DM Immortal's Blood Red Roses: A Skull & Shackles Campaign

Game Master imimrtl

As I noted before, Dhaavan will advance as close to the front of the group jsut behind Variel and Rain and as soon as he gets a look at the terrain, he'll stop about 20 ft out of the combat radius and start summoning. that way the rest of the party can advance past him without issue, but he's also up front and starts summoning immediately.

Dont' think i can summon blind, so the sooner Dhaavan's through the curtain, the better.

We advance as soon as Jiro finishes with the trap, and rushing through the muck, Dhaavan thanked the fox-man quickly. So in game i dont' think we're waiting in game. I'm jsut waiting for a description, and I'm not sure what the GM needs from us right now.

As they pass through the curtain, Jack looks around to find targets hiding in shadows etc
1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25
in addition to Dhaavan: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (20) + 13 = 33
so that they know exactly where to target, and DHaavan tries to figure out what their dealing with (knowledge checks when I know which ones to do, if i have it)

He'll start summoning as soon as he gets into the area and can see, before he has to swim, allowing the others to close, and Flynn to get in front of him to give him cover.

FYI I am in central USA and not affected by Sandy. That being said I am holding off posting much until we know when we are going on. Once the word is given (from Immortal) Variel will proceed in front (probably enlarged unless Sko is back in time) and cut the curtain down with his cutlass to allow sight lines.

Once the trap is disarmed, Seijiro will stay at or near the rear, ready to move up if and when necessary, and watching the party's backs as well...

Ok sorry about the delay. I hadn't seen anyone actually say "I'm going in." Yet and didn't want to jump the gun and not give you all time to prep or do whatever you wanted. For right now I need a status check and I will want one for every round post once you all get in. I do not have the map with me at work so I will have to post that tonight when I get home. For now I can give you the set up.

A subtle glow emanates from the cavern at the end of the tunnel which is about ten paces in front of your party. Looking in a gruesome sight shimmers from the light reflecting off of the swirling waters. Hanging limply fifteen feet above the water, you see your companions Sandara and Ratline, unmoving. They are naked and have numerous wounds, though Ratline looks much worse off. He is missing one of his legs and looks to have been partially eaten though he appears alive...if only just. Solid silver ingots are tied to their feet and weigh them down.

Your companions are not the only gruesome sight in the room though. Hundreds of remains float in this large bowl of water, which churns with bones, scraps of flesh, and the carcasses of strange, almost alien fish. Just visible through the roiling stew are humanoid bodies floating in the water, wan corpses drifting near the bottom of this cauldron like sleeping guardians.

But none of these things are what you are focused on. Your attention is held by two creatures regarding you with malicious black eyes from across the room.

The larger of the two...and it is quite large towering almost eight feet above the waterline, is a Grindylow of massive proportions. Arm thick tentacles whip back and forth in the water supporting it's massive weight. It is an obscene, bloated monstrosity with a giant gaping maw filled with razor sharp teeth and rubbery green skin.

The smaller creature looks like a regular Grindylow, except for the elaborate headdress of bones and bone spear she is wielding. She speaks as soon as you enter WHO DARES ENTER THE CHAMBER OF THE BRINEBROOD QUEEN? SHE WHO IS DESCENDED FROM LAMASHTU! TREMBLE AND PRAY TO YOUR PATHETIC GODS AS MY SON THE GLORIOUS WHALE CONSUMES YOU ALL! YOU CANNOT SAVE YOUR WORTHLESS FRIENDS! THEY ARE SACRIFICED TO THE GREAT MOTHER! She then swings her harpoon and slashes through the rope tied off next to her. Ratline and Sandara plummet into the water with a splash.

At which point the giant Grindylow roars in challenge.

I know you are going to go charging in but they still would have been cut and dropped into the water. I took a little bit of license for dramatic effect. The water is 40' deep and very murky and hard to see through. It is swirling and churning due to the tidal forces exerting upon the room from somewhere below. Visibility is limited to 15' when submerged.

Flynn should still have touch of the sea up from valeros, and Valeros has a swin speed, so as they fall, Dhaavan glances at the two of them asking, "You got them?" before clutching his spell focus and beginning to call a creature from the depths of the hells, murmuring in strange tongues.

Battle Map

The side view is just for your reference and the squares there are 10'.

The rest of the battle map is 5' squares like normal. Let me know if you have any questions.

Did Variel get the enlarge off before we got to that position? Also I thought that Variel would be in front since he has the AC?

That depends on if you were planning on taking the penalties for the squeezing rules. They will only last until you get into the room fully but until then they will be in effect. It's up to you however you want to play it. Variel can be in front if you wish. I'll switch it up on my map. Just assume for now that you and Sko are switched.

I know what I want to do - but it looks like "The Whale" goes first. I guess once we know what he does - it's our move. Unless we have surprise? I only mention that because you indicated that during "epic/boss battles" it wouldn't always be "good guys vs. bad guys/group Initiative" but it was person to person. Does that still apply - or is this not formally an "epic/boss battle"?

Also - the side view? Where exactly is the drop off in depth for us? Like - does it start in grid Y, X - just trying to figure out where it suddenly becomes very deep, and where I am able to stand a bit. Finally - how many more rounds do I have "Touch of the Sea" - if at all? I don't know how long that has been cast on me, or if I lost while I was out - so that's tricky business.

Please remember - Rain has "Freebooters Bane" to use, but she can also use "Judgements" so - yeah; that's something, I guess.

Well, any way you slice it, it looks like games to you, Mister The Whale.

X47 is the last space of the tunnel and therefore the last before it drops off. Touch of the Sea is minute per level so you should be good through this fight.

Variel I need to know whether you are enlarged or not as it may make a difference in what I do.

Sweet! Thank you very much for the details. Quick side questions - would be out of character to refer to "The Whale" as "Fudgy" - and does anyone get that reference but me? :) I'm so old...

For ease I am going to keep it as group initiative.

Yes I am enlarged and up front. I was hoping that Rain would have cat shield of faith on me as we went but that is your call since Flynn mentioned it. I was hoping to get init to enter and not be squeezed but that is how the dice rolled. AC is 13 I believed while squeezed. Actually will use last hero point to take an action before they go. Move out of the passageway to w-x,45-46. Hopefully this works as not flatfooted or squeezed now and if Rain cast shield of faith then AC is 21

We got about ten seconds to get them up out of the water. I got Whale's attention. Some one grab them. Alright Whale lets dance.

since most of us beat the Queen,and the Whale beat all of us, what if the whale took its turn, then we go, then the queen and the whale again? That way we don't get hit by queenie twice even though most of us beat her init? Cause I wanna try to shut her down, and I beat her init, but she's going to get two rounds before I get a summon off

Variel that is fine and Rain will cast Shield of Faith on you before you all entered. Also fine to take a move action before their turn to get out using a hero point to the spot you mentioned.

Dhaavan, I will let you all go first before the Queen.

The Whale charges and attacks Variel, opening it's huge maw and biting a chunk out of him. (He is now in spaces U-V;43-44)

1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27 vs Variel AC (HIT)

1d8 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

Grab check to grapple vs Variel CMD

1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17 (WHICH FAILS I THINK)

VARIEL TAKES 15 DAMAGE BUT IS NOT GRAPPLED

--------------------------------------------------------------------

You all are up.

Alright guys, go get them. Might need a bit of healing though here soon.

Swinging the cutlass at the Whale was surprising easy, but the effect was diminished by the gaping wound caused by the mouth of the beast. Thus defense was in order more than damage at this moment.

Swift action to enhance weapon
Fight defensively 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
Damage 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
Crit confirm 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Damage 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Status:
AC: 24
HP: 8/23

looking at the map the whale moved adjacent to Variel moving through the threatened area. Would Variel get an AOO then?

If so...
Attack 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
damage 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

You both have 10' reach. I don't have the map in front of me so he was supposed to go until he could reach you. As I said though if I make a mistake then you guys benefit so your AoO goes off and hits. NICE SHOTS!

Rain will step forward (to X-47) and jab at the creature with the pike.

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

1d8 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Hit.

Okay, I'm a little confused. I was waiting for Dhaavan to act - then the queen - before I take my action. Rain just went, which is awesome. However, does that mean we can all go now before the queen? Sorry, just trying to figure out what's up.

Valeros squeezes around the others and quickly dives into the murky water looking for Sandara. He could feel the vibrations of the fighting in the water around him which made it even harder to focus on the struggling captives sinking below him.

My plan is to dive in and swim down to rescue Sandara. With the Swim speed I should be ok as far as that goes, don't know if I need a Perception check to locate her but based on the "murky" description, I will assume so.
Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 12
Don't know how long it will take or what actions I have left but if I do find her, I will attempt to cut her bindings.

Valeros you swim down and see both Ratline and Sandara at the bottom of the cave. Ratline isn't moving but Sandara is struggling frantically against her bonds. You also see two pirate corpses that are chained to the bottom on 10' chains that look to be about to attack your friends.

Horatio: See above where I said "Dhaavan, I will let you all go first before the Queen."

Phone's dying, but dhaavan's summoning so the queen and whale get a move before the summon popps. Jiro able to try to make it around the whale to get to the queen? She seems more his speed than the whale, I'm guessing...

Seijiro, not being too bad at swimming will move forward to the space near where Variel had been Y 47, trying to get into a good position for his next action.

swim if nec: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

Sorry for the delay. I'm in the Cleveland area and we caught the edge of Sandy and lost power for over 72 hours (something we had been assured wouldn't happen). The few places that were open had lines of people waiting to use outlets to recharge laptops, pads & phones. Still trying to get everything straightened out at home but will be able to post again shortly.

Better updated Battle Map

first time i've gotten to see the map. DHaavn would have moved closer on his turn, up near variel to W:47.

Jiro, I'm pretty sure you don't have to swim there, cause in the passage we are in at most 3ft water. so you can walk for some amount of space, i believe.

Horatio: See above where I said "Dhaavan, I will let you all go first before the Queen."

Ah – apologies. I haven’t been on my game with the posting lately, sorry I missed that. Okay then, I’ll take my action, such as it is.

Am I able to move, shoot, then continue moving the 30 feet via “swim” or does that count as “Shot on the run?” Meanwhile – my intention is to move try to shoot the creature. However, it seems the majority of my comrades have moved in front of me.

So my plan is to move up to “stand on top of Serjiro” – take the shot with the pistol – and then I intend to either move forward, or take a 5 foot step somewhere so I am no longer standing on Jiro.

If I can't do that, I'll just move up to Y:48 and take the shot.

Of course, I can’t fire while swimming, so It’s a bit tricky. Also, I am firing into combat – which means I get a -4 penalty.

I will therefore use a swift action to activate my “Archeologist’s luck” at this time (I only used it two rounds before being knocked out before – so this starts round 3).

Attack with Pistol -4 included
1d20 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 + 1 = 19

IF it hits –
1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 1 = 5

Edit: FYI - this is one of my "special cartridges". As such, the following are in effect:

The bullet does "half damage" to the creature - in this case I don't know if that is 2 or 3 points - that's up to the GM.

I need "The Whale" to make a Fortitude Roll of 15 or be blinded for a round - if he makes the save, he's "Dazzled" for a round.

I need everyone within a 20 foot radius of "The Whale" to make a Fortitude Save of 15 - or be "Dazzled" for one round.

My eyes narrow in cold rage as I see this creature grappling with my comrades.

As my strength for the party is in ranged weapons, I seem to be protected by a massive screen of my comrades in front of me; who are no doubt offering me cover, though I must shoot through that cover to do anything.

Grimly I raise my pistol at this "Whale" and fire one of my cartridges at it.

The bullet rushes forward and explodes into the creature's oily hide - a burst of red light burns through the cavern; a massive flare that extends from the body of this foul beast in a demonic red glow.

EDIT: Oh yeah - that includes me, I guess.

Fortitude Roll
1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 2 + 1 = 22

Edit: Good - I'm not "Dazzled".

fort save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

Fort Save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
Eyes hardened by staring within to the fires of hell easily resist the light of Flynn's bullet. A far more disturbing flame burns behind the eyes of the sorcerer.

Yay W:47 being in the range of the burst

Horatio: You cannot move attack and then move, that is as you said Shot on the Run.

Whale Fort Save 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15 (Dazzled for 1 rd. -1 to attack and perception)

Horatio: You cannot move attack and then move, that is as you said Shot on the Run.

Whale Fort Save 1d20+6 (Dazzled for 1 rd. -1 to attack and perception)

Yeah - I kind of figured that after reading the feet, but I was a little foggy on where "standing on your allies space" would fall, so I figured I'd give it a shot. Also, not certain if I can occupy the space at X:48 - if I could have, I would have, I guess.

FYI - you forgot to roll for "The Queen".

Fort save 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5 Epic fail...not good at all...

On a positive note, we are using the crit deck correct? If so did Variel crit the Whale and if so hope it is a good card.

Variel: Yeah we are using the crit deck. Your card is "Momentum": normal crit but you also get +2 to your attacks for 1 round.

Queen Fort save or be Dazzled for 1 round 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13 She is dazzled.

Fort save d20+4 Epic fail...not good at all...

On a positive note, we are using the crit deck correct? If so did Variel crit the Whale and if so hope it is a good card.

Variel, you may be okay - Sko still hasn't gone yet. Also, "dazzled" is not too bad - it's only a -1 to attack rolls for one round.

True if Sko can heal me or if the Whale misses then I have a net gain of +1 to hit next round depending on what the queen does. Hopefully I will be up to extract some punishment still. 33pts damage this round nice job lets keep it up.

Since we dunno when Sko is going to be able to post again, Here's a turn he could take based on Variel's request for healing. If Sko shows up and wants to do something else, then there's that, but if this is chill then here ya are

Cool beans. If Sko's Heal stands then Variel taps back up to 19 HP, which is pretty good. That leaves us with the queen - then the whale - then us.

We may have a chance with these things, I hope. I guess we'll find out, then.

I'm fine with healing Variel as Sko's action.

Cool! I guess all we have to do now is wait for the bad guys to go. Then it's "Team Good" to the rescue :)

Sorry everyone. Work kicked my ass today. That and standing in line for 2.5 hours to vote was not so much fun either lol.

The Queen, seeing her darling baby in danger, snarls and moves forward, laying her hands upon her child. The whale's muscles swell even more.

End Round 1 begin Round 2

The Whale, enraged at being hit, rears back and chomps viciously at Variel.

1d20 + 8 - 1 ⇒ (18) + 8 - 1 = 25 HIT

1d8 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15

Spellcraft

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

I drop my Archeologist Luck as a "Swift Action" begin to reload.

I my posts i had called out to move dhaavan up to W:47 and Sko to V:47. If that's not possible, then can Dhaavan at least be up at X:48 if it's open or Y:48 if that's not possible?

I posted my move while i couldn't see the map for expedience's sake so ya weren't waiting to hear from me while i was just going to start summoning, and once i saw the map and positioning asked to be moved before i started casting, since I, as a player, didn't have all the information i needed to get that figured out. But i do need Dhaavan a bit further forward, and he should have been able to get a bit closer. My exact positioning affects my summon decision and how all of that plays out, in addition to where Dhaavan can move.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

Moved you Dhaavan

Coolio, Just checking that I can hero-point to SM2 right now. Is the queen above water, if so then I'd go with summoning 3 eagles again, otherwise, if they can't really hit, then GOing with a Squid. SO from where I'm standing does she look like flying creatures should be able to hit the Queen?

[Edit]: Has Valeros had any luck with picking up Ratline and Sandara?

Coolio, Just checking that I can hero-point to SM2 right now. Is the queen above water, if so then I'd go with summoning 3 eagles again, otherwise, if they can't really hit, then GOing with a Squid. SO from where I'm standing does she look like flying creatures should be able to hit the Queen?

I'm guessing she is at least above water to cast. Remember, the GM said the water was "murky" and we can't see far under it (approximately under 50 feet). At this range, we wouldn't likely be able to be able to see/hear her cast if she was underwater - assuming she could cast underwater. That's just supposition, though. But you may want to remember; she goes last - Whale goes first, and with a 5 foot step, he can reach you, as he has a 10 foot reach. He needs only tap over to grid 45 if he wants to hit our caster - which would be you at the top of next round. As it stands, I'm guessing we haven't even tapped half of "the whale's" HP so far, and meantime, we still have two people underwater that could use your help at this time.

EDIT: Even with full swim speed it is doubtful Val could have reached our companions. There are also two of them, and they are in bondage. His last action was to move close enough to "see them". Also - Ratline is missing a limb and is likely bleeding out. Chances are he can get one of them, not both - so he'll probably tap Sandara - either way, he can't them both this round, even on his action. Your move, though - or anyone else, I guess.

If we had any idea what was going on with Enemy HP - and if "The Whale" was close (doubtful, as I suggest as we barely did 32 HP - it's likely it has well over 60, but that's just a hunch). Anyhow - if the combined efforts of the party could somehow crunch "The Whale" and Rain NPC'd - she may even take action to "Freebooter's Bane" on the target; be it the Queen or the Whale, as needed. As it is - we'll just have to sit tight - wait until everyone posts - then ret-con action if we manage to finish the Whale somehow before the end of the round before the queen goes again - and if we don't, that will change everything. Good hunting!

Suddenly, the aberrant Grindylow abomination finds itself surrounded by screeching eagles that rip and tear into it from above. while Dhaavan continues reaching his mind into the lower planes calling another beast.

The eagles are all 10' up in the air flanking with each other and Variel.
I'd like to wait until Rain has the chance to activate Freebooter's Bane on the Whale for a +1 to attack and damage against it.

Eagle 1 at T:42
Bite: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 3 + 2 = 19
for1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Talon: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 2 = 6
for1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Talon: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 2 = 8
for1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Eagle 2 at V:42
Bite: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 2 = 9
for1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Talon: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 2 = 9
for1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Talon: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 3 + 2 = 18
for1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Eagle 3 at U:45
Bite: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 2 = 10
for1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Talon: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 3 + 2 = 22
for1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Talon: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 3 + 2 = 15
for1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Fumble Confirmation
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
What exactly should we roll for a fumble? what are we supposed to roll, and what determines the results?