GM Beckett's "the Frozen Fingers of Midnight" Game Day Event PbP (Inactive)

Game Master Beckett

If Borax can grab one off of Yanbrel without exposing himself to an attack he will attempt it. Otherwise he goes total defense and tries to keep as much distance between himself and the attacks as possible. Borax will also make sure his hand crossbow is ready. I guess that will work against a ghoul.

Moll, are you not going to use your guisarme? I gave you the Protection from Evil thinking you might just be able to stand there and chop them all down. No one else here has proficiency. Kargen might be less effective, but he should be able to punch through their DR to deal a few points of damage.

Are we up? Wasnt sure if the Zombies got their turn.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Round 2
INIT
Yanbrel, Moll, Borax
--------------------------
Zombie 1 (-4), Zombie 2(-1), Zombie 3, Zombie 4, & Haldyr
--------------------------
->Kargen, Angruf

Thy advance a little, with Zombie 1 climbing up and on fire, but since they can't move and attack, they can't do much.

Yanbrel and Moll both get an AoO.

Yanbrel AoO: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11 <Miss>
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Moll AoO: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27 <HIT>
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Moll has also Delayed, and Kargen and Angruf are up. There is a good chance that the fir will destroy #1, and #2 might look pretty bad soon, but #3, #4, and Haldyr are unharmed.

Forgot Shortswords are Piercing only...

Moll, realizing her swords are going to be less than effective against Zombies from past experience, drops them and picks up her Guisarme. She swings it at one of the Zombies furthest from her.

Drop swords, pick up Guisarme, and attack #2
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
2d4 + 5 ⇒ (4, 3) + 5 = 12

If you want to retcon that you already had out the Guisarme, that' fine. You had plenty of time before hand. Also, if you do go that route, feel free to reroll the Damage for the AoO above, too. Unless you roll min damage, you would drop both Zombies #1 and #2.

Kargen draws his arrow as the zombies climb up the the stairs. He takes aim at the middle one, hoping to help bring it down. I gotta get something to cut these corpses next time.

Attack (PBS): 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 1 = 7
Damage (PBS): 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 1 = 6

I don't think Yanbrel has any drawn weapons with which to threaten adjacent and take AoOs anyway. He'll probably have a wand in one hand and a vial in the other for most of this encounter.

wasn't round 1 when angruf started up his inspire courage?

Yes, I'm pretty sure.

'ah look, a space to step in and swing a hammer. zombies and ghouls have kneecaps too, right?'

With a determined stride forward, Angruf takes a place on the line, continuing to invoke the mercy of the gods to lay the restless dead back to rest.

Re-rolled damage for AoO 2d4 + 5 ⇒ (3, 3) + 5 = 11

After Yanbrel's flask of fire, Moll dispatches two of the zombies. Karen and Angruf both try to take out the third one, but fail to connect.

Round 3
INIT
->Yanbrel & Borax
-----------------------------
Zombie 3, Zombie 4, & Haldyr
-----------------------------
Moll, Kargen, & Angruf

Borax attempts to move to a better position and ready his hand crossbow to fire on the ghoul once it shows its face.

Don't know if I can move there, but I will if I can.

Hand crossbow attack on ghoul when applicable: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Yes you can move there. It's a small tunnel that you came through, and if you continued it would lead back to the top deck of the ship.

I'm going to assume that Yanbrel tries to witch-curse the zombie, and let him retcon an action if he wants.

The last of the fire from earlier goes out, but not before hurting the zombie that came up on last time.
2d4 + 1 ⇒ (4, 3) + 1 = 8
It then reaches out to attack Angruf, noticing him most for all the noise he is making. The other zombie comes up as well, (drawing an AoO if Angruf can), but is too slow to be able to attack just yet.

Below, the masked Ghoul stops, and calls up. "I know you are going to have to come down here eventually. An I'll be waiting. I can also get more slaves."

slam attack at Angruf (AC 14): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15 <HIT>
Cold Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Round 3
INIT
(*)Yanbrel & Borax
-----------------------------
Zombie 3, Zombie 4, & Haldyr
-----------------------------
-> Moll, Kargen, & Angruf

Kargen steps over to try and get a clean shot at the zombie, but ends up launching an arrow over Angruf's shoulder anyway.

Attack (PBS, Bard, cover: 1d20 + 5 + 1 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 1 + 1 - 4 = 6
Damage (PBS, Bard): 1d8 + 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 2 + 1 + 1 = 12

He'd try a hex, but after the last encounter in Night March I'm assuming his 20 Int would figure out that undead are immune to mind-affecting effects.

Yanbrel reels back as the undead enter the too-close-for-comfort radius. He snaps his wrist out in a particular fashion, launching a wand into his palm from a hidden sheath beneath his sleeve. He brandishes the device at the nearest zombie like a flaming torch, reaching out to inflict the creature with positive energy.

Swift draw wand from spring-loaded wrist sheath, then CLW on #3.

Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

I don't know if that requires an attack roll of any sort, but his Str and Dex mods are +0 and +2 respectively, with +0 BAB and +1 attack from inspire courage.

@Yanbrel, I think Borax made his K check on the ghoul so he' shared what he knows about undead and ghouls specifically.

Always eager to smash a shambling undead thing, Angruf takes advantage of the opportunity one presents as it advances up the stair.

...and Angruf derives some satisfaction from the solid <thump> of his hammer, soothing the disappointment of failing his first strike.

Moll chops down on one of the Zombies with her Guisarme. "Why don't you come up? I bet you've been bored down there so long. I don't suppose Zombies are very good card players." she says back to the Ghoul.

Guisarme 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
2d4 + 5 ⇒ (4, 4) + 5 = 13

Yes, you would be aware that they are immune to it, (I didn't know that until that happened last time, and forgot this time. I think it was just that one effect though, not all Hexes). CLW does require a Melee Touch Attack, and does count for Flanking. Also +1 for higher ground. (so plus +4). Missing doe not use the charge (I think, normally the spell is held).

Touch attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

That will in fact hit, and destroy that zombie outright. Angruf instead smacks the last one across the face. Moll follows up with a swipe, ending it's undead existence as well.

Round 4
INIT
-> Yanbrel & Borax
-----------------------------
Haldyr
-----------------------------
Moll, Kargen, & Angruf

So who's still a live?

Sorry, got distracted by dinner and crying kids. Only the ghoul below. Fixing now.

"We don't think we'll be going down there, do we Goody?" the witch inquires of his owl. The bird shivers in agreement.

Yanbrel will draw another flask of alchemist's fire from his pack, then ready an action to use his wand of CLW on the next undead to enter his range.

"Why don't you come up? I bet you've been bored down there so long. I don't suppose Zombies are very good card players."

Down below, the Ghoul gets prepared, moving back slightly, and shouts back up, "I think not. You need past me to stop all this, and when I kill you, you will just rise again. . . if I don't eat your corpses first."

Round 4
INIT
Yanbrel & Borax
-----------------------------
Haldyr
-----------------------------
-> Moll, Kargen, & Angruf

Moll sighs, and looks to her companions. "Anyone have anything that might fortify me against its paralyzing touch?" she asks, waiting for a response (or any spells) before descending into the hold cautiously, and once within range, jabbing the hook on her Guisarme at the Ghoul's leg and yanking back hard to try and upend him and off his feet.

Move and attempt a Trip 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

Nice

Not really expecting that, the Ghoul goes down with a loud thump.

Moll, that's what the Protection from Evil was for! ;) You have +2AC and saves vs. this thing (assuming all undead are evil)

Kargen follows Molls down the steps. "Erastil is protecting you, Moll. He will lend his grace to help you." He nocks an arrow, but waits until the ghoul tries to rise.

Completely forgot about that. Haha

Borax moves to a a place where he can get clear shot but remain out of reach of the ghoul. Borax also waits for the ghoul to stand before firing.

Ready Shot: 1d20 ⇒ 11 Add +1 to Attach/Damage if within 30'
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3

Seeing Moll charge off on her own, Angruf follows right after, thwacking away at the Ghoul before it can rise. Just before that, Borax looses a bolt, but misses his target as it lies on the floor.

Warhammer: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Round 5
INIT
-> Yanbrel & Borax
-----------------------------
Haldyr (-9), (Kargen Readied)
-----------------------------
Moll, Kargen, & Angruf

Don't want to risk another flask. We seem to have him under control at the moment, so I won't hazard a miss that ends up burning an ally.

"Oh, very well," Yanbrel huffs, stepping down the hole to join Moll and Kargen. "We never have seen one of these types up close."

He grips the flask in one hand and the wand in his other, brandishing the former menacingly at the fallen ghoul.

Ready an action to heal the first ally to drop 4 or more points below their maximum health.

Google Drawing sis down, so I can't alter the map at the moment.

Yanbrel jumps down below, ready to heal as needed. The Ghoul attempts to stand up, not expecting tat little trick, and certainly not expecting it to go off so well. Both Kargen and Borax try to shoot the thing as it stands, but neither connect.

Moll AoO: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

As it tries to get up, she brings her weapon around, and severs it's undead head, sending the mask flying off to the side and the head bouncing. The body spasms for a moment, then stops, finally and truly dead.

The (or your) Final Act

Grabbing the mask, you proceed onwards, climbing the stairs to find a rather beautiful, if not a little cruel looking woman sitting upon a makeshift throne. The soft glow of sunlight again penetrates into this ice cave, and several braziers burn near the walls. A beautiful woman stands next to a simple chair, facing you. Other furniture in the chamber suggests that this is her private quarters. The woman looks you over as though judging a draft animal, and asks, “Have you come to work the oars? I am in need of more rowers.” Spotting the lantern in your hand (or at your belt), she stops. "Ah, I see You come on behalf of my husband. . . "

Ok, map fixed.

"Ma'am we certainly come on an errand. Some accident has befallen. The lantern has set a killing chill on one of us. We have punished the miscreant that mishandled it. But we have need to return from where we came to communicate the undoing of the accident. Can you give us the message to return with?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

"On behalf of your husband? We come at the behest of Skelg the Ripper. If you know him, then this is fortunate. He is suffering from the effects of the Lantern...as am I, I suppose." He looks at the woman, briefly closing his eyes before opening them again to peer into her soul.

Detect Evil

Diplomacy, Aid Angruf: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

While the Irrisenian woman sits proudly, like a queen, she listens to your words, trying to decide if she can trust you or not.

Can I get Aid Anothers of Diplomacy from Borax and Yanbrel.

"Long ago, I was wed to a warrior, a leader of the tribe named Haldyr. It was a political marriage, and he died very shortly afterwards. The custom of his people where that all of his achievements where to be burned with his body at the funeral, and that included myself. This was not my custom. Haldyr's son, Bengeirr Haldyrsson locked me aboard this very ship, which was my dowry, and sent it out to sea. But I was rescued, by another warrior. This Skelg, the Ripper." She stops for a moment, despite her bitterness at her husband Skelg, remembering something fondly.

"Skelg attacked the funeral, and managed to get aboard the ship. He found me, and freed me, and together we managed to escape, giving Bengeirr's people a bit of black eye in the process. Skelg and I sailed away, but Skelg left me, taking a few things that where to be burned with Haldyr and disappeared. That lantern was one of them. And now he needs my help. My name is Natalya. Natalya Yagevna of the Frozen Lands of Issiren. "

Kargen, she does radiate evil. That is part of the "epicness" of this scenario I as talking about.

Sense Motive, take 10: 10 + 7 = 17

Kargen continues concentrating on the woman as he judges her words. "It might ease your rage to learn that Bengeirr is dead. We killed him. With him dead, can you leave this place? We can also take word back to Skelg if you can help us cure him. And me."

2nd round of Detect Evil tells me the power level of the most evil presence, which I would assume is her. Unfortunately, if it's higher than twice my level (4+HD, in this case), I'm stunned for a round.

That only applies if the Aura is Overwhelming, which hers is not (Faint). Outside of Outsiders/Undead/Magic Items and "priestly classes", you would need an Evil creature at 51 HD for that, so not common. Even those others need to be between 10th - 20th HD, (and also twice your level), so not something that's going to usually going to come up.

So you're telling me she's not 51HD. Excellent! :) Right, I missed that Overwhelming part.

Sadly only 48. I know, right. The nerve.

Moll watches the woman carefully, but she does seem touched by her story.

Sense Motive 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

"How can we free you from this place and help Skelg?" she asks.

Diplomacy Aid: 1d20 ⇒ 17
Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 1

Moll's Aid Another (Diplomacy): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20
Yanbrel's Aid Another (Diplomacy): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (20) - 1 = 19
Goody's Aid Another (Diplomacy): 1d20 ⇒ 19

Are you Fing kidding me!!!!!! After all that time my tiny, frozen, black GM heart has been waiting for that sort of roll on an NPC's attack, . . . :)

Able to turn her to helpful, she agrees to cure Skelg, if she can, "Return to the Ripper, and remind him that his bride still awaits. If he agrees to be mine, and to abandon this little throne of luxury he seems to have propped himself upon, and return to me as he should, I will attempt to cure him. It was his people's laws that bound us in this marriage, not mine, and his actions that brought them about, not mine. And now, he is cursed. What did he expect, without me by his side?"

Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 3

Yanbrel waits paitently for the woman to finish her tale.

"And ever since, you've been on this frozen ship, with a retinue of ghouls, waiting in a painting on his wall? These folk of 'Issiren' have strange methods of courtship indeed."

Kargen slowly nods. Do we trust this evil witch? She could be Skelg's only hope of lifting his curse though.

"Ok, we'll go back and speak to him. It will be his choice whether to join you here though. Perhaps Skelg had his reasons for departing."