GMF's Shattered Star (Inactive)

Game Master Fanguar

Spasi turns his eyes to the quivering Clem, finally putting pieces together.

"Uh...Clem? Is there something you wanted to tell me?" Spasi makes it clear that he's refering to Clem's hasty advance in the backwards direction in full retreat.

Spasi's eyes narrow in on the problem.

"Are..are you, Clem...afraid of seeing Rhesus bleed?" Spasi asks pointedly.

Ducking through the opened, not-so-secret door, you travel down a short corridor.

A ledge looks out over a long chamber filled with sea water ten feet below. The ledge winds along to the northeast, leading to a wooden plank that serves as a bridge to the top of a stone pillar. A bucket with a second board over it sits atop the pillar. (DC12 acrobatics to navigate the plank)

Bibic will follow the others carefully across the planking if there's room for folks on the other side. If not, he'll go alone to check things out.

Taking 10 on Acrobatics for a 15. He examines the bucket casting detect magic as he does so.

Still waiting for an answer from Clem.

Spasi also takes his time to cross.

Take 10 Acrobatics = 12.

"What's with the bucket?"

Clement gazes at Spasi while apparently deep in thought at the question.

"I... errr, well..."

The oracle seems unable to answer the question directly, but his eyes light up as he grasps onto an opportunity to take the focus off his hasty retreat.

"I can't be afraid of seeing Rhesus bleed -- it seems to be one of his new favorite hobbies."

Clement gives the others a broad smile and pantomimes elbowing Rhesus, yet from afar lest he stir the wrath of the Shoanti.

"So, once again... a plank... to cross."

Clement sighs while he shifts his gear about his person.

"I don't think it's wise for me to cross in all this armor..."

I'm assuming we all need to cross in order to continue back into the structure? It's probably best to do this the easy way versus Clement going for a swim.

Setting his shield down, Clement feebly reaches for the straps on his scaled armor.

Clement will begin the long process of removing his armor.

"Eh? Clem ain't afraid of seeing me bleed. Are ya Clem? Nah, I'm so good at it, just trying to teach him to be heroic like me."

Rhesus nods sagely at his own wisdom.

Noya walks across the plank

Taking 10 on Acrobatics, result is 15

Bibic discovers no magic auras and finds that the bucket is full of dead bats, some quite fragrant.

Spasi traipses back to help Clem with his armor.

"So what was it then? Was if wasn't Rhesus blood, what was it? Was it the bats? You got a thing for bats? They ain't so bad," Spasi says, trying to unflange a flange when he should be uncoupling a link. Spasi knows little about armor.

"You should speak up next time bats scare you. We'll kill them faster next time so you won't have to soil your armor."

When Clem is across, Spasi will help him put his armor back on.

Where to next? Anyone?

I'm a little confused by the map. Looks like we can go back down the steps (away from the bucket) and through a short hall to B25 yes? This seems like a dead end.

"Odd sort of shrine. A bucket of dead bats." Bibic leaves it well enough alone, knowing it's a mistake to cross a religious zealot - however strange their beliefs. Or maybe especially when they're strange.

Either way he looks for another exit.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 7 + 2 = 12

"Bats? No, it wasn't the bats, although I'm not that fond of them either. They've been known to carry all sorts of disease, was anyone bitten?"

Clement steps away from Spasi, and attempts to redirect the attention towards any wounds the others may have sustained.

With his armor finally off, Clement utters a quick prayer to Valani (for Guidance) and makes an attempt to cross.

Acrobatics DC12: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Sigh.

Exhausted and head swimming from questions from Spasi, Clement's eyes roll up into his head and he drops to the water below.

Swim: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

The cold water clears his thoughts, and Clement wades to the surface, spitting out some water he accidentally swallowed.

"Rope?!!"

"Yeah, that's it, Clem. Just do what I do...wait, no! Don't look down!"

**sploosh**

Spasi crimmies, then searches his backpack for his grappling hook and silk rope.

"One second, Clem. Hang in there," Spasi secures the grappling hook and tosses the rope to Clem.

You are in B29. The only place to go is down the stairs to the next level. The room you are in does serve a purpose, but not one the PC would know, though they could figure it out.

You are in B29. The only place to go is down the stairs to the next level. The room you are in does serve a purpose, but not one the PC would know, though they could figure it out.

Ahh, in that case I think we're headed down to the next level. At least we will when Clement is done shaking the water from his fur.

Bibic is convinced this is some sort of weird bat-shrine and he wants nothing further to do with it. "Let's move on."

Noya replies to Bibic
"I agree, Let's move on."

Spasi helps Clem up and again tries to help with his armor.

"Shouldn't you dry off more before putting you armor on? Maybe we should build a fire to help get you dry," Spasi offers helpfully.

When Clem is ready to move on, Spasi will point Rhesus down.

B30

This wide catacomb chamber has rows of burial niches cut into the stone walls. These have all been stripped bare of any former occupants. Half a dozen ten-foot-high mounds of dirt and debris dominate the floor of the chamber, reaching nearly to the ceiling fifteen feet above.

Noya follows along
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

"What's this, something looks ajar in this burial niche.
It's a secret door."

1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18 Perception

"I tells ya, I tells ya, we got to be close. I bet whomever made them 3 toed tracks over there either has or knows where our shard is. Rhesus, why don't you take a gander in that southern ant hill."

"Sure Spasi. You think maybe there will be ants though? If they're like the rats won't we need fire to kill them? Maybe that secret door is safer? Maybe?"

Perception: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 7 + 2 = 20

"I agree with Spasi, let's take that hill - then we can leave via the secret passage."

Bibic readies his bow and follows closely behind.

I wonder what sort of creature makes tracks like that and lives in a giant ant-hill?

Knowledge, all: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 + 2 = 19 (Arcana or Local add +4)

@Bibic: They are mite tracks, small fey and they don't live in ant-hills, ants do..

While you are searching the room, the head of a massive ant pokes out of one of the hills. Its beady eyes fall on you and its mandibles clack menacingly.

Round 1
21 Bibic
20 Noya
19 Spasi
16 Ant
15 Rhesus
2 Clement

Bibic, Noya and Spasi are up.

Round 1, Initiative 21
HP: 15/15; AC: 15 (T13/FF12)
F: +3, R: +5, W: +2
Back Row
Opponent: None
MA: none
SA: Longbow: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 5 + 1 = 14 (point blank) damage: 1d8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 + 1 = 5 (point blank)

Bibic freaks out a little when the giant ant crawls out of the ant hill, especially as he was looking for mites. For a moment he mistakes it for an Ankheg and drops a few steps back before steadying himself as the creature closes, and grows smaller not larger.

It’s all in your head - get a grip!

He raises his bow and shoots, just missing the creature in his excitement. He slows his breath and gets a grip as he heads into the next round.

Round 1, Initiative 19

hp 14/14; AC 16/12T/14FF (+4 w/Mage Armor); CMD 11
+1F/+2R/+4W

Back Row
Opponent: Not in combat Ant
MA: Draw light crossbow.
SA: (combat): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10 touch attack; 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 damage (1/7)

"Ah crap. Ants! Who woulda thunk there would be giant ants in them there giant ant hills?" Spasi asks the air as he sends some cracking force at one of them.

Row: Front
MA: Draw Sword
SA: Attack

"First, Big Rats, now it's Big Bugs, What's Next Big Snakes?"

Atk: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Spasi's bolt slams into the side of the ant.
Round 1 Init 16

Another ant pops out of one of the hills

The first attacks Noya:

Attack vs AC16: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Round 1/2
21 Bibic
20 Noya
19 Spasi
16 Ant x2
15 Rhesus
2 Clement

Row: Front
MA: Draw Sword
SA: Attack

"Here comes another one."

Atk: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Crit: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

Round 2, Initiative 21
HP: 15/15; AC: 15 (T13/FF12)
F: +3, R: +5, W: +2
Back Row
Opponent: None
MA: none
SA: Longbow: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 5 + 1 = 20 (point blank) damage: 1d8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 + 1 = 6 (point blank)

Bibic takes a shot at any wounded ants when it comes to be his turn - or a fresh one if there are no wounds, or it has already fallen. Happy with his shot, Bibic grins.

He wonders how many ants there are in that hill, "We should be ready to fall back if this whole hill erupts with ants." He thinks a moment and continues, "Maybe we can pour some oil down the hole and light it - burn out the whole colony. Anyone with oil? I have one alchemy fire left but no oil per se."

"So your asking for a spell like Create Oil, I don't think it exists."

Round 2, Initiative 19

hp 14/14; AC 16/12T/14FF (+4 w/Mage Armor); CMD 11
+1F/+2R/+4W

Back Row
Opponent: Newest Ant
MA: Load crossbow.
SA: (combat): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20 attack; 1d8 ⇒ 1 damage

"Don't worry, I got that one. No problem!" Spasi says while showing the fighting skills he is known for.

Round 1, Initiative 2
HP: 17/17; AC: 18 (T11/FF18)
F: +2, R: +0, W: +4
Spells Left Today: 1st - 4/5
Channels Left Today: 4/4
Location: Front Row
SA: Attack with mace

It takes Clement a few moments to realize the others are swinging at a giant ant among them. Finally understanding the danger, he looks for an "ant trap" but realizes things are more pressing and decides his mace could possibly stand in for that.

Heavy Mace, flank: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6 for 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Round 1 Init 15

HP 23/25 DR 1/-, 2/lethal
AC 16/T12/FF14
CMD 17
F +6 R +2 W -1
Rage: 9/9
Row: Front
Opponent: Ant

"Ok, these ants I can handle."

Mwk EB PA: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 222d6 + 7 ⇒ (2, 1) + 7 = 10

One ant drops and the other is wounded.

Round 2 Init 16

Another ant comes crawling out of one of the hills.

Attack vs Clement: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12(Miss)

Round 2/3
21 Bibic
20 Noya
19 Spasi
16 Ant x2
15 Rhesus
2 Clement

Round 3, Initiative 21
HP: 15/15; AC: 15 (T13/FF12)
F: +3, R: +5, W: +2
Back Row
Opponent: None
MA: none
SA: Longbow: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 5 + 1 = 25 (point blank) damage: 1d8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 + 1 = 7 (point blank)

Bibic takes a shot at any wounded ants when it comes to be his turn - or a fresh one if there are no wounds, or it has already fallen. He continues to worry about the number of ants they may have to face. Ant hills can be quite large.

Round 3, Initiative 19

hp 14/14; AC 16/12T/14FF (+4 w/Mage Armor); CMD 11
+1F/+2R/+4W

Back Row
Opponent: New Ant
MA: Load crossbow.
SA: (combat): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22 attack; 1d8 ⇒ 2 damage

"I got this one! Don't you worry!"

Round 2 Init 15
HP 23/25 DR 1/-, 2/lethal
AC 16/T12/FF14
CMD 17
F +6 R +2 W -1
Rage: 9/9
Row: Front
Opponent: Ant B

Rhesus begins to whistle as he swings his hammer.

Mwk EB PA: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 212d6 + 7 ⇒ (3, 1) + 7 = 11

Round 2, Initiative 2
HP: 17/17; AC: 18 (T11/FF18)
F: +2, R: +0, W: +4
Spells Left Today: 1st - 4/5
Channels Left Today: 4/4
Location: Front Row
SA: Attack with mace

Clement gives Rhesus a worried look upon hearing the whistling, but finally decides it may be the secret to the Shoanti's success and strives to accompany him in the tune.

Heavy Mace, flank: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21 for 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Row: Front
MA: Draw Sword
SA: Attack

"Let's end it before any more show up."

Atk: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Another ant drops and the other is severely wounded,

Round 3 Init 16

Another ant crawls out of one of the hills,
Randomizer: 1d3 ⇒ 3

Attack vs Clement: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Round 3/4
21 Bibic
20 Noya
19 Spasi
16 Ant x2
15 Rhesus
2 Clement

Everyone is up

Round 3 Init 15
HP 23/25 DR 1/-, 2/lethal
AC 16/T12/FF14
CMD 17
F +6 R +2 W -1
Rage: 9/9
Row: Front
Opponent: Ant D

"I tell ya Clem, this is the most fun I've had all day."

Rhesus continues his methodical anticide.

Mwk EB PA: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 252d6 + 7 ⇒ (1, 1) + 7 = 9
Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 124d6 + 14 ⇒ (5, 3, 3, 5) + 14 = 30

Round 4, Initiative 21
HP: 15/15; AC: 15 (T13/FF12)
F: +3, R: +5, W: +2
Back Row
Opponent: None
MA: none
SA: Longbow: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 5 + 1 = 20 (point blank) damage: 1d8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 + 1 = 5 (point blank)

Bibic lines up the next ant through the hole (or the wounded one should it still stand) and fires!

”This game of whack-a-mole is fine, but we cannot keep this up forever. How many ants do you think might be coming out of that hole?”

Bibic smiles as he hits yet again. A good combat for me so far. I must remember and continue to hit so effectively!

Round 4, Initiative 19

hp 14/14; AC 16/12T/14FF (+4 w/Mage Armor); CMD 11
+1F/+2R/+4W

Back Row
Opponent: New Ant
MA: Load crossbow.
SA: (combat): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18 attack;1d8 ⇒ 5 damage

"OH BABY! I can't miss. You all just keeping being like me! I got this!"

Row: Front
MA: Draw Sword
SA: Attack

"Any more?"

if another pops up

Atk: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22 Crit
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Crit: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22 Death
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
Crit: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18 Yep
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

She'll lop off it's head as it comes up.

I don't get the third attack roll. Is there a house rule on crits I don't know about?

It's a rule I found in a 3.5 Book, likely Unearthed Arcana.
If the second roll for confirming the Crit is a Nat 20, roll a third d20.
If the 3rd roll beats AC, it's Auto-Death, if not it's just a Crit.

That and odds of getting a Nat 20 after a crit tend to be very rare.
Some GM's know it and use it, some know it and don't use it, and some don't know of it.

Round 3, Initiative 2
HP: 14/17; AC: 18 (T11/FF18)
F: +2, R: +0, W: +4
Spells Left Today: 1st - 4/5
Channels Left Today: 4/4
Location: Front Row
SA: Attack with mace

Clement grunts as he realizes he can't keep his shield up as effectively when he's swinging, but tries once again to dispatch the ant ahead of him.

"Can we stuff something into the hole so they stop coming out?"

Clement looks about for something to do just that.

Heavy Mace, flank: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13 for 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Not using that rule. Nifty though.

The two ants are easily dispatched and the room falls silent except for your heavy breaths.

I think the dice gods are making up for some past encounters. Combat is over.

"Yeah, let's stuff their bodies in there. Good job everybody."

I used that rule once in an old 3.5 game. Not worth it, the GM rolls far more dice than the players and nobody likes dying in one shot.