RotRL: The Alkenstar Expedition (Inactive)

Game Master drbuzzard

Calm...breath in, breath out...

Taking full round attack action so can use rapid shot

Attack 1
1d20 + 10 - 2 - 4 ⇒ (17) + 10 - 2 - 4 = 21
Damage: 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

Attack 2
1d20 + 10 - 2 - 4 ⇒ (2) + 10 - 2 - 4 = 6
Damage: 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Sorry, can't move Billy on map using my IPad

Doc grimaces as he sees most of the other sailors fall under the spears of the Adaro. He couldn't help them until the current threat was dealt with. He only hoped none would bleed out in the meantime.

"Watch the spears!" he calls out to the others, recalling what he'd read about the creatures in an ecology book. "They've got poison laced on them!"

He steps into the guard of the Adaro in front of him and unloads a slug into it from point blank range.

Misc. Action: 5 ft. Step

Standard Action: Attack Adaro 1; Point-Blank Shot (PBS)(+1 atk, +1 dmg), Flash and Shock (F&S)(-1 Grit)(+4 AC vs. target)
Attack Roll: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17
Damage Roll: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

For some reason my previous post didn't post. I will repost ASAP.

Lua climbs topside to the sounds of combat. She whisper's a little prayer to The Dawnflower and then bursts into action. She see's Doc, on the port side,within range of Thomas and the fallen sailor. She decides to assist Billy with the starboard foe.

She moves next to the sailor and engages enemy #3

Attack Roll: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Damage Roll: 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (6, 6) + 3 = 15

Yeah, I saw that since it was posted on the discussion section and incorporated it into the first round. It is the second round now.

Fort save 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

Is that all you got?" Here, let me show you how its done!"

Damn! That's what I get for going into battle without armor

Demoralize attempt (DC= 10+hit dice+WIS mod) 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14 If succesful, target is shaken for 1 round +1 additional round for every 5 I beat DC

attack vs Adaro 1 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
damage 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

I guess my attempt to intimidate lost something in the translation :)

You make the save.

Btw, isn't the bite a secondary attack and 5 less to hit?

Lua gives a quick assessment the sailor lain low...
Heal: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

and then begins the ritual of 'Becoming the White'

Lua uses one of her Lay On Hands abilities to create a White Nimbus
+1 Morale Bonus to Hit, Damage, AC, and Saving VS fear for all party members within 30'. 30' of light centered on Lua.

Lua gives a quick assessment the sailor lain low...

[Dice=Heal]1d20+6

and then begins the ritual of 'Becoming the White'

Lua uses one of her Lay On Hands abilities to create a White Nimbus
+1 Morale Bonus to Hit, Damage, AC, and Saving VS fear. 30' of light centered on Lua.

That's a really cool ability!

Btw, isn't the bite a secondary attack and 5 less to hit?

That what I get for forgetting to edit after I cut and paste. The bite missed.

Round 2

Urga continues to attack:

Attack:1d20 + 4 + 4 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 4 + 2 - 1 = 15
Damage:2d6 + 4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (5, 4) + 4 + 2 + 2 = 17

awesome ability Lua

OK, I'll use Shendrik's attack from last round since he hasn't posted.

Tomas again swipes at the sharkman dealing another solid blow. It appears to be well blooded.
Dukkan manages to plant a bullet on the sharkman as well, but it struggles on.
Shenderik finishes moving up to the commanding position on the quarterdeck and sends a shot down at Sharkman3, but misses.
Billy takes a volley of shots at the critter facing off with Lua and lands one.
Lua activates a glowing nimbus of power which enlivens her allies.
Urga lays into his sharkman dealing a very telling blow, sending a spray of blood across the deck.
The two farther sharkmen move up to get into combat. It is clear they are not primarily creatures of the land since they rather seem to waddle across the deck with limited mobility.
Tomas' opponent once again strikes at him
to hit spear: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
to hit bite: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
missing with both attacks.
to hit spear: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22 damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
to hit bite: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
The sharkman facing off against Lua and Urga strikes back sending his spear into Urga's side dealing a solid blow. His attempt to bit is deflected by Urga's armor.

round 3.

AOO on Dukkan.

to hit spear: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28 damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
confirm: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13 well at least it didn't confirm x3 crits are unpleasant.

Need a fort save from Dukkan.

Billy feels filled with light standing so close to the Holy Paladin. Make the shots, make the shots...

Using rapid shot

Attack: 1d20 + 11 - 6 ⇒ (8) + 11 - 6 = 13
Damage: 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Attack: 1d20 + 11 - 6 ⇒ (20) + 11 - 6 = 25
Damage: 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

Confirm critical Attack: 1d20 + 11 - 6 ⇒ (1) + 11 - 6 = 6 Nevermind

So you know, you are shooting past cover (Urga), so that's another -4 on top of the shooting into melee

So you know, you are shooting past cover (Urga), so that's another -4 on top of the shooting into melee

Sorry, did not know that (first time playing a shooter)

Yeah, it's a nasty bit of the ranged attack rules. Actually it even applies to reach weapons. At least on ranged attacks you can get improved precise shot which fixes it. Reach weapons are always hosed if there's someone between you and the target.

HP: 23/29, Grit: 2/2
- +1 Grit point due to triggering AoO.
- White Nimbus Buff: +1 atk, +1 dmg, +1 AC, +1 save vs fear
- +2 Poison Resistance
Fort Save: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

Thank you, Alchemist class...

Doc grunts as the spear digs into a chink in his armor. Nevertheless he tries to push on, ejecting the spent round with a pump of the shotgun's slide and unloads another slug into the creature.

Standard Action: Attack Arado 1; PBS(+1 atk, +1 dmg), F&S(-1 Grit)(+4 AC vs. target), White Nimbus Buff (+1 atk, +1 dmg)
Attack Roll: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28 Darn, would have sweet justice...
Damage Roll: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

"Oho, another wants to play. I'll be with you momentarily, your friend just needs some more persuading first."

Feeling Lua's holy light wash over him, Thomas attacks with renewed vigor.

same as before (PA & FD)

attack vs Adaro 1 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21
damage 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

Damn, been cheating myself out of 1 damage, forgot to add weapon traing bonus :)

Dukkan drops his, you can switch to the new one.

Lua sees the leering shark faced monstrosity sink his spear into Urga’s side.
“Urga!” Lua shouts.
Lua turns back to the monster, focusing her wrath. She calls upon the Bright Lady to guide her blade as she strikes.

Lua uses Smite Evil on Adaro 3

Attack Roll: 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 7 + 1 + 5 = 20 (BAB+Nimbus+Cha Mod)
Damage Roll: 2d6 + 3 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (6, 4) + 3 + 1 + 4 = 18

Round 3

The sight of his own blood sends Urga into a frenzy. With a scream he raises his great sword above his head and brings it down in a mighty cleave upon the creature.

Attack:1d20 + 4 + 4 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 4 + 2 - 1 = 13
Damage:2d6 + 4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (1, 4) + 4 + 2 + 2 = 13

Actually Lua already killed it, so you're taking a 5' step and then swinging at the next one.

Shenderik fires at the easternmost foe.

masterwork rifle & cover: 1d20 + 9 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 9 - 4 = 25 <- Adamantine cartridge
critical hit confirmation: 1d20 + 9 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 9 - 4 = 15 <- vs. Touch AC
Damage: 4d10 + 12 ⇒ (5, 9, 1, 9) + 12 = 36

Tomas drops the sharkman he had engaged before turning to the new threat. sorry got things out of init order above, Tomas was before Dukkan
Dukkan puts a bullet center mass on the new arrival, who sprays blood from the impact.
Shederik manages to plug the sharkman fighting Urga and Lua (though it does not confirm due to cover -without precise shot and shooting past allies, you are at a total of -8, if the critter where large I would give it a pass since you are above the fray, but they are medium) and drops it (it was low enough to not need a crit)
Lua steps up and invokes her holy power at smite the newcomer, ripping a huge gash in its torso, only to be followed up by a mighty swing by Urga which finishes it off.

There is one sharkman remaining, and he decides that this boat is not easy pickings. He does a full withdrawal back into the drink to escape.

Combat over. There are several sailors sprawled out on the deck.

Lua checks the wounds of each downed sailor.

Heal Check: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23Sailor 1
Heal Check: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20Sailor 2
Heal Check: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9Sailor 3

If they are not beyond repair, she uses Lay on Hands for each sailor.

You are able to revive the first two, but while you are able to close wounds on the last one, he fails to move.

The fight over, Billy takes a moment to reload his rifle taking bullets from his bandolier that he wears across his shoulder. Looking around and not seeing anything he can do to help the healers he decides to inspect the creatures that attacked the ship.

He calls out to one of the sailors "What are these things?"

Lua checks the sailor to see if he's still breathing or his heart is beating.

Heal Check: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

"Doc," Lua calls out from where the fallen lay, "This sailor isn't moving!"

He is still alive, with beating heart, breathing and all, he just can't move.

One of the sailors resting on the deck responds to Billy "Those were Adaro. You don't see a lot of them, but the are mean critters. Likely they would have grabbed all the crew on deck and ate us right up. Thank the gods you folks were able to bail us out. "

Around now a bunch of other sailors led by the captain, all armored and armed show up on deck. They seem relieved that you've already dealt with the situation. "Oh, I see there's no problem anymore. I guess we were too slow getting ready. Someone go get the priest so he can check on everyone. "

"I believe their spears were poisoned, I felt a strange burning sensation and slight numbness from the first hit."

Thomas casually flicks the blood from his sword as he sheathes it. Still flushed from combat, he looks around expectantly.

"That's all?" He says somewhat dejectedly,"I was just getting warmed up."

Since we have been training for a while together, you know it is his inability to pass up a fight and his over indulgence in such that got him kicked out of the monastery. He has more than made up for it by fully embracing the rakish lifestyle he now leads.

One of the sailors looks at you aghast "You want more?!? You landlubbers are surely mad, though certainly able. "

"I'm sure Mr. Surovati speaks only for himself," Doc says with a wry smile as he hands Thomas a healing extract. "Here, hold your nose and drink this. It will help your body heal." He himself takes a draught from his healing stock. He then heads over to Lua to check on the still immobile sailor.

"I'm here, Miss Lua. Let's see what the problem is."

I give Thomas a Cure Light Wounds infusion. He can roll for healing on his turn (1d8+3).

Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Aid Another(Heal): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

Urga cleans the gore off his sword and throws the carcasses over board.

"Well fought. We should keep three guards on deck at all time."

"I agree brother Urga. 12 hour shifts apiece per room?"

Billy takes a position in one of the Crow's nests to keep watch during his shift.

Doc agrees to taking the night shift alongside Urga and Shenderik. He spends the rest of his time making rounds around the ship, helping the ship's priest check up on the injured sailors as well as Urga. He considers themselves lucky, really: only 6 casualties -himself included- and no fatalities amongst them. Hopefully, they would not be caught unawares again like that for the rest of the trip.

Thomas drinks the potion from Doc.

1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

"Many thanks, Doc. I must remember to wear my armor next time." Thomas says with a grin as the healing draught closes his wound.

It's been a couple of weeks since the incident with the Adaro. You've stopped in a port for extra supplies and head back out to sea.

I need perception checks from the day watch.

yipee..
perception: 1d20 ⇒ 9

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

Perception 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

You are all enjoying a clear day at sea. By now you all have your sea legs, and everything is a pretty pleasant cruise.

Place yourselves on the map again (if you're part of the watch).

** spoiler omitted **

You are all enjoying a clear day at sea. By now you all have your sea legs, and everything is a pretty pleasant cruise.

Place yourselves on the map again (if you're part of the watch).

Sorry, still can't move Billy on the map but looks like he's positioned at the stern mast as he should be (Billy's guard position is the stern crow's nest).

Yeah, that was the best approximation I could manage. We'll assume you're about 20' up.

OK, surprise round. Nobody saw the critter, so it alone goes.

A tentacle snakes onto the deck and grabs the poor redshirt, er I mean crewman as indicated on the map. As an immediate action, he starts screaming.

I need initiatives from you all. People below decks will need perception checks.

initiative: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

Initiative: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

Flying back will take a while. I'd probably be forced to have the Rune Lord emerge and end the world for you dilly dallying.

I guess we push forwards and will just be down in wbl..

Since you won't be getting back to Magnimar till the module is over most likely, how about you folks give me a wish list of toys you might want, and I'll try to have them among the treasure. Of course firearms cannot be included in that (this location is 10k years old. Also things which are greatly specialized for classes and whatnot are unlikely. However stat items and other misc stuff is possible (as is armor).

I was likely just going to buff my current items with wbl tbh. He was gonna buff armor, shield, ring of prot, amulet of na, cloak, gun all to +5 and then get belt to +6, headband to +4..

There aren't any specialty items I was looking for with him.

Yap is pretty much the same. I suppose another cool staff would be ok for him. He rarely has anything to do in combat.

The adamantine +5 bayonet would be great although I suppose I could improvise something from a dagger with Craft (firearms) that would work as well if you OK'd it.

I'll say a dagger will work fine.

Out of town on a hunting trip this weekend Buzz.. Post rate will be low so if u need to bot go ahead.

Good luck. Not sure what season this will be. Cold most likely from my experience.

Ducks!

Ah. Never hunted waterfowl, just deer. Again, good luck.

Dang, well sry to ruin ur fun Buzz.. I have a feeling i was gonna get hammered next round.

If someone else had been up front I would have had more fun since I'd have gotten in two licks because of hurtful.

I'd actually see it as a fairly even match with her fighting Vars. He'd have to cheat and sunder her gear to scrap to win.

Swapped Obi to order of the flame.

I'm on a ski trip this week. I assume the place I'm staying has internet though this is not something I know for certain. Given the nature of the trip (lots of skiing) my posting may be a bit slower than normal. Just a fair warning. I'll be there late this afternoon and know about the internet situation then.

You back Buzz?

Yes, resuming today. Sorry about the no show, but the wifi there was awful and I forgot my Hero Lab laptop, so it would have been a major PITA to run games.

All good.. I needed a break tbh. Im on my 30th straight day of work, so I haven't had much time to post either.

How was the trip?

Great ski area and nice town (Wolf Creek and Pagosa Springs). Got a new time share there and it was my first stay. Town has lots of good eateries. The ski area has the most snow in the state, but was pretty busy due to lots of people on Spring Break. A fun trip though.

Sounds nice. I haven't been sking since I was a teenager. Not sure my knees could handle it now though lol..

My knees are communicating in a most direct fashion right now that they think I am too old to do bumps anymore (which I did a lot of last week).

Point for discussion:

Do you want RotRL as written or adjusted?

I'd like a consensus. I adapt to what you do to try to make it other than the walkover it would be as written. I can run it as written and save myself quite a bit of work.

I imagine Yap would get very bored.

I think you've proved pathfinder with guns but without magic is boring.

Guess that counts as a vote for 'not bother to continue'. You are welcome to do so.

Just like 3.5, pathfinder long ago reached a point where "as written" scenerio's are a steam roll with any sort of optimized build. It's not the GM's fault for wanting to modify and make it tougher, just the same as it's not the players fault for getting access to powerful builds in any class. Most of these modules were written for 4 player groups, not 5, with core rules. I don't think getting mad at each other solves anything and I frankly would like to finish a campaign I've played since May of 2014..

the campaign as designed was destined for this.

yes, 4 ranged martial characters at 17th level can generate 400-600 points of damage.

But any magical challenge they confront will turn off the party.

One well designed character has the best dpr and controls 90% of the games spellcasting.

Everyone else wants to feel relevant, so the rogue and melee fighter traded in their characters for ranged dpr characters because there weren't any challenges that matched up with their characters strengths.

My cavalier has no way to keep up with the fighter and paladin/inquisitor ranged dpr when he runs out of challenges so I shifted to provide a fairly minor AC buff to have some reason to keep playing.

We proved in one combat that glorious challenge / chain challenge doesn't actually work for a cavalier at because enemies won't stand next to each other and if they do, another party member will kill-steal a challenge target and end the chain.

Ok folks. I'm on vacation till next Sunday (22nd) so the game is on vacation. You can finish any actions you might have this round, but I won't update anything until the 22nd or 23rd.

Since we're in a pause, you might as well level up to 17.

You mean 18?

Ah, thought you were still 16. Wait a bit then. You're supposed to be 18 for the final fight. You have a couple fights before that, and you'll level after those.

are we on the last book? or is there one more?

You are most of the way through the last book. There's 4 or 5 fights left. I'd have to check.

Oh cool. I Think I had in my head that we were 20 when we fought the runelord. That is exciting!

Nah, the only AP I know of which actually gets you to 20 is WotR.

The farthest ive made it in WotW is 5th level.. Always falls apart..

I did say WotR so Wrath of the Righteous, not Way of the Wicked.
I've got my online party at 6th now in the 2nd module.

My home table is up to 11th.

Sorry i meant wrath.. Way of the Wicked ive gotten to 7th before fall apart..

I never got past level 2 in wrath

Wy of the wicked we got significantly through book 2

WotR is a tricky one to run since once you hit the second book and everyone is mythic, things quickly go off the rails, and the GM has to remake every encounter as the ones provided are jokes.

I mean a well optimized PF party already blows through APs, but you add in mythic and everything goes utterly haywire.

My home party is particularly hard to run for with 7 players, and a crazy optimized bard buffing the hell out of the already ridiculous builds.

Having run a home game with me as DM and 7 players, once, I now firmly hold to the six person table.

Have not had a chance to update the BBEG, and on vacation until next Tuesday. Should have him worked out by then.

Will get this final battle up soon. Sorry about the delay.

Just a heads up, been super busy today and I have to drive 3 hours after I get off today. Tm is testing all day then drive 3 hours back so it is quite possible I will be unable to post again till wends.

After my delay I can't very well get picky. Take your time. This is all there is.

all my usual before going in

SR
Haste/Heroism
Mutagen
Shield
False life greater 2d10 + 18 ⇒ (3, 5) + 18 = 26
echolocation
freedrom of movement
ablative barrier

Posting buffs here..

Bo casts in order: Stoneskin, Extended Heroism, Extended See Invis, Shield of Fortification, Heightened Awareness.

He drinks a potion of flying and the resist acid 20 he picked up.

He uses his divine bond, as well as gives the group Illuminating Touch(grants +5 to your next will save.).

Before entering the door his finished off with extended Channel Vigor and Divine Power..

Will be using my remaining adamantine rounds as well. He has 12.

While Bo does his stuff Yap buffs as well. In order of casting.

He uses the Scroll of Foresight he has. Then casts Trueseeing of Bo and Jan. Communal Air Walk of the group, Freedom of Move on Bo and Jan, Communal Pro Lightning on the group, Communal Resist Fire and Cold on the group, Communal Pro Evil on the group. Shield on himself. Finally as they are about to enter Repulsion set to 30' and Blessing of Fervor.

He establishes Life Links with Jan, Bo, and Boom as well.

In case someone is looking for another game, there's a recruitment which has RotRL has a prerequisite.

http://paizo.com/campaigns/v5748p75hooip/recruiting

for Shattered Star. I've applied.

I think he may not yet have enough people interested.

My submission is Var's nephew.