GM Tealk's - Core - Cradle of Night

Game Master Tealk

"Should we go back to town and try to track them down that way." Darven suggests with a shrug. "I can go back and look for tracks, but never tracked this type of quarry"

Aiyana nods in agreement with both Darven and Telos, "Indeed, tracking them down should be our priority now. Although, it feels like we are constantly a few steps behind their movements." She thinks for a moment, "If my journal is lost, then can consult Shevarimarr, a notorious information broker Traders’ Rift. If anyone can provide inside information about the Reborn and their doings, Shevarimarr can."

"Or, Nomianna might be able to provide advice. A seer and an old friend of mine, she is a fey living in one of the flooded caves just north of the city. Her island, might prove useful as a safe haven as well while we gather our resources."

The adventure assumes you go to either of the locations, but you can visit both places if you wish. Let me know which you preferer. Any special preparations before you want to set off? Did you want to rest here an afternoon?

"I say we visit the fey. Information and a chance to recuperate and prepare for the next leg of the adventure."

I think we should head out now and hope we do not fall further behind the Reborn

Yes, that sounds the better option. This "Shevarimarr" sounds like he'd impose a higher price for information, and it could be known we were asking. A friend in private sounds better.

"Go to hive of scum and villainy called Trader's Rift or visit a fey woman who basically lived at the bottom of a well. Doesn't sound like much of a choice really. Seems 'scummy' either way." Pietro says musing half to himself. "THOUGH IF IT IS A TRADING POST, THERE'S LIKELY TO BE SOME BEER!"

Will agrees, Sounds like we’ve arrived at a plan. I could use a few items from the trading post myself.

Telos frowns and makes one final plea. Agreed? Darven voted for the fey too. Honestly, how long can it take us to find out how much or how little she shows? I still say it telegraphs our intentions much less than trusting this Shevarimarr. We can still head there after if we don't get what we need.

Fine, fine, Fey it is. Didn’t want to make it contentious just to get some beer.

Aiyana shakes her head, "I don't suppose anywhere would be safe now that we have made ourselves known to the Reborn. I suspect we would have to take precaution while traveling across Lyrudrada as well. But if you rather visit Nomianna first, then prepare your things, and we shall set out when you are ready."

The bard takes another moment to look around, making sure she does not miss anything in the estate, "It would be nice, to have someone stay behind and see that the Reborn do not return." She ponders.

Seward, who has been silent for some time, quickly steps up to the challenge. He offers his services, he is small and can keep to himself. Your companion will watch over the estate while you are away. The halfling also agrees on a rendezvous point in case he is discovered.

Do you take any precautions before heading out? If so, please let me know.

The streets of the city seem to be much busier than you remember. Or perhaps, you are a little more on edge than you were before, knowing that your enemies know your of your presence. Regardless, your tracking through Lyrudrada, takes you nearly across the entire town. You keep to the darker passageways, keeping away from the dull crystals which bring an ambient light to the street.

Secret GM rolls: 1d4 ⇒ 11d100 ⇒ 32

It takes you about an hour of time, to get from one end of town to the Mudshore. As you stand on the beach, the dark waters are cold as they play with your feat. Aiyana points out to the middle of the subterranean lake, and you can see a small isle, made of tall sharp stone in the distance. "Residents of Lyrudrada don’t venture there except for rare visits seeking Nomianna’s advice or blessing." She explains. "They consider Nomianna to be a powerful force of nature and her cavern to be a peaceful, sacred place."

The water is still but icy, and the island is several hundred feet from the shore. "We should consider purchasing the services of the Ferryman."

So, to be clear, we don't get a rest before we set out?

Telos speaks up. How many is several hundred? If it's less than 750 feet, and you have any doubts about the Ferryman (because we are trying to keep a low profile right now), I can take all of us there via a Dimension Door. But, if the Ferryman is trustworthy, and our using his services doesn't betray our location, then I'm happy with that simplicity.

No, you can rest if you like! Just let me know how many hours you wish to spend resting.

You take a minute to analyze the distance, and you think that is island is roughly: 500 + 5d100 + 5d20 + 5d10 ⇒ 500 + (23, 19, 8, 92, 8) + (3, 16, 16, 1, 18) + (5, 6, 2, 6, 2) = 725 ft away. Making it just on the edge of Telos's spell.

Aiyana nods, "Indeed, the Ferryman is an interesting being. But if you do not wish to spend any coin to cross, perhaps a spell would be fitting." She pauses, "But please make sure we have a way of getting back, in case of any trouble."

If reasonable, let's say the full eight hours as I'm down a *lot* of spells.

Telos visibly relaxes at Aiyana's explanation. If the issue is just coin, then let us try the Ferryman. If the worst happens on the other side, my spells can still provide a quicker exit.

He technically can't take the whole group in one go, so it's three spells to go one-way (one with three passengers, one to return, the last to go with the remaining passengers).

Pietro prays for Cayden's blessing (new spells) during what he figures is the "Happy Hour" as usual.

Your friend agrees with your decision, and points you in the direction of the Ferryman. It does not take you too long to track him down - you find a small shack made of old rotten wood situated casually along the sandy shore. The waters here are calmly rushing from the larger lake, over to this part of the offshoot, you see a pair of old flat bottomed coracle bobbing on the water.

An old dark creaper, with a large nose and a scar across his right eye comes limping out from the shack noticing you. "I can smell outsiders from a mile away. Don't see many of your kind pass through these parts. What do you want, toplanders?"

The small halfling strolls up to the ferry, expecting anything at this point. He responds in kind to the Ferryman.

Oh! You're welcome. Next time we'll remember to bring some leaves or pine-cones so you can hold onto the experience! We'd like to procure passage to Nomianna’s island. We hear she's great company, knows how to party.

The creeper approaches Telos, and giving him a good sniff. He stops, and pinches the halfling on the cheek. "Pine cones? What's a pine cone?" he then shakes his head in frustration, "Nomianna. What business do you have with that witch? Last time she threw a party, the entire cavern flooded. We were scooping up dark folk off of the ceiling." He pokes at Telos's shoulder, it doesn't hurt, but it makes a statement. "What do ya have to trade, eh, boy?"

Telos frowns and looks at his shoulder, then up at the Ferryman.

Just plain gold coin. I imagine that's as valued down here as it is up-top, no? How much?

"TELOS, MAKE SURE YOU BOOK A ROUND TRIP..."

"AND MAKE SURE HE KNOWS HE HAS TO WAIT FOR US."

"AND HE ONLY GETS HALF IN ADVANCE, WITH NO QUESTIONS."

"WELL DON'T JUST STAND THERE, TELOS, GET ON WITH IT. WE'RE IN A HURRY AFTER ALL."

The exasperated halfling rolls his eyes and turns back to the Ferryman, with no intention of pretending he didn't just hear all of that.

You heard the man! How much?

diplomacy (perhaps with Telos's unintentional aid): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28

The caligni man scoffs, "Coin? Valuable! You got that right! It will be 50 gold for the lot' of ya." He looks grumpy, when Pietro shouts, using his hand to swat the air in the cleric's direction to try and silence him, "Yes ye, round trip. And i will wait for you. You wouldn't want to accidentally flip the vessel over into the water, you might lose a toe!"

It will be 50 gold, if you wish to pay. He doesn't sound like he is willing to barter for any less.

You are all able to confortably fit on this small coracle, the man takes a long piece of driftwood, and sticks it deep into the water to push you off from the shore. "Nomianna lives in a grotto on the island in the lake. Whatever your business with her, make it quick."

The cavern beyond Lyrudrada’s unkempt, bustling slums is breathtaking. Absolute silence and stillness reign under this vast stone dome. The cavern’s vaulted ceiling, above a dark lake of perfectly smooth water, is alight with thousands of phosphorescent glowworms. Together, they resemble a starry sky, twinkling as the glowworms wriggle. The reflection of these twinkling lights upon the water gives the impression of floating through a sea of stars. A stone jetty extends from a small, rocky island in the lake’s center.

You leave the dark creeper not far from the entrance to the cavern. This low cave leads into a grotto at the island’s center. The gentle splash of water echoes throughout the cave.

Map updated! Slide 3 is up, the caverns. What would you like to do?

Darven reaches into his belt pouch and pulls out the required gold and hands it to the man. He then boards the vessel with out saying a word.

Once on the jetty, Darven takes point and heads into the cavern.

"Nomianna..." Darven calls out. "We mean no harm. We seeks answers to in an investigation of sorts."

This low cave leads into a grotto at the island’s center. The gentle splash of water echoes throughout the cave.

Darven's voice echoes across the cave, his deep tones bouncing off of natural rock formations, striking where light would if there was any inside the cave. Your eyes adjust to the darkness.

You hear no response, as you start to creep forward.
Let me know what buffs you would have had cast on you before entering.

As you take a few steps into the cave, something slams into Darven and Pietro who lead the group. You cannot see your assailants, but can feel that they should be right next to you.
Slam, Darvan: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 202d6 + 4 ⇒ (6, 6) + 4 = 16
Slam, Pietro: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 222d6 + 4 ⇒ (5, 1) + 4 = 10

Round 1
Active buffs - --
Active debuffs - --

@Pietro -10 lethal (--)
@ Darven -16 lethal (--)
@ Will (--)
+ Aiyana (-)
@ Telos (-)

! ??

Everyone may act!

Nomianna! We come with a friend, Aiyana, to ask you some questions. Let's us keep this meeting peaceful!

[standard] Cast invisibility

Darven reaches into his belt pouch and pulls out the required gold and hands it to the man. He then boards the vessel with out saying a word.

Pietro looks in his coin purse and frowns. "WELL THEN, I SUPPOSE THAT ANY DRINKS LATER WILL BE ON ME. HA-HA."

Let me know what buffs you would have had cast on you before entering.

If the place looks "creepy" and isn't too big, Pietro would say a little prayer to cast protection from evil on himself just before entering. He uses his morningstar for it's continual flame light if it is needed--actually even if it's not needed as he always has it ready to bash things he encounters in dark caves over the head with. I know it is dimmer here but it keeps Pietro happy.

"THE HELLS!?!" protests Pietro after being jostled. "AND WHERE THE DEVIL DID TELOS DISAPPEAR TOO? I COULDN'T UNDERSTAND A SINGLE WORD HE JUST SAID, THE LITTLE SCALLYWAG!"

If anyone knows what manner of "invisible stalker" just hit us let Pietro know so he might be able to do something otherwise he might just be flummoxed. ;)

NOMIANNA! IF THESE ARE YOURS, CALL THEM OFF! Darven shout has he draws his sword and strikes in the square where the hit came from.

Power Attack
+1 longsword: 1d20 + 17 - 3 ⇒ (4) + 17 - 3 = 18
Concealment, lo miss: 1d100 ⇒ 85
damage: 1d8 + 9 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 9 + 6 = 19

Aiyana stumbles, "This is not Nomianna. She does not implore such twisted tactics." The bard moves forward, and touches Pietro on the shoulder, casting eagle's splendor on him.

Kn. Planes: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (2) + 15 = 17

Will responds in quick, "Right, these are invisible stalkers, but what kind i'm not sure. Telos, can you still cast your see invisibility spell, or do i need to use a scroll?" The bard quickly takes out a scroll of see invisibility, and starts his performance.

Darvens swings goes wide. The fighter can feel where his enemy is, but not being able to see them makes things rather difficult.

Swing, Darven: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 302d6 + 4 ⇒ (5, 5) + 4 = 14
Swing: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 142d6 + 4 ⇒ (1, 4) + 4 = 9
Swing, Pietro: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 142d6 + 4 ⇒ (5, 1) + 4 = 10
Swing: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 132d6 + 4 ⇒ (5, 2) + 4 = 11

I have placed red circles where you felt the attacks came from when they hit you.

Round 2
Active buffs - Inspire Courage +2/+2
Active debuffs - --

@Pietro -10 lethal (PfE, Eagle Splendor) - May act twice, i think?
@ Darven -30 lethal (--)
@ Will (--)
+ Aiyana (-)
@ Telos (-)

! Invisible Stalkers (left, right)

Everyone may act!

That I can!

[standard] Cast see invisibility

Any move action likely depends on where he sees the stalkers

Thank you Telos. I have placed the creatures now on the map, as you can see them.

So, pointing them out while he is himself invisible will be interesting :)

Darven, Pietro, I'm going to step up behind you and turn you just a little so that you know where the stalkers are just in front of you, but at roughly a 5-foot distance. If you were to step forward in the direction(s) I indicate, you could each clobber one of them.

With that he steps between them and adjusts Darven first.

5' step and... can I adjust both of them with the move action or only one at a time?

Thanks for the bot! It still feels like the holiday and I'm back to work tomorrow lol

Will continues his performance and says Well, sometimes you just need a little pizzazz and sparkle to get things done! He casts glitterdust at one of the two stalkers pointed out by Telos. He then puts the scroll back since Telos pointed out where to shoot and he intends to do just so at the newly glittered foe.

DC 15 or blind, sparkly either way

Will responds in quick, "Right, these are invisible stalkers, but what kind i'm not sure. Telos, can you still cast your see invisibility spell, or do i need to use a scroll?" The bard quickly takes out a scroll of see invisibility, and starts his performance.

"I WAS JUST JOSHING, YOU NINNY! I WASN'T ANTICIPATING YOU SAYING THEY THESE ARE REAL INVISIBLE STALKERS! BY THE WAY, WHAT ARE INVISIBLE STALKERS ANYHOW?"

knowledge (l'planes invisibles?): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21 What, if anything, does Pietro know?

Aiyana stumbles, "This is not Nomianna. She does not implore such twisted tactics." The bard moves forward, and touches Pietro on the shoulder, casting eagle's splendor on him.

"SAAAY! THAT TINGLES."

Since Pietro still hasn't taken an actual (non-free) action yet, just assume he is in total-defensive mode, pivoting about in a circle like he's standing on a him-sized Lazy Susan with his buckler and morningstar facing outward.

@Telos, sorrym not sure what you mean with your -ooc- question, adjust? We will assume that you stand behind Darven, and push him in the direction of the left stalker, while Will glitters the other, giving Pietro a chance to smack it. :) @Pietro, sure, first round you are full defense and just getting in your surroundings, you can still take your swing for round 2.

Darven, with the guidance from his friend, steps forwards, and swings.
Swing, hi hit: 1d20 + 17 - 3 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 17 - 3 + 2 = 351d8 + 9 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 9 + 6 + 2 = 201d100 ⇒ 85
Swing, hi hit: 1d20 + 17 - 3 + 2 - 5 ⇒ (3) + 17 - 3 + 2 - 5 = 141d8 + 9 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 9 + 6 + 2 = 221d100 ⇒ 22
@Darven, will let you roll to confirm on your turn for the first swing. :)

Aiyana shoots twice at the blinded target.
Bow: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 121d8 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
Bow: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 221d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

One of the stalkers, hit with the spell tries to resist the sparkles. You can clearly see now, the faint shape of a hulking malevolence, clawing away where it's face should be. It stumbles away, slowly. The other, hits Darven again.
Will, vs Glitterdust: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Darven, Slam: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 142d6 + 4 ⇒ (2, 3) + 4 = 9
Darven, Slam: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 162d6 + 4 ⇒ (2, 6) + 4 = 12

Round 2
Active buffs - Inspire Courage +2/+2
Active debuffs - --

@Pietro -10 lethal (PfE, Eagle Splendor) - May act twice!
@ Darven -30 lethal (--)
@ Will (--)
+ Aiyana (-)
@ Telos (-)

! Invisible Stalkers (left -20, right -12 blind)

Everyone may act!

I just meant can I turn their bodies ("adjust") to face the invisible stalkers with one move action. I expected the answer to be no, and it seems we've made it moot now with Will's spell

Oh, sorry Telos! Yeah, well you still gave Darven a good swing in, so was still a good round. Will could not have hit both of the stalkers together anyway.

knowledge (l'planes invisibles?) What, if anything, does Pietro know?

NO. NO. STILL DOESN'T RING ANY BELLS.

... Will glitters the other, giving Pietro a chance to smack it. :)

If we are talking about an AoO, not from total defense he doesn't. :(

@Pietro, sure, first round you are full defense and just getting in your surroundings, you can still take your swing for round 2.

Not sure what/where I am swinging at on the map, or if we are still talking AoOs or not--but, sure.

SWOOOSH!!!

+2 morningstar (2-handed, might of the gods! power attack, inspired vs blinded (maybe?)): 1d20 + 10 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 10 + 3 + 2 = 27 damage: 1d8 + 20 ⇒ (6) + 20 = 26

And maybe...

SWISH!!!

+2 morningstar (NOT an AoO: 2-handed, might of the gods! power attack, inspired vs blinded (maybe?)): 1d20 + 5 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 5 + 3 + 2 = 23 damage: 1d8 + 20 ⇒ (1) + 20 = 21

AC drops by 3, because he's not using his buckler for defense.

Will lets loose his bow on the now sparkly foe.

Many Shot, PBS, IC, Heroism: 1d20 + 12 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 12 + 2 + 1 + 2 = 37damage,IC,PBS: 2d6 + 12 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (3, 6) + 12 + 4 + 2 = 27
confirm: 1d20 + 12 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 12 + 2 + 1 + 2 = 23 critdamage,IC,PBS: 4d6 + 24 + 8 + 4 ⇒ (2, 1, 5, 2) + 24 + 8 + 4 = 46miss chance if redirected: 1d100 ⇒ 87

Rapid Shot, PBS, IC, Heroism: 1d20 + 12 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 12 + 2 + 1 + 2 = 37damage,IC,PBS: 1d6 + 6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 2 + 1 = 13
confirm Shot, PBS, IC, Heroism: 1d20 + 12 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 12 + 2 + 1 + 2 = 29crit damage,IC,PBS: 2d6 + 12 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (6, 6) + 12 + 4 + 2 = 30 miss chance if redirected: 1d100 ⇒ 85

Iti Shot, PBS, IC, Heroism: 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 7 + 2 + 1 + 2 = 26damage,IC,PBS: 1d6 + 6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 2 + 1 = 13 miss chance if redirected: 1d100 ⇒ 49

Redirect as necessary

Another few good hits, and the invisible stalkers are no more. Aiyana moves ahead of the group, and points deeper into the cave, "Wouldn't surprise me if those were assassins sent by the Reborn. But i doubt they could find Nomianna even if they tried." She leads the way, "This way, follow me."

Further into the cave and you pass over a bridge. This graceful, natural stone bridge arches over the small stream connecting a hidden pool beneath, the running water giving away that there is more space underneath to hide.

Aiyana moves further up, this stony chamber contains several elegant ridges of stone that appear too delicate to have formed naturally, yet they remain unmarked by tools or other evidence of workmanship. To the west, the chamber drops off sharply into a pool below. Several glowworms, like those in the cavern outside, provide dim illumination throughout this chamber.

Turning to Pietro briefly, "Please, hide your light. Her body has adjusted to the darkness here, the light will spook her." She calls out, "Nomianna, it's me, Aiyana. I have brought allies. We have dealt with the assassins sent after you, please reveal yourselves to us so we can talk."

Give me some perception checks, and diplomacy checks to see if you can lure her out.

I fell asleep after that last post and before taking Telos' turn. Good to see there was no need to spend any more spells :)

Telos squints, looking at the pool thinking that Nomianna might be wildshaped as one of the glow-worms.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20

Will calls out Hello Nomianna. I'm Will and we're a group of adventurers. As your good friend Aiyana says, we're here to get help not cause any trouble. If you'd be so good to come out, we'd like to talk. Will stows his bow on his back and gestures others to do the same.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 17 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 17 + 2 = 31

"Friends, you say?" A saultry voice echoes across from the caverns. Before you are able to make out where exactly the sound came from, a beautiful lampad woman steps forth from a darker corner of the cave. Tears stream from her eyes, forming small puddles where the stands, her lustrous ebony skin and silver hair are almost striking. "The same friends who anger The Reborn to send assasins after me?"

She does not approach, making it known that the distance between her and the group is only for your own good. The woman is extremely beautiful, and her pale eyes pierce yours with a powerful gaze.

You have the feeling like she is now 'indifferent' with you, but would still like a little more convincing. How do you react? What would you like to ask her.

Knowledge check maybe? Will will take 10 on nature (I'm assuming) for a 27

Will waits for Aiyana to respond to the accusation since she is the 'friend', but is ready to step in if she doesn't engage or looks for help.