[Outpost IV] GM Zin's CORE 4-19 The Night March of Kalkamedes (Inactive)

Game Master Zin Z'arin

Yeah, Wild Empathy isn’t nearly as useful as it seems like it should be with Charisma as a dump stat. I think I’m going to make my surprise round a double move to get behind the statue. I’ll adjust the map later this evening when I’m not posting from my phone.

Stealth: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

Map position updated to least skunkable spot available.

It's only a single move action in a surprise round. That would be the bottom step if you want to keep the move. Still okay to retcon, though you're right about Wild Empathy. I always thought it should key off Wisdom.

Challa waits patiently and hopes the skunk doesn't spray anyone.

Well this is gonna stink.

The stiffening of Corgrim and Grigory ahead is enough of an alert that something is up, so Leon--with Nightkit's aid--just barely restrains Kalkamedes, who jerks in place with a grunt at the sudden stop.

Corgrim slowly sheathes his sword as he begins reaching for his bow. Dropping the sword is a free action as opposed to the move action to sheathe it, but that would create a clatter, and all indications are that the party is still favoring Stealth. As such, Corgrim will have to draw his bow next round.

Challa sees the concern from up ahead and simply stops in place, waiting to see what else happens.

Merida, on the other hand, darts forward quickly, wanting to see what the others have discovered. She stumbles a bit coming to a halt at the top of the steps, catching herself with an quiet but audible "Oof"; the skunk's head snaps up and its dark beady eyes lock on hers.

Grigory moves down to the bottom step, his greataxe held at the ready.

Round 1 (bold may act)
Nightkit
Corgrim
Leon
Challa
Giant Skunk
Merida
Grigory
Kalkamedes

Small reminder that you've all been quiet; nobody has shouted back to the rest of the party anything about what's happening ahead. Not that it matters too much, but nobody in the corridor knows yet that it's a skunk; only Corgrim, Merida, and Grigory know that right now.

Leon continues holding Kalkamedes back as was requested of him.

Str: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Or at least trying to. For a sleeping bugger, the dude is strong!

Nightkit aids Leon in stopping Kalkamedes. She also talks softly to him in sylvan using a calming voice. She also makes a mental note to ask Kalky after this what he was dreaming about while sleepwalking. Hopefully it's a nice dream. Could she be projecting an image of a friendly guiding fairy? She hoped so.

str: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (14) + 0 = 14

Leon and Nightkit pair up to help keep Kalkamedes from walking into whatever it is the scouts seem so nervous about.

But they won't know if they were successful until Kalkamedes' turn, bwahahaha!

Round 1 (bold may act)
Nightkit
Corgrim
Leon
Challa
Giant Skunk
Merida
Grigory
Kalkamedes

Challa gets out her bow, hoping to avoid getting anywhere near the giant skunk.

Bow&arrow vs FF?: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
dmg: 1d6 ⇒ 1
Sneak attack?: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Corgrim shoots at the animal, but his aim is quite bad

Corgrim shoots at the animal, but his aim is quite bad

And the damage is even worse... I think the dice bot is still mad at us... o_O

Yep. Definitely getting sprayed. At least the smell will make the skunk's presence known to everyone who isn't aware yet that it's a skunk.

We're doomed.^^

Challa gets out her bow, hoping to avoid getting anywhere near the giant skunk.

Near what?

Corgrim fires at the skunk and clearly misses. Challa follows Corgrim's lead and readies her bow, wondering what the threat ahead could be.

The skunk pivots, making itself look as large as possible by initially arching its back and presenting its side to the Pathfinders, but at the last minute its rear end swings around and it sends a perfectly-aimed spray of musk at Grigory, catching the ranger in the face. Grigory, make a Fortitude save please. The stench is overwhelming; everyone in the corridor has a good idea of what the Pathfinders are facing; even Kalkamedes recoils momentarily from his continuous struggle to advance.

Round 1 (bold may act)
Nightkit
Corgrim
Leon
Challa
Giant Skunk
Merida
Grigory (Fort save pending)
Kalkamedes

The stairs are difficult terrain and of course the skunk is seven squares away - so I cannot make a 5 foot step into point blank distance... -_-

"Bad skunk! You do not spray our ranger! Shoo!"

Merida fires two arrows at the skunk.

Longbow Rapid Shot: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7 for Piercing: 1d8 ⇒ 6
Longbow Rapid Shot: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21 for Piercing: 1d8 ⇒ 7

I hope that 21 is enough to hit...

Come on, Dice Bot...

Fortitude Save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16

Grigory is unable to avoid the worst of the skunk's musk as his senses are overwhelmed by the powerful scent. Kalkamedes struggles against the rope, but Leon and Nightkit keep him in place.

Round 1 (bold may act)
Grigory (nauseated; single move action only)

Round 2 (bold may act)
Nightkit
Corgrim
Leon
Challa
Giant Skunk
Merida
Grigory (nauseated 3/4 rounds, then sickened 4 minutes)
Kalkamedes

Active Effects
. . Nauseated: Creatures with the nauseated condition experience stomach distress. Nauseated creatures are unable to attack, cast spells, concentrate on spells, or do anything else requiring attention. The only action such a character can take is a single move actions per turn. A creature cannot use the scent ability as long as it is affected by this musk.
. . Sickened: The character takes a –2 penalty on all attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks. A creature cannot use the scent ability as long as it is affected by this musk.

Nightkit continues to keep a good hold on Kalkamedes

Nightkit continues to keep a good hold on Kalkamedes

Might as well get that Str check to aid Leon now, then.

@GM Zin: Did Merida miss with both arrows? O_o

@GM Zin: Did Merida miss with both arrows? O_o

Nope, your GM was just so focused on spraying Grigory with skunk musk that he forgot about Merida's arrows entirely.

One of Merida's arrows adds insult to the backside the skunk exposed in its spray attack against Grigory.

Round 1 (bold may act)
Grigory (nauseated; single move action only)

Round 2 (bold may act)
Nightkit
Corgrim
Leon
Challa
Giant Skunk (-7 hp)
Merida
Grigory (nauseated 3/4 rounds, then sickened 4 minutes)
Kalkamedes

Active Effects
. . Nauseated: Creatures with the nauseated condition experience stomach distress. Nauseated creatures are unable to attack, cast spells, concentrate on spells, or do anything else requiring attention. The only action such a character can take is a single move actions per turn. A creature cannot use the scent ability as long as it is affected by this musk.
. . Sickened: The character takes a –2 penalty on all attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks. A creature cannot use the scent ability as long as it is affected by this musk.

Overcome by the skunk's spray, Grigory gags and scrambles for cover behind the statue rather than blocking the top of the staircase and getting in the way of his companions' attacks.

With Merida calling out the danger Leon drops the rope and rushes around the corner.

Hit by the wave of stench he gags for a second and then moves in with his scythe drawn, "Damn varmint! GIT OR I'LL CHOP YA UP!"

Double Move while drawing Scythe. I also moved Grigory per his post.

Eugh ... Can it 'git'? Or are we blocking the exit?

Bow: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
dmg: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Corgrim shoots another arrow...

and seeing how the arrow aimlessly flights far, far away from the intended target, the man throws his bow down in a mix of disgust and contempt

Challa moves forward 20 feet and shoots at the target.
Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21 Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1

Corgrim fires an arrow straight into the opposite wall and then throws down his bow in disgust. Leon and Challa both move up to position themselves to attack later.

Challa, are you checking the map when you post? You were 30' away from having line of sight on the skunk. I understand that you are having issues moving your token, but I still expect you to check the map each round so that you can accurately decide on and describe your actions; thanks. I used a double move to get you in position to fire, but you can't fire until next round.

Round 2 (bold may act)
Nightkit
Corgrim
Leon
Challa
Giant Skunk (-7 hp)
Merida
Grigory (nauseated 2/4 rounds (single move action only), then sickened 4 minutes)
Kalkamedes

Active Effects
. . Nauseated: Creatures with the nauseated condition experience stomach distress. Nauseated creatures are unable to attack, cast spells, concentrate on spells, or do anything else requiring attention. The only action such a character can take is a single move actions per turn. A creature cannot use the scent ability as long as it is affected by this musk.
. . Sickened: The character takes a –2 penalty on all attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks. A creature cannot use the scent ability as long as it is affected by this musk.

The skunk blasts another spray of the vile musk, this time hitting Leon right in the middle of the chest. Fortitude save, please, Leon

Round 2 (bold may act)
Nightkit
Corgrim
Leon (Fort save pending)
Challa
Giant Skunk (-7 hp)
Merida
Grigory (nauseated 2/4 rounds (single move action only), then sickened 4 minutes)
Kalkamedes

Active Effects
. . Nauseated: Creatures with the nauseated condition experience stomach distress. Nauseated creatures are unable to attack, cast spells, concentrate on spells, or do anything else requiring attention. The only action such a character can take is a single move actions per turn. A creature cannot use the scent ability as long as it is affected by this musk.
. . Sickened: The character takes a –2 penalty on all attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks. A creature cannot use the scent ability as long as it is affected by this musk.

Fort: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

"Evil skunk! It's bad to spray any of us! Shoo!"

Merida moves in front of Corgrim (5 foot step) and fires two more arrows at the skunk.

Longbow Rapid Shot: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 for Piercing: 1d8 ⇒ 2
Longbow Rapid Shot: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15 for Piercing: 1d8 ⇒ 4

"Blaaaaghaghgahaghghgahaghhh."

That's it. That's my turn.

Leon knows exactly what Grigory is going through, as he experiences much the same, with the vile musk assaulting so much of his senses that he can barely move. Merida fires off a pair of arrows, and one lands again in the skunk's exposed rump.

Kalkamedes surges forward as Nightkit is unable to hold him back unaided; the paladin ends up behind Leon on the stairs.

Round 3 (bold may act)
Nightkit
Corgrim
Leon (nauseated 2/3 rounds (single move action only), then sickened 4 minutes)
Challa
Giant Skunk (-7 hp)
Merida
Grigory (nauseated 1/4 rounds, then sickened 4 minutes)
Kalkamedes

Active Effects
. . Nauseated: Creatures with the nauseated condition experience stomach distress. Nauseated creatures are unable to attack, cast spells, concentrate on spells, or do anything else requiring attention. The only action such a character can take is a single move actions per turn. A creature cannot use the scent ability as long as it is affected by this musk.
. . Sickened: The character takes a –2 penalty on all attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks. A creature cannot use the scent ability as long as it is affected by this musk.

Leon moves into the corner and throws up.

Nightkit is still trying to keep Kalkamedes from going forward.

str: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (13) + 0 = 13

Corgrim takes his short sword and uses the sleepyhead as a human shield, pushing him forward gently

Let him go, Nightkit! If he gets sprayed he will *only* be real sick and stinky.

Challa moves forward and fires an arrow at the large skunk.
Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5 Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2

"I don't like skunks." Challa says.

I wish I was underwater right now so I can't smell this stink. Nightkit retorts. Even if I have to breathe threough a straw.

Nightkit lets go and follows along behind.

Nightkit releases Kalkamedes to his wandering, but keeps pace with him. I moved your token as best I could per your description. Corgrim is already behind Kalky, so I put you beside him like you have been, but won't be doing opposed Strength checks and will have him move freely on his turn.

Corgrim switches weapons, and ducks behind Kalkamedes, hoping to use him as a meat shield from any future skunks sprays.

Leon moves off to the side and works on clearing his senses--and his stomach--of the awful stench from the skunk.

Challa fires an arrow at the skunk, but fails to connect.

The skunk dashes forward and takes advantage of Leon being cornered near the raised dias, biting the hunched-over warrior on his behind.

Round 3 (bold may act)
Nightkit
Corgrim
Leon (-9 hp; nauseated 2/3 rounds, then sickened 4 minutes)
Challa
Giant Skunk (-11 hp)
Merida
Grigory (nauseated 1/4 rounds (single move action only), then sickened 4 minutes)
Kalkamedes

Active Effects
. . Nauseated: Creatures with the nauseated condition experience stomach distress. Nauseated creatures are unable to attack, cast spells, concentrate on spells, or do anything else requiring attention. The only action such a character can take is a single move actions per turn. A creature cannot use the scent ability as long as it is affected by this musk.
. . Sickened: The character takes a –2 penalty on all attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks. A creature cannot use the scent ability as long as it is affected by this musk.

"Go away! Leave Leon alone!"

Merida fires again two arrows at the skunk, this time in point blank range.

Longbow Point-Blank Rapid Shot: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23 for Piercing: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Longbow Point-Blank Rapid Shot: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20 for Piercing: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

crit? Longbow Point-Blank Rapid Shot: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11 for Piercing: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 Unfortunately, no crit, it seems...

Grigory circles the statue to keep it between himself and the skunk, then gags again from the skunk's spray.

Both of the arrows that Merida shoots at the skunk are well-placed; a pair of fletched shafts now poke out of the beast's left hip.

Grigory continues his overwhelming discomfort, keeping the statue between himself and any further sprays from the skunk.

Kalkamedes sleepwalks down the final step but--finding a skunk in the way of where he wants to go--get frustrated. He lashes out, striking the skunk with a balled up fist and then trying to push it out of the way to no avail.

Round 4 (bold may act)
Nightkit
Corgrim
Leon (-9 hp; nauseated 1/3 rounds (single move action only), then sickened 4 minutes)
Challa
Giant Skunk (-18 hp)
Merida
Grigory (nauseated 0/4 rounds, then sickened 4 minutes)
Kalkamedes

Active Effects
. . Nauseated: Creatures with the nauseated condition experience stomach distress. Nauseated creatures are unable to attack, cast spells, concentrate on spells, or do anything else requiring attention. The only action such a character can take is a single move actions per turn. A creature cannot use the scent ability as long as it is affected by this musk.
. . Sickened: The character takes a –2 penalty on all attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks. A creature cannot use the scent ability as long as it is affected by this musk.

Leon retches again, it tastes like bile.

Is Round 4 the last round of being nauseated for Grigory or the first round of not being nauseated?

Is Round 4 the last round of being nauseated for Grigory or the first round of not being nauseated?

It will be Grigory's last round. He will be able to act freely (though sickened) in Round 5.

With nothing better to do, Nightkit draws her rapier and attempts to get around to flank the beast.

acrobatics: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

With a knowing nod, Corgrim places himself on the other side of the skunk, right in front of Kit

Then the man strikes.

Flanking attack: 1d20 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 1 + 2 = 21
dmg: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Sneak attack: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Challa shoots another arrow at the skunk.
Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11 Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3

Nightkit tries to tumble around the skunk, but it's too big and too much in the way; she can't find a way past the creature, and the skunk snaps at her for her troubles, but Nightkit at least dodges this retaliatory strike. Nightkit failed to meet the DC to move through an enemy's square; she loses her move action and provokes an AoO, which missed.

Corgrim wants to move up and strike, but Nightkit and Kalkamedes are unfortunately in the way; he can't find a place to strike from. Nightkit now occupies the square Corgrim wanted to attack from; Corgrim, you can retcon your action if you like.

Leon continues to let his body process the vile musk.

Challa sends another arrow across the room, missing the skunk.

The skunk focuses its attention on Kalkamedes, and ends up dragging its sharp claws across the man's thigh, drawing blood that starts soaking the man's nightshirt.

Round 4 (bold may act)
Nightkit
Corgrim (retcon if wanted)
Leon (-9 hp; nauseated 1/3 rounds, then sickened 4 minutes)
Challa
Giant Skunk (-18 hp)
Merida
Grigory (last round of nauseated (single move action only), then sickened 4 minutes)
Kalkamedes (-9 hp)

Active Effects
. . Nauseated: Creatures with the nauseated condition experience stomach distress. Nauseated creatures are unable to attack, cast spells, concentrate on spells, or do anything else requiring attention. The only action such a character can take is a single move actions per turn. A creature cannot use the scent ability as long as it is affected by this musk.
. . Sickened: The character takes a –2 penalty on all attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks. A creature cannot use the scent ability as long as it is affected by this musk.

"And now Kalky?! He's sleepwalking, you dumb animal! Leave him alone!"

Merida again fires two arrows (point blank range) at the skunk.

Longbow Point-Blank Rapid Shot: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20 for Piercing: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Longbow Point-Blank Rapid Shot: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7 for Piercing: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

I really, really, really need a better bow...