DM Delmoth's Strange Aeons (Inactive)

Game Master Delmoth

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12

Ci Ci misses the subtle inflections in the gnoll guard's tone, but could not possibly miss her companions' reactions. Dervak already smashed the portcullis by the time she realizes things went sideways.

(No surprise action for me!)

Can you take a 5ft step in the Surprise Round?

Mara decided to clear out the gnoll guards in the tunnel; she stepped forward and unleashed a wave of fear.

5ft step (if possible), Cast Fear (DC 22 Will) 30 ft cone

Can you take a 5ft step in the Surprise Round?

Yes you can.

Will vs fear: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
Will vs fear: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Will vs fear: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16

Everyone but Theo and Dervak can take their round 1 actions too.

Surprise: stance + lightning leap
R1: full atk + lightning fury

Heroism is factored into all attack rolls.

Pocky becomes a lightning bolt and zaps all of the gnolls!
Zap Purple: 6d6 ⇒ (4, 4, 5, 6, 3, 2) = 24
Zap Green: 6d6 ⇒ (3, 3, 1, 3, 2, 2) = 14
Zap Yellow: 6d6 ⇒ (3, 6, 2, 4, 2, 3) = 20
Zap Red: 6d6 ⇒ (2, 2, 1, 2, 6, 3) = 16

Then Pocky lightning kicks the hell outta red—
Stunning Leg Sweep: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (5) + 23 = 28
Damage: 1d8 + 8 + 1d6 ⇒ (6) + 8 + (6) = 20
DC16 vs Stun

Trip, if above hit: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (7) + 27 = 34

—dancing around him toward yellow!

Greater Trip AoO, if tripped: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (6) + 24 = 30
Damage: 1d8 + 8 + 3d6 ⇒ (5) + 8 + (1, 5, 3) = 22

Flurry #1: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (19) + 23 = 42
Damage: 1d8 + 8 + 5d6 ⇒ (3) + 8 + (2, 2, 1, 2, 5) = 23
23 / 13 if 1st

Flurry #2: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (13) + 23 = 36
Damage: 1d8 + 8 + 5d6 ⇒ (1) + 8 + (1, 4, 5, 4, 5) = 28
28 / 19 if 2nd / 10 if 1st

Iterative #1: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (20) + 18 = 38
Conf: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (18) + 18 = 36
Damage: 2d8 + 16 + 5d6 ⇒ (8, 4) + 16 + (6, 4, 3, 6, 1) = 48
48 / 41 if 2nd / 34 if 1st

Iterative #2: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22
Damage: 1d8 + 8 + 5d6 ⇒ (7) + 8 + (6, 3, 2, 3, 6) = 35
35 / 26 if 2nd / 21 if 1st

If red falls, she kicks yellow, if yellow falls, she dances over his corpse to take green…

You roll once for damage from area of effect spells so gonna take your first roll. I believe your line can only get three of them so I'll assume you miss Red with the lightning.

Purple ref vs DC 14: 1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 6 - 2 = 5
Green ref vs DC 14: 1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (4) + 6 - 2 = 8
Yellow ref vs DC 14: 1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 6 - 2 = 12

Pocky zapas three of the gnolls and sweeps the fourth off its feat and punches the fourth's throat in.

You have a move action on round 1 Pocky as you only needed the standard to murder Red.

Correction due to Jabbing master Pocky is able to murder all the visible gnolls

Allegra: DC 20 sense motive to determine if you act in surprise round, and a 1st round action
Ci Ci: 1st round action
Mara: 1st round action
Theo: DC 20 sense motive to determine if you act in surprise round

Mara concentrated, causing her form to waver, then moved forward.

Activating Time-Flicker (Blur), Move

Protection From Arrows active.

”Higher and higher, straight up we’ll climb!” Ci Ci intones, and rises into the air, choosing to fly into the fortress, rather than walk. She through the entryway and into the inner courtyard, staying as far above the ground as the space will allow and not interfere with her somatic movements.

Casting overland flight.

Theophilus watches all this activity with an awed expression.
Theo? Sense Motive? Hahahahahaha...ha! Please carry on...lol.

The White Rabbit does some shadow boxing....

1d100 ⇒ 80

Ci Ci it doesn't look like you've moved your token? The inner courtyard is also open to the air. The building is 60ft tall so you can get as high as your movement allows.

Allegra warily stands back, preferring to let her employee do the heavy lifting today. Delay

(Okay, I think I am in the right spot and height based on my movement, now.)

The portcullis slams down in front of Ci Ci as she flies towards it and then acid begins to rain from the ceiling's murder holes.

Ci Ci, Mara, and Pocky need to give me DC 15 reflex saves or take

Acid: 4d6 ⇒ (5, 6, 1, 2) = 14 Half -> 7

The set of iron double doors opens and eight humans in bare threads wielding blunted spears hobble out into the courtyard. They look malnourished and exhausted.

The laughing voice of gnolls commands them, "Kill them or be killed!"

PCs are up, it is the end of round 1 and the beginning of round 2

Allegra springs into action with a swift prayer to Irori to empower her body, then she strides forward with supernatural quickness and swings her axe at the heavy portcullis blocking their progress.

Swift+Fervor to cast Channel Vigor, choosing Haste this round. Move action to move 40 ft, and a standard to Vital Strike the portcullis with her Adamantine Axe.
AC 33

Attack, power attack, haste: 1d20 + 16 - 3 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 16 - 3 + 1 = 30
Damage, vital strike, power attack, adamantine: 2d12 + 9 + 9 ⇒ (7, 4) + 9 + 9 = 29

Reflex Save: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

Ci Ci flies backward out of the tunnel, catching a splash of acid as she goes. She then changes direction and flies up the side of the building.

Double move, should be 35 feet up at this point.

Round 1

Theophilus takes a step toward the tunnel, when he sees the acid being poured down on top of the others.
Snapping his fingers, he activates his Flight Hex, lifting 15' up into the air.

Reflex: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (2) + 19 = 21
Improved Evasion (Ex): At 9th level, a monk’s evasion ability improves. He still takes no damage on successful Reflex saving throws against attacks, but henceforth he takes only half damage on failed saves. A helpless monk does not gain the benefit of improved evasion.

Pocky gets the hell out of the way!

She calls out to the slaves, “Escape this place. We will not harm you if you do not attack us. We will kill those who enslaved you.”

She then waits patiently for Dervak to smash the portcullis.

Delayed action.

Allegra manages to cut through one section of the portcullis as easily as she would chop flesh off the bone but it will take at least one more swing to create a hole large enough to move through.

Dervak will move up and try to smash through the portcullis.
Strength, +4 size to break doors: 1d20 + 10 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 10 + 4 = 25

With his allies in the way, he isn't quite as effective as in his first attempt... but Allegra has weakened it so hopefully his effort is enough.

Reflex, Heroism: 1d20 + 10 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 10 + 3 = 20

Mara shielded her eyes against the acid and told her allies, "We have to get to those double doors across the courtyard. Take a good look, because I'm going to block line of sight against possible archers!"

She intoned a prayer, causing driving sleet to fill the open space in the center of the fortress, trying to leave a clear space below.

Casting Sleet Storm, centered to keep the portcullis just beyond the area of effect (40 ft radius, so slightly bigger than the courtyard). Trying to leave enough space under the sleet storm for Dervak to fit.

Driving sleet blocks all sight (even darkvision) within it and causes the ground in the area to be icy. A creature can walk within or through the area of sleet at half normal speed with a DC 10 Acrobatics check. Failure means it can't move in that round, while failure by 5 or more means it falls (see the Acrobatics skill for details).

The sleet extinguishes torches and small fires.

Pocky rushes out under Dervak’s legs, moves carefully across the ice, and jumps!

DC10 Acro to move half speed: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (15) + 22 = 37

Acro: Jump: 1d20 + 33 ⇒ (5) + 33 = 38
35 feet

DC?? Acro to land safely: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (19) + 22 = 41

High Jump: A monk with this ki power adds his level as a bonus on all Acrobatics checks to jump, both for vertical jumps and horizontal jumps. In addition, he always counts as having a running start when attempting Acrobatics checks to jump. By spending 1 point from his ki pool as a swift action, the monk gains a +20 bonus on Acrobatics checks to jump for 1 round.

Dervak slams into the portcullis but even in its weakened state it holds against his massive bulk. Break fail.

Pocky did you want to do something else? You'll need some why through the metal bars if you want to get to the door.

The slaves sent out to fight you don't seem to be fairing too well in the sleet storm. They cry out in pain as you hear some of them slip and fall.

Pocky flies at the gate and lightning kicks like crazy!

F.Kick: 1d20 + 20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 20 + 3 = 31
Dmg: 1d8 + 8 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 8 + (2) = 14

FoB#1: 1d20 + 20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 20 + 3 = 30
Dmg: 1d8 + 8 + 3d6 ⇒ (7) + 8 + (5, 5, 2) = 27

FoB#2: 1d20 + 20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 20 + 3 = 31
Dmg: 1d8 + 8 + 5d6 ⇒ (5) + 8 + (6, 6, 5, 5, 6) = 41

Ki Strike: 1d20 + 20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 20 + 3 = 43
Dmg: 1d8 + 8 + 5d6 ⇒ (3) + 8 + (1, 5, 1, 2, 1) = 21

iterative#1: 1d20 + 15 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 15 + 3 = 22
Dmg: 1d8 + 8 + 5d6 ⇒ (6) + 8 + (6, 5, 5, 5, 2) = 37

Iterative#2: 1d20 + 10 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 10 + 3 = 24
Dmg: 1d8 + 8 + 5d6 ⇒ (7) + 8 + (5, 4, 4, 6, 2) = 36

Bash damage is Magic/Cold.Iron/Silver/Law; first d6 is Electric

Pocky gets into a familiar training stance and proceeds to beat the portcullis down. The bar cut by Allegra and bent by Dervak is broken off allowing easy access to the inner courtyard which is still completely obscured by sleet.

And then another bout of acid rains down in the tunnel.

Reflex DC 15: 4d6 ⇒ (5, 1, 5, 1) = 12 I need saves from Allegra, Dervak Mara, and Pocky.

Even through the storm and sound of battle you hear a bell ringing from within the tower. It sounds like its coming directly north from those in the tunnel.

End of round 2 and start of round 3, PCs go!

Reflex: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15

Dervak ends his Rage (2 rounds used, will be Fatigued 4 rounds), casts Shield, and moves into the courtyard.

Acrobatics DC 10 to move in Sleet Storm, Heroism, Fatigued: 1d20 + 6 + 3 - 1 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 3 - 1 = 13

“Oh, hell, not again.”

Improved Evasion: success negates; fail halves
Reflex Save: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (7) + 19 = 26

Pocky easily evades the acid by jumping forty-seven feet away from the murder holes.

1st Move: high jump monk ability, no running start needed, jumping nine squares starting from non-icy square
Acro: long jump, hero: 1d20 + 33 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 33 + 3 = 47
Acro: happy landings, hero: 1d20 + 22 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 22 + 3 = 42

2nd Move: walk casually to door, 5 squares is half my speed rounded down
Acro: half speed on ice, hero: 1d20 + 22 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 22 + 3 = 36

Reflex: 1d20 + 10 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 10 + 3 = 18 6 acid damage

Mara flew into the courtyard and followed the wall around to the left, heading for the double doors on the opposite side.

Double move. I've moved her at half speed in the Sleet Storm; not sure how her fly speed would be affected.

Is going up and over an option?

Double move. I've moved her at half speed in the Sleet Storm; not sure how her fly speed would be affected.

I'm ruling that flying will still be half speed.

Pocky is pretty sure its an alarm bell, which means the entire tower knows they're under attack, if the freak snow storm didn't tip them off already.

Is going up and over an option?

You sure can, but that would qualify as splitting the party.

Assuming that Ci Ci and Theo don't go up and over and that they don't linger under the murder holes we can fast forward towards opening the double doors in the inner courtyard. They slaves won't attack you while the storm is active.

Theophilus cocks an ear. He nods.
To infinity and beyond!

The White Rabbit face palms.

Tempting; but, he will follow Dervak.

In the interest of expediency, I will have Ci Ci fly at max speed through to the double doors.

reflex DC 15 + haste + shake it off: 1d20 + 9 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 9 + 1 + 1 = 13

Sounds good. Allegra can move at normal speed (half of haste speed) to get to the door in a turn. I'll also activate Sacred Armor for a Swift for +2.
AC 35

Dervak is no longer fatigued and we're out of combat for now.

The party gathers in front of the only entrance to the tower, short of flying to the top. After feeling around for the door they manage to get it open and enter right as Mara's spell begins to fade.

Three large timber cages stand against the north wall, and piles of refuse lie in neat rows along the outer walls. Loose bales of dried grass lie on makeshift piles of timber fifteen feet above the floor.

Half a dozen camels are hooked to various posts about the area. The northern cages each hold tigers of enormous size and are open. They growl in your direction but do not approach, likely do to their aversion to Pocky. They appear to be eating some kind of raw meat, and then you realize they're feasting on a pair of gnolls still clutching the keys to the tiger cages.

To the east the room continues to curve around the tower and to the west is a stone doorway.

Allegra motions to the closer door to the west and moves to enter once its been checked.

"Well, that makes this a bit easier," Ci Ci says. "Shall we go that way, round the bend, or try the..." She turns to see that Allegra has already moved towards the door.

Pocky observes the dead slavers, and then the tigers. “Good kitties.”

To the rest of the party, she says, “We should not linger. The tigers will keep back from me, but it is unwise to agitate them.” Allegra’s westward move sounds best, if the door can be opened.

Perc, Hero (check for traps): 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (9) + 23 = 32

Theophilus saunters into the chamber. He freezes at the sight of the big kitties. Taking a handkerchief from a pocket, he wipes his forehead.

The White Rabbit looks like he was about to light some firecrackers; but stops when Pocky spoils the fun with logic...

Dervak just looks at Pocky.
"Come on. What is it with you? Why do animals hate and fear you?
I know something about unnatural abominations. Been one myself before. Animals didn't run away from me, so you're something even worse. What is it?"

“Hate?” Pocky looks at the tigers backed into their cages. She doesn’t know why they do that, but she responds with a plausible alternative: “That is respect.”

Accompanied by the ringing alarm bell, Mara moved toward the west door, "Let's not give the defenders time to organize!". After a quick check for traps, she opened the door.

Perception, Heroism: 1d20 + 22 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 22 + 3 = 43

No traps assuming you go through.

The walls in this open chamber are adorned with anchors for manacles and fetters, each manacling a single slave either human or halfling at least 20 of them in total. A long, thick chain locks through loops in the outer wall. A single spherical iron bell etched with images of raptors in flight hangs from a large iron frame near the interior wall.

Dervak will point to the chain connecting the prisoners.
"Allegra, this might be a job for your adamantine axe."

He probably could hack through it with his falchion quickly enough, but Allegra's axe is made for this kind of work.

Theophilus walks just inside the chamber; once Pocky gives the all clear.

He looks at the chained slaves on the wall.
Semore could unlock those...

As others prepare use their skills to free the prisoners, Pocky examines the chains—making sure there is no trap that will be triggered by tampering with the manacles.

Perception: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (18) + 23 = 41

“Six gnolls are dead by our hands. We’ll free you and kill all your oppressors. Anything warning you might have about the most dangerous of these slaving scum would be greatly appreciated.”

Ci Ci enters the room, but keeps her attention on the door they just entered, in case a the tower's occupants seek to attack them.

Perception: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (13) + 15 = 28

"Yeah, let's hold off on Semore if there is another way. We might need him later."

Allegra looks to Dervak, shoulders her axe, and walks over to examine the enormous bell.

Detect Magic

Mara moved over to the slaves and asked them, "Which way to the stairs? We need to deal with the slavers!"

Diplomacy, heroism: 1d20 + 18 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 18 + 3 = 34

Theophilus watches the door...

If Allegra decides to not break the chain holding the slaves, then Dervak will do it. It is more of a Chaotic thing to do, after all.