GM SpiderBeard's Second Darkness (Inactive)

Game Master Barvo Delancy

"Ain't got time t'carry ev'ryvbody, here."

Thaddeus begins by telling Firepelt that what Fiona was doing is a good thing, before moving over to one of the other unconscious elves.

Use one charge from a CLW wand on a random knocked-out elf.
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Thaddeus looks at the pathetic spurt of positive energy that came from the wand, and shakes it a few times, smacking it against his leg.
"Let's try 'dat again."

If the Elf I healed didn't get up from that, I'll try again on him. If that still was enough to put him above 0, I'll use this charge on the next elf.
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

The drow defeated, Variel takes a moment to heal some of his own wounds.
CLW: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
CLW: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

He then joins the others and talks to the rescued elves. "Is there anyone unaccounted for? Once we get everyone up, are we returning to camp, or is there an important mission yet uncompleted?"

Mutt stops his rage, breathing heavily. He stomps over to the others. He places his greataxe on his shoulder and waits for what happens next.

Unfortunately, Kaerishiel appears to be unconscious due to drow poison and remains completely out of it. However, the two elves with him are awakened by the healing magic and quickly thank you warmly. Gunryn busies himself destroying the ballista.

After gathering the equipment from the fallen drow, you make your way back to military camp. Eviana is ecstatic that you've managed to save Kaerishiel - and with style, according to the elves who witnessed your destruction of the drow.

You go to sleep for a well-earned rest.

----

The following morning you are summoned to the central pavilion where Eviana, and a woozy-looking Kaerishiel awaits you. Kaerishiel manages the first smile of any kind you've seen from him as you approach.

"Friends, I have been unfair and cold to you. You saved me without a thought and are instrumental in how the war is turning. I owe you all apologies. Despite your successes, this war is taking its toll - but we have a chance to strike." He turns to Eviana. "Let's begin."

Eviana has no warmth to her today, and she gestures to a map, pointing at a building titled 'Academy of the Arts'.

"This battle has been brutal," Eviana says with a clenched jaw, "but I feel we still have a chance at victory. With your aid here, our forces have managed to clear a path to the Academy of Arts. We won’t be able to hold this route for long, though. The time for our decisive strike has come. I would like you to participate in the attack. We have limited forces to commit here, with our kin spread so far around the city or holding the route to the Academy, so you’ll be one of three small teams moving against the building. It is my hope that we can capture or kill the drow leadership, secure access to the Armageddon Echo portal, and finally bring this war to a close. We need you. This is the final mission that may decide the war - will you aid us?"

"We shore didn't come all 'dis way an' fought 'dis far jus' t'give up at 'dis point."

"Of course, first questions are what kinda threats we dealin' wit', here? Obviously Drow. Anythin' special yeh kin warn us 'bout?"

Mutt shrinks as he approaches the camp. He nods at Eviana's praise and heads off to bed.

The next morning, Mutt rises, more rested than the last time he was awoken. He dresses, eats, and heads off to the central pavilion for the meeting. When Kaerishiel thanks them and apologizes, Mutt frowns as he thinks. After a few moments, he nods and gives a small smile. "Apology accepted. I'm not going to hold it against you."

Mutt listens to Eviana as she explains the situation. He asks, "I'll do it. I'm always looking for a fight. Do we know anything about the forces that are guarding the Academy?"

"As Thaddeus said, it is why we are here. Whatever intelligence you can share will be appreciated. I assume we are going to coordinate the teams' attacks ... when were you wanting us to begin?"

GM, did we get a full night's rest, or are we operating on the "spells cast during the night count against the next day" rule? Just need to reset things correctly.

"I'm always ready to take the fight to the enemy." Fiona nods.

She starts casting glances over at Keanu, a thought forming in her head.

Grunyn: Did you have any fervor healing left before bed? I didn't see how much (if any) you used on the elves. Variel is still a bit down, even allowing for healing 8hp from overnight rest. If not, he can expend some 2nd level slots to cast Cure Light on himself.

Feeling the hairs on the back of his neck start to stand Keanu turns to Fiona. "Hmm?'

You'll have an additional day of rest after this meeting - so consider yourselves fully healed.

Eviana nods to Kaerishiel who lays out a roughly-sketched map of a triangular building with three domes at each point of the triangle.

"The academy will be very well-fortified. However, we have an advantage of three different entrances. The main doors in the front, and two holes in the exterior - one in the west and one to the north. The western hole is in the roof. All three are guarded."

He points at the main entrance. "This is the front door - a host of drow guard this and it is the most heavily-fortified. The hole in the western dome is guarded by dretches and a few drow. The northern entrance is the most vulnerable, and is guarded by troglodytes."

Kaerishiel looks to all of you. "I want this attack to begin tomorrow morning, so we can take the time to rest from our ordeal last night. We will lead three separate teams. My Shin'Rakorath, Shalelu's rangers, and then your own team. So I will defer to you - heroes, which entrance do you want to attack?"

I found a -beautiful- map maker for Second Darkness and the map is updated with his very sexy map of the academy, as well as indicators for the entrances. I'm also going to add a key for what icon means what drow.

"This is the front door - a host of drow guard this and it is the most heavily-fortified..."

"So they might actually get off an attack or two before we kill them?" Fiona quips, shrugging.

"I'm all for attacking the front door."
-------------------
Fiona leans over to the armoured warrior with a smirk... and a little blush.

"I've got a little something to ask you once we're done planning here."

Keanu silently looks over the map, smirking when Fiona suggested the very direct approach.

————

”Of course, M’lady.” he returns with a slight bow, smiling as he noticed her blush.

"Mutt and I both purchased enchantments for our weapons specifically to harm Drow. I favor taking them on directly."

Mutt nods. "I'm with everyone else! I don't back down from a fight! Let's take it to them directly!"

Grunyn simply listens, nodding as the plans of attack are explained, and eagerly agreeing to the frontal assault.

With the group set to take on the front doors of the academy, Kaerishiel and Shalelu discuss amongst themselves who will take what area. Shalelu's rangers, used to climbing and trees, decide to go for the hole in the roof while Kaerishiel's Shin'Rakorath decide to take the rear.

"Tomorrow morning we will muster and get into position. Our plan will be to all strike at the same time the moment the sun's light hits the spire at the top of the academy."

The war meeting breaks, and you all get a well-earned day of rest as you prepare for the coming day.

==============
The Following Morning
==============

You awaken at predawn, healed, rested, and armed for the upcoming fight. You meet with the rangers and Shin'Rakorath to break bread before you head out silently into Celwynvian. It is early morning twilight, and the ancient ruins are hauntingly beautiful. Kaerishiel squeezes Variel on the shoulder and whispers 'good luck' in Elven before he and his crew vanish to circle around the building.

You camp out in a nearby ruined building to get a good look of the front of the academy.

The building itself is made of stone and consists of three domed structures surrounding a low, one-story stone bunker. The domes are of white marble and thick with ivy and other creeping vines.

Two crumbling pillars provide a little cover at the front. You see two drow soldiers standing in the open entryway, although in the gloom it is impossible to tell who lies in the room beyond.

Map is updated, you guys are a little ways off the map waiting for dawn to strike. Prep yourselves now.

Before going to bed the night before the assault, Variel studies the note on Drow uniforms that Kaerishiel provided him.
I love the "Know your drow" legend. ;-)

Preparations:
* Use Inquisitor class ability to replace teamwork feat "Coodinated Maneuvers" with "Outflank" (Flanking bonus increases to +4)
* Heightened Awareness on self (80 minutes)
* Discovery Torch on shield (90 minutes, 20 foot radius, doubles during judgment) All allies gain +2 Perception, Sense Motive, and knowledge checks to identify creatures within the light.
* Invisibility Purge on self (8 minutes, 40 foot radius)
* Expeditious Retreat on self (8 minutes)
* Coordinated Effort on Mutt and Lusk (8 minutes). Whenever either of them is flanking with Variel, they gain the benefit of the Outflank feat.

As the group prepares to assault the tower, Variel casts a series of spells, most of which are familiar, but one which is new.

"Lusk, Mutt, please come here. The Savored Sting has imparted in me the knowledge of magic that allows me to share my talents with others. Whenever one of you can flank a target with me, you will find your advantage increased."

Spells cast, Variel raises his shield and readies his whip.

GM: Current perception is +21 for things within 20 feet, +19 outside that. I'll be taking 10 for 29/31 as we approach.

Preparations:
* Cast Mage Armour. +4 AC for 8 hours.
* Cast Ironskin. +5 Natural AC for 8 minutes. This won't stack with my amulet, though.
* Cast Pattern Recognition. +4 to Search and Track checks for 80 minutes.
* Drink a vial of Antitoxin. +5 bonus of Fort saves vs. Poison for 1 hour.

"Anyb'dy really don't wanna get poisoned? Ah gotta spell 'dat'll hold it off 'till we're done with 'dese Drow. Won't make yeh immune, but it'll hold it off."

Offering to cast Delay Poison on somebody.

"Let's advance slowly. Wanna drop a nice area spell on 'em to really ruin 'dere day."

"That is a good point, Thaddeus."
Variel drinks an antitoxin as well.

With the group set to take on the front doors of the academy, Kaerishiel and Shalelu discuss amongst themselves who will take what area. Shalelu's rangers, used to climbing and trees, decide to go for the hole in the roof while Kaerishiel's Shin'Rakorath decide to take the rear.

"Tomorrow morning we will muster and get into position. Our plan will be to all strike at the same time the moment the sun's light hits the spire at the top of the academy."

The war meeting breaks, and you all get a well-earned day of rest as you prepare for the coming day.

Mutt nods at the plan and heads off to rest and prepare.

You awaken at predawn, healed, rested, and armed for the upcoming fight. You meet with the rangers and Shin'Rakorath to break bread before you head out silently into Celwynvian. It is early morning twilight, and the ancient ruins are hauntingly beautiful. Kaerishiel squeezes Variel on the shoulder and whispers 'good luck' in Elven before he and his crew vanish to circle around the building.

Mutt eats with the elves, chatting with them before heading out.

You camp out in a nearby ruined building to get a good look of the front of the academy.

The building itself is made of stone and consists of three domed structures surrounding a low, one-story stone bunker. The domes are of white marble and thick with ivy and other creeping vines.

Two crumbling pillars provide a little cover at the front. You see two drow soldiers standing in the open entryway, although in the gloom it is impossible to tell who lies in the room beyond.

Mutt scowls at the sight of the drow. When Variel calls him over and informs him of a spell he wishes to cast on him, Mutt nods and lets him do it. He then casts his own spells.

Preparations:
*Cast Shield. +4 shield bonus to AC for 8 minutes.
*Cast Ironskin. +5 Natural AC for 8 minutes. Like with Thaddeus, it won't stack with my amulet of natural armor.
*Cast Enlarge Person on self (8 minutes).

When Thaddeus offers a spell to ward against poison, Mutt shakes his head. "No thank you. My fortitude is strong enough." He looks at Grunyn. "By the way, I still have that platinum ring for that spell that you gave me."

Finally able to complete his rest, Grunyn rises with a steeled will and renewed vigor; the grim Dwarf had vengeance on his mind as he meditated, calling upon Irori's perfect grace for the battle ahead.

With belly full, blades sharp and armor polished, Grunyn trod along with his comrades until in sight of the library, where he would call once again upon his patron's blessings; this time for his comrades.

"May the blessings of the Perfect One, and those of your own deities, fill us all will strength and resolve."

Preparation!
*Cast Shield Other on Mutt and Variel for six hours.
*Cast Life Pact on the six humanoid party members, for 6 minutes.
*Cast Bless on the party for 6 minutes.
*Cast Communal Protection from Evil on Keanu, Fiona, and Thaddeus, for a duration of 20 Rounds each. If anyone already gets a deflection bonus to AC, I'll move them around/adjust the duration.
*Use Wand of Divine Favor on self for 1 minute.
*Cast Guidance on self for 6 rounds immediately before action.

"Let me bring these bastards closer. I'm slow, and I have a score to settle; I need to teach a few Drow what happens when you mess with a Dwarf!"

Grunyn readies his longbow, looking around for agreement.
If we do agree, I'd like to swap Fiona spots in the lineup; 5' is a big difference with a 20' speed.

Arrange yourselves as you see fit.

The party casters quietly prepare their spells as the twilight continues lighten until... the sun is about to hit the spire on the Academy. You have just a moment before the attack is nigh.

I hear word of a careful attack. Let me know how you're approaching - charging full-on down the street, along the side, or using one of the statues. Part of your goal, ultimately, is to attract a lot of attention. Arrange party order as necessary.

"Thaddeus, how close do you need to be to cast the spell you wanted to open with, and how far away do you need the rest of us to be? I had thought we would go for the direct approach, so as to draw attention our direction and away from the elven teams at the other entrances."

How much does Thaddeus weigh? Maybe Variel could pick him up and run up -- even at medium encumbrance I would have a 40' move and could deposit you in front of the entrance and then draw my whip.

Grunyn: Did you have any fervor healing left before bed? I didn't see how much (if any) you used on the elves. Variel is still a bit down, even allowing for healing 8hp from overnight rest. If not, he can expend some 2nd level slots to cast Cure Light on himself.

Sorry, didn't see this. I had 4 CLWs and a CMW left; I had ya.

Also forgot about Delay Poison; if I'm gonna pop out front and take some fire, I'll take it if no one else wants it.

Fiona invokes a song of inspiration, letting its magics sharpen her companions' skills, weapons and strength of will.

My prep spells are: good hope on everyone, and moment of greatness as well.

So here's how the spells break down on Mutt:

*Shield (8 minutes): negates magic missile attacks directed at him; also provides a +4 shield bonus to AC; applies against incorporeal touch attacks; no armor check penalty or arcane spell failure chance
*Ironskin (8 minutes): +5 Natural AC for 8 minutes. Like with Thaddeus, it won't stack with my amulet of natural armor.
*Enlarge Person on self (8 minutes): doubles height and multiplies weight by 8; changes Mutt's size category to large; gains a +2 size bonus to Strength, a -2 size penalty to Dexterity (to a minimum of 1), a -1 penalty on attack rolls and AC due to its increased size; has a space of 10 feet and a natural reach of 10 feet
*Coordinated Effort (8 minutes): Whenever Mutt is flanking with Variel, they gain the benefit of the Outflank feat.
*Shield Other (6 hours): gains a +1 deflection bonus to AC and a +1 resistance bonus on saves; takes only half damage from all wounds and attacks (including those dealt by special abilities) that deal hit point damage
*Life Pact (6 minutes): if Mutt is reduced to fewer than 0 hit points, then he automatically triggers the power of the pact. The triggering target drains 1 hit point from all other targets who have at least 1 hit point and are within 30 feet of the triggering target; these hit points are applied to the triggering target as magical healing. This healing can prevent the triggering creature from dying, if the attack would cause the target’s to have an amount of negative hit points equal to its Constitution score. This healing cannot raise the triggering creature above 1 hit point; any excess hit points drained from other targets are wasted.
*Bless (6 minutes): gains a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and on saving throws against fear effects
*Good Hope (8 minutes): gains a +2 morale bonus on saving throws, attack rolls, ability checks, skill checks, and weapon damage rolls
*Moment of Greatness (8 minutes): If the affected creature is benefiting from a morale bonus of any type, it can double that morale bonus on one roll or check, before making the roll

Starting ACs (before modifiers): AC 10, touch 10, flat-footed 10
+5 armor (no touch)
-2 size to Dex
+1 luck bonus
+5 natural armor (no touch)
+4 shield bonus (no touch)
+1 deflection
-1 size
Current ACs: AC 23, touch 9, flat-footed 23

Fort +9, Ref +2, Will +4
+1 resistance bonus to saves
+2 morale bonus to saves
+1 morale to saves vs fear (cancelled by the +2 morale bonus)
Current Saves: +12/+5/+7

+1 morale bonus on attack rolls
+2 morale bonus on attack rolls
-1 size
+2 size STR bonus

+2 morale bonus on weapon damage rolls
+2 size STR bonus

+2 morale bonus on ability checks

+2 morale bonus on skill checks

can double morale bonus on one roll or check before making the roll

Sweet Jesus, Mutt. Take another day to plot how you're actually attacking, guys.

Keanu is the only one without spells, so not really much to prep on his end.

Good Hope trumps Bless and they don't stack, so I'll not be using Bless and instead will prep another Weapons Against Evil spell in my 1st slot.

My personal preference for plan-of-attack goes something like this:

Grunyn or anyone else with a ranged, non-magical (so we don't waste spells) attack steps about two squares up and then over in front of the door, taking a couple pot shots at the guards we can see and trying to bait them out.

Is the terrain between the statues and the building (looks like weeds or debris, and there's a broken door bit) difficult? If not, we could swarm around them from that side, and if so, at least we might get a glimpse of one or two inside the building before we barge in.

The second part involved making a scene. I don't imagine that's much of an issue when the rest of the party, including Mega Mutt, rush out.

I just wanted to keep track of all the numbers and modifiers because I'm under the effect of so many spells. But, yeah, this is going to be nuts. Especially when I star bloodraging and using my feats and rage powers. Also, since we took a couple days of rest, I don't think I still have STR damage from that shadow demon.

Mutt looks at the others. "So, how should we start?"

"I believe we are prepared for a straight assault. Thaddeus and Grunyn can fire in as the rest of us advance. For the moment, I am the fastest, so I can swing wide and come from the side."

I'm thinking this may be the right time for a Leroy Jenkins.

"Thaddeus, how close do you need to be to cast the spell you wanted to open with..."

"Pretty good range, Ah'd say. Jus' gotta get a lil' closer. Thinkin' Ah'll open wit' 'dat spell the Drow in th' alchemy lab used, made us all go kooky crazy. Let 'em fight 'demselves."

How much does Thaddeus weigh?

He's a stringbean, so 180, plus some gear, so under 200? Not sure carrying him will be necessary.

Sorry, didn't see this. I had 4 CLWs and a CMW left; I had ya.

We had two days to rest. Assume we're fully healed and replenished.

Also forgot about Delay Poison; if I'm gonna pop out front and take some fire, I'll take it if no one else wants it.

It's yours. For 8 hours, poison won't affect you, but at the same time it won't actually leave your bloodstream.

"So, how should we start?"

"Hmm, think Grunyn has th'right idea. Try t'bait 'em out, 'den Ah drop a spell on all of 'em. 'Cause right now, Ah only see two, an' was jus' hopin' t'get more wit' luck."

"Basically, Ah'm hopin' t'get as many as Ah can caught in th'spell. Don' have t'catch 'em by surprise, but if yer all mixin' it up in melee, Ah can't cast th'spell wit'out hittin' yeh."
So, I'm good with the plan to open with some range attacks to try and draw them out. As long as we hold off for a bit before charging into melee. Or, at least, not getting right in the middle of a big melee.

EDIT:

I'm thinking this may be the right time for a Leroy Jenkins.

You can't do a Leroy Jenkins if you plan for it.

Good Hope trumps Bless and they don't stack, so I'll not be using Bless and instead will prep another Weapons Against Evil spell in my 1st slot.

Very well. Instead of a +1 morale bonus to attack rolls and saving throws, Mutt's greataxe now shines with light in a 5 foot square and ignores DR against evil creatures with DR/5 or less.

Mutt nods at everyone's suggestions for the plan. "Just let me know when to charge. I'll bring them down and bring fear into them." When Thaddeus suggests that he cast Confusion before Mutt charges in, Mutt snorts. "Thaddeus, f I go in and you start casting spells at the enemy while I'm in range, then it will be a little harder to hit me."

Reminder to everyone that I have blood sanctuary.

I heard straight assault so you have you guys at the edge of the map facing the front doors dead on.

The light hits the spire. Your time to act is now. As you rise up, you manage to catch the drow guarding the entrance completely by surprise!

Everyone has a standard action only! Also those are the worst f&&&ing perception checks I've ever seen.

Surprise Round!
Standard Action: Start Singing!

Fiona grins and begins singing a song of battle!

As a side note, your spirit mote attacks have +10 to hit and 1d4+4 for damage!

I’ll wait for all the castys.

They are inside a single move for me, so I'll wait for Thaddeus and Grunyn, then figure out what to do based on the result of their actions.

Taking aa deep a breath as he can while drawing his bow, Grunyn bellows forth a taunt, while the twing of the string sends an arrow flying to the Drow on his left.

"Where is your Matriarch? Nolveniss must be a eunic, then, to have your loyalty so!"

Ranged vs Blue Drow: 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 7 + 1 + 2 = 24 - Guidance, Good Hope, Divine Favor

Damage: 1d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 1 = 9 - Divine Favor

I'm waiting on the other casters to go first. Also, I really can't do much with a standard action only. Unless I'm missing something.

Ranged vs Blue Drow 1d20+7+1+2 - Guidance, Good Hope, Divine Favor

Should be 25; added in the buff name but not the number.