Journey to the East - Jade Regent (Inactive)

Game Master Severed Ronin

Round 3, Init 20

Mukluk will continue to show how dwarves fight, maintaining his defensive position near the big man. No move.

If any skeletons move within 5', Mukluk will 5' step and swing.
1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 1 = 5 to hit; (bard)
1d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 1 = 4 piercing damage. (bard)

"C'mere you bony bastards. I'll show you how dwarves fight."

Round 2 Initiative 18

György skirts past the enlarged Treygan to come within a spears reach of one of the remaining skeletons and attempt to stab it with his spear. "Fall foul creatures of blackness. The light of Desna will guide you to a peaceful home in he heavens."
Free Action: Continue Sermonic Performance: +1 Attack and Damage. 7/7 rounds used so this expires at the end of Round 2.
Move Action: Move 20 feet directly to his left across the grid.
Standard Action: Attack 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8 Damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
AoO 1: Attack 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7 Damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
AoO 2: Attack 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25 Damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
AoO 2 Confirm: Attack 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12 Damage: 2d8 + 10 ⇒ (4, 1) + 10 = 15 Additional if confirmed
AoO 3: Attack 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23 Damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

Round 2, Init 12_____

Shouts a war cry as well as he can with a torch between his teeth (and trying to keep the flames from igniting his crest), he takes a step foward and Power attacks a convenient skeleton.
Mace Power attack: 1d20 + 5 - 1 ⇒ (10) + 5 - 1 = 14 for a possible 1d8 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 2 = 10 bludgeoning damage.

Initiative 16

Moving to a Flanking position "on a left side"
Acrobatics 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22

Attack with "The Beating Stick"
Attack 1d20 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 + 1 + 2 = 10
Damage 1d6 + 1 + 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 1 + 1 + (5) = 11

Including Gyorgy's Inspire and Flanking

"Smash, SMASH, them brittle bones! Down to dust and true death you go!"

Clearly encouraged by her previous swing, Corvus continues to attack by targeting the nearest skeleton.

Mace: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 21d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Edit - You know what they say about pride...

Mukluk hefts his heavy pick and skirts up the battlefield, readying himself to attack any of the skeletons who stray too close to his ire. Corvus, fresh off the defeat of her previous foe, rushes forward recklessly and swings at another skeleton, hoping to repeat her pervious victory. Unfortunately, her pride causes her to misjudge the distance to her foe and the blade falls short of its intended target. With his voice wearing too raspy to continue his sermon, Gyorgy belches out a final rousing speech and moves forward to spear one of the skeletons near Sir Gavin. While his initial attack fails when his spear slides between two bones, failing to affect the skeleton, two of the three stepping forward manage to find Gyorgy's wrath to be too much and they fall against his unexpected attacks, his spear nicking a critical set of bones in the leg that causes them to fall helplessly to the ground and out of the fight. The one in the immediate vicinity of Gyorgy and Gavin attempts to attack, taking a small step forward to gain momentum for his attack. The one near Corvus attempts retaliation against her as well and it would seem Gyorgy's reverence of his goddess was enough to grant Desna's upon the group as all attacks miss. Taking advantage of their inaccurate attacks, Jean rushes by the one attacking Corvus and slips into a flanking position. Unfortunately his insane rage masks his focus and his attack bounces off its skeletal frame. Seeing his newfound allies losing their focus and morale at their failed attacks, Sir Gavin attempts to inspire them with a war cry that brings his bludgeon down upon the last skeleton remaining near he and Gyorgy. The attack hits home and the skeleton crumbles. Invigorated by Gavin's war cry and intent on assisting his allies, Treygan learns to control his new size and steps forward, bringing his weapon down upon the final skeleton remaining between Jean and Corvus. This attack by such an enlarged weapon, even their allies, causes the ground to shake between Treygan's two allies. Having waited to witness the results of the fight, Tsutamu steps forward into the water and raises his blade. "Your honor has prevailed against my brethren, Sir Gavin de Monteforte, but will it be enough to defeat my own?" He sloshes forward a few steps and stops halfway between his previous location and Sir Gavin. "Let us settle whose honor is greater." The challenge is laid.

Round 4, Init 20

Mukluk will watch the challenge to Sir Gavin, as well as how he responds.

"Did you want aid, Sir? Or shall we watch and applaud your victory?"

Mukluk delays, waiting to see if Gavin wants help.

Map

"May Desna's light bless your battle son. If you desire assistance, don't hesitate to ask."

Round 4, Init 12_____

Sir Gavin spits his torch out (on a dry piece of ground) points his mace at the skeleton warrior and shouts "I accept your challenge!
Swift Act: Sword's Challenge
He runs up to the skeleton yelling and attacks.

Mace Power attack: 1d20 + 5 - 1 ⇒ (6) + 5 - 1 = 10 for a possible 1d8 + 3 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 2 + 2 = 12 bludgeoning damage.

"Did you want aid, Sir? Or shall we watch and applaud your victory?"

Round 4, Init 20

Mukluk looks at Gyorgy, then at Gavin. "The knight might be deaf. He didn't answer the dang question."

Mukluk sighs and double moves (avoiding AoOs) to get directly behind Sir Gavin.

"Although apparently you can't hear me talk, I got your back, Gavin."

"Mukluk, do you remember Sir Leonar? These knights are sometimes magnificent warriors and not such masterful listeners. At least this one probably won't be eaten by a bear."

Providing there are no other actions anyone would like to intervene with at the moment, I'll continue. Tsutamu's readied action triggers on Gavin's approach. He attacks. His readied rolls are listed under the last GM rolls section.

As Sir Gavin steps into range to attack, Tsutamu brings his exotic blade to bear on the cavalier. Sidestepping Sir Gavin's attack, the skeletal champion flips his blade around and lets it's edge find the chink between the cavalier's armor just underneath Sir Gavin's right arm, cutting into the knight's side. Choosing not to attack the wounded cavalier again, the skeletal Tsutamu stays his blade and again goads his opponent. "You dropped guard on your right flank, Sir Gavin. Perhaps your honor is wavering or perhaps honor has nothing to do with it? Perhaps you're instead driven by some blind illusion of valor. Would you care to reconsider your approach and perhaps formulate a less predictable plan of attack?"

Damage = 8 HP

Round 5, Init 12_____

Stung at missing and being hit in turn, Gavin snarls and is more cautious in his follow up attack.
"Helpful advice, Spirit of Tsutamu? I think I'll pass. I can see how well it served your companions."

Mace attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13 for a possible 1d8 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 2 = 7 bludgeoning damage.

Snatching up a fallen skeletal warrior's radius and ulna, Jean will tumble behind the skeletal abomination into a flanking position with the Cavalier.

Acrobatics 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20

Waving the arm at Tsutamu but directing his voice to Gavin,
"Sir knight, looks like you may need some assistance."

At the skeleton "Excuse me sir, but I think your friends had some issues...they are falling apart."

Using the arm for the Aid Another Action to improve AC (improvised weapon) 1d20 - 4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (15) - 4 + 2 + 2 = 15

Round 5, Init 20

Mukluk grumbles, but still stands behind Gavin should he request overt help.

"C'mon Gavin. Fight like a dwarf! Put your back into it!"

Mukluk will lay his hand upon Sir Gavin's back, augmenting him.

+2 to your strength for one round, Sir Gavin. Use it wisely. (1/6)

As ever Corvus is in two minds. The preamble sounded like some sort of knightly one-on-one - and she expected Sir Gavin would not appreciate help - less it offended his chivalric vows. But then Jean wades in with bits of an arm to make her doubt her decision.

Finally she decides to hold back unless Sir Gavin asks or more of the group intervene. 'I just hope I'm doing the right thing...'

Mukluk steps up to Sir Gavin and mutters an incantation that sends a surge of arcane strength flowing through the cavalier's veins. Sir Gavin can feel the muscles in his arm flex at their newfound vigor and the power revitalizes his fighting ability. Corvus and Gyorgy stand back, offering morale support and the comfort in knowing that they'll let nothing happen to their ally today. Meanwhile, Jean takes a more active approach as he cartwheels, flips, and somersaults his way past Tsutamu, securing a bone from one of the fallen skeleton's as he does. Though he allows Sir Gavin to continue this fight alone, he does put Tsutamu on edge and provide a small boon to the cavalier's strategy. Still trying to find the right strategy against this skeletal samurai, however, proves to be the brave knight's downfall.

"Could this be your honor failing? Are you truly unable to provide even a simple challenge?" Tsutamu goads again as he attacks, attempting to demoralize the valorous Sir Gavin, but failing to do so. Despite his missed attacks, Sir Gavin realizes that his newfound allies are watching over him and this boosts his morale.

Sir Gavin, I'm not sure what your AC is now, but if a 23 hits, then you take 12 damage. I think it misses though if I calculated correctly.

György holds his spear at the ready, but holds off on becoming directly involved in the fight. He watches the latest exchange between the combatants when he thinks he sees a weakness in Tsutamu's defense. He hisses, "There Sir Gavin. After he strikes he holds his sword a little high and left. If you attack below, you might catch him."
Perception 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
No idea if you'd consider that a legitimate use of aid other. György won't interfere more directly without word from Sir Gavin. He doesn't have much he can do right now since he has open slots for spells and is our of sermonic performance.

Round 6, Init 20

Seeing Sir Gavin take yet another hit, Mukluk grumbles.

"C'mon men. Looks like he's going to need our help. Gavin, fight like a dwarf! Put your back into it!"

Mukluk will lay his hand upon Sir Gavin's back, augmenting him.

+2 to your strength for one round, Sir Gavin. Use it wisely. (2/6)

By my count, Sir Gavin has the effect this round and next.

Treygan steps towards the melee, but holds from striking for Sir Gavin's honor. He does prepare to strike should it become needed.

Move within melee, standard to ready a strike if Sir Gavin requests.

Sorry I missed Mukluk's question earlier.[/b]

Sir Gavin tries to waive off the others when they try to aid another, cast spells to help him, and he won't take advantage of the flank. As a knight who accepted a challenge, well, it would just be improper.
[ooc]And so he took that last nasty hit as well. Got to take the bad with the good.

Round 6, Init 12_____

Sir Gavin staggers at that last it, and comes right back.
"A powerful strength you have, Spirit of Tsutamu! You may even be able to beat me, if fortune favors you. But you? You are already vanquished. See these companions of mine? Most of them are not knights, and so feel no compunction about fighting you five on one. This day is your last!"
Intimidate (Demoralize): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

Mace attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10 for a possible 1d8 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 2 = 6 bludgeoning damage.

Jean will stay in his flanking position and continue trying to distract the skeleton with the bones.

Aid Another (+2 AC) 1d20 - 4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (2) - 4 + 2 + 2 = 2

György winces at Sir Gavin's injury, but respects the knights wishes and stays at the edge of the battle.

Tsutamu looks to Sir Gavin first and then around the area. It seems as if the cavalier's words may well bear weight with the ancient undead. "Perhaps you are right, Sir Gavin de Monteforte." Without hesitation, he turns his blade on himself as a samurai still alive and prepares to plunge the blade through his empty ribcage. "You upheld your honor. Now grant me mine."

Full round - Coup de grace on self

Uh, totally wasn't expecting that!

Mukluk stands, jaw dropped, unable to move and comprehend what is happening.

Sir Gavin just stands there dumbfounded, unable to process what just happened.
"What..." He looks back at the others. "What just happened? He was winning..."

Treygan looks towards the fallen body of Tsutamu. "I guess he knew even if he won against you, he would ultimately fall. So he decided to end his life on his own with honor." He then bows his head and offers a prayer to Sarenrae for the honorable foe.

"What did you do to it, Gavin? What is going on?" Mukluk says with confusion. "That's the dangest thing, Ser! It's like he got a good look at your face and decided to kill himself even deader than he was."

Mukluk rubs his beard, pondering.

"You ever see anything like that, Gyorgy?"

"Well, ain't no use letting his stuff just rot here."

Mukluk casts Detect Magic and begins to have a look around.

György shakes his head, "I thought I'd seen a lot of strange things in my travels Mukluk, but nothing like that." He bends to make sure the skeleton is actually dead and it isn't some form of trickery.
Heal 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

As Tsutamu's blade pierces his body in ritual seppuku, his skeletal frame erupts in a blazing light which temporarily blinds you all. (No mechanical effect.) When the now lifeless (or unlifeless) bones collapse to the ground, you hear a click-and-turn as if a key in a lock. Mukluk's magical detection pings off the chest Tsutamu had been guarding as it's lock falls open. Magical energy continues to resonate from within. Inside the chest is lined with velvet and while it's clear some items are missing, there remains quite a few items of interest. Having encountered them before, you instantly recognize the five potions of cure light wounds and though it takes a moment you recognize two vials as more potent forms of the previous potions (two potions of cure moderate wounds). Also contained within the chest are:

Three vials of a similar texture as the healing vials
Ring forged with a simian (monkey) motif
Wand of some sort
Masterwork chain shirt
Masterwork cold iron blade (of similar make to Tsutamu's)
15 fireworks (11 Desnan candles, 4 skyrockets)
450 GP and 3800 SP
Fine Jewelry

In addition to the contents of the chest, Tsutamu's sword radiates a magical aura as well. Beyond these items no other magic is present in the area. Gyorgy's check of the creature known as Tsutamu indicates he is well and truly passed on.

"The bones rest for certain now." György rises and turns to the chest as Mukluk points out the contents of the chest. After pointing out the potion of lesser restoration György smiles, "Ah, this wand might make the identification of these items much easier. It is not a spell that Desna graces me with the ability to use, but it might help one of you with arcane knowledge to learn more of these."
Spellcraft (Potion 1) 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
Spellcraft (Potion 2) 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Spellcraft (Potion 3) 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Spellcraft (Ring) 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
Spellcraft (Wand) 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
Spellcraft (Blade) 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
Perception (Blade) 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Mukluk rubs his hand together excitedly when the chest opens. It's not a factor of greed so much, but of discover.

"Ooh...ooh...this chest has secrets! I can tell! Let's take a looksee here," Mukluk says with his Detect Magic still running.

Mukluk grabs the potions first, doling them out as he explains what they are.

Take 10 Spellcraft on the stuff: 18.

"Oh yeah, some nice things here: 3 bottles of restoring tonic, a nice ring of monkey-climbing, a wand...of magical specifications. Oh yeah, nice stuff. We can sell some of that in town maybe."

Mukluk reaches for blade, holding it like a 'man' who has rarely held a sword. (Mukluk and his family much prefer the pick, you know.)

"This sword is nice. Helps you protect others...blahblah...explains more, see spoiler..." Mukluk says, preparing to hand the blade over before he draws it back.

1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21 Perception

"...wait a minute, whaddawe got here?" Mukluk examines the pommel, excited again for discovery.

Mukluk draws out the letter and passes it around.

"Well, that's kinda neat, ain't it?"

With that, Mukluk rummages through his pack, drawing out his merchant's scale. Oh yeah...gunna use my scale! Stand back.

Mukluk begins to weigh and measure the fine jewelry on the scale, trying to estimate value.

1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 3 + 2 = 23 Appraise

Dude, the scale = crane wing = wizards. Totally OP.

Edit: Damn you NinjaGyorgy! I'm letting this post stand because I worked on it.

Jean still prods the unanimated skeleton with the bones he'd been holding...[/b]"Well, huh...that's different"[/b]

After half listening to Mukluk reading and explaining the letter, one phrase does stick to Jean's mind...Brinewall. "Brine wall, Its sounds like something related to the sea..."

Profession Sailor 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Anything Mr GM sir?

"As honorable as that...that knight was, I find it hard to believe he would have lead his...soldiers against the goblins without cause. This could easily be the source of the goblins fireworks, taken from here. I'd like to have another chat with Gutwad."

Treygan reads the note when passed around, "That it does, Jean. Kaijitsu? Corvus, think this might be a relative of Ameiko's? Might be worth bringing the box back to her, see if she knows more about it. We should also give Tsutamu and his men a proper burial, Right Sir Gavin?"

Corvus stands back and lets the others pore over the magical items. She'll check the accuracy of their 'findings' in her own time.

In reaction to Treygan, she nods. "Good idea - if anyone can shed light on this, hopefully she can."

Sir Gavin looks up.
"Yes, yes. It's the least we can do. Such devotedness to duty..." He shakes his head. "I can scarcely imagine doing the same myself."

GM - the year 4687 - how long ago was that?

GM - the year 4687 - how long ago was that?

It is 4713 so almost 25 years old.

After identifying and taking the items you desire, you bury Tsutamu's bones and finally lay the old warrior to rest alongside his brethren. Jean's knowledge bears no fruit in regards to the city of Brinewall unfortunately. Maybe someone else in Sandpoint knows more on the subject. With the source of the undead blight laid to rest you are faced with a choice: return to Chief Gutwad and his tribe of Goblins or make the trek back to Sandpoint with questions for Ameiko?

"I think for now, let's take this chest back to the warden's house and rest for the evening. It will give us time to recover first. Then, if he's agreeable, we can leave it there while we speak with the goblins. I for one expect some answers about this."

At some point during the conversation Treygan also offers Sir Gavin to help heal some of his wounds.

LoH, 2 uses: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 2) = 3

I think the year is 4714 now. :)

When things are sorted with the skeletons, Mukluk quickly agrees with Treygan.

"That sounds like a good plan. We rest up and then go talk to them goblins. And maybe they will hold up their end of the deal...or we'll get our ears and profit nicely off this trip," Mukluk confirms.

Mukluk reaches to help Sir Gavin back to his horse.

"C'mon, ain't no shame to being stuck that by that thing. You can really take a blow, you can. And that thing was nasty, no doubt. You stood tall and his repeated blows like a man, and you didn't even try to fight back. That was a good show the way you waved your weapon near and around him, but didn't dare strike him. Quite brave, Sir. Very brave," Mukluk celebrates.

"Let's get you back on your horse and back to the cabin. We'll rest this night and get you back to feeling right."

Sir Gavin bows with relief at the healing from Treygan.

"Yes, yes, very droll Master Mukluk." Replied Sir Gavin as he fended off Mukluk's attempts to load him back aboard Sovereign.
"In truth I'm to sore to sit in the saddle at the moment. Let Toshiro sit in the saddle, he is clearly unwell."
He looked down at Mukluk with an arched eyebrow.
"Well Master Mukluk; you have the look of one about to regale us of the tale of how you would have done better."

Yikes! I rolled pretty bad there. I'll use my last two on you as well.

Seeing Sir Gavin still injured, Treygan offers the last of Sarenrae's gifts to him this day.

LOH, 2 more: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 2) = 4

Guess Treygan wasn't meant to be a healer.

"Well Master Mukluk; you have the look of one about to regale us of the tale of how you would have done better."

Mukluk laughs.

"Well, I woulda called my friends in to help. Ain't no use dying for no reason, Sir," Mukluk says, looking around for a potion or something to offer to Sir Gaven. "Or I might have fought back, I dunno. Might have tried to take it down before it hurt me further."

Mukluk rubs the back of his neck while answering Sir Gavin's question.

"But I'm not a knight, you see. I don't know much about that...but you can ask me to drive your wagon, I can do that."

Mukluk keeps on walking back to the cabin, resting for the night, then to the goblins.

"Yes, but Mukluk...he did hit the skeleton many times...with his blood."

Nodding as he speaks.

"Or perhaps Sir Superior just needed a little humbling experience and a reminder of the realities of life. Life is pain, without it. How do you even know you are alive? I've heard myths of the afterlives...happiness, light, no pain, no sorrow, no want."

Jean looks down, kind of pensive. Pauses for a few moments, reaches up to touch his left ear but stops himself...he looks up, his eyes brighten for a moment...

"Then again Sir Superior, perhaps you did defeat him by your honorous virtue of being alive. As that thrice cursed bastard of a ships captain of mine used to say, 'Only the victorious live, survival is true victory. THEY can afford honor.'"

He shrugs and starts to walk towards the trail...

Sir Gavin bows again to Treygan.
"Again my thanks Sir Treygan. I should be able to hold my end up in battle again."

He raises his eyebrow at Mukluk again.
"So, you are just a wagon driver. Just passing through on your way to where?"

He shakes his head at Jean's tirade in disbelief.
"That boy just is not right in the head..." He mutters to the others.

Mukluk offers Sir Gavin his potion of CLW...unless someone has a better way to heal the knight.

Gavin waives the potions away.
"No, no. Save the potions for when in combat."

Corvus allows the others to talk. Perhaps the banter is a man's way of saying sorry for being rude before? As the banter unfolds, she corrects her opinion.

In response to Sir Gavin's comment on Jean, she snaps at him. "You don't know what he's been through to judge him like that. And you a man of honour too? Perhaps manners aren't something you're taught at knight's school?"

She flushes as she finishes - but bites her tongue when an apology of her own tries to escape.

He raises his eyebrow at Mukluk again.

"So, you are just a wagon driver. Just passing through on your way to where?"

Mukluk enjoins Sir Gavin's draw dropping at Jean's remarks, wondering about the personal torment of the elf. He decides to change the subject.

"Oh, no job currently. Just stopping in town to make acquaintances with an old friend and to pay my respects to a lost friend. I expect I'll be on the next caravan out of town."