Way of the Wicked - a Tale of the Fall of Talingarde (Inactive)

Game Master Mark Sweetman

Turning to the lead guardsman Black Jack says:
I am Lord Jonas of house Darko and this is my vessel. While you are on board I expect that you and your man will behave like gentlemans sir. He says while puting his arm around Albina's shoulders and pushing her a little back in a protective stance. Now what is your name and...

He never gets the chance to finish his bluff, Cruxcarr attacks the guard withering his arm with foul black magic in front of all his staggered companions.

By the Dark Lord! What the &^%* was that fat %^$# thinking! We could have avoided this fight.
The blackguard thinks to himself while drawing his sword and also attacking the leader.

Atk: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
Dmg: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Face palm...

Ok... now to unravel the morass...

As Mi'Dre slips into the water the splash carries...
Perceptions: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (1) + 0 = 1 and 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (10) + 0 = 10 and 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (13) + 0 = 13
...though to his luck, no-one seems to think another liquid splash worthy of notice. Though once in the water he finds the sudden chill difficult to adjust to and his progress is slow.
What you're attempting to do will take some time... so I'll narrate in conjunction with the others as we go.

As Black Jack steps forward to begin to speak, he notices Cruxcarr also advancing with a strangely calm and excited expression on his face while beginning to speak in a foreign tongue. The guardsmen react to the approach of the fat merchant with the drawing of steel and the guardsman bellows "Halt and explain yourself before my I allow my blade to speak for me."

On the Blade you hear a wooden clatter followed by the creaking of bowstrings as they are drawn to cheek...

Over to Black Jack / Albina / Shendalyn to attempt to save the situation - you'll need to quell Cruxcarr, and attempt to explain why he was approaching and speaking a tongue not known to the guardsman.
Salvageable yet - otherwise Cruxcarr's portly form might become as akin to a porcupine.

Shendalyn steps between Cruxcarr and the guard shaking his head and speaking in anger. The emotion is enhanced more for the guards than for Cruxcarr of which Shendalyn is merely annoyed.

"Stulte! Omnibus conaris, ut occidatur!?!"

Turning to the captain he gives an apologetic smile.

"My deepest apologies! Our foreign friend here is unfamiliar with the customs Talingardian military stops. He merely wished to shake your hand and welcome you aboard."

The guardsman's eyes narrow and the situation remains tense, but no blades swing nor arrows fly yet. He nods at Shendalyn's words before responding to Black Jack he states "I am Captain Edward Sambryl... what business does House Darko have this far North?"

Cruxcarr balefully heeds the council of the Ninth...

allow spell to dissipate

He bows in apologetic fashion to the Captain, arms open in the peace sign.

Bluff (to aid in the rationale ruse of a foreign merchant): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

"Apologjitë Kaptain... Apologjitë!"

Well he now has cold resist 5, so that wouldn't bother him too much, but he has never swum before :p Let me know when you need me to roll something again.

The blackguards approuches the captain and speaking in the low tones of someone telling a secret says.
House Darko have been tasked with the honor of providing supplys for the expedition of Lord Eiffel. His Majesty have been concerned by the increased hobgoblin activity in the northen frontier. Thus Lord Eiffel have been dispatched with a regiment to deal with the problem. We are to rendezvous with his forces in two days time.

Bluff: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

It's a long weekend here in Malaysia - so update might now be for a wee while.

Captain Sambryl's face is unreadable as Black Jack gives his explanation before he challenges "What sort of supplies? I have not been told of any expedition beyond the watch-wall... and it is a curious crew that accompanies you..." appearing to mull over the thought in his mind afore adding "If this is business of the King then perhaps the Blade should accompany you in escort?"

Food supplies, medical supplies, winter equipment, spare parts for wagons, appliances for man and horses alike and so on... the noble waves his left hand in a bored gesture.
The savages seems to be getting more organized every year. In the capital there is talk of foreign powers helping them. lowering his voice But there are those in the church who believe in high treason. Sir Balin suspects the involvement of some of the noble houses. The whole affair is being dealt with utter secrecy. Not meaning to be disrespectfull Cpt Sambryl but you were not informed because you did not needed to know. For now the less people who know about this bussiness the better.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Giving a sideways glance at Cruxcarr. If you are refering to my portly companion over there mumbling ...I would have to agree, the man gives me the creeps... he is an old aquaintance of Sir Balin, apparently they have colaborated in the past and part of my job is to conduct him to our meeting.

I would love to have an escort Captain, specially from a fine ship like the Blade. The savage north is well know to be...well...savage. But since I have worked with the Most Holy Inquisition before I feel I must warn you. With such a delicate situation and the need for secrecy and all... making a dramatic pause for the meaning of his words to sink in ...they may re-assign your ship and crew to the support of their expedition.

Not-Shendalyn steps in acting the part of a bodyguard or trusted security advisor.

"My lord are you sure this is wise? We took such measures to ensure secrecy having an escort would only tip our hand to spies with eyes on the coast. We avoided the port specifically because of that need."

1d20 - 2 ⇒ (20) - 2 = 18 Sense Motive

Captain Sambryl chews your added words and the mention of the famed Sir Balin followed by Shendalyn's addition and sighs as he nods "Very well, I can understand if secrecy is needed... ware yourselves in the waters further North. Once beyond the Watch Wall there are few ports that would offer succor"

With that he withdraws back to the Blade with his crew and readies to make sail once more. Your own Captain eagerly prepares with his weathered crew to push off and sail away from the Talingardian vessel.

Situation successfully resolved... pending what Mi'Dre is up to...

Yeah I figured.

Uhh, hmm, well this should be interesting :p I guess I'll spoiler it for now?

Sense Motive, not that it matters now, but so that I can read the spoiler. :) 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

"That went uncommonly smoothly." Albina says obliquely, in case of listening ears, "I was expecting at least paperwork, or some such tedium."

Mi'Dre frowns as he notices the troops returning, holding that expression for a few moments, before sighing with disappointment as he looks over to their ship. He keeps his hold on the rear of the ship for a few moments longer, waiting for a chance to simply fly back over to their ship without being noticed and climb back aboard it's deck, scowling at any of the crew who dares to look his way, his wings folding back into the illusion.

Kargeld grunts at Albina's words "Ye got lucky... they don't exactly send the best and brightest off to guard the frontier" and the crew don't show too much surprise at Mi'Dre's less than human abilities... though perhaps they keep an extra eye of warding upon him when he nears.

The Frosthamar glides easily through the water and the Blade gradually fades from your sight. You continue on into late that evening before the longship is set to anchor for the evening, waters having become less known to your Captain and he is less willing to risk grounding himself. The sky darkens with cloud afore it darkens with night and a light rain settles in. The crew cover themselves with tarps as they drink their booze ration for the day and settle in.

Can I have confirmation of watch order?

Shendalyn shrugs. "Would you have preferred unlucky?" Looking back at the retreating boat he continues. "This way there are fewer bodies on our path for others to follow."

Shooting a quick glare to CRuxcarr he looks away quickly as he catches the mans eerie stare.

Welp. What shift should the guy with +0 perception be on?

Still with his arm around Albina the blackguard says in playfull tones. Never fear sugar lump. I am here to protect you. giving her his most crooked smile.

About the watch order Jack would like to be first or last. Getting in and out of plate is such a pain...

Albina peels Black Jack's arm off of her with a look of mild reproach, "And this ruse is done. I can take first shift."

"Whatever. I'll take middle." Mi'Dre muttered as the subject of watches was brought up. They hadn't bothered before now, but since they were in 'more dangerous waters' he would put up with it. He still wasn't used to this whole having to sleep thing. He didn't think Devils were meant to be affected like this just for being on the Material Plane, but there wasn't a whole he could do about it. As it began to rain he just settled down against the mast and tried to get comfortable, glad that to feel that he was recovering, the cool temperature no longer bothering him.

If we stumble upon a ring of sustenance I'm calling dibs.

So is everyone fine with Albina, Mi Dri, Cruxxcar, Shendalyn and Black Jack as our watch order?

None, go to sleep and leave Gurthok on your place Shendalyn, lol.

Mi'Dre said he'd take middle, as that's likely to be the s&*&iest. Otherwise yeah, 2 hour long watches, Albina, Cruxcarr, Shendalyn, Black Jack.

I've assumed three watches: Albina / Crux, Mi'Dre, Shendalyn / Black Jack

Relatively soon after the night's dark has descended and Albina and Cruxcarr have wearily handed over the responsibility of gazing into the dark to their be-deviled companion. Mi'Dre finds himself settling into a hours long consideration of why he should not just slit the throats of the sailors....

...when some noises from the water draw his attention. Approaching from the port side Mi'Dre spies a half dozen humanoid creatures drawing close to the ship. However unfortunately he is slow to react and the fish like humanoids rear up out of the water and chant in a gurgling and guttural tongue. Before his eyes Mi'Dre is joined by five forms of solid water upon the Frosthamar... elementals by the look of them.

One of the sailors who shared watch with Mi'Dre did not see the approach from the water, but yells with surprise as the watery forms fade into existence.

Surprise Round: Visitors, Mi'Dre

Perception DC 10 (which includes the penalty for being asleep) for those sleeping to wake and be able to act in Round 1.
Map will be forthcoming upon my arrival home tonight. Mi'Dre is within 5' of a target.

Perception 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Albina's sleep is uneasy, and she feels like she hasn't slept at all, even as she tosses and turns in fits and starts.

Mi'Dre had been taking the opportunity to stretch his wings properly for the first time since they were damaged. He still wasn't confident of their condition to want to fly while the ship was moving, but in the depths of night he could relax and not worry about anyone else.

Admittedly it also distracted him from a homicidal rampage.

His bird's eye view made spotting the assailants, whatever they were relatively easy, but it still took him a little while to dive back down to the deck, landing with a thunk as he advanced on the nearest elemental, trying to figure out what it is...

Knowledge (planes): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Power Attack Claw to Hit: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
Power Attack Claw Damage: 1d4 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

"WE'RE UNDER ATTACK! GET UP YA BASTARDS!" he bellows then as his claw connects, leaving his still uncertain of what he faced.

Heh, I hope the soldier on watch had a light because Mi'Dre sure didn't :p

Mi'Dre's claw scythes through a nearby fluid form, his ministrations causing it's essence to spill forth though it fades to mist before it strikes the deck. However, the elemental form endures.

Mi'Dre's yelling will lower that DC for waking up to 5, so Albina will be able to act in Round 1 (though starting prone).
Will have full initiative spread up in a bit after I've built the map.

Round 1: Black Jack, Shendalyn, Albina, Visitors, Mi'Dre, Cruxcarr, Sailors
Remember you still need a DC 5 Perception check to wake up for Round 1

Map

There are a couple of lanterns lit - so the ship is in decent enough light.

Albina awakens at Mi'Dre's call, but is surrounded by animated waves of water, and cannot cast a spell or hurl a fire bolt without opening herself up to attack. Instead she narrows her eyes and says aloud to the sailors, "Get below decks, lest these creatures aura of death claim your lives!" as she shimmers in place and calls upon the powers of hell...

Move action to activate copycat, giving her one mirror image for 3 rounds, and channel negative energy as a standard action. Everyone in 30 ft. except for herself, Mi'Dre, Shendalyn and Black Jack must make a DC 16 Will save or take full damage (Cruxcarr is fortuitously just out of range...). If they save, they still take half damage. (Sorry sailors! She warned them to get below decks. If they survive the first blast, and do so, good for them. If not, too bad, so sad.)

channeled negative energy 2d6 ⇒ (2, 3) = 5

Obviously, she's lying about the elementals having an aura of death, rather than flat-out admit that she's the source of the sudden pain the crewmen within the emanation are feeling. (As a burst/emanation, it shouldn't affect anyone not in line-of-effect, such as those below decks, or behind a bulkhead.)

1d20 + 0 ⇒ (10) + 0 = 10 Perception

Blearily getting up Shendalyn grumbles. "I've enough trouble sleeping knowing I'm being watched over by devils and madmen without people trying to kill me in my sleep."

Word to the uninitiatited: Gurthock disappears whenever Shendalyn falls asleep. Makes it difficult for him to keep watch. :) Also we do not have that man's wayward daughter and frankly Shendalyn has been with too many redheads to keep count of anymore.

Also, ew on the positioning. Oh well no choice to be made I can't do much while prone. Actually come to think of it since they haven't gone yet they don't threaten. No threat means no AoO's.

With a flourish Shendalyn shifts his feet into a fighting stance while raising his naked blade high into an offensive stance. Even as he does so a number of eagles swoop and dive at the creatures about him. With a small smirk he is already prepared to destroy his enemies.

Move: Stand.
Free Action: 5ft shift to J10
Standard: Summon Monster 2 for 1d3 fiendish eagles.

1d3 ⇒ 2

One at K8
One at M2

Eagle one against L9.

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20 Claw 1
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12 Claw 2
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14 Bite

Damage:
1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5 Claw 1
1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 Claw 2
1d4 ⇒ 4 Bite

Eagle two against L9.

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19 Claw 1
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18 Claw 2
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19 Bite

Damage:
1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5 Claw 1
1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 Claw 2
1d4 ⇒ 3 Bite

PA Claw 1 to Hit: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
PA Claw 1 Damage: 1d4 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

PA Claw 2 to Hit: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
PA Claw 2 Damage: 1d4 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Will narrate his actions when we find out what he's actually doing. If Albina's Channel doesn't kill the elemental he last attacked, then he'll keep hitting that one til it dies. If it dies and he still has attacks then he'll 5-foot step to F7 to flank with Black Jack. Any flanking bonuses not included above.

Percept: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (20) - 1 = 19
Shaking the sleep away Jack stands up drawing his weapon and shield and attacking the enemy Mi Dri is flanking.
What are this things?!
Atk: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
Dmg: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Sorry gang the boards weren't updating the gameplay! Gaakh - missed heaps!!!

Perception DC5: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19

Cruxcarr lounges in both half sleep and troubled thought;

Really must study the art of controlling my new found covetousness for bloodshed...

The initiate hemotheurge's porcine eyes snap open as shouts of attackers are sounded. With effort he shunts his bulk to his feet, only to be greeted with an elemental form before him;

"What manner of rudimentary aquan creatures disturb my slumber of splendor!?"

The enraged wizard's hand goes to his finely crafted cudgel and he swings vicously at his watery foe Attack Elemental(?) in C8;

MW Club:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

"Begone O' Sodden Conjuration!"

Technically the first round should be limited to standing (move action) and drawing a weapon (move action) for Black Jack and Crux... however rather than ret-con, I'll let us roll forward with an assumption that people sleep with their weapons welded to their hands.
Also - standing does generate an AoO as the summons came into play during the surprise round. But again, rather than ret-con I'm going to roll with it.
So one for the bad guys and one for the good guys should even out right?

Black Jack stands, drawing a liquid whip from one of the adjacent elementals...
AoO: 1d20 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 5 + 4 = 22 for 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
... before answering with his blade - tearing a great swath of the elemental away.

Shendalyn similarly draws a blow...
AoO: 1d20 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 4 = 12 for 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
...before summoning a pair of infernal birds to rip and tear.
I've assumed Eagle 2 is meant to attack the humanoid at L,3?
The water elemental evades two strikes, though a claw does rip effectively at it's surface tension. The second eagle is more successful, tearing with beak and claw at one of the aquatic humanoids and leaving the waters tinged with blood. 3 hits, but still ticking.

Albina sends forth a wave of negative energy to tear at the sailors, aquatics and elementals alike...
Two water-borne humanoids: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22 and 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Five Elementals (left to right): 1d20 ⇒ 12 and 1d20 ⇒ 5 and 1d20 ⇒ 13 and 1d20 ⇒ 18 and 1d20 ⇒ 9
Four Sailors: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1 and 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (9) - 1 = 8 and 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1 and 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (4) - 1 = 3

The marine creature so cruelly cut by Shendalyn's eagle sinks into the water with sallow eyes, and the energy cuts an unchecked rampage across the elementals upon the deck. The one struck by Black Jack fades into mist and the elemental near Mi'Dre seems on the verge of the same fate. The sailors scream in pain and fear, overcome by the elemental's deathly aura and begin to madly scrabble at the deck to flee.

Round 1: Black Jack, Shendalyn, Albina, Visitors, Mi'Dre, Cruxcarr, Sailors

Rest of round to come - just don't want to screw up the formatting.

No Eagle 2 is going after L9 as well. The water elemental is getting tag teamed from both sides.

Shendalyn - Eagle 1 need a save vs negative energy as well, and I'd appreciate if you can keep track of the birdies HP yourself.

With but a few actions the tide of combat has swiftly altered from ambush to destruction, but the aquatic interlopers are unbowed. The elementals surge with thick limbs of solid water to club at those aboard...
Slam on Sailor: 1d20 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 5 + 4 = 23 for 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Slam on Mi'Dre: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16 for 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Slam on Albina: 1d20 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 5 + 4 = 23 for 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7 and Copycat: 1d2 ⇒ 1 1 is real, 2 is image.
Slam on Devil Bird 1: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24 for 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

The tritons still in the water split their fire between the boat and the murderous bird that Shendalyn laid upon their kin...
H Crossbow at Bird: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14 for 1d10 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
H Crossbow at Bird: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14 for 1d10 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
H Crossbow at Mi'Dre: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7 for 1d10 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

The fourth triton alive slips beneath the waves to where his companion fell and extends a healing hand...
CLW: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
...bringing the humanoid back into the fight. Both of these two are below the surface of the water by 5ft

Mi'Dre lashes out at the badly wounded elemental and despite his first claw flying wide - the second ends the extraplanar beast and causes it's essence to dissipate.

Cruxcarr stands, and draws the ministrations of the elemental adjacent...
Slam: 1d20 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 5 + 4 = 26 for 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
...before answering with a heavy blow of his own and leaving the creature reeling... though not yet out of the fight.

The sailors heed the advice of Albina and attempt to crawl away from the elementals with as much speed as they can.

Round 2: Black Jack, Shendalyn, Albina, Visitors, Mi'Dre, Cruxcarr, Sailors

Map will need to come tonight, but there are elementals left in C8, J8 and L9.
The sailors are in A7, F10, G10 and N7.
The triton are in C3, E2, I3 and L3 (underwater). While the seeming leader is at K2 (underwater).

Bugger - just saw Shendalyn's clarification...
Sorry - was going off the initial post of One at K8, One at M2.
Is it significant enough for you to want me to ret-con? - or is the final result amenable to you?

Ehhhhhhh we'll keep it for now. I've no real reason to change it.

Mops imaginary sweat from brow - cheers and much appreciated.

Mi'Dre looks around at the chaos raging atop the boat, and after a moment looking out over the water. He's about to take off after the one who looks to be in charge, before hearing Albina's cry/grunt as the elemental above her lands a solid blow. The devil snarls then, before leaping forward to protect his 'mistress'.

Move to I7, if Shendalyn has gotten a weapon drawn yet then add 2 to the following roll for flanking.
PA Claw to Hit: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
PA Claw damage: 1d4 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Updated Map

Albina lashes out with her mace at the creature between herself and the fiendish falcon.

mace, +2 for flanking with bird 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
damage 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

DM VoV, I though you could draw your weapon as part of a move action if your BaB was +1. Am I mistaken?

Percept: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (17) - 1 = 16

The blakguard moves into flanking position with Cruxcarr and attemps to finish off one of the elementals (C8).

You waste my time, filth!

Atk: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 2 = 11
Dmg: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

While moving I think, not necessarily as part of any move action.

1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14 Will save for birdie 1.

For those of you curious albina killed the birdie at K8 she was flanking with. It's gone before the round even starts. On the bright side it may not even matter in a moment.

Concentrating, Shendalyn reaches slightly deeper into that hole within himself and soon a puddle of ichor and gore starts to pop and undulate behind one of the elementals. Within seconds a howling mass of gelatinous fury tears into the elemental between it and Albina. Meanwhile with a jolly whisper carrying his sword over his shoulder Shendalyn moves to E8 looking out into the waters contemplating his next maneuver.

Eagle Two 2/7hp

Charge to J3 to rip out the eyes of I3
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22 Crit confirm

1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 Crit damage

Lemure 17/17 HP. Full attacks

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25 Claw 1
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14 Claw 2

Damage:
1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 Claw 1
1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 Claw 2

Shendalyn pops Lemure in K8 and moves to E8.

Round 2

HP: 15/26 AC; 11 CONDITIONS: Wet and peckish

Soaked and stung, Cruxcarr hisses his anger at his elemental foe and steps away allowing Jack to engage the creature… As he does so words of protective magic issue forth from his veneered mouth;

”Induresco Mea!”

5ft. Step to A9 and cast Mage Armour on himself

Ditching the Latin for Infernal - too Harry Potter lol...