DM Alexander Kilcoynes Serpents Skull PbP- Chapter 1, Souls for the Smugglers Shiv (Inactive)

Game Master Alexander Kilcoyne

Ég vona að þú værir ekki að segja neitt gagnlegt!

Jeg vil fortælle dig, hvad Ambroze sagde, ingen bekymringer Gwen.

You can translate for her during your round 2 action so she can benefit from the information shared but Gwenyth won't get the naturalist bonus from it.

Initial Chamber Skirmish

Round 2-

Ordered Initiative-

Chi (acted)- 23
Mawj- 22
Skeletons- 16
Tun'ada- 14
Marcus- 11
Gwen- 7
Ambroze- 5

Map, Map Features & Notes-

Link (after skeletons action)

Standing in a square behind a pillar will provide cover, as will the alcoves. The room does extend beyond the bridge as with the light from Marcus' shield you can see you are able to walk under the bridge. The bridge is 40 feet tall.

Active Effects-

Dancing Lights

Mawj remains where he is and focuses on defence, worried that he and Uli are now a likely target for javelins. The skeletons apparently have little patience for firing at targets behind cover however, and each step off the bridge, some of their bones shattering on impact.

4d6 ⇒ (2, 5, 1, 1) = 9

4d6 ⇒ (4, 6, 5, 3) = 18

4d6 ⇒ (4, 2, 2, 6) = 14

Although falling forty feet took its toll on the skeletons, they attack after landing, lunging to bite Tun'ada, Gwenyth and Chi. All three of them lunge with surprising speed, and the sickening crunch of their skeletal teeth upon the flesh and bones of the unlucky three is truly horrific. The degenerate skeleton biting into Gwenyth's neck gets its teeth caught on her chainmail, giving her the chance to shove it back with her shield before it did further damage.

1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21 VS Tun'ada (hit)
1d6 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28 VS Gwenyth (hit & potential crit)
1d6 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22 VS Chi (hit)
1d6 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16 VS Gwenyth (crit unconfirmed)
1d6 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Tun'ada you had a ready vs approach and can potentially negate the hit on yourself with it, go ahead. Please also roll an AOO.

Readied Attack:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
Damage:1d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

AoO:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
Damage:1d8 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Chi continues talking to Gwen, "Disse skeletter er af en unaturligt stærke form kendt som 'degenereret udøde'. De er mere magtfulde end almindelige skeletter, som er animeret af særdeles potent necromantic energier. Men som almindelig skeletter, de er resistente over for piercing og skære våben, og immun overfor kulde, sind som påvirker magi, og sove magi"

Marcus spares a thought for Gwen's morning star sitting in his pack before opening up on the skeleton attacking chi with both hands.

Falcata 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 6 + 1 = 25 (nat, power attack)
1d8 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Shield - bludgeoning 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 3 + 1 = 21
1d3 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

AC 23

With powerful thrusts Tun'ada does significant damage to the skeleton, but despite just losing some of its ribcage it keeps on coming and manages to bite him. Marcus hacks a skeletal arm from the one attacking Chi and then rams his shield into it; shattering its abdomen and collapsing it in a pile of bones.

Gwenyth and Ambroze are up.

Thankful for Marcus' prowess - not for the first time - Gwen steps quickly and alertly into the now safe area next to the pile of bones, and quickly links her life-force to Tun'ada's, seeking to keep the fierce warrior standing as long as possible.

5 Foot step to S-8.
Standard Action: Establish Life Link with Tun'ada. (Tal, I'll let you know what to heal and when, just do me a favor and keep your sheet updated with current HP.)

5 Foot step to S-8.

Standard Action: Establish Life Link with Tun'ada. (Tal, I'll let you know what to heal and when, just do me a favor and keep your sheet updated with current HP.)

Got it...sheet is current.

Ambroze is up.

Round Two:

Ambroze continues to offer advice for battling the skeletons (in Common - sorry Gwen!).

Realizing he doesn't have a weapon that can harm the skeletons, Ambroze nevertheless moves to flank one of the skeletons with Tun'ada. The gnome scholar takes up a defensive stance with his wickedly sharp shortsword in-hand, attempting to distract the skeleton enough to create an opportune opening in its defenses for Tun'ada.

Free action to continue Bardic Performance (Naturalist) - remember, all those who can understand receive +1 to attacks, AC, and saves vs. the skeletons. Move action 20 ft. to square P-4 to flank skeleton Q-5 with Tun'ada. Standard action for total defense - +4 dodge bonus to AC for total AC 20 (with naturalist bonus).

Rounds of Bardic Performance Used Today: 3

Initial Chamber Skirmish

Round 3-

Ordered Initiative-

Chi- 23
Mawj- 22
Skeletons- 16
Tun'ada- 14
Marcus- 11
Gwen- 7
Ambroze- 5

Map, Map Features & Notes-

Map Link

Standing in a square behind a pillar will provide cover, as will the alcoves. The room does extend beyond the bridge as with the light from Marcus' shield you can see you are able to walk under the bridge. The bridge is 40 feet tall.

Active Effects-

Dancing Lights

Thanks Marcus, once more I owe you my life. Chi smiles at Marcus through the pain inflicted by the undead pile of bones in front of her. Instinctively she kicks one of the hurtful bones across the floor. Before moving behind the imposing figure of a fighter that is Marcus. Keeping him between her and the skeletons of death. She peers into the darkness, in case anything tries to sneak up on her savior. She calls on her patron to guide Marcus' blade with greater accuracy to destroy these unholy things.

move behind Marcus, cast guidance on him. +1 attack next round.

Mawj rides beside Ambroze, attacking the skeleton with a yip and a slash of his sword, managing with some difficulty to damage the skeleton further with a dextrous flourish.

1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16
1d4 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

The two remaning skeletons continue their assaults on Tun'ada, mindlessly ignoring the others now attacking them. Tun'ada suffers a bite from the onslaught and two hits from claws, but Ambroze's magical advice prevents two further blows from harming him.

1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28 Bite/Crit potential
1d6 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10 Miss (Claw)
1d4 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17 Miss (due to naturalist AC 18)
1d4 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15 Crit unconfirmed
1d6 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17 Miss (due to naturalist AC 18)
1d6 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20 Hit (Claw)
1d4 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19 Hit (Claw)
1d4 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

26 damage to Tun'ada.

Ah, sorry saw the HP line for Tun'ada and thought it was current.

The combined onslaught of the skeletons drops Tun'ada to the ground, hard, blood trickling from various wounds.

Tal, on my Init count, Tun'ada heals 5HP, which I take in damage.

Seeing Tun'ada go down, Gwen steels her resolve and determines that the brave warrior will not die today. As the Lifelink fuels Tun'ada's healing, Gwen grits her teeth and pumps yet more positive energy into the barbarian.

You actually had me in the wrong square, AK - I had moved to S8 in my previous turn, so R7 is empty if Marcus is interested.

Standard Action: Cast cure light wounds.
Move Action: Move circuitously to S5.
Free Action: Deliver Touch Spell.

Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11 HP Healed!

You actually had me in the wrong square, AK - I had moved to S8 in my previous turn, so R7 is empty if Marcus is interested.

I had realised that as I updated the skeletons, your in the right spot on my map which is why Tun'ada got both attacks :).

Ah, sorry saw the HP line for Tun'ada and thought it was current.

The combined onslaught of the skeletons drops Tun'ada to the ground, hard, blood trickling from various wounds.

No problem...for future reference there is a "current status" spoiler on Tun'ada's profile that has current HP and rage rounds remaining.

The internet in this hotel is the crappest ever. It won't let my read the map (or download any documents) so I'm assuming from memory I can reach with a five foot step. Please alter to a move and standard attack if I can't.

Marcus swivels to let Chi past him only to see Tun'ada fall.

C'mon you bastard things, try me!

He swings at each with sword and shield to try and draw the mindless things attention.

Falcata 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 6 + 1 = 27 (nat, power attack)
1d8 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Shield - bludgeoning 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 3 + 1 = 12
1d3 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Crit Falcata 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 6 + 1 = 27
2d8 + 10 ⇒ (3, 3) + 10 = 16

AC 23

Bah thats a double 20 wasted on a non-BBEG but I think thats one dead skeleton.

Stepping over the fallen Tun'ada, Marcus works a brilliant slash and bash combination that ends the fight- destroying both skeletons.

250XP each.

While Gwen attends to Tunáda, Marcus paces out the room with his lit shield to ensure no more of the things are lying in wait.

Marcus perception-

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

Marcus is confident the room has no further nasties ready to jump at the party. He also notices something a little off about the north-east alcove and upon further close inspection uncovers a secret door hidden in the flooring in that area. The handle is barely visible until you are right on top of it and appears to pull up towards the person pulling it- this is a trapdoor leading down, although it appears to be stuck.

Map Link

Think I'll have you roll all my perception from now on.

Found something. A trap door.

Laying his sword and shield on the ground he pulls his crowbar from his pack and tries to lever it open.

Strength 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 3 + 2 = 14 (crowbar)
Strength 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 3 + 2 = 19 (crowbar)
Strength 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 3 + 2 = 19 (crowbar)
Strength 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 3 + 2 = 19 (crowbar)
Strength 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 2 = 10 (crowbar)

Wow its really stuck.

Think I'll have you roll all my perception from now on.

No riding my dice karma!

Immediately upon restoring Tun'ada to positive HP, Gwen severs the Life Link.

Gwen runs to Tun'ada's side.

You alright, Tun'ada? You took quite a beating there - I could feel you slipping away for a moment. Does anyone have a potion, or other healing available? I am beginning to feel weak - not totally so, but...drained. I feel that I should save the rest of my strength for when it's most needed.

Seeing Marcus tugging at the trap door, Gwen looks around.

Take (twenty) your time, Marcus. It doesn't seem like anything or anyone is breathing down our necks...yet.

"I'll live...for now."

Takes 20.

Chi is quiet for a change, wondering how she missed such an obvious trap. Despite the wounds from the fight, she does not say anything to Gwen, as she is obviously weakened by her support of Tun'ada, he surely needs it more than Chi. Yet she can't see why they should want to open the trapdoor? She speaks quietly, "Why are we spending time looking down into a trap, when we only have a few hours until the sea returns. Should we not just continue on as swiftly as is possible?" As she hands Gwen her last potion of healing. Pot CLW

Well, if this door opens into the room where Ieana is trying to resurrect Ydersius, it will be quite a shortcut. Like most things in an ancient Azlanti temple, it's probably worth taking a look at.

Gwen shrugs.

"Did you want this potion Gwen" as Gwen seemingly more engrossed in the exploration of the door, turns her back on Chi's outstretched hand, holding a potion with healing properties.

Theres also a lever in the northwest alcove i'm not sure you noticed in the description/map.

After a couple of minutes of excruciatingly precise work with a crowbar, the trapdoor is shifted open. A gust of foul-smelling, stale air rushes up from the hole, that appears to drops 20 feet in a vertical shaft leading down.

Gwen turns, smiling, to Chi and accepts the potion.

Thank you, dear heart. Sorry to have spaced out, there. I think if Tun'ada drinks this, and then I channel energy once, that might get us close to where we need to be. Let's find out.

Gwen administers Chi's potion to Tun'ada.

Potion of CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

She then channels positive energy to soothe the wounds of the group.

Channel Energy: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 5) = 9

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Ooh, good job, Marcus. Can anyone tell what's down there? It looks dark...

Perception:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23

"Listen carefully, there is a faint rattle, almost sounds like shaking bones, from somewhere down below. We haven't seen the last of those creatures."

While Marcus investigates the trapdoor in the northeast alcove, Ambroze studies the lever in the northwest alcove in an attempt to determine its purpose.

Knowledge (engineering): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

Ambroze determines that the lever is used to open the door once it has shut; it is currently open. He surmises that if the six hours were to pass, opening the doors would flood this chamber but wouldn't reach the bridge so the structure would likely remain intact.

Chi speaks to Tun'ada, "let's leave them alone, we don't want to fight things unless we have to, surely if they are more undead, we should leave them to their own devices. We only have a few hours to find what we want and get out. let us move on."

I find that I agree with Chi's advice. Although I am as intrigued by the possibility of ancient and powerful Azlanti artifacts as the next girl, there remains the matter of stopping Ieana. Whatever we need to do to stop her quickly, I find myself in favor.

Alright. I don't much like the idea of anything getting behind us but they'd have to climb that shaft and get through the trapdoor so it seems OK.

Looks like we have one other exit so lets get moving.

Marcus takes the lead again and opens the south door.

A little bit meta but we'll need to watch the healing situation pretty closely if we want to avoid another situation like the ghoul caverns. The winged beastie fight took a lot out of us and presumably we'll need to slog through some more traps and encounters before we find BBEG. The lever seems to give us an exit and presumably we can redo the ritual (without something nasty jumping us this time). Balanced against that I guess we don't know how much time we have before serpent girl does whatever she is here for (which we can only assume is unpleasant).

Chi watches as Marcus strides forward to open the door that leads them forward, she is just about to cry Wait but before the word has formed in her throat, Marcus has opened the door. She runs towards him grabbing his arm and pulling him round. Her eyes wide at the thought that some harm could befall her friend, "Not so hasty Marcus, this temple to an ancient evil god may still have traps or worse, on or behind each door, let Tun'ada or I look for dangers, rather than let you walk into them." Her face showing the concern she has for Marcus, fear showing that she does not trust this place they are moving through.

No traps are triggered as Marcus opens the door this time ;). Ambroze guides the light to either side of the corridor the door leads to, illuminating a small alcove to the south and stairs leading both east and west. Both stairs lead up.

Remember the dancing lights can't be more than ten feet from each other.

Map Link

Chi watches as Marcus strides forward to open the door that leads them forward, she is just about to cry Wait but before the word has formed in her throat, Marcus has opened the door. She runs towards him grabbing his arm and pulling him round. Her eyes wide at the thought that some harm could befall her friend, "Not so hasty Marcus, this temple to an ancient evil god may still have traps or worse, on or behind each door, let Tun'ada or I look for dangers, rather than let you walk into them." Her face showing the concern she has for Marcus, fear showing that she does not trust this place they are moving through.

Marcus looks a bit chastened. Your right Chi. My impatience could have hurt us all. I'll lead but this is your area of expertise not mine. I'll follow your directions.

East?

Marcus will continue to explore but will stop to let Chi look at things and examine any doors before he goes through.

Marching order for when you decide which way to go please.

How about Marcus first. Chi and Tun'ada back a bit behind, then Ambroze and Gwen, goblin at the rear? Want to be close enough to support each other but not too bunched up in case of rolling boulder trap. C'mon theres got to be one.....>just watched Raiders of the Lost Ark for the first time in years<

How about Marcus first. Chi and Tun'ada back a bit behind, then Ambroze and Gwen, goblin at the rear? Want to be close enough to support each other but not too bunched up in case of rolling boulder trap. C'mon theres got to be one.....>just watched Raiders of the Lost Ark for the first time in years<

Works for me...Tun'ada will go with that plan, longspear in hand.

Gwen silently takes her place alongside Ambroze at the rear of the party, establishing a life-link with Marcus and Tun'ada before the group moves on.

Chi likes Marcus' idea, and adds, Despite it all, I could be by your side if theres room, yet hidden from view, hoping to make sure we don't find the traps that are here.

She casts speaks her arcane words, asking the magical guidance.

Perception 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 9 + 1 = 17 inc guidance
Stealth 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26

Sure Chi, your keen eyes will spot things I'm sure to miss. Just make sure to fall back at the first sign of trouble.

East I guess unless anyone has a better idea. Presumably both ways will join up to the bridge but whether it runs west or east is anyone's guess. Not sure if Chi can go stealthy next to Marcus with his shield of light :)

Crossbow loaded and ready, Ambroze follows the group alongside Gwen.

Heading east sounds good to me.

With respect to healing resources, Ambroze still has one CLW potion and can cast CLW up to four times (if he doesn't use any other 1st level spells).

The group continue up the stairs and down the next corridor to the right. Nothing appears out of the ordinary but then without warning, the floor beneath Tun'ada, Chi and Marcus splits open down the middle of the hall, causing the left and the right sides of the hallway to drop down on hinges and threatening to dump everything into a pit trap 30 feet below! Tun'ada manages to leap backwards and Marcus forwards, the pit seperating them by fifteen feet. Chi isn't quite quick enough and falls down the pit, injuring herself in the process. From the bottom of the pit, a small tunnel leading north is visible- too small for a medium sized creature to slip through without special training but small enough so that halflings could squeeze and tiny creatures could walk through comfortably.

Reflex Saves-

Tun'ada- 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
Chi- 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Marcus- 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

Damage to Chi-

3d6 ⇒ (5, 3, 3) = 11

Map Link

I'm tracking you very loosely in rounds at this moment.