GM Pedwiddle |
At the mention of the party's intent to free them, the slaves begin begging and pleading for liberation; it takes a few minutes to get them calmed down enough to answer any questions.
The two slaves with tattoos on their foreheads explain that they have been there for weeks...maybe months? The three without were brought to the bathrooms in the Blakros museum this very night by a courier, along with two finely dressed women they have not seen since entering the museum. At some point tonight, they experienced a strange "rippling" of the world around them, and everything got darker. It was at that point that the two other prisoners - the ones with tattoos on their forehead - appeared with them.
With that, the five prisoners renew their pleas for freedom.
Veviane |
"You're too kind, you know that Gert?" says Veviane with a grin. She reconsiders quickly, however. "Although this is a fate I wouldn't wish to anyone. You're right, we need to free them."
Listening to the pleas and the tales told, the Varisian woman frowns. "For weeks in here? This seems dubious at best. I rather think that two planes connected, probably the Shadow plane and the Material one -ours, to be more precise. We may very well be in between those planes. We'll have to find the key, unless it is one that we already recovered."
Veviane casts heightened awareness, lasts 10 minutes, gives +2 to Perception and Knowledges, can be dismissed when rolling an initiative to give +4 to the init roll, which Veviane will do. Thus her next initiative roll within the next 10 minutes will be +11.
Before opening the next door, she will also cast shield.
Liam Quinn Faolan |
Liam frowns. "They appeared?" he asks, indicating the two with tattoos on their foreheads. Not wishing to panic the, he speaks to his companions in hushed tones. "That ain't a good sign. Seems likely that they'd just disappear again when things snap back ta normal. Do you think messing with the weird tattoo might do anything to mess with their magics?"
Liam siddles up to Ic and pokes him. "Do ya think that key o' yours would undo their shackles in addition to the door?"
If not, he'll try to pick their locks. He has a +10 to do so.
Wulfren |
Wulfren simply looks on, face getting pale.
How could anyone do this to another creature? Best to keep a brave face though. As much as I can, anyway.
-Posted with Wayfinder
GM Pedwiddle |
@Liam - the locks do not open. Do you want to roll, take 20, or leave the slaves here for now? Keep in mind, Veviane has cast a spell that will only last 10 minutes, and if you take 20, each lock will take you 2 minutes.
Gert |
Gert looks at Veviane, "Next time I find you locked up in the Shadow Plane I'll be sure and leave you." She sticks her tongue out playfully. Turning to the frantic prisoners, "We haven't found a way to get back to Absalom yet so we cannot truly set you free until then. The two women you mentioned, the Blackros daughters, we need to find them as well. The guards outside have been dealt with, you can wait freely here in the east wing while we search for a way to escape. It's not safe for you to wander around the museum yet."
After Liam finishes unlocking everyone, "Let's check this other room before we leave this wing."
Ic |
Time and time again... Ic whispers. It runs out and never stops.
Ic suspects that 'time' may have had a whole different meaning for these captives. Do they look alike much, as they would if they shared the same lineage, Ic wonders.
Liam Quinn Faolan |
Well, at 2 minutes each and 5 people, that will take up the entire duration of Veviane's spell. So I guess I'll just make some rolls.
Disable 1: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15
Disable 2: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21
Disable 3: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12
Disable 4: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19
Disable 5: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25
Disable 6: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19
Disable 7: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26
Disable 8: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30
Disable 9: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12
Disable 10: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20
Disable 1: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15
Disable 2: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16
Disable 3: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15
Disable 4: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25
Disable 5: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30
Disable 6: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24
Disable 7: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26
Disable 8: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17
Disable 9: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14
Disable 10: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25
I have no idea what the DC is, but of the 20 rolls 7 were at least a 25 and there were 2 natural 20s. If more rolls are needed, I'm fine with the DM doing so.
Liam hums slightly to himself as he works on the locks, a slight smile on his lips as he listens to the banter between Gert and Veviane.
GM Pedwiddle |
Disable 1: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22
Disable 2: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30
Disable 3: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22
Disable 4: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21
Disable 5: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28
Disable 6: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30
It takes several minutes, but Liam is finally able to free the slaves. Of course, removing them from the museum is another story altogether.
Moving on...
At Gert's suggestion, the party checks out the room to the west, a simple room of unadorned stone. It is piled from floor to ceiling with boxes and crates, with barely enough room left to allow the staff to squeeze between the towers of dusty, mothballed exhibits.
Perception (Gert): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Perception (Old Lace): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7 (Low-Light Vision, Scent)
Perception (Ic): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (20) - 1 = 19
Perception (Liam): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13 (Darkvision 60')
Perception (Veviane, Heightened Awareness): 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 4 + 2 = 22 (Darkvision 60')
Perception (Wulfren): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
Stealth (Shadow Hound): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (10) + 13 = 23
Initiative (Gert): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Initiative (Old Lace): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
Initiative (Ic): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
Initiative (Liam): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Initiative (Veviane, Heightened Awareness): 1d20 + 7 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 7 + 4 = 14
Initiative (Wulfren): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Initiative (Shadow Hound): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (20) + 13 = 33
As soon as the orphans enter the room, however, a mournful baying sound resounds through the room and echoes through the entire museum. The freed slaves quite literally fall over each other to flee from the source of the sound.
Standard action: Bay (DC 13 Will save or become panicked for 1d4 rounds)
Then, from the shadows, comes an otherworldly hound, its massive teeth seeking to bring an end to the intruders.
Move action: Move, as indicated
Standard action: Attack Old Lace
Attack (Bite): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Damage (Bite): 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Surprise Round
Shadow Hound (DC 12 Knowledge (Planes) for more information)
---
Round 1
Shadow Hound
Gert
Ic
Wulfren
Liam
Veviane
Old Lace
Need Will saves from everyone. Bold is up!
Liam Quinn Faolan |
Planes: 1d20 + 8 + 1d6 ⇒ (8) + 8 + (5) = 21
Will: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Duration: 1d4 ⇒ 2
Liam shrieks. "The hounds! The hounds have come! Beware the hound of the Baskervilles!" He then drops his dagger and runs screaming away.
Random path
1 through door, 2 S: 1d2 ⇒ 1
1 W, 2 S: 1d2 ⇒ 2
1 W, 2 E: 1d2 ⇒ 1
He stops and cowers behind a little tiny block of wood, somehow under the impression that that will protect him from the creature.
In other news, I am amused that I wind up fighting the same monster in two different games on the same day.
Gert |
Gert Will: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Old Lace Will: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
Gert Rounds: 1d4 ⇒ 4
Old Lace Rounds: 1d4 ⇒ 1
Gert and Old Lace both flee at the sounds of the hound!
I think Old Lace probably provokes fleeing...
Veviane |
Will: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Posting my actions in a few, unable to see maps now. Although if everyone else flees, that can't be good for Veviane to stay her ground alone. What's your opinion?
-Posted with Wayfinder
Veviane |
Resisting the spine-chilling howl, Veviane gathers her wits to cast color spray, drowning the creature into a waves of colorful bubbles of light. Casting color spray, using a point of Arcane Reservoir to increase the DC. Will DC 17 negates.
My move action depends on the creature's save. If the creature fails, she'll remain in the room for now. If it saves, she will run as well, making a move into the previously-visited room.
GM Pedwiddle |
Assuming, for the moment, that panicked would prevent Old Lace from using the withdraw action...
AoO vs. Old Lace (Bite): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Damage (Bite): 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
The hound's teeth snap at Old Lace's heels, but meet only air.
Will Save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
As the lights are conjured forth from Veviane's fingers, the hound stops, transfixed, stunned.
1d4 ⇒ 4
Gert |
Yeah without Gert able to tell Old Lace to withdraw I don't really see that happening so I expect the AoO for running away. :D
Veviane |
"That dog has a leash, and I neutralized it - for a time. Come back to kill the beast!"
Veviane steps aside to let her companions come in again.
GM Pedwiddle |
Sorry, forgot this at the end of my post...
Round 2
Shadow Hound (Stunned)
Gert (Panicked, 3 rounds remaining)
Ic
Wulfren
Liam (Panicked, 1 round remaining)
Veviane
Old Lace
Bold is up!
GM Pedwiddle |
Sorry, Ic - we assumed that you were holding your rapier in the last room when it mattered for flanking bonuses, we're going to assume you were holding your rapier (and thus dropped it) when you were panicked. Thus, move action to move back to your prior location, and another move action to retrieve your weapon. This goes for everyone, unless you have a backup/secondary weapon that you want to use.
Wulfren |
Yes indeed.
Wulfren moves back to the room, drawing his sword. He slashes at the dog.
Not sure what to roll. Normal damage is 1d8+1, cold iron.
-Posted with Wayfinder
Veviane |
Veviane aims and shoots a ray of frost at the hound, but misses.
Range Touch Attack: 1d20 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (5) + 2 - 4 = 31d3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Gert |
Gert opens the door and then heads south! Old Lace looks back toward the door with the mastiff, then to Gert, then back to the door. Old Lace follows her mistress into the entryway.
GM Pedwiddle |
A stunned creature drops everything held, can't take actions, takes a –2 penalty to AC, and loses its Dexterity bonus to AC (if any).
So, a lesser condition than helpless, which is what would be needed for a coup de grace. You will need to roll to hit and damage, though it should be significantly easier than it was before.
Liam Quinn Faolan |
1 slaves, 2 entrance, 3 statues: 1d3 ⇒ 2
Suddenly realizing how silly his hiding spot is and that Gert undoubtedly had the better idea, Liam runs after her.
GM Pedwiddle |
...and yet again, I lose track of where we are. Here ya go...
Gert and Liam continue to flee from the fell hound, while Ic and Wulfren return and retrieve their weapons. Veviane attempts to freeze the beast with a freezing ray, but it flies wide. Old Lace, in the meantime, trots behind Gert, curious as to why they are fleeing...
Round 3
Shadow Hound (Stunned)
Gert (Panicked, 2 rounds remaining)
Ic
Wulfren
Liam
Veviane
Old Lace
Bold is up!
Liam Quinn Faolan |
With a gasp of horror, Liam realizes he's just abandoned his friends to a killer demon shadow dog. He hurriedly rushes back, desperately hoping that he isn't too late.
Double move action.
Gert |
Gert continues to flee, trying to open the massive double doors and escape! Old Lace follows behind her mistress.
GM Pedwiddle |
Gert continues running, throwing herself against the museum doors. Ic thrusts at the shadow hound with his rapier while Wulfren blasts the beast with a shot from his musket. Liam, realizing the error of his ways, rushes back to aid his friends. Meanwhile, Veviane steps around the creature, ready to assist someone in fighting it, and Old Lace continues trotting behind her master.
Round 4
Shadow Hound (Stunned, -10HP)
Gert (Panicked, 1 round remaining)
Ic
Wulfren
Liam
Veviane
Old Lace
Bold is up!
Veviane |
Veviane will provide whomever comes flanking with an additional aid, as she tries to impede the beast's defenses.
Aid Another: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (10) - 2 = 8
Wulfren |
Could someone pls move me to behind Ic?
Wulf takes his time and reloads, then steps back 5' and waits for a clear shot.
Maybe next time Ic can 5' step after his attack. Even against touch, -4 is a steep price to pay on accuracy.
-Posted with Wayfinder
Liam Quinn Faolan |
Hoping to redeem himself, Liam picks up his dagger and moves. "Time fer yer doom, ye wee beastie!"
Moved Wulf behind Ic. Wasn't sure if you wanted to be a bit further back or not though.
GM Pedwiddle |
Assuming, for the moment, that Gert continues to try to get through the front door...
Gert's assault on the front doors of the museum continues while Old Lace looks on, while Ic pokes the shadow hound again. Wulfren isn't able to get a clear shot, and waits for an opening. Meanwhile, Liam retrieves his dagger and moves into position. Veviane attempts to help someone - anyone - hit the beast, but her efforts prove fruitless.
The shadow hound, however, recovers from Veviane's spell, shakes its head, then bays again. Again, fear grips the hearts of those around it!
Round 5
Shadow Hound (-14 HP)
Gert
Ic
Wulfren
Liam
Veviane
Old Lace
Need a DC 13 Will save from everyone previously affected by the fear effect (i.e., everyone but Veviane), or you're panicked for another 1d4 rounds.
Bold is up!
Liam Quinn Faolan |
Will: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17 Haha!
Liam growls back at the dog. "Not this time, ye mangy cur!" And in an attempt to shut him up, Liam stabs him.
To Hit: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
But appears to be off balance and instead misses.
Gert |
Gert Will: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6 Pathetic and hilarious at the same time!
Old Lace Will: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
Old Lace continues to watch her mistress in confusion as Gert tries to bash her way out of the Shadow Plane!
GM Pedwiddle |
Gert panicked duration: 1d4 ⇒ 3
Ic panicked duration: 1d4 ⇒ 3
Gert renews her efforts to leave the museum, while Ic and Wulfren move to assist. Liam, unaffected by the howls of the shadow hound, swings at it, but misses. Veviane, meanwhile, moves away from the beast. Old Lace, ever the faithful companion, stands and watches Gert's futile efforts, bemused.
The shadow hound bares its fangs and attacks Liam.
Standard action: Attack Liam
Attack (Bite): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Damage (Bite): 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Round 5
Shadow Hound (-14 HP)
Gert (Panicked, 2 rounds remaining)
Ic (Panicked, 2 rounds remaining)
Wulfren (Panicked, 1 round remaining)
Liam
Veviane
Old Lace
Bold is up!