GM Dak - Curse of the Crimson Throne

Game Master karlprosek

Mirela is up in the Surprise Round. It's past 24 hr rule, but I will give just a bit longer, and run later tonight if no movement. Atticus and Nargun, you understand you are still surprised so no conversation, right?

Mirela offers a quick prayer to the lord of the hunt to bless her companions.
Suprise Round Cast Bless

Finishing her prayer she hears Atticus talk about using maces.

Constructs not skeletons! Good to know!

Skull Corridor - Surprise Round - continued

Bless is active (20 rounds); +1 to attacks

18 Mirela
15 Nargun (surprised)
13 Red Necrophidius
12 Twilight (surprised)
11 Devan
8 Atticus (surprised)
6 Green Necrophidius

Mirela, seeing the sudden attack by the skeletal snakes, calls forth the blessing o fher deity, Erastil. The scent of freshly mown hay fills the room, as Deadeye's blessing falls on all of you.

As Nargun stands surprised, the northernmost necrophidius begins its swaying dance, trying to hypnotize the party.

Devan is not overcome by the dancing snake, and acts next. Everyone but Twilight needs a DC 15 Will save or be dazed for 6 rounds. Surprise round actions only for now please.

Devan DC 15 Will: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
Daze duration: 2d4 ⇒ (2, 4) = 6

Will save, DC 15, Hardy: 1d20 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 1 + 2 = 16

Nargun seems to hesitate.

Then his innate stubborness overcome the magical influence.

You won't get me with your tricks..

Will: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

Mirela basks in the feeling of rightness as she channels Erastil's power into her companions, and doesn't even notice the snakes' dance.

Waiting on Devan. Will bot him later tonight if no post to keep things moving.

Devan's eyes began to unfocus as the snake-thing started its dance, but he shook his head and cleared his thoughts. Seeing that Nargun and Mirela at least seemed to be resisting the effects of the creature, the musician looked down at his weapon and determined it probably would be fairly ineffective against their enemies. So instead, he started to sing softly, infusing his companions with extra fervor and strength for the coming conflict.

Start Inspire Courage, +1 to attacks, damage, & saves vs Fear

Skull Corridor - Surprise Round - concluded

The bony quality of the creatures here made Devan realize his piering rapier would likely be less than effective, so he used his other skill and started a melody meant to inspire his colleagues to great deeds.

The second necrophidius charges from its hiding spot in the wall, racing forward biting the flat-footed Professor, its jaws sinking into his shoulder. A cold feeling flows through the Professor from that wound, but he is just able to fight off the paralyzing feeling.

End of Surprise Round

Green Necro, charge, vs FF: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 6 + 2 = 17
Bite dmg: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Atticus DC 13 Fort: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

Skull Corridor - Round 1

Bless (20 rounds) and Inspire Courage active; +2 to attacks; +1 to damage; bonus vs some saves.

18 Mirela (4hp dmg)
15 Nargun (8hp dmg)
13 Red Necrophidius
12 Twilight
11 Devan (4hp dmg)
8 Atticus (needs Will save vs dance, 11hp dmg)
6 Green Necrophidius (-2 to AC)

Mirela and Nargun are up first to start Round 1.

Will+Inspiration: 1d20 + 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (10) + (1) + 4 = 15

Will+Inspiration: 1d20 + 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (11) + (1) + 4 = 16

Unless there is something I don't know, you have 5 uses of Inspiration per day. By my count, since this day began, you have already used 7 times. I posted in the last combat summary that you were out of inspiration uses. Using it as a save burns 2 uses per the explanation, and you don't have any left anyway. Won't be able to use it here to save yourself, I am afraid. Your save fails, and you are dazed for 4 rounds.

Daze Duration: 2d4 ⇒ (1, 3) = 4

Professor Watch out! Mirela calls but too late.

Seeing her companion somewhat out of it, she tries to draw the things attention by hitting it with her flail.
Morningstar + Bless + Inspire Courage: 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 4 + 1 + 1 = 16
Damage + IC: 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 2 + 1 = 8

I realized I moved myself on the map, when I was going to do something different in the surprise round. But ended up casting bless so I couldn't have moved. so I moved myself back. That means the thing has cover against my attack, and I can't move without drawing an AoO because Atticus is standing in the only valid 5'step square.

The investigator can use inspiration on any Knowledge, Linguistics, or Spellcraft skill checks without expending a use of inspiration, provided he’s trained in the skill.

Blessed Inspired Power Attack: 1d20 + 7 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (3) + 7 + 2 - 1 = 11
Inspired 2H damage: 1d12 + 3 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 1 + 3 = 10

Still using his massive axe, Nargun steps in and try to hit the bony creature, without too much success.

He tries to shield Atticus from more damage, disregarding his own safety with a savage and mocking grin

Come and get me instead.. More to eat on me than on the skinny teacher!

The investigator can use inspiration on any Knowledge, Linguistics, or Spellcraft skill checks without expending a use of inspiration, provided he’s trained in the skill.

My apologies for mis-reading the entry. So looking back, it has only been used this day for Knowledge checks, which you are trained on. The use on this Will save will cost two uses, but it allows you to pass the save. Sorry for my confusion. If I post something wrong on the Summary, please call me out on it.

Skull Corridor - Round 2 - continued

Mirela tries attacking the necrophidius that is biting Atticus from around the corner, but the creature's cover is too great for her morningstar to land against it.

Nargun steps back to fight against the monster that is savaging Atticus, leaving the front rank open. His attack also swings wide of the mark as the shifty target, missing everything.

Red Necrophidius leaves off its dancing and slithers forward with surprising speed, its over-sized jaws looking to make a meal of Devan but the lute-strumming bard is able to step aside with relative ease.

Twilight, Devan, and Atticus now up against the two snake-things.

Red necro bite: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

No worries. Some classes are more difficult to GM as others. I just went absolutely bonkers with a cavalier Paladin combination in PFS
Atticus swings his morningstar at the mace that tried to hit him before.
Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 151d8 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Suddenly abandoned by his stalwart dwarven companion and subjected to the attack of the weird snake-creation, Devan continued to quietly sing his song as he attempted to time the swaying of the creature for a moment before thrusting forth his rapier, attempting to skewer the thing.

Rapier, IC: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 1 = 7
Damage, AS, IC: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 1 = 3 Is it all 1's day?

Then the musician takes a defensive posture to try to keep the thing occupied while his more muscle-bound companions pound the other one to bits.

Twilght felt a little guilty that her mage hand may have set off the traps that had wounded everyone else, but the sudden sounds of combat pushed those thoughts aside. Although Atticus called out the properties of whatever they were facing, Twilight still couldn’t see what was going on… again.

The smell of cut grass from Mirella’s blessing made her nose itch for a moment as she stifled a sneeze. Shortly thereafter she could see glimpses of something skeletal attacking Attius, wounding him, but she still didn’t have a good look at whatever it was.

Since she had no way to advance and everyone was hurt to some degree, she decided that some healing magic was in order. If their opponents were constructs as the Professor had said, they shouldn’t be affected by the divine power.

She held aloft her holy symbol and let the healing energy flow through her ”Let Calistria’s caress sooth away your pains”

Channel nrg healing: 1d6 ⇒ 1 I think the "1" generator accidentally got turned on. DoctorEvil needs to uncheck that option in the settings menu

I can get everyone in front of me, I might be able to get Devan.

Skull Corridor - Round 1 - continued

Twilight calls forth the positive energy of her own deity, trying to heal the groups annoying wounds, but the magic has only limited effect this time around.

Left facing the assault from Red, Devan continues his song but also strikes with his rapier, but the bony construct moves quickly enough to avoid any damage.

Atticus bashes the nearest snake creature, which left itself exposed after a charge last round, in a counter-attack that wounds the foe only slightly.

Angered by the damage from Atticus' blow, the snake tries to bite the Professor again, but the scholar is able to avoid the toothy bite this time.

End of Round 1

Green Bite: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Skull Corridor - Round 2

Bless (19 rounds) and Inspire Courage active; +2 to attacks; +1 to damage; bonus vs some saves.

18 Mirela (3hp dmg)
15 Nargun (7hp dmg)
13 Red Necrophidius
12 Twilight
11 Devan (3hp dmg)
8 Atticus (needs Will save vs dance, 10hp dmg)
6 Green Necrophidius (4hp dmg)

Mirela and Nargun are up again to start Round 2.

Blessed Inpired Power attack: 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (13) + 7 + 1 + 1 - 1 = 21
Inspired 2h dmg: 1d12 + 4 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 4 + 3 + 1 = 17

Let's dance...The dance of death...

Nargun's axe flashes in the darkness, reverberating some of the magical light created by Twilight, and a powerful blow strike the snake-construct, right under the head.

The structure of the living bones might lessen the power of the blow.

But you wonder if it might be enough, as the dwarf put all his strenght behind his axe's blade.

And the most frightening thing is...

Nargun is calm. Composed.

This wasn't the pinnacle of his power, when his passion for destruction and his hate for Lamm overcome him.

Mirela gasps when the thing moves up next to Devan.
Devan is facing that alone? Damn I can't...

Mirela carefuly swings at the construct fighting Atticus mostly to distract it from what she is about to do next.

Morningstar + Bless + IC - Cover - Fighting Defensively: 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 1 - 4 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 + 1 + 1 - 4 - 4 = 14
Damage: 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 1 = 7

Then she moves carefuly past Atticus and into the empty square next to Devan.
AC 20 This round from fighting defensively, but moving will provoke an AoO as I can't cut the corner and have to move into Atticus' square then into the open square next to Devan.

Skull Corridor - Round 2 - continued

Mirela holds her buckler and low and makes an attack meant more to cover her move than to be offensive. The attack just misses the bony serpent to the south, which strikes out with its jaws at her fleeing form. The jaws close just behind her quick form, the buckler keeping them away for certain.

Nargun batters at the Green Necrophidius with his axe, which still harms the creature if not to full effect.

The northernmost necrophidius strikes at Devan once again, but the wily swordsman has been feinting, and he quickly parries the bite, shoving the head to the side, and skewering its bony form for limited damage against the skeletal foe.

Successful attack by Necro activated the readied act to parry and riposte. Twilight, Devan, and Atticus are up now.

Green Necrophidius AoO: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
Red Necro bite: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Atticus moves a five foot step aside to open flanking soon.
Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 201d8 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

Although there was an open spot where Twilgiht could have stepped around the corner, just seeing glimpses of the skeletal things thrashing around behind the corner discouraged her from advancing. ”Why did everyone have to move away from me?”

She could see pieces of bone flying about whenever Nargun took a swing so she decided to give Mirela and Devan assistance. ”Callistria guide Mirella’s aim” she called out while holding up the holy symbol. The pleasurable yellow light bathed her momentarily.

Blessing of the Faithful Mirela: +2 Sacred bonus to hit for 1 round.

Devan breathed heavily at the near-miss of the creature, his muscle memory having sent his arm and shoulder in motion before he could even think of a counter to the snake-thing. Eyes wide, the musician continued to sing, bolstering his companions as he stepped along the corridor to open more space for his allies. He managed a smile at Mirela as she stepped up to engage the skeletal snake with him, then lunged once again at the creature.

Devan Attack, Bless, IC: 1d20 + 5 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 5 + 1 + 1 = 23
Damage, IC, AS: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 + 1 = 8

Again, he set his feet lightly on the floor, the thin blade of the rapier extended before him, ready to react should the thing strike at him again.

Skull Corridor - Round 2 - concluded

Eschewing entry into the skull-filled corridor, Twilight instead sends a blessing from Calistria to Mirela, aiding her melee prowess.

Continuing his song despite the fight coming to him, Devan stabs out at the necrophidius nearest him once again. Again, he rattles his rapier into the thing, but the piercing weapon is less than effective against the skeletal target, causing only limited damage. Devan remains balanced and ready to parry, and if possible, counter-stroke.

Atticus works his way to the side of the snake-like construct, bashing its bony frame with his morningstar once again.

The Green Necro continues to bite at Atticus, this time the jaws close on the professor, ripping a chunk from his shoulder. The jaws send a chilling feeling through Atticus, slowing and then stopping his ability to move. Now he stands there in front of the foe, paralyzed.

Atticus is hit for 9dmg despite defensive stance. Worse, he is paralyzed for 3 rounds in the face of the enemy.

Red Necro bite, vs fight Defensive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
Red dmg: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
Mirela DC 13 Fort vs paralysis: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
Paralysis duration: 1d4 ⇒ 3

Skull Corridor - Round 3

Bless (18 rounds) and Inspire Courage active; +2 to attacks; +1 to damage; bonus vs some saves.

18 Mirela (3hp dmg, +2 to hit)
15 Nargun (7hp dmg)
13 Red Necrophidius (4hp dmg)
12 Twilight
11 Devan (3hp dmg, 2 rounds of BP used)
8 Atticus (19hp dmg, paralyzed 3 rounds)
6 Green Necrophidius (32hp dmg)

Mirela and Nargun are still batting leadoff for Round 3. Mirela has Twilight's +2 to hit buff on top of Bless and Inspire.

Blessed Inspired Power Attack: 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (18) + 7 + 1 + 1 - 1 = 26
2h Inspired damage: 1d12 + 4 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 3 + 1 = 15

Nargun doesn't waste time, and delivers another powerful blow to the snake skeleton with his massive axe.

I got this one, Huntress, go and help our friends..

As you wish.. Mirela replies as she watches the snake in front of her intently looking for an opening to strike.

Morningstar + Bless + IC + BoF: 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 4 + 1 + 1 + 2 = 27
Damage + IC: 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 1 = 5

Gods above, I do be really needing a hunting companion to keep things like this busy so I can do what I’m good at...

Skull Corridor - Round 3 - continued

With the blessing of Calistria behind her stroke, Mirela lands a solid blow on the necrophidius.

Behind her, Nargun delivers a bone-shattering blow to the other snake construct, destroying it as it smashes into pieces.

Red Necrophidius turns its massive jaws on Mirela, who just smashed it. The bite takes the huntress behind the neck, really only grazing her, and the ice cold paralysis pass quickly.

Mirela is hit for minimum damage of 5 hp, and makes the Fort save to remain in the fight. Twilight and Devan up, Atticus remains paralyzed for now to end the round.

Red Necro bite: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Dmg: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Mirela DC 13 Fort vs paralysis: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

Atticus drools a bit and watches helpless as the others fight.

Even though she sees Atticus go rigid and stop moving, Twilight’s mind is put somewhat at ease as Nargun gives a satisfied grunt and a shower of bones spills from around the corner. Atticus seemed safe for now.

Emboldened now that the fight had turned in their favour she moves up and looks around the corner at the writhing skeletal creature. kn(arcana): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

Other than its name which she remembers having read in a textbook somewhere and the generic traits that all constructs had in common, she didn't know much more about the thing.

But as Atticus had demonstrated, they could paralyze with a touch. "A special blessing from Calistria, just for you Mirella." she said, her voice muffled by the scarf. Twilight placed a hand on Mirella's shoulder and infused Mirella with Callistria's boon.

Bit of luck on Mirella: For 1 round, roll 2d20 and take the more favourable result on all rolls.

Continuing his tune as he steadily worked his way down the hallway and around the snake-thing, Devan is able to glance to his left to see Nargun smash the creature there hard enough to shatter it into bits. The bard's grin was short-lived, however, as the construct he and Mirela faced grazed the priestess, though she shrugged off whatever insidious venom the thing might have injected her with. His brow knitted, the musician struck again, determined to chip away at the creature until those with weapons more qualified for the task could land a solid blow.

Rapier, IC, Bless: 1d20 + 5 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 5 + 1 + 1 = 12Bleh
Damage, IC, AS: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 + 1 = 6

Skull Corridor - Round 3 - concluded

Twilight enters the hall and gets her first look at the frightful constructs that have been in battle for several seconds now. She dishes out a dose of good luck to Mirela with a touch, hoping to help the priestess who is under assault from the remaining foe.

Devan slinks around the last necrophidius, but his attack is less than effective this time, glancing from the bony body of the serpent.

Atticus can only stand helpless as the cold from the necrophidius bite spreads through his limbs, making them too heavy to move.

End of Round 3

Skull Corridor - Round 4

Bless (17 rounds) and Inspire Courage active; +2 to attacks; +1 to damage; bonus vs some saves.

18 Mirela (8hp dmg, bit of luck)
15 Nargun (7hp dmg)
13 Red Necrophidius (9hp dmg)
12 Twilight
11 Devan (3hp dmg, 3 rounds of BP used)
8 Atticus (19hp dmg, paralyzed 2 rounds)

As with most rounds, Mirela and Nargun are up first.

Fear sticks it's icy claws into her brain as she feels the things fangs just brush her. But a sudden flash of anger overwhelms that feeling as Mirela feels something brush her shoulder.

'Ow dare you threaten US, for that you shall DIE! The threat slips out before she realizes it as she winds up and smashes at the thing.

Morningstar + Bless + IC: 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 4 + 1 + 1 = 26
Bit of Luck: 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 1 + 1 = 13
Damage + IC: 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 1 = 5

Confirm Critical: 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 1 + 1 = 12
Critical Bit of Luck: 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 1 + 1 = 14
Critical Damage: 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 2 + 1 = 8

As she connects with the creature the sudden burning desire for vengeance cools within her. What the? Why did I... but the thought never completes as she tries to watch what the thing in front of her does next.

Nargun let his big axe falls on the ground, and takes his heavy mace with both hand, ready to inflict even more damage on the bony snake

Let's try Atticus theory, even if my axe didn't did too bad

Free action to let my weapon fall, move action to take my mace, move action toward the last foe

With a Bab of +1, you can move and draw your weapon as one action leaving a standard to attack with

Yep, I take advantage of that all the time.

Skull Corridor - Round 4 - continued

A sense of indignation taking hold of her, Mirela deals a fierce blow to the snake-like construct in front of her, before regaining her sense somewhat.

Dropping his greataxe for the first time since you've known him, Nargun switches to a better bludgeoning weapon still swinging it for all he's got with both hands. But his lack of experience with smaller weapon is telling as he misses badly.

I will roll an attack for Nargun, given that he could draw the weapon while moving.

Loathe to get flanked, the necrophidius takes a bite, missing, and then sliding back 5'.

Twilight and Devan are up to end the round. Atticus is still paralyzed.

nargun mace, two-handed, PA, bless, inspire: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Red necro bite: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Atticus drools helplessly.
This is not funny!

Twilight watched as Nargun clumsily swung with his mace. She held up her holy symbol ”Calistria, I beseech you to help this dwarf put an end to this creature that stands in the way of our work:

Blessing of the Faithful Nargun: +2 Sacred bonus to hit for 1 round.

Devan's brow furrowed even more as the thing started reacting tactically to his movement after Mirela took a chunk out, his face taking on a wry expression at her sudden uncharacteristic outburst as he continued to sing his warlike tune. Regardless, it was a sentiment he could get on board with, so he sucked in a quick breath and then attempted to skirt around the creature to get behind it.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

Once he was in position, he waited until either Mirela or Nargun was in position to flank with him, then drove forward with his slender blade.

Delaying until either Mirela or Nargun comes forth and sets up flank, then attack

Rapier, IC, Bless, Flank: 1d20 + 5 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 5 + 1 + 1 + 2 = 24
Damage, IC, AS: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 + 1 = 5

Skull Corridor - Round 4 - concluded

Twilight prays quickly beseeching her goddess for enough martial prowess to be added to Nargun for him to strike down the skeletal menace that has the group under attack.

Moving quickly, Devan scrambles to the rear facing of the final necrophidius, then delays, waiting until an ally focuses its attention to drive his rapier into the skinless serpent.

Frustrated by his paralysis, Atticus can only watch and wait for the effect to wear off.

End of Round 4

Skull Corridor - Round 5

Bless (16 rounds) and Inspire Courage active; +2 to attacks; +1 to damage; bonus vs some saves.

18 Mirela (8hp dmg)
15 Nargun (7hp dmg, +2 to hit divine bonus)
13 Red Necrophidius (14hp dmg)
12 Twilight
11 Devan (3hp dmg, 4 rounds of BP used, readied action)
8 Atticus (19hp dmg, paralyzed this round)

With Devan readied to strike if someone steps into flanking position, Mirela and Nargun are up now. Remember Nargun also has a +2 bonus from Calistria to bring to bear.

Blessed Inpired Power Attack, with some Calistrian Sting: 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 1 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (9) + 7 + 1 + 1 + 2 - 1 = 19

2H heavy mace Dmg: 1d8 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 3 = 11

Nargun comes closer to the creature and strikes, grinning madly, reveling in this symphony of destruction

Mirela steps up to flank with Devan.
The 'unt is over is over when the pack circles the prey. she says grimly as she attacks again with her morningstar.

Morningstar + Bless + IC + Flank: 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 4 + 1 + 1 + 2 = 26
Damage + IC: 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 1 = 7

Skull Corridor - Round 5 - continued

With Devan circled behind, Nargun and Mirela both land telling blows against the remaining skeletal construct. After Mirela's strike, Devan also joins in stabbing the thing from behind, though his rapier is still not very effective against it.

Trying to avoid being surrounded, the necrophidius continues to withdraw, its bony jaws snap down on the legs of Devan however, wounding him seriously, and freezing his muscles so he joins Atticus in paralysis. The bard's singing and strumming also comes to an abrupt end.

Devan is hit for 9hp dmg and is paralyzed for 3 rounds. This stops the bardic performance buff also. Twilight is up now, Atticus loses his last turn to paralysis.

Red Necro: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
Dmg: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
Devan DC 13 Fort vs paralysis: 1d20 ⇒ 5
Paralysis duration: 1d4 ⇒ 3