Jade Regent, presented by DM Hamied - Campaign Thread

Game Master Hamied

Lisabett appears to blanch under the light, and quickly looks away, pulling her damp hair in front of her face. She had been so careful not to mention the contents to the captain, for fear of upsetting him further, but, her efforts were in vain.

"Desna's dreams revolve... revolve around journeys," Lisabett recognizes, and spares a glance for the pair. She makes a visible effort to continue, opening her mouth several times and struggling to make the words come. "The... object is always clear, but the way is obscured. The destination can be... fantastic, it-" Lisabett sighs and covers her eyes.

"There is no track because Koya is not here," Lisabett concludes softly. "Desna knew that the one image that would speak to each of us was that of a woman in pain," Lisabett appears to shiver as the cold finally reaches her. "The alarm bound us to a single cause."

Lisabett frowns and looks away again. It was a test of our abilities, and I failed. Again.

Almar and Sandru

"But she has to be here! 'The cave,' she said...where she would run into Almar. Here he is. Where is she?" He turns on his heel and hurries down the tunnel you have not searched.

After a moment of hesitance, Lisabett growls, and ties one edge of her wet skirt up near her hip to run after Sandru.

"He is carrying my light!"

Shelalu, Alazandaru, Raziel and Sorin

"By all right, we should be searching for Koya," Raziel sighs, "But she does not seem to be here. So I suppose we can spare some time to look at the chest."

Raziel will lead the way back to the chest.
"Almar found a key on the chief undead that might be to the chest. He handed it to me, so here it is..." He offers it on his outstretched hand.

Alazandaru, Raziel and Sorin

"We will leave no stone unturned, but whatever the skeletons were guarding may hold some clue."

Shalelu takes the key. "Thank you." She inspects the chest quickly before opening the lock. It clicks open. The chest opens at the top, the two sides sliding apart. A collection of items sits in the velvet-lined interior. The elf steps back.

Almar and Lisabett

You aren't ten steps after Sandru when you hear him cry out a warning.

"Spider!" His voice booms. "And it's huge!"

"Perhaps Mother Koya isn't in danger at all; or at least not the danger we think. It's impossible to credit that Koya would maliciously mislead us but perhaps she wanted us to find this cavern. Unearned knowledge can be dangerous. Maybe Koya, or Lady Desna through her, is guiding us in a way that will give us not only the knowledge we seek but the wisdom to use it properly."

"I do not beleive Koya to be bereft of her senses. What she's done she had done with deliberation and reason. We...I, do her a disservice questioning her motives. The more I think on it the more I'm convinced we were meant to come here. That being said, we should not overlook any facet of what we discover here. However baffling her actions may appear to us now, I believe she has earned our trust to respect that she knows what she is doing."

Nice speech...who are you trying to convince?

Sorin chuckles wryly, "Perhaps I'm the greatest fool of all though. Having said all that, I still worry."

Is the chest's ornamentation similar to the one in the goblin camp? Do we hear Sandru's voice?

Lisabett rushes forward to offer Sandru aide. She has not much in her magical arsenal, but blinding the creature may be of some small help. Should my magics succeed.

Alazandaru, Raziel and Sorin

The chest looks very similar to the one you found in the goblin camp.

Shalelu cocks her head and grumbles. She pulls her bow from her back. "The fool. It is feeding, and will ignore him if he leaves it unmolested."

Almar and Lisabett

You come around a corner to see Sandru holding the javelin aloft, as if to throw it. At the back of the small chamber is a large spider which sits in front of a tunnel of webbing. There is some deceased creature rolled up in front of it; the spider was clearly feeding when Sandru stumbled upon it. A Knowledge (Nature) check might identify the spider and its victim.

The spider has reared up defensively, but it is not advancing.

Perception roll: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
Acrobatics check: 1d20 - 4 ⇒ (8) - 4 = 4

"Still, we may have disturbed it enough that it will attack," Raziel says, as he tries to hurry back, only to fall on the slick floor.

Lisabett Knowledge (Nature) 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26 well, hello there natty 19, fancy seeing you here...

"Somehow I don't think we were sent here to kill a giant spider... but one never knows..."

So saying Almar Almar charges the creature drawing his rapier

Atletics Check:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

Attack Roll: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

Damage Roll:1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

That will start initiative. I'm about to eat dinner and then head out, so I can't set up the map right at the moment, but I will do so when I get back.

This will be clear on the map later, but there is difficult terrain (webbing) between you and the spider, thus your charge will be prevented. You'll be able to move and attack, however.

Perception 1d20 ⇒ 12
Acrobatics 1d20 - 4 ⇒ (1) - 4 = -3

"In his current state of mind he'll most certainly attack we need to..." Sorin says as he turns around. This proves to be too much for him however and the rest of his words are cut off as he face plants himself on the ground; his glaive almost scalps Raziel as he drops it.

"Alamar, NO!" Lisabett cries out in vain. It is plain that even its webbing has not been disturbed!

Darn this positive GMT timezone! Went to bed early with my husband and people are charging at spiders!

It's going to take several rounds for Alazandaru, Raziel, Sorin and Shalelu to reach the other cavern from whence Sandru's call came. I'll roll initiative for you guys on Round 3. I'm sorry to exclude you until that time, but don't let the initiative inhibit your roleplaying; if your character has something to say or do on the way to the other section of the cavern, they should!

Almar's action starts the combat, but there is no chance of a surprise round, so the initiative rolls below will dictate who acts after him.

Initiative:
Lisabett - 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
Sandru - 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Giant Wolf Spider - 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

Round One:
Almar
Sandru
Lisabett
Wolf Spider

Almar (unable to charge) steps surely up to the spider and stabs at it with his rapier. His blade sinks into the creature's side, and it lets out a hideous shriek.

But Almar's boots are caught in the sticky web on the cavern floor. Almar is entangled. As a standard action, he can make an Escape Artist or Strength check to break the webbing. He can also attack it, hitting automatically, but the webbing does have Damage Reduction.

Sandru steps forward and tried to cut Almar free. Automatic hit
1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10 points of damage.

Sandru's blade cuts away the webbing deftly, freeing Almar.

Spider Cave

Lisabett is up next.

"No!" Lisabett shrieks with the spider. "It would not have harmed anyone!"

Since there is no special instruction to make Acrobatics checks simply to move here...

Lisabett moves to G10 and raises her arms and unleashes her Storm Burst.

Lisabett Ranged Touch Attack 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 if the attack succeeds the spider will take 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7 points of non-lethal damage and the winds cause it to take a -2 penalty to its attacks next round.

Lisabett's attack falls short of its target. The spider attempts to climb onto Almar and sink its fangs into his chest. 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
If it hits, it deals 1d6 ⇒ 6 points of damage, and Almar must make a DC 14 Fortitude Save.

The spider then takes a 5-foot step back into C14

Round 2:
Almar
Sandru
Lisabett
Wolf Spider

Spider Cave

Almar is up next.

Almar feels the fangs lacerate his skin and feels a sharp stab of pain. Undeterred he follows the spider and attacks the creature again aiming for its abdomen.

Fortitude Save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
Attack roll: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
Damage Roll (if hits): 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Almar and Lisabett

Stepping into the web, Almar is once again entangled.

Sandru steps forward to E12 and slashes at the webbing again. Automatic hit
It deals 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10 points of damage.

The Varisian once again cuts Almar free of the web. He cries out in frustration. "Don't walk into its web!"

Spider Cave

Lisabett is up next.

Alazandaru, Raziel and Sorin

Shalelu reaches a hand out to both of you and hoists you to your feet. "If you cannot run on slick stone, then walk." She turns and hurries down the dark tunnel.

Let me know if you follow.

Sorin follows as quickly as he can.

Reckoning that her words are lost to the monster cleaving at the spider, Lisabett raises her arms again and speaks in tongues unknown even to herself, unleashing the Storm Burst again.

Lisabett Ranged Touch Attack 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11 if the attack succeeds the spider will take 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 points of non-lethal damage and the winds cause it to take a -2 penalty to its attacks next round.

Alazandaru follows (his last post was suggesting rejoining the others anyway).

Did Almar suceed in attacking the spider or entanglement prevented it?

You did succeed, Almar.

The gust of wind buffets the spider, but it does not seem to be affected. It tries once again to bite Almar. 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
If it hits, it deals 1d6 ⇒ 2 points of damage, and Almar must make a DC 14 Fortitude Save.

The spider then climbs up the wall and onto the ceiling. This provokes an Attack of Opportunity from Almar.

The glow from Lisabett's javelin wears off. It becomes very dark.

I will roll initiative for Alazandaru, Raziel, Sorin and Shalelu. Alazandaru and Shalelu will arrive this round (light armor). Raziel and Sorin will arrive next round (heavy armor).

Initiative:
Alazandaru - 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
Raziel - 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Sorin - 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
Shalelu 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

The light on Alazandaru's armor would have already expired, but your group has two sunrods going now. I'm not sure if you renewed it. In either case, Almar, Lisabett and Sandru all begin the round in darkness. Almar's AoO happens before the light spell fades.

Round 3:

Almar
Sandru
Alazandaru
Lisabett
Shalelu
Wolf Spider

Spider Cave

Almar is up next (in the dark), but he can first make an AoO (not in the dark).

Attack of opportunity:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Damage roll: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

And when the glow fades Almar will go in full defence mode.

Almar's rapier sticks the spider once again.

Sandru also goes into Full-Defense (good call). He moves back to F10.

Spider Cave

Alazandaru is up next.

Taking over Alazandaru for now. I'm going to rule that Raziel recast light on his armor, so he casts light in a 20 foot radius.

Acrobatics - 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11
Alazandaru double-moves to K13.

Spider Cave

Lisabett is up next.

Recognizing Alazandaru's brilliant entrance spells the spider's certain doom, Lisabett quietly casts Light, affixing it to her javelin quiver and begins singing a mournful song in Skald.

Lisabett untrained Perform (Sing) 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7 blech...

Acrobatics - 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22
Shalelu double-moves to K14.

The wolf spider shoots a web at Almar from the ceiling. 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19 (vs. touch)
If it hits, Almar is entangled.

The spider is in E15, but is 15 feet above you on the ceiling. It is out of the reach of melee weapons.

Round 4:
Almar
Sandru
Alazandaru
Lisabett
Shalelu
Wolf Spider
Sorin
Raziel

Spider Cave

Almar is up next.

Sorry still very busy with a house-guest, thanks for botting. Should return to normal posting within 48 hours, i'll take Alazandaru's next action within my 24 hour window.

If light returned before the Spider attacked then he could not hit Almar with its roll of 19 because Almar was in total defence, so he had an AC of 22 (18+4). If still in darkness Almar would have been hit, but from what I gather that's not the case, either way Almar will move to D14 and attack (with -4 to Attack Rolls if entangled)

Attack Roll: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

Damage roll (if hits): 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

I just noticed you wrote the spider is out of reach of melee weapons. Since no one posted yet If possible I'd like to change my previous action to:" Drop rapier, draw pistol and shoot". Modifiers would be the same as above anyway. If not possible just consider Almar misjudged distances and wasn't able to attack the spider.

The light is back, but the web attack was against Touch AC. If I'm not mistaken, Almar's Touch AC is 14(+4 for Total Defense = 18), so a 19 hits and Almar is entangled.

I'll allow you to draw and fire your pistol instead, and you can use your same attack roll, but you'll need to reroll damage, as that dice is different.

"We should not fight a spider in its den!" Sandru calls out as he attempts to cut Almar free again. Automatic hit
Damage 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

The webbing has DR 5/-
Sandru is not able to cut Almar free.

Spider Cave

Alazandaru is up next, but I need a d8 roll from Almar.

"We should not fight a spider in its den!" Sandru calls out as he attempts to cut Almar free again.

Then why did you shout out, start a fight and bring us all running? Sorin can't help but wonder with some annoyance.

Damage roll: 1d8 ⇒ 1

... no comment

Alazandaru moves as close as possible without entering the webbing DM decide movement please couldn't get the map to load for me today and hurls one of his knives at the spider.

Assuming my throw will be from 15-20 feet and thus a -2 penalty is applied already.

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Seeing that Alazandaru has entered the fray, that he is lit and attacking the spider, Lisabett's action is to withdraw to G7.

Lisabett untrained Acrobatics 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

The spider shudders with the impact of Almar's shot, but it is Alazandaru's dagger that finishes it. The creature hangs in its web, lifeless.

"What a waste." Shalelu says, her voice cold. "But I take responsibility. I passed through here but gave no warning. I forget the rash nature of humans at times."

Raziel runs in after everything is finished.

"Ah, it is taken care of," he says, with a bit of relief.
"Was anyone injured?"

"I was, but nothing really serious I'd say. Let's get going, I want to understand why this place should be worth all of this trouble"

Lisabett continues walking away from the gruesome scene, more than a little cross. She is certain that between Alazandaru's light, and the Elven woman's eyes and convenient knowledge her paltry skills and weak magics are superfluous. She begins moving towards the exit of the cave.

Almar notices Lisabett moving away and raises his voice:"Would you mind if we sticked togheter for once, miss? There could be other surprises around here and we are better fighting them off togheter rather than alone"

Lisabett turns and glowers at Alamar. "I will not travel with monsters."

"What are you talking about?" Raziel inquires. "What monster?"

"Han" Lisabett hisses in Skald, and points at Alamar. "The spider frighten only. He attack unprovoked. I say stop many times, but he listen not," she explains in thickly accented common, her voice near breaking with the effort to communicate her thoughts in her second tongue.

For a split second a look of genuine suprise lights Almar's features. But the gunslinger immediately recovers his usual cool.

"So you are angry at me because I attacked a giant spider ready to take a bite out of Sandru, here. I don't know much about you, but try to remember this about me: my job here is to protect people, and if I have to kill man-eating spiders to get the job done I'll do it, time and again. If you are alone and you want to put yourself in the way of danger, that's entirely your business but as long as you are part of a team you stay with it and help it, and part of that is NOT making it harder for your companions to do their work. I don't need your respect, but I EXPECT you to do your part as any one else here. And for me, if you leave now you are out of the team"

Almar's tone as he speaks is devoid of any emotion, but it's pretty clear he means what he's saying.

Lisabett boils over with rage, and her body can be seen to give off steam as the temperature around her drops.

"Han listen ikke! Spider threat ikke!" she yells, and points to where the gekko lies still in its cocoon. "It eats, du kill! Look! Look at the web! No struggle!"

Raziel backs off slowly towards Sandru.
"Uh... Sandru. You've traveled with these two, I believe," Raziels says in a low voice to Sandru. "Were they always this... volatile? Do you think you can get them to stand down? I don't feel my diplomacy would be welcome or even tolerated at this point."

Shelyn give me strength... Sorin rolls his eyes but manages to keep his voice calm. "We're acting like children. We can argue later about how pointless this fight was and who is to blame for it, if anyone thinks it's important, but that isn't now."

"I don't know why the dream led us here, as it now seems unlikely that Koya is actually in this place, but here we are. The only thing of note here has been the chest. I have faith that we were not sent here without reason so I suggest we search what remains of this place, retrieve the chest, leave here and use what knowledge we do possess to decide what needs to be done next."