"The Devil We Know, Part 1" (Inactive)

Game Master JCServant

Str: 1d20 ⇒ 14

Rachele gets a good angle at the door to try to pry it off

Elwyn joins Harboth in one of the rowboats, and quietly rows out to the dock on the far side of the Inn. Onc there he ties off on one of the pilings and attempts to pull himself up on the dock.

Str: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

[dice=Strength w/Guidance]1d20+3

Awesome...lol!

The creature gets a +1 competence bonus on a single attack roll, saving throw, or skill check. It must choose to use the bonus before making the roll to which it applies.

If this is a skill check, then I would say you're OK...but its an ability check. So, I'm thinking your really in dire straits here. On the bright side, you're getting your bad rolls out of the way now. :)

Srength check round
2: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14
3: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

Marisan follows the other three and takes a shot at prying a board off the structure.

1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Double awesome! :) In case we have time to make another set of attempts:

1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

Harboth keeps an eye on the tavern as Elwyn rows them over.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

Once there, he, too, pulls himself up onto the dock.

Acrobatics(untrained): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Wow. We are really dominating this scenario - LOL

Wow. We are really dominating this scenario - LOL

LOL. Yeah you are.

The party attempts to implement their plan. As Elwyn and Harboth pull up in the boat, the other approach the boarded entrance in an effort to time their apporach. Unfortunately, Elwyn falls prone in trying to pull Harboth. Harboth almost falls into the water, but barely makes it up with the assistance of friend. Elwayn gets back on his feet, but is pretty sure that any attempt to be stealthy in his approach may have been tossed to the wind when he fell like a sack of potatoes.

However, at about the same time, the others started pulling the planks off the front entrance. Rachelle and Kyle manage to do so in only one round. As they open the door, they see an middle aged man surrounded by rats waiting for them. He immediately screams some sort of babble and the rats rush forwards to attack.

Combat is officially started. Elwyen and Harboth will not be able to join until Round 2 as it took them longer than expected to get up on deck.

PFL*: Kyle, Rachelle, Marisan, Rhyderch
EFL*: Rat 1, Rat 2, Rat 3
40': Screaming Man
70' in Back: Elywn, Harboth (Rd1: Pulling themselves up on dock)

*PFL= Party Front Line, EFL=Enemy Front Line. All front line combants are considered in melee.

Go ahead and declare your next action and roll. If you're attacking, make sure you declare which rat you are attacking. If you're casting an AoE, you must declare if you're casting it at the rats or the man. (A 20' radius spell may hit both). You must also pick a 'focus' which is the one person your spell covers without fail. Front line casters may always declare they take a 5' step back and cast without provoking unless enemy has something like step up and strike, but they are still considered in the 'front line' and therefore may still be attacked. Updated combat rules may be found here. I will tweak these and add FAQs as we play as (I mentioned on the recruitement board) this is new for me.

Elwyn/Harboth, for round 2, you may do another stealth check as the Screaming man seems to be preoccupied. He may not notice your approach if you're going after him first (he is closer to you than the rats)

Question: is there a window through which I could, say, shoot an arrow at the screaming man while Elwyn stabs him in the back?

Round 1

Elwyn collects himself, draws his rapier and readies for the assault. He looks over at Harboth and whispers in a hushed tone, "Here we go again old boy," with a smile.

Question: is there a window through which I could, say, shoot an arrow at the screaming man while Elwyn stabs him in the back?

Yes, you can begin shooting on round two, though obstructions in the inn itself (Tables, pillars, chairs) give him partial cover). Make a stealth roll before your first shot. If you succeed versus his perception, your first shot will be against his flatfooted AC.

Kyle attacks rat 1 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 111d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Pulling the long spear from his back, Rhydderch takes a 5 foot step backwards and attempts to skewer a rat. Rat #3

Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

"Using foul vermin to do one's bidding...such a shame."

Round 1 Results:
Elwyn and Harboth hear the fighting begin as they pull themselves up on the pier and move into a position to see what's going on.

Party's turn resolution
Kyle swings his scimitar at the rat, but it leaps out of the way. Rhydderch takes a quick two step back, and twirling his spear around his waste, quickly lunges forward and skewers rat #3. The rat twitches for only a moment as its blood stains the pier.

Enemies
Rat #1 bites at Kyle's heels: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 161d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4. Kyle pulls his foot back.

Rat #2 bites at Rhydderch: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 211d4 ⇒ 1Rat #2 confirmation roll at Rhydderch: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 81d4 ⇒ 1
Rhydderch suffers a small cut as the rat's quickness takes him off guard. (Fort Save, please)

The crazy man yells some more, pointing his hands at Marisen. He is clearly using Druidic Magic (Will Save)

Status
PFL*: Kyle, Rachelle, Marisan, Rhyderch(9/10hp)
EFL*: Rat 1, Rat 2
40': Druid
70' in Back: Elywn, Harboth (Now in position to shoot)

Please make your round 2 combat choices. For those of you making a save (per above), do your saving throw first, and then state your round 2 action, and then do your attack/dmg/spell roll where applicable. Your save will be resolved before your action, and if it incapacitates you, then your round 2 action will not happen. Thanks!

I may be late in posting round 2 resolution as I'm in a meeting all afternoon, but I will get it done tonight if I don't get it done on time

Elwyn, leaving the ranged shot to Harboth, attempts to open the door and. Sneak up on the man from behind with his rapier for a sneak attack if possible.

Stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
Damage: 1d6 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 2 + (4) = 8

Harboth waits for Elwyn to get the jump on the man, then tests out his new composite longbow.

attack: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 1 = 13 (includes point blank shot, precise shot)
damage: 1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 1 = 10 (includes point blank shot)

Round 1 (hope it's not too late, wouldn't have affected anything posted)

Marisan steps back and casts a spell. She also shouts out anything she knows about the rat's attacks, tactics, defenses and the like.

Casts magic stone on three sling bullets
Knowledge(nature): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

Will save: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Round 2

Marisan steps back again to give herself space to hurl a magically stone at the crazy druid.

Sling atk: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Sling dam: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Since it doesn't affect anything as far as status of enemies, that's fine, Marisan. You know that rats tend to carry nasty diseases, so anyone who has been bitten by one should be checked up on after the battle. Rat #1 looks larger than the rest. You're pretty sure that he's the druid's companion.

A light flashes in front of your eyes, but aside from causing you to feel dialated for a moment, you don't feel any adverse effect.

Marisan, Go ahead and post your 2nd round turn. Harboth roll a stealth check for me, please.

Round 2 is in my previous post, I probably was adding/editing it when you finished your reply. I'm certainly not hitting anything with those rolls...

Marisan shouts to the others, in case it's not obvious. "Stay away from the rats' teeth if you can - you don't want what they've got."

Rachele takes a few steps back, 10', and casts MM on the nearest rat
MM: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Harboth sneaky: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

Kyle attacks rat#1
Attack: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Round 2

Fort Save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Rhydderch allows the dead rat to slide off his spear before going after the second one. (Rat 2)

Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Round 2 Results:
Elwyn and Harboth take position, with Elwyn sneaking into the room behind the loud screaming man. He notices tied up people, most knocked out, but stays focused on the threats in the room.

Party's turn resolution
Elwyn times his strike with the arrow shot by his partner. Satisfyingly enough, the timing works to great effect. As his dagger slices the druid's back and the arrow hits him in the neck, the yelling stops, and his body falls to the ground.

Marisan slings a stone at a rat instead, but misses. Rachelle hits Rat 1 with a magic missle, and it squeels in response. Kyle cuts its tail off. Rhydderch attacks Rat #2, but finds this one a bit harder to poke.

Enemies
Rat #1 bites at Kyle's heels: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 151d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4. Kyle once again avoids being bitten

Rat #2 bites at Rhydderch: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 71d4 ⇒ 1
Rhydderch learns from his first mistake and avoids a second bite.

Status
PFL: Kyle, Rachelle, Marisan, Rhyderch*(9/10hp)
EFL: Rat 1 (SW), Rat 2
40': Elywn
70' in Back: Harboth

(SW)=Seriously Wounded

Please make your round 3 combat choices. For those of you making a save (per above), do your saving throw first, and then state your round 3 action, and then do your attack/dmg/spell roll where applicable. Your save will be resolved before your action, and if it incapacitates you, then your round 3 action will not happen. Thanks!

I changed the post after posting it because I saw Rhydderch's response after I started typing...I've revised it so his rolls are in. Thanks!

Rachele not wanting to drain her magical energy so quickly, she draws her crossbow and takes a shot at rat 1
Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 7

Kyle attacks rat#1
Attack: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Round 3

Rhydderch tries to attack the swift rat once again. (Rat 2)

Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Elwyn moves intowards Rat #2 from behind, hoping to flank it and tries to skewer it on his rapier. Not sure If I am 40' from it or not

Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

You are 40' from it...you will probably have to charge to get an attack

Marisan changes her target to the second rat and looses another magically enhanced sling bullet.

Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Fair enough I'll charge, can I use the previous roll and add the +2 or would you like me to reroll?

Nope, your original roll is just fine. You'll also have a lower AC if the rats decide to attack you (They won't, of course. They think healers are just OH too YUMMY)

Round 3 Results:
While most of the party continues to fight the druids plagued beasts, Elwyn rushes from behind, aiming for their tiny, juicy, rat vitals. Harboth moves inside and towards the tied up victims to see if they're OK.

Party's turn resolution
Rachele takes a step back and fires, doing her best to avoid hitting her friends (-4 penalty for firing at enemies engaged in melee with friendlies) , but her shot is wide and the bolt lodges itself into a support beam further in the room. Kyle thrusts his scimitar in rat, and it finds the mark; the rat hisses in return. Elwyn runs up behind rat 2, and before the rat can turn around to see that approaching threat, he cleanly cuts the in twain. Marisan fires a bullet at the remaining rat (#1) facing the same complication as her sorceress friend (-4 to hit) and quietly thanks Shimye-Magalla as the bullet knocks the largest rat upside the head. It's eyes roll back and it slumps to the ground.

Enemies
No Enemies Remain

Status
PFL: Kyle, Rachelle, Marisan, Rhyderch* (9/10), Elwyen
40': Harboth, 6 Victims (?)

To speed things up, I don't require Pbp to roll perception checks to look bodies. I assume everyone takes 10 and aids another as necessary. The party finds 10gp (each player). The druid and the rats had nothing of interest.

Rhydderch walks to the fallen Druid. "I would like to question him...do we have a means to secure him before I cease his journey to the afterlife?"

Marisan quickly checks the druid to see if he is dead or not quite dead. If the latter, she turns to the aasimar. "I'll try to stabilize him for that purpose, but I don't have any rope. Anyone else?"

Heal (first aid): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

Kyle checks on Rhyddech, "How are you doing?"
Heal: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

Marisan discovers that despite the brutal attacks from behind, he is alive, but just barely. She will have to act quickly if she wishes to save his life.

"I am well Kyle. That rat got the better of me for a brief moment. It did not do much damage...but rats carry disease; and now I fear I do as well."

Rhydderch uses Sacred Touch to stabilize the Druid.

Rhydderch touches the skruffy looking druid with a glowing light. His open wounds stop bleeding. While he is no longer in immediate danger of dying, he still looks in terrible shape, and is unconscious.

Kyle states, "I only have three heal spells to use today. do you want me to spend one on him? He may be unconscious for several hours before he's well enough to question."

Since he is useless at healing, Harboth inspects the victims closely to see if he recognizes anything or anyone (including looking for marks or symbols that would identify Pathfinders and Consortium folks). Just in case: perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23

Shall we get to untying these folks, or do we want to question the old man first?

"I could call upon Sarenrae to aid him...but withiut a means to bind him perhaps we should leave him be. Hopefully others we encounter will be able to be put to questioning."

“Here.” Elwyn roots in his pack and hands Rhydderch some silk Rope. He too then begins to examine the room.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26

Once Rhydderch is finished tying up the unconscious druid, Kyle channels to cure 1d6 ⇒ 1 of hit point(s) to both of them.

While Rhydderch secures the prisoner he examines the druid's garbs to see if the markings denote the worship of any known deities.

Knowledge: Religion: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

He then calls upon Sarenrae to bathe both he and the druid in a healing light.

Channel Positive Energy: 1d6 ⇒ 5

"Friend...you have strayed from the right path in life. Sarenrae has healed your wounds, and you now have the opportunity to straighten your course. Tell me...what god does your cult worship?'

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

Casting Detect Magic

Harboth looks over the victims, and recognzies Kafar from the boy's description. He is unconscious and his breathing is shallow.

Kyle and Rhydderch stir the druid back to consciousness through healing. He immediately attempts to escepe.

Escepe Check: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (11) - 1 = 10

Unable to break his silky ropes, he slumps back to the ground, throwing out some foul curses. Rhydderch poses his question, and the druid's countenance lights up. Eh? You sound just like my old man. He was a dawnflower worshipper too. Pity that. My old man said the same thing. "Why do you follow that cult, son?" I told him, "Nature's Cataclysm isn't a cult, Paw! It's the way of nature, and the way of life." He never did understand. I guess you won't either. Hey, where did Petey go? He begins yelling out Petey! Oh Petey!! Where are ya you scurvy knave? I got some cheese for ya!

Rachele, you only sense the faint remains of conjuration magic, probably from the rats you fought earlier.

From the other side of the room, Harboth eyes the druid, wondering if he's telling us the truth.
sense motive(untrained): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13

He mutters to the group in general, Well, it looks like we've found that Kafar joker, but he don't look too good. He gives the Consortium member's foot a quick kick. He may need some of that healing magic as well... He casts his eyes about the room ...and he's not the only one.