GM Malvoisin's page

It's okay, robin. I can see that it would seem like something Clandru would do in-character (even if it's bad tactics from a metagame perspective).

If Hookshanks hit with 3 damage shouldn't I be at 6/9 not 4/9?

Sorin took 2 damage from fighting the spiders in the barge, too. (As well as 1 STR damage from poison)

Round 1

Sorin reacts first, and launches an arrow that hits the wicked gnome in the shoulder, eliciting a satisfying yelp of pain. Hookshanks winces, but responds by stepping around the chair and slashing Sorin viciously across the chest with his kukri. At the sight of the halfling's blood, Hookshanks laughs. "Now why does this seem so familiar, little toad?"

From the other side of the room, Yargin shouts, "We've got you now, cretin!" He levels his wand at Sorin and calls out, "Kwasny!" However, nothing happens except a puff of acrid smoke emits from the tip of the wand, causing the sneering blonde man to erupt in a string of profanity.

Dorran charges into the room, easily sidestepping a feeble swing of Hookshanks' kukri. He reaches the far side of the desk, and swings his bastard sword, but a terrified Yargin somehow ducks under the blade.

Marra enters the room next, swinging her own blade in a dazzling display that causes both of the enemy combatants to cry out and cower back fearfully.

Meanwhile, Pavo charges around to the other set of stairs, hustling up and into the next room, hoping he is not too late to lend a hand.

Combat Mechanics

INITIATIVE ORDER ROUND 2
Sorin (4/9 hp)
Pavo
Hookshanks (-4 hp)
Yargin
Dorran (11/12 hp)
Marra

?Clandru

COMBAT MAP

Clandru moves back to the bay and tries to see what might be seen downstairs

'Do you mean that Gaedren comes up this way ? '

Clandru looks down into the bay, and sees a wooden walkway 10 feet below. It looks like it would be pretty easy to get down there with the aid of the ropes.

The boy answers, "I guess, but I've never seen him come up here at all. Everybody always goes down to see him." Suddenly, sounds of shouting voices drift down from through the open door on the catwalk above. "Uh-oh, trouble!" the boy says fearfully as he looks up in that direction.

Sorin creeps forward to the next door and listens for any sounds.

Perception: 24

He then tries the door.

Sorin thinks he might hear someone moving around in the next room, but it's hard to be sure. With a hand gripping his weapon tightly, he reaches out and throws open the next door!

Within, Sorin quickly notes a single desk which sits in the middle of the room, and a moldy chair pushed up against the far side. A small pile of ratty furs and straw is heaped under the desk.

Of more importance, however, Sorin sees two people in the room! Both are wearing night clothes, having apparently been roused by the barking of the dog. One, a sneering man with short blonde hair, holds a dark wooden wand. The second, Sorin recognizes. It's Hookshanks, the shaven-headed gnome who left his marks on the halfling so long ago. His signature kukri is in hand, and he shouts in his annoying high-pitched voice, "You! Shoulda killed you before, when I had the chance! I don't know what you're doing here, but you won't live to tell about it! Kill him, Yargin!"

COMBAT MAP

Roll Initiative and post actions, guys!

Back in action!

Pavo, listening to the older child's words, then says, "Ok, I have another question for you...do any of you know of a girl named Alexandria. She is my sister and we share the same brown hair and blue eyes. I'd say she has been part of the Lamm's for a few months now. If the name isn't familiar, then you might know her as Alex. Have you seen her?" Those of a perseptive nature might pick up a hint of desperation that the young sorceror is hiding as he attempts to find out the fate of his sister, especially after news of what might happen to children who are forced to visit Lamm.

The older boy hesitates for a moment as he listens to Pavo's question. A sudden look of genuine sorrow passes across his face, and he swallows a lump in his throat before he finds his words. "Mister, I'm sorry...b-but...Alex was here, but...she spit on Hookshanks one day a couple weeks ago, and he got so mad he sent her down...below there," he points a trembling hand toward the open bay. "Down where Gobbleguts is. We haven't seen her since, I'm sorry."

"And would you know how to go downstairs ?"

The older boy points over to where the bay opens in the floor, leading down to the surface of the Jeggare River. Nearby, are several coils of rope, tied to iron rings that have been anchored to the floor. "There's no stairs. Giggles or Mr. Balko always just lower us down with the ropes."

While speaking with the youth , Clndru will move near the half orc and cast stabilize on him

Giggles' pallor lessens somewhat, and his breathing eases. It appears that he will live, thanks to the cleric's aid.

a hatch? where? I don't see it on the map...just the 3 pools.

On the map, the southern-most area of water is an open bay or hatch, through which can be seen the surface of the river below.

Sooooo sorry all, things have been insane this past week. But, back to normal now. I'll have a new post for you tomorrow morning. Thanks a ton for your patience.

Hi all,

Real Life kicked my butt something fierce today, so I didn't have time to post. We'll move forward tomorrow morning. Thanks!

Sorin reaches out and tries the door handle to see if it is locked.

Sorin finds the door unlocked, and he carefully pushes it open. Within, he can make out a 10' corridor that ends at another door.

MAP

Sorry for the quiet weekend, guys. I actually tried to post yesterday, but the boards were down.

Marra slides against the wall as the half-orc falls, letting his corpse slide down the stairs, then she kicks him over the edge.

"Quiet those kids up..."

Then Marra slides up to the door, ready for any additional combatants coming through...she'll peer through if it's still open.

The dead half-orc's body bumps against the huge vat, then falls to the slipper fishery floor below. From here at the top of the stairs, Marra can see that the vat is filled with a foul-looking mixture of chum, seawater, and who knows what else.

Marra looks through the door where the half-orc came in, peering through the moonlit gloom. The stink that comes from the room, a mixture of fish and sweat, is enough to make the eyes water. Marra can see a large wooden trough that appears to hold a hideous mound of half-rancid fish, seaweed, and brine. Filthy seawater and fish blood stain the floor around the trough. A pair of wooden chutes lead from this trough through holes in the wall into the vat on the fishery floor. To the west, a desk and chair sit in one corner while a tall cabinet sits in the other. There doesn't seem to be anyone in the room.

Sorin grabs another arrow and then quietly runs to the first door on the balcony. He listens for movement on the other side and gets ready to launch an arrow at anyone threatening that comes through any of the doors.

Sorin doesn't hear any noise on the other side of the door.

Dorran sheathes his blades and retrieves his bow. Heading over to the body Dorran inspects him for any thing valuable, useful or informative.

Dorran gives the bloody body a quick search, but the half-orc only carried his combat gear...studded armor, a light wooden shield, and a flail.

Clandru will look at the children there seeking to see if one seems in a state of mind where he could respond quickly to questions and go ask him

"Quick , where are the others helpers of Lamm and more importantly where is Lamm ? '

One older looking boy answers Clandru's questions. "Hookshanks and Mr. Balkro are still around here somewhere. They were probably sleeping, but they might be awake after Bloo's barking like that. We hardly ever see Lamm. He lives down there," the boy points to the open bay in the floor. "Any of the Lambs that go down there to see him never come back up."

MAP

Round 2

Sorin watches as Marra charges the half-orc and then he turns and runs down towards the other flight of stairs. He gets halfway up the stairs and then launches an arrow across the room at the giggling half-orc. The arrow lodges right in the strange half-orc's neck, ending his giggling abruptly. The half-orc pitches forward, dying, right onto Marra as he collapses on the stairs. END COMBAT

With the current threats ended, the room resonates with the whimpers and crying of frightened children.

What now?

Okay, I did not remember that. I just checked her character sheet, where it still says she has Medium encumbrance. I'm not going to make a new map now, but suffice to say that Marra is one square closer to the half-orc, and that she was able to attack him, as follows...

With a final lunge, Marra's momentum carries her further up the stairs, and she slashes wickedly at the half-orc before he can react. The young woman's falcata slices through armor and flesh alike, leaving the leering foe bleeding badly, but still standing. 11 damage

Sorin scans the room and then focuses on the charging dog. He quickly darts to the side in front of Dorran and leaps onto a crate. He draws back his arrow and lets fly at the dog. His aim is true, and the arrow sinks into the dog's flank, eliciting a yelp of pain. Move action plus successful Acrobatics check, attack hits for 4 damage.

Dorran, already having his bow ready, lets loose a shot that takes the animal in the throat. The second arrow is more than the dog can take, and it collapses with a whine to the damp floor. Attack hits for 5 damage, killing the dog.

Clandru calls out, "Children , stay quiet ! We are here to help you . You'll soon be free!" The priest's words seem to have good effect, as many of the children begin to calm down, lessening the noise in the room substantially. Successful Diplomacy check

Moving into the room last, Pavo can't help but scan the room, in search for his little sister. However, he quickly refocuses and prepares in his mind the words to launch a glob of acid at any other opponent that may appear after his companions' onslaught. Readied action to cast Acid Splash at any new enemies

The dog causes Marra pause, she knows this mutt, she remembers it as a pup...Bloo was its name, as she remembered. Too late for the poor animal now, dying with two arrows stuck in it. Marra draws her blade and looks around. Readied action to move and attack any new enemies

Just then, the door at the northwest catwalk slams open, and a burly one-eyed half-orc steps through, armed with a flail and shield. Half of his face is a mess of pucker-shaped scars, but the brute just giggles strangely as he sees the invaders in the fishery. He screams at the children, "Wolves in the henhouse, hee hee! Up and at 'em, worthless gits, or it'll be Gobblegut's jaws for the lot of ya, hee hee!" Some of the children look confused, torn between this half-orc's threats, and Clandru's words of calming.

Upon the new enemy's appearance, Pavo and Marra both act swiftly. The sorcerer hurls his gobbet of acid up at the half-orc, but only a bit of it lands on its target. Casts Acid Splash, hits for 1 damage.

Marra meanwhile, draws her blade and charges up the catwalk steps to meet the new foe, but not quite reaching him. "No quarter asked, none given!" Moves 20' up the stairs, but can't reach the half-orc.

Round 2
Sorin
Dorran
Clandru
Pavo
Marra

Combat Map

The party leaves the dilapidated barge behind, making its way carefully back around the slippery boardwalk, and around to the north side of the fishery. Like silent shadows, each of you dart onto the loading dock and proceed to the east, lining up behind Sorin on the steps.

[OOC]Also is this building kind of dilapidated, so we might be able to peer through the separated boards?

Marra takes a closer look at the wall of the fishery, trying to have a peek inside. But the building, while certainly run down, is not yet so far gone as to have gaps between the boards.

Sorin tests the handle of the single door, but finds it locked, just as he expected. The halfling then produces his thieves tools from a pocket, and sets to work at picking the lock. After only a moment or two, Sorin's efforts are rewarded with a soft 'click'...success! Turning back to give one last knowing look at his comrades, Sorin reaches out and opens the door.

As the moonlight washes into the dark room within, the party is greeted by bedlam! Almost immediately, the sound of a barking dog shatters the quiet, followed swiftly by the sounds of children crying out in fear and confusion. The party enters the room and treads upon a floor slick with seawater, bits of seaweed, and fish blood—the air is thick with the accompanying scent. Wooden catwalks to the north and south allow access to the western part of the fishery, while the floor here is only five feet above the river below. An open bay to the south allows direct access to the sloppy, muddy water, while to the northwest stands an immense
ten-foot-tall wooden vat, its sides caked and waterproofed with tar. To the east are stacked many barrels and crates, each marked in paint with a fish. Nearly two dozen small hammocks hang from under the catwalks, each with its own ratty blanket and pillow.

In the hammocks are at least two dozen skinny, dirty children all shouting and crying out at the intrusion and the subesquent dog barking. Before anyone can do anything else, the source of the barking is upon you! A grizzled, surly guard dog charges at you, barking loudly with teeth bared.

Combat Map

Now the hornet's nest has been stirred! Rather than roll your Initiative for you, please roll it yourself for your first round combat post, along with attacks and damage, etc. I've tried to make a decent combat map for you with Paint, please let me know how it works for you.

Hi guys! I'm traveling today, and short of time. I'll post IC tomorrow. Thanks!

Just to make sure I'm absolutely clear...are we talking about the double doors on the northwest side, or the single door down the steps on the northeast side?

Oh, and it might be a good idea to let me know how you want to handle the doors if they should be locked...as they were when Sorin scouted the night before.

Don't forget there are two doors over on the north side...the big loading doors, but also another door down the stairs at the water level.

EDIT: I updated this avatar's profile with a maps section, so it will be easier to plan your next move.

Which door of the fishery are you guys going to try and enter through?

Malvoisin

** spoiler omitted **

Sorin looks around, but he finds nothing of any value amidst the damp and mildew-ridden barrels and crates.

Dorran does not see any tracks. Apparently nothing other than spiders have been down here in quite a long time.

looks like you're using the 3.5 poison rules instead of the PFRPG poison rules. (pg 392 PFRPG Beta) since Sorin took 2 points of strength dmg instead of 1.

Oops, you're exactly right about that. My fault. Okay, so since Sorin only failed one FORT check, he should have 9/10 STR. Sorry about that.

I'll NPC Dorran for the first round of combat here.

As the swarming spiders scuttle forward, Sorin darts to the side and looses an arrow. His aim is on the mark, and the first spider is impaled against a nearby crate, legs twitching in its death-throes.

The spiders swarm over the first adventurers into the room, mandibles clicking. Marra turns one aside with her shield, but Sorin and Dorran are not so fortunate. The tall ranger feels the pain of one set of mandibles as the spider scrambles over him, and bites through his boot leather. Sorin is bitten as well, in the soft flesh of his thigh. The halfling yells out in pain, and he feels his strength lag as the vermin's poison works its way into his bloodstream.

Dorran curses the spider that bit him on the ankle, and obliterates the nasty thing with one hard swing of his bastard sword. The spider that bit Sorin, meanwhile, suddenly explodes in a cloud of greenish vapor and acidic goo, thanks to the dead-on accuracy on Pavo's splash of magical acid. With the last spider right on top of her, Marra quickly drops her sling, draws her falcata, and cuts the thing nearly in half with the wicked curved blade. As quickly as that, the fight has ended.

Sorin 7/9 hp, 8/10 STR
Dorran 11/12 hp

Combat Mechanics

Sorin and Dorran both make their secondary FORT saves, avoiding further poison damage.

since we were readied, don't we get attacks before the initiative order begins?

My understanding is that you would need to gain surprise over the spiders to get automatic actions before them. This is a new combat from the one against the first spider.

Hey guys, as you can see I've created a new GM alias to run this game, along with a 'harrowing' new avatar to go with!

I'll be slowly updating this profile over time with information and reference about the game, so it should be a handy reference tool for us.

Thanks!

The tension in the party rises at the sound of something rustling around amongst the junk in the hold of the barge. Sorin draws his bow, and Pavo readies his magic.

Moments later, several more of the long-legged drain spiders erupt from hiding! They move aggesssively to attack the intruders in their nest.

Initiative Order:
Sorin
4 Drain Spiders
Dorran
Pavo
Marra
Clandru

I can't get Maptool to run stably right now for some reason, so let's just do this old school style. Descriptively post your combat intentions, and we won't worry so much about positioning for this fight. Have at them!