GM Ancalima |
Fain was able to lead the others north through town, towards the river. From the river, they followed a cobblestone path up towards the Braeton manor. The manor was easily one of the biggest in town and and made of well cut stone, unlike most of the wooden structures in Illsurian. The lawn was well kept, as were the small flower gardens in front of the building. There could be no doubt that Arhaneem Braeton had either been successful in his businesses or fortunate in his inheritances.
All the curtains are drawn in the manor and the front door is slightly ajar.
Vard Pendengas |
Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Fain admired the manor. "Well, it's good that a man who's done well for himself was trying to help Mister Filton." He approached the door.
I'll knock on the door unless that perception check was important and someone says not to.
'Fain' Phainopepla Grassbottom |
perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Fain, lost in thought about the Garrison hedge and topiary, mindlessly followed Vard.
Vard Pendengas |
Vard knocked on the door, but the door just swung slowly back.
"A man that's done well for himself would also be a prime target for thieves." he muttered grimly, drawing his hammer. "Looks like we've found more trouble."
Pushing the door fully open, he peered into the silent house.
GM Ancalima |
The front door opened silently to a large, spacious and richly appointed foyer with high ceilings. North of the door sat a large planter where an indoor tree was bathed in light from the skylight above. A massive staircase gradually ascended to a second floor above. Two sets of double doors on the east and west wall lead father into the house. Another set of double doors stood behind the stairway. Leather padded chairs were inter-spaced throughout the room. A U-shaped landing overlooked the area from the upper floor. The whole area was quiet and dark other than the light from the skylight above.
Updated the map. You are entering into C1, but can see area C9 on the second floor above you.
Thrym Thyrsson |
Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7 Aren't we all observant today
"Aye... although I'd bet a gold coin against a copper penny that whatever trouble has happened here has already passed, leaving only more questions," Thrym growled, drawing his axe and using his shield hand to set his horned helm on his head. "Let's get this done," he said, stepping boldly through the door as if daring any lurking enemies to attack him.
Thrym will head in, going for the closest set of doors (the ones to the SW), listening first, then opening the door to peer in.
Jenni Skullsplitter |
Jenni was tempted to look around the outside of the building for tracks, but suspected that they should stay together. Drawing her weapon, she said, "Stay behind us, little folk, until we know if it is safe."
Seeing the large lobby and the stairs, the half-orc said, [b]"Shall we check upstairs first, or down?"
Alenka Farkasova |
perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Alenka noticed the door was slightly ajar when they approached the house and had a bad feeling about what that meant. But before she could say anything, Vard had gotten close enough and discovered what she had seen from a distance.
She drew her cleaver and stepped up beside Jenni. If they were going to fight then she wanted to be close to someone whose style she knew. "I say we clear the bottom first. If there is someone upstairs, we should probably be able to hear them walking as we search down here. If that happens, then we can go quickly to where the noise comes from. Granted it is late and the family may be in their beds so we might as well look around before giving the residents a heart attack."
'Fain' Phainopepla Grassbottom |
stealth: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27
"Stay behind us, little folk, until we know if it is safe."
Yes, Jenni and Thrym will need some cover, thought Fain as he slipped through the door and watched the second floor gallery to the west. Although he moved like he was doing a hammy impression of a thespian pretending to be a secret society assassin, he was remarkably quiet.
He will be as quiet as he can and provide cover for anyone ahead. He try to stay about 20' back and, if he has time, will lay down his staff and draw his halfling longbow. He is currently 'hidding' between what looks to be a chair and a potted plant on the floor planGM Ancalima |
The discussion of where to explore and what might be happening was suddenly interrupted. From behind the party, just outside the manor, a thuggish looking young man leapt out from the bushes and hurled a bag of powder into the doorway. As it hit the ground a flash of light burst outwards into the room.
DC 13 Fort Save from Alenka, Thrym, Vard and Luk Luk. Those who fail are blind for the next round.
"Now!" The man shouted, as the nearest double doors to the east and west blew open, revealing three more men. One of the men charged at Jenni with a shortsword, cutting a deep gash in her leg. 5 damage
Initiative time: Block 1 is Jenni, Fain, Luk Luk and Vard.
Attack: 1d20 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 1 + 3 = 18
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5
Alenka Farkasova |
Fort,DC13: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Suddenly, there was noise and a flash of light. Alenka had no time to protect her sight in the dim light. Immediately everything went dark and panic began to rise in her chest - she didn't like the dark, in fact, it terrified her. She cried out for her friend, "Jenni, I need light! It's so dark and things nastier than humans lurk in the dark." Alenka groped around, "I need help."
Vard Pendengas |
Fortitude: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
Vard staggered back from the blinding flash, but quickly steadied himself and gripped his hammer defensively. On hearing Alenka start to freak out, he tried to distract her.
"Gargh, got me too. Alenka, you know about these sort of tricks, right? How would you make this flashy dust and how long would it work for?
Jenni, if you could give these guys a good drubbing for us, I reckon we'd both appreciate it."
Using my Inspiring trait on Jenni:
Inspiring (QC 18) As a standard action, you can speak words of encouragement to grant a +1 morale bonus to an ally within 30ft who can hear you. The ally can use this bonus on any d20 roll of their choice before the start of your next turn. You cannot use this to grant a bonus to yourself or an ally who has benefited from this trait within the last 24 hours.
Blinded AC: 13 Touch: 9 FF: 13
Thrym Thyrsson |
Fort save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9 This seems to be a theme... oh well, you just go an' kill 'em all before Thrym starts swinging his axe blindly next round ;^)
'Fain' Phainopepla Grassbottom |
Does Braeton have a family? Children? Also, did Fain have time to switch to his bow? I will act this round like he has
It's no time for wall flowers Thrym could hear Fain's voice, warm and worried, as the halfling stepped forward fumbling for an arrow, "Oh rot and bother! There's two to the left and one to the right. Oh, Vard and Luk Luk, watch'er backsides. There may be more!" He was about to shoot whatever was coming out of the east door but looked over at Jenni at the last moment and accidentally released on the thug that just attacked her.
longbow - firing into melee: 1d20 + 5 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 5 - 4 = 16
damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5
Luk Luk Eaglefin |
Fort: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21
Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
"There is!" Luk Luk blinked and easily overcame a rather familiar problem with fireworks. Luk Luk will take a five foot step out the door and decided to dissuade the flanker. With a blast of flame.
Burning Hands: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Reflex Save is 14 for half damage. I am just posting future actions early in case the site goes down again.
Jenni Skullsplitter |
Everything happened very fast. There was noise, a flash, enemies, then pain and blood. And her friend, crying out in terror. That last thing pushed her over the edge, and she felt a deep rage boil up inside her. Heart pounding, blood racing, everything turned shades of red and black, and reason left her.
Snarling in bestial rage, Jenni tightened her grip on her sword with fingers that now sported long, sharpened claws. She savagely attacked the man before her, working on instinct rather than reason.
bloodrage,inspired, longsword: 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 1 + 2 = 10
damage: 2d6 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (1, 1) + 3 + 2 = 7
GM Ancalima |
I guess get this is quick before the site goes down again, lol...
Fain's arrow flew into the the man who struck Jenni. The man sneaking up from behind found himself faced with a wall of flame. He dove out of the way, but still caught his leg in the blaze. Jenni swung back at her attacker, but he swiftly ducked below the strike.
The thugs continued their assault. One swung back at Jenni, but the strike was wild and uncontrolled. The sneak limped angrily towards Luk Luk on his burnt leg. "You're gonna pay for that missy," he declared as he stuck his sword straight into her stomach. 6 damage. The remaining two thugs shot at the party with shortbows. One arrow flew straight over Jenni's head, but the other struck Fain in the shoulder. 3 damage.
Reflex: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Attack Jenni: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Attack Luk Luk: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6
Attack Jenni: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Attack Fain: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3
Everyone is up! Thrym and Alenka, you are still blind, since this is technically your first round actions. Vard, you are no longer blind, since this is your second round action. @Luk Luk: I had already rolled initiative and you were up, so you can post actions for this turn too.
Vard Pendengas |
Warhammer attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
Warhammer damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Vard blinked as his vision cleared, saw the thug pulling his sword from Luk-Luk, and swung his hammer into the rogue's chest in retaliation.
If that hits and knocks him down:
Quickly scanning the room, Vard nimbly darted between Thrym and Luk Luk to face down one of the archers. i.e. the one in C8
Jenni Skullsplitter |
bloodrage attack longsword: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 4 + 2 = 23
damage: 2d6 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (1, 5) + 3 + 2 = 11
Jenni's blood boiled and burned with rage as she was denied her vengeance. She struck again at her foe, with equal ferocity, and this time her aim was better.
Thrym Thyrsson |
Umm... Thrym wasn't hit, so he doesn't know the location of any foe. And I don't fancy taking that DC-20 Perception action to pinpoint someone. So time to buff, I think, and hope there's someone left alive for him to hit next time.
The world turned searing white and Thrym groaned in pain, raising his shield to protect his eyes... too little, far too late, but the move came as pure reflex.
"De kan vara handlarens egna vakter! Och vi behöver svarar! Död inte dem alla!"
With the sounds of his ancestors jeering insults at the craven enemies who attacked their living kin with spells rather than blades filling his ears, his eyes still seeing little but painful white - although he began noticing some dark shapes through the glare already, giving him hope the blindness was only passing - he dared not advance. He could not tell friend from foe, so best he turned to his spells instead.
"Brothers! Delta i! Skydda mig medan jag återhämtar!"
He could not see the ancestral spirits who stepped forth, but a brief reassuring touch on his shoulder hold him the call had been heard. Smiling, Thrym focused on trying to recover his vision, blinking away a stream of tears.
Shield of Faith, hunker behind shield, and wait for eyes to adjust...
'Fain' Phainopepla Grassbottom |
"FAYER AOYF DI FERDS EK! <the horse's tail's on fire> BRAETON'S GOT TWO CHILDREN!" There's no telling if they've done for them already!
bow: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5
Fain panicked to get a second arrow out and nocked. He started to draw the string back as the enemy arrow cut across his shoulder, spinning him around. He tried to get his balance but stumbled a bit to his left. Thinking he was still facing west, he released his arrow to the east at the thug in the billiard room C8 He heard himself utter, "Oh, sorry!"
Luk Luk Eaglefin |
"Dar mor o rhuush kaarthaar!" And was regretting not casting her other strong spell. She didn't have the room to act now so she popped her claws and struck.
Luk Luk makes a full attack action to attack with both claws at the one below her.
Attack: 1d20 ⇒ 9
Attack: 1d20 ⇒ 2
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1
GM Ancalima |
Busy Saturday ahead, so going to go ahead and post now, since I might not get another chance. @Alenka: Going to assume you use the mutagen, but feel free to tag the description onto your next post.
Luk Luk tried to lash out at her attacker, but her wounds impeded her effectiveness. However, Vard's hammer stuck true and the man flew back onto the ground. He did not get up. Jenni continued to lash out at her attacker, this time landing a heavy blow. He also collapsed to the ground, a puddle of blood rapidly forming around him. Fain's arrow also stuck it's target, but the man kept on standing, despite the arrow in his thigh.
Thrym and Alenka's vision began to clear, just in time to see a door opening on the second floor landing. Fierce looking and blood covered, out walked...Thrym? In passable impression of the Ulfen's voice, this 'Thrym' shouted, "Slaughter these idiots and get to a secure location. I've spared the children as Amara ordered..." Two men, who must have been hiding on the balcony rose to block the stairwell. 'Thrym' gave them a party an evil sneer, as his disguise fell away, revealing a middle aged, dark skinned male with black haired pulled back in a pony tail. He muttered something to the men on the balcony with a chuckle, before turning back to the door. Laying on thick with a tone of concern, he shouted back to the door, "Children! Don't worry! I'm going to save you!"
After shouting about sparing the children, what the man muttered was, "After all, there is nothing as compelling as a living witness..."
Once of the archer's closed in to attack Fain, while the two from the balcony hurled dagger's at him. He managed to dodge the first two attacks, but the last dagger cut into his side.3 damage. The other archer moved to block the stairwell, shooting at Jenni. 1 damage. The arrow grazed her arm.
Attack Fain: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12
Attack Jenni: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1
Attack Fain: 1d20 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 - 2 = 14
Attack Fain: 1d20 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 - 2 = 19
Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
...and now you now why the GM got very nervous when she heard suggestions like..."Why don't we have Fain and one other person talk to the river merchant while..."
Alenka Farkasova |
Alenka could still hear those around her which is the only thing that kept her from losing her mind. She began groping herself in the area she kept her mutagen and her fingers soon closed in around the vial she always kept ready. Pulling out the cork with her teeth, she quickly downed the liquid. Immediately her muscles began to grow in size making her much bulkier and appearing taller as the alchemical liquid began to change its maker.
Can she also attack this round?
Vard Pendengas |
Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
Warhammer Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
"He just wants the children alive to report that Thrym attacked them! We've got to catch him."
Vard ran up to the archer on the stairs and swung wildly at him, but missed.
Alenka Farkasova |
Alenka ran towards the goon on the stairs and chopped down with her cleaver like a butcher would through a side of beef.
attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
But I have a feeling she's hitting air :(
'Fain' Phainopepla Grassbottom |
Fain was unsteady as the thug from the billiards room rushed him. He went to leap to his right but felt the hot hot rush of blood from his side. A dagger with a bit of him on it clattered to the floor. He tried left but the rushing thug was already upon him. He ducked down, making himself quite small, then jumped back up again with his kukri, instead of an arrow, in hand. He slashed with his eyes half closed - almost like he was hoping the knife would aim itself.
fighting defensively this round, AC20, -4 attack
kukri: 1d20 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 2 - 4 = 10
Unconvincingly, "Watch out! Or ... or I'll have you! Greasy shanks!"
Luk Luk Eaglefin |
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
Luk Luk moved up and cast out a glob of acid at the thug in front of the stairs. "He's a doppleganger! Kids run!"
Touch Attack: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (8) - 1 = 7
damage: 1d3 ⇒ 2
Thrym Thyrsson |
Hmm... Thrym would really love to get up there to confront the skinwalker, but the stairs are awfully crowded and might not be the best of idea for him to be first in that room anyway... guess he'll just move south of the Fain's enemy (perhaps Fain can get himself some flanking with a 5' step, not that it'll likely make a difference this round with that roll... striking to stun, not to kill, since we do need people to question, not just corpses.
"Trollkarl!" the Ulfen shaman snarled, as his vision came back just in time to see a man wearing his face, taunting them from the second floor landing. The man's words were mere glibberish, but as he shed his disguise Thrym could forget his theory of these men being the merchant's own guards.
Ok... a question. Oracle's Ancestor mystery power Ancestral Weapon. The rules don't specify which type of action that is... if it's move or smaller, Thrym could summon a bow to pepper the enemies upstairs. If it's standard or longer, it's best to try and attack one of the enemies downstairs, likely the one Fain is playing with. What's your take on that?
'Fain' Phainopepla Grassbottom |
Would Fain be able to take a 5' step this round? He is able to draw a weapon and make a move as one move action. If so, and if Fain can see Thrym coming, he'll do a 5' step to the 12 o'clock position just north of the thug attacking him
Jenni Skullsplitter |
greatsword: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 4 + 2 = 24
damage: 2d6 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (4, 6) + 3 + 2 = 15
Her opponent down, Jenni turned to see more at the top of the stairs. With a roar of challenge, she barrelled up the stairs to meet them. Alenka knew enough to lean back out of her way, making a passage for the bloodrager to move through.
At the top, she lashed out at the archer on the left, her greatsword nearly cutting him in half.
Thrym Thyrsson |
On the other hand, my posting time for today is growing short and there's no reason to delay the round... please get back to me about that ability, for later use. Let's just get to (possible) flanking position with Fain and smack the enemy down here.
Battleaxe: 1d20 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (11) + 2 - 4 = 9
Battleaxe, damage, nonlethal: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
GM Ancalima |
Hammers, kukris, cleavers, axes and acid all flew at the thugs in a flurry of desperate assualts. Yet, the men were quick on their feet and seemed well prepared for the wrath of their targets. However, preparation was not enough for the closest archer on the stairs, as Jenni's bloodrage proved brutal. Her greatsword slashed straight into his stomach and he crumpled around it, his body leaving a streak of blood as it rolled down the stairs.
On the balcony, the man with the ponytail seemed to pay no heed to his fallen comrade. Instead, he disappeared back into the room he had previously entered from. The men from the upper floor rushed down the stairs, determined to block anyone from following. One slashed Vard across the stomach with his short sword, 5 damage, while the other swung his sword at Alenka, but looked shaken by her sudden transformation and couldn't land the strike.
Back on the lower level, the remaining thug had found himself surrounded and began fighting like a corned animal, stabbing Fain once more in the gut. 4 damage
Forgot to add this last round.
The man with the ponytail is Borvious Monchello. He runs Illsurian Shipping & Hauling, a cartage company in town. He is married to Robella Monchello, the owner of Mistress Robella's Curiosity Shop (she had a booth in the vendor section of the carnival).
Attack Vard: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Attack Alenka: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Attack Fain: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Vard Pendengas |
Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Vard grimaced from the sword slash, then retaliated, slamming his hammer into the thug who'd slashed him.
"Out of the way, blast you!"
Alenka Farkasova |
Alenka kept chopping at the thug in front of her without thought or regard. They had to deal with these men and make sure that the children were safe.
cleaver: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
'Fain' Phainopepla Grassbottom |
Not fighting defensively this round
kukri + flanking: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 + 2 = 15
damage: 1d3 ⇒ 1
knowledge local: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
"Why, that was Borvious Monchello! Bigun Borvious - runs Illsurian Shipping & Hauling. 'Is missus, Robella, runs the magical Curiosity Shop! She had a ... Fain felt the blade of the thug trace a long crooked line across his belly I can't die here - I haven't finished cutting the urn shaped topiary for the Garrison family He bit his lip, tasted the iron of his own blood, and lashed out with his knife against the thugs thigh.
Thrym Thyrsson |
Knowledge: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12
Thrym snarled as the foe managed to block his axe, yet tried again, keeping the enemy between him and the halfling so he'd have to turn his back to one of them to defend or attack the other. And as the man chose Fain - perhaps believing the smaller foe would be weaker and more easily dealt with - Thrym took the opportunity to take a half step back from the fray.
"Till mig! Vi måste besegra dobblegangerens hantlangare!" the shaman shouted, power in his voice, and the spirits answered. A spear-armed spirit stepped forth from the ranks, for a brief moment gaining a bit of solidity as the shaman's call invested him with power. In the chaos of the battle, someone looking at Thrym just at the right time might have seen a spectral form fade into visibility, for just long enough to smack Thrym's foe to the back of his knee with the half of his spear. A heartbeat latter the power faded, and so did the spirit, but the Ulfen warrior put the enemy's momentary loss of balance to good use and slammed the flat of his axe into the back of the enemy's head.
Battleaxe, nonlethal, flanking: 1d20 + 2 + 2 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 2 + 2 + 2 - 4 = 18 Let's use move action to invoke Sacred Council for another bonus... these fellows need to start going down
Battleaxe, damage, nonlethal: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
Jenni Skullsplitter |
I don't know if it matters, but last round I had intended Jenni to move to the top of the stairs to attack.
greatsword: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 2 = 14
Thrym Thyrsson |
There's two enemies at the bottom of the stairs this round... I guess the one who came down from up top got there first and blocked your move.
GM Ancalima |
So last round there was one guy low on the stairs (who had moved there from the side room). I assumed you moved in to strike at him, since he was the only person you had a straight line to. On the enemies turn, the others two moved down blocking the path up the stairs. Not sure if you were in range of the guys at the top of the stairs last round.
GM Ancalima |
Botting Luk Luk for now. @Jenni: I didn't get damage from you. I assume your min would knock the guy out after Vard hit him, but I'd like to know if he's dead or not, so pretty please add that to your next post.
Fain slashed at the man in front of him. It was a shallow cut, but enough of a distraction to allow Thrym and the spirits of his ancestors to knock him out from behind.
Vard and Alenka both fought and injured the men in front of them, but both held their ground, despite a volley of acid from Luk Luk staggering the one to the right. Jenni once more swung her giant sword and caused a thug to fall down the stairs in a puddle of blood. The remaining assailant tried to strike back at Alenka, but the severity of his wound prevented him from being effective.
Acid Splash: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Damage: 1d3 ⇒ 3
Attack Alenka: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15