Temple of Empyreal Brute Squad (Inactive)
Game Master ThorGN

As you cross reference the library catalog it becomes apparent that about half of the reference documents that were once in this library are now missing.

Arkwright

"What did you expect? Well, if I am right, they're gonna try to kill us as soon as they can. But it was gonna happen eventually. All you did was speed it up."

Erin

When she shoots him a look, he opens his mouth to defend himself but realizes he is also just going to make things worse so he keeps quiet.

Library

"I don't know what use I can be here, but I'll try." Ashur takes a book and tries to gleen information from it.

Petr removes a few pieces of parchment, inkpen and inkwell from his bag and begins cross-referencing the catalog to the shelves.

"Hmm... well lets see, Tanrov and Ashur if you could go over to that set of shelves on the far side of the room and set all the books upright as well as open the scroll cases to make sure they are not empty that would be appreciated."

"Erin, if you could start after them reading the titles on the straightened shelves I will cross them off this list"

Obviously the other party members will help out if willing.

After an hour or straightening and organizing a scowl begins to form on Petr's face.

"We definitely have a problem here. Almost half of the books on the list are missing. Also, I've been skimming a few of the books we've cataloged and they have definitely been altered. For instance, in this book many of these symbols referenced as belonging to Korada do not belong to Korada. This adds credibility to Arkwright's knowledge of the demonic city, Dakang referenced in his sermon."

Tanrov does as he's asked, diligently organizing books and scroll cases.

"Why would anyone go through all this trouble?"

"Uh, sure thing." The tiefling starts arranging all the books/scroll cases while dodging the fiery death beam of a gaze from Erin.
"I got no idea."

While organizing the library, you locate a Scroll of Lesser Restoration and a Manual of Calm Reflection (from Faiths of Balance).

I'll hold onto that scroll if no one objects. By the horns of Erastil, I hope we do not need it.

This manual is quite handy, if I remember correctly a bit of study each day will help you overcome those who attempt to rob you of your free will by magical means.

Once it looks like we're done here...

"Let's look at the gardens", Tanrov suggests. "There might be more clues as to what's going on here and maybe Erin can figure out how that finger-chopping turtle works."

Petr

"Go for it. You can hold onto the book too. As handy as it sounds, I don't think me or Tanrov will be able to gain the whole benefit of it. No offense."

Tanrov

"Yea, the garden might hold the most clues. Plus, its away from all these books."

"Go for it. You can hold onto the book too. As handy as it sounds, I don't think me or Tanrov will be able to gain the whole benefit of it. No offense."

Tanrov eyes the book suspiciously.

After finishing up the library Erin states to the group.

"I hope this is enough to keep Zey happy. He will likely be displeased when we tell him we only found half the library. Unfortunately I have looked this place over twice now and have not seen any sign of the rest of the books. Our last object is the garden so we might as well head there and see if we can find anything else out before we leave."

Nodding towards Tanrov she continues.

"I cannot wait to dismantle that thing. Bravery may be part of my beliefs, but sticking your hand blindly into whirring blades is more idiotic than faithful or brave.

Suddenly, the door to the library bursts open. In it stands a fat, grotesque creature. It points at you, screams, and rushes in, along with two others like it.

Round 1

Arkwright 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
Ashur 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Erin 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Petr 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26
Tanrov 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Screaming Fat Thing 1 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (3) + 0 = 3
Screaming Fat Thing 2 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (1) + 0 = 1
Screaming Fat Thing 3 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (12) + 0 = 12

I don’t have a map handy. Petr, feel free to post one, or I can do so sometime tonight.

Erin lets out a yell of surprise as the door unexpectedly explodes open.

They occupy the two squares right inside the door, and one is still in the hallway.

INIT:
Petr/Freya
Erin
Arkwright
Tanrov
Mob1
Ashur
Mob3
Mob2

Petr reels towards the door at the intrusion and stares in disbelief at the abominations standing before him. Remembering a nasty encounter in a sewer under Almas, Petr shouts a few words of warning,

"Dretches! Vile demons from the abyss. Beware their stinking cloud. Normal weapons have little effect so hit hard.

Petr 5' steps away from the enemy and pulls a vial of Antitoxin from his belt pouch, flips the cork to the floor and quaffs the protection in one fluid motion.

"What are those?!", Tanrov shouts as he pulls a javelin from a bundle at his hip.

With a warcry, the young barbarian hurls the spear with deadly force.

Rage 1/15

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
1d6 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

Move into position to attack one without cover/melee if necessary.

Responding to a command from Petr, Freya charges the demon nearest her.

charge, subtract 2 if unable to charge: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 8 + 2 = 24
DMG: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Ashur once again transforms into beast and charges horns first at a dretch. Somewhere a minotaur is nodding in approval.

Rage + charge + power attack
1d20 + 14 ⇒ (17) + 14 = 31

1d8 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19

Tanrov, by the time you act, there won't be one without cover/melee.

Freya and Erin strike true.

Arkwright!

In that case Tanrov will just delay.

Correct me if I am wrong, but I am assuming that puts me one square north of the doors then.

Arkwright's eyes widen in recognition at the apparitions, then he shakes his sword at the roof and screams out to some silent god- "Immune to electricity. AGAIN. IMMUNE TO ELECTRICITY. Damn you, Fate!"

He sighs, then moves over to Ashur and lightly taps him on the back, a dull gleam sparking around his fingers.

"Take this, friend."

Cast Bull's Strength on Ashur

"Get 'em Horns!", Tanrov cheers.

Current Map

The Dretch outside the door exudes a Stinking Cloud, enveloping everyone except Petr, who's 5-foot step took him just outside the range.

Fort Save vs Poison.
Arkwright 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Ashur 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10
Erin 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
Tanrov 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
Freya1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Arkwright, Ashur, and Freya are Nauseated!

Only a move action. Full concealment for anything farther than 5 feet away. Ashur, you will need to adjust your action. Tanrov, do you wish to act now, or later?

I may have to do something after all.

"Oh that smell...", Tanrov coughs.

Seeing his allies' eyes watering, the young barbarian grips his maul tightly and moves to engage the closest fatty monster.

With a great shout he brings his hammer to bear.

Power Attack

1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 12 - 2 = 24
2d6 + 16 ⇒ (5, 3) + 16 = 24

Concealment: 1d100 ⇒ 81

Tanrov leaps up on the table, and smashes Dretch 1 into the ground.

Dretch 2 goes for Erin with tooth and claw.
Bite Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
Claw Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Claw Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
Erin takes 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 damage.

"Okay, now you are going to pay."
Erin swings twice at the dretch in front of her, then steps back 5 feet north.
Attack1 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Damage1 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Attack2 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Damage2 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Seeing the fleshy creature lunging for the rogue, Tanrov thrusts his hammer in its path.

Aid Defense +3

1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 12 - 2 = 22
1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 12 - 2 = 15

That should negate the attack.

Tanrov has Bodyguard, something that's going to be a bit complicated in a PBP. Just assume that, whenever possible he's going to use it.

Yeah that would negate it, putting hp back unless Brute objects.

Through the cloudy stench you hear Erin shout.
"Close one, thanks!

Yep, ok. Erin, never mind about that damage.

Ashur moves outside the cloud. He will still be nauseated for 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 rounds.

Round 2
Petr/Freya
Erin
Arkwright
Dretch 3
Tanrov
Ashur
Dretch 2

Arkwright joins Ashur outside the cloud, and shouts what encouragement he can to his companions as he writhes around on the floor clutching his aching stomach.

From where I am on the map, the two squares directly below me are not in the cloud as this is a 20' radius right?

Petr looks over his shoulder to Arkwright,

"Immune to Electricity?!"

He mentally files that fact away. Petr steps onto the table next to him and moves to the far edge drawing his bow as he goes.

Petr begins casting Magic Circle Against Evil

"Come towards me. They cannot cross my ward* against evil."

*If these are summoned monsters, I believe they cannot attack or come within 10' of me.

With a bark of suprise, Freya vomits up most of her breakfast.

Freya wants to rip this evil gasbag to pieces but all she can do is run Run and hope-- hope she gets fed again.

Freya runs from the cloud and as close to the sound of Petr's voice as she can, drawing AoPs as she goes.

Arkwright will still be nauseated for 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 rounds, and Freya for 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 rounds.

Erin misses with both blades.

Fort Saves vs Poison:
Erin: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
Tanrov: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28
You two are still good.

Dretch 3 takes a 5-foot step inside the door, and goes for Tanrov on the table.
Bite Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
Claw Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
Claw Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Tanrov takes 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (2, 2) + 2 = 6 damage.

Tanrov is up!

Map

Hurray, maps!

Rage 2/15

Tanrov grunts in pain as the demonic creature's claws tear his naked flesh.

Rearing back again, the burly young Shoanti brings the hammer at full force.

1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 12 - 2 = 22
2d6 + 10 + 6 ⇒ (4, 2) + 10 + 6 = 22

Targeting the one further from Erin. If that dropped it, Tanrov will 5-foot into its spot.

Was hoping to actually climb onto the table and end up one square to the right of where you have Petr on the map.

It seems like that spot would be in the cloud.

The creature is badly damage by Tanrov, but not dead yet.

Ashur continues being sick.

Dretch 2 also attempts to feed on the young barbarian.

Bite Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Claw Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Claw Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Or not.
Is there a bonus to rolling 1-2-3 in sequence? :)

Round 3
Petr/Freya
Erin
Arkwright
Dretch 3
Tanrov
Ashur
Dretch 2

Petr casts Prayer

Petr holds his holy symbol as he chants the words to his spell.

+1 luck bonus on attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saves, and skill checks, all foes takes a -1 penalty on such rolls.

Arkwright continues to roll around on the floor clutching his stomach and swear lustily.

Erin lashes out twice at the nearest Dretch.
"These things are disgusting"

[ooc] Attack 1 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8 (Prayer)
Damage 1 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
[ooc] Attack 2 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8 (Prayer)
Damage 2 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Erin Misses.

The Stinking cloud begins to dissipate.

Dretch 3 goes for Tanrov with what little breath he has left.
Bite Attack: 1d20 + 4 - 1 ⇒ (16) + 4 - 1 = 19
Claw Attack: 1d20 + 4 - 1 ⇒ (7) + 4 - 1 = 10
Claw Attack: 1d20 + 4 - 1 ⇒ (11) + 4 - 1 = 14
Tanrov takes 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 damage.

Tanrov!

Rage 3/15, Power Attack

With a roar, Tanrov swings his hammer in a crashing arc at Dretch 2 even as the other demon continues to bloody him.

1d20 + 12 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 12 - 2 + 1 = 28
2d6 + 10 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (1, 5) + 10 + 6 + 1 = 23

Oh, Tanrov is without armor, so he takes 1d4 + 0 ⇒ (3) + 0 = 3 damage. And -1 damage from the previous roll.

Tanrov slays Dretch 2!

Ashur is still sick.

Round 4
Petr/Freya
Erin
Arkwright
Dretch 3
Tanrov
Ashur

"I've been wondering when I'd get to use this thing."

Petr pulls a cold iron arrow from his quiver and fires at the remaining dretch.

arrow'd: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 8 + 1 = 19

composite, point blank, +1 weapon, prayer: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Petr pegs the last Dretch between the eyes, and fells it.

Combat Ends

As Tanrov's fury fades away and the young barbarian's wounds catch up with him. He winces as he straps his maul back into its harness.

"Are you okay Erin?"

Looking at the dead demons, Tanrov ponders aloud.

"Do you think these will be enough proof for the Assimar?", he asks.

Petr pulls a scarf from his pack and wraps it around his nose and mouth. He avoided the stench this far, he's not taking any chances.

"Well.. then. Demons. How about that. Is everyone OK?"

Petr tends to Tanrov with a wand.

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

"There, then. If I may suggest it you should put on that 40 pounds of armor you are carrying around, lad."

Tanrov watches as Petr's magic mends his wounds and new scars form along his torso.

"Okay, as long as you promise there's no more meditating", the Shoanti says. "Can someone help me? It takes a while if I do it alone."

Petr does his best to comfort Freya by pulling a waterskin from his bag and offering her some water.

"Anyone else need to, ummm, rinse?"