Devil-spawn and Demon-taint: A Fiendish Take on Skull & Shackles (Inactive)

Game Master Mark Sweetman

Oh good, didn't miss too much. *Edit YES! Charon favors me! I will offer it many a sacrifice for this! When you called for strength check, I was fully expecting poor Fish to end up in the middle of the room. *Crap, now I can't back up. Or could I since the previous movement would have been before the octopi was summoned?
1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21

*Edit, changing my action for round 2 here. Fish is taking a double move action to get behind Deader at J9. We need Sandra away from the beast, and the two of us out of peoples' way. Acrobatics check.1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9 So, that failed, bring on the AoO!

With a firm grip on the sailor, Fish dashes past the octopus, trying to get her, and herself, out of harm's way.

Think she used a wand - so just a standard...

Activation: Wands use the spell trigger activation method, so casting a spell from a wand is usually a standard action that doesn't provoke attacks of opportunity. (If the spell being cast has a longer casting time than 1 action, however, it takes that long to cast the spell from a wand.) To activate a wand, a character must hold it in hand (or whatever passes for a hand, for non-humanoid creatures) and point it in the general direction of the target or area. A wand may be used while grappling or while swallowed whole.

Oh I hadn't caught that one before, I guess I learn something every day... wheres my 'Like' button?

Swim 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
Hmm, I've lost track of the DC already. If that makes it she's either stabbing the octopus if it has arrived on the scene or casting hideous laughter (DC 14) on Obi's rather large friend (I'm sure he gets +4 to his save unless he's a really strange looking tiefling).
Shortsword 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14
Damage 1d6 ⇒ 2

Deader manages to keep the Octopus away from him. "No tickle!" he snaps at the creature.

Can any of you give me a hand with this octopus? It's cramping my spell casting.

I'm lost on why we are playing with Sandra rather than kill the large and overwhelming forces to our front?

Cedrick moves in on the row of javelin throwers, working again with his axe.

Cedrick moves forward into the chamber and breaks to his right (Swim 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16 to 5H) to engage the creature there (G4)...

Attack 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Damage 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Tindalos follows (Swim 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22 to G5) and attempts to savage the same creature (G4)
Attack 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
Damage 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Plus trip 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9 Vs CMD

HP
Cedrick 29/31
Tindalos 18/24

Because we want her to live? Also, get her conscious and we add a cleric to our side.

I'm more suggesting we have a room full of nastiness, and need to get them dead as a priority...

I am trying to dead the big one, could use some help.

Just to bring us back to a level footing:
Re: Wand - missed that... but I'm going with rule of no-ret conning purely to make it easier on the battle. So plays out as written in my post.
For swim checks - I'm being nice and just making it a DC 10.

Fish's pike retracts and her firm hold helps it to snap the bonds that hold Sandara. The cleric's body drops from where it hangs above the chamber and into the soupy morass of dead flesh with a splashing thump...
Fall Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 4) = 7 Fell into square F,6.
...and she begins to sink. Fish reaches out to grab her and hold her up... but finds her heavier than she expected...
Ok, carrying Sandara Fish is at a heavy load - therefore no acrobatics to move past foes at all. You're also currently in range of the big guy, so keep that in mind when re-considering actions.

Obisyth wades forward, but her club bounces off the scaly hide of the creature without marking it. Nachni's swipe at the octopus is similarly ineffectual.

Cedrick distracts another grindylow long enough for Tindalos to savage it with his teeth and deliver it unto death.

Deader, his pet, Joneth and Fish to go this round.

Well, I can still withdraw from the big guy. Even with reduced speed to 20ft should still get us to J9. I'll take the octi's AoO.

Not quite. The octopus is plugging up the entrance quite well.
You can't move diagonally past a corner
You can't move through a square occupied by an opponent unless the opponent is helpless.

That's just peachy. I have no idea what to do. Can't cast, no free hands, and am flanked anyway. Anybody know where the Fish should go, let me know. All because of that damned octopus. I'm thinking Polbo á feira for lunch tomorrow...

My club is +1 if this is DR/Magic. Or did I simply miss?

Miss due to natural armor

Fish I suppose you could still go Defensive as a full round action, or just delay pending an opening appearing? Joneth is yet to act, so he might nail the octopus, likewise Deader might poke at it too so it might not be long for this world.

I'd really like someone else to get rid of the octopus so I can concentrate on casting a Summoning spell. We need to pad our odds. If no one can help me I'll cast Cause Fear on it and summon next round.

Deader's new crewman lashes out savagely at the creature in front of it.

Full Attack
Claw: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Claw: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Bite: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

each hit requires a DC 13 Fort save vs. Paralysis.

If an enemy fail's it's save, the Lacedon will immediately target the next creature, 5' adjusting between attacks if need be. Ghouls have a 13 int, which is plenty to know that once something is paralyzed, it's best to move onto a new threat.

Wasn't suggesting Deader had to do it, Joneth could probably waste it, was just thinking Deader might also contribute on that scroe if it didn't just die

If its still alive when things come around to Nachni again, she'll try stabbing it again. She can't cast while its right there.

A little surprised by a hostile octopus materializing next to him, Joneth nevertheless keeps his wits about him and quickly turns to engage the creature, striking at it with both daggers in quick succession.

Melee attack (masterwork dagger): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16, +2 if flanking
Damage (slashing): 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Sneak attack, if applicable: 1d8 ⇒ 7

Melee attack (dagger): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13, +2 if flanking
Damage (slashing): 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Sneak attack, if applicable: 1d8 ⇒ 3

Fish hesitates, waiting to for her companions to act and the battlefield to become less congested. Her priority is to get this woman conscious, or at least to shallower waters.

Delaying until the others act. If Joneth kills the octopus, Fish steps back and heals Sandra. If not, but Deader's pet neutralizes it's current target, Fish moves there and heals. If neither occurs, ask the Lacedon to move a bit, 5ft step, so Fish can move in and attempt to heal. One grindy is better the current situation. Failing all else, Total Defense and stay put.

Healing1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Concentration, if needed1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

Deader's pet tears the grindylow before it, felling it and advances a step, creating a wake for Fish to drag Sandara into. She channels healing into the lass and she comes to coughing and spluttering, tearing off her greased bonds and spluttering "What the feck... huh... SH1T" as she attempts to defend herself.

No other enemy within 5ft for Deader's pet, so had him tear the current to bits instead - then step to make a space for Fish.

Joneth spins on the octopus...
Swim: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
...easily handling the water and driving forward with daggers akimbo. Both blades bite into octopoidal flesh and the beast thrashes, dying and fading from this world.

The blackened female screams, circles around the big one and bellows again in a dark tongue "Grasp and bind, pull them down..." gesturing as the seaweed that wafts back and forth in the murky water below you lengthens, thickens and lunges out to grasp at you...
Entangle cast deep into the corridor so that it catches just you guys and none of the grindylows.
DC 15 Reflex or entangled.

Meanwhile spears are once more drawn and thrown from the four grindylow that are not yet dead...
Spear at Tindalos: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
Spear at Tindalos: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
Spear at Deader's Pet: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17 for 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Spear at Deader's Pet: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
...dismal aim yet again being their downfall.

The biggun shifts it's weight in the water before distended jaws disgorge again at Obisyth...
Bite: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19 for 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
Grab: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26 Obisyth is grappled
...needle sharp teeth biting deep into the tiefling's chest and pinning one arm to her body.

Back to you guys.

Mapski

As Sandra awakens, No time for that now. Heal Obi, or something.

Reflex1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5 Oh, I'm stuck but good.

As the female casts yet another inconvenient spell, entagling them in seaweed, Fish shouts, I can do it better! And her arm turns into a tentacle of shadowstuff that leaps towards the other witch's neck.
Concentration1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26
Limp Lash, Touch Attack!1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 181d6 ⇒ 6

Cedrick moves in, looking to keep bloodying the waters with his axe.
Moves to G5, attacks G4
Reflex 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Attack 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
Damage 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

Tindalos attempts to fight out of the weeds...
Reflex 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
Str check to break free 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
But isn't going far this round.
If the Str check passes, Tindalos will move forward to F5 with Cedrick to continue engaging the creatures

Nachni sees Cedrick head right and swims to the left, "Let's start making some room to maneuver. I'll meet you at the witch. Pardon me dead guy, coming through!" Just as she passes the lacedon, she stabs at the closest grindylow with her sword.Continues performance...perhaps synchronized swimming? Swims to D8. Stabs at C7.
Reflex 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25
Swim 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
Shortsword 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19
Damage 1d6 ⇒ 3
AC 15/15/10

Yay! Dead Octopus! I got to do my Summoning!

Deader's usually cheery expression grew serious. "I think we could use a little help here."

Putting his palms on the surface of the water, ignoring the seaweed that wound around his ankles. The sound of grinding chains echoed under the disgusting froth. He stared calmly into the murk for a few moments, then smiled again. Looking up at the Grindylow witch, he simply said "Her."

Casting Summon Monster with It Came From Beyond

1d3 ⇒ 2 Bloody Skeletons summoned, one with the Advanced Simple template

Advanced Bloody Skeleton
AC 18
HP 8/8
DR 5/Bludgeoning

Bubbles surfaced and popped behind the Grindylow witch. Then clawed hands breached the water and raked at her back...

At B5
Claw: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Claw: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
Damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Bloody Skeleton
AC 16
HP 6/6
DR 5/Bludgeoning

The things that rose behind her were terrible to behold. Instead of normal facial features, they had a single large eye that took up most of their head. They moved like they were boneless. Their hands were little more than massive scything claws. They were covered in tiny fang-filled mouths that opened and closed, drinking in the filthy water and spitting out blood from others, like some bizarre parody of a fishes gills.

They were fixated on the Grindylow witch.

At B4
Claw: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Claw: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Lacedon
AC 14
HP 13/13

The dead sailor ripped free of the grasping tendrils, lunging forward to continue it's assault on the Grindylows.

Move to D7

Bite: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

DC 13 Fort save vs. Paralysis

Limp Lash means her AC is 3 lower than before, and she loses 3hp per hd. I'll hold her you gut her Deader.

Although he tries to move past the part of the water full of seaweed, Joneth nevertheless finds himself securely entangled as the magically enhanced plantlife grabs hold of his legs and arms.

Reflex: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Strength: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13

Reflex: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Obi is stuck in the weeds and caught by the grindylard. Nonetheless, she continues to attempt to club the monster holding her.

Attack: 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 5 - 2 = 9
Damage: 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (4, 1) + 3 = 8

Unfortunately the octogoblin is simply too strong for her feeble swing.

Um, could use a little help here guys.

"Fighting as fast as I can"

While Fish successfully conjures the dark lash, the combination of the seaweed's choking fronds and the cover afforded her target by the intervening whale sized grindylow cause her to just miss snaring the witch's neck.
Entangled gives a -2 to attack rolls, and touch attacks are still subject to cover.

Swim: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 and 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
Though Tindalos manages to tear himself free from the seaweed, he struggles in the water and momentarily plunges beneath the murky surface of the water. Cedrick has no such struggle though, and manages to bring axe to bear on another target - ending another of the pesky octogoblins.

Nachni swims free of the tangling weeds and her thrusting sword finds fishlike flesh.

Skeleton Swim checks: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14 and 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21 Not sure if having the entangling vines appear would've forced a concentration check for Deader - but handwaved it away.
Deader calls forth skeletal forms from the area between the stars and they lash out with raking claws at the witch... though none of their strikes can mark the tainted one's skin.

Reflex for Lacedon: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19 Why are my dice always better when I roll for you guys :P
The lacedon also remains untainted by the grasping weeds and moves to bite at one of the grindylows, but does not meet with success.

Deader needs to make a reflex vs the entangle spell too.

Joneth struggles against the tight grip of the vines...
Strength: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11 As your second move action
...but remains firmly welded in place.

Obisyth makes a feeble swing with her enchanted club... but it does no good.

Monster actions incoming - just locking in post to make sure it isn't lost.

The dwindling group of grindylow bring to bear their horribly inaccurate spears once more, this time in closer quarters...
Spear at Cedrick: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15 for 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Spear at Bloody Skeleton: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20 for 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Spear at Nachni: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19 for 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
...their form proving inextricably better and some flesh is marked by points... though one looks confused as it's spear passes through open ribs without damaging Deader's blood covered horror.

The abnormal behemoth's mouth opens slightly, allowing Obisyth a brief moment of hope...
Grapple: 1d20 + 12 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 12 + 5 = 26 for 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8 Aaaand gulp...
...before the jaws distend beyond reason and lunge forward to swallow the tiefling entire. She literally disappears into the belly of the beast and the big one thrashes with pleasure as the witch shrieks "More chum for my son!" with pride.

The witch then takes defensive pose and withdraws away from the two newly arrived skeletons, seeking a safer position on the other side of her son.
AoOs for both skeletons.

Sandara curses again as she flails in the water, able to keep her head up but not much else "Feck, I'm useless without Besmara's trinket or a blade..." looking hopeful to one of you to furnish her with either.

Mapski

Back to you guys...

I assume I have been swallowed whole?

Just before she is swallowed, Obi calls out.
Help!!!!

Nachni feels a sharp pain in her side as the grindylow's spear thrusts into her side, scraping against a rib and eliciting a sharp cry from the tiefling. She hears Obi shout from her right and turns just in time to see her friend swallowed by the monstrous grindylow. "Noooo! Cedrick, can you get her out!?!" With desperation as she worries the battle may be slipping out of control, Nachni lashes out again at the grindylow she stabbed.
Attack 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26
Damage 1d6 ⇒ 4
Confirm 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
Extra Damage if confirmed 1d6 ⇒ 2

She checks to make sure the octogobby is properly dead and if so, swims forward to face the next one. Five foot swim to C7. Check if needed. 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

Attack 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Damage 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Tindalos follows (Swim 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4) but finds he ends up in the same spot treading water

HP
Cedrick 29/31
Tindalos 18/24

Bloody Skeleton

AoO: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Advanced Bloody Skeleton

AoO: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
Damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Entangle doesn't interrupt spellcasting as far as I know.

Deader giggles and splashes as the grasping seaweed tickles him while synching around his legs. By the time Obi was swallowed he was laughing hysterically. He wiped his eyes shook his head.

"No, you... hehe. You gotta cook her first!" he says as a slimy arc skipped across the water towards the overgrown creature.

"You two, open him up so Obi can breathe." he says with amusement.
Ordering the Skeletons to attack the big thing instead.

Ray of Sickening (touch attack, cover): 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 3 - 4 = 17
DC 16 Fort save or Sickened

Technically there's nothing in the rules about the Sickened condition making someone throw up, but it seemed appropriate and I'm almost out of options.

Reflex (for Entangle): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 Sorry about that. I thought I'd done it. Oh well, it doesn't bother Deader much anyway.

Lacedon

5' adjust forward. Full Attack

Bite: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Claw: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Claw: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
Additional Crit Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Starting attacks at Grindylow at C6. Any hit provokes a DC 13 Fort save vs. Paralysis. If the Grindylow dies or gets paralyzed, Lacedon will aim all other attacks to the big guy.

Bloody Skeleton

The bleeding things lunged forward at their new prey...

Swim: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Move 5' forward.

...but the smaller of the two was unable to pull itself through the water with any success.

Advanced Bloody Skeleton

The larger one didn't have nearly as much trouble.

Swim: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

Claw: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Being swallowed, Obi seeks to overcome some of the massive damage she has suddenly suffered.

Dring Potion of CMW: 2d8 + 3 ⇒ (2, 7) + 3 = 12 <-- my rolls this battle have really sucked