DM CH-P's CoT: The Bastards of Erebus (Inactive)

Game Master Feral

Opening the door, Maddok looks into a decently-sized room. A pair of bunk beds sit against the south and west walls, while a round table stands near the southeastern corner. The door in the northeast corner has been boarded over with several planks of wood. The room reeks of oil, and the walls and floor shine with a layer of the stuff.

Four armed and armored men stand in combat-ready positions; the nearest two wield longswords and shields, while the two in the corner hold loaded hand crossbows in one hand and a flask of some sort in the other. Several more loaded hand crossbows lie on the table, while a pair of shields stand against the wall. All of the men wear breastplates featuring the Mhartis crest.

***

Derek easily climbs on top of the low wall. Looking into the window, he sees a vast amount of bats nesting along the ceiling and bookshelves within the room beyond. The bats appear oblivious to Derek's existence.

***

Current Initiative order:
25 - Appario
22 - Maddok (w/archons)
19 - Xerath
18 - Yahirma
13 - Humans
10 - Derek

***

>>>Current Map<<<

Up first: Appario, Maddok, Xerath, Yahirma.

Maddok looks on in confusion as human guards bearing Mhartis's tabards stand before him, "Who are you?"

The archons shine brightly and sweep the humans with their magical senses.

Maddok will total defense. The archons will scan the room starting with the area the guards are in with Detect Evil.

Appario won't detect evil.

Appario waits to see what the men do, ready to respond with word or sword.

Xerath will delay until after the humans make their move. "Answer him." Is all he says.

Yahirma holds on any violent action until the group receives an answer. Wanting to be certain about who she's dealing with, she thinks back to sparrows that had been eating seeds earlier that morning - had they been furtive or even duplicitous in their movements?

Sense Motive with Natural Divination, assuming they don't just attack us outright 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (8) + 18 = 26

The archons locate no evil auras in the room.

Still in a combat-ready position, the nearest man answers. "Guards." Pausing only momentarily, he then adds "Leave."

***

***

Up next: Derek, then round 2.

Appario steps forward, standing in front of the aggressively intimidating Maddok and his floaty balls.

"Greetings. We are here at the behest of the Lord Mhartis." Appario brings forth the note. "My name is Appario Lind of the Church of Abadar."

"We don't want to cause you any problems but do want to ask some questions before we do what we were sent here to do. Who are you?"

Hmmm, bats...no surprise there. But so many? Could...could a true vampire be sleeping amongst them disguised? Or are they here as a sort of alarm?

The man only barely glances towards the note in Appario's hand. "I told you. We're guards. Now leave."

Maddok looks down briefly at the Abadaran that seems to have stepped in front of him.

"We were told by the lord of this estate that all the guards and servants had been dismissed", the Shoanti says.

"And we," announces Yahirma, "Are here at the behest of the Mhartis family to cleanse the grounds of squatters, looters, and haunts. I trust that you are guards, which is why we as investigators are interested in knowing about what you guard. If we are both to do our jobs properly, then we will need your cooperation. The sooner we are done, the sooner we can leave."

Guarding what? They have not said. Guarding on behalf of whom? They remain evasive. We can pry that out quickly enough.

Diplomacy enhanced with guidance 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (15) + 15 = 30

"Who has hired you?" Appario asks calmly.

Xerath will continue to hold his action until they do something hostile. "I'd only cause conflict where there wasn't any before."

The most talkative of the guards seems to be getting annoyed. "Jerusen hired us, and we guard here. Now get out!"

"Jerusen? Who is Jerusen? Where can I find him?" Appario asks. "We have written claim to be here by the lawful owners of this property...and I represent him in this matter. Stand down and let us do our jobs."

"Ah, Jerusen," Yahirma says, realization dawning on her face. "I apologize for being so obtuse, but I hope you appreciate our subtlety," she adds tapping Xerath's foot for attention and placing a hand lightly on Appario's shield shoulder, briefly meeting the eyes of both if they glance backwards.

Bluff for innuendo 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (10) + 18 = 28 Success

As she saunters forward to get a better view of the room (standing under Archon 1 in E5 if possible), she rests a hand on Maddok's pauldron, feigning a grip for balance while tapping his neck three times to make sure he's listening for hidden meanings. "You must understand that we're all bound by the wishes of our respective employers, and I can accept that you may be of a different mind in different circumstances. Why, my friend," she adds with a meaningful look to Maddok, "Has a spouse who knows how to enforce her will, so I trust we can all see eye to eye and call it a day."

Bluff for innuendo 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (20) + 18 = 38 Success

She crooks a half smile to the guards, tips her fingers to her forehead in an informal salute, and announces to the gathering, "Please express our regards to Jerusen. We can speak more on it later, but for now we should depart." Turning to her allies, she shares a wink and a smirk.

Bluff for innuendo 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (9) + 18 = 27 Success

If everyone would prefer, Yahirma's willing to take the first shot, but I'm not quite sure how things will roll from here. With everyone on edge, I'm guessing that there will be no surprise round. I'm thinking of opening with a sound burst if I don't get the jump on them, a protection from evil if I can somehow reach one and cast in the surprise round, or a charm monster if I can catch one before he turns hostile (penalizing my save DC).

At this point Yahirma sees the need to subdue them for questioning, as there are too many to magically free in a single round.

Oh no, Xerath has been waiting to actually do something. He'll come out of delay first then.

"Have it your way." Xerath walks to the front so he can face the leader. His words are very calm as he casts his spell. "Guarding this place must get tiring. I suggest you take a nice nap." He says to whatever guard was answering questions.

Suggestion: DC 19 I think that qualifies for non-lethal.

Ha! Yes, that would qualify.

Had a hunch that would.

Yahirma's subtle eye contact and brief touch convey their meaning and Maddok nods in understanding.

He speaks aloud.

Maddok follows Xerath as he enters the room to perform his sorcery. Taking a couple steps forward, the Shoanti shouts a warcry and throws a screaming haymaker at the closest guard. This will provoke.

Rage 1/18.

1d20 + 14 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 14 + 1 + 1 = 34
1d3 + 14 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 14 + 1 = 16

Derek: Does Derek stay on top of the wall by the window, or does he climb down (either into the bat room or back where he came from)?

***

No surprise round; everyone is aware of eachother. Standing under an archon works fine.

***

Will save vs suggestion: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

The talkative guard lifts a hand to his head as his eyelids droop slightly. "That's a good idea. I think I'll do that." He makes his way towards one of the beds in the corner and lies down, while the other guards look on in disbelief.

AoO vs Maddok: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16
AoO damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Slow in focusing on Maddok's sudden approach following this development, the next guard is unable to aim his sword well enough to hit anything but armor. Maddok's fist connects hard with his chin, but the man stays on his feet.

***

>>>Current Map<<<

Up next: Appario and Yahirma.

I forgot about the archons. They'll hold off on their rays since they're definitely lethal but they'll enact their Aura of Menace(s).

Round 1, Init ??

Appario sighs deeply and draws Extortion.

Holding his sword before him, Appario will pray for Abadar's mercy in combat.

Divine Bond: Set Extortion to merciful.

Wow. Looking back, I think Appario's last combat was April 20th.

It appears that the guards have not yet acted, so I'm going to travel through a threatened area.

Invoking protective power, Yahirma takes a quick glance into the room to confirm that she can slip by to an isolated target. She then rushes to G7 while her abjuration is still transmittable and reaches out to touch one of the dominated guardsmen.

Protection from Evil followed by a move to G7 (F7 if the first guard takes an attack of opportunity) and a touch on Human 3 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

Will DC 18 on the spell, if appropriate. Yahirma will invoke Misfortune on the saving throw as necessary.

Hmmm, this reqires me to have a closer look...but going in alone would be foolish,
Meanwhile I can't abandon this lookoutpost for no good reason.
Ah...I'm sure big brother and the rest of my friends can handle whatever is in there. I'll wait here for a bit longer.

The initiative order is the same as the one posted following the door being opened; you never really left initiative count despite no combat actions being taken right away (essentially everyone kept delaying). So the guards can take AoOs and noone is flatfooted.

However, Yahirma doesn't have to worry about that, since the guard nearest Maddok already used his AoO this round, the guard lying down on the bed is focusing on trying to take a nap, and the two guards in the corner don't wield melee weapons :)

***

Will save vs aura of menace #1 (Human #1): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
Will save vs aura of menace #2 (Human #1): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
Will save vs aura of menace #1 (Human #2): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
Will save vs aura of menace #2 (Human #2): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Will save vs aura of menace #1 (Human #3): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Will save vs aura of menace #2 (Human #3): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
Will save vs aura of menace #1 (Human #4): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Will save vs aura of menace #2 (Human #4): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

***

Pushing her way towards the southern end of the room, Yahirma's magically charged hand dismisses the guard's evasive attempts and touches him, releasing the held energy.

Will save vs protection from evil (Human #3): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

The protective energy fills the man, and Yahirma sees his eyes roll up in his head as he attempts to regain control of his mind.

Will save to suppress domination (Human #3): 1d20 + 4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 4 + 2 + 2 = 24 (+2: prot:evil resistance, +2: prot:evil morale)

His eyes clear as he shakes his head to rid it of cobwebs. "Who.." is all he manages to say.

Now that she's close, Yahirma realizes that the flask the man holds in one hand is in fact a flask of alchemist's fire.

***

The guard facing Maddok continues the fight, and continues to use lethal force in the face of his merciful opponent.

Longsword attack: 1d20 + 9 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 9 - 2 = 26 (-2: aura of menace)
Longsword damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Potential critical: 1d20 + 9 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 9 - 2 = 27
Critical damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

His sword strikes as perfectly as he could hope for, in one of the few spots not covered by Maddok's armor, dealing 21 damage.

***

The guard lying down gets a strange look in his eyes as combat has now broken out in the room he was supposed to guard against intrusion, and Xerath suddenly finds himself wrestling an unknown mind for control of the man's actions.

Opposed Charisma check (Xerath): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (17) - 1 = 16
Opposed Charisma check (dominator): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

The man's look returns to normal as Xerath loses the mental battle, and he rises in the bed. The guard finds his feet and his sword, and places himself between Yahirma and her companions.

***

The last guard fires his hand crossbow against Maddok, then drops it and draws his own longsword. His other hand still grips a flask.

Hand crossbow attack: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (17) - 3 = 14
Hand crossbow damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2

The bolt harmlessly strikes the ground in front of Maddok's feet.

***

>>>Current Map<<<

I've placed the archons outside the guardhouse to reduce map clutter; they're actually floating near the roof above Maddok.

Up next: The PCs.

The spirit's blessing and his fury blunts the pain but Maddok grunts as the blade drives deep into his shoulder.

Undeterred, the big Shoanti throws another pair of wild punches aimed at the guard's midsection.

1d20 + 16 ⇒ (8) + 16 = 24
1d3 + 14 ⇒ (2) + 14 = 16

1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14
1d3 + 14 ⇒ (2) + 14 = 16

One of the archons drifts down to bolster Maddok's blessing.

1d8 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Yahirma can use misfortune against the longsword attack, if she chooses to.

Remember also that protection from evil only suppresses the domination for the 8 minutes it lasts, it doesn't break it outright.

Xerath scowls as he loses the mental battle. "I tried it your way. Now its my way." He concentrates as two balls of fire form in the palms of his hands. He then hurls them at Human #4.Pretty sure theres no cover there

Empowered Scorching Ray

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

4d6 ⇒ (1, 4, 1, 5) = 11 So 16

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

4d6 ⇒ (4, 6, 2, 1) = 13 So 19

Maddok's first punch momentarily drives the air from the man's lungs, but the second glances off his armor and goes wild.

Xerath: Are you sure you want to use fire spells in a room where walls and floor are covered with oil?

Oh, i missed that part. I guess not. Unfortunately most of my damage spells would light this place up. Tried and true then. Empowered Magic Missile!

5d4 + 5 ⇒ (1, 1, 1, 1, 2) + 5 = 11 So 16, wow dice roller

The guard Maddok is fighting owes him another AoO.

Preferably not one for 21. =P

Yahirma probably would not have triggered misfortune on the guard's attack until she had a sense of just how brutal the swing would be (i.e. she would force a re-roll on the critical confirmation). That at least keeps things more interesting.

1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13 Confirmation failed, so attack only did 8 damage

Yahirma hardly spends a breath on speech, knowing that practically nobody here would understand her. Instead, she calls out, "Appario," before shaking her head, quickly pointing to her own mouth, clapping the fingers and thumb of one hand together (as if operating a talking puppet), and pointing at the confused human next to her.

Bluff for innuendo (a wordless concept) 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (12) + 18 = 30

She then transitions from spontaneous sign language to somatic components, pressing herself against the wall to avoid the partially-suggested guard's sword.

Casting pilfering hand defensively (DC 19) against Human #4 (I gather he's the only dominated one with alchemist's fire at present?) 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (9) + 17 = 26 Success

Disarm feature of pilfering hand to snatch the alchemist's fire, CMB: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (13) + 15 = 28

Indeed he does; AoO coming up :)

***

As Maddok once again uses his fists against his sword-wielding opponent, the guard tries to find openings in his defenses.

Longsword AoO: 1d20 + 9 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 9 - 2 = 21 (-2: aura of menace)
AoO damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

Once again the sword finds Maddok's shoulder, almost striking the same spot as last time. This time the attack deals 13 damage.

(right back to 21 total!)

***

The guard looks dumbfounded as the flask slips from his grip following the barrage of force missiles striking him, and flies across the room to Yahirma's outstretched hand.

(if any of the others have alchemist's fire they're not carrying it openly)

***

Up next: Appario.

Round 2, Init X

Appario sighs regretfully again as he 5' steps to E7 and unleashes Extortion onto Human #1.

1d20 + 14 ⇒ (16) + 14 = 30 to hit;
1d10 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + 6 + (1) = 10 nonlethal;

1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21 to hit;
1d10 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 6 + (5) = 13 nonlethal.

He then turns to Human#3, "Stand down. Your friends are under evil influence."

If Xerath kills any of them, it will confirm my fears about him.

Derek:

The sounds of combat drifting towards Derek from the east also serve to wake the slumbering bats. Not happy that their rest has been interrupted, hundreds of high-pitched shrieks fill the air as the mass of tiny flying creatures seek their exit.

Derek gets an action before the swarm surges towards him.

***

Appario, Maddok, Xerath, Yahirma:

The flat of Appario's blade strikes twice against the guard's temple, visibly rattling him, as a cacophony of high-pitched shrieks coming from the west fill the air.

The guard Appario addresses looks confused and unsure of what to think amidst the chaos in the room. His eyes flicker from place to place as he attempts to make sense of what's happening. He puts his flask of alchemist's fire down on the table in front of him, then begins fingering the clasp on his sword's sheath as if unsure whether to draw the weapon or not.

The two guards already engaged attack their respective assailants, while the guard who was recently stripped of his alchemist's fire joins the battle, picking Appario as his target as he's unable to reach the spellwielding Xerath, while screaming at his uncertain companion. "Can't you see they're killing us! Fight back, coward!"

Longsword attack #1 (vs Maddok): 1d20 + 9 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 9 - 2 = 16 (-2: aura of menace)
Longsword attack #2 (vs Appario): 1d20 + 9 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 9 - 2 = 19 (-2: aura of menace)
Longsword attack #3 (vs Appario): 1d20 + 9 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 9 - 2 = 19 (-2: aura of menace)

Longsword damage #1: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Longsword damage #2: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Longsword damage #3: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

All of their attacks miss.

***

>>>Current Map<<<

Up next: The PCs.

Xerath, wary of the flammable room continues his force powered assault, however he switches focus to Human #2.

Empowered Magic Missile
4d4 + 4 ⇒ (1, 2, 1, 2) + 4 = 10 So 15 damage

Maddok breathes in relief as the blow that looked to be deadly turned out to be a shallow flesh wound. The relief is short lived as the guard delivers a second blow at the same weak point in his armor.

The first archon renews its blessing again.

1d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Rage 3/18

Growling loudly now, Maddok throws a wild elbow followed by a crushing headbutt.

Provoking again.

1d20 + 16 ⇒ (17) + 16 = 33
1d3 + 14 ⇒ (1) + 14 = 15

1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27
1d3 + 14 ⇒ (2) + 14 = 16

If the AoO hits the second archon will renew Maddok's temps again. If Xerath's missiles or Maddok's first blow drops his target, he'll step over to attack a different one.

Ooops, time for me to not be here..

Derek will throw caution to the wind and jump on down, trying to get out of the way of the bats.
He dives forward off the wall, attempting to land in a roll and get to his feet quickly.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (19) + 13 = 32

Derek: Into the room, or to the estate grounds? Or to the street?

***

Xerath: I see what you did there :)

***

The guard staggers back from the force of Xerath's missiles, before he is dropped like a sack of potatoes by Maddok's elbow. He does manage to throw a wild swing against Maddok as the Shoanti's unrelenting assault provides an opening in his defenses.

Longsword AoO: 1d20 + 9 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 9 - 2 = 18
AoO damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

The second guard takes a similar swing against Maddok as his head comes crushing down on him.

Longsword AoO: 1d20 + 9 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 9 - 2 = 19
AoO damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Both opportune attacks miss. The headbutt connects with a ringing sound, but it's not enough to drop the man.

***

Up next: Appario and Yahirma. Human #2 is now prone and unconscious.

Ah sorry, forgot that it might need some definition. Then it is down onto the estate grounds.

Derek lands safely just inside the estate wall, and is already on his feet when the black mass of bats surge through the window and upwards into the dawn air, looking for a less noisy place to spend their "night".

Yahirma places the pilfered alchemist's fire on the bed before hefting her staff in both hands and cautiously jabbing at the guard between her and Appario. In doing so, she spares a tight-lipped near-smile with the guard whose domination was broken, her raised eyebrows seeming to say "Sorry about the trouble."

Aiding another to improve Appario's AC while providing a flank 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

Misfortune favors the next hit against our party

Hmm. I wonder what Yahirma's spirits feel about such simple placement; they might want to throw the flask to the floor instead :)

A very interesting point, and a consequence that I would prefer to avoid. Yahirma would as willingly stow the alchemist's fire (provoking) than have in detonate.

Round 3, Init X

Appario will strike at Human#1 again, then going to Human#4 if #1 goes down.

1d20 + 14 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 14 + 2 = 28 to hit;
1d10 + 6 + 1d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (9) + 6 + (3) + (1) = 19 nonlethal damage;

1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 9 + 2 = 15 to hit; (if against #4, then less 2 to hit, no flank)
1d10 + 6 + 1d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (5) + 6 + (2) + (3) = 16 nonlethal damage; (if against #4, less 3 damage).

"Grumble."

Did you now?

Xerath keeps the magical artillery up as he fires another set of missiles.

Empowered Magic Missiles
4d4 + 4 ⇒ (1, 2, 2, 1) + 4 = 10 Sigh, 15 damage

Gone now...I suppose that means I can have a look further indoors now.

Dusting himself off, Derek turns around and once more begins to ascend the wall, intending to climb inside the room through the window.

Climb: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Xerath: Absolutely! Although it might have been unintentional, Xerath went from firing at one guard, to then immediately switch targets when that guard went into melee against Xerath's nemesis Appario :)

By the way, Xerath has already acted this round, so that second set of missiles will have to be his action for the next round. The guards do get to act occasionally!

***

Derek:

In Derek's haste to get back on top of the wall, he forgets his technique and his boots keep slipping off all potential footholds.

***

Appario, Maddok, Xerath, Yahirma:

As the flask of alchemist's fire rolls along the bedsheets before coming to a stop, resting at an angle against the adjacent bed, Appario gives the guard between him and Appario another hard rap over the head with his blade. Appario's second attempt is not as successful, leaving the guard still standing, although he appears to have a strong headache.

The guard retaliates with a strike against Appario.

Longsword attack: 1d20 + 9 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 9 - 2 = 12 (-2: aura of menace)
Longsword damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

He misses by a mile, nearly striking the bedpost beside him.

***

Seeing one of his companions already down, another reeling, and a third not fighting at all, the last guard gets a frantic look in his eyes. He steps back, then reaches for the flask placed on the table by the no-longer-dominated guard. "I will drop this! I will drop this right now!"

Appario and Yahirma each get an AoO when his hands reach over the table towards the flask.