Euan's Second Darkness (Inactive)

Game Master Euan

Lief shakes his head. "I thought we already gave them to her when we gave over the journals. With our conversation about a rogue mission into Celwynvian, it jarred my memory."

Kaylayne rises to look at the Lief map. She had forgotten (or never knew) he had it.

"Where did you get this, Lief?" Kaylayne asks, moving to hold down the corners.

Kaylayne takes a moment to study the map, unsure which direction is which.

It's like a playing card, neither and both sides are up. And it was being held by a joker.

"You failed to pay attention when we secured Shindiira's effects. I don't blame you. There was a lot to gather, and you were probably in one of your moods."

Lief looks back to Aetheri. "Is this enough information? I think we can retain its worth, before turning it over to Eviana."

"You failed to pay attention when we secured Shidiira's effects. I don't blame you. There was a lot to gather, and you were probably in one of your moods."

"Ah yes, I was in a mood. A good mood," Kaylayne recollects. "I had just slain Shidiira and was using her body as a kickboard to rescue your unconscious body and bring it to shore. That was a good mood, I'm surprised you remember it, with you being unconscious and all."

Kaylayne smiles at the happy memory and returns to examining the map.

It looks from the map that the regular drow patrols will be no where near the NE corner around mid morning tomorrow. Free and clear.

"I'm so glad you've agreed to go. Shall we meet back here then at 9am? It'll take an hour or so on foot to get there, quietly so we should reach it when the drow are busy elsewhere." she says examining the sigils.

If there is nothing else? You have the night and early morning to yourselves.

"Maybe you two should shack up, you might get along better." Ederin says, rolling his eyes as Lief and Kay continue to bicker.

Turning back to the elf he shrugs. "Sorry 'bout them, nine sounds good, we'll see you then. Thanks for havin' us."

Kaylayne still has more questions. And she asks them.

"I need to prepare my magics for tomorrow. Might I examine the illusion box?" Kaylayne asks, thinking about what she might need to aid her plans.

If allowed, she will cast Detect Magic and examine the box in case she needs to activate it for some reason.

1d20 + 15 ⇒ (2) + 15 = 17 Spellcraft

"Also, I would like to inform Kaerishiel what we have decided. I would hate to have not know what we are doing or where we have gone," Kaylayne confirms.

"Maybe you two should shack up, you might get along better."

Lief gives Ederin a look. "The implication that our frustration with each other is rooted in a subconscious desire to have sex with each other is absolutely horrifying, Ederin. There's no way I'd want my firs... Ederin, you best drop all..." Lief loses words, and tightens lips.

"Nine in the morning. Got it. Goodnight."

As they were getting ready for another incursion into enemy territory, the bard asked, "OK, so who's got the smelling salts, the antitoxins, and the lights we prepared?"

He shows his hands, "I'd like to carry some of that so I can help out when needed..."

Kaylayne learns nothing more about the 'illusion box' from her examinations. It does have illusory magical auras, but that's about it.

Kaerishiel laughs when he's told. "She's been here just a few months, but she's asked all of us to go on her fool errand. You be careful out there, the city can be crawling with drow, and their reinforcements always seem close at hand."

"If you make it in once piece, let me know what you found though. I'm curious. I've heard the coliseum is haunted by a will o' wisp or something similar."

You convene at 9am the following morning and Aetheri is ready. She looks much the same as she did the night before, with some not-so-subtle differences. She has one a fine pair of gloves, woven with copper, a new necklace, boots which look to be made of living leaves, a vest lined with gilded leaves - magically preserved in their autumnal splendor, golden rings chained together, and more. No armor though...

You travel on foot to the west, bearing a little north so as to hit the city’s corner. I posted a new map (link) in the campaign header. You are traveling to area #8.

The journey through the forest is uneventful and quiet. As you approach the city border (image) you see a light gate of sorts. Just ignore the big green dragon… I’m sure it’s nothing.

You’re 100’ or so from the building. Aetheri takes out a map (link) of the conservatory. ”I thought we’d just try the door, but you’re the professionals. How do you want to proceed?”

You will note that each time Aetheri slows down or stops, she seems to blend in a little with the surrounding flora.

"Front door works for me, let's just make sure it's safe first, yeah?" Ederin draws his bow and does a quick count of the arrows in his inventory before moving toward the conservatory. He moves slowly, listening and watching with every step.

Stealth: 1d20 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 13 + 2 = 29
Perception: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 11 + 2 = 24

If it's safe he'll wave everyone ahead.

Concerned that the older elven lady didn't seem well-protected, the bard holds his tongue.

However, as time went by, he finds himself getting closer and closer to her. She reminds him of Ms. Noria, the lady that cared for him while in Magnimar. Sure one was a sophisticated elven woman and the other was older tavern keeper but Dimitrio felt protective of them both.

He nods as Shorty volunteered to scout ahead and watched with his own eyes for any potential danger.

perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

"Just sit tight while Shorty checks things out. But you're right, the front door may be our best bet. Anything that we should know about this place?"

do we see the 'inside' of the map (layout of rooms) or just the outside of the structure?

You can only see the outside of the structure from your vantage point, but Aetheri has a complete map of the interior so you know, roughly, what's where.

Ederin sneaks up to the door and looks around and listens...

Ederin looks to the party and shakes his head, holding a hand up to make sure they stay put.

He then kisses his bow and moves on.

Lief rolls his eyes, as he looks at Ederin preening to Aetheri. Really? You want to kiss your bow now? He offers an apologetic look to their escort, and waits for Ederin to give the all-clear.

Ederin approaches the building and slips from view through the main double doors. He disappears into the darkness within...

-Round 1-
Ederin - 25
Dimitrio - 24
Kaylayne - 17
Lief - 13
Good Guys - 8

Ederin is up, the rest of you can go, but please do not react to anything you see on the map. You cannot see inside the building, and hear nothing. You are, let's say 50' away - so a bit off the map.

I'd wait for Ederin before posting as he may scream bloody murder in a moment... or sneak back out. Who's to say?

Oh, and this is NOT a surprise round. Normal round please.

Round 1, Init: 25

There's a loud bellow from inside the building, and then silence...

Now up, everyone except Ederin. Remember you're about 50' from the front door.

- - -

As you close you see the courtyard...

Stone benches - a few still serviceable - surround this sizable, domed building’s semicircular forecourt. The courtyard’s stones are buckled and rent by tenacious plants. Glimpses of intricate stone carvings peer out from the building’s vine covered façade like faces behind green veils. A large, half open stone doorway reveals a gloomy interior, as does a section of collapsed wall to the east.

Approaching their destination, Kaylayne prepares her magics to protect the party.

@Ederin: "Take this and be brave." Heroism.
@Dimitrio: "Take this and be resilient." Barkskin.
@Lief: "Take this and be protected." MCPfE10'.

She casts Magic Stone twice, getting 6 uh...magic stones. For stoning.

* * *

Round 1, Init 17

Kaylayne delays, waiting to see what Ederin wants the group to do.

GM Evilan, how high are the ceilings?

Ceilings, according to your guide, are at least 20' and even higher in the central chamber and entry hall (areas 3 and 5 are 35' high).

Dimitrio thanks Layne for her aide.

His ears perk up at the sound of the bellow and then... silence.

He whispers to his companions, "Should we go see? I am not waiting here much longer; Shorty could be in trouble. That didn't sound like him, did it?"

Round 1, Init 13

Lief begrudgingly accepts the woman's magics as she passes them around, as he loads a poison bolt in his hand crossbow, and takes off 30', the bellow being a clear sign of engagement. Move Action- Load bolt, Move Action- 30' advance.

Ederin does something mysterious in the dark. Dimitrio hesitates, but not for long. Kaylayne also advises caution and delays. Lief loads his crossbow and moves out I've placed you on the map where you should be Lief.

The rest of the party senses, through the darkened doorway, a bright light and sizzle, followed by the smell of burning Ederin.

-Round 2-
Ederin - 25 (-10hp)
Dimitrio - 24
Kaylayne - 17
Lief - 13
Good Guys - 8

The bard instructs their host, "Stay close but remain behind."{/b]

He then draws his weapon and proceeds to meet up with Ederin, [b]"Shorty, what's going on? You alright?"

Round 2, Init 13

Clearing the doorway, Lief raises his crossbow, and expects something... more, going on. "Alright, Ederin. Why are you smoking?" He readies a shot at anything he construes as hostile, within 30'.

+1 Hand Crossbow: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13 for 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 damage, and Fortitude Save DC 13 or fall unconscious.

Dimitrio recognizes Ederin's arrow sticking out from the behemoth. "Way to go shorty; maybe coming here is making you a better archer."

He looks around for other enemies, "Are you hurt? What happened to you?"

sorry for the screwed post above. :(

Round 2, Init 17

1d20 + 3 - 5 ⇒ (19) + 3 - 5 = 17 Fast Stealth
1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14 Perception

Kaylayne moves up the hole in the wall, climbing up the sides to peer in. She climbs to the top of the hole (hole is 5' up, so she's 10' up) to look in the room.

Round 2 Init 25

"Lightning." Ederin says through gritted teeth as he scans the room looking for the culprit. "There was a lizard here... "

K. Nature: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 9 + 2 = 17 To identify if the lizard may be what attacked him.

He keeps an arrow in his bow, not trusting that whatever attacked him hasn't moved since.

Ederin doesn’t think this has anything to do with the lizard he saw His readied attack triggers, and misses, when another arc of electricity heads his way, and he suffers another attack, when he provokes by shooting. Whatever it is, it was right there... Dimitrio moves up into the room and offers to help. Kaylayne quickly sneaks up to the wall and peers inside. Lief's ready goes off when the lizards show themselves though he fails to connect.

Aetheri moves up a little, but stays well back of the doorway. She examines some of the fine scroll-work on the entry pillars. Very nice indeed, but not quite worth a rubbing she thinks.

Suddenly out of the empty air a few feet away, another electric arc strikes Ederin!
melee touch: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (1) + 16 = 17 2d8 ⇒ (1, 2) = 3

When he shoots, whatever it is makes an Attack of Opportunity and strikes again.
melee touch: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (16) + 16 = 32 2d8 ⇒ (1, 6) = 7

I've put a yellow dot on the map in the square where the lighting came from.

At the same time that happens, a cadre of little lizards (these dog-sized lizards have two horns, one on either side of their heads, and green scales that crackle with sparks of lightning (link)) come out of area two. They are hissing and screeching with all their might as they rush Ederin! They seem very angry at him for some reason...

They stop just short of the man and put their cute little horns together. A ball of lighting twenty feet across sprouts out from the green one encompassing Ederin, Lief and Dimitrio!

Lighting Ball: 6d8 ⇒ (6, 4, 2, 8, 6, 6) = 32 Reflex DC 13 for half

The lizards are not evil, so no boost from the magic circle against evil. The other attacker is, so feel free to apply the +2 to AC when you're in the radius.

-Round 3-
Ederin - 25 (-17hp)
Dimitrio - 24
Kaylayne - 17
Lief - 13
Good Guys - 8

Note: There are some large beige disks on the map, like the largest one to the left of Kaylayne. Those are slightly elevated platforms. Just one or two steps up. They are not difficult terrain in any way, nor do they give you a height advantage in melee. They’re just slightly elevated platforms for performing.

reflex save: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26, save so 16 hp

The dog sized lizards were responsible for the lightning ball!

The bard whips out his rapier and slashes down on one of the critters.

rapier to hit, arcane strike: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28
damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
critical?
rapier to hit, arcane strike: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12
damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Round 3, Init 25

Reflex: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 9 + 2 = 18

"These lizards aren't the only thing in here with us, be careful."
Another hit like that and I'm done.

Ederin drops his bow and draws his sword, striking out at his invisible foe, hoping to feel his weapon connect.

Attack on Yellow Dot: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 9 + 2 = 201d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
High is Good: 1d100 ⇒ 4

Round 3, Init 17

Kaylayne moves through the hole in the wall, climbing up the sides of the chapel. She looks for the thing that attacked Ederin, her eyes not seeing what should be seen.

She nearly falls, seeing the Other Kaylayne walk up to the square where Ederin might have been attacked from and begins to sprinkle dust.

What? What am I doing?

Kaylayne looks on in shock as her other self acts...with dust.

Stardust that square. 1/2 used.

Round 3, Init 13

Reflex Save v DC 13: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

Lief staggers from lightning, dropping his hand crossbow. As he moves through the doorway, he worries for Ederin, who seems to have been staggered hard enough to swing in the opposite direction. He studies the Red, and moves up to try and get rid of the potential lightning attack again.

+1 Rapier, Studied Strike: 1d20 + 7 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 7 + 3 = 18 for 1d6 + 1 + 2d6 ⇒ (5) + 1 + (1, 2) = 9 damage

Magic Circle v Evil- +2 AC/+2 Saves v Yellow Dot

Ederin drops his bow and swings, but fails to hit the target he aimed at. As if he were tilting at windmills. Dimitrio steps up and stabs one of the poor little lizards (I’ll assume green). He connects, though does not critical. Kaylayne dusts the square from which Ederin was last attacked, but alas, nothing appears. Lief steps up and attacks red, injuring it.

Aetheri, seeing the lighting flow through the doorway very nearly to herself, stays right where she is.

Suddenly out of the empty air a few feet away, another electric arc angrily strikes Ederin!
melee touch: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (15) + 16 = 31 2d8 ⇒ (8, 8) = 16

I've put a yellow dot on the map in the square where the lighting came from this time. Yes, it is the same square as last time.

The little lizards hiss with clear joy as Ederin falls. Their foe vanquished they look ready to depart, save for the others present. They attack!
Red Bite on Lief: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 4 + 2 = 20 (flank) 1d4 ⇒ 4
Blue Bite on Lief: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21 1d4 ⇒ 3
Green Bite on Dimitrio: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7 1d4 ⇒ 1

-Round 4-
Ederin - 25 (-49hp, bleeding)
Dimitrio - 24 (-16hp)
Kaylayne - 17
Lief - 13 (-23hp)
Good Guys - 8
Green - 8 (-7hp)
Red - 8 (-9hp)

Round 4, Init 13

Lief finally puts one and one together, with Kaerishiel's mentioning of a Will-O'-Wisp, and Ederin's attacks on something invisible, yet very deadly with its lightning strike. He remains painfully in the dark about the thing.

Knowledge(Dungeoneering): 1d20 + 9 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 9 + (3) = 16

He tries to strike down the Red, hoping to clear a way to pull Ederin's body free from further attacks from their invisible assailant. Swift Action- Quick Study Red

+1 Rapier: 1d20 + 7 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 7 + 3 = 23 for 1d6 + 1 + 2d6 ⇒ (2) + 1 + (5, 2) = 10 damage

"We need to retreat!! Ederin's down, and bleeding badly. I... I can smell him.. burning... I think..."

Lief moves over Ederin's dying form, and tries to defend it from Green.

Lief does indeed drop red from the board. Well, mostly anyway. :)

Round 4, Init 25

Stabilize: 1d20 - 7 + 2 ⇒ (10) - 7 + 2 = 5

There were only lizards from crying out loud!

The bard once more strikes with his blade.

"Layne! Where are you woman? We need help here!"

_______________
strike at green
rapier to hit, arcane strike: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19
damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Round 4, Init 17

Seeing the amount of shock power bandied about, Kaylayne casts, asking for protection. Resist Energy: Electricity.

Kaylayne shuffles closer on the wall, taking in the damage wrought (10' up) by the lizards and thing, hoping her magics hold up.

"I'm right here, Dimi. Like I always am. I don't know what that is, even if we could see it. Get them out of here, I'll hold them off. GO!"

Ederin bleeds a little, and his breathing is ragged. Dimitrio hits green but fails to drop it though it does seem to be struggling. Kaylayne protects herself and moves up to the group. Lief strikes down red where it stood. Poor little guy.

Aetheri, seeing Ederin fall, clasps her necklace, a lovely little pendant of brass and glass which shines like a light. She captures the light in her hand and blows it toward Ederin… and beyond. As the light travels, it spreads and becomes a glittering cascade - showering the area with dust.

In this dust, you see a faintly glowing ball of pale blue light bobbing gently in the air, the nebulous image of what might be a skull visible somewhere in its depths. It looks decidedly unhappy at being visible…
Will: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14 vs DC 15

Blinded and visible, the creature falls back, shaking it's, uh, head, and trying to clear it's sight.

The little lizards also pile onto Lief, hissing and spitting they whip their little tails around in the air for extra umph as they bite at his kneecaps!
Blue Bite on Lief: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20 1d4 ⇒ 4
Green Bite on Lief: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10 1d4 ⇒ 3

-Round 4-
Ederin - 25 (-50hp, bleeding)
Dimitrio - 24 (-16hp)
Kaylayne - 17
Lief - 13 (-27hp)
Good Guys - 8
Green - 8 (-16hp)
Red - 8 (-20hp, bleeding)

"You better hold the lizards off! I'm going for Ederin!"

The bard then lays his hand on Ederin and whispers a prayer to Desna.

"Get up Shorty!"

__________________
5' step to cast with incurring AoO
CLW: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Round 5, Init 17

"Lief! Get Ederin and go!" Kaylayne says, tossing a rock at green and moving to distract (provoking from green) both assailants, trusting in her magics to keep her safe.

1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20 to hit;
1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7 damage.

Green drops, but blue takes his shot on Kaylayne.
Blue Bite on Kaylayne: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15 1d4 ⇒ 3

Also, as Ederin goes at the top of the round, he needs to make a stabilization check and cannot act this round. No delaying past a bleed effect. :)

Round 5, Init 25

Stabilize: 1d20 - 8 + 2 ⇒ (3) - 8 + 2 = -3

Ederin is very near death when Dimitrio heals him, he wakes from the healing, though he can barely move from the pain.
"Oh good, you guys found it." he mutters with a groan.

Round 5, Init 13

Lief doesn't need to be told to retreat. With the last bite at his kneecap, he becomes unsteady in gait, so drops his rapier, and reaches for Ederin, pulling the man along the floor. Attempt at Dragging Ederin in prone position, and Withdraw out the front door, roughly 20'

Ederin bleeds a little more as his breath becomes dangerously shallow. Dimitrio heals him, reversing the flow. Kaylayne downs green and moves up. Lief drags Ederin out the door and onto the platform.

Aetheri, steps up to Ederin and pushes a tiny little strawberry into his mouth (no action on Ederin’s part - just chew).
Cure Moderate Wounds: 2d8 + 3 ⇒ (5, 5) + 3 = 13

The flying, visible, blinded skull scampers down the hall and out of sight.
Will: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25 vs DC 13

The small remaining lizard, sensing the withdrawal of the party, moves next to his prone mates, raises its tail high in the air, and hisses at you trying to push you faster out the door. It does not follow.

-Round 4-
Ederin - 25 (-29hp)
Dimitrio - 24 (-16hp)
Kaylayne - 17
Lief - 13 (-16hp)
Good Guys - 8
Green - 8 (-24hp, bleeding)
Red - 8 (-19hp, stable)

Please stay in initiative for now.

Round 6, Init 17

"F~@% your face, lizard! Momma Grizzly is here now!" Kaylayne says, ripping two stones at blue.

1d20 + 7 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 7 - 2 = 6 to hit; (rapid)
1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7 damage.

1d20 + 7 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 7 - 2 = 24 to hit; (rapid)
1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8 damage.

Round 6, Init 25

Ederin stands up and nods a thanks to Lief before taking in the scene. "I don't suppose you've seen everything you need to Aetheri?" He says with a wry grin. "Really good fruit by the way, thanks love."

He draws his silver dagger and waits at the edge, hoping Dimitrio and Kaylayne make it out okay.

Dimitrio steps up and strikes once more at blue. His rapier missing vital organs but hopefully enough to put down the large lizard...

_____________
rapier to hit, arcane strike: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23
damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7