Journey Day 20/2 Trolls

Syval stops and his tail flicks behind him as he scans his sand-colored eyes over the surrounding woods. "And they're close," the mage murmurs, sinking into a ready crouch and putting two firm hands upon his bardiche.

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Syval would be able to sense that there are at least two, possibly three smaller formations of them closing in from more than one direction. They were clearly able to sense the party's arrival long before they could see or smell them, and have acted accordingly." Troll Archer 1 rolls To Hit (1d20+10) and gets 22 (12) Troll Archer 1 rolls To Hit (1d20+5) and gets 25 (20) Troll Archer 2 rolls To Hit (1d20+10) and gets 21 (11) Troll Archer 2 rolls To Hit (1d20+5) and gets 22 (17) Troll Archer 3 rolls To Hit (1d20+10) and gets 17 (7) Troll Archer 3 rolls To Hit (1d20+5) and gets 20 (15) Troll Shaman 1 rolls Casting Check (1d20+9) and gets 27 (18) Troll Shaman 2 rolls Casting Check (1d20+9) and gets 17 (8) Troll Hunter 1 rolls Trapsetting (1d20+12) and gets 30 (18) Troll Hunter 2 rolls Trapsetting (1d20+12) and gets 20 (8) Troll Hunter 3 rolls Trapsetting (1d20+12) and gets 28 (16) <OOC> Syval says, "Ohhh my." At Jyslin's warning, the group quickly forms up and prepares as best they can in a somewhat scattershot manner.

Honoria does not worry with stealth as she slogs forcefully over to a point beside Andie, clearly raising her shield and sword as she prepares to defend the witch.

The roamer priestess touches her robes, a shimmer of blue-silver energy crackling over them before she tucks her hands up into her sleeves, coming out with those bladeless sword handles once more.

Little Neosodos launches himself from Andie's shoulder up into the higher canopy of the trees as his advice comes to young Syval. << Little Brother, these will not be quite so reckless a band, and likely better equipped and prepared. I recommend a defensive spell, if you have one. I expect arrows, incoming, despite the forested surroundings. And be alert for traps; this is territory they have had time to prepare. >>

Neosodos may be Andie's familiar, but he has invested a good deal of time preparing and training Syval in his draconic nature; he's not about to see all of that hard work go down the tubes without putting some effort in against it.

No sooner has Neosodos given his warning than there is a hissing whirr in the air, as a small fight of arrows converges on the party. Though it is only six shots, they are all short spears in length, and very well placed with high velocities. Yet only one manages to get through, deflected by Honoria's raised shield, though its shattered splinters slice at her face and neck viciously. The intended target of Andie, however, is unharmed.

Syval will feel a thrum through his bones, as magicks are drawn forth - and not from amongst his companions. Something out there is drawing on the very swamp itself, and then casting those energies against the group, as vines erupt all around trying to pull them down under and the ground itself seems to dissolve into a vacuum.

As the group stumbles about combatting all of this Honoria manages to step on something which then erupts from the collapsing ground, driving pointed barbs into her foot and leg despite her armor, eliciting a real grunt of pain from the lady knight. Jyslin also sets one of these off, but she leaps clear before it can close around her.

And then come the bone-chilling, blood-curdling howls of glee as the trolls charge. <OOC> Syval says, "Hmm, is there time in this same 'everyone forming up' interval for me to cast Mage Armor?" <OOC> Syval says, "Ah nevermind. I asked while halfway through reading. Neos and the arrows answers that for me. Not quite enough time." <OOC> Syval says, "Sorry, I got pulled afk a bit. I am back now and should be here to stay until bed." <OOC> Syval hand-frictions. "Whoo... and here we go. No time for Mage Armor today. Let's see how well luck works as an AC bonus." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Everyone has time for one round of preparedness. Hence things like Neos taking flight, Jyslin activating her robes and gathering her blades, Honoria moving to a defensive position with Andie." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "So if Syval wants to cast Mage Armor as his preparedness, that's A-OK with me."

Ah okay, definitely using my round for that then. I was debating pre-emptively casting it during my pose even but it's got a verbal component so that would have killed our stealth in case they hadn't found us yet.

<OOC> Syval says, "Agh OOC that please. >_<" <OOC> Syval says, "Ah okay, definitely using my round for that then. I was debating pre-emptively casting it during my pose even but it's got a verbal component so that would have killed our stealth in case they hadn't found us yet." <OOC> Syval says, "Oh I like the idea I just had. :>"

Syval moves up close to the rear of the group to protect the side opposite Honoria and moves a hand to the strip of cured leather that serves as his belt. Running his fingers over the smooth hide the wizard focuses then summons a drop of magic from the Weave into an ephemeral shell around himself with a forceful command. The arcane armor forms only just in time as his ears catch the sound of arrows in flight and the dragonoid ducks to one side.

"This is a hell of a greeting," the mage growls as his wings flap hard but impotently fail to lift him into the air, forcing him to slash at the vines and stumble awkwardly from their grasp. "They want to surround us."

<OOC> Syval adds a ! on the end there and slips away for a snack. <OOC> The trolls come in and nom a snack off the dragon. <OOC> Syval says, "Oh it's on now. u_u" "Yes, and we are too tightly grouped together." Andie comments drolly. It's a bit too late, but they have indeed made this easier on the trolls for surrounding them; their more widely spread-out earlier formation was actually better for preventing that, though that did also increase the risk of individuals getting surrounded and overwhelmed in detail.

Isn't combat fun?!

As the trolls charge Honoria lifts her shield and shouts out a challenge, pointing her sword at the biggest, meanest looking troll in the group, an enormous twelve-foot tall brute seemingly made of animated boulders. "Hold, all of you!" she calls.

<OOC> Honoria uses Chivalric Challenge on the lead Rock Troll, with a Swift action. (That's Knight-class code for 'this one is mine!') She also issues a Chivalric Command, granting all of the party a Morale-typed bonus to hit, damage and armor class of +8.

Andie issues for a command and her staff flares to life, wreathed in twisting golden flames, ready to strike the first troll to reach her and unleash its power.

Jyslin leaps up and away, bounding off trees to redirect herself around the troll advance, charging instead for the trolls she can see at the back who are preparing additional spells.

Neosodos prepares himself to strafe the enemy, calling to mind the draconic Words to summon one of his more powerful fire spells.

What materializes and charges the party includes a pair of enormous rock trolls, six lightly armored carnage trolls and three creeper trolls. Though they charge madly, they do not attack with unbridged berserker fury, but instead show intellect and planning in their choices, as well as keen knowledge of the swamp itself and the terrain. Behind them, three more carnage trolls stand in front of a very nasty-looking monger troll (nearly giant-sized, and two-headed).

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "WB to the swamp." <OOC> Syval says, "Thank you. It is humid here." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "To your left, we have trolls. To your right, we have trolls. In front of you, we have more trolls. Any questions? ^_^" <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li j/k, at least half. <OOC> Syval says, "Eldritch Blast?" <OOC> Syval says, "</5e Memes>" <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li giggles. "Or, of course, the ever-ubiquitous 'Fireball!'" <OOC> Syval says, "So if I have this right there are 6 creeper trolls, 6 carnage trolls, 2 rock trolls, and a monger troll in total with the vanguard attacking us from all sides. Should be fun..." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "There are 9 carnage trolls - 6 in the vanguard and 3 guarding the monger troll - along with 2 rock trolls and 3 creeper trolls." <OOC> Syval says, "Thank you I wrote 3 creeper trolls back there by mistake." <OOC> Syval eyes bardiche, eyes breath weapon, eyes uncooperative viney ground... <OOC> Syval says, "How many of the beasties are charging in at me specifically?" <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "You look impressive. So without further evidence to the contrary, I think you're getting a carnage troll, a rock troll, and a creeper troll." <OOC> Syval DragonFlex.jpg <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "By comparison and FYI, Honoria is getting the same tag mix, 1 of each. Jyslin is getting 3 carnage and 1 creeper. Andie is getting 1 carnage troll, but is in effect also doing battle with the distant monger troll. Currently none of them have actually aimed at Neosodos, though that is likely to change the first time the little drake decides to show off." <OOC> Syval says, "So 3 carnage trolls who haven't quite reached us then, noted. And with Jyslin out there and a coming charge, not a lot of room for breathing. But that can change. :)" <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Those three are hanging back, seeming to guard the monger troll. Yet more evidence of unusual behavior."

Still fighting the vines underfoot, Syval moves up to cover the witch and lady knight from the trolls that rush them from behind. Jamming the spike of his bardiche against the wriggling ground he bellows a challenge to the monsters before him as green arcana envelopes the tall axe head.

"I have your back! Break out when you can and I'll hit them with acid."

<OOC> Syval takes a readied action to Brace against charging trolls. <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Syval means an acid spell? Or his acidic (chlorine) gas breath weapon?" <OOC> Syval says, "Acid breath. Now is not the time to quibble on technicalities; he's pretty sure if it kills grass it can bypass troll regen the same way acid orb did." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Hopefully so!" <OOC> Syval says, "It is a gamble!" <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "The person who knows is too busy to advise us ICly, so, we shall see!" <OOC> Syval says, "With luck the vines won't like it either." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "We can hope! It do spring eternal. Y'know, until we die or something." <OOC> Syval says, "I have faith in Chipira that we're meant for something greater than troll food on a hag coven's doorstep. Setting aside the immortal devotee of Lathander." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "NB: I'm about to roll a lot of initiatives. Syval should have a bonus of +3, as he is in 40' of Honoria." <OOC> Syval Braces for rolls as well as trolls. Carnage Troll Hunter 1 rolls Initiative (1d20+5) and gets 25 (20) Carnage Troll Hunter 2 rolls Initiative (1d20+5) and gets 15 (10) Carnage Troll Hunter 3 rolls Initiative (1d20+5) and gets 19 (14) Carnage Troll Hunter 4 rolls Initiative (1d20+5) and gets 8 (3) Carnage Troll Hunter 5 rolls Initiative (1d20+5) and gets 9 (4) Carnage Troll Hunter 6 rolls Initiative (1d20+5) and gets 15 (10) Rock Troll Bruiser 1 rolls Initiative (1d20+0) and gets 4 (4) Rock Troll Bruiser 2 rolls Initiative (1d20+0) and gets 8 (8) Creeper Troll Striker 1 rolls Initiative (1d20+9) and gets 23 (14) Creeper Troll Striker 2 rolls Initiative (1d20+9) and gets 27 (18) Creeper Troll Striker 3 rolls Initiative (1d20+9) and gets 19 (10) Monger Troll Shaman 1 rolls Initiative (1d20+1) and gets 2 (1) Monger Troll Shaman 2 rolls Initiative (1d20+1) and gets 13 (12) Lady Honoria rolls Initiative (1d20+13) and gets 22 (9) Sister Jyslin rolls Initiative (1d20+13) and gets 16 (3) Witch Andie rolls Initiative (1d20+6) and gets 9 (3) Neosodos Drake rolls Initiative (1d20+6) and gets 18 (12) Syval rolls Initiative M (1d20+6) and gets 22 (16) <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Jyslin rolled a 3, and is doubly blessed. So she will treat that like a 20." <OOC> Syval says, "So 33 Init. Since it's over 30 that means Jyslin attacks the turn before you roll initiative, right?" <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li chuckles. "In effect. She beats the highest enemy initiative by 6." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "I confess, this would be a lot faster with physical dice. But here goes. :)" Sister Jyslin rolls Right 1 (1d20+27) and gets 47 (20) Sister Jyslin rolls Left 1 (1d20+27) and gets 37 (10) Sister Jyslin rolls Right 2 (1d20+22) and gets 34 (12) Sister Jyslin rolls Left 2 (1d20+22) and gets 36 (14) Sister Jyslin rolls Right 3 (1d20+17) and gets 36 (19) Sister Jyslin rolls Left 3 (1d20+17) and gets 21 (4) Sister Jyslin rolls Confirm Right 1 (1d20+27) and gets 46 (19) Sister Jyslin rolls Confirm Right 3 (1d20+17) and gets 25 (8) Sister Jyslin rolls Right 1 Damage (2d6+28) and gets 32 (3,1) Sister Jyslin rolls Left 1 Damage (1d6+14) and gets 15 (1) Sister Jyslin rolls Right 2 Damage (1d6+14) and gets 19 (5) Sister Jyslin rolls Left 2 Damage (1d6+14) and gets 17 (3) Sister Jyslin rolls Right 3 Damage (2d6+28) and gets 37 (6,3) <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "And there is the great and terrible sound of a buzz saw chewing through meaty flesh and a bit of metal." <OOC> Syval laughs. "Oh my goodness that is some damage." <OOC> Syval says, "Now I know the score to beat: 37 in one swing, 120 in one round." Leaping out ahead, Jsylin intercepts a knot of the carnage troll hunters with her gleaming silvery blades and her ferocious intent, the blades flashing with incredible speed and terrible accuracy, cleaving off parts as she dismembers two in short order. However, they are likely to be back up soon unless something is done to prevent their regeneration. <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "She has managed to drop two of them into (low) negatives." <OOC> Syval braces for trolls. <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Sorry. I keep getting interrupted. That is the third package that has arrived while I've been working on this." <OOC> Syval says, "Makes me glad for my package locker. Speaking of, I have a mailbox to check." <OOC> Syval says, "That's better." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Sorry. I need two things, here. Can I get your (current, modified) AC, and your hit points?" <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li went ahead and built up one of her combat tracker spreadsheets. Because I am SUCH a geek, and this is a lot of combat. <OOC> Syval says, "35 AC, 122 HP, per my combat tracking spreadsheet." <OOC> Syval says, "That's unmodified HP and AC (27) + 8 from Honoria's morale boost for 5 rounds." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li nodnods. "Nice. You have the same number of hit points as Honoria, btw." <OOC> Syval DragonFlex.jpg <OOC> Syval says, "That's a tremendous credit to the lady knight and says almost nothing about me. My HP has multiple reasons for being obscenely large." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li pets her flexer. <OOC> Syval says, "I'm not normally taken to women with such great... hit pools, but Honoria wears hers well." <OOC> Syval says, "I think it's the armor. Good HP deserves good AC to accentuate it." <OOC> Syval </innuendo humor> <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li smirks. Creeper Troll Striker 2 rolls To Hit Jyslin Claw 1 (1d20+18) and gets 33 (15) Creeper Troll Striker 2 rolls To Hit Jyslin Claw 2 (1d20+18) and gets 38 (20) Creeper Troll Striker 2 rolls To Hit Jyslin Bite (1d20+13) and gets 30 (17) Carnage Troll Hunter 1 rolls To Hit Syval Claw 1 (1d20+15) and gets 30 (15) Carnage Troll Hunter 1 rolls To Hit Syval Claw 2 (1d20+15) and gets 26 (11) Carnage Troll Hunter 1 rolls To Hit Syval Bite (1d20+10) and gets 17 (7) Creeper Troll Striker 2 rolls To Hit Syval Claw 1 (1d20+18) and gets 38 (20) Creeper Troll Striker 2 rolls To Hit Syval Claw 2 (1d20+18) and gets 30 (12) Creeper Troll Striker 2 rolls To Hit Syval Bite (1d20+13) and gets 19 (6) Creeper Troll Striker 2 rolls To Hit Jyslin Claw 2 Confirm (1d20+18) and gets 25 (7) Creeper Troll Striker 2 rolls To Hit Syval Claw 1 Confirm (1d20+18) and gets 29 (11) <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Sorry. Yours are coming from Striker 1, not Striker 2." <OOC> Syval says, "All the same to me. Looks like 1 hit with unconfirmed crit (thank you lady knight!)." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Yes. Jyslin is hit twice, with one confirmed crit." Creeper Troll Striker 2 rolls Damage to Jyslin Claw 1 (1d8+8) and gets 12 (4) Creeper Troll Striker 2 rolls Damage to Jyslin Claw 2 (2d8+16) and gets 25 (2,7) Creeper Troll Striker 1 rolls Damage to Syval Claw 1 Confirm (1d6+5) and gets 8 (3) <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "And with those attacks, we are down to 22 in the orer; that's you and Honoria." <OOC> Syval says, "For simplicity we're put any of my AoOs in my combat block, aye? Otherwise that might have gone before the creeper." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Yus. Just roll the AoOs first." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Since Honoria was moving, and she doesn't have Reach, she did not get any. I failed to account for your reach weapon." <OOC> Syval says, "Alright. I have the readied action against charging trolls and I'll roll an attack for each of my possible AoOs (3). Theoretically that could all trigger on the 3 trolls up on me, I leave it to your discretion what actually happens." <OOC> Syval says, "This is where numbers get a little ridiculous... ^_^;" Syval rolls Bardiche Brace M #1 (1d20+24) and gets 35 (11) Syval rolls Bdc_Damage Brace M #1 (1d10+21) and gets 25 (4) <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Yes. Roll one each on the three on you. That's Carnage Troll Hunter 1, Carnage Troll Hunter 2, and Creeper Troll Striker 1." <OOC> Syval says, "And 3 AoOs" Syval rolls Bardiche M #1 (1d20+24) and gets 26 (2) Syval rolls Bdc_Damage M #1 (1d10+21) and gets 25 (4) Syval rolls Bardiche M #1 (1d20+24) and gets 40 (16) Syval rolls Bdc_Damage M #1 (1d10+21) and gets 29 (8) Syval rolls Bardiche M #1 (1d20+24) and gets 34 (10) Syval rolls Bdc_Damage M #1 (1d10+21) and gets 23 (2) <OOC> Syval says, "And the brace hits for double damage (50) if it connects with 35 to-hit." <OOC> Syval says, "I'm not clear on the Brace rules if that would apply to all AoOs in the same round but I assume not." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "I think that's right." <OOC> Syval says, "Any hits among the trolls? That'll guide where I swing next." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "You've managed to hit all but the first one, Striker 1; your braced shot did not penetrate his AC." <OOC> Syval says, "Welp, in that case next swings are at the... carnage troll then. Full round action." Syval rolls Bardiche M #1 (1d20+24) and gets 35 (11) Syval rolls Bdc_Damage M #1 (1d10+21) and gets 27 (6) Syval rolls Bardiche M #2 (1d20+19) and gets 34 (15) Syval rolls Bdc_Damage M #2 (1d10+21) and gets 28 (7) <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Both of those will hit." <OOC> Syval says, "FYI, HP 114->115 from Fast Healing 1."

When three trolls charge in Syval lashes out with his bardiche in jagged arcs to try to keep them at bay. Buoyed by the lady knight at his back, it makes for quite a magic-tipped sight.

<OOC> Syval says, "Not much to say. Mowing a troll-looking lawn." Lady Honoria rolls To Hit Rock Troll Bruiser 2 Baraj 1 (1d20+23) and gets 42 (19) Lady Honoria rolls Damage Rock Troll Bruiser 2 Baraj 1 (1d10+13) and gets 18 (5) Lady Honoria rolls To Hit Rock Troll Bruiser 2 Shield (1d20+26) and gets 28 (2) Lady Honoria rolls Damage Rock Troll Bruiser 2 Shield (1d6+13) and gets 18 (5) Lady Honoria rolls To Hit Rock Troll Bruiser 2 Baraj 2 (1d20+18) and gets 30 (12) Lady Honoria rolls Damage Rock Troll Bruiser 2 Baraj 2 (1d10+13) and gets 19 (6) Lady Honoria rolls To Hit Rock Troll Bruiser 2 Baraj 3 (1d20+13) and gets 19 (6) Lady Honoria rolls Damage Rock Troll Bruiser 2 Baraj 3 (1d10+13) and gets 19 (6) Lady Honoria rolls To Hit Rock Troll Bruiser 2 Baraj 1 Confirm (1d20+23) and gets 35 (12) <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "OK. +aroll Creeper Troll Striker 2/To Hit Jyslin Claw 1/1d20+18" Creeper Troll Striker 2 rolls Damage Jyslin Claw 1 (1d6+5) and gets 6 (1) Creeper Troll Striker 2 rolls To Hit Jyslin Claw 2 (1d20+18) and gets 23 (5) Creeper Troll Striker 2 rolls Damage Jyslin Claw 2 (1d6+5) and gets 9 (4) Creeper Troll Striker 2 rolls To Hit Jyslin Bite (1d20+13) and gets 26 (13) Creeper Troll Striker 2 rolls Damage Jyslin Bite (2d4+3) and gets 9 (3,3) Creeper Troll Striker 2 rolls To Hit Jyslin Claw 1 (1d20+18) and gets 28 (10) Creeper Troll Striker 2 rolls Damage Jyslin Claw 1 (1d6+5) and gets 10 (5) Creeper Troll Striker 2 rolls To Hit Jyslin Claw 2 (1d20+18) and gets 28 (10) Creeper Troll Striker 2 rolls Damage Jyslin Claw 2 (1d6+5) and gets 6 (1) Creeper Troll Striker 2 rolls To Hit Jyslin Bite (1d20+13) and gets 33 (20) Creeper Troll Striker 2 rolls Damage Jyslin Bite (2d4+3) and gets 10 (3,4) Creeper Troll Striker 2 rolls To Hit Jyslin Bite Confirm (1d20+13) and gets 16 (3) <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "OK. It does not confirm the crit on the bite." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "And now ... so, so many rolls against so many people. Oi." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Neos goes on 18, and will cast Wind Wall. That makes it rather unlikely the archers will hit when they go on 12." Carnage Troll Hunter 2 rolls To Hit Honoria Claw 1 (1d20+15) and gets 27 (12) Carnage Troll Hunter 2 rolls Damage Honoria Claw 1 (1d8+10) and gets 11 (1) Carnage Troll Hunter 2 rolls To Hit Honoria Claw 2 (1d20+15) and gets 25 (10) Carnage Troll Hunter 2 rolls Damage Honoria Claw 2 (1d8+10) and gets 14 (4) Carnage Troll Hunter 2 rolls To Hit Honoria Bite (1d20+10) and gets 27 (17) Carnage Troll Hunter 2 rolls Damage Honoria Bite (2d6+5) and gets 10 (1,4) Carnage Troll Hunter 6 rolls To Hit Andie Claw 1 (1d20+15) and gets 30 (15) Carnage Troll Hunter 6 rolls Damage Andie Claw 1 (1d8+10) and gets 14 (4) Carnage Troll Hunter 6 rolls To Hit Andie Claw 2 (1d20+15) and gets 34 (19) Carnage Troll Hunter 6 rolls Damage Andie Claw 2 (1d8+10) and gets 15 (5) Carnage Troll Hunter 6 rolls To Hit Andie Bite (1d20+10) and gets 23 (13) Carnage Troll Hunter 6 rolls Damage Andie Bite (2d6+5) and gets 11 (3,3) Carnage Troll Archer 1 rolls To Hit Andie Shot 1 (1d20+10) and gets 29 (19) Carnage Troll Archer 1 rolls Damage Andie Shot 1 (1d8+5) and gets 10 (5) Carnage Troll Archer 1 rolls To Hit Andie Shot 2 (1d20+5) and gets 16 (11) Carnage Troll Archer 1 rolls Damage Andie Shot 2 (1d8+5) and gets 7 (2) Carnage Troll Archer 2 rolls To Hit Honoria Shot 1 (1d20+10) and gets 27 (17) Carnage Troll Archer 2 rolls Damage Honoria Shot 1 (1d8+5) and gets 11 (6) Carnage Troll Archer 2 rolls To Hit Honoria Shot 2 (1d20+5) and gets 6 (1) Carnage Troll Archer 2 rolls Damage Honoria Shot 2 (1d8+5) and gets 13 (8) Carnage Troll Archer 3 rolls To Hit Syval Shot 1 (1d20+10) and gets 16 (6) Carnage Troll Archer 3 rolls Damage Syval Shot 1 (1d8+5) and gets 7 (2) Carnage Troll Archer 3 rolls To Hit Syval Shot 2 (1d20+5) and gets 8 (3) Carnage Troll Archer 3 rolls Damage Syval Shot 2 (1d8+5) and gets 10 (5) Carnage Troll Hunter 5 rolls To Hit Jyslin Claw 1 (1d20+15) and gets 34 (19) Carnage Troll Hunter 5 rolls Damage Jyslin Claw 1 (1d8+10) and gets 12 (2) Carnage Troll Hunter 5 rolls To Hit Jyslin Claw 2 (1d20+15) and gets 20 (5) Carnage Troll Hunter 5 rolls Damage Jyslin Claw 2 (1d8+10) and gets 12 (2) Carnage Troll Hunter 5 rolls To Hit Jyslin Bite (1d20+10) and gets 18 (8) Carnage Troll Hunter 5 rolls Damage Jyslin Bite (2d6+5) and gets 10 (4,1) <OOC> Syval says, "No hits on me with or without wind wall." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Newp." Rock Troll Bruiser 1 rolls To Hit Syval Claw 1 (1d20+20) and gets 38 (18) Rock Troll Bruiser 1 rolls Damage Syval Claw 1 (3d6+10) and gets 24 (4,6,4) Rock Troll Bruiser 1 rolls To Hit Syval Claw 2 (1d20+20) and gets 39 (19) Rock Troll Bruiser 1 rolls Damage Syval Claw 2 (3d6+10) and gets 20 (3,2,5) Rock Troll Bruiser 2 rolls To Hit Honoria Claw 1 (1d20+20) and gets 38 (18) Rock Troll Bruiser 2 rolls Damage Honoria Claw 1 (3d6+10) and gets 21 (1,6,4) Rock Troll Bruiser 2 rolls To Hit Honoria Claw 2 (1d20+20) and gets 22 (2) Rock Troll Bruiser 2 rolls Damage Honoria Claw 2 (3d6+10) and gets 15 (2,2,1) <OOC> Syval says, "Now those are hits. Wow that bruiser's got an arm. No nat-20s but that's 24+20=44 damage, aye?" <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Yus." Andie rolls Casting Check (1d20+28) and gets 37 (9) Andie rolls Cone of Flame Damage (16d4+64) and gets 110 (3,4,1,1,3,3,4,1,4,3,4,2,4,4,4,1) Monger Troll Shaman rolls Saving Throw vs Cone of Flame (1d20+11) and gets 19 (8) <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Frustrating thing? Missed the Massive Damage rule by 3. :(" <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "But he won't be regenerating that." <OOC> Syval says, "That is good." <OOC> Syval says, "Goodness but that's a massive fire spell. o_o" <OOC> Syval says, "New plan: forget funneling them into my breath weapon, we funnel them into that." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li nods. "Cast with the power of her Staff, so it is much-augmented from base. And her base is scary." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Actually ... hmmm. The archers should save against that, too." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Oh. Wait. 37? They can't make it without nat 20s." <OOC> Syval says, "What's a casting check? That spell has a variable DC that the caster rolls for?" <OOC> Syval thought that was just her concentration check to successfully cast the spell. Carnage Troll Archer 1 rolls Saving Throw vs Cone of Flame (1d20+11) and gets 18 (7) Carnage Troll Archer 2 rolls Saving Throw vs Cone of Flame (1d20+11) and gets 22 (11) Carnage Troll Archer 3 rolls Saving Throw vs Cone of Flame (1d20+11) and gets 22 (11) <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "When casting in combat, you make a roll, as you can fark up just like anyone making an attack. The save DC for the spell is the total of your roll." <OOC> Syval says, "Huh! That's an interesting way to do that. PF 1e just uses static DCs based on the spell and typically your casting attribute (and any save DC modifiers). Is that a 5e-ism?" <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "That's a Shaar-ism." <OOC> Syval says, "I see, I see. Well, that potentially swings spell DCs greatly since PF assumes a flat 10 instead of a 1d20. Makes things interesting." <OOC> Syval says, "Please help me remember when I'm casting offensively. I am liable to forget by then." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li nods. "The flatter math in 5e makes it closer. I may need to figure out how to nudge things in PF1. But that can wait." Monger Troll Shaman 1 rolls Casting Check Rope Tentacles (1d20+20) and gets 34 (14) Monger Troll Shaman 2 rolls Casting Check Thorn Shower (1d20+20) and gets 34 (14) Monger Troll Shaman 1 rolls Rope Tentacle 1 Damage (3d6+12) and gets 21 (5,3,1) Andie rolls Save vs Rope Tentacles 1 (1d20+13) and gets 22 (9) Monger Troll Shaman 1 rolls Rope Tentacle 2 Damage (3d6+12) and gets 29 (6,5,6) Andie rolls Save vs Rope Tentacles 2 (1d20+13) and gets 21 (8) Monger Troll Shaman 1 rolls Rope Tentacle 3 Damage (3d6+12) and gets 22 (3,2,5) Andie rolls Save vs Rope Tentacles 3 (1d20+13) and gets 26 (13) Monger Troll Shaman 1 rolls Rope Tentacle 4 Damage (3d6+12) and gets 27 (5,4,6) Andie rolls Save vs Rope Tentacles 4 (1d20+13) and gets 17 (4) Monger Troll Shaman 2 rolls Thorn Shower Damage (8d4+0) and gets 23 (4,1,3,4,1,3,4,3) <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "OK. Everyone but Neo takes 12 points of damage (halved for Neo's windwall)" <OOC> Syval says, "That's 34 vs. touch AC I assume?" The creeper troll facing off against Jyslin slashes into her viciously, doing good damage as its claws rip through her shimmering blue aura and tear flesh.

The rock troll, carnage troll and creeper troll attacking Syval are attacked swiftly; the braced attack of his bardiche digs a furrow across the armor the rock troll is wearing, sparks of golden energy shedding around the blade, but it manages to find deep perchase against the carnage troll and the creeper troll. The young mage then pivots his hips and swings mightily on the rock troll which resisted his bardiche earlier, hacking the creature deeply twice, but still it does not fall.

Honoria lays about her, attacking fiercely and concentrating her attacks on the terrible rock troll before her, though its incredibly tough hide manages to turn aside some of her blows. Even so, her baraj tears into its flesh and her shield smashes into it's body. Though the mighty creature is not brought low, it is badly hurt and roars in pain and rage.

The creeper troll facing off against Honoria slashes fiercely, but it's claws cannot find purchase past her armor. Yet it ducks in beneath her shield and manages to bite into the side of her calf.

Neosodos calls forth a Wind Wall to screen his witch and the rest of the party and cut down on incoming archery fire.

One of the still-standing carnage troll hunters facing Jyslin does manage to get a claw swipe through her defenses, doing some small amount of damage.

A flight of arrows from the carnage troll archers is intercepted by the Wind Wall spell and rendered ineffective.

Andie manages to pull her staff in, twist around and point it at the distant figure of the enormous monger troll shaman as her chanting calls forth a spark, a mote of flame from her hand that courses down the length of the staff and then erupts through the feathers, streaking out to blossom into a very lightly orange-shaded white cone of flame, searing away vision at any who stare too close. The archers in front of the monger troll are burnt away to ash, but the monger troll staggers free of the flames, furious.

The monger troll shaman than begins chanting, jumping about, arms flailing, each head of the troll shouting an entirely different phrase. The party is assaulted, as the vines of the trees grow several exceptionally thicker vines which club at Andie, pounding and clubbing her nearly to the ground. The other spell calls forth a hurricane of thorns from the trees which rain razor-sharp amongst the assembled heroes and their enemies alike, slicing through the thickest armor due to their magical nature. <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "OK. I need a couple of minutes afk. BBVS" <OOC> Syval says, "Goodness and there goes half my health. 120 HP felt like a lot until now."

Syval grunts and roars as the pummeling trolls strike through his magicked armor and toughened hide, and a hand comes up to shield his face when the woods unleash an indiscriminate hailing of thorns. "Accursed creatures! Back to the Pits with all of you!" He shouts as the dragon-scaled wizard channels pain and anger into a wide, half-blind swing with his full weight, aiming to shatter the rock troll and carnage troll beside it.

<OOC> Syval activates Power Attack and uses Cleave, first on rock troll. Syval rolls Bardiche Power Attack #1 (1d20+22) and gets 28 (6) Syval rolls Bdc_Pwr_Damage #1 (1d10+27) and gets 31 (4) <OOC> Syval squints at the dice. "In case that hits, here's the follow-through into whichever troll is adjacent to it." Syval rolls Bardiche Power Attack #2 (1d20+22) and gets 42 (20) Syval rolls Bdc_Pwr_Damage #2 (1d10+27) and gets 31 (4) Syval rolls Bardiche Power Attack Crit-Confirm #2 (1d20+22) and gets 40 (18) <OOC> Syval says, "Oh you're kidding me. XD Oh please tell me that first swing hit the rock troll..." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "FWIW, you have a Rock, Carnage, and Creeper troll on you. So, after Rocky, who is your #2 target?" <OOC> Syval says, "Per Cleave they have to be adjacent to Rocky. If both are, I'll go for the creeper. They're the one I missed on 35 and hit on 40 right, so they'd taken the least damage but also did the most damage to me?" <OOC> Syval says, "Besides the rock troll I started with who knocked off 1/3rd of my HP." <OOC> Syval says, "If I remember right, creeper rushed me for 8 at the start of things. They deserve comeuppance." <OOC> Syval says, "FYI Bardiche is an x2 crit so that swing to the creeper is 31x2 = 62 damage if 42 and 40 both hit." <OOC> Syval says, "Trivia: that more than doubles Jyslin's single-swing damage (37 vs. 93) but she still wins single-round (120)." Sister Jyslin rolls Right 1 (1d20+27) and gets 29 (2) Sister Jyslin rolls Right 1 Damage (1d6+14) and gets 20 (6) Sister Jyslin rolls Left 1 (1d20+27) and gets 45 (18) Sister Jyslin rolls Left 1 Damage (1d6+14) and gets 15 (1) Sister Jyslin rolls Right 2 (1d20+22) and gets 26 (4) Sister Jyslin rolls Right 2 Damage (1d6+14) and gets 15 (1) Sister Jyslin rolls Left 2 (1d20+22) and gets 36 (14) Sister Jyslin rolls Left 2 Damage (1d6+14) and gets 16 (2) Sister Jyslin rolls Right 3 (1d20+17) and gets 20 (3) Sister Jyslin rolls Right 3 Damage (1d6+14) and gets 17 (3) Sister Jyslin rolls Left 3 (1d20+17) and gets 25 (8) Sister Jyslin rolls Left 3 Damage (1d6+14) and gets 20 (6) Carnage Troll Hunter 1 rolls To Hit Syval Claw 1 (1d20+15) and gets 21 (6) Carnage Troll Hunter 1 rolls Damage Syval Claw 1 (1d8+10) and gets 16 (6) Carnage Troll Hunter 1 rolls To Hit Syval Claw 2 (1d20+15) and gets 22 (7) Carnage Troll Hunter 1 rolls Damage Syval Claw 2 (1d8+10) and gets 15 (5) Carnage Troll Hunter 1 rolls To Hit Syval Bite (1d20+10) and gets 14 (4) Carnage Troll Hunter 1 rolls Damage Syval Bite (2d6+5) and gets 14 (6,3) Creeper Troll Striker 2 rolls To Hit Honoria Claw 1 (1d20+18) and gets 35 (17) Creeper Troll Striker 2 rolls Damage Honoria Claw 1 (1d6+5) and gets 7 (2) Creeper Troll Striker 2 rolls To Hit Honoria Claw 2 (1d20+18) and gets 33 (15) Creeper Troll Striker 2 rolls Damage Honoria Claw 2 (1d6+5) and gets 9 (4) Creeper Troll Striker 2 rolls To Hit Honoria Bite (1d20+13) and gets 22 (9) Creeper Troll Striker 2 rolls Damage Honoria Bite (2d4+3) and gets 7 (1,3) Lady Honoria rolls To Hit Rock Troll Bruiser 2 Baraj 1 (1d20+23) and gets 38 (15) Lady Honoria rolls Damage Rock Troll Bruiser 2 Baraj 1 (1d10+13) and gets 17 (4) Lady Honoria rolls To Hit Carnage Troll Hunter 2 Shield (1d20+26) and gets 45 (19) Lady Honoria rolls Damage Carnage Troll Hunter 2 Shield (1d6+23) and gets 28 (5) Lady Honoria rolls To Hit Carnage Troll Hunter 2 Baraj 2 (1d20+18) and gets 38 (20) Lady Honoria rolls Damage Carnage Troll Hunter 2 Baraj 2 (1d10+23) and gets 25 (2) Lady Honoria rolls To Hit Creeper Troll Striker 2 Baraj 3 (1d20+13) and gets 27 (14) Lady Honoria rolls Damage Creeper Troll Striker 2 Baraj 3 (1d10+23) and gets 32 (9) <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Next round, she will move on to attack the carnage troll who is on Andie if no one else gets to him first." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "FYI, your creeper troll is down. Hopefully he stays that way." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Neosodos will ready an action and prepare to fly down and land on an ally if one goes down to deliver the tiny amount of healing that he can. He is not getting in the middle against the shamans, as that is just stupid, and everyone else seems to largely have their opponents handled." <OOC> Syval facerubs a bit. "Glorious, one down, two to go. Rock troll is next hopefully. Once I'm down to one I can help Andie as well" Carnage Troll Hunter 6 rolls To Hit Andie Claw 1 (1d20+15) and gets 28 (13) Carnage Troll Hunter 6 rolls Damage Andie Claw 1 (1d8+10) and gets 12 (2) Carnage Troll Hunter 6 rolls To Hit Andie Claw 2 (1d20+15) and gets 20 (5) Carnage Troll Hunter 6 rolls Damage Andie Claw 2 (1d8+10) and gets 11 (1) Carnage Troll Hunter 6 rolls To Hit Andie Bite (1d20+10) and gets 21 (11) Carnage Troll Hunter 6 rolls Damage Andie Bite (2d6+5) and gets 9 (3,1) <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "So, that 13 will hit. Because it's a 13." <OOC> Syval says, "Witchy business. :D" <OOC> Syval says, "Oh, that works both directions?" Monger Troll Shaman 1 rolls Casting Check Rope Tentacles (1d20+20) and gets 26 (6) Monger Troll Shaman 1 rolls Rope Tentacle 1 Damage (3d6+12) and gets 24 (5,2,5) Andie rolls Save vs Rope Tentacles 1 (1d20+13) and gets 19 (6) Monger Troll Shaman 1 rolls Rope Tentacle 2 Damage (3d6+12) and gets 23 (4,1,6) Andie rolls Save vs Rope Tentacles 2 (1d20+13) and gets 28 (15) Monger Troll Shaman 1 rolls Rope Tentacle 3 Damage (3d6+12) and gets 17 (1,3,1) Andie rolls Save vs Rope Tentacles 3 (1d20+13) and gets 29 (16) Monger Troll Shaman 1 rolls Rope Tentacle 4 Damage (3d6+12) and gets 23 (2,5,4) Andie rolls Save vs Rope Tentacles 4 (1d20+13) and gets 17 (4) Neosodos Drake rolls Casting Check: Firespray (1d20+20) and gets 31 (11) Neosodos Drake rolls Firespray Damage (1d3+24) and gets 26 (2) Rock Troll Bruiser 1 rolls To Hit Syval Claw 1 (1d20+20) and gets 23 (3) Rock Troll Bruiser 1 rolls Damage Syval Claw 1 (3d6+10) and gets 24 (6,3,5) Rock Troll Bruiser 1 rolls To Hit Syval Claw 2 (1d20+20) and gets 22 (2) Rock Troll Bruiser 1 rolls Damage Syval Claw 2 (3d6+10) and gets 16 (2,3,1) <OOC> Syval says, "Thank you magic armor and thank you Honoria." <OOC> Syval yawns. "I think I'm one bed prep away from rest for tonight, assuming I don't need a midnight snack to really knock myself out. I'll need to pause my side here." Andie rolls Casting Check Firebolt (1d20+28) and gets 32 (4) Andie rolls Firebolt Damage (10d6+30) and gets 73 (3,2,6,4,5,4,5,2,6,6) Monger Troll Shaman rolls Saving Throw vs Firebolt (1d20+11) and gets 13 (2) <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Rassinfrassin monger troll is still alive. :(" <OOC> Syval says, "We can fix. Quite a sturdy troll." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "I confess, I didn't want to have to figure out what it was going to cast this round. Oh well." <OOC> Syval says, "Unless it's casting quickly it might be an accident of magic. Does any of that fire incur DoT?" <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "DoT?" <OOC> Syval says, "Damage over time."

<OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "OK. So, the survivors re the Monger Troll Shaman(s), Carnage Troll Hunter #6 (on Andie), Carnage Troll Hunter #1 and Rock Troll Bruiser #1 (on Syval)." <OOC> Syval says, "No more creeper troll on me, any of the 3 on Honoria, or the 4 on Jyslin?" <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Having just finished Andie's turn (9 in the init order), the only spot left is Rock Troll Bruiser #1, on Syval, and then we're back up at the top of the order with Jyslin at 33, Carnage Troll Hunter #1 on Syval, then Honoria and Syval at 22, then Neosodos at 18, then Carnage Troll Hunter #6, then Monger Troll Shaman ... and you get the picture." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "All of the Creeper Trolls, strikers and archers, are dead so far. None of them have healed enough to get back up." <OOC> Syval says, "I think my battlefield notes are well out of date already. Thank you for the update. I'll scrub all the excess trolls from my board; I've got 3 carnage trolls you didn't mention among other things, so lots of napping trolls." <OOC> Syval says, "--Oh, and I forgot the notation I used for 'unconscious troll'. That explains several of these." <OOC> Syval says, "See previous comment about not knowing I did a smart thing." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "There are some carnage trolls who are within a round or two of getting back up if they aren't prodded along back into unconsciousness." Rock Troll Bruiser 1 rolls To Hit Syval Claw 1 (1d20+20) and gets 40 (20) Rock Troll Bruiser 1 rolls Damage Syval Claw 1 (3d6+10) and gets 17 (2,4,1) Rock Troll Bruiser 1 rolls To Hit Syval Claw 2 (1d20+20) and gets 24 (4) Rock Troll Bruiser 1 rolls Damage Syval Claw 2 (3d6+10) and gets 22 (3,6,3) Rock Troll Bruiser 1 rolls To Hit Syval Claw 1 Confirm (1d20+20) and gets 24 (4) <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "No confirm. So Syval takes 17 points." <OOC> Syval says, "My poor *checks notes*... 60 HP, okay I definitely felt that one." <OOC> Syval says, "Now 43 HP, will be 44 HP on my turn." Sister Jyslin rolls Right 1 Carnage Hunter #6 (1d20+27) and gets 37 (10) Sister Jyslin rolls Right 1 Damage (1d6+14) and gets 16 (2) Sister Jyslin rolls Left 1 Carnage Hunter #6 (1d20+27) and gets 37 (10) Sister Jyslin rolls Left 1 Damage (1d6+14) and gets 18 (4) Sister Jyslin rolls Right 2 Carnage Hunter #6 (1d20+22) and gets 25 (3) Sister Jyslin rolls Right 2 Damage (1d6+14) and gets 15 (1) Sister Jyslin rolls Left 2 Carnage Hunter #6 (1d20+22) and gets 28 (6) Sister Jyslin rolls Left 2 Damage (1d6+14) and gets 19 (5) Sister Jyslin rolls Right 3 Carnage Hunter #6 (1d20+17) and gets 31 (14) Sister Jyslin rolls Right 3 Damage (1d6+14) and gets 19 (5) Sister Jyslin rolls Left 3 Carnage Hunter #6 (1d20+17) and gets 26 (9) Sister Jyslin rolls Left 3 Damage (1d6+14) and gets 20 (6) Sister Jyslin rolls Right 2 Carnage Hunter #6 Confirm (1d20+22) and gets 37 (15) <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "So ... Jyslin literally shreds through that troll. He's so far down he would supposedly stop regenerating." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "He's over twice hs starting hit points into the negatives." <OOC> Syval says, "Oh my goodness. Troll chutney." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "One might imagine the roamer priestess is taking it personally when trolls try to hurt Andie." <OOC> Syval says, "@name Jyslin = Blender Kitty" <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li puts a pull-string in the middle of her shoulderblades. Pull -- chainsaw sound. <OOC> Syval says, "Perfect. XD" <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "OK. Hunter one now on Syval." <OOC> Syval says, "If that was a Matel toy her hair would be the pull string." Carnage Troll Hunter 1 rolls To Hit Syval Claw 1 (1d20+15) and gets 35 (20) Carnage Troll Hunter 1 rolls Damage Syval Claw 1 (1d8+10) and gets 15 (5) Carnage Troll Hunter 1 rolls To Hit Syval Claw 2 (1d20+15) and gets 30 (15) Carnage Troll Hunter 1 rolls Damage Syval Claw 2 (1d8+10) and gets 14 (4) Carnage Troll Hunter 1 rolls To Hit Syval Bite (1d20+10) and gets 21 (11) Carnage Troll Hunter 1 rolls Damage Syval Bite (2d6+5) and gets 14 (5,4) Carnage Troll Hunter 1 rolls To Hit Syval Claw 1 Confirm (1d20+15) and gets 23 (8) <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "OK. Syval gets ripped-into for another 15 points." <OOC> Syval says, "Dang a crit-threat from both of them. I am getting mobbed by these pests." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li smirks. "The bruiser is not a pest." :) <OOC> Syval says, "28 HP. I no longer feel excessively stocky. @_@" <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "He's not a boss. But he's not a pest." <OOC> Syval says, "That's the same rock troll who walloped me for 44. Ah wait a tick it looks like I docked 8 HP for Honoria's morale boost instead of adding it." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "OK. It's Syval and Honoria. Honoria is going to step up on Bruiser #1. Do you think you can take out Hunter 1 on your own?" <OOC> Syval says, "Nevermind, misread an attack line that I should have separated for clarity. HP total is good." <OOC> Syval says, "Frankly I'm not sure I have been this injured in my life. I am very much indignant enough to try. Success is up to Chipira." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Would you like to go first, on the chance I can bring down the bruiser and help you mop up on the hunter? Your call." <OOC> Syval says, "Between adrenaline, pride, draconic pride, and Honoria's magic courage, I'm not backing down from them. I'm not sure the difference our order makes but I can go first vs. the hunter sure. You'll get a flanking bonus on the bruiser regardless." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Sic 'em, Greenie. :)" <OOC> Syval says, "This'll be a 5' step for 10ft reach then full round power attack plus my continually renewed arcane strike, m'kay?" Syval rolls Bardiche Power Attack #1 (1d20+22) and gets 32 (10) Syval rolls Bdc_Pwr_Damage #1 (1d10+27) and gets 36 (9) Syval rolls Bardiche Power Attack #1 (1d20+17) and gets 24 (7) Syval rolls Bdc_Pwr_Damage #1 (1d10+27) and gets 29 (2) <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "32 hits by a mile. As does 24 (shorter mile)" <OOC> Syval says, "So modern mile and Roman mile?" <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Well done. He's down. Oh, fudge. I missed something. I need you to make a saving throw, Fortitude." <OOC> Syval says, "Oh my, what for?" Syval rolls Fortitude (1d20+12) and gets 28 (16) <OOC> Syval DragonFlex.jpg. <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Long time distance. But you were checking those every time the hunters hit. Their claws have a paralytic on them." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "OK. You saved. *pets dragon*" Lady Honoria rolls To Hit Rock Troll Bruiser 1 Baraj 1 (1d20+23) and gets 26 (3) Lady Honoria rolls Damage Rock Troll Bruiser 1 Baraj 1 (1d10+23) and gets 29 (6) Lady Honoria rolls To Hit Rock Troll Bruiser 1 Shield (1d20+26) and gets 46 (20) Lady Honoria rolls Damage Rock Troll Bruiser 1 Shield (1d6+23) and gets 29 (6) Lady Honoria rolls To Hit Rock Troll Bruiser 1 Baraj 2 (1d20+18) and gets 28 (10) Lady Honoria rolls Damage Rock Troll Bruiser 1 Baraj 2 (1d10+23) and gets 24 (1) Lady Honoria rolls To Hit Rock Troll Bruiser 1 Baraj 3 (1d20+13) and gets 28 (15) Lady Honoria rolls Damage Rock Troll Bruiser 1 Baraj 3 (1d10+23) and gets 28 (5) <OOC> Syval says, "Oh please, I'll give you a nat-1 for that roll. Riddle me this, tiger: what are dragons immune to?" Lady Honoria rolls To Hit Rock Troll Bruiser 1 Baraj 1 Confirm (1d20+23) and gets 30 (7) Lady Honoria rolls To Hit Rock Troll Bruiser 1 Shield Confirm (1d20+26) and gets 34 (8) <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Both are confirmed." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "So that brings down the bruiser, Timber!" <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Dragons are immune to a great many things. How many of them you have yet for being a were, I do not recall. I leave that to you. :)" <OOC> Syval says, "As of Weredragon 4 my hybrid form is paralysis immune according to you. ;)" <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "For his action, Neosodos lands on Andromeda's shoulder, decloaking as he emits a pulse of golden energy into her." <OOC> Syval says, "Or us as much as anything. I have vague memories of sifting through Pathfinder's Dragon page for abilities and traits. I digress." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "And now ... here come the vines. And Shaman spells." Monger Troll Shaman 1 rolls Casting Check Rope Tentacles (1d20+20) and gets 23 (3) <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Oof!" <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "That there is a fail, yon two-headed gentlemen." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "As you are shaman, the only spell failure you can take is loss of spell and loss of piety points. But it does mean that the animated rope tentacles will not be attacking this round. And that puts your additional casting checks at a penalty, as apparently your faith has faltered." Monger Troll Shaman 1 rolls Casting Check Rock Burst (1d20+20) and gets 27 (7) Monger Troll Shaman 2 rolls Casting Check Summon Monster (1d20+20) and gets 30 (10) <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Wow. #1 is just having a very bad day. With the piety loss penalty to the casting DC, Rock Burst also fails. That causes additional Piety loss, and the even more substantial increase in the casting check penalty, to the point he is unlikely to be able to cast anything until that goes away." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "#2 does succeed in his casting check. Barely. (He is also under that casting check penalty; their deity is not stupid enough to consider them ACTUALLY separate creatures)" <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "So, the ground erupts, mud, water and plant life sloughs off as earth and stone surges upward, taking the form of a towering 18-20ft tall rough humanoid with glowing emeralds for eyes in its slightly misshapen head." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "That is, I'm guessing here, the largest earth elemental young Syval has ever even heard of." <OOC> Syval says, "Conjuration being zenemas, I would absolutely believe it. Of trolls or green dragons summoning elementals I have probably heard of; an elemental with limbs the size of tree trunks, no." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Seeing this, Andromeda does something very risky: she calls out to Honoria, entreating for her aid and protection, as she herself remains focused on targeting teh monger troll. (The risk here is that I am about to roll the elemental's initiative, and if it goes before Honoria there's a limit to what the lady knight can do. Not nothing, mind, but a limit.)" Monger Troll Shaman 1 rolls Casting Check Rock Burst (1d20+20) and gets 27 (7) Monger Troll Shaman 2 rolls Casting Check Summon Monster (1d20+20) and gets 21 (1) Elder Earth Elemental rolls Initiative (1d20+3) and gets 20 (17) <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li whew. Sorry for the gaff there. And ... the elemental rolled well. But thankfully NOT well enough to beat Honoria and Syval. <OOC> Syval says, "Sounds like we're dodging rocks then!" <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Giant rocky fists. Yes." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Power Slams at +21 to hit, doing 2d10+22 each, crit 19-20" <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Hitting with strength 34" <OOC> Syval says, "I am thinking I need a word with that monger troll." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Which word did you have in mind?" Andie rolls Casting Check Augmented Searing Light (1d20+28) and gets 48 (20) <OOC> Syval says, "I am thinking the sound this makes: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/20/eb/fd/20ebfde97dad7b5794f62488c57b6235.jpg" Andie rolls Casting Check Augmented Searing Light COnfirm (1d20+28) and gets 45 (17) Andie rolls Damage Augmented Searing Light Critical Success (10d8+32) and gets 71 (2,2,1,3,5,7,2,3,8,6) Monger Troll Shaman rolls Saving Throw vs Searing Light (1d20+11) and gets 26 (15) <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "And no, you fail that save, Sirs." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Andie manages to unleash her spell, nails it, as the corruscating light wraps around her stave and erupts across the distance, literally blasting a still-smoking hole through the thing's chest as it falls over backwards." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Unfortunately, the spell to summon the elemental is complete, and it remains to act upon the order it was given. Andie finishes out the round as there are no original enemies remaining. However, Syval will be able to tell several of the carnage trolls are stirring, likely stoon going to try to stand back up or start biting at ankles." <OOC> Syval says, "By Azuth's beard, what a spell..." <OOC> Syval says, "So Andie aimed that at the troll not the elemental?" <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Correct. That's why she asked Honoria to help out against the elemental. SHe knew she was taking a risk, but she felt she needed to end the threat of the troll caster before worrying about the elemental." Lady Honoria rolls Chivalric Challenge on Elemental (1d20+15) and gets 30 (15) Elder Earth Elemental rolls Resist Challenge (1d20+10) and gets 18 (8) <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Hearing Andie's ask, Honoria steps up, and recommends to Syval that he set about to acid-spraying or setting aflame the fallen trolls all around them. Then she calls out, shouting as she points her baraj at the elemental, a booming call that seems to transcend language as she takes up a point in front of Andie. THe troll-summoned elemental turns, giving forth a deep and rumbling call that does not come from any mouth, but is the earth itself trembling with fury in response. And then it charges. Honoria, however, forgoes all attacks and instead summons forth a shimmering wall of force that extends out in front of her shield, goes down into the water and earth at her feet and arcs high overhead, enveloping the party's front as she stands, braced, and simply takes the attacks levied against her, attacks she herself called forth by challenging the creature, and keeps its will and intent locked entirely upon her." Elder Earth Elemental rolls Slam Attack #1 (1d20+21) and gets 25 (4) Elder Earth Elemental rolls Slam Attack #1 Damage (2d10+22) and gets 31 (6,3) Elder Earth Elemental rolls Slam Attack #2 (1d20+21) and gets 37 (16) Elder Earth Elemental rolls Slam Attack #2 Damage (2d10+22) and gets 37 (6,9) <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Honoria is definitely driven down, her boots sinking further into the soft, wet earth as the blows ring resoundingly off of the energy field she has summoned. But though the energy field does surge and flicker, it does not fall. Not yet." <OOC> Syval says, "Jyslin's still hanging by troll bits ahead of me so if I back behind Honoria then breath to the left I'd potentially catch our downed trolls but not Jyslin, her trolls, Andie, or the monger troll right?" <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Jyslin is right beside Andie, as her last action was to buzzsaw right through the troll who was on Andie. Honoria has stepped up past her, guarding both - and the party as a whole - from the earth elemental. The trolls getting ready to get up would be largely those who focused on Honoria, and Jyslin's own first pair. I think you could turn to that side and breathe at them without catching the rest of the party, as long as your breath does not then ripple and move across the ground to envelop the party in following rounds. :)" <OOC> Syval says, "I wasn't aware it lasted more than a round to begin with. In either case, the party is getting a warning then the trolls are getting a breath attack." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Cough, dear sir. I mean, dear dragon." <OOC> Syval says, "If my notes are still accurate it's DC 15 as a standard action vs. DC 5 as a full-round, so DC 15 if I'm moving into a good position for this to not catch the party?" <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Yus." <OOC> Syval says, "And Honoria's morale buff was to attack and damage but not concentration, aye?" <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Correct." Syval rolls Breath Weapon (Standard vs. DC 15) (1d20+11) and gets 17 (6) Huh? (Type "help" for help.) Huh? (Type "help" for help.) Huh? (Type "help" for help.) Syval rolls Breath Weapon Damage (DC 19 Reflex) (4d6+0) and gets 16 (1,5,5,5) Huh? (Type "help" for help.) Syval rolls Breath Weapon Recharge (1d4+0) and gets 2 (2) <OOC> Syval says, "FYI, HP 43->44 and Honoria bonus has 2 rounds left. Breath weapon is now 2 rounds to recharge." <OOC> Syval says, "No 29 HP from 28." <OOC> Syval mutters about sticky Excel formulas. <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Honoria's bonuses expired when the foes she challenged expired. :)" <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "And unconscious trolls do not get a saving throw. So they take the 16 points, straight up." <OOC> Syval says, "Thank you for highlighting that! Oh dear me. Back to 27 AC for me." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Thankfully that should not mean much, as the only threat we have immediately is the elemental, who cannot reach us until/unless it penetrates Honoria's barrier." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "And, not to put too fine a point on it, but Andie will, when it gets around to her, call on Honoria to drop the field and then she will banish the elemental back to his home realm with her apologies for him being disturbed. But she is definitely winded, given the number of powerful spells she has pulled out in very short order to get through this fight." <OOC> Syval says, "That is concerning on multiple levels, yes." <OOC> Syval says, "Not least that there is plenty of trouble yet ahead of us." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "We went five rounds, total. In the course of that fight Andie pulled out a 5th, a 6th, a 4th, a 3rd, a 4th and then a 7th level spell." <OOC> Syval says, "My spreadsheet has 3 rounds. >_>" <OOC> Syval says, "Call it 4 for the opener and... ah that's 5 counting the banishment then." <OOC> Syval says, "Nevermind, pot's good." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "I will grant you, she has quite a bit more available to her. But that's a lot in a very short window of time, under stress." <OOC> Syval says, "And not to put too fine a point on it, but I can count the number of times I've seen any magic above 6th level cast on a single hand." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Thankfully she did not have to pull out the biggest of guns." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Those tend to erase whole swaths of the natural environment." <OOC> Syval says, "The irony of that in a fen witch will never get old for me." <OOC> Syval says, "Eesh, late already. Shall we dive into post-battle RP tomorrow then?" <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "If we get the chance? Yes." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "At least by getting out of combat, future RP should go more easily and be something we can start and stop much more smoothly." <OOC> Syval says, "Aye, that's the hope." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li huggles. <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Sweet dreams, dragon."

Once the elemental has been banished back to its own realm with an apology for it having been bothered, the group has time to - as quickly as possible - douse the troll bodies and set them aflame sufficient to assure they will not be regenerating. At all. Period.

By the time that is done and they have extracted themselves away from the stench, Jyslin and Syval are completely healed, despite how much harm they sustained during the battle. Jyslin makes a point of healing Honoria's injuries first not so much because she is gravely wounded as because she is a Selunite, she is a little injured, and she is the primary defender in the group; best to have her at full strength while they sort out what the Frell they are going to be doing next.

Then it is time for Jyslin to worry about healing Andie. Which takes a while; the witch was in fact teetering on the brink until Neosodos returned to her, and though he does not separate from her and did heal her when he could, he's no actual trained medician. It takes most all of Jyslin's remaining Art to heal Andie's injuries. But she spends it all unstintingly, mostly restraining herself from giving voice to all of the clucking consternation over her lover's injuries to which she clearly wants to give voice.

For her own part, Andie tries to stay quiet, obey Jyslin's requests, and let it all happen. She is in fact concentrating on the swamp around them, feeling it out and trying to be aware of any additional threats. She knows this place is not safe; its heart is in the hands of a force inimical to her and to everyone in this group. What she needs to know is if that power is already taking steps against them. Hard to know just now, but she is trying.

It does not help that the party's two best scouts are busy healing or supporting Andie instead of scouting. <OOC> Syval says, "And back."

Anyone paying a close eye to the party's heavy hitter when the last troll fell would find Syval in a similarly worrisome state, but as he did with the barbarians and trolls before them, the verdant dragonoid walks off his wounds stoically and works dutifully but quietly at the hasty troll disposal. The aftermath of battles seems to draw him into his own head and after seeing that Jyslin has the medical care in hand, his attention joins Honoria's in facing outwards towards the woods. A quick absentminded cast cleans the his few healed troll cuts but no attempt is made to mend the gashes in his robes.

Frowning as he takes a few steps further down their path and towards the magic heart of the forest, Syval crouches down and touches one of the vines that was previously enchanted by troll arts. The draconic wizard snorts distastefully, wrinkling his nose.

<OOC> Syval is trying to feel for lingering troll magic and any connection to the heart of the forest. He recalls feeling the forest's magic twist in response to the shaman's casting. <OOC> Syval also is a /very offended/ green dragon at having forest magic used on him. <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li pets. "Poor dwaggin. Afronted, are we?" <OOC> Syval says, "More affronted because I can't do that myself, and that if I could fly it would have been less of an issue." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Well, I'm assuming that Syval is learning the flying thing. Just hard to do down under the jungle canopy. Much harder than out on the plains." <OOC> Syval says, "I am, just not well enough to do it on command like this, yes." With time and concentration Syval can indeed sense the troll magic receding, if only barely, fading from the vines and tendrils it had commanded against the group. But he can also feel that the magical miasma of the swamp is indeed touched and tainted; something wicked this way comes. <OOC> Syval says, "The taint is moving/changing or just present?" <OOC> Syval says, "Your pose now for the party or mine again?" <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Just present." Once Jyslin is done healing Andie, she crouches down to look her over one last time. "OK. So, apparently our chances of getting a safe rest in here are close to nil. And you said that on a good day we had a least half a day's travel, maybe more, through this to reach the heart?" Sure, Andie covered this before, but Jyslin is confirming.

Honoria remains silent, watching and waiting. She has little useful to offer right now.

Andie sighs. "Yes. That is an accurate, if somewhat disheartening, recounting."

"The swamp is tainted. If you need rest, it's better to do it here than further in," Syval adds grimly as he stands up and takes stock of the others. It's a show of trust that Jyslin barely receives a glance. "I can summon a horse to use, at least for a couple hours... How depleted are your magicks?"

Andie sighs and nods towards Syval. "Both also true." The taint, and that if they were to rest here would be better than elsewhere further in right now. "I will admit, I have just used more magic in less than ten minutes than I have used in over ten days. But I suspect I should be fine. Jyslin has healed my flesh, and Neosodos' touch has restored my equilibrium. I do not think we can truly afford to remain still long enough for anything more than that. But I would like to avoid more such encounters until we can get much closer to the heart."

And Andie has been thinking over how to do that for days, now. "Unfortunately, the coven has clearly sensed our arrival and are already dead set against us. They will surely have put in place means to disrupt any attempt to reach them mystically rather than physically."

"Then we continue on foot and take caution as we travel," Syval suggests plainly. "As long as a band that large doesn't appear twice Jyslin and I can carry most of the fight - conserve your remaining magics for the hags themselves." Shifting the pack upon his shoulders the therianthrope adds, "And if you can make way, I would like to surprise our next problem with dragon's breath."

"Don't let me slow you down." Honoria comments. "Meaning no offense, Syval, but I can take whatever you dish out, at least until you are a good bit closer to a wyrm."

Jyslin glances at Syval, but does not burst his bubble. She has great confidence in her ability to hold up in battle, but she is under no illusion that mettle alone will be sufficient here. Not with their enemy already aware that they are coming and that they are already here.

"I will restrain myself as much as I can, I assure you." Andie comments. "After all, I am sure it is their hope and desire to bleed me of my magic and stamina, more than to actually hope they can prevent us from reaching them in time." So, neither stupid nor blinded by arrogance, this coven of hags. Most unfortunate, that.

Syval rests his weight upon his bardiche and breaths deeply of the humid, woodland air, letting it refresh him. "Of course Honoria. I've no illusions of where my strength of arms puts me in our order but I daresay the hags will sooner kill us than wear out two therianthropes. If there are any smaller risks ahead I'd rather we take them."

Casting his eyes back to the witchy women of the group he asks, "Can anything be done to make our travel less noticeable, or can the coven track us through the forest itself?"

Andie sighs and shrugs her shoulders slightly. "To be entirely honest, that depends upon their level of connection to the heart of the swamp. I believe I can 'fuzz' their sense of us to some degree, but how successful I will be will largely depend upon how much progress they have made. And I cannot tell that from here." So the witch will do what she can, but can make zero promises.

"Obviously we need to practice as much wilderness discipline as we can manage. And that includes sound discipline." Jyslin murmurs. She looks meaningfully at the lady knight, who merely sighs in response.

"Short of removing my armor and packing it away, Jyslin, there is little I can do about the noise I make when moving." Honoria responds. SHe's not being snippy, but it is the truth.

The former roamer nods. "I know. But I am wondering if you would be offended if we helped you with a mild spell?"

Honoria meets the werepriestess' gaze curiously. "I did not think the Silence spell would last long enough to be of use given how much travel we must do?"

Jyslin frowns and shakes her head. "No. That would not work. Not that I know of, anyway." She makes a point of glancing at Andie for confirmation before she continues. "But there is another spell. I originally learned of it from a bard companion during my days before becoming a priestess. Sound Bubble, he called it. It does not render silence, but instead contains all sound created within the bubble to the bubble. We would all hear you, but the sounds of your passage would not carry beyond the magic's border."

Honoria hmms softly and shrugs. "Well, if that spell would be of any greater duration, I would be willing to try it. I would not take offense. But I hope if real combat arises you will be able to drop it quickly."

The sinuous voice of the tiny reptile riding Andie's shoulder responds, "I shhhhhhould be able to bring it down quickly." Neosodos then turns his head towards Jyslin. "You pay attention well. Did not even name the spell."

The former roamer merely shrugs. "Helps that I'd seen it used several times before. Thank you for not being annoyed with me for suggesting it."

The little dragon ruffles his wings a bit, settling. "No. Not annoyed. Will do what I can to helllllp." Helping the others helps Andie, after all. <OOC> Syval says, "Oh snap big pose." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Well, lots of little poses strung together." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "All of the NPCs are chatterboxing around you."

A little more light comes to the party wizard's eyes at the mention of a new spell and his gaze lingers on Neos long enough to promise, politely, that the Eldritch Wyrm won't make it out of the swamp without teaching him its rudiments.

Dropping his pack, Syval busies himself rearranging his supplies and tying off the pendant hanging from his bardiche as he adds, "I know a Whisper spell if we need it, but preparations would take me a quarter of an hour or so. Beyond more trolls, are there any favorite friends of hags in swamps that we should be ready for?"

Andie answers that last question. "They have surely connected to the swamp at least a bit, so I would expect the possibility of animated or corrupted plantlife. And there was a vegepygmy population here when last I visited. They are likely to have been negatively affected by the hags' influence here. You are unlikely to be affected by their poison, but they are incredibly crafty, stealthy creatures and vicious when defending their own realms. They also tend to function in large bands, given their tiny size."

Jyslin speaks up, "Please tell me there aren't moldmounds here?"

Andie makes a face that is clearly her attempting not to laugh uproariously. She coughs a bit and shakes her head. "No. No moldmounds here. Or at least, not the last time I was here."

Jyslin shudders a bit in suppressed horror. <OOC> Syval says, "Imma' definitely ask for a Knowledge check on both of those. K:Nature is it?" <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Yus." Syval rolls K:Nature (Vegepygmy) (1d20+8) and gets 13 (5) Syval rolls K:Nature (Moldmounds) (1d20+8) and gets 25 (17) <OOC> Syval says, "One suspects I have also encountered a moldmound before." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Vegepygmies are tiny humanoid creatures seemingly composed of cast off, rotting plant material and mold. That's about all Syval knows." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Moldmounds are typically enormous - large or larger - mounds of mobile, adaptive colonies of mushroom frills and the earth or other matter from whence they grow. They are not intelligent, per se, but do act on instinct, and apparently they grow strong enough to breed more of their own kind by infesting mammals with open wounds and then suffocating them to death, growing from the corpses as the new spores feed on flesh and blood." <OOC> Syval says, "Yikes... And with my apparent familiarity I'd know that from more than book-learning. The ups and downs of visiting a little stream/waterfall in the woods." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "They are moderately unusual in that they can thrive despite moderate sunlight."

Syval grimaces as he tightens up his pack and gives a consoling look to Jyslin. "If the moldmounds here are alike to the Weathering Heights, then take solace we can at least outrun them. That and they do not enjoy acid." Andie meanwhile gets an odd glance as the dragonoid asks, "You look like you have a story to tell."

Andie shakes her head. "No. I am only now managing to emerge slowly from Jyslin's disfavor. I am not going to encourage my return to that circumstance by telling a story I am sure she would prefer I not."

Jyslin looks to the witch and nods. "Appreciated. Neo, I leave the sound bubble to you. I know that means you are going to have to stay inside the bubble. So it will be up to me to scout ahead. Keep in touch."

That said, the werepriestess tucks her sword handles back up into the sleeves of her robes and readies her bow, stringing it as she walks forward, measuring each step against the uneven footing of the swamp. This at least has the benefit of clearly marking for others good places to set their own feet as they follow a bit behind her.

Jyslin's sense of smell and Syval's will clearly be of vital importance as they proceed. Jyslin will also have the advantage of her hearing, while Syval will be stuck with only the sounds of the party around him while the bubble continues.

Neosodos waits until everyone stands, then rises up, focusing only momentarily as he utters the words 'Bubble of Sound' in draconic. There is a pulse and thrum as the energy sweeps out from the tiny wyrm and envelops the party out to a radius of some thirty feet, then stabilizes in place. There is just enough sense of it for Syval to be quite sure the spell is stable, neatly tied-off to the tiny dragon's concentration and emanating from his scaled form.

Making himself ready to travel again and now a little quieter, the party dragonoid casts his gaze backwards to check the woods behind them then sets off with the others. His fringe shudders as he feels the spell wash over him and anchor itself to its caster, and he breathes deeply of the humid swamp air, mentally preparing himself for whatever challenge the hag-warped swamp sets in their path.

Jyslin rolls K: Nature (1d20+16) and gets 18 (2) Jyslin rolls Survival (1d20+19) and gets 20 (1) Jyslin rolls Perception (1d20+24) and gets 32 (8) <OOC> Syval afks for phone. Jyslin rolls Reflex Save (1d20+20) and gets 23 (3) Everything proceeds well for about two hours. Then everything falls apart a bit, as Jyslin strides to another mound of seemingly solid ground only to have it completely disintegrate beneath her. In mere moments the former roamer is nearly swallowed up whole by what turns out to be a massive sinkhole of quickearth. But at the last moment Jyslin is able to leap prodigiously and roll away, only losing her slippers to the quickearth.

There's some darkly muttered wild dwarvish cursing that follows, as Jyslin unslings her backpack and searches within to fetch another pair of shoes - boots, this time - and settles them on her feet before shouldering the pack once more. Thankfully none of the party can hear her cursing. <OOC> Syval says, "Back. I got voicemail." <OOC> Syval laughs. "Our poor guide. Thank goodness for her cat-like reflexes." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Meow."

Watching from the rear of the party, Syval sighs in relief when the roamer priestess escapes with everything but her footwear and takes the brief stop as a chance to drink from his waterskin and survey the swamplands behind them again. After the sudden attack from the troll band, the past period of peace has begun to set the dragonoid on edge. It's certainly no help that the thrumming heart of the swamp, ancient beyond words and corrupted as it is, draws closer with every step.

<OOC> Syval says, "And phone." Jyslin rolls K: Nature (1d20+16) and gets 30 (14) Jyslin rolls Survival (1d20+19) and gets 36 (17) Jyslin rolls Perception (1d20+24) and gets 39 (15) Checking behind the party is never a bad idea, and good of the dragonoid wizardling to be thinking of it; that offers the opportunity for him to see their tracks disappearing, all signs of their passage rippling away in slow motion as if the swamp itself is reflexively closing in around them.

Prepared once more, Jyslin heads off, checking ahead of herself carefully as she goes; she best avoid that problem the next time, rather than just trusting to her feline reflexes to get her to safety.

The path they tread gets a bit less direct as they twist this way and that, Jyslin clearly picking up signs of things she would rather avoid. Syval will be able to catch whiffs of distant troll scent now and then, as well as other things. But Jyslin leads on, relatively confidently, and the party manages to avoid trouble for the rest of their day of travel. The former roamer even manages to find them a small slightly raised hillock upon which they can set up and rest for the evening meal together.

Neosodos does have to renew the Sound Bubble during this period, but that does mean it is still in place around them as they gather to eat. "Apologies, but I think setting a fire to cook would be a bad idea." Andie explains, as they produce dried fruits, hard tack, jerky and bread for now. "If we can maintain this pace, Jyslin, we may be able to reach the Heart before the Hour."

The capital letter is audible in the emphasis of her phrasing, and the gravity of Jyslin's response as she nods slowly. "I assume if we do not get to them by then, they will be a good bit stronger, as it will finally be the last day."

The witch nods solemnly. "Yes. But if we have not reached them by the Hour, I strongly recommend we hold fast and only approach well afterwards. However strong I may be, I am but one against their coven. The heightening of the Hour could be disastrous." <OOC> Syval says, "And back. Thank you for waiting." <OOC> Syval says, "May I Survival check to snag some edibles while we travel or is the pace and route not conducive to that?" <OOC> Syval says, "Including a poison berry for our helpful drake. O:)" Syval rolls Survival (1d20+7) and gets 26 (19) <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "I'm sure you can gather some edibles. ;)" <OOC> Syval says, "Am I right that we're within a couple hours of the Heart now? Does it feel any different to me from when we entered besides being stronger?" <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "The gentle miasma of corruption you've been feeling is stronger, thicker. A taint." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Like veins of darkness pulsing beneath the surface." <OOC> Syval says, "Thank you. Since dismounting has Honoria been moving at 20ft speed or 30ft?" <OOC> Syval says, "--I completely forgot about wizard gum. >.<" <OOC> Syval says, "Ah well. Post-trolls I doubt anyone had an appetite." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Honoria is keeping up at 30ft. The benefits of being a knight of her level; even without her armor being magical, it does not slow her down." <OOC> Syval says, "Thank you. I thought I remembered that from previous conversation but hadn't thought to write it down. :)" <OOC> Syval says, "These are notes I should be taking for speedier play. Important to know the party speed." <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "Jyslin is moving a good bit less than her own optimal speed so as to keep the party with her, and burning that with her testing of routes, etc." <OOC> Syval respects and is a little jealous the roamer is fleeter of foot. <OOC> Syval says, "If it were anyone else I'd be confident I could hustle her down but what I know of therianthropes and have seen of Jyslin tells me her stamina is competitive with mine." <OOC> Syval says, "Which I admit has come to mind in other contexts but now is not the time."

Syval climbs straggling up the hillock after ducking behind some trees to relieve himself before meal time. Despite the humidity and unsure footing the green dragonoid looks and has so far been more quiet and comfortable at the rear of their line than his hulking size should allow. His sand-hued eyes are still alert and responsive, and the shade of thickening tree cover dulls the luster of his verdant coat to a matte, swampy green.

It's no wonder perhaps why true green dragons are such terrors in both forests and fens.

Fishing in one of his pouches, the scaly wizard produces a few handfuls of fresh berries and leaves which he offers among the group. Neosodos specifically gets berries from a different pouch; he wasn't going to risk mixing those up. "Even corrupted the swamp here is lively. I do think it wants us to succeed," he comments.

Neosodos crawls down off Andie's shoulder and across her lap to get close enough to Syval to accept the poison berries, giving adorable little churrs of pleasure at them, his long barbed tail swaying and curling about sinuously.

Cold food shared amongst the group is eaten quietly, but there is plenty to keep everyone fueled. The water is safe, pure, clean, and comfortably cool. How? No one knows. Or at least no one is saying.

"In as much as the swamp has an opinion, it would certainly prefer we succeed rather than fail. But there is little it can do to affect the outcome. What little it can do, however, it will; it will respect and honor us, at least as much as it can, until the coven's hold is solidified. Once that happens, however, all bets are off." Andie answers. "Rest, prepare and restore yourselves as best you can. We will likely not have much warning before the confrontation. And ideally we will end up confronting them tonight, rather than tomorrow, which will mean fighting them in the dark."

Honoria grimaces. Jyslin lays a hand lightly on the knight's forearm. "I know your sight is severely limited in the dark. But there is a blessing I can lay upon you to help. I will make sure that is my first action before we attack."

So long as the heroes have the advantage of choosing that moment, all should go well. But will they get that chance?

Syval eats quietly with the group then double-checks his pack, ensuring everything is still present and tight. "Our steps have been disappearing behind us; perhaps that will be a sign when the coven has full control." At the mention of the dark, the dragonoid smiles, showing spear-like teeth. "And I shall watch from our back with Neos in the middle. We should be safe as long as they don't catch us too suddenly. No doubt their trolls will try to beat us back while the hags cast magic but at least we'll smell them if we keep downwind." The green-scaled wizard grimaces and adds, "Though once we are finished here I may have had enough of troll stench for one lifetime."

<OOC> Syval stretches out and notes the time. "Would you like to continue this tomorrow as well?" Jyslin rolls K: Nature (1d20+16) and gets 24 (8) Jyslin rolls Survival (1d20+19) and gets 29 (10) Jyslin rolls Perception (1d20+24) and gets 27 (3) Andie nods. "I agree. The swamp is covering up our tracks and breaking up our scent trails as best it can, which has managed to help us avoid further assault parties." And Andie has managed to call upon the swamp to keep that up. It hasn't been easy, but thus far she - and the swamp - have been successful.

The last thing she wants is another Land of Lost Souls.

Jyslin stands and stretches out. "OK. Neosodos, are you going to be able to maintain another sound bubble?"

The tiny dragon nods his head. "Yessss. I can." It helps that the spell is only second level. He has lots of those per day, by comparison.

Once Jyslin has traveled down the hillock and then moving on, Neosodos climbs back up onto Andie's shoulder and unleashes another sound bubble as the group stands, gathers their things, and starts following the werepriestess.

The journey from this point grows increasingly twisting and convoluted, and at least a few times Jyslin is forced to turn the party back upon itself as she moves around paths, groups and threats she manages to detect. By this point Syval will also be catching strong whiffs of troll stench, and will feel an itching crawl beneath his scales as his draconic nature responds to an pervasive miasma of darkly tainted magical power thrumming through the swamp. The heart is clearly very close, and very strong. <OOC> Syval says, "Is the swamp biome itself changing as we're getting further in?" <OOC> Jhiao Ting Li says, "A bit wetter/looser. More rot."

Syval keeps close to the party's back and slinks behind them with his wings tucked as the swamp grows thicker and the sense of foul hag magic stronger. Checking occasionally behind for dangers and to gauge their disappearing tracks, his taloned feet continue to find fair purchase in the uneven ground even where it's spongy and wet. Not just for swimming, the webs between his toes seem to help trap the loose peat and mud underneath and spread out his substantial weight.

Fingering the leather tied about his bardiche, the green-scaled wizard looks around suspiciously, as if expecting to find hags behind the next clump of trees.