46: Yiff in Hell

[Ebiris]

[14:04] <@Ebiris> A few days after making their suggestion to Lavinia on the ripe opportunities for profit in the destabilisation of a neighbouring kingdom, preparations for journeying to the capital are finally complete. Meeting at the Vanderboren estate one windswept morning, the Irregulars find their employer along with the Jade Ravens and various servants ready for the trip inland. Last minute preparations are made in the mansion where a lavish breakfast is served - Kora mentioned the food would just spoil otherwise - and plans are made. "I have two carriages ready for taking us to Thanellar, but I'd also like to have at least three outriders ahead and on the sides in case we run into any trouble on the way. Are any of you skilled riders?" she asks her various mercenaries.
[14:04] <@Ebiris> Glenn is notably absent, having declined to go to Thanellar citing various concerns he has here in Salerno with alchemy, not to mention vague hints of enemies farther afield he'd rather not see again, thus his time with the group comes to an end.
[14:06] <Lucie> "I've not ridden a horse in my life," Lucie says. She's wearing normal clothes for the road, but of course her expensive tailored outfit is packed away for use in the capital.
[14:06] <Rudy> "Myra can fly," replies Rudy, gesturing to his wing-bearing pet monstrosity (although the wings are tattered and bony and don't look like they could support a kite, let alone Myra's seventy-kilo frame). "She freaks out horses, too, so it's best to keep her at a distance. Or not here at all."
[14:07] <@Henrietta> "It, well, it would probably be for the best if I remained by your side, My Lady," Henrietta admits. "Still, I could give it a try. That is, how hard could it be to ride a horse?"
[14:07] <Rudy> "I think it's all in the wrist? And the whip!"
[14:08] <Lucie> "You think? Is that how you keep Myra in line?"
[14:08] <@Ebiris> "Yes... she seems to have gotten a lot bigger. You must be, ah, feeding her well, Rudy," Lavinia manages with as much politeness as Myra deserves, eliciting a snort from Tobin.
[14:08] <@Ebiris> "Me and Zani are decent enough at riding, not that you get much call for it around Salerno."
[14:09] <Rudy> "She's perfectly tame! There is no need for whipping."
[14:09] <Lucie> "So you really don't know what you're talking about at all, then," Lucie concludes.
[14:10] <Rudy> "Myra is not a horse! I've seen people ride horses. The skills required are totally different," replies Rudy.
[14:11] <@Ebiris> "I'll be our third outrider," Liamae volunteers since none of the Irregulars seem keen on it. "Karkus doesn't get on well with horses anyway."
[14:11] <@Ebiris> "I like them fine, it's Brunthus that can't stand them," the dwarf grunts irritably.
[14:12] <Rudy> "Brunthus?"
[14:13] <@Ebiris> "Ye didn't see the badger nosing about outside when you came in?" Karkus scratches his bulbuous nose and turns to Rudy. "Guess he probably shied away from that monster o' yours, the great coward."
[14:14] * @Henrietta nods in perfect understanding.
[14:15] <Rudy> "Oh! Well.. yeah," replies Rudy, lamely. "She's.. uh... everything a badger isn't."
[14:19] <@Ebiris> "In any case, I expect the journey to take us just under two weeks," Lavinia speaks up, "A little over a week up the Spice Road before we get into the interior, then through more settled lands to Thanellar. The latter half doesn't concern me, but though the Spice Road is well travelled and patrolled, it's still a tempting target for robbers. Not to mention the sorts of beasts the surrounding forest can send out, so I'd like everyone to be wary as we travel. There are enough rest stops, forts, and inns on the way that we shouldn't have to worry much for supplies but everyone should have all they need for an extended stay away from Salerno. Does anyone have any questions before we go?"
[14:21] * Lucie has nothing in particular to ask about, and merely shakes her head.
[14:21] <@Ebiris> The Jade Ravens likewise seem good to go!
[14:21] * @Henrietta expected as much and took precautions to pay her rent upfront and handle all the relevant affairs. As such, she is quite good to go!
[14:21] <Rudy> "If we somehow get split up on the way, where would we meet up once in Thanellar?" asks Rudy.
[14:24] <@Ebiris> Lavinia looks like she hadn't thought of that, but quickly rallies with an answer. "I intend to have us stay at an inn called Zeus's Folly, not far from the halls of parliament. That seems the best place for us to regroup in that event."
[14:25] <Rudy> "Righto. You never know what'll happen on these trips!" notes Rudy, justifying his question.
[14:32] <@Ebiris> Thus everyone sets off! The carriages seem quite sturdy and comfortable, with well fitted window-covers and nicely cushioned seats inside. The coachmen load them up with various luggage under Kora's supervision before three of the Jade Ravens mount their horses and everyone else piles into the carriages. The lead one ends up with Lavinia, Henrietta, Lucie, Kora, and Greta in it while the rear one makes do with Rudy, Karkus, Henrietta's dog, Karkus's badger, Trucy, and Trucy and the other new servant Bertram. Trucy seems less than impressed with her arrangements when Val starts nosing at her legs, but Karkus points out she might be glad to have a dog around to warm against during the chilly trip ahead. She doesn't seem to buy it, though.
[14:32] <@Ebiris> OOC: nix the extraneous Trucy
[14:34] * Lucie finds her travelling arrangements perfectly satisfactory. Hopefully she doesn't look too much thte tourist looking out the window, but this *is* the first time she's ventured inland in her life.
[14:35] <Rudy> Why is he in this carriage? Why are there animals in it as well? Why doesn't Henri look after her own dog? They are questions Rudy has trouble answering, and one he resolves to ponder on at great length over the next few hours. With limited packing space, only a single bottle of quality rum managed to accompany him. Will it be enough? Will he be able to restock? The future holds great mysteries!
[14:36] <Rudy> *some he resolves to ponder on
[14:40] <@Ebiris> The first day of travel passes peacefully, stopping at an inn just after dusk where the group is entertained by a troupe of dancers while various people complain about their travel arrangements. Liamae in particular seems to be regretting her decision to volunteer as outrider, and shuts Trucy's complaints right up with a graphic description of exactly what her legs feel like after a day being bounced around a stupid smelly horse's back. Naturally this all occurs well out of Lavinia's earshot as she's kept entertained by the inn's amenities and Tobin's conversation - he didn't seem to mind his horse, at least.
[14:41] <Rudy> "Want me to take over, then?" replies Rudy, perking up at Liamae's complaints. "We could alternate. It makes sense. I mean, sores that bad will take at least a day to heal, right?"
[14:42] * @Henrietta has absolutely nothing to complain over, quite naturally. And if there is a bit of boredom, then it is far better than any alternative that puts Lady Lavinia at risk!
[14:43] <@Ebiris> "Oh, you would?" the sorceress gives Rudy an intensely grateful look. "Zani and Tobin make it look really easy but it's not! I don't mind swapping at all."
[14:44] <Lucie> "Probably they're used to it?" Lucie guesses.
[14:45] <Rudy> "Excellent. You can keep Trucy company," muses Rudy. "I'm sure you'll reach an understanding of the difficulties carriages pose to life, limb, and sanity."
[14:46] <Lucie> Lucie shrugs. "Nothing wrong with my carriage," she says, though of course she stops short of offering to trade with anyone.
[14:46] <@Ebiris> roll 1d6
[14:47] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d6 and gets 2." [1d6=2]
[14:47] <Rudy> "Yours has better..." Rudy fidgets for a moment. "Suspension? Amenities?"
[14:47] <Lucie> "Company."
[14:48] * @Henrietta gives Lucie a disapproving look, but doesn't try to say something and actually make things worse.
[14:48] <Rudy> "You're not meant to come right out and say it," hisses Rudy.
[14:48] <Lucie> "I don't have a dog breathing in my face, is all I mean!"
[14:48] <Rudy> "
[14:48] <Rudy> "You could easily be misinterpreted!"
[14:49] <@Ebiris> "We can't fault Lady Vanderboren for not taking care of her employees, both carriages seem the same, and we could hardly expect her to ride with the animals," Liamae shrugs. "I don't really mind just so long as I can sit properly."
[14:50] <Rudy> "I think there's a point worth raising here, one I should've asked earlier," replies Rudy, steepling his fingers. "Why are there animals?"
[14:50] <@Henrietta> "Why should there not be?"
[14:51] <@Ebiris> "I couldn't leave Brunthus to fend for himself while I'm off gallivantin' in the capital!" Karkus blusters, turning away from where he'd been quietly drinking.
[14:51] * @Henrietta nods firmly to support Karkus.
[14:52] <Lucie> "They did have to go somewhere," Lucie admits with a shrug. "The badger couldn't likely keep up with the horses, could it?"
[14:53] <@Ebiris> "Don't worry, we all love your badger," Liamae placates her comrade. "This one time a wolf brought me down and I thought I was a goner, but he was in there with a flash of teeth and claws! He's a real furry hero in my book, and don't let anybody say otherwise!"
[14:54] * @Henrietta kind of wants to see the badger hero in action, now.
[14:56] <@Ebiris> OOC: Rudy roll perception?
[14:57] <Rudy> roll 1d20
[14:57] * Hatbot --> "Rudy rolls 1d20 and gets 10." [1d20=10]
[15:02] <@Ebiris> The next day after a hearty breakfast - no sign of the dancers in the morning, sadly, the group embarks once more upon their carriages and sets off Northwards. Rudy finds his horse a bit temperamental, but not actually hostile and thus merely uncomfortable rather than dangerous to ride. It's about two hours later that a call comes from Tobin in the lead outrider position. "Trouble ahead! Looks like someone got attacked!" he calls. "Rudy, wanna come with me and check it out? Zani, stick close here in case it's a diversion," he calls to the other riders, receiving a nod from the elf.
[15:04] <@Ebiris> Inside the lead carriage Lavinia frowns and turns to look out the fore window past the coachman. "Evan, can you see what it is?" she asks worriedly.
[15:04] <@Ebiris> The coachman replies gruffly, "Looks like a cart and a dead horse off the side of the road, m'lady."
[15:04] <Rudy> "Oh yeah, sure! Gimme a second!" Pausing his horse for a moment, Rudy flexes his... rope-thin arm, throwing out a wave of darkness and creating a leopard to accompany him!
[15:04] * Lucie pokes her head out the window from curiosity to look ahead.
[15:07] <@Ebiris> Lucie can just see some wood jutting up from the long grass beside the road a few hundred feet ahead. Could be the side of a cart or carriage. She can't see the dead horse from here, though. Meanwhile both Rudy and Tobin's horses whinny and buck nervously at the sight of a predator suddenly in their midst! OOC: ride checks, you two
[15:07] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+6 Tobin
[15:07] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+6 Tobin and gets 23." [1d20=17]
[15:07] <Rudy> roll 1d20+5
[15:07] * Hatbot --> "Rudy rolls 1d20+5 and gets 11." [1d20=6]
[15:08] <@Henrietta> Calmly, Henrietta casts Mage Armor upon herself, before asking Lavinia, "Would you like the extra protection as well, My Lady? Just in case."
[15:09] * Lucie decides Henri has the right idea and summons her own magical protection. If it turns out to be unnecessary, well, she'll still have hours of it for later.
[15:09] <@Ebiris> Tobin calms his mount quickly, pushing on ahead. Rudy has a bit more trouble, his horse shying away from the leapord and being slow to respond to his commands, forcing him to navigate around his own summoned help and keep it a respectable distance from the horse. Tobin reaches the cart first, dismounting and going to investigate before he yells, "Get Karkus, there's someone still alive here!"
[15:10] <@Ebiris> "If someone strikes me I doubt it will make much difference," Lavinia admits, taking a breath and nodding nonetheless.
[15:10] <Rudy> The leopard keeps to the bushes, while Rudy opts to ride back, calling Karkus' name! "There's wounded here!"
[15:11] <@Ebiris> That prompts the dwarf to jump out of the rear carriage, his badger hot on his heels as both of them rush forward to the crash site!
[15:11] <@Henrietta> "I find that it helps," Henrietta muses, taking Lavinia's hand and casting Mage Armor again. "Even if we are your bodyguards and you should never come in danger, it greatly reassures me."
[15:14] <Rudy> Rudy is right behind him, albeit all shaky and non-professional.
[15:17] <@Ebiris> Reaching the crashed cart, Rudy can see it lies on its side, still attached to a brown and white horse that lies with its guts torn out in a splash of pink organs and red blood, flies already buzzing about. Tobin cradles a young woman in his arms, her hair matted with blood and her eyes closed. She wears a thick brown cloak on top of colourful red silk garments that can be recognised from the dancers at the inn last night. Karkus runs right up and quickly casts a spell of healing over the stricken girl!
[15:17] <@Ebiris> roll 1d8+4
[15:17] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d8+4 and gets 12." [1d8=8]
[15:18] <Rudy> "The dancers?!" exclaims Rudy, outraged on her behalf. Attacking entertainers, of all people? Outrageous!
[15:19] <@Ebiris> That makes her stir and open her eyes. "You... I saw you last night, didn't I?" she murmurs, her voice weak but gaining strength. "Oh Gods! Veronica! Lindy!" she pushes herself off the armoured man's lap, looking around with her dark matted hair flying wildly behind her, "Ellen! Where are they?!"
[15:19] <@Ebiris> "There's no one else here, lass. What happened?" Karkus asks kindly while Tobin helps her to her feet.
[15:20] <Rudy> Rudy opts to ride to the cart himself, in search of any bodies. If there aren't any...
[15:20] <@Ebiris> OOC: perception, Rudy?
[15:20] <Rudy> roll 1d20+1
[15:20] * Hatbot --> "Rudy rolls 1d20+1 and gets 2." [1d20=1]
[15:22] <@Ebiris> Rudy can see a spilled trunk containing items of clothing, from flamboyant silk garments to lacy unmentionables, and there's a small iron cauldron now split in two, a few other items that seem appropriate for cooking, and a spilled bag from which a few vegetables litter the surrounding grass. That's about it as far as he can tell.
[15:23] <Rudy> Nobody else here indeed- a cauldron split clean in two is somewhat alarming, those things don't break that easy! He rides back to the unfolding drama. "Nothing else here at all. Can you tell us what happened?" asks Rudy.
[15:24] <@Ebiris> "I was driving the cart, then I felt something hit me in the head," the dancer tells Karkus, touching her blood-matted hair gingerly. "I started to fall and I heard screaming... shouting? There were men's voices. Really deep, guttural. I don't think I dreamed that..." she shakes her head dazedly. "I didn't even see anything happen."
[15:25] <@Ebiris> "Doesn't sound like a trap," Zani comments, her horse idling near Lavinia's carriage. "That's one of the dancers from the inn last night." Indeed Lucie can see a female figure standing up in the midst of the three men ahead at the crash site.
[15:26] <@Henrietta> "One of them?" Henrietta asks, naturally curious. "What of the rest?"
[15:27] <Lucie> "Hmm?" Apparently Lucie's not immediately needed as a bodyguard, so she slips out of the carriage and walks forward to take a look around the wreckage.
[15:27] <Rudy> "I dare say you didn't," agrees Rudy, glancing grimly at the scene. "Can't have been that long ago. We might have a chance to catch up..." He shakes his head. "I'll go tell the others."
[15:27] <Rudy> Thus, he turns about and rides back to the carriages.
[15:27] <@Ebiris> "The dancers?" Lavinia's eyes widen. "They were lovely! What happened to them?" she asks Zani. The elf shakes her head, "Can't hear what they're saying from here. But Rudy's coming over, he'll tell us."
[15:29] <@Ebiris> OOC: perception, Lucie?
[15:29] <Lucie> roll 1d20+12 yers
[15:29] * Hatbot --> "Lucie rolls 1d20+12 yers and gets 15." [1d20=3]
[15:29] <Rudy> "Yeah, it looks like brigands got them," states Rudy, dropping off his horse and walking up to the carriage window. "Other dancers must've been taken away. Could be slavers, could be horny thugs." He frowns. "Don't think they could've got far."
[15:30] <@Ebiris> Lucie can't tell much more than Rudy could. There's a little bit of blood splashed around but not that much. The grass is fairly trampled in the vicinity and leading towards the treeline on the side of the road opposite where the cart fell.
[15:31] * Lucie wanders alongside the trampled path, takes a look out into the woods that direction.
[15:31] <@Henrietta> "Is it--" Henrietta cuts herself off, glancing at Lavinia, before she proceeds. "Well, is it possible to follow them?"
[15:31] <@Ebiris> "Someone kidnapped them?" the nameless girl asks, horrified as Karkus and Tobin help her towards the carriages, the latter gathering up her luggage. "They must have thought I was dead... oh Gods, where could they be?"
[15:32] <Rudy> "I ain't a ranger," replies Rudy, uncomfortably. "I could send Myra out, have her scout around."
[15:32] <@Ebiris> The woods are quite dense that way, and without trampled grass it becomes a bit harder to follow the exact path taken through the skeletal trees.
[15:32] <@Ebiris> Lavinia peers out the window and frowns a moment before opening the door. "Dear, come in with us, you'll be safe," she invites before turning to Henrietta, "They have luggage - other clothes there. Can your dog track by scent, Henrietta?"
[15:33] * Lucie rejoins the others back at the carriage. "Probably came out of the woods up there. Or maybe left that way."
[15:34] <@Henrietta> "Hecate, that is, she seemed very certain he will help me!" Henrietta responds. "By your leave, My Lady, we will make the attempt?"
[15:36] <@Ebiris> Lavinia nods decisively. "The Jade Ravens will stay here to keep myself and the servants safe. If the rest of you try and track down the other dancers, it might not be too late for them."
[15:36] <@Ebiris> "You can get my friends?" the formerly concussed girl asks hopefully as she climbs into the carriage. "Yes, um... here!" she reaches over to where Tobin helpfully holds up her luggage, taking out a lacy and quite large bra, "This was Veronica's, she wore it last night. It'll have her scent, right?"
[15:37] <@Ebiris> Hearing the call to action, Trucy exits the other carriage with Val, the large black dog barking excitedly and wagging his tail.
[15:37] <@Henrietta> Picking the bra with as much dignity as she can muster, Henrietta meets Trucy and Val halfway.
[15:38] <Rudy> There's no way a horse will fit through the wood, so Rudy strolls along on foot. The leopard, of course, will be long gone before they make any headway...
[15:39] <@Ebiris> "Good luck, you guys," Tobin calls to the group as it starts to prepare for pursuit of the villainous attackers of entertainers. "We'll wait here for you as long as it takes."
[15:42] * Lucie meets the others by the treeline. "Not exactly dressed for traipsing through the woods," she grumbles. "Any idea how many we're looking at here? Could've been a small group that took them, if the girls didn't have guards."
[15:42] <@Ebiris> Val bounds after Henrietta, wagging his tail and waiting for instruction while Trucy follows more sedately, fingering her daggers.
[15:43] <Rudy> "Could be anywhere between five and like thirty people," replies Rudy, who is properly dressed for travelling, a fancy overcoat being his concession to fashion.
[15:43] * @Henrietta is dressed exactly as one would for a journey through the woods! She kneels by Val and offers the borrowed bra, asking him, "Can you find Veronica? This belongs to her."
[15:44] <Lucie> "Best be careful, then. Look around quiet like and make sure there's not more than we can take before we..." Lucie looks at Henri, looks at the bra, blinks.
[15:44] <@Henrietta> "It-- it was all she had, alright?" Henrietta says defensively at Lucie's look.
[15:45] <Lucie> "Right. Well. Let's just hope we can give it back."
[15:45] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+8 Val survives
[15:45] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+8 Val survives and gets 17." [1d20=9]
[15:45] <@Henrietta> roll 1d20+3 can I aid in survival?
[15:45] * Hatbot --> "Henrietta rolls 1d20+3 can I aid in survival? and gets 15." [1d20=12]
[15:46] <Rudy> "Being sensible never got us anywhere, Lucie," replies Rudy, flexing his fingers. "They gotta be a pack of cowards no matter how you look at it."
[15:47] <Lucie> "Even cowards can be a threat in numbers," Lucie points out.
[15:47] <@Ebiris> Val sniffs the unmentionables before woofing and circling around in the tall grass, sniffing and nosing at the ground before his tail wags and he straightens up with another bark, starting off in a straight line into the woods!
[15:48] * @Henrietta gives chase, not needing to resort to such measures to follow her dog!
[15:48] * Lucie gets her mace ready, just in case battle finds them suddenly.
[15:49] <Rudy> Rudy is there, jogging along at a cracking pace!
[15:52] <@Ebiris> Fallen leaves of brown and gold crackle and crunch underfoot as the party advances into the wilderness, led by a goddess-blessed dog that stops to sniff and nose into tree bark and mud every few feet but nonetheless setting a decent pace through the forest. Within ten minutes all sight of the road has been completely lost, and thanks to various twists and turns around fallen trees and upthrust rocks the actual direction is somewhat uncertain. Nonetheless Val continues scenting towards victory!
[15:52] <@Ebiris> roll 1d100
[15:52] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d100 and gets 12." [1d100=12]
[15:52] <@Ebiris> OOC: roll perception Lucie
[15:53] <Lucie> roll 1d20+12 please no bears
[15:53] * Hatbot --> "Lucie rolls 1d20+12 please no bears and gets 15." [1d20=3]
[15:57] <@Ebiris> Another fifteen minutes pass before the search bears fruit! Up ahead through thick trees a group is spotted - the colourful garb of the three dancing girls stands out, being manhandled and shoved along by a half dozen other figures in far more drab attire. However the party's advance is noted, one of them turning - his face a bestial mask of wolfish fury, covered in steel-grey fur and boasting an inhuman muzzle that opens wide to herald a growling snarl of, "More humans!"
[15:57] <@Ebiris> This gets a cry of "We're saved!" which is rudely cut off with a shove and a pained gasp that sends one of the women tumbling to the ground! They're a bit less than fifty feet ahead, though the dense forest dearly prohibits rapid movement.
[15:58] <@Henrietta> "Villains!" Henrietta cries, drawing her flail. "Surrender now or face retribution!"
[15:58] <Rudy> "Release the girls immediately, and we may be lenient!" demands Rudy, preparing to summon some awesome beasts!
[15:59] * Lucie isn't inclined to be lenient at all, but there's no harm in letting them believe otherwise!
[16:01] <@Ebiris> The beastmen respond with jeers and snarls, drawing various primitive weapons of their own. Three hang back with the current captives, but another three begin to advance towards the interlopers!
[16:01] <@Ebiris> OOC: lets roll init
[16:01] <Rudy> roll 1d20+5 ok
[16:01] * Hatbot --> "Rudy rolls 1d20+5 ok and gets 12." [1d20=7]
[16:01] <Lucie> roll 1d20+6
[16:01] * Hatbot --> "Lucie rolls 1d20+6 and gets 24." [1d20=18]
[16:01] <@Henrietta> roll 1d20+3
[16:01] * Hatbot --> "Henrietta rolls 1d20+3 and gets 9." [1d20=6]
[16:02] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+8 wolfmen
[16:02] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+8 wolfmen and gets 26." [1d20=18]
[16:02] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+2 pigmen
[16:02] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+2 pigmen and gets 22." [1d20=20]
[16:03] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+1 birdman
[16:03] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+1 birdman and gets 17." [1d20=16]
[16:03] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+3 catman
[16:03] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+3 catman and gets 19." [1d20=16]
[16:03] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+2 Val
[16:03] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+2 Val and gets 22." [1d20=20]
[16:03] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+3 Trucy
[16:03] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+3 Trucy and gets 14." [1d20=11]
[16:05] * Ebiris changes topic to 'Wolfmen (2) > Lucie > Val > Pigmen (2) > Catman > Birdman > Trucy > Rudy > Henrietta'
[16:06] <@Ebiris> While one of the lupine faced half-breeds sticks close to the existing prisoners, the one who spotted the group advances forward through the forest, circling around the trees and getting towards the group's right-side flank.
[16:06] <@Ebiris> OOC: Lucie
[16:09] * Lucie closes enough to focus her will and wrap the offending monster in a veil of bitter cold. "Had your chance to run," she says, pointing at the lead wolfman. "Can't say I mind having the chance to smash your ugly mugs, though."
[16:09] <Lucie> OOC: Interstellar Void, I think I can get close enough for this since he moved forward? 15 ft movement, 30 ft range on this.
[16:10] <@Ebiris> OOC: yeah, he's close enough
[16:10] <Lucie> OOC: fort, then
[16:10] <Lucie> roll 5d6 halve this if he makes DC 17
[16:10] * Hatbot --> "Lucie rolls 5d6 halve this if he makes DC 17 and gets 22." [5d6=4, 5, 6, 6, 1]
[16:10] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+3
[16:11] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+3 and gets 19." [1d20=16]
[16:12] <@Ebiris> The wolfman is frozen, throwing his head back and emitting a pained howl as ice forms all over his silvery-black fur! "Rrrr, we'll burn you for that!" he promises Lucie.
[16:12] <@Ebiris> Val barks and moves closer to Henrietta, growling at the encroaching beastmen.
[16:18] <@Ebiris> The two pigmen split up as well, one of them moving straight towards the group while the sticks with the prisoners. The advancing one stops merely ten feet away from Val, thumping an enormous club into his meaty hand and emitting a piggish snort of glee as he hunches forward. The catman is quick to follow, moving through the forest as if it weren't there and reaching the left-flank before he casts a spell of his own, forming a blade of dripping orange flame from his clawed hand! "Burn, heeehee! Fire chase away the cold!" With the three preparing to assault from the front and the sides, the birdman caws and waves his deformed wing-like arms, the tiny almost vestigial digits on the end waggling and glowing as a spell is cast! The ground underneath Rudy, Henrietta, Trucy and Val suddenly liquifies and turns into sucking sludge, pulling them down!
[16:18] <@Ebiris> OOC: reflex saves you four
[16:18] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+3 Trucy
[16:18] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+3 Trucy and gets 6." [1d20=3]
[16:18] <Rudy> roll 1d20+6
[16:18] * Hatbot --> "Rudy rolls 1d20+6 and gets 18." [1d20=12]
[16:18] <@Henrietta> roll 1d20+4
[16:18] * Hatbot --> "Henrietta rolls 1d20+4 and gets 15." [1d20=11]
[16:18] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+7 Val
[16:18] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+7 Val and gets 26." [1d20=19]
[16:19] <@Ebiris> roll 1d2 only Trucy failed
[16:19] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d2 only Trucy failed and gets 1." [1d2=1]
[16:19] * Retrieving #dunes modes...
[16:20] <Lucie> "I might be more scared if you were smart enough to actually know how to build a fire," Lucie sneers back at the wolfman--just before another of them does just that. "Oh."
[16:20] <@Ebiris> "Ack!" Trucy cries as she sinks to her knees in the mud, quick action on the part of the others getting them out of the treacherous ground! She grabs onto a nearby overhanging branch and slowly pulls herself free, her legs now completely filthy!
[16:20] <@Ebiris> OOC: Rudy
[16:22] <Rudy> "They're beastmen! I heard about these back home!" calls Rudy. "Good god, they're so ugly! How can they live with being that ugly?" The Summoner finds it difficult to run away when Trucy's stuck in place, and opts to stand in front of her whilst summoning a powerful crocodile from nowhere to ambush the flameslinging catman!
[16:24] <Rudy> roll 1d20+5 bite, has a grab effect
[16:24] * Hatbot --> "Rudy rolls 1d20+5 bite, has a grab effect and gets 8." [1d20=3]
[16:24] <@Ebiris> The crocodile's assault is in vain, however, the feline mutant hissing and jumping back from the snapping jaws of death!
[16:24] * Ebiris changes topic to 'Wolfmen (2) > Lucie > Val > Pigmen (2) > Catman > Birdman > Trucy > Rudy > Croc > Henrietta'
[16:24] <@Ebiris> OOC: Henri
[16:26] <@Henrietta> "Enough!" Henrietta cries, raising her flail sky-high. "You common bandits, you presume too much! Entangle!" And nature follows her will, roots coming out of the ground to ensnare anything just short of Henrietta and her friends for dozens of feet ahead!
[16:26] <@Henrietta> OOC: Ref DC17
[16:27] <@Ebiris> OOC: the way they're spread you can either hit all three back with the girls plus the lead pigman, or either the wolf or the cat
[16:28] <@Henrietta> OOC: Those in the back!
[16:28] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+9 rear wolf
[16:28] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+9 rear wolf and gets 24." [1d20=15]
[16:28] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+2 rear pig
[16:28] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+2 rear pig and gets 4." [1d20=2]
[16:28] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20 bird
[16:28] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20 bird and gets 9." [1d20=9]
[16:28] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+2 fore pig
[16:29] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+2 fore pig and gets 3." [1d20=1]
[16:29] <@Ebiris> roll 3#1d20+4 dancers
[16:29] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 3#1d20+4 dancers and gets 39." [3#1d20+4 = 22, 7, 10]
[16:29] * Ebiris changes topic to 'Wolfmen (2) > Lucie > Val > Pigmen (2, entangled) > Catman > Birdman (entangled) > Trucy > Rudy > Croc > Henrietta'
[16:31] <@Ebiris> The animated roots burst out of the ground as if it were spring, snaking around ankles and feet to restrain Henrietta's enemies! Only one escapes the effect, but he nonetheless remains to guard the prisoners. The wolf leading the charge goes to take revenge on Lucie, springing towards her and bashing his club down on her head!
[16:31] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+5
[16:31] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+5 and gets 15." [1d20=10]
[16:31] <@Ebiris> OOC: AC?
[16:31] <Lucie> OOC: AC 17
[16:32] <@Ebiris> Her coat of stars flares to life, deflecting the attack in a shower of radiant sparks and making his amber eyes widen!
[16:32] <@Ebiris> OOC: Lucie
[16:33] <Lucie> Lucie's right arm flares with dark energy--she reaches out to try and channel it into the monstrosity before her. "Just die already, and beautify the world through your absence."
[16:33] <Lucie> roll 1d20+5 touch attack, inflict moderate wounds
[16:33] * Hatbot --> "Lucie rolls 1d20+5 touch attack, inflict moderate wounds and gets 25." [1d20=20]
[16:33] <@Ebiris> OOC: crit threat
[16:34] <Lucie> roll 1d20+5 can these things crit?
[16:34] * Hatbot --> "Lucie rolls 1d20+5 can these things crit? and gets 7." [1d20=2]
[16:34] <@Ebiris> OOC: yes, but sadly not that one. Damage?
[16:34] <Lucie> roll 2d8+5 will halves these, no?
[16:34] * Hatbot --> "Lucie rolls 2d8+5 will halves these, no? and gets 16." [2d8=4, 7]
[16:34] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+5
[16:34] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+5 and gets 23." [1d20=18]
[16:35] <Lucie> OOC: stop making your saves, you jerk
[16:35] <@Ebiris> Lucie's curse is potent, making the wolfman shrivel and whimper in pain! Tufts of fur fall from his flesh leaving pale mangy skin behind, and he draws back his club warily. "Too dangerous to live!" he snarls at Lucie.
[16:36] <@Ebiris> The trapped pigmen both try to escape their confinement!
[16:36] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+3 for the back
[16:36] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+3 for the back and gets 5." [1d20=2]
[16:36] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+3 for the front
[16:36] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+3 for the front and gets 18." [1d20=15]
[16:37] <@Ebiris> The one at the front is succesful, snapping aside roots and striding forward to flank Lucie with the wounded wolf!
[16:37] * Ebiris changes topic to 'Wolfmen (2) > Lucie > Val > Pigmen (2, back entangled) > Catman > Birdman (entangled) > Trucy > Rudy > Croc > Henrietta'
[16:37] <@Ebiris> The catman gives the crocodile a parting hiss before jumping over it to seek better foes...
[16:37] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+13 tumble vs CMD?
[16:37] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+13 tumble vs CMD? and gets 33." [1d20=20]
[16:37] <Rudy> OOC: 18
[16:38] <@Ebiris> Leaping over the dumbfounded reptile, he pounces upon Lucie, the three trying to take her down quickly!
[16:38] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+7 touch attack
[16:38] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+7 touch attack and gets 13." [1d20=6]
[16:38] <@Ebiris> OOC: touch AC?
[16:38] <Lucie> OOC: 13
[16:39] <@Ebiris> roll 1d8+1 fire damage
[16:39] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d8+1 fire damage and gets 9." [1d8=8]
[16:40] <@Ebiris> Lucie's celestial coat offers no protection against pure elemental flame, and the channeled fires scorch through her robes and burn her skin in a quick rending slash!
[16:41] * Lucie bites back a yell of pain. "That just makes you next in line," she croaks through gritted teeth.
[16:42] <@Ebiris> The avian-like creature that sadly isn't nearly as pretty as the admittedly irritating gull-harpy croaks another spell, trying to ignore the roots grabbing at him!
[16:42] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+4 concentration
[16:42] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+4 concentration and gets 5." [1d20=1]
[16:43] <@Ebiris> But it's cut off in an irritated caw when one of then yanks him slightly off balance! Trucy moves to Lucie's aid in the meantime, throwing a dagger at the wolfman and circling towards her melee!
[16:43] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+3
[16:43] * Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+3 and gets 8." [1d20=5]
[16:43] <@Ebiris> Sadly it's off by a wide margin, sailing off into the forest...
[16:44] <@Ebiris> OOC: Rudy and Croc
[16:44] <Rudy> OOC: both holding for Henri
[16:44] <@Ebiris> OOC: Henri then
[16:45] <@Henrietta> "How dare you gang up on Lucie so?!" Henrietta exclaims, glaring furiously at the trio of beastmen surrounding her friend. "Know your place!" A trio of roses materializes in her free hand, and she tosses them at the shadow of each of the nearby villains to topple them all!
[16:45] <@Henrietta> roll 3#1d4+1
[16:45] * Hatbot --> "Henrietta rolls 3#1d4+1 and gets 14." [3#1d4+1 = 5, 4, 5]
[16:46] <@Henrietta> roll 3#1d20+13 trip
[16:46] * Hatbot --> "Henrietta rolls 3#1d20+13 trip and gets 75." [3#1d20+13 = 33, 27, 15]
[16:48] <@Ebiris> The wolf is struck by a rose in the shadow's heart, gurgling and choking blood as his badly weakened body gives up the ghost and he slumps at Lucie's feet! The Pigman endures the rose more easily, but nonetheless squeals in surprise as his shadow is wrenched and pulls him with it off his feet! Only the catman endures more easily, jumping high in the air and making his shadow move away before the rose can drag it down like his comrades!
[16:48] * Ebiris changes topic to 'Wolfmen (2) > Lucie > Val > Pigmen (2, back entangled) > Catman > Birdman (entangled) > Trucy > Henrietta > Rudy > Croc'
[16:48] <@Ebiris> OOC: Rudy and Croc
[16:48] * Ebiris changes topic to 'Wolfmen > Lucie > Val > Pigmen (2, back entangled) > Catman > Birdman (entangled) > Trucy > Henrietta > Rudy > Croc'
[16:52] <Rudy> The crocodile crawls as fast as it can to the melee, albeit unable to do much for it's presence. Rudy himself brings an enchantment of potent speed upon himself and all his friends, envigorating them for the battle ahead!