GM MG |
Kekkle 13-
Tannan 10+
Skeletons 10-
Preacher Nero 7
Round 11
Kekkle slaps the preacher's cold arm away with the flat of his blade, and performs a swift riposte.The enemy catches Kekkle off-guard, not expecting a real counterattack. His grasp chokes Kekkle a bit, and chills his scarecrow stuffings.
Round 13
Preacher Nero
42 / 54
Ulrich makes a powerful but inaccurate swing at the skeleton.
Kekkle steps forward and makes another set of attacks. Only his shortsword leaves a scratch on the foe.
Tannan takes a jab at the final skeleton, and sends a few few teeth flying.
The skeleton attacks back.
Claw 1: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
Claw 2: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
Tannan makes sure to dodge the attack.
The preacher hadn't learned his lesson, and tries the unholy touch again at Kekkle.
Melee touch: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Neg. energy: 1d8 ⇒ 1
Kekkle's Will: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
The unholy power isn't very strong, but it sends a chill down Kekkle's spine nonetheless. (You are shaken for 1 round.)
Preacher Nero
41 / 54
Round 14
Ulrich of Ravensmount |
Ulrich tries to finally kill the damn skeleton.
Heavy Mace: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 161d8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Tannan Valdri |
Does Ulrich's attack of 7 damage kill the skeleton?
Tannan, seeing the skeleton still posing a threat, retaliates against it with his cestus.
def AC 19: 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 3 - 4 = 151d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Tannan, seeing the skeleton fall into pieces, moves around the bookshelf, and tries to close in on the true threat...the bony bonehead.
Double move to T-18
GM MG |
Kekkle 13-
Tannan 10+
Skeletons 10-
Preacher Nero 7
Round 14
One more swing from Ulrich's mace finally destroys the remaining skeleton.
Kekkle continues his fight with the undead scholar, and lands a moderate wound on the enemy.
Tannan moves around the bookshelf, cornering the true threat.
The surrounded preacher uses magic to create a dimensional crack, and slides through it to land behind a table, some distance away. From there, he shoots acid at Tannan.
Ranged touch: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
Acid damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Tannan's Fort: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
(8 damage, and sickened for 1 round.)
Preacher Nero
33 / 54
Round 15
Ulrich of Ravensmount |
Ulrich double times it after the Preacher.
"Cagey knave! Just you wait..."
Double move to V14, since I have to go in a straight line if I want to run.
Tannan Valdri |
Round 15
Tannan, takes a balst of acid to his shoulder. He actually cries in pain, as the acid burns his skin.
Here, allow me to return the favor
Tannan, moves forward, grabbing an alchemist fire as he goes along. He than tosses it at the true threat. He loses his grip on the flask, as a twinge of pain rushed through his throwing shoulder, right before he tosses it
Move to V-13
alchemist fire 1 of 5, ranged touch, def?: 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 3 - 4 = 3
miss target: 1d8 ⇒ 6
GM MG |
Kekkle 13-
Tannan 10+
Skeletons 10-
Preacher Nero 7
Round 15
Ulrich chases after the preacher.
Kekkle approaches from the other side of the table.
Tannan moves forward and tosses a flask of alchemist's fire at the foe. A momentary pain causes him to miss, and the flask hits the bookshelf behind the scholar, and the enemy takes only a minor burn. "Destroy the books all you want, fool!" mocks the undead scholar.
While doing so, he extends his arm to touch Kekkle. (+4 is the correct modifier for this attack, and I think I have used +5 earlier. I don't think it mattered.)
Melee touch: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
conf: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13 (Your touch AC is 13, right?)
Neg. energy: 2d8 ⇒ (4, 3) = 7
Kekkle's Will: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
(7 damage, and shaken for 1 round.)
Preacher Nero
32 / 54
Round 16
Ulrich of Ravensmount |
Ulrich squeezes past Tannan to get at the Preacher. Or waits for him to move.
He swings his mace at the spell-casting menace.
Heavy Mace: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 191d8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Kekkle Smoughbon |
Kekkle winces but fights through the pain and fear. "It's over, preacher!" he cries as he lunges forward with both his blades. The first hit is solid, stabbing deep into the mans shoulder and wounding him. It's the second that offers a chance to kill as Kekkle slashes wildly at his foes throat with his shortsword.
Bonus from flanking cancels out penalty from Shaken.
Scimitar: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Shortsword: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5
Critical Confirmation: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
Critical Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4
Tannan Valdri |
Tannan, gives Kekkle a quick look, followed by a sly grin. Moves to U-12, to gain flank with Kekkle
Lets team up on this bastard!
Tannan shifts a few feet, to gain an advantage with Kekkle. He punches at the true threat of the library with his dagger. Even though he knows it won't do a lot of damage, he feels more comfortable with slicing with a blade compared to punching with his cestus.
AC 20: 1d20 + 3 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 3 + 2 - 4 = 21
dagger: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
sneak: 2d8 ⇒ (7, 3) = 10
crit?: 1d20 + 3 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (17) + 3 + 2 - 4 = 18
crit damage?: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
GM MG |
Kekkle 13-
Tannan 10+
Skeletons 10-
Preacher Nero 7
Round 16
(Due to the turn order and the boss's positioning, it's not possible for both Kekkle and Tannan to get flanks. Let's interpret this in the way that does the most damage to the boss - Kekkle hits even without the flank, and Tannan finally gets his sneak attack dice.)
Ulrich jumps on the table and swings his mace at the spell-casting menace. With the added momentum, the mace bludgeons the foe.
Kekkle fights on, and lunges forward with both his blades, slashing fiercely. (Both hit, but no crit conf. Even with the flank.)
Tannan shifts a few feet, to gain an advantage with Kekkle. The preacher was occupied fighting Kekkle, and so Tannan gets to backstab the true threat of the library with his dagger. (Critted.)
"I live forever!" Another dimensional crack appear at the call of the undead mage. Again he slides through it, to some distance away. Visibly angered, he points his bony finger at Tannan. "Whereas you! You will die until the end of time!"
Ranged touch: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Tannan ducks under the ray of acid.
Preacher Nero
4 / 54
Round 17
Ulrich of Ravensmount |
Kekkle can charge if he delays until after Tannan gets out of the way. On your charge, you're moving double speed so you should juuuust make it once Tannan is out of the path.
Ulrich nearly smashes the table in frustration, but jumps down instead, moving around the bookcases. Move to Z14.
"The final words of a petty coward. If you live forever, it will be in agony!", he swears.
Intimidate: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11
Ulrich of Ravensmount |
Counting from the square next to your current spot- T12 to TAA- I count exactly 40 feet. Are you counting your starting square?
Kekkle Smoughbon |
Kekkle picks himself up, trying to look as noble as possible. That smoldering hols that served as the scarecrows eye sockets glowed more brightly as his spirit was emboldened. "You've forgotten one thing, preacher." he shouts.
Tossing away his shortsword, Kekkle grips his scimitar with both hands. He steps forward, slowly at first but quickly gaining momentum. He let's out a courageous roar as he careens into the the villain with his scimitar held forward, all his weight and strength pushing it forward. He locks gaze with the man as he holds the blade, even attempting him down to his dies in the hopes of dealing death with dishonor.
"Heroes never die!"
Charge: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Crit Confirmation: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
GM MG |
Ulrich takes out his frustration by swearing at the foe. The preacher is unmoved by his words, but is otherwise a bit unbalanced.
Tannan, ever so agile, is not trumped by close-range teleporation, and circles around the scholar. His unexpected appearance behind the scholar startles him a bit, giving a better opportunity to Kekkle.
Kekkle's flames of resolve flare up, and he charges the preacher, and cuts the undead foe down with the two-handed scimitar.
"S-SSAAAVE MEEE!" The final cries of the accursed miracle-preacher. His body stops floating and falls motionless on the library ground, and then crumbles to ashes and dust.
VICTORY ACHIEVED
Obtained 1500 souls.
Soul of Preacher
Soul of Nero the preacher, who told stories of miracles to the undead.Use to acquire numerous souls, or perhaps exchange it for something of great worth.
The Miraclemaker acquired many apostles for what He did. One of them, an archivist priest by the name Nero, took over the Sanatorium and made it a place to continue his study and to retell the stories to undead ears.
Even one as enlightened as Nero can fall victim to the Illusion, it would seem.
With the defeat of its master, the Librarium floor starts tilting again. In a split-second, the three brave roamers snap out of some sort of hazy feeling. The Librarium is now back to its old, regular size. Was that all an illusion...?
There's a magical ring on the table. There is also the important-looking book that Ulrich swiped to the floor.
Mercurial Bonewrap Ring
This slim ring has the color of mercury, and the appearance of multiple skulls connected to one another.Ring of the Grasping Grave (Ultimate Equipment). Worth 200 souls.
The miracle apostles selfishly twisted some of Miraclemaker's ideals. They must have seen Him as a conqueror, not as a savior. But the Miracle happened nonetheless.
(Pahleg respawns in about 55 minutes.)
GM MG |
(The GM rolls Appraise in secret.)
Kekkle observes the cover and back of the book. The letters of its title, Book of the Miracle, are written in glittering ink. Possibly hand-made. It could be worth 150 souls when sold.
Of course, Kekkle could get a much better idea of its worth by reading some pages.
Ulrich of Ravensmount |
Ulrich smashes one of the shelves in frustration.
"Damn nuisance!", he bellows. "I hope he rots!"
Araden the Wanderer |
When the fog wall clears, Araden steps inside, his axe in hand and his head on a swivel. He nods as he sees the others, and upon realizing Pahleg has fallen, he bows his head. "A hard-fought battle, I imagine. Yet I've gladness in my heart that you've vanquished this foe." He plants the butt of his weapon to the ground and leans over as Kekkle examines the book. "Ahh, some strange text of the Preacher's? He seemed quite engrossed."
Ulrich of Ravensmount |
Ulrich harrumphs, but quits thrashing the furniture. He puts the mace back through his belt and looks at the door leading out of the room- which the Scholar said leads to the sea.
Ulrich of Ravensmount |
Ulrich paces the shelves, looking at what books remain. Though he remains frustrated that he didn't get to make the Scholar's death more painful, he does realize that he's gotten used to only having the one eye.
I'll look through the library for anything else that might be of interest while Araden and Kekkle read the book.
Perception,if needed: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (19) - 2 = 17
GM MG |
Ulrich goes through the library, looking for anything of interest. He quickly comes to realize that most of the books are time-worn to a degree that makes them unreadable. It seems that vermin and insects have eaten their way through many of the tomes, and much of the rest have suffered damage from dampness and dust.
The books that have survived, however, are noteworthy, to put it nicely. About a dozen and half books are readable. Nearly all of them are about magic: among them are textbooks about the basics of arcane magic, introductions to to the schools of necromancy and illusion, bestiaries on undead creatures and how to control them, and books on human anatomy. Almost all of these peculiar books have unsettling hand-written marginal notes, like "rotate the bone counter-clockwise".
(This place functions as a library for Knowledge (arcana) and Knowledge (religion) checks. In other words, you can make these checks untrained without the DC 10 limit. This place may also give some small bonuses on the aforementioned skills as well as Heal and Spellcraft, depending on the use of the skill.)
Ulrich also finds one copy of Labyrinthika. From what Ulrich can tell, there's nothing unusual about this copy, but it is a Labyrinthika nonetheless: a so-called "guide" to the Labyrinth.
Labyrinthika
A dusty, black grimoire. Its text is said to guide those who roam the Labyrinth.A book that weighs 1 lb. Reading it takes hours. For every 1 hour you read this book, make an Intelligence check to see how much you learn during the hour. The information in this book may or may not be false, so this book always grants its owner either a +1 circumstance bonus or a -2 penalty on all Knowledge checks made to know things related to the Labyrinth and either a +1 circumstance bonus or a -2 penalty on Survival checks to avoid getting lost. Worth 10 souls.
Written by the enigmatic scholar named Yro, the Researcher of Labyrinth. Yro himself is an author to many a book found in the Labyrinth, but no one has ever seen him. Some say his books spread false information, but hope can be blinding.
The Book of the Miracle seems to be the only magical one.
Ulrich of Ravensmount |
Ulrich returns to the others.
"Should we need to research matters of magic or the undead, this may be the place to return. And here's another of those Labyrinth books."
GM MG |
Driven by curiosity — or the want to leave no stone unturned — Kekkle opens the book. Araden may have wanted to warn Kekkle about its contents, but Kekkle was hasty.
The scarecrow immediately notices that the text is enthralling. The words speak to him on a personal level: the writer provides answers not only to universal problems, but also to Kekkle's personal worries.
Will: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
When he closes the book, a few minutes later, he seems to have gained some knowledge out of it. (Have a +1 insight bonus on Will saves.)
---
The group passes time in the Librarium by relaxing and reading some pages of the peculiar books (however haunting they may be). Elyna's condition is worrisome, however: what should be done about her?
A hour or so passes, and an all-too-familiar gust of wind brings back Pahleg's ashes and dusts. The aasimar is remade.
Ulrich of Ravensmount |
"Welcome back to the nightmare, Pahleg. My apologies that you met an end before our victory."
Ulrich puts the book he was flipping through back on the shelf.
"Elyna is looking worse for wear... I don't know if anything in this library would describe what's happening to her, but perhaps we will meet a physician if we continue on. Should we proceed where the Scholar pointed us?"
Ulrich of Ravensmount |
"Kekkle did much of the heavy lifting. In any case, did the scholar's precious book have anything to say about this place? Shall we forge ahead?"
GM MG |
With that wisdom said aloud, the party heads to the door leading out of the room. The one the Scholar said leads to "the sea".
Nothing as poetic as that lies behind the simple wooden double doors. Only a cramped attic, as expected from the architectural point-of-view. A pair of stained glass windows lets through moonlight to shine on the attic. The wooden floor has gathered quite a lot of dust. The non-post-mortal, normal kind of dust.
There is a wooden desk here, with no chair. A small wooden effigy, carved in the shape of a sheep, lies in the middle of the desk, next to a hand-written piece of paper.
Wooden Holy Symbol of Sheep
A holy symbol made of wood. Fits your hand almost too nicely. Depicts the ram god, who has no living followers.Wooden holy symbol. Worth 1 soul.
The massacre of the gods left a vacuum in power. Most of the few surviving gods ran away, but not the ram god. He gave his final blessing to his final faithful, and then passed away. Only the accursed fleece remained.
Dear Explorers, Sheep-farmers, and whoever roamers went through the trouble:
First of all: too slow! Second, whatever it is that is in that cave (I think it's a cave?), our company has already looted. It smells terrible, too, anyway.
To all the other daredevils:
By the gods' luck, make haste! Just where on emperor's land are you?
...To your disappointment, it looks like there was a moderately-sized chest in here once. Now, only a rectangular-shaped lack of dust is there to mock your late arrival.
Tannan takes 10 for Linguistics: 10 + 6 = 16
At the corner of the attic, there is a spiral staircase leading down. It only seems to go to the first floor of the Sanatorium.
Ulrich of Ravensmount |
Perception: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (4) - 2 = 2
"Hmph. Daredevils. We can take these other stairs, then. That should take us right back to the cells where that octopus-headed jailer was on patrol... but since we dealt with it we may be able to continue our explorations."
"I'd hoped for more. But that's what you get for hoping, eh?"
GM MG |
The party decides to head down the spiral staircase, and arrives at the 1st floor. Except that the room they arrive in seems to be blocked from the rest of the floor: it's a narrow storage room with no furniture and a few boxes, barrels, and shelves. A stone staircase leads further down, presumably to the basement.
When you eat this food, you feel nothing. There is no flavor, no sensation of taste. Your lips and tongue feel the texture, but the fruits taste like air and the meat tastes like water.
(If any of you had ranks in a few Knowledge skills...)
Disappointed in the useless food, you search further, and find four potions, each containing a magical liquid. They are labeled: two of them are labeled as "sanctuary", the other two are for "undead protection".
Unidentified Potion
A glass bottle, containing a magical liquid.Use detect magic spell and Spellcraft skill (or Perception or Craft (alchemy) to determine the effects and qualities of this item. Use Appraise skill to determine the value of this item.
Potions are magic in drinkable form, globally used due to being easy to create and use. Yet the Labyrinth knows few alchemists.
Standing here, you get a chill. Cold air seems to be flowing from the basement. Abnormally chilling, possibly.
Ulrich of Ravensmount |
Perception: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (11) - 2 = 9
"We're soul-eating ghouls now, unfit for proper food.... would you say those labels are true, or another cruel jest?"
"Well, perhaps we should look into the cold basement while we're here."
Kekkle Smoughbon |
Detect Magic for potions
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22
"Let's search, but be cautious. I encountered an unusually cold area once before."
Kekkle glances a sideways glance to Ulrich "We may not have to eat, but I'm sure our tongues work just fine. Without the pressure of starvation a foods delicate flavor may be all the more apparent, if anything."