In Search of Heroes

Game Master verdigris

Round 1, Init 15

L2 attacks the new intruder next to him, biting Dorial.
bite, plus non lethal shock: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 231d4 + 1d8 ⇒ (4) + (8) = 12
concealment: 1d100 ⇒ 81

Dorial: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27
lizard 1: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
Simon: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
lizard 2: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
Nimeon: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Kast: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (14) + 0 = 14
Chrystosm: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Othoe: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

map

Round 1, Initiative 2

Unable to see any opponents in the room, and concerned for his allies, Othoe hops around on one leg, then the other trying to see past everyone into the mist.

"Draw them out! Draw them out into the hallway! I can't see, I can't see!" hop, hop

Othoe delays for now.

Round 1, Init 14

"OUT! NOW!" Kast roars, annoyed that his earlier warnings had gone unheeded.

Kast steps outside the door and readies to close them once Dorial and Chrysto come to their senses and leave.

we await Nimeon, then Chrystosm, then back to the top with Dorial.

Round 2, Init 5

"Alright, alright!"

Chrystosm braces himself, then tumbles over the lizards and out of the doorway

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13

Chrystosm jumps free of the room, leaving Dorial alone in the mist. Nimeon readies to shoot something, but can't see what to shoot, so he too remains outside of the room (DMPC).

Dorial? Will you join them?

Round 2 | Initiative 27

Hearing Kast's shout, and see Chrystosm's twitch, Dorial withdraws from the room to join the other in the hallways.

Knoweldge Nature: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18

Dorial catches a glimpse as the doors close of a small (as in the size of Othoe) lizard, licks of eletricity shimmering over it's spine. shocker lizard

With the shocker lizards locked in their den, the group is able to continue down the hall.

Apologies, was delaying to see if the lizards came into sight and got distracted.

I am home and we are back on the trail! I'm shifting people on the map, so please double check and make any changes before you are eaten by a grue.

Simon and Nimeon keep the kobold close as the group slowly makes their way down the hall. It seems to take forever, but Dorial and Nimeon's keen ears pick up the subtle muffled *clink* of armor from up ahead.

"It's the ghost! Glint Ax is going to get us!" shrieks the panicked kobold from the behind the others. Apparently, he hears it as well. Ahead, a floating dwarven form rises up, a faint glimmer surrounding it. As it moves, the walls and floors sizzle and smoke from it's malevolence.

Initiative:
Chrystosm: 20
Nimeon: 19
Kast: 16
Simon: 14
Dorial: 11
Othoe: 7
Glint Ax: -1

Map link, 3rd slide.

Kast pauses as commotion ensues.

"Quiet you!" Kast hisses at the kobold, before turning his attention to the dwarf.

1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27 Know (Religion)

Looking for how to stop it, be it with weapons or discussion or other.

Round 1 Init 19

Nimeon looks at the dwarf with some doubt, attempting to determine if it's an illusion or true haunting.

Detect Evil and Knowledge Religion.

K. Religion: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

Round 1, init 14

Knowledge (History) check to recognize Glen Tax, the nefarious toll collector: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7 yep, that's him

Mumbling softly, Simon casts resistance on himself.

Round 1, init 20

Chrystosm draws his rapier, prepared to defend himself if needs be, then furrows his brow in thought.

"Simon... Who did those bones you had belong to?"

Round 1 | Initiative 11

Dorial follows Chrystosm's lead and readies her club and shield.

She whispers to the others, "Is that a ghost? How do we deal with it?"

Kast's scholarly recall, plus the clink from Simon's pack, remind him that the "Bones" are the remains of Jeryk Kif Jernashall, Toragian Priest from the top of the tower at the monastary. Could this be his ghost, come to remind them of the duty they took on to return him to his creator? Perhaps, that much is unclear at the moment.

Surprisingly, the creature does not radiate Evil to Nimeon's keen senses, but he too remembers Jeryk from the monastery. or, perhaps he can't see it over his own overhwelming horrible aura ;).

Round 1, Init 16

Not entirely sure what to do yet, Kast reacts defensively, ready to slice any bad thing that comes within range of his bardiche.

1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14 to hit;
1d10 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7 damage.

Round 1+

The clink! The bones! Old Bones is that you?

Simon calls out, but his speech has already regressed to the burbling of tongues.

Simon looks imploringly to Kast and Othoe to translate, hoping the men will relate his words accurately.

*LOL* You should so have to give links to the various places in the campaign where each of your companions were picked up, Simon. and I guess we're not counting the puppy because you gave him away, right?

technically, the puppy adopted us, so we can't take credit for that :)

Round 1, Initiative 7

Othoe translates Simons' eloquent speech into Dwarvish, hoping the ghost will understand and accept we're here to help.

Round 2

Map, slide 3
Initiative:
Chrystosm: 20
Nimeon: 19
Kast: 16
Simon: 14
Dorial: 11
Othoe: 7
Glint Ax: -1

Chrysto is up, then Nimeon, Kast, etc...

The apparition stops, then wafts forward, hovering as it approaches.

Round 2, Init 16

Kast maintains his ready, hoping diplomacy wins the day.

Be perfect and calm. Such is the way of Irori.

1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25 to hit;
1d10 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6 damage.

Round 2

Bolstered by the fact that the creature is unable to compete with his own holiness, Nimeon holds fire.

"It does not appear to be evil. Treat with it and perhaps we will survive this."

Round 2

Simon moves forward, arms out and palms up showing his empty hands. His knees shake with each step, but determination conquers his fear. Still burbling and hoping Othoe translates, he begs for help from the ghostly priest.

Round 2

Dorial stares on in puzzlement. Her voice low still, "Could someone translate for me please?"

Round 2, init 20

Chrystosm looks from ghost to oracle and back again, an expression of blank incomprehension on his face.

It all sounds very clever, and it seems to be working. Just stay quiet and no-one will get hurt!

He stands still, meditatively scratching his bottom (remembering to sheathe his sword first)

Round 2, Initiative 7

Othoe again translates Simons' speech into Dwarvish for the ghost, this time also relaying it in common for the rest of the party.

Simon says...
"Please, Priest of Torag, we pledge to give your bones their proper rights, but first we are tracking lost children that have been kidnapped by the evil creatures of these tunnels. Have you seen the innocent children? Do you know where they are being held captive in these tunnels? Please, good priest, help us to save the children, as you once worked to save your own flock in these very caverns!"

Round 2, Init -1
map

Whether he understands Othoe's attempt to parley or no, Glint Ax continues his approach.

Initiative:
Chrystosm: 20
Nimeon: 19
Kast: 16
Simon: 14
Dorial: 11
Othoe: 7
Glint Ax: -1

and back to Chrystosm, Nimeon, etc.

Round 3 Init 19

Nimeon sucks his teeth in surprise as he finally understands what Erastil is telling him.

"It's not undead!"

With that he fires an arrow into the air near the skeleton.

DCL PS PBS Deadly Aim: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 161d8 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

K. Natures: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

Should've made the Knowledge roll first but the boards would then shift my attack, so I'm putting it here. Not that I think it applies, but that's what Nimeon knows.

Nimeon's arrow zips through the air....only to slow then stop in mid air 5feet from the rattling armor of the "ghost". Ripples wave and flow out from the point of impact, the armor dancing a little with it, then settling again.

For a moment, everyone in the group can "see" the 10 feet square of gelled glimmering "aura" around the ghost, but as the ripples fade, it becomes harder and harder to see.

At least until the shaft of the arrow begins to sizzle and melt.

Round 2 Kast, Simon, Dorial are up!

Yes, unfortunately, Nature isn't the right knowledge for this. But it doesn't seem natural to you.

Round 2, Init 16

Kast watches the arrow fly and realizes that diplomacy has failed, gripping the Iron Quill with renewed purpose.

"Get ready! Don't move ahead of me!"

Kast keeps his ready, but adds more of his might to each swing.

1d20 + 8 - 1 ⇒ (19) + 8 - 1 = 26 to hit; (Power Attack)
1d10 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15 damage.

Ready to smack it if and when it gets closer.

Pot Crit:
1d20 + 8 - 1 ⇒ (12) + 8 - 1 = 19 to hit; (Power Attack)
1d10 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16 damage.

Round 3

As the waves ripple through the creature, waves of disappointment ripple through Simon. Not the Ghost of Old Bones? Aaawwww!

Taking care not to target the 'ghost' inside the gel, Simon draws his crossbow and fires at the gelatinous creature.

light crossbow: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
dmg: 1d8 ⇒ 8

Unfortunately, he takes much too much care to not hit the 'ghost' and shoots the ceiling instead.

Round 3, init 20

Chrystosm draws his rapier, preparing to strike along with Kast once the gruesome object comes within lunging distance

Attk: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

Dmg: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Round 3 | Initiative 11

Dorial gasps, "Okay, that doesn't look like a ghost to me! And it can't be good."

She launches a flaming sphere at the "cube" in the hopes that it doesn't like fire.

Reflex save DC 16 or take 3d6 ⇒ (3, 4, 3) = 10 fire damage.

Round 3, Initiative 7

Damn and blast what is that thing?
Knowledge: 1d20 ⇒ 7 Planes +8, Arcana/Local +9

Still unsure, Othoe uses one of his precious Force Missiles.

Force Missile: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Othoe also moves back a bit in the hall to give the others room to maneuver.

Round 3, Initiative -1

As the various things strike the space around the cube, it becomes easy to for a moment, then fades again, nearly disappearing in its transparency. 'Glint Ax' dances and shudders inside, the plate mail moving with each strike.

It creeps forward, inexorably advancing upon the companions, it's glistening 'aura' filling the space ahead of it. As it reaches Kast's range, his bardiche falls, striking into the gel that precedes the 'ghost'. The head passes harmlessly, all sizzle and smoke as the nature of the cube tries to eat at the material, but with no real effect on the magical Quill. Chrystosm's rapier proves similar when the cube advances even closer, right in front of the two men.

This doesn't stop the Cube, however, it continues to flow forward, intent on engulfing Kast, Chrystosm and Dorial all in one go.

AOO or reflex save for Chrystosm and Dorial, Kast you get both, thanks to your reach weapon.

Reflex save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

Kast grunts as he first bardichy swing strikes true and quickly snaps it again as the thing approaches more.

1d20 + 8 - 1 ⇒ (11) + 8 - 1 = 18 to hit;
1d10 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10 damage

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21 Reflex (and +1 more vs. Trample, if appropriate)

Both Dorial and Kast jump backwards, scrambling out of the way of the overwhelming ooze.

we await Chrysto's response. Fight or reflex?

reflex vs Dorial's fire: 1d20 - 4 ⇒ (19) - 4 = 15 Dang! That was soo close! The jello quivers and melts around the edges, the force of Othoe's missile and Dorial's fire only adding to the mess being created by Kast's vicious bardiche attack and Chrystosm's piercing strikes.

Boldly deciding to stand his ground, Chrystosm flicks his wrist and sends a dazzling arc of steel straight through the glistening mass heading towards him.

Attk: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

Crit. conf.: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

Dmg: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 x2 if - *if* - crit hits for a thrilling four points of damage altogether.

While the others duck out of the way, Chrystosm bravely stands his ground as the 10 foot cube of creepiness flows over him. His attack his, sending a couple of little gelatin bits flying, but it doesn't stop the wave as it over takes him.

Fort save(20), Chrystosm or be paralyzed for: 3d6 ⇒ (1, 6, 5) = 12 rounds.

acid: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Summary: As the group finally realizes the form of their foe, it attacks. Nimeon fires an arrow at it, Kast slices into it twice, and Othoe tosses a force missile at it, but it moves ever closer. Kast and Dorial jump back out of the way, Chrystosm stands his ground, doing minimal damage before being engulfed in the acidic gelatin.

Fort save from Chrystosm, then begin round 4

Map

Round 4

Simon drags the kobold with him as he retreats 20' backwards, clearing the way for his companions.

Simon, I've moved you on the map. Normally, there'd be some sort of grapple check, but the kobold is more than willing to move back.

Round 4, Initiative 7

Concerned for his friend, now stuck in that thing, Othoe fires another Force Missile into the jelly. If only I had some toast…

He does his best to hit a part of the beast far from his ally.
Force Missile: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Round 4 | Initiative 11

Unable to help her companion, Dorial moves the flaming sphere to keep up with their assailant.

Another DC 16 (where's that nat 20? :P) or take 3d6 ⇒ (5, 6, 6) = 17 fire damage.

Fort save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

His nerves afire, Chrystosm can do nothing as the creature engulfs him.

Round 3, Init 16

Kast 5' steps back and swings again, trying to avoid Chrystosm.

1d20 + 8 - 1 ⇒ (7) + 8 - 1 = 14 to hit; (Power Attack)
1d10 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17 damage.

Round 4 Init 19

Nimeon moves back and fires again.

DCL PS PBS Deadly Aim: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 271d8 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 82d8 + 14 ⇒ (2, 1) + 14 = 17

I don't think I can crit this thing, but I'm putting the confirm in anyway.

Not that it mattered...

Nimeon's arrow pierces the cube, sending bits of gelatin flying. The cube, decimated by the quick onslaught of the group, is done in by this last split second attack, and loses cohesion, dropping Chrystosm's paralyzed form onto the stone floor. Glint Ax's gorgeous plate mail and battle ax drop to the ground as well, all that is left of some wealthy adventurer that ran afoul of the gelatinous cube decades ago.

and we are out of initiative.