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

Game Master Feral

Potential criticals vs Theron and Eklektos:

Critical confirm vs Theron: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (15) - 2 = 13
Critical damage vs Theron: 1d8 ⇒ 2

Critical confirm vs Eklektos: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Critical damage vs Eklektos: 1d8 ⇒ 5

Theron takes 2 additional damage from the critical hit.

Darkness?!! Oh, that ain't good. And it sounds like the nice kitty just got shot twice.

Not knowing if Theron is up or down and unable to see, Appario will try to help the kitty...maybe it can see in the dark, or smell in the dark.

Move: Pull out Pot CMW.

Stnd: Feed potion to Theron. 2d8 + 3 ⇒ (1, 1) + 3 = 5 healing to Theron. 5' step to N1.

Free Action: Whispering to Semenya "Ugh, got 3 or 4 baddies over here...I think. I just got very dark. Could use some sight."

Appario will have to 5-foot-step to P1 rather than N1 in order to feed Theron the potion, since there is a square between him and Theron.

Both dogs attempt to finish Theron off. (Theron keeps his Dex bonus against both dogs, since he can pinpoint their location by scent)

Bite attack #1: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Bite damage #1: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Bite attack #2: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12 (Theron gets +4 AC from cover against this attack)
Bite damage #2: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Theron takes 4 damage from the first dog's attack. The second dog misses.

Current Initiative Order:
23 - Tieflings
21 - Vethamer
20 - Appario
12 - Dogs
11 - Eklektos and Theron
9 - Semenya and Derek
3 - Ostengo

Up next: Eklektos and Theron, then Semenya and Derek.

OW! Pain much?

Theron flies into a roaring frenzy, slashing and biting at the targets he can still find. If any fall, he steps forward into the vacant space. If they don't, he steps back if there's space available.

The centipede switches targets, trying to take a chunk out of its second foe.

Eklektos pauses, waiting to see where his skills will be needed. Delay Initiative for Eklektos to after Semenya and Derek act.

Through the message cantrip, Semenya will tell Eklektos "throw a light source down at the end of the wide corridor so that Derek can cast his spell. Then we can back of Appario. Appario, if you can lead a group back, I can cast Burning Hands - but my options are limited unless I want to scorch you as well.""

She'll wait for the light to go off before her next action, which will be to cast Hypnotism on the two Tieflings - if Derek's spell doesn't drop them.

2d4 ⇒ (3, 1) = 4 Hypnotism hit dice
2d4 ⇒ (4, 2) = 6 Hypnotism duration

Save is will DC 14.

So, if all goes according to plan: Light spell goes off, Derek's sleep spell goes off, Semenya Hypnotizes anyone still awake.

Not a good time to roll that poorly, Eklektos.. The potion works fine, so Theron is at 7 hit points.

The dog nearest Theron takes 2 damage from the big cat's bite, but the rage-induced flailing causes his claws to be too inaccurate. Theron senses the dog still standing in front of him afterwards.

The centipede fails miserably, biting the stone floor rather than the tiefling.

Hypnotism has a 1-round casting time, so it will go off just before Semenya's next turn.

Up next: Derek. The sleep spell is set to go off on this turn, assuming he can get some light.

Yeah, I know. Annoying part was, the next d20 roll was a nat 20. :(

Eklektos grabs another stone, casts a Light spell on it, then chucks it into the corridor. Guessing the throw would be a move action? If not, Eklektos will move toward H4.

Throwing it would be a move action, but Eklektos could simply drop it in place as a free action and take the regular move. Dropping the stone in place will give Derek sufficient light to choose a point of origin as far south as I11.

In that case, drop the stone in F9 and take the regular move. We can always kick the stone father down the corridor later. If anybody goes ahead of the stone, Eklektos will grab it after snagging Appario and Theron and carry it farther down.

As the light spell goes off and shadowy figures are illuminated, Derek smiles triumphantly and sings out the finally words of the spell

"I've got you now my little henchmen of the plays villian, enjoy your dreams!"

In his mind, Derek begins to compose a quick ditty to inspire his comrades now that he has well and truly entered the stage. Seeing Therons rage, a funny idea enters his mind as he remembers that it's the music and not the words that count.

Western Combat (Appario, Theron):

A new energy missile comes out of the darkness, this time striking Appario.

Appario takes 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 damage.

Then, one crossbow bolt comes at Appario, while another bolt attempts to find Theron.

Crossbow attack vs Appario: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10 (Appario gets no Dex bonus against this attack.)
Crossbow damage vs Appario: 1d8 ⇒ 3

Crossbow attack vs Theron: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (4) - 2 = 2 (-4 penalty for shooting into melee applied; Theron gets no Dex bonus against this attack, but he gets +4 AC from cover.)
Crossbow damage vs Theron: 1d8 ⇒ 6

Both bolts miss their mark; the one going after Theron is closer to hitting Appario than the cat.

Following the attacks, Appario and Theron can hear the sound of a door being opened and closed (approximately in the same location as last round), followed by the sound of cloven feet running away from them towards the south.

Eastern Combat (Derek, Eklektos, Semenya:

One tiefling falls asleep on the ground. The other shakes his head to clear out Derek's soothing song.

One of the tieflings near the centipede attempts to tumble past it into a flanking position.

Acrobatics check: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25 (DC 16)

The tumble maneuver successful, both tieflings in melee with the centipede work together to dispose of it.

Short sword attack #1: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
Short sword damage #1: 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (5, 2) + 1 = 8

Short sword attack #2: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Short sword damage #2: 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (1, 5) + 1 = 7

One of the tieflings hits the centipede and kills it.

The tiefling that didn't fall asleep fires a bolt at Semenya.

Crossbow attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
Crossbow damage: 1d8 ⇒ 3

The bolt misses.

Up next: Appario. Does Derek move after he finishes casting the spell?

Tiefling Fort save vs poison: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
Poison damage: 1d3 ⇒ 1 Dex

The poisoned tiefling avoids any further effects of the poison.

>>>Updated Map<<< (edit: not including Derek's move below)

F11 looks like a nice place to be. Move there.

Appario groans. "Sigh. I cannot fight what I cannot see. I hate the blasted darkness."

Regretting that he cannot hold his position, Appario makes plans for a controlled retreat.

"Semenya, tell Eklektos to call back the kitty! We cannot fight in such darkness."

Move Action(s): Moving slowly (damn darkness), Appario will retreat to H2...eventually, I think the darkness will end and I will see again.

Appario must make an acrobatics check to move at more than half speed (which would be 30 ft). The move is 45 ft, requiring a DC 5 acrobatics check to avoid stopping at J1.

Acrobatics check: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (20) - 2 = 18 (DC 5)

Appario successfully makes his way through the darkness to H2.

Since the check was so high, Appario can continue to G5 if he wishes.

The two dogs again try to bring Theron down.

Bite attack #1: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
Bite damage #1: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Bite attack #2: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18 (Theron gets +4 AC from cover against this attack.)
Bite damage #2: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Theron just barely manages to dodge away from both powerful jaws, only losing some fur in the process.

Up next: Eklektos and Theron, then Semenya and Derek.

Eklektos delayed Initiative, so he's going after Semenya now, yes?

Theron, not having heard a call to retreat, continues to try to rip into the dog in front of him.

After the attack, Theron stands his ground and roars.

The body of the centipede fades from existence. His time was up, anyway. :)

I suppose so, yes. Although since Eklektos had to go before Derek, that will put all three of them on the same initiative count.

Theron rips the first dog apart with his powerful jaws, then steps nimbly forward and takes a huge gouge out of the second dog with one claw.

5-foot step to R1 to accomplish that, unless you want to replace the remaining attacks with a move action.

Tiefling Will save vs hypnotism: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

The apparently strong-willed Tiefling isn't fazed by Semenya's incantations and gestures.

Current Initiative order:
23 - Tieflings
21 - Vethamer
20 - Appario
12 - Dogs
11 - Theron
9 - Semenya, Eklektos, and Derek
3 - Ostengo

Up next: Semenya, Eklektos, and Derek.

Stepping forward to keep dealing damage would fit Theron's behavior so far, and the dogs have been more pesky to his knowledge than anything else back there.

Eklektos moves down the corridor, past Appario, going as far into the corridor as he can before he exercises his in-born powers of light. Move to K1, then use Daylight spell-like ability.

Daylight?!

Appario might be smiling.

Daylight?!

Appario might be smiling.

Aasimar FTW

Daylight is a good choice :)

>>>Updated Map<<< (click the map for a larger version)

(the tiefling with the blue ring around it is prone and sleeping)

Up next: Semenya and Derek.

Derek smiles, gives the tiefling before him a polite nod as he prepress to start his performance, then he takes a deep breath and begins to weave his musical magic again. Astonishingly, the "song" seems to consist of a series of catlike noises.

"Meow meow meow, meeow meow meeeeeow, meow meow meow, meeeeeeeow."

Using sing to inspire courage +1

Derek grins, clearly pleased with the absurdity of it all.

I just realized Bardic Performance is theoretically range unlimited, provided the audience can perceive the necessary component. Where's the microphone/amplifier?

In this particular case, the longest distance from Derek to anyone is 105 ft, which would be a +10 modifier to Perception DC. I'd say Derek singing at the top of his voice would be equivalent to the DC for hearing the sound of battle (-10), which puts the DC at 0. The unfavorable condition of the sound going around a corner adds 2. Even for those listeners that are currently distracted by battle, that makes the final DC 7. Nobody in the party can fail their check, so everyone gets the bonus at the moment :)

I love that song, by the way :)

Semenya will draw and fire her crossbow at the Tiefling, then move back 30'.

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13 To hit, bonus for caterwauling added in.
1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 Damage, bonus for caterwauling added in.

Semenya's bolt strikes the tiefling's armor, but fails to penetrate it.

Does "move back" mean to the west? If so, Semenya would be at H3 or E2. I'm proceeding in this post under the assumption that she is in H3.

Western Combat (Theron, Eklektos):

The cloth-wrapped figure steps to R3, then fires another magic missile at Theron.

Theron takes 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 damage from the missile.

Then, a dark stain begins to spread on the edges of the light coming from Eklektos, before the daylight repels it and shines as bright as before.

Theron can take an AoO against the tiefling in S1.

The remaining tiefling draws his short sword, steps into S2, and strikes at the big cat.

Short sword attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Short sword damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Theron takes 7 damage from the attack. :(

Eastern Combat (Derek):

Derek finds himself alone, his allies all having moved westwards. The tieflings are quick to pounce on the opportunity.

First, a tiefling moves up towards Derek, but stops at a safe distance. The tiefling makes a gesture, and the light shining from Eklektos's dropped pebble is swallowed by darkness. Then Derek hears the sound of a crossbow being dropped and someone being dragged away from beside him, before a tiefling charges into him at full force. Finally, a force missile briefly lights up the surroundings before it strikes him.

Short sword charge attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16 (Derek gets no Dex bonus against this attack)
Short sword damage: 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (6, 5) + 1 = 12

Derek takes 12 damage from the charge attack.

Derek takes 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 damage from the magic missile.

>>>Updated Map<<<

Up next: Appario, plus Theron's AoO.

Correction to the above post: The tiefling casting darkness near Derek has to be one step closer (at G10), which means Derek gets an AoO against it. If the AoO hits, the tiefling has to make a concentration check to cast. If it fails, then Derek keeps his Dex bonus against the charge attack, which will then miss.

Apologies for messing that up originally.

Up next: Appario, Theron's AoO, Derek's AoO.

Quick question. You have the Shortswords dealing 2d6 damage. That looks wrong to me. Isn't 2d6 a Greatsword? My apologies if I'm missing some piece of information that boosts the damage output.

Theron swiftly snaps at the retreating form of the Tiefling.

Bite AoO: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13 (including Derek's Cat Noises)
Bite Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Then Theron drops from the slash and begins bleeding all over the cave floor.

Fort Save vs. Death: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Fail. :(

Theron's final bite doesn't do the brave cat justice, as it scrapes the tiefling's armor without effect.

Quick question. You have the Shortswords dealing 2d6 damage. That looks wrong to me. Isn't 2d6 a Greatsword? My apologies if I'm missing some piece of information that boosts the damage output.

Those short sword attacks that I have dealing 2d6 are because of +1d6 sneak attack. No need to apologize; it's good that you're paying attention :)

By the way, Theron is at -3, so he has 10 rounds of potential stabilizations left before he dies.

Those short sword attacks that I have dealing 2d6 are because of +1d6 sneak attack. No need to apologize; it's good that you're paying attention :)

Now I feel silly for forgetting about sneak attack damage. :)

Via message to Eklektos and Appario: "Let's see if we can bunch them together. I have a spell that can do some substantial damage, but it's close range - and I'll need you to keep them off of me. We've got eight foes, plus at least two spellcasters. And Derek is isolated.

We're too spread out. Eklektos, can you get close enough to Theron to feed him a healing potion?"

Appario smiles at the coming of the light.

Ah...now we can fight!

Move action: Move to M2.

Standard Action: Ready to hit whatever comes up to me.

"I should be able to do that. Once I get to him, we're pulling back."

AOO: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19

Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Derek's AoO hits, and the tiefling attempts to focus on his casting.

Concentration check: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (6) - 1 = 5 (DC 17)

The spell falters, and the forming darkness vanishes. Still able to take advantage of the light, Derek manages to avoid the swing from the charging tiefling.

The last remaining dog races towards Appario, attempting to savage him.

Up next: Appario's readied action.

C'mere doggie! I can see you now!

Slicing, powered by the Dirge of Cats:
1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 5 + 1 = 23 to hit;
1d10 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 1 = 10 damage.

The dog goes down in a heap of blood and fur, a surprised look flashing briefly in its glowing eyes before life departs it.

Stabilization check for Theron: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (6) - 2 = 4 (DC 10)

Unsuccessful check; Theron now at -4.

>>>Updated Map<<< [I'm starting to get the hang of this MapTool thing :)]

Up next: Semenya, Eklektos, and Derek.

Move action:

Semenya moves to G7, and holds her standard action.

Free action: "Derek, to me."

Held standard action: When the Tieflings move after Derek, she's going to cast Burning Hands, covering squares D8-F8, E9-F9 and F10.

Reflex DC 14 for half.

2d4 + 3 ⇒ (1, 1) + 3 = 5 Fire damage!

Derek obliges Semenya, withdrawing to stand besides her, rapier poised and ready to strike.

Withdraw action to F7, continuing to sing.

Eklektos retrieves one of the potion bottles from his bag, then moves to Theron's side to administer it.

Unfortunately, we won't be able to retreat until next round, and I'll need the Standard action to administer the potion. Curse not having a Cure spell memmed.

If you wish, Eklektos could use the Heal skill to stabilize Theron on that turn instead of retrieving the potion.

North/East Combat (Semenya, Derek):

As the tieflings make their way around the corner after Derek, Semenya's spell hits them full on. However, when they emerge they both appear to have been unharmed by the flames. One grins viciously at Semenya, before they both ignore her and go after Derek.

Short sword attack #1: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Short sword damage #1: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Short sword attack #2: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Short sword damage #2: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Both attacks miss the singing bard.

After the attacks, a resounding slap can be heard from the east.

South/West Combat (Theron, Eklektos, Appario):

The spellcaster steps to S3, then fires a magic missile at Eklektos.

Eklektos takes 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 damage from the missile.

One tiefling attempts to tumble past Eklektos to get into a flanking position.

Acrobatics check: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9 (DC 19)

The tiefling is unable to get past Eklektos, and instead simply attacks from Theron's square.

Eklektos can take an AoO against the tiefling, since the Acrobatics check was unsuccessful. If the AoO deals damage, the tiefling has to make a second Acrobatics check to avoid falling prone. If that check is also unsuccessful, attack #3 doesn't happen.

Short sword attack #3: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
Short sword damage #3: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Eklektos takes 2 damage from the attack (depends on AoO results).

The second tiefling steps into R2, then takes a swing after Eklektos.

Short sword attack #4: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16 (Eklektos gets +4 AC from cover against this attack)
Short sword damage #4: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

The attack misses.

Current Initiative order:
23 - Tieflings
21 - Vethamer
12 - Appario
11 - Theron
9 - Semenya, Eklektos, and Derek
3 - Ostengo

>>>Updated Map<<<

The 3 tokens with red squares around them are in their last-known location; they may have moved.

Up next: Eklektos's AoO, then Appario.

Point. Heal check it is.

As Eklektos reaches Theron, he ducks to one knee to stifle the bleeding in his friend, then rises to face his foes.

Heal Check: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

As the Tiefling tries to slip past Eklektos, he lashes out with his spear, striking wildly against the wall instead.

Spear Attack: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 3

Appario sees the roadblock ahead and takes time to prepare to go kick some tiefling butt.

Move action: Draw Pot CLW.
Stnd action: Drink potion. 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7 healing

"Clear the way when you can Eklektos, I wish to have words with those who walk in darkness."

Since you're adjudicating your own results, I've got nothing to do :)

Up next: Eklektos, Semenya, and Derek.

Semenya frowns at the Tieflings. "Derek, fall back. I'm going to turn up the heat." She also manifests her claws to threaten any Tiefling who tries to flank Derek with an AoO.

(Semenya moves back to G6, and holds her action to cast Burning Hands when Derek moves out of the way.)

2d4 + 3 ⇒ (3, 3) + 3 = 9 Fire Damage - Reflex DC 14 for Half.

Spells used: 1st: 3 of 5. (Hypnosis, Burning Hands, Burning Hands)

Derek stabs once at the tiefling right in front of him, then falls back next to Semenya. He makes sure to fight using his defensive skills.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Fighting using combat expertise to increase ac, then using a 5' step to fall back to F6.

"I fear these foes might be resistant to fire my lady."

Hp: 15/20, AC 18, Bardic music 3/9 used.

Sorry about that. Just a fairly solid guess that a 3 was just good enough to not poke my own eye out and not good enough to poke theirs out. I'll refrain in future.

Dropping the spear, Eklektos grabs the big cat around the rib cage and then drags him down the hallway as far as he can. The wording isn't quite clear on how the actions break down. Moving a heavy object is supposed to be a move action, but I'm not sure if it would be one action to grab him and another to move him, or how far I could make it. The dragging rules aren't overly clear, either. In any case, grab Theron and drag him as far down the corridor as I can, past Appario if possible.

No need to refrain, I just found it amusing that there had been two PC posts and yet I didn't need to say anything. Feel free to make similar assumptions in the future when it's that clear-cut :)

South/West Combat (Theron, Eklektos, Appario):

As Eklektos gets ready to drag Theron away, the two tieflings try to take advantage of the opening in his guard.

Short sword AoO #1: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
Short sword damage #1: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Short sword AoO #2: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21 (Eklektos gets +4 AC against this attack)
Short sword damage #2: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Both AoOs hit, dealing a total of 5 damage to Eklektos. Eklektos then successfully drags Theron out of immediate danger.

The spellcaster moves to S1, then fires his fifth magic missile at Appario.

Appario takes 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 damage.

Then, one tiefling charges Appario, while the other simply moves behind his companion.

Charge attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Charge damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

The charge attack misses.

North/East Combat (Semenya, Derek):

Derek's defensive attack misses.

One tiefling manages to dodge out of the way of the roaring flames, while the other cries out in both pain and surprise as burns appear on his skin.

Then, the two tieflings both make 5-foot steps (to F7 and G7) before attacking. One attacks Derek, while the one who got burnt attacks Semenya.

Short sword attack vs Derek: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Short sword damage vs Derek: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Short sword attack vs Semenya: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Short sword damage vs Semenya: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Both attacks slice the air rather than their targets.

Up next: Appario, then Eklektos, Semenya, and Derek.

>>>Updated Map<<<

(test) (if it works, this link should provide a full-size map right away; let me know if it does)

DM Are: excellent explanations above.

Appario takes the charge attack on his shield, deftly deflecting the sword away and begins to hack his way to the mage with the Magic Missles.

"Nice of you to leave yourself open, Dark One."

Slicing at the tiefling in front of him:
1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 5 + 1 = 20 to hit;
1d10 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 1 = 8 damage.

Move: If that hits and drops the tief, Appario will 5' step up to the next one.