Pummeling Pit (Inactive)

Game Master subway rat

An encounter for Endless Encounters

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As the heavy wooden door opens, you hear the dull roar of the bloodthirsty crowd echo through the hall. The group to your right waits with worried looks on their faces as stretchers are brought into the room carrying unconscious bodies. The stretcher bearers push you and the other waiting teams up against the wall as they squeeze through the room. This underground room, basically a glorified hallway, is about 10 feet wide and 60 feet long. A bench runs the length of one side on which sit several teams of pit fighters, each with four members.

“Alright, we don't have all day. Next up are the SCORPION PRINCES.” says a thin gaunt looking man holding a clip board. A meager group of men rise, their skin painted red. One of them sets down a thin tattered book on the bench with his other belongings. Another drinks what looks to be a potion and smashes the bottle on the floor. The thin man continues, “You know the rules, 8000 gold for the team if you win. Nothing if you lose. And try not to kill anyone. Your team is deducted 1000 gold for each fatality. Beyond that anything is fair game, although I’ve yet to see a fair fight out there. Let’s see, what else...oh yeah, don’t injure anyone in the stands. They can get a bit unruly at times, but they are paying customers who came to watch a show, not be in a show. That’s what you’re here for. Alright, it looks like they’re ready for you. Get out there.” He shepherds the Scorpion Princes through the door and out into the hall toward the arena.

The man turns your direction and eyes your group. “What’s your team name? I don't have you listed here.” he asks as he scribbles something on his clipboard.

It's assumed that you planned to be a part of this, so you can prepare spells with the knowledge that you are entering a fight.

Tagatha flashes a smile full of sharp fangs."White Fangs. We are the White Fangs." He growls.

Rayne raises his eyebrows. "Yeah, the White Fangs." Glancing at those teeth, he decides not to protest. :P

.

"Alright, WHITE FANGS it is. Let's see, you already heard the rules. This being a new team, do you have any questions before I send you out to the wolves? Call me sentimental, but I have soft spot for greenhorns like yourselves. So eager. So clueless. It'll make me sad when your bodies are dragged out of here. Honestly, it will."

"Am I right in thinking that our opponents are the scorpion princes?" Jamir inquired.

What did I get myself talked into this time.
Jamir takes out one of his extracts Heightened Awareness and plans to drink it before entering the arena.

Glyn smiles congenially "Could we have a quick rundown of what our opponents are capable of, just to increase the likelihood that our bodies aren't dragged out of here?"

Hopefully, this will give us an edge...

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

"Oh no, the Scorpion Princes are fighting right now." He cocks his head to the side and listens for a moment before continuing. "And by the sound of it, they aren't doing too badly. Now, your opponents will enter from the other side of the arena. The bean counters upstairs try to make it a somewhat even fight. You know, the crowds get bored if it's too one sided. But there's only so much you can tell from an application. Let me see..." He flips through the papers on his clip board. "Looks like you're facing off against a wizard, alchemist, rogue, and barbarian. The team is called FIREBRANDS. Oh yes, I know of these folks. They have been making a name for themselves these last few weeks. Dirty fighters, the lot of them, perfect for the pit. The crowd loves them. With any luck they could go far. They attack fast and hard, so watch out for that.

Just as he finishes speaking, the door flings open. Apparently the Scorpion Princes were triumphant. They walk through the door bloody and dirty. The first man has a large gash across his chest but is otherwise unharmed. The second man is helping the third hobble through the door. His leg is obviously broken. The forth is carrying a greatsword and bow with a cut bowstring in one arm. In the other arm is a helmet with four potions nested inside. Under his arm is what looks to be a spell book, still smoldering. The first Scorpion Prince lets out a hearty laugh, "Those bastards won't be fighting any time soon! He turns to Glyn and grins "Good luck to you lad! Now let's go get a drink boys. I'm parched."

"One last question, before we go in. Do you know what the wizard specializes in? Battlefield control, damage output, buffer, and so forth?"

Turning to his team, Rayne motions for them to gather round.

"What is our strategy? How should we deal with the wizard, alchemist, rogue, and barbarian? I can go for one of their legs, try to keep them on the floor, but the others?"

"That Wizard is a tricky one. You never know what to expect out of him. That's what makes him such a crowd favorite. Watch out for color spray though, he likes to use that spell." He pauses for a moment, "Well, they are telling me it's time. Good luck to you." As he ushers you through the door, he calls out, "You should have about 20 seconds before they lift the gate to buff. Use the time wisely." The door slams shut behind you.

You find yourselves in a small room 10ft deep and 15ft wide. The wooden door you just came through sits in a brick wall, the opposite wall is entirely made of thick iron-bound boards. You can tell this is the gate that will open momentarily. The stone floor has given way to dirt, and you can hear the voice of an announcer introducing the teams.

You have 3 rounds to buff

Hmm, a wizard, alchemist, barbarian and rogue. Depending on their abilities we'll be quite evenly matched I think.

Jamir gulped down his extract and looked at the others and then at Rayne.

"I think it's best you keep that barbarian on the ground, while we take out the wizard. I can make certain I can get to him real fast. Also watch out for the rogue trying to stab us in the back and the bombs that alchemist will most likely be throwing at us."

"Tagatha could you maybe throw one of your spells at the wizard when you see he's about to cast. Should make it difficult for him to concentrate."

Round 1: Drinking Heightened Awareness extract (will use its secondary ability to improve my initiative)

Round 2: Talking tactics with the party.

Round 3: Drinking Expeditious Retreat extract.

Rayne cracks his knuckles, glancing around at the rest of the group.

"Ready?"

Readies a Javalin to throw at someone, other than that, nothing.

Glyn casts grease on Rayne's armor

A mischievous smile spreads across Glyn's face "I have two nets that can entangle two of our foes. After that I will be buffing. Who should I keep tied up?

Glyn draws a net

Round 1: Casting grease
Round 2: Talking tactics
Round 3: Draws net

"If you could get the rogue or the alchemist stuck, that would help greatly."

"How exactly do we plan to eliminate them? Killing them costs us money, and I don't think 'keeping them on the floor' is going to count. Say Rayne pins one, what do we do about the rest? I don't have those skills. Where I come from, there is no time for such niceties."

Tagatha pauses for a moment.

"I suppose I can try to keep that wizard working hard to cast. And I will assist as I can, but one of you will have to put them down."

Round 1 - Cast Mage Armor
Round 2 - Listen to Tactics
Round 3 - Ready an action (don't know how this will work, but this is my intent) to cast Magic Missile to interrupt the wizard.

"Well I was planning on using this sap instead of my rapier. Should make certain they don't die. And if all else fails, I'll just have to administer first aid where necessary."

"I would suggest, that if Rayne can keep one out of the fight, we focus them down one at a time. Stay spread out. If the wizard has color spray, he will be going for a quick hit with that. We get him first."

"I can try to keep the barbarian down, then. I'll throw this sharp stick at him first, then move in for melee. If I'm lucky, I should be able to keep him unarmed and on the floor. I'd appreciate it if you guys could keep the rogue off of me."

I'll throw my javelin, and then use my turn for tripping him, and my attack of opportunities for disarming him.

Also, Glyn's bardic performance Distraction can counter Color Spray.

With a jolt, the gate begins to rise. Beyond, is the arena. It's a surprisingly small space surrounded by 10ft walls on all sides. Jeering crowds sit in the stands above. The attendance is good today so there are roughly 300 people in the stands A ceiling caps off the entire place about 60 feet up. Lighting is normal.

Arena Map

Across the arena floor you can see the opposite gate open as well. Standing just inside the door is a tall human-looking man, presumably the barbarian. To his right and left are, inexplicably, identical copies of himself. Behind the trio of barbarians you can see a pair of elves The female wielding a short bow, the male wielding a flask of some kind.

In the very middle of the floor stands a small table clearly marked with healing symbols. A single potion sits atop the table.

The announcer calls out in an unnaturally loud, fast talking voice, "And there we have it folks. The gates are opening. Who will strike first? Which team will make a move for the-- wait what's this? It looks as though the Firebrands have made a line up change. But wait, no that can't be right. Three of the same person?. How can this be?

Round 1 order:
Tagatha
Glyn
Alchemist
Rayne
Jamir
Rogue
All three Barbarians

Tagatha calmly steps through the door and mutters words of power.

' জাদু ক্ষেপণাস্ত্র ' and holds the spell, waiting for someone to cast a spell.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

"The barbarians are illusory. I'm not sure which, or how, but beware." He says.

Move to F7, cast and hold Magic Missile

Glyn steps forward and mutters a spell.

He yells "Have a nice trip, see you next Fall!"

concentration: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

move to E7 and cast grease on E1, E2, F1, F2, Reflex save DC 15

The elf on the far left slips and falls as does the barbarian in the center. The barbarian on the left stands there for a moment and then winks out of existence.

The other elf steps forward and lobs a bomb at Tagatha.
bomb: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19 vs Touch AC
bomb damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Tagatha takes 9 fire damage
Rayne Takes 5 damage (or 2 if he succeeds on a reflex save)

Reflex: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
That was probably a failure, gonna assume so until told otherwise.

Grimacing at the splashing flame but ignoring it as best he can, Rayne runs forward and throws his javelin at the alchemist in revenge. [ooc]Also, this is a good opportunity to get rid of him before the barbarian monopolizes me.

Moving into 6E and throwing the javelin at the alchemist, 'cause he's begging for it. You said the table was small, so I'm assuming I can throw the javelin over it? If not, I'll move to 5E, I don't think the table's in the way there.

Javelin Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

Javelin Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

"Rogue's invisible, Barbarian and wizard on the floor and there's an arrow trap ready to shoot at the table in the center. Alchemist needs to go." Jamir whispered to the others as he rushed forward to the alchemist. He takes on a defensive stance while he swings his sap, trying to connect with the alchemist.
Sap attack (fighting defensively): 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 - 4 = 18
Sap non-lethal damage if hit: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

moved to H4, fighting defensively getting my AC to 19 & touch AC to 15.

As Rayne moves forward a pit opens up under him and Glyn
Rayne and Glyn make reflex saves (DC20). Rayne, if you make the save we will assume you make your javelin attack. Otherwise you are prone at the bottom of the 10ft pit.
Rayne's damage if he falls: 1d6 ⇒ 2
Glyn's damage if he falls: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Jamir moves toward the alchemist. Just as he steps up to the elf, the ground under both of them gives way as well.
Jamir, make a reflex save (DC20), then do your standard action. You may keep your sap attack. The alchemist fell into the trap and is lying prone at the bottom.
Jamir's damage if he falls: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Reflex save: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Down I go -.- ... Will change my standard action to standing up. Chances are he took less damage from that fall then me. Let's hope rayne is luckier :)

Where are we in the order?

Jamir plummets into the pit with the alchemist. The center barbarian peers down for a moment, then looks over at Tagatha with a wry smile. The barbarian fades away leaving a gnome lying in his place. The gnome pulls out a scroll. Behind him, the female elf (by now it would be clear that she is probably the rogue) stands up and walks gingerly through the grease out into the arena, bow in hand.

The other barbarian, the only one still left, walks over to the potion in the center of the room and picks it up. As he does so, a barrage of arrows fly out of the wall and stick into his side. He drops the potion and lets out a yell.

You know what, it will make things run more smoothly if I just make reflex rolls for you this round Rayne and Glyn.
Rayne Reflex: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
Glyn Reflex: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Round 2:
Tagatha - go
Glyn - go (prone)
Alchemist
Rayne - go (prone)
Jamir - go
Rogue
Barbarian
Gnome Wizard

I should also mention that climbing the walls of the 10ft deep pits are trivial. No check required.
And Rayne, you have your standard action from round one since you didn't get a chance to throw your javelin, and then your actions for round 2.

With the rush of getting into the fight we did not notice our true enemy. Team Trap! ;)

Rayne stands up.

That should use up the standard action from round 1, right?

yes, that's right

Tagatha releases the spell at the wizard, then grabs his potion from his belt. He drops into a defensive crouch, waiting for his allies to get out from the pits.

MM: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Hit Wizard with Magic Missile, grab CLW potion for next turn, if there is one. I can't remember if releasing a spell this way is a Standard Action. If not, I will Fight Defensively as well. I am alone with 3 opponents facing me on the floor level...

effective AC 18; maybe 20.

Glyn stands up and picks up the potion with the eye.

So, the way holding spells works is that you can cast a touch spell but don't have to discharge it right away. Touching the target can be done as part of the standard action to cast the spell. I'm pretty sure you can also move. So you could cast, move, touch all in one round. But since MM is not a touch spell, you can't hold the charge. Instead you would ready action to cast at some trigger event. Since the wizard did not get a chance you cast last round, and that was your trigger, you never cast your spell. Your initiative came up again, so you can act normally on your turn. You cast MM, and then drew a potion.

The alchemist is doing something in the pit with Jamir, but they are out of sight from the rest of you.

Round 2 update:
Tagatha - cast magic missile
Glyn - Stood up and grabbed potion
Alchemist - Did something in the pit
Rayne - go (prone)
Jamir - go
Rogue
Barbarian
Gnome Wizard

I also posted a link for the map at the top of the page

Note, Rayne used his standard action from last round to stand up - he's not prone anymore.

Move action: Rayne jumps/climbs out of the pit. "Up I go! Rayne is now in F6:

Acrobatics to avoid Attack of Opportunity from the barbarian: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24 vs the barbarian's CMD. If Rayne fails, he just provokes an AoO.

Can I do a swift action perception to see what's happening in Jahir's pit? I'm not sure what action it is. If it's swift, here's a roll, if not, nevermind.
Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7 Well, nevermind.

Standard action: Rayne attempts to trip the barbarian, as per the original plan.

Trip Attack: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 2 = 14
Rayne does not provoke with the trip attack, because he has Improved Trip.

EDIT: What weapon is the barbarian holding? Mostly, I just want to know if he is holding a weapon.

Acrobatics check is good. No AoO provoked.

As a free action you can see there is some scuttlebutt happening in the other pit, but a quick glance is all you get. You can tell that Jamir is down there with the alchemist.

The trip attack doesn't quite do it.

He is wielding a greatsword.

The Barbarian calls out toward the rogue, "I've got this one. You take the other one in the pit." She readies an arrow aimed at the pit for the first sign of movement. The Barbarian turns his attention to Rayne, and screams out in rage, "NOW YOU DIE!"

The raging barbarian swings, Power attack!: 1d20 ⇒ 11(plus bonus and penalties for non-lethal) but in his fervor to knock you out in one hit misses his mark. The crowd lets out a collective sigh of disappointment.

The wizard casts a spell from the prone position with the scroll he had out, looking a bit like a turtle flailing on his back. It doesn't seem to affect anyone noticeably. He then awkwardly crawls out of the grease.

Round 3:
Rogue - Readying action to shoot anyone who pops out of a pit.
Tagatha
Glyn
Alchemist
Rayne
Jamir
Barbarian
Gnome Wizard

Assuming Tagatha doesn't do something that changes anything:

Rayne attempts to trip the Barbarian again.

Using Brawler's Flurry:

Trip Attack #1: 1d20 + 6 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 2 - 2 = 7

Trip Attack #2: 1d20 + 6 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 6 + 2 - 2 = 13

Bleh.

'Hmm...what was that he cast?'

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

'No matter, I suppose...with THIS!'

' পানি রে! ' Tagatha points his finger at the wizard and a thin blue ray of cold streaks out.

Ranged Touch: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20DMG: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Cast Elemental Ray: Cold (5/6); 3/5 spells left; Mage Armor; 7/16 hp

Glyn drinks the potion and hops out of the pit.

Move to E5

Tagatha, you are unable to tell which spell was cast.

The gnomes eyes widen in surprise for just a moment. He tries to dodge, flattening himself to the ground even more, but Tagatha's aim is too good. He slips into unconsciousness.

Rayne and Tagatha, you notice that Glyn is no longer in the pit. He seems to have disappeared all together.

Jamir, the alchemist, obviously annoyed at how easily he was disarmed, snaps back at you, "You call that fighting? It felt like a gentle breeze. In fact I'm a bit chilly now. Let's warm things up!" With that, he throws a bomb from prone at your face, then stands up.
Bomb from prone: 1d20 ⇒ 9
The bomb misses, exploding against the wall near Jamir's head and engulfing you both in flame. Make an AoO, then take 5 points of fire damage. You are also holding the potion you took from him, and he is not wielding a weapon.
The crowd cheers as a wall of fire comes shooting up from the pit.

Rayne's first trip attempt fails, but the second connects as the barbarian was off balance from missing his last swing. He twirls around and falls flat on his back.

Go ahead Jamir

As Jamir saw the alchemist reach for his bomb he gave him another thwack with the sap, trying to throw of his aim.
Attack of opportunity for bomb throwing: 1d20 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 + 4 = 17
sap damage if hit: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Seeing the bomb going overhead he tried to dodge some of the flames.
reflex save for half damage vs missed bombed: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

With the alchemist trying to get back his footing, Jamir used the opportunity to slap the guy some more.
Attack of opportunity for him getting up from prone: 1d20 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 4 = 15
sap damage if hit: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

On his own turn
"I rather preferred you lay back down."
Jamir swiped at the backside of the alchemist's knee, trying to make him buckle and fall over once more.
Trip attempt using inspiration: 1d20 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (10) + 4 + (1) = 15

If successful in his attempt he will put the potion away.

After flubbing the the bomb throw and getting whacked on the head again, the poor alchemist, in a daze tired to get up and get away from the flurry of attacks. He was not expecting so many in such a short time. Standing was apparently too much for him, and before you were even able to make the trip attempt, he crumpled back to the ground, passed out.
Jamir, you make your reflex save for half damage.

Meanwhile, on the ground floor, the barbarian lets out a cry of frustration and swings wildly at Rayne.
Attack from prone: 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (5) + 8 - 4 = 9
After missing just as wildly, he crys out, "Help me out here, this guy is a slippery bugger.

The rogue turns her attention away from the pit and takes aim at Rayne.
Arrowed!: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Round 4:
Tagatha
Glyn
Rayne
Jamir
Barbarian
Rogue
Gnome Wizard
Alchemist

Tagatha grimaces in pain, the smell of singed fur thick in his nostrils. Cutting the seal on the potion in his hand, he downs it.

CLW potion: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5