Revival of the Runelords (Inactive)

Game Master Cellion

Floredana sees nothing down there that she didn't already notice.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
Survival: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

Warily stalking the chamber, Kargas uses the tip of his falchion to poke and prod at the room's furnishings and accoutrement as much as possible to avoid having to touch things.

Is there anything that looks more recent than the rest, or is everything pretty uniformly old?

Cade keeps his head moving from one side of the room to the other and then back to the ceiling and then at the floor. The process repeats but in a different pattern. His hands flex and relaxing on his weapons. He lets the others do the touching as he keeps watch for the haunt.

Moved everyone's tokens into the room as people were looking around.

As people enter the room, once again you hear the faint sobbing sound mixed with nervous laughter, as you did in the chamber with the statue below. Mixed with this ound are small scraps of children's songs, a few notes at a time, though you cannot make out the words.

Everyhting here ooks like it hasn't been disturbed for a long time.

Kargas begins poking at the various things in the room. Nothing looks especially interesting, until he turns aside the blanket. There underneath is a skeleton of a child dressed in moldy rags. Kargas looks closer and can see a small stuffed toy in its hands, in the shape of a dog.

When he examines this, the faint sobbing sound turns into a startled cry. There is a blur, and then a shadowy shape appears beside Kargas and bites at him! The wound is small, but as Kargas feels his breath leave his lungs. He gasps, having trouble breathing!

Kargas: 2 damage, and you are fatigued.

Everyone turns to look at the strange creature. While it has the fleshless skull of some large bird, its body is made up of odd bits of wood, bone, and odds and ends, held together by some mystic force into the shape of a small humanoid creature. It stands juts over 3' tall.

The first attack was a surprise round. This one is now in regular initiative. Sadly it goes first, and since Kargas is the one that pissed it off, it will continue attacking him.

The creature snaps at Kargas again, this time biting his knee. Once again Kargas feels more air leave his lungs and exhaustion sets in!

Kargas: Another 2 damage, and you are now exhausted.

Round 1 Initiative:
Block 1: Creature
Block 2: Cade, Colvyn, Floredana, Kargas (-4, exhausted), Rig

Note: All characters are under a despair effect and take -1 on attack, damage, and will save rolls.

"Kargas, are you ok?!" Flo exclaims as she draws her starknife and tries to drive it into the little, skeletal, bird creature.
________
Starknife (Flank, Despair) vs Red: 1d20 + 4 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 2 - 1 = 111d4 - 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 = 0

Wheezing and choking for air as his face turns an alarming shade of purple, Kargas flails his falchion at the figure, trying to win enough space to stagger away.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8 Following the attack with a 5ft step away

is there any save vs the despair effect?
And crap, do any of us have knowledge:religion?

Iirc, Colvyn does!

Knowledge Religion: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

"We are facing an Attic Whisperer. It is an undead creature created spontaneously when a child dies lonely and neglected. It has the standard undead weaknesses and immunities." Taking a step back, Colvyn aims his bow at it. "It is also known for stealing the breath from its victims, making them tired and also prevent them from talking and casting spells that require speech." He hesitates for a second, knowing that this creature was probably what was left of the child they were looking for. "They can create an aura of sobbing noises around them that sap the will of those around them. This effect can be countered by anything that counters a sonic effect. The aura extends only 10 feet from the creature." He finally releases the arrow. "Sorry little one..."

Longbow: 1d20 + 8 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (20) + 8 + 1 - 1 = 28
Confirm: 1d20 + 8 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (5) + 8 + 1 - 1 = 13
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
if confirmed: 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (3, 6) + 2 = 11

Cade looks at the creature and then over at Colvyn.
A what...that is just wrong...so very wrong.
He stabs at the creature hoping that his weapon will have some effect on it.
Attack:Rapier: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14
Attack:Main: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18
Damage:Rapier: 1d4 ⇒ 1
Damage:Main: 1d3 ⇒ 3

Floredana, Kargas, and Cade all stab at the creature in vain. Only Colvyn manages to land a hit with his longbow as he steps back from the creature.

Don't forget the Aura of Despair affects damage rolls as well as to hit rolls and will saves. I'd appreciate you including a -1 in your dice expression so I know you included it and won't have to check your character sheet to check.

Rig: There's no save for the aura, but you now know that you can just step outside the aura which only extends 10' away from the creature. Countersong would have defeated the aura but you don't have that performance.

Round 1 Initiative:
Block 1: Creature (-9)
Block 2: Cade, Colvyn, Floredana, Kargas (-4, exhausted), Rig[/b]

Note: All characters are under a despair effect and take -1 on attack, damage, and will save rolls. You are not under this effect if you are more than 10' away from the creature.

Rig steps back outside of the area of influence and begins a bolstering song. inspire courage should at least counter most of the negative benefits. +1 competence to attack/damage, +1 morale vs charm/fear

Rig begins his performance, though he can feel the magic of his song struggle against the sobbing sounds coming from the creature.

Everyone: Sadly, the bardic performance does not penetrate the aura, and if you are within the aura you get no benefit from it. Those outside the AoE of the aura though gain the effects of the performance, even if Rig is within the aura area.

Struck grievously by Colvyn's arrow, the creature turns to face Colvyn, and attacks the ratfolk!

The creature's bony beak narrowly misses Colvyn, but it also reaches out and touches Colvyn with it's hand. Colvyn feels his throat start to constrict, but he is not able to give out even a squeak!

Colvyn: No damage, but your voice is gone. You may not cast spells with a verbal component or activate items with a command word.

Round 2 Initiative:
Block 1: Attic Whisperer (-9)
Block 2: Cade, Colvyn (silent), Floredana, Kargas (-4, exhausted), Rig

Note: All characters within the red circle are under a despair effect and take -1 on attack, damage, and will save rolls.

Also Note: Colvyn currently is armed with a longbow and does not threaten.

Tendrils of despair slowly picking at her mind, Flo is silent as her thoughts turn inwards. Will we ever make it out? She pulls out her wand and despondently raises it barely up to her chest before releasing the magic within. Even the mechanized butterflies that cling to your weapons seem to flutter forlornly.
________
Bless! Unsure if it will penetrate the aura though, this is a really nifty creature!

Bless! Unsure if it will penetrate the aura though, this is a really nifty creature!

Floredana activates her wand.

Yes, bless does work.

Round 2 Initiative: Bless: +1 to attacks and saves vs fear.
Block 1: Attic Whisperer (-9)
Block 2: Cade, Colvyn (silent), Floredana, Kargas (-4, exhausted), Rig

Note: All characters within the red circle are under a despair effect and take -1 on attack, damage, and will save rolls.

Also Note: Colvyn currently is armed with a longbow and does not threaten.

well, rats...okay, won't keep performing, new plan
Rig steps forward to try to help Colvyn.
5' step, swift for arcane strike, attack
longsword(magic): 1d20 + 5 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 1 - 1 = 6 damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
dammit!
His strike isn't even close. There's just something so tragic about this creature, that his heart isn't really in it.

With his back to a wall and no where to go, Colvyn takes out his club and tries to hit the small undead. Sadly, his attempt isn't any better then Rig.

But now I threaten. :)

1d20 + 2 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 2 - 1 + 1 = 4

Cade sees an advantage and steps forward into a flanking position with Rig and Colvyn.
Attack Rapier: 1d20 + 7 - 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 7 - 1 + 1 + 2 = 28
Attack Main Gauche: 1d20 + 1 - 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 1 - 1 + 1 + 2 = 13
Damage Rapier: 1d4 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 - 1 = 2
Damage Main Gauche: 1d3 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 - 1 = 3

Attack Rapier Confirm Crit?: 1d20 + 7 - 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 7 - 1 + 1 + 2 = 24
Damage Rapier Critical Damage: 1d4 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 - 1 = 2

Desperately wheezing--though it never feels like he gets enough air with each painful breath--Kargas feels his doom closing in on him. This isn't how I want to die, not like this, never this! Let me die in the jaws of some great beast, not choked out by some human whelp's spirit--"

Seized by a desperate need to be slain by the creatures claws instead of suffocating, Kargas staggers back towards the unliving thing, raising leaden arms to strike even as his muscles scream in agony.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 - 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 3 - 1 + 1 + 2 = 19 Damage: 2d4 - 1 ⇒ (1, 3) - 1 = 3

This is a very cool monster!

well, rats...okay, won't keep performing, new plan

For the record your performance will still affect those outside of the creature's aura, so if people wanted to hang back and use ranged weapons it could still be worth it.

Rig and Colvyn fumble with their weapons and the creature easily dodges their attacks. But Cade and Kargas dart in and each of them does manages to land a hit, knocking loose some dust and debris from the mass of odds and ends that makes up the creature.

Cade: yes, that rapier attack does confirm. Also: You were not actually in a flanking position so I moved you 5' west to flank with Rig.

Surrounded by enemies, the Attic Whisperer lashes out at those around it. It bites at Kargas again, and reaches out to touch Floredana with a hand made from twigs.

Floredana dances out of the way, but Kargas is too tired to avoid the creature's beak. It snaps at him, leaving a narrow gouge on Kargas' leg. The wound looks fairly superficial, but Kargas' eyes roll back into his head and he slumps to the floor, unconscious.

Round 2 Initiative: Bless: +1 to attacks and saves vs fear.
Block 1: Attic Whisperer (-16)
Block 2: Cade, Colvyn (silent), Floredana, Kargas (-7, down), Rig

Note: All characters within the red circle are under a despair effect and take -1 on attack, damage, and will save rolls.

Flo's eyes go wide as Kargas hits the floor like a sack of potatoes. For a moment, her face contorts into anger before despair mixes back into it. "We need to put this down quickly!" Giving the thing a wide berth, she flits around it, but her overwhelming mix of emotions makes her swing erratic and clumsy.
________
Starknife (Bless, Flank, Despair): 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 1 + 2 - 1 = 71d4 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2
Is the Heal check an action?

Kargas whimpers and wheezes, twitching on the floor in the throes of some horrid nightmare.

"Kargas!" Rig yells as the half-orc slumps to the ground. Trusting to the big fellow's toughness, he assumes Kargas probably isn't dead. "We need to end this, guys!"
swift action arcane strike, attack
longsword: 1d20 + 5 + 2 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (8) + 5 + 2 + 1 - 1 = 15 damage: 1d8 + 5 - 1 ⇒ (7) + 5 - 1 = 11

Is the Heal check an action?

Nope... it is basically just identifying what happened to Kargas.

"He is only asleep, but we can't let this thing keep touching us!"
________
Heal, DC 10: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

Now is not the time to take a nap big guy.
Attack Rapier: 1d20 + 7 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 7 - 1 + 1 = 20
Attack Main Gauche: 1d20 + 1 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 - 1 + 1 = 3
Damage Rapier: 1d4 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1
Damage Main Gauche: 1d3 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1
Cade move in slowly and attacks the creature again.
5 foot step and full attack
WOW 3 2s in a row....Sweet!

With Kargas asleep on the floor, Floredana and Rig try to slash at the Attic Whisperer, but to no avail. Only Cade is able to harm it, gouging out another tiny bit of bone with his rapier.

Round 2 Initiative: Bless: +1 to attacks and saves vs fear.
Block 1: Attic Whisperer (-17)
Block 2: Colvyn (silent), Cade, Floredana, Kargas (-7, down), Rig

Note: All characters within the red circle are under a despair effect and take -1 on attack, damage, and will save rolls.

Colvyn is up. I'll bot him tonight if we don't hear from him.

With the creature moving away from him, Colvyn moves as far as possible to get out of the aura. There he drops his club and ready an arrow. He releases the arrow hoping to finish the fight before something really bad happens to Kargas.

Longbow: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 8 + 1 + 1 = 23
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Colvyn backs away and sends an arrow flying. Another small it of debris is knocked away from the creature's amalgam form.

The creature bites at Cade and tries to touch Floredana again, but both attacks miss. Feeling insecure, it backs behind Floredana and out of Colvyn's direct line-of-sight.

Round 3 Initiative: Bless: +1 to attacks and saves vs fear.
Block 1: Attic Whisperer (-21)
Block 2: Cade, Colvyn (silent), Floredana, Kargas (-7, down), Rig

Everyone is up.

Colvyn: if you want to take a shot without a cover penalty, you basically have to be where Rig is now, I think.

Note: All characters within the red circle are under a despair effect and take -1 on attack, damage, and will save rolls.

"With me, Rig!" Flo calls out as she steps against the wall and readies to continue lashing out with her starknife.
________
Readied Action for Flank
Starknife (Flank, Bless, Despair) vs Red: 1d20 + 4 + 2 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (9) + 4 + 2 + 1 - 1 = 151d4 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1

same spiel... arcane strike, step, attack... and miss
longsword: 1d20 + 5 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 2 - 1 = 12 damage: 1d8 + 4 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 1 - 1 = 10
Despite the better positioning, Rig and Flo can't seem to land hits on this creature. But maybe they can distract him long enough for someone else to finish it.

For the record, your attacks have knocked little chunks off the animated collection of objects that make up the creature, but it still looks mostly intact. It can hardly be said to be on it's last hit point or two.

Cade steps forward in hopes that he has left an opening for Colvyn to fire without interference.

Attack:Rapier: 1d20 + 7 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 7 - 1 + 1 = 23
Attack:Main Gauche: 1d20 + 1 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 - 1 + 1 = 11
Damage:Rapier: 1d4 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2
Damage:Main Gauche: 1d3 - 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 = 0

Why won't you just...I know you are dead already but still why won't you die...

Still unable to speak, Colvyn sends another arrow flying in the small indeed. Sadly, he misses again. He would have some very exotic words to say right now, but thanks to the silence effect, everyone's ears are spare.

Longbow: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 8 + 1 + 1 = 11
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Once again Cade manages to strike the whisperer with his rapier, knocking bits of twigs flying.

The creature bites at Cade and tries to touch Floredana again. This time, the creature's beak gouges Cade's tunic, while the creature touches Floredana's knee. Floredana can feel air being pulled out of her lungs, and suddenly she feels out of breath!

Floredana: You have been silenced. No spells with verbal components for you! You can still Channel Energy though.

Cade: You have been hit unless you want to activate an ability like dodging panache or opportune parry.

BTW: Upon reading the rules text, it looks like you can actually use both in the same round. If opportune parry fails, you still have your immediate action and can use dodging panache after. That would get expensive in panache points but could be worth it.

Not keen on being surrounded, the creature steps away from the men and beside Floredana.

Round 4 Initiative: Bless: +1 to attacks and saves vs fear.
Block 1: Attic Whisperer (-23)
Block 2: Cade (maybe hit?), Colvyn (silent), Floredana (silent), Kargas (-7, down), Rig

Everyone is up.

Note: All characters within the red circle are under a despair effect and take -1 on attack, damage, and will save rolls.

Rig isn't oppposed to using CLW vs this thing, but seeing as how he hasn't rolled above a 10 for a while here, he doesn't want to waste it. So... repeat! arcane strike, step, attack...

sword: 1d20 + 5 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (14) + 5 + 2 - 1 = 20 damage: 1d8 + 4 - 1 ⇒ (4) + 4 - 1 = 7

Cade sees the attack coming and knows that he does not have much room to dance out of the way. He pulls his main gauche up to block the attack, seeing the creature bite at his basket hilt brings a smile to his face.
Not this time you little s&*@!

He pushes the creature off of his weapon and brings down his rapier to connect yet again with the thing that took down his friend Gargas.
Opportune Parry: 1d20 + 9 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 9 - 1 + 1 = 22
and Riposte: 1d20 + 9 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 9 - 1 + 1 = 20
Damage: 1d4 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 + 1 = 3
Using a point of panache to use opportune parry and riposte.

Where do you think you are going?
Cade takes a quick step forward and presses the attack.
I hope I am not biting of more than I can chew
Rapier: 1d20 + 7 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 7 - 1 + 1 = 14
Main Gauche: 1d20 + 7 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 7 - 1 + 1 = 22
Rapier Damage: 1d4 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 + 1 = 2
Main Gauche Damage: 1d3 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 + 1 = 2

Cade blocks the creature's beak with his rapier and then strikes back, knocking loose a scrap of leather. Rig then moves in and strikes a telling blow with his scimitar, causing bits of bone and wood to go flying!

Rig isn't oppposed to using CLW vs this thing, but seeing as how he hasn't rolled above a 10 for a while here, he doesn't want to waste it.

Remember that if you miss with a touch spell you hold the charge until you hit or cast another spell. Also if there is a gap between you and your enemy you can cast the spell and then move up to it and deliver the charge, so no AoO for casting while threatened.

Cade: Your Main Gauche attack had a bonus of +7, but usually it has a +1. I'm going to assume that's a typo and is a miss, but if the +7 is correct let me know.

Cade engages the creature again, but it is wary and dances out the reach of his weapons.

Round 4 Initiative: Bless: +1 to attacks and saves vs fear.
Block 1: Attic Whisperer (-33)
Block 2: Colvyn (silent), Floredana (silent), Cade (maybe hit?), Kargas (-7, down), Rig

Colvyn and Floredana are up.

Note: All characters within the red circle are under a despair effect and take -1 on attack, damage, and will save rolls.

Flo starts to gasp for breath as her lungs suddenly become void of air. WHAT WAS THAT? Unsure of what to do next, she staggers haphazardly away from the little creature and brings her holy symbol to bear. Presenting it between them, it releases a blast of pleasant light. Goddess protect me!
________
Channel Positive Energy (Harm), DC 11: 1d6 ⇒ 2

oh yeah! I forgot about that holding the charge thing.

Running up to Cade, Colvyn touches the halfling's rapier. Within a second, the weapon in wrapped in green flames that doesn't emit heat. It does, however, change the lighting effect of the room, turning Colvyn's smile to a slightly more ominous one.

Touch of good on the rapier. +1d6 holy damage for 1 minute.

Floredana's energy burns the creature, while Colvyn enchants Cade's rapier.

Reeling from Rig's scimitar cut, the whisperer bites and claws at Rig. But Rig is too nimble, and takes the creature's beak on his shield while dodging its hand. The creature then once again steps away from the group, getting out from between them.

Round 5 Initiative: Bless: +1 to attacks and saves vs fear.
Block 1: Attic Whisperer (-34)
Block 2: Cade, Colvyn (silent), Floredana (silent), Kargas (-7, down), Rig

Everyone is up.

Note: All characters within the red circle are under a despair effect and take -1 on attack, damage, and will save rolls.

Seeing her chance, Flo puts some space between her and the little creature. Throat still tight, she clutches it desperately while raising her holy symbol again. How much more can it take?
________
Channel Positive Energy (Harm), DC 11: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Rig is growing tired of chasing this little guy all over the place. He dashes past Cade and Colvyn to try to prevent the creature from escaping.
move, swift arcane str, attack
sword: 1d20 + 5 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (9) + 5 + 2 - 1 = 15 damage: 1d8 + 4 - 1 ⇒ (8) + 4 - 1 = 11

Rig fails to connect with his scimitar, but the positive energy of Floredana's channel burns the creature, worse than before.

Round 5 Initiative: Bless: +1 to attacks and saves vs fear.
Block 1: Attic Whisperer (-36)
Block 2: Cade, Colvyn (silent), Floredana (silent), Kargas (-7, down), Rig

Cade and Colvyn are up.

Note: All characters within the red circle are under a despair effect and take -1 on attack, damage, and will save rolls.

Colvyn takes a few steps back and send another arrow. This time he gets a good hit. Your turn Cade, make that blessing count.

Longbow: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 8 + 1 + 1 = 27
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Cade steps forward
Attack Rapier: 1d20 + 7 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 7 - 1 + 1 = 14
Attack Main Gauche: 1d20 + 1 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 - 1 + 1 = 6
Damage Rapier: 1d4 - 1 + 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) - 1 + 1 + (3) = 4
Damage Main Gauche: 1d3 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 + 1 = 2