Tyranny and Anarchy - Curse of the Crimson Throne (Inactive)

Game Master Corsario

Got the map up, but will take me a bit to get the description and action ready. Halloween duty calls.

"This place is dangerous! There is murder around every corner! This place... It's like it's... it's... I don't know: dead?" offers Corso, visibly out of his zone of comfort.

"I don't like it! Why are we here again?"

The narrow western passage leads to a narrow staircase descending. Continuing westward, the party finds itself in a strange cavern. Three wooden tables stand in the middle of this room, their surfaces stained red with bloodshed. To the east stands a ten-foot-wide hutch with wicker doors opening into a straw lined cage.

A lone humanoid figure, with pale blue skin, bulging white eyes, wild hair, and four-fingered hands stands over a corpse on the far north table. As you enter, the just placed a fourth stirge on the corpse.

The humanoid reacts to your presence with a shriek and jerks open the hutch and two more stirges buzz out filling the air looking for a meal.

Exsanguination Chamber- Round 1

24 Stirge 1
20 Stirge 2
20 Iozif
19 Corso
17 Derro
15 Arianna
10 Gyllan
1 Ulgrim

The stirges fly directly at the PC's before they can react, and try to attach their needle-sharp proboscis under the flesh of both Gyllan and Iozif. Both feel the beak enter their skin and the slow blood drain begin.

Each takes 1pt of CON dmg. Sorry no AoO's since the party was flat-footed on this attack. The stirges are now "attached" to their targets and as such have a 12 AC and a bonus to maintain the grapple. Must win a CMB or Escape Artist check to remove the bloodsucker.

Stirge 1, touch: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Stirge 2, touch: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19
10% disease-bearing, low: 1d100 ⇒ 64
10% disease-bearing, low: 1d100 ⇒ 11

Iozif and Corso up now for the party

Corso curses as they are surprised by the stirges. Do we actually know where were going?

He keeps this to himself though when he watches with horror his companions pierced, and instead tries to summon their courage: "Courage friends! Let's bleed those bloodsuckers dry!"

He then moves past his colleagues, drawing his sword, to engage the weird man at the back.

Inspire Courage

Exsanguination Chamber - Round 1 - continued

Corso begins inspiring his allies to great deeds as he rushes past them all and confronts the blue-skinned humanoid who is directing the blood-letting.

The man screams as Corso nears and begins quickly withdrawing calling out in a strange language at the top of his little lungs. He scampers back through the tunnels and down a side passage, disappearing from view.

Let me know if any of you speak Undercommon by chance. With the derro withdrawing, any of the heroes (except Corso) can post their Round 1 actions. Don't forget your Inspire Courage buffs.

Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Gyllan sees the strange figure on the far side of the room, but has no idea what it might be. He does know, however, that he wants to get the blood-sucking vermin that’s just pierced his flesh off as quickly as possible. Holding his sword with one hand, he grabs the stirge with the other and rips it free, tossing it away from him. He then darts after the blue-skinned thing.

Combat Maneuver to escape, Inspired: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 6 + 1 = 27

Exsanguination Chamber - round 1 - continued

Gyllan rips the irritating stirge from his flesh and hurls the thing to the floor, rushing off to catch the escaping man-thing.

Still need to hear from Arianna, Iozif, and Ulgrim this round.

Ulgrim draws two arrows from his quiver, and holding them up point blank to the strige drinking from Iosef, fires them into the blood-drinker. "Take that ye wee pointy mouthed bugger!"

Attacks (PBS, IC): 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 1 + 1 = 111d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 6 + 1 + 1 = 25
Damage (PBS, IC): 1d8 + 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 2 + 1 + 1 = 121d8 + 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 1 + 1 = 7

Arianna targets the recently discarded stirge with her slumber hex before pursuing the blue skinned creature.

Will DC 14

Exsanguination Chamber - Round 1 - concluded

Iozif tries to escape from the blood-sucking stirge. He knocks the vamipiric insect off, just as Ulgrim shoots it point blank, killing it.

Arianna targets the other fallen stirge with her slumber hex. The creture on the floor stops struggling to right itself, and drops into a deep sleep, giving it the helpless condition.

End Round 1

Iozif CMB to escape: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14
Stirge Will DC 14: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Exsanguination Chamber - Round 2

20 Stirge 2 (sleeping, helpless)
20 Iozif
19 Corso
17 Derro
15 Arianna
10 Gyllan
1 Ulgrim

Iozif skewers the helpless stirge with his longspear, killing it easily. The chamber still holds 4 more stirges but that are busily sucking the blood from the corpse on the table.

CdG x3: 3d8 + 21 ⇒ (2, 2, 5) + 21 = 30

Corso up next then the fleeing humanoid, then the rest of the party.

Is there a way to lock them up? If so, that's what Corso will do. If not, he signals the others to just keep going after Gyllan.

Exsanguination Chamber - Round 2 - continued

Corso starts gently picking the stirges from the quickly desiccating corpse. They are full, bloated, and rather sleepy and gladly nestle into their cage when he lowers them inside. The arcane duelist is able to nestle all four of the blood-suckers away without incident.

The derro rounds the corner out of sight.

Arianna, Gyllan, and Ulgrim if you want to give chase, otherwise we can drop out of rounds for now while you explore, make a plan, etc.

I'd like to give chase, hopefully get him before he tells the other Derro we're here and they all hide/buff up. Which corner did he go around?

I marked his path with an arrow. Have to get up there to see what's around the corner. Can you make it there with a double move?

I'd like to chase him also.

Gyllan hurries after the fleeing humanoid, running to the narrow cave the thing darted into.

Gyllan can get to the cave mouth in a single move action, I'd prefer to know what I'm seeing before finishing my action. I could attack or keep moving in. I assume it's a squeeze to get in there?

Ulgrim chases after the derro.

Moved myself sixty feet.

Delay

After he closes the cage, Corso starts after his companions.

Exsanguination Chamber - Round 2 - concluded

Arianna delays waiting to see what happens next. Gyllan charges after the escaping humanoid, rounding the corner into a larger chamber. He sees a pair of other derro here before the room grows dim and a cacophony of sound bursts in his ears.

Sonic Dmg: 1d8 ⇒ 5

Gyllan needs DC 15 Fort save or be stunned for one round by the sound. The darkness moves the room to dim light, so cretures without darkvision have a 20% miss chance (low is bad) whenever they attack in this room.

Ulgrom also dashes forward, but ends his move just at the passage where the derro escaped from.

End of Round 2

Exsanguination Chamber - Round 3

20 Iozif
19 Corso
17 Blue Derro
15 Arianna (delayed, may act anytime)
10 Gyllan (possible stunned?)
13 White Derro (used readied action).
12 Red Derro (used readied action)
1 Ulgrim

Iozif and Corso up for the good guys. Corso you may show your move and/or take an action. Remember the darkness (dim light) in play in the Derro room. Arianna, you are still on delay, and may jump in anytime (changing your initiative count...) Gyllan, don't forget the save above or be stunned.

Fort: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23 Save bonus includes Con damage from stirge bite. I have always hated stirges.

Gyllan moved forward to end the previous round. Assuming it's a squeeze, he'll move at half speed. If he doesn't have to squeeze, please move him 3 more squares toward the derro.

Gyllan shakes his head at the shockingly loud noise, but manages to keep moving forward.

Status: -1 Con, 28/33 hp (including Con damage)

Corso follows Gyllan, but stops short as it gets too dark for his own taste. Quickly, he summons four glowing spheres that pulsate softly around him and Gyllan.

Sorry for my absence. I had some travel planning I had to get done and kept putting this off. I'm still here. :)

Wincing in pain from the wound inflicted by the disgustingly large mosquito, Iozif glances up in time to see Gyllan and Ulgrim disappear around a corner. Cursing as a cacophonous noise shatters the ragged quiet post-battle. "Right, I intend to pursue our hasty companions. I don't know what that sound is, but I doubt it's anything to our benefit." Moving nimbly through the room, Iozif ducks and weaves around the corner where he'd seen Gyllan disappear.

Double move. I left my initial position in place.

Arianna moves up next to Ulgrim, tapping the dwarf on the shoulder with a bit of magical guidance.

The tunnel here is NOT a squeeze, so moved Gyllan forward. The grey box is the area of dim light (20% miss chance if attacking from there.)

Exsanguination Chamber - Round 3 - continued

After hearing the sonic blast, Iozif hurries after the urban ranger with Corso right behind. Corso, seeing the darkness ahead, casts Dancing Lights, bringing some illumination back to the area.

Blue Derro (they're all a little blue,I guess) moves to the west, then does a hand-jive at Gyllan trying to Daze the intruder.

Requires a DC 13 Will Save from Gyllan or be Dazed for one round.

Arianna casts Guidance on Ulgrim while advancing toward the sounds of struggle in the next chamber.

Action is down to Gyllan who requires the DC 13 Will Save above. Ulgrim can get ready, but the two remaining Derro act before him.

Will: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

Gyllan shrugs off the effects of the derro's spell and steps up to the closest foe, swinging his sword bravely through the air near it.

Greatsword, Power Attack: 1d20 + 7 - 1 ⇒ (3) + 7 - 1 = 9
Greatsword damage, Power Attack: 2d6 + 7 ⇒ (6, 4) + 7 = 17

[dice=Will]1d20+4

Gyllan shrugs off the effects of the derro's spell and steps up to the closest foe, swinging his sword bravely through the air near it.

[dice=Greatsword, Power Attack]1d20+7-1
[dice=Greatsword damage, Power Attack]2d6+7

I realize this is a miss, but don't forget to take your 20% miss chance for dim light when fighting in the affected area.

Exsanguination Chamber - Round 3 - continued

As Gyllan brushes aside the dazing spell, White Derro stabs at him with his short hooked spear (aklys). The attack is half-hearted as it is apparent the derro doesn't want to be that close to the large human. The derro then 5' steps to the south.

Red Derro turns his repeating crossbow on Gyllan, the metal bolt scratches the ranger, and while the wound is minor, the burning sensation at the site lets Gyllan know poison is at work.

Lots of saves for Gyllan, latest is DC 14 Fort save vs poison: 1d1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Red Crossbow: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
Bolt Dmg: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Just have Ulgrim left to close out the round.

Ulgrim advances into the chamber, and raises his bow. Seeing the Derro, he snaps off a shot at the one across from him.

Move on line.
Attack on White (PBS): 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 7 + 1 = 101d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 1 = 7

Exsanguination Chamber - Round 3 - concluded

Ulgrim's advancing shot flies wide of any derro.

End of Round 3

Forgot to post that the damage from the poison to Gyllan from failed Fort save above is 1d2 STR 1/rnd for 4 rounds. DC is 14 to stop the damage. Fun more ability score damage!

Gyllan STR dmg: 1d2 ⇒ 2

Exsanguination Chamber - Round 4

20 Iozif
19 Corso
17 Blue Derro
15 Arianna
10 Gyllan
13 White Derro
12 Red Derro
1 Ulgrim

Iozif and Corso are up for the heroes. Remember the outlined area is in dim lighting and attacks from there result in a 20% miss chance for those without dark or low-light vision even if the die roll is a hit.

Despite his misgivings about the low light, Iozif rushes in after his companions, rounding the final corner to bring the three derros into view. Wasting little time, the still feral Iozif stabs the nearest derro with his longspear.

Longspear attack with PA/IC: 1d20 + 8 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (14) + 8 + 1 - 1 = 22
Longspear damage with PA/IC: 1d8 + 7 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 7 + 1 + 3 = 12
Miss chance - low is bad: 1d100 ⇒ 35

Corso follows Gyllan, but stops short as it gets too dark for his own taste. Quickly, he summons four glowing spheres that pulsate softly around him and Gyllan.

Do my dancing lights change the dimness?

Surrounded by the glowing globes, Corso rushes now to stand with his companions: "This place is gloomy. Let's liven it some!" he shouts with a flashing smile, as he commands the globes to pulsate slowly and change colour, casting the cave in hues of red, blue and yellow.

It looks like Inspire Courage may not be up, in which case you should subtract one from my attack and damage. :)

Exsanguination Chamber - Round 4 - continued

Iozif rushes into the room despite the darkness, and seeing the derro, he stabs the nearest target (Red). The longspear skewers the derro, harming it, but not finishing it off.

Corso also comes into the room, his dancing lights illuminating the darkness and removing the miss chance (for now).

Corso, that's a move action to enter the room, and you already had dancing lights cast, I think. Any Standard Action this round?

Blue Derro sets of a Sound Burst in the chamber, right behind where Iozif stands. The sonic attack reverberates in the ears of Gyllan, Corso, Iozif and Ulgrim for mere 1 hp damage each.

Sonic Dmg Iozif: 1d8 ⇒ 1

Requires DC 15 Fort Save or be stunned for one round also from everyone but Arianna, who is up now, with Gyllan to follow.

Arianna moves into the chamber, reaching for a bit of sand and chanting in the direction of one of the blue skinned creatures.

Slumber Hex on White Derro. Will DC 14.

It took a double move on the map to get between Gyllan and Iozif. Let me know if I did it wrong.

Fortitude: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18

Fort: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

The shockingly loud sound causes Gyllan to drop his blade and cover his hears, leaving him unable to do anything else for the moment.

Status: -1 Con, 30/33 hp, stunned

Fort save (+2 vs Spells): 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 2 = 11

Ulgrim blinks once and stumbles as blood pours from his ruptured ear drums. What!? Can't... He seems to be momentarily stunned.

Exsanguination Chamber - Round 4 - concluded

Arianna sweeps into the better lit room now, and tosses a pinch of sand at White Derro, trying to send him off to dreamland, but the derro overcomes the hex, yawning once, but remaining in the struggle.

The sonic blast disorients Gyllan, who drops his weapon slamming his hands over his ears to make it stop.

White DC 14 Will: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

The ear-splitting noise from behind him shatters the calm intensity with which Iozif had been fighting. Releasing his spear to clap his hands to his ears, Iozif stumbles slightly as he looks about in a daze.

Fort save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Sorry got interrupted before I could finish yesterday;s post. Back to to it!

Exsanguination Chamber - Round 4 - concluded

Seeing the human ranger disarmed and dazed, White Derro leaps forward swinging its strange club at the man but somehow the blow isn't forceful enough to cause any real damage.

Red Derro also leaps forward at the stunned Iozif swiping at him while he's hurt by the sound blast.

Ulgrim also drops his bow and slams his hands over his ears, protecting himself from the ear-splitting sound.

End of Round 4

White aklys, stunned target: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
Red aklys, stunned target: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
Dmg to Iozif: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Exsanguinationn Chamber - Round 5

20 Iozif (stunned)
19 Corso
17 Blue Derro
15 Arianna
10 Gyllan (poisoned)
13 White Derro
12 Red Derro
1 Ulgrim

Iozif cries out in pain from the blow after the enormous sonic blast already stunned him. Weaponless, he rocks back and forth trying to regain his senses.

Corso up next. Arianna and Gyllan up after the Blue Derro has a shot. Gyllan - with poison working from the crossbow shot above, you have -2 STR dmg already. Go ahead and roll another DC 14 Fort save to take 1d2 more STR dmg, or stop dmg.

Damn! We're in no shape to fight, and everybody's losing their weapons and grabbing their ears! This is not the time for dancing! muses Corso as he slips between the Derros to rush the one at the back, his sword cackling with eldritch energy.

"Friends! I submit to you that we make short work of these... These blue dwarves! And be on our way! Now, no more dropping of weapons. The proper way is to hold them firm and plant them in your foe!" he shouts with a laughing tone, hoping to bolster their spirit.

Inspire Courage +1 round 8/11

Exsanguination Chamber - Round 5 - continued

Corso tries to rally his allies with a stirring speech that gives them each a morale boost.

Blue Derro stabs at the mouthy bard with is shortsword, but it weapon slips in its grip and the attack never amounts to much.

Blue Shortsword: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

Ariana and Gyllan up now, Gyllan still has that pesky save vs poison to deal with.

Fort vs poison: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15 Phew!

Gyllan takes a quick look at the greatsword by his feet and grunts in frustration, not wanting to stoop down to pick it up with the derro standing right by him. Slipping his mace off his belt, Gyllan raises it in a two-handed grip and swings it as hard as he can at the derro.

Light Mace, Power Attack: 1d20 + 6 - 1 ⇒ (17) + 6 - 1 = 22 vs White
Mace damage, Power Attack, Two-Handed: 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Status: -1 Con, -2 Str, 29/33 hp,

Arianna steps over, continuing to chant, this time lobbing a bit of sand in the direction of the Derro in front of Corso.

Will Save DC 14

Exsanguination Chamber - Round 5 - continued

Using two hands to wield a light weapon gives no advantage on damage; the Strength bonus applies as though the weapon were held in the wielder's primary hand only.

I will make the adjustment as if you are using it one-handed to damage. With STR dmg and PA, it's +4 to hit, and +4 on damage. Still a hit, but 9 dmg vs 12.

Gyllan's strong Constitution fights off any more effects of the poison, but he is slightly weakened by the exposure. Eschewing his dropped greatsword, the ranger lifts his light mace, slamming it down on the nearest Derro.

Ariana continues Slumber hexing the derro, aiming for Blue this time. the derro slumps yawning, but fights off the sleepy effect without further incident.

White Derro steps back and casts the now too familiar Sound Burst at the back of the chamber once again. The reverberating sonic attack effects Gyllan, Ulgrim, Iozif, and Arianna who each take 5 hp damage.

All the targets need a DC 15 Fort Save or be stunned once again. Aren't you glad that's the last one of those?

Red Derro gripping his wound tightly, 5's steps back from Iozif, and ends up attacking Corso from behind, clubbing him for 7 hp dmg.

Blue Will DC 14: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
Sound Burst Dmg: 1d8 ⇒ 5
Red Derro aklys, flanking: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 5 + 2 = 16
Dmg, sneak attack: 1d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + (3) = 7

Ulgrim up next to end the round, remember his bow is dropped from the stunned effect and he needs another DC 15 Fort save to not be stunned this round.