Dungeon Master S's "Curse of the Crimson Throne" (Inactive)

Game Master Chris Marsh

Grym and Bucho waiting on the other end of the "unexplored room" hear the strange harp music and wonder what is going on. Unlike Sandor, the ranger can be very patient. Though he does reach out telepathically to Criktik. "Hey, are we ready to hit this last room?"

Then Grym notices the blood flowing uphill... Blades are already out. He motions to Bucho to guard his back.

DM, Team Ranger is in a different spot on the map. Can they see anything different happening in the big room where we killed the alien blood spider?

Nope, nothing different there either. It all seems to be going to the same place...

Will post in the morning

-Posted with Wayfinder

It seems the music has started. I'm ready. Let us end this.

Gaius pockets anything he can pocket.

This chamber smells of blood. The eastern portion contains a large square basin, the rim of which is decorated with a convoluted bas-relief that resembles a jumble of snakes and slugs. Within the basin is a drop of three feet to the surface of a pool of what appears to be blood. Numerous thin crystalline tubes extend out of the wall above the basin, pass through its rim, and emerge along the inner rim, each one protruding like a tiny spigot over the pool below.

A wooden platform to the southwest of the basin is cluttered with various alchemical supplies and surgical tools. A small iron stand sits on the platform—cradled in it is a dark blue gemstone the size of a child’s fist.

Before the party can settle in to look around the dark blood rises up into a semi-human form!

Grym's will save 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

The ranger grits his teeth. He draws strength from his magic blades and his loyal dog leaning into his leg.

Baddies: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Ferox: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21
Gaius: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Grym*: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19 (Includes Favored)
Morkeleb: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
Odric: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
Sandor: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

Round 1:
Ferox: Go
Morkeleb: Go
Grym: Go
Sandor: Go
Odric: Go
Blood Ooze: TBD
Gaius: TBD

Know, Planes: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (4) + 25 = 29 <--are you serious right now???

Morkeleb has no idea what this thing is...but he sees Grym is ready to go. He makes his now-familiar spellcasting, and touches the Ranger.

Grym bursts out into a triumphant shout, and Serethial joins in, as he is affected by Greater Heroism

Round One Team Ranger

Grym looks at the strange being forming up out of the blood. The alluring curves of said being start to give the ranger ideas about how to handle and "stab" her. Then wizard's magic takes hold of Thorgrym the Tracker. Energy pours into his body, not the familiar uber speed of Mork's haste spell, but this is different... More like some mixture of strength, power, and sheer MARAUD!!!!!!!

With a silent warcry Grym pops forward on quick stepping footwork. Both blades spiral and spin as he slices into her figure.

Greater Heroism ATTACK!

attack 1d20 + 21 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 21 + 2 + 4 = 35
Serethial 1d8 + 15 + 2 + 4 + 4d6 ⇒ (8) + 15 + 2 + 4 + (3, 2, 1, 5) = 40

The big dog feels his master's energy and needs no prompting to attack. Jaws first he attacks

Main attack 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (12) + 18 = 30
Jaws of death 1d8 + 15 ⇒ (2) + 15 = 17

Grym splashes through the shallow blood that hasn't been taken up, and with the Blade, cuts into the shape! Despite the magic, Grym's attack only barely hits, and the blade as epic as it is, seems muted against the amorphous foe. Bucho, unfortunately, can't find purchase with it's jaws. Some profane protection turns his teeth aside.

Round 1:
Ferox: Go
Morkeleb: Go
Grym: ATK!
Sandor: Go
Odric: Go
Blood Ooze: TBD
Gaius: TBD

Was anyone else having problems with Paizo yesterday? I tried to post twice and no joy...

Thinking back to the book they found in Castle Korvosa Sandor tries to remember the drawings.

Know Planes assist Morkelb: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

He recalls the caption below the drawing. Ohh I know this one laddie.. its a Immortal Ichor. Hope the name helps ya with facts there Mork.

Round the First

Odric charges at the icker and slashes with his own legendary blade!

Odric uncharacteristically trips on the lip of the pool, and misses the ooze.

Round 1:
Ferox: Go
Morkeleb: Go
Grym: ATK!
Sandor: Go [/b]
Odric: Miss
Blood Ooze: TBD
Gaius: TBD

dude, I swear you have it out for me. I cast a spell (Greater Heroism on Grym). You always do that to me man!! I call foul...

Lol sorry man... I do it to Sandor too for some reason, and I'm not sure why... Still, I'm AFK today. Will post later if I can.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Seeing the horror rise up from the pool, Ferox calls on Abadar to aid him in this battle.

Swift: activate Judgements - Destruction and Justice

He then takes quick aim and looses a volley at the creature.

Arrow1: 1d20 + 21 + 1 + 3 - 2 - 3 ⇒ (17) + 21 + 1 + 3 - 2 - 3 = 37
Damage: 1d8 + 7 + 2d6 + 6 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 7 + (1, 4) + 6 + 5 = 30
Manyshot: 1d8 + 7 + 2d6 + 6 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 7 + (2, 3) + 6 + 5 = 27

Rapid Shot: 1d20 + 21 + 1 + 3 - 2 - 3 ⇒ (8) + 21 + 1 + 3 - 2 - 3 = 28
Damage: 1d8 + 7 + 2d6 + 6 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 7 + (3, 4) + 6 + 5 = 29

Arrow2: 1d20 + 21 + 1 + 3 - 2 - 3 ⇒ (18) + 21 + 1 + 3 - 2 - 3 = 38
Damage: 1d8 + 7 + 2d6 + 6 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 7 + (3, 2) + 6 + 5 = 27

[ooc]Clustered Shots - Total damage before applying DR[/dice]

Lolz Morkelb, you should just start taking extra actions, Call it "DM Haste". :D.

In for a penny in for a.. In for a copper in for a 260lb dwarf. This might not be smart, but it's how I kill things. Already covered in blood from the last guy.

Sandor moves swiftly forward heading to the open space just to Odric's right. As he jumps down into the blood, He hopes his axe will be considered aligned good.

Dwarven Waraxe +1 PA+flank: 1d20 + 19 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 19 + 2 = 36
Dmg: 1d10 + 15 ⇒ (4) + 15 = 19

Ferox demonstrates the Power of the First Vault, the Scales, and the Key.

His arrows fly burrowing a through and through hole! Only a single arrow fails.

Sandor, I can't see any way for you to close (even with your speed) that doesn't involve drawing an AoO. I'll let you keep your turn and redo it. Odric's damage is enough to draw his ire and it won't target Grym.

The insidious words ooze into Grym's mind again, faster and faster, but now more easily resisted. Will Save from Grym. DC is only 18 now and you have a +5 due to the combat.

The ooze thrusts at Odric: Slam: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (13) + 21 = 34 for DMG: 6d6 + 7 ⇒ (2, 5, 2, 4, 1, 6) + 7 = 27. What's worse is Odric's sense of self and awareness is dimmed by the touch. WISDOM DRAIN: 1d3 ⇒ 2

Round 1:
Ferox: Hits
Morkeleb: Gtr Heroism
Grym: ATK!
Sandor: Redo
Odric: Miss
Blood Ooze: ATK
Gaius: Go

Round 1:
Ferox: Go
Morkeleb: Go
Grym: Go
Sandor: Go
Odric: Go
Blood Ooze: TBD
Gaius: TBD

Round 2

Will save 1d20 + 10 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 10 + 5 = 18

Grym is bolstered having Odric and Sandor fighting alongside. The ranger steps up his attack when the blood ooze slams the Stout.

Full Attack!

Main attack 1d20 + 21 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 21 + 2 + 4 = 43
Serethial 1d8 + 15 + 2 + 4 + 4d6 ⇒ (8) + 15 + 2 + 4 + (5, 1, 4, 5) = 44

Offhand 1d20 + 18 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 18 + 4 = 36
SharkSlayer 1d4 + 13 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 13 + 4 = 21

2nd Main 1d20 + 21 + 2 + 4 - 5 ⇒ (1) + 21 + 2 + 4 - 5 = 23
Serethial 1d8 + 15 + 2 + 4 + 4d6 ⇒ (6) + 15 + 2 + 4 + (5, 4, 3, 3) = 42

2nd Offhand 1d20 + 18 + 4 - 5 ⇒ (13) + 18 + 4 - 5 = 30
SharkSlayer 1d4 + 13 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 13 + 4 = 20

Rend damage 1d10 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

The big brindle fights at his master's side

attack 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (9) + 18 = 27
bite 1d8 + 15 ⇒ (3) + 15 = 18

2nd attack 1d20 + 18 - 5 ⇒ (2) + 18 - 5 = 15
bite 1d8 + 15 ⇒ (5) + 15 = 20

Round the Second

Round 1 redo

Grym don't forget your will save bonus of +4 from greater Heroism

Sandor moves up behind Bucho and Odric. He crouches behind trying to take at lease partial cover from the Ichor. Please Odric for the love of Torm move and let me in.

Will trynto get to this today. To save some time, oozes aren't subject to critical hits and precision damage..... Also, Grym's 18 on his will save might have been on of the most important saves of the entire campaign...

-Posted with Wayfinder

Sandor moves up ready to get in there.

Grym scores a pair of hits but most miss. Bucho never really comes close. Odric scores a pair of hits but while the ooze's body LOOKS like a human's it's only for show.

Round 1:
Ferox: Hits
Morkeleb: Gtr Heroism
Grym: ATK!
Sandor: move
Odric: Miss
Blood Ooze: ATK
Gaius: Go

Round 1:
Ferox: Go
Morkeleb: Go
Grym: Hit
Sandor: Go
Odric: Hit
Blood Ooze: TBD
Gaius: TBD

Round 2

Save for blood/aura?: 1d20 ⇒ 10

Full Attk TWF+PA
Dwarven Waraxe +1 TWF+PA: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (6) + 17 = 23
Dmg: 1d10 + 15 ⇒ (4) + 15 = 19
Shield Bash TWF+PA: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (19) + 20 = 39 Opponent Hit with Attack is affected by a Bull Rush the CMB= Attack Roll+6. If opponent can't move it falls prone
Dmg: 1d6 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15
Dwarven Waraxe +1 TWF+PA (2nd attk): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17
Dmg: 1d10 + 15 ⇒ (5) + 15 = 20
Shield Bash TWF+PA (2nd attk): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (15) + 15 = 30 Opponent Hit with Attack is affected by a Bull Rush the CMB= Attack Roll+6. If opponent can't move it falls prone
Dmg: 1d6 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18
Dwarven Waraxe +1 TWF+PA (3rd attk): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
Dmg: 1d10 + 15 ⇒ (6) + 15 = 21

Rend (If both weapons hit): 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Will trynto get to this today. To save some time, oozes aren't subject to critical hits and precision damage..... Also, Grym's 18 on his will save might have been on of the most important saves of the entire campaign...

-Posted with Wayfinder

Thank goodness I had some help w/ the will save, else would have been boned...

No aura of blood with this thing.

Sandor connects only once. His hit doesn't seem to hurt the ichor, but it is driven back a bit.

Round 1:
Ferox: Hits
Morkeleb: Gtr Heroism
Grym: ATK!
Sandor: move
Odric: Miss
Blood Ooze: ATK
Gaius: Go

Round 1:
Ferox: Go
Morkeleb: Go
Grym: Hit
Sandor: Hit
Odric: Hit
Blood Ooze: TBD
Gaius: TBD

Seeing his arrows pierce the creature, Ferox keeps up the attack with another volley.

Arrow1: 1d20 + 21 + 1 + 3 - 2 - 3 ⇒ (17) + 21 + 1 + 3 - 2 - 3 = 37
Damage: 1d8 + 7 + 2d6 + 6 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 7 + (6, 5) + 6 + 5 = 35
Manyshot: 1d8 + 7 + 2d6 + 6 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 7 + (2, 6) + 6 + 5 = 27

Rapid Shot: 1d20 + 21 + 1 + 3 - 2 - 3 ⇒ (2) + 21 + 1 + 3 - 2 - 3 = 22
Damage: 1d8 + 7 + 2d6 + 6 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 7 + (5, 1) + 6 + 5 = 25

Arrow2: 1d20 + 21 + 1 + 3 - 2 - 3 ⇒ (8) + 21 + 1 + 3 - 2 - 3 = 28
Damage: 1d8 + 7 + 2d6 + 6 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 7 + (5, 3) + 6 + 5 = 28

Only the opening salvo strikes true, but the damage is incredible as Ferox continues to wreck the ooze!

Round 1:
Ferox: Hits
Morkeleb: Gtr Heroism
Grym: ATK!
Sandor: move
Odric: Miss
Blood Ooze: ATK
Gaius: Go

Round 1:
Ferox: Hit
Morkeleb: Go
Grym: Hit
Sandor: Hit
Odric: Hit
Blood Ooze: TBD
Gaius: TBD

Gaius advances and Blesses The party.

With so many attacks falling just short, Gaius beseeches the Savored Sting to help everyone swing and shoot a little more confidently.

Round 2:
Ferox: Hit
Morkeleb: Go
Grym: Hit
Sandor: Hit
Odric: Hit
Blood Ooze: TBD
Gaius: TBD

Round 2:
Ferox: Hit
Morkeleb: Go
Grym: Hit AoO (Grym and Bucho)
Sandor: Hit
Odric: Hit AoO
Blood Ooze: TBD
Gaius: TBD

Unsure whether any of his magics will affect this thing, Morkeleb opts for the fire of Scorching Ray.

Ranged Touch, into melee, blessed: 1d20 + 9 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (9) + 9 + 1 - 4 = 15
Damage, Fire: 4d6 ⇒ (3, 1, 2, 1) = 7

Ranged Touch, into melee, blessed: 1d20 + 9 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 9 + 1 - 4 = 21
Damage, Fire: 4d6 ⇒ (1, 4, 6, 5) = 16

Ranged Touch, into melee, blessed: 1d20 + 9 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (13) + 9 + 1 - 4 = 19
Damage, Fire: 4d6 ⇒ (1, 3, 4, 1) = 9

All three of Morkeleb's rays miss their target!

Round 2 cont

The ranger sees an opening and honed reflexes instantly react. Grym lunges, Serethial's tip on target.

AoO 1d20 + 21 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 21 + 2 + 4 = 46
Serethial 1d8 + 15 + 2 + 4 + 4d6 ⇒ (7) + 15 + 2 + 4 + (2, 4, 5, 6) = 45

The big dog also moves forward eager to pounce on the off balance prey.

AoO 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (9) + 18 = 27
Bite 1d8 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14

Sandor's bash might not have hurt the ichor, but it travels right through Grym's zone and he cuts it extremely deep! Unfortunately Bucho can't seem to get anything going.

Round 2:
Ferox: Hit
Morkeleb: S.R.
Grym: Hit
Sandor: Hit
Odric: Hit AoO
Blood Ooze: TBD
Gaius: TBD

A mute Grym gives a mute Sandor a salute w/ SharkSlayer for the sweet teamwork play.

Attack of Opportunity

Odric uses his skill as best he can, adding another slice during Sandor's immense rush forward! The cut lands simultaneously with Grym's. The ichor spasms and vibrates, slowly falling apart and reverting to nothing but an immense pool of blood!

For defeating the immortal ichor of Queen Ileosa Arabasti, each character receives 17,067 XP

Odric is spent. "Morkeleb, please spirit us back to some safe haven for a rest. My abilities are falling apart, I'm horribly wounded and magical means of healing have failed. We simply must rest."

Odric steadfastly refuses to go on without a break. He explains that the fight of their lives is ahead, and going into it this weakened is suicide.

Sandor makes his way over to Odric, pours some water over his head, handing him a clean cloth. He then reaches into the good stuff offering the lad a snort of Stout.

Lad I know ya are tired, I know ya feel the weight of this place pressing down upon ye. I do too. But we're on a clock. That woman, if'n I can even call her that, is almost complete wit her blood ritual. If she complete's it how many in Korvosa will die? How will Korvosa be changed? We're close ta her. She's close ta finishing.

It's time. It's time for the Lord Vindicator Odric the Stout of the Upturned Cup - Scion of the First Cousin of House Endrin. Son, Servant, and Saviour of Korvosa, Initiate of the Korvosan Guard to push on. Time for Odric to push on with his Twice Born from Cindermaw Brother Sandor. Time for him to push on with the rest of the Upturned Cup.

Sandor starts to do a few of Odric's warm up exercises.

Rise lad, get up the city is full of Little Lamms compared ta this magic. Get up one last bit of protectin ta do.

I'm horribly wounded and magical means of healing have failed.

.

Grym is confused by this. He shrugs his shoulders and thinks to himself "hmm, his header says he has full hit points..."

"Sandor, I know the stakes. That is exactly why I've got to insist we recuperate a bit prior to joining battle with what is very likely the toughest foe any of us have ever faced."

Odric turns to Grym, "I've got tons of damage, including some that is un-healable, ability drain, and a hangnail. I've been so busy procrastinating that I haven't gone back through and tabulated it for a while."

"I also feel like by resting I might be about 107.1428% more powerful."

"We dare not give Ileosa any more time to complete her ritual. We don't know how close she is to completing it and any delay could prove disastrous. My vote is to press on.

"If you really are in such dire shape, Odric, perhaps Gaius or I may be able to help."

What is actually wrong with Odric?

What is your HP at, and what status effects are in play?

It looks like Odric only took a single hit, for 27 damage and 2 Wisdom Drain.

Characters know that Ileosa is working on a month long ritual to make herself invincible (involving some method of blending her soul to that of Kazavon himself and apparently using Thassilionian Runelord magic. ) You estimate that she has 1-3 days left based on your progress thus far. So, there's ROUGHLY a 33% chance that resting will backfire. You also know that she's stuck in the ritual, so she's bound to the Sunken Queen.

It looks like Odric only took a single hit, for 27 damage and 2 Wisdom Drain.

From the previous fight he's also -1 Con and 3 negative levels!!

Morkeleb takes a close look at Odric. Seeing the warrior far more pale than usual, and insisting on rest to boot, gives him pause.

hmmm...the life force that was drained from our Stout friend here will return, but it will take time--less than a day.

He takes a deep breath. I agree with Odric. I think our best bet is to rest enough to regain our strength, then storm Ileosa's lair above. I do appreciate that our time is short...but if we were to drain our resources further to get Odric back up into fighting shape, we will be even less prepared for our final confrontation.

He pulls out a scroll. I can cast this spell, to give us safe hiding for a full night's rest--and a banquet of heroic proportions as well! And, I have been studying further and am on the verge of a breakthrough for even more powerful magicks. I opine that our increased chances of success after rest will offset the odds of today, rather than tomorrow or the day after, being Ileosa's final day of the ritual.

That being said, I will go with gusto if the decision is to press on now, rather than rest.

That is my vote, for what it's worth.

Interesting point, Morkeleb. Personally, I usually let my bow speak for me during battle. I have no qualms using the spells Abadar has gifted me to prepare us for the fight ahead.

I stand ready to make our warriors hale for the fight ahead as I believe we should press on.

!@#$%^&%^&@#$!!$#%^#$%^&$%^& Odric didn't include his -3 levels in his attacks on the Immortal Ichor. We should not be out of combat. I'm not rewinding. Please guys, make sure everything is accurate when rolling dice.

I could... I can use the power of my prayer beads to transform into wind, and take three of you with me. We could use that to scout into the area ahead and check on The Queen and the ritual. Perhaps... Myself, Morkeleb, Ferox and Sandor. That's a broad amount of experience. The four of us should be able to discern something about what we see, and see if we have time to use the scroll to rest.

If there are no objections, I'll just do it.