Death-Lok's Age of Worms Campaign (Inactive)

Game Master Death-Lok

I assume you investigate the last 2 rooms on this level before departing.

As you enter Kelva's chamber, a vision assaults you:
The ruins of the room waver and fade, replaced by a well-equipped torture chamber. Wailing victims strapped to horrific devices hang in the background from chains. In the foreground stand two figures. One is a handsome man dressed in flowing robes. Facing him is a strange, six-armed creature that looks as much insect as it does humanoid. The insect creature’s eyes are hollow sockets containing a pinpoint of light deep within. Its flesh is rotting and festering, and the green robes it wears are old and moth-eaten. The creature wields a long green crystal rod in one hand, a cruel hooked rod in another. In two other hands it holds a jeweled gold box that it presents to the man, who takes it and sets it upon a table. He opens it and, using a pair of iron tongs, withdraws a writhing green worm (you recognize it as Kyuss worm). The man’s expression changes to one of exaltation as he looks upon the worm… and then the vision fades.

You immediately recognize the man in the Vision is the same man from the first vision. Knowledge (nature) checks, if applicable, are appropriate for the six-armed creature.

You find nothing of value in the chamber other than the 2 swarms of Kyuss worms contained behind the glass pane against the far wall.

In the southern room, named the Halls of Knowledge, you see the following:

This long chamber obviously served as a library, as dozens of bookshelves line the walls and stand back-to-back amid the chamber. In addition to the surprisingly well-preserved tomes, twelve clear jars sit on various shelves, each filled with a thin gray liquid and containing a single writhing green worm.

Curiously, you see a book open on the podium with some type of drawing that grabs your attention.

Do you approach and read the book?

You can take 10 on skills when not in combat, so in this instance you are correct, my bad. Some GMs dont let take 10 work on Knowledge checks, in which DL will have to add his input. By raw there is nothing stating no take 10 on knowledge.. You cant take 10 on spellcraft when iding items though as detect magic requires concentration.

We can take Daleranna's gear back to mage point and have it sent back to her family temple etc

Trying to identify what that invisible sensor was
[dice=Spellcraft ]1d20+22
[dice=Knowledge arcana ]1d20+22

You identify the spell from your studies as an Arcane Eye.

I guess I'll take 10 on my out of combat knowledge checks if permitted. If allowed to take10 my check will be 32. If not see the roll below

knowledge Nature to identify the 6-armed creature: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (3) + 22 = 25

"Elise do you detect any Evil emanating from the Book on the podium?"

I'm wary of special books in an evil temple :P

While waiting for Elise to answer about the book Rav examines the writhing worms contained in the jars.

Are these worms inherently evil? If not, are they worth anything to arcane collectors

The creature is an undead version of a spellweaver, a race of nonhumans from some alternate Prime Material Plane. They communicate only telepathically. They have 6 arms, and can cast multiple spells per round! That's one arm for each spell level. So they could cast two level 3 spells at once (two lightning bolts?), or 6 level one spells (6 magic missiles!), etc.

The creature is an undead version of a spellweaver, a race of nonhumans from some alternate Prime Material Plane. They communicate only telepathically. They have 6 arms, and can cast multiple spells per round! That's one arm for each spell level. So they could cast two level 3 spells at once (two lightning bolts?), or 6 level one spells (6 magic missiles!), etc.

wow that would be A LOT of magic missiles flying about. that would be a problem

Rav passes along the information about the Spellweaver to Elise and Siggut "It was probably the Spellweaver that sent the Arcane Eye to spy on us and observe our tactics. It will prepared for us when we encounter it. I am sure we will have to face it at some point, likely in the depths of this Pit. A mighty foe not to be taken lightly"

If Elise tells me that the book on the podium does not radiate evil Rav will detect magic examining the book
spellcraft taking 10 = 34
know arcana taking 10 =32
or spellcraft: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (11) + 24 = 35
arcana: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (14) + 22 = 36

The book does not radiate evil. You look and see a strange diagram of a rune-covered worm inside a human head. The worm seems to be whispering words into the human brain. You then investigate the worms in the jars and you spot tiny runes on them as well. You recall reading in an obscure book of necromancy of the existence of knowledge worms, that burrowed into your brain through the subject's ear and imparted their specialized knowledge to its host, assuming the host survived the process and did not become an undead spawn of Kyuss. Any takers?

As much as Rav desires knowledge and power...the idea of allowing a worm to burrow into his brain does NOT appeal to him.

I guess these knowledge worms could be sold to someone in Magepoint? Someone less squeamish than Rav

Rav passes along what he knows about the knowledge worms to the others
"I'm not interested in letting one of those burrow into my brain...but feel free if you like. Interested? Or should we sell them in Magepoint?"

"Yea I have no special ability to detect evil, unless I memorize a spell for it. I too have no need for a worm to burrow into my brain.. We should destroy them. This world has no need for such vile things."

" They are likely valuable. I'm sure we can find a buyer in Magepoint. Knowledge is a precious thing and it is can be put to good use. My reason for not trying them is I deem it not worth the risk. How about this?...rather than just selling them on the general market, we take them to Tenser and let him examine them further and let us know whether he wants them for research, or whether we can sell them safely. Is that a fair compromise? And any funds we get go directly towards combating Kyuss. I hate to throw away resources that can bolster our chances. As we have seen with our companions demise, this is a deadly quest we are on. We should not squander any resources."

Inspecting the rest of the room. Any other valuables or magic worth taking to Magepoint?

"I see the wisdom in your words so I will go with your plans for now. We let Tenser look at them."

how heavy is Kaydanna now?

I learned long ago never to ask how many stones a lady weighs

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No, there are no other treasures in the room. Most of the books in the library are too old and crumble to dust upon inspection.

With the first level clear, the party finds a safe place (?) to store the statue (it weighs about 600 lbs in granite form, so beyond Rav's max load) and teleports back to Magepoint. Since you were just here earlier today, Tenser is still not available.

Agath greets you again at the Church of Pelor and shakes his head when he hears about Daleranna's fate. "I am sorry to hear that, she had a good soul. It seems we underestimated the lethality of the foes in the ziggurat. I am glad you all ended the threat of the corrupted Ghaele. However, the information you are sharing with us about the spellweaver is invaluable. It appears Kyuss had an undead spellweaver as a guide/mentor. Be careful, the creature may still lurk in the ziggurat, trapped by the elves' magic." Agath's acolytes take your treasures and pay you a fee to destroy the evil sword. He makes no decision on the Knowledge worms and tells you you must await Tenser's return for payment (if any) on them. Finally, he speaks "I want you to meet someone who wishes to join your quest, a powerful aasimar holy warrior from Critwall. She comes highly recommended. I am sure her purity in the shadows of darkness will aid you greatly. I present to you, Oreana Del'Aandarth, Guardian of Heironeous." Two acolytes escort the warrior in.

"Welcome Oreanna.... Our path is perilous but Righteous. . We gladly welcome a Guardian of Heironious to our quest "

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just let me know when Kaydanna is restored and she will interact again

hopefully there aren't any pigeons inside pooping on Kaydanna

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Elise gives a welcoming smile to the paladin.

"It;s nice to have another touched by the divine in our ranks. Hopeully we can keep each other safe.."

Oreana moves forward and knees before you, even if the word 'aasimar was a bit annoying. "As Father Agath told you, I'm Oreana Del'Aandrath, Knight Bannerette of the Knights of the Holy Shielding and I pledge myself to this Holy mission." She straights herself up before continuing. "Lord Tenser briefed to me about the importance of this task and about our enemy and even if I understand the dangers ahead, I must say I'm eager to join this fight... my kingdom needs me after all."

She nods at Elise's commend. "Indeed, sister, even if I consider myself touched by the divine in a sense of my faith, and not my blood." Despite being presented as an aasimar by Agath, Oreana has no visual signs that would betray her race... she seems just human.

"As much as I would like to return to the Spire immediately. We expended a lot of resources in that last fight and I truly need to rest and recover my spells. I believe Elise does as well. Spend what remains of the day in Magepoint...First thing in the morning, we teleport back to the Spire. Rest, recover, pray in your temples, tomorrow we return to the Spire, heal Kaydanna and resume the fight."

"It's unfortunate.. Hopefully no one decides to take a war hammer to her.."

"It's unfortunate.. Hopefully no one decides to take a war hammer to her.."

"I'm just worried about the pigeons"

"Tell me Ravarel, do you happen to know what spells this Spellweaver uses? I could better prepare us for a fight if I knew some of what it could cast.."

Taking advantage of the resources in Tensers castle, Rav tries asking and researching the typical spells used by Spellweavers and any other info he can find about them

taking 10 + any bonuses for the vast research resources at Tensers castle
32 on knowledge arcana, nature, religion, spellcraft

You know spellweavers are accomplished telepaths and intense students of magic, so they can know any 1st-6th level of magic spells and they can modify them with metamagic as well.

Ravarel passes this information along to Elise and the others so they know what we are up against

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I am going to move it along to get Kaydanna in the game... The next day comes as you spend your gold (if you buy anything, please list it in the OOC thread; otherwise, I will assume you are saving up.) You return in tow to the ziggurat, apply the salve to the statue and Kaydanna comes back to life. Now, you have to deal with the pit of doom.

Prepared spellcasters, please list your spells in the OOC thread for the day.

Before leaving Magepoint Elise will create a Hero's Feast for the group..

Link to Spell

Bonus Hps: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

Before entering the black pit of death Elise will cast..

She will cast Corruption Resistance and Magic Vestment on herself..

A note that the +1 morale to will saves from feast will not stack with the +2 morale bonus that you get within 10' of Elise.

Oreana partakes on the feast and eats voraciously. After years spent on the battlefields, she learnt to enjoy the little pleasures of life, especially before entering a god forsaken dungeon.

There is too much on my shoulders and I should get as much help as I can, being it in the form of additional arms, magic or even good food...

Once the feast is over, Oreana gets ready for the transportation magic. I think we teleported inside the wall this time, right?

Before entering the ziggurat, Oreana draws her sword and her shield. She focuses herself on the brightness in her soul and soon after a halo appears above her head, finally 'revealing' her nature.

"If you are ready, we shall press on!"

Marching order as you "walk" down into the dark pit?

With Oreana (and her light source) and Siggut's darkvision, the party begins descending into the pit. When you reach 100' down and still no end in sight to the pit, Siggut spots a 10' wide tunnel in the east wall 60' further down.

Elise will take this time to cast extended shield of faith on herself..

Ravarel with 90ft Darkvision and See Invisibility

"Looks like that tunnel is a good place to start "
His voice comes out muted not wanting to attract unneeded attention while exposed in this Pit.

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Kaydanna's spells are updated

earlier

as Kaydanna comes back to life she completes the sword swing she was attempting before turning to stone narrowly missing Siggurt if he but stood a little taller... taking some time to gather her senses she listens to her companions retell the tale of what occurred...troubled by this she retreats to pray over the loss of another member of the party and her failure for hours until the group is ready to continue the mission. Kaydanna greets the newcomer with open arms and expresses her desire to extract revenge upon the evil foes...

once in the tunnel Kaydanna stays in the back as rear guard...

Oreana nods in agreement and also answers in a low tone. "There is no obvious answer to where we should go so any option is a good option. Let's move on... and keep your eyes opened."

As you head down the long 10' wide tunnel, Siggut sees 60' ahead two medium-sized worm-like creatures with humanoid heads and sharp teeth! He cries out a warning to the party.

Initiative:
Elise: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
Kaydanna: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25
Oreana: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19
Ravarel: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24
Siggut: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
Antagonist: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Combat Map

If you do not have 60' darkvision and you are not at Siggut's square, you cannot see the enemies or target them with magic.

Kaydanna and Ravarel are up.

Since Kay is in the back and cannot see the foes she delays...

Ravarel has Darkvision 90ft. Can he see the worm like creatures? If so, knowledge check to identify. If he cannot see them because he is not in Sigguts square he'll hold his action till he can see what we're up against

Knowledge : 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (15) + 22 = 37
22 for arcana, dungeoneering, nature,planes ,religion
11 for all other knowledge checks

Dungeoneering is the appropriate skill choice. The creatures are worm nagas and they are known as the bane of all mages and sorcerers and this is what you know about them:
Immune to mind-affecting spells
They have no natural energy resistances
Feeblemind Gaze - 30' range (most powerful ability)
They are not very agile
Their bite is poisonous
They have moderate spell-like abilities (up to 5th level), normally focused on necromantic/death effects (like slay living, enervation, bestow curse, etc.) as well as dispel magic and buffs

With 90ft Darkvision if Rav can hit them with a fireball, he will

Dazing Fireball DC23: 10d6 + 15 ⇒ (6, 3, 1, 4, 5, 3, 4, 5, 5, 5) + 15 = 56

If he can't hit them with a Dazing Fireball he will cast Haste

Regardless he passes along the results of the knowledge check

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Reflex save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
Reflex save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9, fails taking 56 damage and dazed for 3 rounds
Only 1 of the nagas is dazed, the other saves, taking 28 damage.

Round 1: Bad guys
The wounded naga moves up 20' (not very fast) and casts a spell on Ravarel!
Fort save DC 18 or be blinded.

fort vs DC18: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13

luckstaff 1/day reroll
fort vs DC18: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19

Siggut will move up and make sure he blocks the path, but makes sure he remains further than 30' from the critters. As they approach, he will close his eyes to avoid the gaze.

Looking at Gaze special attack, I concluded that Oreana would have to make a check as soon as she enters the radius of the gaze, so I did it... if it is not like this, feel free to use her first roll as her attack roll.

Oreana wasted no time and charges forward, drawing her sword in the process.

"For the glorious Heironeous! Come friends, let me lead you in a glorious charge against darkness!"

Will Save: 1d20 + 17 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 17 + 8 = 30
Will Save: 1d20 + 17 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 17 + 8 = 35
Attack (longsword), charge: 1d20 + 21 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 21 + 2 = 34 Her attack bypasses silver/cold iron DR
Damage (longsword): 1d10 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12

If I understood it correctly, these worms are pretty much spellcasters so I think it would be better to engage them to avoid so much spells being flung at us. Also, I think Oreana is pretty safe from all the compulsion/necromantic/death effects for now... (I hope)

Also, as per her Inspiring Sword feat, everyone that witnessed her charge a +2 sacred bonus on all attack, save and skill checks for 1 minute.

Siggut has learned caution by now.

Elise will move 5' back and ready a counterspell via dispel magic, should the worm naga try to cast another spell..

Readied action