GM Rednal's War of the Burning Sky (Inactive)

Game Master Rednal

"Well then, I suppose we had better get on with it. When we get there, I have some magical ability that might help prepare us, though it can be a bit... unpleasant. I can stitch wounds and cure simple ailments, but for battle I've learned to coax bones to grow stronger and... pointy. It'll hurt, but the effects don't last very long and the magic will repair what it displaces on its way out."

Once we get there I can cast bone fists, including anyone interested. Rednal, would the natural weapon damage bonus apply to the unarmed strike I get from the Ascetic mystery? If not, it's still a natural armor boost and a very cool spell to fit with the wasting curse.

When they were ready, Tchakar clenched his white-feathered fist to his chest and his feathers stiffened in a ripple up his arm and under his clothing.

Turning on Ascetic Armor for the next hour.

"It was trapped by a mortal - a potent Paladin, I ken, but a mortal. I dinnae ken that such a beastie would be a God." Umbriak shrugged. "A God's get, now, that's possible. Demon or Devil too. Elemental, or a creature infused with Elemental powers. There be many things it could be, but let us be honest - we know of nae other way to seek freedom, and have nae choice but to sit and wait or fight and see." The bulky Dwarf grinned. "Guess which I shall choose?"

"Demigod, then. Godling. Call it as you will. It's power is immense, the forest's state is proof of that.", Farod insisted, "But we'll try nonetheless. Not like we have a lot of options to begin with, all things considered."

@God, I was more going for the Shinto-Typus of 'God', a powerful Kami. So actually more like a immensely powerful spirit - but it seemed the closest approximation. I don't think we are going to fight an Avatar, either, also not in-game, as that would seem suicidal. I simply have no better way of putting it.

Best Guess? It's Prince Zuko's honour. We finally found it!

"Nae options at all." Umbriak considered. "Well, no, I suppose we could make a pact with the devil that's lurking in this place, or have a final feast and night of the most powerful debauchery before we meet our end in a cup of poison, or we could pray for divine revelations, but...I think hitting wee Godling with an axe is the better idea."

Time for some bone-bending?

"Agreed. Not much for options at all. Let's go smother the flames then."

No, you're not fighting a god or their avatar. XD That would be... a bit suicidal, yes. I believe you were planning on heading into the lake to take care of things...?

GM didn't deny it! It IS Zuko's Honour!

Umbriak waddled his way back down to the lake, and began to swim out again.

Tchakar followed the dwarf, unsure what he was getting into, but sure that he had no better options.

"Hm...if I get the string wet, my bow will not be of much use. I'll stay near the shore ready to fire once it breaks the surface...or to race after you with one of the spears!", Farod suggested as the two others swam out. He was not exactly looking forward to this fight, but he would be most efficient using his arrows...and underwater, that would not be an option...
Mage armor online, Gravity Bow cast when Umbriak starts diving from above where it is.
Also, as said, no God/Avatar, but unless there are Kami-like spirits, no other way to put it. *shrug*

The lake water is murky, filled with ash from decades of the forest burning.

From the surface, you can see a glowing red light. Once you go under the surface, you can see a large stag is pinned on its side, its flesh flickering with fire that sends up small bursts of steam. A greatsword carved of wood has been driven into the creature’s torso and into the ground, and yet the stag still struggles despite this mortal wound.

Umbriak surfaced again, muttering under his breath as he Enlarged himself to give himself a boost to strength, and nodded to the others. "Prepare. And make sure to keep this in ye noggin', for the bards later tales." He considered asking if either wanted to help, but, well...they were a little on the skinny side. Short as he was, Umbriak probably weighed more than the both of them.

Especially with this much water in his beard.

The now large Dwarf sunk again, wrapping his hand around the sword and planting his feet, before heaving with as much might as he could muster.

One assumes I'll need a strength check...

Strength Check: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Before they dove in, Tchakar cast his spell on himself and Umbriak, causing both of their bodies to shudder as the bones near their joints grew and burst forth from beneath their skin. The exposed points would help if it came to close quarters combat beneath the water.

I didn't see a response, but Farod can get the buff as well if you want to be included. The spell grants +1 natural armor (base, not enhancement) as well as giving effective armor spikes with which you're considered proficient. If either of you have natural attacks, those attacks also gain +2 damage.

Tchakar knew his preferred unarmed combat would be next to useless below the surface, so he was ready to use the spurs on his elbow, wrist and heel as needed. As they approached the pinned stag, Tchakar swam around behind it and waited for Umbriak.

Looks like it's a little late now, but is there a reason we can't just stab it while it's pinned to the floor of the lake?

We have to attune with the dryad-swordie...first to make sure the Fey are not subjected to genocide, plus it hopefully has mcguffin-power to end this creature.
Also, no response in this case meant no thanks - should have said so. I do have a +1 natural armor bonus(base, not enhancement) so it would not stack. I do have Point Blank Master, meaning I'll stick to Arrows. If I end up grappled, I may regret not taking you up on the offer, but the description sounds like it might make a hole in his clothing, and Farod would rather be baked in a fiery embrace than walk around with torn garments.
Farod waited at the shore, uneasily, for anything surfacing that did not look like a dwarf or anthropomorpic bird.

Well, I could be wrong, but I think the sword bonds to whoever yanks it, but given it's sticking a magical monster to the bottom of a lake I suspect there's a strength check, hence why I had Umbriak yank it. We can probably work out a way to transfer that later, at a pinch. And I think we have to pull the sword before we can kill it - they're kinda trapped and unchanging, as I understand it. I might be horribly wrong and dooming us all, though.

I got the same vibe, Umbriak. I meant to say we can't just start stabbing because we have to yank it in order to attune to it. I'm good with you having it(for the time being), albeit obviously, it would be interesting to take a closer look at it later :) - plus I agree that it probably is capable of dynamic bonding. Otherwise a campaign would end quickly if fire-dude is capable of focusing the wielder down...

I meant more like stabbing it with knives, not just the doombranch of firestag slaying. I figured it probably wouldn't work, but just thought I'd bring up the possible obvious solution first. I like the idea of a dwarf wielding a living tree as his weapon. Even better if it starts growing leaves once you take it above the surface.

Did anybody want to Aid the check to pull the sword out? Or would you rather keep your hands free and ready for whatever might happen?

Umbriak would like to aid himself!

Sure, I can help if it looks like he needed help. I've got a free hand for unarmed combat anyways, though I'll probably be using my beak underwater.

Strength (Aid): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (13) - 1 = 12

Can't aid from the shore can I? Except maybe some mental support. *thinks hard about Umbriaks ability to handle wood* - *quickly thinks about something else* - for serious, if we're not in a hurry, could he take 20 to see if it's even possible to pull out?
@stab it first: Nope, as said, not an option. If we kill it before someone else attunes to the dual-ended wooden implement of lesbian friendship, the Fey in the village will find a swift and fiery end being bound to the forest and consumed by the flames cursing it. So first, attune. Then try and stab it dead...

Reaching down and getting a grip, Umbriak tugged - helped a moment later by Tchakar, who had very limited strength but managed to bring what he had to bear. The wooden blade loosened slightly, then came out as the dwarf tugged. The moment it was out, the stag darted towards the surface of the lake, leaving a trail of boiling water in its wake as it shot towards the surface and, at least for the moment, paid no attention at all to you. It did, however, appear to be quite fixated on the village behind you...

Remember, the surface is 20 feet up from Tchakar and Umbriak. ...Woo, swim speeds?

Surprised that the stag fled rather than fight, Tchakar threw himself into a spell.

Alter Self, Concentration (DC 17): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

As he completed his spell, what feathers he had remaining disolved into the water, his beak shrank and shriveled, eventually softening into a more human-looking nose. Finally, gills split open along the skin of his exposed neck, and the talons of his hands and feet were replaced by webbed fingers and toes. The only constant during his transformation was his raven-embossed shield and the unnatural bone spikes jutting from his joints.

Transformation complete, he gave chase to the flaming stag.

Swimming 30 ft. after the stag as a gillman. Let's go ahead and avoid his direct path in case that boiling water is dangerous and just swim adjacent to it. Is the stag just at the surface directly above? If so I guess I swim up the surface, 10 ft. away from the stag in the direction of the village.

Umbriak grunted in annoyance and rammed the wooden blade into the same bandolier as his axe. With another grunt he kicked off the bottom of the lake and followed the fleeing elemental stag...god...demon...thing.

Swim speed is 15ft per round. Umrbiak will head underwater for Honour, rather than straight to the surface - he can last a decent length of time underwater.

"Sing!", Farod shouted, before starting to perform the Song of Form himself, at least as well as the Fey Girl had managed to teach him. As he understood it, the song trapped the creature in a physical form...a requirement for properly shooting it with arrows, in his opinion.
Arrow: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21 Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 4) = 6
I did expect him to surface? Not sure if I can target it (yet?)? Otherwise I guess that's my Init...

@Tchakar: A gillman? As a birdie? You should have picked an antropomorphic Duck! Disney-Style!

There's not that many small/medium humanoids with both land and swim speeds! I looked...

@Umbriak: Incidentally, said wooden blade should be treated as a +1 greatsword.

A mighty stag, larger than a bear, its antlers as broad as a man is tall, rears and snorts cinders as it finally breaches the surface. Flames crackle across its body and along its horns, and though the creature’s flesh burns, and though its flank gapes with a decades-old wound, an indomitable will flashes in this creature’s eyes, and it refuses to fall. It did, however, turn to look as Farod launched an arrow at it - though the arrow didn't get very far before it was pushed out of the creature's hide, and the injury healed a moment later.

(Clearly, the forest wasn't the only thing its power could keep alive... but it had definitely been hurt for a moment there. Whatever it actually was, it wasn't invincible.)

It would take the stag another round or so to actually reach the village - and while it spared Farod a glance and noted the use of the song, its main focus appeared to be on the fey currently singing.

This might be a bad idea, but fire stag out of water sounds more dangerous than fire stag in water, so...

As the blazing beast broke the surface, Tchakar flew into motion. A few quick kicks from his webbed feet were enough to send him hurtling toward Indomitability, then suddenly spun and sent his pale skinned fist hurtling in an uppercut towards the creature's head.

Unarmed Strike (vs. Flat Footed): 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 10 + 2 = 21
Damage (nonlethal): 1d8 + 6 + 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 + (5, 3) + 6 = 25

My AC is 20/13/16 for this round, due to charge.
If I deal sneak attack damage, Indomitability's movement speed is halved and can't 5 ft. step due to Hampered Debilitating Injury.

Umbriak kept swimming, like a hairy and heavily armed torpedo.

Farod attempts to smite the Fiery Stag...it was certainly very sentient, and aware of what it was doing, not some primal undirected force...chances were, it was evil...and what Farod feared it wanted to do with the Fey singing would confirm that suspicion.
Smite included...if not smiteable, that +4 is not there
Flurry 1: 1d20 + 6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 6 + 4 + 1 = 20 Damage(bypasses DR): 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (6, 2) + 1 = 9
Flurry 2: 1d20 + 6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 6 + 4 + 1 = 20 Damage(bypasses DR): 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (5, 1) + 1 = 7

As Farod attempted to smite the beast, his powers surged - then failed as the smite simply slid off of the creature. It may have been angry and violent, but whatever it actually was, it wasn't evil. Bereft of much of their force, the flurried arrows struck, but failed to sink very far into its flesh.

Tchakar's blow was more successful, and sunk into the creature's hide - and it reared into the air before scooping towards him with its antlers.

Gore (Tchakar): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28 for Damage: 2d6 + 10 ⇒ (6, 6) + 10 = 22 plus Fire Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6
Grapple Check: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (16) + 17 = 33

Raising him up high, the beast twisted its head and hurled Tchakar through the air and towards the shoreline-

Hurl vs CMD: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (8) + 17 = 25 Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3
Tchakar is Prone.

-where he hit with a rather nasty thud (and probably an indignant squawk). With its path clear of immediate foes, the flaming stag darted forward and finally managed to make it to the beach of the village... and away from the slow but determined dwarven torpedo.

Can he make it to shore even swimming half speed? Regardless...

The battered tengu-turned-gillman hefted himself up from the ground and snapped into a trio of quick martial arts forms. As he finished his last form, a swirl of wind kicked up sand around him, and the worst of his injuries began to mend themselves.

Cure Moderate Wounds: 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (3, 1) + 4 = 8

Umbriak continued to follow. It was what he did. The beard improved his water resistance by trapping air, making a cloud of bubbles to move through.

Farod lets arcane power flow into his Bow, and continues his barrage. It was frustrating, certainly, to have no visible effect on the creature, but then, what could he do, except pushing ever further on.
Swift to enhance Weapon with Arcane Pool, flurry
Flurry 1: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 6 + 1 + 1 = 28 Damage: 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (4, 3) + 1 = 8
Flurry 2: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 6 + 1 + 1 = 26 Damage: 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (4, 5) + 1 = 10
Crit?: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 6 + 1 + 1 = 24 Damage: 4d6 + 2 ⇒ (5, 4, 6, 4) + 2 = 21

In fairness, beards improve everything.

As Umbriak swam and Tchakar focused on healing himself, Farod took careful aim - and an arrow stabbed right into the beast's side, digging in deep as the archer made one of the better shots of his career thus far. Rearing in pain, Indomitibility whirled around and darted forward, aiming to gore Farod the way it had Tchakar.

Gore (Farod): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14

Unfortunately for it, this time its rack didn't manage to stab Farod... but the beast was a large one, and moving five feet wouldn't be enough to get out of its range.

While the beast was distracted by the archer, Tchakar darted in for a second strike, deftly targeting the arrow wound with his fist.

Unarmed Strike: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 10 + 2 = 29
Damage (nonlethal): 1d8 + 6 + 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 + (4, 2) + 6 = 25

My AC is 20/13/16 for this round, due to charge.
Debilitating Injury: Disoriented (-2 to attack, -4 vs. me)

At the same time terrified at being the creatures target after the accurate hit, and relieved at having succeeded at drawing the creature away from the Fey-Folk, Farod attempts to step back away...not so much to avoid the creature as to gain a better angle to attack. Trying to weave and dodge he fires 2 more arrows at the angry Beast.
If I can't step out of it's reach, it's kind of lucky I don't provoke due to Point-Blank-Master. *smile*
Flurry 1: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 12 Damage: 2d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1, 1) + 1 + 1 = 4
Flurry 2: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 6 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 20 Damage: 2d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6, 3) + 1 + 1 = 11

Flopping ashore with a clang! of heavy armour, Umbriak pointed. "Nae more legging it, wee fire beastie! Umbriak will be there to see to ye!" The Dwarf began scrambling to his feet.

PBM is rather handy against creatures with reach, isn't it? XD A very solid choice here.

Tchakar darted in for another punch while Farod stepped back and - thanks to some personal expertise - manage to avoid drawing a hit. His first arrow missed, but the second was able to score a shallow hit.

Gore: 1d20 + 12 - 4 ⇒ (17) + 12 - 4 = 25 for Damage: 2d6 + 10 ⇒ (6, 2) + 10 = 18 plus Fire Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4
Grapple Check: 1d20 + 17 - 4 ⇒ (5) + 17 - 4 = 18
Hurl vs CMD: 1d20 + 17 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 17 - 4 = 14

Stabbing Tchakar with its antlers, the creature lifted it up - but the tengu's body slipped and fell instead. Rearing up, Indomitability stomped at Farod with his hooves.

Hoof (Farod): 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (16) + 12 - 2 = 26 for Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7 plus Fire Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6
Hoof (Farod): 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 12 - 2 = 25 for Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6 plus Fire Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

"Right," the Dwarf muttered, focusing on the stag. His Enlargement spell was still functioning, as were the bone spurs, and so the titanic Umbriak charged.

Charge!: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 10 + 2 = 22
Damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Personally, I am very fond of PBM. On Archery-Chars, I want it. Saves so much hassle.
Seeing the Tengu they only met take a near-fatal hit, and getting kicked by the creatures hooves with surprising accuracy, a feeling of dread swept over Farod...Is this it? That is how it ends?...but there was no way to go except push forward...so far, Umbriak, who wielded the weapon gifted by the Dryad, had not yet had a chance to assail the creature. Maybe that would turn the tide...until then...drawing two more arrows as he stepped back further, Farod kept shooting.
Flurry 1 Perfect Shot 1/2: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 12 Damage: 2d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1, 1) + 1 + 1 = 4
Flurry 1 Perfect Shot 1/2: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 6 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 28 Damage: 2d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1, 2) + 1 + 1 = 5
Almost forgot I had that...not that it makes much difference there :P
Flurry 2: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 6 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 21 Damage: 2d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6, 6) + 1 + 1 = 14

Stabilize?: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Tchakar continued to bleed, motionless on the ground.

Umbriak hit the flaming stag creature and bounced off slightly - a bit of damage had been done, but not much. Farod's second arrow was rather more accurate, but the creature still stood - and it still had life in its body. Without hesitating, the creature scooped at the archer with his antlers again-

Gore (Farod): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14

-and missed cleanly. Both hooves flashed out a moment later-

Hoof (Farod): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13
Hoof (Farod): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20

-but didn't manage to strike him this time. Given its sheer size, however, that wasn't likely to be the case for too much longer... and it did move forward to keep him in range.

Drawing the wooden greatsword from his back, Umbriak looked at Tchakar and reached out, hoping to get the other warrior back on his feet before he began to attack.

Cure (Tchakar): 3d8 + 4 ⇒ (8, 3, 7) + 4 = 22

As he did, he taunted the monster. His own skin was tougher, and his natural resitance to fire would help dampen the beasts assault. "Oi, beastie. Ye dinnae want nae part of him. Try some of Umbriak, or so help me ye'll taste the blade in ye jubblies once more." He waved the Blade with a flourish.

Intimidate?: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

I assumed the Wooden Greatsword is Masterwork at least, but is there anything else I should know before I swing it?

Finally Umbriak was close, trying to taunt the beast even as he saved the Tengu's life...for now. The hope of the Dryadic Blade overwhelming the fiery beasts defenses renewed the Half-Orcs determination, and he managed to evade the giant beasts blow, landing two more solid hits himself. One of them almost a perfect hit, but the great beast, remembering the wound given to it moments ago, twisted away in the last second preventing the arrow from burrowing itself much deeper.
Flurry 1 Perfect Shot 1/2: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 6 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 24 Damage: 2d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1, 3) + 1 + 1 = 6
Flurry 1 Perfect Shot 2/2: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 6 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 23 Damage: 2d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5, 2) + 1 + 1 = 9
Flurry 2: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 6 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 29 Damage: 2d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4, 6) + 1 + 1 = 12
Flurry 2 Crit?: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 14 Damage: 4d6 + 4 ⇒ (2, 2, 6, 2) + 4 = 16

Tchakar managed to find his feet again, adding, "I'm getting quite tired of those flame-blasted horns..." Keeping his head low and cocked to the side, Tchakar stepped warily away from the creature, a move that might have looked normal for a tengu, but was definitely odd for a gillman to perform.

Finally, with some distance between him and the flaming beast, he conjured a quick breeze to further refresh himself.

Cure Light: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

@Umbriak: Treat it as a +1 wooden greatsword.

Umbriak... did not appear to be very successful at intimidating the creature, while Tchakar was busy healing himself. That left Farod, whose first arrow almost totally bounced off, and whose second did a little more damage. Without hesitating, Indomitability continued its relentless assault.

Gore (Farod): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15

Seeming somewhat irritated when its antlers again failed to stab into Farod, Indomitability shot away. Now that it was away from the water, it appeared to have picked up speed, and moved around one of the buildings to break line of sight.

"Like hell will ye gore and run!" With a thunderous roar Umbirak charged after the creature, the wooden greatsword carried in both hands. The Fey here had been good to them, and he had no intention of letting this beastie kill them.

Charge: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 12 + 2 = 15
Damage: 2d6 + 17 ⇒ (3, 2) + 17 = 22

Oh come on dice roller, two ones in a row? Let me hero!

Tchakar sprinted after the stag, determined to prevent it from rampaging through the village.

I guess double move 60 ft. to chase it getting as close as I can, assuming I can't charge?

Fully expecting the creature to come back, Farod moved towards his companions for a better line of sight.
While he did prefer his bow for combat, it was not the only tool at his disposal, as the lightning suddenly arcing between the fingers of his right hand proved.
Casting Shocking Grasp and holding the Charge.
Must have only previewed here - @Tchakar and Umbriak, if I post in one of our games but take more than a day to follow up on the other(s), feel free to poke me.

@Umbriak: That, and if it's out of line of sight, you generally can't charge it.

Umbriak darted over as fast as his stumpy little legs could take him - although it was rapidly becoming apparent that the creature had a superior land speed, and it broke into an even faster dash as it moved towards some of the singing fey - and from the other side of a building, you saw one of them go hurtling through the air and land with a rather nasty splat on top of a nearby roof.

Indomitability is currently two move actions away for a ranged attack, or three for a melee attack.