GM Silbeg's Thornkeep: The Forgotten Laboratory (Inactive)

Game Master Silbeg

Good where I am... gotta leave room for the front-liners!

Visibly shaken at so many of his friends knocking on death's door, Ophiuchus grips his flail.

"Such death and destruction. Once we are done here I believe that I will take up a hobby for a while. One that requires skill, training, and endurance. I believe that I will need your assistance Mr. Hairylips.

Here is another one, 'Young man, you are doing a great job taking care ... of ... the pretty ....wolf' Sorry about that. I could not say it without laughing. We should practice more after I kill the evil water, or the things I cannot see, or maybe the air will attack us this time. Come Strong man, let us kill these evil things."

Move me in, if I have a action I will cast Guidance prior

"Ah..." Arturo is never quite sure how to respond to the nagaji, [b]"The door is unlocked, isn't it? And you did make an excellent lie. I believe, however, that it is usually more believable if you not tell the person you are lying to that you are about to lie to him.

"Also, I never knew you were so mean-spirited. Perhaps it is the frustration of the last battle, so i will forgive you," the swashbuckler allows the battle oracle to walk past him, and considers tripping him before regaining his senses, "After you, my combat capable friend." Can't tell when I'm lying, can you?

Heh. Never seen the darker side of Ophiuchus before! Lockwood granted by another.

Unable to follow most of the back and forth between Arturo and Ophiuchus, the large man just shrugs as the nagaji beckons him forward, the memories of the beatdown he just received already fading as he matches the battle oracle stride for stride into the new area.

Weapon reloaded, Roudantaimi moves into formation. Eyes fixed on Jaender, the gnome waits until the wayang confirms the route to be clear.

Or calls for help...

Peeking in, Jaender sees the webbing. Careful not to trip on any webbing that might be near the floor, he picks his way a few feet in to take a look around.

Stealth: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (7) + 16 = 23

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

Then moves back out of the room to tell his companions what he has seen.

Webs... gotta be spiders...

And along came a spider...
Coming down on her web, a giant black spider with a distinctive red hourglass on her belly comes down to attack Jaender.

Also, swarming from the walls are thousands of little spiders, all looking like miniature versions of her.

The giant blackwidow is still in her webs on the ceiling (ceiling is at 20', she's a 10X10X10 creature). The swarm is all over the floors and walls (hasn't coalesced yet... will happen on its initiative)

Sven, Jaender, Roudi, and Arturo are up. Einhardt is guarding Vox (readied to follow him).

Yell the code word, yell the code word!

"Aaartahhahagg!" Jaender squeals, too worried to be ashamed of his pitiful outburst.

"Get out of there poochie! SPIDERS!"

Since the spider is large, and the hallway is only 5', it will have to squeeze in order to get to me if I move down that hallway a bit. I will let everyone else who has alchemist fire worry about the swarm, since I cant currently hit it with a burning hands without flaming poochie or someone else. oh, and SPREAD OUT!!! no sense in having a swarm hit 3 or 4 people at once...

Assessing the situation, Jaender bolts down a narrow hallway, hopeful that the spider is too big to follow. He waggles his fingers again, and lets loose a blast of magical energy, two glowing bolts slamming into the body of the gigantic black widow.

Magic Missile: 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (3, 4) + 2 = 9

I am also going to attempt to snipe

Stealth, sniping: 1d20 + 16 - 20 ⇒ (8) + 16 - 20 = 4

Meh... it was worth a try.

Was that the codeword for goblins..? " GAAAH! Spiders! Ick, I hate spiders..." Roudantaimi's wondering is interrupted as swarm of spiders pours out from the doorway. Without thinking, the gnome takes a vial of alchemists' fire, and drops it on the swarm.

Throw Alchemists Fire, PBS: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
Damage, PBS : 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

1 splash damage to Roudi's and Poochie, sorry

"A brave tactical retreat, Tahmatassu! We'll fight this enemy from afar! " Roudantaimi commands, and the mount moves gladly away from the swarm.

"Get out of there, Ophiuchus, if you can!" calls Arturo, fiddling with his belt to pull out a flask of alchemist's fire. He swaps hands with his scimitar hand, juggling them back and forth in impatience as he waits for the swarm to form up fully.

Arturo, go head and throw... just mostly stating it isn't currently dealing damage. Damage is being applied, and Poochie gets splashed again ;)

The swarm of baby spiders flees from the burning. Hundreds of tiny black widow spiders just curl up and die in the flames.

Just waiting for the Strong Brute now

Ophiuchus flushes slightly as many of the small fires that have sprung up over his body seem to be patted out by invisible hands.

Can't get a good look at the map, so...

@Strong Brute: Babies are dead... not that it will help with your rolls! Eep! On the map, though, you probably can't reach that high unless you have a reach weapon (she's still on the 20' high ceiling). You could move to be below her (just past Ophiuchus) if you like...

If that's the case, change his standard action to a readied attack versus the spider, should it descend, please. He will move past Poochie.

The Strong Brute moves up, scythe at the ready. Poochie stands, fascinated by the immense spider. The others torch to poor baby spiders, pissing off mama spider!

The enraged spider climbs down into the Strong Brute's reach, but the sheer size of the arachnid has thrown off the barbarian, and he misses.

The spider then attacks the Strong Brute, probably because he drew her attention!
spider bite: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15 I don't thnk Strong Brute was raging, since he didn't state he was, so this misses
Poochie and Vox, then top of round 2.

"So when a duck preens its feathers .... SPIDERS! FIRE! MERIAN!"

Everything happening quickly, the nagaji reacts just a hair to late. He sees his clothes begin to catch fire, then a strange breeze filters trough the dungeon. Where the breeze originated Ophiuchus immediately guess. A brief wave of sadness overtakes him before his battle instincts take over.

"Big man that sings, look out for that .... really, really big spider. I did not know how they get them that big. What is it eating? I do not think that many adventures come here, at least not enough for it to get so big. Oh, well, it saddens me to kill a mother, but I would rather not be eaten."

Heavy MW Flail + PA + Guidance: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26
Flail Damage + PA: 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
Flail Damage + PA: 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

10 or 24 if a 18 hits.

The confused nagaji lets instincts take over, and pounds the spider very hard with his flail, while he still tries to figure out what is going on. The spider shudders with the force of the impact, but does not fall.

As the clusters of baby spiders burst into flame and curl up with their legs pontes toward the ceiling, Vox rushes closer to the gigantic mother-spider and slashes out with his lucerne hammer from behind the nagaji's back.

"Not only eaten, but bound up in a web until she comes for dinner," Vox says as the hammer arcs over Ophiuchus' shoulder.

move action: move next to Ophiuchus, one square north. *token not yet moved*
standard action: attack, reach weapon, attacking from behind Ophiuchus

attack(Lucerne hammer, +6 w/ no power attack, +2 w/ flank, -4 for swinging around Ophiuchus): 1d20 + 6 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 6 + 2 - 4 = 14
damage(precise strike): 1d12 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (11) + 4 + (4) = 19

"Einhardt, hold!" he calls for the wolf to hold off attacking and await further instructions.

Einhardt's action held to bring her initiative with Vox's

Technically, Vox does not get a flank. She is still 1 square above the rest of you... including Ophiuchus, Strong Brute, etc. That is how she is in the same square. In this case, it doesn't matter, as you didn't hit, regardless. Also, the -4 is also from soft cover... that gets applied to the AC (which I will do)

Arturo moves as quickly past his companions as he can, noting that the spider has come down lower and into range. With a flourish, he draws back his cape and slices upwards, careful to sidestep the ichor that is sure to follow any successful blow.

Scimitar vs Spider: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30 -- Woo!
Crit confirm: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10 -- Bah!
Scimitar damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

"Wait for me, wait for me!" Roudantaimi yells to the disappearing backs of his friends, and spurs his mount into speed. Arriving to the doorway, he raises his musket and targets the giant shape.

Not sure if Roudantaimi can see the spider... If not, then ready action to shoot if the spider comes into view

Since it's in the air, you should be able to move through friendly squares. You'll probably provoke, though. I was assuming Arturo didn't because he only "just" entered her area. He could have, though, now that I think about it... GM Silbeg: If he would provoke, can I please retcon an acrobatics check? I'm at +10, take this roll if you like: Acro-retcon: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17

Hadn't had a chance to look at these, yet. Yes Arturo needs an acrobatics check. And he failed.
AOO from Spider: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13 Spider misses. Then Arturo slashes. Then spider falls!

Arturo: Ref: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15
Sven: Ref: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

You both get out of the way as the body falls!

No treasure!

Arturo smiles as he easily side steps the falling spider. Immediately after, he springs over the broken mess of legs, chitin and goo to stand near Jaender.

"Well, since we can safely say 'no harm, no foul', how about we try the same tactic again in the next room," suggests Arturo, "Lead the way, friend, and let me know if you come to any doors you need unlocked."

Ophiuchus' wand creeps loose of his backpack, floating in the air, and suddenly his burns ease. His old skin hardens and a fresh skin forms beneath. Eventually, the wounds are shed onto the ground and Ophiuchus is as good as new.

Wand CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Sorry, I promise not to do this too often, Ophiuchus and Silbeg. It was a slow posting day today, I had only yesterday remembered that I had Merian's profile to hand! Also, thought it was a neat way to do the usual "heal up" post. ;-)

Thank goodness I didn't rage!

The brute is still breathing heavily from the sight of the spider's fangs closer bare millimeters from his outstretched arm when it falls. He twists to the side, the bulbous body brushing him on the way down. Freaking out, he backpedals away from the creature, just noticing at that point it isn't moving.

Grimacing, he readies his scythe, ready to continue once Jaender gives the all clear.

So, Roudi and his mount both have 1hp damage... everyone ready to go?

Jaender sees a hallway to the north, leading east and west, and the Strong Brute sees a room to the SW.

"Ah my little friend, we did not get a chance to finish our conversation. I do not worship any one god, but I believe there is 'something' helping us. This great one, as I call it, brought Merian and I together, and also took her from me. It has brought all of you into my life, and I will do my best not to let it take any of you away from me. You seem hurt, let me heal you."

CLW wand Roundi: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
CLW wand cool ass mount: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Ready, you never know when you need a hp

I'll get a post up after lunch, SOP sneaking up to the north for now...

As the little wayang creeps to the north to scope things out, the brute holds his scythe at the ready, keeping his eyes on the passage to a room to the southwest. "There a room down here, if there's nothing interesting that way." He says quietly in his deep bass voice to his companions.

Jaender blends into the shadows and creeps down the northern hallway a few feet to see what he can see. The broken rubble and walls convince him he doesn't need to go far, but it would be worth it to see where this connects, if it does.

Stealth: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (17) + 16 = 33

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

Once he has a feel for the area, he heads back to his group to check the next room out.

Jaender very cautiously moves into a dead end, and sees nothing of note.

whew...

Jaender then moves down to the room they just came from, exploring the room Strong Brute mentioned.

Stealth: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (12) + 16 = 28

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

and slinks back to his friends.

FYI - there is the other room that you haven't searched still, but that's cool.

It looks as if some years ago something broke loose and tore apart this ancient workshop before ripping a hole in the eastern wall. Broken tools and implements appear to have pulled from the ruined remnants of this chamber and sorted into various piles.

As Jaender enters the room, he notices that from one of the piles of broken tools and such, a construct that looks like a series of stone gears locked together in a roughly humanoid shape.

Jaender and the construct may act in the surprise round.

The creature charges at Jaender in a silent rage...
slam attack, charge vs FF: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 5 + 2 = 12 Jaender is missed!

Jaender is up

CODE WORD!!! CODE WORD!!!

"yeeeeaaaaRRAAAHHhhgggg!" [Doppler Effect] Jaender squeals as he takes a step back.

"Construct!"

He waggles his fingers, loosing two more bolts of magic missile energy at the contraption.

5' step back, Cast magic missile.

Magic Missile: 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (4, 1) + 2 = 7

Jaender gives his battlecry, and fires off a pair of magical missiles at the animated creature. To his dismay, the bolts bounce off of the stone to no affect*.

The creature then moves up to pound on poor Jaender.
slam: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19 slam damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
slam: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24 slam damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Party is up!

gm not sure what is going on. Jaender and construct act in the surprise round but it looks like it int is 2 and ophiuchus int is 19. Why am I last?

@Ophiuchus: They did act in the surprise round. Then the construct had one more go at it. Now it is our turn. Why the initiatives on the combat tracker don't match our rolls at all is a mystery. ;-)

"Jaender! Look out!" Arturo calls out. Rushing to help his friend, and not being entirely sure whether his weapon will be effective or not (despite its magical nature), Arturo steps in and takes a slice!

Scimitar vs construct: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26 -- Can't remember for sure, but I think constructs are still subject to crits.
Crit confirm: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
Scimitar damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Critical damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10 -- 18 total damage (-5 hardness).

Moving past the little wayang wizard, the brute charges up with Arturo, his blood starting to sing again. He was pretty sure he'd need the extra help to penetrate this thing's metal defenses.

Scythe, Rage, PA: 1d20 + 8 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (16) + 8 + 2 - 1 = 25
Scythe, Rage, PA Damage: 2d4 + 6 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (4, 3) + 6 + 3 + 3 = 19

Hearing the wayang cry out in pain, Ophiuchus casts Guidance and moves closer to the combat.

They did act in the surprise round. Then the construct had one more go at it. Now it is our turn. Why the initiatives on the combat tracker don't match our rolls at all is a mystery.

maybe it has reach. Hopefully not combat reflexes

"Einhardt, flank!" the youth calls, letting the wolf rush past him into the chamber.

"We'll save Jaender! he thinks, turning the corning and following closely at the animal's heels. Ahead the towering figure in roughly humanoid shape composed of oddly fitting stone gears gives him pause, but he clenches his jaw and prepares to attack.

As the wolf moves by the towering figure, Vox calls again, "Hold! We'll attack together..."

The wolf runs dangerously close to the towering stone creature, and attempts to position itself to attack once the youth is in position.

Move Action: Move through threatened squares to set up flank, AC = 25 if it provokes AoO.

The wolf then crouches low, waiting for the youth to follow and begin his attack.

Hold Action: Attack w/ flank once Vox in position

The youth follow closely behind Einhardt and plants his feet firmly at the end of his run. A moment later he is swinging with all his strength.

"Einhardt, Attack!" he calls as the mighty lucerne hammer arcs toward the monstrosity.

Move Action: Move into flank with Einhardt, moving through threatened squares after Einhardt has already done the same, hopefully drawing AoO.
Standard Action: Attack

attack(lucerne hammer, outflank, power attack): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21
B&P damage(power attack, precise strike): 1d12 + 7 + 1d6 ⇒ (6) + 7 + (6) = 19

The wolf lashes out with her snarling jaws.

Standard Action: attack

attack(bite, outflank, power attack): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20
damage: 1d6 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (6) + 6 + (2) = 14
Free trip attempt because of being a wolf, roll twice and take the better result because of Tandem Trip feat
free trip attempt, roll #1(CMB vs. CMD): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
free trip attempt, roll #2(CMB vs. CMD): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

gm not sure what is going on. Jaender and construct act in the surprise round but it looks like it int is 2 and ophiuchus int is 19. Why am I last?

Damnit.

Either that, or the GM was cheating, but I am pretty sure that is not the case.

The stone creature (not metal) swings at the she-wolf as she runs by.
slam: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11 It misses, badly.

Then the youth and wolf attack, finishing off the creature (after it was devastated by the man who sings and the man who sluts.

BTW - I never said it had Hardness 5. Stone is harder than wood (which is 5). Not as hard as metal (10)

My bad for meta-game! My bad also for thinking stone was 5. Awesome damage to get over 8 hardness, boys! (Actually looked it up this time).

Arturo helps his companions adventurers out searching the room (detects, take 20s, etc), "What do you suppose that thing had against us? What was it anyway?"

Our monster lore ability is quite limited, isn't it? I've got humanoids and oozes covered...

"It was in this place...that seems to be all the reason anything needs." 'Sven' says matter-of-factly, helping to search the area. He looks over at Jaender, "You alright? Maybe Ophiuchus can patch you up with the wand..."