"The Devil We Know, Part 1" (Inactive)

Game Master JCServant

Harboth looks around the room, eyes wide.

Do we even dare to see what that lever does?

Without moving from his spot, Harboth listens out for any sound of other activity in the building.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

He slowly tiptoes toward the western double door, looking out for the trigger to the axe trap, as well as any other traps.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

Once at the door, he, too, listens (and sniffs) for any activity

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

Harboth, you smell nothing but some mildew hanging in the air, and the smell of fresh rat guts. You don't see any other traps. The axe that nearly decapitated your sorceress still dangles from the ceiling and is no longer a danger since it does not reset. You also don't hear anything except the breathing of your companions and the faint sound of seagulls in the distance. It's quiet.

"If you want to question him, make sure you hide the rats and not let him know what happened to them until after he answers you," Kyle whispers to Marisan. "Sounds like he's awake since he stopped snoring."

Elwyn, almost exasperated, says to the group, "Look guys, I'm trying to find this amulet or necklace or something that is the source of their leader's power. If he hasn't got it or if he isn't the leader maybe he'll know who does. Lets definitely question him."

At the druid "Who is behind this? Are you the one that will take the heat for all of this or do you want to save yourself a lifetime behind bars?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

Rhydderch gags the Druid before he wakes up, "We don't want him shouting a warning to whoever is on the other side if that door. I would prefer that we have the element if surprise this time."

Rhydderech casts Guidance on everyone and moves toward the door. "Shall we?"

"Good point Rhydderch. He's not going anywhere; plus the amulet I think you're looking for is on a cleric by the name of Dalirio. According to Luscillia, the amulet is made of gold and gem encrusted, and Dalirio can control the undead with it so we better be careful."

Kyle moves back to the door and waits for everyone to be ready to follow him.

Marisan re-loads a magically enhanced bullet into her sling and stands at the ready. Speaking quietly, she assents, "In that case let's check the doors first." She nods toward her pouch of bullets, adding, "These will do significant harm to any undead, in case that is what we find. But only while the spell is active."

The captive does wake, and immediately tries to yell, but cannot due to the gag. The party now stands in front of the doors that has a dangling, massive axe a few feet away.

Harboth glowers back at the captive. Speaking as softly as he can while still being heard, he says to the group, Maybe let's secure the building, then come back and find out what this fool knows.

Kyle quietly pushes one of the doors open with his scimitar and peeks in the room behind his shield.

Stealth (takes 10): 10 - 6 + 1 = 5
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

Harboth follows closely and tries to peek over Kyle's shoulder into the room.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

Rachele walks in behind the two men, spell incantations shooting to the top of her mind

Tall vaulted ceilings disappear into darkness high above as candles and torches barely illuminate the lower reaches of this room. Along the north wall are three cell doors, thick wooden affairs bracketed by solid steel bracings with small, six-inchsquare windows set high in them. Enormous crates, barrels, and sacks of goods are stacked neatly in the southwest corner of the room. The floor is clean granite, etched with a wavyline pattern that permeates throughout the entire room; the design even climbs the walls and disappears into the vaults above. A rat-shaped chalk drawing dominates the floor in the center of the room, clearly depecting a dire rat leaning forward as if to pounce. Thick wooden doors in the east wall lead to a set of steep stairs beyond.

As the door opens, an undead creature is waiting, only 10' away, and move towards the party. Behind it, a man wearing an amulet gestures as he directs the monster.

Combat Begins / No surprise

FL: Rachelle(15), Elwyn(15), Marisan(8), Rhyderch*(10),Kyle(13), Harboth(20)

10': Undead creature/Humanoid

30': Murmuring Man

If everyone gets their actions in before 6.30pm EST, I'll run first round, other wise, I will wait until 10am-ish EST tomorrow

Rhydderch follows...allowing room for Rachele and Marisan to make their attacks before he gets in their way. On the way everybody gets some Guidance.

Elwyn follows the group and covers Harboth's left flank, rapier drawn.

Despite the chance that their presence may already be known he also tries to tread quietly, and keenly scans the room for threats.

Stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

Kyle waits for any range attacks to go off before stepping up to attack the undead.

Kyle looks at the Murmuring man to see if he can determine if he wears armor and if he recognizes the amulet from the description Luscilia gave earlier.

To clarify....Everyone who moves up 10' can melee hit the undead guy w/o worrying about providing ranged cover for the same round they move in only. Because there's no true member by member initiative, if all party members start out at the same distance (which they are listed as all being FL here) and some party members enter to move up and melee attacks first, while others use ranged attacks, the bad guy does NOT get a cover bonus. This is similar to flanking. It always takes place the round after the conditions have been met. Of course, these rules work that way for the bad guys too. If the man in the back shoots an arrow, there is cover bonus for his opponeent because, before the round began, there was someone between him and you all. If him and the baddie started side by side, he would have a clear shot even if his monster 'moved first' and melee attacked.

Another way to look at it is this...I know everyone can't be onlnie always...sometimes, you can only post before your friends go. I presume that if you're melee'ing you do so at the most advantagous point in the round that gives your friends the best shot. Once you are engaged in melee, however, it's really hard to get out of the way w/o provoking or withdrawing.

Seeing what likes before him Rhydderch takes a 5 foot step behind the PFL and casts Protection from Evil on himself before readying his spear.

"In the name of Sarenrae and by the authority of the Pathfinders we order you to surrender."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20

Got ninjad on the last post -did not refresh before responding, ha.

Knowing that there is no hope for the undead, leaving Kyle's utterance to influence the man, Elwyn charges at the undead creature, roaring as he does to imbue his attack with as much strength as possible.

Attack: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 7 + 2 = 24

Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Marisan stays back far enough to safely fire one of her bullets at the undead creature.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Damage: 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (5, 3) + 2 = 10

Rachele readies an action to hit the undead with magic missile if it comes at them

MM: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Harboth, knowing that a gang without a leader is like a snake without a head, roars aloud as he races toward the man in the back, looping around the skeleton.

HOOOOAAAAARRRRRRGGHHHH!

He tries to stay just ahead of Elwyn so that the man faces Harboth first and so that Elwyn can hopefully get a flanking attack this round or next.

1. As would be possible with a map, Harboth will run around the skeleton and avoid an AOO if at all possible. 2. However, if our combat set-up prevents such an end run, then Harboth will try to run past the skeleton and deal with an AOO 'cause he's just that kind of macho guy. 3. If he has to, he will just engage the skeleton - just take away the +2 favored enemy bonuses

attack: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 6 + 2 = 19

damage: 1d12 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 2 = 12

Round 1
Player's Turn
Marisan’s magical bullet breezes by the undead’s sholder. Kyle moves forward and attacks. His blow lands, but it only seems somewhat effective. Clearly this creature is protected by foul magic or the very nature of it being undead. Elwyn rushes forward, his attack lands, but is also marginalized. As it shumbers, Rachele’s Magic Missle hits it squarely in the chest, causing it to pause momentarily. Harboth uses the brief interruption to rush forward. While his blow is somewhat absorbed by the foul magic, most of the force of his blow gets throw, and the creature is struck down.

Enemy’s Turn
The man looks at the half-orc. You have made a serious mistake. He gestures at Harboth.

Remember, you must roll the save at the beginning of your post. If you fail, click the spoiler.

Status
10’ Back: Rachelle(15), Marisan(8), Rhyderch*(10, Prot f/Evil),
FL: Elwyn(15), Kyle(13), Harboth(20)
20': Murmuring Man

Next post around 2.30pm EST.

Does only Harboth need the save or is it AOE?

Kyle tries to determine what the murmuring man tries to do with Harboth.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

He waits to see if Harboth needs help before charging after the man. If Harboth suffers from something he can do about he will provide assistance before stepping up to the man; if not, Kyle approaches the man and aids another's attack by distracting him.

Aid Attack: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

Oh, sorry. Just Harboth. The rest y'all are all good.

Elwyn looks to Kyle and Harboth and nods (their knowing sign that they shall attempt to flank their opponent) and moves out and around the man so as to avoid an AOO, then at his side or back will attempt to attack him.

Question: if I am flanking, do I get my rogue sneak attack damage bonus as well?

Attack w. Flanking: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 7 + 2 = 21

Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Sneak Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Elwyn attempts to terrify the man with the threat of a close shave instead of dealing any real damage.

Marisan switches to her masterwork shortspear and then casts a spell, pointing a finger at the murmuring man.

Ray of sickening, Fort 15 DC or sickened for one minute (–2 penalty on all attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks)

ranged touch attack: 1d20 + 2 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (11) + 2 + 1 - 4 = 10

I'm assuming she has to take the -4 penalty for shooting in melee

Rhydderch charges the "Murmuring Man."

Charge: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

If Guidance is still active I'll apply it to the Attack roll.

At the beginning of this combat, nobody was in melee range of a baddie because you guys killed the undead creature with your combined attacks on Round 1. Elwyn, you will move up 20' to strike the baddie, but there's no flanking this round. If two of you engage him in melee this round, however, you will have flanking next round. Marisan, you don't have the -4 penalty because at the beginning of round 2, no one was in melee with your target. However, there are party members between you and the baddie, so he would get a +4 soft cover AC bonus vs. your ranged attacks. And Rhydderch, your guidance was still active :)

Will save: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 2 + 1 = 10 Harboth's traits give him +1 vs enchantment spells and effects (included) and +2 vs fear (not included) ... but he will still fail. Is Iron Will next on the list of feats? Could be!!

Derrrrr, uh....

1d100 ⇒ 94

I will assume that this madman in front of me is the nearest creature, since my companions are moving into flanking positions. In either case, I will apply the +2 flanking bonus.

attack: 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 6 + 2 + 2 = 22
damage: 1d12 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 6 + 2 = 19

I sure hope the bad guy was the nearest creature.

Unfortunately, when the spell was cast, you were standing next to several other team members. Even if they move first, they will be between you and him.... and that would actually make the backline people closer to you at that point. This is one of those times that I would use initiative scores to see who moves first. I'm not sure I have the whole groups initiative scores handy, but I'll use what I have. Man...this is really going to hurt someone. Did you have to make your character so powerful?

It depends Harboth...and it's times like this when an initiative order would be helpful.

You started Round 2 on the PFL...in which case your nearest creatures are either Elwyn or Kyle. If Elwyn acts before you do then he is out of harm's way...leaving Kyle as your only target. Otherwise I assume its a toss up.

The good(?) news is that you won't get the flanking bonus...which will make your attack roll a measly "20!"

Ninja'd! If you're on your phone I can run to my desktop and look through all the stat blocks and roll initiative for the party...it would take me less than a minute to so.

Elwyn: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
Harboth: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Kyle: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
Rachele: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Marisan: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
Rhydderch: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20

Well, he's good at combat, but clearly is lacking in willpower. Of course, you don't notice how devastating his strikes can be when I am rolling 1s and 5s like I was earlier in the scenario :(

Now, it may be worth pointing out (although it may not be in our best interest) that, if our back line is closer than the bad guy, it might be better for me to go early so that I hit someone on our front line instead of, say, decapitating Marisan :-O

This also would be the one combat where having a map would have really helped us - if that were the case, I would have been able to run around the skeleton as I had hoped (rather than finishing it off), and would be closest to the bad guy.

Also, and this one is just complaining, how can I be SO confused that I will attack a team member when even higher level mind control spells can not force someone to do something like attack an ally?

Kyle does a heal check to see what condition effects Harboth to see if he can help him or not.

Heal: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

Thank you so very much for the assist, Rhydderch. I will use those initiative scores to help determine who is Harboth's....errr....victim.

Round 2
Turn by Initiative.

Elwyn carefully moves around to the back of the man, and pokes his rapier in the man’s side. He hollers. Rhydderch charges forward, weapon in hand, and skewers the caster, causing blood to pour out. He channels negative energy, bathing the room in a dark light.

1d6 ⇒ 3, DC 13 save for half

Marisan fires a ray from her hand, but misses. Harboth stares in confusion for a moment, and then turns to Kyle who is standing next to him. You will NOT steal my COOKIE! he roars as he cuts the cleric down. Rachelle fires a magic missle.

1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

As he crumples to the ground, he whispers, Groetus will have revenge on all of… He passes out, bleeding on the floor. An amulet falls to the ground, by his feet.

Combat Resolved. Party earns 43gp

Status (assuming failed saves, if you save, you earn 2hps back)
30’ Back: Rachelle(12/15), Marisan(5/8), Rhyderch*(7/10, Prot f/Evil),
20’Back: Kyle(-9/13, prone, uncon, bleeding), Harboth(17/20)
FL': Elwyn(12/15),

Next post at 6pm EST

Rhydderch rushes over to Kyle. "How did this happen?!?"

Stabilizing him with his Sacred Touch, he casts Cure Light Wounds. 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

...and again. 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

He then channels..excluding the bad guys.

1d6 ⇒ 4

Finally he drags Kyle away from Harboth and, moving to a protective stance, braces his spear against a charge.

If the spell was lesser confusion, it should have worn off, yes?

Harboth shakes his head as his eyes refocus. He wipes a spot of drool from his lip with the back of his off hand and looks around.

What - what happened? I was about to take that fool down and then... I got real mad about a cookie??

As the realization of what he did sweeps over him, Harboth gasps in shock and horror.

Kyle! Kyle, my man! Are you okay? CAN YOU HEAR ME?

He gives Kyle a shake by the shoulder, probably a bit less gently than he should

Aw, geez, I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry, I don't - that Bastard put a spell on me!

Harboth gets a steely look in his eye, lifts his axe, and storms over to the formerly murmuring man. It becomes clear to anyone paying attention that he is going to do something unpleasant to the group's unconscious foe unless someone stops him.

Yes, its worn off

Will Save: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11 *full damage

"You got your cookie? I'm still waiting for mine," Kyle states as he rubs his wound which is almost completely healed. He says a prayer and heals himself with cure light wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 (recast per beneficent touch: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7).

"Thanks Rhydderch. I feel much better. Don't worry about it Harb; I've had worse," he lied. "Hold up though, he might be of use to us if we can question him."

Kyle walks over to see if the guy is still alive.
Heal check: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

He casts detect magic and guidance on himself before checking out the amulet.
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 5 + 1 = 15

I will point out that Harboth declared that he's attacking if no one stops him. That would happen pretty quick. Rhydderch was tending to Kyle at the time, so only other party members would be able to try and stop him...if they so desired to.

Marisan curses under her breath as her ray of magic goes wide of its target. When the dust settles, she moves over to Kyle but gives Rydderch room to tend to him.

Upon seeing Harboth approach the bleeding man, Marisan springs forward to step between the two. She puts a hand on the ranger's shoulder. "Don't, Harboth. Let's see if he's alive first. We may decide we need to question him." She then kneels by their enemy.

Is he dead or dying?
Heal check: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

Marisan, you can see his chest moving, though a pool of blood is growing under him.

3 1st levels left today

Rachele examines the amulet, casting detect magic

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14

Marisan will attempt to staunch the bleeding.

Heal(first aid): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

OK, someone please explain why my best roll all session is to save the life of an enemy?!