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

Game Master Eric Swanson

Yes Mountain is still with you, plus the two Ogre skeletons.

"Not sanctum when Arlok done. Arlok crush goat followers. Follow Arlok."

With no aura's detected Arlok will open the doors when the group is ready.
I assume were ready just like the doors before.

Brok readies an arrow to shoot if there are enemies waiting for us.

The godling bursts through the double doors with a prodigious feat of strength and strides into what must be a shrine to Orcus! The room itself, shaped like a six-pointed star, features a fiery pit of smoky lava at its center. Over this pit, a series of four staircases ascend to a central platform, 30 ft. above the lava. The room’s final noteworthy feature is a statue of the demon prince, Orcus, at the opposite side of the shrine.

Arrayed around the room are several groups of priests of Orcus, standing ready and waiting for you. Also you note another priest stationed at the top of the platform above the pit of lava as his voice rings out in a sneer, "DESTROY THEM!"

Round 1: Brok, Vargrenz, Grezzor, ??, ??, Keil, Arlok, Red Priests, Orange Priests, Praetor, Purple Priest.

MAP updated!

Grez, yes they should still be around, guarding our back right now.

Komm, there should be three ogre skeletons under Grey's control. What happened to the other one?

Sorry about that. The third skeleton is on the map now.

Brok lets fly an arrow at a Red Priest to the northeast.

shortbow: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 9 + 2 = 18 (deadly aim, favored enemy)

damage: 1d4 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 2 = 11

Seeing the forces amassed against them, Grezzor immediately summons an Arcane spell to allow his companions to move and act more quickly than normal, then stays back from the fray.

Casting Haste - five rounds.

Will have it affect Brok, Vargrenz, Keil, Arlok and Grey.

Grey, if you would rather I gave Haste to one of the skeletons instead, let me know.

(If one of those red priests is within 30', then add +1 to hit and damage for PBS)

as Grezzor's magic takes effect and speeds Brok's reactions, he lets fly with a second arrow at a red priest.

shortbow haste: 1d20 + 9 + 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 9 + 2 + 1 + 1 = 28 (deadly aim, favored enemy,PBS, haste)

damage: 1d4 + 5 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 2 + 1 = 10

Hasting me is fine. That way I don't have to remember that one of them is hasted.

Deal.

As Grezzor sends a powerful dweomer over his companions, hasting their body movements, Brok takes advantage of the situation sending a pair of arrows into one of the Goat priests, who collapses to the ground.

Vargrenz is UP!

Holy poop is that a Vrok? This well this will be interesting. We may have met our end :)

Arlok fears nothing.....

He just doesn't know any better :)

Not wanting to get stuck in the middle of a hundred evil priests, Varg delays waiting for his larger companion to lead the way.

Delay - waiting for Arlok to lead the way out.

Hi guys! I'm back and a little under the weather for my experiences but that shouldn't stop me from typing :)
[ooc]First impressions: Like Hel I'm not going in.
Arlok, it is crazy to think running into this room is a good idea without everyone at max.

But I will fish for a crazy move...Komm, from Keil's position what's the distance to the priest stationed at the top of the platform?

When the doors open and the number of foes are revealed the fetchling curses under his breath, "Faugh mihi!" Turning to Grey the shadowy man scowls as he expresses his dismay, "Fools! This fight is beyond us. We need to split them up, fight them on our terms, not theirs!"

A couple ?? bad guys go before me. :)

As the priests begin reacting to your presence you all hear an unholy screeching from the far side of the shrine area.

Round 1: Brok, Vargrenz, Grezzor, ??, ??, Keil, Arlok, Red Priests, Orange Priests, Praetor, Purple Priest.

Keil and Arlok are UP!

Will post later tonight when home at computer. :)

Arlock surveys the room and a wicked smile comes over him. A moment later he is hovering off the ground and bolts forward at the priest on the raised platform.

Swift Action: Wings of Air
Full: Charging Bull Rush attempting to knock priest down into the Lava using Hero Point as this is too cool to mess up, maybe cool enough to get hero point back :)

Charging Bull Rush: 1d20 + 14 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 14 + 8 = 29

*sigh* Arlok reads Keil's mind too easily. That ring must be really good.

Still refusing to believe this battle is actually going to happen, the fetchling remains where he is. However the godling's sudden act of crazy brilliance, What the?!, forces the shadowy man to draw his best blade and work up the courage to pop the cork on his most prized of potions.

MAx2: draws MWK short sword and retrieves potion of invisibility

As Keil fades from sight, Arlok launches himself into the air making a beeline for the Orcus priest at the top of the platform. As the godling reaches the top of the stairs the priest, who had his mace ready, swings at him...

AoO attack, Heavy Mace: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19 miss.

...the blow comes within a hairs-breath of connecting....but missed, and the the godling's body slams into the priest knocking him clear off the platform...yet too far as the priest plummets to the ground at the edge of the lava pit.

Falling damage: 3d6 ⇒ (4, 4, 6) = 14 Priest is prone.

The other priests react quickly here as one of them dashes out of your sight, whilst the other priests hold aloft their unholy symbols of the Goat Prince, sending waves of crackling negative energy washing over their fallen companion! The other priests are not idle either as their spellcasting echoes across the shrine.

Arlok needs to make 5 (!) Will saves.

The second group of priests at the far end of the platform also call upon their unholy powers of the Goat Prince and to Arlok's amazement it has the effect of healing the priest!

Round 1: Brok, Vargrenz, Grezzor, ??, ??, Keil, Arlok, Red Priests, Orange Priests, Praetor, Purple Priest.

Praetor (and minions) are UP!

Under bullrush it is "You can" push them an additional 5', I used the hero point to make sure I beat the CMD not for extra distance. That priest is pun intended "Toast" :) I assume I will still be making the saves so I assume these are against Doom? None of the channels can hit me. The platform is 30' high they would have to be on the bottom stairs as channel only goes out 30'

Will Save: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26
Will Save: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29
Will Save: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22
Will Save: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25
Will Save: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18

Arlok: Due to the way the platform is situated along with the stairs there is no way to knock off the priest into the lava, only next to it :) Think of it as a safety design of the platform. Also you are correct, none of the channels could reach you.

Arlok is able to shrug off the effects of the first few spells yet as they continue to assault his will he feels it weaken at the very end and soon he feels shaken despite his recent success.

Arlok is Shaken for ?? minutes. A shaken character takes a –2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks.

Don't forget Varg delaying until after Arlok

Ah ok, no worries, just didn't want it to be because I pushed him too far. :) I tried. An 18 failed against Doom, that's a 1st level spell, they would need a +8 modifier my strength isn't even that high yet :) Just making sure. Thanks. Also I know this can seem snappy or whatever as it's text. I don't mind being effected just making sure. Would come across much batter at a table :) Still trying to figure out how to get some chard demon bird. Want to get the Vrok in the lava :)

"Keep at range. Wait for your targets to close." Grey ordered his skeletal minions. "Ranulfus, you may engage the enemy, or not, as you wish. They may be able to control the undead as I do, so I advise caution. I doubt you would find them as accommodating as I am."

I've moved my minions into the hall under the assumption that Varg will be moving out of it. It's a little crowded right now.

Activating Scarsheild as Swift action

Readied action Slumber Hex. Once the enemies start to close in, the one on the map with the dotted line around him is going to bed. DC 21 Will save.

The skeletal ogres squeezed into the hall and waited for enemies to close towards the doorway.

Ogre 1, Readied Javelin, point blank, precise shot: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 1 = 7
Damage, point blank: 1d8 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 1 = 12

Ogre 2, Readied Javelin, point blank, precise shot: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 3 + 1 = 22
Damage, point blank: 1d8 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 5 + 1 = 11

Ogre 3, Readied Javelin, point blank, precise shot: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 1 = 7
Damage, point blank: 1d8 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 1 = 8

I'll leave Ranulfus' actions up to you.

Grezzor, I didn't take a turn for Mountain. I figured you want to do that. His stats are in the Grey Servant alias.

As Praetor prepares for the battle arranging his troops for the inevitable assault upon the party, the priest who Arlok knock off his lofty perch climbs back up to his feet. Raising up his own unholy symbol of the hated Goat Prince, he intones a dark prayer to all of his troops.

Round 2: Brok, Vargrenz, Grezzor (Mountain), ??, ??, Keil, Arlok, Red Priests, Orange Priests, Praetor, Purple Priest.

Brok, Grezzor, and Vargrenz are UP!

Vargrenz never acted last round.

I am assuming Vargrenz is Delaying here...if he wants to declare an action for Round 1 I will certainly allow it :)

Not quite sure what his larger companion just decided to do, Varg moves forward into the doorway, pulling a small piece of chalk the found on one of the bodies the party has cleaned. He then tosses the piece of chalk at the priest where it bursts into a cloud of deadly dust.

Kinetic Blast - Telekinetic Blast
Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Damage(chalk dust-it was a piece of green chalk): 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

EVERYONE PLEASE REMEMBER YOU ARE HASTED

Grezzor, I didn't take a turn for Mountain. I figured you want to do that. His stats are in the Grey Servant alias.

Thanks Grey - I'm gonna keep him as bodyguard - is that ok?

"Protect me from any attacks" - Grezzor orders the lumbering skeleton, and begins going through the words of a summoning spell.

Starting Summon Monster II.

"Brok like speed magic that Grezzor cast!" Brok says excitedly as he ducks and fires two arrows between Varg's shins at one of the human priests.

(aiming at circled priest on map)

shortbow haste: 1d20 + 9 + 2 + 1 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (17) + 9 + 2 + 1 + 1 - 4 = 26 (deadly aim, favored enemy,PBS, haste, cover)

damage: 1d4 + 5 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 2 + 1 = 9

shortbow: 1d20 + 9 + 2 + 1 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 9 + 2 + 1 + 1 - 4 = 24

damage: 1d4 + 5 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 2 + 1 = 9

"Hit the ones that are down, so they stay dead."

Got to push these guys down below negative con to counter the channels apparently

Komm you never answered about the DOOM spell. Just preparing for what Arlok may do once you take your dudes actions :), pretty sure and 18 should have beat a level 1 spell.

Actually I did....reread the combat post again.

Okie dokie, thanks. I sorta have a plan :)

Keil will follow Arlok's lead...

Arlok is waiting on GM's ?? monsters

Brok sends a couple of arrows into one of the priests, sending him sprawling to the ground. Vargrenz wounds another priest with his own special magicks.

As Arlok turns his attention to where the vrock is gesticulating wildly, he sees a cloud of sulfurous smoke appear next to the vrock. As the godling watches the smoke dissipate he sees another vrock standing next to it! The newcomer vrock glares back at its 'brother', who screeches in the abyssal tongue, "GO!" It then raises its wings up and vanishes from your sight!

The remaining vrock glares up at the godling with a murderous rage but does not move here, instead waving its clawed arms in a gesture. Several shimmering images of the vrock appear swirling around it!

Round 2: Brok, Vargrenz, Grezzor (Mountain), ??, Vrocks, Keil, Arlok, Red Priests, Orange Priests, Praetor, Purple Priest.

Keil and Arlok are UP!

Like the purple worm Slumber Hex may be all that saves us from the demon birds.

BullRush: 1d20 + 12 - 3 ⇒ (18) + 12 - 3 = 27Arlok opts to move the priest the full distance letting him slam into the tower before falling into the lave :)

"Arlok plan no work first go. Smelly goat priest should had moved."

He smiles as he flies down landing beside the priest he boots him in the chest knocking him back into the lave he tried to do the first go.

Good chance Arlok doesn't make it through this round. It has been fun guys :) Another level or two may have been needed for this room.

Ummm, time for a tactical retreat guys. Perhaps if it were just the priests, but two demons! Keil is not a heavy hitter (Grezzor has more hit points) and I don't like our position.

With the magic of his potion enveloping him, Keil weighs up his options: a room full of priests ahead and a demon behind. "Faugh! Grey, this is bad." Feeling surrounded, no, more like a fish trapped in a barrel, the shadowy man goes deathly quiet.

Stealth+Invisibilty: 1d20 + 20 + 20 ⇒ (15) + 20 + 20 = 55

MAx2 | Haste ends Round 3 | 2 minutes 44 seconds of invisibility remaining | Shadow blending in effect 50% miss

Yeah one Vrok maybe, the summon working was the big strike against us, that and negative energy channeling. No real defense against that. Some deathless armor would be nice :)

Assuming we notice the large peacock suddenly flanking us from behind.

Brok looks at Grey and Grezzor, seeing Grezzor lost in a spell-casting trance he says to Grey:

"Take not-deads and deal with big bird in room behind us. Varg and me keep priests from attacking from behind you."

"Agreed," Grey said. "Kiel, keep with me. I am going to try to deal with the demon behind us."

I have no idea what a Vrock's will save is, but on my action I'm going to try to Slumber Hex it. Kiel, if it works, you're on Coup de Grace duty.

As Keil freezes in place outside the shrine, the inside of the room bursts into a tumult of activity! Arlok glides down and drives the priest backwards into the bubbling lava, even after the priest swings back at the godling...

With a horrifying shriek you see the priest disappear under the lava...filling the shrine with his death cries.

Meanwhile at the other side of the shrine the priests spring into action here with the priests rushing the doorway...

They take up formation and soon their unholy chants fill the shrine! Those who stand at the doorway soon feel their bodies ripped by the negative energies that seem to permeate this place!

Grey Servant: I need a Will save DC 11.
Praetor, Vargrenz and Brok: I need a DC 11 Will save.
Vargrenz: I need a separate Will save DC 14.

Arlok has every reason to be proud here, even as he sees the priest barely managing to hang on by dear life. Unfortunately he cannot dwell upon his success as the other priests rush in washing the area with their own dark blessings...

Arlok: I need a DC 18 Will save.

Praetor realizes the group's escape has been cut off, but also he is too far to affect the demon with his magicks. You are currently out of range. Let me know if you move closer to the demon.

The priest who is halfway covered in lava suddenly shoots up and out of the lava, flecks of red hot rocks splattering all around him as he lands upon the other side of the pool sprawled in a heap but very much alive.

Round 2/3: Brok, Vargrenz, Grezzor (Mountain), ??, Vrocks, Keil, Arlok, Red Priests, Orange Priests, Praetor, Purple Priest.

Readied actions from ogre skeletons?