Gallows of (Third-Party) Madness (Inactive)

Game Master DystopianDream

On the way
Yuld chuckles, elbowing Onnello in the ribs. "Let them have their fun. Just because we're on the job doesn't mean we can't enjoy ourselves."

In the Shop
As the group begins to question the shopkeeper, Yuld finds his attention drawn to the potions. While alchemy never did interest him, it was always a curious sight to see the bottles filled with power of their own.

on the way

'That priest isn't going to appreciate his apprentice wandering off with this farm boy.' Walking past the two kids as they grasp hands; Rolling his eyes Onnello loudly clears his throat. then nods toward the next shop. "Let's focus on the task at hand shall we?"

At the knight's admonishment, Dac awkwardly lets go of Sidhe's gentle hand, and coughs "Later."

Sidhe just let's go of Dac and begins marching back to the shop, maintaining a regal pose the entire way.

Once they enter the shop, Sidhe simply stands at attention, waiting for everyone else to speak. She keeps her back stiff and posture perfect, emanating an aura of respectability.

Majara says "Gellion? Why would you want to talk to him when you have the owner right here! I've got the finest healing potions one could ever ask for, and, for the mayor's guests, I'll throw in an extra ten percent discount. What do you think?"

Hunch?
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Looking from Dac to Majara, Onnello, smiles, shifting the note back to his pouch. "That is a very generous offer Majara, do you mind if I call you Majara? We will certainly purchase our potions from you." Looking to the others then back to the shop keeper. "Personally I would rather speak to someone of your experience than a mere assistant like Gellion. I'm sure he's a nice boy, but you are obviously much more interesting."

hoping to influence attitude here
diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26

His smile waning he continues, "Alas, the mayor has tasked us with finding these children, so our focus must be there for the time being. Is there anything you can share with us to speed the process, so we can return and speak with you about these fine potions?"

request?
diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

Majara's shoulders slump. Her colors seem to fade ever so slightly. "In truth, I haven't seen Gellion in several days. I suspect that Nolaria Wintren has something to do with this. She's the apprentice at the temple of Erastil. She's always putting dangerous ideas into Gellion's head. That's all I know of the situation."

____

Let me know if you have anymore questions for Majara.

You take your leave from the alchemist's shop and head to the temple of Erastil. The temple is grand, built during the the town's founding. The space here is dedicated to the needs of the people, only leaving small rooms for the priests and acolytes. Rows of pews adorn a large room and off to the side is a large area for nursing the sick and injured. Two townspeople lay on straw mattresses with injuries, moaning, one with a cut on his leg, the other a large bruise across her collarbone.

The head priest, Ildris Ruvarra can be found amidst a throng of supplicants waiting for blessings to be bestowed upon them.

with Mafara
Onnello gives the pleasant gnome a nod, "Thank you for your assistance, and we will be back to purchase potions. I've a feeling we will need some."

in the temple
'Why do these places always make my stomach crawl?' Stepping through the door of the temple, Onnello moves to the side, standing near the doorway. He whispers to Sidhe and Priest Inazolus, handing the girl the letter. "If one of you two would like to do the introductions with the priest. I'm sure you will relate with him better than I. I will support you, but I would rather he believe that we have a 'spiritual interest' not just a 'monetary' one."

Seeing as Priest Inazolus stayed behind at the inn (admittedly, purely because I didnt want to have to write his and Sidhe's part while writing my paper), Sidhe will grab the paper. This can only go wrong from here.

Sidhe nonchalantly grabs the letter of introduction from Onnello, and enters the temple. Rather than head directly to the priest, however, she makes her way to the two injured townsfolk, and briefly observes their wounds before tending to them. She'll whisper a few words, talking politely to them while doing her best to help.

Heal: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Unfortunately, her simple administrations fail to relieve much pressure. Despite this, she'll continue to administer to them, even if it's just via conversation, until the priest comes over. It is only at that point will she make introductions.

Yuld peers over Sidhe as she attempts to administer some form of aid. "I mean no offense, Sidhe, but you don't seem very good at that. While I don't possess any medical knowledge, a bit of sorcerery always helps."

Yuld kneels down to the man with the cut leg, placing his hand above the wound. A light seems to jump from Yuld's fingers, diving into the cut. Seconds later, the wound heals.

Cure: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Yuld smiles, moving over to do the same to the other man.

Cure: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

"Not my best work, but a bit of natural healing should help. Now let your worries for them vanish, and we may focus on our task at hand."

Two spell points is kinda pricey, but doing a good is always nice.

Sidhe can tell that the townspeople’s injuries are bites of some kind, but she is unable to do much to ease their pain. Yuld, however, uses his magic and the townspeople sigh in relief and fall into a restful sleep.

”Hello there,” says the wizened priest of Erastil, standing behind Sidhe and Yuld. He looks over the townspeople and nods approval, their wounds starting to close. The priest has a white beard and long flowing robes that seem to have seen as much time on the farm as they have within a temple. ”I appreciate your kindness children. I am so very busy these days it seems. Busier than normal, at least.”

He spies the letter from the mayor, eyes keen even now.

”Ildris Ruvarra at your service. You must be looking for Nolaria then. I admit, I have not seen her in quite some time, and it’s getting me worried. Usually when she takes her ‘expeditions’ with her friends, she comes back in a day or so, but now…Well she does have a tendency to bend the rules and get herself into trouble. She’s an orphan of the Goblinblood Wars, her parents, friends of mine, were killed when a bugbear known as Gristlebriar razed the village that I and they lived in. I found little Nolaria amidst the wreckage and just knew she would one day service Erastil. She’s friends with Nixa Volsetti, though she’s off likely training to be inducted into the Isger military soon.”

”Anyway, the last place I heard Nolaria was seen was the graveyard with her old pet raven. I’m not sure what she was doing there, but you may want to investigate that area. And thank you again for helping me. Should you or any of your companions need Erastil’s aid, please come see me.”

'Why do these places always make my stomach crawl?' Stepping through the door of the temple, Onnello moves to the side, standing near the doorway. He whispers to Sidhe and Priest Inazolus, handing the girl the letter. "If one of you two would like to do the introductions with the priest. I'm sure you will relate with him better than I. I will support you, but I would rather he believe that we have a 'spiritual interest' not just a 'monetary' one."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

with Dac
Hearing Dac share his 'religious experiences' Onnello stops watching their associates and turns to the young man. As Dac finishes speaking, Onnello cocks his head and asks "Does it bother you?"

with the priest
As they continue talking Onnello sees the priest begin speaking with the others and moves toward the priest and their associates. When the priest is done with the letter, Onnello is there to accept it and put it in his purse. Raising an eyebrow he asks. "Pardon Father, I am Onnello Ustradi, investigating with these two upstanding citizens. You mentioned Nixa is Nolaria's friend, but she might be training?"

'I wonder if the farm boy knows this Nixa.' He looks from the priest to Dac, then back again. "Can you tell us where we can find this Miss Volsetti? Maybe she can help us."

Sidhe?
'Hmmm, Sidhe went to help but it appeared that it was Yuld who healed them. For a star gazer he's proving himself most valuable.' As Sidhe and Yuld draw near, he nods toward the two wounded people and asks quietly "Were their injuries common place?"

with Dac

Hearing Dac share his 'religious experiences' Onnello stops watching their associates and turns to the young man. As Dac finishes speaking, Onnello cocks his head and asks "Does it bother you?"

Dac smiles slyly. "Nah. I liken it to an distant protective uncle you almost never meet, but still wants to make sure you're not doing anything wrong or dangerous."

with the priest

'I wonder if the farm boy knows this Nixa.' He looks from the priest to Dac, then back again. "Can you tell us where we can find this Miss Volsetti? Maybe she can help us."

Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25 Probably.

"It is an honor, Ildris Ruvarra. We certainly appreciate the insight. Should we discover anything, or should you find yourself in need, we will do what we can to help."

Not certain if there's a phrase that's often said when departing in the Erastilian church, but if there is, Sidhe will say it.

Knowledge Religion: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (4) + 0 = 4

Sidhe says the diplomatic response, but she's simply going through the motions; at last, an acual place to investigate! Much better than standing around learning the local gossip.

"Were their injuries common place?"

Once outside, sidhe will answer Onnello.

"They were bite wounds. Not common, but nothing unusual, anyways," she begins to answer. "Though I do wonder, but it's probably nothing.

Are bite marks common in these parts? Local fauna that might be dangerous, etc
Seer ability: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Sidhe responds with the phrase common to followers of Erastil, and Ildris responds in kind: ”May Old Deadeye keep you in his sights.”

____

You make your way to the graveyard next. Here, hundreds of small grave markers stand between a few large mausoleums in this graveyard. Crows leer from the gravestones, scattering when other creatures draw near, only to resettle some distance away.

Milling about the gravestones, you see two giant ants stalking toward you!

In Combat!

Bold may act.
Active party buffs:
Environmental effects:
Round 1

Onnello
Sidhe
LatooRadoo
Dac
Yuld
===========================
Giant Ants (Red, Green)
===========================

crud, ninja'd by DystopianGM
just outside the temple, on their way to the graveyard.
Following Sidhe outside, curious about the answer, "Bite marks that might be relevant? Did they indicate from what? Could it have been a giant bug? Should we go back Later and ask?"

at the graveyard
'The graveyard, I hope the children are not... ahh, giant bugs. That verifies the 'rumors' Shifting his shield from his shoulder and drawing his sword, Onnello steps forward, presenting himself as a target, hoping to distract the bugs from his friends. "Well, I think we have Verified the existence of large insects."

Move action: arm shield, Move action: draws weapon, moving forward 10 ft as he does so.

You make your way to the graveyard next. Here, hundreds of small grave markers stand between a few large mausoleums in this graveyard. Crows leer from the gravestones, scattering when other creatures draw near, only to resettle some distance away.

Knowledge (religion): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

Shifting his shield from his shoulder and drawing his sword, Onnello steps forward, presenting himself as a target, hoping to distract the bugs from his friends. "Well, I think we have Verified the existence of large insects."

The young farmhand follows Sir Onnelloo's example, drawing his longsword and shield and standing to the knight's left, hoping to bolster his defenses.

Actually, Pharasma has no special connection to crows, that I know of. Instead, she prefers whipoorwhills!

Sidhe walks amidst the graves, eager to be exploring something, somewhere, anything. In fact, that she's exploring a graveyard is almost comforting; she's spent much of her time as a youth amidst them. So, it's a little surprising when the two ants come up out of nowhere; she quickly follows behind the warrior and the kid. She wants to respond to Onnello's assertion, but declines to do so; instead, she quickly gifts the kid with a vision of the creature's defence, so as to better aim his strike. Best to get this over with, and besides, the kid probably needs a little help.

Stepping up and casting True Strike on Dac; see, Sidhe does care!

"May the light of the moon protect us all." Yuld states, as a bluish glow begins to spill from his body. In seconds, it covers the area around him, imbuing a sense of energy for all within.

Activating my Moon Astrology Aura as a swift action, which gives a +1 on Fort Saves and +1 temp hp. As long as you stay within 30 feet, you get the benefits. The temp hp also recovers every round, if it wasn't spent the last round.

More than comfortable behind the cover of Onnello and Dac, Yuld decides to fire at the ants with his crossbow.

Move action to draw, standard action attack.

Ranged Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 1

By the way, Sidhe, True Strike has a range of personal. Unless your class does something to change that, you won't be able to cast it on Dac.

Slither. Slrrrgh.

LatooRadoo moves up behind Onnello and draws his dueling sword.

Sidhe, let me know if you want to change your action, as true strike will apply to only you.

Onnello and Dac move forward to protect the party, Sidhe casts a spell, Yuld attempts a ranged attack but misses, and LatooRadoo moves up and readies himself.

The ants move forward, intending to feed. A strange purple hue adorns their carapaces, and the same shade of purple can be found spread across three gravestones to the north as well, dark goo dripping down across the stone. The ants try and bite Onnello and Dac! The one attacking Dac manages to pierce the godling's defenses, mandibles driving into his side. Onnello is able to fend off the creature's attacks.

Bold may act.
Active party buffs:
Environmental effects:
Round 2

Onnello
Sidhe
LatooRadoo
Dac (-3)
Yuld
===========================
Giant Ants (Red, Green)
===========================

"Ack! Sonovabetch!" Dac cursed as the giant ant bit into his leg.
Londsword: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
The young warrior's strike glances of the giant ant's hard exoskeleton.

Sidhe, let me know if you want to change your action, as true strike will apply to only you.

I swear I knew this. I've played enough Truestrike Magi to know this; yet, for whatever reason, all I could think of when I grabbed this domain was Truestrike touching someone else. Temporary insanity, I swear. Instead, let me use the domain power Bit of Luck. Sincerest apologies.

Dac, reroll the Longsword attack, since the ability would've kicked off last round. Again, I do apologize, I lost my mind.

And for a second time, to simplify things, Bit of Luck.

Sidhe calls upon the blessings of Pharasma to channel into Dac, giving him some insight into the creature's motions.

Dachus feels Sidhe's touch on his shoulder, a touch that feels..very familiar. Huh? So that's how that feels!
Longsword: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7 Damn. To no avail.

Onnello lifts his shield, bearing a grim smile, "Yes may the light of the moon protect us." He then slashes under his shield with his longsword and the giant bug on his right. red Missing the bug, he plants the tip of his sword in the cemetery ground, "Blast!!" jerking the blade loose, he watches the bug for another opening. I'm assuming a nine misses.

aura, + 1 fort + 1 HP, attack:Coldiron Longsword, power attack
attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9 for damage: 1d8 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 2 = 11

Ouch, we got plagued by some bad rolls this round.

Yuld directs a ball of light from his hand, throwing it at the green ant.

Ranged touch attack to use my Glow ability.

1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (17) + 3 - 4 = 16

Assuming that hits... The ball connects with the ant, which in turn begins to radiate a similar light. Quickly, Yuld causes the light to grow even brighter free action. The light seems to take physical form as it wraps around the ant similar to a cocoon.

Bound Light ability, which spends a spell point in order to entangle a creature (no save). In addition, the creature must make a Fort save(DC 15) each round or be staggered for that round. It lasts 1 minute/level, but I think the combat should be over by then.

@Sidhe: No worries!

Onnello misses with his attack while Sidhe gives Dac a token of her fortune powers, though it is to no avail as his attack still misses. Yuld, on the other hand is able to entangle one of the ants! The ant struggles mightily against the web of light, but cannot break free. Both ants try and bite their respective opponents, but have just as hard a time getting hold of their opponents.

Bold may act.
Active party buffs: Moon Astrology Aura
Environmental effects:
Round 3

Onnello
Sidhe
Dac (-2)
Yuld
===========================
Giant Ants (Red, Green (entangled))
===========================

DystopianGM, I'm going to assume Onnello's Code of Chivalry won't keep him from killing an 'entangled' beast.

'We need to keep kill this beast while we have it entangled.' Shifting slightly he lifts his double edged blade and slashes at the creature again, Slipping, nearly cutting into his own foot in the process. "Blast!"
aura, + 1 fort + 1 HP, attack:Coldiron Longsword, power attack
attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5 for damage: 1d8 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 3 + 2 = 13
wow, that's all I can say type, wow.

Dachus was momentarily dazzled by the light cocoons, but took the opportunity to press his attack.
Longsword: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
Dmg.: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Yuld continues to fire bolts at the red ant, hoping to bring it down quickly.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 3 - 4 = 9
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 7

This time, Sidhe decides to touch Onnello with some forewarning.

"Looks like you could use some help, my friend!" she yells as she bestow's the gifts of Pharasma upon him.

Bit of Luck on Onnello. Let's see him hit something!

Onnello misses again with his attack, and Sidhe gives him a bit of luck for next time with her divine gifts. Dac manages to strike a telling blow against one of the ants. Yuld misses with his own attack, however.

The ants renew their frenzied attacks. The greenish ant breaks out of the light's hold enough to get a good attack in. The other ant still struggles to hit Dac again. Neither can find purchase against armor.

Bold may act.
Active party buffs: Moon Astrology Aura
Environmental effects:
Round 4

Onnello
Sidhe
Dac (-2)
Yuld
===========================
Giant Ants (Red (-8), Green (entangled))
===========================

'blast, I missed a bug that was entangled' Lifting his sword again, Onnello blushes slightly, "Apparently I could priestess, apparently I could." He then swings his longsword at the creature again. "What the blazes?" Onnello hold his sword up, staring at it in disbelief.

'bit of luck'aura, + 1 fort + 1 HP, attack:Coldiron Longsword, power attack
attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11 or attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5 for damage: 1d8 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 2 = 11

Dac, despite the circumstances, smiled to find another person who was 'lucky' like he was.
The young warrior pressed the attack against giant ant red.
Longsword: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11 Damn! These bug are hard to hit!

Sidhe wearies of the game. "Come on, let's end it!"

She quickly casts a spell, beseeching her goddess a vision of what's to come.

Casting True Strike on myself, correctly, this time!

"Bah." Yuld mutters to himself, reloading his crossbow. He releases another bolt on the foe, hoping to kill the red ant.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (9) + 3 - 4 = 8
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 4

Ouch, that's some bad rolls all around to kick off the first combat!

The team cannot gain purchase and fights to a stalemate with the ants, who continue to press in, but also continue to have trouble connecting with their attacks.

Bold may act.
Active party buffs: Moon Astrology Aura
Environmental effects:
Round 5

Onnello
Sidhe (true strike)
Dac (-2)
Yuld
===========================
Giant Ants (Red (-8), Green (entangled))
===========================

Dac continues his attack on Giant Ant Red.
Longsword: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7 These dice rolls are making me look bad in front of Sidhe!!

These dice rolls are making me look bad in front of Sidhe!!

yeah, that's what it is, the dice rolls :-)

Footing, posture, shield placement, ok, now swing following through with the whole edge.' going back to the basics of his training, Onnello slashes at the beast again. "Blast!" Just as he swings the beast shifts slightly and Onnello buries the tip of his sword in the dirt again.

aura, + 1 fort + 1 HP, attack:Coldiron Longsword, power attack
attack:: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10 for damage: 1d8 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 2 = 7

Sidhe gracefully steps out from behind Dac and quickly launches a dagger at the (red) ant.

Ranged Attack, True Strike[/dice: 1d20 + 2 + 20 - 4 ⇒ (5) + 2 + 20 - 4 = 231d4 - 2 ⇒ (1) - 2 = -1

She frowns as the strike appears to do it little harm.

I really should've paid more attention in class, she thinks.

Yuld continues to fire, but knows he cannot provide much help otherwise.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 3 - 4 = 3
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 6

The team continues their back and forth with the ants, unable to break through, though Sidhe does manage to bruise the exoskeleton of the reddish worker ant. The green ant breaks free of the light once again and tries to bite Onnello, unable to pierce his armor. However, the red ant takes another vicious bite out of Dac.

Bold may act.
Active party buffs: Moon Astrology Aura
Environmental effects:
Round 6

Onnello
Sidhe
Dac (-6)
Yuld
===========================
Giant Ants (Red (-8), Green (entangled))
===========================

"Achk!" The young warrior called out in pain from the vermin's bite. "This is getting embarrassing!"
Dac goes to strike his determined opponent once more.
Longsword: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14 Miss. But at least I got into the double digits with that roll. So I guess that's something. I guess.

'The farmboy is getting hurt, we need to kill these things.' Onnello slashes at the creature again, "We need to finish these things before anyone else gets hurt."
aura, + 1 fort + 1 HP, attack:Coldiron Longsword, power attack
attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18 for damage: 1d8 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 2 = 9
Yay, double digits and mine may actually hit.

Sidhe steps up and gives Dac another bit of luck- hopefully, this time, something worthwhile will happen. I'm getting a little tired of this.

Sidhe steps up and gives Dac another bit of luck- hopefully, this time, something worthwhile will happen. I'm getting a little tired of this.

As the probability- affecting energies wash over him again, Dac send a silent prayer to his divine parent.

Onnello slices deep into the entangled ant's exoskeleton. It screeches in pain, small flecks of purple goo flying from its wound and mouth. The same goo that looks to be concentrated on three collected headstones nearby (on map). Sidhe gives Dac a bit more luck and this time a gust of wind manages to correct Dac's swing just enough to connect dead-on as the ant tries to maneuver out of the way. Dac's sword slices the ant clean in half!

Bold may act.
Active party buffs: Moon Astrology Aura
Environmental effects:
Round 6

Onnello
Sidhe
Dac (-6)
Yuld
===========================
Giant Ants (Red, Green (-9, entangled))
===========================

Yuld reloads his crossbow, firing it at the entangled ant to finish it off.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (8) + 3 - 4 = 7
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 6

Cursing at his fumbling fingers, Yuld misses his mark.

Yuld is unable to hit the last ant as it writhes, entangled in the light.

It lashes out at Onnello again, and is able to get in a solid bite past the knight's defenses!

Bold may act.
Active party buffs: Moon Astrology Aura
Environmental effects:
Round 7

Onnello (-3)
Sidhe
Dac (-6)
Yuld
===========================
Giant Ants (Red, Green (-9, entangled))
===========================

With one more giant ant still a threat, Dac circles around the creature to corner it between himself and Sir Onnello.
Longsword: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24 WHOA!
Confirming: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19 That's confirmed!
Dmg.: 1d8 + 4 + 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 + (8) + 4 = 20
Time appears to slow for Dac, giving him the right amount of time to properly drive his longsword deep in the remaining giant ant.
Thank you, Mom!