Sardaukar's Legacy of Fire
Game Master Sardaukar

Current hit point totals: (Current/Max)

• Daumari 5/22
  
• Mah'ysa 9/20
  
• Efreat 25/26
  
• Hazreem 18/30
  
• Bahir 20/25
  
• Paellat 24/24
  

Picking himself up from the floor, Daumari brushes off his robes and moves to retrieve his weapons. Though he remains silent and pulls his hood low to hide his face, it's clear from his movements that the ranger is angry; his recent failures weigh heavily on his mind.

Securing his gear on his person once more, Daumari waits to follow the others' lead.

The fire in Efreat's eyes begins to die down as he looks around. "Well, shall we see what they have to say?" Looking over at the new comer, Efreat tries to get a better look.
perception 1d20 ⇒ 19

"Well, considering the fact that our escape route has been cut off, we may as well see what he has to say." Hazreem mutters irritably, still feeling the effects of the blow he suffered before.

Mah'ysa raises her ankh and channels positive energy one more time.
Channel positive: 1d6 ⇒ 2 points of healing.
And once more for good measure.
Channel positive: 1d6 ⇒ 2 points of healing.

"I have four more healing blessings like that before I exhaust Saranrae's power for today."

Bahir smiles ar Daumari's complaints as it means that he is going to be fine, "Perhaps he sees the error of his ways and will now negotiate to leave this place." His doubtful look as he scans the now vacant balcony tells just how much he believes this. He begins looking for some stairs up.

I think we passed some stairs up on the way in. We'll go up those if that is the case.

Actually Bahir is at max hitpoints prior to those last two channels since he used his last lay hands on this last round. His hp's are hard to keep straight because he heals so much himself.

Actually Bahir is at max hitpoints prior to those last two channels since he used his last lay hands on this last round. His hp's are hard to keep straight because he heals so much himself.

Darnit, missed it again.

While Efreat begins peering into the shadows, a hairless and burned looking gnoll suddenly stands up in the mist of all the bodies. After briefly looking around at your group and all the carnage around you, he bolts dead west heading past the bar.

The group of humans at the bar table have stopped clapping and were beginning to move towards you, but they stopped in the tracks when the hairless gnoll stood up. The gnoll still behind the bar hasn't moved. He seems to be staring, mouth hung open.

Daumari watches the gnoll flee before bursting into a rare bout of laughter. Though he calms himself in short order, mirth can still be heard in his voice as the half-elf turns to address Efreat.

Your work I assume. You did the beastman a favor; there is no place remaining for its fleas to hide.

Laughing at Daumari's comment, he says, "I would agree." Turning toward the figure, Efreat begins to walk toward her as he states, "Greetings! Please don't be shy. I am looking for someone. Perhaps you have seen a young woman by the name of Haleen?"

As Bahir began heading towards the stairs that he saw by the east entrance, he is stopped in his tracks by the sudden outburst of laughter created by the normally quiet Ranger. Turning, he catches the last glimpse of a naked gnoll heading past the bar and turning right down a passageway behind the back wall. As the laughter calms down, Daumari turns to Efreat and says, "Your work I assume. You did the beastman a favor; there is no place remaining for its fleas to hide." "I would agree" responds Efreat before turning towards the south end of the complex and stating, "Greetings! Please don't be shy. I am looking for someone. Perhaps you have seen a young woman by the name of Haleen?"

"I wouldn't call myself young anymore. Efreat, what are you doing here?" Stepping into the light is a rather attractive and slim human woman with dark hair and a golden complexion. Under her conservative clothing, you can make out that she is wearing a chain shirt. She has a buckler attached to her left arm and a rapier sheathed at her waist. Moving forward with confidence, she moves to embrace Efreat who returns the embrace. "How have you been? It's been so long. You're the last person I'd expect to show up here. You hated adventuring after what happened to your mother." She steps back and looks Efreat up and down. "Based on what I saw back there, you are definitely your mother's son. I wasn't sure it was you until I heard your voice. Can't mistake that voice."

"Haleen, you know these people?" asks one of the men standing near the bar. "Of course, Juluce. This is my good friend Efreat. I'm almost his second mother." replies Haleen. Turning back to Efreat, she says, "That Juluce and behind him is Kalyx and Gorundal. They run the few shops here that remain. And who are your friends?" Haleen gaze scans over the rest of the party.

"I am Mah'ysa Alandir, Disciple of Saranrae." Mah'ysa states, giving a graceful courtsy.

Hazreem looks over Haleen not saying anything for a few seconds, trying to guage her intentions. Not finding anything out of the ordinary in her raction, he simply nods at her, while saying"Hazreem Al'Shakar."

"I wouldn't call myself young anymore. Efreat, what are you doing here?" Stepping into the light is a rather attractive and slim human woman with dark hair and a golden complexion. Under her conservative clothing, you can make out that she is wearing a chain shirt. She has a buckler attached to her left arm and a rapier sheathed at her waist. Moving forward with confidence, she moves to embrace Efreat who returns the embrace. "How have you been? It's been so long. You're the last person I'd expect to show up here. You hated adventuring after what happened to your mother." She steps back and looks Efreat up and down. "Based on what I saw back there, you are definitely your mother's son. I wasn't sure it was you until I heard your voice. Can't mistake that voice."

"Haleen, you know these people?" asks one of the men standing near the bar. "Of course, Juluce. This is my good friend Efreat. I'm almost his second mother." replies Haleen. Turning back to Efreat, she says, "That Juluce and behind him is Kalyx and Gorundal. They run the few shops here that remain. And who are your friends?" Haleen gaze scans over the rest of the party.

Almost in tears, Efreat embraces Haleen. "I..I thought I would never see you again! I had a preminition that something was wrong and that you were here." Wiping the water from his eyes, Efreat smiles. "What in the fires of Dis are you doing here? Where have you been? Who are these traders?......What.....Why....I am so glad to see that you are alright."

With a graceful bow, "I am Bahir al-Asim Abdul Shihab, radiant protector and servant of the flame. May the Dawnflowers light reveal your path."

"I'm fine Efreat, nothing bad has happened to me." replies Haleen. Gesturing to the lifeless hulk laying on the battle stage, "Though Hurvank here I believe was plotting to kill me in my sleep ever since I embarrassed him by defeating him in fair combat. Looks like I don't have to worry about that now thanks to you." Turning back and looking Efreat in the eyes while gently holding his shoulders, "A lot has happened since we last talked. It's a long story that should be left to a better time and place. Needless to say, I found myself in debt and needed a way to make some money quick. I arrived here about a month ago and have been fighting for money on this stage since. We'll have to catch up soon." Turning back to the rest of you, "Kardswann is not a patient man. When I first came here, he was at least reasonable. In the last week or so, he has changed. He has become cruel and deceitful. Don't trust him. If you plan to take him out, you should do it now before his other minions return. And beware of his demon pet that patrols outside the market." Turning to look at Efreat, "For Efreat's sake, I will help you."

Behind you, the three merchants began babbling about the items they have for sale and moved towards their stalls, but you weren't really paying attention to them as you were intently listening to Haleen instead.

Bahir listens intently to everything she says, "We have dealt with the demon outside, it shall not be returning. I appreciate your words of warning, we have no intention of trusting him. Let us go find him, your help is most welcome." Bahir makes sure everyone is in agreement before continuing toward the stairs.

Hazreem gives Haleen a nod, and asks quietly, "Are there any other surprises we should be made aware of? I would very much like to have an escape route prepared, in case Kardswann betrays us."

Bahir clasps Hazreem's shoulder, "An excellent thought my friend. One cannot be betrayed by someone you already know as the enemy."

Nodding at Haleen, "So be it. We can talk later. Kardswan is one sick man to be involved with that harpy. Let us be on our way."

After the conclusion of introductions, Hazreem asks, "Are there any other surprises we should be made aware of? I would very much like to have an escape route prepared, in case Kardswann betrays us." Haleen turns to the Druid and responds, "It's mostly just the gnoll tribe here that follows Kardswann, and a few others that were just too afraid to leave." She gestures towards the bugbear bodies littering the ground. "If you have truly dealt with his pets as you indicate, then there isn't much of a threat left beside Kardswann himself and that flithy witch of a concubine that his has."

Nodding in response to Haleen, Efreat states, "So be it. We can talk later. Kardswan is one sick man to be involved with that harpy. Let us be on our way." With that the group begins following Bahir towards the stairs to the East. At the top of the stairs you find a wide platform that is open to the second floor balcony. A single floor mounted torch fills the shadows with sufficient light to prevent anything from hiding. Across from the top of the stairs is another set of stairs heading back down. Haleen indicates to Bahir to hang a right, then left. Cautiously moving along the balcony's edge where gnoll archers stood only a minute or so ago, Haleen hangs another left and leads you back towards the outer wall. She indicates a closed door on the back side of the building. "Through there is the only way to the third floor. You can be assured that it'll be guarded."

There is a defect on the map. Where I left part of the fog of war in place there should be a wall.

Pae remains silent after the fight making his way behind the others to the upper floors.He finds a quiet corner from where he can observe the proceedings.

As the Halfling quietly hangs back where he can maintain a good view of the group as well as most of the battle market, Haleen turns back towards Efreat and holds out a key. "If the door is locked, this might open it. It seems as if all the doors inside the market use the same key, though I've never tried it on this door. I've never been past this point, so I can't help you with what you'll find."

"Thank you Haleen. Paellat, would you care to check the door and proceed?"

"Is everyone alright with the state of their health?"

Hazreem rubs his shoulder where the gnoll blade connected earlier, "I think I be needing the Dawnflower's touch, of it pleases you." HP 22/30

"Everyone gather around! Hands in!" Mah'ysa whispers a prayer and brandishes her holy Ankh.
Positive energy burst: 1d6 ⇒ 3 points healing.

Thanking Haleen, Efreat takes the offered key and says to Paellat who is about 25 feet away, "Paellat, would you care to check the door and proceed?" Meanwhile, Mah'ysa asks about the state of everyone's health and at Hazreem's request, prays to Sarenrae to heal everyone who needs it 3 points of damage.

Suddenly, Paellat notices Undrella fly out from the third floor, flying over the stage at the center of the facility, and landing on the edge of the second floor balcony on the opposite side from where you are. As she lands she says, "Ah, there you are! And look, there is Haleen. Looks like you've chosen the same fate as your little friends."

As you start to act in response to her arrival, the harpy begins singing a very strange song, almost like a siren call. You feel a sudden compulsion start to come over you. Everyone who hears her song must make a Will Save, DC16. This is a sonic mind-affecting charm effect.

Daumari shows no sign that Undrella's song has clouded his mind; rather than move to the balcony's edge, the range prepares to restrain any of his allies that appear to have fallen under the harpy's sway.

Will Save 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
Initiative 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

Delay Action
I'll delay my turn until it becomes apparent to me a party member failed the save. Feel free to make any Knowledge, Perception, or other rolls on my behalf to determine when that occurs; ideally I'd like to act before someone goes tumbling off the balcony. :P

Will save: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Eyes narrowing at the seductive song, "We must end the threat this demoness represents." In a louder voice directed across the stage, [b]"It is your final destiny that you will now meet." He also prepares to stop anyone who succumbs to the alluring song.

Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17

Hazreem shoots the harpy a glare and readies an attack of static discharge against her, however when she starts singing, he lowers his hand, and stares at her, thinking Such a fascinating creature! I must get closer...

Will save 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Will save #2 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Initiative 1d20 ⇒ 6

Efreat's eyes alight with fire as he stares at the harpy. Her song assaults his senses.
will save 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
init 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
2nd will save 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

Will save: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 9 + 2 = 15

Oh, what a lovely song...
Fascinated, Mah'ysa starts moving towards the Harpy. At the edge of the balcony...

Will save: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 9 + 2 = 28
She starts moving around the balcony edge towards the Harpy...

As Undrella begins singing her captivating song, Paellat who had just raised his crossbow, lowers it and begins moving calmly towards the railing. Reaching the railing, he appears as if he wanted to climb over but then thought better of it and started moving along the railing to the left. Daumari, perceiving that the Halfling is not acting under his own will, moves to intercept and catches up with the Rogue to block any further advancement.

Efreat also begins moving non-aggressively towards the edge of the balcony. Bahir immediately reacts to this just as Daumari did and quickly moves to catch up with Efreat in order to block his passage as well. Then Mah'ysa lowers her sling and joins the procession. Reaching the edge of the Balcony next to Efreat, Bahir is able to block them both. Haleen, also under the creature's spell, walks right behind Mah'ysa and gets past Bahir whose hands are full and reaches the railing. Glancing down at the drop below, she turns right and follows the railing around towards the harpy.

Hazreem pulls up the rear and begins moving behind Haleen, also apparently captivated by the harpy's song. Reaching the railing between Mah'ysa and Haleen, Bahir watches in terror while holding on to Efreat and Mah'ysa as Hazreen blindly steps over the railing and plummets to the stage floor below, landing with a loud thud that echos throughout the chamber. (Fall damage: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 6) = 11) Glancing down, Bahir and Daumari see Hazreem lying face down on the stone floor below having just missed the bleachers. Everyone else seems oblivious to what just happened, including the three merchants downstairs who are moving toward the north edge of the stage and are looking up at the harpy. A faint chuckle sound seems to be superimposed on top of Undrella's song.

Initiative order:

• Paellat - Under spell, being held by Daumari
  
• Daumari - Holding Paellat
  
• Efreat - Under spell, being held by Bahir
  
• Bahir - Holding Efreat and Mah'ysa
  
• Mah'ysa - Under spell, being held by Bahir
  
• Haleen - Under spell, freely moving toward Harpy
  
• Hazreem - Under spell, fell to first floor, prone
  

Not for the first time thinking to himself that he really needs a ranged weapon, Bahir releases the two when he discovers they are not going to immediately jump off the balcony and follows them around to the siren, "Daumari, will you put some arrows in her please?"

When will they reach her?

When will they reach her?

3-4 rounds, assuming she doesn't move. They are not rushing to get to her, making it easy for you to get in front of them.

Bahir covers Efreat's ears with his hands to see if that helps.

Releasing the halfling, Daumari turns in response to Bahir's words and nod in agreement. With great pleasure.

The ranger begin moving west along the balcony railing, producing his bow and stringing an arrow as he does so. Taking a moment to pause, he sights at the harpy and lets fly.

Move Action Advance 30 ft. along balcony heading west, ready longbow
Standard Action Ranged attack, longbow

Pae blinks his concious mind telling him he must get closer to the beautiful birdwoman while his subconcious screams at him to wake up. He moves back towards the stairs.

We had a long arguementin another game as to whether damaging a harpy interupts her song the DM in that game ruled it didnt YMMV

Hazreem struggles to his feet and glances around him. Seeing the stairs to his back, he moves off towards the stairs. Double move: Stand up from prone; Move 20' south.

Bahir yells out, "Daumari, will you put some arrows in her please?" Daumari responds, "With great pleasure" and lets go of Paellat who immediately begins moving past him and around towards the Harpy. Drawing his bow, Daumari fires off an arrow which comes up short, hitting the railing with a clank and falling to the floor below, landing in front of the merchants. Bahir lets go of Mah'ysa but attempts to hold his hands tight over Efreat's ears, preventing him from advancing by holding his head in place. Now free, Mah'ysa continues on her journey towards the Harpy, moving past Daumari as she does so. Haleen, who is moving around the other side of the balcony, also continues her obedient trek towards Undrella. Down below, Hazreem pulls himself back onto his feet, blood oozing from several places where he impacted the ground. Blood is dripping from his nose. After standing, he glaces up at the harpy, then around the chamber before proceeding towards the stairs to the south. The merchants congregate near the north end of the stage and simply stare up at the harpy, mesmerized by her song.

Seeing no one else falling, literally, for her little game, Undrella begins walking along the railing toward the west heading towards Paellat and Mah'ysa. She continues singing as she walks and is holding her morningstar at the ready.

We had a long arguementin another game as to whether damaging a harpy interupts her song the DM in that game ruled it didnt YMMV

The effect of the harpy song remains for a full round after she stops singing. Getting hit might only affect her performance for a brief moment.

His eyes locked on the approaching harpy, Daumari drops his bow and produces his hammers. His weapons swinging, the ranger closes the distance and strikes at Undrella.

You forgot my move action last round; I should be within closing distance of Undrella now.

Free Action Drop longbow
Move Action Move up to 30 feet, adjacent to Undrella; ready fortress-style meteor hammer
Standard Action Melee attack, fortress-style meteor hammer

Just to be clear, Bahir is not restraining Efreat either but following him as he moves thus staying with the whole charmed menagerie.

You forgot my move action last round; I should be within closing distance of Undrella now.

Position updated. Undrella seems surprised by your appearance as she moves towards the others.

Just to be clear, Bahir is not restraining Efreat either but following him as he moves thus staying with the whole charmed menagerie.

Position updated.

Paellat continues advancing and comes close to reaching Undrella (10 feet away) while Daumari drops his bow and advances on the harpy with his hammers swinging fortress-style. Striking out at the feathered woman, he hits her for 7 points of damage. Efreat continues walking towards the woman with Bahir following close behind, hands over his ears. He seems to be slowing, but that may just be Bahir's imagination. Mah'ysa passes up the Paladin/Sorcerer combo and walks right up next to Undrella and Daumari, stopping in front of her and just standing there.

On the other side of the balcony, Haleen continues to slowly walk around the other direction towards the harpy's position. Downstairs, Hazreem moves to the stairs and starts climbing up.

Faced with a non-captivated subject, Undrella stops singing and turns her attention to Daumari. Swinging her morningstar at the Ranger, Undrella makes a viscous pair of attacks (Attacks: 22, 18) but their impact was less than impressive. (Damage: 2, 3)

Shaking off the effects of the harpy's song, Efreat narrows his eyes and steps back. "Kreash'vos!"
move away from harpy to be just within 30' and cast ray of frost 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

1d3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Taking a step alongside the harpy, Daumari takes special care to protect himself from the creatures as he strikes once more with his meteor hammer.

I'll be fighting defensively this turn, increasing my effective AC to 18 (+2 DEX, +3 armor, +1 fortress-style hammer, +2 fighting defensively)

Free Action 5-foot step north
Standard Action Fight defensively, melee attack, fortress-style meteor hammer

Somewhat surprised as Efreat springs into action, Bahir chuckles and then charges the winged half-woman attempting to bring her to the ground.

CMB to grapple: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

Paellat moves up to Undrella and just stands there as Daumari steps north to make room, his meteor hammers still spinning in fortress-style. Launching another attack, the feathered creature is quickly able to dodge the attack.

Surprising Bahir, Efreat suddenly backs away and out of his ear covering grasp. Raising his hand and yelling "Kreash'vos!", a ray of ice flies forth from his extended finger and threads carefully between the group surrounding Undrella and strikes her, chilling her with 3 points of damage. Mah'ysa, standing in front of the harpy, just continues to stare ahead without concern.

Chuckling, Bahir dives forward in an attempt to pin the dirty woman to the ground. As he dives in, she swings her morningstar up (Attack: 12) but fails to make contact as she dodges out of the way letting the Paladin move past. On the other side of the balcony, Hazreem and Haleen continue their movement towards the creature.

Feeling surrounded and having lost control of the situation, Undrella grunts in disgust, spreads her wings, and launches into the air. She flies up into the open area of the arena and over to the third floor balcony, over the railing, and then out of sight. (full withdrawal)

Everyone comes to there senses, not quite sure what has just happened or why they are where they are. Haleen on the far side begins hurrying around to meet back up with the rest of the group. Making a quick glance around, something strange in the room next to you catches your eye. Against the back wall of this room is some kind of strange alchemical apparatus, a maze of glass beakers connected to rubber tubes.

Mah'ysa shakes her head.
"Uhgh, vile creature; but such a lovely song. I almost had it... Is anyone injured?"

Spotting the apparatus she asks; "Saranrae's Light, what IS that?"
Knowledge (Arcana): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7