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Voices in the dark - (DM RobC) 
Wednesday May 23rd, 2012 10:58:34 PM

Devlin reaches out and adjusts Gargul's staff.

A section of wall to the right of the staff silently fades away to nothingness, in stark contrast to the noise made by the previous entry. The new gap is easily large enough for the party to walk through in single file. Gargul, the god of travel, seems to be encouraging the PCs to continue their journey though this new passage.

To Bruagh's chagrin, there doesn't seem to be anyway to travel back the way the party came. The adamantine loot will have to remain for another day.

Devlin takes point with Taggart as back-up. The dwarves cautiously look around the corner of the newly formed doorway. On the other side, running parallel to the wall of the room is a very wide and open tunnel (ie: it runs north-south). The walls look quite natural though braced by wooden beams at regular intervals, and down the centre of the tunnel are markings common to most any dwarf: the marks left behind by the wheels of mine carts. Devlin notes by their number and depth, that these markings are fresh and plentiful. If this is indeed a mine, it would appear to still be in operation.

There is no sign of loose ore or rock down the path, and no "mining" noises to be heard.

From the north come echoing voices that all the party can hear:
".. and then, get this, the dwarfs head just exploded! I mean, I've never seen anything like it!"
"Yeah, but I don't know if that was the result Doven was going for. Otherwise he might have positioned himself further away from all that bloodspray"
"I think he planned it that way. He wanted to see the dwarf's face when it happened"


You can't see who is speaking, and though distance is hard to tell in the cave they certainly aren't far away. It is difficult to be sure, but you count at least 2 distinct voices.

Sam -- 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 15/32  d20+9=15 ;
Thursday May 24th, 2012 12:03:24 AM

Sam stops moving and listens to the voices. He does his best to determine the race of the unknown miners based on accents/dialect. (linguistics=15)

He waits for Devlin to scout ahead before proceeding. Sam's crossbow is at the ready.


Taggart Oathbreaker 20/15/16 - 32/32 - CMD 20  d20+10=14 ; d20+16=17 ;
Thursday May 24th, 2012 2:01:15 AM

Taggart, bow in hand, draws an arrow, pulling it back a bit. He goes to scout ahead, but still hasn't found his bearings in these caves. Damned contacts, he thinks, rubbing his eyes. I knew that bastard was lying. These things don't help at all. He keeps his bow levelled, ready to fire on command. He'll go behind Devlin if he stealths as well.

((Stealth 14, Perception 17. I am not off to a great start.))

Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/11/21 -- CMD 18/22 -- HP 19/53 
Thursday May 24th, 2012 8:07:02 AM

Bruagh readies his waraxe and shield. With contact potentially coming from the front, he will move ahead of the casters but behind the scouts. Once in he place he cracks his neck and waits to see what Devlin and Taggart will do.

Devlin -- 20/15/15 -- CMD 18 -- HP 31/31 
Thursday May 24th, 2012 8:08:47 AM

Hearing the voices makes Devlin instantly regret his decision to move on without letting the spellcasters regain their spells. They talk of the death of a Dwarf as if its a funny thing and they mention Doven's name. Must be Darkbloods ahead. He grips his Crossbows tightly and begins to quietly stalk forward the shadows hiding his every movement.

Actions:
Move forward to find voices.
Stealth from earlier post was 34.
Be ready to fire on the voices if needed

Dernock Uristson AC 22/14/20 CMD 20 HP 12/32 
Thursday May 24th, 2012 9:48:21 AM

Dernock moves to the side to let Bruagh pass and then draws his Waraxe and shield. He almost forgets he's still recovering from the Phase spider bite and looks ready to bash some heads in.

Voices in the dark - (DM RobC)  d20+6=15 ; d20+1=15 ;
Thursday May 24th, 2012 10:55:43 AM

Devlin creeps down the tunnel, staying as close to the walls as he can, and practically blending in with them. Taggart too, tries to be as stealthy as he can.

The rest of the party reorganise and reorder themselves in the event of combat, and follow a short distance behind the two scouts.

Ahead, Taggart can make out the ending of the tunnel. It appears to open out into a wider area. Standing at the exit of the tunnel are two figures. They look like dwarves but their mottled skin gives them away. Duergar. You put them to be about 40ft away

Dressed in chainmail and armed with warhammers, it would appear they haven't noticed you.

"You heard about the pool going?"
"Yeah, I got 38"
"38? Seriously Sarge? No way he'd kill 38 slaves in just one day"
"What, you think I should have gone higher?"

In his earnest to get a better look, Taggart inadvertantly brushes against the wall sending a small pile of loose dirt and stones tumbling to the ground (2 x Perception 15s beats a Stealth 14 )

"Ssshhh! You hear that Sarge?"
"Yep"

They both turn to look down the tunnel in your direction, the one addressed as 'Sarge' takes a step forward, his warhammer at the ready "Who goes there? Identify!"

The other stands behind him, warhammer slung over his shoulder and looking less concerned.

Sarnak: AC21/13/18 - CMD17 - HP24/(33)37 Kyachi: AC19/11/16 - CMD20 - HP38/38  d20+8=22 ; d20+8=16 ; d20+8=25 ; d20+8=9 ; d8+8=9 ; d6+8=14 ; d6+8=13 ; d6+8=14 ; d6+8=12 ;
Thursday May 24th, 2012 12:07:36 PM

Sarnak and Kyachi would be following in their normal position, holding back at the voices not wanting to get into combat if it could be avoided. However, upon sensing discovery Kyachi lets out a wicked grin, going to take full advantage of the situation and charging 'Sarge' as Sarnak uses the last of his spells to cast enlarger person on Kyachi.

Out of the depths of darkness of the tunnel, Kyachi announces. "Fresh meat, and small ones too. This will be fun" as her large form barrels into the larger dwarf, immediately biting onto him arm to throw him to the ground as she rakes him with her claws as well

Grapple check: 22
Attack: 16 , 25 , 9 ,
Damage: 9, 14, 13
Rend damage if first attack hits and grapple succeeds: 26

OOC: Enlarge person on Kyachi, Kyachi pounces sarge and upon biting attempts grapple ( Through improved bite evolution)

Taggart Oathbreaker 20/15/16 - 32/32 - CMD 20  d20+7=11 ; d20+7=12 ; d8+4=6 ; d6=5 ; d8+4=9 ; d6=2 ;
Thursday May 24th, 2012 12:13:11 PM

Taggart swears under his breath, uttering a quick word as his bow sparks to life. He quickly looses one arrow, following it up with another one right away. He aims for the Duergar not currently being occupied with the odd creature Taggart had seen being summoned before.

Attacks using Rapid Shot: 11, 12
Damage (on the off chance they hit): 6+5 shock damage, 9+2 shock damage


Devlin -- 20/15/15 -- CMD 18 -- HP 31/31  d20+8=19 ; 3d6+1=10 ; d20+5=20 ; d20+5=25 ; d20+5=17 ; d8+1=6 ; 2d6=8 ; 2d6=6 ; d8+1=3 ; d8+1=8 ;
Thursday May 24th, 2012 2:11:25 PM

Posting for Sam.

Seeing the Duergar Sam brings his Crossbow up to fire. Its wood shines with a golden light in the presence of these evil creatures. He fires at the unengaged Darkblood his bolt trailing a golden light.

Actions:
Shoot Unengaged Duergar = 19 to hit (Dam = 10)

Devlin

Bringing his crossbows up a scowl crosses Devlin's face as he hears them talk about killing the slaves. He sights up the Duergar not being attacked by the raging summoned creature and fires. At such a close range he is able to pick out vital areas on his target his bolts slamming home with force.

Actions:
Fire crossbows at unengaged Duergar
1st attack; To hit = 20 (dam = 6 + 8 sneak attack)
2nd attack; To hit = 25, crit confirm = 17 (Dam = 3 + 6 sneak attack, +8 more if crit)
If sneak and crit Total Dam = 31

Figured I have not been seen yet so he is still flat footed for me and I have +10' to my sneak attack range from Deadly Range.

Dernock Uristson AC 22/14/20 CMD 20 HP 12/32 
Thursday May 24th, 2012 4:13:27 PM

Dernock takes the round to move up and around Sarge so he now in flanking position with Kyachi. He's rather noisy but surprisingly fast for a Dwarf.

'Now, now Kyachi. No need fer unnessecary torture'

OOC Double move action. I'm assuming there's enough room for me to maneuver. My boots grant me +10ft to my base speed.

Sarnak: AC21/13/18 - CMD17 - HP24/(33)37 Kyachi: AC19/11/16 - CMD20 - HP38/38 
Thursday May 24th, 2012 5:46:43 PM

OOC:
@Dernock: Just as a note, Kyachi is large so you don't necessarily need to be behind sarge and can be off the side. Or, if you don't have room there's always acrobatics checks :P
Hmm, I just was struck by a couple flanking questions.
1. Do flanking bonuses occur simultaneously or does it happen sequentially? I.e. Does Kyachi get flanking bonuses on sarge even though it's likely (To my view, not necessarily the rule or DM view) Dernock reached the position after Kyachi's attack?
2. If A is ally and E is enemy, say a position of AEAEA, both enemies are flanked and the middle ally is flanked?
3. Now, say question 2's arrangement has a allied ranger attacking. Does the ranger get flanking bonuses if he attacks one of the enemies?

Also, one last question. I will likely keep asking rules questions when I don't know the answer or the answer isn't clearcut. I normally don't send it as a email because the questions may be of interest to others. Would you prefer I keep it to emails so as to not interrupt the flow?

Dernock Uristson AC 22/14/20 CMD 20 HP 12/32 
Thursday May 24th, 2012 6:52:56 PM

OOC as I know #2 would definitely would be a yes all three are flanked. Also regardless of Kyachis size, I still have to be behind Sarge. I believe there's two spots where I'd get flanking. Unless you get the feat ranged flanking, only melee counts. Dunno where to find out the precedent behind #1 though.

Voices in the dark - (DM RobC)  d20+6=26 ; d20+6=7 ; d20+4=9 ; d8+2=7 ;
Thursday May 24th, 2012 8:00:27 PM

OOC: Anyone else getting "XML Error - Unable to load" when using the roller?

Before I do the DM post, I need to call out a few things:

Sarnak
1. Kyachi took 14pts damage on May 1st and was subsequently healed for 3pts. Shouldn't she still have 11pts damage?
2. Pounce is a charge and "you must have a clear path toward the opponent, and nothing can hinder your movement". Both Taggart and Devlin were in front of you.
3. Yes, I prefer questions to be asked on the board. At the same time, I encourage players to do their own research first using the Paizo forums and the Online SRD.
4. With play-by-post and not using initiative, it is assumed that all actions for the round happen at the same time (unless specifically called out otherwise). In this instance, anyone flanking gets the bonus - including Kyachi. This is just my view though and I'm happy if you guys would prefer not to do it this way.

Devlin and Sam and Taggart
1. Without the Precise Shot feat, you are both shooting into combat and take a -4 penalty
2. With Kyachi in the way, the targets will have soft cover (+4 to AC)

Devlin
1. "Ranged attacks can count as sneak attacks only if the target is within 30 feet." - As previously advised, you were at least 40ft away.

Please let me know if I have missed anything :)


Sarnak: AC21/13/18 - CMD17 - HP24/(33)37 Kyachi: AC19/11/16 - CMD20 - HP38/38  d20+8=24 ; d20+7=21 ; d8+9=14 ; d6+8=10 ; d6+8=12 ; d10+1=11 ;
Thursday May 24th, 2012 8:29:04 PM

OOC: Hmm, I thought she was at full. Can I retcon healing before they rested via the wand Sarnak has? If so, one wand use consumed and back at full hp. Also, is it possible via use of 5' steps to allow Kyachi to charge? If not, then I'll change the actions to she moves up to Sarge and bites from 5' away, She'll act the same, but just remove the claw attacks. Also, if she makes a AoO because one of the duergar moves forward, the rolls for it are below. (Her bite has 5' reach, so anyone advancing next to her provokes because of leaving the threatened area of the bite.)

Attack: 24
Grapple: 21
Damage: 14
Added damage if grappled: 22

Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/11/21 -- CMD 18/22 -- HP 19/53 
Thursday May 24th, 2012 9:17:49 PM

Bruagh is proud the way the group has charged into combat effectively. Perhaps too effectively. "Keep one alive for questioning!:

Bruagh moves up to get between the Duergar and the archers should they decide to charge.

Sam -- 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 15/32 
Thursday May 24th, 2012 9:40:22 PM

ooc-I'm fine with everyone moving at the same time and agree that Sam is shooting into combat. I would take exception to Devlin and Taggart shooting into cover only because they are leading the group down a tunnel, and would have first opportunity to take a shot before the rest of the group gets into the fight. It isn't that important to me in the long run though, so whatever you decide sounds great to me.

Dernock Uristson AC 22/14/20 CMD 20 HP 12/32  d20+10=30 ; d20+10=12 ; d10+7=14 ; 2d6=7 ;
Friday May 25th, 2012 1:13:10 AM

Dernock hears Bruagh's message all to clearly and knows just the thing. With perhaps just a hint of police brutality...Dernock takes a swipe at the Sargents back.

OOC Hopefully, Dernock can still spend a hero point to take a single swing with his war axe. Riddleport did enchant a whole heap of it's armory with the Merciful quality for this reasoning.

To Hit 30 Confirming 12
And it's a critical threat..not confirmed.
Damage 21 (not lethal) with merciful and precision damage

Voices in the dark - (DM RobC) 
Friday May 25th, 2012 3:47:06 AM


@All: Could you please list any abilities/feats you are using as part of your actions? This would really help me out in trying to understand how some of these things are happening.

@Sarnak: Kyachi's base speed is 40ft. Allowing for Devlin and Taggart in front of her, she is at least 50ft from target. I can't see how she will be in range to make an attack this round. Please adivse what you would like her to do. Probably a moot point based on the rolls of others.

@Dernock: Starting Hero Points for new players is half their level. This means you start with 2, and have just used 1 - though for 1st rnd kill :)


==========

The 'sarge' squints in your direction, only to see two crossbow bolts fly towards him, landing in his chest. Devlin is pleased, as blood starts to drip from the newly formed wounds.

Taggart and Sam also fire, but their shots go wide of their intended targets.

Bruagh positions himself between the archers and enemy.

Dernock runs with fantastic speed into the fray, and lands his axe squarely in the back of 'sarge'. The duergar's eyes roll back in his head as he crumples to the ground.

The other duergar's jaw drops almost as quickly as his compatriot did. "Alarm! Alarm! Intruders!" he calls as loud as he can, before disappearing from sight.

So much for infiltration by stealth.

Sarnak: AC21/13/18 - CMD17 - HP24/(33)37 Kyachi: AC19/11/16 - CMD20 - HP38/38  d20+9=23 ; d20+9=21 ;
Friday May 25th, 2012 4:53:15 AM

OOC: Well, I will say the full enforcement of marching order I keep missing, I keep thinking the formation's a bit more fluid than it really is. although there is a way for her to attack.
Option 1. Devlin and Taggart both went ahead, and if they are next to each other instead of in line then that means 45' away, and with 5' reach she's just barely in range.

Option 2: Kyachi make a run to get behind the second dwarf and cut off an escape. If neccesary, here's 2 acrobatics checks to get through their squares if she can't go around. (23,21)

Option 3: If neither 1 or 2 work, she still runs after the dwarf and cuts in front of him before he can escape. She likely has double his run speed, she should be able to catch up easily. (200 ft vs 100 if he went at full run.)

If option 2 or 3 work, she will take the AoO as he goes past and attempt to stop him in his tracks with it.


Dernock Uristson AC 22/14/20 CMD 20 HP 12/32 
Friday May 25th, 2012 4:55:00 AM

The Party sees Dernock look on in surprise as he hears the crunch of snapping arrows and bolts as the Duergar falls to the ground. He then turns to the other seeing him run out of sight.
He says lamely ' I guess we better get chasin' him . He's poised to run in the direction of the Duergar.

OCC: 'DERNOCK YOU WERE JUST SUPPOSED TO BLOW THE BLOODY DOORS OFF!'
Sorry guys.. I get the distinct impression this was my fault. I guess merciful weapons really are as non lethal as tasers.

Sam -- 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 15/32 
Friday May 25th, 2012 8:15:31 AM

Sam reloads his incredibly expensive wall/floor shooter and starts running after the second enemy (the way gnomish bards often do).

actions:
reload crossbow
move action

ooc-Don't blame yourself Dernock. We have switched from discussing strategies to declaring attacks the moment we find something to attack. I kind of wanted to try luring them towards us with Sam speaking undercommon and using his bard ability to fascinate them. Just one idea. I'm sure if we talked it out ooc we could have come up with other ideas. Also, don't be afraid to ask the DM if something is possible based on distance and circumstance prior to declaring it. I guess you lose the fluidity of talking strategy when you are not sitting at the same table as the other people playing.

Voices in the dark - (DM RobC) 
Friday May 25th, 2012 11:16:44 AM

Just to be clear...

1. 'Sarge' is unconscious on the ground - stable, not dying. Dernock knocked him out with one swing. I just wasn't sure how to phrase a merciful axe to the back :)

2. When I said the other disppeared from sight, I didn't mean he ran or fled. I meant *poof* as if he had gone invisible. Devlin and Bruagh have seen duergar do this before. Where could he be now?

3. Map incoming. I hadn't expected you guys to leap so readily into battle. I was kindof expecting more stealth and diplomacy/bluff/disguise, so will take me a little bit to get a map up.


Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/11/21 -- CMD 18/22 -- HP 19/53  d20=15 ; d20+7=17 ;
Friday May 25th, 2012 3:41:35 PM

Bruagh charges after the creature and listens as be he can for his screams to know where he is so that he might tackle him. He is still here, just invisible. If you have a way to see invisible or some glitterdust... use it. We can't let him get away.

If Bruagh can tell where he is he will attempt a grapple with CMB of 17.

Dernock Uristson AC 22/14/20 CMD 20 HP 12/32  d20+7=26 ; d20+6=19 ;
Friday May 25th, 2012 5:21:55 PM

Invisible? crap. Dernock backs away towards the nearest wall listening out for the Duergar. I hate waiting games like this recalling several stake outs that have gone on in the past. Now what else can Duergar do

Knowledge (local) to recall everything about Duergar: 26... Which is no help here.
Perception To hear the Duergar :19

Taggart Oathbreaker 20/15/16 - 32/32 - CMD 20  d20+16=34 ; d20+13=26 ;
Friday May 25th, 2012 6:15:46 PM

Taggart swears audibly, pressing his back against the wall of the tunnel and drawing another arrow. He peers around, attempting to see if he's still around. (Perception 34) Failing that, Taggart will run forward to look at the tracks and see if the Duergar that got away is traceable. (Survival 26)

Devlin -- 20/15/15 -- CMD 18 -- HP 31/31  d20+14=15 ; d20+8=19 ;
Friday May 25th, 2012 10:28:26 PM

Devlin reloads and takes to the shadows once again. Hugging one wall he slowly paces forward ready to fire at the Duergar if he shows himself.

Actions:
Stealth = 15
Perception = 19

Sarnak: AC21/13/18 - CMD17 - HP24/(33)37 Kyachi: AC19/11/16 - CMD20 - HP38/38  d20+6=25 ; d20+8=20 ; d8+8=16 ; d20+7=8 ; d8+8=12 ; d6+8=11 ; d6+8=13 ; d20+8=18 ; d8+8=9 ; d20+7=16 ; d8+8=14 ; d8+8=14 ; d100=91 ; d100=84 ;
Friday May 25th, 2012 11:21:05 PM


If option 2 was picked:
Kyachi upon being behind the duergar as he poofed would attempt to listen for his footsteps to get a idea of where he went (Perception 25) and ready a action to bite him if he got in range, as she placed herself in the middle of the corridor on high alert (10' creature with 5' reach covers a 30' area), attempting to position herself so as to cover as much of the hallway as possible. If she detects him and misses with her readied attack, if he provokes she will take the AoO as well.

Sarnak: Watches his groupmates for a sign of knowledge of the invisible dwarf, and as soon as someone notices he relays the knowledge to Kyachi through the link.

Readied Strike:
Rolled 91 to beat DC 50 vs concealment.
Attack: 20
Damage: 16
If attack lands, grapple: 8
If grapple lands, Rake: 24 dmg

AoO:
Rolled 84 vs DC 50 for concealment
Attack: 18
Damage: 9
Grapple: 16
Rake: 28

If option 3:
She runs to the extent of her range, positioning herself in the center of the corridor, and does as option 2

Sarnak: AC21/13/18 - CMD17 - HP24/(33)37 Kyachi: AC19/11/16 - CMD20 - HP38/38 
Friday May 25th, 2012 11:22:39 PM

OOC: I'd like to be a bit more descriptive but I'm not entirely sure where Kyachi is at the moment.

Voices in the dark - (DM RobC)  d20+4=24 ; d20+4=16 ; d20+4=14 ;
Sunday May 27th, 2012 2:49:05 AM

All goes quiet, except for the sound of rapid breathing and occaisional sob that Kyachi detects somewhere in front of her (Somewhere between map coordinates E3 and I5. Kyachi is facing south, I just don't know how to turn the tokens in MapTool :)). She also hears more noise from up the stairs behind her on the left. Though distant, she can hear it but cannot discern what it is other than "noise".

Dernock tries to recall any tidbits or information about the duergar, but no local knowledge comes to mind (Feel free to try a nature or dungeoneering check however)

The party are on alert, but the lone duergar does not show himself, nor strike.

'Sarge' lies breathing on the ground.

==========

Map - Round 2

OOC: All, please also be aware of your darkvision limits. There is no light whatsoever, meaning you are restricted to whatever sources of light you either make, or special sight you have access to (ie: dwarf darkvision 60ft)

Duergar 1 - "Sarge" - Unconscious
Duergar 2 - "Recruit" - Invisibile

Sarnak: AC21/13/18 - CMD17 - HP24/(33)37 Kyachi: AC19/11/16 - CMD20 - HP38/38  d20+6=9 ; d20-1=5 ; d20+4=7 ;
Sunday May 27th, 2012 2:56:32 PM

Kyachi:
She will look to the area she hears sobbing, and announce "If you reveal yourself we will not kill you, but if you remain invisible and we find you that way, there are no guarantees." She will also take a step forward, keeping aware as she remains ready to bite any invisible targets if they get within range. (at C4-D5) (Perception 9)

Sarnak:
Given Kyachi was outside of his darkvision range, he would get closer to her (K4), as he watches the field that his allies were in as well as where Kyachi thought she heard something, ready to relay at a moment's notice where he or his allies thought the target was to her.
(Perception 5)

OOC: Kyachi isn't attempting to be diplomatic or bluffing, she's just saying what she believes is a statement of fact. However, if that does mean rolling a check, (Kyachi bluff roll of 7). Also, do I keep the readied rolls from before or do I need to roll new ones each turn the readied action isn't performed?

Devlin -- 20/15/15 -- CMD 18 -- HP 31/31  d20+8=13 ; d20+8=25 ;
Sunday May 27th, 2012 3:45:16 PM

Devlin strides over to the unconscious form of "Sarge" and points a crossbow at his face. Speaking in a hushed voice to everyone present. (In undercommon)Highlight to display spoiler: {Not sure how much you like this guy but if you don't show yourself in the next few seconds he gains a new hole to breathe through! Not sure how much breathing he will have left after that though!}

Actions:
Aim loaded crossbow at "Sarge"
Intimidate check = 13 (Hero point reroll) 25



Taggart Oathbreaker 20/15/16 - 32/32 - CMD 20  d20+16=23 ;
Sunday May 27th, 2012 5:07:59 PM

Taggart moves up, holding his bow at the ready, waiting for the Duergar to appear. He continues to peer around the room, staying as quiet as possible. (Perception 23)

Sam -- 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 15/32  d20+11=13 ; d20+11=23 ;
Sunday May 27th, 2012 7:05:54 PM

Sam runs to (D3) and quickly casts dancing lights at the base of the left staircase with 3 lights evenly spaced up the stairs. "Cover the right staircase! We need to try to box him in! If he walks through my lights, we'll see it!"

In undercommon "He's not joking! Show yourself and you might both live!" (intimidate 13... hero point reroll=23)


Dernock Uristson AC 22/14/20 CMD 20 HP 12/32  d20-1=17 ;
Monday May 28th, 2012 8:48:32 PM

Denock moves to the right (D6 to D7) to cover the wall. He gestures to Bruagh to go up beside him.

Lad, I'll give you a bit o' free information. Ye can run down the tunnel we came from but I warn ya we had a bit o' trouble with Some Phase spiders. Didn't get them all so if yer plannin' on goin' that way ya may well end up as spider bait. He calls out to the hidden Duergar.

Including a diplomacy roll in case it's needed (Diplomacy check of 17)

Voices in the dark - (DM RobC)  d20+5=6 ; d20+8=10 ; d20+8=25 ; d8=2 ;
Monday May 28th, 2012 10:38:48 PM

The party attempt various levels of diplomacy and intimidation hoping to lure the duergar from his invisible state.

"Aaaaaarrrggghhhh!!!" comes his battlecry as he appears before Sarnak, slamming his now large warhammer down beside the wizard (-2 to roll for being intimidated/shaken. Nat 1 on attack = Miss!) "If I don't kill you I'm dead anyway. For Marteus!"

The duergar reinforcements look to have arrived as two more appear from hiding, shooting crossbows down on Kyachi (Dernock is partially concealed, and Sam has soft cover)

The first misses wildly (Hit AC10, miss!) but the second manages to find the hindquarters of the large eidolon (Hit AC25. Kyachi takes 2pts damage!)

"We're going to need backup here!" calls the duergar from the top of the stairs.

==========
Map - Round 3

OOC: All, please be aware of your darkvision limits. There is no light whatsoever, meaning you are restricted to whatever sources of light you either make, or special sight you have access to (ie: dwarf darkvision 60ft)

Duergar 1 - "Sarge" - Unconscious
Duergar 2 - "Recruit" - Enlarged
Duergar 3
Duergar 4

Sarnak: AC21/13/18 - CMD17 - HP22/(33)37 Kyachi: AC19/11/16 - CMD20 - HP38/38  d20+10=16 ; d20+10=19 ; d20+10=17 ; d8+8=15 ; d6+8=12 ; d6+8=12 ;
Monday May 28th, 2012 11:08:11 PM

Kyachi upon sensing an attack directed at her owner immediately charges forward to engage the enlarged recruit, pouncing on top of him. At the shot in the rear she just shrugged it off as the bite of a pest as she ravages the recruit before he could attack her summoner again, as she calls out to the group "Keep a line of travel for me, I'll only take a moment to bring this one down."

Attack: 16, 19, 17
Damage: 15, 12, 12

Sarnak will drop into total defense, and grin at the recruit. "Bad choice. You'd be better off attacking one of my less armored allies."

OOC: Sarnak's AC goes up to 25/17/22 for 1 rd. Also, just to confirm. If I added a unarmed strike to Kyachi's chain all of the natural attacks go to -5 right? or can she choose to use a unarmed strike as a secondary attack?

Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/11/21 -- CMD 18/22 -- HP 19/53  d20+11=13 ; d20+11=22 ; d10+4=6 ; 2d6=2 ;
Monday May 28th, 2012 11:30:34 PM

Bruagh charges the recruit as he reappears but most likely misses with all of the damage Kyachi is causing.

Attack: 13
Damage: 6 Slashing, 2 Good.

Dernock Uristson AC 22/14/20 CMD 20 HP 12/32  d20+9=18 ; d10+8=11 ; d6=1 ;
Tuesday May 29th, 2012 12:02:22 AM

Dernock goes the other way and attacks Duergar #4 on the stairs (he's just in reach with 30ft movement)

Attack using power attack: 18
Damage 12

OOC dice are not liking us this round

Sam -- 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 15/32  d20+8=26 ; 3d6+1=6 ;
Tuesday May 29th, 2012 12:12:34 AM

Sam steadies his arm against the wall and fires at the first Duergar on the staircase. His shot streaks through the air with holy vengeance. The bolt hits the enemy square in the chest and...mostly damages his armor. (to hit=26...to wound=6! I did a whole 2 points better than the worst possible result! This thing is going in the first garbage can we come across!)

Sam reloads his bow and prepares for the next shot. He can't help but wonder if the stealthy plan has been foiled before it had begun.

ooc-Not to be a winer, but I would like to put up for a vote a policy for this group. I had grumbled earlier that I wish we had talked out some options before going with the classic (and usually awesome) "Hulk smash!" approach. The "policy" would be if you are the first person to post after the DM and the situation calls for a possibility of multiple solutions, that you post an "ooc" calling a short "ooc discussion" on the group's direction. Typically this is not necessary. Being attacked by giant trees or extremely deadly, poisonous phase spiders from H-E-double hockey sticks? Go crazy! I just see our group as heavy on ranged attacks, non-leathal spells, and really nifty stealth/roleplaying skills with some strong cc punch in the middle. If this concept is unfavorable due to interruption of fun/continuity, I understand. I have lost no sleep over this topic (I swear). Its a game and it should be fun. Just my thoughts.

Taggart Oathbreaker 20/15/16 - 32/32 - CMD 20  d20+8=12 ; d20+8=19 ; d8+5=11 ; d6=1 ; d8+5=10 ; d6=6 ;
Tuesday May 29th, 2012 12:48:36 AM

Taggrat spins, firing two arrows at the giant recruit that suddenly appeared next to him. "Perhaps we should fall back a bit?" he calls out, his eyes bulging out of his mask.

((Making a full attack action using Rapid Shot, firing at the Enlarged Recruit, using precise shot to negate -4 penalty for shooting into melee. +1 to attack and damage from Point Blank Shot.))

Attacks: 12, 19
Damage: 11+1 shock, 10+6 shock

Voices in the dark - (DM RobC) 
Tuesday May 29th, 2012 3:45:56 AM

OOC:
Ah, Sam. You read my mind :)


Dernock Uristson AC 22/14/20 CMD 20 HP 12/32 
Tuesday May 29th, 2012 5:26:20 AM

OOC:Oh Bugger. Can we use this as a precedent for Dernock to take a level in Telepath then?

Devlin -- 20/15/15 -- CMD 18 -- HP 31/31  d20+4=17 ; d20+4=9 ; d8+1=4 ;
Tuesday May 29th, 2012 9:44:02 AM

Taking a step forward Devlin fires both crossbows at the first darkblood on the stairs. He swears under his breath unable to make out if the bolts hit their mark. (In common) Not sure if there will be a place to back up to and if we get stuck in here were done for.

5' step to F,5
Full Attack (Shoot at -b,9)
1st shot = 17 Dam = 4
2nd shot = 9

OOC: I agree with Sam, we need to think things out a bit more before running headlong into the jaw of the beast.

Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/11/21 -- CMD 18/22 -- HP 19/53 
Tuesday May 29th, 2012 12:51:20 PM

OOC: I am fine with that as well, but after his personal dealing with these sob's in the past, don't expect Bruagh to go along with much of a diplomacy route, especially when they are talking about exploding the heads of dwarves.

Sam -- 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 15/32 
Tuesday May 29th, 2012 1:35:41 PM

ooc- I totally agree. I wouldn't want any other result then dead Duergar in this situation. I would think that Bruagh would want to kill them without alerting the rest of the enemies and as a possible result, endanger the captured dwarves. I would always expect for us to role-play our character traits (good and bad). I just want the best possible result after spending weeks posting a plan while in a gem-filled cave.

So 2 votes for ooc discussion so far.

Dernock Uristson AC 22/14/20 CMD 20 HP 12/32 
Tuesday May 29th, 2012 4:55:04 PM

OOC: I agree as well. I just figured at the moment Dernock could stop the free crossbow fire but planning for the rest of the encounter is going to be essential.

Sarnak: AC21/13/18 - CMD17 - HP22/(33)37 Kyachi: AC19/11/16 - CMD20 - HP38/38 
Tuesday May 29th, 2012 7:08:02 PM

OOC: I'm fine with it as well. I kind of assumed that there would be a bigger lashback if something was done against what the group wanted, but everyone just charged in after I did it. So, when a combat may be started we hold off until everyone has a reasonable consensus of what do to?

Taggart Oathbreaker 20/15/16 - 32/32 - CMD 20 
Tuesday May 29th, 2012 8:51:04 PM

OOC :: Definitely down for a voting system.

Dernock Uristson AC 22/14/20 CMD 20 HP 12/32 
Tuesday May 29th, 2012 10:12:08 PM

OOC actuslly shouldn't Bruagh pull rank or something? I sort of though we were some specialized combat team.

Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/11/21 -- CMD 18/22 -- HP 19/53 
Tuesday May 29th, 2012 10:57:41 PM

OOC: What is the saying? "A plan is perfect until combat begins."

I say if the PC's have time to talk about it we talk about it... if it is a surprise, sort of how this happened, then we just roll with the punches.

Bruagh will NEVER question anyones actions in battle IF they are doing what they think best for the group. He might say something afterward, or do what he can to prevent any loss of life during battle. Also, Bruagh is more the protector of the group while Devlin is the brains of the operation.

Sam -- 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 15/32 
Tuesday May 29th, 2012 11:27:14 PM

ooc- I look at talking before acting as the same as I did when I used to table-game with my friends. If we wanted to have a quick meeting of the minds ooc before acting the DM was always cool with it. If the rule is that ooc chat prior to action does not "pause the action", then I understand that it is necessary to leap into a thrown together plan.

If Bruagh is the protector and Devlin is the brains, then I consider Sam to be the swiss army knife of the group. He has all sorts of nifty "blades/tools" for the group to use to accomplish goals. I just feel like the current direction in this encounter leaves us using the crappy, plastic toothpick instead of something useful. It gets a little old just giving everyone +1 to hit/damage and firing one bolt/round.

To Dernock- We are a specialized team. That is why we need to determine what strategy is best. If we were all fighter/barbarians, the choice would be simple. We all bring something different to the table. I think charging the stairs once combat started was a great idea. You are keeping the weaker of us (me especially) protected.


Voices in the dark - (DM RobC)  d20+6=9 ;
Wednesday May 30th, 2012 1:12:27 AM

OOC:
Great conversation guys, and I'm glad it was started and discussed by you without any DM prompting or involvement.
To Sam's question there about whether OOC chat is allowed prior to combat:
My view is that the characters are veterans at all sorts of encounters and THEY would know how to handle different scenarios and work together (preplanned signals, winks, each others tactics, etc)
If you - the players - want to have some OOC chat at the start/during an encounter, then I have no trouble with that at all. To a certain extent of course. Play-by-post does tend to slow things down, so I'd be happy to allow for a day (2 at the most) of OOC chat to plan your strategy (stealth, diplomacy, "hulk smash", etc).
Of course, that assumes everyone is in agreement with that.
And I'll put it this way - it would be extremely unlikely for the party to survive this module going the pure "hack & slash" approach. Unlikely, but possible.

Anyway.. back to our regularly scheduled programme


Kyachi chanrges the duergar from behind and does terrific damage to his back. Sarnak taunts him, but the duergar just grins back, a mixture of spittle and blood dripping from his mouth "Attack one of your allies? Ha, spoken like a dwarf"

Taggart's aim, though hit and miss, seems to do a bit more damage. His arrow strikes the duergar between his shoulder blades.

Finally, Bruagh steps up and grabbing hold of the duergar's belt, finds a soft spot on the enemies side in which to lodge an axe.

The duergar coughs up more blood, though continues grinning as his body slumps to the floor and returns to its usual size.

Meanwhile...

Devlin misses with both bolts, a rare occurence for the rogue.

Sam takes steady aim, and finally manages to hit something! The bolt scratches the duergar's shoulder.

Dernock charges forth, bringing his waraxe down on the arm of the duergar fighter on the stairs. Despite being hit by an arrow, a crossbow bolt, and an axe, the enemy still stands.

And what's more, it looks like backup has arrived

Dernock only Highlight to display spoiler: {From your position you can't see any more duergar outside the nearest doorway}

Duergar#3 moves along the balcony that overlooks this area. For whatever reason though, he doesn't attack.

Duergar#4, who has been so savagely beaten, drops his crossbow and draws his warhammer - though swings it like an elf and misses everything (Attack vs AC22: 9=Miss)

Duergar#5 sneers and extends his arm, pointing at Dernock (Dernock to make a DC16 Will Save or be paralyzed for 4rounds! This is a spell-like effect)

Duergar#6 enters the room behind #5, but promptly vanishes from sight.

==========
Map - Round 4

The balcony area on the map provides some cover to those atop it.

Duergar 1 - "Sarge" - Unconscious
Duergar 2 - "Recruit" - Dead as dead could be
Duergar 3 - Seems to be waiting for something
Duergar 4 - 30pts damage - Swaying
Duergar 5 - Sneering
Duergar 6 - Invisibile

Sarnak: AC21/13/18 - CMD17 - HP22/(33)37 Kyachi: AC19/11/16 - CMD20 - HP38/38 
Wednesday May 30th, 2012 1:35:10 AM

OOC: How high is the room that the stairwell leads to? 10' up? 20'? I'm assuming below that it's about 5'-10' high or so. Also, given that Kyachi can reach 15' up, is it possible that if Devlin moves 5' to the right she could charge the dwarf on the stairs?

Kyachi, upon downing the recruit, heads to the stairwell, looking to the ones on the stairs as she bounds over to join in the coming fight on the stairwell at (-B6/-A7), positioning herself to take a step forward and attack when able, as she mentions to Dernock. "Any chance of moving down a couple steps so I can get at them as well?"

Dernock Uristson AC 22/14/20 CMD 20 HP 12/32  d20+6=8 ;
Wednesday May 30th, 2012 1:37:00 AM

OOC: Going to roll my will save first because stiff dwarves make bad defenders and Dernock's paralysis could bugger things up. I do my turn once we figure things out.

Will save vs spell effect (additional +2 vs [Mind affecting] because I'm guessing it's Hold person if not true subtract 2 from roll) : 8 yeah... Someone catch me! /drama

Sarnak: AC21/13/18 - CMD17 - HP22/(33)37 Kyachi: AC19/11/16 - CMD20 - HP38/38 
Wednesday May 30th, 2012 2:36:56 AM

OOC: Can you use a hero point? and would anyone be opposed to Kyachi nudging him down the stairs? (nonchalant whistling)

Devlin -- 20/15/15 -- CMD 18 -- HP 31/31  d20+7=16 ; d6+3=7 ; d20+8=9 ;
Wednesday May 30th, 2012 9:13:13 AM

Taking a step forward to better view the enemy Devlin takes to one knee and drops one of his crossbows. The rogue pulls out one of his bombs and gets ready to throw as he gazes up at the balcony. When the sneering darkblood attempts to act next he throws the miniature explosive at it. (Highlight if you speak Gnomish)Highlight to display spoiler: {Sam get some light up on that Balcony}. Careful everyone another one of them has gone invisible.

Actions:
5' step to E,5
Ready action to throw bomb at Dueargar 5 when he acts
Throw Bomb = To hit (touch AC) 16 Dam = 7
Knowledge Dungeoneering = 9

Dernock Uristson AC 22/14/20 CMD 20 HP 12/32  d20+6=7 ;
Wednesday May 30th, 2012 9:31:19 AM

Dernock give no reply. He stands motionless with what seem to be a total lack of comprehension of his surroundings. Looking closer it seems his jaw has gone slack. Is that drool?

OOC: actually considering Dernock is currently all that stands in the way between the Party and giant duergar happy smash fun time I shall spend a hero point to reroll after this no spending hero point uness it a personal life or death situation

Rerolled will save: 7 Hero points remaining 1
As before assuming it's mind affecting. FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU... Dernock has angered the gods. Woe betide any who count on Dernock's Assistance less they also be sucked in by his black hole of negaitve Karma! Doom and 27 consecutive kobold basket weaver figurines await!



Taggart Oathbreaker 20/15/16 - 32/32 - CMD 20  d20+9=26 ; d8+4=10 ; d6=5 ;
Wednesday May 30th, 2012 9:40:55 AM

Taggart quickly moves forward, this time taking aim with one shot in hopes that his arrow finds its target.

(Move to F4, attack Duergar 4 with Precise Shot to negate melee penalties.)

Attack: 26
Damage: 10+5 shock

Sam -- 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 15/32  d20+8=13 ;
Wednesday May 30th, 2012 10:54:44 AM

In gnomish "Ok". Sam's lights quickly fly over to the balcony (D9-F9).

Sam aims at the Duergar threatening the frozen Dernock. With new found confidence (due to his last shot) Sam lets another bolt go. The magical light from the bolt casts shadows as it zips to its new home... most likely a wall. (to hit=13)

While quickly reloading his bow Sam says aloud, "We need someone to start dealing with the darkbloods in the middle of the balcony! Take the left staircase! I'll follow them up and provide fire from the stairs!"

Sarnak: AC21/13/18 - CMD17 - HP22/(33)37 Kyachi: AC19/11/16 - CMD20 - HP38/38 
Wednesday May 30th, 2012 11:44:10 AM

OOC: And I'm guessing there's no rule against rolling 1s on hero rolls like there is for healing rolls?

Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/11/21 -- CMD 18/22 -- HP 19/53  d20+5=19 ; d20+7=26 ;
Wednesday May 30th, 2012 2:33:36 PM

Bruagh, realizing things are looking grim, decides it is time for something drastic, something unexpected, something... heroic. He passes his axe to his off hand with his shield and begins running straight ahead. As he does so he reaches into his handy haversack finding his rope with attached grappling hook with no trouble. He swings it around his head twice before slinging one end at the duergar who cast the spell. Bruagh will wait for the grappling hook to catch and then will pull with all of his might hoping to topple the duergar down to his level.

----------
Actions: Move to A,5, get grappling hook out of handy haversack, throw it at caster, pull caster to the ground.

Attack: 19 (+4 BAB, +1 Dex, -4 Improvised Weapon, +4 Hero Point)
CMB: 26 (+4 BAB, +3 Str)


Voices in the dark - (DM RobC) 
Wednesday May 30th, 2012 11:23:41 PM

OOC:
@Bruagh:
"Move to A,5, get grappling hook out of handy haversack"

Move Action 1 - 20ft North to E5
Move Action 2 - 20ft North to A5
Move Action 3 - Retrieving an item from a handy haversack
Standard Action 1 - Improvised Weapon Attack
I like the idea though it will take 2 rounds to accomplish. Have moved you to A5. You may keep your hero point and reroll the attack next round. AND - fyi - if you choose to use a hero point before your roll, you get a +8 bonus rather than +4 :)


Voices in the dark - (DM RobC)  d8=1 ; d8=8 ; d8=5 ; d8=2 ; d20+6=25 ; d20+6=18 ; d8=6 ;
Thursday May 31st, 2012 3:05:07 AM

The party move to engage what appear to be the remaining duergar.

Kyachi moves closer to her next prey, but holds her distance.... for now.

Taggart takes careful aim. As the duergar raises his warhammer to deliver a blow to Durnock, Taggart looses his arrow, catching the duergar in the neck. The duergar drops his weapon, and collapses to the ground, twitching.

Sam moves the lights closer to the battle. With the light, he can see his crossbolt bolt lodge nicely in the wall.

Devlin readies himself a little bomb and waits. When the duergar who cast the spell looks ready to act again, Devlin throws his bomb but the range is too great for the weary dwarf. His bomb fails to make the distance and instead hits the barrels beside Kyachi. They start to burn!

DM notes on 'the bomb': Highlight to display spoiler: { Bombs have a range of 20ft. Given Devlin's target is 55ft away, he incurs 2 range penalties, and misses his target. D8 to see which direction it lands: 1 equals falls short and by 2 squares in a straight line towards him = -D7 and all adjacent squares}

Bruagh moves closer, and takes cover behind the mine cart, but he is close enough now that Duergar#3 releases his readied action, shooting at the Paladin (Attack vs AC25: 25 = A possible crit, 18 = Crit denied. Bruagh takes 6pts damage!)

The duergar that had disappeared reveals himself, as he approaches Durnock. "Don't worry. Your friends will be joining you soon" and with that he swings his warhammer like a baseball bat to the side of Durnock's head (5ft step to deliver Coup-de-grace. Auto crit. Durnock takes 15pts damage and must make a Fort save vs DC25 or die!) "And I thought dwarves only had rocks in their heads!" he laughs as dwarven blood is spilt.

The magic-user smiles evily.

The other duergar move about, but look to be readying themselves

==========
Map - Round 5

Note I have removed the dead duergar from the map for clarity

The balcony area on the map provides some cover to those atop it. Similarly the barrels and mine cart provide some cover from above to those next to them

Duergar 1 - "Sarge" - Unconscious
Duergar 2 - "Recruit" - Dead as dead could be
Duergar 4 - Dead

Duergar 3 - Waiting
Duergar 5 - Waiting
Duergar 6 - Gloating

Dernock Uristson AC 22/14/20 CMD 20 HP 12/32  d20+13=20 ;
Thursday May 31st, 2012 7:28:34 AM

OOC I Shall write this before my roll because so far... THEY'VE BEEN TERRIBLE. If I don't make this it was fun working with you for the brief time we had. If Dernock wasn't Paralyzed this would be him speaking.

So life or death situation right? a hero point shall be spent. The last one too. Can't Cheat Death as Dernock does not have enough hero points soooooo.... +8 to the roll

Alas... Dernock is no more!

Dernock Uristson AC 22/14/20 CMD 20 HP 12/32  d20=2 ;
Thursday May 31st, 2012 7:41:06 AM

OOC Actually I was going by the rules in the advanced players guide so I assume I need more than 1 hero point to cheat death... If this ishouse ruled differently then Dernock still lives.

Sarnak: AC21/13/18 - CMD17 - HP22/(33)37 Kyachi: AC19/11/16 - CMD20 - HP38/38  d20+8=17 ; d20+8=9 ; d20+8=27 ; d20+7=27 ; d20+7=26 ; d8+8=14 ; d6+8=11 ; d6+8=14 ; d6+8=10 ; d6+8=14 ;
Thursday May 31st, 2012 9:46:18 AM

Kyachi takes a 5' step forward towards the gloating Duergar and delivers a vicious series of attacks against them, starting by attempting to bite them and pull them off their location and clawing as they come down.

Attack: 17, 9, 27
Damage: 14, 11, 14
Grapple: 27 (natural 20)
Rake: 24

Grapple if first attack lands.

OOC: Still haven't had a call on this yet, how high is Duergar 6?

Dernock Uristson AC 22/14/20 CMD 20 HP -3/32 [Stable/DEAD?] 
Thursday May 31st, 2012 10:01:54 AM

OOC Just forgot to update Dernock's Status *Whimper*

Taggart Oathbreaker 20/15/16 - 32/32 - CMD 20  d20+9=25 ; d8+4=10 ; d6=4 ;
Thursday May 31st, 2012 10:36:33 AM

Taggart runs forward, another arrow lancing out at the Duergar on the balcony. "Dernock's down!" he cries out, pressing his back to the wall.

Move to D6
Target Duergar 5
Attack: 25
Damage: 10+4 shock

Voices in the dark - (DM RobC) 
Thursday May 31st, 2012 11:01:55 AM

OOC:

Firstly, sorry Sarnak - had to work out how tall Kyachi was, then with reach, etc. So yep, I'll allow the attack.

Secondly...

Ah, Dernock.

I rule you can use both remaining hero points of yours to cheat death. Though unable to move, your dwarven pride (the trait you chose) refused to allow you to come to death at the hands of a bloody duergar. Despite the trauma your body has been through, your soul refused to leave this realm. Your body collapes from the blow and rolls down the stairs to land at C9. You are still at negative HP, but you are stable. Long live Dernock! Well, for another round anyway. I'll see if I can plug him with a crossbow bolt ;)


Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/11/21 -- CMD 18/22 -- HP 13/53  d20+9=15 ; d20+7=20 ;
Thursday May 31st, 2012 2:05:53 PM

Bruagh grabs the grappling hook from his pack and flings it at the caster. As he jerks the end of the rope with all of his might he screams, "GET OVER HERE!!!"

Attack: 15
Str Check: 20

Devlin -- 20/15/15 -- CMD 18 -- HP 31/31  d20+8=22 ; d8+2=10 ;
Thursday May 31st, 2012 2:36:03 PM

Scooping up his second crossbow Devlin moves to stand next to Bruagh. Bringing his first crossbow around he fires at the Duergar moving towards the left stairway. He quietly says to the paladin. I got ya covered lad.

Actions
Move to A,4
Shoot at Duergar 3
To Hit = 22 Dam = 10 (within 30' of target, point blank shot in effect.)

Sam -- 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 15/32  d20+8=10 ; d3=3 ;
Thursday May 31st, 2012 9:16:16 PM

"Dernock!"

Sam panics and picks a lone Duergar to kill. He quickly aims at the Duergar that Devlin fired on. The bolt hits the balcony rail. (to hit=10...I rolled a bloody 2!) Sam curses under his breath and loads another bolt.

ooc-I accidentally hit the d3 button. The sad thing is that I rolled higher on that roll than the d20 I used for my shot...

Sarnak: AC21/13/18 - CMD17 - HP22/(33)37 Kyachi: AC19/11/16 - CMD20 - HP38/38 
Thursday May 31st, 2012 10:59:48 PM

OOC: I have a suggestion actually. the battle formation is irking me a bit, so I had a idea for maybe a slightly better setup.

First, split the groups into 2, the stealth group and the stationary group. The stealth group and stationary stay about 10'-20' away from each other. This way if the stealth group gets spotted the stationary may not be, and the stationary is more able to get into good position as the enemy goes after the stealth. Also, if stealth triggers a trap with some range, the melee doesn't get thrown into it as well unless it's a 10-20' burst. In this case I'm counting Sarnak as melee because he has the AC and hp of one.

For the second group, I was thinking arranging them in a plus, all surrounding Sam given he's our caster at the moment. Using the map, Sam at say E5, and surrounding melee at E7,E3,C5,G5 or E6,E4,D5,F5. That way it's a lot harder to hit the caster. The more spread out pattern also gives the group a lot more leeway in how to disperse to counter say aoes while still maintaining the ability to support each other.

For 2 casters, I thought caster at E5, D5, and melee at C4,C6,F4,F6. Perhaps switch the orientation if the 2 casters need line of sight to the enemy.

Any ideas for other orientations? I just really hate the line, It doesn't really cater to what our team is good at, and I think we should have had this discussion a bit sooner given our group is fairly large.

Sam -- 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 15/32 
Friday June 1st, 2012 12:11:31 AM

ooc- Good ideas. I especially like the ones that keep Sam from dying!

Formation 1- The idea of stealth ahead of the rest is something we do, but not in separate groups. I mostly like the idea. My tweak to the concept would be to have a single scout rather than a group. The point has clearly been illustrated recently when Devlin and Taggart both declared stealthing ahead of the group. Both are great candidates for the job. Devlin rolled well and Taggart didn't. When two people roll for the same effect, it increases the chances of being noticed purely by luck of the dice. I think Sam is a good/bad candidate for a scout. On the good side, he has a high stealth and many choices for first actions (spells, bard stuff, and speech skills with many languages). On the bad side, he is the group's primary healer and can get squashed if someone looks at him the wrong way. Devlin has the highest unmodified stealth (2 more than Sam), can sneak attack, and can detect traps. Taggart has great stats for tracking and perception. So any of the three work for me if we have only one scout.

Formation 2- I don't really have a strong opinion on this one. I'm good with whatever shape the formation is in while marching. The spider attack had us in a narrow tunnel and I'm guessing the future passages will be similar, so a line was/is obviously mandatory in those spots. My main focus is where we are during a fight. I believe that we do a good job covering threats as they arrive. This battle, although rough at the moment, shows our team's good coordination IMO.

Sarnak: AC21/13/18 - CMD17 - HP22/(33)37 Kyachi: AC19/11/16 - CMD20 - HP38/38 
Friday June 1st, 2012 12:25:10 AM

OOC: Well, technically when we first engaged the spiders it wasn't in a corridor, and because of that fact our wizard nearly died before we could get into a defensible position. In my opinion, we should have a set of formations that have a priority, such as assume spread, then close, then line, according to the space available. Or just make the call upon entering a new room.

Taggart Oathbreaker 20/15/16 - 32/32 - CMD 20 
Friday June 1st, 2012 1:30:43 AM

OOC :: I think we'll just have to make judgement calls depending on the situation. We have three scout candidates that excel in different areas, and each area will only allow for certain formations. It could be something that would be decided on by a case by case basis, I think. It wouldn't be too difficult to get a basic marching formation going as long as we set down some base rules for what we should be doing, such as protecting Sam cuz he's squishy, and who should scout when.

Maybe we should take this to an email thread?

Devlin -- 20/15/15 -- CMD 18 -- HP 31/31 
Friday June 1st, 2012 9:33:33 AM

OOC: I agree that it should depend on the situation. Going through a trap filled dungeon Devlin or Taggert up front. Sneaking through a persons home or area where intelligent interaction is expected Sam and so on.

On another note I leave tomorrow for Oklahoma City for a week. Going to be trained to be a search and extraction medic. They say the billeting (military hotel) has wifi but we will see how reliable it is. If I am unable to post Dave (Sam) or Zach (Bruagh) can you post for me?

Have a good day all.

Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/11/21 -- CMD 18/22 -- HP 13/53 
Friday June 1st, 2012 11:02:34 PM

Checking in...

Dernock Uristson AC 22/14/20 CMD 20 HP -3/32 [Stable/DEAD?] 
Saturday June 2nd, 2012 8:53:30 PM

OOC checking in. I can see myself doing this for a while...

Sam -- 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 15/32 
Saturday June 2nd, 2012 11:16:51 PM

ooc-You can post dream sequences Dernock. That's always fun and exciting...

Dernock Uristson AC 22/14/20 CMD 20 HP -3/32 [Stable/DEAD?] 
Sunday June 3rd, 2012 12:28:19 AM

OOC After such a powerful blow to the head I don't think Dernock is going to be dreaming. Notfor a whil anyway.

Voices in the dark - (DM RobC) 
Sunday June 3rd, 2012 10:41:16 AM

DM Post incoming now....

Voices in the dark - (DM RobC)  d20+6=21 ; d8=3 ; d8=5 ;
Sunday June 3rd, 2012 11:15:56 AM

Kyachi misses with her bite, though one claw does manage to tear at the duergar's leg. He takes a step backward and spits down at the eidolon.

Bruagh attempts an interesting attack, though the duergar is too nimble and leans to avoid the attack.

Devlin and Taggart have great success with their attacks. Each proves exceptionally potent. Sam laments his accuracy with the crossbow. Somebody must have adjusted the sights. Yes, that must be it.

Dernock dreams of being in a tavern but can't recall how many drinks he has had. Given the pain in his head, it must have been a few.

The duergar with the crossbow takes aim at Kyachi and manages to hit the eidolon in the rear (Attack vs AC18: 21 = Hit. Kyachi takes 3pts damage)

The spell caster points towards Bruagh and lets forth a spell. A loud noise bursts forth next to Bruagh (Cast Sound Burst at A6. Bruagh, Devlin and Kyachi all take 5pts damage and must make a DC16 Fort save or be stunned for 1 round)

==========
Map - Round 6

Note I have removed the dead duergar from the map for clarity

The balcony area on the map provides some cover to those atop it. Similarly the barrels and mine cart provide some cover from above to those next to them

Duergar 1 - "Sarge" - Unconscious
Duergar 2 - "Recruit" - Dead as dead could be
Duergar 4 - Dead

Duergar 3 - Crossbowing - 10pts damage
Duergar 5 - Sneering
Duergar 6 - Just spat at Kyachi - 28pts damage

Sarnak: AC21/13/18 - CMD17 - HP22/(33)37 Kyachi: AC19/11/16 - CMD20 - HP38/38  d20+4=22 ; d20+8=21 ; d20+7=14 ; d20+7=24 ; d8+8=14 ; d8+8=13 ; d8+8=10 ;
Sunday June 3rd, 2012 11:53:29 AM

OOC: spending hero point to reroll grapple

Kyachi Growls at the caster as he spits at her, that quickly transitions to a giant grin at seeing him only move 5' back. "This neck isn't just for show you know." as she lashed out with her muzzle around the corner and takes a vicious bite out of his arm, latching on to him and pulling him viciously over the edge of the stairwell and under her form, as she places her forepaws on his form to hold him in place as well as her bite on his arm as her claws rake against his back and sides.

Attack: 21
Grapple : 24
Damage: 14 + 13 + 10 = 37

OOC: hah, grapple worked I'm pretty sure. If she was able to claw him last turn then she definitely should be able to use the 5' reach on her bite to hit him with that. Although she still does have a move action she hasn't used, I might add more to this post that uses that, but in a bit of a rush atm.

Sarnak: AC21/13/18 - CMD17 - HP22/(33)37 Kyachi: AC19/11/16 - CMD20 - HP33/38 
Sunday June 3rd, 2012 4:19:54 PM

OOC: Add following to my post. Also, can you charge and attack with a wand? I don't think so, but if you can I'll change to a charge instead of run.

Sarnak, not quite wanting to be so far from his eidolon, takes a quick jog over to B3, watching her from over the table as he takes cover behind the barrels, waiting a moment before taking his next move.

Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/11/21 -- CMD 18/22 -- HP 8/53  d20+13=26 ;
Sunday June 3rd, 2012 6:38:16 PM

Bruagh shrugs off the effect of the spell and move into combat range of the duergar on the eastern stairs.

Fortitude: 26
Double Move to -C,9.

Sam -- 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 32/32  d20+8=27 ; 3d6+1=13 ; d20+8=10 ;
Sunday June 3rd, 2012 9:39:59 PM

Sam takes careful aim at the injured crossbow wielding Duergar (#3). He focuses on the darkblood. All other friends and foes around him seem to temporarily fade from view. He lets out a breath and lets the holy bolt go. (to hit=27 crit. 10 to confirm. 13 damage)

He reloads his fickle crossbow and thinks, "I just need to focus like this every shot and I won't ever miss..."

Devlin -- 20/15/15 -- CMD 18 -- HP 26/31  d20+7=16 ; d20+9=17 ; d8+2=5 ;
Sunday June 3rd, 2012 10:37:10 PM

As the burst of sound echos around Devlin his Dwarven constitution allows him to shake off the worst of the effect. Taking a knee he lines up a shot on the darkblood Sam just fired upon. As his bolt flies he shouts. Taggert, Sam and I have this one take out the caster

Actions:
Shoot Duergar #3
To hit = 17, Dam = 5

Voices in the dark - (DM RobC) 
Monday June 4th, 2012 1:17:29 AM

OOC:

@Sarnak: "OOC: hah, grapple worked I'm pretty sure."
Likely, but note the errata in the monster rules regarding the rake ability: "A monster with the rake ability must begin its turn already grappling to use its rake--it can't begin a grapple and rake in the same turn." So no grapple/rake damage this round, but you will be able to rake him next round - assuming Kyachi lives of course ;)

Also, don't forget to update your header. Kyachi has taken 10pts damage so far.


Dernock Uristson AC 22/14/20 CMD 20 HP -3/32 [Stable/DEAD?] 
Monday June 4th, 2012 3:44:22 AM

Through blurry eyes Dernock could see a Rough gnome with an eye patch "Shut up Dernock and drink. Let me do the talking." The scarred Gnome hissed across the table. "You need to be a convincing drunk and the only way we can get you to do that is to be as sloshed as a dwar... As possible"
"Yer sher, Hank?, dun yer need mah ash back up in cash we ged iner older cushion or somethin?" the throughly inerbrated Dwarf replied...



Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/11/21 -- CMD 18/22 -- HP 8/53 
Monday June 4th, 2012 1:29:53 PM

OOC: I may not get a chance to post later today so just stopping by to say... "checking in".

Taggart Oathbreaker 20/15/16 - 32/32 - CMD 20  d20+9=28 ; d8+4=9 ; d6=4 ;
Monday June 4th, 2012 7:20:28 PM

Taggart nods at Devlin's command, aiming his bow at the caster. Moving forward, he lets loose another arrow, and it finds it mark just fine, shocking the caster as well as skewering him.

Attack: 28
Damage: 9+4 shock

Voices in the dark - (DM RobC) 
Monday June 4th, 2012 9:49:16 PM

DM Post incoming...

Voices in the dark - (DM RobC)  d20+6=23 ; d8=4 ; d8=7 ; d20+6=15 ;
Tuesday June 5th, 2012 2:42:23 AM

The tide of battle seems to have swung dramatically in the parties favor.

Kyachi tries to grab hold of the nearest duergar by the leg but misses! (OOC: To be honest I'm not sure if I would say Kyachi could reach the duergar where he is now. She has to reach over the flaming barrels, plus around the corner of the stairs. I've allowed it this round, however it is still a miss. In the previous round it was just reach up the stairs, and in hindsight I probably shouldn't have allowed claw attacks then.)

Sarnak moves closer to the battle to get a better look at proceedings, but to also keep an eye on his eidolon.

Bruagh moves to engage the duergar hand-to-hand. The two lock eyes.

Devlin's shot misses its mark. His other crossbow seems to be favouring enemy blood today.

Taggart takes the time to line up his mark, and scores a direct hit on the caster. The duergar's body trembles as the electricity flows through his body and armor.

Sam finds renewed confidence with his crossbow, watching his bolt land in the duergars stomach with a satisfying *thok*. The duergar is swaying badly, and his face looks to have gone pale (pale-er).

The duergar with the crossbow looks towards the nearest doorway. The duergar cleric obviously has noticed this "Don't even think about fleeing worm! One move towards that door and the Fhorge will have one more to feed upon!"

The duergar with the crossbow seems to have resigned himself to his fate, and points his crossbow at the nearest target. His bolt flies true and strike Devlin in the shoulder (Attack vs AC20: 23 = Hit. Devlin takes 4pts damage). He looks to the cleric once more, and then to the doorway that is so temptingly close.

The cleric however, points once more towards a group of enemies. Another loud clap erupts from near Devlin (Cast Sound Burst at B4. Devlin, Sarnak and Sam all take 7pts damage and must make a DC16 Fort save or be stunned for 1 round)

The duergar standing before Bruagh squints his eyes, seemingly having difficulty in the bright light. He swings his warhammer at the dwarf in front of him, but misses (Attack vs AC25: 14 = Miss!) "You're weak, dwarf." he pants "All of your kind is. The dwarves will soon come to realise who the true rulers of the underground are."

Meanwhile in Dernock's dreams...
"Listen Dernock" the gnome hisses again at the drinking dwarf "What have I always said? The right words can be stronger than any steel. So no drawing weapons or picking fights unless we have to. I'm not always going to be around to look out for you, you know" He raises his empty mug to the dwarf.

==========
Map - Round 7

Note I have removed the dead duergar from the map for clarity

The balcony area on the map provides some cover to those atop it. Similarly the barrels and mine cart provide some cover from above to those next to them

Duergar 1 - "Sarge" - Unconscious
Duergar 2 - "Recruit" - Dead as dead could be
Duergar 4 - Dead

Duergar 3 - Crossbowing - 23pts damage - swaying & pale
Duergar 5 - Seemingly still confident - 13pts
Duergar 6 - Toe to toe with Bruagh - 28pts damage - dazzled by Sam's lights

Sam -- 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 32/32  d20+7=13 ;
Tuesday June 5th, 2012 8:15:04 AM

Sam smiles as the Duergar takes the bolt to the chest. He readies his crossbow for what he hopes is the finishing shot.

(In undercommon) "Hey! Catch this!"

Just then, the concussive burst of sound shatters the gnome's strong resistance against such attacks. (13 fort.) Sam drops his weapon and covers his ears.

(In Draconic) "Argh!"


Sarnak: AC21/13/18 - CMD17 - HP22/(33)37 Kyachi: AC19/11/16 - CMD20 - HP35/38  d20+4=23 ; d20+9=22 ; d20+9=26 ; d10+1=7 ;
Tuesday June 5th, 2012 11:53:39 AM

OOC: Well, it all depends on how high the stairwell and balcony is. In the rules of the game, a large creature is a 10' cube, and can reach all adjacent squares. If that creature has reach, then it can reach all squares just outside the adjacent ones, so a large creature should be able to reach 20' up and 10' away, so Kyachi should be able to reach him if the second floor is less than 15' high.

Sarnak has his ears set ringing by the sound burst, but is left standing as he moves to Kyachi and uses his wand to toss a bit of healing to her. (can draw a weapon as a free action during a move)

OOC: Ok, I need a bit of information here to proceed with my post. how high is the table at -B5, barrels at -C2 and -C7, how high is the balcony and stairs at -D1. Also, is the balcony conpletely open or are there just small holes that crossbows can be fired from? Kyachi wants to either jump over the table and onto the balcony at -D1, or take a couple steps back and take a running jump over the barrels and land behind Duergar #6, but I don't know if either is possible. And if possible, can you include height information on the map somehow? The 2 rolls not used are 2 acrobatics checks that will be used once I know the height dimension of the room.

Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/11/21 -- CMD 18/22 -- HP 8/53  d20+9=19 ; d10+4=7 ; 2d6=6 ;
Tuesday June 5th, 2012 10:28:32 PM

Bruaghs ignores the remarks of the dark lol'd choosing instead to respond with his axe.

Hit AC 19 for 7 slashing and 6 holy damage.

Devlin -- 20/15/15 -- CMD 18 -- HP 15/31  d20+7=14 ;
Tuesday June 5th, 2012 10:40:08 PM

Devlin is rocked by the next burst of sound. He is unable to think and the ringing in his ears make it impossible to hear anything.

Fort save = 14

Voices in the dark - (DM RobC) 
Wednesday June 6th, 2012 12:21:11 AM

OOC:

Duergar #6 will be downed by Bruagh's blow

@Sarnak:
- Not sure I agree with your interpretation of the size rules.
Kyachi is a quadruped currently enlarged to the Large (long) size.
As a Large (Long) she gets an extra 5ft reach added to the reach she already has with her bite, for a total of 10ft. I've based this on the following two references:
http://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/combat#Table-Creature-Size-and-Scale
http://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/combat/space-reach-threatened-area-templates
Interestingly, the eidolon "Large" evolution says when an eidolon is large it only gains additional reach if it has the biped base form. Playing devil's advocate here, does this mean that Kyachi does not gain additional reach at all by the enlarge person spell? My summoner in Cthonia is about to enter round 1 of combat and was planning on doing the exact same thing. In order to be impartial, I've asked the question on the rules forum.
Can you give me some references for how you worked out reach "20' up and 10' away"

- B5 is an empty, old, wooden mine cart

- The top of the stairs (and the balcony) are 15ft from the ground

- The balcony is open, with solid wooden panels about 2.5feet high (about half the height of a dwarf). It is open at the top, however is only 5ft wide.

- "d20+4=23 ; d20+9=22 ; d20+9=26 ; d10+1=7 ;" Can you please include in your post what you are using each roll for? eg: "Fort Save=23, Acrobatics Check=..". I'm not quite sure what your rolls are for yet. What is the D10+1?


Taggart Oathbreaker 20/15/16 - 32/32 - CMD 20  d20+9=13 ; d8+4=10 ; d6=4 ;
Wednesday June 6th, 2012 12:41:42 AM

Taggart dashes forward, glancing around at his paralyzed teammates. "Come on, now! We've got them on the run!" He lets fly another arrow, the lightning crackling through the air.

Move to B7
Attack Duergar 5: Hit AC for 13
Damage: 10+4 shock

Sarnak: AC21/13/18 - CMD17 - HP22/(33)37 Kyachi: AC21/12/18 - CMD20 - HP28/38  d20+8=28 ; d20+8=21 ; d6+8=13 ; d6+8=14 ;
Wednesday June 6th, 2012 1:24:24 AM

OOC: Here's the really simple explanation. without enlarge person, she takes up a 5' cube right? via reach, she can reach something 10' away from her on the horizontal, and on the vertical she can reach something 15' up (has 5' height, plus 10' from base reach + extended reach)

When enlarged to large, she now takes up a 10' cube, including the 10' up. she has 10' reach, so 10' reach + 10' base height = 20' reach, for a total of 20' reach up and 10' out. the reason she has 20' up is that in dnd height is not judged from the edge of the square. it's judged from the ground. and from the ground, she has 10' height when large, so with her extended reach it becomes 20'.

In a open field, a large creature with a reach weapon can reach 20' high and 10' away simultaneously, including diagonals. If diagonals are included, then the straight line reach becomes a fair bit more than shown, given it's a effective 3 squares along a diagonal horizontally, and vertically, which is a quirk of the rules, allowing that in the case we have she should in theory be able to hit -D10 because of the abstraction in place.

Whether this is allowed or not is mostly a rules problem, I know i find it a bit difficult that even a large quadruped can apparently reach 20' high with a 5' neck, but the rules strictly allow it.

As for the rolls, now that I know the heights I can make a call of what Kyachi does.

Kyachi looks to the best move she can make, and sends a mental call to Sarnak to dispel the enlarge person. He does so, (Sarnak spending a standard action) as she moves back a step to A7. she then runs towards the flaming barrels and jumps on top of them (acrobatics 22) and then uses that as a leaping point to jump onto the balcony (acrobatics 29) and turn to duergar 5, attempting to take a bite out of him.

Attack 1: Crits, confirm of 21
Damage: 13 + 14


Sarnak: AC21/13/18 - CMD17 - HP22/(33)37 Kyachi: AC21/12/18 - CMD20 - HP28/38 
Wednesday June 6th, 2012 1:26:26 AM

OOC: she took the step back to having a 10' running start for the acrobatics checks. Also, the d10 +1 was for healing that I'm actually not going to use.

Voices in the dark - (DM RobC) 
Wednesday June 6th, 2012 2:50:00 AM

DM post incoming...I think


Voices in the dark - (DM RobC)  d20+6=10 ;
Wednesday June 6th, 2012 3:48:56 AM

Sam clutches his ears from the loud noise. Usually it is the bard who uses sound, and he is not impressed that a foe would employ the same tactic.

Devlin too is startled by the attack from the cleric.

Taggart's bow makes a rare miss.

Sarnak acknowledges his eidolon's request, and reduces her in size. Kyachi backs up for a running leap up to the balcony but ends up crashing to the floor behind the barrels (Acrobatics checks failed. Please see spoiler below)

Bruagh's axe makes quite a rebuttal to the duergar's argument, slashing nicely under the duergar's helmet and across his neck. The duergar drops his warhammer to the floor, grasping at his throat, before he too drops.

Duergar#3 watches another of his comrades fall. He despondently raises his crossbow and makes a half-hearted attack at Taggart (Attack vs AC20: 10 = Miss)

"What do you think you are doing fool? That one! Shoot that one!" the cleric indicates, madly pointing at the approaching Bruagh. He back-steps, whilst casting a spell.
Spellcraft DC16 check Highlight to display spoiler: {He cast Protection from Good on himself}

====================
Map - Round 8

Duergar 1 - "Sarge" - Unconscious
Duergar 2 - "Recruit" - Dead as dead could be
Duergar 4 - Dead
Duergar 6 - Dying, bleeding out from the neck

Duergar 3 - Crossbowing - 23pts damage - swaying & pale
Duergar 5 - Giving orders and still casting spells - 13pts

Acrobatics Notes:
Highlight to display spoiler: {
PRD: "The base DC to make a jump is equal to the distance to be crossed (if horizontal) or four times the height to be reached (if vertical). These DCs double if you do not have at least 10 feet of space to get a running start. The only Acrobatics modifiers that apply are those concerning the surface you are jumping from."

Jump #1:
With an acrobatics check of 22 and a running start, the highest Kyachi could jump and land safely would be 5ft (DC4 per ft = DC20 for 5ft high)
This leaves her 10ft below the balcony, and adding +40 to the DC of the next jump

Jump #2:
+10 for being severely unsteady (you are jumping from barrels that were exposed to an explosion receiving 7pts area damage, have been alight for 3 rounds, and have just had a creature of at least 100lbs land on them)
+15 for long jumping 15ft (from -C7 to -F7)
+40 for height (assuming you made the first 5ft and now only need to make the next 10ft)
For a total DC of : 65

I'm also not sure whether the bonus from a running start applies to your second acrobatics check given the clause "The only Acrobatics modifiers that apply are those concerning the surface you are jumping from". I don't believe it makes a difference in this case.

Please correct me if I'm wrong here as it sounds really weird!
}

Sam -- 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 32/32  d20+8=13 ;
Wednesday June 6th, 2012 8:23:07 AM

Sam recovers from the sonic attack and scoops up his already loaded crossbow. He takes aim at the nearly dead Duergar and fires. (to hit=13) The bolt hits the balcony.

Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/11/21 -- CMD 18/22 -- HP 8/53 SMITE EVIL, DIVINE FAVOR 
Wednesday June 6th, 2012 5:04:44 PM

Bruagh moves towards the cleric and begins asking for Domi's Divine Favor by reciting his favorite battle prayer.

"Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank the protector Domi,
For my unconquerable soul."


As he recites the prayer his eyes flash gold as his body and weapon glow white. The Holy Flames of his axe flare to life as if a billow has fueled them. Bruagh, nay, Domi will not be denied.
----------------
Move Action: Walk to -F,8
Standard Action: Cast Divine Favor
Free Action: Detect Evil
Swift Action: Smite Evil on Cleric "if Detect Evil is positive"

Sarnak: AC21/13/18 - CMD17 - HP22/(33)37 Kyachi: AC21/12/18 - CMD20 - HP28/38 
Wednesday June 6th, 2012 5:20:00 PM

OOC: I was working on the assumption of 5' height, so effectively the barrels would not need to be jumped, and the acrobatics was to land on them, then a jump to reach 10' from the barrels, which is a DC 20 check. From what I remember of the checks the height of the creature is subtracted from the height you need to reach (if your 5' high and need to reach a 10' ledge you don't need to jump 10', just 5'). I didn't account for the barrels being a unsteady surface though, so is it possible to undo that action and instead jump over the table and stairwell, ending up at -D1?

Taggart Oathbreaker 20/15/16 - 32/32 - CMD 20  d20+10=17 ; d8+5=13 ; d6=5 ;
Wednesday June 6th, 2012 8:20:46 PM

Taggart darts forward, sweat beading on his forehead as he dodges the flames. "May the Gods find mercy on your soul," he mutters, another bolt of lightning flying from his bow towards the cleric.

Move to B6
Attack D5 w/ Point Blank Shot: 17
Damage: 13+5 shock

Devlin -- 20/15/15 -- CMD 18 -- HP 15/31  d20+9=23 ; d8+2=5 ;
Wednesday June 6th, 2012 10:24:23 PM

Recovering from his shock Devlin scoops up his crossbows and sets his sights on the enemy. He fires at the darkblood close to the left stairs.

Bruagh don't let that darkblood get away, Lets finish this.

Actions:
Retrieve Weapons
Shoot at Duergar 3; To hit = 23, Dam = 5 (Point blank shot)

Voices in the dark - (DM RobC)  d20+8=9 ;
Wednesday June 6th, 2012 10:59:24 PM

OOC:
@Sarnak: "From what I remember of the checks the height of the creature is subtracted from the height you need to reach". That makes sense to me, but I can't find any reference to it.
Kyachi's move for the last round will stand as is. You made the rolls for it, and though you didn't take into account the correct rules around acrobatics use, you were not harmed by them (ie: I didn't give you any falling damage or fire damage).
Regardless, I'd say cleric will be dead next go anyway.


Sam's temperamental crossbow scores a direct hit... had the gnome been aiming for the balcony.

Bruagh walks slowly and steadily towards the cleric - a very intimidating dwarf to be sure. Evil is detected in the duergar's heart.

Taggart's shot barely misses the cleric - did some divine aid divert the course of the arrow?

Devlin finally gets a clear shot at the crossbow wielding duergar, and puts him down.

Only the cleric remains.

The cleric draws himself to full height and points a finger towards the unconscious Dernock, whilst eyeing Bruagh "Go ahead. Take one more step. If you want to see your friend meet his end, that is. One snap of my fingers and his body will burn forever"
Sense Motive DC9 Highlight to display spoiler: {He is bluffing. Quite badly too. Yep, the DM rolled a good ol' 1 on that bluff check}

Though it is still combat, I won't put up a map as it's just the party and the cleric now.

Duergar 1 - "Sarge" - Unconscious
Duergar 2 - "Recruit" - Dead as dead could be
Duergar 3 - Dead
Duergar 4 - Dead
Duergar 6 - Dead

Duergar 5 - Threatening to finish off Dernock - 13pts

Voices in the dark - (DM RobC) 
Thursday June 7th, 2012 12:00:40 AM

OOC:

Fyi ....

- We are about to have 2 new players join us! That will bring our total up to 8 - I think for the 1st time :) Since writing this module Sarnack, Dernock and Taggart have all joined, and now with another two new starters, I'm going to have to put some time into beefing up the rest of this module. Mwah ha ha haaaa >:)
- Addison has emailed me today officially stepping down as a CoDM. Addison was instrumental in developing this entire campaign and pulling it all together, and I'm sure will be missed.


Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/11/21 -- CMD 18/22 -- HP 8/53 SMITE EVIL, DIVINE FAVOR  d20=8 ; d20+15=32 ; d10+10=15 ; 2d6=9 ;
Thursday June 7th, 2012 12:04:16 AM

"Were that the truth... you would have used that spell on me." Bruagh charges at the cleric swinging his axe high to low hoping to split the evil duergar from head to navel.

Sense Motive: 12 (forgot to add ranks to the d20)
Attack: 32 (+2 from Charge, +2 Divine Favor, +2 from Smite Evil)
Damage: 15 Slashing, 9 Holy for a total of 24 points of damage.

Taggart Oathbreaker 20/15/16 - 32/32 - CMD 20  d20+12=15 ; d20+8=18 ; d20+8=15 ; d8+5=10 ; d6=6 ;
Thursday June 7th, 2012 12:25:53 AM

Taggart sighs, barely trying with his last two shots. "Will someone check to make sure Dernock is still breathing?" he calls out, thumbing the wand shoved into his belt.

Attack Cleric twice w/ Rapid Fire
Negate melee penalty with Precise Shot
+1 from Point Blank Shot
Attacks: 18, 15
Damage: 10+6 shock

The Battle is Won - (DM RobC) 
Thursday June 7th, 2012 1:03:45 AM

The cleric's bluff is called by Bruagh's axe. Though hoping to split the duergar in two, Bruagh only manages to slice from the top of the head to the shoulders. The duergar's body spasms, his eyes still wide with surprise, as he falls to the floor.

The battle is won.

Dernock lies breathing, though unconscious.

Similarly the duergar "Sarge".

Devlin -- 20/15/15 -- CMD 18 -- HP 15/31 
Thursday June 7th, 2012 8:11:09 AM

Ooc: Good job all. I will post ic later today after my training is done. I have an idea to cause more confusion and get us in the fortress without more of a fight. If this is part of d drakesmeade we let this room burn and smudge our faces and clothes with soot to make it look like we were in the fire. Might get us a little further.

Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/11/21 -- CMD 18/22 -- HP 8/53 SMITE EVIL, DIVINE FAVOR  d20+9=22 ;
Thursday June 7th, 2012 5:01:01 PM

Seeing others checking on Dernock (and having nothing he can do for him in any case) Bruagh wipes the blood from his axe and sheaths it at his side then places his shield on his back. He retrieves his rope and grappling hook from his pack, removes the grappling hook, and places it back in the pack. The paladin removes "sarges" armor, weapons, and all items and clothing except for his under clothes. He then ties the unconscious "sarge" up, wrapping him like a "mummy" trapping his arms to his body. He has Devlin check the rope to make sure it is secure and cannot be untied easily. He then sets the duergar up against a wall.

He turns back to the cleric that is not there and says, "Tahni, can you cast create water on..." he trails off realizing she is not there.

After a moment he focuses on the task at hand. He slaps the face of the duergar trying to get is attention. Should that not work, he will pour a bit of water from his waterskin on his face.

When/if he comes to Bruagh will say, "You will not be harmed any further, but nothing additional will be given to you unless you give me the information I ask for. We will leave you here as we continue on our way. When our task is complete, I will come back to release you and you will be free to go about your way. If I die as I attempt my task, no one will hear you scream, and you will sit hear and die a slow and painful death of dehydration. It would behoove you to give me the information I need to make sure I complete my task. What do you say?"

Diplomacy: 22

Devlin -- 20/15/15 -- CMD 18 -- HP 15/31 
Thursday June 7th, 2012 10:46:18 PM

Devlin gives the bindings a look and nods to Bruagh. They look good ta me lad but don't waste your time on this darkblood. It wont tell any truths, they never do. Just let me finish him and we can move on. Devlin pulls his dagger and moves behind the Duergar. He makes sure to step on one of the rope ends to keep the darkblood sitting and unable to flee if he turns invisible.

Sam -- 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 32/32 
Thursday June 7th, 2012 10:51:36 PM

Sam takes a knee and collects his thoughts. "I need to rest a moment to gain enough energy to cast spells. I can then heal those in need and we can move on. Also, we still need to contact... the others to see where they are."



Sarnak: AC21/13/18 - CMD17 - HP22/(33)37 Kyachi: AC21/12/18 - CMD20 - HP28/38  d10+1=6 ;
Thursday June 7th, 2012 11:24:13 PM

Kyachi, upon seeing the group was effectively dead, walks back slowly to Sarnak as he puts a hand on her side as she gets close. "Indeed, a rest to regain power would be nice." He pulls out his wand and casts a quick heal over Kyachi, Healing her back to full strength as she lies down and Sarnak rests against her side.

Taggart Oathbreaker 20/15/16 - 32/32 - CMD 20  d8+1=6 ; d8+1=6 ; d8+1=2 ; d8+1=4 ; d8+1=7 ; d8+1=9 ; d8+1=9 ;
Friday June 8th, 2012 12:48:21 AM

Taggart stows his bow, jogging to Dernock's almost lifeless corpse. He pulls out his wand of Cure Light Wounds, holding it to Dernock's chest, and allows him to soak up as much divine healing as he can.

((I rolled a bunch of CLW from the wand, go ahead and take as many as you need to heal up to full. If you need more, let me know.))

Dernock Uristson AC 22/14/20 CMD 20 HP 32/32 [Stable/DEAD?] 
Friday June 8th, 2012 4:35:28 AM

"I hear ya but more often than not, I dun have the right wordsh. I'm jusht a typical daft dwarf. I feer one find that fancy talk harder than you gnomesh an' yer know If it weren't fer you guish, The clansh would be waish deep in bodiesh. Hank... I think I shee two of yoush." Dernock rants drunkenly before coming to a puzzled conclusion. Odd how he remembers this bit The Dream fades away....

"Urgh..... Wow thanks"Dernock slowly rises and rubs his head. "Sooo I guess we won eh?"

OOC Sorry there was snow so no chance to get out of the Ward and check on things. In New Zealand, snow shuts down nearly everything. Also Some one else can have the last two charges


Devlin -- 20/15/15 -- CMD 18 -- HP 15/31 
Friday June 8th, 2012 8:18:53 AM

Ooc: Lets not forget to loot the bodies. :)

Taggart Oathbreaker 20/15/16 - 32/32 - CMD 20 
Friday June 8th, 2012 12:47:50 PM

OOC :: Taggart isn't much one for looting.

Devlin -- 20/15/15 -- CMD 18 -- HP 15/31 
Friday June 8th, 2012 2:04:51 PM

Ooc: Devlin will take care of it after the interrogation is over if the other pcs dont want to.

Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/11/21 -- CMD 18/22 -- HP 8/53 SMITE EVIL, DIVINE FAVOR  d20=6 ; d20=3 ; d20=12 ;
Friday June 8th, 2012 2:42:13 PM

"Stay your hand my friend. I'll not have him killed. Though he does not deserve it, he will be shown mercy, if only because we have no proof of his crimes." Bruagh begins searching the bodies of the fallen duergar, taking particular interest in the clerics items.

Roller went wonk so a 6 for perception.

Devlin -- 20/15/15 -- CMD 18 -- HP 21/31  d20+9=12 ;
Friday June 8th, 2012 7:14:10 PM

Devlin nods to Bruagh and walks past the darkblood trailing the tip of his dagger across the duergar's cheek. He checks the burning barrels to see what they contain before he sets about searching the bodies of the dead. Seeing everything is in order he takes a few minutes to mix up an elixir to take some of the pain from his wounds. He downs it with one big gulp.

Perception = 12
Make a cure lt wounds formulae (last one for the day)
Heal 6 hp


Dernock Uristson AC 22/14/20 CMD 20 HP 32/32 [BACK IN ACTION} <--- needs to an actual in -game status  d20+6=22 ;
Friday June 8th, 2012 7:18:25 PM

I'll be searching for 'evidence'. An' Devlin, I did not have the safety on for an easy kill, i did it so we could question him...Admittedly, we could be doin' this every damnable darkblood I manage to take down-but maybe a quick death is what they want to avoid punishment." mention to Devlin. Dernock then has a look round searching for evidence and confiscating weapons and equipment. This involves looting the bodies.

Perception check: 22 for looting! (Why the *bleep* I couldn't get a decent roll EARLIER)

The Battle is Won - (DM RobC)  d20+6=22 ;
Saturday June 9th, 2012 3:18:18 AM

The bound duergar awakes with a start, then looks wildly around at his captors. He seems to be eyeing you each as well as your weapons. "E'Sur Yoced. Sergent. Drakesmeade 4th Regiment" he states matter-o-factly. "And that's all you'll be gettin from me, other than I expect you'll be dead very soon"

He starts to test the ropes that he's bound in, and though he manages to make soom leeway, Devlin's foot on the rope and dagger by his face make the duergar stop his struggles. (Escape Artist: 22. I'm assuming you guys took 20 + Aid Another, so he's well and truly bound)

The party seem divided on how best to continue:
- Leave the fire burning and disguise as duergar?
- Take time to heal and recover spells?

Dernock takes to gathering the duergar corpes in a pile, and looting what he can from them:

6 x Warhammers
6 x Light Crossbows
50 x Light Crossbow bolts
5 x Chainmail suits
5 x Tunics with some sort of Duergar insignia on them
1 x Breast Plate with some sort of Duergar insignia on it
2 x Potions Lt Healing
1 x Wand

Shinto 
Saturday June 9th, 2012 9:51:25 PM

Great Idea... Get captured; wait for the right time to escape... The rough looking dwarf thinks to himself... twirling one of his three reddish braids dangling from his chin, he shifts his weight, leaning on one foot propped up against the cold stone wall...

Didn't take account they'd take ye weapons... Ya big goof... Now ye standin in ye skippas' with this ugly cloth draped o'er ye like sum begger...

Hearing foot steps echo from down the corridor the dwarf makes his way to the door, peeking out he sees the Duergar walking up the hall..

Do ye feed us captives 'round here; or ye expect us to eat the stone? He mumbles to them as they pass.... Of course not answering...

At this rate, the 'right time' is going to be years.... He makes his way to the pathetic looking bedroll on the stone slab... only the finest for us real dwarves

Sam -- 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 32/32 
Sunday June 10th, 2012 12:14:40 AM

ooc-We woke up at 23:00. I'd like to wait to regain spells before venturing forward for 2 reasons. The first is to be able to heal party members if needed. The second is to try to charm our captive. How much longer do we have to regain spells?

The Battle is Won - (DM RobC) 
Sunday June 10th, 2012 10:19:56 AM


@Sam: Any abilities that don't rely on a "rest period" - such as bardic performance, or paladin lay on hands - are available for use now. Let's call it after midnight. Abilities that require a rest period - such as a spells - still require rest to regain.

Welcome to our TWO new players: Derek & Marty Hoober!
These brothers in real life will be playing two dwarven brothers. Until the party find them I will be posting for both the main party, as well as these two stray dwarves


Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/11/21 -- CMD 18/22 -- HP 8/53 SMITE EVIL, DIVINE FAVOR 
Sunday June 10th, 2012 3:21:49 PM

OOC: Welcome Derek and Marty!!! We will free you guys soon enough. Unless we die and/or join you in captivity. Regardless, see you soon lol.

Well, I can channel energy to everyone for 4d6 damage or use lay on hands on individuals for up to 8d6 damage. Of course if I could persuade someone with the wand to heal me, I could save those for emergency's and such. =) It would be nice to get our spells back... but we are kind of pressed for time. BTW, Rob, I though since we did just rest we just had to wait on the new day to come to get our spells back. Regardless, I'm ready to kick some Duergar hiney!

-------------

Bruagh takes a look and the wand and attempts to cast it in case it is a spell he is familiar with. He will grab a warhammer to use as a back-up weapon and will offer to carry some of the other gear for the party.

Devlin -- 20/15/15 -- CMD 18 -- HP 21/31 
Sunday June 10th, 2012 3:50:20 PM

OOC: With the alchemist level, I can do wands now like cure lt wounds. My "spells" can only work on me but it allows me to use wands for the "spells" on the list.

Taggart Oathbreaker 20/15/16 - 32/32 - CMD 20 
Sunday June 10th, 2012 6:11:04 PM

Taggart takes one of the crossbows, as well as a few dozen bolts. He also takes the tabard from one of the Durgar, adding, "Disguises might not be a bad idea. It's easier to walk in the front door than sneak in the back."

Sarnak: AC21/13/18 - CMD17 - HP22/(33)37 Kyachi: AC21/12/18 - CMD20 - HP28/38 
Sunday June 10th, 2012 7:16:56 PM

OOC: I also am wondering about that. we rested 8 hours, and per the rules here : http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic#TOC-Preparing-Wizard-Spells
For wizards:
Must rest (not sleep necessarily) for 8 hours to regain power
Then spends 1 hour to allocate all spells.
All spell slots then made available.
No linking to time of day to regain, and it's entirely possible that a wizard could regain spells 3 times in a 28-hour window. (if he was in combat 20 minutes between each rest period)

For Divine casters:
http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic#TOC-Preparing-Divine-Spells
Regains power at a set time per day
Spends 1 hour at any time past their set time to allocate power.
All slots then made available.
Given regaining power is linked to a certain time, can only have spell slots made available once per day.

Sarnak is a arcane caster, Braugh divine. Sarnak spends 1 hour after resting to regain spells. Braugh spends 1 hour after his set time to regain spells.

Braugh as a Divine caster does not need rest to regain spells whatsoever.
Sarnak rested for 8 hours, and any time from that point he spends a hour regaining spells he gains them back.

Is there a houserule somewhere in the wold setting or that the DM has introduced that circumvents the normal rules on spell recovery that I don't know of?

IC:
Sarnak just remains by Kyachi's side, slightly interested in what the wand was but he's no good at identifying items so he'll just wait to see if anyone else in the group can figure out what it does.

Shonti 
Sunday June 10th, 2012 11:12:36 PM

Let 'em capture us, he says... It'll be fiiine, we'll have the advaaantage, he says... They're NOO match for us, he says... Clean house from the inside out, he says...
Thinking to himself, the dwarf is laying on his back teasing his dreadlocks one by one. The exhausted sorcerer stares at the cold stone ceiling trying to figure a way out of this hell on Wold...
Whatt'ya got ta say fer us now eh? Trapped inside o' their filthy STINKIN' LAIR!!!
Blast 'em wit' a bit o' MAGIC, he says... Your spells.... My axe..... He says... We simply CAN'T lose, he says...
None of me incantations doin' us a bit o' good now, BROTHER!!! Next time, I'll be the BRAINS! Stick to your darn axe an' let me handle the thinkin'... Now I gotta find out how I'm gonna get us outta this MESS!!
He looks to the stranger dwarf sitting directly across from him, And WHAT in Gargul's name are ye lookin' at me like yer scared now for?? I ain't the one's gonna feed ye to the giants!

The Battle is Won - (DM RobC) 
Monday June 11th, 2012 7:56:02 AM

OOC:
@Sarnak: I didn't say you'd need to rest for the whole 8 hours, but yes, at least 1hour by my quick scanning of the rules. At least 2hrs if you want to avoid the "Recent Casting Limit" rule.


Spoils of war are shared amongst the party.

A few members of the party look at the wand, and Bruagh even gives it a swing or two. However without knowing its powers, the wand does nothing. (Wands cannot be activated blindly)

"Sarge" eyes the party looting the corpses of the fallen. He sneers, but remains silent.

==================================================

Shonti and Shinto find themselves in a small cell with two other dwarves. The cell is very bare. Solid stone walls, no window, a few scraps of cloth on the floor to act as bedrolls. The cell is double-doored: an iron-bar door on the inside, with a second door - a sturdy, solid wood door - on the other side of that.

The cell is shared with two other dwarves. Well, you suspect they are dwarves. The emancipated beings in here with you are far from what dwarves are meant to look like. Their hair and beards are thinning to the point of almost being bare. Ribs and bones are clearly visible underneath their thinned skin. Whoever they are, it is possible they have been here for a while. But they do not complain and still hold their heads high.

Shonti blames his brother for their current predicament, and eyeballs one of the other dwarves in the cell.

"Bah, you think giants is the things to be worried 'bout? There are worse things here then giants" one of the dwarves says "The giants is 'fraid to come round here. Too many duergar."

The other dwarf adds solemnly "Thousands"

There is a loud rapping on the wooden door "Keep it down in there worms. You'll be back underground soon enough" the muffled voice is followed by laughter

Taggart Oathbreaker 20/15/16 - 32/32 - CMD 20  d20+5=23 ; d20+16=33 ;
Monday June 11th, 2012 11:46:53 AM

Taggart watches Braugh as he swings the warn through the air, trying to identify what it can really do. (Spellcraft 23) "Whatever it is that we decide to do," he mutters, looking at Sarge. "...we had better do it quickly. I can't imagine that our little scuffle went unnoticed." Taggart climbs onto some of the barrells that didn't burn and keeps an eye out, his bow in hand with an arrow draw. (Perception 33)

Shinto  d20+4=23 ;
Monday June 11th, 2012 1:12:33 PM

Thousands... Wha.... Then the banging on the door begins...

[/i] How can I get em' to open the cell door... The wooden door I can break.... [/i]

Turning to look at the strange looking dwarves; so wut landed ye in tis' here dump? An do they ever give us any food? Feels like me belly goin te eat me back...

Without waiting for an answer, Shinto goes over to the bars, grabs and starts shaking them as hard as he can; hoping he may be able to bend one or pull one loose... All the while screaming

Feed us you dirty stinkin; rat face havin, good for nuthin, wish ye was a Dwarf!!! letting out a wild growl, he continues By Garguls Hand I swear wen I be gettin outta here, ye both are dead girls!
------------------------------------------------------------

Str check- 23- Bend/ Break/ pull loose Cell Bar...

Devlin -- 20/15/15 -- CMD 18 -- HP 21/31  d20+14=32 ; d20+7=16 ;
Monday June 11th, 2012 1:42:36 PM

Devlin nods in agreement with Taggart and moves to cover the left door. Remembering a trick he packed away he pulls the bear trap out of his pack and places it around the corner from the door close to the stairs. Setting it with an ominous clank he thank backs down the stairs and takes some refuge in the shadows.

Set bear trap on left staircase,
Stealth = 32
Perception = 16

Shonti 
Monday June 11th, 2012 1:46:38 PM

AHH SHUT UP!!! Ya sorry excuse fer a Dwarf!! You'll never silence the Zarbadium brothers!!
Shonti screams at the door, then lowers his voice to just above a whisper,
Try to break the bars brother, we gotta get through them someway...
What's that ancient Elven secret again? Wet shirt break bar? No, that's not right... Wet rag pull bar? Nope... Can't be... Duh!!!
Shonti jumps to his feet! Not even bothering to walk over to a corner, loosens his belt, and begins urinating on a piece of his "bedroll".
Why didn't I think of it before? Pee Cloth Bend Bar!!
Finishing up, and avoiding the stares of the other Dwarves, he throws the now yellow "bedroll" on the floor by Shinto's feet.
Use this brother!! Tie it around 2 of the bars, an pull 'er tight.. They'll give ye enough room to maybe get us outta here!

Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/11/21 -- CMD 18/22 -- HP 8/53 SMITE EVIL, DIVINE FAVOR 
Monday June 11th, 2012 8:50:37 PM

Web is down, posting from phone.

Sarnak: AC21/13/18 - CMD17 - HP22/(33)37 Kyachi: AC21/12/18 - CMD20 - HP28/38 
Monday June 11th, 2012 10:10:29 PM

Sarnak nods. "I'll agree, we don't have the time to really rest, but me and Sam will be much weaker if we don't get a hour or so to get our spells back. I can operate without them, but my vote is for progressing until we can find a easy to conceal room or area to regain our spells."

Sam -- 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 32/32 
Monday June 11th, 2012 11:30:23 PM

Sam thinks for a moment. "Now that we cleared out some of the Duergar, stealth might be an easier option. I don't think we should try to start a fire to distract the enemy. I fear that that will attract more attention. I still have a few bardic tricks up my sleeve. If things get too bad we can always retreat. I know that is not the Dwarven way, but with limited healing, it might be that or death."

Sam loads his crossbow and is prepared to follow a chosen stealth person or lead himself.

ooc- I can hold up to two enemies with my fascination performance as long as we don't threaten them. Also, I have a few distracting cantrips that I can use.

Dernock Uristson AC 22/14/20 CMD 20 HP 32/32 
Tuesday June 12th, 2012 12:36:19 AM

Er any o' you Spellcasters got somethin' to protect mah naggin' against Majicks? I'm findin' this trend rather alarmin' If it's all the same to yah Dernock asks

Sarnak: AC21/13/18 - CMD17 - HP22/(33)37 Kyachi: AC21/12/18 - CMD20 - HP28/38 
Tuesday June 12th, 2012 1:04:13 AM

Sarnak shrugs. "Nothing really direct, when I have the spell available I can speed you up, or try to grease the floor under the caster, but I mostly rely on fluffy over here to keep casters occupied." Kyachi glares at Sarnak for a moment, then blinks and looks over at Dernock. "Hmm...I just had a idea actually. This won't necessarily prevent casters from giving you problems, but if you hop onto my back after I've been enlarged by Sarnak, stay on while I rush the target, then you jump over them to the other side it may help fix your slow problem and given I'm a bit more intimidating they may focus on me and not attack you."

OOC: This is the idea Kyachi has;
1. Sarnak enlarges Kyachi.
2. Dernock takes either a acrobatics or ride check to get on Kyachi's back
3a. If acrobatics, ready a action to jump off and behind the enemy on arrival. Technically, he didn't have a 10' running start, but he is on the back of a mount that's running, maybe it'll work to reduce the checks.
3b. If ride, he takes a attack upon arrival from her back, and next turn dismounts and does a full attack. Keep in mind Kyachi doesn't have the mount evolution, so any checks are at -10 (no saddle, and ill suited)

Idealy, if charging a medium creature like a duergar, she reaches their front and right before she stops Dernock jumps off and lands on the opposite side, so the duergar is flanked in the first turn, and Dernock covered potentially 80' instead of the 40' normally or 20' from a single move.

Sarnak: AC21/13/18 - CMD17 - HP22/(33)37 Kyachi: AC21/12/18 - CMD20 - HP28/38 
Tuesday June 12th, 2012 1:05:09 AM

OOC: Whoops, forgot the bold tags. First set of speech is Sarnak (Bolded), second is Kyachi (Bold and italic)

Dernock Uristson AC 22/14/20 CMD 20 HP 32/32 
Tuesday June 12th, 2012 7:38:04 AM

Dernock scratches his beard for a bit then answers. Next combat yer get enlargened an' there's enough space we' be givin' that a try. Still, I would like some spell protection.

Where To Now & Caged Dwarves - (DM RobC) 
Tuesday June 12th, 2012 8:22:38 AM

Taggart identifies the wand as a Wand of Protection from Good (20charges). Probably a common item in Drakesmeade.

Devlin carefully sets a trap by the entrance way on the left.

Sarnak and Dernock discuss potential tactics for the next encounter.

Sam is ready to leave, confident on stealth and guile to get the party through.

The party seem set to leave. But which way? The left or the right? And what of Sarge?

==================================================

Shinto makes a racket and uses miuscle to try and either pull the door from its hinges, break the bars, or in one way or another make an opening

Shonti uses his brain to suggest an elven technique. Of couse it is elven - it involves urinating. He hands the soggy rag to his brother.

It is at that moment that the wooden outer door opens. An armed duergar guard stands there "I though i told you maggot..." he stops mid sentence, staring at the urine soaked rag. ".. rackin' dwarves" he swears while shaking his head. He takes a step back from the bars. He has his warhammer in one hand.

The other two dwarves in the cell watch on with interest, but say nothing.

Shinto  d20+5=19 ; d20+7=15 ;
Tuesday June 12th, 2012 11:17:27 AM

Here goes nuffin He looks to Shonti and nods his head a bit; with a menacing grin.

Turning back to the guard, Shinto growls again at the Duergar; Told us wha? Ye seems to have meself confuzzled wit t'ese scrawny bag'o bones o'er there He points at the two dying dwarves in the cell with him;

Shuttin me up's goin take dat dere hammer lass!
He looks around a bit, checking up the hall to see how many Duergar are around. Knowing without his weapons, and his brother's spells being surpressed things could get real ugly, real quick. And the other two dwarves won't be much more use than cheerleaders.

Shinto then huffs a bit as he bends over and picks up the soaked rag at least its me own flesh-n-blood pee... giving the guard a sly smirk, he chucks the urinated rag at the Duergar's face

Hows t'at fer shuttin up lass? O, and did ye get ye manly looks from ye momma? Or do all the lasses in ye family be havin a boyish figure?

He grabs onto the bars again, shaking them wildly while screaming dwarven profanity's at the duergar, attempting to get him to come inside the cell and try to 'shut him up'..
-----------------------------
Perception check (Checking out the hall)-- 19
Throwing rag at Duergar's face-( Atk roll?)-- 15

Devlin -- 20/15/15 -- CMD 18 -- HP 21/31  d20+8=15 ; d20+14=30 ;
Tuesday June 12th, 2012 2:14:49 PM

Looking at the tied up duergar Devlin gives a sigh. He fishes out a vial of mutagen and moves towards the captive. Bruagh hold his nose, Durnock get his mouth open. Once the darkblood is in position he pours the concoction into his mouth forcing him to swallow it. That should keep him busy for a while. Devlin states with a grin.

Devlin will spare a glance out both entrances, if they both look the same he motions towards the right side before headding that way.

Actions:
Force Sarge to drink mutagen DC 14 fort save or be sickened for 1 hour.
Look out doors
Go to right if they look the same.
Perception = 15
Stealth = 30

Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/11/21 -- CMD 18/22 -- HP 8/53 SMITE EVIL, DIVINE FAVOR 
Tuesday June 12th, 2012 3:01:24 PM

Devlin, let's leave the captive be. No sense in torching to poor bastard. Let's just gag him so he can't call for help. Besides, we may have a better use for your mutagens soon enough.

Bruagh will try to convince his friend to not poison the duergar and instead just use a rag to shove in his mouth and another to tie it tightly around his head so as not to be dislodged.

-----------
OOC: Sorry to be a downer guys, but Bruagh's oath will not allow him to torture captives. Bruagh would have been willing to try and execute him, but he honestly did nothing more than run from us.

Devlin -- 20/15/15 -- CMD 18 -- HP 21/31  d20+4=23
Tuesday June 12th, 2012 8:15:06 PM

Devlin's eyes gleam with malice as Bruagh speaks of leaving the captive bound and gagged. Aye leaving this murderous scum alive and well has worked in the past, lets just do It again. He says, sarcasm dripping from his every word. He spits on the ground next to the duergar and stalks off towards the right staircase. Do as you will with him lads, but know that he would show you no mercy were the tables turned. Before leaving Devlin takes a handful of ash from the logs and smudges it into the exposed areas of his skin giving it a dark ruddy look.

Disguise = 23

Taggart Oathbreaker 20/15/16 - 32/32 - CMD 20  d20+16=35 ; d20+10=24 ;
Tuesday June 12th, 2012 8:26:54 PM

Taggart glances at the smouldering barrels, and back at Sarge. He shrugs, turning to Braugh and saying, "We could leave him to the fates. Let the Gods decide whether he lives or dies." He jerks a thumb towards the fire, and then points at the remaining lumber. "Fire spreads. Or it doesn't." Taggart looks back down at the Duergar, locking eyes with him. "See if his backup comes quickly enough."

If Braugh agrees, Taggart will kick over the pile of barrels towards the ones on fire, and help move Sarge onto the middle of the pile. If not, he'll just go ahead and scout.

Perception: 35
Stealth: 24

Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/11/21 -- CMD 18/22 -- HP 8/53 SMITE EVIL, DIVINE FAVOR 
Tuesday June 12th, 2012 10:22:52 PM

"I understand your frustration friend, but a dwarf is only as good as his word, and I gave an oath to Domi that I will not break." Turning to Taggert Bruagh continues, "Please, let's just leave him be. Besides the fires might do nothing more than burn the ropes freeing him sooner rather than later. At least this way it will be hours before he is freed and can raise the alarm."

Sam -- 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 32/32 
Tuesday June 12th, 2012 11:55:51 PM

"I am not for torture or execution, but I am also afraid that if we leave him here, he will be our undoing. I refuse to leave him alone and alive no matter what the rest of you decide. Too much is riding on stealth. I will stay here and rest while you scout ahead. I will make sure that he doesn't move. If he does, I'll have no choice but to finish him off. I am of little aid to the group without my spells anyway."

Where To Now & Caged Dwarves - (DM RobC)  d20+6=15 ;
Wednesday June 13th, 2012 12:22:43 AM

The party continue to debate on what to do.

Bruagh's honour and oath compel him to spare the captive from death and torture.

Devlin is well aware of the treachery of the duergar. Sam too, is reluctant to leave their prisoner alive and alone.

Sighing Devlin joins Taggart in scouting out the two exits from this area. Each doorway opens up into separate wide stone corridors that run north. Unlike the darkness in the current room, the corridors have torches on the walls evenly spaced apart. There are no windows or daylight to be soon, and the only thing alive in the corridors looks to be the odd tiny spider making a web.

The corridor to the left seems to have paths off to the right up ahead. Similarly, the corridor to the right looks to have paths off to the left. It is possible that they connect at some point.

Sticking his head out the doorways, Taggart can hear some noise in the distance. Very faint, and barely discernable. Talking, perhaps? It sounds the same through both exits. Then a sudden metallic "bang". He would need to scout some distance away from the party to investigate further.

===============================================

Shinto does his best to antagonize his duergar captor. A quick look outside the bars seems to indicate that the duergar is all alone to watch the prisoners. Picking up the "wee rag" he hurls it at his captor. Though missing his target's head, the rag hits and seems to stick the the duergar's shoulder.

He brushes it away with his free hand. "Looks like we have four more volunteers for breakfast duty" he smirks, before swinging his warhammer at Shinto's hands. He misses, but does connect with the bars. "If I wasn't so honourable, I might just use me crossbow here and shoot you where you stand. Fish in a barrel like"

Exciting News!!! - (DM RobC) 
Wednesday June 13th, 2012 12:28:48 AM

!!! Exciting News !!!

Good dwarves (and gnome) and players of the Forged, please join me in welcoming Carl Marshall as the newly appointed CoDM of the Forged! Carl presently plays a 7th level wizard named Restlin in the Hook City game. Once Carl gets up to speed on the goings on here, he and I will be alternating as your DMs.

What's that? More good news?

Yes, our very own David Whitford has stepped up to be the ADM of The Forged! David will be checking in and sending reminders to those who miss a post or two (including DMs), so if you see any red crosses in the Posting Report below, expect to hear from David.

We are truly starting to show as one of the standout games here in the Wold.

8 players
2 DMs
1 ADM

There is no more room! Everyone wants in :)

Taggart Oathbreaker 20/15/16 - 32/32 - CMD 20  d20+10=20 ; d20+16=20 ;
Wednesday June 13th, 2012 12:51:59 AM

Taggart places his hand against his chest, and his eyes grow drastically wider behind his mask. Close observers even see a feather or two poking out of his short, dark hair. "Give me a moment, gentlemen." he mutterers, going down the tunnel a bit to see and hear what he can.

((Cast Aspect of the Falcon on myself, +3 to Perception, +1 to ranged attacks, bow crit. multiplier becomes 19-20/x3 for 4 minutes.))

Stealth: 20
Perception: 23 (forgot to add spell bonus to roll)

Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/11/21 -- CMD 18/22 -- HP 8/53 SMITE EVIL, DIVINE FAVOR 
Wednesday June 13th, 2012 1:00:28 AM

Bruagh again takes up the rear of the group in case of an ambush from behind

Dernock Uristson AC 22/14/20 CMD 20 HP 32/32 
Wednesday June 13th, 2012 1:19:14 AM

Dernock guards the front because he hasn't felt this good since he got in these blasted caves.

Sam (ADM DavidW) -- 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 32/32 
Wednesday June 13th, 2012 1:24:05 AM

Sam waits behind with his captive. He sits on the floor about 10 feet away with his crossbow at the ready.

(In undercommon) "Please don't give me a reason to use this."

ooc-Thanks for the welcome as ADM. We have a great group who I know will make my job easy.

CoDM Carl 
Wednesday June 13th, 2012 9:25:21 AM

Greetings, all. I don't think I've actually gamed w/ any of you before, so I thought I'd introduce myself. Like Rob said, I play Restlin the Wizard in Hook City, as well as Urist (Dwarven cleric of Domi) in the Hellmar tap. As far as DMing goes, I'm likely a bit rusty (it's been 4 or 5 years since last time), but it's not something I'm stranger to. I've spent years DMing 2nd & 3rd edition D&D, as well as my personal favorite RP game of all time: Chaosium's Call of Cthulhu.

I've lurked and am suitably impressed. Much fewer shenanigans in here than my fellow Hookers and I are used to, that's for sure.

Anyway, Rob and I will be switching back and forth within the next few weeks. I look forward to gaming with ya.

Shinto  d20+8=16 ; d20+8=26 ;
Wednesday June 13th, 2012 10:39:48 AM

As the Duergar smashes his warhammer into the bars Shinto backs up a little bit. If I can just get him to get close to these bars... Shinto leans his forehead against the bars; and makes a psst sound to the Duergar

ahhpologies sirs; I seein you as a proud man now. I had thought you to be just as bad as them others that be 'round here. But you show me differently; An a dwarf knows when he's on the wrong side; eh?

Shinto raises his hand a motions with his two forefingers for the guard to come closer [i]So, I can't speak to loud 'bout it sirs, I don need te be attacked by dem others in me cell.... I have a question to ask ye, an something ye need ta know bout dem magic types...
He glances at his brother to give the Duergar an idea who he's talking about.
------------------------------------
IF The Duergar doesn't come to the bars Shinto will grab the bars again attempting to break/bend or pull loose once more. Fine if ye don wanna hear me proposition; We need to eat sirs.... I be damned if I loose me hair an belly before ye chop our heads off!
--- (Str Check= 16)
---------------------------------------
IF the duergar comes closer Shinto will talk just above a whisper to him; First I was thinkin; See meself has no family nor belong to anythin'.. Any chance I could join ye cause, fight with honor in ye army? An second..... As Shinto says his last few words he reaches out and trys to grab the Duergar around his throat. Fitting the guards neck in between his elbow crease and pulling him against the bars, squeezing the life out of the evil guard.
---(CMB? Grab/ Grapple? = 26)

Devlin -- 20/15/15 -- CMD 18 -- HP 21/31 
Wednesday June 13th, 2012 11:30:24 AM

Following Taggert down the hall Devlin motions for the rest of the party to remain in the room. The rogue stays about ten feet behind Taggert and remains silent.

Actions:
Stealth from earlier post = 30
Disguise (Duergar) = 23

Shonti 
Wednesday June 13th, 2012 4:38:22 PM

Shonti mutters under his breath, Great, now he wants to kill us all, execution style...
Getting a good idea of what Shinto is about to do, he bites his tongue and continues to mutter gibberish under his breath and stands rather quietly across the cell... Waiting to see if Shinto can get ahold of this Duergar.

Sarnak: AC21/13/18 - CMD17 - HP22/(33)37 Kyachi: AC21/12/18 - CMD20 - HP28/38 
Wednesday June 13th, 2012 5:40:39 PM

Kyachi and Sarnak would just wait and observe what the group decided to do about sarge. "I'd say kill him, just so that there's no chance of him getting free and coming back after us with friends. But you all have more experience with them than I or Sarnak. Regardless we don't have the time to sit around debating what to do or to torture him, so we need to choose."

Sam (ADM DavidW) -- 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 32/32 
Wednesday June 13th, 2012 11:40:49 PM

"I have the Duergar covered Sarnak. Scout ahead with the rest of the group."

Sam continues to rest while watching his captive for signs of trouble.

Dwarves v Duergar - (DM RobC)  d20+6=13 ; d3=3 ; d20+6=22 ;
Thursday June 14th, 2012 4:52:06 AM

"What? You shy? You got something you want to tell me in private, princess?" the duergar guard mocks Shinto, as he leans in to hear what the dwarf has to say.

Shinto moves quickly to grab hold of the duergar (Call it a grab maneuver. Your 26=Hit, but provokes AoO). The duergar tries to punch Shinto in the face in response (Hit AC13 for 3 pts non-lethal damage)

The other dwarves in the cell quickly move, trying to grab hold of the duergar's arms, legs, belt, anything they can!

==========================================

Taggart reaches the first intersection. The current corridor continues north, but a side corridor also comes off the left. Taggart peers carefully around the corner. The rest of the party wait anxiously behind him - except for Sam who is on babysitting duty.

Lining each side of this corridor are large wooden doors, evenly spaced apart.

At about the third door along - around about 45feet away - you see ...

what looks to be a duergar guard being choked! A muscly arm holds the struggling duergar in place around the neck. The duergar's arms are flailing in an attempt to apparently free himself. Other arms seem to be reaching out from the doorway, also grabbing at the duergar.

Anybody reasonably close to Taggart can hear some sort of commotion.

==========================================

"A gnome? They left a gnome to watch me?" Sarge chuckles to himself and he lies tied up on the ground under Sam's watch. He starts to wriggle a bit. "You know, if you let me out of here, I might see to it that you are only imprisoned rather than killed" he wriggles a bit more "Then again, shouldn't be long now until the next shift arrives"


Sam (ADM DavidW) -- 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 32/32  d6+1=7 ; 2d6=4 ;
Thursday June 14th, 2012 7:49:50 AM

Sam takes a step towards the bound Duergar, points his crossbow at his face, and fires.

(assuming coup de grace=14 damage+4 holy)

(In undercommon) "I told you not to give me a reason"

Taggart Oathbreaker 20/15/16 - 32/32 - CMD 20  d20+8=18 ; d20+8=25 ; d8+4=7 ; d6=3 ; d8+4=5 ; d6=1 ;
Thursday June 14th, 2012 9:52:16 AM

Taggart moves up into the room until he's about thirty feet away before drawing an arrow, quickly shooting it at the guard he sees being choked. For good measure, he lets another one fly, trying to down him as quickly and quietly as possible. If he down the Duergar, he'll run forward to the now corpse and try to find the keys to the jail cell to unlock it.

Attack Duergar Guard with Rapid Fire
+1 to attack and damage from Point Blank Shot
Negate melee penalty with Precise Shot
Attacks: 18, 25
Damage: 7+3 shock, 5+1shock

Devlin -- 20/15/15 -- CMD 18 -- HP 21/31  d20+14=27 ; d20+7=22 ;
Thursday June 14th, 2012 10:59:27 AM

Devlin stays hidden covering Taggert in case any more guards appear. Once the prisoners are free he will motion for the party to regroup in the back room. He waits in the shadows covering their movement before leaving himself.

Stealth = 27
Perception = 22

Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/11/21 -- CMD 18/22 -- HP 8/53 SMITE EVIL, DIVINE FAVOR 
Thursday June 14th, 2012 1:36:00 PM

Bruagh hears the commotion but will hold his position until he receives a signal from Devlin. "Work as a team, act in unison, remember that we have been through worse. Never panic." The Paladin is anxious with commotion ahead and an explosive situation left behind. He is the only one standing up for the Duergar, and can understand his friends frustration. "Bah, Tahni must be rubbing off on me. A month ago I would have chopped his head off and been done with him."

Shinto AC: 19/17 CMD: 21/25 HP: 41 
Thursday June 14th, 2012 2:34:22 PM

The punch in the face didn't even faze the hardy Dwarf as he reached out and choked the Duergar and seeing his fellow dwarves come to his side made him feel even better about the tactic.

Yaaa! Get em lads! Then totally out of the blue the Duergar's body jumps twice violently. Shinto looks to see an odd looking dwarf, Is that a dwarf? He thinks as he realizes its this black masked 'hero' who put two bolts into the Duergar he was choking.

Thank ye lad, wa's ye name? Me Shinto Zarbadium; an me brother He points to Shonti [/b] Shonti. We came te kill these stinkin Duergar. Thanks for the help, if you hadn't come long, I'd been in that cell for at least another ten minutes... [/b]
He finishes his 'speech' as Taggart gets the cell unlocked,

Ye wouldn't happen to know what they might have done wit me stuff? Me axe is special, an mine. An I wants it back...

Sam (ADM DavidW) -- 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 32/32 
Thursday June 14th, 2012 5:24:31 PM

ooc- Great posting so far this week Forged! Keep up the great work!

Shonti 
Thursday June 14th, 2012 7:42:34 PM

I can't believe it actually worked...
Walking over the iron bar door, Shonti looks to the dwarf that came to the rescue.
Thanks, dunno who ye are yet, but you're a friend in my book! I am most definitely in your debt new friend, whatsay we get outta this filthy cell, and find me belongings. You can call me Shonti, the Spellcaster. Me an me brother, Shinto, come with both brains, and brawn. At your service!

Sarnak: AC21/13/18 - CMD17 - HP22/(33)37 Kyachi: AC21/12/18 - CMD20 - HP28/38  d10+1=2 ; d10+1=2 ; d10+1=9 ; d10+1=2 ; d10+1=9 ;
Thursday June 14th, 2012 9:11:00 PM

Kyachi and Sarnak would nod at Sam and turn to follow Taggart up the corridor, while Sarnak pulls out his wand and tosses a couple heals to Kyachi to bring her back to full (2 uses, at full hp). After a couple minutes of following, they see the duergar being choked and taken out stealthily by the team. Hoping to not call in the calvary this time around they would stay back and hold unless they were seen. Regardless, Kyachi still bunches her muscles for a possible pounce if it looks like anyone of the group was discovered.

OOC: Kyachi delays until they are discovered, and moves to a position where she would have a clear path to a potential enemy if they appear. Would be moving very slowly so that she could charge immediately upon seeing a enemy.

Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/11/21 -- CMD 18/22 -- HP 8/53 SMITE EVIL, DIVINE FAVOR 
Friday June 15th, 2012 5:33:52 AM

Can Bruagh get a few cure lights?

Sam (ADM DavidW) -- 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 32/32 
Friday June 15th, 2012 6:06:42 AM

Ooc-I'm fresh out Bruagh. Waiting time for enough rest to have them.

Dwarves v Duergar - (DM RobC) 
Friday June 15th, 2012 9:22:24 AM

Sam pulls the trigger on his crossbow, ending the life of the duergar at his feet. Let us hope Sam's soul remains clear (As above, killing an unarmed helpless enemy outside of battle - when other non-lethal options are available - is a very questionable act. Noble? Heroic? Be careful of the fine line you walk with Sam's alignment, lest his demonic past take over him)

Sarnak nods in apparent approval of Sam's actions, and he and Kyachi follow the rest of the party up ahead.

Taggart and Shinto take care of the guard. Though the keys are nowhere to be found on him, the sheer number of dwarves working together succeeds in prying the door open.

The number of dwarves roaming free in Drakesmeade has grown.

Shonti and Shinto appear grateful for the assistance, though do wonder where their belongings may be.

"Since you're new here, your stuff is probably at the guards station. They pick through belongings to take what they like. The rest is thrown. Don't like your chances though" one of the two malnurished dwarves says "If you're determined to try though, you'll find it down that way" He indicates further down this hallway.

Sure enough, the guards station is found. The large double doors are open, and the room vacant. A large crate - maybe 3ft square - is filled with an assortment of packs.

It doesn't take long for Shinto and Shonti to find their belongings.

The two - now free - malnourished dwarves with you are eating whatever scaps they can find. They almost appear wild.

The doors to this room are made to be barricaded from the inside.

This would seem to be a good place to rest, if only for a while.

Devlin -- 20/15/15 -- CMD 18 -- HP 21/31  d20+7=8 ; d20+14=22 ;
Friday June 15th, 2012 9:51:09 AM

Taking the body of the guard Devlin strips it down to undergarments and places him in a dark corner of the cell. He than gathers everyone in the guard station before speaking. Well met lads, I'm Devlin and this group is here ta free any slaves we find and cause as much of a commotion from the inside as possible. Upon seeing the two starved Dwarves eating scraps and crumbs, Devlin fishes around in his pack for a second before he removes two cookies. Here ya go lads this should fill ya up for now. Take what supplies and weapons ya need we move again soon

Devlin takes some time to prep his concoctions and retrieves his trap. He will stand watch outside the room hopeing that his disguise will fool any passers by or give the party time to react.

Actions:
Give the starved Dwarves each 1 cookie from the GG cookies eat one of them and you will be sustained throughout an entire day without needing to either eat nor drink.
Prep a shield infusion
Stealth = 22
Perception = 8
Disguise = 23



Devlin -- 20/15/15 -- CMD 18 -- HP 21/31 
Friday June 15th, 2012 11:34:37 AM

OOC: In all fairness to Sam he is just getting into his 4th edition roots. Probably feels left out not being listed as a monster and all. You can see the ferocity of the gnome Here

Ohh nevermind he got upgraded back to a PC race as seen Here

Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/11/21 -- CMD 18/22 -- HP 32/53 SMITE EVIL, DIVINE FAVOR  8d6=25 ;
Friday June 15th, 2012 1:03:18 PM

Bruagh having taken a beating in the last fight, and seeing no one else really worse for the wear, heals himself as best he can with Domi's Lay on Hands.

Shonti 
Friday June 15th, 2012 1:33:47 PM

Rummaging through the crate, Shonti quickly finds his Handy Haversack, and weapons. Then he begins going through the sack, to make sure nothing is out of place. While double checking his belongings, Shonti says to the group,
So what are ya all doin down here in this drabby forteress anyways? Not that i'm against killing off all these shmucks tinkin they be Dwarves, just wondering YOUR motives for coming thru here?
Looking around the room at every door, he says
If you fellers are tired though, or running out of energies, I'd be willin to take up a watch post. I been did enough restin' back in that there cell!
To himself Whenever these guys are ready, I'm ready to set this whole abomination ablaze!

Taggart Oathbreaker 20/15/16 - 32/32 - CMD 20  d8+1=4 ; d8+1=7 ; d8+1=2 ; d8+1=7 ;
Friday June 15th, 2012 9:07:19 PM

"Taggart. Call me Tag, if you'd like." He looks over at Braugh, shocked he didn't notice his wounds before, and pulls out his wand of Cure Light Wounds, holding it against the Paladin's armour. "My apologies, Stormbringer," he mutters, a bit embarrassed. (Use 4 charges, gets you up to full HP -1)

Turning to Shonti and Shinto, he quickly looks them up and down, his eyes still large and alien. "Well, you're welcome to join us. It's your best chance of getting out of here alive... and ensuring no one else takes your place in that cell." As he glances over to the other prisoners, his shoulders slump. "Do... do we take them with us?" he mumbles, glancing to the others. "They would pose a risk to us and themselves if they get us caught by a patrol."

Devlin -- 20/15/15 -- CMD 18 -- HP 21/31  d20+6=9 ; d20+6=13 ; d20+6=11 ; d20+6=23 ;
Friday June 15th, 2012 10:07:41 PM

We came here ta free the slaves not leave them ta their own fate. I think they come with us, if we get caught we bluff and say we are transporting the prisoners to another area of the fort. Something along the lines of "Drogan wants this scum prepped for the arena." Devlin spits as he says this. Not the best of plans but better than leaving them here ta get captured or killed. Bending down Devlin hands an axe to one of the emaciated Dwarves. Its up ta them ta decide their fate

Whatever is decided Devlin helps the rest of the party put together disguises with the gear available. Tabards and ashen skin for the more visible of the group (Bruagh, Dernock, Shonti, Shinto and the slaves) ashen skin for the more stealthy of the group.

Disguise Checks with the bonus from Sam: 9,13,11,23
Anyone that can aid with these check or do better?

Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/11/21 -- CMD 18/22 -- HP 32/53 SMITE EVIL, DIVINE FAVOR 
Friday June 15th, 2012 10:26:30 PM

Bruagh will offer the warhammer he picked up to the other dwarf prisoner. "Thank you Tag."

Sarnak: AC21/13/18 - CMD17 - HP26/(33)37 Kyachi: AC21/12/18 - CMD20 - HP28/38 
Friday June 15th, 2012 10:52:44 PM

Both of them, upon seeing no threats coming into play, would drop the readied position and follow with the group. Kyachi looks to the slaves and shrugs. "If we're going to bring them with us, let's at least give them the weapons we-" She pauses for a moment before grinning. "Found off of those duergar earlier, so if we get into a fight they can aid against enemies I'm sure they want to fight."
Sarnak nods and looks over to taggart as he pulled out the cure light wand. "Got any extra charges in that wand I could use? I took a bit of a beating from the spiders earlier and haven't had long enough to recover."

Sam (ADM DavidW) -- 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 32/32 
Saturday June 16th, 2012 12:09:09 AM

Sam looks at the executed foe with a pitying indifference. "I warned him. He chose to die."

As Sam leaves his "victim", he considers his actions and the ethical implications. He rationalizes that it was the only sure way to protect the group and their mission and rounds the corner of the top of the staircase. He finds the back of the group hiding in the shadows and states simply, "I killed Sarge. He was trying to break free of his bonds."

ooc-I do agree that Sam's actions could be considered questionable. I came to the conclusion that they were acceptable for the following reasons.

1. Sam warned the captive prior to killing him.

2. Sam had no idea if other Duergar were behind the other door and could be warned of the group's plan.

3. If the Duergar got loose, he could have overpowered Sam or become invisible and warned other dwarf-murdering-duergar.

4. Other options were not available (spells) or most likely not effective (non-leathal damage from Sam is VERY non-leathal). This could have brought us back to reason 2 or 3.

Dernock Uristson AC 22/14/20 CMD 20 HP 32/32 
Saturday June 16th, 2012 10:47:58 AM

Dernock offers his hand to the freed prisoners Shonti and Shinto Meh names Dernock, former constable of the Riddleport watch. Drawn here because well, the bastards too away my livin' when they destroyed it.

Shinto AC: 19/17 (SR:15) CMD: 21/25 HP: 41 
Saturday June 16th, 2012 1:07:45 PM

Shinto gathers his belongings going through his magical sack making sure everything is in order. He finds his hide armor made from layers of Orc skins. Grinning as he begins to put it on everyone sees the faint shimmer it puts off as it reflects the light from the torches. The gleam isn't from it being waxed.

After donning his armor, he checks his weapons for any imperfections or damage; The bow is fine he thinks as he gets his chest/back straps in order and securing the bow to his back.

Take ye a gander at the weapon of me father! Imbued with his own power and passed to his only son without them arcane abilities. as he holds up his Dwarven Waraxe his left eye begins to water ever so slightly, the grin fades to a genuine smile, The Frozen Soul; in its rightful owners hands once more. He sets the axe on its hilt, leaning it against the wall as he inspects his Heavy Flail next.

It aint dulled a single bit, still ready to crush skulls while making vent holes He slips the flail into its designated spot on his hip, he grabs his shield and straps it atop the crossbow on his back, securing his haver sack onto his hip, he finally takes up The Frozen Soul in his right hand and rests the shaft on his shoulder.

Dernock, Tag, Delvin, the little gnome an te rest o' ye who names I don yet know. I be Shinto Zarbadium; Me an me brother Shonti, have come to free dwarven slaves and kill all Duergar that dwells within t'is region. Te evil bastards are a disgrace to our race and need te be punished. Shinto raises his axe into the air,
For the Dwarves!

The hardy dwarf then settles himself down and starts paying attention to other things going on. T'em scrawny two dere, they couldn hold hammers if theyd wanted to. Aint no one got a dagger, or small sword they can swing around? If not, I say let them use bows, an shoot from a distance. Or they days are limited. If the rest of ye need te rest, Me and Shonti can watch for a few hours; we've had sleep enough for all of ye. And I can surly handle a small group of em dark ones if te'y decided te give us problems.

Still holding his axe on his shoulder, Shinto waits for everyone to reply to all he said. Grin on his face, and a small spark in his eye. Its obvious the Dwarf wants revenge for all these Duergar have done... And will get that revenge, no matter the details. I only wish there were more for The Frozen Soul to freeze in time...

Taggart Oathbreaker 20/15/16 - 32/32 - CMD 20  d8+1=7 ;
Saturday June 16th, 2012 2:14:33 PM

Taggart quickly jogs over to Sarnack, tapping the wand against him. (Heal 7 HP) Tag peers around the room, his eyes slowly shrinking back to normal, and the feathers falling from his hair. He stands in the middle of the room, turning to each other person as he says, "Alright. This room looks like a good place to rest. I heard a few of you talkin' about getting spells back. I wouldn't mind that either. Shinto has graciously volunteered himself and his brother for first and second watch, so what say we take some time to rest here?"

If everyone agrees, Taggart starts barricading the doors.

Devlin -- 20/15/15 -- CMD 18 -- HP 21/31 
Saturday June 16th, 2012 2:50:20 PM

If I could borrow that wand for a second Tag it woulda be much appreciated. We can't afford ta stay for too long were deep in it now and who knows when the next patrol may be by ta discover the dead. Speakin of I say we start the fire back up before we leave and let the bodies stay in the room. Help ta cover our tracks a bit and give the place something else ta worry about.

Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/11/21 -- CMD 18/22 -- HP 32/53 SMITE EVIL, DIVINE FAVOR 
Saturday June 16th, 2012 3:26:05 PM

As much as I would like to have my own spells back, I have to agree with Devlin. We don't have the time to sleep in the den of our enemies as it were." When Bruagh hears that Sam killed the prisoner he says nothing. He is disappointed and a little bit surprised and it shows on his face. "Those ropes were tight, me and Devlin checked them ourselves, and he was gagged too. Sam and I may need to have a talk later. No time now." the paladin thinks to himself but remains silent using a slight shake of his head to voice his displeasure.

Sam (ADM DavidW) -- 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 32/32 
Saturday June 16th, 2012 4:58:22 PM

"Before Sarge forced my hand, he told me that another shift of his companions would be coming soon. He could have been bluffing."

Sam looks to the new companions,"Do you know what time the dark bloods change posts? Also, do you have any idea where other dwarves are being held?"

Sam (ADM DavidW) -- 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 32/32 
Saturday June 16th, 2012 7:58:32 PM

As Sam waits for a response, his mind is quickly jolted as the external army's actions worry him.

"Devlin. We need to contact the others with the item Facet gave us. We can tell of our progress and make sure they are well before proceeding."

Dwarves v Duergar - (DM RobC) 
Sunday June 17th, 2012 7:24:28 AM

The two dwarves practically pounce on the cookies Devlin provides. In a moment, each dwarf has a content smile on his fast.

"It's been so long since my belly has been this full. I thankyou brother" says one

Sam, Sarnak and Kyachi rejoin the party.

Sam announces the demise of Sarge, which puts questions in Bruagh's mind.

"The next patrol won't be until breakfast, but I'm more worried about this lot. Counting the guard, there should be another four around here somewhere" the other answers Sam

Shinto and Shonti appear to share the same goals as the rest of the party, and they now look equipped to see them through.

The party provide some weapons to the former prisoners. They each now have a dagger, which they hold awkwardly.

Devlin applies disguises as best he can to the party, with a plan that if the party are discovered, the two prisoners would help complete the ruse.

Sam suggests using the mirror provided by Facet to touch base with the dwarven army.

====================================================
OOC:
Going to need your proposed marching order. Spread apart? Bunched together in a formation? Walking stealthily? Normally? Hugging the walls or down the middle?

Feel free to take two hours rest to fully recouperate spells. You're going to need them :)

Shinto AC: 19/17 (SR:15) CMD: 21/25 HP: 41 
Sunday June 17th, 2012 1:39:26 PM

Facet? Who might that be? Shinto asks, still standing next to the door

an have we decided to rest? If so, anyone have any good ideas for a place for me to hide, while keeping watch over you spell weavers? Or should I jus stay leaned up against the door while its barricaded?

A smirk finds its way to his face, I pity the Duergar that creep by us in these few hours, Gargul have him stay away less you wish to eye his face before this night ends. With no more than 4 before breakfast, I don't see any worry's lads. Get refreshed an ready, the Zarbadium brothers will watch o'er ye!

OOC: As far as a marching order goes, I think I should lead the group, or take up the rear. One or the other. Don't have much time, I'll be on again tonight when I get off work


Devlin -- 20/15/15 -- CMD 18 -- HP 21/31  d20+14=30 ; d20+14=24 ; d20+14=21 ; d20+7=12 ; d20+7=12 ; d20+7=8 ; d20+19=21 ; d20+19=25 ; d20+19=32 ;
Sunday June 17th, 2012 10:37:33 PM

Devlin nods to Sam with the reminder of the mirror. Pulling it out of his pack he hold it before him and attempts to contact Blackaxe. If contact is made he will notify him of the situation and request an update on the outside. (All this will be done in Gnomish to hopefully foil any eavesdroppers)

To the newly rescued allies. Are there any other captives in any of the other cells? To the group as a whole. Think I should do a quick search of the area?

If yes he will search the other doors and cells quietly.

Actions:
Stealth = 30, 24, 21
Perception = 12, 12, 8
Disable Device = 21, 25, 32

OOC: Not sure about marching order. I dont think we can rely on a lie and bad disguises to get us through.

Shonti 
Sunday June 17th, 2012 11:01:01 PM

OOC: Sorry I have'nt been n all weekend, havent been home to post...

Upon receiving his Handy Haversack, Shonti reaches in, pulls out 2 rods, one after another, looking them up and down to see if there are any damages to his 2 metamagic rods.
Thank ye all, ye didn't hae to save us, but ya did! That's a good band of dwarves to me! Just hope everything's in order here...
Grabbing his Padded Armour out fo the cloth bag, he throws it over his shoulders, getting prepared for the worst he picks up his Ring of Protection. Shonti slips it onto his middle finger then grabs his crossbow and straps it across his back. Shonti don's his belt over the trouser he had been wearing upon being captured. Warhammer on his side, ready to swing if (hopefully not) neccessary. Slipping a spear through his beltloop for easy access, he begins going through his spells at hand in his mind...
Gargul, Let the powers within all of the life in the Wold bring to me the Peace of Mind, Body, Spirit, and Soul for the deeds which I have committed against othters, and give me the guidance to move forward and become the best man I can be, beginning with theses Men rescuing me today

I more than welcome you's ter get some rest, and we'll watch your back 160%.. With me magic, and me brothers axe, we could overpower any guards coming this way, and if it got too deep, it's nothing to wake ye's up!

Sarnak: AC21/13/18 - CMD17 - HP33/(33)37 Kyachi: AC21/12/18 - CMD20 - HP38/38 
Monday June 18th, 2012 1:25:12 AM

Sarnak would nod at the newcomers, and turn to Kyachi. "Well, if you'll be taking point, I'll take this opportunity to prepare my spells. Also, Tag, thanks for the heal." He then takes the next hour or so to go over the various spellforms at his disposal and prepare them for the next day.

Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/11/21 -- CMD 18/22 -- HP 52/53 
Monday June 18th, 2012 1:35:52 AM

Bruagh will what shut eye he can get then take up rear guard.

Dernock Uristson AC 22/14/20 CMD 20 HP 32/32 
Monday June 18th, 2012 3:56:18 AM

I'd be happy to share the watch with yer...It's a bit like my old job

Shinto AC: 19/17 (SR:15) CMD: 21/25 HP: 41 
Monday June 18th, 2012 9:57:57 AM

Who's Facet again? Shinto asks, watching Delvin work his 'mirror' An what kind-o-glass is that? Then with a vigorous shake of his head, flailing his braided locks about, Shinto closes his eyes and lets out a deep growl, Shinto swings his axe down to rest the hilt back down on the ground, with both hands on the nub of darkwood at its crest, he leans on The Frozen Soul; kneels with both hands on its shaft, then begins a prayer to Gargul.

Bringer of life, Give me the wisdom to forsee the dangers ahead;
Keeper of souls, Give me the courage to lead theses lads to victory;
Bringer of Death, Give me the strength to cut down our enemy's
O! God of old; Give me the mead to drink an clear me head


Shinto props his axe against the wall, reaches in his handysack and pulls out a gallon of ale and a clay mug. Only after filling it, draining it, and filling it again does he speak once more.

So its settled then. Me brother, Dernock and The Mighty Shinto shall keep a watch out fer t'e rest of ye. As for movin out lads, I don't believe a disguise is goin' te work.

He finishes the second mug of ale, and pours a third. This one holds up and 'air cheers' everyone in the group;

Maybe send two or t'ree scouts ahunnerd feet ahead of t'e rest. Can anyone use ye magiks an turn indivisdable?

But should we really split up? I know they've survived this long on they own, not that i can see how... An if trouble comes, I may be to slow to save em... Less I drink the whole gallon... An I only gots two..

Or I could scout ahead a bit, Thy Frozen Soul is a deliverer of Gargul and fiends to make the God of Death content with evil souls. What ye's be thinkin? Shinto drains his third and fills one more mug of ale; and takes this one a bit slower than the rest.

Me last mug.... eh... Maybe one more before we head out...

Devlin -- 20/15/15 -- CMD 18 -- HP 21/31 
Monday June 18th, 2012 10:17:47 AM

In hushed tones Devlin says.Facet is a fey creature that helped us when we were in a tight spot. She gave us this mirror so we could communicate with Mountainburrow. As for scouting Taggert, Sam and I are the best we got.

Taggart Oathbreaker 20/15/16 - 32/32 - CMD 20 
Monday June 18th, 2012 10:22:34 AM

Taggart takes the flask from his waist, taking a long drink of it before re preparing his, well, spell. "It might be best if we scout out ahead," Taggart adds as he sits down. "But hopefully this time we'll have a bit more tact when we run into more guards."

Sam (ADM DavidW) -- 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 32/32 
Monday June 18th, 2012 7:17:07 PM

Ooc-posting in a few hours

Shonti 
Monday June 18th, 2012 9:16:34 PM

I'm wide awake, and plan to be very aware of our surroundings. Maybe a couple of us could disguise ourselves as Duergar, an' patrol the hall while the others rest up?
Not having any spells to help in that area really, Shonti has had to grow pretty accustomed to acting stealthily, or blending in with those around him.
Just an Idea though, either way, we're gonna see a few guards probably... Maybe we can all get in one cell and pretend to be captives? Leave the door unlocked so our watchmen can be out of it quick, but closed so the dumb Duergar think we're just more Dwarves locked up?

Sam (ADM DavidW) -- 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 32/32 
Monday June 18th, 2012 9:47:02 PM

"I am know a basic invisibility spell. It is kind of a new spell for me, but I think that I can cast it without a whole lot of difficulty. I also can cast charm and sleep. Lastly, I can use my voice to fascinate up to two enemies at a time. Other than that, I am the group's healer."

Sam skips his typical, formal introduction to the freed Dwarves and moves straight to his tactician role.

"Some of the group should post here and the rest should post in the room where we killed the Duergar. If the enemy finds the dead, they could flee and warn the rest of the force."

Sam then walks into the open cell, throws his pack on the ground and lies down for a quick nap.

Dwarves v Duergar - (DM RobC) 
Monday June 18th, 2012 10:16:13 PM

The party take a few hours to rest and discuss strategies. Despite Devlin's efforts, noone seems particularly keen on relying on diguises alone.

As the party pack up camp and prepare to scout further, Sam takes a moment to contact BlackAxe via the mirror device. The mirror feels as if it is pulsing in Sam's hand, and after a few moments, the image of BlackAxe appears. Before Sam can begin to speak, BlackAxe does..

"What? What kind of being appears in a man's mirror like this? This is one of the more curious things that I have observed." BlackAxe seems confused "Usually all I have to battle when looking in a mirror is to ready myself for the signs age in my face. What? I'm maybe a hundred and four or five now? I could spend hours trying to talk sense into you gnome but I have better things to do than awaiting your sanity. Look at me? Talking to a mirror? Doesn't that just signal insanity!" With that, he is gone.

Perception or Sense Motive DC15: Highlight to display spoiler: {He seems to be blinking excessively on certain words: being.. observed.. battle.. ready.. in.. four or five.. hours.. awaiting your.. signal}

Taggart, Sam, Devlin and Shinto all seem keen on being in the forward half of the party, with plans to scout ahead. This would leave Bruagh, Sarnak, Kyachi, Shonti and Dernock in the rear half, along with the two former prisoners.

Are the party ready to move out?

==============================
OOC:
Fyi - we don't normally post on weekends. Saturday and Sunday are considered an extension of Friday. Feel free to post on those days if you wish, but going forwards I will be making one post to cover those three days. That way people will not feel pressured to post on weekends.

Sarnak: AC21/13/18 - CMD17 - HP33/(33)37 Kyachi: AC21/12/18 - CMD20 - HP38/38 
Monday June 18th, 2012 11:18:33 PM

Sarnak looks among the rest, then to the scouting group.
"So which of us are going to be in the front line, the back line, and the scouts? I'm fine with the front or back given I have the defenses for either."

Kyachi speaks up "I want to be in the front this time through, the last fight we had I didn't have a clear path to the front and I didn't get to fight as much as I would have wanted. I need to be able to charge in to be at my best, is there anyone else here who needs to as well?

OOC: We need to pick a decent marching order and strategy. to aid that, is the following accurate to party roles?
Chargers: KyachI
Bruisers: Dernock, Braugh, Shinto
Stealth: Devlin
Ranged: Taggart
Casters: Sam, Sarnak,Shonti

I'll think a bit on formation, but my current idea follows;

In grid form, where A-F is columns and 1-5 is rows;
Kyachi at C1, Bruisers at A2,E2,B4, Casters at C2,D3, and Ranged at B3, Sam at C3

Also, Dernock, are we going to try the mount, charge, jump strategy?

Sam (ADM DavidW) -- 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 32/32 
Monday June 18th, 2012 11:51:19 PM

Ooc- I think our best general plan is stealth leading and neutralizing threats quietly. I am not guaranteeing success and only speaking from my own opinion of course. Sam can stealth while invisible and charm/fascinate the enemy. If the group wants to lead with chargers, I'll hang back and cast/shoot. I'm playing the bard after all. Sam will take the role the group wants him to.

Devlin -- 20/15/15 -- CMD 18 -- HP 21/31  d20+14=34 ; d20+7=8 ;
Monday June 18th, 2012 11:55:07 PM

Kyachi, no offense but I think your going ta be one of the biggest red flags we have ta the duergar. Its going ta be hard enough ta get around without attracting too much attention as Dwarves as it is. We can't charge inta every group of darkbloods we find, we're here ta find the slaves ad rescue them.

Devlin looks around at the group with a smirk. We've done OK so far but we have ta remember what we are here for. I say we have a scout ta the front and one ta the back with the rest in the middle. That way if the group gets in trouble we have more than one person and direction ta respond from.

Looking at the two emaciated refugees Devlin grabs the crossbows and bolts that were left from the guards and hands them to them. Try ta keep these hidden until ye need them.

Actions:
Stealth = 34
Perception = 8
OOC: Wow a nat 20 than a nat 1

Taggart Oathbreaker 20/15/16 - 32/32 - CMD 20  d20+10=25 ; d20+16=20 ;
Tuesday June 19th, 2012 12:43:33 AM

Taggart re-applies his black contacts, pulling his cloak tight and pulling out his bow. He draws an arrow, muttering a silent word that activates the electricity on his bow. He stays as quiet as possible, while keeping and eye out for any Duergar.

Stealth: 25
Perception: 20

Dernock Uristson AC 22/14/20 CMD 20 HP 32/32 
Tuesday June 19th, 2012 1:05:50 AM

Put me up on the front too, I want see he looks on their faces when I attack from the rear. Kyachi given enough room we're gonna do that maneuver you suggested

OOC yep, still want to try.

Sam (ADM DavidW) -- 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 32/32 
Tuesday June 19th, 2012 8:40:57 AM

Ooc- So it's decided then. Everyone will lead the group except Bruagh.... Sam will take his customary spot in the middle of the group. In the case he'll be in front of Bruagh and behind the leaders.

Please remember that our last encounter was followed by the DM telling us that we will not do well in this module if we continually charge into combat. If we were galavanting about in a field filled with enemies (every prior fight above ground), the fighters would be charging headlong to protect the weaker PCs.

Sarnak: AC21/13/18 - CMD17 - HP33/(33)37 Kyachi: AC21/12/18 - CMD20 - HP38/38 
Tuesday June 19th, 2012 12:47:16 PM

OOC: *Nods* I just noticed something about enlarge person, it has a 1rd casting time, so it wouldn't activate until after the first round of combat, so the idea of Dernock mounting the enlarged Kyachi and charging in has to be delayed by a round, so I have a question then. If Dernock is about 200 lbs, then he fits under her medium load.

Because she would still be medium, she can't be ridden, throwing the idea of a ride check out. But, what would the check sequence be for Dernock to climb onto her back, hold on as she charges (at a reduced speed for medium load), and then jump off? And if he jumped off her as she charged forward, would he receive the benefit of a running start?

Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/11/21 -- CMD 18/22 -- HP 52/53 
Tuesday June 19th, 2012 2:42:23 PM

Bruagh agrees with Devlin. He has his rogue friend help him put on the black soot, then takes up his unglamorous place as the rear guard silently. It's obvious he is still a little ticked about the "Sarge" incident... accident... or conspiracy... depending upon who you ask.

Shonti 
Tuesday June 19th, 2012 3:57:59 PM

Being that I perform the arts of Arcane Magic mostly, I don't wish to be a part of either the front or rear of our marching order. As long as I can stay in the middle of our group here, I'll be pretty well protected it seems from our surroundings. That'll be makin' me magic easier to cast , and more effective..

I like the Idea of Sarnak's marching order, It makes since, to have a Bruiser & a Ranged fighter guarding our rear, with our casters in the middle. Anyone with confident Stealth abilities could scout ahead of the party, with the other two of our Bruisers leading the group.

================
OOC:
I'm pretty glad you said that about weekend posting, I am usually not home for most of the weekend, and posting from my phone IS possible.... But, it is much much more time consuming. Plus I can't see my char. sheet from my phone.


Sarnak: AC21/13/18 - CMD17 - HP33/(33)37 Kyachi: AC21/12/18 - CMD20 - HP38/38 
Tuesday June 19th, 2012 10:13:29 PM

OOC: As for my order, I specifically did not put Devlin anywhere because I assumed he would be (Preferably) far ahead of the group, such that his position wouldn't really interfere with the approach of our main group, and if he got detected he would be far enough up that if they spot him they don't automatically spot the rest. Were not all stealthers, so although we can take a stealth route guided by Devlin, to me there's very little in attempting to make our armor-covered characters blend into the shadows and directly hide from the duergar. It won't work with the armor check penalties

Bring out the Imp - (DM RobC)  d20+8=21 ;
Tuesday June 19th, 2012 11:23:35 PM

The party leave the safety of the guards station and continue their journey through the lower levels of Drakesmeade.

There is still much discussion about marching order and formation. The order seems to change and the formation is fluid as the party progress. (Doesn't sound like you've all agreed on this yet),

The passageways all look very similar. Large stone corridors, no windows, regularly spaced lit torches. Fortunately for the moment, there have been no sightings of any duergar. The former prisoners (let's call them P1 and P2) mention they have travelled along this path many times, and that it should lead to the main jail area.... eventually.

The party continue their cautious approach through the keep. While making their way along a corridor, a voice is heard from a torch near where Shonti has just passed.

"While lurking in the Keep of dangers
I came across a pack of strangers
Their spirits high, no signs of fear
They didn't know that death was near"


An imp appears from out of the flames, and hangs upside down from the ceiling, rocking back and forth.

"Is there any reason I shouldn't alert the dark dwarves, little flies? Then again, maybe one of you already has?" he smiles, cocking his head and looking directly at the still hidden Devlin "No, not him. Him" the imp looks squarely at Sam. He sounds very convincing.

Dernock Uristson AC 22/14/20 CMD 20 HP 32/32  2d4=3 ; d20+6=13 ;
Wednesday June 20th, 2012 12:06:43 AM

Dernock studies the imps face for any hint of lies. This is stone walling worthy of a Dwarf

OOC:
1st roll was just for the height/weight multiplier.
Sense motive: 13




Sam (ADM DavidW) -- 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 32/32  d20+9=21 ;
Wednesday June 20th, 2012 12:18:34 AM

(In Abyssal) "In what way are you suggesting that I have alerted the dark dwarves? If you are speaking of the execution of the Duergar who didn't understand simple directions, then..."

Sam suddenly stops his attempt at verbally stomping the imp. "The foul demon is speaking of Facet's mirror. I might have inadvertently alerted the enemy to our plot."

Sam goes back to his confrontation with the imp in Abyssal. His words are more measured this time.

"What interest do you have in our situation? Why do you care which side wins or loses?"

Sense motive=21



Sam (ADM DavidW) -- 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 32/32  d20+9=24 ;
Wednesday June 20th, 2012 12:22:40 AM

ooc-forgot to roll for the spoiler when it came to the mirror conversation. Now Sam understands the message. He will wait for the imps message and the motives behind it before making any further communications.

Taggart Oathbreaker 20/15/16 - 32/32 - CMD 20  d20+12=31 ;
Wednesday June 20th, 2012 12:50:25 AM

Taggart has his bow pointed at the Imp, his eyes trained on it as he scrutinizes it. "Are the Duergar conspiring with devils now?" he calls out to his companions in Dwarven.

OOC :: Sense Motive 31.

Taggart Oathbreaker 20/15/16 - 32/32 - CMD 20 
Wednesday June 20th, 2012 12:59:34 AM

OOC :: Okay, here's a fairly solid marching order. We just need to decide on a couple of things. The order of people in the main group is flexible, and whoever is going to take up the front. Tag and Devlin will scout out ahead and behind having the best Stealth and Perception. The casters (Sam+Shonti) are in the middle flanked on either side by at least one fighter (Dernock+Shinto) and another tank. (Kyachi+Braugh)

Front
Taggart/Devlin

Dernock
Sarnak/Kyachi
Sam
Shonti
Braugh
Shinto

Taggart/Devlin
Back

Sarnak: AC21/13/18 - CMD17 - HP33/(33)37 Kyachi: AC21/12/18 - CMD20 - HP38/38 
Wednesday June 20th, 2012 1:18:19 AM

OOC: I was personally trying to get away from the strict line order because it causes problems when we get outside of a 5' wide hallway, so i'd say at base something like

Dernock Kyachi Shinto
Sarnak Sam Shonti
[-----] Braugh Taggart

Devlin or Taggart up ahead.
Also keep in mind Kyachi is played by me but is a actual character in a formation and is actually fairly rarely at Sarnak's side.


Shinto AC: 19/17 (SR:15) CMD: 21/25 HP: 41  d20+5=20 ; d20+5=13 ;
Wednesday June 20th, 2012 6:55:34 AM

ooc: Shinto would rather be in front than the back, I know he's not the 'strongest' in the group, but he certainly feels as much lol; but It doesn't matter to me honestly... As long as our casters are protected and the stealthy ones scout ahead, its all good with me.. Now, about this Imp..

Shinto jumps in the air when the Imp begins his devilish chant, Wha!!?? He turns to the creature, axe held in both hands he whispers Kinees Nulga and his axes dwarven symbols give off a white light for a split second.

He looks at Sam, having watched the Gnome use the mirror and understood the dwarves message and eye flutters... Should have pointed it out to the little man... FIgures he wouldn't have thought something funny about a dwarves flittering eyes... Or did he do it on purpose.. Is he working... If so he puts on a good show...

After rolling around in his hollow head for a second. The dwarf grunts, tightens his grip on his axe, and turns his stare at the Imp.

Or maybe ye already have.... Besides t'e whole duergar army don' stand a giants chance with Zarbadium brothers within their midsts... You workin wit' em' Imp?

OOC: 1st dice roll was for a post last night, to notice the mirror message, but I didn't have time enough to post before work, woke up late..
2nd dice roll is for motive on the Imp...Wats he doing here?


Taggart Oathbreaker 20/15/16 - 32/32 - CMD 20  d12=11 ;
Wednesday June 20th, 2012 1:38:32 PM

OOC :: Yeah, that looks way better. Ignore the roll, accidentally hit the roller.

Sam (ADM DavidW) -- 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 32/32 
Wednesday June 20th, 2012 5:10:10 PM

Ooc- Love the Pulp Fiction reference Rob. I forgot to post about it when I saw it yesterday.

Bruagh Stormbringer AC 25/11/21 -- CMD 18/22 -- HP 52/53  d20=11 ;
Wednesday June 20th, 2012 8:12:05 PM

Bruagh keeps an eye in the direction they just came from... knowing foul little creatures like this could be serving as little more than a distraction.

Sarnak: AC21/13/18 - CMD17 - HP33/(33)37 Kyachi: AC21/12/18 - CMD20 - HP38/38 
Wednesday June 20th, 2012 10:23:21 PM

Sarnak shrugs. "Death is always near imp, Dwarves deal with that daily already. Although, if you were going to alert the duergar you already would have, so what do you want? Finding it funny to see how much chaos we can cause among them or is it a simpler idea?

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