GM Michael's Emerald Spire

Game Master Dread

Once the enter the Echowood Ratel breath an audible sigh of relief. Following the worn trail, he pleasantly chatted with Nycholas and the others. As the animals began to become less and less his countenance changed, becoming more serious and observant. When they finally reached the break in the foliage, Ratel paused. He crouched down for a moment carefully observing the hilltop, gesturing towards the green crystalline fort. "I figure the goblins may have moved in there."

Taking 10 (15) on perception, anything interesting about the fort? does he see anything moving around? Are there gates and are they open or shut? The map is still the city.

Because theres no 'close up map of the glen' I did an extensive search and none. so a description will have to do, and Ill pull a map that I can make work if an encounter occurs.

Ratel kneels and surveys the area. 100 feet to the hill. A winding trail leads up the hill to the top about 100' up.The hill is all jagged protrusions and outcroppings, with few smooth areas. It looked like their might have at one time been a front gate to the Fort, but now its obscured with rock.

There are two towers of the fort One to the left of the winding path and one about 30' away with the rubble covered 'front gate' between. The Spire protrudes from dead center of the fort, with a tower wrapped around it for 50'. The top of the tower nothing but jagged remains.

Realizing that the outcroppings an jagged protrusions limited their ability to determine if there were in fact Goblins hiding in the 'spire' Ratel stood to his feet, "We may as well continue approaching." Bardiche in hand, he continued up the winding trail.

Sorry, was waiting to see if anyone else had anything to say. The two towers you described are they part of the 'surrounding fort or do they stand separate?

Arthdane has an alternative proposal: "Go straight in, hey diddle diddle up the middle? Seems enthusiastic. Let's circle the place, and have a look from all sides."

Ratel stands up at the edge of the clearing and takes a few steps into it when Arthdane suggests circling around instead of striding straight towards The hill with the Fort atop of it. The green towers and green walls attesting to the strangeness of the location. The shroud of darkness settled over the fort and spire like a miasma of hopelessness

"Uhhhh, you didn't tell us the goblin fort is built around the spire. I thought it was just in the vicinity." Forest says, looking up at the spire in the distance. Anyone occupying the upper levels of the spire must have a deal with the goblins in the outer fort to bring supplies in, which would complicate things. "If we walk all the way 'round, we can check the back of the spire for the hidden entrance."

Sorry. Had an unexpectedly busy weekend and a migraine on Monday.

Stopping at the edge of the clearing, Ratel looks from Arthdane to Nycholas. While not worried about a few goblins, if the servant of the The Drunken Hero and the studious young man wanted to check the perimeter, Ratel didn't mind. Moving back to the tree line. "I don't believe the goblins built the fort." He gives a shrug. "The boy said they had a fort. Now whether they have occupied this one or built something we haven't seen from it's remains I know not."

As he began to move clockwise with the tree line, Ratel gestures to the sling around his waist. "I fight better close up. The only ranged weapon I carry is more to stay in fresh meat." He smiles as he gestures at Rooip's longbow. "It looks like you have any combat at range taken care of."

As they move clockwise along the tree line, Ratel keeps a keen eye out watching for anything odder than the ancient crumbling emerald green fortress.

Taking 10 (15) on perception, How long would it take for us to circle the clearing?

The Group begins to circle the clearing going around to the right immediately the green fort disappears behind the rocky outcroppings until the group gets almost a third of the way around and then a steep path leads up from the base of the hill to end at a rock covered face about 15 feet below the where the green walls begin.

"If there's a path beaten up to that rock face up there, I figure there has to be an entrance up there... Still, let's finish circling the place and see the rest."

The young Pathfinder nods at Artdane's wisdom and follows closely behind the caydenite.

The group moves around the back and over to the other side. The spire is easier to see on this side and justs up in the air, the lower portion of it surrounded by a central keep it looks like thats about 60 feet in the air. from the rest of the fort.

They finish circling and get back to the trail now at the edge of the clearing where it meets the forest.

Having gone about a third of the way around the clearing, the group notices a steep path that seems to end at a rock covered face about fifteen feet below where the green wall begins. Nodding in agreement with Arthdane, "A back door so to speak I'd wager." Ratel continues the direction they were headed. "Yes may as well finish checking the entire perimeter."

Pausing at the clearing where they started. Ratel turns to the others, Gesturing up the path, as he winks at Arthdane."So hey diddle diddle up the middle?" He then points to the fortification on the left, "Or that tower?" He nods his head back the way they came. "Or check the back door to see if it's open?"

GMMichael, it sounds like we've seen three buildings. "two towers of the fort One to the left of the winding path and one about 30' away with the rubble covered 'front gate." and "The spire the lower portion of it surrounded by a central keep" Do they all look similiar in design? Or does it look like one might be built from scrounged material?
architecture: untrained: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2 lol, looks like ratel isn't sure if the buildings are even green or not

EXamining the fort from a distance, it looks like its 'seamless' like it 'wasn't built with actual blocks of the green material, but is just there...one solid piece.

Arthdane puts in his 2 cents: "My vote is back door first"

Nodding in agreement with the Caydenite, Ratel moves towards the rocky outcrop where they saw the steep path, "Works for me," He smiles, "The Democratic process in action. Wouldn't the hellknights love us."

Stopping for a moment at the bottom of the path, Ratel crouches, looking at the path and rock covered face. Turning to the others, shrugging, bardiche in hand he follows the path towards the rock face below the green wall.

Will take 10(15) on perception

Nycholas draws his greatsword, testing the weight of the large blade. Used to the wooden training weapons and padded armor of the Hellknights, the steel feels unusually heavy; his martial training had slipped in favor of arcane learning since his mentor had disappeared into the spire. Still, the Hellknights were the best warriors in the area, and he remembers enough of his education with them to be confident. "Backdoor makes sense. This is a fortress, don't know how well a frontal assault would go for us."

Ratel looks around for Rooip, and cannot seem to find him in the trees. He stepped away from the group and has disappeared. an hour later the group decides to move on without him and hopefully he finds his way back.

They make their way to the trail that winds up steeply to top and Ratel slowly begins the ascent, stopping at times to look around. Near the top, the light seems to fade out taken over by the unnatural dakness covering the top of the hill.

"This must be the strange, dark fog DiViri wrote about. I guess it makes sense goblins and other things that can see in the dark would here. She didn't say anything about it extending outside of the tower. Wonder if whatever's making it is getting stronger or something."

'The dark fog that DiViri wrote about? Maybe I should have paid better attention to the notes instead of eating my soup.' Nodding in agreement with Nycholas hoping he looks like he has a clue, Ratel stands in the shadow of the rock face. He turns towards the others asking; "Does anyone have a way of creating magical light? If not I have a torch."

"One moment." Arcanus unsheaths his longsword (Hehe) and casts light on the blade, then holds it high for others to see from.

Nodding approvingly Ratel, waives Arcanus closer to the wall. "Ok, now we need to find where the path continues: path, door, ladder, steps. something we can follow." He then starts to look around again.

Taking 20 (25) on perception to find where the path leads?

Arcanus pauses and pulls his blade out and holds it straight with one hand while saying an incantation and moving his hother hand along the blade, It begins to glow within a 20' area...shedding dimmer light beyond. The shroud of darkness parts in a limited area and the group can see the path easier and the rocky face as well as the green crystalline walls.

Light 10 min

make sure everyone can control their characters icon and see with them in roll20

Can see (and move) my character R20; have added a HP tracking bar.

make sure everyone can control their characters icon and see with them in roll20

good to go

Arcanus can move. Oooo! Lighting effects!!!

"DiViri said the fog dims magical light, so don't go too far if you don't wanna get lost." It was a shame none of the party could see in the dark and confirm his theory that creatures with darkvision were unhampered by the fog. If true, the goblins or orcs that are supposed to occupy the fort would have a decided advantage. Nycholas had purchased an old ioun stone from Abernard as part of his adventure gear. The stone had lost most all its magic, but it still flew under its own power and cast usable light. He holds the stone out and opens his fist, the stone slowly levitating from his hand and takin position in orbit around his head, glowing with the same light as Arcanus' spell. "Ready to go?"

Nycholas is good to go! Since we have to deal with this fog, everyone who can cast light probably should so we don't end up with someone blind.

...The shroud of darkness parts in a limited area and the group can see the path easier and the rocky face as well as the green crystalline walls.

Watching as Arcanus casts light on the longsword and Nycholas drew a small glowing stone that began to orbit his head, Ratel raised an eyebrow as the stone orbited but said nothing. Nodding in response to Nycholas' question. "Yes, ready, keep the lights near." Holding his bardiche at the ready he continues up the path, keeping a keen eye out.

Taking 10 (15) on perception, I've moved Ratel as far north as the map will permit in that area. Is that an ok direction or does he need to go around?

Ratel pushes into an alcove looking area between two crystal walls and examines the space between finding it to be canvas painted to look like rock., pushing it aside he enters a hall that has seen little use. There are greenish rocks everywhere, but the darkness swallowing the light seems to permeate the area. both sight and sound seem to be suppressed.

"Hey, there is a canvas here painted to look like the rocks." Pushing the canvas aside with his polearm, Ratel looks into the hall, stepping in he holds the canvas open with the butt of the bardiche so one of his companions with a light could follow. "You guys coming or what?"

After one of the light bearers follows him, he releases the canvas and moves forward slowly, making room for all while keeping a keen eye out.

Moving forward slowly once everyone is ready, taking 10 (15) on perception

"Hopefully everything else from DiViri's journal has changed as little as this." Nycholas says. "Be on guard for traps."

Wordlessly, Arthdane follows Ratel into the hall, leading his mule with one hand, the other on his longspear - ready to drop the mule's reins in an instant to use his spear.

Ok, dynamic lighting is interesting, but unless all the light sources have moved well away from Arthdane, something strange is going on with it. The only characters I can see on the map are me and my mule, and I should be able to see the characters with lights at a minimum (Arcanus, Nycholas)

The curving tunnel has been badly damaged that Ratel moved forward through and for a second he saw a shadowy glimpse of a goblin before it skittered back out of his view. The shadows seemed to eat the light.

It looked like the tunnel opened into a chamber

Yes I saw that the dynamic lighting wasnt working properly so sorry to suspend some of the interesting lighting effects. i switched to legacy. it wont handle the darkness of the place, but I can simulate that with higher ac's and Ill continue to see if theres a mix of things i can do to help make it more fun.

Hi GMMichael - I am unable to access the Game in Roll20. Error is 'Not Authorized'

Edeldhur allows Arzo onto his shoulder, the rat sniffing at the air.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

Arzo leans forward while standing on The wizards shoulder, when Ratel paused and tensed up.

Arthdane whispers : "Psst, Edelhur, change spots with me - you lead the mule with 1 hand, and I can support Nycholas with my spear."

A question, I can only see 4 icons on the map - Arthdane, Edelhur, Nycholas and the mule. Where are Ratel and Arcanus? Also, GmMichael, if you want me to move the mule I am leading, I need control of it's icon; as it is, I am leaving it behind...

Whispering to Arcanus behind him. Ratel tries to not make the communication obvious. "The tunnel opens to a room ahead, Saw a goblin slip into the shadows." Heeding Nycholas' warning, he pauses asking, "Anyone really good finding traps?"

Unable to resist looking in the room Ratel moves forward a little ways, keeping a keen eye out. His bardiche leveled at his waist ready and waiting to chop any goblins that might jump out at him.

10 ft move, using perception (Half speed?) Readied attack Bardiche PA. (reach weapon)
perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
readied attack: 1d20 + 5 - 1 ⇒ (17) + 5 - 1 = 21 for damage: 1d10 + 6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 3 = 13

mule is handled. assuming Edeldhur agrees I moved everyone around. Remember---walls prohibit movement for the player, so if theres a tunnel/hall/doorway...go through the same way everyone else did and you can see the everyone.

Ratel inches forward the rest behind him lookig around the darkned room, with only a small ammount of it lit.

Arthdane whispers : "Psst, Edelhur, change spots with me - you lead the mule with 1 hand, and I can support Nycholas with my spear."

Edeldhur frowns at the request, not in the least interested in leading a mule at all. He does so reluctantly, and without much commitment.

Not really sure how to handle the mule - I assume it will be behind me at all times?

"Something seems to have made Arzo somewhat restless - be careful"

Nodding when Edeldhur tells him to be careful, Ratel whispers. [smaller]"Bring him up here so he can look around."

Realizing he had bottlenecked his friends, preventing Edeldhur from moving forward, Ratel steps into the room, to allow the others to get out of the tunnel. Keeping a keen eye out his weapon poised to attack.

perception roll, 5 ft step Readied attack Bardiche PA. (reach weapon)
perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
readied attack: 1d20 + 5 - 1 ⇒ (12) + 5 - 1 = 16 for damage: 1d10 + 6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 3 = 15

so first combat in the game. 2 notes. 1. post in any order, but know Ill summarize in init order. 2. if you cans a sepll or use an ability that requires a save...you roll the goblins save and that way you know your effects.

As Ratel stepped into the room a couple arrows were fired at him out of the darkness from either side. One stuck into his forearm and the other into his shoulder from behind.

attack vs Ratel AC17: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 181d4 ⇒ 41d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 181d4 ⇒ 3

The first Goblin ran out of the darkness from his left rear and he heard the footsteps before he saw the little creature. It was brandishing a shortsword as it ran forward. He swung the Bardiche as it advanced and cut through the front of its neck, felling the smaller foe.

Another ran up replacing the first foe and attacked with zeal. Ratel avoided the attack surprised at its ferocity.

attack vs AC17: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 151d4 ⇒ 3

Light 9 min 7R

Initiative Tracker Bold May Go
20-Goblins (x5)
17-Nycholas
15-Athdane
15-Arcanus
4-Edeldhur
3-Ratel

At the sound of battle, Nycholas' training with the Hellknights - dusty as it may be - kicks in. He maneuvers out of the cramped hallway that would limit the swing of his sword. Spinning to face the goblins coming from behind, he brings his greatsword down in a single, smooth motion. The heavy blade slices into the small warriors neck and shoulder, killing it instantly.

Move action to move (provokes AOO from goblin adjacent to Ratel); Standard Action to attack same goblin.
Greatsword vs closest goblin: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
S Damage: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (4, 5) + 6 = 15

The sounds of battle ahead, and Nycholas having made room, Arthdane moves swiftly up passage, spear in hand.

Move Action, up to 40', draws a potential AoO from the goblin adjacent to Ratel

He stabs at the goblin to the south-east with his longspear.

Standard Action - Attack goblin
To Hit: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
+3 str
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
+3 str *1.5

Currently, I can't move Arcanus on the map.
Arcanus moves forward and unfurls his whip, attacking the goblin in the process.
Whip: 1d1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
EDIT Whip: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Dmg.: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
I mean. Come on.

Edeldhur lets go of the mule, stepping forward and summoning an attack spell while using his acid flask as a focus.

The final words of the incantation conjure a small blob of acid, which the wizard promptly lobs at the goblin around the corner.

Casting Acid Splash. Using vial of acid as focus (not expended).

Acid Splash, Ranged Touch Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
Damage if it hits: 1d3 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 + 1 = 5

Flinching from the small arrow in his arm and shoulder, Ratel calls out, "We are under attack!" As he turns and chops the first goblin but the second getting inside the long weapon. Seeing his friends move in, Nycholas stepping in and attack the nearest goblin and Arthdane stabbing towards the single goblin in the corner. Watching the near goblin drop, Ratel begins to rage, slashing towards the goblin to the west, standing in front of the door. Missing the goblin he buries his blade in the doorframe.

rage 1st rd. AC 15, Attack Bardiche PA
attack: 1d20 + 7 - 1 ⇒ (1) + 7 - 1 = 7 for damage: 1d10 + 9 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 9 + 3 = 16

Hearing The grunts of Ratel as the arrows thudded into his body and the death cry of a goblin, Nycholas jumped forward moving past a goblin engaging Ratel, who thrust his sword out as he passed. The blade scraped across armor, failing to find any weak point. The Helknight Trainee spun and brought the 2 handed sword down on the Goblins shoulder, crashing therough his collar bone and cutting through the Leather armor he wore. A second dead body lay on the ground before Ratel.

AoO vs AC18: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 111d4 ⇒ 1

Arthdane moved past The two engaging the rush of goblins coming from the barracks ...it looked like as the light shone in there. he glanced around the room quickly noticing the set of double doors going into the middle of the tower to the west, and an open door the goblins rush through, and two other closed doors. A goblin holding a bow was to the east, and he stabbed out with his longspear, but the goblin avoided it.

Im unsure why You seem to be unable to move Arcanus. Its listed under Joseph W on both character icon and character the character card. any ideas why? Loggin in with same email?

Arcanus moved forward, unfurling his whip and snapped it out with a crack at another Goblin Archer in the corner besides the barracks. With a soft snap, it just didnt have the umph to accomplish what he wanted.

Edeldhur moved up and could see the Archer that Arthdane had engaged. He pulled a acid flask out to boost the power of the cantrip h as using, and uncorking it, his magic pulled the acid right out of the vial and enhanced the uttered spell of a dart of acid. The dart flew forward, hitting the Archer on the arm. The Goblin screamed in agony and scowled at the wizard.

Ratel's eyes turned red and he growled as he felt his adrenalin rush and he swung hard missing the goblin but hacking a chunk of green crystal out of the wall.

Perception DC4: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

The Goblin who the Wizard had burnt, ignored the other three easier targets and tried to fire back at the Arcane Caster whod injured him. The arrow flew true and grazed Edeldhur's cheek.

attack vs AC14: 1d20 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 4 - 2 = 161d4 ⇒ 2

The other dropped his bow, pulling a sword out and stepped towards Ratel who had an opportunity to strike him before advancing.

Attack of Opportunity Ratel vs goblin in corner to west. If successful his attack never occurred.

He swung out with his sword at the red eyed attacker; but fear gripped him and his attack was half hearted as he saw the Bardiche coming towards him.

attack vs 15: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 61d4 ⇒ 4

The Goblin in the doorway stepped next to Ratel and tried to stab him as well, but The Raging warrior batted the sword away with the haft of the Bardiche. Behind him another goblin stepped into the doorway.

attack vs AC15: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 101d4 ⇒ 3

Across the way a doorway opened and in it stood what looked like a Goblin Priest he muttered in Goblin

Arthdane gets an attack of opportunity on Skizzertz in the doorway before he retreats back.

Light 9 min 6R

Initiative Tracker Bold May Go
20-Goblins (x4)
18-Skizzertz
17-Nycholas
15-Arthdane
15-Arcanus
4-Edeldhur
3-Ratel
3-Clanky

Init Skizzertz Ini: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
Clanky ini: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (16) - 1 = 15

Attack of Opportunity Ratel vs goblin in corner to west. If successful his attack never occurred.

Amidst all the activity Ratel noticed one of the archers drop it's bow, drawing a short sword as it tried to slip under his guard. Jerking the bardiche's tip from the wall, he slashes at the attacking goblin.

AOO rage 1st rd. AC 15, Attack Bardiche PA
aoo: 1d20 + 7 - 1 ⇒ (2) + 7 - 1 = 8 for damage: 1d10 + 9 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 9 + 3 = 17
wow, that's terrible

Arthdane steps after retreating goblin priest. Unable to see him in the dark room, he stops to stab at the goblin bowman with his spear, and the closes the door the priest came through. (To break line of effect for spells and missiles.)

5' step
standard action - attack goblin again
move action - close door

To Hit: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
+3 str
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
+3 str *1.5