The Righteous Shall Rise...

Game Master verdigris

Serra's eyes affix on the holy symbols that the mongrelmen wear: that which was found before, to Baphomet. His face scrunches up as he comes up with a new plan.

"Yes, of course, Hosilla caused the failure. Someone must be made an example. Failure is failure," Serraling looks at the three guards. "Of course you all are loyal and not responsible, right? No, you, like me are good servants of Baphomet, right?" Serraling asks with dripping malice.

"Well, things haven't been so screwed up that we can't fix them. I know of a secret passage, where I just came from, that leads back to the mongrel weaklings. They do not know of it. We can strike again while they are weak and unsuspecting. You two, come with me and I shall show you the tunnel. You," Serra points at the last guard, "...you stay here. If I am not back in 10 minutes, get Uziel and some men to follow."

Serraling rubs his mighty hunchback again, a look of derision on his face.

"Any questions? Come along. I'll want to show you the path in case my duties take me back to the surface."

1d20 + 7 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 7 + 4 = 31 Bluff (evilness)

One of the two men immediately grabs his crossbow and readies to follow. The other, answers weakly, "Now? I, that is, what are supposed to do? Wouldn't it be better to uh, make a plan and and and..." but his voice trails off as his will gives way beneath Serra's evil bluster. Reluctantly, he grabs his crossbow, his hands shaking. " We're just going after the chief, right? The r-rest will uh be kept for c-cattle or something."

The third nods and takes his place, ready to send for more orders. "Yes, Sir... uh, who's orders should I tell them I'm relaying?" He ducks a little again, "They won't take orders from me."

Still trying to get the hang of setting on the back of a magnificent beast, Beagan pays attention as best he can to the actions around him. When Serra transforms, he is jostled by a snort from Xanthos.

"Ok. Time for protection."

Raising the Calistrian shield in one hand, his other hand strokes the holy symbol of Ragathiel quietly calls down the Big R's blessing to protect his steed.

When Serra uses his scale, Beagan casts Mage Armor on Xanthos. (Arcane Spell Failure - 15% from shield, low is bad)
Arcane Spell Failure: 1d100 ⇒ 50

Dark, shadowy flames briefly dance around the mount's exposed fur. The Gnome draws his sword, just in case, and waits in the back with the others.

GM_AA - How tall are the barricades and do they look difficult to climb?

" We're just going after the chief, right? The r-rest will uh be kept for c-cattle or something."

The third nods and takes his place, ready to send for more orders. "Yes, Sir... uh, who's orders should I tell them I'm relaying?" He ducks a little again, "They won't take orders from me."

Serra gives the two questioners a stern looking at.

"We're not going after the chief now. I'm going to show you the route. You got that? I may not be coming back this way and I need you to show the secret way to others."

Serraling turns to the staying guard.

"No orders. You have an alarm to sound for trouble? If I'm not back in 10 minutes, use it. You got that?" Serra gives him a look. "Do you know how to sound the alarm? Where is it? Show me." If there is one, Serra quickly marches back to see where it is, then continues down the path towards the party with his two suckers guards.

1d20 + 7 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 7 + 4 = 22 Bluff (evil)

The barricades are 4 foot high.

They both nod rather rapidly, completely cowed by Serra's overwhelming evilness.

I'll set up initiative in the morning.

Jurin watches as Serra works his magic.

"He talks so pretty. He got that from his mom. She was always so nice to everybody, no matter how dirty or poor. Always made sure they had room to stay at the inn, showed them where to sleep and put their belongings herself. Always nice to people, Serra's mom. Oh, here they come. I suppose we should hit them in the head now?"

please remind me who has darkvision/light sources, and what kind they are so I can get them set on the map again.

Serra and two of the sentries head back towards the group.

Cole has no lightsource and no darkvision (though I believe Grasker has a light source on him more or less all the time (light spell)).

Sense Motive: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (20) - 3 = 17

Figures I waste a crit on sense motive and not my attack!

Cole, uh, waits for Serra's signal. His plan is to attack the more aggressive guard, presumably in the surprise round.

Round 1, Init 18

Serra walks back, admiring his incongruous feet and the shifting weight of his mighty hunch. He continues to distract.

"Tell me," Serra starts in as they walk, "Tell me about your temple to Baphomet. When was it last painted in the blood of the weak and innocent?"

Serra drops his light as he walks, 'accidentally' of course. He picks it up.

"And you, quit looking for worried...are you worried because you are guilty of something? Failure, perhaps? Did you fail Hosilla in some way?"

Serra again 'accidentally' drops his lightstone. He picks it up.

1d20 + 7 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 7 + 4 = 22 Bluff (general evilness)

Pre-Initiative Information (Vision, Light and Sense Motive)
Xanthos the Holy Mount has darkvision.

A small dancing flame shines dimly from the symbol of Ragathiel's Red Wing and Sword that hands from Beagan's neck.

Beagan has Light cast on his holy symbol hung around his neck.
If/when he needs to try and remain unseen in the shadows, he slips it under his cloak. (E.g., if we are waiting within 40' of the barricades, I assume the flaming holy symbol would be tucked under his cloak, so as not to give the location away. Otherwise it would definitely be out.)

Beagan: Sense Motive: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (15) - 2 = 13
Xanthos: Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

Grasker has light on his shield. While the lumpy knight goes forth Grasker covers the light source with his cloak, so better to watch them.

sense motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

Elyanius lets his eyes take in as much as is possible through the flickers and concealed light sources. Eli has darkvision out to 30'

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

He whispers to the group as Serra and his light loom closer and closer. "Mongrelmen. We should subdue them. Bring them back to face justice at the hands of Chief Sull."

Beagan whispers back. "You are very wise, Eli. They are supposedly young and were members of the community until they were recently led astray."

Ioun Torch.

Sense Motive DC 15: 1d20 ⇒ 19

"Maybe. Hit that one first."

Jurin motions towards the more nervous of the guards.

(I can’t see Serra or the two guards on the map. I don’t know if that is intentional. If so, Cole waits until he can see them and see the rock drop naturally. This post assumes I can see them and see the rock drop.)

Round: surprise, Initiative: 18-

Cole sees the sign, draws his bow, and shoots at the more aggressive of the two with Serra.
Long Bow: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9 damage: 1d8 ⇒ 5 (+1 to hit and damage if they’re within 30’. -4 to hit from cover if there is not a clear shot)

Sigh. It's a miss in any event. Maybe they won't notice...hehehe

Serra the tiefling hunches past the opening, leading two mongrel men behind him. Cole sees a shot and takes it, but misses his target, but catches their attention.

Round surprise(all but the mongrel men go)

Grasker, Serra, and Jurin are up.

Cole Zeff: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Grasker: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (19) + 0 = 19
Serra Iondri Phaer: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
Jurin Kreedsön: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
MM1: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (14) + 0 = 14
MM2: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (14) + 0 = 14
MM3: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (13) + 0 = 13
Beagan Berelcar: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Elyanius Myoch: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (10) + 0 = 10

The lighting on the map should be correct now.

Round Surprise

Jurin moves past the others while drawing his sword.

"Happy Birthday!"

Round Surprise, Init 18

"What the heck was that?" Serra asks. "You guys check it out and I'll go get help."

Serra moves 40' back towards the barricade and draws his starknife.

"Hey you. You! C'mere. I think we got a joker over here," Serra says to the last remaining guard, commanding. "Unless it's *your* birthday and this is your joke?! IS IT!?"

1d20 + 7 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 7 + 4 = 24 Bluff - evil

Round 1, Init 14, 14, and 13

1d365 ⇒ 49

MM1:"What? I think it's Marl's birthday, but I swear, I didn't get him nothin'."

MM2:"Maybe Urziel did. You know how fond he is of Marl."

MM3: "Who m-m-me? It is, but uhm, I wasn't expecting anything, really." The third mongrel man rushes over to see what they got him for his birthday. on his initiative, of course

MM 1 and 2 hold their actions as they try to figure out who hired the birthday clown for the third.

Surprise Round, Init 10

Eli considers engaging with the two mongrelmen in conversation, now that they find themselves outnumbered, and somewhat distant from their barricades. Considering the potential danger in letting them react defensively, Eli brings his hammer down.

"Beagan, if you would be so kind as to move, I'd like not to hit you here."

Cold Iron Lucerne Hammer: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17 for 1d12 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15 subdual damage

If Beagan continues to be in the way, then the attack suffers -4 on its roll

I don't have my roll20 login right now. I'll delay Grasker until I get home.

Seeing Cole's arrow sail at the mongrelmen, Grasker will move forward in the moment of surprise.

Surprise Round - Initiative 11

Seeing Serra and two youths walk past, the conversation seems to indicate the young ones had been corrupted. Perhaps they are not too far gone to be save.

"You have been lied to and misled. Surrender now and you may have a chance for redemption."

Standard Action Intimidate: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 7 - 4 = 18

Hearing Eli prod him to move, Beagan spurs Xanthos and moves ahead with the intent to block any foes from retreating down the cavern and warning any others.

The steed trots ahead and turns to block the corridor, trying to ensure none of the mongrelmen who accompanied Serra can flee to warn any others.

Serra leads two of the guards past the hidden tunnel.

Surprise Round

Cole tries to take a shot as the guards follow Serra past the hidden tunnel entrance. Serra tells the guards to go check it out and that he'll "go get help."
Grasker, seeing that surprise has been lost, moves out into the tunnel. Jurin, not to be outdone, jumps out, yelling, "Happy Birthday."

Serra rolls with the turn of events, implying that it is in fact one of their birthdays and they're being completely frivolous. The mongrelmen remain dumbfounded and flat footed (no move in the surprise round).

Beagan follows the others, threatening the guards and offering them redemption all in one fells swoop.

Ely, with Beagan out of his way, smacks one of the guards upside the head, doing non lethal damage.

Began round 1

Cole, Grasker, Serra, are up.

Cole Zeff: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Grasker: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (19) + 0 = 19
Serra Iondri Phaer: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
Jurin Kreedsön: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
MM1: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (14) + 0 = 14
MM2: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (14) + 0 = 14
MM3: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (13) + 0 = 13
Beagan Berelcar: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Elyanius Myoch: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (10) + 0 = 10

Round: 1, Initiative: 18-

Cole, with an amazingly straight uncovered shot, tries again to hit his target this time with both his attacks.
Long Bow: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 3 + 1 = 15 (point blank) damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9 (point blank)
Long Bow: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 3 + 1 = 19 (point blank) damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 (point blank)

Round 1, Init 18

"Birthday?! Who's birthday?" Serra says, trying to get the third guard to come closer.

1d20 + 7 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 7 + 4 = 18 Bluff - super evil (because everyone knows birthdays are evil, reminding people of their mortality and failings in life)

Serra draws his starknife and moves 20' back towards the barricades.

Round 1

Grasker will step forward 5 feet & attack the person we are focusing on.

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 81d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

"Yeah, happy birthday from Neathhome!"

Round 1 so far...

Cole's arrow strike's the one Ely hit with the hammer, dropping him to the ground. Without another target (unless he shoots the shinies), Cole keeps his arrow. Serra tries vainly to keep the other mongrelmen from noticing. Grasker jumps out, with a greeting from Neattholm!

mongrelman 2 is down, Jurin is up!

Round 1

Jurin moves past Grasker and the fallen, running at the other stranger.

"Don't spoil the cake!"

мировник: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
мировник Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

He is, however, so busy being cheerful he fails to blow out the candles.

Round 1

Jurin rushes at the other stranger, but fails to blow out the man's fire.

The mongrel returns the favor, swinging to bash in Jurin's head, but also missing.

Mongrelman 3 yells for aid and stands wide eyed, gripping his club as he sees the knights barreling (or huffing and puffing) towards him.

readied action to attack anyone coming towards the barricade.

Beagan, Xanthos, and Ely

Round 1: Initiative 11

His words seemed to have no effect, and a feeling of revulsion runs through him as the encounter has erupts into combat. ”No! Don’t resist!” As the swordplay continues, he tries to regain his resolve. Seeing Serra head down the corridor, Beagan spurs Xanthos down towards the barricades. When the mongrel youth behind the barricade is spotted, the Gnome and the steed lurch forward to try and prevent this one from warning any others, the steed redoubling its stride forward before attempting to leap over the obstacle.

GM AA confirms there is just enough movement for Xanthos to leap past the barricades. Xanthos attempts to jump over the barricades - DC 16 for a 4’ high jump, DC 10 for 10’ long jump. Beagan DC 15 Ride to stay in saddle.

Having just recently failed to get these youths to surrender, Beagan's body shakes in fear and disappointment of how he failed his God. His knees shake and shiver, loosening his grip on the back of the leaping canis bonalagus.

Xanthos Jump: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26 Beagan Ride: 1d20 - 1 - 2 ⇒ (19) - 1 - 2 = 16

The rabbit-eared canine easily leaps the barricades, opening himself to any readied and opportunistic attacks of the guard, the Gnome’s little form jostled and bounced but remaining on the mount’s back. Gasping from the thrilling leap, Beagan’s confidence returns. ”One last chance, young one! Surrender to the wisdom of your elders or face the consequences!”

Assuming Xanthos and Beagan don’t fall from readied and/or AOOed attacks, Beagan swings. Otherwise he'll attempt to soft fall and stand.

The guard's readied strike solidly connects, dealing a significant blow to the Gnome, yet the Paladin calls upon his God to shake the first strike off.

Beagan swings, attempting to subdue rather than kill the guard. (Bastard Sword(non-lethal): 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 3 - 4 = 91d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7) The strike misses, but the Gnome hopes his steed and his blade are enough to prevent the hostile guard from getting help.

Round 1, Init 10

Eli cringes as Cole's arrow strikes down the mongrelman. "Easy now. Let's see if we can best them without needing to bury them." He sets aside his hammer, and kneels over the bleeding body.

Heal: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

Eli calls out to the other mongrelmen. "Birthday party or not, this should be cause for celebration, you who are misled. You have a chance to redeem yourselves to those you betrayed. Drop your weapons, and not only will you not be harmed, but we will speak on your behalf once you are returned."

The mongrelman takes advantage of the gnome's precarious predicament and swings at the paladin as his steed clears the barricade.

aoo on Xanthos: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 221d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

total damage to Began, 17 points.

"Surely Baphomet has delivered you to us that we might dance in your ruin, little gnome!" The mongrelman growls out, ready to battle to the death for his lord.

Begin Round 2, Cole, Grasker, and Serra are up

Cole Zeff: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Grasker: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (19) + 0 = 19
Serra Iondri Phaer: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
Jurin Kreedsön: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
MM1: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (14) + 0 = 14
MM2: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (14) + 0 = 14
MM3: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (13) + 0 = 13
Beagan Berelcar: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Elyanius Myoch: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (10) + 0 = 10

Round: 2, Initiative: 18-

I cannot see roll20.net today, so I’ll post a ‘hopeful’ post rather than wait.

Cole moves into the chamber so he can get a shot at the last guard and he takes that shot missing wildly.
Long Bow: 1d20 + 5 - 4 ⇒ (5) + 5 - 4 = 6 (cover) damage: 1d8 ⇒ 7

If I cannot get to a clear shot Cole will double move into position (30’ move).

Round 2, Init 18

Serra double moves towards the barricade, his bellied girth counterbalanced by the mightiness of his hunchback. His two incongruous feet make mockery of nature as he tromps to help Sir Beagan.

Cole moves into the tunnel, but misses his shot. Serra rushes down the passage in his Tiefling suit, trying to catch up with Sir Beagan.

Grasker and Jurin are up, then the good guys ;)

Round 2
Grasker steps over the defeated monsterman, and past the disguised knight.Believe a double move

"Leave that tiny knight alone! You should be angry at this lumpy one here that fooled you so easily!"

Grasker readies his shield and sword, commenting to Serra "Don't worry, they will have to get through me to strike you."

He called me 'Knight'!

Serra experiences an unexpected giddy rush of pleasure while trying to keep up.

Round 2

Jurin continues his metaphor cutting.

мировник: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
мировник Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Grasker readies his sword and shield, ready to protect Serra from the evil mongrelman. Jurin tries another slice, but continues to miss the cake.

The mongrelman near Jurin tries to return the favor, swinging his club at the odd man and he too, misses the cake.

MM 1 club: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 51d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Far down the passage, the third mongrel man continues to yell for help as he tries to knock the little knight off his steed.

MM 3: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 231d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Round 2. Init 11

"You will not escape, fiend!"

Just as he's about to spur Xanthos to ravage the evil one, the youth's club slams him off of the mount, his form smashing onto the ground.

"Ok, maybe... ". Feeble words mutter As consciousness flees the Gnome. Xanthos disappears in a puff of sparkling flame, leaving only a whisp of smoke behind.

The mongrelman slams his club into the Paladin, knocking him unconscious. Xanthos, not to be left behind, exits in a puff of smoke to catch up with the little Paladin's soul, wherever it may be bound.

The mongrelman laughs loud and long, waving his club at Grasker and Serra. "Come on then! Let's see how you hold up to the might of Baphomet's chosen on his birthday!!!!"

Ely is up, then Cole, Grasker and Serra at the top of Round 3

Round 2
Elyanius Myoch:10

Round 3
Cole Zeff:20
Grasker:19
Serra Iondri Phaer:18
Jurin Kreedsön:15
MM1:14
MM2:14
MM3:13
Beagan Berelcar:11

Round 4, Init 18

Serra clomps behind Grasker, this incongruous feet and mighty hunch pacing after the human.

When he sees, MM3, he smiles.

"We got them on the run! Did you see that gnome come by here?! Oh good, you got him!" Serra says, seeing Beagan's body. "Help me get this one too!" Serra says, pointing to Grasker, whom he is clearly chasing. "Don't worry, I got your back!" Might provoke based on what MM3 believes.

1d20 + 7 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 7 + 4 = 22 Bluff - evil

Serra will run behind MM3 and help him with his back. Namely, sticking his starknife in MM's back with Grasker's flank.

1d20 + 3 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 1 + 2 = 11 to hit; (flank)
1d4 + 3 + 0d6 ⇒ (2) + 3 + (-) = 5 damage; (stab)

Round 2, Init 10

Eli reaches for his hammer, sure that the bleeding has stopped. He steps over the mongrelman's fallen form, and swings over Jurin's head, hoping to quiet the rear attack. "Sorry, sorry. We really should stop fighting in tunnels."

Cold Iron Lucerne Hammer: 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (14) + 3 - 4 = 13 for 1d12 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11 subdual damage

Round: 3, Initiative: 18-

Cole is unhappy as Beagan falls to the ground. He takes his shots on the mongrel that felled him.
Long Bow: 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (14) + 3 - 4 = 13 (cover) damage: 1d8 ⇒ 1
Long Bow: 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 3 - 4 = 15 (cover) damage: 1d8 ⇒ 3

Grasker will thread his way through the barricades, standing guard over the fallen knight.

Guessing this is difficult terrain to go through & so no five foot step. Here is an acrobatics roll vs CMD to avoid provoking from MM3:

acrobatics vs AoO: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (3) - 3 = 0

"So you demon worshipers can beat up a tiny little gnome on a rabbit. How about fighting someone medium sized?"

attack with flank: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 5 + 2 = 151d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Ely smacks the remaining mongrelman near the secret passageway, rattling his head, but not knocking him down.

Cole sees the little knight fall and takes aim on his attacker. Even from so far away, his aim proves true. Both arrows strike the evil mongrelman, but the cultist remains undeterred.

Grasker also comes to the little guy's aid, provoking an attack from the mongrelman for his troubles.

aoo on Grasker: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 231d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Grasker attacks the villain where he stands. Though severely wounded, mongrelman 3 seems in no hurry to die. He grins as he sees "help" coming waddling barreling down the passage to his aid, but is shocked when the Tiefling nearly stabs him instead of Grasker!

"Careful! That almost got me!"

sense motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

Jurin, then the good guys, then Ely one more time