Shadow over Riddleport

Game Master Joana

The mongoose drags one of Snake's daggers over to Braddon helpfully.

The reefclaw in the back continues impatiently to wait.

Round 8 init: Reefclaw 5, Reefclaw 4, Reefclaw 6 (delaying), Braddon, Gristav, Tendal, Reefclaw 1, Reefclaw 2, Phillip (readying), Reefclaw 3 (readying), Butterfly, Giant Frog, Snake, Lucky

Current effects: mage armor (Tendal)
dancing lights (Snake)
light (Tendal)
guidance (Snake)
summoned (giant frog) (expires round 8)
grappled (Reefclaw 2, Giant Frog)

Updated map link

That's a move action to take the dagger from the mongoose, Braddon.

Braddon looks at Snake, frowns, then looks down at the creature at his feet. He shrugs.

"Let's see how lucky you are." Braddon picks up the dagger and hurls it at the wounded land squid.

Thrown Dagger: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

(move action: pick up dagger, standard action: attack O2)

Unfortunately, the mongoose's sobriquet proves, in this instance, to be ironic.

Braddon picks up item & attacks

Round 8 init: Reefclaw 5, Reefclaw 4, Reefclaw 6 (delaying), Braddon, Gristav, Tendal, Reefclaw 1, Reefclaw 2, Phillip (readying), Reefclaw 3 (readying), Butterfly, Giant Frog, Snake, Lucky

Current effects: mage armor (Tendal)
dancing lights (Snake)
light (Tendal)
guidance (Snake)
summoned (giant frog) (expires round 8)
grappled (Reefclaw 2, Giant Frog)

Updated map link

Can G move to AP-50, put staff and bow in one hand(neither ready, neither dropped, neither 'stowed'), and Ray of Frost on O2? If yes, do.

I ruled Braddon couldn't fit in AP50 as a stopping point, so I can't let Gristav, either. Sorry. Phillip could fit.

"Braddon, perhaps your bow? I'll try to be less a wall..."

Gristav moves to AP-49, kneels, drops his staff, and fires on O2. He remains kneeling in the space, hoping to encourage fire over him.

Longbow+5: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
Broadhead+1: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

This time, Gristav's arrow just manages to pierce the reefclaw's shoulder...-ish area. With a final abortive spasm of violence, it expires.

As soon as the dead reefclaw goes limp, the one behind it moves up to take a futile swipe at the frog.

Gristav 5-foot-steps, drops item & attacks: Reefclaw 2 attacks Giant Frog 1d20 ⇒ 2
Reefclaw 6 moves & attacks Giant Frog 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Round 8 init: Reefclaw 5, Reefclaw 4, Braddon, Gristav, Reefclaw 6, Tendal, Reefclaw 1, Reefclaw 2, Phillip (readying), Reefclaw 3 (readying), Butterfly, Giant Frog, Snake, Lucky

Current effects: mage armor (Tendal)
dancing lights (Snake)
light (Tendal)
guidance (Snake)
summoned (giant frog) (expires round 8)

Updated map link

Tendal eyes the configuration of creatures fighting and splashing in the gloom. "This is where I wish that I had a more powerful spell. Something that would explode perhaps." Tendal complained as he sent the cane from his hand once more.

hand of the apprentice vs #6: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
rosewood cane dmg: 1d6 ⇒ 1

lol. 1 pt.

Despite his intervening allies, Tendal's cane taps gently against a reefclaw (and fails to explode) before returning to his hand.

Tendal attacks

Round 8 init: Reefclaw 5, Reefclaw 4, Braddon, Gristav, Reefclaw 6, Tendal, Reefclaw 1, Reefclaw 2, Phillip, Reefclaw 3 (readying), Butterfly, Giant Frog, Snake, Lucky

Current effects: mage armor (Tendal)
dancing lights (Snake)
light (Tendal)
guidance (Snake)
summoned (giant frog) (expires round 8)

Updated map link

You are down to four enemies but still have the rest of your party (plus a temporary giant frog) between you and the the reefclaws, Phillip. Continue to ready, or change tactics?

With a lack of clear vantage and unwilling to wade through the questions that an errant shot into a longshanks posterior would raise, Phillip holds his quarrel.

Phillip readies
Reefclaw 3 delays

Round 8 init: Reefclaw 5, Reefclaw 4, Braddon, Gristav, Reefclaw 6, Tendal, Reefclaw 1, Reefclaw 2, Phillip (readying), Reefclaw 3 (delaying), Butterfly, Giant Frog, Snake, Lucky

Current effects: mage armor (Tendal)
dancing lights (Snake)
light (Tendal)
guidance (Snake)
summoned (giant frog) (expires round 8)

Last action for the frog coming up.

Bolbo returns to Gristav's shoulder, bringing its blessing, Her blessing.

Gristav's butterfly returns to the half-elf.

Perhaps mildly surprised to find it has no bodily hunger for the tidbit in its mouth, the giant frog lets the dead crustacean drop and snaps half-heartedly at one still living, possibly wondering what the point of it all is. It has no further leisure to contemplate the mystery of its evanescent existence as it demanifests as suddenly as it appeared.

Butterfly moves & casts guidance
Giant Frog releases grapple & attacks Reefclaw 6 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

Round 8 init: Reefclaw 5, Reefclaw 4, Braddon, Gristav, Reefclaw 6, Tendal, Reefclaw 1, Reefclaw 2, Phillip (readying), Reefclaw 3 (delaying), Butterfly, Snake, Lucky

Current effects: mage armor (Tendal)
dancing lights (Snake)
light (Tendal)
guidance (Snake, Gristav)

Updated map link

Snake steps over next to Braddon, "Okay, bub, I'll keep handing them to you while you keep tossing. Just try to hit them this time," the tall man tells him with the slightest of grins, although, it's so slight it's difficult to tell whether he's actually joking or not.

5' step to AO 48; draw dagger(should now have 2 in hand); and Evil Eye number 06. -2 AC for 6 rounds or 1 round if save. Will DC(14)

AC 12; Hp's 21/21; Daggers thrown=1; 2 in hand; 11 left

Snake steps next to Braddon, a dagger ready for the half-elf in each hand.

Two of the reefclaws in the pool heave themselves out of the water and scrabbles heavily over the stone floor.

Snake 5-foot-steps, draws weapon & hexes Reefclaw 6: Will 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
Lucky delays
Reefclaw 5 double-moves to AQ50
Reefclaw 4 double-moves to AR49

Round 9 init: Reefclaw 5, Reefclaw 4, Braddon, Gristav, Reefclaw 6, Tendal, Reefclaw 1, Reefclaw 2, Phillip (readying), Reefclaw 3 (delaying), Butterfly, Snake, Lucky (delaying)

Current effects: mage armor (Tendal)
dancing lights (Snake)
light (Tendal)
guidance (Snake, Gristav)
Evil Eye: -2 to AC (Reefclaw 6) (expires round 9)

Updated map link

"Braddon, perhaps your bow? I'll try to be less a wall..."

"I gave my crossbow to Malkith. Or Snake. Maybe both. Who would have thought four daggers wasn't enough?"

Braddon looks at Snake's proffered items.
"Let's see how lucky you are." Braddon take a dagger and hurls it at the nearest land squid.

Thrown Dagger: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Braddon glares at Snake.

(move action: take dagger, standard action: attack O5)

"Snake, would you lay your glare upon this beast before me now? I'll hold this line, and fall back a pace, when there's space."

Move to fetch staff from ground, Total Defense for AC 22. Gris can wield staff one-handed, so not dropping bow.

In his defense the tall man can only shrug at the ranger.

"Snake, would you lay your glare upon this beast before me now? I'll hold this line, and fall back a pace, when there's space."

As his attention is diverted by Gristav, "Will do, bub. Gonna need a moment though. Hold tight."

The mongoose's master proves no more lucky than the mongoose.

A wary eye on the nearby reefclaw, Gristav cautiously reaches for his staff. The reefclaw snaps, but the magus is quicker.

Another reefclaw drags itself over the stone to threaten the half-elf.

Braddon picks up item & attacks
Gristav goes Total Defense & picks up item: Reefclaw 5 AoO 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Reefclaw 6 double-moves to AQ49

Round 9 init: Reefclaw 5, Reefclaw 4, Braddon, Gristav, Reefclaw 6, Tendal, Reefclaw 1, Reefclaw 2, Phillip (readying), Reefclaw 3 (delaying), Butterfly, Snake, Lucky (delaying)

Current effects: mage armor (Tendal)
dancing lights (Snake)
light (Tendal)
guidance (Snake, Gristav)
Evil Eye: -2 to AC (Reefclaw 6) (expires round 9)
Total Defense: Gristav

Updated map link

This does not appear to be going as well as one would have hoped. Tendal thought, eyeing the swarming creatures beyond Gristav’s staff. Tendal’s hand went into his pouch, and pulled out a particular scroll.

”Gentlemen, as we do not seem to be making any headway, I think I need to utilize one of my rapidly dwindling supply of scrolls. However to do this effectively we must coordinate, or we may have calamity rather than celebration.” Tendal said mildly, parchment in one hand and cane tucked under his arm.

”Gristav and Braddon, I will need you to withdraw at the same time that I cast my spell, such that I can move forward slightly and have a better line of sight, and Gristav can not be caught in the area of ensorcellment.”

”Does that sound like a workable endeavor?” he asked.

remove scroll of color spray from pouch, then expound on a plan

"I've read your tome, Sir. Unless I miss my guess, please consider that their minds, like the Vistani, simply don't _see_ clashing colors."

(And I started with that plan, GM pointed out they are bugs->immune.)

Oh I missed that. The spell targets creatures, so anything that isn't mindless...or immune to mind effects like undead or golems should be ok normally. Thats all I though.

Gonna have to do it anyways.

know nature, lobster color vision? Are lobsters colored when removed from the ocean?: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

Tendal retrieves a scroll and makes a tactical suggestion.

Tendal retrieves item

Round 9 init: Reefclaw 5, Reefclaw 4, Braddon, Gristav, Reefclaw 6, Tendal, Reefclaw 1, Reefclaw 2, Phillip, Reefclaw 3 (delaying), Butterfly, Snake, Lucky (delaying)

Current effects: mage armor (Tendal)
dancing lights (Snake)
light (Tendal)
guidance (Snake, Gristav)
Evil Eye: -2 to AC (Reefclaw 6) (expires round 9)
Total Defense: Gristav

Updated map link

Tendal, you made your Knowledge check on the reefclaws here and know that they are intelligent, not mindless. Gristav, you're confusing this crustacean with the last encounter: giant crabs are vermin and, thus, mindless. (Snake knows the reefclaws are not mindless or he wouldn't be able to hex them.)

Phillip, you still have the rest of the party between you and the reefclaws. All I can offer is that soft cover doesn't stack, so you could target, say, Reefclaw 3, with "only" an effective -4 to the roll. (Being in the rear, that one's not threatening anyone, so you wouldn't be shooting into melee.) Otherwise, keep on waiting for a clear shot.

Phillip keeps a weather eye on the adversary, but doesn't seek to thread the needle yet.

"I've read your tome, Sir. Unless I miss my guess, please consider that their minds, like the Vistani, simply don't _see_ clashing colors."

"Wait, no...", Gristav mutters, as the penny drops. Sheltering behind his greatwand's wall, he whips his will to wyrd...

Sorry about my confusion. Tendal, you'll not need that scroll, Gris has it racked already.

Phillip continues to wait for a better opportunity.

The last reefclaw in the pool climbs out.

Phillip readies
Reefclaw 3 double-moves to AR50

Round 9 init: Reefclaw 5, Reefclaw 4, Braddon, Gristav, Reefclaw 6, Tendal, Reefclaw 1, Reefclaw 2, Phillip, Reefclaw 3, Butterfly, Snake, Lucky (delaying)

Current effects: mage armor (Tendal)
dancing lights (Snake)
light (Tendal)
guidance (Snake, Gristav)
Evil Eye: -2 to AC (Reefclaw 6) (expires round 9)
Total Defense: Gristav

Pausing for the butterfly to act?

Bolbo lands among the purple of Braddon's hair, as if perhaps to conceal it's color...

Guidance

As the butterfly blesses Braddon, Snake's conjured lights expire, leaving Tendal's stone behind the reefclaws the only illumination in the darkness.

Butterfly casts guidance

Round 9 init: Reefclaw 5, Reefclaw 4, Braddon, Gristav, Reefclaw 6, Tendal, Reefclaw 1, Reefclaw 2, Phillip, Reefclaw 3, Butterfly, Snake, Lucky

Current effects: mage armor (Tendal)
light (Tendal)
guidance (Snake, Gristav, Braddon)
Total Defense (Gristav)

Updated map link

Lucky is in AN49, just so we keep track of his position. The remaining light source is in AS50.

Snake steps back and brings forth his lights once again.

5' step to AN 47; Cast dancing lights

"Braddon, move where Snake was." (to AO48)

Snake reconjures his dancing lights and steps back to make room for Gristav.

One reefclaw claws at Gristav, but the half-elf easily dodges.

One at the rear clicks its claws in impatience, eager to tear at the flesh of the intruders if only it could reach them.

Snake casts & moves
Reefclaw 5 attacks Gristav 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 141d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Reefclaw 4 readies

Round 10 init: Reefclaw 5, Reefclaw 4 (readying), Braddon, Gristav, Reefclaw 6, Tendal, Reefclaw 1, Reefclaw 2, Phillip, Reefclaw 3, Butterfly, Snake, Lucky

Current effects: mage armor (Tendal)
light (Tendal)
guidance (Snake, Gristav, Braddon)
Total Defense (Gristav)
dancing lights (Snake) (expires round 19)

Updated map link

"Move here, move there," Braddon mimics with a whine.

Nevertheless, he steps back to where he was and his foot brushes something. He bends down and collects his short sword.

"This is boring. Let 'em come." He grins unpleasantly.

(5' step to AO48, pick up +1 Short Sword)

"I'm hoping you're going to have to go to them...", Gristav says, stepping into the space Braddon yielded. His voice voice deepened and brightened at once, as if pulled toward extremes beyond hearing, while his hands shaped a simple light, that likewise stretched and sharded to spectrum cascades, showering the assembled sea-claws with lights that were, at once, _every_ color...

5' Step to AO/49, Cast Color Spray, AP/49, AQ+AR/48-50

Braddon makes room and rearms himself.

Gristav steps back and unleashes a spell. The reefclaws hiss angrily as the colored light flashes over them.

One drags itself forward in pursuit of the magus and seizes his still-outstretched arm painfully in its claw.

Braddon 5-foot-steps & picks up item
Gristav 5-foot-steps & casts: Reefclaws 3 Will 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14 4 Will 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14 5 Will 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18 6 Will 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
Reefclaw 6 moves to AP49 & attacks Gristav 1d20 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (17) + 2 - 1 = 18 damage 1d4 ⇒ 3 Fort 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15 grab? 1d20 + 8 - 1 ⇒ (16) + 8 - 1 = 23

Round 10 init: Reefclaw 5, Reefclaw 4 (readying), Braddon, Gristav, Reefclaw 6, Tendal, Reefclaw 1, Reefclaw 2, Phillip, Reefclaw 3, Butterfly, Snake, Lucky

Current effects: mage armor (Tendal)
light (Tendal)
guidance (Snake, Gristav, Braddon)
Total Defense (Gristav)
dancing lights (Snake) (expires round 19)
dazzled (Reefclaws) (expires round 11)
grappled (Gristav, Reefclaw 6)

Updated map link

Tendal blinked for a few moments, clearing the color scintillation from his eyes. "Gristav, was your spell an actual kaleidoscope of butterflies?" Tendal asks, amusement plain in his voice. Then seeing the reefclaws surge forward, Tendal grimaces. "Now seeing that the spell I was considering has already been cast, I think I should make way for my melee betters." As he backed away down the tunnel, his cane shot from his hand towards the nearest crustacean, skittering ineffectually across its shell and clacking against the tunnel wall before returning to his hand.

attack reefclaw 6 with hand of the apprentice, move back past Braddon

HOOA: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

After a fruitless attack, Tendal backs away from the front.

Tendal attacks & moves

Round 10 init: Reefclaw 5, Reefclaw 4 (readying), Braddon, Gristav, Reefclaw 6, Tendal, Reefclaw 1, Reefclaw 2, Phillip, Reefclaw 3, Butterfly, Snake, Lucky

Current effects: mage armor (Tendal)
light (Tendal)
guidance (Snake, Gristav, Braddon)
Total Defense (Gristav)
dancing lights (Snake) (expires round 19)
dazzled (Reefclaws) (expires round 11)
grappled (Gristav, Reefclaw 6)

Updated map link

How far back do you want to go, Tendal? I have you in AL48, which is right at the edge of the light; any farther back and you'll be in the darkness. With Snake's dancing lights in place among the reefclaws, you could recast a light on your cane next round to get some illumination at your end of the tunnel.

Your situation vis-a-vis soft cover hasn't changed, Phillip. You could target #3 at an effective -4.

Attempting to feel a modicum of usefulness, Phillip lines up a shot and attempts to thread the needle...
L Crossbow at #3: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 6 - 4 = 12 for 1d6 ⇒ 3

Phil's Small quarrel tinks against the reefclaw's shell but fails to penetrate the carapace.

If the reefclaw is angered by the attack, it has little enough scope to demonstrate it, moving up over its dead companion but unable to reach any party member.

Phillip attacks &...
Reefclaw 3 moves to AQ49

Round 10 init: Reefclaw 5, Reefclaw 4 (readying), Braddon, Gristav, Reefclaw 6, Tendal, Reefclaw 1, Reefclaw 2, Phillip, Reefclaw 3, Butterfly, Snake, Lucky

Current effects: mage armor (Tendal)
light (Tendal)
guidance (Snake, Gristav, Braddon)
Total Defense (Gristav)
dancing lights (Snake) (expires round 19)
dazzled (Reefclaws) (expires round 11)
grappled (Gristav, Reefclaw 6)

Any action for the butterfly? Phillip, you have a move action left you could use to reload or to move, if you like.

thats just about perfect at AL48. Tendal can still get back in the action if the situation warrants. And he will likely re-cast light.

Bolbo flit again,
'Gainst Braddon's woodsman's tan
Then fell and flapped and fled from reach

Guidance on Braddon

Round 10 init: Reefclaw 5, Reefclaw 4 (readying), Braddon, Gristav, Reefclaw 6, Tendal, Reefclaw 1, Reefclaw 2, Phillip, Reefclaw 3, Butterfly, Snake, Lucky

Current effects: mage armor (Tendal)
light (Tendal)
guidance (Snake, Gristav, Braddon)
dancing lights (Snake) (expires round 19)
dazzled (Reefclaws) (expires round 11)
grappled (Gristav, Reefclaw 6)

Updated map link

Guidance lasts one minute or until discharged, so Braddon still has one active, as do Gristav and Snake. You can put one on Phillip or Tendal, if you like.

Phillip, please.

Snake targets the reefclaw grappled with Gristav with another hex.

Evil eye targeting AC; DC 14(Will); 6 rounds or 1 round

Snake focuses his malign will on the reefclaw grappling Gristav.

Snake hexes Reefclaw 6: Will 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
Lucky delays
Reefclaw 5 delays
Reefclaw 4 delays

Round 11 init: Reefclaw 5 (delaying), Reefclaw 4 (delaying), Braddon, Gristav, Reefclaw 6, Tendal, Reefclaw 1, Reefclaw 2, Phillip, Reefclaw 3, Butterfly, Snake, Lucky (delaying)

Current effects: mage armor (Tendal)
light (Tendal)
guidance (Snake, Gristav, Braddon, Phillip)
dancing lights (Snake) (expires round 19)
dazzled (Reefclaws) (expires round 11)
grappled (Gristav, Reefclaw 6)
Evil Eye: -2 AC (Reefclaw 6) (expires round 12)

Updated map link

"Good one, Gristav. Hold it in place," Braddon shouts.
He brings his weapons to bear on the creature, making a rudimentary attempt to avoid his fellow half-elf.

Bastard Sword (-2 Two Weapon Fighting, +1 Guidance): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
Damage: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
+1 Short Sword (-2 Two Weapon Fighting, +1 Guidance): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Braddon's bastard sword cuts through the reefclaw's carapace like butter, but his short sword deflects off the shell.

Braddon full-attacks

Round 11 init: Reefclaw 5 (delaying), Reefclaw 4 (delaying), Braddon, Gristav, Reefclaw 6, Tendal, Reefclaw 1, Reefclaw 2, Phillip, Reefclaw 3, Butterfly, Snake, Lucky (delaying)

Current effects: mage armor (Tendal)
light (Tendal)
guidance (Snake, Gristav, Phillip)
dancing lights (Snake) (expires round 19)
grappled (Gristav, Reefclaw 6)
Evil Eye: -2 AC (Reefclaw 6) (expires round 12)

Updated map link

Gristav, you are grappled. You can attempt to break the grapple with a CMB roll or Escape Artist check, or you can attack with one hand. If you want to cast a spell, you must succeed at a concentration check or lose the spell.

Attempting to escape the grapple, so he can get back to Total Defense, which would have spared him the grapple...

I dunno, here's a d20:: 1d20 ⇒ 15

Gristav wrenches free from the injured reefclaw.

That leaves you with a move action, Gristav. Do you want to use it to step back or anything else?

Gristav saw the space behind, into which he may have withdrawn, but that would leave Braddon alone... But the other Peredhel was as well-defended as Gristav, if not behind the Ward of the Wand... but no time for that Warding...

Gristav withdrew those scant paces. If the beast frenzied, why offer it more victims? Gris would return to the line, when he added strength to it.

Yes, thanks, to the empty space. Will return when can Total Defense.

Gristav wrenches free from the injured reefclaw and backs away.

Furious that its prey has escaped, the reefclaw snaps at Braddon instead, wounding but failing to hold the half-elf.

One of the reefclaws in the rear sees its opportunity to advance and threaten the party.

Lucky, finding himself menaced by the reefclaw, retreats to rejoin Snake.

Gristav breaks grapple & 5-foot-steps
Reefclaw 6 attacks Braddon 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 201d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15 damage 1d4 ⇒ 1 Fort 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11 Str damage 1d2 ⇒ 1 grab? 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
Reefclaw 5 double-moves to AO49
Lucky withdraws to A47

Round 11 init: Reefclaw 4 (delaying), Braddon, Gristav, Reefclaw 6, Reefclaw 5, Lucky, Tendal, Reefclaw 1, Reefclaw 2, Phillip, Reefclaw 3, Butterfly, Snake

Current effects: mage armor (Tendal)
light (Tendal)
guidance (Snake, Gristav, Braddon, Phillip)
dancing lights (Snake) (expires round 19)
Evil Eye: -2 AC (Reefclaw 6) (expires round 12)

Updated map link

Braddon, you have taken 1 Str damage from the reefclaw's attack, which is not enough to cause you to take any penalties. You will roll a Fort save again on your next turn. Tendal, from your current position, you are at the very edge of the light and can only see your fellow party members; the reefclaws are around the corner from you.