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

Game Master Rednal

Zelani is happy to quick walk there...

Footpaths, dusty tracks about 10 feet wide hemmed in by fields of corn and other crops, connect the farms in the areas south of Sandpoint. The Hambley farm is nestled at the western edge of the Whisperwood, a forest said to be home to capricious gnomes, pixies, and other fey, but now overshadowed by the closer menace. All five of the other farms south of the Soggy River are now deserted. Ahead of you, along the roads that circle the farm you came to investigate, you see quite a few scarecrows dotting the fields.

As she enters the field, going towards the closest scarecrow, Rixa looks around, studying all the scarecrows, not just her goal, mindful of Grump's warning. She quickly looks for evil presences as her massive sword is drawn and in-hand. The paladin cuts quite the intimidating figure as a halo of burning holy fire sparks into existence above her head, burning through the night like the break of day.

Swift action detect evil, move action to start towards the closest scarecrow and draw my falchion.
Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

Eyeng the area, Shalluk pulled his crossbow and checked the weapon's complex mechanism over with a keen eye before following behind the Paladin. Repeating Crossbows were powerful, versatile weapons but were not known for reliability if poorly maintained.

While Rixa focused on the closest scarecrows, Shalluk scanned the ones further out. His ranged weapon meant keeping them in sight was a good idea. Although his new eyes were not as good as the old for seeing life, they could spot the undead with ease.

Perception + Detect Magic + Detect Undead: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

After reaching the farm, Zelani slowed as the others entered the field. It looked so neat and picturesque, Zelani kept what Maester Grump had said as she scanned the area before she started to focus on looking for any traps, tracks, or signs of what they had been told had happened here.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17
Trapfinding: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 10 + 2 = 30
Survival: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

The first undead you found was nothing more than cloth and straw - but a little ways further down the path, you noticed two auras of undeath. They were placed on either side of the road, and while they weren't moving at the moment, it wasn't at all clear if the posts they were tied to would actually hold them as you approached.

Rixa narrows her eyes at the undead, hefting her sword. "Well? Who wants to lay these poor souls to rest?" She warily approaches the undead, ready to lash out with a mighty blow if one breaks loose.
Moving up to get in range of the undead, and Readying an attack for if one breaks free.
Readied Power Attack: 1d20 + 9 - 1 ⇒ (6) + 9 - 1 = 142d4 + 10 ⇒ (3, 2) + 10 = 15

Shalluk nodded, aiming at the other and following behind. If it moved he would shoot it.

Readied Action - Crossbow Bolt: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30
Damage: 1d10 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13
Damage: 1d10 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

Zelani followed the others, still looking around the farm.

When Rixa first got within 30 feet of the scarecrows, they started thrashing-

Strength DC 15: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14
Strength DC 15: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16

-and one of them actually managed to pull away from its frame, right before an arrow from Shalluk punctured its head and stuck there. Alas, it hadn't quite been a critical blow, but the ghoul had been injured, and Rixa followed up by slicing it in half as the other struggled. Beyond it, you could see other scarecrows starting to thrash as well... from all over the farm.

Cranking a fresh botl into positio0n, Shalluk calmly scanned for the next trapped monster, once more confirming its undead nature, and opened fire. <"The number of these monster here is concerning,"> he muttered in Aklo.

To Hit: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21
Damage: 1d10 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Rixa dashes up to the restrained ghoul, and slams another powerful blow into it and chops it in half as well.
Power Attack charge: 1d20 + 9 - 1 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 9 - 1 + 2 = 202d4 + 10 ⇒ (1, 2) + 10 = 13

"Well, friends? It looks like we have along night ahead of us. Shall we continue?" Her eyes glow with a holy light as her halo burns an circle into the night sky.

Zelani nodded to Rixa while moving into position to strike without hitting the others, "And we may wish to try to find a good defensible place in case we need it, I'm not sure my barriers will hold off this many for long if any of us become badly injured..."

Perception for best defensible position in sight: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12

Zelani's voice moved into song as her tattoos lit up, the druid worrying just how much of a target she would make herself as it got darker, but this was the ways of a Heavenly Caster. She tried to send off a destructive blast in a ray so she could stand farther back from the thrashing creature.

Attack: Destructive Blast: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 1) = 5

The most defensible locations were probably the buildings in the center of the farm, including the main residence and a large farmhouse. The other trapped undead was easily taken down as you looked, but already, four more appeared to have gotten free and were heading towards you, some hundred and twenty feet away at the moment. More would almost certainly be following soon.

"Well? Shall we make a run for it? Or do we want to try and make here defensible? I know a spell that can make the ground nearby impassable, to try and funnel our enemies in from one direction. Either way, we should decide quickly. I'm unsure, myself. The farmhouse is defensible, yes, but we don't know if there's anything else inside. Here, at least, we can see what's coming from far off."

<"We should try the farmhouse. So long as everyone remains close, I can evacuate us all in an emergency, and with more of those things free now..."> Shalluk stopped, remembering he was speaking Aklo and not common and sighed, looking over imploringly at Zelani to translate for him.

Zelani smiled trying to hide her amusement in Shalluk's silent plea as her song felt silent and her tattoos went dark, [b]"Shalluk thinks the farmhouse is worth a try - he can evacuate us quickly if it's too much it will be advantageous...once we clear it out. It's the clearing out that's the most risky and worries...any place that blocks most of the way so in pinch I can barrier off small areas so we can regroup works well for me." Her eyes went to the creatures advancing, untying and preparing her kapenia...they would need to be closer before she could efficiently attack, she could only hope that the scarecrows were not too much of a threat at range.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14

As you discussed things, the undead were closing in fast, clearly moving at a fast gait as they closed to sixty feet away from you. Slow, shambling hordes these were not... although "horde" might have been the right word, because you could see more undead tearing free of their restraints from further back.

"Ah, never mind. Here we stand, I suppose. Get behind me, I'll hold them off. You may want to stand clear for this."

Rixa closed her eyes in concentration, taking a deep breath. Breathing in.... breathing out. Breathing in..... breathing out. Then, she finished with a sudden, deeper, breath, and glowed with holy might for a second, doubling in size just as the first ghouls arrived.

Casting Enlarge Person, for +2 Melee damage, +2 CMB, +1 CMD, -1 Init, -1 Ref saves, -2 ranged attack, -2 AC, and +2 Str, -2 Dex (already calculated in the above). Status bar updated accordingly. My Falchion also deals 2d6 base damage now and I have 10 foot reach.

Shalluk looked around, concerned by the numbers. This was beggining to look like the kind of situation you ran from. What on Earth had made all these...

Well, it was time to reduce the numbers a little. Shalluk aimed and fire at the closest. The crossbow hummed as two bolts soared away in rapid succession.

Rapid Shot 1: 1d20 + 10 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 10 - 2 = 27
Damage: 1d10 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 10 - 2 ⇒ (16) + 10 - 2 = 24
Damage: 1d10 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Rapid Shot 2: 1d20 + 10 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 10 - 2 = 15
Damage: 1d10 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Zelani looked around, a bit alarmed at the speed of the creatures, she watched them carefully for a few moments, catching sight of the now enlarged Rixa as she tried to plan out possibilies.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

Then Zelani's voice and tattoo light began to shine again as she prepared another blast when the next one came into range...

Destructive Blast: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 1) = 7

Crossbows hummed as Shalluk's first bolt pierced a ghoul and sent it back to the grave - the other endured the hit and kept coming, taking Zelani's blast to the face a moment later... and clearly damaged, but still standing. The three closest ghouls moved up to the three of you a moment later, and more followed close on their heels - it wouldn't be long until they arrived.

Rixa stepped back out of the reach from the ghouls, focusing just long enough for her to complete her buffing. As she closed her eyes, the air around her massive form began to distort, and by the time her eyes opened again, there are four of her, "Okay, there we go." she said as she interposed her impressive bulk between the ghouls and her allies.

Casting mirror image, after 5-foot stepping back from the engagement to avoid an AoO. All attacks now functionally have a 75% miss chance against me.
Mirror Image: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Frowning, Shalluk cranked fresh bolts into position, and continued to fire. So long as there was no obvious danger...although he wondered what had created the things, and if something was controlling them. Shalluk focused on first destroying the first monster, then the another if he defeated that.

Rapid Shot 1: 1d20 + 10 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 10 - 2 = 9
Damage: 1d10 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Rapid Shot 2: 1d20 + 10 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 10 - 2 = 14
Damage: 1d10 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Zelani nodded as she saw Rixa's impressive spell before returning her eyes to the creatures, so many more creatures...

Gripping her kapenia tightly in one hand, she sent off another destructive blast towards the approaching scarecrows.

Destructive Blast: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 4) = 8

As Shalluk attacked, the ghoul next to him seized its chance to bite out - and the one by Zelani did the same as she turned her attention to distant foes instead of those close by. (Alas, her blast fizzled out before it reached them - they were a bit too far away, still, unless one knew how to make more distant blasts.)

AoO Bite (Shalluk): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
AoO Bite (Zelani): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

Fortunately, neither of the chomps actually hit, and Shalluk managed to pump an arrow into the wounded ghoul in front of him and down it. The wo remaining undead lashed out at Rixa and Zelani, even as three more ghouls closed to melee range with each of you.

Bite vs Zelani's Mirror Image, 1 is Bad For You: 1d4 ⇒ 4 Bite (Rixa): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Bite (Zelani): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18 for Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Fort DC 13 vs Disease: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
Fort DC 13 vs Paralysis: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

Rixa managed to avoid the attack, though it shattered her image. Zelani was a bit less fortunate.

Rixa lays a powerful blow on the ghoul that destroyed her Image.
Power Attack: 1d20 + 9 - 1 ⇒ (18) + 9 - 1 = 262d6 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (4, 6) + 10 + 2 = 22
Crit confirm: 1d20 + 9 - 1 ⇒ (2) + 9 - 1 = 102d6 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (2, 3) + 10 + 2 = 17

While it slams into the ghoul with immense and deadly force, it isn't quite enough for a perfect hit.

Do I get any AoOs on the ghouls for advancing?

Shalluk moved a few feet to avoid any more potential attacks, and continued to focus on the ones at range. Zelani and Rixa could destroy the ones closest to them. He truested them to keep the monsters off him while he focused on the ones that hadn't arrived.

Rapid Shot: 1d20 + 10 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 10 - 2 = 9
Damage: 1d10 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Rapid Shot: 1d20 + 10 - 2 ⇒ (3) + 10 - 2 = 11
Damage: 1d10 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Zelani winced at the bite, her song's tone unpleasant as her tattos flickered for a moment. Bringing her attention to the creatures closer, she fired off another destructive blast to the closest to her...

Destructive Blast: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 5) = 10

@Rixa: Are you threatening more than five feet?
@Zelani: Don't forget to keep your stat bar up-to-date. You *don't* want to end up in a situation where you forget to heal and walk into a tough fight thinking you're at full HP when you're not. XD

Rixa's blow wasn't perfect, but it was quite enough to down her target. Shalluk was performing... rather less accurately, and Zelani managed to draw an attack from the two closest to her as she aimed her blast at them. (Personally, I'd suggest casting defensively or stepping away.)

AoO (Zelani): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18 for Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
AoO (Zelani): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Fort DC 13 (vs Disease): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
Fort DC 13 (vs Paralysis): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
Concentration to keep the spell, DC 14: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

As the first managed to bite her, the spell fizzled and failed - while in the background, you could see a larger group of ghouls gathering together. That didn't help much against the ones in your immediate vicinity, though...

Versus Mirror Image: 1d3 ⇒ 2Bite (Rixa): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Versus Mirror Image: 1d2 ⇒ 2Claw (Rixa): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Versus Mirror Image: 1d2 ⇒ 1Claw (Rixa): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19 for Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Bite (Shalluk): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21 for Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Claw (Shalluk): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
Claw (Shalluk): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

Bite (Zelani): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
Claw (Zelani): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23 for Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Claw (Zelani): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18 for Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Bite (Zelani): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22 for Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Claw (Zelani): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Claw (Zelani): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23 for Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

Fort DC 13 vs Paralysis (Rixa): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23
Fort DC 13 vs Disease (Shalluk): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
Fort DC 13 vs Paralysis (Shalluk): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
Fort DC 13 vs Paralysis (Zelani): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11 for Rounds: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Fort DC 13 vs Paralysis (Zelani): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
Fort DC 13 vs Disease (Zelani): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10 Ghoul Fever, though the onset is 1 day.
Fort DC 13 vs Paralysis (Zelani): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11
Fort DC 13 vs Paralysis (Zelani): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

The lunar druid appeared to be... taking more hits than one might have expected, actually.

I have 10 foot reach at the moment. Plus, I'm Large.
AoO Power Attack: 1d20 + 9 - 1 ⇒ (9) + 9 - 1 = 172d6 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (1, 5) + 10 + 2 = 18
Not that it seems to matter much for that attack...

Rixa strikes again, slicing one ghoul with practiced ease and, in the same movement, striking another.

Power Attack: 1d20 + 9 - 1 ⇒ (18) + 9 - 1 = 262d6 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (2, 6) + 10 + 2 = 20
Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 9 - 1 ⇒ (17) + 9 - 1 = 252d6 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (6, 3) + 10 + 2 = 21

And because I definitely forgot I had Cleave earlier....
Cleave (if possible): 1d20 + 9 - 1 ⇒ (16) + 9 - 1 = 242d6 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (4, 5) + 10 + 2 = 21

Currently at -2 AC if there's a valid target for Cleave.

Reaching out and touching the others, Shalluk concentrated. The world faded into a shadowy version of itself - and impressive feat, given the time of day - and the Ghouls remained in the other realm.

"My appologies for not asking, but my...abilities mean I cannot speak anything but Aklo when I feel threatened," the Oracle explained to Rixa. "Zelani has been paralyzed. I feared they would cause even more harm if we remained, so I pulled us here."

Shalluk sighed. "My magic cannot break this, however, and I fear the enemies carry more diseases..." Zelani's magic might be enough to deal with it, but Shalluk's powers were more limited.

Zelani hissed at the claw attacks, trying to turn to send destructive bolt at the ghouls, until the paralysis took affect, panic filling her eyes as her song silenced and tattoos faded. At the sudden silence, her snake started to move up - hoping to alert someone - but Shalluk caught on faster than the familiar could move.

In the shadowy realm, Zelani could say and do nothing to her knowledge until this paralysis broke but she was thankful for Shalluk's explanation. A few moments later a snake appeared from the sleeve of Zelani's cloak, following the tattoo patterns up her arm, the familiar rested on Zelani's shoulder for a moment.

Don't forget to name the abilities you're using. ^^ And I'll just assume that Shalluk's power is working, so... safety it is.

Sorry, it was Astral Caravan.

Shalluk moved to Zelani and examined her, to try and see if she was infected with anything and when he paralysis would ware off.

Heal: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Zelani's anxious eyes, and Şenay's constant observant gaze, watched as Shalluk checked the druid's wellbeing.

Rixa stands off to the side, pacing back and forth in this misty realm as Shalluk checks Zelani's health.

She's infected with Ghoul Fever. Of course, it does take time to really kick into gear...

Shalluk clicked his tongue. "The creature's attack has infected you. It is not dangerous, though...we have time to return and have it healed before it becomes a problem." Looking at both Aasimar, the Crossbowman considered. "I would suggest, once Zelani can move again, that we move to a second location nearby, and then attack once more. So long as the paralysis does not affect us, I feel that we can destroy them. Letting them surround us seems to have been an error."

Zelani agreed, though said and did nothing as her familar continued to watch on.

"So be it. I am not skilled with healing, unfortunately, but with a bit more preparation, I can stand against waves of undead for quite some time. Rest up. I'll be ready for our assault when you are."

Technically, you can rest as long as you'd like. XD Expect issues with the disease if you rest 'till morning, though.

Shalluk waited until the paralysis wore off. He didn't think that would take long. "Sadly, both Zelani and I are quite...vulnerable."

Zelani would have chuckled at the vulnerable comment if she could. Shalluk had previously died on her watch, she hadn't pulled him out in time, and now here he was pulling her pretty self from the ghoul fire. Being paralyzed has a way of giving time for a person to stew in their misery, something the sparkly Zelani really didn't need more of right now...

After a bit longer, she felt the painful tightness in her muscles start to loosen. Zelani gasped as it loosened from her chest, soon rubbing the pain from her arm and legs while repeatedly, profusely apologizing. Zelani rubbed her neck and her nuzzling familiar before looking over to the others.

Th...th...thank you for the help. Really. Now...let's get this done for Maester Grump. I'll follow your lead... The familiar hissed sharply. "After trying to deal with all of this." she said, gesturing to her damage before her tattoos lit up and a soft song hit her lips.

Heal - Restore Health: 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (3, 2) + 4 = 9
Magic Skill Check to cure the disease: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14

"Your lead, Shalluk." Rixa looks around the silvery landscape, "I don't even know how to get out of here in the first place." Now back to normal size, she keeps her sword sheathed, but her hand still rests on the grip, prepared to draw it at a moment's notice.

Beat it by 1, so I believe that Ghoul Fever is cured. ^^

Getting out of the astral space was... something Shalluk would probably be needing to do himself, yes, once you'd all had a chance to confirm your readiness. The situation wasn't immediately urgent, so you did have the chance to finish healing and use any preparatory powers you might want to.

"Where will we be reappearing? If it's in the middle of a horde of ghouls, I want to prepare a bit first."

Just before they exit (or before they re-attack the ghouls), Rixa pre-casts a number of defensive spells upon herself, once again doubling in size and gaining 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 illusionary copies of herself.

"I can also summon horses, if either of you are interested in that."

Stats are as above, 3/5 2nd level spells remaining, 6/8 1st level spells.

The former Tiefling started as both women said they would follow his lead. Leading was not something he did, something he was able to do. He was not a leader. No one would follow him. Would they? Well, apparently these two would, with the blood of the heavens flowing in their veins, were willing to follow his lead. At least for now.

Shalluk shook his head, focusing on the task. "I will aim for the spot we left, but the shift is inexact. It will be at least 100 ft from there, and probably further. Still, we should be within sight of the enemies, and be prepared." Shalluk reloaded his crossbow with his usual startling speed, then checked the weapon for any issues.

Once everyone was ready, Shalluk rested a hand gently on each womans arm and shifted them back to reality.

1d10 ⇒ 2x 100 = 200ft from our origional position.

Zelani sighed happily in relief as her healing spell finished. So refreshing. Trying to shake off what weighed her down, she prepared to fight again. She nods to Shalluk at his touch on her arm while trying to keep her focus.

200 feet away put you at the very edge of the farm - though the ghouls were still milling about, and they'd definitely noticed you when the flash of magic heralding your return briefly lit up the sky. The good news? Being so far away meant you had time before they finished their rush.

You have 1 round of actions. If you'd like to ready attacks for their arrival, please roll now.