City of Strangers: The Godsmouth Heresy
Game Master James Keegan

Kua finds no indication of traps or pressure plates on or around the door.

Jhaik, Auron's hound, sniffs the ground for a few moments, then sneezes. He heels beside his master once more- the air reeks of death and chemicals, perhaps the dog is thrown by the overpowering smell or the bits of powder all over the floor.

Eh, just open the door. Like its made to open.
Auron slams the door open, warhammer at the ready. His torch lies on the ground, snuffed. Relying on the lights provided by the teams casters, he peers in, Jhaik sniffing beside.

Godsmouth Ossuary Catacombs Map

Godsmouth Ossuary Catacombs Map

Auron throws open the door to reveal a plain stone room, about twenty feet wide by twenty feet long, a short hallway leading off the opposite side on the left. A strong stench of chemicals assail your nostrils as a glassy black skeleton and a lumbering corpse with ash-grey skin lumber toward you!
Initiative
Skeleton: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
Zombie: 1d20 ⇒ 14
Group: 1d20 ⇒ 14

Mara- 18
Uwais- 17
Skeleton- 17
Waya/Kua- 16
Auron/Detressa/Yang- 15
Zombie- 14

Post your actions! If someone wants to post as Yang, that would help me a lot.

Round One:

Catching a glimpse of the black skeleton in the chamber beyond Auron, Sister Mara stows her crossbow and draws her hanbo.

Uwais dodges and weaves through his allies' feet, moving himself behind Kua (to AS44), loading his sling. He gives a cautionary growl to Waya, who yips back agreeably before stalking into the fray.

I'll post a Waya action after I see where the skeleton moves on it's turn.

Auron barrels into the room. Brandishing his war-hammer, he hopes he makes an impressive first impression. The skeleton being his likely target. Jhaik yips nearby.

move 5ft AR48, Jhaik stays at current
power attack: 1d20 + 5 - 1 ⇒ (16) + 5 - 1 = 20
power damage: 1d8 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 2 = 10

I've got Yang, I'll get a post up in a sec.

Remembering his discussion with Yang on tactics, Kua waits for the spell caster to take the front of the line.

Yang shuffles into the spot vacated by Auron and casts burning hands, catching both the skeleton and the zombie. (using the 15' Cone on the right hand side, pg 20

Burning Hands Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1 Reflex for half

Once Kua sees Yang burn the two undead abominations, he moves to AT48 and attempts to slam his axe into the zombie's side.

Power Attack 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

Damage1d12 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

Remembering his discussion with Yang on tactics, Kua waits for the spell caster to take the front of the line.

Yang shuffles into the spot vacated by Auron and casts burning hands, catching both the skeleton and the zombie. (using the 15' Cone on the right hand side, pg 20

Burning Hands Damage: 1d4 Reflex for half

Once Kua sees Yang burn the two undead abominations, he moves to AT48 and attempts to slam his axe into the zombie's side.

Power Attack 1d20+3

Damage1d12+7

I'm back! Thanks for posting for me. One item though - I cast evocation spells at +1 caster level due to my Bloatmage Initiative feat. So let's add another die of damage to that burning hands! :-)

additional damage 1d4 ⇒ 2

Wow, three whole points ...

Oops, sorry Yang!

Map is updated.

Godsmouth Ossuary Catacombs Map

Detressa will delay until just before the zombie acts. If both undead are still standing at that point, she will channel positive energy (to harm undead): 1d6 ⇒ 4, DC 11 will save for half.

Round One
Mara- 18 (switch to hanbo- delay?)
Uwais- 17 (load sling, delay for skeleton- move to count 16)
Skeleton- 17 (attacks Auron)
Waya/Kua- 16 (?/attack zombie- hit)
Auron/Detressa/Yang- 15 (attack skeleton- hit/channel positive/burning hands)
Zombie- 14 (attack)

Rusty scimitar at the ready, the skeleton swings at Auron: 1d20 ⇒ 181d6 ⇒ 2
But he turns it aside with his shield.

Insert Uwais/Waya's actions.

Kua bellows savagely, hacking into the zombie with his axe and busting its skull like a watermelon. It slumps to the floor in a twitching pile.

Meanwhile, Auron steps forward and attacks its comrade with his warhammer, shattering it like glass and sending splintered pieces left and right.

And that's all she wrote- Yang, hold onto burning hands I guess since you didn't get a chance to use it. 100 XP each.

Bah! 'arely got meself warm.

Auron gives a sharp whistle and Jhaik comes to heel.

Didn't 'ave time to watch me back before t'was over, eh mutt?

Jhaiks gets a pat on the head before the hound fetches the dropped torch. After a few strikes on the flint, Auron lifts the burning torch aloft and searches the room.

Takes 10 for perception = 10

Waya looks from the servile dog to Auron, then back at Uwais, her head tilted questioningly at the halfling. Uwais gives a soothing sound, then begins to examine the room with Auron.

Perception 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

While her companions search the room containing the twitching remains fo the zombie and the shattered pieces of the skeleton Mara hangs back in the entranceway, keeping watch down the hallway leading north in case the noises from the brief battle attract any investigators.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

"Well done," Detressa murmurs to Auron and Kua.

You find the room to be mostly bare- functioning solely as a guardroom. Sister Mara cannot hear any particular disturbance from the north. There is a door in the small alcove in the southeast, opening on the western side of the wall.

Tha's me job ma'am.
Auron gives a small bow to Pharasmian priestess.

If this were a guards-room, then we came from the backdoor then eh? Your necromancer should be the other way.

Auron looks about going to the right hand passage.

Waya gives Jhaiks a half-interested sniff before following Auron's dog down the hall. Uwais follows towards the back, loaded sling ready to fly at a moment's notice.

Yang's shoulders slump as the undead fall before he has a chance to cast his spell. "Yet again ... for why did I bother to memorize anything?"

He follows the lead of the rest, as they go down the hallway.

Auron leads the way north to the path not taken. After a short distance, it takes a hard left for about ten feet before taking a right and continuing north. The corridor continues about 25/30 feet where you can see a warm light coming from the end. About ten feet ahead on the right, a side passage opens off the corridor.

Someone there?

Auron raises his torch higher and moves cautiously to the side passage and ducks in. Jhaik faithfully follows his master, staying at his heels.

In the side passage you find a large spiral staircase winding up about 60 feet.

Sister Mara loads a bolt into her crossbow as she softly offers a quick prayer to her Goddess.

Cast Guidance on self.

Map is updated: Godsmouth Ossuary Catacombs Map

Anyone know how deep are we?

Auron asks, while looking up the staircase.

Reckon it'll lead us up to the surface?

Sensing the presence of the divine as Mara casts her prayer, Uwais takes a moment to do the same to Waya.

Good ideas breed copy-cats, after all. One casting of Guidance on Waya.

We can go up after Tripe's settled then.

Auron senses his newly found group eager to confront their nemesis.

Putting out his torch and wielding his warhammer, Auron steps forward towards the warm light.

"Yes, I agree. We should eliminate the irrelevant one first." Yang shuffles after Auron.

Putting together a battle map; please give me your marching order.

How about Auron in the lead with Jhaik, followed by Kua, Mara, Detressa, Yang, and Uwais on Waya?

Auron would have no problem with that.

The acrid stench of chemicals and reagents fills this chamber, and the walls are marred with strange stains and scorch marks. Several tables are scattered about the room, covered in a bewildering plethora of glassware, alembics, retorts, tubes, simmering cauldrons and smoking beakers full of brightly colored liquids. Scattered pages of written notes in a crabbed hand lie strewn about the chamber. A large alcove in the northwest corner contains a bookshelf groaning under the weight of heavy dusty tomes and scrolls. Three large glass vats stand against the eastern wall, filled with bubbling green fluid. Floating within the vats are three grotesque objects-putrescent corpses, their skin discolored with decay and chemical stains.

At the far end of the room is a man with lank black hair and leather armor, a spear in one hand and a smoking vial in the other. A zombie stands just a few feet in front of him.

"Finally dropped in for a face-to-face have we? Mr. Marrow, your assistance please...."

The zombie groans.
"There's a lad.", Tripe responds,"But let's even things up a bit more... Subject 304! AWAKEN!"

With a crash, the cadaver in one of the vats swings its arms, rupturing the glass tank and sending glass and green liquid spilling about the room. Wet with the fluid and discolored by whatever chymical effects it was working upon it, the thing lurches toward you.

Roll initiative!
Map

Party Initiative: 1d20 ⇒ 19

That makes Mara's Initiative 23.

EDIT: I've got a few minutes of spare time, so I'll go ahead and put the party's initiatives in order:

Sister Mara: 23
Uwais/Waya: 22
Kua: 21
Auron/Jhaik: 20
Detressa: 20
Yang: 20

NOTE: Since Auron, Detressa, and Yang all have the same Dex and Init modifiers, I just listed them in alphabetical order.

Thanks Mara. Such cramped spacing.

I'll double check the scale when I get home, but I think that's how it's layed out. There are 8 of you, including both animal companions, after all.

“By the Goddess Tripe, how have you forsaken your vows so completely?” calls Detressa. “Give up now, we have you outnumbered and outclassed.”

Initiative- Team Tripe:
Tripe: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
Mr. Marrow: 1d20 ⇒ 12
Vat Zombie: 1d20 ⇒ 19

Initiative:
Svilennius Tripe: 24
Sister Mara: 23
Uwais/Waya: 22
Kua: 21
Auron/Jhaik: 20
Detressa: 20
Yang: 20
Vat Zombie: 19
Mr. Marrow: 12

"Eh? Who's that? Venci?! HAH! I should have known the Cryptsmistress wouldn't come herself! Find the cheapest possible solution, that's their plan, and who's going to miss an acolyte that's bound to lose her marbles sooner or later?"
He combines two flasks of reagents and shakes them up.
"But don't feel bad about it; they kicked me out and all I offered was a solution to their "overcrowding" problem in the Ossuary! All these cadavers and I didn't turn to any divine power at all! It's all the work of alchemy- just like our... your... Thassilonian forebears! She didn't happen to mention, did she, that the upper floors are practically full? And how can they charge the wealthiest of Kaer Maga for the best funerary spots if there's no room? I offered both cheap labor and a method to clear the space- and they excommunicated me! And now here you are- clearing more room for them and tying up a little loose end! I do hope you enjoy what piddling pat on the head they've got lined up for you, "Sister". Here's a little something for you, Muscles!"

With that, he lobs the smoking flask at Auron.

Frost Bomb: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 231d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

A bracing chill creeps under Auron's armor as the flask breaks dead on his chest, splashing him and Jhaik with the foul concoction.
I need a Fortitude save from Auron to avoid being staggered and a Reflex from Jhaik to avoid taking 4 damage himself.

“Whether through magic or alchemy, what you are doing here goes against one of the core tenants of our faith! Don’t try to justify your blasphemy Tripe, can you really believe that overcrowded tombs can justify raising the dead? And you call me crazy? Ha!” To be fair, Detressa’s laugh does sound a little manic ...

"That core tenant has changed, conveniently, for the modern age! When Thassilon ruled this land, Pharasmins employed the undead for any number of tasks! And why not? It's meat, without soul or agency! And where does your faith stand on auctioning off places of respect- regardless of faithfulness or moral value- to fill church coffers? In favor, naturally, whoring out these "sacred" vaults to whomever can pay the tab and separating beggars from plutocrats in a way the Goddess never would!"

“Wiser minds that mine or yours should debate such things,” returns Detressa. “If you surrender now we can take you to present your musings to the high priests before the day is out.”

Fortitude: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Jhaik Reflex: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

Auron's teeth clatter uncontrollably as he feels the cold liquid freeze up his joints. He attempts to glance at Jhaik but even the turning of his head proves difficult. Auron could only hope his hound manages to avoid what has befallen his master.

Roll initiative!
Map

I can't seem to access the map by the way - are you able to set it so that you don't need to sign in to google docs to view it?

Warden of Doors wrote:

Roll initiative!
Map

I can't seem to access the map by the way - are you able to set it so that you don't need to sign in to google docs to view it?

You should be able to- I set it as public for anyone with the link, no sign in required. I've set it for everyone, even without the link, so give it a shot now.

Uwais fires a stone at the foremost zombie (at H5) before his comrades can engage it. He gives a growl to Waya to attack as he reloads, and she darts forward, teeth bared, to cripple the zombie before it can move. Her teeth sink deep into the creature's leg, and she tugs, trying to unbalance it.

Sling attack, -4 for cover: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2
Damage: 1d3 ⇒ 1

Bite attack, +1 for guidance: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Trip attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13

Round One:

"By the Grace of the Dawnflower! These undead abominations will fall before the holy illumination of the Everlight!" Sister Mara vows grimly, drawing her scimitar. As she speaks, a faint glow reminiscent of sunlight begins to radiate from her body.

"And may the Dawnflower guide your hand," she adds, touching Kua to imbue the half-orc with a touch of divine guidance.

Swift action to activate Judgment (Healing) to heal 1 point of damage per round (heals Mara back up to max of 10 hp this round). Move action to draw scimitar. Standard action to cast Guidance on Kua: +1 to one attack roll, saving throw, or skill check within the next 10 rounds.

Sister Mara's HP: 10/10
Sister Mara's AC: 17; touch AC 15
Active Effects on Mara: Guidance (cast just before combat began as we moved down this hallway, so 5-ish more rounds?); Judgment (Healing: 1 HP/round)

"A pity; the irrelevant one makes some sense." Yang begins his spellcasting ...

[ooc]If Kua is able to get clear into the room, Yang will cast enalrge person on him. Otherwise, he'll use a force missile on Tripe.

damage 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Warden, come let's clobber that snake before his goons have time to react. Jhaik, to me.

Auron moves stiffly, weaving between the two abominations, hopefully before both had time to react.

move to H4, avoiding Tripe's AoO. Jhaik would probably follow his master to I5.