Curse of the Crimson Throne

Game Master Euan

Before you open the door you hear the sounds of a quiet dinner on the other side. Upon opening the door, you find you're right! Eight corpses sit at a finely set dinner table, looking at one another blankly. Of the eight, six are zombies who mechanically go through the motions of eating the rotten food on the table before them, spooning it back into their mouths after it dribbles back out onto the table from their slack jaws.

As you open the door, they slowly look up, and start to stand.

They are seated for round 1 though you are on higher ground so +1 to hit. Normally, standing from a seated position on a chair is a "5' step" that does not provoke AoO. In this case the zombies are wedged into their spots and it will take a move action to get free (still does not provoke however). Let the slaughter commence!

Majenko Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11

--Round 1--
Briar - 20
Nikolay - 15
Fondo - 14
Majenko -10+
Charlie - 10
Dandilion - 8+
Barael - 8
Zombies - 4

Map Round 1

The table is actually in squares J/K/L-07. It is covered with glassware, silverware, plates and spoiling food. If you jump up on it it's worse than the gore - DC15 Acrobatics to avoid falling prone just by moving up there. All the bloody squares require a DC 15 Acrobatics to move more than half movement. Failure means you drop prone in the blood and gore of the room.

Round 1, Init 14 {I8>J7>I6}

Fondo steps into the room and swings at Z5 with his kukri. On his back swing, he prodes Z3 in the direction of Black Tooth (aid attack for Barael).

Kukri, power: 1d20 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 8 - 2 = 23
1d4 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 4 = 9

Aid attack: 1d20 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 8 - 2 = 20

Round 1, Init 15 G9-->I9

Nikolay sees the zombies struggling to get up and heads into the room to cut them down before they rise. He still walks carefully (1/2 speed) though as there seems to be blood everywhere.

--Did you learn that from Barael?

Longsword Power Attack 2-handed: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 8 + 1 = 19
(BAB +4, STR +3, Black blade +2, Weapon Focus +1, -2 Power Attack, +1 vs sitting)
Longsword damage: 1d8 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20
(+4 STR, +2 Magic, +6 Power Attack, +1 scabbard)

Round 1, Init 20

Freshly cleaned of zombie gore (thanks Fondo!), Briar has no desire to be sprayed again and lifts his bow to quickly impale a few zombies.

Shooting at Z5...

1d20 + 9 + 1 - 4 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 9 + 1 - 4 - 2 = 6 to hit; (PBS,cover, rapid)
1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6 damage;

1d20 + 9 + 1 - 4 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 9 + 1 - 4 - 2 = 21 to hit; (PBS,cover, rapid)
1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6 damage.

Yep, two arrows I'll never seen again.

Oops. Fondo ended up in I8. Acrobatics for 5' step: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15, if necessary/possible.

Round 1, Init 8

For the love of all things... Barael imagines that the floor is yet again a cesspool, and takes to the table, or through Z3, hoping to find refuge in the corner, where both aid and flank await.

Acrobatics through Zombie: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (12) + 19 = 31 Move to I-6

Barael tries to flay the head of the table. Z3
Black Tooth, flank, aid, higher ground: 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 7 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 19 for Damage: 1d6 + 3 + 3d6 ⇒ (6) + 3 + (4, 2, 6) = 21

edit
Acrobatics v Blood: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (16) + 19 = 35

Fondo will have to swing on Z3 as Z5 is dead by the time he gets there. Barael's blow on Z3 then kills that one too.

DC 11 fortitude saves from Barael, Fondo, and Nikolay please as the zombies explode and spread their blood-born pathogens all over you.

Also, Briar you notice that your arrows seem to be doing full damage against these zombies...

Also, Briar you notice that your arrows seem to be doing full damage against these zombies...

Whhhaaaa?

1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11 Know Religion

Fort: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
Fort: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

Know Religion: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Fort save: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

Fortitude Save v Gore, take 4: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

Round 1, Init 18+ then holding until 5, and move to J9

Dandi waits until a position opens up, then slides past the others, pulling a holy water as she goes. She slips in the gore, falling flat amongst the entrails.

"Ugh!"

Not wanting to waste the holy water, she throws it at Z6 and hopes for the best.

acrobatics vs gore: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

holy water at z6: 1d20 + 11 - 4 ⇒ (14) + 11 - 4 = 212d4 + 6 ⇒ (4, 3) + 6 = 13 splash for 8.

fort save vs disease: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

round 1 init 10 {F07-->G07}

Charlie will take a 5' step to G07 and watch in the direction of H10 for unforeseen. perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

Briar shoots a zombie and strikes it for full damage. Nikolay steps up and finishes it off. Fondo starts in on the next zombie. Majenko keeps his eyes on the stairwell and the outer room. Charlie keeps watch with Majenko. Dandilion rushes the zombies and falls in the gore (no fort save needed). Barael finishes off the head diner.

Majenko Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27

Z1 remains seated and reaches out to Barael. The other zombies stand up (move actions) and a few take 5' steps as they lumber toward their doom.

Z1 Slam on Barael: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26 damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Z1 Critical on Barael: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25 damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Z4 Reflex DC 14: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (11) + 0 = 11 or take 8hp holy water splash

Barael please make a fort save DC 11.

--Round 1--
Z1 - 4 (seated) attacks Barael
Z2 - 4 stand and move
Z4 (-8) - 4 stand and move
Z6 (-13) - 4 stand and move
--Round 2--
Briar - 20
Nikolay - 15
Fondo - 14
Majenko -10+
Charlie - 10
Dandilion - 8+ (prone)
Barael - 8

Map Round 1-2

The table is actually in squares J/K/L-07. It is covered with glassware, silverware, plates and spoiling food. If you jump up on it it's worse than the gore - DC15 Acrobatics to avoid falling prone just by moving up there. All the bloody squares require a DC 15 Acrobatics to move more than half movement. Failure means you drop prone in the blood and gore of the room.

Stop making extra fort saves it confuses me. You cannot save them for future needs. :)

Fortitude Save v Gore, take 5: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

"They'll never get the stench out of this place. We should just burn this house to the ground. After we retrieve Luan's corpse, by the looks of this party, that is."

Thanks for burning a possible crit, Euan.

Round 2, Init 20

Briar moves (halfspeed) up to H9.

"Waif! Why are you in the room?"

Is she choosing to writhe in the gore?

Briar takes one shot at Z6, the one threatening the Waif.

1d20 + 9 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 9 + 1 - 4 = 16 to hit; (cover)
1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7 damage.

Round 2, Init 20

Briar moves (halfspeed) up to H9.

"Waif! Why are you in the room?"

Is she choosing to writhe in the gore?

Briar takes one shot at Z6, the one threatening the Waif.

1d20+9+1 to hit;
1d8+1 damage.

Round 2, Init 5

"I came to help!" Dandi draws her sickle and attacks, but misses. "Servant please, come from there, there's blood and guts in my hair!" She calls the Servant from the other room to come help her help the others.

masterwork sickle, -4 for prone: 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (5) + 8 - 4 = 91d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Round 2, Init 14 {>L9}

Fondo wades into the combat nimbly, bobbing and weaving past the awful, awful pus bags. He, too strikes at the zombie threatening his dear Dandi. Seeing that arrows seem to be working, he drops his kukri and draws his rapier as he goes.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20
Rapier, flank, power: 1d20 + 9 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 9 + 2 - 2 = 21
1d6 + 3 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 4 = 13

Round 2, Init 8

Barael tries to address the complaint of the diner who recently slammed his service, and flails for an answer. He spends too much time trying to decide on retreat, and remains in the corner.

Black Tooth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Round 2, Init 15 I9-->J8

Nikolay moves up and steals Fondo's kill by taking a 5' step to J8 and striking down the zombie (Z6).

Longsword Power Attack 2-handed: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
(BAB +4, STR +3, Black blade +2, Weapon Focus +1, -2 Power Attack)
Longsword damage: 1d8 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15
(+3 STR, +2 Magic, +4 Power Attack)
Longsword Crit?: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
Longsword damage: 1d8 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13

Nikolay does indeed kill Z6 (nice crit!!) so I need DC 11 fortitude saves from Dandilion and Nikolay vs disease as the Zombie shares what's left of his flesh with you.

Fondo and Dandilion need to revise their actions as there is no Z6 to attack (though Fondo can hit Z4 standing next to him).

Yes, Z4.

round 2 init 10 {/G07-->H08}

Charlie will move to H09 and shoot an eldritch bolt at Z4. ranged touch: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 - 4 = 6 damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Briar lines up on Z6 and connects through cover but doesn't quite drop it. Nikolay takes out Z6. Fondo steps up and strikes Z4. Majenko keeps watch. Charlie misses with his eldritch bolt. Dandilion stands up (DMPC) and calls her helper to her. Barael swings wide on Z1.

Majenko Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17

Z1 remains seated and keeps clawing at Barael.

Z1 Slam on Barael: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17 damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Z4 Slam on Fondo: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25 damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Z4, on his last legs, manages to get a hit in on Fondo while Z1 still squirming in his chair, cannot quite manage a hit on Barael.

--Round 2--
Z1 - 4 (seated) attacks Barael
Z2 - 4 closes with Fondo
Z4 (-21) - 4 attacks Fondo
--Round 3--
Briar - 20
Nikolay - 15 (DC 11 fort save)
Fondo (-10hp) - 14 (DC 11 fort save)
Majenko -10+
Charlie - 10
Dandilion - 8+ (DC 11 fort save)
Barael (-13hp) - 8

Map Round 2-3

The table is actually in squares J/K/L-07. It is covered with glassware, silverware, plates and spoiling food. If you jump up on it it's worse than the gore - DC15 Acrobatics to avoid falling prone just by moving up there. All the bloody squares require a DC 15 Acrobatics to move more than half movement. Failure means you drop prone in the blood and gore of the room.

Round 3, Init 20

Briar sidles to I7 to finally take a cover free shot at a zombie.

1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 9 + 1 = 11 to hit;
1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 damage.

"Nice place...maybe we should move in here. Obviously, it needs a bit of cleaning. Maybe with lots of fire."

round 3 init 10 {H08-->I08}

Charlie will move to I08 and aim an eldritch bolt at Z1
to hit: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 - 4 = 3
damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Yes, well.

Round 3, Init 15 J8-->K8

Nikolay tries to give Barael some assistance before stepping up to the next zombie (Z4). Unfortunately, his ray likely goes wide of the zombie (Z1) facing Barael.

Disrupt Undead: 1d20 + 6 - 4 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 6 - 4 - 2 = 8
melee, spell combat
Longsword Power Attack 1-handed: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
(BAB +4, STR +3, Black blade +2, Weapon Focus +1, -2 Power Attack)
Longsword damage: 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10
(+3 STR, +2 Magic, +4 Power Attack)

Round 3, Init 8

Barael notices Briar's volley of arrows. "I thought you said, 'slash them, burn them'. What's with the arrows?" He turns back to the seated zombie, and demonstrates the way something is slashed.
Black Tooth: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 7 + 1 = 16 for Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

"Thanks, Nik. A couple more swipes and we'll end our conversation over here."

Round 3, Init 5

Back on her feet (thanks guys!), Dandi throws her holy water at Z4 (since she didn't throw it last round). Smeared with nasty stuff she'd rather not investigate too closely, she's ever so grateful for the ministrations of her unseen servant when it catches up.

holy water, no Majenko dance, -4 for throwing into melee. If it also has cover, -4 more.: 1d20 + 9 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 9 - 4 = 202d4 + 5 ⇒ (1, 3) + 5 = 9, splash for 5

fort save: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Forgot -2 for spell combat above, so only 16 to hit.

Round 3, Init 14

Fort: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

"Ugh. Poor soul, kindly keep your ichor off my tunic."

Louder, he intones, "Of Urgathoa's brood I've had enough.
Her servants trapped your souls in putrid flesh,
but we shall sunder cage and spirit free." Inspire courage as move action. Thank you, Battle Herald prestige class.

Fondo strikes ineffectually at his new opponent (Z2), too caught up in the charms of his own sonorous voice.

Rapier, power: 1d20 + 9 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 9 - 2 + 1 = 10
Damage, power: 1d6 + 3 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 4 + 1 = 9

The Inspire Courage would add +1 to hit and damage for Dandi, Barael and Charlie's already posted actions this round.

Briar slides in for a clean shot, and misses wide. Nikolay misses Z1, but finishes off Z4 with a flourish. Fondo inspires courage on the masses, but fails to save enough for himself to make the hit. Majenko ignored by Briar, flies stealthily to the top of the stairs to track down a sound. Charlie tosses another eldritch bolt into the mix, but misses. Dandilion throws her holy water at Z2 since Z4 is gone by the time she has a chance to throw. Barael finally connects with his sparring partner, but does not finish him.

Majenko Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29
Majenko Stealth: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (9) + 20 = 29

Z1 Slam on Barael: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25 damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
Z2 Slam on Fondo: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14 damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Z1 remains seated and keeps clawing at Barael who is just in reach and connects again. Z2 almost smiles as he finally has a chance to join combat for the first time though he is ineffective.

--Round 3--
Z1 (-9) - 4 (seated) attacks Barael
Z2 (-10) - 4 attacks Fondo
Z4 (deader)
--Round 4--
Briar - 20
Nikolay - 15 (DC 11 fort save)
Fondo (-3hp) - 14
Majenko -10+
Charlie - 10
Dandilion - 8+
Barael (-22hp) - 8 (DC 11 fort save)

Map Round 3-4

The table is actually in squares J/K/L-07. It is covered with glassware, silverware, plates and spoiling food. If you jump up on it it's worse than the gore - DC15 Acrobatics to avoid falling prone just by moving up there. All the bloody squares require a DC 15 Acrobatics to move more than half movement. Failure means you drop prone in the blood and gore of the room.

Round 4, Init 14

"We'll send you on to Boneyard. Just stand still!" More Inspire.

Fondo attacks the poor soul in front of him or, if Nikolay has his way, joins Barael in flank.

Rapier, power, inspire, possibly +2 for flank.: 1d20 + 9 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 9 - 2 + 1 = 11

Alas, pity and disgust stay his hand again this round.

Round 4, Init 15 K8-->L8

Nikolay's luck and constitution hold out against the plague again. He tosses another ray over his shoulder at the zombie facing Barael before he steps up to slash the next zombie.

Fort save: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
Disrupt Undead: 1d20 + 6 - 4 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 6 - 4 - 2 + 1 = 18
ray damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Longsword Power Attack 1-handed: 1d20 + 8 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 8 - 2 + 1 = 16
Longsword damage: 1d8 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 9 + 1 = 15

Z2 is down with Nikolay's strike, so Fort DC 11 saves for Fondo and Nikolay and Fondo is flanked with Barael - if he makes a DC 15 Acrobatics to get there through one square of muck (M08).

Round 4, Init 20

Ah, sweet music to my ears...and exploding zombies keeping beat.

Briar opens up on Barael's dinner date, Z1.

1d20 + 9 + 1 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 9 + 1 + 1 - 2 = 21 to hit; (PBS, 'bard', rapid)
1d8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 + 1 = 7 damage;

1d20 + 9 + 1 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 9 + 1 + 1 - 2 = 16 to hit; (PBS, 'bard', rapid)
1d8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 + 1 = 10 damage.

Better. Another re-dead Varisian.

Briar will 5' step back to avoid any ichor.

...and we're out of combat as Brair mops up what Barael cannot. However, Barael and Fondo get to enjoy DC 11 fortitude saves.

So I have one save for Nikolay, one for Barael, and two for Fondo I think.

The dining room is very nicely appointed, though a little the worse for wear currently. The view is nice too looking out onto the gardens and an outbuilding. It is heavily curtained at the moment, but I presume you do some looking around.

There is no magic here, and no real wealth other than the silverwear and plates. A very nice set.

Fort: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

Ugh. Another save with Harrow...

Fort: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

I think just one for Fondo, as he wouldn't have gotten to the other zombie before Briar made it pop.

Briar pokes around a bit, turning over plates, but looking repulsed by the decadence of it all.

Briar readies around the door of K5-6.

"There are more zombies upstairs, but we need search smart," Briar says, nodding at the door.

Charlie ministers to Fondo with a heal check (my skill exceeds the DC) giving him a +4 on his save. I think this will work immediately. Either that or I'll have to do the healing at your next check to give you a +4.

Charlie will use the wand on Barael.

CLW wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
CLW wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
CLW wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
CLW wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
CLW wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
CLW wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

and Fondo

CLW wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

fort save: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8 The luck had to run out eventually.

A couple of doors present themselves, but presuming you try them both, you'll find one leads out to the garden, and the other to a sitting room. Two of the dead have been posed in a make out session on the couch. One is copping a feel on the other, but neither is moving. A third is sitting in the chair watching.

If you look outside through the drapes, you see Deyanira with her back to the door watching the path and the road beyond. She does not immediately notice you unless you tap on the window of course.

Majenko has nothing to report.

Updated Map

Harrow Point Update. I have Barael and Fondo down to 1 each. Nikolay and Briar each have 4. Dandilion and Charlie each have 5. Nikolay, you can use a Harrow Point now to re-roll that failed save.

Unfortunately Charlie cannot aid your disease check as it happens before he can administer his art. Don't worry though, there will be another check later which he can help some of you with. Never fear!

"Let's continue upward." Fondo takes out a metal ring with sharpened edges and prepares to move upstairs. "Charlie, may have another tap of the wand?" -6hp still.

Briar, continuing the ordered search, goes to the door at B10-11 and opens it.

Fondo stands at the foot of the stairs ready to ascend - and even from there he has a hard time seeing Majenko hiding in the bannister. Barael hesitates between supporting Fondo and Briar as Briar opens another door.

The next room is an office of sorts with a few books on two long bookshelves lining two walls. There is a dead man working on his household budget, and given the amount of blood everywhere he's quite in the red...

Updated Map

Oops. Sorry Fondo. Wasn't paying attention. Feel free to just assume I do so and roll yourself. I did it this time just because.

CLW wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
CLW wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Briar nods at Nikolay and points to the door within the budget room.

"Barael, over here, another door. Let's get this floor cleared."

I'll skip on the harrow point for now. I figure he'll make the next roll with Charlie's help and if not then I can use a harrow point.

Nikolay checks out the rooms with Briar.

Nikolay perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
sword perception: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2

"Thanks, kako. Always appreciated.." Fondo waits patiently and continues to keep watch at the base of the stairs. He chants a few arcane words and begins to clean himself and those around him.

Fortitude Save v Gore, take 6: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

"Briar, hold on a second, let me back away..."
Fortitude Save v Gore, take 7: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Barael's shoulders sag, as the filth bathes him for a seventh time. Couldn't be helped, I suppose. "Charlie, as usual, thank you for your ministrations. I'm thinking I'll be needing them against the rot yet again."

Briar calls, and Barael joins the first floor purging at the next door. D-13
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25

Barael relays what he detects behind the door, waits for others to join if need be, then opens it to clear the next room.