Bladud's page

Round 2

Trying to clear the door, Bladud tries to dodge past both guards, rolling to his feet as he unleashes a horrendous gout of flame

Tumble 2 squares up/left to avoid AoO’s
Acro to avoid AoO: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Then cast Burning Hands, DC 14 for half damage
Fire damage: 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (3, 2) + 4 = 9

I'm also a bit lost. How many of those attacks were on me?

The Warden has his own tower somewhere. This is basically the part where you have to venture forth and explore the prison to find what you want and need.

The Warden was the guy we whacked while he tried to administer the spell-loss potions, correct? So he's actually out of the equation (at least that we know of).

I'm just making sure I'm operating under the correct info. :)

Oh, I forgot Bladud had a longsword in-hand. He would have dropped it before full-attacking, so it's on the floor, now.

Bladud growls out in frustration as the guardsman shakes off the mental assault. "Boring way to fight, anyway," he rumbles as he unleashes with teeth and claws.

Full round attack the guardsman he's flanking with the bird. If that target falls before his attacks are complete, 5' step north-west and use the rest of the attacks on that guard. (Including Inspire, flank, and power attack).
Bite: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (9) + 6 + 1 + 2 - 1 = 17
damage: 1d6 + 4 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 1 + 2 = 10
.
Claw: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (19) + 6 + 1 + 2 - 1 = 27
damage: 1d4 + 4 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 1 + 2 = 8
.
Claw: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (10) + 6 + 1 + 2 - 1 = 18
damage: 1d4 + 4 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 1 + 2 = 9

Bladud follows Aelwulf through the door, staying close to watch his back and keep him from being overwhelmed. As he runs, he locks eyes with one of the horn-carriers (Guard 1), gathering his mental strength and projecting it with a few Draconic words to overpower the man's feeble mind.

If Bladud's closer position and higher speed will allow him to take up a position adjacent to Aelwulf (to prevent a few flank spots), he'll do that. Then he casts Daze on Guard 1 :: Will Save DC 13

"Soon enough, big guy," rumbles Bladud as he descends the stairs. He pauses, waiting for the team to catch up. "Any of you the quiet sort? Seeing what's out there before they see us seems smart."

Bladud is pausing to see if someone is decent at Stealth and wants to take a peek through this door first.

As he waits, he presses his ear to the door, checking to see if he can hear anything from beyond before actually opening the door.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

Bladud takes back the longsword. "Great. Let's roll."

Assmign there are no more holdups/delays, he points down the stairs. "Big Guy, the blueshirts are this way."

I"m all for gathering intel, but we also need to get moving, I'd think. The longer we linger the more likely someone might stumble up on us. Especially since the old guy who was here to administer the no-spell stuff wasn't suppose to be in here all that long.

Bladud shakes his head, "I was talking to them." He gives the remaining guard a vicious look, "You don't need to be anywhere near us when we leave."

Bladud continues his rumbling chuckle as he looks toward th stairway out. Then he heads to the bound guardsman, "What's at the bottom of the stairs? And what's the safest route for us to take to the Warden's tower?"

As he listens, he picks up one of the unlocked shackles, putting them into place without actually clasping them closed all the way. "Act like you're escorting me somewhere, if it comes to bluffing."

Do we have an updated map that shows these options? Or did I miss a link?

Grumblejack's stomach rumbles loudly. "Make contest interesting? I win, Grumblejack eat you."

Bladud laughs. Not a threatening laugh or a disbelieving laugh ... he genuinely loved the ogre's comment. "Eat up, big guy. I'm guessing dessert's going to be on its way soon."

He looks around, seeing final preparations being made as their captive spills all his beans. "Sounds like we should go hit that tower first, then. Clean out the Warden if we can before he knows we're coming."

As the ogre eats, Bladud stoops down and dips his claws in the bloody gore he created. Then he steps over to the wall, leaving a message in blood.

WE'RE OUT. YOU CAN'T STOP US. FLEE TALINGUARDE OR PREPARE TO MEET YOUR MITRA.

Then he moves to gather up whatever gear wasn't specifically claimed, wrapping it up in dead guardsman's clothes if a sack isn't available. "We should move." He looks over at the ogre, "Big guy, you next meal is this way."

^^ this was definitely my take on it. :)

@Bladud: I missed your OOC comment before. No worries, I didn't see it that way. It's good character development. I'm going to try and avoid going 'Lawful Stupid' on the party, but I wanted to try a different approach to Evil where he's still got some (unique to him) scruples and a sense of honor. One of those scruples is avoiding needlessly gutting grunts (as long as it doesn't cost him anything).

Very cool. I just wanted to make sure we were getting off on the right foot (even if my character is an ass).

At Sophia's request, Bladud doesn't really even hesitate. He grabs the keys and steps into the ogre's cell. "Good choice. I look forward to seeing you spill some Mitran blood." He laughs, "Maybe a contest? Who can kill more?"

Just before unlocking the final chain, though, his dark humor evaporates, and the orc steps up to the larger thug. "You remember, though. Go against us and we put you in the ground, ogre. Hard."

He finishes with the ogre and steps out just in time to hear the guard's response. "So what's the best way for us to escape through the front gate, then? Are there side passages or servant's walks or anything?"

I'm just going to throw this out there. The best defensive effect Bladud could find would be Mage Armor. Might not be an option until after we escape (assuming we do), but man would it help him remain on his feet and as offensively flexible as possible. :)

EDIT: oh, and for those Common clothes, Bladud may be best served by staying in his rags until we actually get clear of this place, and then changing. He's likely to become covered in blood between here and freedom, and blood-covered common clothes doesn't seem like much of an improvement. :D

Very cool. As it's your re-roll, if you want Bladud to re-roll his intimidate, go ahead and you roll the dice. :D

his mod is +14.

As if just now thinking about it, Sophia turned her head to look at Hjálmarr. "Hjálmarr, since it was your idea to keep that last guard alive, you should be in charge of chaining him up and getting answers from him. I trust this will be amiable to you? If not, we can always leave it to, say, Bladud." Shooting the man a soft smile, she returned her attention to the ogre.

Bladud barks a rumbling laugh, flexing his still-bloody claws, ”My way will be pretty quick.”

Hjalmaar, I’m not trying to be a punk. Your guy’s code seems surprisingly honorable for an Evil party in an Evil campaign. Which could either be problematic or really interesting. But more immediately, Bladud just thinks it could be a liability in the near future.

Splitting my posts out for simplicity - since we have multiple things happening at once.

The big enforcer watches the back-and-forth between Sophia and the ogre with a mocking grin. ”She don’t have to beg, big guy. I’m more than happy to pour the rest of the Warden’s poison down your throat and leave you here.” He shrugs, ”I’m guessing when the Mitrans return and see all this carnage, you’ll be the only living thing here to take their revenge on.”

”So you take her deal or take your chances with the Mitrans. Your call, but do it now. We’re leaving.”

Intimidate: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (1) + 14 = 15 Are you kidding me? Now I wish I still had my re-roll. :/

DM: Since we’re exploring gear options, would Bladud be able to pick up some of our chains and use them as a spiked chain? Or would that be considered an improvised weapon? (I’m trying to be resourceful, but it kind of feels like the textbook definition of an improvised weapon, now that I ask the question.) Let me know your ruling.

Bladud looks over at Razmir's new friend with curiosity, then flips the creature the longsword he had claimed. "My own claws will do. Plus, we'll find more guards to kill and loot."

"I'll be very displeased should your code be the difference between our escape or failure."

Bladud growls his agreement from across the room.

Cool! And yeah, I didn't realize I wasn't getting updates yesterday because I wasn't logged in. :/

As the post-massacre quiet descends, Bladud grabs up a longsword, testing its weight a few times before nodding in satisfaction. He also grabs one of the leather clubs before realizing he doesn’t have a way to carry them.

I’m assuming the guards had weapon belts or something with loops and sheaths and whatnot? Bladud will grab one of those (or however they carried their stuff).

He side-eyes Hjálmarr, his rumbling voice dangerously quiet. ”You regret these deaths? You’re in Branderscar. You’re a monster to them. They want to use you or kill you. Nothing more. I regret nothing here, and will drown the Mitrans in more of their own blood. Today and the day after.”

It’s clear the big orc is sizing Hjálmarr up, waiting for the dwarf’s answer.

He gives the bodies a quick glance, ”If we’re going to make it out, someone should use those armors. And maybe those keys.”

From the walled cell to the west you hear chains rattling. "What happening out there?" A deep voice asks.

Bladud follows Sophia towards the voice, curious what other creature might be locked up in here.

Frankly, we should identify and utilize everything that was left on the corpses. Bladud doesn’t have the smarts to recognize the value of everything, but every advantage we can gain in here is a good one, IMO.

”He’ll slow us down,” rumbles Bladud as he pins in the Assistant, his already-bloody teeth trying to end the Assistant’s miserable existence.

Move to square vacated by Eagle, then power attack Assistant
bite: 1d20 + 6 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (7) + 6 + 2 - 1 = 14
damage: 1d6 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 2 = 7

It’s probably obvious, but this game is one of my first steps back into PF after a few years away. So my apologies if I am rusty on a lot of the little details of the rules. Bear with me ... I’ll get back into the groove.

Loving this fight, btw.

Hmm. I think you're right. GM: if that's the case, then have Bladud do the second of my previously outlined options. If Raz's bird finishes off the Assistant before that time, though, have Bladud attempt to Daze the remaining guard (if he's still standing).

The warden’s warm, slick blood runs down Bladud’s face and claws. And he growls in disgust as the Assistant flees. ”All strength and arrogance when we are chained, Mitran.” he taunts as he pursues the scared assistant. ”Why do you flee now?”

It looks like Bladud has an open charge lane to the Assistant. It looks like his line of charge would go through the center of the cell door, then bypass that top-right corner of cell 18D. If he does, I’d love to rage-charge him.

If charge is possible: Bladud rages, charges, and power attacks the Assistant. (Making his AC 7 for the round.)
charging bite: 1d20 + 8 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (6) + 8 + 2 - 1 = 15
damage: 1d6 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 2 = 11

If charge isn’t possible: Bladud will move as close as possible (looks like the square with the top half of the ‘8’ in the hallway ‘18’), then cast Daze on the Assistant (Will DC 13 or lose round of actions, Misfortune makes him roll twice and take worst).

Sheesh. Hopefully a combined 37 damage can bring the warden down! O.o

The Warden feels his huge assailant’s grip loosen. Maybe the old man feels just a tiny bit of hope? Or triumph? Only to realize the creature was simply letting go in order to bring his full arsenal of natural weapons to bear.

Forgo Grapple for a full attack: bite/claw/claw (w/ power attack and flank)
bite: 1d20 + 6 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (15) + 6 + 2 - 1 = 22
damage: 1d6 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 2 = 9
.
claw: 1d20 + 6 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (18) + 6 + 2 - 1 = 25
damage: 1d4 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 2 = 8
.
claw: 1d20 + 6 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (16) + 6 + 2 - 1 = 23
damage: 1d4 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 2 = 9
.
If the warden drops unconscious while Bladud has attacks remaining, I’d love to have Bladud 5’ step into the warden’s space (standing menacingly over his kill) and use any remaining attacks on the Assistant.

I’m down with that (and understanding expectations is always helpful). I generally dislike common retcons, anyway (not to say they’re not sometimes necessary ... I just prefer to avoid them where possible).

Nice call, Raz! :D

Oh, Illustrious GM, can I use my re-roll to make Guard 2 re-roll his will save? I’d love if he started trying to kill his fellow guards for us (and didn’t blow his horn this round).

Oh, good call. I’ll have the GM use my re-roll to make Guard 2 re-roll his Will save.

You can have my re-roll! Do it! Do it!

Anyone able to cast Grease? Greasing that horn could be clutch. :D

Lets have some fun!

Bladud’s chains clatter uselessly to the floor as he rises to his full height, looming over the warden and his assistant. ”Why am I so convinced we’d escape?” rumbles the big half-orc menacingly.

Faster than his bulk would suggest, he lunges forward, grabbing at the Warden. ”Simple logic. Mitrans have been trying to kill me my whole life. I still live. The Mitrans ... not so much.”

Move to stand. 5’ step next to the warden, then grapple the flat-footed Warden.
grapple vs FF: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Cant do a full post, but don’t want to slow things down. Bladud is surprisingly good at deception...
Bluff: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

Bladud gives a brooding huff, "I hate waiting."

Um. I love that idea; thanks for letting us be a part of the bigger story we're telling!

Click on the link up-thread when Thorn introduced the Veil. It shows a picture, and a list of things that look like we could pluck from the veil and use. One of them is a lock pick, so if we can get you a distraction, maybe you can pull that off the veil and use them to start freeing us.

And I don't know what to think of the lack of spell-casting. At some point that restriction will get loosened; I just don't know if it's counted in minutes, hours, or days. I guess we'll learn.

Very helpful. Thanks, Thorn!

So, a few questions, DM Thorne, so we can make an educated plan here (well, as educated as Bladud can be).
1) Is there any urgency to our situation? Like, do we know if one/some of us will be taken at a given time to the headsman/mines/whatever? Or can we enact a plan on our own timeline?
.
2) I realize we're always under guard (by 2 guardsman, I think?), but are there any noticeable lulls in their attention? Like in the wee hours of the morning or anything? Or is any time as good as any other?

Bladud considers Ivy's words. You can almost feel the gears in his (simple) mind (painfully) grinding towards a solution. Finally, he shrugs, "Maybe a distraction?" He looks over at Aelwulf and Hjalmarr, "Maybe a little scrap they need to come stop or something?"

Yeah, no problem. I was overly antsy to get something going ... and you had it in hand with Sophia. I'm happy to narrate it simply as Bladud straining at the bonds a bit.

The orc-blooded thug scowls over at the cloth. "I'm Bladud," he pronounces it with both syllables emphasized, like a one-two boxing combo to the face, "how will cloth help us?"

Oof ... definitely didn't intend to sabotage Sophia's thing. O.o

If there's a conflict between her action and mine, have hers take precedence. :)

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (1) + 0 = 1<— note that this is Bladud's first game roll ... not super encouraging. :/
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

Bladud watches the guards in return, his intense gaze exploiting the moment when the door is open to the spaces beyond. The big orc—hoping to be ready for whatever break might open up—gives a long, slow pull on his chains.

So, we're directly under the gaze of multiple guards, can Bladud surreptitiously attempt to break the chains? Or will any such effort be immediately noticed?

Bladud shrugs, leans back and closes his eyes "Won't matter once we're out of here." He grins, opening one eye to point at one of their captors, "That one goes first. Then his blood is used to leave a message for whoever comes looking for him."

Bladud listens to each woman, slumping dumbly back against the wall. ”Witches. Forgers. Burners and killers.” He looks back over at the dwarf, looking bored. ”You?”

The orc monstrosity rumbles out a chuckle at that, "No, they don't."

Sophia could be good at tracking. 3rd level she gets an Investigator talent and one of them lets her use Sense Motive to track. It wasn't something I planned on taking, but it's an option in the future.

Eh. Don’t sweat it. It makes sense thematically for Bladud, so I’m happy to rank it up.

SWEEET!

** Rubs hands together in anticipation **

Also, sometimes I like to mix in phrases of other languages (just using Google translate) to add flavor to my characters' speech. I did that here with Draconic. I don't intend to use it for big blocks of non-Common speaking, just for some flair. I used Mongolian (because it looks exotic), but can do whatever.

If people find it annoying, I can drop it. Just fyi. :)