DM Pendin Fust |
You know it's called the Gray Garrison :)
A large stretch of buckled ground and rubble stretches before the Gray Garrison, an aptly named structure that squats across from the open ground that once stood before the Cathedral of Saint Clydwell. That cathedral is no more—nothing remains but a towering mound of rubble and a deep, jagged rift in the ground. No signs remain of Terendelev, excepting a large imprint on the ground where her corpse fell.
At the entrance to the garrison you see two enormously obese and naked men holding scythes...they are hideous to the look.
Map Updated!
Thom. |
When given a chance, Thom peeks around the crumbled wall at the entrance. After a few seconds, he turns back around with a decidedly dumbfounded look. "Uh ... interesting choice of guards."
"If any of us had proven any good at stealth, I'd say we should check for a back way in. As it is ... guile or blunt force on these guys?"
DM Pendin Fust |
Lucius Erasmian |
Lucius keeps his voice low. "That's Lord Hulrun. The man with him is...was the master of Nyserian Manor, which we know had been converted to a cultist safehouse. Either they were both traitors, which I think we can consider unlikely, at least in Lord Hulrun's case, or they have both been converted by magic. Their...bloated state suggests the latter, to me, possibly as undead creatures."
"I do not believe guile would be particularly effective against the husks of those men."
Aero Skyfall |
Know Nobility: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
Aero whispers back to Thom "In this case, unfortunately I am an archaeologist, not a sneak thief. I could try putting them to sleep from afar, but if they have been turned into undead, it might only alert them of our presence."
Thom. |
Thom takes another look.
Are they undead? Or perhaps something planar/demonic in nature?
Knowledge: Religion: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9; +1 if Planes is more appropriate.
If that roll id's them as one of the above, what other special defenses, special abilities, or offenses do they have (in that order; if a high enough roll).
EDIT: I'm guessing that roll is a big 'no helper'.
"Hmmm. Do we have any other tricks to close on them without them noticing or setting off some kind of alarm?"
Lucius Erasmian |
Lucius shakes his head. "Assuming they are still mortal, I can cloud their minds, but that can easily go awry if they are under the compulsions of another party."
"Unless you wish me to set them aflame, there is little else I can do."
Thom. |
"Works for me," Thom whispers, drawing his longsword. "Through the rubble or just sprint down the main approach?"
Whichever the group decides, Thom touches Nebbin, Saoirse, and Lucius ... dully feeling a connection to them in the back of his mind. "Ready when you are."
Life Links established. Locked and loaded. :D
Nebbin Elsbet |
We may want to try to sneak around to the destroyed building to the west. It looks like we could creep up and get close enough that we could attack with a charge. I'd assume we could circle around the block to get to that side, though could require a Stealth check to move up...
Lucius Erasmian |
Are they undead? Or perhaps something planar/demonic in nature?1d20 + 5; +1 if Planes is more appropriate.
Lucius will also look more closely.
Knowledge(Religion): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13
That's only a 9 if Knowledge(Planes) is more appropriate. I don't think either will necessarily tell me anything.
Saoirse Palelight |
Saoirse peeks around the corner one last time as she shifts her shield across her arm one more time. "I think it would be best if Lucius and Thom held back here and kept an eye out. I don't like how few defenders there are out here if this place is so important."
Giving a look of disgust towards the bloated bodies Saoirse finishes with, "Hopefully we can give Lord Hulrun a rest from this disgrace."
Thom. |
Thom nods, "Should Aero try his Sleep trick? If it works, could seriously help us maintain some element of surprise. If it fails ... we're down a little bit of arcane power, but not much else."
Other than this last question, Thom is ready to rock.
"As you guys are moving into position. If they seem to catch sight of you, we'll either get their attention or give you a heads up. If there's any way we can keep them from alerting whoever's inside, we need to." He looks over at Lucius, "Do we still have a Look-like-someone-else scroll?"
DM Pendin Fust |
They don't look like any undead you know of...in fact, Lucius thinks they might be some sort of demon.
Thom. |
Thom shrugs, "Some variation of what we did last time. You change to look like one of those crusader-fraud officers ... the guys we fought yesterday with the glaives. Then lock my hands up, and we head up there to be a distraction while the others get in place in the nearest break in the ruins. Once they're in place, they charge, and we have a lot more people in place to take them down quickly. If we could get their attention to the left once we're up there, the others might have more freedom to get the drop on these guys." He shrugs, "Not perfect, but might give us some kind of advantage. I can't imagine word of that tactic has reached them in just a few days given how we mopped that other place up pretty clean."
Lucius Erasmian |
Lucius nods, rummaging in his pack to retrieve the manacles and a scroll. He sets the pack in a corner of the wreckage. A fast getaway might be essential. "Let us hope whatever possesses them is easily fooled."
He tosses the manacles to Thom, and snaps the scroll into a stiff reading position, which he will read as quietly as possible. His aspect shifts, his cassock taking the form of the crusaders' banded mail, his mace's handle extending intangibly to appear as a glaive, his face concealed behind an illusory helm.
Disguise: 1d20 + 4 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 10 + 2 = 20
Before leaving the safety of the ruin, Lucius also casts protection from chaos and activates his Tendralev's scale to gain a shield.
Once Thom has affected the manacles, Lucius will march him out of the ruin and toward the bloated men. He scrunches his boots loudly in the gravel with each step: He wants their attention, and to help cover the noises the other might make creeping to the front of the ruin.
- Active effects:
- disguise self - 10 min
- shield - 1 min (Unless Tendralev's scales are at a higher than minimum caster level)
- protection from chaos - 3 min
Current AC: 16, 18 vs. chaotic creatures
Thom. |
Thom takes his face off, revealing his hideous, destroyed face. Then he sets the manacles the way Lucius showed him previously. As he follows Lucius forward, he grunts, "Inheritor protect us all."
As they approach, he begins to add his own noise to help cover the sneakers's approach, ".. won't get away with this you son-of-a-demon-loving goat. When the reinforcements arrive in this city, they'll sweep you bastards back to the pits where you belong, but this time we won't stop there..." He carries this on, growling and cursing at Lucius and the guards until he's cut off.
No buffs, just being his old, scratchy-voiced self.
Nebbin Elsbet |
Once the pair get close, Nebbin begins to slip foward, unfortunately brushing against a pile of rubble, which falls over with a not-unnoticeable clatter.
Stealth: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
DM Pendin Fust |
The gross monstrosity of Lord Hulrun grins wickedly and asks, "And who is this creature you've brought?"
It looks briefly up and across the way but quickly looks back to the pair at hand.
Lucius Erasmian |
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Resisting urge to just say "A diversion!"
"Just one of the Inheritor's whelps. They must be getting desperate, to pit the bastards of Belkzen against the Worldwound."
Bluff: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 10 + 2 = 32Though, I'm not sure how much of that Lucius would consider a lie.
Thom. |
Thom glares past Lucius at the two grotesque guards ... he doesn't even have to pretend to be afraid in the face of such monstrosities. His fear in the moment is real enough. He tries to read the reactions on the disgusting faces, though, to see if the ruse is working.
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 4 + 2 = 20
DM Pendin Fust |
The creatures scowl at Thom and the chuckle evilly. "Inside. Jeslyn will have the final say, but I imagine that twisted alchemist Othirubo has some experiments he'd just love to try on this scum."
The hideous facade of Nyserian turns and opens the door leading into a foyer.
Aero, Nebbin, and Saoirse, what are you three going to try?
Nebbin Elsbet |
As Nyserian turns, Nebbin takes it as his opportunity. His heart gives a mighty lurch in his chest as he realizes what he's about to do, and he charges out of his hiding place toward the farther creature, swinging his maul
Mwk cold iron earth breaker, power attack, furious focus: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 8 + 2 = 18
Damage: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (4, 4) + 6 = 14
Charging (If you are able to take only a standard action on your turn, you can still charge, but you are only allowed to move up to your speed (instead of up to double your speed) and you cannot draw a weapon unless you possess the Quick Draw feat. You can't use this option unless you are restricted to taking only a standard action on your turn.), so -2 AC next round
DM Pendin Fust |
Nebbin's earth breaker slams down into the creature that looks like Nyserian. It looks amused for a brief second then twists quickly into pain as the cold iron smashes in. The face peels away revealing a worm-like creature with a four-way separating mouth.
Lord Hulrun's gross facade turns and grimaces, "Crusaders?! Quick, kill them!" he shouts to Lucius.
Lord Hulrun Init: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2
Nyserian Init: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (20) - 1 = 19
Lucius Init: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17
Thom Init: 1d20 ⇒ 4
Nebbin Init: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
Saoirse Init: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13
Aero Init: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
Nyserian, Lucius, Aero, Saoirse, Nebbin, Thom, Lord Hulrun.
The faux Nyserian creature's skin starts to split down the middle, suddenly bursting apart.
2d6 + 3 ⇒ (4, 1) + 3 = 8
It steps back and mutters something.
Cast mass inflict light wounds DC 16 Will save for half damage of 3d8 + 3 ⇒ (4, 3, 7) + 3 = 17. Saoirse and Aero, where would you have been on the map when Nebbin charged?
Lucius, you might need to do some sort of bluff to maintain your disguise to show no pain as this goes off.
Aero Skyfall |
I put my self hiding behind a burnt out wall.
Aero will call upon Pulura as he moves into battle, waving his flag before casting ear-piercing scream on the strange creature.
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2 & Daze Fort DC 14 for half damage and to negate the daze.
DM Pendin Fust |
Left baddie is Nyserian and right baddie is Hulrun.
Aero Caster Level Check for SR: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Aero is shocked to see that his drum-splitting scream has no effect on the creature!
Depending on where Saoirse was when Nebbin charged then Nebbin, Lucius, and Thom need to make the Will save for half damage of 17 (9 rounded up). Saoirse might need to if she was within 30 feet of any of those 3.
Thom. |
Cool. Thanks.
Will save DC 16: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4; Doh … 17 damage, it is. 3d8 damage on an Inflict Light? Are we seeing our first Mythic opponent? Or is there something else going on here? :D
Thom recoils as his eyes and mind are assaulted. Not only are the creature’s true selves truly hideous, but the evil energies of their magic is redoubled and intensified as he feels it not only in his own body, but those of Lucius’s and Nebbin’s through his Life Link, as well. He’s just able to shut the link off before it scours him into unconsciousness. Through the remaining pain, he forces his mind to focus on something useful … pouring through his mental chronicles for any useful tidbits about these horrid creatures.
Know: Planes check for tactical info. Let’s go with special abilities first, then special offenses, then defenses if a good enough roll.
Know: Planes: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
”It’s a Vermlek!” he grunts as he drops the fake manacles and draws his morningstar into a two-handed grip. Every ounce of the half-orc body’s strength goes into a vicious (baseball) swing at Nyserian.
Immediate action to drop the Life Link to both Nebbin and Lucius in an attempt to stay conscious. Then, drop fake manacles (free), move to draw morningstar, 5' step northwest, then 2-handed power attack on Nyserian (modified by Flagbearer).
cold iron morningstar: 1d20 + 6 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 6 - 1 + 1 = 24
damage: 1d8 + 6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 3 + 1 = 15
Nebbin Elsbet |
I thought Saoirse was going to charge with me and also get a surprise attack. I'd probably retcon that in, and then have her save. For Lucius, I'd think if the creature thought he was one of them, he wouldn't have included him in the spell.
Will save (+2 when raging): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19
Nebbin grits his teeth as pain wracks his body.
Blinking back tears, he steps forward and tries to slam the creature with the maul again.
"What's a vermlek?" he cries out in a slightly panicked voice.
Depending where Saoirse ended up, I could well have flanking, so +2 to this roll; not sure it'll matter.
Mwk cold iron earth breaker, power attack, furious focus: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
Damage: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (3, 3) + 6 = 12
Lucius Erasmian |
Knowledge (Planes): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
If Lucius was disguised, would the Vermlek have targeted him with the mass inflict wounds in the first place? Also, three dice would be inflict serious wounds.
DM Pendin Fust |
Yep just realized I TOTALLY boffed that. It's 1d8 + 3 not 3d8. So 7 damage or 4 for successful Will save. And yes, I just realized it was pick your target not a burst so Lucius doesn't need to save.
I'll retcon Saoirse's charge if that's what happened. Either way, Nebbin's 2 hits almost drop it. Nice. Saoirse's charge would have made it drop if she didn't attack it before Nebbin, if she did then I'll change the target to the Lord Hulrun vermlek.
Thom. |
"Demon-worm things, apparently," Thom growls, "Use the dead for skin suits. Filthy carrion-snatchers."
Cool. Pushed some hp back on Thom's character sheet. And given that, I'm going to go ahead and leave Life Link active since I can hopefully take a bit more punishment before being overwhelmed.
Lucius Erasmian |
Lucius smiles at the abomination that used to be Lord Hulrun. "No. I do not think I will be doing that.", he says, reaching out toward the sagging flesh.
Attempting a Corrupting Touch
Melee touch: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Nope!
Saoirse Palelight |
Saoirse watches with surprise as Nebbin takes the initiative and rushes forward. Her feet stamping on the cold cobblestone as she follows behind Nebbin. Shifting her weight at the last moment as a flash of red crosses her vision and bounces off of her raised shield, taking a small leap as she crashes into the same Vremlek as Nebbin. A golden radiance sheathing her sword in holy fire as she thrusts towards the Vremlek.
Will Save: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
Smite Power Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
Smite Power Damage: 1d8 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18
DM Pendin Fust |
The Nyserian Vermlek drops to the ground from Nebbin and Saoirse's furious charge.
Nebbin takes another swing at the Lord Hulrun figure and his rage drives the earthbreaker home followed swiftly by Thom's morningstar. Lucius reaches out to touch it, but pulls back as he sees the carnage his companions wreak.
I'll assume you attack too...the charge was a surprise round for you.
Saoirse R1 Smite Power Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17
Saoirse R1 Smite Power Damage: 1d8 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15
Radiance flashes again and cleaves a golden trail through the remaining vermlek, and it falls to the ground.
You guys...rock!