Caius Emberborne's page

Caius, already seated near the fire with a tankard of ale in hand, raises an eyebrow as Khalid descends the stairs, the satchel clutched oddly to his side. At the first sight of the twitch beneath the fabric, Caius sets down his drink and leans forward slightly, his molten orange eyes narrowing—not in alarm, but in appraisal.

As the third arm is revealed, if only for a moment, Caius utters a low grunt. He doesn’t flinch. Doesn’t scowl. Just tilts his head, as though considering the implications like a craftsman sizing up a new tool.

He lifts his tankard again, voice steady with that ever-present edge of sarcasm. “I suppose if it helps you block blades and brew faster, I’ll withhold judgment.” He takes a drink, then adds with a smirk, “Though if that thing reaches for my ale, it’s war.”

“Didn’t write a thing. He glances toward the bar. “Get Andel a strong drink, and he might turn our rat-slaying, shard-chasing, third-arm-growing mess into something the Decemvirate can stomach.”

Caius gestures toward the pool... "Perhaps...."

"If you would, dwarf-friend."

Caius takes a five foot step and braces for the swarm to reach him.

Caius will use a move action to "study" the bats and then prepare to face them as they emerge from the room.

"We should also search that pool..."

Caius will follow Verilich "back a ways."
Stealth Check: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Caius moves up 10 feet + 5 feet into the webbing and attacks.
Power Attack.
Masterwork Greatsword Melee Attack: 1d20 + 7 - 1 ⇒ (8) + 7 - 1 = 14 19-20/x2 S
Masterwork Greatsword Damage: 2d6 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (4, 5) + 4 + 3 = 16

Caius moved forward to emerge from the tunnel into the chamber.

Caius will advance on the nearest slime slug and strike for the intestines. Power attack.

Masterwork Greatsword Melee Attack: 1d20 + 7 - 1 ⇒ (9) + 7 - 1 = 15 19-20/x2 S
Masterwork Greatsword Damage: 2d6 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (1, 1) + 4 + 3 = 9

Caius proceeds quietly as well, keeping Verilich in sight but giving him the lead.

Stealth Check: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

"We do not have what we are here to retrieve. Retreat is defeat," Caius declares as he begins to bandage his own aching hand.

Heal Check: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

Caius will do his puzzle first. Using the paw of the dead wererat he begins to slap letters. He begins by touching the the paw to letter L then S, then T followed by E, then T followed by N. If all goes well with door one, Caius will proceed to door two spelling out THEY SEE.

Caius steps up to the LISTEN door and makes ready to rearrange the letters to SILENT. "I suggest we finish them both at the same time. Who would like to do the honors with THE EYES door? Everyone else should get a safe distance away and make ready to fight the creatures sure to appear as they did with the puzzle box!"

Caius rummages through the environ and inspects the Thassilonian backdrop.

Perception Check: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Caius will run the fallen "dead" were-creature through with the silver dagger just to make sure it isn't healing.

Caius will move to face our northernmost opponent and attack.
Power Attack.

Masterwork Greatsword Melee Attack: 1d20 + 7 - 1 ⇒ (20) + 7 - 1 = 26 19-20/x2 S
Masterwork Greatsword Damage: 2d6 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (2, 5) + 4 + 3 = 14

To confirm the crit
Masterwork Greatsword Melee Attack: 1d20 + 7 - 1 ⇒ (16) + 7 - 1 = 22 19-20/x2 S
Masterwork Greatsword Damage: 2d6 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (6, 1) + 4 + 3 = 14

Caius will stride into the room and strike the Donkey Rat.

Power Attack.

Masterwork Greatsword Melee Attack: 1d20 + 7 - 1 ⇒ (15) + 7 - 1 = 21 19-20/x2 S
Masterwork Greatsword Damage: 2d6 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (5, 5) + 4 + 3 = 17

Caius will throw a javelin at the rat thing.

Javelin Ranged Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8 x2 P 30'
Javelin Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

But it is my action. I only single moved...

Perception Check: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Moving up to the newly opened door.

Caius turns to Verilich, his molten orange eyes narrowing with interest. He adjusts his grip on his greatsword, rolling his shoulders slightly as if shaking off lingering tension. The ancient Thassilonian walls around them seem to hum with a forgotten power, the air thick with the weight of history.

"If the shard grants you tricks, then by all means, let’s make use of them," Caius says, his tone measured but firm. "Better they spring their traps on an illusion than on us." He glances ahead toward the shadowed halls where the Tower Girls lurk, waiting like rats in the dark.

But then, something flickers in his expression—a knowing smirk, a subtle gleam in his eyes. "Though I suspect you’ve not told us the full measure of its gifts," he adds, his voice dropping slightly. "Shards don’t grant power without price, and if it’s whispering more than illusions in your ear, you’d do well to share." His tone isn’t accusatory, but there’s a pointed edge to his words, a reminder that he’s watching, and that trust among them is something hard-earned.

He steps forward slightly, blade at the ready. "But for now, let’s see if your phantom can flush the rats from their nest. No sense walking blind into a trap when we have a ghost to spring it for us."

Not needing to be told twice, Caius will attempt to slay the prone were-creature. Power Attack, Studied Target, Inspired, Prone.

Silver Dagger Melee Attack: 1d20 + 6 - 1 + 1 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 6 - 1 + 1 + 1 + 4 = 19 19-20/x2 P/S
Silver Dagger Damage: 1d4 + 3 + 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 2 + 1 + 1 = 11

Caius will take a brief moment to study his target before attacking again. Power Attack, Studied Target.

Silver Dagger Melee Attack: 1d20 + 6 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 6 - 1 + 1 = 12 19-20/x2 P/S
Silver Dagger Damage: 1d4 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 2 + 1 = 10

Retaining his greatsword in his left hand, Caius takes the dagger and steps forward to attack with it. Power Attack.

Silver Dagger Melee Attack: 1d20 + 6 - 1 ⇒ (10) + 6 - 1 = 15 19-20/x2 P/S
Silver Dagger Damage: 1d4 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 2 = 9

Caius will study the yellow wererat and attack it. Power Attack, Studied Target.

Masterwork Greatsword Melee Attack: 1d20 + 7 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 7 - 1 + 1 = 14 19-20/x2 S
Masterwork Greatsword Damage: 2d6 + 4 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (5, 4) + 4 + 3 + 1 = 17

Caius double moves.

Caius will 5' step and strike the diseased rat thing. Power Attack, Prone.

Masterwork Greatsword Melee Attack: 1d20 + 7 - 1 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 7 - 1 + 4 = 19 19-20/x2 S
Masterwork Greatsword Damage: 2d6 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (4, 2) + 4 + 3 = 13

Caius will 5' step and attack the ranting rogue. Power Attack, Flanking.

Masterwork Greatsword Melee Attack: 1d20 + 7 - 1 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 7 - 1 + 2 = 28 19-20/x2 S
Masterwork Greatsword Damage: 2d6 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (3, 5) + 4 + 3 = 15

confirming crit
Masterwork Greatsword Melee Attack: 1d20 + 7 - 1 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 7 - 1 + 2 = 15 19-20/x2 S
Masterwork Greatsword Damage: 2d6 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (6, 3) + 4 + 3 = 16

Caius will also move and strike the prone gang member. Power Attack, Prone, Flanking.

Masterwork Greatsword Melee Attack: 1d20 + 7 - 1 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 7 - 1 + 4 + 2 = 22 19-20/x2 S
Masterwork Greatsword Damage: 2d6 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (2, 6) + 4 + 3 = 15

Caius will move forward to position himself beside Khalid.

Onward!

Perception Check: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

Caius gestures, "A cool breeze comes from there." He points to the south.

Will Save: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

"They obviously search for something and we certainly seek a powerful artifact ourselves. If they recover what they seek, perhaps that would prove ill for us? I say we press ahead now before they have time to form a plan or react!

"I hear the forming of a plan! Shall we form up here in the stairs?" Caius suggests.

Straight line run 55 ft

Caius, too, will run, stopping at the far wall. stairs... he whispers into the message spell.

Double move

Witnessing the final blow delivered to their foolish assailant, Caius takes up the pursuit of their would-be alarm raiser. Full move.

Caius’s molten orange eyes narrow as the prone Tower Girl disregards Khalid’s warning, her defiant movements signaling her intent to rise and continue the fight. His greatsword is already poised, and as she begins to push herself up, he steps forward with practiced precision, the blade gleaming in the dim light of the Crow’s ancient halls.

"You had your chance, fool," Caius growls, his voice carrying the weight of disdain and finality. "Could’ve stayed down, spared yourself the pain. But no—you chose defiance, and now you’ll reap what you’ve sown."

Power Attack.
Masterwork Greatsword Melee Attack: 1d20 + 7 - 1 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 7 - 1 + 4 = 23 19-20/x2 S
Masterwork Greatsword Damage: 2d6 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (1, 1) + 4 + 3 = 9

As Gundar makes mention of healing one of the downed Tower Girls, Caius snaps his attention toward the cleric with disbelief.

"Are you out of your mind, Gundar?" Caius growls, his voice low but sharp. "These wretches would’ve slit our throats without a second thought if the roles were reversed, and you’re suggesting we patch one up? For what—gratitude? Mercy?"

He gestures to the unconscious Tower Girl with the tip of his blade. "She’s already down, beaten, and out of the fight. That’s more than she deserves after ambushing us in this gods-forsaken place. You waste your gifts on scum like this, and you’ll find us all worse off when we face something that actually deserves saving."

Cauis will single move into position to attack the nearest Tower Girl. Power Attack

Masterwork Greatsword Melee Attack: 1d20 + 7 - 1 ⇒ (19) + 7 - 1 = 25 19-20/x2 S
Masterwork Greatsword Damage: 2d6 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (1, 4) + 4 + 3 = 12

Confirming Crit
Masterwork Greatsword Melee Attack: 1d20 + 7 - 1 ⇒ (7) + 7 - 1 = 13 19-20/x2 S
Masterwork Greatsword Damage: 2d6 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (3, 2) + 4 + 3 = 12

Caius double moves to catch up to Verilich.

Facing his elusive opponent, Caius unleashes further onslaught. Power Attack

Masterwork Greatsword Melee Attack: 1d20 + 7 - 1 ⇒ (17) + 7 - 1 = 23 19-20/x2 S
Masterwork Greatsword Damage: 2d6 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (5, 1) + 4 + 3 = 13

Caius strikes as Yazlenda attempts to rise. Power Attack

Masterwork Greatsword Melee Attack: 1d20 + 7 - 1 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 7 - 1 + 4 = 15 19-20/x2 S
Masterwork Greatsword Damage: 2d6 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (5, 4) + 4 + 3 = 16

Caius will charge toward the first Tower Girl he sees as he bounds over the tripwire and rounds the corner. Charging, Power Attack.

Masterwork Greatsword Melee Attack: 1d20 + 7 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (4) + 7 + 2 - 1 = 12 19-20/x2 S
Masterwork Greatsword Damage: 2d6 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (6, 3) + 4 + 3 = 16

Caius will continue to stealth forward until reaching the tripwire and prepare to step over it and attack the sentries. Upon any sign they notice us (especially Verilich), he will do so.

Caius will follow far enough back to keep V in sight, moving as silently as possible while keeping distance. He, too, will remain vigilant.

Stealth Check: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
Perception Check: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

"I have no preference. Whether we watch the alchemy here or above matters not. But we cannot delay thus every time you get thirsty, Khalid!"

Perception Check: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

"Verilich, can you lower the platform to allow us to reach the opening?

I think I am reading that a draw bridge of sorts is fashioned here to allow passage from one side to the other via a 5 foot square plank. Or perhaps it is an elevator?

Caius peers quizzically at Verilich, not sure of his intent behind questioning the group's agreed to approach. Could Verilich be losing his nerve?

"By all means, take the fore once more! Your keen eyes and light 'step' is surely the best way to avoid any surprises these girls may have placed in our wake."

Coup damage for the silver dagger:
Dagger Damage: 2d4 + 12 ⇒ (3, 1) + 12 = 16