DM Jelani's Carrion Crown

Game Master Brian Minhinnick

Careful, Dros... Anton says, holding his breath.

An examination of the lock reveals that the lock is broken, its clasp melted by acid and then put back into place so that to casual observation the lock appears intact. Within, a flight of stone steps leads down into the cold earth to a large crypt lined with empty niches—no dead are interred here, though Church records report that the crypt was one of the first filled in Ravengro’s early days. The light flooding in from outside reveals a two doors at the far end of the chamber.

Jaine says, "We'll wait out here and guard your back. Just show us whatever you find when you come out, call out if you need help."

Map

Take 10 perception gives me a 15.

Just because there's nothing living here, doesn't mean there isn't any danger. If this cache was worth something, likely they had traps set for looters. Drosil moves forward slowly, following the faint trail where the dust was previously disturbed.

Perception (Trapfinding): 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 5 + 1 = 18

Perception, take 10: 10 + 9 = 19

Janos catches Drosil's eye, but he can see the Fletchling has already spotted the tracks. As he moves forward, Janos looks back to the others. "There's some tracks in the dust here. If the Professor did come in, it could be his. Or it could be someone else interested in this crypt."

Janos then follows Drosil closely, making sure that if he finds anything, he won't be alone.

Keep those eyes peeled guys.

Anton moves up to the statue on his left, bow ready, covering the doors ahead.

Detect evil wont penetrate the door so hell wait until its open before detecting.

Let's go through the same door the tracks lead to.

Agreed

The door opens to reveal that the tracks go back to large sarcophagus at the back of the crypt.

Detect evil please GM

Nope.

Janos warily approaches the sarcophogus at the rear. "Drosil, can you check this for any surprises? Anton, see if Jaine has any objections to us opening this one?" In the meantime, he helps examine the coffin.

Perception, take 10: 10 + 9 = 19

I dont sense anything evil in there. Best be cautious anyway.

Okay, before we move on I need to know what everyone else is doing. Describe where you are as well.

Halfway down the stairs on the west side. If I am closest to the doors, I will keep an eye on them. If not, I watch the boys playing at the toybox. ;)

B'yelka nervously humms scales, altering pitch into odd but charming melodies. Funny but I don't know which is worse; ravenous devils at home or the restless dead here...

As the group prepares to enter the crypt, Dantrian produces a vial from an inner pocket of his vest and drinks it. (shield) Once inside, old habits kick in and Dantrian reflexively turns his attention to the structure, looking at any arches or lintels for signs of weakness or potential collapse.
Knowledge (dungeoneering): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26

As the group passes through the doors to the rearmost chamber in the crypt, Dantrian remains by the door while Janos and Drosil approach the coffin. He looks intently around the chamber then idly begins to wander down the stairs and to his right as he examines the walls and ceiling.
Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

If North is the bottom of the map, Dantrian will be 1 square south of the stairs and 2 squares west

Drosil grins wryly at Janos. "Yeah...sure. But if something pops out of there, it's not my fault, okay?"

Perception (Trapfinding): 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 5 + 1 = 17

Tibideau stands just at the top of the stairs, two squares back and one square to the right from B'yelka. He casts Detect Magic to see if there is any necromancy about. I can do that, right?

Tibideau rustles inside his coat, waking up Bonbon and whispering to him in a strange language. He peers around the room intently, still muttering to himself.

Anton moves up beside Tibideau. What do you make of this place?

Readying his bow;

I've got you covered if anything does jump out, Dros. Jaine, Yusef, stay close please.

"Not you fault." Janos smiles at Drosil. "I'll remember that."

Janos grips his great axe and brings it up, ready for anything to pop out.

DM, do you have what you need to proceed?

Tibideau - Yes, you can check for active spells or magic items but it takes some time to determine the schools of their auras. You're interrupted before you get that far. There's something magical in the sarcophagus.

Drosil - Yeah, sorry for the delay. Been a little busy, too many games to administer >_<* I have to triage sometimes.

Janos/Drosil - The sarc appears to be untrapped and unlocked.

Janos 20
Drosil 19
Dantrian 18
Anton 13
Tibideau 10
Centipedes 9
B'Yelka 7

As the sarcophagus is being investigated and people are going about the crypt there is a sudden slithering noise as multiple huge centipedes come crawling out of cracks in the crypt's walls. They skitter aggressively towards the group.

Janos you're up.

Map

Janos glances back at Drosil when the centipedes slither out of the wall. "Was that you?" he says jokingly. Then he realizes just how many of them have entered the crypt and his mood turns more serious.

"B'yelka! Watch out." The half-elf spins on his heels and charges the insect who slithered out next to the singer.

Charge #3
Charge, PA: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 4 + 2 = 25 for: 1d12 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 7 + 1 = 15

AC is 15 for 1 round

Everyone else except B'Yelka can also act.

I should be next to Tibideau, GM, but no prob.

Seeing two of the vermin slither out of the wall either side of him, Anton reacts quickly, taking a step back to give him room to shoot 5ft step diagonally back.

Longbow PBS: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

There's two giant... Things.. In here with me guys, could use a little help!

Dantrian's eyes narrow as the centipedes wriggle from the walls.

Knowledge(nature): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11 weaknesses? poisons? DR? things of that sort?

Despite his ignorance regarding the creatures, he reacts quickly, readying his spear then stepping forward and driving it into the nearest centipede.
Move Action: equip spear
Free Action: 5-ft step
Standard Action: attack

Longspear (reach, 2-handed) vs Centipede 1: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17for: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Love the mental image of something skittering aggressively.

"Anton, something magical is afoot, I'm not sure wha...BLEEAAGHHHH!!" Tibideau shrieks girlishly at the sight of the centipedes. "GROSS."

Knowledge Nature: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

Tibideau collects himself and steps back into the corner a bit, staying relatively close to Anton and B'yelka. So, he's going two squares to the right from where he is now. He barks a command at one of the centipedes.

Move action and cast Slumber Hex on number 4, DC 17 Will save or be asleep for two rounds.

Drosil, seeing the others dispatch their centipedes so efficiently, decides to do the same. He runs to the west, drawing his shortswords as he draws near the centipede, then swings both at the vermin.

Attack (Short Sword, finesse, TWF): 1d20 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 4 - 2 = 3
Attack (Short Sword, finesse, TWF): 1d20 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 4 - 2 = 3

...whoa. The dice gods have it out for me, apparently.

Drosil, maybe...

Initiative 20

Janos charges the centipede near B'Yelka and with an artful slash cuts it open length-wise like a hotdog bun. Its guts slosh out all over B'Yelka's shoes.

Initiative 19

Moving more than 5' in a round prevents you from making two attacks for future reference.

Drosil runs forward and slashes at one of the centipedes, but he stumbles over an unseen stone and the tip of his blade clangs against the wall instead.

Initiative 18

Luckily, Dantrian is there to aid him. Stepping forward the alchemist shoves a good three feet of his spear down the arthropod's throat. Pulling it back out, it's accompanied by a gout of yellowish green goo. The thing appears to be still alive, though how that's possible is uncertain. (Aka it has 1 HP left :P)

Initiative 13

Sorry I missed your positioning, thanks for rolling with it.

Anton steps back and puts an arrow into one of the centipedes in his room. It squirms and loops over the shaft for a couple seconds shaking it loose, but leaving a leaking hole where the arrow tore open its exoskeleton.

Initiative 10

You know that these mindless creatures are centipedes. They have a poisonous bite, but are relatively weak. No special resistances.

Changing your hex to misfortune.

Will save 1d20 ⇒ 1

Tibideau calls down his curse of bad luck on one of the centipedes.

Initiative 9

The first centipede bites at Drosil, clamping down on his leg.

Attack 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Damage 1d6 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1 and Poison DC 13 Fort save or 1d3 ⇒ 3 dex damage.

The second centipede advances and bites at Janos, missing.

Attack 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

The fourth centipede bites at Tibi, but the misfortune curse causes it to miss.

Attack 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
Attack 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11

The fifth and sixth centipedes go for Anton.

Attack #5 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Attack #6 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
Confirm 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Damage 1d6 - 1 ⇒ (6) - 1 = 5 and Poison DC 13 Fort save or 1d3 ⇒ 2 dex damage.

One of them bites him right in the crotch.

B'Yelka, you're up.

Map

these bugs have an 18-20 crit range? yikes!

Ooooeeuuh? That roll was totally a 20 before. Dunno what happened there, no possible crit on an 18. Still hits though.

Bites me on the crotch, wtf dude I thought I couldn't detect evil!

Fort: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

The poison pumps into Antons blodstream causing one of his legs to go numb.

He drops his bow and rips the Morningstar from his belt, looking to squash the bug in retaliation.

Morningstar: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

They aren't evil, just short. These things would have trouble reaching past waist height without crawling up your body first.

Fort: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15

Round 2, 16/17 HP

Drosil swings again at the nearby centipede, attempting to finish it off quickly.

Attack (Short Sword, finesse, TWF, bard song): 1d20 + 4 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 4 - 2 + 1 = 7
Attack (Short Sword, finesse, TWF, bard song): 1d20 + 4 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 4 - 2 + 1 = 17
Damage (Bard song): 1d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 1 = 6

Shocked by the sudden appearance of the centipedes, B'yelka is momentarily stunned. Until one of them has the audacity to spill its life on her shoes. Glaring at Janos, she says in a cool voice, "If you are going to save me, please keep it off of me, too." However, her voice is undaunted as she begins to sing. While she sings, with a practiced grace, B'yelka steps to the top of the stairs and towards the western door.

Inspire Courage; +1 Competence Bonus to hit, and damage; +1 Morlae Bonus to save v. fear and charm. One round of Bard Song used. Move to the doorway, so she can seen Anton.

Janos looks at the singer and his mouth twists into a mixture of amusement and frustration. He only manages a, "Of course, my lady. My apologies for saving you but mussing your shoes." As she turns to move up the stairs, he rolls his eyes and spins to take the on the oncoming centipede.

Power Attack, Bard: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 4 + 1 = 18 for: 1d12 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 7 + 1 = 10

Genetics aside, anything that aims for the crotch is evil lol.

Round 2

Dantrian wheels about and rushes up the stairs towards B'yelka into flanking position with Tibideau.

Longspear (reach, 2-handed, inspire courage, flank) vs Centipede #4: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16for: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Tibideau most certainly hopes he will not be bitten in the crotch!

So, I just read Hexes do not provoke attacks of opportunity, but let me know if I do this turn right!

Tibieau smiles when he hears B'yelka complain about her shoes. I do not fear such muck and filth! Little do they know... my winter clothes were a BARGAIN! But if any of that goo gets in my hair... maybe it will be a good conditioning treatment... He shrugs at the thought, then begins to cackle maniacally. After his devilish laughter dies down, he faces one of Anton's attackers and repeats the same command from before.

Move action: Cackle hex on the centipede between Dantrian and I. Misfortune extended for one round. Standard action: Misfortune Hex on #5, DC 19 Will save please!

Round 1
Initiative 7

B'Yelka begins to sing, inspiring the group.

End of Round 1
---------------------
Begin Round 2

Initiative
Janos 20
Drosil 19
Dantrian 18
Anton 13
Tibideau 10
Centipedes 9
B'Yelka 7

Initiative 20

Janos chops another in twain longways with his axe, ending its life.

Initiative 19

Drosil finishes another one.

Initiative 18

Tibideau doesn't provide flanking as he doesn't have a weapon equipped to threaten them with, however you still hit.

Dantrian again puts his spear to good work, nearly killing the centipede on the witch.

Initiative 13

Anton smashes the crotch-biter in retaliation.

Initiative 10

Will save 1d20 ⇒ 11

Tibideau curses another of the 'pedes.

Initiative 9

The two remaining centipedes attempt to defy fate.

#4 Attack on Tibideau 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
Damage 1d6 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1 and Poison DC 13 Fort save or 1d3 ⇒ 3 dex damage.

#5 Attack on Anton 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19

B'Yelka you're up again.

Map

Round 3, 16/17 HP

Drosil, seeing no other targets in the southern room, runs north and attacks the centipede east of Tibideau.

Attack (Short Sword, finesse, TWF, bard song): 1d20 + 4 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 4 - 2 + 1 = 15
Damage (Bard song): 1d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 1 = 5

Attack (Short Sword, finesse, TWF, bard song): 1d20 + 4 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 4 - 2 + 1 = 4

Wheeling on the other centipede, Anton swings with everything he has.

Mornongstar: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 1 = 9
damage: 1d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 1 = 6

But the swing is wild.

B'yelka continues singing while she reaches out with her scourge in an attempt to flay the vermin.

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9 1d4 ⇒ 4

In the field now...

Janos follows Drosil up the stairs and sees him move toward Tibideau. The Ranger moves up to help when he hears Anton fighting in the next room. "Go help Anton, we've got this one," he says to Dantrian. Then he steps in front of the Alchemist and hacks at the centipede.

Attack (Bard): 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 5 + 1 = 15
Damage (Bard): 1d12 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 1 = 6

My bad on the flanking, I had assumed Tibideau had a dagger or some such in hand. Good catch on him not providing a flank, though!

Round 3
Dantrian nods to Janos, though not before casting a strange look at Tibideau as the man laughs manically at one of the centipedes. Is the man completely unhinged?
He hurries past B'yelka, "Excuse me, B'yelka," and into the corner of the next room (this time sucessfully flanking! wahaha!).

Longspear (reach, 2-handed, inspire courage, flank): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24for: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Fortitude Save: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20

"OUCH! HEY!" shouts Tibideau, but he calms down when he sees the centipede has merely taken a wee chunk out of his thigh.

He cackles again and both centipedes still fall under his diabolical Misfortune hex. Assuming they aren't already dead!

[spoiler=Status]HP 12/13[spoiler]

Round 2
Initiative 7

B'Yelka misses with her scourge.

End of Round 2
---------------------
Begin Round 3

Initiative
Janos 20
Drosil 19
Dantrian 18
Anton 13
Tibideau 10
Centipedes 9
B'Yelka 7

Initiative 20

Janos is apparently a pest control professional, his axe brings another of the bugs its doom.

Initiative 19

Drosil runs towards the exit looking for an enemy. He see Anton getting double teamed, and moves into position to provide him a distraction.

Initiative 18

Fortunately it's not necessary, as Dantrian runs in and guts the last creature with his spear.

End Combat

Yusef comes rushing into the tomb, a club grasped in both hands. "Are y'all h'ok in heer?"

Dantrian flicks his wrist, slinging the remaining gore from the tip of his spear to splatter on the floor. His face blank as stone, he turns to Yusef and dryly asks, "What?"

I FORGOT ALL MY SNEAK ATTACK DICE! D'OH!

Oh, so you did go beastmorph, vivisectionist. Nice. As Anton was saying, that's one of the best builds in the game. Next time I'll remind you.

Tibideau peaks his head around the corner, smiling gorgeously. [b]"For now!"[b]