Dorak lays his hand upon Sara's shoulder and says "Torag guide your weapon." He invokes the Touch of Law, ensuring a solid hit from the woman warrior.

Seeing the spider nearly dead, she relaxed her rage, conserving the resource. Her shoulders slumped with fatigue.

"Well thank Torag for that!" she grinned as she shoved her weapon into the spider with power.

---

With 11 +1 from bless, +1 BAB +2 from 15 strength(fatigue) -1 from power attack she hits AC 14, and hits it hard :-)

16:37, Today: Sara Dawnstar rolled 16 using 1d10+6.  damage, +3 from 15 strength (fatigue) +3 power attack.

The spider slumps to the ground under Sara's attack

Sara stowed her weapon and recovered from her rage. She looked at the others and asked, "guess they keep getting bigger. shall we press on?"

"Let's." Arell agrees, "Nice hit." he compliments Sara.

Credit where credit was due, of course...

Then again, Torag might need some of it as well.

Wow that's the biggest spider I ever saw. You stuck it real good Sara. Dorak who's Torag? I wonder what other neat stuff we'll find down here. Maybe there'll be a giant spider face thing down here to. Fidget began rambling on, like she always seemed to do especially when in dangerous situations.

Pausing to take stock briefly the group realized they hadnt been hurt in that fight in the least....and then they moved further into the cave, as it turned to the left, and then again to the left opening into a wider section that ended to the right in a large cavelike altar. A Large spider with long spear like abendages and a pointed ear humanod head atop an arachnids body...here was the antagonist that had been controlling the spiders of the woods.

It sent a telepathic message to all of them... Well Come You have thwarted my every defender. why are you interfering? I sense among you many who would revel in my attacks on those who would bespoil the Darkwood. I was not enticed here to make friends. But to insight war. Join with me. Let us all punish those who would harm the wood.


Map: https://1drv.ms/u/s!Aptb6Vt5lI7mxT7I9I7NwMWm6YhN

Combat Summary

Arell AC:16(T-11/FF-15)CMD:16 HP:10/10 FO:+2 RE:+1 WL:+1
1st Paladin Human Male

Nomerendal AC:16(T-14/FF-13) CMD:+11 HP:10/10 FO:+2 RE:+5 WL:+1
1st Bard Gnome Male Defensive Training: +4 dodge vs monsters (giant subtype)
Illusion Resistance: +2 save bonus vs illusion spells & effects.

Fidget AC:12(T-12/FF-11)CMD:+10 HP:9/9 FO:+3 RE:+3 WL:+2
1st Sorcerer Fey Bloodline Gnome Female

Francis  AC:12 (T-12/FF-10) CMD:13 HP:7/7 FO:+1 RE:+4 WL:+2
1st Gearhead Half-Elf Male Defenses: Steam Bleed- Partial and Total concealment

Dorak  AC:18(T-10/FF-18)CMD:11 HP:10/10 FO:+5 RE:+1 WL:+6
1st Cleric Dwarf Male defenses: +2 vs poison,spells, and spell-like abilities,+2 to remove negative levels, +4 CMD vs bull rush or trip attempt while standing on the ground,
+4 dodge bonus to AC vs giant subtype, Channel Energy 1d6 4x/day.

Sara   AC:16(T:12/FF:14)CMD:16 HP:15/15 FO:+5 RE:+2 WL:-1
1st Barbarian Human Female defenses:+4 strength and dex, +2 AC (from dex) +2 will while raging (7 rounds per day)

Rolf  Guard Dog AC:13(T-12/FF-11) CMD:15(19 vs Trip) HP:17/12 FO:+5 RE:+5 WL:+1
Medium Animal (mastiff) Tenacious- +4 vs Will saves if tracking for magics utilized vs it.

Wand of Cure Light- 17 charges remain

vs

Hive-Mind Giant Assassin Spider AC:18 (T-12/FF-15)CMD:23(35 trip HP:45/45 FO:+7 RE:+5 WL:+2
Large Outsider Vermin.

"Start a war you say?" Nomerendal stepped forward, squeezing past his companions to face the enormity that was their foe. His little legs shook (and whose wouldn't?) at the sight of something so monstrous, so huge, and so sinister. How could his tiny arrows every pierce such a shell or find purchase at all? Convinced that his best effort to assist his companions who could do something, the little gnomish bard employed his most valuable of talents... his silver tongue.

"That's prestigious line of work, with a long, and glorious, tradition!"

A few steps closer... "It turns out we've been... enticed, as you say, to stop such a war, but we'll be the first to admit that you hold the advantage as you seem to know a lot more about all of this than we do. Hence, I'm inclined to be persuaded if you'd be willing to indulge us with what you know of why all of this is happening."

"You see, we are quite capable, and though it's unfortunate that we had to meet only after dispatching many of your underlings, if we were to join with you in your endeavor, then it would certainly be worth it wouldn't you think?"

"My friends are actually quite CALM mannered, and they're certainly awed by you and your obvious prowess. Come friends, GATHER ROUND, and behold that with whom we may soon ally ourselves. It' quite possible we've been mistaken, taking the wrong SIDES in this exchange. Perhaps we should wrap our minds AROUND a new proposal and see it from ALL ANGLES..."

A few beads of perspiration broke out on Nom's forehead despite the coolness in the dark cavern. He was drawing upon every ounce of his fey magic and practiced ability to fascinate this foe, at least long enough for his companions to get themselves into a better position.

OOC: Here goes!
Move to [33,17] staying close to the entrance but allowing companions to pass by

Bardic Performance to Fascinate the giant spider!
Will Save DC14: (Giant Spider) rolled 22 (Natural 20!) @#%*^&! That would have been so cool!

Fascinate (Su):

At 1st level, a bard can use his performance to cause one or more creatures to become fascinated with him. Each creature to be fascinated must be within 90 feet, able to see and hear the bard, and capable of paying attention to him. The bard must also be able to see the creatures affected. The Distraction of a nearby combat or other dangers prevents the ability from working. For every three levels a bard has attained beyond 1st, he can target one additional creature with this ability.

Each creature within range receives a Will save (DC 10 + 1/2 the bard’s level + the bard’s Cha modifier) to negate the effect. If a creature’s saving throw succeeds, the bard cannot attempt to fascinate that creature again for 24 hours. If its saving throw fails, the creature sits quietly and observes the performance for as long as the bard continues to maintain it. While fascinated, a target takes a –4 penalty on skill checks made as reactions, such as Perception checks. Any potential threat to the target allows the target to make a new saving throw against the effect. Any obvious threat, such as someone drawing a weapon, casting a spell, or aiming a weapon at the target, automatically breaks the effect.

Fascinate is an enchantment (compulsion), mind-affecting ability. Fascinate relies on audible and visual components in order to function.

Dorak steps forward to lay a hand on Francis' shoulder, saying "Torag, creator of the dwarves and the Forgemaster, guide your aim, lad." He hopes the boon of the Forgemaster will enable the odd Elf to hit the spider with his fire contraption. He loads his crossbow, hoping for a lucky shot.

Touch of Law, 3 uses left. Francis is considered to have rolled an 11 for all attacks, saves, and ability checks next round. That 11 is altered by his modifiers.

Ooc: And I believe his attack is vs the vermin's TOUCH AC....
This message was last edited by the player at 21:24, Sun 18 Nov 2018.

Arell wastes no time in castigating this abomination in the name of Abadar.  He can't quite find the joint he was looking for, but he can always try again.

OOC: I activate Smite Evil on the Boss Spider, gives me +2 to attack, and +2 AC vs the Boss Spider until it's freaking dead.

19:32, Today: Arell Kirkwood rolled 13 using 1d20+6.  Attack vs boss spider AC 18 SMITE power attack.

This might take awhile if I can't roll above 10

Sara raged and stepped up with her weapon, ready to attack. Nom wanted to talk with the thing, but it didn't seem like it was going to go that way, with Arell attacking. She backed the Paladin up.

---

There we go, hits AC 22 for 18.

12:17, Today: Sara Dawnstar rolled 22 using 1d20+5.  power attack spider thingy.
12:17, Today: Sara Dawnstar rolled 18 using 1d10+10.  bardiche power attack damage.

Shaking her head slightly Fidget moves forward (sq. 31/16) and casts a globe of force at the strange looking spider. I may not like what the consortium is doing to the forest, but killing hard working honest people is never an option bug!


17:01, Today: Fidget Mossgrower rolled 5 using 1d4+1. Magic missile damage.

with a confident air of 'Ive got this' The Gnomish Bard moved forward and began to talk to the creature in order to get him to be off guard long enough for his allies to encircle him ....but he notices the smirk on the otherworldly arachnid's face and realizes hes not having the effect he wanted...and his confidence wanes as he swallows hard with a *Gulp*

Dorak moves to Franic's side and gives a prayer that Torag change the odds for Francis.

05:56, Today: DM Dread rolled 22 using 1d20+8.  attack of opportunity on Arell vs  AC 16 05:59, Today: DM Dread rolled 22 using 1d20+10.  vGrabbing Arell CMD 16.06:00, Today: DM Dread rolled 7 using 1d8+5.  damage to Arell.. As Arell charged forward when he was but 10 feet from the creature, one its scythe like arms shot forward piercing armor and body and impaled the Paladin on its bodily weapon, holding him 10' away. Arell swung his blade wildly at the arm , missing.

With a roar, Sara ran in past the impaled body of Arell writhing on one of the appendages of this weird hybrid and her weapon slashed into its backside, slicing open its chitinous covering.

Fidget moved up and unleashed a globe of force at the creature which struck it in its chest.

Francis moved to the right of Srell, changing the nozzle on his contraption for the line of fire and with Torags prayer he sprayed fire all along the creatures body Ranged touch would be 11+2 no roll. = 13. hit 06:13, Today: DM Dread rolled 3 using 1d4.  damage fire. 06:14, Today: DM Dread rolled 20 using 1d20+5.  reflex save to avoid catching fire DC 15. It did not catch fire however.

Rolf ran forward snapping and snarling and tried to grab at the arm impaling Arell 06:17, Today: DM Dread rolled 23 using 1d20+3.  vs Hivemind AC 18. 06:17, Today: DM Dread rolled 21 using 1d20+3.  confirm crit ac 18. 06:18, Today: DM Dread rolled 9 using 2d6+6.  damage to creature. and with a loud snap he busted the scythe arm off. The creaute howled in agony. Arell was no longer impaled.

the creature was dripping ichor and and wavering on its feat under the onslaught, and staggered backwards swinging its other scythe arm at the dog that had so grievously wounded it. 06:22, Today: DM Dread rolled 15 using 1d20+6.  attack vs Rolf AC 13. 06:22, Today: DM Dread rolled 23 using 1d20+8.  impale Rolf CMD 15.06:23, Today: DM Dread rolled 9 using 1d8+5.  damage to rolf. slicing through its boduy and impaling it so he cannot move forward.


Map: https://1drv.ms/u/s!Aptb6Vt5lI7mxUKMimuTh_o0e8Ro


Combat Summary

Arell  AC:16(T-11/FF-15)CMD:16 HP:10/3FO:+2 RE:+1 WL:+1
1st Paladin Human Male

Nomerendal AC:16(T-14/FF-13) CMD:11 HP:10/10 FO:+2 RE:+5 WL:+1
1st Bard Gnome Male Defensive Training: +4 dodge vs monsters (giant subtype)
Illusion Resistance: +2 save bonus vs illusion spells & effects.

Fidget AC:12(T-12/FF-11)CMD:10 HP:9/9 FO:+3 RE:+3 WL:+2
1st Sorcerer Fey Bloodline Gnome Female

Francis  AC:12 (T-12/FF-10) CMD:13 HP:7/7 FO:+1 RE:+4 WL:+2
1st Gearhead Half-Elf Male Defenses: Steam Bleed- Partial and Total concealment

Dorak  AC:18(T-10/FF-18)CMD:11 HP:10/10 FO:+5 RE:+1 WL:+6
1st Cleric Dwarf Male defenses: +2 vs poison,spells, and spell-like abilities,+2 to remove negative levels, +4 CMD vs bull rush or trip attempt while standing on the ground,
+4 dodge bonus to AC vs giant subtype, Channel Energy 1d6 4x/day.

Sara   AC:16(T:12/FF:14)CMD:16 HP:15/15 FO:+5 RE:+2 WL:-1
1st Barbarian Human Female defenses:+4 strength and dex, +2 AC (from dex) +2 will while raging (7 rounds per day)

Rolf  Guard Dog AC:13(T-12/FF-11) CMD:15(19 vs Trip) HP:17/3 FO:+5 RE:+5 WL:+1
Medium Animal (mastiff) Tenacious- +4 vs Will saves if tracking for magics utilized vs it.

Wand of Cure Light- 17 charges remain

vs

Hive-Mind Giant Assassin Spider AC:18 (T-12/FF-15)CMD:23(35 trip) HP:45/10 FO:+7 RE:+5 WL:+2
Large Outsider Vermin.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:05, Wed 21 Nov 2018.

Dorak knows his limits and strengths. He pulls out his Holy Hammer and blue light from it washes over himself and his comrades. "By the Builder, be healed!"he says as he channels positive energy.

Channel 1d6, rolled 5 on d6.
All except spider healed.

Well that didn't go as planned.

Thank Abadar for Rolf though...being still attached to the spider would not be his idea of a good time.

As the spider turns to deal with someone else, Arell makes another desperate charge, this time aiming where its head attached to its abdomen.

And cleaves the damn thing in half.

OOC:

12:29, Today: Arell Kirkwood rolled 22 using 1d20+6.  Attack vs boss spider AC 18 SMITE power attack.


12:30, Today: Arell Kirkwood rolled 17 using 2d6+9.  Damage vs Boss Spider.

It's DEAD Jim.

OOC: Rolf is going to be MVP again. That was a pretty good round for the good guys.

Sara cheered on Rolf as he tore the leg off the thing, then cringed as the pup got himself impaled like Arell had been. "Oh, you're going to pay for that!" she cried at the spider and swung with her weapon carefully, hoping it was enough to finish it off. With Arell's attack it was just overkill, beating a dead spider.

---

12:36, Today: Sara Dawnstar rolled 18 using 1d20+6.  attack spider NO power attack.
12:37, Today: Sara Dawnstar rolled 14 using 1d10+6.  damage. Think Arell got him first though :-).

The hive mind dies with a mental sigh that leaves everyone shaken for a few seconds before sickly green ichor spills out on the cave floor

I think we killed it.

"...which is why... you should..." Nom's prattling slowed to an end as his companions made short work of the massive and wicked foe.

Brushing his hands together and straightening his hat a bit, the little gnome swaggered forward. "Well, that was a good bit of teamwork everyone! Nothing quite like mixing savage steel with fascinating rhetoric!"

He kicked at one of the severed appendages... "Pffft! You're not so tough! Start a war! Bah! I've started mudball fights more dangerous than this!" His chest puffed and he spat.

"But... we won't tell the Logging Consortium that will we?" There was a twinkle in his eye as he glanced around at his companions.

within the cave was an altar and little else.

The group knew they had learned a lot, and had choices now. It was still mid afternoon. They had enough daylight to return to either Conrads  camp, or the Logging Camp. but little else.

tomorrow they could return to Falcons Hollow.

whats next...and of course I will need levelling accomplished.

Arell breathed a sigh of relief as the spider died.

He looked down toward his stomach where the spider had skewered him.  One more scar for the collection.

"Logger camp has better lodgings then Conrad, be a shorter walk tomorrow besides.  Let's just hope they don't want to throw a party or anything like that..."

He looked over at Rolf with some concern.  The dog wasn't theirs, wasn't his, but it had been...nice to have around.  They'd probably have to return him to his real master soon.

Gods he was getting old...sentimental over a damn dog.

"Dorak?  Rendal? Either of you want to take a crack at that alter before we go?  Make sure he wasn't doing anything too evil with it?"

I'll take a crack at it big guy. It might be a way to go to the fey world. I've always wanted to go there. I'll bet the Court of the Dark Night are the ones behind all this spider nonsense. Fidget goes over to the alter and checks it out for any writing or marks of any kind. Trying to remember everything she can about alters and how to use them.


19:33, Today: Fidget Mossgrower rolled 19 using 1d20+6. Knowledge Arcane checking out alter.

its the portal trigger for the gateway and requires sacrifice as well as a divine and arcane ritual to open the portal.

Dorak looks over the altar for clues to the ritual, including any marks on the ground.

Knowledge Religion 20 on d20+5.
Perception 18 on d20+8.

Nomerendal sauntered over toward the altar where Dorak was at study. "I don't think it's doing anyone any good... maybe we should just destroy it." The altar wasn't as interesting as the little gnome thought it might be, and seemed to emanate a particular aura that he didn't really care for... to put it all very lightly.

Knowledge (Arcana) using Bardic Knowledge: Nomerendal Tunespinner rolled 19