Motteditor's Strange Aeons PBP (Inactive)

Game Master motteditor

Starflit nods and does as Kyffin bid her.

Rows of cell doors, each fit with a small barred window, ring the outer edges of this room, except to the south where a corridor leads away from the area to a door barred with a piece of iron.

"Wow, this dungeon looks like some sort of dungeon. I wonder if this place also has a starting corner, because if there is one, that's where we should start. Always start at the starting corner," Tristain says confidently as he looks around for a good starting corner, or other things of interest, or dangerous things that will get the party killed, like attractive women.

1d20 + 20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 20 + 2 = 37 Perception

Lol! "...or dangerous things that will get the party killed, like attractive women." Lol!

Looking incredulously at Tristain, "'Starting corner'? What in the Nine Hells are you talking about?" Realizing quickly what he just did there, "You know what, never mind. I don't want to know."

Lothan keeps an eye out as well.

Perception: 1d20 + 35 ⇒ (7) + 35 = 42

"We can't just leave people to be drained, though it does look like nothing could still be alive in here." Al carefully peers into the cells looking for signs of life, or former life.

As you begin to look around the room, a grinning spectre with mad eyes and blood-red hands that twitch and jerk like a puppeteer's suddenly rises out of the floor next to Al. It reaches out to him and starts sliding into his body. Need a DC 26 Will save from Al, or he's possessed by the creature.

1d5 ⇒ 1

Party is up. Combat map is updated; remember they're 10-foot squares.

1d20 + 27 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 27 + 2 = 34 Know (Religion) DRs? SR?

Tristain looks at the abomination with abject horror, then turns his head from Lothan and looks at the undead creature and tries to identify it.

It's incorporeal and undead, so is immune to all nonmagical attack forms, and takes less damage from material weapons and spells, among other things. Beyond that, it resists all but good-aligned damage. It also resists spells, and even channels.

Kyffin waits for Al or Lothan to shift so he can get to the front. He hopes Al is OK...

I deleted a post I started 6-1/2 hours ago during my lunch break (but never Submitted) and now see that my action would've been futile. I'll try to get up a replacement post later tonight.

DC 26 Will save: 1d20 + 18 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 18 + 4 = 35

Al shudders as the undead creatures slides up to him, but he's able to resist the unwanted advances. "Back to the grave you foul thing!" With rightousness Al smites the creature.

curve blade, smite, power attack, focus: 1d20 + 22 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 22 + 5 = 39
damage: 1d10 + 5 + 30 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 5 + 30 + 12 = 55

Aura of Faith, if you're within 10' of Al your attacks are Good Aligned
AC: 30

Getting the gist of what the dybbuk is trying to do, the inquisitor gets closer to the party and casts a protection from evil, communal spell on herself and her friends. Lothan, too. "I can align your bow to deal good-aligned damage," she tells the archer.

Not convinced this will work against possession, but at least everyone will get the AC and saving throw bonuses.

Tristain looks at the abomination with abject horror, then turns his head from Lothan and looks at the undead creature and tries to identify it.

LOL!!! Oh man! I can't stop laughing on this one! LOL! Good one! :D

Getting the gist of what the dybbuk is trying to do, the inquisitor gets closer to the party and casts a protection from evil, communal spell on herself and her friends. Lothan, too.

LOL!!! Another good one! Oh my gosh, you people are killing me over here. Man, those are some good ones. :D

"Whoa-ho-ho-ho-ho! I don't want that thing sliding into me! Back it up. Back it up. Baaaack it up." Just as Lothan is about to withdraw...

"I can align your bow to deal good-aligned damage," she tells the archer.

Nodding, "I'll take it! Whatever it takes to kill this thing. Well, kill it again I mean."

Withdraw into the square where the back of the letter "B" is.

'Flit gives Lothan a nod.

Next round.

Good thing we all have a good and fun sense of humor and character. +1 to everyone, even Kyffin.

Round 1

Tristain backs away from undead, rattling off what he thinks might work best against it. For his own attack, he offers a simple set of magic missiles, trying to help whittle it down..

5d4 + 4 ⇒ (1, 1, 2, 2, 3) + 4 = 13 force damage
1d20 + 15 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 15 + 4 = 33 SR

Kyffin 5’ steps into the space made available by Lothan. He swiftly blesses his scimitar (sacred +3), and swings for the rafters!

Scimitar: 1d20 + 18 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 18 + 7 = 29 (bull, sacred, hero)
damage: 2d6 + 18 + 5 ⇒ (6, 5) + 18 + 5 = 34 (bull, sacred)

Scimitar: 1d20 + 13 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 13 + 7 = 36 (bull, sacred, hero)
damage: 2d6 + 18 + 5 ⇒ (5, 5) + 18 + 5 = 33 (bull, sacred)
critthreat Scimitar: 1d20 + 13 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 13 + 11 = 26 (bull, sacred, hero, crit)
damage: 2d6 + 18 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (2, 5) + 18 + 5 + 2 = 32 (bull, sacred, 2hp fire)

Scimitar: 1d20 + 8 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 8 + 7 = 27 (bull, sacred, hero)
damage: 2d6 + 18 + 5 ⇒ (6, 1) + 18 + 5 = 30 (bull, sacred)

Lothan and Tristain retreat, with the latter unleashing a force barrage of magic missiles at the dybbuk. Al and Kyffin meanwhile close in on the enemy, cutting furiously into its incorporeal flesh.

As Al resists the creature's attempt to possess him, Starflit makes sure he can't try against anyone else. He lets out a scream and reaches out to touch Al again, this time wracking him with pain instead of trying to take over his body. 21 hp

Party is up.

”Stop that you fiend!” Kyffin shouts as Al is touched. He digs in again, swiftly ensorcelling his blade (+3 sacred). He continues to press his attack.

Scimitar: 1d20 + 18 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 18 + 7 = 40 (bull, sacred, hero)
damage: 2d6 + 18 + 5 ⇒ (1, 3) + 18 + 5 = 27 (bull, sacred)

Scimitar: 1d20 + 13 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 13 + 7 = 32 (bull, sacred, hero)
damage: 2d6 + 18 + 5 ⇒ (2, 5) + 18 + 5 = 30 (bull, sacred)

Scimitar: 1d20 + 8 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 8 + 7 = 35 (bull, sacred, hero)
damage: 2d6 + 18 + 5 ⇒ (5, 3) + 18 + 5 = 31 (bull, sacred)

I'm not using a ghost touch blade, so no crits for me!

Starflit takes a few moments to cast align weapon (Good) on Lothan's bow. "Have at it!" she adds with a grin.

I'll probably also have her either use some judgments or greater bane, but I'm pretty busy tonight so that part of Starflit's turn might have to wait 'til tomorrow morning.

Al slashes away at the creature hoping to end the threat quickly.

curve blade, smite, power attack, focus: 1d20 + 22 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 22 + 5 = 36
Damage: 1d10 + 5 + 15 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 15 + 12 = 34

curve blade, smite, power attack, focus: 1d20 + 22 + 5 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 22 + 5 - 4 = 30
Damage: 1d10 + 5 + 15 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 15 + 12 = 36

curve blade, smite, power attack, focus: 1d20 + 22 + 5 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 22 + 5 - 4 = 39
Damage: 1d10 + 5 + 15 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 5 + 15 + 12 = 39

crit with smite?

curve blade, smite, power attack, focus: 1d20 + 22 + 5 - 4 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 22 + 5 - 4 + 4 = 29
Damage: 1d10 + 5 + 15 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 15 + 12 = 35

"Thanks, Butterfly!" Lothan quickly takes aim and releases a barrage of arrows at the undead creature that's trying to get freaky with Al. "Die! Die! Die! Die!" he says after every shot.

Studied target +4/Rapid shot/Deadly Aim/Haste/Align Weapon(Good)
+2 Adaptive composite longbow: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (3) + 24 = 27
Damage: 1d8 + 17 ⇒ (3) + 17 = 20

(Rapid Shot)+2 Adaptive composite longbow: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (16) + 24 = 40
Damage: 1d8 + 17 ⇒ (2) + 17 = 19

+2 Adaptive composite longbow: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (12) + 19 = 31
Damage: 1d8 + 17 ⇒ (4) + 17 = 21

+2 Adaptive composite longbow: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (8) + 14 = 22
Damage: 1d8 + 17 ⇒ (6) + 17 = 23

AC 29; 138/142

Tristain moves back and takes total defense, thinking that the bowyers and slashers have this covered.

The party -- minus Tristain, who appears to have some sense of fairness in the five-against-one fight -- continues its assault on the poor undead. It barely withstands the assault, and with its last, undying breath, reaches out to touch Kyffin once more before you overwhelm it with blade and bow. 28 more hp to Kyffin

A search of the area reveals a vibrant purple prism ioun stone wedged in a crack in the masonry along one wall of one of the cells. It currently contains no spells.

You also hear a a wordless, tortured cry followed by clapping coming from inside the pit. When you shine a light down the hole, you see a human man who matches the description of Erich Zann!

1d2 ⇒ 1
1d20 + 25 ⇒ (16) + 25 = 41
7d6 ⇒ (4, 6, 6, 4, 5, 2, 1) = 28
D: 174

Kyffin calls upon a blessing for fast healing 3 (1minute) to heal his injuries. He offers the same to Al who was also wounded in the fight (30hp healing Al, then feel free to top up with the wand of CLW).

”Hey, hey, you there! Wanna be freed?” he chuckles as he looks around for keys, or some ready way to open the door to the prisoner.

The man nods furiously.

Tristain will fiddle-faddle with the ioun stone, but ultimately thinks it might be more useful on another, say an totally normal human or something. He can place spells in it for others, if they desire.

"Who are you?" Tristain asks the man, trying to confirm things.

He will cast Detect Magic as he looks around and waits for the man to be freed. "Where are the keys?"

Starflit kneels down, all the better to dig a long coil of slim rope out of her magical haversack. One end she tosses down the pit; the other she offers to Al and Kyffin to help her pull up the captive.

Woo hoo! Got to use 'Flit's silk rope! My characters never seem to carry rope!

With Starflit's rope and Kyffin's strength, you're able to pull the bard out from the pit. "Thank you," he says. "I was sure these foul undead were going to devour me!"

As you talk, Erich says he requires a stringed instrument to use his full abilities. He knows he had one once, but where it is now is a mystery -- Avaric gave him a potion that did something to his memory, though it's slowly returning. "Please," he pleads, "help me find it!"

"A stringed instrument you say? Hrm. Haven't seen one of those yet. They might have kept it close though, so let's take a look while we can."

Kyffin presses on, after providing food/drink/healing as needed.

When ready, he'll exit the cells and head east of B18 on the map, is spinning ioun stone providing light as needed.

”Do you sing as well? Or just play?” Tristain asks the bardic person. ”What is your musical skill set?”

Tristain ponders, and then continues.

”Not sure I’ve seen or heard much musical talent expressed in our party, but if you’re into high-pitched screams of unending pain mixed with the tang of deserved comeuppance, we might have someone for you to partner with.”

”Also, you can borrow my earplugs if you need to maintain your sanity during any practice sessions.”

"I'm sure we can find you a stringed instrument, we also need to get the count's daughter and get out of here quickly. Here, use this hat to disguise yourself, no one needs to know you're free from the cells." Al lets the bard use his hat of disguise to help their escape plan.

”Do you sing as well? Or just play?” Tristain asks the bardic person. ”What is your musical skill set?”

Tristain ponders, and then continues.

”Not sure I’ve seen or heard much musical talent expressed in our party, but if you’re into high-pitched screams of unending pain mixed with the tang of deserved comeuppance, we might have someone for you to partner with.”

”Also, you can borrow my earplugs if you need to maintain your sanity during any practice sessions.”

LOL!

Lothan looks over at Tristain through narrowed eyes, pondering his words. He then moves his eyes from one party member to the other, wondering which one it was with the high-pitched screams. Hm. Must've been before I met up with them. Sheesh. Whoever it was... what a wimp, he thinks to himself, cracking a slight, cocky smile.

Starflit does her best to ignore the interplay between the two frenemies, Tristain and Lothan. "If you men will watch over me a bit, I'll try to see if I can discern any clues as to our new friend's stringed weapon and other lost equipment."

Casting ears of the city, the inquisitor tries to tap into past visitors to this dungeon, including maybe the lost memories of the newly freed bard. Opening her senses to this place's past, 'Flit tries to coax some answers from the dungeon's past.

3 Main Questions:
1. Is there a stringed instrument nearby that Erich can use?
2. Is his other equipment located nearby...or where was it stored?
3. Are there any other secret passageways out of this level of the manor?

I decided I'm going to skip a lot of this part of the dungeon. It doesn't feel like it really adds much to the story...

After exploring the rest of the basement, you head back upstairs, the bard in tow. Unfortunately, when you emerge, you realize both doors into the storage room are open -- and Lord Avaric and two guards are waiting for you!

"Alas, I hoped to offer you my hospitality, but it seems you would abuse it!" the lord of the manor says, rapier held up in an en-garde position.

Al, Lothan and Starflit are up. Note that there's a wall between most of you and Avaric and one of the guards, so you'll need to move if you want to target them. (That said, it's Thanksgiving week and my folks are visiting, so I don't know how much I'll get to post.)

Starflit moves to the open doorway to the south--the better to get a quick glimpse of the positioning of Avaric and his guard--momentarily leaving the guard to the east for Kyffin to deal with. "We would never!" she protests...an instant before calling a flame strike upon their host and his nearby guard.

Starflit flame strike damage (half fire, half divine): 15d6 ⇒ (6, 2, 4, 3, 2, 3, 3, 4, 5, 3, 4, 1, 2, 3, 1) = 46 (Ref DC 20 half)

Starflit CL Check (if needed): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (12) + 15 = 27

Rolling his eyes, "Great. Now we have to deal with vampire king guy. Gonna need some space, folks." Lothan waits for the others to act before moving to get a clear shot.

Delay.

There's no place for him to go right now. No way he's walking into that room and then be face to face with that dude. That's a suicide trip for Lothan. Been down that road! :P

"It's simply a misunderstanding, we would never abuse your hospitality..." Al's words echo Starflit's for a moment, then a giant column of flame scorches the lord. "Well, guess that goose is cooked." Al gives up on diplomacy and smites the corrupt lord. "Have it your way you kidnapping rat!"

curve blade, power attack, smite: 1d20 + 22 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 22 + 5 = 37
Damage: 1d10 + 5 + 12 + 30 ⇒ (5) + 5 + 12 + 30 = 52

Lothan's delay action when it comes up

As soon as Kyffin moves to engage in combat, Lothan takes his place. With at least Starflit and Albert handling the overlord, he fires at the guard in the east room.

Move(10') right next to the East door and fire at the teal guard

Studied target +4/PBS/DA
+2 Adaptive composite longbow: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (12) + 26 = 38
Damage: 1d8 + 17 ⇒ (2) + 17 = 19

AC 29; Hp's 142/142

Al and Starflit move in to attack as Lothan waits for a clear angle. Al's blade hits -- but only barely, as Avaric clearly proves to be a skilled combatant, though the cut guided by Al's deity proves deep indeed -- and both vampires move supernaturally quick in avoiding the worst of Starflit's magic.

Avaric immediately begins to heal as his gaze meets Al, who suddenly feels his mind start to muddle. "A fine cut. Hold a moment and we'll deal with you later," he says. Al takes a -3 to Will saves, attack rolls, DCs of spells and spell-like abilities, then must succeed at a DC 22 Will save vs. hold person

The two vampire guards move in to attack Al and Kyffin. Kyffin's foe merely dents his armor, but Al takes a glancing blow as he staggers under Avaric's mental assault. It doesn't seem to hurt him badly at first, but he can feel the vampire drain his energy, healing herself at the same time! 6 hp, plus TWO negative levels! Maybe it's a worse blow than he thought! Need a DC 24 Will save or be stunned for 1 round

Party is up

Round 1

Tristain moves back and casts Haste on the party.

Tristain's Haste: Round 1/15. You feel an urgent need to bonk your head on a wall, this can be overcome by acting quickly and decisively. If you choose to act quickly and decisively, then get +1 to attx/reflex yadayadayada. Otherwise, choose to enjoy a nice wall bonk, which is also lovely.

Kyffin has an opponent (teal), so by gum he’s going to attack that opponent! He swiftly (with fervor) casts Divine Favor (+4 attacks/damage (luck)) and swings on his foe!

Scimitar: 1d20 + 18 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 18 + 9 = 47 (bull, favor, hero, haste)
damage: 2d6 + 18 + 6 ⇒ (2, 3) + 18 + 6 = 29 (bull, favor)
critthreat Scimitar: 1d20 + 18 + 13 ⇒ (11) + 18 + 13 = 42 (bull, favor, hero, haste, crit)
damage: 2d6 + 18 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (5, 4) + 18 + 6 + 2 = 35 (bull, favor, 2hp fire)

Scimitar: 1d20 + 13 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 13 + 9 = 26 (bull, favor, hero, haste)
damage: 2d6 + 18 + 6 ⇒ (4, 2) + 18 + 6 = 30 (bull, favor)

Scimitar: 1d20 + 8 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 8 + 9 = 37 (bull, favor, hero, haste)
damage: 2d6 + 18 + 6 ⇒ (2, 1) + 18 + 6 = 27 (bull, favor)
critthreat Scimitar: 1d20 + 8 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 8 + 13 = 30 (bull, favor, hero, haste, crit)
damage: 2d6 + 18 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (1, 1) + 18 + 6 + 2 = 28 (bull, favor, 2hp fire)

hasted Scimitar: 1d20 + 18 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 18 + 9 = 47 (bull, favor, hero, haste)
damage: 2d6 + 18 + 6 ⇒ (6, 5) + 18 + 6 = 35 (bull, favor)
critthreat hasted Scimitar: 1d20 + 18 + 13 ⇒ (10) + 18 + 13 = 41 (bull, favor, hero, haste, crit)
damage: 2d6 + 18 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (6, 1) + 18 + 6 + 2 = 33 (bull, favor, 2hp fire)

That's too many 20s!!!

Sorry for the delay--not sure what to do. I'll try to post early tomorrow.

Starflit considers her options before invoking the Purity and Smiting judgments for this confrontation. Next, she casts judgment light, offering her allies (and herself) some boons in the battle ahead.

Judgment Light Effects:
Purity: White light erupts from the caster, allowing each ally within a 30-foot burst to attempt a saving throw against a single effect that allows a saving throw with a +2 sacred bonus on the roll.
Smiting: Silver light erupts from the caster, making allies’ weapons within the burst count as magic, the alignment her weapon is, and adamantine for purposes of overcoming damage reduction for 1 round per caster level.

I'll try to get her combat spoiler posted shortly; it's like writing and then editing a novel!

DC 22 Will save: 1d20 + 18 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 18 + 2 = 29

DC 24 Will save: 1d20 + 18 - 3 ⇒ (5) + 18 - 3 = 20

Al shrugs off the first attack, but the second scratch leaves him stunned.

sorry for the delay, just finished a move and ended up out of contact a few more days than expected

As Lothan seems to be just delaying, I'd say that's the round!

Yep. Delay. Plus, I still think it's dead. If not, it's REALLY close to it.

Kyffin slaughters the nearest guard, as Al is stunned and unable to react to Alvaric's attempts to slaughter him. With the way blocked, Tristain and Starflit try to aid magically, but they may need to find another way to engage in the battle.

The second vampire steps back and casts a spell, and a ball of fire explodes, catching everyone but Tristain. 24 HP, DC 21 Reflex for half Avaric, seeing Al is stunned, carefully casts a spell of his own, and tries to magically paralyze the paladin. DC 22 Will save vs. hold monster!

Party is up!

Reflex: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 12 + 2 = 21 vs DC 21 for 12hp damage

Kyffin shakes off the flames as best he can - trying to ignore the smell of burnt warpriest. He swiftly blesses his armor (sacred armor +3). But he can’t just stand there, so he air walks above Al (5’ up) and attacks black!

Scimitar: 1d20 + 18 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 18 + 10 = 41 (bull, favor, hero, haste, higher)
damage: 2d6 + 18 + 6 ⇒ (3, 1) + 18 + 6 = 28 (bull, favor)

Lothan tries to juke and move but finds himself going nowhere and burning ever so brightly.

Delay still

Hp's 97/97

Round 2

Tristain watches Lothan standing around, not sticking anything into anything, and wonders if this inaction is what lead to some disappointment in his intended partner, which, in turn, lead to a lot of the screaming and bleeding and whatnot. Moving into B6 and opening the south door if it's not open.

Determined not to make that mistake, Tristain double moves to try to find a way to help.

Tristain's Haste: Round 2/15. You feel an urgent need to bonk your head on a wall, this can be overcome by acting quickly and decisively. If you choose to act quickly and decisively, then get +1 to attx/reflex yadayadayada. Otherwise, choose to enjoy a nice wall bonk, which is also lovely.