JSL's Runelords Campaign

[Salome]

"Our time is limited. Let us proceed." Salome moves toward the back of the group to allow Malcolm past.
Prepare to cast Bless if there is something dangerous on the other side of the door.

[JSL]

If/When someone looks through the opening:

The person doing the looking needs to make a DC 18 Stealth check

Success or Failure:

Spoiler:

Beyond the opening you see what once might have been living quarters. Remains of a bed - now little more than a headboard and some runners - lie scattered on the floor. Shelves line the walls, each stocked with books scrolls. A heavy wooden table stands near the bed. A book lies open on its surface and a high backed chair is pulled up on the opposite side. Lighting in the room is provided by a pair of taper candles on the desk. They burn with a purplish light that casts strange shadows and is strangely uncomfortable to look at.

Success:

Spoiler:

Perched on the back of the chair is the quasit. She actually looks rather comical as she is wearing a too-large pair of spectacles and is studying the book on the table while running her hands over a wrought iron rod about a foot long and an inch in diameter. She does not appear to notice you.

Failure:

Spoiler:

The candlelight wavers for a second as if a gentle breeze has passed over it.

[Slidell Stormraven]

As the group breaks up and turns towards the door. Slidell ,quietly as possible, levers his crossbow and places a bolt on it, then after a moment of consideration, allows it to hang by it's strap once more. He flexes his fingers on the carved staff in his grip, his lips moving silently as he reviews his spells.

He tries to move to where he can get a clear shot at the door, or at least the top of the door, if/when something presents itself as a target.

[Ehlissa Briez]

Ehlissa gestures at Mal to have a look, indicating that she will alert to danger.

[Sir Malcolm of Riddleport]

Zieke Halveran wrote:

"As for the door..." he muses, "Maybe see if Mal can sneak up to see what's on the other side. If it's too tight to slip past, we just yank it open and hurry through..."

"I'd be game for that. Before we go in, lets put the nets over the entrances. I'd ahte for the witch to escape, or show up and make a bad fight worse."

Vesh wrote:

Vesh nods, gingerly drops his pack to the floor, and produces a flask of Alchemist’s Fire. “What about one of these?” He asks the others in a hushed voice. “If it is the Wrathspawn, Mal could hurl one of these at it as he sneaks up to the door. Then we could rush the room and dispatch it as it burns.”

"Keep em'." Mal says with a grin. "I've got a few of my own."

Zieke Halveran wrote:

"Alright," he nods, "Mal and me to the door. The rest of you ready your weapons. Mal? You look through the gap. If it's something dangerous you give me the sign and together, we'll open the door.

Ehlissa Brieze wrote:

Ehlissa gestures at Mal to have a look, indicating that she will alert to danger.

Malcolm nods and creeps forward to peek through the door.

Stealth 18;Perception 13 How far away from the door are we? Are we far enough away that I could whisper to everyone without being heard?

He freezes when he sees the quasit, waiting to move until he's certain she didn't see him. Quite as a mouse, he slowly returns "Demon" he mouths.

[Zieke Halveran]

Sir Malcolm of Riddleport wrote:

He freezes when he sees the quasit, waiting to move until he's certain she didn't see him. Quite as a mouse, he slowly returns "Demon" he mouths.

Zieke's eyes widen as he recognizes the warning. Then he looks back at the rest of the party and nods vigorously, holding up his hand and indicating he and Mal are going through and they should follow. Then he whispers to Mal that he'll move the door so he can squeeze through.

"Have a net ready...and give me one, too. We'll try and bag her before she can fly away or turn invisible on us."

[Sir Malcolm of Riddleport]

Zieke Halveran wrote:

Sir Malcolm of Riddleport wrote:

He freezes when he sees the quasit, waiting to move until he's certain she didn't see him. Quite as a mouse, he slowly returns "Demon" he mouths.

Zieke's eyes widen as he recognizes the warning. Then he looks back at the rest of the party and nods vigorously, holding up his hand and indicating he and Mal are going through and they should follow. Then he whispers to Mal that he'll move the door so he can squeeze through.

"Have a net ready...and give me one, too. We'll try and bag her before she can fly away or turn invisible on us."

Mal nods and hands Zieke a net. "Here's to good luck." he whispers, downing a potion and following Zieke, net at the ready.

Drinking a potion og Mage Armor. My AC is now 18. Init 18

[JSL]

So Zieke is opening and Mal is bagging? Zieke roll a Strength check to see how quickly you can yank the door open. Everyone can roll initiative. Mal is already in with an 18. You can also each take up to a round worth of preparatory actions (e.g, drinking potions)

Note that the room is not overly large - think the size of a hotel suite - so you're probably not all going to pile in there.

[Vesh]

Initiative (1d20+6=18).

Round of prep: Vesh casts Detect Magic and sustains it until he has something to shoot at with his bow.

[Slidell Stormraven]

Slidell's INIT Roll: (1d20+2=20)

Wow, Slidell is WIRED! :)

Slidell continues to nervously clench and unclench his staff as Malcolm quietly approaches the door.

Malcolm wrote:

Quite as a mouse, he slowly returns. "Demon" he mouths.

As Malcolm hands Zieke a net and downs a potion, and Vesh concentrates on a spell, Slidell seems momentarily frozen. Before anyone can determine if he is lost in thought, or frozen with fear, a swift, silent butt of his familiar's head causes him to blink and begin moving. He very, very slowly and carefully places his shuttered lantern on the ground. With a casual motion that belies the intensity in his eyes, he strokes his cloak clasp as he murmurs an inaudible word. A silver sheen swiftly passes over the mage and his familiar, leaving only a slight glow behind. It is barely visible even in the darkness, and looks more like reflected moonlight than powerful magic.

Slidell's hand emerges from his cloak with what first appears to be a wand, but you realize is an unlit sunrod. As he falls in with the others creeping slowly towards the door, the shadows seem to once more gather under his wider-brimmed hat as he gathers his power. He catches Vesh's eye and smiles, his teeth shining pearls in the shadowy darkness.

"Payback's a B!t@h." He mouths soundlessly.

In the 'prep round', I use my Item to cast Prot/Evil. Thanks to the 'Share Spells' ability, as long as Veran stays within 5' of me, he benefits from both my Mage Armor and Prot/Evil too. Sli's AC vs. Evil is now 18, And Veran's is now 21. PLUS he gets to use me as cover! ;P The reason Sli pulled out the sunrod was he thought that if the strange light goes out, it might be nice to have something to easily throw into the room to re-illuminate it! (Of course, then he had a fleeting thought of pretending the sunrod was a powerful wand,...) ;)

[Zieke Halveran]

Zieke drapes the net given to him by Mal over his shield for now, so it'll be within easy reach later. Then, he quietly sheathes his sword and grasps the edge of the door. With a mighty tug, he pulls it open as far as he can...

Zieke's STR check... (1d20+3=18)

"GO!" he bellows, urging Mal on and letting the others verbally know that this is their best opportunity.

Initiative check... (1d20+2=19)

He then hurries behind him, drawing the net off his shield and having it ready to hurl with his other hand if the quasit comes his way.

[Ehlissa Briez]

Initiative (1d20+5=12)

Ehlissa moves to assist in whatever way possible.

[Salome]

Initiative (1d20+1=18)

Salome intones a prayer to invoke Sarenrae's blessings on the group and grasps her scimitar and follows Vesh as they push into the room.

Cast Bless; will either employ Light of Lunia or Spiritual Weapon once we're in.

[Slidell Stormraven]

Clarification, as the DM has noted that the room will likely not let us all charge in, (And Sli has learned his lesson in THAT regard anyway!) Slidell is staying back, trying to get a clear view of the Imp. He is waiting (readied action?) to blast the lil demon as soon as enough of it is visible to be a viable target for Magic Missile!

[Ehlissa Briez]

Ehlissa looks at the wizard as if to say "Stay there, you bloody loon!" and seeks the first opportunity to subdue whatever may be against them.

[JSL]

What's up with all the 18 inits? Let's see if I can get this all in the right order. I wrote up the list, then dropped Slidell and Vesh because there is nothing for them to do until after Zieke acts. The quasit is last, so it really makes no difference what order you go in. Except remember that the room is on the small side.

Initiative:
----------
Zieke 19
Malcolm 18 (3)
Slidell 20
Vesh 18 (6)
Salome 18 (1)
Ehlissa 12
Quasit 8

Zieke grabs the door and yanks hard. The hinges groan and shudder as chunks of stone spall away and the door tumbles open allowing Malcolm to slip through.

The quasit looks up from the books she is studying with a look of bemused horror on her tiny face as Malcolm flings the net towards her. She waves the rod in her hand as if warding herself with it.

Opening the door counts as Zieke's action for the round. Vesh can attempt a shot with his bow, although Mal provides cover for the quasit. Malcolm can make a ranged touch attack with the net and then a grapple check using his base attack + Dex modifier for the net to start a grapple with the quasit.

Vesh, you detect a number of overlapping magical auras within the room. However, you don't have time to sort them out as battle is joined.

[Ehlissa Briez]

Ehlissa moves to block the doorway, ready to strike should the beast move to escape.

Ready action to attack if it flies past

[Sir Malcolm of Riddleport]

"We're baaack!" Malcolm shouts to the surprised Quasit in a slightly sing-song voice, tossing the net at her.
Ranged touch attack 14

[Slidell Stormraven]

"Oh QUEEN-IE! I'm HO-OME!" Slidell hollers as he catches a glimpse of the quasit's tiny terrified face past Malcolm as the other enters the room and throws the net.

"And you've got some 'SPLAININ' TO DO!" "Shapak Sashara!" He cries, striking the ground with the butt of his staff for emphasis. Two familiar blazing bolts materialize and scream past Zieke, into the room, around Malcolm and slam into the Quait as the net reaches out for her.

MM Dmg roll: (1d4 1=5, 1d4 1=2)

MM dmg =7 total

[Salome]

Spotting the quasit through the open door, Salome lifts her scimitar and moves it in the shape of an ankh. "[i]Sarenrae, guide thy blessed weapon to strike true," she prays, then "Zimit'r bajSarenrae!" A golden scimitar appears over the priestess. As she points her own weapon toward the quasit, the scimitar of Sarenrae rushes toward the demon and strikes it.

Cast Spiritual Weapon, directed at the quasit, of course. Move action to elbow Slidell in the ribs. (Leave it to the guy in the back to instigate a fight. Sheesh!) ;)
Spiritual weapon attack (1d20+6=17)
Damage (1d8+1=8)

[Vesh]

JSL, a few quick questions to clarify.

1. If Vesh fires now, is this a sneak attack?
2. If Vesh readies until the Quasit charges, assuming it remains visible, is that a sneak attack?
3. How many feet from Vesh is the book that the Quasit is studying, and can Vesh see it?

[Ehlissa Briez]

Ehlissa rolls her eyes at Slidell. "Just stay there, you idiot!" she shouts.

[Slidell Stormraven]

Salome wrote:

Move action to elbow Slidell in the ribs.

"Oof!" Slidell grunts as Salome's armored elbow nudges him none too gently in the ribs, causing him to take a step to the side and giving the Priestess the clear view she needed to direct her attack.

Ehlissa wrote:

Ehlissa rolls her eyes at Slidell. "Just stay there, you idiot!" she shouts.

"What is this, 'abuse the Mage day'?" Slidell grumbles to Veran. He looks at Zieke.

"I think she's talking to you." He says deadpan.

Salome wrote:

(Leave it to the guy in the back to instigate a fight. Sheesh!) ;)

Hey, I do what I can. ;) Chaos, Confusion, Mayhem, My work here is done! :D

Seriously, I just wanted to make sure I got at least one shot off. I can't target with MM if it's invisible. Even if it's in a net.

[Veran "Dark Wind"]

Safe, and almost invisible in the shadowed gloom currently clinging under the wide brim of Slidell's hat, Veran adds to the sudden din with a screeching battle cry of his own as warriors and spells burst into the room to assault the hapless Imp.

"YES!" He screams as Slidell's magical bolts slam into the tiny demon. "Take that 'POLLY'! How d'ya like those crackers 'POLLY'? I got yer crackers right here 'POLLY'!"

The shadows clinging to Slidell fade slightly as the mage slowly turns his head to stare, wide-eyed, at his familiar's uncommon outburst.

Clearly, the wizard is not the only one who has issues that need to be dealt with regarding the raven's recent kidnapping,...

[Vesh]

Vesh grits his teeth as Malcolm, and then the bottleneck at the door, prevents him from getting a clear shot at the demon with his bow. Slidell side-steps in front of Vesh and

Slidell Stormraven wrote:

"Shapak Sashara!" he cries, striking the ground with the butt of his staff for emphasis. Two familiar blazing bolts materialize and scream past Zieke, into the room, around Malcolm and slam into the Quait as the net reaches out for her.

Suddenly, Vesh has a moment of clarity. An idea strikes as he sees Slidell standing in front of him and as he catches a glimpse of the demon perched on the chair as Malcolm's net arcs towards her.

Vesh, droping his readied arrow, reaches out to touch Slidell. "I am sorry, my friend," he says rather unapologetically. Moments later, two flashes of light burst forth from Vesh's extended fingers and slam into the demon.

Magic Missile (1d4 +1=3, 1d4+1=4). Total damage = 7.

I'll let Slidell provide the color commentary on the experience.

[Slidell Stormraven]

Slidell stared at the raven on his shoulder, who was glaring with malicious glee as Salome's holy weapon entered the fray.

"Um. Is there something you'd like to share with the class?" The wizard asked his familiar, just a little uncomfortable with how much Veran seems to be enjoying the impending mayhem.

"No. I'm good." The black bird replied, eyes glued to the action. Slidell felt a light touch on his other shoulder.

"Well, ok, If that's how you feel,..." He started to say as he turned his head toward the touch. He got about halfway around and heard "I am sorry, my friend," before his world exploded into painless agony and pitch black bursts of lights.

Slidell jerked as if shocked. Veran jerked as well, his beak opened in a painful screech that echoed his master's silent scream. The shadows which had been clinging to them rushed like water from the mage and up Vesh's arm to surround the young spellthief instead. Vesh pulled back his hand, and Slidell sagged. Only his reflexive grasp of his darkwood staff prevented him from falling to his knees, or worse.

Vesh blinked, and his eyes were solid black, like a fathomless shadow. The stolen knowledge shining brightly in his mind, the young Varisian casually raised his hand and flicked his fingers towards the battle. "Shapak Sashara!" He commanded, his voice echoing oddly as the obligatory pearls of light obediently formed and streaked towards their intended target.

Slidell pressed the heel of his hand to his temple as he clung to the staff with the other.
"That's it." He murmured to his familiar, barely audible over the clash of joining battle. "Take a note. Next 'Abuse The Mage Day', WE are taking a HOLIDAY!"
"Ye little gods and goddesses Vesh!" Slidell cursed at his normal volume. "You never said anything about the pain!" He blinked and looked around. "Ah. That's better. I see your talents weren't exaggerated. But, as you warned, I cannot seem to recall how to cast that spell again. I can see it, I just can't, quite, reach it. Which is bad, because I could have cast that spell another three times. SO, " He grinned at Vesh, who was standing there as the shadows dissipated and his eyes faded to normal, smiling slightly at something only he could see.

"NEXT, we work on timing! In the meantime, Plan B!" The mage exclaims.

He turns his head back to a now grumpy looking Veran. "Um. Did we have a plan B?"

Just a note, you get 2 missiles at caster lvl 3, Sli is currently casting at caster lvl 4 as a Sor. Wait, your tattoo gives you an extra caster lvl with Evocation doesn't it? Never mind! ;)

[Ehlissa Briez]

Well... that was odd...

[Vesh]

Slidell Stormraven wrote:

Just a note, you get 2 missiles at caster lvl 3, Sli is currently casting at caster lvl 4 as a Sor. Wait, your tattoo gives you an extra caster lvl with Evocation doesn't it? Never mind! ;)

Vesh casts it at whatever CL Sli would cast it--or just as if Sli had cast it. Whatever. You know what I mean.

"You'll get it back in a minute," blurts Vesh, eyes searching for the demon through the glut of bodies at the door. He makes to draw another arrow. "Plan B is the kill this thing."

Sorry, Rags, it was a calculated risk. The demon was behind cover (Mal)--essentially neutralizing Vesh's bonus with his bow, and even if Vesh used his medallion, there's no guarantee that he'd have hit it. MM seemed like a sure-fire damager before the thing became invisible. It may turn out to have been a bad decision.

[Sir Malcolm of Riddleport]

Wouldn't Vesh get Sneak Attack with Slidell's Magic Missile? Or is that possible only with spells that require an attack roll?

[Slidell Stormraven]

Vesh wrote:

Vesh casts it at whatever CL Sli would cast it--or just as if Sli had cast it. Whatever. You know what I mean.

Ah. In that case, that is a VERY cool power!

Vesh wrote:

"You'll get it back in a minute," blurts Vesh, eyes searching for the demon through the glut of bodies at the door. He makes to draw another arrow. "Plan B is to kill this thing."

"Hm. Simple. Direct. I like it!" Slidell smiles as he also turns back to the doorway and searches for their target amidst the chaos.

Vesh wrote:

Sorry, Rags, it was a calculated risk. The demon was behind cover (Mal)--essentially neutralizing Vesh's bonus with his bow, and even if Vesh used his medallion, there's no guarantee that he'd have hit it. MM seemed like a sure-fire damager before the thing became invisible. It may turn out to have been a bad decision.

No worries, more dmg early on is always better in a situation like this. It's just something that Sli would have been sure to point out! ;) Actually, this is pretty much what Sli/I was thinking of earlier when I posted asking about your abilities. The old 'Double-Whammy'!

[Vesh]

Sir Malcolm of Riddleport wrote:

Wouldn't Vesh get Sneak Attack with Slidell's Magic Missile? Or is that possible only with spells that require an attack roll?

I'm going to assume that the later applies here. It seems that the whole flavor of sneak attack is that the thief picks out an exposed spot to target. MM (at least in 3.5) is much more of a blunt force attack, IMO.

Slidell Stormraven wrote:

Vesh wrote:

Vesh casts it at whatever CL Sli would cast it--or just as if Sli had cast it. Whatever. You know what I mean.

Ah. In that case, that is a VERY cool power!

Agreed. It derives its balance from the fact that Vesh can only steal up to first level of arcane spells so far (at least until next level when he can then steal 2nd level spells).

[Slidell Stormraven]

Sir Malcolm of Riddleport wrote:

Wouldn't Vesh get Sneak Attack with Slidell's Magic Missile? Or is that possible only with spells that require an attack roll?

Vesh wrote:

I'm going to assume that the later applies here. It seems that the whole flavor of sneak attack is that the thief picks out an exposed spot to target. MM (at least in 3.5) is much more of a blunt force attack, IMO.

I agree, At least I think that is what the designers had in mind. You could argue it both ways until doomsday! :)

Vesh wrote:

Vesh casts it at whatever CL Sli would cast it--or just as if Sli had cast it. Whatever. You know what I mean.

Slidell wrote:

Ah. In that case, that is a VERY cool power!

"Vesh wrote:

Agreed. It derives its balance from the fact that Vesh can only steal up to first level of arcane spells so far (at least until next level when he can then steal 2nd level spells).

Hm. Next level Sli will take his 3rd lvl of Wiz and be able to cast 2nd level spells. How convenient! ;P

[Zieke Halveran]

Slidell Stormraven wrote:

Hm. Next level Sli will take his 3rd lvl of Wiz and be able to cast 2nd level spells. How convenient! ;P

Yeah, you two could become a regular Abbott & Costello. Three guesses on who gets to be Costello...and the first two don't count? ;-D

[JSL]

Malcolm wrote:

"We're baaack!" Malcolm shouts to the surprised Quasit in a slightly sing-song voice, tossing the net at her.

The net sails gracefully through the air, folding around the tiny demon, tangling her wings, and causing her to totter on the top of her chair.

Slidell wrote:

"Shapak Sashara!" He cries, striking the ground with the butt of his staff for emphasis. Two familiar blazing bolts materialize and scream past Zieke, into the room, around Malcolm and slam into the Quasit

The missiles arc towards the reeling quasit but in the instant before reaching her, they disperse in a field of magical static.

What's this? You seek to slay me with parlor tricks, mageling?

Vesh wrote:

Vesh, droping his readied arrow, reaches out to touch Slidell. "I am sorry, my friend," he says rather unapologetically. Moments later, two flashes of light burst forth from Vesh's extended fingers and slam into the demon.

Again the missiles vaporize before reaching their intended target.

I see you have partaken of the Mother's Milk, boy. Come and revel in Her power, boy. It will avail you more than the piddling 'magic' you have learned from your apprentice friend.

Salome wrote:

Spotting the quasit through the open door, Salome lifts her scimitar and moves it in the shape of an ankh. "Sarenrae, guide thy blessed weapon to strike true," she prays, then "Zimit'r bajSarenrae!" A golden scimitar appears over the priestess. As she points her own weapon toward the quasit, the scimitar of Sarenrae rushes toward the demon and strikes it.

The scimitar lances towards the quasit, cutting through the net without harming it and slicing the demon's wing.

Veran wrote:

"Take that 'POLLY'! How d'ya like those crackers 'POLLY'? I got yer crackers right here 'POLLY'!"

[i]Oh, birdie! So nice to hear your voice, the quasit responds mockingly, my master took care to protect me. Let's see if yours can do the same.

With that she whips the rod in her hand around to point towards the doorway where you are gathered and whispers something unintelligible. A spiral of flame engulfs the rod and shoots towards you in a widening vortex.

All: take 5 fire damage (Ref DC 12 for half)

When the flames clear, you note that the net is partially burned and smoking.

Some reference stuff: The quasit is grappled and cannot move. Malcolm is in the room, Zieke and Salome, and Ehlissa are right behind at the door and any could move to attack. Vesh and Slidell are behind them in the hallway. Since the quasit did not trigger Ehlissa's readied action, she is free to act.

Initiative
Zieke 19
Malcolm 18 (3)
Slidell 20
Vesh 18 (6)
Salome 18 (1)
Quasit 8
Ehlissa 8-

Vesh wrote:

JSL, a few quick questions to clarify.

1. If Vesh fires now, is this a sneak attack?

It would have been because the quasit is flat-footed until her turn. Regarding magic missile as a sneak attack, I'm inclined to rule "no", but it takes some lawyering. The description of sneak attack states that the rogue does extra damage on an attack and the definition of attack implies an attack roll. However, it is not directly stated (that I can see in the PHB) that sneak attack does not apply to auto-damage. Another reason I like 4e, none of this crap. For the record, I'm going to rule no sneak attack with auto-damage.

Vesh wrote:

2. If Vesh readies until the Quasit charges, assuming it remains visible, is that a sneak attack?

Only if you had some way to make it so she couldn't see you (e.g., falling back and hiding around the corner or in the room with the basin)

Vesh wrote:

3. How many feet from Vesh is the book that the Quasit is studying, and can Vesh see it?

It is 5-10 feet from the door. You can see it if you push your way up to the front of the line.

[Zieke Halveran]

Reflex save... (1d20+7=22)

Zieke is able to look just past the gap between his shield and the iron door to see the quasit's fiery attack coming his way. He ducks behind the door temporarily and gives a warning to the others in the hall. Even so, he still gets singed slightly. Once the blast passes, he then hurries into the room.

Upon seeing Mal's net is partly damaged by the fire, Zieke throws himself at the little demon in an effort to keep her occupied...also hoping to restrict her use of the magical rod again.

"Oh no you don't..." he snarls as he comes eye-to-eye with the horrid beast.

Melee touch attack to initiate a grapple... (1d20+4 = 21 to hit)
With Improved Grapple, Zieke doesn't provoke an attack of opportunity. If he hits, he initiates a grapple as a free action.
Opposed grapple check... (1d20+8=26)
The quasit will need to oppose Zieke's grapple to determine the outcome. Assuming she's Tiny, she'll suffer a -8 penalty on the roll...in addition to any other modifiers from the net, etc. Essentially Zieke is attempting to grapple her through the net to hold it and her in place. Lastly, Zieke does non-lethal damage...
Unarmed grapple damage... (1d6+3 = 7 damage)
If all of that succeeded, we're both considered to be "grappling" now. Here are the likely consequences of that...

Spoiler:

We'll lose our Dex bonus to AC against attackers that aren't participating in the grapple. We both no longer "threaten" any squares around us. And we can only undertake a limited number of actions. We can't move unless we do so as part of an opposed grapple check each round. She can activate a magic item as long as it doesn't require a spell completion trigger. I'm not sure if that applies to the magical rod or wand. She can cast spells, but only if they have no somatic component and she already has the material component or focus on hand for it. Even so, she'll have to make a Concentration check (DC = 20 + spell level) to do it. She can make an attack with an unarmed strike or natural weapon, but she'll take a -4 penalty. Or, she can try to escape by winning another opposed grapple check.

Okay, I'm not sure what I'm getting Zieke into here...but it seemed like the prudent thing to do if we want to hold her down. Anyone able to help?

[Vesh]

As Slidell turns his attention back towards the Quasit, a burst of flames shoots through the door. "Look out!" Yells Vesh as he tumbles out of the way, the flames singeing his boots. "OWW!"

Vesh's REF save (1d20+3=17).

[Ehlissa Briez]

Ehlissa's eyes light with fury and she stabs at the little beast, crying "Return to your hell, abomination!"

challenge (1d20+8=10, 1d8+3=5)

[Slidell Stormraven]

JSL wrote:

Oh, birdie! So nice to hear your voice, the quasit responds mockingly, my master took care to protect me. Let's see if yours can do the same.

With that she whips the rod in her hand around to point towards the doorway where you are gathered and whispers something unintelligible. A spiral of flame engulfs the rod and shoots towards you in a widening vortex.

All: take 5 fire damage (Ref DC 12 for half)

Sli's and Veran's Ref Rolls:

(1d20-1=15, 1d20 4=21) Veran also has Improved Evasion, so he takes no dmg.

Vesh wrote:

"Look out!" Yells Vesh as he tumbles out of the way, the flames singeing his boots. "OWW!"

Reacting with unusual speed thanks to Vesh's warning, Slidell spins away from the fiery blast, raising his new heavy tweed traveling cloak to protect his face as he does. Veran, reacting before Vesh even shouted, had already dropped down behind his master and used his claws to hang onto Slidell's back, protecting him from everything except being uncomfortable as the flame burst passes.

The raven bravely sticks his head up above his master's shoulder.
"Is THAT the best you got you flying chimpanzee?!?" Veran screeches as Slidell hastily pats a smoldering section of his cloak. "My master burps more powerful spells than that. By accident!"

Slidell quickly favors his familiar with a piercing gaze and a raised eyebrow. "I thought we agreed that the 'potion of Dragon's Breath incident' would remain our little secret."

JSL wrote:

When the flames clear, you note that the net is partially burned and smoking.

"Malcolm! Help Zieke hold it! Or use your rapier! Whatever you do DON'T slice the ropes! Hold it where I can get a clear shot!"

Will post actual action after Malcolm posts,...

[Ehlissa Briez]

Ref (1d20+2=16)

Ehlissa ducks to avoid the gout of fire.

[Sir Malcolm of Riddleport]

Ref 18
Malcolm ducks under the gout of fire and lunges for the demoness with his blades. "Hold her still!" 'Let's hope I don't stab Zieke by mistake.'
Attack (Cold Iron dagger) 13, Dmg 2; Attack (rapier) 12, Dmg 6

[JSL]

Ehlissa glides into the room past Malcolm and takes a hearty swing at the ensnared quasit - just as Zieke lunges over the table, sweeping the quasit, net, and chair into his grasp and tumbling into a heap of charred rope and frantically clawing demoness. grapple requires moving into the target's space - and that was the only way to get there Ehlissa's glowing sword arcs through the space just vacated by the quasit and thumps into the table, sending books and candles flying.

Malcolm steps around, probing with his dagger and rapier. Whether due to the quasit's twisting and turning or genuinely trying not to run Zieke through, Mal's tenative blows fail to land solidly.

The quasit and Zieke are on the far side of the table, grappling. Ehlissa is beside the table and Malcolm is next to her. That leaves Salome in the doorway and Vesh and Slidell outside.

Initiative
Zieke 19
Malcolm 18 (3)
Slidell 20
Vesh 18 (6)
Salome 18 (1)
Quasit 8
Ehlissa 8-

[Slidell Stormraven]

JSL wrote:

What's this? You seek to slay me with parlor tricks, mageling?

"Says the coward hiding behind the 'Shield' spell. Talk about 'parlor tricks'. I should have seen that one coming!"

JSL wrote:

"I see you have partaken of the Mother's Milk, boy. Come and revel in Her power, boy. It will avail you more than the piddling 'magic' you have learned from your apprentice friend."

"Apprentice?!? Listen you pathetic excuse for a prestidigitator, I've forgotten more magic than you'll ever get the chance to learn!" Slidell huffs. "What IS it with wanna-be wand-wielders today? They learn to throw a little fire and they think they can rule the world." Slidell grumbles as he fumbles in his pockets for arcane flotsam. He smiles as he finds what he's looking for, then frowns at the result of the struggle in the room.

"A Wizard's work is never done,..." He mutters as he steps closer to the door so he can get a clear shot past Salome.

"Tolys Os Tyr" He intones forcefully as he steps next to Salome. You feel the temperature drop a few degrees as wisps of blue light coalesce in his hand. In a moment he is once more holding what looks to be a small, glowing, snowball. "This should cool her down a bit." He cheerfully informs Salome as he slides past her. He waits for a clear shot at the creature in Zieke's arms, and throws,...

Slidell's to hit(Touch Att)/dmg with 'Orb of Cold,Lesser': (1d20+2=20, 2d8=9)

OK, move action to get closer, will pass Salome and enter room if needed to get a clear shot. (From you description it sounds like once I pass Salome I have a good shot.) Spell is 'Orb of Cold, Lesser' (Conjuration) NO save, NO SR, touch att, dmg is 2d8 at lvl 3 (Sli is casting at lvl 4)

[Zieke Halveran]

Slidell Stormraven wrote:

...Spell is 'Orb of Cold, Lesser' (Conjuration) NO save, NO SR, touch att, dmg is 2d8 at lvl 3 (Sli is casting at lvl 4)

Please tell me that hits...the quasit, not Zieke. Otherwise, I think Zieke's going to have another target to throttle when this is over. ;-D

And c'mon people! The darn thing's denied its Dex modifier while it's grappled. Surely somebody can hit this thing while it's visible!

[Dreamer]

REF save (1d20+2=9)

Standing in the doorway, Salome takes the full brunt of the flame from the rod. Flinching and temporarily blinded from the heat and flame, she tries to regain her concentration on the glowing scimitar. However, just as she gets a focus on it, Slidell pushes past her, trash-talking non-stop, and knocks her off-balance once more, sending the scimitar way off course. Spiritual weapon attack (1d20+6=7)

Majji. In the middle of the battle, on the front line, and right in the way. Again. "Are you trying to get yourself killed?" she growls at Slidell, "Or just all the rest of us? Get back, you foolish scarecrow!"

As her anger rises, Salome feels her face get hot. She closes her eyes and mouths a prayer to Sarenrae. When she opens them, her amber eyes seem more feline and glint in the golden light now radiating from her being. She takes a deep breath and--appearing more than ever like a lioness about to attack--focuses on the task at hand. Cast Light of Mercuria

Invisible Castle hates me today. :(

[JSL]

Zieke Halveran wrote:

Please tell me that hits...the quasit, not Zieke. Otherwise, I think Zieke's going to have another target to throttle when this is over. ;-D

I've been pouring over the grapple rules and combat modifiers. This table certainly seems to imply that a ranged attack into grapple targets a random grappler. So 1d6 for target, low is Zieke: Random target (1d6=5). Looks like Slidell will live another day. :)

The orb shatters across the quasit's chest, sending waves of bitter cold washing over the combatants. Meanwhile, Salome's scimitar lances futilely into the fray and the room flares to light as she casts light of mercuria.

Still need an action from Vesh, I think. Then Miss Q.

[Slidell Stormraven]

JSL wrote:

I've been pouring over the grapple rules and combat modifiers. This table certainly seems to imply that a ranged attack into grapple targets a random grappler. So 1d6 for target, low is Zieke: Random target (1d6=5). Looks like Slidell will live another day. :)

Lucky Me! I mean him! ;P

Although since the orb is a ranged TOUCH attack, I don't think that the rule for ranged attacks (IE arrows) apply to it? Or am I just wishful thinking?

[JSL]

Slidell Stormraven wrote:

JSL wrote:

I've been pouring over the grapple rules and combat modifiers. This table certainly seems to imply that a ranged attack into grapple targets a random grappler. So 1d6 for target, low is Zieke: Random target (1d6=5). Looks like Slidell will live another day. :)

Lucky Me! I mean him! ;P

Although since the orb is a ranged TOUCH attack, I don't think that the rule for ranged attacks (IE arrows) apply to it? Or am I just wishful thinking?

Ranged is ranged; why would it make any difference if it had to go through AC or not? What if you were firing an arrow, but both combatants were unarmored (effectively making it a touch attack); why would that be different?

I think it was quite genererous to have equal odds for hitting each grappler. I could have made a reasonable case that the quasit is 1/4 Zieke's size so you would have 1/5 to hit her and 4/5 to hit him.

[Slidell Stormraven]

Ouch! Good point(s), as usual! ;)
Your right, Touch attacks already have the bonus of not having to penetrate armor, and a couple (or group) of people grappling makes it hard to hit your target with a ranged weapon, whether your worried about their Plate mail or not! Question withdrawn!

Melee Touch attacks on the other hand,... Now, where did I put those necromantic touch attack scrolls,...? (Just kidding!)

[Vesh]

Sorry! I'm in Pendleton again.

I'm little unclear as to the tactical details of the situation. Can Vesh pile into the room to get a melee attack at the little beastie? Is she still under cover from Mal? Can he even see her in order to get a shot off?

I'd like to know what Vesh can do before I post an action...I'll be able to post it tonight when I get back from dinner with 'clients.'

[JSL]

Vesh wrote:

Sorry! I'm in Pendleton again.

I'm little unclear as to the tactical details of the situation. Can Vesh pile into the room to get a melee attack at the little beastie? Is she still under cover from Mal? Can he even see her in order to get a shot off?

I'd like to know what Vesh can do before I post an action...I'll be able to post it tonight when I get back from dinner with 'clients.'

Not to speak for the players, but I don't know that Zieke would appreciate another shot into his grapple ;) Seriously, you can move around the table and attempt a melee attack if you want.

That would put Zieke behind the table holding the quasit, Mal, Ehlissa, and Slidell to one side of him, and Vesh to the other. Salome is still near the door and opposite the table from Zieke.

Also, you get sneak attack damage now because the quasit has lost her dex bonus for being in the grapple.