Rannik's Carrion Crown

Game Master Patrick Levasseur

Hearing the analysis of the creature, Theopolis stows his greatsword and look to making some adjustments to this shield bindings and grips.

"This should be an interesting creature to vanquish. Do you think it will be much of a problem to get past any of the patrols?"

"Yeah, vanquish at long range," Anna agrees.

She shakes her head. "It shouldn't be a problem for me to get by the patrols, or even Danica, but you? I'm not so sure." she taps her chin in thought. "Maybe a hit and fade? I snipe, take off, and lead them into an ambush. It could work."

Tolvan looks up from his watch to add what he knows about such creatures.

Knowledge Religion: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (20) + 15 = 35

Best to avoid them for now if we can as they could alert the entire cultist force before we are ready to deal with such a large number. To the Tavern, shall we?

Danica chimes on in "I agree with Tolvan. Let's avoid this creature and see what other areas we can recon, but eventually we will need to deal with it. Do you think we should engage the patrol? Lure them away and face them on our terms?

"I'm a little worried that even if we sneak past them, if there's anything inside the tavern that we have to fight, the ruckus will let the woman know we're there."

Rannik, do I have that right? How close was she to the tavern?

She looks at Theopolis's heavy armor and shakes her head. "Nah. No way you're sneaking into the tavern behind them. They're standing in front of the entrance. Even if I lend you my ring, (which I'm not), they'll probably hear you."

Anna thinks a bit more. "I wonder if we could try attacking them from the roof? It'll keep us away from them, at least."

"I was more concerned about sneaking past any patrols, opponents that I must vanquish, I have no problems with them seeing me coming at them."

Anna shakes her head. "Well, I've always had problems with opponents seeing me coming. I much prefer to hit them unawares.

"So, you okay with fighting these fest-dogs up close? I'd rather not get covered in pus. How about I sneak up, put a couple bolts into the woman while she's looking the other way, then I run back to you guys, who can finish them off?"

I have learned a little bit of illusion magic, don't quite remember when, but I could try that and see if I can distract them or something. Kimberly cautiously offers.

I know I am not that great and being sneaky and stuff, but I want to help.

Danica begins to nod at the planning. "Kiting the 'pus-monster' is an option....lead it to Theo. From my experience with paladins, especially our old friend Andjela, they have an uncanny resistance to disease. Theo goes toe to toe with pus-monster and the rest of us will use long range or spells. We also need to engage the witch."

"Brilliant plan, Lady Danica. I will use another of my oils for my shield and just bash them to mush. If they see me first, they may run charge me and give even more distance between them and their handler."

@Rannick: once we do move out, Theopolis will call on his divine bond with this shield, raising the enhancement bonus by +2, and be fighting with the shield two-handed.

Anna grins fiercely. "I think we're good to go. And Kimberly, don't worry about being sneaky. You just be ready to blast some pus-filled undead. I'm sure Pharasma will like that."

Anna leads the group out of the mill around to the south of it and almost due west, moving past some ruined buildings on their right. She keeps the hood of her cloak up and stays a bit ahead of her friends, moving from one pile of rubble to the next until she finds a good ambush site. (Somewhere around where the arrow is pointed)

Then Anna gets stealthy, activating her ring to go invisible. She moves silently toward the spot where she saw the woman and her two undead things. As long as they seem unaware of her presence, she moves within 30' of the woman with the scythe.

Stealth: 1d20 + 20 + 20 ⇒ (5) + 20 + 20 = 45

If she's able to get there without being detected, she aims with her heavy crossbow and fires off a shot.
I get an extra move action in the surprise round (sandals of quick reaction), so after I shoot, I'll start running back to the group.
Ranged, invisible, pbs, vs flat-footed: 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 11 + 2 + 1 = 21
Damage: 1d10 + 1 + 1 + 4d6 ⇒ (10) + 1 + 1 + (6, 5, 5, 1) = 29
Befuddling Strike, she is -2 to attacks for 1d4 ⇒ 4 rounds and disoriented (-2 to attacks and -4 vs me) for one round.

I'm going to change the way you get there, because if you look at the MAP, South of the mill is the town square where all the undead are. While I'm sure you can sneak by, Theopolis will most likely not.

The group leaves the mill and walk through the ruins. Slowly making their way to the tavern. While walking near some of the dilapidated building, you can see some corpse of freshly slain man and woman. Some are dressed in the style of the Whispering Way other are barely dressed, suggesting that they were werewolves. Finally making it to the tavern, Anna moves forward as the group stay behind to wait for the pursuing undead. Using her ring, Anna move within striking distance of the woman and aims her crossbow. The bolt flies true and hit the woman directly in the shoulder. Quietly, she turns to face the now visible Anna and seems to get ready to return the favor.

Anna, I'll let you do your withdraw move before the battle start so that you can choose exactly where you want to go.

Party is up
Battle Map

Anna, sorry but you will not be in the area for this but if you withdraw back I can get you with something else.

As the fighting starts, Pharasma, give us the strength to defeat the forces of undead. guide out blades as we deliver your wrath. her prayer washes over the party as they feel Pharasma's blessings.

cast bless

Need to see where Anna will be after her surprise round move before I can move Theopolis. Also when Anna prepared to move out, Theoplois would have applied the oil of bless weapon to his shield as I described in my earlier post. So Bless Weapon and Divine Bond are active on the shield.

@Kimberly, Anna could be back in the area since she she has a 30' from the surprise round still to take and then she can double move to you on this round. So, hopefully she will post soon.

@Theopolis, All good on the oil of bless weapon on the shield.

Sorry! Didn't know you were waiting on me. I've repositioned myself after the move in the surprise round.

After shooting the woman with the scythe, Anna falls back while drawing her hand crossbow. Seeing that the creatures are slow to react to her surprise attack, she spins quickly and shoots a bolt into the nearest one's leg, hoping to slow down its pursuit.

Melee vs. flat-footed, pbs, bless: 1d20 + 11 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 11 + 1 + 1 = 21
Damage: 1d4 + 1 + 4d6 ⇒ (3) + 1 + (4, 2, 5, 4) = 19
If that hits, target is befuddled (-2 to attacks) for 1d4 ⇒ 1 rounds and it is Hampered: All of the target's speeds are reduced by half (to a minimum of 5 feet). In addition, the target cannot take a 5-foot step.

Then she scampers back to the safety of being behind Theopolis and Danica.

Theopilis moves forward putting a little distance between himself and his allies, he positions his shield is defensive posture, knowing that is better to prepare for their charge that to make the first attack..

I am hoping the non-squared positions are not able to be moved through and that Theopolis' position prevents them from move past him on one side.

Fighting Defensively, foregoing attack this round, AC 28/11/27 CMD28

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Current Effects: Oil of bless weapon, 6 rds (Theopolis shield); Divine Bond (Shield +2 Enh), 8 min; Bless (Kimberly); fighting defensively (+3 dodge, -4 att);

that should then put everyone on the area of my Bless spell

Danica will cast Shield of Faith on herself, +3 deflection bonus, when she sees the pus-monster.
+1 ring of protection is negated as deflection bonuses don't stack.
Danica's new AC is 28 with Shield of Faith including current bonuses.
(+6 Wis, +2 Dex, +1 Dodge, +3 Shield of Faith, +1 Snapping Turtle, +1 Amulet Nat Armor, +4 mage armor)

When the pus-monster comes within range and/or prior to Theo/Pus-monster combat, Danica will unleash Ear Piercing Scream; within 40 ft.
Danica to soften the creature up a little.

The map shows 2 pus-monsters and 1 witch. Is that correct? I thought there was 1 of each.

@Danica, yes, there is 2 of those monsters.
Since Tolvan can't post right now, he'll delay for this turn. Don't want to spend spells that he would want to save for later battles.

Anna manages to get two shots off her crossbows before retreating behind Theopolis. Once there, Kimberly blessed the group with the divine energy of Pharasma. Theopolis then moved up, ready to suffer the charges of the undead creature. The woman moves closer to the tavern and use part of its wall to give herself some cover against more ranged attack from Anna. She then whispers some words and gesture in the air. for a second, the air around the group gets colder and some sort of dark energy course through your bodies.

Slowed down by Anna's attack, the first creature tries to reach Theopolis. The mouth snapping in the air and the claws digging in the ground, you can feel the hunger for flesh that this creature feel. The second one just runs up to the first. It's looking the group over as if it's trying to decide who it is going to feast on first.

Back to you guys
Battle Map

Will, Good Aligned: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23

Steeling his will against the attack, Theopolis calls on Iomedae aid once more.

"Iomedae, once more today, I enter battle in your name, bolster my body that I may continue to serve your judgment on these creatures.

LoH, self: 4d6 ⇒ (5, 2, 4, 3) = 14

COntinue to fight defensively and move forward, this will probably provoke from both.

Shield Bash, Oil of Bless Weapon, Bless, FD, PA: 1d20 + 15 + 0 + 2 - 4 - 3 ⇒ (1) + 15 + 0 + 2 - 4 - 3 = 11

Fighting Defensively, AC 28/11/27 CMD28

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Current Effects: Oil of bless weapon, 5 rds (Theopolis shield); Divine Bond (Shield +2 Enh), 8 min; Bless (Kimberly); fighting defensively (+3 dodge, -4 att);

Will, CN: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

Anna takes a short step forward while she drops her crossbows and fishes out a flask of harmless-looking water from her satchel. She flings it at the festrog in front of her, hoping for a direct hit.

Ranged touch, bless, pbs, 2 range increments: 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 10 + 1 + 1 - 4 = 23
holy water: 2d4 ⇒ (4, 4) = 8
The other adjacent festrog takes 1 splash damage (Theo also gets splashed, but I doubt he's adversely affected)

ARGH!!!! It burns!!!

Will Save, DC 17: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (6) + 14 = 20

"Anna, Tolvan. Can you guys occupy the witch while the rest of us take on these creatures? Tolvan, maybe you can teleport me to the witch... Ahhh...."
The dark energy begins to burn the disciple of Sarenrae but her faith repeals some of it.
Hitpoints 64
"Do whatever but occupy that witch."

Danica begins to shout a the creature that Theo is attacking.
Ear Piercing Scream: 3d6 ⇒ (2, 6, 4) = 12
You unleash a powerful scream, inaudible to all but a single target. The target is dazed for 1 round and takes 1d6 points of sonic damage per two caster levels (maximum 5d6). A successful save negates the daze effect and halves the damage.

@Danica, I don't see your list of known spells

Theopolis gets into melee with the undead creature. He swing his shield and tries to bing down the first one. The hide of the creature proves to be too thick and the shield just bounces harmlessly on it. Diggin through her bag, Anna take out a small vial of liquid and throws it at the festrog. It's a direct hit and it burns like acid on the it's skin. Then Danica use divine energy from her goddess and send a powerfull scream towards the first creature. It's entire body shakes by the sonic vibration of the spell.

Fort Save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

Battle Map

Will Save, good aligned: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27 8 points taken

Tolvan moves to better see the cultist and readies a set of magic missiles in case she tries to cast another spell.

@Danica, I don't see your list of known spells

Theopolis gets into melee with the undead creature. He swing his shield and tries to bing down the first one. The hide of the creature proves to be too thick and the shield just bounces harmlessly on it. Diggin through her bag, Anna take out a small vial of liquid and throws it at the festrog. It's a direct hit and it burns like acid on the it's skin. Then Danica use divine energy from her goddess and send a powerfull scream towards the first creature. It's entire body shakes by the sonic vibration of the spell.

[dice=Fort Save]1d20+4

** spoiler omitted **

Battle Map

It's under the Inquisitor Abilities.

any chance to figure out what the witch did?

knowledge religion maybe?: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19

will save: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19

Kimberly advances toward the undead beasts, you are an abonmination in the eyes of Pharasma, her wrath will send you back to where you belong.

Channel energy to harm undead
channel damage: 4d6 ⇒ (3, 3, 2, 3) = 11 -- DC 21 will for half

Kimberly sends forth a wave of positive energy that hits the undead creatures straight on. One of the creature collapse from the damage that it has suffered from all the attacks. The other one, however, unleash a series of attack on Theopolis. The teeth and claws of the creature grates against the shield and armor of the Paladin, but he suffers no wounds.

The woman, seeing one of her creature fall under the onslaught of the group, retreat further out of sight.

I didn't update her position on the battle map on purpose. For now, no one sees her.

@Kim, to identify a Spell targeting you, you need either a Spellcraft 15 + spell level, or a Knowledge arcana 25 + spell level. Changing you roll to Spellcraft, you have enough to know that she casted:

Using a combination of movement and teleportation magic Tolvan moves forward hoping to catch sight of the cultist. If he does he blasts her with magic missiles.

Magic Missiles: 4d4 + 4 ⇒ (2, 3, 2, 4) + 4 = 15

See one creature full to the attacks of his allies, Theopolis focuses his effort on the remaining undead creature.

Shield Bash (2H), Oil of Bless Weapon, Bless, PA: 1d20 + 15 + 0 + 1 - 3 ⇒ (14) + 15 + 0 + 1 - 3 = 27
Dmg, Shield Bash, Good Align, PA: 1d6 + 19 ⇒ (4) + 19 = 23

Shield Bash (2H), Oil of Bless Weapon, Bless, PA, 2nd attack: 1d20 + 10 + 0 + 1 - 3 ⇒ (11) + 10 + 0 + 1 - 3 = 19
Dmg, Shield Bash, Good Align, PA: 1d6 + 19 ⇒ (1) + 19 = 20

AC 25/11/24 CMD25

Saw I had not corrected the oil of bless weapon duration in my first post for this fight. Correct duration displayed.

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Current Effects: Oil of bless weapon, 8 rds (Theopolis shield); Divine Bond (Shield +2 Enh), 8 min; Bless (Kimberly);

@Tolvan, isn't your teleportation a standard action? Not sure how you can blast her with the magic missile.

Theopolis, using his shield as a weapon, completely destroy the large undead in front of him. The first attack smashes the bone in the shoulder making it drop to the ground. Before it can stand back up, the Paladin's shield comes down on the head, crushing its skull and ending its unlife.

No. I can dimensionally shift 20 feet as a swift. Teleportation sub domain.

Ah ok... you have too many teleportation shenanigans. Time to hit you with a permanent Dimensional Anchor ;) I was reading the dimensional steps and not the shift. So your magic missile do hit her, but she is still standing.

I have to agree. Too many teleport shenanigans. But they sure are nice.

Are both undead down for the count? If so the Danica will assist with taking on the witch.

Sure seems like it!

Seeing the festrog go down, Anna runs up to the corner of the inn and presses herself up against the wall. She glances around the corner but stays low and hidden.

Double move back up, and Stealth
Stealth: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (17) + 20 = 37

@Danica, yes, both are dead. Just need your action for the round to continue the battle.

Danica careful runs towards the area where the witch was last spotted.

Kimberly advances forward unsure if its really safe to proceed but she does so anyway.

thanks for the correction on the knowledge check

Anna moves up and disappear in the shadow, while both Danica and Kimberly try to close the distance to the enemy. Seeing the group closing in on her, the woman once again whispers words of power and then moves back to avoid the melee combatant.

Battle Map

Hearing the cleric move further away, Anna reloads her hand crossbow and pops out from cover to taunt her. "Hey! How's it going? Sorry about the bolt to your shoulder, but you have to consider the company you're keeping."

Kimberly moves a bit closer hoping to get a glimpse of the bad lady.

You surround yourself with undead, Pharasma has sent me to deliver your punishment.

she points at the cleric lady, and a beams of black light flies toward her.

searing light

ranged touch: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19
damage: 4d8 ⇒ (2, 7, 3, 1) = 13

Seeing the direction his companions are moving, we hastily moves forward to find their quarry.

Run (60') in the direction of the others ahead of Theopolis.

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Current Effects: Oil of bless weapon, 7 rds (Theopolis shield); Divine Bond (Shield +2 Enh), 8 min; Bless (Kimberly);

Battle Map

Danica continue to run towards the woman.
Is Danica in range to go into melee with the cleric/witch?

@Danica. Yes, you are now in melee with the cultist. I'm curious though, do you use the map in the link?

Tolvan double moves while looking for other threats.

Perception: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (3) + 20 = 23