Should We Tempt Fate?

Is there any interest in reviving this game. We did not get very far into the 3rd adventure before things stalled. I realize it has been two years since we last tried but I have everything we need to pick it back up again.

I would need to dig up my hard copy of the adventure as I am not sure where I put it. Fortunately I do have an electronic copy so that is not a show stopper.

If we do start this up again, are we good with the five players that we have or do we want to invite someone else? Six players for this format is my limit.

Willing to Revive this Game Too

I am willing to revive this PBB game too. I just need a Post from Steve to complete the last turn and we can proceed.

Fortress of the Yuan-Ti - GM Turn Post 5

Begin Combat Round 3. Current positions are displayed upon the Combat Map.

The initiative order is:

 Initiative 28: Natalya

 Initiative 25: Dargoth

 Initiative 22: Blart

 Initiative 17: Dire Snake

 Initiative 12: Banjo

 Initiative 12: Clint

 Initiative 11: Dark Naga

 Initiative 2: Thurstan

 Initiative 2: Mr. Wolfe 

Please submit your turn instructions using the Player Action Response - Turn Post Template.

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 Conditions:

 All: Inspire Courage (+2 vs. Fear effects, to hit rolls and damage rolls)

 Banjo: Hasted [6 rounds] (+1 bonus on attack rolls and a +1 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves. Any condition that makes you lose your Dexterity bonus to Armor Class (if any) also makes you lose dodge bonuses. When making a full attack action, a hasted creature may make one extra attack with one natural or manufactured weapon. All of the hasted creature’s modes of movement (including land movement, burrow, climb, fly, and swim) increase by 30 feet, to a maximum of twice the subject’s normal speed using that form of movement.)

 Natalya: [6 rounds] Hasted

 Thurstan: [6 rounds] Hasted

 Mr. Wolfe: [6 rounds] Hasted

 Mr. Wolfe: Bull’s Strength [7 minutes] (+4 STR)

 Clint: Hasted [6 rounds]

Dark Naga: Shield - +4 AC 

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 Party Health:

 Thurstan 72/82, Mr. Wolfe 85/85, Banjo 68/68, Natalya 56/56,
 Clint 75/75, Dargoth 86/96, Blart 29/101

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Fortress of the Yuan-Ti – Turn Results 4

Natalya gave her hips an exaggerated yet inspiring shake and moved for forward. The bard cast a grease spell on Blart in hopes of helping the half-orc escape the clutched of the enormous snake. Dargoth stepped sideways and attacked the snake with his bastard sword. One of his attacks hit and dealt 19 damage. Blart tried to escape the clutch of the snake but failed even with the assistance of the grease spell.

The snake squeezed Blart again and dealt 29 damage and then released the half-orc go.

Banjo stepped forward and targeted the snake with a scorching ray spell. Both rays hit the target and dealt 50 damage. Clint attacked with a full series of blows from Merthύvial and Organripper.  His flanking position allowed the rogue to strike successfully twice. The weapons dealt 36 and 26 damage.

The naga cast a lightning bolt spell which targeted Dargoth, Thurstan, Mr.Wolfe and Blart. Dargoth and Thurstan took the brunt of the damage. Each was dealt 30 damage while Blart took 15 damage. Mr. Wolfe managed to be missed completely.

Thurstan channeled positive energy to heal the wounded by 20. Mr. Wolfe attacked the snake with his hasted bite attack, hitting twice and dealt 17 and 39 damage.

Fortress of the Yuan-Ti - GM Turn Post 4

Begin Combat Round 2. Current positions are displayed upon the Combat Map.

The initiative order is:

Initiative 28: Natalya
Initiative 25: Dargoth
Initiative 22: Blart
Initiative 17: Dire Snake
Initiative 12: Banjo
Initiative 12: Clint
Initiative 11: Dark Naga
Initiative 2: Thurstan
Initiative 2: Mr. Wolfe

Please submit your turn instructions using the Player Action Response - Turn Post Template.

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Conditions:

All: Inspire Courage (+2 vs. Fear effects, to hit rolls and damage rolls)
Banjo: Hasted [7 rounds] (+1 bonus on attack rolls and a +1 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves. Any condition that makes you lose your Dexterity bonus to Armor Class (if any) also makes you lose dodge bonuses. When making a full attack action, a hasted creature may make one extra attack with one natural or manufactured weapon. All of the hasted creature’s modes of movement (including land movement, burrow, climb, fly, and swim) increase by 30 feet, to a maximum of twice the subject’s normal speed using that form of movement.)
Natalya: [7 rounds] Hasted
Thurstan: [7 rounds] Hasted
Mr. Wolfe: [7 rounds] Hasted
Mr. Wolfe: Bull’s Strength [7 minutes] (+4 STR)
Clint: Hasted [7 rounds]
Blart: Grappled (Grappled creatures cannot move and take a –4 penalty to Dexterity. A grappled creature takes a –2 penalty on all attack rolls and combat maneuver checks, except those made to grapple or escape a grapple. In addition, grappled creatures can take no action that requires two hands to perform. A grappled character who attempts to cast a spell or use a spell-like ability must make a concentration check (DC 10 + grappler’s CMB + spell level, see page 206), or lose the spell. Grappled creatures cannot make attacks of opportunity.)
Dire Snake: Grappled

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Party Health:

Thurstan 82/82, Mr. Wolfe 85/85, Banjo 68/68, Natalya 56/56,  
Clint 75/75, Dargoth 96/96, Blart 53/101

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

Fortress of the Yuan-Ti - Turn Results 3

At the signs of pending combat, Natalya began to dance, magically inspiring courage (and possibly other things) amongst the party. Dargoth moved forward to attack the enormous snake. The creature struck at the fighter as he closed but it missed the mark. Dargoth swung his bastard sword but missed the monster. Inspired by both Natalya’s dance and Dargoth’s bravery, Blart moved forward to attack the snake. Again the monster struck at the approaching hero. This time the snake stuck true and dealt 23 damage to the half-orc and pulled him into a death grip. In the grasp of the snake, Blart abandoned his two-handed earth breaker and attacked the beast with his cestus. The resulting attack dealt 14 damage. The snake squeezed the half-orc for an additional 25 damage.

Clint surveyed the scene, looking for his best tactical position. While the rogue was appraising, Banjo decided to stay put and cast a Haste spell targeting himself, Natalya, Thurstan, Mr. Wolfe and Clint. Seeing that the creature was currently occupied with Blart, the elf moved with a burst of speed to get to the other side of the creature and attacked. The rogue struck a blow with Merthύvial, dealing 26 damage. Clint’s new positioned himself by the well hoping the set up a flank with Dargoth in the future.

The naga cast a spell upon herself and shouted at the villagers to get out of her way. They complied, splitting to either side of the snake woman.

Bestride his mount, Thurstan cast Bull’s Strength on Mr. Wolfe and spurred the companion forward into battle. The wolf closed with the snake and snapped with his mighty jaws. The bite hit and dealt 16 damage.

Fortress of the Yuan-Ti - GM Turn Post 3

Roll initiative. Begin Combat Round 1. Current positions are displayed upon the Combat Map.

Please submit your turn instructions using the Player Action Response - Turn Post Template.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Conditions:

None

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Party Health:

Thurstan 82/82, Mr. Wolfe 85/85, Banjo 68/68, Natalya 56/56,
Clint 75/75, Dargoth 96/96, Blart 101/101

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Fortress of the Yuan-Ti - Turn Results 2

The party crossed the river and made their way into the settlement. Their travel took them between the barns and the unidentified building.

What appeared at first to be a building is little more than a rusty iron crate about six feet to a side. A sliding door on the eastern side is sealed by an equally rusted padlock.

Before the party could investigate this crate, a commotion nearby, between the well and the pavilion, caught their attention.

Near the canvas pavilion, movement catches your eye. A human-headed serpent coils there, screaming angrily at a group of cowering humans.

At the same time, what you had originally taken to be a step at the base of the well begins to move. An impossibly huge serpent uncoils from around the stone structure, heading your way.

Fortress of the Yuan-Ti - GM Turn Post 2

What do you do next?

Please submit your turn instructions using the Player Action Response - Turn Post Template.

          -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Conditions:

          None

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

          Party Health:

          Thurstan 82/82, Mr. Wolfe 85/85, Banjo 68/68, Natalya 56/56,          
          Clint 75/75, Dargoth 96/96, Blart 101/101

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

Fortress of the Yuan-Ti – Turn Results 1

The party descended the hills toward the settlement, looking to find out where they had appeared. Along the way Banjo cast Mage Armor upon himself.

Tile settlement's crops appear to be mostly wheat, tall stalks rippling in the breeze. You spot numerous humans and halflings working the fields, but as you approach, you call see that their torn clothes are as filthy as their faces. Their features are gaunt as they look up at you, eyes bereft of hope.

As you move closer to the settlement, you can make out more details. You also make some assumptions based upon the activities of the inhabitants.

Structures marked F1 appear to be living quarters.

Structures marked F2 appear to be for storage.

Structures marked F3 appear to be cow barns.

The structure marked F4 appears to be a horse pen.

The structure marked F5 appears to be a flimsy pavilion.

The structure marked F6 appears to be a well.

The structure marked F7 appears to be a tool shed.

The purpose of structure marked F8 is unclear. It is the smallest of the buildings.

Fortress of the Yuan-Ti - GM Turn Post 1

With Fadheela defeated, the party returned to Pedestal to rest, recover and make preparations to continue their quest to retrieve the bones of the Forgotten King. Kirlic bid the group farewell, stating he had other matter that needed his attention. Banjo acquired a new friend amongst the drow, Natalya, who pledged to follow the sorcerer on his mission. Seeking a replacement for Kirlic, Es Sarch introduced the party to Blart, a half-orc barbarian/cleric who agreed to join the group .

After concluding your business in Pedestal, the party traveled back to Fadheela’s lair within the Necromancer’s Spike. Banjo used the small gold rod with a head showing an opened fanged mouth about to close over a blue agate that resembles a globe. The sorcerer identified the item as the Sertrous Key which can be used to activate the Electric Gate found in Fadheela’s lair.

Upon presenting the key to the Electric Gate, the green lightning bolt split and separated into two bolts, slowly forming a 10 foot wide hoop of electricity between the poles. The party stepped through the gate and was transported elsewhere…

You stand atop a small rise. Before you lies a wide river valley nestled between a range of forested hills. A number of wooden buildings, mostly barns and storage sheds, are set in a rough semicircle on the floor of the vale. Carefully planted fields spread to all sides, while a shallow stream flows to the northwest. Though isolated, this place appears to be a typical farming community.

Looming over it all, however, is a sight that belies the mundane appearance of the vale. Recessed into a west-facing cliff is a massive fortress of dark stone, deeply shadowed by the hollow in which it stands. You can make out few details, but even from here, the citadel's arrangement of protrusions and towers is unlike any fortress you have ever seen.

What do you do next?

The Story Summary and Missions/Goals tabs have been updated. The character sheets, character summary and marching order have also been updated.

Please submit your turn instructions using the Player Action Response - Turn Post Template.

          -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Conditions:

          None

          --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Party Health:

          Thurstan 82/82, Mr. Wolfe 85/85, Banjo 68/68, Natalya 56/56,
          Clint 75/75, Dargoth 96/96, Blart 101/101

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

Almost ready ...

We are almost ready to go. I am still waiting on an updated version of Clint from Matt H and an image from Steve to use as his character's avatar.

I also need to confirm that I have the marching order correct for single file and double file.

Can we continue?

OK. It is officially after Gen Con and things are a bit less crazy.

There has been some recent interest in getting the game started again. Assuming that this is the case, who is still up for playing? Do we need to be looking for additional players?

I have updated characters from Bruce, Dave and Matt F from before we took a break. I beleieve that Brad was no longer interested. I think Matt H and Steve are both interested but I am still looking for a 7th level version of Clint from Matt H and a new guy and avatar image from Steve.

Existing characters give the party a cleric, a sorcerer, a fighter and a rogue.

Current progress

I have characters from Dave, Bruce and Matt F. Still waiting on Matt H.

Steve sent me an e-mail saying he wants to play. So I am now waiting on his character too.

Treasure List

Here is what is on the treasure list which has not yet been divided or sold.

Since Brad will not continue to play, I am ok if you split it 4 ways.

Elemental Gem (Air)

Elemental Gem (Fire)

4 Greataxes

18 poisoned arrows (injury; save Fort DC 18; frequency 1/round for 6 rounds; effect 1d3 Str; cure 2 consecutive saves.)

Potion of Cure Moderate Wounds

Potion of Cure Moderate Wounds

+1 studded leather armor

+1 buckler

+1 Shortbow

Obsidian ring with skull rune carved inside loop - a more powerful version of the token provided by Es Sarch. In addition to bypassing the trap in the spire's entry room it allowed the wearer to control the bloodhulk.

A small gold rod with a head showing an opened fanged mouth about to close over a blue agate that resembles a globe (magic) - The rod is somehow connected to the device that is arcing lightning.

Banrhialorg

Oil of Stone to Flesh

Oil of Stone to Flesh

Field Provisions Box

Money/Valuables

412 PP

2 light pieces of art (400 GP) total

A crystal goblet (25 GP)

A set of gem-inset flatware (500 GP)

A gold comb (150 GP)

A platinum circlet (450 GP)

Darkwood Coffer containing 100 PP

Progress Update

I have new character sheets for Banjo and his new follower Natalya. Still looking for copies from the rest of the players.

We also need to get the treasure list sorted out. All items need to either be given to a character or sold.

After that I will:

• Post the new characters sheets
• Post a new character summary file
• Post the first turn of the new adventure

The sooner your parts happen, the sooner I can do my parts.

Meeting Natalya

Banjo took Leadership.  His sidekick is a drow bard...

                “Well this disappoints, yes?  I thought you’d be female.”

                Banjo looked up from the runes on Banrhialorg.  The speaker was a stunner of a drow, clad in what looked to his eye as typical adventuring gear.  He glanced around the tavern to be sure his friends were about.  Clint was ensconced at the bar, and met Banjo’s gaze with a squinty-eyed glance from under his ridiculous hat.  He didn’t see Thurstan but the great gray Mister Wolf was nearby.  There was no sign of Dargoth.

                He leaned back in his chair, both to get a better regard of the woman and to give himself time to consider offensive spells.  “You sound like my father,” he said.  “What do you want?”

                She smiled and gracefully took the chair opposite him.  “I merely wish to serve.”

                He rolled his eyes.  “You’ve picked the wrong adventurer to play word games with.  Get to the point or piss off.”  He raised Banrhialorg upright and let the lightning and fire play about the head.

                Her eyes widened, regarding the miniature lighting playing about the eyes of the dragon-headed staff.  “This is a threat, you give?”

                He shrugged, causing odd shadows to flicker and dance from the lightning and firelight.  “A little.”

                She smiled again and looked him in the eye.  “Good.  It is a fear I have: that because you are male your bowels be watery and spine all soft.”

                “Ha!” he snorted, grinning.  “I have been accused of being a bit too brash, if anything.  So what are you doing—“

                “I have been given vision by the Goddess,” she interrupted.  “To aid you in your quest.”

                His grin vanished, replaced by a scowl.  “The Spider Queen bade you—“

                “Why is it when you surfacers hear a drow speak of Goddess, you think Spider Queen?”

                “Because it’s usually the case?  What god, then?”

                Her smile turned seductive.  “Calistria.”

                He frowned.  He knew just enough about gods to use their names in bawdy curses.  “Calistria is…?”       

                “Elvish goddess of trickery, lust, and revenge,” Thurstan interjected, appearing on his right.  “Who’s yer friend?” he asked, jerking his chin at the woman.

                “Uh, she didn’t—“

                “My name is Natalya,” she said.  She regarded Thurstan’s bearded countenance coolly.  “Who are you?”

                “Your goddess gave you a vision and you don’t know our names?” Banjo asked.

                “The Goddess gave me a vision of you, Bonjerus Valerae,” she replied, stabbing the air with a small finger.  She waved her hand dismissively.  “Your servants are of minor consequence.”

                “Servants?!” Thurstan, Clint, and Dargoth interjected.  Clint and Dargoth appeared suddenly on his left, while Thurstan and his great wolf stood on the right.  Natalya and Banjo were the only ones seated.

                He didn’t bother stifling his laughter.  “They are not my servants.  If they were, we’d all be a lot richer,” he muttered, shooting a glare at Clint. 

                Clint shrugged.  “Or less rich, and still recovering from our wounds,” he said coolly.  “Or dead.”

                “Or dead,” Dargoth agreed.

                “Or dead,” Thurstan grunted.

                “Hey, easy!” Banjo exclaimed.   The men chuckled. 

Natalya smiled.  “You surfacers are very funny, yes.”

“So let us get this straight, ma’am,” Clint said.  “Your Goddess gave you a vision.  In that vision, she told you to follow Bonjerus Valerae and aid him in whatever manner you can.  That about sum it up?”

She smiled again.  “This is true, yes.  Bonjerus Valerae only, nothing about his servants—or companions.”           

Clint turned from her and gave Banjo a raised-eyebrow look, to say “it’s up to you.”  He frowned and regarded the woman again.  She certainly was nice to look at—but most drow would use that to get you to let your guard down.  On the other hand, it would be nice to have a native guide here in the Underdark, since it seemed they were destined to go deeper and deeper in.

On the other hand – he shrugged and looked up at Thurstan.  “What the hell?”

“Yeah what the hell,” Dargoth interjected.  “The first guy she kills will be you and that’ll be our warning!”

Banjo rolled his eyes. 

“That is not true,” Natalya said.  “If I were to kill anyone, I would save Bonjerus Valerae for last.”

               

                

Three Scrolls

Scroll 1

My Lord Gazaron,

Hail the Vanguard of Sertrous!

                As you see, I am good to my word. Through Fadheela, I have sent you the bones and most of the items you requested. I still search for Merthύvial as I write this – the blade is hidden well. I hope the Vanguard is pleased.

                You would do well, my lord, to consider your contract with the hobgoblin mercenaries breached. The brutes went on a looting spree that almost compromised the entire mission.

Should you desire it, I volunteer to deal with Krootad – their leader, the priest of Urgathoa, if you remember – myself.

-          Xeron

Scroll 2

Fadheela,

                You have our thanks for sending the bones and items to us here in the fortress. With the king’s bones in hand, the phrophecy is about to be bent to the will of the Vanguard of Sertrous! However, two of the items are missing from what you sent – Merthύvial and Banrhialorg. Please explain this discrepancy.

-          Gazaron

Scroll 3

Garazon,

That fool Xeronnever sent Merthύvial as he promised he would, nor has he arrived in Pedestal to deliver it to me. That;s your mess to clean. His worthless lackeys tried to withhold the items youwanted until their master arrived, so you got what you have only because I brook no defiance. The sword might still  show up, or Xeron is dead. I do not know which is likely, nor do I care.

 I am taking the staff as my own, and if you want it, you will have to face me. I’ve sent the bones and other weapons along. Count yourself lucky I did not reserve anything else for myself.

-          Fadheela

Loose Ends

The party is able to un-stone Mr. Wolfe using one of the oils of stone to flesh.

Es Sarch is pleased when you return with additional information about the Spike, Fadheela and the Vanguard of Sertrous. As payment he gives the party a darkwoord coffer containing 100 PP. He also helps decipher the three scrolls. (See the next post.)

Lastly, the small gold rod with a head showing an opened fanged mouth about to close over a blue agate that resembles a globe is the Sertous Key and it is used to open the Elerctric Gate in Fadheela's lair. (This leads to the next adventure.)

When you have sold the unwanted gear, divided the treasure and everyone has sent me an updated PDF copy of their character sheet (you should now be 7th level) we can start the next adventure.

Not Dead Yet

OK. Let's try this one last time. I felt like I was waiting on the players but I think I owed you all some stuff for things to proceed.

I heard from Bruce, Dave, Matt F and Matt H that they were interested in continued play. I have heard nothing from Brad or Steve.

If you guys are good with proceeding with just 4 players (or know of someone else that would like to play) we can continue.