Grymp's Way of the Wicked Campaign (Inactive)

Game Master Zahir ibn Mahmoud ibn Jothan

No problem killing the dragon "tonight" and raising it, although you don't have the obsidian, right? The crafting stuff can likely happen "between" modules, and of course, no rush, as you have 2 levels to get first.

The obsidian is for our Messenger to quickly obtain.

While the team keeps the dragon from waking up, Xeram calls for their agent, the 'procurer of goods'.

"What took you so long?
Never mind, irrelevant now, i need you to get some specific items."

Of course the agent wonders what it will be.
"I require 36 obsidian fragments, the size of a young adult's fist.
This is an unusual request, but you have proven to be able to get us the items we request thus far.
Here is the gold for it. Do not buy anything else, for we -will- find out."

(Very intimidating glare)
------------------------
Xeram prepares the ritual, drawing a huge sized arcane circle, and placing candles and lanterns on certain positions.

"Gertrart, i require your assistance tonight. While i recite the words, i will require you to cut a symbol over the dragon's heart. With a dragon this big, the magic that will bind its corpse to my will, is solidified by making its heart the entry point."

-------------------------

When night makes its entrance, the agent had returned, with a sack of obsidian shards.
"Well done, well done indeed.", after which Xeram dismisses the agent.

Xeram seeks out Gertrart again. "It is time, i have the required materials."
If anyone follows to see the ritual:

Xeram had placed the obsidian in the outlining of a skull, and he rolls out the scroll before him. Reciting arcane words, he has Gertrart carve a symbol over the dragon's heart. The arcane circle starts to flame up, and as the dragon's body shivers, a large purple orb leaves the dragon, and the majestic beast stops breathing.

The orb is sucked into another circle, the symbol of Asmodeus, the soul has been sent as tribute to the infernal prince.
With the dragon dead, Xeram continues his words, as if he had woven the sacrificial ritual into the necromantic spell.

The dead body gets a slightly dark glow, and the scales and flesh rot away, leaving but a huge skeleton.

The scroll lights up in flames, and the dark glow seeps into the bones.
"...the bones of the righteous beast, will now answer to ME!
Rise, former embodiment of pure heart, as a guardian in my service!"

The skeleton slowly rises, unholy fire in its eye sockets.
Skeletal dragon minion

Xeram turns around towards his comrades in evil, with a satisfied grin.
"It is done. If whomever sent this dragon against us comes here, they will have a special welcome."

"Huzzah," cry the troops at having their own skeletal dragon on the team!

Gertart is happy to have been able to carve runes into the creature's flesh. Has it been so long? He has a small lament that at the end of the ritual, the creature can no longer bleed. Carving bleeding runes into the nobility is what sent him to Brandescar after all. More for me later I suppose and this is quite a coupe for Xeram's counting.
"Huzzah!"

Aleksand watches with silent amusement. It would seem I have not been sent to an inept knot....Excellent...

After the ritual, Xeram instructs the bone dragon to NOT attack his comrades in evil, and for the guards to stay from where ever the dragon will be stationed.

"Given that our staff are more easily captured for interrogation, i won't resort to a password system."

In the downtime, Xeram works the days researching the concept of phylacteries, and has the agent procure some of the materials.

In the evenings, he spends his time researching this world's magics on planes and means to travel between them.

In appreciation of Gertrart's craftsmanship, some lost minor noble just 'happened' to disappear during his hunting trip, and just 'happened' to be found in the dungeon's interrogation room, tied and gagged, after Gertrart finds a note on his quarter's table.

Something is waiting for you.
I am sure you will enjoy it, as i could not help but notice you having fun in the art of 'carving'.
Xeram.

little one is adjusting. So I think I'm back again =^^=

At night his metallic bodyarmour echoes through the halls as he quietly walks through what remains of the tower.

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Something is waiting for you.
I am sure you will enjoy it, as i could not help but notice you having fun in the art of 'carving'.
Xeram.

I tried responding to this a couple of times, but must have been in a dark mood. Everything kept coming out really gruesome, even for an evil campaign. :)

Gertart smiles at the note and does not let the noble blood go to waste.

I tried responding to this a couple of times, but must have been in a dark mood. Everything kept coming out really gruesome, even for an evil campaign. :)

Wow...your inner sadist?

Nada. Never seen it. Rarely watch any slasher films & only saw Evil Dead recently.

Ready Grymp?

Gertart balances his Brandescar shiv on its tip. He's been able to add the right amount to is pommel and shave the perfect slivers from its blade to create a finely balanced blade.

Day 222

As the sun rises on the last day of your rituals, a small group of men arrive at the entrance to your domain. You are told they announced themselves as the "Sons of Balentyne" before they came through the damaged doors of the keep. They have been moving through the Horn calling out for those who slew their kin at Balentyne.

Several of your mightiest guardians have fallen to these invaders, including the alchemical golem, and the minotaur. The guard sputters between breaths that they have been slaughtering all comers near the area known as the Statuary Graveyard (Room 2-16), and that only you can possibly defeat them.

This should be the final battle of this module, unless you do something silly after summoning Vetra-Kali that is, hahaha. You can buff and come at them how you will.

Assuming you scout them a bit, let's see, you can tell they are led by a valiant knight (presumably of the paladin type), have another warrior type, a cleric type, and a wizard type. I guess they felt they weren't interested in sneaking in!

Personally, I'd love to see Malleck and the Pally go toe to toe, but being villains, you guys probably don't plan to play fair.

Of course not. I will naturally cast greater invisibility on Gertrart.
Plus: new pet bone dragon as a guardian.

Not sure the dragon can make it to where this fight is, BUT I'm sure that future modules will have opportunities for that thing to shine!

Ok, np.

I can challenge the Paladin. Hopefully he will agree to my terms. We may be evil. Doesn't mean we can't be civil. That way we all get what we want. GM a nice good vs evil fight. And we the players don't get a possible TPK

"I will challenge this fool to a duel to the death" he seems to force a unammused chuckle from within his armour

"If I win, the rest of his people leave and we continue with what we wish to complete. If he wins... We let him go to the tower's peak unharmed. What happens inside the top floor of the tower. Well. We leave that part out"

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(Raising a brow)

What are you up to.

Xeram's got his spells ready to mess with the enemies if need be.
And since the fight will likely not last a full 9 minutes, Gertrart will still be invisible. Thus, Xeram speaks to Gertrart before turning him invisible.....

"While our walking metal brawler is executing his challenge, which i assume the paladin will accept, it might be tactically advantageous, if you move into the vicinity of their caster and healer."

Gertart chuckles, "Want to cast silence on me too then? If need be I can cast vanish."

"Is the challenge one of champions? I see nothing that prevents us from taking out the others as we see fit, just that we leave the suits to fight each other. EDIT: Keep them alive though. I believe Asmodeus has sent us the blood of the protector. And we need that yet." (just read the spoiler).

Perhaps we can take them on the ritual chamber, then we can add their blood to the sacrifice.
Gertart will stealth to 35 feet from the casters, and I will study one for a round at least (the cleric type) letting the duelists duel.

Re the bloodline??

In appreciation of Gertrart's craftsmanship, some lost minor noble just 'happened' to disappear during his hunting trip, and just 'happened' to be found in the dungeon's interrogation room, tied and gagged, after Gertrart finds a note on his quarter's table.

Something is waiting for you.
I am sure you will enjoy it, as i could not help but notice you having fun in the art of 'carving'.
Xeram.

Will this work? If you want me to make some death attack (paralyze) rolls on the target I can.

"I don't have knowledge of how to cast it...yet. I will have our agent seek out a wand of it in the future."

Buff with thoughtsense and telepathic bond with whomever wants it (spending PPP if Malleck wants in). I think, depending on how we play this it might be best if Malleck joins the bond, though not trying to force you.

"Once you issue your challenge I can suggest that the others come join us," Aleksand smiles a wicked smile as he pulls out a collar that looks to belong to an animal. "I have dearly anticipated using this little toy."

"Once again, I will stick to my word of not harming his followers if the duel ends in my favour. What you do to them after will be your burden to bare. I simply wish to face him in combat, and send him to his maker and be done with it. All i ask that if i should fall, gather my armour first" he taps where his heart should be

"If preparations are done, i shall go meet him in the field of battle."

Pre-Combat spells. Sense Vitals on our Assassin. Corruption Resistance and Prot Good on myself

Does anybody imagine this fight in Anime style? Cause i sure do =^^=

I could very well imagine such.
Also, buff self with Shield.

Xeram crosses his arms, gazing upon the encrouching heroes.
"No problem. I can mess up their day if need be, giving the others the opportunity to take them down."

Xeram casts greater invisibility on himself as well, and message on all party members, which will last 90 minutes.
Since hey, tactical communication.

Aleks thinks for a moment. "If you would wait but a moment more." He goes to retrieve a servants outfit and puts it on. Upon returning he says with a bow, "M'lord Malleck if I may introduce you. I can also guide them should they succeed to the desired location."

Buffing with Thought echo when close: "My master is unwise in this action I do wish he'd reconsider."

Wow! A random statement by me becomes an actual course of action of a 1 vs 1 fight?

Ok, so some of you have cast stuff, Gertrart is invisible and studying the cleric, got it.

Are we having this fight in 2-16 or somewhere else? If somewhere else, Gertrart may need another hit of invisibility

Malleck, I need you to formally yell your proposal down the hall to my good guys, so we can arrange this duel. Be specific about the terms. There's an irony here. If Malleck loses, obviously you guys won't live up to the deal, and if Havelyn loses, they will, so there seems to be no down side for the bad guys, except maybe losing Malleck.

Let's do this!

It is Greater Invisibility, if it matters.
Trivial, we have utter confidence in Malleck's mayhemic demolition of do-gooders, he'll be back in no time anyway.

Aleks smiles his wicked smile at Malleck, "If I may." He the yells a greeting to the newcomers, "SALUTATIONS GREAT HEROES! COME! MY LORD MALLECK WISHES TO ISSUE A CHALLENGE OF FAIR COMBAT! THERE IS NO NEED FOR MORE BLOOD TO BE SPILT THAN IS NECESSARY!"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (10) + 18 = 28 I truly don't want them to die. Though my motivations are definitely nefarious.

Once in place Stealth may be enough for me. I have a mini invisibility too. Woulsn't be surprised if invisabliloty purge were in effect eitherfe

Did Alek receive a disguise circlet as well?

Once in place Stealth may be enough for me. I have a mini invisibility too. Woulsn't be surprised if invisabliloty purge were in effect either.

Did Alek receive a disguise circlet as well?

All right, let's see this through. Prebuffing with Mage Armor, Shield, Mirror Image, and magic circle against evil. Just in case.. :)

Malleck nods, he steps out, his sword is sheathed. His hands in the air

"This is true! Unless the followers of Mitra have fallen so far that a request for a duel will be discarded so easily!"

Not to worry Aleksand, i'm sure at least 1 will survive for whatever you have planned. :P

so Prot Good. Raises my AC by 2. My armour will give me another +2 to AC against the paladin alone. My smite will raise my AC by another 8(Total of 37AC). Corruption Resistance will grant me DR5 vs smite damage

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Once in place Stealth may be enough for me. I have a mini invisibility too. Woulsn't be surprised if invisabliloty purge were in effect either.

Did Alek receive a disguise circlet as well?

You guys had extras from the other Knot you destroyed.

so Prot Good. Raises my AC by 2. My armour will give me another +2 to AC against the paladin alone. My smite will raise my AC by another 8(Total of 37AC). Corruption Resistance will grant me DR5 vs smite damage

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I think you're double, or triple, tapping on deflection Bonuses.

my bad, 2 less AC =^^=
Prot Good is deflection
Armor is Profane Bonus
Smite is Deflection...

An imperious voice comes down the hallway, "Forsooth, if thou beist Malleck of Alerion. He who slew Lord Thomas Havelyn, then know this. I am Richard Thomasson Havelyn, and I am come to slay thee in recompense for the life of my father. What terms dost thou offer pursuant to our lawful clash of arms?"

We can either role play out the whole negotiation, or just throw it out, and if it's reasonable he'll go for it.

why not. can be a bit fun of just talking and if this goes on, make me want to end him even faster

Malleck was 'glad' he could not feel emotion any more, because this kind of talk was one of the reasons he left the order.

He slowly makes his way forward
"I am, and yes, I did. Was him or myself. And I was not planning on it being me. As for the terms, for the lives of those under me, i propose we do a battle to the death. Just you, and me. If I win, your followers will be escorted out, and I will not harm any of your men. If you win, I will be put down and will no longer pose a threat to you. My servant here will lead you to the top of the tower, for I assume that is one of the reasons you have come this way"

A hollow, metallic laughter fills the area
"If you agree to these terms, I will even allow you to act first"

No need to roll initiative. He can go first. All the buffs are on, so i feel rather confident. So sue me. =^^=

Xeram's ears metaphorically ache.

By the arcane, what manner of fossil speech is this guy on?
I'd have someone smacked over the head for that back home.

Xeram's ears metaphorically ache.

By the arcane, what manner of fossil speech is this guy on?
I'd have someone smacked over the head for that back home.

Sir Havelyn is described as speaking in the cheesiest Auld English, KJV type language, so I'm just hamming it up.

"Very well beast. We shall do it, according to what thou hast said, and we shall do it to the death. Leadest on then, and we shall prove that right overcomes evil."

I was thrown by your comment of having DR 5 against his smite. Obviously that's not actually true. The spell doesn't call it DR, but the effect is the same. Havelyn will be smiting, obviously!

The group proceeds up the Horn, and to the main room where the ritual has been conducted 664 times so far.

Sir Richard Havelyn proceeds to commence attacking Malleck as agreed.

In a movie, or anime, as Malleck suggested, this would be two masters at their trade swinging all around and stuff. With how Pathfinder combat works, it plays out less visually. More like tow guys just standing up bashing each other.

Longsword: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (3) + 24 = 271d8 + 38 ⇒ (5) + 38 = 43 Miss

Longsword: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (10) + 19 = 291d8 + 38 ⇒ (7) + 38 = 45 Miss

How unfortunate! Two crappy rolls! Malleck would be hurting if those had hit! Ok Malleck, swing away!

(Sits at the side with a coke and popcorn)
Go Malleck! Kick that guy's self righteous rear!

The sound of soda slurping through a straw emanates from the darkened theater.

Something like that. :D

Yes, it would have hurt, only good thing, he needs to make checks if he wishes to heal himself - DC22 Concentration Check

A flash of blades as Malleck defends against the onslaught of his opponent. His blade cloaked in black and blue flames. Once he sees an opening, he retaliates with just as much vigor, if not more.

Hah, we have the same attack bonuses. Which is kind of scary considering what I am and the kind of boost the templategave me. One tough goody two shoes

Swing One: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (12) + 24 = 36
Swing Two: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (2) + 19 = 21
Slam: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (11) + 18 = 29

Damage: 1d10 + 24 + 16 + 2d6 + 2d6 ⇒ (6) + 24 + 16 + (6, 3) + (4, 2) = 61
Slam Damage: 1d4 + 17 ⇒ (3) + 17 = 20

Malleck's first swing hits, but his next one misses.

Havelyn and Malleck are circling one another, seeking out each other's weaknesses. When Malleck hits him, Havelyn yells out "Well struck fiend, but this battle is long from done."

How can you swing twice AND slam? You don't have TWF, and aren't taking the TWF penalties. The slam misses in any event.

Why does he need to concentrate to heal? But to keep things moving...

Concentration: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (17) + 13 = 30
LOH: 4d6 ⇒ (3, 1, 6, 4) = 14

Longsword: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (20) + 24 = 441d8 + 38 ⇒ (6) + 38 = 44 Crit Threat

Crit Confirm

Longsword: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (17) + 24 = 411d8 + 38 ⇒ (6) + 38 = 44 Boom!

That looks like an 88 point hit! 83 I suppose after Malleck's spell hacks 5 off.

"Take that beast, for my father."

Longsword: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (4) + 19 = 231d8 + 28 ⇒ (8) + 28 = 36 Miss

Oooh!

Ahhh!

full attack. If not. No worries. And the concentration is from my aura as a Graveknight

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