GM Michael's Giantslayer

Game Master Dread

remember when I said orvil and shel would be helping keep us alive?

Rydell instinctively fires an arrow through one of the rats, causing the misty form to part for but a second before coming together again unphased.

Rydell responds to Rory and Ovrils surprise of these mangy rats and runs in with his bow and fires. The arrow proves they are not hurt by normal weapnory.

Shel runs in and casts her protective hex upon Rory.

The two insubstantial rats move into Rory's personal space, and try to bite him. Both rats succeed in biting him on the legs, where they bite he feels an intense coldness that numbs his legs and saps his strength.. However his body resists the disease that these rats could transmit

Rory does get an attack of opportunity vs each of the rats.

Bite from rat 1 attack vs AC 16 damage strength damage disease save FO DC11: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 201d3 - 2 ⇒ (1) - 2 = -11d2 ⇒ 11d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Bite from rat 2 attack vs AC 16 damage strength damage disease save FO DC11: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 221d3 - 2 ⇒ (3) - 2 = 11d2 ⇒ 11d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

reroll: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
reroll: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

Initiative Bold May go
22-Rydell
21-Shel
16-Shadow Rats
13-Rory
8-Imara
5-Ovril
0-Othden

"Focus on defense, Rory! We're coming! Quick, someone, take the magical knife!!!" He tries not to sound too rattled, but it's pretty apparent that Ovril is rattled by the ghostly rats.

Std action: cast 'Divine Favor' (+1 to hit and damage)
Move action: move

"Blast!" slashing at the two rats with his rapier as they bite hm, Rory feels the cold and loss of strength. Practically jumping on Thistle, he calls on help from nature, telling her, "girl we need to get out of here." Turning quickly Thistle bolts out of the room leaving the rats behind. As they move past the others, he tells them, "Ghost rats of some sort and their bite has drained my strength.

Ok, 2 AOO's, then mounts Thistle, begins casting natures ally, Thistle double moves out of the room, his strength was 12 with animal focus, it is now 10 and at the end of the minute will be eight. I'm assuming str damage is -2 and -1 hp -1 non lethal?
AOO: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20 for damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3
AOO: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14 for damage: 1d4 ⇒ 4

I think you need a concentration check to cast a spell if your mount double moves. Otherwise mounted wizards would be even more terrifying.

yes. Rydell is correct.

I think you need a concentration check to cast a spell if your mount double moves. Otherwise mounted wizards would be even more terrifying.

yes. Rydell is correct.

So can he mount, cast, then have thistle double move? I'm not positive how move actions work with mounts so just trying to figure out.

-Casting Spells While Mounted: You can cast a spell normally if your mount moves up to a normal move (its speed) either before or after you cast. If you have your mount move both before and after you cast a spell, then you’re casting the spell while the mount is moving, and you have to make a concentration check due to the vigorous motion (DC 10 + spell level) or lose the spell. If the mount is running (quadruple speed), you can cast a spell when your mount has moved up to twice its speed, but your concentration check is more difficult due to the violent motion (DC 15 + spell level).

Thank you, I will keep that in mind. So Rory will cast while thistle is standing still, then she will take one move action. At 50 ft. It can easily put her about where I had her. Thanks GMMichael, I apologize for not looking into it better.

We need to leave. Othden. Imara reaches toward Phoenix to grab the dagger, hoping he will allow her to take it without much trouble. Please, Phoenix. I need this. To...defend my weak...self.

If she gets the dagger, she then turns and faces the direction of the rats, preparing to defend

Ovril, do you have that holy water?

She readies an action to attack if they get close enough. If she can't get the dagger from Phoenix, she'll move closer to Othden.

Imara's words hit Ovril like a splash of cold water to the face. Oh, right!

[ooc]I can do that next turn![/oc]

Rory turned to leap away from the undead rats and to Thistles Back, both rats attempting to bite the fleeing halfling and once again he felt their strength draining bites penetrate through his armor leaving patches of frozen blackened skin behind. He almost swoons from the loss of strength. He sits atop Thistle and begins casting a summoning spell for help. Then spurring Thistle to run as he holds onto his back concentrating on the magic opening a gate.

attack vs DC 16 damage strength drain FO save DC 11: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 211d3 - 2 ⇒ (2) - 2 = 01d2 ⇒ 21d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
attack vs DC 16 damage strength drain FO save DC 11: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 161d3 - 2 ⇒ (3) - 2 = 11d2 ⇒ 21d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

onset: 1d3 ⇒ 1

Imara moves in next to Shel and takes the hope knife from Phoenix's back.

Ovril calls upon Desna for favor in this situation.

Othden stands next to Storm hearing the shouts and a shiver runs up his spine.

10r of +1 to hit and damage for Ovril.

Initiative Bold May go
22-Rydell
21-Shel
16-Shadow Rats
13-Rory
8-Imara
5-Ovril
0-Othden

Shel transfers the protective hex from Rory to Imara. Phoenix tries to escape Shel’s arms and claim back the spirits he guards from the evil elf.

Protective Hex on Imara.

Imara, where is that oil we found?! I don't know if magic would help. But Its better than anything else I have at the moment!
Rydell asks as he moves up near her and drawing his curved sword. and going defensive.

move action to move near Imara and act as another potential threat to the rodents, standard to go total defense for +4 AC. AC is 20 atm.

Rydell, puts his bow up, and draws his sword and takes up a defensive posture.

Shel calls Phoenix over and then hexes the protective aura around the Rogue.

The Shadow Rats worked up, move toward the invaders to their territory. 1 moves to Imara, the other to Ovril

Imara gets an attack of opportunity as it moves into her space. if she slays the rat, ignore this attack

The first undead beast moves in and bites at Imara's ankle. She avoided the attack however.

attack AC 14 damage strength drain fort save DC 11: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 51d3 - 2 ⇒ (2) - 2 = 01d2 ⇒ 21d20 + 0 ⇒ (5) + 0 = 5

The other moved against Ovril. He felt the fangs sink into his shin, and felt the immense cold as part of his strength ebbed out.

attack vs AC13 damage strength drain fort save DC11: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 171d3 - 2 ⇒ (2) - 2 = 01d2 ⇒ 11d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

onset: 1d3 ⇒ 1

9r of +1 to hit and damage for Ovril.

Initiative Bold May go
22-Rydell
21-Shel
16-Shadow Rats
13-Rory
8-Imara
5-Ovril
0-Othden

Phoenix casts a curse of bad luck upon the evil, spirit-stealing elf.

Are they tiny? If so, they don't threaten the square. Does that mean you can make a ranged attack while sharing a square? Whatever the case, Ovril will 5ft step.

The Varisian involuntarily shivers as the rat-bite causes his strength to ebb away. He kicks at the thing, but the nose of his boot sails through its incorporeal form. This causes the cartomancer to stumble and to nearly fall, but he recovers, dips up, and throws a magically charged card at the ghostly vermin.

5ft step
Std action: throw card (pb shot, arcane strike, divine favor, -1 dmg from STR)
Move action: draw card
Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Not thinking of how quick the rats would be, Rory pays the price and gets bit two more times before he gets on Thistle. The wolf whines a little when she smells the rats, and happily moves out of the room as soon as Rory is done with his spell. Having called an eagle for assistance, the eagle swoops down striking the dirt near one of the rats.

Once outside of the room, Rory looks at the ladder the others are near. "Thistle and Storm cannot climb the ladder, we will need to flee back through the building to avoid the rats." Spinning Thistle around, looking at Othden and Storm.

Motioning towards the stairs they came down. Rory tells Othden. ”I don’t know that I can protect you from the ghost rats. You should go back upstairs and head back to town. I will send Storm with you. Wait at the gates for us, tell the guards there what happened and see if they can send help. But make sure you wait at the gate so we know your safe. I’ll get Storm from you there.” Looking at Strom firmly , he points at Othden telling the young wolf. ”Storm Nche, Guard Othden to the town and stay with him.” Storms ears perk up, he turns towards Othden waiting to see what the boy will do.

That was Rory's last spell, With the str damage I don't know how much help he will be, any ideas? Readied action: Flee If a rat heads his way he double moves out.
beak: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7 for damage: 1d4 ⇒ 4

I am going with him. What if there are more assassins? Or he runs into Skreed? She cautiously moves away from the rats and back toward the stairs.

Full withdraw, 60 feet, though she won't go more than 10 feet past Othden.

Imara gets an attack of opportunity as it moves into her space. if she slays the rat, ignore this attack

Imara, did you take the AOO?

Watching Imara move past him, Rory tells her, "Storm will protect him." Pointing at the knife she's holding he asks, "Isn't that knife the only weapon we have that can hurt the rats?"

Oops, I forgot! Thank you!

AoO: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 3 + 1 = 21 Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Imara hesitates and looks at the dagger, then back at Rory, confused. Yes...I thought you wanted to leave. You said we needed to flee?

GMMichael are either of the rats down? Imara, I do think the fight is untenable, and Rory can be of no help. I didn't know if anyone else could do anything against the rats. Rory said the wolves would have to flee using the stairs, that they couldn't go up the ladder that the orcs would have used. I meant for the emphasis to be on the direction they would have to take if and when they fled.

Looking from Imara to the others, Rory's normally jolly face saddens. "Yes I feel we must flee, but I loath leaving my friends to fight." he Gestures towards the knife. "If they will not retreat at least leave them the knife."

Imara, the oil! If we are to search this area we cannot leave now! Rydell shouts to everyone.

Imara gapes at Rory. It never occurred to me they would stay. Just then, Rydell calls from the other room. I don't have it! I thought you took it?! She stops withdrawing and waits to see what Ovril and Shel do.

I am having trouble seeing where Rory is on the map on my phone. Is he just outside in the hallway? She will stay next to him and stop withdrawing. Imara did not take the oil of magic weapon since Rydell wanted it and there are other things he can use. It says he's carrying it on the loot sheet.

Rory starts talking to Othden and Storm about possible exits as The Eagle he summoned tries to strike one of the shadoy rats to no avail.

As the rat moved towards Imara she slashed out with the dagger she had, and it sliced right into the creature. Then she exited the room and Rory stopped her. a moment of confusion occurred, and Rydell forgot he had the oil of magic weapon. Imara reminded him.

Ovril stepped to the side and through a magicaly enhanced card into the shadowy rat. It didnt have the full effect, but did injure it.

Othden listened to Rory and moved over to the hall exiting the chamber.

8r of +1 to hit and damage for Ovril.

Initiative Bold May go
22-Rydell
21-Shel
16-Shadow Rats
13-Rory
8-Imara
5-Ovril
0-Othden

Despite the alarming proximity of the ghost rats, Shel stands her ground, weaving protective magics around the fortune teller.

Initially I was going to withdraw, but it looks like Hexes don't provoke. Protective Luck on Ovril.

If they're tiny, they most likely don't 'threaten' the square they're in anyway since the standard reach for a tiny or smaller creature is 0 :D

I thought imara asked for the oils. My bad.

Rydell takes the oil they found and places it on his weapon, preparing to attack.

Imara shrugs helplessly at Rory when no one else exits the room. "Looks like we're staying..."

She then calls out to the others, "I'm coming back!"

Rydell remembering that he has the oil, after Imara jogged his memory, grabbed it out of his pouch and pours it over his Curved Blade and moves to a ready stance.

Shel moves the protective aura from around Imara to around herself.

Phoenix squawks and clucks at Imara.

The Shadow Rats move into Shel's and Ovrils spaces, snapping at their feet and ankles. Ovril felt more of the strength sapping energy leave a black spot on his feet right through his boot without tearing a hole in it, while Shel danced away from the snapping jaws.

attack vs Ovril ac13 damage str drain forts save vs DC 11.: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 181d3 - 2 ⇒ (3) - 2 = 11d2 ⇒ 21d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

attack vs Shel ac14 damage str drain forts save vs DC 11.: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 81d3 - 2 ⇒ (2) - 2 = 01d2 ⇒ 11d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

7r of +1 to hit and damage for Ovril.

Initiative Bold May go
22-Rydell
21-Shel
16-Shadow Rats
13-Rory
8-Imara
5-Ovril
0-Othden

Seeing the movement of people and shadows, Rory can't get a good read on what's going on. He waits nervously, waiting to see what happens. Thistle, feeling his anxiety prances nervously waiting for a command.

readied action: Restricted Withdraw, if the rats come after them their retreating

Ovril supercharges another card but then remembers he's rocking a vial of holy water. "Right, right! Holy water!" He performs an elaborate dance in a desperate attempt to avoid the rat's otherworldly bite, and mid-step manages to draw the vial and throw it at the damned vermin.

Attack vs Touch AC: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Damage: 2d4 + 1 ⇒ (3, 4) + 1 = 8
> https://aonprd.com/EquipmentMiscDisplay.aspx?ItemName=Holy%20water

Imara squares her shoulders moves resolutely back into the room. She positions herself to her advantage and attacks the rat closest to Shel.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 3 + 1 + 2 = 14 Damage: 1d4 + 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 1 + (3) = 8

How does flanking work? Can you flank a tiny creature? Does it matter which square she's in in relation to it?

If needed, she'll roll acrobatics to avoid attacks of opportunity. Going past them, not through their space.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

Rory clung to the back of Thistle eagerly waiting if they needed to flee

Imara rolled past the undead rat fast as she could, and came up on the balls of her feet, spun and slashed out with the dagger cutting through the shadowy substance of the rat. Dragging the substance away from its mass until it wafted away.

basically as long as someone in the square of a tiny creature can flank with anyone adjacent.

Ovril pulled a bottle of holy water out and smashed it where the shadow rat was. several drops sizzled on its shadowy form. other splashed right through. they are vulnerable to holy water, as all undead are, but being incorporeal 50% passes through

Othden stood waiting for the sign from Rory.

7r of +1 to hit and damage for Ovril.

Initiative Bold May go
22-Rydell
21-Shel
16-Shadow Rats
13-Rory
8-Imara
5-Ovril
0-Othden

Rydell, hoping that whatever this oil was, it was enough to let him deal with such creatures as these takes a slash at the closest shadow rat.

attack,PA,magic: 1d20 + 5 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (19) + 5 + 1 - 1 = 24

damage,PA,magic: 1d10 + 3 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 3 + 1 = 10

critconfirm?: 1d20 + 5 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (18) + 5 + 1 - 1 = 23
crit damage: 1d10 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

A shame honestly.

Rydell runs the blade through the entire length of the rat before pulling viciously to the side. Dispersing most of the shadow stuff making up its form.

"Well, that wasn't so bad after all." She looks down at the dagger in her hand in wonder, then suddenly grins. "And this is why we all love magic!" She checks out the rest of the room, still holding the magical weapon. "Hang tight, Rory! Making sure the room is safe!"

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

Phoenix takes pity on the mortals fighting the shadow rats. He flutters to the ground in the space between the evil spirits, landing and sending out a wave of positive spiritual energy that destroys the monsters. There is a simultaneous sound of breaking glass - probably unrelated to Phoenix's heroic actions.

Breathing a heavy sigh of relief, Rory turns to Othden, "Those two are gone. I hope there aren't any more." Cautiously he turns Thistle back into the room, while Storm sits by the boy wagging his tale. Speaking to the team as he looks them over."You did very well, did the ghost rats touch anyone else?"

Staying near the door, he keeps a keen eye out for anymore ghost rats or any other suprises.

Rydell finished off the remaining Shadow Rat and then Imara began looking around carefully.

She spots the remains of the half-orc cleric in the rubble where the shaodw rats were feasting. she can see The body has chainmail. it looks like theres a purse on a belt next to a wand case and theres also a nice gold unholy symbol that shines. its rare to see a symbol to any diety made of gold. so it would have a value.

Phoenix begins a dance of healing where the shadow rats disappeared from to soothe their troubled spirits but his dance is interrupted when he spies the unholy symbol! With a hiss, he charges to the body buried in the rubble and attempts to wrest the vile fetish from its resting place.

Phoenix rushes into the rubble, grabbing the gold symbol in his beak...he begins to tug and pull but the symbol is firmly around the dead bodies neck, which is partially buried in rubble.

Ovril has no clue what god the golden symbol is made for or is meant to represent, but it does look valuable. Still, it brings bad luck to carry a (un?)holy symbol with you of a god you do not worship, and he refuses to pick it up.

"Yes, one of them simply ... bit me ... without damaging my boots?! Pharasma fend, the dead should not bother the living so ... " It's clear that Ovril is a little rattled. In fact, he looks a little pale now that the rush of combat has faded. "That symbol, what god does it represent?"

Nodding in agreement with Ovril. "Yes they both bit at me a couple of times. Didn't actually cut, me, just." He shrugs weakly, "Just drained my strength."

Riding Thistle further in the room, looking around again. Rory points to the body "Someone grab what they can from him." Not very familiar with religious stuff, Rory notes the golden symbol. Gesturing towards the rest of the basement. "There are a couple of doors left, are we checking them or leaving now?"

Rory took 10 (11) on perception, will do so again just in case the rats kept him from seeing anything
knowledge (religion) untrained: 1d20 ⇒ 13

It takes a few minutes of digging the rubble out before the group can retrieve the items

chainmail (slightly rusty),wand of cure light wounds 10 charges. masterwork silver dagger, Gold small double bladed axe with blood along edges value: 80 Gold. 8 onyx gems worth 25 gold each

Phoenix scoops up the unholy symbol and repeatedly dashes it against the rocks with a metallic tink tink tink.

"I think we can continue, but we need someone to take charge so we don't have the same kind of confusion as before. That's the kind of thing that can get us killed. I nominate Rory."

Thistle shifts nervously, responding to Rory's surprise. Looking at Imara, he shakes his head. "Maybe outside, but I'm the one that got surprised by the rats remember. Inside we need someone sneakier with indoor skills. Maybe someone that can deal with locks and traps." He gives Imara a knowing look, but doesn't say anymore about the matter.

Ovril tests the wand and gives it an appreciative nod. The wand does not return the favor and remains unmoved, in his hand. "Shel, should I keep this with me? I can only call upon my healings powers once or twice a day ... but, I don't mind if you take it."

The specific abilities of a leader in regards to anything is not of importance. A leader need only be able to make quick, informed, decisions as best he can. A leader need not be able to pick a lock, or track an animal. However they need to be able to know when one should pick a lock, and direct them to do so. Even in fast paced situations. In other words, to be able to keep a cool head in a dangerous situation... In a moment of after thought he adds.

And the ability to communicate. That said, let us finish searching the rooms here and make our way back. If we are tasked with other jobs as a group we can discuss it then. Though a leader is of little use if his direction is not heeded.

The discussion for leadership continued and gradually the group opened the door at the end of the hall and found it doubled around to the hall they had entered the trapped area from. No more traps were discovered or sprung and the group was down to 2 doors to open in the basement. The items had been gathered and a discussion was being made on who should carry the wand and what diety the unholy symbol belonged to.