I'm out of commission for most of this day, so NPC as needed.Venedictus' round 2 action: if there's a wolf right in front of him, he'll take a 5-foot step back an blast it with a lightning bolt.
Lightning Arc Touch Attack: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (18) + 0 = 18
-4 if into melee
Lightning Arc Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3
If there wasn't a wolf in front of him, he'd fire his lightning and then move behind Dara to stand behind Udaya.
Dara gives a savage smile as her tall friend steps up beside her. In spite of her bloodlust, the brash young dwarf holds her position knowing from her army days that tactics are their greatest advantage right now.
"Just let the prey come to the hunter..." she mutters.
Dara round 2
Dara continues to hold position waiting for a wolf to get within reach of her waraxe.
Udaya's arrow once more fires true. It lands squarely in the side of the healthy wolf. This wolf, however, looks much less perturbed by the impact than the previous wolf did. Udaya steps up to Dara's left.
Bear takes out his scroll and chants the mystic words of the spell.
Dara, I'm going to assume your stated round 2 action is your round 1 action since I don't have a round 1 action from you yet (your last action was in the surprise round).
Dara stands her ground and waits.
She doesn't have long to wait, though, as the mangy wolf charges at her. Her axe draws a large amount of blood. At the same time, Venedictus brings his readied glaive in, but only achieves a slight push on the wolf. The wolf looks in terrible shape, but desperation gleams in its eye and it follows through on its attack.
Wolf bite attack: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 + 2 = 10
However, its aim has been knocked off by the attacks on it and it is unable to make contact with Dara.
Its teeth sink into Udaya's leg, gripping on and pulling back. Udaya feels her balance go awry as the wolf's teeth tear back out of her, and she falls over prone.
Michael: To avoid confusion in my own PbP games, my ruling is that we always consider the first round of combat (surprise or not) as round 1. Thus I note rounds like this: Round 01: Surprise. Before making that declaration, it was just too confusing never knowing if were counting starting from 0 or from 1. With that in mind, you were correct in guessing that the action I stated above was for this, the 2nd round of combat, not the 2nd full round (which would be next round).
No worries about the confusion. Combat gets confusing at times even on the best of days. At the risk of confusing people further, though, I am going to continue counting the surprise round as before round 1. I'm the one with the most things to keep track of, and it's what I'm used to. :)
So noted. In your campaign Surprise rounds are Round 0 otherwise we count from 1. Correct?
Dara: Round 2 "Oh no ya don't!" Dara shouts!
If the big wolf is still alive when her turn comes around, Dara will ignore the one she just attacked, Rage as a free action (+2 Str, +2 Con, +1 Will, -2 AC), drop her shield as a free action, and swing Fiendrazer with both hands to try and kill/distract the one that just knocked Udaya down.
Bear quickly steps into the spot to the left of Udaya, his whisperings stoking the flowing script on the blade into a warm light. Then he delivers a vicious vertical swipe, trying to remove the wolf's head.
Move to get next to Udaya > Swift action to Arcane Strike > Attack 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23; 2d4 + 7 ⇒ (4, 4) + 7 = 15.
If that wolf is already dead, he will instead use the same actions on the other wolf.
So noted. In your campaign Surprise rounds are Round 0 otherwise we count from 1. Correct?
That's correct.
I'm not going to be able to post again until late this evening, but that will give Fredrik a chance to post his round 2 actions. I have everyone else's, so I'll tie up round 2 at that time. I have a suspicion there isn't going to be a round 3. :)
Fredrik sees the wolf drop Udaya like a wet sack of potatoes, and knows the wolf needs to be slowed down somehow. And he knew just how to do it...he chants a quick magical phrase and a multicolored ball of light appears in his palm, which he hurls at the wolf pestering Udaya.
If the wolf is already dead, then target the other wolf.
Attack Blinding Ray, Ranged Touch 1d20 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 1 - 4 = 13 The ray causes creatures to be blinded for 1 round. Creatures with more Hit Dice than your wizard level are dazzled for 1 round instead.
"I believe the proper term in this case would be Doggy, as opposed to Kitty, as these creatures are of the canine persuasion."
"Tell you what, Slick. When it is gnawing on your leg, you can name it. Until then - I'm calling it 'kitty'... Now if someone would GET THIS DAMN THING OFF ME I'd be grateful!"
Got a few extra minutes that I wasn't expecting to have, so I can get round 2 wrapped up now.
Fredrik lets loose his blinding ray. The multicolored ball envelops the wolf looming over Udaya. When the colour vanishes, the wolf is left shaking its head back and forth, trying to clear its vision.
I've realized Udaya didn't specify a specific action; however, based on her comments, I'm going to assume she uses total defense.
Bear rushes up beside Udaya, bringing his blade down on the back of the wolf's neck. He doesn't succeed in severing the head, but he does bring the wolf down. It collapses in a pool of its own blood.
Seeing that the big wolf is down, Dara turns to the mangy one that is already whimpering pathetically. It barely manages to give a yelp before her waraxe takes it down.
A quick check of the wolves' bodies can determine that they are all still alive, barely clinging to life and slowly dying. If you wish to coup de grace them, you can do so without any difficulty.
Venedictus lowers his hand, the electricity fading from his fingers as he reabsorbs the charge he was about to unleash.
"Poor things, they don't look well fed. Must not be a lot of game around these parts. If this cairn has been taken by them as a lair, then it should be safe to leave Modestine here. I don't imagine wolves like sharing their lairs with other predators."
Fredrik at first watches with interest as Dara butchers the wolves, but then Fort save, DC 10 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12 nearly retches, and barely keeps his breakfast down.
"Ugh...well that was...interesting. Maybe we should check out the apparatus with that glyph on it?"
I've realized Udaya didn't specify a specific action; however, based on her comments, I'm going to assume she uses total defense.
FWIW, I was just RPing a bit there, I didn't actually intend it as an official action. I was waiting to see what Flash's blast did before I acted. It's not a big deal, and since your choice allowed for more players to get in on the wolf bashing, I have no complaints. Just wanted to clarify my intent.
"Well, since that nasty business is over, let us check out the apparatus with the glyph, shall we?" Flash starts walking towards the alcove branch, and when he gets to the entrance, murmers a quiet incantation. Detect Magic.
Once he has finished scanning the alcove for magical emanations, he turns tot he group, saying "The floor is probably safe, but best to be sure. Dara, did you want to lead the way?"
Fredrik does not detect any magic coming from the apparatus or anywhere else in the side corridor.
I have placed a picture of the apparatus on the campaign site under handouts in the library section.
Fredrik:
Knowledge (arcana): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25
Fredrik recognizes the large glyph on the side as a rune from an ancient glyph language related to Auran, the language of air elementals. This particular glyph refers a group known as the Wind Dukes who forged an ancient artifact known as the Rod of Seven Parts
Fredrik turns to the others, saying "I would like a closer look at that, it looks like nothing I have ever heard of before. Fascinating." Turning to Dara, he asks, "Do you think the floor is safe?"
Navior
Spoiler:
Do I know of anything else about either the Wind Dukes or the Rod of Seven Parts?
Dara does not discover any sign of traps in the corridor. It looks safe to enter.
Fredrik:
He knows only that the Rod of Seven Parts dates back to the time of ancient Thassilon and that the Wind Dukes were elementals involved in some sort of war. A library in Korvosa, Kaer Maga, or Magnimar might have more information.
Fredrik can barely restrain his excitement and approaches the apparatus. With a look of glee in his eyes, he waves the others over, Assuming nothing terrible happens to him, he he.
Once they have arrives, he says excitedly, "This apparatus was constructed either by or for a group of elementals known as the Wind Dukes. These elementals constructed a priceless artifact known as the Rod of Seven Parts. If we can find where this Rod, or one of its pieces is located, we will be rich!"
Bluff check 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
Sense Motive DC 18
Spoiler:
You also get the sense he could use the Rod to gain power for himself.
He will then examine the apparatus closely for additional clues.
Perception 1d20 ⇒ 20 Appraise, untrained 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
As Fredrik approaches the apparatus, the whispering rises in volume again momentarily. It quietens again quickly, however, and it soon becomes apparent it was nothing more than an unnerving coincidence.
There are several smaller, fainter glyphs on the base. Fredrik instantly recognizes them as arcane symbols of transportation. (He can't fail a DC 10 Knowledge (arcana) check.) It's entirely possible that once upon a time, before the apparatus was broken, it was some sort of portal. It's possible this could be worth a lot of money to the right kind of collector, a wizard, or a sage. Allustan is the only person in Baslwief that might be interested. If he isn't, he might know where you could find someone who is. It will be awkward to transport though.
There are also several small shards of a shiny black substance on the floor behind the device.
And before I forget again: XP! Everyone gets 160 XP. I will hand out xp as we go. However, you might need to remind me occasionally. I'm used to doing it at the end of gaming sessions, which unfortunately, doesn't work in pbp. :)
Fredrik moves to gather up the pieces of the black substance, they may give more clues. On hearing the Keleshite woman's response, he replies, with a winning smile on his face, "I was thinking of what an artifact might mean for one who has the knowledge and skill to employ it, if one can control its power, then just think of all the good we could accomplish, help the town of Baslwief...But I digress. We first need to find it, of course."
He looks over at the portal apparatus, and says, "This may be worth a lot of money to the right buyer, but we need to find one first. Due to its bulk, we should leave it here. I hardly think it will get up and walk away."
Guess who is sucking all the 20's from the dice bot guys, he he
Bear has been quiet this whole time, simply watching the others with a serious look, idly scratching his chin. He, too, sees the shiny black stuff, and goes to investigate, giving the apparatus a tentative push on the way by, testing its weight.
As he begins to inspect the black stuff, he mutters to no one in particular, "Not impossible to move, though." He looks back at the priest, "You did bring a donkey… could rig up a sled or something."
What check do we need to make to ID the black stuff? Also, isn't 160 xp enough for level 2? :D
The apparatus is quite heavy, but the majority of the weight is in the base. Bear figures it shouldn't be too difficult to tip over. Then with a sled rig-up, the donkey should be able to drag it out.
The black shards have the feel of stone and the look of glass, but they're not obsidian. You're not sure what they are. (An Appraise check is needed to identify the substance, but unfortunately, nobody in the group has a high enough Appraise bonus to be able to identify it, even on a 20.) You do find a few additional shards on the inside of the frame. It would appear that these shards were from the "mirror's" glass.
"Anyone brave enough to carry some of these shards back to town to try to identify 'em? I wouldn't worry about it, but them being right next to this mostly unidentified magic thingy in this seemingly haunted tomb-thing has me a little antsy."
Venedictus will tether Modestine to the contraption, speaking what he hopes are soothing words to her ears as he prepares to leave her behind in the pitch blackness.
Can I Aid Another in this endeavor, using my Profession: Horse-trader modifier? I realize its' a stretch, but it kind of makes sense. If that's a no-go, I'll use an untrained Handle animal to try to help him out.
Profession: Horse-Trader 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13. If you think i need to use Handle Animal untrained instead, the total (with that same roll) is 8.
What about Bear performing an AA on himself with his own handle animal check by first making a Profession check (with a -2 penalty on the Profession check for this being a donkey rather than a horse)? Since Venedictus knows the Donkey, might he be able to lend a bonus on the Handling check?
