Motteditor's Strange Aeons PBP

Game Master motteditor

Round 1

Al levels his long weapon at the rat creatures. "Don't you throw those books at us. We're on the search for a lost boy, you ratmen seen him around these parts?" As he waits for their response he also seeks the presence of evil.

detect evil on the rat-man creatures

Switching to his crossbow, Walter backs up, toward Al, who senses the presence of evil ahead of him remember, first round all you get is absence or presence of evil; round 2 you get number of auras and most potent; and round 3 you get power and location of each aura.

Behind them, Chalker continues to gather tindling, as the gnome girl dithers about whether to stop him or see what's going on in the library ooh, the books would probably make for awfully good tinder, Chalker!.

The creatures don't seem to pay attention to Al's shouts, two books coming flying at the men, though neither makes contact. The third creature squeaks and chitters quietly to itself.

I forgot, Know (arcana) if you want to know what these things are.

Entire party is up.

Albert jabs at the ratman on table in front of him. "I done told you, don't be throwing books at us."

bardiche: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
damage: 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

possible crit, bardiche: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
damage: 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

move action to continue detect evil and focus on ratman ahead

Round 2, Initiative: 17

Kyffin shrugs, ”This isn’t necessary!”

He lets fly with a crossbow bolt at the same one Al injured if he has a clear shot. If not, the other one is his target.
Crossbow: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21 damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5
crit threat Crossbow: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7 damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Heinrich follows the others into the room, pausing in the door. "Rats!" He mutters, then raises his walking stick and tries to whack the one nearest the door.

Whack the rat!: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5 for 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 damage!

Knowledge Arcana: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

The rats are on the top of bookshelves, 10 feet up. You can't reach them from the floor.

Not with that roll I can't... I'll vainly swat at them while saying SHOO!

OK, there are, as mentioned, ladders, should you wish for future rounds.

Round 2 of Less Ignorance, Init 16

Hearing trouble and fearing the worst, Tristain takes his hammer and double moves towards the sound of crying.

Tenebrynn spares a quick moment to stash the gathered kindling in her magical bag after Tristain bolts out the door before closing the door and following quickly behind. "Ruffians? Trouble? More reasons not to dismantle door!" Skidding to a stop, she looks up at the top of the shelves, "Rat things! What are they? Are they throwing books? Don't they know this is a library?"

Double move to the library area, as a movement speed of 20ft will get across the 40ft mentioned.

Albert is using the same reach weapon that allowed him to attack the door eye without it biting him, I would assume he could attack the ratmen from the floor as well?

Confusius enters the room, swinging his cane to try to scare away the nearest rat creature, but it seems undaunted, even as the half-orc and old man manage to draw blood from its companion, which scoots back on the shelf and disappears.

The gnome girl and the man from the cell with the starting corner rush to find out what the commotion is, appearing in the doorway at the same time as a swarm of rats seems to appear out of nowhere, and rush toward the attackers. However, they can't get in range this round.

The remaining rat creature retreats a few feet as it throws another book, this time toward Confusius, but it again lands on the floor with a thud.

Did my knowledge arcana roll get me anything on this?

Whoops, sorry. Yes. You think they must be ratlings, magical beasts with a sense for magic. You know they're quick, sneaky buggers -- i.e. they have evasion and sneak attack.

Tenebrynn slips through the press of bodies and around the left side of the nearest bookcase. She hops up into the center of the table in the middle of the room as gusts of wind begin to faintly curl and eddy around her.

Another double move for little ol' 20ft movement speed me.

Heinrich looks pensive. "Ratlings! These are ratlings! They are noted for their stealth and their ability to stab you when you're not looking in very sensitive places. Beware, friends! They smell magic." He notes the book as it flies past him. He pulls out a vial and shakes it until it glows brightly. "How do you feel about fire, ratling?"

Intimidate: 1d20 ⇒ 13

"Cease attacking us and answer a few simple questions and we will leave you in peace. Attack and there will be your blood spilled."

Round 3, Initiative: 17

Kyffin agrees, ”Listen to what the wise man says! There is no reason for you to die today, but you will if you persist!”
aid another Intimidate: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13 vs DC 10

He holds his attack, waiting to see the results of their attempt to speak with the creatures.

Round 3, Init 16

Tristain runs up to look at the latest horrors that exist on the level above the cell with the starting corner.

1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23 Know (Arcana) - Rat
1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27 Know (Nature) - Swarm(?)

DRs, how to kill?

He shouts what he knows then moves back 40', worried about getting trapped by the swarm.

We should retreat back to the door that we should destroy!" Tristain offers, being mostly useless in this fight.

WOW, I totally missed there was a rat swarm coming. If it's OK, I'll draw an alchemy flask with my remaining move action as Kyffin certainly would have noticed. If that's not OK, let me know.

That's fine.

Albert turns his attention to the swarm and slashes at the heap of vermin. "Rats! I hate rats!" shift SE and attack the rat swarm

Bardiche: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
damage: 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

possible crit, Bardiche: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
damage: 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Confusius' display, with Walter's help, seems to throw the nearest ratling, which chitters loudly at them as it throws another book that again hits the ground.

Chalker calls out the ratlings can be hurt by normal weapons, while the rats are normal -- though there are a lot of them usual rat swarm, which you guys can look up -- before retreating as the gnome girl rushes farther into the room. Moments later, the invisible ratling reappears as a book slams into gnome girl's head, snapping it back painfully. 5 hp

Al interposes himself against the rat swarm, hacking several of them even as they swarm over him, little mouths biting painfully. 2 hp; need a DC 12 Fort save or be nauseated one round. You can also get an AoO as they swarm over you.

Confusicus swears quite ably in a unknown tongue. "Albert! Retreat so I can burn them down a bit!"

Assuming Al retreats Heinrich throws his bomb at the swarm!: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21 for 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7 damage and 4 splash, Reflex DC 13! Miss direction?: 1d8 ⇒ 6

Round 4, Initiative: 17

Kyffin steps back with Heinrich and, when Al is clear, throws his alchemy flask at the swarm
alchemy flask: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19 damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4

He then reloads his crossbow in case the ratlings come back.

"Ouch!" Tenebrynn spins around and sends a ball of debris and torn book covers slamming into the ratling fiend that hit her.

Air Blast: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17for: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Round 4, Init 20

Tristain creeps back to watch what is happening, his hammer in hand. Seeing the rat atop the bookshelves, Tristain concentrates and sends his hammer flying at it.

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22 to hit; ()
1d6 ⇒ 1 bludgeoning damage

Albert slashes again as the rats swarm towards him.

AoO, bardiche: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
damage: 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

Unable to keep the beasts at bay, he stumbles out of the room barking with pain as the little creatures bite him. "Ouch! This is why I hate rats!"

Fortitude save: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

The stink of the swarm reaches his nostrils and the old man feels the contents of his stomach threatening to spew. nauseated, single move action to escape the room, HP: 16/18

AoO crit confirm, bardiche: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
damage: 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Chalker's hammer knocks the rat creature forward, right into the path of the gnome girl's flying book, which snaps its head back, apparently killing the thing.

On the floor, Al steps back, stomach heaving, as flames erupt from the contents of Walter and Confusius' throws, immolating the swarm of rats, which seem to melt away into nothing as the embers subside.

The rat creature toward the back of the room fires a book at the gnome girl 1 hp as the other one, near the front of the room, starts chittering furiously.

Ratling's Miss Chance (low=miss): 1d100 ⇒ 32

"Ouch! Stop that!" Tenebrynn sends another cluster of debris zipping through the room, this time at her new assailant.

Air Blast: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13for: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

"I tried to be nice to you creatures, I did. Now, not so nice!" Heinrich draws and throws his dagger at the ratling nearest him. Throw!: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14 for 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 damage!

Round 5, Init 20

Tristain stays where he is, ready to shoot his hammer at another bad guy if he sees it.

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10 to hit;
1d6 ⇒ 1 damage.

Round 5, Initiative: 17

Kyffin moves just past the bookshelf to the east - just enough to get a clean shot at the rat figure chittering, and fires his loaded crossbow!

Crossbow: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18 damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6

”If that’s the way you want it to be!”

Albert regains his breath as the nausea passes. He returns to the battle with vengeance and strikes at the furiously chittering ratman. move to square right of Heinrich if that offers striking distance with reach, otherwise move a square closer

bardiche: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
damage: 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

Sorry, gnome girl. I'd say there's a more than 20 percent change I forget that miss change all the time. :)

Chalker's hammer goes flying again, though to no affect this time, as Al swings wildly at the rat creature. Weapons come flying from Confusius and Walter as well, though only the half-orc connects. Despite the wound, the creature continues chittering, and another mass of rats suddenly appears, this time right on top of two of its three attackers! 4 hp to Al and Walter, plus need a DC 12 Fort save of be nauseated

Across the room, another book goes flying at the gnome girl, before her strange powers let her grab it and fling it right back at the rat creature -- unfortunately, it hits the bookshelf and falls harmlessly to the ground.

Round 6, Initiative: 17

Fort: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

Kyffin grumbles under his breath about unfair summoners and takes a 5’ step to the north, reloads his crossbow, and shoots the little creature again!

Crossbow: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19 damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4

"Take that you rat summoner!"

Heinrich looks from the rat to the rat swarm and makes a "Huh." noise. He grabs a bomb and shakes it, waiting for Al and Walter to move so he can throw it! Ranged touch: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14 for 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4 damage and Miss direction: 1d8 ⇒ 8!

Fortitude save. DC 12: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

"Rats!" Al wails as he staggers away from the mass of rodents. move north 3 squares Clear of the vermin and unaffected by their stench this time, he turns his long blade back on the swarm as he slashes wide swaths through it.

bardiche: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
damage: 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

"There's a lot I don't remember, but I do know you shouldn't be throwing books in a library! Stop already!" As if to punctuate her point, she sends a billowing orb of spiraling debris crashing into the ratling's chest.

Air Blast: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22for: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Round 6, Init 20

Tristain takes total defense, unsure what he can do.

Chalker waits -- nervously -- as his companions deal with the latest group of rats that seem to have appeared out of thin air, blasts and blades taking their toll.

The half-orc's bolt nails the rat creature, who hisses in annoyance and seemingly directs the rats back toward him and Al. 1 hp to both and need a DC 12 Fort save or be nauseated 1 round, though Al gets an AoO.

The gnome girl's debris slams into the nearest ratling, pummeling it and easily throwing off its own aim as it fires yet another book at her.

Round 7, Initiative: 17

Fort: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11 vs DC 12 or be nauseated

Kyffin moves to the south and east out of the rats to stand just northeast of Heinrich - swearing easily in Qadiran as he does so, surprising even himself. He does loose his lunch as he goes and worries, briefly, just how much food there is in this place...

"Do you not understand me? Stop throwing books!" Exasperated, Tenebrynn sends another cluster of bits of wood and book covers slamming into the ratling.
Air Blast: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20for: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Heinrich smiles at the gnome girl. "Yes! Fitting that their thrown weapons be used against them!" He picks up a book and throws it at the nearest ratling! Throw Anything!: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23 for 1d3 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 damage!

Edit: Throw Anything Possible Crit!: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9 for 1d3 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5 damage!

Albert slashes furiously at the rats as they swarm towards him.

AoO, bardiche: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
damage: 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

His efforts are in vain as that stinking mass swarms him again.

Fortitude save, DC 12: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

Backing away again, he keeps slashing at the vermin.

bardiche: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
damage: 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

HP: 12/18

Round 7, Init 20

Tristain continues to keep a watch out for more foes.

Albert swings and swats at the swarm of rats, but they seem to duck under and climb over his weapon, which doesn't manage to hit any of the creatures as Walter retreats. Confusius wallops the rat creature with a book, flinging it with far more accuracy than they had, and it chitters for a moment and disappears.

Deeper in the room, the gnome girl blasts the remaining rat creature, which splatters over the top of the book shelf.

The remaining rats rush toward Confusius, almost as if they were offended by the thrown tome, small fangs digging into his skin as they crawl all over him. 4 hp, plus need a DC 12 Fort save or be nauseated one round

Huh. Didn't think this fight would go this long (though much faster when everyone respond within 3 hours of my posts!)...

Albert follows and strikes at the vermin swarm as it flows away from him. move south 2 squares

bardiche: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
damage: 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

crit confirm, bardiche: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
damage: 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

HP: 12/18

Al's strike swipes through several of the rats, seeming to slay enough of them that the rest of the swarm disperses, and a few seconds later melts away.

A few moments after that, Chalker feels a tug on on his leg and hears a voice, familiar in tone but now speaking Common: "I surrender! Don't kill me!"

"What?! You don't kill me!!!" Tristain jumps and looks down for the voice. "You don't kill me and I won't kill you, okay?!"

Tristain backs away, trying to find the squeaker speaker.

Kyffin reloads his crossbow, but keeps his hands down and listens to the negotiations. He makes no threatening gestures.