The Unwanted Alpha [IC]

[Eisen_Hammer]

"Well I have all of the supplies to make a kind of stretcher."

Using two extendable rods, and a few of the slings two make a kind of stretcher.

Gaher looks at the man that is traveling with them, he activates detect evil looking for more of that flash he saw last time, Gaher is going to actively watch the unconscious man, as often as he sees the flash he will use 1 hp of lay on hands until he uses up all 9. If it starts to look like the man might become possessed Gaher will shackle the man down but he still wants to get this man to the temple to get him help.

"I have a bad feeling about this..."

Gaher says as he puts on his filter mask to keep the sand out of his mouth and eyes.

[Doc_Pippin]

Balthasaar

Spoiler

Show

Your spell seems to ease his breathing and pain. But the invocation reveals nothing.

Gaher

Spoiler

Show

Your detection is blocked by the positive energy of your companion's spell but the laying of hands does appear to lessen the previously inflicted symptoms.

[Eisen_Hammer]

Spoiler

Show

I am going to be constantly watching for any more flashes like I saw yesterday. I am not a scout, so I will focus on what I know I can deal with. If I see another flash I will hit him with a lay on hands.

[Doc_Pippin]

As the second sun sets and you start your journey towards the temple a moon the color of blood rises in it's place. While the shattered moon stays stationary in the sky. The climate changes drastically as the heat fades it transforms into a bracing chill. As you transverse the sands staying a safe distance from the trail, wary of the evil that has ravaged your nameless companion. The travel is hard for those that walk in the ever shifting sands, footing is difficult as is continually gives under the lightest of weights.

When you see the first light of the coming dawn you can see the temples outlined shadow blurred by the rising light behind it. The caravan seems to have vanished no tents or persons can be seen, the only proof of their exsistance is the trail that ends abruptly and never quiet meets the temple.

You are near exhaustion from the travel and the temple is easily judged to be between one and two more hours of travel. The ground seems to have changed gradually as you approached your destination, from deep sands to loosely covered bedrock leaving almost nothing to use as shelter from the coming heat.

The winds have picked up much speed and carry scolding hot sand and seem to change direction quickly leaving your exposed skin raw and tender.

Spoiler

Show

You may roll a Spot Check DC 20 and/or a Listen Check DC 15

Also on a slightly less important note- The smaller sun still rises with the larger sun because it actually rotates around the larger sun too. The only reason it sets earlier is because your planet's rotation blocks it out before it blocks the red sun.

[sigma87]

Spoiler

Show

Spot: (1d20+2)[4]
Listen: (1d20+2)[20]

[Doc_Pippin]

Spoiler

Show

As requested due to the sudden stop in posting {of which I am less than overjoyed} I will be rolling this set of checks. Afterwards I would like my co DM to help run those that are having difficulties. If the problem is me please say so I strive to be a good DM but I too am flawed.

Eisen
(1d20-1)[3] spot
(1d20-1)[14] Listen

Marlowe
(1d20+1)[20]Spot
(1d20+7)[12]Listen

For those who passed Either check you may roll initiative because you either saw the shimmer of a near Perfectly camouflaged creature similar in size to a lion or you heard a low pitched growl as it and it's two or three kin began encircling you near silently.

[sigma87]

Spoiler

Show

Initiative Roll: (1d20+4)[17]
Do you want us to post in turn order or post our actions simultaneously at the beginning of each round?

Balthasaar draws his sword and stands guard over his unconcious companion, prepared to attack any foe that comes in range.

[RCgothic]

Lilian

"Attack!"

The moment I sense danger I launch myself into the air, putting distance between myself and our stalkers - out of my armour it's imperative I protect myself first - I can't help the others if I'm incapacitated myself! I draw my bow and look for a target.

Spoiler

Show

Initiative (1d20+7)[14]
I favour all passive rolls rolled by the DM.

[Doc_Pippin]

Ok the number to beat here is
(1d20+2)[9]

[Eisen_Hammer]

Spoiler

Show

I am going to roll initiative for after the surprise round. That way I know where I am going to stand.

(1d20+4)[5]

[Doc_Pippin]

Spoiler

Show

(1d20+3)[18] Marlowe's
Ok so the break down is

First Round
Marlowe- 18
Sigma-17
RC- 14
Creatures- 9


Second Round
Marlowe- 18
Sigma-17
RC- 14
Creatures- 9
Eisen- 5

As long as you go before the Creatures ((Scalder Cats)) You can go in any order. Then the Cats will go then Eisen

[Doc_Pippin]

I need one of the players or my assistant DM to run Marlowe.. As for the others you may post in any order if you act before the enemy.

[RCgothic]

Lilian

I've never seen beasts like this before, but they look formidable and deadly! I swiftly draw an arrow and strike at the closest foe.

Spoiler

Show

Move action (earlier post):
Climb 30ft vertical (60ft standard move) & draw bow.

Standard Action:
Attack: (1d20+8)[21]
Crit Conf: (1d20+8)[9]
Damage: (1d6+2)[5]

Starex

*Insert quip about scalder cats being sneaky SOBs*

Starex draws her glaive and interposes herself between the beasts and The Patient, ready to strike at anything that gets too close.

Spoiler

Show

Move action:
Move to defend cursed guy + draw glaive.

Standard Action:
Readied attack (creatures getting close)
Attack: (1d20+6)[13]
Crit Conf: (1d20+6)[10]
Damage: (1d10+3)[10]

[Doc_Pippin]

Insert quick DM foiling roll

Spoiler

Show

(1d100)[21] Over twenty hits under misses..

So the arrow sticks itself firmly into creatures scaly back. As it digs deeply the scales around the hole take on the color of crimson blood. Once you notice the quick change in color you realize the camouflage is actually mirror like scales reflecting the surroundings making them seem near invisible among the dunes.

[sigma87]

Flames dance momentarily in Balthsaars eyes as he summons eldritch fire and flings it at the nearest beast.

Spoiler

Show

Eldritch Blast: (1d20+5)[14] ranged touch attack.
Caster level check in case of SR: (1d20+3)[9]

[Doc_Pippin]

Spoiler

Show

14 on a RTA hits and no SR so you damage but for more elaborate info on the cinematics I need you to roll damage.

Also At this time you are aware of three such creatures... more may or may not be present and simply hidden.

So when attacking please specify.

SC1= the closest and the injuried one, it is approximately 20 feet directly in front of the group

SC2= A slightly larger (As far as you can tell) Cat still blended very effectively it is 30 feet in front of the group and 15 feet to the (Your) right of SC1.

SC3= Is almost entirely blended and is 30 feet behind the party.

Thank you for your patience I still can't get a mapping tool to work

[sigma87]

Spoiler

Show

Yeah, totes forgot that damage thing....
Damage: (2d6)[4]

[Doc_Pippin]

Spoiler

Show

Reflex Dc15
Balthazar: (1d20+4)[12]
Gaher: (1d20+6)[21]
Starex: (1d20+6)[18]
Lilian: (1d20+7)[18]
(1d4+1)[3] Damage
If you failed you are blinded for one round and take full damage and if you pass you take a -2 on attack rolls for one round and half damage rounded down.

(1d20+10)[18] intimidate

The first of the strange mirror scaled creatures lets out a mighty roar and the scales on its body flare up reflecting and intensifying the suns bright light directly at your small group. The unearthly bright light singes the edges of your clothes and blisters the skin.

The smaller one directly behind you jumps out towards your direction. At first it seems ridiculous as it is so far away but when it dives into the sand like a fish into water. The third prowls around to the side of the party and mimics the first's roar but without the flaring of the scales.

[Eisen_Hammer]

If one is within 5 feet I activate my mindblade and swing

attack:(1d20+8)[28]
confirm:(1d20+8)[20]
dmg: (1d6+4)[9]

If not within five feet I will throw my mindblade

atk(1d20+3)[12]
confirm(1d20+3)[23]
dmg(1d6+1)[5]

[RCgothic]

Lilian

These beasts are difficult to see, but I have a perfect solution! An outstretched hand and a thought engulfs the largest of the creatures in cool blue flames! Though unharmed it becomes plainly visible for all to see!

Spoiler

Show

Faerie fire vs largest beast - duration 3 mins, outlines it in fire thus negating any camouflage.

Intimidate only works if threatened in melee.

I think Gaher has to wait another round - he didn't get to act in the surprise round, and then he goes after the beasts in this round due to low initiative.

[RCgothic]

Starex

Starex remains alert for the threat of the third, burrowing scalder cat, moving to cover both Balthasar (clearly blinded) and the sick man with the long reach of her glaive, ready to strike any of the beasts that get within 10ft, even the burrowing one.

Spoiler

Show

Move action: position change for best defence.
Readied Standard action:
Attack: (1d20+4)[22]
Crit: (1d20+4)[16]
Damage: (1d10+3)[13]

[sigma87]

"PITS OF THE NINE HELLS, MY EYES!!!

Balthsaar grips his sword in both hands and takes full defense, waiting for his vision to clear.

[Doc_Pippin]

Spoiler

Show

WELL DONE RCGOTHIC, with a secret roll I determained if a scalder cat would charge Starex.... under 70% no it would understand the danger ((Int 4)) Over 70% it would charge out of instinct any way. I also jokingly have a rule about when I nat 100, Iit usually means the charcters do something awesome.... I nat 100ed prepare for awesome.

@ Eisen

Spoiler

Show

Unfortunately that is correct you did fail to meet the check for the surprise round. But you can choose to keep your melee attack roll for the coming round.

@ Lilian

Spoiler

Show

The intimidate isn't for mechanics of fear but rather a realistic idea of how beasts would fight. They do rely on fear tactics of 'I'm big and scary.. see how big and scary I am, run away cause im scary' they don't understand the concept of roaring in melee to scare you vs roaring where they are, its just a show of force.

Also nice use of faerie fire with the creatures method of blending his entire body has taken on the glow of the flames.

@ Starex

Spoiler

Show

The already injuried creature charges the comatose man but you turn quickly and smack it upside it's head. The shear force of your blow sends the cat reeling and it staggers to one side and trys to shake the concussion off.

As the creature yelps in pain the larger, now blue tinted cat races after you when it pounces you simply yet elegantly turn your body keeping the enemy in your sights as it lands and turn croutching for another attack.
(1d20+6)[8] AR
(1d20+6)[24] CC
(1d6+3)[5] DR
(1d20+10)[20] TA

@ Gaher

Spoiler

Show

Suddenly a burst of sand comes from underneath you. The submerged cat rockets out of the earth but you are to quick for it. With a simple strafing side step you avoid the cloud of claws and teeth erupting from the ground.

(1d20+6)[8] AR
(1d20+6)[19] CC
(1d6+3)[5] DR
(1d20+10)[18] TA

[RCgothic]

Lilian

These cats are tougher than they look! I'm not sure my bow is going to be enough. Slinging it for now, I draw my greatsword in one motion and begin a steep dive, slashing at the wounded cat as I pass. I pull up immediately, and attempt to execute a light pirouette out of its reach before climbing back to safety once more.

Spoiler

Show

Move action:
Descend from 30ft to 25ft: 12.5ft
Tumble 5ft horizontally at half speed: 10ft and DC15: (1d20+13)[17]
Climb from 5ft to 20ft: 30ft
Total movement: 52.5/60

Standard action mid-move using flyby attack:
Power Attack (2): (1d20+4)[15]
Critical Confirmation: (1d20+4)[10]
Damage: (2d6+7)[18]

As I pull up I frown - though I connected solidly I'm not sure I penetrated the creature's thick hide. I at least hope the massive blow was suitably unnerving.

[sigma87]

Balthasaar finally shakes the stars from his eyes and closes on the beast that just jumped past Starex. With a scream of rage he cchnnels arcane force through his blade and swings.

Spoiler

Show

AR: (1d20+5)[16]
CC: (1d20+5)[16]
DR: (4d6+4)[17]

[RCgothic]

Starex

*Insert witty pun about being smacked upside the head!*

Starex then attempts to strike the larger blue cat, stepping deftly to keep it at glaive's reach.

Spoiler

Show

AR:(1D20+6)[11]
CC:(1D20+6)[11]
DR:(1D10+3)[6]

5-foot step back from the 2 adjacent cats, and if she can threaten the third as well that would be good!

[Doc_Pippin]

Spoiler

Show

ok so the only hit was Balthasaar I will update here in a bit just having some problems with the pain meds

An update is coming I swear... Physical therapy is kicking my butt

[Doc_Pippin]

As Balthasaar slashes the beast across the face the others of the pack dive into the ground causing a small ripple. Moments later they still have not returned for another attack.

Edit: As the beast quickly regains its senses it to dives to safety. ((Sorry I forgot to mention its escape))

[sigma87]

"I think it's time we move on, I'd rather we don't see that bunch again, especially once the sun cooks out our wits."

[Eisen_Hammer]

"I agree let us continue on."