GM TOP #4-11: The Disappeared (Core) (Inactive)

Game Master Pete H.

Watching as the professionals search out the air, Vraxam seems lost in thought.

'They must plan to dismantle this entire area...at least redecorate it all if they plan to keep the ruse.'

Coming back to the present as Hootie looks from the Asmodean shaped cross on her key ring and back to the hole, Vraxam pipes up "Oh, I can't take the suspense dear. Please just open it already!"

Suddenly occuring to him the nature of his homeland and the stories he'd heard....the small man steps a safe distance back and smiles. "I'm sure it'll be fine. Just...you know...be ready to jump."

"Haste makes Waste." Hootie responds as she indicates the door to this room.
"Someone make sure the door is closed. I think this is the key but to make sure the rest of you step back."

Once that is done, she uses the Asmodean Cross key and inserts into the hole.

Grix listens at the door intently to make sure no one is coming. He will lean against it and hold it shut if it sounds like some on is coming.

Nahko joins Grix at the door, backing up the old man's force with another old man's force.

Naneryn aimlessly wanders into the room and starts looking at where a painting used to be, "hmmm... interesting art choice here. Almost like the absence of art is art in its own way." He seems quite pleased with his insight.

Grix and Nahko prepare to lean their shoulders against the door if anyone wanders in from the hallway. (locking the outer door would have been a wiser precaution, but I'm not judging)

Hootie inserts the key into the lock and turns, a clicking sound comes from the nymph and then a whooshing sound as two red-skinned diminutive creatures (image maps pg 2) with fiendish wings and whipping scorpion-like tails seem to materialize out of the woodwork. One forms on the bed with a ball gag in it's mouth. The other next to Hootie as it says, "ah it has been a while Mistress Zartaaaa.... wait you aren't her.... INTRUDERS!"

INITIATIVE

Round 1
Vraxam Uldar
Bernard St. Ivre
Creature 2
Nahko Bear and Kuti
Naneryn
Hootie Bell
Grix Wolfguard
Creature 1

Bold May Act

Crap! I should put a point in K Planes...

Eyeing the creatures with intrigue, his gaze focusing on the ball gag, the halfling burst out with "HA! Now that's a wild time!"

Drawing a loaded crossbow, he keeps it pointed down for the moment. "My good sirs, we really don't need to be on opposite sides here. We are her trying to find and save Mistress Zarta. She has vanished and they claim she NEVER existed."

"This is a lie! And she's in danger! Please don't make us fight you...she may not have the time to waste!"

Glancing towards his companions, he pleads "Give them a chance Bernard. Why kill such elegant creatures without a need?"

I'll clarify just in case this effects anything. They are tiny and both currently flying about head height. Mechanically though they are still in range of melee. Bernard is up!

Nah. It happens. Not a trap then. So two imps. Can I leave it to the rest of you? lol.
No Knowledge (Planes)

"Don't waste time. Take the out quickly and cleanly. We can't afford to be delayed here." Hootie urges.

Bernard reaches out for his rapier on his belt, swiftly pulling it out. "Be goooon faul creature! We are nooot intruders, simply loooooking foooor her!" - he replies as he tries to figure out what they are!

Kn. Planes: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 2 = 6 -- Interested in DR, and special abilities please. Also, I think these are my favoured enemy.

Quickly realising what these things are, he takes no hesitation at stabbing them with the pointy end of his weapon.

Attack w/ Rapier + F.E.: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 6 + 2 = 24 -- 18-20/x2 crit range, P damage, MWK.
Damage: 1d6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 + 2 = 9

"Quickly! Dispatch of these diiiviiiils! They are an abooomination!"

...not sure my favoured enemy would work if i don't identify them lol...so, yeah. Ahhhh, subtract 2 from attack and damage please! Sorry! That natural 1 came out of nowhere!

I’ll do some research on the favored enemy question and get back to you with the morning post.

I will do some too, thanks! Problem is with rangers, it's always hit and miss, and different GMs rule things differently. Honestly, I don't mind either way - so up to you to decide. With or without it, it doesn't really bother me. Do whatever you feel is right.

I see no reason at all you would not get the bonuses. You obviously did not ID them though, so if that would have changed your action you are welcome to post a different one.

They are red and freaky, so Bernard wil still attack...

Vraxam attempts to begin wheedling and dealing. Hootie calls out for their heads.

Bernard is unsure of his path, but his obvious puritan upbringing plus Hootie's charming personality overwhelms his hand and he strikes a blow against the indecency of the creatures, though it does not appear to do as much damage as he would have hoped (DR).

The creature's wound appears to begin mending (Fast Healing), it flaps back away from the dangerous ranger, pulls the ball gag from its mouth, drops it, winks at Bernard and Disappears from sight.

Round 1
Vraxam Uldar
Bernard St. Ivre
Creature 2 (-2 HP, Invisible)
Nahko Bear and Kuti
Naneryn
Hootie Bell
Grix Wolfguard
Creature 1

Bold May Act

I think it is fair (for this round) to assume the creature is still in the corner, just invisible (1-50 misses). I expect it won't stay in the same place next round. Also, while invisible it is apparently immune to rangers favored enemy bonus and sneak attack (only while invisible).

Not sure if I'm really back, but trying to catch up

The rogue does not know what these creatures are, but when he sees Bernard's weapon not doing full damage, he figures this is one of those cases for special weapons. He pulls out a holy water and tosses it at the nearest creature. Next round he'll pull out his silver dagger and try to stab one.

holy water to hit: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Hootie steps away and adopts defensive position as she looks for the creatures.
Total defence.

Naneryn toss a vial of something towards the corner of the room where he last saw one of the imps. The vial slams into a bedpost, soaking Kuti and you hear a screech of pain from the empty corner as the holy water splash sizzles a bit of flesh. Kuti does not appear to be amused.

Hootie steps back and prepares to dodge. What is your current AC?

Round 1
Vraxam Uldar
Bernard St. Ivre
Creature 2 (-3 HP, Invisible)
Nahko Bear and Kuti
Naneryn
Hootie Bell
Grix Wolfguard
Creature 1

Bold May Act, Nahko, Kuti & Grix are up.

I think it is fair (for this round) to assume the creature is still in the corner, just invisible (1-50 misses). I expect it won't stay in the same place next round. Also, while invisible it is apparently immune to rangers favored enemy bonus and sneak attack (only while invisible).

AC: 19/15/16 Add +4 Dodge bonus for total defence for
AC: 23/19/20
May not make a difference since it's invisible..... :(

"Blast you, Bernard!!! We could've negotiated!" This is Cheliax, for all that's good in the world. Devils are normal here!

His frustration apparent, he still commits himself fully to the task at hand. He immediately motions for Kuti to attack, and follows that up with a spell; a simple word and sweep of his hand and a ball of flame bursts from his hand, adding a soft glow to the room.

Kuti quickly whips around and tries to snap and swipe at the creature she can no longer see.

It's been 24 hrs, I'll go ahead and bot Grix.

Nahko summons a small flame into his hand and points Kuti to attack where the creature used be be visible. Not happy with weird little red things flying around, she swipes a few times into the corner. One claw connects with something, but no sounds of pain follow.

Grix steps into the middle of the room, drawing his massive over-sized sword. Not sure what to do with all the arguing he just warns the creatures, "touch my friends... and die!" (readied to attack if either creatures attacks him or his allies.

The remaining visible creature looks at Grix, at Grix's massive weapon and smiles. He points to the north door, "hey big guy, why don't you go tie yourself up in there so we can have some fun later."

Will DC 15: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13

The group sees Grix's wheels turning in his head as considers his next actions carefully.

Round 2
Vraxam Uldar
Bernard St. Ivre
Creature 2 (-3 HP, Invisible)
Nahko Bear and Kuti
Naneryn
Hootie Bell
Grix Wolfguard
Creature 1

Bold may acti, Vraxam and Bernard are up.

I think it is fair (for this round) to assume the creature is still in the corner, just invisible (1-50 misses). I expect it won't stay in the same place next round. Also, while invisible it is apparently immune to rangers favored enemy bonus and sneak attack (only while invisible).

Thanks for the bot. Sorry I couldn't get a post. I just found a second now as was about to post but Top was too fast for me. And now Grix is getting tied up in a closet. I didn't know he was into that type of thing.

Please bot me, not sure i'll be able to post any time soon, sorry.

Shaking his head slightly, Vraxam mumbles "We could have just talked them down...but NOOO gotta kill 'em all....specist is what this is."

Taking aim where the one used to hover over the bed, he fires off his crossbow. He quickly slaps another bolt into the crossbow.

Vraxam gripes and mumbles, which may have thrown his aim off as the crossbow bolt slams harmlessly into the wall.

Bernard only sees one enemy visible, so he steps up and tries to pin it to the wall with his pointy pig-sticker.

Stinger + Favored Enemy: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 2 = 13 for Piercing + Favored Enemy: 1d6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 2 = 8

Sadly the tiny creature flits to the right at the last second as his rapier goes to the left and he misses.

Naneryn looks down and sees the creature materialize inches from his body. The pointy tail definitely struck him, but somehow Naneryn's oily layer of grime managed to deflect the barb from penetrating. (seriously, the only way I could have missed was with a fumble... which I rolled)

Round 2
Vraxam Uldar
Bernard St. Ivre
Creature 2 (-1 HP)
Nahko Bear and Kuti
Naneryn
Hootie Bell
Grix Wolfguard
Creature 1

Bold May Act

Hootie swiftly, on seeing Naneryn's position, moves in on the creature on the opposing side. Though her movement resembles a dance as she moves between her own allies to gain the flank....
Attack, non slivered, with flank 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 3 + 2 = 121d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Sneak attack if applicable 1d6 ⇒ 2
it's likely her own movements betray her as her strike goes slightly off.

It's a shame. Devils are part of the overall balance as well, and we might have learned something from these devils too; they know Zarta!

His misgivings don't prevent his action, however. Nahko takes aim at the devil in the corner, and launches his ball of fire at the creature.

Kuti looks around, seeking the prey that she'd been attacking. When it appears in front of Naneryn, she leaps off the bed to continue her assault. Standing on her hind legs, she bites and swipes at the devil again, trying to swat it out of the air.

I can't find any rulings or rules to indicate that Naneryn would flank while the creature is inside his square and Vraxam doesn't currently threaten in melee. Hootie's attack missed either way but for future attacks it will probably matter (especially with all you sneaky sneak-attackers).

Remember, they don't even appear to be able to attack adjacent so it has to move into someone's square to do so. Maybe you all can draw the critter out into a better flank-able square?

Grix walks to the closet absentmindedly and closes the door behind him. You hear some grunting and rustling coming from behind the door.

Grix actually just gets to the door and opens it this round. He is allowed to speak if he wants to explain what he is doing or planning on doing.

Through the door you see a room that seems to be in pristine condition, with little evidence of renovations. The chamber is full of a variety of equipment suggestive of a dungeon or torture chamber. The walls appear to be thickly padded and sustain hooks holding a number of whips, bludgeons, and other instruments of pain. Spaced between large mirrors are several extremely obscene paintings. Among the paintings on the wall is a rather blasphemous portrait of Sarenrae in a compromising position with two succubi.

"Yeow!" Naneryn sees his life flash before his eyes as the creature appears. Spared, surely by some divine whim, he steps to the side and attacks with his silvered dagger.

to hit: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
silver/piercing: 1d4 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 - 1 = 1

-- edit
OMG, I'm soooo tempted to delete this post and let you bot me more, LOL!

Nahko's blast of fire strikes the little flying critter directly in the face. No harm appears to have been done though maybe it just got a nice exfoliation? The creature's red skin seems to have a healthier glow now.

Kuti swipes and bites away at the other one, but all she gets is a chipped tooth and a couple hangnails.

Naneryn hops back out of fright and waves his dagger in the air in an impressive display of missing the enemy and himself.

Hootie tries to narrow in on a weak spot, but manages to miss completely as well. Maybe diplomacy was the right way to go? No one seems to be able to hit anyone else...

Grix seems to be in his own world, ignoring combat and opening the north door to show everyone an 'adult' dungeon.

The little critter looks at its tail questioning what the heck happened, then gets a stern appearance of determination on its face. Flitting imperceptebly into the middle of the room, it invades Naneryn's space again. (this provokes from Naneryn, free AoO)

Its tail flicks out again to strike the smelly elf that burned it earlier with holy water.

Naneryn is easily able to dodge the telegraphed sting attack.

Round 3
Vraxam Uldar
Bernard St. Ivre
Creature 2 (-1 HP)
Nahko Bear and Kuti
Naneryn (AoO vs. #1)
Hootie Bell
Grix Wolfguard
Creature 1

Bold May Act

Aoo vs #1: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
silver/piercing: 1d4 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 - 1 = 1

"We could have been friends." groans the small man as he takes a hand off the crossbow. Reaching out the quivering appendage, he tries to pet the creature invading Naneryn's personal space.

With a dead gaze, he advises the creature "Now, you shall know MY POWER"

I'm fine with that ruling. Some Gms I have played with allows the flank. Not that I can actually hurt it...:P I'm just going to give my companions a chance to flank it.

Feeling visibly angree at this sitation, he turns around and swings at the damaged devil. "Thiiiiiise things jooost wooon't goooo doooown!"

Attack w/ Rapier + F.E.: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 6 + 2 = 21 -- 18-20/x2 crit range, P damage, MWK. Not counting flank?
Damage: 1d6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 + 2 = 9

Naneryn's slash cuts shallowly into the creature which yelps in pain, surprised at the tiny dagger even doing damage.

As Vraxam touches the beast, it cowers away and screams, "no no! I didn't break the contract I followed everything to the letter!!!"

Bernard takes advantage of the distractions and sneaks up behind, stabbing expertly at red flying beast. The mundane unaligned metal of his rapier was resisted at first, but Bernard pushes past and wounds the creature.

Glancing around, surrounded by enemies, its tail flicks out towards Naneryn again. "You know my weaknesses, you die first!"

Finally able to hit something with his tail, he stabs deep through the elf's armor, leaving a dripping trail of poison as the stinger retracts.

Round 3
Vraxam Uldar
Bernard St. Ivre
Creature 2 (-4 HP, Shaken 1/1)
Nahko Bear and Kuti
Naneryn
Hootie Bell
Grix Wolfguard
Creature 1

Bold May Act

Attack 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 111d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Hootie attempts to bash its head in seeing how it wounded her fellow rogue....unfortunately she misses.

FortSave DC13: 1d20 ⇒ 8
"Wooooah, I feel weird" exclaims the stinky elf, waving his arm around to steady himself. Finally regaining a bit of composure, he slashes again with his silver dagger.

to hit: 1d20 + 4 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 4 - 1 + 1 = 18
silver/piercing: 1d4 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 - 1 = 2 I liked it better as a d41

Nahko steps away from the action in the middle of the room; he draws his club and incants a spell to make it more effective.

He almost waves Kuti off, recognizing that the cat's attacks seem to be doing no good, but realizes that the distraction might be helping others. He leaves her in combat for the present.

Kuti continues her assault, focused on finding a way to draw a scratch.

Grix looks around the room at all the suggestive instruments. He selects a sleek black studded leather harness and begins binding himself. Once he is finished you hear coming from the side room I'm readyyyyyy. Let's have some fun. I've been a bad boy.

Nahko steps back and his club grows and grows, almost to the size of Grix's longsword. The druid does not appear to have any issues wielding it though.

Kuti continues her assault, claws scratching and teeth biting as she provides a small distraction at least.

Naneryn swipes with his dagger again and causes another little slash. Death by a thousand paper cuts seems apt for this fight at the moment.

Hootie whiffs again and starts thinking at least a paper cut would be something.

Grix continues his odd acting in the face of danger and is now tightly bound in the other room. Maybe his super kinky side was triggered by all the paintings?

The little red beast in the corner decides to get into the act and shrieks, "I'll take out the puritan, finish off that elf!" He moves in towards Bernard, ignoring pretty much everyone to get to him. (this provokes from Nahko and Bernard so you all get an AoO if you wish to take it) If he survives the onslaught, the little creature dives right into Bernard's personal space and cackles as his tail slashes towards the ranger.

The tail barb unerringly slips under Bernard's arm and stabs deep into his armpit where his armor does not protect as well. Poison and blood drip down the ranger's side. (2 damage and see the spoiler)

Round 3
Vraxam Uldar
Bernard St. Ivre Full Action + AoO (-2 HP, ??)
Creature 2 (-6 HP)
Nahko Bear (AoO) and Kuti
Naneryn (-4 HP, -2 Dex, Poisoned)
Hootie Bell
Grix Wolfguard (tied up)
Creature 1

Bold May Act

"Guys...I think Grix may have a problem. Is there some kind of BDSM anonymous in the society?" inquires the halfling, a bemused smile on his face. Turning back to the imp, he frowns. "Did you? Are you sure you followed the contract to the letter?! I THINK NOT!"

As an afterthought, he tugs a dagger from his belt. Holding it towards the beast, it's rather easy to recognize he's not used to the device.

Nahko swipes the massive club at the flitting creature, but much like a rolled up newspaper vs. a fly, the critter senses the whoosh of air and dodges the blow.

Vraxam continues his legalistic argument with the apparently lawful creature, who balks again at the accusation.

Round 3
Vraxam Uldar
Bernard St. Ivre AoO + Full Action (-2 HP, save needed)
Creature 2 (-6 HP, shaken 1/1)
Nahko Bear and Kuti
Naneryn (-4 HP, -2 Dex, Poisoned)
Hootie Bell
Grix Wolfguard (tied up)
Creature 1

Bold May Act, Bernard is up with many things to do!

Soeey posting from the phone. Bernard will grunt and keep attacking.

AOO: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 2 = 16 for aoo dmg: 1d6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 2 = 6

Attack: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 2 = 10 for dmg: 1d6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 2 = 7 on damaged one

Fort: 1d20 ⇒ 13

Bernard takes advantage of the devilish looking creature moving into his personal space and his rapier strikes true, though it only ends up giving a flesh wound for his trouble. The creature's tail strikes true, but the poison doesn't seem to slow Bernard at all. The ranger turns and attempts to strike the other creature harassing the party elf, but even with the distraction provided by Vraxam he misses.

That one continues as commanded and tries to finish off Naneryn with another tail poke.

The tail stabs right back into the smelly elf, who is looking much less happy about the continued abuse. (3 damage Naneryn)

Round 3
Vraxam Uldar
Bernard St. Ivre (-2 HP)
Creature 2 (-4 HP, shaken 1/1)
Nahko Bear and Kuti
Naneryn (-7 HP, -2? Dex, Poisoned?)
Hootie Bell
Grix Wolfguard (tied up)
Creature 1 (-1 HP)

Bold May Act

Is the 2nd devil still in the corner, or attacking Bernard?