PbP GameDay 3: PFS 01-52 City of Strangers Part II -- The Twofold Demise (1-7) (Inactive)

Game Master Andrew Trexler

Jasmine gets to the top of the wall and sees a huge honkin' scorpion locked in melee with Cadmuk.

Khakil is up!

Round I Update
Cadmuk @ 21/33hp, possibly poisoned: arrow! Fort save!
Luc: tries to climb standard remaining
Baddies: stab Cadmuk
Jasmine: climbs the wall
Khakil: CURRENT
Cott (Jenny @ 30/38hp):
Thaddaeus:

Cott takes a five foot step south, then works to scramble up the wall.
climb: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

If he makes it...
Cott casts Flaming Sphere on the Scorpion.

If he doesn't make it...
Cott tries climbing the wall again.
climb: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

Jenny tries scrambling up as well.
Jenny climb: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

Then either down the other side or another attempt at scaling it if she fails.
Jenny climb: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

ROUND I

"Sounds like we might have faired better at the door..."

Khakil gives a try at ascending the wall himself.

Climb: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

Not sure if I can use my standard action considering I was 5 feet away from the wall, but if I can:

He casts Grease over the monster.

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Thaddaeus scrambles to wear its a bit less crowded and climbs up the wall.

Climb: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

Khakil: grease next turn. Since climbing is typically quarter-speed, scaling a 12 foot wall as a single move action was really just me simplifying the problem.

Cott: there are limitations to animal companions. Jenny would need directions from you (via a Handle Animal trick and check); in any case, a deinonychus does not have the requisite anatomy to climb a sheer wall. (Incidentally, my forum-fu to verify my old gaming group house rule on this brought me to this glorious post.)

Standard for Luc: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

Khakil and Luc manage to scramble up the rough surface, but Cott and Thaddaeus don't have so much luck. Jenny simply gives Cott a tilt of her head and a confused look.

Cadmuk is up (still need the save), Luc is on deck!

Round I Summary
Cadmuk @ 21/33hp, possibly poisoned: arrow! Fort save!
Luc: climbs the wall
Baddies: stab Cadmuk
Jasmine: climbs the wall
Khakil: climbs the wall
Cott (Jenny @ 30/38hp): has difficulty climbing
Thaddaeus: moves but can't find grip

Round II
Cadmuk @ 21/33hp, possibly poisoned: Fort save! CURRENT
Luc:
Baddies:
Jasmine:
Khakil:
Cott (Jenny @ 30/38hp):
Thaddaeus:

"I'm not sure what you see up there…but perhaps you should climb down and let it come to us?"

"It is not likely that this creature will be coming out! We've committed to this plan, we should follow through with it!"

Fort Save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Round II

Cadmuk feels the pain of the scorpion attack, but fights through it and fires a flury of arrows at the scorpion.

Longbow: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

Longbow: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Using Ki Flury, Cadmuk lets fly an extra arrow in his attack.

Longbow: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

Unfortunately, the arrow misses!

The scorpion's poison seeps into Cadmuk's system, and drawing the weight of his bow feels suddenly more difficult. Strength Damage: 1d2 ⇒ 1 I'll need another Fort save each round. Let me know when/if it starts effecting your damage output, including this round. Nevertheless, Cadmuk gets one good shot in, wounding the scorpion further--it tries to return the favor Claw: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11 but catches on the wall instead.

Luc is up!

Round II
Cadmuk @ 21/33hp plus 1 Str damage, poisoned: three shots, one hit
Luc: CURRENT
Baddies:
Jasmine:
Khakil:
Cott (Jenny @ 30/38hp):
Thaddaeus:

Luc grabs the rope from Cadmuk's feet and uncoils it by tossing one end over the ledge toward his companions below. The other end he tries to secure to one of the neaby crenellations.

I provoke an AoO.

Luc unties the rope from around Cadmuk and begins tying it around a crenelation. This will complete at the end of your next turn. Though his defenses are down, the beast is too busy with Cadmuk to notice.

The wounded scorpion continues to make a meal of the weakening monk, swiping him once with a pincer before injecting another dose of poison.

Claw @ Cadmuk: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9 MISS
Claw @ Cadmuk: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28 CRIT THREAT Confirm: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13 not confirmed Damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8 plus Grab: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (6) + 14 = 20 FAIL
Sting @ Cadmuk: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25 HIT Damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10 plus more poison (so I need two Fort saves now: one for the previous dose, and one to see if this new dose activates)

Party is up!

Round II Update
Cadmuk @ 3/33hp plus 1 Str damage, poisoned: three shots, one hit Two Fort saves!
Luc: unties the rope
Baddies: maul Cadmuk
Jasmine: CURRENT
Khakil:
Cott (Jenny @ 30/38hp):
Thaddaeus:

Fortitude Save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Fortitude Save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

"Irori help me! I've been poisoned and I am weakening!"

Ok, if Jenny can't climb, how about a jump? How far would she need to be able to jump up to scramble to the top? She gets a +20 for jumps.

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It looks hard. The DC is 48. Have you already factored in Jenny's +12 racial bonus due to a high land speed? If not, then it might be possible with a running start. Either way it would require a Handle Animal check to convince her to do it (and what to do).

For these sorts of situations, I recommend picking up a bag of holding or a portable hole (just don't forget to take your companion out!). Otherwise the standard trick is just to tie up your companion, lift it over the wall, then untie it.

Strength Damage: 2d2 ⇒ (1, 2) = 3 This occurs at the start of your next turn.

Jasmine is up!

Round II Update
Cadmuk @ 3/33hp plus 4 Str damage, poisoned twice: three shots, one hit
Luc: unties the rope
Baddies: maul Cadmuk
Jasmine: CURRENT
Khakil:
Cott (Jenny @ 30/38hp):
Thaddaeus:

Cott attempts to climb up again climb: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

And again
climb: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

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I am at work so please delay me until end of round 2 so I don't hold things up please :)

I take it the tower to our north isn't just a rooftop? As in there is a door to a room there?

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Ah! Yes! There is a narrow walkway with a pair of ladders (not attached...) leading from it into the yard, as well as a pair of doors leading into the tower.

Got it, thanks!

ROUND II

Khakil conjures a spurt of grease over the monstrosity below in hopes to buy a moment for poor Cadmuck.

"I don't think a retreat back down the wall is that bad of an idea at this current time!" he suggests before pulling out his whip.

I also take it we can't reach the beast without a reach weapon, correct?

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Correct. Either that or move to ground level.

Reflex: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12 Despite its many legs, the creature is still flummoxed by the grease and flops to the ground!

On the other side of the wall, Cott struggles with his off-balanced pack (something must have shifted during the walk across town, he guesses) and can't quite maintain his balance to scale the wall.

Thaddaeus!

Round II Update
Cadmuk @ 3/33hp plus 4 Str damage, poisoned twice: three shots, one hit
Luc: unties the rope
Baddies: mauls Cadmuk
Khakil: grease
Cott (Jenny @ 30/38hp): tries to climb
Thaddaeus: CURRENT
Jasmine: (delay)

With a sigh Thadd makes another attempt at climbing up the wall. If he gets there he'll draw his bow.

Climb: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

Jasmine, seeing the beast attacking her companion, she struggles whether or not to get close to the beast. She decides that being close is not a good idea based on the suze of those pincers. She stows her dagger and draws her crossbow.

double move to stow dagger and draw crossbow

Thadd clambers atop the wall and draws his bow; Jasmine stuffs her dagger away and does the same.

Cadmuk is up! Total Str damage at this point is 4.

Round III

As a full round action, Cadmuk withdraws from battle by moving along the wall. He tries very hard to stay out of reach of the scorpions nasty attack.

Acrobatics Check: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

Cadmuk is saved by Khakil's spell, for it has flopped to the ground and is no longer paying attention to Cadmuk!

Luc finishes tying the rope to the rampart, providing a lifeline for Cott to get up. You can change this action if you'd like to.

The scorpion struggles to its feet and roars with disapproval, looking around for its quarry. Spotting him further down the wall, the creature tries to move out of the grease Acrobatics: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 and makes absolutely no progress, barely keeping itself upright. Scorpion is considered flat-footed.

Party is up! I need two new Fort saves from Cadmuk for the existing poison doses.

Round III Update
Cadmuk @ 3/33hp plus 4 Str damage, poisoned twice: withdraws Fort saves!
Luc: ties the rope
Baddies: stand and almost fall
Khakil: CURRENT
Cott (Jenny @ 30/38hp):
Thaddaeus:
Jasmine:

AoO for me on the scorpion standing? If so:

Whip: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 4 + 1 = 16 high ground

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ROUND III

The bard begins a poetic performance to Inspire Courage in his companions.

"Disgusting insect,
Maybe a story taller,
You can still be squashed."

He drops both shield and whip to pull out his long spear.

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Cott moves to the rope, and ties it around Jenny.

If he could reach the rope with a five foot step instead of a move action, he'll also try to climb the rope. If not, he stays put.
climb: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

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Climbing is b+#&@~~+

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Fort Save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
Fort Save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

This battle certainly is not going as well as planned! Is poetic performance the same as inspiring courage?

Yeah, sorry I'll add that in!

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Jasmine takes out a bolt and loads it. Seeing the scorpion struggle, she takes aim and lets loose a bolt from her crossbow.

attack from highe ground?: 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 4 + 1 + 1 = 15
dam: 1d8 + 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + (2) + 1 = 7

Khakil and Jasmine both take pot-shots at the creature, but its thick armor is difficult to penetrate. Cadmuk struggles with the poison, but it seems (slightly) less virulent than before. Down to one active dose. Str Damage: 1d2 ⇒ 2 This occurs at the start of your next turn.

Cott: you're better off leaving Jenny where she is for now. Full-round to tie her up, then climb up, then Str check to pull her up, then untie her... it'll take a while. For now I'll assume you just climb up yourself, but let me know if you want to change that.

With the assistance of the rope, Cott successfully mounts the wall.

Thaddaeus is up!

Round III Update
Cadmuk @ 3/33hp plus 6 Str damage, poisoned: withdraws
Luc: ties the rope
Baddies: stand and almost fall
Khakil: inspire courage
Cott (Jenny @ 30/38hp): climbs up
Thaddaeus: CURRENT
Jasmine: miss

Ok. Is that move + standard to climb the rope? If so, that's what we'll do. If there's a standard left...

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Round IV

"Oh dear Irori help me! I can barely pull on this bow."

Cadmuk, in his weakened condition, strains to pull on his composite bow. Still attempting to release a flury of blows, the monk fires at the scorpion giving as much mindful attention that he can muster.

Longbow: 1d20 + 8 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 8 - 2 + 2 = 16
Damage: 1d8 - 2 ⇒ (5) - 2 = 3

Longbow: 1d20 + 8 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 8 - 2 + 2 = 26
Damage: 1d8 - 2 ⇒ (2) - 2 = 0

Using an extra Ki point for Ki flury

Longbow: 1d20 + 8 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 8 - 2 + 2 = 16
Damage: 1d8 - 2 ⇒ (7) - 2 = 5

Thadd looses an arrow at the scorpion.

1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27, 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Thadd scores a small hit on the scorpion while Cott casts a fireball. Reflex: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16 Even with the grease, the creature flexes it chitinous armor just enough to dodge the flames.

Cadmuk labors with his bow, eventually gathering enough strength to aim well--but that saps it all and leaves none for the draw. The arrow strikes with no effect.

Luc!

Round IV
Cadmuk @ 3/33hp plus 6 Str damage, poisoned: one hit
Luc: CURRENT
Baddies:
Khakil:
Cott (Jenny @ 30/38hp):
Thaddaeus:
Jasmine:

Jump Down: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

Luc weighs his options a moment, then jumps from the 12' wall, drawing his sword as he falls, and landing nimbly on his feet. He immediately lashes out at the scorpion with his blade, not seeking to topple it, but to kill it.

Aldori Dueling Sword Attack: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17
Aldori Dueling Sword Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Luc gracefully jumps into the fray, but his strike is turned by the scorpion's thick shell. Eager to get away from druid's flame and finding a new target within easy reach, the scorpion steps up Acrobatics: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11 to engage Luc in melee. The fighter easily ducks the creature's huge tail.

Sting @ Luc: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13 MISS

Party is up!

Round IV
Cadmuk @ 3/33hp plus 6 Str damage, poisoned: one hit
Luc: jump and miss
Baddies: step and miss
Khakil: CURRENT
Cott (Jenny @ 30/38hp):
Thaddaeus:
Jasmine:

when my turn

Jasmine loads her bow and takes careful aim against the scorpion. She hopes it is easier to hit even though it regained its balance.

bow, point blank, high ground, inspire: 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 4 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 26
dam: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

crit?, dam: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 251d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

His inspiration continues as Khakil hurries to reach the ground via the nearest ladder. Should be 4 spaces away, not including the decent.

"Skitter out of reach,
A simple minded vermin,
You cannot escape."

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With a flick of the wrist Cott directs the ball of flame towards the scorpion again.

Reflex DC 15 or Flame damage: 3d6 ⇒ (5, 3, 1) = 9

Then draws a dart and hurls it at the beast.
Dart: 1d20 + 3 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 3 + 1 - 4 = 10damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

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Round V

Cadmuk tries to summon the strength from within and fire another flury of shots at the Scorpion.

Longbow: 1d20 + 8 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 8 - 2 + 2 = 18
Damage: 1d8 - 2 ⇒ (7) - 2 = 5

Longbow: 1d20 + 8 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 8 - 2 + 2 = 16
Damage: 1d8 - 2 ⇒ (8) - 2 = 6

"Irori, what has happened?! Give the the strength to use my bow!"

Reflex: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17 SUCCESS

Khakil clambers down the ladder while Cott sends the fireball rolling towards the scorpion, who, somehow, pulls its legs away in time once again. Cott's dart and Cadmuk's bow both miss, but Jasmine's missile runs straight through one of the creature's eyes, wounding it severely.

Thaddaeus is up! Luc is on deck, and I need another Fort save from Cadmuk for the start of Round V.

Round IV Update
Cadmuk @ 3/33hp plus 6 Str damage, poisoned: one hit
Luc: jump and miss
Baddies: step and miss
Khakil: climbs down ladder
Cott (Jenny @ 30/38hp): flaming sphere and dart
Thaddaeus: CURRENT
Jasmine: crit!

Round V
Cadmuk @ 3/33hp plus 6 Str damage, poisoned: miss Fort save!
Luc:
Baddies:
Khakil:
Cott (Jenny @ 30/38hp):
Thaddaeus:
Jasmine:

Ah, I thought his last failed throw was for round 3, not 4. I would have cast saving finale: my bad.

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You can do it for Round VI if you'd like!

Thadd looses another arrow at the scorpion...the necessity to be cautious to avoid his comrades causes him to miss.

1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 8 - 4 = 16, 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Fortitude Save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

IMMEDIATE ACTION

With a flourish of beat-boxing, Khakil immediately ends his performance with a cast of Saving Throw.

Reroll, Cadmuck!

Lingering Performance makes Inspire Courage persist for another two rounds!

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Luc thinks about attempting to trip the many legged creature but thinks better of it, attacking it as he steps to the side.

Aldori Dueling Sword Attack: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20
Aldori Dueling Sword Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2