GM SpiderBeard's Second Darkness (Inactive)

Game Master Barvo Delancy

Taking 10 for Sense Motive for a 25.

Fiona glances inside the medical tent. "Perhaps... we could continue this discussion inside?"

Is there anyone else in the medical tent?

Take 10 for 23 Sense Motive.

Variel glances around. Take 10 for 23 Perception, with 21 Bluff to be surreptitious about it. When it appears no one is watching, he motions to the guard and Fiona to step into the tent (or other nearby private location, if there is someone else in the tent).
"Agreed, let us step in where there are fewer eyes and ears about."

Take 10 for 22 Diplomacy to convince him to do so, if needed.

He's already helpful.
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Variel and Fiona
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The man's eyes flick around and he steps into the tent with Fiona and Variel. The medical tent is a relatively crude affair, and the two men strapped to the table are obviously near-death from the horrific larvae eating away at their insides.

[spoiler=Heal DC 20]
These men are inflicted with the equivalent of a disease. REmove disease abilities, or abilities that can improve their resistances (i.e. saving throws) would be the best way to help them fight the larvae off. They are not beyond help.[/ooc]

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Everyone Else
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Seeming somewhat relieved at being able to talk about his mission and his real identity, Akron looks at all of you.

"So my runners told me there's a another crew that just landed on this island; probably pirates. Know anything about them?"

Seeming somewhat relieved at being able to talk about his mission and his real identity, Akron looks at all of you.

"So my runners told me there's a another crew that just landed on this island; probably pirates. Know anything about them?"

"Nothin' much, really. 'Dey came here little bit after we did. Had t'move camp out o'town 'fore 'dey saw us. Actually, Ellie 'dere was a captive of' em, 'fore she was able to sneak out when 'dey were on shore. Don't think she learend much, either, 'though. Leastwise nothin' 'bout whey 'dey're here."

Akron blinks, remembering that Thaddeus had asked him a question a while back. He clears his throat.

"Well, Zincher told us to call them akata. Said they came down with the skymetal that none of us can find, and the stuff about the being bitten. Didn't even know about the salt water - but we haven't fought any near the beaches yet."

He frowns.

"Frankly, I'm puzzled how the hell Zincher knows all that about them."

Fiona's eyes harden as she looks upon the suffering men. ...now I'm tempted to just cave Zincher's skull in.

"Thank you, sir. Now... do you feel more comfortable speaking your mind?"

Mutt frowns at the mention of the pirates. He does let Thaddeus explain. When Akron mentions his confusion at how Zincher knows all of this information, Mutt scowls. "Maybe there is some connection between him and the dark elves. An informant? A partner?"

"Frankly, I'm puzzled how the hell Zincher knows all that about them."

"Maybe there is some connection between him and the dark elves. An informant? A partner?"

Thaddeus leans in and speaks a bit quietly.

"But now 'dat yeh mention it... Few questions. Did he even mention 'dese akata 'fore th'group landed on th'island? 'Dat'll tell us if he's been charmed 'for he even got here. Second, has he left fer any extended period by himself? Th'spell lasts a while, but not forever. He may be 'encouraged' to meet up wit' his... 'friends,' on occasion."

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Thaddeus, Mutt, Ellesbeth
==========

Akron nods once.

"Of course! It makes sense. Zincher's been taking off in the middle of the night for some strange reason. He even moved the camp and wouldn't tell anyone why he did that. But the men have been a little concerned with their boss wandering off at night. And no - he didn't show any advance knowledge, he was as surprised by the bastards as we were."

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Fiona and Variel
===========

The man looks around and then starts speaking quickly.

"This job sucks! Zincher's been a bastard in a way he never was back in Riddleport. He moved the camp for no reason, we keep dying to those damn akata and zombies, and my mate Petros is dying right in front of me and I ain't allowed to put him out of his misery or nothing. In this line of work we die for good pay, and for this trip the pay is based on how much skymetal we find - which ain't been nothing - and the danger is way more than gang fights back home. Zincher's also been taking off at night and not explaining nothing to the rest of us. He's been mighty fishy if ya ask me."

Mutt snorts. "Great. That makes him more of problem. Just makes me wonder how much of these things he would do if he wasn't under their spell. Makes me want to take his head even more. But, that does lead to an idea. Maybe if we follow Zincher at night, then we can find the dark elves."

Mutt snorts. "Great. That makes him more of problem. Just makes me wonder how much of these things he would do if he wasn't under their spell. Makes me want to take his head even more. But, that does lead to an idea. Maybe if we follow Zincher at night, then we can find the dark elves."

"Indeed. Think we've found th'lead we've been lookin' fer on 'dese darn drow. Think we better report 'dis t'the rest o'the group."

"Anyways, Akron, like ah said, here's some buckets o'salt water 'round, 'n case 'dey attack again. We, uh... we'll be headin' back t'our camp, 'fer now."

Unless anyone else has business with Akron, Thaddeus heads out, to see the progress Fiona and Variel have made.

"Would you agree, then, that it is time to stop following Zincher blindly in this? Clearly something is affecting him and it is just going to get worse. Let us start by ending Petros' misery and the danger he will pose to everyone else. Then we should determine who else from the gang we can trust to be with us. If we can count on support, we can probably subdue Zincher, and get him back to Riddleport where he might be able to get help shaking off the dark influence on him."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32

The man looks around quietly, and quickly nods. He licks his lips.

"Deal with him. I'll talk to the others. We want off of this g~~+%!ned island. M'names Samo."

Samo starts to leave the tend as Thaddeus and the others arrive to check and see how things are going.

Mutt walks into the tent. He says to Fiona and Variel (while making sure no one else can hear), "Well, we may have an idea on how to find the drow."

As Matt makes his announcement, Variel raises an eyebrow. "Oh? That is useful news. But one moment before that."

Heal: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
He looks over the two men as they writhe in agony. "Fiona, this is beyond my knowledge. Unless you can see a way to help them, I can only suggest ending their torture before the larvae mature. Do you know anything else we might do for them?"

Referring back to the Heal check in this post.

Untrained Heal: 1d20 ⇒ 15

Fiona shakes her head. "I'm afraid that such arts are beyond me. As loath as I am to say it, it'd be kinder to end their misery now."

Variel guessed it right. Mutt's real name is Matt. :)

Mutt looks at the two men aching in pain.

Because why not...

Heal (untrained): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
Perception (?): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

Seeing the two dying men, and his companions looking over them, Thaddeus considers.

"Y'know, brought 'dis salt water fer a reason. Wonder if'n jus' givin' em a wash could help? If need be, cut 'em open and pour some inside?"

Variel's Heal: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

Thaddeus' plan may have some merit. The larvae is a living creature, and the akata were essentially disintegrated by the salt water. Some careful surgery could save them using this plan.

Cool idea!

"Thaddeus, that's brilliant! All three of us have healing magic we could use once the work is done, and if the larvae are inherently evil, I may be able to provide additional protection to the hosts."

"ความตระหนัก, ตรวจสอบความชั่วร้าย. Variel concentrates on the two men, and in particular on the creatures growing inside them.

First casting Heightened Awareness to add +2 to Perception and Knowledge checks. Then casting Detect Evil to see if the larvae have an evil aura. Knowledge (religion) at +10 or (arcana) at +9 trying to determine if Communal Protection From Evil would help.

Regardless of that, Variel would cast Resistance on both men and Guidance on the person doing the cutting. Variel's Heal is +7, not sure if Thaddeus has a better checkj or not. If not, Variel will do the work.

Once the decision is made:
"Mutt, once we start, they will likely call out. Can you find Samo and let him know what we are doing? You and his men may need to hold Zincher back once he realizes what is happening."

Fiona nods. "I'm ready to provide what healing I can."

Thaddeus waves off the compliment by Variel.

"Ahh, shucks, ain't nothin'. Jus' puttin' two 'n two t'gether. Akata don' like salt water, so anythin' dey spawn prob'ly ain't fond of it, either."

Thaddeus sees Variel's preparation, and a questioning look by the elf.

"Who? Me? Naah, Ah don't know nothin' 'bout fixin' a body outside o'usin' magic. Ah've gutted 'n dressed deer, rabbits, 'n chickens, but 'dose skills ain't th'sort we be needin' here."

That is, Thaddeus has 0 ranks in heal, and only a +1 due to Wisdom.

"Actually, may wanna gag th'men 'fore we cut 'em open in 'dat case. Pro'bly to ahr benefit t'keep Zincher in th'dark in his tent, 'dere. See, we was jus' talkin' to Akron, an' he said 'dat Zincher leaves camp at midnight ev'ry night fer a little walk all'n his lonesome. Mutt suggested 'dat's likely our best lead to th'drow we've been lookin' fer yet, if'n we follow 'em."

Going to push a bit here so we can close things up and move on.

Variel does some divine investigation and discovers the larvae are not evil, and so a protection from evil spell would not do anything. Howeve,r the actual act of cutting someone open, splashing salt water in, and healing them up is only so complicated.

Variel's Heal: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
Ellesbeth Aid Another: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Thaddeus Aid Another: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Mutt's Aid Another: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Fiona's Aid Another: 1d20 ⇒ 11

Akron and Samo keep an eye out and Samo whispers into the tent.

"We've got three on side, two I couldn't talk to, and a couple others who may be trouble! Bear with!"

Lit by light spells, Variel carefully opens up the abdomen of the dying men; first one than the other. A growing larvae wriggles inside, starting to dig up into the mouth. Salt water is slowly splashed into him and the change is astonishing. The larvae are instantly destroyed, and the change is traumatic. The incoherent men scream like banshees, twisting violently from the horrific pain until they completely pass out. However, Variel manages to close them up, and the surgeries are successful. The two men will live.

The three of Zincher's men not on patrol watch with wide eyes, looking over their shoulders. The noise enough to alert Zincher, who storms out of his tent.

"WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?! GET AWAY FROM THAT TENT!"

I've updated the map. Three guards (who are on side) are outside the tent with you and Akron. Four others are on perimeter watch.

Fiona steps out of the tent and glares at Zincher. "We just saved your men's lives. Also, we saved you from making a costly mistake. You're welcome."

She rests a hand on the shaft of her earthbreaker.

Variel follows Fiona out. He is covered in blood from having opened up the men. He looks directly at Zincher.

"Subjecting these men to that torture is foul even for you. It is time for you to stand down and submit yourself to judgment. All of you men, it is time to decide whether you follow this man, or if you follow your own hearts."

Diplomacy or Intimidate?: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15 +1 higher for Intimidate, maybe circumstance bonus for the situation
EDIT: Dammit, should have taken 10. :-)

Changing my Solo Tactics feat to "Coordinated Maneuvers": as long as I am adjacent to any ally, I get +2 to combat maneuver checks.

Ellesbeth pokes her head out, and keeps an eye on the situation. She surveys the men, and her eyes narrow.

"Judgement is right! Vengeance and Justice!"

Aid Variel: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

She glowers at the men, and her brown eyes slowly change color to burnished gold.

Sorry guys, update will be tomorrow, thanks!

Thaddeus hangs in the back, hand on his spell component pouch.

"Mutt, once we start, they will likely call out. Can you find Samo and let him know what we are doing? You and his men may need to hold Zincher back once he realizes what is happening."

Mutt grins. "Not a problem." He then goes to find Samo and explain the situation.

Akron and Samo keep an eye out and Samo whispers into the tent.

"We've got three on side, two I couldn't talk to, and a couple others who may be trouble! Bear with!"

Mutt nods as he keeps an eye out. "Got it. Any trouble will be ended." He keeps an eye on the operation. He tries to help with suggestions (though those suggestions often suggesting to just cut things out of the men).

The three of Zincher's men not on patrol watch with wide eyes, looking over their shoulders. The noise enough to alert Zincher, who storms out of his tent.

"WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?! GET AWAY FROM THAT TENT!"

Mutt hears his companions yelling at Zincher. He steps out of the tent and stands in front of Variel and Fiona, his role as a bodyguard being fulfilled. He scowls and crosses his arms. "I suggest you stand down right now. We did what we had to. You were going to let them die. Now, don't get in our way." He lets out a growl.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21

Mutt's attempt to intimidate Clegg only seems to anger him as he whips out his pickaxe.

"I'VE HAD ENOUGH OF YOU MEDDLING BASTARDS! Do you have any idea how much money you just cost me?! KILL THEM!" Clegg turns and snarls at Mutt. "I'm going to get you personally, you f%*@ing half-breed bastard."

Clegg draws his pickaxe and attacks! The guards burst into action, as some start charging for you, and are stunned to see half their own number standing against them. Clegg rushes by one guard who swipes at him.

"THIS JOB SUCKS!"

Clegg is brutally stabbed, and he roars, turning to attack the man who betrayed him. His pickaxe comes down hard into the man's brain, killing him instantly.

[b]Everyone but Thaddeus/b] is up! You have two allied guards (one just died), and then three guards who are hostile or unsure but working with Zincher nonetheless. Black squares are around the allied guards.

Round 1: Actions
Standard Action: Cast Heroism on myself!

Fiona glares at Zincher. "You'll die trying."

She then hums a little tune and twirls her earthbreaker in her hands. A teal glow surrounds her body and weapon!

Before I decide on my actions, what is the lighting like? My understanding is it is mid to late evening. Also, making sure I'm reading the map right: The guys with the black squares are the allies, the one in tent E3 is Akron, and the guy to our left is Zincher?

Finally, where is Samo? You don't have him in the initiative list. If that is who Zincher just killed, he just earned another black mark.

Ellesbeth casts a defensive spell on herself, watching the action unfold. She looks a little shaken by the events.

Spellcraft DC 16:

Ellesbeth is Staggered this first round. Her AC is now 17.

Mutt scowls at Zincher and says, "I have been waiting for this." He then gives into his rage. He bellows and charges out of the tent, drawing his greataxe. When he gets close to Zincher, he gives a mighty swing!

Attack (bloodrage, charging): 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 11 + 2 = 20
Damage (bloodrage): 1d12 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Use bloodrage stats. -2 to AC due to charge. 29/55 hp. Bloodrage rounds: 18/19.

It's sunset, evening, but evening relatively far north in the summer.

Ellesbeth and Fiona quickly cast spells on themselves while Mutt loses himself in a bloodrage, charging for Zincher with murder in his eyes. Zincher twists to the side and Mutt's huge swipe cuts into the ground.

"You know why people like me run the world? Idiot thugs like you let me do it," snarls Zincher as he brings his pickaxe to bear.

Variel is up!

"As you may have noticed, we have decided not to let you continue."

Variel moves past Fiona, pulling out his whip. He lashes it out, wrapping it around the handle of the large man's weapon.

Using Coordinator Maneuvers with Solo Tactics for +2
Disarm maneuver: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29

The Disarm rules simply say the target "drops" what he is carrying. I'd love to be able to yank it toward me if you'll allow it. I did get a nat 20, after all. ;-)

"Surrender now if you want to live. This is your last warning."

Also, you didn't answer my question about Samo ... is he one of the allies, or is he the one that got one-shot by Zincher?

Samo was not the one who got one-shot, he is the red guard. Also there's no rules for tossing someone a beneficial object. I go with ranged touch attack.

Variel cracks his whip down with the sneering confidence that only an elven Calistrian could muster, and the pickaxe flies through the air to land at Variel's feet! That just seems to make him madder.

"I HATE YOU! Release the birds!"

The two guards to the south look at each other hesitantly. One rushes over to the axebeaks, while the other rushes to Clegg, tossing him a shortsword.

Zincher snatches the shortsword. The guards from the north rush down to engage their former compatriots.

And one guard rushes to the back, looking absolutely terrified. He swings down, and severs a rope by an axebeak. The axebeak squawks loudly.

"PERSEPHONE! KILL!" screams Zincher. The bird, which had been straining at the rope, bursts forth and charges with incredible speed, racing across the ground for Variel.

Thaddeus is up!

It appears that the Axebeak passed through Variel's threatened area on its way up; if so, here is his AoO, as a trip attempt:

Trip: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25

Damn, that might actually have succeeded! If so, the bird is prone one square back, which puts him squeezing with the guard that brought Zincher his sword. That should confuse things a bit. ;-)

Right! You threaten with the whip.

With a bawk! the axe beak's enormous legs are knocked out from under it as Variel trips it up with his whip.

Thaddeus, when keeping his hands at the ready to cast a spell, thought that some of his reagents and components were not in their proper place. In the middle of adjusting and remembering which pocket and pouch had what is when Clegg screamed, and people drew weapons, and fights broke out. Thus, Thaddeus was rathe unprepared, and still getting things ready when everyone rushed past him out of the tent.

He's still a bit confused as he runs out of the tent, trying to find the pouch with his moondew leaf.

"KEEP ZINCHER 'LIVE! WE NEED 'EM TO ANSWER WHERE 'DEM... AH MEAN, ANSWER 'FER HIS CRIMES!"

Thaddeus seems overwhelmed by the target-rich environment, so settles for something quick and easy. He looks at Zincher, cocking his head to the side, and raising an eyebrow.

"What th'hell kinda clumsy-ass battle stance is 'dat?"

MOVE: Move out of the tent, to the right of Fiona.
STANDARD: Use Evil Eye hex on Clegg, -2 to his AC for one round. Will save DC 16 or it persists for 7 rounds.

At work on my tablet, so can't move my token. Could somebody move it, please?

I moved you just outside the tent so you have line of sight to Zincher. If you wanted to go further out, let me know.

I also moved the axe beak back to the square it would have fallen in, on top of one of the thugs.

Warhammer: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22 Damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Guard: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7 Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Guard: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13 Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

The guards on your side attack, with Akron charging from the south and making a clear intention to break the neck of the guards fighting on Zincher's side. Although the guards on your side don't manage to do much, Akron manages to crush a man's shoulder with his warhammer.

Zincher snarls and swings his shortsword back and forth as he eyes Mutt. He then quickly backs off, rushing around his gigantic bird and putting the bird, and one of his guards between himself and Mutt!

"Your move you putrid s+&#!" roars Clegg as he taunts the big bloodrager.

Everyone but Thaddues is up! Thaddeus, you can try to front-load your action if you so wish. If the conditions become moot you can re-do.

Did Zincher make his save against Thaddeus' Evil Eye hex?

Round 2: Actions
Move Action: Move to engage axebeak
Standard Action: Smash the axebeak's beak in!

Fiona scoffs at the flightless bird interposing itself between Zincher and Mutt, and moves to beat it over the bead with her hammer.

Attack *Heroism!*: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 8 + 2 = 21
Damage?: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (5, 3) + 4 = 12

Durations
Heroism: 499/500 Rounds

Mutt growls at Zincher. "You got it." He then steps up and swings his greataxe at the axebeak.

Attack (bloodrage): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20
Damage (bloodrage): 1d12 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Use bloodrage stats. 29/55 hp. Bloodrage rounds: 17/19.

Will Save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

Yup!

Fiona cracks the axe beak's head to the side and Mutt chops down. The combined attacks instantly kill the bird and Zincher lots out a howl of pain and rage.

"YOU'LL PAY FOR THAT!"

Variel and Ellesbeth are up!

Seeing Zincher moving away, Variel follows and lashes out again with his whip.

Trip: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

"You can't run away, Zincher! Your men are seeing the truth about you! Give up!"

I realized that things started up pretty quickly after we finished saving the two men, so Variel would not have had time to strap on his shield. AC is currently 16 (12T/15F).

Ellebseth hustles over to Thaddeus, and recasts the same spell upon him that she had just cast upon herself.

Thaddeus, you get a +2 Deflection Bonus to AC.

"Give up Zincher, I barely know you, and I can already see you for the monster you are!"

Variel's whip cracks once more and his aim is true. Zincher lets out a dwah! and crashes heavily to the ground. With Mutt in a complete and uncontrollable rage, a look of sheer panic crosses Zincher's face. It passes though.

The guard in the back frees another axe beak which charges out at the group with a bwak! it gets right in Variel's face, snapping wildly with its dangerous beak.

The guard at Zincher's side looks down, and realizes he threw his sword to his boss. He quickly pats his side and yanks a dagger out of his boot before leaping at Variel with a crazed battle cry.

"REEEEEE!"

Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21 Damage: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

The ferocity of the guard's attack surprises Variel, and a dagger sinks into his leg!

The battle continues on the east side of the camp as the guards fight each other. Badly.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14 Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7 Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Variel takes 5 damage. Thaddeus is up!

Let's see if it will work twice ...
As the axe beak runs up, Variel again tries to tangle its legs in his whip AoO to trip: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12, but this time he is not nearly as lucky. He lets out a grunt as the bird distracts him from the guard's attack.

Thaddeus gives a quick nod of appreciation to Ellesbeth, as he maneuvers to a better position to see the battle against Clegg.

It's time to try out another spell he's been working on. Though he's really starting to question how... unhygenic... most of these spells make him look.

He pops another piece of chaw in his mouth, swishing it around a bit, quickly surveys the area, takes a deep breath through his nose, and then...

*BBUUURRRRPPPP!!*

Green, noxious fumes pour out of Thaddeus' mouth, swirling and condensing into a ball in front of him. Finished the belch, he takes another breath, and blows the ball of gas, which sails through the air, landing behind Clegg.

As it impacts the ground, the magical vapours quickly explode outward, enveloping Clegg and the axe beak in the thick, noxious fumes.

MOVE: Move NW a bit.
STANDARD: Cast Stinking Cloud. Clegg and the Axe Beak are caught in the fumes, and must make DC 17 Fortitude saves or be Nauseated for as long as they're in the cloud, and 1d4+1 rounds after they leave. They must make a save every turn they stay in the cloud.

It also functions as a Fog Cloud spell, obscuring anybody within it. Partial concealment within 5 feet, and full concealment further than that.