Oscar Hartwell's page

I appear to have lost the map
Seeing Euphemia has taken it upon herself to keep Chelman pinned, Oscar steps back and rushes another scroll.
5 ft back, cast Shocking Grasp

fort dc12: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (4) + 0 = 4 str 4 here as well! I'd give the oil to Euphemia - Oscar can use the scrolls. So: 1d4-3 damage with dagger. Not good.

With leaden feet Oscar discards everything not needed, barely dragging his own weight forward.

When he sees Chelman he wrestles a scroll from the pile Velrun gave him, casting it quickly, then moving to interpose himself closest to Chelrun.
casting shield. AC to 19 (+4 armor +4 shield +1 dex)
"I'll try to hold him off!' he calls "Velrun, go round, get him from behind! You're the only one with the strength for this now!"

Nice.
Hoping to go to Italy soon - might see if we can detour.

Damnit. Slipped up on name, and missed edit window :(

James looks grim. "Onward, then."

Oscar takes scrolls and dagger "Thank you" he says quietly. "These scrolls may help - and I'm sure I'm better with a dagger than with an axe."
He looks to the halfling "What of Drin? I'm loathe to leave him here alone, but just as loathe to force him through whatever dangers await us in the maze. I'm not sure, in his current state, he could dodge whatever happens to us."

Oscar drops the axe from nerveless fingers, desperately wiping his hands on a handkerchief already stained with repulsive fluids.
"I don't know how to use an axe. In the middle of this no-longer-faux Hell is no time to learn. I won't gainsay you your commitment, but..." he sighs "If I'm to be any use, then I need a weapon. If we could rest, and I could reacquire my spells, then I am sure I would be helpful, but as it is..." He looks to the ground "I think all I can usefully do is distract our foes. In which case, how can I help you and Euphemia to succeed, Velrun? Your last stroke was exactly what we needed."

Oscar continues to flail away with the axe, to little effect beyond keeping his target distracted. "I need a dagger!" he screams in frustration.
attack-non proficiency+flanking: 1d20 - 1 - 4 + 2 ⇒ (12) - 1 - 4 + 2 = 9

Oscar continues working his way around their dead foes - only to see Euphemia pushed into a virtual oven! Screaming wildly he flails at Cynthia's back.
attack-non proficiency+flanking: 1d20 - 1 - 4 + 2 ⇒ (11) - 1 - 4 + 2 = 8

5' step. Moved on map. Tell me if I am wrong.
Attack. attack-nonproficiency+inspire: 1d20 - 1 - 4 ⇒ (11) - 1 - 4 = 6 nearly got flanking!

Swinging wildly Oscar pushes past the... 'creature. Not a person. Not anymore.'

"Euphemia!" wails the noble, wading into combat with a will.
attack-unproficient+inspire: 1d20 - 1 - 4 + 1 ⇒ (12) - 1 - 4 + 1 = 8
damage: 1d6 - 1 ⇒ (4) - 1 = 3

"It's no good!" he complains "I've no training with an axe!"

Oscar drags himself wearily to his feet, gulping as he sees the axe embedded in the floor a foot from his head. Quickly he pulls it up, and with a muttered word sets the head alight.

"How many is that, now?" he asks Velrun wearily.

acrobatics: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6 Oscar's axe shrieks across the trapped floor as he hurtles inevitably towards the centre; and down into darkness.

assuming handaxes? Can Velrun start singing before we attack, given we're manoeuvring beforehand?
attack+flanking-improvised+inspire: 1d20 - 1 + 2 - 4 + 1 ⇒ (17) - 1 + 2 - 4 + 1 = 15
handaxe damage: 1d6 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) - 1 + 1 = 5
Oscar leaps into action opposite Euphemia, more effort going into not hitting the pretty healer than into hitting Luther.

"I feel we'd be better saving them. We need to work together - coordinate ourselves. He's in pieces, and his mind is gone. We're more mobile, and our ability to communicate and plan is our advantage. We should close from multiple sides, at the same time. Then someone draws his attention, concentrates on staying just out of reach." Oscar, desperately trying to apply unit strategy to the chaotic melee they face, suggests.
Flanking. If we can predict his target (assuming he is Mindless), that person uses Full Defence, while trying to lure him on.

"Yes." Oscar nods, stowing the spear and hefting the axe. "We should put poor Luther down. Once he's at peace, though, let's not try ourselves on the drop; I'd rather go in through the exit from here."

Oscar follows his own advice, backing away slowly. Not that slowly, though.

"Back away!" Oscar calls "We can keep out of range, go back to the foyer and try to find something to fight with!

Oscar shudders in revulsion - and then in fear as Euphemia steps forward.
"Remember the last one! We need an axe!"

Continuing sounds great :)
Thanks for coming back to tell us you were okay!

Oh :(

Yeah, best wishes Zed. Hope everything is okay.

Oscar flails wildly at the imp as he backs away - back into the room. "Surround it!" he cries.
Flanking. Please flanking! 5' back and full defence I think. Happy to try for a roll, but no idea what it is.

"Euphemia! You and I help Tess! Drive it into her dagger."
'How long till one of us falls to these devilish foes?' the noble wonders privately.
aid: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 = 0

"No." Oscar says grimly "I do not. We need to stop them flitting around!" True to his word he tries to step forward to help Tessara, doing his best to herd the little pest into a corner.
aid - on whomever is appropriate. Ideally Euphemia's longspear if Tess feels like helping as well - I just don't think I can get to Velrun's: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (18) - 1 = 17

Oscar flails wildly with the crossbow, but to little avail.
Oscar does not have a melee weapon drawn, unfortunately. No AoO for him :(

perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18
"I hear it too. Keep moving, stay on alert." Oscar adds unnecessarily, as he summons a ball of green wytch-fire to overpower the hellish illumination.

Oscar shakes his head slowly. The guilt at what happened to the pony wars with the logic that it was only a temporary creation - idea, rather than flesh.

"If we do go through I dare say it makes sense to try that, and to go through together." doubt echoes the noble's voice. "Could we find a way around it, do you think?"

"Perhaps you ladies could keep watch for a moment" Oscar requests at Tess's nod to his offer.
He pulls off the loosened vest, and retrieves grieves and gauntlets from his pack. He hesitates a moment before removing the old fashioned leather cingulum, breathing in deeply as if about to dive into a cold river, and then pulls them down and hands them over.
He does his best to look nonchalant about standing there in leather boots, a light shirt and his boxers.
"Velrun, my friend." he asks in a strangled voice. "Might I borrow your cloak?"

Oscar pulls out the scroll, ready to call a pawn into existence if a majority of the party concurs.
So long as one other PC says yes he'll summon something - Probably a pony - in the maw. @GM Zed - feel free to bot him.
@Tessara: Did you want leather armour?

perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
spellcraft: what might be causing it?: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
Oscar breathes a sigh of relief as the pain in his ribs vanish under Euphemia's tender ministrations. "My wards might have saved my life, but they still let all too much through. The armor seems to..." he trails off, and smacks himself in the head. "My apologies ladies. It has only just occurred to me that protected as I am by my wards the superfluous armor I have been cursing might have protected you far better than Velrun and I. While I doubt armour cut bespoke for me would be of any use this is standard issue guard armor, designed to be easily worn by a variety of body shapes. Can I offer either of you a slightly worn suit? I'm not keen on fighting evil in my underclothes, but if it saves either of your lives I'd count it a trade well made."

Oscar peers into the purple glow, but sees nothing. "I see nothing." he thinks hard on what might be causing the effect. "A spell, a creature, or another damnable special effect from the show?"
"Perhaps I should use the scroll of summoning to have something else probe the way for us?"

"Yes, a healing one." Oscar looked thoughtful.

"Let's see then - we've scrolls to remove wounds, potions to remove fear, oils to render a weapon enchanted for a minute or so, two scrolls that deal damage in melee, a scroll to provide protection for a minute, a scroll to summon an ally for a moment, 2 potions that provide protection for a minute, a bar of soap, an item to summon cockroaches and enough disruptive salt to block perhaps a fifteen foot line."

While Oscar's lessons on warfare and military tactics had emphasised heroism and de-emphasised the human costs, it had left him with an at least elementary understanding of combined arms.

"We should take up a more defensive formation. Velrun, you're the best with a blade. You should go in the front. Euphemia, if you can follow with the spear then anyone attacking Velrun will have to contend with your spear. I'll go next - if it appears that we face a threatening foe I'll use our resources. I could augment your spear and velrun's weapon, or enchant you with protection. If we face a more mundane foe I'll simply shoot at it. If we need to run I'll summon an ally long enough for us to disengage. Finally, Tessara, if you can bring up the rear and use your powers to damage those we face?"

"If we can find a place of the right dimensions we could ward the entrance. That would give us a place to flee to."

"I'm happy to write a note - there was a writing desk back there - and..." he toes the Quasit "This is evidence enough that something is up. Someone needs to take note and evidence to the watch."

He shakes his head "I fear that those within may flee when the watch arrives, and take with them the nails we need to seal the portal."

Sorry for typo, missed editing window on last post

[The bottom drawer contains assorted papers and invoices, as well as a bound text containing the initiation rituals and practices of the Fraternitatem Æternam, which includes the coded instructions for an ensnaring circle ritual (the instructions are highly complex and would likely require weeks to practise and master). In addition - and highly pertinent, a section in the tome reveals the details of blessed nails and their use by acolytes to disrupt open portals in the event of a mishap. This information clearly indicates that the nails must be replaced within 24 hours of the last one being removed to restore the ward.

In total there are: 4 potions of cure light wounds, 2 potions of remove fear, 2 oils of bless weapon, a scroll of chill touch, 2 scrolls of cure light wounds, 2 scrolls of magic missile, a scroll of shield, a scroll of shocking grasp, and a scroll of summon monster I.

2 potions of protection from evil, one bar of soul soap, a small, nearly complete origami cockroach that is an origami swarm, and a single tube of abjurant salt

"The Fraternitatem Æternam said we had 24 hours from the nails being removed." Oscar argued. "I will not argue the urgency, but consider the risk. If we fall then no-one will know to come and reclaim the nail."

The young noble took a deep breath. "Still. We are here. Let us see what resources we can still possess, and how best to use them. Little point in saving our plunder if it costs us people. I am afraid I used both scrolls of 'magic missile'. We used a potion on Euphemia. We do still all have our weapons, and I believe the wardings I placed on Velrun and myself earlier are still in effect. Can someone confirm the remainder of our resources are still alright? We should also check our newly fallen foe for further useful items - and for nails."
"Selfishly I am afraid that if we are determined to stay I fear I must impose upon someone to attempt to use one of the scrolls upon my person."

"I'm inclined to agree - not that we can simply walk away, but perhaps we should fetch the watch."[/]b he pauses [b]"Did that passage say we had 24 hours?"

Oscar breathes a sigh of relief, and stoops to hand Velrun's blade to him. "Miss Omelian - would you care to restate your concern now mister Rivertongue is with us again?"

Oscar slowly returned the scroll. "We can brainstorm when Velrun is able to speak." He extended a hand to his prone companion "Euphemia; I think some of those scrolls were healing. Undoubtedly arcane... but in the circumstances I think it worth you taking a look. Perhaps one can heal Velrun?"

Oscar knows from his previous attack that it is dead flesh, right?
@All - no one is wielding a slashing weapon? Even a dagger?
"Dead! No vitals!" Oscar calls out "We need magic, or a way to... to cut this thing apart!"
Desperately he backs away while he draws another scroll, another bolt of energy winging its way towards the mechanic. Even as he did he cursed himself for not saving some dreg of energy, or memorising some cantrip 'Though in my defence, it's not as if I've ever been in a situation like this before! Lesson for the future.'

Oscar desperately retrieves one of the stolen scrolls, discarding his useless crossbow. Barely stopping to ensure he has the right one he starts to chant.

Is tossing a potion like this an option? I think Oscar would need to be 1 square from Velrun and >1 square from the mechanic.

Thinking of having Oscar rat through the bag anyway, and he could toss a potion to Velrun?
Map would be good though, Euphemia had reach, I think.

Osca reels from the blow, a bare inch from cutting him open from 'guts to garters'. If not for his spell...

Somewhat ashamed he stumbles back further, reloads and fires.

I believe that hit will put Oscar on -1?

perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14
readied attack held attack: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3dam: 1d8 ⇒ 6
"Stop!" Commanded Oscar forthrightly. "Stop! Or I will shoot!" True to his word his crossbow rises to target the figure.

Sure - happy for an ooc vote or something on the nail.

"I do not like the look of that mist." Oscar said flatly. "It looks like something a psychotic alchemist would use to poison people." He looked around carefully as he quipped "Not an analogy I plucked from thin air, I might say."

Trying his best to take command he continued "Let's check the storage room?" despite his best efforts some doubt entered his voice "And then we can check that half-open door."

Oscar sighs "There were... five? Five, I think, nails. It looks like all are missing now. We put one back - and frankly, I saw no change. I think the risk of losing the last nail, and risking the nail-thief just leaving, far outweighs any good the nail we returned may be doing where it is."

He pauses "Still, if the rest of you all believe we are best to leave it back where we put it I will drop the issue and instead urge haste."

"Oh, I agree. But there's something moving around out there, and I don't want it stealing the last nail while we're elsewhere. Once we have all the nails, we can try to get them all in at once." Oscar explains.

I'm not as committed as Oscar, if people want to interrupt him.

"No." Oscar puts his foot down "We get our nail first. Then, perhaps, we go ahead. By all means, break out the scrolls. If this doesn't qualify as an emergency..."

Oscar starts to work towards getting the nail back.

"I've no spells left in me - but we felt there was no time to wait for - or even call - the guard." Oscar reminded.

"I think we should retrieve the nail we restored. If something is taking Nails, we don't want to leave it unguarded." Oscar points to the missing nail, doubt creeping into his voice "If we can find what happened to them all, then perhaps we can restore them."