GM Teleute's Curse of the Crimson Throne PFRPG

Game Master Kris Vanhoyland

Corwin makes his way down to the ship's hold with the others, followed closely by Wren. On the way, he picks up the shard of wood ensorcelled to provide light and hands it to Wren, who wordlessly takes it. Wren's darted around the hold, taking in the tangled and smashed limbs of the large spiders, and the pools of ichor glinting in the magelight.

"With as many bolt holes as this place seems to have, I doubt that he will even be on the other side of the door. He has likely already fled." Corwin says without much hope.

You don't find any traps and the door is unlocked. It swings open easily to reveal a narrow space beneath the fishery, with about three feet of space between the floor of the eastern side of the building and the languid foamy river water below. Wooden pilings support the building, and thick mats of moss and cobwebs hang from ropes and rusted chains between them. A wooden walkway floats on the river's surface, winding along the inner wall of pilings that supports the building's frame above. The walkway leads from the sodden ship to the east all the way west to a small two-and-a-half-foot door that leads into an understructure below the fishery's land-bound half. The pilings below the understructure are densely arrayed leaving only narrow gaps into the water below the area.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

Rebecca holds up her hand before anyone proceeds to jump into the water.

"Look. Blue shark. Unless it is his pet I doubt he tried to swim, and I wouldn't recommend a dip either."

"Where are you, you infernal snake? You aren't getting away this time..."

Just realized I forgot this.

EDIT: Knowlwdfe (Local) would work too.

Would a Know: Local try at it be possible, or is it strictly nature?

Knowledge: Local, just in case: 1d20 + 9 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + 9 + (3) = 15

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Knowledge local: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

"Sharks. What a charming fellow he is," Kamilla says as she peers into the waters.

"Better watch our step, don't want to take a tumble."

Perception: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2
Local: 1d20 ⇒ 20

"I think it swam off... Probably a Jigsaw, common around here."

perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
knowledge, local: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

Corwin looks at the rickety walkway and then glances down at Wren.

"I think that we will wait here untll the pathway is clear. There may be some trap, or even just rotten boards, and I don't feel either Wren or I should be taking a tumble into the water this evening." Corwin says, eyeing the shark circling in the murky water.

In 3-4 minutes, as long as no one walks out onto the walkway, the Jigsaw Shark swims away.

So what do you all do next?

After a few moments, the shark loses interest and withdraws. "Well, looks like now is the best time to pursue... hate to waste time waiting for the Jigsaw to pass, but hopefully Lamm is just entrenching himself further."

Cautiously going out onto the floating walkway, Rebecca begins making her way to the small door, keeping her eyes out for traps, trips, and the possibility of the shark returning.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16 For traps on the walkway and the door once I get there.
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10 For trip hazards and checking the water for the shark.

Walking slowly and keeping her eyes to the 'ground' Rebecca finds not traps or trips as she traverses the floating walkway. While the walkway will hold several people, you doubt that it will hold Azreal at all. The shark has disappeared into the murk. The 2 1/2 foot square door is locked but there is a lock which just might be fit by the brass key from the blonde man upstairs.

"That dragon of yours can fly, right? Because this contraption does not appear sturdy enough to bear his weight," Kamilla adresses Roran as she carefully inches her way along the rickety walkway.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Azreal and Roran shoot each other a look. Almost in unison "Yeah he/I can fly. He'll/I'll fly around and see it there's a way for him'me in." Roran creeps along behind Kamilla as Azreal flies out of the hole in the ships deck and around to the opening to the south.

"Hand me that brass key, would you?"

Rebecca takes the key from Kamilla with a nod of thanks, then carefully unlocks the door with it.

"Time to see if the snake is still home." Rebecca opens the door as quietly as possible and takes a look inside.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13 For general knowledge.
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23 For traps that might be lurking in our path.

Rebecca finds no traps with the door but as she pushes it slowly open the hinges let out a loud squeak.

From inside comes a loud snort followed by a dry hoarse voice, "Well Gobblegut, looks like our guests have finally arrived.*cough**cough* After 50 years, someone has finally caught me off guard With reluctance in his voice and cornered."

with a quick glance in you don't get much, you can't see where or who the voice came from ,it's a large room with a big pool surrounded by a walkway near the door and there might be something in the far corner but to get a good look you'd need to enter the room.

How do you guys wanna enter? In tactical terms, moving through the door is a full move action.

Thinking that Rebecca will enter first, rapier out and halo glowing, hopefully followed by some of my ranged friends like before.

Rebecca pauses, wincing that the element of surprise has been blown. Throwing an angry glare at the hinge, she looks forward into the passageway. After a moment, her halo shines bright around her head.

"Cornered like a rat in a sinking ship. Appropriate analogy, given the settings I'd say."

Stepping through the door, stopping a little past it so that her companions can enter behind her, she looks for Lamm.

"I have been hunting you a long time, Lamm. Not the fifty years you have eluded justice, mind you... but long enough to be satisfied by this meeting. I give you this one and only chance to surrender and come quietly. Struggle and it will be a more painful route to the hangsman."

So saying she looks around to see who or what Lamm had been talking to.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 8 + 2 = 18
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

Kamilla enters the room, following close behind Rebecca, her bow at the ready.

"Your time of judgement has come, Gaedrenn. One way or another, your days of exploiting people have come to an end."

Kamilla then peers around the room, her vision slowly adjusting to the gloom.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

Stepping through the open door reveals the rest of the room. The air in this large room is chilly and stinks of the river, thanks to a huge opening in the floor that drops into the river below. Several pilings emerge from the waters to support the roof eight feet above the floor, with mossy ropes slung between them. In Two places, rusty manacles hang from the ropes over the water. Two five-foot wide walkways cross the hole to the other side of the chamber, where a collection of old cabinets, lockboxes, and piles of clutter are strewn about. Chipped porcelain plates, a cracked goblet, badly rusted silverware, an old wooden shield with a crossbow bolt embedded in it. the odd dinged helm, and other "treasures" litter the floor of this side of the chamber. Three tables heaped with clutter stand amid this mess. In the southwest corner, a wooden door provides access to a walled-off section.

Swimming around the pool is a large crocodile, presumably Gobblegut.

And standing ominously across the pit is the bent, jaundiced corpse of the man that is Gaedrin Lamm. He squints into the glowing Halo around Rabecca, You're that pesky Private Eye isn't you? I've never feed an angel-blooded to Gobblegut, I bet it'll be a nice treat." He says with a twisted malicious grin, which only got bigger when Kamilla enter's the room.

"SOOO the prodigal daughter returns, here to pick up your old habit are we? *sick laugh* I always did enjoy our playtime. I should have more than enough in the back room... even with you astounding tolerance, Kamilla."

"Aye, I imagine it would be. Of course, I had been looking to have a leather chair made for my office, and I hear that crocodile leather is particularly soft if cured just right. Perhaps I will see about taking some measurements for one after we have you in irons."

A particularly vicious grin graces the young woman's face as she says this, made more menacing by the illumination of the halo around her face.

"Last chance, old man. Surrender and face trial, or fight, lose, then face that same trial with a few additional wounds and scars."

Pausing momentarily, she adds, "Or you could just go give your pet a kiss. I'd rather you stand trial for your crimes but I can be confident that Pharasma will ensure you get your unjust rewards should you wish to go that route."

As Rebecca and Kamilla move into position, Corwin pauses in the doorway, holding a hand out towards Wren to keep her out of sight on the walkway.

"Ah, the king of rot and stench. Your throne room fits you Lamm. Nothing but fishguts and slime." Corwin says, a fierce look on his face.

"By the end of this, you will not be threatening any more children. And with luck the Guard will bury you so deeply that it will be easier for you to dig down to free yourself rather than make the effort to dig up and out."

That sounded bolder in my head... Corwin winces inwardly.

Kamilla glares at Gaedrin, "Playtime is over, Gaedrin. I'm not the naïve little girl I once was, and you no longer hold any sway over me."

As Kamilla says it, her eyes dart towards the backroom momentarily, and she swallows.

No, stop it, I'm off that stuff. I don─I don't need it.

Quickly composing herself, Kamilla trains her bow at Gaedrin and says, "All who live must face Her judgement Gaedrin. Now, think very carefully about your next move."

Pia is the last to cautiously enter the room, careful of her footing. Having heard the old mans taunting, she expected him to be in better shape. Seeing the scraggly old man, Pia can't help but think that as dead as she felt inside, he looked even more dead outside.

In an almost whisper, "The city's dead have called for you Gaedrin, but you know that already don't you. You will not refuse them this time."

As her final companions begin filing in behind her, Rebecca begins moving cautiously closer toward the best angle of approach.

"You are clearly out manned. Your associates are bound, your ship has a hole in it, and your 'little Lamms' have been freed from your grasp. All that is left of your pathetic little empire is you, old man."

As she speaks she darts her eyes around her surroundings, checking for potential traps or hazards.

Perception - Traps: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17
Perception - Hazards: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

"Ah! Widow Verlaine! didn't expect to see you. How's that lovely husband of your's doing? ... OH WAIT! He died cold alone and facedown in the gutter! *Evil Laughing* That ring of his earned me a pretty pile of gold. To ba-"

Gaedrins eyes grow wide and a huge (genuinely) happy smile crosses his face as he sees Roran enter.

"Roran my boy! Finally decided to join my little enterprise?! Sorry about all that nasty business before. I bet that girlfriend of yours has a pretty scar." he says as he lightly traces along the side of his neck right over the jugular.

Roran's face, grim and covered with shadows looks at Gaedrin, "No. It ends now."

His eyes scanning the room, assessing his situation, "True, true, but I still have a few tricks up my sleeves!" Gaedrin shouts as he quickly pulls a handcrossbow out from a hidden pocket and fires it's bolt into the crocodile in the pit, eliciting it's enraged roar, and then reloads the crossbow.

Hand Crossbow: 1d4 ⇒ 1

Gaedrin Init: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
Gobblegut Init: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Rebecca Init: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Kamilla Init: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
Corwin Init: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
Pia Init: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
Roran Init: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Turn Order:
Gaedrin
Corwin
Pia
Kamilla
Rebecca
Roran
Gobblegut

Corwin, Pia, Kamilla and Rebecca are up.

Pia fires at Lamm, wishing he was just a few feet closer.. then reloads where she stands.
Xbow: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
Dmg: 1d8 ⇒ 8

-Posted with Wayfinder

Rebecca cautiously begins making her way around the pit, rapier in hand.

"No amount of trickery will save you from the long arm of the law reaching out for you."

Only action this round is to move closer. Not a double move though, as she is attempting to not fall into the pit with the angry croc.

At least I have a clear path for my spells at the moment! Corwin thinks with grim determination. We are all exposed to that croc though. We need to spread out a bit. I feel very exposed here.

Corwin raises his hand and points at the disgusting old man. "Siv" he intones, and the ray streaks out, and etches across Lamm's face, catching both his eyes in its icy blast.

ray of frost: 1d20 ⇒ 20
threat, ray of frost: 1d20 ⇒ 20
damage: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
damage: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

HOLY CRAP! Well that is a first in my pbp history. I just rolled damage twice, but if you want to do something else, please let me know.

I knew that old snake would try something like this.

Kamilla moves slowly around the pit as she sights down her bow, then looses an arrow at Gaedren.

"Suit yourself, old man, I expect to have you on a cold slab soon," Kamilla snarls.

Ranged bow: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Pia's crossbow bolt sinks into Gaedrin's shoulder pushing him out of the way of Kamilla's arrow and even deeper into Corwin's Ray of Frost.

With an anger filled shout Roran rushes around and closes the distance with Gaedrin. Double move to get into melee with him.

Gobblegut Target: 1d8 ⇒ 1Gobblegut Swim Check: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20Gobblegut Bite Atk: 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 5 - 2 = 15

As Kamilla's arrow leaves her bow the crocodile surges from the water with is maw wide, but its lower jaw snags the walkway slamming its jaw shut safely away from Kamilla.

Through chattering teeth, "Professor Corwin, after I feed you live to Gobblegut I'm going to take your daughter as my successor. She's the best of the Lamb's. Thank you so much for bringing her to me." he says with a sick grin. He raises his crossbow into Roran's face and fires. Roran's AoO: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12Gaedrin HX-bow Atk: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19Gaedrin Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26H X-Bow Dmg: 1d4 ⇒ 1Hx-Bow Dmg: 1d4 ⇒ 3 Roran tries and counter attack but his attack is interrupted by the crossbow bolt's impact. Gaedrin reloads the hand crossbow.

Turn Order:
Gaedrin
Corwin
Pia
Kamilla
Rebecca
Roran
Gobblegut

Everyone is up! As for Crits, we'll go with rolling twice (or more). In the games I've played with my homegroup we've just multiplied the roll but in the games I've played in PBP we've always rolled extra.

Rebecca closes the remaining distance between her and Gaedrin, smiling serenely at the old wounded man as she does.

"I am afraid not, old man. I already told you, the Lambs are finished, scattered to their homes or what better homes there are. As for you, I would start asking whatever god you pay lip service to to begin preparing your personal punishment." Rebecca emphasizes this point with a quick thrust of her rapier, aiming for the man's squishy midrift.

Melee Attack: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

"After all, if you don't die of your wounds, you will die from the hangman's noose... assuming they grant you such a mercifully swift death that is."

"Professor Corwin, after I feed you live to Gobblegut I'm going to take your daughter as my successor. She's the best of the Lamb's. Thank you so much for bringing her to me."

Corwin doesn't respond, his face firm with anger and concentration. He merely harnesses the sudden anger burning within him from Lamm's words and channels that into his spell.

"Leuscar Las!" he says, fanning his hands forth and sending a gout of electricity dancing across the water's surface. The white ribbons of lightning dance for a brief second, outlining the lizard in a harsh actinic discharge.

burning hands, admixtured electricity, targeted only to catch the croc. Its reflex save for 1/2 usually, but the croc is in water...so no reflex save?

damage, reflex save for 1/2: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Grimacing as she dodges the crocodile, Kamilla knocks a second arrow that she fires at Gaedren. With a glare, she pronounces, "Stand and be judged, Gaedren."

Activating Judgment of Destruction, +1 weapon damage.
Ranged bow: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Pia will step to her right to have better angle at Lamm, as well as more room to maneuver away from the crocodile should it notice her.

Xbow: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

But trying to ensure she doesn't hit her companions, the shot missees by a longshot.

attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

damage: 2d4 + 8 ⇒ (1, 2) + 8 = 11

Roran attempts to strike back at the man. Quite intent on not letting him weasel his way into a trial.

how big is the room? Can Azreal fit? Also apologies thought I was not up yet.

The ribbons of electricity surge through the water zapping Gobblegut severely. It turns its head towards Corwin. Pia's bolt flies wide as Kamilla's arrow impacts and releases a tiny surge of light. Rebeecca's rapier effortlessly slides through the light padding Gaedrin's clothes have. Roran's hate easily pushes through Gaedrin's defense.

Gobblegut's eyes lock with Corwin as he surges forward Swim check: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26Gobblegut Atk: 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 5 - 2 = 10 breaching the surface but missing his intended target.

Gaedrin doesn't take his eyes off Roran. "Think about what you're doing boy! I didn't kill her!" Gaedrin fires his hand crossbow at Roran HX-bow Atk: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10 but the bolt flies wide as he hobbles out from between them towards Kamilla and the door.

Roran and Rebecca can make an AoO before your turns.

Turn Order:
Gaedrin
Corwin
Pia
Kamilla
Rebecca
Roran
Gobblegut

Everyone's back up! The room itself is big enough for Azreal but the door into the room is too small for him to squeeze through.
Also, Roran you're at 12 HP and have 1 point of Str damage (PSA).

My sweet Jonathan, help me, at last may you be avenged. Pia whispers out as she reloads her crossbow. Aiming and firing.

Swift action Guiding Spririt

Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10 (+1 for Point Blank)
Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23 Yes!
Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

Dmg: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Dmg Crit: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Rorans eyes glow like heated coals as anger takes hold of him. He even loses focus with his dragon as he brings the edge of his blade arcing towards lamms head. Don't you DARE speak of her!

attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

critconfirm: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

damage: 4d4 + 16 ⇒ (3, 1, 3, 4) + 16 = 27

Wow. He's is SO dead!

As Gaedrin hobbles between Roran and Kamilla he turns at the last moment to lock eyes with Roran. His sword impacting hard with Gaedrin's neck sinking deeply into his chest with a spray of blood over Roran and Rebecca. Even as blood drains from Gaedrin and his breath hitches in his throat his eyes still have the gleam of life struggling, ineffectively, to hold on, until Pia's bolt pierces his heart. Gaedrin collapses into a lifeless heap.

Combat is still going! Gotta love that croc.

Turn Order:
Gaedrin
Corwin
Pia
Kamilla
Rebecca
Roran
Gobblegut

Rebecca sighs. "Well, so much for trying him for his crimes. I guess Pharasma will have to do the honors now." The thrashing sound of the croc in the water breaks her out of her reverie.

"Ah yes, my new office chair. Time to take a slice."

So saying the ex-Guardsman jumps into the water behind the creature and attempts to skewer it.

Melee Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Kamilla pauses as she sees Gaedrin topple to the floor, unmoving. She holds her breath for a moment, then releases it with a sigh as she turns and fires upon the crocodile.

Well, he's yours now, Lady. May You judge him harshly.

Ranged bow: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Corwin barely dodges a second snapping attack and decides that discretion is the better part of valor, and withdraws past the door.

"I think I will let those with better weapons deal with the croc at close range. Better that I sling spells as I can, from a distance." he says as he moves away, rejoining his daughter at the door.

I know that Corwin will have an AoO against him, but its better than hanging around another round. That croc threatens sooo many spaces.

True, but I think he might be more... preoccupied with Rebecca soon. I don't think he will get an AoO on me for my dive, given I am going in behind him, but still... here is to hoping we kill it quick.

if you spend your turn doing nothing but moving away you can make the withdraw action, which does NOT provoke an AoO.

Roran will take an extra action to slam his blade into lamms corpse, before hearing a voice in his head from Azreal.

I think he is dead. Stop letting your anger control you again. Roran only sighs, as he moves to corwin

Lamms is dead, let us try to lure this beast outside. I'd wager my scaled friend is stronger.

Azreal pokes his head through the door and quips.

well, smarter I'd wager.

Corwin expertly eludes Gobbleguts non-attempt to bite him as he flees. Kamilla's arrow sinks into Gobbleguts' hide. To the surprise of everyone, Rebecca dives headlong into the water and engages the croc in melee with her rapier.

Gobblegut Targer: 1d4 ⇒ 4 Seemingly ignorant to Rebecca's presence Gobblegut rears-back to launch at Pia Swim Check: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14 but doesn't get enough momentum to breach the surface enough to launch an attack.

Turn Order:
Gaedrin
Corwin
Pia
Kamilla
Rebecca
Roran
Gobblegut

Everyone is up!

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

"Pylons that make keep this building up also prevent the croc from reaching the river. Don't think luring it anywhere will be an option unless we level the building."

So saying, she takes another stab at the creature while keeping herself out from in front of its tail or jaws.

Melee: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Corwin takes the time to aim carefully before unleashing one of his rays of frost against the croc, trying to ensure that his companions are not blasted accidentally.

ray of frost: 1d20 - 4 ⇒ (17) - 4 = 13
dmg: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

After unleashing the ray, he glances behind himself to see how Wren is faring.

Gripping the dagger in her white knuckled hand, Wren glanced out into the large room, peering around the corner into the gloom.

That monster is so big! Its all teeth! I hope that nice lady doesn't get bit!"

"Watch out for its teeth!" she shouts helpfully at Rebecca as her father comes to the doorway and interposes himself, blocking her view.

"Dad, move! I can't see!"

Pia, seeing no other way, as she is blocked by either Wren and her father, or the crocodile, reloads and fires. Once more my love, if I am to rejoin you tonight, at least they will be safe.
Add't use of Guiding Spirit from nat20
Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Dmg: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

-Posted with Wayfinder

Momentarily taken aback at Rebecca's willingness to tangle with the large crocodile in its own element, she quickly draws and fires.

Ranged bow: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3