The Wolves' Den

Game Master dreamingdragon

Sorry ... by 9 level casters I mean casters whose spell lists go up to level 9. As opposed to bards and inquisitors and others who are less focused on casting. Not dumb, really. There are two other casters who didn't take them either. There are a lot of good skills and you can't take them all.

When the hounds are skinned and the bottles stowed, Kyra looks around the room, uncertainly.

"I don't know what to make of this place," she says, frowning at the alchemical apparatus. "Maybe we'll find answers further on. There's still the other fork here and the original passage that we came in on, where we heard the laughter coming from."

"I'd say check the other fork first."

Rufon says as he looks at Thrace's wounds and his.

What else can we expect here? I hope Etienne isn't right about different elements. I'd rather fight normal creatures all day long than this.

THat sounds like a good idea... let's take that other fork."

Sjora sounds sure of herself when she agrees with Rufon, though she has no more experience with these things than the others do really.

"Lead the way," Duraelo says. He's more hesitant than his companions, hoping that they won't come across any more of these elemental based creatures that Etienne was talking about earlier.

"Before we go, does anyone have a method of healing? Rufon, Thrace, and Isabeau could use some."

"I have a little bit of healing ability, but it is not my forte, and I cannot channel like a cleric."

Rufon, Thrace and Isabeau all show they are fine in their status bars, so it's hard to tell they could use some healing.

Right you are, I'll update it to our current status, btw Rufon and Thrace are at 8 hp each, Isebeau is at 2 I think.

"Me and Thrace can still take a punch, but my buddy here seems pretty tired from that last fight. Unless we run into those zombies again, we should be able to take a hit once more."

"So do you want to be healed now, or should I just be ready to heal you if you get hit again?"

It'd be nice if I were a cleric with channel and could get all 3 of you at once, but it seems kind of silly to use a CLW on Isabeau when she's only down 3 points and can easily stay out of combat by flying to the rear of any fight. I can do CLW on Rufon and Thrace now if you want - just let me know if you want to do it now or wait.

"Well my wounds of those zombies haven't completely healed yet, I could use a bit of healing for that. Then I could take the point again against new foes."

Rufon seems quite confident in his abilities as a meat shield for the rest.

"Alright then..." Sjora incants the necessary chant for Cure light wounds and reaches out, touching Rufon gently on the cheek.

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Oops. Should be updated now. I'm at 9/12, and Isabeau's at 2/5. I was mainly asking for Rufon's benefit, so we should be good to go.

Map

As you come around a sharp bend in the narrow passageway, the cavern opens up. This area seems to be a junkyard of some kind, as there are several enormous and messy piles of broken furniture, tools, glass, etc. As best you can tell from the broken remains, all of it is of a curious design that is unfamiliar and slightly unsettling.

The grey areas on the map are the piles of junk.

The floor here is bare of the white sand that has covered the rest of the cave so far, being bare brown stone of the same kind as the walls and cieling. There are no candles set in niches here either, so Kyra's torch provides the only light.

If there were other things you wanted to do before you moved over to here, feel free to do them. It seemed like we were ready to move on.

Question: Since I have Low-Light Vision, being a half-elf and all, do I notice anything else in the room, or does it not qualify as "low light" with just the torch providing light?

Duraelo peers around the room, unsure of what to make of all the junk surrounding them. Nothing seems to be organized in any way, shape, or form. "Not sure I want to meet whatever caused all this to happen," he says aloud, looking around to see if he can find anything of interest or use.

Perception roll:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

Etienne looks around as well - paying close attention to the junk piles for any potential threats.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25 Booya! :-)
Isabeau Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Rufon walks up into the room as well, followed by Thrace who sniffs around the room. Rufon tries to hear and look around as best as he can.

Rufon's Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Thrace's Scent: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

"Apparently something or someone wasn't too happy about the decoration." Rufon smirks.

Question: Since I have Low-Light Vision, being a half-elf and all, do I notice anything else in the room, or does it not qualify as "low light" with just the torch providing light?

Low Light Vision lets you see twice as far in dim light. A torch sheds normal light in a 20' radius and dim light for 20' beyond that. Well, technically it raises the local light by one step, so the darkness inside the cave becomes dim light. For you, the radiuses are doubled: 40' normal light and 40' dim light beyond that. You can see the back wall of the cave, while the others cannot. You still can't see around the corner. to the SW alcove, but the rest of the room is visible, though the back portion is shadowy and indistinct.

hmm: 1d20 ⇒ 9
hmm: 1d20 ⇒ 3
hmm: 1d20 ⇒ 18

"There's something flying this way!" Etienne points to the south before readying an arrow. Isabeau hops off his shoulder and lands on the ground behind him (where he'll provide soft cover).
Readied Action: fire an arrow once threat is revealed
To save time: Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12 +1 if within 30ft
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 5 +1 if within 30ft cold iron arrow
Knowledge(nature): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17 if applicable

Favored Enemy: human, but I doubt it applies here

Sjora readies her crossbow to fire at the first sight of whatever it is that is flying toward them.

readied action to fire

Rufon steps ahead from the group, so he is the first enemy the thing would meet.

"Let that thing come and it will feel our sting." He says as he braces his shield to take the first hit and his scimitar to cut once the thing shows itself.

Move action to move to 5 ft in front of everyone, standard action to ready an attack as soon the thing comes near me. Thrace will be at my right side, but not readying anything.

The thing that you see dropping down from the cieling is nothing natural. Black, leathery wings support a fat, short worm-like creature that seems to be little more than a circular mouth, ringed with teeth and too many writhing tails to count.

Etienne gets an arrow off but misses the creature.

Sjora's crossbow snaps and the bolt shoots straight into the wide open mouth, just as a huge cloud of inky blackness spews out. You can't see how the bolt affects the creature, but you hear a horrible screaming sound.

Darkness fills the room, stopping just shy of where you guys stand. J-19, I-20, H-21, G-22 and everything behind are in darkness, with all the normal effects.

Rufon - just FYI, you didn't get an action in the surprise round, but it doesn't make a great deal of difference in this case. If the darkness affects your action, feel free to repost.

Now Beginning Round 1: It goes last, so post as you will.

I knew that WD, should have mentioned it was my actions during the first round though.

Retcon
Rufon takes a stand where he is, focusing on his defense instead of waiting for a chance to strike. He gestures to Thrace to watch out and be ready for an attack.

He will stand where he is now, taking total defense instead of readying an action, he can't see in the darkness and is a little on edge now, hoping to draw an attack of the creature. Thrace will be ready to defend the others behind the two of them.

Etienne takes a 5ft step backwards to get farther away from the mysterious darkness and fires blindly at the last place he saw the creature.

Firing a cold iron arrow at M-24
Attack: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 1 = 8
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Miss Chance: 1d100 ⇒ 9

Isabeau will stay behind Etienne and go total defense (if allowed).

"WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT THING?" Duraelo shouts in fear. He's looking around, trying desperately to see into the darkness. He has never seen anything like...whatever it was that had just dropped down from the ceiling. Lights. We need lights. Lots of lights. If we can get rid of the darkness, this thing won't be so much of a threat. Please. Please let that be true.

To be safe, he launches a Ray of Frost towardschoosing a semi-random square hereI-22.

Attack: 1d20 ⇒ 3
Damage: 1d3 ⇒ 3
Miss Chance: 1d100 ⇒ 49

lol, if you can roll like that you can KEEP rolling for me, haha...

Sjora squints into the darkness, trying to see, and when she can't, focuses other senses, listening for the sound of wings or the feeling of disturbance in the air near her. She keeps her crossbow at the ready for the time being...

readied action to attack with the crossbow again if the creature makes its presence and location known again

@ Rufon: Cool. Just making sure.

For a tense moment, the darkness swirls and stretches inky tendrils towards you, and the sound of wings seems to come from everywhere. Then the creature emerges over the junkpile beside Thrace (G-21) and opens its mouth wide. There is a snap of bowstrings as Sjora and Kyra shoot, and this time, it is Kyra's arrow that finds the mark.

The beast opens its mouth wide and spews forth a different sort of darkness, not one that fills the air but one that seems to cover and corrupt the flesh.

Its writhing tails reach down for the tiger's legs, but Thrace ignores the touch.

Duraelo and Etienne take 2 pts damage each.
Isabeau, Kyra, Rufon, Thrace and Sjora take 5 pts each.

is it our actions now?

Etienne grimaces as the dark energy surges over him, then turns to check on Isabeau. He gasps in horror when he sees her unconscious figure. Picking her up, he moves farther away from the dark creature and cries out, "Can somebody heal her?!?"

Move: put up bow
Standard: pick up Isabeau
5ft step away from the monster

Isabeau Stabilization Roll: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20 Edit: looks like she's stable now

If the creature is close enough to attack in melee combat, Sjora drops her crossbow and extends a greatsword from her hands, moves close enough to take a swipe at the creature.

If the creature is still at too far a range to reach in one round, she fires her crossbow... either way:

to hit: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

to confirm crit with either weapon: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

damage if hits with greatsword: 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (5, 3) + 2 = 10

damage if hits with crossbow: 1d8 ⇒ 8

YEESH! That thing hits HARD!

Duraelo shouts in pain as the darkness hits him. He reflexively takes a few steps backing away from the creature moving to square F-17 and fires another Ray of Frost at the...THING.

Attack: 1d20 ⇒ 4
Damage: 1d3 ⇒ 3
Miss Chance: 1d100 ⇒ 100 Only include if needed, but since we can see the thing now, I'm not sure if it'll be needed.

Rufon bites his underlip a bit too hard as the dark wave washes over him. A little blood seeps from his mouth. He looks to be ok, but Thrace whimpers somewhat, he must be hurt pretty bad.

"You diabolical thing. DIE at my hands!!"

Rufon steps up to the thing and slices at him with his scimitar.

Move to H20 and attack
Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Scimitar Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Thrace seems wounded but angry and full attacks the thing in front of him.
Bite, Claw 1, Claw 2: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 51d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 151d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Rake attacks if both claws hit: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 151d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

Damage Bite, Claw 1, Claw 2: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 41d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 21d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Rake damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 41d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Sjora steps forward and slashes at the thing, almost knocking it to the floor, but it manages to stay aloft, and to evade the attacks of the others. Kyra launches another arrow at the thing, that is batted aside by one of the writhing tails. It flaps back into the darkness, a hideous wailing sound escaping its maw, and Sjora turns and shoves past the rest of you as she flees. It disappears into G-22

Etienne's face turn grimmer as Sjora flees. He gently places Isabeau in his backpack (leaving the top open so she won't suffocate). Then he takes a step forward, unlimbers his bow, and scans the darkness for the creature.

Move Action: place Isabeau in backpack (treating as "Sheathing a weapon"
5ft step forward - Bow drawn as free action with movement
Standard Action: Ready an attack when the creature reveals itself.

To save time
Attack: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 4 + 1 = 15
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 cold iron arrow

Be sure to remember that I have the Contagious Mettle trait, and that gives everyone adjacent me +1 to fear saves.

"Sjora! SJORA! Damn it, where are you going???" Duraelo sees her running away, briefly glimpsing a look of unnatural fear on her face. He focuses his attention back with the group, stepping forward to square G-18 and firing another Ray of Frost where the creature had disappeared.

Attack: 1d20 ⇒ 14
Damage: 1d3 ⇒ 2

Sjora continues to run, overtaken with fright... Knowing the way out, she runs back via the path already taken, hoping to free herself from this terrifying being.

sorry guys... bad time to blow a saving throw but what can ya do, eh?

Rufon looks surprised as Sjora runs away. What in the blazes?
Rufon blocks Thrace's approach as he wants to enter the dark cloud in front of them. Rufon shakes his head, "You have taken too much of a punch already my friend, stay back."

Rufon steps up to 5 ft from the edge of the darkness readying his scimitar for a slash when the creature shows itself as well as assuming a defensive posture again. Readying an attack when the creature gets near me again, Fighting Defensively for +2 Ac for a total of 19.

Great, that thing knows tactics, how I wish I could smell things as well as Thrace did.

@ Duraelo: Thanks for the head's up: I had forgotten, though in this case, a +1 wouldn't have helped. Next time I'll factor that in (assuming I remember).

Kyra draws an arrow and aims it towards the spot where the creature disappeared.

When it emerges from the darkness, it swoops towards Rufon, snapping its teeth to little effect, but deftly avoiding the attacks of the adventurers.

You guys are at bat again. Sjora, you have 3 more rounds of fear left. I'll just assume you flee, and then return at roughly the same pace.

Etienne growls as he fires another arrow at the beast.

Attack: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 4 + 1 = 14
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

It just occurred to me: is there a particular Knowledge to identify the creature? I'm assuming either Arcana or Planes, but really have no idea. I highly doubt Nature applies, but maybe one of our casters can figure something out

Rufon tries to swing at the creature, but misses it again. The thing seems to agile for him to hit.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Is it just me or do we roll pretty badly for the last few rounds?

Is it just me or do we roll pretty badly for the last few rounds?

Not just you.

Duraelo launches another Ray of Frost.

Attack: 1d20 ⇒ 10
Damage: 1d3 ⇒ 2

One other thing: my Bloodline Arcana says whenever I target a single creature with a spell, I gain an insight bounus equal to 1/2 (minimum +1) of that spell's level to AC and saving throws against spells and attacks made by said creature. Sorry for springing this on you so late. I REALLY need to make sure I got everything written and typed down properly.

@ Etienne: There is. It's not one that any of you have ranks in. I don't know if it's "legal" or not, but telling you which of the skills you don't have strikes me as a bit on the meta side.

@ Duraelo: Thanks for the heads up. It wouldn't have helped with Sjora, but I'll try to remember for next time. If there is a next time....

Kyra attacks: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
It attacks: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

They both miss. Back to you guys. Sorry for the short post, but I've got RL aggro.

Ok gang, time to do something a bit risky. Here we go...

@TWD: I know it wouldn't have helped Sjora, it only affects spells and attacks TO ME. Personally. Looking back I def. didn't make that clear.

Duraelo takes a deep breath, concentrating with this next spell. This creature has been a harassment long enough. "Alright, everyone, heads up!" He focuses on the freakish monster and casts a Sleep spell, centered on JUST BEHIND (as in, the square immediately behind) the creature.

It's an enchantment compulsion/mind-affecting spell, if that triggers anything against it.

Concentration Check (remove if not needed): 1d20 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 1 + 4 = 21

@GM: It's entirely GM fiat. I don't know of an official ruling on Knowledges. I don't mind either. I've been enjoying trying to identify the monsters based on the given description, since it's what our characters would be doing anyway. I have a guess for this guy, but the Channeling's throwing me off. :-)

Immediately before Duraelo's spell
Etienne fires again as the creature flies back out of the darkness.
Attack: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 1 = 6
EDIT: Fumble Confirmation: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 1 = 13
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

EDIT: So, what are the fumble rules for this campaign? Hopefully I didn't decapitate myself with an arrow. ;-)

Save vs Sleep: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

Duraelo's spell hits the thing like a cup of coffee.

@ Etienne: nothing brutal as far as fumbles go, unless you confirm with a 2nd 1. Your bowsstring snaps and you'll need two move or one full round action to tie it off again. Even in my harshest days, I reserved decapitation for slashing weapons.

Yeesh...a natural 20 to save? That...there is no way this is going to go well for me.

Please kill this thing guys. Like, asap. Seriously. I'm getting scared now.

Rufon attacks the critter again with his scimitar.
Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Sorry for the slow posting, had a busy weekend with little excess to the internet. Edit: Jay finally hit again.

Glad you posted, Rufon, I was getting ready to DMPC, but I doubt I'd have rolled as well. Or, that 20 would have been your roll. So... Anyway....[/dice]

Rufon's scimitar slashes down, striking the creature squarely in the middle of its length. The blade passes through and through, but halfway, the creature burst into a spray of vile smelling blackness that spatters you all.

[ooc]Duraelo, Isabeau and Thrace are sickened for one round.

The slimy black stuff quickly dissipates, and though Duraelo looks a little green and the animals both make retching sounds, there seem to be no further effects.

Sjora (I assume) returns after a few seconds have gone by, and the blackness dissipates in a short while. The room remains full of refuse and debris.

Sjora returns with a little sigh of dismay and shame. "I'm so sorry I ran... I was overcome with a sense of dread... to my utter embarassment. Please excuse my failing in helping you overcome this foe... but it seems you managed fine without me... I'm glad to see the threat is over... where is the body?" She looks around the room and finds no change really - not even a fallen foe...