MUMMY'S MASK ADVENTURE PATH - GM Spazmodeus

Game Master Spazmodeus

Getting anxious waiting, Teos slowly moves forward to see if he can see any of his comrades and if they need any help.

Vash remains right on the corner of the room, bow held at the ready to fire upon the enemy if Nimaethep’s stealthy mission goes awry.

Nimaethep slides over to the southern well while keeping an eye on the far door. She takes a peek down the well and sees a man at the bottom, roughed up and lying on his side. The man has his back to Nimaethep and he moans slightly and seems to be clutching his side. His clothes are torn a bit and covered in dirt, but he does appear to be the priest Ptemenib, who you have been looking for.

The discussion continues from the far room, but it is still unclear what is being said. The voices do not seem to be aware that anyone else has approached.

Nimaethep brushes some dirt off the edge of the well to catch the attention of the priest. He starts a little, but doesn't call out, and when he rolls over to see who was there he smiles a little. He seems to recognize Nimaethep and remains silent.

I am taking a little liberty here in assuming that Nimaethep would want to get his attention, mostly to move things along. You can RP a little if you would like, or just describe what actions you take to get him out. He will likely go along with whatever plan you have.

Nimaethep carefully climbed over the edge of the pit.

It was a simple task descending to the bottom of the shaft. The walls provided ample purchase for her claws. Unlike her cousin Khepri, Nimaethep did not groom her claws for fighting. However they were perfect for this purpose.

Once at the bottom, she assessed Ptemenib's condition. "Its the priest, he looks hurt but I will see what we can do" she whispered to Harmini through the magic she had bestowed on Nimaethep.

"Your spirit friend guided us here. We can talk about what is going on once you are safe. If you can move, we have a magical elixer that will allow you to climb the wall."

She handed the vial to the priest. Nimaethep did what she could to assist the man during his ascent. Even with the magical aid, climbing the wall was as exerting as climbing a ladder, and in his condition she wanted to remove as much of the strain from him as she could.

Once at the top, she attempted to guide the man back to the waiting group, away from his captors.

The priest takes the potion from Nimaethep and approaches the wall of the pit. With a quick gulp he drinks the potion and then begins to climb of the wall with ease. He moves carefully, seeming to understand the need to be quiet. He makes it to the top and then moves quickly to the group and follows Nimaethep's lead.

Once out in the hall with the rest of the party he whispers his thanks.

"I am most blessed you found me here." He pauses for a second to catch his breath before continuing. "The mistress must have sense my fate when she placed you in my company at the auction the other night. I must also thank Qasin, for I hear he has led you here. I cannot thank you enough my friends."

The priest turns towards the stairs but then pauses. "Where are my manners? My name is Ptemenib, I am forever in your debt. But perhaps we should finish the introductions away from here."

Harmini looks the man up and down.

"It is good to see you again, Ptemenib. Though, you've looked better. Let me help you."

She reaches out and places her hand on Ptemenib's arm to heal his wounds.

Healing Hex: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Harmini smiles somewhat.

"There you are, my dear. That's a little better. We should escort you out of this place, the streets of Wati are still not safe and there may yet be some Silver Chain thugs about.

Nimaethep is torn "I agree, there could be dangers still lurking in the streets, but we also have an opportunity to put an end to this operation and catch their leader. With Ptemenib out of their hands I would suggest we move on them now before they realize something is wrong and slip away."

Vash whispers, ”I agree with Nimaethep. We should defeat them now.” Turning to their rescued priest, he asks, ”What are their plans?”

Once Harmini heals Ptemenib, he stands more upright and appears stronger. He is clearly still wounded, but he needs less support to move up the stairs. Once clear of the basement, he pauses to catch his breath and addresses the group.

"Thank you Miss Wakestep," he says. "I am in your debt. Clearly I had underestimated my opponents. Qasin is near, so I should be able to make my way myself from here if you feel you must confront the leadership of the Silver Chain."

"As for what they plan, I do not know. I have heard them speak about the rising dead, and I assume the city is in need of your aid. I can say the leader, Ekram, seemed pleased about the rising dead and she has agents searching the Necropolis for some sort of treasure. Something that may be the cause of the current troubles."

"More than that, I cannot say."

The priest pauses here, seeming to wait for further questions.

Ptemenib seems to be forthcoming with details when asked, so he will answer any other questions if he knows the answer. Other than that, he can make his own way out and the group can return to the basement again to confront the Silver Chain leadership.

Nimaethep frowned at the new information. "It sounds like Ekram might know more about what is going on with the undead. Another reason that we should try and apprehend her.

Do you know of any other way in that we could use to take them by surprise?"

"I can sneak along with you and support in combat with ranged attacks," suggests Vash to Nimaethep in a whisper. He keeps a watch around the corner with his bow held loosely in his hand, an arrow on the string.

Sorry for the delay everyone. Busy weekend and I was hoping Teos might chime in.

Harmini nods to Ptemenib.

"Very well. I should very much like to speak with you again once we have concluded our business with the Silver Chain. Until then, be safe, Ptemenib."

She then looks to Nima with determination.

"I will follow your lead here, my dear. There is much more I wish to learn about the cause of these disturbances and if Ekram can illuminate the truth... so be it. Perhaps we can convince her to peaceably tell us what we want to know."

Finally, she retrieves another scroll from her pack and holds it at the ready.

Scroll of Charm Person.

Ptemenib listens to the interaction of the group, smiling slightly at how the group seems intent on helping with the current situation. He waits for them to discuss for the moment but then responds to each in turn.

"My friends," he responds. "I am glad some fine men and women are looking out for the city still. Unfortunately, I do not know much more of how to engage with this Ekram. I only ever saw them use the door beyond the pit in which you found me. If there is another way in, I cannot say. I am sorry."

"And of course, when you are free, please come to the Grand Mausoleum and ask for me. I would be happy to speak more and find out what may be happening in our city. Good luck."

Ptemenib then turns to head out. As he reaches the alley nearby, you hear the chirp-like voice of Qasin greeting his greatest friend. The group is free to head down below again.

I am prepared to move the group ahead to the room with the pits. Whoever is heading in to that area, please give me a stealth check. Please feel free to make preparations as you wish, before heading down.

Sorry, Teos was waiting for an 'all clear' before he came lumbering forward (his stealth is poor at best). If quiet time is over, then he would have moved forward and joined the others...sorry about that!

Vash asks, quietly, before he starts moving to follow Nimaethep, "Are we going in sneaking, shooting, or talking?" He is apparently not following the approach plan very well, given some of the divergent discussion, although he will try and be sneaky and cover the others in any case.

"I am loath to simply start a fight when talking might resolve the situation, but I am not so naive to think that discussion is always an option.

If they come out to fight I can ambush them with Theo, or if they stay inside we can rush them after the initial volley."

Nodding, Vash replies, "A sound plan. I will get in place as quietly as I can once you are ready."

Harmini indicates that she is ready. She lets loose her long coils of hair and follows the others into place.

Harmini's Stealth: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
Alabaster's Stealth: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18

Activating Prehensile Hair hex for 1 minute, assuming that we are ready to make our move.

stealth: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25

Nimaethep quietly stalked to a position a short distance from the door. If the thugs emerged from their room, she would be ready to pounce on them from the side.

Once in position, she gave a nod to Theo to move up and open the door.

I am not sure where the door on the map is, so I put myself in a general position that looked good

Teos moves forward and, seeing everyone is ready, throws open the door and takes a few steps into the room.

He will try and clear the doorway so others can get in as well

Nimaethep and Teos move up to the door, motioning for the others to get ready. Teos reaches to throw open the door and as he does, Nimaethep notes that the conversation in the room beyond cuts off suddenly. It seems at least one of the people beyond is not unaware now.

Teos throws open the door on a room featuring finely crafted antique furniture from many different periods, and the smell of rich food hangs in the air. Books and charts crowd one cedar table, while a half finished banquet of fruit and roasted meats sits on another. A living area with a bed and other furniture fills the southern portion of the room.

Two human men and a female catfolk are in the room. Each wears a funerary mask and the catfolk leader is armed and ready.

Teos leads things off by throwing the door open. As this is the surprise round that uses up his one action. Good news, some of them are surprised. Bad news, the ones who have already gone were not surprised.

Vash, you are up. Nimaethep and Harmini will follow before the NPCs get to go again.

Sorry for my lack of positioning, I wasn't exactly sure where the door was. Just one action during the surprise round, right?

Vash moves over to locate himself with a clear line of sight into the room, catching a glimpse of the green cultist as he moves into position. An arrow still nocked on his bowstring, he readies himself for combat.

Teos moves straight to the first cultist (green) he can see and attacks.

Now moving is all he can do this turn, correct? He will need to wait until his next turn to actually attack?

Teos can move but not attack.

As Teos moves in to confront the cultists, it becomes clear they are more prepared than the group had hoped. He spots a third cultist hiding behind the corner, ready to exploit any opening that comes up.

Nimaethep and Harmini still to go before the NPCs again.

It seems there was some confusion on WHERE the door was for starting positions, so if Vash and Harmini would like to have started closer and therefore move in more, they may. Still limited to one action as it is a surprise round.

Nimaethep slides through the door just after Teos. She draws a slender wand from her waistband as she does and stops short just at the corner of the wall when suddenly confronted by one of the masked individuals.

She took in the golden mask cultists from behind her own mask of the Jackal God.

So many masks in the Mummy's Mask

Thanks for allowing the reposition, GM. I think that means that Vash can take a 5 foot step into the room and shoot at the green cultist at exactly 30' range.

Vash steps forward into the room as Teos opens the door, just in time to see the cultist with the green mask come into view. He quickly fires the arrow strung on his bow hoping to get lucky with the snap shot (5 foot step and a single shot for the surprise action) just before Teos hurries into the room!

Hornbow attack at Point Blank Range: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 9 + 1 = 29
Hornbow damage at Point Blank Range: 2d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (1, 4) + 3 + 1 = 9

Also thanks for the reposition. Was a little bit too far away from the door.

Harmini quickly follows Teos and Nima into the room in an effort to take advantage of their element of surprise.

Just a move action to get into the room to see what's goin on.

The lithe catfolk moves forward, intent on facing Teos. She raises her odd pink-metal khopesh as she directs her men.

"Kill the big one first!" she shouts. "It can serve as a warning to the rest."

She brings her khopesh around and sweeps his legs out from under him, though barely. With Teos now prone, the cultist seize the opportunity to attack him. Their swords take on a soft glow as they move in.

The cultist appear to be unsure of leaving themselves open, and their lack of focus keeps them from striking any solid blow upon Teos.

Ekram takes a move action to engage and makes a trip attack (without provoking). Teos is now prone.

The Green Cultist readies his action to attack with a flank and the Red Cultist moves. Both use Arcane Strike to do more damage. but both swing and miss.

It is now Teos and Vash.

Bellowing like a wounded hippo, Teos leaps up, prepared for the attacks he will take, but needing to get back into the fight quickly.

He swings at the catfolk who tripped him.

Attack: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18
Damage: 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

Stepping a bit further into the room, Vash continues firing on the injured green cultist, hoping to take him down before he can strike at Teos again.

Hornbow Attack, Rapid Shot, Point Blank: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 7 + 1 = 9
Hornbow Damage on hit: 2d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (6, 2) + 3 + 1 = 12
Hornbow Attack, Rapid Shot, Point Blank: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 7 + 1 = 25
Hornbow Damage on hit: 2d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (3, 6) + 3 + 1 = 13

It was too late to use the wand, so Nimaethep opted instead to attack the cultist that had stepped in front of her.

Since their leader had directed them to attack Teos, she opted to forgo her defensive style of attack and focus on accuracy.

Flurry 1: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
Damage (Non-lethal): 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Flurry 2: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Damage (Non-lethal): 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

However despite her jabs and kicks, the cultist proved too elusive and none of her blows landed.

"Step back Teos, don't get surrounded." She warned her companion.

As Teos stands, the three enemies surrounding him see the opening and all strike at him. The catfolk's blade misses but the two cultists cut Teos deep, seeming to find the weak spots in his armor.

Vash moves forward and drops the cultist he wounded before, though his first shot goes wide. The last cultist takes a moment to assess the situation and waits to see what happens. Then Nimaethep attempts to pummel the cultist in front of her but he's quicker than she expects.

The Blue Cultist appears to be delaying his action. This brings up Harmini.

DM, with Vash’s initiative roll higher than Teos’, if that shot drops the green cultist first there would be one less attack on him and no sneak attack damage as he stands...

Teos' initiative was moved up to open the door, so that is why he is listed first.

Harmini gasps when she witnesses Teos get brutally stabbed by his surrounding adversaries as he stands back up.

"Teos!"

Oh no! My poor dear... Too late for this scroll. I'm certain that this is going to hurt them more than you though.

Harmini quickly stows her held scroll into her haversack. She scowls and steps forward, letting loose a cloud of arcane dust from her outstretched fingertips upon a large area of the room.

Move Action - Put away held scroll of Charm Person into her haversack. Free Action - 5'step NE. Standard Action - Cast Glitterdust (DC 15 Will Save or be blinded). I marked the point of origin and 10' spread on the map.

Lastly, sorry Teos :( Standing up in a flank surrounded by 3 goons hurts a lot. Not gonna let that happen again. I'll be in a better position to heal you next round if I can. If the 3 bad guys get blinded, Nima should get her sneak attacks regardless of positioning and Vash will get to continue unloading damage against foes with less AC. Should also nullify a good deal of their offensive tactics since they all go next.

Ekram and Blue Cultist are both blinded.

Teos, please make a Will save.

Will save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Sometimes you just need to soak up the pain...and blindness..lol

Blue comes out of his delay now, since his original plan just bombed.

The waiting cultist around the corner takes a defensive position and tries to rub the spell from his eyes, while Ekram flails wildly at where he recalls Teos to be. Both blows seem like they would be solid hits, if they were just a little to the left.

The cultist engaged with Teos and Nimaethep steps away and begins a low chant. He hand begins to cast off sparks of electricity and he reaches out to touch Teos. Teos' reels unexpectedly and the cultist misses him.

This brings up the party again, leading with Teos.

With the green cultist down, Vash steps a bit further into the room and takes aim at the red cultist with the crackling electricity on his hands, loosing two arrows at him in rapid succession.

Hornbow Rapid Point Blank Shot Attack: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 7 + 1 = 26
Hornbow Point Blank Shot Damage: 2d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (2, 2) + 3 + 1 = 8
Hornbow Rapid Point Blank Shot Attack: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 7 + 1 = 11
Hornbow Point Blank Shot Damage: 2d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (5, 6) + 3 + 1 = 15

Battered and bleeding, Teos still takes the battle to his enemies and strikes out at the catfolk.

Attack: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16
Miss Chance: 1d100 ⇒ 32

Damage: 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

Will Save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

Seeing Teos getting surrounded by the cultists and momentarily blinded by the glittering dust, Nimaethep needed to take more aggressive action.

She ducked, rolled and twisted around one of the cultists threatening Teos attempting to confuse the cultist enough that he was unable to get in an attack.
acrobatics to move through threatened area: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

Once she had the miscreant pinned between Teos and herself, she took advantage of the cultists divided attention and struck a powerful blow straight to his kidney.

Unarmed attack +flank -crane style: 1d20 + 6 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 6 + 2 - 2 = 18
Damage (b)(Non-Lethal)+(sneak attack): 1d6 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 2 + (4) = 8

As she struck, she adopted the flowing movements of the ibis to deflect incoming attacks.

Move up attempting to tumble (AC19 vs AoO), attack from flank on red with sneak attack and fight defensive(crane style AC23 vs subsequent attacks)

Vash shoots the cultist with the hand of crackling electricity as Teos swings wildly around at the catfolk he assumes is still in front of him. His eyes clear though, just in time for Nimaethep to tumble low past the cultist and get into a better position. With his focus split now, the cultist is more vulnerable and Nimaethep takes the opportunity to hit him. Her blow hit home, but his masks seems to protect him more than hoped.

Harmini is up now.

Of note, the mask does not provide extra mechanical benefits. I was just getting creative in my description.

Harmini edges closer to Teos as a wand appears in her hand. With a quick command word, the wand activates and delivers its healing effects through a lengthy tendril of hair.

Swift Action - Eject wand of CLW from spring-loaded wrist sheath. Free Action - 5' Step E. Standard Action - Activate wand.

Teos CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Harmini moves up and heals Teos as the chaos of battle continues. The two cultist seem to be working together effectively, one waiting for the other to continue the assualt, but Ekram still lashes out blindly at Teos.

The cultist with the held spell steps to the side to aid his companion but presses the attack against Teos. The cultist touches him and the electricity discharges and Teos spasms with the shock. His companion then lunges at Nimaethep but she easily dodges his attempt.

OK, that brings up the PCs.

EDIT: Forgot Ekram Will save.

Keeping up the flurry of arrows, Vash continues to target the damaged Red Cultist. Planting his feet, he looses his first arrow wildly, but the second is much closer to the target...

Hornbow Flurry Attack with Point Blank: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 7 + 1 = 9
Hornbow Damage with Point Blank: 2d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (3, 5) + 3 + 1 = 12
Hornbow Flurry Attack with Point Blank: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 7 + 1 = 14
Hornbow Damage with Point Blank: 2d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (2, 4) + 3 + 1 = 10

Vash's first arrow goes wide and the second is closer, but still the cultist moves out of the way.

Nimaethep peers at the other catfolk in the golden mask. Perhaps if she could subdue the leader, her followers would surrender in kind.

Flurry 1, crane style: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
Damage (NL): 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7 (sneak attack: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Flurry 2, crane style: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Damage (NL): 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 (sneak attack: 1d6 ⇒ 6

I don't know if she is still blind, so I didn't add any bonus to attack and separated the sneak attack. AC23

Being able to see again, and feeling the healing warmth flow into him, Teos strikes back, but before he can, a jolt flows through him.

Gritting his teeth he strikes out at the catfolk before him.

Attack: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17
Damage: 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

Teos strikes out at the catfolk leader and cuts a deep gash across her leg. She yowls in pain and seems a little unstable on her feet. She still stands though and continues to fight.

Harmini is up, then the cultists and leader again.