GM Brunoreturns' Shattered Star (Inactive)

Game Master brunoreturns

Barkot moves through the darkness, approaching the prone form of the unconscious wererat. He sheaths his sword, and draws his silver mace.

"Nah, we ain't gonna give dese gals back deir weapons or gear. Ya wanna let dat one go? Dat's on you, I guess. I dunno why ya t'ink she's better'n da ones ya tied up an' left upstairs, but whaddever."

He stops for a moment, and with a quick prayer to Soralyon, stabilizes the unconscious Tower Girl. "Dere, dat udder one ain't gonna bleed out, anyways. Do whatcha want, but deir swords an' stuff stay here.". He kicks the mundane weapons and packs out of the way, so they will be harder for any of the humans to find in the dark.

Barkot raises the mace over Ayala's head. "Ya talk a lot 'bout growin' up on da streets, Cee, but I don' t'ink ya really did. Me, I been livin' on da streets of Unnerbridge - really livin' on da streets - fer years. A good day is when I scare up a couple a' coppers fer a night in a crowded flophouse, but mosta da time, I'm sleepin' in alleys or in a park, hidin' from da Hellknights."

The half-orc takes a breath, considering his target for a moment. "Oh, sure, I know ya wuz poor, but I betcha always had a roof over yer head, dincha? 'Cause if ya'd really lived on da street, ya'd know dat gangs like dese, dey ain' just poor kids tryin' ta get along by robbin' dose folks in da fancy houses like Da Heidmarch."

He smashes the mace into Ayala's skull.

Coup de grace: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (3, 3) + 4 = 10

Barkot repeats as needed.

Barkot wipes the gore from his weapon on Ayala's clothes, hangs it back on his belt, and picks up the bladed scarf and as many of the other weapons and loot as he can carry.

"Dey prey on da people around 'em, da poorer an' weaker da better. Ya send 'em back out, mebbe dis one robs yer ma next. Yer a good person, Cee, an’ I know ya wanna feel fer dese gals, but dey’d kill ya as soon as look atcha. Ya ain't dem, an ya wuz never gonna be."

Barkot walks out to join the others.

Celia cracks her remaining ‘sunrod’ As the light moves from the room. She cuts the first one loose and notices the other is drifting in and out of consciousness. When she calls Squint over she’s surprised by his reaction and double so with Barkot’s hostilities. of all people I thought he’d have the most sympathy for an underbridger.. Celia bends over and gently checks on the knocked out prisoner heal: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12 when the one she lets loose just runs she looks at Barkot and Squint, does that make you feel better!? You were right? What difference are we from them? Murderers robbers and Thugs! She turns away from their accusing faces, how can the wicked be redeemed when my own allies have such bloodlust?! Oh holy mother of beauty show me the path!

Does Squint want to stop Celia from cutting the bonds?

It takes what a round to draw a dagger and cut a rope? Celia wanted to talk to the girls alone.Therefore, I doubt Squint was anywhere near enough to stop her when she drew her knife cut her palm and cut the woman's bonds. I guess I'm trying to say...does everyone really want to role-play this in initiative rounds, and character placement? Can't we just hand wave it at this point, and say Celia released a prisoner without everyone's permission?...the rest of the party reacted negatively (either re-capturing the tower-girl, killing her, or let her go) and now Celia has to deal with the fall-out of releasing the prisoner; without conferring with her fellow party members? Seriously didn't mean for this to hang up our game this much guys Sorry :(

Sounds good to me...Paëral's more interested in what's behind the Thassilonian door...

”Please don’t untie them from their bonds until we’ve completed our exploration of this place, Celia.”

Squint remains in place on the back of Ulyi, staring straight at the fighter and the prisoner.

OK really don't know if Celia had a chance to cut the prisoner lose or not at this point...I guess a major retcon is in order...Because let's face it she wouldn't have had a chance to say much of anything ...if the another party member was just standing there and stopped her. So um kinda at a loss where we're at now..Perhaps the GM can just move us along a write some exposition about what he thinks went down? Cause I have no idea at this point.

Nobody has physically stopped you. Is several party members asking you to stop enough to stop you? You can cut the bonds at this point, if you desire. Squint is the only one who has stayed nearby.

Celia looks at Squint, but I’ve promised to let them go... Celia says pleadingly, I know the fought us but we did invade their base....they’re wounded and have surrendered, do you really think they’re that dangerous?

”Yes I think they’re dangerous! We can discuss what to do with them after we finish exploring. We’ve got a job to do, remember?”

"Didja promise ta let 'er go now, Cee? Or didja jest promise ta let 'er go?" Barkot calls back over his shoulder as he approaches the open doors, then stops suddenly on the threshold as a cold shiver runs up his back.

What da Hells?

Forgetting the argument behind him for the moment, Barkot scans the room revealed when the ancient doors open, relying on his darkvision where Reillana's light spell doesn't reach. He tries to remember if he has ever read anything about the Irespan or Varisia's Thassalonian ruins generally that might explain this disturbing feeling, calling on Soralyon's guidance for assistance.

Knowledge (local) is +8, Knowledge (planes) is +5 - if one of these is relevant, please add the appropriate modifier to the roll below.

Knowledge (something?), Guidance: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18

The magical barriers surrounding Ulyi and Squint dissipate Can't remember if I mentioned that. The party has spent enough time drawing and searching through crates for another hour to have passed.

"It appears to be more than just a vault--the tunnel goes down and the chambers below may be extensive," Reillana remarks over her shoulder as Barkot comes into the chamber. She catches the end of his answer to Celia.

"Wait, what? Who is letting who go?"

Celia looks pained as he glances pass back and forth between her friends and the Tower-girl from her own neighborhood. Finally she shrugs her shoulders and says to the tower-girl. I promise I'll do what I can to have them show you mercy if you show remorse for your crimes. I'm sorry we broke into your house ...but, your leader gave us good cause. I've gotta go now...my friends need me and I trust them. Stay here and don't try to free yourself ...if you can do that...you'll go a long way to earning our trust.

With that last statement, Celia turns to Squint and says, What do you want me to do next?

"I think we should join the others and find out what's on the other side of that magic door," the halfling suggests.

While he awaits Celia, Squint pulls out his wand and taps Ulyi with it, renewing the eidolon's arcane armour. Satisfied at his efforts, Squint then etches eldritch runes about himself to enact the same spell from his magical abilities, exhausting his powers for the day.

Draw and use wand of mage armor (now 7 charges left) on Ulyi. Squint casts last 1st level spell of the day - mage armor on himself.

Squint turns from the restrained Tower Girl alongside Celia and walks slowly towards the opened portal.

"Ummm, guys?" Barkot is still standing, unmoving, at the threshold of the room behind the ancient double doors. He looks like a man caught between two traps, one of which will be triggered regardless of which direction he steps. "Dere's somet'in' weird 'bout dis room. It's like da second ya get ta da doorway, yer outside a' Magnimar. " He pauses for a moment, then babbles anxiously, "I ain't left da City in years. Only ever done it a coupl'a times. Didn' like it, although once I hadda go ta Riddleport ta get somet'in', an' I wuz OK once I got dere an got used ta da place. But even den, it wuzn't da same."

A Magic portal...wow! I've head of them in stories...but...I've never thought I'd see one. Celia is clearly astonished as she approaches (within 10'). My Ba, always said the ancients most likely had such gifts...but I scarcely believed him! Celia turns to the others...and says excitedly, Where do you think it leads? She then studies the ring for an Thassilonian script (which she's learned since she was little) and examines the object from a historical perspective. knowledge History: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

I must have missed something - what ring?

Barkot shrugs, still not moving through the doorway. "I dunno if it's magic or not - mebbe we're jes' gettin' far enough out over da water dat it's like we're leavin' da City? Dat don' soun' right, dough. If dat wuz all it is, it'd feel different - like da connection'd drop away slow, not alla da sudden like dis. Dammit!"

Barkot takes a deep breath. "Reillana, you sure dis is da best way ta go ta fin' da next piece a' da Dingus?"

He twists the Bladed Scarf in his hands in indecision.

If it's anything like a Bladed Belt, Barkot would like to use the scarf for now. He'll need to ask Reillana or Squint to identify its properties for him, though.never mind - just realized it counts as an exotic weapon. He'll stash it in his pack for now.

Reillana's mask doesn't give away her expression as she watches Squint and Celia approach, but she turns back to Barkot without commenting or asking what transpired.

"The Shard of Pride seems to indicate that one of its fellows is here in the Crow, but it isn't more specific than that. For now, this seems to be the most reasonable path forward."

She tilts her dead thoughtfully over Barkot's and Celia's musings about a portal. "I suppose it's possible, but I would be surprised to learn that such powerful magic hadn't been sussed out by now. Then again, apparently the city has held at least two fragments of a potent artifact for some time now. We'll need more research to get to the bottom of it all, no doubt. Onward and downward?"

Barkot nods, and takes a deep breath.

Yer bein' stupid. It's jest a room. Now git goin', git da nex' piece a' da Dingus, an' git it back ta da Heidmarch 'fore somet'in' else goes wrong, dammit!

The big half-orc takes a tentative step into the room. He groans involuntarily, then stops to rub at his face.

"Got somet'in' in my eye. Jest a sec."

Barkot shakes his head once, then straightens up and squares his shoulders. He shoves the bladed scarf into his pack, checks the straps on his buckler, then loads his crossbow and holds it ready, aimed at the passageway leading north.

"Somebody else wanna git some notes or a sketch a' dese murals before we go furder? My hands are full. Udderwise, let’s git goin’."

Moving to Slide 6

Heading down the stairs, the passage eventually levels out. Carefully stepping toward the entrance to the next room, Paeral sees a balcony, with decorative staircases sweeping along the walls to a room with a scum-covered pool 20 ft below.

The ceiling of this room rises another 40ft above the balcony to a dome. The floors and walls are covered with dark streaks of guano, and the stench of ammonia is strong. A few dead bats can be seen floating in the pool, but there is currently no sign of the bats.

Passages head east and west from this room.

The passage heading to the south-east (upper right) is under the balcony. You currently can't see that)

Since there is a possible need to keep multiple map slides up, I decided that I will keep the active slide on the top of the stack to make it more easily visible. So, we are on Slide 1 :)

Celia joins the rest group as Paëral scouts ahead.

"A moment, I want to know what killed those bats. Might mean nothing, but it might give us a clue about what lurks ahead." The masked elf carefully edges closer to the pool--she didn't think anything dangerous lurked inside, because the bat corpses weren't eaten, but it didn't hurt to be cautious.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

Assuming nothing jumps out to grab her...
Reaching the edge of the pool, she gently fishes out one of the bats and examines it for wounds or signs of sickness, careful not to touch it directly.

As Reillana approaches the pool, three blobs separate from the scum covering the surface of the pool and begin moving toward her.

Getting slammed at work. I'll roll initiative and update the map in a few hours

Knowledge (Dungeoneering): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20

Swearing violently in Elven, Reillana jerks away from the pool, rapidly explaining everything she knows about giant amoebas as she goes.

Round 1
BOLD may act

Barkot
Paeral
Squint/Ulyi
Red
Blue
Reillana -2
Celia
Green

EDIT: Oops, I rolled Perception instead of Initiative, but the only change would be to flip Reillana and Celia, so I'll leave it as is.

"Ah, Hells, dat's disgustin'!"

Barkot makes a face and pulls out his wand of bless, and calls for Soralyon's blessing on the party.

Ulyi races down the stairs and past Reillana, reaching at the blob nearest the edge of the water (green) with its beak.

Melee Attack vs Green Blob, Bless: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 4 + 1 = 221d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Squint reacts out of surprise as Ulyi moves underneath him.

"Whoa-ohhhhhh!"

Ride Check: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

Squint manages to control his lance as Ulyi whips past Reillana, propelling its tip forward at the lead (green) blob.

Melee Attack, Silver Weapon, Bless: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 141d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Ulyi and Squint have little difficulty striking the blob.

Paeral, watching the room from the balcony, fires an arrow at the same blob.
Paeral: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 6 + 1 + 1 = 18
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

1=Reillana,2=Squint,3=Ulyi
2d3 ⇒ (3, 1) = 4

The ameobas surge forward, lashing out. Squint and Ulyi get an AoO vs. Blue

One strikes Reillana, causing her skin to blister. The appendage sticks to her.

Red(vs. Ulyi): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18 Current AC is 20, correct?
Blue(vs. Reillana): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
Damage+Acid: 1d3 + 3 + 1d3 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 3 + (2) + 2 = 10
Grab: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16 I don't see your CMD listed, but I assume that beats it (flat-footed)

Round 1
BOLD may act

Barkot
Paeral
Squint/Ulyi AoOs vs. Blue
Red
Blue
Reillana -12
Celia
Green -16

Little f$#@ers hit like a train...

Break Grapple: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18 I hope that's enough...

Frantically pulling away from the sticky little pseudopod, the elf ducks behind Ulyi and shouts out warning about the creatures between pants.

"...and their touch stings like a bastard!" she finishes.
Could someone move my token behind Squint/Ulyi please?

[dice=Break Grapple]1d20+1 I hope that's enough...

It is

Celia manages to get to the first few steps of the stairs while putting away her longsword...her sunrod still held in her other hand. Wonder if arrows will do anything to these creatures?

I am giving Reillana back 2hp. In retrospect, I think I calculated the acid damage improperly

Reillana breaks free and scoots out of range, while Celia attempts to engage.

The green ameoba, sensing another creature coming near, heads away from the creatures that damaged it. Sending its appendage out, it misses badly, leaving a puddle of bubbling slime on the steps at Celia's feet.

If Squint and Ulyi think that they really would have held their attacks against Blue, they can take an AoO against Green with Cover

Slam: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

Round 2
BOLD may act

Barkot
Paeral
Squint/Ulyi AoOs vs. Blue
Red
Blue
Reillana -10
Celia
Green -16

Barkot hurries to the balcony railing next to Paëral, steadies his crossbow, and fires at the blue blob.

Light crossbow, Bless: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 3 + 1 = 121d8 ⇒ 6

Oh, Hells, dat spellsingin' elf is burnt bad!

"Reillana! Get outta dere an' getcherself healed, gal!"

Ulyi takes an opportune chomp at the blob (blue) that comes into view. It bites down hard as it attacks.

AoO vs Blue, Power Attack: 1d20 + 4 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (20) + 4 + 1 - 1 = 241d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8 Critical THREAT!
Critical Confirm: 1d20 + 4 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 1 - 1 = 121d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

You didn't use Power Attack during your action, so it doesn't apply for the AoO. Also, not sure how you got to +3. Your power attack is +4 (+2 Str, +2 PA), right?

Is Squint taking an AoO? Blue is still standing after Ulyi's attack.

Right. Take Power Attack off. That’s a 13 to confirm the critical for Ulyi.

Squint takes a further stab at the blob that Ulyi just bit.

Melee AoO vs Blue blob: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 191d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

The combined attacks of Squint and Ulyi pummel the blue ameoba, but Barkot's bolt flies off target, fearful of hitting Squint during the Melee.

Round 2
BOLD may act

Barkot
Paeral
Squint/Ulyi
Red
Blue -12
Reillana -10
Celia
Green -16

Paëral fires at the green blob...

Longbow: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 1 + 1 = 16
Damage: 1d8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 + 1 = 10

I think you are using the wrong character's rolls again, but the extra +1 is irrelevant.

With a POP, The green ameoba bursts apart, splattering Celia with bits of ooze that smoke on her armor as they drip off.

Squint up

Ulyi steps backward to avoid the blobs and to allow Squint to use his weapon effectively. It bites and slashes at the same blob with its sharp claws with viciousness.

Five foot step and then full attack.

Melee Attack (Bite), Bless, Power Attack vs Blue: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 231d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
Melee Attack (Claw #1), Bless, Power Attack vs Blue: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 201d4 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Melee Attack (Claw #2), Bless, Power Attack vs Blue: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 161d4 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Ride Check: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

Shifting in his saddle, Squint chooses to focus his attack on the newcomer (red) blob. He thrusts his silver lance with skewering intent.

Melee Attack, Bless, Silver Weapon vs Red: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 251d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 Critical THREAT!
Critical Confirm: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 62d6 + 2 ⇒ (4, 1) + 2 = 7

@Squint, if he steps away before attacking, he can't reach with his claws. :) I'll continue being nice and allow him to attack before moving. I know it is hard to track multiple characters.

Case in point, I forgot oozes were immune to criticals, so I have to give blue back 4 hp from Ulyi's crit last round

With the first claw attack, Ulyi destroys the blue ameoba, redirecting the second claw at the red one. Squint follows up with a lance strike.

The ameoba slides forward, following the retreating lance and lashes out at Squint, but is unable to make contact.

Slam: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

rsu: 1d3 ⇒ 2

Round 2
BOLD may act

Barkot
Paeral
Squint/Ulyi
Red -11
Reillana -10
Celia

Stepping away from the ooze, Reillana activates her wand, feeling a soothing warmth as the magic repairs bruised and acid-burnt flesh.

CLW Wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Sorrry about that. Thanks, GM.

Round 2
BOLD may act

Barkot
Paeral
Squint/Ulyi
Red -11
Reillana -3
Celia

You're right GM, brain fart...

Paëral moves 15' south and fires at the red blob...

Longbow: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 6 + 1 + 1 = 23
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Hope everyone had a good holiday weekend, if you celebrate Passover and/or Easter, and a good weekend ending with heavy store discounts on candy and crackers if not!

Barkot waits to allow Paëral to fire one more arrow (edit: Ninja'd by the rogue!) before drawing his silver mace and running down the stairs to attack the last overgrown amoeba.

GM - is attacking from the stairs enough to get the +1 bonus for attacking from higher ground? If not, please deduct the +1 applied below.

Silver light mace, bless, high ground?: 1d20 + 3 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 3 + 1 + 1 = 231d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5