Age of Ashes (Team Dahak)

Game Master Delta Arena

Mosquito decides to take the sack back outside to clean, cook and eat....

Markus breathes in and is, in fact, thankful to delay entering the fortress. He is not keen on fighting, as curious as he is about all the details about this fortress.

You move outside the basement once more, start a fire and set the bird to cook. It is a slow roast, but it does end up golden and it provides a hearty meal, even if a little dry from the lack of side dishes.

Are you just refocusing your spells? Are you waiting for the night to get a full rest? Are you using any exploration activities?

After a delicious dinner, the Cleric of Cayden Cailian will prepare for bed.

In the morning, rested, Refocused, and prepared for his Daily exploration, Mosquito waits patiently for the others by barely complaining how long it's been since he has eaten anything really good...

After a delicious dinner, the Cleric of Cayden Cailian will prepare for bed.

In the morning, rested, Refocused, and prepared for his Daily exploration, Mosquito waits patiently for the others by barely complaining how long it's been since he has eaten anything really good...

"You are lucky Mosquito; meals are basically an act of worship for you. I need to think about this some more, but I also would like some good food. Strix do not naturally make "cookies" either. I am not sure why cookies were invented, but I certainly think the gods were involved in that as well."

Kiilo is ready to Soothe like no one's business and can be heard humming the hymn of healing ..."

Markus eats the bird in silence. He ponders about the fortress, unsure what to make of the rooms to follow. He quietly listens to Kiilo's soothing song. He wants to say something about what he thinks, but they many years in slavery has taught him to stay silent more often than not.

On the next day he eats light and says "We should enter the first room. And always keep the bear food ready in case we encounter the hungry bear."

Everyone is able to enjoy a good night's rest, and some much needed food. However, you do feel some of the last days encouragement flee you, whether it is a reflection of the tough encounter you faced, or something else entirely, you cannot say. The effect boosting your saves against fear effects wears off, as it was only for one day.

Any changes during daily preparations?

I got Mosquito and Markus at full health, Kiilo at 23/26 and Vrosi at 28/38 after resting, is that right?

What's your marching order going back in, and what is your approach when going back inside?

If it's not a problem in that case, maybe Kiilo can hum a little louder? There's no reason for he or BB to be anything less than 100% as they go back inside, and the Hymn of Healing out of combat should take care of things pretty quickly

After everyone has woke, stretched, nibbled on cold bright bird sandwiches, the Cleric of Cayden Cailian offers a toast to the god, group and tasty chicken.
May todays bees a days fer da exploring, da eatings, da drinkings and sum funs!

Gathering his gear, the Swashbuckler takes the vanguard Raising shield as he reenters the basement....
Exploration mode Defend

Start on Right side of Map and first hallway...

"Brilliant Burnis Scout our stroll."

Markus takes another look at Vrosi's wounds.

Using Medicine to heal wounds has apparently a 1 hour cooldown. Since we slept, I think I can use it again?

Medicine DC 15: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Heal Vrosi for: 2d8 ⇒ (7, 8) = 15

He moves on looking around with his light. Cranky is checking out everything too, smelling the air.

Explo mode Search. Cranky has Darkvision and scent, so he can pick stuff up.

Kiilo

Sorry, you are right. I was like, okay, hymn is 8 hitpoints healed. But you would have been casting it every 10 minutes. Everyone would be fully healed.

Markus

That is correct, treat wounds can be used once per hour per creature. So you could spend 40 minutes treating 4 people, wait 20 minutes, and start treating the first creature again.

Markus makes sure everyone is at peak condition before the party moves back inside the citadel, treating even minor cuts and bruises to make sure that everyone is at peak condition.

Everyone

The door to the room is unlocked, but as you try it, there is something blocking it form the other side. The other two doors leading to this wing of the citadel present the same situation. Whatever is inside, and something is inside based on the noises Cranky hears, has barricaded the rooms. Judging by the smell, Cranky thinks that there are two diffent kinds of creatures inside. There is one kind behind the first door, one behind the last door, and both in the middle.

Markus says "Unless the goblins' bear found a mate, I don't think there should be more than one bear here." He takes a look at the doors, then says "So, the barricades are against something. Let's hope it's against us and not... something else."

He ponders about how best to open it.

Markus thinks about ways to open the doors, if there are non-violent ways to do it. Something like unhinging the doors or the like. I don't have Thievery (for a Disable Device equivalent), but hopefully Lore Engineering and/or Lore Architecture helps? They're both +8 for secret checks.

"Brilliant Burnis burst barrier?" Vrosi asks.

Mosquito begins knocking, knocking, knocking on the barricaded door(s)....

Markus

I would allow you to use either or if you want to take the door apart.

Vrosi

Also a possibility with Athletics. Or with an attack.

Mosquito

The noises from inside the room suddenly stop. Then, there is some shuffling of feet for a brief moment. And, after that, it is silent again.

As Mosquito is about to knock on the doors, Markus tries to stop him. Since he isn't able to stop him, he only winces and lets it all happen. He says "Well... There goes our surprise element... Vrosi, you might as well punch the door down now. I'll see what I can do to help."

I'll use Earthworks to remove the door from its hinges, so that Vrosi only needs to fight the barricade.

Athletics to force open: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

Athletics to force open: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10

Athletics to force open: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24

Kiilo will cast Detect Magic centered on the nearest door ... just in case there's something to detect

Mosquito giggles at the word element of surprise , as the goblin watches Brilliant Burnis breaking down the barricaded door.

Markus

The earth begins to shake in front of you. The hinges on the door bend and pop as the stonework warps around it.

Vrosi

Vrosi crashes into the door once, twice. The third time the door goes crashing to the ground a few feet from the frame, revealing the creatures inside.

There is broken furniture everywhere in the room. There’s a smashed desk, splinter drawers and even a broken bedframe. From these fragments, as well as from some dirty rags, makeshift tents have been constructed. Whoever made these doesn’t seem to mind the mould growing on the tents and dirty clothes on the floor.

Standing in the middle of the room, there are two frog-like creatures wearing leather armour and wielding weapons. One of them gives a deep croak upon seeing the party.

Kiilo

No magic, just slimy skin.

Mosquito

Keeping things in the spirit of the party.

Kiilo’s initiative: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Markus’ initiative: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
Mosquito’s initiative: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Vrosi’s initiative: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

I have marked the starting area for all of you to place your tokens.

Markus and Vrosi, you go before the frogs.

Vrosi rages (as a free action), gets out his mikazuki, moves forward, and smashes the cyan frog.

Strike with mikazuki: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15for: 1d6 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 3 = 12 bludgeoning damage.

Markus opens his eyes wide as he sees the frog-like creatures. He moves ahead of Mosquito and casts a spell.

Casting Pummeling Rubble. I believe I can get both with the cone.

Damage: 2d4 ⇒ (1, 1) = 2 WoW!

Vrosi

Vrosi rushes against the frog-like creature, swinging his weapon, but the creature is fully prepared for the incoming blow and uses its club to parry it.

Markus

It is unfortunately not close enough to get either. I have created a couple of templates based off of the Player Core for a 15-foot cone. Would you like to retake your turn based on those templates? Even if it is just changing where you moved to?

Yes, just daze and recall knowledge.

Daze DC 18: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Recall knowledge Society (I hope): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

Markus

Their mind is odd, like a puzzle for Markus to figure out, but that makes it difficult to penetrate. Which one were you targeting?

Unfortunately, the creatures are new to Markus, as they are not from Avistan.

Frogger (Green)

The creature hops forward, landing in a low position. As it raises, it opens it’s mouth and lets out a deep, guttural croak that seems to shake the air around you.

Kiilo’s will save: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
Markus’ will save: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25
Mosquito’s will save: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
Vrosi’s will save: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

Wow, that did nothing. I guess Cayden is still with you.

Then, it locks eyes on Kiilo, and shoots its tongue out towards him.

The tongue hits Kiilo on the chest. It is sticky, and it holds onto the Bard. Kiilo is now Grabbed but not Immobilized, however, he can't move beyond 10ft away from the creature.

AB: Stride*, Terrifying Croak*, Strike*.

Frogger (Teal)

The second creature goes straight for the nearest opponent, Vrosi. First, it tries to lock its prey with its tongue.

Vrosi has no time to react, before he gets stuck on the stretched tongue of the creature. Vrosi is now Grabbed but not Immobilized, however, he can't move beyond 10ft away from the creature.

Before it swings its club twice against the orc.

Vrosi tries to dodge the first swing of the club, but the creature pulls him back in towards its weapon. Learning from it, Vrosi blocks the second blow with his arm.

AB: Strike*x3

You can all take your turns.

Markus sees the work with the tongues and move in to push the frogs away.

Stride; Cast Pummeling Rubble. Now I can get both. DC 18

Damage: 2d4 ⇒ (3, 2) = 5

Strike with mikazuki: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21for: 1d6 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 3 = 12

Strike with mikazuki: 1d20 + 7 - 5 ⇒ (5) + 7 - 5 = 7for: 1d6 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 3 = 12

Strike with mikazuki: 1d20 + 7 - 10 ⇒ (5) + 7 - 10 = 2for: 1d6 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 3 = 10

So then in principle, like in the world (without dice), Kiilo should also be able to freely Grab the creature ... given that its tongue is affixed to his chest, right?

Mosquito points at Frogged Teal with an Intimidating Glare!
Intimidation(T) to Demoralize: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

The Swashbuckler then Tumble Through it's space to Flank with Brilliant Burnis!
Acrobatics(T) to Tumble Through: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

The Cleric of Cayden Cailian then Strikes!
Melee(T) Rapier, Panache , Flank: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 171d6 + 3 + 2d6 ⇒ (2) + 3 + (6, 1) = 12 Traits P Deadly d8 Disarm Finesse

Watch out frogs! Wees bees da Heroes!

Markus

The first creature is launched to the air, and it flies backwards until it is stopped by the wall, losing its grasp on Vrosi in the process.

While the second one feels the rumbling of the earth, and manages to hop and reacommodate its body to dodge all of the rubble that is comming against it.

Vrosi

Vrosi hits the frogger with Mikazuki in the head, leaving a nasty trail of blood behind. But he swings too hard, too wide, and doesn’t have time to properly recover when he swings for his following two attacks.

Kiilo

It depends on what you mean by Grab. You could take the tongue in your hand, sure. But that wouldn’t impose the Grabbed condition, as there would be no reason for that to make it Off-Guard or prevent it from using actions with the manipulate trait. The creature is, however, limited to those same 10ft of distance, and you could try to use Reposition it by pulling on the tongue.

Mosquito

The frogger glares back at mosquito, challenging him.

Mosquito races towards the frogger, sliding under it in one swift motion, making it hop to avoid the goblin. You gain Panache

Unable to turn around due to holding Vrosi with its tongue, the frogger can’t react on time to Mosquito’s attack, and the cleric pierces the frogger on the back. I’m confused, where are the extra 2d6 coming from?

Apologies! I had an actual Swashbuckler and accidentally went there. Mosquito is only a partial Swashbuckler so no extra 2d6...at 4th he will get an extra 1d6...oops!

Speaking of...may I change his Style to Braggart? It seems to be his go to.

Forgot to add this flavor text last post, sorry

As Markus casts his spell, without apparent reason he screams "Fuz-Roh-Dah!"

Kiilo is not amused by this; where were these disgusting creatures from?

Phasebolt: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 203d4 ⇒ (3, 4, 3) = 10 DblDMG on Crit

Mosquito

Yeah, I’m fine with you changing it to Braggart, you’ve been using both pretty evenly.

Kiilo

I assume you are targeting the one that’s holding you?

Kiilo phases the bolts through the creature, making them reappear inside of it. They pierce through, coming out the back, making the creature bleed.

Frogger (teal)

From the corner of the room, the creature takes in a mouthful of air before it lets out a deep, drawn out croaking noise.

kiilo’s will save: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
Markus’ will save: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
Mosquito’s will save: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14
Vrosi’s will save: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Unlike the other creature's croak, there is something about this one that dissonates with anything natural, giving you an eerie feeling. You are all Frightened 1

Then, having seen Mosquito’s agility, the creature turns to face him and launches its tongue.

Mosquito blocks the tongue with his shield, but the creature follows up swinging its club against him.

As if it was mere child's play, Mosquito blocks the club as easily as he had blocked the tongue.

AB: Terrifying Croak*, Strike*x2

Frogger (green)

Keeping its hold on the Bard, the creature dashes towards him, raising its club and bringing it down on him.

Being tied-up by the creature's tongue prevents Kiilo from getting out of the way of the incoming blow, and the club crashes straight into his chest.

AB: Grab* (to extend), Stride*, Strike*

You can all take your turns.

I feel like all of the final description appliies to Kiilo in spite of the Mosquito label ... pretty sure that was the dehydration doing the typing ;) Kiilo = -10hp

@GM: Can I ask you to give some brief description of the enemies state moving forward? Something like healthy/hurt/very hurt kind of way? Something that is obvious from just looking at them. It'd make it easier to target.

Markus focuses on the most hurt of the two frogs and attacks with his mind. He also takes a step back.

Daze DC 18: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Daze + move a bit to be safer.

Vrosi will move up five feet.

Then he will attempt to grab the frogman w/frightened 1: 1d20 + 9 - 1 ⇒ (13) + 9 - 1 = 21 vs Fort DC

Then Vrosi will hit the frogman w/frightened 1: 1d20 + 7 - 5 - 1 ⇒ (3) + 7 - 5 - 1 = 4

Mosquito actually seems a bit distracted. The goblin barely even notices the flailing, flinging, fitting being directed at the Cleric by an admirer.
Wees bees not doing dis right! Brilliant Burnis wees shoulds bees Flanking!

Completely ignoring his fanatic frog, the Swashbuckler Tumble(s) Through the Green Frog to Flank with Brilliant Burnis!
Acrobatics(T) to Tumble Through, Frightened: 1d20 + 8 - 1 ⇒ (1) + 8 - 1 = 8

The barely Frightened Swashbuckler then Strikes!
Melee(T) Rapier, CA, Frightened , Flank: 1d20 + 6 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 1 - 1 = 71d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 1 = 8 Traits P Deadly d8 Disarm Finesse

So, what really happened was the Cleric of Cayden Cailian was really messed up by that croaking, but he refused to seek proper counseling before attempting his shananagins!

He meekly tries to Tumble Through at least...
Acrobatics(T) to Tumble Through, Frightened: 1d20 + 8 - 1 ⇒ (20) + 8 - 1 = 27

Apparently, him being meek results in exceptional, exciting, exasperating success!
Panache!

His comrades can definately see the ripples of motion across the back of the bard; he is angry, and even restrained, his wings are twitching. Phase Bolts might not be enough right now.

Voice and hands totally free to cast, Kiilo silently thanks Cayden for his freedom ...

ForceBarrage: 3d4 + 3 ⇒ (1, 4, 3) + 3 = 11 @ the green frog

oops, that was me copy pasting the dice roll formula and forgetting to change the name.

Sounds good, I’ll start giving that information.

Markus

The creature bends, and holds its head. For a moment, it almost looks like it's going to loose its footing, but it continues to fight through the pain.

Vrosi

In spite of how slippery it is, Vrosi manages to get a grip on the frogger to keep it in place. The creature starts to wriggle, trying to get away, and gets in the way of Vrosi connecting his strike.

Mosquito

Showing a brave face in the name of Cayden, the goblin runs in the opposite direction as the intimidating frogger. At first unsure on how to proceed, the cleric finally somersaults over the frogger, landing on the opposite end of it than Vrosi.

Kiilo

Glowing shards shape like feathers appear in Kiilo’s hands, and he sends them flying towards the frogger. One after the other the shards dig into the frogger’s flesh, causing significant pain to it.

Frogger (teal)

After regaining its composture, the creature finds itself alone in the corner of the room. Taking advantage of the temporary relief from its foes attention, the creature moves into position to flank Vrosi, and swings its club twice in a desperate attempt to have its companion released.

Each swing finds its mark, bringing pain down Vrosi's spine.

Teal frogger is critically injured.

AB: Stride*, Strike* x2

Frogger (green)

The creature continues to wriggle, trying to loosen Vrosi’s grip.

In spite of Vrosi's streght, the slimy creature manages to loose itself, and it turns around in one motion to whack the flanked Vrosi with its club in retaliation.

But Vrosi sees the attack comming, and manages to block the club with one of its massive arms.

Now free, the frogger decides to put some distance between it and its enemies, getting away from within their reach.

Green is badly injured.

AB: Escape*, Strike*, Stride*

You can all take your turns.

Kiilo smiles; it is NOT pleasant. He makes the same motions, summons the same feathers, sends them the same place ...

ForceBarrage: 3d4 + 3 ⇒ (3, 1, 4) + 3 = 11 @ the green frog

Markus focuses his attack on the teal frog.

Daze DC 18: 1d6 ⇒ 3

As a reaction, when Green strides away, Vrosi will follow (No Escape).

◆ Strike Green: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14 with the mikazuki for: 1d6 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 3 = 7

◆ Strike Green: 1d20 + 7 - 5 ⇒ (1) + 7 - 5 = 3 with the mikazuki for: 1d6 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 3 = 12 if the first strike missed, then this attack is with a +1

◆ Parry with the mikazuki +1 to AC until the start of my next round

Mosquito frowns. The green goblin looks around at where's everyone going look on his face. He checks his breath. Shrugging, the Swashbuckler Raises his Shield, Strides next to Teal and Strikes!
Melee(T) Rapier: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 151d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8 Traits P Deadly d8 Disarm Finesse

Ardoinel

The bolts of energy arc around Vrosi as they fly towards the boggard before piercing through its armour and into its flesh.

Markus

Markus sees the frogger loosing its balance and leaning itself against the wall as his magic affects it. It is clear that the creature is struggling to focus through the magical haze.

Vrosi

Vrosi follows the frogger, but the creature is not defenceless. Showing remarkable prowess, the frogger is able to both attacks with its club.

Mosquito

The frogger gets ready for the incoming goblin and hops just in time to jump over the rapier.

Frogger (Green)

Seeing Vrosi prepare himself against its attacks, the frogger hops to one side to try to circumvent the orc’s defences. From there, it strikes swings twice against him.

At first, the frogger's strategy is successful, as it manages to connect against Vrosi. But Vrosi quickly pivots after that to face it, and parries the incoming attack with his mikazuki.

Green is also critically injured now.

AB: Step*, Strike*x2

Frogger (Teal)

Cornered and wounded, the frogger tries to make itself look bigger, more intimidated, and lets out another deep croak from within.

Kiilo’s will save: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19
Markus’ will save: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
Mosquito’s will save: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17
Vrosi’s will save: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

Being right in front the croaking frogger lets Mosquito feel the unnatural vibrations the sound produces, and he can't help but shiver. But he is not alone, as Markus is shocked by the frogger resilience, pushing through the magical assault on its mind. Markus and Mosquito are frightened 1.

Then, mustering as much strength as it can it swings its club against Mosquito, before realizing that its companion Vrosi’s attention and swinging at him as well.

Mosquito hesitates for a brief moment due to fear, and the frogger takes full advantage of it to get past the cleric's shield.

Likewise, the frogger seizes the opportunity to strike the orc hard in his lower back, bringing a significant amount of pain to it.

AB: Terrifying Croak*, Strike*x2

You can all take your turns.

Could either the Anthem of Courage or the Hymn of Healing help?

Markus feels he needs to overcome this frog and its resilience. He continues his attack.

Daze DC 17: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Strike Teal: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14for: 1d6 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 3 = 9

Vrosi will continue to strike teal until it falls, then switch to the other.

Strike: 1d20 + 7 - 5 ⇒ (9) + 7 - 5 = 11for: 1d6 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 3 = 8

Strike: 1d20 + 7 - 10 ⇒ (20) + 7 - 10 = 17for: 1d6 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 3 = 11