GM Rednal's Rise of the Runelords: AE (Inactive)

Game Master Rednal

The room looked much as it had the first time you entered - with no sign of the unquiet spirits in question. If experience was anything to go by, though, they were definitely there - and probably back in the three tombs they'd risen from in the first place. Entering would almost certainly set them off again.

Casting Protection against Evil on all three, the Crossbowman walked into the room, once more hoping to bait them into attacking. He also once more called up the Shade of his mother, and willing it to target whichever enemy showed itself first.

Gritting her teeth behind a worried smile, brown eyes warily looking around, the druid took a slow step into the room. Watching, waiting, quietly easing herself into the room with kapenia in hand, snake on her shoulder, songs ready behind her lips...

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

Tyranius follows slowly behind Shalluk and keeps an eye out for the shadows.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

"Call out if you see them."

As it happened, nobody needed to call out - the arrival of your foe was obvious. Rather than three Shadows, however, only one rose up from the cairns... but it looked larger than the others, and there was a distinct reddish tint to its form as it raised one hand... and pointed at Shalluk.

Init (Enemy): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Init (Shalluk): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
Init (Tyranius): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Init (Zelani): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

...Perhaps that hadn't been the best idea, though, because taking the time to posture was definitely slowing it down.

Shalluk tilted his head. Well...that was unexpected. He hoped that such an event did not bode ill for this little adventure. However, he gestured at the creature dismissively...and the spectre unleashed a bolt on the thing.

Ranged Touch Attack (Force): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Damage: 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (2, 1) + 4 = 7

Turning his back, Shalluk moved to Zelani, and cast Magic Weapon on her.

Zelani jolted slightly at the sight of the...large reddish twisted shadow. Seeing them point at Shalluk caused a hiss to rise in the druid that she didn't quite swallow down. After holding a moment to ensure that the point was just posturing and Shalluk's spell to work on her kapenia, the druid launched herself forward on light feet, twisting then moving the bladed scarf forward like a whip...

Attack: Kapenia: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

...before jumping backwards out of reach, just in case, watching the creature with a renewed desire to prove herself...

Tyranius focuses his efforts on Shalluk's target with his magical shortsword. He spins gracefully in a small circle and brings his blade up into the shadow.

MWK Shortsword; magic weapon: 1d20 + 6 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 6 - 1 + 1 = 15
Damage: 1d6 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 2 + 2 + 1 = 11
Sneak Attack Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 5) = 11

Power Attack

The creature casually dodged the bolt from Shalluk's companion, though the slash from Zelani's scarf was considerably more accurate. (If... not all that damaging. Ghostly creatures like this one were hard for even magic to affect.) Similarly, though Tyranius' blow struck true, the ghostly entity had no weak points where precise harm could be done. The creature floated forward (Provoking AoO's from both Zelani and Tyranius), then lashed out at Shalluk with its hand.

Melee Touch (Shalluk): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Fortunately, the strike wasn't particularly accurate.

Also! Helpful reminder: Remember to note that you have Protection from Evil, etc., at the bottom of your posts. o wo/ Keeping track of active buffs that way means they won't be forgotten when they'd make a difference.

Shuddering, Shalluk hoped that the creature missing meant that the Protection from Evil spell was performing correctly. If those things could still touch him...he could feel the cold still lingering in his flesh.

Never mind that for now. Shalluk backed away, then cast a Cure Light Wounds, holing it ready for the next round when he cold touch the creature back.

At the same time, the spirit let out another bolt.
Touch Attacl: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Force Damage: 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (3, 4) + 4 = 11

Protection from Evil

Another hiss came to Zelani's lips as she saw the creature try to get Shalluk. A mix of emotions came as she lashed out against the shadow when they tried to get past her...

AoE Kapenia: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Before the aasimar tried to move to give her more of a reach with the bladed scarf from behind the red shadow...

Attack - Kapenia: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

...and found frustration growing within her. She jumped back with an angry grunt, trying to figure out a better way to deal with this, a better way to show what she could do to be helpful to the gentlemen...

Protection from Evil

sorry wrong name that I somehow only now noticed, it's one of those weeks

I've been known to do the same thing myself every now and then. XD Don't worry about it. Someone poke me when Tyranius has posted, though, so I don't forget that I checked this.

AoO MWK Shortsword; magic weapon; PA: 1d20 + 6 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 6 - 1 + 1 = 22
Damage: 1d6 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 2 + 1 = 8

As the shadow floats forward Tyranius slashes at it once again before it is able to reach into Shalluk's soul a second time.

Shifting into a slightly better position Tyranius puts his defenses down as he realizes what little good they are against these unnatural creatures.

MWK Shortsword: 1d20 + 4 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 4 - 1 + 1 = 16
Damage: 1d6 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 2 + 1 = 6

MWK Tekko-Kagi: 1d20 + 5 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 5 - 1 + 1 = 7
Damage: 1d6 + 1 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 + 2 + 1 = 6

Protection from Evil Active

By 'note your abilities', I mean 'put the numbers'. XD Because there are a lot of potential buffs in this game, and if I have to look it up, that defeats the purpose of citing it.

The bolt from Shalluk's companion glanced off the wall, striking a few sparks but doing nothing more. Zelani looked like she was having a similarly hard time hitting the beast - though Tyranius managed to land two blows and deal a moderate amount of harm to the substance that made up the creature's form. The creature continued to pursue - this time not having to float more than five feet, apparently - and lashed out once more. The unusually crimson Shadow seemed almost... obsessively fixated on him.

Melee Touch (Shalluk): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15 for Strength Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Shalluk cursed heavily. Apparently the Protection from Evil spell was not working at all against this creature. That made things more difficult. Moving Shalluk reached out, attempting to touch him with the Cure spell.

Touch Attack: 1d20 + 7 - 1 ⇒ (11) + 7 - 1 = 17
Damage: 1d8 + 3 - 1 ⇒ (8) + 3 - 1 = 10

The Shade also fired another bolt.

Ranged Touch Attack: 1d20 + 7 - 1 ⇒ (2) + 7 - 1 = 8
Force Damage: 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (4, 2) + 4 = 10

Protection from Evil- +2 to AC and saves vs evil creatures.
-1 Negative level. -1 to hit, saves and abilities that function by level.

Zelani hissed loudly, in growing and frustration as the tainted shadow creature touched Shalluk. Watching the creatures fixation, the aasmiar knew he needed far greater protection. She moved closer to the fetchling to speak with him, her kapenia raised towards the creature.

"They're after you Shalluk, I can create a barrier to give you greater protection. That will limit how much you can attack them...very little passes through a barrier in either direction...but..." she looked to Shalluk and held back her words and fears. Right now she knew she was doing little but this was one thing she could do - but she would not do it yet without Shalluk's permission.

She turned to look at the creature and struck out again at them...

Attack - Kapenia: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Protection from Evil: +2 to AC and saves vs evil creatures.

Tyranius is glad Shalluk seems a bit more resistant to the Shadows this time around. He continues to slash his Shortsword and Tekko-Kagi through the smoke-like creatures.

MWK Shortsword; magic weapon: 1d20 + 4 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 4 - 1 + 1 = 15
Damage: 1d6 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 2 + 1 = 8

MWK Tekko-Kagi: 1d20 + 5 - 1 ⇒ (16) + 5 - 1 = 20
Damage: 1d6 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 1 + 2 = 5

Protection from Evil: +2 to AC and saves vs evil creatures.

...Speaking of saves for abilities, please include those in your posts and profiles. XD Saves me a lot of time.

Will for Half: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Shalluk's bolt hit the creature's body with a zap - and Zelani whipped in a moment later, followed by Tyranius. Under the heavy barrage, its body finally couldn't take it anymore, and dissipated into the air as the energies that held it in place failed. The air in the room seemed to grow lighter as it passed, leaving you free to explore.

Watching the Shadow dissipate, Shalluk breathed out slowly. "Thank you, Zelani. I do not know why the undead was after me, but perhaps it had a taste for me."

With a nods of thanks, Shalluk release Mother and began to hunt around the room. His hands were folded into the sleeves of his robes, to hide that they were shaking.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

"You must have left them weakened from before." Tyranius sighs in relief. "We should move through here quickly while the magics effects continue on."

Zelani breathed a slow shaky sigh of relief. "Quickly sounds good..." while looking around the room, kapenia still in hand as she walked around the room. Brown eyes lingering here and there before heading back towards the entrance...

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

I do wonder what happened to all that essence of Shalluk's that should have risen as an undead. o wo Alas, the world may never know where it went.

As Zelani looked around, she found two things of interest. First, a hidden door in the Shadows' chamber, heading to the west. Second, as she headed back towards the entrance of this region, her keen gaze spotted two tiny slots in the eastern wall and the fake pillars, sized about the same as a standard gold piece.

The aasimar tilted her head as she came to a pause, seeming to stare at the pillars for a moment before turning to look to the west, then to the guys.

Nervously she spoke up, expressively gesturing with shining nails as she did "Do we wish to quickly check back the way we came, that door over there, or the odd grooves in the pillars first? I've not seen pillars that seem to take coins before..." she glanced around warily again before turning to Shalluk and Tyranius to see what they wished to do, her snake seemingly relaxing upon Zelani's shoulder.

Well, if Shalluk's essence wasn't taken by the monster to make it grow, I'm sure it'll be a suitable mini-boss battle down the line.

Shalluk moved over to the pillar, examining it for traps or secrets.

Disable Device: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (18) + 14 = 32

If he didn't find any, he attempted to insert two gold pieces into the slots.

While Shalluk investigates the pillar Tyranius takes his time to check out the secret door to the west that Zelani's keen eyes caught.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Disable Device: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

The secret door in the Shadows' room, once opened, leads into a hallway with two sets of stairs going downward, each leading to a different door. To the right, the slots accepted the gold pieces - and the entire structure spun down into the ground, revealing a much more normal chamber beyond. There were three sets of double doors here, going north, east, and west.

*Updates map*

Shalluk looked at the others. Well...that was a surprise. Moving quietly to the North door that had been revealed by the odd sculpture sliding down, Shalluk checked the door first before opening.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

Zelani's brown eyes were wide with surprise. Moving back further into the room with cautious steps. "So much more to this room than it seems at first glance...might not be so quick." she commented with a bemused smile. Moving up to the Northern door with Shalluk, she glanced between to the other two and then looked at the door, "So many options now gentlemman, this one first?"

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20

"Sounds good. Let's not leave this floor unchecked. Don't need anymore Shadows sneaking up on us." Tyranius draws his shortswrod and moves into the shadows.

This barren room contains an upraised dais on which sits a marble throne. To either side stand statues of a man clutching a book and a glaive. A ghostly figure seems to be seated in the throne, an image of the same man who appears in the statues. He seems to be addressing an audience as he moves his hands about, his fingers decorated with hooked rings, but the words issuing from his phantom mouth are difficult to make out and in a strange language that none of you understand.

Approaching warily, Shalluk watched the...illusion? Image? Whatever it was, it seemed to be whoever had built this place, and a message to their people. All things considered, it likely was not relevant, but...

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

"This place keeps getting stranger..." Zelani said in a hushed voice to the other two. She tries to figure out the intent behind the words she cannot understand as her eyes flicker around the room...

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Knowledge History: 1d20 ⇒ 15
Knowledge Nobility: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

Tyranius looks at the image and tries to discern any information he can that he possibly read in a book though very little comes to mind.

"This is an odd situation for goblins to have ahold of."

After a short time, the illusion - for that's what it definitely was - flickered slightly and seemed to repeat itself, the commanding tone unmistakable despite your lack of true comprehension. There doesn't seem to be anything else in the room - and, sadly, the figure here is nobody you recognize.

A curiosity for when the place was secured. Returning to the previous chamber, Shalluk once again examined the door, this time the East.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

After a quick glance around the odd northern room, Zelani followed Shalluk to the east door, curiously peeking inside as he opens the door...

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29

As the two peer through the door Tyranius manages to stay just behind them as he continues to stay within the shadows. Once they shadows felt more familiar to him than crowds. Now after the previous room they make his skin crawl slightly.

This room contains three low tables, their tops covered with a strange and chilling selection of tools, saws, long-bladed knives, and objects whose purpose is not readily apparent. A strange collection of bones lies near the southern table - too many to be one skeleton, but too few to be two. In fact, as far as you can tell, it looks like it belonged to a two-headed man with an additional partial skeleton of a smaller man growing from the small of his back

Tyranius steps into the room and begins to scan it for any signs of magical means or traps.

Detect Magic

"Think it was born this way?" Tyranius looks down at the skeleton and cringes.

What kind of life would it live looking that way. must have been horrible. He almost feels pity for the creatures existence.

"Such things do occur," Shalluk replied, using his own Detect Undead ability. "But it seems unlikely, given the positioning. I suspect this was someone's...workshop, or perhaps laboratory."

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

Zelani's brown eyes grew wide with surprise. Stranger and stranger still did this place become. In her many years, the aasimar had seen much, but nothing like this...it seemed something of fireside tales. She glanced around the room for further information before quickly backing out with a step to the door to the west...

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

Looking through the room, you don't see any magic. You do note that the surgical tools on the tables are exquisitely made, and are worth 100 GP in all to someone who would both want and could afford such things. Sitting on the easternmost table is an object that, upon closer examination, isn't a tool at all. It appears to be a silver-and-gold seven-pointed star; one surface is studded with nodules and blades, and the other features a thin, curved handle.

The last doors... (...Which are to the south. XD; Not sure why I put west up there.)

Well, the doors to this room are made of stone but bear no handles. An indented outline of a seven-pointed star, its shape covered by hollows and slits, graces the spot where handles should be.

Noting the obvious, Shalluk examined the door for traps, and if he failed to find any placed the gold and silver star into the door to see if they opened.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

Zelani's steps shifted south after the fetchling carrying the very shiny star. A strange handle for a strange place, she watches carefully with curious brown eyes...

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

While the rest look over the door Tyranius scans both the door and the seven pointed star for any signs of magic.

Detect Magic

Putting the seven-pointed star against the door, it's a clear match - and easily turns.

This room is lit primarily by a 10-foot-long pit of flickering fire that fills the room with a strange humid heat and the smell of burning hair. In the northern corners of the room, wooden risers each hold several dozen golden candles that burn without melting, while to the south the wall bears an immense carving of a seven-pointed star.

The fire and symbols and smell added up to unnerve Shalluk. He scanned the room using both Detect Magic and Detect Undead to see if there was anything lurking inside the place.

Fanning her cloak against her as relief from the sudden humid heat, Zelani's other arm at her side with Şenay simply stretched out along the druid's shoulder and arm, basking in the warmth.

"More weirdness." the aasimar comments under her breath as her brown eyes scanned over the room as she walked through with careful, quiet steps. She found the strange sight, heat, and smells distracting...

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14

Tyranius moves into the room to examine the seven pointed star and search for anything of interest and keeping an eye out for traps.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Detect Magic