Age of Darkness

Game Master Mothman

Don't enter the shadow chamber until Keildrithe has had a chance to inspire y'all!

Laithe Greycoat wrote:

"May Ehlonna lift you up to soar free, something you never were truly able to do in life" Boland whispers to the eagle.

Oops... got your PbP characters mixed up! ;-)

Arghh! Again!! Whoops

Laithe has some spells to cast before anyone seeks to enter the chamber - resistance, Cat's Grace etc, but as they have relatively short duration they would be best to be cast as we approach...assuming the shadows are where we left them... : )

What light source(s) are you using and who is carrying them?

Kajetan only needs one hand free to cast spells, so he can have one light source if required, although I have no access to any light sources of my own.

Kajetan shares a few thoughts as they walk through the tunnels "I would guess that some ward prevents these creatures of shadow from leaving the chamber, if I am correct, us crossing the border may break the ward allowing them to chase us." he muses a bit more "or it may be possible that the ward just prevents incorporeal creatures from crossing it, if that is the case, I may have a problem making them flee."

"If possible we should let my ghostly hand initiate combat, that way I may get one to flee before there is a need to engage them, it will also test if incorporeal can cross the rooms threshold."

1) Who is planning on using the magic weapons? I have two mage armours to cast on the front two.

Nicholai Lights his lantern as they descend, and re-enchants a couple of copper coins with Light spells as the group approaches the 'Shadow Chamber'. Anyone can take them. I suggest tossing them on the floor when combat starts, lessen the shadows chances of sneaking up on us!

"Sounds like a good plan." Nicholai tells Kajetan as they creep cautiously down the hallway. "Let's just hope whatever is keeping them in there isn't disrupted by attacking them, especially with magic!" He smirks.

I plan on casting MM's at the shadows until I'm out or they come after me! If they get 'free' before I run out, I will cast Prot/Evil on the fighters. Then Scorching rays, (on the shadows, duh!) ;P

Kajetan shares a few thoughts as they walk through the tunnels "I would guess that some ward prevents these creatures of shadow from leaving the chamber, if I am correct, us crossing the border may break the ward allowing them to chase us." he muses a bit more "or it may be possible that the ward just prevents incorporeal creatures from crossing it, if that is the case, I may have a problem making them flee."

"That same thought had crossed my mind, and it's not particularly reassuring," mumbles Keildrithe. "But I agree that we should first weaken them as much as possible with Nicolai and Kajetan's magic. Can anyone confirm whether this javelin I am carrying might also be enchanted?"

"That same thought had crossed my mind, and it's not particularly reassuring," mumbles Keildrithe. "But I agree that we should first weaken them as much as possible with Nicolai and Kajetan's magic. Can anyone confirm whether this javelin I am carrying might also be enchanted?"

"I believe it is, though we know not the nature of the magic held in it", Laithe says in reply to Keildrithe's question, without turning. He walks at the front of the group, his spear and shield held in one hand and the light coin offered by Nicolai in the other. His face is set in a determined but confident mask, focusing on the combat to come. His eyes scan the passage ahead, lest the shadows had found a way to skip whatever was keeping them in the room.

Spot check 5 + 9 = 14. Laithe plans to cast a couple of Magic Stone spells for Pharris and himself to use against the Shadows (combining with Nicolai's MM, Kajetan's fear, Javelin etc). He will not take a magic item, hoping that his jaws prove enough if it comes to h2h. He then has some other spells to cast if/when we head into combat. I would recommend aiming to launch the combat all at once so that if the ward does break we get a full round of missile attacks before joining for h2h. Also, probably best to target the same one until it drops before moving onto the next.

Alton draws his newly retrieved dagger and holds it ready, looking from companion to companion as they near the end of the hall, discussing the plan of attack. 'So what exactly are these things? Only magical weapons work against them?'

Alton draws his newly retrieved dagger and holds it ready, looking from companion to companion as they near the end of the hall, discussing the plan of attack. 'So what exactly are these things? Only magical weapons work against them?'

Kajetan stops, "Oh yes, we are dragging you along with out explaining what we face." He grimaces before going into a lecture, "The creatures in the chamber are creatures that are not alive and not dead, they exist in some half life limbo between the two. They are made of the stuff of shadow, so they have no substance, items of this world will pass straight through them, bur magic and priestly powers exist partially on all worlds, so they have a chance of harming them, but this is only a chance, like a coin toss. Their touch, as they reach through your armour, clothing, flesh and into your very soul, is said to drain away your substance, turning your slowly into nothing until you melt away and rise as one of them, one of the undead." he pauses, realising he is not painting a very successful picture of their chances and suddenly doubting the parties plans.

Keildrithe fidgets nervously with his equipment as Kajetan provides Alton with an explanation, then loops up at his companions with a questioning gaze, as if he too still is not convinced of the wisdom of pursuing their present course of action...

Pharris and Laithe lead the way through the ancient cairn, not showing visible signs of the hesitation that the others express. Nothing has changed in the throne room or passages, and in the weapons room all is the same except that the hands have all rotted away with unnatural swiftness, leaving only small, sad collections of brittle brown bones.

As the lead pair approach the chamber with the shadows, they slow, looking warily ahead. The light from lantern and spell illuminates the chamber and the polished brown statue that stands with its back to the entrance at the centre of the circular room. The light casts long shadows into the room … and again, three of those areas of shadow appear unnatural, moving against the light, drifting slowly towards the entryway.

Roll init and tell me what you intend to do?

Roll init and tell me what you intend to do?

As Mage Armour lasts so long, can we assume that I have already cast Mage Armour on the front line before we get here, say in the first chamber, not sure who that will be, so first two to ask, get it.

Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Round one casting Spectral Hand through chattering teeth and knocking knees.

Lose 1d4 ⇒ 1 HP which go to the hand, hands AC is a whopping 26!.

edit: Ooooh, the message board dice are on fire for me!

Keildrithe recites once again the ode, he had recited the day before, when they were last confronted with the shadows:

You doubt your strength or courage
Don't come to join with me
For death surely awaits you
With cold and frigid hands
A disembodied spirit
No others fought and won
So on the fields of battle
We are the chosen ones

Black shadows fill the sky
As the creature's eyes grow near
Raise the shield of the blessed wanderers
High into the air
Kord's powers fill my soul
Onward now to fight I'm sent
Oh the horror's coming
To put us to the test

Inspire courage, everyone gets a +1 to hit and damage, and vs. fear effects...

The look in his eyes suggests that Keildrithe would soooo like to to benefit from Kajetan's arcane protection, but he does not ask for it aloud...

As they approach the chamber Laithe pulls out a handful of sling stones and, cupping them in his hand, says a quick prayer over them. He then hands them out to whoever wishes to take some. "Throw them true and they should be able to harm the creatures" he whispers.

Initiative 10 + 3 +2 = 15. If Laithe can have cast these Magic Stone spells before, he would have done so (half hour duration). Otherwise he does so on initiative. The stones do d6+1 damage when they hit, 2d6+2 vs undead, range increment 20ft.

Alton's got a magic weapon so he should take a mage armour. If Laithe is the only other, then he will take one and the others should stick out of combat. But if Pharris or anyone else was planning to head into hand-to-hand then they should take it, as Laithe can boost his defence with his own magic if needed.

Initiative: 2 + 1 = 3... boooo... How many stones does Laithe have?

Alton smiles at Kajetan after his explanation. 'Ah, is that all, and here I was thinking this was going to be difficult.' He claps his companion on the back and faces forward again, trying to radiate more bravado than he is feeling at the moment, though his courage is supplemented as Keildrithe starts his song. Alton accepts a stone off the Laithe and tests the weight in his hand, ready to go.
Alton wont say no to a mage armour if its on offer! initiative 4+4=8

Mothster

Initiative roll 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Pharris takes a magic stone or two from the druid and hefts one in her hand, ready.

She will take the javelin too, if no one else is going to throw that. Unless Keildrithe wants it?

Initiative roll 1d20+3

Pharris takes a magic stone or two from the druid and hefts one in her hand, ready.

She will take the javelin too, if no one else is going to throw that. Unless Keildrithe wants it?

Pharris can have the javelin, if she wants it. I thought it would have been better for one if the warriors to wield it as a melee weapon, in case the magic stones and spells were exhausted before the shadows were defeated... But either way, Pharris likely would have better aim than Keildrithe.

Initiative:
Laithe: 15
Shadows: 14
Pharris: 10
Alton: 8
Kajetan and Keildrithe: 3
Nicolai: ?

We’ll assume that Kajetan cast mage armour on Alton and Laithe in the first chamber. The spell lasts for 4 hours and gives a +4 armour bonus. It does not stack with any bonus from armour you’re wearing, but does provide protection from incorporeal attacks.

Laithe also cast his magic stone spell at this point. It enchants 3 stones. Pharris takes at least one, who (if any) is taking the other one or two?

Alton:

The tunnel (and entrance into the chamber) is almost ten feet wide, so you can stand (and fight) two abreast.
Still waiting on Nicolai, but Laithe can take his action now.

Would we be better off letting Pharris and/or Alton throw all the magic stones before they enter melee? They probably have the best attack modifiers... if I can meta-game for a moment...

Laithe passes a stone to Pharris and Alton, and retains one for himself. Loading it into his sling, a light coin held aloft in his other hand, he steps forward towards the edge of the room, takes aim at one of the creatures and let's fly with it, keen to see if the magic in the stones is effective against them.

To hit 6 + 6 + 1 + 1 = 14, to damage (if 1d6) 5 + 2 + 1 + 1 = 9 (if 2d6) 9 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 14. Modifiers are for str, Magic Stone bonus, Keildrithe inspire bonus.

Laithe moves up, leaving a 5ft gap from the rough spot the shadows stopped at last time. He can cast the spell again next turn if the stones prove useful, enchanting another 3 stones for anyone to use, so keep that in mind for your round two actions.

Sorry! (FOr some reason, I thought I posted on Friday!) ;P

Init:
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20

Nicholai, excited, nervous, and already on-edge about these creatures of darkness due to a burning passion he cannot adequately explain, finds himself stirred by the bard's inspiring song, and leaps into action prematurely. As the druid cautiously steps forward, a flurry of glowing mystic bolts flies over his shoulder to strike the leading shadow like a horde of tiny magical and angry wasps.

Heads swivel to face him, hands still outstretched, the shimmer of fading magic still visible from his fingertips. Nicholai has the grace to look embarrassed, and turns his head slightly to look at Kajetan.

"Sorry. I was supposed to wait for you, wasn't I? Your turn!" He says brightly.

Magic Missle + Arcanists gloves first use of day, = 3 missiles

3d4 + 3 ⇒ (3, 1, 1) + 3 = 8

Do you want us to roll our 50% miss chance or will you be doing it? (Applies to the stones but not the missiles or spectral hand I believe)

Pharris takes the javelin and hands Keildrithe her magic stone from Laithe. "I'm no expert with stones, not even magic ones, you try."

Then she watches how the others fare against the undead before casting the javelin in a smooth overarm throw at a target.

Pharris will aim for the one in the middle. +1 javelin attack roll 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19, damage 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5, miss chance (low is a miss) 1d100 ⇒ 15

The magical weapon flies straight through the shadow. "Nor with a javelin."

Alton steps forward, keeping abreast of Laithe, and hurls his stone at the closest shadow. attack and damage 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 7 + 1 = 202d6 + 2 ⇒ (4, 6) + 2 = 12 miss chance 1d100 ⇒ 18

Do you want us to roll our 50% miss chance or will you be doing it? (Applies to the stones but not the missiles or spectral hand I believe)

Either way is fine. I'll roll it if you don't (as I did with Laithe's attack).

As the three shadows drift towards the tunnel entrance, Nicolai opens hostilities with a series of magical missiles that tear into the lead shadow, ripping gaping holes in its incorporeal substance that wisp away into nothingness, but do not destroy it.

Laithe steps forward, almost to the end of the passage, and lets fly with one of his magic stones. It flies true, and knocks a ragged hole in the shadow to the left, but the horror keeps drifting silently forwards.

Now they have reached the entrance to the passage … and again they halt, floating silently there, a gap of some five feet between them and Laithe, seeming to look at the party with their featureless shadowy faces.

Kajetan casts his spell, causing a spectral hand to appear in the air in front of him.

Pharris’ throw is also true … or so it seems, until the javelin passes straight through the lead shadow, appearing not to harm it. Alton’s sling shot with the magic stone shares the same fate.

Those with ranks in Knowledge, Religion or Spellcraft, make a skill check for me if you care to.

Round two, what are you all up to?

Spellcraft 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

*Knowledge (Religion) : +7 (+4 Int, 3 ranks) 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

*Spellcraft: +12 (+4 Int, 6 ranks, +2 synergy bonus) 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21

K:Religion & Spellcraft
1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 171d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

Will post once I see if the info rolls reveal anything, but plan on continued hostilities! :)

Knowledge (religion): 2 + 1 = 3.

Keildrithe continues to recite his ode, over and over, keeping in his palm the stone Pharris handed him, assessing the outcome of the first round of throws and spells. The bard takes an involuntary step back as the shadows approach the threshold of their cave, but quickly recovers and chants louder with renewed fervour...

Pharris, Kajetan and Nicolai:

Laithe is heartened by the fact that his stone appears to damage the creature, though is disappointed when Pharris' and Alton's attack do not have the same success. He pulls another three stones from his pouch and whispers a prayer over them causing them to glow softly.

Once done, he holds them out for others to grab as needed. "Aim for the ones that have already taken damage!" he calls.

"Right! Concentrate on one at a time!" Nicholai agrees as he summons up his mystic energies. The stars on the knuckles of his gloves flash in time with his chant as he hurls another barrage of mystic bolts into the same shade as before.

Magic Missile + Arcanist's Gloves, 2nd use for day = 3 missiles

3d4 + 3 ⇒ (3, 3, 4) + 3 = 13

"Something's, wrong,..." Nicholai mutters even as he smirks at the effectiveness of his mystic bolts.
"Kaj! Laithe's stone-spell is intended to be effective against undead. Shouldn't it have done more damage to the shade?!?" He asks, hsi voice unnaturally loud in the strangely silent battle against the undead.

The first two missiles of Nicolai’s second volley rip the already ragged looking shadow apart, its remaining essence falling to the ground and fading away. Changing his aim at the last second, he targets the shadow wounded by Laithe’s stone with the last missile. It too finds its mark and destroys this second shadow in the same manner, leaving only one of the monsters silently floating in the air at the entrance, as if stuck behind an invisible barrier.

Likewise emboldened by the success of his companions, Keildrithe places his magic stone in his sling, steps forward, swings and lets fly at the last shade with a prayer to the old gods...

I'm using a cursed die... Attack roll: 8 + 4 + 1 = 13... If that's enough to hit, damage = 4 + 2 +1 = 7... crap... Miss chance = 83. Don't forget about the +1 to hit and damage from inspire courage, everyone!

Athough its not the best throw Keildrithe has ever performed, he can hardly help but miss the almost stationary shadow – and luck is with him, for the magical stone does appear to damage the creature, tearing a hole in its formless substance in the same manner as the stone Laithe fired previously.

Alton takes up another stone and silently prays this one connects. [ooc] attack and damage, 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 7 + 1 = 232d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3, 6) + 2 + 1 = 12 miss chance 1d100 ⇒ 81 [ooc]

Alton whirls his sling and lets fly with another stone. This one does effect the incorporeal foe, tearing a small hole in its substance – but enough, combined with Keildrithe’s attack, to destroy it, as it tears apart into small wisps of shadow-stuff that slowly fade away into nothingness.

The group’s foes are defeated – there appears to now be nothing preventing you from entering the chamber.

End of combat!

Kajetan blinks, still not quite sure he believes his eyes. "well that was a lot easier than I expected." He trembles slightly as the adrenaline leaves him "I don't think they were the creatures I thought they where," curiosity getting the better of him he starts working his way through the group. intent on reaching the chamber to inspect it.

"Yes, It was easier than I was expecting it to be,... Not that I'm complaining!" Nicholai hastily adds with a smile. The dandy places a gentle hand upon Kajetan's eager shoulder.

"Wait a moment lad, this chamber has endured for decades, a few more moments won't hurt it." He says with a smile.

"I'm curious, why did the specters seem unable to pass this doorway? I don't want to blunder in and destroy a ward that might be keeping these, or something worse, at bay. Or worse, trigger another mystical trap!" Nicholai holds up his lantern and waves for the light coins to be brought closer, then examines the doorway and walls for signs of glyphs or wards.

Spot:
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

DM

Pharris looks pensive at the easy win.

Pharris:

Nicolai sees nothing to indicate to him why the shadows did not pass the threshold; no glyphs, wards or any other sort of markings that he can see.

Will save 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (10) + 0 = 10

"Well they seemed real enough," she murmurs to no one.

Pharris:

"Yes, It was easier than I was expecting it to be,... Not that I'm complaining!" Nicholai hastily adds with a smile. The dandy places a gentle hand upon Kajetan's eager shoulder.

"Wait a moment lad, this chamber has endured for decades, a few more moments won't hurt it." He says with a smile.

"I'm curious, why did the specters seem unable to pass this doorway? I don't want to blunder in and destroy a ward that might be keeping these, or something worse, at bay. Or worse, trigger another mystical trap!" Nicholai holds up his lantern and waves for the light coins to be brought closer, then examines the doorway and walls for signs of glyphs or wards.

Laithe is relieved when the last shadow dissapates into nothingness, but like Nicolai remains somewhat wary of the apparently easy win. He listens to the comments given by his companions as to the nature of the creatures and hazards a theory.

"I guess fear can be as real a barrier as thick stone wall - or more so at times. It certainly delayed our progress through the tunnels and almost caused us to move on without completing our exploration. Could these things have been magical illusions, created to deter passage as a locked door might not? Perhaps that would explain their inability to pursue us, caught as they had reached the limits of the spell?"

While he speaks he also eyes the statue in the room, wary of it. spot check 4 + 9 = 13.

Whether real or not, they certainly caused you to expend resources in defeating them, and almost caused you not to continue …

The statue has its back to you, but appears to depict a tall, powerfully built humanoid wearing clothing and armour made of hides. It carries no weapons that are apparent from this vantage. The statue is somewhat roughly formed of a highly polished brown stone or clay.

There is another exit from the circular chamber to the south, leading south east. Nicolai’s coin still lies on the floor where it was tossed the day before, the light spell that was on it long expired.

"Fascinating," Kajetan murmurs, "maybe they were indeed shadow creatures, I have heard tell of powerful shadow magic that can summon quasi-real versions of real life monsters," he pulls his hood back, a rare thing, and strokes the stubble on his chin. Kajetan's eye's sparkle in the light, "if I were a betting man, I would say that is what they were, shadow versions of shadow monsters," he chuckles shaking his head, "brilliant in its simplicity."

"I believe there is little else to fear in this chamber and I am eager to press on while I still have my spectral hand," he guestures towards the chamber, "shall we enter and examine the room?"

*Spellcraft: +12 (+4 Int, 6 ranks, +2 synergy bonus) 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27

*Knowledge (Arcana): +14 (+4 Int, 7 ranks, +3 Skill Focus Feat) 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (17) + 14 = 31

using the knowledge arcane roll to back up my ooc knowledge of spell books, although it is only a hunch, the hp and reaction seems about right. I am thinking it is Shadow Conjuration or its greater version.