DM Jelani's Carrion Crown

Game Master Brian Minhinnick

"Ah! You've returned. I trust no further hostilities or excitement occured?" His focus settles on B'yelka for a moment, but his attention is shattered by Tibideau's outfit once again.

Morfaine... I know that na- gods but that man is still so very purple!

Before his expression sours overmuch, he shifts his gaze to some of the others in the group before giving up and dropping it back down to the books splayed out before him on the large desktop.

Drosil turns to Dantrian and says, "Actually, there was a bit of excitement in a local inn. Some of the townsfolk were playing a game of Towers, but when the winning hand was placed down, flames shot up in the air. B'yelka heard screams, though I only heard the gasps of surprise from the patrons in the tavern. We asked around, and apparently it is reminiscent of the fire that burned down the prison many years ago."

He continues to the group, "I would be willing to investigate the ruins tonight, but that's largely because I have no issues seeing in the dark." After all, I've done some of my best work at night.

"If anyone feels it would be better to wait until morning, however, I suggest we all wait. We do have a month here, after all."

"I would like to personally investigate the ruins myself, but history has taught me to not wander into such places in ignorance if at all possible." He steeples his fingers before himself then, pointy elbows resting on two different open books, and continues, "I have quite a bit more material to work through here regarding the prison, but I did note earlier that in addition to the tragic fire, it is widely believed the site is now haunted. I'm sure there's a wealth of information yet to be found within the professor's library though. It may take me the better part of the evening yet to gleen the useful bits. In the meantime, I strongly advise against hastiness in searching the burnt husk of the prison tonight, despite whatever eagerness you may feel."

"I agree. We could all use a good night's sleep after our travels. We can investigate the prison in the morning." Janos walks over and stares at the many books and papers over Dantrian's shoulder. "Besides, who knows what our bookworm might be able to uncover tonight."

"Sounds like a plan!" Tibideau scans the bookshelves for some smutty novels. Finding none, he flounces out of the room to scope out the bedrooms.

I'd help research but I don't have History or Local. Boo!

Night descends slowly onto Ravengro as the motley crew in the Lorrimor household settle in. Kendra turns in for the evening, bidding all a good night, and telling them to make themselves at home.

What time is everyone going to go to sleep?

Whatever time it is when Dantrian finishes his research for the evening =)

Around 11 for you then.

Drosil will stay up an hour or two after dinner, then turn in.

Dantrian remains in the study after dinner, several thick, yellowed candles lit and scattered about the desk. About an hour before midnight he feels he's gleaned as much as he can from the books, and gently closes a thick and poorly bound tome, taking care to not damage what little of the spine remains. When he looks up from the desk, his eyes are bright with satisfaction.

After dinner, Janos tries to help Dantrian where he can, but he finds that he mostly gets in the man's way. It's not the first time he's tried to do serious research, but he's clearly not cut out for it. He periodically takes a book or a few notes to look them over, but most are over his head or without the proper context he would need. Still, he tries to keep him and the others company.

After a few hours, anyone still awake realizes Janos has fallen asleep on one of the couches.

B'yelka speaks slowly and clearly, enunciating each syllable, "The incident that Drosil speaks of was very intense. When the player laid down his cards the flash of light was blinding, and with it came the sounds of a room filled with people being burned alive. Thinking it over, and knowing that the local prison burned some years ago it is patently obvious that the vision and the fire are connected. I don't like the idea, but it seems we are bound to investigate the site of the Professor's death. We should begin tomorrow in the morning."

* * *

Later, at dinner, B'yelka brings up the village girls and their song. "You will forgive me if the melody is off; this is from a friend's translation." She dips her finger into a half full glass of water and then runs it around the rim, creating a ringing tone that guides her pitch and she begins to sing:
"Put her body on the bed.
Take a knife and lop her head.
Watch the blood come out the pipe.
Feeds the stirge, so nice and ripe.
Drops of red so sparkly bright.
Splatters spell her name just right.
With a hammer killed his wife.
Now he wants to claim your life.
Tricksy father tells a lie.
Listen close or you will die."
When she finishes the morbid little ditty, she says, "What was it the girl had said, that they had always sang this song?" B'yelka smirks as she adds, "But, then again, what is 'forever' to a child?"

Anton relaxes in one of the comfortable couches, his eyes drooping occasionally. Hearing the truth B'yelkas words he peeks up for a moment, saying:

The lady has the right of it. Children see forever in the passing of a season. Dantrian I' d love to help but I'm beat and think I shall retire. Perhaps all this will seem less daunting in the cold light of morning with s good breakfast inside us. Good night everyone.

With that he trudged upstairs and deposits his things in the first empty bedroom he finds. This would be about 10pm

Tibideau needs his beauty rest, and turns in around 8 PM after gorging himself on more apples and cheese. Bonbon, being the little scamp that he is, will frolic inside Tibideau's coat noisily until around 10:30, amped up on tiny fish.

As night falls everyone makes their way up to sleep. Except for Janos, who is sleeping on the couch. It's not until well after midnight that he awakens, to a slow steady thunking knock on the front door. Awaking in the darkened living room alone puts him momentarily out of sorts, but the steady thunk-thunking on the door draws him quickly back to reality.

The rest of you can make a DC 25 perception check to be awoken by the knocking.

"That has to be the worst children's rhyme ever. Why would they sing of such things?"

B'yelka gives a nonchalant shrug and replies, "Why would they sing anything else. After all, it is common knowledge that Ustalav is haunted, cursed and damned. Tradition of murder and violence maybe? Funny thing, that."

I can't make a DC25! At least I will be well rested ;)

In the dark of night, Janos is startled awake by the knocking at the door. For a moment he thinks he's back in the swamp. "Nauczycielka? Is that you?" Suddenly he feels the soft couch under him and the memories of the previous day come flooding back. Nothing like this couch in the swamp, Janos. You're in civilized lands, fool.

Janos rises to his feet, squinting in the darkness. His elven eyes help him navigate the room somewhat. "Who's there at this hour?" he calls out as he approaches the door.

Impossible for me to make the DC. Like B'yelka, Tibideau's beauty rest will be uncompromised!

There is no answer. Just a continued slow knocking.

Don't you just want to scream at Janos right now?

Janos approaches the door, more annoyed than anything else. "Who is it?" he says in frustration as he opens the door.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Dantrian tosses and turns fitfully throughout the night. Occassionally, what might sound like a muffled snarl escapes his lips, but he remains asleep despite it.

The door swings open to reveal a man shrouded in darkness, he's not bearing a light and the night is cloudy so it's difficult to make out his features. A couple more forms stand behind him in the dark. As Janos squints to see more clearly, the thick bright moon breaks through the cloud cover. It provides enough light for his elven eyes to make out a sight of horror. Standing in front of him is an elderly gentleman in a dirt-covered tweed jacket and wide brimmed hat, wearing an eye-patch and spectacles. It takes Janos a moment to recognize it as Professor Lorrimor due to that fact that the entirety of his face from the nose down has been smashed into a mangled bloody mess, now rotten and oozing black blood and pus. The Professor emits a gurgling rasp sending an ichor covered chunk of tooth flying onto Janos' face and lurches forwards towards the ranger, his fingers raised like claws.

Behind him are two naked men in similar states of decay, large chunks of their flesh are torn or missing. Their glassy dead eyes lock onto the half-elf and they scramble forward after the Professor, groaning and gnashing their teeth.

Initiative
Drosil 23
Anton 21
Professor 17+
Janos 17
B'Yelka 16
Zombies 16-
Tibideau 14
Dantrian 11

Everyone except Janos is still asleep until something wakes them up. Hearing Janos shout or fighting is gonna be DC 13 (-10 hear the sounds of battle, +5 through a closed door, +5 through a wall, +3 for distance, +10 sleeping). Sleeping people in heavier than light armor are unarmored.

Begin Surprise Round

Initiative 17+

Before Janos can react the Professor is upon him.

Slam 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13 I'm gonna give you the benefit of saying Janos fell asleep before he got to take off his armor, since he never actually went to bed, so miss.

The Professor's rigid fingertips tear through the cloth over Janos' scalemail, scraping down the metal scales and shoving the ranger back a bit.

Janos may take one standard action in the surprise round.

Once everyone else wakes up, it's a double move to get down to the front door.

Map

Isn't there also another +10 to the DC for us being asleep?

Map isn't displaying properly on my tablet, but I'll wing it. I'll be back to my computer after the weekend. Also since Janos fell asleep after dinner, I'll say he doesn't have his greataxe just yet.

Janos screams as the dead Professor lunges at him, trying to tear at his skin. "Professor?!" As shocked as he is, the man's instincts take over. His hand pulls his hand axe out in a flash and he tries to defend himself from the undead creature.

Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Yes there is Dantrian, knew I was forgetting something. :P

Nobody wakes up.

Initiative 17

Janos swings his axe, and undead creature dodges nimbly out of the way.

Initiative 16-

The two naked dead men lurch forward slowly crowding in against the door frame.

End of Surprise Round
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Begin Round 1

Initiative
Drosil 23
Anton 21
Professor 17+
Janos 17
B'Yelka 16
Zombies 16-
Tibideau 14
Dantrian 11

The sounds of the zombies thunking against the walls, and the lingering echos of Janos' scream combine to wake all the heroes except B'Yelka, who is fast asleep after her trial in the tavern.

Drosil and Anton can act. Also forgot to mention it's dim light, so that means anyone human is operating at a 20% miss chance until we get some light going on.

Map

Round 1: 9/9 HP, AC 13 (Unarmored)

Drosil, sleeping lightly after the events of the day, stirs awake. Before he can go back to sleep, however, he hears and the sounds of battle from downstairs. The villagers have returned! Then, hearing Janos' scream and exclamation, Professor?!

He grabs his weapon belt from beside the bed and rushes to the balcony. After assessing the situation, he screams "Awake! We're being attacked!", leaps over the railing, and attempts to engage the closest creature attacking Janos.

Action: Double move, with an acrobatic flair, to I17 :-)

Acrobatics (running long jump): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27
Acrobatics (DC 15, to avoid falling damage): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

Just a reminder, with shadow blending, they're at a 50% miss chance to hit me in dim light. I'm assuming, too, that because I don't have a BAB of 1+, I can't draw a weapon and make this a charge. If that's incorrect, feel free to let me know. :-)

Thanks for the reminder on the shadow blending, no you can't draw a weapon. I'll consider it nice to let you have one without making you spend a move action to grab it off the table or something :P

Now boys, don't go having all the fun without me!

Hearing a heated conversation from downstairs B'yelka rolls over, covers her head with her pillow and thinks, This is definitely not the Imperial Chateau hotel in Egorian. If this infernal racket doesn't stop, I will have to complain to the management!

zzzzz.....

I'll keep making perception checks for you B'Yelka. Don't worry, you'll wake up before long I'm sure.

I am sure the boys can handle some rowdy if dead carolers ;) Besides, this is just as funny to me.

Antons eyes snap open at the sound of alarm. He snatches up his bow and quiver and rushes out to G12

Everyone up! he roars, seeing the shambling creatures.

Round 1
Initiative 23

Drosil gets out of bed, and jumps over the railing on the stairs coming ending up next to Janos near the front door.

Initiative 21

Anton runs down into the living room, bow drawn.

Initiative 17+

The Professor takes two more swipes at Janos.

Attack 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
Damage 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Attack 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Damage 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Its clawed fingers catch the unfortunate ranger around the throat. Then the undead Lorrimor tears violently backwards taking most of the flesh above Janos' collar bones with him. The half-elf slumps to the floor, bleeding profusely.

Please give me a DC 10 Con check to stabilize.

Initiative 17

Janos is unconscious

Initiative 16

B'yelka perception check 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9 The diva continues to slumber.

Initiative 16-

The two naked men push past Lorrimor to step into the house. One stands over Janos, turned towards Drosil. The other walks past him heading for Anton.

Drosil would get an AOO but he's still unarmed.

Tibideau and Dantrian can act.

Map

Mmmm...cakeeeee...would you like some cake, darling? Who is this?...B'yelka, you can never steal my boyfriend...grumble grumble grumble..."B******** p*******! What's that racket!" Tibideau jolts up in bed. He hears shouts from the others and realizes they're being attacked. No time for a ponytail! Battle must come before beauty! He leaps up, puts on his coat while waking up the sleepy turtle inside, and bolts out the door. He stops on the stairs behind Anton in G15.

I forget if I can move twice and make a knowledge check in the same turn, and I can't seem to find info about it. In case I can I'll make one! If not, ignore it :)

Knowledge Religion: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27 to get info on the naked dude attacking Anton.

These are zombies, they are mindless undead that are resistant to bludgeoning damage.

Damn, fighting defensively would have been a good idea.

Stablize: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

A bang and a shout from downstairs jolt Dantrian awake. He springs to the foot of the bed, crouched with eyes wide and bright. He narrows his eyes in focus and grunts in discomfort as his muscles bulge suddenly. He ignores his shirt, remaining just in his pants and snatches a dagger from under his pillow and prepares to dash downstairs.

Standard Action: activate mutagen
Move Action: draw dagger

Round 1
Initiative 14

Tibideau moves down to behind Anton.

Initiative 11

Dantrian arms himself and hulks out up in his bedroom.

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

Initiative
Drosil 23
Anton 21
Professor 17+
Janos 17
B'Yelka 16
Zombies 16-
Tibideau 14
Dantrian 11

Drosil and Anton can act.

Map

Swift action: Judgement of sacred destruction +1 damage

Dantrian! B'yelka! Get down here, Janos needs help. Back off creature!

Anton takes a hasty 5ft step back as the zombie lurches toward him.

Arrow: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 4 + 1 = 23
damage: 1d8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 + 1 = 9

Drosil draws his rapier, moves closer to the stairs, and attempts to run his blade through the nearest creature.

Attack (rapier, finesse): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

5' move to I16

Round 2
Initiative 23

Drosil draws his rapier and runs it through the zombie's arm, to little effect.

Due to DR you did no damage. I should have told Tibideau earlier, resistant to non-slashing damage.

Initiative 21

Anton steps back and puts an arrow through the zombie's neck, tearing a chunk out of it.

Initiative 17+

The Professor shoves past his companion to get at Drosil, taking a swipe at him.

Drosil's AOO on Professor 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Damage 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Professor's attack on Drosil 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

The Professor misses, and Drosil manages to give him a good stabbing slash as he passes.

Initiative 17

Janos is stable and unconscious.

Initiative 16

B'Yelka perception 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

The slamming of doors and shouting isn't enough to wake up B'Yelka, but Kendra grabbing her and shaking her violently is. "Wake up B'Yelka, we're under attack." she says.

Initiative 16-

The zombies on the steps lurches forward, while the one near Drosil claws at him.

Attack on Drosil1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
Damage 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Tibideau and Dantrian can act.

Map

Dantrian dashes out of the room, in little else besides his pants, with a dagger in hand. He takes the stairs three at a time as he hurries to defend the house.

As he arrives at the scene, he appears considerably... bigger than he seemed earlier in the day.

double move to the action!

Do you wanna be on the stairs or leap down into the living room?

Startled into wakefulness, B'yelka lets out a short scream! Don't touch me! She struggles free of the entrapping comfort of her bed, shrugs into a silk robe and staggers into the hall. What she sees playing out on the stairs and library floor is horrifying, and apparently commonplace in Ustalav: the Professor's friends are under attack by villagers. As her eyes focus she realizes, they are not not just villagers; they are dead villagers.

Without preamble B'yelka begins singing a wordless aria attempting to bolster her allies.

Move Action to the upstairs landing; Standard Action: Inspire Courage +1 Competence Bonus to hit and damage, +1 Morale to save v. Fear

Fashionably late and still better dressed than Tibi :p

I know I am out of turn, but I may be at work all day and don't want to delay the play! Please insert my action where it comes up :)

Tibideau is in G15, see my previous post, map is wrong for now.

Tibideau opens his mouth wide and stares directly at the Professor, but no sound comes out. A moment later, he shuts it and dashes up the stairs to C17.

Tibideau casts Ear-Piercing Scream on The Professor. DC 16 Fortitude save needed or take 1d6 damage and be dazed for one round. Failed save takes half damage.

possible damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Just realized I confused Guidance with Resistance...grr. Would love to be able to give someone that +1 to attack!

Round 2
Initiative 14

Tibideau screams silently at the Professor.

Fort save 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

Some blood spurts out of the zombie's ears and it appears to be momentarily dazed.

Initiative 11

Dantrian runs down to take Tibideau's place on the stairs.

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

Initiative
Drosil 23
Anton 21
Professor 17+
Janos 17
B'Yelka 16
Zombies 16-
Tibideau 14
Dantrian 11

Drosil and Anton are up. Might I suggest some focused fire? Probably on the Professor.

Map

taking Tibideau's previous spot works great, thanks!

Also, forgot my status block in my previous post - AC's are different due to nekkidness + mutagen =P

Whatever that thing is, it's not the Professor anymore. Put it down before it goes after Janos again!

Anton takes a few steps backward to F16 and attempts to burn the Professor with holy power.

Disrupt unread: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 4 + 1 = 25
crit confirm: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 1 = 11
Damage: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 + 1 = 7
Crit damage: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 + 1 = 7

Round 3, HP 2/9, AC 13

Gods, but that hurt! Drosil, reeling from the zombie's slam, guards himself while attacking, then moves away from his opponent.

Action: Attack the professor, fighting defensively

Attack (rapier, finesse, bard song, fighting defensively): 1d20 + 3 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 1 - 4 = 1

Ah, well...Drosil takes a 5' step to H17

Round 3
Initiative 23

Drosil misses the Professor and steps back.

Initiative 21

Anton raises his hand and badaBOOM! The rest of the Professor's head explodes is a burst of holy fire. Chunks of the formerly erudite old man rain down on Anton and Dantrian as his body slumps to the floor.

Initiative 17

Janos is unconscious.

Initiative 16

B'Yelka appears at the top of the steps in a silk robe, and begins singing a song of inspiration.

Initiative 16-

The zombie near Drosil continues to lurch foreward, while the one next to Dantrian swings at him.

Attack 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
Confirm 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13
Damage 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (2, 6) + 6 = 14

The zombie catches Dantrian across the jaw with a brutal blow, snapping his mandible and sending several teeth flying. The alchemist hits the steps like a sack of flour.

Okay, Tibideau's up.

Map