A Rise With A Difference

Game Master Dabbler

"I think it is time we check out this 'Misgivings' place."

"Tomorrow we'll go. We can stop at the sanatorium on the way. Tonight we need rest. I think the cathedral might be the safest place for Ay-- us. If they come for us, the ghouls will be at a disadvantage on sanctified ground."

"Good advice, Vaclav. It definitely sounds like someone has gone crazy and is hunting for...us...so we should stick together."

Vaclav will ask the sheriff about arrows, and Father Z about platinum rings, and both whether they know any more about the FOxglove manor or family history.

Hopefully everyone stays for the sleppover at the cathedral.

**** In the morning *****

Vaclav lingers longer than normal over his prayers. When he finishes he is in a better mood than normal. "Erastil is good. Our quest earns his favor. He's blessed me with an extra share of his power."

Maybe we could rent horses and make the trip in style and at speed. Spell selection may change slightly.

"Good morning all." Thanadros says a he greets the others in the morning. He stayed at the cathedral with the rest.

"Good morning, Thanadros!" Gob says perkily. "I just had a series of fantastic dreams, of other places and times, and Granny revealed new secrets to me... And I learned how to make even the nastiest beasties fall intoa deep sleep..." Gob looks around for breakfast and talks with his mouth half-full the rest of the morning.

"Any signs of a night-time visitor?" Gornak looks around for any new notes or other signs of a nefarious presence.

There is no indication of any night-time incursions.

"Good morning, everyone," Aylmora greets her companions. "Thanks again for letting us stay here, Vaclav. I'm ready to head out for that Misgivings place and see if that fop Aldern Foxglove is behind all of this. But first I'd like to check in with Aunt Niska and Ameiko before we go and make sure they're alright."

"I suppose we should also go by the sanatorium and see if Grayst Sevilla has succumbed to the ghoul fever."

"Good. We can return Horran and Grump to their families too. It won't be too far out of the way."

Especially if we can rent some horses! And get some arrows? And maybe a pair of platinum rings?

I think we should also restock on arrows on the way. Vaclav, were you not mentioning something about rings? What are they for? Some sort of anti Undead thing? I have also learned of a way to transfer wounds, which may help out with your healing.

I know what the rings are for, but Thanadros doesn't. ;P My IRL cleric is bling'n with a pair of platinum rings for each party member.

"The rings are for a spell to share damage. I could cast it on Gornak and if he were injured in battle I would suffer half his hurt and he would be left more whole. It's a way to share the risk. In a tough fight it might keep him standing longer."

Shield other can be a pretty good option. I've watched a cleric in another campaign employ it pretty effectively. I always thought of it as a melee character benefit, but rings for everyone is a good idea, especially if the arcane caster gets caught in melee.

"I bet I can think of a new trick or two, myself," Gornak adds with a mysterious smile. "I think I finally worked out how to get the metal-fizzy...uh...metty-fuzzy...um...magic weapon boost to last permanently, but it'll take some ingredients and time that we don't have right now. Heck, it'd probably even work on armor. Well, let's go do our shopping and check on the patients. Gee, I hope they're okay."

Gornak has Craft Magic Arms & Armor now, so next time we have some down time he can put enhancements on everyone's armor and weapons, if you like.

"Hmm, that sounds like what I can do with my ability, except I take the wounds after someone has received them. Let me know before you do that thing with your holy talisman that heals everyone. Maybe I can help spread the damage to get more out of it."

We start to make our rounds. We stop to visit Niska and Ameiko, refill our quiver's, pick up the rings if we can't get them at the temple, drop Horran and Grump off and head over to the misgivings place, barring any detours.

That game was a low magic game, so I took the extra precaution since we couldn't just go an buy wands of cure light wounds. Rather channel and heal 15 hp to heal 2 characters then spend two channels to heal one! I pretty much only used it on the barbarian, but I liked to have the option to cast it on whomever as needed.

Everyone in Sandpoint is well, and you restock your quivers with minimal drama.

Grump is staying in Sandpoint until he can be sure the monsters are all taken care of. Horran is eager to return home to help defend his family, and he will part company with you when you pause at the asylum. As before the building is large and brooding...

Are there any windows on the asylum, particularly on the upper levels?

Several windows, all barred. When you last approached, there was noise around the sanatorium, this time everything is eerily silent.

"Uh-oh... I don't know about you guys, but I'm going to get my weapon ready." Gornak manifests a 5 pp Metaphysical Weapon on his hammer (7 hour duration) and a 1 pp Thicken Skin.

Vaclav frowns. I hope we didn't make a tragic mistake.

"Good idea, Gornak. Watch the door with Aylmora, Gob, and Horran. Thanadros and I will circle the building. Shout if you spot anything."

Vaclav readies his bow by nocking an arrow. Then he gets ready to move.

I just want to quickly sweep the back side looking for other entrances or exits. Alternatively, if we could spike the door to make sure nothing came out that way we could stick together.

There are several windows on the ground floor, all are barred and the insides curtained. Peering through small gaps you see no signs of life, the large hearth in the reception room is cold and unlit. There is only the one door at the front of the building.

"Hmm, seems too quiet... And I'm getting a queer feeling about this place." He says to the grour as he and Vaclav return from their walk of the perimeter.

"Gornak, Open the door, I will cover you." He says as he readies an arrow.

Vaclav stows his bow and arrow and readies his mace and ring of force shield. He's also looking at GOrnak to be the doorman.

Aylmora glances worriedly at her companions and uses her wand to cast Mage Armor on herself. The young woman then loads her crossbow and nods to her friends to show that she is ready.

Wand of Mage Armor charges used: 6/20

Gornak checks to see if the front door is locked. If it is, he'll bash it down with his HAMMER!

Gob isn't sure what all the fuss is over yet, but manifests foece screen and readies his crossbow.

Gob isn't sure what all the fuss is over yet, but manifests foece screen and readies his crossbow.

Maybe we are all a bit paranoid, but with everything that is going on, I say it makes sense.

i agree! Just gob being gob, narratively.

The door swings open at Gornak's touch; it was neither locked nor even latched. Inside is gloom, silence, and a smell of death.

Ground Floor Map

Ghoul make us sick smell, or just bad?

The odor hits Vaclav's nose and his stomach lurches in remembrance of the farmhouse. Please, Erastil, let us not be too late.

"I've got a bad feeling about this..." Aylmora mutters softly.

Thanadros frowns at the smell. "I fear we are too late..."

Gornak takes a sniff. "A little stink won't hurt me -- I grew up in a garbage dump -- but I think there's some bad news here."

Gornak leads the way inside the building.

Gob follows suit. "At least here the devastation was limited to the poor souls that Sandpoint didn't want around, right?" Gob says naively.

" Dr. Habe and his assistants," Vaclav replies tersely.

Mace and shield ready he follows GOrnak and Gob into the building.

Catching on to Vaclav's tone but still missing the picture, he asks, "I am sorry if I offended but could I ask you more about this place and it's function at another time?"

book smart but not overly empathetic or wise to humans' ways, Gob assumes that instead of killing their undesirables, humans put them here as a sign of compassion but also to get them out of sight, and anyone saddled with the job of caring for them must be nearly equally undesirable to the locals.

"ANother time, then. " Vaclav agrees.

Nice touch there.

Aylmora silently follows her companions into the building, warily peering about for any signs of ghoulish attackers.

Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14 - glad I got that '1' out of the way now!

All is silent as the five of you step into the building. The door swings shut behind you, and you are in dim light. Moving through the entry room, you enter the large room beyond. All is silent as you filter in.

I assume Gornak is leading the way, Aylmora bringing up the rear as stated.

As Gornak sets foot on the flight of steps leading up, the darkness suddenly intensifies. A figure drops on Gornak from above, and another springs from the shadows at Aylmora.

Attack (On Gornak): Claw 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16 Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Attack (on Aylmora): Bite 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11 Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Initiatives for everyone please...

Blind Sedge: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Grayst Sevilla: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
Erin Habe: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14

Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

Initiative 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

When everything goes dark, Thanadros focuses his mind...

Heightened Vision | 3pp | SA | Per| 5hrs | Dark vision 60 ft

"Watch out, we are surrounded by ghouls!" Thanadros says as he aims his bow at ghoul in the back, ready to shoot.

Gornak doesn't have darkvision, just low-light vision.

Init: 1d20 ⇒ 8

Gornak takes a step away from his attacker and manifests Force Screen. "What the heck is going on? I can't see a thing!"

7/20 pp used so far.

Init 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

"Erastil protect us! Drive these evil shells of men to ruin and dust!"

Channel -- 3d6 ⇒ (1, 4, 3) = 8 DC 14 Will save for half

Thinking fast, Gob casts light on the stair banister and moves back toward the door, crossbow raised.

or other object near Gornak. Torch light: 20ft normal, 20 ft dim, right?

Initiative for Gob: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Combat order:

Grayst Sevilla 20
Vaclav 17
Erin Habe 14
Aylmora 13
Thanadros 11
Gob 9
Gornak 8
Blind Sedge 6

Aylmora's attacker tears at her savagely:

Attack (on Aylmora):
Bite 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14 Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Claw #1 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17 Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Claw #2 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10 Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Vaclav's channelling sweeps over the attackers:

Blind Sedge: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
Grayst Sevilla: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19
Erin Habe: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17

It doesn't take a genius to work out that ghouls are the attackers, so I'm happy for Vaclav to channel before Thanadros enhances his vision.

Gornak's attacker also claws at him furiously:

Bite 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11 Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Claw #1 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26 Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Claw #2 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9 Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Aylmora to act next. The darkness is still complete until Gob's action.

Fortitude save: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

Can we see anything or not?

The darkness is dark. It will not block darkvision, but until you have some light, there's nothing for low-light or ordinary vision to work with. When Gob casts light, the area becomes dimly lit - Gornak can see twenty feet clearly with low-light vision (my bad above, I thought half-giants had darkvision). Gob can see normally, as can Thanadros after his turn. Everyone with normal vision can then function, but your foes have concealment (20% miss chance).

Currently Aylmora to act.

Fortitude save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Based on that Fortitude save, I assume that Aylmora is paralyzed, but can still take mental actions. So she will delay until Gob casts Light.

How high is the ceiling here?

Ceiling is 8' high - this is a normal building. Gornak can just about walk around without stooping.

Aylmora's muscles lock tight. Thanadros' vision leaps into focus, revealing the attackers to him. Gob's light filters out, suffusing the area with dim light. Gornak's action, and he can now see quite clearly...

map for next round? I have AoEs I'd hate to hit allies with.

Round One:

Using Delayed Action now that Gob has cast his Light spell.

With the foul ghoul that paralyzed her finally revealed by Gob's light, Aylmora mentally unleashes a blast of uncontrolled phrenic energy at the undead creature.

Standard action to target the ghoul that attacked her with Surge Blast (expending Psionic Focus contained in Emyralda); ranged touch attack supernatural ability that does not provoke AoO.

Surge Blast (ranged touch): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
20% Miss Chance (1-20 miss): 1d100 ⇒ 75
Surge Blast Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 3) = 4 force damage

Aylmora's HP: 40/46