Euan's Second Darkness (Inactive)

Game Master Euan

Those rolls are similar to mine, so that looks about right.

With the banshee back underground, Ederin does what he can to keep Quilindra up and countering the banshee. Knowing she needs to sing, he doesn't offer her one of his fruits but instead casts the healing spell he'd been keeping on reserve.

"Ain't much lass, but it's somethin'. Thanks for singin'."

CMW: 2d8 + 10 ⇒ (2, 4) + 10 = 16

"Looks like this banshee has eyes for you, Quill. Would you mind stepping out so that we may slay it?" Kaylayne says, looking at the demoness.

"We'll do what we can to keep you up, but you'll need to exit the bubble or I'll need to exit you for you...unless you have a better plan?"

Kaylayne delays until after Quill.

Quilindra looks at Kaylayne skeptically, "You have no idea how painful her claws really are. I'm not going anywhere, we've got to find a better solution." she suggests without thinking of anything particularly useful.

She thinks.

"This is my solution, sweetie. If you have a better one, say it before she charges again," Kaylayne says sweetly.

Still delay until after Quill.

Allarnon snaps his jaws in frustration and rage at the banshee as she flits away from him.

Aoo Bite: 1d20 + 14 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 14 + 2 = 27
Damage: 1d8 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 2 = 16
Holy Damage if Evil: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 4) = 5

He then shifts a bit closer to where the banshee is clawing at the ground. "Stay near me Quill. I will keep it off ya as much as I can."

Round 4, Init 15

Lief watches as his bolts do little to injure the creature, wisping through its ethereal form. He frowns, debating what else he really has up his sleeve to help destroy the creature. He decides to wait and see if the she-demon does as she's told. Readied Action

+1 Hand Crossbow: 1d20 + 12 + 5 + 1 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 12 + 5 + 1 + 1 - 4 = 16 for 1d4 + 1 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 1 + 5 = 10 damage

Dimitrio took a swing at the banshee as she sank into the ground.

"DEMON. GET OUT HERE. THIS IS THE ONLY WAY!"

-------
rapier to hit (rapier+3, arcane strike, extra panache): 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (10) + 20 = 30
damage: 1d6 + 23 ⇒ (6) + 23 = 29

"DEMON. GET OUT HERE. THIS IS THE ONLY WAY!"

"See? Even Dimi is out of ideas," Kaylayne quips, agreeing with dancer. "Don't worry, I'll heal you. I won't let you die if it is in my power to save you here."

Quilindra, on her initiative, stays firmly in the safe spot. She continues her oration to protect against the Banshee's wail, and casts Displacement on herself, not quite completely trusting Kaylayne.

+1 to attacks and saves vs. fear, boyoos.

Round 4, Init 16

1d20 + 20 ⇒ (6) + 20 = 26 Spellcraft (displacement)

"Ah! That's an excellent precaution and solution Quillindra! See? I knew you could think of something," Kaylayne mutters as she again excludes the bardess from the bubble.

She readies a scorching ray for if the banshee shows herself again.

1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 12 + 1 = 18 touch to hit;
4d6 ⇒ (4, 1, 5, 3) = 13 fire damage;

1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 12 + 1 = 28 touch to hit;
4d6 ⇒ (4, 4, 6, 1) = 15 fire damage;

1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 12 + 1 = 16 touch to hit;
4d6 ⇒ (4, 4, 4, 4) = 16 fire damage;

Still positioning Kaylayne on map as need to speak to GM Evilan about diagonals vs. 10' bubble.

Dimitrio hits with his AoO and does plenty of damage thanks to his ghost touch. Ederin heals Quilindra, and she bats her eyes and smiles at the kind man, unlike Kaylayne who moves off exposing Qulindra and readying a scorching attack. Being all incorporeal, only one ray hits. Lief too readies an action, but fails to connect when the Banshee again shows herself. Allarnon barely misses with his AoO, as he moves into position to help Quilindra. Quilindra, on her initiative, stays firmly in the safe spot. She continues her oration to protect against the Banshee's wail, and casts Displacement on herself, not quite completely trusting Kaylayne.

She erupts out of the ground (no provoking as the first square has cover) next to Quilindra. She screams at the face of her tormentor, and rakes into her - clearly focused only on Quilindra.
Claws on Quilindra (Touch): 1d20 + 28 ⇒ (9) + 28 = 37 low is bad for Quilindra: 1d100 ⇒ 29 for damage: 14d6 ⇒ (3, 5, 1, 3, 3, 2, 1, 6, 5, 4, 4, 5, 1, 3) = 46 and Terror (DC 25 Will save or cower in fear for 1d3 ⇒ 1 rounds)

Quilindra, hit, is quite displeased, but still standing.
Will: 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 12 + 1 = 20 (bless) …yet cowering in fear. Her oration ceases, and you are no longer protected from the Banshee’s Wail - though she seems intent on Quilindra as she screams.

-Round 5-
Banshee - 30 (-54hp)
Dimitrio - 26
Lief - 15
Allarnon - 8
Ederin - 8-
Quilindra - 7 (-75hp)
Kaylayne - 6

Everyone is up.
Ongoing effects: Bless

Round 5, Init 15

Lief continues to fire futilely, hoping any damage is contributing to the banshee's demise. He doesn't fail to notice the heavy damage imparted to the succubus with each rake of the banshee's claws.

+1 Hand Crossbow, Studied: 1d20 + 12 + 5 + 1 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 12 + 5 + 1 + 1 - 4 = 35 for 1d4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 1 = 3 damage

+1 Hand Crossbow, Studied: 1d20 + 7 + 5 + 1 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 7 + 5 + 1 + 1 - 4 = 26 for 1d4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 1 = 3 damage

Confirm Critical?: 1d20 + 12 + 5 + 1 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (6) + 12 + 5 + 1 + 1 - 4 = 21 for 1d4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 1 = 3 damage

Dimitrio frowns as the banshee appears on the other side forcing him to saunter over to her.

Happy the monster's focus is on the demon, he once more strikes with his enchanted rapier.

He continues to sing old Varisian folk songs hoping this will end soon.

----------

move and strike
rapier to hit (rapier+3, arcane strike, extra panache): 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (18) + 20 = 38
damage: 1d6 + 23 ⇒ (1) + 23 = 24

critical?
rapier to hit (rapier+3, arcane strike, extra panache): 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (9) + 20 = 29
damage: 1d6 + 23 ⇒ (6) + 23 = 29
let me know if the critical hits because I get back one panache point

Dimitrio's crit confirms, sorry Lief, yours does not.

+1 to attacks and saves vs. fear, boyoos.

Round 5, Init 6

Kaylayne cringes as Quill's protective song is cut short after another stinging blow to the demoness. Knowing that the banshee's death is tied to it being visible to the party, Kaylayne opts not to protect Quill...though she knows it is risky.

Her face is a mask of mixed feelings on risking Quill's life: on one hand, it's a 1000 brands of justice. On the other hand, letting an ally die (even a bad one), is not something she could delight in.

"Lief! Can you heal her!? We need to keep her up a bit longer!" Kaylayne pleads, scanning the battle field for options. Kaylayne just *can't touch* Quill with the banshee so close...which is worrisome.

Kaylayne gives the one spell she has to help: calling upon a burst of energy to deliver positive healing energy to everyone...and to harm the banshee.

1d8 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15 healing to all, DC20 will save for banshee for half.

Will: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (10) + 18 = 28 vs DC 20 for 7hp damage to the Banshee.

"Lief! Can you heal her!? We need to keep her up a bit longer!"

Lief witnesses the banshee pulling the wings off the succubus butterfly, and wonders why she doesn't flee for her life, however abominable it is. For the look on her face, he surmises the thought lies behind some foggy fear storm raging in her mind.

"I have a wand, yes. Healing her, or damaging the banshee, I fear, will be of very little contribution, but I can certainly try to use the wand."

He wonders if he will...

Allarnon is having a difficult time keeping the banshee in place as it keeps retreating to the ground.

"Keep it still can ya!" He growls as he chases the banshee down climbing over Kaylayne and Lief.

Bite: 1d20 + 14 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 14 + 2 + 1 = 28
Damage: 1d8 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 2 = 14
Holy Damage if Evil: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 6) = 10

As Kaylayne retreats and the Banshee reveals itself Ederin focuses on his target, clicks his heels and fires his bow faster than ever before. The reality that Quill has ceased singing is not lost on him, and he needed to destroy this creature soon. Even this single barrage depleted more of his ghost salt arrows than he was comfortable with.

Attack: 1d20 + 18 - 2 - 3 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 18 - 2 - 3 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 6 = 38
Damage: 2d6 + 3 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (6, 5) + 3 + 1 + 6 = 21
Damage: 2d6 + 3 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (5, 6) + 3 + 1 + 6 = 21

Attack: 1d20 + 18 - 2 - 3 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 18 - 2 - 3 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 6 = 34
Damage: 2d6 + 3 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (4, 6) + 3 + 1 + 6 = 20

Attack: 1d20 + 18 - 2 - 3 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 18 - 2 - 3 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 6 = 28
Damage: 2d6 + 3 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (4, 4) + 3 + 1 + 6 = 18

Attack: 1d20 + 13 - 2 - 3 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 13 - 2 - 3 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 6 = 20
Damage: 2d6 + 3 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (5, 5) + 3 + 1 + 6 = 20

Attack: 1d20 + 8 - 2 - 3 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 8 - 2 - 3 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 6 = 28
Damage: 2d6 + 3 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (2, 3) + 3 + 1 + 6 = 15

Dimitrio’s critical confirms, doubling the amount of damage done to the Banshee so far. Ederin unloads with a mighty volley of arrows, laying the creature low indeed. Lief connects, though he does not critical and his damage is low. Allarnon connects, but does a little less than he’d like due to the Banshee’s incorporeal nature. Quilindra cowers in fear. Kaylayne heals Quilindra and harms the Banshee.

The Banshee’s screaming stops abruptly, and the wisp seems to scatter in all directions at once, until it’s no longer visible to the naked eye. The encampment grows quiet again - quieter even as all the native fauna have fled (and some of the flora too!).

We are out of initiative.

Quilindra straightens up and says nothing, giving a look to Kaylayne, but quickly sliding up to Ederin, ”My but you’re good with that bit of wood.” she grins.

Kaylayne waits a few more moments before relaxing...as if still expecting the banshee to wail again or return. When she does finally accept the banshee's end, she relaxes visibly.

"One of you go check if the gate is now working...I suspect it won't be and we suffered this nightmare for no reason and we'll still have to walk to Kyonin. That means we'll have a lot of walking starting tomorrow...let's be ready."

Kaylayne looks about more and then settles down.

Lief tucks the healing wand back into his wrist sheath, waiting for the succubus to follow orders, despite her injured state. Considering the circumstance, he's ready to follow Quilindra to the gate, if only to make sure she doesn't leave them behind, should she be able to activate the gate now. When she turns to go, Lief will study her.

Quilindra departs, briefly, and returns with the news that the gate is now closed. "So it should be easy to open it now to the Tanglegate. I did not test it however, as there may be some on the other side keeping watch and it would be best not to warn them we're coming in that case."

She reminds you that she does not know what lies there, only that it's a few miles of unwholesome terrain from there to your destination - the home of the Winter Council.

Kaylayne nods, sets the watch, and preps for bed. She is tired (and grumpy).

"Good. That is a lot of travel that we just avoided. Let us prepare for the morrow," Kaylayne says, really wanting rest. It had been a long stressful day where she had been expecting the banshee to pop out at any moment and kill them all...that that did not happen has not diminished the wear on her senses.

"Yeah, nice shooting Ederin. And Quill, thanks for standing for us so we could take it out," Kaylayne applauds the pair before she gets into bed.

Dimitrio cleans his blade off otherwordly goo and scoffed, "Sure Shorty takes all the credit while the bear-man and me got up front and personal with the banshee."

He shakes his head, Bah, whatever. I'm glad everyone is OK."

He glares at the cowardly demoness, "Next time, you be a team-player OK."

Allarnon shrugs. "I actually did nothing but chase the damned screaming elf around in a circle. Couldn't keep a good hold on the wispy wailing thing."

He squints his eyes at Kaylayne. "Sure we should be sleeping here? What is she comes back?"

"Sure we should be sleeping here? What is she comes back?"

Kaylayne offers her usual shrug, having not true answers, but only vague thoughts. "I think, I believe we killed her...ended the pain that bound her to his world. I think she is gone and freed, no longer tied to the misery that she felt. Hopefully, she can find a way to move on in her second life."

Dimitrio cleans his blade off otherwordly goo and scoffed, "Sure Shorty takes all the credit while the bear-man and me got up front and personal with the banshee."

He glares at the cowardly demoness, "Next time, you be a team-player OK."

"Maybe you didn't notice 'cause you was too busy watchin' Quill, but I hit the damn thing a few more times an' you did." Ederin says with a grin, feeling better about himself now that the battle was over.

"Maybe let's not scold our guide who who saved us from gettin' killed by the banshee wail, yeah? If you 'ad asked me to stand away from Kay and take some claws to me face, I'd have said no too."

The archer nods along with Kaylayne, hoping she's right. They were in need of a rest and now seemed to be a good time for it.
"We'll take watch, Al, we ain't gonna be totally unprepared for the worst, I promise, we'll be alright."

"The same banshee she helped to create, remember. It seems we interfered in retribution, denying Elledariah's last wish before leaving this world." Lief debates further words, but doesn't like the taste of the words already spoken, so says no more.

Lief looks the succubus over for her injured state, and debates finishing what the banshee started.

"As long as I don't wake up to someone screaming in my ear in the middle of the night. that is all I ask." Allarnon shifts back into his human form and finds a nice section of broken wall to rest his head.

Tarkir moves over and lays down beside Allarnon. Giving a shake, fur and fleas float into the air, only seen in the rays of the moon's light. With a flop the small bear lays his head down in Allarnon's lap. Putting his hands behind his head Allarnon closes his eyes to the sounds of Lief, Ederin and Kaylayne having a friendly discussion among friends.

"As long as I don't wake up to someone screaming in my ear in the middle of the night."

"No promises, Allaronon," Kaylayne huffs playfully. "If you'd wake up with a nudge, then maybe we wouldn't have to scream over your snores to get you up for your watch."

"Snnnoooret! Snort Snooorrt!" Allarnon falls asleep instantly as his body relaxes fom all of the days fun-filled activities and murderous elves.

The night passes uneasily but uneventfully and dawn rises cool and clear. Quilindra (having been healed by her own wand of infernal healing the night before) joins the group as you head back into the complex and to the gate. As she said last night, it is clearly closed.

"I don't know exactly what lies beyond this gate, but it's a few hours to Thorn's End. Only three miles, but the forest is particularly thick and we'll need to cut our way through in spots I suspect."

She checks her gear as something occurs to her, "I think perhaps we should divide up the loot before proceeding. There was quite a haul, and I feel I deserve at least a share. I'm rather partial to that blade of hers, for sentimental reasons, but I suspect it's value rather exceeds what I’m owed.”

"I'd be happy to give you my blade in exchange. It's quite nice in it's own way." she takes it out her rapier and spins it around a little, giving it up for identification.

Hers is a +3 spell storing rapier with blindness/deafness loaded. Worth ~32,320gp. The blade she wants is worth ~52,330gp, so she’d be getting ~20kgp in value. The last haul was ~170kgp which, divided by six, would be ~28kgp so you’re ahead of the game. Call it the DM being nice.

Kaylayne whistles at Qullindra's offer, but looks at Dimi for the final say. She hasn't seen anyone who would use, or would want to use either found blade, so exchanging it for a different one wasn't going to affect her.

Overall, though, she is fine with the exchange.

While others talk, Kaylayne prepares for the trials ahead. When others are ready, she draws her staff and is ready to go.

Overland Flight, Extended magical vestment (Kaylayne & Tarkir...now +3), & False Life: 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4 temp.

Lief holds his hand up as Quilindra gives up her weapon, willingly. "Hold her weapon for a moment, Kaylayne."

Lief turns to address the succubus. "Why on earth would we want to cut you in on the equipment? Are you suggesting that you intend on bringing down the Winter Council at our side? What exactly are your intentions, beyond guiding us to our destination? You should consider your reward in all of this your freedom. Your life. You threatened our lives, bringing us through this very gate. I've come to believe you knew exactly what we faced coming here, that the gate was barred to us until we ended the banshee, and you baited Ederin and Dimitrio into killing what you could not."

Quilindra smiles, "I see. So, you are denying me what's rightfully mine and are threatening now to keep even my own blade?"

She reaches for her sword clearly meaning for it to be returned.

"I warned you of the Banshee - told you she was here and told you all about her. I even countered her wail, which would have assuredly killed one or more of you. I did not know the gate was broken or I would not have even suggested trying to get here as it's pretty far from our goal. I am not that short sighted."

"Seems to me you're viewing this in a most convenient way for your own greed."

She leans back, away from the gate, and a step or two from the party. "If our allegiance is severed here, so be it. But you'll not get through this gate without me. I hold the key." she says simply.

"Or is your corruption so complete that you'll cut me down right now - over a little loot? That would be marvelous." she smiles sweetly.

Map updated... just in case. Speech or single round actions only please.

Allarnon looks nervously between Lief and Quill. His voice breaks the uneasy silence. "She did help us Lief. I would call it even. Whatcha say?" He leans on his spear, not really expecting a fight.

Dimitrio inspects the blade the demon wanted but found it too heavy for his style of fighting. Her own blade, now that was a fine weapon.

He spoke, "I don't want to use that longsword. I prefer a lighter blade, like hers."

He continued, "I would be fine letting her have the new blade in exchange for her blade. I could sell my own blade and distribute the loot among ourselves later."

He turned to Lief, "However, I won't press the issue so do as you please."

------------
Dimi loses many of his swashbuckler abilities if he doesn't use a light or one-handed piercing melee weapon so I'll pass on the +2 cold iron longsword. :(

Kaylayne waits for Lief's answer, uncertain where the man is taking things. She looks at Lief.

Lief allows his gaze to look over each of his companions, listening to their utter lack of desire to fight. He looks at the surrounds, then back at the gate, then back at the weaponless succubus.

"Or is your corruption so complete that you'll cut me down right now - over a little loot? That would be marvelous."

"Yes. It would be."

Lief draws his cold iron rapier while stepping towards the demon.

+1 Cold Iron Rapier, Studied, Combat Inspiration: 1d20 + 13 + 5 + 1d8 ⇒ (12) + 13 + 5 + (4) = 34 for 1d6 + 1 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 1 + 5 = 9 damage

Studied Strike: 5d6 ⇒ (3, 5, 6, 3, 2) = 19

Lief's action constitutes the surprise round. No one else may act in the surprise round, excepting Kaylayne.

Kaylayne, you're up! I'll follow with initiative and response.

Round of Surprise

Kaylayne's eyes widen at the expected/unexpected action.

"Lief!! What--?!" Kaylayne is barely able to sputter words as her mind races to all the possible outcomes in the little time she has.

She readies a dispel magic for if Quill casts something that Kaylayne doesnt like.

1d20 + 20 ⇒ (13) + 20 = 33 Spellcraft

Lief moves up and skewers Quilindra, hitting the flat-footed demon. Kaylayne readies an action to dispel anything coming from Quilindra.

-Round 1-
Lief - 24
Ederin - 22
Allarnon - 19
Dimitrio - 16
Quilindra - 15 (-28hp)
Kaylayne - 10

Next up - everyone but Kaylayne, who's ready is likely to go off at the end of the round changing her init to 15+

Round 1, Init 24

Lief feels his blade just connect, so presses what little advantage is left to him- the 'jump'. His blade flies one more time, aided again by his anatomical speculation on the frame of the succubus. Reengage Study, Swift He circles the creature, praying that the others will engage immediately.

+1 Cold Iron Rapier, Studied, Combat Inspiration: 1d20 + 13 + 6 + 1d8 ⇒ (13) + 13 + 6 + (7) = 39 for 1d6 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 1 + 6 = 13 damage
Studied Strike: 5d6 ⇒ (5, 6, 1, 5, 6) = 23

Dimitrio was disgusted with the whole ordeal. He didn't like one bit that Lief had forced their hand. And the boy had done just that. As annoying as Lief was sometimes, Dimitrio would not hesitate to defend him. The fact that he chose to kill a treacherous demon just made it easier.

The bard didn't know if this was the best move at this time but the cards had been dealt and he was in the game. He would play to win.

Dimitrio moved to Lief's side and addressed the demon, "Sorry girl but you do deserve to die. I liked you less and less as I learned more about you."

He then moved and struck with his rapier.

---------------
move and strike
rapier to hit (rapier+3, arcane strike, extra panache): 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (8) + 20 = 28
damage: 1d6 + 23 ⇒ (4) + 23 = 27

Allarnon and Tarkir rush around the other side of the ruins to keep Quill from escaping.

"Dammit Lief! Why....Why now."

Double Move for both.

"She's isolated, weaponless, and deserving of it like nothing else I've ever known. Ederin, your help!"

"My help? My help murderin' her?" Ederin stands with his bow ready but he can't pull the string. This reaked of his old hit man work.

She ain't exactly the noble type, but I ain't either. Would they kill me too, if I told them about all the innocents I killed?

He holds position, breathing heavy, but does not shoot or even move, too busy wrestling with his own demons to take care of the one in front of him.
Delay till after quill

"IT, EDERIN, DAMN IT ALL, IT!!!" Lief watches as no one injures the succubus further. "DO YOU WANT TO END UP LIKE ELLEDARIAH, BETRAYED INTO A HIDEOUS EXISTENCE BY A DEMON WHO WILL REVEL IN YOUR FALL?!?!!?!?"