GM RePete's Master of the Fallen Fortress: GD VI (Inactive)

Game Master RePete

Go ahead toss in your secret squirrel dot here.

For those unaware, this means post something, anything on here under your character. After it creates the post, delete it.

Venturing into the 'Flaxseed Lodge' you find yourselves surrounded by experienced pathfinders. They all seem to be regaling each other with tales of their latest encounters with undead, drow, and even a few mechanical creatures. One dark corner is filled with a mass of boisterous agents sharing of their travels in a local museum.

You are in Absalom, the mighty City at the Center of the World, and you’ve always longed to explore one of the countless ruins of failed conquerors that litter the plains outside the city’s walls. You’ve heard rumors that one of the sealed siege castles has been laid open by a minor earthquake. Word on the street is that no one has yet entered the tower, which folks are calling the “Fallen Fortress.” What better way to start a life of excitement and adventure than by exploring its long-abandoned, dusty halls and perhaps claiming its ancient treasures?

Suddenly a rotund human wearing the finest jewels steps through the door and clears his throat. "QUIET! QUIET NOW!" he screams over the din of the shady bar. The place begins to simmer a bit and he calls out again. "I have need of your skills. I desire goods from the Fallen Fortress and will pay handsomely. Any of you willing to take on this, follow me!" The man promptly turns and heads back out into the street.

We'll get going officially tomorrow (Friday). In the meantime, feel free to introduce yourselves to each other.

Brynn stands up, adjusts his belt with sword attached at the side, and follows the man outside. And older looking man, Brynn carries himself with an air of 'been there, done that', and looks like he enjoyed every minute of it. His clothing is a bit worn around the edges, threadbare, but in serviceable condition. He could be just as welcome in a library as a fight.

Eòshli sits in the corner, nursing a glass of wine that has long since soured. Well...they're a noisy bunch, she thinks as she scans the crowd.

When the rotund man starts bellowing for silence the elf quirks an eyebrow. "I begin to sense a pattern," she murmurs as she rises from her seat. Leaving a pair of silvers on the table, she follows the large man out the door.

Ishikri pokes his head our of her backpack, growling his displeasure at leaving the place which smells of food. Rolling her eyes, the elf gives the little feathered lizard a strip of jerky and gently pushes his head back into her pack.

From somewhere unseen a small girl's voice giggles out, "That sounds like fun Rögna!"

A bizarre beast carrying a child's doll works its way over, falling into line beside the two fellow Pathfinders. His face is hidden behind a mask fashioned in the image of a bull's skull, and the skin of his shirtless body is pulled tight over his muscles like scarred, tanned leather. His legs and lower body are hidden under a heavy black skirt, but the most conspicuous article is the doll in his arms. It wears a frilly pink dress with a matching wide-brimmed hat, and her face is frozen in a smile.

"Greetings." The creature grumbles deeply from behind its mask, seemingly attempting to be amiable. "This one is called Rögna."

Richelle had been picking at a plate of roasted vegetables, bored as could be at the lack of action since her last mission. She'd had two successful assignments, and was looking to become a full fledged member of the society with another success. I might even get published in the Chronicles one day, she thought to herself.

At hearing another mission, she sat bolt upright. "If you have room for another, count me in!"

Rowan leans his chair back against the wall, thinking. A moment later he jumps to his feet, grabs his longbow from where it had been resting, and with great gusto downs the remainder of his tankard of ale.

"Well I'm certainly not going to let the rest of you get into trouble without me!"

He quickly pays his bill, shoulders his pack, and follows his new employer out the door.

Brynn looks behind him, and sees an eclectic bunch. This should be interesting.

perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

Ridley gives the creature a once over. Well... That's... Still not the strangest thing I've seen today. What's this, an abandoned fortress? Sounds like fun, where do I sign up?

Smiling at the ensemble before him, the man quickly gives you directions to the fortress. "Now, I'll pay ya upon your return a percentage based off what yas bring me. Quite the group you've got 'ere. Be looking forward to seeing what you recover." Without another word, he heads off down the road.

It's easy enough to follow the direction supplied. As you approach, you see the ruined siege castle, now being called the Fallen Fortress, rises out of the churned earth of the Cairnlands. No doors or windows mar the otherwise smooth expanse of the tower’s walls. The tower is quatrefoil in plan; its eastern wing has largely collapsed, exposing the interior floors to the open air. Only the topmost level seems whole, though its eastern portion hangs precariously over the mountain of rubble left by the collapse. At ground level, the rubble frames a gaping hole in the side of the building that provides access to the tower’s darkened interior.

Map updated - Arrange yourself as you see fit as you approach - don't go past the green line yet

"I had heard it said the lands around Absalom are littered with abandoned siege castles, like bones in a elephant graveyard," the elf says softly, eyeing the fortress. "This one doesn't look like much, but I had the opportunity to skim Elirrand's history of the Isle of Kortos' greatest battles during the voyage here..."

Knowledge (History): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

The masked creature steps before the fallen ruins, silent as it gently lowers the doll. Her feet move slightly to steady themselves, and after a surreal visual it's clear that it was never a doll, but rather a young halfling girl.

"Hello everyone!" She giggles slightly when she talks, clearly amused at her own antics. "I'm sorry if I scared you, but Rögna always tell me it's better to be safe than sorry!" She gives the group a small curtsy. "I'm Izabelle, it's a pleasure to meet you all."

Izabelle turns to face the fortress, her porcelain features pale in the daylight. "Rögna here can hit pretty hard, but we're still trying to thicken his skin. He might not be the best choice to lead the way."

Brynn walks up to the fortress, man is it damaged. He stands at the foot of a bunch of rubble, looking in.

"Anyone here skilled in spotting and removing traps? Unfortunately, that's outside my area of expertise," Richelle says as she looks around the ruins. "I'm more of a stand in the back and do damage from there type."

Rowan makes his way up, keeping his eyes peeled and a arrow nocked.

Sadly, traps aren’t really my thing either.

As you approach, a group of dogs suddently come from rushing from the opposing side of the tower and close in on Brynn.

Round 1:
Order

Rowan
Izabelle
Rögna
Ravenous Dogs
Brynn
Eoshli
Ridley

Map Updated: Surprise Round: Dogs approaching -- Round 1 Bold is up -- I will resolve in initiative order with a summary

Sorry for my delay this weekend - got stuck working a 24hr shift and was wiped

"Let's go Rögna, into formation!!" Izabelle runs first, taking a quick two steps as Rögna runs past her. She crouches low, waiting for the perfect moment to stab her white wooden spear forward in tandem with Rögna's assault.

Ready Action, Aid Another: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (15) - 1 = 14 Success, Rögna +5 to next attack.

Rögna moves into position with Izabelle behind him, his heavy body stomping with every step. He readies his claws up while roaring loudly, and just before bringing them down Izabelle stabs forward, causing the wolf a last second distraction.

Aided Slam Power Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14
Aided Slam Power Damage: 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

Rögna is of course attacking the one south of him.

You left me off the Initiative list, DM.

Rowan reacts instantly to the approaching dogs, shifting 5 feet to get a clear shot and then releasing his previously loaded arrow at the blue one, yelling "I knew you'd all get into trouble if I wasn't here!"

Composite Longbow Attack, <= 30': 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Rowan steadies himself and launches an arrow towards the pack. The projectile flies over Brynn's right shoulder and lands with a solid *Thud*.

The small doll barks an order to her companion and produces a spear of her own. As her companion prepares to strike the beast before it, she pokes at the creature. Distracted by the pointy stick, it fails to react to the massive pounding of the masked being.

As the arrow lands in its target, the dog screams in agony. Deciding it's not worth it, he turns and flees back into the Cairnlands. The remaining animal, desperate for nourishment, lashes out at Brynn. However, in its weakened state, it almost bites its own leg.

Bite vs Brynn: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Round 1:
Order

Rowan
Izabelle
Rögna
Ravenous Dogs (Red, -5; Fleeing); (Blue, -10; Down)
Brynn
Richelle
Eoshli
Ridley

Bold Up - Richelle fixed --Blue down, Red Withdrawing

Ridley will advance and launch a crossbow bolt at the fleeing dog.

Ranged Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Richelle sees no reason to attack the fleeing animal. She lets it retreat from whence it came.

Brynn, seeing the lone dog in his face, attacks with all his might.

Scimitar: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

...... And, just like the dog, almost takes his own limb off.

"Well that was bracing," the elf comments to no one in particular, not moving as the brief fight plays out. A feathered lizard-head pokes out of her backpack, nostrils flaring as it sniffs the air.

"Begone, cur!" the elf snaps at the remaining dog, pointing an imperious finger.

Evil Eye to inflict -2 on attacks on the dog, Will DC14 negates

Dog Will: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21

Following the dog's lead, Brynn misses his target. Thankfully, he manages to keep his leg.

Realizing this fight is all but over as it began, Richelle holds off. Eoshli tries to creep doubt into the animals mind. Although it manages to shake of the brunt of her desires, the idea lingers. Lasts for 1 round on a save

Ridley takes aim at the retreating animal and drops it with ease.

Round 2:
Rowan
Izabelle
Rögna
Ravenous Dogs (Red, -10; Down); (Blue, -10; Down); (Clear, Evil Eye 1 round)
Brynn
Richelle
Eoshli
Ridley

Rowan, Izabelle, Rogna up

Rowan moves over into the rubble to get a clear shot at the remaining dog.

Composite Longbow Attack, <= 30': 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Damage?: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Combat Over

Rowan takes aim and fires. His arrow skewers the dogs left eye and it promptly slumps over.

As you enter the tower, you see two open archways. The southern wing is obviously completely full of rubble. The northern wing of the tower seems to have escaped the worst effects of the collapse, but rubble still litters the floor and everything is covered in a thick layer of stone dust. Thick cobwebs cloak the ceiling and hang down the walls like gossamer tapestries. A single archway stands open in the southwest wall.

What do you do? Feel free to place yourselves in the tower as you see fit. I will need to know which rooms you go into.

"Man, thanks for the save there. Kinda surprised me!"

"It happens to the best of us my friend!"

Rowan searches around for his lost arrows and retrieves the one that's still functional.

"Well then, to the left or the right? The right is clear, but the rubble to the left might hide some overlooked treasure if we're willing to take the time for it."

I don't actually have an opinion one way or another, and since having the archer be the first through the door seems silly I'm going to wait for someone who's more melee optimized to make the first move!

Rögna investigates the room full of rubble, walking slowly inside. Between his legs Izabelle stands ready, waiting at a moment's notice in case anyone attacks him.

Ready Action Aid Another: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (18) - 1 = 17 Success, +4 to Rögna AC.

I realize if he does get attacked that comes down to our initiative checks, but if an attacker DOES attack Rögna and Izabelle IS in a position to offer aid, that's her action. Due to the nature of PbP I'm not entirely sure if this is the proper way to ready actions, so if you'd like me to do it differently somehow,
let me know!

Rowan moves up next to the door, not blocking anyone's way, but ready to move in if Rögna finds any trouble.

Richelle quietly follows behind the others as they enter the rubble filled passage.

Picking your way through the rubble, you find another open archway on the opposing side. The room beyond shows similar signs of collapse around the edges, but the center is mostly clear. A door on the east wall leads to a staircase, heading straight up the center of the tower.

Unfortunately, the stairs are choked off with rubble from this direction. It seems you would have to climb to the second level from the outside.

As Rogna begins investigating the final room of the lower level, a wad of silken white webbing suddenly flies his direction, from the corner of the ceiling. Coated in the substance, the creature is suddenly entangled.

Web Attack vs Rogna: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Pleased with itself, the spider clambers down the webbing it's created in this lair and sinks it fangs into the trapped creature, the poison oozing into Rogan's veins. Sadly for the spider, this thing in it's clutches seems unaffected.

Izabelle Readied Goes off -- Rogan FF AC 18 - 2 Entangled
Bite vs Rogan: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1
Crit Confirmation: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17 Confirm
Crit Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Round 1:
Order

Spider
Richelle
Eoshli
Brynn
Ridley
Rogna (Entangled, -4)
Rowan
Izabelle

Surprise: Spider Webbed Rogna. All Players up Round 1

Richelle gathers her mental energy and fires off her Blast at the spider.

Ranged Attack 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

Damage 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Rowan slips through the door and over to the far side of the room, looking for a clear shot at the Spider.

Composite Longbow, <= 30': 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Damage?: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

Pupils dilating, Eoshli stares at the spider, cursing it will clumsiness and ill fortune.

Evil Eye for -2AC; Will DC14

"RÖGNA!"

Izabelle screeches in anger, her normally flawless expression twisting into one of rage. With a grunt she ducks under the web and stabs at the Spider's legs.

Aid Another, Attack: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (14) - 1 = 13
Success, Rögna +5 Next Attack

Rögna bellows in fury when the Spider's fangs sink into him, piercing his tanned skin. With a furious roar he raises his arms, slamming them down and immediately raising them back up to rend at the arachnid before him.

Aided Slam Power Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28 Critical
Critical Confirmation Roll: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
Aided Slam Power Damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10 20 if Critical Hit
Claw Power Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
Claw Power Damage: 1d4 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
Claw Power Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Claw Power Damage: 1d4 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Seeing everyone have the fight well in hand, and witnessing Rogna's impressive attack, Brynn wisely stays out of the fighting, ready to assist as needed, when needed.

Combat Over

As the eight legged beast gnaws on the stranger other-worldly being, Richelle through sheer force of will forces the kinetic forces of the Aether to do her bidding and slams it, causing a gash to rupture in the side of the spiders torso.

Turning towards the woman, Eoshil catches its eyes full on, and her malicious intents creep into its meager brain. The oversized arachnid visibly shudders at the sight.

Recognizing the fight is well in hand, Brynn holds back. Waiting to see how the masked creature reacts. Quickly, his patience is rewarded as the small woman distracts the beast and her companions smashes it into the rubble strewn floor.

Damage Summary
Rogna -4, entangled
I assume you would either cut him free of the webbing or he would break free - either way out of combat won't require a roll

Just a heads up Eoshil: Evil Eye counts as a mind-affecting effect. Mindless things are immune to it because of this - didn't matter here. Just a heads up incase you missed that

Rowan - If you'd like, you can keep your arrow as it went down prior to your turn

Though, it takes some serious effort from some of you, the group manages to climb up to the second level of the tower. The open landing, you assume was once an enterior room, lays shattered below you on the ground. The floor above seems to be in a similar state.

Appraise(Collar): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

"Wow, that's beautiful... I wonder who, or what, Kita was." Brynn muses thoughtfully.

Upon the spider jumping out at Rogna, Ridley shouts. After his momentary surprise, Ridley collects himself and begins a rigorous set of stretches and calisthenics to prepare for battle. He touches his toes, jumps in the air a few times, and does some overhead arm stretches. After finishing his routine, he grabs a bomb, and prepares to throw it, only to realize that the spider has already been squished.

Um... well. Good job guys. Couldn't have done it without ya. So, lets press onward to glory and riches! Where to now? Lets go north. I vote we go north. It really is the best direction.

"Well, I suppose if we want to continue on we're going to have to find a way up. I don't think anything we can do to that staircase full of rubble is likely to be conducive to the whole place staying in one piece..."

Rowan heads outside and starts looking for likely ways in to the second floor.

Per the lsat line of Repete's last post, we manage to climb up through the rubble, so we are already on the 2nd floor.

Per the lsat line of Repete's last post, we manage to climb up through the rubble, so we are already on the 2nd floor.

Oops, my mistake. Deleted that post...

"North seems reasonable to me"

"Any choice is a good choice, until we come to a bad one."

"Going higher seems beneficial, if you think the structure will take our weight." Eoshli offers, eying the keep warily. "Being above whatever lurks on the ground floor can't be a bad thing."