Variel's WotR

Game Master Neltji

Sorry again for delay... had to check some research on how Entangled worked and my internet's been spotty.

Okay, here goes, then -

Ryu feels the creature around him and the white hot feeling of rage wells up inside him.

He raises up his rapier and stabs at the creature –

Penalty for -2 to hit; -4 to Dexterity for a net penalty of -4 to hit via Weapon Finesse; offset by “Rage” for a total of +4 to Dexterity; adding in “Power Attack” for a total of -3 to hit; or +2 and +1 via Bless

Attack with Rapier
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20

If it hits –
1d6 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 2 = 4

you probably still hit, but just so you know, you can apply your bonus to any phyical stat, but weapon finesse is a choice, so you can always revert to using str to hit if you are raging and it is more beneficial (like now, when you lose your bonus to dex).

The -4 to dex still leaves him with an effective 14, which is better than his str in this case. not sure how your numbers are working out tho. Normally Ryu swings with a +5 (4dex+1bab) account for the penalties and bonuses of controlled rage and grapple, that pushes you down 2, due to -2 to attacks when grappled and then with the +1 from Bless you should be swinging at a +4 to hit.

Also, if you used Str, it would be 1 less to hit (13 str as opposed to 14 dex) but you would get +2 damage.

Edit Derp, forgot about Power Attack, so you are at a +3 to hit with Dex and +3 to damage (+1str +2PA) or if you did Strength, you would get a +2 to hit and a +5 to damage. the thing is grappling you so it's AC would be 2 lower thanks to the Dex penalty anyway

If the GM allows me to do that, I will gladly do that in this case. In which case, my total "To Hit" -2; I am also at a -1 to hit via Power Attack for a total of -3; I have a BAB of +1; a +1 for Bless and a +2 via Strength - this means my net "To Hit" is +1; this leaves me with a total of +1 to hit and +3 for damage for strength; and with Power Attack that's a total of 6 points of damage.

If the GM is willing to let me ret-con that swap, I'll do it, but I forgot that Urban Barbarians can boost Strength and Constitution as well as Dexterity; hence my confusion.

Thanks for the tip Mal!

if dex is still better for you, go for it, I just thought i'd mention that you had the choice so you could crunch the numbers and find out.

Well, in this case Dexterity is only +2 total via entanglement. But Strength is a net of +3-2 for a +1 total (via penalties/bonuses). Dexterity grants +4+4-4-2 for a net of +2. The bonus to Hit with Dexterity is +2 vs the +1 for Strength; but Strength grants 2 more points of damage... But I guess at this point it's up to the GM if he lets me ret-con the attack. We'll see what happens when he come onto the board again.

Since I haven't had a chance to update till now the adjustment to from dex to str is ok this time. All part of learning the characters till we get to level 2.

Oriana swings the long sword wide before cutting it in quickly to deliver a sever blow to the creature that attacked her. Wounded but not defeated the creature maintains it position while Sir Garth comes to her aid as well. Unfortunately the tentacles are weaving around too much and distract the paladin who fails to hit with either the sword of the shield.

Further south the damaged and grappled Ryu is battling for his very life. Not to let a comrade fall, Pakak steps forward and casts a ball of ice at the creature. The creature is too quick for such a poor thorw but the result works. As it distracts the foe long enough. Maelchar hurries forward trusting in So'rien to protect the three survivors. Creating a greatsword out of the very fabric of his being, he slashes a great rent in the hide of the beast. Almost ready to collapse, the tenacious beast holds on only to be skewered from the inside by a mighty thrust from Ryu. The creature quivers and falls to the floor dead.

Not to be left behind by her fellow rescuers, Anevia steps up to a clear lane and fires at the creature attacking Oriana. The shot sails wide into the darkness as a small oath slips from her lips at the miss.

The darkmantles continue to press their attack, the one continuing against Oriana and the other turning to attack the eagle. The tentacles continue to whip around hitting Oriana for 3 damage. This time they manage to grip her and hold tight for another 6 damage. The second darkmantle lands a vicious blow on the eagle wrapping its body around the eagle seconds before the eagle disappears. Not to be outdone, So'rien calmly summons another eagle ripping into darkmantle but not killing it yet.

New map

Oriana, hit badly and consecutively falls in battle, unconscious and bleeding out, while the dark creature holds on.

Oriana's current HP -1/11

Ryu is disgusted by this creature and sidesteps to flank with the eagle and assail the scum before him via a 5 foot step.

Attack with Strength plus bonus to flank (+1 BAB; +1 Bless; +2 Flank; +3 Strength = +7; -2 Entangled; -1 Power Attack; Net total +4
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

Damage if hit –
1d6 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 3 = 9

Ryu the creature grappling you is dead so you are no longer grappled and taking the penalty. That being said you hit and kill the creature.

Whoo Hoo!

Ryu tears his sword out of the fresh corpse of the second Darkmantle.

"Kutabare, bich!" he spits out as a free action and his eyes flick over to Oriana, seeing that she has fallen.

Ryu uses his "Move Action" to tap over to the spot right next to Garith but above that girl we're trying to rescue, ready to strike the last enemy as soon as he is able.

Ryu, you can't move after taking a 5 ft step.

NOOOOOO!

Well, I guess I'll just get over it :)

But the Free Action still stands, though.

And since RYU don't have the Grappled, you can use Weapon Finesse for attack with Dex +4dex+1bab versus +3str+1bab for better results. a+1 to hit and still have +2 damage, for future reference

Seeing the creature is injured, Garith attacks the abomination once again, attempting to hit with one of his attacks, swinging his shield and following up with a thrust.

Slam: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 2 + 1 = 16
for 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Stab: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 1 = 7
for 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

blugh hopefully the slam hit...

The last dark mantle takes a hard hit from the paladin, the spikes on the shield penetrating the spine and killing the creature instantly. The foes were defeated but not before serious damage was done to a few of the heroes.

Stepping up and brandishing the scale, So'rien activates the scale to provide healing for both Ryu and Oriana.

2d8 + 10 ⇒ (2, 4) + 10 = 16 Ryu
2d8 + 10 ⇒ (1, 6) + 10 = 17 Oriana

Fyi, when I said that only you could use the scales, I meant that only your character could activate your scale. If the spell is not a personal only spell you can cast it on someone else. Thought I should clarify that now before we get too far.

Maelchar moves to heal Oriana, but So'rien moves in faster and takes care of both Ryu and Oriana in quick succession. He turns to Garith and asks, "Are you in need of any healing, cousin?" Other than Garith, no one else had even been threatened by the creatures, as far as Maelchar had seen, so he asks no one else.

Wasn't trying to overstep bounds with the healing, but thought it was the best way to explain better how the scales worked. Again sorry for any confusion earlier or making it seem like So'rien was taking over. Not the intent.

no problem, I don't mind conserving my spells for later... I'm sure they'll get their use :)

Ryu stoops and cleans his blade off on a rag, his eyes dark.

Panting somewhat from exerting himself after raging against those scum, he moves over Oriana.

Seeing that she is now healed he reaches down and pulls her to her feet.

”You alight there, darling?” he asks her, somewhat rhetorically, as he already saw So'rien do his thing to heal them both.

He rolls his head back and forth, easing the tension from his muscles.

”Poxing basterds; they bled for it, though,” he growls, then spits deftly on the corpses of the slaughtered darkmantles.

He looks at the third enemy and the gore dripping from the edge of Garith's shield.

”Good job on taking down the last one, chief,” he says somewhat raggedly to the lean paladin with a quick nod.

He glances over at So’rien.

”Domo Sori-san,” he adds, thanking So’rien for the healing and turns his dark eyes fiercely on the cave around them.

”Alright, than, everyone good?”

”Hell yeah,” he mutters.

”We ready to bug out?” he asks the group.

He waits briefly then continues to move across the cavern, eager to press on.

As he advances he turns a glance over his shoulder.

"Oye - c'mon, Master Shin - I need my pointman up here," he calls out to the white rabbit.

Oriana opened her eyes and pushed the dead creature completely off her. Looking up she saw first So'rien and then Garith and Ryu. Maelchar was just to the side. Ryu had come forward, reached down with his arm and pulled her to her feet. Oriana had barely any time to register his action.

"Thank you, Ryu", looking at him with her large, golden eyes. 'Ria' is a pretty neat nickname but I see you've edited the original posting. ;) Oh well.

Oriana shook herself, and looked down to see all her wounds knitted over and healed. She saw her longsword not far where she had fallen and picked it up.

"The full healing was much appreciated, brother", looking to So'rien who had healed her. Then to Garith, "And cousin, I do believe you finished this creature off and I grateful for it had me wounded, trapped and unable to defend myself. Iomedae and Torag smiled brightly on us this fight." Oriana would not forget the god whose altar they had cleansed and earned his divine blessing.

Oriana looked about the cavern, assessing the situation and determining if she was required to aid anyone, before she heard Ryu give call to move again and summon Mister Shin to the front.

Remembering something, Oriana turned and sought out the Lady Anevia, "My lady, I saw your arrow fly past when I was battling the creature. I thank you for your brave assistance", bowing her head respectfully.

Diplomacy with Anevia: 1d20 ⇒ 16

'Ria' is a pretty neat nickname...

Oh don't worry, he won't forget.. ;)

"Thank you, Ryu."

Ryu looks down into the golden eyes of Oriana, his gaze lingering a moment as he meets hers.

"No worries, Angel," he says eventually, then gives her a little grin and a wink.

"Hell, I'm just sorry I couldn't get to you sooner; I should have been faster. Oh well, karma," he adds the last with a careless shrug, his eyes turning quickly to examine the cave casually.

Waiting a moment for Mister Shin to take point, his weapon loose in his hands, he tosses the others a glance, watches them behind him, than he merely turns and continues to advance.

"Nasty critters to be sure," Pakak says. He's not felt useful in this fight, but at least he served as a bit of a distraction. The important thing is they all lived. "And the magic of the scales is claerly potent still. Good to know."

Oriana stares at the tall human for a moment.

"I injured the creature greatly, yet with its small thread of life, it struck me and held me down, senseless. I should have been swifter on my feet. Ryu Tadamasa, I do not blame you for not reaching my side before I was struck down. May I be wiser and more cunning next battle, may Iomedae see it so." She touches the silver holy symbol at her throat.

There is a reignited light in Oriana's eyes as she falls in line.

Hearing Pakak speak of the potency of Terendelev's scales, Oriana nods in agreement. "The great dragon watches over us, even after her passing. She humbles us with her gifts."

Oriana looks about the space, hoping to spy other threats (more successfully this time) as she marches forward, longsword readied, with the others.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

Ryu turns a glance at both Pakak and Oriana, giving them both the thumbs-up sign as a show of solidarity for their sentiments.

"Come on, lads and lasses - on the bounce, double-time," Ryu calls out in an effort to encourage the others.

"We got nobles to rescue, coin to earn, and free air to breathe; savvy?" he adds with enthusiasm.

Not really sure if there is anything else going on via searching, but for dramatic effect, Ryu is eager to press on...

"Thank you, Ryu. I onlly wish I had connected earlier and felled the creature before it had a chance to entange my Coz," he says with modesty before turning to his cousin adding, "and for that I am sorry, Ria," placing a hand on her shoulder for a brief moment. He then takes up his blade again, and looks around...

"I feel this room may merit further examination," glancing to horgus adding for him, "a better understanding of what is down her, and the possibility of hidden spoiles shall give us greater ability to properly safeguard our charges"

diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

Looking at her cousin, Garith, Oriana lays her own hand on his armoured arm. "Cousin, you owe me no apology. The tentacled creature was craftier and bested me this time. By good fortune, I was spared and healed, and I am well now. Your second attack finished it off and that pleases me."

Maelchar sighs, watching the others for a moment. THen he shakes his head to clear it of stray thoughts and casts 'detect magic' scanning the room, wandering slowly as he looks around.

If there are auras, he points them out to the others. If no auras present themselves, he slips back into the rear with So'rien to assist him in protecting their charges.

"Once again, Well struck, Mael. The beast was focused on Orania so I am unharmed this time. Thank you tho. I shall likely need your magic soon enough. Do you see anything?" Garith asks, searching with his magica sight for anything in the darkness or any Evil auras. sorry for not replying to the healing, had to plug my phone in cause it were beepin ow battery.

"I am glad you are well Ria," he adds over shi shouder as he scrutinizes the darkness to ensure there is nothing to attack Mr. Shinn in the imediate vacinity.

"We make progress, slow though it is, that is what matters. Patience is a virtue that serves dwarves well, and I think it may yet be a friend to us." Pakak states, and is ready to go when they are, but in no rush

The group recovers from the attacks and procee onwards. Each member doing what they can to search for anything that could aid them in their efforts. Magical detection was no help at this time as it was sheer skill that allowed Oriana and Mr. Shin found the lair of the darkmantles. In the lair a few silver pieces were found, clearly remnants or prior kills that could not be eaten. 7 sp

The constant reassurances towards Horgus and making sure that his wants and needs are taken care of by the more diplomatic have made a positive change in Horgus. No longer making snide comments to himself he has remained quiet and patient letting the group do what they need to do to get back safely. successfully moved from indifferent to friendly.

Anevia nods her appreciation towards Oriana. I am glad to help and assist, however I will make sure to have a better draw next time. It is good that Sir Gartih was able to finish the beast before you succumbed completely.

Making steady progress through the cavern and ensuring the safety of the group, you reach the southeastern point and notice the cavern opens up to another cavern going northeast. This cavern as Mr. Shin informs you is over a hundred feet wide. At the far northern area beyond most of your sight he tells you that there is a campsite set up. A shorter, stocky creature is standing over a bedroll and seems to be gesturing with his hands.

updated map

"This may be one of your "molemen", Master Aravashinal. But I suggest approaching the creature with caution, Weapons ready but not brandished, and allow me to obserce it for any dark taint before we close?" Garith whispers. When we get to 60 ft Garith will Detect Evil as standard action, and as a move he'll focus for a full reading on the stocky fellow near the bedroll.

Edit: Ninja'd by Garith, but technically, after hearing Garith's tactical analysis and cunning strategy, I guess realistically Ryu would have thought it over, and simply adhered to his initial plan.

Ryu nods at Mister Shin.

"Campsite? Subarashii, neh?" he says with obvious relish.

"Means that someone is likely on the way in, and we may be close to getting out. Good times!"

"Hot food, cool drinks, and news from above ground sounds good to me..."

He grins and advances forward with a reckless abandon, than he pauses to look at Mister Shin.

"Eh? What's that? You're worried it may be a trap? Relax Master Shin; I always think everything's a trap... it's why I'm still alive," he adds with an extremely serious tone, than laughs aloud.

"Don't worry about it, sensai - if this thing goes south, I'll bleed first for any stupidity. You just sit back and keep Shieldback company," he says with a smile at the rabbit.

Then he advances forward brazenly to the campsite across the cave, his weapons sheathed and his hands held up in a friendly gesture.

Edit adjustment here -

As Ryu moves forward easily, he passes Garith on the way.

"Come on, chief - where's your cajones, neh?" he says playfully to Garith.

"I'll tell you what - you just stay behind me and I'll take care of everything," he says with wink as he strides forward with a purpose.

Approaching the creature, you get within 60 ft of it realizing it is a dwarf wearing old robes. Sir Garith you detect the trace of evil about him as you concentrate on the dwarf. Unfortunately getting in range of him to detect evil also means you are within his range of sight as well. He turns to you all shouting, Never will you take me. I have escaped you before and I will escape you again. But not before I exact some vengeance on you!!!

Millorn waves his hands again and the air around him shimmers causing your sight to become distorted around him. He then steps back a few backs out of sight of you all but Mr. Shin.

Your turn...

New map but dwarf is outside of 60ft darkvision so you can't actually see him.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

"it's a blur spell, aptly named..." Pakak observes, and calls out, "What are you talking about? We never saw you before now! How can you wish vengeance on strangers?"

How did the others get forward so fast and why am I behind Shin-sensai when I specifically hurried forward to deal with what we saw as the bloody point-man?

His eyes narrow as he ponders these developments, than he shrugs.

Face it bub; you’re the life of the party – it’s no wonder that the others can’t get enough of you…

When he sees that the robed dwarf is casting spells, he spits.

”Piss and blood… I hate poxing sorcerers.”

He waits a moment and ponders the tactical value of having So'rien summon multiple creatures to surround and flank the dwarf; including calling forth a Celestial Fire Beetle so they could all see in the light of the glowing beetle even while waiting for the others to use spells to increase his powers and success at damaging this enemy.

Yes, truly - waiting patiently for things to unfold in an orderly and intelligent manner would be the wise and tactically sound plan which would ensure optimal success in a challenge such as this.

"Oh what a load of crap," he mutters to himself.

He glances at his companions for a moment.

"You guys going to do something, or just stand around looking pretty?" he says with a dark smile.

Ryu will double-move to M:41 and draws his weapon as part of the move action.

No longer seeing the robed dwarf, but hearing Pakak mention a blur spell, Oriana prepares herself and looks to see if their charges are safe among their group and away from the vengeance of the dwarf. He must believe we are one of his enemies.

She stands, longsword before her, waiting to see if the (now hidden) robed dwarf would answer Pakak's question and statement or whether he would attack before she deemed it safe to move forward.

She stands, longsword before her.

Hmmmm... I wonder if Angel realized I meant that last bit rhetorically, not literally... - Ryu muses, then gives her a wink as a Free Action.

Maelchar merely sighs as he sees Ryu rush off into the darkness alone. He stays back to protect his charges for now.

"Impetuous." Turning to the others who delay, garith asks "Kinsmen, we had best at least get eyes on this mage. He has an aura of evil, and though i know not the source, he is no to be trusted and is no friend of ours nor our cause. He cannot use his magic where he cannot see, can he? So our wards shall be safe"

Ryu, dont you have Darkvision from the scale right now? It lass 19 hours and you can use it 3/day so there's no reason you can't see well as the rest of us. Firebeetle could be good for our archer, (if the light radius is big enough) who would be able to soot him were he lit up tho.

If our charges move enough, they should be out of range of any spells he can throw that rely of LoE, cause he has no LoS past 60 ft.

Garith moves up toward where the wizard should be and gets into range where he can see his allies and is in charge range of the dwarf.

Maelchar moves slightly forward until the dwarf caster is in visual range, but no closer. He whispers briefly and softly to Oriana as he passes her.

MOve to U36 should just put the dwarf in range of darkvision 60'

Oriana registers Maelchar's movement and then listens as he speaks quietly into her ear. She replies in kind and moves in formation, ensuring the charges are protected within a wall of crusaders and away from the evil dwarf's line of sight and range of his spells.

Brother Mael is at U:36. Garith, cousin, where did you move to, so I know where to move Oriana and our three charges?

I will not fall for your tricks. Oh no. Never again. Millorn can see through your deception. he calls back to Pakak.

Any actions you want to take Pakak as talking is a free action.

I'll take up position at Q:40 and say"Avoid clustering. We know not what magic this man has! Try to take him alive."

"If you're going to attack us, we will defend ourselves..." Pakak is clearly reluctant to attack another dwarf. But casts a protective ward about their charges again.

Sorry, Pakak is feeling reluctant to attack someone who hasn't attacked them ...yet. I leave proactive action if needed to others. :)

[ooc}Oriana, I moved you up 10ft as you indicated creating a wall between your charges and the dwarf. If you want to change position before your next move you can.[/ooc]

The dwarf screeches as Ryu hurries forward and end up next to him. Take me alive, never. he retorts back at Sir Garith. On his head then, pointing at Ryu.

Millorn then steps a pace back and raises his hands in the air. A green arrow flies from his finger tips and strike Ryu in the chest for 4 acid damage.

First time I think I have ever used that spell.

new map

"Gods damn it - that basterd just burned me with his gods-cursed magic."

He turns a glance behind him; realizing that while he had advanced to deal with a caster that Garith had said was evil, the others had not moved up to aid him.

Subarashii...

Ryu is using that as a free action; his intention is to advance and strike right now - but he's going to wait to see what his friends are going to do.

As soon as I know what my companions are doing, I'll make my move.

Garith charges the wizard, hopefully Ryu will be able to flank him
attack: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 2 = 11
1d100 ⇒ 46 miss under 20
for 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

"Get this evil cur!" Garith calls to his compatriots.

Maelchar takes a 5' step forward to keep the dwarf in darkvision range, but still keep him close to his charges. He pulls out his bow and nocks an arrow, just in case an open shot becomes available.

I'm good with where you have placed Oriana, DM Var. Thanks.

Oriana looks over to Maelchar and speaks quietly before her older brother moves a little forward,

"If you would proceed closer still, brother, I and So'rien shall protect the charges. You hit harder than I, and if you need me I will protect your back."

Oriana too has a longbow, if necessary, she will use it from a distance.