GM Euan's Mummy's Mask (Inactive)

Game Master Euan

Zilchus continues to wait, hoping the smart people figure things out.

"I like the idea of doing something with the pyramids, maybe crashing them into the Temple of the Pharasmooks. I dunno," Zilchus pets his chaosodile as he keeps his vigil.

"Woah, woah, woah - do we need yo destroy them? I've always wanted a flying pyramid of my own." Nidhi crosses her arms over her chest, "Or maybe they have treasure on them?" She waves her hand, "go ahead and destroy them all, I guess, but let's at least try to keep this one functional. People would pay good money to take a fortnight cruise. Can you say mobile honeymoon destination?"

So... what's the plan?

Thanks for the clarification, GM Euan. Stelle and Anubis were literally trying to use the pyramid as if IT were the joystick.

Off in the distance, you hear Shendakut say, ”Wow! Impressive!”

Stelle shoots an annoyed look over her shoulder and rolls her eyes. Looking at the party she mouths the words "He's got to go."

"Oh, Nidhi! We can build a much better pyramid than any of these dreadful drafty moldy things." Stelle declares boldly, projecting her voice in the chamber in the hopes that Hakotep can hear her.

What to do, what do do?
~~~~~~~~
"Hmmmmm," Stelle thinks. "How would you cut the power to the pyramid?"

She walks over to look at the pyramid's surface more closely. "Why don't we just throw some acid or earth acorns ('Refresher' spoiler) at it to get it going, then use it to fly the pyramids that it controls very high then -- pull the plug on them?"

"Good decision noble Nidhi. Yew let's crash them" Kosei advances and casts a spell at the pyramid to give the command "Now you flying pyramids go down into the bottom of the Inner Sea!!!"

Because the group is in the Crypt of Air, Kosei would figure out an air spell is required and would cast air geyser but if it is confirmed that earth is required, he will use expeditious excavation instead.

"Crashing them sounds good to me," Florence replies cheerfully. "I'm only sorry that we won't be there to watch it happen in person!"

Nidhi nods, "destroyed and never to be used against Wati or any other city."

Though what Kosie considers makes sense, it is expeditious excavation that's required to activate the pyramid. And activate it he does. Kosei feels the four pyramids connected to this one, like they were an extension of his own hand.

He cannot 'send' them to the inner sea, he can only exercise direct control. So, just to be sure, he raises them up higher into the air, and cuts their propulsion. In a short minute or two, he feels each pyramid wink out, no longer being powered by this emerald pyramid as they are no longer structurally intact.

The thrum of power coming from the emerald pyramid is considerably and visibly lessened. The pyramids are destroyed along with all who rode in them you'd expect.

Where to from here?

"Is that it? Really?" Zilchus seems surprised...and even a bit worried that maybe they had just bombed large portions of Osirion and that the Ruby Prince might have an issue with that. "Should we have done that in the water? Uhm...oh...oh...ok...well...I'll let one of you explain that to him when we present him this pyramid."

Zilchus yawns.

"Might be that we go back and rest up? We've done two of the little challenge areas? Been a long day aready, especially after that first big fight," Zilchus looks to see where might be a good place to rest up.

Kosei nods with satisfaction when he feels the pyramids respond to his power "The pyramids are no more. I would love to see the faces of our people, frightened and suddenly surprised and relieved seeing the end of the flying menace"

"Most of the power of the spirits of the desert is still with me. But I can rest if you wish so" the lion points to the platform at the west "What if we explore that side of the crypt first, then we go to rest if we need it my friends"

One vote to rest (probably the safest place is outside the pyramid protected by Florences spell) and another to investigate a side passage.

Other options include activating the earthen Topaz Pyramid you left behind and crashing those connected pyramids, entering the water or fire shafts, and, er, I think that's about it.

"A rest might be good if we think we can manage it," Florence agrees. "It has been a long day. But first I think we should go back to the Earth Crypt and activate the pyramid we found there. May as well since we cleared the way, right?"

"And, um, as far as crashing the other pyramids...hopefully the importance of eliminating their threat will outweigh any damage they do wherever they come down?"

Florence pauses for a moment, something else occurring to her.

"Not to mention their inhabitants probably won't survive the crash and then all those pyramids will be ripe for the looting. Whatever's found there can be used to strengthen the Ruby Prince's coffers - and the rest of Osirion by extension!"

Stelle nods at Kosei's work, much impressed. "Nice!"

~~~

"I'll let one of you explain that to [Ruby Rhod] when we present him this pyramid."

"Oh, sure -- I'll explain it to him. However, I do not think there will be much left of this dark, dreary, stinky pyramid after we finish off Hakotep."

~~~

"Might be that we go back and rest up? We've done two of the little challenge areas? Been a long day already, especially after that first big fight,"

Stelle looks crestfallen.

"You mean, pretend to be on friendly terms with the Riddler, sneak out, rest, then come back and beat him up?"

"It has been a long day... But first I think we should go back to the Earth Crypt and activate the pyramid we found there. May as well since we cleared the way, right?"

"Fine, let us.

"Um...okay, I think we should try to leave and go back to the Earth Crypt, at least. But who knows? Our 'friend' outside might be extremely put out by what we've done and not let us pass without a fight."

Florence shrugs. "Or maybe he's just an agent of chaos and thinks this whole thing is hilarious. Either way, I think we're about to find out."

Shendakut returns as you begin to leave, the ten minutes expiring, ”Well done. Well done indeed.” he grins mischievously. ”I’ll just stay here and continue guarding the pyramid shall I?” He chuckles and moves back to the emerald pyramid, somewhat nonchalantly, and takes up the position you first found him in, slightly leaning against the crystalline structure.

Meanwhile, assuming you don’t attack him now, you’re free to leave and re-enter the earth crypt. Still quiet, you make your way to the topaz pyramid which still sits where you left it. How do you activate this pyramid? Remember you need either a spell with the acid or earth descriptor, or a DC 20 Use Magic Device (trained) to succeed.

You can also speak the passphrase to activate the portal at the bottom of the air shaft.

+1 for a freakin’ 5th Element reference. Wow. Of all the places. Nice one Stelle.

Zilchus leads the party back, still thinking that they may be attacked again. He is pleased to return to the earth room without incident.

”I have no spells for this, nor the skills needed,” Zilchus shakes his head. ”I mean, I’m sure I can smash it open. Or destroy it, but not that’s what we want.”

Kosei follows in looking at Shendakut as he moves by the side, the lion swaggers his rear parts and growls.

Once they reach the pyramid he asks Zilchus "Hey Commander, any suggestion on how to smash this pyramids down?" then he casts stone shape to gain control of the pyramids and crash them as suggested by Zilchus or others.

The lion-man follows in with "Open in the name of Hakotep!" and then adds in a whisper "Cursed he must be by the lands he tries to conquer..."

"I know enough about magical devices that I could probably get it to work that way, if Kosei's magic doesn't work," Florence points out. "Maybe I can try that with the next two we find, when we find them, so you can save your magics?"
______________

It hasn't come up much but Flo actually does have a +14 to UMD so she's got a fair chance to succeeding the activation check if push comes to shove~

Kosei once again slides mentally into the pyramid and crashes four more rather large pyramids somewhere near Ipeq. He then opens the second seal with an ancient Osiriani command.

I think the plan is now to retreat back outside the pyramid some little ways and having Florence cover your camp for a rest. Let me know if that is not the case and we'll press on with a new day over the hot sandy desert.

Kosei feels good to keep going but he will follow and help retreating to the group's base if anyone wants to rest.

Zilchus waits, willing to help Kosei if the wise man needs it. But when Kosei seems to realize that they have reached the end of what they can do, he's content to lead the party back outside to the heat to rest for the night.

He feels they've made fair progress on the day and might be home and being feted by the Ruby Prince by the end of the week at this rate.

"Flo? You got your magic shelter? That might be nice. Over here seems safe," Zilchus points out.

"Oh yes...at this point there's no reason not to prepare that one each morning," Florence nods once they finish their business in the Earth Crypt and make their way back outside. "But hopefully I'll really only need to do it once or twice more before we put an end to things here for good."

And then what will you do? Go home? What home?

Florence's expression falters.

"Then I guess I probably won't have to use it again."

Seeing the Kosei Lion snub the mummy, Anubis is inspired.

"BARK BARK!" Ha-ha!

You're due for a long sand nap! he growls, taking his leave.

Outwardly, Stelle ignores Shendakut with the group on the way out. He's already dead, he's just too stupid to realize it. At some point we'll see that he stops moving too, even if we bring this pyramid down on him.

She applauds once Kosei brings down the next four pyramids. Then eagerly heads for Florence's shelter.

"But hopefully I'll really only need to [ memorize Fairy Ring Retreat ] once or twice more before we put an end to things here for good." Florence's expression falters. "Then I guess I probably won't have to use it again."

...

"Uh, um," says Stelle, preparing for bed. "OH! Well, actually... haven't thought of what I would do after all this is said and done." She sits up in her bedroll to look at Florence. "Why would you think you wouldn't have to use it again though, Florence? I'm sure there's plenty of things to explore after this done."

She lays back down, tucking herself back in, "Yes, there's always plenty to explore."

The party moves off a little ways to camp, and protects themselves with another Fairy Ring ensuring peace and quiet in the night. The sun rises hot in the desert air, and a stronger than usual wind whips around the great pyramid awaiting you. It's FIreday, Arodus 22, 4714.

There are two remaining crypts to investigate - fire and water. Which do you wish to investigate first?

"An Ancient Guardian never rests. I will remain watchful once we are done with this Hakotep my friends" the lion stretches and yawns "Still, I will probably take a short vacation to find my lioness"

Kosei comes back to his normal self while resting. Fortunately, his powers work so that his usual tunic is on place when he recovers his man shape.

The Ancient Guardian of the Sun Lion is eager to explore the Fire Crypt.

"An Ancient Guardian never rests. I will remain watchful once we are done with this Hakotep my friends" the lion stretches and yawns "Still, I will probably take a short vacation to find my lioness"

Zilchus head quirks at Kosei’s words. He leans closer to Kosei, worried and wishing to whisper. ”Doees this mean that the Lady Nidhi never came to your always open tent? You move on? Is there nothing else you would try?” Zilchus asks, concerned. ”She is a formidable woman, to be sure, and surely worth another attempt to see if she appreciates all that you offer?” Zilchus wishes to learn how this man deals with rejection and what other gambits he might try in the wooing of ladies.

* * *

During his prayers in the morning, Zilchus will shift his morning offerings to ask for more protections from the elements from the Great Crocodile, knowing what will likely to come in the fire and water.

Switching up spells a bit.

* * *
After breakfast, Zilchus will be ready to push on.

”Ah yes, fire. We should try the first side first. The fireside? Get it? Ha! I’m a delight.”

The entrance to the Fire Crypt lies in the north face of the pyramid, atop a stairway that ascends 180’ above the ground. The deep red stone of the block covering the entrance is carved with intricate geometric designs and hieroglyphs that surround a red metallic symbol of a flaming lash set in its surface. In ancient Osiriani you can read ”Give tribute to the one to whom this Crypt of Flame is dedicated.”

You know from past exploration that the flaming lash symbol belongs to a legendary balor from an ancient Osirian myth called Okaror Sendef. The tribute mentioned in the hieroglyphs refers to the sacrifice of an intelligent (int 3+) humanoid. The keen eyed among you further spot a trap on the block, which seems tied to the opening of the crypt, though you suspect that a proper sacrifice will bypass the trap.

So who volunteers to be the sacrifice?

(New map up!)

Zilchus would summon the Chaosodile and make that an offering, but sadly no, not smart enough (go figure). Zilchus will sacrifice himself, but waits to see if others have a solution.

Zilchus will cast his magics for upcoming challenges.

Will have list of spells tonight or with next post.

"Would a humanoid mummy do?" Stelle asks. "On the other hand, how bad do you think the trap might be if we were to just blow it?"

"Why would you think you wouldn't have to use it again though, Florence? I'm sure there's plenty of things to explore after this done."

"Well...I mean I guess you're right, but I don't know, it, um..."

...wouldn't feel the same without all of you by my side...

"...just seems like there's so many paths out there. Which one would I choose? Could I even choose at all?"

She shakes her head. "I don't really know."

Still, Florence smiles when Kosei casually shares his own thoughts on the future. "Hah! It's good to see someone who knows what they want out of life. For what it's worth, I hope you find your lioness when this is all over."
______________

The next morning Florence gives some extra thought to her usual spell preparations as she meditates, Bynx contentedly curled up on her lap as always.

Fire and water. One...one of those is going to be easier to prepare for than the other.

Then she applies her usual magics to the usual suspects before the group gets started again.

Greater False Life: 2d10 + 15 ⇒ (10, 1) + 15 = 26

Mage Armor on self, extended Heroism for Zilchus & Stelle.

When it comes to gaining entry to the Fire Crypt, Florence pales at the thought of anyone sacrificing themselves. "Are...are you sure that's the only way in? Couldn't Nidhi just disarm the trap somehow?"

-1 air step, +1 resist energy. Casting MCfE, Magic Vestments, Life Bubble (5 hours to all, including Stelle). Casting Resist Energies for Fire and Cold. Air Walk and Gr. Magic Weapon.

Zilchus is ready to go.

Assuming Nidhi can disarm it, but if not, maybe Kosei can summon something, but if not that, then Zilchus will be the sacrifice.

"Well, I'm not going to volunteer any of us as sacrifices." The bard sticks a hand into the folds of her traveling cloak and produces her luminous lockpicking set. "However, if I do perish in this endeavor, bring my body back to my grandmother. Farewell, cruel world!" Nidhi lifts the back of her hand to her forehead before inching her flying carpet closer. She lays across the carpet on her stomach, arms and head hanging off one side while she attempts to disable the trap.

Disable Device: 1d20 + 22 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 22 + 5 = 32

If nothing happens, she'll try again.

Disable Device: 1d20 + 22 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 22 + 5 = 30

If both attempts fail, Nidhi will take a snack break before attempting one more time.

Disable Device: 1d20 + 22 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 22 + 5 = 37

"Um...if one of us has to step up, then..."

Florence holds up her left hand, gesturing to the ring upon it. "Please, take this. It might help. Okay?"
______________

Flo's still got her fire hangup and is too chicken to volunteer herself but she'll loan her Ring of Energy Shroud (Fire) if Zilchus or someone else ends up needing to step up and be the sacrifice.

Ahaha, I ninja'd your post! XD

Nidhi accepts the offer to borrow her companion's jewelry for the disabling attempts. She returns it after her work is done.

NIdhi steps up and tries to disarm the trap. Unfortunately, as she does so, the rock begins to move and the trap begins to spring!! Springing into action herself, she manages to disarm it before it goes off! There was a two round delay as the rock slowly dropped.

A blast of heat like a furnace greets you as the stone descends and drops out of the way. You quickly learn that the very air in here burns the lungs, resulting in damage the longer you remain exposed. This room is Extremely hot.* Don’t fall in the lava.

A stony isle sits in the center of this crushingly hot chamber, surrounded by a lake of lava that bubbles and hisses malevolently. A large, somewhat smokey, domed ceiling arches overhead. Narrow halls exit the chamber to the east and west. A broader path lies to the south leading to some sort of furnace which seems to be fueling the lava of this place, though it’s hard to see from here through the hot haze.

Standing at the isle’s corners are four iron statues depicting squat, four-legged, falcon-headed humanoids with their arms supporting their distended bellies and their beaks open wide as though waiting to be fed by some great mother bird.

Knowledge Arcana for more, with a little luck (high DC). Also note there is 10’ of lava between you and the platform, though you do have room for a running jump (so Acrobatics DC 10 to make the leap and you can take-10 as you’re not, currently, in combat).

* (In game terms, some of the chambers in here are Severely hot (110+ degrees), and some are Extremely hot (140+ degrees) (rules link). For the former, Endure Elements is enough to avoid damage, but for the latter, only protection/resist fire will do the trick. In the Extremely hot chambers, you’ll be taking d6 damage every minute, no save. In addition, you must make a Fortitude save every 5 minutes (DC 15, +1 per previous check) or take 1d4 points of nonlethal damage. Those wearing heavy clothing or armor take a –4 penalty on these saves. For the spell casters, this does count as continual damage, so concentration checks DC 10 +1/2 damage dealt last + spell level are required.)

"Oh...oh no. No way in Hells am I jumping across anything in there," Florence shudders as the group peers into the first chamber. "No. No, no, no. I'll fly across, it'll be fine."

Her eyes nervously flicker towards the iron statues, her mind eager for a distraction from all the fiery hot fire.

Kn. Arcana: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (14) + 24 = 38

"It's...it feels like a blast furnace. This can't be safe. Not safe at all," Florence continues, nervously yammering away.

"W-wait, hold up," Florence says as she throws out her arm to prevent the others from moving into the chamber. "I don't know much about them but those statues are...well, they're tophets, a kind of construct. These are, I think, also known as 'Mockeries of Ra'. They can do _____ in combat, so we'd better be prepared before we go any further..."

*edit* Got my answer via Hangouts; see post below.

"Um...well, yeah, we definitely want to be prepared. Because those things can swallow you up. That won't necessarily hurt because they've got no stomach acid to digest you with, but...um...I'm pretty sure they'll jump into the lava after that and cook you alive. That will hurt."

She pauses.

"You might be able to bash your way out or pick the lock on the hatch in their stomach, but neither one would be easy to do."

During the night Kosei looks back at Zilchus "Do you think so? I heard at some point she has some noble blood. Do you think it is true?" the lion stretches his eyes while having a look at Nidhi "Nevertheless she never crossed that line my Commander friend. And what are your plans? Would the Ruby prince appoint you as Commander of the army? Or perhaps a high member of his personal guard? I would vouch for you Zilchus my friend"

-----------------------

"If you offer to sacrifice then I can restore you back reincarnated. Perhaps in a magnificent crocodile my friend" Kosei offers just before the trap triggers and the path is open "Ah! I am so relieved we managed to skip killing anyone here"

-----------------------

"Do you think I can set a stone wall to cross my friends? It would be more safe than wind walking here if those constructs come to life" without time for more Kosei offers this solution here.

The air walking Zilchus doesn't need Kosei's ramp, but when others are ready to go, he will summon a Chaosodile in between the near foes to see if they react. He is content to guard the entrance to see what they do.

Does anyone need a Resist Fire? Seems like it would be prudent if everyone was protected.

"A stone wall would probably be handy," Florence agrees. "And, um, so would some protection against the heat..."
______________

Flo's got her ring but it only gives Fire Resistance 10 and I'm pretty sure the actual Resist Energy spell is much better at this point in the game~

Kosei produces a small block of granite from his pouch and performs some arcane movements creating a solid stone wall to jump the 10' feet hole in front "Let me cover your steps my friends"

Then, if the group still has time enough before they can cross or the constructs move, he touches everyone with his rod for an extended resist energy against fire.
300/5 = 60 min everyone including Anubis Ka but not himself

For simplicity, I’ll say Kosei cast the resist fires prior to the stone wall, so everyone is protected. Also I think Zilchus has his own protection, so Kosei, you might as well be the fifth target.

As the stone block falls into place forming a stone bridge, the statues, Mockeries of Ra (link), prepare to charge the entrance.

- Round 1 -
Florence - 26
Stelle - 22
Kosei - 19
Nidhi - 16
Zilchus - 14
Mockeries of Ra - 2

First up - Everyone!

Round 1, Init 22

"OH! Why, thank you, Nidhi, Kosei!" Stelle says, urging Anubis across the wall of stone in a charge, trying to knock Blue off the platform.

Blades Above and Below

Spirited Charge: 1d20 + 15 + 3 - 4 + 2 + 5 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 15 + 3 - 4 + 2 + 5 + 5 + 2 = 47 -PA,+Charge, +Hero, +Flank

for Damage: 3d6 + 15 + 9 + 24 + 6d6 ⇒ (6, 6, 2) + 15 + 9 + 24 + (4, 1, 4, 5, 3, 1) = 80 +PA, +Holy

CritConf?: 1d20 + 15 + 3 - 4 + 2 + 5 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 15 + 3 - 4 + 2 + 5 + 5 + 2 = 44 -PA,+Charge, +Hero, +Flank

for Damage: 2d6 + 10 + 6 + 16 ⇒ (1, 1) + 10 + 6 + 16 = 34 +PA, +Holy

+3 morale bonus on saving throws against fear (Everyone within 60 feet)
+2 morale bonus on attack rolls made as part of a charge(Everyone within 60 feet)
+2 against charm and compulsion spells and effects (Everyone within 60 feet)

As it might matter for those further down in initiative...

Stelle charges in and knocks one into next week and off the platform as it crumbles into the lava, destroyed. Oh, and there was some DR applied...

Round 1, Init 26

Though she hates to use one of her more powerful magics right off the bat, Florence has no desire to see anyone swallowed up and then taken into the lava below.

Here's hoping this'll work in this heat...

She attempts to conjure a storm of hail, snow, and sleet down on the two Mockeries in the back; if it doesn't do them any harm then maybe it'll at least slow them down a little bit.

Ice Storm (Bludgeoning): 3d6 ⇒ (2, 6, 4) = 12
Ice Storm (Cold): 2d6 ⇒ (5, 1) = 6

Flo attempts to throw an Ice Storm to catch the two at the back but not Stelle~

For piddlespot's sake, Stelle, plz let me know when you're going to absolutely crush things so I can avert my delicate and pure eyes!

Round 1

Zilchus double airwalks up to support his team. Meanwhile, the chaosodile strikes at the near foe.

1d20 + 13 ⇒ (8) + 13 = 21 to hit (bite)
2d8 + 12 ⇒ (2, 5) + 12 = 19 damage.