Revival of the Runelords (Inactive)

Game Master Cellion

Flo goes for her tried and true method of destabilizing, placing her foot again in Habe's path. Who knew messing with little brothers would pay off!

"We've got this Colvyn, see if you can help them! They aren't responding, but I can hear fighting!" she says over her shoulder. In the mean time...

"You aren't going anywhere Habe!" she says, dropping her starknife and snatching at his wrists. Unfortunately, Guiness' words catch her off guard, her hands grasping air instead of a creepy doctor. "COlVYN IS COMING!"
________
AoO of Trippy trip trips! (Bless, Inspire): 1d20 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 + 1 = 16
Grapple (Bless, Inspire) vs Habe (Prone?): 1d20 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 1 = 3 -_-
If the trip doesn't work, she will follow Habe and try to start the grapple one handed. Ninja'd by Guiness, but I was still typing this up so I added it in :D

That trip would have definitely landed because you should have another +3 to your CMB roll because of your BAB.

Flo miss chance, since Habe's starting point is in the fog: 1d100 ⇒ 3
Flo's impromptu trip seems on course to foil Habe, but the mist obscures his true position and he manages to get away! (assuming Kellek doesn't get him, of course)

I've moved you to the south-east to where Habe ran to so that you can get your grapple attempt.

Rig rips off a sleeve of his shirt and ties it around his lower face to try to prevent himself from breathing anymore of the stench.
probably nothing functional, just flavor

Ah, because I missed to mention it earlier:
In the split second before losing his sight, Guiness noticed that the gnome necromancer seemed to actually be THREE necromancers. The trio moved and acted in tandem, suggesting some kind of magic at work!

|||| INIT ||||
Flo
Kargas (16 dmg)
Rig (nauseated 1 rd)
Colvyn
Kellek x2 turns
Guiness (9 dmg, blind)
Zombies white and teal
??? Gnome (2 images)
Habe (nauseated)

Buffs: Bless, Inspire Courage

Not sure if the door leading outside is open or not. If it is, ignore this post and Colvyn will do a double move to get to the other entrance.

Colvyn crosses the small room and opens the door leading outside. Erastil, help get there in time to help them.

So, a quick rules question. When Guiness stepped out of the fog, he was adjacent to the gnome who cast the spell. Did Guiness get an AOO as the spell was being cast?

The spell was cast while you were still inside the fog, 10ft away from the gnome. Guiness had partial concealment from the gnome at the time, not enough concealment to block line of sight.

The spell was cast while you were still inside the fog, 10ft away from the gnome. Guiness had partial concealment from the gnome at the time, not enough concealment to block line of sight.

Ah, gotcha. That makes sense. Thanks.

Sorry, let's try posting this again.

"Stay down, or we'll put you down."

20% miss chance: 1d100 ⇒ 15 trip (AoO, v prone [I think?: 1d20 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 2 + 4 = 16

If that fails:

"Zillee Stri'ng!"

Kellek casts web (DC 16) into the corner of the stairs leading down.

reflex save v web: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

The teal zombie advances with a groan towards Kargas, while the white one tries to clobber him with its arms. This time, the toxic fog works in his favor. The zombie misjudges its swing due to the swirling vapors. Meanwhile inside the reception area, the gnome rapidly completes another spell - one that charges his hand with a blood-red aura. Despite Guiness' blindness, the gnome stumbles on an uneven spot on the table and misses the fighter with the subsequent touch - leaving the spell still charged on his hand. (Not that Guiness sees this, as he's blinded, but just in case Kargas gets through this next round)

Habe, still nauseated by the fog, isn't even able to summon up the energy to break free of the web. He thrashes weakly to no effect. (Gross, he can't take a standard to free himself!)

Rig is no longer nauseated!

|||| INIT ||||
Flo
Kargas (16 dmg)
Rig
Colvyn
Kellek
Guiness (9 dmg, blind)
Zombies white and teal
??? Gnome (2 images)
Habe (nauseated)

Buffs: Bless

Habe, still nauseated by the fog, isn't even able to summon up the energy to break free of the web. He thrashes weakly to no effect. (Gross, he can't take a standard to free himself!)

;) Though that won't last.

Waiting to see if Flo is caught or not.

"Kargas, if you are near Guiness, try not to sound like the walking dead!"

"Damnable smelly fog!" Kargas continues swinging at the zombie blocking his path.

Fort vs Fog: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17
Power Attack vs Teal: 1d20 + 11 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 11 + 1 - 2 = 16 Damage: 2d4 + 15 ⇒ (4, 4) + 15 = 23

20% Miss Chance: 1d100 ⇒ 87

Hacking down the zombie before him, the half-orc bulls through the miasma and emerges in the room with Guiness and the gnome, rushing for the door to cut off any retreat. "Guiness, hit him!"

Guiness, still squinting from the toxic fog, can’t seem to see anything, but that gnome was moving around on the table and he saw where he was last...

Guiness will try a Perception check to hear if the gnome has moved from his previous spot...if he can’t tell, he will swing at the location he last saw the gnome, following up with a forehead smash from his thick helmet.

Perception to hear where the gnome is: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

”Blasted gnome farts burning my eyes!” Guiness exclaims, swinging his hammer in a wide arc where he last saw (or detected) the gnome.

Dragonfist Attack with Bless: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 9 + 1 = 12
Miss chance: 1d100 ⇒ 58
Damage: 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

Headbutt Attack with Bless: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 1 = 7
Miss chance: 1d100 ⇒ 30
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Flo just barely manages to contort her body in such a way that the Kellek's webs don't manage to snare her. "You couldn't have said something first?!" she snaps at the Wizard.

"Habe, you're giving us no choice here! Your basement Necromancer has attacked and you won't yield!" she says as she lashes out at him with her starknife.
________
Reflex, DC 16: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
Starknife (Bless, Inspire) vs Habe: 1d20 + 3 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 3 + 1 + 1 = 211d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Kargas finally steadies his aim enough to send a horizontal slash through the teal zombie. Its two halves topple, leaving Kargas a path to advance out of the fog. Inside the reception area, Kargas watches as one of Guiness' wild attacks shears straight through an illusory copy of the gnomish necromancer. The fellow and his remaining image frown with mild perturbation at the result.

Kargas, you also see that Guiness' eyes are a milky white - the dwarf is totally blind.

To the south, Flo stays free of the webs and scores an easy hit with her starknife. Between being cripplingly nauseous, being bound by webbing, and generally just being out of shape, Habe stands no chance at evading the attack. The doctor cries out in despair as he's struck. "Augh! I'm going to die! I'm going to die! Augh!" The wound does look rather serious.

|||| INIT ||||
Flo
Kargas (16 dmg)
Rig
Colvyn
Kellek
Guiness (9 dmg, blind)
Zombies white
??? Gnome (1 image)
Habe (nauseated, entangled, 5 dmg)

Buffs: Bless

Moving as fast as his legs can carry him, Colvyn only hopes is that he doesn't arrive too late to help his friends.

Double move this round

Now that he can breathe again, Rig notices that Kellek and Flo seem to have Habe well in hand/web. He sings out a triumphant note that gives his allies an extra boost of hope (inspire courage) and then moves to try to follow Colvyn around the side.

Kellek, if you have a spell you want to do for this round, feel free to double up. Skipping you otherwise.

The gnome makes a show of scratching at his chin. "I suppose I'll need to make more of those then, won't I. You've chopped them all to pieces. All that work, down the drain." He turns to Kargas and suddenly reaches out with his hand, just barely touching the half-orc's chain shirt. A burst of red light streams from his hand and into Kargas' body. Kargas' skin blisters open and blood pours forth, traveling in large beads towards the gnome. The blood hangs around the gnome like a constellation of droplets. (Kargas takes 5 points of damage. Gnome-y necro gets some benefit) The gnome steps towards the southern end of the table. Meanwhile, the sole remaining zombie shambles into the reception room. Provokes from Kargas and Guiness.

To the south, Habe struggles in vain against the web. His eyes are wide with fear as he looks towards the undine with the starknife.

|||| INIT ||||
Flo
Kargas (21 dmg)
Rig
Colvyn
Kellek
Guiness (9 dmg, blind)
Zombie white
??? Gnome (1 image)
Habe (nauseated, entangled, 5 dmg)

Buffs: Bless, Inspire

Kellek burns his way out of the web with burning hands.

He overtakes Rig and opens the next door.

Spell, move, move, move action (open second door).

His eyes still burning from the toxic fog, Guiness can hear the zombie but can’t see it well enough to make the AOO (thinking full concealment doesn’t allow AOO’s). Forcing his eyes open against the pain, Guiness realizes he can’t see at all!

Now truly angry, Guiness hears Kargas in the small room and roars, ”Where is that blasted zombie lover?” (Guiness heard the talking, but may not have heard the gnome shift his location on the table. Should I assume Kargas can communicate the right square to Guiness, or do I need to make some kind of roll for that?)

Kargas can definitely communicate it to you, since the gnome is adjacent and Guiness has a good frame of reference for any instructions. No check needed.

Guiness unleashes his attacks towards the gnome in a vicious fury, hoping to make solid contact even though he can’t see the creature.

Dragonfist Attack w/Bless, IC: 1d20 + 9 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 9 + 1 + 1 = 22
Miss Chance: 1d100 ⇒ 78
Damage w/IC: 1d8 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 7 + 1 = 10

Headbutt Attack w/Bless, IC: 1d20 + 3 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 3 + 1 + 1 = 22
Miss Chance: 1d100 ⇒ 76
Damage w/IC: 1d4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 1 = 3

Pwr Atk AoO vs Zombie: 1d20 + 11 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 11 + 1 - 2 = 27 Damage: 2d4 + 15 ⇒ (2, 1) + 15 = 18

Kargas grunts as the gnome's spell ruptures his flesh. Hacking down the zombie as it rounds the corner of the table, the barbarian steps to keep the gnome between himself and Guiness. Sending arcs of lightning crackling down his falchion, Kargas slashes at the gnome's legs.

No Power Attack this round
Flanking Atk: 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 11 + 2 + 1 = 15 Damage: 2d4 + 9 + 1d6 ⇒ (4, 2) + 9 + (1) = 16

Desna, please don't make me strike him again. I feel bad enough already, but I can't let him run away after all this! Flo looks uncertainly at Habe before wiping the back of her hand against her right thigh. Small butterfly wings manifest on either side of her ankles. "Habe, you can stop this! Tell that Gnome to end the cloud and we can talk this out!"
________
Cast Longstrider. Flo will AoO Habe if he tries to move.

@Kellek: Second door was already open - Colvyn went through it earlier. I've moved you an extra move action's distance.
Botting Rig. Colvyn, I'll leave it up to you how you want to use this round rather than botting you. You can take 2 turns next round.
Rig dashes past Kellek on the porch outside, coming up to the front door to the Respite.
----

A blinded Guiness attacks furiously, and against all odds lands two blows on the gnome. The first is slowed by the cloud of blood, but still impacts the gnome even after the blood is swept aside. While the headbutt knocks the gnome in the chest. The necromancer (and his clone image) rubs at his chest with a balled fist. "How dare you. Apologize this instant!"

Kargas' opportunistic attack slices through another zombie torso, ending the last of the undead menaces. His followup against the gnome proves only partially successful. It shreds through his illusory copy, leaving him standing alone once more.

While Flo summons up some additional speed, Habe calls out miserably "You think I have any say? I'm his victim!" He struggles against the web to no avail, though he looks less sickened this round.

The gnome hops off the table, heading for Habe's bedchamber. He spins around and makes a rapid set of gestures towards Kargas. "Your destiny is clear, oaf. Death. Then undeath. No use making it a struggle." He casts a spell defensively, focusing its effects on Kargas. (DC16 Fort or blinded.)

|||| INIT ||||
Flo
Kargas (21 dmg)
Rig
Colvyn x2
Kellek
Guiness (9 dmg, blind)
??? Gnome (8 dmg)
Habe (nauseated, entangled, 5 dmg)

Buffs: Bless, Inspire

Was somewhat hoping someone would open the next door for me. :(

Colvym walks up to the door and opens it just as Rig and Kellek arrive next to him. With the gnome finally visible, Colvyn smiles as he sends an arrow flying. "Surprise!!" Noticing that Guiness seems to be unsure of where the gnome is, Colvyn looks at the dwarf. "He's on the other side of the table, think you could smash that thing down?"

Longbow: 1d20 + 11 + 1 + 1 - 1 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 11 + 1 + 1 - 1 - 4 = 23
Damage: 1d6 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 1 + 1 + 2 + (1) = 10

Kellek moves 5 feet and readies an action.

Does the table impede movement for the sighted? And for the newly blind? Maybe a move action to feel his way around one side or the other...

Fort vs Blindness: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16

As the spell tries to take hold Kargas' vision tunnels, but the furious half-orc barely notices as he takes another swing at this irritating caster who had ambushed them.

Gonna try Power Attack again, saving my last Elemental Strikes for later. Bless & Inspire Courage.
Power Attack: 1d20 + 11 + 1 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 11 + 1 + 1 - 2 = 24 Damage: 2d4 + 15 + 1 ⇒ (4, 2) + 15 + 1 = 22

@Guiness: Clambering onto the table would count as moving into difficult terrain. Plus, as a blind character, you already move at half speed unless you make an acrobatics check. The half-speed movement encompasses you needing to feel your way around an environment.

The necromancer had proven difficult to reach, but now the group is able to finally converge upon him. Colvyn aims an arrow right over Guiness' shoulder, landing it in the gnome's arm. As the gnome turns in outrage towards the ratfolk responsible, Kargas swings in and impales him on his falchion.

The gnome stares for a moment at the blade, an expression of mild concern on his face, before his eyes roll up into the back of his head and he loses consciousness. When Kargas withdraws his weapon, the gnome collapses, bleeding out profusely.

Combat Over!

In the next few seconds, the toxic fog fades from the common room of the Respite.

Guiness feels his way around the table to get adjacent to where he thinks the gnome is (move action at 1/4 speed for blindness and difficult terrain) and starts a powerful swing with his hammer, only to be told the combat is over...

”Did we get ‘im?” Guiness snarls, still angered over his inability to see.

"He's been gotten alright." says Kellek from just behind Guiness.

Given the time, Kellek does the following: He mentions that Flo might need some help in the next room with Habe. This might force people to walk the long way around outside because of the cloud depending on timing. He casts detect magic and scans about for items with magical auras. He takes 10 to ID them with Spellcraft (total 24). He looks about here and in the northern-most room for the necromancer's spell book (Priorities, man! Priorities!) People might ask him to do other things of course (check on the gnome, check Guiness's eyes), but... priorities. ;)

Guiness jumps at the voice from behind him, then nods in satisfaction, saying in the direction of the half-orc, ”Yeah, it sounded like you got him, Kargas.”

Stowing his shield and hammer, Guiness rubs at his eyes, trying to shake them clear of the after effects of that toxic fog. As nothing seems to help, he remembers that the gnome seemed to cast some kind of spell at him while he was still exiting the fog—the last thing he saw.

He stands, slowly blinking, hoping that this effect is only temporary.

Kargas takes a step back to avoid the spreading pool of blood. "Are we gonna save him, or do we think Habe can tell us what we need?" The half-orc glares in Habe's direction as though he could see the other man through the wall.

"Gnome shows up to attack us out of nowhere with zombies, and we think ghouls did those murders. Seems connected."

With a gallows sense of humor and a dry chuckle, Guiness says, ”I just can’t see myself binding the wounds of a dying necromancer who just blinded me.”

"Then STOP RUNNING!" Flo shouts at Habe. What is happening? Where did everyone go? These webs are still here and I just stabbed a doctor!
________
As far as Flo is concerned, she is still in combat until Habe is apprehended. Readied action to attack Habe if he tries to run.

Guiness will pick his way over to Floredana, feeling his way along the wall (double move, 20 feet total in the first round). He will call out to her, "I'm on my way, Lady of the River. Keep talking."

I knew I forgot to mention something in my last post!

Habe doesn't appear to be trying to run any longer, nor does he seem to be much of a threat to Flo, even on her own.

While Flo continues her confrontation with Habe, Kellek immediately transitions to loot identification mode. His detect magic spell pings on a number of auras on the necromancer's body (though as the necromancer expires, one of those auras would fade) From the necromancer you retrieve (and subsequently identify):

Two potion vials (1x Cure Moderate Wounds, 1x Gaseous Form), One scroll (Darkvision), Two wands (False Life - 24 charges, Identify - 15 charges), a masterwork dagger, a key ring, a dart, and a money pouch with 11 pp, 15 gp and 4 sp.

Kellek searches the necromancer and Habe's room to the north but finds no evidence of a spellbook of any kind.

Guiness eventually makes it over to Floredana as the shouting dies down, although he may have to fight his way through the webbing that wasn't there before.

"Are you okay over here, Floredana? he asks, speaking in the direction he last heard her voice.

Seeing Guiness sort of stumble about despite the fog being gone, Rig runs to his side. "Here, take my arm, Brother. Let's go see if Flo can help your eyes." He doesn't even glance at the necromancer. As far as he's concerned, the gnome deserves what he got.

"My thanks, Rig. I am used to being able to see, even in the darkness. This is new to me. Yes, let's see if Floredana can help," says Guiness gratefully.

Unhappy to show weakness in front of the others, he is nevertheless encouraged at the thought of perhaps quickly getting back his sight. "At least it is not the half-orc guiding me around like some infirm old codger," thinks Guiness, somewhat uncharitably.

Not trusting necromancers, even dead ones, Kargas grabs the gnome's collar and drags his body into the main room with the others. I assume he's expired by now?

Tossing the body at Habe's feet, Kargas jabs a bloody at finger at the cowering Habe.

"You. Explain." Intimidate: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25

Flo exhales deeply as Habe clearly concedes and the others start assembling. Thank Desna we're alright.. But, Guiness? Her weapon clatters on the floor as she jogs over to him.

"Guiness what happened?!" she asks. "Your... your eyes! I... Desna hasn't sent me the power to restore sight yet. I'm, I'm so sorry... In town, Father Zantus might be able to help us, or at least point us to someone with a potion, right?"

Seeing that Kellek is busy inventorying the loot and that everyone else is regrouping toward Floredana, Colvyn walks back into the house. He looks around and eventually notices that there is only one door left that he didn't where it lead to, Colvyn walks to it and open it slightly to peek at what is inside.

With no-one staunching his bleeding, the necromancer has totally expired.

The party converges on Flo and Habe, some more capably than others. While most of the group tries to address Guiness' new infirmity, Kargas faces down a cowering Habe.

"I- That gnome. He came here one day with his... his creatures." Habe stares with disbelief, and disgust, at the necromancer's body. "He threatened that he'd kill me and my orderlies, unless I hid him here. He said he wanted this place for his projects. I- I, didn't know just how bad it'd get." Habe looks up at the group. "Even with my best efforts, some of the people brought here were too far gone. Whenever we had a death... Caizarlu would take their body, so long as they had no friends or family that would come looking."

He looks down the stairs. "He'd take them down there. I was never allowed to see what happened, but sometimes I'd hear things moving down there - too many things to just be Caizarlu."

"I always wanted to go to the Sandpoint Guard for help, but I knew if I crossed him, he'd find a way to kill me." He continues staring down the stairs. "I was too frightened. Now that you managed to kill him, all I can think about are all the deceased I willingly let enter his hands."

While Habe explains the situation, Colvyn pokes his head into the last room on the ground floor. He finds a large pantry and storage room with foodstuffs for the staff and patients.

"Well, I'm not entirely useless," says Guiness. "Let's go downstairs and see...ah...I mean 'learn' what is going on. As long as someone spots for me an' tells me where to swing, I'll do my part," he finishes bravely.

He may not be the brightest torch in the rack, but that dwarf is just to stubborn to let a little thing like GOING BLIND slow him down too much...

"When we're done, we can give the bodies a respectful burial," Guiness adds, almost as an afterthought, after hearing Habe's sordid tale.

Rig's attitude towards Habe softens a little based on his story, but only a little. He nods at Guiness' suggestion. Then realizing the dwarf can't see him, says, "Yes, that's a good idea. Give them some manner of peace perhaps."

"Well, I'm not entirely useless," says Guiness.

"Don't sell yourself short, dwarf." Guiness can't see the smirk.

"So Habe," Kellek begins smoothly. "You seem to have been terrified by this little Caizarlu fellow, and his work, and yet when you chose to flee you chose the door into his abattoir, and not the one away from it. Why?"

"Did he ever say anything about ghouls? Or having associates or partners? Don't think his zombies did those murders."

Kargas glances at the door Habe indicates leads to the workshop, but waits for the others to finish tending to Guiness.

"So Habe," Kellek begins smoothly. "You seem to have been terrified by this little Caizarlu fellow, and his work, and yet when you chose to flee you chose the door into his abattoir, and not the one away from it. Why?"

"Caizarlu almost never left the basement, not to eat or drink... or anything truly. So for a long time I've suspected he had another exit to the outside from there. With you folks keeping him busy but not letting me get through you and out the side door, it seemed the best way to escape." His face is flushed with shame. "I was sure you'd be killed, and Caizarlu would have done something horrible to me if I stayed."

"Did he ever say anything about ghouls? Or having associates or partners? Don't think his zombies did those murders."

"He rarely talked to me, and only to demand things. I don't think he had any partners. At least, I sure hope not."