DM oKOyA's Mummy's Mask: The Half-Dead City

Game Master Lord oKOyA

I'm back. What do you want to do next?

Myron looks suspiciously at the central sarcophagus.

"Do you suppose there is anything of interest in there, or are we like to find another trap if we open it?"

Anyone else want to chime in?

*shrug* Professor Aristedes is our scholar. Maybe the Pahmet trapper with an interest in the old Osirion gods has an opinion? Or the Pharasmin priest has a clue about the medallions? Pherenike has nothing to contribute. I'm assuming she's trying to stay out of the way so she doesn't accidentally break something valuable without realizing it.

We haven't searched it yet...probably trapped but may be worth looking at. What do you think Mus'ad? Guidance ready if needed.

Kheled will look at the other bodies, do I think they were servants or hold any other interest?

Given Mus'ad spent an hour poring over the room that should've included checking the sarcophagus

Shrugging his shoulders Mus'ad moves to the sarcophagus and looks for means to see it opened.

Correct, the sarcophagus was included in the previous meticulous search. It doesn't appear to be trapped.

Much like the other sarcophagus encountered within the tomb, this one appears to just need brute strength to lift the gold gilded lid to access the contents.

Mus'ad sees the sarcophagus opened...

[Kheled is fairly certain the mummies in the adjacent room are the remains of the slaves that worked on the tomb, killed to protect its secrets when it was completed. It appears the slaves were mummified and interred here with all of the proper funerary rites to ward off curses and to ensure that the slaves’ souls would travel to the Boneyard and not be unjustly denied whatever afterlife they had earned.]

Date: Fireday the 24th of Sarenith, 4711 (Friday the 24th of June, 4711)
Time: 12:40 pm
Location: Wati, The Necropolis, tomb of Akhentepi
Map: The Sarcophagus : Round 1 Init 23
Treasure: n/a
Quests: explore the tomb of Akhentepi

As Mus'ad tries to open the sarcophagus he is surprised to see it begin to move on its own accord. Calling out a warning, some of the group respond quickly to the developing threat...

~Round 1~
Myron 23
Mus'ad 21
Pherenike 19
Kheled 18
Sarcophagus 15
Ahkenaten 9
Aerathiel 6

Those before the Sarcophagus to go.

Kheled hobbles over to J11. Double move.

Putting his warhammer from belt to hand Mus'ad readies to strike out...
AC currently 17
Readied action to hit the sarcophagus or anything that comes out of it if it takes agressive action: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18 for 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Dodging and weaving, Myron moves past Mus'ad and stands by with his Sling Staff raised, ready to pummel the animated object. Tumble to M15 to provide flanking for Pherenike, ready action to strike if the sarcophagus takes hostile action or one of his allies attacks it.

Acrobatics - move through threatened square: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

"Professor! Stay back!" Pherenike urges Akhenaten, drawing her falchion as she charges the sarcophagus.

Charge, drawing weapon + flanking 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 6 + 2 + 2 = 28 damage 2d4 + 6 ⇒ (3, 3) + 6 = 12 confirm? 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 2 + 2 = 16 extra damage 2d4 + 6 ⇒ (2, 3) + 6 = 11 AC 14 until next round

Date: Fireday the 24th of Sarenith, 4711 (Friday the 24th of June, 4711)
Time: 12:40 pm
Location: Wati, The Necropolis, tomb of Akhentepi
Map: The Sarcophagus : Round 1 Init 9
Treasure: n/a
Quests: explore the tomb of Akhentepi

Springing into action at Mus'ad's warning, three of the group converge on the sarcophagus while Kheled makes his way around to the other side of the platform. Myron shifts positions and times his own attack to coincide with the charging Pherenike. Her heavy sword crashes into the sarcophagus spraying chips of gold leaf covered stone shards in all directions. Myron attempts his own attack* just before Mus'ad's hammer collides with a resounding thud against the solid adversary, leaving only a minor dent.

* I need Myron's attack rolls please.

The Sarcophagus responds to Pherenike's tremendous blow by opening its lid, revealing a row of large blunted teeth, before biting at her...
bite attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23 hit
damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8 injury?
grab attempt (does not provoke AoO): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25 success
...catching her in its large maw and crushing her mercilessly. (If your character sheet is accurate that puts you into the negatives.) She goes limp in its mouth, her sword clattering to the ground. With the senseless fighter still clamped firmly in its mouth, it swings around trying to catch Mus'ad with its bulk...
slam attack -grappling: 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 5 - 2 = 8 miss
...but fails to connect.

~Round 1~
Pherenike 19 *acted (grappled and unconscious?)
Myron 19 *acted
Kheled 18 *acted
Mus'ad 15 *acted
Sarcophagus 15 *acted (grappling)
Ahkenaten 9
Aerathiel 6

Ahkenaten and Aerathiel to go to finish round 1.

Minor changes to init order due to readied actions.

Sling staff attack + flanking: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 6 + 2 = 21
Dmg: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

A construct with hardness/DR we can't punch through and one of us in the negatives. Didn't we just do this?

Sorry. Looking again, Pherenike's character sheet lists the previous damage as strain. This should have been removed by now as you have rested (an hour!) since the last combat. As such, please amend the above. Pherenike has taken 8 strain and is grappled with sword in hand.

Myron's blow connects but bounces harmlessly off of the stony exterior of the sarcophagus.

A question: Would casting grease on the sarcophagus or Pherenike result in her being released from the grapple?

It will give her a +10 on her CMD to get out of the grapple but not auto succeed. Still a useful spell.

Gulp, I think we should retreat...

A question: Would casting grease on the sarcophagus or Pherenike result in her being released from the grapple?

I think the faithful acid splash is the better option. If we hurt the thing, it will likely release her and engage the active threats.

Edit: I didn't notice Pherenike was not knocked out after all. Then grease is probably the best option.

With Pherenike between the apparent construct's jaws, Aerathiel reaches in his spell component pouch and after a moment's search, he pulls out what seems to be a small stick of magically preserved butter. Holding it in his open palm, he utters an incantation as the fingers of his free hand trace arcane gestures over it. As he finishes the spell, the stick of butter melts and the vanishes as at the same time a layer of slippery grease materializes as a thin coat over the bodyguard's armor and clothes.

Round 1, Initiative 6

Hit Points 4/7
AC 12/FF 10/T 12, CMD 12
Fort +1/Ref +2/Will +3; +2 vs. enchantment and death effects
Effects: None

Standard Action: Cast grease on Pherenike's clothes and armor.

If Aerathiel warns Pherenike, she can choose not to attempt the save vs. the spell.

Oops... Then consider her warned that she will be getting all slippery very soon.

Date: Fireday the 24th of Sarenith, 4711 (Friday the 24th of June, 4711)
Time: 12:40 pm
Location: Wati, The Necropolis, tomb of Akhentepi
Map: The Sarcophagus : Round 2 Init 19
Treasure: n/a
Quests: explore the tomb of Akhentepi

In an effort to assist those directly fighting the animated coffin, the Professor inspires them with words of encouragement. (SA inspire courage) Aerathiel attempts to help Pherenike to free herself by coating her armor with a thin layer of slippery grease.

~Round 2~
Pherenike 19 (grappled & greased)
Myron 19
Kheled 18
Mus'ad 15
Sarcophagus 15 (grappling)
Ahkenaten 9
Aerathiel 6

Notes: Inspire Courage active, +1 to hit and damage.

Those bolded to go to start round 2.

Pherenike attempts to pull free from the stony maw.

CMB to break grapple (grease) 1d20 + 5 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 5 + 10 = 35 Okay, I'm going to assume that's a success. :)

I'd say that is a safe assumption. :)

Gritting his teeth Mus'ad continues to hammer away at the woken creature of stone...
AC currently 17
Hammer Time: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23 for 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Confirm? 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12 for 2d8 + 6 ⇒ (1, 1) + 6 = 8 extra

Waiting on Myron and Kheled.

Kheled casts then moves up putting a guidance on Pherenike.

Myron jabs at the sarcophagus with his staff, jamming it into the hinge of the lid to make it harder for it to grab Pherenike again.

Aid Another (AC): 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 6 + 2 = 28

Whoa, tripple 20's! Who bribed the dice roller?

AC is 18, with Myron's Aid Another.

Date: Fireday the 24th of Sarenith, 4711 (Friday the 24th of June, 4711)
Time: 12:40 pm
Location: Wati, The Necropolis, tomb of Akhentepi
Map: The Sarcophagus : Round 2 Init 6
Treasure: n/a
Quests: explore the tomb of Akhentepi

The groups luck seems to be turning as Pherenike escapes the sarcophagus' jaws while Myron and Mus'ad harass the construct with a jab to the hinges and another dent added respectively. Kheled further bolsters the feisty fighter.

The Sarcophagus tries to bite Pherenike again, while twisting and trying to slam Myron at the same time...
bite: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8 miss
slam: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13 miss
... but both attempts are easily avoided.

Ahkenaten continues to urge his companions to victory. Continue IC

~Round 2~
Pherenike 19 *acted (greased +guidance for next round)
Myron 19 *acted
Kheled 18 *acted
Mus'ad 15 *acted
Sarcophagus 15 *acted
Ahkenaten 9 *acted
Aerathiel 6

Notes: Inspire Courage active, +1 to hit and damage.

Aerathiel to end round 2. (Those ahead of the Sarcophagus can post round 3 as well if they wish.)

Kheled will cast Guidance again.

With Pherenike free from the sarcophagus' jaws, Aerathiel once again falls back to his tried and true acid cantrip. The circumstances are hardly ideal however, as the construct is surrounded by the mage's companions, and the acid orb lands harmlessly on the wall behind the furious melee.

Round 2, Initiative 6

Hit Points 4/7
AC 12/FF 10/T 12, CMD 12
Fort +1/Ref +2/Will +3; +2 vs. enchantment and death effects, +1 vs. charm and fear effects
Effects: Inspire Courage (+1 on attack and damage rolls and saves vs. charm and fear)

Standard Action: Cast acid splash at the sarcophagus.
Ranged touch attack (acid splash): 1d20 + 2 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (5) + 2 + 1 - 4 = 4
Damage (acid): 1d3 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 + 1 = 4

"Why are we fighting this thing?" Pherenike demands. "Can it even move to chase us?"

Delay for now, but she'll act before the sarcophagus's initiative. Has any Knowledge been rolled? I don't see the point in anyone dying to try to smash this thing just because it's here. Why don't we just shut the doors and leave it alone?

"I'm all in favor of a nice, orderly retreat. Out through the secret tunnels and slam the door shut behind us?"

Also delay, so we can organize said nice, orderly retreat.

Through gritted teeth "Make up mind - last time Mus'ad say go, you say stay"

"If it can't chase us, there's no point standing here and letting it crush us!" Pherenike retorts.

Suggest everyone in melee range withdraw toward the doors and see if it comes after us.

Date: Fireday the 24th of Sarenith, 4711 (Friday the 24th of June, 4711)
Time: 12:40 pm
Location: Wati, The Necropolis, tomb of Akhentepi
Map: The Sarcophagus : Round 3 Init 18
Treasure: n/a
Quests: explore the tomb of Akhentepi

Areathiel misses with his acid as some of the others begin discussing options.

Given its movements so far you believe it is capable of pursuit.

~Round 3~
Pherenike ?? *delaying (greased +guidance for next round)
Myron ?? *delaying
Kheled 18
Mus'ad 15
Sarcophagus 15
Ahkenaten 9
Aerathiel 6

Notes: Inspire Courage active, +1 to hit and damage.

Those bolded to act. Does Kheled still wish to cast guidance? On who? (Pherenike already has)

Mus'ad delays until after Pherenike :P

"Right then - I suggest everyone who aren't busy whacking this thing pick a door and move out in an orderly fashion. Then us brave fighting types can bring up the rear."

Given its movements so far you believe it is capable of pursuit.

In case it was missed.

DM oKOyA wrote:

Given its movements so far you believe it is capable of pursuit.

In case it was missed.

It was noted, but we can still run out and slam the door.

Kheled will double move out of the room since it was called for.

"Very well," Aerathiel mutters with a shrug before following the rest of his associates and companions out of the room and away from the strange construct.

Aerathiel can't move this round as he acid splashed.

Knowing that some of his companions cannot flee as swiftly as the others Mus'ad growls [b]"Move Pherenike... Mus'ad will follow once all clear. He then keeps a guarded stance as he prods the sarcophagus with his hammer...
Defensive Hammer: 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 3 - 4 = 6 for 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

AC 19 this round.
Everyone else get out, then need someone with a readied action to close the door once Mus'ad withdraws next round.

That was the end of last round. He hasn't acted in round 3 yet.

Technically, he acid splashed last round -- but since his init is after the sarcophagus's he can't move until after it's acted this round. Pherenike will withdraw as far as the Professor (M 11) but won't go any farther until he moves.

Aye - potayto potahto. Key point being the one Pherenike brought up.

No argument here. :)

Pherenike disengages and retreats closer to Ahkenaten while Mus'ad tries to keep the sarcophagus distracted.

Both the west and the south doors are currently open. Everyone going out the west doors?