GM RePete: Mask of the.....City of Golden Death (Inactive)

Game Master RePete

Syllyn, let's wait to see what Abaal and Whendel think. I'm strongly against running...as close to the third ring as we are, I'll be shocked if we're not fighting these two and whatever awaits us there...there's been a guardian(s) at every bridge we've crossed and we have to cross another to get to the third ring. Looking at the blue 'X' on the map where our current location is and the bridge into the third ring, they'll catch us if we have to fight to get across the final bridge...

Syllyn wrote:

@Abaal

"Well, then, that settles it. I guess we stand and fight. I do wish we knew the password to get by these things. Perhaps the next time we run into a group of thugs, we find out if they know what it is?"

Abaal Zadeir, Sword of Katapesh wrote:

Turning he prepares to charge.

Don't blame Abaal for Flynn's itchy trigger-finger. ;) First there was the lizard men (well, the other lizard men besides Syllyn), and then the demon, then the Razmirians, and now these things. Maybe they tell riddles, and you just need to guess to get past them. It must be a noisy yet lonely monastery that Flynn comes from. Everyone has to shout at one another from around several walls to speak, or get shot the moment they present themselves as a target. Brothers of the Untouched Safety.

The demon? It surprise attacked Flyn before it was ever seen (don't think I could've talked it down after it knocked me down to single digit hit points)...and it nearly killed both Flyn and Abaal...I like to get the first shot in when in doubt; and the only entity on this island that's not shown hostile intent thus far is Drusan (and I didn't fire at him). Every bridge has had a hostile guardian so I'm assuming these are hostile too...and as I said before, even moreso after the fight with the demon, I prefer to get the first attack in as opposed to being on the receiving end of it...more like Flyn is from the Brothers of the I Want to Leave This Island Alive...

I'm sorry if some of you do not prefer this tactic; while I thought it best on this mission, I could very well be wrong...and I will change it from here on out...I will approach the areas the same (Stealth, Perception, Tracking) but I will let one of you decide if/when we attack, giving my trigger finger a break, no worries...

I have no regrets. I would have liked to at least SEE what happens when you try to charge past the columns. Like I said, I very much doubt the scenario designer would have allowed that but it would have been fun to have the group bounce up against an invisible wall or something. Well, fun to me at least.

I agree that that demon guardian was a bit of a shock the way it dished out the damage. I would probably want to play it safe too if I were on the receiving end of that.

I think most constructs are slow and I think your idea would've worked...my only concern was that the next bridge on the map looks very close and if another demon-like creature awaits, I feared the columns would come up from behind and sandwich us. The GM mentioned up front this module was brutal so I suspect we haven't faced the worst yet...

I suspect the distance between encounters is minutes, not seconds. At least it has been up to this point.

You're probably right as that's certainly been the case in our previous encounters...it took about 20 minutes to walk from our encounter with the Razmirans (I'm assuming the H on the map) to the columns...I could be wrong but it looks like it's not as far to the bridge/road leading to the third ring from our current position...but as you say, it would still be minutes so we still might have had enough time had we ran...

Also didn't know if we might want to rest before entering the third ring ...didn't know if Whendel might need to renew his spells before entering...don't know how the rest of you stand as far as a rest goes...I've got one more instance of Perfect Strike currently and having the full complement could be useful...but it's more of a want than a need so I'm good to go if we want to press on after this encounter...

Whendel has one 2nd level and 2 first level spells remaining. 5 firebolts and plenty of crosbow bolts.

How much would it be to make her glaive adamantium? Would it be a good investment?

I think it'd cost you 3,000 gp...

Would it be a worthwhile investment?

For a frontliner, probably...for a bard, probably not...but that's just my opinion...

I agree. You are better off getting any number of other items. Are you looking for suggestions?

That is what I was thinking. I need something to boost my CHA

Circlet of Persuasion and Headband of Alluring Charisma are two of the most desirable items for a Bard.

There are several items that stack to boost Cha related skills. And since they are differ types of bonuses and different slots, it works well.

I have 3 or 4 on my summoner. When I get a chance, I'll try to toss up some specific thoughts.

Thanks!

Her main thing was to get the elven chain.

I do know that the next level she takes will be in Evangelist.

Maybe the more diplomatic of us can try to talk our way out of this? I think that she has the highest bonus and maybe then the Skald and others can aide?

I have an attack post written up...but before I post it, wanted to make sure. Are we fighting here or are we gonna try to talk our way past this creature as well? I'll post first thing in the morning...

Somehow I don't think the naga can be reasoned with. We can try though. Phoebe does have suggestion as a spell.

If that fails, I think we should just kill it, though I'm not sure how when it is at the bottom of a 30' pit and once you start firing at it you become the target of choice.

Anyone got something to break a fall? Wish this character had that alchemical stuff that does that.

She likes to talk :)

Somehow I don't think the naga can be reasoned with. We can try though. Phoebe does have suggestion as a spell.

If that fails, I think we should just kill it, though I'm not sure how when it is at the bottom of a 30' pit and once you start firing at it you become the target of choice.

Anyone got something to break a fall? Wish this character had that alchemical stuff that does that.

Since it just appeared, I'm guessing there was a summoning trigger...thus I too doubt talking will do any good at all...but then again, I was surprised an undead dragon created by this Tar-Baphon would be capable of negotiating much less letting us pass, so maybe I'm wrong here as well...

I've got a ring of feather falling but I have no interest in trying to fight on a pile of coins...won't be able to maneuver much down there...

Killing it may be easier said than done...this creature seems deadly...if it hits a couple of us with that poison, we're in trouble...also, if memory serves, I think Naga are fairly capable casters as well, but could be wrong on that...

I wonder if this is an illusion?

I wonder if this is an illusion?

I doubt it's an illusion...this module feels like a gauntlet to me, with the fights getting tougher, for the most part, as we go...

Just a reminder that I am going to be having eye surgery on November 1.

Perhaps you could hand the ring off to Abaal so he can get down.

I have no objection to letting him borrow the ring if he really wants to try that...but while I could give him plenty of ranged cover from up here, if he's facing that thing alone in melee, I don't like his odds as he'd probably have its sole attention for at least a couple of rounds or so...

Maybe the thing was just invisible and dismissed the spell. I think it would have fought the priests if it could have but I don't see any dead. So maybe we just cross and ignore it.

that is what I was thinking.

Is the rope within melee range of the Naga? Is it's poison sleep ability a ranged attack or melee attack? Not sure if it can harm us if we stay on the edge of the pit. Perhaps it just tries to sleep attack anyone that crosses the rope, causing it to fall into the pit. Then again, I can't imagine a scenario writer would make the Naga so lame as to be easily targeted and destroyed by ranged fire without being able to retaliate.

I'd guess since it's a serpent, maybe its bite is poison so probably not ranged...unless it's like a spitting cobra...

Either way, anything we face this late in this module will be dangerous...

GM: Can you refresh my memory on the higher ground bonus you mentioned. Are there both to hit and damage mods or just one or the other? If this comes to a fight, I figure I'll be moving closer in the next round or so...

Sorry for lack of post yesterday. 18hr shift kicked my ass.

Should have a post up this evening. The higher ground bonus is a +1 to hit.

Sorry for lack of post yesterday. 18hr shift kicked my ass.

Should have a post up this evening. The higher ground bonus is a +1 to hit.

I had a bunch of questions too.

Is the rope within melee range of the Naga? Is it's poison sleep ability a ranged attack or melee attack? Not sure if it can harm us if we stay on the edge of the pit. Perhaps it just tries to sleep attack anyone that crosses the rope, causing it to fall into the pit. Then again, I can't imagine a scenario writer would make the Naga so lame as to be easily targeted and destroyed by ranged fire without being able to retaliate.

The rope is too high for the Naga to reach with melee.

The poison is from it's tail sting.

I'll wait to post until I see what Whendel and Abaal (since he has a first round action he can take) do...looks like Phoebee is the only that can talk with it...

Pray that all goes well with your eye surgery today, Phoebee...

Thanks. My check in time is not until Noon so I have a few hours to do stuff, like post.

That is funny, she speaks Infernal and that was the last language that Phoebee learned when she leveled up :)

I hope your surgery goes well. Keep us posted as you can.

Thanks. Not sure what shape I will be in after the procedure. This is my first ever surgury. If you can have her try to find out what they need to do to free the naga and then inspire if they get into combat.

GM: Not sure of the order of things where talking is involved...will we get to hear the Naga's answer to Phoebee's question before we act?

Should be back today. In my follow up.

Waiting to see what happens with Whendel's crossing attempt...and to see if the naga answers Phoebee...

Just a head's up, GM; I'll be on a cruise next week and won't be able to post much, if at all, from Monday afternoon till Friday morning. I will be posting up until then...and I might be able to post a bit from the cruise ship...but if you don't mind botting me GM, I'd appreciate it. I think you know Flyn's schtick fairly well and he'll try to keep with that when possible...

At the bottom of Flyn's profile page is a 'Bot Me' spoiler that has my most used checks and attacks...as this module has some tough encounters, I also included some of my boons that might be helpful in staving off perma-death if needed...

I have never been on a cruise but think that the buffets would be wonderful

While the buffets are nice, the best food by far are the evening dinners in the formal dining room...you've got 4 appetizers, 4 entrees, and 4 desserts to choose from every night...and if you don't like it they'll bring you another one. You can also order from the classic menu if you don't like any of the choices they're having that evening...

That sounds like wonderful gluttony :)

DM, are we sure that the gold and the rest of the treasure is real?

@Flyn, you are correct on the damage thoughts from IC

@Phoebee: Glad you are back and hope for a speedy recovery! The massive amounts of gold you have seen in this place are all very real.

I hope we get to spend it :)