GM SpiderBeard's Second Darkness (Inactive)

Game Master Barvo Delancy

"Well, 'dat was quicker 'den Ah expected. Guess Mutt didn't need 'dat... GAAH!"

Thaddeus was walking towards the group, until he sees the wasp swarm begin to shift and move towards his companions. In alarm, he stops, and clutches his head with one hand, directing the swarm with his other.

"Forgot... Gotta command 'dese lil' buggers..."

Have to use a Standard Action to direct them.

@GM, thankies!

"Would make for a nice trophy," Lusk comments to himself as he picks up the dragon's head. When Thaddeus shouts he turns to the swarm and arches a brow. "Thanks," he tells the Witch without looking away. "Perhaps we should advance while it lasts then?"

CLW: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Variel quickly casts a healing spell of his own, then waves to get Thaddeus' attention, and points to the door behind which they heard sounds earlier.

He steps around to get the door in sight, but leaves a clear path for the swarm. "Whoever you are, come out peacefully. The dragon is dead and we are low on patience. If you want a fight, we'll give you one, but perhaps you will be more reasonable than this one was."

Take 10 for 29 Intimidate. I expect there are penalties for not being in view of each other, but I'm hoping downing a dragon (even a fairly small one) in less than 10 seconds should give a bonus. :-)

Mutt screams as the dragon is brought down. He stops the rage and breathes in the healing magic. ”They do sting a bit. But it’s nothing I can’t handle. But, thank you.” When Lusk compliments him, Mutt gives a grin. ”Thanks. You did a good job as well. you took that thing’s head off!” When Thaddeus screams and redirects the swarm, Mutt nods. When Lusk picks up the head, Mutt’s brow raises. ”Are you sure you want to carry that? Will it be too heavy for you?” He then places a hand on the dragon’s body. ”If Lusk gets the head, I want this.”

When Variel threatens whoever is in the next room, Mutt growls threateningly.

Aid Another on Variel’s Intimidate check. Take 10 for 24.

There's a moment of silence as Variel calls out to the door. A roar responds and then the door flies open, revealing a troglodyte, and behind him, Shalelu and Vaerishiel tied up and looking to be in very bad condition. He looks like he wants to fight. As he runs in, his stench overwhelms you.

Everyone must make a DC 18 fort save or be sickened! Everyone is also up!

Fortitude Save *Good Hope*: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 9 + 2 = 24

Fiona wrinkles her nose and glares at the oncoming beast.

Round 1: Actions
Move Action: Move in front of Mutt
Standard Action: Use Thundering Drums spell!

Then the shoanti thundercaller walks in front of Mutt and raises her earthbreaker high in the air.

"Hammer--"

Then she swings downward, bringing the hammer's head down to the shadowed stones.

"--DOWN!"

A burst of magical power erupts from where the hammer struck, travelling in a rumbling cone towards the troglodyte!

Sonic Damage: 5d8 ⇒ (5, 2, 7, 4, 6) = 24

DC 17 Fortitude Save to halve the damage and not get knocked prone.

CATCHPHRASE!

Fort: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (17) + 14 = 31

The huge troglodyte is rocked slightly, but holds his ground and snarls.

Fort: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17
Knowledge (local) + Monster Lore + Discovery Torch: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (7) + 17 = 24
Does it seem like a regular troglodyte, or is it unusual in any noticeable way?

Variel coughs as the troglodyte's stench wafts out of the room, but manages not to inhale deeply. He steps to the side and holds his whip ready, calling out, "Well then, come at us and die."

Readying an attack for if/when it emerges, assuming Mutt doesn't just flatten it. If it survives the readied attack, AoO as it continues moving.
Readied attack: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (18) + 15 = 33 damage: 1d4 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
AoO: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (7) + 15 = 22 damage: 1d4 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

Fort Save: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

Thaddeus crinkles his nose at the stench, but is able to hold it together. He concentrates again, mentally willing the swarm to fly up and over the heads of his companions. He can control the swarm's direction, but they'll sting anything that gets caught in the mass.

Focusing, he directs them through the door to swarm the large troglodyte.

I'm assuming Shalelu and Vaerishiel aren't right next to the trog, so I can put the swarm inside safely.

Swarm Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 4) = 8
DC 13 Fortitude (Poison) save or lose 1 Dex.

The wasp swarm has 5 rounds remaining, by my calculations.

So, do you want to say that we waited 4 rounds for Mutt to be rid of his fatigue?

Fotitude (Good Hope): 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 9 + 2 = 30

Mutt easily manages to ward off the stench. He stomps up to the troglodyte, activating his rage. He just glares down at the creature. He then shouts at it, shooting a sound wave at it.

Intimidating Glare (demoralizing) (Good Hope): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (5) + 14 = 19
Battle Roar damage if successfully demoralized: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Current Stats: AC 24, touch 8, flat-footed 24 (+5 armor, +0 Dex, +1 luck bonus, +6 natural armor, +4 shield bonus, -1 size penalty, -2 bloodrage penalty); hp 49/97; Fort +11, Will +6; Melee +1 elf bane greataxe +14/+9 (+16/+11) (3d6+7/x3) (deals extra 2d6 to elves) or masterwork cold iron warhammer +14/+9 (2d6+6/x3) or masterwork longsword +13/+8 (2d6+6/19-20) or +1 pickaxe +14/+9 (2d6+7/x4); Size: Large; Str 22 (+6), Dex 9 (-1), Con 20; reach: 10 ft; CMB +14; CMD 24; Skills Climb +13, Swim +10; -1 size penalty to attack rolls; Good Hope: +2 morale bonus on saving throws, attack rolls, ability checks, skill checks, and weapon damage rolls; Protection from acid: first 96 points of Acid damage you take will be absorbed. It'll last for 80 minutes.

Current Effects:
Shield 53/80 rounds left
Ironskin 53/80 rounds left
Enlarge Person 53/80 rounds left
Bloodrage 29/36 rounds left
Good Hope
Protection from Acid 798/800 rounds?

Fortitude: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 4 + 2 = 19
yay!

Um, can Lusk even get to the trog? :3

So, do you want to say that we waited 4 rounds for Mutt to be rid of his fatigue?

That is what I was figuring, since we had a couple of healing spells in there also.

Oh, forgot about that. In that case, I have far less rounds on my swarm, then. Still enough for it to exist, though. For one round.

I figure we just need to goose him out into the open where we can all attack him. Even one round of swarm should do the trick. ;-)

The swarm buzzes in and envelops the trog, who starts roaring and swatting at the bugs. In reponse, it ignores Mutt's intimidating glare and leaps upon the barbarian to wildly attack. Mutt's magical shielding keeps most if it back, but it gets a claw in before it simply steps to the south.

Everyone is up. It just 5' stepped south rather than running out.

Crap, I didn't realize that Mutt stepped up. I was expecting everyone to hold back to force the trog to come out. Mutt, if you stay there, no one can join the attack. You'll have to either move into the room so the rest of us can, or back out and wait for him to come to us.

Sorry about that. I'll move out of the way. Also, did the troglodyte get a hit on me? I assume so. How much damage did I take?

Mutt turns around to see everyone somewhat glaring at him for blocking the way. He decides to step back and let them in first.

Current Stats: AC 24, touch 8, flat-footed 24 (+5 armor, +0 Dex, +1 luck bonus, +6 natural armor, +4 shield bonus, -1 size penalty, -2 bloodrage penalty); hp 49/97; Fort +11, Will +6; Melee +1 elf bane greataxe +14/+9 (+16/+11) (3d6+7/x3) (deals extra 2d6 to elves) or masterwork cold iron warhammer +14/+9 (2d6+6/x3) or masterwork longsword +13/+8 (2d6+6/19-20) or +1 pickaxe +14/+9 (2d6+7/x4); Size: Large; Str 22 (+6), Dex 9 (-1), Con 20; reach: 10 ft; CMB +14; CMD 24; Skills Climb +13, Swim +10; -1 size penalty to attack rolls; Good Hope: +2 morale bonus on saving throws, attack rolls, ability checks, skill checks, and weapon damage rolls; Protection from acid: first 96 points of Acid damage you take will be absorbed. It'll last for 80 minutes.

Current Effects:
Shield 47/80 rounds left
Ironskin 47/80 rounds left
Enlarge Person 47/80 rounds left
Bloodrage 28/36 rounds left
Good Hope
Protection from Acid 792/800 rounds?

Lusk holds as he watches the lizard creature on the other side of the angry swarming bees now that Mutt had stepped back.

The hornets wink out of existence.

Thaddeus maneuvers around the group. He considers trying to flush out the beast with a stinking cloud, but realized that the stench the thing produces naturally probably would render such a tactic useless.

Failing that, he tries to get at an angle where he can glare at the beast and say unkind words about his tactics and strategy.

Moving around, trying to get line of effect for an Evil Eye hex. I'll go -4 to his attacks for one round, DC 18 Will save or it'll persist for 7 rounds.

Round 2: Actions
Move Action: Move to engage the trog
Standard Action: Hammer Time!

Fiona follows after Mutt, intent on beating this beast into the floor with her hammer.

Smack *Good Hope*: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14

Unfortunately, all she strikes is solid stone.

OK, I guess we're going in after him. I'm flexible (and speedy!)

Variel runs in after Fiona, using his magical speed and cover from Fiona to avoid the creature's attacks, then cracks his whip.
Between Escape Route and moving around the trog's reach, I can get into position without provoking. Swift action for Bane and single attack.

Good hope, bane
Attack: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26 damage: 1d4 + 9 + 2d6 ⇒ (1) + 9 + (6, 1) = 17

Current stats: AC 21 (12T); CMD 23; Saves F9 R6 W13; HP 32/45

@Mutt - 11 damage after DR.

Variel and Fiona rush in, with Variel's whip scoring home with a nasty crack while Fiona thwonks her earthbreaker against the stone quite hard. The troglodyte seems to resist the worst of Thaddeus' evil eye, but gets a little sloppy as a result anyways.

Lusk and Mutt can still do stuff!

Thank you for the damage amount. I don't think that it came up earlier. Also, Mutt used his move action to move out of the way. At least that's what I thought happened. But, it seems like you counted that as a free action as opposed to a move action like I planned. With that...

Mutt sees that the space is too small for him to fit. He tries to swing his greataxe at the troglodyte, using his reach and large size to avoid hitting Fiona.

Attack 1 (bloodrage, enlarge person, size penalty, power attack, good hope): 1d20 + 14 - 1d1 - 3 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 14 - (1) - 3 + 2 = 18
Damage (bloodrage, enlarge person, arcane strike, power attack, good hope): 3d6 + 7 + 2 + 6 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (2, 3, 4) + 7 + 2 + 6 + 3 + 2 = 29

Attack 2 (bloodrage, enlarge person, size penalty, power attack, good hope): 1d20 + 9 - 1 - 3 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 9 - 1 - 3 + 2 = 11
Damage (bloodrage, enlarge person, arcane strike, power attack, good hope): 3d6 + 7 + 2 + 6 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (4, 5, 2) + 7 + 2 + 6 + 3 + 2 = 31

Current Stats: AC 24, touch 8, flat-footed 24 (+5 armor, +0 Dex, +1 luck bonus, +6 natural armor, +4 shield bonus, -1 size penalty, -2 bloodrage penalty); hp 38/97; Fort +11, Will +6; Melee +1 elf bane greataxe +14/+9 (+16/+11) (3d6+7/x3) (deals extra 2d6 to elves) or masterwork cold iron warhammer +14/+9 (2d6+6/x3) or masterwork longsword +13/+8 (2d6+6/19-20) or +1 pickaxe +14/+9 (2d6+7/x4); Size: Large; Str 22 (+6), Dex 9 (-1), Con 20; reach: 10 ft; CMB +14; CMD 24; Skills Climb +13, Swim +10; -1 size penalty to attack rolls; Good Hope: +2 morale bonus on saving throws, attack rolls, ability checks, skill checks, and weapon damage rolls; Protection from acid: first 96 points of Acid damage you take will be absorbed. It'll last for 80 minutes.

Current Effects:
Shield 47/80 rounds left
Ironskin 47/80 rounds left
Enlarge Person 47/80 rounds left
Bloodrage 28/36 rounds left
Good Hope
Protection from Acid 792/800 rounds?

Maneuvering around the giant Mutt Lusk brings himself up beside Fiona.

Double Move.

Hey guys, exhausted wreck - post will be tomorrow morning if I can hack it.

Okies, no worries.

Not a problem.

Yep, we all have those days.

Good to go, thanks for your patience.

Mutt has difficulty landing an attack with Fiona in the way. Meanwhile, the party streams into the room to surround the truly berserk troglodyte. It leaps upon Fiona, trying to put an end to her song, scoring a single hit.

Fiona takes 11 damage. Everyone is up!

Fiona wasn't singing.

Round 2: Actions
Full-Round Action: Full Attack!

Fiona flinches before swinging her hammer twice.

Pow *Good Hope*: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (17) + 13 = 30
Damage?: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (6, 6) + 6 = 18

Pow *Good Hope*: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
Damage?: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (6, 1) + 6 = 13

Thaddeus once again finds himself left to make himself useful as the rest of his group descends on the threat and pile on it like a bunch of farmers trying to catch a pig. With most of his spells a bit indiscriminate in the destruction they could cause (And the beast hard to see at the moment), he finds himself struggling to contribute meaningfully.

Seeking to make himself at least slightly useful, he quickly pulls out his wand from his pack and decides to heal up Mutt a little.

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Keanu swings and steps and swings.

Greatsword (1): 1d20 + 12 - 3 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 12 - 3 + 2 = 17
Slashing, Magical, Shocking: 2d6 + 1d6 + 14 + 2 ⇒ (6, 1) + (2) + 14 + 2 = 25
Greatsword (2): 1d20 + 7 - 3 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 7 - 3 + 2 = 13
Slashing, Magical, Shocking: 2d6 + 1d6 + 14 + 2 ⇒ (2, 6) + (4) + 14 + 2 = 28

AC is 23

Variel continues the assault. Using another round of bane.

Good hope, bane
Primary Attack: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19 damage: 1d4 + 9 + 2d6 ⇒ (3) + 9 + (5, 6) = 23
Iterative Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16 damage: 1d4 + 9 + 2d6 ⇒ (3) + 9 + (4, 6) = 22

Current stats: AC 21 (12T); CMD 23; Saves F9 R6 W13; HP 32/45

Mutt once again tries to hit the troglodyte!

Again, I believe that he is within my reach.

Attack 1 (bloodrage, enlarge person, size penalty, power attack, good hope): 1d20 + 14 - 1 - 3 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 14 - 1 - 3 + 2 = 18
Damage (bloodrage, enlarge person, arcane strike, power attack, good hope): 3d6 + 7 + 2 + 6 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (2, 6, 5) + 7 + 2 + 6 + 3 + 2 = 33

Attack 2 (bloodrage, enlarge person, size penalty, power attack, good hope): 1d20 + 9 - 1 - 3 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 9 - 1 - 3 + 2 = 26
Damage (bloodrage, enlarge person, arcane strike, power attack, good hope): 3d6 + 7 + 2 + 6 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (5, 6, 1) + 7 + 2 + 6 + 3 + 2 = 32

Current Stats: AC 24, touch 8, flat-footed 24 (+5 armor, +0 Dex, +1 luck bonus, +6 natural armor, +4 shield bonus, -1 size penalty, -2 bloodrage penalty); hp 40/97; Fort +11, Will +6; Melee +1 elf bane greataxe +14/+9 (+16/+11) (3d6+7/x3) (deals extra 2d6 to elves) or masterwork cold iron warhammer +14/+9 (2d6+6/x3) or masterwork longsword +13/+8 (2d6+6/19-20) or +1 pickaxe +14/+9 (2d6+7/x4); Size: Large; Str 22 (+6), Dex 9 (-1), Con 20; reach: 10 ft; CMB +14; CMD 24; Skills Climb +13, Swim +10; -1 size penalty to attack rolls; Good Hope: +2 morale bonus on saving throws, attack rolls, ability checks, skill checks, and weapon damage rolls; Protection from acid: first 96 points of Acid damage you take will be absorbed. It'll last for 80 minutes.

Current Effects:
Shield 46/80 rounds left
Ironskin 46/80 rounds left
Enlarge Person 46/80 rounds left
Bloodrage 27/36 rounds left
Good Hope
Protection from Acid 791/800 rounds?

The group descends on the troglodyte and it turns into a mass of swinging blades, cracking whips, and thumping hammers. Unable to do much without causing more trouble than its worth, Thaddeus jabs Mutt with a wand.

The dust settles, and you realize the troglodyte is now dead.

End of Combat

Lying tied up and having seen better days are your missing elven generals, Shalelu and Kaerishiel. Kaerishiel looks up at you through a swollen eye. "I'm making a habit out of this." He groans and rests his head back on the ground.

They appear to have been beaten and either drugged or poisoned and are not in a particularly fantastic state. Shalelu is alive but nonresponsive.

Variel takes a breath (shallow, due to the omnipresent stench) after the fight ends, then hurries over to Shalelu and Kaerishiel to examine them. "Well, this is one objective accomplished. Let's see how you two are doing."

Take 10 for 22 Heal check to diagnose their condition. Will hit point healing help, or do they need rest and care?

After that, the usual take 10 for 33 Perception in the room while everyone recovers from the fight.

Lusk waits by as Variel examines the generals, hoping they will make it. As soon as the okay is given the Enforcer will work to get them down.

Mutt ends his bloodrage and breathes in. He keeps watch over the area while Variel checks over the generals.

Take 10 on Perception for 22.

Heat point healing will help but a boatload of restoration spells will help more. They're in the 'need rest and care' stage more than anything but can be brought to fighting condition with a lot of stat healing.

Kaerishiel groans. "Nolveniss is a madman," he says in a weak, hoarse voice. "Torture for no particular reason. He knows this fight is lost but is trapped in this damnable dimension so wants to wrest what knowledge he has left. He should be up in the spire. Threw Shalelu off of the top - shocked she survived. Said he only needed one of us."

Keanu looked at Shalelu with grim appreciation before working to get the two generals down. "Only needed one? Who did Nolveniss use?"

If I read that right, Nolveniss still has someone up there?

Variel growls in disgust. "Nolveniss will not be leaving this dimension, that is quite true. We believe we can get ourselves out using his talisman. We will find him and destroy him, mark my word."

CLW: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Variel speaks a brief spell, and his own wounds close up. He looks to the others and asks, "Are we ready to face the madman?"

How much time should we mark off spells for checking them out? One full minute? More/less?

Keanu nods without hesitation to Variel.

We really need to work on accumulating more Restoration spells. As for time... Let me see what a minute gets me.

"Ready? Uhh, well, lemme get started. Only got th'one wand left, so..."

Thaddeus continuously pokes Mutt. The big guy needs it, and there's still fighting to be done.

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Assuming Mutt's current total of 24/81 is accurate, that'll completely heal him.

"'Dere we go."

Thaddeus hustles over to Fiona.

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

"Really gotta stop preppin' a buncha spells on th'assumption we're fightin' armies. Seem to be doin' a lot o'smaller scale battles, an' not bein' able t'do a whole lot."

That covers a minute.

"Every'ne else good? Keanu, yeh look golden. Variel, bit injured. Need a boost?"

"Hmm, 'dose two 'kin come wit'us. Don' wanna leave 'em here, but Ah don' see 'em doin' much in a fight. Best jus' hang behind us. HEY! OLD HORN!"

*Beeeeaaaahhh!*

Old Horn walks in from where he was hiding in the previous room.

"Make yerself useful 'fer once 'n watch over 'dese 'two, 'kay?"

*Beeeaahh!*

"Yeah, yeah, Ah'll get'cha some carrots later! We're fightin' t'save th' world here, y'know?"

"Every'ne else good? Keanu, yeh look golden. Variel, bit injured. Need a boost?"

Nope, just forgot to update my stat line. I used my last 1st level spell and got max, so I'm full up.

Mutt smiles when he's fully healed and nods in thanks. He rests his greataxe on his shoulder. "I'm ready to go."

Fiona's eyes narrow and she growls. "I'm always ready."

Kaerishiel shakes his head. "No - just us. He decided to kill her because she was the last one of us to insult him. He's in the centre spire. I don't know what else is on this floor though. Haven't been around too much." He laughs and coughs.

From here you can head through the huge double doors to the north, presumably leading to the central spires. However, the rest of the main floor is unexplored as well.

Where to, heroes?

Keanu solemnly nods to Kaerishiel.

Hmm, probably best to clear the rest of this place out if we're leaving them here for the moment.

"Let us confirm there is nothing else on this level that could get between us and a withdrawal if needed. Kaerishiel, we will leave the two of you here for now."

[ooc]I agree. Let's check the other circular room to the north, then go back to the other rooms on this floor before going upstairs.

"Old Horn, stay here." Thaddeus taps the side of his head with his finger. "Let me know if'n somethin' happens."