Humm... GM assumptions of plot-relevant facts given a performance over 25... YOSH! Less do dis thing!
At Valcrim's cry, Ameiko pulls a tray from behind the bar, then several mugs in succession, which she fills from the smallest keg that you see on display, treating the amber liquid that spills forth quite reverently. Those who watch are treated to a display of uncommon grace as she carries eight full tankards of ale from behind the bar to your table on a rickety tray, perhaps confirming suspicions that at one time the young woman who owns a tavern truly did adventure and perhaps earn the dagger resting on her hip. Sandru smiles broadly at the young woman, and snatches a tankard before the tray descends to the table, sparing his mother a wink before he strides toward the crowd with some manner of purpose.
"Provided you can lure him to return," Ameiko begins, marking Sandru's exit and progress toward her now certainly overwhelmed employee, "Sandru might be able to tell the value of your treasures, and might even have the coin to buy a few," she adds with a knowing smirk. "In the mean, might I see the sword you spoke of?" she asks, settling near Joyabraund.
Koya chuckles at Valcrim's term of endearment. As ancient as she is, and as grave in matters concerning her goddess and foretelling, she still holds a sense of humor. "May be that Desna was not amused by lights challenging Her brilliance?" she suggests and laughs. "Like as not, it is better not to speak at all. Fate has been strange since Aroden's fall. As fine as ye lads be, saviors all to hear it told, the dark is like to struggle, too."
Knowledge Religion DC 15:
Koya is referring to Desna's use of dreams as a method of prophecy, and specifically her role as a priestess to try to influence those that are negative.
Feel free to let Ameiko rummage about in your treasures and ask after whomever. Also, the stuff about Aroden's death changing the meaning of fate and prophecy should be common knowledge.
Sorry for being away so long guys. Trip to cabin got prolonged, which was good, since husband is now familiar with Breaking Bad and he got to recover from his surgery without my sterling mother in law nagging every waking moment.
And seems the troll-nets issue is cleared up for now. So I'll get this thing moving again soon.
Sorry guys, double whammy. Husband got sick before our trip, and brain was scattered. He's got a really minor surgery Thursday, so it's not quite not busy yet.
Broderus, Treygan Gorski, Yamamoto Seiji
Banker Hazel seems to be slightly frustrated by Yamamoto Seiji and Broderus's answers, much to something you believe is bemusement glittering in Sheriff Balor's eyes as he sits and appears to lean back in his chair, but she is silenced by Treygan Gorski's contribution.
"Very well," she says and sighs, face almost flush. "I will inform my superiors to anticipate your report tomorrow morning," she continues, and high color comes to her cheek. "Oh, you will be able to furnish a report, won't you?"
"Enough," Balor rumbles. "The bankers should do well enough to know that they'll not have to pay the extra coin to keep deputies on the streets at night," his voice is dangerously close to a growl, and he rises and shows you to the door. "It'll be good to have the bounty down, and trade from the north should have folk better in spirits."
Joyabraund Northropple, Father Valcrim Flinthammer
for the sake of simplicity, I will say that Joyabraund returns to the conversation at the time that Koya will respond to Valcrim
The crowd gives a rousing cheer as Joyabraund's tale ends, as dead goblins means a fair deal more to these craftsman and merchants than you worldly adventurers are like to understand. A few toss coin in Joyabraund's direction as he steps from the stage and offer toasts, and whereas Ameiko had done her best to keep morale at an even keel, there is a sense of hope among the patrons now. Behind the bar, Ameiko spares Joyabraund a smile, then nods to one of her waitresses, who bows her head and assumes the stage to lead the patrons in a local row in Varisian.
As Joyabraund nears the table where Valcrim and Koya converse, the old priestess's eyes flick to the bard, and they are scarcely smiling.
"A mentor you were to these lads, and like will still be in the roads ahead," she responds to the dwarven priest. "A woman can raise a boy," her eyes flick to Sandru sitting at the bar and she smiles faintly, "but it takes a man to shape them."
Koya pauses and closes her eyes for a brief moment. "It is true that I have dreamt of darkness, but as we've yet to gather all I will remain silent on that," she apologizes and gives a nod toward the entrance.
Everyone
Broderus, Treygan Gorski, Yamamoto Seiji arrive to the sound of great cheer from within the tavern. A young girl is singing a row in Varisian and it sounds as though several dozen unskilled patrons are doing their best to drown her out. Valcrim Flinthammer and Joyabraund Northropple are seated at a table with Koya Mvashti and Sandru is currently chatting with Ameiko at the bar nearby.
Concerning Exotic Weapons:
my husband has recommended using weapon transparency from 3.0. So if you are proficient in bastard/Longsword, you can also be proficient with the katana, and scimitar for wakizashi.
Going to be absent from the 5th til the 9th of August. Husband and I are going to a cabin by the sea and will not be bringing the internet with us. Lots of card games, sun bathing and generally just chillin' to be done.
Ah, yes, it is Sandru. I should have checked your campaign traits fore ever I wrote, but I got sidetracked with a trip to the store while I was writing. My apologies, Joyabraund.
Broderus, Treygan Gorski, Yamamoto Seiji
The young woman's stern expression softened somewhat, and a faint flush could be seen on her face as Treygan accounted for Gutwad's demise, and she opened her mouth and appeared without words for several seconds before Broderus's mention of skeletons. Whatever youthful compunctions a young lady might have in the presence of a paladin, her composure afterwords could not have been more rigid. "Undead?" she repeats. "Have you determined the origin of the foul magics that created them?" she inquires. She glances at Broderus and Yamamoto Seiji briefly. [b]"Valcrim Flinthammer was among your number, correct? You will take me to him immediately."
Balor has been observing while the Banker's tone has taken on the snap of command. He sighs quite audibly and shakes his head. "Thought it were lucky you boys returned when you did, have this young one write a note for your bounty you could collect your gold in the morning," he said and rose. "Excuse the little one," he says for Broderus and Yamamoto Seiji's benefit. "Knowing nothing of the wilds, she takes her Abadar given duties to the letter.
"Banker, these men would sooner an ale then recount their troubles this night. And from the smell of 'em, they're not looking to strike out," he looks to you for confirmation.
Joyabraund Northropple, Father Valcrim Flinthammer
Ameiko chuckles at Joyabraund's indecision, and Sandru cheerily assists his former guardsman. "Story," he calls, "and my coin will purchase your room. Never trust a tavern keep that will fill your belly with ale and leave you in the cold," he says with an air of teasing, and winks at Ameiko.
"Cayden brew it is," Ameiko says and smiles at Father Flinthammer. She pulls a stein as requested, and though there is another firm bodied lass behind the bar tonight, pours it herself, tilting the glass at the appropriate angle to produce the perfect amount of head on the ale and delivers it herself.
"Was it mine training, or thine own?" Koya inquires of Valcrim when he offers his salute, her eyes training on his warhammer. "In my dreams I see warriors standing to face the dark, not boys."
Ameiko returns to the bar, and the modestly busy tavern soon quiets as Joyabraund ascends to his stage and delivers his riveting tale. Ameiko and Koya, especially, seem to lean forward as to be that much closer to his exceptional delivery, the light in their eyes, despite the decades of difference between them, near identical.
"And what happens next?" some less than sober patron calls when Joyabraund quiets, feeling that there is something more to this mysterious treasure.
Hope Valcrim and Joyabraund don't feel cheated by the less lengthy of the descriptions, but figured it was time for Joyabraund to bard it up and make his influence on his world known.
The streets are quite vacant in the early evening as you make your way through town. What little trade occurs between residents has long since concluded. What few permanent stalls there are have been shuttered for the night, and there are very few carts left , more being drawn in toward the homes of their owners. Despite this, you find that the streets are well lit, and spy deputies or militia on patrol on occasion.
Broderus, Treygan Gorski, Yamamoto Seiji
The notice that Sheriff Hemlock Balor hung at the beginning of your adventure remains outside his office. One of the heavy double doors remains open, through which the light of the building shines spills onto the street. A deputy is posted here tonight, he sniffs at the content of the bag you are holding and grimaces, but nods you ahead and into the building, his vigil over the town wavering only for a moment.
Inside you find Balor at his desk, the remains of a meal that smells no better than the trail rations you have become accustomed to stashed to one side of his desk, his elbows propped up as he peers at reports apparently recently handed to him by a young woman wearing a symbol of a key on a leather throng around her neck. He is in full fighting kit, his armor not quite gleaming, obviously well used, and seems to be in greater spirits for your entrance, though after a moment his expression turns a bit sour for the gore you have brought with you.
"I have it from the stink you were successful, to a point," he says and rises, and when he does the girl beside him looks your way, none too pleased to have been interrupted. Her face is handsome rather than beautiful, but her gray eyes betray cunning beyond her years, and patience. "Banker Hazel, I give you the new heroes of Sandpoint. Just as well you arrived when ya did," he sighs, apparently more comfortable with his drawl in your presence than in hers. "The Banker was just pressing for signatures on notice to Maginmar."
Sheriff Balor hazards a tight smile, but the Banker takes up where he left off. "The greatest bounty was for proof that you have disposed of the Licktoad Chieftan," she peers at Treygan Gorski. "I will accept his word that that which you present is authentic."
You should have 15 goblin ears and Gutwad's head, I believe.
Joyabraund Northropple, Valcrim Flinthammer
Even from without, the atmosphere about the Dragon is a great deal less subdued than the streets. Those folk who have braved the goblin threat, or perhaps too cowardly to leave believing themselves sieged have been catered to exclusively by the ever radiant Ameiko Kaijutsu. As you enter, you find her behind her bar, chatting with a dark and weathered character sporting multiple chains of precious metals and glittering rings on his fingers, as well as a dangerous looking scimitar at his hip, its sheath attached to his thigh by a bit of weapon cord as though he is one used to moving quickly with little obstruction. Valcrim, you recognize your friend and mentor Koya sits at a table a few feet away, a smile on her face as the youth converse. To Joyabraund the elder cleric appears a wash of colors that the Varisian people favor, her hair parted and plaited, decorated with ribbons and beads in a festive manner.
Ameiko looks up as Valcrim enters, her eyes widening at the litter he bears across his back, and Koya leans intently forward, her eyes and mind quick despite the decades she wears on her weather beaten face.
"Father!" Ameiko calls out Valcrim and waves cheerily. "Dispatched for goblins and return bearing riches unknown to us," she says, her eyes alight. She looks to Joyabraund and smiles. "Like as not, there is a tale in this. Ale and my best trimmings on the house, my friends. And for yours, when they arrive, too."
Encounter leg 01 1d20 ⇒ 5
Encounter leg 02 1d20 ⇒ 8
Encounter leg 03 1d20 ⇒ 16
Special 1d20 ⇒ 9
Having investigated the area to your current satisfaction, Broderus leads the way back through the swamp, this time, for the most on paths, so that you make good speed through the morning. You climb the hill toward the road, the treasure that Joyabraund was so eager to speak of in the town jangling on Father Flinthammer's back. Now and again, you believe you see a number of the colony of many toed cats peaking out at you from the brush, as though hoping you will drop something for them to play with. Or perhaps you have adopted the salt and fish smell of the swamp in your days here?
Lost Coast Road is still quiet and solitary, reminding you that the riches you carry would likely feed several dozen families for at least a year in the beleaguered town. Whether or not you feel like their champions, having defeated what remained of the goblin scourge and the problem of the undead in the caverns, you are fairly certain that they will react well to you bringing the news of their liberation from the terror, and your return.
The sun has begun its descent on the horizon when you spot the city proper, or, perhaps not quite so proper. Compared to the several boxes on Father Flinthammer's back, though a little roughened by exposure, the beautiful carvings upon them speak of a culture that this small town in the wilds could not possibly replicate.
As you approach the town, you are further reminded of your charge as the stench of the rotting goblin ears and Gutwad's putrifying head become more pronounced, having gotten the last of the swamp smell from you. Where shall you, Sandpoint's most recent heroes, go upon your arrival? To the Sheriff's to claim your reward, or to Ameiko Kaijutsu's Rusty Dragon?
It takes some time to open the door, as it has been warped by moisture and heat, but when Broderus manages to gain entry to the outlying building, he finds not but an empty shack filled with all manner of debris one would expect to find in the wilds. Chairs too broken to be mended, scraps of linens and clothing grown over with mold and fungus. The stench of rat droppings is oppressive in this building, in particular, so much so it burns Broderus's throat to breathe, but he sees little else save for observing that the northern wall of this building has crumbled and began to admit nature to the area proper.
There is no answer to Treygan's call save for the rustle of brush elsewhere around the shack.
GM Screen:
1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20
Broderus does not hear or see anything in the out building, however an unnatural calm seems to have settled over the area, as the calm before a storm. The weather is balmy as usual, but when you look up, the sky is clear.
So far I got three for going back, Yamamoto Seiji wants to snoop around, and Broderus is checking out the shack. I'll get ya'll movin' along soon as yer Alchy is satisfied.
this encounter was meant for Tabletop. it's full of superfluous checks and asks for stuff that goes by rounds, which, to me, is impossible to track in PbP, so let me know where ya'll would like to go, and I'll let ya'll know what ya find, and what happens.
You enter the home, and find yourselves inside a large room grown over with a variety of species of fungus on the floor, the walls, and the ceiling. The smell is musty, and the detritus floating in the air testifies to the fact that this home has not been opened in quite some time. The floor boards beneath you creak and shift violently as you step, lending to an unsettling feeling, an almost funhouse effect without the mirrors. Hanging from the rafters there are more grizzly skeletons and gords, and sachets, some so recent that there are still feathers, scales and other forms of flesh clinging to them. To the north is a small closet containing some rotten linens and pots that have not been used in quite some time, from the amount of fungus that has grown over them. Immediately to the west is the sagging entrance to another large room, through which can be seen several benches over grown with fungus and vines from a broken window.
Sorry for the delay, gents, have been feeling crap of late.
GM Screen:
Skitterfoot Stealth 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (14) + 16 = 30
As you approach the shack, peering through the dark and sometimes broken windows, you cannot see anything stir. Father Flinthammer's powerful paws cause the walls to shake, and the assorted ornaments hanging from the eaves to quiver, which sounds almost, and morbidly musical. Continued knocking pushes the door in on itself, and you see that nothing but the dust and detritus of a decaying shack lies within, at least within sight...
You gather from the lack of pronounced humanoid skulls, and the tiny, tiny vertebrae, rib cages and limb bones that these are most likely the bones of much smaller critters than humans/humanoids. That and the lack of any humanoid in this region thus far save yourselves and the Warden Proudstump, who is recently arrived, and judging from the state of his home and current lack of companionship, likely single.
You follow the path in front of you west. Yamamoto Seiji and Broderus, your skilled eyes can see that not much else than stray animals have traversed this path in quite some time, and to all it appears as though nature is beginning to reclaim this way.
After less than two hours of walking, you come to a clearing. Set among this clearing is a shake in even worse repair than you recall seeing the warden's home. Several windows are missing glass, and vines have grown into them. The western wall appears to lean at an unnatural angle. As you approach, not a single creature stirs, lending to a general sense of unease. It as if the insects and little creatures of the swamp have learned to avoid this area. Beyond lies a rather large independent structure with a roof that literally has bent and sagged under the weight of the tiles and now several saplings growing into its surface.
Current Locationyou are entering from the L13 area, as indicated by the pathway
As you get closer, you recognize that from the eaves are hanging several bones molded into odd shapes by wires, and sachets rotting on leather throngs. An occasional breeze makes these ghastly displays rattle against the building in an unnerving harmony. If you pause long enough to study such things, you can see no movement within from any of the windows.
Just so ya'll know, checking out the last point is not going to take over long, and after, assuming no randumbs on the way back, we can fast forward to Sandpoint.
Encounter! 1d100 ⇒ 81
Night Encounter 011d100 ⇒ 46
Night Encounter 02 1d100 ⇒ 81
Weather 1d100 ⇒ 39
Knowing the pitfalls inherent in the cave, you manage to avoid them quite deftly on your way out. You pause to listen for any activity in the spider cave and are greeted with the musty smell of spider blowing into your faces, no shrieks of mortal horror, gangling or stomping in your direction. Carrying your treasures through the sheet of nettles poses a challenge for about a moment before Father Flinthammer steps in and brusquely instructs the lads how best to solve the dilemma. Cutting your way back to the paths takes the majority of what remains of the afternoon, as the brambles continue to pose a challenge even if you have stomped on them before.
You choose to rest near the bridge where the path is thickest, but not so close as to draw any untoward attention from the local wildlife. Occasionally during the night you hear what you hope to be a rather large aquatic bound creature break over the near stagnant water of the river, and some small wildlife skittering about in the brush, but none pose any threat to you this night.
Broderus:
Taking 10 on survival, you know that the weather will be great tomorrow!
In the morning, you wake and the heavy mist that has settled upon you during the night illuminated by the first rays of sun almost makes this dank, stagnant pit blighting the coast almost seem beautiful. You spy a many toed cat prowling about the shoreline if you go to to relieve yourself or fetch water from the river, and more are daring enough to investigate your party from the cover of the brush this morning. Any attempt to call them to you, however, ends in a typical cat response of disdain and several striding proudly through your camp as though you are invaders on their territory.
Knowledge Nature DC 10:
Ship's cats typically have a higher incidences of the many toed mutation, presumably to help with balance, which may explain where these kitties came from
You have one point left on your map, or you can continue on to Sandpoint
Apologies, folks. My organic bits have been failing me this weekend. A pervasive funk has fallen upon me and I dunno when I will be shaking the feeling and getting my head back completely.
Will get you guys up and moving when that does happen, though.
It is a standard longsword. Not an exotic weapon. Was supposed to be something else, but it's my prerogative as a GM to give you guys stuff you can use. You're not fighters who can pick up Exotic Weapon Proficiency like it's nothing.
A friendly observation from your Neighborhood GM:
Your encounter with the goblins was shortly before your lunchtime. You have a few hours before dark, which can be used to hike to the road, I'll say, but you'll not be getting into town until after dark if you push yourselves beyond fatigue.
Put the Letter in spoilers because I'm not sure how much that Yamamoto Seiji would share IC, so... yeah.
The Treasure
As one might expect from the ornamentation, the key found on the skeletal champion's remains opens the large box he sat upon, and when opened, reveals to you that this horde is not yours alone, or... is it. Several slots in the velvet lined interior are empty, but more are full.
Among these fine things you find 10 potions, a ring, a wand, a chainshirt, and a longsword. There are also 11 more paper tube fireworks you have already claimed from the Licktoad Goblins, as well as four completely new and baffling models. Finally, of absolutely no value to the goblins, you find 4,525 sp, 500 gp and several pieces of fine jewelry.
Appraise DC 20:
The box itself is worth 250 gp, and the jewelery is worth 675 gp
The chainshirt is masterwork, and the the longsword is both masterwork and cold iron.
Spellcraft DC 18:
There are 5 potions of Cure Light, 2 potions of Cure Moderate, and 3 potions of Lesser Restoration
Spellcraft DC 20:
The wand is a wand of Identify and it currently holds 19 charges. Ironic.
The ring is a Ring of Climbing.
Sorry for breaking this up, was a lot of figuring out DCs, which is NEVER fun.
My son, my heir. You know now that I have kept secrets from you. You were always a perceptive son, and while you may not understand my reasons for secrecy, I hope that you realize it was necessary. Know that i was not angry with you for opening the warding box - I was angry with myself for withholding the truth from you and forcing you to seek out what I should have given to you. The words I spoke to you were from anger with myself, and it shames me to think of them now. I write this note as an apology, and to beg you to leave these secrets to history.
The next few days will be the most important I have faced in many years. If our family enemies have, as I hope, forgotten us, I shall reunite with you and your wife, and your mother and I shall reveal the truth to you. But if they still seek the contents of the warding box, I fear that I may not speak to you again. The box holds our family's greatest treasure, so I have returned it to Kortun's care, and it shall remain hidden in the secret third vault under Brinewall Castle - obscured from our enemies, I hope and pray. I will not grant our foes the satisfaction of killing me themselves - if it comes to it, let my death, by my own hand, be my final act to protect you so that our enemies believe our line ended.
I have instructed Tsutomu to keep this letter from you, delivering it to you only should I fail to return as I hope to. If I can, I will reveal all to you myself. If I cannot, this final missive from a father to a sun must suffice as an apology in place of an explanation, and you must destroy this letter, flee to the south, and never return to Brinewall. If our enemies find what I have hidden, there will be nothing here for you. If they do not, they will lie in wait forever for your return.
I hope to see you again soon, my son. But my heart tells me I will not. I am sorry to have failed you. But I am proud of you, and I know you will survive this old man's shame. You are strong, and you must remain so. For if you are reading this and I am gone, know that our enemies will never stop searching for us, and that is why I cannot reveal the truth to you until I know there is no chance of them finding us again.
Rokur Kaijitsu
Sunday 29 Desnus, 4687
If Letter DC 14 Knowledge History Brinewall:
An unknown scourge destroyed the colony of Brinewall on the first day of Sarenith in 4687, just a few days after the date on the letter.
If Letter DC 18 Knowledge History Kortun:
Brinewall's last commander at the time the colony was destroyed was a man named Andril Kortun.
If Letter, Knowledge Nobility DC 15 Rokuro Kaijitsu:
Rokuro Kaijitsu was Ameiko's grandfather, which would make the letter's unnamed and intended recipient her father, the now-deceased Lonjiku Kaijitsu
Hey guys. Thinking of implementing a new house rule in favor of your resident smith, and any of you folk this would benefit, really.
Craft checks and Perception checks can be WIS or INT, provided it is justified by the character.
Reason based on Mike the Handyman on the Discovery Show The Colony. Guy didn't have a PhD like some of the folks on that show, but his reasoning was sound, and he had learned the basics of machines and such through just plain working with them all his life. Seems ridiculous to me that your resident smith, who is an armorer and has been for decades would not be better at being a smith through straight dwarven tenacity and experience with the forge even if he doesn't have above average intelligence.
As the skeletal champion reaches for his dropped weapon, the combined might of Broderus and Father Flinthammer beating upon its chest and head crush the fragile bones, and the menacing creature collapses in a heap of calcium dust and desicated flesh. Breathing heavily, still poised to attack, if is clear after a few seconds have passed that this champion will never again rise.
Combat has ended.
Thank your plucky Bard for the save :P Will have Experience posted in the discussion board soon, but you should know that you have leveled to 2 with this fight. Congratulations.
Investigating your fallen foe, you find that he continues to wear a rather hard leather throng about his neck that boasts a bronze key worked with jade colored enamel reminiscent of the box he all too formerly protected.
Skeleton's belongings:
broken masterwork chainmail, wakizashi that radiates a magical aura
Kn. Geography DC 15, Yamamoto Seiji:
You recognize that the skeleton's curved blade is a wakizashi, popular among Tian Samurai.
Kn.Arcana, Spellcraft DC 15:
The skeleton's curved blade has a +1 enhancement bonus to it
Perception DC 20:
In the pommel of the skeleton's sword is a secret compartment. Opening this compartment is a mithral scroll case containing a missive written in Tian.
Thanks for the reminder, Joyabraund. So, lets see if that Crit is negated.
Skeleton Reflex save Vs. DC 14 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9 oooh, lucky die! Well then, Broderus is up as that action is now illegal. Congrats!
Round 2 Opening, Revised
As the skeletal champion loses his grip on his odd curved sword once again, he provokes yet another attack of opportunity as he reaches for it again!
Wisdom might suggest that a box that has survived in the dank and dark and supported a skeletal champion wearing chainmail for apparently some time might also support a dwarven cleric should he manage to climb atop it in his full plate armor.
Just kidding, that would be a silly and superfluous skill check in combat that is essentially just eating time. You can stand on the box if you desire.
Broderus's attack lands a solid hit as the skeleton rises with its wakizashi, and though its strike is very near to Broderus's face, it seems fate has decreed that the ranger will survive to land another blow. The sound of two solid blows on the skeletal champion reverberate off the rock walls, proving that this foe can be brought down. Yamamoto Seiji's improvised efforts to assist clatter noisily off the armor of the skeleton, and the slick rock lies inert. Joyabraund's timely aide to Flinthammer could not be worse placed as the cleric disregards any attempt to hit the creature and patches up his companions with a burst of healing energy, and steps forward to menace the creature with flank!
Treygan Gorski, you are now awake and aware with 1 HP courtesy your friendly neighborhood cleric of Torag
Round 3
The skeleton moves away from the box, and having identified Broderus as the greatest threat to his continued existence, full attacks!
Skeleton Wakizashi attack vs. Broderus AC 19 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28 if he hits, he will deal 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11 damage.
Skeleton Claw Attack vs. Broderus AC 19 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7 if he hits, he will deal 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 damage.
To confirm critical vs. AC 19 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21 if he hits, he will deal 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7 additional damage on the wakizashi strike.
With two well placed hits, Broderus falls to the ground, and at -6 HP is unconscious and bleeding out.
Sure, the ground is made up of loose rocks that are kinda slimey and slippery and what not. Have a go with it.
For the record, Broderus landed two solid hits, just waiting for the round to resolve itself fully to reflect that.
Skeleton Reflex Save vs. DC 14 for Yamamoto Seiji's Bomb1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16 Skeleton Reflex Save vs. DC 14 for Joyabraund Northropple's Grease1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Round One, Continued
Broderus in his rage flails his arms about wildly, striking nothing in either attack. Yamamoto Seiji reels backwards and tosses a bomb which sets the area around the skeleton ablaze, and the air is suddenly awash in the scent of faintly scalded undead as what passes for flesh remaining on this menacing opponent is charred. Joyabraund Northropple's intelligent use of magics manages to make the skeleton lose his weapon and it falls in 1d8 ⇒ 7H3 as Valcrim Flinthammer tugs the unconscious but now stable form of Treygan Gorski into his square.
Round Two
Skeleton Reflex Save to pick up sword vs. DC 14 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
The skeletal champion draws an Attack of Opportunity from Broderus as he reaches down to gather his sword from the ground, then lifts himself up and attacks the ranger assuming Broderus cannot deal massive damage on a lucky crit, of course, but his delicate balance being upset, he over extends and misses the ranger.
Skeleton Wakizashi attack vs. Broderus AC 19 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18 if he hits, he will deal 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9 damage.
As you brazenly step across the threshold to examine this skeletal officer, it animates, hopping down from the box and rising in a clatter of broken mail and dry bones that fill you with a sense of menace.
The skeletal officer raises its queer short sword and points it at Treygan Gorski, seemingly taking great interest in the paladin before he moves forward and strikes at the paladin, and lays him flat in a single strike. Treygan falls to the ground and begins bleeding out.
Tsutamu Wakizashi Attack w/Challenge vs. Treygan Gorski FF AC 18 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27 if he hits, he will deal 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11 damage.
Critical threat confirm vs. AC 18 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24 for 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12 damage
Treygan is reduced to -11 and has three rounds to be stabilized or he will die.
It takes some maneuvering, but you manage to squeeze back into the largest chamber. Looking behind you, as Valcrim suggests, you see nothing crawling after your party but a few rather disgusting insects you likely have not seen before, apparently too small to tempt the gigantic spider living near the mouth of the cave.
You come again to the fissure in the western part of this large cavern, and press yourselves through it in formation will allow you to decide what order you go in, placement in your next posts and spill into a slightly smaller, irregularly shaped cavern. To one end is a rather large chest of elegantly carved cherry wood inset with jade. Sitting atop this chest is another skeleton, this one wearing an almost full set of queerly made armor that dangles from its bones. Its helm appears to sprout horns, and some vague symbol you are certain is not native to Sandpoint, or indeed, given evidence from the other skeletons, Varisia as a whole.
Knowledge Geography 15:
This skeleton's impressive set of armor, and helm, would suggest he was some manner of officer in life. How he came from Tian-min to Varisia is still beyond you.
Let me know in your posts where you would like to go as you investigate, so I can place you on the map and if you would like to roll for initiative, you may.
After a desperate squeeze, you come to a crossroads. You can continue moving ahead, and further back the way that you came, or press further west. On investigation, there is no air moving from the westerly direction, though a faint stream pushes in that direction. If you stand still and listen a while, you hear nothing but the dripping of water from within.
Yeah, rather lame update, but uh... stuff and things. Let me know if you want to continue going west.
Further investigation of the skeletons reveals little else. It is true that they were animated, but if these skeletons were the result of some dark ritual by an evil priest, there is no evidence of it in this part of the cave complex.
To the north, there is an opening in the rock that emits a weak stream of air, and if one listens carefully, it sounds as though there is a restriction within. To the west, there is a second opening in the rock from which no air stirs at all.
Skeleton Claw AoO on Yamamoto Seiji vs. AC 18 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5 if he hits he will deal 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 damage.
As Yamamoto Seiji whirls around, the Skeleton strikes at him, but its claw grasps nothing but air. Father Flinthammer moves around the outstretched claw, and brings his warhammer to bear on the desicated opponent, striking it to the ground. Broderus's strike on the prone creature breaks several ribs. It is clear that should he reform when you turn your backs, he will do so with a cracked skull and several broken bones.
Joyabraund and Yamamoto Seiji's contribution to the staggering fight is relatively little. Despite moving to have the upper hand and supporting each other well, the melee bruising team of Father Flinthammer, Broderus and finally Treygan Gorski are each unable to dispatch the last pile of bones in their way.
Round Four
The skeleton, being mindless continues to pound on Valcrim Flinthammer, knowing that he can hit his opponent. Fortunately for your mailed cleric, he does not penetrate Father Flinthammer's impressive armor.
Skeleton Claw attack 01 vs. Valcrim Flinthammer AC 22 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9 if he hits, he will deal 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 damage.
Skeleton Claw attack 02 vs. Valcrim Flinthammer AC 22 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8 if he hits, he will deal 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 damage.
I'm fairly certain medicine has progressed beyond the point of "hey, we got all this whiskey at our disposal and this metal pipe that we figure might go up there..."
Here's hoping your lady is treating you like a champ.
Sorry for the delay gents. Good news is, no more jet lag!
Round Two, Continued
As the skeletons rise near your divine champions, Father Flinthammer and Treygan Gorski, their reactions flawlessly dispatch the abominations, and they clatter to the rocky ground in heaps of decimated bone. Yamamoto Seiji steps away from danger and drinks deeply from a vial, which Joyabraund observes with his typical halfling fervor and inquires after the name of the brewer, expounding upon a happier time with his lads that is slightly less inspiring than he was before ending his performance, but with lingering the effects will last for two rounds longer. Valcrim, feeling Torag's LAW flow through his hammer, charges ahead but misses his intended target. In quick succession, Broderus and Treygan Gorski too step in to assist, but not a one manage to land a hit on this remaining skeleton!
Round Three
The remaining skeleton, finding that his opponents have done him the favor of standing still to receive his blows shoves at from the top 1d3 ⇒ 1 Father Flinthammer with his bony claws. The second hits, and draws blood from the cleric's steely maw.
Skeleton Claw 01 vs. Valcrim Flinthammer AC 20 *charge penalty 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7 if he hits he will deal 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 damage.
Skeleton Claw 02 vs. Valcrim Flinthammer AC 20 *charge penalty 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21 if he hits he will deal 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 damage.
Sorry to hear that PirateDevon. Hope that your wife and family are taking good care of you while you're ailing. Will update tomorrow, had some problems with the internet earlier, and am getting over jet lag finally.
As I recall, ya'll were smart enough to gather blunt objects like branches and stuff before you came into the caves, after discussing that slashing weapons did nothing against skeletons, so unless you want to take those actions back, that's what I'm assuming you are using.
Seeing the skeleton rise, Joyabraund leaps into form, and his performance lends to the natural abilities of his comrades. Unfortunately for Yamamoto Seiji, his bomb misses his target, and it shifts as it rises, avoiding most of the splash damage. Valcrim's mighty blow utterly crushes the skull of the skeleton in front of him, and he moves to protect his comrade, Joyabraund from the next attack. Broderus, with his improvised club, scores a rather heard hit, bringing the skeleton threatening him down. Treygan Gorski moves around and brings down the skeleton that Yamamoto Seiji failed to with his improvised club, as it has yet to rise.
Treygan, I changed your action retroactively as you could not see the enemies in the water, on account of them not having risen yet.
Round Two
The remaining skeletons shamble to their feet, and those hiding in the water become visible as they stand, and the skeletons at Q5 and T11 provoke attacks of opportunity from Father Flinthammer and Treygan Gorski. The skeleton at R15 rises and advances into melee, but has wasted his actions doing so, and cannot attack.
