GM Faelyn' Falcon's Hollow Series

Game Master Faelyn

Zirren tensed at the sound if the clawed feet hitting the stone.

"Grab Caine and back outside now!" he commanded.

He was about to retreat when an idea hit him. The words of his companions Zilka and Artegal, as well as his knowledge of their foe began spinning together in his mind.

"We don't need to dispel it. The Darkness is our ally."

Zirrwn stepped forward just over Belladonna and muttered arcane words. A blast of multicolored light shot from him into the darkness.
Casting color spray. DC. 15 will save.

Will Save DC 15: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (11) + 0 = 11
U,B,S: 2d4 ⇒ (3, 3) = 6
B,S: 1d4 ⇒ 1
Unconscious for 6 rounds, Blind for 7 rounds, and Stunned for 8 rounds.

Zirren's sees the bright spectacle of lights flash into the darkened room and then hears a soft thud as the darkmantle succumbs to his magic.

Ruhk and Belladonna still have actions this round!

"Let's go Bella, if we go outside into the light, we can hold the corridor to make sure nothing sneaks up on us from behind."

The light from the Darkmantle's Darkness ability ends when it goes unconscious, correct? I Rush to Caine's side

What just Happened. Quickly, someone check on that beast and see if it is dead. Can someone help Caine?

"Roger dat!" Ruhk hears from the little halfling next to him. She bolts out of the alongside Ruhk.

Negatory, the spell runs its full duration, because it was cast upon an object and does not require concentration to maintain. The same would go for any spell you guys cast as well; for example Mage Armor would continue, but something like Snapdragon Fireworks would not. If that makes sense. That being said, Zilka is right next to Caine and would know where he is despite the darkness as she heard him fall next to her.

"Caine's over here," Zilka says, and then starts groping around to find the fallen darkmantle. Full round action to locate an effectively invisible creature.

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Round 3, Group 2 Recap

Zirren sprays a cone of vivid colors into the room, disabling the darkmantle. Art attempts to work on getting Caine out of the darkness. Ruhk and Belladonna take a defensive position in the hallway.

Just to let you all know, we are still in initiative. Group 1 - Zilka, Zirren, Darkmantle (Unconscious). Group 2 - Ruhk, Belladonna, Caine (Unconscious & Stable), Art, ???, and ???

Round 4, Group 1 Actions

Zilka feels about and easily locates Caine's limp frame in the darkness, she catches hold of his clothes and prepares to drag him from the room.

Zirren is up for Round 4!

"Good, now get him out. Something else came in the room just now." Zirren said, slowly starting to back away, another spell at the ready.

Zirren is 5 ft. Adjusting back and readying to cast another spell should anything come rushing out in the darkness at him.

Round 4, Group 1 Recap

Zilka takes hold of Caine and prepares to drag him out. Zirren takes a step clear of the magical darkness and readies a spell. Just as he steps out of the darkness he hears a growl and looks to see one of the wolves from before baring its fangs at him from the northern end of the hallway... How did it get out? Map updated.

Round 4, Group 2 Actions

Ruhk, Belladonna, and Art are up!

"Let me take over this end eh Zirren, this looks more like my cup of tea."

Ruhk moves in front of Zirren and readies Bethany to strike if approached.

stepping back out of the darkness, Nathaniel sees the wolf, and rushes to stop it at the door, yelling as loud as he can and swinging his halberd.

Hiyah, yah, yah, get out mangy dogs

Melee Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

Hitting the advancing wolf hard across the nose with the protected weapon.

Blunt Damage from Guarded Halberd: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Belladonna sheathes her dagger and draws her sword as she gets ready to fight.

Round 4, Group 2 Recap

Artegal spots the wolf and rushes forward to smack it hard across the nose! The wolf lets out a pitiful yelp of pain as several of its teeth are broken from the blow; it looks as it if ready to bolt! Art then spots another wolf just around the corner! Ruhk and Belladonna prepare themselves for battle...

Round 5, Group 1 Actions!

Zirren moved back away from the wolf as Nathaniel came running and smacked it across the face.

"Hope this helps." he said, casting a quick spell at the other wolf that was incoming.

Casting Daze on the red wolf.

How far can I drag Caine in one turn?I'll drag him as far out of the darkness as I can, and if there's still actions left, start looking in his gear for the wand of curing.

I believe it's treated as if you rolled a natural 20 on a drag maneuver against his unconscious cmd. Which would be 5.

Of course you can only move up to your speed.

That seems logical, and would let me drag him 20 ft as a standard action. However, I can't find where that's an actual rule.

We could use that option, Zirren. I generally just utilize the Carry Capacity rules for situations like this. Which basically breaks down to the same result really, unless you start getting into exceptional strengths and lighter targets, which makes sense to me.

Also, unfortunately from his position, Zirren would not have line of sight to the red wolf just yet. I'll roll the ST for Daze on the Blue Wolf, or you can RETCON your actions, Zirren.

Will Save DC 14: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

I generally am opposed to retconning actions, so in his case it will just be the blue wolf then.

Whoops! I just realized that Daze cantrip can only affect humanoids. So, actually I'll allow you to redo your actions. Cannot believe I missed that earlier.

Holding out his hand There was a flash of blue light and a moment later a dog with a a lightly glowing aura appeared in front of Art.

Celestial dog.

1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
The dog snaps and growls at the wolf, but fails to gain any purchase.

Adjusted the map, because I forgot that Art is using a Reach weapon...

Round 5, Group 1 Recap

Zilka grabs Caine by the shoulders and begins dragging him out of the darkened room into the entryway of the hall. She then spends sometime looking for their healing wand (Standard Action) and locates it! Zirren conjures up a celestial canine in front of Artegal and it snaps at the wolf, but misses!

Round 5, Group 2 Actions

The visible wolf immediately turns and begins to run away from the threat in its face; however, Zirren's celestial animal is quicker and lunges in to take the wolf by its neck and rip the animal's throat out! Blood sprays all over the nearby wall and the wolf collapses to the ground. A horrible gasping, choking sound fills the narrow hallway alongside the rapidly expanding pool of blood as the wolf quickly dies... The other wolf steps over the body of its companion and snaps at the celestial dog, but its paw slips on the blood and it cannot seem to connect!

Belladonna, Ruhk, and Artegal are up!

Celestial Dog AoO: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
CRIT!: 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (3, 3) + 2 = 8

Red Wolf Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11

Zilka uses the wand on Caine. No need for a UMD roll since bards have CLW.

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Assuming that brings him around.

When Caine's eyes open, Zilka drops the wand on his chest, smiles at him, and whispers, "Had me worried there, Greyson. Now lemme go see about taking out what hurt you," as she draws her dagger, looking back towards the bubble of darkness.

I'm assuming she had to drop her sword to pull Caine out with both hands.

Caine's eyes snapped open and he coughed. "Ow..." He sat up. "Report."

He shook his head. "I mean... what's going on?"

"Someone took a liking to you in the dark and gave you a squeeze even you couldn't handle.
Oh and the wolves are back, but they are being handled."

Ruhk looks around, no way to get to the other wolf, the darkness still obscure the main room, and there was nobody down the other corridor.

"Bella, I'm going to check outside, just to make sure nothing sneaks up on us that way ok?"

Ruhk moves just outside the double doors leading to the outside and has a look around.

"I gotcha" Belladonna reassures them. She keeps her sword at the ready, preparing to strike at anything hostile that comes within her halfling reach.

There is still one wolf out here. Things must be starving.

Artegal will attack the second wolf, but I believe the Halberd is not a reach weapon, so I may have to move (I cannot see the map right now – and the sporadic outages are a pain)

Melee Attack with guarded Halberd: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Crit Check?: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Ugh, you're right the halberd is not a reach weapon. I could have sworn that it was one. This past round of actions was full of GM mistakes. Sorry folks! Unfortunately with it not being a reach weapon, Nathaniel would not be able to make his attack because the celestial dog summoned by Zirren is currently in the way. Here's what we are going to do for this round just to get through it and not have to do any more RETCONs. I'll allow Nathaniel to squeeze and attack the wolf with the standard -4 penalty to attack, but then he will end up in his current square again after that.

Round 5, Group 2 Recap

Nathaniel squeezes in next to the celestial dog and cracks the wolf across the head, but must fall back into his position again immediately afterward. Ruhk falls back a little to make sure nothing is sneaking up on the group, but as he surveils the area he notices nothing. Meanwhile Belladonna keeps an eye out for any more dangers creeping up from the south...

Round 6, Group 1 Actions!

Zilka uses the healing wand on Caine and brings the man back to consciousness. He barks out an order, but recants briefly and asks what the situation current is...

Zilka already posted for Round 6. Zirren and Caine may now post their Round 6 actions!

The dog continues its assault against the second wolf, letting out low growls and snapping back at the larger canine.

Bite: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Hoping to help end the current threat, Zirren then drew out his crossbow and proceeded to load it.

Was waiting for Caine to post his actions, but I know he's been a little busy lately so I'll just push him into Group 2 so we don't stall.

Round 6, Group 1 Recap

Zilka heals Caine, Zirren's celestial dog attempts to bite the wolf, but unfortunately its teeth cannot seem to find a hold. Zirren draws his crossbow and begins loading it.

Round 6, Group 2 Actions

The wolf retaliates against the summoned animal, snatching a mouthful of throat and slamming the dog to the dog hard! It then tears a mouthful of flesh and fur when the summoned creature suddenly disappears in a flash of golden light!

Caine (Prone), Belladonna, Ruhk, and Artegal are all up!

Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Trip: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

When the summone animal disappears, Nathaniel takes its place, again swinging with both hands he tries to hit the wolf on the head

Melee Bash: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

But the wolf avoids the flat of the blade with ease

Ruhk turns back towards the others and winks.
"I am just going outside and may be some time."
Then he hurries outside, towards the open door, fully intending to flank the wolf and help Nat end this quickly.

Double move to the door and back towards the wolf, closing the trap.

Round 6, Group 2

Nathaniel swings at the wolf again, but this time the animal seemed to be waiting for it and deftly dodged the attack. Meanwhile as Ruhk rushes through the north set of doors he suddenly spots a kobold attempting to hide in the dim light, next to the statue at the end of the hallway, clutching a short sword. The kobold flinches when Ruhk suddenly turns and looks directly at him. Map updated.

Getting to where Ruhk is on the map would have taken 9 squares of his 12 squares of movement for a double move. You can continue your movement if you prefer, or you can remain where I left Ruhk on the map. Your call, Ruhk.

Caine and Belladonna are up!

"Got a new enemy over here! Don't worry, I got this."
Giving the Kobold the evil eye, Ruhk smiles grimly.
"Want to surrender or fight?"

Caine shook his head and got to his feet, a little irritated at himself. He tapped himself with the healing wand.

Stand from prone. Using wand of CLW

CLW: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

HP 8/10

Belladonna crouches and begins sneaking over to where Ruhk is. She doesn't feel like she's of much help where she is, so she'll check up on Ruhk and make sure he'll be okay.

Stealth: 1d20 + 11 - 5 ⇒ (9) + 11 - 5 = 15

Round 6, Group 2 Recap

Nathaniel attacks and misses the wolf. Ruhk moves into the northern hallway to go into a flanking position, he spots a kobold hiding in the Dim Light of the hallway and shouts out his discovery. The kobold seems to look around as if seeking an avenue of escape, but upon seeing his dismal position. Ruhk notices it seems to tighten its grip on the shortsword... Belladonna moves to aid Ruhk, moving along stealthily. Caine heals up some of his wounds!

Round 7, Group 1 Actions

Zilka and Zirren are up!

Zirren steps back fully into the hallway, his crossbow loaded and he takes aim to fire at the wolf.

Attack: 1d20 + 1 - 4 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 1 - 4 - 4 = -6 And... chink. Jammed crossbow. Also a negative on the attack roll. Haven't seen a -6 result in a very long time. -4 from soft cover and firing into melee untrained. Ouch!

Clearly not expecting the jarring sensation to have occurred, Zirren fumbles with the crossbow, dropping it on the ground.

Marching back to the edge of the sphere of darkness, Zilka reaches in and tries to locate the darkmantle, which she hopes is still unconscious. Groping around for the creature, hopefully can find it. I think it says it takes a full round action to locate an invisible helpless creature, so using a standard action to do half of a full-round action.

Zilka Touch Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Total Concealment: 1d100 ⇒ 50 Whew! Nice!

Round 7, Group 1 Recap

Zirren takes aim at the wolf and goes to fire off the crossbow, but something feels off and the weapon tumbles from his grip! Zilka moves into the darkness and begins to feel about with her body... and suddenly her foot nudges a soft form on the floor! She now knows the location of the darkmantle and is adjacent to it!

Technically you would only suffer one -4 penalty, because officially the target gains a +4 bonus to AC; however, I'm perfectly fine with you guys adding that in as a penalty if you prefer!

Round 7, Group 2 Actions!

The wolf now turns its attention to Nathaniel, snapping at his leg, but the nimble halfling dodges away quickly! Meanwhile the kobold attempts to rush between Ruhk's legs in hopes of getting away, only to stumble briefly and giving Ruhk a perfect moment... With a two-handed hack, Bethany slices through the kobold's neck and sends blood spraying onto the nearby walls... The body collapses immediately and begins twitching at Ruhk's feet while the reptilian head bounces off the wall and rolls out the open doorway. Nicely done, Ruhk!

Nathaniel, Ruhk, Caine, and Belladonna are all up!

Wolf Attack vs. Art: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Acrobatics vs. Ruhk: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
Ruhk's AoO: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
Ruhk Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

I can do this in my sleep, and in fact, I believe I have.

"Heads up!"

Seeking to capitalize on his success, Ruhk twirls Bethany as he imbues her with a bit of magic.
As soon as Bethany is glowing softly (underneath the blood) he turns around and charges the wolf.

Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
Damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

Just out of curiosity, Belladonna looks into the well.

If nothing's there, she'll follow Ruhk

With Ruhk coming in behind him, Nathaniel attacks the wolf hoping to kill it before it suffers too much

Melee Smash, Maybe with Flanking?: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 3 + 2 = 18

Possible Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Caine looked down the hall for a moment, then to where Ruhk was holding the other door. He took off at a sprint, passed Ruhk and closed on the wolf from the other direction.

"On your right, Boote." Caine said curtly as he closed in on the foe the halfling was engaging.

Tripple move through courtyard and down the hall.

Round 7, Group 2 Recap

Nathaniel and Ruhk quickly take down the wolf, who collapses in a heap atop the other wolf... Belladonna sees 10' of rope dangling down the well and about 30' down see can see the brackish water below.

Hope you don't mind me doing this, Zilka...

Round 8, Group 1 Actions

Zilka kneels down next to the unconscious darkmantle and easily drives her dagger deep into the monstrosity! It flails about for just a moment, but then goes still in the darkness...

Combat over!

Nah, that's what I'd have done anyway.

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Spotting no further enemies, Ruhk pulls out a rag and begins to clean Bethany.
"The best laid plans of mice and men...
No good plan ever survives first contact with the enemy, isn't that what they say Caine?"

Caine was huffing, leaning against the wall. He was badly out of shape. For the second time in three days his muscles were screaming at him. He reached for his wines kin with a shaking hand, but stopped, glancing to Zilka. He scowled and shook his head then pulled out a waterskin instead and took a drink.

"S'right. Plans're pretty much useless in a field engagement. Phew... Everything that works is varying degrees of assessments, improvisation, communication and setting clear goals ahead of time. Oh, and luck."

"This, for example, was pretty much none of those things."

"Anyone hurt?"

"Just you, mate." Zilka hunts around for her sword in the darkness, finding it just a few moments before the sphere of unlight vanishes with the visual equivalent of a loud 'POP'.

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