GM Rednal's Jade Regent (Inactive)

Game Master Rednal

You didn't notice any particular magic here - but you did notice the ravens as they shot down from above by the tens, then the hundreds, forming into two loud masses that began to shoot towards you.

Init (Enemies): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
Init (Aleksson): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Init (Shutai): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
Init (Taka): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22

Aaaand only Taka is up! Be sure to poke me over PM's or something so I don't forget I'm only waiting on one post. XD

So it's a swarm right? A big weakness for our group :(

In an almost panic Taka begins fighting off the birds tearing at them with his claws hoping he can hurt them.

Free: Arcane Strike
Full: Claw/Claw attack

Claw 1: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
Claw 2: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

Damage claw 1: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Damage claw 2: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

So hopefully there big enough to damage for at least half so 4 and 3 so 7 damage.

Privately poked. >.>

What size are the members of the swarm (I.E can we hit it weapons)?

Considering it's composed of big ol' birds, you can totally hit it with your weapons.

Taka managed to claw at some of the birds as they swooped over, dropping a few. A moment later, though, they were around and raking at all of you.

Swarm Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2
Reflex DC 11 (Aleksson): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
Reflex DC 11 (Shutai): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
Reflex DC 11 (Taka): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

By the time the world had finished, the world was suddenly looking a lot darker...

Shutai and Taka, you've been blinded. This can be cured by waiting it out - not fast - the Remove Blindness spell, or a DC 11 Heal check.

Heal: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

Taka takes a moment to clear his eyes then moves out of the swarm.

Assuming the heal check is a standard action so just moving after.

Shutai attempted to clear her vision.

Heal: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

Aleksson hardly offered his draconic blood the moment to swell before letting it roar out. A blast of icy water cascaded around him, attacking the birds as they go.

Remaining within the swarm, spending my full-round action to use Blade Meditation. Until my next turn, creatures attacking me in melee take 2d6 cold damage. I imagine a swarm of tiny creatures would take full damage then, vs. the x0.5 damage that weapons do?

Maneuvers Selected: spark strike, temporal burn

I think a fair argument could be made either way, but since it's referred to as an "explosion" of energy, I'm to go ahead and say that yeah, it'll do full damage. XD The whole thing with swarms is that trying to slice or stab a few at a time is of limited worth, but blasting big areas can actually harm them.

As Taka and Shutai moved away, one of the flocks of birds moved to follow them. The other continued to peck and claw at Aleksson.

Don't forget that you can make AoO's on swarms when they enter your square!

Swarm Damage (Everyone): 1d6 ⇒ 4

Blade Meditation Cold Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 2) = 5

A nice burst of cold - but not enough to drop the flock.

Reflex DC 11 (Aleksson): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
Reflex DC 11 (Shutai): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
Reflex DC 11 (Taka): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

AoO: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
Damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Heal: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

Taka swipes at them as the rush over and again has to clear his vision and move.

Animus Gained: +1

Yup, cool. I was originally going to argue for x1.5, but then realized I was conceptualizing that explosion a 0-ft. radius aura, making it an AoE attack... and that's not a thing. >.>

As the birds made a moment of space for the frosty blast, Aleksson drew his wakizashi and jabbed it forth, firing off a narrow cone that aged and decayed the unlucky birds it struck.

Temporal Burn
Mwk Wakizashi: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15
Piercing Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Untyped Damage: 3d6 ⇒ (6, 4, 4) = 14

Manuever Gained: 1d4 ⇒ 1 | eldritch shield

With limited options, Shutai hurled a Snowball spell.

To Hit: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Damage: 5d6 ⇒ (5, 5, 6, 4, 1) = 21

On principle, I'm gonna say that an AoE needs to fill at least a full five-foot square to qualify for the bonus damage on swarms. XD Otherwise, however boom-y it is in the range it has, it's not big enough for the widespread damage that really hurts them. This is much like how a greatclub is very damaging in a small space when you swing it down.

Between your blows, the swarms let out a few more caws... and then the ravens dispersed, many of them flying back towards the top of the area as several dozen bodies remained on the floor near your feet. Well, that was gonna need some work to clean off, later... but for the moment, you were safe.

""Well, at least we have some idea how these people work. I wonder if they employ these birds as spies and messengers, too?" Shutai frowned. It was clear the enemy already knew they were there, but it would be nice not to give them details.

"It would surprise me to learn that they didn't. Continue?" he asked, gesturing to the door they named before the interruption.

1st on the left from where we entered.

Taka nods finishing clearing his eyes. He moves to the door and tries to open it hoping it is not locked.

Pushing open the first door on the left, you see that this guardroom has both have shuttered and latched arrow slits overlooking the main landing (area C3). It's empty save for piles of rock and broken rubble for defenders to throw at attackers climbing the stair outside. Going by the layout of this place, it seems likely the first room on the right is the same.

In the interest of moving things along we will just go door to door. Left door then right door, left door then right door. If you want to do perception for searching and move things along as opposed to wasting days of posting going room to room.

I suppose we can do it that way, sure.
Perception (Door One): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
Perception (Door Two): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25
Perception (Door Three): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

I'm in. :-)
Perception (D1): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18
Perception (D2): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16
Perception (D3): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18

In the second door down on the left, numerous wooden bed frames with rope mattresses occupy this sparsely furnished room. It does not appear that anyone has used this room recently, but it could quarter as many as a dozen. There's a small door on the north side of the room, and a larger, better-looking one on the south side.

Shutai checked both doors for signs of life. Or traps.

Perception (North Door): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15
Perception (South Door): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

"Small door first? If they are positioned for a trap, behind the big door makes the most sense."

Perception (N): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18
Perception (S): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14

Aleksson also gave the doors an examination. "Unless there is a trap behind the small door, meant to snare us for an ambush from the larger. I favor neither, so let us start with north door... but be on guard."

???: 1d20 ⇒ 16

The north door, as it turns out, leads to an empty closet that doesn't seem to have been used for awhile. You don't hear anything from the other side of the southern door... but as you open it, you remember that most sounds don't travel well through doors and walls.

A dozen bunks stand haphazardly about this room, strewn with rumpled bedding, assorted clothing and personal items, and the discarded remains of food and empty plates. Near the north door sit two stained, foul-smelling buckets that are apparently not emptied frequently enough. Also standing in this room? Eight readied thugs, who hurled a barrage of rocks at the one who opened the door.

Which I'll assume is currently Taka, since he has the highest AC.

Rock (Taka): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (9) - 1 = 8
Rock (Taka): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (10) - 1 = 9
Rock (Taka): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 = 0
Rock (Taka): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (19) - 1 = 18
Rock (Taka): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (19) - 1 = 18
Rock (Taka): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (19) - 1 = 18
Rock (Taka): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (8) - 1 = 7
Rock (Taka): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (17) - 1 = 16

How unfortunate for them that they were expecting someone a little easier to hit. XD

The rocks mostly bounced off of the spectral armor Taka had on, clattering to the ground. Taka's square is now difficult terrain.

Init (Thugs): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Init (Aleksson): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
Init (Shutai): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24
Init (Taka): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

Shutai hurled a Snowball at one of the enemies. These people were not friendly.

Snowball: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Damage: 5d6 ⇒ (5, 3, 1, 1, 5) = 15

"Rocks, is this keep defended by children?"

Taka advances with his blade attempting to cut down one of the thugs.

Free: Arcane Strike
Move: Move 30'
Standard: Attack with Sword

Katana Attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24
Damage: 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

Maneuver Gained: 1d4 ⇒ 4 | spark strike

As his blood awoke, Aleksson laughed abruptly at Taka's comment. The frost ran across his starknife's edge as he planted his feet and hurled it towards a third thug.

Spark Strike
. . -1 animus for +1d4 cold dmg
. . +1 starknife: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22
. . Piercing Damage: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
. . Cold Damage: 3d4 ⇒ (1, 2, 3) = 6

Maneuver Gained: 1d3 ⇒ 3 | fluctuation movement

Children? No. It was clear these men were far from soldiers, though, and had rudimentary training at best. Shutai's spell went wide, but Aleksson and Taka both managed to strike (but not down) their targets. Wasting no time, the man lifted their spears, surrounded the two of you that had come forward, and began to poke at you.

Melee (Aleksson): 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 2 = 11
Melee (Aleksson): 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 2 = 11
Melee (Aleksson): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
Melee (Aleksson): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

Melee (Taka): 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 2 = 13
Melee (Taka): 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 4 + 2 = 20
Melee (Taka): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23 for Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Melee (Taka): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23 for Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Focusing, Shutai commanded the one attacking Taka to turn their spear on there comrades.

Murderous Command again - DC 18 Will Save or make with the Stabby.

The spears penetrate leaving wounds that make Taka grit his teeth in pain. His eyes narrow as he strikes at the one he previously injured. He turns now facing one of the men that struck him. He eyes him for a moment and strikes out.

Free: Arcane Strike, 5' if needed to get in range
Move: Study Target
Standard: Sword Attack

Attack: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30
Attack Confirmation: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23

Damage: 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
Crit Damage: 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

Animus Gained: +2 (maneuver used last turn)

Aleksson nimbly avoided the incoming spears and twirled about, his movements allowing him considerable reach. He swiped past the spears to strike at the same target, hoping to bring him down with a more mundane attack.

+1 returning starknife: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11
Piercing Damage: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

Maneuver Gained: 1d2 ⇒ 1 | eldritch shield

Will: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1

As Shutai pointed at a man, it became clear his mind was as malleable as clay, and the spell sunk in with truly astounding ease. Taka downed his injured for a moment later, but Aleksson wasn't able to follow up.

Spear (against ally): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

The warrior Shutai had Commanded was no more accurate. Seeing his movements, though, the men began shouting.

"She's taken his bloody wits! She's an evil witch! KILL HER!" The thugs stepped back, and a moment later, hurled their spears en masse before pulling out battleaxes - their last weapons.

Ranged (Shutai): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Ranged (Shutai): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Ranged (Shutai): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22 for Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Ranged (Shutai): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
Ranged (Shutai): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Ranged (Shutai): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

"You have to get through me first."

Taka stepped up striking at another.

Free: Arcane Strike, 5' Step
Move: Study Target
Standard: Attack

Attack: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19
Damage: 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

Animus Gained: +1

Aleksson chortled in response to the startled thugs. He moved up to help hold them at the door, striking again at the target who evaded him.

Elemental Strike
. . -2 animus for +4 attack
. . +1 returning starknife: 1d20 + 9 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 9 + 4 = 23
. . Piercing Damage: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
On a hit, DC 14 Fortitude or my target is fatigued for 1 round.

Maneuver Gained: eldritch shield

Shutai winced as the attack struck home, and stepped back to try and get out of there range. She focused on the one that had succesfully attacked her and ordered him to attack his friends

Murderous Command with a DC 18 Will Save again.

Taka stepped forward, snapping his blade out and driving deep into them... but not deep enough to actually get rid of them. Aleksson, on the other hand, managed to finish off his target, even as Shutai did more of the scary stuff.

Will DC 18: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (12) - 1 = 11

This time, the spell didn't go in quite as easily - but the distinction was basically irrelevant as he turned to attack his friends.

Battleaxe: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23 for Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

With a rather sick sound, the mind-controlled man cut into the chest of his friend, who Taka had injured, finishing him off. That left four in their right minds, and they let out near-mindless yells as they chopped out in a desperate attempt to get to the witch.

Melee (Taka): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Melee (Taka): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
Melee (Taka): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
Melee (Taka): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

Selecting the one with the battleaxe, Shutai threw a Ray of Cold.

To Hit: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
Damage: 1d3 ⇒ 2

Taka studies another of the men and continues to cut and attack at them.

Attack: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17
Damage: 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

Animus Gained: +2

Smiling as his target dropped, Aleksson struck at another, dousing his weapon in lethal temporal energies.

Temporal Burn
. . +4 attack for -2 animus
. . +1 starknife (+ animus spend): 1d20 + 9 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 9 + 4 = 21
. . Piercing Damage: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
. . Untyped Damage: 3d6 ⇒ (6, 4, 1) = 11

No maneuvers remaining, maneuvers selected: stopwatch, temporal burn

Working in tandem, Aleksson and Taka managed to take down another of the men, even as Shutai threw a bit of a chill at another - hitting him, but not causing significant harm. The four still living continued their attack, spreading out to flank as best they could.

Melee (Taka): 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 4 + 2 = 19
Melee (Taka): 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 4 + 2 = 22
Melee (Taka): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Melee (Taka): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

Three came close - one especially so - but none of them quite managed to land on the well-defended warrior.

Attack: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23
Damage: 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

As another dropped Taka took study of one of the men on his flank. He struck again causing a deep wound on the man.

Animus Gained: +2

Aleksson, with temporal energy at the ready again, went for another unharmed opponent to bring down.

Temporal Burn
. . +4 attack for -2 animus
. . +1 starknife (+ animus spend): 1d20 + 9 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 9 + 4 = 18
. . Piercing Damage: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
. . Untyped Damage: 3d6 ⇒ (6, 1, 4) = 11

Maneuver Gained: 1d4 ⇒ 4 | spark strike

Shutai focused on one, trying to Stun him for a round.

DC 17 Will Save or have a stabby one get Dazed (If 4HD or under)

With a quick blow, Taka actually managed to fell his target. Aleksson brought another down a moment later, while Shutai-

Will: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (8) - 1 = 7

-easily Dazed one of the two left. The last just stared at you, then all the bodies. "I-I don't want to die!" he said, dropping his weapon and backing up in a hurry.

"Good, help us then. We only need information. For that you can keep your life and leave here. Don't fear what they may do to you as their influence here ends today. Do we have a deal?"

Shutai stared at the one she'd Dazed, the intricate mask covering her expression. "Think wisely before the spell wears off as to what you'd prefer."

Intimidate: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

Aleksson grabbed the fallen warriors, pulling them back through the threshold and closing the door when finished.

"Y-y-yeah!" the remaining man stammered, clearly all too ready to agree to practically anything. "W-what do you want to know?"

"Where is the Guide, Ulf?" Shutai asked slowly, "And what do you know of the stolen sword Suishen?"