DM Bigrin's Shattered Star (Group B) (Inactive)

Game Master bigrin42

As Zaphomil healed Harbug of the last of his wounds, Angelica moved forward stealthily, her rapier in hand, just in case. The hallway went west, then curved back around. Just past the bend, Angelica ran into a closed portcullis. Beyond, the hallway went for twenty feet or so, then opened into a large room. Angelica couldn't make out many details at this distance, but she could see several columns beyond the doorway.

Here's the map

Shabbezz waits patiently with the others for the an 'all clear' from Angelica.

With no immediate response from Angelica, Jakscar will sneak forward and poke his head around the corner. Sneak to 45Y

Stealth: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

Stealth: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

Zaph moves after Jakscar staying a few paces behind him to lend support if it's needed.

Jakscar, you can see the same as Angelica

Angelica lets the others know what she sees, and her thoughts on the rest. "I know we used a lot of our resources in that last fight, but we just got up probably less than an hour ago. The other group already has a head start on us. Now, we got a room of columns up ahead, which like every support or statue around here must be a trap. I'm going to sneak ahead and have a look."

Move ahead to Z50
Stealth 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (19) + 13 = 32 (Can move at full speed w/o penalty)
Perception 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (10) + 15 = 25 (+2 vs traps, and +4 vs stone like creatures)

Shabbezz brings up the rear as the others begin to move ahead.

Moving up begind Zaphomil.

I thought there was a portcullis?

Jakscar will test his meagre strength against the portcullis before looking around for an operating mechanism or means to force it.
Str: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
Disable device: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

Jakscar tried to lift the portcullis up enough for Angelica to slide under, but the metal gate was simply too heavy. It didn't even budge.

Oh, I missed that there was a portcullis. Did I see anything like a lever or switch for it with either of my perception checks?

If not, here's another, checking for traps, levers, switches, locks, enemies, or anything beyond the portcullis within the range of my vision.
Perception 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (16) + 15 = 31 (+2 vs traps, and +4 vs stone like creatures)

"You sound like you're straining over there, do you want a hand?" Harbug says, hoping that the sound will reach without shouting.
If either says yes, or returns and says yes, Harbug will try to lift the portcullis.
Strength check: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
"Nope, this thing's stuck."

Angelica looked around for any mechanism that might unlock the portcullis, but found nothing. Looking into the columned room beyond, she could see nothing at all within her range of sight. It was dark in there, unlike the other areas of this underground facility.

Even with my Darkvision? Like is it magically darker?

No, your DV is only 60'. You can't see anything beyond that.

Oh, okay, sorry. I just got caught up on the words that I could see nothing at all, but forgot the map showed me 60' ahead.

Zaph rubs his chin as the bigger folk test their strength against the portcullis. "Hmm. The people who went before us had to have gotten through, unless it was up and they managed to lower it somehow. Shall we try again, this time as a team?"

He thinks about lending his shard to Harbug, knowing that the ioun stone in it would enhance his strength, but he still felt the pangs of greed clutch him. Even knowing it was a byproduct of the Thassilonian relic, he couldn't help but covet the artifact. And though he logically told himself that Harbug would give it back, he also knew that the orc would similarly be seized by the greed of the shard and may refuse. So he couldn't risk it.

"Yeah, fine. One more try."
Strength check: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

How much room is there to try and lift it? Can we only get 2 people, or up to 4, on it?

If we can fit more than two (Suggest Jaks and Harbug) then Angelica will try (or help, depending).
Str check either to aid or standalone, whatever it ends up being counted as. 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

"It can't hurt... I don't think anyway!"

Str: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19

Spitting on his hands in the manner of a weightlifter, Jakscar puts his back to the portcullis and adopts a squat position with a good grip low down the bars before heaving with the others.

There was barely enough room for three to get in on the gate, and Harbug, Jakscar, and Angelica strained to move the bars, but they would not budge. Angelica, in the center, felt something on the other side of the slats where he was gripping the portcullis. Working her delicate fingers around, she discovered that there was some kind of locking mechanism there. Given the angle, it was difficult to tell what it was, though. Whatever the mechanism, it was going to be tricky to operate from this side of the bars.

I didn't find it with the 31 perception check from earlier?

Angelica spreads her arms to the side to warn everyone back, as well as give herself some room. "Alright, there's some sort of latch or something down here. Stand back, I'm going to see if I can unhook it, but I don't know if it's safe." She pulls out her tool kit, lays down on her belly, and inspects it as best she can for any danger. Once she considers it safe, she tries to unhook the portcullis.

Perception, to see if it's trapped 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (9) + 17 = 26
Disable device to either unlock/disable as necessary 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (15) + 16 = 31

Even from her place at the rear, Shabbezz takes an apprehensive step back while Angelica works.

"Careful, careful..." she mutters under her breath.

I missed it, okay? Give a sick man a break

Angelica managed to work her wrists in the awkward contortions that were necessary to finagle the lock. It was one of the most difficult she had ever come across, made even more so by the fact that she was doing it all by feel and from a bad angle. Finally, she felt the mechanism click and smiled.

Sorry, no worries, I've just been a little sensitive since she keeps missing either traps or monsters.

Angelica slides back to her hands and knees, before rolling up into a standing position. She suddenly whips her head back to glare suspiciously at the group, "Okay, which one of you was staring at my butt? I felt some eyes on me, who was it?" Her accusing tone switches to a smirk and a wink before drawing her rapier, and indicating someone was welcome to try lifting it again. She adopts her usual crouch, ready to sneak in once it was lifted.

"Me, do that, never." Jakscar says with a wink​ right back. Adopting his position of strength once more, Jakscar waits to lift with Harbug.

Str: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

This time it didn't take much to lift the portcullis, the gate being extremely well designed with some kind of hidden counterweight system. While it was easy to lift, it certainly wasn't quiet. It clanged in its stone pocket, and the counterweight gearing rumbled in the walls.

With the obstacle barring her path having been cleared, Angelica resumes her position at the front. She skulks into the room along the North side, attempting to move stealthily from column to column.

Moving to Y53 behind the column, she will keep moving to each column this way unless she sees something.
Stealth 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22 (Can move at full speed w/o penalty)
Perception 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (9) + 15 = 24 (+2 vs traps, and +4 vs stone like creatures)

The room appeared empty as Angelia moved forwards, though there was plenty of evidence of it having been occupied recently. Scuff marks in the dust on the floor are the most obvious, though there are other small signs as well. The walls have been polished to an almost mirror-bright shine, and the twin row of columns that hold the arched ceiling up all appear to be carved into the shape of the same voluptuous woman in a flowing gown. They looked remarkably similar to the constructs that forced you down into this place earlier. Despite Angelica's closest examination, she does not sense any traps or signs of life in these columns. The double doors at the far end of the room are made of wood, and are closed.

Here's the map

With the apparent all-clear, Zaphomil strides into the room. "Progress, at last! Thank you, Angelica! Now let's see what's beyond these doors, shall we?"

Angelica takes in the familiar appearance of the woman carved into the columns, "You know, I appreciate the look of a sexy woman as much as the next guy, but I'm starting to think this chick was a little full of herself. I mean, if you really are that good-looking, you don't need to keep reminding people." She turns to the others with a wink, "I don't."

She strides casually toward the door, and begins to inspect it for any signs of danger before attempting to even touch, let alone open, the thing.

Move to Z58, and inspect the area in front of and including the doors for traps.
Perception 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (5) + 15 = 20 (+2 vs traps, and +4 vs stone like creatures)

"Vanity and being a Runelord seem to have gone hand in hand," Shabbezz muses in response to Angelica's comment. "While I have little doubt that Sorshen considered herself the most attractive of them all, none of the Runelords were at all shy about imprinting their image throughout their realms. I could show you examples of artwork of Zutha, the Runelord of Gluttony, that would likely raise your eyebrows as much as it would turn your stomach."

Leaving that thought hanging in the air, she hangs back with the others while Angelica does her thing at the door.

As Angelica examined the doors, the others came into the room, staring at the columns. Zaphomil was intent on Angelica, and only the barest scuff of show on stone caused him to turn his head enough to see a gray-skinned man with long white hair appear from thin air and run him through with a rapier arcing with electricity. The gnome felt the blade go deep into his torso, and spasmed with the electricity coursing through him. The man stabbed him twice more, and Zaphomil knew he was in danger. even as he fell to the floor. Eyes wide and staring in surprise, Zaphomil still wondered why it was so dark.

I should have been in Z58, as that's where I stopped to look for traps.

Angelica starts at the sudden sound of Zaph getting hit repeatedly, before crumpling to the floor. She turns to dash between the two columns north of her and move around to try and encircle the man.

Move, to X53
Standard, attack enemy w/rapier 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22, damage 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Whoa, brutal!

Stabilize: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (14) - 1 = 13

Stable at -3

Shocked, Shabbezz quickly gets a hold of herself and takes a step backwards, firing back at the attacker.

Move to AB-52.

[Ooc]Casting magic missile (CL3, 3 missiles 130 ft range, no attack roll necessary, 1 standard action).

Damage (1st missile, force): 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Damage (2nd missile, force): 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Damage (3rd missile, force): 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

"Assist Angelica." the orc says simply as he steps back and begins chanting in orcish.

5' step to AA-56, casting Celestial healing (1 round cast).

Fang runs to the other side of the gray-haired man from Angelica and bites at his legs.

Move to Z-51 (via AA-52 to avoid AoO), bite.
Bite, Flank: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 2 = 7 Enemy probably has cover so +4 AC; Dmg if hit: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Spinning round at the sound of Zaph's slumping body, Jakscar runs across the room. Activating his boots as he runs, he dives over Zaph's prone form and rising slashes his blade at the enemy. "That was uncalled for and you will pay dearly for it."

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 7 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 7 + 5 = 27
Attack D Sword: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 9 + 2 = 24
Dmg D sword: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Not sure if Jakscar is far enough round to count as flanking (Z52) with Angelica, if he does then an extra +2 to hit and he will convert his sneak attack damage to an attempt to demoralise (Bravado's blade).

Intimidate: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

Everyone converged on the newest opponent, even as an unconscious and bleeding Zaphomil struggled for life. Magical missiles burst on the gray-skinned figure's chest, and Jakscar carved a small furrow as well with his blade. Angelica, attacking from the other side, ripped open a gash in the man's back. The man didn't even seem to notice his wounds as he murmured the words to a spell. His concentration broke, and he looked confused, even as his spell construct collapsed around him. Snarling, he dove past Angelica, putting the wall to his back and waving his rapier in tight circles.

Angelica steps up the short gap between herself and the new enemy, driving forward with her rapier in the lead.

Free, 5' to X54
Standard, attack w/rapier 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21, damage? 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

"Hang on, Zaphomil!"

Breaking off from the attack, Shabbezz moves next to Zaph and attempts to staunch his bleeding.

Move to AA-53.

Using Heal to attempt First aid to stabilize Zaphomil.

Heal (First aid, untrained) vs. DC 15: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12 Shoot.

Just asking (without looking behind the GM screen) whether Angelica, Jackscar or Fang got any AoO's, or if he acrobatics'ed out of the way.
Harbug finishes chanting and carefully moves to touch the unconscious halfling. He turns and pulls out his longspear, levelling it at the gray-skinned man.

Finished casting Celestial healing, move to Z-54, free touch to deliver it to Zaphomil, standard converted to move action to draw Longspear. (I think I've got all that correct, if not, I guess Harbug remains unarmed). Zaphomil you now have Fast Healing 1 for 10 rounds (1 HP per round).

Fang pads toward the man and warily snaps at his midsection.

Move to Y-54, fighting defensively to assist Angelica for AC vs AC 10
Bite to Assist Angelica's AC, fighting defensively vs AC 10: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 - 4 = 9

Current AC=20

Blew the acro roll away. Sorry

Also, I realize that my being away last week kind of stalled the game, but I'd like to get back to daily posts/checks. I will be pushing on when I am ready to update, whether everyone has posted actions or not. I might DMPC or I might have you stand there with your thumb up your butt, depending on my whims. So, it behooves everyone to check in regularly.

Still around! I don't think I can do much until I'm awake.

When his wounds begin to mend, Zaph rolls on the ground and moans.

Oh, he failed the acro? Cool, he was flanked for that. Rogue Power, AWAAAAYYY!

Despite how nimble the man seemed, Angelica's move to try and surround him paid off before he dashed away she managed to stab out with her weapon.

AoO, w/rapier 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 7 + 2 = 26, damage 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 plus 2d6 ⇒ (4, 4) = 8

No, he blew it away. As is not even close. Succeeded by a mile.
No AoOs!

Seeing the enemy dance out of combat, Jakscar turns to his old friend. Snatching a healing potion from his belt he hands it to Shabbezz and steps over the prone body of his friend to corner the enemy.

hand over CLW (1d8+1) and then move to 55Y. Oh and 'behooves/behoves' good word!

Zaphomil stirred as the first wave of Harbug's healing spell took effect. Shabbezz, tried to help, but was untrained in this sort of activity. Though she did know what the potion Jakscar shoved into her hand was for. She tipped it into Zaphomil's mouth and massaged his throat to help him swallow. The effects were immediate as Zaphomil's eyes opened and he began to breathe easier. The others converged on the gray-skinned man, but only Angelica managed to pink him with her blade. In turn, the man thrust twice at the burglar, stabbing her in the throat and chest with his electrified rapier. Angelica gasped at the pain and shock of the two blows.