Dungeon Master S's "Among the Living" (Inactive)

Game Master Chris Marsh

Is Chusy's HP correct in his stat-line? If so, should we heal you up, buddy? I don't like having our healers at half-capacity if we can help it. I have a Potion of CLW that we picked up in this game, if it's helpful.

Kyra got me before, I just hadn't updated yet.

*gives thumbs-up*

Oh, I see you've been active... Sorry, european time doesn't really match your intense posting :)

Dioneo looks down on the woman with disdain.

"Oh, look, another accidental death." he says, laughing a little.

He then says to the others, pointing at the curtains, "If I remember well the rooms, there is still the behind of the scene we didn't explore. Should we try on one side or on two sides?"

AFK until late tonight, but I dig the repartee.

-Posted with Wayfinder

"Normally I would say that we should not split up the team. Splitting up the team only ends in sadness, and I would prefer tha tthis not end up that way.

"I remember, back at the Worldwound, working for a team out of Nerosyn, a couple of the more zealous types though that we 'stealthy' ones should sneak forward and scout. I was not in charge, so I followed orders. The camp that we were checking out was empty.... except for corpses. When we made our way back, we found the other three engaged in combat with demons. We lost several good men and women that day... and since then... I do not split the party."

Dioneo looks down on the woman with disdain. "Oh, look, another accidental death." he says, laughing a little.

Kyra grimaces at Starnon’s grim humor.

Oblivious to Kyra's faces, Dioneo answers Trask.

"Well let's go your way, then. I am no scout. Nor am I a tactitian. I just... enjoy myself."

He turns to face the noble that accompanies the party and repeats what he said. "Isn't that funny? Enjoying oneself! The pleasure of the fight well-rounded. Nothing but ash. And accidental deaths, of course!"

"I...ugh.... um.... good job men. Way to be lighthearted in the face of adversity... not that Taldan nobles have adversity ever..."

Behind the stage curtain is a pair of stairs down. There is little doubt that the carnage continues downstairs as the path of wound-slurry continues. at the bottom of the stairs is a well lit room with all manner of half-forgotten sets and costumes. Various parts of a dozen corpses lie strewn about the floor. Blood and gore stain everything, making the floor slick and filling the room with a metallic aroma. Bodies lie askew, mouths hanging open in silent screams, faces contorted in fear.

Trask moves up, looking for clues. He says nothing, as he's tired of the flippancy of the wanna be heroes.

Jal also moved through the room, making a rough circuit that takes him towards the only obvious exit on the far side.

"My hat's off to the prop makers around here," Jal mutters as he nudges a corpse with his boot, "Damn realistic."

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

If nothing is found, Jal heads east.

Kyra checks the bodies for any signs of life.

Heal, looking for anyone I can stabilize: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17

Trask is all business while Kyra attends to her chosen call. She doesn't find anyone easily saved, but both Pathfinders catch as a trio of corpses rise to fight. One of them is a bugbear in the same livery as above.

Baddies: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (6) + 0 = 6
Jal: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Hamilton: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
Kyra: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (9) + 0 = 9
Chusynd: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
Dioneo: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

Everyone except Jal is up

Trask gets right back into his gruesome work. He moves up, drawing his nodachi, and attacks both the blue and the white zombies (I assume that is the bugbear?)
PA, cleave vs blue: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18 slashing: 1d10 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17
PA, cleave vs white: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13 slashing: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22

"How many more of these unclean things must we put back down? How are you doing on channels, Kyra? Maybe it is time to release Saranrae's cleansing light?"

Trask's nodachi cleaves clean through one of the zombies, and deep into the uncaring bugbear.

Kyra, Chusynd, and Dineeo

Kyra takes a wild swipe at the bugbear with her scimitar, then ducks behind Hamilton to clear the way for those better versed in combat.

+1 Scimitar, Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

5' Step

"Sarenae’s power is still strong within me, but you’re making short work of this lot. That wonder is best not to waste on a few stragglers."

Yes, Chusynd agrees to Jal's comments. Aroden would be proud of the craftsmanship. As you no doubt know, one of his twelve guises is that of the craftsman...

When the corpses arise, Chusynd shakes his head. More of na rudaí uafásach! Is é an chumhacht de Aróden láidir, ach admhaím mé na marbh ag siúl ag fáil dom! Fós, taitneamh a bhaint as bronntanas Aróden ar!

Swift action to trigger wand in wrist sheath, Standard to cast bless from it, Move action to draw longspear, Free to take five-foot step.

Dioneo comes near Jal and touches lightly his shoulder, muttering words of guidance.

Guidance

Chusynd and Dioneo buff the Pathfinders, but unfortunately Kyra can't hit her mark.

The human zombie shuffles forward and attacks Jal:
Slam: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24 THREAT
Slam: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9 DMG: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

The bugbear winds up and swings at Trask
Slam: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

Pathfinders!

Trask steps around (5' step) the bugbear to give others a flank, if he doesn't drop it with his next blow. The then swings his nodachi.

Nodachi, PA, Bless: 1d20 + 9 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 9 - 2 + 1 = 12 damage: 1d10 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13

'I knew I liked The Executioner better. Far better balance, and the reach of her shaft is just a bonus. And more reliable, obviously.'

Jal responds to his undead attacker.

Make it Studied Target, then Power Attack (including Guidance and Bless)
Katana: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 8 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 2 = 28
damage: 1d8 + 4 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 6 + 1 = 19

Crit confirm: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 8 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 2 = 20
Add'l damage: 1d8 + 4 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 6 + 1 = 18

Jal bifurcates the zombie down the middle!

-Posted with Wayfinder

Have to remember studied target -- been too long since I've played this character!

Dioneo, bored, casts guidance once more on Jal.

Kyra and Chusynd!

-Posted with Wayfinder

Chusynd pokes at the bugbear (giggtey)!

longspear w/bless & flanking: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 1 + 2 = 15
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

The spear isn't really the right tool for the job, but Chusynd manages to wrench the weapon a bit to tear the zombie apart, yet it still fights on.

Kyra!

Down to the wire. I'll bot Kyra in tune with her last action:
Kyra stands resolute with her scimitar
ATK: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 6 + 1 = 25
Confirm: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 1 = 9 Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

The zombie, mindless and undeterred, continues his beating of Jal: Slam: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18, but falls short. The creature looks pretty ragged, even for a zombie.

Pathfinders up!

Not really sure if the map is correct, but here goes:

Kyra slashes again with her scimitar, but the bugbear knocks the blade aside with ease.

+1 Scimitar, Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Trask will just slice away, after making the bugbear zombie his studied target.
Nodachi PA,flank, studied target: 1d20 + 9 - 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 9 - 2 + 2 + 1 = 23 slashing: 1d10 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21

"Damned undead... just never know when to stop moving."

Tracks complaint accents the second death of the zombie.

Out of combat.

-Posted with Wayfinder

That last attack on Jal may have been a hit. I have it listed at 20 b/c Kyra cast Divine Shield on him at the beginning of that last fight. With its 4 minute duration and how quickly we moved through that last fight and pressed on, it’s feasible that its still rolling, but I want to make sure I’m on the up and up. Let me know, DM S (though I’m assuming it will expire after this fight).

Jal steps back from the creature as Trask cuts it down. He fingers the new slash on his left coat-sleeve, wondering at the untouched flesh beneath.

”Damn fine trick, Kyra,” he mutters with a look over at the priestess. ”That could’ve taken my arm off.” His mouth quirks into a half-grin as he considers his blood-stained, torn-up courtiers coat, ”You think the tailor’ll still give me a full refund on this thing?”

He takes a few moments to search the bodies before pressing on, looking for more threats or whatever it is that’s creating all these undead.

taking 10 on Stealth (19) and Perception (20)

Let's say it expires now... will post this afternoon.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Trask moves up on the other side... with The Executioner out rather than the nodachi. He signals for the others to follow behind.
stealth: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Let’s put our successful scouting to work for us before we roll initiative.

Jal holds up a hand to forestall Trask, then back-tracks and whispers a detailed description of the behemoth and the cleric to the team.

Given the description that Jal just gave the team, what knowledge roll would give us a shot at knowing what Defensive abilities it’s likely to have? Knowing upfront which weapons and spells to use will be key to bringing it down quickly.

”We’ll need to drop the big guy fast, and we’ll need to do so without getting any of us mind-controlled or worse by the guy who I’m assuming can use evil spells. So any tricks any of you three have,” he looks at the team’s three magic-users, ”that can … ya know, protect me and Trask from Evil …. would be welcome.” ;-)

As he talks, he pulls a vial from the pockets of his coat, pulling the stopper and holding it ready as the team prepares.

Jal has an oil of Bless Weapon he’ll use right before he and Trask pull the trigger.
Protections from Evil for Trask and Jal would be nice, as I’m guessing we’ll be targeted by some spells quickly, as well as any other buffs we can use … that’d be nice.

Once the team is ready, he sneaks back into place and waits for Trask to start the fight. (once again taking 10 to get into position).

Well, knowledge religion is the one :-)

Once I have confirmation and you go, roll your surprise attacks then I'll have initiative

-Posted with Wayfinder

"Sure. Sounds good. You take point on the left passage, I'll take point on the right. Sounds like there isn't room for me to use a potion of enlarge person."

Hamilton uses his Shining Wayfinder to cast protection from evil on himself.

"Kyra, you still memorizing bull's strength? Would you mind casting that on me?

"Dioneo, if you can slap a protection from evil on Jal, that'd be better than the shield of faith that Chusynd could cast."

He looks at Jal, then the rest of the group. "Assuming it is just some sort of big zombie, Jal and I should handle it. We've got three healers... if you two of you work to keep us standing, I think we'll be just fine. Dioneo, you should stay in reserve, ready to unleash your fire on the cleric once we've dropped the ogre.

"Good enough?"

Oil of bless weapon... oh, that'd be good. Will have to buy some after this!

Dioneo shrugs.

"Sure." he simply says, casting the spell at once.

Protection from evil on Jal.

"Oh, and know that I can enlarge someone... quicker than usual. I can use that trick once per day, but I can use it in combat."

Jal nods his thanks to Dioneo. ”That could be clutch once we can actually get into the room.”

Excellent, then for proactivity, I’ll go ahead and give Jal’s actions.

Jal skulks into position where Trask suggested, taking a moment to bathe his blade in the oil as he watches how the big thing moves. (Make the zombie his Studied Target and use Oil of Bless Weapon from stealth). When he hears Trask attack, Jal steps forward and jams his blade as deeply under its underarm as he can manage.

5’ step into melee, then surprise-power attack (including Studied Target and Sneak Attack)
katana: 1d20 + 8 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 8 + 1 - 2 = 27 <— AUTO-CONFIRMS
damage: 1d8 + 4 + 6 + 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 6 + 1 + (6) = 20
add'l damage: 1d8 + 4 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 6 + 1 = 14

Possible 34 damage if it can be crit'd/sneak attacked.

"Dioneo, that'd be great! With The Executione here, that would give me a fifteen foot range. Or Jal will get ten. Either way, play it by ear."

assuming we are following Trask's plan, with Myra behind Jal, and the other two behind Trask, though at least 15 feet back.
Trask will move up, quietly as well. stealth: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21, make the ogre his studied target, and attack from 10' away.
surprise attack,PA,BS,ST: 1d20 + 9 - 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 9 - 2 + 1 + 2 = 24 sneak damage: 1d10 + 12 + 3 + 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (7) + 12 + 3 + 1 + (6) = 29

Other than the effort of swinging the bardiche, no other sound comes out of the slayer.

Dioneo slips behind Trask and gets ready to cast support spells if needed.

Dioneo, Kyra, and Chusynd I'm assuming are coming up after. You get to go in the surprise round, but start in the way back.

Baddies: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (1) + 0 = 1
Jal: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Hamilton: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
Kyra: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (20) + 0 = 20
Chusynd: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
Dioneo: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

This ought to be quick

The magistrate bravely offers to guard the stairs up, just as the famous General Hark did during the first Battle of Pezzack centuries ago!

Jal sneaks forward and brings his wickedly sharp blade down the zombie's flank. If would have sliced a trio of men in half, but the zombie simply takes the hit without reaction. Much of what was left inside is now spilling onto the floor. The heavy blade of the bardiche lands in the very same wound and finishes what Jal started, dropping the ogre zombie in a heap. The man at the top of the dias turns in shock, shouting literal profanities.

Surprise Round
Jal: CRIT
Kyra: Go!
Chusynd: Go!
Trask: SLASH
Dioneo: Moves forward

Round 1
Jal:
Kyra:
Chusynd:
Trask:
Dioneo:
Baddies:

Jal bursts from his cover, gray eyes focused intensely on his quarry as he rushes across the room and up the stairs onto the dais, where he slashes at the man before he can react.

Move into melee (just north of the man), then Power attack (I’m including Sneak Attack and Studied Target in the damage roll. If Sneak Attack damage is dealt, Jal will make the man his Studied Target as an Immediate action, which why it’s included in the damage roll)
Katana: 1d20 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 8 - 2 = 24 <— AUTO-CONFIRMS
damage: 1d8 + 4 + 6 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 6 + (3) + 1 = 17
add'l damage: 1d8 + 4 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 6 + 1 = 15

For a possible 32 ... sheesh ... Bless Weapon is seriously pulling its weight. O.o

Trask moves up, To within ten feet, and also attacks token not moved

PA, etc,: 1d20 + 9 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (19) + 9 + 2 - 1 = 29 dmg w/sneak: 1d10 + 12 + 3 + 1d6 ⇒ (8) + 12 + 3 + (6) = 29

PA,confirm: 1d20 + 9 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (1) + 9 + 2 - 1 = 11
PA, re roll, four stars: 1d20 + 9 + 2 - 1 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 9 + 2 - 1 + 4 = 27 critics dMage: 1d10 + 12 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 12 + 3 = 23

52 damage, if confirms and sneak works.

O.o
I've never seen this happen before. This is disgusting. I LOVE IT!

Also, I moved your token. I think you can move that far, and it gives you flanking.

I'm tempted to just sit back and watch the carnage. With 84 points, this might be over already. :-D

Chusynd will move up and ready an action to channel (3d6) if needed, using Selective Channel to exclude Glenn Danzig over there.

Life links still up on Jal and Trask, just in case.

"MOTHER! Tell your ch...."

Yeah this is WAY over. So very dead before getting a turn.... that's the fastest I've ever seen the BBEG fall.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Nice. I didn't even get into it.

Kyra moves through the narrow passage, and casts Hold Person on the dark cleric.    He's still up, right?
 
 
 
Cast: Hold Person (Will 16) – 4 rounds