DM Carbide's Through a Cracked Mirror: The Dark Road (Inactive)

Game Master John Woodford

Mareth is covered in acid as Briar speaks the words, and readies to strike the first Akata to get near him.

Ready to Spellstrike using a Selected Acid Burn vs. the first Akata to come within range.

Attack Roll:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19

Damage Roll:1d6 + 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (6) + (3) + 1 = 10

Confirmation Roll:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

Damage Roll:1d6 + 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + (3) + 1 = 7

Round 1 (cont'd):

Besmarial flits over to the rubble pile nearest the party, moving so that the akata catches a glimpse of it. The akata obligingly moves up to investigate this odd creature further, its path taking it within striking range of the concealed magi. Too late it realizes its error; near-simultaneous blows from Yeronimous and Briar lay it low, its jaws glancing off of Briar's force shield as it falls. However, the two who were watching it from the stage immediately begin to move up, flashing in a pattern that seems to rouse every one of the creatures that were facing them.

This time, Yeronimous will put himself in the front of the group between the beasts and his companions, and attack with his shield the first one to come close. 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 151d6 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Darc follows Yeronimous, ready for battle, standing next to him ready for the onslaught. His flail and shield ready to strike the first enemy to approach him.

Charles strides forward, grinning toothily in anticipation of the banquet before him...

He will Move-up alongside Darc and Yeronimous.

Briar goes on the defensive, beginning to weave Mareth in such a way that suggests anything that tries to attack him will have a difficult time getting through his defenses.

AC increased to 27 as I am now full defensive.

Round 2:

The two akata who were watching before double-move towards the party; they can't charge because of the terrain. All of the akata remaining on the stage are now alert and beginning to move. Unless any of you move up to engage during this round, end of round status is as shown on the updated map HERE.

Yeronimous will attack the number 7, use my previously rolled dice.

Round 3:

29/29 hp, AC 25/11/24, CMD 21, Mutagen(Strength), Shield.

Charles shrugs, drinks the contents of another vial (Shield), and moves forward to block the progress of '8'.

15' west, and 10' north of his previous position.

Charles--do you mean 15' east?

Round 2:

Yeronimous closes with the akata and deals it a ringing blow with his shield, but it's still up. Since it double-moved it can't attack him this round.

Round 3:

Initiative order:
Charles
Briar/Yeronimous/Akata (after holding actions on Round 1)
Luntz
Darc

The akata still on the stage move towards the party, but even with double-moves won't get there. Akata #8 flails away at Charles with its tentacles and attempts to bite him, but all of the attacks miss. Both of #7's tentacles miss Yeronimous, but it manages to connect with a bite. Take 7 points and make a DC 12 Fort save.

UPDATED MAP as of the end of the akata attacks. Briar and Yeronimous are up.

*cough* Yes, that is what I meant...

Round 2+3

Moves to engage akata near Yeronimous

Status:
HP: 38/38 AC: 21 Conditions: Bless Speed:20ft
Attack Flail 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 8 + 1 = 15
Damage Flail 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Round 3:

Darc strikes the akata soundly, but it's still up and fighting. Still waiting on Briar and Yeronimous to end the round.

Yeronimous will bash the akata again, hoping to put it to rest.
shield bash:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 261d6 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Fort Save:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

Round 3 (cont'd):

And akata #7 shuffles off this mortal coil, hurried along by Yeronimous' shield bash.

Briar moves forward to engage #4, using spellstrike to channel another Selected Acid Burn through Mareth.

Attack Roll:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

Damage Roll:1d6 + 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (5) + (3) + 1 = 9

Round 3 (end):

Briar wounds the akata he's facing. Incidentally, Briar, from up close this one looks a bit sleeker and more muscular than the one you faced before you went through the rift. Situation as of the end of the round is HERE.

Round 4 will be forthcoming later today, but now I have to run off to a meeting.

Round 4:

Initiative order:
Charles
Briar/Yeronimous/Akata (after holding actions on Round 1)
Luntz
Darc

I'm putting down the akata's actions subject to Charles doing something that changes them.

All of the remaining akata close with the party. #5 and #6 attack Charles, and #1, #2, and #3 move to attack the other clump of people. A furious flurry of jaws and tentacles ensues, but to no avail: None of their attacks connected.

Over to the party. THIS is the current picture.

This is gettin dangerous... Yeronimous calls upon the arcane power of his protecting shield, and seconds later a cloud of burning air erupts from his hand and engulfs the attacking beasts near him.
Using my Arcane Bond ability to cast burning hands against akata 2,4 and 5. The 15 foot cone shape will leave both Briar and Charles unarmed by the attack. Damage: 4d4 ⇒ (1, 3, 3, 1) = 8 against each one, DC 14 Reflex halves.

Round 4:

Grinning toothily at the Akata, Charles unleashes a flurry of teeth and claw strikes!

Claw: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24, for 1d4 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10 S/B damage.
Claw: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26, for 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9 S/B damage.
Claw: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20, for 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12 S/B damage.
Bite: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21, for 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13 P/S/B damage.

Starting on #8, then going to #6, and then to #5, if necessary.

Darc, feeling overwhelmed by the numbers, swings weakly at the akata in front of him, missing wildly.

Round 4:
Status:
HP: 38/38 AC: 21 Conditions: Bless Speed:20ft
Attack Flail 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
Damage Flail 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Round 4 (cont'd):

Apologies for not posting sooner; yesterday was a US holiday, and I was on the road.

Yeronimous' arcane fire washes over the three akata, to no apparent effect. Not so Charles' slashing claws and fangs, which reduce akata #8 to a shredded pile of flesh and oddly silver-grey bone before it can do more than flash the greenish color you remember from the first one you faced. (Which reminds me--as the others were wounded, they, too flashed that color, and were answered by similar flashes from the unwounded ones that happened to be looking in their direction.)

Status:

HP: Full, AC: 23 (Shield), Bless
Arcane Pool: 6/6

Briar speaks the words and Mareth is covered this time in Lightning, even as he stabs it forth into number 4 once more.

Spellstrike (Selected Shock Arc):1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

If hit, spend a point from Arcane Pool to maximize weapon Damage

Damage:4d4 + 9 ⇒ (2, 4, 3, 4) + 9 = 22

Round 4 (final):

Akata #4 is just enough nimbler than its kindred to dodge Briar's attack, sidestepping the wakizashi blow as it whistles harmlessly past.

Round 5:

Initiative order:
Charles
Briar/Yeronimous/Akata (after holding actions on Round 1)
Luntz
Darc

I'll again roll the akata attacks now, subject to Charles dismembering another one.

Akata #1 changes its flashing pattern before pressing its attack on Darc along with akata #2. #3 and #4 attack Briar. Of the quartet, the only one to connect is #2. Darc - take 4 HP and make a DC 14 FORT save. The pair on Charles will disengage at their action, but probably not before Charles tears one of them apart.

Using 1 point of arcane pool to enhance the attack and damage of my shield, and attack akata #2
1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 171d6 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Round 5:

Charles continues to do his best to shred akata flesh...

Claw: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20, for 1d4 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9 S/B damage.
Claw: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20, for 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8 S/B damage.
Claw: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25, for 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8 S/B damage.
Bite: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25, for 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10 P/S/B damage.

Hrm...do I lose the spell if I missed?

Round 5:

Fort Save 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

At the pain of the blow, Darc screams a curse and calls down the anger from the gods above, immediately going into a rage. With a shout revealing his orcish heritage, he sends his flail towards the beast in the hope of ripping the life from its being.

Status:
HP: 34/38 AC: 19/9/18 Conditions: Bless(4/20), Rage(1/15)
Attack Flail 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 8 + 1 + 2 = 20
Damage Flail 1d8 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 2 = 11

You should all be benefiting from the 'Bless' spell that was at the beginning, giving +1 to hit, not sure if you're all taking advantage of that! but hope you are.

Round 5 (end):

As expected, Charles dismembers a second akata. The remaining akata facing him disengages and flees around the party; Besmarial rises into the air to follow it. Yeronimous smashes one of the unwounded akata with his shield, driving it to its knees (or analogous leg joints). Even in his enraged state, Darc is able to recognize a wounded foe--his followup flail attack on the one Yeronimous just hit leaves it bleeding out its life on the dusty ground.

Briar: No, you keep the spell charge. (At least, that's how I read it.)

Round 6 and an updated map will be forthcoming later today.

Round 6:

UPDATED MAP

Initiative order:
Charles
Briar/Yeronimous/Akata (after holding actions on Round 1)
Luntz
Darc

Charles is up.

Status:

HP: Full, AC: 23 (Shield), Bless
Arcane Pool: 6/6

Briar, with Mareth still bristling with electricity, attempts to stab #4 again.

Attack Roll:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

Well, that is a miss...two more rounds left on the charge for Shock Arc

Round 6:

Annoyed that one of his dancing partners left a little too soon, Charles shouts out to Besmariel.

"Did you see where the one that is fleeing got to?"

He then moves around for a flank (on #1), and takes a bite out of the beast...

Bite: 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 10 + 1 + 2 = 32, for 1d8 + 7 + 1d6 ⇒ (6) + 7 + (4) = 17 P/S/B damage.

Seeing the beast driven to the ground, Yeronimous takes a step to shield bash the akata #2, using 1 arcane pool as well to enhance the attackfacing briar.
1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 161d6 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Round 6

Status:
HP: 34/38 AC: 19/9/18 Conditions: Bless(5/20), Rage(2/15)

Darc blood of the last ataka still covering his eyes, struggles to find the next opponent with his swing.

Attacks Ataka #1, which is next to Darc
Attack Flail 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 8 + 1 + 2 = 14
Damage Flail 1d8 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 2 = 9

Round 6 (end):

Charles tears a great chunk out of #1's flank, but it's still up and fighting. Briar, Yeronimous, and Darc all miss their shots. Briar, in their flurry of attacks on you and Darc akata #3 actually manages to tag you with a bite. Take 10 HP and make a DC 14 FORT save.

The akata outside the theater continues to flee, running rather faster than an unladen, unenhanced human could manage. Besmarial calls down to the party, "It is proceeding north-northwest. I cannot yet discern its goal."

Charles, could you give me the breakdown on where the bite damage is coming from? I'm not sure about the extra 1d6 in there.

1d8 from bite, +7 from strength, and 1d6 from sneak attack - as I had a flank.

Ah, that's right--vivisectionist. Not having played an alchemist of any sort, I'm not familiar with all of their ins and outs yet. Thanks!

Round 7:

Finally having an opportunity to go for vital organs, Charles opts for a spot of 'randomised surgery' on the akata facing the party...

Starting on #1, and when that is finished, 5' stepping to flank #4, and directing the rest of the attacks into it.

Claw: 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 10 + 1 + 2 = 33, for 1d4 + 7 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 7 + (1) = 12 S/B damage.
Claw: 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 10 + 1 + 2 = 31, for 1d6 + 7 + 1d6 ⇒ (6) + 7 + (6) = 19 S/B damage.
Claw: 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 10 + 1 + 2 = 22, for 1d6 + 7 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 7 + (5) = 16 S/B damage.
Bite: 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 10 + 1 + 2 = 25, for 1d8 + 7 + 1d6 ⇒ (7) + 7 + (1) = 15 P/S/B damage.

Claw (Crit Confirmation): 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 10 + 1 + 2 = 27, for 1d4 + 7 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + 7 + (5) = 15 ADDITIONAL S/B damage (on the first attack).

Fort Save:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Status:

HP: 17/27, AC: 23 (Shield), Bless
Arcane Pool: 6/6

Briar, grunts as he is bitten, turns to the #3 and attempts to let him taste the Electric Death that Mareth carries.

Attack Roll:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26

Spending a point from Arcane Pool to maximize weapon damage.

Damage Roll:4d4 + 9 ⇒ (4, 2, 1, 2) + 9 = 18

Round 7:

Darc continues his assault on the nearest enemy he can reach.

Status:
HP: 24/38 AC: 21/11/20 Conditions: Bless(6/20), Rage(3/15)
Attack Flail 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 8 + 1 + 2 = 17
Damage Flail 1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 1 = 9

whoops forgot fort save...1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Yeronimous casts acid splash on the fleeing akata, hoping to rupture its skin with the attack. A trail of blood will be easier to follow 1d3 ⇒ 3 damage, no save

Round 7 (final):

Charles finishes off #1, disemboweling it with a casual claw slash, then moves on to #4, who was already wounded. His impromptu surgical skills serve to transform #4 into an ex-akata with shocking ease. The only one remaining when Briar, Yeronimous, and the akata act is #3, who misses Briar with all attacks. Briar almost takes it down, then Darc comes in and finalizes the creature.

Yeronimous, acid splash is a short-range spell; I think your range is 35', and the akata has long since opened the distance beyond that. (I think it's also a ranged touch attack to hit, too.)

With that, you're off melee time. Luntz comes up to heal anyone who needs it. Besmarial and the eagle are trailing the runner.

Darc collapses, leaning against the rubble, "Victory!" He breathes heavily, exhausted after his exertions in battle, gulping in as much air as he can. Between these gasps, he continues in a staccato manner, "Friends..... death..... to our..... enemies!....We prevail.....Injuries need .... make better ...."

Luntz casts a pair of cure light wounds spells on Darc. Take back 14 HP, Darc. He moves on to cast one on Briar, followed by a last spell on Yeronimous. Take back 9 HP, Briar; Yeronimous, take back 5.

The old druid asks, "What now, gents? Ambrosius an' yer flyin' helmet are still followin' th' critter, but iffin' we stay out much longer we'll have trouble makin' the dinghy 'fore nightfall."

Briar scratches h8is head. "What's over that way? Should we be worried?"

Luntz looks to the north. "Not much. Once y' get out o' th' harbor area an' the temple district, there's nobbut houses on th' hills, mostly, an' they all burned after Starfall. I stick to th' lowlands when I scavenge, so I don't know a lot 'bout what's up there."

Where do we go from here?

While the party debates and discusses, Besmarial returns. "The creature entered the ruins of a small stone building, surrounded by what looked like burned-out wooden dwellings. The building is approximately one and one-half miles from here. There is no direct route; the streets on the hill face wind around considerably.

"I was not able to determine the original purpose of the building. I speculate it may have been a place of worship, because the one internal space I could see because of a collapsed wall was large, taking up most of the remaining building structure. Not knowing the nature of what might be present, I elected not to enter."

"Up to you Luntz. Think we have the time?"

"Nawp, likely not. (Though takin' down as many as y' did, the night'll be a mite safer.) We mayhap could do it tomorrow, takin' a straight shot from th' docks 'stead o' the route we took today."