'Gallows of Madness - The Festering Blot'

Game Master Shadow Dragon

Cannoli surveys the battlefield for a second, eyes lingering on the railing for a little too long.

She huffs while putting away her mace, ”Well, this is a dumb idea. But… you all know me pretty well so at least it won’t be a surprising idea.”

And with an “Alley-Oop” the courageous chaotic catfolk hops over the railing and…

…scurries down the wall?

I think the math on the drop is 40 ft, and she can climb 40 ft with an accelerated climb in one move action, but she also sorta needs to step into the room and hop the railing. So I’m guessing she won’t make it the whole way down. Unless she falls…

Climb - Accelerated Take 10: 10 + 10 - 5 = 15

Continuing to advance along the corridor Lucinus swings his sword at the mite lurking around the corner (I assume it will be getting cover from the railing)...

greatsword attack vs mite: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
slashing/cold iron damage: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (3, 6) + 6 = 15

...and swings wide, likely destroying part of the banister (which he totaly meant to do... it was a warning shot... and the railing was looking at him funny).

from his perch on a barrel, Daegon sends a bolt at the pinkish hued mite.

xbow, cold iron: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 161d8 ⇒ 4

Cannoli climbs the staircase railing down like she was born to do it.

Lucinus's wild swing with his greatsword produces a loud 'clang' and cuts at the railing. Good thing his blade survived this strength test!

@Daegon: He's outside the room right now. In order to see/target any of the remaining mites he'd need to enter the room. He'll need an Acrobatics check (easy one) to jump down from the barrel and then move into the room. If you want to do so let us know so we can move his token.

Jakeric will move to the door and I'll see about botting a Standard later. Vreekka is UP!

will do that...ty

acro: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

I moved his token.

Daegon teeters a bit but makes it down from the barrel, moves into the room slowed by demon bile, and fires his crossbow. The shot narrowly misses the mite.

Vreekka is UP!

Vreekka follows the melee members of the group while checking out the room.

Are there any Knowledge checks to be made?

Vreekka follows the melee members of the group while checking out the room.

Are there any Knowledge checks to be made?

You've already learned all you can earlier about the mites and the fiendish template. I should've posted the information as a reminder. Vreekka can roll Knowledge (Planes) and Knowledge (Arcana) checks for the symbol at the bottom of the room.

Reminder on the Fiendish template: Darkvision 60', SR 5 (for the mites), Resist Cold and Fire 5

Mites: Fey, DR 2/cold iron, Hatred (of gnomes and dwarves), light sensitivity, can cast doom one time per day.

The mite near Lucinus, dusted by debris from the railing, decides to give this odd looking character a stab. He also smites the dhampir but he's no do-gooder:

Stabby!: 1d20 ⇒ 71d3 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1

And misses by a mile; I guess that intimidating greatsword swing shook his nerves!

The other mites decide that goody two-shoes android needs to be taken down a peg! The closest two smite Guardian XI, say something to one another in an odd language, and toss darts:

Lawn Dart!: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 121d3 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1

Lawn Dart!, Cover: 1d20 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (8) + 2 - 4 = 61d3 - 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 = 0

But both miss wildly. The two mites farther away move up a bit and cast something on Guardian XI!

Guardian XI needs to make 2 Will saves but he receives two of his bonuses: The +1 for fear and the +4 for mind-affecting. But the mites don't have Knowledge (Powergaming Cheeseweasel) so they have no idea the Engine of Destruction! (tm) has these bonuses.

Per player instructions botting Grizzlebin:

Grizzlebin struggles through the demon bile web (icky and sticky!) and swings his mighty paw (of DEATH!) against the nearest mite:

Claw of DEATH!: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 81d4 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

But Grizzlebin misses the mark.

Round 3 – Web of DEATH!

Guardian XI [Covered in entrails and fluids, needs 2 Will saves]
Lucinus
Cannoli
Daegon
Jakeric
Vreekka
Mites of DEATH!
Grizzlebin [-14]

Bold are UP! Reminder: Squares with demon bile web are difficult terrain. Since Lucinus is around a corner and has some cover he will not provoke an AoO for moving the 5' (10' since it's difficult) to place himself in front of the yellow mite should he wish to do so.

Lucinus moves around the corner and has another go at hitting the mite...

greatsword attack vs mite: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
slashing/cold iron damage: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (6, 4) + 6 = 16

The mite bites his thumb (at Lucinus? Hmm!) but the display doesn't deter the puissant Dhampir and he slays the mite!

Looks like Lucinus and Guardian have these mites under control. No need to use up ressources when they can just swing their weapons.

Vreekka turns her gaze to the symbol at the bottom of the room.

So, what do we have here? Hm...

Knowledge: Arcana t: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (1) + 17 = 18 LOL.
Knowledge: Planes t: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (5) + 16 = 21 *sigh*

Well, it seems it's time for somebody else to know something! :-P

Cannoli pulls out her weapon (cold iron morningstar) and tromps up a level of stairs before slipping around the corner and pointing her beatstick at the last mite, ”You Gonna DIE!”

Intimidate to Demoralize Purple: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

But it comes out more like a hacking cough. The catfolk clears the furball from her throat.

Daegon moves up to support the others and flings a blob of acid at the light blue tinged mite.

touch: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 61d3 ⇒ 3
SR: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

Vreekka apparently skipped school the day they reviewed diabolical machinations. She knows that the symbol was used in ceremonies, including human sacrifice, to curry favor with devils.

She recognizes some of the symbols being used in conjuration and portal magic.

Cannoli's beatstick makes an impressive 'WHOOSH!' as it misses the mite who turns, points at her, and giggles while making faces.

Daegon's arcane powers summon acid but he misses the mark.

@Daegon: FYI Acid Splash doesn't have an SR check.

Botting Jakeric with a double move:

Jakeric makes his way into the room to be closer to Grizzlebin.

Lucinus and Guardian XI are UP! Guardian XI needs to make 2 Will saves.

Lucinus and Guardian XI are UP! Guardian XI needs to make 2 Will saves.

Should that just be Guardian XI as Lucinus killed the mite on the corner this round?

Enough with the lawn darts! Guardian complains as he fends off the tiny spears.

Guardian XI needs to make 2 Will saves but he receives two of his bonuses: The +1 for fear and the +4 for mind-affecting. But the mites don't have Knowledge (Powergaming Cheeseweasel) so they have no idea the Engine of Destruction! (tm) has these bonuses.

Will (vs fear, mind-affecting): 1d20 + 1 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 1 + 1 + 4 = 22

The irritated android advances and tries to mow down another...

[move] 15ft
[standard] attack MAGENTA
cold iron greatsword attack (furious focus), slashing damage (furious focus): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 222d6 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (3, 4) + 6 + 2 = 15

GM Shadow Dragon wrote:

Lucinus and Guardian XI are UP! Guardian XI needs to make 2 Will saves.

Should that just be Guardian XI as Lucinus killed the mite on the corner this round?

Yes sorry. Lucinus killed the mite so fast I forgot he did it!

Guardian XI's mind cannot be plagued by such petty magics that target emotion; he's a machine after all.

The mites go on the offense as two of them stab at the dreaded, fluid and entrails covered Engine of Destruction! (tm):

Stabby on Goody!: 1d20 ⇒ 101d3 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 + 1 = 2

Stabby on Goody!: 1d20 ⇒ 21d3 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 + 1 = 1

BAHAHA those are some rolls!

But their fey antics belie their panic over Guardian XI's menacing presence and they end up almost stabbing each other!

The other mite smites and attempts to dart the free-climbing catfolk:

Dart Smite!: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 51d3 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 + 1 = 1

A 1 and a 2 and a 3! 8)

But Cannoli's hat must've distracted him because the dart bounces harmlessly off the nearest wall.

Per player instructions botting Grizzlebin:

Grizzlebin moves next to Guardian XI and slashes at a mite with his paw:

Claw: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 131d4 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

And he lands a strike! His claws tear through the mite's flesh, slaying it.

Round 4 – Web of DEATH!

Guardian XI [Still drenched and coated]
Lucinus
Cannoli
Daegon
Jakeric
Vreekka
Mites of DEATH!
Grizzlebin [-14]

Bold are UP!

Give up yet?

He doesn't wait for an answer before swinging at the next mite up.

[standard] attack RED
cold iron greatsword attack (furious focus), slashing damage (furious focus): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 162d6 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (6, 4) + 6 + 2 = 18

I suspect that may not hit, so he's probably staying put for now.

You vastly overestimate their combat stats. ;)

Guardian XI taunts the mites with a promise of surrender but reveals his true Engine of Destruction! (tm) nature by cleaving in half.
Talk about a brute!

Since Guardian XI won't provoke an AoO now you can take your move action. :)

Rounding the next corner he runs into another (the final?) mite.

[move] 20ft

Daegon moves up and tosses a handful of acid at the mite
touch: 1d20 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (14) + 2 - 4 = 121d3 ⇒ 2

Vreekka follows her fellow pathfinders and moves next to Daegon.

"Only one mite left? That's way too easy..."

Daegon hits the mite with acid and it sizzzzles! But it still stands, defiant and undeterred. Except for a yellow puddle at its feet...uh oh...

Cannoli moves up and reduces the piddling mite into a puddle of crushed bones and organs.

MW CI Morningstar + Flank: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 5 + 2 = 20 for CI/P and B: 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (5, 6) + 2 = 13

She looks at her gore covered mace and halfheartedly tries to shake the entrails off.

The mites eyes go wide before his head is smashed like a rotten melon. Cannoli can shake shake shake senora but the Beatstick (tm) is covered in gore.

As the heroes celebrate their victory the door they spotted opens and the demon bile web moves to the side. A man and three creatures step through. The man say, "So, the heroes have arrived. Try not to make a mess when you die—I have great plans for your remains. Start with that strange catguy over there. Anyone wearing a hat that ugly has no business here. And those shoes ugh!”

Trained Knowledge (Planes) checks please. Vreekka: Roll two checks please.

Round 1 – The Final Countdown

Vreekka
Grizzlebin [-14]
Cannoli
Lucinus
Guardian XI
Jakeric
Boss
Three Things
Daegon

New Slide 2. Per module tactics they take their surprise round. One opens the door (standard) and the other three move into the room (move). If Lucinus has Combat Reflexes (or something similar) they would provoke from movement. The squares where the guy and the two 'things' are in are currently free of demon bile webbing thus it is normal terrain. Everywhere else with webbing is still difficult terrain. Bold are UP!

As the last mite dies, Guardian hears commotion back around the corner. He rushes back to see the new arrivals...

[move] 20ft
[move] 5ft

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Knowledge: Planes t : 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (11) + 16 = 27
Knowledge: Planes t: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (7) + 16 = 23
Immunities, Resistances and special attacks, please.

If the creatures are not immune to fire:

"Working on it!" Vreekka steps forward, quickly assembles a bomb and lobs it at the nearest creature.

To hit: BAB 2, Dex 3, Trait 1, Throw Anything 1, PBS 1, Precise Shot
Damage: INT 5, PBS 1(?)
Splash Damage: INT 5, Precise Bombs (exclude up to INT squares)

Bomb: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18 (vs touch AC)
Fire: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7 +1 if PBS applies
and 6 splash fire damage Reflex DC 16 for half

exclude the squares where Lucinus and Guardian stand from the splash fire damage, marked by the green symbols

Feeling rather hemmed in Lucinus nods to Jakeric "Would you be ok to step back a little?" he enquires.

Assuming Jakeric is ok to step out of his current square, I think that gives Lucinus the option to safely 5 foot step into that square as it is free of webs. If so then...

Lucinus gives Jackeric time to move before slashing at one of the creatures and then stepping to a less crowded spot...

greatsword attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
slashing/cold iron damage: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (5, 3) + 6 = 14

If not he will still attack, but not be able to move.

@Vreekka: The three creatures are dretches, the lowest form of demon. They are immune to electricity and poison. They have resistance to acid, fire, and cold. They also have DR 5/cold iron or good.

@Vreekka #2: The human is not a human; it's actually a vermlek - another demon. They are immune to electricity and poison. It has SR and is also resistant to acid, cold, and fire.

Vreekka #3: Given what she learned you may change your action so don't feel bound to what you posted.

As the last mite dies, Guardian hears commotion back around the corner. He rushes back to see the new arrivals...

[move] 20ft
[move] 5ft

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I don't understand the two distances; is he taking a double move?

Feeling rather hemmed in Lucinus nods to Jakeric "Would you be ok to step back a little?" he enquires.

Assuming Jakeric is ok to step out of his current square, I think that gives Lucinus the option to safely 5 foot step into that square as it is free of webs. If so then...

Lucinus gives Jackeric time to move before slashing at one of the creatures and then stepping to a less crowded spot...

[dice=greatsword attack]1d20+6
[dice=slashing/cold iron damage]2d6+6

If not he will still attack, but not be able to move.

Botting Jakeric:

"S-s-sure I'll m-m-move! I'm t-t-too close!"

Jakeric moves back so Lucinus can swing for the fences. He lands a solid hit on the dretch but it doesn't fall. In fact it looks angry...

When Vreekka explains what the creatures are Lucinus' eyes narrow and he allows himself a predatory smile. "Demons..." he mutters as he feels the rage begin to bubble below the surface "...I hate demons.".

When Vreekka explains what the creatures are Lucinus' eyes narrow and he allows himself a predatory smile. "Demons..." he mutters as he feels the rage begin to bubble below the surface "...I hate demons.".

The man hears Lucinus and says, "Aww did a demon hurt you? Just wait until I'm done with you!"

He then rubs his eyes as if he's crying to further mock the young dhampir...

"These are lowly demons called dretches - and that one's not a human, it's a vermlek: another demon."

Vreekka quickly lets the others know what she remembers about these creatures. (see above)

@GM: Thanks, but I'll keep Vreekka's actions - I want to see how much fire resistance they have. Also, she doesn't yet have other attack options besides acid and fire. But that will change... soon-ish.

Guardian XI wrote:

As the last mite dies, Guardian hears commotion back around the corner. He rushes back to see the new arrivals...

[move] 20ft
[move] 5ft

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I don't understand the two distances; is he taking a double move?

I think so...

Daegon sends a pair of magic darts at the creature Lucinus hit, hoping to finish it off.

magic missile: 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (3, 3) + 2 = 8

Cannoli moves to catch up and then attempts to demoralize the chatty dude in the back.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

”Yeah well, your face hurts me… because it’s so ugly!”

Vreekka lands 'La Bomba' (must be some old Elven dialect) on her targets and the fire washes over them. When the flames die out she can see, however, they weren't effected! Uh oh...

@Daegon: He goes last in inits so I didn't forget his action it just takes place after the bad guys go.

Cannoli flexes on the vermlek who says, "Oooo so scary! Oh you're a woman. I see; the shadow from your big nose makes it look like you have a mustache. Ha ha!"
But his shaking hands belie his smack talk; he is, indeed, intimidated by the (in)famous Cannoli Jones!

Botting:

Grizzlebin lopes forward and swings his paw at the dretch:

Claw of DOOM!: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 121d4 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

But he misses the mark.

And:

Once Jakeric hears the group is battling demons he casts a protective spell on Lucinus.

Lucinus: You have Protection from Chaos!

The vermlek glares at the heroes, "Feel my wrath!"
It utters an incantation and suddenly some of our heroes are in pain!

Guardian XI, Grizzlebin, Daegon, and Vreekka make Will saves please. Anyone who wishes to identify the spell can make a Spellcraft check.

Spell Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

The blue dretch moves into the doorway, sees Lucinus and his cold iron greatsword, and doesn't like it - not one bit. It makes some odd gestures and focuses on him.

Lucinus: One Reflex save please and don't forget you receive a +2 bonus from the Protection from Chaos.

The yellow dretch follows suit but does so cautiously.

Casting Defensively: 1d20 ⇒ 8

But nothing happens.

I'm going to hold the red dretches action and Daegon's magic missile until Lucinus's Reflex save is resolved.

reflex + PfC: 1d20 + 0 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 0 + 2 = 3

[dice=reflex + PfC]1d20+0+2

Lucinus suddenly can't hold onto his greatsword and it clatters to the floor.

The red dretch gives him an evil (and ugly) grin as it steps back and gestures.

It's provoking an AoO from Lucinus if he has a means of attacking.

No, he's not got any other options for AoOing.

The red dretch makes the same gestures as the others and glares at Guardian XI, Grizzlebin, and Vreekka!

Guardian XI, Grizzlebin, and Vreekka: Reflex saves please.

Daegon's magic missile slams into the red dretch. It won't be around to see if its spell worked as it succumbs to its wounds.

Better than average damage dice!

Botting Grizzlebin for his save:

Grizzlebin Reflex: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

Grizzlebin Will save from earlier: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

Grizzlebin is a bit shaky on his paws but remains upright. Some of his wounds seem to grow...

If you need to move the template to move your tokens please do so.

Round 2 – The Final Countdown

Vreekka [Need a Will save and a Reflex save]
Grizzlebin [-16]
Cannoli
Lucinus [Currently unarmed]
Guardian XI [Need a Will save and a Reflex save]
Jakeric
Vermlek
Dretches
Daegon [Need a Will save]

Guardian XI and Vreekka: Make your saves first (particularly the Reflex) and Spellcraft before taking your actions. Bold are UP!

In terms of addressing Lucinus' unarmed status, as he found the cold iron longsword here and no one took it off of him, am I good to assume he still has it?

I don't understand the two distances; is he taking a double move?

Yes, he can't get there in ONE move to take a standard action/attack, but the remaining distance needed for the 2nd move is only 5ft. It's just a circumstance of the distance he started from.

In terms of addressing Lucinus' unarmed status, as he found the cold iron longsword here and no one took it off of him, am I good to assume he still has it?

I'm fine with it. As GM I don't get involved in how the party distributes items. Like Guardian XI supposedly carrying around a full alchemist's lab *AND* a barrel of fine wine? ;)

GM Shadow Dragon wrote:

I don't understand the two distances; is he taking a double move?

Yes, he can't get there in ONE move to take a standard action/attack, but the remaining distance needed for the 2nd move is only 5ft. It's just a circumstance of the distance he started from.

Okay I was just making sure. Don't forget to make a Will save and a Reflex save before Guardian XI's actions. I'm sure you have an idea of why but I can't say until someone makes a Spellcraft check.

spellcraft: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

[dice=spellcraft]1d20+6

That will be vs. what the vermlek cast. You can try another for what the dretches are casting.