Casper "Pythonglare" Cantour's page

They get to the room and, instead of being hidden, the way to the stairs is thrown wide open. When you get to the top it empties out into a room (C12) that used to house more guards but either they are all dead or they fled when you took out Kardswaan. The adjoining rooms (C13) are much the same. Ratty bunks, crappy clothes, blood stained, and the faint smell of urine. The hallway attached (C14) is markedly better kept. An elaborate mosaic traces an intricate geometric pattern on the floor, and frescos of slaves harvesting pesh fields adorn the walls. A huge open arch in the middle of the inner walls must lead to the observation platform with thrones from which Kaarswaan flew to do battle

Casper furls his nose in a display of pique disgust at the disarray.

"This place is positively vile! I can't imagine what the estimable Lady Almah imagines we're going to be able to do to revive it as some reasonable kind of habitation."

Are any of our opponents still alive? I'm not clear on the status of the counters that aren't on the map.

Urah also offers his own plink the the damage being piled on and Ugruk is getting wobbly.

Combat Card
Ongoing effects: inspire courage +1, bless
Bold may go.

Casper (-0 HP)
Lupe (-8 HP)
Wolf (-0 HP)

Ugruk (-38 HP)

Gnasher (-37 HP/43)
Tarak (-0 HP, Shillelagh)
Urah Pyr (-0 HP, mage armor, shield)

I'll try to shoot with a poisoned arrow.

1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15

1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Casper crouches defensively,

Readying another sneak attack if opponent presents with a flanking opportunity.

Casper darts between Gnasher and Urah moved my token

"Hey guys, cover me a second so I can make one of my sacred kellid strikes against this flind -- it's a powerful attack that was passed down among the horse archers who preceded the organized Druman state."

Readying an attack.

If he gets in a flanking situation I will sneak attack.

Readying an attack.

Well, dang. I posted a combat card this morning and it got eaten. At least Typio saved it.

I will give until end of tonight before I put Casper and Lupe on readied attacks.

At least the wild shots are making me laugh.

The two magic slingers send arcs of energy somewhere in the vicinity of Kardswaan, scaring nobody, while Gnasher bounces from foot to foot in anticipation of getting into a scrap with him. Seeing this display of ineptitude, Kardswaan is really, really, thinking his gnolls are pretty pathetic if they can't best a bunch of incompetents.

Combat Card
Ongoing effects:
Bold may go.

Casper (-0 HP)
Lupe (-0 HP)
Wolf (-0 HP)

Kardswaan

Gnasher (-0 HP, readied attack)
Tarak (-0 HP, Shillelagh)
Urah Pyr (-0 HP, mage armor, shield)

That's what I'm doing, readying an attack.

I'm going to prepare action an attack in case Kardswann gets close enough to flank.

Casper crouches down, glaring unnervingly at the genie.

After a few seconds of waiting, Kardswaan emerges from behind the throne in a dramatic fashion, growing to the size of an ogre or troll, and then soaring over it and towards the group. It is a bit far so he does not get to attack and he ends up 25' above the PCs, out of reach of any melee weapons (unless you can fly or have a ring of jumping or something).

Casper laughs and taunts the genie,

"Ah ha! Things not turning out quite how you envisaged I guess! Why don't you come over here and tell us about the bounty you're going to offer for our heads again, I don't think I heard you clearly the first time you braggart."

He spits on the ground in derision.

miteke wrote:

C17 is a more opulently appointed room, with a large bed and a definite 'flame' motif. It does not take long to find a chest under the bed and, after taking all the necessary precautions, is opened to reveal about 2500 in coins and 4 gems.

'Gnasher' Red Claw wrote:

Nodding in agreement with Urah, Gnasher turns to Tarak, "Take with us now." Taking off his pack, Gnasher ties the chest to the bottom of his pack, then slings the pack back on his shoulders. "Gnasher carry chest for tribe." He points at the 'fire motif, "Gnasher wonder who live here." Shrugging he heads out the door.

Moving along the inner circle in a clock wise motion he continues looking for the step that lead to the third floor.

Taking 10 (16) on perception, Gnasher has a carrying capacity at med weight of 200 lbs. he was carrying 94 lbs up until now, so I think he's ok with the chest.

It was the chest from C17 which I assume is Kardswann's bedroom, um 2500 in coins and the four gems.

Knowing it was Kardswann's gold, Gnasher looks up the the Jin and snears.

Seeing that the gnoll's quick actions have probably remedied any potential doubt the 'guests' might possess over the validity of his counter offer, the villainous rogue grins even harder, anticipating the quick demise of his boastful interlocutor

Ok, posted, hopefully Gnasher doesn't ruin anyone's plans :)

Glaring up at the genie and flind, Gansher snarled and turned his head cracking his neck. 'This is one worthy of killing, I will put his teeth on a necklace." While Casper talked Gnasher held his polearm in his right claw and slipped his left arm out of his shoulder pack, then switched the polearm to his left hand letting the pack slide down his right arm to the ground, lightening his load for the upcoming fight.

When The chieftain laughed at them Gnasher began to snarl. It took a brief second for Gnasher to register that the 'mouth piece' had stopped talking to them and started talking to the creatures in the level below. 'He is a coward letting others do his fighting!'

As Casper addressed the 'honored guests' Gnasher grabbed the chest from off of his pack. opening it, lifting it high he walked to the edge of the open. Calling out in a loud voice. "No!" You want gold? Here is Gold! Kardswann head mine!" With that he threw the open chest out over the 'stage' below scattering the coins and gems.

Looking up to the two above them he continued, snarling, as he shakes a clenched fist at them. "You want little killers head? You must go through me to get it!"

Casper chuckles evilly at Gnasher's outburst,

Within himself, he considers the purposes of his malign deity,

:::: Oh Father of the Blackest Finger, how many are the entertainments and bloody divertissements you send before your servants, how varied the wending ways of our paths, how extraordinary the hours of my days, and the number of souls they may be shriven unto your abyssal glory. I offer the flesh, blood, and souls of all those struck down this day unto you, first patron of Clan Cantour, Prince of Blood, the Final Hand upon the Dagger.::::

diplomacy: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (18) - 2 = 16
bluff: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (9) - 2 = 7

Give me a diplomacy roll, Casper.

And a bluff roll if you mean to cheat them (in that order).

What if his plan is just to see if Almah will go for it. He's not really that intelligent -- he's just going with what he thinks is going to work right now, and is willing to deal with the issue after he gets rid of Kardswann.

"ENOUGH! I think these interlopers need to be taught a lesson. Honored guests, I offer you 50 pieces of gold for each of the braggarts heads."

At this point you head a huge commotion from downstairs and running feet. Seems like the first level of the market has occupants even if the second level does not. You strongly suspect you will have company soon.

Casper immediately shouts,

"Before you act, know that we are emissaries of the rulers of this land -- the mighty Pactmasters of the fabled markets of Katapesh. Whatever this impetuous one has promised you, I assure you that our patrons may promise you more. Consider carefully your allegiances!"

The rogue pauses slightly to emphasize his last pronouncement,

"The one who brings me the head of this Kardswann shall have the greatest reward from our patrons. He shall be given 100gp!"

Kardswaan grins and flexes his impressive muscles.

"I am Kardswaan, Mouth of the Carrion King, Chieftain of the Kulldis Tribe and master of this village. Am I hearing that you are here to loot and pillage and to..."," he laughs in your faces, "...dispatch me?"

Casper snorts derisively,

"So you're the 'mouth', then who's the other end?"

Casper places his hand firmly on his hips, grinning maniacally with satisfaction at his little performance.

Casper "Pythonglare" Cantour wrote:

Casper issues a feral grunt at the gnoll's offhanded reference to his smaller stature, whispering aggressively under his breath,

"Little enough for what killing needs to be done, of that I can well assure you, smelly."

Hey he called you 'killer' take it as a compliment. And the only part of Gnasher that smells is his breath :)

Grunting as well, Gnasher nods his head.

I hope no personal offense! -- I'm rping him as a rude cuss, but it's sometimes hard to differentiate character vs. player in this format, so I just want to make it clear I'm not trying to be deliberately provocative or a bad table member.

Lupe whispers to the group, "Do you want me to talk to him? I don't see a way up. If it goes bad maybe we can challenge him. If any of you are good at talking that would be helpful."

Casper positively beams at Lupe's query, almost shoving the halfling aside as he strides proudly in front of him (though not so far, to be sure, as to leave him completely unprotected by his fellows should the offensive be renewed from an unexpected direction).

Making sure he has established firm eye contact with both of his conversants on the upper story, the rogue politely inclines his head to both, and then opens his arms in an intended gesture of openess and magniminity,

"I bring greetings, auspicious ones, from the noble enclaves of glittering Druma. The inestimable Prophecies of the Great Kalistrade assuredly enlighten the steps of all who walk in the way of their glory, and have led me and this humble company, by trial and tribulation to your dusty doorstep."

He pauses briefly, perhaps trying to gauge their reaction to his loquacious introduction,

"Know that I, Casperiosanthus Tareodale of the Noble Clan of Cantour of Druma have ventured hither with these," he gestures at the assembled, "earstwhile companions in the service of a trading venture conducted on behalf of the enigmatic Pactmasters of Katapesh. We bear you no unnecessary ill will, but have been engaged by the noble Lady Almah, an emissary of the aforementioned grandees of this nation, to redeem the use of this isolated outpost of civilization for their purposes."

Casper takes another gulp of air before continuing, having spit out the last bit without any pause,

"With the aforementioned in mind, we find ourselves and our purpose face to face with your persons. Now, there need be no further violence between our two parties -- you are no doubt aware that we have expeditiously dispatched a number of what I can only assume to have been your bondsmen, and are prepared to continue in the same. Yet, there need be no such need if you will only be reasonable, surrender your persons and treasure, and we shall be happy to take you under our auspicies in the garrisoning of this settlement, or dispatch you, without grievance, to whatever fate may hold for your beyond these walls."

"Otherwise," Casper gestures at Gnasher, "You shall leave us no choice but to do unto you as we have done likewise unto your kith and kin."

Shaking his head no at Casper. "I know not Little Killer, office, papers, boring stuff."

Turning from the room and heading out the way he came. He looks at Lupe, making his recommendation. "Chief, let tribe leave things here." gesturing to the machine and the office. "Show Princess Almah when tribe give building to her."

Moving down the hallway as he nods in agreement with Urah comment. "Fire Starter right, find more gnolls kill dead."

Double move

Casper issues a feral grunt at the gnoll's offhanded reference to his smaller stature, whispering aggressively under his breath,

"Little enough for what killing needs to be done, of that I can well assure you, smelly."

Quickly realizing the door was an empty shop, Ghasher backtracks to the doorway he had passed, inspecting that space as well.

taking 10(15) on perception

"Do you see anything of interest?"

Urah misses, but only because he had to shoot wide to avoid Casper. Tarak waits outside in the hall, afraid that all the crashing and banging and collapsing going on will draw attention.

Combat Card
Ongoing effects: Inspired +1
Bold may go.

Lupe (-15 HP)
Wolf (-0 HP)

Green gnoll (-27 HP, bleeding out)
Blue gnoll (-28 HP, bleeding out)
Red Gnoll (-31 HP, bleeding out)
Black gnoll (-0 HP, raging)

Casper (-0 HP)
Gnasher (-0 HP)
Urah Pyr (-0 HP)
Tarak (-0 HP)

The redhead grunts in exasperation,

"Strike them dead comrades!"

This time the chaos of battle is too much for Urah and the shot goes wide. The good news is you didn't hit Casper.

Yes, thank goodness.

Casper grunts and tries to hit again in exasperation,

I'm flanking right?

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
1d8 + 1 + 1 + 1d4 ⇒ (8) + 1 + 1 + (4) = 14

Pleasantly surprised with their group's apparent advantage, Casper attempts to stab one of the gnolls

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Seeing Casper coerce the lock Gnasher nods approvingly. His fauchard in his right claw, he puts the index finger of his left paw to his muzzle making an almost human "sshhhhhh". Reaching out with his left paw, he opens the door stepping over the threshold.

Surprise round? :)

Casper rolls his eyes, and falls into a defensive position behind the headstrong gnoll now enjoying delusions of stealth. Clearly, it wasn't a safe assumption that their sorry little party would enjoy any species of tactical advantage over their opponents on the other side of the locked portal. Nevertheless, it was now incumbent upon him to attempt adhere closely to his strongest battlefield ally, and perhaps defend his flank.

Tarak Stromblessed wrote:

presuming Gnasher shares his findings

Yeah, Gnasher would have pointed out there was a lock, I was hoping Casper would respond to where Gnasher asked him to 'check the door' and deal with it.

Nodding in agreement with Tarak, Gnasher looks at Casper, then gestures towards the lock. "Casper open?"

Is that in reference to the post from 5 hours ago?.

Is opening a lock Disable Device?

Casper examines the lock, "hmmm... let me see what I can do."

1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

Tarak makes contact with his bolt this time and creates a blackened spot in the middle of it's chest feathers. Casper is unable to stick the thing with his blade but Gnasher is able to take a considerable chunk out of the thing.

@Casper
Check the spoiler on my 6:47 post. I gave you a readied action and the dice were good to you. So you can take a normal turn now and I'll even give you a flank by assuming you can move so that Gnasher is on the opposite side from you.

Combat Card
Ongoing effects: Casper in flank with Gnasher.
Bold may go.

Casper (-0 HP, readied action taken, still gets a regular action)
Lupe (-13 HP)
Wolf (-0 HP)
Urah Pyr (-0 HP)

Geier (-19 HP)

Gnasher (-0 HP)
Tarak (-0 HP)

Casper stabs savagely at the cursed avian,

1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 1 = 9

1d6 + 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (6) + (3) + 1 = 10

Casper attempts to viciously stab the vulture.

Do I need to move my icon? I'm not sure whether my positioning via Lupe counts as flanking.

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Casper will ready an attack action against the vulture if it strikes within his reach.

The campers all gather round as the birds size becomes more apparent. Within minutes it is over your site and drops into the courtyard and makes a horrible screech.

Give me a knowledge nature for more info on what you are facing.

"By the Holy Prophecies!"

Casper shields his eyes in panic

1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

1d6 ⇒ 6

Casper tries to with the shortbow again,

1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26
1d6 ⇒ 1

Casper glances around nervously as he starts awake,

:::Father blackfingers, what fresh hell is this!:::

"By the Holy Prophecies, we are beset upon! May we be guided to safety!"

He quickly attempts to catch Gnasher's attention,

"Ho there smelly, what are you doing? Are these friends of yours or something, or do you have any special insight perhaps into how we might most efficiently dispatch them?"

1d20 - 2 ⇒ (8) - 2 = 6

That is correct. This happens BEFORE you have had a chance to rest. No more rage rounds or new spells.

As you top the rise to the south of the town, you get a view, poor as it is, of what is going on down there. A group of humanoid are congregated in the open square west of the battle market. Because of the distance you cannot tell exactly what they are doing or how many there are, but the screams suggest it is quite unpleasant and painful.

** spoiler omitted **

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13 (-2 Wis + 3 class, no ranks)

"No I do not have any keys to the palace. Hopefully you will find them when you drive off the invaders. If not, we can replace or fix the door when and if we have to break it down." She waves her hand as if it is of little importance compared to your main mission, though appreciated if she does have to do any more work restoring the place than necessary.

"Merchants, huh? I would not have expected that gnolls would entertain merchants. Summon Dashki, Garav..."

Of course Dashki is right there within a line of view of Lady Almah, as he usually is.

"Dashki, come here. We have some questions for you."

With movements that somehow mimic a worms yet somehow coming across and self-important, the man slinks? saunters? into the room.

Dashki: "How my I help?"

lady Almah: "What kind of merchants would these gnolls be entertaining? Would they be of use to us?"

Dashki: "Yes, my lady. Gnolls often get their goods from merchants willing to risk trading with them. The merchants are of all different types, but inevitably the type willing to... take risks."

Plainly, the type of 'risks' they are willing to take are more than those strictly related to gnolls. And the type to land on whatever side of a fence that will make them the most profit. i.e. integrity would take second place to profit.

Casper smirks at the mention of merchants 'willing to... take risks'

:::those sound like exactly my kind of people!:::

Casper "Pythonglare" Cantour wrote:

did I fall after that last check, or what was the ruling on whether I can take 10?

You did not fall. The DC is 10 so you failed, but only a 5 will cause you to fall. Now that combat is over you can most certainly take 10. And after you get up, if you want to, I'll say you dump the harpy on Gnasher's head with a roll of 17 or better :) No damage of course, just to make a point.

1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

Casper punts the harpy's head directly onto the offending fellid.

"Have at it smelly!" he calls in glee as the disembodied head of the Harpy thuds dully on Gnasher's.

Nodding in agreement with Tarak, "Four dead gnolls, two dead monsters. Good fight." Looking over himself he answered Tarak's question. "Gnasher good. Just worn out. Will rest a little then head to camp or climb wall and help Casper." He looks up at Casper wondering if the puny human will be able to roll the dead harpy off the roof.

Casper grunts at Gnasher,

"Are you going to help me, or maybe you can just stand right there below to break my fall, why don't you?"

Gnasher not only indulges in some OTT violence (at least he knocked the guy out first) he calls for Casper to participate. Casper, however, is taking his bloody time climbing the wall. At least he hasn't fallen :)

Casper frowns in obvious exasperation (did I fall after that last check, or what was the ruling on whether I can take 10? at Gnasher's enthusiasm,

:::crazed animal! can't he see I'm trying not to die falling off this cursed roof!!!:::

Try to climb again

1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

@Casper

DC 10 climb roll.

I thought I already rolled one, do I need to roll another?

1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

Tarak's bolt heads right toward the gnolls head but misses as the gnolls entire body goes flying at the last moment thanks to the overly enthusiastic pummelling by Gnasher.

I am definitely going to up the gnolls game next time and bring in higher CR opponents!

Casper wobbles around from his perch and manages to stick to the wall in spite of the unwanted attentions from the gnoll under him.

@Casper
You do have a move action left if you would like to try to climb up or down.

Wolf (-6)
Urah Pyr ()
Lupe (-15)

Red Gnoll (-11)
Yellow Gnoll ()

Tarak ()
Gnasher ()
Casper (-14, may take a move action)

Casper scampers up higher.

Lupe and wolf have issues making contact with anything other than armor, which would normally deligth the gnolls, but they can tell this battle is not going to end well for them. Red gnoll continues to beat a retreat and disappears behind a building. Yellow takes a shot at Casper who is clinging to the wall above him and he takes a vicious jab from the spear he is holding...

Yellow Gnoll ()

Casper shrieks but manages to keep his balance

1d20 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 + 1 = 13

He attempts to stab back

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

1d4 ⇒ 4

Casper's eyes take on a glazed over countenance as he helplessly follows the Harpy's deadly song.

Exactly what Gnasher said. Flanks occur because you surprise the target or because you flank the target. She dropped out of the sky and pretty much attacked you from above and nobody could have provided a flank so no sneak attack. Your sneak attack was on the gnoll who you flanked.

And the next round she flew to the roof as shown in the slides and is currently perched up there with no opportunity for any of you to get a melee shot in unless you can fly too. What was your d20 roll for? 1d20-2? You need to make a will ST and if you fail that it becomes pretty moot as all you will be doing it following after the harpy. Otherwise there are 3 gnolls standing in the middle of the street and the entangle spell was dismissed.

I rolled a will check. Is ST an abbreviation for something else?

Casper "Pythonglare" Cantour wrote:

So, I'm still confused -- did I get a normal attack of opportunity, or did it also have to be ranged? If it did have to be ranged, I'm not wasting my daggers like that.

You got a melee AOO when the Harpy did a flyby attack at you.

Casper "Pythonglare" Cantour wrote:

I'm not wasting my daggers throwing them -- I'll try to hit something on the ground if it comes near -- what is that green circle anyway?

At the end of the harpy's attack/the beginning of your action it was 30 ft in the air. Miteke had the Harpies 'Aerial height' marked on the map. Can you even throw a punching dagger? You don't have any other weapons or gear listed on your page. We knew we would be fighting two aerial opponents, that's why Gnasher offered you daggers to throw, you said no. The green ring is the "Entangle" spell Tarak cast, that the three gnolls are trapped in. If you didn't want to throw a dagger, you could have readied an attack or moved or something. In Miteke's defense he posted it was your action five days ago, there was a lot of posts but no definite actions.

This paragraph still does not really clearly answer whether the flyby aoo put her on a level where I could get off a sneak attack or not--I'm still unclear on the answer to that. My character isn't built for ranged attacks, so I'm not going try to get off weak and pointless ranged attacks. I'm getting out of the way to attempt to conceal myself and get off another sneak attack, which is the only way I can do any real damage.

The harpy continues jeering at you from atop her new perch, 20' up on the roof of a building which is quite a trick considering the beguiling song she is doing at the same time.

Make a DC 16 will ST or do your best to follow the creature! If you do follow her and enter the entangle spell, make a save for that too.

Combat Card
Ongoing effects: harpy song
Bold may go.

Lupe (need DC 16 will ST)
Wolf (need DC 16 will ST)
Casper (-9, need DC 16 will ST)

Red Gnoll ()
Green Gnoll ()
Yellow Gnoll ()

Urah Pyr ()

Harpy (-29)

Gnasher (swapped weapons)
Tarak (dismissed spell and drew scroll)

1d20 - 2 ⇒ (10) - 2 = 8

So, I'm still confused -- did I get a normal attack of opportunity, or did it also have to be ranged? If it did have to be ranged, I'm not wasting my daggers like that.

I'm not wasting my daggers throwing them -- I'll try to hit something on the ground if it comes near -- what is that green circle anyway?

Casper ducks behind a nearby building to avoid any fire from the gnolls.

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

2d8 + 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2, 4) + (1) + 1 = 8

Harpy is also bleeding from both my sneak attacks

Bleeding Attack (Ex)
Benefit: A rogue with this ability can cause living opponents to bleed by hitting them with a sneak attack. This attack causes the target to take 1 additional point of damage each round for each die of the rogue’s sneak attack (e.g., 4d6 equals 4 points of bleed). Bleeding creatures take that amount of damage every round at the start of each of their turns. The bleeding can be stopped by a DC 15 Heal check or the application of any effect that heals hit point damage.