One Step Beyond

Game Master Lemmy Z

I use the floating reroll from Cyrus' ability on the first attack...

Reroll: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (10) + 13 = 23

...and get 2 higher!

Brother Cyrus aids his allies' attacks on one of the skeletons with his Longspear.

Aid Another: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

And it wasn't very effective!

Frederick shrugs and moves around the skeletons to the stairs.

Jaazkara strikes put an end to the last two undead abominations, returning the skeletons to their natural state...

Frederick goes downstairs just in time to see the cloaked orc disappearing around the corner of the tilted spiral stairs. He hears the sound of a large door being slammed shut and notices a heavy-looking wooden box carelessly dropped on the steps of the spiral stairs.

The stairs are considered difficult terrain, but you can still get to the bottom in a single round using two move actions.

I'll update the Roll20 map with the area downstairs tomorrow.

You ran out of skeletons to beat... Unless you want to beat each others', that is... :P

As you investigate the spiral stairs in front of you, you find that a heavy wooden box has being hastily left behind on its steps...

The sound of a door being slammed shut is soon followed by angry shouts from the half-orc. The closer you get to the stone door downstairs, the colder it feels, though the air stays stagnant and fetid.

Frederick opens the door.

As the door opens, Frederick sees the cloaked orc talking angrily to another suspicious character... A man on his knees, bound in black chains. Ice covers the ground around him.

The cloaked orc waves his hand in a wide arc, causing the chains to disappear. Then, he shouts, this time in the common language.
BTW, guys, add your characters' known languages to their profile. It'll be easier and quicker for me to look them up. Visiting the myth-weavers sheet every time is a pain in the ass. -.-'

"There! Now take care of them, your idiot!" are his words, as he points at Frederick. But he goes on... "Or swords will be the least of your problem!"

The man stands up slowly, almost losing his balance... It then stares creepily at the orc, his eyes emanating a ghoulish blue light. His body is covered in bandages and dons piecemeal armor. A dagger-shaped blue flame takes shape in his hands and strikes at the orc!

dagger: 1d20 ⇒ 4

...Caught by surprise, the orc suddenly feels a grievous cut across his chest. He still lives, but loses his balance for a moment.

"The manticore shall have its fangs!" he replies in draconic.

Frederick feels the temperature suffer a sharp drop... And a thin veil of ice starts covering the floor...

So... What do you do?

Draconic: "If you kill him we won't bother you." Frederick counter-offers.

Kn.Religion: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Is it some kind of strange intelligent undead?

Jaazkara feels her rage subside, and doubles over, taking ragged breaths as she feels the fatigue of battle overcome her. She lights another torch and peeks into the larger of the two rooms upstairs.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

Sorry for the slow-posting, guys... These days have been busier than usual, so I don't have much time to post anything other than simple comments in "Gamer Life" threads. -.-'

Brother Cyrus doesn't recognize the undead... But it does look at least partially corporeal.

"Thieves! You will all serve the manticore!" grunts the spectre in draconic.

The temperature drops again, and you hear clanking of metal coming from behind you... The wooden box explodes in a burst of metal, and a couple dozen swords fly to the creature's side. You narrowly evade the flying blades as they soar through the door! They are soon followed by pieces of armor, which twirl around the spectre and join together to form 3 empty suits of piece-meal armor.

The spectre grins, and you feel your own weapons trying to slip away from your finger and sheathes!

The first moving armor takes a single step forward and with a quick, creepy chant, envelops its blade with a sickly green mist.

Round 1
Frederick's turn.

Roll20 updated.

Frederick senses the conflict has escalated and escalates in kind, opening his third eye.

Swift and a Ki to reroll all attacks for a few rounds.

He moves forward and strikes.

2d20 + 11 ⇒ (9, 6) + 11 = 26

1d8 + 15 ⇒ (5) + 15 = 20

There are 5 enemies in this room... You'll have to be more specific. :P

Ah. Made that post on my phone and forgot to specify. Spectral Armor 3 to start.

You forgot to use Frederick's profile, BTW. ;)

G%+@!%nit! Again with a thousand turns in a row!!! Argh! >:P

Frederick's blade just barely misses the spectral armor... Who blocks the attack at the last second possible!

The first armor to be formed steps forward and whispers a chant very similar to that of its ally...

Its sword gains a serrated edge and a subtle black red glow around it...

Eitylen decides to focus on the enemy closest to hi, the cloaked orc.

charge/dagger: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (9) + 14 = 23 damage: 1d4 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

The leading specter points at Brother Cyrus and Jaazkara, and the swords floating around him fly blade-first towards the two travelers.

sword damage: 3d6 + 6 ⇒ (4, 1, 4) + 6 = 15

Brother Cyrus and Jaazkara: Roll reflex (DC 18) for half damage. If you have DR that isn't bypassed by magic or slash damage, it applies.

The orc in the black cloak, desperate and unsure what to do, casts a quick spell and swiftly moves towards the northern wall, as far from the spectral armor as possible... It then starts gesticulating again and produces even more magic.

Last but not least, the third spectral armor, "stares" at Frederick with non-existent eyes unders its empty helmet... And chants...

A crimson flame envelops its sword.

Round 1
Brother Cyrus' turn (immediately followed by Jaazkara's, so you can switch if youw ant).

Roll20 updated.

Kn.Religion: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

Are those suits of armor some kind of ghosts and affected by Positive Energy?

They are undead, yes. Their armors and weapons are obviously corporeal too.

Reflex: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29

"A Necromancer losing control of his minions. As cautionary a tale as one can be."

Brother Cyrus moves into the room and then emits a pulse of energy to destroy the specters.

CHANNEL ENERGYYYYY: 3d12 + 5 ⇒ (8, 4, 11) + 5 = 28
DC 23 Will for half

Will: 4d20 ⇒ (8, 12, 16, 4) = 40

The specter and one of the armor are able to resist some of the energy released by Brother Cyrus, but the remaining armors are overpowered by the blast.

Round 1
Jaazkara's turn.

Reflex: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
I assume the sword barrage is some kind of magical attack, so do I get the superstition bonus? If so, its 3 higher. Either way, evasion.

Jaazkara moves over to the orc and tries to hack him down, striking from a distance.

Attack: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21

Damage: 1d10 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14

You do get the superstition bonus... Not that it matters, though. You made thr save even without it.

Jaazkara swiftlg avoids the flying blades and rushes to the enemy orc. She doesn't manage to kill him, but does give give him a grievous chest wound.

Meanwhile, Frederick is attacked by one of the spectral armors...

longsword: 1d20 ⇒ 8

But the ghostly armor is no match to the half-orc's skill, and has its attack easily deflected by Frederick's falcata and technique.

Speaking of which... Frederick's turn.

Frederik Strikes Back.

1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27
1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22

Damage: 1d8 + 15 ⇒ (7) + 15 = 22

Frederick pierces the spectral armor... It falters for a second, obviously feeling the attack, but it still stands.

And... Here I go with my dozen turns in a single post. -.-'

*sigh*

The spectre stares at Brother Cyrus and grunts!

The first spectral armor charges at Brother Cyrus, intent on slaying the young priest!

longsword: 1d20 ⇒ 9 damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
acid: 1d6 ⇒ 6

Brother Cyrus feels a flash of intense pain as the enemy's steel digs into his flesh... Furthermore, he feels corruption trying to take him...

- - -

Taking advantage of the enemy's positioning, Eitylen moves forward and backstabs the armor between him and Frederick

1d20 + 14 ⇒ (8) + 14 = 22 damage: 1d4 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11 Sneak Attack: 3d8 ⇒ (6, 5, 2) = 13 %: 1d100 ⇒ 55

The creature still moves, but now carries a wide tear on its back.

Eitylen feels an unnatural chill in his spine...

cold: 1d6 ⇒ 2

- - -

The specter, still glaring at Brother Cyrus, gesticulates vigorously, causing a multitude of swords and daggers to fly at him.

flying weapons: 3d20 ⇒ (20, 3, 14) = 37 damage: 2d6 + 8 ⇒ (6, 5) + 8 = 19
Crit Confirm: 1d20 ⇒ 20 extra damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

The cloaked orc, unsure of how to proceed, decides to cut his losses...

Concentration: 1d20 ⇒ 10

He moves with supernatural grace and speed towards the stairs, then casts a spell on the undead creatures, hoping that they'll kill or at least delay your group long enough for him to escape...

- - -

The last spectral armor keeps trading blows with frederick.

longsword: 1d20 ⇒ 19 damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6 flames: 1d6 ⇒ 3
crit confirm: 1d20 ⇒ 9 extra damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7 extra flames: 1d6 ⇒ 6

- - -

Brother Cyrus: Take 39 damage. (33 physical / 6 acid)

Frederick: Take 19 damage (10 physical / 9 fire)

All of you: Blame Sundakan... He's the one who said he wanted armed opponents! XD

(I already updated your hp on Roll20 BTW, so don't do it again or you'll be dealing double damage to yourselves!)

- - -

Round 2
Brother Cyrus' turn

(over) 24h went by... Any player can now decide Brother Cyrus' actions for this turn. If another 24h go by, I'll assume he skipped his turn.

Oh silly me.

Brother Cyrus clutches at his wounds and steps back to heal with a pulse of positive energy.

"Ugh, I cannot last against these specters..."

Channel Energy: 3d12 + 5 ⇒ (9, 2, 11) + 5 = 27

Everyone gets a floating reroll

Brother Cyrus' blessing relieves most of your pain...

Round 2
Jaazkara's turn.

Roll20 updated, including your HP bars.

Jaazkara fights her fatigue and moves up, bringing her fauchard to bear against first the spectral humanoid, and then the spectral armor adjacent to the priest. (#1)

Power Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

In case he can be crit

Crit?: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11
Damage: 1d10 + 17 ⇒ (7) + 17 = 24

Cleave?: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19
Damage: 1d10 + 17 ⇒ (1) + 17 = 18

Jaazkara's mighty blow completely dismantles the haunted armor... He fauchard's edge goes through it with ease and almost strikes down another enemy.

However, she feels an unnatural cold creeping up her spine as she approaches the fray... cold: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Her attacks are paid back in kind by the second armor.

Longsword: 1d20 ⇒ 15 damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9 acid: 1d6 ⇒ 5
Longsword: 1d20 ⇒ 14 damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8 acid: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Jaazkara: Take 29 damage (17 physical / 5 cold/ 7 acid).

Round 3
Frederick's turn.

Roll20 HP updated.

Frederick circles around a bit, and remembers he has the Disarm Feats. He calls on his speed again to strike both blades nearby.

Vs Armor 2: 2d20 ⇒ (3, 16) = 19 +15

Vs Armor 3: 2d20 ⇒ (1, 6) = 7

Cyrus' Floating Re-Roll: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (15) + 15 = 30

So a 31 and a 30 to Disarm.

You successfully disarm them... Though I don't remember the exact effects of your Disarm feats :P. (Also, how are you attacking twice?)

Ninja Ki Pool, Swift and a Ki to get a second attack.

My Disarm is plain ol' Disarm right now, since the one that lets me chuck the blade at a m*!@%$$&$#%# requires BaB 6.

I did notice I have Die Hard on my sheet twice, so I'm missing a Feat. I plan to rectify that but it won't be Disarm related.

Frederick too feels a deadly cold grasping at him...

cold: 1d6 ⇒ 2

- - -

Eitylen steps forward and tries to finish off the armor with the acidic sword.

dagger: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (17) + 14 = 31
damage: 1d4 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11 Sneak Attack: 3d8 ⇒ (7, 2, 8) = 17

He succeeds... And the armor falls lifeless on the dusty floor. However, he notices the cold around the specter intensifying.

cold: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 6) = 7

- - -

Speaking of which... The specter steps to the side and strikes at the elf with vicious dagger strikes.

dagger: 1d20 ⇒ 12 damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
dagger: 1d20 ⇒ 18 damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Crit confirm: 1d20 ⇒ 7
dagger: 1d20 ⇒ 18 damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Crit Confirm: 1d20 ⇒ 14 extra damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
dagger: 1d20 ⇒ 15 damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

The elf falls unconscious, bleeding on the ground.... The specter smiles menacingly.

And I almost gave this guy Sneak attack. :P

- - -

You all hear the steps of the wounded cloaked orc climbing the spiral stairs, doing his best to put as much distance as possible between your party and him.

- - -

The last spectral armor strikes at Frederick with its gauntlets.

gauntlet: 1d20 ⇒ 4
gauntlet: 1d20 ⇒ 10

Its attacks are easily stopped by Frederick's armor, though.

- - -

Eitylen: unconscious at -4 hp.
Frederick: take 2 damage (cold)

Round 3
Brother Cyrus' turn.

Brother Cyrus issues forth another wave of healing, though the priest seems to be getting rather desperate.

"Finish this!" He calls to his comrades.

Channel Energy: 3d12 + 5 ⇒ (10, 5, 4) + 5 = 24

Eitylen opens his eyes as the wave of healing energy fills the room...

Round 3
Jaazkara's turn

Jaazkara shifts quickly to the side to get a better angle of attack, then swings her weapon at the specter and then the armor.

Attack vs Specter: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
Damage: 1d10 + 17 ⇒ (10) + 17 = 27

Cleave vs Armor?: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
Damage: 1d10 + 17 ⇒ (9) + 17 = 26

If I hit the specter with the first attack, I'll reroll the Cleave attempt. Also, I threaten short range.

Cyrus' Reroll: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

Jaazkara's attack is blocked by the swords swirling around the specter... And the warrior feels her scales being covered in unnatural frost.

cold: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Jaazkara: Take 1 damage (cold)

Round 4
Frederick's turn.

Frederick Smash. Armor 3.

Slash: 2d20 ⇒ (4, 17) = 21+11
Damage: 1d8 + 15 ⇒ (8) + 15 = 23

Frederick too feels the effects of the unnatural cold surrounding the specter... cold: 1d6 ⇒ 5

- - -

Trying to avoid an opportunistic strike, at least for now, Eitylen throws one of his flasks of alchemist fire at the last-standing spectral armor while still lying on the ground...

Alchemist's Fire: 1d20 ⇒ 13 damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

The armor bursts into flames and soon falls apart... Despite these flames, though... Eitylen still feels cold. cold: 1d6 ⇒ 4

- - -

The specter howls in anger! He takes a step back and then mystically hurls flying blade at Eitylen....

flying swords: 3d20 ⇒ (12, 17, 14) = 43

damage: 3d6 + 12 ⇒ (2, 6, 6) + 12 = 26

...Three attacks later, Eitylen is unconcious once again.

The last blade goes after Frederick...

flying sword: 1d20 ⇒ 7

...But is swiftly evaded by the half-orc.

- - -

You hear footsteps moving upstairs as fast as they can... The cloaked orc is determined to leave you behind.

Eitylen is unconscious at -10hp
Frederick: Take 5 damage (cold)

Round 4
Brother Cyrus' turn.

Not quite 24h yet... But time is running short! Tic Toc, Scavion! XD

Gotta keep Eitylen alive.

Brother Cyrus emits his last burst of healing power

Channel Energy: 3d12 + 5 ⇒ (2, 2, 12) + 5 = 21

Eitylen opens his eyes in pain... Again.

Round 4
Jaazkara's turn.

Jaazkara takes a closer look at the specter, seeking any detail that might aid her, then tries to cut down her foe before it can harm her new allies any further!

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

Attack: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20
Damage: 1d10 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18

Reroll: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

Wow

You know... You guys can flank and stuff... Getting a +2 to attacks is always nice.

There isn't much to see on the specter... It's at least partially corporeal, probably because it's haunting something. The air around it is unnaturally cold and there are a number of swords and daggers floating around him.

- - -

Jaazkara's fatigue starts getting the best of her, causing her accuracy to suffer considerably... She still feels the cold creeping on her.

cold: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Jazkara: take 1 damage (cold)

Round 5
Frederick's turn.

You know... You guys can flank and stuff... Getting a +2 to attacks is always nice.

But taking AoOs to get into position isn't. =)

Now that the armors are dead though I can circle around so Jaazkara can just 5 ft. next turn.

CHOP CHOP: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13
Last Re-Roll: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24
Damage: 1d8 + 15 ⇒ (1) + 15 = 16

Frederick feels more resistance than he expected... (aka: he has DR, though it's not as high as the skeletons') Meanwhile, the evil frost burning his skin... cold: 1d6 ⇒ 3

- - -

Having just woken up from the brink of death (twice), Eitylen is still disoriented and shaken... Or so he seemed until he quickly spins on his back to add some extra momentum to his dagger, which flies directly at the specter's face.
Feint: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15
Attack: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29 damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 Sneak Attack: 3d8 ⇒ (8, 4, 8) = 20
Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 8

The cold bites... cold: 1d6 ⇒ 6

- - -

Severely wounded, but not down, the specter furiously pulls the dagger form his eye socket. And shouts in draconic before attacking Eitylen.

attack: 1d20 ⇒ 4 damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6 (being prone really hurts)

After knocking Eitylen out yet again, the specter spins aound and assaults Frederick.

attack: 1d20 ⇒ 5
attack: 1d20 ⇒ 13
attack: 1d20 ⇒ 17 damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Frederick blocks the first and second blows, but is caught off-guard by the third strike.

- - -

There is no sign of the cloaked orc.

- - -

Eitylen is unconscious again, at -5.
Frederick: Take 14 damage (11 physical/ 3 cold)

Round 4
Brother Cyrus' turn.

C'mon, Scavion! Let's kill this sword-swinging bastard today! ;)

Brother Cyrus begins to speak inspiring words to lift the hearts of his friends.

"Stand fast friends! We've almost won!"

Fiiine. Inspire Courage +2

Jaazkara tries once more to cut down the specter, this time aided by her allies.

Attack: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29
Damage: 1d10 + 19 ⇒ (4) + 19 = 23

Then she moves over towards the stairs to see if she can see or hear the orc.

I get 40 ft towards the upper floor

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23

There you go! ;)

Jaazkara's attack finally puts an end to the specter! The creature dissipates in a burst of cold, blue fog. You're wounded and tired, but victorious!

Stabilize: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12

Eitylen remains unconscious, but stable.

Scattered around the room there a couple dozen swords, daggers and pieces of armor. The air warms up significantly, but it's still noticeably colder than the air outside the temple.

- - -

Jaazkara can't see or hear the cloaked orc, but she does notice a trail of fresh blood on the floor, leading upstairs.

It seems no one has a wand of CLW... That might be a problem. You could camp here. It's a relatively safe place... You might want to catch the cloaked orc before that, though, as finding him a whole day later might prove difficult... Assuming he survives the night.

BTW, remember you got some stuff from the thriae. No healing wands, though: