Aubrey's Eberron campaign. (Inactive)

Game Master Aubrey the Malformed

I can't open the map. However, my action depends on the answer to this question:

Is the hobgoblin wearing one of those Cannith pins? Perception 11+22=33.

Yeah; I do that sometimes; forget to change the map to "share with anybody with the link."
I'm sure there's a good "your mom" joke in there, but.....I like to think I've evolved since last Thursday.

Changed. No, he isn't.

Bah! I had a plan where I shoot the badge off his shirt, after which the Caretaker would (hopefully) turn on him. But if he has no badge... Not to mention that the layout makes this completely unfeasible. Oh well - I guess we'll have to kill them the old-fashioned way instead.

Janosz runs into the room. As he sprints past the control panels, he loosens a pair of shafts at the hobgoblin.

I start in V15. I then move (aided by my ongoing Longstrider spell) to R20 before putting a pair of arrows in ol' Ikar using Manyshot. Attack roll 11+19=AC 30, damage 2d8+6=16. Being possessed and all that, he wouldn't count as, say, an aberration?

Ikar.

Nice try - no, he's not an aberration.

The arrows hit home but, as with Karile before, they seem to do no damage and simply fall away.

Map updated.

Can I have your starting positions, please, before Ikar's turn - they are pertinent.

I like V 14, man.

Rolund at Y14.

Bor at W-X/14-15.

Basher at Z-AA/14-15.

Put LB at V15 if you don’t mind. Gil’s probably best out of the line of fire next to Rolund for now, leaving Runzyl in the room – maybe U14 for him, given he normally likes to be in the thick of things.

I'm really sorry about the scarcity of my posts lately. We are currently in the process of moving, so things are a little crazy. I may not have internet access (or electricity, for that matter) after this weekend until possibly May 4th. Thank you for your patience and please continue to NPC my characters as needed.

That's OK - I've been a bit hit-and-miss myself this week or so as I've been quite busy. Hopefully you can sort things out soon.

LB's suggestion is fine.

OK, just waiting for Ez's position. I'll assume that Ez probably won't be at the front, so I'll add a column and put him at at the back.

Ikar ducks down behind the desk.

Total cover for him from the front.

Gil.

Map updated.

Speaking of nice tries - the Caretaker is something of an aberrant living construct, no? No?

If not, these are both enemies I really struggle with hurting. I'm thinking I might try to get up to the control booth and grapple Ikar over the next turns. Any thoughts?

No?

No.

I would love to magic jar the caretaker, but I think he is full construct which makes him immune. Made a knowledge roll a few posts back to confirm that before my action comes up. I may have already asked the same thing and been answered when we first fought it, but I haven't had time to search back and see yet.
On the bus now- will catch up all around this evening.

For Ez's benefit, the Caretaker is a living construct.

For Gil, you don't need to be in melee range for Cloaked Casting. You do need to be in melee range for Surprise Casting.

Bah! Didn't see the edit, so I waited until I got to my books!

She will move into the room where she can be clearly seen by the Caretaker. S16, please Drawing herself up and relying on her appearance as a Cannith official, she quickly casts a spell Charm Monster and says to the creature, "What are you doing? You are tasked with protecting the facility, yet you let a savage hobgoblin enter, destroy Cannith property, and give you orders? We are on the same side! Stop that hobgoblin!"

If Cloaked Casting applies because he is denied his Dex bonus to AC, the DC to resist the spell is +1. The base Will DC for the spell is 19.

Caretaker's Will save: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

"Director, I am confused!" shouts the Caretaker, unsure now of the conflict in its instructions.

Bor, then Rod, then Runzyl.

Map updated.

I guess Bor'll chill.

Cast blessing of fervor, lasts 8 rounds, on myself, LB, Runzyl, Gil, LB, Basher, Bor, and Rolund (unless he says nay).

details:

With this blessing, you call your allies to move forth and empower them to conquer and become victorious. Each round for the duration of this spell, each of your allies can choose one of the following bonuses for that round at the beginning of its turn (their choice).

•Increase its speed by 30 feet.
•Stand up as a swift action without provoking an attack of opportunity.
•Make one extra attack as part of a full attack action, using its highest base attack bonus.
•Gain a +2 bonus on attack rolls and a +2 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves.
•Cast a single spell of 2nd level or lower as if it were an enlarged, extended, silent, or still spell.
These effects are not cumulative with similar effects, such as those provided by haste or a speed weapon, nor do they actually grant an extra action, so you can't use it to cast a second spell or otherwise take an extra action in the round. Blessing of fervor does not stack with haste.

Then I'll move to U 13.

Empowered by the Purified’s blessing, Bor moves to challenge the Caretaker. Meanwhile…

“Hold, Valenar,” Rolund commands before the elf rushes to battle. Before the elf can utter a retort, Rolund steps forward and presses his tarnished holy symbol against the Valenar.

“May your ancestors be righteous,” Rolund intones in a slightly mocking tone. The elf staggers as an infusion of energy courses through him and he feels the fury of his ancestors urging him to strike.

In a blur of speed, the Valenar rushes past the Cartaker and closes in on the hobgoblin. “Iltem niefendil niemel!”

In common:

Bor moves to R-S/9-10 with blessing of fervor’s increased speed and takes total defense for AC 28.

Runzyl delays slightly.

Rolund moves to V14 and casts an extended righteous vigor with blessing of fervor.

Runzyl double move to F4 using blessing of fervor’s increased speed.

The Caretaker

Runzyl is affected for the next 12 rounds with righteous vigor.

Infusing the target with a surge of furious divine energy, you enhance a creature's ability to hit an opponent based on the number of times it has already hit that opponent with a successful attack. Each time the subject successfully strikes an opponent with a successful melee attack, the subject gains a cumulative +1 morale bonus on attack rolls (maximum +4 bonus) and gains 1d8 temporary hit points (to a maximum of 20 temporary hit points). If an attack misses, the attack bonus resets to +0 but any accumulated temporary hit points remain. The temporary hit points disappear at the end of the spell's duration.

New Initiative Order?:
Janosz 20
Ikar 18
Gil 16+
Bor 16
Rodergo 10
Rolund 9+
Bor 9
The Caretaker 9-
Runzyl 8+
Ezreal 8
Basher 3+
LB 3

As an immediate action prior to Bor and Rod’s actions, Lightbringer activates his good devotion feat.

Putting his hand to the Flame symbol inscribed into his chest plate, Lightbringer’s eyes glow silver as a faint wash of positive energy envelopes his allies.

All allies within the area receive DR 3/evil. Natural and weapon attacks are considered good aligned. This will get everyone except Janosz who is just too far away (unless you’ll let me do it at the start of the round before he moves … I didn’t think of it until last night.

New Initiative Order?:

Janosz 20
Ikar 18
Gil 16+
Bor 16
Rodergo 10
Rolund 9+
Bor 9
The Caretaker 9-
Runzyl 8+
Ezreal 8
Basher 3+
LB 3

It appears that Runzyl has actually acted ahead of the Caretaker?

Although I didn't say it, the Caretaker is now confused (but not Confused) due to Gil's spell. So he won't do anything this round.

Ez.

I'll do without the ood devotion. ;P And, wow, that Righteous vigour spell is just made for Runzyl. Scary!

Ezreal dips his finger tips into a small pouch of silver dust and talc. He smudges a mark in the center of his forehead and moves ahead carefully as his senses broaden to expand beyond the material plane. When the Caretaker is unable to act due to conflicting orders he smiles and whispers, "That's it Matilda. Crush that machine's feeble mind."

Would Dimensional Anchor or Dismissal targeting the hobgoblin affect the spirit inside in any way, or would it need to be on its own (and materialized) before it could be targeted?
Spellcraft 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (5) + 19 = 24
Kn Planes 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (4) + 19 = 23
Cast: see invisible, 100 minutes
MA: Move to W15

Basher moves up and takes a defensive position; awaiting orders to attack from his handlers.

Move action: Move to S-T/11-12 with blessing of fervor's enhanced speed.

Standard action: Total defense for AC 23.

LB

Lightbringer will choose the increased speed bonus from blessing of fervour.

The warforged paladin casts a spell on himself, causing his pistons and gears to become more efficient, then moves with surprising speed across the room.

“Hold your positions,” he rumbles in a low voice to Bor and Basher as he passes. “Wait to see how Matilda’s spell effects the guardian before you attack.”

Cast Bull’s Strength on self. Move to T7.

Questions:
Is there any space under the platform where Ikar stands?
What holds up this platform? Solid walls underneath, steel or concrete columns, it is cantilevered out from the wall, something else?

Round 2:
Janosz 20 Longstrider
Ikar 18
Gil 16+ good devotion (9 rounds remaining), blessing of fervor (8 rounds remaining)
Rodergo 10 good devotion (9 rounds remaining), blessing of fervor (7 rounds remaining)
Rolund 9+ good devotion (9 rounds remaining), blessing of fervor (7 rounds remaining)
Runzyl 9 good devotion (9 rounds remaining), blessing of fervor (7 rounds remaining), righteous vigor (11 rounds remaining)
Bor 9 - good devotion (9 rounds remaining), blessing of fervor (7 rounds remaining)
The Caretaker 9-- Charmed?
Ezreal 8 good devotion (9 rounds remaining), see invisible
Basher 3+ good devotion (9 rounds remaining), blessing of fervor (7 rounds remaining)
LB 3 good devotion (9 rounds remaining), blessing of fervor (7 rounds remaining), bull’s strength

Janosz.

Re Ezreal's questions, I can't remember the precise rules for possession - I will update when I can (working late tonight). However, both LB and Rod are good at casting out possessing spirits anyway.

There is a gap under the platform - the stairs and platform basically sit on brackets sticking out of the wall. Nothing as fancy as cantilevered structures on my universe, I'm afraid.

Seeing Runzyl sprint onto the control platform, Janosz decides to follow him.

Quadruple move around the southern side of the forge. That gets me to E4.

Ikar!

Rodergo can damage spirits and that kind of thing but needs one more level in the exorcist before he can cast them out.

I went back and had a look at the fight with Karile, I couldn’t recall what she could do. Assuming that Ikar still has the same sort of powers this time round (which may not be a sure bet).
She could use two psionic powers a round, used charms and an ability to deal damage from a distance (Will save to reduce / negate), used telekinesis type effects to throw people about or hold them, summoned some quori …

Dismissal will work to dismiss Ikar's quori, Fourgri. Dimensional Anchor will also work on it, but possession renders the possessing spirit immune to harm and if it can't escape it will stay possessing Ikar.

That said, looking at Runzyl's action and his normal attitude, I find it incredibly unlikely he would delay for anything, but there you go... I'm also going to ignore Janosz's turn, as something happens on initiative 0...

Valves over the surface of the creation forge begin to clatter and an ominous rumbling, whistling noise fills the chamber. Limbs and hoses break free from the ceiling and begin to wave menacingly. There is a sudden roar and a blast of steam explodes across the room and over the adventurers.

The room is filled with super-heated steam in a 60' cone. This basically hits everyone except Janosz and Runzyl. 10d6 ⇒ (2, 6, 2, 4, 3, 4, 2, 6, 3, 6) = 38 damage and you are dazed, Reflex DC 20 for half and to negate the daze effect. Roly and Ez can have a +2 to the save as they are partially sheltered in the corridor.

Janosz, you can reconsider your action if you wish based on the above.

Map updated, minus Janosz's move as stated above.

Janosz 20
Ikar 18
Gil 16+
Bor 16
Rodergo 10
Rolund 9+
Bor 9
The Caretaker 9-
Runzyl 8+
Ezreal 8
Basher 3+
LB 3
The creation forge 0

Janosz.

I'll keep my action. BTW, does the steam also affect Ikar and the Caretaker?

Rolund Ref save: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 8 + 2 = 24.

Bor Ref save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12.

Basher Ref save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8.

reflex: 1d20 ⇒ 9

I'm dazed for how long?

Reflex:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

Bor's bulk in front of him shields Lightbringer from the worst of the blast.

Not relevant this round, but LB is immune to stunning. As dazed is basically a less serious version of stunned, would he also be immune to this?

reflex: 1d20

I'm dazed for how long?

Dazed is generally a 1 round effect.

Anyone got Knowledge engineering? Maybe that skill could be used at the forge controls to try to shut it off?

Basher on 35 of 73 hp, Bor on 21 of 59 hp.

Yes, dazed for a round. LB should be immune. The steam doesn't affect Ikar and the Caretaker - it's a cone so it faces sort-of north-east to catch the most people. Arcana or even Disable Device might be relevant to calm down the forge.

Ikar glances at the elf and human pounding up the stairs. "Steelsong," he says, "Kindly kill your companion. Oh, and Frogshanks, same for you." Then he stands, glaring at Basher as his eyes flash silver.

Runzyl and Janosz, Will save DC 21 each or you are both dominated. I'm not giving you the +2 since killing people is very much in your nature.

Basher, Will save DC 18 or take 3d10 ⇒ (1, 8, 6) = 15 damage.

Gil.

Map updated.

Runzyl Will save: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
Basher Will save: 1d20 ⇒ 9

Runzyl is not good aligned and seeks only a glorious death, so him not getting the +2 is probably reasonable, I'd argue that for Janosz at least, turning against his longtime friends and companions would be against his nature, killer or no. Your call as GM though.

EDIT: Phew! Runzyl just passed. I included the +2 bonus he gets vs enchantments, presumably this applies. If not I think he'd be willing to spend an action point on this roll.

Basher on 20 hp.

Map updated.

Round 2:
Janosz 20 Longstrider
Ikar 18
Gil 16+ good devotion (9 rounds remaining), blessing of fervor (8 rounds remaining)
Rodergo 10 good devotion (9 rounds remaining), blessing of fervor (7 rounds remaining)
Rolund 9+ good devotion (9 rounds remaining), blessing of fervor (7 rounds remaining)
Runzyl 9 good devotion (9 rounds remaining), blessing of fervor (7 rounds remaining), righteous vigor (11 rounds remaining)
Bor 9 - good devotion (9 rounds remaining), blessing of fervor (7 rounds remaining)
The Caretaker 9-- Charmed?
Ezreal 8 good devotion (9 rounds remaining), see invisible
Basher 3+ good devotion (9 rounds remaining), blessing of fervor (7 rounds remaining)
LB 3 good devotion (9 rounds remaining), blessing of fervor (7 rounds remaining), bull’s strength

Gil.

Runzyl's +2 v Enchantment counts. Yeah, it's probably reasonable for Janosz to get the +2 as he isn't a borderline psychopath. Or rather, he is a borderline psychopath, but Runzyl isn't borderline.

Will save 12+7+2(only mildy psychopathic)+4(action point)=25.

Janosz eyes Runzyl speculatively. "First things first, Ikar. I can kill Runzyl later. Now, however, I'm going to rip your lungs out, sun-dry them and then feed them to your mommy." He drops his bow and lunges at the possessed hobgoblin.