5E-Ravenloft - Hour of the Knife (Inactive)

Game Master Dennis Harry

King's Quarters - Morning - Bloodhaven Estate - The Pool Room

"Through the wall in his office. I've never been in there myself but I know he hides treasures in the place".

Khalid puts his palm to his face. "The entrance. It's behind the bookcase, isn't it?"

King's Quarters - Morning - Bloodhaven Estate - The Pool Room

He shakes his head in disagreement with Khalid, "No, right in the middle of the wall. No doubt the Nobleman who created the room spent good coin on it. The Master tells the story that when he first slew and took the place of Sir Edmund he was disappointed to find the human was more monstrous than he. The women he found chained in the place no doubt suffered unspeakably at the Nobles hand. Perhaps it was that fear that made them taste so delicious..."

Khalid looks at the man in disgust. "Take us to the secret door creature. Do it quickly before I roast you where you stand."

Marco unceremoniously grabs the creature by the ear and pulls him towards the middle of the wall.

Come now, ya bugger. Show us now!

Bannock unceremoniously tosses the three masterwork daggers into his sack. One grain of the enemy's supplies is as a hundredweight of our own, so sayeth the Cortex.

He stoically follows the others as they bludgeon the Heretic to reveal his secrets.

King's Quarters - Morning - Bloodhaven Estate - The Private Sanctum of Sir Edmund

The Jackalman leads you back into the public office of Sir Edmund and shows you on the wall where the secret door is located. Wyatt manages to uncover the trick to opening it. The door opens and a wave of revulsion strikes you. The room has no windows but three normal looking doors are located to the right in the room.

Strewn in the room like so much refuse are the bodies of the Mayor, Inspector Nayth, and Koth Rigsby.

The Jackalman takes a whiff of the room, "Fresh meat it seems..."

Please make Horror checks! The DC is 12. Horror is the attempt of trying to process the true threat of a scene, thus it is an Intelligence check.

Crier 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

The Constable seems shaken but holds himself resolute in the face of this latest slaughter. "They seek to slay our allies".

The secret door to this room is on the side of the map dad center near where Khalid is now positioned on the "Elegant Brawl Room" map. The doors in this new room (no map should be necessary) are located where I placed Bannock, Derrick, and Wyatt respectively.

Horror 1d20 ⇒ 16

Wyatt takes a deep breath and heads to the victims to check them.

Medicine 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

"I think our captive is correct. This blood is dry but the bodies are not entirely stiff. The fiends struck back at us as we have been searching for them it seems".

Int: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Marco takes in the scene and steps back out of the room, quickly, terrified of the gruesome scene.

Horror: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16

Derrick had been quiet since the fight, wordlessly accepting healing and letting his brother in faith decide what to do with the foul monsters. The room is nauseating, and disturbing, but Derrick holds his decorum and doesn't let it bother him overmuch. There is always more work to be done for the faith.

Horror Check: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Khalid steps back from the grisly scene, horrified at the brutality.

t3h H0RR0RZ!!: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (15) + 0 = 15

The sight of carnage holds no sway to the hardened Apothecary. Instead of revulsion, the gauntlet that is the White Fist of Torm spins and catches up the neck of the heretic man-jackel, pinning him against the wall!

"TRAITOROUS FIEND! Is this the treasure that you are so certain your master hides!? Like a whipped dog do you now parade your master's trophies before us?"

The white fist draws the were-man back slams him into the wall! And again!

"No more games! No more tricks! We are NOT impressed with the slaying of civilians! In it's place I am filled with Faith that when I crush your master's skull beneath my booted heel I shall sleep well that night knowing that I walk the path of Righteousness!

If you have aught of value to state, do so now! I need not your pathetic lungs to breath to show me the evilness of our quarry! So let your next words carry weight, for they MAY be your LAST!"

The white gauntlet eases a hairsbreadth to allow some wind to fill the vile lungs, giving him leave to answer.

The Horror

King's Quarters - Morning - Bloodhaven Estate - The Private Sanctum of Sir Edmund

The creature cowers but appears to chuckle uncontrollably despite his predicament, "I was unaware of these bodies being here. I am told what I need to know no more. Behind each of those locked doors within the rooms lies his treasure. His most prized possession though is the two bladed dagger he stole from his own Master..."

King's Quarters - Morning - Bloodhaven Estate - The Private Sanctum of Sir Edmund

Wyatt breathes in sharply at that statement, "This is indeed our foe and our quarry. Quickly, let us open these doors and see what of use we can find against this enemy!"

Sleight of Hand Door #1 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

Wyatt successfully picks the lock!

King's Quarters - Morning - Bloodhaven Estate - The Private Sanctum of Sir Edmund

Inventory: Most prominent hanging within the room is a scimitar the twin its seems of Marco's blade. Next to the scimitar is a suit of Splint Mail the likes of which only a wealthy man could afford. Hanging from a hook next to that is a set of shiny Bracers. A Necklace hangs on a hook next to these. Finally is a shelf where rests three potions, based on dust from the shelf, several bottles have already been removed.

Crier turns to Marco and Khalid and tries to shake each man who appears frozen in fear, "Has anyone a spell for this!?"

Does anyone want to open door 2 and 3? Inspect the goods? Assume Marco and Khalid snap out of it soon enough to take actions.

So, is the Scimitar a Scimitar of Quickness?

Marco still appears shaken by the scene. But he averts his eyes as he gazes at the Scimitar.

Fine blade there.

He focuses on the second lock as he gets out his tools.

Thieve's Tools: 1d20 + 8 - 1 ⇒ (4) + 8 - 1 = 11

Khalid gains his composure but like Marco, seems to be avoiding the room. "I.. don't have anything memorized. If you give me about ten minutes, I can cast a detection spell that will at least tell me what sort of magics the gear is enchanted with."

If there are no objections, Khalid will begin to cast Detect Magic as a ritual, giving it a ten minute casting time.

So, is the Scimitar a Scimitar of Quickness?

Two, in the same adventure!? Why that's madness...

Just for reference:

Bannock releases the fiend and shakes his head. "Once the fear takes hold, there is but little for it. Though 'tis a blessing, for fear is the sound weakness makes as it leaves the mind. Still, I would not see Torm have no voice in this desolate place."

To each member he gives them a sacrament as they wait for Khalid's ritual to end, stating, "For those who seek perfection there can be no rest on this side of the grave."

Casting Guidance on everyone, and as needed. Marco, takes another +d4 to your checks.

King's Quarters - Morning - Bloodhaven Estate - The Private Sanctum of Sir Edmund

Wyatt assists Marco in opening the second door. Two chests sit within on the floor with numerous smaller boxes sitting on shelves. Wyatt opens each and find a substantial amount of gold, silver and gems/jewels. Some of the jewelry has blood on it...

Meanwhile, Khalid's spell yields results! I'll skip past the identification phase this one time.

***Scimitar of Speed as Marco has one, another PC will need to wield this one,
***Splint Mail (Resistance to Necrotic Damage),
***Bracers of Archery,
***Elixir of Health,
***Potion of Heroism
***Potion of Vitality
***Periapt of Proof Against Poison

As Khalid is able to discern the powers of the items, the door in the next room opens! You hear the sound of someone struggling against the chair that had been pushed up against the handle.

Actions?

BUMP!

Khalid slowly backs away from the direction of the noise. "Gentlemen, I think that the next wave of foes is about to arrive."

Casting Mage Armor

Marco quickly attempts to conceal himself so that he may attack from a hidden position.

Stealth: 1d20 + 9 + 1d4 ⇒ (20) + 9 + (4) = 33

Marco quickly attempts to conceal himself so that he may attack from a hidden position.

[dice=Stealth]1d20+9+1d4

:-O Wow, that's some good hiding.

I am a ghost!

King's Quarters - Morning - Bloodhaven Estate - The Private Sanctum of Sir Edmund

Marco vanishes into the secret room. Crier sits at Sir Edmund's desk. The rest of the group remains in the secret private sanctum of the noble shapeshifter closing the door enough to still step out and at least hear if only partially see what is about to take place. Bannock ties down the Jackalwere quickly gagging him with whatever paperwork seems convenient to utilize.

The door is kicked in the chair sent sprawling across the floor. Stepping into the room is Inspector Nayth. He looks at the Constable, "BY the Divinity Crier, I am glad to see you alive! I and several Constables are here to assist you with apprehending this vile nobleman!"

Crier remains seated, "Inspector! I indeed, the Divinity be praised. Bad news, the brave men who aided us lay out by the pool room. Mots are dead though a few still cling to life. I was searching for a potion to aid them in the desk..."

Actions? The map "An Elegant Brawl Room" has been updated to dhow doors.

sry. been sick. still am. minor retcon since we need a paperwork update....

As Derrick takes the speed blade and Khalid claims the periapt, Bannock, recognizing the Oaths of Momment scrawled along the gilded edges of the armor as declarations of loyalty to the Divinity so powerful they can ward off the fell powers of Chaos, clambers into the mailed suit.

"Tis fitting that an Apothecary should carry these items of healing, all the better to carry out the second part of our mantra," he says, stuffing the two potions and elixir into a belt-mounted supply bag.

As no one claims the bracers, he shrugs and tosses them into his pack, loath to leave such an item of power for the filthy Xenos to use.

*whew* Okay, that done...I'm confused. Is Crier lying to Nayth? I thought Crier was a good guy? Do we know who Nayth is? Is this a violent confrontation? I just wanna check because Bannock...isn't known for his subtlety. =)

Remember, your group just found Nayth's dead body in the secret room of Sir Edmund. As you all cleverly closed the door to that room, the creature now impersonating Nayth does not know that Crier knows. You are 100% positive Crier is lying trying to buy you all more time to decide what to do and hopefully have these Xenos reveal themselves as it is unlikely there is just the one out there, especially in light of the fact that he has stated he has other Constables with him!

"Perhaps you could take a look, Inspector?" Derrick gestures to the desk, his swords still sheathed. "Your eyes are keen and your wits are sharper than ours, after all."

Probably something Charisma based: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 Haha, sorry everyone

"Perhaps you could take a look, Inspector?" Derrick gestures to the desk, his swords still sheathed. "Your eyes are keen and your wits are sharper than ours, after all."

[dice=Probably something Charisma based]1d20+1 Haha, sorry everyone

I had you in the secret sanctum there Derek, assuming you step out, that would likely start combat...so here we go!

King's Quarters - Morning - Bloodhaven Estate - The Private Sanctum of Sir Edmund

Derek steps through from the secret door and Nayth eyes him warily, "So it seems you have discovered who and what we are eh? Well, your curiosity has led to your doom fools all. You know too much and now must die, worry not, your loved ones will not miss you, in fact, they will not even know you are dead!"

Note that many of the enemies you do not see yet, you will see them all soon enough.

Initiative - Round 1
The Constables & Bardan
Derrick, Bannock, Wyatt, Crier
The Inspector, Sir Edmund
Khalid & Marco

Rushing into the room are several Constables, or so they appear to be, you all know these creatures for what they really are, shapeshifters.

From the hallway comes a new voice, "Kill them. Kill them all but one! The Priest would make a fine sacrifice for this evening"

Despite the swarming tactics of the Constables, none can lay a sword on the nimble Monk though it is clear that they have not launched into their full commitment to strike out.

The desk is an impediment to one who leaps upon it and misses Crier high. To Crier's left flank though, the shapechanger cuts a deep gash into one of the few allies you all have left!

Two others race into the room, short swords drawn looking but not finding the rest of you...

Yet another voice from the hall cries out, "You will all pay for what you did to my cousins!"

Initiative - Round 1
Derrick, Bannock, Wyatt, Crier - GO!
The Inspector, Sir Edmund
Khalid & Marco

Bannock steps unhurriedly forward. "Your braggadocio belies your fear. The Divinity of Mankind will no longer tolerate your presence! Indeed, none shall think us dead, after we walk over your bleeding corpses!"

Just then the voice from the hall seems to mention the Apothecary specifically. "And tell your cowering lord that no one, including him, will commit further blasphemes while I live."

To emphasize his words, an ephemeral two-handed hammer springs from the aether and attacks the nearest Xeno!

Spiritual Weapon Attack!: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Spiritual Weapon Damage!: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

That done, Bannock turns and gives Derrick a knowing nod. Neither of them will leave this room while a Xeno yes breathes.

No matter the cost.

Bannock bows his head and brings fist to chest. "The Emperor protects."

Casting Warding Bond. Derrick gets +1AC and takes half damage from everything. Any damage he takes is also taken by me.

Woops, sorry I messed that up everybody. Cue crazy wuxia monk stuff!

Derrick ducks and weaves, easily avoiding the attacks of the fake constables, and he returns with a lighting-flash of his own attacks, the shortsword blazing forward with inhuman speed. Shortsword of speed unfortunately doesn't stack with my Martial Arts ability since they both work on bonus actions, but it gives a bonus to attack and damage so it's very nice!

Attack 1: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10
Damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Attack 2: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26
Damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Bonus Attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28
Damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
These attacks focus on one constable at a time, although if one drops I'll move on to a second (not likely in this round)

King's Quarters - Morning - Bloodhaven Estate - The Private Sanctum of Sir Edmund

Derek and Bannock begin working over Mr. Orange who sustains a few wounds but manages to sidestep one of the Monk's furious swings.

King's Quarters - Morning - Bloodhaven Estate - The Private Sanctum of Sir Edmund

Wyatt rushes out of the room and screams, "This is for my parents, that my songs revenge the wrongs committed upon them by your kind! Fall back foul beasts, fall back and show yourselves to be the least!"

Thunderwave. 2d8 ⇒ (2, 3) = 5 A cube of pure force bursts forth from the Bard's location!

Around Wyatt, the foes go flying into different directions around the room from the force of his spell. The foes near Derek are all slammed into the wall.

King's Quarters - Morning - Bloodhaven Estate - The Private Sanctum of Sir Edmund

Crier, knowing Marco lies in wait behind the secret door behind him opts to rush after the slammed Constable in the corner lashing out at the foe twice.

The blood loss he has sustained thus far clearly hampers him his first strike is weak and the second misses altogether.

The foes in the hall appear content to let their minions do their dirty work for them... as the Inspector steps out from the room.

Round 1 -
Khalid & Marco - GO!

Initiative - Round 2
The Constables & Bardan
Derrick, Bannock, Wyatt, Crier - GO!
The Inspector, Sir Edmund
Khalid & Marco

Can Khalid get to the hallway door without being attacked?

Advantage,Sneak Att, Dual Weilder, Ss of Quickness

Marco moves quickly into the room and attacks the nearest constable.

Rapier Att: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27
Rapier Att Adv: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Rapier Dam: 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (1, 1) + 4 = 6
SS Att1: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19
SS Att1 Adv: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
SS Dam1: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
SS Att2: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
SS Att2 Adv: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
SS Dam2: 1d6 + 5 + 3d6 ⇒ (4) + 5 + (6, 6, 5) = 26

Oh hell! Derrick, is your HP total accurate? Bro, hit me upside the head if I don't see something like that!

Bannock's eyes go wide in fright as he at last notices Derrick's many bleeding wounds. "Success is measured in blood; yours or your enemy's," he intones as the grace of the Divinity pours out of him into the Monk.

Cure Wounds!: 1d8 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 2 + 1 = 12

Even as he chants, the ghostly hammer continues to harass the nearest foe!

Spiritual Weapon Attack!: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
Spiritual Weapon Damage!: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

I'm pretty sure it is--I took quite a beating in the one fight, and didn't get totally healed up after that cause we weren't sure what came next. thanks for the assist!

Derrick continues laying about with the shortsword, its magic lending him even greater speed than he usually possesses.

Attack 1: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15
Damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Attack 2: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19
Damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Bonus Attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26
Damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Can Khalid get to the hallway door without being attacked?

Yes but he will be a sitting duck after that surrounded by foes... Once you act I will be able to resolve most of the round as all PCs have posted!

Khalid de la Poer wrote:

Can Khalid get to the hallway door without being attacked?

Yes but he will be a sitting duck after that surrounded by foes... Once you act I will be able to resolve most of the round as all PCs have posted!

Gotcha. I was going to block the entrance with one of the robes iron doors, but it sounds like I might just be dead a round later.

Eh, who needs battlefield control when you've got..

Fireball! 8d6 ⇒ (5, 1, 2, 1, 4, 6, 4, 5) = 28

Khalid should be able to protect all of his allies his his spell sculpt ability.

Save DC is 15

King's Quarters - Morning - Bloodhaven Estate - The Private Sanctum of Sir Edmund

Round 1

Khalid and Marco step into the fray!

Marco's blinding speed catches the fake Constable on the desk off guard, his furious assault renders the creature onto death. As with the last several times this one takes the form of a grey featureless humanoid as its corpse slams onto the floor.

Khalid's Fireball explodes just outside the doorway.

As the magical fire explodes those caught in the conflagration leap out of the way exclaiming in pain. The distinctive voice of who you assume to be Sir Edmund yells out, "Slay that damnable gypsy!"

Round 2

The Constables, each one injured in some way by the powerful heroes, strike back!

Crier is struck by the first attack of the shapechanger but manages to avoid the second. He is moving slower his feet dragging and he breathes heavily.

The two nearest to Marco head in his direction seeking to bring him down with teamwork. The first swipes at him from across teh desk two times, both missing as Marco easily leans back out of their way. However, his second foe does manage to score a hit om Marco's left shoulder. Marco takes 6 damage.

Wyatt is no combatant and he stumbles backwards under the effects of the Jackalwere's gaze. He shakes his head though able to resist the menace's hypnotic sleep powers.

Bannock's new armor proves to be sturdier than the attacks of the Constable threatening him.

Likewise, Derrick's speed from his new blade allows him to evade the attacks of the now much less confident shapechanger. Derrick sees something he has rarely seen from these foes in the eyes of this opponent. Fear.

The last of the "Constables" swings over-eagerly at Khalid, "Die foul gypsy!" His massive swings are easy for Khalid to sidestep. The Half-Vistani looks back to see the Jackalwere they took prisoner working against his bonds...

Crier counters the foe swinging at him.

Bannock heals Derrick who is back to back with him. His magical hammer though is ducked by the nearest foe. Derrick +12 HP. I would check Wyatt's heals, he may have given you some healing at the end of last combat.

Derrick's flurry of strikes slay his primary foe, a spinning kick brings teeth flying out of the mouth of the foe who stands against Bannock.

King's Quarters - Morning - Bloodhaven Estate - The Private Sanctum of Sir Edmund

Wyatt gives a withering gaze to the Jackalwere, "We slew all of your cousin and you are next mangy brute!"

Vicious Mockery 1d4 ⇒ 1

King's Quarters - Morning - Bloodhaven Estate - The Private Sanctum of Sir Edmund

The creature chuckles, "No you are next!"

The first stab by the Inspector misses, The second strike though, Wyatt is not as lucky with. He is struck on the thigh with the short sword.

Initiative - Round 2
Khalid & Marco - GO!

Sneak Att, Dual Weilder, SS of Quickness, Cunning Action

Marco Disengages quickly into the room and attacks the nearest constable, attacking Wyatt.

Rapier Att: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
Rapier Dam: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
SS Att1: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26
SS Dam1: 1d6 + 5 + 3d6 ⇒ (1) + 5 + (2, 3, 1) = 12

I did indeed miss some healing from Wyatt--still good that Bannock patched me up, though, because I'd have still been pretty low. Now I'm back to full.

"I think you will be dying this day creature." Khalid will cast burning hands and attempt to catch the captured jackal monster in the cone.

Burning Hands: 3d6 ⇒ (1, 5, 6) = 12

DC is 15