GM SpiderBeard's Second Darkness (Inactive)

Game Master Barvo Delancy

"So, you lot know the story about Devil's Elbow? Why nobody likes going there?"

Variel smiles. "I doubt it is any surprise to you that none of us is originally from this area. Do tell, the more information we get, the better."

Sorry guys, how the hell did I miss my game update yesterday? No excuse.

Creesy grins, peaking his fingers.

"This one is favourite. Devil's Elbow was famous amongst the locals for a cruel, and capricious siren by the name of Virashi. Around seventy years back when this place was first settled by humans expatriating from Magnimar, settlements sprang up all over the place. Riddleport was one of them. However, there were... a lot of goblins, and a lot of settlements didn't do so well."

He takes a swig of wine.

"Witchlight was one such village. It was founded by a merchant - Yaris Neraken. Well, Yaris wrecked his ship on Devil's Elbow. The only survivor, he found himself in the care of this siren. Now sirens use human men like a dog uses a bone, but legend says that they fell in love proper-like. He convinced her that he could set up a settlement there. So he gets to found a city, and gets to be near his lovely lady too. Promised her riches and the like, which she could get behind."

Fully engrossed in the story, his jovial tone becomes more serious.

"So he gets off island, and gets investors in Magnimar, and they start setting up Witchlight. Towers and lighthosues and the like - the reefs by Devil's Elbow are a b!#&#. But it... didn't do too well as a settlement. Farming is now good on Devil's Elbow and fishing was okay. No economy to speak of. So the settlers turn against Yaris, burn down half the place. Make matters worse, a ship full of grain and infested with giant centipedes crashed and the damn things took over the island."

He laughs.

"Yaris had no luck. Everything went wrong. But the locals like to see magic where maybe there was none - they blamed the siren. Called it Virashi's Curse. Yaris tried to stop 'em, but if he came out with proof, they'd know he was with the siren. Finally, a disease ripped through the settlement, killed damn near a third of the people. After that, some priest found Yaris with the siren, and got a lynch mob together. Virashi was killed, and Yaris killed himself. Without his leadership, the place fell into ruin as everyone abandoned it."

He finishes his tankard.

"With the bad reefs, centipedes, and bad history, nobody goes near that island no more until this damn skymetal rush. But everyone who goes there, they know that Virashi's ghost still walks and they are damn right to fear her. Sometimes, a strange white light shines out from that lighthouse on Withclight, and we know that Virashi's angry spirit looking for revenge on any poor bastard she can find."

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25
While Variel listens intently to the story, he remains alert. As the captain nears the end, the elf's ears perk up.

"Captain, I don't wish to alarm you unduly, but I believe I hear the sounds of an open flame above us. Perhaps we should investigate?"

He stands and moves toward the door.

Variel, no reaction to my earlier post to you?

Also, I was kinda operating under the assumption that we'd be able to RP out the visit to the temple to get a Sending spell...

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

Fiona blinks in confusion as Variel starts going above deck. "I didn't hear anything..."

Sirens and a ghost... huh.

Variel, no reaction to my earlier post to you?

Also, I was kinda operating under the assumption that we'd be able to RP out the visit to the temple to get a Sending spell...

Sorry, I have a hard time maintaining two separate threads, and I hadn't seen any response from Spiderbeard on it so it slipped my mind. I had us going to the temple, and figured he needed to be involved at that point ... ;-)

I thought so, too.

There's also the part about Isadora on my end.

Mutt listens to the story, though it really doesn't keep much of his attention. He continues to eat the food presented to him.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

Mutt's ears perk up at the sound. Seeing Variel leaving, he stands up and moves. "I hear it, too. I'm looking."

Thaddeus listens to Creesy's story with interest, categorizing the tale and making little mental notes (That he's bound to forget) to follow up on the tale with additional research.

Hearing about the possibility of a ghost makes him contemplate. Sure, it's quite common to blame bad luck, misfortune, and other such events on 'ghosts,' so there's a tendency to ignore such stories. But in a world with dragons, portals to other planes, and more undead than you can shake a aspergillum at, the possibility of a vengeful ghost is not that far fetched.

Perception Check: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

Thaddeus is a little lost in thought, and doesn't really pick up on what's going on.

"Huh? Whazzit's 'bout a fire?"

Grunyn nods at the explanations, mentally noting the particular details of interest. "Danger is certain in this place. We must take care."

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

The Dwarf looks quizzically at his comrades as they perk up at some unnoticed danger. "It would take fire to cook. What is the worry?"

The Dwarf looks quizzically at his comrades as they perk up at some unnoticed danger. "It would take fire to cook. What is the worry?"

"I doubt the ship's cook is up on deck."

Thanks for your patience with no posts over the weekend. Life is chaos and I'm in the middle of a move so may have limited posts. Because of that, I'm going to have to assume the actions in Riddleport are done and push past them. Sorry about that!

Creesy starts as the group starts happily talking about a fire on the deck.

"That ain't good! I think I hear it too!"

He leaps to his feet, knocking over a wine goblet before he starts heading out the door. With him on the opposite side of the table, the five of you lead the way up to the top. The two guards you saw up there are bound and gagged, and amongst them moving very quietly, are six rough-looking types in the process of setting the riggings on fire! The thug set on lookout spots you, and they attack.

Variel, Gunryn, and Thaddeus are up! Map is updated.

I need help with the map ... it looks like you have Mutt and Creesy on the stairs on the top level, and then Variel and Thaddeus occupying the same stair squares on the hold level. Is the intent that Mutt has just emerged and the rest of us are in line behind?

Also, what square are on fire currently?

Finally, how is the lighting? I'm not sure if it was before or after sunset when we arrived, or how long we have been here.

Also curious as to where the fire is, myself. May alter my action.

Fire is higher up on the riggings, it's not something you actively have to work with. And yes, group is split on top/bottom level with Mutt in front.

Variel quickly moves up the stairs and scans the deck to assess the situation.

Knowledge check to identify the creature types and their strengths/weaknesses: Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11 Seriously? *sigh*

"Stop and face justice for your actions, villains!"

Move into position drawing whip, activate Judgment of Justice (+1 attack), attack Plain.
Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27 Damage (magic): 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Grunyn shuffles through Mutt after Variel bursts up the stairwell, readying his longhammer to strike at the nearest ruffian. He mutters a short prayer to Irori as he catches sight of the rigging aflame, calling the blessings of the Master of Masters upon himself; roaring, he swings his ancestral weapon with both hands.

"You who would cause harm, beware! I am Grunyn the Mossless, and I bring the strength of Irori!"

Move Action: "Draw" hammer, move into position.
Swift Action: Blessing-Strength, +2 Atk/1rnd
Longhammer+Power Attack: 1d20 + 8 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (17) + 8 + 2 - 1 = 26
Damage: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (1, 5) + 6 = 12
I'm terrible with diagonals; IIRC, the second diagonal as part of a move counts as double feet, but reach weapons can threaten two diagonals with no penalty? Either way, I'm fairly sure he's in reach, but if not, I'll move him a double instead of attacking; I'm just not sure.

Thaddeus wasn't quite sure how he didn't notice before, but he especially notices now Grunyn's chosen weapon being a large blunt instrument. Seems this is going to be a very smash-happy party.

Oh, right, thugs trying to burn down the ship. Best get on that.

Thaddeus decides to slow down the thugs in the back, keeping them busy while his allies deal with the ones in front.

"SOOOO-IIIEEEE!"

MOVE: Move up onto the deck.
STANDARD: Swamp's Grasp. 4 10-ft squares of difficult terrain. 7 round duration.

Where would Grunyn's horse Mule be in the hold. Because Old Horn would be there as well. I don't need him right next to me for spellcasting, so he doesn't have to always be right beside me.

I'm terrible with diagonals; IIRC, the second diagonal as part of a move counts as double feet, but reach weapons can threaten two diagonals with no penalty? Either way, I'm fairly sure he's in reach, but if not, I'll move him a double instead of attacking; I'm just not sure.

When moving, the first diagonal is 5' and the second counts as 10'. For reach weapons, you do threaten the second diagonal, that was clarified about six months ago.

Update will be late tonight, thanks.

Old Horn and Gunryn's mule are both on the hold deck, I've placed them on the map. Gunryn, how is your blessing a swift action?

Variel identifies the cretins as Riddleport's finest - a bunch of tough-looking hired thugs of various racial ancestry, but mostly human. They look mean.

The stench of Thaddeus' familiar spell begins to cover the deck as Variel charges up, his whip cracking down and opening up a vicious wound on one of the thugs! Grunyn, calling out his solemn warning, swings his longhammer to the side and sends the thug screaming over the side of the ship into the harbour.

Creesy charges up from the ground, and his eyes go wide. He then also spots two of his men, unconscious and tied up.

"YOU BASTARD! THOSE ARE MY RIGGINGS! ... AND MY CREW!"

He charges into the sludge THaddeus summoned, and just looks confused.

The thugs counterattack, charging in on all of you. Variel manages to score one of the thugs with his whip. The thugs start trying to beat on everyone, but their clubs don't do too much to the skilled heroes.

Rolling AoOs since there's a couple.

Variel's AoO: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27 Damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Gunryn's AoO: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13 Damage: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (2, 6) + 6 = 14

Attack vs Creesy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14 Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Attack vs Variel: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8 Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Attack vs Gunryn: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12 Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Whew. Everyone is up!

Swamp's Grasp duration: 6 rounds

Thaddeus decides it's time to try out something new he's been working on.

Thaddeus stands upright, folding his arms, looking at the yellow thug. He cocks his eyebrow dramatically and rolls his head to the side, staring at the thug askew, obviously disapprovingly.

"D'yeh even know what'cher doin', 'dere?"

Thaddeus' open eye seems to be just a little whiter, and the veins in it a little more pronounced, than seems entirely healthy. And... maybe it's glowing? Shining? Or is that just a trick of the light?

Evil Eye hex on Yellow Thug. Will Save DC 16 or duration is 7 rounds. Even on success, it'll last for one round. I'm applying the -2 to his AC.

As Thaddeus stares at one of the closer thugs, Variel takes advantage of the distraction to lash out.
Swift action to change to Judgment of Sacred Destruction, standard to attack.
Attack (+1 Whip): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18 Damage: 1d4 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

He then moves deftly around the deck, positioning himself so that he can reach each of the enemy.
Using Solo Tactics and Escape Route to move without provoking AoO - each square was adjacent to an ally.

FYI I'm now engaged in a process of moving house, so all-day packing and little rest. I will update the game as I can and can sitll probably make an update a day, but apologies in advance if I miss a post. I'll be gone entirely from the 21st-24th.

Mutt is surprised at what's going on. He glares at the thugs trying to burn the ship down. "You b*****ds! Stop burning our ship! I will destroy you!" He draws his weapon and moves to the front, ready to attack at the next opportunity.

Move Action: Draw greataxe
Move Action: Move 15 feet

EDIT: I changed my move since I noticed, after moving token, that I was on the stairs.

Round 1: Actions
Move Action: Move above decks
Standard Action: Start Raging Song!

After hearing a major commotion on deck, Fiona grabs her earthbreaker and follows the others up. She's not especially fazed by the prospect of fighting off a bunch of thugs--compared to what they're headed into, they strike her as being rather small-time.

She starts singing when she makes it to the main deck, holding her hammer high.

Is Escape Route the teamwork feat you'll have on by default, Variel? Just for my future edification.

Yellow's Will: 1d20 ⇒ 1

Thaddeus gazes balefully into one of the thugs, who begins shaking all over and far less able to dodge attacks. Fiona bursts into song while Mutt charges to the top floor. Variel then cracks his whip down brutally, killing a thug while Grunyn smashes into a thug of his own with the longhammer.

Grunyn: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23 Damage: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (4, 5) + 6 = 15

Creesy steps back, egging the two thugs engaging him on.

Those on deck retaliate, despite two of their number falling. Variel, Mutt, and Creesy are attacks, all but Variel taking hits.

Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25 Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15 Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24 Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25 Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Variel gets an attack of opportunity thanks to Swamps Grasp! Mutt takes 7 damage, Creesy takes 12.

Sorry I missed 2; that's exactly what I would have done though!
Round 3
Fiona's melody continues to fill Grunyn with ire; the Dwarf is no stranger to anger, and his monastic training does little to temper the allure of her song. He swings with guttural noise, striking the bandit nearest the ship's bow, before stepping up to the one at Variel's flank. Dropping his hammer, he raises clenched fists and shouts in his native tongue.

Dwarven:"Stop what you are doing and face justice, villain! I shall take you into custody, or you will join your friend as a smear on the deck!"

Actions:
None - Accept Raging Song
Attack - Longhammer vs Blue, Power Attack
Longhammer: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28
Damage: 2d6 + 8 ⇒ (4, 4) + 8 = 16
Move - Step to Red
Free - Drop Longhammer

Edit: Crit Confirm!
Longhammer Crit: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
Crit Damage: 4d6 + 16 ⇒ (4, 3, 6, 2) + 16 = 31

Round 3: Actions
Free Action: Maintain Raging Song
Move Action: Move to Grunyn's side
Standard Action: Smack Red with the hammer!

Fiona ducks as Grunyn's own hammer splatters blood all over the deck before stepping up to his side and striking at the thug before him!

Attack (Raging Song): 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 8 + 1 = 19
Damage? (Raging Song): 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (6, 1) + 6 = 13

Yes, Escape Route is the feat he currently knows, until I use an action to change it.

AoO: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22 Damage: 1d4 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Variel steps back as the thugs approach through the morass on deck, and swipes out again, allowing Fiona's music to flow through him.

5' step, accept song, attack green.
AoO: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12 Damage: 1d4 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Mutt hears Fiona's song ringing out. He screams as the rage overcomes him. Glaring at the purple clad thug in front of him, he brings down his greataxe on him!

Attack: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22
Damage: 1d12 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Round Actions
Free Action: Accept raging song
Standard Action: Attack the purple thug.

Swamp's Grasp duration: 5 rounds.

"Try t'keep one 'live fer questionin'!"

After saying that, Thaddeus dips into his pouch of chewing tobacco and pops a wad in his mouth.

STANDARD: Cast Adhesive Spittle.

WHAM!!!

There is the sound of an enormous impact, and a sickening crunch as Grunyn connects in a very satisfying manner with a ne'er do well. Fiona rushes forward, slamming her earthbreaker down on the leg of a thug who screams in agony. Mutt calmly (for Mutt) swings out his axe, instantly killing the purple-clad thug. Thaddeus works up the biggest loogie of the day. Variel does his best to strike at a thug, but is unable to do too much.

Creesy looks in amazement as the group rallies, slaying the saboteurs left and right. He calls out his anger, and lunges forwards.

Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17 Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

The remaining two thugs realize that they have been badly, badly outmatched. Shouting a retreat, they both try to dive over the edge of the boat!

Everyone but Mutt and Thaddeus have attacks of opportunity! And you're all up! The two thugs are now overboard in the water. If they live.

AoO:Trip: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
It's not Improved, so Grunyn provokes, too.

As the troublemaker attempts to flee, Grunyn sweeps out awkwardly, his stubby Dwarven legs further hindered by his armor, and Fiona's song still has him in its grips.

AoO, CMB to trip: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
Variel tries to tangle one of the retreating thugs with his whip, but can't quite connect.

AoO (Trip Attack!) *Raging Song*: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 5 + 1 = 22

AoO on Red Thug.

AoO: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17 Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Grunyn and Fiona both sweep out with their hammers, catching the legs of the two thugs who fall prone on the floor.

"WE SURRENDER! WE SURRENDER!"

Creesy scowls at them and rushes off to put out the fire on his riggings.

"Find out what the hell they're doing here! Thankfully this shouldn't harm our chances of setting sail tomorrow. Bastards."

End of Combat

Slightly embarrassed at having missed his quarry but thankful his companions did not, Variel approaches the thugs. Whispering the words to a spell, his hands and eyes begin to glow.

Detect Magic for a quick inspection, then Brand, holding the charge.

"My companions were merciful in taking your legs from under you and not simply striking you dead. In appreciation of that, I will offer you the chance to tell us everything. I will know if you are lying. Start with who sent you and why?"

Take 10 for 18 Bluff if needed for the slight fib about knowing if they lie. Take 10 for 22 Intimidate, and 22 Sense Motive on their responses.

Thaddeus sees the two thugs have surrendered. He nods, then spits the wad of chaw over the side of the ship. He leaves the interrogation to Variel, and instead helps put out the fire on the riggings.

If the fire is relatively contained, Thaddeus will untie the other sailors on the deck, and then grab a bucket and start bailing. If the fire is a bit more widespread, Thaddeus will cast Frost Fall on the fire, hoping the cold damage will put out the fire without doing too much damage to the masts and sails.

Thaddeus gets to work with Creesy freeing the sailors and putting out the fire, which saves most of the rigging.

The thugs look up at Variel and shift a little uncomfortably.

"We was just having fun! Saw an easy target for some fire, didn't realize a buncha maniacs were on board!

Variel sees through the lie almost instantly.

I will be away Wednesday to Sunday althouhg may sneak in the odd post if I can.

Variel reaches out and touches the man's forearm. As he does, lines begin to glow, twisting and forming a word on his skin - "LIAR".

He gets a DC 13 Fort save; if he passes, the letters fade. If he fails, they cause 1 point of damage and will remain for 4 days.

Speaking the magic words to renew the spell, Variel turns to the other. "Is that your story as well?"

Take 10 again for Intimdate and Sense Motive, looking a little angrier.

Fiona hovers near Variel, casually resting the head of her hammer on the deck. "I hope for your sake you have a better excuse than that. I'm uncertain how quickly word travels in this city, but have you ever heard of the raid on the Gold Goblin? We're the ones who repelled it. And you got a first-hand experience of why we were able to."

Mutt listens to the interrogation. He watches as the man tells his story and Variel brands him as a liar. He walks close to the men and glowers and growls, his greataxe glinting menacingly in the fading fire light. His eyes slightly glow in ominous violet light.

Intimidate (aid another): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14 Note to self: Take 10 when available.

[dice=Intimidate (aid another)]1d20 + 10 Note to self: Take 10 when available.

Except on Aid Another - you can't take 10 for that, since the DC is only 10 to begin with. ;-)

Just posting to say I've been keeping up, I just don't have anything to add to the proceedings.

Just posting to say I've been keeping up, I just don't have anything to add to the proceedings.

Ditto; I didn't want to make a post saying "Grunyn stands there menacingly", since I doubt I can even get a 10 for Aid Another like Mutt. Variel's doing a marvelous job with the interrogation! Actually, just for kicks...

Grunyn was never one for questioning; most of his foes either died, or were left for dead. Still, his hammer dripped with the viscera of a thug, and he brandishes it at the two on the ground, growling, with an inquisitive look shot to Mutt and a slight shrug.

Aid Another-Intimidate: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (10) - 3 = 7

GM? Poke poke?

He's moving, remember? He warned us he may be gone for a few days.

Oh, yeah. Sorry.

After an increased burst of interrogation, the thugs quickly change their story.

"Okay! Okay! We got paid out 20 gold each from Zincher's crew, nothing personal. Rule was that no other ships bound for Devil's Elbow leave the harbour. We set a fire, they cut you loose, and you burn down. Or.. y'know that was the plan. That's the story. So what are you gonna do with us?"

Regardless of outcome with thieves, I'll push to next scene come tomorrow.