Ray advances ahead.
"It is.. hostile, correct?"
"Damn straight it's hostile, Ray! Get it!"
Ray, heeding his blades advice stabs where the wisp was last seen, hoping for the best.
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Ray arches an eyebrow, clearly impressed by Viv's knowledge. "Fascinating. They feed on fear? I imagine we have nothing to be concerned about as long as no poltergeists return and we repeat recent events."
Ray reluctantly accepts the physical content, but approves of the reasoning and logic his allies are demonstrating. "Yes. The poltergeist's ability to remain invisible was unlike any I have encountered... " Ray pauses, seemingly lost in thought for a moment as he searches his memories. "Or..." He pauses again for an extraordinarily long moment as he sword pipes up audibly for all to hear. "He's stuck! Someone give him a nudge!" Blinking, Ray apologizes. "I apologize - for a moment, I felt as if I may have a memory about such creatures, but it is quite faint. Nonetheless, it would be logical for us to prepare against this type of incorporeal, unseen enemy in the future. As well as prepare those of you more... predisposed to flee, to not be subject to any supernatural powers said enemies may possess."
"Hey! Stop sticking me in that... *thing*! It's cold!"
Ray gives a nod of assent towards Vivilaas, falling back to Selkania's side and preparing to strike anything that attempts to assault her directly, for whatever that is worth.
"The wand of arcane bolts... that should work." for
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Ray blinks as Serithial drops his weapons and flees, inquiring to his companion's justifications for such an irrational action. "Serithial... the images are likely not even real, why are you--?" Ray cuts himself off as Serithial reaches a reasonable distance to even hear Ray's inquiry. Ray gestures to Doctor N. "Step back, Doctor. I will illuminate these adversaries."
After I started the sheet, I finally went back in time far enough to see the earlier disbursements. GM Lari - when did the last distribution start, or where are we at now? I imagine at the very least we have that wand of CMW we forgot we had, so we can employ that until we get back to a better place, like Torch.
Of note, apparently Ray purchased a +1 chain shirt at the end of book 1 that I never added to his sheet, so it appears he doesn't need the +1 studded so much after all. Also of note, he's been carrying around a 50 charge wand of infernal healing. Lastly, I never added the cloak of resistance or scrolls I had him purchasing either! He's done all of book 2 so far without any of that! /facepalm I haven't seen any evidence that as a group we actually did purchase the wand we all kept talking about (of CLW) at the end of book 1...
If you check the loot sheet, you'll see even after the bow juggle, the party pool now sits at ~7500gp. From the Smiler HQ, we also have over 10,000gp in wands and scrolls with nobody having laid a claim I can spot on them, so we should get those handed out since they will certainly be useful.
Selkania could cast Fireball she don't need a bow :) How about those magic crossbow bolts? I imagine you might as well take those for now..? Also, friendly reminder that Selk is I would imagine by default carrying the wand of cure moderate wounds (with 27 charges) that we obtained from the ratfolk on 1/1/2017.
The idea above leaves 64gp surplus. We also have 640gp in coins from that last encounter. Coins:
161 14 282 160 34.5 -- 651.5 If we sell the 20 bullets (20gp value, forgot that) for 10gp and the battery (100gp value) for 50gp, that's another 60gp. The 24 silverdisks are worth 240gp (10gp each). That's now 651.5+60+240=951.5gp which we can take 750gp for a party wand of cure light wounds, this leaves 201.5gp to add to the party pool. I imagine we could be able to dig one of those up in Scrapwall? Note, we still have the fire extinguisher which is worth a whopping 6000gp, although I'm not sure if that is able to be pawned in Scrapwall. Link for those who want to see a loot sheet with just this last encounter - I may try to backfill this and keep it updated.
Normally I see AP PbP groups just kind of accumulate a stagnant party pool, so hopefully I don't seem overboard by trying to buck that trend for a change. Just focusing on weapons/armor... So far we have:
This Leaves For Sale...
Sales:
Value Sell at 1/2 mastework hand crossbow 400 200 mwk leather x2 320 160 longsword 15 7.5 mwk chain shirt 250 125 mwk buckler 155 77.5 gunslingers pistols x2 2000 1000 mwk sap 301 150.5 mwk lt mace 305 152.5 TOTAL 3746 1873 So 3746gp in weapon and armors; at half price the proceeds are 1873, and I imagine there's enough thugs and warriors interested in half-price items we should be able to hawk these in an afternoon in Scrapwall. Idea: What if either Seri or Ray take the +1 comp longbow since it's an exact match for our Strengths? (I suggest Seri since Ray has spells that can be employed at range) We spring for an adaptive masterwork darkwood composite longbow for Vaughn (1430gp). We spring for a mwk darkwood composite longbow (2Str) for Ray (630gp). 1873
We're 187gp short. But the 3 human bane arrows alone have a value of 503.5gp, at half that's 251.7gp, leaving us 64gp in surplus in parting with those. The three bane arrows amount to three shots at an extra 2d6 damage (ignoring their +2 to hit), so we're talking about giving up 21 damage ever for that constant +2 to +4 on our trio of bows for all future shots. Thoughts?
Here's the arming of our group. Melee
Ranged
It's in character at this point for Ray to logically lecture everyone that we should prepare to face opponents on catwalks in the future, which means properly arming everyone - since that's the challenge we "kind of" just faced. I recommend our 3 melee all get appropriate longbows since we can all use them. Seri should ditch the longbow with no bonus due to strength. Anyone who plans on boosting their strength as they level we should eventually plan for an adaptive enchant for them (is that just Vaughn?). The 7 +1 bolts make sense for Selkania as she has archery feats to use with the crossbow. Did Selkania plan to eventually get proficiency with a longbow too or was the plan to use a different ranged weapon. Here's the base chassis bows I recommend for the trio of our melee to go ranged when needed: * Masterwork darkwood comp longbow 430gp (can have adaptive added for 1000gp)
Loot:
* 2x potions,Cure Moderate Wounds (drank)
* 2x mwk leather armor
* 345 sp, 282 gp, 16 pp
Folks, lay claim to items from the above. I imagine we can sell the rest for gold in the current day since we're in a town? Perhaps use the gold for a fully charged cure light wand. I put some ideas for who could take things.
Ray gestures to their recently procured inventory. "We should pay attention to our acquisitions and ensure we employ them to bolster our efforts." He gestures to Birdfoot's corpse. "We may not realize it, but we appear to be continuously fighting in life or death situations." Kneeling over the fallen archer, he adds. "This armor is magical, and would be an upgrade to that which I am wearing." He then lifts the bow. "I also do not possess a ranged weapon. While I have yet to employ one, it would seem we should all prepare for the eventual inevitability of adversaries at range or those who have taken flight." He presses the two potions into Serithial and Vaughn's hands. "These will be useful if you ever need to strike at something more than ten feet away."
Ray consents to the deployment of the newly found potions. "Yes, it is practical to return Vaughn and Serithial to fighting form. The probability is not inconsequential that additional Smilers may be present within this area and engage us with hostile force." Ray continues to stand guard as the woman is addressed, appearing mildly curious as to her statement regarding her presence, captivity, name and purpose.
Ray acknowledges the archer's prowess as he closes in, circling around and seeming to indicate his intentions to flank with Serithial. "It would be wise to disarm this man of his weapon." Ray opts to do as he suggests, striking to relieve the man of his bow.
Somewhere from deep within Ray's person, below his skin, a brilliant blue glow seems to emanate as he concentrates, timing the archer's movements before striking quickly to snatch the man's weapon.
Ray, upon receiving updated intel that the archer has dropped down into melee, doubles back and approaches the last of the Smilers. Brandishing his weapon, he waits for his opponent to approach.
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Ray sighs, not finding stairs up within the room, and finally assesses the final likely point of ascending to a level that will match the gravity-enhanced archer. He observes for a brief moment the impressive somersault-combination of Serithial-Vaughn, but nonetheless approaches his third door within twenty seconds, throwing it open.
Ray tilts his head slightly, hearing arcane syllables through the door. "Magical wards. This one wards against fire and heat." Crossing the walkway, he stands in front of the western doors. "I would assess the probability that any hostile forces within to be less than three percent, given they have not opened the doors and joined the current battle." As if to provide it to himself, Ray opens one of these doors.
Ray swiftly shuts the door then quickly summarizes the interior for the others. "Archer. Birds, quantity three. Five feet up."
Ray looks at scratches on his exposed arms and pauses for the briefest moment, contemplating if the tumbleweeds could be poisonous, and what likely effects that may cause. Ray, realizing he's next to the door to the interior where he has received several independent reports of a possible archer, opts to open the door and see what's inside despite his blade's protests. "Wait! Don't open that door, are you---"
Ray gives a look at the brush, seeming to study it. "Curious, the bush seems to be... alive." His sword agrees. "Yes! Kill it!" Weaving his magic once again into a pair of strikes, Ray slashes at the plant.
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Ray hustles up the stairs taking advantage of the Smiler's shock and moving past Serithial. As he jogs ahead, he slides his blackened blade from its scabbard, who shouts for all to hear. "Surprise Smilers!" Ray glances down at the weapon for a moment, but has little opportunity to comment on the fact that the Smilers do, in fact, appear surprised.
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Ray glances towards Doctor N, then up again at the Smiler that spoke in order to reply. "Affirmative. Come along, Doctor." If Ray has a plan, he does little to convey it by way of any discrete expression to his allies. *Should I start looking for a new wielder? Not a fan of some Smiler waving me around... probably get me all greasy.*
Ray glances up. *Now you've done it.* Ignoring his blade for a moment, Ray considers glancing to his allies, but ascertains that would give away their position unnecessarily. *You couldn't tell a life if your life depended on it, boss.* Blinking, he looks up. "I'm... looking for a way in." He shields his eyes, as if that would be enough to shield his body from any projectiles they might launch. "Could you help me?"
Ray, observing his allies crouch low and make their way to the wall, does his best to do the same. He briefly considers vocalizing why they would all attempt stealth, but realizes this would run counter to his need to be quiet. He then briefly considers using invisibility, knowing that it would only affect a single member of their group, while wondering which member would most likely require such magical aid.
This, of course, leaves Ray standing in the open for several moments.
Ray begins to point out the obvious. "I believe Dinvaya clothing would qualify as mundane equipment..." Always skeptical if his point was in fact correct, Ray unabashedly detects for magical auras from her garments to ensure he was, in fact, correct.
With his foe sandwiched between himself and Vaughn, Ray goes in for a pair of strikes of his own.
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"Vaughn's assessment is correct, I would additional assistance beneficial, although I do not believe I am in need of 'saving'." Ray's blade continues to glow with arcane energy as he makes a pair of strikes.
Ray Status: [ooc]HP: 21/43 Spells:
Pool +2 remaining: 4/5
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As the lights go out, Ray's sword pipes up. "Heeeey! Mood lighting!" Ray's sword leaps to his hand as he advances, somewhat hesitantly, but more from confusion on how the lighting is supposed to affect his mood rather than fear at engaging their latest adversaries. Ray blinks as he steps into the darkness. "Normally I can see in total darkness, but this appears... more total." Ray's weapon shudders as he closes in . "I got this, boss!" for
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Ray is at least able to ascertain his allies' actions and holds up his hands with his blade sheathed (likely against its will). He makes a particular effort not to step forward or appear hostile. He then states the obvious. "Please be apprised that I have both hands in the air and am making no hostile actions or gestures."
As expected, Ray added a level of Magus. Feats selected: Weapon Focus: Cutlass (bonus), Combat Casting Spells added to spellbook: Bladed Dash, Invisibility Changes to spells prepared: Corrosive Touch, Invisibility Skills: Acrobatics +1, Engineering +1, Linguistics +4 Languages learned: Aquan, Auran, Ignan, Terran From this post to "add to" the spellbook (non illusion/conjuration spells): 1: Frostbite
I imagine for now we are preparing directly from her spellbook vs spending $ to transfer to our own spellbooks.
Ray blinks a few times and allows himself a nearly imperceptible nod. "I agree with Serithial. Establishing contact with the rival Steel Hawks to obtain information about each of the Lords of Rust is a logical and wise course of action to pursue." Ray begins to enumerate several objectives. "In addition to the obtainment of any whereabouts that the rivals would possess, we should ascertain the strengths and weaknesses of each of the leaders. Perhaps they will even provide assistance."
Ray glances at Vaughn for the briefest moment. "Take him...? Back to Torch? Should we not-" *TAKE HIM DOWN*! "Below ground?" Ray ducks as he contemplates where he would need to take the ogrekin, struggling to work his magic with his attacks as he ponders how Vaughn and his blade may know about chambers below the fort.
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"Hostile intent confirmed." *Ya think?* Ray ignores his blade as he quickly glides across the room to engage the oversized brute. for Ray Status:
Ray tilts his head, hoping to assess the ogrekin's request and find an indication that he is friend, not foe... although Ray was perhaps the worst read of emotion or intent in others.
Ray advances, his smaller blade somehow more menacing than the ranseur he first used when you met him. "It is only practical that you should tender your surrender now, commander-of-undead minions who are now twiced deceased..."
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Ray steps ahead of Seri and works his magic into a pair of swift strikes with his blackened blade.
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Ray avoids the worst of the lightning and quickly and wordlessly sets to work on the zombie in front of him with his newly augmented strength.
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Ray quickly scans the interior of the room, reporting on its contents. "Three zombies are present - likely animated by a hobgoblin necromancer." He then steps back, hoping to draw them into a single chokepoint while he summons additional strength for his next attack.
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Ray looks to his allies to ensure they are hearing what he is and moves up to the door , also assessing their remaining assailant in this room will not remain for more than a few more seconds.
Ray takes a slight step back as his last image means an end to his superior defenses. He capitalizes on his positioning with Seri to hopefully make quick work of his lone remaining thing, once again weaving his magic with his strikes for two swift attacks.
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Ray, observing his images last for a shorter duration than Vaughn's attention span, works to quickly eliminate one of their many foes.
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Ray stands for a moment, his eyes scanning the room. "We should proceed with caution." Standing in the front, Ray ascertains he has two choices. 1. Enter the room and draw them to himself, allowing his allies to also file into the room. 2. Stand his ground at the entrance, ensuring that only a single foe can attack at a time.
"I will enter the room and draw their attention." Ray steps forward and conjures several copies of himself, hoping he made the correct assessment.
Ray confirms his assent without a nod. "I agree. The probability of encountering the least amount of hostile resistance is greatest behind the hidden entrance. In fact, the probability exceeds 99%. Provided a few additional moments, I could provide the details to at least five significant digits, if that would help convince anyone whom is still unconvinced?"
Ray blinks a few times, looking at the surrounding area and his companions. "Without proper spells to mask our approach, those of us less inclined in scouting should find a suitable location to wait for our allies."
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