DM Crispy's Curse of the Crimson Throne (Inactive)

Game Master Bill Dunn

As the party begins to filter into the room, Raamanti starts drifting left, to explore the eastern portion of the room. When he steps foot inside, a clattering arises, and six human skeletons clamber to their feet on that portion of the room. Perhaps even more terrifyingly, the skeleton of a long-dead owlbear comes to life on the west side. Besides for the clacking of bones, the undead guardians are silent as they begin to stalk towards the intruders...

Gaius Init: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
Tolenn Init: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
Wednesday Init: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Pyron Init: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
Zart Init: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Raamanti Init: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Skeleton Init: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Owlbear Skelly Init: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Initiative Order: Tolenn, Pyron, Skeletons, Gaius, Wednesday, Zart, Raamanti

Tolenn and Pyron up!

Is there a map?

Yeah, it's at the top. Labeled "Current Map".

When Pyron sees that Tolenn gets ready to act, he says Let me cast this protection from evil spell on you. If Tolenn delays, then Pyron will cast the spell on Tolenn. 1 minute duration Otherwise, he will cast it onto Daud.

Round 1

At the appearance of the abominations against the natural order of things, Tolenn springs forward to engage the owlbear skeleton, only hearing the beginning of Pyron's statement "Let me...."

Attack, light Flail: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Sorry, I thought I put it in my profile, but in urban settings I have +6 init, which looks like it would tie me with the skeletons and cause a roll off. Is this right? I'll update profile now.

I don't think I would classify where you're at now as urban. I might be wrong, though, if you have some documentation on it. I would classify it as a dungeon.

It could go either way. I figured since it was a mausoleum that we just entered it would count as a building, but we did go through a trapdoor so it makes sense too that we are underground (and in a "dungeon"). Weird that sewers are urban but underground is separate.

There's plenty of urban stuff in book 2, no worries.

Tolenn, without hesitation, bulls forward as she swings her flail about, gaining momentum. It cracks heavily into the large skeleton, fragments of bones flying away.

Pyron, his first choice moving quickly away, turns to Wednesday and casts a spell. A quiet glow surrounds Daud as the protective energy takes hold.

The skeletons eerily move forward, again issuing no sound beyond the sounds of movement. Those in position claw at the party members in front of them.

Large skelly claw 1: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Large skelly claw 2: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Tolenn skeleton claw 1: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Wednesday skeleton claw 1: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Raamanti skeleton claw 1: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Raamanti skeleton claw 1: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

The large skeleton catches Tolenn with a claw, leaving a shallow gash. The smaller skeleton is put off by the paladin's skilled use of her shield.

Meanwhile, both Wednesday and Raamanti are hit by skeletons that move up to them, piercing their defenses before the two have an opportunity to get ready.

Status:

Large skeleton - 8 damage
Tolenn - 3 damage
Wednesday - 4 damage
Raamanti - 8 damage

Initiative:
Round 1: Tolenn, Pyron, Skeletons, Gaius, Wednesday, Zart, Raamanti

Round 2: Tolenn, Pyron, Skeletons, Gaius, Wednesday, Zart, Raamanti

Party up!

"Unnatural, evil things," hisses a disgusted Zart. If he is scared of the walking dead, his voice doesn't betray it.

Drawing on the dark magics of shadowmancy, Zart begins to summon monster.

Raamanti swings his hammer past the skeletons surrounding him to smash the one farther away but in his reach (2 squares south, one square west from his position).

Lucerne hammer : 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
Damage if successful : 1d12 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

With a sigh Daud will look forlornly at the cleaver in his hand before releasing it, letting it clatter to the floor as he draws the cow hammer. This he promptly introduces to the necromantic constructs. Pretty sure that provokes an AoO.

Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Lol, I don't think you ever said what the stats for the cleaver was anyway.

I'll post tomorrow to see what is going on before making my decision.

All, I know the temptation to wait and see what everyone else is doing is great, but that slows things up. Please post an action, then contingencies, and I'll sort it out.

Cleaver has dagger stats, I think. Loses piercing, too.

Since I don't think it's actually statted anywhere it's pretty much run the gamut of DM fiats in games I've played in, from dagger to handaxe to shortsword, etc.

Since Pyron is wielding his morningstar and buckler, then he will try to attack the skeletons with it. (attack: +5, dmg: 1d8+2) If he cannot get into melee range, then he'll cast vigor on Daud.

Gaius drops his own blade to the floor, drawing his morningstar and stepping up to stand with Daud. He swings the weighted weapon with a roar at the adjacent skeleton.

Free drop sword, move action draw morningstar, 5ft move down and to the left

Standard attack with morningstar, power attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

Bludgeoning Damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Crit confirm: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

crit extra damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

Gaius drops his sword to the floor, choosing a more effective form of weapon as he swings powerfully at the skeleton in front of Wednesday. It practically explodes into a dozen smaller pieces at the impact.

His way cleared, Wednesday also draws a more effective weapon. His cow hammer proves far less effective against the undead as the unwieldy weapon is off the mark.

Zart begins chanting, his arms gesturing as he magically calls upon aid.

Raamanti ignores the skeletons closest to him, striking with his hammer at the skeleton a bit farther away. His concentration and focus pay off, as he scores a solid hit and the skeletons skull explodes.

Pyron decides to try his hand at the make a skeleton explode game, moving forward and swinging his morningstar with wild abandon. He performs admirably, the skeleton taking a nasty smash to the ribs that causes an almost comical domino effect of bones falling off the vertebrae into a pile on the floor.

Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

We'll give Tolenn a bit longer. That's 3 skeletons down already.

Tolenn gathers some more momentum with her flail, lashing out at the larger skeleton once again.

Flail: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Meanwhile, the large skeleton returns the favor, seeking to get past the paladin's defenses to the soft flesh beneath.

Claw 1: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Claw 2: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

The other, smaller skeleton also tries to take down the holy warrior. One claw gets past her defenses, eliciting a hiss of pain.

Claw 1: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Claw 2: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Pyron gets introduced to skeleton claws as the one out of combat steps forward to engage him. It appears to be having a good time, it's grin is so evident. He manages to escape the first clawed swipe, but the second catches him, drawing a ragged gash down his arm.

Claw 1: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Claw 2: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Finally, the last skeleton attempts to recreate its previous success against Raamanti, raking at the eidolon. Being more prepared, the eidolon easily dances away from the clumsy attack.

Claw 1: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13
Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Claw 2: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Summary:

Large skeleton - 8 damage
Tolenn - 7 damage
Wednesday - 4 damage
Raamanti - 8 damage
Pyron - 5 damage
3 skeletons - dead

Initiative:
Round 2: Tolenn, Pyron, Skeletons, Gaius, Wednesday, Zart, Raamanti

Round 3: Tolenn, Pyron, Skeletons, Gaius, Wednesday, Zart, Raamanti

Party Up!

Zart completes his spell with a shout:

"καλέσει σκιά σκυλί!" -- summon monster I, shadow dog

An biting, snarling creature of shadows appears near to the large skeleton, and runs just opposite Tolenn (it actually appears 6 squares directly south of Zart, and moves in to attack, to end up flanking directly south of Tolenn's square - I believe this would draw an AoO from the skeleton south of Zart). Zart hopes to relieve the beset paladin, or at least provide her with a combat advantage.

Having finished that spell, Zart then cautiously moves nearer to the battle (move down next to Gaius, 10ft south) and begins another, shorter spell - hoping to provide Tolenn with further advantages. While rubbing a pad of butter between his fingers, the shadow caller shouts:

"γράσο!" -- grease, reflex save DC 17

An inky black oil slick appears beneath the large skeleton (occupying its total square, but not outside of it) making it extremely difficult for the monstrosity to find purchase on the stone floor with its bony feet.

Growling and dripping shadows, the dog attempts to take a bone for its very self back to the Realm of Shadow.

Shadow dog bite vs Large Skeleton, flanking: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 4 + 2 = 22
Bite damage (type B/S): 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

EDIT: Forgot to mention that there's a 20% miss chance due to the shadowy template that gets applied to the dog (and all of my "shadow ..." summons. Just FYI.

Raamanti risks another swipe from a skeleton as he too joins the attempt to aid Tolenn, moving past Daud to stand slightly behind and to the side of the paladin (move to the square diagonally north-west of Tolenn).

"BACK TO THE LAND OF DEATH WITH YOU," he bellows deeply in a voice that is almost imperceptibly quiet amidst the battle, "WE NEITHER OF US BELONG HERE, BUT I THINK YOU WILL FIND THAT I AM THE STRONGER."

Ramanti attack, lucerne hammer, flanking: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 7 + 2 = 29
Raamanti damage: 1d12 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
Ramanti attack, lucerne hammer, flanking, crit confirm: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 7 + 2 = 18
Raamanti extra crit damage: 1d12 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Pyron will attack again.

Daud will step around Pyron and attack the standing skeleton.

Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Confirm: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Critical: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

sry guys, busy couple of days Round 3 Her last swing having passed entirely though the skeleton's ribcage ,Tolenn takes a moment to study the former owlbear's movements. Detecting a possible hitch on its right side, she concentrates her attack on its left...
Attack. light flail,flanked: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 5 + 2 = 27 confirm crit: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22 Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
crit damage if confirmed: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

-Posted with Wayfinder

Lol note to self: getting criticals summon Paladin.

Pyron, feel free to make your rolls.

Holy Criticals, Batman! Zart, I think your Summon Monster SLA should only be a standard action. A non-archetype summoner gets it as a SLA. In your archetype, it lists all of the changes to your summon ability and then says: "This ability otherwise functions as, and replaces, the summoner's normal summon monster spell-like abilities." This leads me to conclude that yours is a standard as well.

Also, Pyron, how are you getting +5 to attack with your weapon? You have 14 strength and +1 BAB. I'm seeing +3...

Gaius skirts around the pillar and Tolenn and strikes at the large slipping skeleton.

Path is S, SW, W, SW. If the creature has reach, I believe this will give me soft cover vs it from Tolenn.

standard attack with morningstar, power attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

Bludgeoning Damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Gaius, I cast the spell, not the SLA, which is why Raamanti hasn't disappeared! ;-)

Gaius, seeing the others making short work of the 'normal' skeletons, slips down to Tolenn's side. The large skeleton, with its obscenely long arms, tries to swipe at him. The inquisitor easily sidesteps the blow, but fails to put enough force behind his own strike, his weapon rebounding off the creature's hip bone without consequence.

AOO: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Wednesday, wanting to get a skeleton kill under his belt, steps into a compromising position, turning to the skeleton attacking Raamanti and blasting it with the cow hammer so recently used for nefarious purposes. He somewhat redeems the weapon as bones go flying.

Zart summons a shadowy creature, who bounds toward the large skeleton to provide more assistance. The skeleton's smaller bro, seeing what is about to happen, tries to claw the newcomer. The skeleton's claw causes a grievous wound to appear on the shadow dog's flank, but he obediently obeys his master, bounding to and attacking the large skeleton. The creature expertly grabs a bone and starts to shake its head, causing ancient cartilage to crack and pop as he threatens to tear it loose.

Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13
Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Miss Chance (Low is bad for me: 1d100 ⇒ 69

Meanwhile, Zart chants once again, and a blob of disgusting grease appears under the feet of the larger skeleton. The creature comically slips and slides for a moment, but manages to set its feet and remain upright.

Reflex: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19

Raamanti bellows out a challenge to the larger skeleton, informing the undead creature of his superiority. His hammer strikes a bit exclamation point to his statement, as he smashes through most of the ribs of the skeleton, causing the large thing to collapse on itself.

The larger creature taken care of, Tolenn almost contemptuously swats aside the smaller skeleton threatening her, the pieces flying across the room.

Pyron dutifully attempts to eradicate the last remaining skeleton, swinging his morningstar. He gives it a glancing blow, but the thing remains upright.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

The skeleton, unaware of the shifting odds, proceeds to attack Pyron. Perhaps it is retaliation...but more likely just its simple, mindless nature. Perhaps aware of the futility of its situation after all, both its heartless swipes are easily avoided.

Claw 1: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Claw 2: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

The party then swoops upon the skeleton, eager to destroy it. Then, they do.

Combat over!

Waiting to see if the bones jump back Daud will eventually make his way back over to pick up the cleaver and put it back on his belt, keeping the hammer out.

"MY MASTER, I AM WOUNDED," says Raamanti matter-of-factly, "BUT NOT AS WOUNDED AS THIS CREATURE IS."

If Raamanti is smiling a smug, conceited smile beneath the shadows of his cowl, none can see it.

Zart moves over to the eidolon and places a hand upon his shoulder.

"ανανεωθείτε σκιά άνθρωπος" the shadow caller chants in the dark tongue of shadowmancy (rejuvenate eidolon), laying his hands upon Raamanti.

Rejuvenate eidolon: 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

The shadow's wounds close up, though only Zart and Raamanti are likely to be able to tell the difference.

"Is anyone else in need of healing?" asks Zart when he has finished his ministrations, "I am not able to heal you, but if you have the means I suggest you heal up before we travel further through the warrens. These guardians are likely to be the least of our worries down here."

Tolenn looks about a the shattered remains , no returned to their rightful rest, her eye's aglow with the righteousness of the groups victory.

"Indeed, I've been granted some minor healing by the Dawnflower, as Wednesday can attest. Come, whomever suffered injury..."

Daud happily nods at her recollection as he steps up to her. "Why thank you, milady."

I need healing. Pyron goes over to Tolenn.

"Wait your turn."

Tolenn smiles, tucks her flail into her belt and hands her shield to Pryon.

Placing her hands on Daud's shoulders, she closes her eyes and become still. Slowly, the others nearby can see her lips moving in a silent prayer and the think for a moment that where her hands meet Daud's shoulders a faint glow emanates.

Lay on Hands: 1d6 ⇒ 6 healed

Finally after a moment, she raises her hand , pats Daud on the shoulder and motions Pyron to approach.

Following the same procedure, she also asks for Saranae's blessing upon her comrade.

Lay on Hands: 1d6 ⇒ 2 healed

4/6 Lay on Hands left

"Do your hurts still pain you, I can manage a few more..."

Starting with a bow of thanks towards the Paladin he'll begin speaking. "Tempting, but seeing as how this Rolth has a whole graveyard to work with," his eyes drift momentarily to the owlbear carcass, "And then some, it would probably be best to conserve your healing for later."

Now that the threat of combat has eased, and light sources permit sight for those that would need it, you see that a rough-hewn tunnel exits this chamber to the south.

Per his plan, before being attacked by skeletons, Raamanti travels to the eastern part of the room, descending a few feet down the steps to the small alcove. His smug look stays glued to his face as he spies a skillfully concealed secret door in the wall on the south side of the alcove.

Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (12) + 14 = 26

Gaius retrieves his sword and sheathes it, favoring the morningstar in the likely event of another encounter with the undead.

I can't stand necromancers. If the man is so fascinated with death, why doesn't he do us all a favor and take his own life?

At Gaius' comment Daud actually turns, wearing a rather thoughtful look. "Because there's masturbation, and then there's sex... To put it into a Calistrian perspective."

If you are so inclined, I will be happy to put the necromancer out of his miserable existence. Pyron has a smile on his face now.

MY MASTER, Raamanti says to Zart telepathically, becoming comfortable now with this new mode of communication and finding his "voice" within Zart's mind, THESE HEROES SPEAK STRANGELY FOR HEROES. ALL THIS CASUAL TALK OF ENDING A LIVING THING'S EXISTENCE SEEMS... UNCHARACTERISTIC OF THE HEROIC TYPE.

With that, Raamanti opens the secret door and checks what lies beyond.

I agree, Raamanti, replies Zart with a concerned look on his face, also using their mind link, But do remember that this individual likely does deserve to die, and his abominations did just try to kill us. It is deeds that matter more than words, so do try to ignore them. Still...

"Please remember, my new friends," says Zart aloud, "That we are to bring this individual in to face justice, not mete it out ourselves. If he should try to kill us and we are unable to detain him without ending his life, then it will be regrettable but necessary. I do not think, however, that we should aim to kill him before he can stand trial. The city needs to see justice, not vigilantism."

Squinting in the light, Zart also adds, "Next time we are in combat, I would also appreciate if we could keep the light sources to a minimum. Say just the one? I am kayal (what some refer to as a 'fetchling'), and my strength is in the shadows. If there are two light sources, it is harder for me to reach my fullest potential - and easier for our enemies to strike at me. Since Tolenn is the only one who appears to need help with this glowing moss present, Pyron, perhaps you would be so kind as to dim your halo?"

Just like that, the halo disappears. I have learned from my own past that justice can be better than vigilantism. These are my boundaries, while we are at it: First, I won't kill an innocent person. Second, I am interested in purifying souls over killing someone. If a soul is unable to be purified of pure evil, then I will purify this world of that soul. Third, if I have to hand over an evil individual to those in charge of executing judgment, then I will, though I have no problem doing it myself. The 'have to' is dependent on various circumstances not based on a specific ideal.

In this situation, I get paid whether the necromancer is dead or alive, so I would like to find out if the necromancer is one whose soul is able to be purified of evil. If there is no chance of his soul being purified, then I would rather see it dead, but I would not be completely opposed to bringing the necromancer alive to Lady Croft.

Daud merely shrugs. "Justice and Vigilantism are just words that get handpicked by people who don't actually have to do s$#%. Lamm? Trinia? Rolth? Which is which?"

"So Raamanti, found anything?" asks Zart expectantly.

"I AM SORRY, MY MASTER," replies Raamanti in a distant bellow, "BUT I'M NOT EVEN SURE I CAN GET THROUGH THE DOOR YET. HAVE PATIENCE. I WILL KEEP TRYING AND BE SURE TO LET YOU KNOW WHAT LIES BEYOND AS SOON AS I KNOW."