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

Game Master Feral

THIS might be trickier...time to lend a hand.
Derek raises his voice in a soft battle hymn to lend his companions strenght and vigor.

Inspire courage +1, 1/13 rounds.

As she tries to regain her bearings and footing in this bizarre architecture, Yahirma notices the dark spirits.

Knowledge (Religion) 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

She begins calling out to the party as a whole "Ia inthalmatos ne-" before realizing few will understand her. Instead she prepares herself to neutralize the creatures as quickly as possible.

Delay until the creatures get closer. Yahirma will then jump in to try and incapacitate one - likely the one we hurt the least. It's kind of the adventure path to throw us pairs of undead.

Appario looks at Yahirma, then at Derek, then back to the shadows, then at Derek again.

"Derek, did you catch that? What is she saying?"

Knowledge religion: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Derek manages to alter the flow of his music so he can give Appario a sing-song answer.

"Nothing of importance brave hero, now pay attention before it makes your remaining life zero."

"Ah good point friend Der-ek, sure wish we had a cler-ick."

The two shadowy creatures drift across the central shaft, coming up adjacent to Appario and Maddok, then misty dark tendrils attempt to caress both frontline fighters.

Incorporeal touch #1 (vs Maddok): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Incorporeal touch #2 (vs Appario): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Strength damage #1: 1d6 ⇒ 6
Strength damage #2: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Both Appario and Maddok easily dodge the shadowy tendrils.

>>>Current Map<<<

Up next: The PCs, beginning with Semenya and Maddok, then Appario and Derek, while Yahirma can act at any initiative count due to her delayed action. Semenya said she wanted to cast mage armor on Appario, so unless she says otherwise, that will be her action.

"Motoke, inthalmatos! Ia inthalmen ou tamtar chorminoti! Tei nemar atosi!" shouts Yahirma as she steps up (to R5) and throws a handful of salt at Shadow #2.

If its movements slow, she gestures urgently towards Shadow #1 and makes chopping motions.

Reminder of Death against Shadow #2. Because it is intelligent, it gets a Will save DC 16 to avoid the Halt Undead effect.

Round 2

Move action, Appario will unstrap his shield, in preparation to take his morningstar in two hands next round.

Appario will swing his magical morningstar at shadow #1.

1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 7 + 1 = 15 to hit; (bard song)
1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 1 = 12 damage.

At least they are not skeletons.
Yeah, keep telling yourself that.

Will save vs halt undead: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

One of the shadowy beings stops moving as Yahirma throws salt on it, while Derek's song inspires Appario sufficiently to get in a hit on the other. Appario feels as if his fine strike didn't cause as much injury to the creature as it should have.

>>>Current Map<<<

Up next: Maddok and Derek (plus Semenya if she does something else than cast mage armor).

Maddok marvels as Semenya's enchantment envelopes his hammer. He nods in thanks as he moves to engage the shadowy beings.

Power Attacking #1
1d20 + 9 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (12) + 9 + 1 - 1 = 21
1d6 + 6 + 3 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 3 + 1 + 1 = 16

As he swings the big Shoanti calls out in his native tongue.

The incorporeal rules have too much text; I completely missed that corporeal spells/effects that don't deal damage have a 50% "miss chance" against them. Rolling it now instead.

Miss chance vs reminder of death: 1d2 ⇒ 2 (1=failure, 2=success)

Maddok gets in a strong blow with his hammer, but just like for Appario the impact doesn't feel as strong as he would expect.

Yes, they're still around.

Up next: Derek.

Semenya will cast mage armor on Appario. "These should make you slipperyier to them."

Next round, she will back up and start using magic missile

I won't be able to post again until this evening, so I'm posting the NPC actions now despite Derek not having acted yet. If Derek's actions destroy Shadow #1, then this doesn't happen.

The still-moving Shadow again tries to sap Maddok's strength from him.

Incorporeal touch: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
Strength damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2

The cold, shadowy tendrils flow into Maddok's body, draining some of his strength (2 Strength damage).

Up next: The PCs, with Derek twice.

I'm going to hold off until Derek and/or Yahirma post. Hopefully either Derek kills it or Yahirma Misfortunes it's attack into oblivion.

Sorry, don't think Derek CAN destroy the shadow. So this is the second action, let's just ignore the first.
Derek moves up to stand next to his brother, aiding his attack as he continues his hymn.

Aid another, +2 attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Inspire courage +1, 3/13 Rounds.

I can do exactly that (hopefully not to bring in a critical hit). Misfortune:
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

First, Yahirma bestows Guidance upon Appario. Then, eying Shadow #2 as if to keep it from moving again, Yahirma backs up to Q3.

Round 3

Appario will stow his shield as a move action.

Taking his morningstar in two hands, he will swing at the held shadow.

1d20 + 7 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 7 + 2 + 1 = 23 to hit;
1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 1 = 6 damage.

"Thank you Derek!"

Oh well, thanks for trying.

Maddok howls in pain as the shadow's claws tear a piece of his essence away. His tattoos flash again at a heartbeat-like rhythm.

The Shoanti regrips his weapon and swings back in retaliation with a little less ferocity.

1d20 + 8 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (13) + 8 + 1 - 1 = 21
1d6 + 4 + 3 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 3 + 1 + 1 = 15

Maddok disposes of one of the Shadows, while Appario begins picking away at the other. As soon as Appario attacks it, its state of immobility ends.

>>>Current Map<<<

Up next: Semenya.

Semenya already posted her action for this turn.

Next round, she will back up and start using magic missile.

Yes, but would she use the metamagic-enhanced 2nd-level version or the regular 1st-level version? I'm hesitant to force either option.

Yes, but would she use the metamagic-enhanced 2nd-level version or the regular 1st-level version? I'm hesitant to force either option.

I'm nearly 100% certain the answer would be the wand of Magic Missle with 45 charges.

Okay, wand it is :) (unless Semenya says otherwise)

The magical missile strikes the insubstantial form, dealing 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 damage.

The Shadow turns its attention to Maddok, having noticed that its companion already fed off his essence.

Incorporeal touch: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Strength damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

The Shadow is unsuccessful in its attempt at caressing Maddok.

At the beginning of Maddok's turn, the two summoned eagles reappear from the staircase to the right (they have already acted this turn).

>>>Current Map<<<

Up next: The PCs.

It appears the metamagic version replaces the damage type. Since she wants to use force damage I doubt she's going to do that.

Oops. Are took care of it already.

Roaring in defiance (and some fear) Maddok swings his hammer around and brings it down on his ghostly opponent.

1d20 + 8 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (14) + 8 + 1 - 1 = 22
1d6 + 4 + 3 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 3 + 1 + 1 = 13

The big Shoanti seems relieved when the eagles appear again.

Derek moves around to stand next to Appario, aiding him in his attack.

Move action to R5, aid another action, Inspire courage +1, 4/13 Rounds.

Aid with attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Round 4

Appario will swing again at the shadow, using Derek's attack as a distraction.

1d20 + 7 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 7 + 2 + 1 = 30 to hit;
1d8 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 1 = 10 damage.

Move action: Appario will sheathe his morningstar.

Edit: no crit, stupid undead.

Semenya would've used the force-damage variant of the spell against incorporeals, and used that preferentially to the wand. I'll keep the action given.

There's still one shadow up that could use some magic missiling. I believe you're up.

Semenya lets fly with a pair of magic missiles, casting them herself this time:

1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

The combined efforts of Appario, Maddok, and Semenya cause the destruction of the second Shadow, which unravels into shadowy wisps before disappearing entirely.

The two eagles fly to the opposite wall, beginning to look around, but suddenly scurry to either side as two new Shadows emerge through the wall there.

>>>Current Map<<<

Up next: The PCs.

"More? Appario looks up and decides against putting his shield on.

On his next turn, Appario will move to {T,-10}, re-drawing his morningstar as he moves.

Maddok shouts another command to the shining eagles as he moves alongside Appario.

Move alongside Appario. Ready to attack if one of them gets within range.

Are the Shadows emerging from the same place as the last ones?

Deciding to hold back his powers for a little bit, Derek stops performing and instead stands behind Maddok.

Move to P4.

There are more? These Shadowmen forget themselves when they should remember the life that once was. Time to remind them...

Yahirma will follow Appario (and I believe Maddok), which should put her at U9. That will also give her a glance down the "southern" hallway.

Semenya will cast magic missile at Shadow #3, and follow behind Maddok. She has the wand in her hand as backup, just in case.

Maddok: If you're going to ready an action to attack, you can't move as far as to beside Appario. T7 would be the closest you could get while using an action to ready, while U10 would be beside Appario. Which would you prefer?

Derek: Yes, they emerged from the same wall. Also, since Maddok is moving, P4 wouldn't be behind him anymore. Do you still want to move to that square?

I'll lag behind Appario then. I'd like to ready.

In case it comes up.
1d20 + 8 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (12) + 8 + 1 - 1 = 20
1d6 + 4 + 3 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 3 + 1 + 1 = 12

1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

(Magic Missile damage for Shadow #3)

Sorry, my misstake, behind the square Maddok acctually ends up in is better.

The two new Shadows also choose to go after Appario and Maddok, closing the distance in rapid fashion before attempting their strength-sapping touch.

As one Shadow comes close to Maddok, he strikes directly at it, causing some of the shadowy strands to unravel briefly.

Incorporeal touch #1 (vs Maddok): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
Incorporeal touch #2 (vs Appario): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Strength damage #1: 1d6 ⇒ 4
Strength damage #2: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Misfortune reroll for attack #1: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

One Shadow looked like it was about to go straight for Maddok's heart, but through some fluke mishap it somehow missed him entirely instead. The Shadow attacking Appario also missed.

One of the Eagles looks thoroughly confused by Maddok's latest order, flying around seemingly without knowing what to do. The other Eagle appears to be very insistent that there's something about P/Q-13.

>>>Current Map<<<

Up next: The PCs.

Yahirma: My hero.

Maddok thanks the spirits for the good misfortune and swings wildly at his opponent working to further disperse the evil shadowstuff.

1d20 + 8 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (11) + 8 + 1 - 1 = 19
1d6 + 4 + 3 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 3 + 1 + 1 = 15

Forgot to mention what could be seen down the staircase:

Looking down the staircase next to her, Yahirma can see that it extends for about 35 feet downwards, then turns to the right and continues on. Just before turning, the staircase extends out over some sort of pit.

Maddok continues to strike well with his enhanced hammer, and the Shadow now looks to be on the verge of unravelling entirely.

Up next: The PCs, except Maddok.

Round 6

At least they are not skeletons. Appario grins as he focuses fire on a single shadow to help take it down.

With a 5' step to {T,-9}, Appario will swing at #3 with his magical morningstar in both hands.

1d20 + 7 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 7 + 2 + 1 = 14 to hit;
1d8 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 5 + 1 = 11 damage.

Stepping up to Shadow #4, Yahirma sprays it with salt and whispers a single word to it. Meeting what must have once represented it eyes, she calls back to Derek. "Plethu beezalthentai u'thantarein. Mogyitoke kai bustanzake iov fortlinomki!"

5' Step to U10 and send another Reminder of Death at #4. I'll use the Misfortune for this round on him if he makes the save.

Sensing Appario being about to fail on an attack, Derek stops performing and sings out one single clear note.

Casting Gallant inspiration as an immediate action.
Gallant inspiration: 2d4 ⇒ (4, 3) = 7

Derek, sensing that Yahrima is on to something drops all thoughts and instead focuses on being nimble. Dancing, twisting and turning he moves past the Shadow to slowly make is way closer.

Acrobatics to T9, half speed moving THROUGH the Shadow’s square.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24

One of the Eagles looks thoroughly confused by Maddok's latest order, flying around seemingly without knowing what to do. The other Eagle appears to be very insistent that there's something about P/Q-13.

This might be relevant. Although, Maddok doesn't speak Infernal so he doesn't know about Yahirma's suggestion and can't make that connection. Also, are you using your standard to resume your performance? Otherwise, that looks like only a single move + an immediate.

50% "miss chance" for reminder of death: 1d2 ⇒ 2 (1=failure, 2=success)

Will save vs halt undead effect: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

Misfortune reroll of Will save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Appario, looking like he was about to make a haphazard strike at the Shadow next to Maddok, suddenly gets inspired by Derek's song and instead destroys the Shadow with a finely-placed strike.

The last Shadow, at first resisting the reminder of its human life, finally succumbs to Yahirma's powers and is rendered immobile.

>>>Current Map<<<

Up next: The PCs (Semenya twice). Still round-by-round :)

Appario will look confused at Yahirma and then shrug at Maddok.

Round 7

Appario will move to {T,-12}, tumbling to avoid an AoO (not sure it's necessary, but what does Appario know?):

1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11 Acrobatics

Using the flank from Derek, Appario will strike at the shadow.

1d20 + 7 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 7 + 2 + 1 = 26 to hit;
1d8 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 5 + 1 = 11 damage.

Are, did you get my magic missile casting on Shadow #3?

In Infernal:

In Taldan:

"Yahirma has an insight - we want to go through that door they've come from. They're being spawned by something. We destroy what's making them and we stop this incursion."

Semenya will cast magic missile from the wand at the remaining shadow of Appario has not felled it with those glorious rolls above.