Gallows of Madness: The Festering Blot (1) (Inactive)

Game Master Tyranius

Stealth: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (13) + 16 = 29

The long bookshelves in these dusty alcoves are filled with books. The smell of mildewed paper hangs in the air. This library contains a fine collection of books, maps, and other old documents, but mildew has ruined most.

While the majority of the group is fiddling with the statue and its origin in the ballroom a large centipede crawls out from within the piano. It's skittering legs run across the keys as it exits from within. From above, at the top of the stairs stands another mite, both seem to be covered in the purplish goo. The demon's bile takes hold as it writhes all over the pair and Ticklick fires an arrow at Kulga as he sneers at the dwarf.

Shortbow vs Kulga AC FF 16; PBS; Hatred: 1d20 + 5 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 1 + 1 = 8
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

The fiendish mite curses as his arrow misses and it begins chattering to have the centipede attack.

Round 1
Kardess
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Ticklick
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Nectanebo
Gerrin
Belkar
Kulga
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Giant Centipede
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Shreya

Kardess grabs a handful of salt (move) and scatters it over the centipede's body (standard), then backs away from the monster (free, 5-ft.).

Touch Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23, Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7, Splash (DC 14 Reflex for half): 5 = 5
If the salt is not a splash weapon, reduce attack by 1 and damage/splash by 4. Also, if either Kulga or the centipede has Combat Reflexes, or is otherwise not flat-footed, then reduce attack by 4.

Salt wouldn't hurt anything with a chitin exoskeleton. Kardess would surely know that.

Kardess would know that throwing a handful of salt would do nothing to the giant centipede. You can retcon your action if you want.

Kardess would know that throwing a handful of salt would do nothing to the giant centipede. You can retcon your action if you want.

Just change it into an actual acid flask. And can you please clarify how the salt works then? I was under the impression that it functioned as an acid flask.

@Kardess: Yes, it *does* function as acid, but only against creatures that are specifically listed as susceptible to salt - such as leeches.

Luxury salt? Yes. Natron, or whatever other super-desiccant they put in the little packets in bags of mass-market jerky? No.

It functions like a splash weapon, though only against creatures susceptible to damage by salt such as slugs or leeches.

Kardess hurls a flask of acid at the swaying and chittering centipede. A large swathe of acid splashes all over Kulga's backside.

Reflex for half Kulga

The acid pops and smolders as it melts right through the centipede's hard exterior. The creature screeches as it slumps back down into the piano.

Angered that Kardess killed Ticklick's friend, the little mite draws a pair of arrows and rapidly fires them at the alchemist.

Shortbow vs Kardess AC 14: 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 5 - 2 = 5

Rapid Shot Shortbow vs Kardess AC 14: 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 5 - 2 = 23
Confirm Crit: 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (4) + 5 - 2 = 7
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 4

One of the arrows slams into Kardess' shoulder. The crunch of bone is heard as the arrow head cracks the bone beneath.

Round 2
Kardess (6/10)
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Ticklick
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Round 1
Nectanebo
Gerrin
Belkar
Kulga
Shreya

Nectanebo retorts with an arrow of his own before closing in.

masterwork composite longbow: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
damage: 1d8 ⇒ 6
arrow retrievable if I miss? low says yes: 1d100 ⇒ 93

Is there room for Gerrin to get next to the creature? I'd have to use one of my ki to gain the extra movement to do so but I would if I can get next to the mite.

Shreya pulls out her wand and fire a missile of force at the mite.

magic missile: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Reflex: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
"That's going on the list, Kardess!"
Kulga hunkers down behind her shield as the acid splashes over her, then darts up the stairs, trying to keep the mite from shooting more arrows with impunity.

Surprised by the creature's sudden appearance, Belkar turns around and hustles towards it, kukris in hand.

Double move.

Kardess moves closer to the mite, against the wall. (move) "My apologies, Mistress Kulga. That's the first time I've ever actually thrown one of these in combat. Would you care to step back this time?" (standard, ready an attack if the mite is out of melee)

Nectanebo's arrow sticks into the railing of the grand staircase as the small mite ducks down. Gerrin is able to find enough room as the ninja glides along the stair, like a leaf in the wind.

Belkar spins around and hustles underneath the staircase while Kulga rushes up the stairs just behind Gerrin and Nectanebo.

Kardess readies another flask of acid if he can find an opening without injuring Kulga this time.

Surrounded Ticklick slides in between the railings and leaps from the staircase.

Acrobatics DC 15: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11
Fall Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Ticklick smacks into a small bench as he falls from teh stairs. Rubbing his arms the small mite stands back up and begins to chatter all manner of curses in abyssal at the intruders.

Round 3
Kardess (6/10)
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Ticklick (-4)
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Round 2
Nectanebo
Gerrin
Belkar
Kulga (11/13)
Shreya

Reconsidering his tactics, Nectanebo heads back down the stairs and fires again.

masterwork composite longbow: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
damage: 1d8 ⇒ 5
arrow retrievable if I miss? low says yes: 1d100 ⇒ 60

Groaning in annoyance, Belkar moves back down the stairs, to engage the feral little creature.

Double move.

Have patience Belkar; now he's cornered!

double move

Continue to ready for a shot where I won't splash allies.

Kardess- Go ahead and roll your readied attack as at the beginning of the round Ticklick is not near any of your allies. So you have your readied attack and also this round of actions.

Shreya's magic missile arcs up the stairs and back down as it slams into Ticklick's chest. Sorry, Could have swore I had it in there.

As Kardess hurls another vial of acid past the stairs Nectabebo peers down the stairs and fires an arrow into Ticklicks' knee. Though the arrow doesn't do nearly as much damage as Necctanebo thought it would have. DR As the arrow strikes Nectanebo, Kulga and Belkar turn around and take off back down the stairs after the not so agile mite.

Round 3
Kardess (6/10)
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Ticklick (-11)
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Round 2
Nectanebo
Gerrin
Belkar
Kulga (11/13)
Shreya

Round 1 : I'll use a ki point to increase my movement to get to said square now that I know I can get there. I'll then attack once I arrive.

Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26 for Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Confirm?: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26 for Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Round 2 : Gerrin jumps down after the mite and looks to continue his assault. I assume he's out of range from the staircase, but did he provoke an AoO from me to do that?

Acrobatics for the railing: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
Move into position and attack if successful: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23 for Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25, Acid Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Confirmation roll deleted out of shame.

@Gerrin- Yes, you got an AoO.

Kardess covers the smaller mite in a vial of acid that burns away a sizeable portion of the Ticklick's face.

Gerrin leaps over the railing and plants his wakazashi straight down the mite's back, splitting him open.

Ticklick carries a few items of interest:

• Potion of CLW (2)
  
• Tanglefoot Bag (2)
  
• Dagger
  
• Shortbow
  
• 57 GP

Belkar now has time to fully investigate the library itself.

With each additional DC 15 Perception check you are able to find a few rare and valuable books among the mildew ridden ones.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Hmph, libraries can be full of useless information at times.

Shreya works to heal the injuries of the others.

Kardess
clw: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
Kardess is healed to full.

Kulga is healed to full with a second charge.

"Why thank you, Mistress Shreya. May the Shadow hide you from your enemies."

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

Kardess will do a couple quick searches now, but would definitely take 20 if time permits after the house is cleared. Because . . . books!

Kulga looks startled at Shreya's kindness, and mumbles uncomfortably I am in your debt, Ms. Everlund.
I will take one of those potions; I am unable to cure my own wounds.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Ha! Trust a dwarf to find treasure. Those of you who rely on spells should take a closer look.

"I suppose, loot is loot..."

Belkar then heads for the southern door out of the library.

"If no one else's need is greater . . .?" Kardess asks before picking up the second potion.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

"Quite a collection they have here...."

Digging through the books Kardess finds three of interest.

From Rivers to Mountains: This old collection of maps and travel literature grants a +2 circumstance bonus on Knowledge (geography) checks pertaining to Isger and Survival checks to avoid getting lost or survive in the wilderness while in Isger.

History of Isger: Though outdated, this tome grants a +2 circumstance bonus on Knowledge (history or nobility) checks pertaining to Isger.

The Nine Secrets: This book looks like a collection of weird poetry, but any PC who succeeds at a DC 15 Linguistics or Sense Motive check can decipher secret messages hidden on its pages. Once deciphered, the
book grants a +2 circumstance bonus on Knowledge (planes or religion) checks related to devils, diabolism, Hell, or Asmodeus.

Though Kulga and Nectanebo stop the alchemist before he is able to pull out the nine secrets too far as they notice the familiar gleam of a poisoned needle trap if the book were to be opened.

"Ah, thank you. Perhaps I was a little too excited over all of these books. Shall we try the next room now?"

Yep, lets see if something more valuable than a few tomes is in there.

Might as well have one of you two disable the trap though, right? Kulga asks with an incredulous look on her face.

I believe I should be at full health after Shreya gave me a wand tap

Once-fine furniture, now ripped and faded from neglect, adorns this chamber. Two large mirrors have been set on the north wall here, but cracks and dark stains mar their silvery surface, and many pieces are missing. A lute rests against the back of a stained red velvet sofa.

After dinner, the Sarinis and their guests would withdraw to this room and play cards, play and listen to music, or engage in other fashionable diversions.

With a shrug of disinterest, Belkar tries his luck with the door to the east.

Position updated.

Gerrin stops and looks around. Show yourself so that we can talk properly, face to face. In a show of faith I will answer one of your questions now. My name is Gerrin Harwick. Again, show yourself!

Gerrin gives a quick look to the others, No, I'm not mad. I heard a harsh burping voice within my mind, like someone or something was contacting me telepathically.

At least, I hope that's what it is...

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Kulga casts a wary but skeptical eye around. Damned weak-minded humans
"Damned weak-minded humans, every creak and groan is a new friend"

Kardess looks around the room for any sort of powder or other substance that could be thrown at an invisible creature.

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13

Sense Motive: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (19) - 2 = 17 Ugh. I gotta have a bonus around here somewhere.

Skilled enough? In what way? Gerrin continues to use his outside voice. He then talks to the party, Supposedly this voice in my head lived here long ago and wonders if I have the skill to help it remember who it was.

Well, it looks to me like you get a +10 to Disguise checks to look like a cross between Weird Al Yankovic and Marylin Manson, how does that sound?

Nectanebo puts his hand to his chin, clearly intrigued by this new development. "Can you...perhaps ask it if it knows where its body is?"

"Fascinating. What information does it know? Let's start from there."

First tell us what you know and give us a reason to help you. We have all the skills that could be required, I assure you of that. Gerrin continues to talk out loud.

As Gerrin speaks with his..um new friend Belkar decides to investigate the next room.

Paintings of people and landscapes adorn the walls of this once-grand entrance hall. A few small vases, most of them cracked or broken altogether, sit on semi-circular tables set against the west wall. A faint smell of mildew hangs in the air.

The portraits depict two proud-looking noblemen with prominent chins and a beautiful noble lady.

The painting that depicts shipyards is still in good shape and worth 60 gp. The other paintings have varying water stains, tears, or suspicious-looking smudges and are valueless. In the cloakroom, there is a quiver with 5 cold iron arrows, a quiver with 5 cold iron bolts, and a moldy purse that contains 26 gp. There are various other garments in the cloakroom, but all are moldy and have a dank smell wafting about Angel Statue them, eliminating any value they once had.

Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

"I think this sunset landscape is from the Aspodell Mountains in Isger. Although I don't recognize anything else."

Knowledge (Geography): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

"The garden is of Remesiana in Cheliax, and the shipyards - oh, this one's even still in good condition! - they're from the harbor of Eleder in Sargava. I've been many places in my life." Nectanebo smiles.

Automatic success on Knowledge (History).

"Ah, and these would be our erstwhile hosts: Baron Marcius Sarini, his father Lucius; and the Baroness Sadira Sarini."

Sense Motive: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (2) - 2 = 0 Classic Gerrin there.

How is telling you about us going to help you remember about you? We've just met! You make no sense. Show yourself! Gerrin moves into the next room, not waiting for an answer. He's more interested in the potential treasure to be found.

His crazy conversation has been going on for a while...

Kulga studies Gerrin carefully, hoping to get an early warning if he turns violent..

"I appreciate good art, and I suppose you must think that's what this is, but is it helpful to know this is a painting of Isger? We're in Isger," she grumps.