GM SpiderBeard's Second Darkness (Inactive)

Game Master Barvo Delancy

Mutt nods. "I'm ready to end this."

[ooc}Agreed. Let's clear things out.[/ooc]

You start exploring the ground floor, which is thankfully cleared out. The rooms in the four corners are for studying seasonal constellations, with benches seated below spectacular murals depicting the Meirani forest in the different seasons. Domes overhead sparkle with the stars showing the constellations.

The southeast room contains a lucky find - it appeasr that Razorhorn had been trying to build a small hoard in the shadow dimension, and you find several items of value.

- +1 mithral shirt
- +1 keen greatsword
- circlet of persuasion +2
- bracers of armor +3
- 15,358 gp in mixed coins

As well, you see two distinct piles of gear you recognize as belonging to Kaerishiel and Shalelu.

Exploring the northern part of the observatory, you find a room covered with an enormous star map, and within that star map a secret door, leading to a hidden repository. Within the repository is a large, illuminated book written in ancient elven script. From what you can puzzle out, it is an astonishingly detailed prediction of the Earthfall. It states the apocalypse has been brought down upon the world by very powerful magic, and if more time were allowed, it could be stopped - only if the site of the original weaving of the magic was known.

A footnote stands out as you leaf through the book. "Even if there were time to save this world, I doubt Azlant deserves such mercy. They bring this doom upon themselves."

Unfortunately the book itself is made of shadowstuff and thus only exists in this strange demiplane.

"Hmm?" Keanu lets out upon spotting the greatsword.

What would be better, shocky sword or slicey sword?

----

Finding thermselves in the secret room, the Enforcer digs his fingers into his palms of his hands. "They thought they had a way to stop it... and they didn't even try." he flatly states before letting out a heavy breath and shaking his head. "Or maybe they did. Those were very dark hours, and a margin is just that, a margin."

Dibs on the circlet!

Fiona looks over the shadow-book, her expression turning into a glare. "...they should have at least tried. It's far more honourable than doing nothing at all."

Variel reads the note along with Lusk, and shakes his head. "The author clearly believed there was nothing they could do, but was observing that the Azlanti had earned their punishment. It is a shame we can't preserve this book, but perhaps there will be time before we leave to take some notes."

Variel either can't use or doesn't need any of the magic items found, so anyone else who can should pick things up. The money will be nice once we get home. I'm assuming it comes in a handy chest or sack for carting away? ;-)

GM, how long did searching the floor take, for spell durations? I'm guessing at least several minutes. If any of our medium duration spells are out, we may want to recast before we go upstairs.

I'm probably going to recast Good Hope before going upstairs.

"Oooh, Magic bracers! Anybody else want 'em? Be nice t'have a bit o'constant protection."

"But let's not spend a bunch o'time dividin' loot. We kin do it after we deal wit' th'situation here."

---

Thaddeus is almost entranced by the book, flipping through its pages, gleaning the information within.

"Wow... But, ah, we'd better get a move on, here."

Variel reads the note along with Lusk, and shakes his head. "The author clearly believed there was nothing they could do, but was observing that the Azlanti had earned their punishment. It is a shame we can't preserve this book, but perhaps there will be time before we leave to take some notes."

"I wonder when the end came did the author hold onto that spite? Did every single human, every single elf, all that was lost... did they still think they deserved it? Was it worth it?" Lusk muses to himself while readying to head out. "Ω Αύγουστος ασπίδα, δεν ήμασταν αντάξια της θυσίας σας."

Mutt scowls at the book. "So the elves let these Azlanti die because they were p****d off at them? I understand killing people because you're p****d off. I do that all the time. But, it's just stupid to let some falling rock kill them rather than do it yourself. Besides, it comes across like the elves suffered just as much as the Azlanti. Could have at least tried to do something to stop it." Mutt's brow raises as Lusk speaks in the foreign language.

"They seemed to think there was nothing they could do ... it says 'Even if there were time to save this world'. I think it was more a case of the author seeing a silver lining, in that the Azlanti were being punished for their own misdeeds."

Just carrying on the conversation as the group moves to the stairs. ;-)

You move towards the stairs with the mind of defeating the master of the Armageddon Echo. As you move up the stairs, you hear voices, but by that point it's too late and you round the corner to see four drow waiting for you!

Standard action only - Thaddeus, Fiona, and Keanu are up! Map is updated.

I didn't see an answer to my question about time ... how much time should we could off spells? We would have rebuffed if necessary before going upstairs. Either way, Variel will have Invis Purge up, so if there are any invisible creatures here, please raise your hand. ;-)

Fiona will have refreshed Good Hope before going upstairs.

Surprise Round Action!
Move Action: Start Singing!

Fiona raises her hammer high and starts belting out a song!

Good Hope: 800/800 Rounds (until told otherwise)

”If said silver was mined from the depths of Abbaddon...” Lusk remarks before they other voices that weren’t invited to this conversation. Peeking around the corner he readies to swing if they come close.

Ready Action to swing at first Drow.

Greatsword (readied): 1d20 + 12 - 3 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 12 - 3 + 2 = 25
Slashing, Magical, Shocking: 2d6 + 1d6 + 14 + 2 ⇒ (6, 2) + (5) + 14 + 2 = 29

AC is 23

Whoops, missed that. You guys probably spent around twenty minutes going around the bottom floor and can retroactively buff.

Time noted! Expeditious retreat is done. Re-casting Invisibility Purge and casting Flames of the Faithful on the whip right as we go upstairs.

Current stats: AC 21 (12T); CMD 22; Saves F9 R6 W13; HP 45/45

Nobody's said otherwise, so Thaddeus will claim the +3 Bracers. Buff-wise, Thaddeus will cast See Invisibility. Can only affect myself, though.

As for action: I'm assuming I'm at a point where I can see the four waiting drow? If so, I open with a spell.

Thaddeus sees the awaiting drow, and unleashes a spell. He quickly waves his hand and shouts out.

"Does a set containing all sets contain itself?"

Thaddeus casts Confusion on the Drow. Will save DC 18 or roll on the table for much fun.

Note I have See Invisibility on, and Variel has Invisbility Purge.

Thaddeus pokes his head out and waves his hand. Pretty sparkles fly around the drow, to great effect! As Fiona bursts into song and Lusk gets ready to swing at the first enemy that comes near, three of the drow fall into confusion. One of them has his wits briefly and holds back while another just starts gibbering like an idiot. Howling with rage, one of the arcanists starts attacking a soldier, while the last simple hurls a fireball at you.

FOOOOM

Everyone but Fiona and Variel takes 29 fire damage, DC 18 reflex save for half. Everyone is up - Variel and Mutt have standard actions only.

As the flames from the fireball fade, Variel runs into the room brandishing his whip.

From his current position, Variel threatens both red and yellow.

Which arcanist is which? The one that attacked his soldier should probably be moved up unless he used a reach weapon.

So, pretty much all of the buffs I had are gone. And I believe that I'm out of spells for today. So, normal Mutt it is. Could someone reduce the size of my token?

Reflex Save (good hope): 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 2 = 5

Mutt takes the full brunt of the damage from the fire. He glares at the drow as he activates his rage. He then charges in and swings his greataxe at the yellow clad drow.

I'm going to attack the yellow drow.

Attack (bloodrage, elf bane, power attack, good hope): 1d20 + 16 - 3 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 16 - 3 + 2 = 35
Damage (bloodrage, arcane strike, power attack, good hope, elf bane): 1d12 + 6 + 2 + 6 + 3 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 2 + 6 + 3 + 2 + (5, 2) = 30

Crit Confirm (bloodrage, elf bane, power attack, good hope): 1d20 + 16 - 3 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 16 - 3 + 2 = 17
Extra Damage if confirmed (bloodrage, arcane strike, power attack, good hope, elf bane): 1d12 + 6 + 2 + 6 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 6 + 2 + 6 + 3 + 2 = 31

AC 15, touch 9, flat-footed 15; hp 68/97; Fort +11, Will +6; Melee +1 elf bane greataxe +14/+9 (+16/+11) (1d12+6/x3) (deals extra 2d6 to elves) or masterwork cold iron warhammer +14/+9 (1d8+5/x3) or masterwork longsword +13/+8 (1d8+5/19-20) or +1 pickaxe +14/+9 (1d8+6/x4); Str 20, Con 20; CMB +13; CMD 23; Skills Climb +12, Swim +9; Good Hope: +2 morale bonus on saving throws, attack rolls, ability checks, skill checks, and weapon damage rolls

Current Effects:
Bloodrage 27/36 rounds left
Good Hope

Blue arcanist went crazy. Plain arcanist is the only one not affected by the confusion spell.

Mutt charges in, slamming his axe down with incredible force into the babbling soldier!

everyone is still up! Well except Mutt. He went.

everyone is still up! Well except Mutt. He went.

And Variel. I took my single action to move.

I just realized that I only had a standard action. I took a move action and a standard action. My bad. Should I retcon my action?

Reflex: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

"Ow ow ow ow ow!"

Thaddeus runs down the stairs out of visual sight, patting the flames out.

Though badly burned, he concentrates enough to cast a spell, popping a bit of chaw in his mouth.

Move down the stairs and cast Adhesive Spittle

Reflex: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25 So 14 damage?

Singed and feeling foolish Keanu sighs before marching out around the corner towards the Drow.

Double Move

@Mutt - yeah retcon. You're still acting in the surprise round because of low initiative.

Keanu advances while Thaddeus flees.

Mutt can take his action, and Fiona is also up!

Mutt settles into a defensive stance, ready for anything that comes his way.

Total Defense

AC 19, touch 13, flat-footed 15; hp 68/97; Fort +11, Will +6; Melee +1 elf bane greataxe +14/+9 (+16/+11) (1d12+6/x3) (deals extra 2d6 to elves) or masterwork cold iron warhammer +14/+9 (1d8+5/x3) or masterwork longsword +13/+8 (1d8+5/19-20) or +1 pickaxe +14/+9 (1d8+6/x4); Str 20, Con 20; CMB +13; CMD 23; Skills Climb +12, Swim +9; Good Hope: +2 morale bonus on saving throws, attack rolls, ability checks, skill checks, and weapon damage rolls

Current Effects:
Bloodrage 27/36 rounds left
Good Hope

Fiona moves up, readying an attack. The arcanist who still has his wits fires an acid arrow at Keanu which thumps into him and begins sizzling away. The confused drow being fighting amongst one another and babbling, with one soldier badly sticking the arcanist who had attacked him. Lusk is also stabbed.

Keanu takes 7 damage (2 acid) and is afflicted with acid arrow. Everyone is up!

"Ow.." Lusk flatly lets out before hacking into the Drow before him.

Greatsword (1): 1d20 + 13 - 3 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 13 - 3 + 2 = 17
Slashing, Magical, Shocking: 2d6 + 1d6 + 16 + 2 ⇒ (3, 6) + (3) + 16 + 2 = 30

Greatsword(2): 1d20 + 8 - 3 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 8 - 3 + 2 = 11
Slashing, Magical, Shocking: 2d6 + 1d6 + 16 + 2 ⇒ (6, 2) + (2) + 16 + 2 = 28

Spirit Mote Attack: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17
Negative Energy: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

AC is 22

To bad the confused drow are blocking the path to the one with his wits. I would prefer to let them just take each other out, but that would let the arcanist keep casting.

Variel steps behind Lusk to get a clear shot at the other drow and cracks his whip twice.

It appears we have no combat buffs up other than my own weapon enhancements. Let me know if I've missed something.

+1 Elf-bane Flaming scorpion whip
Primary attack vs Yellow: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22 damage: 1d4 + 7 + 2d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 7 + (2, 5) + (5) = 21
Iterative attack vs Yellow: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14 damage: 1d4 + 7 + 2d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 7 + (5, 6) + (4) = 23

Current stats: AC 21 (12T); CMD 22; Saves F7 R4 W11; HP 45/45

Mutt runs in and brings his greataxe down on the red clad drow.

Attack (bloodrage, elf bane, power attack, good hope): 1d20 + 16 - 3 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 16 - 3 + 2 = 31
Damage (bloodrage, arcane strike, power attack, good hope, elf bane): 1d12 + 6 + 2 + 6 + 3 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (11) + 6 + 2 + 6 + 3 + 2 + (4, 5) = 39

AC 15, touch 9, flat-footed 15; hp 68/97; Fort +11, Will +6; Melee +1 elf bane greataxe +14/+9 (+16/+11) (1d12+6/x3) (deals extra 2d6 to elves) or masterwork cold iron warhammer +14/+9 (1d8+5/x3) or masterwork longsword +13/+8 (1d8+5/19-20) or +1 pickaxe +14/+9 (1d8+6/x4); Str 20, Con 20; CMB +13; CMD 23; Skills Climb +12, Swim +9; Good Hope: +2 morale bonus on saving throws, attack rolls, ability checks, skill checks, and weapon damage rolls

Current Effects:
Bloodrage 26/36 rounds left
Good Hope

Lusks's attacks are blocked but Mutt and Variel fare much better, and between their two attacks the red-clad drow collapses to the ground! The lone sane arcanist is now exposed.

Thaddeus and Fiona are up!

Thaddeus peeks his head up, surveying the area. He sees the group pouncing on the confused drow, but there's one with a clear head still in the back.

At first, Thaddeus is about to duck back down, not eager to be another target in a fireball or similar, but instead thinks it'd be better to react to it. He stands in the back, keeping a close eye on the drow caster.

Move up the steps, and then Ready an action to identify, and counterspell, if the sane drow casts a spell. I have a Dispel Magic to counterspell with, unless I'm really lucky and he casts a spell I have prepared.

Sorry to have kept you waiting!

Round 2: Actions
Free Action: Maintain Raging Song
Move Action: Move up next to Keanu
Standard Action: Smash!

Fiona keeps singing, moving next to Keanu and swinging her hammer!

Smash *Good Hope*: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22
Damage?: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (2, 3) + 6 = 11

Spirit Mote Attack: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24
Damage?: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Yay Fiona!

The red-clad drow goes down under a flurry of blows, opening up a path to the arcanist. Thaddeus watches him with an eagle eye, and sure enough, it looks like he's casting a fireball. The canny witch catches the spell, and with a quick counterspell, stops him in his tracks.

Meanwhile, the two remaining confused drow mindlessly attack each other to little effect.

Everyone is up! Thaddeus successfully counterspelled a fireball.

Lusk marches over the dropped drow to keep the Arcanist from fleeing down the right stairs, to go down the left he would have to deal with his magicked comrades.

Greatsword (1): 1d20 + 13 - 3 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 13 - 3 + 2 = 25
Slashing, Magical, Shocking: 2d6 + 1d6 + 16 + 2 ⇒ (6, 2) + (3) + 16 + 2 = 29

Spirit Mote Attack: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30
Negative Energy: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Confirm: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18
Critical: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

AC is 22

Thaddeus gets closer, and glares at the last sane Arcanist, cocking his eyebrow.

"You done screwed up now, boy."

Evil Eye hex on Arcanist, -4 to his AC. DC 18 Will to persist for 8 rounds.

I will admit he's probably not heavily armoured and this may be overkill, but let's make sure every attack hits and he can't run.

Variel steps up to stand over the body of the first drow to fall, and joins Lusk in attacking the spellcaster.
Not sure if the confused guys get to take AoO's, but Variel doesn't provoke anyway due to Escape Route.

+1 Elf-bane Flaming scorpion whip
Attack: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25 damage: 1d4 + 7 + 2d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 7 + (4, 4) + (3) = 20

Current stats: AC 21 (12T); CMD 22; Saves F7 R4 W11; HP 45/45

Round 3: Actions
Free Action: Maintain Song
Move Action: Move to engage blue Arcanist
Standard Action: Ready Action: if the blue arcanist's Confusion wears off, smack him!

Seeing that the others have the sane mage well in hand, Fiona strolls up to the two fighting drow, still singing, and waits to see if the mage regains his wits. If he does, she gets ready to bop him on the head with her hammer.

Readied Smack: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (14) + 13 = 27
Damage?: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (6, 5) + 6 = 17

Spirit Mote Attack (If Applicable): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11
Damage?: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Mutt brings down his axe twice on the yellow clad drow in front of him!

Attack 1 (bloodrage, elf bane, power attack, good hope): 1d20 + 16 - 3 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 16 - 3 + 2 = 17
Damage (bloodrage, arcane strike, power attack, good hope, elf bane): 1d12 + 6 + 2 + 6 + 3 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 2 + 6 + 3 + 2 + (1, 5) = 27

Attack 2 (bloodrage, elf bane, power attack, good hope): 1d20 + 11 - 3 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 11 - 3 + 2 = 26
Damage (bloodrage, arcane strike, power attack, good hope, elf bane): 1d12 + 6 + 2 + 6 + 3 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (12) + 6 + 2 + 6 + 3 + 2 + (3, 2) = 36

AC 15, touch 9, flat-footed 15; hp 68/97; Fort +11, Will +6; Melee +1 elf bane greataxe +14/+9 (+16/+11) (1d12+6/x3) (deals extra 2d6 to elves) or masterwork cold iron warhammer +14/+9 (1d8+5/x3) or masterwork longsword +13/+8 (1d8+5/19-20) or +1 pickaxe +14/+9 (1d8+6/x4); Str 20, Con 20; CMB +13; CMD 23; Skills Climb +12, Swim +9; Good Hope: +2 morale bonus on saving throws, attack rolls, ability checks, skill checks, and weapon damage rolls

Current Effects:
Bloodrage 25/36 rounds left
Good Hope

Seeing that the others have the sane mage well in hand, Fiona strolls up to the two fighting drow, still singing, and waits to see if the mage regains his wits. If he does, she gets ready to bop him on the head with her hammer.

They're locked into an attack loop like me and Thaddeus were so it might take a bit :3

Thaddeus gives the fireballing arcanist an old hillbilly stink-eye, causing him to waver in his confidence. This goes poorly for him. With the soft white underbelly of the arcanist exposed, so to speak, Variel snakes in his whip, catching the arcanist's arm and yanking him right into Lusk's blade. Lusk hoists the frail drow overhead before flinging him off of his blade, sending him flying into a wall.

The arcanist and soldier continue to wail madly and attack each other. The arcanist's eyes suddenly cross and he turns, and runs headfirst into the wall behind him, only to be run through by the soldier. Only one soldier remains, and he's not doing well.

Everyone is up! Destroy him.

Twirling some gore from his blade Keanu casually walks around to the Drow to messy the blade again.
Greatsword (1): 1d20 + 13 - 3 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 13 - 3 + 2 = 28
Slashing, Magical, Shocking: 2d6 + 1d6 + 16 + 2 ⇒ (5, 6) + (2) + 16 + 2 = 31

Spirit Mote Attack: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15
Negative Energy: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

AC is 22

Attack: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18damage: 1d4 + 7 + 2d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 7 + (1, 1) + (6) = 19

Variel takes a shot at the remaining drow, but his balance is a little off.

Flipping his sword, Keanu strikes out viciously and sends the head of the last soldier flying.

End of Combat

Mutt stops his rage and looks around, panting. He looks at Keanu and nods in respect. "Nice job. You really did a lot of damage on them."

...can I post here?

Hooray! I can!

Fiona stretches her arms once the battle is over. "Good job keeping the mage from throwing more magic about, Thaddeus."

For some reason, I can't post in the Discussion thread.

We're back in business!

With the drow in front of you dead, a set of stairs lead up to the next landing. You quickly inspect them and find them open. The next stairs lead to the very top of the observatory, and there waits the mastermind behind the drow army and the Armageddon Echo - Nolveniss.

”Thank you.” Keanu says with an appreciative bow towards the Bloodrager before they begin heading up the stairs.

Does he know we’re here?

Thaddeus spits out the wad of chaw he had in his mouth, dismissing the spell.

"Good job keeping the mage from throwing more magic about, Thaddeus."

"Well, gotta make m'self useful somehow. Ah cain't keep up wit'the rest o'yeh when it comes t'smashin' things."

Thaddeus procures his wand, and moves up to Mutt.

"Alrighty, time t'heal up. Hope we're almost done, 'dis wand won' last f'rever."

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Mutt regains 27 HP

"Looks good. Uhh, let's see... Keanu, yeh took a bit'ova beatin'."
I'm counting 21 damage to Keanu, I think?

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Keanu regains 17 HP

Seeing Keanus looks good, Thaddeus focuses on himself.

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

"Anybody else need any?"
So, that'd be a minute spent recovering, for any time-restricted buffs.