GM Rednal's Jade Regent (Inactive)

Game Master Rednal

Retreating to the caravan, you moved to get some rest.

Early in the morning - about 3 AM - the hills rise sharply ahead into a steep and craggy shale escarpment hundreds of feet high. Tucked into a narrow defile between two of these crags is a stone-and-timber longhall and tower, weathered and gray. The hall stands nearly one hundred feet above the base of the cliff, with only a single wooden stair climbing in a series of switchbacks up the cliff face to its front gate. All is silent save for the raucous caws of the ravens that congregate atop the hall’s tower and ridgepole high above.

"Well shall we?" Taka looks up toward the stairs.

"Not much cover, they will see us coming not sure of our alternatives. We are not a stealthy group." He smiles.

He will then take a moment to cast mage armor before they start up the stairs.

Aleksson shrugged. "Sometimes there's no other way. No matter." Forgetting himself a bit, he woke today emboldened, having reflected on the relative ease the three had overcoming yesterday's obstacles. He stood tall (taller than usual) as his eyes surveyed the stairs.

Shutai remembered the stories about the Ravens, and kept one eye on them during the approach. Following Taka's example she Mage Armoured up and prepred to head into the depths. "Nothing we have learned suggests these people are best approached subtly. They sneak and use ambush, corruption and kidnapping to get there way. Since they are likely better at sneaking..."

Shutain began down the stairs, checking for traps.

Perception (Trapfinding): 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 8 + 2 = 25

A rickety wooden stair climbs the cliff face in a series of switchbacks to a fortified hall ninety feet above. The stairs and rails are built of timber planks, silver with age, and climb haphazardly through a series of railed landings on their winding ascent. In some places the stairs and landings are secured directly to the rock face, and in others they hang free upon wooden supports and buttresses driven into the rock. Lichens and moss cover the stairs and rocks, with pale vines, roots, and blooms of nightshade, willowherb, and bog tea sprouting from occasional crevices in the stone.

At the fourth landing, a short flight of stairs rises to a landing abutting the cliff face. A small hollow in the rock is plastered over with what looks like a huge wasp nest.

Shutai approached the nest with concern. Giant wasps did not seem like a fun thing to deal with. Although Shutai was more concerned with ravens...

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

Taka watches cautiously.

"Lets try not to disturb it."

Aleksson mentally recalled where his alchemist's fire was packed, but hoping that he wouldn't have to go for it.

As you approached, the massive thing that burst out of the nest wasn't a wasp. The spider-like head was probably the biggest giveaway, and it examined you for a moment... then clearly grew more hostile.

Init (Giant Insect): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Init (Aleksson): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Init (Shutai): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
Init (Taka): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12

Aaaaand the whole party is up. XD

The strange, revolting creature was the strangest guard dog. Shutai hurled a spell at the creature, although she doubted she could destroy it.

Snowball (Touch Attack): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14
Damage (Cold): 5d6 ⇒ (5, 1, 2, 2, 4) = 14

Taka draws his sword and studies the creature preparing to intercept it when it charges forward toward one of them.

Free: Arcane Strike
Move: Draw Blade
Move: Study Target

Maneuver gained: 1d4 ⇒ 4 | temporal burn

Aleksson's blood awoke, and he flicked forth a wave of temporal energy as he sent his starknife flying.

Temporal Burn
. . -2 animus for +4 attack
+1 starkinfe: 1d20 + 10 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 10 + 4 = 29
Slashing Damage: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Untyped Damage: 3d6 ⇒ (5, 3, 6) = 14

Maneuver Gained: 1d3 ⇒ 1 | eldritch shield

Shutai's magical burst hit the creature - as did Aleksson's spinning starknife. The creature shrieked slightly, then turned and started flying away. It looked badly hurt by your opening salvo, and seemed to be trying to escape instead of pressing the fight.

"Good lets press on pass its home. No need to give chase."

Aleksson flashed a rare smile at Shutai in acknowledgement of the job well done before continuing upwards.

Sighing in relief that the hideous thing had been rather less intimidating that it appear, Shutai nodded back to Aleksson and followed.

Continuing up the landings, you notice how narrow the five-foot walkway really is... right as a blurred, black-feathered figure drops from the railing above, whipping around in a clear attempt to trip Shutai.

Surprise Trip (Shutai): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

Rather unfortunately for it, she managed to avoid the blow - but two more blurred figures dropped down in front of you, blocking the way forward.

Init (Ninja): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
Init (Aleksson): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
Init (Shutai): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
Init (Taka): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24

Taka's in front, then Aleksson in the middle, then Shutai in the back. The path is five feet wide... and only Taka can act.

Taka seizes the moment acting quickly prepared for the assault.

Swift: Arcane Strike
Move: Study Target
Standard: Attack

Sword Attack: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14Maybe that hits Flat foot dice are killing me :)

Damage: 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

Shutai avoided being tripped, still looking surprised. Why were so many ninjas trying to kill her, specifically?

Aleksson needed a moment to find his footing before he could retaliate.

Taka's blow wasn't great, but it was enough to hit the foe. It wasn't enough to down them, and the two assassins actually next to your group quickly lashed out. The one further ahead raised a blowgun instead, puffing a dart out towards Aleksson.

Melee (Taka): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25 for Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Bite (Taka): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11

Melee vs FF(Shutai): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15 for Damage: 1d6 + 1 + 2d6 ⇒ (2) + 1 + (3, 4) = 10
Bite vs FF (Shutai): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

Ranged vs FF (Aleksson): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21 for Damage: 1d2 + 2d6 ⇒ (2) + (6, 4) = 12
Fort DC vs Poison: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11 for Con Damage: 1 = 1 Unless you have something to block the attack when flat-footed, you're affected by Blue Whinnis poison.

Shutai avoided the attack and focused, casting a spell to put the assassin to more useful purpose. "Attack," she murmured.

Murderous Command - Can the one attacking me please make a DC 18 Will Save or attack its nearest ally.

Taka takes the damage in stride.

"You honor less fools."

He presses the assault.
Free: Arcane Strike
Standard: Sword swing
Move:If attack happens to drop opponent he will study the next if not then no move action.

Sword Attack: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22
Damage: 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

Oops. Convinced myself I finished this post...
Aleksson hissed as his he felt his heart lurch. "Tsk, poison? Cowards."

Maneuver Gained: 1d4 ⇒ 2| elemental strike

Aleksson drew his starknife and launched his attack at the ninja toe-to-toe with Shutai...
Fortitude vs DC 14: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
...and shook the worst of the poison.

Spark Strike
. . -1 animus to boost elemental damage
+1 starknife (- attack into melee): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24
Piercing Damage: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Fire Damage (+ animus): 3d4 ⇒ (1, 1, 1) = 3

He then channeled a glyph of darkness for his allies in an effort to obfuscate their positions.

Elemental Glyph of Darkness: Aleksson, Shutai, & Taka have concealment (20% miss chance) for 4 rounds.

Maneuver Gained: 1d3 ⇒ 1 | eldritch shield

Shutai, you can't move step of range. Did you want to cast defensively and try to avoid provoking an Attack of Opportunity, or would you rather risk the hit?

I'll try casting defensively
Cast Defensively (DC 17): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

Ack, forgot to delete a word in that last post... >.<

Will: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Shutai's spell was quite effective on her target, and it sunk into their brain with practically no resistance at all. Meanwhile, Taka's blow-

1d100, 1-20 is bad: 1d100 ⇒ 88

-badly hurt his target, and Aleksson-

1d100, 1-20 is bad: 1d100 ⇒ 68

-managed to bring him all the way down. The one by Shutai-

Acrobatics (Tumble): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20

-wasn't able to get through her space, but mind-controlled as he was, had little else he could do. That left just one of them free, and he made a quick gesture with one hand. He disappeared from sight a moment later, and a brief sound of footsteps made it clear he wasn't staying in place.

Since it looked like this fight might not continue too long, she tried to trip the attacker she had confused rather than wasting another spell.

Trip: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Animus Gained: +2

Knowing of Taka's sense of smell wasn't likely to let his quarry get away, Aleksson attacked Shutai's other attacker with a throw, water laced in the starknife to tire the ninja's muscles like a man overboard...

Given Shutai's roll... I'm going to assume she trips herself and thereby will not provide the ninja cover from my attack.

Elemental Strike
. . -2 animus for +2 DC
+1 starknife: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28
Piercing Damage: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
DC 16 Fortitude or the enemy is fatigued for 1 round.

Maneuver Gained: 1d2 ⇒ 2 | temporal burn

Taka follows the path and the footsteps.

Attack: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26
Damage: 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

50/50: 1d100 ⇒ 22

Taka follows and is able to pinpoint the position when withing range. His sword swipes and just misses the ninja.

"Your dishonor only prolongs your death. You can not hide from me ninja."

Shutai was not able to trip her attacker.

Fort Save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

Nor was it able to avoid the weakening effects of Aleksson's starknife. Meanwhile, Taka slashed out at the other one, and its invisibility dropped a moment later as it retaliated.

Attack vs FF (Taka): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19 for Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

The other one, hit by Aleksson's strike, mostly just seemed woozy.

Current FF is 22 with mage armor. I'm not a dexterous man :)

"You choose to stay and die with a little honor. Very well."

Swift: Arcane Strike
Standard: Attack

Attack: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29
Damage: 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

Attack Confirmation: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14
Crit Damage: 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

Muttering about being clumsy, Shutai hurled a Jolt spell at the man.

To Hit: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
Damage: 1d3 ⇒ 2

Animus Gained: +2

Determined to bring this one down, Aleksson threw the starknife the moment it returned and lent the edges temporal energy.

Temporal Burn
. . +1 starknife: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18
. . Piercing Damage: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
. . Untyped Damage: 3d6 ⇒ (3, 4, 6) = 13

Elemental Glyph of Darkness: Aleksson, Shutai, & Taka have concealment (20% miss chance) for 2 more rounds.

By this point, your cleanup efforts were pretty simple - and the avian ninjas were down, dead (or soon going to be, at any rate). The stairs above you seemed clear, but if nothing else, it seemed others knew you were here.

Looking to the wounded, Shutai ingored her rumbling stomach and asked, "Do we want any of them alive to be questioned?"

"The more time we give them to prepare the harder the assault will be. We are committed now. We advance or we retreat. I am ready."

Aleksson agreed. "This is an indefensible position. Let's move."

Hurrying up, you finally reach the main landing. This wide porch surmounts the rickety conglomeration of stairs and landings below, providing a panoramic view of the boggy plains that extend to the hazy horizon. The looming gray stone hall of the fortress blocks further progress. Inset arrow slits with heavy wooden shutters flank a bronze-banded portal that leads within. Above, three more arrow slits look out over the precipice. The rest of the area is rocky walls, and not anything it seems you can get through.

Shutain glanced at the arrow slits and the door. Even shuttered, they were a concern. It would not take much to open them and begin peppering the group with arrows, and if the door was sturdy enough there was very little they could do about it.

Still, even a strong fortress had a second entrance. Shutai glanced around, trying to see if there was any other possible way in.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

"Those ninja exited from somewhere. I have their scent. I will find it. Lets move."

Taka backtracks a bit to where they engaged the ninja picking back up their scent he begins following it back.

Survival to track: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (13) + 20 = 33

Aleksson kept an eye on Taka while he helped Shutai search for the second entrance. Though he knew little of ninja training, he knew enough that they are skilled athletes and considered that the second entrance they used may not be at ground level. Still feeling a sharp twang from the blowdart, he whispered to Shutai, "Their attack took a greater toll than I thought, and I would benefit greatly from your curative magic."

The ninja seemed like they'd been hanging onto the rocks for awhile - the smell was stronger there. You didn't find any other entrances, though, and the scent trail led right back to the main stone doors.

Taka looks at the door frustrated.

"They are more careful then I had given them credit. Here Aleksson you seem to be favoring that wound."

Taka pulls out the wand and heals Aleksson's wounds.

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

"So do we tear the door down?"

"Let's see if we can be more subtle about it first," Shutai demured, moving across to the doors as quietly as she could manage. The enemy obviously already knew they were there, but it would be better not to draw all the defenders to the front door.

Stealth: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Once she reached the doors, she checked it for traps and to see if it was actually locked. If it was, she supposed she could pick it.

Perception + Trapfinding: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 8 + 2 = 18
Disable Device: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (9) + 14 = 23

Ah, Taka's got da wand. Thx.

Aleksson stood to the doors side, making as little sound as he could.

Stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

The front doors don't seem to be locked, and after your preparations, you carefully pushed things open.

Rows of pillars support the forty-foot-high roof of this longhall. Torches set into pillar sconces and two fire pits set with iron spits in the center of the rush-strewn floor give the room a ruddy glow. Several doors open into rooms on either side beneath ten-foot-high balconies lined with feasting tables. At the far end of the hall, a fifteen-foot-high balcony with the master’s high table looks out over all. Smoke holes cut into the roof high above allow in more light and the croaking of the many ravens that roost on the roof’s ridgepole.

New map!

Remember the crows they had seen, the feathers and such like, Shutai was not eager to walk into a room full of the things. Instead, she paused, looking around and checking the room for magic.

Perception + Detect Magic: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

Taka shows caution and awaits to see what Shutai finds assuming no immediate danger he enters.

"Lets begin checking room to room, door to door."

So left or right to start? First door on the left sound good?

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13

Aleksson kept his eyes peeled but noticed little. Regardless, he would only move forward once the others did.

1st on left sounds good to me.