[PFS PbP] 0-06 Black Waters (Inactive)

Game Master Deane Beman

Grimbli urges Fluffy on, toward the door. "It's okay, Fluffy...it's just like a cave. You like caves, right? I mean, sure, this one's a little darker, wetter, and generally creepier than most, but there are some similarities..." His voice trails off, and he begins to steel himself for the inevitable.

Marug makes his way to the door, flexing his powerful shoulders and loosening up in case a fight breaks out, his steps are punctuated by chuffing sounds and he rapidly inhales and exhales.

Wot I wouldn't give for somefink solid ter break roit now...wont be long doh...

As Marug passes Grimbli and Fluffy he lowers his hand to the tiger, palm out, fingers slightly wiggling...

Make sure youse reco'nize me, kitty...I don wanna get bit later onz.

Stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

Cyrus ducks into the shadows, Careful to not let the suspiciously odd groundskeeper see him as he pulls his exquisitely crafted Sickle out.

Steel your nerves. There isn't much this group of men, and amazingly exotic paladin can't take. That skin... I wonder if she is Osirian? That would be a... happy coincidence....

They really are nice boo-FOCUS!

Magrim follows after the others, watching the groundskeeper closely.

"Good day to you…may you find what you seek." With that Groundskeeper Derris and Mrs. Heracks head back toward the classroom, 'conversing' as they walk down the corridor."[/b]

Are we heading inside?

not without a perception check. if i don't see anything, then I"ll enter.

Nadra walked towards the open door and peered through the other side to ensure it was safe before entering.

perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

Cyrus notices out of the corner of his eye Nadra looking through the door, searching for an unseen threat.

Aahh! I better check that for traps... Wouldn't that be awkward...

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Marug walks up and puts his hand on the paladin's shoulder, looking to the opposite direction she is watching...

We clear? I don' wants no s'prises poppin out on me

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

Grimbli grabs a pebble off the ground, speaks a small arcane phrase. As he finishes, light emanates from it, bright as any torch. He pats Fluffy on the neck and murmurs, "Smell anything in there, Fluffy?"

Cast light, holding the pebble for now.

Ears flat against his head, Fluffy sniffs at the damp, stale air.

Perception (Scent): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

Sensing no traps, you use the key provided navy the Venture Captain and enter the Necropolis; a network of 6-foot-wide, arched tunnels connects double- vaulted ossuary chambers. The once ornate chambers are now a patchwork of brown stone walls, faded paint, and crumbling plaster. Water seeps through the walls and collects in floor cracks and ankle-deep puddles.

The party proceeds down the hallway, single file. From the light of Grimbli's pebble, you are able to see that the hallway begins to go down a shallow set of stairs about forty feet before another corridor tees into it from the right. Scouting ahead, you see that the original hallway continues for about fifteen feet before it starts to twist down a series of stairs that ends in a tunnel collapse. Examining the hall on the left you see that it runs about thirty-five feet before ending in an open heavy stone door.

Carved pillars in the corners of this chamber hold aloft a double-vaulted ceiling of cracked frescos. On either side of the chamber, a single step leads up into a deeply recessed area that forms an arched room of its own.

As you enter the room shuffling toward you appears to be a humanoid but, this ugly creature resembles a twisted shadow puppet’s silhouette, a wild thing of flared black and brown fur whose pelt juts out from its body at freakish angles. The shambling thing's ears are large and floppy, draping shoulder-length, adding to the creature’s unnatural shape. Its eyes are too big for its head. Tremendous milk-white ovals loom on either side of the thing’s wheezy pig-like nose. Its gaping mouth is filled with bristly needle-teeth spiderwebbed in disgusting strands of yellowish saliva, all vibrating to the tune of its wheezing breath. It carries a morningstar in one hand and a shield in the other.

Round 1
1. Marug, Grimbili, Nadra, Cyrus, Magrim
2. Creature
3. Ibid

Map is active...I'll put up a token for Fluffy ASAP.

Grimbli gasps, but recovers from his surprise quickly. He incants a short arcane phrase and thrusts his hands in the creature's direction. Suddenly, its morningstar is covered in a slick, greasy coating. His work done, he gestures to Fluffy, "Okay, Fluffy - your turn."

Standard action: Cast grease on the morningstar (DC 16 Reflex save or the creature drops it. Also, DC 16 Reflex save each round the creature tries to use it, for 10 rounds).
Free action: Handle Fluffy
Handle Animal (DC 10, Link): 1d20 + 9 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 9 + 4 = 19

Not seeing a link to the map!

Welly welly well...looks like we gots us a TARGET!

Charge the beastie (+2 atk, -2AC) Hit it with my fist using Power Attack

Attack!: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 4 + 2 = 23

damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

How's yer likin' DAT!! Hahahahahahahaha!!!

Map link is in the GM's stat line

Fluffy springs into action, leaping forward and biting at the creature. Unfortunately, his teeth clamp down on empty air.

Move action: Move toward creature (ending NE of it)
Standard action: Attack creature
Attack (Bite): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Damage (Bite): 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Do you mind if we go out of order within our initiative block, as it's effectively one person delaying? If that's ok, then I will...

Magrim places his hand on Nadra's shoulder, infusing her with divine guidance.

May those who have gone before us guide your strike.

Cast Guidance on her, then regain two-handed grip on spear.

Did it have to be NE? That's the only square i could have reached him! Oh well.

Nadra moves closer to the creature and draws her blade. She stands beside Marug and the large cat called Fluffy, essentially building a wall of flesh preventing the monster from reacher their other allies.

Sorry, more than willing to retcon that, if the GM is okay with it...

Nadra should still be able to attack it from where she is at currently...it will just get a concealment bonus (I think). Obviously DM is final arbiter.

Also, Fluffy should have "pounce" as a natural ability, so all claw and bite atttacks plus improved grab. Check that for accuracy please!

It was more a concern that she had to move more than a single move to get there, and couldn't charge because there were friendlies between it and her.

OIC

Yes…feel feee to act in any order if there is a group of you on the same line of initiative; in this case anyone after "1" can act whenever they have a chance to log on. It certainly makes things move much more quickly in a PbP.

Also if I arbitrarily place you on the map feel free to shift 5 feet before making your first move in an encounter. Chances are I'll keep Marug near the front of the pack since I don't think he'd have it any other way!

The creature looks as startled as a grotesque, possibly undead creature can look as its morningstar slips from its grasp and clatters on the ground. While its processing that turn of events Marug charges into it; making a nasty gash in its side.

Feel free to retcon Fluffy's move so Nadra can squeeze in…I'll check back later.

Reflex: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

When Ibid regains his senses after watching the startlingly, grotesque creature shudder toward the group, the old bard slips the longbow from where it lay across his shoulders, and raises it to fire.

Drawing an arrow, knocking it, and exhaling a steady breath, Ibid focuses on the luck he so desperately needs to prove himself to the group, to keeping them from thinking he is a worthless old man.

Releasing the string, Ibid fires at the creature.

longbow(comp. w/ archaeologist's luck and point blank): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
damage(+2 comp. longbow w/ archaeologist's luck and point blank): 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

In that case, Gm, I can reach him in one move action retcon without the! The retcon will just allow me to charge which I'm ok not doing. I'm gonna hit him now

Putting her doubting aside, Nadra strikes at the monster with force as if guided by the heavens.

Guided Power Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
damage: 2d4 + 6 ⇒ (4, 4) + 6 = 14

If we're on Round 2 (looks like it), Marug will pop the critter again (with Power Attack).

Attack!: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

hahahahahahahahahahaHAHAHAHA...OI! Keep yer eyes peeled fer more back dere!

my damage die seems to be stuck...

Nope…we're still on round 1. I was waiting for Nadra's retconned action and we're still waiting for Cyrus. Then the bad guy gets a turn, then I'll resolve Ibid's action. Since there seems to be some confusion I'll explain how I handle combat in the Discussion thread.

Nadra charges in after the beast but fails to connect.

Cyrus is up.

Sorry guys! I have been traveling, and haven't been able to post as frequently as I would like.

Cyrus, in his seemingly subconscious effort to impress those around him, including the dark skinned paladin, takes a quick running start and jumps forward through the air, hitting the ground hands first and spring back up, tumbling through the air and rocketing directly over the head of the grotesque creature, landing deftly on his feet.

with any luck, that will have caught him completely off guard...

Acrobatics to avoid AoO, through the enemies square: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

By your eyes beastie, I'd say you're impressed! He says with a grin as he swings his curved blade.

Attack with Flanking: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 5 + 2 = 27 for Damage with Sneak Attack: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 5) = 10

Crit confirmation: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 5 + 2 = 27 for Extra Crit Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3

O.o never going to get that lucky again!

Cyrus scores a nasty hit on the unarmed creature. Rather than try to pick up its weapon the creature attempts to slam into Cyrus but the wiley rogue leaps out of the way. Ibid shoots an arrow into the fray and scores a solid hit!

Slam: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12, Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Round 2
1. Marug, Grimbili, Nadra, Cyrus, Magrim
2. Creature
3. Ibid

Marug lands a devastating blow on the creature...causing it to stagger a bit.

Grimbili, Nadra, Cyrus & Magrim are up.

Dodging the creature's slam attack gives Cyrus a rush of adrenaline, and the success of his last attack gives him courage.

You're surrounded! He says as he reaches low for the creature's ankles.

Trip attempt with Sickle: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 5 + 2 = 27

And now you are surrounded AND laying on the ground! He says, his voice raising to a very high pitch in his excitement. He catches Nadra's eyes briefly, then clears his throat.

He continues in a much deeper, somewhat forced tone of voice Ahem, I mean, Off with your feet!

Off with your feet? Where do I come up with this stuff?

Off... Off your feet?

Sigh... Hopeless

Seeing the beast fall to the ground Nadra raises her falchion high above her head. "Begone foul beast to whichever hell you came!" Nadra shouts as she swings her blade down with bone crushing force.

POWER attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
damage: 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (2, 2) + 4 = 8

Magrim advances on the surrounded foe, trying to distract it long enough for Fluffy to strike.

Move to spot on the map.

Standard Aid Another vs AC 10 to help Fluffy's attack, soft cover and flanking included: 1d20 + 2 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 2 + 2 - 4 = 16

Fluffy continues his assault, biting and clawing at the prone creature.

Full-round action: Attack creature
Attack (Bite): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13
Damage (Bite): 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Attack (Claw 1): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Damage (Claw 1): 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Attack (Claw 2): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Damage (Claw 2): 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Grimbli reaches into his belt pouch and grabs his acid flask, focusing his arcane power on it, then speaks a quick phrase. In an instant, a globule of acid appears in the air and flies toward the creature.

Move action: Retrieve stored item
Standard action: Cast acid splash
Attack (Acid Splash, Ranged Touch, Firing into melee): 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 3 - 4 = 15
Damage (Acid Splash): 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

The focused fire causes the undead creature to become re-dead. There was much rejoicing.

Ibid lowers his longbow, relaxing the string, and smiling to the group.

"I knew there was a reason I had every confidence in this group," Ibid says, stepping up to the group and nearing the undead monstrosity. "Well done, everyone! And Cyrus, nice use of tripping up our enemy."

Next, Ibid mutters a command word while pulling free the wayfinder from his breast pocket. The silver and gold bauble immediately glows, emitting light to area, as the old bard begins searching the remains of the undead monster for any clues which may help the group find the two-finger ring.

Ibid uses his standard wayfinder to cast light

perception(searching the corpse): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

Ibid searches the zombie, but finds nothing of interest. Its possessions consist only of the shield and morningstar it carried. A search of the room uncovers a ring with a feather fall pattern engraved on it amid the rubble that must have been washed in when the pool was drained.

Moving on?

"yes, that was fine skills you showed," Nadra said, adding her praise towards Cyrus. She then stands ready as Ibid searches the undead and the room. Only relaxing when he returns with a ring.

"So much for this being easy," she said when she noticed it was not the ring they were after.

I'm ready to continue.

Grimbli calls Fluffy back to him after the creature is dispatched. "Very nicely done, Fluffy." Then, to the rest of the group, "And to the rest of you - very capable group we have here, very capable indeed." He gets into Fluffy's saddle and signals his readiness to the others.

'ow is we handlin' da shinies? Foist grab? Trial by combat? Drinkin'?

"Age before beauty?" Ibid jokes, giving Marug a gentle pat on the chest.

I am ready to continue, as well.

"Age before beauty?" Ibid jokes, giving Marug a gentle pat on the chest.

I am ready to continue, as well.

You may lose out if we go by age, young one. I recommend beard length.

Magrim smiles, and motions to continue exploring.

*cracks nuckles* time to be a kill joy

"among the Cult of the Dawnflower there is a saying, 'need before greed.' Whomever shall benefit most from the ring should have it... what does the trinket do anyway?"

Magrim crouched, leaning his ear towards the skunk. After a brief pause, he says: The spirits are silent on the matter. Perhaps Grimbli can determine what magic it holds, if any.

"Well, I can certainly give it a try..." Grimbli reaches over and grabs the ring, then speaks a quick arcane phrase, one of the first he ever learned. He concentrates for several seconds on the ring, attempting to divine anything he can from it.

Cast detect magic
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

He sighs and shakes his head. "I'm not able to tell anything about it today...perhaps tomorrow, I'll have better luck."

Cyrus blushes at the complements and looks down toward the ground. thanks, it was nothing really... he says sheepishly.

As the group examines the ring, his curiosity gets the better of him.
I have a guess as to its purpose. Cyrus quips. May I see it please?

Taking the ring and slipping it on his finger, he scales the wall carefully, takes a deep breath...

I hope I am right, or this is going to hurt...

...and leaps, belly flop style towards the center of the room.

acrobatics to avoid fall damage, in case it isn't a ring of feather fall: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

Amazingly awesome idea there!

Sadly, Marug doesn't want the shiny to get too far away...arms length is good enough.

Daft!

I'd like to catch him before he really hurts himself if possible? Entirely up to the GM

Cyrus floats down from the ceiling and lands with a soft pounce. Well played.

---

You leave the corpse behind and head down a winding passageway to the next room. Water drips from the double-vaulted ceiling and trickles down the walls to pool on the floor. Bone shards of a hundred skulls litter the room like shattered seashells. Wide stairs climb to the
west. Narrow stairs dive to the north. On the south wall, an open doorway gapes, a carved relief depicting a massive battle filling the archway over the door. The rest of the walls are filled floor to ceiling with nooks that house ancient, but drenched, skeletal remains. In the center of the room sit twelve school children in a circle on the floor. One child seems to be silently telling a story, her arms moving rapidly as she makes scary faces.

Suddenly sounds of scraping and shuffling get loud enough for you all to hear. This followed up by a low moaning sounds that seem to come from all directions. Bursting through multiple entrances, the party first smell an overwhelming decay odor before they see human-like figures approaching, fangs bared and grey skin hanging slackly on theirs bodies.

Round 1 New map is active
1. Everybody!
2. Creatures

Magrim invokes the memories of his ancestors, bestowing their insight on Marug.

Strike true, and lay their souls to rest.

The dwarf stands resolute, spear leveled in front of him.

I'll cast Guidance on Marug, then 5 ft move SW.

Edit--token moved.

Nadra dashes down the south east corridor and draws her blade. "Begone undead creature!" Nadra shouts as she attacks. Remembering her training, she makes sure to attack well against the foe.

power attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
dice: 2d4 + 6 ⇒ (3, 3) + 6 = 12

Marug lowers himself to an aggressive crouch eyeing opponents approaching from both sides. As Nadra rushes down the southeast corridor he grins fiercely and punches his shoulder in respect, then wheels about to face the northeast corridor.

He feels the tingling caress of divination magic, focusing his sights on the thing that slouches ever nearer. Spreading his arms wide he charges down the hallway with a primal scream.

As he nears the unliving thing he leaps up and kicks out with a hob-nailed boot!

*uff* wh-WHAAAAAAGGGHHH!!

ATTACK!!!: 1d20 + 4 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 4 + 2 + 1 = 16 (Power Attack, Charge, Guidance)
DAMAGE!!!: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Gods but that's close...I really hope I hit! Also, very dumb of me to split the group like this, but Marug is looking for one good solo kill. Vanity...definitely my favorite sin! (Place that quote :D)

Grimbli quickly utters an arcane phrase and a globule of acid flies toward the creature to the west. Then, he dismounts and points at the thing, saying, "Attack, Fluffy."

Standard action: Cast acid splash at the creature
Attack (Ranged Touch, Acid Splash): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Damage (Acid flask): 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Move action: Dismount
Free action: Handle Fluffy
Handle Animal (Link): 1d20 + 9 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 9 + 4 = 15