A Game of Kingmaker

Game Master Wandering Wastrel

Raquel spends several moments in prayer, warding Aivar and Sasha with shields of faith and calling upon Cayden Cailean to bless the party. Then she touches her flask to Aivar's glaive, causing it to glow with light. "Alright, gang, let's enter the dark crevice!"

Shield of faith gives +2 deflection bonus to AC for Aivar and Sasha. Bless gives everybody a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and saves against fear. All spells last 4 minutes.

Aivar will memorize Keep Watch so that he or someone who is willing to stay up all night can keep watch. That means he has no combat spells.

Aivar gratefully accepts Cayden's blessing and he nods at his companions. "Perhaps there's nothing in these caves but bats, bugs, and lizards, but nonetheless, keep your eyes open for any and all signs of trouble."

Whoever has the 'survival' skill ought to make a check and see if there are tracks.

"Good idea!" Raquel says. She hunches down to examine the ground.

Survival: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23

Know(Geo): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13 Personal roll.

Emerging from the hills to the expanse of the lake, Tristan looks out at the expansive shoreline. Shielding his eyes from the glare of the sun, he orients himself and looks to the northwest. "Unless I miss my guess, the bandit fort was just over the river mouth, there. Rather a good location... perhaps we really ought reclaim it."

At the cave entrance:

Tristan readies himself for trouble, drawing his blade and casting a spell to heighten his reflexes and prepare his body for action. Cast Heroism: +2 to attack, saves, and checks. 40 minute duration.

Raquel finds no animal tracks, but she detects a strong scent coming from the cave entrance which a few seconds' thought allows her to identify as bat guano. Once smelled, unmistakeable.

Raquel wrinkles her nose. "Bleh, there's either a lot of little bats or a few big bats in there! Keep your eyes open."

Arianna whimpers a little at the mention of bats. "Eugh. I hate bats, I hate them. With their teeth and flapping--" She shivers.

She uses an extract to improve her defenses, then lights a torch for herself. Shield, 4 minutes, AC 24

Note to self: buy everflame torches, ioun torches, and other magical light sources next time we're near civilization.

Aivar hunches next to Raquel and tries to learn a thing or two about reading tracks. Hunting never had been something he enjoyed, and right now, it's showing. "Hrm, you'd imagine this cave to be frequented by local wildlife, but if you say there are no tracks ... maybe these bats aren't the cute little bats we all know and, okay, perhaps not love. Swords at the ready, let's check this out."

Other than magical sources of light (Raquel & Narièl?), we ought to light a torch or two. Feel free to drop them if trouble finds us :)

"Why is it always the nasty ones that end up giant-sized?" Tristan wonder aloud as they enter the cave. "I knew a street entertainer years ago who had a cute little pet bat. Like a puppy with wings. It liked to eat strawberries and sleep in his hair. Why can't the big ones be like that little guy?"

Tristan will carry a torch. AC 18 while he's carrying it.

Holding her right hand up to face to mask the smell, Nariel tries to hide her revulsion to the smell emanating from the gave. "Rauko! Mani an'ksh fira."* With her other hand she produces the ioun torch, which begins floating above her with its familiar glow.

Drawing the rod hanging from her belt, Nariel makes a couple quick incantations in elven. The first seems to do little visually, but the second spell has the strange effect of producing... two more Nariels? Must be a new trick. Finally, Nariel(s) summons a familiar sight; a shimmering elemental floating in the air, whose shape seems to vacillate between a female humanoid form and a tornado.

Strangely, all three Nariel's nod, but only one voice is distinguishable "Ready when you are."

Extend Mirror Image: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Casting extend Mage Armor, good for two hours. The two mirror images will last for eight minutes, and the air elemental will stick around for twelve rounds thanks to summoner's charm.

Round 1

The air inside the cave is warm; warm and damp, and the smell is overpowering: your torches reveal that the stalactites and the floor of the cavern are covered to a depth of over a foot in bat guano - clearly generations of the beasts have lived here.

Or rather, are living here: the flickers of torchlight reveal a ceiling covered in roosting winged furry bodies. No sooner have you seen them than they sense you: hundreds of high-pitched squeaks fill the air as a mass of small, carnivorous bats surges forth, all of them hungry for blood...

Tiny and everywhere, they swarm around you, biting, clawing, tangled in hair and clothing. Arianna, Raquel and Tristan are particularly freaked out by the experience and can't do much in response.

Aivar takes 6 damage. Arianna takes 3 damage and is Nauseated 1 round. Nariel takes 2 damage. Raquel takes 5 damage and is Nauseated 1 round. Sasha takes 3 damage. Tristan takes 2 damage and is Nauseated 1 round. Everyone takes 1 bleed damage.

Party is up! Map is updated. Note that the stalactites and guano mean that the entire area is Difficult Terrain.

"Eek! Get away!" Raquel shrieks, swatting at the flying rodents! She retches and stumbles away, trying to get clear.

It appears you didn't count Heroism's bonus on my save, Wastrel. Would a 10 have succeeded? :D

"I'd have preferred one big one!" Tristan says as he feels his stomach do flip-flops at the feel of the many little fangs scoring his flesh. He flails about with blade and torch both, more out of reflex than anything else.

Attack(Rapier): 1d20 + 9 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (2) + 9 + 2 - 4 = 9
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Attack(Torch): 1d20 + 7 + 2 - 8 - 4 ⇒ (8) + 7 + 2 - 8 - 4 = 5
Damage: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

You're right, I overlooked that, but no it doesn't help. The distraction DC is 11. You're still nauseated.

Commanding her elemental to surge forward, slamming into the airborne bats.

Elemental Slam: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Bludgeon Damage: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Her elemental now attacking the swarm, Nariel immediately shifts out of the danger area towards to mouth of the cave. Urgently calling out to the others, Nariel says "Perhaps we should retreat to the surface?"

Well, at least we still have the air elementals, they work on these things. Elementals are immune to the condition effects from swarms, and air elementals are strong against airborne creatures. I should summon another next round, just hopefully they don't follow me so I can pull of another casting of the spell.

Weapon damage (including slam attacks) don't work on most swarms, including this one. Whirlwind attack would probably work?

We used whirlwind on the last swarm. Didn't we?

Arianna's nerve fails her totally, and she shrieks at the oncoming swarm--and then the swarm reaches her. She never stood a chance, and even as she smacks at herself and flails trying to get the bats away, she stumbles back toward the mouth of the cave.

can't load the map, I'll update when I get to a computer

Sasha stumbles away from the swarm of bats, waving a hand to keep the flying creatures out of her eyes.

"What I wouldn't give for a racket right about now! We should get out of here," she shouts over the din to her allies.

Aivar mutters a curse and immediately draws one of the two vials hanging from his hip. Decorated with a flaming skull, its content is just - fiery death.

Move action: draw alchemist fire
Std action: toss alchemist fire
Ranged Touch: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Fire Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3
1 vs Aivar (splash) and the swarm catches fire and takes another 1d6 on its turn unless it spends a full-round action to make a Ref save vs DC 15 - unless the vial is a weapon if so, it is immune and it takes a whoopin' 1 splash damage and that's it.

ROUND 2

Scrambling every which way, some of you manage to escape the swarm of bats flying around the cavern, but the bloodthirsty critters move to follow Aivar, Raquel and Tristan. The trio manage to retain their composure, this time, but are still bitten. (Aivar takes 1 damage, Raquel takes 1 damage and Tristan takes 2 damage)

Aivar retains enough presence of mind to remember that area-effect weapons and fire weapons are what is needed, and uses an area-effect fire weapon to good effect, although he catches himself in the blast. Some of the bats are incinerated instantly, while a few others whirr around frantically in a blaze of light before falling motionless to the floor of the cave. The smell of charred bat corpses does not add to the gaiety of the proceedings.

You guys are up!

Raquel bites down on her urge to scream and retch. She quickly rummages in her pack for a torch and lights it. "Here! Somebody take it!"

Sasha plunges back into the cloud of bats, emerging on the other side to take Raquel's torch.

Taking an item from an ally is a standard action, correct?

I think it is a move action.

Aivar reaches for the second, and final, vial of alchemist fire and lobs it at the swarm in utter desperation. The bats are all over him and if his companions do not manage to come up with a way to deal with them, they might just have to run for it. Chased off by bats! Oh, the thought causes his Brevan blood to boil.

Alchemist Fire: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2
LoH: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 2) = 8
Again, the fire continues to burn for 1 round and will deal another 1d6 damage unless the swarm makes a full-round ref save vs 15

Seeing the general ineffectiveness of the frontal assault, Nariel quickly changes tact and commands the air elemental to begin a whirlwind attack on the swarm attacking Tristan and Raquel.

Whirlwind attack, two DC 14 reflex saves required. The first is to try to prevent slam damage, the second is to avoid getting sucked up into the whirlwind. Worth a shot.

Observing Aivar striking down hoards of bats successfully with alchemist fire, Nariel takes a step out of the cave, adding urgently "More reinforcements on their way!"

Defensive Cast, Summon Monster II: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

I've put a black and white marker where I want the Fire Elemental to appear if possible.

heal: 1d20 + 3 + 1d6 ⇒ (9) + 3 + (1) = 13

Arianna whips back around, hesitates briefly, and then steels herself. With quick ministrations she stems her bleeding bite wound, followed by putting her axe on a belt loop and raising her torch once more in preparation to go back into the mess.

Heal check to stop the bleed damage, flexing Catch Off-Guard to have proficiency with improvised weapons

Realizing the futility of trying to hit the tiny creatures with his rapier, Tristan sheathes it and focuses on using the torch instead.

Attack(torch): 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (3) + 7 - 4 = 6
Damage(fire): 1d3 ⇒ 2

"Perhaps we should leave!" he shouts to his companions over the cacophony of wings.

ROUND 3

Sasha and Raquel between them manage to get a lit torch into the rogue's hands, while Tristan flails with futile effect at the swarm. The bats continue to assail the bard and the cleric (Tristan's torch seems to have incited them to a fury), while the other swarm flaps furiously around Aivar. (Raquel takes 2 damage. Sasha takes 3 damage for moving through the swarm during her turn. Tristan takes 6 damage.)

Aivar heals himself, briefly stopping the bleeding, but the bats continue to attack him until expiring in a smouldering heap of charred fur as the swarm disperses, the few survivors fleeing out of the cave mouth, giving everyone a wide berth. (Left-hand swarm is out of action, although Aivar takes 4 damage and 1 bleed)

Nariel's arcane arts draw forth a small column of living flame. Arianna stays clear of the combat and attempts to bind up her wounds, but blood continues to flow beneath the bandage. (it's DC 15 for first aid, so you just missed it)

You guys are up!

"We got this! Keep swinging!" Raquel shouts. She retrieves and lights another torch, stepping closer to Arianna and offering it to the redhead.

Instructing her elementals to basically swap positions, Nariel seeks to add more fire power against the last swarm. The fire elemental quickly begins to flail about, burning as many bats as possible.

Fire Elemental Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
Fire Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Reflex DC 11 to resist the burn status, which means 1d4 more fire damage.

Nariel then quickly moves to try and help Arianna bandage up her bleeding. Urgently she adds, "Here, let me try and help with that Arianna."

Aid, heal to stop bleeding: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12

Torch Attack: 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 7 + 2 + 1 - 4 = 26 All this time I'm forgetting our carefully applied buff spells. *headdesk*
Damage(Fire): 1d3 ⇒ 1
Confirm?: 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (8) + 7 + 2 + 1 - 4 = 14
Crit Damage(fire): 1d3 ⇒ 2

Tristan yelps as the bats seem to take particular offense to him, what feels like hundreds of tiny sets of teeth lacerating his flesh. He swings the torch again, feels it connect with a bundle of the little bastards, setting fur alight.

LoH: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 5) = 7
LoH self to stop the bleed. Avoid the swarm, as there isn't much Aivar can do.

With one swarm gone, Aivar turns his attention to his companions now that there isn't a veritable cloud of bats clawing away at his eyes. "Hold fast, friends! We got this!"

heal: 1d20 + 5 + 1d6 ⇒ (8) + 5 + (4) = 17

With Nariel's aid and a burst of inspiration despite her clumsy work, Arianna stops the bleeding. She nods to Nariel and moves back into the cave, raising a torch.

ROUND 4

The combination of the new fiery ally and some inspired work from Tristan suffices to drive off the few remaining bats. Arianna manages to stanch her bleeding with some assistance from Nariel, and Aivar does the same thing via divine means. The rest of you are still bloodied and cut up.

Party is up. We are still in rounds because reasons, so keep to the action economy please :)

Map updated

Channel Energy: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 5) = 9

Raquel breathes a sigh of relief, then she channels healing energy.

Aivar breathes in deep and exhales through his nose, slowly, in an effort to lower his heartbeat. He blinks away the sweat and checks if everyone is still standing. "Is everyone alive? Great! Regroup and keep your eyes open. There's no telling how big this place might be, and if there's something deeper down, it might've heard what just happened."

Aivar is *out* of Alchemist Fire. Next time we're in town, we should replenish on alchemical items and low-level potions 'n scrolls like sunrods, alchemist fire, shield of faith, remove sickness and remove fear. You know, the stuff you don't want to prep, but that will come in super handy, especially given some prep time.

"I hope someone offers a decent laundry service when we get back to the town," Tristan says as he looks with dismay at his blood-soaked and tattered clothing. "I ought to strike up some sort of permanent arrangement. And remind me to pick up some of that bottled fire, as well Aivar. Can't have you pulling all the flashy tricks."

Sasha spits, holding the torch away from herself. "Ugh, a wing went into my mouth. It was so oily."

She turns to her party. "I'd suggest scouting ahead, but any light would give me away. Perhaps Nariel wants to lead the way? I've always heard elves have excellent vision at night."

ROUND 5

Leaving to one side - for now - the question of how exactly you would source alchemical supplies in a town which has no shops, you continue exploring along the tunnel to the point where the natural cave ends abruptly. However, curiously, a series of crude tunnels appear to have been carved through the rock. In the light of your torches, you can see beyond the small tunnels that the stone on the other side is worked, angular: purpose-built.

Along the walls and floor of the other side your torchlight reflects off the gleam of metal and rust.

Either the tunnels were carved in haste, or they were deliberately designed for people smaller than you - it's possible to get through, but it will be a squeeze.

It's a full-round action to get through the holes in the wall and onto the other side. Only three of you can pass through at a time.

Map updated

"I don't know that it's technically 'alchemist's fire' that a guild would approve of, but with some materials I can make a mixture that ignites on contact with air, certainly," Arianna says huffily. "But to do it right I need a few days and a place where I can burn my eyebrows off in peace."

She examines the holes carefully. "I'm inclined to think that anything in here was already alerted by our...scuffle. Maybe throw a light in ahead, then, I'm still protected by my extract, I could go through first."

Nodding at Sasha's suggestion, Nariel takes the point and allows her eyes to guide them in the darkness. While elves had strong eyes in poor light, the cramped quarters of the cave still made her increasingly uncomfortable; her kind preferred the freedom of the outdoors over the the subterranean.

Reaching the shorter tunnels, Nariel examines them for a quick moment before looking over her shoulder and reporting "Though a tight squeeze, we can get by. That said, I could quickly examine what is beyond the wall by shifting through this roughly built pass, and seeing what is beyond more closely."

"Can't you send your air elemental through to scout it out?" Raquel asks Nariel. "Have it fly in and out and tell you what it sees!"

Glancing back at the elemental, Nariel shakes her head "Unfortunately, elementals do not make great scouts. They are not known for being stealthy. A good thought though Raquel." Looking again towards the tunnels, Nariel adds "No, I can quickly blink over there; I will not be gone but a moment or two, get a lay of the land before I blink back."

Maybe I should cast Invisibility?

Raquel nods and touches Nariel's arm. "Just be safe, love. Yell if you get into trouble."

Cast guidance on Nariel.

Nariel smiles warmly and nods, adding quietly "Do not worry Raquel, I will. I will not venture too far alone, and I will bring some company with me." With that, Nariel disappears suddenly, only to reappear on the far side of the tight tunnel passage. The air elemental also breezes past the party, easily navigating its form to squeeze through the tunnel.

For some reason I stupidly didn't memorize invisibility, so I'm not going to travel far; just want to get a lay of the land ahead, and then report back. I'm also bringing the air elemental as backup if something nasty is waiting on the other side.

ROUND 6

On the other side of the tunnels, Nariel finds herself in a corridor of worked stone. Two wooden racks, long assailed by mildew and woodworm, stand partially collapsed on either side of the walls. The racks contain the remains of several sets of metal weapons and armour, long consigned to rust - from what is left of them, Nariel would guess that they are of dwarfen make.

The place is strewn with pieces of rusted iron, stacked precariously one bit atop another, going almost to the ceiling - the remains of greaves, breastplates, helmets, axes, swords, hammers... from the look of it, this was presumably an armoury. Everything is thick with dust.

Up ahead, the elf can see an opening on the left hand side that is clearly blocked by a collapsed ceiling - the rubble partially spills out into the corridor. On the right, the passageway appears to open into a room: Nariel can feel the draught of air and see a dull glow of reddish light.

Her keen ears pick up the sound of metal, thudding against metal - a dull, clanking sound like a slow, irregular heartbeat.

Map updated

If Narièl gives the okay, Aivar will come on through. Not much else I can post/do right now.

Heading back towards the tunnel, Nariel crouches over and calls through the crevice with just loud enough of a voice to be heard on the other side "Come on through, there is no immediate danger."

As the others make their way through, Nariel explains everything she has observed through the darkness ahead. "There is a terrifying sound emanating from further on, you may not be able to hear it... but it is an irregular clanking sound. It is disconcerting; we need to be on alert."

Nariel will also summon forth her fire elemental.

Two more can squeeze through the tunnels this round. The others will have to wait until the following round.