[OSP] GM PaleDim's Master of the Fallen Fortress CORE (Inactive)

Game Master PaleDim

Silas begins to chant.

Inspire courage +1 is up. +1 competence bonus to att/damage. +1 moral vs fear

apologies, today got away from me. A short post to keep us moving.

The troglodyte shifts slightly and focuses on Theron.

He's able to avoid a bite and one of the claws, but on landing back in is position a claw catches him in the shoulder for 4 damage.

Battle Theme!

Round 3
The bold may act

Desynthia
Bobbie
Silas
--------
Troglodyte
--------
Theron -4
Ulis

Round 4
The bold may act

Desynthia
Bobbie
Silas
--------
Troglodyte
--------
Theron -4
Ulis

The whole party is up!

Theron curses the troglodyte's heritage with a stream of epithets learned in the barracks during his youth.

I've had enough of you...just die already! he yells as he bring his blade down in a flash of steel.

attack: 1d20 + 6 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 6 - 2 + 1 = 201d8 + 4 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 4 - 2 + 1 = 5

"Language!" Erica chastises Theron, before attacking the troglodyte again.

Attack (Power Attack, Inspiration): 1d20 + 4 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 4 - 1 + 1 = 21
Damage: 1d8 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 2 + 1 = 10

and just like that.... lol

Theron and Bobbie have had enough. With sudden competent swings of sword and hammer, the defiant troglodyte suddenly becomes a mast of bone and flesh on the ground. It's stunned face remains frozen as the blood oozes out onto the floor.

Victory! out of combat initiative.

Calm has returned to this room.

What next, Pathfinders?

Ulis is stunned, the quick work of the duo has left him with his mouth hanging, eyes wide. He stares at the eviscerated creature and can only think of Bacon...

In whispered voice Ulis finally speaks; "By Cayden, the way you two dealt with this creature, such swordplay, such footwork-"
The volume of his voice raises in triumph, a tin mug appearing in his hand full of ale, sloshing about as he speaks;
"In taverns and temples all over, songs will be sung, tales told and the listeners shall say; 'nah, that is such cow dung' and I shall say; 'Nay it is truth, nary a lie is told, this tale of Theron the quick and Bobbie the powerful all true!"

the final door on this level, I say

Aye....I like the sound of that tale....Theron laughs as he takes yet snother swig of ale from his skin to rinse the nasty aftertaste from his mouth.

But kindly leave out the part about the retching if you don't mind...

Aye....I like the sound of that tale....Theron laughs as he takes yet snother swig of ale from his skin to rinse the nasty aftertaste from his mouth.

But kindly leave out the part about the retching if you don't mind...

Ulis looks incredulous; "What, and omit such a colourful part of the story? Never! The story of you splashing the flagstones with your breakfast will be celebrated along with spilling of these creatures guts."

Fine...just do that thing with the wand and close this gash on my arm before it gets infected, please...don't want to splash my breakfast due to an infection the swordsman says with a wry grin.

Erica wrinkles her nose at the thought. The Vomiting Fighters… Not a great way to start a career.

"One troglodyte isn't hard to deal with," she says. "When I was still training in the convent, the nuns would test us by organising a Holy Choosing," she explains, while cleaning off the blood and bits of bones from her hammer. "Those would make for a lot of tales. They'd take the trainees to the fighting room like any other day, except they'd lock the door, give everyone wooden weapons and no armor, and then announce without warning that the fight had begun," Erica chuckles, caught in her memories. "Twenty or something apprentices suddenly turning against each other, and whoever was last standing was proclaimed to be the most valorous fighter of The Inheritor. Her light would have shone on her favorite apprentice, guiding her arm to victory against her peers."

She checks her weapon for any remaining goo, and, satisfied to see it smooth and shiny again, she puts it away.

"Those Choosings were bloodbaths. No one fought honorably. Friendships and even blood ties were thrown out the window the second the nuns blew their whistles. On the other hand, if someone held a grudge against you, you could be sure they'd find you and make you pay. I remember one, Sister Prudence. So small, she couldn't even reach your head, but fast and mean. Wicked with a staff, too. She spent our first Choosing sneaking behind everyone's backs while they were fighting someone bigger and stronger than her, hitting then at the back of their knees at the last second so they would let their guard down and lose. She got rid of the toughest trainees like that, and no one realized what she had been up to until it was too late. Won the Choosing almost unscathed. Everyone was gritting their teeth, but no one said anything. They all waited for the next Choosing, and at least a dozen trainees pounced on her like bloodthirsty wild cats. Poor thing got eliminated in seconds. Choosings were rough, but at least you learned what real fighting looked like. If you really want to win, you don't have to be the strongest- you just have to be the one that can stand the longest."

Fighting smart is a good idea...but not provoking attacks from future enemies is valid as well. Your colleague made herself a target the first time she did that. We were taught about free for alls in our training as well...but it was a bit less chaotic. Still got my nose flattened more than once. I think I gave out more of a beating than I got, though...luckily the priests were well trained in the healing arts. And nothing a few pints of ale couldn't help with either. Thank the gods for a hard head... he says, rapping his knuckles on the side of his head.

Ulis is taken aback by Bobbie's story. "Your convent sounds rather ruthless- a world away from Cayden's temples... Who did you follow at the convent?"

While they're talking Ulis takes the wand;
CLW Wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

You find a tarnished metal key on the body of the dead troglodyte. You look around the room some more but find nothing of note. The walls continue the familiar trend of rotting tapestries. There is an additional stench of small creatures that this troglodyte apparently sacrificed in the brazier, as evidenced by small skeletons visible within the flames. It's enough to slow Theron's recovery from the troglodyte stench, but he recovers after a minute.

You open the door with the key, revealing a human male, manacled and clearly hungry and beaten. At first you hear the clattering of his manacles as he quickly holds his hands up to shield his face and scoots backward into the corner. When nothing happens for a few moments he lowers his hands to be greeted by the kitsune face. He proceeds to look around at the rest of you, desperate relief slowly allowed into his expression.

Please tell me you're from the Society...

Across the small chamber, but very much out of his reach is a chest.

Luckily for you, we are. I assume you are the one and only Balenar? Here...have a drink...you look like trash. Theron says as he unlocks the man and hands him a waterskin and a chunk of bread. Slowly...don't make yourself sick. Ulis, can you give him a quick check...make sure he is fine...[/b]

Erica examines the man's manacles to check if they can be opened with the key, or need to be broken down.

"How long have you been here?"

Luckily for you, we are. I assume you are the one and only Balenar? Here...have a drink...you look like trash. Theron says as he unlocks the man and hands him a waterskin and a chunk of bread. Slowly...don't make yourself sick. Ulis, can you give him a quick check...make sure he is fine...[/b]

Yes, I am he. Thank you, I had all morning to freshen up before they re-chained me. Looks like I missed a few spots the bard deadpans.

Erica examines the man's manacles to check if they can be opened with the key, or need to be broken down.

"How long have you been here?"

A few days, it didn't take me very long to fall into their clutches. I'd hoped to find the fortress unoccupied so soon after the earthquake that unearthed it.

You quickly find that the key from the previous room unlocks his manacles and he's soon gathering his equipment from the chest nearby.

I'll need only a few moments to gather myself, but I do thank you. The tribe that has taken up residence here is lead by a somewhat more powerful troglodyte. I would accompany you to defeat him. On my own, I'm likely to just be waylaid by a returning patrol and end up back where I was.

As Theron offers a drink Ulis holds up his tin Mug- Oh, you meant water
"By Cayden, we are victorious in our commission to rescue the lad-" He takes a drink, toasting Cayden "You say there is another one of those foul creatures we have to defeat? Excellent, another chapter in our saga awaits! Where can we find the soon to be ex-trog?"

Upon Theron's suggestion, Ulis will check the bard over for injuries.
heal check: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

If we want to rest here I can prepare 'enlarge person' to make Bobbie or Theron more of a target? We don't have to rest but it may be an option.

"I have a couple of rations left, if you want something to eat," Erica offers Balenar.

Or maybe we can call it a day and run away all together? It might sound as cowardice, but I say its a wise thing. We were tasked to bring back mister Balenar. He's tired, wounded maybe. Why should we risk everything against a mighty foe we know nothing about?

The bard considers your suggestions, but asserts...

I think it best if we deal with this problem directly. We'll have to give your report to the society, and then they will simply dispatch you or a group like you to finish off the threat here. Better to take advantage of their currently depleted numbers. Thanks for that, by the way.

No...we finish this...before this chieftain or whatever gets reinforcements. We can do this...just be smart. I am sure Balenar here wants to get a bit of payback...not a bad idea Ulis...if Bobbie wants the enlarge, that's cool..if not i'll take it.

He continues. Have you all cleared this floor? He's just upstairs, alone with a pet albino alligator. That thing is vicious and I believe he is a druid of sorts.

He nods at Theron. Yes, definitely before he can reinforce.

Consensus?

"Just him and a lizard, then? I think we can do it."

You can take it if you want :)

That can ends badly.But if you feel it's the way to go, I'll stand with my team. Let's go Paffies.

This "Let's go Paffies" lacks its usual enthousiasm and cheerfulness.

Think positive, Desynthia...we know what we are up agains and have an experienced agent with us. What is the worst that can happen? Theron muses with a wink and a grin.
Alright, let's make sure we leave nothing behind us to stab us in the backside...then go smite this evil chieftain. Hopefully his stench is bearable...my gut squirms already...joyous!

I'm going to move us along, feel free to finish deciding who gets the Enlarge Person up until the recipient takes his/her first turn in the next combat.

You head back to the stairwell and ascend one last time...

The four wings of the tower are completely open on this level, forming one great, cross-shaped chamber with arched ceilings. The decayed remnants of a carpet run from the doorways at the end of each wing, meeting in the center, where a spiral staircase drops out of sight below. A large, throne-like chair stands in the middle of the eastern wing next to a big chest.

Tasskar is standing at the eastern archway, gazing longingly at the city in the distance and daydreaming about... you can only guess what. Though still a troglodyte, he seems less wretched and incapable than his brood that you fought through. In fact he gives off a distinct air of dangerous competence. He turns and notices you, his clawed hand still thoughtfully resting on his chin. Without expressing any particular concern, he points in your direction.

Boss battle theme!

Round 1
The bold may act

Bobbie
Theron
Ulis
-----------------
Tasskar
Snapjaw
-----------------
Balenar
Desynthia
Silas

Bobbie, Theron, and Ulis are up!

Map updated!

I have moved Ulis to the other side of the group for the next encounter. Seeing that Theron wants to take the enlarge person Ulis would be closer to him than to Bobbie. If GM wants me to move back Ulis will move and attack with the crossbow instead. Otherwise...

Ulis puts his hand on Theron's shoulder before the warrior charges into the fray; "Cayden says, Your story is larger than life..." He holds up his tin mug and casts enlarge person:

Theron's height x2, weight x 8.
Increase size category to Large
+2 size bonus to Strength
-2 size penalty to Dexterity
-1 penalty on attack rolls and AC due to its increased size
Theron will occupy a space of 10 feet
reach becomes 10 feet
Longsword damage 1d8 -> 2d6

Theron roars and charges at the lizardman.

Time to join your kin in the bowels of Hell!

attack: 1d20 + 7 + 2 - 1 - 1 ⇒ (20) + 7 + 2 - 1 - 1 = 272d6 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (6, 1) + 5 + 2 = 14charging, using power attack...AC is 17...on phkne right now...can someone move me to beside the croc...wanna make use if the reach...ty

crit: 1d20 + 7 + 2 - 1 - 1 ⇒ (3) + 7 + 2 - 1 - 1 = 102d6 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (3, 3) + 5 + 2 = 13

I have moved Ulis to the other side of the group for the next encounter. Seeing that Theron wants to take the enlarge person Ulis would be closer to him than to Bobbie. If GM wants me to move back Ulis will move and attack with the crossbow instead. Otherwise...

Nope, this makes sense. I have "enlarged" Theron on the map, and moved him beside the croc

Actually, per charge you move to the nearest space where you *could* attack, and with the reach that's still 5' away from it.

Mega-Theron charges the albino croc, both it and its master are taken off guard by this sudden development. He gouges deep into its back, causing it to begin bleeding profusely.

Crit not confirmed, but a good chunk out of it.

Erica moves next to the alligator, hoping to finish it while it is taken by surprise.

Attack (Power Attack): 1d20 + 4 - 1 ⇒ (4) + 4 - 1 = 7
Damage: 1d8 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 2 = 8

Sorry for not updating yesterday. It got away from me.

ALSO I messed up the crocodile's size on the map. Fixed. It doesn't change Theron's attack (i.e., its hit points).

Snapjaw hisses and snaps at the oversized fighter, but you get a sense that self-preservation kicks in and it slowly backs away around to the other size of Bobbie.

5' step

Just as it settles at her side at swings its large, leathery tail at her.

Bobbie's eyes light up and she lets out a whoa! as she jumps to the side, letting it pass by her. It was more the size of the lumbering appendage than it actually getting very close to her. In one motion it pulls the tail back and lunges at her with its open maw, full of jagged, razor-sharp teeth. More sobered from the tail-slap, Bobbie sets her feet and is ready to dodge cleanly as the jaws clamp down near, but not on her arm.

two misses

The lead troglodyte begins speaking in hushed draconic, but then you realize he's not barking sinister threats at you. A 3-foot-long, blazing beam of red-hot fire springs forth from its clawed hand.

It then tip-toes through the back of its pet's area and arrives in Bobbie's right corner of field-of-vision.

20', move action, avoiding AoO from Bobbie.

Boss battle theme!

Round 1
The bold may act

Bobbie
Theron
Ulis
-----------------
Tasskar (flame blade, ?? minutes)
Snapjaw -14
-----------------
Balenar
Desynthia
Silas

Round 2
The bold may act

Bobbie
Theron
Ulis
-----------------
Tasskar (flame blade, ?? minutes)
Snapjaw -14
-----------------
Balenar
Desynthia
Silas

The whole party is up!

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Look! It's using a spell!

Desynthia cast a spell of her own, speaking in the tongue of Heavens

Cast Summon Monster I again, calling for an eagle again, coming next round

Theron plods over to the reptilian. He holds his sword up and points it at him.

Say your prayers to whatever god you serve....you'll not get another chance.

Theron then drops his shield and grabs his weapon in both meaty hands and grints in exertion as he brings it down kn his opponent.

attack: 1d20 + 6 + 1 - 1 - 1 ⇒ (20) + 6 + 1 - 1 - 1 = 252d6 + 7 + 3 ⇒ (1, 4) + 7 + 3 = 15power attack

crit: 1d20 + 6 + 1 - 1 - 1 ⇒ (10) + 6 + 1 - 1 - 1 = 152d6 + 7 + 3 ⇒ (3, 2) + 7 + 3 = 15

So just to be clear you're attack the gator or the troglodyte? I don't see movement on the map so I'd assume the gator.

The trog....i thought i moved...my bad....

Erica attempts to finish off the alligator while Theron is otherwise occupied with the troglodyte.

Attack (Power attack): 1d20 + 4 - 1 ⇒ (20) + 4 - 1 = 23
Critical hit?: 1d20 + 4 - 1 ⇒ (15) + 4 - 1 = 18

Damage: 1d8 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 2 = 9
Critical Damage?: 1d8 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 2 = 9

"How about you stay down?!"

Poor old bugger just got renamed Snapped Jaw.

Ulis moves behind Bobbie and casts Strength Surge
+1 Str bonus to Attack & str based skill checks for 1 round

Silas does what bard's do and begins to inspire courage...+1 competence bonus to attack and damage. +1 moral bonus vs fear

Okay, I ordered your attack after Bobbie's, since she killed the croc, so that you could move in closer to attack the trog...

Bobbie smashes the crocodile in the head, and its previously active eyes now sit as motionless as the rest of its body. At the sight of this Tasskar screams out in terrible rage and sadness.

nomo croc

In the space opened up by this, Theron rushes in and slashes at the troglodyte leader's arm. hit/no crit

It continues screaming as it unloads on Bobbie.

Bobbie is just too fast for it in its recklessness. In particular she's happy to dodge the searing flame blade, the heat of which she can feel near her. She becomes afraid that it would slice through her armor like nothing if it could just land the hit.

Balenar stands there looking both shocked at what you're fighting and impressed that you're holding your own. Spoony bard!

Boss battle theme!

Round 2
The bold may act

Inspire courage+1 applied to the whole party.

Bobbie
Theron
Ulis
-----------------
Tasskar -15 (flame blade, ?? minutes)
-----------------
Balenar
Desynthia (completing summon monster)
Silas

Round 3
The bold may act

Bobbie (strength surge)
Theron
Ulis
-----------------
Tasskar -15 (flame blade, ?? minutes)
-----------------
Balenar
Desynthia
Silas

The whole party is up!

Ulis will cast Touch of Good on Bobbie:
+1 Sacred bonus on attack rolls, skill check, ability check, saving throws for 1 round

Strength Surge 5/6 left
Touch of Good 5/6 left

Theron senses that the troglodyte us near death, the scent of the reptilian's blood competing with its own stench.

You'll not be missed. he says as he swings his sword again.

attack: 1d20 + 6 + 1 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 1 - 1 + 1 = 92d6 + 6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3, 2) + 6 + 1 + 1 = 13

that sucks...can i use my messenger bag reroll...if not no big deal...

Hmm... maybe? I don't know what that is. Have a reference link?

Silas continues his performance, takes five foot step to the south and fires a single bolt.

IC
attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 101d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

And reloads his crossbow.

An aegel appears and flies by... It loses a few feather, but unless the lizardman is allergic to feathers, the bird does no damage

Beak: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Dmg: 1d4 ⇒ 3

Talons: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Dmg: 1d4 ⇒ 2

Talons: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Dmg: 1d4 ⇒ 2

Desynthia uses another heavenly ray, hoping to hit the big scaly boss
Heavenly ray vs Touch: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

Dmg if evil: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Erica is shaken by the troglodyte's scream, but she reminds herself of Balenar, shackled and beaten, and all her capacity for empathy vanishes. She doesn't say a word as she adjusts her aim for what she hopes is the final blow.

Attack (Touch of Good, Strength Surge, Inspire courage): 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 4 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 16
Damage: 1d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 3 + 1 = 12

None of the party can land a hit with a weapon, even with the blessings of Cayden Cailean. Desynthia's eagle suddenly appears, immediately viciously biting and scratching at its face, but it's able to fend the bird off completely.

Then, she raises a hand to unleash a divine ray at it. It connects, searing its right shoulder with a burn mark. Again it howls, and returns its attention to Bobbie.

The troglodyte finally catches Bobbie, she feels the searing blade get through her armor. 9 fire damage As it pulls the blade back out, the heat seems to cauterize the wound, preventing further blood loss.

Bobbie then suddenly feels relief wash over her body as Balenar rushes up behind her, places his hand on her shoulder, and begins to murmur a healing song...

Cure Light Wounds, CL3: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Boss battle theme!

Round 3
The bold may act

Inspire courage+1 applied to the whole party.

Bobbie -3
Theron
Ulis
-----------------
Tasskar -19 (flame blade, ?? minutes)
-----------------
Balenar
Desynthia
Silas

Round 4
The bold may act

Inspire courage+1 applied to the whole party.

Bobbie -3
Theron
Ulis
-----------------
Tasskar -19 (flame blade, ?? minutes)
-----------------
Balenar
Desynthia
Silas

The whole party is up!

Heavenly ray vs touch: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 1 = 7
Dmg: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Once again, Desynthia tries to hit the lizardman with a well aimed ray of heavenly energy.

But all she manages to do is to miss him with a badly aimed ray of heavenly energy.

It smiles a toothy grin as it watches the next ray fly by, but winces and holds shoulder suddenly remembering the still dull pain from last time.

Everybody else still up! As you can tell, I'm saving Balenar's actions to fly in and provide CLWs where he can to help.

Ulis moves to a better position to cast spells on both Bobbie and Theron

This round; Touch of Good on Theron:
+1 Sacred bonus on attack rolls, skill check, ability check, saving throws for 1 round

Strength Surge 5/6 left
Touch of Good 4/6 left