GM SpiderBeard's Second Darkness (DrEvil Group) (Inactive)

Game Master Barvo Delancy

lol - I guess waking up at 4:45 wasn't the best idea. That, of course, makes perfect sense.
Anyone else worried there are drow/traps hidden on the other side of those pillars?

The sunlight slowly moves up the side of the temple until it is about to hit the spire. The time to strike is almost nigh.

You're all say around 10' off the map behind some cover (ruined building). You have 1 RL day to decide how you will approach, otherwise you will run out of time and will have to attack or be late.

Brenna prepares one of the chalky antitoxins and says, "So, you want me to draw the initial fusillade of fire?"

Time's up! Beshtori is throwing a fireball since he warned me that was his plan.

Brenna starts clanking her way to the front of the Academy to serve as a distraction, and from the safety of distance cover, Beshtori fires off a long-distance fireball.

FOOOOM!

Fireball: 8d6 ⇒ (5, 4, 4, 2, 1, 4, 4, 2) = 26

Spell Penetration: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 121d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 241d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11
REflex: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 261d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 161d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

There's a scream from inside the entrance, it appears it at least got someone. As Brenna charges up, the drow get ready to respond and the fight is on!

Everyone but Lyr is up!

Was there Haste? Invisibility? Both were offered. I was waiting on Beshtori. At this point I am not even sure if we have the balista with us???

Sorry - it looked like everyone was still trying to firm up a plan about what to do next. I was just about to post but the GM beat me to it

Besh, looking a bit guilty for getting carried away, remembers that ze'd planned to buff the group prior to the assault.

Haste

I need plans to be at least somewhat clearly laid out before I implement them and there was a timer in this case. That said reading back it'd pretty clear Saphren wants invisibility. I'll say that Besh cast haste before he fireballed, and has used his round to cast invisibility on Saphren. So Saphren has invisibility and everyone has haste.

Moving with the great speed provided by the haste spell, Brenna rushes through the door and veers right, keeping her shield up as she goes to deflect any incoming bolts.

Move 60' with haste, standard action for Total Defense, pushing AC to 30 (25 normal, +1 haste, +4 Total D).

Hesitating only a moment for the invisibility spell to be cast, Saphren follows Brenna forward and into the building. He is keenly attuned to his Trap Spotter ability as he moves. And while he does not slow down he is quite stealthy in his approach.

Stealth: 1d20 + 17 + 20 - 5 ⇒ (13) + 17 + 20 - 5 = 45

Note that Saphren's goal is to double move this round to get inside and assess where he can act to do the team the most good next round. If the map is accurate and each square is now 5' he has plenty of move to get to where I placed him with a hasted move of 60. That is where he goes unless he spots something more interesting that I cannot see on the map.

Looks like the ballista isn't where I thought it was on the map. Is it possible to line it up straight on before our assault? Since we have it, I want to use it.

Apologies, work's been nuts.

If we're able to line up the ballista before, Zoso will fire the device on the two drow across the room from where Saphren and Brenna are.

Okay you have the ballista and have lined it up. Nothing else, and next time specify "We're bringing it and Zoso is using it." Ballista is -4 to hit, 3d8 damage, crits on 19x2 and takes 2 rounds to load unless you're size large. Zoso is up.

Thanks GM. From what I read it's essentially a large heavy crossbow, so would point blank apply?

Zoso fires the ballista at the doorway, breaking into song with the excitement of the endeavor.
"In the eeeeeeevening!"

Ballista, Inspired: 1d20 + 9 - 4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 9 - 4 + 2 = 9 Only BAB and DEX included.

Seeing the shot go horribly awry, Zoso begins to reload with his hastened productivity.

Move action: Inspire
Standard: shot
Standard: reload 1/2

If I help reload, can we cut the time down?

[ooc]Playing with the Balsista will leave you out of the fight... You are more than 60' away from an enemy too. /ooc]

Lyr fires the ballista and the enormous bolt goes wide, slamming into the side of the academy and sending a spray of rocks and debris. Besh quickly chants an invisibility spell, and Saphren winks out of existence before moving over to the midst of the drow elves while Brenna moves up openly.

Lyr is up.

The somatic component of Beshtori's Invisibility spell involves flaring his cloak in front of Saphren. Snatching it back with a flourish, the half-orc is gone!

Lyr helped reload the Ballista. "We should make this our last shot with this." he rasped.

The drow directly in front of Saphren moves past him to get a line of sight on the ballista.

Saphren can choose to end his invisibility and get in an AoO.

Unable to resist, the green one brings his falchion down on the drow provoking from him in a power attack. He times his blow so that the drow is between him and the other enemy if possible.

+1 Cold Iron Falchion, vs flat footed AC: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 252d4 + 13 + 4d6 ⇒ (4, 2) + 13 + (1, 5, 6, 4) = 35

Debilitating Injury: Disoriented -2/-4 vs Saphren (Ex) Foe who takes sneak attack damage takes attack pen (more vs. striker) for 1 rd.

Smiling at the drow he says Surprise.

Annnd I waited for a reason.

Saphren's surprise works as he slams his falchion in through the ribs of the drow arcanist. The mage stares blankly at Saphren before collapsing to the ground, dead. The skirmishers turn in surprise to see Saphren, and quickly move into action, with two flanking Brenna and the last two moving to Saphren. Distantly, you hear the shouts of combat fro the other groups.

Although Brenna blocks the attacks on either side, Saphren is pinked twice with drow rapiers.

Saphren takes 8 damage. Everyone is up!

Brenna smashes into the drow to the north of her, trampling him as she passes by.

This provokes an AoO from the drow to the south of me as I exit the space and move into the space north of me. Since I'm not raging yet I should be AC 26. (25 +1 for haste.)

Improved Overrun: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (14) + 13 = 27

Then, with that drow knocked to the ground, she moves west and slips into engagement position with the drow southeast of Saphren.

This provokes from the northern drow, but with luck he's prone and taking a -4 on his AoO.

Overruns can be "taken during your move or as part of a charge," so I should be able to knock the northern guy down and then move over to the west to set the other dude up for Saphren to 5' step and make a flanking sneak attack.

Grimacing from the punctures Saphren 5' steps to flank with Brenna and brutally cuts at the drow there.

+1 Cold Iron Falchion: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 11 + 2 = 212d4 + 13 + 4d6 ⇒ (1, 3) + 13 + (1, 6, 1, 4) = 29

Another Debilitating Injury: Disoriented -2/-4 vs Saphren (Ex) Foe who takes sneak attack damage takes attack pen (more vs. striker) for 1 rd.

As the ballista is rapid reloaded Zoso lines it up again and let's what he's intending to be the last bolt fly, continuing to sing as the seige weapon shutters and recoils.

"When the day is done
I'm looking for a woman
But the girl don't come"

Ballista, Inspired: 1d20 + 9 - 4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 9 - 4 + 2 = 9 Sigh

Beshtori moves a bit closer to see what is going on in the room.

Ze makes the sign of a teaspoon / ze makes the sign of a wave.

Green flame leaps forth from zir fingertips and strikes the drow in the doorway, then glances off to strike the one just north of him.

Spell Penetration 1: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11
Burning Arc 1: 8d6 ⇒ (2, 6, 5, 2, 4, 5, 1, 2) = 27
Reflex DC = 16 (for half dam)

Spell Penetration 2: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17
Burning Arc 1: 4d6 ⇒ (1, 2, 2, 1) = 6
Reflex DC = 14 (for half dam)

After the ballista shot, Lyr took off at a run toward the fight, notching an arrow and losing it as he went.

Move 30' Fire at the drow closest to me.

Ranged Attack, Point Blank, Inspired: 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 7 + 1 + 2 = 20
Damage, Point Blank, Inspired, hatred: 1d8 + 3 + 1 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 1 + 2 + 1 = 12

Arrow is coated in Drow poison. DC 13 Fort or fall unconscious.

Brenna simply tramples the drow in front of her, their blades bouncing off of their armour as she repositions to help out Saphren. Saphren thanks her for the flank by slicing off the head of the drow between them.

WHAM!

Rubble flies as a ballista bolt goes wide again, slamming into the side of the wall and making a sizeable dent in the ancient building. Beshtori then fires off some fire magic, the first spell melting against a drow's innate magic resistance. THe second hits the target, but is only a glancing blow. Lyr's arrow finishes him off though.

The two remaining skirmishers move in on Brenna, seeing her as an obvious, giant, giant threat. They flank her and attack to no avail. One calls out in Undercommon, which Lyr understands.

"WE DIE PROUDLY!"

They show no sign of fleeing despite the battle very, very much not going their way.

Zoso abandons the ballista and runs across the field to get a view into the building. He slides to a stop on as he then plants his feet and fires an arrow in to assist Brenna and Saphren.

"So don't let her
Play you for a fool!"

Longbow(Cold Iron), Deadly Aim, Inspired: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 8 + 2 = 22
Damage,Inspired: 1d8 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 7 + 2 = 15

One Drow I definitely have line of sight on, the other may have cover.

Beshtori waggles zir fingers, sending magic missiles at the nearest drow.

Spell Penetration: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23
Magic Missile: 4d4 + 4 ⇒ (3, 4, 1, 4) + 4 = 16

Sighing with relief: "Well, at least that one works!"

Zoso and Behstori team up, and another drow goes down after taking an arrow and then a magic missile. One lone drow remains, engaged with Saphren and Brenna.

At this point, you notice that there are no other sounds of combat coming from the academy.

Lyr, Saphren, and Brenna are up!

Improved Overrun: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22 (+2 added to this is if I'm in range of Zoso's inspiration)

Following her usual tactic, Brenna smashes through the drow and spins around after knocking him down so that Saphren can take a stab at his tender bits.

While entering his square doesn't provoke because it's an Improved Overrun, I think leaving does because even if he's prone he still threatens.

Saph should be able to get a flank on him with a 5' step.

Lyr kept moving and snapped off a shot at the last drow just after Brenna bashed past it.

Attack, inspired: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 7 + 2 = 27
Damage, hate inspired: 1d8 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 2 + 1 = 9

Arrow is coated with Drow poison. DC 13 Fort or fall unconscious.

Seeing the print target Saphren 5' steps, saying For me? You really shouldn't have. He then attacks the prone enemy. If Saphren felt any remorse for attacking the prone enemy he does not show it.

+1 Cold Iron Falchion: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 11 + 2 = 262d4 + 13 + 4d6 ⇒ (2, 2) + 13 + (2, 2, 2, 1) = 24

Another Debilitating Injury: Disoriented -2/-4 vs Saphren (Ex) Foe who takes sneak attack damage takes attack pen (more vs. striker) for 1 rd.

The group all move in on the remaining drow, which Brenna delightedly tramples. He dies badly after taking an arrow, and finally a falchion through the neck.

End of Combat

Strangely, rather than the sound of ongoing combat, victory, or defeat, you hear very little.

Loot:

+1 cloak of resistance
+1 ring of protection
masterwork dagger
potion of cure moderate wounds
scroll of haste
wand of false life (10 charges)
4 potions cure light wounds
4 mw hand crossbows
4 mw studded leather

Double doors lead westwards.

Brenna says to Saph, "It's the little things that really make a partnership work." Then she cranes her head around the battlefield, and after a few hesitant moments, she removes her helm.

"No sounds of battle? Did the attack fail? Or are they using magical silence, maybe?"

Silence I bet. Lets help the team. Saphren says as he pulls a ring off a dead drow and heads to the double doors to check them for traps.

Perception to find traps: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (12) + 21 = 33 And don't forget Trap Spotter - so you roll too. :)

Assuming no traps, when the group is ready he opens the door. If locked or if trapped this is his disarm check.

Disable Device: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (17) + 20 = 37

Saphren does a spectacular job of checking the doors - which are unlocked and untrapped. He opens them to reveal more of the Academy.

What once might have been a fabulously decorated entry hall is now a barren, empty chamber. Four white marble pillars support the roof, while two stone benches sit on either side of the room. The stone doors to the south have fallen away from the building’s facade, but those to the north remain intact.

Standing ominously before the doors is an enormous flesh golem. Nearly 9 feet tall and six feet wide, it has four arms stitched to its broad, fleshy bdy. Dozens of arrows are threaded through loose folds of flesh and fat, piercing its body in numerous locations. It holds two longbows in its arms.

A deep, rumbling voice echoes through the Academy. You hear a distant cry from down the hall to your right as well, the sound of someone in panic.

"Xsanthir."

Slipping on the ring Saphren asks his companions. What is it and what's it asking? I'd rather not be shot a lot.

Brenna replaces her helm and gives it a good smack on top to set it in place, then licks her lips and says, "I bet we could take it. But, uh, yeah, your point is taken. Lyr?"

"It wants a password." Lyr rasped, drawing an arrow with an oddly shaped head and something packed around the front side of the shaft. he scraped it on the floor. It flared for a moment and started to smoke.

Smoke Arrow. It has a Tindertwig and a very short fuse rigged to a Smokestick, attached to the shaft with alchemical glue and twine.

He's clearly about to fire it at the thing.

"What was the thing the dark elves had going here? Armageddon something?"

"Echo." Lyr said. Then he spoke in the hissing whisper of the Drow tongue.

Armageddon Echo. If that's not the password, I'm shooting it.

Know/Arcana: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29

It's not the password. Lyr shoots it, or would - but his companions and the golem are just a little faster.

Brenna and Saphren are up!

As soon as the golem starts to lurch, Brenna rushes it to get in close before it can bring up its stitched arms and its bows!

Hoping that it's flat-footed and doesn't get AoOs on me...

Rage, power attack!

Battleaxe attack: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26
Battleaxe damage: 1d8 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14 (1 point is cold)

Battleaxe attack #2: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28
Battleaxe damage: 1d8 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16 (1 point is cold)

Battleaxe #2 confirm crit: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26
Battleaxe #2 crit damage: 2d8 + 24 ⇒ (8, 3) + 24 = 35 (2 points are cold)

This is a magic adamantine weapon.

Question: Can Saphren slip through the doorway diagonally without rolling acrobatics to move though one of the creatures squares? Need to know because he want to spring attack to the back of the creature to flank. but does not want to risk trying to tumble through a large creature's space. Also, are we still hasted? And is there a bard song?

Haste was good for 7 rounds - we spent 3 fighting drow, so depending how long we took looting/trap checking ... ?

The performance ended after combat but will start up again shortly.

Sorry I didn't overrun this time, Saph, but I am less confident about getting a high-Strength Large size creature.

Right. Bull rushing him back would have also been good but same issue.