Jade Regent, the Unexpected Journey

Game Master GM Wulfson

"Yeah, if I hug the wall at the corner, I might be able to climb up in a blind spot and come in by stealth behind him. Not sure if I can fight him alone, though. And hooking a rope there and having the team climb it would definitely draw attention. What did you have in mind?"

"I can join if you need the help to take care of the guard. I'm pretty good at sneaking myself."

"I will come along as well" Byron says as he prepares to stealth forward.

As they discuss the plan of approach, Lyraesel prepares for their assault on the castle, taking out a thimble-sized clay container, and applying a fearsome pattern of warpaint to her face.

Rolling her shoulders, she silently settles into a predatory crouch, her body language evocative of a stalking wolf, golden eyes alert and ready.

applying War Paint of the Terrible Visage

GM, can you give us a little more detail about the specific location that the guard-bird-person is in? I presume some kind of watch-balcony or window or crennellation... some number of feet up? Extending from a wall, or just on top of a wall?

Assuming you guys move up you can see more. To give reference on the map it is U1, they are standing above the gate house on top of the walls that connect around the outer ring. you can’t see the walls to much beyond due to being further down road. If you all wish to move up I will need a stealth check.

Stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

Byron moves forward slowly.

Stealth: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

I was hoping for better.

Zaraleva, not stealthy, not ever, hangs back with the northern warrior.

Stealth: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18

Well, we all suck.

Aiko stows her naginata and, looking for a spot along the wall where she can't be easily seen from the guard's position, starts scaling the curtain wall itself to try to get to the top of it.

Climb: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

Climb: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

Adrian has the worst luck as he fails to see any solid holdings to climb up.

1d20 ⇒ 10

You three move up and now can see the wall, you see another patrolling off to the left some 40 feet from you. Climbing up you see peaking over the large bird like creature with talons on its hands and feet, tough skin, and strong muscles. It hasn’t noticed you Aiko, as the two of you climbed up. If you climb onto the wall it will assuredly give yourself away, however while Adrian struggles to climb up Byron is close by and the rest of the group is to to the rear some 160 feet away.

Map has been updated with current positions

"Okay... let's try this again." The frustrated monk attempted to climb his way to the window a second time.

Climb: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

Stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

This time, things go much better for him as he's able to follow Aiko up there. And he managed to stay stealthy as well.

Byron mutters silently about needing better armor and then moves to climb towards the second creature.

I am aiming for the place in the wall where there is a corner that I can climb in to lower the DC. And that worked surprisingly well.

Climb: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17

Stealth: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Zaraleva would like to be closer than 160 feet if there's any sort of cover, but will load the crossbow and hold position if there isn't.

Lyraesel waits impatiently, for the others to take out the crow men guarding the walls.

Aiko clings closely to the wall—a trick she can do easily thanks to her many years of acrobatic training—and waits about half a minute for the rest of the team to get into a closer position before she vaults over and starts the fight. Clambering up onto the wall, she pulls out her naginata and prepares to face down the bird-thing.

As Aiko vaults over to the top of the wall, drawing the attention of the crow-man atop it, Lyraesel races to the wall with staggering speed, beginning to scale it as quickly as possible.

Totem transformation 1 min. Movement (+20 enhancement bonus to land speed). Double move. 50ft to base of wall, climb at 1/2 speed (25ft)

Stealth: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Climb: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

Winsome remains close to the cleric, also not particularly stealthy. Like Zaraleva, he tries to get close enough to be able to provide ranged support with his magic, but is wary of moving too close without cover.

I’ll let you cut half the distance and move closer for a stealth chech. There’s heavy minuses in play so it’s definitely possible even for non stealthy people to get closer.

You vault up and can see another creature walking the walls to the far left further away. The two nearest to you see you and emit a screech.

INIT
Aiko, winsome, Zaraleva, Byron, Adrian, Dire Corbies, Lyraesal
Surprise round so everyone may act,

Assuming Lyraesal is able to cut the distance to half, with her stealth check.

Did I make it up onto the wall?

With everyone up and their enemies none the wiser, Adrian delivered some practice strikes before stepping forward and handing the bird a hard strike on the head.

Stunning Fist, DC 14: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

He was so preoccupied with the person in front of him that he failed to see the rough surface ahead on him that ended up tripping him, causing him to completely whiff his attack.

Assuming we are on the wall.

Byron steps up and stabs the monster.

Greatsword: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (3, 3) + 4 = 10

Zaraleva tries to emulate Aiko's sneakiness.
Stealth: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

17 before armor penalty isn't terrible...

She moves thirty feet closer in the surprise round. (One action)

sorry missed that past Byron. You guys were able to climb up just below the cusp with you able to get to the far right. To draw a picture I imagine it would be similar to Assassin’s Creed basically holding onto the lip. Also just need Winsome’s stealth so far so good on that aspect.

Also you’d have to draw a weapon so climbing up and drawing as you crest the top would mainly be your surprise round. Just to break it down. I will wait for Winsome and the others to post surprise rounds before processing what would be your guys regular turns..

Surprise round left: Aiko, winsome, Lyraesal

Full turn left Aiko, winsome, Zaraleva, Dire Corbies, Lyraesal

Stealth: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23 Success!

Lyraesel vaults up onto the wall, golden eyes glimmering as she draws Ironfang, the paint on her face rearranging itself into a ghastly mélange of colors, striking terror in the bird creature.

Move action: Vault onto the top of the wall/draw sickle. Swift action: Activate Facepaint effect (Fear Spell DC 11 Will save or frightened. If the subject succeeds on a Will save, it is shaken for 1 round)

Aiko vaults up onto the walkway and unslings her naginata from across her back.

Stealth: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

Winsome shoots a sorcerous missile at the closest bird creature that is still standing after everyone else's onslaught.

Ranged touch attack (arcane bolt): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11 (Firing into melee penalty -4)
Damage (force): 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

My bad missed Lyraesal’s first post with the totem transformation. But I’ll roll that into the actual round once her turn is up.

Aiko jumps up with Adrian and Byron surprising the creatures while Zaraleva races to get closer to help only 50 feet from the wall now. Starting to cross the much sparser areas next to the old structure. Lyraesal begins to move at a breakneck speed darting supernaturally through the bamboo grove closing to 30 feet from the wall. Winsome sends a bolt but the distance and the creatures prove to much at 80 feet away.

As the fight breaks out Adrian runs to punch one of the creatures but trips himself up missing as it hisses at him. Meanwhile Byron cuts a deep gash in the creature causing it to stagger for a moment before righting itself.

Order Adrian, Byron, Aiko, winsome, Zaraleva, Dire Corbies, Lyraesal stated turn

Take two.

Now that he was next to his enemy, he would try and silence the creature again.

Stunning Fist: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Flurry 2: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Byron takes a moment to study his foes actions and then swings away.

I am not sure if I am up or only the non-blue ones, but this would be my next turn. Study Target as a move action and then swing.

Greatsword+ST: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 6 + 1 = 26

Greatsword + ST: 2d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (3, 4) + 4 + 1 = 12

Critical Confiration Greatsword+ST: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 6 + 1 = 16

Critical Confirmation Greatsword + ST: 2d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (2, 3) + 4 + 1 = 10

I'm not sure of the terrain. Can Winsome move closer?

Winsome attempts to move closer before shooting another missile.

Winsome hopes to do "cleanup" where he shoots at enemies who have already taken damage, but have not yet fallen.

Ranged touch attack (arcane bolt): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23 (Firing into melee penalty -4)
Damage (force): 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Zaraleva tries to shoot at one of the dire corbies that hasn't noticed her creeping up ever so stealthily.

DM, please adjust for flat-footed and firing through/around cover
Crossbow: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

sorry didn’t state it, blue would have gone. I’ll be more specific.

Winsome is amidst a sparse bamboo grove that most likely was kept at bay once, but now creeps close to the walls it is enough to provide some kind of concealment and lesser cover but allows one to shoot items through it. Moving forward puts him 50 feet away. The distance isn’t an issue as he finds a keyhole shot and sends a small blast of force directly at the creature standing toe to toe with Byron. It is knocked off its feat hitting its head with a sick crunch.

Zaraleva sneaks closer within range and tries to send a bolt at one of the creatures prepccupied with Adrian. Unfortunately she is unable to replicate the success Winsome had as the bolt goes sailing overhead.

first turn actions left. Aiko, Dire Corbies, Lyraesal stated turn

Second turn actions Adrian & Byron stated Aiko, winsome, Zaraleva, Dire Corbies, Lyraesal

I will give Aiko until Monday to post. I should be back to a regular posting schedule from now on.

Aiko moves in a rush to use her naginata against the nearby foe.

Naginata attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

Since her action goes before the corby, it should still be flat-footed and, thus, subject to sneak attack.

Naginata damage, sneak attack: 1d8 + 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (7) + 1 + (5) = 13

Aiko catches the creature unready and slashes a deep cut across it, nearly killing it. It staggers and returns the favor while it’s compatriot rushes to its aid either out of bloodlust or loyalty you’re unable to tell.

The first claw is easily parried and a sense of safety and superiority settles in for a second before a talon catches Aiko’s face and nearly cuts a vital artery. If not for her quick reflexes the wound would be much worse.

Lyraesal scales the walls and the quick change in her face paint causes the creature that ran forward to fight to flinch for a moment but it resists the terror in it.

[ooc] miss, confirmed crit for 5 damage. Passed save and shaken. [ooc]

Adrian then punches the creature next to him. The creature staggers and nearly falls but someone manages to stay up though now is bleeding profusely and by all means should be dead and dying on the ground.

Second turn actions left Byron stated may change as no longer valid, Aiko, winsome, Zaraleva, Dire Corbies, Lyraesal

Byron races to the other tower to aid the others.

I double move.

Winsome shoots another bolt of force, this time at the one next to Adrian.

Ranged touch attack (arcane bolt): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5 (Firing into melee penalty -4)
Damage (force): 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Aiko staggers backward, hoping that the team can finish these creatures off before she bleeds out from the claw to the neck.

5' step back and attack.

Naginata attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

Zaraleva loads and shoots at the wounded one. "Hang on, sister! I can heal that!"

crossbow: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

I'm, uh, not gonna roll damage.

Byron races to help while Aiko repositions to slash at the creature. She manages to cut it but seemingly in a state of self destructive fury only lethal slashes will hurt it. Flavored miss Winsome’s magic fizzles for a moment the arcane bolt sputtering out not a foot from his finger, the unstable magics in his blood rearing it’s ugly head. While Zaraleva provides some cover with a bolt towards the creatures, however they seem to be to heedless to care at the moment.

The one that is shaken goes to tear into Adrian while the other in it’s dying spasms whips around and slashes at Adrian.

It seems the fear causes the one that’s unharmed to strike two, as it sinks it’s claws in Adrian tearing and rending him.
20 and 16 to hit, overall 12 damage.

Second turn actions left Lyraesal

Third turn actions Adrian, Byron, Aiko, winsome, Zaraleva, Dire Corbies, Lyraesal

Knowledge Nature: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

Lyraesel dashes around Byron and Aiko, stepping up behind the crow-man focusing on tearing into Adrian. "They fight like wolverines, don't care that they're dying!" she mutters as she goes past her companions, slashing viciously with her Ironfang.

+1 Cold Iron sickle/Flank: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 4 + 2 = 23
Slashing: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Lyraesal cuts the beast across the back, it whips around barely standing wavering in the last moments of its life.

In that case, it was time to continue the pressure. Adrian proceeded to wind up before unleashing a right hook at the creature's face followed by a left-handed hammer fist to hopefully finish the job.

Flurry 1: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Flurry 2: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

The first punch misses at the last second, but the second connects with its throat. Crushing its windpipe, no matter how much rage it has the creature can’t function without oxygen. It falls squawking for a second before dying.

only one entrant left at the moment.

"Aiko? Somebody? Could you lower a rope so Kelda, Winsome, and I can climb up there?"

"Still fighting!"

"Still fighting!"

"Gah!"

climb: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
climb: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

"This isn't working!"

"You take care of the being. I'll help her up." Adrian withdraws and tosses down some rope for the cleric to climb up.

Winsome and Kelda should go first. I *used all my actions this round.

*wasted