DM Stormwind's Legacy of Fire - The Heavens aligned against us.

Game Master LastNameOnEarth

"Get ready to run, soon as we see Gruthic's safe we're out of here. That scream just woke up every gnoll in this hellhole," Muqaq says, already scrambling out of his crouch and heading for a spot where he can see the source of the scream.

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Double moving somewhere where I can see what's going on. Not sure where that would be as I don't know how sloped the ground is and which walls are how intact.

I'll move with Muqaq, if it only takes a single move action to be able to see I'll fire..

Xanyon prepares to flee with the others.

K. Religion: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

The sudden scream has defeated Gruthic's attempted stealth more soundly than any amount of clanking armor could ever have, and he curses silently under his breath. Then, he gets a good look at the creature doing the screaming and his cursing turns vocal.

"By Torag, that's a demon. A demon! By the Hammer, the Anvil, and the Holy Grotto, I do not want to fight that thing."

Gruthic backs up and sets the shield, bracing his legs and peering over the crest of the wooden wall warily. He raises his voice and calls for aid.

"Muqaq! You'd better get out here fast! There's a damned demon over here."

Moving back 20', keeping the wall to my left. Setting shield for Total Cover toward the goat-man.

Map updated. The ground in the lower village is relatively flat, or close enough. Assume any wall shown on the map is about 10ft tall, and blocks line of sight. Where the interior of a building is shaded, those are parts of the roof that remain intact. Remember that the scale is 15 ft to each square on the grid.

I haven't moved anyone yet as when you come out of the building, you cannot see the source of the scream, and I am not sure whether you would go north, to follow after Gruthic, or east towards the source of the scream.

Moved Muqaq 60'

Round 1:

Hearing the terrible animal-like scream, the team bolts from their cover in the boar's refuge and out towards the east, following the sound of the voice. As everyone else is moving, I moved Sief along with them.

Gruthic backs up along one of the ruined walls, and sets his shield in a defensive posture.

With amazing speed, the goat-man covers the ground between itself and the dwarf, dodging debris as though it is not even there. He halts within halberd's reach of the defensive fighter and thrusts at him, trying to hook or slice the man despite his shield's cover.
1d20 + 11 - 4 ⇒ (8) + 11 - 4 = 15
The halberd clangs across the top of the shield, but Gruthic is safely out of sight behind his defensive bulwark.

Initiative Order: Gruthic, Xanyon, Sief, Muqaq, the Schir, and Akhom

Round 2:

Actions please.

Round 2

Xanyon casts aside his stolen bow and draws his gun while moving towards Gruthic.

"No sense being quiet now."

Double move towards Gruthic, drawing on the move.

Seif-al-Din hurries forward, rushing to aid Gruthic.

Double move.

I want to see what Gruthic does before I move.

Gruthic will step back 5' and ready to set his shield when the demon attacks.

Ready: Set shield as standard action to gain total cover in the demon's direction.

Muqaq sprints to the east, hoping to come at the battle from another angle.
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Took the run action, moved myself in a straight line east.

Am I first or last? Was waiting for old mate demon to go, but realised I might be first...

Round 2:

Initiative Order: Gruthic, Xanyon, Sief, Muqaq, the Schir, and Akhom

Gruthic moves back, retreating a few steps at a time, and resets his shield as a barrier against the attacking demon.

Xanyon races towards his ally, followed by Sief.
Remember the Run option is available if you want; allows you to move 4x speed in a round at the cost of being flat footed for the rest of the round...

Muquq moves to the east, racing rapidly in the direction from whence the scream originated.

The demon growls in frustration at seeing Gruthic disappear behind the barrier of his shield.
1d20 + 44 ⇒ (15) + 44 = 59
The demon suddenly springs into the air, jumping up some ten feet above the ground, and sails over Gruthic to land well behind him. The foul smelling beast turns quickly, whipping the long halberd in its arms in a wide circular axe strike.
1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14
The blow connects, but is luckily diverted by the tight links of the dwarf's mail. Landing where he does, he suddenly sees the other men running towards him, as they lay eyes on him.

Akhom's round 2 action, and the rest of the party can declare their round 3 actions. Akhom doesn't have a great view of the creature from where he is in round 2, due to some ruins in the way.

Religion: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

What a waste of a 20! Unless there's more info I can know about them... If I do, and I get to nominate preferences, I'm thinking defences, immunities, DR, SR, anything like that :)

Akhom moves forward swiftly, hissing to his nearby companions, "Don't let it strike you - these foul abominations can spread fearsome illness with their touch!"

Double move to the top-right corner of the big square directly to the left of Seif and Xanyon.

Reaching a place that gives clear view of the Schir, Akhom draws an arrow and lines up the creature. As he aims carefully, he draws deeply upon the righteous fury of the Bright Lady as he stares into the face of evil.

Smiting, yo!

Seif-al-Din continues to rush forward.

Double move again.

I'm assuming that Akhom calls out its resistances and immunities.

Muqaq continues sprinting through the ruins, trying to get behind Gruthic. When he hears Ahkom shout out what he knows about the demon his pace falters momentarily. Do we need to run from this thing?

Taking another run action, moved myself 90' on the map.

Mage Armor still running, current AC is 17

Round 2

Xanyon moves forward again.

Run this time as it looks like the double move won't get me into combat next turn, staying in cover so I don't get smucked.

I'm assuming that Akhom calls out its resistances and immunities.

Yes, do that - Stormwind posted more info for me after I'd posted, which I'll just assume went along with my disease warning.

Round 3
Gruthic grins as he sets his shield, then gawks as the demon sails overhead. He yanks his shield out of the sand and exhales in relief as his allies join the fray. Bolstered by their presence, and alerted by Akhom's warning, he brings his shield to bear once again as he steps forward and attacks.

"Tear him to pieces, boys. I'll get his goat!"

Step 5' forward, keeping clear of the charge lane for Seif, attack!

Waraxe, PA, TS; Damage, PA, DR: 1d20 + 7 - 1 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 7 - 1 - 2 = 101d10 + 4 + 2 - 5 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 2 - 5 = 7 Miss, probably.

Akhom races to the front where he can get a solid view of the demon as it threatens Gruthic. He readies his bow and sets an arrow to the string.

Round 3:

Initiative Order: Gruthic, Xanyon, Sief, Muqaq, the Schir, and Akhom

Gruthic lifts his shield and steps towards the demon, swinging his axe with lethal intent. The demon merely leans back and allows the axe to fly by unimpeded.

Xanyon sprints forward, trying to get within the range of his pistol, but stay out of close range with the beast. I'm not quite sure where you want to go, as there is not a lot of cover in this particular place where the battle is taking place. As well, Running can only move you in a straight line, and not over difficult terrain. You could move into the ruins just south of the monster, but I am not sure if that is close enough for your intent. Are you wanting to be within a range increment (20ft)? I will place you there, but feel free to move yourself on the map if the location I place you doesn't work for you.

Sief continues to charge forward, legs eating up the distance as he dashes to his comrade's aid.

Muqaq runs up along through the ruined interiors of old buildings, now forming a relatively clear path to the north, moving to flank the combat.

Seeing a host of enemies racing in, the Schir demon eyes them each quickly, sizing up threats and weak points. Then, in a surprising move, he abandons Gruthic, charging ahead at the approaching Sief. As he darts away from Gruthic, the suprised dwarf has just enough time to cut at the beast as it moves away. Gruthic AOO: 1d20 + 7 - 1 - 2 ⇒ (4) + 7 - 1 - 2 = 8. Unfortunately, he was too surprised by the move to act in time, and cuts through only empty air. The Demon lowers its halberd across its chest like a clothesline, and drops its head, aiming at Sief with curved horns, at the last moment, it hooks one of the horns upwards, trying to gut the poor Suli from below.

Powerful Charge/PA: 1d20 + 8 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 8 + 2 - 2 = 17
3d6 + 4 + 6 ⇒ (6, 4, 3) + 4 + 6 = 23

The sharp horn catches him below the rib cage and tears into his body. As the demon lashes his head upwards, the hole torn in Sief's abdomen stretches and tears, spraying blood and gore upon the filthy goat creature, and upon the dusty ground. Sief himself is thrown backwards, landing limply on the earth, bits of entrail extruding from the messy wound in his belly. I have Sief at -6.

Insert Akhom's round 3 action here.

Round 4:

Akhom's mouth twitches in sadness and concern as Seif drops to the ground, but he takes advantage of the clear line of sight to snap off two quick shots.

Come on Sarenrae, help a dude out...

Smitey RS: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 141d8 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Smitey RS: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 181d8 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Second one must be close..!

Muqaq runs around the corner of the ruined building raising his mother's holy symbol and praying, "Sarenrae, bless our weapons that they might slice through this fiend's wicked hide!" Seif, Xanyon and Gruthic's weapons begin to glow, seeming to shed auras of diffuse sunlight. Hope that's enough.

Seif, hold on buddy! I'm coming."
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Yeah, should probably have run from this thing. Oh well, TPK here we come.

Move 30' around the corner.

Cast weapons against evil on Xanyon, Seif and Gruthic's weapons. Their weapons now bypass DR of evil creatures up to 5.

Round 4

Map looks good, that's about where I wanted to be.

With his newly empowered pistol, Xanyon takes aim and attempts to end the demon before it ends the group.

Pistol PBS Deadly Aim Touch: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 211d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Round 4

"Blasted rock and shattered stone," Gruthic curses as the nimble demon sprints past him and gores Seif. Desperate to prevent the fiend from charging the others, he stares unhappily at the wicked halberd and moves into position, trying to interpose himself between the Schir and Seif's prone form.

Move: Move 20' to Seif's square (probably provoking), attack

Waraxe, PA, TS; Damage, PA: 1d20 + 7 - 1 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 7 - 1 - 2 = 131d10 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 2 = 10

Akhom says a quick silent prayer to the Dawnflower, and calls down her smiting fury on the demon. He launches two arrows in quick succession. The first strikes his thick fur and glances off to the side. The second hits the creature dead on, and snaps under the force of its own momentum as the arrowhead fails to pierce the unnaturally strong hide. Close only counts with horseshoes and hand grenades.

Round 4:

Initiative Order: Gruthic, Xanyon, Sief, Muqaq, the Schir, and Akhom.

Gruthic charges in to aid Sief and protect him from the advancing demon. AoO/PA: 1d20 + 10 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 10 - 2 = 17. The halbard wielded by the creature swings up in a blur to intercept the dwarf as he comes close, but is deflected away at the last moment by the dwarf's massive shield. Gruthic continues his movement, skidding to a halt above the still form of the Oracle. Eyeing the beast beside him, he brings his axe up to bear, and slips in past the creature's guard, only to have the blade turn on the thick matted coat of hair above the thing's hide.

Xanyon takes aim at the creature with his pistol, and fires with an audible *crack* *bang* as the flashpan ignites a moment before the barrel discharges. The shot hits the monster, knocks the beast about from the force of the impact. He looks up and out towards the new threat, and does not looked pained by the successful attack. Muqaq's spell isn't cast until after Xanyon's turn unfortunately, and so he will not have the benefit of the enchantment until next round.

Sief lies still, now protected by Gruthic's thick and stalwart form standing above him. Stabilization roll: 1d20 + 2 - 6 ⇒ (15) + 2 - 6 = 11. Success. Sief is stabilizes and is in no immediate danger of death.

Muqaq moves closer to the battle again and casts a spell that will hopefully level the playing field, and allow some of his comrades to effectively harm the creature.

The Schir Demon looks about at his foes, trying to determine where he should strike next. He step to the side nimbly and gains the distance needed to bring his halberd to bear once more. A swift and violent axe style strike comes flying at Gruthic a bare moment later. PA: 1d20 + 10 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 10 - 2 = 26. Damage: 1d10 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 3 = 10. The tainted blade makes contact, and cuts a deep furrow through the dwarf's flesh.

Akhom's Round 4 action here.

Round 5:

Actions please.

Muqaq runs behind Gruthic, and ducks down, preparing to heal Seif.

Akhom barely restrains a blasphemous curse at his poor shooting, but gathers his concentration and allows the holy power of Sarenrae to course through him as he sends two more arrows at the unholy creature.

Smitey RS: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 271d8 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
Smitey RS: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 271d8 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Gruthic spins, collapsing to the sand for the second time that morning.

Stabilize: 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 3 - 2 = 2 Fail. HP -3/27

Great...I didn't realize you were down. No way I would have run right in front of the demon all alone. Any chance for a redo of my action there?

I am not a big fan of take-backs or do overs, as you well know. However, under the circumstances, I will allow it. Mostly given that I had forgotten how low he was too, and I was surprised as well that that blow knocked him below zero.

Round 5

Happy to have his gun in use again but saddened by the lack of effect, Xanyon nonetheless keeps the pressure on as the newest member of the group drops again.

He keeps rushing into their weapons...

Pistol PBS Deadly Aim Touch: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 141d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Moved myself back.

Seeing Gruthic get chopped down, Muqaq casts another of his quickly dwindling healing spells, hoping the demon will ignore him long enough for him to save his comrades.

Cast a cure light and holding it.

Akhom looses two more arrows, these ones aimed with deadly accuracy. Both hit the demon square, and sink into its flesh.
You get an extra +2 to damage on the first one as a first smiting blow against an evil outsider.

Round 5:

Initiative Order: Gruthic, N'Dateh, Xanyon, Sief, Muqaq, the Schir, and Akhom.

Xanyon lines up his pistol, and takes his shot. The slug hits, and this time tears through the flesh, spraying black blood from the wound.

Muqaq huddles low, to avoid attracting the wrath of the demon, and prepares a healing spell for one of his fallen allies.

The Schir turns and views the threats against it, and settles on the distant archer; the one who hurt it so severely just now. Again he drops his halberd to a position held across the chest, lowers his horns and charges at the Divine Hunter with ridiculous speed.
Charge/PA: 1d20 + 8 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 8 + 2 - 2 = 25
Damage: 3d6 + 4 + 6 ⇒ (1, 6, 2) + 4 + 6 = 19

Akhom's round 5 action.

Round 6:

Actions please.

Muqaq flinches as he sees Akhom take a vicious blow. "Fall back! Run!" Muqaq commands, hoping to avoid all of them dying here and now. The ifrit spellweaver then scrambles over the rubble of the ruined building trying to get to Gruthic and Seif. This couldn't get much worse right about now.

Who is closer to 0, Seif or Gruthic?

They are in the same space. Gruthic lies atop the fallen form of Sief.

Edit: Sorry, I misunderstood, but I get it now. Sief is at -6 and Gruthic is at -3.

From the corner of a building springs forth the unexpected sight of a black woman, clad in a lion's fur, atop of mare of the purest darkness, but with a mane that flows like the shifting sands west of Kenabres.

Her scimitar circling above her head, she yells in defiance as she spurs her mount through the building, aiming for the demon. As she nears, you see a gout of red flames spurting from her open palm. The gout of flames leaps from it and flies towards the demon, leaving a tail of fire and black smoke on its tail.

Produce Flame Range Touch in melee: 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (14) + 3 - 4 = 131d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

She laughs at the others as she passes them: "The gods have heard my prayers and sent you! They shall be praised and thanked, but first: WE FREE THIS CITYYYYYYYYYY!!!"

Yeah, I was still wounded from the boar fight. Was trying to save Muqaq's healing in case anyone else went down. Wasn't counting on getting dropped in one hit.

Stabilize: 1d20 + 3 - 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 - 3 = 7 Fail. -4/27 HP

Waiting for Xanyon and Akhom.

Round 6

"Who the hell?"

Nonplussed by the newest combatant but unwilling to let his new friends die, Xanyon fires again.

Spending Grit to make it a touch attack, 5' closer.

Pistol PBS Deadly Aim Touch: 1d20 + 7 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 7 - 2 = 251d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 163d8 + 9 ⇒ (5, 2, 1) + 9 = 17

So if 16 touch hits then 23 damage.

Nice!

The strange new woman on the back of the stallion summons fire within one hand, and hurls it with force at the demon. Her aim is true, but the fire seems to splash and wash over the monster without harm. He looks with a growl at the newcomer, and the hood of his cloak catches fire, but he looks unimpressed.

But then Xanyon's shot rings out just a split second before the demon's head explodes, showering Akhom with bits of bone, blood, and pulp. The body drops its halberd, which hits the dirt with a thud, and then pitches slowly to the side. A bare moment after hitting the ground, and before his cloak can even settle around him, the goat-thing and all his belongings fade from view, as if exiting this reality.

Muqaq quickly rushes to Seif and Gruthic, expending the last of his divine energy for the day healing them.

One cure light wounds each.

Cure Light Gruthic: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
Cure Light Seif: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

He turns to the newly arrived rider. "I don't know who you are, but if you stand against the gnolls we could use your help. They will be here any second, please, can you carry our unconscious companion on your horse? We need to get out of here immediately." Muqaq makes no threatening gestures towards the woman, in fact he remains kneeling next to Seif and the slowly awakening Gruthic. He holds up his golden holy symbol of Sarenrae, true need clear in his eyes.

Diplomacy on N'Dateh: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

N'Dateh turns to Muqaq, eyes piercing, and replies curtly: "I'm here to free this city. I'll fight Gnolls if they stand in the way... Put your fallen on Rafihk's back. I'll follow you."

"Thank you madam. Say...You look pretty strong. Would you mind helping me with him? Seif's not a small guy." Muqaq grabs Seif by the knees and lifts up his legs. "We're also trying to free this city."

Xanyon smiles at the shot as he reloads his pistol.

"Sorry for using the pistol Muqaq, the thing was making so much noise I felt it was worth the risk."

"Good then. The Gods have taned our paths. Let's work together." says N'Dateh as she grabs the knee and lifts the body on the back of her horse.

"One again, thank you Muqaq. Truly the Dawnflower has blessed you with grand gifts."

Gruthic gains his feet and gathers his bearings. He takes in the newcomer's arrival with stoic nonchalance, trusting in Muqaq's leadership. He clasps Akhom on the shoulder, his grip indicating the recent wounds are still painful, despite Muqaq's aid.

"You were right to worry. I have grown lax, fighting bandits. My shield is strong and I was blinded by pride. I will heed the wisdom of your council more carefully in the future."

Xanyon smiles at the shot as he reloads his pistol.

"Sorry for using the pistol Muqaq, the thing was making so much noise I felt it was worth the risk."

"No need to apologize, you did what you had to do," Muqaq says to Xanyon as he settles Seif's unconscious form onto the horse. As soon as Seif is secure, he starts jogging away from Kelmarane. "If we escape unharmed, lets head back to the main camp to recover from our ordeals. Now, lets move."