Shayde, Shadow's Champion's page

Shayde was also mutating in some interesting ways, though he was technically the recipient of the entity's 'blessing'. We were just in discussion about how to make one part more worth using. (he could have made a blade out of his blood, but it lacked the ability to penetrate DR, making it inferior to the cold iron shortsword).

His arm was also turning into a snake. Hence his keeping it hidden all the time. This was frustrating him significantly.

Hope all goes well for you, Icehawk! Maybe we'll find someone else to GM. Or just go out separate ways.

If you need to take a break, take a break. As said, those of us here are the patient ones, and I've not always been the most reliable of posters myself.

Shayde and Stalker take advantage of the tiefling's distraction to dart up to the other side of the room, before launching attacks on one of them.

Stab: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Sneaky damage: 1d6 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 2 + (5) = 11

Slam: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6 + Weakening Touch

Shayde and Stalker creep up to the doorway in order to spy on those beyond, and perhaps hear what they're talking about.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

Also, what's the lighting situation like in here?

SS: 2d20 ⇒ (3, 8) = 11

Stalker and Shaydde have Stealth of 16. Meh-ish.

Hey, at least Shayde will get to show off some breaking-and-entering skills here. As if the door is barred in addition to locked, he can always just send Stalker to open it from the other side.

Shayde steps up to the door, Stalker following. He listens for the sounds of foes on the other side, and tries to disable any lock on the door, as well as checking if the door is barred from the other side.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13
Disable Device: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 9 + 1 = 30

Shayde slides around into a flanking position, while studying the howler for a future strike.

Using Studied Target. Now flanking with Lina, she may be able to sneak attack if she moves after him. I don't remember exact order here.

This creature being to big to try to trip easily, Stalker just tries to hit it with a weakening blow.

Slam: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7 -2 str to howler if it hits. Not cold iron (though I can't remember if that matters for howlers).

Did you roll critical damage? Your damage roll only has one die in it...

Sorry for being kind of flaky here. I really mean to post more often. I don't even have a good excuse this time, unless you count being distracted by Kingdom Hearts III.

Also, the dice continue to hate me.

Will: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
Stalker is an Outsider

Some of Shayde's wounds heal up, and Stalker seems to grow more substantial with the healing.

Unshaken by the Howler's howl, and no longer quite so critically wounded, Shayde slips through the mist, attempting to slide out of sight as he comes around behind the vermleck, while Stalker tries to render it more vulnerable.

Stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11
Stalker Trip: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Stab: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Sneak damage, if stealth succeeds: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Also, Shayde cast Obscuring Mist on his last turn, so visibility has gotten poor. Not sure if people were noting that.

Badly wounded, strangely glowing blood dripping from his gashes, Shayde steps back from the battle, and then exhales as he summons a cloud of shadowy mist, obscuring sight to cover a retreat.

Stalker, its substance growing somewhat thin, follows the step, and keeps up its defensive posture to ward off the demons that remain.

Shayde casts Obscuring Mist. Stalker stays in total defense. Both are pretty badly wounded.

Shayde grunts as the vermleck deals him a vicious blow. He wouldn't be able to hold out forever here. Still, he aims at least one more blow at the vermlek in return.

Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Stalker focuses on defense, in order to continue holding off the howler and the other vermlek. (Total defense, raises AC to 20 for the round)

Stalker attempts to hinder the remaining nearby vermlek to leave it open for Shayde's attacks. Firstly it attempts to momentarily blind it with it's own opaque shadow-stuff; if it succeeds it follows up with a trip, otherwise trying again with it's other limb.

Dirty Trick: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Dirty Trick/Trip: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

Shayde drives in with a stab against the hopefully vulnerable vermlek.

Stab: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Sneak damage (if applicable): 1d6 ⇒ 2

Both move back a few feet towards the others. (5=foot steps)

Stalker's form seems to become more nebulous as the howler scores a solid blow. It focuses on defending itself to buy the others more time. It does, however, still lash out at the vermleck between itself and Lina, trying to knock it to the ground. If it succeeds on the first attempt, it follows up with a weakening slam.

Trip: 1d20 + 7 - 4 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 7 - 4 + 2 = 11
Trip: 1d20 + 7 - 4 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 7 - 4 + 2 = 10
Okay, neither of those will succeed, so I won't bother rolling an attack.

Stalker fights defensively, boosting its AC to 18 for the round

Shayde snarls silently as the vermlek scratches him with its sword, dripping oddly luminous blood. In keeping with the idea of focusing down opponents, he attacks the cultist between himself and Hanna.

Flank Stab: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22
Sneaky Damage: 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (4, 4) + 2 = 10

Though really, to tell the truth, I've had a bit of a creative slump the last week or two and have been falling behind on my PBPs. Trying to pull myself out of it, but still a bit behind.

Ach, forgot I hadn't done this one. Busy now, will try to post in the evening.

Stalker Reflex: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

The howler's quills seem to have little effect on Stalker's shadowy form.

Stalker hp 33 -> 25 after applying DR 5/Slashing (assuming bite is slashing)

First, Stalker slides over and tries to disrupt one of the vermleks attacking Lina, attempting to drag it into a position where Shayde could flank it. If successful on the first attempt, it then tries to trip the creature. Stalker can't really damage demons, but it can really annoy them via Deft Manuvers.

Reposition: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12 Trying to move it 5ft 'down'
Reposition/trip: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

Shayde then steps up to stab the vermlek, preferably with newfound advantage. If not, then he moves up to hit it anyway, stepping into that same square.
Stab: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14 +2 more if in flanking
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5 Cold Iron
Sneak damage (if flanking): 1d6 ⇒ 2

"We may not be able to slay this many in a single assault. Do we have a plan to retreat if necessary?

Shayde and Stalker join the rush, attacking one cultist in tandem before he has a chance to notice the duo.

Stab: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Damage (w/sneak): 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (6, 5) + 2 = 13

Slam: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7 + weakening blow

Really? Another one?

Oh yeah, first action was surprise, right? Or was that utter failure of an attempt to hide not counting...

Shayde and Stalker wordlessly slip into hiding, as usual.

Stealth Synergy: 2d20 ⇒ (3, 1) = 4

Wow.

That's an 11 and a 10. Even rolling two dice can't save you from bad rolls sometimes.

We'll have to explore the whole thing to make it worth it, right?

Razzocnor, as usual.

That would be fine. Either way works alright for me.

Ah, I see it. I'll take note of that.

Shayde shrugs. "Neither here nor there will be safe. Every blade is needed in every place. Where you go is your choice to make."

Perhaps we should start planning our approach?

I think I'm about done with shopping. Just a MW weapon, really.

Let's see, 2925/5 = 505.8 gp each, assuming an equal split. I'll work with that.

That would work too. It does tend to even out in the end.

Shayde could benefit from a better weapon and armor. I'll look into the shopping.

That ring is the only high value item we've got this time, and it's about as valuable as the whole rest of the haul. Probably say that whoever takes it, gets a reduced share of the cash. You can't have ALL the shiny things, Hanna.

"While time is of the essence, we may need to rest and prepare for our assault"

Aside from that comment, Shayde mostly leaves the explaining to others and lurks someplace he can keep a watch out on the ruined city beyond. He also doesn't bother dismissing Stalker this time, letting the silent shade loom near him.

Shayde searches to see if, like the other ruin they've investigated, there might be a basement or underground chamber that was missed.

Stalker Aid: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
Perception: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 9 + 2 = 12

Blegh. Rolling a one again.

We could try cleaning out the last safehouse before going home. The next one was the last one, right?

Shayde can do a little bit of light healing in a pinch, but isn't a very potent healer.

Hmm, not really that interested in the loot. Weapons need to be cold iron for hurting demons, and +1 leather armor is kind of silly in being basically studded leather that costs way more. Potions could be handy, but not sure if we want to have specific people carrying them or not.

With a thought, Shayde summons a few orbs of darkness and sends them up the stairs to snuff out the dim lights above. Then he and Stalker slink up as well, to capitalize on the darkness and distraction.

Casting Dancing Darkness, then stealth up stairs

Stealth Synergy: 2d20 ⇒ (11, 6) = 17

20 for Shayde, 19 for Stalker

Hmm, not good at that. Up to GM if we do.

"Fine."

Shayde doesn't bother with silly questions, and instead steps forward, slides his short sword out of his cloak, and thrusts at the cultist.

Surprise Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Sneaky Damage: 1d6 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + 2 + (1) = 6

Stalker acts nearly simultaneously to do similarly.

Slam: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5+Weakening Touch (2 STR)

Anybody want to try to have a conversation here before Shayde exploits the element of surprise to get stabby?

I think we're headed downstairs and waiting for the description of the person who matters.

What's the lighting situation? Do the cultists look like people who can see in the dark?

Shayde and Stalker enter; Shayde idly wonders how the cultists will react to the shade... while plotting how best to assault them when the time came.

Not sure. Should we just barge on up to the door and look at it?

Shayde gazed after the departing man. It wasn't worth the effort to hunt him down right now, not with the difficulty provided by invisibility. Next time he would have to be ready. And perhaps he would fight some foes elsewhere. For now, there was the tower.
"Should I scout ahead?"

Stalker AAO: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Too sleepy right now to do anything fancy. Maybe post again in the morning.

Shayde and Stalker silently assault this foe. They had little to say in this matter. Shayde steps into flanking. (Assuming that since only one flanking partner, Stalker can't flank as well. If it can, add 2 to its attacks.)

Stab: 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 2 + 1 = 10
Damage: 1d6 + 2 + 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (6) + 2 + 1 + (1) = 10

Stalker Slam: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
Slam damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Stalker Slam: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Slam damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
If either slam hits, -2 to strength for a minute.
Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
Crit Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Well, at least Stalker can roll.

Shayde and Stalker lunge from hiding. Shayde moves into a flanking position with Hanna and stabs at this demonic foe.

Attack: 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 2 + 1 = 11
Damage: 1d6 + 2 + 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 1 + (2) = 9

Stalker tries to snatch the man's spear

Disarm: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

"Ware the Shadows, corrupted one."

Well, that was a bad roll. Waste of a surprise attack.

Assuming we're starting from around 60 feet, apparently.

Shayde and Stalker slip closer; normally Shayde would have considered engaging with his bow, but he doubted his ability to pull it in his current state. However, if they hid, perhaps they could get behind the creature as it closed on the others. Shayde watched this demonic target closely, studying its movements.

Stealth Synergy: 2d20 ⇒ (13, 7) = 20
So that's 22 for Shayde and 21 for Stalker.

Also designating it as studied target.