The Strangler of the Shadow Moor (Inactive)

Game Master Terquem

Despite being prepared for any hostile approach, Marvin is still late with their response, held musket indecisively aiming at whichever of the creatures become nearest.

Initiative: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Round 1, init 20, HP 20/24

Cursing, Yildiri nocks another arrow and fires it towards the creature on the left.

Attk: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

Dmg: 1d6 ⇒ 6

Round 1…

As the strange sentries come lumbering down the corridor, Yildiri is quick to draw another arrow and fire. The creature seems unwilling or unable to dodge the incoming arrow and it strikes the body of the creature causing a spray of blue and gold sparks to leap out from the impact.

The monsters continue their advance and one of the creatures goes right on by Gwernach with no acknowledgement that the dwarf is even there Gwernach can take an AoO against the Yellow Sentry, AC 14 coming to a stop in front of Yildiri the thig spins its upper body causing one of its fat arms to come at her like a large club

Melee Attack, Yildiri: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

While the other monster, with an arrow sticking out of its body, attacks Gwernach

Melee Attack, Gwernach: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

The creatures have clumsy attacks, and the heroes easily avoid them

The heroes may attack, including Yildiri's round 2 attack

Sasithorn steps back and twists the omnipresent darkness into a long, lance-like bolt to strike the sentry attacking Yildiri!

Arrow of Dusk (ranged touch attack), melee penalty, vs sentry attacking Yildiri: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19
magic damage: 3d4 ⇒ (3, 4, 4) = 11

Amazed that the yellow sentry passed him by without a glance, Gwernach takes a passing swing at it with his axe however the creature's strange tactics have the dwarf momentarily perplexed. Rather than risk the same result versus the second sentry, Gwernach takes up a classic dwarven hauf defensive stance and makes a probing attack to assess the things capabilities.
AoO: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
Mirroring attack | Fighting defensively: 1d20 + 5 - 4 ⇒ (5) + 5 - 4 = 6

Defensive Fighting AC adjusted to 18 | 36/45 HP remain

Round 2, init 20, HP 20/24

Yildiri steps back out of distance, drops her bow to the ground, then draws her mace, striking once at the golem's limbs.

Attk: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Dmg: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

[]round 1, wrap up, round 2…[/i]

In the darkness, a shadowy shape leaps from Sasithorn’s hand and strikes the creature like machine in front of Yildiri. The dark, fluid like missile seems to tear away at the monster’s wooden hide, and as it does more blue and gold sparks flash in the darkness.

Gwernach is puzzled by the behavior of the sentry machines, and tries to strike as one rushes past him, but his blow is too slow, and as he realizes the other one is upon him, he twist and swings the opposite direction, only to feel his weapon glance off harmless as the monster raises a thick arm in defense.

With quick steps, Yildir switches to a better weapon for close in fighting but her mace swings through the air, missing the monster.

The creatures continue to press at the targets they are focused on

Melee Attack, vs Gwernach: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14
Melee Attack, vs Yildiri: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

The arms of the monsters seem to swing in slow motion, giving the heroes plenty of time to dodge out of the way as thick fist come close to them.

I’ll try to find out what Marvin is up to, meanwhile, it is second round party attack, and top of round three, Yildiri

Sasithorn once again sends his dark magic against the automaton....

I move however appropriate to stay just out of melee and with a clear line of sight; the figurines on your map don't appear to be where you say they are.

Arrow of Dusk (ranged touch attack), melee penalty, vs sentry attacking Yildiri: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21
magic damage: 3d4 ⇒ (1, 2, 3) = 6
Blessed be, critical threat!: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17
critical damage: 6d4 ⇒ (4, 2, 2, 4, 3, 2) = 17 + 6 = 23

The force of Sasithorn's black magic startles Gwernach, however he maintains his fighting tactic. Keeping his weapon in a guarded position the dwarf continues to look for an opening. To a sentry whose attack strategy appears to be circular...
Defensive Fighting Waraxe Att: 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 5 - 2 = 10
Damage: 1d10 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Round 3, Init 20, HP 20/24

Yildiri dodges the creature's clumsy blow and ripostes, aiming for a joint.

Attk: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

Dmg: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Round 2…

With a step to the side Sasithorn spots an opening in the frame of the sentry’s body and aims another magical attack there. The dark shadowy bolt passes into the interior of the machine and causes a violent shudder to rock the creature to its core.

Gwernach continues to block blows from the spinning sentry in front of him, looking for an weakness, but cannot seem to find one

Round 3…

Yildiri strikes at the other sentry as it seems to be shaking from Sasithorn’s magic and thrown off balance for a moment

While the spinning fists continue to assault both Yildiri and Gwernach

Melee Attack, vs Gwernach: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Melee Attack, vs Yildiri: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

Gwernach is struck, and the shuddering enemy in front of Yildiri seems to have sped up enough that the spinning fists are coming at here nore quickly

Critical?, vs Yildiri: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

But the young scout is quick to avoid multiple attacks...this time

Damage, Gwernach: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Damage, Yildiri: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Maybe Yildiri can keep a HP tracker in her data list?

Round 3

Having lost count, or perhaps it was because the sentry changed up its timing, the dwarf winces from the sentries wooden fist strike. Gwernach spins in an attempt to lessen the impact, but this too is mistimed and in completely the wrong direction. Undaunted, the stubborn dwarf renews his hauf defense muttering to himself as he takes it from the top, An bloke, pa-ray, shift...bah! no thas no right. Shift, bloke, pa-ray...
Dwarven Defensive War Axe Fighting Technique: 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 5 - 2 = 12

Defensive Fighting AC adjusted to 18 | 28/45 HP remain

Round 3, Init 20, HP 11/24

Bringing her shield up moments too late to avoid a numbing blow to the shoulder, Yildiri grunts with pain, then strikes back.

Attk: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

Dmg: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Marvin observes the strange enemies, putting their knowledge and faded familiarity with machinery on these sentries despite their strange materials.

Knowledge (engineering): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

They then jolt themselves into action, raising their weapon at the creature attacking Yildiri, taking precise aim at a weakness they scanned before firing, smoke rising off the barrel of their gun as they expend another of their limited ammunition.

Battered Musket (vs Touch AC): 1d20 + 8 + 1 - 2 - 4 ⇒ (17) + 8 + 1 - 2 - 4 = 20
Damage (B&P): 1d12 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 1 = 12

Modifiers are Deadly Aim, Point-Blank Shot, and firing into melee. Remaining bullets is 5, cartridges 6.

Round 3…

Satisfied with his efforts, Sasithorn moves a step to the side looking for another opportunity.

Marvin levels their musket, examining the structure of these strange contraptions and fires a shot. There is a flash of light and a deafening retort follows. The bullet strikes the machine below the arm and tears it apart, the top half still spinning falls to the ground as the bottom half emits a cloud of acrid smoke.

Gwernach struggles, unable to land a damaging blow, and when the enemy in front of Yildiri falls to Marvin’s shot, she flies across the room and strikes it on the arm.

Round 4…

Flanked by opponents the remaining sentry seems to have difficulty identifying the proper target, and its arms cycle back and forth
Who is attacked, 1-3 is Gwernach: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Suddenly swinging around at Gwernach the sentry attacks

Melee Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

But the attack comes too slow for Gwernach who easily avoids it.

One sentry is destroyed, one remains, round 4 is up

Round 4...

Sensing the sentry may be confused by his defensive strategy, Gwernach makes his move. Raising his war axe, he lets the sentry's attack pass harmlessly by then brings his blade down.
Might Axe Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Possible Damage: 1d10 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

SA War Axe Attack | 28/45 HP remain | No spells active

Wait, did I miss a round? I would have done something if I'd known I had a turn up. Please indicate when we have a turn.

Sasithorn attempts to impale the remaining sentry on the surrounding darkness.

Arrow of Dusk, melee penalty, vs remaining sentry: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
magic damage: 3d4 ⇒ (4, 4, 4) = 12

Round 4, Init 20, HP 11/24

Yildiri circles around the golem, lashing out at what she hopes is a vulnerable spot.

Attk: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

Dice: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Marvin puts away their musket following the successful shot and wields their dagger in one hand, ready to go into melee if the opportunity presents itself.

Round 4…

Yildiri takes a step around behind the monster and strikes it from behind, doing some damage to the frame which makes the unit lurch, spin and bring its weapons to bear toward her.

Melee Bash vs Yildiri: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

The blow strikes Yildiri, but she ignores the pain as she draws the thing's attention

Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

As the machine attacks, Sasithorn watches for an opportunity to launch another dark magic attack, but when his time comes he is just a moment too slow and the attack misses.

With the machine focused on the woman, Gwernach strikes it hard, while Marvin readies a dagger and prepares to step into the Melee

Round 5 is up

5-foot step straight up.

Arrow of Dusk, melee penalty, vs remaining sentry: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18
magic damage: 3d4 ⇒ (3, 1, 4) = 8

Darkness falls on the sentry...like a brick.

Round 5

Gwernach takes a tentative swing at the thing, decisively missing it.

War Axe Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

SA War Axe Attack | 28/45 HP remain | No spells active

Round 5, Init 20, HP 6/24

Yildiri hisses with pain as the golem's fist smashes into her ribs. She moves back out of range 5ft step and calls on her Goddess for aid in continuing the battle

Cure Light Wounds 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9 HP restored

Round 5…

Sasithorn continues to hurl the essence of the shadows at the creature, and another crack is opened in the side of the metallic body as Yildiri steps back summoning a wave of positive energy to wash over her bruises.
With one target retreating, the monster attacks Gwernach

Melee Attack vs Gwernach: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

The blow strikes the dwarf right in the face, bloodying his nose

Crit?: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

But luckily not breaking any bones

Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Mavin enters the fray. The number of enemies the mechanical menace is trying to keep track of seems to overload its senses, and it swings quickly in one direction, stops suddenly and then swings back the other way. The halting movement of its arms gives the android a n opportunity to attack with a dagger

Melee Dagger Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
the small blade finds a gap in the creatures shell and a dark yellow fluid begin seeping out onto the floor

Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3

Round 6 begins

Round 6

His eyes tearing up, Gwernach takes a step backward from the blow to his face but quickly recovers. Copying some of the sentinel's tactics, the dwarf spins angling the blade of his waraxe parallel to the ground as he goes and slamming it into the side of the thing.

War axe: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Axe damage: 1d10 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

SA War Axe Attack | 21/45 HP remain | No spells active

Please move me 1 square up from my present location.

Arrow of Dusk, melee penalty, vs remaining sentry: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10
magic damage: 3d4 ⇒ (3, 1, 4) = 8

While there's no shortage of darkness in this place to direct against these things, and the absence of light is precious little obstacle to Sasithorn, the presence of bulky warrior flesh is a bit more of a problem.

Round 6, Init 20, HP 13/24

Moving back into measure, Yildiri grits her teeth and strikes again, hoping to put the creature down.

Attk: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Dmg: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Marvin continues their assault, stabbing with their dagger once again at the creature.

Dagger: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
Damage (P): 1d4 ⇒ 3

Deep into the ancient Shadow Realm Temple on the southern rim of the great canyon in Kijzta, a small group of heroes searches for a mysterious artifact said to possess the power to destroy an entire world…

Round 6

Yildiri moves close to the machine once again, but perhaps her recent injuries plague her conscious as she doesn’t seem to swing her weapon close enough to hit it. Gwernach is still seeing double from a blow to the face and cannot connect a blow either. Sasithorn cannot get an arrow to strike as he is too cautious of the friends standing near the creature, but Marvin manages to pierce the creatures metal skin and a thin brown, oily liquid oozes from the puncture site.
The monster swings its arms around aiming for the copper skinned android

Melee Attack, r6 vs Marvin: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

But the creature seems to be overloaded by the number of enemies and cannot land a blow either

Yildiri attacks first in Round 7, then the monster will attack again against Marvin

Melee Attack, r7 vs Marvin: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

Everyone can post round 7 actions

Arrow of Dusk, melee penalty, vs remaining sentry: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
magic damage: 3d4 ⇒ (3, 1, 4) = 8

Sasithorn zaps the guardian again, only for its own wild swing to drive its mass well out of the way of his attack.

Round 7

With a bloodied nose and tearing eyes, the dwarf's luck feels as though it has changed. With his eyes still seeing double, Gwernach finds himself no longer able to focus on the spinning creature and his axe swings wildly missing the thing by a full foot.

War axe: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Possible Axe damage: 1d10 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

SA War Axe Attack | 21/45 HP remain | No spells active

Round 6, Init 20, HP 13/24

Cursing her ill fortune, Yildiri tries again

Attk: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Dmg: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Round 7…? What the…

The squat machine like creature continues to spin its arms at the heroes, They, for their part, do what they can to avoid getting smacked like Gwernach did, but no one can seem to land a blow as it seems the thing is speeding up. Maybe the damage done to it is throwing off its internal regulators.

Marvin tries another lunge with a long dagger

Marvin, Round 7: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 4 + 2 = 19
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1

Round 8 begins with Yildiri attacking first, followed by the sentry, if it survives, and then the rest of you

Round 7

Deciding his best tactic was his first, mainly trying not to get hit, Gwernach resumes his dwarven hauf defense. Raising his axe blade, the dwarf keeps the weapon at shoulder height, passing it in front of himself in an elliptical arch whenever the sentry appears to be throwing another punch his way.

Defensive War axing: 1d20 + 5 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 5 - 4 = 8
Possible Axe damage: 1d10 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

SA Defensive War Axe Manuever, adjusted AC 18 | 21/45 HP remain | No spells active

Arrow of Dusk, melee penalty, vs remaining sentry: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
magic damage: 3d4 ⇒ (2, 3, 4) = 9

"It's too bright in here, dammit...!"

Round 7, Init 20, HP 13/24

"By the white snarl!"

Attk: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Dmg: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Gwernach, Yildiri, and Marvin, continue to surround the machine looking for an opportunity to strike when it matters, while Sassithotn waits for a gap to appear and in the window that presents itself, he aims another missile of dark shadows.

Yildiri lands a solid blow, as Gwernach watches the machine rock away from his attack.

The machine runs on almost as if it will never tire, but blow after blow begin to take a heavy toll and finally the machine comes to a sudden stop. A long, slow, grinding sound comes from deep within the machine and it topples over where it stands.
The room is silent, save for a low sizzling sound which seems to come from both downed machines.

Gwernach watches the sentry for a moment, his war axed held at the ready in case the thing starts to twitch back to life. When it is clear the machine has spun its last the dwarf clears his nose of congealed blood then wipes his forehead with a rag. Looking tired the dwarf glances over at MARVIN, Ya're look'n a bit run down. Turning to the others the dwarf suggests, We should find'a place ta rest, sup' some rations an let tha android recharge...or someth'n.

Voting to rest/heal up a bit before pressing on. We've not covered a lot but Gwernach has dropped to below half. Anyone got some healing mojo?

Yildiri examines the dwarf's wounds, and frowns.

"I can ask the Goddess for aid", she says, then starts to chant.

"Boynuzlu taç, gümüş metresi
Büyük karadenizde göz, bize bak bakalım
Üzerimize bak ve acılarımızı yatıştır,
Güleryüzlü hanımefendi"

A pale, blue-white light issues from her hands, washing over the ranger.

Cure Moderate Wounds: 2d8 + 6 ⇒ (1, 8) + 6 = 15

Anyone else need owt?

As the blue-white light washes over the dwarf few vertebrae snap into alignment forcing Gwernach to wince and roll his shoulders. There is visible relief on the ranger's face, even the dried blood which had previously caked his beard seem to have been 'washed' away. Ahh! Tha hit tha spot lass! Ma ut-most grat-ti-tude to ya, taa!
Reaching into his pack, Gwernach retrieves a plain wooden box and miniature woolen sack containing bite sized hunks of dried salted meat. The walls of the box are incredibly thin. Strengthened by a lacquer and glue mixture, the box contains a small variety of biscuits. Opening both containers Gwernach offers, Any takers? before popping a wedge of meat into his mouth.
Gwernach rests for only long enough to relieve the growing void in his stomach before suggesting the group press on once more. Barring any resignations, the dwarf moves to the end of the sentry's corridor. Although he tries, the dwarf's attempts at being stealthy don't go as well as he'd hoped as his foot catches a piece of sentry sending the scrap sailing across the floor.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13
Stealth: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

Sasithorn gladly takes a biscuit or two.

Yildiri smiles her thanks and takes a biscuit. She examines the remains of the sentries briefly, then, after the rest of the party has recovered, joins the dwarf at the end of the corridor.

Marvin refuses the biscuit for now, shuttering their eyes during the short break, momentarily closing off most of their senses to process the events and dedicate everything to long-term memory as well as preparing for what lied ahead.

Marvin briefly examines the construction of the sentries before they press on to the corridor's end.

A well-earned rest is forthcoming, and the group gathers near the western corridor. There appears to be only one way in and one way out of this room, and the party splits into two groups of two, sitting back to back to keep an eye out for any more surprises.

A few rations are shared, and a few long drinks are taken. Gwernach receives the benefit of a healing spell, and before too long the group is back on their feet and ready to move on.

Approaching the northern corridor, Gwernach cautions the others with a gesture, and then peers around the corner where the corridor meets the room, to get a look at what lies ahead.

The passageway runs north, past what appear to be alcoves, large alcoves, on the east and west sides of the corridor. To discover what might lie beyond, the party will have to move past those alcoves.

Gwernach lets out a sigh, and leads the others forward.

Ten feet beyond the last set of alcoves, the party comes to a four way intersection. A peculiar and altogether unnatural shadow obscures the passages that go north and east from the intersection, starting some twenty feet away, while the passageway to the west (left) seems to be normal in all regards, and a curtain can be just made out on the north wall of the corridor going west about fifty feet away.

Yildiri peers north and east, looking worried.

"What's that?", she asks, pointing at the odd-looking shadows, the her eyes roll up in her head and she begins to hum in the back of her throat.

Using Detect alignment (evil)

Yildiri begins to concentrate on the shadowy space ahead of her, only to feel an overwhelming sense of impending doom flood the pit of her stomach and send her senses reeling.

Hey! I made a long post, then told everyone I would be absent for a while, and I have to say that the fact that only one character posted at all while I was gone – that the rest of you couldn’t even think of anything to ask each other, or even ask me while waiting for me to return, is a really bad sign that this game has run its course. I know I haven’t done the best job making it interesting for everyone, and I know the pace has been wicked slow, but three players posted absolutely nothing after I made my last post.

Yildiri shakes her head.

"I recommend we go west. I do not like what I sense in the other direction at all", she says with emphasis, then prepares to move off to the left.

Sasithorn shrugs.

"I will trust your judgment in that, then." He looks over his shoulder as he follows Yildiri. "But perhaps later?"

More than a little curious of what Yildiri sensed through her magic, with a nod of his head Gwernach indicates the north and eastern passages then quizzes the girl, What did ya sense down there? As Yildiri responds, the dwarf peers down each of the passages, hoping his own senses will pick up a clue or two.

Perception North and east passages: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24

Marvin acts as the rearguard, most of their attention directed towards behind them in case of any sudden attack or change in their surroundings. They continue to remain silent except for some occasional observations, processors shaken by the temple they're in.