Lucendar's Crimson Throne Campaign - Year of the Faithless (Inactive)

Game Master Lucendar

Todor, hobgoblin was not within sight so you double moved. You are out of initiative currently.

The party follows the fleeing hobgoblin down the tunnel and around the corridor. Another small fire lights the room here as well as several torches lit on sconces on the cave wall. The wounded hobgoblin looks very nervous as he looks around for any possible help, holding his sword in front of him to defend himself from Todor, the closest party member.

Suddenly, the door to the north opens and out comes a massive half-orc, measuring 6’5” and weighing about 250 lbs, garbed in banded mail and wielding a ranseur. He wields a spiked gauntlet on his right fist and on his back is an immense hammer. He looks very menacing and has white albino-like skin. He curiously has two stuffed saddle bags wrapped around his neck. The hobgoblin, without opening himself to attack, yells something in Goblin to the half-orc, but the well-muscled warrior responds. Sorry, chap, you’re on your own with these young fellas. Seeing Todor, the half-orc speaks, So the princess has some young rescuers, eh? By all means, signaling to the door behind him with a nod of his head, she lies that way, if you can fight past that sick priestess and her guardian. My job here is done. He pats the saddlebags and smiles. Now, if you boys wish to dance, I will put a hurt on you. You may take me down but I will take 2-3 or maybe even 4 of you with me. Then, surely, you won’t have enough to rescue the little princess. Or…..I go down that way, signaling to the passageway to the west, and you go save your precious princess. You decide. Trust me, she ain't gonna last long.

Updated Map

Let me know what you want to do. If you wish to fight, roll initiative. Casting spells etc will be considered an attack.

What is he carrying in those bags? Treasure? Could a person be inside one of those? 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22 - Perception

Todor pauses to catch his breath, but keeps his hammer and shield ready.
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13 - Sense motive
"It's not a matter of trust fortunately. Today it's just a matter of our paths not crossing but merely running parallel. Rare is the thing that should cause one to deviate from his chosen path. The princess is this way you say?"

Do we count as still being "in combat" at this point? (Basically I need to know whether Serry has any idea what he just said or not. :) )

Seeing Todor stand aside, and assuming Tristain can't see the princess in the bags, Tristain will also make way for the hugenormous half-orc.

"Thanks. I have no quarrel with you."

As the half-orc walks by, Tristain will try to get a good look at him in case he needs to sketch his face later.

1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13 Perception

Confident that he or Tristain can track the half-orc if needed, Elric is painfully aware that he is currently in no condition for a fight with such an obviously dangerous opponent.

Fight or flee as you please...we came for the princess. That goes for you too, hobgoblin. Run, if you wish to live.

Since I know Penance will be 'silent' on the subject, it looks like we're headed down the hallway--assuming the hobgoblin doesn't fight.

What is he carrying in those bags? Treasure? Could a person be inside one of those? 1d20+9 - Perception

That was funny. A person?! No, a person could not definitely fit in there. You think more like something small, like treasure (coins, gems, etc..)

Yes, the princess is that way. But you may wish to wait, she's about to slaughter the rest of the hobgoblins.

Almost on cue, you hear faint goblin screams coming from behind the door.

Do we count as still being "in combat" at this point? (Basically I need to know whether Serry has any idea what he just said or not. :) )

No, you're not in combat, everyone heard the half-orc's speech.

Fight or flee as you please...we came for the princess. That goes for you too, hobgoblin. Run, if you wish to live.

The hobgoblin stands shocked when he hears the screams of his fellow tribe members, but he's no fool and he leaves also after the immense half-orc departs.

Smart choice, warriors. The half-orc nods as he walks away. Rare nowadays that you see such wisdom, especially in warriors so young. I am sure we will see each other again. Good luck!

Todor turns to Elric and observes that he is still quite injured. He converts his Endure Elements into a Cure Light Wounds. "Elric, pause a moment before we rescue the princess. Then we can rush down the hallway ready to face whatever is left."

Cast CLW and start moving down the hallway.
1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Tristain will take a position behind Elric and Todor.

He will have a magic stone in one hand, his 'scythe in the other.

What is going on in there?

Tristain strains to look (and hear) ahead.

1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14 Perception

Serry will move in behind Elric and Todor as well, and load a magic stone into her sling staff.

Elric sighs with relief, as yet another wave of healing energy eases some of his pains.

"My thanks, Todor. Without your divine gifts, I would surely have fallen long ago."

Hp 6/13 - any more healing out there? Keep 'em coming.

Hp 6/13 - any more healing out there? Keep 'em coming.

Serry healed you for 6 so you are at 12/13.

Tristain strains to hear and swears he hears some swords clanging amid hobgoblin screams and after a few seconds, the sounds end. The party gathers and heals and then open the door, just in time to see the door on the opposite end of the hallway close.

There is no need for a light source for the 20' hallway that opens into a room full of candles. The party also easily spots about eight hobgoblins lying down on the floor, some face up, some face down, in pools of blood, apparently dead. You also see weird symbols and writing on the four walls, one of which looks like a bloody mosquito.

Updated Map

Perception 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

Elric quickly takes in the scene before him and supresses a shudder at the thought of what could have caused this slaughter.

"I don't know what happened here, but we'd best proceed with caution. Stay together, keep alert and follow me."

Elric moves slowly down the corridor, Lucerne hammer ready to strike. He keeps an eye open for any traps along the way.

Elric will pause briefly at H17 and ready an action to strike if a threat appears. If nothing happens, he will proceed forward and listen at the door.

Perception 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

AC 17, hp 12/13

Good thing I dont play a character that speaks.

Penance does not seem to notice or particularly care about the half orc as he walks past. Just another brute best avoided.

As he looks upon the scene of carnage penance steps lightly knocking an arrow cautiously.

1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27 Perception

Tristain creeps along behind Elric and Todor.

"Princess?"

Tristain looks around.

1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16 Perception

If he sees the princess he will say, "I'm Tristain Stone, I'm here to rescue you."

1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19 - Heal
1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28 - Perception
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13 - Religion

"Such carnage. Some of them sliced open. Some of them burned to death where they were--I've only heard stories of such things. And, this was not their first battle. This one had already been bandaged once. Who or what has the power to kill so many so fast? Hopefully they at least injured whatever it was."

"I recognize the symbol as that of the clergy faithful to Urgathoa, goddess of disease and undeath. Unfortunately, if there are clues in that writing, I cannot translate them."

Does this appear to be a shrine/temple or was this just a cave and the 'artwork' was added after the battle?

Tristain looks around.

There is no princess in this room, other than the creepy grafitti written numerous times on the walls in blood, the candles, and the dead bodies.

Does this appear to be a shrine/temple or was this just a cave and the 'artwork' was added after the battle?

It appears to be a cave and the artwork was added later, but it looks like the same message was written maybe 30-40 different times, in blood, along the four walls. It would take hours/days to have done so.

If nothing happens, he will proceed forward and listen at the door.

Elric presses his ear to the door and hears talking and laughing. He tells the party to keep quiet and then you all move toward the door and hear the following exchange:

Male voice: Ok, Sam, the hobgoblins are dead, that scary half-orc is gone. What are we still doing here? Let's just grab the bi*ch and take her somewhere till we can ransom her off.

Female voice: Oh, Ulric, from now on, you will no longer address me as Sam. I am Samantha, true daughter of Urgathoa, and my goddess speaks to me. I am the Chosen one! Did you not see how I unleashed her black energy on the savages, burning their flesh off, while Gravestone, my beautiful servant here, finished them with his blade. Their screams of agonies, so sweet to my ears! No, brother, there will be no ransom for the royal daughter. A maniacal laughter rings out.

Ulric: You haven't gone psycho on me, have you sis? Look, I didn't mind the creepy writing on the wall in blood, but what the fu*k do you mean no ransom??! We've spent so much already, paying Bones, organizing the ambush! And what about me? I've sacrificed my job! I can't go on being part of the King's guard. We need the gold!

Samantha: You do not know the meaning of sacrifice! What I am doing here is my goddess' work, following the unholy texts, and what better righteous one than the King's daughter! Interfere, brother, and Gravestone will put you down! This is more important than blood or family...I'm doing my goddess' work.

Female voice crying out: Nooo! Please don't hurt me! I'm just trying to save my father!

Ulric: No, Sam, if you kill her, this will all be for naught!

Samantha: Relax sweetie, this will take only a few seconds....

Lionel whispers, when he hears the female voice, That's the Princess! Ulric, that traitorous bastard!

What do you do?

Tristain readies a Magic Stone in his hand and quietly tries to open the door.

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4 Stealth

If it is unlocked, he will open it as quietly as he can.

If locked, he will indicate such to the others.

Serry's face darkens as she listens. She'll ready her sling with its magic stone as Tristain works on the door.

Todor stands by the door with his hammer and shield ready to rush in. It's almost as if an invisible force is about to pull him in. I've been gutted and almost died. I've saved and been saved. I've killed and let killers free. I don't know if this is balance Abadar, but I do feel alive.

Tristain opens the door, but it is very old and it lets off a loud squeaky noise, which catches the attention of all present in the room.

The "true daughter of Urgathoa" looks up, an evil smile on her face. You see she is dressed in black robes and carries a jar filled with maggots, with a scythe slung on her back. Samantha She stands on an altar of green marble and at her feet with her hands bound, is the beautiful Natasha, daughter of King Eodred.

The Shoanti-blooded guard looks up. He is garbed in splint mail and wields a greataxe. Ulric

The hooded 6'4" warrior turns around. He is garbed in a full-body cloak and wears a breastplate and wields a heavy steel shield in his left hand and a longsword in the right. As he sees you, you see two points of red light where his eyes ought to be and he pulls back his hood to reveal a skeletal face! True horror grips you as you realize you face the undead! Gravestone

Samantha screams Die infidels!
Initiative!

Penance, who had merely been waiting this time for action to be taken prepares to fill the priestesses face full of arrows.

1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

But first he has to wake up from his nap.

This is where I come to cry.

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17 Initiative

1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Play intermission. Oh yeah. I beat Penance. Good luck all.

1d20 ⇒ 1

Okay, this is just absurd...

I guess you are all so scared after seeing the skeletal warrior that no one wants to go first! Lol..

Initiative 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

Initiative Order:
Gravestone
Tristain
Samantha
Lionel
Ulric
Elric
Todor
Penance
Serry

The skeletal warrior draws his blade as he rushes the door, using the momentum of his charge to strike a devastating blow at the marine with his already bloody longsword, driving it through his chest like a stake, as Elric collapses to the floor in a heap of pain and screams, blood spurting out. The blow does leave the skeletal warrior a little unbalanced.

Charge: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 7 + 2 = 29...uh oh
Confirmation: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 7 + 2 = 21...confirmed
Damage to Elric: 2d8 + 6 ⇒ (7, 3) + 6 = 16

The daughter of Urgathoa smiles. No need for worry, Ulric. Gravestone already has taken down the most dangerous looking one. The rest will be easy pickings! What a gift from my unholiest Urgathoa!

Ulric responds, Lionel! Damn it, I thought you were dead. Kill them, kill them all!

Tristain is up!

Updated Map

Yikes. That ain't good.

Tristain 5' steps to H10 and swings at the skeleton, trying to distract it from the next attack.

1d20 + 0 ⇒ (10) + 0 = 10 aid another, +2 to the next attack vs. DC 10

Urgathoa's servant puts down the jar of maggots. This will wait for later, once I've sacrificed the intruders as well. For now, Urgathoa, bless your unholiest of servants with your might, so we may smite the infidels! Samantha's hands gyrate back and forth, till you see a globe of black energy appear in front of her, explode, and "illuminate" herself, Ulric, and Gravestone. She then laughs maniacally!

Natasha! screams Lionel, as he grabs his shield in front of him and rushes past Tristain and past the skeletal warrior! The warrior, surprised by the move, tries to strike him, but Lionel blocks it with his shield harmlessly. He screams Run past him, if you must, the princess is our priority! He stops right before Ulric.

AoO: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 7 + 1 = 10..miss!

Ulric looks at the young guard. Fool, you should have died in the ambush. No matter, I will take your life now!

Traitor, your blood will spill tonight!, Lionel spits back.

Ulric raises his greataxe at Lionel, but again, the young guard brings his shield to bear to deflect the blow, as the two warriors circle each other.

Ulric attack: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 1 = 12...miss!

Updated Map after Ulric's action!

Todor, Penance, and Serry are up!

Round 1

Todor follows Lionel into the room hoping the skeleton doesn't have combat reflexes and ends against the wall at K-7, 5' short of Uragotha. He then commands Ulric in common, "You should just lay down and give up." (DC 15 will save or go prone)

Todor follows Lionel into the room hoping the skeleton doesn't have combat reflexes and ends against the wall at K-7, 5' short of Uragotha. He then commands Ulric in common, "You should just lay down and give up." (DC 15 will save or go prone)

The skeletal warrior looks confused, as Todor runs past him and it does not even raise its sword at him. Ulric looks confused at Todor's request, but then complies and drops to the ground!

Ulric Will save: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

What the hell are you doing?!, screams his sister. We are not giving up!

Todor, the figure in K5 is the Princess, the priestess is in K4.

It seemed to penance after seeing the others casually step over there bleeding ally that he was perhaps far more at home then he initially imagined. How many broken men, and bloodied people had the prisoner's of Hell's Perch stepped over to get their daily bread, to kill a rival, or simply to evade the blows of the vicious guards? Too many by his account.

What stood before him was a creature of bones. HE had learned much about bones in his life. So many people thought breaking the larger bones was perhaps the sincerest form of agony. This was most untrue. It was always the smaller bones, the finnicky ones in the hands and feet. You could only break a handful of arm bones but you could shatter a score of hand and feet bones. The pain was unimaginable and nearly impossible to heal right. Indeed there was a certain art form to breaking bones. For example if Penance were to step into this creatures guard; like so. Bring his foot back and stomp with all his weight one could shatter the femur causing a great deal of pain, the victim would be unable to walk, and then your mates could get to the business of making the bastard pay for walking anywhere near your street.

move: 5ft shift to I11 over Elric's bleeding carcass.

Standard: BOOT THE SKELLIE IN THE CHEST!

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17 Attack
1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9 Damage

1d20+3 Attack

1d6+3 Damage

Well booted. You also have an additional +2 to hit if it matters.

Elric bleeds...(again)

Serry watches as the others charge right over Elric (well, except for the tattooed man, who just stands over him). Do they think we're going to win this fight without him? She moves over to the fallen marine and once again casts Cure Light Wounds on him.

Five-foot step to H12, cast Cure Light Wounds on Elric.

Cure Light: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Status:

Groaning and still bleeding profusely, Elric hoists himself on his feet and grasps his hammer tight. Move action. Since Penance is now in my square, I will shift to the square behind him, which should be vacant.

The injured marine swings the long hammer past the monk, aiming a hard blow at the skeletal warrior.

Power attack - 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
Damage roll - 1d12 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

AC 17, hp 1/13

Summary of Round 1:
Gravestone moved and took down Elric
Tristain aided another
Samantha put down jar and cast Bless
Lionel ran past Gravestone and faced off against Ulric
Elric bled: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19..stabilized
Todor moved and cast Command
Penance licked Gravestone, who was unable to block the blow with his shield due to Tristain’s scythe hampering him, crushing bone in the process
Serry cast healing on Elric, who awoke prone and weaponless

A couple of comments:
1. Aid another was very helpful, only reason Penance's strike hit. Good job!
2. When you fall into negatives, your only action is stabilization that round. You cannot delay till someone heals you when you're unconscious, so Elric's action can take place in Round 2, if he wishes.

Round 2
Gravestone, angered by the monk’s blow and Tristain’s interference, swings his sword in a sweeping fashion, attempting to cut down both opponents. Fortunately, for both their sakes, Tristain raises his scythe and deflects the skeletal warrior's blow high so that it harmlessly passes over Penance's head!

Attack: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 7 + 1 = 12
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
Attack: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 7 + 1 = 21
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Tried Cleave there but missed initial target!
Please post AC and HPs in your posts. Thanks!
Tristain is up!

Tristain appreciating the Penance's boots, tries to make it happen again.

Tristain 5' steps to I9, trying to distract the skeletal cleaver from Penance.

Stnd Action: Using his 'scythe again, Tristain tries to create an opening for Penance.

1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7 aid another, +2 to the next attack vs. DC 10

Meh. I still got flank for you, Penance.

Elric will evaluate his action once his turn comes around. If that priestess does what I have a nasty suspicion she is going to do, it might be another stabilization roll.

The priestess’ lip curls in disgust as she sees the 2 armored warriors approaching. Foolish guard, the princess is lost to you. You know not the powers you deal with! Her hands gyrate and create a ball of black energy that covers her hands with black flame. She then steps off the dais to J5, gripping her scythe in one hand, and proceeds to touch Lionel.

The guard screams in pain, as the black flame burns his soul, and he crumbles to one knee but refuses to fall.

Touch attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

My turn, bi*ch! Lionel slashes up with his sword, cutting through Samantha's robes and the armor underneath and drawing blood. The priestess grimaces in pain.

Lionel; Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Ulric screams, as he sees his sister’s blood flow, and he gets up, his armor deflecting Lionel's blow.
AoO: 1d20 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 4 = 13...miss

Ulric brings his greataxe to bear on Lionel, but the guard deflects it with his shield:
Attack: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 5 + 1 = 15...miss!

Updated Map

Elric, Todor, Penance, and Serry to go. Elric might want to delay after Penance so the monk can move over and allow him to get up.