rotate around to its north side, as advised. Presumably to the square straight to its north, which leaves room for others to move while avoiding the nearby web. Action: poke the spider, 12 damage (a crit, though a bit underwhelming) Reaction: Bonus/object interaction/other:

[BestTeaMaker]

Nukky "Khaaaa! Fire and fire again!" Once again, panic seizes the young Kobold as he frantically throws out his fire alongside his spirit, both missing. The fury of the battle in such tight quarters has left the kobold quite confused.   Fire Bolt (misses), commands Flame Spirit to strike with a Flame Seed (misses lol) Character Nukky   Character Class HP AC Wildfire Druid 3 27/27 15 Senses P.Per P.Inv P.Ins Other 16 11 14 Darkvision (60ft.) Spell Slots 1st Level O O - - 2nd Level O - Spell Mod Save DC +4 14 Saving Throws STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA +0 +2 +3 +3 +6 +1   Rolls Full Rolls Fire Bolt (10) Flame Seed (8) Saving Throws Full Rolls Move - Action Fire Bolt Bonus Action Command Flame Spirit Reaction - Free Action - Conditions - Concentrating - Initiative - OOC - Inspiration - Wildfire Spirit Rolls - Saving Throws - Move - Action Flame Seed Bonus Action - Reaction - Free Action - Conditions - Concentrating - Initiative - OOC -

[Fillyjonk]

The Hand Spider Hlin, the spider is eloquent and fast. She dodges the arrow as you dodge her webbing in a a dance that has much more to do with missed damage than diplomacy. A'ru, you and your mount shake of the webbing, and at your command, Sneech behaves like every naughty dog at a dinner party, leaping up and scouring the guest who only hoped to dine. Well, the spider thinks you are the food, so this is fair. Nukky, perhaps the proximity to so much fire spoils your aim, and even your spirit's, though for different reasons. She would like to go and sit in it, perhaps. It is spreading, so she may well get her chance. Laisren, you bring down your pitchfork, but you were also Raised Right in Rie, so you also offer conversation. It's hard to think of neutral topics with a creature bent on eating you, but you try, and she seems to appreciate it. She glances at your robes and says, Alcolyte, you wound me most, and yet I shall eat you last, for the sake of a little more conversation. And yet, how strange that you are here at all... She pauses to adjust her exquisite jewelry and then steps lithely away from you, lightning quick on her many legs. I generally do not dine with underlings among the clergy. She glances at Hlin's robes, too, as she tries to take a bite out of him and misses. Tonight I shall dine on Clergy --- but with? Still you are better conversationalist than the ghoul, that I grant you! What brings you here? Surely you are no guest... She slides her daggers neatly into Nukky. Perhaps you first? Are you an animal? Behind Laisren, the fire is spreading down little lines and attachments. The heated air and smoke may very soon become a problem...

OOC HERE IS YOUR MAP! The red is fire, the purple is smoke, gray is webbing, Blue is spit webbing (did not recharge this round). No AoE, Sorry Wyn, she can take disengage as a bonus action. Hlin still has a spell slot. Name Health AC Damage Conditions Concentrating A'ru 14/28 17/15       Sneech 20/20 15       Hlin 18/18 13     Laisren 12/32 14       Nukky 21/27 15 -6     Fire Spirit 20/20 13       Hand Spider HURT 16 (-50) -9 -12

[bananabadger]

"You have five perfectly good meals in front of you," Hlin shouts at the spider, "yet all you can do is complain about a ghoul. Who is this ghoul? And where?" he asks as he switches to his sword Making AC +2, so now 15and shield and strikes at the creature.   Name: Hlin Class: (Lore) Bard Level: 3 Race: Centaur (Willow Herd) HP: 18/18 AC: 13 Passive Perception: 16 Passive Investigation: 11 Passive Insight: 14 Spells Known: Cantrips: Mage Hand, Vicious Mockery Level 1: Cure Wounds, Silvery Barbs Level 2: Messenger, Cloud of Daggers, Cure Wounds (upcast), Hold Person, Nathair's Mischief Vine Spells: Entangle 2/3 Inspiration: No Spell Slots: Four Level 1: {X} {X} {X} {X} Two Level 2: {X} {X} Spell Save DC: Wis 12 Spell Attack Bonus: 4 Saves: STR: +2 DEX: +4 CON: 0 INT: -1 WIS: +2 CHA: +4 Bardic Inspiration: {X} {X} Attack modifier: +4 melee / +4 ranged Weapons: Longsword, daggers and short bow Special Abilities: Bardic Inspiration, Jack of All Trades, Song of Rest, Cutting Words, Charge, Hooves, Equine Build   Rolls: Attack with long sword Dice Roll: 1d20+4sch16 (17)+4 ✔ Total = 21 → 1d8+2g (8)+2 Total = 10 Saving throws: Move: remains in place Free action: moves shield from back to front Action: attacks with sword Reaction: readies silvery barbs--advantage benefit going to A'ru Condition: Concentrating: OOC info:

[Yoshimi]

A-ru A'ru mutters, "Whatever yez are, yeh loves the sound of yer own voice so much I'm surprised yeh don't marry it." He thumps the monster's abdomen, green sparks flying where his shillelagh makes contact, then once again calls for Sneech to attack. The faithful mastiff rears up and slashes with his claws, but this time they slide harmlessly along the monster's carapace.

 

Name: A-Ru
Class: Beastmaster Ranger Level: 3 HP: 14/28 AC: 15 (without shield)
Inspiration: No
Attack bonus: Melee: +1, Ranged: +4
Passive Perception: 15 Passive Investigation: 9 Passive Insight: 15
Spells Known: Cantrips: Shillelagh, Produce Flame; Level 1: Speak With Animals (Primal Awareness bonus), Absorb Elements, Entangle, Longstrider
Spell Slots: Level 1:1/3 available
Spell Save DC: 13 Spell Attack Bonus: 5
Saves: STR: 1 DEX: 4 CON: 2 INT: -1 WIS: 3 CHA: 1
Special Abilities: Favored Foe, Primal Companion (Beast of the Land)

 

ROLLS:
Attack 17, 5 damage

Sneech Attack 6(nat 1), miss

Out of Combat:
Saving throws:
Move:
Action: Attack with Shillelagh
Bonus Action: Command Sneech to maul
Reaction:
Conditions:
Concentrating:
Other:
OOC info:

[Wynamoinen]

Laisren With Laisren's vault, the battle lines quickly shift, and he finds himself suddenly in the second rank. He can still do damage from there; that's the whole point of Righ's training on a weapon like his, readying for the thread of a horde. But it doesn't feel right, being relegated to the status of 'least tasty morsel', so that the spider prefers to sup on others first. "I swear I'm not as tough as I look!" he says, referring to the wiry state of his ghost-aged musculature. It takes him a beat to realize what he's said, and a concerned look crosses his face. "I mean! I'm tough! But the other kind, though. G'yah!" He shouts, emphasizing his fearsomeness, as he reaches into the fray with his fork. He hits again, Non-crit, but bigger hit: 13 damage this time.this blow more keen than the last. Laisren draws back his fork and coughs. Looking over his shoulder, he adds, "I think your house is on fire. Isn't that more important than eating us right now?"

OOC   Action block Laisren's stat block (full sheet link) HP: 12/32 | Armor Class: With a very high probability in combat of also having an additional 1d8 added on.14 | Saves: Str +5 ; Dex +2; Con +4; Int -1; Wis +0; Chr +1 Senses: Passive Perception 12 (+2); Passive investigation 9 (-1) | Move: 30' | Conditions: (None) Default melee: +6 to hit, 1d10+4 piercing (1d10+6 while Raging)The Family pichfork | Default ranged attack: +5 to hit, 1d6+3 slashing, 20/60 rangeHandaxe Expendables: . . . As a bonus action, activate Rage. +2 damage to STR-based melee attacks. Resistance to nonmagical BPS damage. Advantage on STR checks and saves. Ends if I don't either attack or take damage. Cannot cast spells.Rage 2/3 LR | Make a ranged spell attack against the target (+3, with CHA as casting stat). On a hit, the target takes 2d8 poison damage and must make a Constitution saving throw (DC 11). On a failed save, it is also poisoned until the end of your next turn. Acquired via Magic Initiate (Sorceror)Ray of Sickness 1/1 LR | Hit dice 3/3 LR | Inspiration: Yes Passive: . . . When I enter a Rage, I can use my tail both offensively and defensively. As a reaction when hit by a creature I can see within 10', I can add 1d8 to my AC. I can also use the attack action to attack with my tail with 10' reach, +5 to hit, and 1d8+3 damage.Form of the Beast: Tail Ie, my cantrips acquired through Magic Initiate (Sorceror)Tail Utility: A creature within 10' must succeed on a Constitution saving throw (DC 11) or take 1d12 poison damage.Poison Spray | Until the end of your next turn, you have resistance against bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage dealt by weapon attacks.Blade Ward ----- Turn Summary Move: Action: poke the spider, 13 damage (better than my crit, ugh) Reaction: Bonus/object interaction/other:

[BestTeaMaker]

Nukky "KCHAAAAAA!" Nukky winces in pain from the stab and continues to wave his burnt staff around him. "NUKKY BURN!" The Flame Spirit continues to follow up attacks, landing another hit with a hint of disdain in its molten eyes.   Fire Bolt (misses looool), commands Flame Spirit to strike with a Flame Seed (19 hit, 7 damage) Character Nukky   Character Class HP AC Wildfire Druid 3 27/27 15 Senses P.Per P.Inv P.Ins Other 16 11 14 Darkvision (60ft.) Spell Slots 1st Level O O - - 2nd Level O - Spell Mod Save DC +4 14 Saving Throws STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA +0 +2 +3 +3 +6 +1   Rolls Full Rolls Fire Bolt (10) Flame Seed (19) Saving Throws Full Rolls Move - Action Fire Bolt Bonus Action Command Flame Spirit Reaction - Free Action - Conditions - Concentrating - Initiative - OOC - Inspiration - Wildfire Spirit Rolls - Saving Throws - Move - Action Flame Seed Bonus Action - Reaction - Free Action - Conditions - Concentrating - Initiative - OOC -

[Fillyjonk]

Hand Spider Hlin, The Spider says, Oh, the ghoul I eat. Not a great conversationalist---but goodness, neither are you lot, to be quite blunt about it. You respond by hacking one of her legs off. Hardly repartee,she says. Nukky, that's when you make your exclamation, and the spider looks to the centaur as if to say, There, you see? Your disdainful spirit will not put up with such slander. Fire seeds spackle her furry head. Laisren, you question her priorities, and she says, Not to be blunt, sir, or discuss, ahem, my back-end business, but I make myself a new house every three days, don't I! You answer with a fierce blow from your family fork. A'ru, she is spurting arterial blood, so much so that Sneech slips it and lands on his snout, BONK, missing her entirely, but she sees how red the floor has become, and says, My goodness, I think you might kill me. Well, I'll do it different next time, won't I. You wonk her a good one with your magic staff, and the bloated body sags on the seven remaining legs, her beringed hands flex and drop their daggers, the random eyes sprinkled on her head all glaze, and she expires. Party, behind her, the fire at the center of the web is dying, out of fuel, but more and more black smoke fill the top of the tunnel and it continues to spread toward you. Oo'loo says to you, A'ru, The ladder to the kennels is just forty feet or so up past those flames...Hurry!

OOC You can back up all the way to the entrance and wait half an hour or so for the fire to die and smoke to dissipate. You can run through NOW, while the fire is active, 12 dex save to avoid the flames. 2d4 damage on a fail, 3d4 damage if you fail by more than 5. You can wait another 2 minutes for the fire to die, but there will be a lot mroe smoke. 12 con save to hold your breath to the other side, 2d4 smoke damage on a fail, 3d4 on a fail by more than 5. You can do a fourth thing I haven't thought of here; if you say what it is, I will tell you if a roll is needed, or you can roll what makes sense to you, and I'll tell you if I need anything else.. If you get past you can go up the ladder if you want; the hatch is unlocked.

[bananabadger]

Hlin feels some sense of compulsion passed on from the marda on his hinds, and so he rushes forward through the tunnel, his tail brushing up against Laisren as he passes, but not particularly potent; only 3hp to Laisren--sorry!a known salve against bluefly bites or other minor injuries.   Name: Hlin Class: (Lore) Bard Level: 3 Race: Centaur (Willow Herd) HP: 18/18 AC: 13 Passive Perception: 16 Passive Investigation: 11 Passive Insight: 14 Spells Known: Cantrips: Mage Hand, Vicious Mockery Level 1: Cure Wounds, Silvery Barbs Level 2: Messenger, Cloud of Daggers, Cure Wounds (upcast), Hold Person, Nathair's Mischief Vine Spells: Entangle 2/3 Inspiration: No Spell Slots: Four Level 1: {X} {X} {X} {X} Two Level 2: {X} {X} Spell Save DC: Wis 12 Spell Attack Bonus: 4 Saves: STR: +2 DEX: +4 CON: 0 INT: -1 WIS: +2 CHA: +4 Bardic Inspiration: {X} {X} Attack modifier: +4 melee / +4 ranged Weapons: Longsword, daggers and short bow Special Abilities: Bardic Inspiration, Jack of All Trades, Song of Rest, Cutting Words, Charge, Hooves, Equine Build   Rolls: Cure wounds effect Dice Roll: 1d8+2 (1)+2 Total = 3 Saving throws: Dex vs flames Dice Roll: 1d20+4sch12 (20 (natural 20))+4 ✔ † Total = 24 Move: advances 40 feet forward Free action: moves shield from back to front Action: casts cure wounds on Laisren Reaction: Condition: Concentrating: OOC info:

[Yoshimi]

A-ru A'ru looks up from pulling the rings off the hand-spider's hands. He looks a little sheepish. "No knowin' what'll come in handy later." When he stands, the marda catches sight of Laisren, and can't help but notice the extent of his wounds and bruises. "Here, take this. Looks like yez need it more than I do right now." He fishes his healing potion out and hands it to the barbarian. With that, he leaps onto Sneech. "To the kennels, my friend!" The mastiff barks exuberantly and charges forward. In a dazzling display of speed and grace, he weaves over, under, and around piles of burning silk and dodges countless drifting strands, arriving at the bottom of the ladder with an unscathed rider and only soot-smudged fur. "Onward, for freedom!" Sneech doesn't break stride, continuing his long run up the wall itself and pushing his way through the hatch.

 

Name: A-Ru
Class: Beastmaster Ranger Level: 3 HP: 14/28 AC: 15 (without shield)
Inspiration: No
Attack bonus: Melee: +1, Ranged: +4
Passive Perception: 15 Passive Investigation: 9 Passive Insight: 15
Spells Known: Cantrips: Shillelagh, Produce Flame; Level 1: Speak With Animals (Primal Awareness bonus), Absorb Elements, Entangle, Longstrider
Spell Slots: Level 1:1/3 available
Spell Save DC: 13 Spell Attack Bonus: 5
Saves: STR: 1 DEX: 4 CON: 2 INT: -1 WIS: 3 CHA: 1
Special Abilities: Favored Foe, Primal Companion (Beast of the Land)

 

ROLLS:
Out of Combat: Loot rings
Saving throws: Dex save vs. fire 16 for A'ru and 13 for Sneech
Move: Ride Sneech through the hatch
Action: Loot the rings
Bonus Action:
Reaction:
Conditions:
Concentrating:
Other:
OOC info:

[Wynamoinen]

Laisren The talkative spider goes down. Time is of the essence, and they all know it, Laisren as much as any other. But Laisren has also been on the wrong end of more beatings than anyone else, in this horrible misadventure. The others are eager to press on, but Laisren hesitates. Hlin seems to see the look on his face, and offers a small blessing. It's not much reassurance, but Laisren gives the best 'thank you sir' grin he can (Hlin might notice that it's all teeth and no eyes involved in the expression), and says "much obliged." Then off goes A'Ru on his mount, and then Hlin. They bound over and through the flames without a singe. Laisren takes a few deep breaths and tries to convince himself, "OK, OK, look how easy it is...." And then he throws himself at the firey passage. Failed the save, but only by 4. 6 fire damage.But his heart isn't in it. He coughs again, and stumbles, and the grasping webs catch him. His flesh burns as he staggers through. Laisren winces and grimaces on the other side, and through a series of pats and pulls, he gets rid of the flames, gritting his teeth to prevent himself from crying out. In an ever-more-uncertain voice, he says "Heh, heh, oops. Well. Um. Onwards and upwards?" This chunk of the Fae is looking more and more likely to be the death of him, as it has been for so many others.

OOC Up three and down six, for a net of a 3 HP loss.   Action block Laisren's stat block (full sheet link) HP: 9/32 | Armor Class: With a very high probability in combat of also having an additional 1d8 added on.14 | Saves: Str +5 ; Dex +2; Con +4; Int -1; Wis +0; Chr +1 Senses: Passive Perception 12 (+2); Passive investigation 9 (-1) | Move: 30' | Conditions: (None) Default melee: +6 to hit, 1d10+4 piercing (1d10+6 while Raging)The Family pichfork | Default ranged attack: +5 to hit, 1d6+3 slashing, 20/60 rangeHandaxe Expendables: . . . As a bonus action, activate Rage. +2 damage to STR-based melee attacks. Resistance to nonmagical BPS damage. Advantage on STR checks and saves. Ends if I don't either attack or take damage. Cannot cast spells.Rage 2/3 LR | Make a ranged spell attack against the target (+3, with CHA as casting stat). On a hit, the target takes 2d8 poison damage and must make a Constitution saving throw (DC 11). On a failed save, it is also poisoned until the end of your next turn. Acquired via Magic Initiate (Sorceror)Ray of Sickness 1/1 LR | Hit dice 3/3 LR | Inspiration: Yes Passive: . . . When I enter a Rage, I can use my tail both offensively and defensively. As a reaction when hit by a creature I can see within 10', I can add 1d8 to my AC. I can also use the attack action to attack with my tail with 10' reach, +5 to hit, and 1d8+3 damage.Form of the Beast: Tail Ie, my cantrips acquired through Magic Initiate (Sorceror)Tail Utility: A creature within 10' must succeed on a Constitution saving throw (DC 11) or take 1d12 poison damage.Poison Spray | Until the end of your next turn, you have resistance against bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage dealt by weapon attacks.Blade Ward ----- Turn Summary Move: Action: Reaction: Bonus/object interaction/other:

[BestTeaMaker]

Nukky In the rush of combat, Nukky continues to swing his staff as he blindly runs forward into the smoke and flames. "Khaaaaaaa!" When the smoke clears behind him, Nukky stops and pants for a second. He looks around to see the group also rushing their way through. Nukky then looks ahead through the darkness. "Whew....Nukky hope the end of this tunnel is near."   Dex Save 20 Character Nukky   Character Class HP AC Wildfire Druid 3 27/27 15 Senses P.Per P.Inv P.Ins Other 16 11 14 Darkvision (60ft.) Spell Slots 1st Level O O - - 2nd Level O - Spell Mod Save DC +4 14 Saving Throws STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA +0 +2 +3 +3 +6 +1   Rolls Full Rolls Saving Throws Full Rolls Dex Save (20) Move - Action Fire Bolt Bonus Action Command Flame Spirit Reaction - Free Action - Conditions - Concentrating - Initiative - OOC - Inspiration - Wildfire Spirit Rolls - Saving Throws - Move - Action Flame Seed Bonus Action - Reaction - Free Action - Conditions - Concentrating - Initiative - OOC -

[Fillyjonk]

Kennel Hlin, you heal Laisren a little and hasten through, unburned. Nukky, the corridor ends forty feet past the fire in a ladder. Your spirit sails right through the flames, liking them, unbreathing. She will go home soon. A'ru, you get a big fistful of the hair on Sneech's withers, clutch with your legs, lean way forward, and stick while Sneech goes right up the ladder the through the hatch. You are in a kennel. Ancient drift globes provide dim light. There are three cages, all closed, presumably locked, but you see an iron ring of keys on a table. You see nine or ten young Marda ---all ghosts -- in these cages who gasp or growl and sit up and perk-ear and big-eye when you come busting up. They all go silent, staring. In the closest cage, there are only two Marda, and one, like you, is past spring. She stands, calmer than the others, and says to you, You have come. At last! The promised hero. The young ones began to disbelieve, but me? Never. The young Marda begin to whisper to each other, poking and shuffling, their round eyes brightening with hope. Ma! says Oo'loo, leaping out of your "cloak." Gurgle! It makes your eyes bug a bit to be so suddenly dispossessed. Ra'Rar is hurt and --- she is downstairs --- there is a centaur carrying her--- He is gabbling, frantic, but he quiets instantly when she holds up a calm hand. She steps right out through the bars, and you see she knows. She knows she is dead. None of the others react, and Oo'Loo whispers to you, Ma can do that. She is also a healer, much more powerful than me. She says, Hush child. Ra-Rar is often hurt at this point. Of course there is a centaur, because here is a Marda. You children, born and raised in captivity, do not know your own history. Why, without the Kentauroi, it is only a matter of time until the Free Marda go extinct, and there are times when they need us as well! She goes and looks down the hatch, to the smoky corridor where Hlin and Nukky and Lais are waiting, and when she sees Hlin, she nods, satisfied. She turns to you. Stranger, I am soft J soundsJaa'jee; we have waited for you, all these years, and you are not too late. One mirror still remains unbroken, or it remained whole last time I looked. I see the shine of the key upon your Kentauren brother's hoof. Let the pack out---for I of course cannot pick up the keys, and their minds will not let them walk through. Where are we? In time, I mean. Has the wedding happened? How long until the whole damn thing resets? Laisren, you are hurt nigh unto death, and despairing. In your defense, you never dreamed to be the hero. You only wanted to be recognized as consort. The hero takes the front line, gets beaten down, sometimes dies, sometimes loses all that matters to him--- love, hope, youth, beauty, family ---and still goes on. Would Fain go on? Can you? You may not have to, not for long. The rift you saw requires a key, and the growly female voice above is saying it is Hlin's shoe. You want out of this horrible misadventure? Here is the way. Map

[bananabadger]

It doesn't sound like a spider's voice up the ladder. And the conversation sounds a bit less focused on the delights of eating Hlin and his friends, so it might not be a spider ... or the ghoul that the spider talked about. Still ... this world has provided few pleasant surprises. "A'ru! What's going on up there? I'm ... err guarding the tunnel," Hlin decides to explain instead of just saying the obvious--centaurs and ladders are never a graceful combination. He looks to the other two. "We're all three guarding the tunnel right now ... for now?" And then he says more quietly to Nukky and Liasren, "It's okay. I can stay here and guard if you wish to go up. The spider said there was a ghoul about. One of us should stay just in case. I can do that. You can even take the horseshoe with you ... if you can get it off. It seems important! Really, I'll be fine."   Name: Hlin Class: (Lore) Bard Level: 3 Race: Centaur (Willow Herd) HP: 18/18 AC: 13 Passive Perception: 16 Passive Investigation: 11 Passive Insight: 14 Spells Known: Cantrips: Mage Hand, Vicious Mockery Level 1: Cure Wounds, Silvery Barbs Level 2: Messenger, Cloud of Daggers, Cure Wounds (upcast), Hold Person, Nathair's Mischief Vine Spells: Entangle 2/3 Inspiration: No Spell Slots: Four Level 1: {X} {X} {X} {X} Two Level 2: {X} {X} Spell Save DC: Wis 12 Spell Attack Bonus: 4 Saves: STR: +2 DEX: +4 CON: 0 INT: -1 WIS: +2 CHA: +4 Bardic Inspiration: {X} {X} Attack modifier: +4 melee / +4 ranged Weapons: Longsword, daggers and short bow Special Abilities: Bardic Inspiration, Jack of All Trades, Song of Rest, Cutting Words, Charge, Hooves, Equine Build   Rolls: Perception to look for danger Dice Roll: 1d20+6 (13)+6 Total = 19 Saving throws: Dex vs flames Move: remains at foot of ladder, looking for ghoul; really, he doesn't mind allowing the others to go up and be heroes Free action: Action: looks around for ghouls, or simply any excuse not to climb the ladder Reaction: Condition: Concentrating: OOC info: