Caverns of Azlantia

Game Master Dread

"If they're Kuthites, I doubt they can be reasoned with." added Dr Ocellus.

"Kill them quickly so they can't enjoy it." Is Jenna's thought on the matter.

"Triari, did the doors open in or out?" Gideon asks formulating a plan.

"Here's what I'm thinkin. We take a few pitons and hammer the doors closed. Then we put deadfall around the building and on the roof and set it afire. That should turn that little box of a building they have into an oven. Either they bake or they manage to bust open a door and we pick them off as they come out. Thoughts?"

Time:330 Sunset: 5PM

The Middle one opens out. The off center one opens in.

”Do we even know if there is anyone in there?” - Tessai asked.

"Well, with an inner opening door it won't matter. We can't trap them in there. We may as well hammer on the door and ambush them when they open it. Holding the door seems to be the best option, limit ourselves to one person at a time, or perhaps two since they do have the second door. And if it turns out to be empty we could see what they left us." Gideon suggests.

"Well, with an inner opening door it won't matter. We can't trap them in there. We may as well hammer on the door and ambush them when they open it. Holding the door seems to be the best option, limit ourselves to one person at a time, or perhaps two since they do have the second door. And if it turns out to be empty we could see what they left us." Gideon suggests.

"Let's try a little more sneak first, if you don't mind."

Arronus rejoins the others on the north side of the building, and twists a crudely formed doll from some grass. He breathes on it, and it comes to life!
Uses Soulbound Puppet to create a temporary familiar. Rat with the protector archetype.
He puts it on the stones of the building, and it sneaks up (has a 15' climb speed) to see what can be seen (and smelled, it has scent) from the roof...

stealth, rat: 1d20 + 3 + 3 + 2 + 4 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 3 + 3 + 2 + 4 + 8 = 30
3 ranks (master's) +3 trained +2 dex +4 racial +8 size

Perception, rat: 1d20 + 3 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 3 + 3 + 1 = 16
3 ranks (master's) +3 trained +1 wis

The grass Rat, moves up to the roof and looks around. Arronus can tell the rat finds a hole in the roof to allow smoke out if they light a fire. its relatively small, being only about 6 inches in diameter.

"Ok, there's a smoke hole up there, but not much else. No roof hatch..."

@ GM Michael, some follow up questions
1) Is there smoke coming out the hole (ie a fire below)?
2) By going up to the hole, theoretically, the rat should be able to smell anyone within 30 ft of said hole. Can it smell anyone (or anything) inside the building?

1. there isnt any smoke.

Scent can tell if there is an odor of something, it cannot tell 100% if there is something there. However combining it with other senses like hearing can ascertain that with a succesful perception roll. DC 15

Gideon patiently waits for the magical spy animal to finish its recon, he likes information before acting.

I am assuming you won't allow a take 10; if you will...

Perception, rat: 1d20 + 3 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 3 + 1 = 10
3 ranks (master's) +3 trained +1 wis

((no to the take 10))

All the fake Rat knows is theres the presence of the smell of humans and appears to be some noise very slight, coming from below.

The rat climbs back down, and onto Arronus's shoulder...

He reports "All right, the rat can smell humans, and something is making a little noise in there."

And then he starts on tactics "With two doors, we have to assume a wall between them. So if we find a big, heavy rock, and put it in front of the outward opening door, I can try to charm the lock on the inwards opening door. The rock blocks them from coming out the other side behind us to either take us from behind or escape..."

So what's our assault order? Arronus in front for the lock I guess... The two at the tail end will be the ones carrying the rock I guess.

"Do we have any reasons to assume they are hostile, and simply attacking them?"

"Their reputation proceeds them, their god and their unholy clergy are renowned for acts of despicable evil..." replied Dr Ocellus.

"What if it is nothing more than someone taking refuge inside? Travelers or explorers?"

"We can block the one door and knock and ask at the other if you want. I'm sure it will become quickly obvious if they are innocents taking refuge or whacked out cultists. As to the large rock, I think a couple pitons to wedge the door in place would be easier. I'll be right back as you guys discuss." Gideon says as he makes his way back to his donkey, Flash, and pulls out a hammer with a pair of pitons and then returns to the group.

((Ive added Flash as a figure on the map. He uses a Ponies stats and has 17 HP))

"We can block the one door and knock and ask at the other if you want. I'm sure it will become quickly obvious if they are innocents taking refuge or whacked out cultists. As to the large rock, I think a couple pitons to wedge the door in place would be easier. I'll be right back as you guys discuss." Gideon says as he makes his way back to his donkey, Flash, and pulls out a hammer with a pair of pitons and then returns to the group.

"Gideon, hammering pitons takes time and noise; people get angry if they figure out you're jamming their door. Placing a rock on the other hand can be done relatively quietly and quickly..."

Spiking a door is how many actions, and will make anyone inside both aware (and likely hostile, because we're jamming up their door). Putting a rock down gently is a move action, and can be done relatively quietly.

Urtar replies to Tessal "Well, you know, the unholy symbol of Zon-Kuthon is usually a telltale sign that the people aren't friendly."

Urtar replies to Tessal "Well, you know, the unholy symbol of Zon-Kuthon is usually a telltale sign that the people aren't friendly."

"Not necessarily - they can be taking shelter inside, much like we were preparing to do" - Tessai shrugged.

Urtar says "As endearing as your naivete is, considering them friendly is actually dangerous. The Zon-Kuthon way is that of torture, pain and death. There is no interpretation for coexisting in their faith. Asking them to share a meal is offering ourselves as meal as far as I know."

His tone is cool and relaxed.

"You misunderstand me" - Tessai replied - "I have no mercy for Zon-Kuthon cultists. What I am saying is none of us here knows if there are actually any such cultists inside. And we cannot assume there are, simply because there is a mark on the door"

"Agreed we shouldn't assume, however I'm willing to wager it will become obvious soon enough if we're dealing with cultists or not." muttered Dr Ocellus.

"Once I hammer that first piton that door ain't coming open and we have our paladin knock at the same time. If we are going to check their intent, sneaking is over so I see no reason not to be direct. However," Gideon looks around for a rock large enough to keep the door from opening within a decent range.

If he sees one, he points, "If you want to help me roll that thing over here we can put it in front of the door."

If he doesn't, "I don't see a rock large enough to put in front of the door so let's just get on with it. Daylight's burning."

Urtar scratches his chin and says "Well, it's weird to think there would be random people walking into Zon-Kuthon marked buildings in an abandoned area where Kuthonites are known to be dwelling. But I concede on the point. I wouldn't want to attack people, even if they are so clueless. However, I still want to cast protective magic on us."

Just prior to acting, whatever we're doing, I'll cast Shield of Faith and Barkskin on Gideon, and Bless on the whole group and Divine Favor.

Time:330

As the discussion went on the group began to hear voices and movement coming from down the trail.

((3 Rounds of actions . Please put your chatacters on the map where they will be in 3 rounds. I also will need Stealth rolls from everyone))

"People are coming, down the trail" warns Arronus. He formulates an immediate plan: "Tessai, you can play the innocent and ignorant traveler. Stay in the open. The rest of us hide. If they try to murder Tessai, we all pile in."

Thus, we turn Tessai's moral qualms to our tactical advantage by using her as bait...

Rd 1
His eyes narrow in concentration, and he calls forth a skeleton from the ground... He pulls an armored coat from where it hangs (folded) on the side of his pack and hands it to the skeleton, which promptly dons it. The rat runs over to him and climbs up to a position on his shoulder.

Standard action, Arronus - Necromantic servant, calling the skeleton into the box marked in pink.
Move action, Arronus - draw armored coat
standard action, skeleton - take armored coat
move action, skeleton - don armored coat
Double move, rat familiar - move to and climb up Arronus

Rd 2
The skeleton squeezes up against the north wall of the building (getting fully undercover, not peeking around the corner; it will come when Arronus mentally calls it) Arronus (and rat riding on his shouler) meanwhile, runs over and hides behind the big tree (He also is fully undercover; the rat is the one doing any looking around...)

Double move action - Arronus
Skeleton - wait

Rd 3
As Arronus and the skeleton wait, the rat climbs into the tree, picking a position where it can a) hide, b) see and c)jump easily onto Arronus's shoulder if/when he comes a-rushing...

Arronus - wait
Skeleton - wait
rat - move into position

Init: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
+2 dex

stealth, Skeleton: 1d20 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 - 2 = 2
+2 dex -2 ACP

stealth, Arronus: 1d20 + 3 + 3 + 2 + 1 - 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 3 + 2 + 1 - 3 = 7
3 ranks +3 trained +2 dex +1 trait -3 ACP

stealth, rat: 1d20 + 3 + 3 + 2 + 4 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 3 + 3 + 2 + 4 + 8 = 40
3 ranks (master's) +3 trained +2 dex +4 racial +8 size

Tessai gives a sidelong glance at the skeleton rising from the earth, then at Urtar, waiting for a reaction to this sudden manipulation of the dead from the Cleric. Then back to Arronus - shaking her head softly at the image of a fully armored man, a skeleton, and a rat trying to hide behind a tree instead of facing what’s coming.

She chuckles once - dry and humorless - then straightens, brushing the dust from her tabard.

After a quick glance around, half expecting Gideon to step forward with her, she starts moving anyway, muttering - "Ignorant and innocent traveler ahead. Summoner of the dead hiding in the shadows. Seems proper" - as she walks toward the approaching voices.

Round 3: Casting Protection from Evil.

Also, doesn't Necromantic Servant require an actual skeleton or corpse to animate?

"Ahhh, company." Gideon says as he walks over next to stand next to Tessai, "Well, my dear, shall we greet them properly?" he asks as he gives his fauchard a spin over his head. "I'll be nice, I promise. At least until they prove themselves the boorish types they surely are."

He waits patiently.

Stealth: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20

Dr Ocellus simply waits patiently, spade in hand, to see what befalls. To his surprise, this time at least he managed to avoid stepping on anny twigs.

I'll wait for the resolution about whether or not Necromantic Servant requires a corpse/skeleton to create undead before I react accordingly.

Urtar grips his longspear after casting protecting spells and blessing the group "Let nature empower us."

Ill give Jenna til tonight to post and then start things off and hshe will have had mental paralysis for those 18 seconds.

Fair enough

Urtar looks at the raised skeleton and says "We may have a Kuthonite among us after all. To do something so evil to raise the undead is a pretty definitive sign." He doesn't take any obvious aggressive action towards Arronus, but is clear he wants to.

Tessai meets Urtar’s words with a sidelong glance, then gives a slight, deliberate nod - not of approval, but agreement. His instincts mirror her own.

Though the paladin's posture remains composed, there’s a subtle tension in her shoulders, a stiffness that wasn’t there before - as if her body remembers an old lesson about things that should stay buried. She doesn’t look at the skeleton, not directly, as though to do so would be to dignify its presence -"Are we to be fighting side by side with the walking dead?" - she snarls, to no one in particular.

When Gideon steps to her side, her eyes flick toward him, steadying just a fraction - a small, silent recognition of solidarity. Then her gaze returns to the treeline, fixed and grim.

As the party stood talking, suddenly the noise of a small group of people could be heard moving through the jungle talking. What was being said could not be ascertained.

The group sprang into action. Urtar moved to Gideon and uttered an incantation and a barely visible field of force shimmered around him.

Jenna stood looking around like what do I do.

Arronus touched a skull hanging from his belt, and skeletal arms clawed their way from the ground and stood up next to him. Then Arronus took the armored coat hanging on his back and handed it to the skelelton, which slowly slipped it on. The little straw rat came running across the rooftop and scampered down the side.

Xavier moved to a bush

Gideon hefted his Fauchard and moved forward on the trail they had identified, with a glance at Urtar and Tessai.

Tessai, Bardiche in hand, moved up next to Gideon, and over at the skeleton, remarking on it.

The voices got closer.

Jenna stood like a deer caught in the torchlight, looking back and forth.

Urtar moved to beside Gideon also remarking about the skeleton, then rubbed some bark on Gideons back chanting, and his skin turned brown and rough.

The straw creature imbued with occult awareness crawled up to sit on Arronus' shoulder. Arronus looked at the Skeleton, ignoring the comments, and the skeleton pushed itself against the wall.

Then Arronus moved to behind a stout tree.

Xavier crawled into the bush and crouched.

Gideon stood twirling the fauchard.

Tessai stood ready.

The Voices continued to close

Jenna crouched between a tree and a boulder

Urtar prayed and a burst of holy energy enveloped everyone...even the skeleton. Then the earthen being moved to the bush near Dr. Ocellus and crouched.

Arronus crouched behind the tree and his rat of straw scampered up the tree to sit on a limb, seeing the group of men coming easily from that vantage point.

Xavier tried to be small.

Gideon glanced back at Urtar and almost laughed, the poor cleric was doing his best to hide, but failing miserably ((rolls are on roll20. Urtar had a 1)) The craking of branches ahead snapped his head around.

Tessai saw them first. 6 Tribesmen. 5 in little armor, but carrying shields and a short spear, their faces painted like a skull. one was in scale armor, and had a shield. he pulled his longsword out when he saw them. She called upon the force of good to protect her if they are evil

In the broken language of Mwangi he said Who Are you? And what do you do here?

as the spearmen spread out advancing in a semi circle. spears and shields raised ready for a fight.

((In the spoiler you can see both your and the 'possible opponents' stats. Everyone post your actions. They can be conditional actions. The spearmen went first, so their actions are done for this round. Dondo has not. Theres were to spread out and close.

Everyone post. dont wait for someone. Just know when they go in initiative and if you see them post youll know what they did and to who. I will sort the round out when I summarize. Casters. If you cast a spellon an opponent make their save. so everyone knows who and what. This being the first combat, I know it might seem strange. But I promise itll work out. When everyone has posted or Friday evening has come, Ill advance the round))

Dark foliage is difficult terrain. Tree roots are difficult. Boulders can be gotten on top of DC 12 climb. The building can be climbed DC 15. Trees can be climbed DC 13.

Gideon you an move Flash if you want.

Arronus you should have control of both the fake rat and the skeleton.

Initiative
23 Deathwalkers (x5)----Gone
20 Urtar
16 Jenna
15 Arronus
15 Necromatic Servant
15 Soulbound Puppet
10 Xavier
10 Dondo
5 Gideon
5 Flash
4 Tessai

Active Spells/Conditions
Necromatic Servant- 297 Rounds (Arronus)
Soulbound Puppet- 197 Rounds (Arronus)
Protection from Evil- 9R (Tessai) -+2 AC/Saves vs Evil-
Shield of Faith 27 R +2 AC (Deflection-Gideon) AC20
Barkskin 298 Rounds +2 AC (Natural-Gideon) AC22
Bless 29 Rounds +1 Hit and Fear Saves ALL

Arronus, the skeleton and the rat all wait patiently while staying ready; he is willing enough to let Tessai try to negotiate peace rather than shed blood (although he does not expect it to go well, not with Kuthites).

In game terms, that's delay...

As the best targets for her Bombs are all used by her own party Jenna takes aim at the nearest Deathwalker. If they show any signs of hostility she will fire at him.

Held action.

Crossbow: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
Crossbow Critical: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

damage: 1d8 ⇒ 1
damage if critcal?: 2d8 ⇒ (6, 6) = 12

Urtar summons the power of nature and casts a spell.

Casting Entangle (DC 15). Put the circle in roll20, but only a part of it is visible, because it is centered way off the map. It's the green line. 3 deathwalkers and dondo are in the area, so I'll roll for them.

Top Deathwalker save: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (19) + 0 = 19
Middle Deathwalker save: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (8) + 0 = 8
Bottom Deathwalker save: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (9) + 0 = 9
Dondo save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

"Hail! We mean no..." - Tessai's words die in her lips as she first notices the spearmen surrounding them, and then hears a spell being cast from behind and notices the rising, entangling plants - "Quarrel..."

Tessai has a Reach weapon, so if anyone comes at her she will have an AoO:

Bardiche AoO: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 4 + 1 = 24
Damage if it hits: 1d10 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

Bardiche Crit confirm: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 4 + 1 = 14
Additional damage: 1d10 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

I guess if the fight breaks out and no AoO is forthcoming, then this will be her attack roll? It should take down one of the spearman.

Due to Protection from Evil, her AC should be 23 vs Evil attackers.

Gideon grins and waves at the man in scale mail. He realizes he can be a bit too sarcastic to win over strangers so he waits to see how Tessai's greeting goes. While he waits he ponders the best place to split his enemies and how best to avoid their shields.

Readied action to attack should someone move aggressively toward him and Tessai.

AoO: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15
dmg: 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

readied action: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19
dmg: 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

Still lurking in the bushes and noting Urtar who was next to him casting a spell Dr Ocellus earnestly prepared to defend him, readying his trusty spade to strike at anyone unfortunate enough to get close!

Readied actions seem to be the order of the day. Dr Ocellus will attack anyone aggressive who moves into melee range of either himself or Urtar.

Readied attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17Damage: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Ok, expanding conditionals if you want them...

Arronus, the skeleton and the rat all wait patiently while staying ready; he is willing enough to let Tessai try to negotiate peace rather than shed blood (although he does not expect it to go well, not with Kuthites).

As the native warriors move to get close to the strangers from the bush where Urtar sits unhidden a chanting can be heard, and suddenly the jungle comes alive with writhing plants Two of the warriors are grabbed and held by the vegetation. While 1 and their leader seem to evade the grasping vines. The look of hostility is apparent on their faces now.

Jenna raises her Crossbow and aims at the nearest one and fires. The bolt sticks deep in his shoulder.

((Please dont reroll both dice. just add the extra dice. By the way their ac is in the combat summary so you would know the crit succeeded. I used one of the 6's and added it to the 1.))

Arronus seeing things have turned away from diplomacy wills his skeleton forward and it ably walked forward toward the warrior with the crossbow in his shoulder, as it is the closest. The look on the warriors face is not shocked, more like hes seen this kind of thing before.

The rat of straw nimbly scampered back down to Arronus shoulder and then the Elf jumped out from behind the tree and next to the closest warrior, pulling his longsword and thrusting it into the native.

Dr. Ocellus creeps a few feet forward and readies to defend himself or the earthen priest.

Their leader moved forward leaving the grasping vines (mostly) yelling
Get them! Kushik, we need you! Tessais long hafted blade slammed into his armored body. almost knocking the wind out of him. He countered her attack with one every bit as accurate as hers as it cut into her arm.

((Used Tessai's AoO roll. No crit.))

Gideon saw the leader of this band of natives close but he wasnt in a position to strike him as he approached, but could do so now. His hafted blade was different than Tessai's but still as accurate. The axeblade

((used Gideons readied action not his AoO because its a normal attack))

Flash chews grass and raises his head, ears twitching as he listens intently to whats going on.

Tessai takes a step back to be able to use her Bardiche and swings it again at the leader. and cut down through his shoulder into his abdomen

((rolls on roll20))

-------Round 2---------- 

((Tessai gets an AoO against one of the warriors))

Suddenly the off center door to the building opens and disgorges another 5 warriors, as the spread out heading to opponents. None get an attack in before the group responds. Gideon hacks into the one approaching him and Tessai. Bleeding him, but not finishing him.

((Used Gideon's AoO from last round))

The native in front of the skeleton, kept his spear in one hand and tried to slam his shield into its ribs, but the nimble skeleton avoided the attack.

The next native advanced towards Gideon a short step, and stabbed at him with his spear, but the spear couldnt penetrate the well armored foe.

Another stepped from the area with writhing vines and tried to stab the half-elf with his spear, but he too couldnt get through the defenses.

the next native struggled within the grasp of the foliage and pushed himself free, moving over the giant tree roots until he was next to Arronus and stabbed at him. Arronus swatted the spear strike aside with his sword.

The last native was helplessly held and struggles forward trying to get beyond the grasping vines and manages to move out and around behind Arronus but little else.

((This one Arronus gets an attack of Opportunity on))

Initiative
23 Deathwalkers (x10)----Gone
20 Urtar
16 Jenna
15 Arronus
15 Necromatic Servant
15 Soulbound Puppet
10 Xavier
9 Kushik
5 Gideon
5 Flash
4 Tessai

Active Spells/Conditions
Necromatic Servant- 296 Rounds (Arronus)
Soulbound Puppet- 196 Rounds (Arronus)
Protection from Evil- 8R (Tessai) -+2 AC/Saves vs Evil-
Shield of Faith 26 R +2 AC (Deflection-Gideon) AC20
Barkskin 297 Rounds +2 AC (Natural-Gideon) AC22
Bless 28 Rounds +1 Hit and Fear Saves ALL
Entangle 30R DC15

I am not sure if this AoO is on the one I hit last round, or the unwounded one, but...

To Hit, Arronus AoO: 1d20 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 2 + 4 = 20
+2 bab +4 str

Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 2 = 10
+4 str +2 Haunted Implement (champion spirit)

Arronus takes a quick slash at the one he already wounded, and steps next to the tree trunk trying to avoid being outflanked... His rat does it's best to warn of incoming spears. His skeletal minion claws viciously at the warrior in front of it.

standard - attack the one I attacked last round
then
5' step

To Hit, Arronus: 1d20 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 2 + 4 = 26
+2 bab +4 str

Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 2 = 13
+4 str +2 Haunted Implement (champion spirit)

To Hit, Skeleton Claw A: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 + 2 = 17
+2 bab +2 str

Damage A: 1d4 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 1 = 5
+2 str +2 necromantic servant bonus

To Hit, Skeleton Claw B: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 + 2 = 14

Damage B: 1d4 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 1 = 5

Edit: Possible Crit, Arronus
Crit Confirm, Arronus: 1d20 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 2 + 4 = 13
+2 bab +4 str

Extra Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 2 = 11
+4 str +2 Haunted Implement (champion spirit)

GMMichael, I have a couple of questions:
- The leader type of guy to the south is dead right? At -9? Or at least unconscious?
- The guy just north of that one - I cannot see his HP. Has he been hit the previous round?
- We cannot 5' step outside the yellow lines showing the outlines of the path, correct?
- Toward which of the approaching Warriors does Tessai get an AoO against? The one from the north, or the one from the sw? I am assuming the one to the north?

Taking a 5' step back Jenna snaps a shot at the native in her face.

crossbow + PBS: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 1 = 8

Her moving throwing her off. "Ack! A little aid here." She yells.

"Surrounded by savages... Splendid! Best give them what for!" Dr Ocellus remarked to Urtar as he closed to the nearest one and swung his spade with surprising force, hitting the unfortunate native warrior's noggin with a dull CLANG.

Standard attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20Damage: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Aiming at the one closer to Urtar.