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

Game Master Feral

Yahirma gives herself a few jolts with the lesser wand, which, combined with the prospect of decrypting a few magical auras, helps to calm her nerves.

Wand 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Wand 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Wand 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
Wand 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

As the group moves forward after leaving Bisby's room, Semenya hears a single, faint sound of something scraping against stone from the corridor to the right.

Appario follows Derek out the door, oblivious.

Derek, meanwhile has fallen back a little, walking next to Yahirma, unable to keep some lingering concern from his tone of voice and his general demeanour.
As such, he is quite happy that Maddok has taken the lead for awhile.
"You are still a little pale, are you sure you are ok?
...Sorry if I'm a little...insistent, but nearly losing a trusted friend, ally and comrade shock me up a bit."

Semenya watches Derek aflutter over Yahirma, because his chatter meant she almost missed something. She cocks her head to the right. Through the Message cantrip, she says "Something is scurrying down the corridor that way."

Maddok grips his hammer tighter at Semenya's warning.

Isn't that the direction we're going?

It's the direction you're about to go to, yes. Semenya hears that sound before you actually get around the corner.

Already a little spooked from the earlier encounter, Yahirma scrambles to secure the wand of Deathward. With a slight quiver in both her hand and eyes, she holds the point against her chest. She nods her head in in silent understanding and follows the lead of the others.

There is darkness here. I must find the light. There must be light, and that light is the Aohl. Light at the end of the tunnel...Maddok's drive to find his love. Maddok and Derek's test of brotherhood. I must be stronger for these things. Focus.

"I will be fine, Derek. I appreciate your concern, but I also suspect our strength will be needed in trials ahead," she whispers while trying not to spoil Semenya's concentration on an imperceptible threat.

Maddok nods as Yahirma prepares her wand and asks the spirits for protection himself as he turns the corner and reaches for the door.

Shield - 1/5

As Maddok comes around the corner, he's met by a crossbow bolt.

Crossbow attack: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (5) + 15 = 20
Crossbow damage: 1d10 + 4 + 1d10 ⇒ (2) + 4 + (7) = 13 (+1d10: vital strike)

The bolt just misses the big Shoanti, instead skidding his force-shield.

The sight greeting him is that of an undead wearing little except tattoos all over his body, standing with a crossbow in his hands, while two other undead are poised to strike nearby.

***

Due to Maddok's and Yahirma's research, it's clear that the crossbow-wielding undead is a vampire, while the two others are vampire spawn. The research also grants all of you knowledge on their strengths and weaknesses.

***

Current Initiative order:
24 - Appario
22 - Semenya
18 - Vampire
16 - Spawn (both)
4 - Yahirma
3 - Derek and Maddok

***

Up first: Appario and Semenya. Map coming up.

>>>Current Map<<<

Lucky for him he is undead, if he was still alive, he'd freeze to death... which could then mean he'd possibly arise from the grave as an undead...
Thus no longer being alive and no longer needing more clothes...
Say, maybe that is what happened?

"Freeze to death much?"

"Pardon me, Derek. Someone up ahead doesn't like Maddok. That doesn't make me happy," Appario says as he moves quickly, motivated by years of combat training.

Appario will draw Extortion as he moves to P12.

"Why did you attack us? Let's see if you like being attacked!"

1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27 to hit spawn in P13.
1d10 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11 damage.

I hope my armor holds up.

Semenya steps up to P9, and begins her incantation.

1d4 + 1 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 1 + 1 + 3 = 9 Fire 1
1d4 + 1 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 1 + 1 + 3 = 7 Fire 2
1d4 + 1 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 1 + 3 = 6 Fire 3

All on Spawn 1.

Appario's sword hits the spawn, but the swing appears to have less of an impact on it than he would have expected. Semenya's firey missiles follow, streaking into the spawn. The spawn appears to dissolve into smoke.

The vampire tries again to hit Maddok with his crossbow, reloads it rapidly and shoots again.

Crossbow attack #1: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (15) + 15 = 30
Crossbow attack #2: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26

Crossbow damage #1: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
Crossbow damage #2: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

Both bolts hit their mark, dealing a total of 22 damage to Maddok.

The smoke from the dissolved spawn slowly drifts towards and through the double doors, while the remaining spawn steps back and tries to dominate Appario.

Will save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

Appario successfully resists the domination-attempt.

***

>>>Current Map<<<

Up next: Yahirma, Derek, and Maddok. Then round 2, beginning with Appario and Semenya.

Derek moves forward, drawing Punchline as he moves.
For a moment he almost hesitates, caught of guard by the very sweet note that the rapier makes as it leaves its sheath.

Such is the music of battle...

"Avaunt grave spawn! Back to the hereafter with you."
Derek flourishes Punchline theatrically as he begins to sing.

Move to O9, Inspire courage +3 (thanks to face paint) 3/17 Rounds uses.

"Yahirma, can you do anything to keep the smoke here?"

Is he bare-chested or full-on naked?

Maddok grunts in pain as the bolts slam into his shoulder and, seeing their foes for the first time, the Shoanti immediately flies into a rage. He rushes across the hallway towards the closest vampire shouting as he does.

"Where is she? Where is Vahnwynne?! Talk!"

Move to O14, Rage 3/18

1d20 + 13 - 2 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 13 - 2 + 3 = 22
1d6 + 10 + 3 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 10 + 3 + 6 = 21

He wears a loincloth, but is otherwise naked (although virtually every visible part of his body is covered in tattoos).

***

Maddok's hammer crashes down on the spawn, but the force of the blow seems somehow lessened compared to his expectations.

At Maddok's raging shout, the tattooed vampire flashes a toothy grin.

"Vahnwynne? She's close, awaiting her chance. But this kill is mine!"

***

>>>Current Map<<<

Up next: Yahirma, then round 2, beginning with Appario and Semenya.

Without stopping his song or letting his guard down, Derek gives the tattooed vampire the bowfinger salute and mouths the word "wanker" at him.

I am waiting for Yahirma to post as so many of her actions may change what Appario decides to do.

Glancing between Semenya and the smoke, Yahirma takes a moment to puzzle out the exclaimed question.

Sense Motive 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

"Ou bathizdoh ton idiomon," she responds to Semenya as Yahirma moves to Q10 and invokes the same spirits that tormented the skull-bound Pathfinder. While she does so, she tries to remember a rough timeline for how how long it takes a fallen spawn to restore itself to unlife.

Knowledge (Religion) 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

Thieves...thieves...

Casting Pilfering Hand targeting the vampire's crossbow (disarm) 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28
If successful, the crossbow flies to Yahirma's hand

Of all the things Appario expected, Yahirma's spell was not in the top 100000. Well played, m'Lady.

Appario will dance and roll around the remaining spawn to tackle the vampire.

1d20 + 15 ⇒ (7) + 15 = 22 Acrobatics (AC 27 vs. AoO, mobility)

Appario will roll and dance to N15 and strike at the vampire.

1d20 + 11 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 11 + 3 = 30 to hit;
1d10 + 5 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 5 + 3 = 17 damage.

That makes two of us :)

As mentioned earlier, the party knows all about the strengths and weaknesses of vampires and vampire spawn due to Yahirma's and Maddok's research over the past couple of months. Thus, Yahirma knows a vampire or vampire spawn must remain in its coffin for one hour before its natural healing begins taking effect.

***

The crossbow flies out of the vampire's hand to Yahirma's grasp. Looking at the crossbow up close, Yahirma can tell it's a repeating heavy crossbow with two bolts remaining in the pre-filled case.

The vampire sneers as the weapon escapes his grasp, and again when Appario dances past the spawn to sink Extortion into him. However, the wound appears far less dangerous than the force of Appario's swing would have dictated.

***

>>>Current Map<<<

Up next: Semenya.

1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18 Perception

Semenya watches the direction the cloud of mist drifts towards, as she stays put and unleashes another bout of flaming Magic Missiles, aimed at the chief vampire.

1d4 + 1 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 1 + 1 + 3 = 8
1d4 + 1 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 1 + 1 + 3 = 7
1d4 + 1 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 1 + 3 = 6

(2 2nd level spells left, 2 3rd level spells, 3 1st level spells left.)

Semenya still has 3 3rd-level spells left by my count. She has only used the one lightning bolt, as she never got the second one off due to nausea.

***

The smoke from the dissolved spawn drifted towards and through the keyhole of the double doors at P/Q-14/15. Semenya can no longer see the smoke.

The three flaming missiles shoot into the vampire, searing its undead flesh.

Several of the vampire's wounds close, as does some of the spawn's wounds.

The vampire, bereft of its crossbow, steps slightly north and attempts to slam Appario.

Slam attack: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26
Slam damage: 1d4 + 7 + 1d4 ⇒ (2) + 7 + (1) = 10 (+1d4: vital strike)

Appario's armor continues to fail him, as the vampire's slam connects and deals 10 damage.

Fortitude vs energy drain: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

Appario successfully resists the negative energy that attempted to pull parts of his being from him.

The spawn steps back, and attempts to dominate Maddok.

Will save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

Maddok resists the enchanting effect.

***

>>>Current Map<<<

Up next: Yahirma, Derek and Maddok. Then round 3, beginning with Appario and Semenya.

Realizing he cannot reach any of the foes in melee at the moment, Derek slowly edges forward, shrinking the distance between himself and the foes, preparing for true battle in a few moments.

Move to P13, Inspire courage +3, 4/17 Rounds used.

Maddok shakes his head violently throwing off the spawn's attempt at magical control and, with a growl rising in his throat, smashes into it again.

Move to O15, Rage 4/18

1d20 + 13 - 2 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 13 - 2 + 3 = 33
1d6 + 10 + 3 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 10 + 3 + 6 = 20

Yahirma slides the crossbow over to Livia (basically drops it), but the crossbow is caught by mischievous spirits partway along its path.

1=North, clockwise from there 1d8 ⇒ 3

Bemused by the crossbow's attempt to climb the eastern wall as it skitters across the ground, Yahirma requests, "Sentikalku to ballosic, parakalo."

Yahirma then steps around the corner and rushes to Appario (O14), who she taps on the back with a quick prayer.

Protection from Evil

Misfortune favors the saves against domination first, the attack roll of the lead vampire second

Maddok's powerful strike causes the dissolution of the spawn, smoke forming in its stead.

***

>>>Current Map<<<

Up next: Appario and Semenya.

My blade, it does less. The armor, it does nothing.

Making sure he is between his prey and Yahirma, Appario shakes off the blow by the vampire and strikes again.

1d20 + 11 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 11 + 3 = 30 to hit;
1d10 + 5 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 3 = 11 damage.

** spoiler omitted **

Make sure you remember that +2 deflection bonus from the recently imparted Protection from Evil

Appario's blade hits well, but this time the strike barely nicks the vampire's skin.

***

Up next: Semenya.

Semenya frowns and husbands her resources.

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

(Using the 1st level spell this time, not the metamagically enhanced variety, as at this point I hope that Maddok and Appario can take it down quickly.)

On her Move action, Semenya loads a silver tipped crossbow bolt into Donatellus Bisby's crossbow.

The missiles fly unerringly into the vampire, but soon after several of the fresh wounds in the vampire's flesh close up. The vampire attempts another slam on Appario, then steps into the alcove behind it.

Slam attack: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21
Slam damage: 1d4 + 7 + 1d4 ⇒ (1) + 7 + (1) = 9 (+1d4: vital strike)

This time, Appario's armor is successful at preventing the strike.

***

>>>Current Map<<<

Up next: Yahirma, Derek and Maddok. Then round 4, beginning with Appario and Semenya.

Well darn it, in that position I can't get to him or I'll block the more powerfull fighters...clever bastard that dead fellow.

Derek stays put, Inspire courage +3, 5/17 Rounds used.

Patting Maddok on the shoulder as he dislodges his hammer from the smashed floor tiles, Yahirma wordlessly nods towards the vampire in the alcove.

Guidance on Maddok, as his damage is hefty enough to warrant a little extra accuracy.

"Mnemoku, O Derek, toke golpokei ous vrykolakous," she murmurs to Derek with a gesture of her hand to his silvered rapier.

Maddok closes on the tattooed vampire, trapping him in the alcove. He swings his hammer again in a deadly arc.

"You won't be killing anything tonight. Die filth!"

Move to M16, Rage 5/18

1d20 + 13 - 2 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 13 - 2 + 3 + 1 = 27
1d6 + 10 + 3 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 10 + 3 + 6 = 25

Maddok's hammer crashes into the vampire, but the effects of the strike are diminished. Even so, by now the vampire's flesh is rife with blood and bruising.

***

>>>Current Map<<<

Up next: Appario and Semenya (round 4).

Semenya mutters a little, putting the crossbow to her shoulder and draws the wand of Magic Missile, letting loose a charge at the tattoe'd vampire.

1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Hey! My armor protected me...or was that Semenya's spell?

Appario 5' steps to N16, pulling out and applying Silversheen to Extortion.

We'll see if this works better.

Several more of the vampire's wounds close up, while it grins and tries to slam Maddok.

Slam attack: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24
Slam damage: 1d4 + 7 + 1d4 ⇒ (3) + 7 + (2) = 12 (+1d4: vital strike)

Fortitude save: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 7 + 2 = 26 (+2: CON-bonus from rage)

The slam connects, dealing 12 damage to Maddok. Maddok resists the negative energy trying to overpower him.

***

>>>Current Map<<<

Up next: Yahirma, Derek, and Maddok. Then round 5, beginning with Appario and Semenya.

HP:32/66

Maddok grunts in pain again as his foe's fists collide with his armored torso hard enough to rattle his ribcage. Returning the favor, the big man swings again.

1d20 + 14 ⇒ (2) + 14 = 16
1d6 + 19 ⇒ (5) + 19 = 24

But winded by the last blow his attack misses badly.

Maddok steps back to give the better prepared Appario an opening.

Step back to M15, Rage 6/18

I know what you mean Yahirma, but I doubt my needlework would be as effective as my two friends are...

Derek continues to support his friends by singing his lungs out.

Inspire courage +3, 6/17 Rounds used.

I'd just like to point out that Derek's average damage for a single hit would have been equivalent to Appario's total damage output against the main vampire so far in the combat. I think Mr. Keegan is undervaluing the potential of having the perfect tool for the job :)

***

>>>Current Map<<<

Up next: Yahirma, then Appario and Semenya.

Assuming Yahirma and Appario don't wreck her shot, Semenya is going to take a shot with that magical crossbow with a silver-tipped bolt for exactly that reason...who knows, maybe he'll turn into a rat first so the Animal Bane kicks in as well.

innocent look. "Control for the orbital mind control lasers? Why, no, I had no idea they were in my desk drawer. Honest."

This post may be subject to change if Yahirma does something amazing/weird/crazy.

Appario will step into the void left by Maddok and strike at the vampire.

1d20 + 11 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 11 + 3 = 18 to hit;
1d10 + 5 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 5 + 3 = 18 silvery, magic damage.

AC is now 25 with Prot Evil up.

Nothing too crazy just yet. I would say we're past the point of telekinetic oddities and into the realm of just hitting a vampire

Upon seeing Appario apply the silvery fluid to his blade, Yahirma steps to O15 and grants him her guiding hand on his next attack (Guidance).

Semenya will hold her action, not wanting to shoot through Appario to get the vampire...and willing to take a shot if the vampire somehow gets past him.

Despite Yahirma's guiding hand, Appario's sword, as Maddok's hammer before it, misses the vampire.

More of the vampire's wounds close up, and its grin widens as it continues fighting with its back towards the wall.

Slam attack: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20
Slam damage: 1d4 + 7 + 1d4 ⇒ (2) + 7 + (3) = 12 (+1d4: vital strike)

Once again its fists hit Appario's armor without causing injury.

***

>>>Current Map<<<

Up next: Yahirma, Derek, Maddok, and Semenya's held action. Then round 6, beginning with Appario.