Once More into the Breach - GMF's Wrath of the Righteous (Inactive)

Game Master Fanguar

Listening to the description of the statues, Aravashnial purses his lips pensively, humming and hawing to himself. "They sound like depictions of crusaders, but I couldn't say for certain which. Damn these blasted eyes! Perhaps if I could touch them, I might be able to narrow down the crusade. There are a few distinctive features that have cropped in the armour styles over the last century or so."

With Anevia's aid, he makes his way over to the carvings and begins to run his hands over the ornamentation on the armour.

Surprise Round (DC21 Perc)
18 Ruarc
17 Pytros
13 Joao
12 Enemies
10 Rakeesh
9 Aglamore

Two pitch black tentacled mostrosities drop out of the darkness next to Anevia and Aravashnial. If you make to perc roll you make act in the surprise round. (the darkmantles still need to attack, but what they do may depend on you actions

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Surprise Round, Initiative 17
10/10 hp; AC 14FF/11T; +4F/+1R/+2W

Perception (DC 21) 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18

Pytros spots something out of the corner of his eye the moment before the darkmantles drop down. He cannot react quickly enough to the tentacled creatures when they start their ambush. Had he been prepared, his whip would already be striking one of the predators. As it is, his hand moves - slowly to his fast-moving mind - to unfurl the whip and prepare for combat.

Knowledge: Arcana (DC 11) 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

He quickly catalogs his knowledge about darkmantles: small magical beasts that camoflauge themselves as rocky outcroppings, using ambush to grab and constrict its prey. Their tactics are primitive, using a skirmish style that involves returning to the cavern roof and falling again. The tentacles are capable of pinning and suffocating a man, but attacking a large group is likely a sign of desperation, even with the intellect of an animal.

Perception(21): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
Surprise Round, Initiative 13, 5/9HP

Even with the light, these things were difficult to see, but Joao's eyes had been on the statues, not what fell from the darkness above them. All that he had time to see was that something fell beside Anevia and the elf whose name sounded a bit like a sneeze. He did not know what they were, or what they did, but their sudden appearance could not bode well for those next to them.

Surprise Round (DC21 Perc)
18 Ruarc
17 Pytros
13 Joao
12 Enemies
10 Rakeesh
9 Aglamore

Surprise Round Init 12

The hideous monsters lash out at the pair studying the statues:

Attack vs Anevia: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Grab: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3

Attack vs Aravashnial: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Confirm?: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
Grab: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Damage crit: 2d4 ⇒ (1, 4) = 5

If Rakeesh makes his perc check, he can act, otherwise, Let's start round 1. No map needed.

Round 1, Initiative 17
11/11 hp; AC 15/14FF/11T; +4F/+1R/+2W

MA: Positioning
SA: Whip vs. Darkmantle #2 (AC 15) 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
> Damage (nonlethal) 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
>> Darkmantle #2: 20/20 hp, 5 nonlethal

Pytros manuevers quickly to the side of the skirmish as the creature's tentacles slash into flesh of two from the group. With two of their number under attack, he must decide quickly which one is more important to protect. The answer comes quickly as Pytros strikes out with his whip in a side-winding lash. He strikes the darkmantle attacking the elven wizard, knowing that his abilities will likely far outstrip those of a warrior. (Had Horgus been attacked, Pytros would have prioritized making tea.) The whip slashes across the rugged hide of the darkmantle, causing it to unleash a bizarre, preening wail of pain. "Focus on that one, and don't let them fly back to the cavern ceiling!"

Don't wait on Rakeesh! He couldn't see them even on a 20! I was just waiting for Round 1.

Round 1
hp 8/13, AC 15, CMD 15

Rakeesh drew his glaive, stepping closely towards the grappled pair. Pytros' whip lashed in at one, and Rakeesh's blade followed closely.

Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
Damage: 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

R1 Init 13 HP5/9, AC 15, CMD 14

Joao had seen the amount of damage that this group could bring to bear versus a hostile opponent, and he could understand Pytros' call for that force to be brought against one of the creatures. Having been near one of the other statues, he was very certain that once the dark-armored one-- Ruarc, if he remembered correctly-- attacked the thing, it would be finished. Still, the sooner that they managed to deter that one, the faster that they could help Anevia, and hopefully they would be able to minimize the damage. From the looks of it, Ruarc would reach it before he could.

We doing round 1 actions now?

Yup, You're up

Move over to one of the darknmantles and attack it.

Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
Confirm: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
Damage: 2d10 + 8 ⇒ (7, 9) + 8 = 24

HP 10/10
AC 21

______________________________________

Ruarc flows across the cavern like a shifting shadow, the black blade of Justice hanging behind him. He closes on the darkmantle attacking the blind elf, and cuts it in half.

Round1
18 Ruarc
17 Pytros
13 Joao
12 Enemies
10 Rakeesh
9 Aglamore

Round 1 Init 12

Aravashnial recoils as a wave of gore washes over him and he stumbles blindly away from the source of the attack on him.

Anevia grimly slides out her short sword and stabs at the hideous mass writhing at her feet:

Attack vs Darkmantle: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13 but her blade fails to cut through the creatures touch hide.

Joao=1, Anevia=2 Randomizer: 1d2 ⇒ 2

Attack vs Anevia: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Confirm?: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Slam: 1d4 ⇒ 4
Grab: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
Constrict: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

The creatures tentacles flash in benhind Anevia's swing and slam violently into the woman's head and neck. It takes advantage of the woman's temporary disorientation to wrap those tentacles tightly about her, squeezing with bone crushing force. Anevia totters and her face begins to turn blue.

Aglamore is up and then Round 2, Anevia has 1 hp left.

In the absence of a map, it is hard to know if Aglamore's main ability (Combat Reflexes) comes into play. He takes any AoO's he can, and threatens a wide area with his 10' reach. The idea of a Reach Cleric is to do damage on the enemy's turn and use powers on your own.

"By the Grace and Might of Iomedae, you shall not fall!" roars the priest.

Back up so that none of the healing gets to the enemy, then channel energy to heal allies.

Channel Positive Energy: 1d6 ⇒ 5

@Aglamore: then enemies haven't moved, so there would not have been any opportunity for AoOs. Don't worry, you'll have plenty of opportunity to get AoOs. Also, since the darkmantle is grappling Anevia, there is no way to heal her, without healing it, but as it hasn't been wounded yet, you can do so with out any real detriment.

Round 2 actions are up

Move to the other darkmantle.
Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13 Hit because it has the grappled condition.
Damage: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Ruarc, emboldened by his success, tries to save Anevia from the darkmantle eating her. He slices it open, but it still grips onto her.

Rakeesh's blade whifs past the first tentacled creature. He follows through the swing, sliding past the creature as the blades of his companions make short work of it, bringing his glaive down on the second abomination.

Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
Damage: 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Round 2, Initiative 17
11/11 hp; AC 15/14FF/11T; +4F/+1R/+2W

Unarmed Strike vs. Darkmantle #2 (AC 13) 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
> Damage 1d3 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
>> Darkmantle #2: -6/20 hp

Pytros bolts over to Anevia. He watches as Ruarc and Rakeesh slash through the second darkmantle, after Ruarc split the first one into pieces. He waits until the darkmantle rears back, staggered from the assaults, and grabs it off Anevia. Its tentacles disengage with a wet pop, right as Pytros turns and slams it into the ground. It curls up in terrible pain, nearly dead from the blades and the impact. He impassively looks down and slams a boot down upon its body. The tentacles writhe and twitch, then lay flat as the creature dies. "Are you all right?" His question is for both the wizard and the rogue, though the rogue seems more badly injured.

Aglamore prays loudly as he steps up and lays his hands on Anevia's arm.

Ditch divine favor to cast cure light wounds

Cure light wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 <-Boo!

Nice Pytros!

Anevia rubs her throat. "I'll live," she says hoarse. "I'd like to say I've taken worse, but I think that any worse than that and I would have been done for."

Aravashnial wanders blindly towards the voices, hands outstretched. "I am fine and I can honestly say that I have taken worse and recently. Now where was I?"

He makes his way back to the carvings,

"Ah, as I thought. First crusade. Hmmm. Certain scholars maintain that the those early crusaders paid a terrible price for their resisting the forces of chaos. It is written that the foul energies that surged in those early years forever altered them and caused their children to be born with hideous deformities. Some are said to have fled the surface to raise their children away from the pity and disgust of those who came after."

Horgus clears his throat, "I can't speak as to their origin, but the pitlings are real enough. You can catch them scavenging refuse heaps and the like. Filthy creatures."

There is nothing else of interest here and a single exit leads out of the chamber.

Ruarc's lip curls as Horgus lumps all tainted people into the filthy category. He says nothing, somehow hoping that half the group still hasn't realized he's a tiefling. "Well, whatever's in our way will stand aside or die, pitling or not. Let's keep moving."

"Tieflings?" Pytros's voice contains derision and scorn. "Pit-spawned beasts. Brutish of form, mind, and morality." For once, he seems to agree with Horgus.

While the others discussed the merits of Tieflings, Joao examined the corpses of the Darkmantles, and wondered how long they might end up being down here. He did not weigh in on the current discussion since there was no reason for him to do so, one way or the other. To do so in this situation served no purpose, especially since he had known some half-orcs, and they were not bad-- granted, the ones he had known were not all that great, either-- so he was of neutral opinion. He had known of some detestable humans as well.

There was only one way out of where they were, so he was guessing that it was a hall of some sort, but what manner of place would have statues lining the hallway? Were they lining the way towards or away from the temple they had vacated? Silent, he let the others lead the way.

"I don't think he meant tieflings," says Aglamore, concentrating. "Did you?" he asks Aravashnial.

"You said that the chaos warped their bodies, not that they interbred with demons. If they were crusaders whose bodies were changed by exposure to the horrors of the Abyss, they are to be pitied, not hated."

"Hmmm? No, not tieflings. There was no congress between the crusaders and their enemies. The energies of the worldwound itself had some sort of effect on them. Their children were monstrous, but not demonic."

Moving on to the next chamber?

Yes.

Aye.

Fanguar, I was planning to reintro myself into the three campaigns I am in of yours. I know I have been gone for a while, you fine with that?

Anytime

The group heads away from the still twitching remains of the darkmantles and towards the the chambers exit. The trio of locals huddle in a tight group in the rear. Ruarc leads the way through the tight passage that leads into a similar sized chamber as the previous one. A quick scan of the room picks out a trio of descicated corpses creaking around a small campsite. A dwarf crouches just beyond them and as you watch his form shivers and begins to blur.

ROund 1
22 Rakeesh
21 Aglamore
19 Ruarc
17 Maeve
16 Dwarf
15 Skeletons
13 Pytros
13 Joao

Map is updated. ROund 1 actions are up.

Use Alter Self SLA to turn into a "bugbear"
5' step out of the way.

Ruarc sneers mightily. "Necromancy," is the extent of his commentary as he reaches down to draw on the wells of power within his tainted blood. The Dark Knight's muscles ripple and expand as his tiefling heart pumps magic through his veins. Ruarc's exposed facial skin turns golden and huge tusks jut out from his mouth. He grows an inch or two in height. The inquisitor shudders as his heightened sense of smell lends him a myriad of new details about the cavern. Time to make evil pay.

Aglamore moves up besides Ruarc and sets his longspear.

Move action - Move. Standard Action - Ready an action to set a BRACE against a charge.

NOTE - In the right circumstances, Aglamore could get two or more attacks as an enemy moved towards him. Once on the readied action and again when one or more enemies close with him (AoO's for leaving a threatened square).

Aglamore got his channels back for the last fight. Does that mean we rested 8 hours in the temple?

Sure, why not. Also recall that you are all blessed at the moment.

Round 1 HP:9/9 AC: 15/13/12

Animated bone. That is all that the skeletons were, and regardless of how intimidating they may seem-- something that was rather diminished in light of their numbers-- he knew how to strike bone to break it. However, his concern was more towards the individual that animated them. Without him, would they still move independently? He did not know.

Thoughts for later. As the others readied themselves, so did he, a subtle gesture palmed one of the metal spikes from the bottom of his vest, watching the dwarf. He could not interfere with the others, and neither did he want to, knowing the amount of damage they were capable of inflicting. Instead, he readied himself, just in case the dwarf began to attempt a spell.

Ready Weapon
Delay Action

Round 1, Init 17

Having fallen into a dark mood the last few hours as the group cleared the despoiled temple and fought off the vermin and undead priest that called it home, Maeve sighed to herself. More undead and a dwarf who seemed to control them. She had seen trials in her life, survived more then most might think possible from a slight woman such as her self. While she was used to being taken for granted, what she had not been used to was working as part of a team. But survival was everything. She refused to die down here in the dark. There were other lives at stake that depended on her reaching the surface. She would do whatever it took to make it up to the surface to see another sun rise. She just hoped that there was still a city to make it back to.

Pointing at the dwarf, the woman bristled. Stop, there! I see you dwarf, do not think that your paltry skeleton minions will stop us from progressing, we seek no quarrel, but if you attack, know that we will bring the full force of our fury upon you. I give you this one warning, let us pass or face the consequences of your hubris.

_________________________________
SA: Intimidated the Dwarf: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

Knowledge (religion): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Rakeesh shoulders his way through the entrance. Ruarc growls quietly beside him. Facing the brittle bones of the skeletons, he pulls the huecuva's warhammer from his pack. "The General of Vengeance does not spare those who would defile the honored dead. Kill the dwarf. I will deal with these," he gestures towards the skeletons.

Round 1: hp 13/13 (caught in Aglamore's Channel??)
AC 15 (-2 when charging)

Charge, ending in square immediately beneath the fire adjacent to two western-most skeletons, and attack the northern-most skelly: 1d20 + 5 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 5 + 2 + 1 = 18
Damage (bludgeoning): 1d8 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 1 = 11

The dwarf laughs at Maeve's pitiful excuse for a threat. Though his laughter turns to choking coughs as the bone dust from the Skeleton that explodes beneath Rakeesh's mighty blow.

ROund 1
22 Rakeesh
21 Aglamore
19 Ruarc
17 Maeve
16 Dwarf
15 Skeletons
13 Pytros
13 Joao

@Joao: You act after the Dwarf in the initiative, so I'll use your readied action for when he casts a spell in round 2

Round 1 Init 16

The dwarf rolls up his sleeves and starts some wild spell casting. With a snap of his finger, he points at the hideous bugbear that has appeared (Ruarc) and flames wreath thre creature, the smell of burning fur filling the cavern.

Spontaneous Immolation: 3d6 ⇒ (4, 2, 4) = 10 (DC14 Fort save for half. Failure means you catch on fire)

The two remaining skeletons focus on Rakeesh, with one steping up to join its compatriot (5' step). Their sharp dead fingers slice deep into his flesh...
Full attacks
Attack skeleton A 1: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Attack skeleton A 2: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13
Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Attack skeleton B 1: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Attack skeleton B 2: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Pytros is up and then Round 2 actions

Just FYI Aglamore, Rakeesh is staggered at 0 hp.

Round 1, Initiative 13
11/11 hp; AC 15/14FF/11T; +4F/+1R/+2W

Knowledge: Religion (DC 11) 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

MA: Move next to Rakeesh
SA: Unarmed Strike vs. Skeleton A (AC 16) 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
> Damage 1d3 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
>> Skeleton A: 0/6 hp >> Destroyed

Skeletons. Undead. As Rakeesh smashes one of the skeletons with a hammer, and while the other two undead creatures slash at him with sharp bones, Pytros summons all the knowledge he can muster about necromancy and the undead. He knows that his whip will be nigh-useless against the fleshless skeletons other than putting a few notches in the animated bones. His martial arts training will have to suffice. Pytros move next to both of the skeletons slashing at the bronze-skinned paladin, who looks nearly ready to collapse. He takes aim lowest part of the skull of the one on his left, bringing his right leg behind him and upward in a powerful side kick. The base of his boot smashes through the skeleton's jaw and spine, severing the skull entirely. The rest of the skeleton collapses on the ground, free of the animating magic. Pytros shouts, "Blunt weapons!" He intends to warn the others of the most effective weaponry against the last remaining skeleton, but also to pull its attention away from the injured Rakeesh.

Round 2:
hp 0/13 (Staggered); AC 15

Current Action: Delay until Aglamore acts. Con Check to stabilize (if necessary): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Aglamore rushes forward, laying his hands on Rakeesh's shoulder and praying under his breath for the grace of Iomedae.

Convert comprehend languages to cure light wounds.

cure light wounds to Rakeesh: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Round 2

Fort save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

So 5 damage, reduced to 0 by my fire resistance.

Double move across the cavern next to the dwarf.

Ruarc ignores the flames that engulf him suddenly as the dwarf completes his spell. He is hardy, and his Oni blood makes him resistant to heat. He doesn't even feel them as he runs across the cavern, skirting the melee with the skeletons and closing the distance with the necromancer. "Boo." he says quietly, raising Justice above his head, ready to strike.

Paging Maeve. Maeve please come to the PbP.

Round 2, Init 17

Gazing past the clattering bones and the furious combat that ensues, Maeve fixes his eyes squarely on the dwarf ahead of her. It was by his will that the undead attacked and she hoped that it would be by his death they would also cease to exist. Maeve shrugged, she wasn't sure that was how it worked, having no grounding in necromancy, but it seemed a reasonable theory. Watching to her left as Ruarc rolled through the melee towards the dwarf, Maeve nodded, her course decided. Channeling the shadows from around then room, she bored them into the dwarf. Pushing forward into his skull she felt resistance like a wall. Maeve shook her head in disbelieve. Perhaps it was insanity, or the rumored stubbornness of dwarf-kin, but the man was too fixed on his sense of self. Spitting out a curse, Maeve ran a hand along her crossbow and loaded it. Fine then! She snapped. I had hoped to do this the easy way.
____________________________
SA: Dwarf Will save vs. Evil Eye (DC14): 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 2 = 16 PASS
MA: Load Light Crossbow.

Round 2
22 Rakeesh
21 Aglamore
19 Ruarc
17 Maeve
16 Dwarf
15 Skeletons
13 Pytros
13 Joao

Round 2 Init 16

The dwarf begins yelling:

[b]Round 2 Init 15
AoO For Rakeesh's Move: 1d20 ⇒ 5
Attack Rakeesh: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

The remaining skeleton lashes out causing a grievous wound and the mighty paladin sinks to the stone floor in a spreading pool of blood.

Pytros is up and then Round 3 actions. Simplest exit would to have Rakeesh bleed out here.

There was not much that Joao could do as Rakeesh goes down, and having no skills to help save him, he instead pushed it out of his mind like he was trained to, and focused on the current problem. It was explained to him once that those who focused on magic exclusively were mostly unskilled in the martial arena, so he did not have to worry about the dwarf suddenly drawing a large weapon and decimating them. So instead he moved to assist Pytros, focusing on the skeleton to deliver an attack that would remove it as a threat.

It was hardly his ideal position, but the dirt of the floor aided his attack lashed out at chest height, the last two steps of his movement being taken with turning steps, so when his foot lifted off of the ground, it had the momentum of the turn behind it. The wide kick ended up breaking a few of the ribs and damaging a bit of the integrity of the skeleton, but he had not accounted for the lessened weight. The attack was successful, but he knew he could have done better. Pytros was likely able to finish it off when he next attacked, and he expected that the Dwarf was done for, once Ruarc swung again.

Attack: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18,Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Round 2, Initiative 13
11/11 hp; AC 15/14FF/11T; +4F/+1R/+2W

SA: Unarmed Strike vs. Skeleton (AC 16) 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
> Damage 1d3 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
>> Skeleton B: -2/6 hp >> Destroyed

Pytros takes advantage of Joao's attack when the skeleton turns towards the quiet warrior. He snakes his hand to the back of the skull, driving the skeleton downward. Pytros knocks it back with such force that one of its feet detaches from the leg bone. He drives the skeleton's skull into the cavern floor, shattering it into a dozen pieces. The bones crumble into a normal unmoving skeleton. Only the dwarf remains.

Round 2, Initiative 17
10/10 hp; AC 16/14FF/16T

Ready Action vs. Dwarf: Attack with crossbow should he try to cast a spell.

Holding the crossbow lightly in her scarred hands, Maeve watched the dwarf carefully, thus far the odious man had shrugged off her attempts of intimidation into peace as well as her mind magic. Shaking her head stubbornly, the woman instead gripped the crossbow in her hands tight and aimed it at the dwarf. He would be most vulnerable when he attempted to cast a spell. The skeletons were dead and she could afford to wait. Glancing over to her left momentarily, she saw the spreading pool of blood from the southern man, oozing across the floor. Well no matter, he did seem to have a bit of holier than thou mentality about him.

Aglamore and Ruarc are up...

Guessing that his longspear will be less than fully useful against the skeleton, Aglamore shifts his target and moves up to help Ruarc against the dwarf.

Longspear: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 201d8 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8