Aubrey's PF Dark Sun (Inactive)

Game Master Aubrey the Malformed

Sense motive 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

Arakan raises an eyebrow at Jareen, "Considering my desire is to stay alive as long as possible, I consider it a wise one to follow. Dead and knowledgeable does nobody any good."

He shakes his head at Grea, "Sadly, from what I've seen you do, I don't think your self-healing will cut it as far as these things go. Yours is more self-manipulation type stuff. We would need something external."

He looks at the two directions, and indicates which one he thinks is best.

He points to whichever is more the direction to the bandit camp. If the camp is north or east of the tower, we go north. If the camp is south or west, we go west.

Djal looks impassively at Arakan, wondering if he's being played, but shrugs off his doubts and proceeds where the bard points, his darkvision casting off the shadows ahead.

...

He shakes his head at Grea, "Sadly, from what I've seen you do, I don't think your self-healing will cut it as far as these things go. Yours is more self-manipulation type stuff. We would need something external."

...

Grea nods, accepting his decision. She is not in the least sad about it.

"The half-elf is right. Alive is better."

She stays close to Jareen gently shouldering him into Djal and Morthak's wake.

North it is, then.

In case you have forgotten about him... (I have, a bit.)

Danet mutters, "This place is creeping me out. Why are we here? We should be trying to rescue the prisoners." But he follows as the group head through the northern-most exit.

The next room is empty except for a statue in the middle of the room. It seems to be made of fired clay. Small fragments of gilt and blue paint clinging on in tiny patches, but otherwise it is a dull reddish in the lights of the adventurers. It seems to be a statue of the leader of the city as seen in the earlier vision.

A doorway leads east, while stairs lead up to the next level.

And...?

"Continue up? It will get us the best view."

"The farther we climb, the farther we will have to descend to get back to the streets," Morthak shrugs.

"Let's just get out of here before some sort of vision kills us," whines Danet, who seems to have regained his voice.

"Arakan, Jareen? Where will we find an advantage against the bandits?"

Jaryx offers, "We climb to see bandit camp better, yes?"

"That is the idea. But I leave it to Arakan to decide if we have ascended far enough. The dangers do seem to increase as we move up."

Arakan nods, "We're here for dual purposes. One to see if we can find something to aid in the fight against the bandits. Two, we need a nice view of the ruins and the bandit camp, ideally to be able to best map both for the sake of planning. A balcony or opening on the bandit side would aid us in that, but the tower top may better aid us in seeing all of it." He takes a deep breath and purses his lips, "That said, we won't find anything of use here if we don't look. So, I'm thinking we clear the whole floor before going any higher."

The place is massive - clearing the place will take longer than you are maybe budgeting for.

"I don't think we have time to search too deeply Arakan, we wanted to be as quick as possible to get the element of surprise, we wasted a night thanks to our friend here in the desert, we could easily waste another day searching."

"We could waste months searching."

"Let us go to the top. We will have the best view there."

"Why can't we just head to the city wall nearest the camp?" says Danet. "Surely we can get some cover and see what they are doing? Like the old man says, the higher up we go, the worse the visions seem to get."

"That was the plan..." Morthak grunts, agreeing with Danet. *gasp*

The small dinosaur follows, remaining as quiet as possible.

Rolling his eyes, Arakan acquiesces "Fine, yes, I guess it would take too long to check the whole place. We're already a few stories up, so we need to find the first balcony that lets us overlook the camp, or we skip looking for a balcony and head straight to the top. The top is easier to find, but may be riskier. Either way, we can't get a great look at ground level." Turning to Danet, he explains, "Besides, you yourself didn't want us going straight in the gate with an elaborate ruse, I don't see how going in the back without a plan is much better."

Go on arakan, up you go, the rest of us will follow ;)

"I still don't see how going through this creepy sh!thole is helping either." He shivers. "This place is trying trying to kill us, like it's alive or something. There's nothing here we can use, except for the old man who's interested in sorcerer-kings.

"OK, whatever, lets see if there is a balcony or something."

So, going up or east?

Up!

Grea doesn't see how going through this creepy sh!thole is helping either, but she wants the best view possible.

"Maybe that was the last vision. Let's climb. If there's another maybe we quit."

The group take the stairs up. They find themselves in another dim room. Light filters in from some high windows, but they are not low enough to see from. The floor seems to be covered with the remnants of ceramic tiles, although most are cracked and broken, and the middle of the room dips into what may have been a pool, now dry and dusty. A few scraps of brittle wood and cloth might be the remains of furniture, now decayed almost to oblivion. There are exits north, south, and west.

Morthak examines the wall closely.

Does it look like a skilled climber could reach the windows?

Yeah, possibly, though the wall would be a bit crumbly. It's about 30' up.

Do any of the exits go outside?

The camp is to the north of us, correct?

As they enter the large chamber, Arakan warns, "Avoid the center of the room. The weird hauntings seem to kick off whenever someone gets too close to something in here. Hug the walls... he looks at Jaryx, "meaning, walk closer to the wall than the center."

Do any of the exits go outside?

No. For reference, the windows face east.

"Hug the walls... he looks at Jaryx, "meaning, walk closer to the wall than the center."

Jaryx just nods and grins in reply. He walks a half-step behind Grea on her side away from the wall in case something comes up in the middle of the room, but he doesn't go wandering into the center per the bossy man's suggestion.

OK - north, south, west, or climb the east wall?

Sorry, realise I didn't answer Arakan's question - the camp is to the north.

Then north it is. Arakan keeps being reminded of their real mission here.... cause he keeps forgetting to think about what the others want, as usual.

Good with Jareen.

Headed north...

Northward. To doom...

They head north, looking for a view over the enemy camp. But instead they come to another room. There are exits north, west and south, the way they came in. Like the previous chamber, the middle is sunken, perhaps an ancient pool now dry. Underfoot it crunches somewhat - small fragments of what might be desiccated wood.

Perception checks, DC 20:

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16

Perception 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

Arakan tilts his head slightly, then groans, "Crap! Not again. Everyone look out!" But his warning comes too late for him to do much himself.

Initiative 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28
Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Morthak stands frozen, perplexed. "I hear... music."

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15

Grea tilts her head. "What? I hear nothing."

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

Brow furrowed, Jaryx looks around. "Music? Jaryx hear no music."

perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (9) + 14 = 23
init: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

The small reptilian creature croaks attentively before shrinking down, ready to pounce.

taking total defense as a standard action

Danet Perception 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12

"Huh?" says Danet.

Djal Perception 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

"Wha..?" say Djal.

Suddenly the room is lit by lamps, and a fountain plays in the pool. A eunuch plays a lute, his bald head bobbing as his fingers run on the fretboard. You relax on couches with the other concubines, wrapped in alluring gossamer silks, lost in a narcotic haze. Secluded here in the harem of your lord, you know little of what passes in the outside world. But even here, some news filters through. The enemy besieges the gates of the city. But surely your lord will defeat them, as he defeats all his enemies. You drag on your hookah, the flavoured smoke dulling your concern.

There is a crash and shouting in the rooms. A door bursts open and another eunuch staggers through, clutching his entrails as they spill from his fat belly and gargling on his own blood. He flops into the pool, staining the water red. There are screams as soldiers follow after him. Enemy soldiers, wearing the emblem of the lion.

As your fogged mind tries to take this in, they run forward, their blood-drenched swords ready. You scream as a blade plunges into your stomach.

OK, you are all effected. You are each attacked by a sword. Its attack bonus is +3 and it does 1d8+1 damage. Use your normal AC (not touch) for the attack, and roll your own damage. Then you need to make a DC 13 Will save. If you succeed, the effect ends. If you fail, it attacks you again, and you need to make a new save. The attacks continue until you succeed in the Will save.

Sword: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22; Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Will Save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

Morthak growls in pain, feeling the blade cut deep. But his mind snaps to reality a moment after. He swings his warhammer reactively, but the phantasm is already gone. He clutches his stomach, still feeling the wound, and is surprised when his hand comes away red with blood.

He shakes his head, looking around to see how the others fare.

Sword attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10 ... damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Will Save: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

Unseeing, Grea sidesteps to the right; her body, an arc around the phantom blade. She returns to the world somewhat awestruck. Her voice is tinged with wonder.

"The water--the comfort"

atk vs Cahel AC 16: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
dmg: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
will DC 13: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

Sword attack vs AC 13: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Will DC 13: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

Jaryx blocks down and away with one meaty hand and manifests his mindbolt, but by the time he can grasp it with the second hand to strike, the apparition is gone.

Cautiously looking around the room, he whispers, "Where swordman go?"

Atk: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21 dmg: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 will: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Atk: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12 dmg: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9 will: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Woah, I wish those rolls were the other way around! Jareen takes 13HP of damage

Ouch! The guy who you would expect to make the Will save.

Djal
Attack 1 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4, damage 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2, Will save 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Danet
Attack 1 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20, damage 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4, Will save 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Attack 2 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21, damage 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3, Will save 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22

Djal is startled but recovers quickly. Danet howls in pain and doubles over. On his hands and knees he hisses, "I hate this f*~*ing place!"

Attack on Arakan 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14, Will Save 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Attack on Arakan 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5, Will Save 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

Arakan manages to avoid the blow, but has a hard time pulling himself away from the comforts and luxuries of the scene. He has even taking to running from his assailant before his mind clears of the hookah fog he was indulging in.

We have an ongoing 4e DS campaign but due to real life pressures three of the players cannot continue. The discussion thread is here. So I'd like to recruit three or four new players for this campaign. We are not especially advanced in terms of the campaign - the PCs are 2nd level. At the moment we have two players remaining - a half-elf bard/rogue hybrid and a human wizard. If you are interested, please feel free to get in touch.

I'm in.

4e?
Eyes narrow.
Get a smurf. Rope! I meant rope!

Camris - haha. I'd prefer people who actually want to play in the campaign to post here, no offence.

I'd love to play... I'll jump over to the discussion thread and post

One or two more?

Bump

Is there room for a half-elf rogue? I've a concept in mind.

Well, yes - although we have a half-elf bard-rogue. But I'm happy for you to join in - the more the merrier.

got room for a ardent thrikeen?

Hi trailjava. We've already got one thri'kreen and also have the leader slot filled. If you aren't wedded to your character concept we should have room. But we have all the bases covered now.

Hi, message to all - recruitment is now closed. Thanks to all those who showed an interest.

Hi there - looking for ONE player to join an existing 4e Dark Sun game, currently at lvl 2. Preferrably looking for someone to fill the striker role.

I wouldn't mind trying out a striker. I have never actually played 4th ed, but I do have the 4ed books and the 4ed Dark Sun books. I am vaguely familiar with the rules. If selected, I will put together a character right away. Any races you would recommend for the striker role?

Hi Kor - how familiar is "vaguely familiar" when it comes to 4e? I appreciate you haven't played it in anger before, but have you skimmed the rules, created some characters...? It's not a problem - most of the players are relatively unused to 4e - but I just want to gauge your understanding.

I have started perusing the rules again, and I think it would be best if I withdraw my interest, as I have limited time to learn a new set of rules.

OK, Kor.

Anyone else?

I would like to respond with interest.

I have a good deal of 4e experience. I started playing at time of release, changing to Pathfinder shortly after the release of essentials if I recall correctly. I still have my books, which should include PHB 1,2 and I'm fairly certain 3, as well as a large number of other books I haven't cracked open in over a year. Bringing myself back up to speed on the rules should be relatively quick though it's possible I may still end up mixing Pathfinder and 4e rules on occasion if accepted.

As far as Dark Sun, my resume is less than stellar. I have a couple months experience in 2nd edition from quite a few years ago, and I regret to say the campaign is listed amongst my least favorites. While I won't go into details, I will note it wasn't the setting that was my issue. It is possible I have the Dark Sun books and have simply never opened them (definitely wouldn't be the first or last time for me to buy some books and end up shelving them, lol), but I don't believe I do. I want to say Dark Sun was released shortly before I quit, and most of my normal group never quite enjoyed that setting.

Seeing the desire for a striker, I'd probably select monk (if melee preferred) or sorcerer (if ranged preferred, and I have a basic understanding of defiling as a concept, but no mechanical or practical knowledge). I'd need to know the rest of the party to have a better idea, and I am open to suggestions.

Hi Xzaral, that sounds fine. Please go over to the discussion thread and we can talk about characters. Re DS, I'm really pretty new to it too, largely picking it up with 4e. It would be very helpful - but not obligatory - if you could pick up the 4e Dark Sun book as that contains a lot of character options. As for mixing up the rules - happens all the time.

Hello all. Due to life events, a player has dropped out of this game. Consequently, we are looking for a Defender to join the party. They are currently 4th level. Please note, this is a 4e Dark Sun game (I know it says so in the thread title, but just to avoid embarrassing misunderstandings). If you have an interest, please let us know. Many thanks.

bump

Would an Earth Genasi Fighter with the Earthforger Theme be appropriate? I've never played Dark Sun, but it seems like an interesting setting.

I let a friend with whom i play 4e IRL know about this opening. I think he is going to pop in and ask some questions on what is allowed in terms of character creation.

EDIT: ninjaaaa'd

I'm very familar with 4e (played nearly 3 years, currently DM irl). What are the restrictions?

Hi Xaimum. Dark Sun has quite a specific feel so sticking to some reasonably specific races and themes is important, although other stuff might be available. I understand that you are looking at the setting now. A genasi might be OK but I'd prefer you to have a look at the setting and seeing what comes to mind once you have.

I did quick search and found a Dragon Magazine (#396) article that gives Genasi, aka, half-elementals, a place in Athas. The Half-Elemental Refugee background works best. Here's the basic concept:

An escaped slave genasi made its way back to his home in thethe Silt Sea after freeing itself from its captors. Before he was captured, he was a young sand genasi who dreamed of reuniting the half-elementals and returning the world to the lush planet he heard tales about from the elders. He sneaked away one night, but was captured by a band of slavers shortly into his travels and sold as a pit fighter. Two decades later, he escaped and managed to find his old home. He told tales of how horrible the outside world was and how wished he'd never left.

The old man, however, was followed. His captors hired a group of slavers to track him. When they stumbled the hidden enclave, the slavers slaughtered the elderly and able-bodied, then sold the children into slavery. My character, earth genasi Piedro, ended up in as a pit fighter in (whichever city the PCs are currently in) for the past 6 years. His goal is to find a way to earn his freedom, exact revenge on his original captors, and reunite the scattered genasi to prevent them becoming the prey of the other races. He's currently as sellsword, trying to earn some pay and information on the slavers who took him and the other children.

Here's what I made: Piedro the half-elemental Fighter
I figured I should take it easy on the magic items, because of the setting and his background.

If a genasi's out, then I'll like a Minotaur Warden (Earthstrength) with the Primal Guardian theme.

You need to be a bit careful about what you read. I'm no Dark Sun purist but Dark Sun is a relatively venerable setting, and people have different views about what "fits". Some of the 4e stuff set out in the campaign setting book and some of the later Dragon articles is really just trying to fit 4e stuff that was never in the original DS setting.

That said....

Athas is a place where primal elemental spirits are strong, so it is certainly feasible for a genasi to exist, coming from a bloodline in which these primal elements are strong. (Frankly, genasi is much more appropriate than minotaur - that really is a bit of 4e shoe-horning.) So I'm happy to run with it since you seem to be keen on the concept.

On the background.... No real problem with that. However, the PCs are currently not in a city but on the road between Urik and Balic, working as caravan guards, and currently in the middle of a fight. Piedro therefore needs to be a fellow caravan guard (it's the easiest way in) and turn up mid-fight.

I'll look at his crunch tonight - I'm currently at work without any books.

EDIT: OK, first off, you need to make a usable character sheet in Piedro's page. If you are away we may need to be able to run your character and that is basically impossible as currently set out. Have a look at Cahel's or one of the other characters' pages and see the sort of format you like.

I'm very interested! I'm a huge fan of Dark Sun going back to the 2e days... I'll have to dust off my 4e materials, however. If you can give me a day or so, I'll post a character concept.

Questions on the campaign: Where in Athas are you currently? Are you using the 4e timeline, or something before/during/after the Prism Pentad?

EDIT: just saw your reply giving the location.

OK Nomad, let me know what you have in mind. What's good is an idea of what your character concept is in fluff terms - saying something like "mul fighter" doesn't get me going. I don't need a full character background, but a bit of a whiff regarding what they are about.

We are in the 4e DS timeline, so Kalak is dead but not much else has happened.

Please note, I tend to operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Xaimum is ahead of the game but doesn't have a full character sheet up yet.

Roger that... I work nights and am just about to get to bed. I'll try and have you something tomorrow afternoon.

I present Morthak, dwarf wild battlemind... actually a retooling of a character I played in Aardvark's short-lived Dark Sun PbP a few years ago. =)

Background, description and basic stats are in the profile. All of the choices are chosen. I'll flesh out the numbers as soon as I can, but I need to buy equipment still -- what's my starting bankroll?

Most of Morthak's numbers are updated on the profile sheet, barring any +/- from gear.

I assumed at least buying scale (equivalent) armor, heavy shield and warhammer.

I think I'm all good.

Badassness: 1d20 + 100 ⇒ (7) + 100 = 107

How does he look?

I'm currently at my mum's so still can't really check out the PCs in detail. However, in terms of who's in - how about both of you? You both seem keen, one of you knows a lot about DS, the other about 4e, so it seems good to me. Please say hello on the discussion thread.

Cool! =)

[dice=Badassness]1d20+100

How does he look?

He looks good. He's got slightly more magic items than the others, but they have a boon, so it works out OK. Welcome to the game.