Way of the Wicked Group 2

Game Master Diamondust

Araton moves into combat, taking the place of Sarela to keep the mithril cobra from pursuing. Their tough skin would be difficult to break through but it was not impossible to destroy. Lifting his shield, the dark paladin went for a strike.

Power Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11Damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

The blade strikes off to the side, hitting a solid portion of the cobra. Araton keeps his shield up, fending himself.

Eowithe falchion: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14
Neither Sarela nor Araton who quickly steps in to take her place are able to make a dent in the second cobra's armour. Eowithe also steps up next to Araton and swings. The cobra dodges to the side of her attack too.

Tawg, Ceres and Gildevar tussle with the first cobra to wake, not having much luck until Tawg smashes into the creature, breaking off some more muthral scales and even cracking its inner workings. It drops to the ground, stiff as the lifeless iron skeleton that it is made of. The mithral scales all fall off and go skittering across the floor as if pulled by some invisible force to the large stone statue in the middle of the room. The scales clink into place randomly, covering a small portion of the statues carved scales.

poison spit: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
bite: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23 confirm: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10 damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6 Fort DC 11 vs venom please Eowithe
The remaining active cobra first spits at Araton and then bites Eowithe.

Round 3
Initiative: Araton, Eowithe, Tawg, Sarela, Ceres, Gildevar, Cobra
Battle Map

Sarela slips back in next to Araton, making sure not to wake another cobra, and strikes with her scimitar at it.

Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

"Their armor is strong, Tawg, but you just might be stronger."

Move one space below Araton on the map.

"Very good Tawg!" Araton says between gritted teeth, though his compliment is sincere. What the goblinoid lacked in social graces, he made up with ferocity. Moving for Sarela to pass by, the tiefling parries a strike from the cobra and moves in to press his advantage.

Power Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17Damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

Gildevar dips low and flings a firebolt at their serpentine foe.

Std action: Fire Bolt (-4 to hit to avoid hitting teammates)
Ranged Touch Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Fire Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Tawg doesn't notice the scales attaching themselves to the large statue, blinded by his Goblin-y fury. He runs around his friends and ends next to the cobra, hoping to take a bite out of its metal armor.

Move two down and one right (east). Single Risky Strike Bite
Risky Strike Bite Attack: 1d20 + 7 - 1 ⇒ (11) + 7 - 1 = 17
Risky Strike Bite Damage (+3 because of 50% increase for nat. weapon): 1d6 + 6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 3 = 11

Eowithe fort: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7 dex damage: 1d2 ⇒ 2
Eowithe falchion: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14
Not sure what Ceres would want to do. Not much space without going near another cobra.

The mithral cobras prove fast as well as tough, dodging fire bolts and strikes, taking no damage. It spits back at Sarela and tries to bite her for good measure but is distracted enough that its aim is off.

spit: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
bite: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
All other cobras in the room are as still as statues.

Round 4
Initiative: Araton, Eowithe, Tawg, Sarela, Ceres, Gildevar, Cobra
Battle Map

Stuck in the back, Gildevar gets behind Tawg and bestows upon him a Dark Blessing.

5ft step
Std action: cast 'Guidance' on Tawg. You can use it to get a +1 on your next attack as it stacks with Bless!

Fending off the cobra's attacks, Sarela strikes at the cobra yet again before stepping back to allow either Gildevar or Ceres to step into the breach.

Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

5-foot step back.

Araton continues to strike and attack, aiming to try and shatter the mithral shell protecting the delicate and intricate insides within the cobra.

Power Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23Damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Tawg's teeth bounce off the scales and his eyes go bloodshot with anger at not making it through. Two goblin fists rain down on the cobra.

Free: Rage (10/12 rounds remaining)
Full Round: Flurry
Flurry Attack 1-Risky Strike: 1d20 + 7 - 1 ⇒ (11) + 7 - 1 = 17
Flurry Damage 1+Risky Strike: 1d6 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 2 = 13
Flurry Attack 2-Risky Strike: 1d20 + 7 - 1 ⇒ (3) + 7 - 1 = 9
Flurry Damage 2+Risky Strike: 1d6 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 2 = 11

If a 17 didn't hit last time, I'm a sad goblin.

Ceres scowls and waits for the next cobra to fall apart under the group's viscious onslaught, her body tense, ready to spring into action once it does.

Will delay in initiative and move to attack the next cobra down the line once this one is destroyed.

delay, move 20' east through companions' spaces, attack.

attack, risky strike: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
damage: 1d4 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
grapple if successful, risky strik: 1d20 + 14 - 1 ⇒ (17) + 14 - 1 = 30
constrict damage if grapple is successful: 1d4 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

Eowithe fort: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
Eowithe falchion: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27
Eowithe crit?: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
falchion: 2d4 + 6 ⇒ (4, 2) + 6 = 12

Eowithe and Araton successfully strike the cobra, braking off multiple armour scales and revealing the inner iron spine. One more decent hit might destroy it, though these constructs are rather tough.

bite: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
The cobra has stopped spitting, its poison reservoir empty, now only able to bite. It tries to strike Araton but fails.

Round 5
Initiative: Araton, Eowithe, Tawg, Sarela, Ceres, Gildevar, Cobra
Battle Map

Sarela steps back into the breach, then flourishes her scimitar before striking at the cobra again.

Deft Maneuvers (Bluff to feint): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29
Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14
Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Of course I roll the nat 20 on the Feint. Well, maybe I'll hit it's flat-footed AC.

Sticking to the flow of this particular combat, Gildevar stays behind the goblin and continues to bestow Asmodeus' favor upon him.

Cast 'Guidance' on Tawg once again.

Araton focuses on the construct before him, studying the weakened plates and where best to strike in order to finally end the contraption before they move to the next fight. Swinging his blade, he aims to sever the cobra in half.

Power Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13Damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

Tawg's rage continues to flow, wanting to beat the cobra into a dented ball of metal.

2nd Round of Rage: 9/12 rounds left
Full Round Action: Flurry+Risky Strike at Cobra
Flurry of Blows + Risky Strike + Guidance 1 Attack: 1d20 + 7 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 7 - 1 + 1 = 19
Flurry of Blows + Risky Strike 1 Damage: 1d6 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 2 = 14
Flurry of Blows + Risky Strike 2 Attack: 1d20 + 7 - 1 ⇒ (11) + 7 - 1 = 17
Flurry of Blows + Risky Strike 2 Damage: 1d6 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 2 = 10

Assuming Ceres is still delaying until there is space.

Eowithe Falchion: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Eowithe loses her balance while swinging at the elusive cobra as it evades every attacks from you all except for Sarela who's feint lets her hit its natural armour, deflecting all damage. It's FF AC is higher than 14

bite: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
The cobra strikes back but is unable to find flesh.

Round 6
Initiative: Araton, Eowithe, Tawg, Sarela, Ceres, Gildevar, Cobra
Battle Map

The cobra appeared vulnerable to feints. Interesting. Perhaps she could knock a few more scales off.

Bluff to feint: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20
Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20
Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Yes, Ceres will continue to delay until there is space for her to engage.

Araton continues to swing, blessed by dark fortune and furious strength.

Power Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

Gildevar continues to weave profane blessings.

Cast 'Guidance' on Tawg once again.

The Goblin had never seen such craziness like the cobra statue, and his anger shows through his hands.

3rd Round of Rage: 8/12 rounds left
Full Round Action: Flurry+Risky Strike at Cobra
Flurry of Blows + Risky Strike + Guidance 1 Attack: 1d20 + 7 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 7 - 1 + 1 = 19
Flurry of Blows + Risky Strike 1 Damage: 1d6 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 2 = 14
Flurry of Blows + Risky Strike 2 Attack: 1d20 + 7 - 1 ⇒ (3) + 7 - 1 = 9
Flurry of Blows + Risky Strike 2 Damage: 1d6 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 2 = 10

Eowithe falchion: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
Tawg could 5ft. step to flank with Eowithe and let Ceres get in.

The cobra continues to evade most of your attacks though Sarela leave a small dent in its armour, knocking off 2 scales.

bite: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
The cobra is too busy with defending itself to accurately strike.

Round 7
Initiative: Araton, Eowithe, Tawg, Sarela, Ceres, Gildevar, Cobra
Battle Map
Tawg could 5ft. step to flank with Eowithe and let Ceres get in.

Sarela continues her strategy, since it seemed to be helping a bit.

Bluff to feint: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20
Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20
Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Gildevar continues to chant profane blessings.

Same thing as before: cast 'Guidance' on Tawg, hoping to help him get a good hit in.

"We should take a step back and allow the enemy to come forward. Then we can surround it better." Araton says in between parries, seizing an opportunity to strike at the creature again.

Power Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17Damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Sorry for the delay in posting! I thought I had posted but it must've been eaten.

Tactics? What’s that? On a serious note, I did flub that and didn’t take in the full map. I think I felt Tawg’s frustration in real life.

Tawg lets go of his rage, trying to get a better tactical view of the situation. He moved into an advantageous position and tries to rip the cobra’s head off with his teeth.

Free: End Rage (6 rounds Fatigued)
Move: 5-foot-step opposite Eowithe
Standard: Bite + Risky Strike

Bite+Flanking+Guidance-Fatigue-Risky Strike: 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 1 - 1 - 1 ⇒ (10) + 7 + 2 + 1 - 1 - 1 = 18
Damage+Murder Trait+Risky Strike-Fatigue: 1d6 + 6 + 1 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 1 + 2 - 1 = 13

Eowithe falchion: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8 -_-
Sarela feints and breaks off several more scales, showing the metal skeleton beneath. The rest of you are unable to strike the very agile cobra.

With Tawg stepping forward, an opening for Ceres is made. She darts forward and grapples the cobra and constricts, causing the joints inside to snap. It falls.

The mithral scales from the second destroyed cobra are pulled towards the central statue again, covering slightly more of the stone with mithral.

The remaining 8 smaller cobras have not yet moved but you're sure moving in close proximity to one will trigger it.

Round 8
Map

Sarela points at the next cobra in line. "If we destroy that one, we will be able to easily pass through this door and continue on, without needing to deal with the rest of them. Shall we?"

Delay for now.

"It seems like a good plan. Let me draw them in and we can surround it. Araton offers, lifting his shield up and moving to engage the construct. Stepping closer enough to strike, he'd prepare to move back as soon as he was able to.

So my plan is to move to the spot to the NE of Tawg and attack from there to activate the construct. Everyone else takes a step back and spreads out some. Next round, I will Disengage to where Sarela is on the map. That should allow everyone to maneuver around the other side without awakening the other constructs so we can all get flanking bonuses if we wish to.

Power Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11Damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

At least I'm getting out all my terrible/average rolls now.

Ceres waits, her hair twitching in the room's still air, as instructed. It felt good to be crushing things again, even if they were only mindless automatons.

Sure, sounds good to me. Ceres will delay for this round.

Gildevar grips the hilt of his sword to release some stress. "Alright."

Guidance on Tawg.

Breathing heavy and feeling Gildevar's magic again, Tawg wants to destroy this cobra and get out of this room of frustration. He readies himself to step up and crumple the statue.

If I'm understanding, once Araton attacks and runs back, Tawg will be in a good place already to either 5-foot-step up along the door then full-attack, right?

(5 rounds Fatigued)
Standard: Flurry of Blows+Risky Strike
Flurry of Blows Attack 1 - Risky Strike + Guidance - Fatigue: 1d20 + 5 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 5 - 1 + 1 = 12
Flurry of Blows Damage 1 + Risky Strike - Fatigue: 1d6 + 4 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 2 - 1 = 8
Flurry of Blows Attack 2 - Risky Strike + Guidance - Fatigue: 1d20 + 5 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 5 - 1 + 1 = 23
Flurry of Blows Damage 2 + Risky Strike - Fatigue: 1d6 + 4 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 2 - 1 = 9

If it'll be a single readied attack, let me know if I need to change modifiers using the 7 I rolled.

round 8
As the rest of you step back, Araton moves forward to attack the next cobra. It immediately comes alive and dodges his mistimed swing and strikes back.

spit: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
bite: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22 damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

It spits then bites into his flesh, injecting the venom. Araton Fort save DC 11

Round 9
Araton retreats back towards his allies with the cobra in pursuit. It spits again and misses again.
spit: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
bite: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

eowithe: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 7 + 2 = 19
Tawg starts stepping around and gets one good hit, knocking off some mithral scales. Eowithe flanks with him.

Ceres and Sarela?
Map

Was waiting for Araton's actions to resolve.

Sarela steps forward and feints the cobra, then not-so-gracefully strikes out with her scimitar.

Feint: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18
Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Same here.

Stepping forward, Ceres' hair whips forward, grasping at the animated creature, twisting and enveloping it. The creature's metal hide was tough, but Ceres' hair would prove tougher.

attack, risky strike: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19
damage: 1d4 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10
grapple if successful, risky strike: 1d20 + 14 - 1 ⇒ (14) + 14 - 1 = 27
constrict damage if grapple is successful: 1d4 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

My apologies folks. Had a new roommate move in and it ate up my time.

Fortitude Save: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

The poison sinks into Araton's body, sending a terrible shiver through his form before he instinctively tightens his resolve. What was poison compared to the fires of Hell for incompetence and failure? He could not afford to falter before some machine.

Positioned across from Eowithe, Tawg mutters, "You're exactly where I want you..." and swings twice at the statue, more out of frustration than anger.

(4 Rounds Fatigued)
Full Round: Flurry of Blows

Flurry 1 + Flanking - Risky Strike - Fatigue: 1d20 + 6 + 2 - 1 - 1 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 2 - 1 - 1 = 9
Damage 1 + Murder Benefit + Risky Strike - Fatigue: 1d6 + 4 + 1 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 1 + 2 - 1 = 10
Flurry 2 + Flanking - Risky Strike - Fatigue: 1d20 + 6 + 2 - 1 - 1 ⇒ (7) + 6 + 2 - 1 - 1 = 13
Damage 2 + Murder Benefit + Risky Strike - Fatigue: 1d6 + 4 + 1 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 1 + 2 - 1 = 10
Maybe his frustration is getting the best of him

"When will we be done dancing with these damned snakes?!"

Gildevar uses 'Guidance' on Tawg as he himself can't get into melee without possibly awakening the big cobra guy. Or, I as a player fear that might happen.

After what seems like hours spent fighting the cobras, several strikes are made by Ceres, Tawg and Eowithe to bring the third cobra down. With its inner spine broken and mithral scales knocked off, the scales are drawn to the central statue again. It looks almost 1/3 covered in mithral scales.

Without closing on any more cobras, the door to the next room is cleared and needs only the bar lifted to be able to open it. There is no mithral to scavenge from the downed cobras, merely the iron from their skeletons and inner workings and a couple unused doses of venom inside.

Map

"If we want to scavenge the mithral, we'll need to destroy the rest of the cobras and then the big one. Or, we can press on and ignore it. Which do you prefer?"

Ceres shrugs. She was personally always up for a fight, but perhaps time was of the essence? "Ignore it in my opinion. Perhaps our lord and savior will appreciate us not destroying some of his guardians."

She pauses at the door, placing her hand under the bar, ready to lift. "I'm fine with destroying the rest though." While the others deliberate, Ceres looks over the door, looking for any cryptic messages or other things of interest.

perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Taking a moment to catch his breath, Tawg joins Ceres at the door. "I don't need any of that fancy metal and I don't feel like punching them any more...right now." He reaches his hands up to his eye-level to grab the bar. "Let's keep going to finish these tests."

He's ready to lift the bar and open the door when Ceres and the party are.

"I concur - let us conserve our strength. We know Sir Balin is down here somewhere, and while we may catch him off guard with clever tactics, he will still no doubt prove a challenging foe. We can always come back. Let's press on."

"Agreed, preserving our strength is paramount. Sir Balin was there to watch my home burn; I want to watch the light leave his eyes." Araton says, readying himself for whatever test remains past here. He recollects the words of the scared squire and what challenges may still remain here before them.

test post for pending game resumption

The door, now unbarred, leads to another 30ft. hallway and to another similar door, unlocked. There is also an inscription above it.

Suffer not the fool. Stupidity is our faith's cardinal sin.

Sarela studies the door, placing her ear against it for the sounds of anything on the other side.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

She doesn't see any issues, and says, "I think we can open the doors, unless someone else has noticed a danger."

"The sniveling squire mentioned rising corpses when the shrieker cries. Be wary of a trap and be cautious. Do not be a fool." Araton reminds the group (After the player looked back at old posts). He cautiously opened the door as he pondered what kind of beast the boy could've been talking about.

I'm pretty sure what it is but I don't think Araton does. I'll roll a knowledge arcana check. If it is something else, his INT bonus is +3

Kn: Arcana: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15