Aurelian Fache's page

It's been a month since the last post. I think it's time to call the game. It's a shame we had so much turnover, since we had a great start, but I think we just couldn't sustain with all the departures. PBP is a momentum-based game, and having to constantly bring people in and out just was too much, IMO.

GM, I REALLY appreciate your efforts to keep it going and try to get us to a good ending, but I'm going to bow out. It was a pleasure playing with you as Sarine -- and with you, dien! -- and I hope we can find another game together sometime.

I'm out of town this weekend.

Yeah, it's a bit of a conundrum. I assume Armin will come with us for now. My assumption is we're almost done so he can safely stay in the background while we finish this.

"Let us leave them in there, if they are truly trapped. It seems the safest thing for the moment ... for them," Aurelian responds. "We need to find the others and make sure the same thing doesn't happen to them!"

"Yes, Aurelian Fache will protect you," the swordsman says. "He does not know what is ahead and if it is anymore dangerous, but he will protect you from whatever is in there too!"

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

"You keep looking at the other cell," Aurelian says quietly. "Do you not want to leave them there, or are you afraid there is something that is a threat?"

I'll be out of town Sunday through Friday. Back Saturday, though not quite sure how long it will take me to catch up with my games.

"Where?!" Aurelian asks, his heartbeat quickening as he realizes he may have finally arrived at an answer!

Do we recognize that name?

Aurelian Fache tries to calm the woman. "Yes, Aurelian Fache knows it is very exciting, but we are here to rescue you. Can you tell us what happened? Are there other prisoners here?"

That works for me.

Aurelian looks around, wondering if there's some way he can help them. He tries poking one of the barriers with his sword, just in case.

OK, back at my computer, so can post a bit more easily. Assuming they do look human (and since they're in air pockets)...

Aurelian tries calling out to them, hoping they'll be able to hear him through the water and the force.

"Who are you?" he asks.

But they definitely look human?

"Yes, it is far too long since you have fought aside Aurelian Fache. Join us, and we will rid the islands of this aboleth and if we cannot get our friends back, we will at least avenge them!"

Aurelian doesn't want to wait, but as a player, I'm certainly willing to give Tatienne a rest -- especially if we want to "flavor" it as Houghton and Invandi retreating because of their mutations and Sarine arriving.

Sounds good to me. Be good to have one of our OGs back. :)

"This place is very strange," Aurelian says. "We should destroy all of it before we leave."

Fort save+charmed life: 1d20 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 3 = 15 going to Hero Point that (1 remaining)

"Go help with the machine," Aurelian tells Tatienne. "Aurelian Fache will take care of guarding our backs!"

He dispatches the cogborn before it can begin attacking again.

+2 rapier: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (18) + 16 = 34
Damage (includes 9 precision damage): 1d6 + 8 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 8 + 9 = 19
Crit?: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (19) + 16 = 35
Damage (includes 9 precision damage): 1d6 + 8 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 8 + 9 = 21

+2 rapier (surge of success): 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 11 + 2 = 25
Damage (includes 9 precision damage): 1d6 + 8 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 8 + 9 = 19

Parry (DC=attacker's roll): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (8) + 16 = 24
Riposte (if parry succeeds): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (13) + 16 = 29
Damage (includes 9 precision damage): 1d6 + 8 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 8 + 9 = 20
Crit gets me to 4 panache, 3 if I need to parry.

Aurelian continues his assault, wondering if he needs to swim up to help Zay, Houghton and Invandi. But no, Aurelian Fache must keep these smaller creatures at bay. He drives his sword through one's head, then continues on to help Tatienne assuming the double crit kills it and the next one is within reach, otherwise continue attacking/five foot step in her direction.

+2 rapier: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (20) + 16 = 36
Damage (includes 9 precision damage): 1d6 + 8 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 8 + 9 = 20
Crit?: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (20) + 16 = 36
Damage (includes 9 precision damage): 1d6 + 8 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 8 + 9 = 22

+2 rapier: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19
Damage (includes 9 precision damage): 1d6 + 8 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 8 + 9 = 20

Parry (DC=attacker's roll): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (10) + 16 = 26
Riposte (if parry succeeds): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (11) + 16 = 27
Damage (includes 9 precision damage): 1d6 + 8 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 8 + 9 = 22

Aurelian continues to attack the cogborn. "Come, see if you can defeat Aurelian Fache!" he taunts them, trying to draw their attention.

+2 rapier: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (14) + 16 = 30
Damage (includes 9 precision damage): 1d6 + 8 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 8 + 9 = 18

+2 rapier: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27
Damage (includes 9 precision damage): 1d6 + 8 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 8 + 9 = 23
Crit?: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12
Damage (includes 9 precision damage): 1d6 + 8 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 8 + 9 = 20

Parry (DC=attacker's roll): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (4) + 16 = 20
Riposte (if parry succeeds): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (11) + 16 = 27
Damage (includes 9 precision damage): 1d6 + 8 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 8 + 9 = 23

+1 panache if second attack crit; -1 if parry goes off

Tati, those are what I've been rolling in all my other games. Good to know I'm not alone in being hated by the Dicebot.

Just to be clear, the third was only if it attacks me and I succeed in my parry.

Fort save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

The liquid has no effect on Aurelian who decides he'll take care of the obvious combatant. He dashes forward, thrusting with his blade, before taking up his usual guard stance.

+2 rapier: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (5) + 16 = 21
Damage (includes 9 precision damage): 1d6 + 8 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 8 + 9 = 21

+2 rapier: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20
Damage (includes 9 precision damage): 1d6 + 8 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 8 + 9 = 20

Parry (DC=attacker's roll): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (16) + 16 = 32
Riposte (if parry succeeds): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (16) + 16 = 32
Damage (includes 9 precision damage): 1d6 + 8 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 8 + 9 = 21
Crit?: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (16) + 16 = 32
Damage (includes 9 precision damage): 1d6 + 8 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 8 + 9 = 23

2 panache if parry goes off; 3 if riposte was a crit

Agreed.

Houghton, Invandi, are you still with us?

"Aurelian Fache and his friends are from Andoran," the swordsman replies in Common assuming he can understand the question or it was translated. "Who are you?"

Still, he can't help feeling frustrated. If it's been so long since anyone has come here, that would likely include his friends.

With tears in his eyes, Aurelian puts the poor people out of their misery.

He glances around the strange machinery and then looks to Tatienne to see if she can make heads or tails of it. It seems clear that it's not meant to be something he stabs...

Thanks for handwaving the fight. I think it's up to you. I think you're already DMPC'ing Tatienne, so you've got a lot of load on you. That said, if you want to have her here for our finale, that would be fun! Maybe have Tati wait outside to make it easier for you and not overwhelm the adventure with too many PCs.

Aurelian looks unhappy with what the examination reveals. He tries to tell if these were the missing colonists. Perception?: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Once he's determined what he can, he points to the closest doors. "Let us try these ones first," he says, focused to as fine a point as his rapier.

I think Tatienne probably would be most likely as our archeologist. I've got a tourmaline sphere ioun stone if needed.

Aurelian drinks one of the potions of cure serious wounds as Tatienne looks around before continuing his pressure to move on.

"We are close!" he implores his companions. "Aurelian Fache can feel that he is about to finish, and we can't wait any longer!"

3d8 + 5 ⇒ (7, 3, 1) + 5 = 16 I figure we're wrapping up, so no reason to conserve consumables

[ooc]Yeah, we can let it escape for now.[/b]

"Yes, we have more important things to find here," Aurelian says. He seems more fervid than ever to continue his search, certain that it's near an end. He ignores his wounds, ready to press on. "Quickly, let's find our friends!"

He waits impatiently while Tatienne and anyone else looks around the room.

I think Zay brings up good points. Definitely the dungeon slogs are part of the problem. If I know the end of the third book can make a nice conclusion, that would help make sure I'm reinvested. I'd love to say we finished -- even if it finished early -- instead of saying I'm dropping out/the game just ended.

Who took the 3 damage from the crossbow?

In perfect position with Zay on the other side, Aurelian shrugs off the minor wounds and unleashes his full fury on the skum.

"Where! Are! Our! Friends!" he says, interspersing words and sword thrusts as he tries to make his foe cower before its oncoming death.

+2 rapier: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (6) + 16 = 22
Damage (includes 9 precision damage): 1d6 + 8 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 8 + 9 = 19
Intimidate (demoralize as a swift action on a successful hit): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (14) + 16 = 30
+2 rapier: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30
Damage (includes 9 precision damage): 1d6 + 8 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 8 + 9 = 21
Crit?: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14

Spine: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Crit?: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Parry (DC=attacker's roll): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (4) + 16 = 20 +2 to this role using Surge of Success if that spine crit, would bring this to 22
Riposte (if parry succeeds): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (17) + 16 = 33
Damage (includes 9 precision damage): 1d6 + 8 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 8 + 9 = 23
Crit?: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (16) + 16 = 32
Damage (includes 9 precision damage): 1d6 + 8 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 8 + 9 = 18

Assuming the spine crit and/or I killed it, that brings me back to 4 panache; down to 3 again if parry went off. If my riposte went off, that crit would bring me to back to 4 panache.

So, first of all, I'll be out of town again this weekend, back late Monday. I think this is my last trip for a while, however.

--

Good luck, Tatienne. Real life comes first. I enjoyed playing with you.

GM, I'd say bring Sarine back vs. botting Tatienne, but whichever is easier for you is fine with me.

No ideas on a replacement. I have to admit I've also been considering dropping, though was planning to wait to a more convenient point if I did so. I've largely switched to 2nd edition at this point, and having to go back and do first edition stuff frustrates me. That said, I like Aurelian and it's not like the game requires tons of my attention, so I haven't made any decisions yet.

Ready to parry the attack that he knows will be coming his way, Aurelian swims forward toward the nearest skum.

Posting the parry/riposte first, since I assume they'll have an AoO
Parry (DC=attacker's roll): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (18) + 16 = 34
Riposte (if parry succeeds): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (12) + 16 = 28
Damage (includes 9 precision damage): 1d6 + 8 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 8 + 9 = 20

+2 rapier: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (8) + 16 = 24
Damage (includes 9 precision damage): 1d6 + 8 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 8 + 9 = 23

Aurelian swims in to deal with the nearest foe, thrusting with his blade deep into the red-tinged skum's chest.

"Yes, a good thrust is just what everyone needs!" he burbles in the water.

+2 rapier: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (15) + 16 = 31
Damage (includes 9 precision damage): 1d6 + 8 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 8 + 9 = 19
Crit?: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (2) + 16 = 18
Damage (includes 9 precision damage): 1d6 + 8 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 8 + 9 = 20

Parry (DC=attacker's roll): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (6) + 16 = 22
Riposte (if parry succeeds): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (4) + 16 = 20
Damage (includes 9 precision damage): 1d6 + 8 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 8 + 9 = 20
+1 panache if first attack crit; -1 panache if parry goes off.

Back, though very jetlagged still, and have the move coming up.

GM, I don't think that AoO hit me, since it should have been parried -- and riposted if it was in range.

3d8 + 3 ⇒ (3, 8, 1) + 3 = 15 Three charges from the wand, which got me back to perfectly full health.

Aurelian steps forward and attacks the nearest skum blue.

+2 rapier: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (19) + 16 = 35
Damage (includes 9 precision damage): 1d6 + 8 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 8 + 9 = 19

+2 rapier: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16
Damage (includes 9 precision damage): 1d6 + 8 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 8 + 9 = 23

spine: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Parry (DC=attacker's roll): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (14) + 16 = 30
Riposte (if parry succeeds): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (17) + 16 = 33
Damage (includes 9 precision damage): 1d6 + 8 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 8 + 9 = 22

Crit on rapier strike?: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (8) + 16 = 24
Damage (includes 9 precision damage): 1d6 + 8 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 8 + 9 = 19

Crit on spine?: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Crit on Riposte?: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (12) + 16 = 28
Damage (includes 9 precision damage): 1d6 + 8 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 8 + 9 = 21

With those rolls, I should be a full panache afterward, unless I need to parry and can't riposte.

I'll be out of the country (and with limited access to the forums/ability to post) tomorrow through Aug. 28, after which I'll be moving Aug. 29 to a new place.

I may get another post or two in before I leave and maybe a post Aug. 28 when I return, but I probably won't have regular posting again until Aug. 30 or 31.

Obviously feel free to bot me in the meantime.

Wall of ice might be nice. Cut off the northern half of the room so we can deal with the southern folks first?

I assume we did at least a little healing, so will retcon that in -- if not, I'd have downed a potion or two.

"At last, tell us where our friends are!" Aurelian orders as he charges forward, rapier first.

Swim to position marked on map, attack blue
+2 rapier: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (5) + 16 = 21
Damage (includes 9 precision damage): 1d6 + 8 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 8 + 9 = 22
Intimidate (demoralize as a swift action on a successful hit): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (11) + 16 = 27

Parry (DC=attacker's roll): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (20) + 16 = 36
Riposte (if parry succeeds): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (4) + 16 = 20
Damage (includes 9 precision damage): 1d6 + 8 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 8 + 9 = 21
3 panache if parry goes off.

Lots of folks go in post order. No problem with that.

"Yes, you better run-swim," Aurelian calls after the retreating skum. "You are of no use to Aurelian Fache if you do not know where his friends are!"

Interesting; I wasn't thinking about the water, but that does make sense. I'm fine either way you want to rule it. Depending on the roll, I might actually be better provoking, since then maybe that riposte would have gone off, but I probably wouldn't have done the move if I'd realized that was an issue. Part of why I like 2e better. :)

My movement would have provoked, but I was invisible, so hoping not.

"A lucky blow, but that will be the last time you touch Aurelian Fache!" the swordsman declares as he slashes with rapier and his manta cloak spine. His blade slashes deep, and just as quickly and assuredly, returns to position to fend off an incoming blow.

Attacking green-white
+2 rapier: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (3) + 16 = 19
Damage (includes 9 precision damage): 1d6 + 8 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 8 + 9 = 20
+2 rapier: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28
Damage (includes 9 precision damage): 1d6 + 8 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 8 + 9 = 23

Spine: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Parry (DC=attacker's roll): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (15) + 16 = 31 +2 to this roll from Surge of Success if crit on second attack succeeded
Riposte (if parry succeeds): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (6) + 16 = 22
Damage (includes 9 precision damage): 1d6 + 8 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 8 + 9 = 23

Crit on attack 2?: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24
Damage (includes 9 precision damage): 1d6 + 8 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 8 + 9 = 21
4 panache if crit succeeds, down to 3 if I parry

Was that attack that hit an AoO? I was trying to 5-foot step to prevent that.

Aurelia swims away from the others -- hoping to open up the battlefield for Houghton -- then lashes out with his blade, shattering the invisibility effect.

"Tell us where our friends are, you scum!" he demands.

Swim, then Strike vs. Red
+2 rapier: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (6) + 16 = 22
Damage (includes 9 precision damage): 1d6 + 8 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 8 + 9 = 18

Parry (DC=attacker's roll): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (7) + 16 = 23
Riposte (if parry succeeds): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (5) + 16 = 21
Damage (includes 9 precision damage): 1d6 + 8 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 8 + 9 = 23
2 panache if parry goes off

I'm closing on the house today, and then out of town Friday-Monday, so not sure how often I'll be posting. I should be back to normal on Tuesday.

Oh, nice. Thanks!

Aurelian swims forward just a touch, then lunges out with his blade toward the nearest skum.

5-foot step, full attack on Red with Lunge (-2 AC to me)
+2 rapier: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (5) + 16 = 21
Damage (includes 9 precision damage): 1d6 + 8 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 8 + 9 = 18
Intimidate (demoralize as a swift action on a successful hit): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (7) + 16 = 23

+2 rapier: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28
Damage (includes 9 precision damage): 1d6 + 8 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 8 + 9 = 19
Crit?: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13
Damage (includes 9 precision damage): 1d6 + 8 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 8 + 9 = 20

Aurelian nods and also avoids the spines -- he would not want to have to kill them if they attacked him.

Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

Aurelian looks around quickly, admiring the colorful sealife, but is quickly ready to press on.

Though obviously will give others chances to make those rolls!

Let's approach from the other direction (the other stairs). I feel like that could help give us a little edge for whatever's waiting down there for us.

"Yes, telling the other clockworks to leave us alone is good," Aurelian says. "Now, let us go find these secret chambers!"

Agreed, on all counts.