GM Endless Forms' PFS 01-41 The Devil We Know Part III: Crypt of Fools (Inactive)

Game Master Mike Tuholski

AoO on mite: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16
Damage: 2d6 + 7 ⇒ (3, 2) + 7 = 12

Unconcerned with obvious minions of the true threat, Maximo almost casually swipes at the mite as it passes. He then raises hi sword and utters an arcane word to charge it with a soft glow of magic.

"Raise your weapons and weave your spells, my brave companions!" Maximo calls out in a firm voice that fills the chamber with hope. "Those who would enslave the noble people of Taldor must be shown the error of their ways! Those enslaved, hear me now and turn on your captors!"

Activating Arcane Strike (in case any others try to slip by my AoO will do a little more damage), and starting a Bardic Performance to inspire Courage. +1 to hit and damage, +1 to saves vs fear!

AoO on mite: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 1 = 10
1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Baern slashes at the mite as it runs past (drops dead?) but can't connect. With that mite gone, he focuses on the one before him.

Scimitar on Mite 1: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 6 + 1 + 1 = 18
1d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 1 = 5

Maximo slices the mite in two as it moves past him!

---

Maximo inspires his allies!

Alie steps back and also lobs her alchemist's fire at the spiders.

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
1d6 ⇒ 4

Oswin steps away and tosses an alchemist's fire at the swarm, burning away the rest of the spiders!

Kilian is still shaken up by the spiders and frantically tries to wipe himself clean of the vermin.

Baern then drops another mite!

---

The first derro stabs at Max!

short sword: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2

The other derro casts a spell from behind and the area around him descends into darkness. 20' radius from D4

The third mite then stabs at Max through the darkness.

dagger: 1d20 ⇒ 3
damage: 1d3 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1

Initiative:

1. Baern
2. Derros and Mites
3. Maximo, Alie, Oswin, and Kilian

D1: 9 dmg

You guys are up!

Oswin takes a moment and says a short prayer while clutching his holy symbol.

"Holy Iomedae, light our path in the darkness that we might smite the wicked."

Cast daylight

Alie uses a magic missile at the closest derro.

Damage 3d4 + 3 ⇒ (3, 3, 2) + 3 = 11

"Cursed darkness! I should have expected this from evil creatures living away from the beautiful light of day."

He swings wild in the darkness. "Is any able to counter..." he begins to ask, then Oswin turns the lights back on. "Aha! Good work, priest! The gods surely favor us this day. Fight on!"

Maintain bardic courage +1 to hit and damage, +1 to saves vs fear!
Power Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9 Good thing that happened in darkness. Maximo has a reputation to uphold.
Damage: 2d6 + 13 ⇒ (5, 1) + 13 = 19

With the spiders singed away, Kilian pulls himself together and moves up, swinging at M3 or D4.

DC 11 Fort save vs. poison, if necessary: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

PA with guisarme, incl. inspire courage and bless: 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 7 + 1 + 1 = 23
PA damage, incl. inspire courage: 2d4 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (4, 4) + 10 + 1 = 19

Baern, hardly stunned at all by the lowering and raising of light levels, swings at the mite before him. "Die with honor!"

Scimi-scimi-shake: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 6 + 1 + 1 = 25
1d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 1 = 10

Oswin brings the room back into light!

Maximo then wiffs in the newly lightened room.

Alie sends a set of magic missiles into the derro!

Kilian then slices a mite in two!

Not to be outdone Baern reaches around the corner and slashes into the other derro!

---

The derros stab with their shortswords!

D1 stabs Max: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
damage: 1d4 ⇒ 4

D4 stabs Baern: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
damage: 1d4 ⇒ 4

Confirm:
D1 stabs Max: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2

Initiative:

1. Baern
2. Derros and Mites
3. Maximo, Alie, Oswin, and Kilian

D1: 20 dmg
D4: 10 dmg

You guys are up!

Another swing, another chance at freedom for these people! Baern slices at the derro before him. If it should fall before he gets a chance, the dwarf will step up and direct his blade against the first derro by Maximus. If that one is dead by then, Baern will reluctantly step into the tunnel to confront the mite.

Scim Shady: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 6 + 1 + 1 = 24
1d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 1 = 6

Maximo grunts as the Derro stabs him. "I will shed blood happily for those in need. Can you claim likewise?"

Swinging his greatsword back, Maximo brings it up and over at the derro.

Maintain Bardic Courage round 3/8. +1 to hit and damage, blah blah.
Greatsword-PA+BC: 1d20 + 10 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 10 - 2 + 1 = 19
Damage+PA+BC+AS: 2d6 + 7 + 6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2, 1) + 7 + 6 + 1 + 1 = 18

If either are left, Alie will use another magical missile.

Damage 3d4 + 3 ⇒ (1, 3, 4) + 3 = 11

Oswin delays until his friends' attacks are complete. Assuming the path is clear, he steps into the hallway to deal with the mite there, unless Baern is already there.

PA Longsword, Bless, Inspire: 1d20 + 9 - 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 9 - 2 + 1 + 1 = 18
Damage, Inspire: 1d8 + 4 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 4 + 1 = 17

Max cuts another derro down!

Alie fires a trio of magic missiles into the remaining derro!

Baern cuts into the last derro and takes him down!

Oswin then steps into the tunnel and takes out the last mite!

Out of combat!

Kilian steps in and checks the chains. If they have actual locks, he asks the slaves, "Do you know which of them had the keys?" Otherwise he'll start breaking them free. He's got Improved Sunder, if that helps.

Appreciating Kilian's fervor, Baern is loathe to slow their progress to freedom. "You shall be free, but please. Anything you may tell us about where these bastards captured you, kept you, or were taking you can bring this group to justice so no one else may fall victim to their conniving ways!"

"If there are more prisoners, we shall free them. If there are more of these villains, they will be defeated." Maximo adds his support to Baern as he draws out his wand and heals the wound received in the fight.

Auto Aid Another on Diplomacy.

Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7 46/48 hps

Kilian breaks apart the chains shackling the prisoners together.

They respond that they are engineers, city planners, and one man is a mason. They were all kidnapped within the last week. One of them says, "We were told that a man named Dalirio was going to turn us into skeletons." They have been in darkness so much that they don't know where they were kept relative to their current location; the derros purposefully led them in circles to disorient them. Once you are done speaking with them, they thank you and scramble for the exit.

With the excitement over, the party notices a set of massive tumbles circling the fountain's base. DC 15 Str or DC 12 Disable Device to turn them. Each of the three tumblers has hundreds of symbols inscribed on it and none of the symbols repeat themselves. The party easily locates the three symbols from the scraps of paper, one symbol on each tumbler.

"Can any of you strong gentlemen move those tumblers to our symbols? I'd just end up slowing down the progress, I'm afraid," Alie mutters, flexing her flimsy small arms for the group.

"Well, let's see if this magical belt of mine is worth the money!"

Oswin sheathes his sword and lays his shield down. Bracing himself, he sets his palms on the first tumbler, and tries to turn each one.

Strength: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
Strength: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19

Strength: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Strength: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

Strength: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

While Oswin manipulates the tumblers Maximo peers over the edge of the pit, the ioun torch floating about his head lighting the area below.

"Baern, do your eyes see anything below?"

Looks like it will take Oswin 4 rounds to turn the tumblers. Can I make 4 perception checks?
Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

Nothing to see, as it's still a fountain at the moment. Until:

With a final audible click the tumblers lock into place. Suddenly, the fountain begins to rotate and its stale waters drain rapidly. The grinding of the gears echoes off the stone walls, causing the ground to shake. As the fountain rotates, a spiral staircase appears where the fountain’s solid basin once sat. A slick staircase slopes down into Cassomir’s bowels, twisting its way down and around a deep cistern.

Down below an enormous room lies ahead, filled with dozens of family crypts decorated with family names, heraldic crests, and a variety of death-themed statuary. The walls, floor, and ceiling are made of smooth, polished stone, and the crypts are made of thick, square blocks of granite. A handful of statues stand throughout the room, though they don’t seem to be placed with any plan—some face the wall, some lie on their sides, and others are damaged beyond repair. The northwest quarter of the room is dominated almost entirely by a single large crypt. The name “Ismacco” is displayed across the front of the crypt.

Wasting no time, Maximo descends the stairs with greatsword in hand. Stopping before the large crypt, he examines the name for a brief moment.

"Prepare yourselves." He says, then moves to enter.

Pointing at the name, Baern asks "Does 'Ismacco' ring any bells for anyone? Obviously it may be what the I's have been standing for, but anything beyond that?"

"The Ismacco family built the landmarks that led us here." Maximo says. "They were traitors, and many were buried here in shame. My guess is this Dalirio spoken of by the engineers is a scion of that house, continuing the family tradition."

Alie, as she did sometimes, was silent at this amazing new discovery. Only after the others began their discussion, did she pipe up. "The Society is going to be so happy with this knowledge," she mutters quietly, as she imagines being feted all around Taldor for this one.

"Wasn't Dalirio Teppish the fellow we fought up in the warehouse, at the start of all this?"

Yep. The Ismacco family were the architects. The Teppish family were disgraced and you've fought Dalirio in Part I and two other Teppish brothers in Part II; they're kind of behind it all.

A grand crypt stretches toward the room’s ceiling and two large, copper braziers flank its impressive floor-to-ceiling doors. At the building’s base, a faceless statue holds a gibbous moon aloft. Maximo moves to the door and leads the party in.

Ornate carvings decorate the walls inside the Ismacco crypt, creating several stylized burial niches. Tall, marbled pillars stretch to the 20-foot-high ceiling, creating three alcoves that hold massive oak sarcophagi. At the rear of the chamber, stairs ascend into a basilica-like dome. A musty smell permeates the chamber, and several dozen torches burn brightly in wall sconces throughout the crypt.

In the northwest-most alcove, two Cassomirite slaves are bound inside a small cage. However, several members of the Cult of Nature’s Cataclysm have set up a guard post in this room. A grand altar rests in the open basilica in the northernmost portion of the room; stairs nearby lead up to a second level of burial niches. An impressive two-story wall mural in the basilica depicts a stern f igure glaring down on the sepulcher.

Initiative:

1. Oswin, Baern, Alie, and Maximo
2. Elite thugs and Thugs
3. Kilian

Oswin, Baern, Alie, and Maximo are up!

Alie moves into the hall to the right of Maximo, and uses her spell to speed her allies.

Caste Haste. Remember all the benefits from the spell.

Know Religion: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19

After receiving the blessing of speed, Baern calls the judgment of his goddess to protect him from these fiends as he moves swiftly into the room. There he takes a fully defensive stance against the foe.

I assume that's difficult terrain between Baern and the thug?
Also, what are the thugs? Humans? (When I hear "thug", that's what my mind jumps to.)
AC is 19 + 1 (haste) + 2 (judgment) + 4 (total defense) = 26

First time I've ever been hasted! Never played a character past level 6 yet.

Knowledge Religion: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

"Another image of Groetus. What connection would the Ismacco family have to that deranged group?"

Oswin rushes into the room, his speed vastly improved by the spell. He gets out his wandof bless on the move and casts it on the party.

Another +1 to attacks and fear saves.

2 charges used this scenario.

Maximo advances and begins inspiring his allies with more words of honor and courage.

Inspire Courage +1 to hit and damage, etc.

Forgot to mention the thugs are half-orcs.

Yes, the spaces with rocks are difficult terrain.

Alie hastes the party!

Baern rushes into the room and takes a defensive stance.

Oswin blesses the party and Maximo inspires his allies.

---

The leader swings a heavy flail at Oswin!

+1 heavy flail: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
damage: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

The other thugs swing at Max and Baern.

club on Max: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

club on Baern: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Initiative:

1. Oswin, Baern, Alie, and Maximo
2. Elite thug and Thugs
3. Kilian

You guys are up!

His normal speed increased considerably by the spell, Kilian quickly advances and sends Thug #2 tumbling to the ground (I hope) with a well-timed sweep of his polearm.

Trip attempt on T2, incl. haste, inspire courage, and bless: 1d20 + 11 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 11 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 27

Oswin takes out his sword and swings at the thug in front of him (ET).

PA Longsword, incl. haste, inpspire, & bless: 1d20 + 9 - 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 9 - 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 13
Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 4 + 1 = 17

Sure, max damage after I roll a 3 to hit!

Kilian moves up and easily trip one of the half-orcs!

Oswin swings at the leader but misses.

Initiative:

1. Oswin, Baern, Alie, and Maximo
2. Elite thug and Thugs
3. Kilian

T2: prone

Baern, Alie, and Max are up!

Knowledge Religion: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

"Keep at them, my companions! Show them what the glory of Taldor looks like!"

Maintain Bardic Courage Round 5/8. One attack on the Elite Thug, second attack on one of his minions.
1st Power Attack-PA+BC+Bless+Haste: 1d20 + 10 - 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 10 - 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 28
Damage: 2d6 + 15 ⇒ (1, 6) + 15 = 22

1st Power Attack-PA+BC+Bless+Haste: 1d20 + 10 - 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 10 - 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 20
Damage: 2d6 + 15 ⇒ (1, 2) + 15 = 18

Well, I forgot that I get a second attack from haste! I definitely would have used it above. Please apply as appropriate.

Under the influence of Alie's spell, Oswin, sowrd arm moves faster than ever, and he gets in a second cut at the thug directly in fornt of him.

PA+isnpire, bless, haste: 1d20 + 9 - 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 9 - 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 13
Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 4 + 1 = 13

Ok then, lets just use up these low rolls...

Alie uses amagic missile at the closest opponent.

Damage 3d4 + 3 ⇒ (3, 3, 4) + 3 = 13

Oswin once again misses his target!

Alie takes out the man in front of Maximo, allowing the Shelynite to focus on the leader, taking the man down with two deadly blows!

Initiative:

1. Oswin, Baern, Alie, and Maximo
2. Thugs
3. Kilian

Baern is up!

Baern is glad that the thug came towards him, saving him the step over the rocks. He slices at him with his scimitar.

Scimitar pun here: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 6 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 16
1d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 1 = 5

Hasted Scimitar swipe: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 10
1d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 1 = 6

Thanks. Told myself not to forget. Guess I don't listen much, do I?

Dont forget extra attack from Haste, Baern.

Baern lands one hit on the thug in front of him!

---

The half-orcs swing their clubs in retaliation!

club on Baern: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

club on Oswin: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Initiative:

1. Oswin, Baern, Alie, and Maximo
2. Thugs
3. Kilian

T1: 5 dmg

You guys are up!

Kilian takes a 5' step up and, speed enhanced by the spell, sends both of the remaining thugs sprawling.

Trip attempt on T3, incl. bless, inspire courage, and haste: 1d20 + 11 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 11 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 30
Trip attempt on T1, incl. bless, inspire courage, haste, and soft cover: 1d20 + 11 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (11) + 11 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 4 = 21

Alie holds her magic, hoping the orcs could be talked into throwing down their weapons. "We don't have to kill you, you know. Throw down the weapons, surrender, and let's talk. Tell us what's going on down here."

Diplomacy 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18

"Stand and I will send you to your foul god." Maximo promises, raising his sword high.

Ready action to attack if one tries to stand, then I'll take my AoO on the other if he does likewise.

Baern continues to fight the thug before him, whether he's tripped or not.

Scim chance: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 6 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 20
1d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 1 = 7

Hasted Scimulation: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 6 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 16
1d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 1 = 10

Kilian trips both thugs to the ground!

The men look like they are going to resist until Baern ends one of them. The other one then loses his nerve and drops his club in surrender.

Out of combat!

"who else is down here! Orc? Are there derro? More of your kind?"

"I think we shall encounter them soon enough, my lady." Maximo smiles at Alie and gestures to the stairs leading up. "Though I suggest we tie this one up and free these poor captives first."

Maximo goes to the cages and tries to open them. If a key is required, he searches the leader of the thugs. If there is no key, he will attempt to break the locks with his warhammer.

Maximo's mutagen lasts 10 minutes. I'm assuming we still have at least 5 minutes left?