GM Lari's Iron Gods

Game Master Dhenn

Vaughn, I'm pretty sure you guys will end up OK.

Miniscule orange eyes flare with rage as the one Selkania shot turns its attentions to her, though in its fury it completely fails to connect with her.

Green Sword: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
Bite: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10

Seri is up, as Selkania already acted. Oops.

"Bollix! What are these blasted things?!" Seri takes a stab at it before moving aside.

Rapier: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9, but can't connect with the small target.

The swashbuckler looks around nervously...

Unfortunately, Viv is the only one who can try Nature...

One of them leaps over Viv's unconscious body, going after Vaughn.

Sword: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
Damage: 1d3 - 4 ⇒ (2) - 4 = -2
Bite: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
1 Nonlethal damage

The other continues to press its assault on Seri. His rapier fails to penetrate its skin as it approaches.

AOO: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Dam: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Sword: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24
Dam: 1d3 - 2 ⇒ (3) - 2 = 1
Bite: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Dam: 1d2 - 2 ⇒ (1) - 2 = -1
1 regular, 1 nonlethal damage

ROUND 2

Vaughn swipes with growing desperation, then steps back to be adjacent to more allies which gives him +1AC

Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
Damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
Damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

and I seem to be incapable of rolling over 10...

Are they tiny? As in they don't threaten AoOs if Ray moves away from them? I'm assuming such with this action.

Ray takes two steps back, and tries to better angle his weapon's next swing.

Bec de corbin (vs purple): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19 for 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Doctor N reloads as fast as she can, hoping her next queued up shot can inflict some damage on one of these little annoyances.

Standard action to reload, sadly :/

Yes, Ray. Though if they're in your square, moving out will provoke if you go more than five feet.

Ray's target seems even more agile than the others, and leaps out of the way of Ray's blade.

While Vivilaas lies unconscious, the little things continue their assault, one stabbing Selkania, the other savaging Vaughn.

Red Sword: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
Red Bite: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21
Red Bite Confirm: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Damage: 1d2 - 4 ⇒ (1) - 4 = -3

Green Sword: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
Damage: 1d3 - 4 ⇒ (2) - 4 = -2
Green Bite: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18
Damage: 1d2 - 4 ⇒ (1) - 4 = -3

One Nonlethal to Vaughn, two to Selkania.

Seri and Selkania are up.

As this is turning to be a bit more difficult than I expected, I will add the less than subtle hint that tiny creatures like this (hard to hit with DR) tend to be vulnerable to combat maneuvers.

I'll take the hint!

Tired of the weapons stinging, Seri tries to use his rapier to disarm the beastly little thing on him, Disarm: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11.

This is silly! it's the dice roller. As the GM in another thread I rolled over 17 in my last 10 rolls, and I haven't broken ten in a long time here...

i actually thought of that, but I'm not sure what CM will be best...could just throw the phlucker against the wall!!

oh, and Vaughn is functionally at 1 hp...just sayin

Selkania decides to cast burning hands towards her enemy.

May the Fire of the Forge and the Outergods burns you little devil !

Ref DC15 for half: 2d4 ⇒ (4, 3) = 7

Selkania SR: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Brigh's holy fire lash out, though they seem to bend around the creature.

Purple AOO: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

Seri barely manages to knock the sword out of his attacker's tiny hand. It gets revenge by taking another bite of his calf, while Vaughn's attacker can't hit him.

Purple Bite: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
Dam: 1d2 - 2 ⇒ (1) - 2 = -1 1 NL

Blue Sword: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Blue Bite: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Dr. N, Ray, and Vaughn are up.

On his last legs, Vaughn tries yet again... please add 5' step between attacks if first drops a baddie and stepping is required to reach another!

Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
Damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

I don't know if it matters but the CL of my burning hand is to, so +2 instead of +1 to my RM roll

Ray, observing that the little devils bites seem to be nearly as effective (ineffective) as their swords, works to send one to its rear end.

Trip CMB (vs blue): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

"These little creatures are... quite difficult to strike."

Doctor N tries to remain calm as the little creatures continue to batter her companions.

"Damn it! Stupid little things."

Attack with Battered Pistol vs Purple Touch AC (pbs, into melee): 1d20 + 4 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 1 - 4 = 9
Damage (pbs): 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

The terrible rolls continue! D:

these rolls are horrible.

-Posted with Wayfinder

My last 2 were good...dunno if good enough to take down 2 but at least 1 for sure!

Vaughn manages to stab one of his attackers pretty seriously, causing it to Yelp in pain. The purple one giggles as Dr. N's shot goes wild. Vivilaas remains unconscious.

The one Vaughn targeted panics, running away from him, before disappearing in a puff of smoke.

Vaughn AOO: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

The one Selkania tried to light on fire seeks revenge, stabbing her once again.

Sword: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
Dam: 1d3 - 4 ⇒ (1) - 4 = -3 One nonlethal
Bite: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Seri and Selkania are up.

I seriously only got 1 hit?? Wow AC 21...

You hit twice. Could have been more clear. But thanks to DR it was still up.

Seri's cool is quickly vanishing as the wounds pile up. He stabs fiercely at the one between him and the Dr. 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 4 + 2 = 20 for 1d6 ⇒ 2 DMG

Selkania decides to channel for everyone, hoping to help her and her comrades more than their ennemies, moving to take most of them. Provoking an AoO

May the Fire of the Forge, heals your wounds !

Channel Positive Energy: 1d3 ⇒ 2

Everyone with a metal armor gain a +1 sacred AC bonus

Purple AOO: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15
Dam: 1d2 - 2 ⇒ (2) - 2 = 0 1 NL

Selkania provides a bit of healing. Remember that the channel removes two Nonlethal damage and two lethal damage, if you currently have a mix.

Seri, on the other hand, fails to connect.

Vaughn's remaining opponent quickly undoes Selkania's healing, slashing with blade and tooth at him.

Blue Sword: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Dam: 1d3 - 4 ⇒ (2) - 4 = -2
Bite: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21
Confirm: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Damage: 1d2 - 4 ⇒ (2) - 4 = -2 2 nonlethal over two hits.

Deprived of his weapon, the stronger one bites at Seri.

Purple Bite: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
Dam: 1d2 - 2 ⇒ (1) - 2 = -1

Dr. N can just barely make out a shadowy shape that seems to be attacking the straggling creature, though its blade fails to penetrate the skin.

Sef: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
Dam: 1d6 + 2d6 ⇒ (1) + (1, 2) = 4

Dr. N, Ray, and Vaughn are up.

Ray, struggling on his own to strike the creatures swarming over his allies, takes a different angle, trying to assist Vaughn with a coordinated strike.

Ray will aid Vaughn against his assailant.

Aid (DC10): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

(And that would've been a hit, alas... Vaughn does get +2 to attack this round)

Vaughn gives Ray a nod of thanks for the assists. Lets make it count!!

Attack: 1d20 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 4 = 9
Damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Attack: 1d20 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 2 + 4 = 12
Damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

FAAAAAAAAAK add those together AND I STILL MISSED

Dice roller is smurfing killing us.

I believe Vivilaas might be conscious now?

Despite Ray's assistance, the tiny little creature attacking Vaughn continues to dodge blows.

Dr. N and Vivilaas are up.

She is! But didn't know if she was up.

Finding herself awake on the ground after an onslaught by things she barely had time to see, Vivilaas raises her head to find Vaughn and Seri furiously attack a tiny figure.

"What..."

Knowledge Nature: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

"Ah, ______'s!" she calls out to her more aggressive friend. I'm hoping with that roll, Vivilaas knows a good ammount about these things, which she will happily relay :)

Taking an action to stand, she cautiously tries to draw the creature's attention so that Vaughn can get in a good blow.

Aid Another for attack: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (15) - 1 = 14

"Hey, over here!"

Vivilaas recognizes these creatures as Jinkin Gremlins, sadistic little creatures who enjoy harassing foes, especially those who have slighted them in some way. Cold iron weapons are the most effective way to harm these fey, who are also mildly resistant to magic. They are most effective when they can take advantage of unaware opponents, and often try to lure opponents into traps.

They can magically escape from dangerous situations, though they can only use this ability once per hour. In groups, they can place curses on items they steal, though these are often more annoying than dangerous.

The vast majority of that you found out through trial and error anyway, though Vivilaas wasn't awake to witness that.

Dr. N can see one of the gremlins continuing to do battle with the skulk leader.

[spoiler=GM Dice]Sef AOO: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26
Dam: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Green S: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Green B: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15[/dice]

Doctor N nods approvingly and anxiously as Vivilaas returns to consciousness.

"Oh good, Vivilaas up again, skulk leader helping, know what enemy is now."

*deep breath*

"Tide turning."

Standard action to reload pistol D:

"Finally! Let's see if we can rid ourselves of these things, " 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 2 = 12 "Dammit! Why won't they stand still?!"

And the streak continues!

Selkania reload her crossbow and shoot at one of the tiny creature.

Crossbow: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 2 + 1 = 21
Damages: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

By the machine ! I can't do anything against these creature !

The gremlins continue to attack, stabbing Seri and Vaughn each once. One nonlethal each

The skulk seemingly disappears, reappearing right next to Seri. She plunges her dagger into the gremlin, before turning to you all.

"Not as tough as the other surface people..."

Ray, Vaughn, and Vivilaas are up.

Ray looks to Vaughn again while he shakes the end of his bec-de-corbin in the gremlin's face.

"Be certain to capitalize on the distraction I am providing."

Aid Vaughn to hit (DC10): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

Vaughn gives Ray another nod, and throws a grin at Viv, as he tries to end these little blighters

Attack: 1d20 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 4 = 11
Damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Attack: 1d20 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 + 4 = 17
Damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

All I want for x-mas is a few 2-digit d20 rolls...

Okay everyone time to change your profile pictures!

"No, but maybe we can trade barbs after we work together here." Vivilaas grunts in frustration as she tries to feint to aid, not an actual feint again for Vaughn's sake. "Maybe if we can trip them they'd be easier to strike?"

Aid for attack: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (4) - 1 = 3

Plus two to the above if I'm flanking. I honestly have no idea.

I've been considering you flanking. I'm not 100% sure that's correct, officially.

Viv AOO: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (14) - 1 = 13
Green Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Vivilaas notices one of the gremlins leaping at her, tough it fails to connect this time.

Seri, Selkania, and Dr. N are up.

Seri, tiring from the frantic pace of the fight, stabs yet again. 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16, and begins to rethink his desire to leave the library....

Doctor N levels her pistol at the closest jinkin yet again.

Attack with Battered Pistol (point blank shot, into melee): 1d20 + 4 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 1 - 4 = 5
Damage (point blank shot): 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

But she finds her frustation makes it difficult to focus.

More terrible rolls -_-

Selkania delays

The gremlins continue to attack, mildly wounding Seri. Sef jabs the leader of the gremlins, but its blade bounces harmlessly off the creature's skin.

Blue S: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Blue B: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

P S: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27
Dam: 1d3 - 2 ⇒ (3) - 2 = 1
P B: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

S: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 8 + 2 = 25
Dam: 1d6 + 2d6 ⇒ (1) + (2, 2) = 5 Dice gods don't like your allies either.

Selkania, Ray, Vaughn, and Vivilaas are up.

Seeing her allies not able to hit the tiny creatures Selkania decides that channeling was better than anything else she could do.

May the Machine heals your wounds.

Channel Positive Energy: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Vivilaas is thrilled to be healed, but is despairing of her own attacks effectiveness. As she tries to leave another opening for Vaughn she calls out "Sef! These things are resistant to our weapons. But not everything. Do you or your people have any cold iron amongst you? Even if its unrefined we could try to simply bludgeon them with it!"

Aid another Vaughn attack: 1d20 - 1 + 2 ⇒ (14) - 1 + 2 = 15

Also five-foot-stepping back

Also Aiding another is likely the best I can do at the moment. If one gets wounded I can try a Magic Missile and hope it clears the SR, or if it clears more I could try a color spray (with the same chance of failure, with the added issue of this being a very cramped warren). I'd potentially propose a tactical retreat to the town for supplies but I doubt the skulks are going to necessarily be fans of that.

ill assume Ray is striking to kill rather than aiding...

Vaughn gives Selkania a smile of relief...he's no longer in danger of bleeding out...and he tries once again to take advantage of the aid, and the flank, Viv is providing

Attack: 1d20 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 + 4 = 19
Damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Attack: 1d20 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 + 4 = 20
Damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Delaying Ray. An attack got through DR! Praise Desna!

The gremlin Vaughn stabbed shrieks in surprise as Vaughn actually manages to harm it. Vaughn gets another minor graze on his leg for his trouble.

Blue Sword: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
Blue Bite: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21
Confirm: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
Dam: 1d3 - 4 ⇒ (1) - 4 = -3 1 NL
Viv's non-crit damage can't get through DR

The leader ducks away from the skulk, leaping into Selkania's space, and stabbing her in the ankle.
Selkania AOO: 1d20 - 1 + 2 ⇒ (9) - 1 + 2 = 10

Purple Sword: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18
Dam: 1d3 - 2 ⇒ (3) - 2 = 1
Purple Bite: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Sef: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 8 + 2 = 21Going to add a +1 circumstance bonus here. The circumstance being that I want this combat to end.
Dam: 3d6 ⇒ (5, 4, 1) = 10

Also surprised to be wounded, the head gremlin chitters something in Undercommon to the others.

If you'd like to take one final attack/AOO you're welcome to do so, but they'll be D-dooring away on their turn if you can't stop them, so we're officially exiting combat.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----
After they actually leave and you've had a chance to recover...

The skulk wipes the blood off her blade, before turning back to you.

"You helped. I pay." she says with little emotion in her voice. She returns to her hut, retrieves a bag, and tosses it to you.

It contains 49 silverdisks (effectively equivalent to platinum pieces) as well as five strange cards. Similar in size to a Harrow card, but made of much more rigid material, each has a portrait of a human on it, along with Androffan text.

Details about what they say will be provided later. I've added two slides to the Torch Gazetteer to show off some of the cool fan-created art for these cards. We'll say that the first slide shows the front and the back of the card. The first face side is both a more accurate rendition of of the Androffan text provided and of what the actual portraits might look like.

Take some time to recover, then decide what you'd like to do. There are several areas you might explore down here, though the potential return to town was also discussed.

aoo: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15. <--blarg
damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

"Cayden's Codpiece! That was.... bloody hard!"

Good call GM! Seri looks at the cards, "I can read these. I've picked up a lot in the library. I'm eager to push further into this place, but this was also awfully harrowing. We've got money to spend, and news to return. I wouldn't object to better equipping myself."

We do have some healing. I'll agree with the majority on either direction.

Praise the gods...

Vivilass winces as the nasty gremlins manage to get in a few more bites even as their injuries cause them to flee. She fumes internally to herself. Great Viv. So smart, so eager, and look how useful that was. You should have been more preapared before rushing down. Curiosity almost got you, and the others, killed...

As the rest of the party seems to recover, the samsaran gives a heartfelt thanks to Selkania. "Thank you for the blessings. I was down before I could even see these creatures." She turns and nods respectfully to Sef. "And thank you as well. Do you think they're gone for good? We can return, with weapons that should be better at piercing their skin."

Ray would've kept aiding given the odds of him missing. Somehow my news reader failed to update again, gar...

Ray blinks a few times, processing the departure of the gremlins.

"I did not realize the probability of our attacks failing to connect on such small creatures would be so low. This is something we should remedy if we intend to spend further time together in search of Khonnir Baine, wizard and scholar."

Ray examines his polearm.

"I believe our weapons were less effective than they should be, even if they could connect. We must remember this as well."

Ray smiles, pleased at stating obvious facts for others.

Let's explore a little further and if we see gremlins, we can just flee :)

Doctor N finishes reloading her pistol just as combat winds down. She appears to be shaking despite her attempts to maintain a cold, objective front.

"Several possibilities, yes--continue on, push for rescuing Baine--return, improve equipment for continued battle. Former better for time, latter for safety."

*deep breath*

"Time more important than safety."

I deliberately have most of my resources still, and as Ray said, we can always run if we get mobbed and overwhelmed again.