Something Wicked This Way Comes (Inactive)

Game Master Fanguar

As they stow the arrows in the tunnel, Albrέkt drops the guise of the dwarf.

Hunched in the dark, the wretch's dead eyes glitter as he issues a hissed whisper to Xanos and Kaynen;

"Der Hungerrr... I muzt feed soon... Schnell..."

Kaynen considers a spell of his own, but simply holds his action when he sees Haruk proceeding along the same course.

He smiles at Albrekt - a permissive grin.

Soon enough, buddy. Soon enough.

Will: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (12) - 1 = 11

The man's eyes glaze a little, "Well that's kind of you to say so. As for birthday meals, the wife has always been fond of baked lake trout. You might want to give that a go. Anything else you need, or can I get back to work?"

Quick question, trying to figure out the best line to feed him to get him to logically follow us, without the other kitchen staff objecting. Any suggestions?

ask him how to make it and when he start complain that it sounds complicated and ask him to come with us so we can write it down. He wouldn't be missed for a bit but would be missed. Might be better to ask him to come find us at the bottom of the tower when he has finished (so he can explain).

He's charmed, so it doesn't really matter to him what you ask. By the time he's gone long enough to be missed, it will be too late. Don't stress too much about it. I'm not going to screw you over without warning of the potential for that to happen. What matters most to me is where you are headed with him.

Bring him to me... :)

Thanks GM!

Haruk smiles when the cook joins them in the hallway "So listen, my buddy and I are new here, could you give us a quick tour of the place? Ya know show us where the officers stay, the high priest's rooms, that sort of thing." 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30 Diplomacy, just in case

Any other places to be shown? I assume we discussed this plan ahead of time, so Haruk would know where to go. Also, yes Ser Vamp, once done with our tour, he shall be brought to you. I imagine you filled us all in on your new dietary requirements.

Ja. Bring me der haemoglobin...

Albrέkt shifts in the dim tunnel, continuing to destroy and wreck the arrow supply as directed;

"Zat is der arrowz zerstört... kaputt. Vhat ist next?"

A lot of the places are in the keep, which might not be the best idea to enter at the moment, but he can tell you what is on each floor, which is really good enough for your purposes.

New best bud in tow, you let him guide you on a brief survey of the fortress. He's never been in the gatehouse so he can't tell you what is in it specifically. He does point a couple interesting points. Above the servants entrance (8a) hangs a great stone emblem bearing the heraldry of Talingarde. This emblem is one of the watchtower’s most prominent features. What he let's you know is that it is actually part of the Balentine's defense system and it can be lowered by a winch on the wall to completely seal off that side of the keep.

He also tells you about the bridge of death, the bridge that connects the guardhouse to the main keep. This bridge earned its charming name a hundred and twenty years ago. A tribe of ogres attacked Balentyne and managed to break the portcullis. The wily Talirean commander left the drawbridge down and the ogres rushed onto the bridge. He then raised the drawbridge trapping sixteen heavily armored ogres (including the ogre’s high chieftain) on the bridge. The archers punished the brutes with arrows and within a minute no ogre survived. With their chieftain dead, the ogres fled in disarray and the “Bridge of Death” was named.

Eventually you get him to show you the storeroom under the smithy (which connects to the secret tunnel).

Assume the PC's know where most things are. Just ask for specifics and I'll tell you where it is on the map.

"Zat is der arrowz zerstört... kaputt. Vhat ist next?"

"We wait. Haruk should be returning shortly."

Kaynen pauses on the Bridge of Death, finding it a source of momentary inspiration.

"And no ballads or songs were composed of this tale? Pity... although I think the words are coming to me now."

Giving a smile to the others, he adds, "pity it was ogres, I'd rather replace the victims with something that's easier to rhyme, although I will admit, it's been quite the challenge to rhyme Mitran. Luckily, it's quite a bit easier to rhyme with Mitran's screams..."

Vank grins at Kaynen. "Can we show you a map and you tell us what is every room you know? That would be quicker."

Albrέkt's tongue plays across his jagged fangs as he mulls Xanos' words;

"I hoffen he vill be schnell Herr Xanos... Minn hunger... grows ever greater..."

Kaynen sighs and makes a mental note to carry a bucket of fresh livers and hearts to satiate Albrekt's latest bouts with his hunger.

Now what rhymes with liver? Ah, yes... quiver.

Und sliver... ;) For I am soooooo hungry minn kamerad...

Sorry I guess I wasn't clear. I'm just hand-waving the dissemination of information. Assume that, with the few exceptions mentioned above, you know where everything is. I'm just too lazy to label the map, so if you want to know where something is, just ask me ooc. "Where are the commanders quarters" "Rooms 45-47". I will also let you know if there are guards stationed there.

Anyways, Albrekt can eat the servant. No need to roll.

No problem, my fault.

"We have some other friends that are thirsting to meet you. Come this way" Assuming we have asked everything Vank will lead him to the others.

Balls in your court folks. Albrekt can RP his first vampire feast. You now know where all the remaining main targets are, the priest(17), the commander(47), the wizard(41) and the last guard captain(3). I don't know that you can take them all out in one go, but catching the melee's in bed and out of armour, will definitely make your life easier and if you can get to them while they are still asleep, you may of course attempt coup-de-graces.
At night, there will be two guards stationed at the double doors that lead to 31, 2 in 34, 2 in 39, 2 in 44.

Thank you GM, I hadn't realized there was a guard captain left or a wizard (For some reason I had got into my mind the message master was the wizard)

"I'd like to try for the Priest and the last guard captain tonight. My magic will enable to us to do these in silence but I getting in the main keep and dealing with Duke will be a stretch. I suggest we wait until the play is over and we have dealt with the change of guard. Then go to the chapel and silence our selves before going through the trap drop and killing the priest and acolytes. One of us dressed as a guard might want to go to the barracks and stop any of the them escaping that way, Ember can you do that?"

Lets give Albrekt his scene and then move on. I'd like to take out the priest and the commander tonight. If we can coup de grace them, we'll try for more targets.

I think Ember is away using the hat of disguise to pretend to be us, securing our alibi.

I'm OK with this plan. While I didn't get a chance to post, assume after learning all we could from my 'friend' I dragged him to our Vampyre. Also, I have 5 more first level spells left, so I have no problem blowing another charm or two if we feel such would help

Lets give Albrekt his scene and then move on. I'd like to take out the priest and the commander tonight. If we can coup de grace them, we'll try for more targets.

I think Ember is away using the hat of disguise to pretend to be us, securing our alibi.

Priest and commander or priest and guard captain? Just checking because I suggested priest and guard captain.

I'd prefer the commander. If we can catch someone sleeping, lets make sure it's the biggest threat.

When presented with his birthing meal, Albrέkt smiles broadly and moves from the shadows to the unassuming servant.

The brute moves quickly toward the smaller man, clapping his shoulder in an almost comradery-like grip;

Know zhis. Du are der first… but du shall nicht be der last!”

As he utters the final words the vampyre gives into his gnawing hunger and bites deep into the servant’s neck and throat; eyes rolling like a shark’s as he sucks and saws at the flesh.

The keening scream becomes a gargling moan in seconds, as the man is held in a fatal embrace. His kicking legs quickly flops and dangle twitching, as the huge figure feeds nosily.

Minutes pass as Albrέkt gulps the lifeblood bubbling from the servant’s ragged neck… until sated the vampyre drops his meal in a crumpled heap – to be soaked in the pool of blood and p1ss that marked his release from the mortal coil.

The undead wretch turns to Haruk wearing a crimson smile;

”Danke. Minn compliments to der chef…”

Eying the servant's kitchen attire, Xanos raised an eyebrow. "I believe that was the chef."

Is the play still happening?

Let's say the play is still on, but wrapping up shortly. There is no fixed end time, so it could finish at really any time now.

The commander is the biggest threat, but hardest to get to. If things go wrong, you'll rouse the whole keep. Things may go perfectly, but the dice gods can be fickle sometimes.

17 seems like the first one we'd enter chronologically, and the easiest to escape back beyond if things go wrong, right?

Kaynen nods, humming to himself a mournful dirge that quickly turns to a haunting yet happy melody, as if the death of the priest were a happy moment for the world.

He simply nods as he hums, indicating his approval of prioritizing the dispatching of the priest as their next goal.

I have no other preparations. I think the next step is to allow the play to end, continue the impersonation of guards while the rest of us hide out, and let the people in the keep head to bed. I say we give it an hour and a half to let everyone settle in to sleep, and then we go after the priest.

I agree with one addition wait for the change of guards, since we don't know when that'll be and it would be annoying if that happened while we were off killing

Sated and ready.

Later that night; Flag room (32)

Two of you posing as guards hear the approaching footfalls of the guards coming to relieve you.

SM: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (17) - 1 = 16
SM: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1

One yawns loudly and waves a lazy hand, while the other is much more alert.

Whichever of you are impersonating the guards, roll disguise checks (remember that the circlets give you +10). If you both roll above 16, they guards don't notice anything. If either fails, the more alert guard will be suspicious. You can roll a preemptive bluff if that is the case, or just attack. If you both make the rolls, combat starts in the surprise round.

While the others put the continued charade in play, a revitalised Albrέkt shifts next to Xanos.

The vampyre looks intently at the necromancer and smiles - his mouth still slick with blood and strands of flesh;

"A qvestion if ich may? Do you nei vish to join der rankz of Der Unvergänglich? It izt und feeling unlike any ozer I have know... Der power...it izt vunderbar! Ja?"

Xanos nodded. "It is an interesting experience, isn't it."

"I have been undead before. A few times, actually. Vampirism was my least favorite, though I can see why others would enjoy the experience. It is simply not to my liking. I am not fond of being beholden to the limitations of my body. It's lingering effects have some benefits though."

"I have never been a Lich, nor a Ghost. I admit to great curiosity."

Vank turns smiling to the arriving guards and raising one hand in greeting.

Disguise: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (16) + 17 = 33

To speed things up do you mind if I roll Haruk's disguise he has a +14 so only a 1 will fail, (and even if he does he has +16 to bluff. so I can't see us not getting a surprise round).

To speed things up do you mind if I roll Haruk's disguise he has a +14 so only a 1 will fail, (and even if he does he has +16 to bluff. so I can't see us not getting a surprise round).

Ya that's fine. If you see this before he does, you can roll and carry on with your action

Sorry guys wrapping up my vacation, trying and hoping to get home soon, but I've been delayed

1d20 + 14 ⇒ (10) + 14 = 24 Disguise

Sorry guys wrapping up my vacation, trying and hoping to get home soon, but I've been delayed

1d20+14 Disguise

No problem to me, I just though that a roll you will fail one time in 20 wasn't worth waiting for, hope you don't mind.

Surprise round
Vank smiles and nods to the approaching guards. as they arrive he steps past them summoning his ancestor's sword and cuts down on one.

Attack: 1d20 + 8 - 1 ⇒ (19) + 8 - 1 = 26 power attack
Damage: 2d6 + 6 + 3 ⇒ (2, 4) + 6 + 3 = 15 power attack

Crit comfirm: 1d20 + 8 - 1 ⇒ (10) + 8 - 1 = 17 power attack
Damage: 2d6 + 6 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (3, 4) + 6 + 3 + 2 = 18 power attack, killer trait

Assuming crits a flat footed opponent
The hobgoblin's blade slices down through the head and down into the neck. Vank grants slightly as he pull the blade out and turn to the other guard.

Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Albrέkt eyes Xanos suspiciously as he speaks, a confused look playing across his crimson smeared features;

"You haf been Unvergänglich? Yet now ihre heart beats und you stand as eins living? Like der ozher khattel ve prey upon! Vhy?'

Xanos gave a tight lipped smile. "All bodies wear out. Even yours will, eventually."

"When you have been around as long as I have, you have to figure out how to provide yourself with new ones on occasion. A new body means new opportunities for experimentation. It also means vulnerability." he looked down at himself.

"This is the body I had only recently entered when I was captured." He raised his arms to show the wide silver manacles that were still locked to his wrists. "Something about these prevented me from possessing another body, or escaping ethereally before they drained me of much of my power."

"So now, I start over. At first I found it inconvenient, but now it has become quite invigorating."

Waiting on Haruk. Not really sure what he would want to do, so I'm a little leary of botting him. If Vank had rolled a better initiative, I would just handwave to the next round, but it is unlikely he'll get to go before the guard. Anywho, I'll give Haruk a little longer, but I will bot shortly.

Haruk hurls a small glob of acid at the other guard.

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17 Acid Splash for 1d3 ⇒ 2

Init Guard: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (11) - 1 = 10
Init Haruk: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

The remaining guard lets out a cry of pain as Haruk's acid burns into his skin.

Combat Round 1
17 Haruk
10 Guard
6 Vank

Haruk is up again, then the guard. Fair warning, he is going to run for it.

Albrέkt looks at Xanos with renewed respect and nods reverently at his words;

Ja. To be neugeboren... "reborn" isz indeed invigorating... To sunder a mensch hast a dull thrill, but to feed upon him... upon all he isz... all he vill be... Zhat is intoxicating..."

The vampyr smiles - flashing his jagged fangs;

"Old vun... Ve kuld make zhis place und monument to die toten... you und I. To Der Blassen Prinzessin. Let der others submit to infernalisch unholde... "fiends" deep in der pits of Hell.."

"I think you mistake me, Albrekt." Xanos said quietly from their hiding place in the tunnel. "I have had my time as a demagogue. More than once, actually. There was a time when I thought my goals would be best achieved through the destruction of the whole world. The Sons of the Apocalypse rose and fell many times, with my leadership and without. The last a scant half century ago."

"I have found such things to be fruitless. I revere no gods or goddesses. I find Asmodeus, and Urgathoa to each be short sighted and limited by the cosmological roles they play."

"They are much more agreeable in beliefs and approach than gods such as Mitra, but still, they are gods and I work with them them only as a function of a mutually beneficial alliance, not as any kind of reverence."

Haruk smashes the guard in the face with his mace, attempting to drop him before he has a chance to run. 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22 possible crit. [ooc]1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11 normal damage 1d8 - 1 ⇒ (5) - 1 = 4

Sorry for the delay. I normally don't like doing this, but Haruk probably shouldn't have been one of the ambushers in the first place. Anywho, I'm going to change Haruk's attack into a trip attempt. FF enemies don't get AoOs

Haruk swings his mace low, taking the soldier behind the knee and he tumbles to ground in a clatter. Eyes wide with fear, the man let's out a cry of fear as he tries to scramble to his feet and flee.

AoO Haruk: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
Damage: 1d8 - 1 ⇒ (4) - 1 = 3
AoO Vank: 1d20 + 8 - 1 ⇒ (18) + 8 - 1 = 25
Damage: 2d6 + 6 + 3 ⇒ (4, 2) + 6 + 3 = 15

He barely makes it halfway before you cut him down to bleed out beside his comrade.

You have taken out the replacement guards. There should be no one else through here until the next changing of the guard. You are free to continue the assault

Albrέkt chuckles as Xanos continues to tell of his lives once lived;

"Nein. Der Blassen Prinzessin gazes witz dead eyes und zee's all zhat was, all zhat vil be. "

The brute shifts and draws close to the necromancer;

"Old Vun. I kould be your inztrument of death. Your recht hand... Surely you vant to spread der glory of der deathless? You are a Nekromant are you not?

The corner of Xanos' mouth twitched up. "Interesting you should use that term." the necromancer said to himself looking at his hands for a moment before focusing his shrewd gaze on Albrekt again.

"Glory is not my calling. I am a necromancer as a means to an end, not as some sort of artistic expression or higher calling. My approach has more in common with an alchemist than a typical wizard. I am afraid I was never interested in knowledge for the sake of knowledge. Nor even for power, though knowledge and power are the means by which my goals become attainable."

"I am interested in exploring an existence free from shackles. Free from the meddling influence of the gods and the limitations they have placed on us to give us the illusions of choice and satisfaction. We are all slaves to so many subtle masters. Eating. Drinking. Breathing. Morality. Lust. Greed. Even your own new form comes with its own share of inherent limitations. I would do without any of them."

"The Mitrans have set me back far too many times for me to suffer them any longer, so their end becomes a means to my ends as well. My alliance with the Asmodean church serves that purpose."

"As for your service, I would welcome it. I would never ask anyone to follow my path without understanding my undertaking."