Fondo nods and flies foggily through the gatehouse to the end of the bridge nearer the castle, assessing the strength of the orcs as he goes. He wails like a ghost as he goes.
"Leave this place, or we shall suck away your souls!"
"Уходи отсюда, или мы будем отсасывать душах ваших, пирующих на ваши предки, как они след в позади вас.!" Dandi reiterates Fondo's words, translating them into Orc, to make sure it's clear.
Charlie will have the evil dinner.
Round 0, Init {-->}
"Hide and reform. I don't want to be in the middle of a congress of orcs while I'm changing my skivvies."
With that, Charlie backs up and takes cover as he awaits the change.
OK, combat time for some of you! (Oh, and I think the Dandilion/Fondo shaken scene was prior to this - so you're all set). Also, to be clear, you were all going solid at the same time and everyone is in round 2 of that 5 round process. So everyone is in gaseous form.
Briar steps behind a tree and pulls out a scroll (remember you can't cast spells in gaseous form). Nikolay flees toward the castle. Fondo intimidates the orcs and plays the ghost before joining Nikolay by the castle. They don't seem to believe you are a ghost - or if they do they think you're dangerous and are attacking you anyway. Well you're party as your far away. Charlie flees in an unknown direction so I'll say down the trail ('back'). Dandilion aids Fondo's ruse with a translation. Barael also flees, uh, over the water I guess (first thing he mentioned). Majenko lingers behind the party for now, but he's very close to bolting as well. Laori also takes cover.
The orcs bead in on those remaining and open fire. The orcs are wielding magic bows and so their damage bypasses your DR.
Barael
Briar
Charlie
Dandilion
Fondo
Laori
Nikolay
Majenko
Good Guys
Round 1, Init 18+
Dandi gasps as the rain of arrows tears through her wispy self. She flees toward Charlie in a panic.
Round 1, Init 16
Briar retreats 300', looks for trouble, and if its safe, begins to de-gas.
Perception
Laori and Majenko too fall back toward Charlie. The orcs do not persue - but you can hear their over-confidant war cries of success howling in the thin afternoon sun.
I'll assume the party gets together down the trail and solidifies some distance from the gatehouse and keep. Go ahead and sort out your healing (Laori heals herself) and let me know how you plan to take the gatehouse.
Once she can, Dandi closes her eyes and concentrates.
Opening her eyes, she touches Charlie on the shoulder, "I can do no more today, at least for myself. Can you help me, I'm still a little..." She sways on her feet slightly before catching herself. "...weak, I think."
Fondo actually continues to harangue the orcs for two rounds, flying around at high speed in a fully defensive stance. He hopes to at least get them to waste some arrows, and to distract them from pursuing the others. Eventually, as he begins to solidify, he flies back to join the party.
While circling, Fondo attempts to take the orcs' measure: who seems to lead them?
"Meh. Let us continue forth. I shall stop their arrows for a period of time, you guys can kill them. What do you say?" Briar draws a scroll from his haversack and prepares to move forward.
Briar will cast Extended Elf Walk and dart from tree to tree as he moves forward.
When others are ready, he will cast Wind Wall to create a 50' long x 25' high wall of air from which no projectiles may pass.
"I consider cajoling and laughing at these dumb orcs to be of high value."
Round 1, Init 5 { -->}
Charlie will cast Heal on Dandi and will try to not give her a critical look.
He then let's go of any control he has on his persona and looks at the orcs as he says to old man,
"Briar, wait until they make a move toward us to cast your spell. I'd like to get them into a group to give them something to wipe the smiles from their faces. Give me a round to bless us before we rend the flesh from their bones "
Depending on where they move Charlie will cast smite evil into R/S 8/9. I think that will cover almost all of the wall. Will save DC:20 for half and not blind
AC 14 mithral shirt w/ ghost touch
CMD 14
HP = 75/75 (I need to double check the math)
Harrow Points: 6
Elemental HP 68/68
Holy Water Vials: 10
If anyone is poisoned or diseased Charlie will attempt a heal check (15)
The spells/day listed will include the casting (if any) that I made this round
Orisons DC:16 (Create Water, Guidance, Mending, Purify Food and Drink, Stabilize, Mage Hand, Read Magic, Ghost Sound)
First Level: DC:17 (7/8 per day) (Bless, Bless Water, Doom, Ray of Enfeeblement, Remove Fear, Cure Light, Protection from Evil)
Second Level: DC:18 (8/8 per day) (Admonishing Ray,Communal Prot. from Evil, Hold Person, Lesser Restoration, Sound Burst, Cure Moderate)
Third Level: DC:19 (7/7 per day) (Create Food and Water, Prayer, Remove Disease, Searing Light, Cure Serious, Dispel Magic)
Fourth Level: DC:20 (6/7 per day)(Minor Globe of Invulnerability, Holy Smite, Neutralize Poison, Restoration, Cure Critical Wounds)
Fifth Level: DC:21 (5/5 per day)(Constricting Coils, Scry) (Mass Cure Light Wounds)
Sixth Level: DC:22 (3/4 per day)(Heal) (Mass Cure Moderate Wounds)
Oracle Revelation: Eldritch Bolt 9/9 times per day. 1d8+5 dam
summon elemental: Twice per day 6/6, 6/6 rounds per day + ring: 6/6 rnds
Sociable Trait6/6 rounds per day
wand CSW 31/37
wand CLW 45/50
wand CLW 50/50
wand blessings of fervor 34/50
Rod of Reach 3/3 per day
wrist sheath: breath of life scroll
Weapon equipped = Biting wit (and a MW dagger)
Shield equipped =OMG please don't hurt me
Dandi smiles gratefully, lifting up on her toes to kiss Charlie's cheek.
"Thank you. I'll try to be more careful."
Round 1 after solidifying, Init 18+, or whenever we're ready
Dandi draws her wand and prepares to fire.
The orcs take a few pot shots at Fondo as he whizzes past, but nothing major. Likely there's a hit or two in there for a few points of damage but I'm not going to worry about it. It's hard to say who's in charge flying past at 60mph, but if you had to guess it's either 1 or 7- maybe both have some leadership roles.
The party falls back and regroups. While there are a few scrubby trees near the gatehouse, they are shorter than the tallest portion of the tower which has a commanding view of the surrounding countryside - as you'd imagine in a gatehouse fortress. Most of the country side around here is short scrub grasses with the very occasional short scraggly tree.
How close does the party try to get before casting bless, smite evil, wind wall, magic missile and the like? The orc bows have quite a range and they are watching out for you. The roadway comes from the south, but you can easily walk cross country from the west.
Oh, and Laori too casts air walk and she stays close to Briar once solid again.
Not completely sure what you're asking, so here's some more information that might help.
The main castle more or less rises from the water. There is some rock here and there that might be climbed, but it would be tough going for those who don't fly. You see no orcs, or anyone else for that matter, on the battlements of the castle. It's eerily quite up there. Briar claims to have seen some movement through the windows and arrow slits, but they look quite solid with grime and dark to you.
The barbican gatehouse is definitely occupied by orcs. There are a few inside at arrow slits, a few on the roof(s) and at least one that seems to be guarding the only door into the place.
They didn't seem intent on following the party so it's possible you could re-vaporize, fly to the bridge, and solidify there somewhere. 'course then you've got orc archers at your back and Scarwall in your face.
Does that help?
Nikolay will try to find a safe place to land in Scarwall itself. If necessary, he'll fly right up to an arrow slit of Scarwall to see if it too is occupied. He figures he can take a few hits and make it back safely.
I'm going to say you fell back, solidified, and then re-mistified to do this recon. Otherwise you don't have the time in a few short rounds.
You approach the most obvious area of entry - the main gate to Scarwall itself. There are indeed arrow slits over the gate, and as you get close, crossbow bolts do indeed fly from them. (If you want to see the guards, you'll need to get right up to the arrow slit which means another round of shots.)
Looks like you're hit a couple times for 5hp, but it's a non magical crossbow so DR absorbs it. So nothing major, and certainly not as bad as the orcs - but there is someone there.
Flying up from there to a less obvious approach, you try maybe the rooftops? There's a nice tower on the north side of the structure that rises above the others with a good solid door leading to the interior. Do you check that out or fly back to the group?
Nikolay checks out the tower.
Barael watches Nik take off to investigate. "Let's not waste energies on attacking the uglies. We need to breach the castle." Barael starts to mist again. "Let's give them wide berth, and land on the other side of this bridge."
Nikolay checks out the tower.
As Nikolay closes in on the tower, he is met by two skeletal figures. Well, two skeletal figures come out of invisibility flanking him, and attack!
Merging the most horrifying features of carrion-fed insect and withered cadaver, this bony creature moves in unsettling lurches. The creatures are 9' tall and with large tattered wings.
and DC 20 Fortitude vs Poison or strength damage.
and DC 20 Fortitude vs Poison or strength damage.
Looks like 28hp damage after DR and the poison. You can flee I think with one AoO each (reach). They chose their stingers to attack as you flee.
and DC 20 Fortitude vs Poison or strength damage.
and DC 20 Fortitude vs Poison or strength damage.
And you're far outstripping their flying abilities. You can't quite put your finger on it but something in the castle seems to be awakening to your actions. Almost as if the entire place can now sense you and is beginning to coordinate a defense.
Perception check Nikolay please. Go ahead and make two.
Barael awaits the Sward's return , catching himself from taking mist form again. He turns to Fondo. "Any suggestions, then? I can Vanish and head straight at the grounded one. I even think I can hold my Vanish a bit before he can take me on. Unless he's got his nostrils on full snuffle."
"Brother Rose's idea's a good one. 'Jenko, mayhap your dancing shall lead us to victorious end, while guidance comes from me on matters dire."
As he solidifies, Fondo calls to Laori. "Twould not upset me should you light these brutes afire. An orc's son or daughter have I once or twice embraced, but this lot smells much worse and looks most foul."
Nikolay races away from the skeletons, but not directly to the group in an attempt to not give away their position.
Nikolay - you're not followed, but the poison does require two saves. So another strength and we'll call it there.
You're back with the group.
When Niko returns , Dandi blows a bit of web out towards the gatehouse, giggling softly as it blossoms into a brilliant 20foot radius of flickering rainbows 200feet away.
"There now, that's pretty." Wand in hand, she moves out with the others, the rainbow web dancing along in front, 200 feet out.
Nikoaly advises the group on his clumsy scouting trip and pulls out a scroll of lesser restoration (1 of 5 used now).
"Charlie, would you mind?"
Once the party is ready to assault the gatehouse, Nikolay will cast effortless armor.
EDIT: Nikolay will cast haste.
Barael draws his blade, bringing it forth in its heightened state. He watches the colorful web take form, and is relieved to be on this side of it. Nikolay's magicks bring Barael to a humming, as he readies to take down orcs that would dare prevent this group from advancing.
Nikolay sees Barael vanish and does the same.
"That's one smart rat."
Fondo thinks back to his early morning Harrow reading.
"Tis time that pranks align behind our quest.
Together have we stood in strength and zeal
to act when Lady Gray's dread skein decrees.
But death cannot defeat fair Desna's wiles."
He sighs in relief. "For she doth ever shield Barondos with her blessed love."
He activates Glibness and calls out to the orcs. "Which one of you can grok my words? I've offer fair for you and yours. We shall dark Scarwall's mysteries unearth. Let us pass free, and you shall have the castle, save what treasures we do claim."
Round ?, Init 5 { -->}
Charlie pulls out the wand and moves to hand it to Nik. When he gets close Charlie does a bait and switch and swats Nik on the back of the head.
He'll wait for Dandi's web to cast Holy Smite as we close. He'll cast Sound Burst on those on the wall as we close.
AC 14 mithral shirt w/ ghost touch
CMD 14
HP = 75/75 (I need to double check the math)
Harrow Points: 6
Elemental HP 68/68
Holy Water Vials: 10
If anyone is poisoned or diseased Charlie will attempt a heal check (15)
The spells/day listed will include the casting (if any) that I made this round
Orisons DC:16 (Create Water, Guidance, Mending, Purify Food and Drink, Stabilize, Mage Hand, Read Magic, Ghost Sound)
First Level: DC:17 (7/8 per day) (Bless, Bless Water, Doom, Ray of Enfeeblement, Remove Fear, Cure Light, Protection from Evil)
Second Level: DC:18 (7/8 per day) (Admonishing Ray,Communal Prot. from Evil, Hold Person, Lesser Restoration, Sound Burst, Cure Moderate)
Third Level: DC:19 (7/7 per day) (Create Food and Water, Prayer, Remove Disease, Searing Light, Cure Serious, Dispel Magic)
Fourth Level: DC:20 (6/7 per day)(Minor Globe of Invulnerability, Holy Smite, Neutralize Poison, Restoration, Cure Critical Wounds)
Fifth Level: DC:21 (5/5 per day)(Constricting Coils, Scry) (Mass Cure Light Wounds)
Sixth Level: DC:22 (3/4 per day)(Heal) (Mass Cure Moderate Wounds)
Oracle Revelation: Eldritch Bolt 9/9 times per day. 1d8+5 dam
summon elemental: Twice per day 6/6, 6/6 rounds per day + ring: 6/6 rnds
Sociable Trait6/6 rounds per day
wand CSW 31/37
wand CLW 37/50
wand CLW 50/50
wand blessings of fervor 34/50
Rod of Reach 3/3 per day
wrist sheath: breath of life scroll (+3 backup)
Weapon equipped = Biting wit (and a MW dagger)
Shield equipped =OMG please don't hurt me
"Watch for those that don't heed the pretty colors. Those are our targets. Those ensnared by the web may stay entranced until threatened."
Charlie pulls out the wand and moves to hand it to Nik. When he gets close Charlie does a bait and switch and swats Nik on the back of the head.
"Hey! It wasn't the best scouting mission ever, but I did get answers."
"I care for your well-being. I have full faith in our ability to smite the evil (no offense, Laori,) but we must do so as a TEAM!"
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OK, cat herding time. Most of the party is starting off swinging, and now Fondo is trying to talk to the orcs. I think Fondo's attempt fails as the party is shooting some spells at longer ranges than his voice reasonably carries (hundreds of feet). Also, Dandiliions mesmerizing weave fails more or less immediately for the same reason (that and all the viewers are blinded that same round). Dandilion will notice that only three fall under her mesmerizing ways that first round (presuming some failed saves).
This morning I asked, How close does the party try to get before casting bless, smite evil, wind wall, magic missile and the like? and never got an answer. I'll go ahead and assume 200' and we'll press on from there. That's when Dandilion is close enough for her spell and many of the medium range things fall into line as well.
The orcs do not fire as you close. It is possible, though unlikely, they don't see you yet/aren't looking your way.
Round 1
Orcs do nothing.
Nikolay casts Haste
Round 2
Orcs do nothing.
Nikolay casts Vanish
Barael casts Vanish
Charlie casts Holy Smite (DC 20 Will, 19hp and blindness)
Dandilion casts Mesmerizing Weave (DC 22 will, fascinated up to 24HD)
Briar casts Wind Wall (blocks all arrow fire from me - but I don't know it yet)
Laori casts Flame Strike (DC 18 Reflex for to O1,O2,O3)
Majenko begins to dance to inspire everyone to greater abilities.
Fondo may do something retroactively.
Holy Smite
Flame Strike
Round 3
A few of the orcs do nothing but gaze into the beautiful rainbow before snapping out of it as they're under fire. A few shoot their bows into the wind wall. I should add as they're all blind this round, that they shoot rather poorly. Most of them fumble their way inside though O7 and O4 are still visible.
Round 1, Init 7
Fondo advances 120 feet toward the gate house.
HP=123/123; AC=27; spells=haste, effortless armor:
AC 27, touch 15, flat-footed 24 (+10 armor, +2 Dex, +2 natural, +2 deflection, +1 haste)
hp 123
Fort +13, Ref +7, Will +9
--------------------
Magus (Bladebound) Spells Prepared (CL 12):
4 (4/day) []Stoneskin, []Invisibility, Greater, []Dimension Door, []Infernal Healing, Greater
3 (5/day) [x]Haste, []Vampiric Touch, []Vampiric Touch, []Fly, []Burst of Speed
2 (6/day) []Frigid Touch, [x]Effortless Armor, []Spider Climb, []Glitterdust (DC 16), []Mirror Image, []Invisibility
1 (6/day) []Shocking Grasp, [x]Vanish, []True Strike, []Shield, []Burning Hands (DC 15), []Chill Touch (DC 15)
0 (at will) Detect Magic, Light, Read Magic, Prestidigitation (DC 14), Disrupt Undead
--------------------
Skills Acrobatics -1 (-5 jump), Climb +5, Escape Artist -1, Fly +14, Intimidate +8, Knowledge (arcana) +18, Knowledge (dungeoneering) +8, Knowledge (local) +20, Knowledge (planes) +19, Linguistics +5, Perception +2, Ride -1, Sense Motive +2, Spellcraft +16, Stealth -1, Swim +5, Use Magic Device +10
Languages Common, Draconic, Osiriani, Varisian
--------------------
Arcane Edge 4 (Su) 1 Arcane Pool: Add 4 Bleed damage to an attack.
Arcane Pool (+3) (10/day) (Su) Infuse own power into a held weapon, granting enhancement bonus or selected item powers.
Black Blade (Ex) You gain an intelligent bonded weapon whose power grows with your own.
Black Blade: Arcane Pool (3/day) (Su) The Black Blade has an Arcane Pool used to fuel its own abilities.
Black Blade: Energy Attunement (Su) Replace weapon dam with fire/cold/elec for 1 point, or sonic/force for 2 points.
Black Blade: Strike +3 (Sp) The Black Blade can grant itself a damage bonus for 1 min.
Black Blade: Telepathy (Su) The magus can telepathically communicate with his black blade if it is worn or held.
Black Blade: Teleport Blade (Sp) Spend 1 point from own or blades pool to teleport it into hand.
Black Blade: Unbreakable (Ex) The Black Blade is immune to the broken condition while the arcane pool is not empty.
Combat Casting +4 to Concentration checks to cast while on the defensive.
Empowered Magic (1/day) (Su) 1/day, cast a spell as if Empowered without altering the casting time or level.
Focused Mind +2 to Concentration checks
Ghost Blade (Su) Add brilliant energy and ghost touch special ability to arcane pool options.
Improved Spell Combat (Ex) Use a weapon with one hand at -2 and cast a spell with the other.
Improved Spell Recall (Su) Spend your Arcane Pool to recall spells you have already cast.
Knowledge Pool (Su) Spend Arcane Pool points to prepare a magus spell that is not in your spellbook for 1 day.
Lunge Can increase reach by 5 ft, but take -2 to AC for 1 rd.
Maximized Magic (1/day) (Su) 1/day, cast a spell as if Maximized without altering the casting time or level.
Power Attack -3/+6 You can subtract from your attack roll to add to your damage.
--------------------
Arcane Pool (+3 per point spent, 10/day) 10/10 remaining
Empowered Magic (1/day) 1/1 remaining
Black blade's arcane pool 3/3 remaining
Wand of Magic missiles 1st level (23 charges remaining)
Pearl of Power (1st) - Not used today
Mithral Plate haste - 10/10 rounds left
Nikolay advances 120' up. (Effortless armor eliminates speed penalty. Haste adds 30' of movement. Not even going to bother with a stealth check at full speed.)
Round 3, Init 16
Briar, hasted and airelfwalking (as all the cool elves do), moves up 120', still 30' off the map at about V,-6.
Round 3, Init 5 { -->}
Charlie moves up 120'
AC 14 mithral shirt w/ ghost touch
CMD 14
HP = 75/75 (I need to double check the math)
Harrow Points: 6
Elemental HP 68/68
Holy Water Vials: 10
If anyone is poisoned or diseased Charlie will attempt a heal check (15)
The spells/day listed will include the casting (if any) that I made this round
Orisons DC:16 (Create Water, Guidance, Mending, Purify Food and Drink, Stabilize, Mage Hand, Read Magic, Ghost Sound)
First Level: DC:17 (8/8 per day) (Bless, Bless Water, Doom, Ray of Enfeeblement, Remove Fear, Cure Light, Protection from Evil)
Second Level: DC:18 (7/8 per day) (Admonishing Ray,Communal Prot. from Evil, Hold Person, Lesser Restoration, Sound Burst, Cure Moderate)
Third Level: DC:19 (7/7 per day) (Create Food and Water, Prayer, Remove Disease, Searing Light, Cure Serious, Dispel Magic)
Fourth Level: DC:20 (6/7 per day)(Minor Globe of Invulnerability, Holy Smite, Neutralize Poison, Restoration, Cure Critical Wounds)
Fifth Level: DC:21 (5/5 per day)(Constricting Coils, Scry) (Mass Cure Light Wounds)
Sixth Level: DC:22 (3/4 per day)(Heal) (Mass Cure Moderate Wounds)
Oracle Revelation: Eldritch Bolt 9/9 times per day. 1d8+5 dam
summon elemental: Twice per day 6/6, 6/6 rounds per day + ring: 6/6 rnds
Sociable Trait6/6 rounds per day
wand CSW 31/37
wand CLW 37/50
wand CLW 50/50
wand blessings of fervor 34/50
Rod of Reach 3/3 per day
wrist sheath: breath of life scroll (+3 backup)
Weapon equipped = Biting wit (and a MW dagger)
Shield equipped =OMG please don't hurt me
Round 3, Init 18+
Dandi moves up 60, shooting any one remaining orc that she can see.
Round 3, Init 11
AC = 24
HP = 111/111
Weapon Equipped = Black Tooth, Keen
Condition(s) = Inspired, Hasted, Invisible Bladed (Greater Invisibility)
Barael keeps up with Nikolay, shadowing his noisier countenance in hopes of avoiding a volley of arrows should Briar's magics fail their approach.
He takes down 120' of the 200'.
Dandilion moves up half way and magic missiles O4. No orc seems to be following the rainbow - but I don't think you can dispel it either. That's a standard action and you're out of those. Nikolay rushes in. Briar moves up air walking (how high are you?). Barael rushes forward hiding in Nikolay's shadow as best he can (not very well though, Nikolay isn't large enough for you to hide behind but it's good practice). Fondo rushes in. Charlie steadily plods forward. Laori rushes in, but starts to fall behind as her armor slows her down. Majenko flies casually to keep up with the party and continues to dance just ahead of them.
The visible orcs - and several behind arrow slits - take pot shots at the party, learning only now that their misses of the last round weren't entirely due to blindness - but rather to a wind wall! They then go inside the fortress. Some on the inside do other things.
You may enter the map anywhere from the left side. Just let me know you're final spot, there are no traps on that side of the road to worry about. Just a broken down gatehouse and a few scrub trees.
Round 4, Init 18-
Nikolay, still invisible from his vanish spell in round 2 (which I forgot to put in my status line last time), casts stoneskin and moves up about 60' to the edge of the wind wall (Q8).
Round 2, Init 11
AC[b] = 24
[b]HP = 111/111
Weapon Equipped = Black Tooth
Condition(s) = Hasted, Inspired, Invisoed
Barael tracks Nik to his current position, holding onto his scent, which strikes Barael as a combination of newly forged steel ingots and masculinity.
Round 4, Init 16
Briar moves to T2, cross crossing up and down to get to 20' up.
He will draw an arrow to ready to plug any orc that shows up around the wind wall.
to hit; (haste)
damage.
Round 2, Init 18+
With no targets for her colorful display, Dandi moves it down into the mists below. She activates her fly hex, and moves towards Briar, wand in one hand, sickle in the other.