GM SpiderBeard's Carrion Crown (Inactive)

Game Master motteditor

Bronin's taken a bit aback by Wren's rudeness.
The Count has been exceedingly helpful. He got us deep into the archives of the Order. Now's a good a time as any to repay that debt.
plus, he's a great conversationalist. I mean, his stories are riveting. He's a quarter fighter, a quarter noble, a quarter bad ass and he has a little dip into Bard!

Bronin doesn't get that he didn't fully account for all 4 quarters, just 3 and a one level Bard dip. But, he didn't like the tutors or classes related to math anyway.

"Ye be more racist than a drow grandmother, birdbrain! Wha' is i' wit' ye an' th' small folk? Lena be twice th' mage ye be, an' certainly more agreeable. Ye wanna be insultin' someone's usefulness, be startin' wit' his Lordship over there." Whiskeyjack waved towards Bronin.

"I be concerned too abou' this man no' knowin' basic information about 'is last few days, bu' somehow able to remember conversations in a bar halfway across' th' continent. Jest seems too convenient-like. Ge' 'im ou' or ge' 'im dead, as long as ye be gettin' 'im far away from us, Bronin."

yesss. Lena considers

Then she decides. She points at the way out. Go that way. Should be safe enough now you have a knife.

"You can't be serious," the count -- who has no aura of magic that Lena can see -- replies. "I could most likely get myself out, but not with everyone else here."

As he waves back, three more Varisians creep out from where they were hiding, looking anxiously at you. "You have to escort us out."

"We can always just take them to the entrance?" Elena looks around confused why they just don't do so to help them get to safety.

Wren nuzzles her arm feathers in frustration.

”Yes, of course. Fine. We’ll take you out,” Wren readies a magical spell. ”Let me get these eyes a floatin’ and we’ll guide you out even if you aren’t being very helpful at all.”

Wren will cast the aforementioned Prying Eyes, sending 5 pairs to scout out the remaining areas, with orders to return if their pair mate has been destroyed. She is looking for the dungeon/bars/jail, mostly, as well as other bad things.

She’ll keep the other eyes on hand for later use.

No we shouldn't. This is a distraction, and I don't think we have the time to wait on another useless aristo. Remember the room with the undead with the faces of our departed party members. Little here can be trusted. Even a crazed bird-brained elf should see that.

lena is not fond of aristocrats (being involved with vampire noble families does that)and is a diplomatic as a slap to the face

little flames dance on Lena's fingers as she talks

First it will be 'escort him to the entrance'. Then, 'this land is too dangerous, guard us to the border'. And so on. And why is he with Varisians? Odd if you ask me. Suspiciously so.

Her eyes seem to be burning coals at this point.

Lena has prestidigitation active, which she uses for tiny, non-damaging flame effects BTW

I think going to the Entrance is 5 to 10 minutes away, plus... he's right, the entrance is still haunted picking up people and making them fly into walls.
Right is right, and it's a distraction, but doing the right thing is rarely the easy thing.
Here, take my Bow. It's highly magical and gives a clap of thunder to especially harm enemies.

Bronin hands over his magical bow. +1 Composite Thundering Longbow with Strength 16 (?). I'll check that. and a quiver of regular arrows.

Sorry all, I totally don't trust this guy, but Bronin does. Gotta play my character and I'm thankful Lena and the others are playing theirs! Good roleplay all!!!

Varisians are common in the area, so their presence here would not necessarily be out of the norm. Still not sure the group has reached consensus? Will update the prying eyes a bit later today.

The count accepts the bow with a grateful nod, handing off the knife to one of the Varisians (after studying them for a moment, perhaps to see which might best be equipped to handle it, though none seems like a very viable/hopeful option).

The eyes return after a few minutes of urging from the county and Varisians to not wait.

I've put some numbers on the rooms to help you see what's where; checks made by anyone but Wren take a -5 penalty, since you have to deal with her descriptions. Wait. It's Wren. -8.

1 Massive statues loom over this large chamber. To the west, the statues portray three women holding huge scythes, the lower halves of their bodies skeletal and rotten, while to the east, three more statues depict skeletal monks in simple robes.

2 The pooling black wax of a single candle slowly gathers in the creases of this chamber’s flagstone floor, its light flickering with a pale, ghostly luminescence. Eight robed acolytes in meditative poses surround the taper, sitting in dark pools of blood. Wren notices that the acolytes cast no shadows upon the walls.

3 Two tables strewn with shards of broken funerary urns are pushed haphazardly to the sides of this rough-hewn chamber.

4 Smoothly polished skulls yellowed with age gaze from countless small alcoves perforating the stone walls of this chamber from floor to ceiling. The collection contains specimens from many races, though all of the skulls are missing their jawbones, which lie on the lowest shelves beneath the skulls.

5 The ruddy glow of smoldering embers cast strange shadows on this chamber’s walls. Beyond rows of cracked stone pews, marble steps lead to a raised dais encapsulating a large fire pit. Standing over the pit is an enormous iron statue of a fly; wretched screams echo from within as some living creature is roasted alive inside the grotesque effigy. Large doors of iron stand in the wall behind the statue.

Three Renchurch cenobites stoke the flames of the fire pit, while a chained, badly bruised and beaten human man wearing only a loincloth pulls furiously at his shackles.

6 Ancient bookshelves line the walls of this poorly lit chamber, while a dozen haphazardly arranged lecterns stand in the center of the room. To the south, four large glass tanks topped with intricately filigreed brass caps hold shriveled, mutilated corpses dressed in the shredded finery of nobility, each suspended in murky embalming fluid.

However, as the eyes made their way to this room, you also notice a strange humanoid wolf figure -- possibly not alive -- lurking in the hall, seemingly tracking your movements. His pic is on the overall map

A closed iron door stands in the hallway to the south of this room.

7 A large, round table carved with letters and symbols in several languages takes up the room’s center, and bits of silver gleam from tabletops and shelves. Several small smelters and other jewelry-making equipment stand nearby. Two large glass tubes filled with a swirling cloudy fluid rest on corroded iron stands along the room’s perimeter.

Two spectral figures wearing what you think might have been dark robes in life stand around the table; one looks up as the eyes enter. It gestures, and you see one eye destroyed as the other comes back.

8 Smoothly polished skulls yellowed with age gaze from countless small alcoves perforating the stone walls of this chamber from floor to ceiling. The collection contains specimens from many races, though all of the skulls are missing their jawbones, which lie on the lowest shelves beneath the skulls.

Whiskeyjack watched in astonishment as Bronin started handing out his own weapons to people they had never met before. He started to say something when the first of Wren's flying eyes reported in.

"Quiet! Seems like we be havin' abou' half th' catacombs left t' be explorin'. I dinnae be trustin' this lo', bu' if'n they be wha' an' who they be sayin' then we should be escortin' 'em back outta this place. We cannae be takin' the time t' be doin' much more than tha', bu' i's th' best thing t' be doin', an' i' willnae be takin' us much outta our way."

In a lower tone meant for just Lena, he said, "Besides, I dinnae be wantin' this crew raomin' around willy nilly behind us. Seems like we still be havin' a lo' o' fightin' ahead o' us."

I've put some numbers on the rooms to help you see what's where; checks made by anyone but Wren take a -5 penalty, since you have to deal with her descriptions. Wait. It's Wren. -8.

I cannot argue this. Wren is a bit cray-cray different and has different life experiences.

Wren looks at Whiskeyjack, scrunching up her face, trying to understand what the dwarf is saying. She's been with him for seeming like years, but is unable to fully parse his expressions.

"What? Can you say that again...but also use your tongue to help you form words because it don't make a lick of sense."

tis simple ya daft corby Lena snickers. She nods to Whiskeyjack.

"Did you see anything interesting Wren?" Elena asks as she starts to escort these fine, upstanding, innocent victims to the entrance before turning back. "Can you stay here for just a few moments longer? We will be back soon for you."

Bronin stands side by side with Elena as they escort the rest to the entrance. He'll accompany her as an honor guard, as her safety is the highest priority amongst all the others here.

Stand next to me, I'll keep you safe. While I am still taken aback by your unexpected abilities - your heart has always shown to be in the right place. You are special VestalLena. Let no one ever make you think otherwise.

Bronin keeps a wary eye. While he trusts the Count, there's the others with him that could be shills. As soon as they get to where they left his horse *Patience*, he whistles for the horse to accompany them.

I know some people have been a bit more suspicious so going to give a little more time to weigh in. Right now I have Bronin and Elena leading the Varisians and Count back to the entrance. Note that Wren saw a humanoid wolf figure back the way you came; it's Wren, but she probably told you all about it.

Wren will also accompany yahoos outside, chittering all the while about this and that, gossiping and just opining.

Exceptional. Bronin is gnashing his teeth. He hates wolves as much as he hates the Whispering Way.
Wolves are diabolical. Be on guard.

Whiskeyjack and Lena followed in the rear of the group, still talking quietly about their misgivings, and looking for any signs of this wolfman that Wren described.

We absolutely DO NOT split the party

+1 to what WhiskeyJack said. we don't want to end up like those OotS yahoos. A dead leader/Roy (That'd be me?), a cursed/(mentally)sick to the point of catatonic/Belkar (Wren), A strong female character just trying to hold everything together (Haley)/Vladlena. Dwarf who just wants to get back to his homeleands/Durkon /(Whiskey)

Adder goes where Wren goes, her loyal bodyguard and half-orc elected Most Likely to Die Because of a Crazy Bird Lady by his classmates at WeSmashU.

I see Adder as having a PHD - Professional Hitters Degree from WeSmashU.

Lena follows along with Whiskeyjack

Bronin and Elena and I'm assuming Potpie is next to Elena lead the group of Varisians, with Whiskeyjack and Lena bringing up the rear. Where are Wren and Adder in the order?

As you get to the tunnel and Bronin turns to retrace your steps to the north, the count hesitates.

"I'm not certain, but I think we came from that direction? Are you certain the exit is this way? We didn't see anything, so I think it must be this way."

He gestures to the south. The other Varisians huddle behind him nervously.

Why are you huddling like scared hunting dogs behind their master? Count, I think your retinue may not be what they appear.
Bronin's eyes narrow.
sense motive: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (1) + 16 = 17
Bronin prepares, and gets in a defensive stance.

Why are you huddling like scared hunting dogs behind their master? Count, I think your retinue may not be what they appear.
Bronin's eyes narrow.
sense motive: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (1) + 16 = 17
Bronin prepares, and gets in a defensive stance.

another 1 related to The Count. Really Dicebot? Really? I've pumped so many skill points in diplomacy and sense motive and Dicebot betrays me time and again.

That's what dicebot loves to do.

Bronin's pretty sure they're just scared peasants and villagers, who are hoping the count -- and you all -- will protect them from this horror they've found themselves in.

Correct, Potpie will be near Elena.

Elena turns confused. "Of course it is this way, we just came through here.' Elena offers a curt smile to the Count.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

She turns to keep leading them all to the entrance.

Or they are just scared. That makes sense.

She turns to keep leading them all to the entrance.

Bronin turns to head north also. No need to go south.

Wren will likely be floating up and around and above the party, constantly checking on all her little chickadees like a mother hen. Yes, she's mostly in the middle and probably close to Adder.

In general, she's been floating about 15' up and 20' up where she can.

"That's right, my dearies. Just follow me, follow me to freedom!"

Lena follows at the back, staying high and vigilant.

Wren, the ceilings are only 10 feet high down here for the most part.

"Well, if you're certain," the count says, gesturing for the others to follow to the north.

You make your way back, but as you arrive at the room where dirty rugs and torn pillows covered the floor of this natural cavern, you suddenly spot the wolf creature that Wren described. He gestures and you realize you have a fight on your hands! Before you can react, he casts a spell and catches Bronin's eye, then retreats behind the stone wall. DC 24 Fortitude save for Bronin or be sickened for 2 hours

Adder, Wren and Vladlena are up.

"At least this one won't steal your clothes friend Bronin."

Adder slips past the crowd and prepares to flank the wolf creature. Alone. Foolishly.

Lena shoots over the crowd with her broom, keeping out of reach if she can
Double move, I think

Sorry for the delay, I inadvertently hid this thread. I hate when I do that.

Round 1

Wren, with See Invisibility still running, double flies into position and tries to identify the foe.

1d20 + 24 ⇒ (5) + 24 = 29 Religion DRs?

Wren realizes with a shock that this thing facing them must be some sort of undead werewolf, maybe even a lich considering the symbols on it. As such, it's likely slashing and piercing -- and certainly nonmagical -- weapons won't be as effective against it.

The rest of the group -- perhaps? -- has another shock as the county and three of the Varisians suddenly lash out at you, biting and even clawing at your flesh, clambering over the county with unnatural speed to get in position! Bronin takes 9 and 12 hp as the count claws at him; Elena takes 14 and 8 hp and must make TWO DC 23 Will saves to negate first 4 points of Charisma damage, then 1 point; Potpie takes 12 hp and must make a DC 23 Will save to negate 1 Charisma damage It's clear that whatever they are, they aren't human! The other Varisians cry out in horror.

Bronin, Whiskeyjack and Elena are up.

1d20 + 24 ⇒ (20) + 24 = 44 Religion - other attackers
1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 Sense Motive

Wren will chirp what she knows of the attackers, as she ponders how best to respond to all the chaos. See the religion spoiler above. GM Motte, DRs? SR? Special attacks? Weaknesses?

"Oh dear. Oh dear, dearie."

Elena Will DC 23: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29
Elena Will DC 23: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21
Potpie Will DC 23: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27

Elena grabs ahold of potpie and jams the silly chicken into the folds of her apron. "Let's get out of here Potpie." She runs around towards Wren.

Merge Familiar and provoke from Orange and Yellow.

They're resistant to cold and have the usual undead immunities. More worrisome, if a totenmaske hits a single creature with both claw attacks (and the GM doesn't miss it, like above), its hollow claws drain away some of the target's flesh, leaving them weakened (Constitution damage) and sickened. Oh and if they spend enough time with a helpless creature, a totenmaske can reshape its face, causing flesh to cover vital features.

K. religion: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (9) + 17 = 26

Why are we so spread out? Did I miss a map update?

Whiskeyjack grinned as the "Varisians" and the count showed their true selves at last. "I' be hammerin' time!" he shouted, calling on Angradd's blessing at wailing into the nearest of the foes.

DP attack vs blue, bane, divine power, power attack: 1d20 + 17 + 3 + 4 - 3 ⇒ (8) + 17 + 3 + 4 - 3 = 29
B damage, bane, dp pa: 1d10 + 5 + 2d6 + 3 + 4 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 5 + (2, 3) + 3 + 4 + 6 = 31
attack1 vs blue, bane, divine power, power attack: 1d20 + 17 + 3 + 4 - 3 ⇒ (6) + 17 + 3 + 4 - 3 = 27
B damage, bane, dp pa: 1d10 + 5 + 2d6 + 3 + 4 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 5 + (5, 6) + 3 + 4 + 6 = 34
attack2 vs blue, bane, divine power, power attack: 1d20 + 17 - 5 + 3 + 4 - 3 ⇒ (14) + 17 - 5 + 3 + 4 - 3 = 30
B damage, bane, dp pa: 1d10 + 5 + 2d6 + 3 + 4 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 5 + (4, 6) + 3 + 4 + 6 = 33

Burning fervor to cast Divine Power as a swift action, giving me +4 to all STR-related rolls, plus 14 temp hp

Full power attack on blue

Yeah, there was a lot of movement. That middle area was filled with party members who took off, and Varisians who turned out to not be as friendly as Bronin thought.

Also it took me a minute to figure out that Lena flew over everyone's head, leaving me behind to fight my way through the bad guys. She's so thoughtful giving me a treat like that!

Well I thought getting to the action was important. oopsie. Remember that firebrand spell I cast should still be active. Fire support (ahem) will be there shortly

W'Jack, not sure Blue is a bad guy. We don't know that yet. Probably is, but not yet, maybe. Unless I'm wrong.

Round 2

Wren casts Chain Lightning at the foes. Should be able to get the 4 bearded jerks and the wolflich, based on orange being the main, and other targets need to be within 30'.

14d6 ⇒ (5, 6, 3, 4, 6, 1, 5, 5, 2, 6, 1, 3, 5, 3) = 55 Lightning, with DC24 reflex for half for orange, DC22 for everyone else

1d20 + 14 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 14 + 6 = 22 SR

fort save: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29 Save vs. puking. I.E. Eyebite.

Damn it! Blinded by these infernal monsters! Deceived! Well, I am no easy prey. Get to safety VestalLena! I'll hold off the fakers.

He flexes his gloved hand on his longsword. The blade has this silvery liquid that starts at the hilt and flows up both sides of the blade. The weapon also seems faster still!
Bronin's blades flash and dance.

sense motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Possible Crit - LS attack 1: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (4) + 14 = 18 sword damage: 1d8 + 14 ⇒ (2) + 14 = 16
fire damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Attacking Orange Face guy to help free FieryLena from attacks.

round 2
Lena keeps her altitude, out of reach, picks a target (Orange) and casts
all empowered, all touch attack

scorching ray 1: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (7) + 16 = 23

damage: 4d6 + 2 ⇒ (2, 5, 5, 6) + 2 = 20 x1.5=30

scorching ray 2: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (13) + 16 = 29

damage: 4d6 + 2 ⇒ (3, 5, 5, 2) + 2 = 17 x1.5=26

scorching ray 3: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (8) + 16 = 24

damage: 4d6 + 2 ⇒ (5, 5, 5, 6) + 2 = 23 x1.5=35

scorching ray 4: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (14) + 16 = 30

damage: 4d6 + 2 ⇒ (4, 1, 2, 1) + 2 = 10 x1.5=15

Wren - they are all bad guys! They must be, if they were traveling with the imposter count and his undead retinue. At least, that's the way Whiskeyjack is interpreting things. I guess if the bane goes off, they are undead :)

@VladLena - I read that the ceilings are only 10 feet high here. I don't think you are out of reach of these things. But, good concentrated fire on one enemy. That was Bronin's goal.

Correct; ceilings are only 10 feet high, so you're within reach. That said, Vladlena isn't up yet.

As Elena rushes away, two of the creatures manage to bite her, ripping her flesh. 5 and 8 hp; DC 23 Will save or take 2 Cha drain, then DC 23 Will save or take 4 Cha drain

Bronin reacts quickly to the sudden treachery, sword flashing -- only to find they're far harder to hit than any actual Varisian peasant would be (not that he's the type to try to cut down Varisian peasants, of course). He lands a couple cuts on it, but it's not enough to take the thing down. After Wren's spell blasts through it, though, it looks like it's barely on its feet. The next closest "Varisian" also gets blasted almost off its feet, but the others avoid the worst of it. The blast hits the wolf thing, but he just snarls and smooths down his fur a little, otherwise not bothered at all by the blast. He turns his gaze to Wren, who feels her stomach clench. DC 24 Fortitude save for Wren or be sickened for 2 hours Then he points his finger at her as he casts another spell, and a blast of black energy slams into her, chilling her to the bone. You gain 2 negative levels for 13 hours

Further back in the hall, Whiskeyjack turns his hammer on the nearest Varisian, dispelling any doubt of whether it's alive or not as it merely uncricks its neck after the punishing blows and gives him a feral smile. The next thing he knows, it's sinking his teeth into him, though he reacts swiftly to get an armored arm up to block its claws. 8 hp, plus 2 Cha drain; DC 23 Will save to negate the drain

The remaining two rush into the fray, closing with Bronin and biting at him. The first sings fangs into his flesh, ripping at it. 7 hp; DC 23 Will save or also take 1 Cha drain

I got a bit ahead of myself and did Wren's action, though she technically wasn't up yet. We're at the top of the order, with Lena and Adder up. Lena, you can keep those rolls if you want, or reroll. Note that Orange looks like he's very close to dead. All rays must be fired simultaneously, so decide before I resolve how many you want to fire at him.