Shadow over Riddleport

Game Master Joana

He's actually at the bottom of the stairs looking up at Bojasc.

Oops. Ah well. I guess there's no point looking for that height bonus anymore, is there. :-)

Gristav wrote:

Drop staff. Cast spell Instant Weapon, 'attack' first square, 5' step, 'attack' 2nd square... Wait, how does this get two squares a round? Well, committed now.

It doesn't in the first round, as you needed your standard action to cast and only have a move action left over. Starting next round, you can clear 2 squares by full-attacking with a five-foot-step during the action.

You could sheathe your weapon with your leftover move action if it's really possible to sheathe a staff.

I think Gris as a Magus can attack with a cast spell action? Even if Instant Weapon doesn't grant such, might Spell Combat? So he casts/attacks, 5' steps, attacks?

And to 'sheathe' his staff, he slings it, which he'll do, if he can't clear two squares. Sling, cast, clear one, 5' step. Or if he can get two squares: Drop, cast, clear one, 5' step, clear 2nd.

Hm, you're right: Spell Combat allows a standard action cast along with weapon attacks, and you can cast before or after your attacks. So, yes, you can clear two squares the round you cast.

Mark, Sense Motive takes an action in 2e; in 1e, it takes at least 1 minute. So on the upside, you have all your actions at your disposal; on the downside, especially at a distance and with no line of sight due to the web, you're going to have merely to speculate what Lil's intentions are.

I'll pause here, in case Phil wants to come off delay before Lil's turn.

Just fyi, Lucky will NOT be doing anything. Just put him on permanent delay.

Hands up who didn't see that coming... (O.o)

I got you fam - gotta put those 'forbid action' spell slots to use somehow ;)

Hands up who didn't see that coming... (O.o)

Yeah, but from a GM perspective, how often does a charm person cast in combat rounds actually pan out? It's nice when your intelligent foes have plans that actually don't collapse on first contact with the party. :)

I mean, honestly, it's eight years you've been after Lil. If Braddon just eviscerated her in round one, it'd be a little anticlimactic, right?

Gristav wrote:

(I think, Gristav had advanced to L18, to strike battle poi at the web in L17?)

You're right; I copy/pasted the wrong link. Here is the correct one.

And I've just realized that Gristav can't actually clear 2 squares a round. In the first round, he could full-attack with a 5-foot step between, but in the following round, he's going to have to 5-foot-step just to get in range of the webbed square, which leaves him clearing only 1 square per round after the first. :P

It would work a little better in 2e, where actions aren't categorized as move or standard and there are no restriction on both Stepping and moving in the same round. He could Strike-Step-Strike in round 1, then Step-Strike-Step in round 2, than Strike-Step-Strike again, which would let him clear two squares every other round.

It's one of those times where the rules get in the way of common sense, like trying to figure out how one character hands something to another character or two characters can advance side-by-side, something that happens all the time in the real world but doesn't work in turns.

I suppose another character could Bull Rush or Reposition Gris to move him 5 feet forward and then allow him to attack-step-attack, since forced movement doesn't count against voluntary movement.

Gold Goblin wrote:

Gristav wrote:

(I think, Gristav had advanced to L18, to strike battle poi at the web in L17?)

You're right; I copy/pasted the wrong link. Here is the correct one.

And I've just realized that Gristav can't actually clear 2 squares a round. In the first round, he could full-attack with a 5-foot step between, but in the following round, he's going to have to 5-foot-step just to get in range of the webbed square, which leaves him clearing only 1 square per round after the first. :P

It would work a little better in 2e, where actions aren't categorized as move or standard and there are no restriction on both Stepping and moving in the same round. He could Strike-Step-Strike in round 1, then Step-Strike-Step in round 2, than Strike-Step-Strike again, which would let him clear two squares every other round.

It's one of those times where the rules get in the way of common sense, like trying to figure out how one character hands something to another character or two characters can advance side-by-side, something that happens all the time in the real world but doesn't work in turns.

I suppose another character could Bull Rush or Reposition Gris to move him 5 feet forward and then allow him to attack-step-attack, since forced movement doesn't count against voluntary movement.

Well, I guess Gris failed an INT check, signing himself up for 6-7 rounds of tunneling before any of us can help Braddon, instead of three. Actually, probably a WIS check, he would fail that. :)

Might we work at the wedge driven in to the gap of uncertainty by the phrase 'as easily as a hand clears cobwebs' or similar wording, no, let's get the wording...

The strands of a web spell are flammable. A flaming weapon can slash them away as easily as a hand brushes away cobwebs. Any fire can set the webs alight and burn away one 5-foot square in 1 round. All creatures within flaming webs take 2d4 points of fire damage from the flames.

Might it not be that the flaming weapon (presumably wielded, and thus consuming an action) clears a space in an action, while the 'any fire' sets the webs alight to burn at a rate of one 5' sq. per round? So Gris strikes a square, clears it, and the flames burn another 5'? On his next turn, he can advance 10', strike again, and watch another 5' burn as it was wont to do? And once more than one square was a legal target after his 10' move, he might slash two of those, and perhaps have two more burn away in the interturn? When you had said Gris could clear two in a turn, this was what I thought you meant. I see now, you may only have meant that a double weapon could clear two adjacent spaces. C'est la RPG.

Regardless, Gris is going to tunnel to Braddon's support.

Might it not be that the flaming weapon (presumably wielded, and thus consuming an action) clears a space in an action, while the 'any fire' sets the webs alight to burn at a rate of one 5' sq. per round? So Gris strikes a square, clears it, and the flames burn another 5'? On his next turn, he can advance 10', strike again, and watch another 5' burn as it was wont to do?

Yeah, that'll work. We'll give the fire a "turn" right after Gris's action, which means the web has burned out of L16 now and starts in L15. This round, he can move to L16 and attack L15 (unless Tendal or Phillip do something to affect the web in the meantime) with his move & standard, and then L14 can burn away after his turn.

Just a reminder to all those delaying perhaps over several rounds, Gristav's staff remains where he dropped it.

Perhaps it could be thrown into the last of the webs when that 5' section is revealed? Then it won't fill anyone's 'hand', and it's at least closer to the battle.

Might could even have Gris take hold of it while the last webs burn away. Great scene for the opening credits.

Or maybe he just has to fight with the Poi. :)

Ooooh.... Frostbite Battle Poi...

Not to rain on your parade, Phillip, but Forbid Action has a range of 35 feet at 4th level, and Braddon is 45 feet away at the end of Phillip's max 20-foot move. (Moving that far would also prevent Gristav from attacking the webs on his turn.)

Bugger... was going sans map as I was sneaking the post in at work. Lets go with the same words, but without any lasting or meaningful magic woven into them. Phil will also approach as close as he can get without interfering with others as well.

All right, Phil will move up right behind Gristav. Want to drag Gristav's staff that far? You can drop it as a free action if you need both hands for something.

Sure :) #helping

When I was updating the map, I realized that Phillip could move to L17 without interfering with Gristav attacking the web in L15 so I went ahead and moved him (and the staff) there. Gristav, you can just move past him to get to the web, as discussed above.

Please check my maths:

Gristav can walk _into_ the first available web, pass/fail a REF save (DC16?), perhaps be grappled, endure the burning webs (2d4), _still_ attack the next space, clearing it, and then both Gris' space and the next will burn clear? Three spaces cleared this round, just took a bit of wading? And then, without the south wall of the hallway as an anchor the remaining webs will mostly collapse?

If so, he'll do this, because offering line of fire for Snake to curse Bojasc's To-Hit (or Lil's save, read on...) is worth 8 hit points. Bolbo can alight and Guidance Gristav for the save against whatever Lil might be planning. And then Tendal had been delaying, he might act before Lil, perhaps a Glitterdust or a summons?

_Way_ worth the 2d4.

Gristav can walk _into_ the first available web

Check: move action to L15.

pass/fail a REF save (DC16?), perhaps be grappled

Check: DC 15.

endure the burning webs (2d4)

Check.

still_ attack the next space, clearing it

Check: standard action to attack.

and then both Gris' space and the next will burn clear?

Check, I think: one square from last round's fire and one from this round.

And then, without the south wall of the hallway as an anchor the remaining webs will mostly collapse?

Unclear from Gris's perspective: he can't see what's around the corner. But it will lead to three squares being cleared and only one possibly remaining, which would provide cover rather than total cover.

Hi, Guys! Your favorite lurker so happy to be back here in time to catch the big finish. It's been fun catching up. I hadn't skulked around here since just before the land-squid fight.

Lil and Bojasc cornered. Braddon charmed. This looks good.

As always, props to the player's RP, characterization, and dialogue. And to Joana's exquisitely detailed setting.

might a spellcraft roll tell any of us what she's casting?

Yes, but...

this incurs the same penalties as a Perception skill check due to distance, poor conditions, and other factors.

Tendal doesn't have line of sight until he moves, but Gristav and Snake can attempt a check.

Sorry for the delay. It's been a little crazy here.
But, Braddon is here now to save some... we'll find out. :-)

I hope everyone can see that map. Imgur won't let me access my own images for some reason; it stopped letting me upload them into a specific album some time ago.

It seems like all image-hosting sites go from useful to unusable over the course of their lifetimes. First Photobucket, then Imgur; how long will PostImage last?

Would a poi strike into K12 from L13 destroy that web? And thus free Tendal and Phillip, on the language, "These masses must be anchored to two or more solid and diametrically opposed points or else the web collapses upon itself and disappears."...?

Additionally, Gris is likely to (via spell combat) cast Lethal Accident.

But the web and cohort freedom take precedence.

Would a poi strike into K12 from L13 destroy that web? And thus free Tendal and Phillip, on the language, "These masses must be anchored to two or more solid and diametrically opposed points or else the web collapses upon itself and disappears."...?

Yes, that sounds reasonable.

Mark, in case you can't access the map, Phil is in K13, with a wall directly behind his back and a short flight of stairs leading up toward what looks a dining room on his right. Lil and Bojasc are in M3 & 4, respectively, both prone. Phil is 50 feet from Bojasc, with two short flights of stairs leading up between them.

The summoned dretch is in M10 on the first flight of stairs, 20 feet from Phillip.

Gristav is next to Phil in L13; Snake is in L9 at the top of the first flight of stairs; Tendal is near the front door at O10; and Braddon is in L4.

Yay! First level spells for the WHOOPS! Hee hee. Not that anyone is in a good position right now...sigh.

Braddon's got a bonus to hit against the prone (Bojasc, surely?), and Another free AoO when either of them rises, so there's that.

Yay! First level spells for the WHOOPS! Hee hee. Not that anyone is in a good position right now...sigh.

Man I'm like: "HA! That is AWESOME!" Of all spells it's Grease! So freaking cool. And Braddon is in PERFECT position. Bojasc's AC is now lower so that's going to help Braddon tremendously. Just roll marginally well on the to hit dice and he should tear him up pretty good. And if Bojasc stands, that's an AoO.

So Braddon is going to get 3 attacks one way or another and two of those will be at a lower AC.

Brilliant, Tendal! Just brilliant. :)

Edit: HA! Yeah what Gristav said. (I probably should've actually READ what he wrote before typing all this) *shrugs* :P

Judgement of smiting (weapons count as magical), move to N,11 then flank attack the dretch.

Attack: 1d20+2 for 1d3-1
Insert meme of Ralph from the Simpsons 'I'm helping'...

LOL! Oh man I can totally see it. Soooo dang funny. Killin' me! :)

Tendal Deverin wrote:

Yay! First level spells for the WHOOPS! Hee hee. Not that anyone is in a good position right now...sigh.

Man I'm like: "HA! That is AWESOME!" Of all spells it's Grease! So freaking cool. And Braddon is in PERFECT position. Bojasc's AC is now lower so that's going to help Braddon tremendously. Just roll marginally well on the to hit dice and he should tear him up pretty good. And if Bojasc stands, that's an AoO.

So Braddon is going to get 3 attacks one way or another and two of those will be at a lower AC.

Brilliant, Tendal! Just brilliant. :)

Edit: HA! Yeah what Gristav said. (I probably should've actually READ what he wrote before typing all this) *shrugs* :P

True true. But I totally wanted you to wail on Lil. If Bojasc goes down thought, that is going to make Lil's life that much harder.

I really hope that she doesn't have a way to escape...

I really hope that she doesn't have a way to escape...

4d8 will find her, even if she does.

Tendal Deverin wrote:

I really hope that she doesn't have a way to escape...

4d8 of Violent Accident will find her, even if she does.

Of course, 4d8 on top of whatever we can do FIRST for damage, is exponentially more potent.

What level is she? Might we ignore the Dretch, and focus fire on her? The Dretch is quite possibly immune to Gristav's weapons, both the usual and the current. Don't count on Gris' Fire(Force?)+Cold(+Fatigue)(if he casts Frostbite) to do anything at all to the Dretch. It was planned for mortals, you see.

Color Spray, maybe? Dretch has no Spell Resistance, and I think it's just a couple HD, so would be KO'd if fails DC 14 save, about 50/50.

Tendal does have some options and will work on the dretch next, either by enhancing Gristav or by reducing the dretch.

I'm loath to bot anyone in the final battle, but it's been a week. If Dave hasn't checked in by tomorrow, I'll act for Braddon.

Hi all,

So very very sorry to leave you all hanging at such a critical juncture. Glad to have Bojasc removed. You have my full permission to gank, goit or gimp Braddon to take out Lil. With Bojasc leaving me on only 7hp I shouldn't be too hard to remove from the equation.

Darn. I thought I'd been cheating by forgetting to remove that point of strength from my script until then. Now I've just remembered Bojasc is half human... and I should have also been using my favoured enemy bonus.

Swings and roundabouts. :-)

Insert meme of Ralph from the Simpsons 'I'm helping'...

LOL! Oh man I just died on this! So dang funny. :)

Braddon absolutely doesn't have to attack the party. Charm makes the target regard the caster as a friend, but it doesn't make him regard his friends as enemies. He's in the same position he'd be in if, say, a party member was confused into attacking an ally: probably trying to stop the aggression and/or prevent lasting harm. (Although, given that it's Braddon, he might just enjoy watching the fight if it didn't get too deadly.)

Lil's gambit at this point is merely to enlist Braddon on her side diplomatically. (Plus, honestly, not having the party's premier damage dealer trying to murder her is a plus in itself.) I have no intention of forcing PvP. The most Braddon might do would be to provide her with soft cover while arguing for leniency.

(What does one do about a charm when one doesn't have dispel magic available, anyway? I'm fairly certain I've never effectively landed one before.)

You have my full permission to use lethal force. If it comes to that Braddon is likely to attack back but because you're confused it'd be non lethal damage. :-)

I am loath to act for Tendal in the climactic battle, not least because I haven't kept up with what spells he's cast. I'm going to put him on delay for now and move on to Phillip's turn. Hopefully, Zeta will check in soon.

Loving the scene where whatever Lil's tried, Snake's just giving back this silent glare...

Sorry guys, it didn't update that there were new posts until today for whatever reason...but all my other games updated...??

Then you or Phillip go ahead. Either one of you can post first.

Considering halfling move speed in PF1E is 20ft, I'll go with the 35ft movement option :)

Meh, I thought I'd double-checked, as the difference in Speeds between P1e and P2e always throws me off, but apparently I misread the sheet -- or clicked on the wrong PC maybe. :P

Confirmed no AoO on Braddon

Aww, how sweet. :-)

Speaking of speeds, I think Braddon should be L4 not L5. (M9-> N8, M7, L6, L5, L4)

Fixed the map. Sorry about that.

Gristav, I have the feeling you moved where you did specifically to get a clear shot at Lil, but Braddon's in your way now that I've emended the map. If there were another place you could move to where she wouldn't have cover, I'd put you there, but there isn't one you can get to with a move action.

Forgot to crop the map image before I uploaded it. :P Here's a better view.

...oh, I see.
I didn't wait for Tendal and jumped straight in after Phillip's delay.
Oops. Sorry.