DM NomadSage's Curse of the Crimson Throne (Inactive)

Game Master nomadicc

Init: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22

Grr. waste of a nat 20. lol. Two questions: 1) what kind of action is it to lay the totem down without damaging it? 2) is this allowed? I mean it's better that letting it topple over. And I guess question three is If totem falls over (or is laid down) for the duration of this fight does that disqualify Segang?

If Segang cannot, or is not willing to lay the totem down based on his understanding of the challenge he will draw and ready his long spear.

I was able to get on roll20 (cool map!) and I see there is one within 30 feet of Jarha and close to Segang, so he will target that one, which means an extra +1 to hit and damage on each attack and Segang should get the +4 to hit.

Sorry for the delay; family business.

Initiative 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

Absinthe spits a curse, having not expected the landsharks to be capable of climbing up the rock. She moves towards the others as fast as she can...!

Double-move up the rock.

Round One: Absinthe, Segang, Seren, Jarha, Melianthe, Bulettes

Absinthe retreats up the stone ramp onto the first plateau of Bolt Rock. Segang ponders his options (see below). Seren continues to concentrate to maintain her illusion, keeping the beasts occupied.

Jarha unleashes two electric bolts into the landshark clawing up the rocks below Segang. It roars but does not slow down in the slightest. Melianthe holds onto her totem and completes a summoning spell. (please mark the location for next round)

The nearest landshark shrugs its way through the tentacles. They grasp and nearly take hold of its plates, but the brute proves too strong. It races up the rock face using its steel-like claws like pitons. It comes within reach of Segang while still hanging and snaps at him with its shark-like maw.

Red bite vs Segang: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14; Damage: 2d8 + 9 ⇒ (4, 8) + 9 = 21

As it extends its head to attack, one claw slips and it slides back a couple feet. The jaws snap harmlessly a foot away from Segang.

Another landshark leaps up from the sand and latches onto the mesa close to Absinthe. It bites at her from the rocky edge, but she rolls out of the way.

Yellow bite vs Absinthe: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20; Damage: 2d8 + 9 ⇒ (2, 4) + 9 = 15

The third landshark circles around and climbs up the rock on the south face.

The other beasts spring from the sands, biting away large chunks of the illusory worm. You count three of them there.

Actions from everyone!

@Segang: Per the rules of the challenge, you need to have the totem standing at the dawn of the third day. Whether setting the totem down for short periods is against the spirit of the trial, that's up to you.

Is Jarha able to tell if the landsharks were injured from his blasts -- whether there is some kind of resistance or immunity involved -- or whether it's just that they are really tough?

I'm going to wait to post Jarha's action until I see how Segang interprets the rules of the trial.

They took damage, but don't seem too fazed.

Kn Arcana: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (1) + 18 = 19

Melianthe tries to deduce any weaknesses of the bulettes.

The rhinoceros appears and charges at the bulette near Jarha and Seren.

She also hexes the rhino with Fortune while she's at it.

Charge: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
Charge: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
Powerful Charge Dmg: 4d6 + 12 ⇒ (6, 1, 4, 6) + 12 = 29

Not sure if that's a valid spot, but I placed a blue rectangle for the rhino to start its charge.

Ok. I still need to know what kind of action it is to lay the totem down. But that might be somewhat moot for now as Segang will take his AOO as he had readied his longspear. He hopes the totem will stand for a few seconds before it falls. Also need to know if any buffs are up.

Mwk Longspear: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (5) + 17 = 221d8 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

And since this was an AOO that happened before the creature attacked Segang, it might be his turn again?

Free action to drop. Move action to set down carefully.

Readied action just moves your initiative, so yes, you have another turn before they do.

Seeing that the beast is intent on doing him harm, Segang rages and as a move action and lays the totem down. He then attacks again and takes a step back. As a free action he will use a Harrow point for Brutal Strike gaining +5 to melee damage for this fight.

Mwk Longspear: 1d20 + 17 - 3 ⇒ (8) + 17 - 3 = 221d8 + 10 + 9 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 10 + 9 + 5 = 25

I can't recall if I buffed you with Ward or not!

Seren concentrates on the illusion, keeping the 3 others occupied.

Segang, remember you have a +4 to hit on those attacks above because of Jarha's magnetic infusion -- I don't know if you included that. But not next round because Jarha doesn't have the actions available to attack this round.

Jarha follows Segang's lead and uses telekinetic haul to set down the totem. He then uses a move action to gather energy.

"This means I'm gonna win the competition!" calls out Melianthe rather unhelpfully.

"I need to win something," she continues, a bit ruefully.

I did not remember and did not include them. That is why I had asked about buffs. Thanks for the reminder. DM NomadSage please add +4 to each attack

Was waiting for Absinthe's post, but I'll press on.

Round Two: Absinthe, Seren, Melianthe, Segang, Jarha Bulettes

Absinthe fences off against the landshark attacking her. (can fill in depending on posts)

Seren concentrates on the illusion distracting the other beasts. (is it a save per round/interaction, or one-and-done?

Melianthe completes her summoning and a rhinoceros appears on the lower mesa. It immediately charges, slamming its horn deep into the landshark there, though it bites back in retaliation.

Purple AoO: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26; Damage: 2d8 + 9 ⇒ (2, 4) + 9 = 15

Segang stabs the near landshark as it climbs over the edge, and then stabs it again, wounding it severely. With a grace born of years in combat, he also manages to set his totem down safely.

Jarha follows suit while charging energy.

The wounded landshark bites and claws at Segang, while the others on the lower mesa tear into Absinthe and the summoned rhino.

Red bite vs Segang: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15; Damage: 2d8 + 9 ⇒ (3, 8) + 9 = 20
Red claw vs Segang: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28; Damage: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (3, 4) + 6 = 13

Yellow bite vs Absinthe: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16;Damage: 2d8 + 9 ⇒ (7, 2) + 9 = 18
Yellow claw vs Absinthe: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31; Damage: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (1, 6) + 6 = 13

Purple bite vs Rhino: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (11) + 13 = 24;Damage: 2d8 + 9 ⇒ (5, 7) + 9 = 21
Purple claw vs Rhino: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21; Damage: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (3, 4) + 6 = 13
Purple claw vs Rhino: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15; Damage: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (3, 1) + 6 = 10

Actions for R3 (and anything for Abs in R2)?

Noted that I made an error subtracting 3 from Segang's to hit for power attacking since he has Furious Focus. I'll not make that error again. :) Also when Segang power attacks he gets to try to intimidate for free. Here is that intimidate roll from the last attack.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (14) + 13 = 27

Segang is clawed but not bitten. He fights back.

Mwk Longspear:: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (20) + 17 = 371d8 + 10 + 9 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 10 + 9 + 5 = 30

Mwk Longspear:: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 131d8 + 10 + 9 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 10 + 9 + 5 = 26

Confirm: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (17) + 17 = 342d8 + 20 + 18 + 5 ⇒ (3, 7) + 20 + 18 + 5 = 53

Intimidate: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20

Seeing Segang take down the creature attacking it with a mighty blow (I'm guessing)), Jarha re-directs his attention to the landshark attacking Absinthe, attacking it twice with empowered magnetized electric blasts, taking 1 burn (he got the first empowered for free due to gathering energy).

empowered magnetized electric blast touch attack: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16
empowered electric blast damage: 7d6 + 4 ⇒ (3, 5, 6, 5, 6, 5, 1) + 4 = 35

empowered magnetized electric blast touch attack: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20
empowered electric blast damage: 7d6 + 4 ⇒ (4, 4, 6, 5, 6, 1, 1) + 4 = 31

+4 for Abby to hit due to magnetic blasts

Nudge.

Oh shoot, sorry!

The rhinoceros jabs at the bulette again.

Gore: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26
Gore Fortune: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19
for: 2d6 + 9 ⇒ (1, 2) + 9 = 12

Hloire the scorpion scuttles out and touches Segang on the boot. "Present for you, Segang," says Melianthe.

Segang now has the ability to Fly. Happy slashing!

Continue with the illusion. I'm going with singular save, myself

Did we win yet? :P

@Mel: do you have Augment Summons or anything that boosts the rhino's hp? I think it might be down from damage (AoO and 2 hits = 49 damage). They only have 42 hp, which is kinda laughable, right?

Round Three: Absinthe, Seren, Melianthe, Segang, Jarha Bulettes

Absinthe continues to dance around with her quarry, taking a glancing claw wound but giving it a few stabs in return.

The three beasts to the south continue feasting, or attempting to, on the illusory worm. Seren concentrates to maintain the deception.

Melianthe casts flying magic on Segang via her familiar, while the summoned rhino disappears.

Segang rams his spear through the landshark's armor in an exposed point at the joint of its shoulder. It howls and falls away, crashing to the desert floor with a reverberating thud.

Jarha nods and changes targets, releasing two powerful electric blasts into Absinthe's foe. It jerks twice from the shock, then slides down the rock face to the ground, unmoving.

The third landshark charges forward then leaps, an awesome sight given the beast's mass. It clears the second ledge and lands on the mesa right besides Jarha and Seren. It snaps at Jarha with is sharklike jaws!

Purple Jump (DC 20): 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (7) + 17 = 24
J or S?: 1d2 ⇒ 1
Bite vs Jarha: 1d20 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 13 + 2 = 26; Damage: 2d8 + 9 ⇒ (3, 2) + 9 = 14

Actions for R4?

Still power attacking Segang pounces onto the third bulettte. Perhaps his pounce is aided buy his ability to fly. It's hard to tell. From the pink froth forming around his mouth its easy to tell the barbarian is still raging.

Mwk Longspear: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (16) + 17 = 331d8 + 10 + 9 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 10 + 9 + 5 = 31

Mwk Longspear: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 251d8 + 10 + 9 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 10 + 9 + 5 = 29

The landshark's bite penetrates Jarha's protective layer of swirling aetheric energies, and Jarha's flesh is torn from his body. He accepts the wound stoically, and takes a 5 foot step back, creates a mirror image of himself (copycat move action), and unleashes a maximized magnetic electric blast at the landshark in front of him (2 burn). After he does so, his body explodes with kinetic energy that emanates from his body in waves of energy that vibrate the air around him, tossing about dirt and small stones.

Copycat = effective 50% miss chance for one round

magnetic electric blast touch attack: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28

maximized magnetic electric blast damage = 37

2 burn = 16 NL damage

effects of elemental overflow:
+3 to hit
+6 damage
+2 CON
+2 DEX

Current AC = 23 (including +1 from overflow DEX bonus and +2 from effects of reduce person

Current HP: 123/137, with 24 additional NL damage

I do not. Poor rhino, we hardly knew ye.

Melianthe squints at the remaining bulette, casting an Evil Eye upon it.

DC20 Will save, or else -4 to AC for 8 rounds. Even if it saves, it loses AC for 1 round.

Round Four

Segang pounces and jabs the landshark twice, wounding it severely. Jarha goes nova and incinerates it with a point-blank blast.

Bite AoO: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (18) + 13 = 31
50% Miss Chance: 1d100 ⇒ 7

How do you want to handle the remaining bulettes on the illusory worm?

One at a time? :)

Seren keeps the illusion up,

”Maybe shoot one and see if you can pull it off when separated from the others?”

Unwilling to set down his spear and still raging Segang launches a javlin at closest of the remaining foes. He then steps back 5' step and readies for it to charge him. Would like to set to receive a charge but I think that is a standard action.

amentum w/javelin: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 301d6 + 5 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 5 = 12

Segang rears back and hurls a javelin hard. It arcs beautifully against the blue sky, sailing ninety feet to hit its target precisely. The landshark roars and spins around, distracted from the illusory meal.

Anyone else doing anything before the bulette charges?

Jarha will target the same landshark with an electric blast and then move behind Segang.

magnetic electric blast touch attack with overflow: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (9) + 16 = 25

magnetic electric blast damage with overflow: 5d6 + 10 ⇒ (3, 1, 6, 2, 2) + 10 = 24

+4 for allies to hit next round

My hex was my Round 4 thing, right?

My hex was my Round 4 thing, right?

Yeah, and that bulette is dead. I can assume you'll target the incoming one?

@Segang: yes, ready is a standard action.

Jarha blasts the landshark and retreats. Seren sees he is exposed and makes his way back slowly, maintaining concentration.

Orange Acro DC 20: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (5) + 17 = 22

The landshark roars and charges across the sandy ground. Halfway to Bolt Rock, it makes a soaring leap and lands atop the plateau with a heavy thud. As it comes down, it swipes claws at Melianthe, Seren, and Segang (all within reach).

Claw vs Melianthe: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 12 + 2 = 23; Damage: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (1, 1) + 6 = 8
Claw vs Seren: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 12 + 2 = 24; Damage: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (1, 1) + 6 = 8
Claw vs Segang: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 12 + 2 = 27; Damage: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (3, 4) + 6 = 13
Claw vs Segang: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 12 + 2 = 28; Damage: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (5, 5) + 6 = 16

Actions?

Two claws tear into the raging barbarian but he only continues to fight. DR 5 from each so he takes 19 His spear punches out twice in rapid succession.

Mwk Longspear: 1d20 + 17 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 17 + 4 = 311d8 + 10 + 9 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 10 + 9 + 5 = 29

Mwk Longspear: 1d20 + 12 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 12 + 4 = 251d8 + 10 + 9 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 10 + 9 + 5 = 25

Yes, I'll switch focus!

Melianthe yelps in pain; she's not used to being on the front lines.

Squinting, she targets the bulette with a hex, as the very air freezes around the creature.

Ice Storm Hex. DC20 Fortitude to halve the damage. If it fails, it's entombed in ice and unconscious.

Ice Storm: 3d8 ⇒ (5, 1, 8) = 14

Concentrationg: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (5) + 15 = 20

Seren grunts from the swipe, but doesn't lose her focus on the spell.

Fort Save: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26

The landshark roars and shrugs off the icy hex, but before it can tear into Melianthe, Segang takes it down with a pair of powerful spear strikes.

The remaining two beasts catch scent of their dead packmates and realize something is amiss. They break away from the illusory meal and dive into the sand, retreating away to the east.

End of Combat!

As the threat retreats Segang calmly walks back to his totem and lifts it to a standing position before letting his rage drop away. Down 26 hit points.

"It's amazing there are any Shoanti living out here at all," says Melianthe finally.

Seren ceases concentration and immediately turns back to her totem.

You return to your places and re-raise the totems. Absinthe sheathes her blade and silently resumes her vigil in the shade below the mesa. A few minutes after the adrenaline surge of combat passes, the sapping fatigue sets in twice as hard as before. The relative peace of the desert returns, leaving you alone with the constant dry wind and burning sun.

Fortitude saves please!

Fort save: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (3) + 15 = 18

Fort: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (4) + 14 = 18

We're fatigued so at -2 on Fort, or -1?

Fort: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Note that Segang is not fatigued, except for a few rounds after he lets his rage drop.

Jarha and Segang soldier on through the hot afternoon, but by dusk, both Melianthe and Seren are exhausted.

Need your checks for this phase, or Take 10s if applicable.

Fort: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Melianthe is down to 4 Str, I think. She's not going to be able to hold up the column for much longer...

Melianthe begins to sink down the totem, her eyes rimmed with red inflammation from the sun and the wind.

Segang should be able to take 10.

The shoanti regulates his breathing as the fatigue from the fight lifts. He then stands a little taller and seems to savor the sun beating down on him.

Seren Str Check: 1d20 + 1 - 3 ⇒ (9) + 1 - 3 = 7