GM Dak - Mummy's Mask

Game Master Dakcenturi

Fitliss searches around the room, but doesn't find anything interesting. It looks like you are the first people to come into this chamber in millennia.

You guys are at an impasse here. No one has a rank in Disable Device. No one is strong enough to break the doors, and your weapons can't overcome that hardness. I see a few options.

• Backtrack and explore the rest of the tomb. Look for a key potentially. Then possibly explore one of the next few options.

• Go back and get a hireling. I'd say you could find someone with a DC 15 Diplomacy check to gather information in 1d4 hours, and they would charge 3 silver pieces per day.

• We can recruit another player to the campaign, and make sure that they choose Trap Finder as their trait or choose rogue (or some option that gets Disable Device, if not Trapfinding), or I can similarly make a DMPC of that nature to help you guys. I have an idea for the latter option, and we could implement it without returning to town.

• We can do a bit of ret-conning, and someone can trade out their campaign trait for Trap Finder and put a rank in Disable Device. This is probably the least appealing in terms of maintaining verisimilitude, but is probably the easiest to implement without interrupting the game, with the exception of a DMPC.

"It would be better to unlock the doors rather than break them, if possible."

"Start quoting Pharasma's holy text?" Fitliss suggests. "Maybe your high priestess has a way in if that doesn't work."

"I am not much for picking locks, My Goddess is about protection and I feel that if I were to purposely disable someones protection she might frown upon that."

Aliva will move to the centre the room and just take it all in, never seeing anything such as these great tombs before.

Who took the disable device trait?"

No one has disable device.

"I don't think we're getting through that door on our own. How about we go back over the place, and then go for help if we don't find anything."

Let's start by taking 20 on searching through the complex, depending on how long that takes.

Aliva's perception is +6 not 5, I noticed before but forgot to say something. To bad no one took that trait, I should have built Aliva a bit different.

"Do you think we missed something?" Aliva turns to Fits

Can't we take 20 on the Break DC? Fitliss with Str +2, some Aid Anothers for +6...? Selassie wouldn't like it very much but it seems to me like the more organic option.

Since Fitliss is small-sized he takes a -4 on Strength checks to break open doors. So he would be looking at a -2. He could get a total of +8 on aid another, but that wouldn't be enough, and honestly if I'm reading the description of the portable ram correctly, even with that only two people could actually participate (one doing the check and one aiding for an automatic +2, in addition to the +2 from the ram itself).

I'm just going to assume that you guys will head back like Fitliss suggested and explore the rooms you didn't already do.

The party moves back up the stairs, and then north back into the foyer, the room with the tapestry of Akhentepi's family and pedestals displaying the mummified cats. Fitliss and A'isha open the north doors to reveal another short set of steps and another pair of doors. Upon opening these doors, they reveal another chamber.

A brightly painted chariot sits in the center of this chamber. Beyond the chariot, a large canvas stretches between two stone columns. The skins of several animals-- antelope, great cats, and crocodiles-- now faded and deteriorated with age, are tacked to this canvas. A wooden chest, lacquered white and trimmed with gold inlay, sits in the southeast corner. In each corner of the room a small stone shield is molded into the masonry at shoulder height. An open hallway leads to the east.

The group begins to investigate the room.

Irakelesh Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
A'isha Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 19
Aliva Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
Fitliss Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 6
Selassie Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

The chest is locked. The small stone shields in each corner serve as torch holders.

Irakelesh Appraise: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
A'isha Appraise: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Aliva Appraise: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Fitliss Appraise: 1d20 ⇒ 10
Selassie Appraise: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Map, so far

You guys are in A6. The room that you couldn't pass is A12. The exit to the dungeon is the shaft in A3.

After closely inspecting the chest, Aliva turns to the group "I wouldn't touch the chest, might lose a finger or worse."

She will then move up to the Chariot, running a finger over the curves, not touching it though. Aliva rummages around in her pack again, lighting another torch and placing it in one of the holders.

As Pharasma's Seekers enter the chamber they can get a better look at the hallway and room to the east. Four funerary masks hang on one wall of this short hallway, staring down as if in judgement at any standing in the corridor.

Irakelesh Knowledge (religion) with inspiration: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 151d6 ⇒ 1
A'isha Knowledge (religion): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Aliva Knowledge (religion): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
Fitliss Knowledge (religion): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
Selassie Knowledge (religion): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

Irakelesh Appraise: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
A'isha Appraise: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18
Aliva Appraise: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
Fitliss Appraise: 1d20 ⇒ 10
Selassie Appraise: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20

In the chamber to the east you can see a rack on the east wall, upon which three shields are displayed, and several chests lie about the room.

Map

"Hey those masks are cool! I wonder how much they are worth?"

After inspecting the masks, Aliva turns to Fits "The local churches may want them."

Aliva will approach the chest in the North Eastern corner

looking for traps: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

As Aliva walks into the room, she notices movement from a table to the north, and there is a loud clang of metal against stone as something is knocked to the floor. There is a three-dimensional diorama occupying the table, depicting some battle between the city of Wati and an unknown enemy. Four of the dolls that make up the display, however, seem to have come to life, and are clambering off the table towards Aliva, seemingly to attack. They are about a foot tall and dressed like Ancient Osiriani warriors, but do not seem to have weapons.

A'isha goes first, then the dolls, then everyone else. I don't believe anyone has Knowledge (arcana) to identify the dolls.

Map

"Maybie we can open the chest with something that is not our fing-WHAT THE...!?", she jumps back, startled as the dolls start moving. "Well then..."

Blade already in hand, she moves to the corner in the next room, infuses her weapon with magic and attacks one of the dolls, ending her slash in a defensive high guard.

Move E, NE, N; Arcane Strike (swift), Attack+C.Exp (standard)
Attack: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18
Damage: 1d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 1 = 6

A'isha moves to attack, and delivers a slashing blow that cuts deeply into one of the dolls. They seem to be well-constructed however.

Lots of damage reduction and hardness in this joint. Only 1 out of the 6 damage went through, as these guys have hardness 5 (no way to overcome it short of adamantine), putting Doll 1 at 4/5 hit points. They do look flammable though.

The dolls open their animated mouths wide and seem to give wordless battlecrys as they scramble down off the table to attack, a couple of them leaping at A'isha, while the others head for Aliva.

A'isha and Aliva can each take an attack of opportunity, because, again, tiny sized creatures have no reach. 1 & 2 attack A'isha, 3 & 4 attack

Map

None of the dolls are able to cause any damage, for now at least, though not for lack of trying. The tiny figuirines seem out for blood.

Alive and A'isha get AoOs, then everyone else gets to take their turn, then it will be top of the order with A'isha again.

Aliva would be carrying her bow, I don't think I can drop it and draw my Battle Aspergillium in the same round and attack. I will defer to you Pen

Aliva lets her bow go down for the second time, unhooking her battle Aspergillium and swinging at the dolls.

Battle Aspergillium vs Doll 3: 1d20 ⇒ 161d6 ⇒ 3

"I should have not just walked in here like this."

That is correct, Aliva wouldn't get the AoO. And a 16 misses; you guys need at 18 to hit these little jerks.

Awesome, now all i need is a critical :p. Unless someone takes the time to light a torch and use it against them. Also, i believe I DO take damage from Doll 1, my AC with expertise is 16 against his 17.

"How can those little things not break with my attacks!?", she says, shocked, taking an opportune slash at one of the dolls as it shows an opening when moving in.

AoO: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21 Looking good :D
Confirmation: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15 Dang! Almost :(
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7 +1 if Arcane Strike is still working

I had lit a torch and it is hanging in the room behind us

Aliva backs up a step after missing the little doll, shouting back over her shoulder "We need some help, little wooden dolls? Someone bring that torch with them."

"I don't think I can get it any time soon!" Fitliss shouts. "Irakelesh, Selassie, one of you will have to get it!"

Turning his attention to the fight, Fitliss lets out an irritated huff, Can't anything be big enough to not crawl all over my friends? He readies his spear to thrust at one of the dolls should they become attackable without hurting his friends.

Selassie goes to grab the torch that Aliva lit, "Somebody better trained at hitting things should use this."

"Here, I'll take that but I'm sure I'm not any better with this than you are.". Irakelesh steps up to where Aliva is and swings at one of the dolls with the torch.

torch,inspiration(2pts): 1d20 + 1d6 ⇒ (13) + (2) = 15
If that's a hit, how do I roll damage for a torch?

Damage as a gauntlet of its size (1d3) + 1 fire if you hit.

Thanks!

damage: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 If the attack above hits

As the dolls leap off the table towards her, A'isha slashes one of them, cutting off half of the tiny figure's head.

Arcane Strike lasts one round, so it would still be up for AoOs. You deal 3 damage, putting it at 1/5 hp.

Aliva's attack with her aspergillium fails to connect, as the little dolls hop about at her feet.

Irakelesh rushes up, waving a torch that Selassie had handed him, but the dolls dodge his swing as well.

Fitliss can attack them even if they are in an ally's square with no fear of hitting his allies. After he goes, A'isha can go again, then the dolls will be up. And yes, A'isha did actually get hit by one of the dolls, for 2 damage. However, since Fitliss, if I remember correcly, never turned off life-link, at the start of his turn you are fully healed and he takes 2 damage.

Map

In that case can I roll two attacks, one for the readied attack?

Fitliss shifts back (just realized I was too close) and attacks the little dolls

Longspear: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 121d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 61d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 41d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Fitliss steps back and pokes at the dolls with his longspear, but to no avail.

Not sure where you are getting the other attack from, unless you are saying that is what you will do on round 2 as well. A'isha is up, then the dolls, then everyone else again.

Map

Sorry, I have trouble keeping track of the current round, I thought it was the next round already.

Ai'sha takes a step back towards Aliva, trying to open space for a more powerful swing. But the strike is too obvious and misses the dolls. She keeps her defensive stance.

"I. Hate. Urgh. Dolls!

5ft-step south, arcane strike, attack with expertise.
Attack: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

The dolls scramble to attack Aliva, slamming their little fists into her feet or trying to climb up her legs.

Only 1 of the 4 attacks hits, and Aliva takes 3 damage.

The other two dolls chase after A'isha, and similarly try to harass her.

One of the dolls manages to knock A'isha across the shin, dealing 1 damage. A'isha gets an attack of opportunity on the severely damaged doll. Everyone else can take their turns.

Map

Selassie moves up behind Ai'sha to bless her with a bit of fortune.

casting Guidance on Ai'sha

Fitliss stabs at whichever doll appears the most damaged.

Longspear: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 191d8 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Ai'sha once again attacks the doll as it show an oppening.
AoO: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15

A'isha is unable to make contact, but Fitliss waits for the right moment, and manages to skewer one of the dolls attacking A'isha. It ceases moving, and he tosses it aside.

Map

"Ai'sha, I thought girls liked to play with dolls. Are you not enjoying this?" Irakelesh quips while he swings the torch at the dolls around Aliva.

torch,inspiration: 1d20 + 1d6 ⇒ (15) + (4) = 19 on doll #3
damage: 1d3 ⇒ 1 +1 fire

Irakelesh manages to smack one of the dolls with his torch, singeing the clothing and hair on the doll.

Doll 3 takes 1 fire damage, and is at 4/5 hp.

Aliva steps away from the dolls, and realizing that her battle aspergillium is unlikely to do much to the dolls, she touches A'isha on the shoulder and mutters an incantation to Pharasma.

Aliva casts guidance on A'isha.

A'isha dances to one side and attacks with her scimitar once more.

The dolls once again rush forward, following A'isha and Aliva, who take swings as they approach.

Aliva is unable to turn the opportunity to her advantage, and one of the dolls manages to climb up and slam her in the mouth, bloodying her lip and sending a tooth flying.
Aliva takes 3 damage. She is at 4/10 hit points. Also a reminder that the 1 damage A'isha took last round should also have transferred to Fitliss, so he should I believe be at 7/10 and A'isha should be at full hp. Technically A'isha's turn happens before the dolls attack again, but nothing should change to I went ahead and wrote it up. A'isha is up, followed by everyone else. I went ahead and assumed that she will be 5-foot stepping again, and did it so that she is now in flanking with Selassie. Irakelesh and Aliva also provide each other a flank.

Map

Not too familiar with the reach rules, but I'd think Fitliss has flank on all of them. I'll leave out flanking bonuses for now though.

"I don't know Irakelesh, I think these guys are kind of cute, in a "I'm a little toy trying to kill you way," but I've heard plenty of horror stories about living dolls, apparently most people find them creepy," Fitliss says conversationally, going for the most wounded doll again. Just to help, closest in case of tie.

Longspear: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 71d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Both Selassie and Aliva used guidance, do i get two charges?

"I like some dolls, but not these creepy dolls!", she answers.

After Selassie touches her, Ai'sha takes a step to surround the dolls, enchanting her blade with magic and attacking with pharasma's guidance.

Arcane Strike, Attack with Expertise and spend Guidance]
Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18[ooc]+2 flanking
Damage: 1d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 2 + 1 = 9

She connects with a reverse-moulinet slash, feeling very satisfied about the strenght of her attack. "Yes, come and get me, stupid doll!", she delivers a second blow as the doll rushes to attack her.

Attack: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

And missteps, losing her balance for a second but recovering in time to dodge the incoming punch.

"Hah. Creepy. Yes!" Irakelesh swings the torch at the doll again #3. "But it is almost fun trying to smack these things with a torch."

torch: 1d20 ⇒ 5

Both Selassie and Aliva used guidance, do i get two charges?

Yes, that was my mistake, but it looks like if I'm reading the rules correctly there is nothing preventing having two guidance spells cast on yourself. So you still have it even after using it (at least for 9 more rounds or so).

A'isha manages to deliver another deft blow to her opponent, shearing nearly through the creature's painted wooden body. Irakelesh, try as he might, cannot seem to set the torch to the doll he is chasing.

Doll 2 takes 4 damage and is now at 1/5 hit points. To reiterate, doll 3 is at 4/5, and doll 4 is at full health.

Aliva shuffles through her bag, pulls out another torch, and begins to light it.

I believe that just puts up Selassie to close out round 2, then A'isha in round 3, then the bad guys (and subsequent attacks of opportunity). I don't believe the map has changed yet.

I think Ai'sha said she moved.

Once Aliva's torch is lit she will stand up beside Irakelesh brandishing her torch at the dolls.

"Milani protect me and my friends from these dolls and helps to make it out of here alive."

Selassie attempts to finish off the doll between her and Ai'sha with her mace.

attack roll: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
damage roll: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Selassie makes contact with one of the dolls but is unable to do any real damage.

I had A'isha 5 ft. step previously. It is now her turn, and then the bad guys.

"Maybie if you stop having fun you would actually hit those things!" she banters, going for slash paralel to the ground this time guided by Milani's power.

Same as usual
Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

The attack doesn't connect, but she has already anteciped this outcome and smoothly transitions into a defensive stance, ready to cut the doll if it keeps advancing.

I assume doll#2 will advance and give me another AoO, if not, just ignore this
AoO: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18
Damage: 1d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 1 = 7

Once again A'isha is unable to hit the creature on her first attack, but as it rushes towards her she cuts the doll in half.

A'isha finishes #2, leaving only #3 (4/5 hp) & #4 (5/5 hp).

Seemingly unfazed by the newly lit torch, the other two dolls move on Aliva once more, but are unable to hurt her.

Ok, you guys are up again.

Map

Looks like I get an attack of opportunity there.

Fitliss jabs at the retreating dolls as they move out of his reach, and then repositions and attacks again.

As always, focusing on the wounded one.

AoO: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 181d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Longspear: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 61d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Aliva will take a 5 foot step east, "Milani bless me with your divine defense and allow me to swiftly dispatch these foul dolls."

Casting Guidance, she will either use it on her next AoO or attack.

Yes, you do get an AoO, Fitliss, as do Irakelesh, Selassie and Aliva. Apologies for the oversight. So basically all of you get AoOs before your normal attacks.

With the dolls preoccupied with Aliva, Fitliss is able to poke his longspear in, and destroy another of the dolls, tossing it aside as he did the first one he killed.

Nice job, Fitliss! That leaves only doll #4, which is at full health. Selassie, Aliva, and Irakelesh can take their turns, keeping in mind that you all get attacks of opportunity before your actual attacks.

Map

Edit: Aliva, you get an AoO, but technically it is before you cast guidance on yourself.

Brandishing a torch in her hand Aliva lashes out with it at the vile dolls.

Torch AoO: 1d20 ⇒ 131d6 ⇒ 3

Torch On her turn: 1d20 ⇒ 181d6 ⇒ 2

both are +1 fire if they hit