Dm Kumo's Crypt of the Everflame

Game Master Logan Holt

The guards armor and two other items each they carry have magic. There is no magic on the stairs. I'll have to get the map later.

Roll 20 map is updated with where you are.

A large golden mask rests upon a marble pedestal at the top of the stairs, with a green gemstone set into the mask's forehead, and smaller gems set around it. A stained glass window in the wall behind the pedestal depicts a similar mask. Opposite the grand mask stands a pair of tall double doors, made from shining silver. Carved into their surface is the symbol of Razmir, beneath which dozens of supplicants are portrayed holding up piles of coins, jewels, and other wealth to the icon of the Living God.

Perception: {Take 10!} 10 + 9 = 19

Sa'sori tries to remember if she can recall seeing any ritual obeisance that was performed by the priests she ever saw during the many ceremonies in this room as they walked up the steps...

Int/Wis Check: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

... but nothing really comes to mind so she says, "All Praise Rasmir and the Wealth he provides the faithful!" In a casual tone as she approaches the golden mask, in similar fashion to what she has seen 'hopefully' during the rituals of the temple.

Glancing Evlar's way she elbows him and mutters, "Wake up you! I saw you dozing downstairs... pay proper homage to the Living God!"

Sa'sori is not sure if this is the proper thing to say.. so she's Bluffing...

Bluff: {Take 10!} 10 + 8 = 18

And she is trying to get Evlar to understand he needs to say something similar.. using innuendo...which is also bluff...

Bluff: 'Secret message-Innuendo' 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

- So big shrug here, the mask depicts wealth and supplicants offering it the the god.. but there is no donation plate near the mask in the description or any evidence that loose coins or what not are left at the mask so perhaps just a simple word of praise is proper?

Sa'sori walks up the steps and passes the mask to the left after saying her words of devotion...

Edit: Oh, the reason it has been so important that Sa'sori know if there was the familiar magical signature to the Priest's armor detected BEFORE she entered the Temple area is that she wanted to call Red Wing to her and let him become a tattoo again before she entered the room so he would not give away her identity. But you indicated that we all know there is always two guards at the stairs she would know that and have Red Wing in tattoo form again. Sorry to have skipped that ... it would have been easier to communicate this intention in a sitdown game ... but it's some times hard to remember the poignant details like this in a play by post... so use your judgement here.. Sa'sori knows Red Wing is a dead giveaway. If she didn't get the chance to tatoo him again... while she was 'bluffing' the priests in conversation Red Wing would try to stealth into the Temple but stay high in the rafters out of sight. Up to you...

Hearing your call, the priest in the ornate mask steps forward. "Razmir hears your prayers and answer so remove your masks and speak your request."

The grey robed priest behind you removed his mask and says, "a humble priest of Razmir requests an audience with the Herald Krant. I seek his guidance in dealing with acolytes under his charge."

LOL. This is what I warn my students {I'm a part-time substitute teacher} about all the time.. lying. 'When you lie you find yourself always being in a position to have to keep doubling-down on that lie so you have to keep lying and the lies get bigger and bigger until eventually your caught!' :)

Sa'sori is not certain this will work, but she only partially lifts the mask keeping her hair and ears covered as she acts as if bowing to the higher ranked priest she does not meet their eyes and says, "A humble priest of Razmir requests access to healing stores for two of the acolytes under Herald Krant's charge. There has been a fight among the acolytes and two require immediate healing or may perish."

Bluff: {Take 10!} 10 + 8 = 18

- Note: I know at some point I may not be able to take 10 on a roll ... just let me know cause the odds are better in my favor with 'at this level' such a good bonus to just take 10 and not risk rolling less than 50%

The herald sighs heavily and growls, "Remain until I return." He makes his way to the ornate doors.

Sa'sori lowers her mask again... and knows this bluff is reaching it's limits.. so under her robes she pulls her color spray scroll and has it in hand ready to use.

Honestly, I don't know if this Bluff has made things easier or harder than just storming the steps ...color spraying the two guards at the bottom and fighting it out with the Higher ranked priests the rest of the way!

The priest behind you retakes his place at the bottom of the stairs. Still focusing hit attention to you and the top of the stairs. The herald will remain gone for a few minutes.

Sa'sori whispers softly to Evlar, "We are loosing our element of surprise here. This non-violent way is only gathering more odds against us the longer we try it.. be ready to fight.. cause its coming..."

Elvar silently nods at your words whispering back. "I'll follow your lead if they draw a weapon first."

Do you want to wait for the herald to return or make a move now?

Sa'sori will wait... Evlar wants them to strike first... so she will humor him...

The herald returns to the top of the stairs to address you. "Krant has decided to let sorceress keep her reward for the night. He says he will deal with their punishment tomorrow. For tonight go, and Razmir's blessing upon you."

Hearing the herald's words, Elvar turns to you for guidance.

Sa'sori shrugs, "..ok, there will likely be two less recruits tomorrow morning without healing.. but if that is what Krant, wants so be it."

Bluff: {Take 10!} 10 + 8 = 18
- This is her last ploy to try to get some permission to go up stairs but also cover her next action making them think she accepts the word of Krant and is dropping the subject. She pauses only briefly to see if they will give some reaction... that they might let her retrieve healing for the Recruits upstairs~ otherwise its time for initiative!

She turns away to walk back down the steps with Evlar at her side she whispers, 'Satisfied? Tried it your way... now its MY way... watch the heralds behind us in their alcoves. I'll "hopefully" deal with the acolytes below.'

Half way down the stairs, she stops and pulling out the scroll casts color spray, Standard Action, at the Priests at the base of the stair.. 15'ft cone Will Save DC14 to resist the spell. {Surprise?}

Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11

Will save: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Will save: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Both priests fall to the ground unconscious.

Herald Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Elvar's Initiative: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (3) + 0 = 3

Surprise round is over.

Round 1 Turn Order: Sa'sori, Herald, Elvar

Sa'sori turns on the Herald and cast's her shield spell {standard action} then throwing back her robes draws her elven curve blade {Move Action} then five foot steps {Free Action} in front of Evlar so the Herald cannot move to sneak attack him cause he's flat-footed {'assuming the Heralds are Rogues as she expects'}.

She whispers to Evlar, '... if the Herald moves to attack me.. draw your weapon and move to flank him.. you need not attack if you wish to not fight.. but provide me the tactical support at least!'

The Herald dons a light shield and draws a rapier with his other hand. "You dare assault a priest of Razmir here, in the Holy Sanctum. Prostrate yourself and face judgement."

Elvar is hesitant, but dons his own weapon and shield.

Round 2 Turn order: Sa'sori, Herald, Elvar

Sa'sori is not fooled by the Herald's stalling...

She whispers to Evlar, '..follow me.. total defense!'

She will lift her mask to show her face casting her eyes not at the Herald but at the balcony... along the path from the second alcove... and says, "..you'd be amazed at what I'd dare! You just don't get it do you? We're here to bring you murdering, thieving bastards to Justice... either by subduing you.. or granting you the permanent Dirt Nap you so richly deserve! And frankly.. I don't care which!"

Then Sa'sori is in motion... going total defense [AC22] {standard action} she moves {move action - 30'ft} up the stairs past the Herald on her left hand side{provoking an AoO.. likely}; to move to the right side of the stairs and onto the balcony seeking the second Herald to stop him from going for help!

"And for the record, no.. I'm not fooled by your stalling for the other Herald to go get help!"

Sa'sori is tactically trying to get to the double-doors upstairs to keep either of the Heralds from escaping and rallying more combatants or warning Krant. I have moved my figure on the map.. in Roll 20.. but you have not placed the Heralds..so if you do I'd like the option to change my tactical move in response~ since I've beat them on initiative.

The stairs are difficult terrain. I'm not going to have anyone act yet. Let me know if you want to change your position on roll 20, because you don't have the movement for where you put yourself.

The stairs are difficult terrain. I'm not going to have anyone act yet. Let me know if you want to change your position on roll 20, because you don't have the movement for where you put yourself.

Ok.. I believe I started in the square with the word down in it.. {if not I'll just be two square short of my target square} that's a little more than halfway up the steps [after my last round 5'ft step in front of Evlar] ... so the next square is indeed a 10'ft move.. but moving out of that square puts me off the stairs in a normal terrain square it does not cost terrain difficulty to exit a square only to enter it... if I'm seeing that right, so I should still have 20'ft movement left..so I'm 5 feet short of my target square.. in front of the Herald 2#. So I've adjusted my movement... same action.

I believe you were next to Elvar at the start. Does that keep you in the same place?

Ok, now that the movement confusion is finished.

"Food, I am a herald of the Living God. Were I to wish escape, Razmir would provide."

Herald delays.
Elvar moves up the stairs and down the hall after you, lining up back to back defending you from a flank.
The other priest moves after Elvar piercing his defense with the rapier and drawing blood.

Priest's Charge Attack +flank: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 5 + 2 = 22
Damage to Elvar: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

The herald laughs as Elvar is pierced by the blade and uses his own blade to make an attack drawing blood from Sa'sori as well. His blade still in you, the Herald makes a swing with his shield, but your magical shield spell blocks the attack.

Herald's rapier attack +flank: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Critical confirmation: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 7 + 2 = 15
Damage to Sa'sori: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Herald's shield bash attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Don't forget that attacking with two weapons is a at minimum [with a light off-hand weapon] a {-2} to both attacks. Not sure what a shield constitutes as but if its a medium weapon that penalty might be {-4}.. though the rapier sis a light weapon, your call.

Sa'sori gasps in pain but does not falter as she swings her elven curve blade in response returning blow for blow!

Attack w/Elven Curve Blade: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24 {CRITCAL THREAT!}
Confirm Critical: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22 {CRITICAL HIT!}

Critical Damage w/Elven Curve Blade: 2d10 + 4 ⇒ (9, 1) + 4 = 14

Sa'sori is gravely wounded.. she knows she needs to change the battlefield.. switching her grip briefly she draws a smokestick from her bandoleer igniting it and dropping it into her square... {move equivalent action}-{No AoO for drawing a weapon, 'bandoleer' acts as weapon sheath for non-weapon items}, filling a 10ft cube with smoke.. providing obscurement in both her and Evlar's square. {No precision - sneak attack damage anymore and a 20% miss chance}

They have feats to reduce some of the penalties. I actually forgot to not include the penalty on the priest's attack.

The herald is knocked back by your mighty blow, crimson red tainting his grey robes.

Any conviction Elvar had against fighting seems to be gone as his blood drips to the floor. He swings out a powerful blow with his short sword which rings out loudly against the priest's shield.

The priest attacks with blade and shield against Elvar. Elvar manages to block the rapier with his own shield and then is cracked into his wound by the priest's shield. Elvar lets out a gut wrenching umph as he is struck again.

The herald is clearly injured by your last blow as both his sword and shield attacks are pitifully half-hearted and easily deflected.

Elvar Power attack: 1d20 + 5 - 1 ⇒ (8) + 5 - 1 = 12
Priest Rapier attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
Priest Shield Bash: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
Damage to Elvar: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Herald's Rapier Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
Herald's Shield Bash Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

Round 3 Turn Order: Sa'sori, Elvar, Priest, Herald

This is gonna be a close fight.. and I'm not even sure we can win this... I REALLY needed my level before this.. but oh well. You forgot the priest's 20% miss chance attacking into an area of obscurement at Evlar and Sa'sori... we both get the same miss chance as well but Evlar's attack missed anyways

Sa'sori pulls another item from her bandoleer.. she had been hoping to save but this fight could end her, thinking, 'then what would become of Evlar?'

Pulling a stone from her bandoleer {Move Equivalent action}-{No AoO for drawing a weapon, 'bandoleer acts as weapon sheath for non-weapons'} she crushes it in hand summoning {Standard Action} a Large Water Elemental-{duration 7rds} behind the Herald attacking Evlar and in a clear voice commands...

"Child of the fluid planes of Water... strike down the Heralds of Razmir and protect the half-elven boy behind me!"

The water elemental forms quickly behind the priest slamming its form down on him. The priest is severly injured but remains upright.
Elvar takes advantage of the creatures sudden appearance and lands a heavy blow nearly toppling the priest over, but by Razmir's grace the priest yet stands. The priest stumbles back away from Elvar dropping his blade. He begins the incantation to cast a spell keeping his defense up against your summoned ally. The herald scoffs, "Coward! Fine, use your arcane might, none can stand against Razmir's power." The herald begins his own defensive casting and vanishes from sight.

Sa'sori pauses... eyes widening at the Herald's disappearance thinking, 'An invisibility spell?!? I had no idea they had that quality of casters in their employ! Maybe I should rethink this assault entirely?'

But her reaction is to draw another item from her bandoleer {Move Equivalent action}-{No AoO for drawing a weapon, 'bandoleer acts as weapon sheath for non-weapons'}.. a bag of 'blue' chalk dust Powder... and hurl {Standard Action} it at the space where the Herald was last saying, "He's still there.. he cannot cast an move like that... Finish him!"

I take it the Herald did a 5'ft step and cast on the defensive. That cannot be combined with a movement move action, though~ in fact a move equivalent action is still possible.. just not movement itself. So if he turned invisible.. he's still standing in that square.. and her powder should reveal him for at least one round before it fades.

Ranged Touch Attack: - On 5'ft Square 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
Obscurement: Miss chance {20%} 1d100 ⇒ 21 {LUCKY!!! Hit!}

- You forgot Evlar's 20% miss chance.. as he is STILL standing in the same square and the smoke stick AoE is a 10'ft area of obscurement~ since the Herald took a 5'ft stpe back.. Evlar could follow him with a 5'ft step next round and be out of the Obscurement! But you also forgot to have the other Herald attack me ... so in the spirit of equanimity.. I will not attack him either!

The herald cast on the defensive so he did not need a 5 foot step. Casting a spell took his standard so he was not able to attack. The priest cast a healing spell upon himself. I did forget the miss chance.

Tossing your chalk it strikes the wall where the herald was standing, revealing nothing. Elvar calls out "Command your creature to knock them out. He is already on the verge of death."

Wait, then what dissappeared? And... I'm at work now and can't reply. I have to be at work after 10 am est on Tues to sat so can't reply before 2pm est. You might want to consider that in timing your posts.

The Herald used a standard action to cast invisibility.
Any remaining actions would have been taken after he was invisible.

The priest took a 5 foot step away from Elvar.
He then cast Cure Light wounds defensively on himself.

Sa'sori pauses... eyes widening at the Herald's disappearance thinking, 'An invisibility spell?!? I had no idea they had that quality of casters in their employ! Maybe I should rethink this assault entirely?'

Then she hears the Cleric fighting Evlar begin to incant a spell healing himself and fear grips the pit of her stomach! 'I was almost positive.. that Razmir was a false god... yet their casting spells! This is totally a different issue than chasing down some bandit murdering rogues!'

Then Elvar calls out "Command your creature to knock them out. He is already on the verge of death."

Her reaction at seeing Evlar leave the cloud to follow up on the Cleric is to 5'ft step {free action} along the balcony still using the cloud as cover and cutting off any exit by the Invisible Herald and hopefully getting out of reach of his weapons.. using the hardcover of the stone corner to the south. Then Sa'sori casts her own spell, targeting the Cleric with a Magic Missile {Standard Action} of her own!

Magic Missile Damage: 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (2, 3) + 2 = 7

"I'm on it...!", she answers Evlar somewhat irritably.

Moved on Roll 20 as well.

Your spell knocks the priest to the ground bleeding out.

The water elemental seeing no targets holds it's action.
Elvar growl in annoyance, "I mean knock him out, not kill him!" Elvar kneels down beside the priest attempting to provide first aid to him, but he is clearly untrained in the art as the priest continues to bleed out.

Sa'sori sighs, "Look they are TRYING to kill US!! One of them is STILL here waiting the step out of his invisibility to Stab us through the livers!"

Sa'sori takes a risk she pulls out a potion and drinks a cure light wounds.

Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Then she orders the elemental, "Child of Water go to that set of double doors atop the balcony and guard them - allow no one through!"

Then to Evlar, "Wait your doing that wrong~ grrr...! Drag him over here and I'll bind his wounds! You're lucky your sooo damned cute!!"

The water elemental begins to make his way across the balcony. The creature has to squeeze himself onto the narrow balcony and slowly makes his way across.

Elvar nods and grabs the body beginning to make his way over to you.

Sa'sori grimaces looking down at the priest as he is pulled near...

She hands a potion of healing to Evlar, "Drink this... your injured.. and guard me there is still the Herald to contend with!"

And she knells down to bind the Cleric's wounds...

Healing: {round 1} 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

She seems to be having trouble staunching the bleeding herself.. her expression growing grimmer she comments, "We are wasting valuable time with this.. my elemental will not hang around forever you know...!"

Healing: {round 2} 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Her hands stained with the continued bleeding... she growls softly trying to staunch the dying man's wounds which seem the gush crimson the more she tries...

Healing: {round 3} 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Sa'sori sighs... then searches the man for healing potions of his own and feeds him one... knowing that the clerics from downstairs had healing potions. She also takes any keys he might have on him.

{round 4}

Round 1
The water elemental continues to make its way to the door.
Elvar takes the potion and drinks it.
The priest's bleeding finally seems to staunch itself, weather through your touch, Elvar's, or his own natural clotting.

Does that chance your round 2-3 actions?

Yes it will.

Sa'sori will search scan the downed Cleric for magic with her still running Detect Magic <cast before entering room - 30 rds '3min' / 22rds remain >... taking any keys or potion vials or easily portable magic he possesses.

Then she will bind the cleric with torn strips from his own robes and gag him.

Speaking to Evlar, "...there is still the Herald in this room, he's invisible... we must secure those double doors and keep him from escaping. But first go down stairs and tie up those two acolytes down there~ they won't stay out forever... I'll cover you with my magic if the Herald should appear~ take their healing potions and come back to me! The Herald can't get past me and the Elemental~ hopefully."

Sa'sori will heft her Elven Curve Blade and take a 5'ft step further along the balcony and Red Wing will perch on the railing in the square she just left to add his senses to hers to detect the Herald should he try to close with her. She watches Evlar as he goes to bind the guards at the base of the stairs...

Moved Roll 20 Icons

Detect magic's duration is Concentration up to 1 minute per level. Maintaining a concentration spell is a standard action so the one cast earlier would have expired. You can easily recast it.

Searching the priest, you find a single potion on him. In your search, you also find some thieves tools, his rapier, armor, shield, a crossbow and bolts, robes, masks, and a couple of sunrods.

How many rounds do you want to spend looting him before you tie him up. Taking his potion is a round, tearing your robe and tieing him up is at least 1 more.

Elvar does as you say and makes his way downstairs to the other priests beginning to look for the potions you requested.

Opps your right.. about that Detect Magic thing~ ok. 1 round taking potion... and 1 round tear HIS 'the Cleric's' robes {Sa'sori is a little vain.. she's certainly NOT tearing her robes to tie him up! lol.} So only two rounds.

Got it. Everyone else took their two rounds so its back to you.

Sa'sori double moves around to the where the elemental is waiting... certain it may vanish shortly. Keeping a mind to watch Evlar's progress below.

She grimaces, 'What a waste... I know I'm gonna regret summoning it so soon.. but nothing for it now.'

Addressing the elemental she says, "...hear me child of the fluid realms elemental, you have my thanks for your assistance."

Then she nicks her thumb on her Elven Curve Blade, and touches the elemental letting her blood trickle into the pure elemental watery form.

"..Forgive my paltry payment, but sorcerer's magic-laced blood is all I can offer you of value for your aid!"

The water elemental fades from site returning to its home plane. Elvar picks potions from the resting priest waving two over his head at you then moves over to the other priest.

I think I miscalculated the duration of the elemental's presence. The Elemental Gem says it summons a large elemental.. you need summon monster III for that, which would be minimum of 5th level casting so 5 rounds. But the item description says summon monster V and has a casting level of 11th. So shouldn't the elemental hang around for 11 rounds minimum?

You have 4 rounds with the elemental left, so go ahead and change your actions.

Thanks.. sorry for my mistake, Sa'sori will still double move to the elemental's side, and offer her payment... the Water Elemental just happens to hang around longer. She has no way of finding a invisible person.. at this level that is a screw you trump. So moving where she can get the protection of the elemental who would have reach on anyone attacking her is the best option.

Elvar grabs another two potions from the other priest and hurries back to your side, all the while stuffing potions within easy reach.

Back to you.

Sa'sori hefts her Elven Curve Blade... her sultry voice dripping with sarcasm...

"Now who's the coward Herald...? Come out and fight us.. Razmir is With you~ after all...! Or is he?"

To Evlar she whispers, "Take position on the other side of the door from the elemental... we can wait for the Herald's invisibility to run out.. though the elemental will be gone shortly... too bad for us."

The water elemental continues to hold position delayed. 2 rounds left.

Elvar finishes coming up the stairs and heads down the balcony the opposite way.

He will be in position next round. Do you want to continue holding until the herald becomes visible?

Nothing else Sa'sori really can do except hold, BUT just before her shield spell ends.. she casts it again.

Elvar takes his position and holds there keeping total defense behind his shield. Your water elemental fades from view after a few more seconds and no signs of the herald. When the elemental fades, Elvar steps one step closer to the door intending to position back to back with you.