GM SpiderBeard's Wrath of the Righteous (Inactive)

Game Master Barvo Delancy

Whoops, sorry guys, for some reason thought i was waiting on the group rather than the other way around.

The plant creature staggers forwards it's mouth open in a childlike perpetual scream as its tendrils whip about viciously. This time it toddles towards Dejik. This time the tendrils connect solidly, viciously slamming into the holy woman.

Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28 Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17 Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19 Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Dejik takes 15 damage and must make two Fortitude saves! The rest of the group feel their heads clear and are able to act. Everyone can go normally!

Feeling the nausea subside, Sarkast turns to come back down the stairs and sees the creature slam Dejik. He runs in to help, putting himself between the plant and the healer. In his hurry to cover her, however, he loses any element of surprise he might have had, and his spear goes wide.

Attack, spear: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Fort save: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
Fort save: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

Dejik moves away from the creature and fires again, then touches one of her wounds. (Assuming the failed Fort saves don't prevent the attack.)

Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 4

Lay on hands: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Nilus attempts to slam Radiance into the creature Radiance: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26Damage: 1d10 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

-Posted with Wayfinder

The wracking waves of nausea stopped, and Ayesha shook her head to clear it. She looked up just in time to see the creature lash out at Dejik. She pulled her scimitar and rushed around to put the creature between her and Sarkast.

attack, flanking: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 6 + 2 = 15
damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Dejik's world immediately begins to spin as she feels a strange sort of madness set in. It becomes difficult to distinguish friend from foe. Colours bleed into one another, and threats are seen anywhere. However, she manages to set herself straight, and manages to loose an arrow into the plant creature and heal herself!

Confusion: 1d100 ⇒ 9

Lucky roll! Dejik was confused and fatigued, but is now fine.

As Sarkast rushes in to protect Dejik, his desperate spear throw goes wide. Furthermore, the creature swings out at him as he runs in range, but the nimble rogue easily dodges.

Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11 Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Nilus is far more fortunate, his glaive brutally hacks off a good chunk of the plant creature. Finally Ayesha sweeps in, but her scimitar is unable to carve through the tough roots.

Ronan/Jinxx is up!

Ronan fires off another crossbow bolt at the thing

Crossbow: 1d20 ⇒ 5

Jinxx regains control and rushes to the others aid

Bite: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
Bite Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

The group all rush in on the plant creature, and Jinxx tears off a particularly sinister tuber.

Still letting out its horrid screech, the plant creature seems drawn to Nilus, and leaps at the paladin, biting and slapping with its viney limbs!

Slam: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21 Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Slam: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23 Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Bite: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15 Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Grab: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

Nilus takes 6 damage and must two separate fortitude saves. Everyone can go!

Fort 1: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22Fort 2: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

Nilus backs upand hacks down with Radiance Radiance: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18 Damage: 1d10 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

Sarkast takes advantage of Ayesha's positioning to lash out with spear and dagger. Unfortunately, the unsettling effects of the creature's initial appearance slow his reflexes.

Attack (spear), flanking: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
Attack (mw dagger), flanking: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Nilus' glaive slashes down, and the plant creature crumples to the ground. The shrill scream finally ends, and the room is silent.

End of Combat

Sarkast continues to stand over the plant to make sure that Nilus' blow did end it. "What is this creature?"

Once assured the creature is dead and everyone is safe, he does his standard search of the area, looking to see what might have value for the defenders of the city above.

Kn:Religion: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

Nilus looks at the creature, and then around the room a little.

The clockwork toy, upon closer inspection is a six-armed snake woman, which those with knowledge of demons identify as a marilith. It looks somewhat valuable. The bottle itself is tightly stoppered and emitted a magical glow during Dejik and Ayesha's original scan of the room.

Finally, inside the chest itself is a set of five holy symbols piled on top of a note.

Ayesha nods to Nilus and sheathes her scimitar before looking around the room. She noted with interest the six-armed marilith toy and looked long and hard at the glowing bottle. Peering more closely at it, she tried to identify its magical properties.

spellcraft: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26

Finally, she looks into the chest and reads the note there.

Ayesha stares at the bottle and as she reads the magical signatures it starts to make sense. This is a gas bomb of sorts that will have a variety of effects on those within the gas cloud, randomly determined each round somebody is in the cloud.

The effects are:
- 1d6 acid damage
- Eyes glow red, granting darkvision for 2 hours.
- 1d6 fire damage
- Laboured breathing, -2 on stealth
- 1d6 cold damage
- Persistent, hour-long nosebleed causing 1d4 nonlethal every 10 minutes
- 1d6 electricity damage
- Adrenaline rush: +2 on initiative, -2 on dex

After staring at the bottle for a few moments, Ayesha pulled one of her shawls from around her shoulders. Carefully she wrapped the bottle in the 6-foot length of cloth, making sure to keep a firm grip on it. Aloud, she said, "If this bottle breaks, a chaotic mess of spells will be released in a cloud. Everyone be very careful. I don't think it would be a good idea to take this with us. Let's clear this building and then destroy the bottle here in the basement."

A "chaotic mess" of spells? That makes me feel a little better about not being able to figure out what it does. Dejik cocks her head. Do you think it would be safer to break it in the chest and then close the chest?

Dejik studies the holy symbols while Ayesha reads the note. Knowledge (religion): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

"I'm thinking we go up the stairs and then toss the bottle into the basement and run. The effects should be minor on the building and such, though any living creature in the resulting cloud would not fare very well."

"We could destroy it like you say, but we could also get it back to the riftwardens, they may be able to make use of such a weapon. I will go along with what ever the group decides though."

Dejiks sorts out the holy symbols, and passes the note over.

We don't need these anymore, but figured if you survived our surprise, it would be just plain rude to leave behind an empty chest for your troubles!

The holy symbols are basic holy symbols of Iomedae, all of which are silver. Nice enough. As Dejik inspects the symbols, a sudden shudder rushes through her body. Her limbs begin to seize, and she begins convulsing wildly.

1d2 ⇒ 2

Dejik, please make a DC 16 fortitude save vs poison or take 2 dex damage.

What is happening! Nilus exclaims as he sees Dejik

"Ronan, you may be right, but I don't want to be the one carrying it around. As fragile as it appears to be, we could be in the middle of combat and have it go off at the worst possible time."

Ayesha broke off as Dejik began to shake. "Dejik! What's wrong?"

Fort save: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

Dejik struggles to get control of her body. I...I think these are poisoned somehow... She shakes her head until it clears. We'll have to put these in something safe--what if we put them back in the chest and take the whole thing?

She looks at the jar. We could put the jar into my magic sack--in the interdimensional space, it should be perfectly safe.

Nilus shakes his head in disgust at the thought of using holy symbols as a vehicle for poison.

Upon closer inspection, there is a thin, semi-transparent greasy substance on the holy symbols.

Dejik takes out her waterskin and tries to wash the greasy substance off of the holy symbols.

Just scrolled back and realized that Ayesha didn't pick up the haversack at Defender's Heart. Ignore Dejik's suggestion about using the interdimensional space to carry the jar.

Unless stated otherwise, I'm going to assume that you all leave the bottle. If you take it, lemme know.

Dejik manages to clear off the poison from the holy symbols, taking them for the journey back. After a quick inspection reveals that nothing but traps were left here for the group, they get ready for the trek back.

It is now nearing nightfall as you make you way through the dangerous ruins of Kenabres. The occasional howl of a howler can now be heard in the distance, punctuated by the sounds of battle or a scream of terror. However, the journey goes safely and the group return to Defender's Heart where they are enthusiastically greeted by Irabeth and Anevia. Although disappointed to hear that the store was by then abandoned, Irabeth is encouraged by the legitimacy of your note. She pushes that you visit the Tower of Estrod next.

The night is yours at Defender's Heart. Healing is free here. If you have any personal errands or shopping to do, let me know.

At Defender's Heart, Sarkast lays out the items the group found at Topaz Solutions. "Irabeth, here is what we found. As the owners were no longer present, we thought we would bring it here to see how you thought it should be apportioned. Do you know of any other defenders who could make use of these?"

A nice set of cutlery
A painting, cut from its frame and rolled
A brass goblet
An acid flask
An alchemist's fire
Two vials of antitoxin
Three vials of holy water
Three ornate arrows crafted to look like fire bolts (+1 Flaming Arrows)
A clear potion that seems to magnify its surroundings (Elixir of Vision)
A rich brown potion (Potion of Barkskin +2)

Before bed, Sarkast uses his whetstone on all of his weapons, and any other bladed weapons the party members have, if they ask. That gives +1 damage to the first hit the weapon scores.

Irabeth smiles and gratefully takes the donation from Sarkast.

"We have no need for the cutlery, painting, or goblet. Feel free to sell it to one of the merchants. But we are always scrounging for supplies and these are valuable, if you wish to donate the rest we would be delighted."

Dejik unrolls the painting and examines it, hoping it might contain some value other than gold pieces.
Is there any useful information or clues in the painting? Is the subject of the painting significant at all?

Sarkast glances around to the rest of the group. "These things were taken from looters. I would feel wrong claiming them for our own enrichment. However, if we have further work to do in service of the city, we may need to make use of some of the magic, and let the rest go to other defenders. Dejik, your bow is true despite your clouded sight. Perhaps this flaming arrow would be useful for you? "

I'm having trouble in character accepting loot the adventure seems to intend for us ... any help will be appreciated! ;-)

Nilus nods in agreement with Sarkast You are correct Sarkast, there are others who could use this.

Loot isn't going to be a problem.

Dejik closely examines the painting. It's of an unknown young man dressed in finery, doing his best to look regal. As she closely examines the painting, she can tell that the 'V' shape in his fingers symbolizes the sacred feminin-- wait, no. It's just a mediocre painting of some guy.

"Also, you should know that someone laid a trap at the Topaz Solutions. It appeared to be specifically aimed for any templars or other 'do-gooders', and consisted of a fairly advanced magical and alchemical setup, combined with a mandrake to finish ff any who set off the main trap. It could have been quite deadly. any out scrounging supplies or hunting cultists should be mae aware of the dangers."

I think Ayesha is right. Combined with the poisoned holy symbols of Iomedae, it seems likely the intent was to kill any honest crusaders.

The group currently stands in a room designated for meetings in the back. Irabeth stands here with Anevia, both listening intently.

Irabeth nods affirmatively. "We'll be on guard for such traps, thank you kindly. My duties call me, please let me konw if you need anything else. We're short on space, but your service to the crusade is invaluable and we've managed to get you all private rooms."

Let me know about any shopping or personal errands you want to go on. Otherwise, consider yourselves fully healed and rested for the next day. All healing here is free.

Other than sharpening weapons and a brief prayer, Sarkast has nothing to do this evening.

Dejik adds the 3 flaming arrows to her quiver before she offers to help tend any wounded.
Dejik and Nilus are the only ones carrying damage, and Dejik has one channel and a few lay on hands left. She'll try to find an infirmary or any other injured people before she channels, then spend her remaining lay on hands as necessary.

Dejik will also start inquiring about a wand of Bless Weapon. I'm not expecting any to be available, but she'll start looking out for one. (She figures that if she can get a wand, she can bless the frontliners' weapons so they don't have to be distracted in battle.)

1d100 ⇒ 16

A wand of bless weapon is available for 750 gp.

Nilus goes to the priests and assists with whatever they need for the evening. Nilus is ready to go

Prayers, rested, and ready to go.

I dont suppose the wand of bless weapon works on natural weapons? Ronan will buy anyway though, it might come in handy

Bless Weapon
The text just says "weapon touched", so I think a natural weapon should be acceptable. It would only affect a single claw or bite, though, not all of the attacks. If we all pitch in 150gp, that would cover the cost of the wand, and Dejik could cast on whoever seemed appropriate in any given situation.

Nilus doesn't have any gold remaining.

Dejik has about 400 gp. If we sell the painting, goblet, and cutlery, that might be enough.

I'll allow it, I think the game does intend that natural attacks are enchanted differently, but that makes Jinxx pretty useless vs demons. Although Ronan would need use magic device rolls to get the wand to work since bless weapon is not on his spell list. That said, I forgot something.

Dejik is able to find a merchant who will offer her 200 gold for the painting, goblet, and cutlery. However, as she is searching, she feels Irabeth tap her on the shoulder.

"The deal we agreed upon for compensation was 4,500 for the group which in my mind was 1,500 per safe house. You've investigated two of them and you've haven't been paid yet, and I have fears the Tower of Estrod may be dangerous. So please, take your pay with my blessing."

Everybody receives 500 gold because your GM forgot to pay you.

In that case the party is free to have Nilus' 500 for the wand.

Dejik can use a wand of Bless Weapon--she can't use scrolls.