Variel's Reign of Winter (Inactive)

Game Master Neltji

The blade whistles through the air as the Bardiche descends in its long arc. Passing though the appendage reaching out still for Variel it continues it course into the center of the elemental. Although not exactly certain where the best location to land a blow is the force opus enough to cleave the thing in two sending the water down back into the pool from where it came from. The bubbling of the pool diminishes greatly until it is only the natural hot spring bubbles coming to the surface.

A the bubbles decrease Harch pops his head out from behind Nadya. Ohh, they are not going to like that. That was the source of all of the hot water supply through the entire complex. Now the kitchens won't have any hot water to cook or clean with.

"Well, if they don't know we're here yet, they will soon figure it out then. I suggest we move on. However before we do..." Venja casts detect magic to see if anything magical lingers in or around the pool.

Well count me unsympathetic about how comfy they are.

Venja you do not detect anything magical coming from the pool. The ice around the pool is minorly enchanted to resist melting from the heat of the water though.
__________________________________________

Variel takes a quick glance around and sees 4 doors leading to the west. From what Hatch told them he remembered thattheynwere the barracks area. To the north and south and the ends of the hall were the teleporters to get to the next floor up. The questions was, which area to go to first. Any ideas which way to go?

We ken bar the doors to one of the barracks rooms and go into the other to deal with the guards there. See if'n we can't get any to surrender 'n leave
Is there ample material to bar one of the set of the doors? that way we can deal with the barracks one group at a time?

"Oh, I would have liked a hot bath," The gnome sighs

Best bath is a snow bath. Just jump into a drift and you'll get plenty clean.

"We definitely need to make sure the barracks are unnocupied, lest we are caught in a vice as we proceed" - Helgash agrees with Beck - "How would we block them without causing much of a ruckus?" - he ponders, then turns to Xanxan - "Perhaps Master Gimblewabe could discreetly lock one of them?" - he suggests.

If the doors open out towards us we could spike the doors but that would make too much noise. We know there is probably a group in there as we saw a patrol come back last night. Otherwise we just try to rush one side to overwhelm them and hope our numbers and surprise can carry us onward. Before that happens though, Venja could you heal me from that hit from the elemental?

sorry, didn't realize you were wounded.. you didnt update your status, lol

"Happy to help, Variel." She touches him gently on the arm and lets her healing magic course through him.

healing hex: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

"hmm, lock something? Does it have a lock on it? I'm really good at unlocking, not sure about locking... will try if you like, of course."

Though I'll need to know what rolls to make

Master of unlocking!

Do'h, failed on that one Venja and I ask all of you to keep them up for me :~$. Thanks for the healing. Xanxan a disable device is used to unlock something and to rig it to not work as well. IF you wish to try you can make a stealth check and a DD check. It will take you d6 rounds to complete.

"That would be great" - Helgash retorts, standing watch, and waiting on Xanxan's next actions.

Beck and sheelah will stand by the central doors at I & J:8 on the map weapons out/teeth bared while Xanxan spends a few rounds making the door locks malfunction so they won't open

I should clarify that it will take d6 rounds per door in case people are wondering.

I'm almost of the mind to just bust in and hit em hard and fast... but if we want to take out time and lock the doors that's totally cool.

Xanxan gets to work, fingers going left and right and in a manner not unlike sewing

Stealth 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (19) + 13 = 32
D. Device 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15
Rounds taken 1d6 ⇒ 3

Xanxan thinks he is able to solidly block the door from opening and is almost positive that no one heard him as he approached the door located at E,9.

What are the rest doing while Xanxan works? Is everyone waiting till he is finished with all of the doors before continuing on or start the assault now?

Jetro stands guard

Venja is just waiting patiently...

Which doors are you locking Xanxan?

Which ever one I was told to, the maps don't work well for me

In the middle two, Beck listens for noises to determine where there ae likely more awake people
perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27
How bout whichever Beck hears more sound coming from? starting with the far door, Beck and sheelah are ready to bust into the central door as soon as xan finishes locking the adjacent one. the others come into the other side?

There are louder sounds coming from the south door but still noise coming from the northern door in the set of 2.

Just let me know where people want to be and I will move ahead assuming that Xanxan moves and tries to disable the other door.

Beck'll be at I:7, sling loaded and ready to openthe toor and take a shot as soon as Xanxan is done, and Sheelah right behind at I:8.

Venja, Helgash, and Variel want to come in through the E:8 door?
from This map?
unless we want to do the ostensibly harder one first in which case we go into the louder set of doors in the south-side?

Xanxan already disabled the door at E,8.

Or if Xanxan finishes with this door I can move to the south with Jetro and Xanxan. Then we open both doors and fill in.

I'm off for a couple of hours. DMPC me if needed to make things move along Variel?

Just pick a door and I'll follow ya.

Rolls for the other door
Stealth: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16
D. Device: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23

duration of DD check 1d6 ⇒ 6
perception checks x10 10d20 ⇒ (8, 13, 7, 19, 2, 4, 11, 8, 19, 7) = 98-2

A little alteration as I think there was some misunderstanding about what doors Xanxan was working on. To keep it going I am saying that he cam from E8 and is working on I7 thus Beck is in J7. Hope that is ok.

People take up positions as Xanxan begins to work on the second door of the north barracks. Just when he is about to expertly finish jamming the locking mechanism a tool slips from his hand causing a few of the tools to clink together. From both doors you can hear shouts of, Their at the door! Go now!

Good guys Surprise round followed by group 2

surprise round, doors are closed still but I opened it up so you can see

variel hears the shouts and swings the door by him open to allow Jetro to take a shot if a foe presents itself. If there is no one blocking his path then he will step up into the room securing it for those behind. Since there is a guard immediately at the door Variel holds tight to keep from being overwhelmed.

That's perfect Var.
Beck opens the door and then steps up to J:6 and tells Sheelah to Sick 'em

She takes a 5' step to J:7 and attacks the one at K:6
Bite-charge: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13 prolly cover?
for 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Jetro will move to N-12 and shoot the first guard that shows themselves.

Bow: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 231d8 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Venja moves to J9, standing on the lip of the fount if necessary and fires a ray of frost at the guard at J5.

ranged touch to hit: 1d20 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 2 - 4 = 8
dmg if hits: 1d3 ⇒ 3

of course I finally roll more than 1 for damage and can't hit the broad side of a barn, lol

Just when he is about to expertly finish jamming the locking mechanism a tool slips from his hand causing a few of the tools to clink together.
Xanxan shoots the tools a fierce look for their betrayal, and then gathers them up, positions himself at a door they're about to come through, and waits.

Stealth: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25
And when one comes into range of backstabbing
to hit: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26 +2 for flank?
Dmg if that hits: 1d4 ⇒ 2 Plus sneak attack dmg of 2d6 ⇒ (4, 4) = 8
Possible Crit, to confirm: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
extra Dmg if confirmed: 1d4 ⇒ 2

So... We are taking them all at once :D And here I was thinking I am the Paladin ;)

Helgash shifts his ground, so he can get a good view of Xanxan and Beck, but his maind races in concern for Variel, who is away from his field of vision. He feels his companion is close, their life forces connected by a strong link, and he knows if wounds are forthcoming, he will know, sharing on his wounds.

Wanting to improve their chances of a quick win against so many opponents, he falls onto his divine inspiration - "Inheritor grant us all the needed strength" - he whispers, allowing himself to be a vessel for HER blessing to be placed upon them all.

Casting Bless. Standing ground to fish for AoOs. Xanxan, if you move to H:8, we can both attack them. If you stand at the door, Helgash can attack, but gets no AoO, and is at -4 to hit them. Move! :D

Variel, should I roll the 'potential' AoOs in advance in such a situations? Also, is my Protection from Evil up? Since it is 1 min per level... :D

Does beck's Alter Self increase his Init order? cause he has a +2 to his dex, so his init roll would be 14

also just saw sheelah had charge written. She didn't charge tho so no Bonus to hit nor AC penalty. it was a 5' and a bite

Surprise round

Jetro manages to fly an arrow past Variel once Variel opens the door and hits the flat-footed soldier there past he doorway. The arrow lands hard but is not enough to drop the guard.

Venja tries to follow up with a ray of frost as well but her concentration is lacking as she aims it causing it to go off course.

Xanxan disappears behind the door hoping that no one will notice him as he prepares to kidney strike the first foe he sees.

Helgash positions himself to threaten anyone coming from the door and protects the north hallway at the same time.

Taking the fight to the guards Beck opens the door and steps up allowing Sheelah to follow in behind. Sheelah lens in to bite the guard but her teeth get hung up on the armor and shield they are wearing.

Southern guards top of 1
The guards to the south react quickly under orders from their superior and rush the door to repel the group. Two of them attack Beck while 2 go after Variel. The commander sees an opening and goes to attack Beck as well.

attacks on Beck
guard 1 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14 for 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
guard 2 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23 for 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
commander 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25 for 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

to the south on Variel
guard 1 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15 for 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
guard 2 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10 for 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Good guys up, doors to Q6 still closed

ranged touch to hit: 1d20 + 2 - 4 - 4 ⇒ (14) + 2 - 4 - 4 = 8
dmg if hits: 1d3 ⇒ 2

Unable to fill the area with webs for fear of trapping her friends, Venja fires another ray of frost at the guard in front of Beck. Again her aim is off and she misses badly.

Jetro shoots the one on Variel.

Bow: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 101d8 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Just use that crit hit when one pops into range. You'll understand if I don't want to give that up ;)

The icon in J:7 is Sheelah?

Noticing the druid being assaulted, Helgash focuses on his divine power, and transfers the link he had established with Variel, to encompass his companion Beck.

Life Link now on Beck

Tactically, their position seems terrible, as Beck is completely surrounded, and the door is effectively blocked, not allowing anyone else to gain ingress into the area - "Stand back friend Beck, we cannot move in to assist you" - he urges his companion, trying to swing above Sheelah to hit the closest guard.

Attacking the one in K:6 with -4 due to Sheelah:

Cold Iron Bardiche: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 7 - 4 = 4
Damage if it hits: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

oops... Can Venja change her plan now that Beck's moved out the web area? Also Would Helgash be able to wait till SHeelah is out the way to attack and swing over Beck who is still small?
Sheelah reaches round the corner and Viciously attacks the guard in reach.
Bite: 1d20 + 4 - 1 ⇒ (14) + 4 - 1 = 17
for 1d6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 + 2 = 10
Claw: 1d20 + 4 - 1 ⇒ (20) + 4 - 1 = 23
for 1d4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 2 = 7
Claw: 1d20 + 4 - 1 ⇒ (11) + 4 - 1 = 14
for 1d4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 2 = 5
Cover penalty not included

Beck needs to move tho, and orders Sheelah Back
Handle Animal: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27 DC25 push
A new order, Beck manages to get Sheelah to obey and she slinks back to K:8.

Beck than takes a slash at the guard Sheelah hit
Scimitar: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
for 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
and backs off to J:7

Claw confirmation: 1d20 + 4 - 1 ⇒ (7) + 4 - 1 = 10
for 1d4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 2 = 5

beck As she already posted that is what she would prefer then yes I will allow it providing she comes back on and officially states it. Most of the time I am not going to allow retcons as it makes it too hard to follow especially with more complex fights as you level up. Again as she indicated it though I am allowing it.

The guards will get cover from the doorway regardless of what sized creature is in the way until Helgash can target someone directly across the face of the doorway. Yes Helgash that is Sheelah in J7.

Seeing Beck and SHeelah back out of the room, Venja fills the space with webs, hoping to catch all the foes in the chamber in them.

refl save dc is 17 . Anyone in the effect's area when the spell is cast must make a Reflex save. If this save succeeds, the creature is inside the web but is otherwise unaffected. If the save fails, the creature gains the grappled condition, but can break free by making a combat maneuver check or Escape Artist check as a standard action against the DC of this spell. The entire area of the web is considered difficult terrain. Anyone moving through the webs must make a combat maneuver check or Escape Artist check as part of their move action, with a DC equal to the spell's DC. Creatures that fail lose their movement and become grappled in the first square of webbing that they enter.

thanks for letting me retcon that...

centering the 20' spread in L3, which should get the 3 bad guys, but not come out the door... barely

Variel focuses on the guard that Jetro hit last time and swings twice: one powered by his arcane acid magic and the other as just a normal cut.

concentration 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13
attack 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5 for 1d6 + 4 + 1d3 ⇒ (2) + 4 + (1) = 7 and
attack 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20 for 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

The first attack is a wild miss as both the magic and the attack fail him. The second attack manages to hit the guard but staggers him only instead of dropping him.

Naday fires at the guard as well hoping to drop her target but know that shooting into melee and through the door is not the best option. Still she does what she can to hit her target.

attack 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (5) + 6 - 4 = 7 for 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Mid round 1
To the north Beck and Sheelah try to claw, bite, and slash their way into the guards before them. Both of them manage to land a single blow to the guard who remains standing but bloody. Seeing that they have not dropped a foe they tactically retreat a pace to allow others to protect them.

As they step back Helgash creates a bond with Beck hoping to heal him next time from some of the wounds. Helgash's blow goes wide hitting the enchanted ice and breaking off a few slivers.

Venja meanwhile fills the area with a dense web catching the guards in their sticky strands.

reflex G1 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
G2 20 + 1 = 21
C 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

Xanxan stays hidden waiting for the opportunity to strike from invisibility. Besides he is unable to reach anyone at this time anyways.

Jetro and Naday fire at the guard facing Variel but is unable to find their target amid the swirling blades.

Bottom of Round 1
Two guards rush at the door where Xanxan is hiding and try to open it. The first one there finds it stuck and unable to be opened by normal means. Calling out to his fellow guardsman the second crashes into it trying to dislodge it.

str check 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Instead of it budging the guard slips and just bruises his shoulder in the effort.

The remaining guards in Q6 move to the far north door to try their luck there. Again the first is unable to have success while the second...

str check 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14 just fails to bring his weight enough to bear down upon it.

The commander orders them to use leverage if they have to with the cots to open the door as he moves over tot he north door and starts to attack the ice hinges for 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 damage

Top of Round 2
The stuck guard tries to free himself 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8 while the second guard stays where he is attacking through the doorway giving Beck cover. CMD 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
attack 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7 for 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

The commander moves up to the doorway to attack Beck. As he steps up moving through the webbing 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15 he gets hit in the solar plexis with a dagger from the hidden Xanxan. Swearing he shoots Xanxan a glare as he proceeds to attack Xanxan instead.

1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24 for 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

To the south the one guards steps back from Variel looking at the arrow protruding from his side and the gash along his thigh. Dropping his weapon he holds his hands out before him in surrender.
The other guard shoots his comrade a filthy look before stepping up to his place and striking at Variel.

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10 for 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

Good guys up round 2