Heralding the Coming of the Age of Worms (Inactive)

Game Master Fanguar

Sverrir seethes at the growing evidence that the misfortune that befell his family was manufactured...

"Those basterds! Took my Da's heart... Destroyed my family name... Stole my damn legacy..."

For the first time since you've adventured with the dwur, you'd swear he was close to entering a rage without being deep in his cups. He slams his hammer off of the newly acquired heavy shield he selected from their treasure:

"Aye Markus. Faceless or two-faced... Any o' these villains and scum involved will face a reckoning. I swear it as a Koltǫnn!"

Markus claps Sver's shoulder. No rest for the weary.'til justice is done.

@Markus: You're certain you've cleared the temple.

While you're reading and looting a faint tremor shivers through the stone and dust falls from the ceiling.

perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10 Hmm. I don't like the feel of that tremor. Perhaps we should leave soon.

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

"Yes, if we have gathered everything up let us get to the surface. I have been below ground far too long for my liking."

perception, sphere of annihilation, tpk: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Sverrir's eyes narrow and he places a hand on the stone wall;

Perception DC15: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

"Aye best we not tarry o'er long... besides something broke in Lucid's pack after that last tickle!"

My Pack?!? Ludid exclaims as he shinnies of the thing like it was on fire. It has to the that jar of evil liquid! He turns to examine the discarded backpack as it lays on the stone.

Tentatively prodding at the contents of his pack, Lucid reveals the broken remains of the container that once held the black ooze from the ritual pool far above you, at the entrance to this tripartite temple complex. Of the liquid itself, there is no sign, but nestled amoungst the shards rests a yellowed fang.

Another dull thud shudders through the stone.

Lucid casts Detect Magic on the fang as he sweeps the glass from the pack with a booted foot. He tries to identify what type of creature would leave such a fang.

Knowledge arcana: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15

Knowledge dungeoneering: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19

Knowledge nature: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

Knowledge planes: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

Knowledge religion: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29

After a moment of study he says Lets get out of this place.

Senniki raises an eyebrow at the fang and detects evil on it.

Markus tucks away his map... Let's go!

He starts to guide the group out via the fastest route.

@Lucid:The tooth is nothing remarkable, other than it is large and vicious looking. You know of no standard magic that could account for this transformation. Given the nature of the three cults involved and the illusions to 'a great champion' written in the mad ramblings of the grimlock priest, it would be safe to assume that they were working on some sort of ritualistic summoning.

@Senniki: Super, duper, painfully evil

Sver grunts an agreement, afore raising an eyebrow in alarm at the tooth afore starting to hustle to the exit with the others; mindful that Lucid and himself are the slower duo in the quartet.

Stunned for a moment by how evil the fang appears to be, Senniki loses his balance and has to use the wall to stay on his feet. As the others move towards him he waves them away, takes a deep breath and rights himself once again, "I don't know what that thing is, but is evil, and by only saying it is evil I am understating how evil it really is."

Meh. Lucid comments as he kicks the tooth into his backpack, grabs up the satchel, and begins to move. It was evil in liquid form before. Its an important clue. Lets get out of here.

The wizard does have short legs, but he can augment his movement by using his teleport ability to "jump" up stairs and past difficult terrain 10' at a time. He can do this a total of 7 times a day and will use up all but 1 to help him keep up as much as possible.

Sverrir is a dwarf, so there are a couple of slower PCs. No need to blow teleports.

You hustle up the winding path, sweating in the warm still air. The earth is still during your ascent, but at one point a faint roar reverberates down the tunnel. Eventually after what seems like an eternity, you make it back to the entrance. No wanting to rush into a trap, you peer cautiously out the doorway.

Before you lie a scene of destruction. The mine elevator lies in a shattered heap against one wall and only the yawning shaft in the ceiling remains. Great claw marks have gouges the stone in places and more ominous still, the pool that once help the foul ooze, no stands empty and partially collapsed.

Lucid looks on at the scene. That pool has been transformed into the full creature that we have the tooth for... he speculates, his mouth handing open awe. How do we get out of here now?

"We need to find that thing and stop it before it figures out how to get out of here!"

Sverrir grunts in agreement;

"Much as it pains my parched throat to agree... Find and destroy the thing we must lads..."

Maybe it just wants its tooth back... How many ways could it have gone?

HERE, KITTY-KITTY!!!

I'd love a look at that thing, but something tells me that its out of our league.

That's just your sense of self-preservation talking. But, do you want that thing rampaging through Diamond Lake? Our new friend may have the right of it.

Markus doesn't seem certain, but is being brave.

I will estimate that it cares little for Diamond Lake and may not bother with it.

Glancing up the elevator shaft, you can see that it is twisted and torn as far up as you can see, as if something very large clawed its way up it.

A boost, a couple of climb checks and some rope will get you guys out.

If I can take 10, I will get a result of 8. If that isn't good enough I probably am not going to get out of this easily

Rope of Climbing - cough - cough

Sverrir looks up and nods, uncoiling the enchanted rope they recovered earlier;

"Reckon this is just the trick eh lads?"

Sver, what's your instinct tell you... The walls. Excellent idea, the rope.. Markus tries to make things easier still by helping.

Studying the condition of the shaft above. I hope I doesn't need to... relieve itself, could get messy. There is good news. Don't need to worry about guards. I don't think that sorta thing discriminates.

Climb: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

Eyeing the climb Lucid comments I think I' be learning Levitate soon.

Sver grins at the interplay of the group as he eyes the shaft to discern its integrity;

"Hel's teeth you lads have balls the size o' jotunn! Now hush while I check out this stone..."

Knowledge (Dungeoneering): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Sverrir's keen dwarven eye finds no structural weakness in the ruins of the elevator shaft and between your magical rope and Markus' spider-like climbing ability, you manage to climb up to the main mine level with little difficulty.

Emerging into the mine proper, there can be little doubt as to the path the creature took and you follow it with ease. It doesn't take too long before you come across the first body. The remains of the unfortunate miner have been tore asunder and the tunnel is awash in blood. The path of destruct continues towards the main mine entrance. You come across the remains a of few more mines, all of which were struck down from behind, evidently while trying to flee.

Finally, you step out of the dim confines of the mine to blink blearily is the light of an overcast day. The immediate area is devoid of life and a couple of more corpses can be seen laying in the dirt. One of the watchtowers has been toppled and you can draw a straight line between it, yourselves and the town. As you eyes drift in that direction and bright gout of flame rises into view followed shortly by an inhuman bellow of pain.

A sound draw you attention to you side. A trail of blood leads to the broken body of a dwarf, propped up against the side of the mine entrance. He is in tatters and it is a testament to the durability of his race that he still breathes. Unlike the other fallen, he is dressed not in rough leathers, but in fine cloth. His eyes flutter open and a rasp escapes his bloody lips. "Fools...You killed us all...

Kn Local: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Ragnolin Dourstone, that you? Why'd you sell out... What did he have on you, man?. Markus' eyes are sad.

Sverrir grimly stands over his fellow dwur, but his face shows nothing but contempt. The warrior once miner places a boot upon the fallen mine owner's chest;

"Only fools are you and Smenk ye greedy basterds! Fool enough to open doors that should stay shut, to mine veins that should nei be tapped..."

Sverrir grins coldly;

"This Koltǫnn still lives... while you lie close to death... See the irony here Ragnolin?"

Ragnolin smiles, "I did...the will of..... my god. He would... have sheltered his faithful ....against the coming storm. To..soon...The Aspect..is...unfinished. It...must...feeeedd.d"

The last word is little more than the hiss of escaping air. As you watch the film of death slides over the dwarf's eyes. His hand drops to his side and out rolls a small iron disk depicting the Hextorian holy symbol.

Another explosion erupts from town and you sprint along the path of destruction. Corpses litter the path, torn and bloody, all have been struck down while fleeing. In their panicked fright, the terrified miners have led the creature towards the heart of town.

As you enter the town, the shouts and screams of battle reach your ears and urge you to run faster. Soon the occasional townsfolk appears among the fallen and the rubble of damaged buildings strives to trip you up. Rounding one last corner, you come upon the scene.

An enormous creature stands in one of the towns squares. It appears to be a bizarre amalgamation of the three deities whose faithful nurtured its creation. It is a 12-foot tall, powerfully built monster with six arms. It has smooth , dull grey skin and bulging muscles that pulse with arcane power. Three of its arms, two on its left and one on the right, are missing their hands. It has a gaunt, skeletal face and massive fangs. The ground around it is littered with hastily equipped militia and town guards, some of which still still live and scream in terror and pain. You arrive just in time to see the beast move with a blinding burst of speed and catch Khellek the mage in its arms. Khellek screams and there is a horrific tearing sound as the mages ripped in two.

Auric, the arena champion, screams "Nooooo...!!!", but there is little that can be done. A few remaining militia are fanned out around the square and seem on the verge of bolting. They would have then, but the stern voice of Allustan stiffened their spines

"Hold friends! We must slow it down and give time for the women and children to flee. The soldiers should be here and moment. We must hold!"

Combat
PCs
Aspect
NPCs

Map is updated. You guys are all up

Senniki call upon Phaulkon to aid him in the battle to save the town from this monstrosity. He fires twice at the creature, the first sails wide, but Senniki breathes deeply and calms his nerves and the second arrow flies true.

Rapid Shot #1 mw Comp Longbow and Smite Evil: 1d20 + 8 - 2 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 8 - 2 + 4 = 11
damage: 1d8 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 2 + 4 = 11

Rapid Shot #2 mw Comp Longbow and Smite: 1d20 + 8 - 2 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 8 - 2 + 4 = 30
Confirm Rapid Shot #2 mw Comp Longbow and Smite: 1d20 + 8 - 2 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 8 - 2 + 4 = 26
damage: 3d8 + 6 + 12 ⇒ (7, 1, 7) + 6 + 12 = 33

@Senniki: What a shot mate! Bringing the thunder!

Round 1 vs The Aspect; Initiative: ?

HP: 51/51; AC: 22/12T/21FF; DAMAGE RED: 2/-; CMD: 18; SAVES: +9F/+3R/+3W CONDITIONS: Using +1 Heavy Steel Shield of Blinding

Seeing the devestation and the monstrous brutality of their foe causes little pause in the dwur. He openly curses and spits, as the creature butchers those against it:

"By your gods! This is what becomes of whims of twisted faiths!"

Scowling the dwur moves forward purposefully, enchanted hammer and shield readied, with each step his anger growing...

Standard Move to within possible Charge range... Not Ragin' yet...

Is that stuff between us artistic, or can Markus charge and trip? Or both!

I presumed it was actual obstacles/debris - hence the repositioning for a charge...

Demoralized at seeing his friend Khellek ended such, Lucid is still abel to conclude that things would be better if that beast was blind. Holding the rod of extent he casts his last Glitterdust at the thing as he wonders what is might be.

Glitterdust has no SR. Will Save DC16 of Blind for a total of 8 rounds. But you get a save each round to end the blindness.

knowledge planes: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

knowledge Religion: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

After his attack he moves up behind Sverir and watches the thing,

How high is the roof he is now beside? If a 10 teleport will get him up there he will 'port to the roof.

Markus begins to sprint and it looks like he will us his polearm as a vaulting pole. But instead, he stops short, skidding and tries to catch what passes for an ankle on the abomination. Taught muscles pulling up... hard.

Trip, mw fauchard, wf, improved trip, charge: 1d20 + 9 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 9 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 2 = 22

Blinded/Flat-footed, maybe?

@Lucid: Yes to the teleport. Re; Know checks: The creature looks like some amalgamation of the three deities from the temple. It seems to be some sort of proto-avatar.
@Sverrir: You can just charge. I'll keep you informed regarding difficult terrain.

Will Save: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28

The creature bellows in pain as Senniki's arrow pierces its chest, though it ignores both Lucid's spell and Markus' 'trip'.

Closing with Markus the vile creature attacks!

Bite: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28
Damage: 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
Claw: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24
damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Claw: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17
Claw: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17
17 damage

Seeing the creature engaged, Auric sprints in yelling "Come on boys, let's get it while it's distracted!" An swings his great sword:

Attack: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (8) + 13 = 21
Damage: 2d6 + 12 ⇒ (4, 1) + 12 = 17

Allustan lowers the scroll he was preparing to read, "No you idiots get out of the way!"

You guys are up!

With the knowledge checks does Lucid know anything about the creature's DR, if any? Energy Resistance? Worst Save?

Almost out of memorized spells Lucid pulls another Create Pit spell from his bonded item and, extending it with the rod, casts it where the creature currently stands. After casting he moves to gain additional cover from the roof.

DC16 Reflex Save or fall 20' into the pit.

Round 2

Senniki aims at the large creature once again stepping forward to get within 30', aiming away from Markus. His arrows continue to find its mark and with Phaulkon's aid, avoid its unnatural resistance to weapons.

After hearing the strange man with paper yell at them Since Senniki hasn't met him yet I believe he says, "Idiots we may be, but we will fell this creature yet"

Rapid Shot #1 mw Comp Longbow, smite, point blank: 1d20 + 8 - 2 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 8 - 2 + 1 + 4 = 25
damage: 1d8 + 2 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 2 + 1 + 4 = 12

Rapid Shot #2 mw Comp Longbow, smite, point blank: 1d20 + 8 - 2 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 8 - 2 + 1 + 4 = 31
damage: 1d8 + 2 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 2 + 1 + 4 = 15

Confirm Rapid Shot #2 mw Comp Longbow, smite, point blank: 1d20 + 8 - 2 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 8 - 2 + 1 + 4 = 12 Ooh almost another one!
Extra damage: 2d8 + 4 + 2 + 8 ⇒ (2, 2) + 4 + 2 + 8 = 18

Still sweet, Paladin.

Markus is torn by unholy tooth and claw. Pure luck he did not die... But, fueled by his love for Diamond Lake and its people he stands his ground. And stubbornly, stupidly tries again. For if the giant fell, hearts would be lifted. Morale bolstered.

By the Lords of Light! YOU... SHALL... FALL!

Trip, mw fauchard, wf, improved trip, flank: 1d20 + 9 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 9 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 2 = 33

That is some sweet shooting Senniki. Seems like this is what you were made for. :) Markus, you do know that tripping him makes him harder for Senniki to hit, right?

All melee gets +4 prone in addition to current flank +2. If it tries to get up, all melee gets AoO (w/prone). Senniki has a greatsword w/charge, flank, prone +8. Markus is thankful for Sinneki being there and his awesome performance in a clutch situation. But, the town needs to defeat this thing. Their own pride/dignity/hope.

And maybe it will take a minus to its reflex against the pit IF it is prone when the pit is cast.

Round 2 vs The Aspect; Initiative: ?

HP: 51/51; AC: 22/12T/21FF; DAMAGE RED: 2/-; CMD: 18; SAVES: +9F/+3R/+3W CONDITIONS: Using +1 Heavy Steel Shield of Blinding

Seeing the creature rail against Markus, Sverrir's anger is fuelled and heedless the Allusan's shouted warning the dwur charges the beast with a bellowed family war cry!

Charge the Aspect... and enter Rage!

"THE KOLTONN! THE KOLTONN! DIG DEEP! DIG DEEPEST!"

Charging +1 Warhammer Power Attack (Melee): 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 7 + 2 = 24
Raging Power Attack Damage: 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

CONDITIONS UPDATE: AC18 for next round due to Charge & Rage penalties; Rage 1/10 Rounds

@Lucid: It's a unique monster. I'm fine with some supposition on the PC's part, fire resist and DR/magic are pretty common for outsiders, the SR and acid resist, less so.

Pierced by arrows the beast is (some how) toppled by Markus.

AoO vs Sverrir (reach): 1d20 + 13 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 13 - 4 = 21
Damage: 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

Surrounded by enemies, the creature flails at his tormentor,

Attack vs Markus: 1d20 + 13 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 13 - 4 = 24
damage: 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

Attack vs Markus: 1d20 + 12 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 12 - 4 = 12
Attack vs Markus: 1d20 + 12 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 12 - 4 = 9
Attack vs Markus: 1d20 + 12 - 4 ⇒ (5) + 12 - 4 = 13

With the beast toppled, Auric delivers a mighty two-handed chop.

Auric attack: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (14) + 13 = 27
Damage: 2d6 + 12 ⇒ (1, 6) + 12 = 19

"Quickly! While it is down!" Alustan shouts.

Everyone is up