Stirrings in the Deep

Game Master Zesdead

Pertreeko moves up a little, but doesn't want to enter the room fully for fear of a trap being sprung. Instead, he'll cast Guidance on Ea, lightly touching the Pharasman priestess on the shoulder to infuse her with divine aid.

Yasmin – You don’t see any sign of a trap… it seems likely that the outlaws were just positioning themselves in cover.

Rallos drives his blade into the shoulder of one of the Splinters…

…who, retrieving his short sword, stabs back in reply.

Splinter 3, Short Sword vs Rallos (Shaken): 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 3 - 2 = 14, missing

Whilst one of the other outlaws stays motionless and confused, the third lets another bolt fly at Grayface…

Splinter 1, Crossbow vs Grayface (Shaken): 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 5 - 2 = 18, hitting for 1d8 ⇒ 6

Grayface and Pertreeko, can you both make a DC18 Fortitude Save please?

Everyone may take their turn now

Raĺlos skewers the bandit in front of him.

attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 161d6 ⇒ 3

These blasted thieves have a good aim, I'll give em that. Those bolts dug deeply. Grayface was an expert in pain management but he knew when the adrenaline stopped pumping, those wounds were going to hurt.
Fort save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Losing a grip on his bravado like a fist trying to hold onto sand, the warrior became very lightheaded all of a sudden. Still clinging to the notion that this was life or death, he moved next to Rallos and raised his sword and shield.
Attack #3(sickened): 1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 6 - 2 = 24
crit confirm: 1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 6 - 2 = 11
Dmg(sickened): 1d10 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 4 - 2 = 4 Crit Dmg: 1d10 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 4 - 2 = 10
I'm now at -1 Wis and -3 Str.

Fort save!: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Pertreeko stumbles as the synesthesia is forced upon him. He swallows hard, and his palms are clammy. Unable to do anything else, he stares in fascination at his own hands. "They call them 'fingers'...but I've never seen one 'fing'..." he murmurs, in a dazed voice.

Ea enters the room, and prays for protection, tracing a spiral over her chest. A grey shroud envelop the priestess before she delivers her grim battlecry

Fate will tell.

cast Shield of Faith, +2 AC for the next three minutes (AC 18)

Yasmin moves a bit further into the room and attempts to daze the other crossbow shooter. Daze Will DC 13 on Bandit #1

Gah I must be delirious lately. Ignore my previous post. I can't attack, I'm fascinated for 3 rounds! Maybe the poison hit me in real life instead of my character.

Yasmin's hypnotic chanting stops another of the outlaws, his crossbow vaguely pointing in your direction... but no attack...

Splinter 1, Will Save vs Daze: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11, Will Save Failed, Splinter 1 is Dazed

Meanwhile, sensing the fight is about to turn bad, one of the outlaws runs for the door...

Splinter 2, Move / Open Door

Whilst the last of them continues to tussle with Rallos...blades singing as they cut at each other...

Splinter 3, Short Sword vs Rallos (Shaken): 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 3 - 2 = 12, missing

Everyone may take their turn now - Grayface / Pertreeko, you need to make a DC18 Fortitude Save to avoid being sickened / fascinated for a second round

Fort Save(sickened): 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 5 - 2 = 5

Gray's head is clearly not in the fight anymore. He stands with sword and shield at the ready, though his eyes stare off in the distance. A soft smile graces his scarred face, momentarily making him seem childlike.

If Yasmin shakes Grayface as a standard action can he get his turn?

Fascinated: A fascinated creature is entranced by a supernatural or spell effect. The creature stands or sits quietly, taking no actions other than to pay attention to the fascinating effect, for as long as the effect lasts. It takes a –4 penalty on skill checks made as reactions, such as Perception checks. Any potential threat, such as a hostile creature approaching, allows the fascinated creature a new saving throw against the fascinating effect. Any obvious threat, such as someone drawing a weapon, casting a spell, or aiming a ranged weapon at the fascinated creature, automatically breaks the effect. A fascinated creature's ally may shake it free of the spell as a standard action.

Yasmin can shake Grayface clear of the Fascinated effect...although he would still be sickened...he also takes a further 1 WIS Damage this turn as well

Rallos steps forward to try to finish off the bandit.

atrack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 151d6 ⇒ 2

Seeing Grayface still lost in space, Yasmin shakes the grizzled fighter. "Oh for the love of.... Grayface, snap out of it! They're getting away!"

Can Ea stops the Splinter dashing to the door? If so, she will try, if not she will attack Splinter 3, Flanking it. Sorry, can't see the map at work...

Ea rises her weapon and strike
Morningstar, if Flanking Splinter 3 add +2 to roll: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
Dmg: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Ea, you can’t get to a position where you can prevent Splinter 2 moving to / opening the door

Rallos’ blade followed by Ea’s Morningstar is enough to put the outlaw on his knees…teetering on the edge of consciousness, (Splinter 3 is on 0HP and is Disabled).

Grayface may take his turn after being shaken to his senses by Yasmin / Pertreeko needs to make a Fortitude Save

Moving to the northwest corner, stopping in between enemy 1 and 2. I can't update map until I get home.

"Wh...What? Arrgh!" Thanking the sorceress with a nod, Gray snapped back to reality and made for the fleeing enemy. He sliced his bastard sword at him without another word.

Attack #2 (sickened): 1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 6 - 2 = 24
Crit confirm: 1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 6 - 2 = 22
Critical Damage! (sickened): 2d10 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (4, 5) + 8 - 2 = 15

Nice rolls! I moved Ea into flanking, moved Grayface next to Bandits 1 and 2. I assume Bandits 2 and 3 can be taken off the map, but I'll leave that to GM Zed. Also, now that the door is open, can we see into the next room?

Staggering forward, Grayface swings his sword wildly...there is a sound of slicing meat...a sound that Grayface and Pertreeko would describe as distinctly violet...and the outlaw's body drops to the floor...the head rolls forward into the corridor beyond the door...

Outlaw 2 removed from map, Outlaw 3 isn't dead yet...

Save / Action from Pertreeko and then back to what remains of the Outlaws

GMPC for Pertreeko

Pertreeko, Will Save vs Sickened / Fascinated: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25, Will Save Made

Pertreeko delays

The outlaw almost taken down by Ea and Rallos drops his sword and frantically reaches for something in his pockets...

Whilst, to Grayface's side, the last of the effective combatants attempts to slide his blade between gaps in the warrior's armour.

Splinter1, Short Sword vs Grayface: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17, missing

Everyone may take their turn now

Go and help Greyface, Rallos.I'll got that one.

Ea rises her morningstar and lowers it again on the Splinter's skull, if Fate allows

Thank you for showing us you got an healing potion in one of your pocket, as I presume you're desperatly searching for it. Don't be afraid of dying. Accept your Fate.Pharasma will judge you.

attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
dmg: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Rallos dashes to help Gray with the third bandit.

attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 161d6 ⇒ 4

"Looks like your fate is to die, bandit." Yasmin joins in on Ea's theme, hoping to strike fear into the remaining bandit. Intimidate: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

The struggling outlaw looks up at Ea with uncomprehending eyes as the metal of her morning star comes crashing down on his skull...he slumps lifelessly to the floor...

Ea's finality coupled with Yasmin's cutting words are enough to cause the remaining outlaw to doubt himself, (Splinter 3 shaken for 1 round).

...and then Rallos attacks...the bandit tries to fend off the attack but to little avail.

Grayface and Pertreeko, you may take your turn now - Grayface you need to make a DC18 Fortitude Save to stop the Sickened condition and avoid taking a final 1 WIS damage

Crosses fingers!
Fort Save (sickened): 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 5 - 2 = 23
Hippity dippity! ...dang, should've saved that'n for another attack!

With furled brow and an angry stare, Grayface almost considers sparing the man's life but the stinging sensation in his head and gut had worn his patience thin. Now was not the time for mercy. When he heard Ea's impassioned declaration of doom upon her foe, it sent a thrill up the warrior's spine.
Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22 Dmg: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Mirroring the priest's brutal attack, Gray chopped into the flesh of his foe and drew it back with a flourish in an attempt to spread the thief's blood.

Another GMPC for Pertreeko - think he figured he was fascinated for 3 rounds so is sitting out...have PM'd him

Seeing that the fight has turned in favour of his friends, Pertreeko stays where he is...watching the corridor for movement.

Pertreeko delays

Grayface lands another vicious blow on the remaining outlaw yet, with little hope, he continues to attack...Grayface's wounds possibly fooling him into thinking he can turn the fight around again...

Splinter 1, Short Sword vs Grayface: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22, hitting for 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Everyone may take their turn now

Rallos jabs his blade at the bandit.

attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 171d6 ⇒ 4

just to be sure: Splinter 3 is down?

Ea, my bad...I hadn't removed Splinter 3 from the map - he is down

Rallos, Splinter 1 has cover from you so your attack is a miss - the last attack should have missed as well but never mind!!!

The final outlaw, emboldened by his strike on Grayface, ducks behind the corner as Rallos stabs at him...

Ea, Grayface, Pertreeko and Yasmin may act now

D'oh! didn't realize that..I would have moved then...oh well!

"I see the boldness in your eyes, but I don't feel pain, maggot! Do you?"
Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23 Dmg: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
After my attack I 5' step north to block the doorway, and to give Rallos (or anyone else) room to engage, if they so choose.

Ea waits to see if the Splinter fall under Greyface's blow

Splinter still standing
Ea attacks the bandit
attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
dmg: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Splinters down
Ea use a spell to cure Greyface's wounds
CModW: 2d8 + 3 ⇒ (4, 8) + 3 = 15

Yasmin attempts a rather challenging ranged attack using acid. Attack vs Touch: 1d20 + 3 - 8 ⇒ (8) + 3 - 8 = 3

Between Grayface and Ea, the final of the outlaws stands no chance and, succumbing to the blows, is soon enough on the floor...blood seeping from a vicious head wound.

Ea, are you still healing Grayface?

Taking the time to search what is clearly a barracks, you find a few items but nothing of great interest...

• 23 GP in coins in various footlockers
  
• 2 potions of Cure Light Wounds
  
• 3 short swords
  
• 2 daggers and a Starknife
  
• 3 Crossbows...1 of which is Masterwork

Beyond the northern door of this room, stepping past the beheaded outlaw, a corridor runs east to west...at the western end, a wall of arrow slits (with a heavy wooden door) looks southwards towards the glow of the emerald spire whilst, to the east, a set of double doors heads northwards.

yes, I'll heal him, using the previous roll if you don't mind

Yasmin takes a look at the party's wounds. "Those bandits sure got some good hits on you, Grayface. And you too, Pertreeko. That poison they use seems like strong stuff. Should we keep going, or should we withdraw and rest?"

I think discretion is needed here. No point overstepping our resources. We should rest up and get ready....especially you two. I know you guys were hit with that poison. Rallos gestures at Gray and Pertreeko.

I think if we go to that room at the end of the stairs and rest there. I will take a shift guarding. I am a bit hurt, but nothing Ea's ministrations can't cure. Moving token to room I am talking about.

Stretching and flexing his arms, legs, and body, Grayface surveys the damage inflicted on him. "Thank you Ea, that heal felt incredible. I lied to that scum back there-- he did hurt me."

Gray picked up the crossbow bolts that dug so deeply into his flesh and snapped them in futile retribution.

"We meted out justice to these vermin, but I need a rest before I'm back to normal. My arms are weary and my head is dazed from the poisons. Though I could drink a potion and heal, if we want to press on. Also--" Gray points to the bloody mess all over the room--"Should we barricade the door to hide the evidence of our arrival? If there are more enemies, which I'm sure there are, they will find the carnage and surely seek us out in the night. I have pitons and spikes to shut the door. Anyone have ideas?"

Good point, Gray. We should maybe get rid of the bodies. Perhaps Ea could say something over them to prevent them from rising against us.

So far, you have left nine bodies throughout this level of the Spire

Pertreeko shakes his head slowly back and forth, as if recovering from a daze. I was very ill all weekend, my apologies for my absence.

Without answering his companions when they address him, he takes soft steps over to the arrow slits and puts his face to them, peering through to look at the green crystal spire beyond. The green light fills his gaze and he sighs dreamily.

If anyone approaches him, he will look at him/her over his shoulder and clack his beak, a Tengu expression for contentment. "This close to the Spire," he comments, "the ley-lines' power vibrates in the very air around us. Beautiful..."

Ea will busy herself with delivering the last blessings to the deceased Splinters. She takes no joy or pride in it, and seems to have forget any previous hostility, treating their former foes with utmost respect

Pharasma will judge your souls, and guide them on their ultimate path.May no one disturb your eternal rest, or he'll face my wrath until one of us sleep in the Gardens. This is my solemn vow, and my duty.

She traces a spiral on each man's chest, close their eyes and mouth if needed, brushing away the worst of grime and blood, staying silent and peaceful as their graves while doing it.

When all she can do is done, she nods to her companions.

Don't desecrate the bodies. Show them proper respect, if we have to hide them.

Of course, Ea. I don't want you to "bless" my face with your morning star.

Rallos helps move the bodies into a corner, careful to not incur Ea's wrath.

"So we can't just feed the bodies to that mouthy creature we fought?" quips Yasmin. She shrugs, and begins using her magics to clean up the bloodstains in the corridors. Prestidigitation

No.

"As fascinating as it would undoubtedly be to watch that...thing feed, I must agree with the priestess. Even bandits don't deserve such a fate." the druid comments dryly.

"Let's get to work, I'll need some help."

Grayface grabbed a bandit corpse under the arms and nodded to the bandit's feet, hoping for one of his companions to help. He then carried the body out of the room, down the hall, back out the previously-locked door near the arrow-slits, and finally up the stairs to the landing at the bottom of the shaft. He set the corpse down.
"There's one. Eight more to go. Let's get this grim task over with."

He repeats this with all the bodies. Afterwards he employs his friends' aid again in tying a rope to each body so that it can be hauled up to the 2nd floor. (the floor where Rallos fell into 35 traps, and where we killed many ghost spiders.) Grayface will climb the rungs, then once at the top he'll use the rope to pull up each body, one at a time.

Hopefully this effort combined with Yasmin's magic cleaning will make it somewhat of a mystery as to where all the thieves disappeared to. Grayface will ask help with carrying the loot up to the previous floor.

"Since all the bodies are moved up here, I recommend we also camp up here on this higher level. That way when the other thieves come explore downstairs, they'll find nothing. -not us, not their dead friends. This time we can circumvent the barricaded, arrow-slit-guarded door by entering via one of the two secret doors we discovered."

So, recap: hide all the bodies up 1 floor; I propose we also camp up there; we can climb down after rest and enter a secret passage instead of fighting our way in.

Rallos moves to help Gray with the bodies.

God idea, Gray. The rest of the bandits won't know where they went.
I'll rig up an alarm in case someone or something wanders near us.

craft traps: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14 nothing deadly, just a tripwire hooked up to the bell we looted from above...

Pertreeko doesn't immediately respond to what everyone else is saying, but he eventually tears his attention away from his spirit sense that is detecting the presence of ley-line energy. He walks over and helps to carry the bodies away, but due to his size he has to hook his arms under the armpits of a few of the corpses to be able to drag them.

When everyone has gathered together, which takes quite some time, Pertreeko is somewhat out of breath. He takes a seat near where he intends to roll out his bedroll. "What a day," he says in an exhausted voice.