DM Doctor Evil Rise of the Runelords AP

Game Master DM DoctorEvil

Tunder fires at the bat.

Iona (Hvy Crossbow):
To Hit: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22 To Hurt: 1d10 ⇒ 2

know religion 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18
know nature 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14

Too startled by the sudden attack to fully recognize her foe all Selena can figure out is that it is indeed an undead creature. Be careful. It is an unnatural creature of fell origins. This entire place reeks of necromancy and it as well.

Hoping to give Barek a chance to hit the creature or at least be a massive obstacle in its way Selena starts casting enlarge person hoping to target Barek when the spell is finished. Stay close Barek and you will reach that creature yet.

Fort Save Disease: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Fort Save Paralysis: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Startled by the bat attacking her, she feels little pain as poison of the beast begins to take hold of her. Very quietly, she whispers "Help..."

Fortitude, of course her worst save... I should note that Mirela already has ghoul fever, so whatever this thing does is probably going to make a bad situation worse; I think Mirela might actually need to get back to town, she needs a remove disease spell at this point.

Feeding Cave - Round 1 - concluded

23 Seldon
19 Skaevling (8 hp dmg)
14 Tunder
11 Selena
6 Mirela (paralyzed)
3 Barek

Tunder fires his heavy crossbow hitting, but only grazing, the mighty bat.

Selena begins casting her spell to enlarge Barek, hopefully giving him reach to catch and pummel the flying bat.

Mirela slowly feels her body and muscles succumb to the neurotoxin of the undead bat. She wants to cry out or run away, but is unable to move or react in any way. Duration of paralysis: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Barek, while waiting for the arcane growth spell, readies an action to attack the bat if it comes within reach of his boxer's stance.

End of Round 1

Feeding Cave - Round 2

23 Seldon
19 Skaevling (8 hp dmg)
14 Tunder
11 Selena
6 Mirela (paralyzed)
3 Barek (readied action)

Seldon up first to lead off the round.

"Mirela!"

Rapid Shot, Point Blank, Bless: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13 Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Rapid Shot, Point Blank, Bless: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21 Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Feeding Cave - Round 2 - continued

Seldon quick fires two arrows, one striking the bat, one missing.

The hungry skaevling dives again at the nearest target, which is Barek. The fighter's readied action triggers, allowing him to swing away at the bat.

Barek make your readied attack, then the bat will make his.

Readied Attack(DS): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26
Damage (DS): 1d6 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19

Barek slugs the bat with a heavy right hook just as its fangs get close to bite him.

Tunder reloads and fires.

Iona (Hvy Crossbow):
To Hit: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24 To Hurt: 1d10 ⇒ 3

Having enlarged Barek and given him the best option to reach and attack the bat, Selena looks next to keep Miri safe from any further harm. Dragging her back away from the fight Selena takes a defensive pose over the stricken Varisian.

don't know if you need a CMB for a pull Maenuver or not since she is paralyzed...1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 I hope not as that is a failure for sure.

Feeding Cave - Round 2 - concluded

As the bat swoops down, Barek unloads a big punch that strikes the undead bat hard. The blow doesn't prevent Barek from getting the teeth of the great bat, however. The fighter is bitten for 22 hp, and the bite exposes him to ghoul fever and possible injects teh same neurotoxin paralyzing Mirela.

Barek needs DC 16 Fort vs Paralysis and another DC 16 Fort vs disease. After that hit, I show Barek at 17/45hp.

Tunder reloads his crossbow and fires another bolt. Even though the shot is into the fray of the melee between the bat and Barek, the shot is true. Hitting for minimal damage.

Selena steps forward trying to drag Mirela safely away from the frontline, but the frail wizard doesn't have the strength to move the paralyzed girl.

I was going to say a DC 10 STR check to move her, but with that bad die roll, I just see you tugging on her sleeve.

Skaevling Bite: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21
Dmg Bite, Barek: 2d8 + 7 ⇒ (7, 8) + 7 = 22

End of Round 2

Feeding Cave - Round 3

23 Seldon
3 Barek (had readied action)
19 Skaevling (30 hp dmg)
14 Tunder
11 Selena
6 Mirela (paralyzed 3 more rounds)

Barek still needs a pair of DC 16 fort saves, and then he and Seldon are up to lead off the round.

Point Blank, Bless, Into Melee: 1d20 + 9 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 9 - 4 = 23 Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Lining his bow up for a single shot, Seldon grits his teeth for the battle to come. "My magic is spent, Barek. Don't stay in the fight longer than you have to..." he begins, as his bowstring snaps past his ear. "Or you might not come out of it again."

Fort Save: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
Fort Save: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

Barek feels the fangs bury deep delivering whatever filth into his body. He growls at the bat and tries to pummel it with both fists before it can pull away.

Attack (TWF, DS): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
Damage (DS): 1d6 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19

Attack (TWF, DS): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
Damage (DS): 1d6 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

No problem DoctorEvil. With that bad roll I see that happening as well.

Too weak to maneuver Miri to a safer location Selena gives up and focuses on the bat and the remaining companions. It seems like the bat is able to hit no matter who it attacks so the only option left is to try and take it down as fast as possible. Barek got in a solid hit before being bitten so hopefully it would not be long for this world. Seldon was alsoable to hit it again with another arrow. Adding her meager combat arsenal to the fray she targets the bat with another positive force ray.

ranged touch with point blank and precise shot 1d20 + 2 + 2 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 2 + 2 + 1 - 4 = 11 for 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Feeding Cave - Round 3

Seldon fires one true shot this time, scoring a hit on the fluttering bat.

Barek's stamina is enough to overcome the paralytic, but the insidious ghoul fever finds a purchase and starts its debilitating effect. The fighter slugs the bat once, sending it reeling momentarily.

Recovering quickly, the great bat backs up and emits an ear-splitting screech. The sonic attack wracks the ears of all who hear it.

All within earshot (everyone) requires a DC 16 Fort save or be stunned for 1d3 rounds. I will get to Selena's action if she passes the Fort save.

Fort Save: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

Oh you've got to be kidding...

Fort: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

fort save 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6 Nope, at least I am in the back and safe for the moment.

duration 1d3 ⇒ 1

Fort: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Seldon's bow clatters to the floor as his hands shoot to his sensitive ears. "Ai elaena! It hurts!"

Is the undead bat low enough that Tunder can reach it or is it out of reach?

Iona (Hvy Crossbow):
To Hit: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12 To Hurt: 1d10 ⇒ 5

If he can reach the bat, Tunder will instead move up and attack with his waraxe.

Rumilda (Waraxe): 2H, power attack
To Hit: 1d20 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 8 - 2 = 15 To Hurt: 1d10 + 4 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 6 = 16

Does Miri need to roll another save? She's already paralyzed and diseased; here is a roll just in case.

Fort Save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

Feeding Cave - Round 3 - concluded

Tunder is not shaken by the screech of the bat, and fires his crossbow but the bolt misses the flying bat.

Selena is stunned by the sonic attack and stands frozen, hands over her ears. While poor Mirela stands still paralyzed by the ghoul touch of the skaevling.

No need for a second save, Mirela, paralyzed trumps stunned for now. Two more round of paralysis to go.

End of Round 3

Barek stunned: 1d3 ⇒ 1
Seldon Stunned: 1d3 ⇒ 3

Feeding Cave - Round 4

23 Seldon (stunned 3 rounds)
3 Barek (stunned 1 round)
19 Skaevling (54 hp dmg)
14 Tunder
11 Selena
6 Mirela (paralyzed 2 more rounds)

With Seldon and Barek stunned, the bat swoops down to attack the distracted fighter, slashing him for 21 hp, and dropping him unconscious.

Skaevling Bite: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25
Dmg, Barek: 2d8 + 7 ⇒ (6, 8) + 7 = 21

To add insult to injury, need a DC 16 Fort save also or be paralyzed. Tunder may act, Selena comes out of her stunned condition and may also act. Mirela's paralyzed one more round after this one.

Seldon's eyes widen as he casts a pained glance at Barek's crumpled form, but he is unable to collect himself to rush to his side or retreat.

I haven't a single potion nor healing spell left, so I hope dearly that somebody has a potion. I can stabilize Barek with my healer's kit once I can act again. I hope somebody has a potion or some other trick up their sleeve...

According to my lists, Selena has 2 potions of CMW and Tunder has 2 of CLW still. It is not a hopeless cause, unless it takes you a while to kill the bat...

Tunder moves to stand over Barek and fires again.
Iona (Hvy Crossbow):
To Hit: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14 To Hurt: 1d10 ⇒ 4

Fort save: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

Stabilize: 1d20 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 1 - 4 = 1drops to -5

Feeding Cave - Round 4 - continued

Tunder steps up protectively over the fallen Barek, firing another bolt at the swirling bat. The shot misses once again however.

Waiting on Selena to end the round. I will post an action for her tonight, if we don't hear anyting in the meantime.

Sorry busy day.

Not knowing what to do but to try to end the threat as fast as possible Selena tries to hit the bat with her positive energy ray again. Hopefully it works and she can then administer a healing potion to Barek before it is too late. Hold on Barek, we are still here! Miri, snap out of it we need you right now. Miri!!

ranged touch with precise 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24 for 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Feeding Cave - Round 4 - concluded

Firing her magical ray of positive energy, Selena cuts across the skaevling bat, which cries out in pain as the energy hits it.

End of Round 4

Feeding Cave - Round 5

23 Seldon (stunned 2 rounds)
3 Barek (unconscious, still bleeding)
19 Skaevling (54 hp dmg)
14 Tunder
11 Selena
6 Mirela (paralyzed 1 more rounds)

With Seldon still stunned by the bat screech, Barek continues bleeding out, losing one more hit point (to -5). The giant bat makes one final attack, a diving swoop at Tunder the dwarf. The dwarf just does twist out of the way at the last moment, and teh exertion of the attack takes the last of the fight out of the undead bat, which collapses on the floor in a great heap, dead.

Skaevling bite: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

End of Combat

Took some doing, but the bat is finally dead. Its defeat earns each of the players 400xp. This moves the cumulative total for the group up to 13158/15000 or about 63% to level 6.

First Aid (DC 15): 10 + 7 = 17
Tread Deadly Wounds (1hr, DC 20): 10 + 9 = 19 I haven't been tracking uses of my Healer's Kit, but can we assume I restocked in town? I should probably make a point of that but it sees play so rarely.

Seldon, recovering himself, clambers his way across the pile of discarded bones to Barek's side, staunching his bleeding. He then takes out his healer's kit and prepares himself to clean and dress the man's multiple puncture wounds. "Without a potion it will take me some time to get him on his feet again. Somebody give me a hand, and clear me a space to work. Selena, I will need light."

Can hit the DC with a single aid another (DC 10 wisdom check), two more and I can heal him for 7, rather than five, leaving him... not staggered, at least, but definitely not battle-ready.

"Here. He can have mine." Tunder hands over the Potion of Cure Moderate Wounds: 2d8 + 3 ⇒ (6, 6) + 3 = 15.
Once Barek is back on his feet, he leads the party to the stairs. "Go on up. I'm going back for that pick and I don't want to risk everyone." Tunder covers his face with a cloth and moves carefully through the area to retrieve the weapon. Once he's out of the area, he does his best to shake off any spores and goes upstairs with the others.
Fort: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

Barek blinks his eyes open and groans. "Oh, that was bad. You guys finished it off?" He struggles to his feet, looking a bit stunned. He nods to Tunder. "Yeah, let's get out of here."

Slowly as the feeling returns to her, Mirela gradually gets to her feet. Tired and now diseased, she looks over at the others and weakly adds "Let's go... I'm not feeling well at all right now, and I can't go on in this place any longer."

Ready to get going.

Relieved at the timely intervention of Tunder stepping forward to shield Barek and for Seldon to stop Barek from bleeding out Selena takes a moment to relax and let the stress float away. I have a potion or 2 as well if people need them. Nothing I have though can help with the disease.

You are right Miri, we have been here long enough for today. We need to regroup and rest up and see what tomorrow brings. I get the feeling that this is not over yet here and something else is going. Yet we have not the resources to figure it out anymore today.

Selena tiredly follows Tunder out and watches as he gets the pickaxe and enters the house proper.

Seldon;s timely first-aid and Tunder's potion get Barek back on his feet, ambulatory if not fully healed.

Barek HP 11/45

Tunder leaves the group and goes back to retrieve the magical pick from the mold patch. Stepping into the mold, the doughty dwarf survives the toxic spores that cloud the air, but Tunder remains unaffected. He is able to retrieve the pick without any consequence.

Returning to the group, the dwarf then leads the heroes out of the caverns and back to the spiral stairs. The stairs lead back into the cellar of the haunted house.

Are you still exploring the house, or bailing?

I am thinking we need to get rested so Seldon can refresh his spells and let everyone else get some healing back before we finish clearing this place out. Camping out though or returning to Sandpoint is the question I have.

Climbing out of the caverns Selena takes stock of the situation. What do you think everyone. Should we return to Sandpoint or rest some place closer to limit our traveling time back here. I think there is more in the house that we may have to search through to find out about what Aldern was up to.

Tunder heads right into town.

Barek follows Tunder up the stairs and out of the house. He shivers. "I am glad to be out of that place, but I don't feel so good. At least we know Foxglove is truly gone now. Should we go back to Sandpoint or head to Magnimar to see what else he might have been involved in? What did that letter say? Some Sihedron Ritual, right? Magnimar has a temple there too. Maybe we can find some aid there."

"If Magnimar is to be our destination we must send word to Sandpoint as soon as possible."

Sandpoint is only a short way away. Less than a day, I think. Magnimar is much further.

As you leave Misgivings behind the wail of the wind once again makes a high pitched laughing sound, almost taunting you as you yank open the front door and leave. As you gather outside an unexpected sight stops you cold.

On the burned out ruins of the outbuilding where a few oily crows gathered when you entered and a few dozen had congregated when you last looked outside, now hundreds if not thousands of the raucous blackbirds sit, staring intently at your group.

To leave the house you must pass right under them. The ruins literally swarm with birds and as you exit they suddenly drop from making a loud cacophony to total silence.

Stopping cold before she places a foot outside Selena retreats back. How are we to get past all of those blackbirds. I do not have the ability to disperse them and have not prepared for such an encounter. There are too many for us to shoot at as well. Curse this place and curse Foxglove. We might be forced to staying here in the haunted place.

Selena starts pacing around the room both from anxiety and from again not being prepared enough to handle the various situations the group has run into here.

Map attached at top and here

The malice in the eyes of the birds is quite apparent. Closer examination reveals them to be not merely crows or ravens, but a foul undead version of the raven known as a Carrionstorm. These creatures are created when carrion birds eat the flesh of ghouls. They do swarm and can distract an opponent. Unlike most swarms, they are also vulnerable to channeled positive energy similar to undead.

The carrion birds seem to be gathered here for a nefarious purpose, their thousands of brooding eyes watching you intently as you stand on the doorstep of the awful house.

Knowledge Religion: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

"I can repel them... come morning." the elf says, sombrely. "I doubt what little holy water I have left will be sufficient."

(My profile says I have three vials, and backtracking I believe I used one for a consecration spell at Thistletop and another against the yeth hounds. Unless I replenished it at some point? Doc, I know you're tracking our resources elsewhere. Have you any idea how many I have left?

Barek pulls out two flasks of Alchemist fire. "I don't want to spend the night here. You think this will do?"

Slowly lifting her head up towards the tree, Mirela sighs quietly and despairingly mutters "Somewhere Foxglove is laughing at us... I really don't want to spend the night here."

Rummaging in her pack Selena pulls out 4 vials. I have some holy water, an alchemist flask and an acid flask. I do not know if they will be enough but perhaps it will allow us to break through.

Looking at Miri and Tunder in particular, Who has the best aim in the group? I can enhance your aim a bit or someone else to have more attack at once.