The Laughing Wolf Inn

Game Master Thomi Gallowshade

The temple entrance has a flight of steps leading to a portico, its roof supported by a colonnade of pillars. On the portico roof a large symbol of the Shining Path faces south towards the plaza.

The temple is made of white marble, and like the plaza shows evidence of the encroaching jungle. Vines creep down its sides, and the steps and portico are littered with damp dirt and vegetative debris. Two heavy oak doors standing 15 feet tall mark the temple entrance. The doors are carved with figures of trees, animals, fish, birds and mountains, a wooden landscape lush with life.

Perception and Survival skill checks please, plus any other skills or detection magic you desire to cast at this time.

"I'm fine," Flug says. "Rufina, what lies ahead?"

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Survival: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13

perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
survival: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21

Trap Finding on the doors: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (10) + 13 = 23

Survival: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Survival roll in addition to my previous perception rolls. Casting Guidance prior to checks.

Survival: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 1 = 8

pfft...glad I wasted that on a skill check.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29
Survival: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

"When we think we're getting close, I can try to sense thoughts ahead... beyond those doors, for instance. That might let us be more prepared and have the element of surprise. I can only do so for five minutes, though."

That's a good idea, Celif. But let me check to see what lies beyond the doors, we wouldn't want you to go mucking around the head of something too evil.

Gezzo walks up and raises his hand towards the door while concentrating.

Cast Detect Evil/Good/Lawful/Chaotic and Detect Magic towards the doors.

Survival skill checks reveal that the debris on the temple stairway and portico has been disturbed by foot traffic entering and leaving the temple.

Through the door frame shafts of colored light appear - red, blue, green, and white.

Even with the doors closed, your Perception skill checks allow everyone to hear the sound of a male speaking loudly in the Valiunt language within the temple:

Yes, brothers and sisters, the moment is nearly at hand! Rejoice! They are coming near, and have proven themselves most worthy to become our saviors! Soon we shall have the source of ultimate power present, and all shall join the immortal ranks of our God! We shall all soon serve IT forever!

"Well that doesn't sound good," opines Celif quietly.

"That is exactly what I was going to say, Celif! So now what do we do?" Do you want me to sneak in and check it out?

We can also just kick down the door and start stabbing cultists until their IT shows up..

Did we rest with Rufina after we came back up from the basement? If so then disregard this part. It's the first time I've run out of rage btw.

I won't be losing myself in battle rage though..

There are multiple evil entities beyond the door. By the magic I sense, I'm going to guess more undead walk with this necromancer.

Gezzo says to Celif in a hushed tone. He then looks around the building while speaking to Imowen.

Trying to sneak through the front door when they know we are here may not be effective. Maybe we can find a window to better assess the situation.

Looking for a reachable window on the structure to look in.

Looking for a reachable window on the structure to look in.

There are no visible windows on the building, and the main entrance is the only doorway you see.

There are no visible windows on the building, and the main entrance is the only doorway you see.

Well, shoots.

This appears to be the only entrance. When the doors open, don't just stand there...move into the room or out of the way. Lryhla needs space to run!

Gezzo says as he looks around at the group. He then begins to whisper a quiet prayer as the others prepare themselves.

Just prior to opening the doors, Gezzo will cast Guidance, Virtue, Resistance, True Strike and Protection from Evil on himself and Lryhla (Guidance, Virtue, Resistance).

Also casting Guidance, Virtue and Resistance on the party.That gives +1 competence bonus on a single attack roll, saving throw, or skill check, +1 to Saves and +1 temp hit point. Sorry if I step on your Mass Guidance, Celif. Just wasn't sure if you still have that prepared and figured I'd throw it out there.

No worries. She doesn't have "Mass Guidance" anyway. And she's already used her Communal Protection from Evil and Bless for today. Why do we always seem to go into the big battles when we're down or exhausted. Oh right, because: Talented GM. :op

Celif slips off her pack and sets it aside, then quickly scrounges three pebbles from the ground and quietly chants over them (Magic Stone) before pulling out her sling and loading one into it.

The cloak of darkness around Flug becomes briefly opaque as the wolf replaces his place again.

No worries. She doesn't have "Mass Guidance" anyway. And she's already used her Communal Protection from Evil and Bless for today. Why do we always seem to go into the big battles when we're down or exhausted. Oh right, because: Talented GM. :op

Ah, ok. Bless. That's what it was. Let's just hope we don't have another run of bad dice.

The doors to the temple are unlocked and open easily. As the doors swing open, a strange sight meets your eyes. In the center of the temple’s cavernous space is an exotic-looking circular sculpture with six stone columns, each topped with a large crystalline orb. Four columns set at quadrants of the circle cast light in different colors – green, red, blue, and one radiant with white and yellow sparkling motes. Two taller columns rise in the center, a black orb topping one and a white orb atop the other, swirls of cloud-like images roiling within them.

On either side of the sculpture, bamboo mats line the floor, upon which robed and hooded figures sit facing a stone platform on the north side of the sanctuary. Standing behind a lectern at the edge of the platform is a man dressed in a robe so dark it seems to soak up the light around him.

At last the saviors emerge, children of the path! Our God foretold this day, my day of redemption and reward for faithful devotion! My brothers and sisters already walk the path of immortal darkness by my hand, and we shall soon join them.

He spreads his arms wide, and greets you:

Will you walk the path with me to the grace of peace that is undeath? Lay down your arms and let us end our material existence so we may join in a glorious reunion as servants to our God!

The map is updated.

What are those orbs, Rufina? Gezzo asks in a whisper.

He spurs Lryhla into the room and stops in front of the orbs.

Necromancer! Your methods seem unnatural to my god. We must talk with you in private to better understand you. Approach the party outside to discuss this matter in detail!

Move to J13 to be in range to cast Command on the necromancer. If this works, Gezzo will follow him outside and shut the doors.

Celif looks worried upon seeing the strange orbs... and all the people inside. She quickly invokes protection for herself. (Shield of Faith, +2 Deflection Bonus, 5 minutes.) She then grasps the pearl earring in her left lobe between thumb and index finger (Peral of Power 1, recalling Bless) before asking Septimus for a boon on behalf of her party. (Casting Bless on all allies; +1 to attacks and fear saves for five minutes. That's a Morale Bonus so it should stack with yours, Gezzo. Somehow, I think we're gonna need it...)

Move to J13 to be in range to cast Command on the necromancer. If this works, Gezzo will follow him outside and shut the doors.

Spell DC?

Rufina: The orbs represent the six elements of the Shining Path - earth, air, wind, fire, illumination and darkness. The last I saw them, they all glowed equally, but now they are out of balance...the illumination orb is barely there, while the darkness orb seems to be about to...burst!

Will DC 15

1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11
1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

The man steps forward and leans over the edge of the platform. My methods seem unnatural because you worship the wrong God! Let's be reasonable...you have already witnessed the strength in embracing the immortality of undeath. I am inviting you to join us in such everlasting glory! Allow me to demonstrate.... Oh, IT, aid me in showing them part of your strength!

He raises an amulet toward the sculpture, and a wave bursts out enveloping everyone south of the sculpture.

Each affected person takes a -1 penalty on attack rolls and a -1 penalty on saving throws against fear effects. Will save negates (DC 14).

Celif feels... almost sees... the wave of foul energy hurtling in her direction. She closes her eyes and calls on her faith in Septumus.

Will Save: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

The wave washes by her, leaving her unaffected... except for a better understanding of how dangerous this confrontation will be. She pulls the wand from her sash and does what she'd been reluctant to do previously.

CLW=>Self: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
CLW=>Self: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

will: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Bah! So close...

Just an FYI, Gezzo is not good aligned. He's Lawful Neutral. Not sure if that matters now, but maybe in the future.

Will: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 8 + 1 = 15

Celif and Gezzo still have Bless in effect. Thorgrim loses the effect.

Will (vs. ench): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

The wolf is unaffected. It continues to stay motionless, waiting for the time to move.

Shoulda snuck in first by my self . . .

Will save: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

Your god's power is weak and ineffective! Gather with my party and discuss in terms that doesn't embarrass your faith.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 6 + 1 = 19

While trying to intimidate, Gezzo grabs a potion (bull strength) and drinks it quickly.

Will Save: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Lead Blades has a 5 minute duration. Has that exceeded yet?

Lead Blades has a 5 minute duration. Has that exceeded yet?

Probably have 2 minutes left.

Imowen loses the effect of the Bless spell.

Rufina enters the Temple and stands beside Gezzo. Enough of this banter, Jost! You have murdered those who lived here, and raised them from death by some foul method! You must pay for these crimes!

The man: Ah...Rufina! At least we meet. You have been evading my attempts to see you for a long time. It is good you come forward, as we shall deal with you first!

He points at Rufina, and suddenly a humanoid head floats silently and ominously next to her, bits of flesh still hanging from its face and graying teeth clattering slightly as it bobs in the air, flames licking along its perimeter. 1d20 ⇒ 7 It lunges at her in an attempt to bite her, but she dodges out of the way!

The man: Arise, my children, our supreme moment is at hand! Help guide them to the eternal path of immortality!

You all see the monks seated within the temple start to stand...

The map is updated.

ROLL FOR INITIATIVE!

Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Initiative: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24

Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

Gezzo, let's get that Wizard!

What does the terrain look like? Can we pass through the area with the orbs? Is the lectern on steps that we can run up or do we have to jump over something? Also, did the intimidation attempt have any effect?

Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Something goofy is happening. I post but my post disappears when I come back to the page.

What does the terrain look like? Can we pass through the area with the orbs? Is the lectern on steps that we can run up or do we have to jump over something? Also, did the intimidation attempt have any effect?

The temple is made of smooth white marble. The orbs and the columns upon which they stand are not passable, and must be gone around. The lectern is raised 5 feet above the floor, and is accessed by a flight of stone steps on its eastern and western sides. The intimidation attempt was not successful.

Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

Initiative Order:

Group 1: Gezzo and Thorgrim
Group 2: Monks
Group 3: Imowen
Group 4: Jost
Group 5: Celif, Flug, Nastrod

Round 1:

Group 1: Gezzo and Thorgrim...

The map has been updated (labeling).

I charge up to the flaming skull(K-14), and power attack it.

attack: 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 11 + 2 + 2 = 16 Base, charge and bull's strength, no penalty for power attack because of feat
damage: 2d6 + 7 + 6 ⇒ (4, 1) + 7 + 6 = 18

Necromancer! You shall be punished for your unnatural acts! I swear will cleanse this monastery of your filth!

Gezzo spurs his mount to move to the battle.

Move to K12.

Thorgrim! Try to find positions to flank, we can work together to cut through these foes!

Gezzo swings his greatsword viciously at the skull.

Using Judgement: Protection (+1 AC) and Keeper (+2 Attack) to protect the monastery.

attack: 1d20 + 20 + 7 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 20 + 7 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 37
Damage: 1d10 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 4 + 2 = 15

Lryhla's Attack: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 1 = 5
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Thorgrim charges forward and swings his weapon at the flaming skull, but the nemesis dodges the attack! Because you rolled a 1.

Gezzo moves forward and attacks the flaming skull, and strikes it solidly! The creature shatters into hundreds of tiny bone fragments, and its fire goes out!

Group 2: The Monks

All of the monks stand and turn to face the members of the adventuring party...

Group 3: Imowen

I quickly move to H-15, raise my MW Light Crossbow, and fire a bolt at the monk in G-12.

Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 3

Imowen fires a bolt at monk F. The bolt flies true, striking the monk in the chest! It looks down at the protruding shaft, and then looks at Imowen, its flesh rotting off its bones as it stumbles forward, arms outstretched...

Group 4: Jost
Come to me, join us in the immortality of our God! He makes a strange motion with his hands, and an emanation settles about the temple area in a burst of energy. Witness the power of Darkness...a power you will soon join! 2d6 ⇒ (6, 4) = 10 A burst of energy emanates from him, striking Rufina, Gezzo, Lryhla and Thorgrim! Each of you make a Fortitude check please.

Rufina: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10 Rufina shrieks in agony, as the burst strikes her for 10 points of damage!

The map is updated.

Group 5: Celif, Flug, Nastrod