GM Rednal's Legendary Planet AP (Inactive)

Game Master Rednal

May not be. But it's same number, in about the only direction away from town that leads somewhere, a day after those we saw left. Since Phai has seen no others around the settlement(meaning they are probably not numerous or a local tribe) she's simply assuming it's the same ones from earlier. Which may or may not be accurate. But honestly, she would be suspicious regardless considering the little she heard about their kind.

After a few moments, two more Syaandi emerged from a tent, one of them decorated in a way that made it clear he was the leader. One of the ones who'd been talking to you muttered something to him, and he nodded slightly before pointing at Isen and Child-of-Planes.

"You. You. Trade in tent. Rest wait outside." he said.

Isen looked at the others with a raised eyebrow, always impressive with eyebrows such as his. "Well, not what I expected, but I'm sure if we see anything interesting we can give you both a shout." Or a blood-curdling scream, he assumed. Depending on just how interesting things got.

Still, walking into what was smelling more and more like a trap was likely the best way to deal with it. He moved inside, nodding to the Syaandi as he did. You never knew - if it wasn't an ambush, being polite might get him a better bargain.

Phai mirrored Isen's raised eyebrow, staying well away from the other Syaandi, next to their pack animals. Retrieving her Glaive, she used the time for some weapons maintainance, making sure the blade had a fine edge.
It was, after all, already in 2 of her hands, in case it was needed.
Oh, doing that completely non-threatening, simply utilizing the time idly maintaining one of the work tools I carry.

Seeing the others' tension and wondering if he had misses something, Child put a hand on his biggest sword hilt as he followed Isen into the tent.

"Sounds good to me. We can mind the animals and get to know these fine folks while you're inspecting the wares. You know what sort of things I care about." Vincent led the camels near the tent and introduced himself to the nearest Syaandi.

As Isen and Child-of-Planes moved into the tend, the others moved to stand in the way... and your concerns were quickly shown to be well-founded as quite a lot of things began happening at once, starting with the light around the Syaandi leader's fingers.

Init (Syaandi): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
Init (Child): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21
Init (Isen): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

Vincent and Phai can't see into the tent... although you can hear if somebody yells. XD That said, you can't enter combat until after the Syaandi's round.

"No, you don't!" Child shouted, as he lunged forward to grab at the leader's glowing hand.

If he's in range, I'm trying to grapple him; otherwise, it's a short charge during which I draw a weapon and try to trip him. (in which case AC goes down to 16, but the attack is at +3)

Maneuver check, champion, medium surge: 1d20 + 9 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (10) + 9 + 2 + (1) = 22
CMD to escape, if it's a grapple, is only a 21

Just posting for the post count. Either way, I think I made it pretty clear that Phai expected trouble. I also have my Glaive in hand, so if they charge at us, I would appreciate not being considered flat-footed. We are plenty aware of them, and they should not get surprise against us. I am fine with not getting in on the action during the initial round, but I was suspicious all along and watched them. If they start charging in my direction, I should at least be able to defend myself properly.

Oh no, the trap is a trap. Vincent is so disappointed, though I suppose not everyone can be friends. =P

Isen sighed, and waved his hand. The tent to one side burst into flame. Admittedly, Illusionary flames, but Isen had been practicing. They should be enough to keep some of the Syaadi busy, and be visible from outside. "Oh no, we have trouble," he called outside in a bored sounding monotone.

Child-of-Planes darted forward to grapple the Syaandi - who twisted his grip on his weapon and stabbed it forward, aiming to pierce the Suli's side.

Melee (Child-of-Planes): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29 for Damage: 1d8 + 5 - 3 ⇒ (5) + 5 - 3 = 7
Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27 for Damage: 2d8 + 10 ⇒ (6, 2) + 10 = 18

It was quite a pierce, too, even as the three outside quickly moved on Vincent and Phai.

Melee (Phai): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Melee (Phai): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
Melee (Vincent): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

...To rather less effect than their leader.

Phai had expected trouble. But not THAT fast. They were upon her before she managed to level her glaive, or fly upwards.
Taking a moment to study the one closer to her, while stepping back and changing her grip to her preferred bow again, she followed up with a spell that seemed to harden her skin:"Not interested in buying, I'm afraid."

Move action study, 5-foot step out of reach, Standard Action Barkskin(unless I cannot leave the reach in which case activate Flight Hex for a minute).
AC would be 23 if Barkskin goes off.

Wait, he had a weapon? I thought it was just glowing bare hands?

"Aagh!" Child screamed out. "Why did you have to make this painful, for yourself?"

And, drawing his scimitar, attempted to smack the leader (and anybody else nearby) with a weapon that suddenly crackled electrically.

Nonlethal champion power attack 2H scimitar 1 stamina: 1d20 + 10 - 2 + 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 10 - 2 + 2 + 1 + 1 = 30
Damage (nonlethal+1d6 electric): 1d6 + 4 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 4 + 5 + 6 + (6) = 28

Confirm?: 1d20 + 10 - 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 10 - 2 + 2 + 1 = 31
Bonus damage: 1d6 + 4 + 4 + 5 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 4 + 5 + 6 = 22

Nonlethal champion power attack 2H scimitar 1 stamina: 1d20 + 10 - 2 + 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 10 - 2 + 2 + 1 + 1 = 25
Damage (nonlethal+1d6 electric): 1d6 + 4 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 4 + 5 + 6 + (4) = 29

Nonlethal champion power attack 2H scimitar 5 stamina: 1d20 + 5 - 2 + 2 + 1 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 - 2 + 2 + 1 + 5 = 15
Damage (nonlethal+1d6 electric): 1d6 + 4 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 4 + 5 + 6 + (3) = 25

"If that's how it's going to be then," Vincent said reluctantly even as his sword leapt from its sheathe in a pair of quick cuts.

+1 Falcata: 1d20 + 10 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 10 - 2 = 20, Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 4 = 10
+1 Falcata: 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 5 - 2 = 5

I might have hit something!

Isen moved up to help Child, whipping the flat of his blade around. He really needed to see if he could acquire a oversized cosh or some such for these occasions.

To Hit: 1d20 + 9 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 9 - 4 = 25
Damage (non-Lethal): 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
Destruction (non-Lethal): 4d6 ⇒ (4, 3, 1, 5) = 13
Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 9 - 4 ⇒ (9) + 9 - 4 = 14
Crit Damage (non-Lethal): 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

Only needing one hand free to cast is nice. o wo ...Alas, we don't have nice miniatures to set out.

Phai had no particular difficulty studying her opponent and calling up a toughened skin to protect her, while Vincent managed to strike his foe. Isen also managed to strike, while Child...

Drew a weapon and full attacked? Is that a power your Champion spirit gives you? It's normally a Move Action, or a free action if you're also moving.

Even so, the leader of the group stood... and a surge of power flowed into his weapon before he stabbed out again.

Melee (Child): 1d20 + 9 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 9 + 3 = 16

...With limited effect. Despite that, there was no fear at all in his gaze - or that of his underlings as they moved in to continue the fight.

Melee (Phai): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Melee (Phai): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
Melee (Vincent): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

...Also with limited effect.

Welp, guess we know which way this is going. XD Feel free to, uh, assume any attacks that hit basically mop up your foes. No point dragging this out.

The spirit that flowed through Child's body saw little reason to treat this as a fair fight, when the ambushers hadn't—but it didn't seem like much of a challenge, and so he decided to show off a bit.

"Isen, is this even worth our time?" he asked, taking care to pronounce the words slowly; and, brandishing his scimitar, drew the shield from his back as he sunk down into the ground until all that was visible was the sword and shield.

Casting Metamorphosis to gain burrow, then 5' stepping downwards. IIRC I think this counts as full cover? With shield, AC is 21 or 29 if full cover.

"No, no, no. This is not how you do that.", Phai exclaims, as a ballet teacher frustrated with her preteen pupil not getting things JUST right.
Dodging a blow with a simple sidestep, a barrage of arrows bursts forth from her, only one of them making contact with the foe she studied earlier.

Rapid Shot Deadly Aim 1: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12 Piercing: 1d8 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11
Rapid Shot Deadly Aim 2: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27 Piercing: 1d8 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16
Rapid Shot Deadly Aim 3: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8 Piercing: 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

Yeah, well, only one attack connects. Sorry for dragging things out. If one of their attacks would hit, I'm using Stone Shield as inmediate vs the first one to do so.

Vincent focused his efforts on cutting a straight path for the tent so he could aid Child and Isen if they needed it.

+1 Falcata: 1d20 + 10 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 10 - 2 = 22, Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 4 = 12
+1 Falcata: 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (3) + 5 - 2 = 6, Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 4 = 15

Getting two attacks a round is very nice. Statistics are finally helping me get decent rolls.

"Probably not," Isen replied, trying to strike again. He wasn't sure what Child was up to, but was prepared to run away as needed.

To Hit: 1d20 + 9 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 9 - 4 = 23
Non-Lethal damage: 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Destruction: 4d6 ⇒ (3, 5, 2, 5) = 15
Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 9 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 9 - 4 = 17
Non-Lethal damage: 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Eh, you can only control the dice so much, Phai. XD

Phai's one successful shot was enough to down her target, while Vincent managed to knock out the target he'd hit earlier. Isen's strike, alas, wasn't actually a critical hit - and Child wasn't pummeling targets at all. That left the leader to focus on the target he could actually reach.

Melee (Isen): 1d20 + 9 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 9 + 3 = 21

...Though it was probably worth remembering that "could" was not the same thing as "would". Meanwhile, just one was left outside...

Melee (Phai): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24 for Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

+1 Falcata: 1d20 + 10 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 10 - 2 = 17, Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 4 = 9
+1 Falcata: 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 5 - 2 = 10, Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 4 = 9

Vincent came to Phai's defense with some quick, though inaccurate sword work.

"Not like this, either.", Phai comments when the lone mook outside punches a stone slab interjecting itself between them. When it crumbles moments later, she unleashes a barrage of shots on her assailant, only one of which actually makes contact.

Rapid Shot 1: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13 Piercing: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
Rapid Shot 2: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10 Piercing: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
Rapid Shot 3: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22 Piercing: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Isen grunted and dodged to the side. "Have you considered surrendering? I promise, we're quite pleasant once you stop trying to murder and rob us." Pushing his luck, he tried to attack again. This time his blade wasn't on the flat - his opponent would likely live with a few cuts.

To Hit: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24
Damage: 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
Destruction: 4d6 ⇒ (4, 3, 3, 2) = 12

With a rumbling of dirt, Child moved dug through the ground, bursting upwards to try and catch the leader from behind.

Attack (flanking): 1d20 + 10 - 2 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 10 - 2 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 2 = 29
Damage (nonlethal + 1d6 electric): 1d6 + 4 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 4 + 5 + 6 + (6) = 30

Between the two of the, Isen and Child-of-Planes drove their weapons into the leader... and even nonlethal damage added up pretty darn fast when you were weakened. His body hit the floor, life quickly draining away, as a similar thud could be heard from the one Phai had shot.

Phai inmediately got to work stabilizing their enemies. They had assailed them, but then, she knew nothing of the customs of their people, or this world, for that matter. As such, she was reluctant to let them bleed out in the wilderness...at least without learning more.
Taking 10 on Heal to stabilize them.
"What do you think that was all about?", she asks the others while staunching the wounds of one of them, while glancing at the pack animals to make sure this was not some elaborate diversion arranged by a third party.

"The same thing it's always about? This isn't the first time I've been assaulted by brigands. They always seem to think with their greed." Vincent replied as he checked the tent to ensure Child and Isen were unharmed.

"You think so? Only greed? They have not even tried to surrender...and I don't know if they even knew what we have loaded. Risking you lives fighting strangers you know nothing about for goods you have not seen seems...rushed.", Phai ponders.

"Whoops," Isen murmured, without any real rancor. He had hoped to question the man, but would settle for not dying horribly if that was all he could get out of the situation.

He nodded to Vincent as the Paladin entered. "It was a trap. I'm as shocked as you are." Still, he started to check the tent out, including the leaders body. Maybe there was a clue as to whether this was simply a random ambush or something more interesting. Or perhaps they had something of value.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

The leader of the creatures had a +1 vicious longspear, a set of +1 hide armor, two Potions of Cure Moderate Wounds, a necklace that didn't look removable, and a holy symbol you didn't recognize. The chamber had various minor trade goods, although none of them looked particularly helpful or valuable for anyone but themselves.

Isen neatly laid the new toys out. "Anything grab anyone's fancy? I'm not especially good with spears, and the bitey cloak is already a little more animal casual than I'd prefer. I might take a bottle of the potion, however. It might be useful down the line."

"Hm, I used a Glaive because I'm used to it...the longspear might be an upgrade, but otherwise...We can take the holy symbol with us, but I'm really curious about that necklace."
1.: Detect Magic on the necklace, trying to find out about it's purpose. 2.: How did those magic items interact with ABP again? If we are not attuned to them?

"Seems only fair to put these things to better use since their previous owners sought to kill us."

What do you mean by not removable? Is it a magical item? Is it simply something like a choker that has been worn so long the creature grew into it so it can no longer be removed without damaging the necklace or removing the head? If it's valuable, how difficult would it be to repair if we did have to damage it to remove. And.... what's it made of?

Generally speaking, ABP overlaps (does not stack with) items that have their own bonuses.

Even as you examined the necklace, it pulsed brightly, then seemed to dim and crack as the magic within went inert. The same effect was repeated on the other corpses - although, other than that, there didn't seem to be any changes. No reanimation of the corpses, at least, or other effects you could tell. And no, that's not me taking treasure away. They do this. XD

The necklaced themselves were solid pieces of metal, probably fused with magic so they couldn't be removed without outright breaking them.

Isen knelt by the leader, examing the necklace. Whatever it was it was considered important enough to destroy rather than fall into enemy hands. And therefore, it was worth finding out more about, even if only the further there own understanding on this race. He might not be able to remove any of them with damaging them...and the pulse suggested they were already destroyed. But if he combined several...

Disable Device (Remove necklace with minimal further damage: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18

Vincent offered his assistance to Isen with the removal of the strange necklaces. While he didn't understand their purpose, he may be able to spend some time researching them when they arrived in the city and a sample to reference would be valuable. "Do you think it's some kind of controlling slave collar? Or perhaps a monitoring device of some kind? Or.... some kind of personal adaptation device to allow these people to survive here if they originally came from a very different world?"

"Probably a combination of the first two. They attacked simultaneously and suddenly, and those things started breaking simultaneously...and I was unable to save any of them, despite my medical expertise...we should assume the Jagladine may be behind this...so lets not dwell longer than needed in case they have more agents converging on our position."
Phai took a closer look at the goods, to see if something seemed particulary valuable or rare. Even if those trade goods were of little value on this world, there was a chance to find something that would fetch a good price once they got off this rock.
Appraise: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

With some effort, a bit of tugging, and a little stabbing with something pointy, Isen managed to break off the necklace itself. On further examination, the ring around the neck seemed to be a separate part from the main gem.

As for the goods they had, most seemed to be rather race-specific, although they did have five extra sets of beetle-shell armor suitable for most medium-sized creatures. (Four-armed figures would need some professional adjustment to get it to fit, though.) They also had what looked like a few religious texts, and a small shrine in one of the tents - although it was debatable whether or not that had monetary value, it definitely had cultural value. Curiously, there didn't seem to be anything for first aid or other healing.

Isen held the necklace up. "I am not sure I have the skills to deduce what it does, but I think I can grab a couple more. We should be able to find someone who can help us, with those." He certainly hoped they weren't slave collars. It would make this a rather more unpleasant experience.

"Well, if nothing else, we can compare them against anything similar we find in the future. Let's bring them with us in case we find any clues." With nothing else to do, Vincent loaded up their animals with the 5 new sets of beetle-shell armor, as well as the magical spear and hide armor. He tucked the leader's holy symbol into his pouch so he could look at it later when he could have a chance to visit a library and finally, held up the two potions. "Anyone need a refill or back up potion?"

Did anyone want the spear or armor? I can't recall if we had some regular system for loot. If not I'm just adding the spear and armor to my inventory so it gets tracked and eventually sold off.

I might have wanted the spear...I am unsure. The bonus overlaps but does not stack...yeah, I knew that. The main question is if I am "attuned" to my bow, would the longspear still function as a vicious longspear? A +1 vicious longspear? Or only as a regular longspear unless I attune myself to it?

Phai gathers up the religious texts, and the small shrine. It would be interesting to study them, later, to decypher the text...religious writing often gave significant insights into the culture of a species - "What I still wonder about is that I was unable to stabilize any of them. Let me check one of the bodies one more time before we leave - I know I said we should hurry, but their complete lack of medical supplies seems weird."

Taking a few minutes, Phai checked the one that seemed least injured, to understand exactly how he died. Then she performs an incision on the frontal cortex and does a quick accounting of vital organs.Not a complete sectomy, just a quick&dirty census. Take 20(34) to determine cause of death, Take 10(24) for the autopsy.

Go ahead and mark down the spear on your sheet so you can track it then. I'm removing it from my list.

If you aren't attuned to a weapon, it functions as whatever it naturally is.

The actual cause of death for the creatures appeared to be the stopping of the heart - an effect that was almost certainly not natural, and probably triggered by whatever the necklaces had actually done to them. There was no sign of technological or biological implants.

Then definitely picking it up to use over the Glaive.

"I assume they were killed by the necklaces...their hearts simply stopped. Whatever you do with these parts, be careful about it, Isen.", Phai offers a warning to the Elf as he carefully harvests components.
"I'm good to go. Onward? The sooner we reach our destination, the better."

"Agreed, let's get going. I'd like to reach the city before dark, and I wouldn't mind just putting some distance between us and this place as well, just in case whoever was controlling those collars sends some more syaandi to investigate what happened here."

"Agreed," Isen said to Phai as he gathered the last. He put them away in a separate pouch, wrapped in leather and tied. Hopefully, it would stop anything too horrible from happening.

"Ready," he added as he rose, and "And ready."

Before you left, Child-of-Planes gave the area one last look-over, starting with what looked like some kind of locked cache. That... may not have been the brightest idea, though. As he cracked it open, a high-pitched whine sounded, and the box abruptly detonated in a blinding burst of heat and light. Even from forty feet away, you could feel the intense heat - and when it cleared, there wasn't much left of it - or your companion - besides ashes.

"What in the blazes-" Isen blinked, his eyes used to darkness rather than searing light, and slowly approached the scene. "He's...gone?" he asked, in a stunned, subdued voice.