GM Doom 'n Gloom: The Cyphermage Dilemma (Inactive)

Game Master TriShadow

Toshiko draws back her arm before flinging the dagger at Green.

Dagger: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25 Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Hiiragi yells about her unfounded and irrational hatred of cute, adorable puppies as she crushes the poor beast into little more than paste. Toshiko decides on a more understated approach, allowing her target to live a while longer.

DEBT ON THE DOCKS! Round 1 bold may act.

Hiiragi
Toshiko
Ikari
Half-Orcs {GREEN -4/??}
Kenta
Itami
Dog A mandatory call has been places to the ASPCA

Map is updated.

She is as bold in the face of danger as she is wise - the Goddess' anger is strong in her also.

Ikari grins as he sees Bigragi smash the canine enemy.

"Kenta, I fear dear Hiiragi has got herself outnumbered."

Ikari calls upon the same divine power, growing to twice his normal height and scattering nearby crates. He whirls his elven spear around and thrusts it at the orcs.

large raging spear vs red: 1d20 + 3 - 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 3 - 1 + 1 + 2 = 24damage: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (1, 4) + 6 = 11

I can draw a clear line from Ikari to red that does not pass through Hiiragi, so I assume no cover.

"あなたはスーパーメガキツネ分隊にはマッチしません !"

You're in the aaaaaarms ooooooof the aaangel.... fly awaaaaaaaaaay from heeeeeeeeere...

The barbarian funnels aggression into himself, quickly growing in size to match his fellow Daikitsan. His thrust nearly impales the half-orc.

The half orc retreats behind his crate. He comes out the otherside, hoping that it will provide some measure of protection. Ikari thrusts again, but the deckhand manages to twist out of the way.

Figuring the ancient 'human' to be an easier target, the half orc swings a sap at the man's skull. Hoever, he soon realizes that there are no 'easy' foes here.

Meanwhile, throwing his fists to the sky in anguish "MITSY! ¿¿POR QUE?? What the hell lady? Now he's nuthin' more than dinner." Waiting for his ally to slide to the side, the pair attack in practiced tandum. The first doubles the cleric over with a blow to the solar-plexus, the second takes advantage of her position and slams a sap on the back of her exposed neck. The sudden combination smashes consciousness away from the cleric as she falls to the ground.

The pair look over to the rest of the team, grinning at their accomplishment. The red-capped orc offers, "Give up now, or we'll gut this one."

DEBT ON THE DOCKS! Round 2 bold may act.

Hiiragi (16/17 hp) {Unconscious} You took 18 points of NL damage
Toshiko
Ikari
Half-Orcs {GREEN -15/??}
Kenta
Itami

Map is updated.

All his questions as to why they are being attacked and what is the proper course of action are gone from his mind. Pure rage takes over. Kenta screams as his friend collapses, "NOOOO! YOU WILL NEVER TAKE US BACK!"

He charges forward, pulling the massive sword from his back and slashing with all his might at the nearest half-orc, "DIE!!!"

Charge Blue while drawing weapon, current AC 16

MW Greatsword - Power Attack + Charge: 1d20 + 5 - 1 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 5 - 1 + 2 = 21 for Slashing + PA: 2d6 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (2, 5) + 3 + 3 = 13

GM, Ikari's attack was directed at Red.

Well that was unexpected! Having successfully avoided the brute's sap, Itami steps towards Ikari's flank and fires another bolt, this time at the Half-Orc that assumed it wise to attack him. Unless those goons pull a real weapon out, I doubt their threat has much teeth to it.
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Magic Missile vs Green: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Seeing Hiigari collapse in a heep, Kenta races along the pier and begins taking vengeance out on reprehensible the cad responsible. Maybe somewhere in the back of the paladin's mind there is a small voice pleading for mercy, to take the criminal alive. Against the raging inferno of Kenta's rage...it is a very quiet voice indeed.

Once again, the cagey sorcerer comes to rely on his dependable back-up. The blast nearly knocks the half-orc from his feet.

DEBT ON THE DOCKS! Round 3 bold may act.

Hiiragi (16/17 hp) {Unconscious / STABLE}
Toshiko
Ikari
Half-Orcs {GREEN -20/?? | BLUE -11/?? | RED full}
Kenta
Itami

Map is updated.

"Toshiko, finish this one off and I'll help Hiiragi."

So, I could wake Hiiragi up with my caravan bond Calm ability if I drop out of rage - but it may be better to focus on one of the two orcs next to her first. Do you have a preference Hiiragi?

Feel free to handle the dudes first! As Billy Joel Armstrong once said, “wake me up when this combat ends.”

Which square are you shrinking into?

Lower-right unless you’d prefer otherwise!

Seems wise.

large raging spear vs blue: 1d20 + 3 - 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 3 - 1 + 1 + 2 = 23damage: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (6, 6) + 6 = 18

"Stand down or be put down, half-orcs!"

Ikari momentarily shrinks down to normal size, before growing again and turning his attention on Kenta's opponent.

Doing the 'fake 5' step' thing by shrinking into the top right square of the four that I was occupying and then growing into the squares I am now occupying - so no actual movement and no actual 5' step made.

As it is the weekend, I will give Toshiko a bit more time to post. If nothing by tomorrow afternoon/evening, I will bot her and move on.

I am here. It was Australia Day over the weekend so I was away from my computer. Sorry.

Toshiko draws another dagger and lets fly at Green.

Dagger: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25 Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Toshiko's blade buries itself hilt deep in the half-orc's throat. A burbling sound is all that makes his passage to the Boneyard.

Ikari gets some semblance of revenge as he cleaves the blue scarred pirate in twain.

Fear registers in the eye's of the bandana'd crewman. "Nope!" He turns to flee. At first, he believes he will make it back to the warehouse. Suddenly, his back blooms in agony as an enlarged spearhead nearly cleaves the man's spine. The pain is nearly paralyzing. It certainly slows him down enough for the metal blade to pierce his heart. In only a matter of moments, all threats have been eliminated.

Out of Combat.

Kenta drops his sword, ignoring the clatter as it thunks the ground. He rushes over to Hiiragi, pulling a wand out.

"Please let there still be life!"

With a quick incantation he feels the power of his goddess activate the stored magic, washing over the felled fox.

Free to drop sword, move to draw wand of CLW, Standard to activate for 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8 healing.

”M’up,” says Hiiragi, springing up. She grabs her flail and looks around... then blinks.

”We got them?”

"Dear sensei... your valour in the face of the canine foe is always... inspirational!"

Ikari pants a little as he recovers, and assumes his natural kitsune form. "I am done with hiding here. Sensei, allow me to soothe your injuries, by Our Lady's grace."

Ikari lays a gentle hand on Hiiragi and helps her up. As he does so he invokes the power of Daikitsu. Apply Calming Touch. Removes fatigue and heals non-lethal.

nonlethal healed: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

"Do these half-orc thugs have anything of use to us?"

Hiiragi breathes a sigh of relief as she rises, feeling much better between the various healing offered.

"Thank you, Ikari," she says with a smile.

"Why did they attack us in the first place?" she ponders.

Kenta looks around at all the bloody weapons and the wand using wizard, "Yeah, we all hit em hard. I think they were looking for someone else? Ajeetah or something? I guess they picked the wrong pack to mess with, though I would have preferred a chance to correct them."

He shrugs, picks up his sword and cleans it before sheathing, "Well their fates are in their god's hands now."

Now that Kenta mentions it, the thought does ring a bit familiar in your collective memories.

Does Alejia have any allegiances we should know about?

“While she is a lowly pirate, Alejia possesses more enemies than friends in Riddleport, having backstabbed many business partners to get to where she is now. Her sudden disappearance and recent activities have only spurred public resentment of her, and many would like to see her dead. In any case, don’t be surprised if your investigation gets you entangled with some of her less savory ex-associates.”

Go ahead and post any more healing. (I have you at 12/17 NL). More to come this evening.

"We've entered a den of snakes, they will try to bite newcomers," Itami says by way of explanation before pulling a different wand out and anointing Hiiragi in her own blood. Slowly but steadily, her remaining wounds begin to heal.
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Infernal Healing from wand on Hiiragi (and anyone else who'd like it!).

Hiiragi breathes a sigh of relief as some not-entirely-good-aligned healing patches up her bruises.

"That will be good if I have any infernal bleeding," she quips.

Kenta stands there oblivious to Itami's spell but replies to Hiiragi's quip, "Infernal? Like from a devil? Are we expecting that now too?"

"We have already fought a dog today, so the scale of evil can only lessen from here," she shrugs.

Kenta looks over at the splatter of guts and back at Hiiragi, then back to the guts and then at Hiiragi again, "Hmmm..."

Turning to his allies, "So we got a plan when we find this ship? Gonna try to talk them down or just go in swords blazing?"

"Your sword blazes Brother? I have heard tell of kitsune whose connection to the divine is strong enough to unleash the primal elemental forces in this way, I did not realise that you were one of them."

inspired by actual kitsune lore, Ikari will take such rage powers ;)

The young fox's brow furrows then he replies, "It's just something I heard in my lodge. I never really thought about it actually being blazing."

Most definitely an option for Kenta as well once he gets more paladin powers or upgrades his weapon.

"Well, Kenta, how do you think we should do this? We tried it one way before, but I am open to a change of strategy if you think it wise," Itami offers.
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Sorry Kenta, totally spaced about the evil descriptor there!

Surprised at having been asked what he thinks, he takes a bit of time to put his thoughts together. But when he starts speaking it is obvious he has considered their mission a lot while they were walking.

"Well we need to stop them from leaving to attack more ships. And they should be brought to justice for their prior attacks. But there is no actual authority in this lawless town. I suppose if they all surrendered to the society, we could probably handle things well enough. But tactically, I'm not sure. If none of you all were here and I had to do it on my own I would walk onto the ship and demand their surrender. I'd be ready for a fight of course."

____________

Eh, I'm not even sure how that would fly even IF Kenta decided at that very moment to start detecting for evil. I'm sure it would probably just be cleared up as a misunderstanding and not end up with a head removed. ;)

After dealing with the troublesome thugs who mistook the team for the guards of the warehouse, you are able to continue to the Lionfish unhindered.

The dinghy vessel bobbing in the water looks like it’s in dire need of a new paint job, its maroon paint having faded to a grimy puce and peeling away where the water laps at the hull. The planks appear sturdy though, and the boat’s sails are carefully mended. The word “Lionfish” is painted across the side of the ship in clumsy blue letters, and a light on the ship’s deck illuminates the work of several figures hustling to and fro.

GM, did the half-orc thugs have any useful gear? Ikari would check them over, and use detect magic.

Nothing magic. Saps, leather armor and walking around money

Kenta whispers to his allies from their vantage point, "Shall we go introduce ourselves and demand surrender or try something else? I don't want to wait to long though, they look busy and might cast off at any time."

Is it night?

"I can't imagine a scenario where we could trick them without outright lying," Itami admits. "Shall we do things the Kenta-way for once?" And if it doesn't work, we can remind him of that when he suggests it again. Not my preferred method, but I suppose a win-win in a way.

Hiiragi remembers swinging her flail at a harpy, then feeling a sharp pain in her head. Climbing back to consciousness, taking another swing, taking another fall... again, and again, and again...

She notes the distinct lack of sweet Onna here.

"Sure," she says, moving toward the back of the group and drawing her longbow.

Kenta nods, emboldened by the overwhelming support.

He whispers to his allies, "Could one of you magic users cast a glowing light on my blade in case they decide to douse the lights on the ship?"

______________________________

Lotta ifs here, but he'll try to roll with whatever happens.

Kenta strides out onto the dock and down towards the ship, moving quickly up the gangplank. Should I call them pirates or something else? Hmm... As attention is quickly drawn to him he shouts, "FRIENDS BE CALM! I offer this one chance to SURRENDER and atone for your crimes!"

He resists the urge to see if his allies followed. I'm sure my pack is with me, don't look back. It'll make you look weak.

The dinghy vessel bobbing in the water...

So, it's not explicitly stated clearly enough. The Lionfish is at anchor in the harbor, NOT docked at the pier. You will need to find a way out there. Swim? Watercraft? Teleportation magic? Other? Your solution is up to you.

@Kenta: Still checking on the time.

GM, how far out in the harbour is the Lionfish? And are there any rowboats at the pier?

"Ah, perhaps we could commandeer a small vessel? A rowboat, or preferably something with a sail. Otherwise, I still have a few short-lived magics that might help if we have to get our fur wet."

Ikari has scrolls of air bubble and a potion sponge of touch of the sea.

I saw “The planks appear sturdy though” and guessed that meant it was docked with gangplanks to it, my bad. Kenta isn’t the best swimmer so ideally we could rent a rowboat or charter a ship to get us there. If not, is the water at least calm?

Distance is going to be the determining factor here, I think. If need be, we have rope and Large arrows...

Using math that you thought would never be useful in real life, Itami gauges the the Lionfish sits about a hundred yards off shore 'give or take a cubit.' Hiiragi realizes that the team should move about so as to not draw too much attention as the old man performs his calculations. Though this part of the docks lacks the hustle and bustle from where you disembarked, there is still plenty of activity. Watercraft of all types litter the harbor; from the well-crewed fishing boat to smaller dinghy's, all are constantly in motion, going to and fro with a wide variety of cargo. Toshiko is certain that not all of it has legal papers.

Hiiragi hatches a plan.

"Next time someone leaves a dinghy, everyone crowd around me. We'll wait until they're out of the docks, I'll take their shape, and we'll borrow it."

Kenta's brows furrows, which has been happening a lot today. "That seems a whole lot like stealing. Why don't we just ask to borrow it and if they say no, offer to rent or buy it. I have a few gold, I'm sure that would be enough to rent a small boat for a couple hours."

Hiiragi shrugs. "It's not stealing if it's their own boat," she points out.

Kenta's brow furrow now seems to be a canyon, "But uh, it isn't yours er... ours and... we would be taking it and... I just... it doesn't seem right."

He thinks for a bit, "But I guess it is urgent to get out there, they could leave at any time. I know, I'll leave a note and some gold as payment and apologies when we return the boat."

Hiiragi can see it now; a dinghy left aflame beside the Lionfish, arrows and harpoons nocked in its wood as it slowly sinks into the harbor...

"I am quite sure that will be fine," she says with a smile.

Toshiko moves to the edge and begins to board the small boat.