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

Game Master Rednal

Ridley cast yet another curing spell, this time targeting the more-injured Farod.

CLW: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

The skeleton did not look hurt by the arrows. Farod, remember the rules for grabbing things while you're holding the charge for a spell...

With a smashingly good blow, Umbriak scattered the bones of one of the skeletons. Unfortunately, Farod's poke wasn't quite as accurate, and the skeleton there dodged the blow before retaliating against Umbriak (since he was still in range).

Melee (Umbriak): 1d20 ⇒ 8

From behind the other skeletons, a set of flames abruptly winked into existence in the orc's hands, and he hurled a bolt of it at the exposed dwarf. (The others had the benefit of being hidden behind walls - useful, that.)

Ranged Touch (Umbriak): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

...It did not go particularly well for him, and the flames splashed harmlessly against the stone of the building.

Umbriak's head swiveled at the flames. His own glowing tattoos exposed and the axe in both hands, the Dwarf threw his head back in a laugh tinged with madness, and aimed a blow at the remaining skeleton.

To Hit: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27
Damage: 3d6 + 14 ⇒ (3, 3, 2) + 14 = 22

Without waiting to see the results of the strike, Umbriak moved towards the spellslinger and his remaining bodyguards, his intent obvious - death and mayhem.

Ridley held position behind the others, unable to fight effectively in a doorway. I can't really deal damage unless I flank, but I've got no other good situational spells right now.

Expecting the skeletons to continue guarding their orcish master, Farod keeps pressure on them to stay near him, firing suppression fire at the Orcish Caster. If Umbriak blocks the way, Farod would instead move to get a clear shot and ready an action to fire if the orc casts something, only using the first Roll as a Standard attack at +1 to hit instead(and probably +1 to hit/damage for PBS on top).
Flurry 1 or Readied Action: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18 Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 8
Flurry 2: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8 Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 8
Ridley: I so understand you. I'll be doing plenty of damage LATER on, but right now it's somewhat underwhelming and my options...limited

Eh. This isn't the game where I try to break action economy. (I did once build a level 10 gestalt bloodrager/bard who can get two full attacks and a spell off every round, but that's a different sort of thing).

Meanwhile, I won't be able to blast people with constant angels/lions for quite a few levels, but give me one more and I'll be a bit better at melee.

I'm not trying to break action economy, ever. Imho it simply makes the GM respond in kind and tends to either result in MAD, or making less optimized party members feel useless. Both not desirable outcomes... *shrug*
I just meant that I will have to work hard to pull my weight for a few more levels. I am underwhelmed by my current damage output.

@Ridely: Ask, and ye shall receive... after this fight. XD This is the end of the first book, and the next one starts at level three, so you should all start thinking about your choices...

Umbriak's attack was quite sufficient to smash the skeleton, and the leader of the group tumbled forward to get into melee range (without provoking an attack of opportunity), then stabbed out at Umbriak with his hand claw even as one of the skeletons stepped in front of Farod's arrow to take the blow. Negative energy surrounded the weapon as he lashed out, adding a deathly chill to the swipe, .

Melee (Umbriak): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21 for Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 Plus Negative Energy: 1d6 ⇒ 3

There was a yelp from the cottage a moment later as the old man sent a barrage of magical missiles into the goblins that had been trying to worm their way through the back (an effort that hadn't been particularly successful). Two more of the skeletons rushed towards Farod, avoiding Umbriak's range as they focused on the caster. Unfortunately for them, the need to move further meant they had no time to attack as they entered melee range of the archer...

Well... next level I get wizard spells and twice as much melee damage, so that's sure something. Though I'll need to find a punching dagger, because I didn't plan weapon chices out ahead.

Ridley healed Umbriak once again, grumbling in more muttered Celestial.

Deacon, what do you heal?

Grunting at the cold for a moment, the now gigantic Dwarf shrugged it off, and swung his axe in a wide arc aimed at the Orc's head.

To Hit: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27
Damage: 3d6 + 14 ⇒ (4, 2, 1) + 14 = 21

Haha whoops!

CLW: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

Seeing two of the skeletons approach, Farod calls the lightning into being once more, touching one of his assailants with his hand, arcs springing over before he even makes contact.
"Everything fine, Krystin? You need help in there?", he shouts as he takes a step backwards from the Skeleton.

Melee Touch: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17 Electricity: 3d6 ⇒ (2, 6, 3) = 11

"W-we're fine!" she answered, right as there was a dull thump, followed by a burst of heat and sound from the back of the house. That... was probably a good sign. One of the last two skeletons present by the orc intercepted Umbriak's attack - and it was far too much power for the skeleton to resist. It simply shattered under the blow, even as the orc pointed one hand at Umbriak, and the air rippled.

Rebuke Magic vs DC 13: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

A force of some kind washed over Umbriak, and for a moment, the spell enlarging him felt like it would fail... but then the power passed, leaving the spell in place. (It hadn't been successful, but that had almost certainly been one of Ragesia's infamous anti-magic techniques, which had helped their armies resist defeat the casters who could otherwise have stopped the march of their armies.)

Meanwhile, Farod's hand darted out... though the two undead did have the chance to make a quick attack of opportunity first. (Don't forget, casting in melee generally provokes unless you do it Defensively!)

AoO (Farod): 1d20 ⇒ 12
AoO (Farod): 1d20 ⇒ 4

Fortunately, neither of them managed to hit, and one was entirely blasted away. The other pursued Farod, even as it companion stabbed out at Umbriak.

Melee (Farod): 1d20 ⇒ 14
Melee (Umbriak): 1d20 ⇒ 12

...With no success.

With a growl of frustration, Umbriak lashed out at the other skeleton. He didn't like things getting in the way. Soon, there would be no more things in the way.

To Hit: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24
Damage: 3d6 + 14 ⇒ (6, 2, 5) + 14 = 27

Aye, I forgot, because I had a charge from before which I let dissipate...nevermind. If I had known I provoked, I would probably have moved past Umbriak assuming no Combat Reflexes, so the pursuer would provoke from the Dwarf's reach. Too late, all :)

With Umbriak shattering the last Skeleton protecting the Orc, Farod stepped away from the skeleton coming after him and opened fire at the Caster. If he was the source of the power binding those undead, it would be prudent to target him. Plus, there was less of a chance for Farod's arrows to simply fly past his targets ribcage without doing harm.
Flurry 1: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13 1d8 ⇒ 4
Flurry 2: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13 1d8 ⇒ 1
Unfortunately, the presence of one of the skeletons near him was somewhat unnerving, regardless.

Ridley shrugged, and threw a dagger at the spellcaster.

Attack: 1d20 + 5 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 5 - 4 = 19
Damage: 1d3 - 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 = 0

Umbriak's weapon bashed apart the last of the undead near him, shattering it, even as Farod tried - and failed - to shoot the apparent leader of the group. Ridley's shot was more accurate, but not actually harmful, and the Inquisitor tried his countermagic one more time.

Rebuke Magic: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

This time, the power took hold, abruptly shattering the magic that had been used to enlarge Umbriak and shrinking him back to normal size. The Inquisitor darted backwards a moment later, moving well out of melee range (and behind one of the buildings, putting him out of sight as well).

Meanwhile, the last of the skeletons stepped forward to assault Farod once more.

Melee (Farod): 1d20 ⇒ 7

Minimum damage is one!

Assuming the skeleton attacking Farod was within easy walking range (I'm having trouble visualizing this fight), Ridley cast another cure spell and stepped forward, this time delivering the spell to the skeleton.

Melee Touch: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Damage (Will DC 14 half): 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Shrinking didn't seem to phase Umbriak. It wasn't especially clear if the bulky Dwarf even noticed. What he did see was the person he was trying to axe run away. That didn't seem sporting, so Umbriak followed, his berserker speed allowing him to keep up where short Dwarf legs would normally not allow, and chased him around the corner. Of course, someone who was thinking with something other than axe would probably consider words like 'trap' and a 'ambush'...but Umrbiak wasn't. He tried to hit the leader in the face, instead. "CAST WE NAE TEETH!?"

To Hit: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
Damage: 1d12 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24

Wahahaha that damage though.

Cast Defensively DC 17: 1d20 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 2 + 4 = 18
Zap(Touch): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17 3d6 ⇒ (3, 4, 4) = 11

Seeing Umbriak charge around the corner, Farod gathers lightning once more, then unleashes it on the skeleton in front of him, this time more careful about not leaving himself open.
"You seem hurt, better use that on yourself.", he addresses the Halfling, unaware that he can't understand him, before moving after Umbriak and the Orc.If the Skeleton is a goner...otherwise no move

Specifically, the minimum is one point of nonlethal. XD But speaking of 1's...

Farod's blow managed to blow apart the skeleton - even as Umbriak's berserk charge was quite enough to actually hit the orc in said face, digging deeply enough to make it clear that he was definitely dead. With his fall, there was a pair of yelps, and two goblins could be seen running away as fast as they could go. They clearly weren't a threat anymore - and you were safe.

Everybody levels up! As always, post your updates in the Discussion Thread for approval, and only update your aliases once you've received that. Torrent recommends taking another day to rest after the fight - you have that much time - but you can push on if you want to.

Hmm... I *really* need to remember to use my Vital Cup bonus in combat once, before it's basically useless. Oh well.

Firing ineffectual arrows after the fleeing Goblins, Farod rushes back inside, hastily looking for their Hosts:"Krystin, is everything ok? Are you both unhurt?"

He will support Torrent's recommendation, feeling spent after the battle even if he learned some valuable lessons.

Also, totally forgot superstitious...

1d100 ⇒ 89 (Don't have to save against your healing, then.)
I should get most buffs I need myself, and Lay on Hands for healing. But with the abusive Shaman that originally forced him into apprenticeship, Farod is reluctant to let other people do magic on him. Just a heads-up in case you have to decide who to target with beneficial spells, you better take care of one another first-

"RAGH!" Umbriak waved his axe above his head with one hand and roared his victory. He looked around hunting, seeking - but with nothing else to hunt the rage faded. Suddenly the huge axe was heavy and Umbriak had to grab it with his other hand. Looking down at the heavy weapon - and the dead Inquisitor, Umbriak looked briefly surprised.

Hefting the heavy weapon back onto his shoulder with a tired grunt, Umbriak reached down and grabbed the Inquisitor by a boot, dragging him back to the front door. Occasionally he found the piles of shattered bone and broken skulls that had been the skeletons, and although he had a vague memory of smashing them, he was still impressed by the carnage his blows had wrought - and the number of skeletons he'd gone through.

Dropping the corpse at the front door, Umbriak walked through the door, unconsciously ducking his head before remembering he no longer needed to do so. "All is well? I brought back yon friend, but I...ah, I dinnae think the lady should take a wee peek, ye ken? His face is a wee bit...missing."

Krystin's face turned an interesting shade of green at Umbriak's words, even as her father snorted. Near the back wall, you could see scorch marks where some fire blast had... well... done what it did best. The old man muttered and waved his hand again, and the stone shifted slightly, seeming to work the ashes into themselves before settling into the same shape as before, but noticeably cleaner.

"...And why are you dragging bodies into the house?" the old man asked.

"Interesting way of keeping the house clean. Will need to pick that one up for when I do settle down sometime in the future.", Farod comments, when the father removes the...scorch marks.
"To be fair, Umbriak left him OUTSIDE the house.", he comments, then looks at Umbriak:"But yeah, why ARE you dragging him around? Planning on making a Ragesian Scarecrow, in case more Mage Hunters are around?", he jokes, hoping to lighten the mood a bit, with Krystin looking a similar shade of green he did.

"Right, melodrama." Ridley looked frustrated after the fight. "But really, leaving a dead Inquisitor in a field outside your house is a great way to draw attention. I know you're planning on leaving soon, but we should clean up properly before we get back to our preparations."

Umbriak glanced at the corpse. "It's nae in the hoose, but at the front door. For easier searching. I need a wee rest before I'm fit to do much, ye ken? And once we're done he - aye, and his minions - will need disposing of. Cannae have dead people left lying around." Heading back outside and searching the Inquisitor and his fallen allies, Umbriak pointed at one of the shattered skeletons. "Ye leave corpses everywhere and that happens."

The wizard rolled his eyes slightly, then tottered forward and kicked the body. "Get up." he said - and it lurched to its feet, the glint of unlife in its eyes. "Go bury yourself. Leave your things." he ordered with a sneer, and the zombie staggered out the door after dropping a couple of objects. Haddin eyed the rest of you a moment later. "There, you see? It only takes a few seconds for someone with- *Cough* -any actual ability with magic."

Loot includes a brooch of shielding (101 charges), 4 scrolls of cure light wounds, a scroll of mage armor, a wand of hold portal (10 charges), and a hand claw.

Was the Orc's silvery greataxe not anything interesting?

Umbriak raised an eyebrow. "Different." The Dwarf shrugged his shoulders wearily. "'Suppose 'tis one way to do farm chores." He looked over at the piles of broken bones that had been the skeletons. "Can ye manage those, too, or do those fade when the wee magics run out?"

"Plenty to learn, indeed.", Farod nods, when the old man gets the body to go bury itself.
"That was one exciting breakfast. Any chores need doing around here that can't be done by untrained labor?", Farod points at the shuffling Zombie. "I'm fine taking it easy for a day, but I'm not used to being a freeloader.", he adds sheepishly.

I suppose going hunting is not a good idea with Ragesian inquisition one way and fire forest the other...otherwise I could try and fetch rabbit or 2 close by...
Prof(Hunter): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11 in case it's an option.

Knowledge (religion, trance): 1d20 + 7 + 20 ⇒ (4) + 7 + 20 = 31

Ridley winced again, a headache coming on the second the zombie began to move, and forcing him to speak just as it disappeared. "Not all actual magic creates abominations," he replied, hoping that would quiet the voice in the back of his head. It didn't. And so he continued, in words that felt only somewhat like his own, "That... thing could well remain animated for centuries, attacking blindly at the first creature to dig it up. And my goddess, unfortunately, has some pretty strict rules against that sort of littering. Does your spell have a failsafe, or do I need to follow it and put my sword into the ground a dozen times once it's fully covered?"

Diplomacy (to try and not sound too insulting by the comment), glory: 1d20 + 14 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 14 + 3 = 19

...Well, it's a Masterwork Silver Greataxe. XD

"Bah, let them stay. Undead as *cough* pitiful as that don't get up again on their own, and they'll make a good message for anyone who follows up on those fools." he said. "I don't really care what you want to do today." He did glance in Ridley's direction as the halfling spoke, though. "The magic'll wear out in a few minutes anyway, but if you want to stab it regardless, go ahead. I'm *cough* too old to care about nonsense like this anymore."

Farod will, then, spend the day getting aquainted with Torrent, which he never really got to talk with yet, and asking Krystin about the Fire Forest, considering that even things "banal" and "obvious" in the eyes of her father could be interesting or relevant to someone who has not spent their whole life near it.
If an opportunity presents itself, he will ask her if she really WANTS to stay and make a last stand against the Ragesians, mentioning that she did not seem like the fighting type during the attack.

Farod, I think Profession lets you mostly hunt for profit, not food...

Ridley spent most of the day in prayer and preparation, not wishing to antagonize anyone further. If he was going to be stuck with this nuisance of a conscience, it could at least learn one or two useful spells... and after a few hours of prayer, it did indeed feel as though he had a better understanding of how to use his magical power effectively.

*shrug* For the Eldritch Heritage, I also needed Skill Focus(Survival). Either roll is fine with me, but I felt "I want to hunt" would be approbiate for the profession(Hunter)...mechanics be damned.

Hefting the new axe with a grunt, Umbriak sat and began slow preparations for the meals of the day. Although the rambunctious Dwarf recovered from the exhaustion reasonably quickly, he was somewhat pensive and thoughtful. Why would an Inquistor make a point of assaulting an old man on the opposite side of town within hours of being allowed through the city? The old man's tale didn't entirely add up, and Umbriak was concerned they were stuck in the middle of something more than they expected.

Craft (Food): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

Of course, dinner was exceptional.

In general, skill uses aren't meant to cross categories. If you're hunting for food, it's Survival. If it's for fun or for profit, it's Profession. ^^

Torrent responded amicably - she didn't know Farod as well as the others, but she was clearly impressed by the way he'd performed during the attack... and while she wasn't entrusting any secrets of the resistance, she was definitely more friendly than before.

Crystin, on the other hand, was all too happy to leave. That had been her goal from the start - it was her father, Haddin, who was being crotchety and stubborn about it. Even so, he seemed like he'd come around, although he clearly expected everyone else to do most of the work. (...Which may not have been surprising, given his advanced age. He was going to have enough trouble just walking without tripping and snapping his neck.)

Haddin did, however, murmur in surprise as Umbriak served a meal that was better than the family had likely had in quite a long time. "Not bad for someone who can barely see the counter." he muttered, which was probably as close to praise as he'd ever actually get.

Sure, but Survival is foraging in general, is it not? Berries, Eggs, edible roots, water...I expected if I can "hunt" to bring in money, wether by meat, pelts or other parts, then I could also do so to provide the "cash result" in hunted animal meat. I mean technically I could "hunt meat for profit", then sell it to Umbriak, but if I mean to share freely, I have to use a different check? It's all fine, but still feels slightly off. You are skilled at a specific job - a Profession skill represents an aptitude in a vocation requiring a broader range of less specific knowledge - same as I'd expect shepherd to be able to use his profession instead of handle animal when it comes to sheep or herbalist in specific cases instead of knowledge(nature). But that may simply be a case of varying mileage, it's good to know.

Having gotten to know Torrent and learned more about Krystin, Farod considers the day somewhat of a success.
After dinner, he considers:"Do you think we should set guards tonight? Wouldn't want any surprises creeping up on us, would we? Those goblins who got away may well have reached some friends by now, if they have not deserted."

It's the background skills distinction. Survival has a direct impact on characters not dying, so it's not a background skill; profession has only incidental uses, so it is one.

Ridley agreed with Farod, and suggested turning in early in order to leave just before first light.

Umbriak nodded his acceptance at what praise he got, which was more than he'd expected from the old racist, and added, "I'll take first watch if nae one minds. Dinnae care for me sleep being broken up."

Skills can be a little weird that way. XD Basically, though, they can only be used for their written purpose - although it used to be that 'Skill Synergy' could give you bonuses in related skills. I think that was mostly replaced by the Class Skills system, though...

First watch for the old dwarf it was, and the night passed largely without incident. Whoever had sent the Inquisitor probably wasn't expecting them to be back yet, and even if they had, it would take some time to actually come and find out what had happened. That didn't stop Torrent from urging people forward once dawn came, though - you had a forest of flames to cross.

Ridley was happy to take last watch, in order to be ready to leave as soon as everyone else was—though he hoped again, out loud, that the fire wouldn't be an issue.

Aye, I just felt that this nice application of "I want to fetch two bunnies for Umbriaks stew" was a perfect niche application of "Hunter" since I was not trying to find nuts, berries, edible plants, herbs or water to go with them for a complete meal as per Survival. The difference being that Hunter will progress at full rate, where Survival will be there, but not improve at the same rate, so I'd just like to be clear on this for later. If I cannot even use Hunter to actually do hunting, I would like to swap it out for something even remotely useful-

Farod takes middle watch, and in the morning is completely with Torrent, expecting trouble to find them if they dallied. Helping Krystin and the old man load their baggage on the extra horses, he's ready to leave as soon as possible.

Umbriak was now well rested, and did the heavy lifting. Packing luggage stood no chance against his might.

Well, let me put it this way - Profession (Hunting) can be used to get food to accent a meal, but by itself, it can't feed people a full meal. That's the purview of the Survival skill. XD Of course, I'd be willing to let you switch to a different Profession if you really wanted to - one time.

There was, of course, one last problem - things were never particularly simple, huh? Torrent opened her things as you got close to the forest, revealing a cache of potions that would help you resist the fires ahead. There were a grand total of fourteen of them - enough for everybody to have two, and with two left over. She seemed confident that you could cross the forest within two days, but there weren't nearly enough for all of the horses...

Not something I added just to nudge you into releasing them back to town, by the way. XD That's actually the number described in the book.

Sighing - this was information they could have done before leaving - Umbriak swung his leg over the horse and hopped down, and began re-packing so that their equipment and such fit into packs. Hopefully they would be able to carry everything. The bulky Dwarf looked over at Haddin. He wasn't sure the old man wouldn't keel over at the first whiff of smoke, let alone carry his own provisions.

And, of course, too late for any of us to actually learn the appropriate spell... :D

"Right. Let's just cut the horses free, then, we found most of them in the first place."

"Or tie them together, then send them off as a group. Sending any inquisitors that come looking for their buddys on a merry chase when they track them. Just an idea-", Farod shrugs, as he, too, repacks items to be carried in backpacks, rather than saddlebags. "We have enough potions to get one horse through with us. While it would be tempting to use it to carry luggage, maybe we would be able to progress faster if you were to ride? No offense meant, but you don't seem used to taxing physical exercise. Unless your ability in magic covers that, too, in which case I would extend the offer to your daughter instead.", Farod suggests to Haddin.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20