Red Hand of Doom [E6] (Inactive)

Game Master Aldizog

Invasion Plan map
Combat Maps


2,551 to 2,600 of 3,597 << first < prev | 47 | 48 | 49 | 50 | 51 | 52 | 53 | 54 | 55 | 56 | 57 | next > last >>

HP: 22/25 | AC: 16 (t:13, ff:13) | CMB: 2, CMD: 15 | F: +3, R: +7, W: +4 | Init: +5 | Perc: +9 | Speed 30ft |Rapier: +6, d6+3, 18-20x2. | Panache 4/4, Inspiration 7/7 | Lvl 1 3/3 | Active:

Gaius swings into action, his blades flying out again against the dragonmen. A man of few words he lets his blades do the talking for him!

Attack 1: 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 12 + 1 = 31 Damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Attack 2: 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 12 + 1 = 16 Damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Attack Haste: 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 12 + 1 = 23 Damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Attack 1b: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 7 + 1 = 11 Damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Attack 2b: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 7 + 1 = 20 Damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Crit?: 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 12 + 1 = 17 Damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

And continues a streak of surprisingly low rolls!


Their flat-footed AC is 13, so with the extra -2 from being blinded it is AC 11.
Two of Gaius's swings drop the wounded dragon-man to the ground. 33 damage from #1 and #2 drops Teal.
Three more swings cut into the next one.
26 damage to Yellow.

Bran is up!


HP 59/88 - AC 27 (T16, F23, -3 Buckler, -2 Rage) - CMD 26 (+4 v. Grp, +2 v. Trp) - F+15, R+10, W +6 (+2 Fear) - Init +4 - Per +11 - LLV, DV 60' - Rage 13/16 - AR 8/8 - Flex 1/7 - Res Cold/Elec 5 - DR 1 - Insp 6/11

Bran sees Hamaiili in possible danger and rushes invisibly to her side. Standing tall and invisible he takes a breath and waits.

You'll strike like the animal you are and I'll be there waiting.

Move near Hamaiili and ready a Grapple if the Barghest performs an offensive action. 3 Rounds of Rage. I'm assuming he is currently NOT blinking? Otherwise I'll adjust my action.


It is Blinking. Feel free to adjust.


HP 59/88 - AC 27 (T16, F23, -3 Buckler, -2 Rage) - CMD 26 (+4 v. Grp, +2 v. Trp) - F+15, R+10, W +6 (+2 Fear) - Init +4 - Per +11 - LLV, DV 60' - Rage 13/16 - AR 8/8 - Flex 1/7 - Res Cold/Elec 5 - DR 1 - Insp 6/11

I'll use the Vanish to initiate a Bull Rush to try knocking him away instead. I won't move with him if I hit. Hopefully with the Flatfooted and Rage I can move him far enough to keep him out of Hamailii's Range. I'm not sure if it constitutes a Dare but I will Dare as well once the Invisibility is Broken (as I don't want to give my position away now).


If you don't move with him, you can only push him 5 feet, so he could just 5' step and full attack.
You might consider moving to a different square South or SE of Hamailii and then using Reposition to move her behind you (thereby out of 5' step and full attack range). I would say this does not constitute an attack and would let you stay Vanished. It could pinpoint your square based on how Hamailii was moved, but you'd have the 50% miss chance.


The Barghest lunges at Hamailii, but Bran moves the cleric out of the way.

The creature snarls and steps back. Really not sure how to adjudicate the interrupted attack - if it could change its action or target or not - so I am side-stepping the question for now.

The blinded one takes to the air, trying to find a safe space to recover. It Levitates 20 feet up.

Trellara begins INSPIRE COURAGE +2.
Her owl tries to hover and attack the blinded blackspawn.
Fly DC 15: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13
However, Sprite finds hovering a bit tricky, so needs to move (getting only a single attack).
Claw, Higher Ground, IC: 1d20 + 9 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 9 + 1 + 2 = 16
Damage: 2d6 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (4, 1) + 5 + 2 = 12

Round 4 Mixed up the round counter with a prior post.
Hamailii (3 NL) (Startail is Charmed)
Tal'ariel
Dragon-men (Yellow -33 and blind)
Gaius -15 (Frost is Charmed)
Bran -58 (Invisible)
Trellara -15 (Sprite -9)
Greater Barghests (Orange -8, Red Blinded 2 rds and 20' up)

Edit: forgot to give Yellow a save to shake off the Glitterdust blindness. Will: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9 Okay, still blind.


Female Half-Elf Rogue 1 / Wizard 4 / Inner Sea Pirate 1 / Arcane Trickster 1 | HP 66/66 | AC:21(vs evil)/19 T:17/15 FF:16/14 CMD:19/17 | F+5 R+12 W+8 (+10 vs enchantment) (+2 bonus vs evil) | Init+13 | Perc+15 (+16 vs traps) | Mage Armor

Blackthorn will try and strike the blinded Barghest.

Fly DC15: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25
Claw, Higher Ground, IC: 1d20 + 9 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 9 + 1 + 2 = 27; Damage: 2d6 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (5, 4) + 5 + 2 = 16
Claw, Higher Ground, IC: 1d20 + 9 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 9 + 1 + 2 = 20; Damage: 2d6 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (4, 6) + 5 + 2 = 17

Tal'ariel will cast a spell, and then move swiftly around the back side of the building. Expeditous Retreat, moved 60 feet.

Lantern Lodge

Female Elf Cleric 6 AC 17/13/14 | hp 12| F +3, R +5, W +4; +2 vs. enchantments | Immune sleep | Init +3 | Senses darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision | Perception +9

Hamailii beings to chant a melody praising Desna and the stars.
Immediately everyone can feel something move in their hearts and while the situation is dire, you all know there is hope and you can do it!

Casting good hope. +2 morale bonus on saving throws, attack rolls, ability checks, skill checks, and weapon damage rolls.


Blackthorn uses Piercing Stare to see invisible have only a 20% miss chance due to Blink.
01-20 miss: 1d100 ⇒ 69
01-20 miss: 1d100 ⇒ 70
Both attacks hit, although the demonic creature's resistance to mundane attacks lessens the impact.

Recharge Yellow: 1d4 ⇒ 2
The blinded dragon-man slashes at Gaius.
Attack, Bull's Strength: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 11 + 2 = 18
Will: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17
It misses, but then it manages to clear the blindness.

The other dragon-man makes a charge attack on Gaius, but his strike goes wide.
Attack, Charge, Bull's Strength, PA: 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 2 - 3 ⇒ (2) + 11 + 2 + 2 - 3 = 14

Round 4
Hamailii (3 NL) (Startail is Charmed)
Tal'ariel
Dragon-men (Yellow -33 and blind)
Gaius -15 (Frost is Charmed)
Bran -58 (Invisible)
Trellara -15 (Sprite -9)

Greater Barghests (Orange -8; Red -13, Blinded 2 rds and 20' up)


HP: 22/25 | AC: 16 (t:13, ff:13) | CMB: 2, CMD: 15 | F: +3, R: +7, W: +4 | Init: +5 | Perc: +9 | Speed 30ft |Rapier: +6, d6+3, 18-20x2. | Panache 4/4, Inspiration 7/7 | Lvl 1 3/3 | Active:

Gaius continues merrily slicing away at the two dragonmen, aided by the appearance of Flame who has been carefully negotiating the put and staying out of reach of the Barghasts!

Attack 1: 1d20 + 12 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 12 + 1 + 4 = 34 Damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Attack 2: 1d20 + 12 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 12 + 1 + 4 = 21 Damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Attack H: 1d20 + 12 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 12 + 1 + 4 = 36 Damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Attack 1b: 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 7 + 1 + 4 = 21 Damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Attack 2b: 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 7 + 1 + 4 = 17 Damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

Crit 1: 1d20 + 12 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 12 + 1 + 4 = 22 Damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Crit 1b: 1d20 + 12 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 12 + 1 + 4 = 29 Damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Flame AAO: 1d20 + 9 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 9 + 4 = 27 Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

His blows scythe through the dragonkin's defenses, leaving them open to Flame's assault from behind. Blood flies.


HP 59/88 - AC 27 (T16, F23, -3 Buckler, -2 Rage) - CMD 26 (+4 v. Grp, +2 v. Trp) - F+15, R+10, W +6 (+2 Fear) - Init +4 - Per +11 - LLV, DV 60' - Rage 13/16 - AR 8/8 - Flex 1/7 - Res Cold/Elec 5 - DR 1 - Insp 6/11

Seeing his targets blinking, Bran tries to consider a method of attack that would be able to deal with the creature before settling on trying to reposition himself and rush him down.

He moves toward the barghest and watches its movements. There was a way to stop this thing's attacks; it was like fighting any other dog.

Move to move, then standard to Martial Flexibility for Favored Enemy: Barghest. I don't recall if Trellara ever accepted that +2 Rapier or not, but its still on my sheet for some reason... If I do have it would Ghost Slayer allow me to Strike the ethereal plane or no? I'm going to try working back and checking and if not I'll draw it as a part of the move.
4 Rounds of Rage


Bran, you can have the +2 rapier and Trellara can be currently carrying the +1 Shock Whip. The interaction of Ghost Touch and Blink is not certain. Something like Force Sword would definitely work. But given how few counters there are to Blink in P6 - like no Dimensional Anchor - I'll allow it. Bran draws the rapier and flexes into Ghostslayer?

All of Gaius's attacks hit. Flame also hits, but fails to draw blood, until he remembers that he is under both Good Hope and Inspire Courage.

Fixing Gaius's math...
Gaius 1: 11+10+2+2+2+2 = 29 damage, Yellow still up
1b: 12+14+8 = 34 damage, Yellow goes down!
2: 13 damage
H: 14 damage
2B: 17 damage
Flame: 9 damage before DR 5/magic.

Total of 48 damage on Purple.

Trellara delays.

Will update with the Greater Barghests' actions later.


HP 59/88 - AC 27 (T16, F23, -3 Buckler, -2 Rage) - CMD 26 (+4 v. Grp, +2 v. Trp) - F+15, R+10, W +6 (+2 Fear) - Init +4 - Per +11 - LLV, DV 60' - Rage 13/16 - AR 8/8 - Flex 1/7 - Res Cold/Elec 5 - DR 1 - Insp 6/11

Yup. If you'd allow it, I'll try it out here. Might as well spend the Swift in case he provokes an AoO as well.


The Barghest does know there is an invisible foe around... it uses an SLA defensively.

Concentration DC 19: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14
And it fails.

So, it moves around the farmhouse to menace Hamailii.

Bran can take an AOO if he would like.
Blackthorn AOO: 1d20 + 9 + 1 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 9 + 1 + 2 + 2 = 21
01-20 miss: 1d100 ⇒ 65
Damage: 2d6 + 5 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (3, 1) + 5 + 2 + 2 = 13

Sprite AOO: 1d20 + 9 + 1 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 9 + 1 + 2 + 2 = 26
01-50 miss: 1d100 ⇒ 93
Damage: 2d6 + 5 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (1, 4) + 5 + 2 + 2 = 14

The other Barghest levitates higher up.

Round 5
Hamailii (3 NL) (Startail is Charmed)
Tal'ariel

Dragon-man (Purple -48)
Gaius -15 (Frost is Charmed)
Bran -58 (Invisible)
Trellara -15 (Sprite -9)
Greater Barghests (Orange -15; Red -13, Blinded 1 rd and 40' up)

Lantern Lodge

Female Elf Cleric 6 AC 17/13/14 | hp 12| F +3, R +5, W +4; +2 vs. enchantments | Immune sleep | Init +3 | Senses darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision | Perception +9

Hamailii falls back cautiously, trying to avoid the Barghests claws.
Acrobatics vs AoO: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23

She then raises her wand towards it whispering: Starfire burn away the shadows.
Scorching Ray: 1d20 + 9 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 9 + 4 = 254d6 + 4 ⇒ (5, 4, 2, 5) + 4 = 20


HP 59/88 - AC 27 (T16, F23, -3 Buckler, -2 Rage) - CMD 26 (+4 v. Grp, +2 v. Trp) - F+15, R+10, W +6 (+2 Fear) - Init +4 - Per +11 - LLV, DV 60' - Rage 13/16 - AR 8/8 - Flex 1/7 - Res Cold/Elec 5 - DR 1 - Insp 6/11

The barghest tries to cast a spell but Bran finds an opening and with his invisibility strikes!

AoO +2 Ghost Touch Rapier: 1d20 + 14 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 14 + 2 + 2 = 23
Damage: 1d6 + 8 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 8 + 2 + 2 = 15


You got both Good Hope and Inspire Courage in there?


HP 59/88 - AC 27 (T16, F23, -3 Buckler, -2 Rage) - CMD 26 (+4 v. Grp, +2 v. Trp) - F+15, R+10, W +6 (+2 Fear) - Init +4 - Per +11 - LLV, DV 60' - Rage 13/16 - AR 8/8 - Flex 1/7 - Res Cold/Elec 5 - DR 1 - Insp 6/11

I do now, I missed the Good Hope! Edited the prior post. With the possible Denied Dex it might be alright.


HP: 22/25 | AC: 16 (t:13, ff:13) | CMB: 2, CMD: 15 | F: +3, R: +7, W: +4 | Init: +5 | Perc: +9 | Speed 30ft |Rapier: +6, d6+3, 18-20x2. | Panache 4/4, Inspiration 7/7 | Lvl 1 3/3 | Active:

Sorry - I lose track of all the buffs being thrown around like this! :)


Female Half-Elf Rogue 1 / Wizard 4 / Inner Sea Pirate 1 / Arcane Trickster 1 | HP 66/66 | AC:21(vs evil)/19 T:17/15 FF:16/14 CMD:19/17 | F+5 R+12 W+8 (+10 vs enchantment) (+2 bonus vs evil) | Init+13 | Perc+15 (+16 vs traps) | Mage Armor

Tal'ariel conjures grease beneath the feet of the grounded Barghest! Reflex DC15 or fall prone. Also, Acrobatics DC10 to move from those squares.

Blackthorn viciously pursues the same Barghest.
Claw, Higher Ground, IC: 1d20 + 9 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 9 + 1 + 2 = 32; Damage: 2d6 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (2, 4) + 5 + 2 = 13
Crit?: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31; Damage: 2d6 + 7 ⇒ (6, 3) + 7 = 16


A 23 does not beat its CMD.
Hamailii tries to slip away, but the Barghest is quick and strikes her.
AOO: 1d20 + 14 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 14 + 2 = 19
01-20 miss: 1d100 ⇒ 89
Damage: 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

Hamaiili miss 01-50: 1d100 ⇒ 67
Bran miss 01-20: 1d100 ⇒ 94
Hamailii's Scorching Ray strikes the creature, as does Bran's rapier.

Reflex: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18
Tal'ariel tries to make the Barghest fall, but it keeps its balance.

The remaining dragonspawn attacks Gaius and steps back.
Attack, Bull's Strength: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 11 + 2 = 18
Iterative: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 2 = 13

Trellara comes out of delay and moves to heal Bran.
CLW: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Round 5
Hamailii (16 damage, 3 NL) (Startail is Charmed)
Tal'ariel
Dragon-man (Purple -48)
Trellara -15 (Sprite -9)
Gaius -15 (Frost is Charmed)
Bran -49

Greater Barghests (Orange -74; Red -13, Blinded 1 rd and 40' up)


HP 59/88 - AC 27 (T16, F23, -3 Buckler, -2 Rage) - CMD 26 (+4 v. Grp, +2 v. Trp) - F+15, R+10, W +6 (+2 Fear) - Init +4 - Per +11 - LLV, DV 60' - Rage 13/16 - AR 8/8 - Flex 1/7 - Res Cold/Elec 5 - DR 1 - Insp 6/11

Trellara touches Bran with the positive energy and he manages to absorb more than usual. Being halfway between worlds, his lifeforce manages a strange feat.

Recovering an extra 5-6(?) HP from Celestial Totem, whatever her CL is.

"Thanks!"

Barreling past the large owl hoping to use it as cover, Bran channels the ethereal power into the weapon and lunges.

Rapier: 1d20 + 14 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 14 + 2 + 2 = 26 Add 2 if I Flank with the Black Owl
Damage: 1d6 + 8 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 8 + 2 + 2 = 14

5 Rounds of Rage


HP: 22/25 | AC: 16 (t:13, ff:13) | CMB: 2, CMD: 15 | F: +3, R: +7, W: +4 | Init: +5 | Perc: +9 | Speed 30ft |Rapier: +6, d6+3, 18-20x2. | Panache 4/4, Inspiration 7/7 | Lvl 1 3/3 | Active:

Gaius follows the dragonman, intent on rending it into small pieces.

Attack 1: 1d20 + 12 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 12 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 29 Damage: 1d8 + 6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 2 + 2 = 15
Attack 2: 1d20 + 12 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 12 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 31 Damage: 1d8 + 6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 2 + 2 = 16
Attack H: 1d20 + 12 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 12 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 24 Damage: 1d8 + 6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 2 + 2 = 14
Attack 1b: 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 7 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 15 Damage: 1d8 + 6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 2 + 2 = 13
Attack 2b: 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 7 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 14 Damage: 1d8 + 6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 2 + 2 = 11

Flame sticks to her master's side, not risking another attack or the creatures wrath.


Trellara is CL5.

01-20 miss: 1d100 ⇒ 13
Bran guesses where the creature is on the Ethereal plane, and strikes, but he guessed wrong this time and the sword misses.
See Invisibility lets you see Ethereal creatures. But the Glitterdust goes Ethereal along with the Barghest when it blinks, so it is effectively invisible when Ethereal. Therefore 20% miss chance (Bran can strike Ethereal foes but cannot see them).

Gaius drops the last blackspawn.

Blue finishes off the last hobgoblin.
Attack: 1d20 + 9 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 9 + 5 = 23
Damage: 2d6 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (3, 5) + 5 + 4 = 17

The Greater Barghest attempts to use a different SLA.
Concentration DC 23: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (18) + 17 = 35 Previously forgot that it has Combat Casting... still would have failed on the Levitate.
It vanishes.
Spellcraft Tal'ariel DC 19: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (16) + 14 = 30

Tal'ariel:
You can tell by the inrush of air that the Barghest is not invisible, but rather used a teleportation effect - or, for P6, Dimensional Sliding. It can't have gone into a locked room or inaccessible location, but it might be a few hundred yards away.

The other barghest Levitates higher, and its blindness clears.

Round 6
Hamailii (16 damage, 3 NL) (Startail is Charmed)
Tal'ariel
Trellara -15 (Sprite -9)
Gaius -15 (Frost is Charmed)
Bran -44

Greater Barghests (Red -13 and 60' up)

Lantern Lodge

Female Elf Cleric 6 AC 17/13/14 | hp 12| F +3, R +5, W +4; +2 vs. enchantments | Immune sleep | Init +3 | Senses darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision | Perception +9

Happy seeing one of the barghests fall Hamailii moves forward around the house again to shoot the other one with sprinkling starfire.

scorching ray : 1d20 + 9 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 9 + 4 = 214d6 + 4 ⇒ (2, 5, 4, 6) + 4 = 21


Hamailii 01-50 miss: 1d100 ⇒ 53
Hamailii's Scorching Ray strikes the levitating Greater Barghest.
34 damage on it now.


Female Half-Elf Rogue 1 / Wizard 4 / Inner Sea Pirate 1 / Arcane Trickster 1 | HP 66/66 | AC:21(vs evil)/19 T:17/15 FF:16/14 CMD:19/17 | F+5 R+12 W+8 (+10 vs enchantment) (+2 bonus vs evil) | Init+13 | Perc+15 (+16 vs traps) | Mage Armor

"The barghest teleported somewhere--not sure where!"

Tal'ariel moves up and gives Bran the power of flight! Move and cast Fly on Bran.

She also prepares to catch Bran should he fall. Swift Action to use Pearl of Power to memorize Feather Fall again. Not sure why I always thought it was a swift action.

Blackthorn in the meantime charges!
Claw, IC, Charge: 1d20 + 9 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 9 + 2 + 2 = 29; Damage: 2d6 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (2, 1) + 5 + 2 = 10
And probably deals 0 damage.


Pearl of Power is a standard action to use. But Bran has Boots of the Cat, he'll be fine.
Good Hope couldn't affect all the owls, so your damage is right and nothing gets through the DR.


HP 59/88 - AC 27 (T16, F23, -3 Buckler, -2 Rage) - CMD 26 (+4 v. Grp, +2 v. Trp) - F+15, R+10, W +6 (+2 Fear) - Init +4 - Per +11 - LLV, DV 60' - Rage 13/16 - AR 8/8 - Flex 1/7 - Res Cold/Elec 5 - DR 1 - Insp 6/11

"Lets go for the one we can see though!" Feeling his feet light with magic, Bran nods at Tal and charges upward. At a 45 to avoid any complicated checks

Fly: 1d20 + 4 + 3 + 2 + 4 - 1 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 3 + 2 + 4 - 1 = 16 Dex, Fly Spell +1/2 CL, Good Hope, Good Maneuverability, ACP

Rapier (charge): 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (17) + 20 = 37 Ghost Touch. I think I need to charge due to Half Movement on flying at a 45.
Damage: 1d6 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16

6 Rounds of Rage


Gaius, anything you want to do? Take out a bow?


HP: 22/25 | AC: 16 (t:13, ff:13) | CMB: 2, CMD: 15 | F: +3, R: +7, W: +4 | Init: +5 | Perc: +9 | Speed 30ft |Rapier: +6, d6+3, 18-20x2. | Panache 4/4, Inspiration 7/7 | Lvl 1 3/3 | Active:

Throwing Flame at them would be mean... :)

Gaius removes a potion from his belt and splashes it across his jacket, which sucks the potion in greedily.

Potion of Fly into the Sipping Jacket.


01-20 miss: 1d100 ⇒ 58
Bran's rapier wounds the Barghest.
Concentration DC 23: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (11) + 17 = 28
It likewise uses its magical abilities to escape.

Readied actions to interrupt are probably the best way to stop their SLAs in the future. Gaius, I guess you can keep your Fly potion - WBL is not a big thing in this game but I'll save you the hassle of re-stocking it.

The Greater Barghests are far away and have at-will Invisibility Sphere and good movement, so they are going to escape.

But you have defeated the ambush that was set for you. Invisible buffed dragon-men with a ton of HP and breath weapons.

The Charmed owls are perfectly willing to follow your directions, so you mount back up and go to explore Dauth.

1,440 XP each, which puts you all at 38,629 XP. Add a little bit for dealing with the looters to make it 39,000 each.

Dauth is empty. Some of the houses have been destroyed, but there are only a few more bodies of other holdouts who refused to evacuate. The main body of the horde did not reach here, just some smaller bands. It becomes clear that the ogre and hobgoblin "torturing victims" - actually playing with the corpses - were a ploy to lure you into an ambush.

You fly over the column of dwarves on the march, and scout out their destination for the night, Talar.

Talar is a town much bigger than Nimon Gap and just slightly smaller than Drellin's Ferry. Maybe around 1000 inhabitants, and it too has a ferry across the Elsir River. It is sort of run by Lady Cerila Nesten (the high-ranking noblewoman who owns most of the land), but there is a Town Council that she must appease. She is a reformer with ideas from Andoran (where she served with the Eagle Knights), while they are more traditionalist for the most part. As you recall, Cerila had promised to take her people and her retinue of guards to Brindol and reinforce their defenses.

The prior visit to Talar is here.

Talar seems to be fine, actually. There are no signs of destruction. A short distance outside town lies a wyvern corpse riddled with arrows, its dead rider crushed underneath it. It would seem that Cerila and her guards have not yet cleared out. Talar is about 35 miles from Brindol, so that's a day's ride if they have horses. What do you do?


Female Half-Elf Rogue 1 / Wizard 4 / Inner Sea Pirate 1 / Arcane Trickster 1 | HP 66/66 | AC:21(vs evil)/19 T:17/15 FF:16/14 CMD:19/17 | F+5 R+12 W+8 (+10 vs enchantment) (+2 bonus vs evil) | Init+13 | Perc+15 (+16 vs traps) | Mage Armor

As the last barghest vanishes, Tal'ariel seems frustrated.

"I should've expected more of an ambush there. I could've used magics in advance to see through the invisibility and see the trap. I even saw that the hung men were dead, so there was no immediate need to attack. Next time, I will be more cautious."

* * *

"Shall we rest in Talar for the night? It certainly looks like they're not ready to pack it up yet," she says, gesturing toward the arrow-riddled wyvern.

Also, will pick up Feather Fall again with the Pearl of Power, because I'm paranoid about falls.


HP 59/88 - AC 27 (T16, F23, -3 Buckler, -2 Rage) - CMD 26 (+4 v. Grp, +2 v. Trp) - F+15, R+10, W +6 (+2 Fear) - Init +4 - Per +11 - LLV, DV 60' - Rage 13/16 - AR 8/8 - Flex 1/7 - Res Cold/Elec 5 - DR 1 - Insp 6/11

"Dammit. There must be some way to deal with those damn dogs." He eyes the spellcasters, "How does their magic work? What can I do?" The fighter was happy he learned the trick about striking the ethereal plane, but it wasn't enough if they could escape with no effort. Seeing Tal's frustration, Bran goes up to her, "It wouldn't be much of an ambush if we could expect them all the time. You saw people being tortured and you did what you thought was right; in my books that means more than anything else." He doesn't know how the elf would take the words, but a sliver of him hopes that she takes it to heart. Bran eyes where her wand is and moves to mount up, "Lets go."

--

Bran looks over Dauth and the corpses of those who stood their ground. He feels pangs of sadness for them, but for a moment he swears that he could have been one of those people in a different place, or a different time. I suppose woolheadedness comes at the jaws of a serpent or on the threshold of your door.

---

"I think we should rest the night and talk with the guards at the very least." Shrugging at the dead wyvern, "They seem to have had some action so we should know what is coming and what they've seen."


Between at-will Blink, at-will Invisibility Sphere, and 1/day Dimension Door (modified for P6), and DR 10/magic, Greater Barghests do have a lot of abilities to keep them alive. An item of See Invisibility is a possibility, like a Hand of Glory. Or the Vision Mastery item mastery feat. Also possible are the Distracting enchantment on a weapon (+5 DC to cast defensively), or Gaius could take the Disruptive feat. Readying to interrupt their SLAs is also a good option if, as noted, they can't 5' step.

You fly closer to the town center but don't see any signs of life or activity. Lady Cerila's manor is about half a mile away, so you head there.

The manor looks much as it did before, a large stone house with an exterior wall surrounding the courtyard and kitchen gardens. There are extensive pastures, but no animals grazing.

The garden is a bit more weeded than the last time you visited, and you can see why. Cerila Nesten, the Lady of the Manor, is working in the garden, pruning and trimming. She wears studded leather armor and carries a finely made longbow. You can see at four archers at guard-posts inside the exterior wall.

You stop and dismount, and the guards let you inside the wall.

Lady Cerila stands, looks at her hands, and wipes them on her breeches.
She looks at the garden. "I know. I know. The Green Pearl Beans are not going to make it this year. It's futile... but it's my home."

"Bran, Tal'ariel," she says. "And three more elves. Well, I didn't expect to see you again. What brings you here?"


Female Half-Elf Rogue 1 / Wizard 4 / Inner Sea Pirate 1 / Arcane Trickster 1 | HP 66/66 | AC:21(vs evil)/19 T:17/15 FF:16/14 CMD:19/17 | F+5 R+12 W+8 (+10 vs enchantment) (+2 bonus vs evil) | Init+13 | Perc+15 (+16 vs traps) | Mage Armor

"Lady Cerilia! A pleasure to see you. This is Hamailii, Trellara, and Gaius. Hamailii and Trellara are elves from the swamps and have offered their aid to our cause. They've even given us giant owls to ride, which we've left outside the walls."

Allowing her friends to introduce themselves, she then gives an update.
"We've been escorting the Shining Axe company to reinforce Brindol. We've found ourselves fighting a few of the Red Army's advanced forces and scouts. I see you've honored your legacy as an Andoran Eagle Knight by defending Talar. How many have come this far? What do your scouts and soldiers tell you?"


"Hamailii, Trellara, Gaius. Welcome to Talar. I am Cerila Nesten. My family are - or, rather, I am - the primary landowner in Talar. Many of the residents are my tenants. I have proposed various land reforms based on my experience in Andoran, but I am still stuck with this noble title and responsibility, and... that really isn't what you wanted to know, is it?"

"There have been a couple of scouting or raiding parties. We haven't seen that dragon you warned us about, but we did dig tunnels just in case."
Lady Cerila shakes her head.
"The tunnels aren't long enough to give us a safe escape. I'd want to come out at least a half-mile away from where I went in. Right now, if we had to hide in there, we'd be cornered. How many are the Shining Axe company? I bet they could help with tunnels... but maybe it's time to move on to Brindol.
I led my people there like I said I would. Since your last visit, we waited a while and helped the refugees coming through. Then about a week ago"
when you were in Dauth or the Hammerfist Holds before going to the Ghostlord's lair "we started packing. Took two days to pack and three days to get to Brindol. My guards and I got back in one day with our horses. Bringing a whole town, they are slow. Those old folks."
She sounds a bit exasperated.
"I know we can't stop the Red Hand, but by killing or driving off their scouts we can keep them 'blind', so they don't know deployments or troop movements in this area."
Lady Cerila Nesten sounds particularly proud of her military knowledge and strategic acumen.
"If they were smart they'd just fly high and out of arrow range, but once they see us, the wyvern-riders want the glory of 'conquering' the town themselves. Well, we made them pay for that."
Two of her guards are nearby - a man with a longbow and a halfling woman with a crossbow. They shout "Huzzah!" and hold their weapons up.

"I have twenty-three under arms. Several are skilled trackers; all can use a bow. With defensive positions, camouflage, and cover, and mobility from our horses, it's been enough to thwart the smaller war-bands and scouting parties. One of the raiding parties had a wolf-demon that most of our arrows couldn't hurt, but I had made sure they all had alchemists' fire and acid, so we made it retreat. We lost one guard, and barely managed to save two others. I have a little bit of healing ability, Milani be praised. My arrows worked, when they hit... I was told my bow was enchanted, but I didn't know for sure..."
The noblewoman blushes.
"It was... the bow was a gift from a fey. A satyr. No! It was nothing like that! I only danced with him! In Andoran. Oh, the Darkmoon Wood. It is... it is something."
Lady Cerila seems a bit at a loss for words.
"I was never bored on watch in the woods there. Here? I can't just sit and watch. This is my home, and there's so much to be done. So I garden. Rather pointless, I know."

"Well, the Shining Axe Company is welcome to stay in Talar for the night. The buildings are intact, and they can stay in the houses if they wish. I can't guarantee there are any beds or mugs or pots left, but there are walls and roofs."

At least in my head she's sort of a more progressive Lady Mary Crawley, but with similar mannerisms and bearing. And somewhat more martial, though Lady Mary was skilled at hunting as I recall.


HP 59/88 - AC 27 (T16, F23, -3 Buckler, -2 Rage) - CMD 26 (+4 v. Grp, +2 v. Trp) - F+15, R+10, W +6 (+2 Fear) - Init +4 - Per +11 - LLV, DV 60' - Rage 13/16 - AR 8/8 - Flex 1/7 - Res Cold/Elec 5 - DR 1 - Insp 6/11

Bran listens to her dissertation of the situation and waits for a lull. "I won't speak for the Shining Axe company, but I think its time to start falling back to Brindol and consolidating our forces." He stares her dead in the eyes, a subtle grey sheen glossing over his, "We have seen first-hand what is coming, what kinds of creatures they can muster... We will need a solid, defensible place with all the best leaders we have." He squats to the garden, "Your land will regrow, your people will be safe, but you're invaluable." Drawing his hand through the dirt idly he continues, "I know its your home... Its who you are, us two aren't so different; but you can't just stay here after we leave to Brindol."

He stands up, looking at her again before extending a hand, "So, what do you say? Will you and your forces head to Brindol with us in the morning?"

Diplomacy?: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17


Sorry for the wall of text! I just got on a roll with her...
"Well, I guess..." she says regretfully.
"Wouldn't it be helpful to have a forward position here, in Talar, in between Brindol and the Red Hand? For observation? Our stealthiest members, perhaps?"

She's willing to go to Brindol. While leaving some scouts here is an option, you could also make scouting runs with the owls, or you could rely on your various druid allies for scouting.


HP: 22/25 | AC: 16 (t:13, ff:13) | CMB: 2, CMD: 15 | F: +3, R: +7, W: +4 | Init: +5 | Perc: +9 | Speed 30ft |Rapier: +6, d6+3, 18-20x2. | Panache 4/4, Inspiration 7/7 | Lvl 1 3/3 | Active:

Gaius examines the buildings and their redoubtable leader with interest, before offering a short bow.

"You are mighty, my lady. Few have stood against wyverns as you have."

He has little to offer on the strategic front - his skills are tactical and he still doesn't truly understand the grand plan, only that the group he is part of seems crucial in more ways than one.


HP 59/88 - AC 27 (T16, F23, -3 Buckler, -2 Rage) - CMD 26 (+4 v. Grp, +2 v. Trp) - F+15, R+10, W +6 (+2 Fear) - Init +4 - Per +11 - LLV, DV 60' - Rage 13/16 - AR 8/8 - Flex 1/7 - Res Cold/Elec 5 - DR 1 - Insp 6/11

"A forward position could work. If they do march, having a light lit up and the fastest scouts warning us would give us a much needed edge." He eyes the vast land here, "If you want to manage a small group here, you should; don't let me talk you out of that." Clasping his chain his voice goes somber, "Just when the going looks rough don't stand your ground, come back to us."


Female Half-Elf Rogue 1 / Wizard 4 / Inner Sea Pirate 1 / Arcane Trickster 1 | HP 66/66 | AC:21(vs evil)/19 T:17/15 FF:16/14 CMD:19/17 | F+5 R+12 W+8 (+10 vs enchantment) (+2 bonus vs evil) | Init+13 | Perc+15 (+16 vs traps) | Mage Armor

"The general idea is sound--it is good to be able to scout and observe. But really, it would be best to have scouts further advanced if we can, hidden in the wilderness. That way, you can withdraw and join in the defense of Brindol rather than relying on questionable tunnels. Perhaps we could even leave behind some traps here to leave the enemy on its toes."

She wasn't really sure about her last idea, but she certainly thought more scouts would be helpful, so that nobody was caught by surprise.


Female Half-Elf Rogue 1 / Wizard 4 / Inner Sea Pirate 1 / Arcane Trickster 1 | HP 66/66 | AC:21(vs evil)/19 T:17/15 FF:16/14 CMD:19/17 | F+5 R+12 W+8 (+10 vs enchantment) (+2 bonus vs evil) | Init+13 | Perc+15 (+16 vs traps) | Mage Armor

"Just to clarify, you can stay here to throw off some scouting parties until your advance scouts determine the enemy numbers are too large. I agree there's value to denying the enemy an understanding of what is happening in Talar."


"I'm most worried about the dragon," says Lady Cerila. "I have heard dragonhide is far stronger than wyvern-hide. And they fly so fast. I have heard rumors that dragons can see the unseen, so even my potion of Invisibility wouldn't help. Is that true?
If they did send the dragon after us... can't hide, can't run, probably can't fight it. Is there any way to stop it? Maybe with a whole army..."

She thinks. "I don't see a way around it. I'll stop pushing my luck, and come to Brindol with you."

Tal'ariel:
Tal'ariel picks up something about the noblewoman. A bit of 'impostor syndrome,' a worry about not being good enough. Like not as good as she is supposed to be. Lady Cerila is glad that you validated her idea rather than shutting it down, and so now she is able to properly evaluate its risks without her pride getting in the way.

That evening, the Shining Axe Company arrives. Lady Cerila allows the dwarves to make use of the abandoned homes in the town.

The party is welcome to stay in Lady Cerila's manor, with her guards, or in the town with the dwarves.


HP 59/88 - AC 27 (T16, F23, -3 Buckler, -2 Rage) - CMD 26 (+4 v. Grp, +2 v. Trp) - F+15, R+10, W +6 (+2 Fear) - Init +4 - Per +11 - LLV, DV 60' - Rage 13/16 - AR 8/8 - Flex 1/7 - Res Cold/Elec 5 - DR 1 - Insp 6/11

"I can't speak for what they can't see but like most beasts I'm sure they can smell you at the very least." Bran has no idea what he's talking about but he figures showing some confidence would help bolster her spirits.

Bran opts for staying in the manor, despite his similarities with the dwarves of the Shining Axe Company, subconsciously he wants to return to normalcy. A normal bed, a normal night, with the events of the past while hiding away somewhere out of sight and mind.

He will wander the manor a bit and engage in any conversation that might pop up

Lantern Lodge

Female Elf Cleric 6 AC 17/13/14 | hp 12| F +3, R +5, W +4; +2 vs. enchantments | Immune sleep | Init +3 | Senses darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision | Perception +9

If you still have badly wounded i can offer some healing in Desnas name! I'm also worried about dragons. Do we actually know what kind of dragon this is? I can pray to Desna for some protection.

Hamailii will visit any wounded or sick if there are some and help them out as good as she can with prayers, healing, spells and channels.
Else she will enjoy the luxury of civilization, take a bath, a good meal and a good bed.
She's very impressed by the ranged combat skills of the group, which obviously makes her think.

You know, we elves are traditionaly very good with the longbow. That might be a very good tactic in this ongoing war. Perhaps i should give that more thought and some training. Is someone here willing to show me how you fight with a bow?


Female Half-Elf Rogue 1 / Wizard 4 / Inner Sea Pirate 1 / Arcane Trickster 1 | HP 66/66 | AC:21(vs evil)/19 T:17/15 FF:16/14 CMD:19/17 | F+5 R+12 W+8 (+10 vs enchantment) (+2 bonus vs evil) | Init+13 | Perc+15 (+16 vs traps) | Mage Armor

"Don't let Bran get away with that dodge. Dragonhide is tough, but dragons still have to breathe. Bran here has wrestled not one but two dragons." It was ironic that the creature to finally defeat him was not a dragon. Not exactly, anyway.

"I've heard that powerful dragons see past glamers and illusions to reveal the truth of what's underneath. But it's still possible to hide the old-fashioned way, by moving quietly and out of sight."

Tal'ariel too stays in the manor. She was not about to turn down such luxuries. Especially because of all the studying she needed to do. It was all business for her, as she reviewed as much as she could ahead of her next meeting with Immerstal the Red. As day goes to night, she begins to read by candlelight.


@Hamailii - the party saw a red dragon flying above the Red Hand camp at Cinder Hill, and you haven't fought it yet.
"Thank you, Hamailii. I knew a few Desnans in Andoran, they were good people. I have a small amount of healing ability myself, but our band does have a few lingering injuries that could benefit from your attention. You are welcome to take target practice with my retinue. We drill four times a day - dawn, noon, dusk, and midnight - to improve our skills in different lighting conditions. Everybody has to make at least two of the shifts every day, and at least two of each kind of shift across the week. Hobgoblins can see in the dark and that also worries me. A night-time raid could wipe out our position. Glad to have the dwarves here."

At Tal'ariel's comment, she looks up and down at Bran. "You look different than the last time I saw you. It looks like you spent ten years underground... were you cursed? You can't be Bleaching, you're not a gnome... Anyway, mighty impressive to have wrestled a dragon. How did you catch it? Did you leap from owl-back? Well, you can tell me the story over a brandy tonight."

The manor is comfortable, though not luxurious or fashionable. There are two somewhat musty rooms where the Lord and Lady of the house slept. Bran takes one, and Hamailii takes the other. Lady Cerila insists, "I've been staying in my old bedroom ever since I came back. I like it that way." There are three additional guest bedrooms where Gaius, Tal'ariel, and Trellara can stay. The owls stay in the courtyard. One of Lady Cerila's archers, an excitable gnome named Wahkipatookanurilli (Wahki), spends a time chirping away in owl-speak with them. After the gnome's magic ends, he continues to chirp for another half an hour before realizing they no longer understand him.

Two of the novice rangers prepare a warm bath for Hamailii. One is the sister of the excitable owl-talking gnome - her name is Pippabawoonikaloro (Pippa). She decides the water is not quite warm enough, so she conjures a flame from her hand and holds it under the copper tub for a few minutes. "There. Just right."

Everyone else is able to have a bath as well if they wish.

The members of Lady Cerila's retinue who are not asleep or on watch join you for dinner. The dining room has a long table with benches along the sides, and Lady Cerila takes a place near the middle of one bench. The dinner is egalitarian, with communal plates passed around and conversation devoid of formalities. The food is venison with berries and root vegetables. It is hearty and skillfully prepared. The manor's wine cellar is nearly empty - "We sent most of it on to Brindol" Lady Cerila explains - but there is still a cask of red and a few bottles of brandy. The retinue shows more restraint than any other soldier Bran knows of, taking small glasses and nursing them throughout the meal.

"You aren't on watch tonight, and don't have to train. Have as much as you like," notes your hostess.

Dinner ends fairly early, in time for the dusk drill (it is summer, so dusk comes quite later). Any who wish can participate. After that, the rangers and warriors go back to their posts, their tents, or to mingle with the dwarves in the town, leaving you in the manor with Lady Cerila. She stays up talking for a couple of hours, in which you can tell her as much or as little as you wish about your endeavors and triumphs.

Tal'ariel is able to find a lamp and work late into the night on her spell research.

There are no disturbances in the night, and in the morning you are ready for the last leg of this journey, heading back to Brindol.


HP 59/88 - AC 27 (T16, F23, -3 Buckler, -2 Rage) - CMD 26 (+4 v. Grp, +2 v. Trp) - F+15, R+10, W +6 (+2 Fear) - Init +4 - Per +11 - LLV, DV 60' - Rage 13/16 - AR 8/8 - Flex 1/7 - Res Cold/Elec 5 - DR 1 - Insp 6/11

Knowing it would be better to stay silent while they were in front of the regular troops, Bran nodded at her comment and waited until the evening when there was more quiet to work with.

Cleaning up before dinner felt like an experience, and while he knew in his head this was still him, it still felt almost alien. Bran swore that at times the water would almost fall off of him, and he didn't even realize that it wasn't heated. The cold didn't bother him as much as he used to, but despite all of that he refused to put his head under the water... It reminded him too much of swimming away from that thing in the sky.

Dinner felt normal though and while he only met with servicemen in passing, and wouldn't consider himself such, there was a kindred bond here. Taking what he could and enjoying it, he began to tell the story to Lady Cerila. "It was twice actually. Neither time involved any sort of leaping from owlback I'm afraid; but it did involve much magic." He told the story hoping it would help bolster morale, but Bran seemed to downplay his own achievement, doing his best to tell of the cohesion that they had as a unit. That right there was what caused him to choke up for a moment.

"Though there is a lesson to be learned in all of this. Cohesion and teamwork is what it takes to beat these foes back." He thinks back to the Behir, but decides it was not a story worth telling right now; the mood wasn't right. He eyes Hamaiili and only gives a small nod of acknowledgement then holds up a toast to Desna and to Kurgess, "And to whoever else you follow! We will prevail!"

Eventually once the manor becomes empty, Bran approaches the Lady and continues the story from before. "You noticed too? It was nothing like that, not a curse or the Bleaching; something far more unbelievable." He takes a seat, "We fought a creature called a Behir, and this was after dealing with the Lich-lion. Suffice to say in my haste and pride I made a choice that cost me my very life." He goes through the story, telling what he can but pausing to try to remember some of the bits. He tells of the Wyrmlord and its bargain, his friends and the ritual, but leaves out the part of Groeteus. "Only through our cohesion and through our ability to work together did we make it through... and back." He looks her in the eyes, "That is why I wanted you to come to Brindol, I have seen first hand what stubborn pride can do, and I don't wish that sort of resolve to destroy you and yours." Closing his eyes he breathes heavily out, "And after seeing these men and women fighting and training and eating together, there is a lot to squander."

2,551 to 2,600 of 3,597 << first < prev | 47 | 48 | 49 | 50 | 51 | 52 | 53 | 54 | 55 | 56 | 57 | next > last >>
Community / Forums / Online Campaigns / Play-by-Post / Red Hand of Doom - E6 All Messageboards

Want to post a reply? Sign in.