Quzman's enhanced strength easily allows him to open the double doors to this dark chamber. The air is damp and cold and your hairs stand on edge, as you believe you can actually feel the evil in this room. You immediately notice the floor in this room is made of polished blue stone. And within the light of your spells and Eli's compass, you can see 2 marble pillars 15' diagonally to the east and west of the doorway. The room appears to be much larger, as it goes past even your range of shadowy illumination.
Of course we step in...we are brave (and short lived)adventurers! Usual marching order?
Ty follows his friends into the chamber, as an involuntary shiver moves down his spine. He keeps an arrow nocked, as there was no doubt that whatever was in here was not going to be friendly to them.
As soon as you step in, pets and all, the doors slam shut behind you. Then you hear a croaking raspy voice, unlike anything you've ever heard, coming from what appears to be the other side of the chamber from the darkness, speak,
"Many years have I languished in this foul place, trapped here by the wards placed by your Pactmasters. Endless decades have I endured the whispering spirits of the wholesome dead, cursing my captors, hating the world I could no longer corrupt. When the Templar came 8 weeks past he walked through the walls. The red-men's seal remained intact. But you, you have broken the seal, and my long captivity is finally at an end! But before I go, I will kill you one by one until the last of you willingly allows himself to be my slave."
Suddenly, torches on the east and west pillars light up, then another 15' away, and then another, 15' away, filling the room with light. Now that you can see, 70' from your nearest party member, is a green marble 10' wide throne upon a dais, upon which sits...this fella! Mystery guest
He stands from his throne and says, "Which one of you, I wonder, shall that be?"
Ok, fellas, this is the BBEG fight to Book 1 so good luck! Now, due to the the creature's monologuing, you have a free standard action, if any, to perform back when the room was dark so no attack rolls, and then, it's go time! Declare free standard action and roll initiative. Map will be forthcoming! By the way, don't forget Quzman has the enchanted ruby as well to put on his sheet!
Dumah (and I) are a bit puzzled by seeing the same guy we thought we already took down. He's going to see if he can tell anything "wrong" about him, like perhaps the use of a Disguise Self spell or item. Perception 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
Thanks for the reminder. I knew he had it, but didn't think to add it on. As it is, it's as good a time as any to try it I think.
Quzman ponders the things' diatribe as he grimly moves out in front of the group to place himself in between them and the threat while pulling out the magical ruby in his off hand.
Spoiler:
Quzman is confused by the inconsistency in what is shown and what is said by the thing. It appears as the Templar we faced in the battle market, but calls the Templar as a vastly different creature in terms of age in the area. Who/what is the truly is the creature we face?
Perception:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15
Bahiiy is surprised to see Kardswann again, so, what is up with him he wonders. Maybe a potion would be the right thing, I can support the others only being conscious.
Bahiyy's initiative: 1d20 ⇒ 12
Did I see it right, Bahiyy is out of buffs?
First action, drink a potion of invisibility
Quzman ponders the things' diatribe as he grimly moves out in front of the group to place himself in between them and the threat while pulling out the magical ruby in his off hand.
For Dumah and Quzman:
Having fought Kardswann in person and seen his passion and emotion in person, you doubt the authenticity of the figure before you. Not only is his voice different but so are the mannerisms. You focus and concentrate and realize the image you are seeing is an illusion, as you catch the image of "Kardswann" flickering.
Quzman Will Save: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
Dumah Will Save: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16
Dumah will call out Is that the best you can offer us? An illusion of a foe that we have already defeated, whose corpse is already rotting in the sun? Bah! You are just wasting our time!
Can we see how big the room is now? Dumah is considering a Glitterdust or two if the illusionist doesn't show, but I'm not sure how I would target them.
Once Eli posts his initiative and free standard action before the lights went on, I will post the map and we will jump into Round 1 combat! Will give him a little more time!
During his round, Eli speaks to the party, as he hears the monologue: "No matter what we may face in the upcoming minutes, we are strong and we will overcome, not only for us, or for the people of Kelmarane, but for Brebork's soul as well! This fiend, corruptor of souls, will not leave this room; we will serve as the bastion of righteousness and send it back to the pits of the Abyss! Are you with me?"My dramatic way of saying Eli inspires courage as his free standard action!
Round 1 Initiative:
Xulthos
Eli
Tyronel
Quzman
Dumah
Bahiyy (invisible)
"Kardswann" speaks, "Perceptive little scum, aren't you? Well, it's true, I am not the Templar, the weakling who succumbed to your blades. I am Xulthos, the Angel of Desolation and Horseman of War and I will show you my power!"
The image of Kardswann fades away and in its place is an immense insect-like fiend with huge claws, a multi-eyed face with slavering mandibles, and a long serpentine tail tipped with chitinous blades. The creature flies 40' toward you in a blur (he is 20' off the floor), propelled by its nearly transparent mosquito-like wings. Image of Xulthos!
He moves with an almost hypnotic grace, his wings droning and light reflecting off his carapace in a dazzling display that makes it a little difficult to see exactly where he is.
The constant droning you hear from its wings is irritating and distracting. Will Saves for all please, including Ky and wolverine! Eli, you receive a +4 bonus for it being a sonic effect.
The Protection from Evil was on Quzman, I believe. The reasoning was we didn't want our strongest warrior turned against us if it could be prevented. Whereas if Dumah is turned, a stout sneeze should suffice to in neutralizing him.
Hmmm. The first round could not have gone worse for the good guys!
Eli Wynnstock(hp 55/55 AC: 26/17/21 F +5 R +11 W +6 {+4 vs bards/sonic/lang; +1 vs traps} Initiative + 4; Perception +9)
The_Gnoll_DM wrote:
Ok, I guess to move things along..
During his round, Eli speaks to the party, as he hears the monologue: "No matter what we may face in the upcoming minutes, we are strong and we will overcome, not only for us, or for the people of Kelmarane, but for Brebork's soul as well! This fiend, corruptor of souls, will not leave this room; we will serve as the bastion of righteousness and send it back to the pits of the Abyss! Are you with me?"My dramatic way of saying Eli inspires courage as his free standard action!
Initiative: 1d20+4
Exatcly what I would have done!!
Current Buffs: bulls strength; shield of Faith; mage armor (I only get a +2 armor and +1 deflection bonus due to stacking) AC: 20 w/ Combat Expertise Temporay Str: 12 +1 Rnd 1 of Inpsire Courage +1 attack & damage also +1 save vs charms and fear
Strenthened by the magic, and empowored by his resolve Eli charges at the creature swinging Tempest with a fierce determination. "Your regin of terror ends this day! Dumah, can you catch this bug like a spider?
The strange continous droning sound of the wings beating causes the following effects on the party.
As his action for the round, Tyronel hits himself in the head with his bow, doing 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7 damage to himself.
Quzman starts babbling incoherently, for the full round.
Ky stares motionless into space.
Eli, Dumah, the wolverine, and Bahiyy can act normally this Round.
DC 16 will save or be blind for four rounds. It is also outlined so it can't go invisible (Well, it could but we could still tell where it is). It would be your call if it would have any effect on the sparkly effect of this monster.
He will order the wolverine to guard.
How high is the ceiling in this room?
Now that the foe has revealed itself, can Dumah tell anything about it or identify it?
Xulthos' Will Save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18...success!"Petty magics, human!" The ceiling in this room is 60' high.
For Dumah:
Due to your vast knowledge of the planes, you recognize the creature as a daemon or yugoloth, neutral evil denizens of Gehenna, who act as greedy mercenaries for either side in the Blood War between demons and devils. You know they are immune to poison and acid and resistant to cold, electricity, and fire.
EDIT:To Eli, Dumah, and the wolverine, while you resisted the drone's effects, you still receive -1 penalty to attack rolls, skill checks, and saves due to the constant droning.
Bahiyy speaks and places and Inspiring Word on Quzman.
He receives +2 morale bonus on attack rolls, skill checks, ability checks, and saving throws for 2 rounds.
Realising that he has been noticed, a cold shudder runs down Bahiyy's spine.
Waiting for Bahiyy's next turn,and deermine then depending on the fate of the group his next action
Eli Wynnstock(hp 55/55 AC: 26/17/21 F +5 R +11 W +6 {+4 vs bards/sonic/lang; +1 vs traps} Initiative + 4; Perception +9)
The_Gnoll_DM wrote:
I believe you missed the part where Xulthos is 20' above the ground. You can change your action.
I read it but didn't think about not being able to reach it. Here is my corrected action
Current Buffs: bulls strength; shield of Faith; mage armor (I only get a +2 armor and +1 deflection bonus due to stacking)
AC: 19
Temporay Str: 12 +1
Strenthened by the magic, Eli dashes to his left to take cover from the flying creature behind a piller. "Your regin of terror ends this day! Dumah, can you catch this bug like a spider?
Seeing the others react to the droaning sound Eli shouts,
"Half a league, half a league,
Half a league onward,
All in the valley of Death
Rode the six hundred.
"Forward the Light Brigade!
Charge for the beast!" he said.
Into the valley of Death
Rode the six hundred.
Will Save 1d20 + 8 = 18 Stop using Bardic Performance to Inspire Courage and start a Countersong effect1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17 Move to C15
Summary of Round 1
Xulthos flew closer to get party in range of his wings' drone
Eli uses countersong but failed to counter the effect and moved to C15
Tyronel hit himself in the head with his bow
Quzman babbled
Ky stared into space
Dumah cast Glitterdust but Xulthos made save
Wolverine guarded
Bahiyy cast Inspiring Word on Quzman
Round 2
Xulthos flies, now 5' above the ground, to D16, past the babbling Quzman. "Stop your singing, human!" He casts impossibly fast and bright colors fly out of his appendages and strike Eli. Will Save please!
Then the creature lashes out with its bite, gashing a part of Eli's arm!
Eli, Dumah, and wolverine can act normally. Tyronel, Quzman, Ky, and Bahiyy need to wait for Eli's action first.
Eli Wynnstock(hp 55/55 AC: 26/17/21 F +5 R +11 W +6 {+4 vs bards/sonic/lang; +1 vs traps} Initiative + 4; Perception +9)
"You'll pay for that bug," Eli screams as blood soaks his shirt.
Eli tries to identify Xulthos's spell as he fights the arcane power with his mind. With a twist of the wrist he stabs at the creatures eyes. He continues his oartory counter to the constant droaning shouting,
"'Forward, the Light Brigade!'
Was there a man dismay'd?
Not tho' the soldier knew
Someone had blunder'd:
Theirs not to make reply,
Theirs not to reason why,
Theirs but to do and die:
Into the valley of Death
Rode the six hundred.
"You'll pay for that bug," Eli screams as blood soaks his shirt. Eli tries to identify Xulthos's spell as he fights the arcane power with his mind. With a twist of the wrist he stabs at the creatures eyes. He continues his oratory counter to the constant droaning shouting...
Eli does not recognize the spell and his attack bounces off the creature's thick carapace. However, his oratory inspires his comrades to ignore the distracting drone and focus on his words to combat the creature!
Great job, as long as Eli keeps doing the countersong, the drone has no effect and all party members may act normally, other than the -1 penalty to attack rolls, skill checks, and saves to all. No Perform checks necessary either! Nice having a bard for this fight!
Realizing that Eli will very llikely be the next target of Xultho's attacks, he moves quielty around into a postion, where he can reach him with his abilities. And then he channels positive energy, excluding Xulthos.
The fog in his mind lifted, thanks to Eli's inspiring song. All that remained of the monster taking control of his mind, was the bump on his head. "Chew on a couple arrows, you bastard."
Miss chance due to Dazzle: 1d100 ⇒ 88
Tyronel's first arrow bounces off the creature's shell, but his second arrow is a perfect shot, catching it in the neck, as it screams in pain as black blood spews out!
By the way, arrows do x3 damage on a confirmed crit, so we'll add: 1d8 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17 damage for a total of 44 damage! Nicely done!
Quzman comes out of his stupor and winces seeing the bloody Eli. With a roar he steps closer to the beast and tries to get his attention away from his friend.
Summary of Round 2
Xulthos cast a quickened spell, which Eli overcame, and bit Eli
Eli's countersong freed the party from the drone's Confusion effects
Dumah cast Web but Xulthos proved to be too quick
Tyronel's aim with his second arrow was true, devastating the creature
Bahiyy Channeled Energy, healing the party
Quzman engaged the creature in melee, cutting him once with the dagger
Round 3
Xulthos (-51 hps)
Eli (-6 hps)
Tyronel
Dumah + wolverine
Quzman + Ky
Bahiyy
Xulthos sneers in anger at Tyronel, as blood continues to seep out of his wound. "I will take away your inspiration and then I will kill you all!" He does a full-attack on Eli, amazingly attacking with such speed and accuracy, as the creature's mandibles and claws rip through Eli's flesh like butter, till he passes out from blood loss, dropping Tempest on the ground (-5 hps)! Xulthos then cuts Quzman with his razor-sharp tail, gashing him across the chest! "That's better, that bard's singing was annoying as hell! Now, you shall feel my wrath!"
Dumah orders the wolverine to attack!
Claw To Hit 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20 Damage 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Claw To Hit 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11 Damage 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Bite To Hit 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11 Damage 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Dumah will cast magic missile at the grotesque bug!
Damage First Missile 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Damage Second Missile1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Note: The damage for the missiles is different because the Evoker class bonus only applies to the first missile or ray in a group created from the same spell.
Dumah orders the wolverine to attack! Dumah will cast magic missile at the grotesque bug! Note: The damage for the missiles is different because the Evoker class bonus only applies to the first missile or ray in a group created from the same spell.
Miss chance due to Dazzle: 1d100 ⇒ 99
The wolverine only gets one attack as it has to move into melee with Xulthos, but its claw does strike and penetrate the fiend's exoskeleton. Dumah's energy missiles also strike, causing Xulthos to grimace! "Why do you struggle? The end is near for you!"
Bahiyy, seeing that Eli is down and Quzman injured channels again energy, knowing, that this will probably be his only purpose for the whole battle, praying to Abadar for his help.
Channel energy and excluding Xulthos2d6 ⇒ (1, 2) = 3
