DM Rah's Strange Aeons

Game Master Kobash

Fearless slumps into unconsciousness for a moment as his body drops into the rubble. Within a minute he shakily stands once again. His mind in a fog of confusion. "What happened?" He looks around at the several dead ghouls and rubble with not a shred of memory remaining of the incident as he dusts his piss stained robes off.

"What did that Shapeshifter do to me now?" He mumbles almost to himself as he looks to make sure everyone else is alright, not out of concern for their own well-being at this point but rather out of concern for his own safety as they are his only chance for survival.

Cats takes a deep breath trying to understand what just happened. He looks at the rest of the party...and realize that they are all either crazy or paralyzed.

So maybe it didn't happen. Did it?

Cats looks at the two arrows in the two dead ghouls and thinks it might have happened.

Or maybe it did happen.

Cats reaches down to help others up as their limb begin to move again. "That was a cat one," Cats comments, making sure that they are okay. "C'mon Brother. Get up. Move your limbs."

Cats will look over the room and recover his arrows and loot. "Seems like they were waiting for this for a while."

1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24 Perception
high/recover: 1d2 ⇒ 1 arrow
high/recover: 1d2 ⇒ 2 arrow
high/recover: 1d2 ⇒ 2 arrow
high/recover: 1d2 ⇒ 2 arrow
high/recover: 1d2 ⇒ 1 arrow
high/recover: 1d2 ⇒ 1 arrow

When his muscles relaxing, Brother Butterfly processes what he just saw. Two ghouls about to turn him into a meal, and they were expertly redirected and destroyed by HIS Watchmen. Feeling pride well up inside him, it takes a pause.

No, no, no. Not his Watchmen. Desna's Watchmen. It is written, Pride comes before the fall. But - OH- how his Watchmen performed well.

Knowing there's far more dangers lurking on this side of the asylum, he pulls out a scroll and a potion.

Mariner, please drink this. It'll help with the ghoul fever that is coursing through your veins and looking to debilitate you. Please also take this healing from me.

Everyone that was injured, I suggest you drink some of those potions that we found. It has been a long day and while the spirit is strong, the body is weak. I may not be able to gather the inner strength to heal.

I hand Mariner the Remove Disease potion. I cast from the Cure Light Wounds scroll. I also try to use the Heal check or Healer's bag - if it doesn't take more than one or two rounds - to help the remove disease potion give a bonus.

scroll CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

As the paralysis begins to fade Pinkie falls to his knees and vomits due to the stench of the dead ghouls and for just a moment all the voices in his head are silent when he realizes just how close they all came to death. "Well lets not do that again please"

As he regains his feet he looks to Cats and Fearless "I couldn't see who did what but man i'm glad your on my side. thank you."

As he walks by Brother Butterfly he looks almost ashamed. "Sorry I couldn't hold em off Brother B. I'll do better next time.

Pushing past Fearless peers into the rubble strewn room. "What was even in here?"

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19

Regarding ghoul fever: failing the save doesn't necessarily mean you know you are diseased. Anyone bit could have caught it, which is three of the Watchmen. Also, you are ghoul country. You might cure it now only to catch it again before it ever kicks in.

Cats and Fearless take a look inside the room where the ghouls waited for their ambush. They see several workbenches crushed beneath the rubble of a collapsed ceiling.

Once dedicated to work therapy, this room must have once provided patients a place to feel useful, working at small crafts and performing minor woodworking repairs. Most of the equipment that once filled the room has been pilfered of destroyed and the rubble of the floor above now fills much of the room. The space might have entirely collapsed if it weren’t for a few particularly study supports.

Meanwhile, it is noticed that a haze of steam lingers in the western hallway, issuing from a collapsed section of wall with an intricate set of pipes, valves, and chains inside.

Mariner, roll a d20

Is there a way I can help? Either an Aid other roll, or a Luck spell?

"Sorry I couldn't hold em off Brother B. I'll do better next time.

Pinkie, you were amazing. A blur with that short sword of yours. when we are next in combat, Desna will quicken your blades even more! Just let me touch your sword arm, and you will sever limbs (especially ghoul limbs).

Mariner, before you take that potion, hold off for 30 minutes at least. When things calm down, I'll take a look and see if you contracted Ghoul Fever. Best not waste a powerful potion on toe fungus.

Oh, by the way, these pipes have steam. Maybe Desna can create water - or maybe there's another boiler room or laundry room on this side of the asylum. We got the other one up and running.

Knowledge Engineering: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

With this latest lapse in memory Fearless seems to recall a bit more information as some of his memories piece back together.

Looking over the pipes he calls back. "A shower room is on the other side of this wall. I think I might be able to get them on spraying the inside with scalding water."

"A shower room is on the other side of this wall. I think I might be able to get them on spraying the inside with scalding water."

Brother Butterfly looks perplexed. He knows he's been bitten , but considering the slime and gunk he's had on his skin, this is a VAST improvement. Maybe Fearless assumes he'll need another bath to get rid of the Ghoul Filth.

Um, I don't understand Fearless. I prefer baths, plus a scalding shower doesn't sound like a good idea right now. It'd take forever to get my armor off, and I think we are still in some danger from ghouls.

Butterfly: I'm not sure what you want to aid or use luck for. The knowledge check? Remove disease?
Regarding the rubble, there is no way through. Otherwise the ghouls would have done it.

Cats waits for the others to sort out their healings while keeping watch on the hallway and other doors.

"When you guys are done catting, maybe we open these doors? Or do we wish to return? I figure we can climb to the roof and on over to that open atrium we saw," Cats offers, thinking.

I revealed a little more on the map. There are stairs just north of Cats, but they are collapsed and impassable.

The Mariner receives healing from Brother Butterfly like a man waiting for a rain shower, arms spread out. The healing at least numbed the pain, if not entirely sealing them shut. He was about to swig down the disease cure but hold off on Brother's advice. "That almost ended more than just the day. We're gonna need rest soon but should check out this area as far as possible. There's a second floor for certain and an ambush probably waiting- that is if they don't come looking for us first here on the first floor." The Mariner looks between the polearm and the longsword, deciding which best to lead with.

Can heavy shield be worn strapped while using a polearm? Damn I need a magic armor.

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A medium shield has to be completely removed in order for you to wield a two-handed weapon. On a side-note, if you want to be a switch-hitter, bucklers can remain attached, but cause a -1 penalty to attack rolls for two handed weapons.

Cats looks at Fearless, waiting for the doors to be opened.

"You say we can cat hot showers after we're done here, Fearless?" Cats asks, wondering how long it's been since he had a hot shower. He literally doens't know...if ever. "Let's do that, huh?"

raw: 1d20 ⇒ 2

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Fearless continues to examine the pipes. "I might be able to do that." He places his fingers on the pipe and quickly pulls it back from the heat. "Though this water may be too hot."

"Someone a bit quieter want to peek in and make sure that there aren't any survivors in the room to the south before I turn this on. It is going to burn whatever is inside bad."

Assuming it is the room to the south that is the shower room. If someone peeks in and hostiles are inside or the person peeking is attacked outright Fearless will turn the scalding water on.

Fearless sets the controls for a steamy undead shower scene at a moments notice.

"Great idea Fearless. Lets get in position.
Here Mariner, If there is a fight you will want to drink this right now. "

Potion Cure Light wounds. BB moves to position has a scroll of remove paralysis in hand (ready this time!) and will cast luck in Pinkie when appropriate.

The Mariner finally decided on the polearm - better to keep them at bay and cut them down at a distance. He quickly drinks the potion for a quick snuff before the mayhem. He waits for someone stealthy to open the door.

potion: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

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Fearless looks all about and sees noone else moving. "You all scared or something. I got this."

Shaking his head he pushes the Mariner back a small bit and cracks the door open to peer inside. trying to be as quiet as he possibly can be, but also ready to spring back at a moments notice to spin the nozzle for the showers.

Stealth: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

Fearless cracks the door, the hinge scraping more than he'd have liked.

Inside, cracked, river-green tiles cover the walls and floors of a communal shower in wavering patterns. Dry metal spouts jut from several walls, overlooking grates in the tile oor. A sizable portion of the floor drops into a shallow pool, filled with something other than water: a vile stew of corpses and blood. The smell of rot and copper fills the air in this room. Three alcoves, providing minimal privacy, run along the far wall. In the center, a simple chair has been transformed into a gruesome throne covered with draped viscera and gnawed bones. Upon the chair sits a one-armed ghoul, tearing at a chunk of unrecognizable raw flesh. Two other ghouls sit close by, feasting upon human scraps.

"I heard the wall come tumbling down." The ghoul-king calls to the door, "How many more have you brought for me?"

Thanks to distance penalties they don't actually see Fearless. Everyone can take a surprise round! Remember: one move or standard action only. Fearless, you can 5' step to the shower controls and activate them if so desired.

Knowledge Religion; Inspiration: 1d20 + 8 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 8 + (5) = 17

Fearless gains a little bit of inspiration from his trap he looks to set and cringes back as he opens the door. the smell alone nearly knocks him off his feet.

"Damned room has a ghast in it."

Fearless sidesteps, skidding to his feet and quickly spins the knob, turning the showers on as he looks to brother Butterfly. he grabs the shapeshifters hand and places it on the pipes.

"You able to bless these waters Shapeshifter while the mariner holds them in the room?"

Brother Butterfly had the Wand of Bless out and gives the area a renewed blessing I had it out because the old bless only lasted a minute as I think the wand is set to cast at lowest possible level - so it's duration was up. Everyone +1 to hit

Desna, Bless the waters that stream from these pipes! Let these abominations know what HOLINESS feels like!

He then puts the wand away and has his "give a friend some luck hand ready" plus his other hand is holding both remove paralysis scrolls.

Contingent -As soon as I can,BB wants to cast Luck on Pinkie as long as he is holding two weapons in his hands. If Pinkie is not using two weapons (or if he moves out of the area) I'll cast luck on Mariner.

religion knowledge on Ghasts: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

Pinkie pulls Brother B behind him and steps to the side of the door and whispers

"We get them as they come through the door"

and he gets his weapons ready

Round 1

Cats fires once at the orange ghoul, trying to arc a long shot through the doorframe, under the ceiling, over the pool...

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16 to hit; (PBS,-rapid)
1d6 + 2d6 ⇒ (2) + (4, 6) = 12 piercing damage

...hitting nothing but ghoul.

Fearless activates the showers and the Watchmen prepare for another fight with undead. Muffled sounds of alarm come from the ghouls inside, and almost immediately steam begins billowing from the crack in the door. It also issues forth from the seams in the double doors to the left.

The full heat of the scalding showers takes effect and all three undead jump to their feet, howling in pain as their dead flesh is boiled.

Scalding showers Klades: 1d2 ⇒ 1
Scalding showers orange ghoul: 1d2 ⇒ 2
Scalding showers yellow ghoul: 1d2 ⇒ 1

Cats fires an arrow that lodges deep into the chest of a ghoul. It looks down at the shaft in total surprise. "Wha...?" It manages to say before droping dead for a second time.

Brother Butterfly stuffs his wand away and flexes his lucky hand.

I don't think the Mariner has anything he can do from his position, so let's go to round 1.

The ghoul king's head darts from the injured minion to the source of the arrow. Snarling, he reacts with lightning speed, dashing through the scalding water and bursting through the double doors in a cloud of steam.

Steam is creating full concealment in the shower area now. The yellow ghoul is not visible through it.

INITIATIVE
Effects: bless 0/3 minutes
Klades
Mariner (28/40) *Bull's Strength 1/5 rnds, Shield of Faith 1/5 rnds, twice diseased -2 Dex, -1 Con (1 save)
Ghoul
Cats (24/24)
Fearless (22/22) *mage armor 1/2 hours
Pinkie (27/27) *Aid 1/5 rnds, diseased
Butterfly (16/26) *twice diseased -2 Dex, (1 save)

"Lobster out of the pot!" the Mariner shouts as he sees the ghast emerge from the doors. Rushing past Brother and Fearless, he slams the bill into the sauna king.

bill: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16
dam: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

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Recognition dawns on the Mariner as he moves to cut off the ghast. Both he and Pinkie recognize the one armed ghast from their time in the Ward of the Wicked, when he was still a living man named Klades.

Were the Twin still with the Watchmen he could perhaps tell the story of Klades' transformation. He might even have explained the cause of Klades missing arm. But alas, such tales may be forever lost in the Strange Aeons of Briarstone Asylum.

The Mariner's swings his polearm at Klades, but the ghast is quicker than his minions and bats the weapon away with his good arm.

"Go get the others!" Klades calls back to the remaining ghoul. "There will be warm bloodwine tonight!"

The ghoul emerges from the steam, its skin blistered by the heat, and makes to run past the Mariner. Provoking an AoO from Mariner!

Scalding showers Klades: 1d2 ⇒ 1

INITIATIVE
Effects: bless 0/3 minutes
Klades (-2)
Mariner (28/40) *Bull's Strength 1/5 rnds, Shield of Faith 1/5 rnds, twice diseased -2 Dex, -1 Con (1 save)
Ghoul (-1)
Cats (24/24)
Fearless (22/22) *mage armor 1/2 hours
Pinkie (27/27) *Aid 1/5 rnds, diseased
Butterfly (16/26) *twice diseased -2 Dex, (1 save)

If I understand it correctly, boiling Lobsters squeal and scream! Let's put this lobster down!

Now, if they manage to bring reinforcements, I'll turn off the showers and we will use the steam room for cover and hit and run attacks.
With Desna's luck, it won't come to that.

Cast Luck on Pinkie. If he delays, it affects him this round, if not, then his next action.

bill: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27
dam: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

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Cats delays very briefly for Fearless or Pinkie to move.

Fearless grabs his crossbow and fires a shot off at the doorway to try and distract the ghast long enough for mariner to finish it off.

Aid Another Covering Fire; PBS: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 6 + 1 = 16

Mariner and Fearless get +4 to AC for 1 round.

Pinkie delays waiting on the ghast to move

Round 2

Cats moves and fires at yellow.

1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 6 + 1 = 20 to hit; (PBS,-rapid)
1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7 damage.

The Mariner slashes the ghoul as it passes by, but is unable to stop it. It reaches a set of doors and bangs on them, reaching for the handle.
"Hey! Get out here, we got URKK!"
An arrow from Cats lands solidly in its back and it collapses.

Fearless takes a shot at Klades and the whizz of a bolt over his head makes the ghast flinch and divide its attention. Just to clarify, covering fire will grant that +4 to the next attack the ghast makes within 1 round.

Brother Butterfly lays his lucky hand upon Pinkie, who waits for the right moment to attack.

Claw vs Mariner AC 21: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Bite vs Mariner AC 17: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Crit Confirmation: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
Crit Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
And 2 DC 15 Fort saves vs Paralysis

Klades steps fully out of the shower chamber and lunges at the Mariner and savagely tears into him. Any normal man would have fallen from the savage attack, but the Mariner is tough as nails.

INITIATIVE
Effects: bless 0/3 minutes
Klades (-2)
Pinkie (27/27) *Aid 2/5 rnds, diseased
Mariner (8/40) *Bull's Strength 2/5 rnds, Shield of Faith 1/5 rnds, twice diseased -2 Dex, -1 Con (1 save)
Cats (24/24)
Fearless (22/22) *mage armor 1/2 hours
Butterfly (16/26) *twice diseased -2 Dex, (1 save)

Cats fires quickly, hoping that Pinkie will take the mad good flank that Mariner will offer in a moment.

Round 3

"A ghast!? Aghast, Cats fires twice at the ghast.

1d20 + 6 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (16) + 6 + 1 - 2 = 21 to hit; (PBS,-rapid)
1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6 damage.

1d20 + 6 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 6 + 1 - 2 = 25 to hit; (PBS,-rapid)
1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 damage.

Pot crit:
1d20 + 6 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 1 - 2 = 11 to hit; (PBS,-rapid)
1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 damage.

Fort: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Fort: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

::THUD!::

"Hey you're back!" the cockroach squeals, "You ARE brave, boy you've got guts. I can see them." The Mariner can only stare out his watery eyes in a mix of terror and apprehension.

Can one still go into Rage even if paralyzed?

Seeing his friend go rigid Pinkie moves in on the Klades.

red destiny: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17
damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Mariner, yes you can still rage.
Paralysis duration: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 rounds
Paralysis duration: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 rounds
Duration does not stack, only the higher number.

Also, anyone that gets within 10 feet of the ghast needs to make a Fort save vs DC 15 or be sickened for 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10 minutes.

fort save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

::Sigh:: I figure since Mariner is paralyzed i wouldn't have gotten sneak attack damage if i moved farther right

Pinkie, Mariner cannot flank. You will have to find a different dancing partner to get your sneak attacks. Also, don't forget that BB gave you luck for this round. Reroll all d20s and take the better outcome.

red destiny: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

fort save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

so 24 to hit and 10 damage still flubbed the fort save though

[ooc]GM, I may need an update. The ghast looks like it got a good amount of damage this round. My actions depend on circumstances.[ooc]

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Pinkie moves in and stabs the undead creature in the side, but the Mariner, paralyzed by the ghast's attack, is no longer able to distract it enough for the young man to get inside and hit a weak spot. Red Destiny gives it a bloody gash, and Cats adds two arrows to its chest, but neither is enough to fell it.

INITIATIVE
Effects: bless 0/3 minutes
Klades (-22)
Pinkie (27/27) *Sickened 0/10 minutes, Aid 2/5 rnds, diseased
Mariner (28/40) *Paralyzed 1/4, Bull's Strength 2/5 rnds, Shield of Faith 1/5 rnds, twice diseased -2 Dex, -1 Con (1 save)
Cats (24/24)
Fearless (22/22) *mage armor 1/2 hours
Butterfly (16/26) *twice diseased -2 Dex, (1 save)

Correct it is only an increase to AC against the target of the attack.

"I am tired of these undead preying on everyone here." Fearless drops his crossbow to the ground and draws his silver mwk dagger as he rushes in at the Ghoul King.

"This one is mine!" Challenge

He thrusts the dagger at the Ghoul King's neck.

Fort Save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

Silver MWK Dagger: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 7 + 1 = 28
Confirm Crit: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 7 + 1 = 27
Damage: 1d3 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 + 1 = 1
Crit Damage: 1d3 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 + 1 = 2

Fearless bravely charges in, his dagger poking the ghast in the neck. Blood splatters on him and Pinkie and Klades stump flails, his missing arm unable to clutch at the wound.

But he doesn't fall. Instead he laughs, flecks of bloody spit flying from his lips. "You got me. Now I'm gonna get you."

INITIATIVE Continued...
Effects: bless 0/3 minutes
Klades (-25)
Pinkie (27/27) *Sickened 0/10 minutes, Aid 2/5 rnds, diseased
Mariner (28/40) *Paralyzed 1/4, Bull's Strength 2/5 rnds, Shield of Faith 1/5 rnds, twice diseased -2 Dex, -1 Con (1 save)
Cats (24/24)
Fearless (22/22) *mage armor 1/2 hours
Butterfly (16/26) *twice diseased -2 Dex, (1 save)

Fearless is right Klades. Your time is over. Your rampage against the living is at an end.
The Gods have said as much.

It is Written.
With that he reads one of the scrolls in his hand.
Lasitude, torpor, Immobility, Oscitancy.

He looks over Klades shoulder at the previously paralyzed Mariner.
Mariner, Kill this freak. Kill him good.

marking off one of the two remove paralysis scroll

With Klades' attention turned, the Mariner rises ominously behind him with the polearm. Like the grim reaper coming to finally connect, "Your my little puppy dog now."

bill, bull, rage, bless, flank: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (11) + 13 = 24
dam: 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

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Like the last diner at the table, Klades is too slow to avoid getting stuck with the bill....

The Mariner is working his weapon free from the ghast's corpse when the doors to the north open and the gray face of another ghoul pokes out. It's dead white eyes go wide upon seeing the Watchmen victorious over the bodies of a half dozen ghouls.

"Hey, they killed Klades!"

A second set of doors opens, revealing another ghoul. "What?"
A third steps into the hallway and sneers. "Good! Klades was an @sshole!!"

INITIATIVE
Effects: bless 0/3 minutes
Ghouls
Pinkie (27/27) *Sickened 0/10 minutes, Aid 3/5 rnds, diseased
Mariner (28/40) *Bull's Strength 3/5 rnds, Shield of Faith 2/5 rnds, twice diseased -2 Dex, -1 Con (1 save)
Cats (24/24)
Fearless (22/22) *mage armor 1/2 hours
Butterfly (16/26) *twice diseased -2 Dex, (1 save)

Did Mariner save vs ghast stench too? He will hit with that attack regardless, but I do t see a save.

fort: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

"RAHHHG!!!" foaming at the mouth, the Mariner charges the hallway.

bill bull rage bless pugnacious: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24
dam: 1d8 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18

cleave: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27
dam: 1d8 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12

no time for healing since in rage

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