Aubrey's Eberron campaign. (Inactive)

Game Master Aubrey the Malformed

Will DC 26: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23

Action Point: 1d6 ⇒ 51d6 ⇒ 4

The changeling feels the chill in her spine that has affected Runzyl, but she stands her ground.

Initiative list:
Gath 28
Gelb 24
Runzyl 15+
Party people 15-
Ezreal 13
Musicians 10
Rodergo 9
Janosz 9-
Gil 8
Nevharath 3

Runzyl is still panicked.

Map updated.

Runzyl runs to L26.

Party people!

When the scythe wielding lich rushes halfway across the room something snaps in Ezreal. His eyes go wild and his internal monologue becomes gibbering despair. He mumbles to no one in particular, frozen for the moment, "Ww-we have to get the hell out of here n-now. H-He's the Keeper incarnate! We're going to die here..."

Will: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16 Action Point can't cover that one.
–2 penalty on all saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks.
Must flee in a random path. Must use spells to do so if otherwise prevented.

The party is going with less of a swing now most of the partygoers lie like charred logs on the floor, but those that are left party on.

P1, P2 and P7 charge Nev (he can AoO one of them if he wants) and P9 charges Janosz. P26 attacks Janosz too.
P1 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 2 = 9 to hit, damage 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 plus energy drain (1 level, DC 14)
P2 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 2 = 8 to hit, damage 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 plus energy drain (1 level, DC 14)
P7 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 2 = 10 to hit, damage 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 plus energy drain (1 level, DC 14)
P9 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 4 + 2 = 18 to hit, damage 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 plus energy drain (1 level, DC 14)
P26 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7 to hit, damage 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 plus energy drain (1 level, DC 14)

We'll assume that Ez just runs away back down the corridor.

So the musicians are next. Or rather, musician. In keeping the zeitgeist, he goes for Janosz too.
P26 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 9 + 2 = 15 incorporeal touch v touch AC, damage 1d8 ⇒ 8 plus energy drain (2 levels, DC 16)

Map updated.

Rod.

They all miss, and id like to aoo the last one so I can use sweeping strike
1d20 + 15 ⇒ (1) + 15 = 16
2d8 + 22 ⇒ (7, 3) + 22 = 32

Boo

Ah well, you can't win 'em all.

Step five feet to M 20.

Channel again;

5d6 ⇒ (6, 1, 3, 1, 6) = 17 to all of those bastards.....

And now it is my turn. I'll keep the outlined action; the way this is going, I'm actually willing to take AoOs from level-draining monsters in order to get as many attacks possible on Gath. Also, all three attackers missed me. So:

5' step to Q22. All attacks go on Gath; in the unlikely event that he goes down, any spillover goes on M5. I'm using Point Blank Shot, Rapid Shot, Manyshot and Clustered Shots.

Attack 1: 11+19+1(PBS)+1(haste)=AC 32, damage 2d8+6+2(PBS)=21 + 9 fire + 8 electricity.
Attack 2: 11+19+1+1=AC 32, damage 1d8+3+1=9 + 5 fire + 1 electricity.
Attack 3: 12+14+1+1=AC 28, damage 1d8+3+1=9 + 3 fire + 5 electricity.
Attack 4: 14+9+1+1=AC 25, damage 1d8+3+1=10 + 4 fire + 4 electricity.
Attack 5 (bonus from haste): 9+19+1+1=AC 30, damage 1d8+3+1=11 + 6 fire + 1 electricity.

The party is going with less of a swing now most of the partygoers lie like charred logs on the floor, but those that are left party on.

A fair number of them, too - 28 (or was it 26?) wights and 6 spectres, plus whatever the hell Gath is. That's a lot of unlife.

I'm just trying to mow those bastards down, then I can lay into gath.

Silly changeling, look what you forgot! Does a wand require a move action to draw or can it be drawn as a free action while moving?

Gil moves to I23.

If she can draw the wand as a free action during the move, she will use it. Damage is the same, Reflex DC 18 for half damage.

If she cannot draw the wand as a free action during the move, she will use another Shadow Evocation. Will DC 21 to disbelieve (20% damage), then Reflex DC 21 for half damage.

Either way, she targets up the I column through Nev's three dance partners.

Party Pyrotechnics: 10d6 ⇒ (2, 3, 4, 1, 3, 4, 5, 3, 2, 3) = 30

I'm just trying to mow those bastards down, then I can lay into gath.

you and me both, brother

Nevharath approaches Gath, intent on destroying the beacon of darkness.

Nevharath will move to occupy M-N/19-20

Attack will be on P26, Cleave that will sweep to hit Gath as well.

1d20 + 15 ⇒ (10) + 15 = 25
2d8 + 22 ⇒ (6, 7) + 22 = 35

The cleave will be on Gath, sweep to hit P26
1d20 + 15 ⇒ (16) + 15 = 31
2d8 + 22 ⇒ (5, 8) + 22 = 35

Right, Will saves from Rod's attack
P1 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
P2 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
P7 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
P9 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
P26 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
M5 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20

Rodergo blasts one of the wight party-poopers and a spectral musician into the next life.

Will saves against Gil's attack. On drawing a wand on the run, the official line is apparently that it isn't possible, but I don't really see why you can't draw a wand but you can draw a dagger, so I'll allow it.
P1 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
P2 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
P7 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Reflex saves are irrelevant given the damage they have taken.

Gil's shadow lightning bolt does the rest with the three partygoer's nearest Nevharath.

No idea what Nev wants to do now - perils of posting so far ahead before the outcome is known. Nev, please reconsider your actions given the above, using your dice rolls from before as applicable.

Map updated.

Nev.

YAY!!!

Oh, very nice.

Change new position to MN 21-22, Vital strike on Gath for 5+6+7+8+22=48 damage if a 25 hitshim

With a mighty blow, Nevharath rends the soul-stuff of which the Reaper was made into a cloud of greasy motes that slowly fall to the floor. The scythe clatters to the floor and shatters.

The adventurers' eyes flick open. They are lying on the floor in the room with the mosaic of the Reaper once more. But this time they feel refreshed, as if they have had a good night's sleep. The figure of the Reaper still looks down from the ceiling but it is no longer threatening, just a cold, flat image devoid of deeper context.

Ahead, the door onward lies open.

End of combat. 6,400xp each. You have the benefits of a good night's sleep - you heal damage as if you rested for one day, you get your spell slots back and recharge your various powers, etc.

Runzyl is up and about, but he looks unhappy. Never one to deal in subtlety he blurts out, "I failed as a warrior. I fled from combat. I have dishonoured myself."

"He used magic of fear as a weapon in a domain of his own design. It's no more dishonorable than being struck by an enemy's blade."

"If you are struck and bleed, there is no dishonor. His 'blade' was magic, designed to make anyone run. You took the fight to him while we dealt with the others. You did well, warrior."

"It was witchery. And then we killed his ass dead. I wouldn't worry too much about it."

"We're alive to fight another day and that's all that matters."

"But is he truly dead, or did we only fight him in a dream?" Nevharath wonders, aloud.

"Gath? We didn't kill him now. But we did destroy some sort of foul spirit monster. Can't you feel how this room is no longer haunted, how the mural has lost its oppressive air? It's like how Reston changed after we killed the beast made out of darkness."

"Even if we had, it would only be temporary. Come on, the path ahead has opened."

"I must withdraw," declares Runzyl. "I may dishonour Falla Caesenri if I continue and display such fear again. I must meditate upon my failure. It pains me to leave you in such circumstances, but I may be more of a danger to you in my current... state."

"Trust a coward to show his true colors when the going gets tough," Gelb smirks.

Glaring, Gil offers, "Yes, you did, didn't you? What exactly did you expect to accomplish fleeing into the room?"

"I led our 'friends' on a merry little chase and let you heroes do something heroically," the changeling replies impudently.

"This is the wrong time to divide ourselves. We are now a man down, let's not make it two." Nevharath says pragmatically.

Runzyl thinks for a moment, then shakes his head. "No. You do not understand the ways of the Valaes Tairn. My ancestors must be appeased, and to do that I must know what to do. I must seek out a spirit talker. I know this is not a good time to leave, but I have no choice." Pointedly ignoring Gelb he sticks out his hand to the others. "Fare well. I know you will be victorious. Perhaps there is a future tiem when I can return."

Janosz gives Runzyl a long hug. "Fare well, and make peace with the spirits. I'm sure we will meet again."

"Well, that was disappointing", he says, almost cheerfully, to Gelb after Runzyl takes off. "I really thought he would kill you. Next time, I guess."

I gotta pick spells yet. Does anybody need me to do some restorations and how much?

ive got 3 CHA damage. not sure if any of that would have come back during a rest.

duly noted.

Didn't Ezreal get drained of a couple of levels?

Wouldn't surprise me.

No level drain. I took a little negative energy damage, but the action points held off the drain.
71/54
+11 hps for rest = 65 hps
EDIT: Also 3 Cha damage
We got spell slots back, but I assume we still need to dedicate a little time to prep them. Anyone recommend a defensible area we might prep for an hour? Maybe this room considering how intense the trap was.

You heal one point of stat damage (I assume each stat heals, so if you have multiple stats damaged each one will heal one point) and your level in hp per night of rest naturally. Rod can break out the Restorations and Lesser Restorations and pray for what is necessary to heal the rest. You have time to pray, read spellbooks, meditate and so on.

As Fatey has stepped aside I thought it appropriate to have Runzyl leave - he's a complex character to play, and you all probably want to concentrate on playing your own. Always a shame a when a starting character leaves, but the show must go on.

Onwards to the next challenge?

Runzyl shoulders his pack and wihout further ceremony begins heading back towards the outside world.

The portal to deeper within the temple looms.

Indeed on all counts.

Ezreal comes to in a cold sweat on the floor and after staring at the image of the Reaper for some time sits up slowly. The mage clears his throat, embarrassed despite the magical source of the fear.

When Runzyl makes his announcement the mages cuts into the others' protests coldly, "I can make no pretense of understanding the ways of the Valenar however I am certain that if Runzyl has set his mind on something we will not dissuade him no matter how much we need his support at the moment."

Pointedly turning away as the elf prepares to leave he begins "You know we have only begun to explore Gath's Masoleum? We have explored the Halls of Impermanence and Inevitability and the Shrine to the Reaper. According to the dust ghoul I dominated earlier the Halls of Futility follow this Shrine. We have yet to encounter The Halls of Resilience, Sacrifice, Submission, and Extinction or the Shrines to The Weaver, The Glutton or the Fiery Scourge. Then there may be more mortuaries, catacombs and lecture halls along the way. At the moment I am seriously wishing I had invested a little research into extra dimensional spaces to allow us the ability to recover. I hope Rolund is holding up under the care of his host."

"We have learned enough to begin to make some preparations. We need to be prepared for the Shrine to the Fiery Scourge. I can provide some protection. Rodergo? Then there is the Shrine to the Weaver. Metaphorically the Shrine must refer to the Keeper as a Weaver of Fate, but I would not be surprised to find some kind of arachnid guardian- or at least a trial that severely binds and restricts movement. Other than flight I don't have any answers for that. Then there is the damn magical fear rolling off this guardian. If that was only a doorman we need to seriously consider that we may encounter it again. It is a staple of necromancy and I am kicking myself for not anticipating it beforehand."

Also healed 1 point of Cha damage with rest

Rod might want to consider which spells will be most useful against undead. Clearly his Turning is useful, but there is the whole Desecration effect currently in place too to fight. So Consecration might be a good spell to lay down, and Death Ward can be good against the level draining and other necromantic effects you might encounter going forward (and having some Restorations handy might also be useful). Calm Emotions is good against fear, if a bit indiscriminate as, of course, is Remove Fear. Most people around here are evil, so Holy Smite is a good one as, of course, is Searing Light. Force effects, like Spiritual Weapon, are useful against incorporeal enemies. Protection From Evil helps against mental domination. And there's always Detect Undead and Hide From Undead. Also bear in mind that healing spell inflict damage on undead in equal measure.

"I led our 'friends' on a merry little chase and let you heroes do something heroically," the changeling replies impudently.

Gil rolls her eyes as she turns toward the departing Valenar. Knowing the mage speaks the truth, she does not try to change his mind. Instead, she waves. "You bring great honor to your ancestors and your blade. When you are able to put your mind at ease on that account, I look forward to fighting alongside you once again. Farewell, warrior."

She listens to Ezreal as he describes what lies ahead, frowning as she thinks of the options she can offer. "Should we consider reactivating the power suit? It would prevent my spellcasting, but I might be able to soak up physical damage that the rest of you would otherwise have to deal with."

"I don't know, i dont think i have seen such a suit."

Pointedly turning away as the elf prepares to leave he begins "You know we have only begun to explore Gath's Masoleum? We have explored the Halls of Impermanence and Inevitability and the Shrine to the Reaper. According to the dust ghoul I dominated earlier the Halls of Futility follow this Shrine. We have yet to encounter The Halls of Resilience, Sacrifice, Submission, and Extinction or the Shrines to The Weaver, The Glutton or the Fiery Scourge. Then there may be more mortuaries, catacombs and lecture halls along the way..."

Janosz' shoulders sag. "Y'know, I really thought we were close to reaching Gath. You are right, of course - this place is far bigger than it looks from the outside, and Gath has been tinkering away in here for centuries..."

Nev and Ez down 2 cha each; guess that's all.

"Lead the way Froggy but I'll be in the back."

Gelb is down 22 hps after the rest and I'm not sure if the symbol of pain has expired.

"I don't know, i dont think i have seen such a suit."

"It's a little something we picked up a while back. Like a huge suit of armor, but it moves itself. It's like climbing inside a golem and trying to control it."

re: symbol of pain
" These effects last for 1 hour after the creature moves farther than 60 feet from the symbol."

so that's dealt with.

Nev gets 1d4 ⇒ 3 cha back;
Ez gets 1d4 ⇒ 3 cha back.

Got 3 more lesser restorations left.