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

Game Master Rednal

Farod replenished his supply of arrows, then browsed the available items some more.
non-masterwork...and here I was hoping for a Masterwork Backpack...
(Buying, if available, a Healing Kit, Disguise Kit, 3 Thunder Stones, 5 Smoke Sticks, 4 (Durable?) Tripping Arrows, 20 Thistle Arrows - and upgrading Monks Kit to Paladin Kit)

Tchakar went into town and haggled for a while, eventually buying 4 boats, sets of oars and paying some people to carry everything, as well as two sets of maps, one of which he kept himself. The other, he gave to Umbriak, in case the group got separated at some point.

I'm marking off 450g for the travel gear.

After the arrangements had been made, Tchakar searched about the market for prospective passengers. Eventually, he found a pair of women looking for work at the fringes of the crowd, followed along by their twin son and daughter, both with the silver hair that marked their unusual heritage. While it might not be spellcasting proper, Tchakar doubted the Ragesians would care to make much distinction if one of them suddenly started to glow like the sun. After joining up with the others, the tengu described the people he had found and asked, "What do you think? Good candidates? At the rate they're finding work, I doubt they'll be able to get away in time without help. Also, I've made arrangements for four boats to be ready. We can leave once everyone has what they need."

It took almost two hours of searching in the store to find what was available. There was no fire ink - it seemed nobody in town had even heard of the stuff. The items in the Paladin's kit were available, as was the healing kit, the disguise kit, the smoke sticks, and both the thistle and tripping arrows. (Apparently, the elves liked such things.) The thunder stones were not around.

...

It was clear pretty quickly that this was not a major trade hub, and they had little to sell beyond the basics. Seaquen, on the other hand, would almost certainly be more provisioned if there was anything else you were looking for then.

Once the basics were had, Umbriak met with the others. "Time to go rent a boat, or find some waifs and strays first?"

"I've already made the arrangements for 4 boats and the needed equipment. I've also found some candidates to come along with us, though I haven't made the offer since I wanted your opinions first. And we should probably pick up some food for the journey just in case your hunting doesn't turn up much."

"Thank you, Tchakar. I was still busy making my own arrangements and searching goods I needed. I was about to aquire some boats but wanted to check back with you first. I am certain your picks are fine as well - and I am unsure if I could bring myself to make such a decision. As such, it is kind that you took care of it. That said...with the amount of people gathered, their supplies will run short before long. I'd prefer trusting in my hunting, or making food aquisitions on our next stop. There's worse things than going hungry for a day..."
Ready to go - I'll update Inventory soon - right now trying to get posts in@all games.

Given the amount of refugees in town, supplies looked like they were starting to stretch thin - rations were available, but only at 50% more than the usual cost. This wasn't a place where food was all that abundant - and only the efforts of the locals to hunt some of their own food seemed to be holding off mass starvation.

Umbriak held off buying more supplies, since the people here seemed to need them more, and instead did the whole boat thing.

Still ready to go, nothing else to add right now - filler post for quote.

Tchakar nodded, then went back to the market to make his offer to the women and their aasimar children. After that, he headed down to meet the others with the boats so they could be on their way.

Perhaps my profession herbalist skills might help find edible plants in the swamp to supplement Umbriak's crocodile wrestling.

The people were desperate - and agreed faster than they probably should have, to be honest, meeting you down near the edge of town. Mud squelched under your boots as you began to move alongside the boats towards the swamp... which were quite a few miles away, at this point. You'd have to walk overnight to head straight there - failing that, you'd need to make camp along the way.

"Either we rest, and an alligator stumbles upon us - or we continue to walk and we stumble upon one. At least with the first we get a wee bit of kip." Umbriak would also prefer one of the people with Dark Vision not to hurt themselves in the Dark.

"I don't know if it's the alligators I am worried about. Certainly they can be nasty beasts...but a group of very desperate people watched us leave with 4 boats, at a time when we would need to make camp to reach our destination."
Lifting the Girl from his Shoulders into the Boat, he continued, with a glance at the other members of their entourage, especially the old man:"I agree that pushing on recklessly may not be the best course of action - but if we do camp, we should try and hide our tracks, and not light a fire...not that the area would be well-suited for one anyway-"
Basically suggesting to move one more hour at half speed trying not to leave signs of our passing - including walking like tusken raiders and someone in the back trying to 'clean up' after us.

"Camp it is then, and we'll start out early in the morning. Let's find a secluded area off the path, and we'll set up a normal watch rotation for the night." Tchakar suggested, all the while his white feathered hand flapped open and closed as if it were a puppet echoing back his words, much to the delight of the children. Noticing, Tchakar squawked and stuffed his hand into a pocket, where it continued to flail about.

Nodding, Umbriak began looking, hoping his Dark Vision and survival skills would let him find something decent and not riddled with wild, scaly creatures that had yet to learn Dwarf was chewy and hard to digest.

Survival: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

The bad part of trying to not leave tracks was the amount of mud from the ongoing rain - though you could at least make things a little less obvious. By the time the next hour of your trip had passed, you were well into the dark of night, and took a turn offroad to build your fire.

1d20 ⇒ 6

The night passed without incident, however - perhaps because you were still some way from the swamp itself. It took until midday or so before you finally found yourselves near the edge of the water, with your boats waiting for you.

Where do you want to sit? Remember, each canoe is rather limited in its number of occupants.

"Shall we stick together, so each wee boatie has someone to defend it from yon scalies, or should we all stick together so that we can concentrate our might?" Umbriak looked at the boats curiously.

"I'd say we stick with the plan, one of us in each of the boats - not only because of the scalies, but because we're probably more capable of rowing at a brisk pace for a extended period of time. I'd say Umbriak and Haddin take point...if we run across any scaly, you can make short work of them. I'll be at the center, behind, with Krystin and the 2 Kids - safest spot, but also the one allowing me to give fire support most efficiently. To the left and right behind me, Tchakar and Torrent. That allows them to quickly link up with each other, or zoom forward past me to support Umbriak..."
Basically suggesting a inverted Y-Formation with one boat at point.

Tchakar nodded his agreement. "Sounds like the safest way to travel. If things get narrow, I can fall to the back in case the swamp has any predators that think it wise to try to sneak up from behind."

Stick together or stick together. See, someone knows you don't split the party... XD

Heading out, you began to dig the poles into the water to propel the boats forward. They weren't the greatest vessels ever made, but they weren't leaking, and the crowd of people with you helped as they could (except the old wizard, who clearly saw using the pole as beneath him... not that he was likely to be all that good at it anyway, given his heavy form).

Between the rain, the mud, and the insects, it was about as miserable a trip as you could have expected. A few animals breached the water in the distance, and birdcalls were abundant, but nothing accosted you during the day. Finally, you pulled up on a small, reasonably well-drained isle to make camp. Around one in the morning, a faint song could be heard in the distance.

Hey, the core party doesn't split. But it's a great chance to have Krystin away from her father and get to talk with her a bit. It's fine to not play that out in-depth, but Farod would probably try and learn more about the unhealthy relationship they have...so, how was your childhood?... - draw her out and try to get her into being a more independent person, rather than an extension of her dad.
Farod looks over the campsite, trying to account for everybody they brought to the isle.
The locations definitely did not seem hospitable enough for someone or something that did not mean trouble to wander around singing at 1 in the morning...

Tchakar awoke to the singing and looked to Farod who was on watch. His apparent concern was enough to set Tchakar's sparse remaining feathers to bristle, and he instinctively cocooned himself in a protective barrier. As he rose to his feet, he plucked up his shield and then cocked his head slightly to the side and listened.

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13

Umbriak whistled as he poled, the huge muscles in his back and arm having no trouble keeping up with others. It did take him a few tries to make the ride smooth, rather than shooting off and waiting a moment to get back in step with the others, but eventually he managed. If the midgies even bother snacking on him, he gave no sign of annoyance. Maybe his glowing tattoos and above average body temperature gave them some issues.

As the group settled down to sleep, Umbriak cooked a meal - if these people were under his care, then by Angradd's fiery grace they would have full bellies too - before retreating to his own place of napping.

Or at least he did until the singing began. Muttering, he began yanking on his armour as best he could, trying to focus on the sound. If there was no time for that he'd grab his axe. Boots, pants and armour were all optional in the end.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17

No perception from me on purpose...not focusing on the singing, focusing on the other camp members. Could be some Siren Song thingie trying to draw people into the swamps, so he's avoiding listening intently and instead, as said, first he is making sure everybody is present and no one missing.

For a few long moments, you didn't notice anything in the darkness - although given the limits of darkvision, that may not have meant as much as it should have. As the seconds ticked by, however, you saw a light in a bank of fog, bobbing up and down slightly. It took a few moments to be sure, but the light was definitely moving closer as the singing continued.

"Oh, I dinnae like that at all," Umbriak muttered. "I reckon we should pile the wee bits into one tent and make sure nae fog living ghost beasties snaffle them."

"I don't like that, either.", Farod concurs, as he weaves a magical protection into existance. (Mage Armor, +3 AC)
"Anybody got any idea what that IS?"
KNL Arcana: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7 Well, not Farod

"Swamp spirits? I try to avoid swamps because of this kind of thing. Mountains are much nicer." Tchakar spoke quickly, with a slight waver to his voice as he waited to see what approached them.

3d20 ⇒ (8, 14, 6) = 28

As you look at the approaching light, you feel something tickle in your minds. A few moments later, a boat emerges from the fog. The sides are decorated with humanoid skulls, streamers of wizard’s robes trailing along the sides, and its occupants - two rather hideous-looking women - are clearly insane. They're also going to be ashore in a few seconds.

"Oh,aye, now the madness starts," the bulky berserker muttered, probably unaware of the irony when he said it. Probably.

Stepping forward, Umbriak called, "Hale, yon boat. Do you have need of some assitance?" Well, even if the looked madder than a foaming hatter, being polite cost nothing, and the fun part of madness was sometimes it was a boon.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

Any chance of recognizing them?

Knowledge (Local, Dungeoneering, Religion or Planes): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

"That boats decoration does not suggest they came here to chat...", Farod whispered. He was willing to follow Umbriaks lead, but subtely interposed himself between their wards and the newcomers.
Ready action, if one of them attacks anybody other than Farod, issue a Challenge to that one for a -3 penalty

Looking over, Tchakar does not recognize them - although they do seem to fit the "creepy things coming to take you away at night" stories rather well.

At Umbriak's words, one of the witches(?) gestured and cackled. "One for the pot, or all for the pot. Decide now!"

"How about 'your visit was for not!'" Tchakar replied, taking on a defensive stance.

I would attack, but I'm guessing initiative is coming up for that first?

Unslinging his axe, Umbriak asked, "Are ye sure you would nae prefer some trail rations? Dwarf is awfully tough and full of gristle."

"One for the Pot? I'd like to say the Dwarf. He's a supreme cook. But somehow I doubt you mean that.", Farod comments.
Nocking an arrow, he takes aim at the witches: "You should seriously reconsider your diet if I am reading your implication correctly."
Aye, I expect Init is coming up.

Umbriak perked up. "Awww, supreme ye say? 'Tis most kind of ye to say." He glanced over at the creatures. "'Tis important to have the right spices and a lack of sentience in ye meat to bring out the full flavour. A glaze, rub or wee mar-in-aid can help, but ye cannae cook out the evil act." He considered for a moment. "Not even in stew."

Tchakar cocked his head towards Umbriak and asked, "Would a long slow roast be better for dwarf then? Barbara-cue?"

"Well, if anybody got experience with cooking dwarfs, it's probably these ladies. Why don't you ask them?", Farod attempts to get Tchakar to focus.
Sinewy guys, those dwarfs...probably needs to be cured for a long time before it can be chewed. Theoretically speaking...

Fun fact: You can just call for initiative at pretty much any time if you've decided you want to fight. o wo~

Init (Women): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Init (Farod): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
Init (Tchakar): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
Init (Umbriak): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12

Our tengu wins! Do your thing! ...And then maybe poke me in the OOC thread so I remember. XD

As the boat reached the shore, Tchakar sprung into action. A blur of black feathers swept towards the water, with a focused white ball snapping forward at the last moment.

Unarmed charge: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 10 + 2 = 19
Damage (nonlethal): 1d8 + 6 + 6d6 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 6 + (3, 6, 4, 2, 6, 4) + 12 = 47

Targeting whichever one is in front. If I deal sneak attack damage, the target has -4 to hit me, and -2 to hit anyone else, and I have +3 to my saves for 1 round.

AC is 20 for 1 round due to charge.

As Tchakar charged and struck out, the one in front - bearing heavy armor - took the blow. Their armor rung a bit, but Tchakar's strike didn't appear to have been accurate enough to deal any damage, even with as fast as he was. Grunting, the woman (who, on closer inspection, appeared to be a tiefling) stepped back and pointed out of him.

"Hold." she snapped.

Will DC 17 (Tchakar): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

Fortunately, he easily powered through it. The other figure gestured a moment later, and all of you felt slowing energy starting to take hold.

Will DC 16 (Farod): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19
Will DC 16 (Tchakar): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Will DC 16 (Umbriak): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13
Tchakar and Umbriak are Slowed.

And that was when you heard a third voice bellowing from behind - someone who'd snuck up while your attention was on the front. The mist scattered a bit, then a black-haired and wide-eyed woman hurtled forward and thrust a dagger at Farod as she closed to melee range.

Melee vs FF (Farod): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26 for Damage: 1d4 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Will Save (Preempt Fumble): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22

For a moment Umbriak seems to be affected by the magic...and then he isn't. "Och, none of that ye tizzys." Assuming the others could deal with the third - there was always a third, wasn't there? - Umbriak lumbered forward, swinging his axe at one of the two who'd stepped ashore.

Charge: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 11 + 2 = 23

Buffs: Berserking - -2 AC, +8 Temp HP.

"Na, sorry, I'm not seeing the appeal.", Farod commented as he stepped away from the Witch and sent out a fan of flames towards her:"There's one for your pot. Is well-done ok?"
Burning Hands(+Bloodline+Blood Havoc): 5d4 + 5 + 5 ⇒ (1, 1, 2, 1, 2) + 5 + 5 = 17 My, out of a bell curve range of 5 to 20, I get 7. Lovely. We are the 1.5%...Reflex DC 15 half

With the armored woman backing away, and Umbriak to keep her busy, Tchakar turned to the exposed witch and forced his muscles to respond despite the magical lassitude. While not nearly as impressive as his first attempt, he still managed to get enough momentum going to lunge at the woman that had cursed him.

Standard action charge time. AC is 19 for 1 round.

Charge: 1d20 + 10 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (16) + 10 + 2 - 1 = 27
Damage (nonlethal): 1d8 + 6 + 6d6 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 6 + (4, 4, 1, 5, 5, 5) + 12 = 44

Charging treats my target as flat-footed for the purpose of dealing sneak attack damage. If I deal sneak attack damage, the target moves half speed and can't five foot step, and I have +3 to my saves for 1 round.

You wanna, uh, roll an attack there, Umbriak? Not that I mind if you just want to charge them and, I'unno, get in their face to yell about their hygiene or something. XD Who knows? It might work.

@Farod: If it makes you feel better, I once got a 4 on 3d10 damage for a counterattack. It was not a very good reaction. XD

Darting forward, Umbriak slammed his weapon into the witch(?) out front, cleaving through part of her heavy armor.

Reflex: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

The fan of flames washed over a different witch a moment later, and she let out an angry cry - though it clearly didn't burn her quite as much as it probably should have. Some form of natural resistance to flame, perhaps.

That was when Tchakar darted forward and slammed into the one who'd thrown a curse at him, knocking her out cold. Two were still awake, though, and the one near Farod focused for just a moment. A field of pure darkness appeared around her and Farod a moment later, and with a hiss, the other witch disengaged and darted into the inky field. It was too dark for Darkvision to pierce, though not so big, all things considered...

Grunting as one ran away into the darkness, Umbriak focused on the one who'd cast the spell. He'd deal with the one in the dark when he needed to, although he hoped they weren't hiding there to teleport away. He closed on the other, a considered look on his face as he hefted the new axe once more.

Weapon of the Chosen: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28
Weapon of the Chosen: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26
Damage: 1d12 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22

Berserking - 2 AC and +8 temp HP.

Oh, no worries, i was simply amused :) And yes, I know Tieflings also have electricity resistance-
Hoping the witches could not see in the dark, either, but not willing to chance it, Farod attempts to cast a spell while staying alert and defensive.
Defensive Casting DC 19: 1d20 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 5 + 4 = 22
Not moving from his position, he then listened for the Witches movement as electrical energy tickled over his body.
Perception as Move Action: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15 (as per Perceptions "Intentionally searching for stimulus is a move action.")

Defensive Shock active - no save/SR applies, automatic discharge vs melee or natural - 2d6+2 electricity damage vs first attack, then 1d6+1 electricity damage vs second attack

Tchakar stared at the inky black ball. If they're deploying darkness, they can probably see without trouble there. Perhaps I could take away their advantage when I get an opportunity to strike...

Can touch of blindness work on creatures that can see in the dark? The text suggests maybe not, but the description also says it just inflicts blindness, not that the creature treats light levels as being darker, like in shroud of darkness.

If it can affect such creatures, then I'll cast it and hold the charge. If not, is it possible to ready an action to charge an enemy that comes within range? Since I'm slowed, charge is a standard, even though the distance is effectively quartered.