DM B's PFS PbP Game Day 3 - Glories of the Past (Inactive)

Game Master Beckett

Ramen is hasted?
Excellent. He'll attack with both saps, haste attack, and spend a ki point for an additional attack.
Any other buffs debuffs up?

19 nonlethal dmg @ AC 22
22 nonlethal dmg @ AC 25
20 nonlethal dmg @ AC 17
15 nonlethal dmg @ AC 21

I'll have my saps out as we get to some danger zone and sense trouble.

Shadow Clone Jutsu!

so there's 3 of me
shadow clone, similar to mirror image.

Also my mirror image is up.

So theres two of me now.

Shouldn't have... specifically stopped 5' short last time so I could just 5' step this round and avoid the AOO's

Sorry, I misread your post earlier, thinking you where both Charging.

With a quick thwap, thwap, followed up with the Half-Orcs brutal bluntside downward clubbing with a greatsword, and finally, Celie's extra "suggestion" for good measure, the beast falls down for a rather long nap.

Managing to get the massive bulette up into the wagon is difficult to say the least, but you manage after a few tries, and begin to make your trek back to the Orcish city. Knowing just what terrors to expect, you manage to avoid most of the weather, which you later describe as nothing less than "like a weekend in hell", on your way back, though despite your attempts at healing one of the yaks you rented out nearly gets taken, as, almost out of nowhere, a bird, even larger than the bulette, swoops down, aiming to make the beast of burden a quick meal. Through a few quick shots, and a little bit of intimidation, you manage to convince the Roc to seek other meals.

Pulling into town with the unconscious monster in tow, you are oddly greeted as heros, offered a certain degree of respect from the barbaric Orcs unheard of towards "pink skins". They follow you, forming small parade as you make your way back to the Bloodworks arena, indicating just how bloodthirsty these people are, and how much they have missed their prized challenge.

Ploog meats you inside, pleased at you work, and has some of his men take the bound beast inside, making sure first it is still alive, and generally in good health. One assured, he smiles, and asks you back to his office to discuss business.

"Indeed. You've kept up your end. And in jus' half tha time, too." The office appears much the same as before, with Ploog sitting behind his desk and a small assortment of personal guards standing vigil in the corners, mostly uninterested in you so long as you don't threaten or attack Ploog. However, this time, there is a new individual in the room, standing humbly behind Ploog. A Half-Orc. He wears only loin cloth, and his hands are bound by ropes, tethering him to the large desk. Obviously a slave, the man simple stands there, looking down at the ground and waiting to be called on.

Ploog continues, "As we agreed, this is Gulros. Best tracker I know of", as he motions to the slave.

As you approach the man to question him, Ploog suddenly stands, almost undignified, and stops you, holding up a hand. "Hey now. Wait just a moment. Our agreement was that I would introduce you to the best tracker. And I did that. That makes us square, as ya say. Even. Guros is still mine. An I won't have you touchin' him, nor speakin' to him out of turn. That wasn't part of the deal. . ."

BULLSHIT!!! That's not what you agreed on!!!!

crap, what do you want from us now? You wanna mess with us? We just took down a bulette.

diptimidation: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (1) + 14 = 151d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Celie sighs, "Do you know how hard it was to take the bestie down. At least get this girl a drink before you screw her like this." Diplomacy: 1d20 ⇒ 1
Celie moves to sit in a chair, any chair.

Although Dhastrach felt like a dead weight during the trip to the Cinderlands, he feels proud about the parade. His mood sours quickly once Ploog opens his mouth.

Diplomacy/intimidation aid: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (2) - 2 = 0

"You twist yourr worrdss," Dhastrach hisses, "we would rratherr have thiss nonsense overr with. If you still rrequirre uss serrvice ass yourr own suborrdinatess appearr to be next to uselesss, feel frree to appoint new taskss..."

Grumbling under his voice, he wishes they had only partially succumbed the bulette and somehow be able to awaken it to trash the whole place. Maybe, just maybe, the opportunity will reveal itself in near future.

Little Foot makes sure he's not standing on the pit trap Oloch noticed last time through.

As Ploog attempts to wiggle his way out of their deal and betrays them, he scowls (more so then usual), one hand going to his weapon.

"Typical of an orc." He mutters, in Tien.

He starts to eyeball the room, assessing the situation and foes in case things turn sour.

Not even going to try anything, social skill-wise. =)

On the way back, Oloch uses a few more charges off his CLW wand to heal up ...
CLW: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
CLW: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
CLW: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
CLW: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6 HP 56/60; Charges Remaining 3/10

Oloch shakes his head as Ploog explains his trickery ...
"Only the weak need to play such word games. Introductions begin conversations.
... All you have done here is show us a piece of meat. That was not what was agreed upon.
... Never thought an orc would hide behind dwarvish tricks. It seems almost ... cowardly!"
Intimidation: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (19) + 17 = 36

Little Foot makes sure to direct his scowl at Oloch too, for good measure.

Heh!

Sorry everyone. I've been really busy at work and bringing some of it home. Hopefully I'll be able to devote some more time to this tomorrow. Also, just want to say, yes, that's how the thing is written. But, it's actually kind of cool.

"HA! I'm a business man. Not one of the mindless brutes down below. I know your lookin' fur the bastard Kline. Don't bother denyin' it. I checked up on ya a bit while you where gone, and yous left a pretty clear trail. I don't care, slong as he's dead. Thing is, I jus' don't know how bad you want him dead. Don't know if you have what it takes. So, that leaves us at a bit of an umpass, huh. . ."

"I could send my guards at you, sure, but you could always get lucky. An' where would that leave me, huh? Killing you all and then needing to look for more guards I can trust. 'T's not worth it. I already know you can capture the boo lay, but yur not the only ones. I can only think of one way fer you to prove yourselves. Think you can handle it? There's only one other that managed too, after all."

"And if we do ... the tracker belongs to us?"

Dhastrach only wishes to see Urglin burn in hot white flames. "Businesss in Belkzen?" the dwarf asks mockingly, "a rridiculouss statement. What do you want?"

Celie gave up finding a seat.. She just sat on the floor, letting her dress flow around her. "We can handle anything."

By all means. lets be perfectly clear what we get out of the deal this time. And lets not fool ourselves here... we'd kill your guards and torture the information we need out of you before we throw you into the `boo lay` pit unarmed and take bets ourselves over who wins. Your crowd would love it.

What are you offering us. Spell it out. And be careful , if we don't like the terms we'll let the dwarf gnaw on your kneecaps.

More impressed with Oloch than the rest who seem to be stumbling over their words, "Well, I agree, the crowd will love it. You beat my champion, and Gulros is yours. Of course, if you loose. . . "

then suddenly the floor gives way, the entire floor in front of his desk, depositing you in a small dark room some 20ft down. Walking to the edge, Ploog looks down, "Ya got two minutes. I'd make tha best of em, Oh, an' you might be needing this", as suddenly Ploog grabs Gulros, the slave, and tosses him down into the pit with you, just before the ceiling above you, resets closing on you to reform the floor some 20ft up you'd just been standing on.

The small holding room you are in is plain, with a solid metal door. You try to force it, but it wont give. Not long afterwards, you begin to hear a small roar, a clearly the crowd outside has just received some good news. It's difficult to make out, but as the chanting roar grows louder, you make out "Vroth!!!! Vroth!!!! Vroth the Crusher!!!"

You have 2 minutes for any preps

As someone manages to form a quick light, you see that Gulros is uninjured, but clearly terrified. He's no warrior, and clearly hadn't been expecting to be thrown down. Especially with no weapons, no armor, and no gear.

"No, no, no, no!!!" he says, mostly to himself than to you. "Not Vroth. Not the Bloodworks champion." Suddenly the door clicks, and swings open, revealing a short ascending hallway leading up and out towards a light. With no other choice but to follow, you begin to enter the arena. Coming to another small room just beneath the seats, still mostly hidden from the crowd's view, but allowing you to see them clearly, you see just how large the place truly is. A more simple pair of double doors block your way, but with slits and holes that you can see outwards from.

Ploog stands before his throne and triumphantly salutes the crowd, which roars its approval. “People of Urglin, no doubt even now you have heard of the mighty Bulette Band, the brave pinkskins who walked into the wilderness and dragged back a mighty landshark. Today we shall see if their fame endures or if it will splatter to a gruesome end from the weapons of the reigning champion, victor of forty fights.” As he makes his announcements, he walks down one of the sets of stairs, descending about halfway to the arena’s floor. The massive double doors begin to creak open as he waves toward them. “Let us welcome the champion of the Bloodworks, Vroth the Crusher!” The spectators rise to their feet as one and begin banging on the bleachers and support beams with approval, causing parts of the crudely built arena to groan with strain. With a broad grin, Ploog makes a chopping motion with his hand and exclaims, Ploog stands before his throne and triumphantly salutes the crowd, which roars its approval.

And then it's your turn, as from the side, another pair of slaves pull on a pair of heavy chains, and the doors in front of you begin to open, and now you see this Vroth, Champion of the Bloodworks. A huge, two headed giant with a pair of vicious Dire Wolves.

Ploog makes a chopping motion with his hand and exclaims, “Let’s see some blood!”

This giant, called an Ettin, wears only simple leather armor, but seems less interested in defense and more about killing al threats as quickly as it can. You can clearly tell from it's stance and demeanor that has professional training in battle, and is far more clever than this simple brute it appears to be. It has two large flails, wielding both in unison with ease. To each side, the Ettin has a Dire Wolf, each trained for battle. This isn't going to be easy.

NEW MAP IS UP. Before I roll Init, was anyone going to prebuff? You have 2 minutes to do so.

Is it the same day we caught the bullette? I.e. fresh spells?

Yep, 'fraid so.

Celie would hex herself with Flight, then Mage Armor and finally shield before the two minutes are up. Not that she'll need the extra 6 to the AC.

Theo, can your Axebeak carry two? If so, can i ride up with you into battle range?

Guilford will do mage armor from his wand. In the final rounds before fighting it's Fly on himself followed by Haste cast from his bonded ring.

-Posted with Wayfinder

I'm not sure what Fairbeaks' status is right now...
Theoretically, he would have had to come into the Arena this time, as he was more or less the one dragging the bulette...
And once inside, Theo would have made sure to keep track of him... but is he with us or not? That's up to the GM.

As an aside... he's not really designed for riding... no saddle or anything like that. Theo does not use him as a mount.
Though theoretically I suppose one can ride axebeaks... and general combat training should cover all that stuff.

Ramen does longstrider from wand, passes it to Theo if he wants it for himself and Axebeak as well. UMD: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (11) + 14 = 25

does anyone need to see me, to target me with any buffs? if not, i'm going to go invisible so i can move around and set up flank. (he'll wait until the sound of the door opening starts before disappearing, in case anyone does need to see him. )

Ramen uses one of his daily spell likes to turn invisible. and uses another to provide us with some foxfire ( dancing lights ) so we can see in the pit.

::edit:: he'll also assume kitsune form so he has the bite attack option if needed.

Celie will hold onto the Fairbeaks' neck and float behind him as he charges into the fight.

Still not sure if the axebeak is able to be here... GM?

don't think I can use the wand on the bird. Believe Share Spells only works with spells I cast myself, not use from a wand.
Either way's ok, Theo's only remaining spell is a Lonstrider, so he can get the bird, and use Ramen's wand on himself, if need be.

GM: is this giant the same guy that was fighting when we came in the day before? If so, can we glean any useful info on his fighting style/equipment from that prior look? (ie: reach weapon, ranged stuff, specialized combat maneuvers etc)

Dhastrach is still not impressed by the orcs' display and looks at the crowds mockingly, snorting at the sight of a two-headed giant. "And there are two dwarves in the team," he says.

Dhastrach will force a platinum ring into Theo's hand and then casts Shield Other. He also suggests Theo lends his ring of protection to someone else, since the spell already gives a +1 deflection bonus to AC. Furthermore, he orders Theo never to move farther away from Dhaastrach than 35 ft. lest the spell ends.

share spells works as long as its a spell that comes from the class that grants the animal companion iirc. Longstrider is on ranger spell list. Presuming youre nit a trapper or some kind of spell-less ranger

it has to come from your list *and* you have to cast it. Using a wand is not casting it

Edit: Ah... here... try this FAQ

I lieu of any further word from the GM, and noting that Fairbeaks is on the map, I'm going to assume he gets to come along =)

Little Foot accepts Ramen's wand offer, and uses the wand on himself, before handing it back. He then casts the same spell on Fairbeaks the old-fashioned way.

Then one more use of his wand of cure light wounds, to top off the final bit of damage he had leftover. 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

"Watch his reach." He growls.

Knew I shoulda bought a potion of enlarge person... Forgot =)

He accepts the ring from Dhastrach dubiously, though puts it on a free finger with a nod.

"If I take it off, does your spell end?"

Celie, however, he looks at like she's a crazy woman.

"You wanna ride him?" He grumbles, incredulously. "Like a horse?"

He eyes the axebeak for a moment, then shrugs. "He ain't used to it, but suppose if you don't stay on him too long, I can keep him calm enough not to try to bite your feet off or something."

He goes over to Fairbeaks, and holds him while Celie climbs aboard.

"Once we're out there, dunno if he'll listen to a damn thing you say. Just sending him circling around once we're close." He scowls at the wolves. "Though those things will likely intercept him before he gets far."

Not sure how Celie on Fairbeaks will work... but I'll let her worry about that =)

I've tried to post twice, and it keeps getting eaten. Yes, you have your Axebeak, as well as Celie having her Fox. I was just trying to speed it up a bit, and add a bit more character/story to the double cross. As written, it doesn't make a lot of sense.

As for the Ettin, you where able to catch a little of it's performance earlier, enough to see that it looks stronger and more well trained than most of it's kind (ie Class Levels). It wields it's flail with ease, almost as if it where two separate creatures, and while a single hit might not be devastating, your certainly going to feel it. Issue is, as it does a martial arts type display for the benefit of the blood-thirsty crowd, it's not a single hit you need worry about, but rather four to six of them.

Oloch will cast 2 buff spells while waiting ...
... Bless (7 mins)

... Protection from Evil, Communal (7 mins)
2 mins Gilford, Dhastrach, Theo
1 mins Oloch

Finally ... just prior to engaging ...
Oloch will use his Glory Blessing on Celie which gives her sanctuary for 1 min.

Ok, I think that's everyone. I'll double check in a bit, and get things going. I wanted to see what things might alter Init.

If possible, Dhastrach wishes to glean some information about ettins and dire wolves.

Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24 (giants)
Knowledge (Nature): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25 (dire wolves)

Being a noncharismatic yet wise dwarf, Dhastrach attempts to convey his strategy plans to his fellow colleagues. "An ettin, huh. Theo'ss the best to engage that larrge baffoon therre, Oloch can smash those petss to kingdom come, Ramen doess what he wantss and uss rrest just keep them alive and winning." He also shares what he knows about the creatures, keeping it simple.

Oloch grins at Dhastrach ...
"Right ... I got the dogs."

Celie: Bless, Haste, Sanctuary, Flight, Mage Armor, Shield
Dhastrach: Bless, Haste, Protection from Evil, Shield Other
Guilford: Bless, Fly, Protection from Evil, Mage Armor
Oloch: Bless, Haste, Protection from Evil
Ramen: Bless, Haste, Invisible, Longstrider
Theo: Bless, Haste, Protection from Evil, Shield Other
Fair Banks: Bless, Longstrider

ROUND 1

Guilford (), Theo (), Fair Banks (), & Ramen ()
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Dire Wolf 1 () & Dire Wolf 2 ()
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Ettin ()
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Oloch (), Celie (), & Dhastrach ()

The crowd begins to cheer loudly, banging their feet, fists, and whatever they have on the wooden seats throughout the arena, calling for violence, and fully expecting to see you slaughtered.

Time to prove them wrong.

GM: Can I use handle animal to try to coopt the wolves? They clearly have some training if they're working with the ettin.

Would be nice to turn one or both of them on their 'master' or at the very least, have them 'stay'. And would one thing be easier to get it to do then another (assuming its trained in that thing)? Currently I'm assuming they're either trained to attack (attack, stay, down) or trained for general combat... either works

Not Handle Animal, but a Wild Empathy check just might.

Have nothing else to do while we wait for the big guy to get in, so sure, why not!?

Little Foot gives a quiet command to Fairbeaks to stay, as he walks out into the noisy arena. The axebeak squawks irritably, nervous at the crowds, and uncomfortable with Celie on his back.

Hefting his club, he scowls at the amassed crowds for a moment, then focuses his attention on the Ettin and his two wolves.

Give it a shot, as they're will be no one else in range right off... ready an action to Crocodile Dundee a wolf as they approach.

Working under the assumption the Ettin will have to use at least a move action to send the wolves to attack, which could be wrong! =)

Single move, then ready an action ... I think I'm a single move from both wolves here... said action will be to use WE on one of the wolves, and free action command Fairbeaks to intercept the other just before it gets to him (but far enough that the Ettin can't reach that round with a single action)

Wild Empathy on Dire Wolf: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

Fairbeaks attack as a wolf approaches (He has a 60' move at the moment, so up to a 120' charge path

Reach Melee Attack, Charge, PA, Bless: 1d20 + 7 + 2 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 7 + 2 - 2 + 1 = 17, for 2d6 + 7 + 3 ⇒ (3, 2) + 7 + 3 = 15 damage.
If charge attack hits: Sudden Charge Trip: 1d20 + 11 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 11 - 2 + 1 = 29

I am declaring my actions for round one. Encase i am afk while it's my turn.

Celie, while carried out on the back of the big Chicken into combat range. Once it's within 10 feet of the Wolves, she will let go and fly up 20 feet into the air, so she is out of combat range. Then she will hex the big guy with Misfortune. DC 16.

OK. I am going to make it mad, so someone please make sure it can't just charge me!

Guilford flies ahead at ground level until he is 45' from the ettin. Then he casts grease on it's left-hand flail.

DC is actually 15 now with headband. You could ask why I don't just grease him, but I actually think this will mess with him more and impede us less.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Guilford might want to take another look at the initiative order and rethink that...
There is no way anyone can intercept any of the bad guys or stop all of them from jumping him in a moment if you do what you just said you were going to do...

Or at least fly up until you are also out of their reach.

Yeah, and I forgot about the friendly readied action. Thanks for the heads up!

Gil instead flies up 20' (using 40' of movement) and forward 20'. He readies to cast grease as soon as the ettin is within range (45').

The range thing is why i am floating on the back of Fair Banks.

Theo, remember not to go farther than 35 ft. from Dhastrach, otherwise the Shield Other spell ends. At the moment Theo is 40 ft. away. The idea is that Theo will take only half the damage, the other half taken by Dhastrach, who in turn can heal himself to withstand the pounding.

Also, you must remember Theo has +4 dodge AC vs giants, and +2 deflection AC bonus against evils (which I believe the ettin is), and +1 dodge making his total AC against the ettin 27.

Ramen will use light steps and move into a better position invisibly.
full round action light steps movement, doesn't slow him, but he won't trigger location based traps if there are any in the arena. i don't trust the orc, and don't know if we've seen any such traps in the matches they watched previously.

Guilford advances, both towards the enemies, and then above them, then begins to mutter the beginning words of an incantation, while Theo begins to step up below him, giving one of the large wolves peaceful gestures, calling it to not attack.

From behind him, Fairbeaks rushes at the other wolf, carrying Celie in to behind him as she levitates just above ground. It bites deep into the large wolf, drawing blood, and sending the beast to the ground.

As silent as he is unseen, Ramen begins to creep forward, weary of his position and aiming to use it to the greatest effect.

One of the wolves simply remains where it is, refusing to attack either side, while the other attempts to stand and attack back, but as it scrambles to it's feet, Fairbeaks catchs it by the neck, biting deeply with it's sharp beak, and after a quick cracking sound, severs it entirely.

Fairbeaks AoO: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
Damage: 2d6 + 10 ⇒ (3, 6) + 10 = 19

Furious, the Ettin, moves to the giant bird, unleashing a single mighty blow.

Attack vs Fairbeaks (AC 17): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (8) + 16 = 24 <HIT>
Damage: 2d6 + 8 ⇒ (5, 6) + 8 = 19

ROUND 1

Guilford (Ready Grease), Theo (), Fair Banks (-19), & Ramen ()
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Dire Wolf 2 (friendly)
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Ettin ()
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Oloch (), Celie (Move and Misfortune), & Dhastrach ()

Well, the idea was to ready an action to mojo the one wolf, and have Fairbeaks jump the other as they moved closer, not run all the way across the field to attack alone =) Same result, mind you, just different location.

On the flip side... totally awesome that I got to use Wild Empathy for something... and succeeded!

Sorry, I wasn't clear I guess on what you where doing. I thought you where having him wait (more as flavor) while you advanced, and then where going to have him charge. Want to change it?

Round 1 Bless, Haste, Protection from Evil
"Right ... Plan B it is."
Oloch casts