Ascension - Mageocracy

Game Master bbangerter

Blasted light source, nothing to see here. Chagrined, Tomlin kept to the edge of the ice wall and then to the rock wall adjacent, stopping at the edge of the wall near the statues. BJ25 Eyeing the statues warily, he waits on a report from Valdr after his investigation is complete.

Tavrus makes sure to pay attention behind them to ensure nothing is coming up from that way besides the slow creep of the ice wall.

As Valdr examines the pearl the entrance of the cave continues to seal over with ice and snow and soon the light from the entrance is muted as the covering completes.

"Powerful transmutation magic is being given off by this pearl. I hesitate to touch it as of yet however. Can any break through this barrier of ice separating us from the sheep?" He said simply, his eyes never leaving the dragon carving and the pearl it clutched.

"The only way i possess to break it would be much the same as anyone. Smashing."

The center of the cavern begins to brighten, though only a little. Something up above is shining through the ice on the ceiling, providing dim lighting. Centered at BB24

Updated map

Tavrus, seeing the light increasing, steps away from the center of the room and motions his bodyguard Edric and his creation away from the center as well.

Skele-wolf to BG30-BH31
Tavrus to BH28
Edric to BH27

Tomlin looks upwards for a moment, his eyes above his mask displaying his concern. All of you, back away from this area into the main cave. I hear a cracking sound from above us! That said Tomlin trails the shadows from the light to the west side of the cave.

@DM: I'm assuming I'm reading the info you are giving correctly. Basically the idea is to get the party out from under what Tomlin assumes to be a cave-in or creature coming through the ceiling.

You are understanding correctly.

Akane backs up towards the statues, looking at the ceiling. "Well, this does not bode well," she whispers in two voices, hands clenching into fists.

Deciding that if it is in fact a cave in, that this unusual magical pearl is too valuable an oddity to be buried, Valdr reaches forward and grabs it, trying to pry it free as his companions begin backing away. He allows the magic to flow over him, trying to further divine it's purpose.

Tomlin's right, I hear it too. Everyone move before it comes down on top of us! Eyeing the light in the ceiling Aurelion rushes clear from underneath the sound and moves up to meet Tunny.

Aurelion to BJ20

As everyone backs away from the center of the cavern a massive chunk of ice breaks from the ceiling, smashing with a thundering crash onto the floor. A hole in the cavern roof shows a little light peeking through, but faint shadows dance back and forth as something is moving farther up in the opening.

Updated map

I'll need new init rolls from everyone. Anyone getting a 10 or higher may also declare actions before the creature out of sight up there gets to go.

Initiative: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

Undeterred by the sudden cave-in, Akane springs into action. She and Yoroi incant in their shared voice, arcane phrases spilling from their lips as hands gesture widely. Light gathers around their hands, before spilling out and reaching out to wrap around the others. Once this is done, she moves to stand in front of the others, eyes focused on the hole in the ceiling.

Akane casts Haste on herself, Valdr, Tunny, Aurelion and Tomlin (standard action). She then moves to BF23 (move action).

HP: 50/50 + 48/48 temp
AC 27, touch 15, flatfooted 23
4/5 1st level spells
1/3 2nd level spells
Effects: Mage Armor (5/5 hrs), Haste (5/5 rounds)

Initiative
Tavrus: 1d20 ⇒ 3
Edric: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Wolf: 1d20 ⇒ 3

Edric does nothing on initiative 11
at that point, as far as I know, he is unaware of any threat unless said threat presents itself before initiative 11.

Got distracted during my last post and forgot to add something.

Valdr pulls at the pearl, the claws of the dragon figurine snap as he twists and tugs at it and the pearl comes free in his hand.

Initiative: 1d20 ⇒ 14

Pocketing the pearl for the moment, he holds his waraxe within one hand and weaves a spell of strength about himself, hardening his muscles and imbuing himself with the strength of a bison. With his increased speed, he then readies an action for the creature to show itself.

Casting Bulls Strength on Valdr and with Haste readying an action to attack the creature if it comes near.

Initiative: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

Tunny looks to the caved in ceiling, then at Akane, as she casts her spell. Nodding slightly in approval at the extra energy that flows into him, he springs into action, once again moving to a flanking position to whatever might be coming down the hole.

Move to BA27, ready attack if creature comes within reach (I believe a ready action allows a five-foot step, if so then if it comes within 10 feet of Tunny).

Initiative Roll 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Tomlin stays in the shadows created by the light, both curved blades in hand. Knowing roughly where any enemies might emerge from, the halfling braces himself for the best chance to flank the foes.

No specific action at this point. Still in Stealth mode

@Valdr: Haste allows you an extra attack when using a full-attack action, but doesn't allow you to ready an attack since you cast bull's strength as your standard.
@Tunny: A readied action could be used with a 5' step as part of it if you hadn't also moved the round you readied an action - though I would allow a readied action to charge using the same rules for charging during a surprise round (e.g., when you only have a standard action to work with).

Waiting on an init roll from Aurelion.

Rolling for Aurelion - I know he had been out of town the last couple weeks, but going to have to follow up with him on participation.

Init 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

Init order
Akane
Tunny
Tomlin
Valdr
Edric
Monster
Tavrus
Worg Zombie

Aurelion moves up the western wall of the cave, his heavy armor making only a little noise.

Only a moment later a large white scaled and winged lizard like creature drops from the large maw in the roof of the cavern. A sinuous neck stretches from its body ending in a scaled head and razor sharp teeth. Four muscled legs with clawed feet thrust it from the opening. It spreads its wings as it drops, but still the ground shakes as it strikes the floor. A piercing roar echos around the cavern as it gives challenge.

As it lands the great beasts head lashes out towards Tunny Attack d20 + mods = 23. Damage 2d6 + mods = 14, leaving tears in his clothing and across his arm.

Party may act. Note that that currently on the north side of the beast will suffer a 20% miss chance due to the dim light if they do not possess dark vision - at least until Akane gets in closer with her light source.

Updated map

@Tunny: A readied action could be used with a 5' step as part of it if you hadn't also moved the round you readied an action - though I would allow a readied action to charge using the same rules for charging during a surprise round (e.g., when you only have a standard action to work with).

I'm actually changing my thinking on this - it could do weird things allowing a charge as a readied action after moving. So no charge allowed either if you've moved during the turn you readied an action - though probably just as well unless you want to take an AoO

Akane sighs heavily at the beast's entrance, and she gets into a low stance as it reaches the floor. Like lightning, she charges towards it, Yoroi's sharp maw and deadly gauntlets glinting in the light from the rock in her hand and the electricity arcing to and fro. "This is most certainly not what we came here for!" the tiefling woman states in a displeased voice as she and her eidolon descend upon the creature with fang and claw.

Charge the big lizard and full attack (full-round action). Can I have her drop the pebble with Light cast on it underneath the creature as a free action?

+1 xbow attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
dmg: 1d8 ⇒ 6 treated as magic for DR

Worg Zombie charges and bites.
atk: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29
dmg: 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10 1d6 cold omitted since this thing is immune
free trip attempt: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (16) + 15 = 31 vs Dragon CMD

no grid numbers on the map, but the worg should end up positioned as follows, relative to the dragon, if permissible:

D D [_][_]
D D [_][_]
[][_] W W
[][_] W W

Updated map with grid coord

@Tavrus and Edric may also go, the dragon went on init 9 on the same round everyone else was positioning and buffing themselves.

ah, Tavrus went, with his magical crossbow shot.

Edric will charge to 25BD and attack with his nonmagical scimitar.

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Aurelion's heart begins to pound ferociously as the creature hits the ground and attacks his friends. His grip tight on the hilt of his great sword, Aurelion lets out a yell and rushes toward the creature, blade raised high.

Moves to BC23

Attack 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30
Confirm 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21
Damage 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (6, 2) + 6 = 14

Valdr cursed under his breath in dwarven when the rest of his company instantly went on the attack. That all but ruined any chance of a diplomatic solution to the problem or getting further answers regarding what was going on. Still, he might as well make an attempt.

Arcana: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29

I assume speaking is a free action that can be taken out of initiative order? If not, ignore or hold to my turn. Also, the Arcana roll is for Valdr to determine how much he knows about White Dragons, can they typically be bargained with, what is the Tower of Heavens opinion of them, etc. EDIT: I realize I need to take an action as well, so rather than hold everyone up, i'll modify my turn and do something not too aggressive in a chance to get a response from the dragon.

Valdr then gripped his mystic waraxe in hand and summoned forth the wisdom and guidence of his ancestors, urging them to guide his blade true should he need to reason with metal rather than words.

Casting True Strike.

The dragons arrival had not lacked fireworks, and in mere seconds the party was immersed in a fight for its life. Seeing Aurelion and Akane rush forward to strike the beast, Tomlin launched himself into the fray as well; Tunny would provide the openings he needed to secure vital location strikes on this beast in a way the shadows could not at present. Quickly arriving next to Akane, the halfling whipped his curved blade into the creature's thick hide.

Charge action to BC23, then make single attack. The idea is to end up across from Tunny and sneak attack.

Attack 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17
Damage if hits 1d4 ⇒ 1+3d6 ⇒ (2, 6, 3) = 11+Bleed

EDIT: forgot to add +2 to hit for flank

@Valdr: Speaking can be done out of turn.
I did a knowledge check for you, I figure its a given when encountering something, but I'll go ahead and use your slightly better role for some more info.

As Yoroi charges towards the lizard its head snakes over its back, turning to meet the charge. AoO attack: d20 + mods = 30. Damage 14

Yoroi slams into the creature, teeth and claws pulling free scales as the beast roars in pain, and putting the creature off balance.

Tavrus bolt finds a home in its flesh where one of scales are now missing.

The worg charges the creature only a moment behind Akane and topples the creature on its side.

Edric moves in clumsily with his not quite human gait, the scimitar deflected off the beasts tough hide.

Aurelion's charge is much more dangerous, his great sword coming in at a slashing arc and drawing blood.

Tomlin also leaps into the fray, but his blades find no purchase.

Tunny GM PC'd
Blades twirling Tunny steps in to flank.
Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

His blades ring of the creatures scales to no effect.

Roaring in pain and anger, "Вашиот начин на недостига финес џуџе."

The great lizard rights itself then launches into the air, heading east and out of sight into the darkness of the cave.
Everyone adjacent make take an AoO as it stands up from prone, and if you have combat reflexes a second AoO as it flies upward and eastward.

Party may act

Updated map

Bite (AoO) vs. Lizard (Haste): 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 8 + 1 = 18
Bite damage vs. Lizard: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8 +Electrical damage vs. Lizard: 1d6 ⇒ 1 = 9
Trip attempt (if Bite hits) (Haste): 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 8 + 1 = 26

Yoroi takes a wild bite at the beast as it flies off. Once it's stopped, hidden in the darkness she points a finger at the flying lizard. She and Yoroi say, "The beast is right there!" The tiefling summoner begins to gesture and incant again, before pointing at the ground in front of the area that she pointed at, creating enough light for the others to see. She then moves towards the beast, ready to strike.

Cast Light on the floor at BG33 (standard action). Move to BG27 (move action).

Edric AoO:
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Worg AoO:
1d20 + 13 ⇒ (17) + 13 = 30
1d8 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

Valdr saw the beast escaping and did not want to deal with the dragon once it got to a more open terrain. Without hesitating further, he charged after the creature moving as quick as his hasted feet could carry him.

If the Dragon was within 100' of his positon, he can charge it and the below attack roll will apply. He will also be expending a point from his Blackblade to transform the axe into fire damage.

Charge with flame Axe: 1d20 + 30 ⇒ (8) + 30 = 38

Damage: 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

If he could not reach the beast with a charge, he will instead use his hasted movement to run ahead (4x speed) 200' feet and attempt to block the Dragon's path of escape, or at least get near to it.

Axe attack factors in True Strike, charging, and normal bonuses. Extra damage from flame vulnerability not calculated in. Please add. I suspect that I can reach the dragon with a charge, given that it's within my darkvision range.

AoO

Attack1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27
Damage if it hits 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (5, 5) + 6 = 16

More on instinct than tactics, Tomlin lashed out with his blade as the creature flies off.

Attack 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31
Damage if hits 1d4 ⇒ 1+3d6 ⇒ (2, 1, 2) = 5 + Bleed

Confirm Critical 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13
Damage if confirmed 1d4 ⇒ 1

@GM: I *think* that the AoO would be with a flank, as it would occur as he immediately leaves. If you disagree with this, the attack bonus is only +9 and damage is just 1d4

Yes, you are flanking still during the AoO
@Valdr, the dragon is airborne at the moment about 15' above the ground, so cannot be reached without a ranged attack. I'll need to figure out some way to indicate such things on the map for future reference.

Yoroi snaps at the fleeing beast, teeth scratching against scales.

Edric and the worg have more success, blade and tooth cutting into the creatures flanks as it takes wing.

Aurelion and Tomlin likewise, striking out with their blades, open new wounds. Tomlin's seeming to have hit an artery as blood pours out in great quantities.

Valdr runs forward, trying to catch up to the beast, his dark vision showing him the cave ends abruptly another 40' beyond.

Akane's light winks out then a moment later light spreads from the ground underneath the winged lizard.

Tavrus (and minions), Tomlin, Tunny, and Aurelion still have actions to take this round.

Updated map

Tavrus will use his remaining move action to move to BF26.
Edric and the Worg both charged so unless I am mistaken, they are out of actions this turn except swifts/frees which they have nothing to do with.

@Tavrus: A new round started since their charge. Given the dragon is flying at present there are not a lot of options for the worg or Edric though.

ah, in that case:

Tavrus will reload and fire his crossbow at the white dragon.
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Tomlin watched with a measure of grim satisfaction as the blood spilled from the dragon's wound. Many grueling hours had been spent learning the location of veins and other vital points in many different creatures; it was uplifting to see the training pay off. As the winged lizard lifted in the air however, the halfling knew he would be of limited usefulness. Instead of making himself a sitting duck for the dragon's aerial attacks, he quickly decided to try to hide for a chance to strike again if the creature would attempt to land. Watching the dragon's eyes, Tomlin dashed ahead until the beast turned to glance at a comrade. He then made darting break for cover.

Move to BJ25, using Diversion to Hide

Bluff Check to Creature Diversion to Hide: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14

Stealth Check if Bluff successful: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (17) + 16 = 33

Tunny frowns at the giant lizard. He had never expected such a large and dangerous creature to act so cowardly. He watches as Tomlin moves to the shadows. "Aurelion, borrow that bow again?" he asks softly, then a little louder to everyone, "If that creature is capable of the same kind of attack that worg was, we should make sure and spread out. Keep a distance if possible."

Edit: Move action to BB24 to hopefully get bow from Aurelion, sheathing blades in the process. I really just need to get my own bow. Or keep his. =)

Oh, and I forgot to roll for the AoO. Here goes...

RH Attack: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26
RH Damage: 1d6 + 3 + 3d6 ⇒ (3) + 3 + (4, 1, 4) = 15

Also, I know that you GM played my character for my first attack against the Dragon, so I won't hold it against you, but I should have had +12 to attack, not +8. My base is +7, +4 for flanking, +1 for haste. Not sure if that 20 would have hit with another four, but if so, and you want to count it, here's a roll for damage on that: 1d6 + 3 + 3d6 ⇒ (6) + 3 + (3, 6, 4) = 22

And now that I think about it, I know why you thought my base was 3. My attacks against the worg I only added +8 because I forgot the flanking bonus. That's my bad! Oy...

@Tunny, you don't have the strength to use his composite bow effectively. You'd take a -2 to hit, which effectively cancels out your higher dex, and you don't get the full strength bonus on damage.

Aurelion GM PC'd

Ignoring Tunny's request for the bow Aurelion drops his great sword as he moves forward, retrieving his bow from his back to take a shot at the dragon.

Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

The dragon banks left, the tip of its wing brushing against the roof of the cavern. As it spirals around it inhales deeply. Completing its turn it exhales freezing fog over most of the group.

Edric and the worg are immune. Tomlin and Valdr are not in the blast, everyone else takes 24 cold damage, or reflex save DC 19 for half.

The dragon is still 10' in the air.

The dragon bleeds for 3 damage.

Updated map

Next round, party may act

GM - Would I be able to cast a web spell using the dragon's two wings as the opposed points. They would be lined up correctly if the creature flaps its wings in a manner similar to a bird or bat. If I can Valdr will move staight north (Up) so that the dragon is directly to his West (left), use a point from his arcane pool to recall web and cast it on the Dragons wings. Hopefully it will at the very least require a fly check. If that is not possible... Valdr will still make the move, but instead of casting he will pull out his light crossbow and fire at the creature, making a called shot for the wing. His true strike is still in effect.

Crossbow shot to the wing: 1d20 + 23 - 2 ⇒ (3) + 23 - 2 = 24
measly crossbow damage: 1d8 ⇒ 5

"Take out the dragon's wings!" Valdr calls out to the others in the common tongue.

Reflex save: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
Akane takes 19 cold damage (5 Cold Resist).

Taking the blast of ice head-on, Akane and Yoroi glare daggers at the dragon. Yoroi seems to have become even more transparent, but his gaze is every bit as dangerous as his teeth and claws. "I shall not fall here, beast!" the pair states in their combined voice, before casting another spell. Once finished, Yoroi seems to become more solid, so they move to threaten the giant lizard with Yoroi's electrically-charged attacks.

Cast Lesser Rejuvinate Eidolon (standard action). Move to AZ28 (via AZ27 as to not provoke an AoO) (move action).

Lesser Rejuvinate Eidolon: 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

HP: 50/50 + 30/48 Temp
Level 1: 3/5 spells remain today.

GM - Would I be able to cast a web spell using the dragon's two wings as the opposed points. They would be lined up correctly if the creature flaps its wings in a manner similar to a bird or bat. If I can Valdr will move staight north (Up) so that the dragon is directly to his West (left), use a point from his arcane pool to recall web and cast it on the Dragons wings. Hopefully it will at the very least require a fly check. If that is not possible... Valdr will still make the move, but instead of casting he will pull out his light crossbow and fire at the creature, making a called shot for the wing. His true strike is still in effect.

[dice=Crossbow shot to the wing]1d20+23-2
[dice=measly crossbow damage]1d8

"Take out the dragon's wings!" Valdr calls out to the others in the common tongue.

The dragon isn't a valid target for the spell as anchor points, but the roof here is lower then at the center of the cave. You could drop the web directly in front of its flight path if you wish - or directly on top of the dragon.

Tomlin is holding his action for now, dropping in the initiative order. He'll come in if the dragon moves out of the area or lands. He is staying in stealth.