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

Game Master Cyril Corbaz

Once again, you navigate the necropolis with relative ease. The half-dead city even seems to be teeming with life again, with various bands of adventurers exploring its street while looking for their second delving site. The House of Pentheru is in fact a large estate, enclosed with ten feet high sandstone walls affording those who once lived inside some privacy. A two-story stone house is visible beyond the walls, adjoining the rear wall of the property. In the center of the estate’s southern wall stands a pair of tarnished bronze gates hanging partially open. A pair of statues flanks the gate. Dusty hieroglyphs are carved into the wall at eye level to the left of the gate. The hieroglyphs read “House of Pentheru” in Ancient Osiriani. The statues depict two men with a regal bearing and dressed in loose, short robes and traditional Osirian head cloths.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
Anakh-Ka identifies the two figures thanks to hidden hieroglyphs. "Father and son? Interesting."

He then pushes the large doors open.

Dust and sand cover the ground of this small courtyard. To the east and west stand pairs of columns, once brightly painted and now bleached from the sun, which support stone archways leading to other section of the property. Tarnished bronze gates hang open under both arches. To the north, a small flight of steps leads up to a pair of ornate doors in the south wall of the house between another set of columns.

Suddenly, the sound of an angry mob can be heard outside the walls. A woman’s voice cries out in Ancient Osiriani, “Hold the gates! Don’t let them inside the compound!” Powerful blows shake and rattle the gates

Perception DC 20 (not stonework), then Knowledge (religion) DC 12, then Init. If the first two rolls are successful and that your init is 10 or more, you may act to counter the haunt.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Knowledge (religion): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Initiative: 1d20 ⇒ 18

Khal-Ib remains largely unaware of the true events occuring now. "What is happening? Are we under attack?"

As you hear the footsteps of a small army closing in on you, a terrible fear floods your mind.

Will DC 11 or suffer the effects of cause fear (frightened for 1d4 ⇒ 1 rounds). If you succeed you're shaken for 1 round.

Will (fear): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
While Anakh-Ka grasps his falchion with both hands and getsready to strike anyone who'd come through the gate, the Pahmet stands his ground.

Will (fear): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
Khal-Ib's inner fears resurface as the dwarf is assailed by various stimuli. Dropping his waraxe, he makes a run for it...
Direction? 1=W 2=N 3=E: 1d3 ⇒ 1
... through the western door!

The western side of the estate forms an L-shaped yard mostly given to sand, sun-dried earth, and the ancient husks of dead trees. Stone benches line the walls of the yard, and a large tiled pool sits in the southwest corner, dried and partially filled with sand. A short flight of steps leads between a pair of pillars to a set of stone doors in the west side of the house. At the north end of the yard stands a squat stone building with columns at every corner. Unfortunately for Khal-Ib, he disturbed a humongous centipede currently feeding off corpses.

The Beast in the Garden - round 1
1. Ka
2. Centipede
3. Ib (frightened)

Seeing the large beast coiled in the dried pool, Anakh-Ka downs his mutagen and moves into the garden to protect his brother. "Khal-Ib, what are you doing? Come back, you left your axe here!"

The monstrous centipede crawls out of his resting place to attack the one who disturbed it.
Bite: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 122d6 + 7 ⇒ (5, 1) + 7 = 13 & save vs poison (DC 17, 1d4 ⇒ 3 Dex damage).

The Beast in the Garden - round 2
1. Ib , Ka
2. Centipede

Khal-Ib, regaining full control of his mind, opts to draw his old waraxe as he closes the distance with the huge vermin, and strike it with all his might. That will provoke, of course.
Dwarven Waraxe: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 221d10 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Anakh-Ka circles around the centipede to outflank it, though the coils of the beast are so large he doesn't reach a vantage position just yet. The dwarf's falchion slices though the air, aiming between the chitin plates.
Mwk cold iron Falchion, PA, Str Mutagen: 1d20 + 7 - 1 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 7 - 1 + 2 = 262d4 + 4 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (3, 2) + 4 + 3 + 3 = 15
Confirmation, Ruthless: 1d20 + 7 - 1 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 7 - 1 + 2 + 1 = 262d4 + 4 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (1, 2) + 4 + 3 + 3 = 13

AoO Tail slap: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 41d3 ⇒ 1 Nonlethal and: Trip: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15

Khal-Ib's mundane waraxe arcs through the air and nails one of the centipede's many legs in place. The vermin reels in pain, just in time for Anakh-Ka to inflict a staggering blow almost killing it outright!

Furious and desperate, the centipede strikes back at Anakh-Ka.
Bite: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 172d6 + 7 ⇒ (5, 1) + 7 = 13 & save vs poison (DC 17, 1d4 ⇒ 1 Dex damage).
Tail slap: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 231d3 ⇒ 3 Nonlethal and: Trip: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19

Blinded by pain, the centipede proves a formidable opponent. While its mandibles rip on the Pahmet's armor, an unexpected tail sweep almost knocks the dwarf off his feet.

The Beast in the Garden - round 3
1. Ib , Ka
2. Centipede (34)

"Hey big one, I'm here! Why don't you deal with me." he taunts as he strikes.

Dwarven Waraxe: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 101d10 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

The dwarf chuckles and strikes once more.
Mwk cold iron Falchion, PA, Str Mutagen: 1d20 + 7 - 1 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 7 - 1 + 2 = 132d4 + 4 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (3, 3) + 4 + 3 + 3 = 16

The two brothers may have yet underestimated their opponent, as it coils and strikes again, dodging the blows while counterattacking. He lashes at Anakh-Ka, biting the dwarf.
Bite: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 222d6 + 7 ⇒ (4, 5) + 7 = 16 & save vs poison (DC 17, 1d4 ⇒ 1 Dex damage).
Tail slap: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 161d3 ⇒ 3 Nonlethal and: Trip: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24

The Beast in the Garden - round 4
1. Ib , Ka
2. Centipede (34)

5 damage transferred, 11 left.

Khal-Ib strikes once more with his waraxe.
Dwarven Waraxe: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 191d10 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

... and finishes off the centipede! It writhes in pain in its dying moments, then just stops moving.

End combat. We remain in initiative until the poison is dealt with.

Fort vs poison DC 17: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
Anakh-Ka feels weakened by the poison. Seeing an opportunity as the vermin dies, he draws an antitoxin and drinks it.
Fort vs poison DC 17, antitoxin: 1d20 + 8 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 8 + 5 = 25

Khal-Ib starts casting spells as his brother's wounds slowly transfer to him. Over time, he takes a total of 16 lethal and 3 nonlethal damage.

"Irori, grant me mastery over pain and death. Allow my body to regenerate and find its strength restored!" he speaks out, open palms raised to the sky.
CLW: 1d8 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 2 + 1 = 8
CLW: 1d8 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 2 + 2 + 1 = 11

In the aftermath of the fight, the dwarf will retrieve his dropped axe, of course.

"What a mighty worm! Everything does indeed come in a larger size in Osirion. That's what you get because of their Pharaohs' hubris." grumbles Anakh-Ka.

Observing his surroundings, he points at the crypt entrance at the back of the garden. "That looks like a tomb, or a crypt. Shall we explore it first? It's as good as any a place to start with."

(B4) A rectangular stone building sits in the northwest corner of the estate. At each corner stand columns carved to resemble men and women with their arms crossed over their chests. A set of stone doors stands in the southern face of the building, carved with bas-relief faces of two men. Hieroglyphs are carved into the doors just beneath the faces.

The faces on the doors are of Pentheru the Elder and Pentheru the Younger and match the faces on the statues outside the property. Two of the building’s four columns also depict the two men. The other two columns depict women: the wives of father and son. The Ancient Osiriani hieroglyphs identify the building as the “crypt of the House of Pentheru” and warn, “May defilers be cursed by the gods until their day of judgment.” The crypt’s stone doors are heavy, but open easily.

"Agreed, let's venture underground. We belong there." comments Khal-Ib.

(B26) A stone altar sits upon a raised stone platform in the center of this square room. Caryatid columns carved in the likenesses of male and female figures with their arms crossed over their chests and khopeshes or ankhs in their hands stand at each corner of the platform. Empty torch holders are built in all four of the room’s corners. Two stairways exit the room—one climbs to the south, while the other descends from this chamber to the north. There is one creature who dwells here, a mummy, with bits of detritus and a sour stink clinging to it.

Mummy from the Crypt - round 1
1. Ib, Ka
2. Mummy Knowledge (nature) to identify.

Khal-Ib is the first one to react. Considering his options, he chooses to venture into the room and strike the creature before it can react.
Mwk Cold Iron Dwarven Waraxe: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 251d10 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Anakh-Ka imitates his brother, flanking the mummy.
Mwk cold iron Falchion, PA, Str Mutagen, flanking: 1d20 + 7 - 1 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 7 - 1 + 2 + 2 = 212d4 + 4 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (4, 4) + 4 + 3 + 3 = 18

Khal-Ib's axe strikes true, but the blow is too weak to penetrate the mummy's defenses. Anakh-Ka, on the other hand, deals a potent blow, enough to cut through the creature's bandages. Beneath them, a pallid flesh is revealed, but not a dessicated one. Is that creature truly a mummy?

Groaning with pain it strikes Anakh-Ka back twice, seeking to snare the dwarf in its gnarled arms.
Slam: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 161d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8 & grab: Grapple: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (7) + 19 = 26
Slam: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 181d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 & grab: Grapple: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (6) + 19 = 25

Mummy from the Crypt - round 2
1. Ib, Ka
2. "Mummy" (13)

"Careful, stay out of his reach, it's trying to grab you!" warns Khal-Ib, striking with his axe.
Mwk Cold Iron Dwarven Waraxe, flanking: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 2 = 101d10 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

The Pahmet remains on the offensive, not because he's reckless, but because it's the sole stance he knows in combat.
Mwk cold iron Falchion, PA, Str Mutagen, flanking: 1d20 + 7 - 1 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 7 - 1 + 2 + 2 = 122d4 + 4 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (3, 2) + 4 + 3 + 3 = 15

Seeing the two brothers fail time and time again to hit him, the beast chuckles and strikes again at Anakh-Ka.
Slam: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 251d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 & grab: Grapple: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (19) + 19 = 38
Slam: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 211d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 & grab: Grapple: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (5) + 19 = 24
This time, both of his arm latch onto the Pahmet, locking him from wielding his two-handed blade.

Mummy from the Crypt - round 3
1. Ib, Ka
2. "Mummy" (13)

As some wounds transfer to Khal-Ib, the stonelord is at a loss as to what to do to free his brother. It is then that he remembers his Master's voice in his mind.

When in doubt, use the dwarven way. Hit hard.

The paladin almost grins, and strikes. Hard.
Mwk Cold Iron Dwarven Waraxe: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 261d10 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Confirmation: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 82d10 + 6 ⇒ (1, 10) + 6 = 17

Anakh-Ka struggles hard to free himself.

I cannot fail my brother.

CMB: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 5 + 2 = 23

Actually I forgot the first times, but I won't this time:
The moment Khal-Ib's weapon hits the creature, its wielder realizes that the wound is sticky, even adhesive. Ref DC 14 or the weapon will get stuck.

The mummy, now with ragged and torn bands of cloth, turns to Khal-Ib to attempt to grab an easier prey.
Slam: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 141d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 & grab: Grapple: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (15) + 19 = 34
Slam: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 81d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5 & grab: Grapple: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (19) + 19 = 38
However, the dwarf is quite apt at defending himself, and dodges the blows.

Mummy from the Crypt - round 4
1. Ib, Ka
2. "Mummy" (16)

Ref DC 14: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (15) + 0 = 15
By sheer miracle, Khal-Ib's prized dwarven waraxe can be pried off the creature's adhesive skin! Its wielder uses that opportunity to strike again.

Mwk Cold Iron Dwarven Waraxe, flanking: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 6 + 2 = 181d10 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Ref DC 14: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (3) + 0 = 3

Not only does Khal-Ib fails to harm the creature, but his axe remains stuch this time! With a sigh, the Pahmet draws his backup axe.

Anakh-Ka relinquishes all caution and endeavors to follow his brother's cue: strike hard.
Mwk cold iron Falchion, PA, Str Mutagen, flanking: 1d20 + 7 - 1 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 7 - 1 + 2 + 2 = 212d4 + 4 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (3, 2) + 4 + 3 + 3 = 15
Ref DC 14: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

The creature dressed as a mummy seems to fear for its life, and instinctively makes a run for it, trying to escape from whence you came.
Provoking AoOs from both of you.

Mummy from the Crypt - round 4
1. Ib, Ka
2. "Mummy" (26)

Khal-Ib strikes!
Dwarven Waraxe, flanking: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 5 + 2 = 121d10 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Ref DC 14: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (11) + 0 = 11

Gritting his teeth as he doesn't want to let down his brother, Anakh-Ka strikes as well!
Mwk cold iron Falchion, PA, Str Mutagen, flanking: 1d20 + 7 - 1 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 7 - 1 + 2 + 2 = 132d4 + 4 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (4, 3) + 4 + 3 + 3 = 17
Ref DC 14: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
If it doesn't die, we'll run after him.

Direction? 1=S, 2=E: 1d2 ⇒ 2
Once he reached the surface, the creature opts for a quick turn to the left, making a run for the door to the east of the courtyard.

(B15) A tiled walkway surrounds a square patch of earth and sand in this high atrium. A balcony on the second floor overlooks the courtyard, and a square hole in the ceiling opens to the sky. Four columns in the corners of the atrium support the roof above, and the walls are decorated with symbols and hieroglyphs depicting animals, celestial creatures, and the sun and moon. In the middle of the room stands a sand statue of a beautiful woman, who appears to be surprised to see you (assuming double move from you) and the mummy barging in. The "mummy" halts for a second, then sees you catch up, and decides it's time for a final showdown. It turns back and attacks Khal-Ib...
Slam: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 221d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 & grab: Grapple: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (14) + 19 = 33
Slam: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 141d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5 & grab: Grapple: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (12) + 19 = 31
... and grapples the dwarf in the process!

Mummy from the Crypt - round 6
1. Ib, Ka
2. "Mummy" (26)

Transferring 5 more damage from Ka to Ib, on op of the 5 inflicted this round.

"Hey, let go of me!" shouts the stonelord in Terran as he struggles to break free.
CMB: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

Anakh-Ka grins as he sees the strange creature posing as a mummy give up the running. Seeing an opportunity, he slices the air, aiming at the creature's head.
Mwk cold iron Falchion, PA, Str Mutagen, flanking: 1d20 + 7 - 1 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 7 - 1 + 2 + 2 = 252d4 + 4 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (3, 3) + 4 + 3 + 3 = 16
Ref DC 14: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

With one last swift slash, Anakh-Ka ends the creature's life.

End combat. Retrieving the stuck waraxe requires a DC 17 Strength check.

The sand statue has observed you through the whole scene, and peers at Anakh-Ka with a curious look. "I am the spirit of this house. What's with the commotion? Who are you?" he says in Terran.

Strength: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Strength: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Strength: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19

While speaking, Khal-Ib desperately tries to get his waraxe back, pulling like a child who's lost his toy on the handle for the axe to come off.

"Well met, spirit. We're the Coils of the Ouroboros, and we've been assigned the exploration of this house by the clergy of Pharasma. It was believed Pentheru and the other inhabitants of this estate were long deceased - we certainly weren't expecting to find someone here, even less someone as attractive."

Diplomacy (improve attitude): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

"Yes lass, we're here on good authority. What about you, what do you do here? Are you still bound to this house? Were you Pentheru's servant?" inquires the dwarf in a not-so-friendly tone.

"Why, I'm guarding this house. Why don't you lay down and sleep for a while? You certainly look tired." As she speaks those words, your eyelids suddenly feel very heavy, and about to close.

Will DC 14 or fall asleep. It isn't a spell or spell-like ability by the way.

Sleep Spirit of the House - round 1
1. Ka
2. Spirit
3. Ib

Will DC 14: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
Khal-Ib falls asleep, letting go of the fatigue accumulated throughout today's exploration.

Will DC 14: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 1 = 5
Anakh-Ka also falls asleep...

Coup de grace damage @Ka: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (6, 1) + 6 = 13
Fortification 25%: 1d100 ⇒ 15 Normal hit! 9 damage

DC 19 Fortitude save vs death, then DC 14 Will save vs sleep (still a (su)).

Sleep Spirit of the House - round 2
1. Ka (asleep)
2. Spirit
3. Ib (asleep)

Fort DC 19: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
Will DC 14: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 1 = 6
Anakh-Ka's body proves as resilient as you would have expected a dwarf's to be. However, the Pahmet falls asleep right away...

The sand statue doesn't realize for now that Anakh.Ka's survived his terrible coup de grace, and proceeds to finishing off Anakh-Ka's twin brother.

Coup de grace damage @Ib: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (2, 5) + 6 = 13 -1 to DR = 12 damage.

DC 22 Fortitude save vs death, then DC 14 Will save vs sleep (still a (su)).

Sleep Spirit of the House - round 3
1. Ka (asleep)
2. Spirit
3. Ib (asleep)