Shisumo's Jade Regent Prologue - Burnt Offerings

Game Master Shisumo

Lamsfel will follow suit.

Perception 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

It's quiet. Too quiet. At the risk o' repeating myself, I don't like this.

He starts studying the door, and testing it to see if it can be forced.

Strength check: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

Marcelina will peek in the windows as they work their way around, looking for any sign of activity within. Barring that...

"Maybe we should ask around," she motions to the shops/homes within sight of the glassworks, "See if anyone heard or saw anything unusual.

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

"I hear goblins. We need to get in there now!"

Strength to aid Tybus 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

"I hear goblins. We need to get in there now!"

Strength to aid Tybus 1d20 + 2

I knew something was wrong! Can any of you pick a lock? If not, Tristan, bash the door down!

I don't know how many rounds we get, but if it seems dark inside the building I'll cast light on Tristan's armor. If not, or after that, I will begin casting guidance on everyone, starting with anyone who says they can pick a lock, then tristan, tybus, lamsfel, and marcelina in that order.

Tristan is the resident lock-picker, but I don't know if he has tools yet.

Marcelina sees that curtains have been pulled over all the windows, concealing whatever might be going on inside.

The doors are solidly built, and even Tybus' mighty pull is not enough at first; when Lamsfel lends his aid, though, they are able together to force one of them open. Within, a semi-darkened hallway, lit primarily by light slipping in around the edges of the curtains in the nearby windows, beckons. At first, all is silent, but then you all hear the crash of breaking glass and a peal of high-pitched raucous laughter: goblins.

Okay, map is here. Because some of you have been here before and I don't want to redraw the map every couple of days, I'm giving you the map for the entire Glassworks all at once. The various colors mark out different rooms - rather than try to draw a wall between each room, I just made all the rooms themselves different colors. If there's a color difference between two spaces (and there's no label to indicate some other meaning, like the tables), assume there's a wall between them. Doors are marked by a black line between two squares - you have just broken open the doors at E1 and F1. Go ahead and place yourselves on the map as you enter - the goblin noises seem to be coming from the double doors directly across the hallway.

Tybus will step in boldly, pulling a scroll out of a pouch as he does so. He'll draw his sword, and look as his companions with a steely glance.

In a low, steady voice, he'll address the group. Sounds like they're having a right good time. I don't think they'll be too keen on us interrupting them. But they've crashed one of our parties, so it's only fair. Ready?

Tristan curses under his breath, a little embarrassed at having been of so little help. He draws his sword in one slow determined motion.

Gan will move to F1 and cast light on Tristan's armor. Hard to update map because I'm posting from my phone.

As the men break down the door, Marcelina takes a deep breath, as if to steady her nerves, and as she lets it out, her body is once again covered in layers of ice. She grasps her spear, which begins to shine with a soft light, then moves in behind Tybus.

Using Ice Armor on the round they open the door, then casting light and moving the next round.

I put Gan at F1 -- that puts him still outside - is that what you meant? Lamsfel has pushed in a bit farther.

"It's been years since I was here and I was never in this part of the building. Straight ahead seems the best approach, but we don't know their numbers yet - enough goblins can bring anyone down.

"Of course, if you want, I might be able to scout things out and create a distraction elsewhere...

"I say we try to open the door quietly and see what we face rather than kicking it in and shouting, eh?"

He readies his shortbow and nocks an arrow.

We got a friend and maybe her family in goblin claws. I don't know if we can wait.

I'm on a phone right now, so if Lamsfel wants to take a peek through the double doors, Tybus will move one square over. At the round before we enter(if we're keeping track of actions this way), he'll activate his scroll of shield, swift action to spend an arcane pool point, and be ready to go. @Shisumo: from then on, he'll be spending a swift action each round he's able to use arcane strike.

Assuming that, with whatever shuffling is needed, Lamsfel takes his peek into the room.

A long furnace burns along the southeast wall of this equally long room. This is the long grey-black bit on the map - the red squares mark open accesses to the furance itself. Marble tables sit throughout the chamber, used to work raw glass into usable shapes, with nearby wooden tables cluttered with various tools of the trade. The building's furance rumbles loudly giving a -4 penalty to listen-based Perception checks in here, and the alchemically-treated logs within burn with a sharp, bluish light. The heat produced in this furnace would be hot enough to burn bones or teeth, let alone merely flesh.

Scattered throughout the room are images of absolute horror. The bodies of what can only be the Glassworks' employees - an exact count is difficult to come up with, but you see at least 6 heads - have been dismembered, and gibbering goblins hurl arms and legs into the furnace to watch them burn, or pour melted glass over them in clear imitation of the centerpiece of the shocking, grisly scene. That centerpiece is the body of Lonjiku Kaijitsu, propped up in a chair in the center alcove, covered from head to foot in a sheet of shimmering greenish glass.

The goblins are having such "fun" that they do not appear to have noticed your entrance.

Lamsfel reaches for the door, looks around at the others to see if they are ready in case he's spotted, and opens the door slightly to see what's happening within.

Edit: I was too slow, deleted unnecessary rolls.

Lamsfel relays the horror he sees - and that he sees no sign of Ameiko or her brother, only goblins.

Letting the door close quietly, he says, "I'm torn between searching the building for our friend and staying to destroy these little rats. We need to decide quickly..."

"Do we really want to leave them behind us as we move further in?" Marcelina whispers.

"Do we really want to leave them behind us as we move further in?" Marcelina whispers.

The tall elf shakes his head, "I don't think so, but I don't give orders. If we are attacking, we need to work together. I did not get a good count, but there are several knee-biters in there.

"Assuming we attack rather than sneaking around, do any of you have spells that will incapacitate multiple goblins or at least slow them down?"

Lamsfel still has his bow out, but he's checked to make sure that both of his short swords are loose in their sheathes. Now would not be the time for one of them to stick...

If we're outnumbered already, then there's no business in looking around for more of the buggers. I don't have any spell that'll take out a bunch of them, but if they've got themselves a captain, I'll be sure to land at least one good blow to him.

If we stay close, Lam, Tristan and me'll keep them from reaching Gan and 'Lina. Don't let them surround you, don't let them bait you.

He looks to the others. Any other suggestions?

Lamsfel's ready to go, but I want everyone to have a chance to provide input.

Tristan's voice is almost inaudible, as he almost chokes with emotion. "Let's kill them. Kill them all." he hisses.

I'll posi IC in a bit but for combat purposes I'll use guidance on everyone before we make our move.

Gan's face turns serious as he begins to mutter incantations.

Our destinies are not foretold yet--this battle could be dangerous indeed. Allow me to tip the scales in our favor by he who sees all...

Gan uses Guidance on himself, then Lamsfel, then Tristan, then Tybus, then Marcelina. After that, then we should try to move stealthily and attack, IMO.

"OK. Let's keep close together. Tristan, you and that sword are in the middle. Keep to the right side of the room so Tybus is between you and the wall. Tybus, that puts you on the right. I will take Tristan's left flank. Gan, you stay behind Tybus by the wall - Marcelina has her armor and can reach all of us if healing is necessary.

"Of course, all plans fall apart upon contact with the enemy, but I think that's a good way to start. If you have a way of hitting them from a distance, use that first. If we can draw them to us, so much the better. Stay together so we can protect each other's flanks."

I took the liberty of putting everyone's position, as intended by the bossy elf, in green font. Lamsfel will open fire with his shortbow when everyone's in the room if they are not noticed earlier and then draw his short swords. At this point, he's planning to fire at G7.

Making some assumptions:

Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Stealth: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Shortbow attack (using +1 arrow): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Seems like a good bunch of assumptions. I'll follow suit:

Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

(Not planning on moving stealthily, since I want to use Guidance on my attack)

Ray of Frost attack at Goblin 2: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16 vs. touch AC
Damage 1d3 ⇒ 3

Seems like a good bunch of assumptions. I'll follow suit:

Initiative: 1d20+2

(Not planning on moving stealthily, since I want to use Guidance on my attack)

Ray of Frost attack at Goblin 2: 1d20+3 vs. touch AC
Damage 1d3

Note that you can use the liquid ice stuff as a material focus to get a permanent plus 1 damage bonus with your ray of frost, fyi. Also, you can move stealthily and choose not to use guidance on that roll to save for your attack roll, if you want.

Is initiative considered a skill check? If it is I'll use guidance on that. Otherwise I'll use it on my stealth check.

Stealth 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

Initiative 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10

If either G1 or G2 is alive, I'll use Daze on one of them (if one is hurt and one is unhurt, Ill do the unhurt one).

If both are dead when it's my turn, I'll do something else.

I forgot about the Guidance bonus. I'd like to apply that to my attack roll.

As you enter the long glassworking room, the sights, sounds and smells of horror almost overwhelm you, but the goblins engaged in their demented frolicking don't notice your appearance in the slightest, so engaged are they in their depravity. Which means you all get a surprise round. The goblins are bizarrely unarmored and mostly unarmed as well, for while they carry shortbows and quivers they lack the usual shields and dogslicers for which goblins are known. Instead, they have wrapped their hands in metal and leather, and then somehow attached shards of jagged glass to the back of these cobbled-together gauntlets. In addition, several of them (G3, G6 and G8 to be precise) have tongs currently covered in molten glass that they are using to dribble the glowing-hot material over a random collection of dismembered body parts.

Lamsfel pushes the door open and leads the group inside, firing his shortbow at one of the more distant goblins. The arrow flies true, transfixing the goblin - while it does not immediately collapse, it sways in sudden shock, clearly at death's door. On Tristan's other side, Tybus fires a ray of frozen air that sears a second goblin, whose skin turns dark black, as though frostbitten, where the ray strikes. [ooc]Let me know if you're using the liquid ice as mbauers suggested. Gan chants a quick incantation and a third goblin blinks as it suffers a sudden bout of magical confusion. Will save: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (17) - 1 = 16. It seems to shake it off, however, looking around to see what just happened.

I'm good with giving you a "free" move to Lamsfel's indicated starting position or somewhere similar as you enter, so I'm running with the actions as they have been declared so far. Still need initiative for Tristan and Marcelina, to see who goes before the goblins on the next round, as well as their actions.

Tristan barges in, bloody murder in his eyes and sword at the ready.

Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

I'd be happy to use the liquid ice as a focus. My only concern is whether it needs to be held in hand to be used as a focus (since he's got his sword in one hand, and casting the spell with the other). If, say, he puts it around his neck in a little pouch, and can use it that way, then he'll do that.

My impression was that the liquid ice is used as a component, and is therefore destroyed in the casting, not a focus. But I've not read it in a long time.

Marcelina mutters a quick phrase as they walk into the room and a soft, cool, calm seems to flow over her allies.

Moving with the group and casting bless.

Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13

I'd be happy to use the liquid ice as a focus. My only concern is whether it needs to be held in hand to be used as a focus (since he's got his sword in one hand, and casting the spell with the other). If, say, he puts it around his neck in a little pouch, and can use it that way, then he'll do that.

I actually went looking for rules on that, and it's completely unclear. Under the circumstances, then, I am willing to let you perform somatic components with the focus in hand, because that's the way it tends to get ruled for clerics.

My impression was that the liquid ice is used as a component, and is therefore destroyed in the casting, not a focus. But I've not read it in a long time.

It can also be used as a material component, but the Adventurer's Armory rules do indeed allow it to be used as a focus as well. (Same thing works with acid splash and a vial of acid, and there's a similar trick with scorching ray and alchemist's fire, though that adds to the attack roll rather than the damage roll.)

Tristan barges in, bloody murder in his eyes and sword at the ready.

Initiative: 1d20+2

Did you have an action in mind as well?

Goblin initiatives: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

So Tristan can take his action, and then the goblins will go.

Tristan rushes at G2. swinging his sword furiously. "Take that, you disgusting little inhuman vermin", he snarls.

Greatsword attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 62d6 + 6 ⇒ (5, 3) + 6 = 14

His anger makes him careless and he nearly chops the table in two instead.

I'll be back Saturday.

That has to be a partial charge, in order to move and attack in the surprise round, but I don't think it's likely to make a big difference.

The goblin that Lamsfel shot turns to see where the arrow came from and shrieks something in Goblin, looking terrified. It turns and begins limping away as fast as it can manage. At the same time, a previously-hidden goblin appears around the corner of one of the distant tables, carrying a hot-glass-covered pair of tongs; when it sees you, it rushes toward you, screeching. This seems to set off a flurry of activity among the rest of the goblins, all of whom shout and scream in a mixture of anger and seeming glee. Several of the closer ones adopt a strange posture, fists out and feet in a wide stance, shouting "Ha!" and "Wwwwaaaa!" as they wave their fists around or throw showy kicks with their large, awkward feet.

One goblin rushes forward, attempting to strike Lamsfel with its glass-covered fists. This is G1. No AoO from the movement because Lamsfel doesn't have his swords out yet. Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4, damage 1d3 ⇒ 1.

The target of Tristan's awkward swing launches a flurry of blows (as it were) back at him in return. G2: Attack #1 1d20 ⇒ 17, damage 1d3 ⇒ 2; Attack #2 1d20 ⇒ 20, damage 1d3 ⇒ 3 - crit confirm 1d20 ⇒ 8, damage 1d3 ⇒ 3.

With a demented display of glee, the nearest goblin with a glass-covered tong (G3) rushes at Tybus. This provokes an AoO from Tristan. Assuming it survives: The little freak tries to burn the sailor with the glass, singing a strange chant as it does so. Touch attack: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (4) - 2 = 2, damage 1d4 ⇒ 1 fire.

Two other goblins rush closer, bits of glassware in their hands - they hurl these at Marcelina (G5) and Tristan (G4). G4 attack on Tristan: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (12) - 1 = 11, damage 1d3 ⇒ 2; G5 attack on Marcelina 1d20 - 5 ⇒ (2) - 5 = -3, damage 1d3 ⇒ 2. Also, squares K4 and G4 are considered to have caltrops in them (marked with the dark blue color).

The last goblin climbs on top of a table, another bit of glass in its hand, ready to throw.

You guys are up. There's no rush on posting, since we likely won't get everyone's action until the end of the week.

A partial charge captures Tristan's intentions exactly.

AoO: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 202d6 + 6 ⇒ (6, 2) + 6 = 14
Regular attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 62d6 + 6 ⇒ (5, 6) + 6 = 17

Tristan cuts down the goblin rushing past, then takes another whack at the table.

Current hp: 7/12

You might want to take a 5 ft step out of your current square if you don't want glass shards stabbing your feet.

Gan again concentrates his powers on Goblin 1 (Casting Daze, WS DC 14).

Back, foul wretch!

I have time and access, so...

Lamsfel shouts, "Tristan! Get back here!"

He drops his shortbow in the square by the door and turns toward the goblin that just missed him, drawing his swords.

"You know, I'm not very happy right now. Let's see what we can do about that, shall we?"

Free action: Drop shortbow

Move action: Draw shortswords

Standard action: Single Attack

Attack 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Damage 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Now, that's not a good sign, damage equaling my attack. Not if I'm swinging a short sword.

Tristan, you're going to get swarmed, mate! Tybus shouts, then mutters a bit to himself after the lad brings down the charging goblin aimed at him.

Shaking his head about what he's contemplating, he finally runs at the goblin thrower with a yell.

Charging attack vs. G5: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Damage 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Lamsfel, I just did the same thing. :/

Tristan gives Tybus an earnest look. "Sorry, mate. At least I got your back."

5 foot step to K5.

"Tyb... Leena, Gan, can you move up to where those two are fighting? We'll need to stay together."

Seeing Tybus take off into the fray after Tristan, Marcelina is already on her way as Lamsfel urges her forward. She heads towards Tristan directly, but is forced to keep further away as she encounters the intense heat of the fire, her mystical armor melting slightly in its presence. Instead, she sets her sights on the goblin in front of Tristan, seeking to distract it with her spear and provide the fellow Varisian an opening.

Assist to lower goblin's AC: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Rolls are definitely not going our way. And yes, I know she just went from one caltrops to another. I'm gambling on her 16 AC +2 for wearing boots.

Gan focuses his magic on the goblin he tried to enspell before. Goblion's Will save: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (16) - 1 = 15. Once again, however, it shakes off his spell, and this time it seems to realize he did something to it, shouting and him and making threatening gestures with its fists.

And yes, I know she just went from one caltrops to another. I'm gambling on her 16 AC +2 for wearing boots.

Your ice armor doesn't help with this, unfortunately. Caltrops ignore standard armor; you only get the boots' bonus to AC. Caltrops attack: 1d20 ⇒ 1. Of course, with that roll, who cares?

Before it can reach Gan, however, the goblin attacking Lamsfel still has to deal with the elf. It slashes at him with its glass-edged fists. G1 attack #1: 1d20 ⇒ 8, damage 1d3 ⇒ 1; attack #2: 1d20 ⇒ 19, damage 1d3 ⇒ 1. Crit confirm for attack #2: 1d20 ⇒ 12, damage 1d3 ⇒ 2.

Though Marcelina's stabs with her spear prove ineffective at herding her target into Tybus' blade, they nevertheless serve to effectively attract the goblin's attention, and it slashes at her with its fists as well. G2 attack #1: 1d20 ⇒ 4, damage 1d3 ⇒ 2; attack #2: 1d20 ⇒ 17, damage 1d3 ⇒ 1.

One of the other goblins, apparently deciding that flanking would help out, dives beneath the nearest table in an attempt to crawl under it and get behind Tristan, Tybus and Marcelina.

Tybus' foe waves its fists in the air a few times, shouting and posturing, before trying to cut into him. G5 attack #1: 1d20 ⇒ 4, damage 1d3 ⇒ 2; attack #2: 1d20 ⇒ 2, damage 1d3 ⇒ 3.

Up on the table, the goblin hurls its glassware at Tybus, then moves to the edge, the red-hot tongs still clutched in its other hand. Ranged touch from G6: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (7) - 1 = 6, damage 1d3 ⇒ 3. And another square of "caltrops."

The last threatening goblin, also carrying red-hot tongs, moves up to try to burn the sailor with the molten glass, while the goblin Lamsfel shot earlier limps to the far doors and pushes one open. G8 attack on Tybus: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (9) - 2 = 7 against touch AC, damage 1d4 ⇒ 3 fire.

Your actions. And might I point out, the dice haven't really been kind to the gobbos either...

Let's see if I can do something about those rolls, hehe.

A change comes over the passive old man as he moves forward, pointing at G2 and fixing a terrible stare at him.

You shall be the first to fall!

Evil Eye Gobbo 2's AC.

Wincing at the slight wound from the goblin in front of her, and seeing another trying to slip in behind her, Marcelina slips between her target and the table. She has no intention of being caught between two of the buggers and besides, now she has one between herself and Tybus. Encouraged by this fact, she once again lashes out with the spear, this time aiming to kill.

Spear: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 2 + 1 = 15
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 2

As the goblins swarm at them, like he predicted, Tybus sets his jaw and his blade crackles with arcane energy. Then Marcelina rushes up and takes a wound from a goblin. He gets a mad look as the goblins throw attack after attack at him.

Don't worry, Marcelina, he says as he dodges one goblin's spiky fists.

I've been in tighter spots than this! Ducks a piece of glassware thrown at him.

He adjusts his stance as another goblin rushes at him, and he glances over his shoulder at the raging furnace behind him.

Although nothing's coming to mind at the moment! Evades the goblin's hot poker.

Spell Combat:
Concentration 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
Ray of Frost at G2 (assuming he's still alive, G6 if not) ranged touch: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (18) - 1 = 17
Damage 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Cutlass attack at G2 (if still alive -- gets a +2 flanking bonus; G8 if not) 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Damage 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Lot of ifs in this action: Don't think the concentration worked, so no ray of frost. With the flanking and Evil Eye, he probably hit G2, if that was his target. Probably missed any other goblin. I think it's safe to say that G2 is down after this action, so Tybus will move into his square (L4) with his 5-foot step. And I'm aware that Marcelina can't understand his witty banter.

Lamsfel, seeing Marcelina away from the other men, wants to get where he can support her as soon as possible, but he can't turn his back on the foe in front of him.

Two-Weapon Fighting, hoping that only one attack is necessary. If G1 drops with the first attack, Lamsfel will take a full move to M3 (around the table). If he has to use both attacks on G1, he will take a five-foot step to I4 instead.

Attack #1 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
Damage 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Attack #2 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13
Damage 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Just a reminder to everyone... You are all blessed. So all attacks are +1 to hit. Every little bit helps.