DM oKOyA's Mummy's Mask: The Half-Dead City

Game Master Lord oKOyA

All right, then - stand clear. Here goes...

Sling staff raised and ready, Myron lets the others get clear, then opens the door.

Pherenike backs up to the stairway, keeping her acid flask at the ready while the halfling tries the door.

"You can't shoot a bug with a crossbow, Professor," she murmurs with amusement, "although there were some blowhards in ranged weaponry training who claimed they could, at twenty paces."

... who say's i'm expecting more bugs? I keep thinking a skeleton or zombie is going to come around the corner... the Professor said, in a worried tone. He was clearly quite out of his element with these insects attacking.

"As long as it has the right number of legs," Pherenike shudders. "Nasty vermin."

Raising an eyebrow that instead of seeking to find the workings of the trap and rendering it harmless... the smelly halfling was instead going to risk injury by blindly seeing if it might be triggered once more. Mus'ad kept back... and watched in silence.

Kheled nods his head at his companions determination. He loads his light crossbow and casts Guidance on himself.

Hands clasped behind his back but arcane words never far from his mind and his lips, Aerathiel stands back with the rest of his companions, looking curiously at the halfling and its attempt to open the door.

Date: Fireday the 24th of Sarenith, 4711 (Friday the 24th of June, 4711)
Time: 11:20 am
Location: Wati, The Necropolis, tomb of Akhentepi
Map: Tomb?
Treasure: n/a
Quests: explore the tomb of Akhentepi

Myron opens the secret door with no more roaches appearring but revealing a narrow hallway ending in another door instead. Mus'ad takes the lead and checks the door as before. Finding nothing amiss and the door unlocked he pushes it open revealing a small room. A sarcophagus covered in gold leaf rests on a raised stone platform in the center of this chamber. The casket’s cover is carved the likeness of an adult man with his arms crossed over his chest, and covered in thick coat of dust. Two ornate chests sit beyond the dais in the northeast and southeast corners, and between them stand two large funerary urns.

Holding a hand up wardingly, Mus'ad methodically takes his time to pore over the room and all within it for any final traps.

Taking of the 20 for Perception gets 27

Yay for camping site wi-fi

"General Akhentepi, I presume..." Myron says with barely contained excitement.

And quite possible protected by more summons. Mus'ad can search for the mundane; Aerathiel and I can look for the immaterial...

Detect Magic.

Knowledge (Arcana): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

"Indeed." Aerathiel nods in agreement and, a brief incantation later, his eyes scan the room, now able to see beyond the mundane and into the magical.

Detect magic.

Knowledge (Arcana): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

Not wanting to get in the way, Pherenike remains in the corridor, keeping an arrow on her bowstring in case any more beetles come investigating.

Date: Fireday the 24th of Sarenith, 4711 (Friday the 24th of June, 4711)
Time: 11:20 am
Location: Wati, The Necropolis, tomb of Akhentepi
Map: Snake Guardian: Round 1 Init 21
Treasure: n/a
Quests: explore the tomb of Akhentepi

Surprise round
As Mus'ad and some of the others move in to begin searching the tomb, they are caught by surprise as a snake shoots out from behind the sarcophagus. The serpent lunges at Mus'ad...
attack w/bite: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
...but the wary dwarf pulls his leg away just in time.

Round 1
Pherenike 21
Kheled 16
Mus'ad 11
Ahkenaten 10
Myron 7
Aerathiel 5
Cobra 4

Notes: The sarcophagus provides cover to the small sized snake.

Those that get a good look at the snake realize that it is not of flesh and blood but rather mechanical in nature. This creature resembles a small, metallic cobra. Its body is made of overlapping iron plates, and its eyes are pinpoints of red light.

Take it away everyone.

Round 1: AC currently 17

Shield still upon his shoulder, Mus'ad reacts by unhooking the warhammer from his belt and attemping to blunt the beast's head...
Warhammer: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15 for 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Move action draw, standard to swing two handed.
I'm assuming the Sarcophagus prevents a 5ft step, so no movement.

Determined not to get in the way of the larger warriors, Myron climbs on top of the sarcophagus and tries to clobber the snake.

Sling staff melee att, higher ground: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 6 + 1 = 20
Sling staff dmg: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Note: Aristedes actually has a +1 init bonus.

Knowledge (Arcana): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Aristedes moved over to the far corner of the room F20 and took up a defensive position, wanting to clear the way for the others.

Move, Total Defence

Go forth warrior and destroy the snake that opposes us!

Guidance on Pherenike.

"The what? What's going on?" Pherenike demands in confusion.

Pherenike and Kheled don't have line of sight on the snake's square, and no one's said what it is. All she could be aware of on her init is some sort of sudden disturbance. And there's no room for her to get into position for an attack, anyway. Delay.

Corner to Corner you have line of sight. There is not facing or size constraints to perception so you know they are fighting something in that square. Just sayin... :]
It probably has cover though at this point.

Date: Fireday the 24th of Sarenith, 4711 (Friday the 24th of June, 4711)
Time: 11:20 am
Location: Wati, The Necropolis, tomb of Akhentepi
Map: Snake Guardian: Round 2 Init 21
Treasure: n/a
Quests: explore the tomb of Akhentepi

Out in the hallway, Pherenike hesitated, unsure as to what the party faced in the cramped room. Kheled placed his guidance upon her anyway. Mus'ad swung down mightily at the snake, but it shifted quickly out of the way and his hammer pounded the floor instead. Ahkenaten moved around to the other side of the sarcophagus and prepared to defend himself. Myron clambered up onto the lid and brought his staff down upon the serpent. Although he landed a solid hit, the snake's unnatural metal skin absorbed most of the force behind the strike.

Aerathiel once again went with his acid cantrip...
Ranged touch attack (acid splash): 1d20 + 2 - 4 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 2 - 4 - 4 = 14 crit threat
Confirmation roll: 1d20 + 2 - 4 - 4 ⇒ (8) + 2 - 4 - 4 = 2 unconfirmed
Damage (acid): 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
...etching the snake's metallic hide.

The snake retaliated by biting at Myron...
bite: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
...and sunk its fangs deep into the poor halfling's flesh. He immediately felt additional pain as the snake pumped venom into his wound.

DC 10 Fort save or suffer 1d2 ⇒ 1 Con damage

Round 2
Pherenike xx *delaying
Kheled 16
Mus'ad 11
Ahkenaten 10
Myron 7
Aerathiel 5
Cobra 4

Notes: The sarcophagus provides cover to the small sized snake.

Over to you all again.

Round 2: AC currently 17

Frowning Mus'ad draws back the bludgeon for another strike...
Warhammer: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13 for 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
...and is as ineffectual as the last.

Fort save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

"Augh. Some sort of living metal snake, guarding the sarcophagus. Bite stings like the venom of the real thing, that's for sure. My blow hit but didn't hurt it much. Can we fall back to the other chamber and regroup where we can surround it?

Not wanting to retreat while others are in harms way, Myron strikes again, only more guarded this time.

Sling staff, defensive att: 1d20 + 6 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 1 - 4 = 4
Dmg: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

AC 20, hp 5/12

"Professor! What the halfling said!" Pherenike calls to Ahkenaten. "Stay close to the wall and get behind me!"

Continue to delay

Aristedes did as he was bid, not really trusting in his aim with the crossbow anyway.

Withdraw 40 feet.

Just need Aerathiel and Kheled's actions to resolve round 2.

As time and again since their exploration of the tomb began, Aerathiel's choice for an attack is his acid cantrip after taking a step to better be able to aim at the creature.

Round 2, Initiative 5

Hit Points 7/7
AC 12/FF 10/T 12, CMD 12
Fort +1/Ref +2/Will +3; +2 vs. enchantment and death effects
Effects: None

Move Action: Move to D17.
Standard Action: Cast acid splash at the metallic snake.
Ranged touch attack (acid splash): 1d20 + 2 - 4 - 4 ⇒ (14) + 2 - 4 - 4 = 8
Damage (acid): 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Remind me again why there are two -4 penalties? Unless Aerathiel's move to D17 negates one of them, in which case his total attack roll is 12.

Kheled moves into Aerathiel's place and places Guidance on Mus'ad. Use Pharasma's blessing to help hit the creature.

-4 for cover, and -4 for firing into melee

Date: Fireday the 24th of Sarenith, 4711 (Friday the 24th of June, 4711)
Time: 11:20 am
Location: Wati, The Necropolis, tomb of Akhentepi
Map: Snake Guardian: Round 3 Init 11
Treasure: n/a
Quests: explore the tomb of Akhentepi

Mus'ad, Myron and Aerathiel all failed to land a hit on the agile construct while the Professor was the only one to follow Myron's request. Kheled and Aerathiel, in fact, moved further into the room, with the former placing a spell upon Mus'ad. (I have assumed delay on Kheled's part to reconcile actions in init order)

The snake tried its luck against Mus'ad...
bite: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
...but he easily avoided the fanged strike.

Round 3
Pherenike xx *delaying
Mus'ad 11 (+Guidance)
Ahkenaten 10
Myron 7
Aerathiel 5
Kheled 4
Cobra 3

Notes: The sarcophagus provides cover to the small sized snake.

Over to you all again.

Speaking gruffly Mus'ad speaks "Go first, then Mus'ad follow back."

Assuming the plan is still to fall back and regroup.

Still delaying until the room is clear. Pherenike still has guidance on from round 1, btw.

Delay indefinitely. Ahkenaten isn't willing to expend bardic courage on this and has nothing else to contribute.

Myron falls back, joining the professor in the adjacent room.

Withdraw.

Kheled will move back and go total defense.

Following the others' example, Aerathiel withdraws in an attempt to empty some room and allow Mus' ad and Pherenike the chance to strike the creature down.

Date: Fireday the 24th of Sarenith, 4711 (Friday the 24th of June, 4711)
Time: 11:20 am
Location: Wati, The Necropolis, tomb of Akhentepi
Map: Snake Guardian: Round 3 Init 3
Treasure: n/a
Quests: explore the tomb of Akhentepi

Everyone finally heeded Myron's suggestion and started to withdraw in the direction of the previous chamber, leaving only Mus'ad and Pherenike to follow.

I had Ahkenaten withdraw as well. Let me know if you don't wish to or want a different position.

Round 3
Ahkenaten 10 *gone
Myron 7 *gone
Aerathiel 5 *gone
Kheled 4 *gone
Pherenike xx *delaying (+Guidance)
Mus'ad xx (+Guidance)
Cobra 3

Notes: The sarcophagus provides cover to the small sized snake.

Phernike, Mus'ad and the cobra to act to wrap up the round.

Turning his back on the snake, Mus'ad hustles along the corridor.

Withdraw to E,11

As the others move past her, Pherenike drops her bow, draws her falchion, and waits alertly to see if the snake will pursue.

Drop weapon; draw weapon; ready attack if the snake comes in reach

Date: Fireday the 24th of Sarenith, 4711 (Friday the 24th of June, 4711)
Time: 11:20 am
Location: Wati, The Necropolis, tomb of Akhentepi
Map: Snake Guardian: Round 4 Init 20
Treasure: n/a
Quests: explore the tomb of Akhentepi

Mus'ad withdrew from the room with the serpent in hot pursuit. Pherenike slashed at the snake, holding her ground, as the dwarf moved past her position. Her sword however clanged off of the floor as it darted away from her strike.

In a mesmerizing display, the iron cobra swiftly changed direction again, lunging at one of her exposed arms, fangs dripping with venom...
bite: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 strain
+poison: DC 10 Fort save or suffer 1d2 ⇒ 1 Con damage
...and pierces her flesh just above the wrist. The burn of the venom adding to her misery.

Doesn't look like you used guidance on your attack, so it is available for your save. :)

Round 4
Ahkenaten 20
Myron 17
Aerathiel 14
Kheled 11
Mus'ad 8 (+Guidance)
Pherenike 5
Cobra 2

Note: The sarcophagus provides cover to the small sized snake.

I messed with the init numbers just to give me room for more delaying. :)

Over to you all.

Turning to find that Pherenike had paused to fight Mus'ad furrows his brow "We run or we fight... make up mind."

Doesn't look like you used guidance on your attack, so it is available for your save. :)

That was the plan. Fort 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 1 = 12

"It's a fighting retreat," she calls back to the dwarf, shaking her bit wrist in discomfort. "Someone's got to bring up the rear."

Anybody want to ready an action? Or just delay until Mus'ad and Pherenike act?

Myron slips inside the chamber and takes position next to the door, ready to clobber the snake if it comes through.

Move to D8 and ready action to strike if the snake comes into range.

Aristedes raised his crossbow, aiming to fire at the snake once he had a completely clear shot.

Attack: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 5

A gruff nod as Mus'ad continues to withdraw "Next time let it eat me... tougher skin" moving through the door and barging the barrel out of the way...
Move to F,8 and ready a strike (or use the standard to maneuvre the barrel out of the way if needed.

Waiting for the rest of his companions to join him in the chamber, Aerathiel brings to mind the words to his acid cantrip and stands ready to cast it if or when the snake construct follows them in the room.

Round 4, Initiative 5

Hit Points 7/7
AC 12/FF 10/T 12, CMD 12
Fort +1/Ref +2/Will +3; +2 vs. enchantment and death effects
Effects: None

Standard Action: Ready action to cast acid splash at the metallic snake if or when it gets within range.
Ranged touch attack (acid splash): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Damage (acid): 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Assuming that Kheled also moves back into the room, clearing the doorway...

Pherenike waits for the others to get into position, then carefully backs away down the corridor, interposing the wide blade of her falchion between her ankles and the snake's iron jaws. She stops just inside the doorway, making sure the construct never loses sight of her.

Withdraw to E7

Date: Fireday the 24th of Sarenith, 4711 (Friday the 24th of June, 4711)
Time: 11:20 am
Location: Wati, The Necropolis, tomb of Akhentepi
Map: Snake Guardian: Round 5 Init 20
Treasure: n/a
Quests: explore the tomb of Akhentepi

DMPC Kheled: MA to D7 and cast guidance on Myron.

The explorers regrouped in the grave goods room and set up an ambush for the pursuing construct. Pherenike brought up the rear and dashed through the doorway just ahead of the serpent in hot pursuit.

Mus'ad and Myron coordinated theirs attacks from either side of the doorway...
Mus'ad w/hammer +flank +guidance: 1d20 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 3 + 2 + 1 = 23
damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Myron w/staff +flank +guidance: 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 6 + 2 + 1 = 29
damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Myron confirm: 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 2 + 1 = 10
...both landing blows that rang off of the cobra's metallic scales but leaving it apparently unharmed for the effort.

Aerathiel and the Professor also tried their luck with bolt and spell but to no avail.

Undeterred by the blows raining down on it, the snake doggedly charged Pherenike once again...
charge attack w/bite: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 3 + 2 = 17
damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 strain
+poison: DC 12 Fort save or suffer 1d2 ⇒ 1 Con damage
...and bit her in the calf, the fangs slipping through her chainmail links to deliver the venom a second time.

Round 5
Kheled 20
Pherenike 17
Ahkenaten 14
Myron 11
Aerathiel 8
Mus'ad 5
Cobra 2

Over to you all for the start of round 5.

Mus'ad continues to rain down a warhammer driven assault upon the metallic snake...
Warhammer: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 3 + 2 = 16 for 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9