Junichiro's page

Thank you all for the game, and DaWay for running it.

Junichiro is also level 10 now.

If the rest of you can find a scenario that you haven't played yet, I think it will be fine with me as I've played a lot less :)

Just one note, and that is not meant as a criticism of the GM, but more of how scenarios in general are written: The end is often quite abrupt. When the last enemy is defeated, all that remains is usually a little conclusion text. In this case it would have been interesting to roleplay a little with Krella, or find out some more stuff, like if the Agents were charmed, or what their plan was.

Thanks to Ragnar's spell the samurai shakes of the charm.

Since I delayed to after Ceric to be teleported last round, I am now invisible at the start of my turn right?

As not to give away the benefits of Ceric's spell, Junichiro refrains from making a comment that he despises tyranny over the mind of others most of all.

Silent and grim he unleashes another flurry of attacks.

Katana: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (14) + 20 = 341d8 + 16 ⇒ (3) + 16 = 19
Wakizashi: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (13) + 19 = 321d6 + 16 ⇒ (6) + 16 = 22

Katana: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (16) + 15 = 311d8 + 16 ⇒ (2) + 16 = 18
threat!
to confirm: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (17) + 16 = 331d8 + 16 ⇒ (2) + 16 = 18
Wakizashi: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (8) + 14 = 221d6 + 16 ⇒ (4) + 16 = 20

Katana, hasted: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (15) + 20 = 351d8 + 16 ⇒ (8) + 16 = 24
threat!
to confirm: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (3) + 21 = 241d8 + 16 ⇒ (6) + 16 = 22

Flanking + Invisibility is insane... +4 to attack, another +1 from haste, and the defender loses DEX to AC... We have to do this more often :)

Junichiro uses his "determined" feature to roll twice.

Will: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Will: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Ouch... really sucky rolls. He is charmed...

The axes of the agents bounce of the samurai's armor once more, even considering the challenge penalty.

The empress' fire attack damages the samurai.

HP:42/85 Seems we forgot to heal after the last fight. Which is quite stupid of me, as we have wands and stuff.

Junichiro appears next to the empress, opposite of Ragnar.

Thank you Ceric, most convenient. I'll have to resume that other duel later, it seems

I need a ruling: Can a samurai challenge a new target without the previous one going out of combat? In case of yes, Junichiro will use a swift action to challenge the empress, and the attacks below do 9 more dmg. The other mechanical effects I'll consider later

The samurai takes a fighting stance and nods to Ragnar. Let's have at it

Katana: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (13) + 18 = 311d8 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Wakizashi: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (19) + 17 = 361d6 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
threat!
to confirm: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (15) + 20 = 351d6 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

Katana: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 291d8 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
threat!

to confirm: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (7) + 14 = 211d8 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
Wakizashi: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 241d6 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

Katana, hasted: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (13) + 18 = 311d8 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

The wakizashi does piercing and slashing dmg. None of Junichiro's weapons are good aligned (at the moment)

Two axes bounce harmlessly of the samurai's armor. Being attacked, the samurai draws his blades, and looks one of the agents in the eyes and challenges him. He then notices the glazed over eyes and says:

There is something weird about these agents. Can anyone check them for magical effects? And please, also tell Ragnar.

I can't kill someone who might not know what he is doing

Junichiro strikes the agent he challenged with the pommel of his katana.

katana, to subdue: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (14) + 13 = 271d8 + 16 ⇒ (1) + 16 = 17

Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

Junichiro walks to the front of the party, blocking charge lines to the mages as much as possible. While leaving his weapons sheathed, but mentally preparing himself for combat, he says:

When we presented ourselves at the gates, as diplomats do, we were told we could seek audience with the empress, which we are doing.

We were also told that it was not polite to draw weapons without provocation, and I will keep to that unless I have to defend myself or my companions. Others here seem to forget their manners. The samurai says with a sideways glance to the hostile Aspis agents.

I am Junichiro Goemoto of the Pathfinder Society. We represent the legal owners of the Hao-Jin tapestry, the only proper way in and out of this realm. We can offer an alliance of cooperation to the Ratfolk of the Round Mountain, and wish to keep them save from the interference of outsiders and intruders. When saying "outsiders" he locks eyes with the empress, looking for a reaction, or change of emotion.

Coming negotiations could however become ...difficult, if you wish to ally with the Aspis Consortium. My honesty demands to inform you that they are our rivals, and have intruded into this plane illegally.

The samurai's tone is still quite polite, but he does not bow, as he would not like to take his eyes of the agent's axes

Junichiro is itching for the coming fight, both to oppose the Aspis agents, and because he believes a shape-shifted Rakshasha is not a proper ruler for the Ratfolk. As he came as a diplomat, he waits for the Aspis agents and the empress to strike first.

If the empress is already in league with the Aspis Consortium, then we will stand against her.

The throne room showed no signs of struggle. The empress went willingly with the Aspis agents, and we have been tasked to stop them.

If we are offered a deal that is good for our employers and for those who live here, I'd call it a win.

Nobility and proper government are to be respected, but with those offices come responsibilities. The people deserve a government that cares for them, and is of their own, and not impostors from other planes.

With a bow the samurai says to the Ratling:

We have been here only a short while and do not yet know all the intricacies of what has been going on, although the picture is now getting clearer. My colleagues are cautious, and wise to be so. We will pursue the Aspis agents, as is our task, and probably confront the empress as well. I do not assume that our goals will align with hers, but we will have to ascertain that for ourselves. For myself I would rather establish a relationship on behalf of my employers with you, and other true representatives of your people than with an Outsider.

Bowing deeper, he continues:

We have not yet been introduced; I am Junichiro, Samurai from the Goemoto family. With whom do I have the honor?

The samurai bows courteously in the traditional manner.

Greetings, esteemed citizen of the round mountain.

As my companions have indicated, we are diplomats who seek to establish good relations between the Round Mountain and our employers. We are send by the Pathfinder Society. I do not know if and what you already know about it, but let me assure you that we are here with the best intentions, and that we mean no harm.

To that end we ascended the pagoda, hoping to meet the empress in the topmost chamber. We found it empty instead, but tracks led us to this place.

We would normally not use the secret ways in the property of another uninvited, but we fear a sinister plot is going on that could harm all of you. Forgive us, but we thought it wiser to go to the bottom of this first. Time could very much be of the essence.

Can you tell us if she came this way, and if so, could you tell us who accompanied her? Were there other humans with her?

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (7) + 18 = 25 Using Raganar's wayfinder and "honor in all things"

So, ordinary rats, not ratfolk?

Let us keep moving to that door then.

Junichiro will look around carefully, but avoids looking threatening.

Indeed, let us pursue.

Just to be thorough, and as to not leave anything behind that could prove useful later, Junichiro collects the maps and journals before descending the ladder in the central column.

Didn't we already find 4 doors on all sides of the room, plus a 5th in the statue?

defeating the target of his challenge, Junichiro recovers one use of his resolve. 3 remaining

So there was also a ratfolk among our attackers? I expected Aspis agents, but it seems the political troubles here have overtaken us. I think it would be wise to find out what faction he belonged to. Maybe we also can gather something from this monstrosity here...

Unless our spells run out soon, we should take a moment to glance behind those doors. I don't like these kind of surprises, and I'd like to know who is responsible, and what esle goes on in this court before we meet the empress.

The statue of Lu Sha Po had a door in it right? Junichiro moves there, and opens it if actions remain.

Reflex: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

The samurai takes full damage from the attack.

HP: 64/85 HP - and the temps are gone.

The bite injures Junichiro, the claws are stopped by his armor.

HP: 56/85 HP DR 3/- vs. challenge target

Attack of opportunity if it rises while I'm nest to it:

Katana: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (8) + 17 = 251d8 + 19 ⇒ (1) + 19 = 20 -4 AC not yet factored in

--

My own turn:

The samurai draws his other blade as a free action and proceeds to attack:

Katana: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (16) + 15 = 311d8 + 16 ⇒ (6) + 16 = 22
threat!
to confirm: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (20) + 16 = 361d8 + 16 ⇒ (4) + 16 = 20
Wakizashi: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (14) + 14 = 281d6 + 16 ⇒ (5) + 16 = 21

Katana: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 131d8 + 16 ⇒ (1) + 16 = 17
Wakizashi: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 191d6 + 16 ⇒ (1) + 16 = 17

If possible, Junichiro moves next to the creature, challenging it and drawing his katana as he moves. Should he reach the beast with one move, he will attack with a two-handed strike.

Katana: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (1) + 17 = 181d8 + 19 ⇒ (2) + 19 = 21 and misses horribly...

If he can't reach the creature, he will double-move and draw both weapons. (for the unlikely scenario that the monster moves to 5ft or less of the samurai, he will full-attack, and then I will make new rolls)

Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16

Can we learn anything from that that would help us in the coming negotiations with the empress? We know that there is a faction that doesn't support her, and if things go sour, we could at least establish a good rapport with them in the end.

Looking at the indicated secret doors the samurai notes:

Well, we could always use these rooms and passages to retreat if things in the top room end in an unfortunate matter. Better than having to fight through about 300 ratfolk, many of them probably innocent bystanders.

Skipping rooms really irks me...

Since I've played The Cultists' Kiss as well, and have up to now more or less forgotten about it, it is time to use it:

Sihedron Brand: 18 temp HP

Could be a possibility to find out stuff about the empress, so we know what to say to get her favor. Or to get other ratfolk to speak for us. Mechanically, bonus to diplomacy or lower DC

perception: 1d20 ⇒ 12

Soo.... I'm getting the feeling we should be doing stuff before we find the empress at the top....

This plan may certainly work. I would normally like to have more information to work with, but as the agents are already with the empress, speed is imperative now. Let us proceed.

Junichiro bows to and thanks the guard. When we are out of earshot he says:

I agree that it is prudent to see what the consortium is up to. But what do we do when we meet them? It is not very diplomatic to slaughter other envoys in cold blood

Thank you for your welcome and warning. We wish to be respectful of your customs, is there anything we should do to show respect, and what should we avoid?

And, if it does not violate any standing orders you are under could you please tell us more about the current political situation and how it came to be?

Junichiro asks the ratfolk at the gate. When there is time for a more private conversation with the party he says:

As to what faction we should support, I think it is to early to make that choice. We should find out what we can about the current political situation and then evaluate. We may be forced to make a choice between a faction that would suit our personal morals, and one that would align better with our employers.

If possible, we should speak to members of both factions, and maybe even to unaligned ratfolk, to asses the situation. These murals and carvings seem to be important to the inhabitants of this pagoda. In most such cases they have a cultural significance, and can tell us about politics, history and religion of these people.

Looking around at the artwork the samurai tries to piece together what he knows about the history and politics of these lands, and give pointers to the more learned partymembers:

Aid another, nobility: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
Aid another, history: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

We did not meet a minotaur on our way here. The good captain probably thought it wise to keep that particular ace up his sleeve for an emergency.

Thanks! That brings the total of the highest roll to 39

I'm sorry for my silence the last few days. I was away for the weekend for my brother's wedding, and far away from any computer

Junichiro bows deep in a very formal way to the guards at the gate, and addresses them in very formal and polite Tien.

Greetings honored denizens of the Pagoda of the Rat. There is no cause for alarm, we have not come to harm you. This one, Junichiro, samurai of the Goemoto family humbly requests an audience with your esteemed leaders for himself and his companions.

May I please introduce my them, Junichiro says while presenting them in turn: The great mages and learned scholars Awveyen and Ceric, and Ragnar Gurnison, a holy warrior.

We are, as my colleagues have indicated, diplomats. We represent the Pathfinder Society, an organization dedicated to the accumulation and sharing of all manner of learning and knowledge. We wish to study this realm, and offer our knowledge in return. We do not come to exploit or to plunder. We do not come with poison or with the hidden knife. In fact, we hold you in high esteem and we even may be able to assist you against common enemies.

The samurai draws on his resolve in two ways, using "resolute" for a flat +4 and "way of the samurai" to roll 3 times: 2 uses remaining

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (17) + 16 = 33
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (10) + 16 = 26
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (15) + 16 = 31

Thank you for GMíng part one, looking forward to part two.

Junichiro would also prefer to rest so he can face the new challenges with his full strength and all his abilities.

----

New day:

The samurai meticulously cleans and maintains his gear, and dons his armor with great care. He double-checks if he looks as would befit an envoy and a noble guest. Then he joins Awveyen at the door and says:

If everyone is prepared, let us knock and announce ourselves.

Alternative actions for last round:

Junichiro calls on his resolve and his order ability "Honor in all things" to shake of the fear effect.

Will: 1d20 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 4 = 10
Will: 1d20 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 5 + 4 = 22

Junichiro knows Ceric can use dimensional door, and moves next to him.

Shall we persue?

But then sees that Ceric looks rather pale...

Are you all right, Ceric?

My "banner" ability would normally grant a +2 vs. fear to all who see it, but i forgot to state that I am wearing it, and to crawl aroun in tunnels with a bannerpole strapped to your back is a bit silly - and would not have made a difference anyway

Well, you need 3 attacks for it, but that's not too shabby either, Ragnar

The dragon's attack of opportunity last round didn't penetrate the samurai's armor.

Assuming the dragon doesn't take Junichiro apart before this turn, he unleashes a flurry of sword strokes.

Katana: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (4) + 18 = 221d8 + 16 ⇒ (1) + 16 = 17

Wakizashi: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (17) + 17 = 341d6 + 16 ⇒ (3) + 16 = 19
threat!
to confirm: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (18) + 20 = 381d6 + 16 ⇒ (4) + 16 = 20

Katana: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 191d8 + 16 ⇒ (4) + 16 = 20

Wakizashi: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 291d6 + 16 ⇒ (4) + 16 = 20
threat!
to confirm: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (7) + 15 = 221d6 + 16 ⇒ (4) + 16 = 20

Haste attack, Katana: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (10) + 18 = 281d8 + 16 ⇒ (2) + 16 = 18

impressive shot indeed

Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Face me then. I'll gladly be your opponent. the samurai says, challenging his opponent. last use today

He then charges the dragon, and brings his sword down.

Katana: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (2) + 20 = 221d8 + 16 ⇒ (6) + 16 = 22

Junichiro grimly and stoically looks down the beast's throat, trusting in Ceric's and Rangnar's magic to prevent the worst.

It seems I forgot to hit "submit" last night

How do you guys want to proceed? Do we want to pay the dragon of, or are we going to fight?

I'd personally prefer a fight, especially since we've cast spells already, and because I think we'd be doing the Ratfolk a favor.

But if you want to keep talking to it, and pay whatever price we can agree, then Junichiro will make the required diplomacy rolls. (I can boost them a bit if you really want to (I can use my order or the warrior ability for a flat +4 and my resolve to roll twice)

Thank you for the offer, but I don't know if we can do that. For the same reason that you can only use the physical player character folio and not the PDF. At a physical table, we do stuff like borrowing each others shirts and whatnot all the time, however. If it would work, I think the bonus would be my own single star in any case.

Please allow me to introduce ourselves

I am Junichiro Goemoto. These are my colleagues and companions Ragnar, Ceric and Awveyen.

We represent the legal owners of this demiplane, the Pathfinder Society, and we are tasked with keeping it safe from threats from within and out. Especially against agents of the Aspis consortium.

We are authorized to negotiate on behalf of the Society, but did not expect to specifically treat with you. As my colleague here has said, we did not bring tribute. Whatever we can work out depends on how well your intentions align with those of the Pathfinders. What do you desire?

The samurai's tone is courteous enough, but he stays on his guard, not taking his eyes of the dragon as he bows slightly.

Diplomacy with aid from Awveyen: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (1) + 14 = 15

Junichiro's mental reserve against treating with the creature whose authority over this lands he vehemently disputes may have shone through in his words and gestures.

We might be doing the ratfolk a big favor by ridding them of an evil dragon that has probably been extorting them for tribute... Junichiro, LG as he is will however not be the first to attack a creature that is still just talking. That does not mean he likes negotiating with evil dragons, and should the situation require it, he will gladly attempt to take it down. For now, he is gritting his teeth.

The Samurai moves a bit closer again.

How close can we be together without exposing too many of us to its breath weapon?

Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

Junichiro drops a potion of fly from one of his spring-loaded wrist sheaths into his hand and drinks it, then, he takes to the sky while drawing his blades. He moves 40ft into the cavern, hovering in midair, preparing to challenge and charge the beast as soon as it appears.

We can force the beast to stay above ground if we are in the air. Also, it would be wise to take some measures against falling to your death in case it wants to throw us over the edge here.

Thank you Rangnar, this will be most useful

says the samurai while bowing deeply.

Junichiro cleans the dust, blood and other dirt of his armor as well as the circumstances allow, this is a diplomatic mission first and foremost, after all.

Let us hope so. With a bit of luck that agent back there was the only one to get this far, but I would not count on it. I would not be surprised if Aspis personnel collapsed the tunnel in order to hinder others to follow them, and that one of them was caught in it, or was intentionally left to die.

If their agents made it this far, a confrontation is likely. Even if we meet the ratfolk peacefully, ambushes and assassination attempts by the consortium should be expected, or they could even challenge us openly, who knows?

And then we should consider negotiations with the ratfolk themselves. Let's review what we know about them, so we are prepared.

He looks around for signs of life and checks for apparent danger. He also takes a moment to admire the tien architecture of the Pagoda

Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 20

(If there is a welcoming party, he will formally greet them in Tien)

If he is satisfied that the situation is safe, he starts the decent down the stairs.

Looking forward to it. Enjoy your weekend!

Thank you comrades.

The Aspis agents were here before us, and indeed, we should pursue. Can we learn anymore from this one that fell to the cave-in or Gug?

While the healing magic does its work, Junichiro also studies the agent's corpse in detail.

take 20 perception = 20

Is there an opening yet, or do we still have to dig?

Forgive me, honored colleagues. I will strive to do better next time...

says Junichiro and he shows one of his rare smiles, that soon turns in to a wince.

Ouch. I will need to take care of some injuries before we continue. Some of the blood covering me right now is mine. That was a nasty bite. I hate to think what would have happened if the creature could have used all its claws and even its mouth on me... I owe you one, Ceric.

The samurai cleans and stows his blades and finds a spot to sit down to catch his breath.

Nodding, the samurai 5ft-steps to a place where he can provide Ragnar with an opportunity to flank. (If that is not possible, he 5ft-steps in such a way that he can reach a better position to flank next round.)

That seems wise.

Katana: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (6) + 15 = 211d8 + 16 ⇒ (3) + 16 = 19
Wakizashi: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (19) + 14 = 331d6 + 16 ⇒ (3) + 16 = 19
threat!
to confirm: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (10) + 17 = 271d6 + 16 ⇒ (5) + 16 = 21

Katana: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 181d8 + 16 ⇒ (2) + 16 = 18
Wakizashi: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 191d6 + 16 ⇒ (3) + 16 = 19

Be mindful of its freakishly long arms, Ragnar, just in case it wakes up

HP: 62/85

Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

I assume the creature's attack was the surprise round, and that we are now in normal initiative.

The samurai is taken by surprise and takes a serious wound. If possible, he 5ft-steps in such a way as to provide Ragnar the opportunity to flank. (Or steps up to it if it has reach) As a swift action he challenges the monster, and the draws his blades.

Katana: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (18) + 15 = 331d8 + 16 ⇒ (6) + 16 = 22
threat!
Wakizashi: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (20) + 14 = 341d6 + 16 ⇒ (2) + 16 = 18
threat!

to confirm: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (12) + 16 = 281d8 + 16 ⇒ (3) + 16 = 19
to confirm: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (16) + 17 = 331d6 + 16 ⇒ (3) + 16 = 19 On top of "anatomist" Junichiro also gains a +2 to confirm with his wakizashi b/c of the "weapon expertise" class feature.

Katana: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 121d8 + 16 ⇒ (2) + 16 = 18
Wakizashi: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 221d6 + 16 ⇒ (1) + 16 = 17

I hope this is the last surprise buried here for us. Is anyone familiar with such a creature?

Thanks, Ragnar

Take a moments rest if you need it, or try to find out what you can about this agent and the consortium's plans. I can carry on in the meantime with the stones.

Fort again? or STR?

Fortitude: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29

Strength: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

As per the earlier suggestions, the samurai tries to make a small hole to see through first.

Are you doing all right, Master Awveyen?

Junichiro asks looking up from his work moving stone.

Strength Check: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8 Just in case it is needed. And you are not they only unlucky one here...

Fortitude: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24

Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 16

Is that an Aspis insignia that I see there?

HP: 77/85

The samurai gathers his resovle to fight the poison. 3 uses remaining

Fortitude:: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10
Fortitude:: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

Junichiro shakes of the effects of the venom with grim stoicism.

Distraction:: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

But he was not distracted by the swarm, and could move out of it the last round to make the successful attack.

Since the swarm did not spend a full-round action to extinguish the flames, it takes another d6 fire dmg from the alchemist's fire:

On fire!: 1d6 ⇒ 3 x1.5 as it is area dmg.

Can we maneuver to a place where the ceiling is safer? If this collapsed passage is the way forward anyway, I would not mind that the stones get loosened up a bit. Though I'd rather not be standing under them when it happens.

The samurai takes a few steps back and draws forth another alchemist's fire, preparing to throw it at the swarm should it somehow cross the wall of fire. (Or moves according to his comrade's instructions)

readied action alchemist's fire:: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 241d6 ⇒ 4 and the target is set on fire.

Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

Fire usually serves well against creatures as these, for they are too small and numerous to cut.

the samurai says while silently cursing his lack of foresight and having forgotten to apply vermin repellant to himself. Fortunately, Junichiro is not entirely unprepared, and draws forth a flask of alchemists' fire, and hurls it into the mass of creatures. Awveyen should be sufficiently far away as not to get caught in the blast.

Ranged touch: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 251d6 ⇒ 5 fire dmg, 1 splash. On hit: target is on fire.

Thank you, Ragnar.

HP: 85/85

Is old-fashioned muscle an option?

Junichiro cleans and stows his blades, surveying his surroundings by the light of Ceric's continual flame, and his own shining wayfinder.

Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 3

Although I am not very knowledgeable in religious matters, I understand customs, etiquette and politics. These Dark Folk, if I understand Ceric and Awveyen correctly, are allergic to daylight, and were in a shrine dedicated to the night (amongst other things). They may have taken offense to us having brought light into this chamber, seen it as an attack against themselves and an insult to their religion. Notice that though there were torches where we came from, this chamber has no light of its own.

Would you consider it polite if someone cast "Darkness" in Iomeada's or Sarenrae's temple? I would not attack someone over it, but the Darklands are indeed a more violent place. We may have just been tested, to gauge whether we were knowledgeable and respectful enough of the laws and customs of these caverns.

Reflecting, Junichiro stows his wayfinder, and considers bowing in apology to the statue. Rats and Thieves are not things he deems deserving of worship, but negligently defiling a sanctuary without cause deserves an apology.

He walks back into the torchlight and produces a wand of Cure Light Wounds.

Would any of you be so kind as to use this one on me?

HP: 81/85

noted and corrected

As he had challenged his now vanquished foe, and was thus watching it intently, Junichiro was ready for the explosion. The challenge gives me DR3/- vs. that target. The samurai takes only minimal damage.

Defeating his challenge target, Junichiros resolve hardens. 4 uses remaining

HP: 84/85

Fortitude: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

Although his ears ring from the sound, he is not hindered by it. He briefly pauses to asses the situation, and should the Dark Folk attacking Awveyen still stand after the combined effort of his comrades, he will move there and attack. He'd rather not experience the burst twice, but if the creature is still dangerous, duty comes before personal comfort.

Do you require further assistance with this one?

Thank you for the warning, honored colleague.

The Samurai tries to guess if the wounds (if any) he has inflicted on his foe are life-threatening yet, if it would be wise to switch to his bow or naginata to deal the final blow.

Do you think you will be able to defeat this one safely at range if I disengage?

Junichiro looks around to check the tactical positions, where he is in relation to the Ulfen in particular. Ragnar wanted people to stay close, Ceric said. It would be prudent to assume that he has protective magic active. Let's see if it would be possible to get closer without allowing this enemy to cast freely or move to the more vulnerable casters.

Junichiro doesn't speak celestial, nor has he spellcraft. He knows what a circle of protection from evil is, he has seen Ceric cast one, but can't identify one just by feel.