cynarion's Carrion Crown PbP

Game Master cynarion

Professor Lorrimor, the renowned investigator and arcanist, has died. You came to his home in the town of Ravengro to pay your respects, but quickly discovered there was more to the wily old man's death than met the eye...


2,551 to 2,600 of 2,685 << first < prev | 44 | 45 | 46 | 47 | 48 | 49 | 50 | 51 | 52 | 53 | 54 | next > last >>

mysterious male human purveyor of plot

Well, that worked well. I took a couple days of leave to make for a 5-day weekend. Built a fence and everything. Sorry for the delay!

###

Theron: an inquisitor's detect alignment ability is indeed a spell-like ability, but y'know, it's not that big a deal. : )

###

Dragomir moves to pick Lem up--but not before Rose administers a healing potion that restores some colour to Lem's cheeks. (I presume it's a potion of cure light wounds; in which case Lem can have 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8 hit points back.

Rose, are you following Lem and Dragomir out the door?

Karrik and Septimus remain in the doorway to the foyer, viewing the scene and trying to work out what they can do to help.

Walter asks Theron to provide him with some guidance, while Theron looks around the room, trying to divine the location of the spirits.

Theron:
As you look around the room you find three distinct entities surround you. One is somewhere in or near the foyer. One is tied to (but not inhabiting) the chains that wrap Lem tightly. A third is in the centre of the room (I have marked the squares on the map in blue where it might be located). The strongest aura is moderate in power (meaning, presuming it's undead, that it has 3-8 HD).

Raj takes to the podium and passes judgement on the spirits threatening Lem's life.

Raj, we'll deal with the results of your tirade when Walter has loosed his flames and the spirits have their turn at the end of this round.

Before we can move on, Theron can point out to Walter where the spirit might be located, and Walter can choose a square and attack it. Walter, feel free to read the Theron spoiler if he hasn't already posted.

(map link)


{HP9/19 | AC16 T12 FF14 CMD 16 | F/R/W 4/2/3} Female Samsaran Bladebound Magus 2

While I would like to, administering a potion is a full round action, so I'll be stuck behind for that one round. Unless you say I can administer on the move that is.


Male Human (Varisian) Inquisitor 2

Theron's senses hadn't quite narrowed down the locations of the spirits, but he supposed they couldn't wait long enough for complete accuracy. He tries to pick the most likely, and coldest, area for Walter to strike. "It i..is right beside you Walter, try here!" The inquisitor points to the space directly in between Rose and Walter. Square AB24 will be his guess, unless my perception gives me a better clue.

After pointing out the cold spirit, Theron calls out the other things he has figured out to the others. He does his best to speak clearly despite the bone chilling cold. "T..there are two other spirits! One is near or in that foyer Karrik! Another is tied to, but not inhabiting, Lem's chains!"

Hmmmm, can Theron make a perception check to try and figure out which of those three squares seems coldest? Just seeing if I can narrow it down a bit more ;)

Perception?: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19


mysterious male human purveyor of plot

Theron: you can't narrow it down any more at this stage.

Rose: thanks for the reminder, one of my GMs likes to house-rule that drinking a potion is a move action and administering a standard action, so I often get confused on that front!


Male Human Oracle 2

Walter turned, and a spiral of flame jetted forth out of the space above his palm. It swerved angrily through the air, like an uncoiling spring. "Did I get it?" he called back.

So, Walter'll attack that square-- getting 5 to hit-- and dealing 3 damage, if it hits, as indicated.


Male Human (Varisian) Inquisitor 2

Lol, I missed that you had only rolled a 5. I put way more effort into that than was necessary ;)


mysterious male human purveyor of plot

Well, I missed that he had rolled at all, so there you go. : )

Walter plunges his hands, wreathed in flame, into the area Theron indicates is the most likely hiding spot of the spirits causing the freezing temperatures, but the young man finds nothing substantial to grab ahold of. The flames on his hands flicker uncertainly, but do not dissipate. I figure you will retain this use of touch of flame until you actually touch something, just like if you were using a touch spell.

Meanwhile, Raj's voice booms out from the other end of the room.

Rajuna Two-Fangs wrote:

Raj can't pull off being a warden. But maybe playing a tough as stone, cruel guard was in the realm of possible for the semi-reformed thief.

He takes his place at the podium, looking as wrathful and dictatorial as he can. In one hand he holds the gavel like a holy talisman. In the other, he clutches the Haunt Siphon that Lem had given him. The thief belts out a long laugh at the spirit.

"You piece-a-sh!t snake-oil salesman! You gutless, rat-hearted LIAR! You're a mealy-mouthed fraud, CONVICT!" He fires off the last word with as much contempt as he can muster. "If you 'transcended', you wouldn't be trapped in this hell-hole, now would ya? Peddle your scams elsewhere, prisoner. No one here is gonna buy your bullsh!t or your cheap illusions." He hammers the gavel down on the podium, emphasizing every second or third word, "Now get BACK in your HOLE before I send your sorry ASS to The Oubliette or worse." He waits a heartbeat before continuing with officious weight,"Still here? Very well... Sefick Corvin for you and your little minion, by the power and authority of the People of Ustalav, in accordance with her Laws, and under the authority of Warden Lyvar Hawkren... for your grievous crimes you are sentenced to HELL for all time. Now GO and may no God have mercy upon you!" He bangs the gavel with authority and finality.

The booming voice laughs. You think your feeble attempts at intimidation will affect me? I am lord of all I survey! I will be your master! And I will--not--tolerate--DISSENT!

Quickly, the iron bars separating Raj from the rest of the auditorium begin growing a coating of frost. The thief can feel the air becoming colder, his breath fogging the air in front of him as tiny needles prick the inside of his lungs.

Raj has definitely got the attention of at least one of the spirits.

Raj takes 1d3 ⇒ 1 points of cold damage, and please attempt a DC 11 Fortitude save or take one point of Strength damage.

Dragomir muscles Lem out of the room and back into the weapon training room. The little priest remains unconscious, but his breathing appears more even after Rose's ministrations.

ROUND 4
Fly, my pretties!


AC16, touch 11, flat-footed 15 |HP 13/[13]| CMB +5/CMD16 | Fort +5, Ref +1, Will +0 |Init + 1|Perception +0|Sense Mot +0 Male Human Fighter/1

s&+~ s$+* s~+*, Dragomir swears, at a loss at how to help.


Male Human (Varisian) Inquisitor 2

Lol! Raj got the cold spirit to go after him. I'm alright with this. Good luck Raj! ;)

Walter Vheist wrote:

Walter turned, and a spiral of flame jetted forth out of the space above his palm. It swerved angrily through the air, like an uncoiling spring. "Did I get it?" he called back.

"No, it moved!" Theron stated as he sensed the the evil (and the cold) moving towards Raj. At least, he was going to use that as the excuse for the miss for now.

In any case, the inquisitor was glad that he at least didn't have the cold distracting him... "I can almost see them..."

Standard action: 3rd round of Detect Evil!
Going to wait to see what I learn from that before performing any other actions.


mysterious male human purveyor of plot

Theron:
The aura near the foyer is attached to the doors themselves, and is faint.

The aura surrounding Lem is moderate in power, and appears to be inhabiting Lem directly, but you doubt you can damage it by firing e.g. disrupt undead or cure spells at Lem himself. It seems more akin to possession than anything else.

The cold spot (moderate aura) has moved to occupy Raj's square, but it appears to have a physical tie to the dock. You speculate that it can move around the room but that if you deal positive energy damage to the dock itself you might be able to weaken its hold on the material plane. This, however, would not be as effective as dealing damage directly (or Raj using the haunt siphon he has in his hand).


Male Human (Varisian) Inquisitor 2

As Theron's senses finish focusing, he begins picking out the individual evils around them. He starts with the one causing the cold. "Raj! The spirit causing the cold is now right where you are standing! Spells, fire, or a siphon should work on that one!"

Next, he turns to look at Lem. It takes him a moment to realize what exactly is happening to the halfing. "The spirit attacking Lem seems to be inhabiting him! I... am not sure how we can hurt it." Though, Theron momentarily glances down at the weight he had dropped. "Maybe try binding the chains with the weights we brought? The symbols may help." He suggests with an uncertain tone in his voice. He could only hope that *something* could save Lem.

I hope I'm not having a case of "We found it in the dungeon, so they must have a purpose" syndrome! ;)

He glances at the doors that Karrick and Septimus are standing near. "There's a weak one in those doors as well!" He says while pointing.

I would taunt the 'father', but I think Theron is already pushing the limit on talking in a round. ;)

Move action: pick up the weight that he dropped.


Male Human Oracle 2

Wish it worked that way in regards to holding the charge, but it's how things go. At 5th I'll just have a flaming sword permanently, but until then I've got to live with it.

If I can reach Rajuna from right in front of him and through the bars, then it's happening!

Walter quickly moved to the bars, his hand igniting again as he pawed through it, trying to harm the dangerous spirit. He had to save Raj. Walter wasn't sure what that meant. He just felt it. He could feel it just like he could feel that the last reserves of his fire had been spent. His chest heaved, hot breath scorching his frozen throat. He felt like he'd been burnt down to just the embers. Walter wondered if he was going to survive this. He couldn't imagine running away.

Full round charge and attack with touch of flame - 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
I don't think I can confirm, but if I do - 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Damage... 1d6 ⇒ 6
... and if I crit: +1d6 ⇒ 1


HP:16 | AC:16 ; T:14 ; FF:12 ; CMD:16 | Fort:+3 ; Ref:+6 ; Will:+4 | Init:+4 ; PER:+7

Thanks, Walt! Raj will delay his action until everyone else who might hammer this spirit has taken their shot.

Raj watches his breath come out in an icy cloud. Great, got its attention... now what?

Rajuna is snared. If this haunt can leave the auditorium then he can't lead it back the way he'd come - it would just endanger more people. The best choice then would be to lead it away... which meant going through the door at the other end of the stage - which was probably a dead-end as they were rapidly running out of building. It was a kill-box and he'd have to walk into it. But it would give the others a fair chance to get away clean.

Problem is - what if this haint CAN'T leave the auditorium? Raj could escape but his frozen comrades would face the creature again and they were looking to be in moderately poor shape already. No telling how many of them could get clear... It really only left one choice. The thief had to do the unnatural. He had to stand, hold the line, and take the worst the creature could deliver.

He wanted to get a message out but he couldn't risk shifting the creature's attention. And if this really were Sefick Corvin then his ghost might still know Celestial... and he couldn't risk giving away the game by using that language. Doing the best he can, Raj weaves a set of gestures, looks, and oddly accented words in the middle of his tirade, hoping the message comes across.

It's the thief's turn to bellow out a laugh he doesn't much feel, "Dissent s'all you'll get from me, Father FRAUD! You're just another convict running your mouth near as I can tell. Izzat cool breeze all you got to go with your hot air? I should peddle your ass as an ice-cube maker." Raj pulls the cap on the haunt siphon, hoping it works.

Message to Team: Get away. If you've got a shot at hurting the ghost, take it, even if I'm in the line of fire.

~ Round 4 ~
FREE: Talk
STAND: Trigger Haunt Siphon

Fort Save 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17 <-- No STR damage
Bluff (pass complex secret message) 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24 Success! Ghost will have to make a SM roll to beat it
Siphon DAM 3d6 ⇒ (4, 5, 1) = 10

Status:
HP: 12 / 17
AC:16 T:14 FF:12
CMD:18 FF:14
Fort:+2 ; Reflex:+7 ; Will:+1
Effects:
Light (on blade) - 20 minutes


DAPPER HALF-ORC MAGUS

Karrik considers the possibilities, frantically searching for the best way to be useful in this situation.

Lem's down, but has help. Theron and Walter have options. There's a haunt in here with us, but it hasn't done anything. Why kick an anthill? Raj, though… the Varisian has guts, but he also has no means of dealing with such a threat alone.

Karrik is only moments behind Walter in acting. He draws out the healing potion he's been saving and tosses it across the room to Rose, "For Lem!"

Then he step towards the door to Raj's podium. "Looks like the inmates are stirring, guardsman!"

Draw a potion of CLW (removed from my char-sheeet), toss it to Rose. (Do you need an attack roll to do this?), then 5' step to Y.22 as a free action.

status:
HP 18/20
AC 15 T 11 FF 14
CMD 16 FF 15
F/R/W +6 / +2 / +4
Effects/Conditions None


mysterious male human purveyor of plot

ROUND 4
Theron uses his gifts to pinpoint the spirits in the room, while Walter attempts to use his own abilities to damage one of them, pawing through the bars at the insubstantial phantasm plaguing Raj. This time, he feels resistance as his hands move through the area the spirits presently occupy. It feels like he's pulling apart tangled strands of slender thread as his hands close again and again on the malevolent entity.

Karrik throws a potion to Rose (no need for an attack roll, but it will take Rose a move action to catch it) while moving to support Raj in his deception.

(That means we have Lem, Septimus, Rose and potentially Dragomir (although he has at present forfeited any actions for the turn) left to take actions. If they haven't posted within 24 hours or so I will move on.)

Raj, like last time, I'll resolve your bit at the end of the actions for the turn.


Male Halfling Cleric (Evangelist)/ 2

I'm still here, but I didn't post any actions because I think I'm still unconscious, right? I will take a full round action to NOT DIE ;-)


AC16, touch 11, flat-footed 15 |HP 13/[13]| CMB +5/CMD16 | Fort +5, Ref +1, Will +0 |Init + 1|Perception +0|Sense Mot +0 Male Human Fighter/1

Dragomir falls to his knees making a spiral over Lems chest and prays desperately, interspersing his prayers with the phrase "Not today!".


mysterious male human purveyor of plot

Hey Lem, still need you to make those Will saves, as per PMs. : )


Male Halfling Cleric (Evangelist)/ 2
Carrion Crown GM wrote:
Hey Lem, still need you to make those Will saves, as per PMs. : )

Cyn:
Hey Cyn, have you PMed me recently? The last one I have is from 4:30 PM on January 24th. It mentioned this: "If you fail the save, we'll wait to see what happens with the potion before we start making stabilisation checks etc." About an hour after that PM I posted a Fort Save (failed, 1 str damage indicated), dropped to 0 hp, and my will save was a 15. I believe Rose then healed me for 7? I'll have to go back and check that. Anyway, I didn't receive any more PMs after that and I didn't see any mention of whether the 15 WS was successful or not. Do I need to make another Will Save? Thank you, my good man. :-)

mysterious male human purveyor of plot

Lem:
Yep, one more. I will resend the PM. : )


Male Halfling Cleric (Evangelist)/ 2

Will Save 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17


AC16, touch 11, flat-footed 15 |HP 13/[13]| CMB +5/CMD16 | Fort +5, Ref +1, Will +0 |Init + 1|Perception +0|Sense Mot +0 Male Human Fighter/1

My Prayers are working


{HP9/19 | AC16 T12 FF14 CMD 16 | F/R/W 4/2/3} Female Samsaran Bladebound Magus 2

Round 4

Rose catches Karrik's potion and rushes to Lem. "Thanks, Karrik."

Move to catch potion, standard to go to Lem.


mysterious male human purveyor of plot

Septimus dithers in the doorway.

Raj raises himself up to his full height as he bellows out his challenge:

Raj wrote:
It's the thief's turn to bellow out a laugh he doesn't much feel, "Dissent s'all you'll get from me, Father FRAUD! You're just another convict running your mouth near as I can tell. Izzat cool breeze all you got to go with your hot air? I should peddle your ass as an ice-cube maker." Raj pulls the cap on the haunt siphon, hoping it works.

As Walter's flame-wreathed hands tear into the invisible substance of the malevolent spirits causing the cold, Raj opens his haunt siphon. Space around the thief and the young man pulses slightly, as ripples across the surface of a pond, as the haunt siphon starts to draw in any free spiritual energies. Both Raj and Walter can feel the weak tug on their being as a vortex forms at the now-open mouth of the siphon, whirling without sound or breeze as it draws in the tortured souls who make up the haunt. As the vortex vanishes, Raj slams the cap back home, and the siphon glows green.

There is a momentary silence and then the booming voice releases an ear-splitting scream that makes you all cringe.

You dare to defy me? Then I shall exact my vengeance in kind!

In the doorway to the weapon training room, Lem begins to thrash about once more, his face back to a strained grimace.

I have no need of intransigent disciples such as this one. I shall kill him...and begin again!

ROUND 5
Your go. : )

Lem, another Will save please. I will sort out the PMs when I'm able.

(map link)


Male Human (Varisian) Inquisitor 2

ROUND 5

Glad to have finally pinpointed all the threats they were dealing with (and that one had already been dealt with), Theron hurries over to where Lem was thrashing about. The inquisitor had something that he wanted to try, but he wasn't sure that he liked it...

Cyn:
Does it look like the chains that are wrapped around Lem could have those weights fastened to them? Also, does the knowledge that Theron has about spirits tell him whether doing this would be a good idea or not?

The theory here is that since the weights were used to bind the spirit in life, that they would have an effect on him even now. Feel free to just tell me if I'll need to find out through experimentation ;)

I totally wish I had gotten some sort of exorsist archetype right now!

Knowledge(Religion): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

Move Action: Move to AE27
waiting before deciding on the next action.


Male Halfling Cleric (Evangelist)/ 2

The power of Iomedae compels you! :-)

Will Save 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28


AC16, touch 11, flat-footed 15 |HP 13/[13]| CMB +5/CMD16 | Fort +5, Ref +1, Will +0 |Init + 1|Perception +0|Sense Mot +0 Male Human Fighter/1

Nope - Pharasma. My prayers are clearly having an effect :)


Male Human (Varisian) Inquisitor 2

Sorry for the delay, just wanted to try and check on something with Cyn before posting Theron's action. Dragomir and Rose, could you keep delaying until Theron finishes his turn? He may need your help with something.

Well, I'll wait a bit longer, but if Cyn is busy I'll just have Theron act on his/my instinct and we'll hope it doesn't just waste a round and/or get Lem killed.


mysterious male human purveyor of plot

Hello everyone! Sorry if you were all waiting on me.

###

Theron, the chains are insubstantial. You wouldn't be able to hang the weight on them if you tried. Sorry! From the reaction of the spirit before:

Vengeful Spirit wrote:
Theron wrote:
"YOU are the one who awaits the judgement of the gods, charlatan! Show yourself and be bound again!"
The voice laughs in response, though with the ragged edge of madness. Your pathetic ‘gods’ have no power over me! I have transcended the limits of a mortal form. I am the new! The future! You will become my subjects and shall bow down before my magnificent panoply!

I'm not sure there'd be any reaction at all. Your threats didn't seem to carry any weight earlier, if you'll pardon the pun. ; )

###

Lem continues to be bound by the chains, and is your only concern at the moment, with the cold spot gone. By my estimation everyone except Lem is still free to act--and Dragomir, your prayers are indeed helping, I just can't show it without pulling aside more of the curtain than I would like. : )

Carry on!

(map link)


Male Human (Varisian) Inquisitor 2

Cool, don't wait for Theron then everyone. I'll post when I get a chance.


{HP9/19 | AC16 T12 FF14 CMD 16 | F/R/W 4/2/3} Female Samsaran Bladebound Magus 2

Round 5

Rose carefully opens and pours Karrik's potion down Lem's throat, hoping to keep the the priest from a pre-mature meeting with his goddess. "Stay with us, Lem, c'mon and just stay with us."

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6


AC16, touch 11, flat-footed 15 |HP 13/[13]| CMB +5/CMD16 | Fort +5, Ref +1, Will +0 |Init + 1|Perception +0|Sense Mot +0 Male Human Fighter/1

Dragomir continues to pray earnestly.


Male Human (Varisian) Inquisitor 2

Now that Theron was able to get a good look at the chains, he could tell that his previous idea was futile in addition to being unlikely to help. He tossed away the weight (again) and quickly tried to think of some other way to help Lem.

Come on Theron, think. You're an inquisitor. You should be able to do something about this...

He had read a bit about methods of breaking the grip of possession, but he had never been formally been trained in it. On top of that, he had already used almost all of his magical reserves. Even if he knew the correct methods, he probably would not have enough power to back them up.

Doing an improper exorcism could be very dangerous to all involved.

Theron glanced at Dragomir, who was deep in prayer. Well, sometimes we can't rely solely upon the power we've been granted.... I'll just have to wing it.

Theron kneeled down beside Lem and set down his bow. Once Rose had finished giving Lem another potion, Theron pushed one of his holy symbols onto the halfling's forehead while making signs with his other hand. "In The Inheritor's name you will leave this body, foul spirit! You have no place here, and the gods that you have dared to mock are arrayed against you!"

Free Actions: toss weight, drop bow
Standard Action: Pray/intimidate/exorcise!

Intimidate!: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12 I get a +4 bonus for being larger than the target, right? ;)

Basically, Theron is hoping that a mix of prayer and intimidation will help here since he can't do a proper exorcism.


mysterious male human purveyor of plot

Good work...carry on! Still a few people left to act this round, namely Raj, Karrik, Septimus and Walter.


Male Halfling Cleric (Evangelist)/ 2

I spoke to Septimus again and actually saw him in person and reminded him, but it looks like he's still not posting. At this point I'd have to say he's probably out I guess, unfortunately. Sorry about that.


DAPPER HALF-ORC MAGUS

It happens. Some folk just don't engage with the pbp format as well as we do.
I"m also kind of waiting for Raj to post... hoping he can yell out that his haunt seems to be finished, so Karrik can redirect back towards the one killing Lem.


Male Human (Varisian) Inquisitor 2
Karrik wrote:

It happens. Some folk just don't engage with the pbp format as well as we do.

I"m also kind of waiting for Raj to post... hoping he can yell out that his haunt seems to be finished, so Karrik can redirect back towards the one killing Lem.

Just in time for the haunted doors to close in your face again. *trollface*

It is too bad, he was running a fun character. :(


mysterious male human purveyor of plot

That's okay Lem. Thanks for making the effort to (a) recruit someone and (b) keep them on board! I really appreciate it. The multiple hiatuses (hiatii? I dunno!) in December probably didn't help to keep him engaged.

Karrik, if you have an opportunity to post, go ahead, I think we can all deal with the mutable nature of the timeline in a PbP. : )

ETA: plus Karrik can probably also see that Raj's haunt siphon is glowing green, which indicates the haunt has been neutralised.


HP:16 | AC:16 ; T:14 ; FF:12 ; CMD:16 | Fort:+3 ; Ref:+6 ; Will:+4 | Init:+4 ; PER:+7

Sorry for the slow posting, I had to find the perfect music for Lem. ;)

Lem's Theme

Raj looks at the glowing bottle, listens to the prattling spook, and knows he missed his true target... by a league.

Damn...

Utterly infuriated with the situation and himself, he casts about for what to do from his limited options. He largely drops the pretense of being a guard - it had only netted him a small amount of information anyway. He barks at Karrik, "I've got Frosty in the bottle. Now, we've got the riff-raff in Lem to deal with... and I'm fresh outta plays."

Raj pockets the Siphon and leaves the podium, walking implacably back the way he came. His words are angry and cold. There is no 'maybe' in his voice. "The problem with grifters like you, Sefick, is you lack conviction. You fold when the odds get steep because you are always lookin' to save your skin first. You're a spook - not a God - Sefick. And you can't even get free of this burned out wreck of a prison. You're a rat in a trap with nowhere to run."

He gives a feral grin to the room, "Now consider the odds, con-man. We've got a planchette, Haunt Siphons, casters with spells, and a lot of time to figure out how to get at you. Hell, we've already got your name and that didn't take but a minute. And the final thing I've got - personally and just for YOU - is conviction."

The thief flawlessly slips into Celestial. Despite it being the high tongue of the outer planes, his words sound like an ugly and deadly guarantee, "मैं Encarthan के क्षेत्रों पर मृत्यु हो गई है और सुबह तक नहीं है.* And if you know what that means, you know what I am... and you also know how far I'll go. So here is my one-time, non-negotiable, take-it-or-go-f$+*-yourself offer... You will leave the Priest right now or this doesn't end til I'm stepping on your incorporeal throat and crushing the unlife outta you. You wanna live? You better walk."

Raj isn't a prayerful man, so he thinks hard at Iomedae hoping there is something more than hot air to divine intervention and exorcisms. Alright, Old Girl, I've done what I can here. You ain't a friend of the undead and we've got a nasty one here... so how about you get off your ass and do a little beat-down on this hustler? I'm busting a nut here and doing little good, so could you lend a hand, please?

*:
Celestial: "I have died on the fields of Encarthan and the dawn isn't far."

Not really going for an Intimidate here but if you need a roll for how serious he sounds...

Intimidate 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

~ Round 5 ~
FREE: Talk
MOVE: Pocket Siphon
MOVE: Head back into Auditorium

Status:
HP: 12 / 17
AC:16 T:14 FF:12
CMD:18 FF:14
Fort:+2 ; Reflex:+7 ; Will:+1
Effects:
Light (on blade) - 20 minutes


AC16, touch 11, flat-footed 15 |HP 13/[13]| CMB +5/CMD16 | Fort +5, Ref +1, Will +0 |Init + 1|Perception +0|Sense Mot +0 Male Human Fighter/1

Dragomir's face turns upward, his speech becoming formal - a formality that any who knew him would say was unthinkable for him...

Most certain hope, O Lady the defence of all who seek thy aid in the Spiral. Glorious Pharasma, I pray thee now, that in the house when my eyes shall be so heavy with the darkness of undeath that I cannot see the brightness of this world, nor move my tongue to pray or call to thee, when my frail heart that is so faint shall tremble from fear of the enemies of thy natural order and shall be so stricken that all my limbs shall melt away in sweat for fear of the unnatural death, then, sweet and piteous Lady, deign to look upon me with compassion and aid me that I may see with thee the company of angels and the Legions of those who await thy judgment, and that the troublous and frighted enemies by that help shall have no sight, presumption or suspicion of evil against me, nor any hope or power of banishing me from thy company. Instead, most gentle Lady, may it please thee to remember my prayer to thee now, to bless this man's soul in thy blessed faith, in thy keeping and defence. O gate of paradise! O Lady of the Throne of Judgement, and of prophets, I make thy sign and lift up mine eyes and bend my knee before thee. O most gentle Lady, by thy joy when thy holy soul departed thy body unspotted and fearless, to be borne in the midst of thy keeping in the boneyard, I pray thee that thou wilt succour and present him in this dread hour. When death shall be so near, Lady, be to my and to his soul, a comfort and refuge and defence, so that the cruel enemies who defy thy will and the comfort of the grave, may not know even the shadow of victory, be it temporary and fleeting...


DAPPER HALF-ORC MAGUS

Karrik slides to a stop, reversing directions as Raj stomps around the corner. Karrik was no linguist, but that sure as hells wasn't Common... nor any tongue he'd ever heard in most academies and libraries.

Interesting, indeed, he thinks before turning his thoughts to more immediate needs.

As he crosses the room to help with Lem's haunt, he pulls his siphon from his pocket.

Cross as much of the room as possible (I can't access the map right now -- on phone) and draw Haunt Siphon.


Male Human Oracle 2

Walter saw the haunt siphon glow green and then almost celebrated if not for the fact that Lem was still limp on the floor somewhere.

Walter hurried towards him. He wasn't sure if he could help any more, and so he just stood there, wide-eyed and listening.


Lem Longbarrow wrote:
I spoke to Septimus again and actually saw him in person and reminded him, but it looks like he's still not posting. At this point I'd have to say he's probably out I guess, unfortunately. Sorry about that.

This is "Lem's" bro here. I talked to him, and I'd be happy to jump in with a new character, or take over Septimus, whatever is easier for the story. :)


mysterious male human purveyor of plot

Hello dbauers--head on over to the discussion thread for more on joining up. : )

###

Also, I apologise for almost a week of no movement here. It seems this week has been an unlikely combination of illness, work incidents, small children acting up, train delays, and just general bad luck. Hopefully this week is not indicative of the rest of my Year of the Snake!

Also also, I am trying to get the image out of my head of Lem belting out Michael Bolton whilst drunk at a karaoke bar. Yeesh. ; )

###

As some restitution for my lack of updates, I am going to post a bunch of updates. I hope you don't mind my little bits and pieces of GM interference here.

Raj stalks his way back to the auditorium, his voice pitched low but forceful, each sentence a hammer with which he intends to break the spirit's will.

Raj wrote:
"मैं Encarthan के क्षेत्रों पर मृत्यु हो गई है और सुबह तक नहीं है.* And if you know what that means, you know what I am... and you also know how far I'll go. So here is my one-time, non-negotiable, take-it-or-go-f~%!-yourself offer... You will leave the Priest right now or this doesn't end til I'm stepping on your incorporeal throat and crushing the unlife outta you. You wanna live? You better walk."

A momentary silence greets Raj's ultimatum as Rose kneels down next to Lem and carefully pours Karrik's potion into Lem's mouth.

Rose wrote:
"Stay with us, Lem, c'mon and just stay with us."

In response, Lem swallows, and then begins convulsing again, as the pain returns. He lets out a scream that sets everyone's teeth on edge, and then begins speaking--but his voice deepens from his normal resonant tenor to the deep, contemptuous intonations of the mysterious booming voice.


male human (Chelaxian) disembodied spirit

You would threaten me? Hah! I spit on your offer, you pathetic excuse for a deacon. So you know my name--very well. I applaud your cleverness. But I know so much more about you. I see into your soul. I know you. And I know that your mind is divided. Distracted. Thinking...about her.

Abruptly, the chains fall away from Lem/Sefick, melting back to the ether, and he levitates into the air, away from the startled grasp of Rose, Theron and Dragomir. A breeze from nowhere ruffles the halfling's hair, and his eyes begin to glow with a limpid radiance. You find it hard to look at him--it's like looking into the sun.

You have no idea what is coming. She cannot help you. We will not be prisoners for long. She does not have many places left to hide. You would speak to me in the tongue of the angels? Let me respond: আপনার জীবন বাজেয়াপ্ত করা হয়. তোমার আত্মার বাজেয়াপ্ত করা হয়. সাহস আপনার কাজ হয় কিন্তু তুষ বাতাসের. এবং আমি - করবে না - হতে - আপনার - মৃত্যুর!*

*Daemonic, or Infernal with a DC 10 Linguistics check:
your lives are forfeit. Your souls are forfeit. Your acts of courage are but chaff in the wind. And I--will--be--your--DEATH!


mysterious male human purveyor of plot

A visible shockwave--seemingly formed of an endless tide of tiny skulls--emanates from the possessed halfling, forcing everyone to take a couple of steps backward. The chill of the grave clings to you as you feel it pass over you, and your mind is filled with despair.

Fighting his way through the mind-numbing anguish, Theron does his best to stand tall, the way an inquisitor should in circumstances like these. He presents his holy symbol--perhaps more for his own benefit than out of any hope that it would have an effect on Corvin's ghost.

Theron wrote:
"In The Inheritor's name you will leave this body, foul spirit! You have no place here, and the gods that you have dared to mock are arrayed against you!"


male human (Chelaxian) disembodied spirit

Sefick/Lem just laughs in that horrible, artificially deepened voice. Ha ha ha ha ha! Your gods have no power over me! They never have!

The voice is becoming distorted now, and as you look closely, it seems as if Lem's body is beginning to break apart. It's like watching a china cup smashing on the floor, if time had slowed to a crawl. The breeze that has been ruffling Lem's hair has by now picked up to a strong wind, and appears to be strengthening into a gale, emanating from Lem and pushing you all back as your cloaks, scarves and coats flap around you.

There are no gods! Only petty powers who believe themselves above reproach! Above morality! Immune to consequence!

They think themselves safe in their domains, secreted away from prying mortal hands. But they do not know what is coming. They are not as safe as they think! I am coming for them, and I will consume them as I will consume you!

Lem/Sefick screams then, but you all hear two voices. One--Lem's--cries out in abject pain and fear. The other--Corvin's--howls in exultation.


mysterious male human purveyor of plot

As Corvin speaks, Dragomir acts. Pushing his way doggedly through the wind, he repeats a prayer to himself.

Dragomir wrote:
Most certain hope, O Lady the defence of all who seek thy aid in the Spiral.

Dragomir reaches for Lem/Sefick, floating in the air above him, but finds himself rebuffed as though the air between him and Lem/Sefick has gained the consistency of sand. He continues his prayer.

Draogmir wrote:
Glorious Pharasma, I pray thee now, that in the house when my eyes shall be so heavy with the darkness of undeath that I cannot see the brightness of this world, nor move my tongue to pray or call to thee, when my frail heart that is so faint shall tremble from fear of the enemies of thy natural order and shall be so stricken that all my limbs shall melt away in sweat for fear of the unnatural death...

As Dragomir pushes a hand laboriously up towards Lem/Sefick, the rest of you see a spiral forming on his palm, as though he has a luminescent tattoo. Dragomir continues his entreaties, either oblivious to or not concerned by the development.

Dragomir wrote:
then, sweet and piteous Lady, deign to look upon me with compassion and aid me that I may see with thee the company of angels and the Legions of those who await thy judgment, and that the troublous and frighted enemies by that help shall have no sight, presumption or suspicion of evil against me, nor any hope or power of banishing me from thy company.

As though in response to Dragomir's words, a sound like cracking rock echoes through the room, and the big man's hand finally closes on Lem/Sefick's ankle. He draws the little priest back down into a bear hug and closes his eyes before continuing his prayer.

Dragomir wrote:
Instead, most gentle Lady, may it please thee to remember my prayer to thee now, to bless this man's soul in thy blessed faith, in thy keeping and defence. O gate of paradise! O Lady of the Throne of Judgement, and of prophets, I make thy sign and lift up mine eyes and bend my knee before thee. O most gentle Lady, by thy joy when thy holy soul departed thy body unspotted and fearless, to be borne in the midst of thy keeping in the boneyard, I pray thee that thou wilt succour and present him in this dread hour. When death shall be so near, Lady, be to my and to his soul, a comfort and refuge and defence, so that the cruel enemies who defy thy will and the comfort of the grave, may not know even the shadow of victory, be it temporary and fleeting...

Lem's body, at this point seemingly with several pieces broken off it, snaps back together in an instant. Lem/Sefick struggles to escape Dragomir's grip.


male human (Chelaxian) disembodied spirit

As Lem/Sefick struggles, exhibiting a strength far beyond what he could normally be expected to possess, Dragomir remains strong.

Take your hands off me, you filthy cretin!

There is no grandeur to the voice now--just the arrogant expectation that he will be obeyed.


mysterious male human purveyor of plot

Sefick/Lem twists around as best he can, gets an arm free, and lands an elbow on Dragomir's temple. But the big man stays standing, squeezing as hard as he dares, hoping he won't hurt Lem.

Hey! Theron calls, having forced his way toward the struggling pair, his holy symbol held before him.

Sefick/Lem turns his head back to look--and Theron plants the holy symbol square on his forehead.

The light vanishes as Lem/Sefick cloeses his eyes and squeals in agony, and the whole room begins to shake. Walter and Rose share a worried glance as pieces of the plaster in the ceiling become dislodged to smash on the floorboards below.

Dragomir, Lem/Sefick and Theron are limned in a golden radiance as Theron's holy symbol sinks into Lem/Sefick's flesh. The wind in the room becomes erratic, gusting this way and that as Karrik dodges more of the falling plaster, and Septimus remains in the foyer, peering around the doorway. A pair of ghostly butterfly wings appear to sprout from Lem's back--going straight through Dragomir without any effect--and then furl themselves protectively around the little priest.

2,551 to 2,600 of 2,685 << first < prev | 44 | 45 | 46 | 47 | 48 | 49 | 50 | 51 | 52 | 53 | 54 | next > last >>
Community / Forums / Online Campaigns / Play-by-Post / cynarion's Carrion Crown: Gameplay All Messageboards

Want to post a reply? Sign in.