Shadows of the Sand [Planetouched] (Inactive)

Game Master caster4life

Sorry for spilling the beans, I didn't know how to communicate the knowledge about the tunnel otherwise. On the other hand, if they don't follow us because they're worried about the tunnel, I will take that as a victory.

Zaza moves quickly until she arrives at the weak point in the tunnel. Double move from previous round, then a single move to arrive at the weak point. "Everyone, quickly, fall back behind here!"

She is ready to disrupt the first enemy in range who attacks an ally. Readied Action to Daze to interrupt an attack, Will DC14

Status Effects
Inspire Courage, +1/+1
Dazzling Blade, Lucien

Sheathing his rapier, Lucien hustles after the others. Double Move

Enraged, the beefy guards rush forward, chasing you into the tunnel.

They all double move into the tunnel after you. They're really into smashing things, dumb guards. The first one provokes an AoO from Agaban. Zaza can also throw her daze at one of them as none of them attacked exactly but Agaban is definitely getting bum rushed.

Yep, fire off the readied daze! Will DC14

Agaban AoO: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Agaban strikes the guard as he rushes forward while Zaza follows it up with her magical voice,

Will guard: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (4) - 1 = 3

bringing the guard temporarily to a halt.

All shadows up. The guard right in front of Agaban is dazed for one turn.

Lucien steps forward and stabs at the second thug in line, leaving the first for Agaban.

Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
Damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Lucien you still have dazzling blade also and would recommend using it probably for that guy. Also not sure that it would matter but bless is still in effect and thinking inspiring courage also as far as the benefits to my AoO rolled earlier.

With the thug dazed in front of him; Agaban makes a quick gesture and sharp verbal command.

In response to this a dense fog starts to spread out from Agaban blocking sight of the further thugs. After completing this he calls out quickly before moving down the tunnel next to Zaza.

Back Lucien we don't want to fight this out.

Finding Zaza.

We ready to bring the house down?

I forgot about that. If it’s not too late, I’ll retcon my actions.

Lucien discharged the magic on his blade into the face of the foremost enemy, then turns to flee with the others.

How are we collapsing the tunnel? Do I need to do anything?

First, Bless and Cowardly Retreat Inspire Courage are still in effect. In fact, Agaban's AOO does +1 damage, but I doubt that matters.

As to Lucien's question, this is the knowledge check you guys didn't get to see: Given a full round action and a DC 10 strength check (no taking 10), either by you or someone you are instructing could collapse the tunnel. I'm standing over the so-called "weak spot." I moved your token back behind me.

Finding Zaza.

We ready to bring the house down?

"Absolutely!" says Zaza. As Agaban fills the area with mist and Lucien passes through, the fiery ifrit begins throwing herself at the spot in the tunnel she knows is weak, hoping to collapse the tunnel behind them, and maybe take out a few pursuing smugglers while she's at it.

...Nice

Zatinya's hood falls back, revealing her flaming hair. She shoves against a wooden shoring of the tunnel and, for a second, nothing happens other than a little dust falling from the ceiling of the tunnel. Then, true to her words, earth begins collapsing in from all sides.

DC 10 reflex to escape. -1 penalty for everyone between you and an exit.

Zaza: 1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 6 - 2 = 15
Agaban: 1d20 + 3 - 1 ⇒ (18) + 3 - 1 = 20
Lucien: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

You all manage to flee out of the tunnel as it collapses. You stand there, gasping for air and choking. You heard screams behind you but are unsure of whether or not any of the guards escaped.

Escape Artist: Is your captive still there?: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

The halfling sits outside the tunnel, bound and looking at you wide-eyed.

Knowledge(local): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

After giving it a moment to ensure they are not followed, Lucien turns to the halfling. "Your master is dead. Be glad we were hired to deal with him, not you, and that your cowardice proved useful. Even so, if I were you, I would endeavor to stay out of the Moonblades path in the future."

Bluff: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

The halfling nods eagerly at your talk of letting him go. Certainly, sir! I will do so!

What are you doing now?

As she makes it out of the collapsing tunnel with the others, Zaza finds herself staring back into the tunnel, and thinking to herself that Gara ought to be coming right after them. The memory of seeing him cleaved by a greataxe is still painfully fresh, and the reality is now starting to sink in.

Only after halfling has fled does Zaza turn her face again, as she wipes away tears. "I can't believe it happened so fast. Everything was going so well . . . and then . . ."

She leans into Agaban, looking for a comforting embrace. She had no idea what to do next, except to mourn.

The sands and dusts of the desert whirl around you in the wind as you remember Gara and the Living Sand. You'll certainly never forget his tenacity to finish a job at any cost and his ability to strike fear deep into the hearts of his enemies.

There's still the halfling here, whom you could kill, release, or turn in to the conventional authorities. You're also unsure how many, if any, of the smuggler guards survived the cave-in.

Whoops, I assumed Lucien set free the halfling, but I see that didn't formally happen. Zaza would still be stuck staring at the tunnel at that time, so I defer to others on his fate. Are we feeling motivated to head back to the warehouse? We could try to pick off the remaining survivors if they're still around and/or recover Gara's body. We should definitely try to fight them in isolation if so.

Sorry storms disrupted the internet last night.

Seeing Lucien talking with the halfling; Agaban leans over and unties the ropes.

I would recommend avoiding the town also...We left our friend entertaining your comrades...He gets a little berserk after some blood is spilled.

Bluff: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (13) - 2 = 11

After watching the halfling run off into the desert; Agaban feels Zaza lean into him.

Umm...Umm...Umm...How do I handle this???

Reaches around to provide a little hug while touching the symbol given to them along with the mission briefing.

We should go back and make sure the mission is done...if there isn't any authorities on the scene yet. Also, would be good to recover his body and make sure there isn't any intel left that we can take with us.

”Indeed. It shouldn’t be too hard to go in the front door now.” Lucien says, focusing on the mission. He knows better than to let himself dwell on grief right now. There’ll be time for that later.

No problem. Both uncontrollable circumstances and brief absences are independently fine. Doubly so when one causes the other. :)

The confused and terrified halfling runs off into the desert, glancing over his shoulder every few steps. Who knows whether or not he'll survive out there?

The group returns to the front of the warehouse and approaches the door, which is standing open, unopposed. Inside

Stealth Lucien: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22
Stealth Agaban: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (14) + 0 = 14
Stealth Zaza: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

A guard is seen carrying a heavy burlap bag in one hand. He doesn't seems mostly pre-occupied in heading to the warehouse front door quickly.

Perception: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (6) + 0 = 6

My understanding here is that the higher modifier wins ties but I don't know where it's documented off the top of my head. Not worrying about it, atm. You have not been noticed and have a potential surprise round. Map updated. You can only see the one guard.

Lucien dashes forward, stabbing the guard before he realizes he's not alone.

Attack: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 5 + 2 = 25
Damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Crit?
Attack: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 5 + 2 = 21
Damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

You have to pick between a move action and a standard during a surprise round. Fortunately, Lucien is set up perfectly for a standard action charge here. I just learned about those, having completely overlooked them previously.

Lucien's swift and silent rush catches the guard completely off-guard, skewering up under the ribcage before he can make a sound. The man looks at Lucien in suprise before slipping silently to the ground.

What now?

Standard action charges are indeed very useful! I know for initiative rolls, ties go to the character with higher initiative modifier. Not sure how stealth vs perception works.

Seeing the burlap bag that falls with the distracted man, Zaza wonders if he was trying to flee with the loot from their smuggling. Maybe some of them had already escaped. It would explain why the door was ajar. She moves up next to Lucien, nodding to confirm she was ready to sneak on forward.

The Shadows continue to move forward with stealth

Lucien: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21
Agaban: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (3) + 0 = 3
Zaza: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16

Unfortunately, Agaban's armor greatly hampers him and he walks along rather loudly.

Perception: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (6) + 0 = 6

A guard, the only one wearing armor, comes out of the door to Aroc's room holding his greataxe out. In a gravelly voice choked with dust, he yells

Listen, I don't know who you crazy people are, but I'm getting out of HERE!!!

Inits just in case
Guard: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
Agaban: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Lucien: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
Zaza: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

The guard does not charge you but he stands with his weapon ready, prepared should you attack him.

We're not necessarily in combat right now but if someone starts something, we'll act in this initiative order. It would be pretty hard to get a surprise round with him staring at you like this. Speaking is a free action.

Upon seeing the prepared guard, Zaza is certainly ready for a fight. She gives him one warning.

"It's three against one, warrior. Surrender and you'll not meet the same fate as your friends."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12 Welp, guess it's fight or let him go.

Didn't state it earlier but would you be fine with Agaban having used Recharge Innate Magic on the way to the warehouse. Also are we spaced like that on the map or do we need to determine march order?

Guess she isn't quite over Gara's death...usually able to talk anyone into doing what she wants.

Agaban only seeing one guard but unwilling to rush the guard currently; he draws his long spear while continuing to access the situation.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

Move action to draw spear and will do standard either to use race ability or to cast icicle in all likely-hood.

Yes you had at least one minute to move around to the entrance of the warehouse.

The man snarls I'm not surrendering to any crazy, color-coded strangers!! Get out of my way!

Agaban doesn't hear anyone else moving around in the warehouse. He draws his spear, drawing a look of concerned anger from the man, who doesn't attack just yet.

"Fine. Then you DIE!" Zaza would not normally be so bloodthirsty, but she is clearly feeling vengeful after the loss of Gara.

But sadly she loses the initiative roll . . . all talk and no bite.

At Zaza's threat, the man prepares to attack, raising his greataxe to rush forward.

Lucien and Agaban up.

Don't remember you giving the go ahead for casting Recharge Innate Magic prior to entering the warehouse so this action is going on the assumption that was ok.

Hearing Zaza forgo diplomacy completely; Agaban readies his hydraulic push to trip up the guard as he rushes them.

CMB is 16 for the trip from the spell.

Lets just keep our distance here since we have range/reach.

My mistake, Agaban. I implied that it was ok when I said you took 1 minute to move to the front of the warehouse but I should have answered directly. Yes, it's fine.

I'll bot Lucien real quick right here.

Lucien drops his rapier and draws his bow, firing it right at the man.

Longbow: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

Lucien calls forth water to trip the guard

Agaban trip: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

and sends the man to the ground with a rush of water surging up to the man's thighs.

The man shouts in anger and leaps to his feet and rushes forward toward Lucien and Agaban.

All Shadows up (Zaza bottom of 1, Agaban and Lucien top of 2). Agaban gets an AoO there if he had his longspear out.

AoO, Str: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
AoO Damage, Str: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

Missing the buffs but they wouldn't have mattered in this case anyways.

Missing his spear thrust as the guard rushes forward. Agaban drops his longspear while stepping to the side, drawing his light mace in the process.

Pretty sure we got weapon finesse as a freebie with light weapons correct. Also, not sure which stat would be used for the damage roll

Attack, Dex: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
Damage, Str?: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Correct, Agaban. You still add str to damage unless you have something that allows you to add dex to damage.

Agaban's mace bounces off the guard's armor, the man growls in anger, lifting his greataxe.

Argh, sorry. I read the thread on mobile, and was planing to post when I go home yesterday. Of course, when I got home several hours later, I'd completely forgotten. Argh. Did I not hit the guy with a 20? I don't see a damage roll.

Sorry, yes you did. I forgot to roll it.

Lucien's damage: 1d8 ⇒ 5

"Oh you poor ball of useless anger," says Zaza mockingly, as she attempts to cloud his mind with a haze. Daze.

She then attempts to get behind the enemy to flank with Lucien.

Will: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (14) - 1 = 13

Zaza's sympatheic words confuse the man horribly, leaving him standing there motionless.

So is it Lucien's turn or are we in a new round?

Retrieving his rapier, Lucien stabs the man, a snarl twisting his features. "That's for Gara, scum."
Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Crit?
Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
Damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

It was Lucien's turn twice and everyone else's once since the guard was dazed. Doesn't matter now.

With a cry of vengeance, Lucien drives his rapier home, causing the man to crumple to the ground. You investigate the rest of the warehouse and look around the scene, examining what happened. The footprints coming from the tunnel leave very dusty and obvious tracks. It seems only the two guards escaped. The first one must have begun leaving then decided to come back for the lock box.

You find many goods being smuggled, some of significant value that you claim for the Shadows. Together, your haul of coins, Aroc's magical items, and the valuable goods is quite substantial.

With an anonymous note, you notify the local, conventional authorities about the warehouse. They receive a message several days later confirming that the occupants were indeed the hunted smuggling ring and your actions were legal.

The three of you leave Lopul, heading back into the desert as the sun sets. Night in the sand is your time.