Shisumo's Wrath of the Righteous (Inactive)

Game Master Shisumo

New verb for the day: Horgus'd

Posting swag to the discussion thread...

I should be able to decipher the scrolls. Sorry, I was sure that they would be divine, so I ignored them.

They are divine, but you can still read them. They turn out to be two scrolls of cause fear and two scrolls of comprehend languages.

The next day, freshly re-supplied and rested under the surprisingly gentle ministrations of Seer Opoli, you set back out again for the lair of the demonic mongrels.

Do you have any particular plans or preparations you wish to make before you arrive?

Nope. Ellena isn't much on preparation. Her plan is to head back to the furthest progress they made. I'm sure the evil mongrels won't be more prepared now will they, lol?

After Lyddy's spells the day before and a night of rest, is anyone injured this morning?

"We could have failed terribly yesterday without the goddess' intervention. We need to think it through first lest she decide we are not worthy of constant rescue. If any remain, they will be ready. Sneaking up will be more difficult..."

Given that Opoli is a skilled healer in the mundane sense, usually preps mostly cure spells and has the healing hex, I'm going to assume that everyone is back at full hp.

Thank you very much.

"If I were them, defending a known entry point for the enemy and anticipating a return, I would set traps and sentries well ahead of the entry point. We should think what they are likely to do and act accordingly."

"Other than marching in and drawing their fire, what other planning could we do? We cut down a good chunk of them last time, thanks to the Inheritor's power. Let's do it again."

"Could scout again, if you want."

Nodding to Belgood, Lyddy says, "Please. Perhaps you and Anevia working together like last time. I would rather we got the first shot - or at least knew where their first shot was coming from."

She is thinking that the scouts should start scouting well ahead of the initial point of contact last time. If Ellena wishes to march in like she owns the place, the scouts could sneak along in support so the mongrelfolk think she is alone and reveal themselves. If Ellena wishes - Lyddy won't suggest it.

"Eh, if you want to scout, go ahead, Belgood. Hopefully there aren't too many more mongrels left to put up much of an organized defense,"

Okay then. Belgood, please give me a Stealth check.

Anevia shrugs, readies her bow and looks over at Belgood. "You mind if I use your scale again? (I can't believe I'm asking to turn into one of the dark folk a second time...)"

Assuming he agrees, Anevia uses the scale to turn into dark creeper, gaining +2 Dex, +1 size bonus to attacks and AC and +4 to Stealth checks, and darkvision 60 feet, but her bow damage drops to 1d4. I'll have one of you roll for her from now on.

Does she need a Stealth check this time? And does the +2 Dex get included in the +4 to stealth? I'm thinking it gives an additional +1. If a check is needed:

Stealth while moving: 1d20 + 7 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 7 + 4 + 1 = 21 including movement penalty, size bonus, Dex bonus

She needs one if she's sneaking, but your math looks right. Still need one from Belgood though.

Stealth: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (2) + 15 = 17

"Hope second time goes better," Belgood whispers to Anevia before they enter enemy territory once more. "Would like to get home."

Perception check 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
Perception check 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

As the two scouts make their way along the darkened passage, they note the presence of a new addition to the tunnel: a piece of twine strung between the walls at about ankle height. It is connected to an ancient, rusty iron bucket hanging precariously from a spike hammered into the stone overhead.

No actual Disable Device is required to bypass this "trap" - simply cutting the twine or unhooking the bucket from the spike is enough. Inside the bucket are a handful of small rocks and other bits of old and rusted metal, including nails, a broken dagger tip, and so on.

Belgood and Anevia move past the hastily-fashioned alarm system to the same point they paused last time, just before the door to the traitors' lair. Peeking around the corner, a very similar sight greets them: two mongrels, crouching behind barricades, but these two have crossbows leveled at the opening of the cave mouth. (One of the two barricades appears to have been rebuilt out of a table after Belgood knocked down its predecessor.) They show no signs of spotting the two scouts.

Who is up right now, DM? Is it Belgood and Anevia as they are scouting?

Yes, although if anyone else has anything they want to do while the scouting occurs they can.

Is it possible to move up on the two new guards unseen by hugging the walls, or will we be in plain sight as soon as we enter the chamber?

There isn't any cover available past the chamber entrance; you'd be betting that the mongrels don't have darkvision if you tried it.

"Should fire at the same target. Left side first," Belgood whispers, after disarming the crude alarm.

Attack, Damage: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 81d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Someone want to roll Anevia's shot? The two rogues are within PBS and sneak attack range of the guards.

As you wish...

Anevia draws back, holds her breath and releases a split-second behind Belgood, hoping to strike as he does so the target is not able to duck before her arrow arrives.

Shortbow attack: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 5 + 1 = 13
Damage: 1d6 + 1 + 2d6 ⇒ (1) + 1 + (5, 6) = 13

Sigh. That's how the dicebot is treating me tonight, all right.

Elena hears combat begin, and tries her best to wait just a few more seconds, while the scouts do their work.

If we don't have better luck next round, Ellena will charge in and try to get up close.

Although Anevia's shot might have hit an unprotected mongrel, the arrowhead instead buries itself in the wood of the barricade.

Initiatives, please! Everyone but Anevia and Belgood is about 30 feet behind the scouts and therefore about 55 feet from the mongrels - without moving up to where Anevia and Belgood are, you do not have line of sight on the fight. If you beat the mongrels' init, take an action.

Mongrel initiatives: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12

Init. 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21

I expect that Lyddy and the male NPCs will be waiting in the back like before unless Gwerm is feeling confident and wishes to aid Ellena (I will let another player make that decision.)

After nearly getting him skewered, I think Gwerm should stay in the back, well out of the range of arrows.

Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13

Rashak casts Mage Armor and moves up to behind Belgood and Anevia.

Ellena, you beat the mongrels on init - are you taking an action before they go? And what's Anevia doing?

Ellena's plan is to charge the mongrels, creating an opening for the archers, as she draws the evil ones attention. I doubt she will be able to move and attack in at least the first round.

With your move speed, you can get into the room between the mongrels and your allies, but you can't reach them.

Sounds good, DM.

Anevia will fire again to keep the mongrels honest while Ellena approaches.

Shortbow attack: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 5 + 1 = 23
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Anevia's Init 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20; sneak attack damage 2d6 ⇒ (6, 1) = 7; reminder, she's at +2 to hit but only 1d4 base damage right now, due to being Small.

Anevia's arrow flies far truer on her second attempt, sinking deep into the shoulder of the left-hand mongrel.

Belgood?

Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

Belgood follows Anevia's lead, and fires at her target.

Atk; Dam; Snk: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 191d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 21d6 ⇒ 5

Lyddy and the other two men follow Rashak toward the battle. She has her shield held up to provide the men with cover and her sword is out, but she is essentially navigating by sound. She cannot see the targets yet.

Belgood's shaft follows right behind Anevia's, piercing the mongrel through the chest. He collapses, the crossbow slipping from his fingers.

One down.

As his companion falls, the remaining mongrel sights down on Ellena, firing the bolt straight for her chest. Crossbow shot 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20, damage 1d10 ⇒ 3 The shot instead creases her arm above her elbow, leaving a trail of blood behind.

You guys again.

Ellena moves forward and swings her Greatsword at the mongrel.

Attack 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Damage 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (6, 3) + 4 = 13

Anevia steps toward the barricade and turns her attention to where any expected reinforcements will issue forth. She readies an action to fire at any mongrel bearing a weapon coming out, assuming they plan to join the scrum. Moving just far enough to keep the doorway in Point Blank Shot and sneak attack range.

Anevia Readied Shot: 1d20 + 5 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 5 + 2 + 1 = 21 Includes bonus from size change and PBS

Anevia damage: 1d4 + 1 + 2d6 ⇒ (3) + 1 + (4, 4) = 12 Includes PBS and sneak attack

Seeing that the Paladin had the only target occupied, Belgood attempts to scramble around the melee and take up a defensible position opposite the other entrance to the chamber.
Moving towards the side where the downed enemy is, climbing over the barricade if necessary.

Rashak?

I'll take up position with Anevia and ready a Color Spray in case there appears more than one mongrel.

Anevia's position won't quite close enough to catch them in a color spray, I think. She should be around 25' and I think the spell's range is 15'. Just wanting to make sure it is what you wanted.

I guess I'm a bit lost, but as long as there is someone between me and the mongrels, I don't mind advancing another 10 feet. If not, I'll just stay put.

Elena is right in the survivor's face, so I think you're okay.

Elena's sword crashes into the cavern wall as the mongrel ducks underneath the swing. He drops his crossbow and pulls out a club, aiming a blow at the paladin's head.

Club attack 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14, damage 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Elena's armor deflects the attack, however, her pauldron catching the club and leaving the warrior's skull undamaged.

You guys.

Ellena is happy in the throes of battle. She swings again.

Attack 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

Damage 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (6, 5) + 4 = 15

Anevia continues to hold her action, ears straining to hear anything over the give-and-take of the paladin's battle.

perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

Lyddy confers quickly with the wizard, suggesting that Horgus and Aravashnial hold position behind Anevia while she continues forward to give Rashak cover.

As she moves forward, she is careful to stay right of the archer's firing lane.

Hope that makes sense.