The Root of All Evil

Game Master Edward Sobel

The young man shrugs, content to follow the majority. "To the lizard village it is then. Although, someone like her wants this map THIS badly? Can't be good......"

Hope we haven't done something horrible. I don't trust that woman one bit. Miss Amelia. Would you be fine with us trying to help a tribe of innocent lizard folk before we get you home?

Amelia nods her approval. Peytro wanted to keep the Lizard folk in our good graces to protect the trade. We should help

With Amelia in tow, the group follows the trail back toward the Lizardfolk village. you pass by the dryad grove where you rescued Melina by stopping the poisoning of her tree.

Melina approaches the party, looking much better that when you last met her.

You intend to save the lizard folk? I have information.

behind her, by her tree you notice a gnoll severely beaten and bound by vines.

Felix smiles to see the dryad in better shape. Well, at least we got that taken care of. Good to see that you're feeling better

Tatsuo raises an eyebrow at the beaten gnoll, but otherwise says nothing. [b]"Any information you could give us would be most welcome."[/b

knock knock?

i think we're waiting for the promised information from Melina

Yeah I think we're decided on lizardfolk rescue attempt

That's what I was waiting for at least. :-P

After an awkwardly long pause, Tatsuo says, "So...were you planning on sharing this information?"

ohh, I though you guys may want to have a say or something. I still seem to not give enough info at times don't I

will get the info shortly

sorry busy weekend

Melina sttops down and starts to draw on the ground. She seems to make a rough layout of the Lizardfolk village.

The Gnolls have seized the village. most of the skilled warriors are dead and the elders were rounded up.

There is a holding pen for the Lizardfolk over here. here is guarded by at least three gnolls. there are two archers and then there is the leader.

Seems that there is some gnoll giant hybrid running things. Definitely smarter than the rest wields a big hammer. I heard that they need to take control of the beach then send a message for reinforcements to seize the whole island.

Tatsuo blinks. "Why would gnolls want to take over this island? Although with most of its inhabitants gone, it seems like not that difficult of a target." Shaking his head, he addresses Melina. "Any idea of when they plan to seize the beach? Of what they have to seize it from?"

He pauses to consider her answer before continuing. "We could possibly use their attack on the beach as a distraction to free the lizardfolk village and wipe out a few of their guards. But then we open ourselves up to a re-inforced attack afterwards if we don't act quickly enough. Either way, it'd be nice if we could pick them off a couple at a time."

@DM: What time of day is it currently?

Also, if the archers are in a tower, we could maybe try to take them out and at least set Felix up for sniping from there.

to answer some questions here... time of day is currently late afternoon. also the lizardfolk village was the only real opposition to taking control of the beach. also there are no towers for the archers that you recall from when you were last at the village, and there probably was not enough time to construct anything sufficient. Of course those types of defense projects may have started.

Melina imparts what she knows of the island, When the NeMoren's established their base here, it eventually became a hub for smuggling operations throughout the Shackles and is, or perhaps was, under the protection of the Pirate Council, in particular, the Master of Storms.

glancing toward Amelia, who would be happy to hear that his grand-daughter is alive and well.

anyway, controlling this island puts you in the center of most of the drug and slave trade in the Shackles. it may not look like much on the outside, but the reputation from past activities has solidified this island's importance, real, or imagined.

Amelia comes forward, With Peytro gone, I am the last heir to this island. Thus placing this island firmly in the holdings of my Grand father. That is why I was disposed of, Lissette wanted to take my place, but it didn't work. It would seem that Lisstette's superiors have chosen a more direct course of action.

The crazed undead lady had superiors Felix snorts. That's just great that is. I need a drink he takes a swig of his flask and offers it to the others.

In any case we free the lizard folk and get control of the island. Sounds like a good deal to me

"I was under the impression that we were denoted as heirs..."

"I would imagine with Amelia back in the picture, her claim is stronger."

Delkaneth thinks for a moment. "If there is a call going out for reinforcements, we need to try and stop them from sending it." He looks around the group, pointing from person to person. "Three guards in the village? Seems we should be able to take them out easily enough?"

"I was more referring to the statement of prior claim by her grandfather" when he comments on strategy Conner nods and says "yes,the ones going for reinforcements are our first target"

Melina offers her aid as well, I can keep any on the beach occupied or at least delay them enough. if you will accept my help. It the least I can do considering you helped me.

There is a trail from this clearing directly to the lizardfolk village which is only a short walk to the beach from there.

Tatsuo frowns, puzzled. "Wait, let me clarify something. Are there 3 guards total with two being archers and one the leader? Or are there at least 3 guards PLUS two archers and the part giant?"

there are 3 guards plus 2 archers plus the giant. Melina confirms the report.

If the lizardfolk are secure then I am sure at least two of the guards will make their way to the beach to signal for the reinforcements. But I don't know how they intend to do so.

Mickey continues to hang back and let other people make the decisions, perfectly happy to let them make choices and come up with plans to follow.

If Melina can hold up the guards then I say we do that and try to take the giant out as soon as we can. Then we can take care of the rest.

I think pretty much any plan will be fine.

Delkaneth nods his agreement. "Hopefully when the giant falls the others will lose heart."

"Maybe..." Tatsuo doesn't seem to share Del's optimism. But he shrugs, readying himself for battle. Maybe we can come up with a better trap once we see who's where in the village.

The group, confident in their battle plans, and with the dryad along with you, you follow the trail back toward the village. you can hear the gnolls in the village a few hundred yards before you actually reach the village.

Melina calls for the group to stop. she listens to what is being said.

they are sending two down to the beach now. some of the gnolls, it seems like, they want to eat some of the lizardfolk now. the leader is arguing that Daresh wants them alive.

I will head to the beach and stop the two from doing whatever it is they intend. good luck

and with that Melina disappears into the foliage.

OK groups are as follows:

Group 1 whole party except Mickey
Group 2 Gnolls
Group 3 Mickey

first the surprise round, the whole party can go now (including Mickey) you catch the gnolls by surprise. the party is not flat-footed this combat since you all get the jump on them.

remember in the surprise round you can only do a move or a standard (as well as a swift or immediate)

link to combat map, also in the campaign header

**ON WAY**

Felix takes a swig of his flask and prepares himself with a quick prayer to the Lucky Drunk.

**SURPRISE ROUND***

Felix moves to L4 to get almost into range to hit the giant

**ROUND ONE**

Felix steades his aim to get the giant into his sites (Musket range is now 50 feet) and shouts You're not eating anything today except bullets and blades you ugly bastard

As a swift action Felix activates Judgement of Destruction on the giant and fires.

Musket on Touch: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 161d12 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

And then reloads with an alchemical cartridge.

Surprise round
Tatsuo and Sora rush forward to engage the two creature on the other side of the fire.
Tatsuo to G11, Sora to F10

Round 1
Energy begins to crackle and flow down Tatsuo's arms until lightning rips through the air from his fingertips to strike the beasts in front of him.

Burning Hands -> Electricity
Reflex save DC 17 for half damage for guy in I12 and H13
Electricity: 3d4 + 4 ⇒ (3, 1, 1) + 4 = 9 +1 CL mage's tattoo, +1 elemental pupil, +3 bloodline

He then continues forward to throw a quick glance at the captured lizardfolk. Continuing to move to H16
Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16 Namely looking to see if they appear bound/restrained

Sora roars and she accompanies her companion to guard him, snapping at the nearest foe. Move to I15, attack H13 with reach
To Hit: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
B/P/S Dmg: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

reflex 1: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (19) + 0 = 19
reflex 2: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (4) + 0 = 4

Felix advances out of the brush the gnolls (including the leader are taken off guard. As the larger gnoll reaches for his huge earthbreaker hammer, Felix's shot strike true, slamming into the giant's shoulder.

he howls in pain as he commands his gnolls to attack.

the gnolls by the fire are rather slow to respond and the first one cannot even get a weapon drawn before electricity arcs through his body, as well as his buddy.

but the poor gnoll cannot even catch his breath before Sora rips into him leaving him on the ground ripped apart.

His buddy draws his weapon, his hands shaking hoping there are no more coming.

sorry for the delay
suprise round
Conner runs along the beach until he lines up with one of the gnolls.
round one
He then charges the furry beast slashing with his mighty blade.
to hit: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15
damage: 1d10 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

So sorry, wasnt getting notifications.......

As the party puts their plan into action, Delkaneth scans the battlefield for a likely target. While the gnolls are surprised he springs into action, drawing two handaxes as he makes his way toward the one who just lost his partner.

Move Action: 30' forward, draw weapons as free action during move. Location updated on grid.

Conner I had you move on the leader.

Catching the giant Gnoll off guard, Conner, in blinding speed is right up on the beast. but despite the sudden strike, the sword glances off the beasts armor.

Del, you now have your round action as well

Mickey advances closer to the larger Gnoll to back up Conner.

Mickey I moved you closer for your surprise round action. If you choose something else just post it. I can adjust.

Delkaneth decides press his advantage, hoping that his luck will hold and he can quickly drop the gnoll. With a wry grin he whips his wrists and sends both axes flying through the air at the remaining gnoll in front of him.

Swift Action: Activate Archaeologist Luck (3 used of 6), +2 on rolls
Full Round Action: Two Weapon Fighting to throw 2 axes
Primary Throw, PBS, TWF, Luck: 1d20 + 5 + 1 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 5 + 1 - 2 + 2 = 21
Axe Damage: 1d6 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 + 1 + 2 = 10
Off Hand Throw, PBS, TWF, Luck: 1d20 + 5 + 1 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 5 + 1 - 2 + 2 = 24
Axe Damage: 1d6 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 + 1 + 2 = 10

Both of Del's axes strike the gnoll, and he doesn't even get a chance to whimper before dropping to the ground.

I goofed on the leader's stats a bit ... does not change anything that already happened though

The gnoll leader uses the momentum of the dodge to swing his huge earth breaker hammer down on Conner.

earthbreaker attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14
damage: 3d6 + 7 ⇒ (5, 3, 4) + 7 = 19

But the attack falls just short of a real pounding.

of the two remaining regular gnolls standing, one advances toward Tat and hurls a javelin at Tat

javelin attack: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19
damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

The other goes to help his boss by moving up on Conner

spear attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

But the gnoll is just as unlucky as his boss.

soo Tat you take 7 damage

Mickey's turn.

Mickey goes for a couple blows on the big one.

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
1d6 + 3 + 1d4 ⇒ (3) + 3 + (2) = 8
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
1d6 + 3 + 1d4 ⇒ (3) + 3 + (3) = 9

D4s are bleed.

unfortunately Mickey, You cannot reach the big guy this round, unless you double move Conner is blocking any charge lane. I moved you 30' closer to the badguy. also remember he is size large and has reach.

rest of the party is up

To be clear, did the gnoll that attacked me move and then throw his weapon or throw his weapon and then move? Because if he moved first, he just provoked an AoO for Sora for making a ranged attack within her melee range.

Also, do the lizardfolk appear to be bound?

Have another one! Felix calls out and fires at the large leader lizard again and reloads.

Musket on touch: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 111d12 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

To be clear, did the gnoll that attacked me move and then throw his weapon or throw his weapon and then move? Because if he moved first, he just provoked an AoO for Sora for making a ranged attack within her melee range.

Also, do the lizardfolk appear to be bound?

lets see the gnoll has to realize Sora has reach first so I will give him a DC 12 Int check.

stupid check DC 12: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (6) - 1 = 5

nope, stupid gnoll, Sora get the attack!

the lizard folf are all tied up in in a fenced area.

Conner begins singing a song of victory and courage to inspire his fellows and himself to hit, fighting defensively: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10 but the time spent getting his swings to strike in the rhythm while keeping his guard up meant that his strike lacked much power and was easily deflected.

AoO: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
B/P/S: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Attack Sora: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Ray of Frost -> Electricity
Attack Ranged Touch: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 - 4 = 16
Electricity: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 +1 bloodline

With her lightning reflexes, Sora snaps out at the gnoll twice with a satisfying crunch. The gnoll screams as blood pours from the wound, distracted enough by the gaping hole in his side that he doesn't even have a chance to dodge the tiny zap of electricity that hits him in the head as Tatsuo smoothly moves to take cover behind his friend.

Sora: AoO, then attack.
Tatsuo: Ray of Electricity then 5ft step behind Sora

Sora tears into the gnoll, and the electrical blast fries the remains, the gnoll is dead.

Who's up?

Tat and Conner went so its the rest of the party then the gnolls.

except Mickey goes after the gnolls. sorry seems I forgot to poat that.

So Felix can take another shot? Did his previous blast hit the large one?

yes your last shot did hit (i accounted for that in the damage total. and looking back I see that you did go this round, so it is just Del left then the gnolls (well those that are still alive at least)

A quick scan of the battlefield tells Delkaneth where he needs to go. Drawing his last two axes as he runs he skirts the firepit to be in position against the remaining enemies.

double move, free draw while moving, position updated on map.

The leader shifts his position to take advantage of his reach. bringing his huge hammer town toward Del.

attack del: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19
and it hits with a solid thud
sorry but its gonna hurt: 3d6 + 7 ⇒ (6, 5, 5) + 7 = 23

unfortunately that shot drops Del, that puts you at -3 HP i believe

the remaining Gnoll simply laughs as his boss takes down one of the party.

attack Conner: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

The gnoll all excited by the success of his boss, manages to pierce Conner for 4 damage.

Mickey then the rest of the party, Del does not need to make the stabilize roll yet

Mickey runs up to the spot adjacent to the big one's top left corner, skirtng the small on to not provoke.

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8Takes a swing at the big one.
1d6 + 3 + 1d4 ⇒ (2) + 3 + (2) = 7

D4 is bleed.