Risen from the Sands PbP (Inactive)

Game Master lucklesshero

Gesturing towards the western door as the party finishes tending to its wounds, Torvald takes position but doesn't touch the handle until the others are ready. "Ever onward, then?"

Myth readies his bow, nodding warily to Torvald...recalling Jawhar's latest words and fearing them to be correct, he murmurs, "Here be mummies..."

"Ready as ever."

Glad to be part of a needed cleanup of these historical ruins, Jawhar now sees the wisdom of sending the group here before less capable historians could have been hurt.

Not seeing the point of all of this, Craggark cracks his neck and sighs.

”Let’s see another disappointment of a pharaoh’s tomb,” he mutters.

Bacon would be good right now, he thinks.

Analia is again drawn to another room (I'm going to assume she's still busy until we hear from her) The rest of the group proceeds with opening the plain stone door....They are shocked when they open the door. Instead of yet another plain and empty tomb...the party instead finds:

Sumptuous hanging silks, plush cushions, and patterned rugs decorate this luxurious chamber. A cool breeze bearing the mingled scent of lotus flowers and perfume wafts through the room. The distant notes of a lively tune plucked out on a lyre are accompanied by the sounds of trickling water, birdsong, and feminine laughter. A lovely woman looks up from her instrument with a shocked face and immediately gets to her feet from her rattan a second woman even lovelier than the first drops a bottle of perfume in shock at seeing the door open and several of the party members starring at the woman their weapons drawn. Both woman laugh nervously and say something in Ancient Osirion.

See slides 3 and 15....there are several light pieces of rattan furniture in the room...2 chairs two lounge chairs and 3 small tables...their also lit oil lamps on the tables and food including dried dates and mango.

"I've got ten golden sails on illusion, any takers?" Torvald scowls suspiciously at the two women.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

Thinking that Torvald is probably onto something (they are either an illusion or some kind of outsider trapped in this room for thousands of years), Jawhat makes an effort to see through the illusion.

Will: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Myth, not quite believing what he's seeing, nods at Torvald's words...he tries to focus and look more closely at the women, thinking they are not real...he also brings his bow to bear...

Will: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

Lia comes in behind the group, somewhat sad that she is slower than the others.

Hearing Torvald's comment, Lia sees the sense of it. "It is very doubtful anyone would or could be alive after being entombed for so long. I wonder what sort of creatures they are? It might not be an illusion, and they merely have a form that closely resembles humans."

When the door opens, Jamir blinks at the scene before him, then smiles rakishly.

"Princesses of Osirion, fear not! We have come to investigate this enchanting pyramid, having heard tales of the riches of the ancient pharaohs. Until this moment, we have been sorely disappointed by the barren chambers devoid of any interest save a few trivial monstrosities and easily defeated traps. But clearly you are yourselves the greatest treasures in this tomb -- never in my travels have I encountered such tender beauty!"

Having talked over his friends' whispered suggestions that the scene might be an illusion, he bows, then nudges Craggark with an elbow.

"My fair ladies of the desert, your imprisonment below the sands is at an end! My friends and I will deliver you safely from this monument to the ancient dead, and bring you back with us to civilization!" He strikes a dashing pose, rapier raised high in one hand, the other sweeping back his cloak. "This I promise you, or my name is not Jamir Montajay, of the Cassomir Montajays!"

Hearing one of the women speaking in a language he does not recognize, Jamir turns back to whisper over his shoulder, "Lia! Quick! Hit me with that wand that teaches me how to talk with people!"

If Jawhar was unable to disbelieve the illusion (or if it isn't), he will retrieve a scroll of Comprehend Languages and cast it on himself.

"Lia! Quick! Hit me with that wand that teaches me how to talk with people!"

Lia quickly makes as if to grab the wand Jamir mentioned, but she hesitates as she wonders if that is the best option. She instead grabs for an alchmist's fire from her belt so as to power up a fire spell should the moment come when she needs to.

Know(Religion): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Hoping that the women don't speak Taldan, Jawhar shares what he sees.

"Jamir, I am not sure what they are, but they most certainly are not beautiful women.

I suggest that we continue our cleansing of the temple."

He will begin retrieving his wand of Bless, and will activate it.

Myth nods at Jawhar's words and fires quickly at the nearest 'lady' (red)...

To Hit: Dex/base, Magic, PBS, Bless

Damage: Strength, Magic, PBS

Shortbow: 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 7 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 27

Damage+Sneak: 1d6 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 2d6 ⇒ (2) + 1 + 1 + 1 + (6, 6) = 17

Jawhar shouts a warning and Myth immediately fires his bow at one of the woman while Jawhar takes out his wand. The shot hits and the illusion of beautiful woman immediately desist to all in your group. Instead, hideous looking leather skinned ancient looking feminine humanoids stand where you once saw beauty..They hiss and turn towards your group red eyes glowing. Also the food they were holding and the furnishings in the room reveal themselves to be nothing more than rotting garbage. (note: that was surprise round...Jawhar you can still cast bless on your turn on do something else..as only one action is allowed in the surprise round)

R1
Myth
Craggark
Jawhar
Analia
Red (-12hp)
Jamir
Torvald
Green

bold may go...PS look at slide 3 to see the woman's true form

I should have made it more clear, but the wand of Bless is kept in a spring-loaded wrist sheath. I can do a swift and a standard in the surprise round, can't I?

I'll await word on the status of Jawhar's Bless spell before posting my actions...

"Now Jawhar, you're just being rude to ... oh by the barmaid's beer-stained blouse, what in the name of Harlot Queen are those?!?"

Lia wastes no time upon hearing the hiss of the ancient undead.

She rushes forward, ducking under Jawhar's outstretched arms, "Excuse me..." and slipping between Jamir and Torvald standing in the doorway, "Coming through!". Her red and gold amulet flares crimson as she calls out an incantation with strong elven words and fire erupts from the tips of her fingers.

Burning Hands(using her arcane bond to cast it since she used it already today). I put the spell template out in red to catch both women. Let's hope at least one target fails its save because then it will catch fire as if hit by an alchemist fire in addition to normal damage. GM's choice on which one it is if they both fail their saves.

Burning Hands(CL3) DC 16 for half: 3d4 + 7 ⇒ (2, 1, 3) + 7 = 13

Know Religion: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27 If somehow she knows that the undead are resistant to fire and weak against another energy type, she will use her versatile evocation ability to change the damage from fire to the best type, and she will communicate what she knows to the group.

"Poor creatures, let us put you to rest. No longer shall you be forced to serve the evil whims of the Pharaoh."

Jawhar will drop the wand and move forward while drawing his scimitar, threatening Red in case she has some type of spellcasting ability.

If the swift + activate was not allowed in the surprise round, activate the wand now and treat the attack block as an AoO (if one is required). Otherwise, drop, move, and attack

Myth will fire again at red, this time twice...

To Hit: Dex+Base, Magic, PBS, Precise Shot, Rapid Shot, Bless

Damage: Strength, Magic, PBS, Sneak Attack

Shortbow: 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 7 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 2 = 18 (vs Flat-footed AC)

Damage: 1d6 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 2d6 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 1 + 1 + (6, 2) = 12

Shortbow: 1d10 + 7 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 7 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 2 = 13 (vs Flat-footed AC)

Damage: 1d6 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 2d6 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 1 + 1 + (5, 4) = 13

Craggark initially shields his eyes from the lusty scene in front of him in an attempt at some propriety around Lia. While listening to Jamir's banter, he smiles at Lia, but notes her eyes lit in twin pupils of fury. Assuming that he caused the gnome's displeasure, Craggark attempts to assuage her.

"Now Lia, I didn't really even really---" and then the gnome streaks by Craggark, alchemist's fire drawn from her belt pouch. "What the---," the half-orc manages as he turns around to see the erupting scene of chaos.

"Oh!" Craggark chirps happily, realising that he's not being accused of ogling the ancient Osiriani women, and can instead punch undead beasties.

Move and take single melee attack using cold iron cestus.

Melee Attack, Power Attack, Bless: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 5 + 1 = 251d4 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

"Hey Lia," Craggark shouts out, "Should I avoid touching these things with my hands?"

ref red: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5ref green: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10 Myth fires two arrows at the head of the red woman zombie...both strike one in it's throat the other sticks grotesquely out of an eye socket. However, the fowl undead still stands until Jawhar runs up and runs his scimitar through the creatures chest; then it drops. Craggark rushes forward and manages a minor wound on the green zombie woman. Analia then steps forward and sets the green zombie ablaze with a spell. It dance around in a macabre manor trying to strike at anyone near.

R1
Myth
Craggark
Jawhar
Analia
Jamir
Torvald
Green (-14hp)

(bold may go)

✯⸜(*❛‿❛)⸝✯ Yay! ✯⸜(*❛‿❛)⸝✯ Great work everyone! Let's finish them!

Jamir runs into the room, charging straight at the flaming undead. "Toy with us, will you? We will free you from your imprisonment as I promised, but with much less pleasant consequences!"

Mwk Rapier, Bless, incl. precision dmg: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 9 + 1 = 281d4 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 3 = 7

Crit Confirm?: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 9 + 1 = 131d4 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Holding my post until I see whether Jamir's attack destroys the zombie

Holding my post until I see whether Jamir's attack destroys the zombie

I would have ended combat if his crit had confirmed...this creature also has DR/5 slashing so only 2hp of damage actually done...go ahead and go Torvald...thx

As the group bursts into the room Torvald follows close behind, strafing right to get a good angle for a throw. "You're friends in the last room were on on fire, you ought to dress to match!" The alchemist flings his first bomb of the day at the remaining zombie lady.

Point Blank Shot applies; using Precise Bombs as always.
Throw!: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 6 + 1 = 24 Boom!: 2d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (2, 1) + 4 + 1 = 8

The zombie woman screams an unearthly howl as the flames of Torvald’s bomb immolate it. It falls to the ground smoldering and unmoving. Combat Over

Quickly searching the smoldering wrecks that were once living women, Lia hopes she didn't ruin anything of value in her haste to destroy these creatures.

"The poor things must have been sentenced to undeath when the Pharaoh was entombed. Their existence must have been torture. I hope they are at peace now... and I hope they had some treasure here."

What? You think looking this adorable comes cheap?

perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

"We keep killing his servants, and yet, the Pharaoh himself has not stirred himself to their defense.

I would hope his harem would at least have some jewelry around. Let's finish searching and go to the next room."

I think we are down to the fancy door and perhaps the passageway past the mimic?

Myth nods at Jawhar. "I fear the pharaoh is likely nearer now though...he's likely through that fancy door we skipped earlier...he's not likely to be too far from his wives..."

Myth then helps Lia search...

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

Once we are ready to go to the next unchecked door, Lia will drink an antiplague(ee do think we are dealing with a mummy afterall), then strike up a continual flame and cast heightened awareness before anyone tries to open it.

A search reveals The zombie lord were wearing a variety of bracelets,
necklaces, and rings..including a silver necklace with a blue gemstone. You also find a bottle of ancient wine remarkable well preserved and a key on one of the woman zombie Lords.

Lia wiggles her fingers and chants in elven, casting detect magic once she sees the silver necklace with the blue gemstone, silently berating herself for not thinking to do it before hand.

Spellcraft if anything is magic: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

”Whoa! Ancient booze!” Craggark exclaims.

He side-eyes Lia and whispers to her.

And now everyone’s going to try to make their Perception check...

Myth will take a look at the key...

"Wonder what this opens?"

...and then he will search along the walls of this chamber to see if he can find a hidden door/vault for which it might open...

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

Torvald moves along the wall in the opposite direction of Myth, planning to meet in the middle.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26 27 if it's a trap

Jamir examines the wine bottle. "My father would say that this is a sign from the Accidental God that we are on the right path." He looks up at the others with his usual grin. "Of course, it might just mean that the undead have no use for the pleasures of the living. But who am I to say it can't be both?"

"Thousand year old wine? That has to be vinegar by now. Still, I can't imagine anyone ever opening the bottle, after paying whatever exorbitant price a collector would have to pay to get that.

I don't suppose we are going to see anything close to collector's price for that bottle."

"Vinegar? That certainly is possible and I would even go so far as to say likely, but I understand our friends prefer to think in a more romantic vein... especially one frosty blue tall drink of water that I know. Come to think of it, I am a bit thirsty. Just not for wine."

She says the last with a wide eyed and eager stare at Craggark, which she holds for several seconds before she finally lets it drop.

"But now is not the time for pleasure, or leisure of any kind for that matter. We have work to do and a Pharaoh to find. I only hope there is more lore with him, and treasure of course, to bring back with us for further study."

Beneath the illusion, the room’s plain sandstone walls are undecorated, and the only furnishings are two rather plain wooden sarcophagi.(where the wine was discovered) Myth and Torvald discover an un-trapped secret door in the middle north wall. Analia discovers that indeed the gem in the necklace is magical and that the wine also was magically preserved making it possibly quite valuable.
(appraise to give you the value of items) Anai lia knows the gem is magic but can determine nothing else of it's nature.

”Well, what are we waiting for? Onward, then!’

Jamir positions himself by the door, rapier in hand, ready to leap into action once the party is in position.

Everybody’s at full HP, right?

"I know what I'm waiting for," the half-orc murmurs in response to Jamir with his eyes locked on Lia. Craggark adjusts himself, shakes his head, and advances towards the door.

"Let's finish this," he says determinedly, an alchemist's fire in hand.

"Yes!" Lia says as she ignites a flame in the palm of her hand. "I'm ready."

Produce Flame(CL4). Lia will instantly dismiss her Heightened Awareness to gain a +4 on initiative(making her total bonus+9) when that is next called for.

You go down the short passage of the secrete door and hit a dead end...the passage ends in a door but it only opens one way towards your party and is more like a bank vault or a tomb door. Myth tries to find a way in (take 20 on perception disable device) but determines the door can only be opened from the inside without major excavation.

The secrete door leads to a passage heading in the general direction of the room that the Anibus guardians were guarding...You have a key to open a door. It may be the key that opens the door from the Anibus guardian chamber to the chamber beyond. Alternatively, you could go back to the mimic room and explore the chambers west of that room.

Buffing outside the fancy door:

Round 1: Remove Fear on Craggark (100 rounds)
Round 2: Hide from Undead on Mythreyndyr and Analia (200 rounds or until either attacks) DC 14 Will negates
Round 3: Protection from Evil onCraggark (20 rounds)

Ana and I can double up on the wand, right? It is on the sorceror spell list, so unless she needs to do something else in these rounds:

Round 4: Wand Protection from Evil Analia and Torvald (10 rounds)
Round 5: Wand Protection from Evil Jamir and Mythryndyr (10 rounds)

I'll have the wand in my hand as Myth opens the door.

PvE Clock:
Analia, Torvald 2nd round
Jamir, Mythryndyr 1st round
Craggark 3rd round

Deducting 4 charges from the wand.

Ok any other buffs by any other characters should be noted before tomorrow night (June 12th bout 8pm Pacific) I'll make the opening post of opening the door to the Fancy room...Myth you might s well pre-roll another ..perception for tarps while you're at it. I assume marching order is front row Jamir (left) Torvald (right) 2nd row Analia (left) Craggark (right) third row Myth (left) Jawhar (right)...if it's different please let me know...go ahead and pre-roll for initiative if you see this post before I post tomorrow as well. Lastly..Jawhar could you post a link to your shattered star game in our discussion thread..I'll get my character up and an opening post tomorrow in that game. (again June 12th)

Initiative: 1d20 ⇒ 18