Red Hand of Doom PBP

Game Master Tanner Nielsen

Doesn't matter, Adele made her save and she's the only one Narses can reach this round.

Does Adele have to make another Fort save since she made her initial one? If so, Fortitude 1d20+10

It is an inhaled poison, so you must roll a saving throw every round you are exposed.

Correction: Actually, if she gets a full-round action to swim, she can make it all the way to C9 if Dragox and Shalani make it out of the boat. Also, for future reference, she's going to try to hold her breath until she makes it out of the poison gas cloud. Just warming up for when she gets pulled underwater again. ;)

Dragox sits in the boat, not fully understanding what is happening around him. due to his failed fort save.

ROUND 2 SUMMARY

Narses shakes off the poisonous vapors and jumps into the water..
Shalani continues to be disoriented.
Maysalkirii attacks one of the lizardfolk.
Dragox continues to be disoriented.
Adele regains her senses and dives into the water. She manages to reach the other canoe and pulls Dragox into the water. Dragox does not need to make another saving throw next round. The two of you are sharing a space.
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Lizardfolk Ninja 1 (8 damage) swings two wickedly curved swords, one long and one short, at Maysalkirii. Attack 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11, Damage 1d10 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12. Attack 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18, Damage 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6.
Lizardfolk Ninja 2 swims forward and attacks Narses. Attack 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21, Damage 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3.
Lizardfolk Ninja 3 swims forward and attacks Dragox. Attack 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13, Damage 1d6 + 2 + 3d6 ⇒ (2) + 2 + (4, 5, 1) = 14. (Since you are still disoriented by the smoke, you are considered off-balance. An off-balance creature loses its Dexterity bonus to Armor Class, and opponents gain a +2 bonus on attacks against it.)
Lizardfolk Ninja 4 waits.
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Initiative
Lizardfolk Ninja (2,4) 21
Narses 20
Shalani 14
Lizardfolk Ninja (1) 11
Maysalkirii 10
Lizardfolk Ninja (3) 9
Dragox 8
Adele 8

Your watercraft sink beneath the surface of the water, disappearing in the murky swamp.

Be sure to take a look at the underwater combat rules on the SRD. Those who are moving in the water can duck under the surface to avoid the smoke, but if you stop to attack you will need to make another save.

ROUND 3 MAP

DM, check my math...I think the attacked missed. Dragox only has a +1 from Dex and his +1 monk AC bonus that also should be removed. Adding a +2 still doesn't get there, unless I am missing something. And I assume another Fort save is necessary.

Fortitude save 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

DM, check my math...I think the attacked missed. Dragox only has a +1 from Dex and his +1 monk AC bonus that also should be removed. Adding a +2 still doesn't get there, unless I am missing something. And I assume another Fort save is necessary.

Fortitude save 1d20 + 7

Looks like it missed to me.

That's what I though, too, DM. Just wanted to be sure!

HP 81/96, ff AC 17

Feeling a prick in his arm Narses swims as fast as he can toward shore, emerging on the banks by Feek he pulls himself onto land and gets his bearings.

Swim to B 9 and step onto land B 8, provoking possibly 2 AOO from nr. 2. Swim; 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23

Narses, help the others!

Grinning as the lizardfolk ninja's attacks are parried, evaded or deflected, Maysalkirii launches a blistering attack with both blades.

Leave dual-wielding to the pro's, scaley... I'll show you how its done. he says, taunting the lizardfolk in Draconic.

Putting the Bane property on Ilyandrosa, 1/7 rounds used. Current judgement is Piercing.

1d20 + 14 ⇒ (20) + 14 = 34 Ilyandrosa, crit threat.
1d6 + 9 + 2d6 + 2d6 ⇒ (6) + 9 + (1, 2) + (1, 1) = 20 Damage.
1d6 ⇒ 1 Damage to Maysalkirii.

1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12 Chianlii (second blade)

1d20 + 14 ⇒ (6) + 14 = 20 Ilyandrosa, crit confirm?
1d6 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

DM, am I correct in assuming that this confusion is like the spell, where the affected have a percentage chance of acting normally, doing nothing, attacking others or hurting themselves? If so, Dragox will automatically attack his attacker and Adele can try to help Shalani. Or is this a disoriented condition rather than confused?

DM, am I correct in assuming that this confusion is like the spell, where the affected have a percentage chance of acting normally, doing nothing, attacking others or hurting themselves? If so, Dragox will automatically attack his attacker and Adele can try to help Shalani. Or is this a disoriented condition rather than confused?

A failed saving throw is resulting in a dazed condition. Technically you are supposed to gain the confused condition, but you guys have had enough trouble with drowning in the past that I didn't want this to be too lethal.

Okay. Adele made the Knowledge roll to identify the gas, so I was getting a bit confused about what was happening with the failed saving throws. If Shalani doesn't make her saving throw, Adele will stay where she is to defend her; if she saves, Adele will try to swim to shore (E7). Swim check 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (15) - 1 = 14

If Shalani doesn't make her saving throw and is attacked, here's a readied attack 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14 Damage 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

DM, I made my fort. save this round, so I think Dragox gets an action.

Dragox finally gains his wits about him, and takes off swimming for the closest point of shore he recalled seeing.

Swim 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

Sorry, everyone, have been sick with the flu for the past few days. I slept 11 hours yesterday and woke up feeling like I had battled with a brick wall all night, and the brick wall won.

Fortitude save vs poison 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

As the cold water rushes onto the sinking boat, Shalani attempts to shake off the effects of the poison. She fails though, and continues to be dazed as the cold waters surround her.

Can I make a swim check to stay afloat?

While dazed, you simply bob on the surface of the water.

ROUND 3 SUMMARY

Narses swims for land. (Lizardfolk Ninja 2 AoO Attack 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21, Damage 1d10 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9).
Shalani continues to be disoriented (Since you are still disoriented by the smoke, you are considered off-balance. An off-balance creature loses its Dexterity bonus to Armor Class, and opponents gain a +2 bonus on attacks against it.)
Maysalkirii attacks, just barely missing cutting open a crucial artery.
Dragox swims for land.
Adele valiantly tries to defend her friends, but fails to make contact with her rapier.
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Lizardfolk Ninja 1 (28 damage) slices at Maysalkirii. Attack 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27, Damage 1d10 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11. Attack 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9, Damage 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4.
Lizardfolk Ninja 2 slices at Narses. Attack 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27, Damage 1d10 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4. Attack 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9, Damage 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3.
Lizardfolk Ninja 3 moves toward Shalani and attacks. Attack 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23, Damage 1d10 + 2 + 3d6 ⇒ (1) + 2 + (3, 5, 4) = 15. Attack 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11, Damage 1d6 + 2 + 3d6 ⇒ (4) + 2 + (2, 3, 4) = 15.
Lizardfolk Ninja 4 moves toward the opposite land bank.

Lizardfolk Ninja 1 Critical confirmation Attack 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17, Damage 1d10 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6.

Lizardfolk Ninja 2 Critical confirmation Attack 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17, Damage 1d10 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8.
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Initiative
Lizardfolk Ninja (2,3,4) 21
Narses 20
Shalani 14
Lizardfolk Ninja (1) 11
Maysalkirii 10
Dragox 8
Adele 8

ROUND 4 MAP

Bah, stop saving your natural 20's for me :D.

Growling in pain from the lizard's blow, Maysalkirii presses his attack, once again calling upon Cayden to heal his wounds.

1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23 Hit.
1d6 + 9 + 2d6 + 2d6 ⇒ (4) + 9 + (5, 6) + (1, 2) = 27 Damage.
1d6 ⇒ 3 Self-Harm.

1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30 Crit?
1d6 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8 Damage.

1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22 Confirmed (I think).
1d6 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9 Extra damage.

If Narses has moved to flank with me or if Maysalkirii can obtain a flank with him, please add +4 to all attack rolls due to Outflank, and assuming everything hits (should do with the +4 definitely) add an additional 10d6 + 2 ⇒ (4, 4, 1, 4, 1, 1, 3, 3, 4, 3) + 2 = 30 damage from sneak attack and precise strike (Precise Strike should work for 2d6+2 even if they can't be sneak attacked).

Is anyone out there?

Waiting to see if Shalani saves.

Sorry, still a little out of commission. However, I'm burning up today instead of freezing cold, so maybe that's a good sign.

Still disoriented by the cloud of poisonous gas, Shalani does little to defend herself, barely able to even lift her arms to ward off the lizardman's weapon and bite.

Fortitude save vs poison 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20

She recovers from the poison, swims 5 feet away from the lizardman if she is able to, and uses her extract of fly to get above the cloud of poisonous gas.

Swim check 1d20 ⇒ 7

DM, I started swimming last round. How long will it take me to get to the shore?

DM, I started swimming last round. How long will it take me to get to the shore?

Ah, he's on one of the half-and-half squares. Don't worry. Dragox stands on good, solid earth.

If I can reach a combatant this round, I will move and attack one.

Dragox moves onto the solid ground and takes a swing at one of the lizardmen.

attack 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11
damage 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Seeing Shalani seem to fight out of her dazed condition and swim toward the shore, Adele sends up a quick prayer of gratitude to Shelyn and attempts to follow. Swim 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (7) - 1 = 6

Yeah, I knew that Swim check was coming after a couple of good rolls. :P Does she just fail to make progress or start to sink?

Move to flank for Feek and attack.

1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25
1d10 + 1d6 + 12 ⇒ (2) + (6) + 12 = 20

Phew, long day.

ROUND 4 SUMMARY

Narses slides his blades into the back of the lizardfolk with a sickening slurping sound.
Shalani manages to shake off the effects of the gas, down a potion, and rise above the cloud of smoke.
Maysalkirii finishes the foe, neatly severing his head from his body with a double swipe of his sabres.
Dragox is too late to join in what Narses and Maysalkirii started. He turns his attention to Adele, suddenly very vulnerable in the water by herself.
Adele flails helplessly on the surface of the water as a passing bit of swamp muck wraps around her legs. (No movement and you are off-balance.)
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Lizardfolk Ninja 1 (92 damage, dead)
Lizardfolk Ninja 2 moves toward Adele and attacks. Attack 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15, Damage 1d10 + 2 + 3d6 ⇒ (6) + 2 + (2, 1, 4) = 15.
Lizardfolk Ninja 3 slices at Shalani. Attack 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16, Damage 1d10 + 2 + 3d6 ⇒ (10) + 2 + (2, 2, 1) = 17. Attack 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22, Damage 1d6 + 2 + 3d6 ⇒ (1) + 2 + (4, 3, 3) = 13. Then swims backward slightly to provide a flanking partner for the other ninja.
Lizardfolk Ninja 4 moves toward Adele and attacks. Attack 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26, Damage 1d10 + 2 + 3d6 ⇒ (10) + 2 + (1, 4, 2) = 19.
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Initiative
Lizardfolk Ninja (3) 21
Narses 20
Shalani 14
Maysalkirii 10
Lizardfolk Ninja (2,4)
Dragox 8
Adele 8

Two of the lizardfolk ninja quickly sense Adele thrashing ineffectively in the water and converge on her. (That's +2 for off-balance and +2 for flanking. Just a reminder that you also lose your Dex bonus to AC.)

ROUND 5 MAP

I have a cool idea to use Maysalkirii's currently ridiculous jump skills to leap into the air with my move action, make a single attack mid-air before falling into the water. Is that feasible? I'm expecting it will provoke AOO.

Shalani's dead... 60 hp damage in 2 rounds. She has 43 hitpoints and 10 Constitution

As she starts to reach for the potion to float away from the lizardman to reach a safe place to in the air above the poisonous cloud, the ninja strikes again and sends her lifeless body into the depths of the swamp.

Sorry, I still get confused by the narration of enemy actions, is it saying what they did last round or what they will do this round? If Shalani's now flying above the fight how is she being attacked?

The ninjas acted before Shalani did, so therefore struck her down before she could get off her potion. Although I haven't noticed them making any fortitude saves against their own poison gas bombs, either. Of course, the DM could be rolling those in private.

The ninjas acted before Shalani did, so therefore struck her down before she could get off her potion. Although I haven't noticed them making any fortitude saves against their own poison gas bombs, either. Of course, the DM could be rolling those in private.

I mean ninja 3, not the ninjas in general

Dang! Arcane casters seem to be droping like flies in this group. What sort of weapons are the lizardmen Wielding? Narses only has slashing weapons wich are truly useless in underwater combat.

That sucks, shalani. I can use of Staff of Life on you though, so don't give up the ship yet, assuming you want to continue with her.

I think the main problem is that we never make a plan to protect the arcane caster; we just rush in, and the squishy people get caught right on the front lines.

I think the main problem is that we never make a plan to protect the arcane caster; we just rush in, and the squishy people get caught right on the front lines.

This. :)

Shalani Sorry for the confusion. I narrated the action without checking to see whether or not that attack would drop you.

Narses Right now all of the lizardfolk ninjas are dual-wielding bastard swords and shortswords. One of the things that I think is problematic about the playtest ninjas is their automatic proficiency with katanas. These are equivalent to bastard swords, which means they basically get Exotic Weapon Proficiency for free at 1st-level.

I'm not giving up on her yet. I try to give each hero at least one extra chance, possibly more, depending on their level and magic items.

To be fair, Adele, its not like I designed Shalani to be a weak, dependent magic user. I intended her as an independent, forceful damage dealer to fit in with Narses and Maysalkirii's (and even Dragox's) playing style. She actually has done quite well for herself so far, and I imagine if some other caster had been here in her stead, they would have died sooner. This particular attack (the poison gas bombs) did manage to strike a weakness (her Fortitude save, which would normally be +5, but because of alchemical training, is raised to +9 against poisons)

To be fair, Adele, its not like I designed Shalani to be a weak, dependent magic user. I intended her as an independent, forceful damage dealer to fit in with Narses and Maysalkirii's (and even Dragox's) playing style. She actually has done quite well for herself so far, and I imagine if some other caster had been here in her stead, they would have died sooner. This particular attack (the poison gas bombs) did manage to strike a weakness (her Fortitude save, which would normally be +5, but because of alchemical training, is raised to +9 against poisons)

Yeah, but with a 17 AC, her damage-dealing depends on her not getting surrounded by 3 of the 4 enemies in a fight. Tanner's playing the bad guys smart: Why walk into Feek's cuisinart of death or go on land to fight the melee guys when they can use their swimming/breath-holding abilities to pick off the weakest links first? The melee guys have got to stop running into battle and assuming the caster will be okay somehow.

Tanner, I presume the ninjas are taking half-damage on their katanas? Or do they have freedom of movement?

Swim 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (16) - 1 = 15

Assuming a 15 succeeds... Still holding her breath, Adele brushes her fingers over her birthmark Swift action: Lay on Hands 3d6 ⇒ (1, 5, 3) = 9 and strikes out with her rapier. Attack on ninja #2 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18 Damage 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 2nd attack 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10 Damage 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Tanner, I presume the ninjas are taking half-damage on their katanas? Or do they have freedom of movement?

A certain someone that holds a grudge against the Silversong Champions provided them with potions of freedom of movement.

I have a cool idea to use Maysalkirii's currently ridiculous jump skills to leap into the air with my move action, make a single attack mid-air before falling into the water. Is that feasible? I'm expecting it will provoke AOO.

Also can I get feedback on this?

"Hold on! I'm comin'!" Narses calls to Adele and Shalani as he drops his bastard sword and picks up a short sword from the dead lizardman and wades into the water after his friends.

Wouldn't a charge attack accomplish the same thing? I'm fine with Maysalkirii leaping into the water and attacking. Or did you want to land past one of the lizardfolk and attack it as you passed?"

Well, I didn't think I could charge through water, the advantage of the leap is the ability to attack before I land and am subject to the perils of Maysalkirii's swim checks... Nope not landing past them, assuming I make the jump check i'll be landing in E11.

Need an action for Dragox.

Maysalkirii makes a mighty leap to E11 Take 10., stabbing out at the lizardfolk attacking Adele in mid air before landing with a splash back into the water.

1d20 + 22 ⇒ (2) + 22 = 24
1d6 + 5 + 2d6 + 2d6 + 4d6 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 5 + (1, 2) + (5, 5) + (4, 4, 5, 1) + (5) + 1 = 40
1d6 ⇒ 4

Any chance of a channel from one of our two healers?

Is there anyone in range for a channel right now? If not, I will swim out closer to the action and channel. It might heal the baddies a little but we need it more, it seems.

Swim 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
Channel Energy 4d6 ⇒ (3, 6, 1, 3) = 13

The smoke finally dissipates from the water.

ROUND 5 SUMMARY

Narses charges into the water to attack.
Shalani ...
Maysalkirii performs a magic-aided leap over the water, slamming his blades into the back of one of the lizardfolk.
Dragox wades into the water and channels energy to heal his companions.
Adele regains her equilibrium and manages to heal herself before missing with a thrust of her rapier.
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Lizardfolk Ninja 1 (92 damage, dead)
Lizardfolk Ninja 2 (40 damage) attacks Adele. Attack 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23, Damage 1d10 + 2 + 3d6 ⇒ (6) + 2 + (6, 6, 2) = 22; Attack 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8, Damage 1d6 + 2 + 3d6 ⇒ (1) + 2 + (3, 2, 4) = 12
Lizardfolk Ninja 3 attacks Adele. Attack 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24, Damage 1d10 + 2 + 3d6 ⇒ (2) + 2 + (5, 5, 1) = 15; Attack 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27, Damage 1d6d6 + 2 + 3d6 ⇒ (1, 1, 6, 4, 1, 1) + 2 + (1, 3, 5) = 25
Lizardfolk Ninja 4 attacks Adele. attacks Adele. Attack 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14, Damage 1d10 + 2 + 3d6 ⇒ (6) + 2 + (2, 5, 5) = 20; Attack 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8, Damage 1d6 + 2 + 3d6 ⇒ (4) + 2 + (4, 3, 3) = 16
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Initiative
Lizardfolk Ninja (3) 21
Narses 20
Maysalkirii 10
Lizardfolk Ninja (2,4)
Dragox 8
Adele 8

Minus the healing from the channel energy and lay on hands, I count Adele taking 40 damage this round.

ROUND 6 MAP

I was hoping 40 damage in the back would make him take notice of me. Is Adele still standing?

I believe that leaves her with 6hp. Their single-minded focus will probably become apparent once you defeat them and search their bodies. [/metagame].

Narses swims up to the neares lizardman, swim B 12 to B13 to C 13, coming into flank with no. 4. 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21 coming up behind him he reches out and tries to grab hold of the fin producing from the top of it's head. CMB to grapple 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (15) + 14 = 29

Not sure if flanking aplies to CMB but Narses should be provoking AOO from his grapple attempt. Btw, do Lizardmen count as dragons in regard to favored enemies or are they humanoid(lizardmen) or sumsuch?

I was hoping 40 damage in the back would make him take notice of me. Is Adele still standing?

Lizardman 3 does 40 points of damage, leaving her with 6. Lizardman 2 does 22 points of damage, which would drop her into the negatives, so her hero's defiance kicks in as an immediate action. Lay on Hands 3d6 ⇒ (3, 6, 2) = 11 Leaves her at -5. That leaves her helpless, making lizardman 4's attack a coup de grace. So, no, she's not still standing. Dragox's channel doesn't come until after all the lizardmen act. Initiative order does matter. :)