GM SpiderBeard's Carrion Crown (Inactive)

Game Master motteditor

Arval remains silent, trying to block out big bird but failing. Slowly a headache starts growing in the back of his head, making the burly warrior frown.

sense motive: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (11) + 13 = 24

"Dinnae be borin' th' man t' death, ye daft elf! Canae ye be seein' tha' 'e be worried abou' somethin'? Tell i' t' th' man straight, or no be yabberin' a' all. "

"We be here lookin' fer someone tha' been causin' all kinds o' trouble abou' th' land. 'E were responsible fer stirrin' up trouble wit' th' werewolves an' necromancers an' mobs an' wha'no'. We be tryin' t' find 'im and bring 'im t' heel. I's like tha' 'e rode in 'ere no' too long afore ourselves."

"Now, ye be havin' th' look we been seein' all over these lands, as we been followin' this man. Ever'where 'e goes, we see th' look on authorities' faces like wha' ye be havin' now. Mayhaps our goals intersect somewha'?"

The mayor's eye twitches as Wren starts babbling out something, seeing if she can out-bad-teeth the mayor of the strange little town. The relief that washes over his face as Whiskeyjack speaks is palpable.

"I... all right well, look folks, something is downright strange going on here. Your dark rider may have something to do with this. I'll help you if you help me. Like..."

He sighs.

"Folks've been going missing around here. We've had a parcel of bad luck let me tell you. I'm going to come clean with you. Something’s going on in this town, and I can’t sit by any longer and watch it slowly die. You’ve probably heard of the Recondite Order of the Indomitable Sea—it’s our local temple, and most of the townsfolk are loyal churchgoers. It’s no secret that the Order pretty much runs this town. Oh sure, I’m the duly appointed mayor, but it’s the vizier who pulls the strings. And I think he—or someone else in the Order— may be behind these disappearances. I don’t have any proof, only suspicions, but I can tell you that temple is not all that it seems to be. Like I said, practically everyone in town is a loyal follower of Father Voltiaro, including the sheriff, so there’s no one else I can trust!"

Expecting a counter-argument, he thrusts on.

"I need your help - and normally you'd be suspects but you just arrived and I've had you watched and you seem on the up - don't look at em like that! You can never be too careful with strange folk hereabouts! Anyway, I'm sure you're not involved and in these troubled times, that's my only certainty. You look like professional sorts who know your way around the business end of a blade, and I need someone from outside to look into this for me. Therefore, against my better judgment, I’m willing to deputize you to solve these disappearances and bring whoever’s responsible to justice."

He raises a knobbly finger.

"I’m beseeching you on behalf of the good people of Illmarsh to go to the Order’s hall and take a look around. I’m sure you’ll find the priests are hiding something. If they’re behind this, you’ll be removing a blight from this town, and earning the gratitude of its humble citizens. I assure you, you will be well rewarded from the town’s treasury. Fish isn’t the only bounty we take from the sea. There’ve been enough shipwrecks and whatnot over the years that we’ve got some gold amassed—surely enough to gain your services for a short while. Plus I know you’ve been poking about, looking for someone—a rider from the north. Well, I may know something I can tell you. Sound fair? Six thousand gold I offers - one thousand for each of yous."

Wren doesn't seem too annoyed when she is interrupted or pestered and keeps right on talking as her words are truly important to her.

She does stop and listen when the Mayor explains his plight and agrees that it might be at least tangentially related to their quest and she nods along.

1d20 + 18 ⇒ (11) + 18 = 29 Know (Religion) - Recondite Order of the Indomitable Sea

Wren's head tilts as she thinks about what is being said.

"Sounds like we can be of help to one another. If you wish us to take a look into this temple as your deputies then we shall make that our first task." Kawrock says in reply to the mayor's offer before heading to the door.

Do we want to rest first or go straight to the temple?

and i take it you'll restrain your sheriff? If he's a member of this order, he may get upset. lena says

Wren racks her bird-brain to think of what she can about this strange order. The temple fairly obviously showed itself as one to Gozreh, the tempestuous, distant, hermaphroditic God of nature, the sea, and weather.

However, Wren is fairly sure that the Recondite Order of the Indomitable Sea is not within the mainstream of Gozreh worship, or even in any of the major heresies. Also noteworthy is that Gozreh's temples are traditionally open to the sky. This one is not.

As Wren has a good think, Early smiles down to Lena.

"Don't worry, he'll give you a good berth. Take these - haven't had to use them before but these little tokens will show that you've been deputized. If you want some information from the townfolk show them this, they may be more willing to answer questions."

"Well thank you," Eldon says as he accepts his token and clasps it to his jacket. He puffs his chest a bit so the token stands out more.

"I say we head straight over, before news of our deputized status reaches them and they take desperately pointless counter measures to avoid my excellent interrogation techniques."

Wren agrees with Eldon and is happy to move along, either to begin investigation or back t the inn for more dinner and resting.

"Did you all want me to speak others?" Wren asks excitedly, hoping that she gets to do all the talking.

NO! lena pauses. Little bit loud. er, ah, I mean you should look for clues rather than speak. Wouldn't want to damage your vocal cords through over use. Think what could happen to your song.

Arval patiently waits for the mayor to finish, just as he wants to say something Wren starts talking again. He sighs and just nods to the mayor.
"I agree Lena, let's go."
He puts the badge in his pocket and heads out to head to the church, waiting for everyone to join him."[/b]

Lena joins arval. When the party assembles, advance to the church

Wren follows Lena, excited to meet new best friends. She was beginning to like this town. She fluffs and admires her beautiful feathered 'armor' as she floats along like a bird. She thinks she is very pretty with the hues of red and blue mixed with greens and yellows.

The mayor nervously bids you farewell as you make your way over to the Recondite Order of something something. The temple starts with an open portico, and then further open passages lead into the temple proper.

This open, colonnaded portico faces the dark waters of Lake Encarthan. A stone statue of a mermaid with long, flowing green hair
holding a trident and a conch shell stands in the middle of the
portico, also looking out to sea. An open archway to the east leads inside.

Peering further inwards you spy a vestibule with a couple of side doors leading further in, and then finally a bethel - basically the centre of the temple where four priests are assembled in meditative prayer around a statue. As you're standing in the portico and haven't entered properly, nobody has paid much attention to you.

Map is updated.

know religion: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Well this looks inviting. Shouldn't there be a priest or something?

Shrugging, she enters the church. She looks at the mermaid.

Do mermaids live in fresh water?

perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24

1d20 + 18 ⇒ (2) + 18 = 20 Know (Religion)

Wren sees the statue and begins to click her tongue in annoyance and worry.

"Oh, that is strange. That statue. It's not wrong, but it's not right," Wren points at the statue. "For the Gozrens to worship a female humanoidish representation rather than a hermaphoditic icon is different, let alone disturbing. For a mermaid to be the statue suggests something. I'm not sure what."

Wren follows the party up, still floating up 10'.

Knowledge (Religion): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

"I've seen it all before," Eldon claims as he moves into the temple with the others. "Quite common in some places. I think. Probably."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (14) + 16 = 30

Eldon scrapes his throat, and addresses the people in the temple. "Good day, kind people! I am the one and only Eldon Appleton, marvelous storyteller of the epic adventures of yours truly! I know you're all honored to have me here, and of course you're all eager to hear more about me from me, but rest assured; I have enough time for all of you, and will therefor take my time once you've welcomed me and my assistants with open arms."

:D

K. religion: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (10) + 13 = 23

"Wren ain't wrong. Somethin's off abou' this place. An' Eldon, I'd tell ye t' keep yer trap shut abou' things ye know nothin' abou'. Excpetin' ye'd like t' burst keeping all yer hot air pent up inside like tha'."

Whiskeyjack moved in and looked around. He wasn't one to criticize other people's beliefs, but Gozreh cult worship made him uneasy.

perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (17) + 13 = 30

The four worshippers of Gozreh look up and approach the group as Eldon walks up, happily babbling.

As you walk up, Whiskeyjack looks over the second mermaid statue in the bethel. There's something really weird about this one - her face is kind of fishlike, and her hair looks like tentacles.

The four priests stalk over to you brusquely, but speak politely enough.

"We are uninterested in stories from outsiders. Please, leave immediately."

Wren seems hurt that they might not want to hear her stories.

"No, we're not leaving because we have questions...and badges," Wren shows her deputizing badge. "We'll go after you answer a few questions politely." Wren smiles her yellow-toothed smile then turns to her companions.

"Now, which of you had the first questions?"

Arval rolls his eyes at Wren's comment. He places his hand on his sword to make sure they understand what the implications are for not getting along with them.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (4) + 14 = 18

Lena puts on a bright smile.
Actually, we have been asked to search this temple for evidence of missing persons. If you cooperate, this will be fairly painless for all concerned. If you don't, that will not be the case.

As she talks a small flame dances on her hand holding up her badge.

I would cooperate, if I were you

intimidation: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

Kawrock follows along, not really paying attention as the temple makes him oddly hungry.

The priests all look at each other as the group show they are ready for a fight, one of them in particular looks fairly scared. However, the one who spoke is not.

"These outsiders are here to end our ways, kill them! Don't let them get away!"

The cultists all act as one, quickly chanting spells to bless themselves! Two of the quickly duck to either side of the corridor.

The fight is on! Everyone is up!

Round 1, Init 14

Wren floats back and up 10' casting Haste on the party.

"They seem violent and don't seem to respect our badges! Respect our authority! Even the firebug's!"

Round 1/9 Haste: +1 to clucking, ducking, preening, etc.

Lena casts shield, and draws her dagger

Arval moves forward, drawing his sword.
"Whiskey, shall we?"
The burly warrior says as he brings down his sword towards the southern priest. He grins as the steel flashes downwards.

Power atk: 1d20 + 15 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 15 + 1 = 24
Intimidate on hit: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (6) + 15 = 21
Dmg: 1d10 + 15 ⇒ (4) + 15 = 19

hasted remember Arval

"Anyone this all fired up t' attack someone tha's jest askin' questions 's probably doin' somethin' t' deserve endin'! I dinnae be carin' who ye be worshipppin', 's long as ye be keepin' i' clean, bu' attackin' folks who ain't like yerselves is worthy of a beatin'!"

Whiskeyjack cast a spell to bolster his combat abilities, then moved in to stand beside Arval, his shield raised to cover both himself and the young fighter.

Convert blessing to swift cast divine favor. Move up. Saving Shield (+2) is up for Arval.

You only get the haste attacks on a full round action.

Arval charges in, cracking his sword down brutally on one of the cultists, cowing her with the ferocity of his attack. Wren, Lena, and Whiskeyjack cast defensive spells, moving into position.

Kawrock and Eldon are up!

Kawrock steps forward while casting a spells to produce a small flame in his clawed hand. "I wonder if they hate fire as worshipers of the sea?" the tengu muses to himself.

Move forward and cast produce flame.

Eldon moves forward while drawing his rapier. He focuses some of his magic on strengthening his attack and tries to poke one of the cultists from around the wall's corner. "En garde!"

+1 Adamantine Rapier, Haste: 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 12 + 1 = 15 Damage, Arcane Strike: 1d4 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 2 = 10

I used the +1 on my attack. Had to move first, GM Spiderbeard is right. Thanks for the heads up though!

With Wren's beloved haste spell moving the party along, you rush in to meet the cultists, responding to their aggression with a powerful display of force. Arval is first in, slashing southwards and badly wounding one of the priests. Whiskeyjack and Lena cast protective spells as Whiskeyjack moves in to assist Arval in his defense. Kawrock produces some flame, and Eldon bravely moves in to begin fencing, attacking around a corner and successfully hitting nothing. Which is of course what he intended - one must warm up first.

"Get the casters!" calls one out. Two of the priests backs up and quickly chants an unfortunately familiar spell as silence blankets the area. Another one steps back, pointing at Arval.

"Flee."

Arval decides not to flee. Cursing, the other two cultists try to get some stabs in with their sickles but Whiskeyjack and Arval prove to be impenetrable targets.

Silence spell is on the map. Everyone is up!

---- Lena fails to say. She immediately runs to one side saying tick, tick, tick... until she can hear herself, then she drops a magic missile spell on bad guy circle

magic missile: 5d4 + 5 ⇒ (4, 3, 2, 3, 1) + 5 = 18

Five near invisble darts cork screw through the air to strike.

I was gently reminded that silence is a full-round cast so the silence spell is not active yet! Everyone is still up. Lena can adjust her action if she so wishes.

Arval, now close enough, starts hacking away at the priests. He strikes at the southern priest and once he is down he will take a step east and continue on the one there.

Attacking circle, if he falls 5 foot step to triangle and do the remainder of the attacks.

Power atk: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (7) + 15 = 22
Intimidate on hit: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (5) + 15 = 20
Dmg: 1d10 + 15 ⇒ (2) + 15 = 17

Power atk: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (17) + 15 = 32
Intimidate on hit: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (4) + 15 = 19
Dmg: 1d10 + 15 ⇒ (6) + 15 = 21

Power atk: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17
Intimidate on hit: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (3) + 15 = 18
Dmg: 1d10 + 15 ⇒ (1) + 15 = 16

Round 2, Init 14

1d20 + 18 ⇒ (17) + 18 = 35 Spellcraft (Silence)

Wren stays put, casting magic missile to try to disrupt the casters.
right caster, 2 missiles: 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (2, 2) + 2 = 6 force damage
right caster, 3 missiles: 3d4 + 3 ⇒ (4, 3, 2) + 3 = 12 force damage
Concentration check to keep spells.

Round 2/9 Haste: +1 to clucking, ducking, preening, etc.

action change, round 2
Current AC 25

spellcraft id spells: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15 oblivious as usual

seeing the two casters step back and, er, cast, she targets both of them with a scorching ray each.

scorching ray 1: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22 touch non marked target

scorching ray 2: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28 touch triangle target

damage 1: 4d6 + 1 ⇒ (3, 1, 6, 3) + 1 = 14

damage 2: 4d6 + 1 ⇒ (5, 1, 2, 3) + 1 = 12

With his flame now ready, Kawrock begins to hurl it over Whiskey Jacks shoulder having it reappear in his hand after striking.

Ranged Touch: 1d20 + 9 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 9 + 1 + 1 = 16
Damage: 1d8 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 1 = 10

Haste Touch: 1d20 + 9 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 9 + 1 + 1 = 18
Damage: 1d8 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 5 + 1 = 13

Ranged Touch: 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 1 + 1 = 12
Damage: 1d8 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 1 = 7

Attacking unmarked target directly in front of Whisky Jack. Point blank shot + Haste and 7/10 min remaining on produce flame

Wren blasts a cultist with a magic missile while Lena sends two split scorching rays to two cultists. The incoming silence spell is ruined, and is the day of the cultist Arval swiftly cuts down. Kawrock then hurls a series of balls of fire into the face of another cultist, who barely manages to stay upright despite his head being on fire.

one down and silenc espell is cancelled. Whiskeyjack is up!

Whiskeyjack stepped forward, keeping his shield interposed between himself and the two forward cultists, while protecting Arval from that quarter as well. With a series of backhanded blows from his hammer, he pummeled to one to the side of the door.

5' forward, full attack on one by the door. Saving Shield (+2) is up

haste attack, haste, df, pa: 1d20 + 11 + 1 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 11 + 1 + 3 - 2 = 20
daamge,df,pa: 1d8 + 6 + 3 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 3 + 4 = 18
attack1, haste, df, pa: 1d20 + 11 + 1 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 11 + 1 + 3 - 2 = 32
daamge,df,pa: 1d8 + 6 + 3 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 6 + 3 + 4 = 20
attack2, haste, df, pa: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 6 + 1 + 3 - 2 = 22
daamge,df,pa: 1d8 + 6 + 3 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 3 + 4 = 18

intimidate1: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27
intimidate2: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30
intimidate3: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17

Whiskeyjack moves in, shield up front and his warhammer swinging. With one swing, he takes out one cultist before smashing his hammer down on the second. The cultists happily take advantage of the flank they have on Whiskeyjack, both lunging in with their sickles. Shockingly, they penetrate the dwarf's incredible defenses, wounding him!

Whiskeyjack takes 23 damage. Everyone is up!

Arval takes a step forward and starts hacking away again.
"Ready to talk yet?!"
His swing connects and he easily lops off an arm of the caster in front of him.

Power Atk: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (8) + 15 = 23
Dmg: 1d10 + 15 ⇒ (8) + 15 = 23

Power Atk: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (19) + 15 = 34
Dmg: 1d10 + 15 ⇒ (6) + 15 = 21

Crit confirm: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (20) + 15 = 35
Dmg: 1d10 + 15 ⇒ (9) + 15 = 24 That is very painful... 45 dmg!

Power Atk: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24
Dmg: 1d10 + 15 ⇒ (7) + 15 = 22

Wren delays, hoping that she won't need to waste any of her precious magics

"Try not to kill them. If they will talk, they might be helpful."

Eldon steps up to one of the enemies, infuses his rapier with his magic, and attacks the man with three quick stabs. "Aha!"

+1 Adamantine Rapier, Haste: 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 12 + 1 = 24 Damage, Arcane Strike: 1d4 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 2 = 8
+1 Adamantine Rapier, Haste: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 7 + 1 = 21 Damage, Arcane Strike: 1d4 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 2 = 9
Extra Haste Attack; +1 Adamantine Rapier, Haste: 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 12 + 1 = 26 Damage, Arcane Strike: 1d4 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 2 = 10

"WE WILL NEVER TALK!" shouts one, which he doesn't as Arval completely ignores Wren's advice, bisecting one of the cultists and killing him immediately.

Eldon then approaches the northernmost cultist, having found his fencing stance. With his infused rapier, he neatly parries an attack and slices in twice, badly injuring the one remaining cultist. He takes a somewhat distant look.

"I shall return to the sea."

Whatever that means, he's still fighting and intends to go down swinging.

Lena, Kawrock, Wren, and Whiskeyjack are up!

Well, don't let me delay you

Lena takes her time, pouring power into her spell, then launching it at the cultist who spoke about the sea. Five missiles slam into him.

magic missile: 5d4 + 5 ⇒ (4, 2, 1, 3, 3) + 5 = 18 empowered. Damage x1.5 = 27

Whiskeyjack reached back to find where the sickles had penetrated. Their curved points had slid up under where his breastplate met his greaves, and had cut deeply into the flesh there. With a thought, he manifested some of Angradd's healing powers to seal the wound, then turned and launched a trio of heavy blows at the lone cultist. It was only after the red mist was falling that he remembered that they might want someone left alive to speak with. Oh well. That egg, or skull, was already broken.

Swift for 8 fervor healing, then full attacks on last guy.
Saving Shied +2 is up

fervor: 3d6 ⇒ (6, 1, 1) = 8

haste attack, haste, df, pa: 1d20 + 11 + 1 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 11 + 1 + 3 - 2 = 22
daamge,df,pa: 1d8 + 6 + 3 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 3 + 4 = 17
attack1, haste, df, pa: 1d20 + 11 + 1 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 11 + 1 + 3 - 2 = 32
daamge,df,pa: 1d8 + 6 + 3 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 3 + 4 = 17
attack2, haste, df, pa: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 6 + 1 + 3 - 2 = 23
daamge,df,pa: 1d8 + 6 + 3 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 3 + 4 = 18

intimidate1: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27
intimidate2: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18
intimidate3: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19