GM XaveTheNerd's Miscreants - Hell's Vengeance (Inactive)

Game Master X Hums

"Huzzah! Take that you flying kitty!"

Rushing to assist with the rest of the fight, Zeke heads into the guard house and climbs the ladder to the parapet.

Marcianus draws his crossbow and loads it as he looks for an opportunity to help out.

AoO; ex-Iomedaean: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 5 + 1 = 19
Damage; ex-Iomedaean: 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 2 + 1 = 10

Bonus to attack rolls from War Mind.

”Oh no you don’t!”

Sicaria rushes after the fleeing halfing and slices at the woman!

Primary vs Jexxi; ex-Iomedaean, War Mind: 1d20 + 5 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 5 + 1 + 1 = 24
Damage; ex-Iomedaean: 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 1 = 5

Zelicia steps out of the mist to help, running up the stairs then casting Ear-Piercing Scream (DC 15) on the woman.

2d6 ⇒ (2, 2) = 4

Save: 1d20 ⇒ 17

Sicaria slices deep into the halfling twice, and just as Jexxi opens her mouth to say something, Zelicia screams in response, knocking her unconscious.

I'm going to pause here for a bit. Had quite an off week. Work's been rough. Will continue the narrative when I start feeling better.

I'm going to pause here for a bit. Had quite an off week. Work's been rough. Will continue the narrative when I start feeling better.

I’m sorry for my own absence last week. I’m hopeful this coming week will be less crazy at work so I’ll be able to post regularly when you’re ready to continue.

The miscreants take a moment to loot the halfling's body, gaining:

Small leather armor
Small +1 Composite Shortbow (+1 str)
Small spear
A Silent Whistle
Thieves' Tools
and 26 gp

As well, hidden in a small pocket on her armor, the miscreants find a note, written in average handwriting.

Good work, old friend. Sending Jask to spell you soon. Can't wait until you see what she's done with the Court.

Assuming y'all take 20 on Perception
The miscreants spend a good remainder of the day searching and overturning Fort Estazano, hoping for any kind of secret entrance or otherwise.

There isn't one.

However, the miscreants do locate the Manticore's den, in the southeastern pile of rubble, and are able to unearth a bit more loot!

Feather token (whip)
Scroll of Summon Monster II
Wand of Shield of Faith (33 charges)
A stinking but salvageable courtiers outfit
A bottle of cheap rum
A signet ring bearing a seal consisting of a pair of struggling falcons (worth 10gp)
And a pouch containing 49gp and a single platinum piece. (59gp total)

Additionally, the miscreants notice the grip and most of the iron haft of a weapon jutting from the den's rear wall. Strength check to take it, if you wish.

Lastly, in a last ditch attempt, the miscreants search the area around the fort. There, Wolfgang spots another trail, leading from the other side of the east wall deeper into the forest.

At this point, it's early evening. What would you like to do?

Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19
Grumble mumble mumble

Wolfgang looks pleased at the halfling's bow until he realizes it's too small for him to use. He tries his strength on the weapon stuck in the wall...

Strength: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

... but when he yanks on the weapon's grip, his sweaty hands slip and he falls on his backside.

Muttering to himself in irritation, the tiefling stalks around the outside of the ruin. When he spots the trail leading deeper into the woods, he groans and slinks back through the growing shadows to tell the others.

"We're down on spells and all of us are still injured, although we ought to be able to handle the latter problem as long as there are charges left on that infernal healing wand." He looks from Marcianus to Zelicia, unsure who has the wand at the moment.

"We need rest to get back our other resources, but if more of these Iomedan bastards are hiding out in the woods, they could come back to the fort at any moment and murder us in our sleep. Much as it pains me to admit it, our best chance to get a look at them before they know we're coming - or if we see an opportunity, to do unto them as they so desperately deserve - would be to go now. I would be delighted to be persuaded otherwise, though."

"We need rest to get back our other resources, but if more of these Iomedan bastards are hiding out in the woods, they could come back to the fort at any moment and murder us in our sleep. Much as it pains me to admit it, our best chance to get a look at them before they know we're coming - or if we see an opportunity, to do unto them as they so desperately deserve - would be to go now. I would be delighted to be persuaded otherwise, though."

Sicaria sighs. "As much as I want to disagree, you're probably right..."

Marcianus spends some time examining the pile of loot. He examines the signet ring to see if he can identify the crest.

Knowledge(Nobility): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

Tossing it back in the pile, he rolls up the scroll after identifying it and slides it into his pack. The wand he taps thoughtfully.

"I might be able to get this to work, if we know we are going into a dangerous place. If anyone else can use it, they are welcome. It seems like it can give us a small amount of protection for a minute or so.

As for healing, and rest, I could use some as well. That was a tough fight and we seem safe here."

Zeke grunts, ignoring the conversation. After Wolfgang makes his attempt to pull the sword from the stone, he chuckles and gives a tug.

Strength: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

"I guess you weren't worthy"

Knowledge (History): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19
Ooo, curses.

"My wand still has enough to heal us all." Zelicia twirls the wand as she speaks. "As for what to do, I would prefer to be the one to deal with unsuspecting people than wait to be ambushed." She begins poking people with the wand.

Heal: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9 for Marcianus
Heal: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 for Marcianus
Heal: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6 for Sicaria
Heal: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 for Zelicia
Heal: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 for Wolfgang
Heal: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8 for Wolfgang
Heal: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 for Zeke

Zeke just manages to tug out a Mwk Cold Iron Longspear, but as he does, the rocks crumble outwards, opening a large hole in the debris.

Survival to track Aid 1: 1d20 ⇒ 6
Survival to track Aid 1: 1d20 ⇒ 15
Survival to track Aid 1: 1d20 ⇒ 12
Survival to track Aid 1: 1d20 ⇒ 5

Sicaria Survival (with aids): 1d20 + 1 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 1 + 2 + 2 = 16

The sun begins to set just as the miscreants find the end of the tracks. IN front of them stands a series of gigantic aspen trees rising from the shadowy, scrub-covered forest floor. Overhead, amid the powerful branches, an array of hanging platforms, swaying bridges, and wooden structures create a camouflaged forest base.

Before I give a map, I need to know how you wish to proceed. You're about 2 hours from town, now.

You don't need to spend a charge for Zeke. I can transfer an HP to him through our link. The two charges on Marcianus fix both of us. Thanks!

Looking at the treehouse hideouts, Marcianus scoffs. "Are we dealing with elves here or some group of bandits out of a storybook?"

Taking out his wand, he reactivates Mage Armor on himself and Zeke, then peers around looking for a way to climb up.

Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 20

Zeke grins as he examines the longspear. "Where's that stupid angel now?"

Strapping it next to the spear on his back, he looks at the others. "Any of you can probably figure out how to stick someone with the pointy end of you'd like one of these"

As they arrive at the forest base, Zeke grips his hammer and grins, waiting for the coming conflict, but pausing to let the stealthy ones examine the situation.

Only one charge needed to bring Wolfgang up to full, Zelicia, thanks!

GM - If we're only an hour before sunset, I assume there are plenty of shadows from the trees?

Wolfgang nods without enthusiasm. "Right. But I should probably take advantage of the shadows and sneak in closer for a better look, shouldn't I?"

Sticking to the darkest areas possible, Wolfgang tries to spot any guards or other security measures around the camp and get at least some idea of how many people are inside. He moves slowly, particularly because he has to watch for observers and traps from above as well as on the ground, and does not get too close to the encampment (for whatever value of "too close" makes sense).

Stealth: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29

(GM - reminder that Wolfgang has alarm sense if he passes within 10' of a magical trap, and +1 to find any trap from trapfinding.)

Wolfgang nods without enthusiasm. "Right. But I should probably take advantage of the shadows and sneak in closer for a better look, shouldn't I?"

"Don't think I'll let you go alone; the Archbaron'd have my head if something happened to you."

Stealth: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

[dice=Stealth]16

Wolfgang's shoulders tense, rising to his ears at the barely audible whisper of the assassin's footsteps. He turns to glare at Sicaria.

The miscreants approach the treehouse base quietly enough to get a good view of the place. Map updated. A rope ladder dangles to the northwest, while a rope hangs from tree to its east. Large wolves lay at the base of one of the farther trees, and two archers peer down from above. The miscreants cannot see into the treehouses from below.

Wolfgang checks the flasks of acid and alchemist's fire held in the loops of his bandolier, then pulls another three flasks of alchemist's fire out the bag of holding. He silently offers the three vials to Sicaria before reaching back into the bag and retrieving a small rock. He holds it up with a grin, mimes throwing it, and covers his ears, mouthing "BOOM!" in case the assassin missed the point.

Any sense as to how dry the forest might be, and which way the wind is blowing? Wolfgang is more interested in flushing out the rebels than starting a forest fire and accidentally burning down the Whisperwood. But if that what it takes...

Sicaria looks at the tiefling miming his crazy plan and slowly drops Wolfgang’s hands holding the vials and just mouths No! Sicaria has her reasons, but she can’t explain them right at this moment for obvious reasons. She points to the archers then moves her finger across her throat before motioning back to the other miscreants. Basically, kill them so the non-stealthy people can come up.

Which one's the plan? I need to solidly know your plan before I continue. Specifically, when are you wanting to roll initiative and what's the plan round 1?

GM - How hard will it be to climb the tree, and how high are the archers? Is there line of sight between the archers and the wolves?

Wolfgang sighs and nods, and puts the alchemist's fire and thunderstone away. Clearly anxious, the tiefling points to the archers, then points to the wolves. After a few moments of incomprehensible gestures with his hands and tail, he shakes his head in annoyance and pulls a stub of chalk* from his belt pouch, followed by his spellbook from his pack. Flipping open the acid-stained back cover of the volume, he hurriedly scrawls across the endpaper.

"Take archers 1st --> wolves bark/howl? Take wolves 1st --> archers shout/shoot? Distraction to remove 1/other?"

Wolfgang shoves the book and chalk at Siciaria and points to the blank final page.

*Somehow I have created a character who regularly scribes spells into a book but doesn't own a pen or even a piece of charcoal. Lucky for Wolfgang, chalk comes with whatever kit he bought starting out.

Sicaria grabs the chalk and writes down on the page. Forest fire destroys evidence.

You and I sneak up on archers, Zel and Marc take care of wolves? Catch both off-guard?

It is pretty much impossible to climb the trees up to the platforms, as the platforms extend quite a bit out from the actual trunks and branches of the trees.

To pull back the curtain: the whole map is designed with the only two ways up being the ladder and the rope to the archer's tower. The ladder is DC 0, and the rope is DC 10. Any other way of getting up is a terrible idea and could easily result in a TPK due to triggering all combats "behind" the location you enter.

As for how high, it's 30 feet up, so it's a considerable climb. The book consistently uses the term "Titan Aspen".

I need at least one more vote for one of the plans before moving on.

I vote missile attacks on the archers, while Zeke deals with the wolves. Maybe we can equal out the cover situation by firing from behind a tree. If anyone needs Marcianus' crossbow, he'll give it over.

Or, more Mist so we can get most of the way up the ladder/rope before the archers can fire

First, though, Marcianus casts Shield on Zeke

Either way doesn't change much for me. Zelicia would just cast hexes on anyone near enough to her and try to stay out of direct fire. Maybe do both? Missle attacks to distract the archers while Sicaria and Wolfgang sneak up?

If the archer's nest is 30' up, it's going to take us 2 full rounds at 1/4 speed to get up there, right? I think our best chance might be for Wolfgang and Sicaria to try to sneak up the ladder and take out the archers before they can sound an alarm, but if there's any sniping at them from the ground, wouldn’t they still alert the rest of the camp that they were under attack? (I suggested starting a fire because it would focus the Glorious Reclamation bandits on fighting the fire, which wouldn't have to have been caused by an attack).

Any other ideas for a distraction that wouldn’t destroy the evidence of the camp (which I hadn’t thought about) that also wouldn't prompt a general alarm? Alternatively, Zelicia, Marcianus, and Zeke could be ready to start a distractionif W&S blow a stealth check (or just start shooting/casting, or take out the wolves), then we might still have a chance to take out the archers before they realize we're there.

I just noticed that Wolfgang has a scroll of monkey fish, which he can cast on himself to get up the tree a little faster (it gives him a 10' climb speed, so that's one double move and a move action). It lasts for one minute, so he can cast it a little ways off from the camp to avoid being heard.

It looks like we're leaning towards sneaking up the rope to the archers while Zelicia, Marc, and Zeke stay on the ground and deal with the wolves, hoping to cut things off before a general alarm is sounded.

I'm going to wait for two people to confirm that's the plan.

As for distractions, and to keep things moving forward, not only is starting a fire here actually surprisingly difficult (the trees here don't light easily), but it actually would be "super easy, barely an inconvenience" for the people here to put it out. I won't go into details quite yet, but I will officially say that starting a fire here is likely not worth it.

As for "General Alarm", I'll also let you know that the only problems not sneaking causes is some buff rounds for some NPCs. Treat this as a traditional dungeon crawl, but sound lanes are a bit enhanced for allowing NPCs to know you're here.

Sounds right to me. Only distraction I could think of would be to shout and yell, which sounds like the opposite of what Wolfgang wants. Zeke is willing to draw all the attention to himself, if needed, but we need someone to come back and tell us the plan.

Thanks, GM, that's helpful. I am (as Marcianus's player knows from our several years of PbP together) occasionally prone to coming up with wildly overcomplicated plans to avoid obstacles that aren't in the scenario and that the GM never planned to add. Put that tendency together with a character who is a cowardly, magic-using, sneak thief - that is, a PC who is built specifically to come up with overcomplicated solutions to threats nobody else sees - and this is the result. Substantive post to follow this evening, but I'm good following Sicaria's plan.

Sicaria grabs the chalk and writes down on the page. Forest fire destroys evidence.

You and I sneak up on archers, Zel and Marc take care of wolves? Catch both off-guard?

Wolfgang thinks for a moment, then nods. Let's tell the others the plan, he writes, and begins to head back to Zelicia, Marcianus, and Zeke as quietly as he can.

Marcianus nods at the report. "Right. So, you two sneak over to the rope, while we make our way around the clearing to the south.

You do understand there is no way we're taking out those archers without them raising an alarm though, right?"

Can't move tokens for some reason, but I described the movements I'd like to make

I'll fix the tokens thing. Had a bit of a bombshell day (nothing serious, just got all my motivation destroyed in one message from my friends). So I'll just leave it at:

Everybody, please roll a stealth roll to get in position. I'll apply penalties to enemy perceptions as warranted.

If I can’t use the 16 I rolled earlier: Stealth: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Stealth: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Ha! Stealth? What is that?

Stealth: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

Stealth: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23

Zelicia Stealth: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

Sicaria and Wolfgang quickly scramble to the rope to the archer's nest, while Zelicia, Zeke, and Marc hide behind a central tree.

Sicaria and Wolfgang, surprisingly, manage to make it to the top of the rope without being seen, and though Marc steps on a particularly noisy branch on the way to his hiding spot, the three on the ground make it to their positions as well!

Count yourselves lucky! Marc beat them by 1

Wolfgang and Sicaria quietly climb up, just behind the back of one of the archers as one of 'em starts to turn around with a hushed "So, what do you think those jailors even did with those weapons? I heard they didn't all make it back to the armory."

Shhhh. Be Very Quiet. I'm hunting rebels.
Initiative - the BOLD may act!
Active effects: Surprise Round
-----------------------------------------------
Wolfgang
Zelicia
Wolves
Marcianus
Archers
Sicaria

As Sicaria and Wolfgang make their way into the tree top, Marcianus gets ready to defend himself and signals to Zeke that it is time for the distraction.

Total Defense +4 AC

Zeke steps out and howls like a wolf, or at least what he thinks a wolf sounds like.

Hammer raised, he waits for the animals.

"So, what do you think those jailors even did with those weapons? I heard they didn't all make it back to the armory."

Wolfgang steps around the tree trunk rising through the center of the archers' platform, drawing his masterwork (not cold iron) rapier.

"Don't worry about it. I'm sure they'll be put to good use."

Sneak attack!: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 91d6 + 4 + 2d6 ⇒ (6) + 4 + (2, 4) = 16
Drat!

”…eventually.”

I’m on mobile and can’t see the map right now; if someone could move me that’d be great.

Sicaria, wearing a scarf around her mouth, moves into position and swings at the same archer as Wolfgang. Will pull out my sabres as part of the move action to get into position. I’ll try to move to flank with Wolfgang if that’s possible.

Primary vs Archer: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11 +2 if flanking
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

”Speak of the devil and he shall appear.”

Zelicia doesn't have anything to do in a surprise round, yet.

Technically this is a surprise round, but we'll wait for Sicaria to step into position

Sicaria draws her blade and moves up to surround an archer with Wolfgang, but their blades meet instead of hitting the archer. Both miss. These archers aren't just in leathers.

Zeke howls, successfully drawing the attention of the wolves.

Zelicia stands there and looks pretty, since nothing is in range of her abilities.

----

Shhhh. Be Very Quiet. I'm hunting rebels.
Initiative - the BOLD may act!
Active effects:
-----------------------------------------------
Wolfgang
Zelicia
Wolves
Marcianus
Archers
Sicaria

Wolfgang snarls when his rushed initial lunge at the archer misses, and tries again.

"I said, I am sure that they will be put to good use!"

Second change sneak attack!: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 181d6 + 4 + 2d6 ⇒ (3) + 4 + (1, 1) = 9

Zelicia steps in between Marc and Zeke to try to reach the wolves without also becoming a target for the archers. She takes in a sharp breathe, excited about the dangerous animals she sees in front of her and their imminent demise.

I will ready to cast Misfortune (DC 17) when a wolf gets within range (which is 30ft).

Wolfgang tries again, this time finding a weak spot in the armor to stab the archer!

Zelicia readies misfortune.

The wolves quickly close in on Zeke, Zelicia attempts to misfortune the blue one as it comes in range.

Wolf will DC 17: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
The wolf feels particularly unlucky.

Zeke smashes into the blue wolf as it runs by, and then into the green one as it does the same. They then bear their fangs and attempt to attack Zeke.

Blue: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Blue misfortune: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

Green: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

They find far too much magic in the way to bite the eidolon.

Shhhh. Be Very Quiet. I'm hunting rebels.
Initiative - the BOLD may act!
Active effects:
-----------------------------------------------
Wolfgang
Zelicia
Wolves (Blue: -9; Green -8)
Marcianus
Archers (Yellow: -9)
Sicaria