It's always some Thing

Log Info

• Title: It's Always Some Thing
• Emitter: Jinks
• Characters: Ravenstongue, Shilde
• Place: Lower Market District
• Time: Saturday, January 23, 2022, 9:00 PM
• Summary:

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=- Dramatis Personae =--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-                               
Ravenstongue 0s      5'0"     99 Lb      Half-Elf          Female    Short half-elf girl with violet eyes and black hair.                       
Shilde       1m      4'4"     160 Lb     Khazad-Aul        Female    Tall for a dwarf, long blonde hair in a thick braid, big blue eyes.       
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-  As the GM  -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Jinks               3'4"     39 Lb      Gnome             Male      A gnomish fellow in fancy garb and jewelry.                                
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

There's a thick fog rolling through the city, choking the thoroughfares and smothering the warm glow of the candles, hearths, and lamps in the lower markets. There's a tension in the air and even the wide streets seem to be closing in. Many of the shops still doing business have closed their doors for the evening; signs advising to ring or knock are hung on doors-- in windows.

There's an odd bustling in one of the squares cleared for camping refugees, drawing your attentions as you go about your business. Mumbled sounds of confusion and mild alarm ultimately punctuated with a shout of pure terror that echoes through the streets.

Cor'lana can't see anything past the massive bulk of a shaggy dog as she exits a corner shoppe but the implied danger of the scream is unmistakable.

Shilde can see the movement through the tents and chaotic flickering of cast shadows. People are running. Running from some dark thing that she can't quite make out.

The construct espies a stumbling victim struggling flushed and panicked south away from some small horror. The man wears simple clothes in a state of undress, likely disturbed from his evening's rest. The creature of flesh and blood has an odd configuration however: its face seems to lack a nose and mouth!

GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+27: (4)+27: 31
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+12: (12)+12: 24
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+12: (19)+12: 31
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+12: (11)+12: 23
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d6+2: (2)+2: 4
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d4: (3): 3
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d4+2: (2)+2: 4
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d4+2: (3)+2: 5

Ravenstongue arrives in the wake of a butchering. A small creature of lumpen and rotted, green-black flesh looms over the broken form of a middle-aged gobber-- likely a woman based on the torn skirts. The victim is a mass of blood and pulped flesh. The attacker looks up with a face that's almost entirely mouth and jagged teeth.

There's a wet crunching sound before blood and offal squishes out between massive lips.

<OOC> Ravenstongue says, "I'm going to cast Mage Armor and walk up 30 ft to 0,11."
<OOC> Jinks says, "Gimme a perception roll and Kn.Religion if you've got it."
GAME: Ravenstongue rolls Perception: (9)+4: 13
<OOC> Ravenstongue says, "No Know/Religion"
GAME: Ravenstongue casts Mage Armor. Caster Level: 8 DC: 17

Cor'lana's violet eyes widen as she realizes all too quickly what's gone on. What was supposed to be a simple, if lonely stroll to the market--as there's no Pothy on her shoulder--is now far more complicated than she ever expected it to be.

But she grits her teeth together, balls up her hand into a fist, and hisses, "Okay. Let's go." Magic washes over her, and she walks further into the fray. <Sylvan>

<OOC> Jinks says, "Alright, they will run. One provokes an AoO."
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+12: (9)+12: 21
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+2: (7)+2: 9
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d4: (3): 3
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d6+2: (3)+2: 5
<OOC> Jinks says, "Fella takes a bite as he passes. He's not looking too hot."

They screams and shouts spread like wildfire. Parents holler for and collect up their children. The old and infirm shuffle. Most clear the square and disappear into the cross- and sidestreets propelled by pure panic.

A yrchblood fellow practically drags an arvek-nar woman in his wake as she attempts to gather up her skirts. His modesty is only preserved by the long tunic he wears-- having no time or care for pants as the horrors inflict their violence.

Cor'lana comes face-to-face with an Acanian man clutching his wrist. His escape cost him half of his right hand and three of his fingers. Black threads of decay crawl down his wrist and towards his elbow from the wound. His eyes are wide as he regards the sorceress.

<OOC> Shilde will move to 0,9, heal him with a wand charge.
GAME: Shilde used a Wand of Cure Light Wounds.
GAME: Shilde rolls 1d8+1: (5)+1: 6
<OOC> Jinks says, "That'll stop the bleeding. He's still a bit effed up."
<OOC> Shilde says, "Is there any reason Rocky can't move in looking for something to engage?"
<OOC> Jinks says, "You can see the monster at 5,6 and tell him to attack that."
<OOC> Jinks says, "Also, give me a Perception."
<OOC> Shilde says, "3,7 by 4,8 he'll move to."
GAME: Shilde rolls perception: (19)+14: 33
GAME: Shilde rolls 1d20+9: (13)+9: 22
GAME: Shilde rolls 1d6+9: (3)+9: 12
GAME: Shilde rolls 1d20+9: (1)+9: 10 (EPIC FAIL)
<OOC> Jinks says, "Hit, damage, no trip."
<OOC> Shilde says, "okay, done"
<OOC> Jinks says, "Shilde notices a halfling woman in rural clothing with a feral expression dragging another lucht. The victim's head is a blank nub."
<OOC> Jinks says, "16,10 and 15,9"

"Oh fer..." Shilde snaps angrily.. she'd come expecting to offer some support to the folks in this camp.. and suddenly it's just chaos. Screaming. People running. A stumbling by with half a hand. A sorceress squeezing by muttering mumbo jumbo. But.. time to ask questions.. and complain.. later. She stomps forward, pulling a wand from her belt to stem the bleeding of the fleeing man. As she does, she sees.. she's not sure what she sees. But she points to it, barking at Rocky... and the large dog rushes forward to attack, snarling.

<OOC> Jinks says, "On Rocky!"
<OOC> Shilde says, "AC 19"
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+12: (6)+12: 18
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+12: (19)+12: 31
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+12: (10)+12: 22
<OOC> Jinks says, "Will save and a Fort save from Rocky"
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d6+2: (1)+2: 3
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d4+2: (1)+2: 3
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d4+2: (1)+2: 3
<OOC> Jinks says, "LOL!"
GAME: Shilde rolls 1d20+9: (9)+9: 18
GAME: Shilde rolls 1d20+3: (9)+3: 12
<OOC> Shilde says, "Fort then will."
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d6: (4): 4
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d4: (3): 3
<OOC> Shilde says, "Oh, he has devotion if that comes into play."
<OOC> Jinks says, "Rocky is Sickened for 3 rounds"
<OOC> Jinks says, "This is all attribute drain"
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d4: (2): 2
<OOC> Jinks says, "I can't do attribute damage to your pet, Shilde. So do me a favor and track: 4 CON drain, 2 CHA drain. Sickened for 3 rounds."

Shilde notices it just in time: one of the Lucht isn't what she seems! The feral hunger twisting the pudgy woman's features sits in horrible juxtaposition with her rosey-cheeked and kindly features. Her prey falls as he's dragged along by the collar, digging fingernails into the blank flesh where his face should be. He can't see; he can't even scream.

With profane strength, the woman hefts the halfling up over a shoulder and scampers off into the fog.

Closer, the immediate danger returns Rocky's press. It's halved head splits wide as it keens a spittle-flecked challenge and sets into the hound. The bite is harsh, producing a yelp as Rocky's eyes turn glassy. The two claws split open the animal's hide, however, and spill out some of his insides. Blood pours prodigiously onto the cobblestones.

<OOC> Ravenstongue says, "Hokay. I would like to Glitterdust the baddies (Persistent Metamagic)."
GAME: Ravenstongue casts Glitterdust/Persistent. Caster Level: 8 DC: 20
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+9: (13)+9: 22
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+9: (14)+9: 23

Cor'lana's grateful to see Shilde again, or so the look of relief in her eyes suggests, but the look is quickly interrupted by... Well, the /everything/ that's happening and unfurling before her. "I'll support you!" she informs Shilde, and she goes to throw her 'pixie dust' spell at the enemy--which appears to have not been as potent as usual.

<OOC> Shilde will start casting mad monkeys.
<OOC> Shilde says, "Rocky will attack."
GAME: Shilde casts Mad Monkeys. Caster Level: 7 DC: 18
GAME: Shilde rolls 1d20+9: (6)+9: 15
GAME: Shilde rolls 1d20+9: (17)+9: 26 (reroll)
GAME: Shilde rolls 1d8+9: (1)+9: 10
GAME: Shilde rolls 1d20+11: (13)+11-2: 22 (trip, fail)

That's right... she has seen this arcanist before. Ravenstongue's identity registers as Shilde turns away from the half-handed man to regard the half-elf.. and she nods. "Right. Keep close. Can't save 'em all.. but try'n save what we can," she tells the taller woman.. then begins tapping into the Wild for another spell. Meanwhile, Rocky, the every dutiful protector, keeps trying his best to keep the monster's attention.

<OOC> Jinks says, "It'll full attack from prone.,"
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+12-4: (2)+12+-4: 10
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+12-4: (15)+12+-4: 23
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+12-4: (12)+12+-4: 20
<OOC> Jinks says, "Oh, Shilde, did you include the -2 for Sickened?"
<OOC> Shilde says, "No I did not. Sorry."
<OOC> Jinks says, "Alright. A still hit. A little less damage. Not tripped."
<OOC> Jinks says, "Bite still misses. Two claws still hit. Another fort save. Remember CON drain."
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d4+2: (1)+2: 3
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d4+2: (2)+2: 4
GAME: Shilde rolls 1d20+9-2-2: (16)+9+-2+-2: 21
<OOC> Jinks says, "That'll negate the d6 CON drain this time!"

The creature is small-but-terrible, flinching back as it trades blows with the oversized dog. It snaps but only catches a mouthful of fur. The wicked claws dig in again but fail to find the purchase of their previous attack. Rocky bleeds but the hound's wounds aren't nearly as vile this time!

<OOC> Ravenstongue says, "Ahh, the old standby. Haste on friendlies."
GAME: Ravenstongue casts Haste. Caster Level: 8 DC: 19

There's more magic to be had here. More that can be helpful. Cor'lana concentrates.

She spins up her magic, murmurs her incantation, and she focuses on herself, on Shilde, on Rocky. Their movements are that much quicker now, the magic of a hastening spell falling on all of them.

<OOC> Shilde says, "dropping monkeys on 5,6 to 6,5. Casting another summon (I know, getting close to summon abuse, but feeling the press of this nasty), Rocky will try to keep its attention for one more round."
GAME: Shilde casts Air Walk. Caster Level: 7 DC: 18
<OOC> Jinks says, "OK! Roll monkey damage. Roll Rocky attacks. Remember haste."
GAME: Shilde rolls 2d6: (5): 5
GAME: Shilde rolls 1d20+9-2: (8)+9+-2: 15
GAME: Shilde rolls 1d20+9-2+1: (20)+9+-2+1: 28
GAME: Shilde rolls 1d20+9-2+1: (2)+9+-2+1: 10
GAME: Shilde rolls 1d8+9-2: (6)+9+-2: 13
GAME: Shilde rolls 1d20+11-2+1: (9)+11+-2+1: 19

Shilde has to check herself a moment as Ravenstongue's magic settles upon her.. suddenly speeding up is never smooth, at least for her. But she's experienced it enough to be ready for it. Then her summons finish, and from out of.. everywhere... diminutive monkeys start crawling all over the creature even as Rocky conitnues to harry it.

<OOC> Jinks says, "The monster will withdraw."

The creature flinches and gurgles its hatred at the swarming monkeys. It swipes at Rocky to distract the beast and then hops back itself. It falls to all-fours and begins to dash out of the square and down the cobblestone streets to the east!

<OOC> Ravenstongue says, "I unfortunately can't get within 45 ft of the enemy to lob a Hideous Laughter at it, so I have to stick to Lightning Bolt. I'll run to 9,10 and then fire off sith lightning (don't tell Telamon about the alignment shift), yeah."
<OOC> Shilde says, "Power overwhelming."
<OOC> Shilde says, "no wait. unlimited power!"
<OOC> Jinks says, "ooc What's the boss from Pandaria? "Behold the Power of Pure Water!"?"
<OOC> Jinks says, "OK, RT! Cast!"
<OOC> Ravenstongue says, "All I remember about that scene is Emperor Palpatine turning into a marshmallow, so that first line was totally acceptable in my book."
GAME: Ravenstongue casts Lightning Bolt. Caster Level: 8 DC: 19
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+11: (19)+11: 30
GAME: Ravenstongue rolls 8d6: (22): 22
<OOC> Ravenstongue says, "22 halved to 11. Oh well."

"You're not getting away!" Cor'lana hisses, and she darts off, empowered by her own quickening magic. She runs forward, her hand beginning to crackle with lightning as she raises it into the air--

And the bolt strikes, connecting with the fleeing creature, but the thing is too fast for it to hurt fully.

GAME: Shilde rolls 1d20+9-2+1+2: (5)+9+-2+1+2: 15 (Rocky charge)
GAME: Shilde rolls 1d3: 3 (cheetah summon)
<OOC> Shilde says, "My range is only 35', but they get to act, so I believe they can move and surround."
<OOC> Shilde says, "If there is room for one to charge, it will, otherwise they will have to take double moves to try and surround it."
<OOC> Shilde says, "ANd then I will move to 8,8"
<OOC> Jinks says, "What's their speed?"
<OOC> Shilde says, "50 base, 100 double move, 500 on a charge."
<OOC> Jinks says, "Charge won't work because of the puppers."
<OOC> Shilde nods.
<OOC> Jinks says, "One will take an AoO"
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+12: (1)+12: 13 (EPIC FAIL)
<OOC> Shilde says, "The monkeys will move to 17,6 by 18,7"
<OOC> Shilde says, "I will wildshape into a large wolf. And then do my move, sorry."
<OOC> Shilde says, "So that could put me at 12,8."

As the camp seems to erupt with the wild.. monkeys, a large dog.. and now three cheetahs stepping out of the shadows to chase after the horrid creature, Shilde grunts, then starts running, little dwarf legs pumping, as her bones pop and her muscles shift and grow. Her armour and gear fade and are taken over by fur as she drops to all fours and grows, her size nearly matching Rocky's. She pauses long enough to yip at Ravenstongue, gesturing behind herself to indicate to the half-elf to grab on... and when she does, she takes off after Rocky as he leads his impromptu cat pack after the beast.

<OOC> Jinks says, "So it'll withdraw again and head south. That'll avoid two AoOs from cheetahs but Rocky and one cheetah will get one."
GAME: Shilde rolls 1d20+9-2+1: (6)+9+-2+1: 14
GAME: Shilde rolls 1d20+6: (3)+6: 9
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+25-10: (3)+25+-10: 18
<OOC> Jinks says, "Perception roll from Rocky. It'll be out of LoS for RT and Shilde."
GAME: Shilde rolls 1d20+7-2: (14)+7+-2: 19
<OOC> Shilde says, "has scent, if that applies."
<OOC> Jinks says, "Alright. Penalties for fog would make him fail but Scent will give him the bump he needs."
<OOC> Jinks says, "So it runs off and tries to sneak into an alley. Rocky has the scent."

<OOC> Ravenstongue says, "RT will climb on and apologize if she's causing discomfort while doing so."
(RT also readies Magic Missile if she sees the creature.)

The half-elf sorceress is petite and small for a half-elf. This is an important fact to mention, as she clambers onto Shilde with the indication that she should hop on. This still doesn't stop the sorceress from murmuring, "Sorry if I'm grabbing anything weird," apologetically. Best to cover your bases.

She prepares a spell in hand, holding it out as she holds fur and skin tightly with her other one. Any discomfort caused to Shilde is best explained by the fact that this is Cor'lana's inaugural ride on anything more substantial and less docile than a small pony.

<OOC> Jinks says, "Rocky can lead the charge, Shilde. No map. It'll find the creature in a 10' side street."
<OOC> Shilde says, "He will do so, on the hunt. The monkeys.. are not going to catch up. So they'll stay there. The cheetahs will be led by Rocky, the packleader. Again, trying to swarm the thing, attacking if possible."
<OOC> Shilde will be following trying to keep RT in range. Double moving.
<OOC> Jinks says, "Alright. So roll one cheetah attack. One Rocky attack. You can cast a spell (if you want) and RT can roll her MM."
GAME: Ravenstongue casts Magic Missile. Caster Level: 8 DC: 17
GAME: Ravenstongue rolls 4d4+4: (13)+4: 17
<OOC> Shilde will put a faerie fire on the baddie. Unless I can get into touch range to put a Bull's Strength on Rocky.
GAME: Shilde rolls 1d20+6: (10)+6: 16
GAME: Shilde rolls 1d20+9-2+1: (9)+9+-2+1: 17
<OOC> Shilde says, "That's turn, save for the cast."
<OOC> Shilde says, "oh, I double moved, so I probably can't cast."
<OOC> Jinks says, "You can do Bull's STR. I rearranged tokens."
GAME: Jinks rolls 1d20+14: (16)+14: 30
GAME: Shilde casts Bull's Strength. Caster Level: 7 DC: 16

The creature is trapped, battered, bloodied, and staggered. It manages to press back against the brickwork wall and avoid the snapping cat and hound. Then, Cor'lana's barrage finds it and the creature slumps into the wall. Flesh sloughs from its form to steam on the ground around its feet.

A haggard and drained gobber pants in its place. Long ears hang limply and its flesh is sickly and covered with an oily sheen.

"Oh... oh, Star's light guide you... gods blessing. The Curse..." he chokes, coughing, and hunches forward to vomit up thick chunks of flesh, bile, and blood.

<OOC> Jinks says, "Roll Perception?"
GAME: Ravenstongue rolls Perception: (6)+4: 10
<OOC> Jinks says, "Roll Sense Motive."
GAME: Ravenstongue rolls Sense Motive: (14)+7: 21
<OOC> Jinks says, "Alright."
<OOC> Jinks says, "Seems legit."
<OOC> Ravenstongue says, "Lol."
<OOC> Ravenstongue says, "Anyway, seems legit, but RT would prefer he doesn't vomit, so... Hideous Laughter, Persistent Metamagic."
<OOC> Jinks says, "OK! Nothing happens. He's probably too cursed."
GAME: Ravenstongue casts Hideous Laughter/Persistent. Caster Level: 8 DC: 20
<OOC> Jinks >.> <.<

Cor'lana raises an eyebrow. "Umm... I..."

She furrows her brows. "Okay, but maybe don't vomit all over everything like it's the Soldier's Defense?" she asks as she weaves magic. It's a softball--she's no comedian, but the magic should, theoretically, make this the funniest thing ever. To the gobber, Cor'lana is a riot and should go into standup.

Except the spell doesn't work, and that's all the more suspicious. Possibly. (Either way, Cor'lana's future career in comedy is dead in the water. Stick to poetry, girl.)

<OOC> Jinks says, "Perception from you and Rocky, Shilde."
GAME: Shilde rolls perception: (14)+14: 28
<OOC> Shilde says, "Has it been three rounds?"
<OOC> Jinks says, "Yes."
GAME: Shilde rolls 1d20+7: (19)+7: 26
<OOC> Jinks says, "Roll Sense Motive. Give yourself a +10"
<OOC> Shilde says, "hahaha"
GAME: Shilde rolls sense motive+10: (15)+4+10: 29
<OOC> Shilde says, "Well, what do you know."
<OOC> Jinks says, "So this goblin looks quite a bit like the one the monster ate. Rocky also thinks this thing still smells fuckin' wrong."
<OOC> Jinks says, "You have Doubts (TM)"
<OOC> Shilde will hold the cats back, but Rocky's gonna bite. Shilde is going to delay.
GAME: Shilde rolls 1d20+9+1+2: (5)+9+1+2: 17
<OOC> Jinks says, "OK"
GAME: Shilde rolls 1d20+9+1+2: (17)+9+1+2: 29
<OOC> Jinks says, "29 hits!"
GAME: Shilde rolls 1d8+9+3: (2)+9+3: 14
<OOC> Jinks says, "That'll destroy it."

Shilde hesitates. It might be a gobber.. and while she has little care for the small greenskins, she isn't about to murder a victim. But it looks exactly like the gobber the creature had eaten before, and while it's vaguely possible it had been alive inside of the stomach.... Rocky's growl, however, reveals his opinion. He might not be the swiftest brick in the bakery, but she trusts him. So, in growling-wolf-speak, she gives him the go-ahead, and he lunges forward with arcane assisted speed, tearing at the 'gobber's throat. As the flesh rips away, the creature reverts back to its previous, disturbing mouth-head form.

Rocky lets the vile flesh drop from his mouth as he turns in a circle, then fixes his gaze upon the dead creature. The cats and monkeys scamper off, fading back into the wild magics that summoned them. And Shilde hunkers down so that Ravenstongue can dismount before she changes back.

It isn't long before the city watch responds to the general panic. The refugees scattered to the four winds screaming bloody murder and banging on doors. Monsters. Monsters in the camps!

The curious creature killed by Cor'lana and Shilde is collected, its corpse inspected by those in the know. It's apparently a form of undead known as a totenmaske. A shapeshifter that is known for drinking the dreams and devouring the life force of their victims before assuming their shape.

The good news is that one was stopped. The bad is that there is a second loose somewhere in the city...

OOC

Map: https://www.mipui.net/app/index.html?mid=mcdcrb0kykt