The Reaping Stone (Cassomir) Table 2

Game Master Karmic Knight

"Ah c'n 'ave Boros work with ya, M'relda." Kirzon takes a step closer, then issues a command. "Boros! Guard me!" Boros retreats back to Kirzon's position and prepares to attack the first enemy that comes too close. Move action and readied attack.

In the meantime, Kirzon draws a vial of firely liquid, but has no immediate plans to throw it. 5-foot step, draw alchemist's fire, no standard action.

Nicias prepares one of his 'specials' while moving up to the end of the plank bridge where he has a better vantage.

"Him, step back five feet to the end of the plank bridge, that way you can cover against anyone trying to cross it and get behind you."

He lobs his bomb at the farthest creature

ranged touch attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

damage if hits: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

splash damage 5' radius= 6damage

Current Buffs
Lili: Good Luck Kiss : roll your next d20 roll twice take the most favorable result

Innis hisses at one of the grey assailants, her beautiful visage turning frightening for a moment.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21 To the creature directly east of Him

Lililinda points at the monster nearest Him, shouting "STOP right there!"
Casting Daze (DC 16)

Not sure I can do this - but everyone seems to think I can - since the init order is a bit up in the air and Nicias's advice makes a lot of sense given Boros pulling back. Up to GM Aumakua whether I can trade my previous 5ft in for an acrobatic move.

Irritably Him, performs a back flip landing in front of the bridge.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

That's fine Him.

Heeding Nicias' directions, Him backflips to the end of the plank after missing with a slash of his blade and lands beside Boros who has now taken up position beside Kirzon.

In the seconds that follow the tunnel is full of a dozen audible sounds as there the others begin to focus their efforts on the humanoid that had been in front of Him. The creature pays no attention to Lililinda's command, but you can see it hesitate slightly as Innis' hiss is heard over the rushing water. When finally Nicias' flask shatters on the creature's chest the flame spreads over a good portion of the creature's body causing it extreme pain. With a roar it defiantly charges the closest target, Him.

axe swing: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

While this is going on you now watch as the other creature crosses the bridge. It lumbers across carefully but with purpose as it reaches Him it too swings it ax.

axe swing: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Each creature lands a heavy blow with their axe on Him as he fails to dodge or parry either attack. As the blood sprays from Him onto the creatures' they let out a roar!

Him take 18 points of damage

Oops forgot to add. Everyone. Your Turn

Updated Map for Monster movement! Ouch, that's gotta hurt Him.

Face in a grimace, Merelda hisses at the creature still on the wooden bridge and that just struck Him, as she fires her hand crossbow finally!

"Eat this!"

Attack Hand Crossbow: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

Damage Hand Crossbow: 1d4 ⇒ 4

Reload as a move action!
And now that she can see these things:

Knowledge(arcana): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
Knowledge(religion): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Knowledge(dungeoneering): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20
Knowledge (planes): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Current Buffs
Him: +2 AC 1 round

Innis watches in frustration as the grey men unleash a devastating attack on Him'Wazir despite his preparation and swagger. She focuses her powers on his defense.

Perfect. Just what I was hoping for. 2 adversaries within 5'

Pulling out another special, Nicias lobs a bomb at the monster on the bridge

ranged touch attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

damage if hits: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Also 6 hp splash damage on anybody within 5' such as the other monster; Him and any other ally is excluded due to precise bombs.

Attempting to recognise opponent if Fey:

Knowledge, Arcana: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15

Anyone got knowledge (local)?

Boros's readied attack from last round triggers when the bad guy to the south comes near. Not sure if it hits, though, if you treat the guy as having cover.

Kirzon calls for the blessing of nature on his snake companion, and then backs up. Casting Guidance on Boros.

Boros attempts to take another bite out of the enemy near him.

Attack, Guidance: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 5 + 1 = 23; Damage: 1d3 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Grab: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13.

Boros then begins to slither towards Lili's position. Boros would like to 5-foot step to where Lili is standing, assuming she is willing to move to another square. The idea is to give Him a space to 5-foot-step into, while keeping Boros near the action.

*Edit* - Kirzon wonders if he recognizes these enemies.
Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

As far as the Pathfinder rules go, corners are cover, but I can't remember how much.

The heavy axe blow easily turns aside Him's attempted parry, much to his frustration, and the axe thumps home, soon followed by a second,

"Ehh, had nobody told you you were ugly before? They probably thought you knew... Because you are so ugly," he quips through gritted teeth, before rolling between the creature Nicias's hit's legs and popping up to slash a red line across it back!

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 9 + 1d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 9 + (6) + (4) = 23 Derring do!
Scimitar: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23 Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Corners provide +2 AC creature I missed that ready action so sorry Kirzon after Him did his backflip back I forgot to give Boros his attack. Instead of going completely back Him regain 10 hp. All other actions that followed will stay same

Nicias lobs another bomb at the remaining creature hitting it squarely on its head. The creature staggers long enough for Him to slice open the creature's stomach. You watch as the creature and it's eviscerated guts tumble into the water below.

End of Combat

Okay, revised plan. Boros wants to 5-foot step into the place Him was standing!

Thanks GM. Did my bolt hit?

Please note that if Him killed that baddie, he regain panache and will parry and reposte if the other attacks him.

Parry: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 8 + 2 = 29
Reposte: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 8 + 2 = 15 Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Yes Merelda your bolt did hit but the damage you and Nicias did still kept the creature alive. Him's attack was the killing blow. Regain your panache point Him.

Going forward when combat occurs if there are a set of you in the same initiative group. I will act in the order of who posted first (i.e. chronologically) to avoid this confusion. Thanks.

Kirzon don't forget Boros took 3 points of damage while moving through a threatened square.

As the sound of battle is replaced by the flowing sewer water you do not see anymore of the humanoids. Two lie dead on the walkway while the other has been pulled down the water channel. Looking down the eastern passage a dark passage stares back at you.

Could I be cheeky and ask for my panache point back, I don't think I would have spent it with only 1 and less damage, so killing it would have boosted me back to 2.

Him examines his axe wound with barred teeth, "A little healing would be appreciated, what were those strange blind creatures?"

"Let's search them see if there are any clues as to what they are doing down here, or anything valuable we can loot. Then I suggest we go in the direction they came from, unless the map says different."

How is Him? How much damage has he taken?

18/28, so not too bad. Boros's readied action negated one of the two hits.

Squinting at the frail human, Merelda purses her lips and answers the man's query.

"They are grimlocks. They are blind underground tribal dwellers that can sense our presence at a good range with
smell and sound somehow. I'm out of healing for the day, sorry. Next time Him, we may not be able to help you if you keep
charging ahead. Especially since our movement is severely limited here."

Him sure have it back.

"The creatures would have attacked someone, better me than anyone else. Far better for them to be attacking me than anybody else. I can fight well enough with a little wound anyway," Him says with a shrug,

He helps searches the nearest creature for valuables, before kicking its corpse into the water.

Muttering to herself grumpily, Merelda moves keeps to keep watch down the tunnel with her torch floating around her head and her crossbow already loaded.

"Its like arguing with a wall!"

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Him grins, "Why would you argue with a wall? That does not seem like a good use of your time."

Merelda raises her eyes to the tunnel ceiling for a moment and whispers heavily for everyone can hear.

"Goddess! Just let me shoot him in the gonads once! Just once? Give me a sign that it would be OK...I promise not to use the poisoned bolt!"

Innis approaches Him'Wazir and talks quietly as Merelda storms off to vent.
"You will have to forgive Sister Merelda, like you she has the Heart of a Warrior. If Merelda was tad more honest she might have told you that she would have swapped places with you in an instant. Alas those of us who are not sword dancers can only imagine the exhilaration you must feel.

We may have a long journey ahead of us and as an expert at battles not won by swords I say to you, earn her trust, and the rest of them as well and our enemies won't stand a chance."

Innis looks deeply into eye Him'Wazir's eyes, places a shimmering hand on his chest and mutters some words, healing his wounds. Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Buffs
Merelda +2 Skills, +2 ability checks

Innis laughs "You could shoot him Sister or you could make use of the headstart you've stolen for yourself before Him'Wazir realizes he's no longer at the fore. But I fear you cannot do both." She leaves Him'Wazir's side to join Merry

Him bows, "Much better, my thanks again to you and your Lady. In truth I can appreciate Merelda's position, but in this instance I did not agree with her conclusion. My brashness has been tempered even though I might appear to indulge it."

Kirzon feeds his remaining Goodberries to Boros, bringing the snake mostly to full health. Feeding last 2 goodberries to bring him to 12/13.

"We did pretty well fightin' if ya ask me. Him even backpedaled fer a change, and it worked well 'nough. Time ta keep goin'."

@GM...Nicias and Him both searched bodies. did they find anything of value on the Grimlocks? I will go ahead an get us back in line on the map to keep us going from here.

Merelda draws her rapier in her right hand again, moving the crossbow to her left, as she takes the lead of her group again and keeps moving on.

The grimlocks have no pouches or pockets to carry or hide anything there only item of wealth is the crude battle axe they wield and from the look of it, while sharp, it is nothing exquisite.

Got it! Moving on then when you are ready GM.

"Next time Him'Wazir, fight defensively. The rest of us can take out opponents at range, if you can hold them; you need only hold them then, not risk your life to kill them. We would miss you if you were dead, and you would be a liability unconscious. Do not risk your life needlessly."

That would be a poor strategy for a Swashbuckler, Parry relies on your attack roll so lowering it effectively lowers your defences, and makes it less likely you can hit with your reposte - lowering 3 attack rolls for AC is a bad idea. If the badguys roll well they will hit, generally you are better off killing them as quickly as possible IMO.

As far as I am concerned the ranged being superior advice was not applicable in this scenario; All they have to do is move round a corner and wait, if they could not have just caught several characters - which they probably could have, certainly could have if they were prepared to jump the channels which is an easy check.

"I appreciate your concern lad, but no. Combat does not work like that, and it is not my style," Him says, looking mildly irritated, "there is no not risking your life in combat."

"Let's not bicker among ourselves, please. We really don't have time for it, and we need to work together!" Lililinda pleads.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20

It is no big thing guys. Mereleda is frustrated with Him. I am not. He can play his character however he wants. Just as we can shout tactical help to him he can ignore. That's part of the game and the joys of role-playing!

Sorry had no time post today until now. My kid was sick so was taking care of them

With your party reassembled you continue traveling east down the tunnel passing by a few more overflow chambers. Doing a cursory inspection of each of these chambers yields nothing of interest.

You do finally come to a tunnel heading south which causes Kirzon to call for the group to halt. After a long deliberation Kirzon indicates that this passage should bisect with the passage indicated on the map by the cultists. At the thought of finding these cultists your pace seems to quicken and you forget about the feverish aches in your body caused by the disease.

As you travel south the walkway on the west side of the passage abruptly ends forcing you to march single file down the east side. You notice that about every hundred feet or so a side tunnel pops up on the west side. With no means to investigate them you keep to the walkway.

What is the single file marching order

That would be a poor strategy for a Swashbuckler, Parry relies on your attack roll so lowering it effectively lowers your defences, and makes it less likely you can hit with your reposte - lowering 3 attack rolls for AC is a bad idea. If the badguys roll well they will hit, generally you are better off killing them as quickly as possible IMO.

Sorry, I thought you were out of panache

Nicias shrugs

That order work folks? @Nicias only in the bit that got retconned, not that it matters :)

Him remains in the lead with Merelda, Boros, Kirzon, Nicias, Lililinda, and Innis behind.

Works for me. =)

You have been traveling for roughly half of an hour since turning down this southern tunnel when Kirzon immediately calls a halt to the party.

Current Buffs
Innis: +2 Skills and Ability checks

Innis coughs and realizes that she managed to fall behind the rest of the group perhaps the sickness is taking a greater toll than she thought.

Knowledge (dungeoneering/local/most others): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13.

Kirzon points out the approaching creature. "Psst. Look! Thar's some sorta slimy clawed creature comin' towards yer light, M'relda." Read spoiler for visual description. "Ah think we'd better kill it!

@GM Aumakua - How far is it from the party?

"Well if we have time to plan, perhaps I should get behind the creature? Or maybe the ranged attackers go shoot it now and retreat behind me?"

I think we need to wait on a map update or the next GM response before we decide who can do what...

Updated. Map should give you the information you need to know. Also the only person who can see the creature at the present moment is Kirzon since it is right at the edge of his dark vision range. Btw it is initiative...

ROUND 1
Initiative Order
1. Him, Merelda, Kirzon, Nicias, Lililinda, Innis (Current Turn)
2. DM
3. Boros

Merelda glances at Kirzon over her shoulder, a little exasperated.

"Kirzon? You just described three hundred and twelve different creatures from my mental lexicon. Could you be a bit more detailed?"

Merelda is holding her action until she sees something coming, then will attempt identification, then will fire her crossbow at whatever
it is once in her first range increment (which is 30ft I think for a Hand Crossbow)

Knowledge(arcana): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Knowledge(religion): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14
Knowledge(dungeoneering): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
Knowledge (planes): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

If she gets her crossbow shot off this round...

Attack Hand Crossbow: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
Damage Hand Crossbow: 1d4 ⇒ 1

"Ack, it's slime coverin' a skeleton, just kill it!" Kirzon calls for nature to guide Innis. Casting guidance on Innis. He draws his alchemist's fire yet again.