(Heroism active, +2 to saves and atk)AC 20 (FF:19); Fort +7; Ref +8; Will +5 (extra +4 vs sonic & language)(extra +1 when surprised/flat footed (included in FF))(extra +1 vs evil outsiders); resist cold/4; ; Init +1; Perception -2;(+1 cmd vs grapple)
"I suspect one of you warrior types should carry this. If indeed the Tik-taan are abroad... legends come to life which will be very interesting to see I might add. I sense a paper coming on. This time. This time that dratted Dr Jones will see Me on the cover of the Chronciles while his 'adventures' are relegated to the back-of issue fill-out pages!"
The scholar almost starts to laugh but quickly gets hold of himself. He takes off his glasses to polish them again. "If I can ever actually see anything that is."
He looks around. "Where was I? Oh yes... one of you warrior types might find this useful."
He then joins Coreguy, offering him the jade blade with the ivory handle.
Exiting the hall of the dead and looking across the mist-filled hallway, you can make out a large placard above the entryway to the eastern hall, which reads “Hunting the Beasts of Legend” in great block letters.
(Heroism active, +2 to saves and atk)AC 20 (FF:19); Fort +7; Ref +8; Will +5 (extra +4 vs sonic & language)(extra +1 when surprised/flat footed (included in FF))(extra +1 vs evil outsiders); resist cold/4; ; Init +1; Perception -2;(+1 cmd vs grapple)
Taking out the map, the scholar consults it for a moment. "If Nigel is still in the storage room, then it is through this exhibition we must travel. I only hope the mist has not had a bad effect on these too."
As you enter, you see that this gigantic chamber is relatively free of mist, and darkness is held at bay by braziers of radiant light. Behemoths occupy these halls, great taxidermy nightmares such as:
A two-headed bear easily taller than an ogre;
A great desiccated beetle, its carapace larger than the face of the clock tower of Absalom’s Clockwork Cathedral;
A massive specimen of chimera, its jaws open in a mock roar; and
An assembled skeleton of a tyrant lizard.
Further, the walls here are studded with strange masks, staves, spears, and other implements of long forgotten cultures, most likely used in ritual hunts of the beasts preserved here.
The ceiling of this large exhibit hall is 50’ in height.
Coreguy:
Clearly, in life, these gargantuan creatures would have posed great danger and been considerable threats. But, at present, they appear to be lifeless. Likewise, the weapons adorning the walls would clearly be lethal in the right hands and the masks of various shapes and sizesthat accompany them would have made the wielder look fierce indeed.
New Map of East Exhibit Room on Slides
Other PCs should place their tokens on the Map wherever they wish to be in the room (or outside of it I suppose); then please give me a Perception check.
”Lini” | Female N Small Gnome Druid 4 | HP 35/35 | AC 16, T 13, FF 15; +4 vs Giants | CMD 12 | F +8 R +3 W +8; +4 vs. fey and plant–targeted effects, +2 vs. illusions | Init +1 | Perc +12; low-light vision | Speed 20ft | Spells 1st 4/4, 2nd 3/3 | Gnome SLA 1/1 | Wild Shape | Active Conditions: None.
Lini puts her hands on her hips and looks up at the various animals. "Disgusting. What some humans do to show their dominance over nature. You think so too, right Droogami?" She shakes her head at the leopard, who responds with a look of confusion for her charge. "Well, not much we can do. Maybe give this Nigel a talking to after we find him!"
"Khellek, are these ones going to jump out at us as well? More undead raised by the mist?" She stares at each of them in turn, as if daring them to spring to life.
Perception:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22
To Coreguy's comment, Lini answers "If I can read maps, and I can mind you, it's the one straight ahead." She points to the western door.
(Heroism active, +2 to saves and atk)AC 20 (FF:19); Fort +7; Ref +8; Will +5 (extra +4 vs sonic & language)(extra +1 when surprised/flat footed (included in FF))(extra +1 vs evil outsiders); resist cold/4; ; Init +1; Perception -2;(+1 cmd vs grapple)
Khellek peers in from the corridor, looking quite spooked by the room.
"According to the map, the door would be the first one on the left. The second takes you to the jakes."
perception:1d20 - 2 ⇒ (4) - 2 = 2
"Are what going to jump out of the wall? The stuffed animals? I doubt that... but I am not an expert on necromantic mists."
He does pause to check the room for magical auras though.
”Kyra” | Female NG Medium (Keleshite) Human Cleric of Sarenrae 4 | HP 32/35 | Now: AC 19, T 12, FF 19 (AC 17, T 10, FF 17) | CMD 15| F +6 R +3 W +9 | Init +0 | Perc +4 | Speed 30ft | Channel positive energy 2/5 (DC16), Rebuke death 7/7 | Active Conditions: Shield of Faith, 4 min duration.
"I hope that Sarenraes light is with us. This evil has already cost the lives of three men and I hope that we can end it before more succumb to its horrors." Kyra says and follows Coreguy.
If anybody is still wounded please use Kyra's CLW wand.
Once everyone has entered the room, Coreguy will approach the door, reach out for the handle, and then stop himself before turning back,"Travail, is the door safe?"
As you move towards the center of the room, Lini notices that four of the helms near the ceiling, hung along the wall with the various weapons and masks are beginning to crack, sloughing off a stony, outer layer. From beneath, blackened creatures with bat-winged fiends’ heads are emerging. Tentacles dangle from their chins and scalps and fanged mouths hang agape!
Knowledge (planes)(DC 12+):
These creatures are vargouilles! They are not natives of the Material Plane but can often be found there nevertheless, occupying graveyards, ancient battlefields, or anywhere one can find remnants of death and decay. These hideous monsters come from the fiendish outer planes, where they flop and flap through strange and haunted skies in constant search of fresh souls to torment. In these nightmare realms, vargouilles play a role similar to that of a raven or vulture, although they augment these roles with a malevolent delight in causing pain and anguish that no scavenger bird could ever hope to match.
A vargouille's low power and hideous method of reproduction make for a dangerous combination. Vargouilles are relatively easy to summon to the Material Plane, and once here, they can swiftly reproduce, creating more and more of their hideous kind from their victims. Vargouilles created on the Material Plane in this manner are still extraplanar creatures, and as such can be banished with the right magic.
Knowledge (planes)(DC 17+):
In addition to the information beneath the above spoiler, you also know that vargouilles attack by swooping in on their opponents, shrieking them into paralysis, and then biting them with rows of razor-sharp teeth.
Shriek (Su) Instead of biting, a vargouille can open its distended mouth to shriek. Those within 60 feet (except other vargouilles) who hear the shriek and can clearly see the creature must succeed on a DC 12 Fortitude save or be paralyzed for 2d4 rounds or until the monster attacks them, goes out of range, or leaves their sight. A creature that successfully saves cannot be affected again by the same vargouille's shriek for 24 hours. The save DC is Constitution-based.
Knowledge (planes)(DC 22+):
In addition to the information beneath the two above spoilers, you also know that vargouilles create more and more of their hideous kind from those who fall victim to their kiss. Kiss (Su) Vargouilles kiss their targets by making a successful melee touch attack (this provokes attacks of opportunity). A kissed opponent must succeed on a DC 16 Fortitude save or begin a terrible transformation that changes the creature into a vargouille within 24 hours (and often much sooner; roll 1d6 separately for each phase of the transformation). First, over a period of 1d6 hours, all the victim's hair falls out. Within another 1d6 hours thereafter, the ears grow into leathery wings, tentacles sprout on the chin and scalp, and the teeth become long, pointed fangs. During the next 1d6 hours, the victim takes Intelligence drain and Charisma drain equal to 1 point per hour (to a minimum of 3). The transformation is complete 1d6 hours thereafter, when the victim's head breaks free of the body (which promptly dies) and becomes a vargouille. This transformation's progress is paused by sunlight or any light spell of 3rd level or higher, but stopping the transformation requires remove disease or a similar effect. The transformation is a disease effect. The save DC is Constitution-based and includes a +4 racial bonus.
Knowledge (planes)(DC 27+):
In addition to the information beneath the two above spoilers, you also know that vargouilles poison their victims.. Poison (Su) Bite—injury; save Fort DC 12; frequency once; effect damage caused by bite can only be healed with magic if the spellcaster succeeds on a DC 20 caster level check; cure 1 save. The save DC is Constitution-based.
The cracking "helms" are 45 feet above the museum room floor.
Coreguy calls out,"Look out everyone, those are... they're... uh...well look out, their not friendly!!!" he says as he just can't remember what those things are.
”Kyra” | Female NG Medium (Keleshite) Human Cleric of Sarenrae 4 | HP 32/35 | Now: AC 19, T 12, FF 19 (AC 17, T 10, FF 17) | CMD 15| F +6 R +3 W +9 | Init +0 | Perc +4 | Speed 30ft | Channel positive energy 2/5 (DC16), Rebuke death 7/7 | Active Conditions: Shield of Faith, 4 min duration.
Spiritual Weapon. Round 1/4
Kyra starts to cats a devine spell that conjures a spiritual flying scimitar of force that flies in the direction of the helms and attacks.
(Heroism active, +2 to saves and atk)AC 20 (FF:19); Fort +7; Ref +8; Will +5 (extra +4 vs sonic & language)(extra +1 when surprised/flat footed (included in FF))(extra +1 vs evil outsiders); resist cold/4; ; Init +1; Perception -2;(+1 cmd vs grapple)
planes:1d20 + 18 ⇒ (15) + 18 = 33
"These creatures are vargouilles!" warns the Scholar.
”Lini” | Female N Small Gnome Druid 4 | HP 35/35 | AC 16, T 13, FF 15; +4 vs Giants | CMD 12 | F +8 R +3 W +8; +4 vs. fey and plant–targeted effects, +2 vs. illusions | Init +1 | Perc +12; low-light vision | Speed 20ft | Spells 1st 4/4, 2nd 3/3 | Gnome SLA 1/1 | Wild Shape | Active Conditions: None.
Awesome rolls Khellek! Vargouilles are nasty.
Lini's attention is drawn upwards and she visibly recoils from the foul creatures. "You don't need to tell me twice Khellek! I'm going to keep well away!"
Hearing Khellek's words causes Travail to stop and consider his next move.
The vargouilles burst free in a shower of dust and stone shards. Freed from their long captivity, they consider their prey.
Knowledge (arcana)(DC 15+):
Most likely these vargouille were transformed into stony-faced helms by a powerful shaman's curse long ago, then miscataloged as antiquated headgear. If the mists were able to call to the remnants of souls and offered them freedom from torment in exchange for service, the mists may likely heard the tormented cries of these outsiders and done the same--promise freedom in exchange for service.
Round One Initiative Cont'd
PCs in bold may act
Khellek
Kyra
Travail - delaying
Vargouilles - delaying
Lini & Dragoomi
Coreguy
Cursing himself for not picking up a few javelins, Coreguy readies his sword to strike the first Vargouille that attempts to attack him,"Come at me you ugly mugs!!!"
”Lini” | Female N Small Gnome Druid 4 | HP 35/35 | AC 16, T 13, FF 15; +4 vs Giants | CMD 12 | F +8 R +3 W +8; +4 vs. fey and plant–targeted effects, +2 vs. illusions | Init +1 | Perc +12; low-light vision | Speed 20ft | Spells 1st 4/4, 2nd 3/3 | Gnome SLA 1/1 | Wild Shape | Active Conditions: None.
"Droogami, you've gotta kill them before they can touch you!" she looks into the leopard's eyes, realizes that this might be too far for her friend, and instead says "Defend me and Kyra!"Free action to use defend trick.
Lini steps up to Kyra (5ft step) (hoping for safety in numbers) and then both draws and uses her wand of produce flame to spark a fire in her left hand. She readies herself to throw it at the monstrous vargouilles.
”Droogami” | Female N Medium Animal Companion | HP 14/26 | AC 18+2, T 15, FF 13+2 | CMD 18 | F +6 R +9 W +2 | Init +5 | Perc +5; low-light vision, scent | Speed 50ft | Active Conditions: Barkskin.
Assuming its been long enough for sickened and magic fang to drop off.
Droogami bounces forward to stand side by side with Kyra and growls at the helmed creatures. She tenses up, ready to bite the first one that threatens either of the creatures she's protecting.
Travail - Still with us? I am juggling a bit of a work load upon my return after the July 4th holiday, so expect a later post today. (Sorry for the delay).
Hearing the words of Khellek and deciding that action is needed, Travail enters the room, his bow having already been drawn.
Move action
He then lets loose an arrow, attempting to put it into the nearest vargouille.
Ranged attack (mwk composite shortbow Str+1) v. vargouille (blue):1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18 Damage (mwk composite shortbow Str+1):1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
In response, the vargouilles burst free in a shower of dust and stone shards. One shrieks.
Will saves (DC 12) vs. paralysis Khellek, Will save (DC 12) v sonic:1d20 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 1 + 4 = 8 Kyra, Will save (DC 12):1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29 Lini, Will save (DC 12):1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27 Dragoomi, Will save (DC 12):1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9 Coreguy, Will save (DC 12):1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15 Travail, Will save (DC 12):1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Countersong result 27 for Khellek, Dragoomi, and Travail.
Seeing that the shriek of their kin has no effect, the other vargouilles unleash a chorus of shrieks. No sense in rolling saves due to Countersong.
When their shrieks also appear to have no effect, the vargouilles flap about near the ceiling in frustration. Vargouilles remain 45 feet overhead.
”Kyra” | Female NG Medium (Keleshite) Human Cleric of Sarenrae 4 | HP 32/35 | Now: AC 19, T 12, FF 19 (AC 17, T 10, FF 17) | CMD 15| F +6 R +3 W +9 | Init +0 | Perc +4 | Speed 30ft | Channel positive energy 2/5 (DC16), Rebuke death 7/7 | Active Conditions: Shield of Faith, 4 min duration.
Spiritual Weapon. Round 2/4
Kyra’s spiritual flying scimitar of force attacks again.
Coreguy moves closer to Droogami and Kyra,"Close ranks everyone! Khellek, keep it coming, Travail...dont stop shooting!" he says as he readies an attack at the first vargouille that comes within his reach.
(Heroism active, +2 to saves and atk)AC 20 (FF:19); Fort +7; Ref +8; Will +5 (extra +4 vs sonic & language)(extra +1 when surprised/flat footed (included in FF))(extra +1 vs evil outsiders); resist cold/4; ; Init +1; Perception -2;(+1 cmd vs grapple)
Khellek keeps up his oratry, hoping that the Vargouilles think the group is is just immune.
"They are known to be one of the few creatures that cannot be killed by the fabled vorpal blade."
countersong:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10 I think this one is a time thta the old GM reroll may be invaluable
" And not one to fear the guillotines of Galt either.!"
countersong:1d20 + 8 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 8 + 4 = 27
He points Bessie at the nearest creature and lets fly.
attack:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
But she is off target today, piercing a stuffed bear between its eyes.
"Good Girl Bessie, you remember that bear. But we are after the flapping heads today."
(Heroism active, +2 to saves and atk)AC 20 (FF:19); Fort +7; Ref +8; Will +5 (extra +4 vs sonic & language)(extra +1 when surprised/flat footed (included in FF))(extra +1 vs evil outsiders); resist cold/4; ; Init +1; Perception -2;(+1 cmd vs grapple)
"If any of you are lacking a missile weapon and adept with the crossbow, I have been known to lend Bessie out to students in need."
”Lini” | Female N Small Gnome Druid 4 | HP 35/35 | AC 16, T 13, FF 15; +4 vs Giants | CMD 12 | F +8 R +3 W +8; +4 vs. fey and plant–targeted effects, +2 vs. illusions | Init +1 | Perc +12; low-light vision | Speed 20ft | Spells 1st 4/4, 2nd 3/3 | Gnome SLA 1/1 | Wild Shape | Active Conditions: None.
Countersong saves the day!
Lini raises a flame-toting hand and send a tiny fireball jetting at one of the vargouilles (blue if still up, red otherwise).
Produce Flame vs. touch AC:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24 Produce Flame crit confirm vs. touch AC:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14Maybe? Produce flame damage:1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 Crit bonus damage:1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
She snaps her fingers at the creatures after striking one with her flame, calling out "Take that you ugly iron helmets!" with gusto. Without moving from her position, she pats Droogami's back and says "Keep at it Droogs, don't let them come near!"
”Droogami” | Female N Medium Animal Companion | HP 14/26 | AC 18+2, T 15, FF 13+2 | CMD 18 | F +6 R +9 W +2 | Init +5 | Perc +5; low-light vision, scent | Speed 50ft | Active Conditions: Barkskin.
Droogami holds her ground, shaking her head from side to side in time with the cadence of Khellek's lecture. His indecipherable words somehow block out the worst of the unearthly screeching. As she endures the audible onslaught, she readies herself again to bite at any ambitious vargouilles.
The holy weapon conjured by Kyra slashes at the vargouille blue, though the cleric's sling fails to hit. The shrieking creature is then nearly incinerated by the druid's fireball.
Blame the lack of a crit on the bard for choosing to countersong rather than inspire courage! ; P
The orating bard fails to strike a vargouille with his bolt, but his words keep the party fighting!
Excellent use of a reroll!
Travail let's loose two arrows, each striking their mark.
I understand that work needs to take precedence. I try to reasonably accommodate, but I did promise a "fast" game when I advertised. So, as a consideration to those who may have signed up in part for that reason, I am trying to keep to the 24-hour bot policy (I did try leave a little extra leeway this time).
The vargouilles again shriek and grow even more frustrated as all of their prey continues to move.Not going to bother rolling due to effect of countersong this round.
The vampiric outsiders continue to flap furiously around the ceiling. 45 feet up
Round Three Initiative Begins
All PCs may act
Khellek
Kyra
Lini & Dragoomi
Coreguy
Travail
Vargouilles
- blue -15 HP
- red -10 HP
”Kyra” | Female NG Medium (Keleshite) Human Cleric of Sarenrae 4 | HP 32/35 | Now: AC 19, T 12, FF 19 (AC 17, T 10, FF 17) | CMD 15| F +6 R +3 W +9 | Init +0 | Perc +4 | Speed 30ft | Channel positive energy 2/5 (DC16), Rebuke death 7/7 | Active Conditions: Shield of Faith, 4 min duration.
Spiritual Weapon. Round 3/4
Kyra’s spiritual flying scimitar of force attacks again at the blue being.
(Heroism active, +2 to saves and atk)AC 20 (FF:19); Fort +7; Ref +8; Will +5 (extra +4 vs sonic & language)(extra +1 when surprised/flat footed (included in FF))(extra +1 vs evil outsiders); resist cold/4; ; Init +1; Perception -2;(+1 cmd vs grapple)
"Let us not forget that for many creatures the head is more a symbol than an intrinsic requirement for life. The Hydra for instance is but one creature with a multitude of heads.."
countersong:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
Continues the scholar as he fumbles a bolt into Bessie and takes aim at the most wounded looking of the creatures.
(Heroism active, +2 to saves and atk)AC 20 (FF:19); Fort +7; Ref +8; Will +5 (extra +4 vs sonic & language)(extra +1 when surprised/flat footed (included in FF))(extra +1 vs evil outsiders); resist cold/4; ; Init +1; Perception -2;(+1 cmd vs grapple)
Which he can only do for another round or two. Still, one or two saves rather than four saves is the differences between a TPK and a successful encounter. Be nice to keep a round or two to try and free Nigel, presuming he has been affected by the mist as well.
"I'm not sure how my voice will hold out.." admits the scholar.
”Lini” | Female N Small Gnome Druid 4 | HP 35/35 | AC 16, T 13, FF 15; +4 vs Giants | CMD 12 | F +8 R +3 W +8; +4 vs. fey and plant–targeted effects, +2 vs. illusions | Init +1 | Perc +12; low-light vision | Speed 20ft | Spells 1st 4/4, 2nd 3/3 | Gnome SLA 1/1 | Wild Shape | Active Conditions: None.
With Khellek's warning spurring her to greater action against the flying monstrosities, Lini focuses inward and begins an incantation. "O spirits of the wild, defenders of the natural order and bearers of strength and swiftness. Guardians of all that is true and whole! A blight lies before us. I call upon you, lend us your aid!"Sacrificing an entangle spell to cast Summon Nature's Ally for an eagle. It'll show up at the beginning of next round.
She stares upwards at the vargouilles as she continues her chant.
Jeez, I forgot druids have spontaneous spell conversion. Well, better late than never.
”Droogami” | Female N Medium Animal Companion | HP 14/26 | AC 18+2, T 15, FF 13+2 | CMD 18 | F +6 R +9 W +2 | Init +5 | Perc +5; low-light vision, scent | Speed 50ft | Active Conditions: Barkskin.
Still following Lini's last instructions to guard Kyra and her druid buddy, Droogami continues to hold her ground.
”Kyra” | Female NG Medium (Keleshite) Human Cleric of Sarenrae 4 | HP 32/35 | Now: AC 19, T 12, FF 19 (AC 17, T 10, FF 17) | CMD 15| F +6 R +3 W +9 | Init +0 | Perc +4 | Speed 30ft | Channel positive energy 2/5 (DC16), Rebuke death 7/7 | Active Conditions: Shield of Faith, 4 min duration.
Spiritual Weapon. Round 4/4
Kyra’s spiritual flying scimitar of force attacks again at a still living opponent.
Spiritual scimitar, wis to attack +4, bab+3 :1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
(Heroism active, +2 to saves and atk)AC 20 (FF:19); Fort +7; Ref +8; Will +5 (extra +4 vs sonic & language)(extra +1 when surprised/flat footed (included in FF))(extra +1 vs evil outsiders); resist cold/4; ; Init +1; Perception -2;(+1 cmd vs grapple)
Khellek coughts as he tries to keep up the flow of oratory.
"Of course, more interestingly is the effect of Vargouilles on the history of Taldor. It is suspected that the town of Visroyal got its game from when the forth son of the ruling monarch was assaulted by a troops of the creatures in the year ..."
countersong:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26
Meanwhile the scholar checks his pouches and belt for where he left his bolt quivver. Eventualy he locates it and fumbles yet another one into Bessie.
"The head, not the bear this time..."
attack:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Bessie unerringly plunks a quarrel between the eyes of the stuffed bear.
"I said the HEAD Bessie. The flying head. Not the Bears head."
”Lini” | Female N Small Gnome Druid 4 | HP 35/35 | AC 16, T 13, FF 15; +4 vs Giants | CMD 12 | F +8 R +3 W +8; +4 vs. fey and plant–targeted effects, +2 vs. illusions | Init +1 | Perc +12; low-light vision | Speed 20ft | Spells 1st 4/4, 2nd 3/3 | Gnome SLA 1/1 | Wild Shape | Active Conditions: None.
Lini completes her invocation and suddenly an eagle springs into existence next to Droogami! She follows the spell up with another swish of her wand of produce flame, generating an additional handful of fire to toss at the monsters.
She calls on up to the new eagle with a boisterous "Go Socrates! Tear them up, little guy!"
”Kyra” | Female NG Medium (Keleshite) Human Cleric of Sarenrae 4 | HP 32/35 | Now: AC 19, T 12, FF 19 (AC 17, T 10, FF 17) | CMD 15| F +6 R +3 W +9 | Init +0 | Perc +4 | Speed 30ft | Channel positive energy 2/5 (DC16), Rebuke death 7/7 | Active Conditions: Shield of Faith, 4 min duration.
Kyra also prepares her sling and throws a bullet at the green Vargouille.
