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

Game Master JCServant

Ha, all that and I forgot my perception roll

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

CLW on Kyle: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Rhydderch checks to see if the keys on the key ring are able to unlock the slaves' shackles. If yes, he does so while addressing the group at large.

"What information can you tell us about your captors?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

"Yes, do you know anything about them? It would help us help you out."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

Kyle checks the monks to make sure they're dead.

heal: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

If either of the monks is unconscious he ties them up then channels to heal himself, Elwyn, and any slaves that may be injured.

channel: 1d6 ⇒ 4
channel2: 1d6 ⇒ 2

If anyone needs any serious healing or if they are done for the evening he'll channel once more

channel3: 1d6 ⇒ 4

If one of the monks is able to be questioned; Kyle will ask Harboth to ask them who they are, their intentions, deities they worship. He will phrase it diplomatically (sorry, I'm short in time) and bring up the Nature's Cataclysm. Also see if they'll give up where they'll meet up with Ismacco to sell the slaves.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

sense motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14 - to gauge if people are telling the truth

"Thank you Kyle, I'm much better, blessed be Sarenrae
"

By my math, the whole party is on full hps now

The party ties up the orcs, and uses the keys to unshackle them. They barely have enough time to do that, heal, and find out some basic information (mentioned in earlier post/conclusion of battle), Kyle and Elwyn hold up a hand for silence. A woman's voice can be heard topside. "Where in Asmodeus’schamber pot are my bloody slaves? Orcs! Front and center! Now!”

With this post, I wish everyone a happy holiday weekend. You may post during the three day period, but out of respect to those who are enjoying the time with family, I will not put a gameplay post until Tuesday. In the mean time, feel free to have discussions of any sort on the discussion board!

Harboth mouths to Elwyn, how many? and carefully draws his greataxe. He presents it to his mates, gestures abovedeck, makes a throat slashing gesture, gives a shrug of his massive shoulders, and waits for a response.

If necessary/appropriate
Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

Marisan stays still and quiet, still gripping her shortspear and looking at the others to see if they can devise a quick plan without revealing themselves.

"Not sure, sounds like just one, hopefully. Say something back to her in orc to stall her."

Elwyn tries to listen to how many sets of footsetps might be topdeck. He swaps out his rapier for his bow and motions the newly freed slaves to the stern of the boat, away from the potential action.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26

"If the underlings gave us as much trouble as they did we should be. Studious when meeting their boss."

Cast Guidance on all.

Kyle is content with waiting for the lady to come down. He knows he'll make way too much noise trying to go back up and will increase suspicion. But if a couple of party members want to go surprise her he would head up after the surprise round.

Kyle freezes and watches the other party members to see what they do.

Sorry...that should read "we should be cautious when meeting their boss." Auto-correct is not my friend!

The woman yells even louder, and everyone is able to hear her. She screams obscenities demanding that “her orcs” report to the deck at once.

Kyle still doesn't move and waits to see what the other members do.

Harboth yells back up to the woman, Vin, zeii la naiba! Păstrați chilotii pe tine!!!

He keeps his axe handy and slowly makes his way to the upper deck, hoping to catch her by surprise. He motions for others to follow him a step back.

stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

As he creeps up, Harboth keeps an ear, a nose, and an eye out to see if he can sense where this woman is and if anyone else might be on deck.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14

Following, refreshing Guidance along the way.

Kyle will follow once they surprise the lady so she doesn't wonder why there are so many of them.

Climb: 1d20 - 5 ⇒ (18) - 5 = 13

The party left the deck door closed on their way down, so the entire party will be able to at least climb to the deck level without being seen. I need to know who, if anyone, will be charging out of the deck door with Harboth.

As you climb up the decks, you hear multiple feet on the deck above as the woman continues to scream orders. You're unsure as to how many are with her, but there seems to be aboute 2-3 pairs of feet that are actually shuffling above. There could be more standing still.

Rhydderch will follow behind Harboth (re same as previous post.)

Since there appears to be noise from above. Kyle will charge outside the door with the others.

Elwyn follows Harboth up, now readying his rapier.

Hearing activity from above, Marisan stows her spear and follows the others, hanging toward the back. Just before she emerges, she chants an incantation, and small flames spring from the palm of her upturned right hand.

She will go ahead of Rachele and after everyone else, and cast produce flame just before she scurries up the steps behind them.

The party bust through the deck door, startling the screaming boss lady who was clearly expecting her orcs to be opening the door. The party has a surprise round. Combat begins. Please post your surprise round actions. As a reminder, on surprise rounds you may take a move action or a standard action, but not both. However, you may do a 'half charge' allowing you to rush up to your normal movement rate with one melee attack at the end. The attack is at a +2 bonus, but your AC is at -2 until your next turn.)

Status
10' back : Rachelle
F.Line : Elwyn, Kyle, Marisan, Rhyderch*, Harboth
20’front : Woman, undead humanoid

I expect to post Round 1 around 6.30p EST. Please have your moves in before then. Thanks!

Rachele looks at the woman, mutters, and bolts of arcane energy burst from her hands.

MM Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Rhydderch will "half charge" the undead humanoid.

Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

I'm concerned that some who have already posted their afternoon actions may not have expected a second afternoon update and might be waiting for the regularly scheduled 7pm/4pm update to check in again...thus missing a surprise round action that they are entitled to take.

Harboth half-charges the woman with his eyes bulging and a Rrraurgghh! coming from his toothy maw.

attack: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 6 + 2 = 26 (with an additional +2 if the woman is human, half-orc, or half-elf)

damage: 1d12 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9 (with an additional +2 if the woman is human, half-orc, or half-elf)

It's this sort of roll that makes me wonder if I should be packing a falchion instead.

Marisan pulls up and hurls the flames in her hand at the woman, careful not to scorch those of her companions who are closing with the boss.

Ranged touch attack, assuming -4 to hit because of melee: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (10) - 2 = 8
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Since both enemies have been charged. I assume I can't also do the same.

Kyle takes a full move action to get to a position to flank the undead humanoid.

Does this leave space for Elwyn between the undead and Rhydderch?

Because of the nature of my text-only pbp combat, you can do things a little differently. That includes multiple people charging the same baddie. Once two people have attacked the same mob, they get the 'flanked' condition for the next round of combat.

In that case.

Kyle charges the undead humanoid with guidance.

Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Elwyn charges at the undead humanoid in a bid to prevent it from doing unquestionable harm to the group.

Attack: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 7 + 2 = 26
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Looks like everyone’s actions are in, so away we go!

Surprise Round

Player's Turn

From behind the safety of others, Rachelle launches a magic missile, hitting the dusty haired woman squarely in the chest. Marisan hits her with a thrown flame before her friends close in, causing the woman to wince in pain from the burn, despite her heavy armor. Harboth runs forward, and uses his momentum to great effect as his brutally wounds the armored woman . Kyle rushes forward and swings at the abomination before him, but misses. Rhydderch sprints forward and skewers the undead creature with his spear, just in time for Elwyn to come along side and finish the job, causing it to crumple to the ground.

Enemy's Turn
The woman curses at the group, clearly surprised by their appearance and subsequent attack.

Status
10’ back - Rachelle
FL: Elwyn, Kyle, Marisan, Rhyderch*, Harboth
EFL : Woman (Flanked, Seriously Wounded)

I expect to post Round 1 at 10am EST. Please have your moves in before then. Note that once a character has the 'flanked' condition, any character attacking that mob in melee gets flanking bonus and rogues get backstab damage, even if they did not attack her themselves on the last turn. Thanks!

"Just knock her out, she's no use to us dead," Kyle pleads as he tries to slice her with his scimitar.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

"Finish 'em boys!"

Hearing Kyle's shouted suggestion and Rachele's encouragement, Marisan glances down at the empty hand that a moment ago held the flames. She shrugs, and with her shield in her off hand, she attempts to deck the woman with her right fist.

unarmed strike: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13

oops, forgot the +2 flanking bonus... that would be a 15 then.

damage (nonlethal): 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

"It would be unwise to allow someone who consorts with abominations to continue living...but as you wish."

Holding his spear in his off hand, Rhydderch strikes with his gauntlet.

attack: 1d20 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 2 + 2 + 1 = 11
damage: 1d3 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Elwyn pivots, brings his arm up and strikes the woman with the hilt of his rapier, hoping to knock her out.

Attack (Non-Lethal): 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (6) + 7 - 4 = 9
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Harboth rears up to take another strike at the woman with his axe, but turns his wrists and aims to smack her in the face with the flat.

attack(non-lethal): 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 2 = 10
damage (non-lethal): 1d12 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 6 + 2 = 17

Another minor point of interest that I need to add to the pbp rules…. Generally, you can cast without provoking if you’re on the front lines. After all, in the normal game, you would take a five foot step and cast. However, if you have the flanked condition, you will provoke if you do not cast defensively. As long time casters can attest, a five foot generally does not get you out of threat when you’re surrounded by two or more enemies.
As another note, keep in mind that if you’re attacking a lethal weapon to deal non lethal damage, you take a -4 on your attack roll. Thanks!

Round 1
Player's Turn
The party quickly surrounds to woman, wearing half plate mail and carrying a heavy flail. As each they attempt to hit her, she block each blow effectively with a grin on her face that makes her look somewhat crazed.

Enemy's Turn
She grimmices and hollers, “Groetus will blind those who dare oppose and trick his followers!”
Casting Defensively: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
She chants a mystical word and points directly at the half-orc.

Status
10’ back - Rachelle
FL: Elwyn, Kyle, Marisan, Rhyderch*, Harboth (Will Save pending)
EFL : Woman (Flanked, Seriously Wounded)

If you have a save pending, always roll the save as your first action in your post. If you fail (Do a preview of your dice roll and compare it to the DC above), click on the spoiler to see what happens to you. If you succeed, you shouldn’t look! :D

I expect to post Round 2 at 2pm EST. Please have your moves in before then. Thanks!

Rhydderch steps back and attempts to dazzle the caster with his deft spear work; distracting her from paying attention to other attacks.

Aid Another Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

+2 to Elwynn's attack if roll beats AC10.

Aid Another

Kyle also attempts to aid Elwyn's next attack.

Aid Another Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16

As Elwyn's thrust of his hilt bounces off the woman's plate his face grimaces from the effort and the failure. Looking to Kyle and Rydederch, he sees their coordinated support for his next maneuver. He whips around in a smooth motion and once again attempts to drive his hilt into the side of her head.

Attack: 1d20 + 7 - 4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 7 - 4 + 2 + 2 = 19
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Will save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20

Hah! Your ridiculous magic won't work on me. Say goodnight, Gracie!

Harboth attempts to thrust the haft of his axe into the woman's nose.

attack: 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 2 + 2 - 4 = 11 favored enemy, flanked, lethal/non-lethal

non-lethal damage: 1d12 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 6 + 2 = 19

It's 2pm EST by my reckoning, and looking at the results so far, I can tell you she's still standing. Do the other two want to do anything before I post results?

Kyle wants to identify the spell cast

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Marisan draws her shortspear and lunges at the mad woman. "We can tend to her once she's down!"

attack: 1d20 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 1 + 2 = 15
damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Since the posting window has been missed, I will wait until the next time window, 6pm EST, to post the round's results.

Rachele helps her friends hit their attacks

Aid Another: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15

I’m resolving this now since all moves are in
Round 2
Player's Turn
The party works together to distract the armored, unholy combatant, but she continues to frustrate them at nearly every turn. Elwyn manages to knock her on the head, but she continues to stand and fight defiantly.

Enemy's Turn
She screams, “Is that the best you got? Feel the darkness of the void! ”

She channels negative energy: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 6) = 12

All players : Will save. DC12. If you succeed, you only take 6 damage

Status

FL: Rachelle, Elwyn, Kyle, Marisan, Rhyderch*, Harboth (All Front Lines – 12 pts damage will save pending for ½)
EFL : Woman (Flanked, Critically Wounded)

If you have a save pending, always roll the save as your first action in your post.

If everyone gets their actions in before 6pm EST, I will resolve the next round today, otherwise, I will resolve it at 10am EST tomorrow. Please have your moves in before then. Thanks!

Note: I edited this post to reflect that Rachelle up to FL in order to 'aid another.' Earlier I had her showing further away.