DM Bigrin's Second Darkness (Inactive)

Game Master bigrin42

"If we have time, I'd even say we should go back to the sea-caves," Anklebiter suggests. "Little place where we fight the killer whale is a good spot; no not-lions come so close to the salt water, and tongue-a-lolling zombies would stumble and fall off the path!"

What is the time?

Shortly after noon

"Let's just grab what we can use and get out of here," the Goblin says as he glances at the sun. "We know the zombies know where this place is, and we already cleared out the Drow and their icky whale. So... Yes?"

"Agreed. I thought we'd already decided that!"

"Definitely. Let's grab what we've come here for and make for the cave while we still have the light."

Kel swirls her finger in the air, a sign of toil rather than any arcane or divine art, a sign that everyone is sure to remember from their humble days at the Golden Goblin not so long ago, Let's Get to Work!

And so, having bravely stripped the campsite of every resource they can use and carry, the Golden Goblin Crew made its way to their sea cave hideaway to rest up for another bracing day of exploring the Killer Island! But what surprises will the DM throw their way...? ;)

<Check bag of surprises> ...I thought I had more in there. Oh wait, forgot about that one!

Another hour was all it took to get things ready for packing out back to the cave. Mostly, what you got was some dried foodstuffs, and a number of work tools. The tents were too large to pack out, so those were left behind. You also kept (of course) Zincher's sea trunk. You kept a furtive watch on the surroundings, but no zombies or not-lions (akataa) attacked. That in itself was a welcome change. Another hour after that and you were safely ensconced in the caves once more, with the stone door to the cliff pathway closed behind you.

Exploring the cave, you can see that at low tide, the flooded cavern opens to the sea, with a 6-inch gap between the sea level and the cave opening. A group of small sharks and other fish were making a gluttonous meal of the orca and drow bodies in the water.

And thus the night passes...

The morning is hailed by sunlight streaming through the observation crack in one wall, and a lightening of the water in the pool area.

"Gooooood morning!" Anklebiter yells when a new day dawns. "So, where we go today? Happy day! Zincher no more! Now just find glyphs we read about in Drow-book and anything else, and we can leave this vile, accursed island to its own devices!"

"Thank, Calistria. I could use a good hot bath," Calla grouses. "Hurry up and read your little book and then we can get going. The Eastern lighthouse seems like the next obvious place to explore, then we can head off the beaten track."

As Anklebiter settles in to study his spellbook, she prays briefly to her goddess, then spends the rest of the time waiting checking her weapons, making sure her bowstrings remain in good condition.

Anywhere else we haven't gone that we're aware of, GM? Also, I assume we have to leave our/Zincher's chest here with our noqual, but I don't know if we want to try to hide and/or trap it. Bruendor?

"One thing I'll give this island, I had some fun, fun, fun ideas and thoughts while we were here," Anklebiter chatters as he studies his book. "Application of arcane principles provides highly-valuable empirical data which helps with the verification and further development of theories. To wit, the Abjurant principle, as put forth in the first two chapters of Arcane Philosophy, nicely segues into its Third Declension once you get a proper feel for the first two Declensions, and having worked with those summoning scrolls helped me to bring Arcane Philosophy's Conjurant principle into high focus! Yes! I believe this will all be highly useful to us."

Feel free to make Knowledge (arcana) checks to figure out just what this mad Goblin talking about... :p

Knowledge (arcana): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

"What in the world are you talking about? Don't you usually study quietly?"

"To the Eastern Lighthouse it is..." Lefrik agrees with Calla. Anklebiter's words baffle him, "You lost me at application."

"How would you know?" Anklebiter quips, flashing a grin at Calla. "I usually study in my room at the Golden Goblin. Speaking of -- when we get back home, I think I might like to move into the basement. We're not having animals kill each other there anymore, and I could use the space to set up a laboratory. I have so many new ideas I want to try out!* It's a storm of thought!"

The Goblin smiles at Lefrik without showing teeth. "Using magic gives me greater insight in magical subjects I've been studying," he says. "It's helping me to improve my understanding of Arcane Philosophy, which is the backbone of my art."

*: I'd like to use the basement as a workshop to make our magic items and weapons in. ^^

Unlike the path to the western lighthouse, the way to the eastern lighthouse was choked with undergrowth. The way was difficult and more than once you had to hack your way through. The three hour struggle to the lighthouse was mostly uneventful, as you ran into nothing but ordinary jungle hazards - snakes, twisted ankles, and the like.

Unfortunately, as uneventful as the trek, the lighthouse itself was unimpressive. In fact. It wasn't there any longer. Like the tower at Witchlight, the eastern lighthouse had fallen into the sea. Nothing manmde was left on the promontory, the jagged edge of fresh stone and soil bearing witness to the lighthouse's grisly end.

Anklebiter mutters a cantrip and scans the area for any remaining magical auras.

"Still got plenty of light," he says. "It's not even noon yet. Whereto next?"

Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (8) + 13 = 21

Calla looks around, a disgruntled look on her face.

"I hope we're not stuck here for three more days for nothing."

Where haven't we gone? I know we've mostly stuck to paths, so it could just be exploring off-path. Have we looked *in* the crater itself yet?

Nope. If you remember the map right, and your view of the island from atop Witchlight, the main crater is several hours' trek inland, to the northeast part of the island. The forest here is dense, so half-movement through the forest.

I say we go for that, then.

"And to think, I used to think of them as sturdy buildings..." He says as he glances where the lighthouse was, "To the crater, I think. Maybe more of that metal will be there."

Survival: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

"And if there's nothing there, then we get the hell off this island and back to Riddleport, where at least I can understand the things trying to kill me."

"Uugg, I hate that nasty jungle! Let's get to that crater without delay and then get off this island. I'll feel much safer back home with a goblin's laboratory beneath our floorboards." Kel winks at Anklebiter, her spirits raised by a night's rest and the prospect of getting back home.

"If we go to the crater, all be very careful and sneaky," Anklebiter says, seriously. "If notlions come down with big rock, there might be lots and lots there. Keep protective spells and sea water ready."

Then his ears perk up. "Healer-girl must come to laboratory when I get everything set up! You can help me lots with something. I tell you what later."

Stealth: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16
Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14

Calla, too annoyed by the likely lack of stealth from her comrades, makes little effort as she approaches the crater, her annoyance distracting her from really focusing on her surroundings.

Well, good to get those rolls out of the way, I guess.

Lefrik attempts to quiet his footsteps a bit, though his boots can only do so much for him...
Stealth: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16

Stealth: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (15) + 0 = 15
Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

Kel keeps up with her companions as best as she can.

Perception 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Stealth 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19

Anklebiter tries, he really does, but he feels exceedingly nervous and twitchy as the group approaches the crater.

The slog through the jungle was extremely difficult. The dense undergrowth made every movement tricky, even more so than the trek to the eastern lighthouse. There was no stealthy way to move through it. Downed branches, tangled thorn vines, and the like seemed to be underfoot constantly. In the few open patches, the bed of leaf mulch dampened footfalls, but even then the scratch of dried leaves under incautious feet seemed to tear loudly through the air.

Bird calls and heavy breathing were about the only other sounds, and it seemed to be a pleasant walk through the woods, despite the raindrops trickling through the canopy. Everyone was soaked by now, the nearly 3 hours of constant rainfall having penetrated the brush and even the stoutest of oil cloaks.

It was difficult to keep an eye out in such conditions. The dense forest growth, the overcast skies, and the dense canopy above combining to turn the forest into a gloomy living cave, with bark-covered stalagmites. It was no wonder then that the akata managed to get as close as they did without being spotted first.

"Damn it," Calla curses. "Take them out before they get too close!"

She fires a pair of arrows with lightning speed, hands flying from quiver to bowstring, cursing again as the thick underbrush badly throws off her aim.

Longbow: 1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 6 - 2 = 12
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 2
Longbow (rapid shot): 1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (3) + 6 - 2 = 7
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 4

"Sagittae magicae, omne errore vacuae, volete!" Anklebiter chants. The little Wizard sends three darts of force howling off into the distance. "Everyone stay within ten feet circle from me!" he says. "My defence trick is stronger now!"

Magic missile at the akata on CE -30 for 3d4 + 3 ⇒ (4, 1, 1) + 3 = 9. I can provide a +2 deflection bonus to AC to you guys if you stay in a 10-ft. radius circle from me, so stick close!

Lefrik backs closer to the goblin's protection, and flings his javelin at the same not-lion/akata Anklebiter blasted.

To hit: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
Dmg: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

My extra protection goes up next round. ;) Stay tuned!

Following directions, Kel stays near Anklebiter while firing a shot at the same Akata as her companions.

light crossbow: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
dmg: 1d8 ⇒ 4

Bruendor nods towards Anklebiter and fires off a crossbow bolt at the same akata. He began to reload, unsure of how long they would have before the beasts were upon them.

As the akatas charged forward, crashing through the underbrush, you pulled into a tighter formation. One was hit by Anklebiter's magical missiles and Kelendra's crossbow bolt. it staggered, but did not slow. Fortunately, the dense underbrush made it as difficult for the akatas as it was for you.

Anklebiter raises himself to his full height -- such as it is -- and shouts two words in a surprisingly loud voice: "Ego! Defensor!" All the scars and brands on his face briefly line up, forming something almost legible, and a pulse of magic flows outward from him, bolstering everyone's defences.

"Hit the same one again!" the Goblin cries out, pointing out the nearer cluster. "They're trying to flank us! Stay together!"

Protective Ward is up! Everyone gets a +2 deflection bonus to AC!

Calla launches a couple more arrows at the nearest akata, growling as the underbrush prevents her from landing a pair of shafts in the creature's eyes.

Longbow (point blank range): 1d20 + 6 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 1 - 2 = 11
Damage (point blank range): 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
Longbow (point blank range, rapid shot): 1d20 + 6 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 1 - 2 = 13
Damage (point blank range): 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Seriously, this die roller just hates me...

Bruendor takes a second shot at the lead akata and ducks inside Anklebiter's zone of protection. While it hits, it does little damage. He drops his crossbow and pulls his rapier, a snarl upon his lips. "Come on, beasts. Let's dance."

Kel fires another shot, then follows Bruendor in dropping her crossbow and pulling her morningstar.

light crossbow: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
dmg: 1d8 ⇒ 2

Lefrik also shifts to his melee weapon, staying close to his goblin friend but moving to hit the closest foe he can.

Moving to CM34 then swinging
To hit: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20
Dmg: 1d12 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

Another round of missile fire was all you got before the akata bore down on you. The lead monster succumbed to the flurry of crossbow shots and staggered in as Lefrik moved forward. The barbarian's axe took the thing's head clean off. The two following it stumbled over its corpse and their flashing fangs missed Lefrik.

Bruendor was assaulted by three of the akata, one of which managed to get a bite in on his left arm. The dwarf felt the oozing of warm liquid coming from the bite, and the air was colored with the scent of blood.

Kel steps forward and strikes at an Akata threatening Bruendor. move to CN-37, strike CM-38

morningstar: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
dmg: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

"Sagittae, omne errore vacuae, e manu meu volete!" Anklebiter chants, and he fires three darts of force at the same akata that Kelendra just attacked!

Magic Missile at CM -38 for 3d4 + 3 ⇒ (1, 3, 1) + 3 = 8 unerring force damage.

Hands flying, Calla snatches two more arrows and sends them slamming into the Akata facing Lefrik.

"Help the dwarf," she calls out.

Longbow (point blank range): 1d20 + 6 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 6 + 1 - 2 = 20
Damage (point blank range): 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Longbow (point blank range, rapid shot): 1d20 + 6 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 6 + 1 - 2 = 22
Damage (point blank range): 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

"Gah! Let go!", Bruendor shouts, punching the creature in the head as it sinks its teeth into his forearm. Once it releases the meaty part of his arm, he lashes out at the same akata as Kel, targeting the creature's throat.

Lefrik hears the orders, but getting to help Brue while two are in his face is a bit tricky, "A moment..." He side steps and tries to whip his axe into one on the dwarf hoping not to expose himself too much to the others

Five step to CM 35 and then attacking one at CL 36
To hit: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17
Dmg: 1d12 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

Can't five-foot step in the undergrowth.

Ok. Guess he'll just go after one on him and move next round to save Brue

Anklebiter and Bruendor concentrated their attacks on the akata that Kelendra wounded. The combined efforts of the three killed the alien beast, leaving Bruendor only facing two of the creatures. The dwarf spun and dodged, trying to avoid the slime-covered fangs. He was so intent on the teeth, that one of the knobbed tentacles got through and numbed his arm below the elbow.

On the other side, Calla sent a pair of arrows into one of Lefrik's foes. The barbarian looked torn between engaging Bruendor's opponents and leaving Anklebiter and Calla undefended, or striking out at the closest foes. The felling of one of the akatas by Bruendor decided the matter, and with a shout he slammed his axe into his closest foe, driving it deeply into the back of its head and killing it instantly.

Calla quickly fires two more arrows toward the closest akata CL-33, smiling coldly as one slams home.

"Help, Bruendor," she calls. "We've got this one."

Longbow (point blank range): 1d20 + 6 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 6 + 1 - 2 = 24
Damage (point blank range): 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Longbow (point blank range, rapid shot): 1d20 + 6 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 6 + 1 - 2 = 16
Damage (point blank range): 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8