Red Blessing: Stars and Shadows Group 2

Game Master Nimon

As soon as you get to the bottom of the sewer you realize how dark it is. With only the light from the torches 15' above you, you can only see a dim section of the sewer. If you use a light source please let me know what type and how it is held.

The smell is nauseating. This section of the sewer has not been exposed to the surface in many years. There is a 5' wide path on either side of the flowing sewer.

Taking up the center, Pervince scowls at the filth. "Uuph," he coughs quietly. His hands full with his musket, he leaves it to the other (two?) to carry a source of light. Looking about, he speaks in a hush to the others. "Hope you fellows have a sharp eye."

ill have a torch in one hand and my cutlass in tr other
Man and I just had my clothes clean. This stench is going to be in them for days... Says quietly I have all my gear that i took plus what i just got back.To see around
perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

Nice Roll.

Muziel will leave behind an item - his alchemy crafting kit, to carry a light load.

"This smell is hardly worth mentioning, Captain. You should take a whiff when I'm brewing horse entrails."

Muziel brings up the rear, carrying the bullseye lantern in his right hand, and keeping his other hand free (and ready to imbibe extracts). He fastens his compass to a belt loop and occasionally references it. At major intersections, he will pause to check the map to ensure the group is heading in the right direction.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

hey yarr is something moving in the water. ( points in the direction)

You all look where he points and see only filth and water.

It sounds like Cpt Oliver is the only one with a light out. Is he in the lead? The walk way on either side is only wide enough for 2 side by side max without being squeezed.

Muziel has a bullseye lantern (link) out as well. Long range light source, especially with low light vision. 30' regular light and 60' dim light from Cpt. Oliver, and 60' normal light and 120' dim light in a cone for Muziel. Cpt. Oliver is in the lead, Pervince in the middle, Muziel in the back.

"I... don't see anything. Sheesh..." Pervince shifts his grip on the musket, and rolls his shoulders a bit. This gun weighs too much. It better be worth it.

Ok I took Muziels bold text to be his character speaking about it.Who has low light vision? and Who is attempting to read the map?

You walk the path a short distance and come to a three way intersection. You can go left, right or straight.

No low-light vision. Good thing we have a bullseye lantern! I'll try to read the map.

Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 2

Twisting to look down the passages as the light of the lantern pierces the dark, Pervince looks at the map again. "Alright, let's take a look at this..."

I mentioned befor reading the make is Knowledge Engineering, I think Muziel posted in the disscussion of this one that he doesnt have that skill, thats why I asked.

In that case, never mind reading it.

"Hmm, can't make sense of it. Let's try going right?" He waits for Cpt. Oliver to take the lead, following him whichever way he goes.

From up ahead, a shape comes into the flickering lantern light. Broad-shouldered, bald headed, pulling up a pair of goggles over iridescent green eyes. "I told you all to be quiet." Having disappeared down into the sewers long before the others decided to join him, Karrick has had a little while to aclimate himself to this environment.

Karrick's back tenses as he looks over his shoulder, then turns to address the group again. "We're not alone down here. Those lights," he motions to the lantern, "are going to draw attention from everything down here."

Stepping closer, it's clear that Karrick has a pair of wickedly curved knives drawn and in each hand. Noticing that Muziel has a map, Karrick's brow furrows and his attention shifts to the Nidalese alchemist.

"Let me look at the map," Karrick says as he motions to the alchemist. "If you want to make it out of these tunnels alive, follow behind me. I'll scout ahead, make sure you aren't clanging into an ambush."

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Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Stealth check for skulking around in the sewers. Hopefully Muziel will volunteer the map. Plan is for Karrick to scout ahead roughly 100' so that he can stay out of the light and warn everyone of anything upcoming.

Muziel stares intently at the map, but can't seem to make heads or tails of it. "Gah! Perhaps you can read this map, Pirate. It's as cryptic as a treasure map, so it's right up your alley."

He looks around to get his bearings. Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23.

"Wait," he whispers. "There's a sound straight ahead, like pebbles being thrown into the water." Muziel shines his lantern ahead, trying to get a closer look.

Also going to try and take a 10 on the knowledge check for the map. If it's something you can get on a 10, Karrick will use the map. If he can't make heads or tails of it, he'll just use survival to try and navigate underground to a sewer exit.
Take a 10 on the Survival check too for a 13

On seeing Karrick, Muziel jumps up, startled. "Was that you up ahead, making that dripping sound? Here's the map, but it really seems quite useless."

Muziel hands Karrick the map.

Looking over his shoulder for a moment, Karrick answers Muziel with a steady, "no," followed by turning his attention to the map.

The captain looks over his shoulder perception check with the map in site and survival
perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
survival: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

The map seems to be written in a manner unfamilar to any of you. Karrick and Cpt Oliver get an idea of where you are supposed to end up and using basic direction sense they get the idea that the right passage way is the right corse.

1d20 + 13 ⇒ (8) + 13 = 21

Karrick scouts ahead once the determination is made.

Greysov thought he heard something at the end of the party and stopped forgetting to tell the others to stop while they continued he he listened. trying to figure what was there.

He lite his torch and realized the party had moved on Greysov head forward to catch up with the group.

Greysov being paranoid continues to scan the sewers as he goes on the sewers until he catches up with group.

Perception 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

Survival to track them 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

Stalking ahead of the group, Karrick pauses a ways up ahead of the lantern light. Crouching down on the ground, he touches his fingertips to the scratch marks, then looks back over his shoulder at the others approaching, before attempting to follow the drag marks.

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Survival to Track: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

Greysov catches up to the group as they stop at the intersection to determin to go to the right passage.

Now keeping quiet and occasionally glancing back, Pervince keeps close to Cpt. Oliver. The barrel of his musket held high, its oiled sheen flickered with the light of his torch. Keeping clear of the walls, he avoids avoiding touching anything, remaining clean.

With nothing substantial to report, Karrick merely continues following his sense of which direction leads to the surface. Down here, in the foul-smelling dark, it is reminiscent of his escape to the surface those years ago. The confinement of stone walls does little to change this, or his worsening temperament.

Already agitated by the sudden appearance of Karrick, Muziel barely suppresses a yelp as Greysov walks up from behind. Regaining his composure, he nods his head toward the rightward passage. "Karrick is scouting ahead." he whispers. "We'd better keep up." Muziel remains a few paces behind Pervince.

1d20 + 15 ⇒ (18) + 15 = 33

As quiet as he can keeps up with rest of the group keeping an ever watchful eye of his surroundings perception 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
(whispers) hey the noise has stopped be on your guard. he has his pistol in the front of his belt for easy use to pull it out and use. Hopefully also gets his greystone bonus for keeping it on display.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

CPt. Yes indeed you do get your +1cha for having your weapon displayed(need not be drawn just visible on your hip ect and not concealed. I will assume your weapons are visible unless you make some sort of slieght of hand to conceal them)

Karrick is temporarily distracted by Cpt Oliver's whisper, realizing only too late that it is too quiet. The pebbles drops in the water, there was five of them, it was a message there are five of usHe thinks to himself just as a net trap springs from the adjacent wall at Karrick. Karrick make Ref Save DC 10 or gain the Entangled condition

To hit Cpt Oliver 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18 to confirm crit
Yikes Damage 1d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + (3) = 5 + 1d6 ⇒ 2Sneak damage as a small crossbow bolt hits you.

To hit Pervince 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
Um wow ok reminder you do have 1 hero point all of you 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9 to confirm ok not so bad
1d6 ⇒ 5 + 1d6 ⇒ 6

Greysov and Muziel come face to face with their attackers as they close in.

Roll Initative. Surprise round finished, Sorry perception was not high enough this time(Got a fantastic roll see my 33)

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8 Well at least you'll get the jump on them this round.

1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26 Maybe not him, but thats ok

Initative So Far
(Something Speaking Shadowtongue) 26
Mutant Ratfolk- 8

Hit by a crossbow bolt, not even seeing it coming, Pervince twists back in a spin and collapses face first to the floor, musket clattering to his side after the fall.

Initiative 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

Greysov draws his Quarterstaff and prepares to attack the Ratfolk. Hoping to clear the way to Pervince so he can tend to his wounds.

"Mutant ratfolk! shouts Muziel, "And maybe a cleric of Lamashtu."

Spend a Hero Point to drink Mutagen, +4 dex, +2 natural armor, -2 wis

Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Initiative: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

How many ratfolk and how close are they to each other and to us?

Initative So far
Muziel drinks a Mutagen with heroic speed!

("Cleric of Lamashtu")-26 Closes on Karrick

Init 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20 + 2 +2 more if considered ruins because of one of my traits. And what would a hero point do if I were to use it now and for what?

I'm at 5 hp left now..

Hero points can be used to get a free action(even out of turn) +8 to a roll befor it is rolled or +4 to one after, To cheat Death and auto stabalize, recall a spell, and other things that might be campaign specific.I will give you the +2 for ruins since it is known this is built over an old dwarven compound and you are local.

Initative so far

"Cleric of Lamashtu"-26-Closed on Karrick
Cpt Oilver-22-Is up to act
Greysov-14-Has used a move action to draw a weapon, still has standard
Muziel-10 -Has only used an out of combat action with hero point has move and standard still. Knowledge Check too low, you know they are Ratfolk
Mutant Ratfolk-8 will hold on thier actions until more have posted and karrick has init
Pervince-0

Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
Reflex Save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
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Realizing just a moment too late what had really happened, Karrick throws himself aside just in time to dodge the sweeping net hurled from a crudely constructed mechanical contraption camouflaged on the wall. Craning his neck to look behind himself, Karrick sees one of the people following him downed by a crossbow bolt.

Pushing off of the wall he'd flattened up against, goggles off, Karrick tightens his grip on his blades and scowls in the dark. Unawareness of what the creatures are beyond their outward appearance and inability to speak their shrieking tongue do not matter to him, only that they are between him and the surface.

As he drinks the mutagen, Muziel's form grows, stretching his protective leathers. His skin appears thicker, like a rhinoceros. Yet his movements are graceful, like a gazelle.

Muziel takes a step back 5-foot step and hurls a flask at the more distant ratfolk.

Bomb, versus Touch AC: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9 probably miss
Splash Weapon Miss Roll, +/-1: 1d8 ⇒ 5 splash weapon lands on one of the three squares behind the targeted ratfolk, whichever square can hit both ratfolk (if possible) .
Damage=4, Reflex Save DC13 for half damage

**Edit** Cursing his terrible aim, he draws his shortspear.

Takes his cold iron cutlass an takes a might swing attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 181d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Greysov feeling pressed by the 2 Ratfolk strikes at the closer one with his staff.

QuarterStaff Attack 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

QS Damage 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Cleric of Lamashtu"-26-Closed on Karrick
Cpt Oilver-22-The Cold Iron makes a sizzleing sound as it cuts through the flesh of the mutant, it howls loudly in pain.
Karrick-17-Survived net trap, weapons drawn
Greysov-14-Attacked Ratfolk with staff and hit
Muziel-10 -Bomb
Mutant Ratfolk-8 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8 Fail save for ref. All ratfolk are severly wounded and withdrawl to retreat.

Round 2
"Cleric of Lamashtu"-

That is all he does this round.

what the... you know this guy muziel?! Keep my blade stationed on the man that is standing.(delay action)

Seeing the ratfolk fleeing and the heretic not directly engaging in combat, Karrick takes the moment to circle around the crazed cultist and put himself at the heretic's back. There, he remains poised to strike.

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Move Action: Move into optimal position for flanking if one of the others closes the distance.
Ready Action: Attack the cultist if he turns hostile or Muziel gives a signal.

Pervince lays on the ground.

Muziel shines his lantern at the man, and peers intently at his features.

Knowledge (arcane) or (nature) to figure out what's growing between his shoulder blades?1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

A glimmer of recognition emerges from Muziel's mind. "You! he exclaims. Muziel's agitated mind fumbles for a name. "I was not at the tower when Lord Vyktor was slain, but doubtless you were. What happened to him... and to you?

Muziel does not let his guard down, but instead stands ready to launch his shortspear should the man turn hostile.

I will take us out of Initiative now, If Venrich does get violent I will consider you all having readied actions for that and will get a free attack. Very Well Done, as I told Pervince I did design this for 9 of you originally and did not really modify much since it was your decision to come down here. You all get 1 Hero Point for completion of this above CR encounter.

Muziel knows us of corse he does! The odd man says then turns to the thing growing out of his back Well no not you, I have not introduced you yet. I WILL JUST WAIT HE DOESNT RECOGNIZE US YET. ok. ok I will. I SAID I WILL, YOU SAID THEY WERE DWARVES I DIDN'T SAY THAT. The inflicted mutant continues this conversation until interupted.

I was there, he wasn't He responds gesturing to his odd lumpy appendage on his back, it climbs over his shoulder revealing an eye to every one. SHH I'M TELLING THEM He pauses looking at the lump. Good, now then as I was saying, yes I was there. We were ambushed by red smoke then attacked by fierce women. I was hit so hard I fell right out of the tower, but not before disarming my opponet. My children found me and brought me here. I still have my assailant's weapon. He says showing Muziel a long blade with a very serrated edge. Those who want to know more about the weapon give me knowledge checks and what you are looking for specificly.

At the mention of red smoke, Muziel recalls another recent ambush. He pulls out the alchemist flask with the remnants of the smoke bomb used by Slief.

Venrich, says Muziel, recalling his name at last. Was there a male gnome present at the attack as well? We were just attacked by one recently, and he also used a red smoke bomb. Muziel approaches cautiously and hands the vial to Venrich. As he closes in, he takes the opportunity to imspect the serrated blade more closely.

Muziel attempts a visual inspection to identify any icons or logos present on the blade. He also attempts to learn the magic properties of the weapon, particularly whether it has any psionic properties related to the appendage on Venrich's back. Knowledge (arcana): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

A Gnome? A GNOME! HAHA, you still are funny my Friend. Of corse not not a Gnome. A fierce Gnome Woman! HAHAHAHA! Looking at his appendage he says I told you he was funny. I WILL TELL HIM DON'T YELL AT ME! He turns and looks at you.You will not be able to find any magic on this blade here, this is the Mana Wastes my friend. Even our Lord Zon_Kuthon is blind here. Looking at his appendage Lamashtu, Yes I know. HE DOENS'T WORSHIP LAMASHTU I TOLD YOU!Ok I will ask. I SAID I WILL ASK! He looks at Muziel Can my friend eat your halfling if you are done with him, it would be a terrible waste to just let him lye there.

You do not see any obvious runes or anything along those lines