Mists of Mwangi: PFS PbP by Curaigh (Inactive)

Game Master Curaigh

"I'll take these men to the entrance's safety and meet you there.

"I believe we all need to work back in that direction to reach the hall we have not yet explored. Let's stay together as we go. I fear monkeyshines are afoot."

And I fear much worse... Julian will consume his extracts of enlarge person, and shield, also his strength Mutagen, Before these take effect know that you will no longer be dealing with my calm mind, you will be dealing with the beast that lies with in. With that he grows, his muscles growing in size right before your eyes. He takes a moment and breaths in the mists.

Current stats:
STR 23, DEX 11, INT 13, AC 19
attacks unarmed +6 damage 1d3+6
plus mists if applicable

The large creature known as Maul takes the front demanding Everybody Move! As he pushes his way to the fore front.

What about them? Wait, I might know how to... Saldek's words trail off as he begins rooting through the stacks of papers. "No. It would be better to use it on Nigel.' He pauses for a brief moment, If he's lost his wits too."

The other two scribes have been stabilized, but are not yet awake.

After hearing Saldek's story, it becomes obvious the Mwangi preserved in hot mud has dealt with the Tik Taan before. This is probably how he must have been able to fight off the call of the mists.

Inside the tube is a scroll with three spells on it. Nothing was missed on the scroll, but I need three spellcraft checks.

"Thanks Beckett...argh...I can't read this fiddly scribble! Anyone else?"

spellcraft: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (7) + 0 = 7
spellcraft: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (5) + 0 = 5
spellcraft: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (17) + 0 = 17

Looking a bit distraught, "I can't read them either. Tragic."
"I think we must needs direct Julian somewhere useful." So saying, Angruf directs the now hulking Julian toward the hall at the end of the long corridor, immediately opposite the entrance. Angruf also encourages Elwyn to guide the other survivors to safety out the doors of the main entrance.

I think that's the logical next unexplored area, right? I didn't recall seeing any connection from the store room to that last big room, without backtracking into the big long hallway.

Julian/Maul stands at the door huffing in every bit of anger and rage his 12' 08", 1640 lb form can sustain.

Ha! (in the annoyed sense) The one time I do not take Read Magic, I actually have need of it. . . Honestly, I can't think of another time off hand that I have actually used Read Magic to learn a Scroll, and I almost always take it for that reason, just in case.

Perception 1: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Perception 2: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Perception 3: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

HAH! Did the same thing as Beckett...accidentally rolled in the discussion thread!

Perception1: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
Perception2: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Perception3: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

If Notice Unusual Stonework applies to any of those add 2 to the roll.

I suspect our best chance at Spellcraft just hulked out, since the bard didn't make it.
"Salek, what do have to use on Nigel? The mists have left these two, they'll be clear headed again when they wake, though a bit sore."

Then he follows the even more giant and more impetuous Julian down the hall...

Who has the dagger?

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

Flutter wings of a butterfly! The door opens!

Once Julian sees the others coming he pushes his way into the room, almost tearing the doors from their hinges.

I'll assume Thovar has the dagger for now. Does anyone specifically want it? Say so if you do.

Mock vines cling to the wall of this grand exhibit hall, and huts of grass are strewn about the open area. At the center of this sprawling chamber, a great stone ziggurat rises out of the mist, almost scraping the 50-foot-high ceiling. At the top of the ziggurat, a rail thin elven gentleman is strapped to an altar, his bare chest painted with strange sigils and monkey paw-shaped blots of paint.

Dozens of monkeys, babboons, and apes beat around the base of the ziggaraut. Their shouting, screaming, banging, spitting and terrible cavorting raises a loud cacophony. Mists continue to move about the room, the thickest you have seen them so far.

Maul will beat his chest once and roar AARRGH then continue towards the puny elf.

Angruf carefully stows his crossbow. He checks that his balliset and tabor are well secured on his backpack. He draws and hefts his waraxe, and checks the edge."Such as shame about the Zoo's exhibits. Though we'll have some good eating tonight."

Toren's knees quiver for a moment...then he takes a deep breath...secures Tessa...and puts his shoulder into the tower shield. "Mayhaps yeh'd better let me an' Tessa lead the way."

The big man, looks down, 8' down at Toren, Me Maul, me big, me protect you. Puny Apes Julian then will make some headway to get the elf down from the Ziggarut.

if needed
climb: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (19) + 17 = 36

waiting on two things, I may not be able to post until Monday.

Because I will be busy today and tomorrow. I don't want to hold things up.

I'm on a 24 hour staff duty. I can occasionally read the threads, but might have issues posting (much) until Monday.

"That's a lot of monkeys."
Jak follows Maul towards the ziggurat, ready to fight, but not attacking unless attacked.

Not sure it'll help, but...
Know(Nature): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

Thovar shares all the information he learned from the papers with everyone. He also offers, "anyone else want to use this dagger?"

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

"Thovar, I'm thinking that the dagger should be used by a man of God to slay a demon. Why don't you hold onto it, while we hunt down the right place to make best use of it."

A moment of retcon: Thovar's search revealed scraps of Mwangi cloth
inscribed with strange writing. The cloth (made from beaten bark) is quite ancient, cataloged along with “Three Tik Taan Idols, courtesy of Lugizar Trantos.” The script on the cloth is easily translated by the blubbery Saldak. He is more than grateful and quite eager to repay the party for "saving my life" and offers what aid he can. He reveals the sheet contain not only a warning against the idols’ corrupting powers, but also a powerful chant that dispels their influence over men.

A bard with the countersong ability may speak the chant aloud (using countersong while doing so) to break the hold of the Tik Taan over
any listeners. When employed in this manner, the cloth is a reusable item, allowing a bard to use it as many times a day as he can countersong.

The writing may also be used as a break enchantment scroll.

"Right - new plan. Toren, Jak, back me up while I recite to the appreciative audience here. Thovar, Beckett, and Julian (Maul) get the elf, slay the demon, whatever. We'll be right behind you, simians permitting. Ready?"

Angruf puts up his axe, clears his throat, and moves purposefully into the room, wielding the delicate scrap of paper with earnest intent.

"Alright", Jak slows, staying in front of Angruf instead of following Maul into the crowd, "Do you think that'll work on the monkeys?

"It shall be done." as I cast Divine Favor.

A terrifying bellow breaks through the shrieks and crying of the lesser apes. The menagerie goes deathly silent and as if commanded the smaller creatures scatter to the walls. Maul swats at one of the retreating creatures and a baboon dies without so much as a whimper. A deep, rapid drumming comes from behind the ziggaraut, a sound large enough it could be echoing from the jungles of Mwangi itself.

Initiative please...
1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7, 1d20 ⇒ 5, 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Belatedly you notice one of the monkeys didn't flee with the others. Instead the cute little creature with a fuzzy white beard stares at Angruf with big brown eyes.
Angruf: if you actually used a one of your countersong, you have successfully freed a monkey. If not consider this a freebie to learn that the song can target only one of the mist's victims at a time. :)

Maul begins climbing the ziggaraut and notices the source of the thumping threat. Maul is probably first, but I have two actions from him. Attack the elf or slay the 'demon'...

Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13

Climbing the ziggurat maul spots the 'demon' and chooses to abandon saving the elf who doesn't have the strength to free himself hurdles towards the demon.

initiative: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (12) + 0 = 12

"It shall be done." as I cast Divine Favor.

Actually make that a Shield of Faith.

Init: 1d20 ⇒ 15

Gaining understanding that the ancient chant will not affect large numbers of the apes, Angruf stows the ancient writing and restores his axe. He moves forward with Toren and Jak, "Let's recover the elf. If nothing else, this ancient verse can drive the madness from the victim." So saying, Angruf pushes through the apes, up the pyramid toward the sacrificial victim. As he goes, he chants (though without quite his highest degree of inspiration,
"Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more
Or close the wall up with our dead.
In peace there's nothing so becomes a man
As modest stillness and humility.
But when the blast of war blows in our ears,
Then imitate the action of the tiger.
Stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood,
Disguise fair nature with hard-favour'd rage
And lend the eye a terrible aspect."

init: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20

Moved my icon to where he should have been :)

"Torag's smithy...what...are all these things doin' here?!"

Toren grits his teeth and sets Tessa down with a mighty thump.

Total Defense with a tower shield. I put a red line to indicate which side is the "solid wall", i.e. which side the shield is facing.

Initiative: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (18) - 1 = 17

The screaming and hollering of the monkeys begins to take on a rhythmic tone. Soon the room is echoing with the ritual banging.
Da Tun Da.
Da Tun Da.
Da Tun Da.

The beat continues to build until the loudest roar yet pierces the mist. The rapid beating of chest display caps the commotion.

Da Tun Ga.
Da Tun Ga.
Da Tun Ga.

Alpha group is up (Julien, Toren & Thovar)

due to the thick mist and the ziggaruat Da Tunga is only visible to Julien at the moment.

Should I use my actions from previous or would you like me to reroll?

either

I'll use the previous rolls

Maul swings around the ziggurat using arms more than walking. From its side he strikes at something with a large thud.
9+

Thovar moves forward, using Abadar's gift of agile feet to stride all the way up to the huge ape, and attacks it with the strange dagger!

Dagger attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
Dagger damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

The Total Defense was Toren's first round action.

"Julien...err...Maul...what's goin' on back there!?" Toren shouts over his shoulder as he tries to keep an eye on all the apes.

Thovar's dagger slips into the gorilla's side.
Beta group is up

MONKEYYY!!!

I'm just going to Double Move up a bit, trying to not get too close just yet, but setting up for later.

Angruf heads to the top of the ziggurat, and inspects the prisoner, to see if she's (he ?) possessed.

Jak moves up, following Thovar, trying to avoid the smaller monkeys
and howls in Rage as he strikes at the Gorilla.

Greataxe(Rage,Power Attack): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
damage: 1d10 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20

Jak slips under the giant ape's arms but fails to connect with the axe. The ape beats it chest in challenge and then beats on Maul, the biggest threat to his dominance. As it does its skin seems to gain a woody texture.

slam1: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6, dmg: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
slam2: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7, dmg: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
1d20 ⇒ 13

The screaming rises into a frenzy as the simian champion attacks, but the other monkeys make no moves toward any of the party.
Alpha group starts round 2
Angruf, please make a climb check (zigaraut is 45 feet high)