Emerald Kingdoms (Inactive)

Game Master Kevin O'Rourke 440

As they approach the shrine Jorin starts to feel a bit more at ease. 'Here', he thinks, 'is something I recognise'.

Listening to the conversation Jorin speaks to the acolyte. "Do they have any known weaknesses or are there specific ways of dealing with them?"

"I have no significance first hand experience but as with most undead positive energy is damaging to them."

It occurs to me, that I actually have no idea if it's plausible for me to know about hellknights and what. What's the knowledge check (or is that common knowledge)?

Jorin cannot recall anything about ghouls, it goes to show that his time walking the pilgrims path is nowhere near being finished.

"Should we await Brother Eldrast here or go looking for him? We'd be interested in speaking to him about this job. Certainly helping to rid the surrounding lands of the taint of evil undeath is a worthwhile act.

"It might be a few hours before his return. I wouldn't go to the graveyard this late in they. Honestly I doubt he'll have much more to add that gives new information. I can let him know ye showed some interest in the matter."

Know Local: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7 Max DC 10

Know Planes: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5 Max DC 10

Amadeen speaks up again.

"Thank you for your time Taronnel. We will speak with the rest of our companions and will let you know how that goes. Good night!"

Amadeen makes to return to the Greenforest.

Know Local: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Know Planes: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Assuming Jorin and Amadeen return to the tavern Jorin will explain the job details to the party

"...so", he concludes, it sounds like a good way to get some funds for our further journeys underground. It would help in buying equipment we might need but can't yet afford. What do ye think?"

"I'm game, we could use the cash. We're good at range, and ghouls aren't!"

"Tik'Klik." Tik's hand clicks back, and his arm whirrs and buzzes, showing it's ready to 'foom' at anything that needs fooming.

"I think I'll stick with the spells in my head already. I can place an ill omen on a ghoul, make it flail about for a few moments. Could save someone's skin if a few ghouls are ganging up on them."

Amadeen's baseline level of cheer seems barely dented by the prospect of facing flesh-eating undead monsters.

"That's the spirit Tik, I don't know much about ghouls but if they are attacking people they have to be dealt with."He slaps his closed fan in his hand to emphasise the point."Stick with Amadeen and cover her with that.."gestures to the fooming appendage with his fan"..weapon you're eager to use on them."

Jorin taps his lips thoughtfully with his fan as he thinks."I wonder if we should go looking for them or have them come to us. If we proceed along the same road we could lure out an ambush from them. As long as we are properly prepared we can turn the tables on them. Give them a nasty surprise"

He grins at the last words but quickly hides it behind his now opened fan as if seeming happy at the coming conflict was not something that he should allow to be seen. He attempts to conceal his own eagerness behind the now fluttering fan but the gleam in his eyes is enough to know.

"Tik'Klik!"

Tik begins to follow Amadeen, his arm in 'foom' position.

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Barek Tanner wrote:

Barek scratches his head. "Hello? What happened to 'Get a spire token and get back?'

"Looks like it's just you and me boy." He says, turning to pat Mong. "Mong?" He growls, finding his dog has also wandered off.

A man with greasy black hair and a broad grin turns his head. "Spire Token you say, it just so happens I know someone who has one. I'm sure with the right amount of coin they'd part with it!"

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Barek looks the man over and then ignores him, turning away to go and look for Mong. Oh, and the others.

Only a couple of days to go, then I'm home again, and back to posting more often.

Alright progressing things onwards, I'm going to assume ye are going to deal with the ghouls as that is what most preference has been shown for. Jorin will realize when they ask around about the graveyard that they did go along the road near it, it seems that the ghouls are not attacking every group going along it so it might take a while of going back and for before they take the bait.

Do ye want to do that or head into the cemetery, if so any special preparations or materials being picked up? Going to push things along now for a bit for the little side adventure.

"I can track a bit",says Jorin,"we could hunt them down rather than bait ourselves if they are particular about who they ambush. That said the goblin tried to ambush us too, although it may have been stupidity on his part and not a visible weakness on ours. I'd imagine Barek here could do a better job or finding their nest if that's the way we should go."

Amadeen makes a deliberate "thinking" face. Mostly for her own amusement. And then speaks up.

"We should find them before they find us. Sneak around in the cemetary during the day, find their lair, and see if we can't help of a few of the walking dead stop walking. Maybe with a generous gift of oil, helpfully already lit."

Tracking and Stealth sound like a great idea to me. And burning out half-asleep ghouls. ;)

Finding the tracks takes a little while but isn't too hard, you trace them back to a section of the graveyard which has been building up for quite some time from some of the gravestones. Ye do see other tracks crossing these so can never be sure keeping your eyes peeled in case they spot ye first.

Ye are able to get a surprise round on two ghouls who snarl as they spot ye. Everyone can get a surprise round in.

Surprise Round
Tik'klik 23
Ghouls
Barek 15
Darya 13
Amadeen 12
Jorin 10

Graveyard Map 1

Amadeen sees which ghoul Tik attacks and then looks at the other one, aiming to keep it off-balance before the group can get around to finishing it off. And keep quiet if the ghoul resists.

Standard Action: Use misfortune hex from stealth against whichever ghoul the group isn't focusing on. Will save, DC 15

If misfortune succeeds: move action to cackle (as in the hex) to extend the duration of misfortune by one round to a total of two.

If misfortune fails: swear internally and keep in stealth.

Ye focus on killing one ghoul and I'll do my best to render the other ineffectual.

Before entering the graveyard, Tik'Klik will cast Mage Armor and Detect Undead on himself

"Tik'Klik!"

His purple orbs whirling, the combination of detect undead and the natural perception of a scout golem allow Tik'Klik to raise the warning before anyone else.

The small Golem takes a step sideways, to stay near Amadeen as requested, and then his arm gives a whirring sound the 'PHUMP!'

RTA, Acid Splash: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Damage: 1d3 ⇒ 3

Amadeen, I don't think you can cackle, it's the surprise round, so only a move or standard action.

Jorin will stealth forward to the square just above and to the left of Amadeen(has a headstone) and get ready to intercept any attack from a hidden position.

If something passes my threatened square Ill AOO

Stealth: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20

Tik you can occupy my abandoned square if you like. Kev any sticks or stones around my feet that I can pick up?

Darya takes cover behind a gravestone and looses an arrow at the nearest ghoul.

Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 5

The map needs to be extended south and west methinks - given the number of ranged attackers we got and the imprudence of touching undead (especially ghouls), a fighting retreat would be preferrable to advancing forward.

Plenty of sticks and stones around the place, they don't seem to have cemetery staff keeping the place too tidy.

Extended it west, south seem to be awkward but should give ye more wiggle room.

And yes cackle can't be done this round. If you want to change your action before Barek get's his up I'll allow it.

Tik you can occupy my abandoned square if you like. Kev any sticks or stones around my feet that I can pick up?

Nope, can't. Tik goes before Jorin, so Jorin's still in the way.

I completely overlooked that a surprise action only allows either move or standard, not both. Here's Amadeen's revised turn.

Amadeen sees which ghoul Tik attacks and then looks at the other one, aiming to weaken it before the group can get around to finishing it off. And keep quiet in the process.

Standard Action: Use evil eye hex (-2 attack rolls) from stealth against whichever ghoul the group isn't focusing on. Will save, DC 15.

Effect: The target takes a –2 penalty on one of the following (witch’s choice): AC, ability checks, attack rolls, saving throws, or skill checks. This hex lasts for a number of rounds equal to 3 + the witch’s Intelligence modifier. A Will save reduces this to just 1 round.

Same notion on general tactics. Ye focus on killing one ghoul and I'll do my best to render the other ineffectual.

Tik'klik's glob of arcane acid splashes against the gravestone beside the ghoul.

Botting Barek
Barek moves up to get a better shot on the ghouls brings his crossbow up and fires a quarrel at the closest ghoul Green. The bolt sticks deep into the ghouls abdomen just below the rib cage and it lets out a snarling roar of defiance.
Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

The undead abomination lunges through the air to be greeted by an arrow from Darya for it's troubles and falls to the ground tumbling.

Amadeen places her evil eye on the surviving ghoul while Jorin sneaks closer. Her magics befuddle it, leaving it vulnerable but still dangerous.
Will Save DC 15: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

Round 1 Proper
Tik'klik 23
Ghouls
-Red
Barek 15
Darya 13
Amadeen 12
Jorin 10

"Tik'Klik?!"

The small golem sounds slightly indignant as it looks at it's arm while trundling forward to stand slightly behind a gravestone. Looking to the west, it tries again. On the ghoul not down.

PHUMP!

RTA, Acid Splash: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
Damage: 1d3 ⇒ 2

Tik'klik's shot hits the ghoul and it raises it's head back in a roar of rage and hunger before loping forward towards Amadeen. It has not seen Jorin so leaves an opening for him as it moves to strike at Amadeen. AOO for Jorin

The ghoul tries to bring it's collection jagged, sharp and broken teeth down onto Amadeen's arm.

Bite: 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (16) + 3 - 2 = 17
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Pulling it's head back it tears off a chunk of flesh. It's eyes widen and there is a glint of recognition as it see's her elven features up close.

Round 1 Proper
Tik'klik 23 In you know round 2 but still
Ghouls
-Red HP: -2
Barek 15
Darya 13
Amadeen 12
Jorin 10

Clutching her injured arm, Amadeen feels revulsion, and a great deal of pain.

"Argh! You won't get to do that again!"

Standard Action: Misfortune hex on ghoul. Will DC 15.

Move Action: Cackle hex to extend evil eye and misfortune hexes by one round each.

Switching arms, Darya drives her spear into the undead's flank.

Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

AOO

Jorin waits as the ghoul comes level with him before coming to a sudden stand and launching a straight kick to it's midsection.

Strength+size=+2

To Hit: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 91d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Cursing his bad timing as his kick failed to connect properly.

Swearing in Xian Jorin ducks behind the ghoul to surround it. Pulling loose his lasso and holding the now closed fan between his teeth he prepares to attack from behind.

"Ihile angle i uo", he shouts through the fan.
I'll tangle it up

Flurry of throws with quickdraw

lasso To Hit: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

chakram To Hit: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 231d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Trying to loop the lasso around it having failed Jorin flicks his arm and knocks a chakram loose and into his hand. Throwing it underhanded
he whoops as it connects solidly. The fan which had been occupying his mouth fell free but Jorin recovered it (quickdraw) and prepared for the ghouls counter.

Barek blinks in confusion "How did I get here?" Then takes a step and shoots at Green.

Crossbow: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8 Oh well....

Thanks for your patience, I'm home again, though very tired, and will be posting daily again.

Barek's bolt goes a little wide but it is enough to let Darya strike a solid blow into it's hide. The creature shrieks and snarls.

Will Save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

Amadeen's hex fails to affect it and the ghoul licks some of her still wet blood from it's lips. It spies Jorin getting the lasso ready and lunges trying to get it's next meal.

Biting Jorin: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
The Lasso will cound as an improvised weapon but is currently being used to attack so that'll hit
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Jorin needs to make a DC 13 Fortitude Save.

The creature's teeth are slick with Jorin's blood as it gulps down his flesh.

Round 2
Tik'klik 23
Ghouls
-Red HP: -8
Barek 15
Darya 13
Amadeen 12
Jorin 10

I mistook Jorin's damage for his to hit on the last one.

Jorin drives the Chakram into the ghoul's head with a skilled throw and it collapses, it's brains spilling forth onto the grass.

Combat complete

"Tik'Klik!"

The small golem moves over to the ghouls, and them 'PHOOM' 'PHOOM' 'PHOOM' releases a volley of acid blobs into it's head, melting through bone and flesh. Then for good measure, continues the volleys into it's body, until the entire corpse is nothing but a bubbling pool of acid with bones slowly sinking into the slurry.

It steps over to the second corpse, and repeats the process, making tik and klik noises the entire time.

When done, it nods and makes a satisfied tik sound.

While Tik ensures that the ghouls won't stumble to their feet again, Amadeen washes out her wound with water.

Jorin looks around as he coils up the lasso and retrieves the chakram."Is that all of them?", he wonders aloud."We should probably make sure before we leave that we have got them all."

Survival to search for tracks and Perception to just look about I suppose

survival: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

Jorin will be careful as he moves about not to be seen.

stealth: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22

"Good thinking, we need to catch them unawares."

Amadeen will wrap up her arm as best she can and carry on.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

The tracks indeed lead on and are crossed and doubled back at various points by others. Their were reported to be at least half a dozen of them.

After the combat the graveyard seems more still and silent, the animals scared off by the noise.

Perception and Stealth Checks from everyone. I'll bot roll for anyone who hasn't done so by tomorrow morning.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27
Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Reminder, Using Detect Undead

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
Survival: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
Stealth: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

As ye move through the graveyard which continues to be eerily silent, the tracks lead to a mausoleum. Darya, Barek and Tik'klik all spot the ghouls about hiding behind the monuments and gravestones attempting to set up an ambush.

Graveyard Map 2

Initiative-Surprise Round
Darya
Jorin
Tik'klik
Amadeen
Ghouls
Barek

"Tik'Klik!"

The golem takes a 5 ft step forward, and then points with one hand at each of the four hidden ghouls. "Tik'Klik! Klik Lik Klick Ick Eck! Eck Ick Eck Ed! Ed! Tick Klik Led Ded, Led Ded, Ded!"

Tik then readies an action to attack the first to come within 30'.

RTA, Readied: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
Damage: 1d3 ⇒ 1

Amadeen waves her hands, and shimmering energies wrap around her. She plain forgot to do this earlier but now it comes in handy. She needs to get cracking on weakening the ghouls too.

Standard action: Cast Mage Armour on self. AC goes up to 17 and FF to 14 (+4 from spell overrides her garb).

If it takes more than this turn for ghouls to become a problem, Amadeen will hold an action to use Evil Eye hex (-2 attack) on the first ghoul to come within 30'.

Amadeen is not acting in the surprise round.

...but since it's a long duration spell lets say she cast it after the last fight.

Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 1

Darya shoots the only foe she has clear line of sight to.

"Heads up, more of them! Bait them out, folks."

Aiming at purple. Lame damage is lame, though

Darya arrow grazes the ghoul who is more clearly visible from her angle than some of the others. The creatures eyes go wide with surprise.

Tik'klik readies himself to repel any ghouls that advance but they are too surprised to move on ye just yet.

Barek raises his crossbow and fires off a shot at the same target as Darya.
Attacking Purple: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Barek's shoots for the creatures chest but hits a rib the shot bouncing off before it could do more considerable damage.

Graveyard Map 2

Initiative-Round 1
Darya
Jorin
Tik'klik
Amadeen
Ghouls
-Blue
-Green
-Purple -4HP
-Red
Barek