GM Lithrac's Mummy's Mask Challenge (Inactive)

Game Master Cyril Corbaz

(A7) There is a small hallway in between the two larger rooms. Four funerary masks hang on one wall of this short hallway, staring down as if in judgment at anyone standing in the corridor.

Knowledge (religion): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

"Abadar and Pharasma - I could have expected the Lady of Graves, but not the god of trade. Do you recognize the other two?"

Knowledge (religion): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

"No clue. Let's move on."

(A8) A table displaying a three-dimensional diorama occupies much of the north side of this room. Three shields with different designs are displayed upon a rack against the east wall, while various weapons hang from another rack along the south wall. Arrayed around the room are five small chests and a clay urn.

As soon as you enter the room, three tiny soldiers made of wood emerge from the diorama, as if they came to life, and attack you.

They each strike Anakh-Ka with their tiny fists.
Slam: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 211d3 ⇒ 1
Slam: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 121d3 ⇒ 3

Slam: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 231d3 ⇒ 1
Slam: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 151d3 ⇒ 1
Confirmation: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 131d3 ⇒ 1

Slam: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 161d3 ⇒ 1
Slam: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 231d3 ⇒ 3
Confirmation: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 141d3 ⇒ 1

Stone dolls - round 1
1. Warrior dolls Knowledge (arcana) to ID.
2. Ib, Ka

From the 7 damage you took, 5 transfer to me.

As his twin brother is hurt by the flurries of blows coming from the small soldiers, Ib focuses and winces as much of the pain and wounds are trasfered to him instead. Most of Anakh-Ka's wounds disappear, leaving him in excellent shape to retaliate.

Khal-Ib, on the other hand, steps forward and strikes with his axe. However, the pain proved too distracting to allow Khal-Ib to hit his target.
Dwarven Waraxe: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 71d10 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Anakh-Ka slashes at one of the soldiers, then steps back into the hallway. "Retreat to the chokepoint!" he calls out in Terran.

Falchion, PA: 1d20 + 4 - 1 ⇒ (11) + 4 - 1 = 142d4 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (4, 1) + 4 + 3 = 12

The dolls continue their onslaught, although one of them is impeded by the wall between him and Anakh-Ka.

Slam @Ka (cover): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 201d3 ⇒ 1
Slam @Ka (cover): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 101d3 ⇒ 1

Slam @Ka: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 101d3 ⇒ 2
Slam @Ka: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 61d3 ⇒ 1

Slam @Ib: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 101d3 ⇒ 3
Slam @Ib: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 221d3 ⇒ 1

This time, only one of the wooden statues manages to hit Khal-Ib.

Stone dolls - round 2
1. Warrior dolls
2. Ib, Ka

Two more damage transferred to me. You should be at full health now.

Khal-Ib follows his brother's cue and steps back before attempting to heal himself.
Concentration DC 17: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

Despite having a hard time focusing with the tiny soldiers assaulting him, the dwarf manages to pull off a curative spell.
CLW @Ib: 1d8 + 1 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 + 2 + 1 = 10

"One more step, brother!" yells the fighter as he brings down his mighty falchion upon his closest foe.
Falchion, PA: 1d20 + 4 - 1 ⇒ (1) + 4 - 1 = 42d4 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (1, 3) + 4 + 3 = 11

Yet the slash not only proves imprecise, but the blade remains stuck for a second or two in one of the massive beams supporting the hallway's ceiling!

Apologies, I didn't realize that they had reach 0. However, since they attacked first, they were able to take 5-ft steps everytime so no AoO was lost.

The wooden statuettes continue their bloody work, pummelling the two brothers with their fists.

@Ka:
Slam: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 71d3 ⇒ 3
Slam: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 111d3 ⇒ 3

Slam: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 101d3 ⇒ 1
Slam: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 101d3 ⇒ 2

@Ib:
Slam: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 191d3 ⇒ 1
Slam: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 191d3 ⇒ 3

Stone Wooden dolls - round 3
1. Warrior dolls
2. Ib, Ka

Whereas his brother is fully protected against the wooden dolls's blows by his armor, Khal-Ib isn't as lucky. He takes a step back and strikes again with his waraxe.
Dwarven Waraxe: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 121d10 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Anakh-Ka does his best to contain his constantly growing anger at the frustratingly small dolls. Nonetheless, like all dwarf do at work, he tries again.

Falchion, PA: 1d20 + 4 - 1 ⇒ (7) + 4 - 1 = 102d4 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (1, 3) + 4 + 3 = 11

Both brothers miss their attacks - these frail-looking dolls are indeed hard to nail! They counterattack.

@Ka:
Slam: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 191d3 ⇒ 2
Slam: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 41d3 ⇒ 3

Slam: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 71d3 ⇒ 2
Slam: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 71d3 ⇒ 3

@Ib:
Slam: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 111d3 ⇒ 2
Slam: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 41d3 ⇒ 1

Wooden dolls - round 4
1. Warrior dolls
2. Ib, Ka

Once again, Anakh-Ka's wounds close and the same wounds appear on Khal-Ib's body. Yet the stonelord doesn't complain, and strikes again.

Dwarven Waraxe: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 221d10 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Anakh-Ka's also slashes at one of the dolls assailing him.
Falchion, PA: 1d20 + 4 - 1 ⇒ (17) + 4 - 1 = 202d4 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (4, 4) + 4 + 3 = 15

The tide of battle has turned! While Khal-Ib's blow makes a dent into the doll attacking him, it isn't enough to fully destroy it. Anakh-Ka's blow, on the other hand, is so formidable that one of his statuettes is shattered to splinters!

@Ka:
Slam: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 71d3 ⇒ 1
Slam: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 181d3 ⇒ 1

@Ib:
Slam: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 41d3 ⇒ 1
Slam: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 61d3 ⇒ 3

Wooden dolls - round 5
1. Warrior dolls (0 / 2)
2. Ib, Ka

1 damage transferred from Ka to Ib.

Seeing that the statuette is resilient against his blows, the stonelord focuses his thoughts to unleash a stonestrike.

Dwarven Waraxe, stonestrike: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 4 + 1 = 231d10 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 1 = 7
Stonestrike: ignore 2 hardness.

Anakh-Ka's slashes again with his massive blade, with the clear intent to end this fight soon.
Falchion, PA: 1d20 + 4 - 1 ⇒ (12) + 4 - 1 = 152d4 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (3, 2) + 4 + 3 = 12

Khal-Ib's opponent shatters in turn! The Iroran paladin's stonestrike proved too much for it to bear.

The last soldier attacks Anakh-Ka:
Slam: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 71d3 ⇒ 2
Slam: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 111d3 ⇒ 2

Wooden dolls - round 6
1. Warrior doll
2. Ib, Ka

Yelling curses in Terran to convey his feeling of achievement, Khal-Ib steps away to circle around the last remaining dool and flank it.
Dwarven Waraxe, flanking: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 4 + 2 = 221d10 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Ka remains strong on his two legs, and slashes again in unison with his brother.
Falchion, PA, flanking: 1d20 + 4 - 1 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 4 - 1 + 2 = 102d4 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (2, 2) + 4 + 3 = 11

Khal-Ib's blow is mighty, and nearly suffices to fell the doll, but it remains (mostly) whole, and pummels the paladin back.

Slam: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 181d3 ⇒ 1
Slam: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 41d3 ⇒ 3

Wooden dolls - round 7
1. Warrior doll (4)
2. Ib, Ka

Khal-Ib strikes one more blow, trying to shatter the doll with his axe.
Dwarven Waraxe, flanking: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 2 = 131d10 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Anakh-Ka persists with his massive blade.

Falchion, PA, flanking: 1d20 + 4 - 1 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 4 - 1 + 2 = 202d4 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (2, 1) + 4 + 3 = 10

With the fighter's last blow, the last doll finally shatters in a thousand splinters!

End combat.

Once the dust has settled, the twins are able to explore the room throughly. With a sculpted landscape and tiny stone and wooden statues, the diorama depicts an ancient battle between the city of Wati and an unidentified enemy. The rack to the east proudly displays three shields.

The shield on the right is a light wooden shield identical to the shields carried by the soldiers in the diorama. It bears Ancient Osiriani hieroglyphs that spell the name “Akhentepi,” marking those soldiers as under the command of Akhentepi.

The light wooden shield on the left does not appear to be Osirian in origin.

The center shield is unusual in that it is a light steel shield shaped like a scarab; it matches the one borne by Akhentepi in the engravings on the doors found earlier.

The rack on the south wall holds a composite shortbow, a khopesh, and a spear—all of which belonged to Akhentepi. Most of the arms and armor on the racks are mundane items, but Akhentepi’s khopesh and spear are both masterwork weapons. The composite shortbow is still serviceable, but its string has deteriorated, and must be replaced before the weapon can be used. The scarabshaped steel shield is also a masterwork item.

The chests are of good craftsmanship but less ornate than the one found earlier. None of the chests are locked or trapped, but each has been sealed with wax. They contain a sack with a 100 gp and 42 sp, and several scroll tubes holding papyrus records, private memos, expense ledgers, speeches, and private correspondence. Among the papers are discussions regarding the unfinished tomb of Akhentepi’s mistress. There is little else of interest in the papers, but to a collector or Osirionologist, these documents are worth 250 gp total if undamaged. The clay urn is also sealed with wax and contains nard, an expensive, oily perfume, worth 75 gp.

After healing his wounds, Khal-Ib inspects the high-quality items carefully, empowering his sight with detect magic.

CLW: 1d8 + 1 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 + 2 + 1 = 12

The scarab shield is indeed magical.

"Well done, brother! Those were pesky guardians, but we managed to deal with them well. What have you found? Anything of value?" inquires Anakh-Ka.

"This scarab shield is magical, though I do not know its properties. I'd use it right away, but Osiriani are known to place cursed item in their tombs. I'll take it in my backpack for now. Moreover, these weapons are of good quality and would fetch a good price on the market. Lastly, the documents could be sold to an Osirionologist." comments Khal-Ib.

"Shall we explore the rest of the tomb?"

"Let's take a break for now. Let's eat, drink to our fisrt success, and allow me an hour to brew another mutagen. Then we'll continue our venture." argues Anakh-Ka. "Want some lamb and bread?"

After an hour and a half of feasting and brewing, the two brothers set out to explore the rest of the tomb, and open the large doors to the south of the room where the two mummified cats remained.

(A9) A massive mirror stretches across the southern wall of this chamber, flanked by two statues. The statue to the east depicts a tall, gaunt woman in a flowing, hooded gown, holding an hourglass. The figure to the west is that of a jackal-headed man carrying a scepter or staff in his hand. Stone double doors, standing slightly ajar, lead to the east and west. A third set of double doors exits the room to the north. Torch holders sculpted in the shape of bird skulls are built in each corner, and a thin layer of dust covers every surface.

Knowledge (religion): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

Anakh-Ka inspects the statues before turning his gaze towards the mirror.
Fort: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

"How strange, I see Akhentepi in that mirror. Maybe his ghost is with us? He really appears to disapprove what we're doing."

Knowledge (religion): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Fort: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

"Aye, 'tis very strange. Best leave that mirror away from now." However, the dwarf casts detect magic to see if the mirror (or anything else in the room) is magical.

The mirror is magical, but nothing else in the room is (apart from the shield you recently found, of course). It seems a spell of some sort was bound to that mirror, yet you both appear to have resisted it.

Where to?

"It's possible the ghost is with us, but at least the mirror is magical. Let's move on." suggests Khal-Ib, turning to the eastern door and waiting for his brother to lead the way.

(A10) Pillars line the walls of this rectangular chamber, interspersed with stone jackal heads extending from the walls. A stone altar, covered in a layer of dust, sits at the eastern end of the room. To the west, a set of stone double doors stands slightly ajar. As you venture into the room, two strange spiders scuttle from their nest behind the altar and attack you!

They immediately lunge at you!
Bite@Ka (FF): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 71d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Bite @Ib (FF): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 51d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

However, both miss their mark.

Strange spiders - round 1
1. GS
2. Ka, Ib

"Careful brother, other vermin!" yells the fighter in Terran as he swings his falchion at the spider that attacked him.

Falchion, PA: 1d20 + 4 - 1 ⇒ (13) + 4 - 1 = 162d4 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (4, 4) + 4 + 3 = 15

Khal-Ib imitates his brother, dodging the spider and retaliating in kind.

Dwarven Waraxe: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 91d10 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Anakh-Ka slays his opponent in a single blow, severing many of the strange spider's lege in one blow. However, his brother is less lucky, and the blade of his axe misses its mark.

The spider hisses and strikes Khal-Ib thrice!
Bite: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 151d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Claw: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 111d3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Claw: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 151d3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 If both claws hit, the spider rends you for an additional Rend: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 damage.

Strange spiders - round 2
1. GS
2. Ka, Ib

Seeing his brother attacked many times, Anakh-Ka steps around the spider and slashes.
Falchion, PA: 1d20 + 4 - 1 ⇒ (7) + 4 - 1 = 102d4 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (1, 3) + 4 + 3 = 11

The Pahmet blesses his insight to fight with a shield, for all of the spider's attacks rip against it without harming its wielder! Khal-Ib strikes back.
Dwarven Waraxe: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 111d10 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Neither dwarf manages to land a successful blow, thus allowing the spider to lash at the stonelord once again.

Bite: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 81d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Claw: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 91d3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Claw: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 201d3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 If both claws hit, the spider rends you for an additional Rend: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 damage.

Strange spiders - round 3
1. GS
2. Ka, Ib

Another swing of the falchion slices through the air, aimed at the spider's body.
Falchion, PA, flanking: 1d20 + 4 - 1 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 4 - 1 + 2 = 72d4 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (3, 1) + 4 + 3 = 11

Khal-Ib is wounded by one of the creature's claws this time, though it is only a grazing wound.
Dwarven Waraxe, flanking: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 2 = 91d10 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

The spider strikes thrice again.
Bite: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 121d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Claw: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 131d3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Claw: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 81d3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 If both claws hit, the spider rends you for an additional Rend: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 damage.

Strange spiders - round 4
1. GS
2. Ka, Ib

"Will you die already? This has lasted long enough." grunts the dwarf.

Falchion, PA, flanking: 1d20 + 4 - 1 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 4 - 1 + 2 = 112d4 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (3, 2) + 4 + 3 = 12

Khal-Ib sighs but takes great care not to let his guard down as the face off with the vermin carries on.
Dwarven Waraxe, flanking: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 4 + 2 = 161d10 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

The spider hisses in pain, but fights back once more!
Bite: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 111d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Claw: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 201d3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Claw: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 181d3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 If both claws hit, the spider rends you for an additional Rend: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 damage.

This time, both claws latch successfully into Khal-Ib's flesh, and then tear through it, inflicting great pain to the Pahmet!

Strange spiders - round 5
1. GS (5)
2. Ka, Ib

"Leave.My.Brother.Alone." orders Anakh-Ka, slicing through the spider with conviction.

Falchion, PA, flanking: 1d20 + 4 - 1 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 4 - 1 + 2 = 242d4 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (3, 4) + 4 + 3 = 14
Confirmation, ruthrless: 1d20 + 4 - 1 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 4 - 1 + 2 + 1 = 102d4 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (3, 2) + 4 + 3 = 12

The mighty blow crushes the strange spider, ending its life in a pained hiss.

End combat.

Despite a thorough and careful search, the twins are unable to find anything of value here.