Nimaethep |
"It seems, that he is asking us to lead him to the Xotl" Nimaethep replied. "Let's not tarry any longer lest more of the undead stumble upon us."
Nimaethep took her position, but kept a wary eye on the dark stranger.
GM Spazmodeus |
The Dark Caller nods every time anyone mentions Xotl. He takes Vash's map, turns around a few time to orient himself then nods to Nimaethep, setting off toward the mark on the map alongside her. He does not seem to mind Nimaethep's wary eye on him ...
As they set off, the Dark Caller turn the dark cowl of his hood towards Nimaethep , touches himself on the chest and says, "Aoike".
1d100 ⇒ 79
1d100 ⇒ 99
1d100 ⇒ 30
1d100 ⇒ 99
1d12 ⇒ 6
Harmini Wakestep |
Harmini follows along peacefully behind Teos. She speaks softly from a distance to Nima through her whispering magic.
"I wouldn't expect that spell to last too much longer, my dear. It was quite simple magic after all. Hopefully, this creature isn't going to lead us into some kind of trap or ambush or something. Best be on guard for more than just the undead."
Vash Tirabade |
Vash touches his chest and says, “Vash,” then moves to follow Aoike.
Nimaethep |
Nimaethep quietly nodded in acknowledgement of Harmini's caution. She was a little embarrassed when the dark stranger introduced himself, realizing that she had not done so yet. She followed Vash's lead "Nimaethep". She wished that there was some way to ask more questions, particularly regarding his relationship with the Xotl, but could think of no way to communicate that.
GM Spazmodeus |
1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
Teos Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Nimaethep Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15
Vash Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30
Harmini Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Aoike Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
Alabaster Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
Aoike proved to be a cautious addition to the party, probably stemming from his earlier encounter with the denizens of the necropolis. Many times he would raise his hand up for a stop , as he peered out into a courtyard or plaza, probably taking more time than the party might have without him.
Luckily, his caution was not warranted, as the party encountered nothing but dust and sun during their journey to the location marked on the map as the home of the Xotl.
However, as they were nearing their destination , crossing a plaza, a gust of wind stirred up a cloud of dust , obscuring a nearby street entrance. Only Vash was alert enough to notice the figures that darted out using the dust as a veil.
In an instant, 6 figures burst from the cloud of dust....ghouls!
Initiative
Vash: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
Teos: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Harmini: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (8) + 0 = 8
Nimaethep: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Alabaster: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
Ghouls: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
Surprise Round
The Ghouls are a good 75ft away, and they run as fast as they can towards the party. (they will only be able to cover 60ft in the surprise round )
Vash can act !
Vash Tirabade |
With his bow in hand, Vash reacts quickly to the charging ghouls, having time to fit one arrow to his bowstring and lets fly at the lead ghoul!
Orc Hornbow Attack versus Undead: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (8) + 15 = 23
Orc Hornbow Damage versus Undead: 4d6 + 10 ⇒ (2, 6, 5, 3) + 10 = 26
Edit: +1 attack and damage if lead ghoul is within 30’ at time of his shot (point blank shot).
GM Spazmodeus |
For got Aioke's initiative
Aioke Init: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Vash's bow takes one of the running ghouls soldily in the forehead, snapping it back onto it's back, where it lies still.
Order of Combat
Nimaethep
Ghouls
Teos
Vash
Alabaster
Aioke
Harmini
Round 1
Nimaethep is up !
Harmini, I've included Alabaster in it's own initiative, unless you'd rather it go when you do ?
Harmini Wakestep |
Harmini, I've included Alabaster in it's own initiative, unless you'd rather it go when you do ?
In the past, I've always had Alabaster act on Harmini's initiative count. I think it's just easier to post them both at the same time rather than on 2 different turn slots. More often than not, the familiar doesn't act independently. Also, as a tiny sized valet archetype, Alabaster has little to no tactical value in combat apart from delivering channels, hexes or touch spells (which would all happen on Harmini's turn anyway). I'm fine whichever way you'd like to handle it, these are just my thoughts.
Nimaethep |
Was there a map?
Vash suddenly loosing two arrows is what brought the threat to Nimaethep's attention. She watched with satisfaction as the lead ghoul was brought down.
She lowered her jackal mask and moved, placing herself between Vash and the onrushing pack. She glanced back at the archer "Let them spend their fury against me, then you can send them back to their rest at your leisure."
The took a quick breath and relaxed, preparing for the onslaught.
Move between the ghouls and 10' from Vash, then ready an action to attack the first ghoul that comes within reach with crane style.
Attack (crane style): 1d20 + 7 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 7 - 2 = 11 AC=23 after attack
GM Spazmodeus |
Ghoul(Yellow) bite vs Nimaethep AC 23: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
Ghoul(Yellow) claw vs Nimaethep AC 23: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
Ghoul(Yellow) claw vs Nimaethep AC 23: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
Ghoul(Orange) bite vs Nimaethep AC 23: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Ghoul(Orange) claw vs Nimaethep AC 23: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
Ghoul(Orange) claw vs Nimaethep AC 23: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Ghoul(Green) bite vs Aioke AC 17: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23 Hit..Crit T hreat
Ghoul(Green) bite vs Aioke AC 17 Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5 No Crit
Ghoul(Green) claw vs Aioke AC 17: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23Hit..Crit Threat
Ghoul(Green) claw vs Aioke AC 17 Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21 Crit hit!
Ghoul(Green) claw vs Aioke AC 17 : 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
bite damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
claw damage, crit: 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (6, 6) + 2 = 14
Ghoul(Blue) bite vs Teos AC 20: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22 Hit
Ghoul(Blue) claw vs Teos AC 20: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
Ghoul(Blue) claw vs Teos AC 20: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
bite damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Ghoul(Red) bite vs Harmini AC 18: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Ghoul(Red) claw vs Harmini AC 18: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Ghoul(Red) claw vs Harmini AC 18: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20 Hit
claw damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Aioke Save vs paralysis, Fort DC 12: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
Aioke Save vs disease, Fort DC 13: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
The ghouls descend on the party, a mess of snarling and clawing!
Nimaethep is a picture of grace, fluidly ducking under and avoiding their gnashing teeth and filthy claws; she has a couple of close calls with her magical armor being the only difference.
A ghoul leaps at Harmini, she manages to avoid it's nasty bite, but one claw draws a bloody scratch down one arm. Harmini : 2 Damage, DC 12 Fort save or suffer paralysis
A similar situation occurs for Teos, he fights off the ghoul that attacked him, only to have it raise a long scratch on his leg.
Teos: 5 damage, DC 12 Fort save or suffer paralysis, and a DC 13 Fort save or contract a disease
Aioke is hit hard suffering a horrible bite, then a slamming blow from his ghoul's left hand against his right side...eliciting a groan of pain from the Dark Caller.
Order of Combat
Nimaethep
Ghouls
Teos
Vash
Alabaster
Aioke
Harmini
Teos is up !
Teos of An |
Current HP: 44/49
Save Fort (Paralysis) DC-12: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17 SUCCESS
Save Fort (Disease) DC-13: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9 FAIL
Shrugging off the paralytic effects of the creature's attack, Teos never the less feels the wound burn as the filth from the ghoul's nails invade his body.
Wielding the Natron Fang, Teos strikes out at the ghoul that attacked him.
Attack: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (17) + 13 = 30
Damage: 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
Vash Tirabade |
Vash takes aim at the blue ghoul on Teos, hoping to take it down before it can attack again. If his first shot fells it, he will step up (one square north) and fire a shot at the green zombie to help protect their new "friend".
Orc Hornbow Attack vs. Undead w/PBS & Rapid: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (13) + 14 = 27
Orc Hornbow Damage vs. Undead w/PBS: 4d6 + 11 ⇒ (4, 3, 2, 5) + 11 = 25
Orc Hornbow Attack vs. Undead w/PBS & Rapid: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (1) + 14 = 15
Orc Hornbow Damage vs. Undead w/PBS: 4d6 + 11 ⇒ (4, 2, 3, 3) + 11 = 23
GM Spazmodeus |
Teos levels a mighty blow against his ghoul, but whether by happenstance or design, it rolls with the strike preventing a killing stroke!
Two arrows flash from Vash's powerful bow....and two ghouls fall to the dusty ground, having found their final resting place.
Aioke attack: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28
Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (3) + 2 + (2, 4) = 11
Bereft of an opponent, Aioke moves up beside Nimaethep and strike out a the ghoul there with his dagger... hitting it solidly, but not enough to fell it!
Order of Combat
Nimaethep
Ghouls
Teos
Vash
Alabaster
Aioke
Harmini
Harmini is up! Also, need that DC 12 Fort save or suffer paralysis from Harmini!
Nimaethep |
Nimaethep could not protect both Aioke and Harmini at the same time, so she had to make a choice. With a deft step, she positioned herself beside Harmini, unleashing a flurry of strikes against her assailant.
Flurry 1 (crane style): 1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 6 - 2 = 17
Damage(b): 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Flurry 2 (crane style): 1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 6 - 2 = 10
Damage(b): 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
5' step, flurry of blows with crane style on red
GM Spazmodeus |
Nimaethep, that will have been more than a 5' move, so you'll provoke an AoO from red...
Yellow Ghoul AoO Bite vs Nimaethep: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Orange Ghoul AoO Bite vs Nimaethep: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
Orange Ghoul AoO Claw vs Nimaethep: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Orange Ghoul AoO Claw vs Nimaethep: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
Red Ghoul AoO Claw vs Nimaethep: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Red Ghoul AoO Claw vs Nimaethep: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Red Ghoul AoO Claw vs Nimaethep: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Yellow AoO Claw vs Nimaethep: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Yellow AoO Claw vs Nimaethep: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Yellow AoO Claw vs Nimaethep: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Yellow Claw Damage vs Aioke: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Yellow Claw Damage vs Aioke: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Nimaethep feels the snap of a ghoul's jaws at her back as she goes to Harmini's aid, but no blow lands...
She land's two powerful blows against the ghoul that was just about to rend poor Harmini to pieces!
It turns to the new threat and attacks in concert with the other nearby ghoul, but neither is able to lay claw or tooth on the elusive catfolk!
A bit further away, the other remaining ghoul snarls and slashes at Aioke, striking the Dark Caller twice with its filthy clawed hands. After the second strike, Aioke grunts and falls on his side, immobile.
Order of Combat
Nimaethep
Ghouls
Teos
Vash
Aioke (paralyzed...3 more rounds)
Harmini (paralyzed...2 more rounds)
Teos is up!
Vash Tirabade |
Moving to where he has a clear shot at all three ghouls, Vash wishes he had some kind of magic to make his shot pierce through multiple enemies at once. Still, though, he has at least the one shot. Taking aim at the nearest active ghoul in the line, Vash looses an arrow from his magic bow.
Attack with Hornbow and Point Blank: 1d20 + 15 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 15 + 1 = 18
Damage with Bane and Point Blank: 4d6 + 11 ⇒ (4, 6, 5, 4) + 11 = 30
Nimaethep |
Sensing Teos stepping up beside her, Nimaethep felt more confidant about the situation as she now had someone to share some of the burden of protecting the afflicted.
She turned her full attention to the ghoul threatening Harmini:
Flurry 1 (crane style): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
damage (b): 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Flurry 2 (crane style): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
damage (b): 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Perhaps she was a little too relaxed? Though there was significant power behind her strikes, they were slow and clumsy.
Erg, those rolls. AC23 for the round. If Teos is attacked, Nimaethep will use defensive aid as an immediate action to give him +4 AC against the first attack
GM Spazmodeus |
The remaining ghoul, had it still been living , might have fled the situation it was in ,but it's lust for the flesh of the living drove it to remain!
It spins on Nimaethep, lunging to bite and claw her...
Ghoul bite vs Nimaethep AC 23: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Ghoul claw vs Nimaethep AC 23: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Ghoul claw vs Nimaethep AC 23: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
...but the nimble monk easily avoids its blows.
Order of Combat
Nimaethep
Ghouls
Teos
Vash
Aioke (paralyzed...2 more rounds)
Harmini (paralyzed...1 more rounds)
Teos is up!
Vash Tirabade |
Stepping a bit closer, Vash unloads on the last ghoul with a pair of arrows, just in case Teos needs help taking it down.
Undead Bane Bow with PBS & Rapid: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (9) + 14 = 23
Undead Bane Bow damage with PBS: 4d6 + 11 ⇒ (6, 1, 4, 5) + 11 = 27
Undead Bane Bow with PBS & Rapid: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (10) + 14 = 24
Undead Bane Bow damage with PBS: 4d6 + 11 ⇒ (2, 5, 3, 5) + 11 = 26
GM Spazmodeus |
Teos' crystalline sword cuts deep into the last standing ghoul's torso, spilling it's corrupted innards out onto the sun baked dust, where they shriveled into inconspicuous pebbles. The ghoul, not quite realizing that it's second death was upon it, continued to grasp feebly with it's claws until crumbling to the ground as well.
Vash about to release another volley, releases the tension on his bowstring, his arrows unsent.
Just as suddenly as the violent episode had started , it is over....silence reigns once more in this part of the Necropolis, disturbed only by the occasional gust of dry wind.
After 20-30 seconds, both Harmini and Aioke take deep breaths as the paralysis leaves their bodies, both of them shaking out their limb as nerves come back to live.
Harmini Wakestep |
Harmini stretches out her limbs as she regains her mobility.
"Not exactly how I'd choose to keep my hair in place but I'm glad that it ended as quickly as it began. Thank you all for your swift efforts."
She draws out a wand from her wrist sheath and lightly taps its magic upon Teos. After a short pause for some consideration, she also heals the Dark Caller.
"Well, this Aioke character is clearly no friend of the undead at least."
Wand of CLW CL1 on Teos: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Wand of CLW CL1 on Aioke: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Vash Tirabade |
Smiling at Harmini’s joke, Vash says, ”Good work. Shall we get out of the open and keep moving?”. The Half-Orc ranger gestures to Aioke, indicating he should continue to lead the way.
GM Spazmodeus |
Aioke nods his thanks to Harmini as she passes her wand over his injuries ,then takes out the map and seems to re-orient himself.
Looking at each of you ,he sees Vash's gesture, nods and heads back out into the Necropolis.
Slowly, he leads you a circuitous route, seemingly more careful after the encounter with the ghouls; pausing for long moments before edging along the sides of plazas and squares, gazing down side streets longer , perhaps, than was necessary.
Finally, he stops at the entrance to a walled estate, consults his map again and nods vigorously , pointing into the estate, past the ruined gate.
High on one of the pillars that once supported a grand gate, an emblem is carved into the stone, still visible after so many years : The family name of ASETITI. This is indeed the villa that Ptemenib mentioned; where the Xotl dwell...
Vash Tirabade |
Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12
Sigh...
Nimaethep |
As the melee wound to a close, Nimaethep took a moment to kneel beside the piles of dust and bone and give a short prayer. Though she would have liked to inter the remains properly, Vash was right. It would be best if the group kept moving. As dangerous as the Necropolis was during the day, it would only get worse at night.
perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24
As they approached the ruined gates, Nimaethep quietly pointed up to the emblem "We are here." She turned to Harmini "Do you have another of those spells in case there is a similar problem communicating with the Xotl?"
Harmini Wakestep |
Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
This seems such a waste of time letting this foul creature lead us in circles. I can't imagine that we're anywhere but lost. I swear we've passed this same ruined gate at least three times. We really should focus on finding those compasses.
Preoccupied with her own thoughts, Harmini drew herself back into the moment to answer Nima's question.
"What was that, my dear? No, I'm afraid not. No matter. I highly doubt the Xotl will be able to offer us any information worth trying to understand."
Vash Tirabade |
Vash nods and replies, "Yes, Aioke. Xotl," and he starts into the estate.
GM Spazmodeus |
Aioke nods again vigorously, and enters the estate with Vash. You see a larger central building, surrounded by a number of smaller outbuildings.
From the dust filled fountains and ornamental ponds, the ASETITI family must have been quite wealthy at the time they lost their home.
From the shadows of one of the outbuildings, three short figures emerge. They look distinctly like miniature versions of Aioke.
At their appearance, Aioke calls out, "Xotl! ମୁଁ ଆଇଓକେ! ୱାରେନ୍ ନକିଲିନିଟିରୁ! ମୁଁ Xotl କୁ ଖୋଜୁଛି ..."
The three smaller individuals immediately stop, as if they couldn't believe their eyes or ears!
They rush forward until they are dwarfed by the tall Dark Caller, grabbing his hands and placing them on their heads, keeping up a constant chatter and patter in Undercommon.
For a moment or two ,they completely ignore the fact that Aioke was not alone.
One of them steps away from Aioke, gives the four of you a look and asks in a heavy accent "What do you want?"
A brusque comment from Aioke, and the dark folk nods "You helped Dark Caller....this is good."
These small creatures are Dark Creepers....the dregs of the dark folk hierarchy. heir flesh is pale and moist, and their eyes are milky white. Dark creepers exude a foul stench of sweat and spoiled food, owing primarily to the fact that they never take off their clothing—instead piling on new layers when the outermost one grows too ragged.
Harmini Wakestep |
Knowledge Dungeoneering: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
What is that smell!? Ugh. Creepers. I should've known this was coming.
Harmini tries to hold back her apparent disgust upon seeing the three filthy little scamps. Instead she retreats behind Teos and issues a command to her loyal familiar in their private shared language.
"Alabaster! Some help please."
Alabaster casts Prestidigitation.
Alabaster's central blue gem glows faintly and the air surrounding Harmini fills with the subtle scent of jasmine. Breathing a sigh of olfactory relief, she whispers to Teos in the riddling language of the sphinx.
Teos of An |
Teos is somewhat startled to hear Harmini speak the language of the Sphinx, but listens to what she says and nods his agreement.
"I agree...these smelly beasts have a foul feel to them...and not just that horrid stench. Let us get what we need and be away as quickly as possible."
He looks around the estate and at the diminutive creatures and slightly shutters.
"Let's get what we need from these creatures and get out of here as quickly as possible...I do not totally trust them!"
Vash Tirabade |
"We seek an audience with Unwrapped Harmony, the leader of the Xotl, in the hopes that we can aid each other in putting down this undead menace that has infested the Necropolis," responds Vash.
Dungeoneering: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
Vash Tirabade |
"We rescued a priest named Ptemenib from the clutches of Ekram and her minions of the Silver Chain. It was he who spoke of the Xotl and your leader, Unwrapped Harmony, suggesting you might have information on the nature of the outbreak of undead," answers Vash.
"We have also gleaned information from other sources about undead-detecting devices called Elegiac Compasses and a cult of atheist lamias called the Amushet who might be behind the uprising, but we have not yet investigated those leads," he adds.
GM Spazmodeus |
The dark creeper follows along with what Vash was saying, then when finished says simply, "Ptemenib...good. Silver Chain...bad. Amushet...bad."
He then smiles, a mouth full of black, mostly broken teeth, "Wait....go talk to Unwrapped Harmony..."
He then mutters something to the other two dark creeper , then turns and hustles back towards the main building.
Nimaethep |
Nimaethep tried to hide her discomfort at the odour of the small creatures. She didn't know anything about their kind but the interaction between the Aioke and what she assumed were the Xotl seemed almost heartwarming in a strange way.
She smiled and followed their malodorous hosts, though wishing she had whatever magic Harmini just used to alleviate the olfactory distress.
Nimaethep |
Nimaethep was a little shocked by both the nature of the command and the forcefulness with which it was delivered.
"May I as why I am to be excluded from this meeting?"
Vash Tirabade |
Calling to her from behind, Vash says, "I think they want all of us to wait here, Nimaethep, while they go to speak with their leader."