GM Viskous presents Iron Gods (Inactive)

Game Master Viskous

Lazur shouts out, "It's about to get loud! and everyone is nearly deafened as his musket goes off as he shoots at the red one.

Musket: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25 Damage: 1d12 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7 vs Touch AC

Crit confirmation
Musket: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23 Damage: 1d12 + 1d12 + 1d12 ⇒ (9) + (1) + (10) = 20

WOOT! crit on the first combat for 27 points of damage!

4714.Arodus.19 12:06:06PM
Battle over
As the fire beetles come out of the large cracks, the star warriors spring into action. Lazur opens up with a critical shot on the first beetle, exploding it all over the wall and Jack. Locke steps up and seriously wounds the beetle directly in front of him, causing it to drop unconscious and begin to bleed out. Raven shoots her crossbow and terminates the final beetle. Jack swings at the beetle that used to be there, though Lazur's shot was too fast. Finally the remains of the one that Locke sliced is hit by a bolt of frost, making sure the beetle doesn't get back up.

Allen and Analise look on in amazement, stunned by the quick reactions of their new friends.

Sorry guys, I checked early, and only now got back...glad to see the battle was over quickly.

Allen looks on, eyes wide, "Wow, that was great!"

The group has some trouble hearing him as the ringing in their ears subsides, Lazur says "Well that was quick. We hardly go into here and were attacked. I wonder what the rest of the place will be like."

He then proceeds to reload his musket.

Raven walks over to the dead beetles, humming under her breath. She squats, retrieving her arrow -- and then starts to perform a quick, impromptu autopsy on the cat-sized insect with the arrow's tip.

"Fascinating, fascinating," she murmurs as she examines the contents of the insect's skull and stomach cavity -- and, with a wet crunching sound, she rips off an intact piece of carapace that carries a glowing spot, stowing it as safely as she can in her pack.

"Sorry for the wait," she says as she wipes her hands off on the ground and rises, returning to the group. "I do wish I had a specimen box with me. Oh, well. Better luck next time, yes? I can't wait to analyze the chemical deposits in that carapace!"

Jack nods as he surveys the fight scene. "Well done!"

He watches as Raven goes to pick apart the dead critters. There's a strange one... Khonnir would be impressed though.

"We should get a move on." Jack begins to head down the corridor, wary of whatever dangers may come.

Rywokit looks around, briefly.

"<Process: event> That... was... well... done." he says, nodding. "<Run: clarification> Very... efficient." He seems pleased.

With the previous knowledge check, you know that the beetle's luminescent patches can glow and provide light in a ten foot radious for a number of days.
Which way you heading Jack, north along the shallow water or east up the five foot climb into the tight tunnel with lots of stalagmites?

Follows along, in the middle of the group, ready for action.

Jack heads to the east, unless the party wishes otherwise.

Analise rips out a gland, like Raven had done, and holds it up as a light source before following.

4714.Arodus.19 12:07:0PM
Jack reaches into the third beetle and rips the light gland out and then hangs it from his shield. He then climbs up the short wall to the east.
Jack climbing up the ledge: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

A collection of stalactites and stalagmites choke this low-ceilinged cavern, making it difficult to squeeze between them. Matching stalactites close in from the five-foot-high ceiling, giving the impression of a maw of needlelike teeth bearing down on one another. A dead half-orc sprawls on the ground near the cave’s eastern entrance.

Recognizing the skill set of his companions, Jack points out the body. "Someone want to check him? See what killed him, perhaps?" He will approach with whoever investigates the body, ready to defend them.

WIS/Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 8

Unable to tell alive or dead, swiftly and quietly hurries to the half-orc to try to see if he can save him.

Or her? EDIT: Ninja'd by Jack! It works, though!

Appraise: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
WIS/Heal: 1d20 ⇒ 9
WIS/Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 1
Stealth: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27

EDIT: To fix the skill title. Anyway, he can tell that the person is dead, but does a terrible job of looking out for danger while obsessed over the half-orc. Really stealthy, though.

EDIT 2: Do recall, Rywokit has Darkvision. Not sure that it does him too much good...

Heal: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14 Allen goes over to check the body, he kneels down and inspects carefully.

Let's try and keep it to one or two checks in a post, unless I ask for more. In this instance I'm really confused as to an Appraise check?
You need a DC5 climb check to enter the stalactite cave, so Allen almost didn't make it

Rywokit and Allen examine the body, while Rywokit doesn't notice anything but a lot of dried blood on the female orc's body, Allen can clearly see the stab wounds caused by short bladed weapons. It also appears that someone has removed anything of value that she had been wearing or carrying with her.

You can make a Knowledge Local check if you want to attempt to identify her.

Understood. Appraise is for the purpose of determining anything that killed her, or any valuable or important clues, such as how tough she was (relatively speaking) or anything magical or poisonous. I felt it was clear, but upon re-reading Appraise, it looks like the skill does none of that, RAW - I must be thinking of a house rule or older edition or both. It is, in fact, much less useful than I thought, which makes it a very unfortunate choice for my character in general. I may wish to retrain it at some point, as it just let's me identify the value of things or bargain: not exactly anything common in most games, and pretty boring for folk in a PbP to sit through. Sorry for the error.

Also, Rywokit has no bonus to Climb - I didn't realize that we needs to do that for some reason. Sorry. You can replace Appraise with Climb (they're in alphabetical order) and reduce the bonus by 7, if you like. Rywokit has no Knowledge (local), but he can make an untrained knowledge check (+3 bonus, max DC 10) that I would ask the GM to roll for me.

Analise attempts to climb the ledge as well.

Climb Check: 1d20 ⇒ 12

Yay! The more the merrier! (Although, heh, the only thing I did well in that post is quickly becoming invalidated! Hah! EDIT: I'm now little more than taking up space! Woot! Go little wooden guys getting in the way! :D)

Raven attempts to climb up after the others...

Climb 1d20 ⇒ 19

Analise stares silently at the body for a moment. Then, she kneels down and shuts the corpses' eyes. With great weight to her voice, the young mage says "When we make our way out of here, we're carrying her back with us. She must have friends, or family, or maybe even a husband and children. I don't care what any of you say. We should at least give her a proper burial."

"I agree with Analise, she needs to be returned to her family." He stands and looks around, holy symbol shining light throughout the room.

Locke stands aside as Raven examines the beetle, and everyone begins to climb into the tunnel.

"We're going that way? Alright."

Climb: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

"Sure, Analise. On the way out. For now...." Jack turns to face the tunnel eastward. "For now, it seems we've learned what we can. We should move on and see if we can't find the half-orc's killer. Or Khonnir.."

I can't see Khonnir being both... he says to himself.

Jack begins to move further east down the tunnel.

Locke ruminates on the discussion of returning the half-orc to the town for burial. Knowing that humanoids' shells did not get reused as androids' did, he had always found the vehemence shown by some as to the reacquisition of the dead for burial to be slightly illogical if the body was not in a position to pollute or ruin a food source.

Not from being around the area, he has no knowledge of this local half-orc. Surprisingly, no one else seems to recognize her despite their ties to the region. Locke deduces the half-orc may have been a new transplant or possibly someone from outside the area.

He acknowledges Jack's suggestion. As they begin to move out, he finds himself going over why he has been so easily accepted by The Star Warriors. Perhaps his mannerisms remind them of Raven. This is good. He decides staying close to her will be good for further observation and education.

"Is the examination finished, Raven Usta? We should move along as Jack Homini suggests."

4714.Arodus.19 12:09:0PM
Roll20 updated
No one seems to recognize the half orc woman, even after studying her features. Jack moves forward and sees an area opening off to the north east and a smaller tunnel leading off to the south. He can hear the sound of moving water to the north. There are a lot of mushrooms and fungus growing in the area to the north.

Knowledge local for Lazur. He doesn't know either...
Lazur: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Jack enters the intersection.

"The waterway we passed by may lead to this northern area" Jack says, "Perhaps we should investigate before turning south?"

Jack waits for the party's input on the direction to head, although left to his own devices, he will head north.

Locke nods at Jack's perceptive suggestion.

"There is definitely a reason to check the source of the flow we hear. It seems the fluid under the Black Hill is considered rather important, and investigating it may provide us some answers that will be very revealing."

Jack approaches the fungi cautiously not wanting to trigger any spore bursts or other fungal self-defense mechanisms if he can help it.

What would be the appropriate Knowledge check for identifying these? Or would Heal be appropriate?

4714.Arodus.19 12:09:00PM
Round 1
Battle map

A dark cavern opens up here, its twenty-foot-high ceiling thick with stalactites. A rocky shore overlooks a placid pool and stream, fed by a trickle of water leaking from a narrow fissure to the north. A small garden of toadstools and dark mold grows along the banks.

There is a frog-like creature with glowing white eyes, the size of a short, stocky humanoid with webbed feet and claws, squatting in the garden of fungus. It is wearing some kind of hood that is in tatters.

Initiative Order
Jack
Raven
Lazur
Locke
Rywokit
Analise
Monster
Allen

Go ahead and declare your actions, remembering that only Jack has seen anything. I'd recommend waiting until Jack makes his post

"I concur with Locke," Raven says, nodding. "Moreover, we may find additional information as to the nature and status of those who came here before us, including the father of our charming hostess." She blinks once.

"I should like to make a request of those capable of casting cantrips. From here on in, please start scanning for magical auras and do not let up."[b]

The Alchemist looks at the various fungi, frowns slightly, and holds up a hand. [b]"One moment while I search my memory. I wonder whether I have not read of these particular specimens before..."

Knowledge (nature) to identify the various fungi: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

Knowledge (Nature) Improvisation: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Knowledge (Arcana): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Oof. Dice, why you no love me?

"What are you?" Jack asks the beast, loudly so that the party can hear. He moves forward cautiously, approaching within 5 feet and planting his tower-shield down. "Do you speak the common tongue?"

Forcing it to either swim, or attack through total cover.

My previous post is set before we entered the fungus tunnel. The DM kind of Ninja'ed me, I think. ^^; The following is in the chamber on the battle-map.

Knowledge (nature) 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25.
Knowledge (arcana) 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

"Do NOT get within thirty feet of this creature!" Raven warns. "This is known as a 'blindheim', it can blind you with its gaze! It is a magical beast, not very intelligent. If we must engage it, use ranged weapons!"

Putting action to words, Raven fits a bolt to her crossbow and takes aim at the creature, sighting past Locke. The crossbow twangs...

Loading crossbow, firing crossbow. Attack roll 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19 for 1d8 ⇒ 8 damage.

"AACK! That's not pleasant at all!" Allen draws his crossbow as he moves into position and aims at the creature. "Lady Desna make my aim true."
Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14 Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

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Battle!

"<Process: battle> I... thought... we... were... talking? Nevermind."

"<Run: courage> I tend not to fear things that could harm more fleshy folk. I'll see if I can affect it without affecting me."

Banking on the fact that constructs are immune to things that require a fortitude save unless they also affect objects... and I'm guessing anything that makes you blind would be a fortitude save...

Rywokit steps forward, boldly, and attempts to cast a Ray of Frost at it!

Concentration: 1d20 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 1 + 3 = 7 EDIT: Nope! :/ No Ray of Frost for me!
Ray of Frost Attack: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20, Damage: 1d3 ⇒ 1 Nevermind!
GM, let me know when my required Concentration checks stop.

... the strangeness of the underwater travel, however, seems to continue to have impacted his ability to cast spells properly, however.

EDIT: A few times for bad coding and because I didn't put an in-character description!

(Untrained) Knowledge (Nature): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Knowledge (Arcana): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Hearing Raven's warning, Locke will move up behind Jack...but realizes Rywokit is there, so will remain where he is...pulling his hat low to shade his eyes hoping give him a chance to help avoid the creature's gaze if it attempts to blind. He's glad Raven is there since he was unable to identify either the fungi or the creature himself. He notices the mental note to acquire a ranged weapon is still there on his mental list of future acquisitions.

"Thank you for the information, Rywokit Prometheus." Locke files this away in case it becomes relevant later.

Drawing his short sword again, he hears the twang of crossbows. Evidently this encounter will also not be resolved without conflict. A pity, Locke thinks. And Jack was trying to communicate. However, the fact that the blindheim creatures could possibly be the source of the water's taint does figure into various scenarios Locke works through in his mind. The necessity for their destruction could be a forgone conclusion anyway.

Regarding the half-orc, GM Viskous. As you didn't specify if the Knowledge (Local) was a DC 10 or less, I assumed Locke couldn't make it untrained. If it so happens to be DC 10 or less, Locke would be willing to try and make it despite what I posted earlier.

Ninja'd by Rywokit. :/

You go before me in initiative! Take the spot, if you like! I had assumed you were where you wanted to be due to somehow thinking you'd posted or moved or something after the GM. Nope - before hand. Sorry. Rywokit doesn't need that spot in particular. Besides, given Wicket's inability to do important things when it actually counts... I'm no too worried about if he's in a specific location or another. Similarly, Lazur has dibs to any spot in particular.

Analise scutinizes the creature, attempting to figure it out.

Knowledge (arcana): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

Unable to recall what the hell the thing is, Analise yells, her words yet again reverberating with power. "Kovir nakoroth!"

As she speaks the words of power, the young mage reaches out with her hand and splays out her fingers, the appendage crackling with electricity. A small burst of lightning arcs out from her hands...

Touch Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13
Targeted Spark Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2

"Let me get a shot at it!"

Lazur moves up behind Locke and fires.

Can't seem to move my picture on roll20

Musket: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17 Damage: 1d12 ⇒ 4

Uh, I am able to move your picture, Lazur. I'm guessing it was tagged incorrectly. Where do you want it? XD

Round 1 Summary

Jack approaches the blindheim and attempts to speak with it, while setting his tower shield.
Raven realizes what this thing is while she comes around the corner, shouts out a warning that it kind blind people if they get to close, then fires her crossbow scoring a solid hit.
Lazur moves up as much as he can and fires at the blindheim, unfortunately missing with the accidental cover provided by his allies.
Locke draws his sword and moves up to provide support if necessary.
Rywokit hurries up, not concerned with an attack that causes blindness as its never worked before, and then fires a ray of frost at the creature , annoying it with its fearsome cold intensity.
Analise fingers unleash electricity at the frog-like beast causing it some minor damage.
Eerily silent now, the eyes of the creature suddenly flash with incredible intensity, possibly blinding everyone except Jack behind his shield. He then hops forward and attacks the tower shield and is not able to get through to Jack behind it.
Bite: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17 damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Claw: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10 damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Claw: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18 damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Finally Allen fires his crossbow and misses.

For Roll 20, please only move yourself. If you can't move yourself let me know your Roll20 name here and I will set you up.
I need everyone but Jack any Rywokit to make a fortitude save with there next post, and if Jack comes out from the shield and looks at it he will need one too. This is an "aura" like effect.
Rywokit, your need for concentration checks expired as we started this combat, so I ruled that your crossed out action went off as desired.

4714.Arodus.19 12:09:06PM
Round 2
Battle Map

The blindheim after suffering several hits, activates its blinding gaze and then makes three unsuccessful attacks on Jack.

Fort save DC13, or you are blinded. Please post accordingly. Also with the tower shield set, it has total cover from Lazur, Raven, and Analise in its current position

Initiative Order
Jack
Raven
Lazur
Locke
Rywokit
Analise
Monster
Allen

Thanks GM! So I dealt... 1 damage! BAM! In your face, thingy! If it's still alive by my turn, and present, Rywokit casts a spell at it! Again! Because the last one was so effective!

Ray of Frost Attack: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8, Damage: 1d3 ⇒ 3

EDIT: And once again, Rywy fails to do anything useful! I know you guys are all happy to have him here! XD

EDIT: Otherwise, he just tries to stay out of everyone else's way.

Jack continues to hold the line, deeming the penalty he is causing his ranged attackers better than the alternative; letting the beast into their faces. He steadies the grip on his pick, waiting for it.

Precise shot would have negated the cover. If I'm withing 30 feet there also would have been a +1 to hit and damage. Roll20: L.R. S.

Fort Save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Lazur suddenly puts his hand to his eyes and in a panic exclaims, "I can't see!"

Oh no! :(

Fort Save: 1d20 ⇒ 3

Analise manages to look right in the creature's eyes when the blinding light is so instense, and her eyes flash into a milky white. "Argh! Ain't a picnic for me either, cupcake."

She then fires blindly at the toad... thing.

Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
Crit Confirm?: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1
Miss Chance, Low Miss: 1d100 ⇒ 89

Analise miraculously manages to hit the thing... but it feels like it just poked an electric fence.

Fortitude: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
Allen is able to duck his head to avoid the blinding flash. He considers loosing another bolt at the creature, but with the chaos of the melee and the people in the way he decides to call upon his deity for help.

He reaches out and touches Locke, "Lady Luck give my friend a moment of guidance!"
He uses the Bit of Luck power to enable Locke to roll 2 d20s during the next round, taking the better one, every time he needs to for the round. Since I'm at the bottom of the initiative it will be for his next actions and round.

"Calm yourselves!" Raven calls. "The blinding effect is temporary; an hour of rest and your eyes will return to normal. Those in front, strike the creature or drive it off!"

Fortitude save 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

Fortitude Save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Locke makes note of the hat brim's complete failure in preventing blindness.

"Hmmm...this is definitely going to make this conflict a problem."

Locke takes total defensive action since he can no longer see his opponent.

Not sure if I still get the +1 to AC while blind, but it has to be better than stabbing Jack in the back by accident. :/

Raven you could move and try and attack, you haven't taken any actions. The water is only a few inches deep in the tunnel like areas so you can stand in it. I'll give you a chance to do that before summarizing the round. Does anyone who is blind want to attempt to move out of the way 5 foot or otherwise?