Den of the Slave Takers (4e)

Game Master Rev Rosey

Is Vondal still holding his sunrod?

The door yields easily to Luce.

As she opens it, she hears the sounds of horrible chanting and a deep voice urging its followers on to fresh atrocities. The butcher's shop smell is much stronger now along with some drifts of choking smoke.

Luce nearly coughs on the acrid smoke, but manages to stifle it behind her hand. She tries to block out the noises of the chanting, 'What's going on in there....! My brother.'

But with the rebukes of her companions fresh in her ears, she slowly creeps towards the dark ceremony.

I think so - don't recall a circumstance where I needed to drop it. By the way, I dismiss the dretch otherwise it goes berserk.

I'll go behind Luce - if I'm quick I can catch a few in a area effect spell. Asuming we go to combat, of course...

Vondal follows Luce towards the horrid sounds.

Aurix follows close behind, axe held ready and shield across his body to deflect any incoming missiles just in case.

Anastria waits for Aurix and Tiberious to head in first before slipping in behind them. Giving the glowing image of Torog one last look as she goes she makes a sign of protection to her fey masters and pokes out her tongue at the image.

Varis slinks up to the corner behind the others, peering around it into where they now walk. He stays at the back, with his darkness and range.

Luce looks back over her shoulder with a wane smile, seeing all the others; 'My friends?' follow her into the evil temple area. 'I'll find you Kyle, no matter what.'

Tiberious readies himself by retrieving his javelin but deems it unnecessary for the close corridors and merely holds his spear at the ready as the group descends the stairs.

I've placed you all where I think you might be on the map based on your descriptions and known behaviours, but tell me if it looks wrong in your next post.

The scene that greets the group confirms Luce's worst imaginings.

Within the chamber, greenish smoke billows from wall torches which do little to illuminate, but catches horribly at the throat.

At the centre, above a shallow depression in the ground, the ceiling has been left deliberately low and jagged, forcing anyone approaching to crouch and crawl. Such a feature is characteristic of the worship of Torog, as his devotees seek to honour his progress through the Underdark.

Here hunched figures are doing something unspeakable to a halfling captive, directed by a deformed human. Evidence of their work is already clear. Two recently slain halflings are adorned with hyeana skulls and glow with the strange blue light you saw in the constructs you killed earlier.

By a set of ramshackle stairs, a female halfling clutches a chunk of blue rock. Eyes ablaze with fanaticism, she turns her gaze on the approaching party.

"A gift from Torog! Bring them to his grace, Blessed ones," she calls. Her voice is strangely deep and distorted, echoing around the room and clearly compelling to her followers.

At the back of the room, you can see a set of narrow cells containing three more prisoners. The swirling smoke and dim light makes it hard to be certain, but one of them seems to be human.

Roll init please.
+2 from Tiberious and an additional +2 if you roll less than Varis.

MAP

Toxic smoke - characters ending their turns in the area take 2 damage.

Lowered ceiling - Medium or larger characters must proceed bent double or on their knees. They grant CA unless making a successful DC15 Acro check at start of turn.

Init so far
Botched construct 1 (B1) - 23
Botched construct 2 (B2) - 23
Scalpel (S) - 20
Evil Ritualist 1 (E1) - 7
Evil Ritualist 2 (E2) - 7
Evil Ritualist 3 (E3) - 7
Morgana (M) - 6

That order is fine for me.

Anastria cringes at the scene before her but steels herself and prepares to act.

Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9 and most likely +2 from Varis as well.

Her voice catching in her throat at the horrors in the room ahead. 'Crotties, how do we get them away from t' prisoner?' Luce feels her ire rise, her blood boil and a desire to punish these foul denizens. Is it Torags' doing, this hatred?

Initiative 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 + 2 = 14

If I am in a lion/wolf or other wildshaped predator, do I still need to squeeze under the ceiling?
I also took 2 surges to put me to full.
Do we have an AP for reaching a milestone?

@Luce - no penalty if you are in animal form. Unless you turn into a mammoth or something.

ALL - you each have a brand new AP.

Will sort init once everyone has posted.

Luce the mammoth: "Does this form make me look fat?"

Hope everythings going well with you all :)

Greatly cheered by abrupt appearance of mammoth in doorway :D
All going well. Next show to worry about is next week. I'm in Twelfth Night. Simplicity itself. Just turn up and know the part.

Initiative 1d20 - 1 + 2 ⇒ (15) - 1 + 2 = 16, possibly with an additional +2 depending.

Luce calls out to the others "How are we doing this? Me, Aurix & Tiberious hold a front line and the rest add fire support?" he voice holds a ragefilled steely edge.

Initiative 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19, well for once it's decent enough (with a +10 even) that everyone may get the bonus.

If it's alright Tiberious, just some book-keeping for health from the last fight. Since you are busy with new job (good luck with that). At the end of the last fight you were on 19/22HP & 4/7Surges, thus you could spend a surge and be at 22/22HP & 3/7Surges.

If it's alright, I will take the spare Inspiring Word from the last encounter (as it would not help you) - 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Luce is aghast at the chaos and suffering in the room, letting out a low growl and wriggling her hanches as if to pounce. But she controls her instincts momentarily.

Yay - 18 initiative: not bad for a -1 mod.

Does the captive currently being worked on look alive or dead?

The captive under construction is alive, but only just.

MAP

Toxic smoke - characters ending their turns in the area take 2 damage.

Lowered ceiling - Medium or larger characters must proceed bent double or on their knees. They grant CA unless making a successful DC15 Acro check at start of turn.

Init so far
Botched construct 1 (B1) - 23
Botched construct 2 (B2) - 23
Varis
Scalpel (S) - 20
Luce
Vondal
Evil Ritualist 1 (E1) - 7
Evil Ritualist 2 (E2) - 7
Evil Ritualist 3 (E3) - 7
Morgana (M) - 6

Initiative: 1d20 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 2 = 4+2 if lower than Varis'

So...bottom of the rung with the Witch at 6 XD

Taking the liberty of rolling init for Tiberious

The horribly changed halflings converge on the doorway, attempting to stop the party from entering.

B1 attacks Luce
B2 attacks Aurix
Claw (AC). On hit target is slowed (se)
1d20+6=26 - B1 v Luce. Crits. 9 damage
1d20+6=21 - B2 v Aurix. Hits. 1d6+3=8
9 damage to Luce and she is slowed (se)
8 damage to Aurix and he is slowed (se)

MAP

Toxic smoke - characters ending their turns in the area take 2 damage.

Lowered ceiling - Medium or larger characters must proceed bent double or on their knees. They grant CA unless making a successful DC15 Acro check at start of turn.

Varis
Scalpel (S)
Luce - slowed (se)
Vondal
Anastria
Tiberious
Evil Ritualist 1 (E1)
Evil Ritualist 2 (E2)
Evil Ritualist 3 (E3)
Morgana (M)
Aurix - slowed (se)
Botched construct 1 (B1)
Botched construct 2 (B2)

I might be able to shift the halflings, but at the moment I'd catch Luce and Aurix in the blast. If you guys don't mind, I can let rip on my turn.

I can slide a creature on a hit, so shove on back to E row. Alternatively I can suck up AO's to do fancy maneuvering but that's a bit too dangerous.

If you step back after you attack I get have a go at them, but that might be a bit choreographed for us ;-) Plus you are slowed :-(

"Might need to fall back, then push forward for momentum." Luce reluctantly states.

Don't know what you plan Varis (or what you can do) but if you vacate your square, I can attavk fall back there and let Vondal step-up and push them away. Alternatively I can blow my AP an open it up?

Do what feels good for your character, I'd say.

Varis, torn between so many enemies, and no way to get to the worst of them, decides to stick with his preference. "Sorry, the close ones are for you brutes, my targets have some distance." He draws back his bow and aims for the deformed human that appears to be directing the foul rites.

Standard, Probing Strike on Scalpel 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25 vs AC (It has cover from it's allies, but Varis has CA by going before it)., damage 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10, and sneak attack 2d6 ⇒ (2, 5) = 7. Effect: I gain a +1 power bonus to my next attack roll against the target before the EOMNT.

Luce, I maybe wrong, but by the map it looks as if you can shift diagonally past the corner. Also Rev, does the Toxic smoke provide concealment? (yes, I would go that extreme in order to stealth)

Yes, Luce can shift around her edge, but Aurix cannot shift around his (that's a hard corner). The smoke would certainly provide concealment.

The scarred man seems exultant as Varis's arrow digs deep.

He has concealment from the low ceiling as well, but that still hits.

Still crouched, he licks blood from his dagger and moves towards Luce, chanting a vile song of praise to Torog. The wound he delivers seems tiny, but such is his expertise in the art of pain, that the effects linger as internal muscles split and shred under his attentions.

Dagger (AC) - +2 to his attacks as he is bloodied.
On hit target takes 5 ongoing damage (se)
1d20+6=19 v Luce. Hits. 1d4+3=7
7 damage to Luce and 5 ongoing (se)

MAP

Toxic smoke - characters ending their turns in the area take 2 damage.

Lowered ceiling - Medium or larger characters must proceed bent double or on their knees. They grant CA unless making a successful DC15 Acro check at start of turn.

Luce - slowed (se); 5 ongoing damage (se)
Vondal
Anastria
Tiberious
Evil Ritualist 1 (E1)
Evil Ritualist 2 (E2)
Evil Ritualist 3 (E3)
Morgana (M)
Aurix - slowed (se)
Botched construct 1 (B1)
Botched construct 2 (B2)
Varis - +1 to next attack v Scalpel to end next turn
Scalpel (S) - BLOODIED

I take the on-going at the start of my turn, right?
Bloodied 2/26 - AC16; Ref 15; Speed 9

The scalpel cuts through her; causing a shriek of pain. Luce looks around like a cornered animal with nowhere to go. She drops to her knees and shifts her form changing into a vicious animal. She looks to these vile creatures and for a second she forgets it's not their fault but their cruel mistress. As she takes a breather she draws upon her experiences and unleashes a burst of thorns trying to stop these creatures.

Standard: Thorns Spray - On hit -3 defenses TEOLNT
Damage 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Vs Fort S 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
Vs Fort B1 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
Vs Fort B2 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Minor: Wildshape to Beast
Move: If S falls Luce will move
Spend AP =Standard: Second Wind

Save Vs: Slow 1d20 ⇒ 15
Save Vs: Ongoing 1d20 ⇒ 3

Bloodied 7/26 - Speed 9; +2to all defenses TEOLNT

Freezing Burst centred on E8, catching S, B1 and B2.
S: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9 v Ref to hit, damage 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9 and I slide the target E7 on a hit
B1: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15 v Ref to hit, damage 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7 and I slide the target E8 on a hit
B2: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12 v Ref to hit, damage 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9 and I slide the target E9 on a hit

I'm guessing that missed S and B2. Anyway, I'll fire off an action point and do it again, which should still catch them all. If I hit, I'll slide the target to the next square immediately south.
S: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19 v Ref to hit, damage 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9 and I slide the target
B1: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8 v Ref to hit, damage 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10 and I slide the target
B2: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6 v Ref to hit, damage 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6 and I slide the target

Hmm, not much to show for an action point.

Vondal fires two of his ice spells in quick succession to try and shift the cultists from where they block the entrance.

I believe you only roll one damage for each attack; just as an aside.

@Luce - you are right about ongoing. Take it at the start of your turn. Note that Second Wind grants you the +2 defense bonus to the START of your next turn.

@Vondal - Luce is right. Freezing Burst is an area attack, so roll individual attacks for one set of damage. I'll take your first damage roll in each case this time.

Luce's scream of pain brings a broad smile to the face of the torturer, but his joy is shortlived. The ground around him erupts with biting thorns, followed almost immediately by two blasts of chill air from Vondal. The combination is too much for Scalpel, who falls to the ground, his smile forever frozen to his lips. B1 also suffers, now starting to collapse and pushed away from the door on the slippery ground.

MAP

Toxic smoke - characters ending their turns in the area take 2 damage.

Lowered ceiling - Medium or larger characters must proceed bent double or on their knees. They grant CA unless making a successful DC15 Acro check at start of turn.

Anastria
Tiberious
Evil Ritualist 1 (E1)
Evil Ritualist 2 (E2)
Evil Ritualist 3 (E3)
Morgana (M)
Aurix - slowed (se)
Botched construct 1 (B1) - BLOODIED; -3 all defenses to end Luce's next turn
Botched construct 2 (B2)
Varis - +1 to next attack v Scalpel to end next turn
Luce - BLOODIED +2 defenses to start next turn; used second wind; used AP 5 ongoing damage (se)
Vondal - used AP

Anastria spends but a moment to place her curse on the poorly made construct in front of Aurix and invokes the power of her fey masters to blast it with Eldritch energy.

Minor: Place curse on B2
Standard: Eldritch blast on B2 Atk vs Reflex: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
Damage if hit: 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15 and curse damage 1d6 ⇒ 2

Anastria's gently sketched symbol and fey power wreak havoc on B2. The construct expands and contracts rapidly as the warlock's potent energy mingles with the badly channeled arcane power holding the creature together.

MAP

Toxic smoke - characters ending their turns in the area take 2 damage.

Lowered ceiling - Medium or larger characters must proceed bent double or on their knees. They grant CA unless making a successful DC15 Acro check at start of turn.

Tiberious
Evil Ritualist 1 (E1)
Evil Ritualist 2 (E2)
Evil Ritualist 3 (E3)
Morgana (M)
Aurix - slowed (se)
Botched construct 1 (B1) - BLOODIED; -3 all defenses to end Luce's next turn
Botched construct 2 (B2) - BLOODIED; cursed by Anastria
Varis - +1 to next attack v Scalpel to end next turn
Luce - BLOODIED +2 defenses to start next turn; used second wind; used AP 5 ongoing damage (se)
Vondal - used AP
Anastria

I believe you only roll one damage for each attack; just as an aside.

Yes, correct, I should know that. Guess I got carried away.

Could one of you post on Tiberious's behalf? I don't want to delay him when there are baddies coming up behind in the init list.

Tiberious looks into the room and issues his orders- knowing that they will be fulfilled.

"Sergeant Aurix, what you hanging around for lad. Hit the blighter!" Turning to the young wolf; "And you farm-girl pull yourself together; if you can run into danger then suck it up."

Standard: Commanders Strike (with Aurix) Vs B2 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13 Damage 1d10 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 2 = 10
Minor: Inspiring Word: Luce HS+ 1d6 ⇒ 3

Tiberious bellow instructions and help in equal measure, although Aurix's attack under-estimates the toughness of B2. His axe thumps into the ground, missing the creature. Luce, on the other hand, feels suitably inspired.

Still bloodied, Luce?

The ritualists shuffle slightly as E3 moves to fill the spot left vacant by B1. E1 stabs at the bound prisoner before moving, licking blood from his knife, but E2 seems to have more of a sense of imminent danger.

E3 v Luce
1d20+6=17. Hits. 4 damage
4 damage to Luce.

Morgana scuttles foward, clutching a glowing blue meteorite and chants briefly.

"Feel the wrath of the King that Crawls," she gloats, sending a powerful wave of necrotic energy into Aurix.

Torog's Wrath (Ref). On hit, next attack v target has +2 bonus.
1d20+7=26 - Morgana v Aurix. Hits. 1d10+3=13
13 damage to Aurix and the next attack against him is made at +2

MAP

Toxic smoke - characters ending their turns in the area take 2 damage.

Lowered ceiling - Medium or larger characters must proceed bent double or on their knees. They grant CA unless making a successful DC15 Acro check at start of turn.

Aurix - slowed (se)
Botched construct 1 (B1) - BLOODIED; -3 all defenses to end Luce's next turn
Botched construct 2 (B2) - BLOODIED; cursed by Anastria
Varis - +1 to next attack v Scalpel to end next turn
Luce - BLOODIED?; +2 defenses to start next turn; used second wind; used AP 5 ongoing damage (se)
Vondal - used AP
Anastria
Tiberious
Evil Ritualist 1 (E1)
Evil Ritualist 2 (E2)
Evil Ritualist 3 (E3)
Morgana (M)

11/26 now still bloodied! Although she has AC18 due to razor-claw power +1 & +2 from second wind. Ref17

EDIT: so a miss 15/26HP = she gets the +1AC, Ref & +2 speed to end of encounter.

Bah misread the map, thought it was B2 that was low in defenses.

Luce growls low in her throat as she tries to avoid the ritualists blade. Her blood beats like fire through her veins as the cultist near the alter stabs his victim. 'Kyle! Hurt him and you will die in pain.' She howls in frustration.

If Luce had AC18 when the cultist hit, he didn't hit. If you see what I mean.

Woooow 21 damage before I can even move...Bloodied anyone? How much is Second Wind again? So a standard action to do that, after I use a Minor for Dragon Breath.

Aurix roars as he misses and grunts in sudden pain as the necrotic energy washes over him. A fire builds within his barrel-like chest and he as he opens his maw he unleashes a wave of roiling flame His bloodrage slows and he reaches deep within himself to bolster himself.

Dragon Breath vs Reflex: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 1 = 11
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Second Wind. 10+11=21HP +2 to All Defenses.

So -.- I miss with that yet again. Also Vondal I have no AP left.

Unfortunately it's a Standard (unless you're a dwarf). You're slowed not dazed so it just means you move 2 - so you could use your dragons breath?

EDIT: There's also Marking for a minor (although getting the enemies to concentrate upon you :/ ) Which reminds me if someone slides a 'Marked' enemy away - does Aurix get his free attack?

"Wait! Is that a meteoritic fragment in her grasp?" asks Vondal urgently, with more than a hint of avarice.

Could be a good time for Aurix to blow an AP if he has one.

Forgot to add I would have marked the B2 in front of me. Thank you Luce.

Aurix you could hit B1, B2, and E3 with your Dragon Breath, and it's an attack roll for each one, just 1 damage roll.

O.O...Trollface... Thank you Varis XD

Dragon Breath vs. Reflex
B1: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 1 = 8
E3: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 6 + 1 = 21

Heh...ONE!! Haha!

@Aurix - need a save v slowed from you. EDIT - don't bother, you've just been slowed again.

@Luce - no. Forced movement does not provoke OAs.

All - apologies. Got trapped in the great Paizo lockout of 21 March.

Aurix exhales mightily, incinerating E3 before another blow can be struck.

Undeterred by their injuries, the botched constructs keep up their assault. B1 seems infused with bloodlust and strikes twice before darting away.

B1 is bloodied and can make two claw attacks and then shift two.
1d20+6=12 v Luce. Miss.
1d20+6=15 v Luce. Miss.

B2 attacks Aurix
1d20+6=26. Crit. 1d6+1=7
7 damage to Aurix and he is slowed again (se)

MAP

Toxic smoke - characters ending their turns in the area take 2 damage.

Lowered ceiling - Medium or larger characters must proceed bent double or on their knees. They grant CA unless making a successful DC15 Acro check at start of turn.

Varis
Luce - BLOODIED?; +2 defenses to start next turn; used second wind; used AP 5 ongoing damage (se)
Vondal - used AP
Anastria
Tiberious
Evil Ritualist 1 (E1)
Evil Ritualist 2 (E2)
Morgana (M)
Aurix - slowed (se)
Botched construct 1 (B1) - BLOODIED; -3 all defenses to end Luce's next turn
Botched construct 2 (B2) - BLOODIED; cursed by Anastria; marked by Aurix - BLOODIED?; slowed (se)