Supreme Being's Savage Conan PbP (Inactive)

Game Master scranford

"It is settled then. Lead the way", Mirian says and follows Septimilius down the stairs.

Septimilius nods once and descends the stairs. He steps lightly, attempting to make as little noise as possible while still moving at a decent pace.

The party heads down the steps, deeper into the dark maze. There are many tunnels leading in many different directions, and it is difficult to keep track of your location.

All> Survival Check to keep from getting hopelessly lost. (Might have been smart to have prepared mapping tools, mark your passage etc.)

You arrive at a hallway to your right almost immediately, with some rickety doors on each side. Opening one to explore you find the following:

This is a typical crypt, a small sealed chamber filled with dozens of urns. Some are of bronze, but the rest are made of clay. Each urn is stoppered and sealed with wax. Inscribed into the wax is the occupant's name.

DM Rolls:

As you light bathes the chamber, you hear a skittering noise from one of the corners.

All> Notice

Survival: 1d4 - 2 ⇒ (1) - 2 = -1
Wild: 1d6 - 2 ⇒ (1) - 2 = -1

0.0

Thaaaat can't be good.

Demetrio bungles his way about the sewers.

***

Notice: 1d6 ⇒ 3
Wild: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Good enough...

"Careful," Demetrio whispered harshly. "We're about to be attacked by giant spiders."

Survival 1d4 ⇒ 3
Wild 1d6 ⇒ 5

Advancing through the catacombs, following the light from the other's torch, Barnabas manages to keep a map in his head....Hmmm, I think we're under Butcher's Street right now...

Barnabas stops as the others open the door way, keeping his attention on the corridors to their backs.

Notice 1d6 ⇒ 4
Wild 1d6 ⇒ 1

All> Survival Check to keep from getting hopelessly lost. (Might have been smart to have prepared mapping tools, mark your passage etc.)

Pfft, that’s for preppers. Not for the daring (soon might be dead) pirate Mirian Greyfeather!

Mirian stops once in a while to assemble small bits of debris into neat easy to notice piles to mark the party’s passage through the catacombs. Not as good as writing a map but it should provide some aid and avoid them walking in circles should they stumble upon their own path.

Notice check: 1d4 ⇒ 2
Wild die: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 3) = 9 (+1d6 ace)

Mirian holds her torch in front of her hoping to dissuade the spiders from coming closer while keeping her rapier ready in her other hand. ”They’re almost as big as dogs”, Mirian says in disgust.

ACES HIGH!
Would I have a good idea what the chances are for the torch to expire should I drop it to the ground in favor of retrieving my dagger?

”Spiders!? Is that what that noise is?” Septimilius says. He checks the chamber’s corner where Mirian indicates. After seeing their furry bodies approaching, he bangs his mace against the front of his shield, ”Anyone know tricks to defeating these monsters? Any wagers if they're poisonous or not?”

Notice: 1d6 ⇒ 1
Wild dice, 1 ace: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 1) = 7

Survival to not get lost,1 ace: 2d4 ⇒ (4, 2) = 6
Wild: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Enough of the party knows they're way back that you probably aren't lost.

Mirian> With all those aces I could never let your torch go out.

The party decides to forego closing the door and sealing the spiders in this room, and prepares itself for the attack.

INITIATIVES:

Spider 3D
Septimilius KD
Mirian QD
Barnabus 7H
Demetrio 8C
Hakketh and Dog 6S

So in order

Septimilius
Mirian
Demetrio
Barnabus
Hakketh
Spider

There appear to be five of the furry beasts.

”I’ve never fought giant spiders before. Don’t let them surround us,” Septimilius says as he swings his mace in an over head arc, attempting to smash the lead spider into the ground. ”Let’s hope these are too big to climb walls and ceilings.”

Round 1, King of Diamonds
fighting (mace) attack, 4 aces: 5d10 ⇒ (10, 10, 10, 10, 2) = 42
Wild Die: 1d6 ⇒ 4
damage: 1d8 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + (2) = 3

Did I do the fighting Aces correct? The odds...wow.

Septimilius, since I think we can safely say that you probably did more than a raise on the attack roll, you get to roll an additional 1d6 for damage.

Demetrio gently lays down his torch on the ground and tries to remember anything about spiders that he can.

Nature, untrained: 1d4 - 2 ⇒ (3) - 2 = 1
Wild: 1d6 - 2 ⇒ (4) - 2 = 2

I want to make sure I don't lose the torch. Next round I'll help with the beat downs.

Initiative: Queen of diamonds!
Parry: 8, Toughness: 6 (1)
Effects:

Mirian follows Septimilius and strikes out against the lead spider while trying to keep the others at bay with her torch.

Attack roll: 1d10 ⇒ 8
Wild die: 1d6 ⇒ 5
Damage roll: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 5) = 6

Posting will probably be spotty this week, as I'm on a business trip, and my hotel internet is glacial.

I'll give Barnabus till tomorrow to post, then I'll get up a summary post for round 1.

Hearing the commotion from the others, Barnabas forgoes his observation of the path already travelled and whirls to see what confronts his companions.

Rushing up, he cranes his neck to see what was the matter...spiders!

Looking for an opening, Barnabas springs forward with his sword.

Fighting (Sword) 1d8 ⇒ 5
Wild 1d6 ⇒ 2

Damage 1d4 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + (1) = 4

The party moves into the room to eradicate the spider menace. They stand in awe, as

>Septimilius walks in hits one spider clearly on it's horned beak sending it flying across the room where it lands in an upturned urn, sending it tumbling over to land bottoms up sealing the unfortunate spider inside.

>Demetrio walks in behind Septimilius, and places his torch in a sconce so that it won't go out. He starts to spout out some advise on how to fight the beasts, but then realizes that he has no idea how.

>Mirian, also sashay's in and pierces one of the furry beasts, confusing it badly. The others skitter away from the direct light of her torch, spreading out in the room.

>Barnabus hearing the sounds of combat comes in flailing his sword at one of the spiders, hitting it but not cleanly as the sword slides off it's bony carapace.

May you guys hit precisely, but you've got to put some muscle behind it. :-)

Spider 2 Toughness roll 1d6 ⇒ 5

Spider two right itself, and turns it's ichor dripping fangs towards Mirian.

Spider 4 Toughness roll 1d6 ⇒ 3

Spider 4 continues to flail around on it's back, legs kicking ineffectively.

Spider 1 is inactive beneath the overturned urn.

Spider 3 rushes forward to attack the torch hanger, since he seems preoccupied.
1d6 ⇒ 3 Fighting

Spider 5 tries to sneak around between Mirian, and Barnabus and attack the late arriving man.

1d6 ⇒ 4 Fighting

But both underestimate the quickness of their prey.

Septimilius::: Take a free benny for that magnificently aimed strike.

I'll post up the next round tomorrow when I'm back home. Forgot my deck of cards :-)

Spiders 4D
Septimilius KS
Mirian 8C
Barnabus 8S
Demetrio 7C

Septimilius
Barnabus
Mirian
Demetrio
Poor, Poor Spiders

Immensely satisfied with his last hit and feeling luckier than he’s felt in months, Septimilius sees a spider on its back and moves to attack it. For a moment he thinks of dropping on top of it to crush it with his shield, but discounts that for weakening his defense. Instead, he pushes off with his right foot and attempts to pummel the spider into the floor.

Round 2, King of Spades
Fighting (mace) attack: 1d10 ⇒ 9
Wild Die, 1 ace: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 5) = 11
damage: 1d8 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + (4) = 8
in case of extra damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Thanks for the benny.

Round 2: 7 of Clubs

Demetrio twirls his staff in a showy flourish, and then tries to brings it cracking down onto a spider.

Staff: 1d8 ⇒ 5
Wild: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Damage: 1d6 + 1d4 ⇒ (3) + (3) = 6

Round 2, 8 of Spades

Surprised by the spider's tough carapace, Barnabase dances back then feints and attacks once more, attempting to put a bit more oomph into his next strike

Fighting, Sword : 1d8 ⇒ 4
Wild 1d6 ⇒ 2

Damage: 1d4 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + (5) = 7

Initiative: Eight of clubs
Parry: 8, Toughness: 6 (1)
Effects:

Mirian faces the spider and strikes once more with her rapier.

Attack roll: 1d10 ⇒ 7
Wild die: 1d6 ⇒ 4
Damage roll: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 5) = 6

It it possible to use the torch to attack a spider? I’m not expecting to singe it, just throw it off it’s game. Perhaps as a agility trick? I mainly just don’t want to “waste” my off hand attack, but I don’t want it as badly as to drop the torch and draw my dagger :)

Septimilius> Either his skill is getting better, or he hates spiders, but he turns the stunned spider into arachnid pudding, grunting with the effort. (Spider 4 Dead)

Demetrio> Spins his staff above his head, whirling up a cloud of dust and cobwebs, but his blow lands true and whacks one of the spiders sending it skidding... (Spider 3 Stunned)

Barnabus> ...just out of the reach of Barnabus's dancing sword. He glances at Demetrio for a moment just to ensure that he didn't do that on purpose.

Mirian> Looks surprised as a spider skids right in front of her, it's legs folded up in pain, but only for a moment, as she pierces the beast in it's soft underbelly, bringing it's movement to a halt, and killing it. [(Spider 3 Dead)

She also hears the click of movement behind her, and thrusts her torch backwards towards one of the remaining spiders (Spider 5)Just missing and almost sitting Barnabus's foot on fire.

This is an improvised weapon attack which invokes a -2, In addition you suffer a -2 for second action in the round, which causes the attack to miss.

Spider 1 - Hermit Crab
Spider 2 - 1d6 ⇒ 1 Attack on Septimilius
Spider 3 - Dead
Spider 4 - Dead
Spider 5 - 1d6 ⇒ 4 Dodging flame and attack on Barnabus

The spiders once again are angry at their lair being raided, but ineffective in their counter attacks.

Spiders 3H
Septimilius 7S
Mirian 9S
Barnabus AS
Demetrio QH

Round 3
Barnabus
Demetrio
Mirian
Septimilius
Spiders (Who cast a slow spell on these creatures?)

Initiative: Queen of Hearts

"Sorry about that, Barnabus! Vicious beasts, aren't they?!"

Demetrio attempts to knock aside the nearest spider.

Staff: 1d8 ⇒ 5
Wild: 1d6 ⇒ 1

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Initiative: Nine of spades
Parry: 8, Toughness: 6 (1)
Effects:

Mirian presses her attack with the torch and rapier but is unable to connect with the spider.

Attack roll: 1d10 ⇒ 3 (+1 if I gang up with Septimilius or Barnabas, depending on which spider is still alive)
Wild die: 1d6 ⇒ 1 (+1 if I gang up with Septimilius or Barnabas, depending on which spider is still alive)
Damage roll: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 4) = 9

This is an improvised weapon attack which invokes a -2, In addition you suffer a -2 for second action in the round, which causes the attack to miss.

Do I suffer the -2 for a second action even with my two fisted edge?

Initiative: Nine of spades

Parry: 8, Toughness: 6 (1)
Effects:

Mirian presses her attack with the torch and rapier but is unable to connect with the spider.

Attack roll: 1d10 (+1 if I gang up with Septimilius or Barnabas, depending on which spider is still alive)
Wild die: 1d6 (+1 if I gang up with Septimilius or Barnabas, depending on which spider is still alive)
Damage roll: 2d6

Supreme Being wrote:

This is an improvised weapon attack which invokes a -2, In addition you suffer a -2 for second action in the round, which causes the attack to miss.

Do I suffer the -2 for a second action even with my two fisted edge?

Sorry I missed that edge. I just looked at your profile, and the list behind the bolded "Edges" category. Looking deeper I see the two fisted now. I'll make it up to you.

Sorry I missed that edge. I just looked at your profile, and the list behind the bolded "Edges" category. Looking deeper I see the two fisted now. I'll make it up to you.

The rules clarification is enough. The spiders are going to eat it next round :)

As you're all aware, I don't post much on weekends. I'll try to move things along tonight, so... Barnabus and Septimilius... You're about to be botted...

Sorry for the delay. Thanks for the warning!
Round 3 Seven of Spades
After Septimilius dodges one of the remaining spider’s attack, he spins once to gain some extra momentum for his counterattack.

fighting (mace) attack: 1d10 ⇒ 6
Wild Die, 1 ace: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 4) = 10
damage: 1d8 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + (6) = 9 bonus damage from raise: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Indeed! Post coming soon! Sorry about that.

Initiative: Queen of Hearts

"Sorry about that, Barnabus! Vicious beasts, aren't they?!"

"Ha! Well struck my friend! If you're to move my opponents about in the future, ensure you deal a bruise or two in the process!" Barnabas calls back good naturedly, dancing away from the dripping fangs of one of the spiders.

Catching his balance, Barnabas once again goes on the attack, timing his move to coincide with that of Septimillius.

Fighting (sword) 1d8 ⇒ 3
Wild 1d6 ⇒ 4

Damage 1d4 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + (6) = 8

With a grunt of satisfaction Septimilius "Arachnid Bane" finishes off the spider with the nerve to strike at him splashing it all over the wall.

Barnabus, Mirian, and Demetrio surround the other beast, and are able to finally finish it off as well.

It grows quite as a tomb, the only sound the heavy breathing of the companions, and the rattle of the "hermit crab" spider as he rumbles about the room bumping into things.

As you look about catching your breath, you notice that Hakketh and his mangy dog seem to be missing. Did he finally have enough?

I'm going to move things along again for story's sake. If you guys think I'm not letting you act enough for each scene, just say so and I can slow things down. I just think sometimes the path is obvious, so push you along it a bit. I do the same thing in my table top games as well...but then again I'm usually all about the story.

Septimilius determined to let no spiders walk away from the fray, takes his weapon and smashes the "hermit crab" spider into the wall spilling it's guts all over the wall. As the ashes from the overturned and now shattered urn spill out and begin to congeal with spider blood, you can all make a notice roll. +2 to the roll for Septimilius

Notice

As you exit the spider chamber you can see that fresh tracks lead deeper into the maze of corridors... Both Human and canine.

Marching order and continue down???

Notice: 1d6 ⇒ 2
Wild: 1d6 ⇒ 6
Ace: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 2) = 8 14!

Demetrio peers down and finds the Tiger's Eye. He shows it to the group. "At least that's one thing down."

And then he frowns. "Wait, where's Hakketh?"

I believe we can use our original order, just minus Hakketh.

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Notice roll: 1d4 ⇒ 3
Wild die: 1d6 ⇒ 3
No luck there

”Well, at least someone is getting rich of this venture”, Mirian snorts and rummages through some more junk. Can I find anything semipermanent that I could use to mark our passage? I don’t want to grab a spider and smear every corner with spider yuck. Is there anything else in here I could use?

She immediately cancels her search when Demetrio notes that Hakketh has disappeared. ”What? First he pouts and b@!~*es about going to the catacombs and now that we’re here he runs away?” she bemoans loudly.

I'm going to move things along again for story's sake. If you guys think I'm not letting you act enough for each scene, just say so and I can slow things down. I just think sometimes the path is obvious, so push you along it a bit. I do the same thing in my table top games as well...but then again I'm usually all about the story.

I feel that PbPs are in need of some pushing and handwaving from the GM’s side. Otherwise it risks growing slow and eventually grinding to a halt. What could be dealt with in 15 minutes of game time can in a PbP take weeks to resolve. So I’m all for some bit of “railroading” and pushing things forward.

I agree. Do what you gotta do.

"We need to catch up to him, before he does something reckless."

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Yup, use the cattleprod anytime it's needed

Notice 1d6 ⇒ 1
Wild 1d6 ⇒ 2

Barnabas wipes his sword clean and sheaths it, then desultorily pokes about the dirty spider chamber, not noticing anything of interest.

Looking up as Demetrio finds the gem, he exclaims "Well found, Demetrios, you'll make a decent burglar yet!"

When Hakketh's absence is noted , he frowns at Mirian "You know this sorcerer long? A bit of a coincidence him disappearing the moment we arrive in the catacombs."

"I did pick his pocket once, but that was some time ago and he didn't hold a grudge. Otherwise we've both been in the employ of Otto for close to two weeks. If he tries to cheat me out of the loot he'll soon regret it." [ooc]Sounds about right? I looked in the opening posts and it said that we've recently been hired. Figured that two weeks would be a within that time.[ooc]

Barnabas considers that for a moment ,then smiles at Mirian "No matter, if he's betrayed us...". His face grows hard for a moment, before he once again smiles and says "Alright, let's try not to excite every denizen of these wonderful catacombs. I will guard our back as before."

”I just met him yesterday,” Septimilius says as he recovers from the excitement and exertion of the fight. He nods as Demetrio picks up the tiger’s eye.

”He seemed alright for a man who studies sorcery. Who knows why he went deeper into the catacombs without us.” The tone of his voice is halfway between giving Hakketh the benefit of the doubt and being extremely suspicious.

”I’ll take the lead again. I’d rather face those spiders than ghouls any day.”

Notice, 1 ace: 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (6, 2) + 2 = 10
Wild Die, 1 ace: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 2) = 8

"Have you found anything that could be used to mark our passage?" Mirian says and picks up some of the shards from the broken urn to determine if they could serve the purpose.

Ready to move on

Demetrio kept an eye out for danger. But he couldn't help feel that something terrible had happened to Hakketh.

Notice: 1d6 ⇒ 1
Wild, Ace: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 2) = 8

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Mirian> You notice that if you look underneath some of the unlit torch sconces that there are some blackened stubs of charcoal that could be used to mark your passage.

Septimilius> What That would get you an extra benny when fighting spiders. Adapting a spider theme to your armor / shield, and other decorations might get you a Gray benny. Becoming obsessed with spiders and everything about them and carrying that theme to your concept might get you a black benny. Your choice.

The group descend further, the torches guttering light providing just enough illumination to anticipate every shadow holding a threat...perhaps more spiders. After a bit the tension eases, as they follow the distinct trail deeper into the catacombs. Mirian is careful to mark every turn, and twist with a charcoal mark. After about 10-minutes (You've been here for about 30-minutes total, for those keeping track of how long a torch burns. (1-hr, 4' radius).

DM Rolls

As the party is intent on following the trail, they almost run into a group of Keepers heading their way. The keepers are silent, and if not for the faint footprints, and the light of their lantern, you might have blundered into them. The corridor here is a bit more lavish than where you were earlier, and the doors seem to be of sturdier construction. As the keepers are detected (Still around the corner) Demetrio notices that the door to their immediate right is unlocked.

At this time the party can either 1)Confront the Keepers, 2) retreat and try to find another passageway, 3)Duck into this crypt, and hope the keepers don't hear them, 4) Surprise the DM

Barnabus> As you are a bit back from the party, if they decide to duck into the nearby tomb, you might have to either make a 'Stealth' check to join them, enter a closer crypt, or act as you see fit.

"Damn", Mirian hisses as the keepers approach. She looks at the door and moves to open it. "Quick, in here"

Demetrio agrees and follows.

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I'm just waiting a bit for the other's actions...

Septimilius, Demetrio, and Mirian quickly duck into the closest tomb.

Barnabus: Without looking back do you have a torch?

No torch, was following the other's light.

Taking a look back, Barnabas almost misses the others dashing into a door way. Now, where are they going in such a hurry?

Momentarily indecicive, he then slides forward to join them.

Stealth 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Wild 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Ace 1d6 ⇒ 2 = 11 !

Barnabus slips in just as the last of the light from the party disappears, and just before the approaching keepers light intervenes.

Barnabus, you can read the above spoiler now.

As Barnabus enters he stands at the door till no noise is heard from the corridor. He silently cracks the door back into the hallway revealing nothing but darkness...and the ever present smell.

So next actions! Explore this tomb and if so how? Leave it be and continue on your path? Other?

Demetrio looks around for any markings that might identify the tomb's residents.

Notice: 1d6 ⇒ 5
Wild: 3d6 ⇒ (6, 6, 3) = 15

Nice.

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Septimilius follows Mirian’s suggestion and ducks into the tomb. The quality of the murals transfixes him. Not a bad place to be buried. Or is it interred? I’d like to have a final resting place like this. After a long life. He hears Barnabus enter and turns to watch him listening at the door.

Once Barnabus opens the door to reveal nothing but darkness, Septimilius breathes a sigh. ”I wonder if they’ve discovered Hakketh’s footprints. Only a matter of time, I suppose. Onwards?” he says in a whisper, eyes shifting to the exit.

After checking that the way was clear outside, Barnabas closes the door and leans back against it, blowing air out of his lips "That was close! I was lucky to see you dash in here!"

He then joins Demetrio in examining the room.

Notice 1d6 ⇒ 3
Wild 1d6 ⇒ 3

On vacation with the family this week, so posting might be spotty.

Demetrio seems to know exactly where to look for the marking on the tombs. He can tell that they are all from one family by matching up some of the runes, but cannot read the inscriptions. He does surmise that they were probably wealthy to afford such a crypt, and that there is room for several other sarcophagus so this must be a fairly new tomb.

Are you going to pry open a coffin, and see what's inside, or continue the way you started?

Probably best not to mess with the newly interred. It's a fine line between archaeology and grave robbing. I don't think we need the bad extra bad juju.

But I did take the Curious hindrance, didn't I?

Demetrio can't help but to take a closer look. He tries to open one of the sarcophagi.

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