Grimm tugs on Desmond's cloak to call him back through the door, they pull out and he gathers his allies close to relay the scenario.
There's a congression of some sort. We can pre cast defensive spells and go it hard. I got me a spell called Blistering Invective which is a chance ta set a whole bunch on fire and sap their will to fight.
But I reckon the best bet is to drop a blast to get their attention and pull back to the choke point here. You can only come through the door one or two at a time and that'll negate their numbers.
Desmond contemplates quietly. "I like the first part, but not the second. If we go offense, we need to go all out. Blast them with some spells, then run around and eliminate them before they can recover. Who knows what tricks or back doors they have in there? Shock and awe them."
"I have several blessings which will strengthen offense and defense. Not to mention my stone shape spell, that could prove handy for manipulating and confounding the cultists. Would non-magical fire be useful? A little ready-made bonfire to really disturb their chants?"
"Use the buffs on somebody other than me, all I need is a good spot. Separating them with stone could be very useful...or you could tip over the cauldron with it."
Kalim invokes the mage's armor spell of the void.
I am in favor of the shock and awe. Let's throw everything at them, then wade in.
Fine. I got a wand o shield o faith fer me self or anyone that can USE the wand, since it's self only. I'll cast divine favor then we burst in with Blistering Invective, but it only works on LIVING things I can scare. Won't do sh!t fer undead. Let's go. Someone strong with gauntlets follow me in and try to push over the hot cauldron
(Gauntlets are included for anyone wearing heavy armor)
Grimm takes two rounds (when everyone is ready) to cast SHIELD OF FAITH first, handing off the Wand or putting it away if no one wants it, then DIVINE FAVOR.
He heads in a steps out from the statue, Greatsword in hand.....
Oi! Ye weak willed whores! Come be Gorum's b!tches
You can use this skill to cause an opponent to become shaken for a number of rounds. The DC of this check is equal to 10 + the target's Hit Dice + the target's Wisdom modifier. If you are successful, the target is shaken for 1 round. This duration increases by 1 round for every 5 by which you beat the DC. You can only threaten an opponent in this way if they are within 30 feet and can clearly see and hear you. Using demoralize on the same creature only extends the duration; it does not create a stronger fear condition.
That would be me, Grimm, I am right behind you.
Malcolm draws his Bastard Sword and follows Grimm inside, prepared to dump the contents of the cauldron.
Karnog casts barkskin, bulls strength, shield, divine favor, and then shield of faith on himself (in that order, SoF from Grimms wand.)
Buffs: +6 ac, +2 touch, +3 attack, + 3 damage
9 rds Divine favor, 10 rds SoF, 5 mins shield & bulls strength, 50 mins barkskin
"Let's go kick some cultist butt!"
Squat columns support the ceiling, while heavy smells of burning tallow and boiling fat mingle as candles burn in wrought-iron sockets and a grotesquely large cauldron bubbles with foul steam. The peering gemstone eyes of a gross idol—the demon-lord Tsathogga—gaze at the scene with morbid indifference. Stairs of slick olive stone climb to
the altar and the cauldron, then the idol.
The altar is a simple soapstone block, vile and venomous. Upon its surface are several carved eyes that resemble warts. Yet the worst is the cauldron behind. Enchanted fire burns constantly, heating the vile broth it contains. The stew is viscous, smelling of molten fat and waste. Occasionally, a cooked limb or head bounces up to the surface before sinking back. Just above the cauldron is an iron hook connected to a pulley system by the side… used for lowering hapless sacrificial victims, bit by bit, into their most unpleasant demise. There is dead human mostly lowered into the bubbling cauldron, the look of terror and pain, etched on his face.
Desmond, from the rear of the idol you can see a lever hidden behind the statue.
Within the large chamber, there are three zombies (yellow) on either side of the idol and cauldron. Two additional zombies at the far end of the room. There are two priest (red) visible one at the altar and the other between the altar and the seats. There are four warrior type acolytes in the seats (purple). It is clear that everyone is armed and in some sort of frenzy as they chant.
SURPRISE ROUND: Grimm sees the undead as he enters the room but the target's HE wants are the humans at the back. He activates his PROTECTION JUDGEMENT and moves to I5.
ROUND 1:
Grimm 5ft steps to I4 and casts his spell as previously stated.
RA:
Initiative:
Desmond
Kalim
zombies
Acolytes
Malcolm
Vatilda
Grimm
Karnog
Abbot
Perception:
The zombies are notice the group rushing out from behind the idol.
Desmond ignores the zombies, charging the priest with his back to them.
The two zombies will take their AOO on the charging Desmond,
;
;
The charging rogue takes one brutal hit but he continues forward and strikes the flat footed priest in the back.
Malcolm calls upon Abadar to form a Divine bond with his Bastard Sword giving it the Holy property. He then moves forward to R7 and puts a shoulder to the cauldron.
RD 1: zombies
The zombies that Des rushed by do the following:
One will 5ft step up to stop further intruders and attacks Vatilda, while the second has to moves up the steps to defend. The third 5 foot steps and attacks Des.
Vatilda:
;
*forgot to add 1 to hit, 1 damage
Des:
;
*forgot to add 1 to hit, 1 damage
the zombies on the other side of the room:
One attacks Grimm
;
*forgot to add 1 to hit, 1 damage
The other two move to defend the stairs.
The two zombies at the rear of the room move forward.
RD 1: Acolytes
The acolytes all draw their morning stars and rush to the defense of the priests.
RD1 Map after Acolytes move drawing their weapons
The stairs cost 10feet of movement.
Rd 1 Update
Initiative:
Desmond - moved and attacked the priest hitting for 13 Hp
Kalim
zombies - move/attack
Acolytes - move
Malcolm - divine bond cast
Vatilda
Grimm -blistering investus
Karnog
Abbot
Round 1
Vatilda points at the acolyte out front.
"Droba vor Narlin..." She attempts to reach the part of his mind which commands primal rage.
Malcolm you manage to move around the idol and jump down to behind the pot of boiling soup.
Map with 30 foot radius Template from Grimm's spell
Grimm's spell:
six zombies reflex saves:
one Acolyte:
Priest:
Karnog moves forward, practically daring thw undead to touch him.
"Begone, foul creatures of evil!"
chanel, dc15 for half, 6 remaining
Rd 1 Update
Initiative:
Desmond - moved and attacked the priest hitting for 13 Hp
Kalim
zombies - move/attack
Acolytes - move
Malcolm - divine bond cast
Vatilda - move then cast murderous command
Grimm -blistering investus
Karnog
Abbot
Zombies save against the positive channel:
I moved you Karnog to maximize the area of effect for your channel.
You've demoralized everyone caught in the spell.
DMPC kalim's action.
Kalim steps up behind Karnog to lend him an ally to guard his flank, he releases an acid ray at the zombie in P,9. ; the zombie is destroyed, offering a wedge to filter through.
Several zombies were destroyed between the Grimm's fire and Karnog's channel.