Shackled City (Pathfinder) - GM_Chris

Game Master Chris Shannon 719

Round 3, Initiative 8, Location -N 18

Atol yells "He's right here, he just hit me!" and he swings wildly into the darkness.

Cudgel 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7 (miss 1-50 1d100 ⇒ 52) for 1d8 ⇒ 8 points of damage.

Round 3, Init 18, Location 17-K

Dr. Toffitt will strike into 17-L.

Rapier + 8
1d100 ⇒ 39
1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21 +2 flank?
1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Ugh. Godsdamned trigger happy party members... :-p

1d20 + 6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 6 + 2 + 1 = 24
One takes an AoO at Glimmil as he walks away, but misses.

Dyrant still to go in round 3 and then the cloaked figures at bottom of Round 3, top of Round 4.

Others, please don't post round 4 actions until they go since they will move.

GM Chris, if you think it is reasonable that I would be able to hear Glim and the puppy moving away, my action will be to switch the Blessing of St. Cuthbert to Finneas.

+2 to AC and Saves.

I'll give him the benefit of the doubt, but this seems like a bad time to take the dog for a walk. Maybe he is setting up for an amazing blind charge?

Round 3, init 4, location M19 going to M18

Hearing the movements of combatants moving back and forth, Silfr will try and locate where they went.

Perception +4 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

Failing that he will move into the tunnel in hopes of finding them, likely by being attacked.

Hoping I am following the movements correctly...plan is to provoke an opportunity attacak then strike back.

Move from M19 to M18, now empty. Try to move to L18, bumping into Finneas and provoking from S2 in 17L. If there is no attack he will try and move to L17 and should find it occupied by an opponent.

Charging around wildly in the dark with a greatsword, feeling for enemies...

Assuming he is attacked and can counter with his standard.. he'd still miss:

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 92d6 + 6 ⇒ (3, 2) + 6 = 111d100 ⇒ 16

Dr. Toffitt calls out as a free action, "My friends, we are at a severe tactical disadvantage. We should retreat to a more advantageous position. The spiral staircases that lead to the balconies, for instance."

"This magical murk is too dangerous, we must retreat! Atol, Finneas, Glimmil, Toffit, fall back and seek to escape the magic. I will conduct a fighting advance to our rear battle lines in hopes of delaying them."

Retreat? WHAT?!

"Don't retreat, just ready to strike at it when it strikes at you! Glim come back here!"

Dyrant knows that running would not be safe for any of us. United we stand in darkness, divided in darkness our backs would be open to all.

Dyrant needs convincing, if you have a good plan, bring it.

I'll be in game tonight, so posting my round 4 actions now.

Round 3, Init 18, Location 17-K > ?

*Edit* "Dyrant, there are more defensible positions nearby. In our current position, we are as like to strike each other. The balconies!

Under other circumstances, debating retreat would make sense, but Dr. Toffitt doesn't feel there's a lot of time for debate. No worries, though: he may not be squawking very long if he's killed.

Dr. Toffitt listens to perceive where his silent foe is at.

Perception + 7
1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Dyrant needs convincing, if you have a good plan, bring it.

"The plan is to shift the advantage away from being completely to their side. Right now we don't know we they are or where we are. Falling back to a choke point or the balconies can only improve our situation."

The idea is to fall back to a choke were we can form a wall and know they are coming from one direction. Right now we are moving and striking in the dark, while the skulk + dark stalker move about us.

If you'll allow, Chris, since we're in a tight spot...

Dr. Toffitt makes a tactical readjustment in his head.

Chris, if you think this tactical discussion should take an action, Dr. Toffitt will switch his action to (a) total defense and (b) talking as move action, going to the same spot (13-M)...? Or (c) full round of strategic discussion. Whichever you feel is fair.

I don't mind all the strategic discussion due to the other limitations of PbP. Recap to follow.

Round 3 recap
Toffitt 17-K - Missed
Finneas 18-L - missed
Glimmil 17-P - moved north 15' to 17-P
Cog - 17-N - nothing within 5'; he stays
Atol 18-N - sunrise and miss
Silfir 18-M - moved and missed
Dyrant 18-O - changed ward to Finneas. Not sure if you need to be able to see, but you do have line of effect.

Round 4
1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 6 + 2 = 24 at Finneas
1d3 ⇒ 3 dagger
1d6 ⇒ 2 sneak
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20 at Finneas -should hit with ward gone.
1d3 ⇒ 1 dagger
1d6 ⇒ 5 sneak

The light returns to Dyrant's square.

For simplicity again, both S1 and S2 possess an object with deeper darkness. S1 will 5' to 17-J and S2 will 5' to 18-L.

Almost forgot Finneas's Fort save.
1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19 - shrugs the rest of the poison off

Round 4, Initiative 8, Location -N 18

Atol channels energy for 1d6 ⇒ 3 points of healing excluding the two opponents. I don't believe sight is required for this effect.

"St. Cuthbert banish this darkness and allow us to see our opponents!"

I'm not afraid of the dark, I'm not afraid of the dark...

Round 4, init 4, location M18

Listening to see if he hears one right in front of him...

Perception +4 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

... he does not. Silfr will announce where he is (M18) and suggest someone move adjacent to block off the corridor (M17).

Readying to strike back if attacked... concealment wins again.

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 182d6 + 6 ⇒ (2, 6) + 6 = 141d100 ⇒ 7

Round 4 Initiative 17 {18,-L}

One of them just tried to walk into me. I'll swing at him.

"I'm badly injured, I won't survive a retreat in the dark. I think they can see us somehow."

Greatsword +5
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 132d6 + 4 ⇒ (1, 2) + 4 = 71d100 ⇒ 91

Round 4, Init 17

Toffit and Silfr talk about falling back, Dyrant talks about charging forward... Decisions, decisions.

Glimmil whistles for Cog, "C'mere boy!"

Handle Animal (Trick: "Come" DC10): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

Once the dog approaches, Glimmil will climb onto it's back.

Move: Handle Animal, Standard: Mount

Round 4, Init 18, Location 17-K >

Chris, I think you have S2 moving into Finneas' square. Can you confirm?

Chris, I think you have S2 moving into Finneas' square. Can you confirm?

Oops. 18-K

From further south in the room a voice shouts to Glimmil.

"Guys? He's still offering to negotiate..."

Round 4, Init 18, Location 17-K

"You say he's in charge of the ones who kidnapped me and the children? Then I say we fight on until he surrenders himself into our custody. What say you all? Finneas, step back. Silfr, step forward" He's indicating -L, 17.

Dr. Toffitt delays for a moment.

Rapier + 8 - 4 (defensive)
1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 8 - 4 = 24
1d100 ⇒ 46%
1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Stupid, stupid darkness. I think natural 20s should ignore concealment. :-(

"The darkness has moved so it's likely centered on our enemy. That means a withdrawal won't work. He'll carry the attack and follow us until we're all lost.

So it's win by combat or work a deal. I say we try to win by combat, though it's looking harder and harder as time passes. I'd hate to admit defeat and do a deal but it may be what is required.

Still, I have channels left and a cure light ready to go if I can just find you Finneas!"

Atol rubs a recent bruise suffered at the hands of the high priest. Defeat and admission of ones failures is unpleasant, but it is a path to god.

So says the wise one... but then Atol is quick to admit his own failures. It's why he gets beat so often at the church. He's used to it.

Day tripping to Fargo, 200 miles one way, take me about 2.5 hours. I'll try to update by phone.

"You say he's in charge of the ones who kidnapped me and the children? Then I say we fight on until he surrenders himself into our custody. What say you all? Finneas, step back. Silfr, step forward" indicating -L, 17.[/ooc]

I sketched out where I think people are in round 4... I was confused in round 4 and thought a foe was next to me. But it was just my old pal Finneas.

__|_17_|_18
M_|____|_Si
L_|____|_Fi
K_|_Dr_|_S2
J_|_S1_|___

Round 5, init 4, M18

If people in higher init indicate they are moving around or the skulkers are moving around Silfr will revise where he goes and who he attacks. He can always wander south and try and bump into an enemy & provoke.

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 172d6 + 6 ⇒ (3, 6) + 6 = 151d100 ⇒ 88

Finally beat concealment, our most challenging foe!

Round 4 recap so far
Toffitt 17-K - Missed (tries for 18-L, or 17-L)
Finneas 18-L - missed
Glimmil 17-P - Mounts dog (don't ask)
Cog - 17-P - get's mounted (ditto)
Atol 18-N - Channels for 3
Silfir 18-M - readies, nothing happens
Dyrant 15-N (according to his round 1 post) - Claims he's going to go heal Finneas

Round 5
Silfir has already posted round 5. We'll see if it still works.Bad paladain. No smite for you.

Round 4, Init 0

Dyrant will stumble and bumble to -M,-19...

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20 Acrobatics

...only without the stumbling and bumbling.

Will touch and heal Finneas.

1d8 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5 healing

Round 4 recap
Toffitt 17-L - Missed; moves to 17-L
Finneas 18-L - missed
Glimmil 17-P - Mounts dog (don't ask)
Cog - 17-P - get's mounted (ditto)
Atol 18-N - Channels for 3
Silfir 18-M - readies, nothing happens
Dyrant 19-M - moves to 19-M and heals Finneas for 5

Round 5
1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 2 = 16
1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 6 + 2 = 25
1d3 ⇒ 2 - dagger
1d6 ⇒ 6 - sneak

Doctor Toffit steps back and forms a wall in the hallway with Finneas. Daggers stab at Finneas, but only one hits. However, it negates all the healing received this round.

Map
...17..18..19
P..G
O..
N..__..A
M..__..S...D
L..DR..F
K..S1..S2

Stat sheet updated with poisons, ward, etc.

Silfir has already posted round 5, but it doesn't work as Toffitt is there now. He can keep it if things change or he can revise.

Round 5 Initiative 17 {18-L}

"I'm right next to you Doctor."

Greatsword S2
Perception +5
Greatsword +5
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 221d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 142d6 + 4 ⇒ (5, 4) + 4 = 131d100 ⇒ 21

Silfir has already posted round 5, but it doesn't work as Toffitt is there now. He can keep it if things change or he can revise.

Pity, since I beat concealment. I'll wait and see what happens at higher initiatives.

Round 4, Init 18, Location 17-L

Silfr, get ready to switch with me. Finneas, I suggest you prepare to defend yourself while you switch with someone. Glimmel, are you there?

The Doctor is about to be fatigued. This combat is not looking good for us...

Dr. Toffitt strikes out at -K 18, and then attempts to tumble past Silfr in the dark...

Rapier + 8
1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
1d100 ⇒ 2

Acrobatics + 9
1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

Frakking worthless.

He ends his move in -N 17. "I feel most weary."

Round 5, Init 17

"I'm here! He... he says he hasn't shed blood yet. The tall one. If he's willing to surrender, how come you all want to fight?"

Glimmil will ready an action to counter-attack.

Attack (hammer, readied, power): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
Damage (hammer, power): 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
Concealment (51+ is hit): 1d100 ⇒ 49

Rockin' 49 on a 20!

"I'm here! He... he says he hasn't shed blood yet. The tall one. If he's willing to surrender, how come you all want to fight?"

Not sure if that's a player or character misconception. There has been no talk of surrender.

I'll assume Silfir plugs the hole vacated by Toffitt. He steps up and strikes S1 who falls to the ground with a thump.

Round 5 recap so far
Toffitt 17-N - Missed and moves to 17-N
Finneas 18-L - missed
Glimmil 17-P - readies
Cog - 17-P - carrying Glimmil
Atol 18-N -
Silfir 17-L - Steps up to 17-L, swings and hits. S1 goes down
Dyrant 19-M -

Not sure if that's a player or character misconception. There has been no talk of surrender.

Character. I'll add this for good measure though.

Gnomish: "Look, if you're willing to surrender, bring back the light and put up your hands!"

Round 5, Initiative 8, Location -N 18

Atol may be in the dark, often, but he knows what is needed. Atol channels energy for 1d6 ⇒ 6 of healing to all.

"If he's surrendering we should accept his surrender I think."

Round 5, Init 0

Dyrant is in the light, yes?

"Anyone know where it is? Shout when you hear him."

Dyrant will renew the blessing of St. Cuthbert on Finneas, brave brave Finneas.

Atol may be in the dark, often, but he knows what is needed. Atol channels energy for 1d6 of healing to all.

Confirming "all"?

Sorry, all of us. Not the two bad guys.

Round 5 recap
Toffitt 17-N - Missed and moves to 17-N
Finneas 18-L - missed
Glimmil 17-P - readies
Cog - 17-P - carrying Glimmil
Atol 18-N - Channels for 6 (I'm assuming excluding the foes)
Silfir 17-L - Steps up to 17-L, swings and hits. S1 goes down
Dyrant 19-M - Renews ward on Finneas

Round 6

The party hears the familiar slash of dagger on skin. The pitter patter of dark creeper feet moving away to the south. Then there is a rush of air, a loud thump, and a sickening sucking slushing sound. There is a moment of silence and then the thud of Finneas's body hitting the ground.

The room and columns 17 & 18 are still dark, but you no longer know where anyone is.
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19 S2 stealth
1d20 + 15 ⇒ (16) + 15 = 31 Yuathyb stealth
1d20 - 9 ⇒ (5) - 9 = -4 - S1 stabilize check

"Finneas, do me the favor of not getting hit...the Blessing of St. Cuthb-" Dyrant cuts off his oration in mid-sentence, "...Finneas? FINN?"

No one can see Dyrant's eye rolls in the darkness.

Round 6 Initiative 17 {18-L}

Round 6, Initiative 8, Location -M 18

"Finneas?! No! Hang in there!"

Atol panic channels and feels around for Finneas' body (move to -M 18). Healing everyone except the enemies for 1d6 ⇒ 1 but stops the bleeding.

Round 6, Init 17

Hearing Finneas gurgle, Glimmil repeats again for the benefit of the party's decision makers.

"Guys, the tall one says he surrenders!"

Gnomish: "Can you bring back the light?"

Glimmil readies an action to move to and lay hands on Finneas, hoping that the light is restored for him to find the half-orc.

"Guys, the tall one says he surrenders!"

Is his accent that bad? You can delay, but not ready a move & standard. I'll take it as that.

Map
...17..18..19
P..G
O..
N..__..
M..DR..A...D
L..S...F
K..S1..__
J..__..__

Is it player vs. player if no one sees the attack on Glimmil?

Round 6, init 4, L18

"Finneas was struck down! Glimmil I thought you said this guy was surrendering, he has an unwelcome manner in doing so."

Silfr will try and detect the new locations of the skulkers.

Perception 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
... Sadly he cannot even hear the noisy one.

Silfr will strike again at the same skulk, hoping for an explosion of light.

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 142d6 + 6 ⇒ (4, 6) + 6 = 161d100 ⇒ 73

Do I get +4 vs a prone opponent? :) If so 18 to hit

Round 6, Init 18, -L 17

Hearing Finneas drop, Dr. Toffitt says, "If he wishes to cease hostilities, let us as well. Curse me for letting your foolhardiness infect me."

He lets fall his rapier and fumbles in the darkness to stabilize his comrade.

Heal + 6
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21 possibly +2: I have a healing kit, but not clear if he'd need to spend a full round retrieving it from his pack.

Round 6, Init 0

Dyrant will give the Blessing of St. Cuthbert to Atol.

"Feel the protection of St. Cuthbert, Atol, and with it that we might fight back the darkness and bring safety to those who were lost. Take heart, Atol, we are not alone down here."

"It's... err, probably the smaller one?"

He said he accepted. Why am I so trusting of someone who speaks Gnomish?

Gnomish: "Okay, they accept!"

Sensing that the doctor is tending to Finneas, Glimmil instead searches the darkness for something evil.

Yeah, delayed action until the magical deeper darkness ended. Detect evil to find the small one.

"Glimmil, ordinarily I appreciate your rather optimistic economy of words. But this is no case for squandering information. Our comrade lies here dying. You say the dark one surrenders, but the darkness is still there. Please elaborate."

Glimmil would not last long as a UN translator...