DM PatheticWretch presents Emerald Spire (Level 3: Splinterden) (Inactive)

Game Master PatheticWretch

Before Tarantio's bite this turn

Seeing his business partner take a large bite from the fleeing woman, Dragos steps forwards and taps his business partner with the animal fang wand once again, causing the Drake's Teeth to shine slightly with the power of enchantment.

"Jolly good show!" he laughs.

As the woman flees, Tarantio delivers a vicious killing blow from behind. The remaining enemy receives similar treatment, but this time from the remaining party members.

It's at this point that the group sees the last enemy emerge from the doors at the south, and accompanied by another bandit and snake made from some kind of metal.

The new bandit sneers at the group, and once he nears them reaches out with his hand. A swirling band of color erupts from his palm, striking many of the group. Need a DC 14 Will save from everyone but Chortles. Failure = blinded and stunned for 3 rounds, then stunned for 1 round.

The snake quickly advances toward Osiris, its fangs sinking deeply into his leg. DC 14 Fort save, please. Failure = 1 Con and
unconscious 1 hour

The final bandit fires a crossbow bolt at Osiris, but misses.

ROUND 3 (Bold may act)
Chortles
Stonetree
Dragos
Bad guy 3
Bad guy 4
Snake
Osiris (-7 dmg)

EVERYONE IS UP!

Will: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20.

Fort: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4.

Just checking: Is the snake incorporeal? How is it attacking me through the wall? Also, I am completely the other side of the wall from the crossbow-wielding bandit; can he even see me?

Osiris tosses a brace of Force missiles at the offending spellcaster.

Toppling Magic Missile: 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (4, 4) + 2 = 10 Force damage.
Trip: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25.

"AH HA! Now this is the way to enter a battle! I love the pizzaz, the color, the flair. Stoner, you should work on your showmanship. Sure, you bloodied a few noses, but this man has shown us how to really work the stage!"

Chortles takes a moment to envy the new comer's savoir faire before slinging a grase ball at him.

Grease on 10X10 squares containing the snake and the magic user.

Sorry, Osiris...I didn't see the wall. I moved the snake over 1 square, but the crossbow wielder cannot see you.

No problems! If it is only one square over, though, don't I have cover from it? It would need to be one square further forward to not have the cover penalty...?

Yes, looks like it just misses you then.

Stonetree takes moment to figure out who is the bigger threat, but upon seeing Osiris hurl magic bolts at the offending spell caster turns his attention towards the snake thing and takes a step forward and starts throwing punches.

flurry: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 111d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 91d8 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

edit
will: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

will: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29

Blinking through the harsh colours, Dragos drops back a step before dropping his wand and calling upon his druidic magic to summon a ball of flame into his now open hand. The flame gives off a soft glow as the Undertaker looks between snake and bandit to get a better angle on the attack.

"Whilst I appreciate a good performance as much as the next man, perhaps we can forgo an encore?" he calls out at the enemy caster.

will: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14

Only barely fighting off the mind-bending colours, Tarantio narrows their eyes at the enemy caster and leaps upon them, their enchanted maw glinting in the light cast by Dragos' flames. Once again, the Drake snaps their teeth in a bid to hurt the bandit.

bite, piranha: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 7 + 1 = 23 for damage: 1d3 + 1 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 + 2 + 1 = 7

Chortles summons a thin viscous layer beneath the enemy. The bandit maintains his feet, while the snake looks like it couldn't be tripped.

Still, Osiris's force missiles strike the caster, wounding him and dropping him to the ground in the middle of the grease.

Stonetree strikes a couple of times at the iron snake, but ends up only with bloody knuckles for the attempt. It remains unharmed.

The small but adept Tarantio continues his onslaught, taking a big chunk out of the enemy caster's leg. He does take a small wound from the enemy's blade as he comes in for the attack. 1 dmg

The iron snake lashes out at Stonetree, but its aim seems off given the grease.

Prone on his back, the enemy tries to fight off Tarantio, and the little dragon takes a slice across his flank.3 dmg

The last bandit aims at Chortles and squeezes the trigger. The bolt embeds itself deep in the bard's right shoulder. 8 dmg

ROUND 4 (Bold may act)
Chortles (-8 hp)
Stonetree
Dragos
Tarantio (-4 hp)
Bad guy 3
Bad guy 4 (-10 hp)
Snake
Osiris

EVERYONE IS UP!

"GAWK! I'm hit!!! Stone tree, you buffoon, you didn't block that!" Chortles screeches in agony, holding his shoulder. "I shall never be able to perform again! The world will never feel joy, nor sadness, nor maddening lust, nor the relief of a tale completed..." Blood oozes around the shaft.

Chortles closes his eyes, grits his oddly caninish teeth, pushes the arrow through, and snaps off the arrow. His eyes dilate madly as the pain overcomes him.

"I am done. Continue without me. I go to the darkness." Gasping breaths, he drops to his knees, closes his eyes, and rubs the hole in his clothes as he chants a song of prayer.

cure light wounds: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

"Well finally I did the world a favor." retorts Stonetree

Seeing how ineffective his previous tactics where, the brawler decides to take a different approach. Taking a deep breath he finds inspiration and new faith in his ability to punch things really hard.

Martial Flexibility (move action, 5/day) (Ex) As a Move action, gain a combat feat for 1 min.; Weapon Specialization

unarmed strike: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22
damage: 1d8 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 6 + 2 = 15

Acrobatics to tumble vs Snake: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

With Osiris in the doorway, Dragos goes for broke with a daring dive past the snake, hoping Stone tree is keeping it busy with his furious fists. Unfortunately, Chortles' lament puts him off with concern for his newest business partner and the snake is able to lash at him.

Assuming he still stands after the vicious bite, Dragos hurls the ball of flame at the snake before it springs back into being.

Attempt to tumble laughably round the corner, past the snake. Then attack assuming i still can (feel free to roll any needed saves

produce flame vs touch: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21 for fire damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6

Chortles heals some of his own wounds and feels much more chipper now that he is off death's door.

Stonetree, changing tactics, finds greater success. Though the metal is still tough, this blow lands with fury.

Dragos lands a ball of fire, sizzling some of the metal.

ROUND 4 (Bold may act)
Chortles (-1 hp)
Stonetree
Dragos
Tarantio (-4 hp)
Bad guy 3
Bad guy 4 (-10 hp)
Snake (-16 hp)
Osiris

OSIRIS IS UP!

Since we're all coming off break, I'll give Osiris another day to catch up with things. I'll bot tomorrow, if not.

Osiris attempts to trip the uninjured one.

Magic Missile: 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (3, 4) + 2 = 9 Force damage.
Trip: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11.

Osiris tries to trip the unwounded archer in the back, but only succeeds in injuring him severely.

The iron snake counter-attacks Stonetree, but finds him much too quick. The other wounded enemies make weak attempts to turn the tide, to no avail.

ROUND 5 (Bold may act)
Chortles (-1 hp)
Stonetree
Dragos
Tarantio (-4 hp)
Bad guy 3 (-9 hp)
Bad guy 4 (-10 hp)
Snake (-16 hp)
Osiris

CHORTLES, STONETREE, AND DRAGOS ARE UP!

cobra: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 61d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
rapier: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 111d6 ⇒ 6
crossbow: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 121d8 ⇒ 5

Chortles grins as he flexes his mended arm, "Now we shall finish this combat!"

He unslings his bow, sings out "Watch out Rock Man", and lets fly a shaft of death at the cobra.

bow attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25 for damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Woah! That might actually be a hit?

Stonetree seems to freeze in a moment of shock as he sees one of Chortles Arrows protrude from the cobra. Unable to believe the annoying whelp of a bard capable of such a feat the Brawler quickly checks to make sure the arrow didn't pass thru him to get to its target.

perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

Finding the lack of freshly minted holes on his person Stonetree quickly realizes that shock incurred by this one in a million occurrences almost made him forget to punch the Cobra really hard.

flurry: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 221d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19
damage: 1d8 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 5 + 2 = 151d8 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 2 = 10

Chortles hits the iron construct dead center, just between the eyes. His elation is only momentary, as the projectile ricochet's off without piercing it. DR

Stonetree's powerful blows, however, end the creature's existence.

ROUND 5 (Bold may act)
Chortles (-1 hp)
Stonetree
Dragos
Tarantio (-4 hp)
Bad guy 3 (-9 hp)
Bad guy 4 (-10 hp)
Osiris

DRAGOS BE UP!

That's more like it! lol

Chortles smiles proudly and swings his bow like a scepter as his arrow ends the creature's life, "Never say I don't do anything, Mr Rock."

Paging Dragos...

Skipping Dragos...

With the metal construct smashed to a pulp, the two bandits raise their hands in surrender.

"I'm done," the one in the grease says, and the crossbowman behind also lowers his weapon.

"Well played, my dear fellows. You truly gave us a run, but I am thoroughly gladdened that you came to your senses. Now, please toss your weapons over this way and we can avoid any further destruction." Chortles puts away his bow and draws his Axe, motioning with it for them to toss their weapons away from themselves.

"My name, as I am known throughout this part of the world, is proclaimed by kings and commoners alike. There's not a tale that hasn't passed these lips nor fair maiden. Why, even that large mound of human flesh over there... Yes, the one picking his teeth with a knife, can commend my every deed. So fear not, you are in good hands." Chortles flashes a brilliant smile and waits for the weapons to be delivered.

"Now, I hear that you have fallen in to a bad lot. And who can blame you, when the money is right? But now that you are on the right side of the tracks maybe you can help us out a little? See, we heard something about a certain person named Klarkosh that might be a cause of contention and would like to do something about it. You have anything that might point us in the right direction?"

The two wounded bandits look at each other and toss their weapons where Chortles indicated.

"Yes...we were with a bad crowd, but we're going to do right from now on," he says as he draws another dagger from his boot and adds it to the pile.

"Klarkosh? Yeah, I've heard of him, but we mostly try to steer clear. He's down below...a powerful wizard if I'm not mistaken."

Osiris nods.

"A wise decision. Is there anyone else that we should be aware of upon this level, apart from the guards at the 'front gate'?"

After all, I can't believe that we have actually cleared the level...

Plan?

Chortles waves at the two men, "Well, be safe. If you want to join us, you're welcome to your share of the loot. Otherwise, please kindly find a wise path out of this place."

Chortles strums his Axe and heads to the South East door.

"You probably trust a basilisk to watch a baby." booms Stonetree eyeing the two remaining bandits.

Shrugging his shoulders he follows Chortles south.

The group lets the two bandits go. They choose to escape the tower, and show the group a passage to the surface to the north. A low tunnel exits the northern end of the excavated cavern, heading off into darkness. If you look at the map, it's the very north passage on the map.

Stonetree opens the door to the southeast. This room is full of small cages containing rabbits, mice, rats, cats, and dogs. The din is deafening, and the room smells strongly of animal waste. This seems to be the room the iron cobra and one of the bandits had come out of.

Updated the map with what you can see to the west, too.

Stonetree disregards the room and keeps moving to the next door.

Chortles frees the animals, "No use letting them starve to death here."

Chortles follows StoneTree to the next door, strumming a little ditty, "'Twas not yet yesteryear when our fair maiden laid an egg. And to his surprise, the father in disguise, jumped off a nearby bridge!" Chortles laughs uncontrollably, in his wheezy mirthful fashion.

The tormented animals rush to escape the room, though some of them bite and snap at the group, unable to distinguish them from other abusive humans. Stonetree opens the next door.

This room serves as a kitchen. A large hearth takes up most of the south wall, and there’s a basin for washing up against the west wall. Dry goods, provisions, and cooking gear clutter the space.

There are two doors to the south in this room. There is also a door to the north in the hall, and the hall curves to the south.

Chortles sings as he walks through the kitchen, sniffing at bags of what surely was rotten goods.

"Seems they have your taste for eating excrement, Tree Boy," Chortles guffaws. "Osiris, what about grabbing a bag of that mold over there for Sapling's dinner." Chortles doubles over and almost drops his axe.

Recovering, he casts detect magic to see if anything in the room is worth investigating and heads to the South East door.

Stonetree sighs at Chortles but follows him into the next room.

Chortles moves to the southeast door and pushes it open.

This mess hall’s north and south walls are fitted with shelves containing mismatched goblets, platters, and bowls. A number are made of fine porcelain emblazoned with crests of noble families. A raised table with three lavish chairs stands at the east end.

Four of the bandits are dining here, but jump to their feet and draw blades.

"You're not supposed to be here!"

ROUND 1 (BOLD MAY ACT!)

Chortles
Dragos
Stonetree
Osiris
Baddies

PARTY IS UP!

"Now, friends, take a second before we rush in to something we will all regret," Chortles brings up his Axe and waves a hand with a flourish. "I am here to provide some entertainment for your meal, thanks to your commander and chief herself."

Chortles strums a note and puts on a merry face as he steps in to the room, "Let me tell you the tale of a young tree-like man that lost all he had and won it all back again using only his keen sense of incivility."

versatile performance - bluff: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22

"Heed his words my friends, I hate for you to regret your decision here."

Intimidate: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

The three bandits don't appear ready to stand down, despite persuasive words that make them seem a little unsettled.

Dragos, Osiris?

With a shrug, Osiris attempts to trip two of them.

Toppling Magic Missile: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 Force damage.
CMB: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25.
Toppling Magic Missile: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 Force damage.
CMB: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22.

Osiris attempts to trip two, and does just that.

The last one, seeing four against one, lowers his weapon.

"Parlay?"

Going to call the combat. They surrender. They're lower-level thugs and don't know much.

You're kind of killing this level. Having played through almost all the rest, I can say it definitely gets harder later. Near-TPK hard.

"That's a good fellow. I believe you can find the exit, no?" Stonetree booms.

Chortles grins and continues strumming on his Axe as he walks down to the south door.

The surrendering bandits follow after the others who had already surrendered and thank the group for their mercy.

An unpleasant stench wafts from the door to the south after Chortles opens it. The door leads to a small privy. map updated

Alright then! I guess we try the next door along? I've moved my mini to indicate which one I mean.

This room is choked with tables stacked with stills and alembics, flasks, bubbling vats, and crockery. The eastern wall is fitted with stout wine racks filled with bottles of various sizes and shapes.

Stonetree follows Osiris out of the room, instead of inspecting the next room the Brawler moves down the hallway.

Osiris does a Detect Magic sweep of the room, and gives it a quick once-over...

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21.

...then moves onto the next room with Stonetree.

Osiris looks through the room. In addition to man reagents and alchemical supplies that appear quite valuable, he finds three potions of cure light wounds.

Stonetree and Osiris see a long hallway to the south after turning the corner.

I always assume the group can identify those without much effort.
Also, map updated.