DM CH-P's CoT: The Bastards of Erebus (Inactive)

Game Master Feral

I think it's a good idea to update the overview map now that the group is figuring out where to go:

>>>Overview Map<<<

***

Sandor shakes his head. "I haven't alerted those in the dungeons. Those on the ground floor have likely heard the traps and combats that have taken place, and those on the roof may have heard too."

***

As far as Yahirma can tell, Sandor is telling the truth as he sees it. He seems far more interested in preserving his life than in betraying what trust exists from those who defeated him, but he would very much like to have his staff back.

***

The trapdoor leading to the observatory has been fitted with a ladder, making the climb an easy one. The walls of the room that was once there have been removed, replaced by large skylights. A large brass telescope sits anchored in the center of the floor.

If Yahirma looks through the telescope, she finds it currently set to observe a constellation of stars known as "The Sphinx", which is said to be associated with great secrets.

Through the skylights, she's also able to see the groups of guards on the roof. Just like Livia reported before the group entered the grounds, there are still two groups; one of two guards in a small area 45 ft north and slightly east, and one of three guards in a narrow crawlway running along the roof's peak from east to west, just 10 ft further on from the first area. All of these guards keep their attention directed downwards, and none of them notice Yahirma's presence in the observatory.

***

Yahirma identifies the following items:
scroll of shadow walk
bracers of armor +2
headband of vast intelligence +2

She determines that the quarterstaff is an arcane bonded object keyed to a specific individual (functions as a masterwork quarterstaff for anyone else). For that individual, it's a +1 quarterstaff that also grants use of ventriloquism for 1 charge, lightning bolt for 2 charges, and fear for 4 charges. It currently holds only 1 charge.

She's unable to determine the exact properties of the miniature model of Walcourt.

***

The wizard gets a thoughtful, interested look as he turns his attention to Xerath. "What did you see?" At Xerath's glare, he quickly turns away from that line of thought, resorting to answering his question instead.

"That question has many answers. Is it the vampire who directly commands the shadows? Is it the Council of Thieves, who have held the vampire's allegiance for the past 10 years? Or is it the House of Thrune, who three decades ago enlisted the vampire and his midnight guard with keeping the city empty at night?"

Maddok holds back his spirit-stoked fury enough to expand on Xerath's questions.

"What does Thrune hope to gain from keeping Westcrown's streets empty at night?"

"Since you've watched us this whole time, what other areas on the ground floor have we not visited yet?"

Xerath seems stoic as he hears the list of those responsible for the shadowbeasts. "Does not matter. I will kill all of them."

The wizard shrugs. "You would have to ask them. I imagine they believed it would be easier to maintain control of rebels and insurgents if they couldn't use the night to their advantage."

He looks puzzled at Maddok's second question, wondering why you ask him where you've not been yet. Perhaps his memory is faulty?

"You haven't visited the ground floor at all. Not since I became aware of your presence here, at least. As for this floor, there are several doors you haven't tried yet."

***

If you wish, I could handle the remaining exploration of this floor quickly. There are no further enemies, and you know of all the traps. It would take some in-game time to do it thoroughly (ie: the resist fire spell would expire, and the resist lightning spell would be left with about 5 minutes remaining).

I'm okay with that.

Oops, I'd totally forgotten we were on the 2nd floor this whole time. Maddok's so close to fulfilling his quest for vengeance that he's lost his spacial awareness.

I'm okay with handwaving this floor's closing exploration and making our way back downstairs.

Maddok nods.

"Then it sounds like we're done with this one. Shall we send him off?"

Spoke to Appario, he's good to continue.

"I would rather send him off the mortal coil."

"Fine."

Maddok hands the wizard the scroll Yahirma identified and a satchel with his spellbooks but keeps the bonded dragon-staff.

"Start a new life far from this place and pray Xerath never finds you", the Shoanti warns.

Appario hands over the spellbooks.

"I hope never to see you again. Best of luck on your star gazing. May you find what you seek."

Happy to fforward as necessary. Yes, we'll need to rest. Sadly, I'll miss the Pot Magic Circle most of all.

Sandor accepts the scroll and spellbooks and looks intently at the staff in Maddok's hands, wondering if it's worth it to do something reckless at this particular time.

He shakes his head, quickly reads the scroll, and steps into the coiling path of shadow-stuff conjured by the spell. As the blank scroll drifts to the ground, the wizard and the shadow-path vanishes from sight.

I'll answer any follow-up questions Appario, Derek, or Yahirma may want to ask before he leaves, of course :)

***

During the continued exploration of the upper floor, Appario finds a host of additional secret doors and spy holes (in addition to the many ordinary doors). The place seems like a dream for any assassin well-versed with the hidden pathways.

One of these secret doors (at I7) is set in the outer wall of the building, and likely leads into the smaller house Livia reported earlier (where smoke was coming from a pipe).

A twisting staircase (at M5-O7) seems like it descends past the level of the ground floor, to somewhere further down. A cool breeze wafts up from below.

The door to one bedchamber (at N2-P4) is locked, although Appario easily opens it. Within is a room where the furniture bears the marks of a warrior's weapon-play, although it appears to be rarely lived in. The only thing of note in the room is a heavy, locked footlocker. Appario finds the key he took from Stiglor, after his surrender at Hagwood, fits the lock. The footlocker contains an assorted collection of gems (worth 5,780 gp), several trophies taken from fallen foes, and a neatly folded suit of +1 shadow studded leather armor.

The room at N11-Q13 is empty of foes, but contains five beds, a table, and five chairs. There's a trapdoor in the ceiling of the tiny connecting room (at O9), likely leading to the guard-positions on the roof.

The office at L12-M14 looks exactly like the one at K15-L17. The file cabinets in both offices contain a great deal of information on the Council of Thieves. One ledger appears to contain information on day-to-day operations, fences, and informants. Another ledger seems to contain information on larger-scale operations and higher-ranking guild agents.

***

>>>Overview Map<<<

I forgot one secret door (at J/K-14), but I don't feel like uploading another map just for that :)

Lots of great stuff here. There's been one change of plans. We're going to clear the roof now in preparation for the camping we're going to do later.

After the loot has been inventoried and haversacked by Appario, Maddok assembles the group in the room with the trapdoor on the roof.

After asking the spirits to guard him, Maddok climbs up through the trapdoor.

Shield: 1d100 ⇒ 54

Oh, yes, one more thing:

***

The tinder box in the council chamber does indeed contain a fair amount of ash, as Sandor suggested, in addition to the normal contents of such a box. The ash radiates faint divination magic.

***

The staircase to the ground floor is the one at I24-I26, as discovered earlier.

It would also be possible to enter the ground floor by the main entrance, if you return the way you came in :)

I've updated the loot sheet with the stuff that's been identified. We have a few things that will need Yahirma and/or Derek to take a second look when we break for camp.

For now Xerath grabbed the bracers of armor and Appario wanted to put on the headband.

Livia will want that headband, too! Or some of those shiny gems!

Once someone decides to relieve her of her duty to watch the bound and blind stalker, that is :)

By the way, Xerath realizes that the force rays she fired were similar to, but not quite like, magic missiles. They needed to be aimed, for instance.

***

I'm going to hold off on the roof operation until Derek and Yahirma have had a chance to post.

I'm sure Appario will be happy to extort her for it or something.

I was going to suggest Livia have the headband but Appario called dibs. We'll make sure she gets a share of the loot.

Sounds good.

Not a wizard, just a sage :)

Actually, her current goal in life is to get her hands on some agile weapons, so gems will suit her better than the headband (plus I wouldn't dream of taking any of your treasure; it's for you to do with as you please).

Hmm... Maddok might be able to forge her an agile weapon.

Go to bed! It'll be awhile before Yahirma and Derek will be able to get around to posting.

Yea, I figured that out just now. Still not what I thought she would end up being. I was hoping for infernal or something, since she's an imp. I would vote that Livia get the headband too. But those greedy lawful good types.

Infernal was my first thought, but 3 of its bloodline powers do nothing for her (not that she's likely to ever reach 15th or 20th level..).

The main reason I went for Sage was the arcane bolt ability. In a shadow-infested city, that seemed like a good choice. Plus I had already decided that she should be a rogue (since sneak attack means she might actually contribute every once in a while), and force ray + sneak attack can't be bad :)

Using class abilities is dumb. :) Arcane bolt is good too. Though we haven't fought any shadows except in that one alley way.

Sage is actually a good thematic choice since she was the servant of a wizard and was big on the study of the psyche (even if said study was a bit twisted).

Yes, that background was another reason. And while Xerath may not have fought many shadows (yet), Livia lived for 20 years in a demiplane with a very strong connection to the Plane of Shadow :)

I also considered the Umbral and Shadow bloodlines, but I didn't want her to be shadowy when one of the party's goals is to destroy the shadowbeast curse.

Fair enough. Maybe I should hang out there. I'd get to feel more useful. Umbral and shadow would have been fine too. The party would have just welcomed her more.

Clearing the roof sounds perfectly reasonable. Again, I'm still decent on resources for tackling some of the ground floor or perhaps some of the grounds. I recall there being a gaping hole in the ground, and gaping holes in the ground attract...encounters...with rich otyughs? It might at least pay to confirm that there aren't any royal otyughs that will crawl out of the hole to eat us in our sleep.

As Sandor weighs his chances in disarming Maddok, Yahirma steps in, places a hand on top of the staff, and makes one final request. "Before you depart, one last question. If I - we were to remember you by more than just 'Sandor,' by what title would you be known in our memories?"

As Sandor prepares to read the scroll, she adds, "I am glad you are able to keep your spellbook. With it in hand, certainly losing a staff will be no more than a minor setback."

Bluff for Innuendo: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (3) + 18 = 21

Yahirma's True Neutrality: Because victory isn't complete unless 50% of all of my enemies end up becoming my friends [without Appario's knowledge].

Appario pulls aside Derek at an appropriate point, trying to keep it somewhat secret.

"Derek, would you be willing to ask Livia to run an errand for us? I would hate to leave this place and we might need some additional supplies if we are to succeed below. Now that we are more sure what we face and it has been confirmed by Sandor, it might be helpful."

Appario waits for his words to sink in.

"Would you send Livia to ask one of the head Gardeners to purchase us a few magical times? Then fly back here? I could write the note and provide the money to make it happen. Of course, I would compensate her appropriately."

Looking to buy: potion of MCPfE10', scroll MCPfE10', & potion of invisibility.

"Sure I can, Derek says looking a little puzzled, but she is right there, you could ask her yourself."

"Livia, could I talk to you for a second?"

Taking livia to a more private corner, Derek smiles at her.
"I think you got an admirer Livia, Appario was going to ask you a favour, but I think the poor sod is a little smitten with you and fear he would blush and stutter if he did it himself."
Giving her a wink and a grin, Derek continues.
"What do you say, help the poor sod out?"

If she agrees, Appario will write out a note for Arael, Janiven, and/or Amaya ask Livia to deliver it to the first one she sees, enjoin them at the market to buy the items, then return quickly to us with the purchased items.

Appario will give Livia 1500gp in a pouch and promise a few sparkly gems when she returns.

Sandor smiles, giving Yahirma an odd look. "The Strange. Sandor the Strange. Did you enjoy the view? The stars hold many secrets."

"Yes, the spellbook is vital, to be sure. But the staff holds fond memories for me. Replacing it would not be an easy task." He gives a slight nod before using the scroll.

***

Livia looks from Derek to Appario and back again, an incredulous look filling her tiny face. "What? Appario is.. that doesn't make any sense! How does he think..?!" She shakes her head vigorously. "I'll help, but.. really?! Appario? Are you sure?"

The imp attempts to avoid Appario as best she can while accepting the list of items and purse of gold, then quickly flies away and vanishes from sight.

***

Is your intent to camp out inside Walcourt? That's pretty risky.. someone will eventually find out that the guards are missing (for instance when the night watch takes over from the day watch). The guards work long hours, but not quite 24/7 :)

***

Here's the map of the roof, as seen by Yahirma from the observatory. The trapdoor (with ladder) is marked by the "i". There's a fairly easy climb from the smaller area to the crawlway along the peak.

>>>Roof Map<<< (the "i" marks the trapdoor)

If you wish to plan the assault before Maddok sticks his head up, feel free :)

I think that's the plan. At this point I think we're more concerned about a certain Lord of Shadows trying to sneak out than him being alerted to our presence.

I like our usual plan: Kick in the door, neutralize everything, patch everyone up, move on. =P

Maddok asks some latent spirits in the building's walls to lend their strength.

Barkskin: 1d100 ⇒ 52

And then opens the trapdoor and sticks his head up.

Derek grins and winks at Livias confusion.
"Don't limit yourself my dear, only your imagination can get in the way here. Derek leans close in and whispers slyly, They say that Abbadarians really have golden "rods" you know."

I'm being positively wicked here, and strangely, this joking around makes me feel better. And so did sparing Sandor.
I only hope he fares better than she did...

And all of a sudden, Dereks mood plummets and he remains silent and brooding in the background.

Here's one strategy that might spare us some hit points:

"As sound a target as your head might be, Maddok, perhaps I can lure them down to you," suggests Yahirma. "I could move in from the observatory, create an illusion of Sandor that beckons for them to join him - perhaps as reinforcements against the intruders. I could draw them into this room (N-Q 11-13) and let you take over from there. I might even be able to seal their escape back to the roof."

Otherwise let the skull-cracking begin.

I'm good with that plan.

Maddok lies in wait below the trapdoor for his prey to get closer.

Xerath, still obviously hurt drinks both of his potions of Cure Moderate Wounds. He then casts a spell for supernatural resilience.

2d8 + 3 ⇒ (5, 6) + 3 = 14

Empowered False Life
1d10 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18 So 27

Edit: Messed up on math, full after the first potion.

So you're not worried about a nightly ambush by shadowbeasts or vampires while everyone is sleeping then? Good to know :)

***

Yahirma's plan is sound, but it won't work very well if Maddok lies in wait below the trapdoor. They would see him immediately upon the first one climbing down. If the intent is to get all of the rooftop guards into the suggested room, then it would make more sense for Maddok (and others) to wait behind the other doors leading out of that room, ready to barge in once all of the guards are inside.

I guess I misunderstood the plan but that sounds good. Maddok will wait outside as suggested.

Not sure yet where we are resting, however, what could possibly go wrong?

Appario stands where pointed for the ambush, doing whatever is necessary to help neutralize the roof foes.

Edit:

Appario sets up his bandolier with the following potionery.

Slot 1: Pot Gaseous Form
Slot 2: Pot CLW
Slot 3: Pot CMW
Slot 4: Pot CSW
Slot 5: MCPfE10' (if and when Livia returns)
Slot 6: Pot Invis (if and when Livia returns)

The roof-guards seem convinced by Yahirma's illusion, and after they converge and briefly speak, they begin making their way down the trapdoor's ladder.

The ambushers-in-wait soon after hear the guards enter the room beyond.

***

>>>Current Map<<<

Yahirma is in Sandor's chambers.

The PCs get a surprise round. Each can take a move or standard action, plus a free action.

I've placed the combatants randomly; if you would have preferred a different setup, feel free to change it. Regardless, two people must spend their surprise round to open their door (plus potentially 5-ft-stepping inside).

Appario will open the door, allowing Maddok entry.

Appario would have drawn Extortion before the fight.

Maddok steps into the room and swings a crushing blow into the nearest unfortunate guard.

1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22
1d6 + 16 ⇒ (6) + 16 = 22

Xerath will open the door and take a step back.

Yes, I would assume that people who set up an ambush have drawn their weapons :)

***

Maddok's hammer comes close to crushing the nearest guard, but doesn't quite finish the job.

***

I'm going to roll the initiatives now, in case the PCs are before the enemies in round 1.

Current Initiative order: (for round 1)
24 - Enemies
22 - Derek
21 - Maddok
20 - Appario
17 - Xerath
2 - Yahirma

***

Up next: Derek's surprise round and Yahirma's surprise round.

Still up in the observatory, if it's alright by you

With all of the humans down the trapdoor, Yahirma lets the illusion fade while she conjures more violent spirits to prevent the villains' retreat (placed on O9 at roof level). What begins as an image of Sister Liiza followed by a pair of chickens quickly twists into the hag-spirit accompanied by two animate dolls with stitched lips. As the hag-spirit draws a jagged knife, the dolls silently caper and cheer in anticipation of the dark deeds to come.

Oh my, thinks Yahirma as she steps next to the ladder to Sandor's chambers. Whatever magic this is, it becomes increasingly macabre. Is this even Wendo anymore?

Spiritual Ally can't reach anyone this round, but Yahirma will be moving it closer a bit later.

Derek follows suit, steps into the room and atempts to scewer the closest guard.
I should name this striek "Boar on a spit", or possibly "Bore".

Attack 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
Damage 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Crit confirm 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28
Crit damage 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Derek's flourish finishes the task Maddok's hammer begun, dropping the nearest guard in a heap.

Recovered from the surprise, the guards move in. Two attack Derek and two attack Maddok.

Rapier attack #1 (vs Derek): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28
Rapier attack #2 (vs Derek): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21
Rapier attack #3 (vs Maddok): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18
Rapier attack #4 (vs Maddok): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19

Rapier damage #1: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Rapier damage #2: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Rapier damage #3: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Rapier damage #4: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Potential critical: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22
Critical damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Both of the guards targeting Derek are successful, dealing a total of 12 damage to the bard. The two attacks against Maddok miss.

***

>>>Current Map<<<

Yahirma is in Sandor's chambers; the hag spirit is 10 ft above O9

Up next: The PCs.

Yahirma does what she can to get to the fight (55 feet of movement to P10).

Appario springs into action, springing to O11 to attack #4

1d20 + 14 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 14 + 2 = 19 to hit;
1d10 + 5 + 1d6 ⇒ (10) + 5 + (6) = 21 damage; ending up in P11.

Appario provokes from #1, #2, & #5.

AC 25+ 4 (mobility) + 3 (barkskin if still up) + 2 (Prot Evil if applicable) = 29 to 34ish.

Maddok's congratulations on a blow well struck are interrupted as two of the guards step forward and wound Derek. Seeing his little brother's blood spilled sends the big Shoanti into a frenzy.

Rage 15/18

Maddok's wrath becomes directed at the thief standing adjacent himself and Derek.

Primary: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (11) + 16 = 27
Primary: 1d6 + 21 ⇒ (3) + 21 = 24
Iterative: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12
Iterative: 1d6 + 21 ⇒ (1) + 21 = 22

Hmm, I think big brother will deal with the one next to him, I'll deal with the one he can't reach.

Having decided on that tactic (and feeling quite pleased at being tactical at all) Derek assumes the classic swashbuckling stance, sword out before him, side to the opponent and the other arm folder across his chest, buckler ready for defence.

"You and me, rapier to rapier. Let us see who walks off the stage to cheers and who will carry the other mans congratulatory flowers."

Long having admired the men who master the fury of the tempest Attack, Derek has mastered a lesser variant only recently.
The lightning strikes twice ,and now he attempts to use it against his foe.

Primary Attack (using combat expertise): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Crit confirmation: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Crit damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Secondary Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Appario's barkskin will last another 40 minutes, and the magic circle will last another 23 minutes.

***

Appario's extortion and Maddok's fury disembowels the central guard, while Derek's punchline cuts deep into his foe.

***

Rapier AoO #1: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21
Rapier AoO #2: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15
Rapier AoO #3: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23

AoO damage #1: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
AoO damage #2: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
AoO damage #3: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

None of the guards hit Appario as he dances nimbly through the battlefield.

***

>>>Current Map<<<

The hag-spirit is 10 ft above O9.

Up next: Xerath.