Bad to the Bones (A Rappan Athuk campaign) (Inactive)

Game Master Eric Swanson

Heck, I was seeing everyone standing outside this room, I just left my token there, in a safe position.

(@Grezzor: No, they were actually in the next room, connected by the poo stream corridor. Aside from the poo on the floor, it looks ideal for Arlok to plug the corridor and for you to run a flaming sphere around in there.)

sounds good to me. I didn't look at the map sorry.

(@Grezzor: No, they were actually in the next room, connected by the poo stream corridor. Aside from the poo on the floor, it looks ideal for Arlok to plug the corridor and for you to run a flaming sphere around in there.)

I got ya. Thanks for the positioning. We'll see what comes out of there.

As you all prepare for whatever emerges from the fountain, the answer reveals itself: A total of four of the vile demons you fought earlier emerge from the pool of vile putrescence, their bodies still dripping with the disgusting goo.

As you watch these demons take note of you and start to shriek, your attention is also drawn to the pool of pestilence in the room where you are watching the events unfold. Three zombies begin to climb out of the pool, while turning to look at you with a hungry look in their eyes.

Round 3: Brok, Keil, Demons, Malzii, Zombies, Grezzor, Shade, Raaz, Vargrenz, Arlok, Praetor.

Map updated. Note the Round start here, so you may make two rounds of additional actions before the enemies reveal themselves.

"Reminds me of when I had to clean out the drops back at the tribe." Brok says as he hikes up his breeches and picks his way down the corridor to back up Arlok.

Waddling up behind the godling, Brok draws his new magic sword from the sheath across his back.

Komm, so we are entitled to two rounds of actions, but we do not know they are going to appear?

Cursing to himself for having brought a bow to an undead fight, Keil stows his bow and draws his swords from their scabbards. The fetchling paces as he studies the zombies forming in the pool but holds off his attack for a few more seconds, waiting for them to form more solidly. With an evil grin he half chuckles, "This is going to hurt."
Readied Action- Once the zombies have formed, Keil will attack the nearest one.
Two-handed Att#1: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
Two-handed Att#2: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
Damage #1: 1d6 ⇒ 4
Damage #2: 1d6 ⇒ 5
Sneak Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 1) = 5

Round 1 actions - MA close with first zombie, MA draw swords | Round 2 actions - SA readied action

As the demons from Arlok take the opportunity to hurl a chakram at one of them.

Chakram: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

The disc goes crazy wide as he lowers his glaive again readying for the attack.

Round 1 throw, Round 2 Ready for charge

In his second round of actions, Brok readies an attack to hit any demon swooping in to flank Arlok.

Sorry about the confusion here Grezzor. I put that in there in case the spellcasters want to do any buffing here ;)

Keil steps forward and slashes deeply into the closest zombie, cutting it nearly in two. As the zombie sinks back into the muck it explodes showering the fetchling in more disgusting filth. Zombie #1 takes 14 points of damage and is Destroyed. Keil is already Diseased so no additional save needed.

The demons that emerge from the fountain focus completely upon the godling and immediately fly into range of the large blade wielded by him...

Brok and Arlok you may take your readied actions now.

attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Swoosh!!! goes the enchanted longsword, missing the demon completely but coming close to clipping Arlok's leg!

Gotcha Komm. I just want to understand if this is a complete surprise, or not. If it is not, Grezzor would never let himself get caught in such a position on the map ;)

Grey slammed his skull-headed staff down on the ground and let loose a ripple of muted grey energy that seemed to momentarily sap the color from the world as it passed. It crackled as it passed over the undead.

Channel Energy, Command Undead, DC 16. I only have one HD left in my control pool, so if they are more than 1 HD this will fail. If they are 1 HD, I'll nab whichever one fails it's save first and turn it against it's fellows.

Shade should be right there with Brok and Arlok killing demons.

Bottom line, as soon as he notices them forming, he moves out of the room ;)

Arlok directs his blows toward one of the creatures.

Braced Attack: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29
Damage: 2d10 + 20 ⇒ (10, 7) + 20 = 37

AoO: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28
Damage: 1d10 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14

Both attacks on one unless the braced attack drops one.

Patience Grey...patience...

As one of the demons flies into range of Arlok's blade, his massive swing slices completely in half, and his riposte cuts deeply into another one, though the godling can see the wound partially seal itself up. Demon #1 takes 32 points of damage (5 points negated by DR) and is Destroyed. Demon #2 takes 9 points of damage (5 points negated by DR)

Brok's blow is wide as he miscalculates the angle of attack of the flying demon.

The demons swarm Arlok attempting to bring down the large warrior...

Demon #2 Bite, flank: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 5 + 2 = 18; damage: 1d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + (3) = 7 miss
Demon #3 Bite: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19; damage: 1d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (5) + (1) = 6 miss
Demon #4 Bite, flank: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 5 + 2 = 19; damage: 1d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (6) + (4) = 10 miss

And while Arlok is able to feel their hot, fetid breath on his face and body, he manages to avoid their bites...barely.

Round 3: Brok, Keil, Demons, Malzii, Zombies, Grezzor, Shade, Raaz, Vargrenz, Arlok, Praetor.

Round 3

Malzii quickly ducks out of the way of whatever magic Grezzor might be preparing to throw at the zombies and moves toward the opposite wall close to Vargrenz. "Spreading out bad..." she grumbles as she calls upon the blessings of her ancestors.

Malzii will cast Bless which should get herself, Grezzor, Varg, and our two orc friends.

GM Komm, the readied action moves Arlok just before the demons now in Init. He will go before them in round 4.

So noted Arlok.

The zombies finish crawling out of the disgusting ooze and struggle to their feet, eyeing Keil and Grezzor hungrily. Move action to climb out of pool.

Round 3: Brok, Keil, Arlok, Demons, Malzii, Zombies, Grezzor, Shade, Raaz, Vargrenz, Praetor.

Grezzor moves further back on the corridor, and invokes a Flaming Sphere into existence on top of the shuffling creature heading his way.

Flaming Sphere, Reflex DC 17: 3d6 + 1 ⇒ (6, 1, 1) + 1 = 9

Crappy rolls....

Zombie #3 Reflex save: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (14) + 0 = 14 fail.

The flaming sphere winks into existence upon the zombie and scorches a goodly portion of his body, causing the air surrounding it to turn smoky and hazy with a sickly pall. Zombie #3 takes 9 points of Fire damage.

The shadow, still hiding on the edges of the wall slides silently forward and strikes at the demon flanking the godling...

Incorporeal touch vs Demon #4, flank: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 4 + 2 = 22 hit.
STR damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6

...and as its arm passes through the demon it utters an unearthly shriek of agony! Demon #4 takes 6 points of STR damage.

Grey sends his eldritch energies flowing over the zombie, but it manages to shrug off the effect. Zombies are 2 HD, attempt fails.

Round 3: Brok, Keil, Arlok, Demons, Malzii, Zombies, Grezzor, Shade, Raaz, Vargrenz, Praetor..

Raaz nods to himself as Akkus advises him further. "I need no further assistance. Watch the others." He then wades forward into battle, swinging his fell morningstar at the demon flanking Arlok...

Cold Iron Morningstar vs Demon #2: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18 hit; damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

...striking it a solid blow, its extra-planar protections of no use against Raaz's weapon. Demon #2 takes 10 points of damage.

The orcs continue to wait just inside the room, electing to have their employers handle this fight though they do prepare their weapons just in case...

Rounds 3 => 4: Brok, Keil, Arlok, Demons, Malzii (Bless), Zombies, Grezzor (Bless), Shade, Raaz, Vargrenz (Bless), Praetor, Orcs (Bless).

Keil continues his attack, directing his blades this time at the second zombie. Teeth bared like an angry dog, the fetchling's blades whiz haphazardly through the air catching the zombie once on the arm, but doing too little to make a difference.
Two-handed att #1: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
Two-handed att #2: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Possible Damage from att #1: 1d6 ⇒ 2 (At least it's not a one)

SA Two-handed short sword attack | MA 5 foot step back towards Grey | Shadow blending 50% miss(?)

Brok steps 5' south and strikes the demon facing the shadow with his enchanted blade.

attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

confirm?: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

dice gods giveth and taketh away....

damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Arlok drops his glaive and draws his massive hammer as he steps into the chamber more to flank the demon with Raaz.

Hammer Attack: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29
Damage: 2d6 + 10 ⇒ (6, 5) + 10 = 21

Still waiting on Vargrenz's actions here. I will bot him in 24 hours if he does not post here.

Varg, expecting his companions to arrive from the other room, stands like a rock in a defensive posture waiting for the troops to arrive.

Ready Action - Attack first monster to approach.
Fight Defensively - AC20

Sorry - was at a Con for the weekend, and then had to catch up at work.

Vargrenz you cannot declare both Ready Action and Fight Defensively as they are both Standard actions. I will assume you are readying here.

As Vargrenz prepares for the onslaught of the demons, Brok steps forward and wounds the demon already injured by the shadow, though his blow already shows signs of healing. Demon #4 takes 3 points of damage, 5 points negated by DR. The extraplanar nature does not help the demon withstand Arlok's blow and it is crushed into a measly pulp by the godling's hammer. Demon #2 takes 16 points of damage (5 points negated by DR) and is Destroyed.

Meanwhile back in the other room, Keil steps up and slashes at the zombie gouging a portion of its rotting flesh from its arm. Zombie #2 takes 2 points of damage.

One of the demon's still screeching in pain at Shade's attack glared at the shadow and immediately vanishes from sight...only to reappear behind the statue cowering in fear. Demon #4 Teleports away to position on map. The other demon shows no sign of retreat and flies closer into Arlok's view, jaws extended as it seeks to bite him...

Demon #3 Bite (vs Arlok): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20; damage: 1d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + (2) = 5 hit.

It barely manages to evade the godling's defenses and manages to sink its teeth into Arlok's arm, the acidic saliva causing the wound to fester...Arlok takes 5 points of damage total (2 points are Acid) and must make a Fortitude save.

Rounds 4: Brok, Keil, Arlok, Demons, Malzii (Bless), Zombies, Grezzor (Bless), Shade, Raaz, Vargrenz (Bless), Praetor, Orcs (Bless).

Round 4

As Grezzor's fire fails to completely incinerate the zombie Malzii sighs and pulls out her dagger as she moves towards the nearby zombie. "Malzii will take care of this," she says as she lashes out with the blade.

Attack (+1 Dagger; Bless): 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 5 + 1 = 16
Damage: 1d3 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Perhaps I am reading it wrong, but Fighting Defensively appears to be part of a Standard Action, not the action itself.

Fighting Defensively as a Standard Action: You can choose to fight defensively when attacking. If you do so, you take a –4 penalty on all attacks in a round to gain a +2 dodge bonus to AC until the start of your next turn.

My reading is that Fighting Defensively simply modifies the Standard Action. TOTAL DEFENSE on the other hand is specifically listed as a Standard Action. Thus, Varg's goal was to fight defensively if/when a creature got to him. In looking at the room, I did not realize anyone else was in there and assumed that the creatures would attack him.

Fort Save: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22

I was hoping Brok's magic sword would overcome the DR.

That is a grey area there with what you can declare for a readied action. Still, technically it is allowed in the rules so yeah I will allow it. Vargrenz readies to Attack the first foe to enter in range, Fighting Defensively.

Malzii shows a degree of bravery as she strides forward to slash into the zombie's leg. Her blow is a telling one and it collapses into a mass of gooey flesh, before it spews forth its innards covering the kobold shaman. Zombie #3 takes 5 points of damage and is Destroyed. Malzii needs to make a Fortitude save as the Death Burst affects her.

The lone remaining zombie takes a mighty swing at Keil...

Zombie #2 Slam: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25; damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Shadow Blending Miss 01-50: 1d100 ⇒ 21 miss...Keil gets VERY lucky here.

...and the blow would surely have been painful, had the zombie been able to connect. Fortunately the fetchling's shadowy nature saves him from the blow.

Rounds 4 => 5: Brok, Keil, Arlok, Demons, Malzii (Bless), Zombies, Grezzor (Bless), Shade, Raaz, Vargrenz (Bless), Praetor, Orcs (Bless).

For those not accustomed to the dark, who have not embraced the black velvet of continual night, this trick of the eye is perhaps a little more spectacular to see than to actually pull off. It is nothing more than a quick twist of the shoulder, a flick of a corner of robe or simply turning in the right direction at the right time - just about anyone can 'disappear'. But the Kayal have turned this kind of illusion into an art. For Keil, blending into his surroundings has been a trick learned and practiced since birth. A lesson which he, as with every fetchling, must learn to master or suffer the consequences. Like a mirage, Keil's body folds into the inky black of the chamber evading the zombie's mighty swing only to reappear again at the zombie's side. His swords reappear with him, arching down in unison each blade cuts a little more putrid flesh from the creature's frame.

Two-handed att #1: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
Two-handed att #2: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
Possible Damage from att #1: 1d6 ⇒ 1 Sheesh!
Possible Damage from att #2: 1d6 ⇒ 4

SA Two-handed short sword Attack | MA 5ft step toward Grey | 50% shadow blending in effect - Thank you Hel!

Undead that could not be controlled had to be destroyed. These things presented a problem though. Close enough to swing a sword meant close enough to contract that pestilence. His staff was not an ideal weapon against these creatures.

He would have to rely on Kiel's expertise. He invoked a small prayer to Hel to guide the Fetchling.

Guidance on Kiel and moving to the corner near Vargrenz.

Komm, I still see the Zombie between Malzii and the Flaming Sphere, but it was destroyed, correct? Assuming so, and assuming also the zombie on Keil has not collapsed yet:

Grezzor wills the fiery ball to move forward toward the undead fighting Keil, engulfing it in roaring flames.

Flaming Sphere, Reflex DC 17: 3d6 + 1 ⇒ (3, 2, 6) + 1 = 12

Zombie Reflex save DC 17: 1d20 ⇒ 3

Grezzor sends his flaming sphere across the puddle of putrescence and barreling into the last remaining zombie, which is turned into a flaming mass of goo. Zombie #2 takes 12 points of Fire damage and is Destroyed. This occurs before Keil's actions so Keil may change his actions if he wants to. Map has been updated.

Seeing Keil free of threat now Praetor moves closer to Vargrenz to keep an eye on the battle in the adjoining table. Praetor, feel free to change your declared action if you want.

Rounds 4 => 5: Brok, Keil, Arlok, Demons, Malzii (Bless), Grezzor (Bless), Shade, Raaz, Vargrenz (Bless), Praetor, Orcs (Bless).

Fort (DC ?): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

"Ugh...Malzii forgot these zombies pop like boils when hit..."

Keil's eyes glitter as the zombie's flesh is purified in Grezzor's enchantment. Remembering the demon's forming in the other chamber the shadowy man calls to the only one who's had eyes on both conflicts - Vargrenz. "How do the other's fair?", before moving to see for himself. Keil's mind begins to sort through his options as he listens to Vargrenz's assessment adding a rebus at the end for everyone to think about. Pointing towards the main pool, "That may be a source. Demon's emerged first there, followed by zombies here. If other pools are connected...it needs to be destroyed. But how?"

Knowledge Planes - Is the pool a gateway?: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Perception - Anything else coming?: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

Vary looks over at Keil:
Think there are still some demons left, lets help Arlok.

With that, Varg heads toward the other chamber and the demons.

Double Move

Malzii and Arlok do not feel any ill effects from their respective wounds.

Keil suspects it could be a gateway but he would need to get a closer look to be sure.

Raaz steps forward, a look of bloodlust in his eyes, and swings hard at the demon pestering Arlok...

Cold Iron Morningstar vs Demon #3: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 5 + 2 = 17; damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8 hit

...his blow is a telling one, drawing a deep wound from the demon. Demon #3 takes 8 points of damage.

Shade is not deterred by the demon fleeing it, as it flies off after it!

Incorporeal Touch, Charge: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 2 = 10; STR damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5 miss.

The demon manages to avoid the draining attack fairly easily.

Rounds 5: Brok, Keil, Arlok, Demons, Malzii (Bless), Grezzor (Bless), Shade, Raaz, Vargrenz (Bless), Praetor, Orcs (Bless).

I'll keep my action. Guidance on Keil.

Brok moves around Varg to a position where he flanks the last demon at swings his magic sword.

chop!: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 2 = 6

damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

"Tell stupid Goat, Arlok come for him."

Hammer Smash: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 10 + 2 = 22
Damage: 2d6 + 10 ⇒ (2, 6) + 10 = 18

Keil nods in Varg's direction then follows the dueger back down the corridor towards Brok, Arlok and those pesky demons. The shadowy man also wants another look at that pool, there's something about it...
Perception of the pool: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28
MAx2 to main pool chamber, does he need another knowledge check too?

While Brok's swing is badly mistimed, nearly taking a chunk out of Arlok's skin, the godling's swing is far more accurate, smashing into the demon's body. it is definitely looking the worse for wear. Demon #3 takes 13 points of damage, 5 points negated by DR.

The demon again tries to take a bite out of Arlok...

Demon #3 Bite (vs Arlok): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17; damage: 1d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (5) + (2) = 7 miss.

...but while the demon's fangs connect with his skin, it is not able to penetrate his thick hide.

The other demon flies around the large statue and screeches out words in the abyssal tongue.

Keil notes there are two more lumps growing in the fountain, these being approximately man shaped.

Round 5: Brok, Keil, Arlok, Demons, Malzii (Bless), Grezzor (Bless), Shade, Raaz, Vargrenz (Bless), Praetor, Orcs (Bless)

Without many other options, Grezzor allows the fiery orb to extinguish itself, and moves into the room to get a view of what is happening beyond the tunnel to his right.

Double move. I need to roll Fort, right? :P

Fort: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

Has anyone rolled Knowledge (Planes) on the demons yet?: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

Round 5

Malzii too moves towards the other room but stops at the entrance to the large hallway. "Euhhhh...big pool look like source of sickness! Should destroy it if we can," she announces, stating the obvious. Not wanting to proceed any further just yet she watches the continuing battle.

Spellcraft (DC 18): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
Fort (If Needed): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Malzii moves to the space opposite Grezzor by the hallway.

While the goblin and kobold casters move to observe the battle raging before them, Grezzor realizes these demons are Pestilenzi demons. In addition to many of the same protections demons are afforded, their bit causes Pestilenzi Rot which literally rots the victims body out over a period of days. Once bitten, the disease cannot be recovered from naturally and magic is the only way to cure it, and it resists even magical healing.

Shade is not deterred by the demon's attempts to flee, moving again to destroy it...

Incorporeal Touch: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12; STR damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6

...the demon manages to avoid the blow.