DM-Camris' SECOND DARKNESS Part 3: The Armageddon Echo (Inactive)

Game Master Camris

Zephram says, "It might be worth sneaking up before releasing the smoke... it would likely be more effective to block their view nearer to the source, and it would allow the others to approach more easily."

"Also we want to maintain the element of surprise.I estimate it will be at least 20-30 minutes before they send another patrol, if they even have the manpower to do so. With the overgrowth, there's no way for them to know that we've won until they fail to report back." Sylvianna states, a focused expression on her face.

Okay, I'll keep them ready for when we are up closer. Liz pulls out a few dark sticks and a tindertwig.[/b]

If we move south, there seems to me more coverN-18 with less open areas. Then we can get closer to the building to the west and use the stick.

Liz is ready to move with everyone else.

Zephram nods, "I should have realized that preparing an invisibility extract would have been wise. Still, we are blessed with cover, so we'd best use it."

The fight ended quicker than Nakoda had expected, and though she did not dismiss them, she did leave cover to find the others. Cautious, but expecting the evidence of their deaths, as the dark elves rarely did anything without being in the cover of darkness, she raised her eyebrows at the others, impressed. She did what she could to keep cover between them and where they were headed, stifling the impulse to divest the bodies of anything valuable- they were not on that island anymore.

Sylvianna creeps over to the nearest of the fallen bodies, divesting it of anything useful before going forward, following the path indicated by Liz.

Stealth: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (16) + 19 = 35

Zephram nods again, then asks, "Does someone have the means to keep us in contact if we sneak ahead to clear a path... and obscure their vision?"

Stealth: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17 Fraid I don't have any magic for that.

Each of the four Drow Skirmisher bodies had:
a suit of Studded leather armor, Masterwork
a hand crossbow, masterwork
20 crossbow bolts
4 crossbow bolts, Poisoned with Drow sleep poison (fort save DC13 or sleep)
a shortsword
a smokestick
a potion of Cure Light Wounds.

Methodically using the foliage to conceal your movements from the watchers on the roof, you all make your way around the sides of the ancient building until you are right up against the wall and its tangle of vines. Using that as cover, you make your way around to the far side, where a set of double doors cleared of vines promise access into the interior of the building.

TACTICAL OVERVIEW

"Take anything you can use and grab a potion." Sylvianna whispers before the group begins to move.

[smaller]"Liz, I have a scroll of invisibility I an cast on you to cover your approach to get that door open."[/spoiler] Zane whispers to his stealthy companion.

Liz uses a chage of her CLW wand. Thanks.
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

She will then approach invisible and examine the doors.

Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (11) + 14 = 25
Disable if needed: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (20) + 18 = 38

Liz: Close up, you see that the doors are not locked and debris has been cleared away so that it can open and close freely.

Let us get going! Liz says to the others and pushes the door open as quietly as she can so she can slip inside all invisible like.

Stealth: 1d20 + 33 ⇒ (13) + 33 = 46

The dimly lit lobby of this building is obscured by rubble and debris; scattered on the floor are dozens of crumbling books.
Thick sheets of webbing cover one entire side of the chamber, concealing what lies beyond.
There are faint trails leading from the west doorway to the north and south, where debris and books have been kicked aside to make passage.
You see no enemy force. You hear no threats.

TACTICAL OVERVIEW
Ten foot squares, light level dim.

Zane frowns slightly at the mass of webbing.

Knowledge Nature: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
Knowledge Arcana: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27

$#!+. They have a giant spider. At least one." Zane whispers as they move inside.

We cn toss some oil and torches into it to draw them out and then I can attack from behind.

"Having used it to my advantage before, you really don't want to underestimate how webs burn." Zane replies. "If we torch it you'll want to hang back."

Zephram says, "I think Liz is right, the distraction could give us a tactical advantage."

Pausing upon seeing the web, Nakoda was taken aback by the size of the thing. Zane's comments did not fill her with confidence, as she had a dislike for the creatures, especially if they were the type that would see them as prey. Curling her lip, she took stock of what she had available that could interfere enough to give them the advantage. Hearing the discussions of the others, she commented, "We are not to prevent the destruction of any knowledge we may find?"

The pick had not left her hand, but she took a second to look around, noting the details of the chamber and carefully avoiding any trailing webs.

Just start burning when you want to start things. Liz is ready for spider stabben!

"Might as well I suppose. If no spider appears, the fire and smoke should at least keep the drow busy." Zane says removing a bead from his belt pouch and tossing it into the center of the thivkest part of the webbing. As he speaks the command word, the bead transforms into a 2-foot-tall pile of burning logs, becoming a roaring campfire in an instant.

Tossing campfire bead and speaking command word

The campfire quickly unfolds, and the fire catches in the webbing. The smoke and fire quickly grow and three giant spiders erupt out of the webbing to attack!

Giant Spider 1 vs Zane: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 2 = 10 for a possible 1d6 ⇒ 4 bite damage plus poison (Save: Fort DC14, 1/round for 4 rounds, Effect: 1d2 Str damage, Cure 1 save.)

Giant Spider 2 vs Sylvianna: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 4 + 2 = 19 for a possible 1d6 ⇒ 1 bite damage plus poison (Save: Fort DC14, 1/round for 4 rounds, Effect: 1d2 Str damage, Cure 1 save.)

Giant Spider 3 vs Liz: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 2 = 13 for a possible 1d6 ⇒ 6 bite damage plus poison (Save: Fort DC14, 1/round for 4 rounds, Effect: 1d2 Str damage, Cure 1 save.)

Round 1__________

Players take their turn in order of posting, enemies will go last.

TACTICAL OVERVIEW

Liz tries tumbling to 6-H behind the spider to flank with Stvlara
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16

She then stabs at the spider.
S.Sword,Flank,Sneak: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 161d6 + 1 + 4d6 ⇒ (3) + 1 + (2, 5, 3, 3) = 17

In a blur of movement, Sylvianna drops her bow, drawing both of her shortswords and returning the spider's attack.

1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 10 + 2 = 28
1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 10 + 2 = 29
1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 5 + 2 = 24
1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Zane takes a single step back, pointing a finger at the spider as he alters it's reality to one in which it is engulfed in flames.

Cast Spontaneous Immolation Fire: 3d6 ⇒ (5, 3, 5) = 13 and catch fire DC 17 for 1/2 damage/not on fire

Zephram watches the spider attacking Zane for a moment before nodding to himself, Looks like it's operating on instinct... then it should be easy enough to distract..., stepping in and slashing with his rapier.

Move Action to start studied combat, 5' step in and attack..

Rapier (Studied): 1d20 + 11 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 11 + 3 = 29 for 1d6 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 3 = 8

(+2 to hit and damage if the Blur effect is still going (5 minutes)

With Liz moving to assist Sylvannia, Nakoda had little choice about what to do in the matter, as she joined in the fight by moving to occupy the space that Liz had vacated, bringing her weapon to bear against the spider, so it would not be able to threaten the party. All she had to do was hold it off long enough for the others to join her and it would fall.
______________________
5-ft step, Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19, Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Round 1__________

LizArdoc_____
Liz tries tumbling to 6-H behind the spider to flank with Stvlara
She makes it, easily avoiding the AoOs thrown in her direction.
She then stabs at the spider.
The spider twitches, curls up and dies.

Sylvianna_____
In a blur of movement, Sylvianna drops her bow, drawing both of her shortswords and returning the spider's attack.
With the one in front of her down, she took a step to the left and inflicted three minor slashes on Red 1.

Zane Argentus_____
Zane takes a single step back, pointing a finger at the spider as he alters it's reality to one in which it is engulfed in flames.
The spider goes up in flames! It curls up and dies, the collapses into ash.

Zephram Taranis_____
With the others dead, Zephram studied the last one.
Move Action to start studied combat, 5' step in and attack..
Stepping up, he attacked and wounded it.

Nakoda _____
With Liz moving to assist Sylvannia, Nakoda had little choice about what to do in the matter, as she joined in the fight by moving to occupy the space that Liz had vacated, bringing her weapon to bear against the spider, so it would not be able to threaten the party.
She attacked and killed the last spider.

Enemies__________
Before they could celebrate, a small crossbow bolt came in through the open doors behind you to hit Zephram in the butt for 1d4 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + (1) = 2 piercing , precision and poison damage. Fort Save DC13 or Sleep.
Another shot came from beyond the smokey remains of the web fire to hit Zane for for 1d4 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + (1) = 4 piercing , precision and poison damage. Fort Save DC13 or Sleep.
You see two Dark Elf soldiers grinning as they drop their crossbows, draw their swords and close with you!

Round 2__________

Players take their turn in order of posting, enemies will go last.

TACTICAL OVERVIEW

Liz attempts to tumble to 5-J behind the dark elf
Acro: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14
S.sword,Flank: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 131d6 + 1 + 4d6 ⇒ (1) + 1 + (6, 3, 5, 6) = 22

Liz falls on her ass

Nakoda began the Warchant as she turned to face the elf that had come in behind her, her pick already swinging at them to distract them from the greater threat that Was Zephram.
_________________________
Move Action: Begin Inspired Rage +2
Standard Action: Aid Zephram: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14, (+2 to hit)

With remarkable speed and unerring accuracy, Zane's hand whips up, his cane swatting aside the bolt in midair before it can strike. Locking eyes with the advancing drow, his own grin growing as the cocky expression on his enemy's face falters, the wizard rushes toward the enemy D, the noqual head of his cane glimmering with magic as it cracks the drow in the ribs.

1d20 + 5 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 5 + 2 + 2 = 24 Charging, flank with Nakoda
1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Cane is enchanted as gloves of arrow snaring.

Fort: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

Zephram turns to face his new attacker, If he's as gullible as his bretheren, this should pull his attention away and leave him exposed...

Bluff (Feint): 1d20 + 15 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 15 + (4) = 21

Zephram watches, Not quite certain that worked as I'd hoped it would... However... I can strike... now.

Rapier: 1d20 + 11 + 1d6 ⇒ (11) + 11 + (6) = 28 for 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Dropping both blades point down to stick in the ground, the lithe elven ranger launches her bow into the air with a swift flick of her foot, one hand darting out to catch it even as the other draws the first of two arrows from her quiver. With remarkable speed she fires at the drow nearest the fire.

1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27
1d8 ⇒ 3

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
1d8 ⇒ 1

Drop swords as a free action, creative use of quickdraw to pick up bow (if you disagree then she'll do it as a move action and only take the first shot), fire at E

Round 2__________

LizArdoc_____
Liz attempts to tumble to 5-J behind the dark elf
But failed, and drew an AoO.
AoO vs Liz: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24 for a possible 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4 damage.
Liz falls on her ass.

Nakoda _____
Nakoda began the Warchant as she turned to face the elf that had come in behind her, her pick already swinging at them to distract them from the greater threat that Was Zephram.
Move Action: Begin Inspired Rage +2
Standard Action: Aid Zephram: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14, (+2 to hit)

Zane Argentus_____
With remarkable speed and unerring accuracy, Zane's hand whips up, his cane swatting aside the bolt in midair before it can strike.
Locking eyes with the advancing drow, his own grin growing as the cocky expression on his enemy's face falters, the wizard rushes toward the enemy D, the noqual head of his cane glimmering with magic as it cracks the drow in the ribs.
He bats an otherwise perfectly shot crossbow out of the air, then hits the other drow with middling force.
Cane is enchanted as gloves of arrow snaring.

Zephram Taranis_____
With the Blur having timed out, he went for his Heroism (via Alchemical Allocation).

Zephram turns to face his new attacker, If he's as gullible as his bretheren, this should pull his attention away and leave him exposed...
Feint succeeds.
Zephram watches, Not quite certain that worked as I'd hoped it would... However... I can strike... now.
Zephram snaked his attack through the drows defense to score light damage to him.

Sylvianna_____
Dropping both blades point down to stick in the ground, the lithe elven ranger launches her bow into the air with a swift flick of her foot, one hand darting out to catch it even as the other draws the first of two arrows from her quiver. With remarkable speed she fires at the drow nearest the fire.
She hits twice, dealing moderate damage both times.

Enemies______________________
Drow soldier D took a step to his right to avoid the flank, then attacked Zephram.
rapier attack: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29 for a possible 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7 piercing damage.
Drow soldier E turned and attacked the softer looking target, Liz.
rapier attack: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15 for a possible 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8 piercing damage.

Round 3__________

Players take their turn in order of posting, enemies will go last.

TACTICAL OVERVIEW

Forgot +4 to att/dam from favored enemy so E takes 8 more damage last round

Eyes locked on her hated enemy, Sylvianna sends two more arrows streaking towards the drow facing Liz, both shots grazing ones, but striking sensitive spots.

Favored enemy: 1d20 + 11 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 11 + 4 = 25
1d8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Favored enemy: 1d20 + 8 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 8 + 4 = 29
1d8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Liz strikes out with both blades at the elf before her.

Inspired stats: +1 Damage 55/66 hp Will +7 AC 15

S.Sword+1: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 241d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Dagger: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 211d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Ok, it's a level 4 potion, so heroism will be in effect for 35-odd minutes... Thanks, Camris

Grabbing a scroll Zane reaches out to touch the embattled drow, his magic unable to penetrate the drow's arcane defenses.

Touch: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 2 = 13 Reduce person DC 16 fort to resist
Caster level check to beat SR: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Inspired Rage, (+2 Str/Con, +1 Will, AC -1, Low-light vision, night vision) 2/21rnds

Moving to place the drow between herself and Zephram, Nakoda continued pressing the attack.
_____________________________
Attack: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15, Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

His feint having failed, Zephram turns his attention to the drow, Apparently, he's not using quite the same combat style as his bretheren... Now, is this a whole new -- no, wait, it's just a variant style... One wonders if this novelty is an invention of my opponent, or if it represents a whole new subschool of combat... He quickly raises his rapier to parry an attack, then nods, ...as I expected. Still, better to pay a bit more attention now -- I can always replay this combat in my mind after we've won...

Rapier (Studied, Heroism): 1d20 + 11 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 11 + 3 + 2 = 36 Threat
Confirm: 1d20 + 11 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 11 + 3 + 2 = 33 Seems likely

Sadly, studied combat is precision damage, so..

Critical: 2d6 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (5, 5) + 4 + 3 = 17 Also, sickened for 1 round.

Round 3__________

Sylvianna_____
Eyes locked on her hated enemy, Sylvianna sends two more arrows streaking towards the drow facing Liz, both shots grazing ones, but striking sensitive spots.
The drow flinched at the hits, but continued to fight.

LizArdoc_____
Liz strikes out with both blades at the elf before her.
The drow flinched even more at Liz’s attacks, but continued to fight.

Zane Argentus_____
Grabbing a scroll Zane reaches out to touch the embattled drow.
But he failed to touch him, so his Reduce spell remains charged in his hand.

Nakoda_____
Moving to place the drow between herself and Zephram, Nakoda continued pressing the attack.
But the drow managed to parry her attack.

Zephram Taranis_____
Zephram’s thrust is true, and did critical damage to the drow’s stomach, sickening him for a round.

Round 4__________

Players take their turn in order of posting, enemies will go last.

TACTICAL OVERVIEW