DM Papa.DRB - Moru Country (Inactive)

Game Master Papa-DRB


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Narrator [Maps, handouts, pictures: Links in top of page spoiler]

@Misha:
It looks like Fiall himself


Sickened (-2 to rolls) Human Bard-Archeologist 17 [HP 111/156 | AC:26/7 F:17 T:15 | CMD 30 | Save F:+8 R:+18 (imp ev) W:+13 (slippery mind) +2 Good Hope| Init:+7 underground Perc:+29 underground] [1st 5/6, 2nd 5/6, 3rd 4/6, 4th 2/4, 5th 3/4, 6th 0/2; A. Luck/day 10/13 |
Skills:
Acr+20; App+10; Blf+15; Dip+10; DDev+18; K-Arc+23; K-Dun+27; K-Eng+14; K-Geo+15(+17u); K-His+21; K-Loc+21; K-Nat-+14; K-Nob+10; K-Pla+19; K-Rel+18; Lin+7; Per+25(+27u); SMo+10; Spel+22; Stl+12/22 (+24u); Sur+8(+10u); UMD+20

Misha steps forward to get a good look at the apparition, then blinks several times as her eyes widen in realization.

"Fiall?"

She realizes it may well be a trick, but waits to see if the apparition responds.


M Human (Shoanti) Spell-Less Ranger 17 | Init +4 (+12 Underground) |Perc +22 (+30 underground) | AC 30 / T 19 / FF 27 | HP 209 | Saves F +15 / R +15 / W +13 Loot tracker

Rikar lays a hand on Latys' back, keeping her by his side as Misha speaks to the apparition that has appeared before them. "What in the hells... he mutters quietly to himself.


Narrator [Maps, handouts, pictures: Links in top of page spoiler]

Pulled a double at the hospital yesterday, and that just wears me out.

"Fiall. Yes, that is who I was but I feel ambivalent about all of this… it makes sense, of course; I am an ambivalent creature" the ghost responds to Misha.

He does not appear to be threatening. He continues to mutter, while holding onto a parchment.

"I thought. I thought I knew. Those who think and those who know, that is all the difference. Those who think they know, think; those who know simply know, they do not have to think. I used to think too. I used to think too much. I died, thinking ‘these are my last thoughts’. I never knew. Had I known, had I known I would have brought this cursed mountain down around that cursed dragon’s ears…"

Next DM post, Wednesday


Max HP: 142; Current HP: 45; AC: 17 (T 16, FF 17); CMD: 30; F/R/W: +14/+12/+23|
Buffs:
freedom of movement, resist energy 30, greater heroism, true seeing, improved invisibility
Dire Wolves:
HP: 47/47/47/47; AC: 15/9/14; F/R/W: +9/+5/+2

"Can you help us, sir? We seek to fight the evil that lurks in this mountain. Can you help us?"

Grand Lodge

Transmuter 9 / Ftr 1 / EK 7 [ HP: 190/190 | 11 temp HP | AC:18 T:11 FF:17 | F: +14 R: +9 W:+13| initiative +1, perception +17] Human Male +2 Greatsword +21/16/11 (2d6+11) Power Attack +21/12/7 (2d6+26) ; Longbow +17/12/7 (1d8+12 20/x3)

"Say, what's that parchment you're holding? Could it provide some information about what's going in the place? And what's that about a dragon? Have you seen it?"


M M Human Weapon Master (F)8 / Boreal Sorcerer 1 / Arcane Archer 8 | Init +6 | Perc +20 | AC 24 / T 17 / FF 18 | HP 180/180 | Saves F +12/R +13/W +7; +2 vs Illusions, Evasion

Telman steps forward to the cover of the wall (AV14), not drawing his bow back to threaten the apparition but having it at the ready for when it's needed.

"Fiall? As in the guy from the journal? Did you know he was....like this?"

And an ACTUAL dragon?


Narrator [Maps, handouts, pictures: Links in top of page spoiler]

Congrats DQ !!!!

As the ghost does not seem hostile, Misha moves up to be closer and get a better look. Kreig and Rikar flank her for her protection. Telman moves up, as well as Josef and Therena.

Fiall, looks over to the group of folks, and continues to mutter. "Dragons, gods, what was the difference then…? Great monsters, treading the land, greater than everything, greater than us… By all that is eternal, have you stared at the gods?"

He fingers the parchment, which seems to be real and not a unsubstantial. He continues to mutter as he looks over the group. "That is the dragon. That is the power of the dragon. To leave things empty and void… to create death, to create a kingdom for death, for dust and ashes…"

"This mountain is a monument for the dragon… it is His needle, His dark humus, His petrified waste. It rose here for him, not the other way around. There is no other way around. There is no way around, you have to go in. That is how it is with everything. You have to go in and to the Abyss with the consequences…"

Next?
Tactical Map Updated

Next DM post, Thursday


Sickened (-2 to rolls) Human Bard-Archeologist 17 [HP 111/156 | AC:26/7 F:17 T:15 | CMD 30 | Save F:+8 R:+18 (imp ev) W:+13 (slippery mind) +2 Good Hope| Init:+7 underground Perc:+29 underground] [1st 5/6, 2nd 5/6, 3rd 4/6, 4th 2/4, 5th 3/4, 6th 0/2; A. Luck/day 10/13 |
Skills:
Acr+20; App+10; Blf+15; Dip+10; DDev+18; K-Arc+23; K-Dun+27; K-Eng+14; K-Geo+15(+17u); K-His+21; K-Loc+21; K-Nat-+14; K-Nob+10; K-Pla+19; K-Rel+18; Lin+7; Per+25(+27u); SMo+10; Spel+22; Stl+12/22 (+24u); Sur+8(+10u); UMD+20

Thanks! RPG Superstar phone in; please insert good roleplaying into the following

Misha, still a bit stunned, asks Fiall about the dragon and the tears they have found.


Narrator [Maps, handouts, pictures: Links in top of page spoiler]

While the others stand by, Misha quizzes what appears to be the ghost of Fiall Garnwynn, asking about the tears and about the dragon as well as anything else she can think of including the tribe of Morudhain went into the mountain. Fiall talks mostly in disjointed riddles,

"The Morudhain were left waiting, waiting… they have endured, they have waited, they have been reliable and remained behind, waiting for whatever it was the gods promised when they left, when the dragon killed them by bringing death."

"Can you not feel it? Everything, everything in this doomed realm is empty… empty and unused… the gods took the Moru Country and left it to rot, to gather dust, along with all the good that it could have been, that it could have given…"

She took the dragon, she did… Aedhaine carried the dragon with her as she sought it."

"Oh no no no no, you will not get me to say anything more about the dragon, I went through that already… no thank you."

"There you go bothering me with the dragon again. He was no dragon, all right? He was a man. Or, at least, he thought he was a man… that cursed blood of dragons, it is everywhere… it is in everything and everywhere… if the universe wants you to be a dragon you will be one. The problem with this chap is he, he wanted to be a dragon himself… a dragon lord, of all things… a dragon lord!"

"Go, go look for death. That is what you do and you know it. You even have the map showing ‘death is that way, please enter and close the door after you come in’. And there you go. Let the universe fall around you, you will not turn back; you will not let go of death. You will not let go of death"

In a final moment of lucidity he hands the rolled parchment to Misha, and says "The tears are the key to finding the dragon..... Remember me." and as Misha takes the parchment the ghost dissipates.

Parchment - Written in Draconic:

I am a Dragon – I Died a Man
Everybody is a Dragon – Nobody Is
All Dragons – Nobody Knows

When Wyrms Were:
Wyrm Race,
Wyrm God,
Wyrmother,
Wyrm Lord

All Are Again:
Athans,
Amaros,
Aedhaine,
Aogarn

W is Wrong
A is Answer

Wyrms,
All
All Wyrms – Nobody Knows

The Dragon God is a Dragon-He Sleeps
The Dragon Lord is a Man-He Shall Awake

‘The Tears He Shed For Himself’
Let My Tears Be Shed For Someone Else Now

Not For Me
Not For Dragons
No Dragons

No Dragon For The Twelfth Darkness,
No Dragon For The Twelfth Light.

Next DM post, Friday


Sickened (-2 to rolls) Human Bard-Archeologist 17 [HP 111/156 | AC:26/7 F:17 T:15 | CMD 30 | Save F:+8 R:+18 (imp ev) W:+13 (slippery mind) +2 Good Hope| Init:+7 underground Perc:+29 underground] [1st 5/6, 2nd 5/6, 3rd 4/6, 4th 2/4, 5th 3/4, 6th 0/2; A. Luck/day 10/13 |
Skills:
Acr+20; App+10; Blf+15; Dip+10; DDev+18; K-Arc+23; K-Dun+27; K-Eng+14; K-Geo+15(+17u); K-His+21; K-Loc+21; K-Nat-+14; K-Nob+10; K-Pla+19; K-Rel+18; Lin+7; Per+25(+27u); SMo+10; Spel+22; Stl+12/22 (+24u); Sur+8(+10u); UMD+20

Misha stares for a few moments as the ghost fades, and her face grows sad. "We will, Fiall," she says.

Waiting a moment, she sighs. "Far as we know that was just an illusion trying to warn us away but... I don't know, there's a sort of... I don't know, regret there I've seen before."

Shrugging, she examines the piece of paper, and then reads it aloud, translating as she goes. (This means y'all read the spoiler)

"I wonder if there is more than one person seeking out how to be a 'dragon lord.' It would explain some of the others' interest in this place. But then, it sounds like someone who's already been here, and I'm sure it's not that bluescaled bugbear we killed awhile ago."

Grand Lodge

Transmuter 9 / Ftr 1 / EK 7 [ HP: 190/190 | 11 temp HP | AC:18 T:11 FF:17 | F: +14 R: +9 W:+13| initiative +1, perception +17] Human Male +2 Greatsword +21/16/11 (2d6+11) Power Attack +21/12/7 (2d6+26) ; Longbow +17/12/7 (1d8+12 20/x3)

"More poetry riddles and gobbledygook. Great. I was hoping for a more concrete lead to work with. Do we have any idea what is really going on here? Other than encountering more dragon creatures and heart ripping sorcerer outsiders?"


Max HP: 142; Current HP: 45; AC: 17 (T 16, FF 17); CMD: 30; F/R/W: +14/+12/+23|
Buffs:
freedom of movement, resist energy 30, greater heroism, true seeing, improved invisibility
Dire Wolves:
HP: 47/47/47/47; AC: 15/9/14; F/R/W: +9/+5/+2

"The tears are the key? A man who wanted to turn into a dragon? I assume by turn into a dragon, he meant actually become a dragon? Turning oneself into a dragon temporarily through magic, while way beyond my abilities, isn't the hardest thing to do with magic."


M M Human Weapon Master (F)8 / Boreal Sorcerer 1 / Arcane Archer 8 | Init +6 | Perc +20 | AC 24 / T 17 / FF 18 | HP 180/180 | Saves F +12/R +13/W +7; +2 vs Illusions, Evasion

Telman cannot help but agree with Josef's sentiment.

"Damned if I know, but yet again its clear that there is more going on than what we can see." He lowers his bow slowly, almost reluctantly.

He gives a wry smile. "Well its more fun than chasing trolls across a plain, anyway. Where to next?"


M Human (Shoanti) Spell-Less Ranger 17 | Init +4 (+12 Underground) |Perc +22 (+30 underground) | AC 30 / T 19 / FF 27 | HP 209 | Saves F +15 / R +15 / W +13 Loot tracker

”I can’t make any sense of it either,” Rikar comments, ”but I expect the meaning will be clear enough when we’re fighting some monstrous dragon-man deep inside this mountain. For now, my question is the same as Telman’s – where to now?”

Gesturing with a nod back the way they’ve come, he continues, ”There were two other exits out of the little cave we came from, let’s go check one of those out, since it seems the ghost has said his piece.”

DRB – can we get an overview map, like you did for the last level?


Rogue 13 (poisoner) [HP 111/111 | AC:23 (shadow) F:18 T:16 | CMD 26 | Save F:+5 R:+12, W:7 (+2 Poison, Spells, Spell-Like) ER (Fire) +10 | Init +4 Perc+22] [Trap Spotter] Evasion, Fast Stealth, Improved Uncanny Dodge, Sneak 7d6, Improved 2-Weapon

Kreig isn't doing so well. He was already unsettled by the disappearance of their enemy. As a dwarf who dwelt in the shadows he always fancies himself an observer by trade. Able to study a thing for a good chunk of time before committing to a course of action. Whether that's casing a merchant's shop or deciding the best way to swindle a fellow marketeer out of his gold. Even with all the changes he'd seen in himself the passed few weeks, and the higher road he'd decided to take, Kreig is a thief down to his bones. A shadow observer tucked safely away to see...just see.

Then the ghost appeared. Kreig needed a shadow, needed the comfort of anonymity in which to shelter. Dwarves are a superstitious lot by nature, but Kreig took it to a whole other level. Though he'd not shared it with the others, he had secreted about his person various tiny charms. Talismans festooned with the iconography of Torag to ward off vile thongs of the spirit world. Things in the real world could be cheated, stabbed or filled with enough alchemical solutions that they went kablooey. But ghosts?

He watches as Misha converses with the ghost of Fiall. Well, what she indicates is his ghost. Kreig didn't know the guy from a chunk of iron ore. Then after a particularly odd stretch of conversation that leads the dwarf to the small town of 'this ghost is crazed', the apparition disappears leaving behind the scroll.

Misha reads it's contents aloud, apparently it's written in dragon tongue. The rhyme and rhythm of the words sets something at the feet of the dwarf that he can actually focus on besides his fear of the ghost. Pulling his hand from within his pocket where he'd been rubbing at a small, iron piece forged like a mini anvil, Kreig asks to look at the parchment.

"I never tell ya'll 'bout the time I managed to ste..." Kreig gives his beard a tug and looks at the scroll, deft hands holding it with care. "..*ahem* the time I managed ta acquire a gnomish puzzle box? Little thing had been built in Arkenstar, had a mess o' dwarfish touches to it. But it came wid a little scroll and the words of a poem. Seemed like a buncha dandelion-eating hogwash till I saw there was a pattern in the writing." He studies the scroll for a time. "...twernt the words so much as the shape they made...it'd been how ta align the puzzle box ta get inside."

Disable Device: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (19) + 17 = 36

Kreig studies the words' shape and flow to discern a pattern, visualizing the document like he would a key to a puzzle box.


Sickened (-2 to rolls) Human Bard-Archeologist 17 [HP 111/156 | AC:26/7 F:17 T:15 | CMD 30 | Save F:+8 R:+18 (imp ev) W:+13 (slippery mind) +2 Good Hope| Init:+7 underground Perc:+29 underground] [1st 5/6, 2nd 5/6, 3rd 4/6, 4th 2/4, 5th 3/4, 6th 0/2; A. Luck/day 10/13 |
Skills:
Acr+20; App+10; Blf+15; Dip+10; DDev+18; K-Arc+23; K-Dun+27; K-Eng+14; K-Geo+15(+17u); K-His+21; K-Loc+21; K-Nat-+14; K-Nob+10; K-Pla+19; K-Rel+18; Lin+7; Per+25(+27u); SMo+10; Spel+22; Stl+12/22 (+24u); Sur+8(+10u); UMD+20

"That's a brilliant point, Krieg."

Misha joins Kreig in looking at the scroll with an analytical eye, and as he tries to see the patterns, she points out whatever key linguistic features she might think are important to help him.

Linguistics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18


Narrator [Maps, handouts, pictures: Links in top of page spoiler]

Rikar - Do you mean an overview map of the level you are on G? If so, no, you have only just come down and seen two other exits from where you came down, and this cave is the third. I have changed the tactical map to show where you came down to G2, and the cave you are in as well as the other two exits from G2. The level you came from F is linked from the Campaign Info tab, along with A thru E also.

Kreig hoping to make more sense of the scroll, looks closely at it as if it was a puzzle box, and with Misha help he decides that it is not how the words are written, but what is written and hopefully as they progressed deeper into the mountain it would become clearer.


Sickened (-2 to rolls) Human Bard-Archeologist 17 [HP 111/156 | AC:26/7 F:17 T:15 | CMD 30 | Save F:+8 R:+18 (imp ev) W:+13 (slippery mind) +2 Good Hope| Init:+7 underground Perc:+29 underground] [1st 5/6, 2nd 5/6, 3rd 4/6, 4th 2/4, 5th 3/4, 6th 0/2; A. Luck/day 10/13 |
Skills:
Acr+20; App+10; Blf+15; Dip+10; DDev+18; K-Arc+23; K-Dun+27; K-Eng+14; K-Geo+15(+17u); K-His+21; K-Loc+21; K-Nat-+14; K-Nob+10; K-Pla+19; K-Rel+18; Lin+7; Per+25(+27u); SMo+10; Spel+22; Stl+12/22 (+24u); Sur+8(+10u); UMD+20

As she leans over Kreig and the scroll, Misha notes his extreme focus... that he must have been more disturbed by the spirit's presence than she realized. Then again, it was disturbing. She flashes him a look of sympathy but draws no attention to him otherwise, but rather returns to the scroll.

"Nothing unusual, I don't think. We'll have to keep going. Let's go back the other way--continue on to the right, perhaps. If we are looking for death as he says, let us take it by the horns when we find it."


Narrator [Maps, handouts, pictures: Links in top of page spoiler]

Still not completely sure of what the ghost of Fiall meant by all his ramblings, Misha stores the scroll in her pouch and you head north out of the cave and taking the right turn out of the entrance cave(G2) you come to a crossroads of sorts. A cavern to the south(G12), a tunnel to the north, tunnels to the southeast, and a larger open cavern(G8) to the east.

Once again, following the right hand rule that has dominated your explorations of the mountain, Rikar and Kreig lead the group to the south and into the small cavern(G12).

This cave is empty save for a mound of piled rocks, atop which there is a small stone tablet bearing a spiral symbol.

Knowledge (religion) DC20:
The fist sized stone tablet holds what appears to be a simplified or primitive version of the Dragon Lord’s Holy Symbol.

Next?
Tactical Map Updated

Next DM post, Friday


Sickened (-2 to rolls) Human Bard-Archeologist 17 [HP 111/156 | AC:26/7 F:17 T:15 | CMD 30 | Save F:+8 R:+18 (imp ev) W:+13 (slippery mind) +2 Good Hope| Init:+7 underground Perc:+29 underground] [1st 5/6, 2nd 5/6, 3rd 4/6, 4th 2/4, 5th 3/4, 6th 0/2; A. Luck/day 10/13 |
Skills:
Acr+20; App+10; Blf+15; Dip+10; DDev+18; K-Arc+23; K-Dun+27; K-Eng+14; K-Geo+15(+17u); K-His+21; K-Loc+21; K-Nat-+14; K-Nob+10; K-Pla+19; K-Rel+18; Lin+7; Per+25(+27u); SMo+10; Spel+22; Stl+12/22 (+24u); Sur+8(+10u); UMD+20

Knowledge Religion: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

Misha squints at the symbol. "Odd, I don't recall that... Josef, Therena?"

Grand Lodge

Transmuter 9 / Ftr 1 / EK 7 [ HP: 190/190 | 11 temp HP | AC:18 T:11 FF:17 | F: +14 R: +9 W:+13| initiative +1, perception +17] Human Male +2 Greatsword +21/16/11 (2d6+11) Power Attack +21/12/7 (2d6+26) ; Longbow +17/12/7 (1d8+12 20/x3)

1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9 know (religion)

"Sorry, Misha. New to me as well."

Josef notes the symbol in his notebook for future evaluation.


M Human (Shoanti) Spell-Less Ranger 17 | Init +4 (+12 Underground) |Perc +22 (+30 underground) | AC 30 / T 19 / FF 27 | HP 209 | Saves F +15 / R +15 / W +13 Loot tracker

Rikar shrugs, having no idea what the symbol might mean. He turns to the party's holy woman and asks, "How 'bout you, Therena? Any ideas what the spiral means?"


Max HP: 142; Current HP: 45; AC: 17 (T 16, FF 17); CMD: 30; F/R/W: +14/+12/+23|
Buffs:
freedom of movement, resist energy 30, greater heroism, true seeing, improved invisibility
Dire Wolves:
HP: 47/47/47/47; AC: 15/9/14; F/R/W: +9/+5/+2

"Spiral usually mean Pharasma," she starts as she moves to get a clearer look.

Know Religion: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17

She shakes her head. "Not Pharasma, but I don't know what it means."


Rogue 13 (poisoner) [HP 111/111 | AC:23 (shadow) F:18 T:16 | CMD 26 | Save F:+5 R:+12, W:7 (+2 Poison, Spells, Spell-Like) ER (Fire) +10 | Init +4 Perc+22] [Trap Spotter] Evasion, Fast Stealth, Improved Uncanny Dodge, Sneak 7d6, Improved 2-Weapon

.

.

.

"Never mind that jibber-jabber. Ifn it's part o' this hole, it's got the stink o' them dragon-humpin' crazies." Kreig draws his short sword and creeps around the perimeter of the mound. At the mention of Pharasma, the dwarf gives his shoulder a shrug as though he's trying to remove an unwelcome touch. "I spent enough time in Kaer Maga ta know a Lady Death stone...it'd mean that there mound's gotta surprised sure as s&!t."

He spies the mound for a bit, searching for any signs of traps. Then he eyes the stone (from a distance) to appraise the object.

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29 (the mound | unusual stoeneork)

"Hey Longshanks, ya pickin' up any tracks in here? Mebbe what may of passed thru before us?"


M M Human Weapon Master (F)8 / Boreal Sorcerer 1 / Arcane Archer 8 | Init +6 | Perc +20 | AC 24 / T 17 / FF 18 | HP 180/180 | Saves F +12/R +13/W +7; +2 vs Illusions, Evasion

Telman looks at the mound and spiral with curiosity, but if the more scholarly members of the group did not recognize it he doubts very highly he would know better.

As the group begins to circle the cavern and inspect the stoeneork the archer stays in the corridor, arrow nocked, trying to look in every direction and down every hallway at once.


M Human (Shoanti) Spell-Less Ranger 17 | Init +4 (+12 Underground) |Perc +22 (+30 underground) | AC 30 / T 19 / FF 27 | HP 209 | Saves F +15 / R +15 / W +13 Loot tracker

Rikar bites his lip and groans, ”Good thinking, Kreig, I should have looked before we all started checking things out in here. Maybe I can still find something useful.” Turning to his great cat, he says, ”Latys, help me track, girl.”

Survival: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (1) + 17 = 18
Latys Survival with Scent ability: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7


Sickened (-2 to rolls) Human Bard-Archeologist 17 [HP 111/156 | AC:26/7 F:17 T:15 | CMD 30 | Save F:+8 R:+18 (imp ev) W:+13 (slippery mind) +2 Good Hope| Init:+7 underground Perc:+29 underground] [1st 5/6, 2nd 5/6, 3rd 4/6, 4th 2/4, 5th 3/4, 6th 0/2; A. Luck/day 10/13 |
Skills:
Acr+20; App+10; Blf+15; Dip+10; DDev+18; K-Arc+23; K-Dun+27; K-Eng+14; K-Geo+15(+17u); K-His+21; K-Loc+21; K-Nat-+14; K-Nob+10; K-Pla+19; K-Rel+18; Lin+7; Per+25(+27u); SMo+10; Spel+22; Stl+12/22 (+24u); Sur+8(+10u); UMD+20

Misha is no cat, but she helps point out recently disturbed earth or other unusual things to help Rikar.

Survival aid another: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26


Narrator [Maps, handouts, pictures: Links in top of page spoiler]

Initiative:

Josef: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21
Kreig: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
Misha: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14 +2 Underground
Rikar: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18 +2 Underground
Latys - Same as Rikar: 1d1 ⇒ 1
Telman: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
Therena: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (15) + 0 = 15
Foe: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
DM rolls:

Spectre: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 141d8 ⇒ 6 -- frickin really ????

As no one can figure out the symbol on the small stone tablet, Kreig tries to figure out what the mound of piled rocks means.

Kreig:
A burial cairn. 2 - 4 bodies most likely.

Rikar and Misha try to determine if there are any recent tracks, but find none.

As Kreig looks over the pile of rocks, a translucent, ghostly figure fades into view from the rocks, its face distorted by wrath into a hideous mask and moves to attack Rikar, but misses.

Josef UP
Josef: 21 (56/56, 14)
Rikar: 20 (77/77, 20)
Latys: 20 (68/68, 21)
Misha: 16 (54/54, 18)
Therena: 15 (9/54, 11/15 with Mage Armor)
Kreig: 13 (54/54, 18)
Telman: 10 (61/61, 16)
Foes: 23 (HP/MAXHP, AC)

Next DM post, Saturday

Grand Lodge

Transmuter 9 / Ftr 1 / EK 7 [ HP: 190/190 | 11 temp HP | AC:18 T:11 FF:17 | F: +14 R: +9 W:+13| initiative +1, perception +17] Human Male +2 Greatsword +21/16/11 (2d6+11) Power Attack +21/12/7 (2d6+26) ; Longbow +17/12/7 (1d8+12 20/x3)

1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12 know (religion)

Josef steps up and slashes at the ghostly creature with an arcane strike power attack.

1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20 to hit, 2d6 + 14 ⇒ (6, 6) + 14 = 26 damage


M Human (Shoanti) Spell-Less Ranger 17 | Init +4 (+12 Underground) |Perc +22 (+30 underground) | AC 30 / T 19 / FF 27 | HP 209 | Saves F +15 / R +15 / W +13 Loot tracker

Rkar calls out to Latys, "Get around behind it, girl! But be careful, I don't know what it can do."

Delay until Latys moves to AV20, then full attack, fighting defensively.

Greatsword, PA, Outflank, Defensive: 1d20 + 12 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 12 + 4 - 4 = 28
Greatsword damage, PA: 2d6 + 13 ⇒ (4, 5) + 13 = 22

Greatsword, PA, iterative, Outflank, Defensive: 1d20 + 5 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 4 - 4 = 6
Greatsword damage, PA: 2d6 + 13 ⇒ (2, 3) + 13 = 18

I'm assuming this thing is non-corporeal and doesn't take precision damage. If that's not so, the attack that hit does another 3d6 ⇒ (6, 3, 4) = 13 damage.

AC is now 24/17/21


Adult Gold Dragon 18 | Init +0 | Perc +26 | AC 30 / T 8 / FF 30 | HP 324 | Saves: F +17 | R +11 | W +16 | DR 5/magic

Latys bounds around the pile of stone, coming at the ghostly figure from behind, and tries to bite it.

Move to AV20, going wide to avoid AoO, attack defensively.

Bite attack, Outflank, Defensive: 1d20 + 7 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 7 + 4 - 4 = 23
Bite damage: 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

Trip attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18 If applicable

AC is now 25/17/20.


Max HP: 142; Current HP: 45; AC: 17 (T 16, FF 17); CMD: 30; F/R/W: +14/+12/+23|
Buffs:
freedom of movement, resist energy 30, greater heroism, true seeing, improved invisibility
Dire Wolves:
HP: 47/47/47/47; AC: 15/9/14; F/R/W: +9/+5/+2

Therena casts spiritual weapon, which attacks the spirit.

Force attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

Incorporeal creatures take full damage.


Sickened (-2 to rolls) Human Bard-Archeologist 17 [HP 111/156 | AC:26/7 F:17 T:15 | CMD 30 | Save F:+8 R:+18 (imp ev) W:+13 (slippery mind) +2 Good Hope| Init:+7 underground Perc:+29 underground] [1st 5/6, 2nd 5/6, 3rd 4/6, 4th 2/4, 5th 3/4, 6th 0/2; A. Luck/day 10/13 |
Skills:
Acr+20; App+10; Blf+15; Dip+10; DDev+18; K-Arc+23; K-Dun+27; K-Eng+14; K-Geo+15(+17u); K-His+21; K-Loc+21; K-Nat-+14; K-Nob+10; K-Pla+19; K-Rel+18; Lin+7; Per+25(+27u); SMo+10; Spel+22; Stl+12/22 (+24u); Sur+8(+10u); UMD+20

Does that threat a crit, therena?

Misha casts cure light wounds and, holding the charge, moves up and swipes at the spectral creature.

touch attack[/ooc: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
Positive energy: 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14


Max HP: 142; Current HP: 45; AC: 17 (T 16, FF 17); CMD: 30; F/R/W: +14/+12/+23|
Buffs:
freedom of movement, resist energy 30, greater heroism, true seeing, improved invisibility
Dire Wolves:
HP: 47/47/47/47; AC: 15/9/14; F/R/W: +9/+5/+2

Incorporeal are immune to crits, I think.


M M Human Weapon Master (F)8 / Boreal Sorcerer 1 / Arcane Archer 8 | Init +6 | Perc +20 | AC 24 / T 17 / FF 18 | HP 180/180 | Saves F +12/R +13/W +7; +2 vs Illusions, Evasion

Telman has little experience fighting these type of creatures but cannot help but admire his companions as they throw themselves into the fray. Unsure whether his weapons can even affect the ghostly thing but he takes a quick step to the left and unleashes a barrage of arrows at the thing.

5' step to the west
Full attack action @ Point Blank range w/ Manyshot and Rapid Shot

Manyshot Attack #1: 1d20 + 14 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (4) + 14 + 1 - 2 = 17
Manyshot Damage: 2d8 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (3, 6) + 12 + 2 = 23

Iterative Attack #2: 1d20 + 9 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 9 + 1 - 2 = 21
Damage: 1d8 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 6 + 1 = 14

Rapid Shot Attack #3: 1d20 + 14 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (3) + 14 + 1 - 2 = 16
Damage: 1d8 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 1 = 9

wow, thems some not good rolls...


Narrator [Maps, handouts, pictures: Links in top of page spoiler]

DM rolls:

?: 1d20 ⇒ 111d4 ⇒ 4

Josef moves thru Latys, Therena, and Kreig before stepping up to the creature, so he is not subjected to an attack and using his arcane power to enhance his weapon hits the creature, but only does about half the damage that he expected to. Rikar swiftly has Latys flank the creature, and then swings hard at the creature twice, but only his first attack connects, again doing about half the damage he expected. Latys strikes at the creature but his bite just seems to pass thru the creature doing no damage. Misha reaches out to touch the creature with her held cure spell, and it takes full damage from it. Therena casts a spell, and a shortbow appears, shooting a force arrow at the creature which takes full damage from the arrow. Kreig, shocked at the figure coming up from the cairn just stands for a moment, however Telman first arrow causes the creature to dissipate.

Next?
Tactical Map Updated

no one injured

Next DM post, Sunday

Grand Lodge

Transmuter 9 / Ftr 1 / EK 7 [ HP: 190/190 | 11 temp HP | AC:18 T:11 FF:17 | F: +14 R: +9 W:+13| initiative +1, perception +17] Human Male +2 Greatsword +21/16/11 (2d6+11) Power Attack +21/12/7 (2d6+26) ; Longbow +17/12/7 (1d8+12 20/x3)

"Good job everyone. We should look for the source of that apparition. Who knows if it will stay gone."


Rogue 13 (poisoner) [HP 111/111 | AC:23 (shadow) F:18 T:16 | CMD 26 | Save F:+5 R:+12, W:7 (+2 Poison, Spells, Spell-Like) ER (Fire) +10 | Init +4 Perc+22] [Trap Spotter] Evasion, Fast Stealth, Improved Uncanny Dodge, Sneak 7d6, Improved 2-Weapon

Kreig freezes, fear suffusing his bones. He stumbles backwards as the apparition streams forth to attack. "Great gobs o' monkey s&!+!! Get it away from me!" He tumbles to the side and waves his short sword, but his eyes are squeezed shut in terror.

But his comrades are more than up to the task as they dissipate the entity. The dwarf attempts to dust himself off but he has no excuse for his less than brave behavior. "Kkkeep n' eye out...there's room in that there cairn fer four...let's skidaddle 'fore another ghost comes up..."


Max HP: 142; Current HP: 45; AC: 17 (T 16, FF 17); CMD: 30; F/R/W: +14/+12/+23|
Buffs:
freedom of movement, resist energy 30, greater heroism, true seeing, improved invisibility
Dire Wolves:
HP: 47/47/47/47; AC: 15/9/14; F/R/W: +9/+5/+2

The short bow floats back to hover over Therena's head, ready for the next apparition.


Narrator [Maps, handouts, pictures: Links in top of page spoiler]

"Skiddaling as Kreig would like, or looking around as Josef suggested?

Next DM post, Monday


Sickened (-2 to rolls) Human Bard-Archeologist 17 [HP 111/156 | AC:26/7 F:17 T:15 | CMD 30 | Save F:+8 R:+18 (imp ev) W:+13 (slippery mind) +2 Good Hope| Init:+7 underground Perc:+29 underground] [1st 5/6, 2nd 5/6, 3rd 4/6, 4th 2/4, 5th 3/4, 6th 0/2; A. Luck/day 10/13 |
Skills:
Acr+20; App+10; Blf+15; Dip+10; DDev+18; K-Arc+23; K-Dun+27; K-Eng+14; K-Geo+15(+17u); K-His+21; K-Loc+21; K-Nat-+14; K-Nob+10; K-Pla+19; K-Rel+18; Lin+7; Per+25(+27u); SMo+10; Spel+22; Stl+12/22 (+24u); Sur+8(+10u); UMD+20

"If this pile of stones is a cairn as Krieg says, that explains the apparition. Likely defending its burial place. I think he's right, and that there is little else to see."

Unable to stave off archeological curiosity, before moving, Misha does give the stones a good look to guess at the age of the cairn. Loremaster--Knowledge Dungeoneering 22

Once giving it this last glance, she walks over to Kreig, waving for them both to walk on, and asks quietly, "You all right, my friend?"

Grand Lodge

Transmuter 9 / Ftr 1 / EK 7 [ HP: 190/190 | 11 temp HP | AC:18 T:11 FF:17 | F: +14 R: +9 W:+13| initiative +1, perception +17] Human Male +2 Greatsword +21/16/11 (2d6+11) Power Attack +21/12/7 (2d6+26) ; Longbow +17/12/7 (1d8+12 20/x3)

Josef casts detect magic before they leave the area.


M Human (Shoanti) Spell-Less Ranger 17 | Init +4 (+12 Underground) |Perc +22 (+30 underground) | AC 30 / T 19 / FF 27 | HP 209 | Saves F +15 / R +15 / W +13 Loot tracker

Rikar agrees to leave, in keeping with Kreig's avid wish to do so. As they move out of the haunted chamber, he walks next to the dwarf and says kindly, "I've no love for ghosts and spirits, friend, but I've noticed they trouble you greatly. Have you got a tale to tell behind that? Or perhaps something we should know about them, to keep ourselves safer?"


Rogue 13 (poisoner) [HP 111/111 | AC:23 (shadow) F:18 T:16 | CMD 26 | Save F:+5 R:+12, W:7 (+2 Poison, Spells, Spell-Like) ER (Fire) +10 | Init +4 Perc+22] [Trap Spotter] Evasion, Fast Stealth, Improved Uncanny Dodge, Sneak 7d6, Improved 2-Weapon

Kreig's shoulders drop, head low as his face is suffused with a shade of red rarely seen outside the times he's in a fight. "Been a while...jus' had a bad experience is all." He sheathes his sword and unconsciously fiddles with the assorted buckles on his pack, checking if all the pieces of 'quiet cloth' are still in place. It's an exercise in calming, whether he realizes it or not. But what he does realize is that his companions probably won't let it go at a simple response.

He looks up at Rikar, remembering. Ya shared a bit o' yer sweetheart story 'fore...guess it's the least I can do... He sighs again and - while sparing away eye for the mound - he launches into the tale. "See, wasn't all sunbeams n' cotton candy fer ol' Kreig back in Kaer Maga. Was a time I didn't own a trinket stall...even 'fore I gotta hold o' some nice digs on the north side o' town." A twinge of regret touches his eyes, a reminder of the old days before he'd run afoul of the Rockjaws. Kreig let's it go and continues. "It'd been my second week in tha mixer n' I got word on a job. Some Pharasmagoochie Inquisitor-man wants ta get access to a house in midtown. My Uncle knows what these lil magic fingers can do n' floats my moniker."

The corner of his mouth turns up a bit. "Lookee here, I'm a dwarf, I ain't got a love o' dead things. But the gold was good, n' my noggin weren't. I took the job." His eyes narrow as Josef skirts the mound. A hand rests on the hilt of his sword but he continues. "...so I show up n' this Inquisitive shows too. Gots 3 others in his lil pack o' death hunters. The night went well, n' they brought me on." He shrugs and snaps his fingers. "Jus' like that, we been a crew fer 5 years. Faylers, Gibral, Hemmish... n' Archibald." The last name causes a pinch of pain in his eyes. "Archibald, he'd been o' Exorcist. Scary stuff, but they got me work, n' fer a buncha humans they could hold their liquor. But their work...our work, it got 'em all killed. Deader n' the things they hunted. Cept it was Archibald what done the cuttin'. Some ghosty got inside 'em...drove old Archie ta slice n' dice the crew in their sleep."

Kreig draws a line along his flank and up to his abdomen. "Torag had hit me with a real humdinger ofa headache that night...couldn't sleep. So I heard the blood start flowin'. I got out, warned the Pharie temple...not 'fore Archie cut a river in me." He shudders and scratches at his chin. "I got a visit a month later, they'd found Archie all gutted...then I got a visit from the spirit that done it...said he'd lemme go cuz he don't do spineless..."

Kreig wraps it up and points to the mound. "Guess I got a bit o' willies when it comes ta ghosts gettin all up on my bones."


M M Human Weapon Master (F)8 / Boreal Sorcerer 1 / Arcane Archer 8 | Init +6 | Perc +20 | AC 24 / T 17 / FF 18 | HP 180/180 | Saves F +12/R +13/W +7; +2 vs Illusions, Evasion

Telman listens to Kreig's tale in silence. The dead do not affect him as deeply as the dwarf, or at least that is what it seems, but he cannot even imagine voluntarily agreeing to hunt the unquiet dead on purpose. He looks back over his shoulder at the cairn, not at all disappointed to be leaving it behind.


Max HP: 142; Current HP: 45; AC: 17 (T 16, FF 17); CMD: 30; F/R/W: +14/+12/+23|
Buffs:
freedom of movement, resist energy 30, greater heroism, true seeing, improved invisibility
Dire Wolves:
HP: 47/47/47/47; AC: 15/9/14; F/R/W: +9/+5/+2

Listening to Krieg's sad tale, Therena helps the only way she knows how, and lays a big, silent hug on the poor dwarf.

Grand Lodge

Transmuter 9 / Ftr 1 / EK 7 [ HP: 190/190 | 11 temp HP | AC:18 T:11 FF:17 | F: +14 R: +9 W:+13| initiative +1, perception +17] Human Male +2 Greatsword +21/16/11 (2d6+11) Power Attack +21/12/7 (2d6+26) ; Longbow +17/12/7 (1d8+12 20/x3)

"Sorry you went through that, brother. I believe our magic should protect us from such trickery."


Sickened (-2 to rolls) Human Bard-Archeologist 17 [HP 111/156 | AC:26/7 F:17 T:15 | CMD 30 | Save F:+8 R:+18 (imp ev) W:+13 (slippery mind) +2 Good Hope| Init:+7 underground Perc:+29 underground] [1st 5/6, 2nd 5/6, 3rd 4/6, 4th 2/4, 5th 3/4, 6th 0/2; A. Luck/day 10/13 |
Skills:
Acr+20; App+10; Blf+15; Dip+10; DDev+18; K-Arc+23; K-Dun+27; K-Eng+14; K-Geo+15(+17u); K-His+21; K-Loc+21; K-Nat-+14; K-Nob+10; K-Pla+19; K-Rel+18; Lin+7; Per+25(+27u); SMo+10; Spel+22; Stl+12/22 (+24u); Sur+8(+10u); UMD+20

"Understandable. As Josef says, we won't let that happen here. And you're not spineless, Krieg. A reasonable wariness ensures a good man's survival. In fact my sister's often lectured me for not being frightened enough of various things..."

Misha tilts her head. "That said, word of advice... if you want to be sure you have a better relationship with the dead, I humbly suggest not referring to the revered and ancient goddess of birth and death as 'Pharasmagoochie.'"


Rogue 13 (poisoner) [HP 111/111 | AC:23 (shadow) F:18 T:16 | CMD 26 | Save F:+5 R:+12, W:7 (+2 Poison, Spells, Spell-Like) ER (Fire) +10 | Init +4 Perc+22] [Trap Spotter] Evasion, Fast Stealth, Improved Uncanny Dodge, Sneak 7d6, Improved 2-Weapon

.

.

.

The heady perfumes cloying around Therena hover about his nose and the kind words of his companions put a lump in his throat. "*ahem* Well n' hells' bells, ifn I knew a sad yarn'd be all it took ta get a nice squeeze, I'd a spit it out a sight sooner.." He has to clear his throat again and absently wipes a tear from his eye, looking down at his hand like the wetness is a alien thing all together undwarfish. But he looks sheepishly up at Therena and smiles his thanks for her gesture, all bravado gone.

"I'm glad to hear it, Joe." He responds to the warrior wizard's confidence. "Time's come n' gone I give over some credit ta ya'll ta outweigh my willies. Thanks."

To Misha he gives a chuckle devoid of mocking. "Good advice, Misha. Good advice..." He smiles his thanks to the archaeologist as well, grateful for her impressions of him.

"Ya'll know more 'bout ol' Kreig then even my pappy." He scratches at his beard, cogitating for a moment, eyes narrowed. Kreig looks up to all of them and pulls his maulax. With measured steps he approaches the stone wall and hammers a few bits of stone dust. Slipping the weapon into the loop on his belt, he stoops down to grab up the stone dust. As he crumbles it in his hands he moves from one party member to the next, shaking their hands and spreading the stone dust between them. Once done he turns to them once more and says in dwarven, "Lahingus, joobes, elus oleme kivi õed-vennad." He presses the remaining stone dust to his breast and translates, "In battle, in drink, in life, we are stone siblings."

There is a sense that Kreig is bolstered by the conclusion and the ceremony. But deep in the recesses of his oft negative heart, visions of his last group's fate creep about like lurkers in the dark.

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