DM Puppet Master's Humble Bundle Welcome Campaign (Inactive)

Game Master Anon A Mouse

@Artair: yes, you're right.

@DM: can I just take 10 on this? In case not, do they have to be consecutive hits?

Str: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 1 = 8
Str: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 1 = 10

After bashing three times against the door and seeing it is almost giving in, Etam tries to yell before going for it one last time: "Is there anyone inside? Are you hurt?". He waits a few seconds before going at it one last time: "Stand clear of the door!"

Str: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 4 + 1 = 15

Hopefully you read the spoiler after making that first check because Etam just took 8 damage.

Second Check Crossbow: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (11) + 6 - 4 = 13 Miss
Third Check Crossbow: 1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (3) + 6 - 2 = 7 Miss
Fourth Check Crossbow: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12 Miss

Luckily for Etam, as he continues to batter down the door, the subsequent crossbow bolts that come flying out after every attempt go very wide.

After his fourth attempt, he manages to shove the door open enough to reveal a clearly terrified man frantically reloading his crossbow. His eyes are wide and bloodshot and Etam's appearance is greeted with a scream. "A trick! A trick! The dead one sends a trick after the angry bones!"

Some of you recognize the man as Roldare, the village cobbler. Other than him, the room looks fairly empty. There are a few bedrolls on the floor as well as some backpacks. There are no other doors.

To answer a few of the questions, not all the checks needed to be made by Etam. You were just trying to push back the stuff blocking the door. The checks did not need to be consecutive, but you could not have taken 10 on any but the first check since you came under fire after the first success.

Damn, I completely missed the spoiler for the first successful check, but thanks to RNG I am alive, hallowed be his/her/its name.

"Do not shoot, Roldare! It is me, Etam Rethgifner!" Etam says whilst going behind the door and taking cover. And then, more quietly towards Jaed: "There you go, feel free to save your damsel, master Zandorias."

WHAT THE HECK ROLDARE!! Stop shooting, it's us: Finnrick, Artair, Runvald, Etam and Jaed, from Kassen. We were sent here to retreive the Everflame. We mean no harm.

Jaed gets into the room surprisely calmed and showing his empty hands at Roldare.

I have read here that convincing someone that you are not a threat is a bluff roll. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong and I need a charisma roll.

Bluff: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

We have fought some of the angry bones, we are not a trick. We can get you out of here if you would just stop shooting at us. Put down the crossbow. We can all go back to Kassen safely. What happened here?
All said from behind the tower shield and blocking the door...

Bluff is only appropriate if you're lying about being harmless (hence the "feign harmlessness"). And I'm guessing you don't actually mean him any harm, so this would actually be a diplomacy check, which it looks like you don't have any bonuses to. Alternatively, you could try intimidating him into giving up.

Artair Aid Diplomacy DC10: 1d20 ⇒ 10

From his place at the back of the hallway, Runvald calls out. "Roldare? Yer made thesssh here shoess I'm wearin'. Schtop tryin' ta shoot us sho we can take yers home."

Runvald Aid Diplomacy DC10: 1d20 ⇒ 17

Roldare looks like he's about to fire again but between Jaed's words and promises of home, he hesitates. "Home? N-n-no, it's a trick! The dead one who speaks sent you. He w-w-wants to feed me t-to the angry bones."Though noticeably calmer, he still looks quite scared. And while he seems to have ceased openly shooting at you, he still holds his crossbow at the ready.

When Jaed steps into the room, he fires a warning shot at the man's feet before quickly reloading. "D-d-don't come any closer!"

Roldare, we are not the angry bones, we fought them already. We can get you out of this crypt and you can go home. Dont you want to see your family and the rest of the village?

I am assuming that Jaed is making the diplomacy check?

"Master Roldare, calm down and think. I am sure you would recognise your own work, right? If master Runvald would throw one of his boots at the bed next to you, would you be able to tell if you were the one who made it?" Etam says from behind the door, a tinge of pain in his voice from the bolt on his waist.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20

@DM: Well, I don't mean any harm if he stops shooting at us :) But yes, my idea was a "diplomatic" approach.

Jaed looks at the bolt at his feet. I better keep my distance, this guy looks too agitated.

"Roldare listen to us. Please put your crossbow down so you don't hurt anyone else and we can calmly talk."

Aid Diplomacy: 1d20 ⇒ 16

Runvald stumbles forward to present his shoe. At the last minute he trips and goes rolling head over feet towards the room, his shoe flying off his foot and getting thrown into the ring, as it were. It's hard to tell how much of that was intentional and how much was merely the alcohol.

Roldare looks down at the shoe as big tears start to form in the corners of his eyes before rolling down his checks. Runvald gives everyone a "well, this is awkward" look as the villager starts outright bawling. Roldare slowly sinks down to his knees as his crossbow lowers.

Awkwardly, Runvald pats the man on the shoulder until he eventually calms down slightly. Then a series of jumbled words just start pouring out of him. "We were attacked by the walking bones. There were six of us. And then we set up the traps on this floor. We were attacked in the middle of the night. We came here 3 days ago and stood no chance. It wasn't supposed to be like this. All the angry bones and the dead one who speaks." His words are interspersed with the occasional loud sniff as he wipes away his tears.

"It is good to see that you are still alive Roldare, and still a decent shot with a crossbow,"Finnrick says to the cowering man. Turning to Etam he adds "here Etam let me see what I can do about that wound."

Finnrick lays his hands on where Etam was struck and allows the healing energy of Sarenrae flow through him and into Etam.

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

"You have my thanks, master Finnrick."

He turns to the cowering man, crouches near him and calmly asks: "Roldare, who is this 'dead one who speaks'? What did he say to you?"

Poor soul, he is nuts.

While Roldare is busy explaining what happened to him and his group Jaed inspects the room, paying special attention to the bedrolls and backpacks.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

Mmm, let me also count how many backpacks are there to see if they add up to what Roldare says.

Roldare shudders. "He is the one with the voice of death, who stalks these halls in ancient mail. He commands the angry bones to come and kill and take." His face suddenly goes deathly white. "Dimira! His sister He took Dimira!" Eyes wide he desperately grasps at the nearest person. "Please! You must save her! She is alive, she must be! The angry bones dragged her off!"

There seem to be six bedrolls, but only two backpacks. One of the backpacks is clearly empty, while the other seems to still have some supplies in them. Without opening it, you can't tell what though.

Dont forget we found some stuff burning in the room with the ghost...

To Roldare... where did he take your sister? Did he take her further into the crypt?

As an aside to Jaed You may get you damsel yet!

"Yes, the skeletons dragged her off. I ran or I'd be dead too. But she's still alive! She must be! I would know if she had died! Her ghost would come and tell me. Please, you have to save her!"

Jaed can do it, he likes saving Damesels in distress. We have to journey on and find the flame, we will rescue your sister along the way. Do you want to journey with us? He says stepping out from behind his shield and into the room...

"We have found some fallen, but none of them was a woman. You might be right, master Roldare. Is there anyone else who might have survived? I believe you are the fourth person we have found here, you sister would be the fifth, which leaves one unaccounted for."

After hearing Roldare's reply, Etam asks his last question: "And this 'dead one who speaks', what did he look like? Was he wielding weapons, armour? Or…an amulet?".

'I really hope the answer to the last question is no.'

"Saving a damsel that it's being hold hostage by the lord of the skeletons. Another opportunity to risk our lives. Yay!" The sarcasm and lack of enthusiasm in Jaed's voice was clear. I really hope we'll find something worth of all this trouble.

Joining Etam's request Jaed speaks to Roldare. "Please tell us everything you can remember about this 'dead one who speaks'. If we are going to confront him the more information we have the better."

"By the way, do you know something about a nice dagger that was put in the fire Atair that refers to? Did those things belong to your group?"

Demonstrating his mistrustful nature Jaed carefully inspects Roldare's body language trying to detect if he is hiding something.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

Roldare's eyes widen as he vigorously shakes his head at Artair's suggestion. He returns to babbling about angry bones for several minutes until Runvald calms him down, offering him a sip of his ale. Runvald raises one eyebrow as Roldare takes a rather large draft of the strong stuff, nearly choking on the drink at one point until a bout of coughs clears his throat.

A bit stabler, he attempts to answer a few of the questions posed to him. "The dead one wears ancient mail and carries a scythe to reap our souls and imprison them. His flesh was rotting and his voice was like dry parchment. He whispers at night that he's coming to make me join his undead legion. He taunts me with his capture of Dimira's spirit. He wants all the living to join him." His hands start to shake once again as he takes another steadying gulp of ale.

He frowns as Jaed asks him about the dagger. "Do you mean Kyra's dagger? She had a nice one that she kept showing off. That wouldn't be anywhere near a fire though; she hated them."

Definitely, this guy is nuts. It doesn't seem he is lying but in his state I would take everything he says with a grain of salt.

"Roldare, are you sure you don't want to join us? You know what they say: the closer you are to danger the farther you are from harm." And if I have to choose I prefer you and not me to be closer this dead dude.

"Either way, do you have any supplies that could help us? I couldn't help but notice that backpack there is full." Jaed says pointing at one of the backpacks on the floor.

Sorry to suggest that you go with us. You seem safe here, do you want to stay here while we venture on and we will return with your sister? Or do you want us to escort you out of this place and you can wait outside?

"Thank you for your assistance, master Roldare, I am sure it will prove helpful."

Etam turns to his companions: "Men, master Roldare is a cobbler, not a trained warrior. No offence meant, sir, but I believe you would be more of a hindrance than an asset against whatever we might find. Master Artair and myself would be happy to escort you to the crypt entrance."

Roldare waves at the bags, "Oh yes, by all means. Here, take this crossbow as well. Anything if it will help Dimira! I will stay here. I can't leave withy my sister!"

Runvald pipes up. "I'll go and find the cowering mage and bring 'em 'ere. I can look after them. Give 'em somethin' ta keep their minds offa what they've seen." He waves his bottle of ale around.

The crossbow is a masterwork crossbow. The bags contains the following:
- 2 bullseye lanterns
- 4 flasks of oil
- 5 days worth of rations
- 2 vials labeled "healing" Potions of CLW

So we need to arm up the four of us and head further into the crypt.

If we are going to do this, we need to get moving.

Roldare's crossbow is a light crossbow, right?

"That crossbow is nicer than mine. If you don't mind we can make an exchange." Jaed hands over his crossbow and gets Roldare's one, looking pretty excited about his new toy. Wow, this is so much better than my old rusty crossbow.

He then turns to the group. "Agree, Artair. Let's gear up and go have a conversation with that dead one who speaks. How are we distributing the things in this bag? I already have one of these healing potions. I think we all should have one on hand."

Yup, it's a light crossbow.

"I still have one healing potion with me. If everyone else already has one too, I suggest master Artair and I share these. as for the rest, I am not sure if we need it…I have some oil with me, and master Finnrick can provide us with light."

Etam adjusts his armour and puts the magic weapon oil in accessible place: "I am ready when you are, men. We shall put this 'dead one who speaks' to rest, get that flame and go back to Kassen. With master Roldare and, hopefully, his sister."

Is there any flint? I realised I don't have anything to ignite the oil.

"I'm also ready. I think there is only one part of this crypt left to explore so our talking dead should be there. I could try to sneak in using this invisibility potion so we know better what's waiting for us." Jaed says as he plays with the invisibility potion in his hands.

I don't have anything that could light the oil.

The wizard had tinder and 3 tinder twigs with him you could use.

I think that whatever we can take might be useful. I have a flint and steel in my barbarian pack

I have wand with a fire Spell if we need to ignite the oil from a distance might I take one or two of the flasks of oil with me? Other than that Millsy and I are ready to be finished with this wretched crypt.

What are the flasks of oil made out of?

It's ceramic. I assume you're asking for throwing at people, if so, you might want to look over the oil description.

I will carry whatever people do not want. Lets just get a move on. Should we take a tower shield?

"Ok gentlemen, let's get this party started."

With a serious look in his face Jaed leaves the room and heads towards the eastern stairs. Once there he takes the invisibility potion in his hand and attaches it to his belt. I have always wondered how would these potions taste like. I would not like to use it if it's not completely necessary.

"Let me know when you are all ready and I will silently go up the stairs."

I might hold off on the potion, though I am right behind you.

The stairs lead to the room that had the wooden statue. If you want to go to the room you haven't been to yet, you need to go back to the pillar room.

My bad, I thought there was a second floor.

Realizing the stairs lead to an already explored room, Jaed turns around and walks to the South door in the pillar room. While he waits for the rest of the group to get into position he carefully inspects the door.

I'll take 20 on the perception check.

"Now it's for real. Let me know when you all are ready and I'll open this door." And we'll see what horrors awaits at the other side.

ready

Etam nods in silence at Jaed and joins the rogue, spear in hand. 'Let's see if Kassen himself is wandering these halls.'

I have moved Artair, Etam, Finnrick and Millsy to the pillar room. Feel free to modify your positions if you like.

After everyone has given their ok and Jaed made sure the door is not trapped he proceeds to carefully open it, trying to make the less noise possible.

If this dead guy can actually talk maybe we can convince him to give us Dimira and the flame. Haha, I love my wishful thinking.

Stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

Finnrick readies his new wand of flame and casts guidance on Millsy by running his hand through the cats slick black fur.

Jaed do you want to Stealth in first along or could Millsy come in with you and stick to the shadows until Etam has engaged, if it comes to that of course.

Sure, better going in with company than alone.

Finnrick: You should update Millsy's character sheet to have the full skill bonuses. I'm guessing the 1 is the number of skill ranks since I'm pretty sure Stealth should be higher than a +1
Millsy Stealth: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

Jaed takes a moment to listen at the door. Hearing nothing and finding no traps, he carefully opens it and sneaks into the room with Finnrick's companion padding silently behind.

There's a short hallway before the room opens up. The hall is lined with a continuous carving of mourners that continue and seems to ring the entire room. Peering out, you can see the ceiling of the room is much higher than the other rooms you have thus far been in. Across the ceiling is a mural depicting Kassen's final battle in which he received a mortal wound. Though still impressive, the paint is old and faded and has chipped away in a variety of places. The high ceiling is supported by 4 thick pillars that obscure most of what look to be two statues along the far wall. Dead ahead, you see a set of stairs heading down.

Not sure how far exactly you wanted to go in, so I just moved you to the end of the hallway.

Down is never good...

@DM: That's ok, thanks.

Seeing that the room appears empty Jaed makes a signal with his hand to tell the others to get into the hallway.

He then goes ahead carefully watching his step. This crypt is full of traps so I won't be surprised if there is one more in this room.

Jaed stops next to one of the pillars and he lets his eyes follow it all the way up. With all these paintings it feels like being in an art gallery. A dark, cold and trap infested art gallery.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6+1 to find traps

Jaed sneaks further into the room with Millsy not far behind. He fails to find anything interesting from where he is as his companions apparently ignore his hand signal and continue to lurk on the other side of the door.

When Jaed realizes no one is following he goes back to the hallway and, giving up any hope of stealthiness, he tells the others:

"Gentlemen, in case you didn't get it, this thing I'm doing with my hand means follow me. Either way, the room appears empty, get in whenever you feel like it."

Jaed walks back into the room and approaches the stairs. He then takes a look trying to see what is waiting down there.

Etam moves in: "I am sorry, master Zandorias, I missed your hand gesture."

Spear in hand, he walks to the first pillar on the west, trying to see anything out of place. "No riddles? No undead horror? No traps? No terribly maimed corpse? There is something off here."

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 Etam misplaced his glasses again

Finnrick brings up the rear as they walk down the hallway. So far so good, Finnrick thinks to himself. “Maybe the worst is behind us, He says unconvincingly. As he reaches the end of the hallway he looks around the room that his companions are in.

Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (18) + 14 = 32