GM Rinaldo's Eyes of the Ten 2018 (Inactive)

Game Master The Great Rinaldo!

I had mouth-retrieval with summoned death-kitties or azata in mind (I think we’re going to set off some kind of summoning trap, so I had no problem taking the risk on getting some of our own summoned critters in place first ;)

But I don’t want to spoil anyone’s fun. If mad monkeys is what Myrdon wants to do – I am in! :)

Anyone else seeing the eyebrow-raising irony of trying to use a swarm of (let's be candid, here) Jumanji-monkeys against The Demon-Lord of Apes?

I do, and even though Fendahl could summon a jaguar or something, the monkeys seems more fitting. And, yes he has a wand of make whole with 4 charges...so limit the collateral damage to half a barrel of monkeys.

Fendahl pauses and places his hand on the lioness' shoulder, not sure what to expect from monkeys.

Kirrah...move back. The next course of action could provide an unexpected amount of entropy.

Anyone else seeing the eyebrow-raising irony of trying to use a swarm of (let's be candid, here) Jumanji-monkeys against The Demon-Lord of Apes?

Oh my, I missed that completely. It must be done. And Marta just loves irony.

Yes! I was waiting for someone to pick up on the monkey vs apes thing!
The spell does say that the swarm obeys my command, so I was thinking of getting the swarm to pick it up, move away and drop it all in one round. So at most it is one round of damage. But to be sure first, the first round, I'll get them to just touch the idol? If nothing blows up, then I get them to pick up, move and drop.
So that's a go ahead!

I completely missed the "obeys your commands" part. Done!

Myrdon casts a spell, and suddenly the secret chamber is filled with howling, screaming monkeys! He calls out to them to retrieve everything that is loose; they begin grabbing at the offerings on the ground and the idol on the table.

As one of the monkeys grabs the idol, those of you using magic detection notice a spell effect happen, but it doesn't seem to bother the monkey.

Spellcraft DC is high because you aren't actually watching a spell be cast, but are attempting to identify it simply by the aura as it happens.

With some work, Myrdon manages to get them to drop everything, then after about a minute, they disappear in a puff of smoke. Examining the coins and jewels, you believe you have about 500gp worth; the idol itself is probably worth 2000gp.

Congratulations on the most amazing solution to this encounter I have ever heard of!

spellcraft: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18

"I saw something happened -- but no idea what. Did you catch it, Vladek?"

Luisila once again ✨detects magic on the treasure, before it is stowed away.

Once she believes everyone is ready, she points in the direction of the tracks Fendahl found.

“So, we’re headed that-away?”

Automatic Spellcraft success.

"A mind-shriveling curse," Replies Vladek grimly before cracking up. "gone completely to waste, a-HA-ha!"

Feeblemind on a monkey? Lol! This is the first time I got to cast this spell. Glad that went well!

"Well, well, well. That went much better than I expected. Even if I do say so myself." Myrdon looks mighty proud of himself, preening himself like a peacock.

When nothing but a sparkly effect occurs, Marta relaxes and watches with amusement as the monkeys do their job.

"Feeblemind, huh? Nasty spell if I do say so myself. I doubt the monkeys minded a bit. So what do we have here? Nothing magical?"

”Hrrmm. Better on the monkey than one of my felines. Excellent choice. Now where. We spotted a trail. Are we ready to pursue? “

Despite the recent rain, you are able to follow the tracks through the jungle. After a while, the trees thin out and you see a set of cliffs ahead.

As you step into the clearing, everyone except Fendahl and Kirrah notice two humans in tattered clothing standing on a ledge; they appear to notice you as well, and disappear through some vines, presumably into a cave.

You can see an easy path up to the ledge where the humans where, and with those two gone, you don't see any other threats between you and the cave. The path up is only 10' wide, so I need a marching order. Please arrange yourselves on the arrow I laid down. Anyone who intends to fly can be placed beside the arrow to represent being above or next to the walkers.

How long has it been since leaving the huts? Need to clean up the buff sheet and figure out if/what Marta needs to cast.

Not wanting to spook what might rather superstitious people, Myrdon decides to walk for now, keeping Aegis beside him for protection. Of course, this decision was not influenced by his prior experience of flying above everyone and inviting a whole slew of arrows. Nope, not at all.

How long has it been since leaving the huts? Need to clean up the buff sheet and figure out if/what Marta needs to cast.

It took about 20 minutes to find the cliffs you are at now.

I am thinking resist cold has expired by now. Lasted 30mins from seeing frosted windows.

”What was it? “

”What was it? “

What was what...?

Lol - since Fendahl did not see why everyone was reacting all the sudden.

Before proceeding though, Myrdon calls forth some protection for himself and his companion.

Cast shield on Aegis, activate wand of shield and heightened awareness on himself. Dismiss the latter for +4 to init if we enter combat.

"What? What do you mean? Those two humans! They went into some cave. You didn't see?"

Two humans? Where? No, I only see vines on the cliff.

Fendahl will cast ...

"Well, we need to talk to them. If anyone knows what is going on around here they will."

Diplomacy, heroism: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (7) + 15 = 22
Knowledge Local, heroism: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8 Hmmm. How can I make that sucky roll fun?

In voice modulated for friendliness, Marta calls up in common. "HEY YOU IN THE CAVE UP THERE! CAN WE TALK, PERHAPS EXCHANGE GIFTS? WE GOT SOME SPARKLIES."

"They do exchange gifts down here and like beads and things, don't they? It occurs to me that they may not know common or may react better to polyglot or some local dialect? Any of you want to give it a try?"

Fendahl mounts Kirrah's saddle and casts airwalk on the lioness.

Let us see these humans. Kirrah, up!

The lioness will climb to 10' altitude above the party.

“Myrdon, if you can afford to offer me a fly spell, I would gladly accept.”

Once her sorcerer friend has made his decision, Luisila ✨casts freedom of movement on Marta, copycats and ✨casts invisibility on herself.

“I’m gonna leave the diplomacy to you, Marta. I suspect we’ve found the lair of Kyalla’s kidnappers and I think we need to find her fast before she’s sacrificed to Ape Face.”

The invisible cleric works her way into the air 20' above the party.

take 10 stealth + invisibility: 10 + 7 + 20 = 37
take 10 perception: 10 + 25 = 35

Marta uses her wand to cast Heightened awareness while she waits for an answer, but doesn't wait for long. If no answer is given in 15 seconds she begins climbing up.

Climb, heroism: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13 though I would prefer to take 10 all the way up if that is acceptable.

“Myrdon, if you can afford to offer me a fly spell, I would gladly accept.”

"Certainly, my dear! Good things come to those who ask." Myrdon lays a hand on the cleric's shoulder, mutters a few words and she disappears from sight.

OK, so I have Vladek walking up the ledge with Qadathra; Myrdon also walking up with Aegis walking / flying at ground level next to him; and Marta walking as well. Fendahl is mounted on Kirrah, who is air walking 10' above them. The two Luisilas are invisible and flying above them.

You follow a ledge up toward where you saw the figures disappear. You reach a cave entrance that has been covered with a curtain of vines, obscuring whatever is beyond. Despite your attempts to call out to them, you have received no response.

Actually, Qadathra and I WERE going to fly, but I guess if we wind up having the trail almost all to ourselves....

Marta reaches over with her spear to move the vines back from a saf(er) distance, and holds them open while she looks inside and to potentially allow someone invisible to enter without being obvious.

Marta pulls back some of the vines, and gets a view of a passage leading into a large cavern. More vines can be seem hanging in random places, but from your current position you can't see much else.

Well, figuring the Freedom of movement spell will guard her against grasping vines at the very least, Marta casts a shield of faith and takes an experimental step into the vines. And then another.

Sorry, guys. Crazy day.

Luisila moves in to back up Marta, flying as close as possible to the ceiling.

take 10 stealth + invisibility: 10 + 7 + 20 = 37
take 10 perception for traps + threats: 10 + 25 = 35

Marta steps in, and feels a light touch on the shoulder from Luisila as the invisible cleric moves to the ceiling. From this position, the vines are still thick enough that neither can see much further into the cave.

The hanging vines are thickest here in the entrance; about 10-15 more feet in they thin out.

Is everyone else where they want to be?

Marta will keep going taking a step at a time Leaving two actions if something is triggered.

Fendahl urges Kirrah to keep within 10’ of Marta down the cave.

Meanwhile, Myrdon directs Aegis to stand in front of him. He himself floats just a couple of inches off the ground, ready to fly up into the air.

Luisila waits for the those behind her to confirm their positions and intentions before brushing along Marta's arm as she leapfrogs through the air past her, to see if she can peer past the thick vines.

take 10 stealth + invisibility: 10 + 7 + 20 = 37
take 10 perception for traps + threats: 10 + 25 = 35

Vladek and Qadathra wait for the other shoe, as it were, to drop.

Leaving two actions if something is triggered.

I don't understand what you mean by this...?

Marta - A.K.A. Telmar So-Melnop wrote:

Leaving two actions if something is triggered.

I don't understand what you mean by this...?

Probably nothing. Generally if something happens we just roll perception and init. But the idea is that she is moving at the rate of 5' per 6 seconds being very cautious.

Luisila please let me know if and how you act on this information before I adjudicate Marta moving slowly into the room.

Luisila, go ahead and do what you said, and make me another Stealth check along with it.

stealth+invisible+faction pin: 1d20 + 7 + 20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 7 + 20 + 1 = 46

Luisila turns about-face and drifts down to block Marta’s forward progress by bumping derrières with her.

She then whispers a number of words in Celestial into Marta’s ears:

“dozen spearmen”
“10’ up”
“gonna swing into room on vines”
“telling others now”
“send in summoned critters first?”

If there’s time she will then repeat the process with the others, whispering in Elven to the elves and Taldane to Myrdon.

Myrdon simply nods in reply. He gestures for everyone to come close together and starts chanting a spell. (He intends to cast haste after summoning the monsters, so everyone needs to crowd around a bit.)
summon monster, bralani azata: 1d3 ⇒ 3

(They might hear him so not sure if that triggers combat immediately. If not.)

As soon as the azatas comes into existence, Myrdon quickly casts another spell, giving supernatural speed to everyone!

Cast haste, hopefully affecting everyone.

Marta pauses, wondering whether to treat them as threats or just wary home defenders.

I forgot Marta has a Tongues spell active so it it matters, they would have understood her when she shouted out before.

While waiting for the others to prep and catch up, Marta casts an instrument of agony on her fists.

As Myrdon begins chanting a spell, the cave-dwellers start to shriek and howl, a more simian sound than human.

You and they are aware of each other, so no surprise round. Since Myrdon posted first, I'm going to count him as kicking things off; instead of rolling initiative, I'll just have him be first. His Summon spell is in progress, but Marta has not yet cast hers. I moved Luisila to be next to Marta and Myrdon/Aegis.

Fendahl may act! The cave-dwellers haven't done anything hostile, but the noise doesn't sound friendly. Take that as you will.

Fendahl will command Kirrah into the cave on her turn...

delays for now until after Marta

Marta casts her spell and holds position, figuring them for the charging types. She also calls upon Ragathiel for a Judgment (protection and destruction)

Knowledge, monster lore: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28 plus whatever bonuses from particular skill. Need to know what type of bane to use.

AoO rolls from longspear if they do indeed charge:

To Hit Longspear: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (20) + 13 = 33
Damage Longspear: 1d8 + 1d6 + 20 ⇒ (8) + (5) + 20 = 33
Crit Longspear: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (11) + 13 = 24
Damage Longspear: 2d8 + 20 ⇒ (7, 1) + 20 = 28

To Hit Longspear: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (18) + 13 = 31
Damage Longspear: 1d8 + 1d6 + 20 ⇒ (6) + (6) + 20 = 32

To Hit Longspear: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (20) + 13 = 33
Damage Longspear: 1d8 + 1d6 + 20 ⇒ (4) + (2) + 20 = 26
Crit Longspear: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (8) + 13 = 21
Damage Longspear: 2d8 + 20 ⇒ (5, 4) + 20 = 29

Two of the cave-dwellers come into view as they swing down and rush at Marta. You get a better look at them, and see that they are to all appearances human, despite the hooting and howling. They wear well-made leathers and carry shortspears.

The first one swings right up to Marta, and gets a spear through the chest for his trouble. Crit confirmed, but doesn't quite take him down.
Purple A vs Marta: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (9) + 17 = 26
His own attack deflects off Marta's magical protections.

The second sees this, and comes in more cautiously. Move action to end 10' from Marta, then a 5' step to close.

Marta and Qadathra are up! Fendahl can come off delay if he chooses.

Note: I am designating the enemies with thick borders as "A" and thin borders as "B" within each pair.

Launching into a series of kicks and elbow smashes, Marta first proceeds to dismantle Purple A and them move on to Purple B.

Free Action: bane on humans added to unarmed strike

If anyone approaches, these are the 3 AoO attacks with the spear...