City of Strangers: The Godsmouth Heresy

Game Master James Keegan

I still can’t see the map, but it may be a problem at my end. Some google docs links (such as Max’s map for this game) I can always access with no problems, others I can never seem to view even when the author has set them so everyone can view, it’s happened before.

Detressa will try to position herself away from melee range but within 50 feet of her allies, and casts bless on the group: +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and saves vs fear.

Detressa calls out a prayer to Pharasma, and a cool light emanates from her upheld holy symbol, filling her allies with courage for the coming battle.

"Er, be right there Auron." Kua thinks about his bruised ribs and the taste of blood in his mouth. "Detressa, if you got a heal left in you, it would be much appreciated."

If Kua is in dire need I can burn remove fear to spontaneously cast cure light wounds on him this round in stead of casting bless.

Kua is at half HP and is sure to draw a bunch of fire once he enters the room, especially if enlarged. If you don't feel like doing the heal bot thing though, don't sweat it, I'll just gulp a healing potion and head in next round. I just didn't want to leave Auron, stranded for that long.

Kua is at half HP and is sure to draw a bunch of fire once he enters the room, especially if enlarged. If you don't feel like doing the heal bot thing though, don't sweat it, I'll just gulp a healing potion and head in next round. I just didn't want to leave Auron, stranded for that long.

No that's cool, if James allows it I'll change my action to casting a healing spell on Kua: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

We'll assume that happened before combat since it makes the most sense. I'll have an update soon, it's just been a long week.

Very cool, thanks James!

Kua stalks forward quickly, rushing past Auron and Jhaik, then rolling between Tripe's ghastly duo(move to H3, if Tripe has a melee weapon out, I'll just eat the AOO). Remembering bitterly the feeling of the his skin freezing from the alchemist's potions, Kua gives in to the rage and anger that he inherited from his father's blood.

"You will pay for your crimes here today Tripe!" the half orc howls with rage!

Power Attack: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 3 + 1 = 17

Damage: 1d12 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

That's fun, I may take a level of barbarian next. :-)

Initiative:
Svilennius Tripe: 24 (thrown flask- hit)
Sister Mara: 23 (activates judgement, resistance on Kua)
Uwais/Waya: 22 (sling-miss/ move H6 bite- hit, trip- miss)
Kua: 21 (move H4,attack- hit!)
Auron/Jhaik: 20 (staggered- move I4, move J5)
Detressa: 20 (bless)
Yang: 20 (move to H7, enlarge person- kua)
Vat Zombie: 19
Mr. Marrow: 12

Waya sinks her teeth into the rotted flesh, trying to pull Mr. Marrow down. Rigor Mortis proves the stronger force, however, and the corpse holds its footing. Running through the corpses, Kua bears down on Tripe. His axe pierces both his magical defenses and his suit of studded leather to land a telling blow, even as the alchemist swings his spear at the half-orc.
Tripe's spear: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 91d8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
DM Screen:

Auron stiffly follows in his wake, his hound at his heels as Detressa raises a prayer to Pharasma and Yang chants a spell as Kua's body and possessions grow to gigantic proportions.

Mr. Marrow swings dumbly at Waya with his thick arms.
Slam vs. Waya: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 131d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

While the zombie from the vat swings at Auron:
Slam vs. Auron: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 201d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Initiative Round Two:
Svilennius Tripe: 24 (drinks mutagen)
Sister Mara: 23
Uwais/Waya: 22
Kua: 21
Auron/Jhaik: 20
Detressa: 20
Yang: 20
Vat Zombie: 19
Mr. Marrow: 12

"Brute force, eh?", Tripe sneers through his wounds,"I've got something for that!"
He takes a step away from Auron and uncorks a vial at his belt, downing it in one gulp.
5 foot step away, drinking a mutagen- Kua gets an attack of opportunity.
Tripe's upper body swells with new muscle as he hefts his spear and grins with feral malice.
Updated map for round two. Sorry I had to shift things a little bit, Kua was going to be a little further than he could be before- just trying to make everyone fit.

Pretty sure Kua has to power attack here because it goes through to the next round. Is that right?

Kua tries to bring his massive axe down onto the alchemist as he sees an opening.

Power Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

Damage: 3d6 + 9 ⇒ (2, 3, 2) + 9 = 16

Round Two:

Scimitar in-hand, Sister Mara rushes past Detressa and Yang toward the combat. As she does so, the radiance surrounding her form boosts her leather armor with divine protection. The lithe inquisitor tumbles past Waya in an effort to avoid a crushing blow from the zombie battling the wolf, spinning nimbly to slash at the undead abomination with her razor-sharp scimitar.

Swift action to shift Judgment (Healing) to Judgment (Protection), granting +1 sacred bonus to AC. Move action to square I-6; using Acrobatics when moving through Waya's square (H-6) to avoid AoO from zombie in H-5. Assuming the zombie doesn't smash her to the floor during this maneuver, she then uses her Standard action to attack.

Acrobatics check vs. zombie's CMD to avoid AoO: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 1 = 7 (expending Guidance) - not likely with that roll!
Attack: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 slashing damage

Sister Mara's HP: 10/10
Sister Mara's HP: 18; touch AC 16
Active Effects on Mara: Judgment (Protection: +1 sacred bonus to AC)

Buffeted by the zombie's slam, Auron ducks and steps into range of Tripe's spear. He raises as to strike Tripe down with his warhammer, but is quickly withdrawn, as to disorient him.

5ft step to J3
Feint Tripe: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Jhaik, seeing his master under blows, jumps to the attack, tearing at the zombie before it.

attack: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 3 + 2 = 25
damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
confirm: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 3 + 2 = 22
damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
trip: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18

Uwais gives a sharp yell to Waya as he fires his sling off, trying to distract the disturbing Mr. Marrow from flailing at his companion.

Sling attack: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 3 + 1 = 23 -4 for cover
Damage: 1d3 ⇒ 3
Reload and 5 ft. step north

Waya, however, needs no help, ducking out of the way of the zombie's clumsy assault. She growls deeper and strikes again.

Bite attack: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 3 + 1 = 16
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Trip: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 2 + 1 = 22

"Kill master and the followers go with," Yang says, firing off a force missile at Tripe.

damage 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Everyone remembering the +1 to hit from bless?

Detressa calls upon the chill of death within her and hurls an icicle at Tripe. Icicle granted power, ranged touch: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (2) - 3 = -1 damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Everyone remembering the +1 to hit from bless?

Nope! Totally forgot it, but will remember it next round. Thank you, by the way!

Growling, Kua arcs his axe down again at the alchemist.

Power Attack 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 1 = 6

Damage 3d6 + 9 ⇒ (5, 2, 6) + 9 = 22

Initiative Round Two:
Svilennius Tripe: 24 (drinks mutagen)
(AoO Kua- miss)
Sister Mara: 23 (tumble to I6/attack- hit 5 hp)
(AoO Mr. Marrow)
Uwais/Waya: 22 (U-sling at Mssr. Marrow- Hit 3 hp/W- Bite and Trip- hit for 6 hp and success)
Kua: 21 (Attack T, miss)
Auron/Jhaik: 20 (A-step to J3, feint Tripe- fail;J attack Zombie and Trip- hit for 7 hp and trip)
Detressa: 20 (Ice T- Miss)
Yang: 20 (Force Missile Mr. T for 3 hp)
Vat Zombie: 19
Mr. Marrow: 12

Mr. Marrow lashes out at Sister Mara as she cartwheels past- Slam: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 101d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
But the undead manservant manages only to mess up her hair a little before she hacks a deep gouge into his shoulder mere seconds before Uwais' sling bullet smacks against his eye socket. Growling, hackles raised, Waya bears the flailing zombie down while its off balance, driving it to the floor and tearing into his chest.

Meanwhile, the plus-sized Kua finds that he's having difficulty pinning down the smaller Tripe: while his blows are very powerful, the chamber clearly wasn't designed with the ten foot tall gentleman in mind. Going in for a feint, Auron finds that Tripe was unfortunately prepared for his tactic and keeps his guard up. Perhaps to assert his alpha male status (and, of course, to please his master) Jhaik bears down the vat zombie with vicious fury and begins tearing into it.

Her aim fouled by the press of combatants, Detressa's icicle misses the mark completely even as Yang's missile weaves around his comrades to strike Tripe.

Both undead struggle to rise to their feet, willing their rigor mortised limbs to bend properly. AoO for Waya, Mara, Jhaik and Auron- Kua took his attack of opportunity this round vs. Tripe.

Initiative Round Three:
Svilennius Tripe: 24 ( steps to H1 and drinks Enlarge Person extract)
Sister Mara: 23
Uwais/Waya: 22
Kua: 21
Auron/Jhaik: 20
Detressa: 20
Yang: 20
Vat Zombie: 19
Mr. Marrow: 12
"Impossible to make decent help these days...", Tripe grunts as he steps back and downs another vial, immediately growing in size to rival the Duskwarden.
Map for Round 3

"Hmm. Perhaps something to help Kua ..." Yang invokes the power of his bonded ring, and sends a ray of black energy towards the enlarged Tripe.

Use bonded ring to cast ray of enfeeblement on Tripe.

Ranged touch attack into melee 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (18) - 3 = 15
Str penalty 1d6 ⇒ 2

Round Two AoO vs. Mr. Marrow:
AoO: 1d20 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 + 1 = 6 (includes Bless)
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 slashing damage

Sister Mara slashes her scimitar at the zombie as it attempts to rise, but fails to connect.

Round Three:

Calling upon the power of the Dawnflower, Sister Mara slashes again at the undead abomination.

Swift action to shift Judgment (Protection) to Judgment (Justice), granting +1 sacred bonus to attack rolls. Standard action to attack zombie in H-5.
Attack: 1d20 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 + 1 + 1 = 8 (includes Bless and Judgment)
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Sister Mara's HP: 10/10
Sister Mara's AC: 17; touch AC 15
Active Effects on Mara: Judgment (Justice: +1 sacred bonus to attack rolls; Bless: +1 morale bonus to attack rolls and saves vs. fear)

Auron seizes the opportunity to smash down the rising zombie, putting all his weight behind the attack. Jhaik, encouraged by his master snarls and tries to rip the zombie apart.

AoO Auron
power attack: 1d20 + 5 + 2 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (16) + 5 + 2 + 1 - 1 = 23
damage: 1d8 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 2 = 11

AoO Jhaik
attack: 1d20 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 3 + 2 + 1 = 24
damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
trip: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 + 2 = 15

If the zombie is still up, tag-team Auron and Jhaik will direct attacks towards it. Else Auron would shift to J2 and his mutt would follow to I3 risking an AoO.

Auron attack vs zombie or Tripe
attack: 1d20 + 5 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 5 + 2 + 1 = 19 flank bonus added, -2 if not applicable
damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Jhaik snaps vs zombie or Tripe
attack: 1d20 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 3 + 2 + 1 = 23 flank bonus added, -2 if not applicable
damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
trip: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 2 = 7

Detressa watches the battle wide-eyed, trying to see where she might best be able to assist.

Waiting to see what the results of various attacks are before acting, but will go ahead of the vat zombie.

Waya's AoO: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 3 + 1 = 16
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Waya doggedly continues to harry and snap at the unfortunate Mr. Marrow, trying to bring him down.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 3 + 1 = 20
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Trip: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 2 + 1 = 19

Uwais moves towards the melee, placing a hand on Detressa's back. "Desna looks over us today, Sister - let's take advantage of that."

Uwais moves to H9, casts Guidance on Detressa.

Under the continued assaults (both human and canine) the two zombies are hacked, crushed and torn to pieces.
Okay, just need Detressa's action and one for Kua.

Kua steps forward (H3) and keeps the pressure on Tripe with a series of crushing swings.

Power attack: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 3 + 1 = 15

Damage 3d6 + 9 ⇒ (3, 2, 6) + 9 = 20

Detressa attempts to hurl another icicle at Tripe: ranged touch into melee, with bless and guidance: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (14) - 1 = 13 Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Kua swings a lethal arc at Tripe, missing the heretic by a hair. Auron and his hound press the attack on Tripe, bludgeoning and tearing his leg. An icicle flies from Detressa's hand, thudding into Tripe's chest and setting his teeth to chatter.

Swinging his spear widely in front of him, Tripe backs down the corridor.
"Your masters will be pleased, Sister, but my head won't seal your victory!"
Tripe backs carefully down the hallway behind him, jumping down the pit Sister Mara entered earlier with a thump and a yelp.
Withdraw action, moving 30 feet to the pit- off the map- and jumping in.
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Tripe takes 2d6 ⇒ (5, 2) = 7 falling damage - five of it nonlethal.
Round4
Once more from the top- the map is posted for measuring current distance if you wish to pursue.

Kua swings a lethal arc at Tripe, missing the heretic by a hair. Auron and his hound press the attack on Tripe, bludgeoning and tearing his leg. An icicle flies from Detressa's hand, thudding into Tripe's chest and setting his teeth to chatter.

Swinging his spear widely in front of him, Tripe backs down the corridor.
"Your masters will be pleased, Sister, but my head won't seal your victory!"
Tripe backs carefully down the hallway behind him, jumping down the pit Sister Mara entered earlier with a thump and a yelp.
Withdraw action, moving 30 feet to the pit- off the map- and jumping in.
Acrobatics: 1d20+2
Tripe takes 2d6 falling damage - five of it nonlethal.
Round4
Once more from the top- the map is posted for measuring current distance if you wish to pursue.

Did you forget Yang's ray of enfeeblement?

Warden of Doors wrote:

Kua swings a lethal arc at Tripe, missing the heretic by a hair. Auron and his hound press the attack on Tripe, bludgeoning and tearing his leg. An icicle flies from Detressa's hand, thudding into Tripe's chest and setting his teeth to chatter.

Swinging his spear widely in front of him, Tripe backs down the corridor.
"Your masters will be pleased, Sister, but my head won't seal your victory!"
Tripe backs carefully down the hallway behind him, jumping down the pit Sister Mara entered earlier with a thump and a yelp.
Withdraw action, moving 30 feet to the pit- off the map- and jumping in.
Acrobatics: 1d20+2
Tripe takes 2d6 falling damage - five of it nonlethal.
Round4
Once more from the top- the map is posted for measuring current distance if you wish to pursue.

Did you forget Yang's ray of enfeeblement?

Yes, sorry about that.

How far did Tripe move? The map only shows 5 ft of hallway past the room we're currently in.

It's thirty feet straight north to the hole over the staircase from earlier- he then dropped down.

Round Four:

Scimitar in-hand, Sister Mara chases after Tripe. The radiance surrounding her shifts to an aura of heat as she moves. Upon reaching the edge of the hole she pauses in a defensive stance as she peers over the side.

Swift action to shift Judgment (Justice) to Judgment (Resistance), granting Mara 2 points of energy resistance (Cold). Double move 50 ft to edge of hole.

Sister Mara's HP: 10/10
Sister Mara's AC: 17; touch AC 15
Active Effects on Mara: Judgment (Justice: +1 sacred bonus to attack rolls; Bless: +1 morale bonus to attack rolls and saves vs. fear)

Eh? Is 'e still down there?
Auron comes close to the hole and peers cautiously over.

Yang takes a double move to get as close to the hole as he can, wheezing and shuffling the entire way.

Eh? Is 'e still down there?

Auron comes close to the hole and peers cautiously over.

You can't see him below but from the labored breathing you hear, he must be close.

Detressa moves as far as she can into the midst of her companions without getting too close to the hole, then calls on blessed Pharasma to heal them.

Sorry, I still can’t access the map. Intention is to take a single move so that, if possible, all companions are within 30 feet but the hole (and Tripe) is not, then channel positive energy: 1d6 ⇒ 3.

“We musn’t let him escape!” the cleric exclaims.

Anyone jumping too? I've got rope but don't think Tripe 'ere going to give a warm welcome.

“We musn’t let him escape!” the cleric exclaims.

"Indeed." Growls the half orc.

Kua will grab the edge of the hole and quickly lower himself down. Shouldn't be too hard at twelve feet tall.

Climb 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

Kua grabs the ledge of the hold and lowers himself down with ease, to stare straight into the giant Tripe's leveled spear. You're about five feet away from your quarry; he is to the right of you on the upward slope of the stairwell you discovered earlier.

AoO: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 202d6 + 4 ⇒ (1, 6) + 4 = 11

He stabs Kua in the side.
"Can't leave well enough alone, now can we?!", he growls.

Kua howls in pain as the spear pierces his side.

"No! We can not!"

The orc swings his axe in an arc over top the spear in his torso.

Power Attack:1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 1 = 10

Damage:3d6 + 9 ⇒ (5, 5, 6) + 9 = 25

s+!~.

Hearing howls of pain from the Warden, Auron quickly follows.
Climb: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (9) - 3 = 6

Round Five:

DC 15 Acrobatics check to jump down safely: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

Sister Mara jumps down beside Kua and lands nimbly on her feet. Throwing up her hand, she unleashes a scorching bolt of divine fire toward Tripe.

Standard action to cast a Flame Bolt at Tripe.

Flame Bolt (Ranged Touch Attack): 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 1 = 9 (includes Bless)
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5 fire damage

Sister Mara's HP: 10/10
Sister Mara's AC: 17; touch AC 15
Active Effects on Mara: Judgment (Resistance: 2 points of energy resistance (Cold); Bless: +1 morale bonus to attack rolls and saves vs. fear)

If Yang can waddle close enough to see Tripe, he'll fire another force missile.

damage 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Otherwise, he looks at the hole, and shakes his head sadly. "And no easy way down," he laments.

Sorry for the delay- let me see if we can get this chase organized.
Round Four
Svilennius Tripe: 24 (Withdraw, jump down to staircase)
Sister Mara: 23 (Double move to pit's edge)
Uwais/Waya: 22 (Double move- 30 feet from pit's edge)
Kua: 21 (Double move- 1 to pit's edge, 2nd down pit)
Auron/Jhaik: 20 (move to pit's edge, attempt to scale down after Kua)
Detressa: 20 (move action- 25 feet from pit's edge, channel positive 3 hp)
Yang: 20 (double move- ten feet from pit's edge at finish)

Gung ho to follow Kua's example, Auron grabs the lip of the pit and attempts to swing down... only to see that it's a twenty foot drop to the stairs below. He scrabbles for purchase on the smooth stone, but cannot climb down. Reluctantly, he tries to fall into a rolling position...
Auron's Acrobatics check: 1d20 - 6 ⇒ (3) - 6 = -3
But only manages a frantic flail before crashing off of the enlarged Kua below, falling in a clatter of armor and bruising himself badly.
Falling damage: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 3) = 7
Auron starts round five in a prone position.

The rest of the party crowds around the pit's edge, planning their next move.

Round Five
Svilennius Tripe: 24 (drink extract- AoO from Kua; flee)
Sister Mara: 23 (jump into pit, fire blast)
Uwais/Waya: 22
Kua: 21 (attack- miss)
Auron/Jhaik: 20
Detressa: 20
Yang: 20 (lost visibility on Tripe- alternate action)

Tripe gulps down another one of the flasks at his belt, perhaps underestimating the wounded Kua...
Attack from Kua: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 3 + 1 = 213d6 + 9 ⇒ (5, 5, 6) + 9 = 25
... who lashes out with a feral growl, sweeping off the heretic's head with a swing of his greataxe. The corpse falls to its knees, sinking to the floor and resuming the necromancer's former size.
Congratulations! Everyone can move up to 2nd level!

Huzzah!

Detressa picks up her skirts and hurries to the edge of the pit. "Was that ... oh, well done Kua! Well ... I would not want to be in his metophoric shoes when he faces our Lady. Stay still everyone."

Detressa holds up her holy symbol and a chill wind sweeps from her, strangely invigorating to those around.

Channel energy for 1d6 ⇒ 3 healing.

Sweet!

"Kua, you don't look so good. Here, take this potion," Sister Mara says, offering the Duskwarden her curative potion.

Uwais hears the thud and the words of his allies and relaxes visibly, giving a growl to call Waya off of the attack. "Well swung, Duskwarden," the halfling says.

Bat'erd, bruised but still 'eady.

Auron picks himself up from the floor and goes into stance position just in time to see Tripe's head rolling on the floor to his feet.

Well struck warden!

Woooh!

Enjoying the praise, Kua shows a few bloody tusks through his wide grin, then winces in pain as he pulls Tripe's spear the rest of the way from his side. "I've still got the potion that I took from our fallen colleague Badang. Maybe you should hold on to yours, it's less likely to be blown up or smashed." The dusk warden grins again.

"Most good job, friends." He immediately turns to head back to the alchemist's lab. As he moves away, he calls back, "Sister Mara, can you look on Tripe for magic? And then help search his lab for the same? I am most curious as to what he has."

"Certainly, Master Yang," Sister Mara replies, casting a minor orison to allow her to see magical auras.

Also taking 20 on Perception check to search Tripe (and his lab when we climb back up), yielding a total check of 26.