wicked_raygun |
The Band of the Black Fire grab their gear, and step out once more into Wati. A city that has known war and peace, poverty and prosperity, and even survived decimation at the hands of the mad. Its people are stoic and resourceful. And if not full of hope, then at least a steadfast determination to survive against all odds. Death is no stranger to these people.
But tonight the city is not plagued by death--but by the undead.
The Band move through streets filled with panic and horror, making their way to the Grand Mausoleum. But before they arrive something curious happens. They are intercepted by a strange bird-like creature, roughly the size and shape of an owl.
The creature suddenly bursted in front of them, flapping its wings in a frenzy, and hooting loudly.
She begs for help in a confused jumble of languages interspersed with babbling that makes no real sense.
"Danger! -- Help!"
You can tell that the creature means no harm and wants their help, but is unable to express herself clearly.
This is a type of Psychopomp know as a Nosoi. They eagerly fill the roles of clerks, scribes, and messengers in the bureaucracy of the hereafter. They record the circumstances of each mortal’s death, any judgments for and against its soul, and its final destination along the Outer Planes.
Mortals recognize nosois in their roles as messengers, counselors of troubled or disbelieving dead, and guides along the River of Souls, and some ancient texts refer to them as scribe psychopomps, death’s messengers, and yanakeion.
Ahmed Kharim |
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
Kn Planes: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15
"A death's messenger!" Ahmed exclaims, for a moment excited. "I haven't seen one in centuries." Remembering what the bird's purpose tends to be, he gives pause, his excitement fading. Holding out an arm for the bird to land on, he replies, "Of course, little friend. How can we help?", speaking in both common and ancient orisani.
Koshukhep |
Koshukhep was stopped in his tracks by the bird... or rather, what it was wearing. "The old gods!" he exclaimed, bowing before it. "What is your message, honored bird?"
Izra Kayal |
Diplo: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29
"We serve the Lady, honored friend," Izra said, "Take a moment, calm yourself, and we shall give you what aid we can."
I was aiming for an "aid another," but may have overshot a bit.
Kwin Longclaw |
Kwin looked back and forth between the bird-thing and Ahmed. "Man, this place just keeps getting freakier and freakier."
Looks like Ahmed and Izra have the Diplomacy thing well in hand, so since we're stopped in the street and easy targets, Kwin will survey the area for threats or anything unusual.
Other than, you know, undead and disembodied walking hands and floating jumbles of organs and death-guide birds wearing sacred helmets and stuff.
Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
wicked_raygun |
The little nosoi begins to calm. She flies over to an empty cart and uses it as a perch.
"My friend, Ptemenib, he is in danger. He was at the auction in disguise when he noticed a suspected member of the grave-robbing Silver Chain gang leave it. Ptemenib followed after him and was captured. Please, you must help him."
Izra knows that Ptemenib is a very well regarded, if somewhat eccentric, cleric of the Grand Mausoleum.
Izra Kayal |
Izra nodded. "Of course we will help. Lead us to him. Can you tell us who captured him?"
Going up against living enemies - while justifiable - bothered Izra, when there were so many undead that needed defeating, but it sounded like there may be a clue here in what was happening. Possibly.
She turned to the others, "I wonder if the Silver Chain have something to do with this mess. At the least, if we can rescue Ptemenib, that's another to help us against the abominations."
Kwin Longclaw |
Suddenly, Kwin whipped off his cap, freeing his lupine ears... which twitched and swiveled in response to sounds some could not hear.
"Wouldn't surprise me a bit," Kwin fairly growled in reply to Izra's supposition. "Let's be about it, and quickly. I think I just heard another innocent life ended." He plopped the cap back on his head and drew his rapier decisively.
"Strike at will! Lay them low! We won't stop for any foe, while li'l Qasin goes flying along!"
wicked_raygun |
Area F1
The little nosoi guides the Band to the Harbor District. And there they eventually find two fire-scarred mud-brick walls and a half-dozen crumbling clay kilns are all that remains of the building that once stood in this weed-choked lot. A boarded-up, scorched door stands in the southeast corner where the walls join.
And there they find two watchmen who scowl.
"You do not belong here. This area is for official city business only. Leave now."
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
These men are not wearing the proper uniform. And they look suspicious.
Had a busy day. I'll get the first map up tomorrow.
Djehuti |
Kn:Local: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15
"If this area is only for official city business, you should leave, since your uniforms are clearly not official garb for city watchmen."
Koshukhep |
Koshukhep loomed behind Djehuti, scowling himself. It hinted at a large number of sharp teeth. "You are mistaken. We are on official city business."
Intimidate: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12 Welp. Guess they're tougher than Koshu expected.
Izra Kayal |
Izra sighed.
"You are tiresome," she said to the one who spoke, "and lying, so thank you for sparing us another of your 'requests.' In gratitude, I will point out that your partner was about to stab you in the back. You should probably kill him."
Cast "Murderous Command" on the guard who spoke. (Will Save vs. DC 15 to negate)
Kwin Longclaw |
Kn:Local: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
"What did you..." Kwin started to ask Izra from the side of his mouth. Then he stopped and shook his head. "Never mind. I don't wanna know."
wicked_raygun |
Round 1
Ahmed: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12 Suri: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20
Djehuti: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17
Izra: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
Koshukhep: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Kwin: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8 +4 w/o panache
Torin: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
Watchmen: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
Qasin: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Watchmen: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
Koshukhep: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Suri: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20
Djehuti: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17
Izra: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
Qasin: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Torin: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
Ahmed: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Kwin: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
The Watchmen are up first.
"What the hell!" the stabbed man asks.
"It wasn't me! They used magic!"
"Kill them!"
Gonna get the map up. And then I'll have the Watchmen go.
wicked_raygun |
This is the map:
• Harbor Area
***
The two Watchman lunge dagger-first at Koshukhep and Suri.
Watchmen vs. Koshukhep: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Confirm Critical: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19; Hit and Confirmed!
Damage: 3d4 + 6 + 2d6 ⇒ (4, 2, 1) + 6 + (4, 5) = 22
Watchmen vs. Suri: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19; Hit!
Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (3) + 2 + (2, 6) = 13
Koshukhep HP 10/32; Suri HP 15/28
Round 1, Cont.
Watchmen: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
Koshukhep: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Suri: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20
Djehuti: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17
Izra: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
Qasin: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Torin: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
Ahmed: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Kwin: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
Everyone is up.
Suri Kanjariya |
I think Suri's Max HP is currently 19 because of Mummy Rot, so she's actually down to 6 now. 6/19/28
Feeling weakened from the curse, Suri doesn't have time to react and takes the full force of the dagger into her chest. The new wound adds to the cracks in her skin, and more fire seems to be leaking from it.
Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
Damage: 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
She responds with an attack of her own, slamming her fist into the Watchmen.
Ahmed Kharim |
Heal: 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Ahmed rushes over to Suri as the dagger pushes into her, and places a hand on her. Fire surges outward from his hand and into her, sealing some of her wounds. Many of the cracks still show, but she seems to be looking slightly better. An expression of deep concern fills his face as he is unable to cure her completely.
Cast Lesser Rejuvenate Eidolon. Suri's HP is now 15/19/28
Koshukhep |
Whew! Good catch!
Koshukhep roared like summer thunder, tearing into the nearest watchman even as he drew the dagger out of the catfolk's body...
Flurry1: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27
dmg: 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Flurry2: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
dmg: 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Crit flurry1: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
dmg: 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
"I will devour your heart," he promised, with a lion's unfriendly grin.
Torin Ironbeard |
wicked_raygun wrote:Everyone is up.Erm... I don't see Kwin on the map?
I put a token on the map for you.
Torin swings round the 'guards' and takes a shot.
Attack: 1d20 + 9 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (19) + 9 + 1 - 1 = 28
Damage: 1d8 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 1 + 2 = 6
Izra Kayal |
Ahmed wasn't in a spot where he could have touched Suri, so I moved him. If you'd rather be in a different spot, Ahmed, let me know.
Izra had let a small smile pull at the corners of her mouth when her target had turned and stabbed his companion. The smile faded, however, when the two "watchemn" had recovered and counterattacked so quickly - and effectively.
Koshukhep's equally effective counter-counterattack eased her concerns a little, however, and Izra reached out and touched the big catfolk on the shoulder with one of her wands. She didn't bother to tap his nose this time, however, as it seemed... unwise, given his current mood.
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
I do not wish to complain, but Izra thinks it took some of the funny away that the dude who rolled a natural 1 on his saving throw instantly knew it was magic that caused his stabby behavior, and that the other dude believed him. :-p
I'm sure that we'll survive, however. And it was still funny. :D
Djehuti |
Djehuti pulled out his bow and loosed an arrow at the nearest of the two "guardsmen."
Bow: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13 Oh, the rest of the night is gonna be fun... :P
Arrow: 1d6 ⇒ 3
That was really cool, Izra. :)
Kwin Longclaw |
Yes, thanks Torin.
"Well," Kwin quipped as he lunged, "one good stab deserves another, I always say!"
I dunno which of the two got stabbed, but that's the one he's going after. Flipped a coin for the map move, feel free to correct if I got the wrong one.
Rapier: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15 Clearly, that wasn't the deserved other good stab.
Damage (just in case): 1d6 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 1 + 4 = 8
wicked_raygun |
There is a flurry of violence that leaves one of the fake Watchmen dead, with Kwin striking the final killing blow. The other guardsmen decides to flee.
The last injured watchmen is withdrawing from the fight. You could track him, but otherwise this fight is over, you one round wonders, you.
#Loot
• potion of cure light wounds
• alchemist’s fire
• holy water
• +1 leather armor
• hand crossbow with 10 bolts
• punching dagger
• sap
• antitoxin
• climber’s kit
• crowbar
• mwk thieves’ tools
• sunrods (2)
• "silver chain" bracelet *Note: Izra recognizes the symbol as belonging to the infamous Silver Chain Gang.
• 5 gp
The silver chain bracelet is worth 50 gp
Djehuti |
So these 2 were guarding a gate into the harbor district? The map of Wati doesn't show a harbor district by that name- are we entering The Veins?
This is kind of fluff, but is there a way to insure dead bodies don't rise as zombies or other undead? With this necro energy everywhere, DJ would be worried about that kind of thing right now.
Djehuti shakes his head as the other 'guard' runs off. "There are enough dangers in the night tonight. I think we should let him be."
Izra Kayal |
appraise: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17
Izra nods in agreement with Djehuti, but frowns as she begins looking over the body and discovers the silver chain bracelet. "Silver Chain Gang. We might want to catch that one, after all. But it is probably more important to see what they were so worried about us finding - and there is a priest to rescue." In her concern about what the men were guarding, Izra wasn't able to give the chain a proper looking over, and so its value escaped her normally sharp assessment.
She could hit the DC by taking 10, but this doesn't seem the time or place - we have a priest to rescue, after all.
Kwin Longclaw |
Kwin shrugs as he finishes wiping down his rapier, then resheathes it. "Too much of a head start now, anyway. Where's this priest, you reckon?"
I totally didn't think a 15 would hit. But then, it gave Kwin a rare killing blow which would replenish his panache if he wasn't already full-up which he almost never is so it all makes perfect sense because Murphy.
Koshukhep |
Koshukhep brought out and downed a healing potion he had been carrying; then, true to his word, he dug into the thug's body with his claws, wrenching his heart free, and took a bite.
Drink potion of CLW. Anyone want the one that's in the loot?
healing: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
wicked_raygun |
The little nosoi, Qasin, lands on Izra's shoulder and points her wing towards the small building in front of them.
"Through there. They took Ptemenib through there."
Area F2
The band opens the door and finds that the floorboards of this ramshackle, soot-stained office have been pried up and used to construct a crude stairway leading underground. The air is quite musty.
Sorry for the delay. Really crappy week. Just getting into the swing of things now. Will have a new map up tomorrow for the next section of the dungeon. In the meanwhile, Izra believes the bracelet is worth about 40 gp.
wicked_raygun |
Area F3
The stink of mildew and stale incense fills the air in this long chamber. Sputtering lanterns provide just enough light to reveal peeling paint on the walls and a floor covered in sand. A rickety staircase leads up to the north, while sturdy wooden doors exit the hall to the east and west.
Random: 1d7 ⇒ 1 = Ahmed
Ahmed: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
Djehuti: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
Izra: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (17) + 0 = 17
Koshukhep: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
Kwin: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Suri: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
Torin: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18
Suri spots something wrong and then calls outs, "Ahmed, look out!"
Ahmed just manages to avoid triggering a pit trap.
Disable Device DC 20, unless you want to leave the trap alone. You managed to spot it without triggering it.
Kwin Longclaw |
Kwin gave Suri an appreciative nod. "Good catch. Keep that up and you could give Short Round a run for his money."
"Give me a minute," the kitsune said as he placed his rapier on the sandy floor, then walked around the perimeter of the trap, rubbing his chin and occasionally brushing sand away with his foot.
"Ah," he said finally, and bent to the task of disarming the trap.
Disable Device: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (13) + 14 = 27 Pfft, Kwin laughs at DC 20s!
Note to DM: Do not take that as a challenge!
Retrieving his rapier, he used it in a low sweeping bow of invitation to Suri. "After you, oh eagle-eyed... uh... whatever-your-kind-is-called-again."
wicked_raygun |
The pit trap is child's play for Kwin. And he is feeling particularly cocky as he opens the door into the room to the West.
Area F4
Cracked ceramic tiles cover the walls and columns in this expansive chamber. In the center of the room, iron posts connected by chains delineate several smaller subsections, each crowded with boxes, crates, urns, and sarcophagi. The stink of soot and the leathery smell of death hangs heavy in the air.
Suri and Ahmed feel something powerful and familiar in the air. Something that thrums with the very core of their existence. But before either of them can react, a creature rises from the broken jars. A creature they have already encountered tonight.
A tekenu, an evil, floating amalgamation of organs hovers menacingly for a moment, and then moves in to attack.
Round 1
Ahmed: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21 Suri: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Djehuti: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26
Izra: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13
Koshukhep: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Kwin: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7 +4 w/o panache
Torin: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Tekenu: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
Qasin: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Djehuti: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26
Koshukhep: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Qasin: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Tekenu: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
Ahmed: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
Izra: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13
Suri: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Kwin: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
Torin: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Bold are up. I'll prepare the map tonight, when I get home. In the meanwhile tell me your actions, and I'll adjust you accordingly.
Koshukhep |
Blood still on his tongue from the heart he had eaten, Koshukhep growled and stood ready at the front, claws raised.
Before he does anything stupid, does Koshu know anything about Tekenu that Djehuti hasn't already mentioned? Also, is there room for a Large person in here, or would that crowd everyone else out?
K:religion: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 5 + 2 = 18
Koshukhep |
Oh, I thought it was Medium. Hmm. OK, Koshu will drink one of his magic fang potions. If he gets another action, he'll ready an attack.
Lifting a vial to his maw, Koshukhep slammed back the contents, then dropped the empty vial and stood ready to defend his friends.
wicked_raygun |
Djehuti moves into position, just inside the door. Koshukhep moves in a protective stance in front of the wizard and drinks a potion.
Qasin, the little whippoorwill-like psychopomp, flies right above Djehuti's head and sings a haunting song.
Tekenu Will Save DC 14: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20
But the monster shrugs off the magical effect. The Tekenu then flies past Koshukhep and slams into him. It then flies past. Flyby Attack. Koshukhep gets to make an AOO.
Slam vs. Koshukhep: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24; Hit!
Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 4) = 7
Round 1, cont.
Djehuti: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26
Koshukhep: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Qasin: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Tekenu: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
Ahmed: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
Izra: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13
Suri: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Kwin: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
Torin: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Koshukhep HP 20/32. Bold are up.
Koshukhep |
AOO UAS + magic fang + fe: 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 7 + 1 + 2 = 16
dmg + magic fang + fe: 1d10 + 3 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 1 + 2 = 11
Koshukhep snarled as he shifted to continue to protect the others, whipping a testing paw at the flying bag of organs.