[AP] Curse of the Crimson Throne by GMs Rutseg, Zek and Snowheart (Inactive)

Game Master Balacertar

Kalem thanks the child and then begins moving to follow the directions. He suspected that at least one of the children would report the intrusion to Gaedren, for the favor and coin that would follow, so he wanted to get there first. He hoped that the rest of the party would follow.

Ilsa follows Gregor and Kalem.

"Do not be afraid," she tells the children as they leave. "We will be back soon and you will be safe."

Quinlan has basically the same idea as Kalem, that one of the kids has already or will try to alert Gaedran, and rushes after the other tiefling. Finally, a chance to put a stop to his drug empire, at least for a time

Bashiel smiles at Ilsa and then the children. "She's right, we'll be back soon." He also gives a thumbs up to the kid who spoke up about Gaedren "You're very brave to speak up, thank you."

Bashiel then springs into action, sheathing his longsword and striding after the other four who already started towards the ship. As his mind races, he calls out "Be careful Kalem. Remember what Gregor found. That boardwalk out there might not hold you up."

At the last moment before he leaves the room, he hesitates and looks back towards the windows in the children's sleeping room. That boardwalk might drop us all in the Jeggare, and they'll be expecting us that way. Is there another way?

How big are the windows and could they be squeezed through if smashed open? I assume one could climb those boxes in the NE corner of the room, reach the window, smash it open (even if it was boarded up it should be easy to smash) and climb through... just as long as its large enough.

If its big enough:
Bashiel climbs up the boxes and then draws his mace. Steadying himself, he delivers a powerful blow (or two) against the glass and any boards in the way. To anyone who has hesitated to head out onto the boardwalk he calls out "This way! We can avoid the boardwalk and sneak onto the boat"
mace 2hd, PA, damage: 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17 If this doesn't do it, Bashiel repeats the attempt a couple more times to break through.

He peeks through the opening made to check the deck of the ship.

If its not big enough:
Bashiel follows after the others heading to the south, retrieving a rope and grappling hook from his pack. Once he sees the boardwalk, he'll stop and assess the situation rather than running out onto it.

Brin watches as Basheil breaks the window, silently wincing at the sound. I thought they were trying to be stealthy. Get out of here kids, you don't want to be here whether or not anything happens to us. Please leave, I beg you." I will quickly write a note on the desk to one of the clerics in town to see if they will take in the kids in and find them houses to go to.

In addition I will search the room.

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

I also hate to mention it. "you don't think that Gaedran placed any kids in these vats do you? "

I will sniff around the vats and see if I smell anything.

Can I identify the Acrid scent?

Survival: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

All OOC:

Looks like Gregor, Kalem, Quinn and Ilsa are going to take the boardwalk. Everyone else is going to see about getting through windows onto the ship's deck. Is that accurate?

For anyone taking the boardwalk, give me a sense of how you're proceeding (in a hurry, stealthy, close together, spread apart, etc).

Breaking the boards with damage like that won't be a problem. Not stealthy, but definitely effective. Of course, with the dog and fight in the bunk room, stealth may already be a non-issue.

Brin doesn't detect the scent of children in the vats but that could just be the stench. It's mostly the stench of processed and rotting fish but with a weak acid laid atop it, like vinegar but more industrial in nature.

On searching, I may have overlooked One thing:
- in the room you first entered, there is a locked cabinet (DC 20)

Otherwise, you haven't found much. Brian's quick inspection of this room turns up nothing.

I'm going to search the bodies in the bunk room and the Halfling body again for the key to the locked drawer. Where Brin does empathize with everyone's hatred. He feels people should be Ice cold and methodical, and thinks that the groups jumping around will only get them killed. He will however keep a ear open for yells of help.

Since it seems like the window was no problem...

At Brin's comment, Bashiel turns briefly down to look at him with a disgusted expression "Even Gaedren couldn't be so foul, could he?" Could he? He's certainly capable of horrifying crimes. What he did to mother has likely crippled her unless I can find the services of a powerful cleric. And his actions against father were ones of a mad, vindictive man. I can't rule out that some small child met their end in those vats.

Bashiel looks out the now opened window and checks what he can see of the ship, trying to work out if the coast is clear to move through the window and out onto the deck.

If Brin mentions the locked drawer: Bashiel fishes out the halfling's key and tosses it down to the baker. "Try this."

Quinlan will wait, let the other cross one at a time if they are wise enough to do so, and then he will as well, as stealthily as he can.

stealth: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19

Stealth: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

Kalem went first, and went as stealthily as he could. But he could taste vengeance in the air, and the last thing he wanted was for his quarry to slip away due to innaction.

Ilsa places her glowing stone back in her pocket and fear again grips her throat.

But resolutely, she walks as quietly as she can, and tries to stay close to the rest of the sneaking group.

stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

Gregor anger is clear to all, he stands fuming at the very thought of Lamm taking Tom away to be alone with him. But he hasn't fully lost his mind yet.

He lets Kalem go first, but doesn't take his eyes off him his earlier talk to attacking the children not soon forgotten. As soon as the way seems safe to follow he moves along.

Stealth: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

Gregor is moving he doesnt look back to hear Bashiel words

@Ilsa - It looks like the others are trying to spread out across the boardwalk rather than bunch up. Can you clarify what you mean by staying close to the group?

Ill have a post up tonight with results from searching bodies, what you find on the ship, and anything else relevant.

Deck of the Kraken's Folly
For those contemplating a move through the windows broken down by Bashiel, you see the rotten deck of an ancient sailing ship that seems to be barely intact. It's hull is work and thick with seaweed and barnacles. The ship is held together primarily by the layers of old rope that lash it securely to the pilings that support the fishery and the nearby boardwalk. The rickety waterway leads along the ship's starboard side, a foot below its railing. A single wooden door leading into the aft cabin bears a crude painitng of a red fish on its surface.

There are four windows on the east side of the building (facing the ship). The two to the south (right side of the map) open to the wooden "bulkheads" of the aft cabin; there is no egress through them. The two windows closer to the north (on top of the crates) are viable means of egress.

Let me know how you'd like to proceed.

Traveling via the Boardwalk
For those of you transiting via the boardwalk (Kalem first), the boardwalk itself is largely described above in Gregor's scouting trip. It is a creaking, rickety affair unsafe to travel without caution. Soaked by constant exposure to the river, the wood is half rotten and threatens to collapse beneath your feet at any moment.

Kalem rounds the end of the boardwalk, travels around the aft cabin of the Kraken's Folly, and finds himself on this boardwalk of questionable integrity above the Jeggare River looking at the rotting deck of an ancient fishing vessel.

Map updated with estimations of your positions

I guess I'm going to look at "Cookie" and shrug. Then take all the items. doing checks on the potions. then packing the rest in my bag. I have no idea how long that will take. I will have the x-bow out and loaded.

Perception potion#1: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
Perception potion#2: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18
Perception potion#3: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20

ha didn't expect that

Bashiel pauses just briefly, then wriggles through the window (northmost) and drops down onto the deck of the ship. Despite the significant amount of noise from breaking the window and dropping onto the deck, he drops into a crouch and tries to sneak his way over to the red fish door.

Stealth: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Unfortunately, the deck of the boat creaks as Bashiel's armor scrapes and clanks. I suppose we've given them enough warning... Bashiel stares intently at the door and then puts an ear up to it to try to hear if there are enemies preparing on the other side. When he spots Kalem, he nods at the tiefling and then cocks his head in the direction of the door.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

A little confused about the building/boat. Is the boat attached to the building? Does the building have a second floor underneath that sits below the surface of the water? Kinda puzzled how the ship and the building could possibly interconnect based on what we know.

So...something happens when Bashiel comes through the window, unfortunately I won't have time to update the map this morning, but it will help clarify the layout. But it is confusing and I think intentionally. The second floor is described as "secret" or hidden in the book. In the meantime, everyone else can describe the equivalent of one round of activity.

Brin, if you want to identify the potions, I think that's detect magic + spell craft and three rounds per potion. But I can tell you they all look identical in nature/composition.

As Kalem rounds the connor Gregor moves across the boardwalk wanting to keep up, it creak only slightly as he moves nimbly along it. Moving on to the rotten boat he looks for away down.

Quinlan will cross after Gregor, trying to be as silent as he can... (rolled a 19 for stealth, do I need to roll anything else?)

As the party splits up Varor is going to stick with Bashiel.

Stealth: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (19) - 2 = 17

Bashiel climbs through the window and is planting his feet on the deck of the old fishing trawler when the deck suddenly collapses beneath his feat with a sodden, popping kurch.

Bashiel, give me a reflex save.
Falling damage (lethal), DC 12 Negates: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Bashiel falls through the rotten deck in the Folly's hold. Dark and dank, the ship’s hold smells of mildew. Several barrels, crates, and other containers lie stacked here and there. Dust and grime cover the floor, except where river water has collected in puddles.

There is a faint scuttling sound, and then a flicker of moonlight reflects off an ebon carapace. Spiders, dwelling in the shadow of the hold, leap to enjoy their feast.

New Map uploaded as "01-2"

Round 1
Brin is studying the potions and packing everything up this round. it appears the half-orc is not dead is that a typo on the map?

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19
[dice=Perception "cookie"]1d20 + 7[/dice]

Thats correct; she is unconscious

wheeee!

Bashiel tumbles through the collapsing deck, getting showered by splinters of sodden wood.

Reflex: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13
Hmmm... so I made the save... did I not fall through? Or do I just avoid the damage? Also, should I assume I'm left prone or standing after the successful save?

Oh and, could you mark exactly which squares collapsed in on the map, for the sake of the other party members?

Hearing the crash of splintered wood Gregor runs to the ship slipping past Kalem, stepping on to the desk and spotting the hole Bashiel left behind him. "Bashiel are you ok?" He shouts out attempting to look down through the hole.

I might want to jump down to help Bashiel, Can I see hes in danger? Is there any clear place I can?

Acrobatics if needed?: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

The Save is just to avoid the damage, not avoid falling through. Normally I would say you're prone but the module doesn't specify either way and you made your save, so we'll say you managed to land on your feet. I can update the map tonight but at the moment it is only the square adjacent to the window you went through

Gregor runs up and thanks to his light weight the deck doesn't collapse beneath him, but he senses the boards closer to the aft cabin are stronger than those at the bow of the ship. He gets next to the hole through which Bashiel fell (currently just the 5' square outside the north most/left most window) and has no trouble seeing two spiders hungrily eyeing their prey.

With that acrobatics roll, I'd let you jump down into the hold in a square adjacent to Bashiel.

Bashiel throws his weight to the side, using the curve of the ship's hull to slow his descent. Upon reaching the lower deck he pulls away and settles himself on his feet. Those above hear a relieved exhale as the clattering of wood settles down.

I don't think this is the way Gaedren comes in, that's for sure.

"I'm alright Gregor" Bashiel calls back up through the opening, his voice still running high on the thrill of surviving the fall unscathed "Some nasty spiders down here though if you'd like to join me. And Varor, careful coming out of that window. More of the deck could be rotten."

Bashiel quickly glances about the hold, taking in the locations of both enemies and obstacles. Those stairs on the map, do they go up or down?
With his opponents sized up, Bashiel re-draws his mace and swings in towards the spider directly north of him.

Heavy Mace, 2hd: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
Heavy Mace damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

If the spider has been smushed: Bashiel steps to the north (5ft) to provide more room for his allies to descend.

Round 1
Bashiel: Attacks Spider
Gregor: Moves Up (one standard action left)
Brin: Studying Potions
Varor:
Ilsa:
Quinn:
Kalem:
Spiders:

Bashiel's mace slams down on one of the spiders, it's long spindly legs splaying out beneath the impact, twitching as the thing's primitive nervous system fires its last few sparks. Yet, in the shadows, Bashiel hears more scuttling coming towards him.

Stairs go up. Map updated

Varor climbs out the window to get to the deck of the ship.

Cimb: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (1) - 3 = -2

...Unfortunately as he is moving around to get onto the deck -without an obvious hole in it- a piece of the fishery comes off dropping him to the boat and crashes through the deck. "Aahh"

Considering I got a natural one I'm going to assume I don't get a reflex.

Acrobatics: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (16) - 1 = 15

If at all possible, seeing Bashiel in trouble, Kalem will leap from where he is, taking a running start if he has to, directly down into combat with the spiders. For extra cinematics factor, Id ask for this to count as charging.

Hit with Charge, rage and his hammer wreathed in Infernal flames: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17
Damage: 3d6 + 7 ⇒ (5, 5, 4) + 7 = 21

The image is too cool not to try

Thought it might have been full round sorry.

Gregor lashes out at one of the spiders threatening his friend.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Attack Crit?: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Damage: 1d3 ⇒ 2
Damage Crit?: 1d3 ⇒ 1

Kalem smashes the second spider (and the last within easy reach) as Varor comes tumbling down through the deck. Gregor somersaults into the hold next to them, ready to attack but finding nothing nearby.

Botting: Gregor and Ilsa both slowly move up along the boardwalk, moving carefully so as to not cause the fragile structure to collapse beneath their weight.

And then the source of the rest of the skittering and scuttling comes into view as more of the cat-sized spiders come from the far end of the deck and down the stairs from the aft cabin on the main deck.

Spider Next to Varor Attacks Varor (prone, -4 AC): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14 Hit! 1 Point of Damage and give me a Fortitude Save, DC 10
1st Spider at Bottom of Stairs Attacks Bashiel: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18 Hit! 1 Point of Damage and give me a Fortitude Save, DC 10
2nd Spider at Bottom of Stairs Attacks Bashiel: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9 Miss!
Spider on Starboard Side of Ship Attacks Gregor: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5 Miss!

Note: There are two spiders sharing the same space at the bottom of the stairs. As they are tiny, they do not count as squeezed.

@ Varor: I don't do critical fumbles on Skill checks, so you can still make a Reflex Save to avoid damage from falling through. But, given the way you came down, I'm going to assume you are prone.

Begin Round 2
* Party Goes 1st
* Spiders Go Last

Map updated

Hit: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (2, 1) + 4 = 7

Kalem moves to stand next to Gregor and swings at one of the spiders, missing it completely. Rather, his hammer makes a hole in the already brittle floor.

I don't know if these spiders are somehow special, but most tiny-sized creatures have a reach of 0' and have to enter people's squares to attack them. In that case I would have an AoO against the first spider that tried to enter my square (no combat reflexes so I can do nothing against the next one). See spoiler box for AoO if this is the case. Regardless, my actions for round 2 don't change, so take the rest of the post as Round 2.

Bashiel swats any biting spiders away, counting on his armor to deflect any stray jaws.

FORT: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4 Hope I got that AoO off :>

He also raises a hand against the shower of soggy wood from Varor's descent. Barely a second passes before the spiders lunge in towards the poor elf and Bashiel hisses "Varor, are you alright? Damn these vicious things. I'll get them off of you."

Bashiel swings at the spider attacking Varor, or if that one is out of reach, the one closest to Varor that Bashiel can reach without moving from his position.

Heavy Mace, 2hd: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Heavy Mace, 2hd: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Fortitude: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Reflex: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Give me the damage for the reflex fail and I'll narrative this out later

I know. I checked it precisely for that reason but they do have 5' reach. *shrug* I'll double-check it before posting results of the Fort saves.

Finding herself in an unwelcome position at the back of the group, Ilsa suppresses a desire to cry out and sneaks along the docks as quietly as she can.

stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

double move toward the rest of the group

If you failed your Fort save against the spiders' poison, take 1 Strength damage.

Also, I put an abridged version of the spider's stat block on the Google drive. It's a little weird. It does have a feat called Lunge which extends reach by 5' but at a -2 to AC, but the stat block doesn't say anywhere that's already incorporated into its reach (and it's not incorporated into its AC.)

Varor's Falling Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5 Ouch

Actions So Far (will narrate at end of party's actions)
Kalem: Swing and miss
Bashiel: Attacks a spider
Ilsa: Move up
Brin:
Varor (prone):
Gregor:
Quinn:

Quinlan was following the group, and would do his best to avoid falling through the decking... opting to move up to the rotten section and try to climb or jump down to assist against the spiders without taking damage.

reflex if nec: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

He draws his rapier and waits for the spiders to approach.

After falling through the deck of a boat and whacking the side of his head Varor tries to get up only to realize that there is a spider was leave a hickey on his arm before he takes a swing at the spider.

Gregor continues to slash out at the small spiders.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Damage: 1d3 ⇒ 1

Perception Brin: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Perception Cookie: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

Brin does not notice that the halforc is still alive he takes off everything of value off both. "cookie" however stops him as tries to mime the half-orc is alive. Brin cocks his head as if thinking and says to cookie "leave him."as he starts to Whistle while working as if nothing is wrong.

Brin only would murder CE people do I know whether or not the half-orc would be in that category? he believes all others might still come around.

Brin Rounds 2-3 gathering up gear (whatever's fair) from both places. then checking the keyhole on the first floor room we didn't go into because I found 2 keys.

Round 2 Actions
Kalem: Move up and Attack - Miss
Bashiel: Attacks a spider - Hit (9pts)
Ilsa: Move up
Quinn: Move up carefully
Brin: Continue Searching
Gregor: Attack a spider - Hit (1pt)
Varor (prone): Attacks (missing a roll for it, so I will bot it)
Varor's Scimitar Attach from a Prone Position: 1d20 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 1 - 4 = 1 Miss

Kalem steps over one splattered spider corpse to move next to Gregor, then swings his hammer wildly, missing the target and creating a drain in the floor of the ship... sadly, this drain seems to work in reverse as water begins to seep in through the cracks.

Bashiel fares a bit better, bring his mace down on yet another of the drain spiders, smashing it in a spray of yellow and green goo.

Gregor attacks the other spider at the bottom of the stairs, stabbing it with his dagger, though most of the strike seems to be deflected by the arachnid's shell.

Quinn moves up slowly, testing each step before him, and realizes only the dozen feet or so closest to the aft cabin have a sound deck... anything closer to the bow will collapse. Ilsa follows a short distance behind Quinn.

Varor swings wildly at the spider attacking him, to little effect.

The spiders continue their frenzies attack, the one going after Varor managing to sink its fangs a second time into the prone elf's arm, biting it as the scimitar flies over its head. The other two attack Kalem and Bashiel but their fangs can't penetrate the men's defenses.

Begin Round 3

Urban bloodrager so no AC penalty

Acrobatics if it is possible to get to Varor to attack the spider attacking him. If this is possible Kalem will try to save the prone cleric: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (6) - 1 = 5

Hit, against spider attacking Varor if possible: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
17 hit if I can force a flank
Damage: 2d6 + 7 ⇒ (6, 6) + 7 = 19

Bashiel once again swings his mace, hoping to clear a path for his allies to reach the spider plaguing Varor. His attack carves an arc through the air towards the only spider remaining in his reach.

Heavy Mace, 2hd: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Heavy Mace damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

The mace impacts the deck with the spider caught in between. Presumably that spider is now splatted and people can use that square to attack the spider on Varor

Bashiel's energetic voice fills the hold. "Focus on defense Varor, we'll cover you!"

Gregor steps up into the spot cleared by Bashiel, unable to find a better angle of attack he slashes out at the spider attacking Varor.

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Damage: 1d3 ⇒ 3

I wanted to try and acrobatics to get some sneak on but I couldnt see a way on the map (unsure where Kalem would end up)

Ilsa follows closely after Quinlan and looks for a way into the rotting ship. The sounds of combat from the hold penetrate her ears, but she still seeks the safety of the group. It's much safer than what she sees behind her.

After receiving another bite on the arm Varor tried to move to his feet. I believe this provokes an attack of opportunity against me. Also this is what I was trying to do in the last round. I can see how I wasn't clear enough on this. I use words such as he, her, or they, in place of names because I have to use a talk to text translator and that doesn't work with names, but I forgot to put it in for Bashiel attack there so it appeared to be mine. That's why there wasn't an attack roll for it, because I wasn't even trying, but whatever. If there's ever a situation in which it seems like a stupid idea for me to be doing something and I'm using a pronoun like that it might be a mistake on my part.

Fortitude: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

Ah! Sorry for not catching the intent. Yes, standing from prone triggers an AoO. I will try to resolve everything and update tonight, though my in-laws are staying with us and we're hosting a dinner for the family so it may have to wait until the morning.