Rigor Rictus' Carrion Crown - Game Thread

Game Master LastNameOnEarth

Since it was up on the stairway that Valachi saw it, I'm going to guess the rest of us on the ground don't see it.

"Could it have been a gust of wind, or a rat disturbing something?" Ember asks, feeling a touch of nervousness.
'Or did Valachi disturb some evil best left alone...' her thoughts continue.

Valachi only shrugs, obviously uncomfortable with the whole situation. "Continue searching the outside, or did you find another way in through the window?" he asks Kirill.

The balcony is some 15 ft above the ground, so no one is able to see the stick or block Valachi has mentioned.

Zhan says, "There is always the front door if we are just seeking a way in. As well, I would imagine there would be a door to access the balcony..."

Perception:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
Couldn't of given me a 5?

Preception Roll: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
Nope, nothing here.

Trap spotter +7
Windows were barred, Rigor Rictus?
Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
It seems Kirill is going to go with the "stare at your boots" approach to adventuring.

@Kirill: Yes, every window you have seen so far has been barred in the same manner.

Trap spotter +7

Kirill shakes his head with a sigh and a grimace; slightly frustrated that party will likely be taking the most direct approach- which often proves to be the most dangerous method as it is the most expected method in the Varisian's experience.

"I'm 'fraid not, friend. There's no way that we're all squeezin' in that way," he responds to Valachi's inquiry.

Kendra's Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11
Riff's Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Zhan's Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

Procession of the deaf and blind here...

*Nods.*
Boots.

Delia's Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19
Father's Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

Father taps on Delia's shoulder and points, but she just nods and tells him "Yeah, I heard it too." Louder to the group she mentions, "It sounds as if there is the rattle of wood on stone above, maybe a door on the balcony like Zhan suggested isn't out of the question."

I am lurking around today, so let me know when the group would like to take an action. I believe the obvious options are to explore the balcony and the door and windows up there, to continue going around the building (you've explored only about 1/4 of the way around so far), or go back to the front door.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

His face hardening, Valachi nods to verify Delia's description. "Follow me, and stay together," he says, leading the way back up the stairs, spear ready.

The group regathers together and begins to move cautiously towards the balcony. The steps are slick with moss and rain, and Valachi plants each foot firmly before rising to the next step, his comrades close behind him. When he reaches the top of the steps, all seems as it was before. Cautiously, he takes a step forward...

With blinding speed, the staff that lay against the headsman's block whips up, holding itself aloft in the air, though no visible hand touches it. Upon what was the lowered end, te wickedly curved and deadly sharp blade of a scythe can now be seen, brown flecks of ancient blood still caked to its vicious edge.

Initiative:
The scythe: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
Valachi: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Agnar: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
Kirill: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
Ember: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Zhan: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28
Kendra: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Delia: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Father: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Riff: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

That's a sorry crop of rolls; sorry about that. The first round will be a surprise round, though everyone was on alert, so you may use one standard action. The initiative order will be:

Zhan
The scythe
Agnar
Delia
Kirill
Kendra
Riff
Valachi
Father

The Visuals:
Overall balcony

Map
Moving up the stairs will cost 10 ft for every 5 ft moved, while moving down may be done as normal. As the moss is so slippery a DC 10 Acrobatics check for balance will be required for moving at half speed, and a DC 15 check for a normal move. The stairs are difficult terrain, due to the moss, so you may not 5 ft step.

In the initial round, Zhan sees nothing, so his action passes by without use, though his initiative score will count for successive rounds.

The scythe rushes at Valachi, charging up to him and coming down in a deadly arc. 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 5 + 2 = 21 | 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (3, 3) + 2 = 8 Moving so quickly, Valachi fails to bring his spear into position in time, and the ghostly blade cuts a bloody swath through the ranger's chest and sprays blood onto the stones beneath him.

Surprise Round: Please post your intended action.

Surprise Round

Move to H-4

Agnar moves forward to try to get close to the attacking scythe.

Surprise Round
Status: 18/26 hp | Initiative: 4

Is the rooftop difficult terrain also? Basically, can Val 5-foot step off of the stairs? If so, he will move to I-2 and attack; if not, he will just attack from where he is.

Valachi vs Scythe: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21; Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Trap spotter +7
Kirill flips backward off the stairs, pulling his bow as he spins in the air, and attempts to roll safely to his feet as he reaches the wet grass.
Kirill moves to E-4, drawing his bow as he moves.
Acrobatics check to avoid falling damage (DC 15): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16
This post is made with the assumption that Kirill is less than 20 ft. high; higher than that and he cannot avoid all of falling damage and would therefore not attempt the leap of faith. He would pull his bow instead not wanting to risk a broken ankle, arm, neck...face...

Agnar, swinging a weapon on the stairs will require a balance check DC 15 to avoid losing your footing.

Valachi, no, the balcony itself is not considered difficult terrain, just the stairs.

Kirill, you appear to be about half way up the stairs which are 15 ft at the top, so your jump is only about 8 ft down.

Surprise Round
Status: 14/14 hp | Initiative: 8

Delia, eager to see what's going on through the press of people on the stairs, moves to a spot where she can get a better angle from the ground instead. As she moves she tells Father not to follow, "I'm just getting a look, you stay with Kendra."

Move to B3
Father moves to the space she left

Surprise Round Summery:

Ember, please post your surprise round action in addition to your round 2 action when you see this. Thanks.

Hearing Valachi's grunt in reaction to being attacked, Agnar steps forward in order to get close enough to attack the animated scythe. Delia steps back on to the green in order to get a view of the creature from the ground. Kirill rolls off the steps, over the ledge, and lands in a neat crouch before backing up and drawing his bow. Kendra says, "I'm coming too," and moves lockstep with Delia in order to gain a view of their adversary. As commanded, Father follows with her. Let me know if you prefer him to stay by the stairs. Riff draws his sword and moves up onto the base of the steps. Valachi smoothly sidesteps and strikes at the flying polearm with his own spear. The blow hits solidly, and a loud 'thwak' is heard as the weapons collide. Valachi feels a heavy shock reverberate through his weapon. Despite the solid hit, no mark is visible on the enemy weapon.

Map

Round 2
Zhan moves carefully up the stairs to take a position behind Agnar, drawing his revolver into his hand. Acrobatics: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19

The animated blade rises and falls again, chopping at Valachi.1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10 Though swift, the blade was disrupted by Valachi's attack and the blow whistles over his head.

Please post your Round Two actions.

Round 2

Move to H-2 if Agnar can, yes will eat the AoO.

Agnar moves to get off of the stairs so he can be able to have sure footing under himself. Once away from the stairs he readies his blade and takes a swing at the scythe.

Power Attack and Damage Roll:
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 232d6 + 9 ⇒ (3, 5) + 9 = 17

So close.

Attack of Opportunity: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Whiff!

Don't forget you now have a masterwork greatsword, so your bonus should be +7 vs. +6 (+4 Str, +2 BAB, +1 MWQ). I also prefer if you list modifiers from elective abilities or circumstances separately, as in 1d20+7-1. This allows me to see what you are doing, and see at a glance that the math is right. Thanks!

Ember is slightly startled by the attack of the scythe.
Her mind runs over the ways of dealing with supernatural foes.
"Assuming this is a haunt..." she mutters to herself, and then channels Pharasma's power to strike at the supernatural...

Surprise Round
Channel (6/7) to hurt undead: 1d6 ⇒ 1, DC 13 save to half
2nd Round action
Channel (5/7) to hurt undead: 1d6 ⇒ 4, DC 13 save to half

Valachi grimaces, throwing down his spear and leaping bodily at the scythe, trying to grapple the animated weapon and hold it down.

Grapple: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15... eh, could happen.

Just waiting for Delia + Father, and Kirill; then I'll summarize the round and request round 3 actions. During the week, I'd like to keep things moving at at least a round a day, so if anyone has failed to post for a full 24 hours, we'll either gloss over them, or autopilot them for the round.

Sorry, keep forgetting it's an everyone post then resolve, I keep waiting to see what happens. I will have time to post later tonight.

Sorry, keep forgetting it's an everyone post then resolve, I keep waiting to see what happens. I will have time to post later tonight.

That's been the established custom, but I'm always willing to revisit things if there is a concensus towards another method. I find post all then resolve favorable as I don't then have to delay due to people responding out of initiative order.

Round 2
Status: 14/14 hp | Initiative: 8
Bird - AC 14 HP 7/7

Delia, just barely able to see past the edge of the balcony, decides she needs an eagle eye view of the fight below. To reflect as much she casts a summon into the air above, "Priho Ditieh Minyeh Pohmoach", as the golden-hued bird from the fight with the centipedes appears in the air between herself and the top of the balcony. The bird dives in to smite the foul implement attacking her new friends. Father stands by defensively, ensuring that nothing threatens the two girls.

Standard, Summon monster I
Celestial Eagle's actions:
Swift, activate smite
Move, to 5' above H3
Attack, Talon 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9, damage 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5 an additional +1 for smite if it's evil.
Father will mainly stand as a bodyguard, only stepping in to prevent her or Kendra from being attacked.

Round 1 Supplemental:

Ember presents her holy symbol and chants a prayer to the lady of graves. A white light briefly emanates out of her in a pulse.
Channel Resistance: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (18) - 3 = 15
The scythe shudders for a second, and for a brief moment, spectral arms, like those of skeletal bones, are visible, before fading again out of sight.

Round 2 Resolution:

Zhan moves carefully up the stairs to take a position behind Agnar, drawing his revolver into his hand. Acrobatics: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19

The animated Scythe rises and falls again, chopping at Valachi.1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10 Though swift, the blade was disrupted by Valachi's attack and the blow whistles over his head.

Agnar Sidesteps a ways to get himself off of the slick moss, and on to solid stone before swinging his mighty great sword. The fearsome blow connects, and inflicts a deep gouge into the dancing weapon.

Delia begins the concentration necessary to bring an extra-planer ally into the battle.
Delia, reading the entries for the Summon Monster spells, it appears they have a one round casting time. That would mean your eagle would not actually appear until your turn next round. I checked the summoner abilities and the write up on spell like abilities as well, and that one says a spell like ability takes a standard action to cast, unless stated differently in the spell description, which in this case it does. I am missing an ability from anywhere that would allow Delia to cast a summons within a single turn? I know Druid Shamans can do it, but as far as I know, they are the only ones. If I am mistaken, can someone please point me to the correct place?
Edit: Oops, the ability description in the Summoner write up does say, "as a stardard action," and I missed it. I thought I read through it thoroughly, but I guess not.
The Eagle bursts into existence in our realm and dives upon the scythe. It reaches for the polearm with its talons, but fails to connect.

Kirill realizes that he still cannot see the enemy from as close as he is to the stairs. He backs up a few paces, sidestepping so as not to obscure the casters' views. Drawing fletching back to his ear, he looses an arrow at the scythe. 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 1 = 15 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 + 1 = 5. The arrow hits dead center in the flat of the scythe blade, but shatters, sending splinters of wood flying, but leaving no mark of the enchanted blade. As Ringtail is in a bad place right now, I think we should autopilot him. If you are around Ringtail and with to act differently than I have stated here, just let me know.
Edit:Something changed between preview and submission on this entry; Kirill originally rolled a 21 or so. An 15 would normally miss, but I'm going to rule he hit, since that what I wrote up in the first place.

Kendra Seeing that Ember's channeling of energy had some visible affect of the blade, she raises her hand and sends forth her own bolt of positive energy. Disrupt Undead Touch Attack: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17 1d6 ⇒ 5. The bolt connects with the weapon, and the healing light washes over it, again making skeletal arms briefly visible.

Ember, still praying aloud sends forth another wave of positive light. Channel Resistance: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (19) - 3 = 16. The weapon shudders again, but shakes off some the affect and moves menacingly.

Riff moves forward, his sword drawn and takes a swing at the scythe. Acrobatics: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21 Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9. The shock that reverberates down the sword is evident, and no mark appears to have been laid on the scythe.

Valachi Tosses down his spear and leaps forward, trying to wrestle the polearm into submission. His hands close about it briefly, but are then torn free as the staff twists in his hands. As it escapes, Valachi gets the strong impression that he almost had it; just a touch more and he'd have had his hands gripped firmly.

Round 3: DING!

Zhan Seeing most of the weapons being ineffective, steps forward into range with the blade, a hand raised. He chants an incantation and attempts to touch the dancing polearm. Acrobatics for move: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10| Concentration Check: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22| Touch attack w/CLW:1d20 ⇒ 11. The attack fails to connect with the weapon, but the spell is held, glowing softly in Zhan's hand.

The Scythe, sensing a dangerous foe, turns its attention to Agnar. It pulls back and strikes. 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25 Roll to confirm: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21 Damage: 8d4 + 8 ⇒ (4, 3, 2, 3, 4, 1, 4, 3) + 8 = 32. Agnar, the mighty half-elf, is transfixed for a moment on the blade. The triangular tip bursts from his back and blood sprays upon the wall. The scythe pulls back, and Agnar slumps to the ground like a puppet with clipped strings. Ouch.

Actions from all players please, and a stabilize roll for Agnar.

MAP

Round 3
Thanks for making me a dead body on the floor. Talking about the map.

Stabilize Roll:1d20 - 1 ⇒ (6) - 1 = 5

Spell-Like Ability says they are normally standard actions unless it says otherwise in the ability or the spell. Since the ability says standard action, I believe it goes over what the spell says.

Round 3

Thanks for making me a dead body on the floor. Talking about the map.

Hey, it's the little touches, right?

Spell-Like Ability says they are normally standard actions unless it says otherwise in the ability or the spell. Since the ability says standard action, I believe it goes over what the spell says.

The ability does say it, and I missed it. One of those things where you read it three times and still miss the detail you are scanning for. My mistake. It's edited in the post above.

Round 3 || Initiative 4 || 18/26 hp

Valachi's eyes widen as he sees the animated weapon exposed as an undead spirit. With a growl, his features grow feral and claws lengthen, and he slashes at the weapon twice.

Claw/Claw: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 2 = 8 / 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 4 + 2 = 22; Damage: 1d6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 + 2 = 10

Not sure if favored enemy bonus would have made the difference in the grapple attempt, but since he didn't know it was undead... :o)

Ember takes a step higher up the stairs. She can see that Agnar is down, and that changes her mind on her actions.
Still praying to Pharasma, she shifts her channeled energies from harming the scythe to healing.

3rd Round action
5' step to G5.
Channel (4/7) to heal living: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Not sure if favored enemy bonus would have made the difference in the grapple attempt, but since he didn't know it was undead... :o)

Technically it's a haunted object, and not undead. The creature type is Construct. It is haunted though, so I suppose it's a grey area.

Round 3
Status: 14/14 hp | Initiative: 8
Bird - AC 14 HP 7/7

Delia, uncertain at what she can do at this vantage, draws her sling and loads a stone in case she sees an opening. As Agnar takes a vicious cut, she sends Father to assist if possible. "Oh, heavens! Go and remove him from danger so Ember can help in case she is unable to get to him."

Meanwhile, the eagle lashes and pecks at the animated weapon with its fierce talons and sharp beak.

Move, draw sling
Move, load sling
Celestial Eagle's actions:
Standard Claw/Claw/Bite
Talon1 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21, damage 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 +1 for smite if it's evil.
Talon2 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20, damage 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 +1 for smite if it's evil.
Bite 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4, damage 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5 +1 for smite if it's evil.

Round 3
Status: 12/12 hp | Initiative: 4

Father stands impassively watching the fight, ensuring it doesn't move towards his two charges, until Delia speaks. "Yes, my flower." he responds, making his way to and up the stairs.

Double move, Acrobatics on the stairs 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15, to get as far up and as close to Agnar as possible to pull him out of harm's way if necessary. If possible, he will put himself bodily between Agnar and the threat.

Round 3 Summary:

Zhan casts cure light wounds, and attempts to strike the scythe, but fails.

The Scythe attacks Agnar, inflicting a grievous wound, and causing him to slump to the ground.

Delia pulls a sling from her pouch while speaking her commands to her companion. Her summoned eagle strikes furiously with talons and beak, raking the weapon with the sharp edges of both feet. Alas, once again it appears that the weapon is unmarred by the attack.

Kirill, short on options against this creature, takes careful aim and looses another arrow. Attack: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 6 + 1 = 27 Roll to confirm critical: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 6 + 1 = 25. Damage for critical hit: 3d6 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (5, 6, 2) + 3 + 3 = 19. Once again, the arrow strikes dead center of the blade. This time however it is the blade that breaks, snapping clean off a few inches from the handle. The broken edge bounces along the ground and lands with a clatter, and the pole falls lifeless between the combatants on the balcony.

This marks the end of combat.

Ember, you hear the blade break and a sigh of relief from Zhan and Riff, so you may choose whether to continue with your Channeling.

Close at hand, and with a spell of healing held in his palm, Zhan leans down close to Agnar and discharges his magic into the fallen barbarian's body. Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7. Agnar's eye's slowly open, and he blinks, disoriented. Father continues up the steps to help him rise, and Kendra moves to join the party on the balcony as I imagine so would Kirill and Delia.

MAP

The group is able to take a moment to collect themselves. The balcony, as Valachi previously saw, is relatively unadorned but for the headsman's block. A stout wooden door stands at the northern end of the balcony (N3 on the map). The door is locked, and appears strong and unbent from weather or age. Windows line the west wall of Harrowstone prison's second story about 8ft above the ground, each only perhaps 2ft by 2ft, and all firmly bound with iron bars.

Ember will move to Agnar's side, and also cast a Cure Light Wounds upon him.

Then she will take time to study the scythe blade (using detect magic also), to see if she can determin what was haunting it.

I'll save the channel, and use a CLW instead.
CLW: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
Also, I recall that haunts, unless they are laid to rest, will respawn in time (days I think), so Ember wants to try to discover how to lay this haunt to rest.

A magical aura is visible around the broken scythe.

Riff steps up and says, "I never believed it... they used to say that Harrowstone's executioner still guarded this balcony; the spot where the condemned came to die. Folk around town always said that some of them had seen his scythe patrolling the balcony at night. But it was always a friend of a friend type of thing. I thought it was nonsense. Blighmey!"

Spellcraft Check:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Religion Check: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

"My training as a priestess tells me that the manevolent spirits that haunted this location were fixed to the scythe, but now that it is broken, they have departed."

"No doubt, other haunts and spirits are attached to various places here, waiting to vent their anger on any who pass. Be careful where you go in this place, you may disturb them to action."

Ember says a short prayer for the departed, in hopes that they have found their way to the Boneyard of Pharasma.

Picking up the blade of the scythe, she turns it over in her hands and says, "This has an aura of magic upon it, and not from haunting I believe."

Agnar shakes his head before saying "This is why I said it was dangerous here."

Riff responds to Agnar's statement, "I never doubted it, and now I'll bloody well make sure nobody ever does. Well, is that it? We've seen that the haunting is real; are we going back now? He sounds hopeful.

"No, for we have not finished what we have set out to do here, Riff," Ember answers.
"We have determined that this place is haunted, at least here, but have not yet uncovered a link to the mysterious activities in town. Your own words indicate that this haunt has been here for a while, yet it has not moved to the town. Something else is active here, I feel."

"Aye, we aren't done here." Valachi walks over to the door. "Kirill, you have a way to unlock this?"

There has been no activity by Ringtail or any of his aliases since Monday; still, I would like to give him a chance to check in before I autopilot him. We'll assume he goes over and starts looking at the door and lock. Is there anything anyone would like to do while he investigates?

Agnar looks at the new scar on his chest and hearing Ember speak he says "So there are more things like that in there?"

13 HP

"Not exactly like that, but other beings of similar power and even less innocent origin. It is not a thing to be taken lightly, for certain."

Since we never decided who would be carrying the Wand of Cure Light Wounds Father Grimburrow gave you, I will assume Zhan is carrying it at the moment, since Ember has her own.

Zhan draws the slim wand given to the party by Father Grimburrow, and touches it to Agnar with a softly spoken prayer. CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2, 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2, 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5, 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9. 2+2+5+9 = 18 HP restored, bringing Agnar to full.
When Zhan lowers the wand, the massive weal on Agnar's chest has disappeared, replaced only by the distinct look of pink, untanned new skin.

"Valachi? Are you in need of healing as well?" CLW via wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

"If Kirill fails to find a way to make ingress here, do we wish to try and force the door, or should we keep looking for an entrance along the back of the building?"

Kirill comes back from the door after around 10 minutes of tinkering, "I don't think I'm going to be able to open this lock; its pretty sophisticated. If I had better tools, then maybe... but not right now"

An examination of the door shows that it is in good shape, and has not been as exposed to rain and weather as other parts of the building due to the overhanging edge of the roof above. A group might be able to force it (Strength DC=25), or you could always try to hack it down. Otherwise, it is not likely to move.

"I would say to continue our walk around the building, and if any other easy entry fails to materialize, we should then try the front door."

"Thanks," Val says to Zhan for the healing, and nods in concurrance with Ember's suggestion.