GM Dak - RotRL AE (Group 2) (Inactive)

Game Master Dakcenturi

Does Chavana recognize the unholy symbol?

Knowledge: Religion: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

Chavana takes the bundle gingerly, as if she's not sure she really wants to carry everything, placing it safely in her backpack.

"Truly, what kind of place is this?"

Stowing his falchion with his pole-arm back to hand and looking around the room, the Bear says, "The kind of place that would allow goblins and other evil-doers access to the city through underground shrines and passageways. We should make sure there is no more danger lurking then report what we've found. The glassworks was bad enough, but these tunnels are a danger to the town for as long as they remain open."

"Mother of Monsters..." Chavana mutters. Steeling herself as she shoves the holy symbol into her backpack.

"This place... creates monsters. It's likely some sort of holy area for followers of the Mother of Monsters. We need to find a way to turn its magics off."

A short prayer is muttered under her breath Cast Detect Magic

Chavana moves back up to the top of the stairs, and begins scanning the room and the pools for any magical auras, taking time to concentrate on them and recasting detect magic as needed.

spellcraft: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Sounds like we've got plenty to tell that Sheriff when he gets back in town. This little town has a whole evil shrine under it! It's been bricked up, then torn down. Wonder how old this place is? As if to answer his own curiosity, the dwarf examines the walls and other stonework for a sense of its age.

Perception for Stonework 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18

After the room is searched and those two 5' cubical behind doors off this room, Gelgish gives the shrine one last disgusted look. Let's move on. There's a hallway back where that angry woman statue was, let's try that. Assuming no objections, he moves back up the passageways to the statue.

"Should we not, I don't know, destroy this evil shrine? Will not such a place just attract more evil to itself if left intact? Chavana can you not cleanse this place of its evil taint? And I do not feel comfortable leaving that...water?...where anything could stumble upon it and call out those monsters."

"I'm not sure I can Darpan. I could certainly use a great deal of holy water, but I'm not sure that would cleanse the place. I'd also need a good deal of powdered silver to make that happne, which I don't happen to have at the moment."

She thinks for a moment, and looks around for some sort of activation rod or something.

"Maybe the little thing's prayers to the mother of monsters activated the thing. Maybe the little pools will go dormant by themselves. Maybe there's a drain in the pools."

She looks disgusted at the thought

"But that would mean that we'd have to step in that... stuff. I would be glad to search for something of that nature, as, if it is poisoned, I am hopeful I could overcome the poisons within."

Blah thought I submitted a post on Friday... apparently not.

After staring a great deal around the room, Chavana sighs.

"The center pool is the problem. I'm not sure how to get rid of it, short of destroying it, which could spread its foul magic elsewhere, or consecrating it, which, given it's strength is beyond me. "

Looking for ideas, because cutting up a stone pool is probably going to take some time.

Gelgish waited at the exit to the room as Chavana and Darpan discussed sanctifying the room. After a bit he said. Sounds like we all want to clean up this place but don't have the tools to do it. So let's just leave it for now and come back when we can fix it.

Consecrating this place is a good call, but we don't have the ability at 2nd Level. We can address it later

As the group left the room, Gelgish glanced at the walls and ceiling. Really old stonework here. I'm mean REAL old, even by dwarven standards. This place was here before the great-granddaddy of that town's first inhabitant was a twinkle in his pappy's eye.

Ok, I guess we cannot deal with the pool at this time so lets carry on...to bad, I do not like leaving things like that behind...then tend to bite you in the butt later on!

Where do you think the half-elf went? At this point, what are we supposed to do?

Honestly, I think we've lost the half-elf, but we have some work to do in the town and some preparations to make if we're going to be ready, because they will be back.

We won't find him standin' here. Let's finish looking around this place. I figure the half-elf got away, but your sheriff will want to know this is down here. Maybe we'll pick up a clue or two while we look.

Everybody good to resume exploration going eastward from the statue room?

Ready to go!

Chavana nods.

"Agreed. Let's get moving.

The Bear nods in agreement.

You head back to the room with the statue. Taking the last path remaining you start to climb the stairway. Eventually you reach a closed door at the top.

"Gelgy, would you be a dear and make sure that the door won't explode on us? After that, I would ask whether or not we should knock. Mr. Bear, how would you like to proceed?"

Chavana, relieved for it to be a door, but not quite relieved about the puddle of vile darkness in the other room, is putting on a brave face, obviously upset about the entirety of the situation.

The Bear readies his polearm to strike past the dwarf into the door if anything goes awry.

Darpan stands back, his bow set aside in these tight quarters, and his ax in hand.

Gelgish grunted and nodded to Chavana's request to check the door. In truth he was already eyeing it, just part of a ritual he did of checking everything that came in close range. You never know when something could try to surprise you. In that vein he assesses the door and the rest of the area, then steps back to wait for The Bear to open it as he saw fit.

Perception Check 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22 Add +2 if Stonework

Ulrich will open the door if signaled too, keeping his polearm at ready.

Gelgish checks the door and not finding anything steps aside for Ulrich to open the door. As he opens the door a creature that looks lik a blackened, bat-winged fiend's head with tentacles that dangle from chin and scalp, and its fanged mouth hanging agape, flies down at him to attack.

Know. Planes to ID

Round 1
>Gelgish, ???, Chavana, Ulrich, Darpan

Having no idea what the creature could possibly be, Gelgish instead relied on instinct and the creature's obvious intent to decide his action. Spinning counter-clockwise, the long chain of his dorn-durger unwound and then pulled taut as it streaked over The Bear's head to come crashing down on the creature.

Move action in position right behind Ulrich, if needed. Then standard action to attack

Attack vs. flatfooted AC 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

Damage, plus sneak attack if hits 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8+1d6 ⇒ 3

"What kind of fiend's playground is this?!

Chavana steps to Ulrich, casting a blessing of Milani onto the great warrior.

Casting Shield of Faith on Ulrich.

Map update?

Gelgish looses his weapon and it smacks into the creature doing significant damage. It adjusts itself after the injury and opens it's mouth letting out a horrible shriek.

Rounds: 2d4 ⇒ (2, 2) = 4
Everyone Fort save (DC12)or paralyzed for 4 rounds.
Map is also updated.

Fort save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

As the creature shrieks, Darpan feels his limbs suddenly freeze. The sound echoes through his head, keeping him rooted to the spot, unable to move.

Fort Save (add +2 to result if this is a spell or spell-like effect) 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Looks like it doesn't matter.

Fortitude: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

Chavana will also try to identify the creature.

knowledge: The Planes: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

What manner of fiend are you?!

fort: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

As the screeching creature closes too close for the polearm, Ulrich drops the weapon draws his falchion and swings, however he cannot hit the swift creature.

Falcion w/CE: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Damage: 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (2, 1) + 4 = 7

GM: It appears I took two actions this round, one to cast Shield of Faith on Ulrich, and another for the identification. I can do those over two rounds as necessary.

I didn't think simply trying to ID a creature you see would take anything more than a free action. You either know it to some extent or another or you don't, not really much of an action.

Correct the ID is a free action unless you are referencing a book or the like, or at least that is how I play it. :)

Chavana bolsters Ulrich's defenses with her divine power while trying to figure out what the creature is.

Ulrich swaps out his weapons and takes a swing at the flying creature but has no luck. Darpan and Gelgish freeze, obviously under some effect from the creatures scream.

With less opponents to deal with it happily resumes its assualy on Ulrich.

Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1

Even with the added protection Chavana provided it still manages to get through and bite into Ulrich, leaving only a minor injury.

Need a fort save

Round 2
Gelgish(3), ???, >Chavana, Ulrich, Darpan(2)

Chavana is fairly stuck, so she grabs Gelgish to push him behind her as he is frozen with fear.

CMB roll?

CMB: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

"Gelgy, Get back!" She shouts as she tries to push the dwarf behind her.

The heavy metal ball end of Gelgish's dorn-durger struck the creature hard, and the dwarf smiled with satisfaction, sure the killing blow had been struck. He was sorely disappointed. Stunned the beast was even still moving, the fiend's shrieking wail ran through Gelgish's soul like ice water. Eyes wide, his body quivered in place as he stood transfixed in horror.

Gelgish will cooperate as much as possible with Chavana's attempts to push him aside...though I'm not sure he can do much

You can get him out of the way but it would be a move action.

Fort: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

The Bear swings again at the creature, ignoring the tiny wound it inflicted. It is odd seeing him fight without the berserk, controlled, laughter that you have grown used to. The Bear seems less of himself without the rage that the laughter seems to keep in control.

Falcion w/CE: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
Damage: 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (2, 4) + 4 = 10

Saving my last round as the exhaustion after would not work well as the only fighter type standing.

Happily take the move action to back up Ulrich. Unfortunately, having her morningstar out is quite the disadvantage. She just wants to force an extra attack of opportunity if the thing tries to fly past.

Chavana moves Gelgish out of the way and steps up behind Ulrich while he continues to battle the creature his swing going wide. The creature takes the chance to press the attack again.

Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
Crit: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Damage: 2d4 ⇒ (4, 1) = 5

Fort save again. (My dice are hot now for some reason...)

Round 3
Gelgish(2), ???, >Chavana, Ulrich, Darpan(1)

Chavana will attempt to move across the creature using acrobatics, falling behind Ulrich again if she fails.

Acrobatics: 1d20 ⇒ 17

IF successful, she'll make an attempt to swing her morningstar at it.
Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Fort: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

The bear appears to be keeping his calm, carefully swinging his blade with less than his usual fervor. His frustration is showing and it is clear that the rage within him may be boiling over.

Falchion w/CE: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Damage: 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (3, 2) + 4 = 9

Chavana manages to get past Ulrich and the creature, though her strike is not effective. Ulrich swings again, much to the same effect. Darpan seems to finally be coming back to his senses while Gelgish isn't quite there yet.

The creature continues it's assualt on Ulrich having done well so far.

Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 4

This time not managing to connect.

Round 4
Gelgish(1), ???, >Chavana, Ulrich, Darpan

Still Paralyzed, Rnd 2

What is the pool? IF it doesn't look too dangerous, she'd move there to be in flanking position, otherwise, she'll stand where she is now.

Chavana yells to the creature, "Fiend, you too shall be thwarted!"

Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Shaking off the paralysis, Darpan brings up his bow and fires 2 arrows down the hallway towards the flying beast

Attack-Ranged: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Attack-Ranged: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

@Darpan: Unless you have a way to break paralysis, you still have 3 rounds of it left, not counting this round

Chavana manages to get past Ulrich and the creature, though her strike is not effective. Ulrich swings again, much to the same effect. Darpan seems to finally be coming back to his senses while Gelgish isn't quite there yet.

Round 4
Gelgish(1), ???, >Chavana, Ulrich, Darpan

Ok, it seemed the DM told me I was no longer paralysed.....is this not what the above was referring to?? If not, then I am still a Darpan popsicle lol

Discussion thread for Group 2

Vorren Here: So, as far as I've gotten, Vorren grew up in Sandpoint as a towns guard.

Darpan is a visitor from far away. He is searching for someone who can tell him about a distinctive weave of cloth.

Hello all - happy to be here. From a quick look at everyone's profiles, it looks like we have a generally experienced group of PbP players - and for any who are new to it, welcome!

What we don't have is any arcane casters... But we've got some pretty serious melee and ranged chops, and should have a decent skill array.

As should be clear from his background, Nicat is a joker and a risk-taker, who hasn't learned to take anything seriously. He grew up in Sandpoint and has spent a little time travelling with a caravan, and now has a thirst to see the world. If Vorren was a town guard, there's a very good chance he'd know Nicat, who has run into a fair bit of trouble with the sheriff, though generally of the harmless mischief variety rather than anything criminal. And reading Voren's background, we've both got an interest in goblins, so we could even be friends, if the somewhat tortured Voren would tolerate Nicat's happy-go-extra-lucky ways.

Looking forward to gaming with you all.

Wow, lots of raw power, no magic. Should be like a Conan campaign.

Ulrich will be wandering on his own and looking forward to meeting you all...

Hehe yeah Voren probably would have known Nicat for goblin interests and being from town.

Wow, lots of raw power, no magic. Should be like a Conan campaign.

Nicat can't exactly claim raw power either, but he's happy to help however he can. Was thinking of maybe going Knife Master with him, but it seems that more damage capability isn't what we need, so I'll probably go straight rogue (or maybe Scout...) and keep Trapfinding.

@GM Dak - I have a question that will play a critical role in the campaign: Can I use Dex for Nicat's Perform (Juggling) bonus, rather than Cha?

Greetings all, it appears I am late to the party. Perhaps Darpan could have met Chavana when she was traveling from Windsong Abbey?

I am glad to see a joker, although Chavana is more serious (outwardly). Having spent some time in prison over an insult made Chavana a little less humorous. She still enjoys the typical Varisian fun (although she's a horrible dancer!).

Glad to be a part of this, and GM Dak: Good luck with FOUR parties!

White Crow, checking in.

White Crow is wild elf, native to the forests, and a talented tracker. As a part of his travels, he has so frequently run afoul of goblins, that he has become a specialist in hunting and tracking them. He came to the area after noticing that large numbers of them seemed to be congregating near here. He's stopped into Sandpoint for supplies and information.

Mechanically? I was picturing a Native American type (well, stereotype really), with tomahawks as paired weapons as well as thrown. This is a really less than an optimal build, but appealed to me for flavour. However, I can always transition him to a more traditional build, like range or switch hitter, if the power is needed.

Darpan is build for ranged combat first, then melee. He would most likely have travelled to the monastery, as he would feel more comfortable in somewhat familiar surroundings. And having a "native" guide would also be helpful, so he and Chavana are probably travelling together. (too bad you did not have Vudrani as a language...then it would give even more reason to have joined together)

Sorry for no Vudrani language, Darpan.

Given that White Crow is a ranger, and would likely be found OUT of town, it's possible we could all three meet that way. Perhaps White Crow is heading to Sandpoint to resupply?

I'm still trying to think how we would meet Voren, Nicat, and Ulrich. Any thoughts?

Hmmm...well it sounds like maybe Ulrich and Nicat might have met in a caravan while travelling and would have a connection there...Voren might be friends with Crow, maybe being the only member on the militia that Crow felt comfortable with, and acted as an go between for the Hunter and the town....just a thought..

If you travelled here with a Varasian caravan, as many do, then you could have met Ulrich during his last stint as a guard for his Sczarni family.

Very true, as Darpan did join a caravan up from Magnimar to Sandpointe. It is very likely he met Ulrich...and maybe from him was told about the Abbey, where he met Chavana. And while travelling to the Abbey, was escorted by Crow...that would account for Darpan knowing most of the party.....and through him, getting to know each other.

GM Dak: any chance in linking this to a Campaign thread so we can dot it and keep track of updates?

I like Darpan's idea, it makes a lot of sense.

Sounds good.

Sweet, now we just need to get the two groups to meet up.

If I recall the game I was not chosen for, there is some sort of festival dedicating a new temple of multiple Golarion deities to start the campaign, perhaps we all meet there? Another option is that someone gets themselves into trobule... and we all meet through said trouble?

No posts since I was able to this morning? Are we all just waiting on the gameplay thread?

I think we might be....not too sure though...

I've been trying to post, but am on a tiny island in the western pacific for work, and the internet has been iffy at best.

This has already been said to some degree, but it seems like many of us have some connection to a caravan coming to Sandpoint - Nicat, Ulrich, and Darpan for sure, possibly Chavana as well. So that's four of us who are at least acquaintances, and Nicat knows Voren too. Maybe White Crow met up with the caravan as he travelled to Sandpoint, even if just for a little while?

So five of us come to Sandpoint together, where Nicat can introduce the rest to Voren, who he has know for years, and suggest they all go to the Swallowtail Festival? (Disclaimer - Nicat has played the very beginning of this AP, getting just past the festival.)

Also - Ulrich - how do you pronounce your name, with a 'k' sound at the end, or a 'ch' sound?

Yeah I think we are just waiting. I think the plan is to officially start on the 22nd

Chavana would be happy to go to the swallowtail festival. She also intends to go to the temple dedication, but wherever we can all be at the same time when whatever hooks in works for me. I've not played the AP, I've just heard of the basics of how it starts.

@All

Thanks for posting and getting to know one another. I am still finishing up some prep (wife took me on a little mini-vacation this weekend that ate into prep time). I am hoping to finish up by Wed at which point I'll post the link to Roll20 and open up the campaign thread.

Thanks for your patience can't wait to get started!

Glad to know you got to have some fun this weekend. Looking forward to Wednesday.

Ok, gaemplay and campaign threads are now both open above. Please take a look at the campaign thread to see important information. Also note I haven't put up the link for Roll20 yet as I am putting on some finishing touches today I'll make sure to post here and put in the link up at the top of the page when it is ready.

I'm feeling a bit overextended right now on how many games I'm involved in. I think that rather than start and potentially have to bow out later, I should do so before I enter int I the game and the storyline. Best of luck all. GM Dak, hopefully you still have a few alternates looking at getting in.

Sad to see, White Crow. I thought the character was going to be solid and fun for the group. Best of luck and good gaming!

I was looking forward to your take of the elven 'native american' ranger. It would have been a fantastic character to interact with, but I understand that you do not wish to spread yourself too thin! Best of luck on your other games.

Thanks for the heads up. I do have at least one alternate if you guys want me to bring him in. You should also be fine at just 5, but let me know either way.

Sorry to hear we'll be losing you, White Crow.

I think sticking with 5 might be good - we've got decent melee and ranged options, a bit of divine casting - we still don't have any arcane, though.

I'd prefer to keep the group smaller, but am open to pulling in another if the rest of the party wants to - and especially if we get an arcane caster.

Also - a nice RP start, y'all! Looking forward to this.

ROLL20 LINK It is also located at the top of the page.

Forgot to note, once you've had a chance to login to the Roll20 page, let me know your name on Roll20 so I can associate you with the correct character so you can move them around. I'll also be adding at least their HP and AC for me to keep track in battles easier :)

sent it to you on chat , but I will post here as well...Daniel S. is Darpan

I IM'd and I am Darkmeer here and on Roll20.

I am Khelreddin on Roll20, just like my primary account name here.

I'm Ben P.

ID is Crellan

actually found out how to change my name...so it is now Darpan

Thanks all.

Also a note to all, I've been subpoenaed for jury duty. We are still going through jury selection but I haven't been dismissed yet. Usually I can post several times a day but this is going to limit it to once or twice a day, maybe a couple extra if I can sneak it in on breaks.

Civic duty good sir. Take care and may the cases be simple. I've never been summoned for Jury Duty.

Note to all:

Chavana has been pushing her personality volume upwards for the festival. She's getting socially exhausted, so holding onto Ulrich and Darpan is as much for the companionship as it is to keep her standing.

Chavana hasn't said she spent some time in a Korvosan Dungeon, guarding that fact about herself. It's a depressing place, and she was very likely beaten every day she was super bright, so she's trying to remember how to be herself again.

So, with that being said, she can still "be a Varisian," as much as the next, she's also easy to exhaust socially right now... she's only been out for about 6 months or so.

Good news, was declared a mistrial, although it would have been an interesting case to hear I think.

Done

set my spot as well.

placed

Placed.

Placed, hangin' with Voren.

Hey all! I appreciate GM Dak giving me the opportunity to fill the role left by White Crow.

I've just read through the gameplay thread and I have to say - you guys are making this a lot of fun! Please feel free to read about my character background, history, etc. I've read about how you all know each other in this discussion thread. And there are a couple of ways my character could fit in - since he traveled from his home he could have met up with many of you on the way to Sandpoint or he could just be the new guy.

My alias has personality in it but to expound - Beagan is a solider. He is also not a young man. (I was actually going to make him middle-aged to reflect this but didn't want to min-max so I put him right at the threshold). Essentially he has seen and lived war and is very serious about his mission. Sometime she is gruff and talks about naivety but he is not a bad or evil person by any means. He has seen evil, he has fought it and he doesn't want to give it a chance to win.

Anyway, I'm excited to be a part of this.