GM Engleaktig |
For ages untold, a gemstone monolith has pierced the heart of the Echo Wood. Now, as civilization intrudes upon this enigmatic splinter, a strange life once again stirs in the depths—one with ties to undying evils and a might beyond time itself. The promise of wealth and power calls to glory-seekers from across the Inner Sea region, tempting them into a labyrinth of monster-haunted vaults, defiled tombs, arcane laboratories, and worse, as they seek to unveil the secrets locked below the legendary Emerald Spire.
Six miles northeast of Fort Inevitable lies one of the deepest and strangest dungeons to be found anywhere in the lands of the Inner Sea—the Emerald Spire. Like an iceberg, this weird structure shows only a small portion of itself above the surface; level upon level of hidden vaults and mysterious crypts lie buried deep below the ground. Few of the people living in Fort Inevitable or the surrounding lands have even the slightest inkling of the dungeon's true extent, let alone its astounding age.
Standing in a wide clearing within the Echo Wood, the Emerald Spire is the ruin of a large Azlanti tower that appears to be made of green glass harder than stone. The upper portions of the tower were destroyed long ago, leaving broken, half-melted glass blocks lying jumbled around the tower's perimeter and the ground nearby. The site is well known to locals from both Fort Inevitable and Thornkeep, and many travelers passing through the Crusader Road area make the trek into the forest to look on the ruins—from a safe distance. The Spire's ruins are known to be infested with dangerous monsters, and the surroundings attract an unhealthy number of bandits, raiders, and hungry predators.
Fort Inevitable is a small town just off the Crusader Road, sandwiched between the West Sellen River and the Echo Wood. It is ruled by members of the Hellknight Order of the Pike, but is otherwise unclaimed by any of the other political entities of the River Kingdoms.
GM Engleaktig |
Please make any purchases you need and list them in the discussion thread.
Here's a description of the path that leads to the Emerald Spire. This is area A1 on the map.
The stone staircase that led up to the tower's door is now nothing more than a rubble-strewn cliff. On the tower's south side, a dirt path winds up the steep embankment to a pitch-black doorway.
I also need your marching order.
Desh Greyskin |
For the time being, Desh will take point as the scout. He’ll be out front far enough that any traps he doesn’t catch—and blunders into—will catch only himself (so 20 to 30 feet out front).
As to general marching order, any time we’re exploring (and not immediately expecting a known threat), I’d suggest Desh out front scouting (same as above), then I’d suggest we pair the rest of you up … one melee each with one caster (Flyndal and Kohinoor together, then Grog and Cëanel together … mostly paired up because of Flyn and Kohinoor both not having any special vision).
You guys let me know if have any better ideas, as well as specifically where in the marching order you want to fall.
I’m also working up an intro post. :)
Desh Greyskin |
Desh stands looking up at the ominous spire from within his drawn-up hood. Both hands grip his longspear, its butt resting on the ground while he leans heavily on it to take a moment to simply watch their newest challenge. This legendary Emerald Spire.
The lean, rangy half-orc looks to have spent much of his earnings from their previous assignment. Instead of his old studded leathers he now wears an expensive-looking chain shirt tucked underneath his woodsman’s clothes. And while no new weapons are in sight, a few new vials hang from his belt. His light travel pack has been joined by a second, heavy-duty equipment pack that bulges with gear. The weight has been telling in the slowness of his long strides, but to his credit, Desh hasn’t complained.
Finally, he breaks his usual silence, ”So, this is it.” His black eyes flit between Flyndal and Grog, and he uncouplers the second, larger pack and holds it out. ”One of you carry this?”
Can either Flyndal or Grog carry Desh’s second pack? It weighs 34 lbs, putting him firmly into Medium encumbrance, which reduces his speed and incurs an armor check penalty … both of which i’d like to avoid with Desh. Grog—with your crazy high strength—I’m kind of hoping you can carry it without it affecting your encumbrance.
Kohinoor an-Gul |
Apart from the simple spear she carries, Kohinoor looks much the same as on the previous assignment. Her dark-brown hair is mostly tucked inside her white headdress, while sky-blue robes reach down nearly to the ground. A handful of rolled-up papers poke out the top of her bag as she eyes the path forward apprehensively, fingers playing across her silvery ankh as she props the spear against her shoulder.
"Yes, this would seem to be it. I expected something more...Kelesh. Not sure where I got that idea, though. So, upwards and onwards? At least for now?"
I can carry it if you need me to. I'll be just as effective with medium encumbrance as light, thanks to my armor.
Desh Greyskin |
With a nod, Desh hands the priestess the second pack before returning to his vigil of the strange spire. He picks up his longspear, ready to move forward once the group signal's their own readiness.
When everyone's checked in and ready to move forward, Desh will lead out stealthily, with eyes open for traps/threats.
Flyndal Danwrick |
I'll take your pack, Desh.
"Give it here, ya big grey goon."
Flyndal Danwrick |
Stuffing Desh's pack into his own nearly empty one, Flyn checks that his weapons are still within easy reach. Giving the half-orc room to scout ahead, he follows along after putting some distance between them.
Giving Desh a minimum 30' lead.
Update: I just realized that carrying Desh's pack puts me at medium encumbrance. We'll see if Grog can take it, or split it with Flyn. Otherwise, I'll just hang onto it, if need be.
Giving the bag a shake, Flyn's ears perk up. "You got any gold in here?"
Cëanel Firdhanor |
Cëanel--usually called "Kay" by humans and the like--looks at the spire a bit diffidently, his dark hair spilling around his pointed ears. Soft green and gray robes and a general lack of weapons marks him as an elven wizard to anyone who has their wits. He purses his lips. You strode away from Kyonin with such confidence, and training at the Grand Lodge was child's play compared to your arcane training at home. This, however, is an entirely different, and deadly scenario, Cëanel. You're here with a pack of short-lived ones who are ready to bleed for knowledge. Are you ready?
He releases a held breath through his aquiline nose. "I am ready," he announces, at the very least, to himself.
Cëanel will stay in the middle.
Flyndal Danwrick |
Oh, you're already at a -4 ACP, so I guess that won't be much of a hit. Thanks.
Satisfied that the bag contains no coin, he frees it from his own pack, and tosses it to the cleric. "Here, Koh. Desh needs sommun to carry this for him."
Desh Greyskin |
Desh watches the backpack exchange, shaking his head at Flyndal’s question of coin. He gives the small warrior a wolfish grin and pats his own coin purse. CLINK CLINK CLINK
He releases a held breath through his aquiline nose. "I am ready," he announces, at the very least, to himself.
Desh looks sideways at the elf, giving a slight nod of recognition.
Let’s see about the possibility of a quick fifth, then let’s get this fun started. :)
Forlorn Zamoros |
The lone half-elf walks up, whip and buckler drawn. "Drandle Dreng told me to report here," he says, staring up at the monolith. "Big, isn't it? Interesting. We've been tasked to explore it, then?" Forlorn is dressed simply, brown breeches and shirt with a wide-brimmed hat and a cloak that looks more like a cape. His short-cropped auburn hair blows slightly under his hat.
Somewhere in the middle, I suppose, but closer to the front for whip range.
Desh Greyskin |
As an answer, the tall half-orc shoulders his longspear and stalks forward, towards the massive target of their assignment.
Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25; +1 vs traps
Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
Cëanel Firdhanor |
Cëanel watches the half-orc, narrowing his eyes slightly. He also glances at the half-elf, his eyes opening again to flick about in assessment. Blood mixes more with every year, he muses, then unslings his bow and nocks an arrow, the motion looking quite natural despite his non-martial appearance.
Smell anything, Lyffan? he says to his toad. Of course, all the familiar 'hears' is Kay's emotional tone, but Lyffan has been known to send a message when he scents something. The toad peeks out of a leather purse strapped firmly to the wizard's slender chest.
Flyndal Danwrick |
Somewhere in the middle, I suppose, but closer to the front for whip range.
You can stick behind me, if you like. Just in case Desh goes and gets himself axe-trapped in the face or somesuch. Gorum forbid...
Giving the half-orc a long leash, Flyndal does his best to follow quietly - at a good, healthy distance, should his friend trigger a trap or ambush.
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
GM Engleaktig |
The footpath climbs up to a jagged hole in the side of the green glass tower. The light outside the tower does not penetrate into the building more than a few feet. Beyond that, it's pitch black.
____________________________________________________________
Suddenly, two arrows erupt from the darkness! One hits Desh, who takes 2 HP of damage.
Shortbow: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20, Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2
Shortbow: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
With his darkvision, Desh can just make out two goblins sitting on goblin dogs firing at the party.
____________________________________________________________
Goblin (Orange): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Cëanel: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Desh: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Flyndal: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Kohinoor: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Zamoros: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Sorted Initiative Order:
Desh
Zamoros
Goblin (Orange)
Goblin (Red)
Kohinoor
Flyndal
Cëanel
____________________________________________________________
This is round 1.
Desh is up first. Zamoros is on deck.
Desh Greyskin |
EDIT: making this an action post.
Desh grimaces at the burn where the arrow grazed his skin. And he draws and hurls a javelin in response.
Draw and throw javelin at yellow gobbo (assuming Darkvision allows him to see it)
javelin: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Forlorn Zamoros |
"All right, let's get this over with," Forlorn says, hustling up the pass (just in front of Desh) and beginning to spew weird limericks. While most don't make any sense, they lift the heart of his allies.
Inspire Courage is up!
GM Engleaktig |
Zamoros moves and buffs the party. Since he's in front and he's "making noise" (singing) the goblins target him.
Shortbow: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25, Crit?: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20, Arrow: 3d4 ⇒ (4, 4, 1) = 9
Shortbow: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14, Miss!
Ouch! he takes 9 HP of damage for his trouble.
____________________________________________________________
Sorted Initiative Order:
Desh
Zamoros
Goblin (Orange)
Goblin (Red)
Kohinoor
Flyndal
Cëanel
____________________________________________________________
This is round 1.
Kohinoor, Flyndal, and Cëanel are up! Since they also lack darkvision, none of them can see the goblins either.
Flyndal Danwrick |
Both blade and teeth bared, Flyndal rushes up the embankment, posting up next a veridian glass wall to gain cover from the goblin menace.
Double Move, ending just outside the doorway
45' South; 10' Northeast
Cëanel Firdhanor |
"Ash and detritus. I am without a light spell today," mutters Cëanel. He waves his hands and utters arcane speech for quite a while.
Summoning an Eagle to attack. Celestial Template grants it darkvision, and it's +4 STR and CON, and lasts an extra round. My, am I embarrassed at the lack of light/torches...
Desh Greyskin |
Desh rushes up after his friend, roaring a wordless challenge at the goblins and their horrid-looking mounts.
Double move up to the square directly left of Flyndal.
This should mean he’ll get an AoO if they come to us.
Forlorn Zamoros |
"I'll get you for that, goblin!" Forlorn weaves into his melodies. "Eat some of this, my stupid orange friend! Come to your last meal, before your life's end!" With that, he Dazes Orange.
DC 14
He then moves, directly under Desh.
Cëanel Firdhanor |
"Does anyone have a light source?" says Cëanel, somewhat irritated at his own lack of preparedness, and apparently, that of everyone else. "Or pull them out here, Desh," he says as an afterthought.
GM Engleaktig |
Light has a range of 'touch.'
Zamoros:
1) Maintains his bardic performance?
2) Moves neear the front of the party
3) Casts light on Flyndal
____________________________________________________________
The goblins shoot their bows.
Shortbow: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11, Miss!
Flyndal takes a whole point of damage! (Look out!)
____________________________________________________________
Zamoros
Goblin (Orange)
Goblin (Red)
Kohinoor
Flyndal
Cëanel
This is round 2.
Kohinoor, Flyndal, and Cëanel are up!
Flyndal Danwrick |
Flyndal grins as his greatsword begins to glow, then grimacing from the sting of the arrow that grazes his side.
With a roar, he rushes forward, swinging his illuminated blade wildly.
Move up to red gobbo and attack mount.
Mwk Cold Iron Greatsword, Power Attack, Inspire: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 1 = 9 Crud.
Damage: 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
GM Engleaktig |
Flyndal moves towards the enemy.
(Let's just say that Zamoros cast light on him? Otherwise he won't be able to see the enemy to try to hit it, and we have to retcon his action.)
Two things happen:
1) He misses the attack.
2) The light doesn't penetrate the darkness as far as it should.
This is round 2.
Cëanel is up! His eagle appears.
Desh Greyskin |
As Ceanel is summoning an eagle, is there space above them to have it appear there (leaving Desh a spot to engage in melee without dealing with the cover provided by the summoned eagle)?
Basically, can the eagle be summoned above one of the goblins?
Desh Greyskin |
Ah, gotcha. I wasn't even considering the spell's range. Maybe a better question would be: Is thre room above the goblins for the eagle to fly there and attack them? As opposed to taking up the ground-level square adjacent to Flyndal?
If there's not, it makes most sense for the eagle to fill the gap next to Flyndal, and Desh can still make attacks from reach (albeit at a penalty). If it is possible, we can put the most pressure on them as possible if the eagle is above one of the gobbos. :)