Way of the Wicked

Game Master Megan Robertson

"Fire can follow a good look around," Targi chides, breaking her long silence of concerned glances between her companions as they expounded the merits of nudity, murder, murdering the nude, and other such strange hobbies. "Books are not so common as to be without worth, and a prison is unlikely to have a library of lewd picture books just for the prisoners' amusement. Let us first extract choice volumes before tossing fire about."

Targi also casts detect magic, looks about, and does her best to quickly identify any books of obvious worth.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
Appraise: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

The more orderly section contains fifty five books on subjects ranging from magical theory, history and astronomy... but no actual spell books. However, Targi finds an imposing tome of no small age called The Floralegium by Branthus Hart. This beautifully illustrated book of flowers is obviously something special... she reckons a collector might pay 250 gp for it.

The books elsewhere are poorly printed compilations of lurid tales which range across the whole gamut of adventure genres. However, the one genre over-represented is bawdy tales featuring amply endowed young maidens in grave peril! Known as chapbooks, these are real penny-dreadfuls!

"Ugggh! Take your precious book, Targi. The rest of this drivel is not worth the paper its written on."

Malak was bored with the library and alughed at Shal's semantics... sure the chapbooks were fun but not once one was into their teens...

Why I havent read one of these since I was about seven or so. Rubbish. He probably keeps the most prized possessions closer to heart.

"We can burn them on the way back. Come, we have an appointment with the Warden," Tragen says, moving to the stairs to the next level.

"Quite right, Targi and Tragen. As my great uncle always said: 'Pillage before you burn.' A cousin of mine once decided to set an enemy's treasury aflame and then attempt to loot it. Poor fool lost his both his hands and half his men. We used to call him 'Toasted Tim' behind his back. The nickname got a little grim, though, after he was burned at the stake for heresy..."

Todin has been following along at a regular pace, not eager to be at either the front or the rear of the group. He does, however, follow directly behind Tragen as the large Angelkin ascends the next flight of stairs.

Before they leave the library, Shalastar looks around one last time, trying to find any silk or other high-quality fabric he could use.

Perception
1d20 - 2 ⇒ (16) - 2 = 14

It is likely that the single organised bookcase might have some more hidden gems amongst its tomes, but that's about it.

Who is leading the way upstairs? It will be single file again...

"We can do a proper search once we've solved one of our problems," Tragen says and takes the lead up the stairs. He glances back and nods as he sees Todin step up behind him.

Shalastar follows. "Yes, I know... I was hoping to find something more suitable to wear."

Finding nothing of use in the library, Sotha looked toward the warden's chamber, saying "There's nothing here, shall we continue?" He cemented the point by heading in that direction.

The spiral staircase up ends here at a stone landing (#23 on the map). The stairway once continued up to the roof of this tower but now the roof is closed off. This chamber is lit by a single torch on a sconce. To the north is a door bearing a plaque that reads "Office" (this is the door to room 24). The southern door has a similar plaque that reads "Private: Keep Out!" There is a signal horn hanging on a wall hook, but otherwise there is nobody and nothing here. Both doors are closed.

Tragen looks at both doors, checking to see if any light is peeking through the office door before turning to the door marked as private. He then waves Todin forwards to check the door, trusting in the mans skills. He moves to grab the signal horn and slings it over his shoulder, before approaching Shalastar and Geordie. Once within whispering distance, he mutters, "Once the door is unlocked, if it not already is, perhaps your friend here can open it up to see the Warden. If he's awake, he may hesitate. At least long enough to find out whether he has truly betrayed the Empire." This last he whispers when Geordie is looking away and draws his thumb across his throat. "Just make sure he stands clear should things turn."

EDIT: to add Stealth roll. Just in case.
Stealth: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

Brandescar Prison

Malak whispered the words to a spell and laid on Todin's shoulder before the man moved towards the door.

Cast Guidance

The Darkfiend's blessing on you Brother.

"And now we come to it... the cult ringleader is within these rooms. We'll have to slay him. Long live the empire."

Bluff
1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18

The only light is that of the sconce here, none shows under either door. Both are however locked.

Which one first?

"If both rooms are dark, he is likely sleeping. We may be able to end this without a fight. Todin, the door to his quarters, if you please."

Tragen already indicated that Todin should check the door to his bedroom "the door marked as private" (and by extension unlock it), and that Geordie would enter first, in case the Wizard was awake. I think we're just waiting on some DD rolls from Todin (with a +1 from the Guidance Malak had cast).

Todin does as he is beckoned, quieting his steps as he approaches the door.

Yes, yes, let the expert through, you bumbling bufoons.

Disable Device: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

Why does this always happens while others are watching?! Damn tools...

Disable Device: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

Todin tries a second time, but his haste merely betrays him. Taking a breath, he tries a third.

Disable Device: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

Hopefully that's done it...

Shalastar is giddy with excitement as the tension builds up. He's so excited he nearly swoons in delight, but manages to recover and quiet himself.

Third time lucky, Todin.

Opening the door quietly, you peer into darkness... hearing gentle snoring! Dimly, you can make out a chest against the wall ahead, and the chamber extending off to your left.

"I'd say, let the Ogre take him. Probably been treated the worst of all of us." Shalastar whispers carefully.

Malak nodded thougtfully at Shal's idea as he subconsciously held his breath lest he wake the warden...best to let the sneaky or the tough do the entering here...

Is Grumblejack still with us? We haven't heard from him in awhile...

Sotha shook his head, "Todin cleared the way, and he is likely the sneakiest among us, I say give him a chance to make the kill. If this man truly is a wizard, his quick, silent death is superior to any amount of stress relief that a beating would provide." Sotha watched Todin, wondering if he would rise to the challenge or falter.

"Why Elf, I would be honored," Todin states with a crocodile grin, his rapier gleaming in the torchlight.

Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

He sneaks up to the chamber extending to the left, peering about for a sleeping body.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

What? No inner monologue about what a jerk I am for putting you on the spot like that? I'm disappointed!

Todin slinks further into the chamber. Round the corner he sees another chest and a bed, which is occupied. The snores continue.

(Grumblejack, by the way, was last seen in the kitchen enjoying a large oak-cured ham!)

Tragen stands by the door and watches Todin slip into the room and around the corner, prepared to act should the unexpected occur.

Shalastar leans over so he can watch, excited by the possibilities (and the suspense) inside the room.

Malak watched his brother of the faith sneak his way into the room and was just glad he hadn't been volunteered for the job...with my bulk and pigeon toed feet I probably would've knocked something off of a table or some such...or perhaps fallen into the bed on top of the warden of all things...oh how Shal would love to see that...

Haha! You thought Todin's Pride would want to pass up killing an enemy commander? Think again!

Todin tiptoes next to the bed, takes a shallow breath, and plunges his rapier into the sleeping form!

Coup de Grace auto crit: 1d6 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 2 + (5) = 8 3x2+5 is 11 damage. The figure must make a DC 21 Fort save or die.

Giddy with excitement, Shalastar jumps up and down as the rapier finds its mark. He remains silent, though, strangely.

To be honest, with Sotha's vice of envy and Todin's vice of pride, I figured by now we would be jockeying for control of the group by now, instead, it seems that me and Tragan are taking turns giving orders.

Sotha waited impatiently near the door, his scimitar in his hand. What was taking so long? The fool should have been dead by now!

The sleeper's save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21...

There is a wild spluttering noise as the fellow in the bed comes awake. Raising one hand, he calls "Magicae telum missile volare verum".

Two sparking balls of intense bluish-white light fly unerringly from his fingertips to strike Todin in the chest.

Damage ball #1: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Damage ball #2: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

The rest of you hear the commotion and see an intense flash of light!

I think Todin (and I) had better roll initiatives...

Fellow in bed's initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

Sounds like we should all roll for initiative, lol. Tragen was prepared to act on the unexpected. I'm guessing this is unexpected, lol. Nice rolls btw.

Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

I guess he'll go closer to the end of the round.

@Megan: Does Todin get an attack of opportunity or did the Wizard cast defensively?

The non sensical words and the twin flashes of light told Malak all he needed to know...the warden is indeed a wizard and Todin failed to take him out... He didn't fault the man but doubted his brother would take it well... ah, well looks like I might have to get my hands dirty as well...a shame really as I was almost feeling rested...

Initiative: 1d20 ⇒ 3

Initiative
1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

In addition to Tragens question about casting defensively: the warden takes a -4 to AC against melee attacks until he stands up, which would provoke another AoO.

"Sonofa Barbazu's bastard!"

Todin cries out in pain as the bolts of force collide with his torso.

How!? How could he have survived that? I impaled him, I...

Then Todin looked down. He had indeed stabbed the man, but through the sheets. His blade had missed its fatal mark because the warden's form was obfuscated by his bedding.

"Drowning devils and damnation!"

Todin shakes off the pain and assumes a dueling stance, ready to strike.

Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13

Shall we post in order, or just post our actions and let initiative work that out?

Sotha sighed, surely he should have known better than to trust Todin to finish the job alone. He watched the others for a moment as he prepared to charge, wondering if he should bother. It was almost not worth considering, so quickly did the answer come. That Todin was a skilled lockpick cemented his value to the group, even if he couldn't kill a man who was sleeping. There was also the fact that, if left alone long enough to slay Todin, the warden might prepare defenses before rushing out to deal with the rest of them, or worse, call guards.

So no, Todin would not pay the final price for his failure tonight, if only because the situation conspired in his favor.

Initiative: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (14) - 1 = 13

Targi waits for Todin to finish the job, wondering why anyone would try to finish off a sleeping target with a spell.

I'm also open to the GM rolling all initiatives, even those of the players

I'm also open to the GM rolling all initiatives, even those of the players

Same here. We're all chomping at the bit to get this party started!

Shalastar rushes forward, smacking the warden hard across the face with a hand sparkling with pink electricity.

Pain or Pleasure to daze for 1 round
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16 (touch)

The Warden was casting defensively - poor fellow was asleep & was woken up by being stabbed...

Now, I run combat thus: -

1/ Everyone rolls initiative, and states their actions for the first round with necessary rolls. Posts may be made in any order, as you drop by the board.

2/ I write a narrative summary, putting events in initiative order and resolving all actions.

3/ You then post what you want to do next, with relevant rolls, in any order as you turn up.

Repeat 2 & 3 until the brawl is done.

OK. Apart from Todin, who's stepped back in duelling stance, everyone else will take a round to rush in before they can do whatever they want to do. Of course, the Warden, still mostly asleep, is now getting out of bed so Todin gets his AoO...

Last Round.
"Damnit!" Tragen growls seeing the unexpected flash and hearing Todin's curses and rushes in. Never let the elf decide on tactics again. Letting one man go up against a wizard, even a potentially sleeping one. Foolishness.

Next round. Init 5. If the wizard is still alive by then.

Tragen turns the corner and approaches the bedraggled wizard bringing his glaive down upon him.

Move action to get within 10' - his glaive's reach (if he wasn't already that close).
Standard action to attack.
Power Attack: 1d20 + 6 - 1 ⇒ (18) + 6 - 1 = 23
Damage: 1d10 + 6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 3 = 11

Malak waits to see how the others fare with the warden before getting in the way of the more martial types...plus I'm feeling sleepy and just not up to rushing about yet...but if the warden proves tougher than expected and the brutes fail then perhaps I'll have to step in.... He yawns into his hand and makes his way into the room.

As the Warden moves off of his mattress, Todin sees an opening.

Rapier Attack of Opportunity: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10 (remember that the Warden takes a -4 to AC for being prone until he has completed his action of standing)
Rapier Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

He plunges his rapier once more into... fabric at least. He's not sure if that connected with flesh at all...

Damn if I'll be defeated by a sheet!

Todin attempts an assault once more, hoping to avoid such fabricky tomfoolery now that the warden was standing.

Rapier Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Rapier Damage (on the off chance that actually hits): 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Alas, this attempt is even less successful. In the midst of Todin's thrust, the not-so-successful rogue steps upon the cast off sheet, almost falling on his face as he slips.

Round 1

The Warden struggles out of his bed, his nightgown soaked in blood. He does not look pleased and raises his hand again.

"Flammeus orbis hanc comburet perfide!" he snarls as a ball of fire forms and rolls directly at Todin... setting the bedclothes alight as it passes over a trailing sheet.

Todin, you may make a Reflex save at DC 17 or take 3d6 ⇒ (2, 3, 3) = 8 fire damage from the sphere.

What with attempting to get out of the way and evading sheets, poor Todin can do no more than flail around with his rapier.

Malak flinched when the flames erupted around Brother Todin and knew that he had to do something to prevent the warden from casting more spells...it seems our warden has more than a passing interest in the magic arts...not good for us... He mumbled dark words and ended the verbalization with a firm Halt!

Cast Command - Halt Will save DC 15 or can not take any actions for one round.

Reflex Save: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

Oh of all the intolerable bugaboo... And I'm guessing that the warden was, again, casting defensively?

"YEOWCH!" Todin yells, as he's burned by the blazing ball.

The pain is immense, and might have killed a lesser man, but Todin was no such man. He was a Lael. He knew when to... strike!

Rapier Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
Rapier Crit confirmation: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Not my day, is it?

Regular Rapier damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3