Tyrian Conspiracy (Inactive)

Game Master Cronax

I haven't seen an individual total on funds yet. Once we get that I expect to be making some basic purchases.

One night, in the inn you have made a temporary home, your are greeted. “Hello there.” A sweet female voice beckons you to turn your head in its direction. Standing only a few feet away and studying you from top to toe is a slender, attractive, red-haired woman dressed in a traveler’s outfit. She smiles as her eyes meet yours and says softly “You look like a band of experienced mercenaries.” The woman takes a step towards you. “Are you? Because I am in need of hiring someone who can watch something for me. Interested?” It is clear she has no romantic interests in you, but knows how to get your attention. “I will pay you well," she adds.

Chumani: Conservatively, you have 560 ceramic each to spend.

Intrigued by the woman's offer Gideon ponders the offer for a moment, turning to his allies, checking their responses.

"Sounds reasonable to me, though I will reserve the right to end my work should I desire."

Daishata appraises the woman, listening politely to her offer,

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23

before turning to her own comrades also.

"We have few options so far in this town, and the promise of coin and perhaps, the security of a patron is appealing.This may just be a test of our reliability and more work may follow if we acquit ourselves admirably."

Dai looks over at their prospective employer again, musing further.

"I am slightly concerned that on the one hand she seeks mercenaries, who are adept at… killing and battle, yet she would like us to watch or protect something. I get the feeling we will be just as much watched as that which we ward."

OK, so I bought the lamellar horn armor pieces, a composite longbow, 40 arrows, and a masterwork gouge. Say I gave my lovingly crafted ex-spade to a cultural museum or similar - Wasteland Art.

442 cp spent. How much is a potion fruit of CLW?

Neglected the splash bow as it weighs 60 freaking lbs!!!

Chumani nods his agreement to Dai's question but doesn't say anything.

He instead focuses on checking to see if the woman has anyone with her.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

“There is a House Vordon caravan bound for Urik, then making a loop around to Tyr, leaving the morning after tomorrow. I want you to hire on as guards and keep an extra sharp lookout for anything suspicious. Keep a watchful eye on the caravan master and anyone he talks to during the trip. While you certainly could jump wagon halfway through, your duties for my purposes (and purse) are not over until the caravan has returned to Tyr.” The woman gazes past you, as if she noticed someone in the crowd behind you. Still gazing past you, she continues. “Don’t turn around. Someone is watching. Listen. Upon your arrival back in Tyr, behave as normal guards do - go to celebrate a safe return at the Wayward Trader tavern in the Artisan’s District. Who knows who might show up there?” She smiles and brushes your hand, leaving a small item in your palm. “Don’t forget to tip the barmaid” she says and blinks with one eye, before turning to leave. By Ral, it’s a gold coin! Surely she can’t have been serious about that being a tip. It does make you wonder, though, how much she intends to pay you for your services. Perhaps you have struck iron today?

Sense Motive Results
The woman appears to be on the level. While she isn’t forthcoming about the reason she wants the caravan master watched, you don’t get any impression that this is anything like a set up.

Perception Results
She appears to be a alone.

Chumani glances over at the coin in Dai's hand and blinks a few times not sure if he's seeing things.

"Looks like we have work. I think it will be a bit more involved than she indicated, but can't be much worse that the slave pits. Can it?"

'Yes indeed. "Work". We trade our own agency for the security of food and water, and the ardent likelihood of attack. Still, it could be worse in the Wastellands, and I have yet to see Tyr...Let us find the House Vordon headquarters…no sense in being late tomorrow. If anyone wishes to start spending the gold, speak up."

Sorry - how much ceramic is gold worth?

The Map

Your make your way to the House Vordon compound. As you have come to find the past few days, Altaruk is a labyrinthine maze of adjoining buildings connected by twisting streets and alleys.

A passage between two of those bustling streets is surprisingly quiet. Apparently not many people traverse this way; not even a single beggar is within sight. A small lizard scurries away from a pile of trash as you approach. You suddenly become aware that you are not alone in the passage any longer. Ahead of you, three rough-looking men with clubs block the far end of the passage. Glancing back from whence you came, you see that three more men armed with clubs are approaching from the rear. You suspect these guys aren’t here to give you a friendly welcome to the neighborhood.

Initiative DC is 10 (Equal or beat it and you can act now)
The buildings on either side are 20 feet high and require a DC 15 climb check to scale.
Enemies
Thugs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6 (AC 10, CMD 15) Flat Footed

1 gold piece = 100 ceramic, all loot and equipment is being tracked here. As I mentioned before, if you would like edit access to this file, just private message me an email address.

Dai sees the thugs approach, and notices the thugs behind.

Initiative: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

Swift Action: Judgment - Protection +1 Sacred Bonus to AC*.

Standard Action: Cast true strike.

Move Action: Move to H6 alongside Rennoc.

*AC now 23/T:13/FF:21

Init1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

Rennoc calmly examines the thugs and brings up his Blue Lens and taps it... A ray of lightning shoots forth to take out the one who looks in charge.

Standard:(scorching ray lighting style)attack1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15, damage4d6 ⇒ (6, 1, 4, 4) = 15

Move: Intimidate(make em flee or surrender)1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25

As the ray impacts with the thug Rennoc speaks in a voice which would remind one of a disappointed parent...

You would do well to flee young idiots, like children you are easily swatted aside... Fortunately for you I am a busy man with many things to do, yet I grow impatient. Tax my patience any further and I will see how well your bones will stand up against acid...

Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

Seeing that Dai & Rennoc have one end of the alley taken care of Chumani moves to deal with the other end.

Move Action: Move to B6, drawing Mace as he goes.
Attack #1: Power Attack: 1d20 + 7 - 1 ⇒ (6) + 7 - 1 = 12
Damage: Damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

As the mace impacts the front thug he follows Rennonc's lead and try's to make them reconsider their choice as he bellows at them, "LEAVE NOW!"

A narrow alleyway... six poorly armored thugs. My money's on a rooftop-drop ambush....

initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

The enemies being slow to react Gideon draws his new bow, and takes a quick shot at thug #2

attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
sneak attack: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 2) = 7

10 damage total

5ft step to g5

The Map

The lead tough’s eyes go wide as the bolt strikes him in the chest. “Get the defiler!” he roars and they all charge in, screaming. At the north end of the alley, the leader grits his teeth under the blow, but takes it fairly well. With a little footwork, they surround the big man and try to start pummelling him into submission.

Thugs all rage. 1-3 take 5’ steps and attack, 4-6 charge.
Attack Rennoc: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
Attack Rennoc: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Attack Chumani: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Attack Chumani: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
Attack Chumani: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Attack Daishata: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Rennoc takes 15 damage. The rest miss
Enemies
Thug 1 (AC 8, CMD 15) 12 damage
Thug 2 (AC 8, CMD 15) 10 damage
Thug 3 (AC 8, CMD 15)
Thug 4 (AC 6, CMD 13) 17 damage, bloodied
Thug 5 (AC 6, CMD 13)
Thug 6 (AC 6, CMD 13)

FYI: Using Intimidate to demoralize is a standard action.
I've included the missing Intense Spells damage (now +2).
Also, like any 1-handed weapon, you can wield a heavy mace in 2 hands.

wasn't going for demoralize, was going for intimidate to simply make em leave.

Rennoc will put himself behind the nearest ally and cast Mage Armor...

I can't get the map to load, as such I am having problems with ensuring that my spells don't kill both enemy and ally.

Seeing that the thugs didn't take his advice, Chumani chokes up on the mace with both hands and swings at his original target again.

Power Attack: 1d20 + 7 - 1 ⇒ (20) + 7 - 1 = 26
Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 7 - 1 ⇒ (19) + 7 - 1 = 25

Crit Damage: 2d8 + 9 + 9 ⇒ (5, 5) + 9 + 9 = 28

The mace crashes in to the thugs skull and then Chumani slips between two of the thugs to move out from between them.

5' step to C5.

Well there go my good dice rolls for another month or two.

Brains go flying everywhere as the thug's head explodes from the impact.

Using Intimidate to force a course of action takes 1 minute (10 rounds).
Are you able to view any google hosted documents? (For instance the sheets linked under Campaign Info)
Here is an alternate, does that work for you?

Dai ignores the thug nearest her, trusting to her armor and reflexes, and smashes her gouge in a divinely inspired swing into one of the thugs threatening Rennoc.

Standard Action: Attack thug in I5

Shass!: 1d20 + 3 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 20 ⇒ (14) + 3 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 20 = 40 [BAB, Str, Weapon Focus, Mwk, true strike]
Chonque: 1d10 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Gideon moves to B4, drawing his dagger as he goes, holding his bow in his off hand, and using acrobatics to avoid attack of opportunity.

acrobatics: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16

Then he turns towards the now flanked thug #2, and strikes.

Sneak Attack!: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
sneak attack: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 6) = 7

10 damage again to #2

ignore that sneak attack damage, I completely looked over Chumani's 5ft step

The Map / Alternative Map
In their frenzy, the goons barely notice their downed fellow, pressing their attack. Once again, the clubs rain down, only one solid blow landing on the half giant this time.

Attack Rennoc: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
Attack Chumani: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Attack Chumani: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
Attack Daishata: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Attack Daishata: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Chumani takes 8 damage.
Enemies
Thug 2 (AC 8, CMD 15) 20 damage, bloodied
Thug 3 (AC 8, CMD 15)
Thug 4 (AC 8, CMD 15) 26 damage, bloodied
Thug 5 (AC 8, CMD 15)
Thug 6 (AC 8, CMD 15)

Because people post at different hours of the day, we can be a little fuzzy about who actually acts first, so the sneak attack happens. Same would apply if you wanted to drop an AoE spell, then someone posts later to get out of the area.
Daishata, not that you have any trouble hitting with the True Strike, but for future reference, remember that bucklers do impose a -1 to attack with off hand and 2 handed weapons.

Thanks Cronax, I did overlook that!

Noting Chumani's blistering attack in her peripheral vision, and wishing to press the advantage, Dai performs an impressive flourish with her gouge, bellowing a threatening and angry call to coincide with her stance and movements.

Standard Action: Dazzling Display.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29 determines Intimidate - demoralise DC for all within 30 that can see Dai's epic flourish.

EPIC!!!! I'd like to see Dazzling Display incorporate an aural enhancement, as exemplified here - Dai is trying to attract notice, though any foes with their back to her are likely fighting Chumani and more focused on the monolithic half-giant...

Chumani winces at the blow landed by the thug, but continues to press the attack on the one Gideon had stabbed.

Power Attack: 1d20 + 7 - 1 ⇒ (10) + 7 - 1 = 16
Damage: 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

(If this takes #2 down, Chumani will take a 5' step to C6 to allow Gideon to move in to a flank against our final opponent.)

your alternate map is a go

Rennoc gazes at the thugs calmly and he calls forth a blast of lightning from the Storm itself...

Frostfall lightning style, orgin square is right behind thug 4

damage2d6 + 2 ⇒ (5, 4) + 2 = 11

Several of the thugs gasp and swallow hard at Daishata’s fearsome display. One is so taken aback that he does not even notice as the mace cracks him solidly in the ribs, he crumples to the ground.

Rennoc, would you like to take a 5' step back to avoid an AoO or cast defensively (or neither)? Also, you do still get that Intense Spells damage

i'll take the 5 foot step back, I added the damage in.

Similarly distracted, two more of the ruffians are caught unaware as electric tendrils arc through their bodies. Battered by his prior wounds, one falls in a twitching heap while his compatriot toughs out the worst of it.

Are we waiting on Gideon?

The Map Alternative
Gideon defaults to full defense

Their fury only marginally edging out their fear, your remaining foes stagger forward to continue their assault. Either through desperation, or sheer unwitting luck, they manage to land a couple strikes.

Attack Chumani: 1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 6 - 2 = 22damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
Attack Daishata: 1d20 + 6 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 6 + 2 - 2 = 25damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Attack Daishata: 1d20 + 6 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 6 + 2 - 2 = 13damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Chumani takes 9 damage, Daishata takes 8 damage

Enemies
Thug 3 (AC 8, CMD 15) shaken for 3 more rounds
Thug 5 (AC 8, CMD 15) 12 damage, staggered, shaken for 3 more rounds
Thug 6 (AC 8, CMD 15) shaken for 3 more rounds

Chumani continues his assault on the thug since he refuses to make the smart choice and leave.

Power Attack: 1d20 + 7 - 1 ⇒ (12) + 7 - 1 = 18
Damage: 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

Noting Rennoc's vulnerability, Dai is torn momentarily. Her gladiator training imps her to focus on the job at hand and finish the foe in front of her.

Swift Action: Change Judgment to Justice.

Standard Action: Attack thug 5.

Gouge!: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17 [BAB +3, Str +1, Weapon Focus +1, Masterwork, justice]
Skrak!: 1d10 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10

AC down to 21 as no buckler

Rennoc calmly examines the idiot before him and unleashes a charged blast of cold energy...

Icy Ray

attack1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19, damage1d3 ⇒ 2

The Map Alternative
Going to assume again that Rennoc did not want an AoO
Gideon will move around to flank and attack
Gideon attack: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 7 + 2 = 13damage: 1d4 + 1 + 2d6 ⇒ (4) + 1 + (2, 5) = 12

One last assault, and your foes' resolve begins to waver. Not yet panicked, they begin maneuvering for a safe withdrawal

lightningfall ongoing damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6
save vs lightningfall: 1d20 + 6 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 6 + 3 - 2 = 24
Attack Chumani: 1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 6 - 2 = 23damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Attack Daishata: 1d20 + 6 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 2 - 2 = 7damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Attack Daishata: 1d20 + 6 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 6 + 2 - 2 = 18damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Chumani takes 7 damage

Enemies
Thug 3 (AC 8, CMD 15) 27 damage, bloodied, shaken for 2 more rounds
Thug 5 (AC 8, CMD 15) 25 damage, bloodied, shaken for 2 more rounds
Thug 6 (AC 8, CMD 15) 4 damage, shaken for 2 more rounds

I apologize for that horrid delay, some personal problems popped up, all is well now

Gideon will 5ft step to the square "north" of A5 to prevent the escape of thug 3, and attack.

attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

barely causing any damage to the retreating thug

Chumani moves to assist Gideon with felling the final thug at the north end of the alley.

5' step to B5

Power Attack: 1d20 + 7 - 1 ⇒ (1) + 7 - 1 = 7

His swing goes wide as his grip slips some on the mace.

Dai takes a quick step to try to bring down the thug moving furthest away and interpose herself between the other thug and an easy escape.

5' step to I5.

Standard Action: Attack thug 5.

Gouge!: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25 [BAB +3, Str +1, Weapon Focus +1, Masterwork, justice]
Shank!: 1d10 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

AC down to 21 as no buckler

Chumani’s target sidesteps at the last second as his weapon smashes down. It hits the ground hard, bending several of the flanges and earning a hairline crack along the shaft. Despite this development, cowardice overcomes them and a retreat is attempted.

Your enemies all take a withdraw action. Thug 3 provokes from Gideon on his second square of movement and Thug 6 similarly provokes from Daishata. They are now 80 feet from their previous positions if you wish to pursue.
Your heavy mace now has the broken condition.

Enemies
Thug 3 (AC 8, CMD 15) 29 damage, bloodied, shaken for 1 more round
Thug 5 (AC 8, CMD 15) 28 damage, bloodied, shaken for 1 more round
Thug 6 (AC 8, CMD 15) 4 damage, shaken for 1 more round

Rennoc gazes brutally at the fleeing idiots and prepares to unleash another spell of brutality...

Frostfall2d6 + 2 ⇒ (6, 1) + 2 = 9, origin square is bandit 5

They are 80 feet away from their previous positions (Assuming the AoO didn't drop any) Even moving up that is out of range of frost fall.

ack, hmm... Lets leave them for now then, I just am envisioning these guys returning in force later on, plus Rennoc comes form the school of "if they don't bother you ignore them, if they do bother you electrocute em".

Dai swings her gouge around in an attempt to trip the thug fleeing past her.

Trip: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 4 + 1 = 20 [CMB, justice]

On successfully bringing him down she yells at him to stay or she'll rip him a new orifice.

aoo: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

maybe? I doubt I took him down

Chumani looks down at his cracked mace obviously annoyed. Looking around he scoops up one of the thugs clubs. "Not as good as the mace, but its better than nothing till I can replace it."

Once we are fully out of combat Chumani will seek healing and use his own powers as well. If the opportunity presents its self before they have to report for work he will look in to purchasing a new weapon.

AoO trip on Daishata’s AoO trip, because how often does that happen?
CMB: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

The ruffian grabs at Daishata as he is swept off his feet, but cannot get a grip. On the ground, he is panting hard, trying to recover from his exertion. “How do I know you won’t do the same even if I do stick around?”

Despite his misgivings, Gideon’s slash is enough to drop the other retreating thug.

The mace could be repaired, or sold for a lesser amount in its current condition

"I could have just skewered you as you ran, but i did not."

As the rest of the party are now free to aid her, Daishata becomes more stern and grim

"Get up and I surely will, as will my companions."

Intimidate: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

AoO trip on Daishata’s AoO trip, because how often does that happen?

I wondered about that. I think I would rule that you don't get an AoO on an AoO triggering action while being AoO'd. ;p

The more I see combat maneuvers, the worse they look - considering the difference between the thugs' AC of 8 and CMD of 15, plus the AoO stuff, Dai was really better off dropping her gouge and drawing and firing her longbow at the retreating thug 5 who was almost dead and well within range.

How DO the thugs have AC 8?

Also just realised I should have added Weapon Focus and Masterwork to my trip attempt...

Chumani walks over to Dai and her new friend still hefting the club to get a feel for its weight.

Thanks for the info, I'll look in to trading it in toward the purchase of something else.