GM Fanguar's Savage Tide (Inactive)

Game Master Fanguar

These boots will help the wearer move across slick surfaces. Moira, perhaps you would benefit from them the most?

Good plan Fanguar. Justified is ready to go with that. All, do we have a loot list? I have forgotten. Justified's equipment list says he has 40 gp to his name. So I am unsure about shopping.

So the idea is [Us + 6 Oquon swords (each with a wielder) + 6 Cabanite swords (each with a wielder) + Hoardcutter, Saberhark, Czarina & Lady Akanara (no wielders) + Kogoloxen, Mother of Rust Monsters] to all be in one big throwdown/combat/arena-like bruhaha?

"oh nice. Thank you Justified." Moira immediately removes her old boots and puts on the new boots.

Someone could fit through the bars. It's a BIG rust monster. If you do a bait and chase, I'll probably run it as some kind of skill challenge. Just for fun.

Also, I've had a chance to look at the unchained class updates and would strongly recommend that Moira update to the unchained version of the rogue.

So is this a quick update as though I was changing a class? You are allowing this even though it has not been official released?

It has already been officially released. You can find the classes posted at d20pfsrd.com.

"oh nice. Thank you Justified." Moira immediately removes her old boots and puts on the new boots.

No problem kid. You do better when you can get around in a fight. Having those boots might surprise an opponent sometime.

Anyone able to use that Robe of Bones? Might be good shock troops, but those skeletons are pretty low level. If no one wants it lets sell it, divvy up what we have and do some quick purchases.

While any of us could technically use the Robe of Bones, it really requires someone with the ability to Command undead to make it useful, since the creatures it creates are not under the control of the robe wearer automatically. Also, creating undead doesn't seem to suit any of our systems of morality.

A robe of bones is more of an NPC item, in my mind. Sell it!

Alright, f#@@ verisimilitude and let's get ready to rumble. I've just put everyone on the end of the map beside Larcos except Graythan, who's at the opposite end with the rust monster. On the map D3 is a sunken part of the room, it is a 15' drop from the north end with stairs that lead up to floor level at the south end.

After much preparation, the night of the trap finally comes. Black garbed Oquons slink into the meeting room, eyes shooting daggers at everyone and flamoyantly dressed Cabbanites, strut in style, sneering at the Oquons. Before all, presides Larcos, who greets them all with few words and a steely-eyed gaze. Once both parties are present, he speaks,

"I thank you all for coming to this negotiation..."

Before he has a chance to get going, a voice calls out from a bastard sword held by the 'leader' of the Oquon party. "Enough with this farce, we've come to reclaim our allies, give them over and you may live through this night. "Such a coarse sack, the Tsarina deserves nothing less than silk."[/b] Rumbles an enormous flail held by one of the Cabbanites.

"Shut up Invicta and kill them all so I can get out of here," comes a shout from the sack.

"Unfortunately, none of you will be leaving here, or perhaps I should say fortunately." Larcos intones grimly. With that the door opens and the enormous Rust monster scuttles in and at the same time, Larcos pulls a hidden switch and heavy metal bars drop down in front of all the room's doors and windows.

Larcos holds up a sack and gives it a shake. The clink of metal on metal is drowned out by the cries of protest from the swords held within.

Fight!
23 Graythan
20 Bron
20 Justified
19 Savarend
18 Moira
16 Oquons
16 Cabbanites
16 Larcos
12 Rusty

Everyone is up. Any pre-buffs with durations longer than ~10mins could have been cast before the meeting started.

From his position near the rust monster, Graythan calls down a portion of Tyr's might to guide his aim. "Sasserine will not belong to any of you, Oquon or Cabanite!"

Standard action: cast divine favor
Swift action: invoke judgement (destruction)

Justified is willing to take any and all buffs people have to offer. What is the large thing in the middle of the room? Also can you somehow identify which NPC hold what weapons? Does each hold an intelligent weapon? Importantly where is the holder of the bastard sword ?

Does the guy on top of the stack on the left have a talking weapon in his hand? If so, spending an arcane pool point to enhance the scarf to +2, and using Spell Combat:

Bron casts Long Arm and steps forward, using his suddenly-longer arms to swing his scarf around in an arc, trying to wrap it around the weapon in the closest opponent's grasp.

Disarm combat maneuver using the scarf and thus using Dexterity, weapon focus, and the weapon bonus: 1d20 + 3 + 2 + 4 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 3 + 2 + 4 + 1 - 2 = 25

The lore warden moves to where he threatens the holder of the bastard sword and disarms him.
Disarm: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (19) + 13 = 32

@Justfied: If by 'big thing' you mean the are indicated by 'D3', then just look at the ooc part of my last post.
Just skipping Moira and Savarend.

Larcos steps up to the person Justified disarmed and attacks,
Larcos attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23
Damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (2, 5) + 4 = 11

The thieves who were disarmed will retrieve their weapons, incurring AoOs:
Larcos AoO: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

An agent will move to attack Larcos, one to attack Bronwenir and another moves to attack Graythan. The remaining combatants fight amongst themselves.

Attack Larcos: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
Damage: 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Attack Bron: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Attack Graythan: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

The thieves trade blows, but none drop, one attacks the kogolaxian, but misses, earning some vicious wounds for his effort.

Map updated. Everyone is up

AoO: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13 I'll assume that misses.

Bron casts a spell to strike out with shocking energy at the man in front of him. 5ft step back, spell combat, casting Shocking grasp. Are these guys wearing metal armor or carrying metal weapons?

Spellstrike attack: 1d20 + 10 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 10 - 2 = 23 +3 if metal bonus from shocking grasp applies.

damage: 1d6 + 6 + 4d6 ⇒ (1) + 6 + (3, 2, 1, 4) = 17

Swirling in an intricate dance, Bron flings the other end of his bladed scarf at the foe, but misses.

attack: 1d20 + 10 - 2 ⇒ (3) + 10 - 2 = 11

If Justified can reach to disarm then he would get an AOO as well. He will use it to trip the man.

Trip: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (20) + 16 = 36

Oh dang, I'm down in the fray! I thought the lever was elevated and cutoff from the bruhaha. Dang.

Graythan slips around to the right of the Oquon attacking him, careful to keep the man between himself and the large rust monster. Hoping Kogoloxen will deal with his assailant for him, Graythan invokes Tyr's power once more.

5ft step to the right of assailant
cast flames of the faithful, which sadly provokes an AoO

Savarend intones a brief prayer to Moradin and holds up a halting hand to the nearest enemy.

Cast hold person. Will DC 17.

Justified's next attack is on the down man while he defends his territory with additional AOO trip attempts should an enemy come too close. He 5' steps to get closer to the rust monster as well.

glaive-guisarme: 1d20 + 10 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 10 + 4 = 161d10 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14

Moira attempts to kick the fallen man.
unarmed attack, doing non lethal attack

unarmed non lethal attack, target is prone: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 3 + 2 = 18
damage, non lethal: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

@Bron: They are wearing metal armou

AoO vs Graythan: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
Will: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (7) - 1 = 6 Recoloured the paralyzed guy. Assuming this is not the wounded one.

The prone man attacked by Moira and Justified goes limp. Lightning crackles through Bronwenir's opponent, but he does not fall.

Larcos shifts and attacks again, but misses
Attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

Attack Larcos: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3
Attack Savarend: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
Damage: 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Attack Graythan: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

THe chaos continues and blood begins to flow...

The rust monster doesn't take damage this round. Everyone is up

Moving to defend the rust monster Justified drops into the pit and continues to move to engage the rogue adjacent to the creature.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

Trip: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (14) + 16 = 30

Moira notches an arrow on her bow and fires towards the rogue next to the rust monster. "Don't you dare hurt Rusty."

Attack, Bow: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11 I have a feeling that this is a miss. rolling damage in case it found it's mark.
Damage, Arrow: 1d8 ⇒ 6

Spell combat. Attack first.

Bron strikes out with his scarf's blade, slashing another cruel wound across his foe's chest. (Targeting the same one I attacked previously.

attack with spell combat penalty: 1d20 + 10 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 10 - 2 = 27
damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

That didn't take him out, so casting Arcane Mark to get another attack with the scarf.

attack: 1d20 + 10 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 10 - 2 = 10
And missing.

Graythan fades back a step, tucking into the back corner of the room and unleashes a devastating bolt that leaves the foe harrying him a blackened and smoldering ruin. His eyes glimmer eerily as another bolt slides into position and he turns his attention to his next target.

+1 hvy repeating xbow (point blank shot): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30for: 1d10 + 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (10) + (4) + 6 = 20
Crit?: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16for an additional: 1d10 + 1d6 + 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (9) + (1) + (6) + 6 = 22

Savarend back-pedals to make some room [5-foot-step E] and casts another spell at the foe menacing him.

Cast hold person on the guy two squares away from me now. Will DC 17.

Will DC 17: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (17) - 1 = 16
Will DC 17: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (14) - 1 = 13

Justified's target has its feet swept out from under him, while Bronwenir's twirling scarves grievously wound his foe before Savarend's spell causes him to stiffen. Brains spray the floor as Graythan eyes another target.

Larcos Attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20
damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (5, 5) + 4 = 14
Attack vs Larcos: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

Larcos strikes a mighty blow before nimbly dodging the thief's return strike.

A pair of Oquons cut a Cabbanite to bloody ribbons and the Kogolaxian falls upon the tripped man. Its feathery antennae causing armour and weapons to pit with rust.

Everyone is up

Bron dashes across the floor while drawing his wand of Shocking Grasp from his belt.

Casting shocking grasp from the wand, and delivering it with the scarf to the first guy in the group at the bottom left.

attack with SG bonus for metal: 1d20 + 10 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 10 + 3 = 15 Not sure if that hits or not.
damage: 1d6 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 6 + (1) = 9

The reach fighter moves 5' and trips the man directly to his west.

Trip: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (18) + 16 = 34

Graythan snaps off another shot from his crossbow, this time at the nearer of the two foes just north of him, but the shot sails wide and splinters as it cracks hard into the wall.

+1 hvy repeating xbow (point blank shot): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12for: 1d10 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (8) + 6 + (3) = 17

Sav and Moira?
*crickets

Sorry. Been very busy with father-in-law having a stroke.

Moira moves west 30 feet and takes a shot at the nearest thief.
attack. shortbow: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
damage, arrow: 1d8 ⇒ 5

Sorry for the pace, have a lot on my plate at the moment. I'm going to use a little DM fiat to wrap this up. The encounter seems like something that sounds better on paper than in practice and doubly so for PBP. Sentient sword guild wars is still a pretty cool concept..

The carnage is intense as Cabbanite slays Oquon and Oquon murders Cabbanite. The bodies of the fallen litter the floor like so many leaves and the spilled blood congeals in sticky puddles. Above the din of battle the mad chittering on the huge rust monster rings out as it gorges itself on the plethora of metal that surrounds it.

A scream of shock and horror rings out as the Kogolaxian has its first taste of sentient steel. You don't know which faction the blade belonged to, but its screams of terror will haunt your dreams. The blade's death throes galvanize the remaining thieve into a semblance of co-operation as the two factions realize the real threat that the Kogolaxian represents and they turn their attention to it. Left to their own devices, the Cabbanites and Oquons would not doubt have dispatched the beast, but you do not let them. Blades and spells weave a grand tapestry of death and in the end only you remain standing. A few of the fallen moan and groan weakly, but these sounds are masked by the shrieks of outrage from the remaining weapons and the contented munching of Kogolaxian.

With grim satisfaction, Larcos collects the alternately threatening and cajoling weapons and tosses them at the feet of the great monsters. With a pull of switch, the bars retract again. "Let's step outside, this is done,"he says, before slipping past the Kogolaxian and out the door.

Back in the foyer, voices of the swords are muffled, but you can still tell when a screaming voice finally goes quiet. Eventually, cries all die out and only the steady crunch of metal comes through.

Larcos sighs with relief, "A great evil has been defeated today. I thank you for you aid. I'll take care of this mess, but before you go, take these. I don't think I'll have much use for them any more." He gives you a pearl of power (1st) and a horn of fog. "My thanks again and if you are ever in need of aid, you can call on me."

You all advance to level 5.

Since, I might not have time to post before I am away, I'll set up the next adventure now, but feel free to RP a bit about the end of the last one.

Some time later, you receive a message from Lavinia, requesting your presence at the Manor. When you arrive, you find Lavinia in the main dining room, pawing over a number of nautical maps, sea charts, and a large journal. At your arrival, she smiles at you all and invites you to sit at the table.

"Some of you might recall this journal as one of the few things that we managed to recover from my family's vault. It turns out that it was my mother's. My parent, may the gods rest their souls, were brave, foolish and rash other might say, but I have never been one to criticize an adventurous spirit. On the contrary," she casts a wry smile at you all. "I admire it. In any event, it would seem that about four years ago, my mother and father undertook a risky endeavor. They sailed the Blue Nixie, along with a ship full of colonists , down south and across the Vohoun Ocean to a place they refer to as the Isle of Dread .

"You may have heard of this place. If you haven't, it seems apparent from reading my mother's journals that the place is aptly named. A jungle-covered hell infested with immense reptilian monsters, feral savages, and peril at every turn. Yet the southern peninsula remains relatively sheltered from the menaces on the isle mainland, and it was here, among the villages of several friendly locals, that my parents founded the colony of Farshore."

"The Isle of Dread represent s an untapped trove of resources: exotic lumber, spices, animals,foods, and even minerals like silver and gold. Once Farshore was up and running, the influx of trade would have guaranteed my family a relatively uncontested flow of wealth. Yet before mother and father were able to return to Farshore with supplies and more colonists... my brother made his move and left. me in the state you found me when we first met."

Lavinia indicates her mother's journal. "Since we recovered this journal, I have not been idle. lf Farshore fails, than my parents' last legacy fails. I intend to carry on their work,and have planned for a journey south to the Isle of Dread to resupply and join the colonists at Farshore for the rest of the year. I have the Blue Nixie readying in the harbor to take fresh supplies to the colony, but I find myself a vessel short." Lavinia's face breaks into a glowing grin as she continues, "You wouldn't know of anyone with stout hearts who might happen to be interested in helping me mount this expedition, do you? I fear the journey itself might grow dangerous at times, and there's no way of knowing what state or condition Farshore is currently in, but I suspect that danger is a vice you have."

Couple of things: The adventure assumes that you take possession of the ship that remained unburned in that cove two adventures ago, so let's just assume that during the intervening time, you've claimed it and have it moored in the harbour. You'll need to get it outfitted and crewed for the voyage. Secondly, after we leave town, you won't be coming back, so plan accordingly. This is the last time you will be able to purchase things for a while.

Moira bows in front of Lavinia. "Milady, we....you are in luck. We 'procured' a vessel from a bunch of pirates we face on the island we were on previously.... a couple of month ago. It's still remains moored in the harbor. We will be needing a crew though. Would you happen to have any idea on how to obtain a crew for our new ship?"

"Also, we would be needing to supply ourselves for an extended trip. Would you be able to assist us in supplies for our new ship."

Greythen nods to Larcos, wiping a smear of red blood not his own from his cheek with the back of one hand. "Glad we could help, Larcos. Likewise, if you need our aid again, you know where to find us."

The gruff man with the eerie eyes then turns back to survey the damage within the room, shaking his head at the thought of a decades or even centuries long secret war coming to such a sudden and bloody end. He mutters darkly to himself, "At least Sasserine is free."

Breathing out a deep breath, he then takes a moment to see if he is wounded at all and finds a long cut down the length of his left arm. His own blood, oily and black, drips slowly to the floor as he regards the wound. He intones a spell a moment later and the flesh knits back together, though a brief scent of foulness, like rotted flesh, fills the air before the magics dissipate.

He turns to the others as Larcos leaves, "Back to Lavinia's then?"

---

"Isle of Dread?" Graythan's voice is incredulous. Shaking his head as he looks at the others' faces and recognizing the spark of wanderlust in them, he concedes. "Sounds like a lovely place. To Farshore it is then." He shakes his head helplessly with a shrug.

Savarend touches his forehead as a sign of respect and deference with a slow, heavy hand. "I'm afraid this has all been a little too much for me. While I revel in our adventures and exploits, I came down from the Mountains of Black Ice to labor for a season as a mercenary, not something as exciting as establishing a colony. Especially not across a sea and in a jungle, which are two things that dwarfkind do not favor. I will have to stay behind, but I dearly wish it was not so."

Graythan nods in understanding to Savarend. "It is a shame you are not accompanying us, Savarend. If Farshore is lost, there are likely a great many things that could have benefitted from your god's touch there. I understand your decision though and will not try to change your mind." Graythan nods respectfully to the dwarf as he clasps his hand behind his back. "I hope you are able to return to your home soon."

---

Later, after Savarend has left and Lavinia is conferring with him and the remaining others, Graythan offers, "While the dwarf's magics aided me little, Torag's restorative powers proved a boon for the rest of you. We'd do well to consider bringing another on in place of Savarend."

Justified offers Savarend his hand/ Not every man is suited to every mission. I understand your decision Savarend. Go back to your home and hold your head high. You have done well in the land of men and many people are better off for having known you, myself included.

Aye Greythan, I would hesitate to venture forth without someone that can provide such restorative powers. Do you think its possible to find another so well suited to aid us?

"In Sasserine? In this city where we, by accident, found a pair of secret guilds comprised of intelligent weapons that had been waging a shadow war perhaps for centuries? I can only hope that finding a gifted healer with a spirit for exploration would prove easier." The grim man offers a wry grin, albeit briefly. "If we are pressed, perhaps Larcos might have some connections we could explore."

Moira hugs Savarend. "Farewell my friend. I hope that we can meet up in the future."

Lavinia smiles, "I knew I could count on you and do not fret, friend Savarend. There is still my estate in the city to think of. If you have interest in remaining in my employ, we can speak later. I will put out some feelers about inquiring about finding someone to fill the void that will be left by our dear friend's departure."

"I can handle the crewing of your ship, but if there is anything in particular you require, let me know. Now that you've agreed, I will get the preparations underway. Things will move quickly, so prepare yourselves for adventure.'

I was looking at the upcoming adventures, and just a heads up, it will be a few adventures before you have access to markets and the like, so just keep that in mind in your short term character planning.

Graythan nods to Lavinia, understanding the instruction. he spends the following days visiting a number of shops throughout Sasserine, acquiring a number of tools and items, hoping to be as well prepared for the unexpected as he might be. Seeing as how a good bit of his immediate future will be aboard a boat, in addition to his other acquisitions he makes sure to purchase a potion that will aid him should he wind up overboard.

When the day comes to depart, Graythan arrives at the dock heavily laden, a large footlocker in tow.

I could get us into port on a good day but I am not true captain or navigator Lavinia. And even if you entrusted me to do one of those jobs then I could not be your leader of marines while so occupied. I recommend you hire us a captain at least.

Assuming that Lavinia will be going to Farshore based off of long post.

Moira sits back with her feet upon the edge of a table drinking a glass a wine. While rocking back and forth on the hind 2 legs of the chair she blabbers out another idea. "You know, we don't have to be part of the crew or lead the crew. We can be either be your body guards and/or advisors. This is going to be a rough trip my lady. I have heard of nasty things happening in the open seas, stories handed down from people on the harbor. You should have someone dedicated to your safety." Moira takes another sip of her wine.

With Savarend’s return, we can press on. There won’t be combat for a while, so we can just retcon in the character whenever. Let's just jump ahead

It takes about a week for Lavinia to outfit the Sea Wyvern for the trip. Its hold is packed full of provisions and all sorts of items that an isolated colony might find useful. She also hires you a Captain and crew. Between you, the crew and further colonists, 22 passengers will be crammed into the ship, which is full capacity, with each person getting their own cramped cot. Most of the new colonists are simply adventurous souls looking for adventure, or down on their luck craftsmen looking for a fresh start. Lavinia provides you with a full passenger manifest and a few individuals stand out.

The day of the voyage dawn bright and clear, an excellent day for sailing. Unfortunately, Avner is late. Amalla is furious and grumbles loudly about missing the tide. Urol tries to calm her by insisting that they still have plenty of time to catch the tide, but she just spits, ”What does a gnome know?” And stomps off to check the rigging.

Avner arrives a half hour later without apology. With him are his two servants and his magnificent steed Thunderstrtke. The horse is, if anything, as spoiled as Avner, and getting it secured in the jury-rigged pen that's been set up for it in the Sea Wyvern's hold takes another half hour. During this time, Avner discovers that he's expected to sleep with the other "commoners" in the forward barracks, ”Outrageous! I would sooner sleep with my horse than with this common filth.” The forward barracks sleeps 15, the crew quarters are at the stern and sleep 6 and the captain is the only person that has their on bearth.

Amalla gives him a vicious grin, ”That can be arranged.”

Avner sputters and Father Feres steps over and places a hand on his shoulder, ”Be easy my son. This is no pleasure cruise, and we must all make sacrifices for the good of the expedition.”
Avner shrinks back from the priest touch, with a look of disgust, ”Don’t touch me you hairy-eared, bald-headed numbskull.” Feres is obviously hurt and slinks off to stare moodily out to sea.

Lirith saunters by, carrying a coil of rope, ”You can share my bunk, My Lord, and I assure you that while what happens there will be filthy, it will hardly be common.”

This elicits a burst of laughter from the crew.

Avner screws himself up to be difficult and Amalla gets set to put him in his place.

I’ll give you the opportunity to RP here.

Any chance to gather additional information about these characters before we leave?

Justified is on deck as the passengers embark. He watches closely and tries to learn what he can about each through observation. When he spots who can only be Skald he remarks quietly to Graythan I'd like to know his story. You think he is running from the law? When Avner's horse acts up Justified is there to step up and take the reigns. With a kind rebuke he says That is not how you handle a spirited and frightened animal. Here let me take the beast.

Handle Animal: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

And when Avner complains about bunking he offers in a friendly tone I plan to sleep up on deck in a hammock if the weather is good. More fresh air and a better view. Why not join me?

Bron murmurs to Lirith, "Some are entirely too foolish to recognize such a delightfully generous offer."

Continuing to speak with Graythan he asks quietly Can you discern if any of there passengers are truly evil? For that matter I am curious as to the crew as well.

You see a well-groomed man, with a cleanly shaven face and white shoulder-length hair gathered in a ponytail. His eyes are an icy blue, with flecks of silver near the iris. His skin taut against his frame, with an angular face and stern looks. He is in a green courtier's outfit, with white and yellow trim. He carries only a dagger on his belt. He is medium-height, with a lanky frame and straight posture.

He approaches the quay with a rucksack over his shoulder, scrutinizing the names of ships as he walks and comparing it to a note he holds in his hand. Spying the right ship, he approaches the party and hails them. "Pardon! I'm looking for Lady Lavinia Vanderboren. I'm answering a job posting."