City of Nine Stars -- City of Twilight
Game Master therealthom

"Be ready to run if it's more Hellknights," Akorian advises Raven before he departs, "And lead them back to us for an ambush if you have to..."

Raven stalks silently down the side passage with Mother V in his wake. As they approach the corner they hear someone speaking softly, but in a gruff tone that carries anyway, "... here til Chard says so. I'm sick of your whining and your levity and your always dragging behind. Stay focused on the job. We'll round up these villians, pry that half-breed Iomedean out of the Dottari's hands, and settle this. Now get moving again."

"Okay, that way's blocked..." Mother Vangelis whispers in her quietest voice, leading the way back to the rest of the party.

As Mother turns back, she and Raven can hear the sound of booted feet, including the clank of one pair of iron shod soles from around the corner. And they're moving your way.

I am guessing the half-breed could be the Arael Morosino mentioned as having been arrested by the Dottari, but Raven was not in the tavern at that point yet. Heh...

'Villains? That could be us I suppose, but who would the 'half-breed Iomedean' be I wonder,' the elf thinks to himself as he and Mother start moving towards the rest of the group. And then he hears the footsteps coming from around the corner.

"Great..." the rogue hisses and, thinking fast, eyes the sewer water right next to the two of them. "Can you hold your breath, not to mention your lunch as well?" Raven asks the woman as quietly as he can.

Disgusting though I -and he for that matter- find it, if the water is deep enough to cover them while crouching down in it, that is what he plans on doing, moving as fast as he can without making noise while under the water's surface. He will try to get as far as he possibly can before risking to raise as little of himself as possible out of the sewage to take a breath of air.
Here's hoping what I just wrote makes a bit of sense...

"Never mind that just yet; we have to warn the others!" she mutters back without stopping.

Once they return to the party, she quickly blurts out: "Guards coming this way! Care for a sewer swim?" She looks at the effluent without much enthusiasm.

I was under the impression that the supposed bad guys were about to come around the corner and see Raven and Mother only, which is why I was thinking of diving in sewage -Blergh!- but if the pair manage to get back to the group before the supposed knights or guards see them, can't the adventurers simply keep on walking down the way they were already moving, albeit a little quieter than before, without resorting to disgusting measures? And again... Blergh!

From the bulk of the party's perspective:
Mother walks determinedly back toward the group. Raven considers a plunge in the sewage channel, but without Mother's cooperation there's no point. He follows quickly and quietly behind her. They are about halfway down the connecting tunnel, and silhouetted by the increasing glow on the wall beyond them when a shaft of light reaches down one wall and then is eclipsed as it swings to reveal Raven and Mother.

From behind Raven and Mother comes some confused exclamations, then an authoritative, "Halt, by Order of the Rack"!

Intiatives please, I don't expect you'll talk your way out of this, although you can try.

We'll use Dabbler's cross map again. Party was moving from bottom to top. Hellknights will be coming from the right.

1d20+5=17

Do we see them yet, or are they around the corner?

As she sees her and Raven's shadows stretch out in front of her, Mother risks a quick glance over her shoulder. Behind the bright lantern she can make out 4 shadowy forms.

Initiative: 1d20+3 -> [4,3] = (7)
I will wait until things develop before announcing my action. Map is here (I have extended a working version to the right to another tunnel as far as T). Can people list their starting positions please? remember we are moving top-to-bottom and the side passage for the Hellknights is the one on the right. Waifrin I would place in G9.

Zarabeta will be in I7, with Morosino in front of her in I6. She's been pretty unrelentingly moving fast and near the head of the pack. Initiative 12.

Hearing the command, Zarabeta slides her right hand into her spell component pouch, obscured by the corner, drawing forth some brightly dyed sand.

To Morosino, she hisses, "Stay out of sight."

Initiative check... 1d20+3 = 5

I believe Tim said we're moving from bottom-to-top...not top-to-bottom, if that changes anything for anyone. Regardless, the Hellknights are coming from the right-hand passage. So, I'm figuring Akorian is probably in I2 to give himself a clear shot if everyone else is on the G-side of the passageway.

With few options remaining, Akorian trains his crossbow on the first Hellknight to head in their direction, preparing to hit him before he can reach Raven or Vangeliss.

"Subterfuge is really not one of your stronger points, is it now madam?" Deciding this is one situation he probably cannot fast-talk his way out of, crossbow still in his hand from earlier, he considers the cleric's advice and adds, "Perhaps we should try out Akorian's plan about an ambush? Getting back to the rest of our fellows instead of making a heroic stand by ourselves? We should have no trouble getting them to follow us I wager."

Initiative 1d20 +6 = 12
Raven is right behind Mother Vangelis as they move from the right of the map to the left towards the center.

Mother will be at K7

"We didn't do nothing wrong, your honors! We're just lost down here."

Knowing her chances at convincing the soldiers is slim, she gets ready for action.

ready an action to grapple any knight who comes close. Raven -- I'm pretty sure it's too late for an ambush...

D'oh! You are right. Here is the amended map. Moving bottom to top, Waifrin is in G7 and I assume Zarabeta in I10 and Morisino in I11. I would guess those on the corners are using the available cover ...

Moving bottom to top, Waifrin is in G7 and I assume Zarabeta in I10 and Morisino in I11.[/ooc]

I9 for Zarabeta and I10 for Morosino sounds about right.

Aww, c'mon people! Okay, if everyone's switching to be on the I-side of the passage, Akorian will step over to G2 instead. I just want to make sure he has a clean field of fire on the Hellknights chasing our friends. And I'd suggest everyone else ready a ranged weapon so we can soften them up before they reach us, too.

Zarabeta is muttering to herself, "No, no, no..." and is cowering against the wall like a frightened commoner, hoping that the Hellknights see the unarmed woman as no threat and close the range.

Zarabeta readies her standard action to cast color spray when the enemy close within range, attempting to hit as many as possible in the 15 ft. cone. As a move action, she draws a dagger behind her back...

Initiative and Position:

Marius .. 19 J9
Mother .. 17 .. K7
Zarabeta .12 .. I9
Raven ....12 .. L7
Morosino .. 9 .. I10
Janiven.. 6 ... F7
Akorian ..5 ... G2??
Hellknights.. 4 R7-T9

SUrprise Round

Dabbler, nice work with the quick change on the map. Have at 'em guys.

Is anyone surprised? I.e. is there a surprise round?

I figure you guys would be keyed up, so you can all go. Partial actions only.

Neil, are you looking to hit hellknights with cross-fire when they enter the intersection? If not. you may want to revise your starting position.

In that case...
Mother says: "Move out of the way, Raven; I'm a-comin' through!"

If and when he clears the path, she'll charge forward to S7 and grab the Hellknight at R7.

If he doesn't move out of the way, she'll draw her shortbow.

OK, so here are starting positions, Waifrin is on initiative 7 between Morisino and Janiven.

Seeing the hated Hellknights Waifrin feels a palpable surge in her, she straightens up and readies herself to vent her anger when they close.

"Well come and have a go if you think you can handle us!" she taunts them contemptuously.

Waifrin's action is to ready action, preparing a wild-surged energy ray for the first one that closes to thirty feet and isn't engaged in melee. If that Hellknight is in metallic armour it will be an electric ray (for an extra +3 to hit), if not a ray of fire (+1 damage per die). If the party all move to engage, she'll move in as well.

Neil, are you looking to hit hellknights with cross-fire when they enter the intersection? If not. you may want to revise your starting position.

Yeah, I'd like to revise it, given that the map keeps changing on me. :-)

Let's put Akorian at G9 or I7, whichever you think gives Akorian the clearest shot. If we're in a surprise round, Akorian's Westcrown Firebrand trait grants him a +1 bonus on the attack roll with his crossbow. I'm a little worried that Mother Vangeliss is going to provide them cover though...since she's charging them and goes higher in the initiative order. It might go better if she delayed until just before the Hellknights act so we can soften up her targets before she gets there. But, no biggie. Just strategizing...

"Get down, you two!" Akorian hisses as Raven approaches and Mother Vangeliss turns back to fight the Hellknights. He aims quickly and fires.

Ranged attack with light crossbow... 1d20+3 = 11 to hit
Damage (if applicable)... 1d8 = 7 hp

OK revised the tactical map with Akorian in G9 so he isn't in Waifrin's line of fire either (from there he and Waifrin can shoot to the opposite sides of the oncoming passageway easily).

Noting that no targets are within range, Zarabeta waits to see what Marius intends, whispering to him, "When I shout 'Scintilla' close your eyes, Marius."

Not able to take advantage of the surprise round, but will advance forward behind Marius up to 30 ft., if he moves forward, components for color spray in one hand, dagger in the other.

A good ol' fashioned sneak attack against the knight at R7 is too good to pass up so Raven will be taking the opportunity to fire his hand crossbow. Next chance he gets he will get out of the way of the freight-tra... that is, Mother Vangelis, giving the crazy gal the chance to charge at her leisure. He will do so even if it means that he has to step in sewage, provided he can stand in the water. The idea is to give both Mother and Marius the room they need to engage the knights in melee.

The elven rogue sighs softly as he turns and, without taking too much time to aim, fires a bolt from his hand crossbow at the knight behind him.

"I will make way as soon as I can Ms. Vangelis," he reassures the female warrior.

Ranged attack (hand crossbow) 1d20 +4 = 10
Meh... Just in case this actually hits -though I know it does not- here is the damage:
Damage 1d4 +1d6 = 8

Marius nods curtly at the womans whispered words..then moves forward 20 feet and beckons to the hellknight ahead of him.

Move to N9 hold my attack action for when he closes with me.

1d20+4=8, oh well..my dice luck holds good for tonight then..just back from my tabletop session and couldn't make a roll to save myself

Surprise Round results:

Marius pushes down the tunnel toward the Hellknights. reaching N9

Mother gets tangled briefly with Raven as he spins to fire at the Hellknights. Then brushes by the elf to engage the foe. She drops in intiative to 11, but that won't really matter. She will still go before the Hellknight in round 1. She reaches Q7 (30' by my count) in the surprise round.

Raven fires and misses. His bolt flies high, richochets off the ceiling and plunges into the channel. Remains in place.

Zarabeta follows Marius down the tunnel, spell ready.

Waifrin waits, ready to launch a psionic attack or follow a general charge.

Akorian looks for an opening and fires through the gap between Marius and Mother. Perhaps worried about hitting allies, his bolt also flies high.

Morosino turns pale. He has no weapon, but he doesn't run. yet?

Janiven seems to have been caught on the short hop. "DON'T KILL THEM IF YOU CAN HELP IT! WE"VE GOT TO RUN FOR IT." But she is drawing her sword and starting to move toward the combat.

The Hellknight commander in the second rank orders his troops to load crossbows. Then , seeing Mother and Marius charge toward him, countermands that and orders swords out.

You may post for round 1.

Hogarth, Mother will have to wade in the channel to get to S7 or find some way through the Hellknight in R7 Remember the water is a foot or two below the walkway and who knows how deep.

Starting positions, round 1

Can Waifrin identify now or when she closes which of the Hellknights are wearing metal armour or not?

Akorian crosses the sewage channel with a small leap.

It's just a 5-foot gap to cross, so I figure it doesn't take an Acrobatics check? That should put Akorian in I9.

Then he offers up a short prayer to Milani to fill his allies with hope and determination. Knowing they fight against the heavy-handed Hellknights, he's certain the goddess of rebellions will hear his plea.

Casting bless. The effect should last for 1 minute. It's centered on Akorian in a 50-foot burst. Since he's at the intersection, that means it should include all of his allies. Everyone should get a +1 bonus on attack rolls and any saving throws vs. fear. Hopefully, that latter effect helps poor Morosino stand his ground. The spell won't take effect until everyone else has already acted this round, though...i.e., Akorian is last in the initiative order. :-[

Hogarth, Mother will have to wade in the channel to get to S7 or find some way through the Hellknight in R7 Remember the water is a foot or two below the walkway and who knows how deep.

I mean Q7, not S7. Mea culpa.

Mother tries to grab the Hellknight in a half-nelson, but her hands are still slippery.
1d20+8=10

"Dadgummit, why did you have to be lurking down here in the sewers? I'd rather wrassle you any other place..."

Staying where he is, Raven reloads quickly and lets loose another bolt at the same knight Mother seems to be going after, hoping his aim, as well as his luck, are good enough that he does not hit the woman instead of their foe.

Since it takes a move action to reload a hand crossbow, he does just that and uses his standard action to fire at the R7 knight.
Ranged attack (hand crossbow) 1d20 +4 = 18
Damage (piercing) 1d4 = 3

Since it takes a move action to reload a hand crossbow, he does just that and uses his standard action to fire at the R7 knight.

Ranged attack (hand crossbow) 1d20 +4 = 18
Damage (piercing) 1d4 = 3

I think you get to add sneak attack damage again. Aren't the Hellknights still flat-footed even after the surprise round until they get to act? Since they're last in the initiative order, they still go after Raven.

I think you get to add sneak attack damage again. Aren't the Hellknights still flat-footed even after the surprise round until they get to act? Since they're last in the initiative order, they still go after Raven.

Good point. :-)

Starting positions, round 1

Can Waifrin identify now or when she closes which of the Hellknights are wearing metal armour or not?

They all appear to be wearing plate.

Wait for Marius or Mother.

Mother and Marius:

Since it takes a move action to reload a hand crossbow, he does just that and uses his standard action to fire at the R7 knight ... at the same knight Mother seems to be going after, hoping his aim, as well as his luck, are good enough that he does not hit the woman instead of their foe.

That's a good hope. This time you will hit and all will be well. For future reference firing unsuccessfully into melee can have bad consequences for allies. Especially on a bad line like the one you chose with Mother directly between you and your target. Had you chosen the R9 knight a bad roll would probably have less dire consequences.

I think you get to add sneak attack damage again. Aren't the Hellknights still flat-footed even after the surprise round until they get to act? Since they're last in the initiative order, they still go after Raven.

Neil, STOP IT. Leave my Hellknights alone!

FOr everyone:

"Hey..." Mother says after her failed attempt, "I was going to drop you in the s$#% and let you swim for it in your heavy armor, but this ain't real. It's just tarted up leather! You got a load of cheapskates running the Order of the Rack?"

Knew I could count on Hogarth.

Waifrin:

That's a good hope. This time you will hit and all will be well. For future reference firing unsuccessfully into melee can have bad consequences for allies. Especially on a bad line like the one you chose with Mother directly between you and your target. Had you chosen the R9 knight a bad roll would probably have less dire consequences.

You are right Thom, it was indeed reckless. I will keep it in mind next time.

Waifrin jumps the channel (Acrobatics check 1d20+6 -> [14,6] = (20) vs DC 10 (5-foot jump from standing start)) and barrels down the passageway past Raven. As a Hellknight closes with Marius she cuts loose with a wild-surged electrical ray at that foe.

"Go to HELL!" she screams defiantly.

Advancing to M7, Wild Surge check (1/20): 1d20 -> [17] = (17); Ranged Touch attack 1d20+4 -> [18,4] = (22) or 18 if they are already engaged in melee; Damage 2d6 -> [3,5] = (8)

Her eyes blaze as lightning leaps from her out-flung hand to strike the Hellknight ...

Somehow it all is going wrong. Zarabeta was waiting to unleash her spell as they closed with the knights, and now everyone is rushing past!

She holds her ground behind Marius and waits for them to close, aware that she can't possibly move far enough to strike more than one of them.

Delayed action;
Once at least two of them can be included in a 15 ft. cone, or just one if, at the end of their movement, only one has (she will step forward if necessary, up to 30 ft., but not within 5 ft. of any Hellknight), she will unleash her spell, regretfully including any allies who have leapt in front of her. Her voice is clear as she speaks the words of magic, "Corruscatio Chromatis Scintilla!" Color spray, Will DC 15, Marius may get a circumstance bonus due to advance warning.

Marius unleashes a furious series of attacks on his foe..his mouth curling into a smile as hie bats him on the side of the head with the blade flats.

"Ha..faking it with paupers plate are ye..you chose the wrong man for that"..he slaps the man again
NON LETHAL ATTACKS 1d20+4=17, 1d6+4=7, 1d20+4=22, 1d6+4=10

Waifrins sudden show of power throws him off his stride slightly but he still ducks down to give Zarabeta a clearer shot

Will save..1d20=6oh well...looks like I'm going down for a bit..better let thom dice for the duration

Marius waits calmly for his foe to charge. As the Hellknight starts forward Waifrin's electricity crackles through the air and strikes him. Dazed and in pain the Hellknight can't even raise his blade to defend himself and Marius lays him low with a clout to the head.

Mother tries grasping the Hellknight opposite her and muscleing him into the channel but her hands slide over his armour. Fortunately her wrestler's crouch takes her below the path of Raven's bolt which banks off the Hellknight's helm.

Janiven moves up, but can't get through the press of the crowd to engage. Morosino hangs back.

Zarabeta delays, holding her spell, waiting for her chance. It comes as the farther Hellknight leaps the channel to fill the space left by his fallen comrade. She unleashes her spell. Marius gets his eyes closed in time. The oncoming Hellknight drops to the walkway on top of his comrade, unconscious. 2 sleeping Hellknights in M9

Mother's Hellknight falls back around the corner. (R5)

The last Hellknight, (starting in T7)steps to his right and leaps across the channel in the wake of the second charging Hellknight. There is the unmistakeable screech of metal on stone as he lands and his shoulder skims the wall. His sword sweeps through the air before him. "All right, rebel scum. Have at it."

Initiative and Position: Round 2

Raven ....12 .. L7
Mother .. 11 .. K7
Morosino .. 9 .. I10
Waifrin .. 7 .. M7
Janiven.. 6 ... k7
Akorian ..5 ... I9
Marius .. 5 .. N9
Zarabeta .5 .. I9
Jr. Hellknight.. 4 R7-T9
Real Hellknight .. 4 p9

Did the color spray go off at some point, or did I just blow two rounds of actions ruining my initiative? It doesn't seem that Marius or the Hellknights ever moved forward, and are still 20 or 30 ft. apart (can't access the map, right now)...

Did the color spray go off at some point, or did I just blow two rounds of actions ruining my initiative? It doesn't seem that Marius or the Hellknights ever moved forward, and are still 20 or 30 ft. apart (can't access the map, right now)...

read my edited post above. I warned you about works in progress.

Thom, I think you may be miskaken - Edited: Zarebeta was supposed to be right behind Marius in M9, so the two unconscious Hellknights must be in O9, not M9. Akorian never moved from G9, so he should stay there, and Mother Vangelis had moved to Q7. Guys, if we change position can we list out new position OOC in our posts just to be clear.

Round 3 Starting positions (as best I can figure them).

"Mother, don't let that one get away!" Waifrin shouts as she turns her attention to the plate-armoured Hellknight. Memories flicker behind her eyes: Brutal Hellknights, screams and fire; and later ones of sneering bullies and arrogant braggarts. Advancing - almost stalking - to get a clear shot she unleashes her fury in another blast of lightning.

Acting on her initiative (7): Attack rolls: Wild Surge Enervation check, 1/20: 1d20 -> [8] = (8); Ranged Touch attack 1d20+5 -> [11,5] = (16) (12 if shooting into melee); Damage 2d6 -> [2,6] = (8) electrical.

Mrs. Vangelis nips around the corner and makes a lunge for the escaping Hellknight.

"Oh no, you don't! You can't promise us a tussle and then back out on it!"

grapple: 1d20+8=15