GM Crunch, Before the Dawn (CORE) (Inactive)

Game Master Saving Cap'n Crunch

"Poison, eh? I think I still have something for that...." Tere takes a vial from his pack and drinks the contents. Then he draws his sword and gets ready to face the ants.

Antitoxin; +5 alchemical bonus to saving throws vs. poison for the next hour.

The larger room's ceiling is a maze of piping, all tied into a furnace at the far corner. The same machine is inactive and torn through by a distinctive ant-made hole. A massive ant tries to squirm back inside, while (relatively) smaller insects attempt to break barrels or roll them in the same direction.

All activity stops for a moment as the door opens. But the drones are quick to start whirring pincers and wings, ready to defend their queen!

Round One:

Party Buffs: Bless

Khellek (heroism)
Wrigsolar
Tere (antitoxin)
Ant Queen
Two Blades
Ant Drones
Alaric
Ēoswulf (heroism)

"Forward my fellows. Forward! They are ants, not knights of Taldor. You have little to fear from them!"

Inspire courage +2 to hit and damage for everyone

With his crossbow out, the scholar aims at the first ant in view

attack, cover, heroism, inspire,bless: 1d20 + 6 - 5 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 6 - 5 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 11

But the bolt goes <plink>.

Tere rushes in and cuts at the nearest ant with lethal precision, trusting his new armor to protect him from the formidable formicidae.

Curve blade attack, including inspiration: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 10 + 2 = 31
Confirm crit, including inspiration: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 10 + 2 = 28

Base damage, including inspiration: 1d10 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 2 = 12
Sneak attack damage, if applicable: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 5) = 6
Crit damage, including inspiration, if applicable: 1d10 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 2 = 10

sorry I spent all of yesterday dealing with a plumbing emergency, can we retcon that wrigsolar did mage armor the druid who so politely asked?

Wrigsolar, seeing the size of these ants, says "Oh boy". He draws his own wand of Mage armor and uses a charge on himself.

Sure thing! Hope that's over with.

Tere promptly slices an ant in twain. Its queen rattles in what could pass for anger and waddles slowly forward.

Round One:

Party Buffs: Bless, Inspire Courage +2

Khellek (heroism)
Wrigsolar (mage armor)
Tere (antitoxin)
Ant Queen
Two Blades
Ant Drones
Alaric (mage armor, wild shape)
Ēoswulf (heroism)

Rapier+SA: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 9 + 2 = 271d6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 2 = 53d6 ⇒ (1, 6, 5) = 12
Quickly moving across the room, Two Blades drove the rapier deep into one of the drones.

Two Blades pierces chitin with ease, but withdraws his blade to find the ant still alive.

Each drone wings its way forward, uncaring for strategic positioning. Two Blades' target bodily grabs him. Secured in its grip, the ant's stinger pierces his armor as well.

Two Blades is grappled, and can make me a save against poison.

Round One/Two:

Party Buffs: Bless, Inspire Courage +2

Khellek (heroism)
Wrigsolar (mage armor)
Tere (antitoxin)
Ant Queen
Two Blades -17 (grappled)
Ant Drones (orange -17)
Alaric (mage armor, wild shape)
Ēoswulf (heroism)

save: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

Ēoswulf lets out a battle cry and enters the room, following the wall to his left until he is nearly flanking the blue drone by Tere, then he swings his longsword at it.

This movement provoked an AoO

longsword, attack, rage, power attack, bless, heroism, inspired: 1d20 + 10 + 2 - 2 + 1 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 10 + 2 - 2 + 1 + 2 + 2 = 19
cold iron, magic, slashing: 1d8 + 6 + 2 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 2 + 4 + 2 = 18

AoO Bite: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Ēoswulf lands a mighty blow while dodging its retaliatory strike.

In his dino form, Alaric commands Shredder to attack, and the does so himself. He attacks the queen with his talon.

talon, PA, GMF, IC: 1d20 + 10 - 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 10 - 2 + 1 + 2 = 17 talon, PA: 1d8 + 5 + 4 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 5 + 4 + 1 + 2 = 20

Shredder follows Alaric in to fight the queen. He slashes at her with his talon, getting everyone in the area coated with ant gore.
talon PA, GMF, IC: 1d20 + 11 - 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 11 - 2 + 1 + 2 = 19 S/P PA: 1d6 + 2 + 1 + 4 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 + 1 + 4 + 1 + 2 = 16

Khellek, cautiously advances into the room, as he fumbles another bolt into place in Besssie.

"Keep up the battle. The queen ins the key, kill her and the rest may lose any cohesion!"

Inspire courage +2/+2

"Help Two Blades!" Tere sidesteps into a flank on the wounded drone and cuts at it.

Flanking curve blade, including inspiration: 1d20 + 10 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 10 + 2 + 2 = 26
Curve blade damage, including inspiration and sneak attack: 1d20 + 4 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 2 + (1, 5) = 14

"Two Blades, I acknowledge your predicament, but am unable to render aid in a manner that you would appreciate. As the situation develops..." Wrigsolar starts his CYA as he rushes forward into the room. "Ah hell, take that, ant!"

Wrigsolar shoots a bolt of electricity at Blue ant.

elemental ray vs Blue's TOUCH AC: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
Electric Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

I have Precise shot.

"Keep the Queen busy, I can get out of here on my own." Two Blades hollered, getting tossed round like a dog's chew toy by the drone.
A flank buddy would be nice.

Wrigsolar acts before Tere, so if his spell drops the blue drone Tere will instead move to engage the ones on Two Blades.

Tere cuts down a wounded ant, giving Wrigsolar time to divert his lightning to another.

Shredder takes a chunk from the queen. It shrieks back at the dinosaur, and lashes out with a pair of surprisingly quick blows. But the reptile's enhancements keep it safe.

Queen Bite vs. Shredder: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
Damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Queen Sting vs. Shredder: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
Damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Round One/Two:

Party Buffs: Bless, Inspire Courage +2

Khellek (heroism)
Wrigsolar (mage armor)
Tere (antitoxin)
Ant Queen -16
Two Blades -17 (grappled)
Ant Drones (orange -17, pink -4)
Alaric (mage armor, wild shape)
Ēoswulf (heroism)

With a quick prayer, the birthmark on Two Blades right hand glowed as he slipped the grasp of the ant, before he sprang on top of a box to help protect Khellek and Wrigsolar.
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (15) + 14 = 29
Standard-Liberation from Liberation domain, Free action-Agile feet from Travel Domain. Tough decision between being a flank buddy against the queen or protecting Khellek and Wrigsolar.

Two Blades skillfully frees himself and gets into a better position. The ant that tasted his flesh keeps on him, while the other surviving drone attempts to protect its queen.

Orange Bite vs. Two Blades: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Pink Bite vs. Shredder: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 5 + 2 = 20
Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Both attempts are thankfully ineffectual.

Round Two/Three:

Party Buffs: Bless, Inspire Courage +2

Khellek (heroism)
Wrigsolar (mage armor)
Tere (antitoxin)
Ant Queen -16
Two Blades -17
Ant Drones (orange -17, pink -4)
Alaric (mage armor, wild shape)
Ēoswulf (heroism)

Seeing an opening, Wrigsolar dips around the box and expels a blast of energy.

Wrigsolar casts burning hands, but due to it being his bloodline spell, it does electricity damage. Orange and purple are in the blast

DC 15 Save for half, electricity damage: 4d4 ⇒ (2, 2, 3, 3) = 10

Now that he is in position, Alaric the Dino rips into the ant queen.

talon, PA, GMF, IC, Bless: 1d20 + 10 - 2 + 1 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 10 - 2 + 1 + 2 + 1 = 28 talon, PA, IC: 1d8 + 5 + 4 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 5 + 4 + 1 + 2 = 19
talon, PA, GMF, IC, Bless: 1d20 + 10 - 2 + 1 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 10 - 2 + 1 + 2 + 1 = 27 talon, PA, IC: 1d8 + 5 + 4 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 4 + 1 + 2 = 14
bite, PA, GMF, IC, Bless: 1d20 + 10 - 2 + 1 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 10 - 2 + 1 + 2 + 1 = 26 bite, PA, IC: 1d6 + 5 + 4 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 4 + 1 + 2 = 15
foreclaws, PA, GMF, IC, Bless: 1d20 + 5 - 2 + 1 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 5 - 2 + 1 + 2 + 1 = 23 foreclaw, PA, IC: 1d4 + 2 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 2 + 1 + 2 = 11

If the queen drops, he will turn around and attack pink.

Shredder gets excited over the carnage his buddy is doing, and starts doing more of the same!
Queen until she drops, then pink, then 5' step to get to orange
talon PA, IC, bless: 1d20 + 11 - 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 11 - 2 + 2 + 1 = 15 S/P PA, IC: 1d6 + 2 + 1 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 1 + 4 + 2 = 12
talon PA, IC, bless: 1d20 + 11 - 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 11 - 2 + 2 + 1 = 15 S/P PA, IC: 1d6 + 2 + 1 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 + 1 + 4 + 2 = 14
bite PA, IC, bless: 1d20 + 10 - 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 10 - 2 + 2 + 1 = 14 S/P/B PA, IC: 1d4 + 2 + 1 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 1 + 4 + 2 = 11

Poor Shredder... oh how the dice abandoned you!

Ēoswulf shouts and move to surround the queen ant, slashing at her with his sword.

from the position he started this turn in, Ēoswulf can flank the queen without provoking (unless she has reach) or flank the last two drones by provoking an AoO from one of them. He will go after the queen unless she is already down

longsword, attack, rage, power attack, flanking, heroism, inspired, sneak attack: 1d20 + 10 + 2 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 10 + 2 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 19
cold iron, magic, slashing: 1d8 + 6 + 2 + 4 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 2 + 4 + 2 + (2) = 17

Reflex Orange: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Reflex Pink: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Alaric guts the queen, then turns to wound another drone, just as Wrigsolar zaps both. Ēoswulf joins in and beheads the last one, which barely stood before he was done.

Inside the ruined furnace, you can see droves of normal-sized ants carrying sugar and molasses from ruined barrels. More large ones probably lurk wherever the tunnel leads, which you can't see past a bend shortly in. But that wasn't what you were asked to help with. All you need to do is make a circle around the hole to buy time for its boarding up.

Khellek directs the pouring of the ant poison at the entrance, and then turns his attention to two blades.

"Here now youngster. You can't be just dashing in like that. You got a nasty rip in you there, and what is your mother going to say about returning from a field trip with your armour in a state like that."

He tut-tuts even as he mixes a couple of tonics.
"Here try this, it'll help stop the bleding."

CLW: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

With the battle over, Two Blades tended to his wounds, fortunately, he was the only one injured.
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Use 3 charges from his wand. 34 remain

You only needed the one, because Khellek healed you for 10 at the start. If you looked like you were going to use the wand after that, he would offer to use another spell on you. I don't get to use my first level spells much, so may as well save your wand for when renewable resources are scarce

Ēoswulf stows his weapons and takes a moment to thank Khellek "My sword sung a mighty battle-song today thanks to your help." He gives the man a firm fore-arm clasp and a bow.
For real; I rolled like s**t but I still hit every time thanks in large part to the +4 from all your bonuses, Khellek.

Then he sets about applying the ointment to the hole in the wall. "Now we can tell the lady to get us our equipment, yeah?" He asks the others, eager to move on.

The dinosaur just nods at Ēoswulf

Novaria is thrilled to hear of your success (moreso if Alaric has relinquished his dinosaur form). "Excellent! This could have rocked Bloodcove, but you've minimized the damage. A lot of the bit players around here can go without for a day. I'd call that the best-cast scenario.

"Now, you were in the market for...food...fresh water...ammunition...bandages we have aplenty...all right! And where would you like them? It'll be a bit much to carry around on your own. Perhaps delivered to a carrier in town?"

After that, to Senzer? If so, Bluff or Diplomacy checks again!

"Yes, we have a partner." Ēoswulf gives the name and location of the caravansier.

Sure, Senzer next sounds fine

diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

Seeing that they are heading out again, Alaric lets his wild shape go away. It is clear from his reaction that Shredder is not happy with that decision, though it does not slow him from snacking on the giant ants.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8 OMG!

Wrigsolar begins handing out his business cards, claiming he's an ex-pathfinder AND a practicing attorney.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Khellek nods, scowling.

"You wouldn't have a copy of that ant formuale would you? I'd be quite interested in examining it..." he asks hopefully.

Muttering as he goes through town. "See, this is what I mean, the society should not be putting a scholar of my reputation through trials like this. It is just... unprofessional."

diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26

Tere wipes his curve blade clean before resheathing it. "Where can I buy more antitoxin?"

Diplomacy check: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

Rulkep's Tonics is much easier to find, again thanks to its relative repute and lack of movement. As an alchemist's shop, you could buy antitoxin there.

A small bell rings as the door opens into Rulkep Tonics. Colorful bottles and bags of powder decorate the shelves, while curious, twisted roots and larger bottles lie securely beneath a glass countertop. Several disinterested customers mill about, eyeing newcomers suspiciously before pointedly examining the shelves once again. A gaunt, half-elven man steps out from a doorway behind the countertop, his dusky skin gleaming slightly from perspiration. He smiles crookedly from behind the counter before calling out. “Welcome to Rulkep Tonics, friends. What can I do for you today?”

The shopkeep eyes the other customers uneasily for a moment before his expression shifts distinctly to fear. Silently but clearly, he mouths a single word: “Help.”

Senzer is the white-bordered Vizzini again, as he is apparently in need of rescue.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26
"Cousin Rulkep! Long time no see! how is Aunt Bertha!" Two Blades said as he quickly made his way to embrace Rulkep like they were long lost cousins. Once near Rulkep and seeing anther thug in the back room he spun around. "One in the back room!" he hollered as his blades sprang into hand and took up a defensive posture to protect the merchant.
Total Defense, AC 27 since I have multiple ranks in acrobatics.

too late to edit but replace Rulkep with Senzer.

Two Blades boldly steps in. The 'customers' look ready to try roughing him up just for being too friendly with the half-elf, but when he gets ready for a fight anyway, they draw saps and glare menacingly!

Round One:

Tere
Ēoswulf
Two Blades
Wrigsolar
Enforcers
Alaric
Khellek

Tere advances into the room, drawing his own sap and striking at the red thug.

Sap to sap: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25
Nonlethal damage, including sneak attack: 3d6 + 2 ⇒ (3, 4, 4) + 2 = 13

"I don't see any publically posted signs forbidding the use of magic on this property open to the public, and by requesting our help, you indemnify Wrigsolar Fencejumper and/or the Pathfinder Society from any damages incurred," Wrigsolar says in one breath as he moves into position.

He unleashes a wave of electric energy. Green and Red are in the blast zone. Feel free to delete after they make the save.

Electric Burning Hands, DC 15 Reflex Save for Half: 4d4 ⇒ (2, 2, 3, 1) = 8

Ēoswulf barrels forward, biting back a battle cry to try not to bring too much attention to the shop, even as the terror and rage of battle wash over him. He draws his sword and brings it down in a heavy overhand swing.

AC is 2 lower than usual because his Shield is not out. On top of rage, of course

longsword, attack, rage, power attack: 1d20 + 10 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 10 + 2 - 2 = 16
cold iron, magic, slashing: 1d8 + 7 + 3 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 7 + 3 + 6 = 24

Both men up front are caught in the lightning. It looks painful, but both smile. One stops as he takes a hit from Tere and barely blocks another from Ēoswulf that would have laid him flat. He manages to strike back. "Fighting to kill? Another reason you aren't welcome in Bloodcove."

The third reappears from around the back aisle. Even with the element of surprise, he can't hit Alaric.

Round One:

Tere
Ēoswulf -7 nonlethal
Two Blades
Wrigsolar
Blue
Green -8
Red -21 (13 nonlethal)
Alaric
Khellek

With his already-woozy target pinned between him and Two Blades, Tere strikes the red thug again with his sap. His accuracy suffers in the scrum, though.

Slug the thug, incl. flanking: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 9 + 2 = 16

Rapier Red Flank, SA, NL: 1d20 + 7 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (8) + 7 + 2 - 4 = 131d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 63d6 ⇒ (4, 4, 5) = 13
Short sword Red Flank, SA, NL: 1d20 + 7 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 7 + 2 - 4 = 91d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 83d6 ⇒ (2, 5, 3) = 10
Using the distraction from Tere to try pummeling the foe, Two Blades was not successful either.

"Oh, of course, this pirate haven has strict rules about the duty to retreat, and non-escalation," the attorney says rolling his eyes, "I'm tired of you talking, Fzawh!" He casts a bolt of mental energy at thug with the red hankerchief. He draws his club so he can potentially flank someone as the room clears out.

DC 14 Will Save from Red vs Daze.

"At them my fellows, but be cautious of the shop. Why... so many valuables... and all breakable." warns Khllek.

"Look, he has exposed his right hand side! Get in there."

Inspire courage +2/+2

While he says the brave words, the elderly scholar fumbles around on his belt trying to unhook Bessie.

"Darn thing, needs a quick release catch. "