Megan's Curse of the Crimson Throne (Inactive)

Game Master Megan Robertson

Ashe moves to the square just south of the {C6} room label.

Addressing the large mangy wererat in Hybrid form, "Girrigz - I am Ashe 'The Grey Knight', Eries 'Yelloweyes' has told us of your schemes to attack the citizens of Korvosa... that plots ends here and now! Your only 'domain' shall be the courtyards of 'The Lady of Graves'... in death!"

Ashe heft his silver shortsword and shield ready to receive his attack.

Not taking is eyes off the wererat Ashe says over his shoulder, "There is another exit from the chamber to the south circle around so he has no retreat or escape!"

Ashe hates telegraphing his tactics that way... but without Majenko present there was nothing for it but to proceed.

Ashe holds his current position allowing space for other to enter the room but not over extending their front. Girrigz does not know their numbers.

Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

Una rapidly tumbles to the south, rolling over and around her crossbow in the process, she didn't stop to think of exactly what she was rolling through, she could always take a bath with lots of soap and lots of wine later.

Initiative
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

Acrobatics
1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25

Init: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Icabhod moves behind Una so to aid her in blocking any escape.

initative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15

Staying behind Ashe, Gronk begins to call on the power of Groteus to provide allies.

Prineste služobníkov ku mne!

Begin casting Summon Monster II. Won't be complete until just before my next turn.

Girrigz snarls "Who are you, walker above, to demand anything? It is against the threats of the likes of you that I defend my people!"

He isn't actually attacking yet, although he looks as if he'd really, really enjoy tearing Ashe apart. His eyes flicker as Una makes a spectacular rolling dive across the floor, Icabhod backing her up and Gronk following in, muttering incantations...

Yes, I read enough Slovak to understand that... used to do the same thing with one DM who liked incantations to be said, only in my native tongue, Welsh!

Ashe is succinct - for once, "...you are mistaken, this is not a debate. Its an execution, I am your executioner! Know this... you are the only wererat dying today... we let the others go in peace. Give my regards to oblivion!"

Ashe says no more but moves to attack...

Free Action: {Smite Evil - Girrigz; Ashe AC 'Current": 26 vs Girrigz}
Move Action: Move 20'ft into melee
Standard Action: Attack w/Shortsword - Power Attack 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 12 - 2 = 27
{Shortsword-Alchemical Silver} Damage: 1d6 + 3 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 5 + 4 = 16

... Yes, I read enough Slovak to understand that... used to do the same thing with one DM who liked incantations to be said, only in my native tongue, Welsh!

As far as I know, never met anyone that read any Slovak before. I just put something in google translate and pick languages until I get something that looks properly bizzare. Slovak has worked the last couple of times. I don't make any attempt to do anything like that for in-person games though.

From her crouched position, Una releases two alchemical silver crossbow bolts at the wererat.

Attack 1
1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25
1d10 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

Attack 2
1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10
1d10 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Battle Template
HP 29/29
AC 16/14/16
Saves F5R4W5
In hand:
Spells in effect: Mage Armor (+4 AC 1 Hour)
Spells per day unlimited/7/3

Icabhod unleashes a ray of Elemental Frost against the wererat.
1/6 used ranged touch.
Frost ray: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 171d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Girrigz looks as if he is about to say something else, then you lot attack him and he's far too busy trying to defend himself!

Round 1

No surprise, everyone was ready for this.

Girrigz's initiative: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

Icabhod is first to move, unleashing a coruscating freezing ray at Girrigz, which he only barely evades. In a blur of action, Una releases two silver crossbow bolts at him, the first hits but the second goes wide.

Girrigz snarls and launches an assault on Ashe with his rapier.

Girrigz's attack: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (20) + 13 = 33, damage 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Gronk is busy muttering incomprehensively, whilst Ashe steps forward aiming a mightly blow at the belligerant wererat,

Round 2 on Gronk's initiative.
The following assumes Girrigz is still standing and a threat...

A small roughly humanoid lump of dirt rises up behind Girrigz. It immediately swings a stony fist at the wererat's back.
small earth elemental slam: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25, damage if hit: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Gronk continues to call on the power of Groteus, Brániť božský je choroba!
Ray of Sickening, save DC=17

Megan, just to be fair. It looks like Grigz potentially crit-hit there.

Girrigz looks as if he is about to say something else, then you lot attack him and he's far too busy trying to defend himself!

Round 1

No surprise, everyone was ready for this.

Girrigz's initiative: 1d20+8

Icabhod is first to move, unleashing a coruscating freezing ray at Girrigz, which he only barely evades. In a blur of action, Una releases two silver crossbow bolts at him, the first hits but the second goes wide.

Girrigz snarls and launches an assault on Ashe with his rapier.

Girrigz's attack: 1d20+13, damage 1d6+4

Gronk is busy muttering incomprehensively, whilst Ashe steps forward aiming a mightly blow at the belligerant wererat,

** spoiler omitted **

Meggan: You should roll to confirm that critical hit upon Ashe Megs.. you rolled a natural 20! I will hold off listing the damage until you confirm or otherwise that critical hit! AC26 to confirm.

Ashe is pierced by a supernaturally aimed thrust with Girrigz's rapier that strikes a joint in his Full Plate armor at the shoulder where the mail of his under armor is exposed! Part in surprise and part in pain he gasps in shock... but he is undeterred in his resolve to END this evil creature...!!

Round 2

"Ugnh~!!"

Ashe hefts his shield to better cover his wounded shoulder blood staining the golden hued armor plates of his shoulder.

A brief act of will and a golden glow suffuses his armored shoulder, and though the armor is still stained with blood... the blood flow ceases...

Not holding back Ashe continues his assault! Swinging his glowing shortsword around in a characteristic overhead swing Ashe's large white plume atop his helm bobs with the familiar motion as he brings the silver shortsword around to strike again... Power Attack!

[DM: Since Ashe has been successfully struck in combat - his 'Sanctified Shield' Drops so his current AC is 25 vs Girrigz - until Ashe channels positive energy to reactivate his Sanctified Shield]
Free Action: {Lay On Hands - Self} 2d6 ⇒ (1, 1) = 2
Standard Action: Attack w/Shortsword - Power Attack 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 12 - 2 = 25
{Shortsword-Alchemical Silver} Damage: 1d6 + 3 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 5 + 4 = 14

Initiative 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

Calmly not wishing to waste any further Magical resources, Varrel moves around to the side. Happy to let Ashe engage for now.
He does draw up the power within to SLUMBER the wererat. Vengeance could be much more safely delivered by a pick to a sleeping head.

DC16 will save or fall asleep for 5 rds

Blast! Quite missed that natural 20, just read the total & saw he'd hit Ashe. Thanks for pointing it out.

Girrigz's crit confirm: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16 - so no worries, he didn't critical after all.

OK. On with the brawl... or at least once Icabhod says what he's doing next.

Does he save vs sleep?

Blast! Quite missed that natural 20, just read the total & saw he'd hit Ashe. Thanks for pointing it out.

Girrigz's crit confirm: 1d20+13 - so no worries, he didn't critical after all.

OK. On with the brawl... or at least once Icabhod says what he's doing next.

Got it Megs! Updating Ashe's hit points.

Icabhod pew-pews

Battle Template
HP 29/29
AC 16/14/16
Saves F5R4W5
In hand:
Spells in effect: Mage Armor (+4 AC 1 Hour)
Spells per day unlimited/7/3

Icabhod unleashes a ray of Elemental Frost against the wererat.
2/6 used ranged touch.

Pew!: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 101d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Round 2

Icabhod lets fly with a, it must be said, woefully poorly aimed ray of frost...

Una??? Drat. What are you doing?

Girrigz snarls and slashes at Ashe again.

Girrigz's attack: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28, damage 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Varrel sidesteps cautiously and unleases his spell...

Girrigz's Will save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

Ashe attacks, plunging his sword into Girrigz's body. Crimson blood spurts but he's still upright (just).

Next round, please

Round 3

Ashe stifles a grunt again of pain as Girrigz's rapier again finds a joint of mailed armor to pierce with another supernaturally placed thrust... this time at the joint between his thigh and hip plates of his full plate causing another spreading stain of blood!

But the wererat is obviously taking the worse of the exchange...the outcome certain...

Again there is a soft glow of holy healing light at Ashe's hip as the healing blessed hands of his goddess are invoked and the flowing blood stops.

Ashe steps into his opponents guard ignoring the pain of his wounds to deliver a savage stab with his shortsword... at his chest aimed under his ribs and up into his foes black heart... Power Attack!

Free Action: {Lay On Hands-Self} 2d6 ⇒ (3, 4) = 7
Standard Action: Attack w/Shortsword-Power Attack 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 12 - 2 = 16
Shortsword-Alchemical Silver Damage: 1d6 + 3 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 5 + 4 = 14
* NOTE = 2 uses of Lay On Hands used for the day

Megan, did the earth elementals strike of 25 hit? If I could place it where it would get a flanking bonus it would be a 27 to hit. Also, I just realized I didn't roll an attack for the Ray of Sickening. That follows (with -4 for into melee):
ranged touch: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 - 4 = 7
Ok, even for a touch that probably missed.

Third time the charm?

Battle Template
HP 29/29
AC 16/14/16
Saves F5R4W5
In hand:
Spells in effect: Mage Armor (+4 AC 1 Hour)
Spells per day unlimited/7/3

Icabhod unleashes a ray of Elemental Frost against the wererat.
3/6 used ranged touch.

Dakka: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 71d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Varrel decides to be more decisive.
He has been holding the charge on his Frostbite spell since the last encounter You can do this indefinitely as long as you don't cast another spell- Varrel has only used a SLA requiring no words or Arcane gestures

He moves in a wide arc to flank and takes a two handed Spellstrike, delivering his 4th magical attack.
Two Hand Spellstrike 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 7 + 2 = 26
Damage1d6 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 4 + (2) = 7+5 non-lethal,Fatigued Entangled.
Intimidate1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Una double fires silver crossbow bolts.

Attack 1
1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29
1d10 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Crit
1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 9 + 1 = 21
1d10 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Attack 2
1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22
1d10 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

sorry about the delay, Work, again, as usual.

No worries, Una. OK, let's wrap this up...

Una's first arrow hits (no crit), and the earth elemental also gets its thump in... leaving Girrigz wobbly but still upright at the end of round 2.

Round 3

Girrigz hesitates, weaving where he stands, Ashe's blade just misses him, but Varrel's spellstrike hits true and drops him!

He is now on negative hit points - Ashe do you want to let him bleed out? Somehow from your attitude I doubt you want to heal him!

Combat over

Well done, everyone. Nice coordination of effort.

Now that he's dead. What was his AC? 24 or so?

Una stands back up from her half-crouching position.

"Leave him to bleed? Or slice him through?" Una asks the paladin, drawing out her shortsword as she approaches.

"I almost want to leave him here, see if he recovers. He's as much a child of the streets of Korvosa as I am, Ashe. I know that's silly to believe."

Ashe lifts his visor to look down at the vanquished wererat his frosty eyes cold... unmoved.

Sheathing, his shortsword he switches to draw Dauntless Heart, replying coldly, "no. I said what I meant.. and I meant what I said."

With one swift swing Ashe beheads the vanquished werarat.

"We should search these chambers for any valuables and burn the rest... we have already spent too much time on this.. and have bigger.. more wicked foes to deal with! There are... more 'innocent' children of Korvosa that need protecting..."

Ashe however sets to a grizzly task.. sheathing his sword he pulls out a torch stick from his pack and picking up the severed head walks back out of the chamber into the sewer entrance {C1}. There he mounts the head on the wall.. a grim and poignant reminder to any and ALL wererats what will befall them should they make war on Korvosa!

Ashe is slow to wrath... but when he is truly angered by the actions of the wicked... look out.

Self be checking body for plague. Self know not if such these can suffer plague.

Gronk spends a few moments examining Girrigz's remains to see if there are any signs he had contracted the plague.
heal check with kit: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26

If it had the plague, mayhap I should burn the body and head. We could always mount the skull.

If he find nothing he will help the others search both rooms with magic (cast detect magic and detect poison) and physically looking.
perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

Una silently nods, going to retrieve any of the crossbow bolts that missed.

1d100 ⇒ 91
1d100 ⇒ 4

Then she joins Gronk in searching for valuables.

Perception
1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

Detect Magic and Search: Perception 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

Varrel says nothing but approves of Ashe's action. Not unlike the way the elf ended the Ogrekin. Maybe Ashe was being less nieve after all.

For the curious, Girrigz's AC was 25.

OK, searching, checking for magic, etc.

Girrigz's remains: +1 Chain shirt, +1 silver rapier, 30 gp, and a couple of potion bottles - blur and shield of faith +5.

The chamber: Amid the rotted food, miles of rope, and dark cloaks that fill most of the crates in this room, a thorough search check turns up 22 daggers, 12 short swords, 3 light crossbows, 60 black metal bolts, 4 chain shirts, 12 flasks of alchemist's fire, a masterwork longsword, and a masterwork suit of chainmail.

A search of Girrigz's nest also turns up four potions of cure moderate wounds, a masterwork silver dagger, and an eversmoking bottle.

Varrel walks past the treasures, satisfied that the job was done.
Let's go. As Ashe mentioned, we have a greater mission ahead.
I would question the mounting of the head as.....excessive. We came here as city officials to put down a threat. One who had friends. You claimed to those you let go Ashe that they would have no trouble from the city if they minded thier own business. Frankly I find the display out of since with your words and out of character for you. You will find my ear later if you wish to talk Ashe, but this seems....brutal for you.

The elf makes no attempt to stop Ashe's grisly task. But he casts Light on his sword and holds it overhead as a torch, better illuminating the scene.
And walks out steadily so the others can keep up.

Ashe states simply, "Odd squeamishness from you, 'vengeful sword of Ragathiel'? Wererats are evil and chaotic... like demons... or worse. Such beings rarely understand kindness or reasoning dialogue... they don't have honor... and see such concepts as weakness."

Pointing at the mounted head, "That.. they understand. But if you disprove, nothing is holding you back from removing the display."

Nodding toward Girrigz Ripperclaws corpse, "That body will be stripped of flesh and the bones scattered in days... I wanted no 'ambiguousness' as to his fate."

Ashe watches as the loot in the cavern is brought out attesting to the collected loot and helping as needed to carry it all... then notices one last area that has not been searched.

Ashe lights his shield sconce again and comments, "Hold on, we seem to have not search everything... this looks like a make-shift cage of sorts..."

Ashe moves down the sewer hallway {C1} drawing Dauntless Heart to look around the corner at area {C4} using the light of his shield sconce to illuminate the area.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Nothing is worse than Devils and Demons....
Varrel leaves the display on the pike and checks the room over Ashe's shoulder.
Perception 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

"I wouldn't be so sure about that, Varrel." Una says quietly. "At least Devils and Demons are predictable." She follows behind the others and looks into the other room also.

Perception
1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

Anyone else want to try, we can get a straight.

I believe Ashe was the only one injured for 14 points. Correct me if I'm wrong. I will convert my magic weapon and protection from evil spells to cure light wounds to heal him.
CLW1: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
CLW2: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Gronk uses the power of Groteus to heal Ashe then keeps searching with the others.
perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

Ashe smirks slightly and says, "You need not bother... friend Gronk, I am only lightly injured...just a few small cuts now. I have used my goddess' blessing of lay on hands twice... the remaining cuts when treated this evening before I retire to bed will be fine in the morning after some dinner and a good night's sleep. But the sentiment is appreciated... we may have need of your ... divine magics ere this day is done for those with a greater need."

Ashe is only down 5hp... he will recover that many after a night's sleep. 1 per level of character

Ashe does not stop Gronk if he insists though.

Well just the first one then.

Eventually after a lot of peering, you realise that there's an otyugh lurking in C4.

Varrel whispers, Want to make friends with this one as well, Ashe? He might be willing to talk if we throw him Griggz to eat.

Varrel is only half kidding and readies his slumber...

Ashe listens to the banter between Una and Varrel and goes silent... he knows there or things worse than devils and demons... Dark Horrors that lair in the hidden dark places of Golarion that have come from the dark places between the stars... 'The Unnamable' is what the Society called them! But the Decemvirate strictly demanded complete secrecy of such eldritch horrors from beyond for wide-spread knowledge of such threats would spread mass hysteria and fear over what could not be changed significantly even if it was widely known of the precarious nature of reality and safety from such mad horrors!

Dutifully, Ashe remained silent on the matter and uttered a silent prayer to his Goddess that the Mercenaries... his friends, would NEVER have to face such horrors as he has seen and fought on Pathfinder missions not available for knowledge.

Ashe accepts Gronk's healing with a soft word of, "thanks", grateful for the healing and the change of subject.

Stepping around the corner... but mindful to stay well back from the bars... knowing that Otyugh have a long reach with their tentacles.

"We'll see Varrel."

Addressing the Otyugh, "You there... 'Eater of Carrion'... did the Wererats... Girrigz Ripperclaws imprison you in there? We can feed you his corpse and let you free if you choose... but only if you don't attack us."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

Ashe will take the time to decide if the creature is willing to be reasonable... and trustworthy to let go. He'd prefer not to leave the beast to starve to death in a cage. Though even still if Varrel could slumber it the cage bars could be removed and the beast freed without any undue threat. Ashe will judge its reactions before acting.

You approach area C4. Two thick grates of rusted iron hedge in this section of sewer tunnel. From a man-sized crack in the northern wall seeps a steady flow of sewage, oozing into the greater flow of tainted water. A hulking pile of filth and debris partially blocks the stream of offal, a cart-sized clot in this disgusting artery.

An old and permanent fixture of the city sewers, the grate to the west prevents undesirables from slinking through the sewers. The grate to the east is a newer addition meant to serve the same purpose, but includes a lifting mechanism for the passage of sewer workers and other civic servants. This is a wall-mounted mechanism consisting of several gears and a large handle which rests on the south wall, 10 feet to the east of the eastern grate. Looks like the wererats jammed the device to keep it permanently unlocked and ready to use.

The otyugh heaves itself up at Ashe's call.

"So hungeries" it says. "Caught by mean rat hoomans."

"Shakhan, would you mind unjamming that mechanism and letting the poor Otyugh free. It would seem a feat of strength is needed here." Una can't help but feel sorry for the trapped creature. "We'll let you out soon enough. Don't eat us, though, we're nice humans."

Ashe sheaths Dauntless Heart seeing as the threat is not one that needs to be fought and Una has handled the situation adequately... no more need be added.

A dawning realization comes to Ashe that his power and his goddess' favor has grown with these deeds and a contentedness flows over him.

He comments, "My friends... know you now... I am able by the Mercy of Iomedae to Remove Disease that may be inflicted upon you. You need not fear contraction of "Blood Veil" any more."

Wonderful news, Ashe but do keep that to yourself in public. We would likely not survive the press of the mob in their stampede to get to you.
The elf looked at the creature with some hesitation.
Be free on your honor to either resume your diet of the refuse down here and stay away from the surface. Many dangers lurk there for you.
Be satisfied with your freedom and the death of the leader of your captors. We will be leaving you peacefully.

The otyugh looks rather blankly at Varrel. You get the clear impression that this one is nowhere near as smart as the last rather gentlemanly and polite one you enountered.

"Hungry!" it says. "Not eat you, though... but have you food for me? Pleeease?"

Gronk steps forward to give the creature the 3 trail rations that he has with him.

All self has now. Your need greater. Try make life better you and yours. Not hurt others without cause.

--------------------------------------------------

Gronk turns to Una.
Think you we report Marshall this night or morrow?

"Let's complete the other task we have set before us." (Before we were interrupted by wererats, what was it again?)

To the Otyugh:

"Rats, wererat corpses, and more await your hunger. What more would you like?"

As I recall:
1 We were on our way to report to the Marshall after talking with the priest.
2 Priest hired us to escort him to the palace.
3 We volunteered to escort the doctor so we could spy on him.
4 We were going to follow the doctor when he left to spy on him when the wererat thing came up. (We sent the lizard to follow where he went.)
If there was something else, I lost track of it.

(That was it.)

"I should like to at least try and find the 'good doctor' again, and see what he is up to. Hopefully he'll be doing something reasonably doctor-ish, then we can go report back to the Marshall what we've found out."