Curse of the Crimson Throne

Game Master Whack-a-Rogue

Create Gap is a talent from the Warp sphere.

Elemental Ward (wrists; 6,400gp)

This golden bracelet is decorated with gems of various colors. Once per day, as a standard action, a creature can activate the bracelet to create an aegis on themself and up to two allies within 35ft for 4 minutes. This aegis grants energy resistance 14 to one of the following elements, chosen when the item is activated and applying to all creatures that benefit from the aegis: acid, cold, electricity, fire, or sonic damage. This only absorbs damage and may not protect from other side-effects. The energy resistance granted by this item overlaps (and does not stack with) any existing energy resistance.

This seems like a must-have. The price is reasonable, and it gives both of us energy resist 14 for 4 minutes. So when fighting this black dragon, or really anything else with energy damage, it will be useful.

Bloody Mess (slotless; 3,600gp)
This heart-shaped item must be squeezed hard to activate, after which it reforms themself in the user’s hand. Once per day, as a standard action, a creature can use a bloody mess to make a ranged touch attack dealing 3 bleed damage to one creature within 30ft; this has no save if it hits, but it is a negative energy death effect and will not harm undead and certain similar creatures.

This might be useful for Torsten. He has no ranged option. Just causing bleed on a flying caster would be a good use of an otherwise wasted turn.

Voice Shifter (neck; 4,000gp)
This dull metal choker presses firmly against the user's neck, though not tightly enough to choke. As a standard action, the user can use this item to adjust the rate, volume, pitch, articulation, and pronunciation of their voice. This change is not accurate enough to mimic a specific creature, but it can resemble any gender or species, including accents in any language the user can speak in. It cannot create sounds louder than the user is normally capable of.

"Patch Hole" (slotless; 7,500gp)

A patch hole is a black circle of cloth nearly identical in appearance to a portable hole. It is 6 feet in diameter, can be folded as small a pocket handkerchief, and lightly adheres to surfaces it is spread against, allowing it to easily be placed on ceilings and walls. When fully spread on a surface it bends space, creating a cylindrical hole 10 feet deep in whatever surface it was placed on. The created hole lasts for 1 minute before reverting to cloth, and may be activated three times per day as a standard action. A patch hole otherwise functions as Create Gap.

Either way here's the math from the list:

So half the time I miss calculate the magic items in YBD's ABP system, but I think he just skips the +1 subtraction and just charges the magic at it's "weapon bonus base price"
Flaming longsword 1,157.5 = 1/2(15 gp. + 300 gp. + 2,000 gp.)
cruel longsword 1,157.5 = 1/2(15 gp. + 300 gp. + 2,000 gp.)
875gp
Obsidian undead-bane battleaxe 1,152.5‬ gp. = 1/2(5 gp. + 300 gp. + 2,000 gp.)
rhino hide armor (deal +2d6 damage when charging; sells for 582gp)
MW Greatsword x3: 525 gp. = 1/2(350 gp. x3)
MW Halberd: 155 gp. = 1/2 x 310 gp.
Mithral Breastplate: 2,100 gp. = 1/2(200 gp. + 4.000 gp.)
Adamantine Battleaxe 1,505 gp. = 1/2(10 gp.+ 3,000 gp.)
lawful outsider-bane greatsword 1,175 gp. = 1/2(50 gp. + 300 gp. + 2,000 gp.)
reanimator's shawl: 9,000 gp.
greater skeletal palanquin: 5,500 gp.
Assorted coins and gemstones worth a total of 7,042gp
conductive battleaxe 1,155 gp. = 1/2(10 gp. + 300 gp. + 2,000 gp.)
24 onyx gems (on the mummy; worth 2,800gp in total)
Total monies to spend: 35,881.5‬ gp.

If we're not getting the 'ring' and just getting Torsten's list plus the Patch hole (21,500 gp.) we don't have to take the 'greater Skeletal Palanquin with us. (30,381.5 gp.) Leaving us the Palanquin and 8,881.5‬ gp. to deal with later.

Those prices look right on a quick glance. The way I calculate is really straightforward, actually: add the "equivalent enhancement bonus" to the price of a masterwork version of the item. Flaming is a +1 bonus, so that's 2,000gp + 300gp for MW + the base weapon price. Ghost Touch is also a +1 bonus, so adding that to the flaming weapon previously mentioned would cost an additional 6,000gp.

That is what I thought I remembered...

@Usawoti: Don't forget to give yourself darkvision as well. ;-)

I thought I had done that at the beginning of the day, but I will take another point off just in case.

Apparently I'm too lazy to go back and look, but since we've gotten back to town have we rested long enough to rejuvenate our spell points?

Thank you both for dealing with all of this math and loot tracking!

Sure, it was sort of an afterthought. It didn't feel like Torsten or Usawoti was supper worried about collecting treasure, but when it was stuff he could pick up and put in his pack I was like 'why not'. Then Torsen recommended we use the Palanquin I figured why not keep everything. So, I just copied the posts of loot to my page to figure out later. I'll keep a rough list at the bottom of Usawoti's page.

"Well done. And while ye were doing this, I found us a place to eat." "Smoked foods!"

Yeah you said smoked food and I heard Smoked Food.

... a silver-armored woman mounted on its back.

Did either of us perchance recognize the woman?

I just remembered Usawoti's armor allows flight, maybe we should fly up and attack it in the a...

never mind...

Gray Maiden armor includes a full helm, so there aren't really any identifying features visible.

Usawoti Spell Resistance DC 26: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (7) + 14 = 21

Torsten's fist deals a devastating blow, but it's significantly less effective than anticipated (only the shove and the nat20 hit). Usawoti's magic is absorbed by the dragon's natural resistances.

Sorry, does 'absorbed mean the blast didn't do any damage? I couldn't tell if it resisted the spell or if it has DR. Just asking for further assaults...

The dragon has spell resistance, so if the MSB roll isn't high enough, the magic has no effect.

So it was Usawoti rolling to beat the dragons spell resistance, ok got it...

I obviously don't have enough coffee in me, because I read that the dragon had to beat the 26...

Once I get more coffee in me so I'm not a blooming moron I'll get a post up in game...

Edit: I know better than to try and read and understand stuff before the coffee kicks in, but I do it anyway...

Torsten manages a pair of hits as Usawoti's magic batters the dragon. It's quite injured but still has some fight left in it.

Usawoti Sneak Attack: 4d6 ⇒ (4, 1, 4, 3) = 12

I don't know why I still feel like noob playing this system sometimes. May I assume the extra roll is that 'sneak' works on the destructive blast and we're flaking and Usawoti is within 30 ft. So, would the 'fatal thrust' have counted also?

I'll try and keep these in mind moving forwards. If we're doing a map I'll see it, if not and were doing 'theatre of the mind' I'll ask about location.

You aren't flanking, actually. There's more to this encounter than meets the eye. ;-)

Fatal Thrust requires an attack action or an AoO - neither of which applies to a destructive blast.

Fatal Thrust requires an attack action or an AoO - neither of which applies to a destructive blast.

Ok, I forgot it wasn't an attack action. Or I didn't know it wasn't an attack action? Either way I didn't think it or flank would apply, so glad to hear there is more going on than I realize.

Edit: Just tell me Torsten ended the dragon....

Sorry if my posts are coming off shallow and not thought out. My brain is elsewhere. My mom passed away yesterday morning and even though it was expected, I'm still making phone calls, trying to get arrangements made and things organized while taking well-meaning phone calls from folks.

So, for the next week I'm not going to be as active as normal and most posts will be quick. The funeral itself will be a week from today, so I may not post then. But up until that time I'll be active, just not thorough.

I’m so sorry to hear that. It is perfectly understandable. Please take whatever time you need.

I'm so sorry. Take all the time you need.

Thanks, I knew you two would be great. Really the only day I'll be indisposed more than usual (I post mostly in the morning, and then just check the boards throughout the day) will be Friday, the day of the funeral. But I'm distracted, so it's harder to really get in character and post something intelligent or interesting. Quick blurbs are easy, but I pride myself on considering posts and I know I won't be doing as much of that for a week or so.

@Torsten: The dragon attack happened during lunch, and it's only been an hour or two since then.

So early afternoon, we rest and go at night.

Can they rest for eight hours and regain spell pool?

Yes, that's perfectly fine. It'll put you between 11pm and midnight.

Sorry folks, I forgot to get a post up today, I'll get one first thing in the morning.

So this afternoon is my mothers viewing and tomorrow the funeral, I probably will be able to get a post up later tonight once family heads to the their hotel, The funeral tomorrow is in the morning, so probably will not be on line until late afternoon.

Sorry, mentally and emotionally whipped today. Normally I figure if I have the time to post in discussion, I can make a short post in game instead. Sadly, today is going be the exception to that. I've occasionally mentioned that I take care of my mom full time. I use the games here to keep myself distracted from RL. I normally try and post once a day in the games that are moving whatever is happening in RL. I told a few folks that she passed last Thursday, it was not unexpected, she'd fought dementia for the last ten years and her health had slipped. But today was the funeral, twenty-two family members from out of town, at the funeral home and here at the house. The headed home and we just finished dinner, but I'm whipped. I thought I had the energy for this tonight, but I just don't. I'll get a post up in the morning, and things should be back to normal quickly. I know it isn't a big deal to miss a day of posting, but I did want to explain. The community here is super, and I know you all understand.

Of course. Please take all the time you need, and if you ever want to talk or vent, that is fine as well. I’ve never lost a parent, but my grandparents did a lot to raise me and it hit hard when they passed. So I understand what it is like to lose someone you love, even when you see it coming.

Anyways, this is something we do for fun and because it is good mental energy. Please take care of yourself.

I'm not going to write anything because Grumbaki said it so perfectly. Take all the time you need; we'll be here when you're ready.

Thanks, I was just really surprised. I normally post in the morning, but I usually can sit down at the end of a busy day and make a couple quality posts before I head to bed. Last night after dinner and everyone left (except for a friend that is staying here from out of town) I sat down and my brain went, "Nope not interested too tired and emotionally worn." I was sort of surprised. But, feeling more like myself this morning, so will drink a couple cups of coffee and get posting.

Attacks (torsten): 4d20 + 14 + 2 ⇒ (11, 6, 12, 7) + 14 + 2 = 52 (hit AC 27, 22, 28, and 23)

Attacks (usawoti): 4d20 + 14 + 2 ⇒ (15, 19, 9, 14) + 14 + 2 = 73 (hit AC 31, 35, 25, and 30)
Confirm (torsten)?: 1d20 + 14 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 14 + 2 = 34
Damage (torsten): 4d8 + 32 + 21d6 - 9 ⇒ (1, 6, 3, 7) + 32 + (1, 6, 5, 4, 3, 1, 2, 1, 2, 3, 5, 4, 5, 2, 1, 4, 6, 3, 2, 4, 6) - 9 = 110 (already factored in DR)

A little confused, if we are flat footed three of the attacks would have hit Usawoti, if not flat footed two would have it. But you didn't roll damage for Usawoti. Also, was the 'confirm' for the 19? That was rolled on Usawoti. Just double checking the math here. I'm sure Usawoti took some damage, just not sure what it is.

I completely messed that up by trying to combine everything to save time. I'll go back and separate everything out a little later. Sorry about that!

Sweet! Also going to double check if the assassins can see in Usawoti's sphere of darkness?

@Usawoti: Anything with darkvision can see in your darkness without issue. ;-)

After doublechecking everything, here's the breakdown of rolls. This doesn't factor in DR or any of your other defenses - it's just the attack/damage rolls. I also got confused by Torsten's AC. I'd thought the +4 Shield bonus was factored in; not added to it. You knew the assassins were there, so there was no surprise round, but they won initiative. However, as you knew they were present as soon as you entered the room, but combat technically started then. As it would have taken you a round to reach your current position, you're no longer flat-footed. :-)

Torsten
Attack hits AC 27
Attack hits AC 22
Attack hits AC 28
Attack hits AC 23

Usawoti
Attack hits AC 31 (-2 if immune to flanking); deals 31pts damage (-22 if no sneak attack)
Attack hits AC 35 (-2 if immune to flanking); deals 36pts damage (-22 if no sneak attack)
Critical Confirmation hits AC 34 (-2 if immune to flanking); deals 11pts additional damage
Attack hits AC 25
Attack hits AC 30 (-2 if immune to flanking); deals 41pts damage (-26 if no sneak attack)

Sorry for the confusion on the AC. And damn, Usawoti got unlucky with some of those hit rolls.

Also thanks for the breakdown!

True, just didn't know if they had dark vision and I keep forgetting about the sphere then go 'hey did...'

Yeah I was waiting to see what the damage was before I decided what sort of attack/defense to do :)

So - 78 HP,

Did we perchance see which direction the daggers came from? Any we noticed anyone throwing them?

The daggers came from the south, but you don't see anyone.

Fly is a third level spell, so minimum of five minutes. Any chance any of that is left? Finding the door, opening the door, Lifting Torsten up, fighting the devils, going upstairs, fighting the three assassins.

edit:Or where are you at on the fast ball special we could call it dwarf tossing :)

It might be fly, but there are plenty of other options. Overland flight lasts a minimum of 9hrs, for example. ;-)

Dwarf tossing is a proud tradition, so of course I'm fine with it. ;-) You have enough STR to lift Torsten, but since there's no official rules, I'm going to DM-fiat something loosely based on the Telekinesis sphere. You can pick up Torsten as a Move action (this requires a grapple check if he's unwilling) and can throw him as a Standard action. As you don't have proficiency in "dwarf," it would be considered an improvised ranged attack. As dwarves are heavy, I'm thinking a 5ft range increment sounds about right (you can throw up to five ranged increments). If this hits, both Torsten and the target will take 1d6 bludgeoning damage per 5ft thrown. Torsten will have his full round's worth of actions available, but unless he has a readied action, he'll fall before his turn begins. Sound fair?

Sorry, I meant how much time does Usawoti have on his fly spell from the armor?

And I'll have to talk to Torsten about tossing him....

So…throw Torsten up and he repositions the assassin to the ground?

@Usawoti: Ah, I forgot you had that. The fly spell from your armor lasts for 5min total, and you have approximately 1min remaining. On an unrelated note, if you ever happen to acquire a celestial shield, the fly spell upgrades to 5hrs.

Cool, approximately a minute left. Sadly I'd jumped on my computer to turn it off and saw you'd posted and stopped to check. I'll get a post up in the morning.

A celestial shield...noted...

really not sure what to do here, if Torsten describes the assassins location well enough can Usawoti attack it (50% chance miss) or should we consider tossing the dwarf? I can use channel energy to damage them, Torsten didn't you pick up a ranged attack of some sort?

I think I'll have Usawoti blast at the square Torsten points out, should I wait for Torsten to point or can I go ahead and blast?

Torsten points. I'll get a post up where Torsten starts throwing bits and pieces of the swarm and giant mantis we killed as improvised weapons.

Sorry that took so long, I was going to channel but that would have put him at 10 remaining and I'm not sure how long the fights going to be. I'm hoping that the 'cone' allows him to avoid the 50% chance of missing and he can use the extra HP.

It's sad, I've been playing a character with Feint for a while now, but I don't remember all the ins and outs. Can he feint a creature he cannot see? I was thinking about flying up there and trying to whack her, but if he can't feint, it would be less effective, so I went with the death cone.

'Mass Death Magic' still uses attack rolls, so it'll be subject to the 50% miss chance. Instead of an AoE, think of it as firing multiple rays.

I think you can feint a creature you can't see, but you'll have to target the correct square.

but but but it's a cone.... *sigh* low is bad: 1d100 ⇒ 71

Edit: So can he just do the regular attack and save the point?

Oh, thanks for the info on Feint, I just wasn't sure.

Edit # 2: LOL, I just saw you post in game...

Mass Death Magic is more like THIS - multiple individually-targeted attacks. It's not a kamehameha. ;-) Since there's only one target, you can save the spell point.

but but but it's a cone...*sigh*

Did I mention I hate dragon ball Z? I'm sure if they were in a Robert E. Howard book Conan would be trying to kill all of them...

That said, thanks for the spell point back :)