GM Doug's Lions of Katapesh [Outpost III] (Inactive)

Game Master Doug Hahn

Karando will Step over to witness the rooftop battle, and ready an action to attack should a cat come within reach.

Awkward page break initiative block update:

Night Terrors

Chalek, prone, wounded 1, 11/20 HP
Cat 2, -29 hp
Varret, -11 HP, grabbed
Zanderel
Cat 3, -11 HP
Zarindlara
Hoyt
Karando, readied Strike

Zarindlara fires more arrows at Cat #2.

+1 Composite Longbow Attack: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22
ouch!: 1d8 ⇒ 4
deadly if a crit: 1d10 ⇒ 1

+1 Composite Longbow Attack: 1d20 + 11 - 5 ⇒ (4) + 11 - 5 = 10
ouch!: 1d8 ⇒ 5
deadly if a crit: 1d10 ⇒ 8

+1 Composite Longbow Attack: 1d20 + 11 - 10 ⇒ (18) + 11 - 10 = 19
ouch!: 1d8 ⇒ 8
deadly if a crit: 1d10 ⇒ 9

Does the cat still have Chalek grabbed and mauled? If so, then I might have some minuses to his attacks.

The resourceful (and now-vengeful) dwarf lashes out mutliple times with his spiked gauntlet multiple times, determined to bring the feline down!

Melee Attack #1, Prone: 1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (4) + 6 - 2 = 8
Burn that Hero Point for a reroll: 1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (16) + 6 - 2 = 20
Damage from Attack #1 (+sneak attack if applicable): 1d4 + 3 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 3 + (4) = 9 Otherwise, 5 pts dmg without sneak attack

Melee Attack #2, Prone: 1d20 + 6 - 2 - 4 ⇒ (11) + 6 - 2 - 4 = 11
Damage from Attack #2: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Melee Attack #3, prone: 1d20 + 6 - 2 - 8 ⇒ (12) + 6 - 2 - 8 = 8
Damage from Attack #3: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

No the cat let you go. It seems to have other goals in mind.

Zarindlara takes down cat 2 before Chalek can get to it! He finds himself safe for the moment. She then turns to the last cat and hits once. Questionable on cover there but we'll allow it for the sake of moving things along — decisive victory is in sight.

You can redo your action if you want, perhaps getting up, picking up weapons, and moving.

Night Terrors

Chalek, prone, wounded 1, 11/20 HP
Varret, -11 HP, grabbed
Zanderel
Cat 3, -19 HP
Zarindlara
Hoyt
Karando, readied Strike

Oh good. I get that Hero Point back!

Chalek wakes up from his nightmare of viciously punching the cat to find it dead on the ground beside him, a pair of elven arrows feathering its hide. The dwarf grunts to himself, hauls himself to his feet, picks up his morningstar, and hides himself away again in the shadows of the supply shed, assuming a second wave of enemies will be incoming.

Actions: stand up, pick up weapon (interact), and hide (stealth).

Stealth Check: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Chalek finds himself a bit unsteady on his feet, slamming noisily into the side of the storage edifice as he moves into the shadows.

The wizard heads to where the sound of battle remains. When he gets close enough, he once again weaves a spell that fires a ray of frost at the last cat.
Ray of Frost: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
Cold damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

The ray again flies wide! It freezes a scalpel Dr Pearlybones left on the roof, where she likes to perform outpatient surgeries when it's sunny.

Night Terrors

Chalek, prone, wounded 1, 11/20 HP
Varret, -11 HP, grabbed
Zanderel
Cat 3, -19 HP
Zarindlara
Hoyt
Karando, readied Strike

Varret yelps as the cat grabs him, frantically (and awkwardly) firing down at the creature before it can do more serious damage.

+1 Composite shortbow (1st): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12
Piercing: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

+1 Composite shortbow (2nd): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Piercing: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

+1 Composite shortbow (3rd): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Piercing: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

+1 Composite shortbow (4th): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Piercing: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Deadly d10: 1d10 ⇒ 9
21 damage on the crit.

Varret kills the last cat! Out of combat! Will move you on a bit later today. We can hand waive healing as Karando can lay on Hands and refocus, rinse and repeat. You will not be moving on till the next day.

You heal up and rest until late the next morning. You get a full 8 hours sleep and can prep spells as a new day. Everyone is at full health.

Before resting, you gather to consider what you have experienced. Chalek and Zanderel know that leopards here like to lair in cool desert caves. These PCs will have a +2 circumstance bonus to checks to Track these creatures.

Karando knows more. First, these animals expressed uncanny intelligence in their attack pattern. Second, he discerns the secrets about their behavior and feels he can track them rather well. Karando gets a +5 bonus to Survival checks to Track these felines and a +2 circumstance bonus to attacks and damage rolls against these creatures, should he see them again! Please remember this as I may not.

----

The goblins are ecstatic about the leopards being driven off! Zig sees you in the Command tent.

Great work! Goblins are very happy, what with the not dying and all. Now, can you kill whatever the cats' boss is? What's your next step?

"Killing their boss is an excellent idea, Zig. I don't like the idea of striking down animals, but something is wrong with those cats. A darker force may be at work." Karando looks at his companions for comment.

"I'd rather not spend every night fighting those things off. Shall we try to track them back to their lair?"

"Yes, absolutely." Turning to Zig, "Are there any soldiers among your people? Or perhaps hunters? If anyone has some arrows to spare, I would gladly purchase them." Varret used about half his stock of arrows in that fight. If there are any to be had, he'd gladly buy them.

You can but arrows here. Someone can make a survival check to track.

Varret negotiates the purchase of 30 arrows for 3sp.

Survival: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

Survival: 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 6 + 2 + 5 = 30

"Let's follow these tracks and get to the bottom of this."

Varret gets turned around in the wilds, but Karando knows the ways of leopards and easily finds their lair! It's late afternoon by the time you get there. Karando think there were once four leopards who lived here but only one returned last night.

You move into the cave cautiously. You can have buff up here if you want; I don't think anyone has too much to do in that department, however. You aren't sure how deep the cave is so nothing short-term.

The lair does not smell good — it's filled with the bodies of goblins and other creatures. Strangely, there are torches providing light.

The passageway opens into a large chamber supported by four columns. At the far end is a chasm, and across from that rises another platform. Atop the platform is a pile of bones fashioned into a kind of grim divan, on which rests a massive lion. He watches you with lambent yellow eyes that flicker with keen intelligence.

His voice rings across the cavern: Kill them! Kill them, and the bridge won't be built! Secure the kingdom of KEFF THE LION once and for all!

The last of the strange lion's pride springs to attack! Karando notices that it has a recently-healed scar on its flank, where his machete cut it last night.

The lion's den

Chalek you can get cover to stealth behind a pillar if you want.

Zarindlara
Chalek
Keff the Lion
Varret
Zanderel
Karando
Leopard, -? HP

Zarindlara will also buy another quiver of arrows!

Zarindlara moves for a clear shot and sends a pair of arrows at the talking lion.

+1 Composite Longbow Attack: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15
ouch!: 1d8 ⇒ 3
deadly if a crit: 1d10 ⇒ 3

+1 Composite Longbow Attack: 1d20 + 11 - 5 ⇒ (19) + 11 - 5 = 25
ouch!: 1d8 ⇒ 3
deadly if a crit: 1d10 ⇒ 4

Wow BARELY in range of the first increment!

Zarindlara sends two arrows at the lion on his divan of bones. One clatters against the wall, but the other grazes his flank! Ouch!

The lion's den

Chalek you can get cover to stealth behind a pillar if you want.

Zarindlara
Chalek
Keff the Lion, -3 HP
Varret
Zanderel
Karando
Leopard, -? HP

Forgot to post her AoO, just in case.

Chalek has a job to do, but he makes note of the name of the lion.

I've never heard of a talking lion before.

Chalek mentally shrugs and moves to take some cover.

Stride. Hide. Draw morningstar.

Stealth Check: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Keff the lion stands and yawns. How annoying! Do I have to kill them myself? Hmmm?

The lion's den

Chalek you can get cover to stealth behind a pillar if you want.

Zarindlara
Chalek
Keff the Lion, -3 HP
Varret
Zanderel
Karando
Leopard, -? HP

Karando strides (2x) up to the jaguar. "We meet again."

machete: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15 for slashing: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Hoyt wakes up groggy and on not seeing any of his companions at the camp, makes himself a tea.

Hoyt I apologize. I have been using the initiative block at the top of the google slide but you are missing from it. It looks like you’re in the second one below. Regardless, I shouldn't have missed that (twice). There shouldn't even be 2 blocks on that document. I'm not sure what happened… this is not an issue in any of my other games. It doesn't matter anyway; this is the last combat and you should definitely be participating.

Hoyt, Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

Hoyt runs into the cave, well-caffeinated and ready for battle!

Karando's machete swings are wide. Don't forget the +2 you got to attacks and damage; a 17 still misses, however.

The lion's den

Chalek you can get cover to stealth behind a pillar if you want.

Zarindlara
Chalek
Keff the Lion, -3 HP
Varret
Zanderel
Karando
Hoyt
Leopard, -? HP

*huff* *puff* *wheeze*

Hoyt staggers in after Zig told him the others had already left.

"Not as spry as I used to and that was some good tea, to boot!"

Hoyt walks over to Zarindlara. "My lady, if you'd let me, the hand of the Accidental God shall bless your weapon." (Casts Magic Weapon on an offered weapon if she so wishes)

(Step - Magic Weapon)

Though the lion appears to be at the extent of his range, it is close enough. The mordent spire elf weaves a lengthy invocation that causes three darts of pure force to materialize in front of him. With a gesture, all three fly out and strike the great cat!
Magic Missile (3 action): 3d4 + 3 ⇒ (2, 2, 4) + 3 = 11

Varret, feeling himself suddenly less bold than he was a moment earlier (at least in the initiative block), strides forward to a pillar near the lion and studies the creature, looking for weaknesses. Stride, Stride, Hunt Prey.

Zanderel's missiles strike the lion! Varret studies Keff.

The leopard lashes out at Karando with a vendetta! It seems to recognize him from before, and it wants revenge!

Jaws, Strike 1, Vendetta: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 10 + 1 = 19 That hits without the shield raised.
Piercing, Vendetta: 1d10 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 3 + 1 = 12

It Grabs Karando, and then Mauls him with its two hind legs!

Maul Claw 1, at Strike 2's MaP, Vendetta: 1d20 + 10 + 1 - 5 ⇒ (15) + 10 + 1 - 5 = 21
Maul Claw 2, at Strike 2's MaP, Vendetta: 1d20 + 10 + 1 - 5 ⇒ (12) + 10 + 1 - 5 = 18

Slashing Claw 1, Vendetta: 1d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 1 = 6
Slashing Claw 2, Vendetta: 1d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 1 = 6

24 damage total

Karando pays dearly for not raising his shield, but remains standing! 24 damage over 3 hits. Strike, Grab, Maul.

The lion's den

Zarindlara, Magic Weapon
Chalek
Keff the Lion, -14 HP
Varret
Zanderel
Karando, +2 attack/damage vs scarred leopard
Hoyt
Leopard, -? HP

Zarindlara nods her thanks at Rene and takes aim once again.

I'm assuming no cover because it's raised on the platform. If that's wrong, she'll move for a clear shot and then shoot twice.

+1 Striking Composite Longbow Attack: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13
ouch!: 2d8 ⇒ (5, 4) = 9
deadly if a crit: 1d10 ⇒ 9

+1 Striking Composite Longbow Attack: 1d20 + 11 - 5 ⇒ (5) + 11 - 5 = 11
ouch!: 2d8 ⇒ (8, 3) = 11
deadly if a crit: 1d10 ⇒ 4

+1 Striking Composite Longbow Attack: 1d20 + 11 - 10 ⇒ (14) + 11 - 10 = 15
ouch!: 2d8 ⇒ (5, 8) = 13
deadly if a crit: 1d10 ⇒ 1

Chalek stays low and tries to get into an advantageous position next to his ally, Varret. As he approaches, he ruminates.

What do I know about a talking lion?

I will tick off a box on my Cryptid Scholar boon to roll this Recall Knowledge skill check twice and keep the better roll. I'll use Nature, unless my Lore in Underworld, or oddly, the Aspis Consortium would be useful.

Recall Knowledge: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Cryptid Scholar bonus roll: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17 I'll keep this one.

Recall Knowledge, then Sneak for two Strides (I'll just roll once for the Stealth).

Stealth Check: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Zarindlara's arrows clatter against the wall.

Chalek thinks that this might be an awakened lion! Awakened creatures often come from the experiments of mad wizards, and can often cast spells. The lion doesn't seem to see him hide, mostly because of the distance.

Keff triple-moves, dropping to the ground then climbing up the other side of the platform. Here I come!

The lion's den

Zarindlara, Magic Weapon
Chalek
Keff the Lion, -14 HP
Varret
Zanderel
Karando, -24 HP, +2 attack/damage vs scarred leopard
Hoyt
Scarred Leopard, -? HP

And that's why you always raise the shield!
Karando calls on Kazutal to bolster him, then attacks the leopard and raises his shield.
Lay on Hands Flat Check: 1d20 ⇒ 2
The firm grip of the cat restrains Karando--he can't heal himself!
machete: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 8 + 2 = 25 for slashing: 1d6 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 2 = 11

Karando strikes down the leopard!

The lion's den

Zarindlara, Magic Weapon
Chalek
Keff the Lion, -14 HP
Varret
Zanderel
Karando, -24 HP, shield raised
Hoyt

Chalek notes the lion advancing from across the stony bridge at the far end of the room. Jettisoning his stealth strategy, the dwarf makes for the platform at the near end of the room and tries to scramble up to the top.

Stride. Climb.

Athletics Check: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10 I'll assume that's a success.

Chalek then makes for the edge of the ledge, interested in the chasm.

Stride once more.

"Friend Karando, do you know why I'm not as great as Cayden?", Hoyt says as he walks assuredly towards the human champion, "Because I can't heal you for your reckless courage, but he can!"

2 Action Heal: 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

"Dammit, Cayden. Keep me alive so I can help everyone!", he mumbles as the watches the large lion come close. "Gods, what hideous teeth. Bet he smells just as bad, too."

(Stride, 2 Action Heal)

Chalek sees the bones of goblins and other humanoids about 30 feet below.

Hoyt heals the Champion!

The lion's den

Zarindlara, Magic Weapon
Chalek
Keff the Lion, -14 HP
Varret
Zanderel
Karando, -24 HP, shield raised
Hoyt

"Oh my. This is not going well for..." the wizard muses aloud before stopping. He stares off in space, as if somewhere else. But his hands continue to work. He draws the arcane power infused in his staff, the repeats his spell from before to send three force darts flying at the lion!
Drain Bonded Item, Cast Magic Missile
Magic Missile: 3d4 + 3 ⇒ (1, 1, 1) + 3 = 6

Ewww

Varret darts up to the forward pillar, releasing a quick volley at the approaching lion. Stride, Hunted Shot, Strike.

+1 Composite shortbow (1st): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16
Piercing: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

+1 Composite shortbow (2nd): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
Piercing: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

+1 Composite shortbow (3rd): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Piercing: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Zarindlara moves around the pillar to get a line of sight on the lion.

+1 striking Composite Longbow Attack: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26
ouch!: 2d8 ⇒ (3, 5) = 8
deadly if a crit: 1d10 ⇒ 1

+1 striking Composite Longbow Attack: 1d20 + 11 - 5 ⇒ (8) + 11 - 5 = 14
ouch!: 2d8 ⇒ (5, 7) = 12
deadly if a crit: 1d10 ⇒ 8

Hoyt heals his champiion friend!

Zanderel's magic missiles splutter owards the lion, doing a little damage.

Varret and Zarindlara send six arrows flying at the lion, but only two hit. Keff at -31

Keff moves, drops down the side of the platform, then pounces Zarindlara!

Pounce: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21
Piercing: 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Keff roars with delight, glad to FINALLY be here in the fray!

The lion's den

Zarindlara, Magic Weapon, -10 HP
Chalek
Keff the Lion, -31 HP
Varret
Zanderel
Karando, -8 HP, shield raised
Hoyt

Karando will move up, attack the lion, and raise his shield.

machete: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12 for slashing: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Glimpse of Redemption for my reaction.

Striding forward and with quaking legs despite trying to put on a facade of courage, Hoyt strides forward near the front line.

"Courage, friends and raise your mugs for the ale will flow!", Hoyt intones as he calls upon Cayden Cailean's toast. (Bless)

(Stride - 2 Actions: Bless 5ft. emanation)

Varret feels the blessing of the Lucky Drunk as he moves to get a better shot at the lion currently mauling his friend. Stride, Hunted Shot, Strike.

+1 Composite shortbow (1st), bless: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 9 + 1 = 13
Piercing: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

+1 Composite shortbow (2nd), bless: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 6 + 1 = 26
Piercing: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

+1 Composite shortbow (3rd), bless: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 3 + 1 = 13
Piercing: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Zarindlara backs away. It gets an AoO if it has one! She adjust her grip on her bow to account for the close target and fires one arrow.

+1 striking Composite Longbow Attack: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14
ouch!: 2d8 ⇒ (8, 7) = 15
deadly if a crit: 1d10 ⇒ 10

Chalek mentally measures the chasm, backs up, then runs and jumps!

Two moves: stride and long jump. Back 10 ft away from the ledge for a running start.

Athletics Check: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11 Whew. Cleared 10 ft. I will then stride once more toward’s Keff’s perch.

Having cleared the chasm, Chalek boldly moves towards where the lion was perched.

Karando swings wide, and prepares a glimpse of redemption.

Hoyt gives the blessing of the lucky drunk!

Varret hits once with his bow.

Zarindlara safely backs away!

Chalek goes on a mission to find out more about the lion's throne.

The lion's den

Zarindlara, Magic Weapon, -10 HP
Chalek
Keff the Lion, -36 HP
Varret
Zanderel
Karando, -8 HP, shield raised
Hoyt

Zanderel first wards himself with a magical shielding, then weaves elemental magic. With a gesture, a ray of frost flies out at the lion!
Cast Shield, then Ray of Frost
Ray of Frost: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
Cold damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

that crits. Keff at -50

Keff growls at Zanderel as his left tooth is iced!

He incants a word and waves his tail rhythmically. A spray of rainbow colors leaps from his paw, showering Varret, Hoyt, and Karando! This spell has the INcapicitate trait but none of you seem to be more than twice the level of the spell (1).

Varret, Hoyt, and Karando: Please make will saves, against a visual, illusion, incapacitate effect!

The lion then paws the Champion.

claw: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29 uh-oh
Slashing: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5 doubled to 10, block reduces to 5.

I'm a wizard, you see! AND a lion! HAHA!

The lion's den

Zarindlara, Magic Weapon, -10 HP
Chalek
Keff the Lion, -50 HP
Varret, will save needed (visual, illusion, incapicate level 1)
Zanderel
Karando, -13 HP, shield raised, will save needed (visual, illusion, incapacitate level 1)
Hoyt, will save needed (visual, illusion, incapacitate level 1)

"It speaks?!", his surprise quickly interrupted by the flash of colors!

"YEAAGHHH! MY EYES!"

Will Saving Throw: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13