Ruins of Azlant

Game Master Aldizog

Brannart and Sho row through the water, being weary of sandbars as they go.

Suddenly, the water erupts right next to the boat, jostling it from side to side. Three creatures with spears emerge from the sandbars. They have a bluish tint to their skin and a wide toothy maw. They remind you of some type of aquatic goblin except for the writhing mass of tentacles that represent their legs.

Surprise Round

Battle Map

Two of the creatures go for Fenna from her back and left and stab at her with their spears.

Creature 1 Spear: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 111d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Creature 2 Spear: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 71d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

The third creature stabs its spear at Sho.

Creature 3 Spear: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 171d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Fenna is able to duck and use the boat as a shield as both spear thrusts miss high, but Sho, stuck with the oar, takes a spear thrust in the shoulder.

Razor then Kowal is up

Fenna stays as low as she can behind the side of the boat while using her pike to jab back at the attacker to the rear, trusting Brannart will cover her to the side.

Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Know Nature: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

Sho screams in pain at the wound, and put the oar down in the boat before taking her morningstar to strike back.

Her sharp eyes seize the foe, as she tries to understand what she faces

Grindilows! Beware their tentacles, they might try to trip you!

Surprise round is over.

Start of Round 1

Kowal and Razor can go. Then it is the Grindilows turn again.

Razor will move and bite

Razore Bite: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 101d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

I am sure the above is a miss but I did the damage wrong should be 1d4+4(2[Strength x 1.5)+2[power attack])

Knowledge Nature: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

I will go for Kowal to keep the game moving

Razor feels energy in the waves, then notices a hated enemy. He swims up, teeth aimed for a grindylow, but a tentacle rises to block Razor’s approach and is able to avoid the striking maw and sharp teeth.

Kowal lifts up his crossbow and takes aim at the grindylow in the back of the boat attacking Fenna. The bolt looks to fly true, but is blocked at the last moment by an upraised spear.

Crossbow Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 141d8 ⇒ 3

Grindylow 1 Spear Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 61d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Grindylow 2 Spear Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 151d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Grindylow 3 Spear Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 31d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

With sea slime dripping from their tooth-filled mouths, the grindylows viciously attack again with their spears. Both Fenna and Sho are ready this time and deflect the assaults.

Then Fenna lashes out with her pike and strikes the grindylow nearest Razor. Her pike rips through its throat, and its eyes go wide for a moment, then glaze over as it drops into the bay turning the water a murky, brown color.

Initiative Order: Rest of Round 1

Brannart

Vexas

Malakar

Sho

feel free to go out of order

You hear shouts of worry and warning coming from Peregrine. Bolts and arrows hit the water far left and right. You realize their shots are more of a warning and the shooters do not want to risk hitting you. A cheer erupts, and you can hear a "Yeah Fenna!" as she tears apart her attacker.

Malakar makes a swim for the nearest Grindylow knowing they are both unnatural(by his thought process) and evil and makes a stab with his spear

Short Spear and Damage: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 131d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

I am a little unsure of the scale.

The Grindylows are adjacent to the PCs they are attacking?
Are the PCs adjacent to each other, or is there space between them?

Brannart would like to move to the middle of the boat, ranseur in hand, so Sho and Kowal can move behind him. With a reach weapon and Combat Reflexes, he can get a few AOOs if the grindylows try to board, and keep the others safe.

Does the space allow that?

There is enough space to allow Brannart to do this. Here are a few things to consider. PC's who stay seated have a -2 on attack rolls. This penalty is negated if you stand. To stand you must make an Acrobatics Check DC: 10 each round. If the check fails, then a DC 10: Reflex Save is done. Success on the save means the PC sits down, a failure means the PC falls overboard. Hope this helps to clarify.

Brannart will shuffle over to the center of the boat, taking his ranseur and ready to attack any Grindylows that try to board.
"Get behind me!"
Staying seated so as to not risk falling overboard. Move action to shuffle over while seated (I assume) and move action to pick up the ranseur.

His AC is 18 (does not have the buckler on).

Vexas and Sho can go to complete Round 1

Razor and Kowal can also go to Start Round 2

I'll lump all these together, then have the grindylows go (if they are still around)

Vexas slides over to the edge of the boat next to Sho to stab at the creature outside of her edge of the boat.

Lean back Sho!

His small rapier stabs through the air at it.

mwk rapier (small), P damage: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 171d4 - 1 ⇒ (4) - 1 = 3

Sorry about missing round one

thanks for the cover kowal will call out as he places his hand on Fenna’s shoulder using ward giving her a +2 deflection bonus to AC and to saving throws, but it seems that’s all you will be getting for intelligible speech from Kowal for now as he bursts out with a spot of laughter using cackle

Morningstar: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
dmg: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Sho tries to strike back, while dodging the blows of the grindilows AND not getting in the way of her partners' strikes.

All of that sitted on a small boat moving by the waves.

That's why she misses.

Kowal, just want to clarify since I am unfamiliar with the Witch. The Cackle extends the Ward by 1 round, correct?

Looks like Razor is up in Round 2, then the Grindys will go again.

my mistake there, ward is a lasts until a hit gets through ability so cackle doesn’t interact with it at all, but in general yes, cackle extends a number of hexes by one turn, the only one of which I currently have is misfortune.

Thanks for the clarification. When I saw Ward instead of Hex, I thought I missed something.

Yeah, ward is the name of one of the hexes

Razor will continue to try to bite things sorry about the delay.

Bite Power attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 61d4 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Warnings continue from the deck of Peregrine, as the colonists and crew are witnessing your plight.

Malakar swims up to the grindlylow attacking Sho. The creature, offering a salivating growl, turns to its newest foe and blocks the Undine’s spear thrust.

Brannart sets up a defensive position in case the grindlylows attempt to board. He shouts out orders and readies his weapon, but to no avail.

Vexas, taking advantage of his small stature, has little difficulty moving closer to Sho. He stabs out at the occupied octopusian creature and punctures it abdomen. It grunts in pain, as thick red blood starts draining from the wound.

With the obstructing oar and the awkward angle of her position, Sho swings her morningstar but misses the grindylow. The attacker, now bleeding from a wound, has bloodlust in his eyes as he turns his gaze back on the Ranger.

Kowal slides over to Fenna and sends his magic into her. Fenna feels the magic pulse into her, giving her a profound sense of her surroundings. The creature seems to move slower, and she is able pick out single droplets of water as the bay is splashed around her.

Round 2: Razor’s Turn

Razor smells the blood in the water and goes into a frenzy. Moving back and forth and smashing his tail against the gentle waves, he goes after the grindylow fighting Fenna, but is fended off once again.

Staying focused on Fenna with anger in its eyes after witnessing the death of its companion, the grindylow raises its spear and speaks using an undulating tone of soft and loud noises before it strikes.

Spear Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 71d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

With Fenna's experience, she takes notice of the grindlylow's stance and posture and has little trouble determining the timing and direction of the spear thrust. Using her pike, she easily blocks the attack.

Grindylow attacks:

Malakar = 1,2; Vexas = 3,4; Sho = 5,6

Creature attacks: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Spear Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 81d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Tentacle Trip Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

The other grindylow turns its attention from Sho and thrusts it spear at Malakar while also whipping out one of its tentacled legs attempting to knock the Undine from his feet. Malaks easily blocks the spear thrust and somersaults in the water avoiding the tentacle in one fluid motion.

Fenna is up next, but everyone can go when they have availability to do so.

Fenna pivots to her right and knocks aside the grindlow's spear. She then responds with a thrust of her own back at it.

Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13

Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Malakar is going to 5ft. step(swim) and than attack with the flank.

Short Spear: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 251d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Edit:
Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

So I decided Aquan is Hawaiian and made that phrase in Google translate. Than I swapped it to get the literal translation and got "Though you are like the oaks on the seas, my spears will not let go." XD not sure Malakar is that poetic.

I like the idea of Aquan being Hawaian!

Strike: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
Dmg: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

Sho gets another clumsy attack, easily dodged

What do you foul creatures want?! Vexas yells at the one in front of Sho.

He stabs at it again, with the advantage of Malakar being behind it.

mwk rapier (flanking), P damage (small, sneak attack): 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 6 + 2 = 201d4 - 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) - 1 + (2) = 5

I thought we all had to be either seated (-2 to hit) or risk falling (Acrobatics checks and Reflex saves). That has shaped my tactics and decisions but it doesn't seem reflected in the others' turns.

This is not a good idea.
Brannart stands up, takes a step, and stabs with his ranseur at the Grindylow that Vexas is fighting. He almost stumbles but catches himself, and redirects his momentum into the thrust of his polearm.
Acrobatics DC 10, ACP -4: 1d20 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (13) + 2 - 4 = 11
Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
Damage: 2d4 + 6 ⇒ (4, 2) + 6 = 12

@Brannart: Actually you're right. I forgot to deduct the -2 to Fenna's attack since she's not standing.

Brannart, you are correct. I did not want to play the scolding GM card. :) I have been just subtracting two off of attack rolls for sitting PC's. The same outcomes would have still applied. In the case of Vexas standing, I am using subjective GM privilege due to his short stature and low center of gravity determining a roll is not required.

Also, with Malakar’s and Vexas’s attack, the grindy would have been put down. Is Brannart down with using his actions to move up behind Fenna. I would use the same attack and damage rolls. This would utterly destroy this grindy as well, ending the encounter.

Sure thing, he will finish off the other one.

All of that tasty, fine rum really keeps that low center weighed down.

As the sea creature falls into the water dying Vexas struggles to yank his rapier backwards just in time before it's pulled under with it.

I'm usually more of a talker than a fighter, but this is twice with you people!

If possible while everyone on the boat gets resituated Malakar will take a moment to eviscerate the corpses of the grindylows to attract the ocean clean up crew mainly crustaceans. Hopefully sending a message to any more of these creatures not to mess with the settlement.

To Vexas:"Worry not little one. I think you and I and my friend Razor will make fine partners in combat. Although for your sake hopefully the spears come my way not yours as I am a bit sturdier I think."

Malakar and Vexas make quick work of the grindylow and it sinks below the watery depths.

In coordination, Brannart steadies himself as he stands and makes his way toward Fenna. Reaching over her, he drives his polearm through the menace, splitting its chest wide open. Blood erupts, covering the upper portion of a kneeling Fenna.

Cheers erupt from Peregrine as the last of the creatures fall. Several "HUZZAH"'s echo around the bay. Malakar moves around the boat making the corpses even more dead.

You are currently about 250 ft from shore. You see a lonely dock in the distance. What would you like to do?

Pointing out the dock Fenna suggests "There's a small dock where we can tie up. Let's make for it."

She settles back down onto the back bench, keeping an eye out now.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

<SNORT>

Vexas winces as the last kill soils Fenna's clothes.

Oh... wow. I mean, good job Brannart! Fenna... you have an extra tunic or something for that? That top is going to attract sharks every time you enter the sea with it on. No offense Malakar.

He quickly turns away and shuffles back to his position on the front bench.

To the dock!

Perception, keeping a lookout on the approach: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

"Well sure I do Vexas, but not with me right now. It'll wash out."

seems we might know why the town didn't greet us then. Kowal will mutter as he relaxes, you okay Fenna?

But why wait?

Fenna takes her shirt off and swirls it around in the water as the boat moves on toward shore.

"Oh sure, just fine. Thanks Kowal. You?"

Don't get too excited folks. Fenna does have leather armor on under the shirt.

"Sorry, Fenna," says the soldier as he sees the mess.
"These things couldn't be responsible for the colonists missing, could they? There must have been armed guards in the first wave. Unless there were a very large number of Grindylows."

Brannart sits back down and also keeps an eye out for more trouble.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

Fenna, you tease. :)

Not hardly! Anybody feeling teased only has themself blame!

Fenna's a little doubtful about the grindylow theory.

"Can grindylows even walk around on land? Could be a lot of things going on. A pirate raid, maybe the island's inhabited and the inhabitants are hostile. The colonists have have moved for other reasons too, bad weather maybe..."

You continue on your way to shore. With Sho’s injury, the going is a bit slower, but the tough ranger muscles through the injury and pain.

As you get closer, you realize that the entire settlement in dead quiet. The silent stillness is ominous. The land is pockmarked with lonely homes and collapsing tents. A half-built palisade provides no protection. A slight breeze causes a few trees to moan, but the rest of the island seems lifeless.

A solitary dock extends from the beach into the bay. The construction is solid and looks recent, suitable for tying off a small boat, although no watercraft are visible. The beach inclines to the east before giving way to grass and trees. Further on in that direction, the buildings and palisade wall you noticed before stand on the rise.

meant no offense Fenna

Vexas steps out of the boat and walks onto the beach. He digs the toes of his bare feet into the sand, enjoying it for a moment.

He stretches his arms out wide and looks out to sea for several moments.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

Scanning the ground around him, he remarks No other tracks around. None at all. This has been abandoned at least since the most recent tide... which is maybe not saying much.

Fenna is out of the boat quickly to help pull it up onto the beach or tow it down to tie up to the dock if that's what's preferred.

She keeps an eye on the settlement as the boat is disposed of, looking for any hints of life.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Not offended at all.

You're sexy and you know it, Fenna. ^^

Bow in hand , the ranger quietly leads the way, all senses alert

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20