GM Rednal's Jade Regent (Inactive)

Game Master Rednal

I feel like additional damage dice are most similar to being a weapon special quality - so, not something that gets multiplied on a critical hit. The rules for Path of War don't mention crits very much, except that counters can't be used on Natural 20's and damage from maneuvers isn't multiplied. If you can find or get a comment from a Path of War developer stating otherwise, though, I'll accept that as their intent and change the rule here. ^^

Aleksson's blow didn't confirm as a critical strike - but it didn't need to, either, because the basic damage was enough to puncture one of the bird's lungs, and it dropped with a gurgle as its holy symbol fell to the floor. As the rush of combat faded, you had the chance to look around the small chamber. It seemed to be a cell of some kind... and underneath one of the beds was a footlocker.

Inside were four +2 evil outsider bane arrows, a scroll of cure moderate wounds, a scroll of remove disease, a scroll of restoration, and a phylactery of faithfulness. The avian figure had a few items as well, including two scrolls of cure moderate wounds, a scroll of dispel magic, a wand of inflict moderate wounds (10 charges), a suit of studded leather armor, a masterwork longsword, and a silver unholy symbol of Pazuzu (worth 100 GP).

Shutai held up the restoration scroll with obvious interest since it would benefit both Aleksson and herself. Of course, she had no way to currently use such a thing...she also looked at the wand, as an alternative weapon, and the other various scrolls.

Nope, that was my take on it too, but I figured I might as well roll the extra dice while I asked - no harm in ignoring it in a final result.

Aleksson grabbed the arrows, looking to his allies for objections before he stuffed them into his quiver. He examined the other items, moving on quickly from each in turn as they proved to hold no interest for him.

"I can use the scroll on one of you with little risk. Take the arrows Aleksson you are a better archer. Which one of you needs the spell more?"

Taka pulls the wand and restores the vitality of his ancestral spirit and Aleksson.

CLW Taka: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
CLW Taka: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

CLW Alekkson: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
CLW Alekkson: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

He then uses read magic to decipher the scroll.

"Decide we still have business here. We must find the source of the spell that holds my sister."

Shutai gestured to Aleksson. She was out of the ability to grow claws, and as a result wouldn't be any real use in combat for now, especially as the curse of the strange, child undead continued to rob her of her voice and the remains of what magic she had.

Note that its effect only lasts an hour, and about 20 minutes of that has elapsed as you've explored the various rooms. You *could* try waiting for your voices to recover without stopping your adventure for the day.

Taka is eager to press on but as he thought more about what was effecting his companions he stopped and spoke.

"I believe the effects on your voices will end soon. Why don't we sit a bit here and reflect on what has happened thus far. Let me know when you can speak again and we will continue."

Yes we will wait before continuing. We will then keep exploring.

Nodding, Shutai pulled a seat up and slumped into it wearily.

Aleksson took a moment to work the magical blade found earlier against the footlocker's bottom, carving out a rough bird's eye view map of the castle. He then placed a single gold coin on their depicted location while mouthing silent words. Satisfied, he sat near Shutai and pulled his hood over his eyes before dozing off into a brief nap.

It took more than half an hour, but finally Shutai and Aleksson croaked - in the good way. Their voices came back soon after, a little hoarse from what had happened but otherwise in good shape. The real question now was where you wanted to go next...

With her voice finally restored, Shutai rose with a small sigh, restoring her protective spells, and headed for the next set of doors. The double doors at the southern end of the large southern corridor off the main area (U8) seemed like the next most logical place to search.

Taka nods and is happy his companions can speak again. They then proceed to the double doors as Shutai suggest.

"Hmph," was the closest thing to a word spoken by Aleksson once he regained his voice. He'd found no new conversation during his brief nap, and picks up his bow before following the other two. A short meditation taken immediately before his nap has realigned his mystic energies, and he felt confident going forward.

AKA, prepping different maneuvers. Don't have time to change them now, but I will have it in my alias before I next check the thread. :-)

*Coughs and updates the map* Those're the doors you already went through. XD

Then we'll try the double doors in the same corridor the face East?

Do it. :-)

Yep, next set of doors.

A ten-foot wide balcony winds around an ancient ballroom below. A rickety-looking railing runs along the balcony’s edge, and another pair of double doors can be seen on the far side.

Glancing around the room as she passed through, Shutai headed for the doors on the other side.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

Taka follows, looking and showing caution as they go.

Perception: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (13) + 17 = 30

Aleksson kept his bow at the ready as he brought up the rear.

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15

As you come to the doors on the far side, a problem immediately presents itself - the strong wooden double doors here are locked, and there doesn't seem to be any easy way to open them from this side. (They don't look like interior doors, either - these clearly head outside.)

"Strange for the doors to lock from the other side when leading to the outside... Are any of you good with these things? If not let us continue to search and come back here."

Aleksson looked closer. "I don't think there's much to be done from this side. I have tools but..." he said, trailing off with a shrug. "There's one set of double doors on this level that we've left untouched - let's find your answers there."

To the eastern double doors in U7.

Shutai followed, unsure if she could manage the doors either.

...The locked doors *are* the ones on the east side of U7. XD; You're already there.

Fair warning, I'm going to continue being terrible at following the map. :-P
Okay, the south doors in U15, then.

I can't get to the map from work unless I remote to my home computer and I have forgot to start the remote agent on my home computer this whole week. :) To the south doors.

South works for me.

Somewhat interestingly... these doors seem to be the same - both in style, sturdiness, and being-locked-ness. From what you'd seen outside, the southern door in the hallway looked like it just lead onto the battlements surrounding the castle. You'd never been able to get a good look at the eastern side, though, so it was still a mystery.

"Did we miss any other area's? It may be time for brute strength."

Sorry again can't get to map. Next available doors are fine.

We got two areas on the main floor, so let's do the north side of T6. Not that Shutai and I need to be climbing right now with all this strength damage, but for future reference GM, is there any obvious way to climb up or around on the outside, like a window and a ledge going around? Or can we get there via T2 to U2?

Shutai nodded, happy to head down and finish off the ground floor before they started smashing doors off there hinges.

All of the T2's connect to the U2's via ladders and trapdoors. ^^

Back down on the first floor and up through one of the doors, several ruined beds lie in various states of disrepair in this room, their moldy mattresses piled into a filthy heap against the northern wall. There's also a pair of sleeping troglodytes inside, and the stench is awful, but they haven't quite woken up yet...

Taka looks to Aleksson and nods toward one of the creatures. He approaches the other drawing his blade he places it near the creatures neck. He then kicks the creature lightly to awake it. Once Aleksson is in place.

"What are you doing here? Who do you serve?"

He says sternly.

Aleksson drew his wakizashi, moving his bow to his off hand, and moved quietly across the room. Blade to its throat, he placed his boot on the trog's chest and pushed down hard.
Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

Shutai held between the two beings, ready to help either Taka or Aleksson as needed.

The troglodyte held very still as it felt the blades... but it just looked at Taka, clearly not understanding a word he'd said. Troglodytes weren't known to speak Common...

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14I assume it's pretty easy to understand here.

Taka realizes the creature is in shock and doesn't understand what he is saying.

"Do either one of you speak a language these creatures understand?"

Taka repeats his demand again it both Tian and Giant to see if they understand.

I know they speak Draconic, but Taka may not. :)

Shutai tried Fey and Tian to see if the creatures spoke either, but didn't hold any great hope. She also watched them closely, in case they were faking their lack of knowledge to Common or other tongues.

Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 4

Aleksson cleared his throat and repeated in Draconic, "Why are you here? Who is your master?" Without a response, he tries again in Hon-La and Skald.

They didn't seem to understand either Tian or Giant, and were looking at Taka in increasing bewilderment before Aleksson finally said something they understood.

Shutai watched and waited. The speech of the Dragons was a surprise from their lips, but she could only barely make out what it was, and no speak it.

Aleksson pressed his boot into the degenerate's chest, and glowered as he continued, <"No games. Why are you in this castle, where do we find the Master, and what do you know of a curse afflicting the Kaijitsu birthright?">

He then relayed to his allies in Common as he waits for the troglodytes to respond, "They speak of a master. Asking more."

Taka nods and keeps his blade ready on the other waiting for them to answer Aleksson.

Aleksson gestured towards Taka.

Sense Motive to fish out lies & half-truths: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

"Offer them their lives to show us to the master? I have no intention on killing them either way as long as they leave this place in peace.."

Glancing at Taka, Shutai wasn't sure she agreed. She doubted such creatures would hold to such a deal, especially if they feared this master more than they feared the adventurers...but butchering the helpless wasn't any more palatable.

Butchering the helpless generally wasn't considered honorable, either - Shizuru would definitely disapprove.