GM SpiderBeard's Second Darkness (Inactive)

Game Master Barvo Delancy

Yep!

Which takes me back to my original question: How high up is the opening into the tower? Could Variel get into a firing position with a single 30' move, or does it take a double move? If a single, he can cast a spell (Flames of the Faithful).

I've moved him off the tower map and looking at the doorway. Just let me know if he got the spell off this round or not.

Man this format can be a pain sometimes. Yes you can shoot in the doorway. The ground in front of the light house is level with the door. The ground behind the lighthouse and to its sides is on an incline leading to the cliff face, hence the stairs. Dark grey land requires a DC 5 climb check.

A burst of fire fills the lighthouse from Mutt's anger while Variel casts a spell to enchant his bow. The wraith responds by moving up near the doorway, but it remains just outside of the light and Mutt's reach.

Whew. Okay. EVERYONE IS UP. Let's get moving!

I know, right?

"See if you can draw it into the doorway!" Variel calls out as he takes aim with his flaming bow.

Delaying action until the target is visible. Once it is, free action to enter Judgment of Sacred Smiting (weapon counts as magic) and attack. If the round passes without it coming into view, ignore the rolls below and I'll figure something else out.

Attack, Flaming Burst Shortbow: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22 Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2 Fire damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6

Round 2: Actions
Free Action: Maintain Raging Song
Move Action: Move next to Mutt
Standard Action: Cast heroism on myself

Fiona moves next to Mutt while continuing to sing her song.

"Oh, just like you never broke my heart,
Like you never said the words,
Two worlds never further apart..."

She weaves magic into her music, letting it settle on her. She feels her hammer becoming imbued with the power of heroes.

Variel fires an arrow into the tower, which encounters resistance as it passes through the wraith before falling out the other side! Meanwhile, Fiona bursts into an appropriately epic song.

Thaddeus, Ellesbeth, and Mutt are up!

Ellesbeth makes a frustrated face, and seems unsure of herself.

She casts another spell, this one granting her protection from fire, mundane and magical.

"I'll..I'll get them when they move to the doorway...I hope?"

Since she isn't the only one tossing Burning Hands, she casts Protection from Fire on herself, and plans to start slinging some fire of her own next round!

Ellesbeth, are you accepting the song this round? Because if you do, you won't be able to cast any spells--the Raging Song kinda puts the kibosh on that.

Mutt draws his magic greataxe and hunkers down, ready to strike at the wraith!

Readying action: attack when the wraith gets close. Using bloodrage stats. Currently 27/47 hp.

Readied Attack: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13
Damage: 1d12 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

"Huh? Wha? What's ev'ryone jumpin' round 'bout?.... SWEET CORN CHOWDER, WHAT 'DA HELL IS 'DAT?!"

Thaddeus was apparently lost in thought as they approached the tower, getting pushed and shoved as people moved around him to get a better vantage spot. He moves up, and gets his first look at the new threat.

He quickly tries to shake off his stunned state. Trying to recall what Variel has just said, he doubts any of his spells would have a worthwhile effect. So he settles for giving it the stink eye.

Evil Eye hex on the wraith. I'll drop it's Saving Throw rolls by 2. DC 16 Will or duration is 7 rounds. It'll still take effect for 1 round even if it succeeds.

I'll assume Ellesbeth does not accept the song.

Mutt moves up to the doorway while Thaddeus quickly chants a spell to target the wraith. It shrinks back as it is affected by Thaddeus' spell!

Will: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

With people crowding around the doorway, the sunlight within the tower dims and the wraith moves in to strike. However, Mutt remains just far back enough that it will not move through the doorway. The open sunlight appears to be keeping it at bay.

Everyone is up! Wraith is evil eyed and slightly damaged. Sunlight starts at the doorway one square north of Mutt.

My apologies, I guess I decline the offer! For some reason, my sheets app won't let me move Ellesbeth's icon. I'll try when I get home.

Ellesbeth moves south to help her allies, fearing the harm that could be caused by such a horrific creature. She runs quickly, with an almost catlike grace.

She double-moves south around the group, and comes up on the western side.

Evil Eye Saving Throw hex: 6 rounds.

Thaddeus takes a step back (assuming I can) and rummages through his gear, looking for... something that can hit a rather animate shadow.

Not finding anything, he shrugs and decides to try out one of his few offensive spells, though he feels a bit silly throwing snow at a shadow beast.

I cast Snowball at the wraith.

Ranged Touch: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
Damage?: 4d6 ⇒ (1, 4, 3, 2) = 10 Cold Damage.

DC 15 Fort Save or be staggered.

I double checked a few things: Undead in general, and wraiths in specific, have no inherit immunity to cold damage. (I know there's no way to really confirm it now, but I was intending to go through with this action anyway even if that was the case.) Interestingly, while they are immune to various effects like stun and sleep, they are NOT immune to the staggered condition.

I also double checked the effects of incorporealness with spells, notably conjuration (Creation) spells. It seems like since the spell has a duration, the snow is held together with magic, and thus will still strike the incorporeal creature. This is up for GM interpretation, though, as it could be argued that being summoned instead of invoked, the snowball may count as 'non-magical' when it strikes. Though even if it does hit the wraith, it still does half-damage.

"Fire and ice! Keep it up, it seems to be working!"

Attack, Flaming Burst Shortbow: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19 Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3 Fire damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

If any penalties apply for cover or the like, apply them as needed.

Yep! Cold works. Unfortunately that cold didn't.

The wraith moves astonishingly quickly, dodging Thaddeus' snowball as Variel has another arrow fly through the wraith, causing more damage.

Mutt and Fiona are up!

Mutt decides to have a bit of spine and takes a step forward and brings the greataxe down on the wraith!

Attack: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23
Damage: 1d12 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

I'm thinking that I move in to attack and then back out. It might let enough sunlight in to damage it.

Round 3: Actions
No Action: Step up next to Mutt
Standard Action: Smack the Wraith!

Fiona keeps singing as she steps up next to Mutt.

"Go! Life will never be the same,
But I will keep on finding a way!"

She swings her hammer with a mighty swing!

"I'll move on 'til I get to my brighter day!"

Attack *Raging Song, Heroism*: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 8 + 1 + 2 = 31 AAAAAAAAAA CAN'T CRIT INCORPOREAL MONSTERS
Damage *Raging Song: 2d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (4, 2) + 4 + 1 = 11

Fiona and Mutt strike the wraith full on, although their weapons pass through only doing partial damage.

Hissing as it tries to avoid the sunlight straming through the doorway, the wraith swipes out at Mutt. Mutt dodges the horrible claws of the wraith.

Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9 Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Everyone is up!

Round 4: Actions
Free Action: Maintain Raging Song
Full-Round Action: Smack the wraith again!

Fiona keeps singing while swinging her hammer at the wraith again.

Smack *Raging Song, Heroism*: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 8 + 1 + 2 = 25
Damage? *Raging Song*: 2d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (5, 4) + 4 + 1 = 14

Variel keeps up the attack. "We're slowly wearing it down! Mutt, after I shoot, target the exact spot my arrow passes through it!"

Attack, Flaming Burst Shortbow: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6 Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1 Fire damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6

Variel's shot fails to harm the creature, but it lights up a potential weak point.

Combat Advice to Mutt (+2 to next attack roll)

Ellesbeth aims her hands, and lets loose a gout of flame at the shadowy creature.
"Burn you monstrosity!"

Burning Hands: 4d4 ⇒ (4, 4, 1, 3) = 12
Reflex Save DC 15 for half.

Big plans this weekend, and so I'll probably not be posting, feel free to bot me if needed. Also, still can't get the icon to move on the Google drive. Technology might hate me...I'll keep trying!

Mutt heeds Variel's advice and swings his greataxe at the wraith at the right spot.

Attack: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 10 + 2 = 15
Damage: 1d12 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Where would you like your icon to be moved to, Ellesbeth? Next to Fiona?

Evil Eye Saving throw hex: 5 rounds

Thaddeus curses as his snowball misses. Again, he rummages through his gear, and mentally reviews his spells, for something he can use. Coming up empty, and uttering another curse, he gets close enough to cast a minor enchantment on Fiona.

I cast Guidance on Fiona. +1 to her next attack, save, or skill.

Yeah, I admit I'm kind of scraping the bottom of the barrel here.

Can you move anything else on google drive Ellesbeth? I can't set permissions by picture so you could move npcs or pcs or the map if you wanted. I just ask people don't. Also, are you accessing it via computer or mobile?

Mutt you talked about stepping back after attacking. I'm going to have you do that so Ellesbeth can get in her burning hands.

Mutt miss while Fiona cracks the wraith with her earthbreaker while attacking from around the corner. Ellesbeth then rushes in, blasting it with burning hands.

REflex: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

The wraith hisses as an arrow from Variel flies over its head. It then retreats into the darkness. Two malevolent eyes stare out at the group from the side of the doorway. Samaritha and the mages remain in the back, wanting no part of the wraith.

Everyone is up. The wraith has retreated back from the doorway.

That's true. However, since Variel gave me combat advice, I wanted to use it.

Mutt glares at the wraith as it retreats. "It's hiding in the dark! I could light a torch and follow it in there!" He waits until the others have taken their actions before he makes his move.

This is just a reaction post to the wraith's action. I will take my actual action after some of the others have gone.

Mobile, as my old laptop has been a bit unreliable as of late. I'm going to try and see if I can get my hands on a friend's and try again!

Ellesbeth moves back out of the way, and cheers on Mutt's idea.

"It is worth a try, I suppose!"

She cringes inwardly, wishing she had long-range magics to assault the shadow from outside.

"It figured out what we're doing ... if you are prepared to face it, allow me to give you the light you need."

Variel hurries back up the stairs, taking the position vacated by Ellesbeth. He speaks a word of magic, and touches Mutt's weapon. "เบา." The weapon begins to glow brightly with arcane light.

Casting "light" on Mutt's weapon. It probably won't be bright enough to bother the wraith, but it will let him see.

Gotcha, google draw doesn't work well on mobile. Just lemme know where you want to move and the Lord shall move you.

The light on Mutt's weapon shines into the tower, revealing the outline of the wraith perfectly. The black, shadowy creature is now perfectly outlined, its red eyes glaring at the group with utter hatred.

Thaddeus and Fiona are up!

"Welp, Ah ain't got much better t'suggest. Let's light 'er up."

Thaddeus will spend a move to grab a stone off the ground, and then a standard to cast Light on it. That takes up my action, so Thaddeus ends the turn holding a glowing rock.

I didn't make an actual move yet, Spiderbeard. Unless my action counts as a delay, which I'm assuming it does.

I should be somewhere back and to the southwest of the rest of the group at this point. Thanks Boss!

Mutt is up then too. :P And Ellesbeth has been moved.

Mutt smiles viciously as Variel gives his greataxe light. He then turns and glares at the wraith. He then charges in and swings at the wraith!

Attack: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16
Damage: 1d12 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

Although the wraith is quick, Thaddeus' evil eye appears to have slowed it somewhat. Its sluggishness is its undoing as Mutt viciously slams down with his glowing greataxe. His mighty blow smashes the wraith into a million pieces, and with a shriek, it vanishes.

There is a sense of a loud sigh from the building and a feeling of great gratitude. A horrible death occurred here, and that spirit has now finally been put to rest.

End of COmbat

Fiona lets her song come to an end.

"...be at peace, wayward spirit." She bows her head in respect.

My Evil Eye hex was aimed towards dropping their saving throw, not their AC. Ah, well. Too late now.

"Whew, got 'dat over with. So now we're fightin' shadows. An' here Ah thought dat was jus' a term fer bein' paranoid."

"Well, hopefully th'place is cleared out now. Should be a good place t'hole up."

What time is it, incidentally?

As the flames on his bow fade, Variel limbers and slings it, and with a slight grin he says, "Remember, Thaddeus, it isn't paranoia if the shadows actually *are* trying to eat you."

He touches the symbol of his goddess in thanks, then joins Mutt inside the tower to have a look around. As he does, he remarks, "Well done on working together to end that wretched soul. We make a good team."

Take 10 for 22 Perception.

It's now early evening.

Variel explores the tower. Although the higher floors have collapsed, the wraith appears to have kept out anything living, even insects. It forms a solid, defensible shelter. However, it does not have anything of value.

Looking around outside, Variel takes a peek over the edge of the cliff, and with his keen eyes, he spots a soft, blue glow near the bottom. With some effort, the group sends a rope with Variel attached down, and he finds a skeletal body of a human dressed in rusted fragments of chain mail. Clutched in his hand is a longsword with a glowing blue blade, and a rotted pouch with a mound of money.

A quick detect magic spell (thanks to the large number of handy wizards) reveals the weapons as a +1 cold iron longsword. The money is 164 gold, and a single garnet with an approximate value of 250 gold.

Samaritha smiles as she slaps the lighthouse with her hand.

"This place looks safe. We can easily protect ourselves here. It doesn't even smell. That wraith must have been here a long time keeping everything out. Thank you so much. We owe you all our lives."

Ding! welcome to level five!

Yay!

Fiona chuckles. "It was no trouble at all--it's not like we could let a friend in need down, right? Think of the reputation we'd get."

Nice!

Mutt watches as the wraith is slain. He shoulders his greataxe and snorts. "That takes care of that." When Variel walks over to congratulate all of them, Mutt smirks. "Indeed we do. Despite the bickering." Mutt helps Variel with the rope to collect the items at the bottom. As Samaritha thanks them, Mutt nods. "It's no problem. You are our friend by this point."

Whoo!

"I'm just glad we found a safe spot, what with that veritable army we saw back there."

"Don't go thankin' us too early, 'dere. Yeh ain't off th'island yet. Neither are we, but we've got business here. 'Least we got a sorta-safe place t'head back to."

"Did we wanna do anythin' else? Or should we call it a day?"

On finding the treasure:
"This sword will be very useful. Unless anyone objects, I will carry it for now."
I'm pretty sure Variel is the only sword user in the party.

After the area is secured:
"This seems like a good place to rest. The light is failing, and even my eyes won't be able to see trouble coming once it is dark. I wouldn't mind a good sleep and time to pray to recover my spent magic."

Mutt shrugs at Variel. "Sure. I don't mind." He looks around. "I wouldn't be opposed to getting some rest. We need to get moving in the morning."

Sorry guys, no post today or it will be late. Couldn't get a second.

The group beds down for the evening, setting watches with the extremely happy wizards. Samaritha summons an unseen servant from a scroll, which busies itself clearing smaller rubble out of the bottom floor and cleaning the place up. Everyone gets a solid night's sleep without being harassed by the denizens of Devil's Elbow.

The following morning, Samaritha embraces each of you in turn.

"If you need assistance, meager as ours may be, you can find us here. We will fortify the light house and wait until we can get passage home."

Everyone gets a proper night's sleep. Your leads thus far for further exploration are the camp site, the crater, the pirate ship, and your map.

Mutt gets a good night's rest. When morning comes, Mutt gears up and is ready to go. When Samaritha hugs him, Mutt is shocked. He awkwardly hugs her back. At her statement, he simply nods. He turns to the others. "I say we go to the crater."

Fiona yawns and stretches as she gets up in the morning. She returns Samaritha's hug without complaint (and a little extra squeeze thrown in for good measure).

"The crater sounds like as good a place to start as any."

When Variel rises the next morning, he steps away to a private spot to meditate and pray, as always. When he returns, everyone notices a cat-sized wasp flying alongside him. He stops, and it perches on his shoulder.

"Friends, it appears I have an introduction to make. This," he points to the giant wasp, "is Lash. The Savored Sting, my lady Calistria, has seen fit to reward my service to her by sending Lash to be a companion to me. I was not expecting such a gift, but I have gratefully accepted it."

The wasp takes off again, and dips in what might be an approximation of a bow. In perfectly accented Taldane, it says, "I am pleased to make your acquaintance. As long as you are friends of Variel's, you are friends of mine."

- - - -

At Fiona's suggestion, Variel nods in agreement. "Let us see what we can find there."

Take 10 for Sense Motive = 23

As the group gathers their belongings, he places his extra weapons on Mule, then steps aside to speak quietly with Fiona.

"I am pleased to make your acquaintance. As long as you are friends of Variel's, you are friends of mine."

Fiona's legs tense up and she takes a little step back. "...charmed." Some of the colour drains out of her face.