DM Jesse's Temple of Elemental Evil PbP, Pathfinder style

Game Master Jesse Heinig

Zinnath's snowball whizzes by harmlessly. Fezzik hacks down one, the body almost immediately collapsing into a rotting, emaciated husk. Kyrie's bolts knock two of them to the ground. Domeric moves to a better position as Avendryl sends threads of magical music to bolster the team.

Botting Bat.

Bat moves up behind Kyrie and says, "I need to get closer to channel positive energy to burn them!" Instead she calls down a blessing from the sun to aid the party.

Bat casts bless for the usual +1 to attack and saves vs. fear.

The two ghouls knocked down stand; one tastes the threat of Fezzik's blade as it does so.

Fezzik: AoO, blessed, inspired: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 8 + 1 + 1 = 16
Fezzik: AoO damage, inspired: 3d6 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (6, 3, 2) + 5 + 1 = 17
CHOP! Another one falls into a withered heap.

The one too far for him to hit rushes in, giving Fezzik another opening swing.

Fezzik: AoO, blessed, inspired: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 8 + 1 + 1 = 30
Fezzik: Confirm crit, blessed, inspired: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 8 + 1 + 1 = 21
Fezzik: AoO damage, inspired: 3d6 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (5, 2, 6) + 5 + 1 = 19
Fezzik: Crit bonus damage, inspired: 3d6 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (5, 2, 6) + 5 + 1 = 19
CHOP! It's like cutting down wheat.

One races over the bodies of its fallen comrades...

Fezzik: AoO, blessed, inspired: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 8 + 1 + 1 = 17
Fezzik: Confirm crit, blessed, inspired: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 8 + 1 + 1 = 24
... and also falls.

One manages a quick shift next to the doorway and gets in close, lunging at Fezzik with its filthy claws and teeth.
Claw: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Claw: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Bite: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
... but its ravenous swings are no match for Fezzik's armor.

The last lets out a horrible gurgling sound, and from somewhere to the north (where you can't see) you hear answering howls and growls. Then it, too, turns and rushes toward Fezzik.

Claw: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Claw damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
... and one errant claw swipe gets past Fezzik's defenses. Will the big man succumb to the fear of the grave?

DC 13 Fort save, or Fezzik is paralyzed.

PARTY UP! You can hear more coming!

Zinnath will cast greater invisibility and then move forward to be right above Fezzik, out of reach of the creatures.

Group: ”I’m invisible and above Fez.”

Fezzik ignores the suggestion from the Paladin as he chops down the attacking ghouls. There are too many for him though and while his armor protects him from one attacker, another catches him in the arm.

Fort save: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8 of course. Should have let GM roll for me.

And he once again finds himself unable to move!

Oh that's not good at all... Avendryl thinks to himself as he notices Fezzik's form go rigid and motionless.

Continuing his song, he moves out into the hallway and takes a rather unlikely shot at one of the ghouls.

Shortbow: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 4 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 4 - 4 = 5 (PBS, Bless, Inspire, Firing into Melee, Cover)
Damage: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 + 1 = 7 (PBS, Inspire)

well we have a wall against them now

You can try to drag Fezzik back, or just move past him into the room (provoking from the one ghoul that's currently standing there). I leave the tactics to you, though if you leave Fezzik as a paralyzed wall the ghouls will just swarm him and coup de grace him.

was just kidding :)

Steps up and over the big try, and attacking the remaining ghoul pull fezzik out of reach...

power attack: 1d20 + 6 - 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 6 - 1 + 1 + 1 = 13
damage: 1d8 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 2 + 1 = 8

Sorry for the recent silence; been battling a cold the last 5 days.

Bat swears under her breath and attempt to drag Fezzik away from the scrum. "UGH! You've seriously gotta lay off the whole 'deer-on-a-spit' meals!"

That a Combat Maneuver, correct?

Combat Maneuver (drag): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

I don't see any live ones on the map.

Kyrie steps back to help the maneuvering of the paralyzed ogre and sends a brace of bolts into the nearest undead that she can see.

Magic Missile Intense spell Damage!: 1d4 + 1 + 1d4 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 1 + (3) + 1 + 2 = 11
Magic Missile Toppling Spell Trip Check!: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

That's because you can't see any yet, but you can sure hear them. Kyrie, you can take a Ready action to blast one as soon as they arrive. Or you can blast the one remaining still in front of Fezzik. Those rolls will injure but not destroy it, and won't knock it over.

Bat tries to pull Fezzik out of the way, but he's too big. Domeric steps up past Fezzik, causing the ghoul to claw at him as he goes by...
Claw attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
...and just catching him...
Claw damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3
Looks like Domeric needs to make a DC 13 Fort save now, too! Since Kyrie's blast is insufficient to finish this one even if she targets it, Domeric's hit...

... and five more of the ravening monsters burst in from the north.

Need to see if Domeric is paralyzed before resolving attacks from the new arrivals.

fort: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26

I have faith that the others can finish off the one in front of us, so I'll blast at one of the new ones. ^_^

Two of the ghouls swarming through the door from the north take swipes at Domeric, and one is blasted (but not felled) by Kyrie.

Ghoul: Claw: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Confirm crit: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16 (No crit)

Ghoul: Claw: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Another hit!

Ghoul: Claw damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Another DC 13 Fort save for Domeric, and the party is up!

Zinnath decides he is on cleanup duty, so he fires a ray of cold at the one Kyrie damaged...

Ray of Cold To Hit: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25 vs flatfooted touch
Ray of Cold Damage: 1d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (6) + (3) = 9

Avendryl continues his song while taking another low-likelihood shot at the remaining ghoul in sight.

Shortbow: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 4 - 4 ⇒ (11) + 6 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 4 - 4 = 12 (PBS, Bless, Inspire, Firing into Melee, Cover)
Damage: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 + 1 = 7 (PBS, Inspire)

DOH! The song and Bless! I should hit a 27, and do 10 Damage.

Fezzik stands there helplessly, watching the battle rage around him.

Fezzik: ”On the plus side, you can still chat with me telepathically Big Guy.”

fort: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14

ok, weird and close

Attacks a ghoul in front of him.

power attack: 1d20 + 6 - 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 6 - 1 + 1 + 1 = 15
damage: 1d8 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 3 + 2 + 1 = 13

sweet, that should ice 2 or 3 between those attacks

All: ”Fezzik, how are you doing in there?”

echo echo echo echo...

"Be better if could move or no ghouls by me," he replies.

"We're working on it. If you are going to spend so much time immobile, have you considered learning some spellcasting? There are ways that one can cast spells while immobile."

"Um, don't read much so don't think be very good at it. Besides, big fingers make it difficult to do those motions with hands," he thinks and would roll his eyes if he could.

Although, if this keeps happening, I guess I should have dipped to be able to use that Phylactery of freedom we had.

”Fezzik, if thou wouldst travel the path of sorcery, I would teach you.”

Bataleigha realizes she's likely to be in Fezzik's way once the half-ogre throws off the ghoul's paralysis, but...at least this way she can keep him alive 'til then and take the fight to the undead. She moves past the big fellow, presents her emblazoned buckler, and gives the ghouls a taste of Pelor's holy power.

I should be able to share Fezzik's square as long as he's still paralyzed/helpless. Bat will channel positive energy to harm the undead.

channel positive energy damage #2 of 7 (Will DC 16 half; no channel resistance allowed): 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (4, 3) + 3 = 10

Woot!

Fezzik, perhaps you qualify for some kind of paralyzation-based prestige class by now.

Elan did eventual take a Prestige Class, but it wasn't hostage based.

I love me some OOTS, but the current posting schedule for new strips is TERRIBLE! It is far better to be binging them than waiting for them.

Ghoul 2 Will save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
Ghoul 7 Will save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
Ghoul 8 Will save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
Ghoul 10 Will save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Ghoul 11 Will save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Ghoul 12 Will save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

Domeric crushes a ghoul to paste as Zinnath launches a snowball that injures another one. Avendryl's bow attack misses, but Bataleigha's burst of holy power sears the ghouls, along with Kyrie's magic missile spell, and causes more to fall.

The remaining ghouls hustle into positions around Domeric, all claws and teeth.

Ghoul 2: Claw: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Ghoul 2: Claw: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Ghoul 2: Bite: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Ghoul 7: Claw: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Ghoul 8: Claw: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Ghoul 10: Claw: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
Ghoul 10: Claw: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Ghoul 10: Bite: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Ghoul 12: Claw: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

The silver knight's defenses prove impervious to the ghouls this time.

Through the door scurry two more gray-skinned rotting humanoids, these emitting an incredible stench.

Domeric must make two DC 15 Fort saves, or be sickened for several minutes (long enough for the whole fight).

Party up!

fortitude: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23
fortitude: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

Avendryl maintains his song and reluctantly takes a pair of shots at the ghoul in front of Bat.

What the hell, two shots really aren't much less likely than one... he thinks to himself.

Shortbow: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 - 4 - 4 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 6 + 1 + 1 - 4 - 4 - 2 = 9 (PBS, inspire, fire into melee, cover, rapid shot)
Damage: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 + 1 = 7 (PBS, inspire)

Shortbow: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 - 4 - 4 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 6 + 1 + 1 - 4 - 4 - 2 = 9 (PBS, inspire, fire into melee, cover, rapid shot)
Damage: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 + 1 = 6 (PBS, inspire)

Attacks the most injured of the foul creatures surrounding him. Something new has joined the party he calls out Can smell them something fierce! Steps back slightly 5' step to limit the number that can attack at once.

air support?!?!

power attack: 1d20 + 6 - 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 6 - 1 + 1 + 1 = 22
damage: 1d8 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 2 + 1 = 9

Zinnath will fire at one of the newcomers, if one is injured, then that one...

Ray of Cold To Hit: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 8 + 1 + 1 = 19 vs flatfooted touch
Ray of Cold Damage: 1d6 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + (4) + 1 = 10

pew pew

Kyrie steps to the side, trying to get a better look at the newcomers. Not able to see them, she fires at the closest wounded monster that she can.

Magic Missile Intense spell Damage!: 1d4 + 1 + 1d4 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 1 + (1) + 1 + 2 = 8
Magic Missile Toppling Spell Trip Check!: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

'Good thing I made those pearls,' she thinks as her last natural spells goes flying. 'I got something special for the smelly ones," she states.

Bataleigha again lifts her shield before her, all the better for her undead foes to see the holy symbol of Pelor emblazoned on it and quiver in fear for the last moments of their dark existence! Again the cleric channels positive energy to weaken or destroy the unloving host.

channel positive energy damage #3 of 7 (Will DC 16 half; no channel resistance allowed): 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (4, 3) + 3 = 10

This is like the perfect encounter for channeling!

Avendryl misses with his arrows, but Zinnath and Domeric manage to fell another pair of ghouls. Kyrie likewise fells one with her missile. Then Bat unleashes her holy light once more.

Ghoul 8 Will save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Ghast 1 Will save: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
Ghast 2 Will save: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

The last two ghouls are burned away, but the ghasts charge in heedlessly!

Ghast 1: Claw vs. Bat: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
Ghast 1: Confirm crit vs. Bat: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
Ghast 2: Claw vs. Bat: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

One fails to get past Bat's shield, but the other tears wildly into the cleric!

Ghast 1: Crit dmg. claw: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (5, 3) + 6 = 14

Bat needs to make a DC 15 Fort save or be paralyzed!

Zinnath will fire at the one that just attacked his friend.

Ray of Cold To Hit: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 8 + 1 + 1 - 4 = 7 vs flatfooted touch
Ray of Cold Damage: 1d6 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + (4) + 1 = 10

After which, Zinnath becomes visible.

Attacks the ghast in front of him.

attack: 1d20 + 6 - 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 6 - 1 + 1 + 1 = 16
damage: 1d8 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 2 + 1 = 11

Bat's momentary satisfaction at seeing Pelor's power destroy two ghouls becomes concern when the positive energy fails to affect the two newcomers. Concern becomes fear when a sharp claw pierces the side of her neck, fear becomes horror when she sees the splash of blood from the deep wound, and horror morphs into abject terror when she finds her body rigid and unresponsive!

Fort Save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

Fezzik stands impatiently waiting to be able to move. He's impressed with Bat's ability to combat the undead. "She's killed as many as I did," he thinks out loud. His concern for his own safety diminishes when he sees Bat get hit and freeze in place. "Oh no! Save Bat!"

I guess this is why they had the Phylactery of freedom early on in the module. Maybe we were too hasty to sell it.

I guess this is why they had the Phylactery of freedom early on in the module. Maybe we were too hasty to sell it.

I was going to post a link to the old Cinderella song/video "Don't Know What You Got (Til It's Gone)" but started listening to it and realized it's got really crappy lyrics! ;)

Never sell the golembane scarab or the flesh to stone scrolls!

Domeric and Zinnath both fail to connect; the ghasts are certainly tougher and more agile than their ghoulish cousins.

Kyrie and Avendryl!

The bard continues to sing, working in a bit of commentary about rather rancid smelling undead and how much he wishes they'd just go away.

Not having any luck at all with his bow, Avendryl targets one of the ghasts with a bolt of fire.

Targeting the ghast in front of Zinnath.

Firebolt: 1d20 + 5 + 1 + 1 - 4 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 1 + 1 - 4 - 4 = 0 (PBS, Inspire, Into Melee, Cover vs. Touch AC)
Damage: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 + 1 = 7 (PBS, Inspire)

Seriously, why do I even bother?

You’re saving your good rolls for the talky talky social encounters!

Will bot Kyrie if we don't hear from her later today.