For Cressida: five magical imposters in Korvosa posing as Gaius. DANGER don't trust. Check hands. Real Gaius hands twisted. Imposters serve Queen. Imposters know everything Gaius does.
She is smart. Hopefully that does it.
You're alive! Need update from inside. People on edge. Known that castle being invaded. Populace ready to explode. Duly noted on Gaius.
Odric leads the group to the room with the upstairs. He pokes around at the ceiling looking for a trap door.
Indeed the trap door is easy to see, it's just hard to get to. With a little effort you manage to get it open.
This room smells of vinegar and herbs. Scores of numbered wooden caskets placed in rows on long wooden stands line the walls, along with many glass bottles and ceramic jugs of various sizes. The vinegar has gone bad, and while it stinks of acetic acid, the room indeed seems like a good place to hide if needed.
Share spoiler above--Cressida's answer.
also, during this bit of down-time, use Pearl of Power II to recall See Invisibility spell.
Gaius, that...is disconcerting. I did not realize that all of the simulacra would be working against us. do you have any idea of whether they have your skills and abilities, beyond your knowledge?
I have a Sending scroll if we need one more message today, but that is the extent of my communication power before resting. I've expended a good deal of powerful magic, but am not nearly depleted--let's continue! I'm eager to see the Rabbit Prince in action!
Ooc- I confess I read Gaius' waxworks spoiler, but this is the first Odric has heard about it...
Wait, what?!
Odric tells the group about his evil twin too.
I think dealing with my evil twin will have to wait, but clearing this castle is below killing fake Gaiuses (Gaiii?) on our list... We simply must stop themailing from actively opposing us before we continue.
Odric continues, Let's use magical means and guile to seek out and trap or kill them.
Odric pauses, looks around at the stuff in the room and comments, Nice jugs. Are they worth anything?
Gaius (sometimes Caius because for centuries G and C were the same letter in sound and use, not just look) comes from the Greek, but is typically used in its Latin form instead of Γάϊος. The name means "He who rejoices." (Gaudeo = To rejoice.) We get a few English words from this base; gaudy, Guy, and gay. Typically the plural would indeed be Gaii, which is a 2 syllable word. By the time of Augustus though, it was typical to shorten many words away from their double i construction. There is no rhyme or reason for which words were shortened, as many double vowels remained throughout antiquity So classically we pluralize Gaius as simply Gai. (We see this in the word gladius too. The plural of gladius is simply gladi.
Gaudy gay guy, huh? I thought he was bi...
Share spoiler above--Cressida's answer.
also, during this bit of down-time, use Pearl of Power II to recall See Invisibility spell.
Gaius, that...is disconcerting. I did not realize that all of the simulacra would be working against us. do you have any idea of whether they have your skills and abilities, beyond your knowledge?
** spoiler omitted **
I have a Sending scroll if we need one more message today, but that is the extent of my communication power before resting. I've expended a good deal of powerful magic, but am not nearly depleted--let's continue! I'm eager to see the Rabbit Prince in action!
The Message had to be short. I told Cressida information that I feel will best keep her and The Resistance Alive. In truth, I know ONE is with the Queen but I know that all five don't share my disdain for rules and authority. They crave it. Her Majesty can supply both.
Gaudy gay guy, huh? I thought he was bi...
Gaius, like all willing practitioners of The World's Oldest Profession, is a capitalist. He's whatever you pay him to be.
The housecat sized dragon in the cage spins around and chirps, however, ** spoiler omitted **
But the exchange is interrupted as Odric tosses Devargo off the end of the table like a discarded statue (of a crane.) The "King" looks up, completely aghast, and with murder in his eyes. He eyes his punch daggers, and then eyes the men. The sound of his grating teeth is not quite muffled by Odric's borborygmi.
I've got yer proof. And ye'll have it shortly. But make no mistake. Our business is concluded. If you ever set foot on my fleet again, I'll feed your spleens to my pets. I'll pump you so full of venom that you'll sit paralyzed and watch as I carve every last frelling one of your organs out.
XP: 160
...so there's this
Gah stupid spoiler omitted. Check slack for screenshot.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"Let's go get a pseudo dragon and also hunt down some faux Gai. Or Gai foes?"
Cricktik speaks directly into Odric's mind, "Are my skills not enough for the task?"
As he steps away from the table, Odric looks at the Empty Throne card he was dealt. As he gazes at it his resolve visibly solidifies. His eyes close and he looks up as in supplication.
This card is representative of those who are gone, and to me that means Kip, my master's son who was taken by Lamm.
As he comes to this realization, Odric considers the card he was given as an invitation, "The Keep". It represents quiet, unshakeable strength that withstands any hardship and he thinks perhaps this may be his chance to demonstrate that strength. This may be his chance at redemption. The vision he has always had of himself as a figure of legend, carved in stone, portrays that unshakeable strength. This may be his opportunity to begin to build that legend.
Looking at Zellara with renewed curiosity, he wonders how she could possible know so much about his inner struggles.
Come my new companions, let us lay our plans with care, seal our companionship with good drink, and prepare to strike down this evil man
OK I'm a little creeped out that in our first harrowing Odric was dealt 2 cards that he just got from The Deck.
Desna smiles.
Cricktik speaks directly into Odric's mind, "Are my skills not enough for the task?"
Inexplicably, Odric drops into a stance of cat-like readiness. He looks around wild eyed and frightened.
Did you guys hear that?
Ooc- what if the faux Gai get together and scene against us in a Faux-Gai Gaiorum Forum?
Top floor, in an attic. Top left room on the map.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Cricktik speaks directly into Odric's mind, "Are my skills not enough for the task?"
Inexplicably, Odric drops into a stance of cat-like readiness. He looks around wild eyed and frightened.
Did you guys hear that?
Ooc- what if the faux Gai get together and scene against us in a Faux-Gai Gaiorum Forum?
Grym kneels down and studies Cricktik w/ a discerning eye. He is clearing fascinated w/ the small insect creature.
Bucho gives him a few sniffs.
That small creature is the size of a horse...
-Posted with Wayfinder
Giddy up. Can tiny Odric ride it into battle?
The question on the table is what do we do next?
1. Continue the delve
2. Exit the castle to chase down Gaius waxworks
3. Rest
3a. At the Keg & Eagle, do some shopping
3b. Here
Odric votes 3a, then 2.
He asks Ferox & Cricktik to directly translate what Sandor and Grym want to say into the group's minds, ft hat is possible.
What time of day are we at? Because we may consider at least trying to find the Abadarian before he's moved...
OOC for bookkeeping and to help DM answer time of day questions -
Today is 6 Neth. We started the castle delve at first light with gaseous form infiltration. Since then:
Met venster
Fought mantis assassins at a rickety bridge.
Fought mantis guys hiding in ceiling tapestries
Mork died
Left castle to raise Mork
Bought a potion of gas form somewhere
Teleport back to castle
Fight fake queen
Mork dies (mostly dead)
Fight imps grey maidens and bloat Mage
Crazy devils in rotting meat buffet room
Odric ruse fails, grey maidens and bloatmage
Find bones
The Deck
Ferox would want to keep exploring the castle
Looks like the votes are in. Odric leads the group out of the attic (still looking for a definitive ruling on the value of the stuff up there, reserve the right to yoink). On the attic level, Odric and the Upturned Cup head to the staircase in the far southeast corner. They descend one level, and make their way out onto the balcony.
Order of march: Odric, Grym and Bucho, Gaius, Mork, Ferox and Cricktik, with Sandor in the rear.
Assuming no ambush, Odric and Grym move from one to the next and set to work disabling the ballista while the rest of the party stays close.
Assuming no ambush, Odric and Grym move from one to the next and set to work disabling the ballista while the rest of the party stays close.
I assume the warriors are disabling in the sense of cutting through important looking pieces w/ enchanted blades?
After we finish on the balcony, Grym would like to drop one level down in the bottom/left corner stairs to investigate that area.
The vinegar is all spoiled, and the bottles aren't anything special, there's nothing of value here.
Grym points the party down a level the the main balcony. The largest balcony of the castle, this L-shaped open space connects the main towers of the keep with the great salon of the fourth floor. Three of the keep’s catapults stand on the balcony. There is one narrow tower that arises from the center of the NW side (N is up and right).
(Traps +2)
----->
----->
(Includes Favored)
(+20 to determine if surprised, +21 to notice unusual stonework, not including favored enemy)
The party walks around, prepared to handle the catapults like those from before, and to check out the lone tower.
And no one sees the invisible foe until his spell of lightning destroys his spell of invisibility! Bristling with terrible spines and a crown of deadly horns, this leering winged terror wields a whirling barbed chain.
The spell blasts through ever single member of the party
electricity damage. REF DC 19 for half.
"Ha! Foolish mortals. You've done well so far, but you have not faced MAVROKERAS!"
(Includes Favored)
Round 1:
Sandor: Go (and REF Save)
Grym: Go (and 2 REF Saves)
Ferox: Go (and 2 REF Saves)
Baddies: TBD
Gaius: TBD (and REF Save)
Odric: TBD (and REF Save)
Morkeleb: TBD (and REF Save)
Sandor: (doesn't look like it includes new level...)
Grym: (has evasion)
Bucho:
Ferox:
Cricktik: (unknown modifier)
Gaius:
Odric:
Morkeleb:
Cricktik has a +14 REF save modifier.
Round 1
With the sudden crack of lightning in the air, Team Ranger somehow manages to evade the magical attack. Both Grym and Bucho move up ready to engage on the next round.
The only sound is Bucho's growl...
Round 1:
Sandor: Go
Grym: Double Move
Ferox: Go
Baddies: TBD
Gaius: TBD
Odric: TBD
Morkeleb: TBD
Round the First - Sandor
Sandor pumps his legs each one time. With a sharp exhale of breath the only battle cry the Dwarf can manage, he charges at the devil! His Shield held level just below his eyes hides both his silent scream and his massive blade.
As Sandor charges past the other members of the Upturned Cup, each in turn do a double take as the ferocious Dwarf flies past and a dead sprint unlike any they had ever seen him do. The grizzled veteran, usually a bit slower than the rest due to his solid compact musculature and shorter legs, was somehow able to run even faster than Bucho in hot pursuit of a hare.
As he closes the distance, much faster than even he expected, he marvels silently at his speed. He can feel The Cricket working it's eldritch magic in his legs, but the sensation is altogether exhilarating and unnerving at once.
The speed may have disrupted his rhythm, but Sandor makes a decent swing of his Battle Axe as the devil rears huge in Sandor's field of vision.
Sandor's charge is skilled, but the devil prepares and takes a swip with his wicked chain as he closes: , and catches the dwarf , and a FORT save from Sandor DC 27.
Sandor is stunned for rounds
The devil then avoids the charge with shocking ease. Once that close, Sandor realizes what hellish power the devil has. Will save DC 23 (versus fear) or be Panicked for 16 rounds (or until you're out of sight of the devil.
Round 1:
Sandor: Bad stuff
Grym: Double Move
Ferox: Go
Baddies: TBD
Gaius: TBD
Odric: TBD
Morkeleb: TBD
Aye. He texted me - he's visiting I think his mom for her birthday. Happy birthday Joe's mom!
Sandor keeps his body under control, but once he gets close to the devil he panics from the sheer hell of it!
He drops his dwarven war axe and turns to flee!
Round 1:
Sandor: Bad stuff
Grym: Double Move
Ferox: Go
Baddies: TBD
Gaius: TBD
Odric: TBD
Morkeleb: TBD
Can Sandor spend a Harrow point on that will save? I forget does that give a + 4 bonus, or is it a re-roll?
Reflex Save:
It's all in the reflexes.
Seeing the devil materialize after the sizzling bolt, Ferox calls on Abadar's grace to guide his aim and fires a volley at the devil.
Swift: Bane Devil
Seeing the threat before them, Cricktik casts Hold Monster (DC 18 Will), Spell Penetration
Charisma Rerolls: A PC can spend a Harrow Point to reroll a Charisma-based check. She must abide by the new result (although if she has additional Harrow Points remaining, she can use them to attempt additional rerolls).
Destiny Shall Not Be Denied: A PC can spend a Harrow Point as an immediate action to force the GM to reroll a d20 roll. She must abide by the new result (although if she has additional Harrow Points remaining, she can use them to force additional rerolls).
Psychic Wrath: A PC with levels in a class that grants bonus spells based on her Charisma score can spend a Harrow Point to increase the power of a spell from that class’s spell list as she casts it. She increases the spell’s DC by 2 and gains a +4 bonus on caster level checks to overcome spell resistance and a +2 bonus on attack rolls for that spell.
]
Ferox launches a barrage of arrows, and the first volley strikes the devil's heart causing massive damage. The devil's roar of anger, however, is still mighty.
With no reason to give up a simple target, the devil lays waste to Sandor:
for and FORT Save
Stopped by armor
for and FORT Save
for
for and
Round 1:
Sandor: Bad stuff
Grym: Double Move
Ferox: Hit
Baddies: TBD
Gaius: Go
Odric: Go
Morkeleb: Go
Devil: 90 (Non-regenerate)
Sandor: (2d6 Bleed damage, Panicked for 15 rounds.)
Morkeleb levels his staff at the beastie, and a green ray fires out to strike its horned hide...
Disintegrate!!!
<---W00000T CRITICAL HIT AUTO-CONFIRMED!!!!
Fort save, DC24
...and the Rabbit Prince redirects the ray to strike the monster on the chin!!
Round the First
Odric charges after Sandor into the fray. The absurd sloshing and splashing of Sandor's blood is incredible. Odric wonders if his friend has died on his feet, forgetting the absence of screams mean something else entirely.
Pwr Atk (FF): for damage and .
Morkeleb's ray punches right through the infernal resistance to magic and hits the devil square in the chest , and barely, just barely, the devil resists the spell.
Odric closes distance to try and keep the devil from getting a chance to mount another counterattack. The devil explodes into action, trying to drag its chain across his face on the way in: for and the stunning effect of the cornugon threatens to stop the man in his tracks and before he can finish the charge he stops, his weapon clattering to the floor. rounds.
Round 1:
Sandor: Bad stuff
Grym: Double Move
Ferox: Hit
Baddies: TBD
Gaius: Go
Odric: Stunned
Morkeleb: Disintegrate!
Devil: 123 (Non-regenerate)
Sandor: (2d6 Bleed damage, Panicked for 15 rounds.)
Sandors head rears back in a silent scream as his prized dwarven axe clatters to the ground. The eye hole in his helm display a wide eyed look of panic none of the upturned cup have seen
Spend 1 Harrow Point to reroll spiked chain around thigh.
Current HP: 67/162
Gaius approaches and lashes out with Flagg...
Flagg:
Damage coming later!
-Posted with Wayfinder
Well then. Posted.