The Ninja DM's Shattered Star - we're back

Game Master Spiral_Ninja

Why sunrise? Would we not be better off approaching at night?

Now that the plans are laid: everyone make stealth checks as you approach; DC is 12.

A tall lancet arch at water level leads into a chamber at sea level
within the side of the Crow. This portion has long been known to the inhabitants of Magnimar. Inside is what was once a small, stepped terrace, now filled with sea water to the level of its top step. Three rowboats are tied off to heavy stones placed on this step. Above, the ceiling rises almost all the way up to the top of the monument—an opening leads off this shaft to the west near the ceiling. At the west end of this room lies a small alcove whose floor shows the stains of countless campfires—the back wall of this alcove has broken through, revealing a passageway beyond. Much of the detritus here is old as this chamber has been used by Magnimarians for as long as the city has existed.

In a bit of irony, the ancient campsite is next to the old secret door that Natalya discovered.

You are now in B1

Stealth (ACP): 1d20 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 1 - 4 = 7

Apparently, stealth is not going to be our strong suit in this endeavor

Stealth 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 3 + 2 = 25

Are you going to take each score individually, or use them to make an average? The quieter people are worse by helping the louder, and the louder people are quieter from the help. So, if it were just Hralyk and I, we would have a 15 stealth as a group. But a 23 and 7 as individuals if the group as a whole was noticed.

Edit: Forgot to add the bonus from having the shard back.

K'nyaz watches the waves from the prow, looking through the darkness and directing the crew in how to avoid the roughest waves that would cause the boat to slap the water.

stealth: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Yeeeeeah, we're not ambushing anyone today...

Stealth: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

The group had two hours before sunrise here as they docked in at the Crow. Talon for his part was being cautious, looking to Hralyk. He had a sunrod prepped to light, but kept it dark for the moment - light would give them away after all. "Mind taking point here? I'd prefer not to shine a beacon they can see coming until necessary," He muttered, looking at K'Nyaz. "You as well. We need everyone who can see in the dark on lookout here."

It's the# who make it vs # who fail.

Not sure I'm tracking what you mean. As in, if more people succeed than fail, then it's a success, but if the opposite then it's a fail?

K'nyaz nods with the assessment of he and Hralyk leading with their eyesight, but decides that Talon need not bother himself with the crafted stick for lighting. "To help for you with seinG, take this." He draws a coin and casts a spell on it, causing it to shine like a torch. "Keep it covered until you are need, also, please to allow me to put spell on you both." He looks to Talon and Kelgeah.

When allowed, he casts a spell on both of them, which allows them to hear his words even at a whisper. "I can now tell to you vat I am seeinG, and ve can communicate qvietly."

Casts Light on a coin, and Message on Talon and Kelgeah. Both lasts 20 min/casting, so he will refresh them both when the light goes out.

@K'nyaz: yes. Oddly 4th ed of them.

Given that we have 5 players and 3 failed...

This first room is otherwise empty, even the ropes Natalya mentioned the Girls using to scale the inner tower to the lookout point are missing.

With the crude map Natalya gave you, you can easily find the door and push through to the next room. Here rubble from the collapsed wall has been pushed out into the chamber. There are traces of recent habitation—bits of trash and rubbish and the odd piece of clothing or equipment—scattered here and there, though the room now appears to be unused.

Survival: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Talon palms the coin so not to reveal themselves, though shines the light whenever K'Nyaz and Hralyk say that it's clear. He can't clearly tell just how many people might have been living here, but he can tell that it doesn't look like anyone's been using it for a bit.

He gestures silently, pointing them forward towards the next path. Nothing to be had here for now - perhaps some cleaning later would make it a viable base of operations later.

Once inside, Hralyk begins wielding his new silvered greataxe. He indulges Talon's...humanity, and moves forward cautiously.

Survival: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (11) - 1 = 10

Just a note, DM, you don't need to put underscores in your spoiler titles. You can pretty much type a normal sentence in there and it comes out fine.

Survival 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

K'nyaz looks over the rubble and trash in the room with disinterest. It seems there isn't much here worth note. He follows Hralyk's lead further into the edifice.

Kelgeah keeps her bow ready as the party inches along.

Come out and play, little rodents...We have such wonderful treats ready for you...

Thanks, K'nyaz. I will post further exploration tonight. I'm still puzzling out the map myself. Also, sorry, I didn't realize the room numbers hadn't transferred to the map.

Right now: the hidden door Natalya discovered blocked the short passage between the boat dock and the next room. You have stairs to the north and a short corridor to the south. The foul odor wafting from that room and the suspicious stains on the floor reveal that this chamber was used as a privy within the last few weeks. Huddled in one corner are the rotten remains of a small dog.

If these rooms held anything, they've been picked clean. The only way on appears to be the staircase.

Between the two curving stairwells lies a small landing. Three stone boxes, their lids raised, stand lined up against the east wall. A fine yellow powder surrounds them on the floor.

The stairwells end in a long hall, lined down the center with pillars. At the far end is a low rostrum, the dusty stumps of ancient votive candles lining its outer edge. Two of these have been knocked over. Colorful murals of Thassilon pilgrims and giants marching over an intact Irespan cover the walls.

Hopefully I'm correctly interpreting that only those who actually walk up to the corpse are affected.
Kelgeah keeps to the opposite side of the room as the corpse, covering her nose briefly as she adjusts for the room's odor. "Lycanthropes...not even decent enough to clean away their kills and offal. Phew, Goddess why isn't there a spell for that..."

Her eyes widen just a bit at the sight of the mural, however, gazing with fascination at the imagery and hoping to decipher the story it tells.

knowledge history if recognized: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
intelligence to see if anything more can be deciphered: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Well, good freaking morning to you too, ya grumpy dice. Didn't wanna know what it was anyway. PFFFFT.

Hralyk grunts. "The Venture Captain wanted illustrations about ancient Thassilon...anyone able to copy this?" he asks, pointing to the mural.

Untrained Craft 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

K'nyaz sees and summarily dismisses the odd dust, considering it not even worth mentioning. At Hralyk's question, K'nyaz is eager to gather his supplies. He pulls a pen and ink from one pocket, as his tail digs out his journal and proffers it to the other hand. He begins to scribble a quick representation of the mural. Voroan looks from the book to the mural often, periodically cawing in the odd lilting tongue they share. Whatever he's saying, K'nyaz nods and makes corrections every now and again.

I don't know if any of us can make the DC 30. Also, you mentioned 5, but there has been neither hide nor hair from Fletcher in a while. Do we even know if he's still playing?

The fighter is being as cautious as he can, walking in and glancing around, noting the mural as well. "It might be a better idea to leave copying down the murals and everything for the trip out, after we've dealt with everything here that would want to kill us," He commented, before shrugging. He'd already started, so all he could do was stay vigilant and keep his wits about him - they didn't need some wererat sneaking up on them while their guard was down.

As soon as K'Nyaz was finished copying down the mural, he let them lead the way - Hralyk's eyes were infinitely better than his own here, and he'd toss the lit coin to give himself some light when battle came.

One: actual contact with corpse only; Two: I'll PM Fletcher and see. Three: And yes, I agree about the DC. Unfortunately, the rat rolled real well and has a very good bonus.

Hralyk nods. "I hadn't considered waiting, but then again, we've no idea if we'll even be coming back this way. As long as we are safe, I'm inclined to do what we can, but if you feel that speed is of the essence, then I am willing to forego this for now."

The human that was waiting for you at the boat is a slender young man, less than 20 summers, with dark hair and dark eyes. His complexion and hint of an ancent give him away as a Chelaxian. When he introduces himself as an explorer and seeker of knowledge the pieces fall into place: the City of Monuments is known for its culture of learning and is a beacon to many escaping the oppression of Westcrown.

While he talks about a knack for uncovering secrets and a thirst for knowledge he is outfitted for battle with finely crafted studded leather armor, a shortbow over his shoulder, and quite a few hand axes on his belt and pack.

After taking what felt like only a brief moment to secure the boat, Delkaneth turns around to see the group arrayed around the room, each with a task already in hand as the fighter directs them. He runs a tight unit, they work well together. Hope I can fit in; this is too good an opportunity to miss.

He recalls the boat ride: brief introductions, a few questions about capabilities, and a nagging suspicion that he's seen Talon before. Kind of hard to miss such a unique weapon at the 'Run. Delkaneth almost says something while rowing over but the group was "all business" as they crossed the water in the predawn light. Plenty of time for chitchat. Plenty of exploring to do first

A bit embarrassed that he took so long to get going, the young man takes an axe from his belt and follows the grouop up the stairs. Seeing the mural, he is about to begin his own sketches when he notices the wizard has already started. Head in the game, youre not helping! He scans the area looking for someplace to lend a hand.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12 looking at the mural to check for any writing or inscriptions.

Talon was used by now to new blood coming into the group, it seemed that aside from himself and K'Nyaz the rest seemed to come and go at random. He had just a brief conversation with the man about his areas of expertise, learning about his capabilities before figuring out where he'd be most effective. For the moment, he suggested De stay in the back with Kel, as those who could see in the dark were most effective here leading the way.

As soon as K'Nyaz was completely finished with sketching the mural, Talon suggested they press forward now - they'd yet to encounter any resistance, but he was sure that would change quickly enough.

So everyone ready to proceed now?

K'nyaz sprinkles a little sand to help hasten the drying of the ink, before nodding at Talon. "I yam done vit copying. Ve can continue."

Ready to go

Let's roll. Oh wait, lol.

Kelgeah watches as the group goes about their business and prepares to press onward, pausing in particular at the newcomer. "Nervous, dear? One might think this was your first time exploring a beast-filled ruin with total strangers. Much as I enjoy seeing inquisitive eyes with earnest intentions, you might want to gather your wits before you attract predators."

His embarrassment quickly turns to a cocky smile. Delkaneth turns to the elf and cannot help but notice her weapon of choice. The smile widens. "Never explored an Irespan, but believe me.....it's not my first time."

Pulling himself away from the mural he starts walking toward the exit, peeking over the wizard's shoulder to give an appraising look at the completed sketch.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
If I've got the map right the exit is that staircase on the upper left of the room.....examining the stairs for traps or signs that anyone else has been this way recently.

Ha! Finally got the map updated with numbers and to LOAD! Imjur was being...uncooperative.

OK, you are all in room #5. The way onward is the staris to the west. they go up. Way up.

You arrive in the complex labeled 6 a-d.

Bits and pieces of old rubble, fragments of furniture, and broken weapons and armor clutter the floor of these rooms. All four of the rooms in this area appear to have been rather thoroughly looted.

Area 6a is the landing coming up from area 5.
Area 6b contains only an overturned table in the middle of the room.
Area 6c seems to have been used until recently as a storage area.
Area 6d appears to be a privy and garbage disposal area.

As you enter area 6b, though, your passage is disputed.

Init:
Delkaneth init: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Hralyk init: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
K'nyaz init: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Kelgeah init: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
Talon init: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
tower girls x2 init: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Tower rat init: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

victims: Delkaneth=1, Hralyk=2, K'nyaz=3, Kelgeah=4, Talon=5

Round 1:
Delkaneth
tower girls x2
K'nyaz
Kelgeah
K'nyaz
Rat
Talon

TG1 vs 1d5 ⇒ 4 Kelgeah
hand crossbow: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7 for damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3

TG2 vs 1d5 ⇒ 4 vs Kelgeah
hand crossbow: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8 for damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2

rat vs 1d5 ⇒ 3 vs Talon. (Well, ratoid, that is.) A creature seemingly a horrid mix of rat and human tosses off a concealing blanket and lunges for Talon.

shortsword: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15 for 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 plus sneak attack: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Good eyes on the steps, way to look out

Silently berating himself, Delkaneth grunts out a curse and springs into action. Without hesitation he hurls the axe in his hand toward one of the crossbow wielders. He is moving before the axe makes it's first rotation through the air to engage the rat creature attacking Talon. In a fluid motion he draws a silvered axe as he moves into position.

Are the crossbow wielders rat-like also or do they appear completely human? Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Attack Action: Thrown Axe, point blank: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 4 + 1 = 14 for Damage: 1d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 2 + 1 = 9
Move Action: Move into melee with ratoid, getting into a flanking position if I can without provoking an AOO or putting my back to the crossbows. Draw Silver handaxe as part of movement.

Kelgeah's eyes go wide an instant before she twists out of the way of the bolts whizzing by her. "More rude little cowards."

Hralyk wades into combat with the rat-creature, swinging his massive greataxe with both hands.

I'm assuming that Hralyk will be attacking the thing flat-footed, since he goes before it? Not sure whether he can flank or not...
Move action: move into melee range (flanking, if possible) of the rat
Standard action: Attack (Silvered Greataxe): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Damage (Silvered Greataxe, 2H): 1d12 + 6 - 1 ⇒ (7) + 6 - 1 = 12

As the violence erupts, K'nyaz accepts that now would be as good a time as any to cast his spell granting him a forcefield of armor.

Cast Mage Armor (2 hr duration)
He will 5' step first if he needs to in order to avoid an AoO.

Talon was not amused when they got up there only to be suddenly attacked - it was expected, certainly, but he'd hoped to get the drop on them all. The rat swinging at him missed, the fighter taking his silvered short swords out and slashing out.

Short Sword 1: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Short Sword 2: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

He didn't manage to score a hit, but hopefully his allies would fare better than him.

@Hralyk: yep, she's flat-footed. Oh and sorry about the mistype in the init order. It's been corrected now.
@Del: the other two appear human.
@Kelgeah: need your action.

Round 1:
Delkaneth: will hit either of the humans but not the wererat.
tower girls x2: miss
K'nyaz: casts
Kelgeah:
Hralyk: hits wererat
wererat: misses
Talon: misses

[spoiler=wererat]
AC 19, touch 14, flat-footed 15 (+3 armor, +3 Dex, +1 dodge, +2 natural)
hp 20-12=8
Fort +3, Ref +6, Will +3
Defensive Abilities evasion; DR 10/silver
Melee short sword +4 (1d6+2/19–20), bite –1 (1d4+1 plus disease and curse of lycanthropy; DC 15)
Ranged light crossbow +4 (1d8/19–20)
Special Attacks sneak attack +1d6
[spoiler]

Noting Talon's strikes go wide, Kelgeah frowns, then smiles, touching his shoulder with a finger. "try again, dear. I have a feeling you'll do better this time."

bit of luck: Talon may roll twice on any ONE d20 next turn and keep the higher roll. go get em, tiger!

Hralyk grins as he feels his axe bite into the rat-thing's flesh. However, even though he hit the thing quite solidly, it did not fall. Considering the dangers of being attacked by a were-creature, he decides to take a quick step back and cast a defensive spell.

Free action: 5' move away from the wererat.
Standard action: Cast Shield of Faith for an additional +2 deflection bonus to AC, bringing him up to AC 19, for two minutes.

As his thrown axe hits its target with a satisfying crunch Delkaneth grins. At least we know that one's not a rat. Focusing on the target in front of him, he trusts in his luck to end this battle quickly.

Swift Action:Archaeologist's Luck (+1 to attack/damage/skils/saves, 1/6 rounds
Attack Action: Attack (silvered handaxe): 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 1 = 7
Damage: 1d6 + 2 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 2 - 1 + 1 = 3

c'mon dice? great way to impress the new friends.........

I know that pain, trust me Del.

Comfortable with his increased level of protection, K'nyaz steps back toward the fight with his quarterstaff in hand. He moves to the nearest enemy that is not a rat hybrid, swinging his heavy oaken walking stick. With all the commotion and congestion in facing off against the women, he is unable to get a good swing with his weapon.

Move to an enemy, if he can.
Attack with staff 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Talon's not entirely sure what Kelgeah did there, but he doesn't ask questions, focusing on trying to take out the wererat in front of him with his whirling silvered swords.

Sword 1a: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
Sword 1b: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Sword 2: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19

Sword 1 crit confirm: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Sword 1 damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Sword 2 damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

With just a little luck, Talon's silver weapons bite into the creature's flanks, though the fighter frowns deeply - he's too used to using his two-bladed sword. If only he'd finished the work on the other one earlier.

The wererat woman is very badly injured but will not flee.

The other two, however...

Embyr: badly wounded, she turns to flee
Nayven: starts cursing fluently as Del's axe strikes her companion and strikes back at him. However, her swing goes wide.

attack Del with shortsword: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Sasha: swings again for the apparent leader of the group.

shortsword vs Talon: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Seeing that victory is imminent, Hralyk swings once more at the injured were-creature. As he moves his foot forward, however, he stumbles, causing his weapon to swing wide of its target.

Standard action: Attack (Silvered Greataxe): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Damage (Silvered Greataxe, 2H): 1d12 + 6 - 1 ⇒ (11) + 6 - 1 = 16

Delkaneth tries not to get distracted as he attempts to keep track of the entire battlefield. He curses to himself as he sees the wounded woman start to run off. They know we're here but they don't need an eye witness account As he prepares to send another axe her way the other woman swings at him, demanding his attention. "Don't let her get away!"

He is forced to put her out of his mind as he tries to deal with the two combatants threatening him, but his scattered focus causes both attacks to be ineffective.

Move Action: Draw MW Hand Axe
Attack (silvered axe, primary hand): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12 against wererat
Damage: 1d6 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (2) + 2 - 1 = 3
Attack (MW axe, offhand): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9 against Nayven
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

As the others stay with the two active combatants, K'nyaz decides to go after the runner. He moves as best he can around the dangers of the other combatants to follow the runner. As soon as he clears the group he says something to Voroan, he leaps from his shoulder to fly ahead toward the girl.

Move (double if needed) to follow the runner (it's hard for me without battlemaps, I have NO idea who is where beyond the general room we're in).
Voroan, will attack Embyr if he can 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Continuing to flank the wererat with the others, Talon notes K'nyaz chasing after the wounded and fleeing Tower Girl. "Stay together!" He hisses, hoping the wizard would get the hint that running off after her on his own would be a bad idea.

In the meantime, he struck out again with both silvered short swords, stabbing at the wererat.

Sword 1: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
Sword 2: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

Hopefully the first attack hits with a flanking bonus.

Kelgeah attempts to get to Hralyk as he stumbles, before he makes his next offensive, and taps him on the back. "Lady luck is smiling. Put on a good show for her, would you?"

Bit of luck. roll twice on a d20 next turn, Hralyk. That should add some bite to that axe.

You are on the map in the lower right corner. The fight is occurring in the room labeled 6b, and the Tower Girl is fleeing toward the room marked 7.

Round 2:
Delkaneth: misses both
tower girls x2: 1 flee, 1 miss
K'nyaz: chases fleeing opponent into room 7
Kelgeah: casts
Hralyk: misses
wererat: misses
Talon: misses

Round 3:
Delkaneth:
Embyr: turns to strike at K'nyaz
Nayven: swings at Del
K'nyaz:
Kelgeah:
Hralyk:
Sasha: swings at Talon
Talon:

Embyr: attack K'nyaz with shortsword: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19
damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
sneak attack bonus: 1d6 ⇒ 1

The panicked, wounded young woman lunges at K'nyaz as he comes through the door to room 7, trying to catch him off-guard.

Nayven: attack Del with shortsword: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20
damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
sneak attack bonus: 1d6 ⇒ 3

The dice roller wants that 20 no matter what!
confirm crit?: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13 No confirm.

Sasha: shortsword vs Talon: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Hralyk finally moves to a flanking position with Talon, and swings once more at the were-creature. As the axe travels on its way to its target, his foot almost finds another piece of trash - this time, however, he keeps his footing.

Standard action: Attack (Silvered Greataxe, Flanking): 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 2 = 10
Attack (Silvered Greataxe, Flanking): 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 5 + 2 = 16
Damage (Silvered Greataxe, 2H): 1d12 + 6 - 1 ⇒ (11) + 6 - 1 = 16

Bah...where've all the good rolls gone?

Gritting his teeth as attack after attack misses, Delkaneth again tries to call on his luck as he defends himself against 2 attackers.

Attack (silvered axe, primary hand): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14 against wererat. Again.
Damage: 1d6 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (5) + 2 - 1 = 6
Attack (MW axe, off hand): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18 against Nayven. Also again.
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Apparently our fearless GM is hogging all the good rolls.

Del, Nayven is the tower girl who fled, so unless you chased after her, I'm assuming you're actually attacking Sasha, who just tried to take a chunk out of Talon.

"Del, we've got the rat! Focus on her!" Talon advises the other human, ignoring the glancing blow that skittered harmlessly across his scale armor. "Kel, back Kay up!" Considering the wizard had no armor, he was loathe to let him get off on his own like that without additional support. He figured the three of them could take care of the remaining two here - it was what might wait for them further in that worried him.

He slashed out once more with his short swords, really hating the cramped quarters at the moment.

Sword 1, Flanking: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 2 = 6

Sword 2, Flanking: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 + 2 = 11

The dice are being fickle it seems.