MiniQuest – “Seeking WAR” [Archive] - Wizards Community

MiniQuest – “Seeking WAR” [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Argaud
03-17-06, 01:24 PM This is a miniquest for Valek Usher, who wants to join the WAR guild. If you are not DSugui, please do not post here.

Questlog: Valek fights an Ettercap.

Items used: 1 arrow. 2 Potions of Cure Light Wounds.

Rewards: None
Argaud
03-17-06, 01:26 PM Our Hero: Valek Usher

Valek Usher
"Fast and Furious"
Male Xeph
Medium Humanoid (Psionic)
Chaotic Neutral
Ranger 1/Barbarian 1/Fighter 1 [ECL 3]
4775 XP/6000 XP

STR 12 (+1) [6 pts] [14, -2 racial] [+4 Rage]
DEX 20 (+5) [16 pts] [18, +2 racial]
CON 14 (+2) [6 pts] [+4 Rage]
INT 10 (+0) [2 pts]
WIS 14 (+2) [6 pts]
CHA 8 (-1) [0 pts]

Hit Points: 26 (3HD) [8 rgr, 6.5 brb, 5.5 ftr, 3*2 con] [+6 Rage]
AC 22 [10 base, +4 armor, +3 shield, +5 dex] touch 15, flat 17 [+1 dodge] [-2 Rage]
Initiative: +5 [+5 dex]
BAB/Grapple: +3/+4 [+3 BAB, +1 str]
Speed 40 ft [+10 speed of thought][+10 burst][+15 Skate]

Saves:
Fort +9 [+2 rgr, +2 brb, +2 ftr, +2 con, +1 resistance] [+2 Rage]
Ref +8 [+2 rgr, +0 brb, +0 ftr, +5 dex, +1 resistance]
Will +3 [+0 rgr, +0 brb, +0 ftr, +2 wis, +1 resistance] [+2 Rage]
[+1 racial vs powers, spells, and spell-like effects]

Attacks:
MW Short Sword +9 melee, 1d6+1 (19-20/x2) [+3 BAB, +5 dex, +1 MW] [+2 damage Rage]
Composite (+1) Longbow +8 ranged, 1d8+1 (20/x3) [range 110'] [+3 BAB, +5 dex]

Feats:
[1st level] Weapon Finesse
Track
[3rd level] Speed of Thought
[Fighter 1] Dodge

[B]Racial and Class Abilities:
Darkvision 60ft.
Naturally Psionic (1 pp)
Burst: 3/day +10 ft speed for 3 rounds
Favored Enemy (Dwarf)
Wild Empathy
Fast Movement
Rage 1/day

Skills: (24 pts rgr, 4 pts brb, 2 pts ftr) [-2 Check Penalty]

+9 Concentration [6 rnk, +2 con][4 pts rgr, 2 pts brb (cc), 2 pts ftr (cc)]
+9 Hide [4 rnks, +5 dex][4 pts rgr]
+7 Listen [5 rnks, +2 wis][4 pts rgr, 1 pt brb]
+9 Move Silently [4 rnks, +5 dex][4 pts rgr]
+9 Profession (messenger) [5 rnks, +2 wis, +2 mw tools][4 pts rgr, 1 pt brb]
+6 Spot [4 rnks, +2 wis][4 pts rgr]

Buffs and Prefight actions:
Psionically focused

Equipament:
Traveller's outfit
Armor: Mithral Shirt [1100 gp][10 lbs]
Shield: +1 Large Steel Shield [1170 gp][15 lbs]
Weapon: MW Short Sword [310 gp][2 lbs]
Weapon: Composite (+1) Longbow [200 gp][3 lbs]
Ammo: Arrows (36) [2 gp][6 lbs]
Item: Cloak of Resistance +1 [1000 gp][1 lb]

Expendable Items:
Tatoo of Skate [100 gp]
2x Potion of Cure Light Wounds [100 gp]
Tanglefoot Bag [50 gp][4 lbs]

Equipament at home:
Gold: 521

Masterwork Messenger Tools [50 gp]

Miscellaneous Statistics:
Age: 22 years old
Height: 5'6" (~1,83 m)
Weight: 150 lbs
Encumbance: 0 - 43 (light), 44 - 86 (medium), 87 - 130 (heavy)
Weight carried: 41 lb

Character Background:
Valek is a talkative and annoying guy. He likes to make jokes and taunt his opponents, but in most cases his jokes aren't funny. He is sneaky when he wants to, but generally one can tell he's around just by the sound of his shrill voice.

Fights Results:
1: vs Loddick Saffrion (Erithmu) [Abyssal Stalker]: lost a unlucky fight [+300 XP] [+357 gp]
2: vs Coralias (Kaigan) vs Danidus (Vecnoran) [Pittbull]: 2nd place is not really a loss, is it? [+600 XP] [+657 gp]
3: vs Dr. Hexacious Pogboomer (Turin) [Biota]: lost. Color Spray. Again. [+300 XP] [+357 gp]
4: vs Dordleton Grumblesnout (nickbeat) [Kaigan]: lost to a horse's crit. [+375 XP] [+432 gp]

[b]Past Expenditures (total 200 gp):

Feb 15th (Fight 1): 3 arrows
Feb 22th (Fight 2): 1 arrow
Mar 1st (Fight 3): 1 potion Cure Light Wounds [50 gp]
Mar 1st (Fight 3): 1 arrow, 1 tattoo of Skate [100 gp], 1 potion Cure Light Wounds [50 gp]
Argaud
03-17-06, 10:48 PM As a test of worthiness to join the Warfare Alliance, Valek has been charged with destroying some mysterious creature that has been terrorizing the Gawane neighborhood, possibly an accomplice to the bandits that are right now causing trouble there, or perhaps just an opportunistic monster taking advantage of the sudden lawlessness to attack easy targets.

Whatever it is, the neighbors are blaming it for several disappearances and thefts.

After interrogating some witnesses Valek has a rough description of the creature. It is a man-sized and walks on two legs. Unfortunately the description doesn’t ring any bell in his memory (maybe because he has never paid attention when someone tried to educate him about the various creatures that inhabit the world).

He has been pointed towards an abandoned house, the people think the monster lairs there.

What will Valek do now, DSugui?
DSugui
03-18-06, 05:43 AM Not knowing exactly what he will face, Valek thinks its better to keep distance from the thing at first moment. He will prefer to face it in an open space rather than in a narrow room, so he will wait for the creature to leave the house and shoot it with the bow from an advantageous point, always keeping distance.

When the creature appears and I have a better idea of what Valek is facing, I will improve the tactics
Argaud
03-18-06, 08:08 AM Unwilling to face an unknown enemy in close quarters, Valek looks for a good observation spot and wait for his quarry to leave the building.

A brief scouting of the area reveals more details about the house. It is a small wooden structure standing between a stone warehouse and a district wall. Three stories (close to 30’). The front door opens to a small but fairly busy street, but there is also a back door, which opens to a narrow, smelly alleyway. There are also several windows, although most of them are barred, and there is also a stone chimney.

It is going to be hard for a single person to keep watch of all the possible ways out. Standing on the roof of the house looks the best option, but moving around the roof would probably cause quite a ruckus inside the house (although Valek is quite stealthy, so he could manage to remain undetected).

Standing on the roof of the warehouse is also an option, but it would be harder to spot anyone leaving the house, very hard if the creature picks the wrong direction. On the other hand, it is a better place to hide.

Obviously Valek could just watch one of the sides of the house, but if he picks the wrong side it is unlikely he will see the monster leaving the house!
DSugui
03-18-06, 11:38 AM Valek is trying to decide wich place is the best to keep watch when a bold idea cross his mind. He'll seek a good place to hide where he can see the main door of the building, and then from there he'll throw small stones in the door, in order to lure the creature out the house.
Argaud
03-18-06, 01:58 PM After a few minutes tossing stones it seems clear the attempt to lure the creature to the open is not working. Possibly the monster dislikes daylight, or to be seen by potential victims.

But the sun will set in one hour.

However, for a second, he manages to glimpse a... something, watching him through a cracked window in the second floor. Inhuman eyes.

Spot Check DC 10 (take 10) +9 (skill) +3 (distance) = 22 barely passed (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=390277)!

The neighbors were right, there is someone in there, and that someone now knows Valek is outside.
DSugui
03-18-06, 02:24 PM Oh, boy... good bye surprise element...

Valek is taken aback for a moment by the strange eyes staring at him. But, suddenly resolute, he pulls the string and shoot at the creature, coming out of his hiding place and shouting "Come on, monster! I know you're there! Come out and play"

Without minding by-passers, he starts to throw insults at the creature inside the house.

The arrow fired is more to intimidate than to harm, but if it hits, even better. Valek will try to lure the creature out taunting it, but always paying attention to see (or listen) if it does not leave by the other door. If it does not leave in one minuto or so, he'll kick down the door to enter the place
Argaud
03-18-06, 05:00 PM The arrow flies true (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=390376) (16 + 8 = 24)

And it seems it hurt (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=390378) the monster! (damage 1d8+1 =4) There is a muffled cry and some noises of scuffling.

However the taunting fails to draw it out. And who can blame him, there seems to be some kind of hawkeyed (those were some lucky rolls) master archer out there!

So Valek is forced to kick at the door and break into the house. The door wasn’t even locked, just stuck on place, and gives in easily. There is a large room beyond, with staircases up and down at one side and a fireplace at the other. Almost no furniture, although some debris litters the floor. It smells faintly to sewers and it is pretty dark, but Valek’s darkvision kicks in and he can see all the room perfectly. It is empty. And he can’t hear (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=390381) anything either (listen 12 + 7 (skill) = 19 vs. move silently 16 + 3 (skill) +3 (distance) = 22).
DSugui
03-18-06, 05:18 PM Valek doesn't think ranged combat in a narrow room isa good idea, so he stows the bow and draw the sword and the shield, trying to sneak around looking for his opponent.

Valek will move at half speed so not to take any penalties on MS/Hide. He will take a move action to active listen.
Argaud
03-18-06, 08:48 PM Both Valek and the monster had the same idea, so they start sneaking around, trying to find the enemy and gain what could be an important surprise attack. (Resolved in a single roll, although one could assume several minutes of stalking pass).

Valek sneaks around. 10 + 9 (skill) -2 (ACP from shield) = 17
The monster listens. 16 + 4 (skill) = 20
Rolls here. (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=390412)

Valek listens. 11 + 7 (skill) = 18
The monster sneaks around. 17 + 3 (skill) = 20
Rolls here. (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=390414)

Fortune, more than ability, leads the creature to a favorable position from which it spots the unaware Valek, taking him by surprise. Cackling with glee, the monster throws a web to the unaware (and flat-footed) Valek. Entangling him (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=390479)! (18 + 3 (bab) + 3 (dex) = 24 vs. Valek’s touch AC 10).

Valek is entangled, he can’t move, he loses 4 Dex and has a -2 to attack.

The battle starts, they are at 10 feet from each other, initiatives (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=390482) are:
Valek 14 + 5 = 19
Ettercap 18 + 3 = 21

The Ettercap charges the still flat-footed (AC 17) Valek, trying to bite him. But misses (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=390487)! (3 + 7 = 10 vs. AC 17)

Valek, 26/26 hp, AC 20 (reduced in 2 because of entanglement). Entangled.
Ettercap, -4/?? hp, AC 12 (-2 for charge).

DSugui, it is Valek’s turn to act, let me know what you want to do and the general tactics of the battle. With a bit of luck it will finish in the next post.
DSugui
03-19-06, 01:03 AM Valek will rage and attack the creature. If he takes Dex damage and it becomes lower than Str, use Str in the attack bonus.
Argaud
03-19-06, 08:53 AM With some kind of battlecry Valek summons the rage and strikes back at the monster, stabbing his shortsword in its fat belly, drawing some blood. Roll (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=390879) 12 + 5 = 17 vs. AC 12, damage 3 + 3 = 6

The spider-like humanoid hisses and tries to bite Valek again, it also slashes with the claws, but all it manages is a weak scratch. Rolls (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=390880): Bite 7 + 5 = 12 vs. AC 18 miss. Claw 19 + 3 = 22 vs. AC 18 hit for 2 + 1 = 3 hp damage. Claw 6 + 3 = 9 vs. AC 18 miss.

Valek counter-attacks, but the Ettercap presses in. None of the adversaries manages to land a solid strike. Rolls here. (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=390881)

The battle goes on, but this time the Ettercap manages to deliver (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=390882) a vicious bite on Valek’s shoulder (roll 15 + 5 = 20 vs. AC 18) causing some damage and injecting poison (2 + 2 = 4 hp lost).

The poison fails (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=390883) to take effect (save 5 + 11 = 16 vs. DC 15. The roll in Invisible Castle fails to take in account Valek’s +2 to Fort saves due to his rage-enhanced Con. He passes the save).

The combat continues (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=390886), and Valek manages to injure the Ettercap again (6 hp), but the Ettercap also manages to get through his defenses to bite (damage 4) and claw (damage 3) again.

Again the poison fails (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=390887) to affect the warrior, at least for now.

Valek strikes again, and Ettercap looks badly wounded. Knowing there is poison in the warrior veins the creature decides to keep fighting (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=390889). Valek manages to hurt the monster again (for 6 hp) but receives a brutal bite (10 hp) and another nasty cut from a claw (confirmed critical (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=390890) for 6 hp)

Valek manages to ignore (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=390891) the poison yet again!

But his counter-attack fails (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=390892).

The Ettercap, bleeding because of many wounds decides to withdraw from the battle and let the poison do its work.

What does Valek do now, DSugui? Valek will be fatigued soon 9and with 4 hp left) and facing a bunch of fort saves. On the other hand the ettercap is almost dead.

Valek, 10/26 hp, AC 20 (reduced in 2 because of entanglement). Entangled. Poisoned 3 times (saves due in 7, 8 and 9 rounds). Raging (1 round left).
Ettercap, -22/?? hp, AC 14.
DSugui
03-19-06, 09:17 AM If the ettercap is still in sight, Valek will drop the sword and the shield, draw the bow and try to finish the fight. If he is not in sight, Valek will drink his 2 potions of CLW, then try to escape the web
Argaud
03-19-06, 09:56 AM The ettercap withdrawal allows him to move 60’ in one round, so he vanishes through a doorway. Perhaps to flee the house, but perhaps to wait for the poison to bring down Valek.

Valek consumes two potions of CLW and then starts hacking at the web entangling him, managing to cut it with a single strike (6 damage, even fatigued). Rolls here (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=390920). He heals 2d8+2 = 15hp. But he also feels very tired as the rage leaves him.

Valek, 19/26 hp, AC 21 (-2 dex due to fatigue). Poisoned 3 times (saves due in 4, 5 and 6 rounds). Fatigued.
Ettercap, -22/?? hp, AC 14.
DSugui
03-19-06, 10:34 AM So, let's go for the All In... Valek will draw the sword and the tanglefoot bag, search the ettercap sneakly, and entangle him. Then he'll fire arrows if he got stuck in the floor, or try to finish him with the sword if he still can move
Argaud
03-19-06, 05:55 PM Much healed, but still poisoned, Valek goes hunting again. The ettercap left a trail of blood which should be easy to follow (DC 5, blood on the dusty floor) even though he is trying to hide (+5 DC). Even though Valek skipped his survival courses in Ranger School, he manages to track (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=391171) down the monster, to the basement it seems (roll 18 + 2 (wisdom) = 20 vs. DC 10).

The poison, however, gets him halfway (all saves failed (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=391172), 6d6 = 24 dex damage (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=391173)!) and he barely manages to crawl to the street outside before being completely paralyzed. The injured ettercap does not dare to try to grab him there, and after a few minutes he is found by a passerby.

By the time Valek manages to recover from the poison, the ettercap is long gone and the missing people is in the bandits hands, to be ransomed or sold into slavery.

Quest failed.

@DSugui - really sorry, man. I can barely believe that bad luck with the saves you had at the end. Even making one of the saves would have left Valek enough dex to finish the very badly wounded monster (just 4 hp left).
DSugui
03-19-06, 06:52 PM That's Valek, the unlucky...

I noticed now, but you didn't use dodge on the ettercap (which is my fault, I should have told you to use...). That would have stopped one bite attack, but even so it wouldn't have changed anything...

I don't know what happens, Valek is a good character, but it seems that the dice gods hate him...
Argaud
03-19-06, 06:59 PM That's Valek, the unlucky...

I noticed now, but you didn't use dodge on the ettercap (which is my fault, I should have told you to use...). That would have stopped one bite attack, but even so it wouldn't have changed anything...
Hmm, that is true. Although the Dex damage from the first two failed saves combined with the fatigue would have downed him too :(

He had some lucky rolls with the first saves vs. poison, though, not to mention that initial spot check + arrow.

In general what I noticed is that he failed to cause enough damage fast enough. He had a pretty good AC, but the ettercap entangle tactic took away that advantage. Then, even with rage, Valek could only slowly poke away the monster hps. If the ettercap had access to magical items he would have beaten Valek pretty badly (but given he doesn't even have hands, and he is a moron (int 6) I didn't think appropriate to give him anything, not even potions).

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Argaud 03-17-06, 01:24 PM	This is a miniquest for Valek Usher, who wants to join the WAR guild. If you are not DSugui, please do not post here. Questlog: Valek fights an Ettercap. Items used: 1 arrow. 2 Potions of Cure Light Wounds. Rewards: None
Argaud 03-17-06, 01:26 PM	Our Hero: Valek Usher Valek Usher "Fast and Furious" Male Xeph Medium Humanoid (Psionic) Chaotic Neutral Ranger 1/Barbarian 1/Fighter 1 [ECL 3] 4775 XP/6000 XP STR 12 (+1) [6 pts] [14, -2 racial] [+4 Rage] DEX 20 (+5) [16 pts] [18, +2 racial] CON 14 (+2) [6 pts] [+4 Rage] INT 10 (+0) [2 pts] WIS 14 (+2) [6 pts] CHA 8 (-1) [0 pts] Hit Points: 26 (3HD) [8 rgr, 6.5 brb, 5.5 ftr, 3*2 con] [+6 Rage] AC 22 [10 base, +4 armor, +3 shield, +5 dex] touch 15, flat 17 [+1 dodge] [-2 Rage] Initiative: +5 [+5 dex] BAB/Grapple: +3/+4 [+3 BAB, +1 str] Speed 40 ft [+10 speed of thought][+10 burst][+15 Skate] Saves: Fort +9 [+2 rgr, +2 brb, +2 ftr, +2 con, +1 resistance] [+2 Rage] Ref +8 [+2 rgr, +0 brb, +0 ftr, +5 dex, +1 resistance] Will +3 [+0 rgr, +0 brb, +0 ftr, +2 wis, +1 resistance] [+2 Rage] [+1 racial vs powers, spells, and spell-like effects] Attacks: MW Short Sword +9 melee, 1d6+1 (19-20/x2) [+3 BAB, +5 dex, +1 MW] [+2 damage Rage] Composite (+1) Longbow +8 ranged, 1d8+1 (20/x3) [range 110'] [+3 BAB, +5 dex] Feats: [1st level] Weapon Finesse Track [3rd level] Speed of Thought [Fighter 1] Dodge [B]Racial and Class Abilities: Darkvision 60ft. Naturally Psionic (1 pp) Burst: 3/day +10 ft speed for 3 rounds Favored Enemy (Dwarf) Wild Empathy Fast Movement Rage 1/day Skills: (24 pts rgr, 4 pts brb, 2 pts ftr) [-2 Check Penalty] +9 Concentration [6 rnk, +2 con][4 pts rgr, 2 pts brb (cc), 2 pts ftr (cc)] +9 Hide [4 rnks, +5 dex][4 pts rgr] +7 Listen [5 rnks, +2 wis][4 pts rgr, 1 pt brb] +9 Move Silently [4 rnks, +5 dex][4 pts rgr] +9 Profession (messenger) [5 rnks, +2 wis, +2 mw tools][4 pts rgr, 1 pt brb] +6 Spot [4 rnks, +2 wis][4 pts rgr] Buffs and Prefight actions: Psionically focused Equipament: Traveller's outfit Armor: Mithral Shirt [1100 gp][10 lbs] Shield: +1 Large Steel Shield [1170 gp][15 lbs] Weapon: MW Short Sword [310 gp][2 lbs] Weapon: Composite (+1) Longbow [200 gp][3 lbs] Ammo: Arrows (36) [2 gp][6 lbs] Item: Cloak of Resistance +1 [1000 gp][1 lb] Expendable Items: Tatoo of Skate [100 gp] 2x Potion of Cure Light Wounds [100 gp] Tanglefoot Bag [50 gp][4 lbs] Equipament at home: Gold: 521 Masterwork Messenger Tools [50 gp] Miscellaneous Statistics: Age: 22 years old Height: 5'6" (~1,83 m) Weight: 150 lbs Encumbance: 0 - 43 (light), 44 - 86 (medium), 87 - 130 (heavy) Weight carried: 41 lb Character Background: Valek is a talkative and annoying guy. He likes to make jokes and taunt his opponents, but in most cases his jokes aren't funny. He is sneaky when he wants to, but generally one can tell he's around just by the sound of his shrill voice. Fights Results: 1: vs Loddick Saffrion (Erithmu) [Abyssal Stalker]: lost a unlucky fight [+300 XP] [+357 gp] 2: vs Coralias (Kaigan) vs Danidus (Vecnoran) [Pittbull]: 2nd place is not really a loss, is it? [+600 XP] [+657 gp] 3: vs Dr. Hexacious Pogboomer (Turin) [Biota]: lost. Color Spray. Again. [+300 XP] [+357 gp] 4: vs Dordleton Grumblesnout (nickbeat) [Kaigan]: lost to a horse's crit. [+375 XP] [+432 gp] [b]Past Expenditures (total 200 gp): Feb 15th (Fight 1): 3 arrows Feb 22th (Fight 2): 1 arrow Mar 1st (Fight 3): 1 potion Cure Light Wounds [50 gp] Mar 1st (Fight 3): 1 arrow, 1 tattoo of Skate [100 gp], 1 potion Cure Light Wounds [50 gp]
Argaud 03-17-06, 10:48 PM	As a test of worthiness to join the Warfare Alliance, Valek has been charged with destroying some mysterious creature that has been terrorizing the Gawane neighborhood, possibly an accomplice to the bandits that are right now causing trouble there, or perhaps just an opportunistic monster taking advantage of the sudden lawlessness to attack easy targets. Whatever it is, the neighbors are blaming it for several disappearances and thefts. After interrogating some witnesses Valek has a rough description of the creature. It is a man-sized and walks on two legs. Unfortunately the description doesn’t ring any bell in his memory (maybe because he has never paid attention when someone tried to educate him about the various creatures that inhabit the world). He has been pointed towards an abandoned house, the people think the monster lairs there. What will Valek do now, DSugui?
DSugui 03-18-06, 05:43 AM	Not knowing exactly what he will face, Valek thinks its better to keep distance from the thing at first moment. He will prefer to face it in an open space rather than in a narrow room, so he will wait for the creature to leave the house and shoot it with the bow from an advantageous point, always keeping distance. When the creature appears and I have a better idea of what Valek is facing, I will improve the tactics
Argaud 03-18-06, 08:08 AM	Unwilling to face an unknown enemy in close quarters, Valek looks for a good observation spot and wait for his quarry to leave the building. A brief scouting of the area reveals more details about the house. It is a small wooden structure standing between a stone warehouse and a district wall. Three stories (close to 30’). The front door opens to a small but fairly busy street, but there is also a back door, which opens to a narrow, smelly alleyway. There are also several windows, although most of them are barred, and there is also a stone chimney. It is going to be hard for a single person to keep watch of all the possible ways out. Standing on the roof of the house looks the best option, but moving around the roof would probably cause quite a ruckus inside the house (although Valek is quite stealthy, so he could manage to remain undetected). Standing on the roof of the warehouse is also an option, but it would be harder to spot anyone leaving the house, very hard if the creature picks the wrong direction. On the other hand, it is a better place to hide. Obviously Valek could just watch one of the sides of the house, but if he picks the wrong side it is unlikely he will see the monster leaving the house!
DSugui 03-18-06, 11:38 AM	Valek is trying to decide wich place is the best to keep watch when a bold idea cross his mind. He'll seek a good place to hide where he can see the main door of the building, and then from there he'll throw small stones in the door, in order to lure the creature out the house.
Argaud 03-18-06, 01:58 PM	After a few minutes tossing stones it seems clear the attempt to lure the creature to the open is not working. Possibly the monster dislikes daylight, or to be seen by potential victims. But the sun will set in one hour. However, for a second, he manages to glimpse a... something, watching him through a cracked window in the second floor. Inhuman eyes. Spot Check DC 10 (take 10) +9 (skill) +3 (distance) = 22 barely passed (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=390277)! The neighbors were right, there is someone in there, and that someone now knows Valek is outside.
DSugui 03-18-06, 02:24 PM	Oh, boy... good bye surprise element... Valek is taken aback for a moment by the strange eyes staring at him. But, suddenly resolute, he pulls the string and shoot at the creature, coming out of his hiding place and shouting "Come on, monster! I know you're there! Come out and play" Without minding by-passers, he starts to throw insults at the creature inside the house. The arrow fired is more to intimidate than to harm, but if it hits, even better. Valek will try to lure the creature out taunting it, but always paying attention to see (or listen) if it does not leave by the other door. If it does not leave in one minuto or so, he'll kick down the door to enter the place
Argaud 03-18-06, 05:00 PM	The arrow flies true (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=390376) (16 + 8 = 24) And it seems it hurt (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=390378) the monster! (damage 1d8+1 =4) There is a muffled cry and some noises of scuffling. However the taunting fails to draw it out. And who can blame him, there seems to be some kind of hawkeyed (those were some lucky rolls) master archer out there! So Valek is forced to kick at the door and break into the house. The door wasn’t even locked, just stuck on place, and gives in easily. There is a large room beyond, with staircases up and down at one side and a fireplace at the other. Almost no furniture, although some debris litters the floor. It smells faintly to sewers and it is pretty dark, but Valek’s darkvision kicks in and he can see all the room perfectly. It is empty. And he can’t hear (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=390381) anything either (listen 12 + 7 (skill) = 19 vs. move silently 16 + 3 (skill) +3 (distance) = 22).
DSugui 03-18-06, 05:18 PM	Valek doesn't think ranged combat in a narrow room isa good idea, so he stows the bow and draw the sword and the shield, trying to sneak around looking for his opponent. Valek will move at half speed so not to take any penalties on MS/Hide. He will take a move action to active listen.
Argaud 03-18-06, 08:48 PM	Both Valek and the monster had the same idea, so they start sneaking around, trying to find the enemy and gain what could be an important surprise attack. (Resolved in a single roll, although one could assume several minutes of stalking pass). Valek sneaks around. 10 + 9 (skill) -2 (ACP from shield) = 17 The monster listens. 16 + 4 (skill) = 20 Rolls here. (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=390412) Valek listens. 11 + 7 (skill) = 18 The monster sneaks around. 17 + 3 (skill) = 20 Rolls here. (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=390414) Fortune, more than ability, leads the creature to a favorable position from which it spots the unaware Valek, taking him by surprise. Cackling with glee, the monster throws a web to the unaware (and flat-footed) Valek. Entangling him (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=390479)! (18 + 3 (bab) + 3 (dex) = 24 vs. Valek’s touch AC 10). Valek is entangled, he can’t move, he loses 4 Dex and has a -2 to attack. The battle starts, they are at 10 feet from each other, initiatives (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=390482) are: Valek 14 + 5 = 19 Ettercap 18 + 3 = 21 The Ettercap charges the still flat-footed (AC 17) Valek, trying to bite him. But misses (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=390487)! (3 + 7 = 10 vs. AC 17) Valek, 26/26 hp, AC 20 (reduced in 2 because of entanglement). Entangled. Ettercap, -4/?? hp, AC 12 (-2 for charge). DSugui, it is Valek’s turn to act, let me know what you want to do and the general tactics of the battle. With a bit of luck it will finish in the next post.
DSugui 03-19-06, 01:03 AM	Valek will rage and attack the creature. If he takes Dex damage and it becomes lower than Str, use Str in the attack bonus.
Argaud 03-19-06, 08:53 AM	With some kind of battlecry Valek summons the rage and strikes back at the monster, stabbing his shortsword in its fat belly, drawing some blood. Roll (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=390879) 12 + 5 = 17 vs. AC 12, damage 3 + 3 = 6 The spider-like humanoid hisses and tries to bite Valek again, it also slashes with the claws, but all it manages is a weak scratch. Rolls (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=390880): Bite 7 + 5 = 12 vs. AC 18 miss. Claw 19 + 3 = 22 vs. AC 18 hit for 2 + 1 = 3 hp damage. Claw 6 + 3 = 9 vs. AC 18 miss. Valek counter-attacks, but the Ettercap presses in. None of the adversaries manages to land a solid strike. Rolls here. (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=390881) The battle goes on, but this time the Ettercap manages to deliver (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=390882) a vicious bite on Valek’s shoulder (roll 15 + 5 = 20 vs. AC 18) causing some damage and injecting poison (2 + 2 = 4 hp lost). The poison fails (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=390883) to take effect (save 5 + 11 = 16 vs. DC 15. The roll in Invisible Castle fails to take in account Valek’s +2 to Fort saves due to his rage-enhanced Con. He passes the save). The combat continues (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=390886), and Valek manages to injure the Ettercap again (6 hp), but the Ettercap also manages to get through his defenses to bite (damage 4) and claw (damage 3) again. Again the poison fails (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=390887) to affect the warrior, at least for now. Valek strikes again, and Ettercap looks badly wounded. Knowing there is poison in the warrior veins the creature decides to keep fighting (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=390889). Valek manages to hurt the monster again (for 6 hp) but receives a brutal bite (10 hp) and another nasty cut from a claw (confirmed critical (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=390890) for 6 hp) Valek manages to ignore (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=390891) the poison yet again! But his counter-attack fails (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=390892). The Ettercap, bleeding because of many wounds decides to withdraw from the battle and let the poison do its work. What does Valek do now, DSugui? Valek will be fatigued soon 9and with 4 hp left) and facing a bunch of fort saves. On the other hand the ettercap is almost dead. Valek, 10/26 hp, AC 20 (reduced in 2 because of entanglement). Entangled. Poisoned 3 times (saves due in 7, 8 and 9 rounds). Raging (1 round left). Ettercap, -22/?? hp, AC 14.
DSugui 03-19-06, 09:17 AM	If the ettercap is still in sight, Valek will drop the sword and the shield, draw the bow and try to finish the fight. If he is not in sight, Valek will drink his 2 potions of CLW, then try to escape the web
Argaud 03-19-06, 09:56 AM	The ettercap withdrawal allows him to move 60’ in one round, so he vanishes through a doorway. Perhaps to flee the house, but perhaps to wait for the poison to bring down Valek. Valek consumes two potions of CLW and then starts hacking at the web entangling him, managing to cut it with a single strike (6 damage, even fatigued). Rolls here (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=390920). He heals 2d8+2 = 15hp. But he also feels very tired as the rage leaves him. Valek, 19/26 hp, AC 21 (-2 dex due to fatigue). Poisoned 3 times (saves due in 4, 5 and 6 rounds). Fatigued. Ettercap, -22/?? hp, AC 14.
DSugui 03-19-06, 10:34 AM	So, let's go for the All In... Valek will draw the sword and the tanglefoot bag, search the ettercap sneakly, and entangle him. Then he'll fire arrows if he got stuck in the floor, or try to finish him with the sword if he still can move
Argaud 03-19-06, 05:55 PM	Much healed, but still poisoned, Valek goes hunting again. The ettercap left a trail of blood which should be easy to follow (DC 5, blood on the dusty floor) even though he is trying to hide (+5 DC). Even though Valek skipped his survival courses in Ranger School, he manages to track (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=391171) down the monster, to the basement it seems (roll 18 + 2 (wisdom) = 20 vs. DC 10). The poison, however, gets him halfway (all saves failed (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=391172), 6d6 = 24 dex damage (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=391173)!) and he barely manages to crawl to the street outside before being completely paralyzed. The injured ettercap does not dare to try to grab him there, and after a few minutes he is found by a passerby. By the time Valek manages to recover from the poison, the ettercap is long gone and the missing people is in the bandits hands, to be ransomed or sold into slavery. Quest failed. @DSugui - really sorry, man. I can barely believe that bad luck with the saves you had at the end. Even making one of the saves would have left Valek enough dex to finish the very badly wounded monster (just 4 hp left).
DSugui 03-19-06, 06:52 PM	That's Valek, the unlucky... I noticed now, but you didn't use dodge on the ettercap (which is my fault, I should have told you to use...). That would have stopped one bite attack, but even so it wouldn't have changed anything... I don't know what happens, Valek is a good character, but it seems that the dice gods hate him...
Argaud 03-19-06, 06:59 PM	That's Valek, the unlucky... I noticed now, but you didn't use dodge on the ettercap (which is my fault, I should have told you to use...). That would have stopped one bite attack, but even so it wouldn't have changed anything... Hmm, that is true. Although the Dex damage from the first two failed saves combined with the fatigue would have downed him too :( He had some lucky rolls with the first saves vs. poison, though, not to mention that initial spot check + arrow. In general what I noticed is that he failed to cause enough damage fast enough. He had a pretty good AC, but the ettercap entangle tactic took away that advantage. Then, even with rage, Valek could only slowly poke away the monster hps. If the ettercap had access to magical items he would have beaten Valek pretty badly (but given he doesn't even have hands, and he is a moron (int 6) I didn't think appropriate to give him anything, not even potions).