Carrion Crown Blues: Broken Moon

Game Master Kartari

Morning arrives without incident. You find no obvious exit out of the mansion. What are your actions?

Zelda attempts to walk around the building to see if she can understand this puzzle.

Govannon also goes outside with Zelda, and casts Ablative Barrier to protect himself. He’ll then activate his fly hex and quickly make a circle around the keep looking for other areas they haven’t yet visited. He doesn’t spend much time in the air, not wanting to waste resources on what is sure to be a long day.

"Look for that bridge we saw in the picture." Aleks says as Govannon lifts off.

Zelda finds a secret door that leads to an exterior rear door. On the other side of the door, a narrow stone bridge without a handrail lies above the roaring river waters as they are drawn over the edge of the falls. The bridge leads to closed door of another building. Beyond the building a second bridge, a rope bridge, leads to a larger building. The rope bridge stands where you saw a stone bridge in the picture.

Previous Evening

Aliseya looks at the near-emptied bottle of wine in her hand as the others convince her to rest. She sighs as she realizes her hands are trembling, her body is wracked with exhaustion, and her eyes are beginning to involuntarily close on her.

"Okay. Good points."

She collapses into a deep slumber within minutes.

Present Morning

Suffering from last night's wine, Aliseya leaves the empty bottle behind as the party gathers up and continues to search.

Taking the bridge and the new building in, she tarries for a long moment, observing everything. Being surprise attacked by strange and bizarre creatures is not something she would like to repeat ever again.

Unfortunately, her hangover headache is making it hard to keep her eyes opened and unstrained in the bright morning light. Raising her hand protectively to shield her eyes, she manages to utter little more than than a grunt.

"Ugh..."

Search the bridge and building before crossing and closing in:
Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Zelda looks at the bridge with fear remembering the fall from yesterday.

"I think we should cross one at a time with a rope tide around us just in case."

She then carefully examines the bridge.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23

"Good idea Zelda. I can go without the rope, as I can catch myself if I fall, but can't do too much for you all unfortunately."

"Let me go first."

Govannon checks the bridge and crosses it if nothing untoward seems obvious.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

He'll test the bridge for sturdiness, pushing it to sway a little to check the ropes.

He'll then check the far door and open it when everyone is ready.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

I think we have to cross the stone bridge before we get to the rope bridge, Gov.

Cool, then I do the same, but on the stone bridge. Stomping my foot to ensure a safe passage for my allies behind me.

Govannon finds that though the 3' wide bridge looks precarious, it is easy to cross. The opposite door opens to reveal an alchemy workshop.
This large workshop is crammed with alchemical equipment, but an explosion of some kind has ripped away the western wall, leaving a large gap in the floor and wall open, now wreathed with scaffolding. It looks as if a stone bridge once connected this building with another on the far side of the gorge, but only a slender rope bridge now hangs between the two.

Govannon takes a quick look around the lab, sweeping it with Detect Magic and a light search.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

"Too bad." he says as he enters the room, "Looks like this stuff has sat exposed for some time. It's all rusted and useless."

"Let's keep going. Stay well back while I try this rope bridge."

As before, he sways the bridge to test its stability as he crosses.

Zelda carefully looks around once more.
perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17

Noticing the strange insectile creatures Zelda jumps. "What are those creatures!" She exclaimes pointing to the creatures.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

Aleks follows the others. He doesn't see any creatures, but he does notice the condition of everything in the lab. "How long has this stuff been sitting out? It must have been lying around for ages."

Three insectile monsters move from the cover of the alchemical equipment to attack. The creatures have four legs, a strange propeller shaped protrusion at the end of their tails, and two long, feathery antennae.

Initiatives please. Zelda may act in the surprise round if she beats a 10.

Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Govannon is surprised by Zelda's exclamation, and even more surprised when the creatures show themselves.

Knowledge Dungeoneering: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

"Ew!" Ali recoils from the creepy big insects.

Init: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

Dang I know what those creatures are my Zelda does not.

Seeing everyone is under attack once more Zelda takes the initiative to hit them first.

Rapier: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Round 1

Zelda leaps forward and drives her rapier deep into the nearby rust monster.

The creature squeals with pain and lashes out at Zelda's rapier with its antennae - the metal rapier begins to rust and corrode (Zelda, make a DC 15 reflex save or your rapier gains the broken condition.)

The other two rust monsters move towards the scent of Govannon's chain shirt. They lash out with their antennae and begin corroding his armor (Govannon, make two DC 15 reflex saves or your armor gains the broken condition.)

Everyone may take their first round action. Zelda may take her second round action.

Reflex: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

Aleks steps forward and stabs both of his knives at the nearer creature.

Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 3

Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 1

Round 1

Aliseya's eyes glaze over as the sheer grossness of the rust monsters gets to her. When she is present once more, her eyes both glow red.

Wicked Ali reaches for her favorite bloody bone doll. The same one that somehow keeps finding its way back into Ali's satchel, even though she keeps tossing it away with disgust.

With some wicked words in the dreadful night speech, she maneuvers the doll like a marionette. One of the rust monsters suddenly stops in its tracks and begins to jerk and contort itself, mimicking the impossible maneuvers of Ali's doll. It ends its wicked dance of death by forcefully slamming into the wall.

The sound of rust monster bones crackling and popping is tormenting not only to the creature, but for those who must hear it as well. Bringing a smile to the wicked witchy woman...

Cast boneshaker on the nearest rust monster to Ali. Deal damage and move it 5 ft. (1 square SE, NOT moved on map in case it succeeds). Fort vs DC 16 halves the damage and negates the 5 ft move.
Damage: 6d6 ⇒ (5, 2, 1, 5, 3, 5) = 21

Round: 1

Reflex: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16 vs DC 15
Reflex: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22 vs DC 15

Govannon’s armor miraculously remains intact as he panics yelling, ”They’ll eat all our metal!”

He slashes at one with his scimitar, and then sheaths it to keep it from the nasty creatures before taking a 5' step back. He’ll draw his backup weapon next round.

Scimitar (magic, cold iron, silver): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20 (arcane)
damage: 1d6 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10 (arcane)

Zelda looks in shock at her broken weapon and attempts to move quickly away from the creatures.
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (20) + 13 = 33

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29

Round 2

Aleksander attacks twice with his knives but cannot penetrate the beast's thick hide.

Govannon slashes one of the rust monsters and then sheathes his weapon.

Aliseya's spell makes the monster on Govannon squeal with pain, but she does not move it.

Zelda dives and rolls away from the rust monster.

The third rust monster attacks Govannon's armor and manages to strike the chain shirt with its antenna. The first rust monster manages to strike Aleksander's armor (DC 15 reflex saves or your armor gains the broken condition.)

Everyone may take second round action. Zelda may take her third round action.

Round: 2

Reflex: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23 vs DC 15

Govannon’s armor takes another hit but miraculously manages to remain unbroken yet again.

He frowns as Zelda takes the space he was to move into, but there’s still room to maneuver so he does so. He takes a 5’ step back, and casts Scorching Ray on Rusty the Rust Monster (I have a clear shot on the one in the middle).

Scorching Ray (touch): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20 damage (fire): 4d6 ⇒ (5, 5, 2, 6) = 18

He then draws his backup scimitar and waits for the enemy to close…

Reflex: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23

Pulling back before the creatures touch can destroy his chain shirt, Aleks sheathes his knives and moves away from he creatures. He scans the room quickly. "Look for something non-metal. Chairs, boards, something we can use as a weapon." Do I see anything like that? Something would work as a club or quarterstaff would be preferred, but even an improvised weapon would be better than nothing.

Zelda takes another step back and changes to her bow.

Round 2

Govannon takes a step back and then incinerates the middle rust monster.

Aleksander backs up and grabs and wooden chair.

Zelda moves back and draws her bow.

The rust monsters move to attack Govannon and Aleksander. Each again strike at your armor (DC 15 reflex saves or your armor gains the broken condition.)

Everyone may take third round action. Zelda may take her fourth round action.

Zelda takes another step back then fires.

Short Bow: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Round: 3

Reflex: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7 vs DC 15

Govannon’s armor takes a hit and obtains the broken condition, though it still remains a viable target - hopefully more viable than his sword!

He swiftly magics his blade, enhancing its edge (+2) as he swings!

Backup Scimitar: 1d20 + 7 + 0 ⇒ (13) + 7 + 0 = 20 (arcane, spell)
damage: 1d6 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 8 + 2 = 16 (arcane)

Defensive Cast: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17 vs DC 15
Backup Scimitar: 1d20 + 7 + 0 ⇒ (12) + 7 + 0 = 19 (arcane, spell)
damage: 1d6 + 8 + 2 + 1d3 ⇒ (2) + 8 + 2 + (1) = 13 (arcane, Ray of Frost)

Reflex: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19

Aleks picks up the chair in both his pale hands and brings it crashing down at the rust monster.

Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Round 3

Govannon and Zelda team to kill their rust monster. Aleksander wounds the beast attacking him.

The rust monster stikes back and manages to once again contact Aleksander's armor with its antennae (DC 15 reflex saves or your armor gains the broken condition.)

Everyone may take fourth round action. Zelda may take her fifth round action.

Round 3

Govannon and Zelda team to kill their rust monster. Aleksander wounds the beast attacking him.

The rust monster stikes back and manages to once again contact Aleksander's armor with its antennae (DC 15 reflex saves or your armor gains the broken condition.)

Everyone may take their fourth round action. Zelda may take her fifth round action.

Round 4

The creature's squeals tug at Ali's heart strings... or at least those of her dormant better self. After zoning out for a long moment, wicked Ali's blank eyes suddenly light up bright red once more.

She walks deeper into the room. Grimacing, she looks back at Zelda and tosses her the wooden staff in her hands. Extending her own arms outwards, her fingernails seem to grow longer and sharper. She closes in on the creature, bloodlust in her blood red eyes.

Move 30 ft. and toss Zelda a quarterstaff (so she can get into melee, flank and apply sneak attack damage, if she wishes).

Oh Yea!! Thanks!!

Dropping her rapier Zelda takes the staff and steps up to flank with Alaksander.
staff: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 9 + 2 = 31
damage: 5d6 + 2 ⇒ (6, 1, 4, 6, 6) + 2 = 25

crit: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 9 + 2 = 23
damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

please add a bleed of 4 and reduced natural armor of 4. Thanks

Round: 4

Armor smoldering, Govannon rushes forward to attack the remaining rusty menace!
Backup Scimitar: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 7 + 2 = 26 (arcane)
damage: 1d6 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 8 + 2 = 11 (arcane)

Zelda catches the staff and then crushes the remaining rust monster's skull against the floor boards. At the same time Govannon skewers the beast with his scimitar.

2400 XP

Govannon is breathing heavily as the fight ends, "Nicely struck Zelda!" He takes a moment to shed his broken armor. Having no spare, he'll rely on what magics he has for armor, though it isn't as good, and he feels quite naked.

He sheathes his backup blade and draws his main scimitar again. Nodding to the group, "Are we ready to continue? I'd love some time and funds to replace my armor, but I don't think the court will wait for that." He shrugs.

When the group is ready, he proceeds to the rope bridge and tests it for stability as mentioned before. He'll then cross to the other side making sure the bridge will support the other members of the group.

Zelda looks at the broken armor.
i think we may be able to repair that. We should keep ut with us.

Ali's eyes phase back to her normal hues. Spotting what's left of the rust monster on the floor (and the staff), she's says, "Damn girl," and gives Zelda a high five.

"Let's go," she replies to Gov, half-frowning at his rusted, busted armor.

When they reach the next bridge, she is sure to walk beside Zelda and Aleks. "Uh, just in case," her eyes indicate the steep fall below the bridge, "I can kinda be used as a flotation device, so, you can, like, grab on."

Not sure how negatively it may affect her boots of the cat's benefit, but she offers to carry anyone who grabs onto her anyway should the bridge give way. I recall Gov has feather fall.

Zelda returns the staff to Aliseya with a smile.
Thanks that is just what I needed! Shall we use the rope method again, just in case.

Aleks gives her a skeptical look, but wraps an an arm around her waist and says "Well, it's not every day I get to escort a lady across a rope bridge. I shan't turn down the opportunity when it arises."

Note that broken items are still usable.

Beyond the scaffolding, a slender rope bridge swings out toward a two-story building with a tower across the gorge.

All please make a DC15 acrobatics check to cross the bridge without slipping.

As Govannon crosses the middle of the bridge there is a bright flash and a winged woman wielding a flaming composite longbow appears above you. Her black stained wings shear the air as she mercilessly searches for a target.

Initiatives please. You may take your first round action if you beat a 21.

Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

Here we go again. What on earth happened here?

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15 vs DC 15
Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11
Knowledge Arcana: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26

Govannon swears, "What the hell?! It's an Erinyes devil - bad news!"

"Oh for f***'s sake..."

Per GM Request
Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20

Zelda watching from the edge of the bridge as everyone else crosses and sighs. I was waiting to use a rope lol