Strange Aeons, with GM Pendrak

Game Master karlprosek

This is how bad things happen in this kind of story....

Pfft! Just because we're going to wind up summoning the Tatterman... what could go wrong?

1d100 ⇒ 48

The group made their warning signs and put them up without any trouble, Broom's magic making it easy to make simulate a sickly yellow color and add additional verisimilitude. They prepared an ambush for pursuers and waited.

One hour, two hours... nothing.

Do you guys wait 3 hours or is 2 your limit for moving out?

Broom started to get a little antsy waiting around for so long. While tidying up the chaos did keep her occupied for the most part, her mind kept wandering back to all the stuff she could be doing for the people at the chapel.

"Its been quite a while, shouldn't we be heading back now?"

"Give it one more hour," Reine urged, quietly. She had settled in and looked like she was quite comfortable with the idea of lurking in wait for days, if necessary. Like she had done just that, more than once, at some point in her life.

I say give it 3, then go.

Desdemona nodded reluctantly, though she'd have much preferred that they returned to the chapel. "I suppose there's no harm in it," she said, clutching her glowing dagger tightly, her eyes darting at every shadow that moved. "Though wouldn't the people be better warned, than surprised if we... fail to stop any opposition?"

I have no strong feelings about it. Tatterman gonna come TPK us wherever, LOL. XD I sure hope Zandalus isn't in any group that might show up! "Wait, did I write these???"

If he doesn't remember writing them, he might start to think his minions are taking liberties with his authority...which isn't a bad thing for us, depending on how authoritarian he is...

"Agreed, one hour and then we go rest so you folks have fresh spells."

Broom returned to tidying the room as best she could. She actually wanted to ask Desdemona how she cast her spells, but though better of it considering how scared of her own powers she seemed to be.

Instead she turned her curiosity to Reine. "How did you learn to use your magic Reine? With the cards."

Reine gave Broom an odd look. "Magic?" She frowned, thinking.

"I don't think what I do is magic," she said, after a moment. "I just..." She stopped, shook her head, and tried again. "I've dealt with a lot of scary, terrible things. I don't remember most of it, just like the rest of us don't remember, but I just kind of... know that I've seen terrible things. I know that I'm tired of people and things trying to terrorize me. And so, somehow, all of that... I can... direct it, kind of. Turn it back at the source, or at others... kind of. Sort of. Something like that." There was clearly frustration in her voice.

Reine frowned again, and shrugged. "I don't have any idea what the cards are about."

Another hour passed and the group finally heard movement in the hallway. Voices approached and then moved away- probably checking out the storage room and other rooms off the hallway. A few seconds later they heard someone yell in alarm.

"Tamavon! Andar! They're dead!" Apparently the searchers had found the dead Apostles from the storage room.

I moved your icons into the Administrator's office. Could you arrange yourselves how you want to be set up for your ambush, please?

I moved John near the door to lurk and stab someone.

Anyone with reach or ranged weapons could go up the stairs.

Without a trace of arrogant pride, Desdemona took cover behind one of the desks, not wishing to be thumped by any of the vanguard. Her shadow, however, stretched out like taffy behind her, across the room, up on the wall across from John.

Desdemona squeezed her eyes shut. It was so hungry.

Did we get the chance to go put up the "Forbidden" sign on D3 (or 2c - whichever one has the broken window)? Did we plan to put the signs up anywhere else? And if so, did we?

Reine positioned herself behind the same desk as Desdemona, and strung an arrow to her bow. She fully intended to put that arrow into the first person to come through the door, which - she hoped - would make her the target of anyone who was left standing, and encourage them to rush towards her. Which would, of course, make them perfect targets for John and Desdemona's shadow.

She's not hiding, just trying to grab a bit of cover in case the first person through has a crossbow or something. If she has a way of accurately determining that someone is about to come through the door ahead of time (a round or two), she'll Manifest Offensive Prescience before they do. If not, don't worry about it. Prepared Action to fire an arrow at the first person she sees try to come into the room. She'll do her best to look like a juicy target, as well.

You had more than enough time to put up that sign and any other signs you wanted to put up. You've also got prep time now if you want to cast any other spells.

John looks out of the corner of his eye at Desdemona's shadow as it moves across the room on its own.

At the sound of the voices Broom stops her sweeping and freezes, clutching her broom and trying to breath very quietly as she waited partway up the spiral staircase she had just been cleaning.

OK then. Signs on the door to D2c/D3 (whichever one has the broken window), and on the door in D1 that leads out to C5), as well as on the outside of the door into this office, I think. I would have loved to put one on the door between D6 and C15, because then they might've thought the dead bodies were proof of the "don't go past here" consequences, but it's too late now.

"Broom, go up the stairs. If someone comes in, you can throw acid at them or something from up there, OK?" Reine whispered to Broom, and gave the smaller woman an encouraging nod and half-smile.

Then, Reine turned her attention to the door. For a moment, all sources of light in the room seemed to flare, before returning to normal, and a Harrow card appeared in Reine's hand. She flipped it onto the desk, where it landed, face up. The Rabbit Prince, broken sword clutched in his paw, looked out at Desdemona and Reine, then disappeared a few seconds later.

Reine pulled back her bow, arrow nocked and pointed at the door.

Manifest Offensive Prescience (0PP remaining), 30/30 rounds remaining.

Readied Attack w/Shortbow: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
Damage + OP: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

I REALLY hope someone comes through the door now. :-)

I completely forgot her office library is up a set of stairs.

Shortly after the shouts, there was more commotion in the hallway and the door opened slowly as someone in yellow cautiously looked into the administrator's office. Reine fired the moment the man was visible enough to aim, and he staggered back into the hall with an arrow in his chest.

Let's do initiative. PCs get a surprise round, so 1 move or standard action each before the bad guys get to react.

Apostles (6) Init: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

1- moderate damage
2
3
4
5
6

John readies an action to stab the next one that enters the room.

Red Destiny: 1d20 + 9 - 1 ⇒ (6) + 9 - 1 = 14 (Power attack)

damage: 1d6 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 2 = 11

Broom has a sudden inspiration and starts shouting "Stay Out! Stay Out! The room is not ready yet! Zandalus told us nobody is allowed in until the room has been made ready! Can't you read the signs? Stay Out until the room is ready!" as the banged her broom on the railing of the stairs to punctuate her displeasure.

Bluff: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22

Broom scared herself with the conviction and passion that she had put into those words. Did she almost believe what she was saying?

Reine didn't bother to talk. She simply drew another arrow and fired.

Shortbow Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
arrow+OP Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
I'm assuming that's a second attack as the surprise round (unless her previous shot *started* the surprise round?)

Init: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

OP Rounds: 28/30 remaining

John Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11

Des init: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
shadow init: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 LOL

Des Aid Broom (Bluff): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5 ROFLOL

"Yes! We are... are Zandalus' inner circle! Stay out! The room isn't ready!" Desdemona snapped shrilly.

The shadow seemed disgusted, to her. Was she really going to defend her choice of words to the darkness?!?

She did glance at Broom apologetically, though.

The shadow oozed up the wall, over the doorway, ready to snap up anyone who came through and passed the gauntlet John presented.

shadow PA: 1d20 + 5 - 1 ⇒ (3) + 5 - 1 = 7
shadow PA 50% dmg: 2d6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (2, 4) + 2 + 2 = 10

Just noting that the shadow has a 10' reach and 3 AOOs (combat reflexes).

Not sure just now if Bluff/Aid is an action, got to hurry and post. If it isn't, she'll ready an attack.

readied attack Des: acid splash (ranged touch): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
dmg: 1d3 ⇒ 3

Man, the dicebot is cranky today.

I was counting Reine's attack as he surprise round action. But she still gets to go before the Apostles Nat 20 in the next round. :-O

So... that's a good Bluff check. OK. Hmm.

"What?" There was the sound of confusion outside in the hallway in response to Broom and Des's pronouncement. No one attempted to enter the door, which had fallen open when Reine's target staggered away with an arrow in his chest. "Nobody said anything about that!"

Reine fired another arrow out through the open door, sinking a shaft into the same man's stomach. "OK! OK! Stop shooting! We won't come in there!"

Other than Reine, it looks like you guys all only want to attack people who enter the room. If they retreat, will you let them go?

Init:
Reine- acted
1- major dmg
2
3
4
5
6
Des
John
Broom
shadow

"There are three doors marked with signs," Reine called out. "We are preparing for holy rituals! Do not pass those signs, on pain of death!"

No worries! I figured. She already used her action, so can't roll an actual bluff check, but thought she'd provide some context for them. That said, I'd rather we just killed them - that way, they can't go back and ask anyone about the signs. And the vanguard just disappearing without a word makes it less likely any more will follow for a while. Not thrilled about rushing out into that hallway, though.

Des would rather let them go, but she isn't really a violent sort. The shadow is a bit more... hungry. I think that evens out to a "neutral" position. XD

"They're leaving!" Desdemona whispered to Reine, both astonished and excited. "We shan't need to..." She trailed off when she saw the look on Reine's face. Violence or no violence to others, this was a woman she didn't want to cross.

John isn't chasing after them now, but figures we will have to deal with them at some point.

If the guy Reine has put arrows into already is still visible by the time it gets back to Reine's turn, she's going to shoot him again. She feels the "on pain of death" thing needs to be driven home clearly. And it's possible that killing the one will make it *very* clear to the others that they don't ever want to be the first one through the door. If he's not visible, she'll exit the room to see where he's gone.

In case it's relevent...
Shortbow w/Thistle Arrow: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Thistle Arrow + OP Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Bleed Rounds: 1d6 ⇒ 5
NICE! If the shot itself doesn't drop him, the 5 rounds of bleed damage should do the trick.

Reine didn't acknowledge Desdemona's exclamation, nor its sudden end. Instead, she simply stepped out from behind the desk, drawing another arrow from her quiver. This arrow had a different, more bulbous, head that glistened with something. The taller woman strode to where she could see the man she'd already put two arrows into, her face an iron mask.

"The penalty for violating the word of Zandalus is death," she said, her voice clear and unbending. "This one ignored the sign. His life is forefit. The rest of you may go - this time. I would not be anxious for Zandalous to hear of your missteps, were I you."

With that, she lifted her bow and, almost contemptuously, let fly the arrow she had chosen for her victim.

Daaaaaaaang. OK.

One of the Apostles had been tending to the fallen man's wounds, but Reine sank another arrow into him and the shock of all the damage made his eyes flutter closed as he fell unconscious. "Stop it! We'll go!" The Apostle who had been tending the hurt man looked at Reine, clearly afraid, then left the man to die.

There was a frantic scrambling out in the hallway and then in a matter of seconds, silence. The Apostles had withdrawn.

Combat over. Reine = scary. Now what?

John waits and listens to hear if the apostles are retreating.

perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

As soon as the others were around the corner, Reine knelt next to the apostle she'd put the arrows into, trying to see if he might still be alive, and, if so, if it would be possible to keep him that way.

Untrained Heal: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

"If he's alive, we can take him back to the chapel with us, get Winter to heal him, ask him questions," Reine said, not looking up from where she was doing her best among the bloody wounds. "I thought they'd be running already. We needed them not to come back." There was no pleading in her tone, no sense of begging forgiveness, or trying to explain away her cold-blooded actions. There was anger in her voice - there was almost always anger in her voice - but the anger seemed different, somehow. Almost as if she was angry at the situation, rather than at someone else.

"Do any of you know how to keep him alive?"

I doubt that'll work. This was definitely not a Good act on her part (fortunately, she's not Good-aligned, but she does try not to just be Chaotic Stupid, either), and making sure that the others weren't going to come back seemed important.

If he's alive, Karl, a successful DC 15 (First Aid) Heal check stops Bleed damage and stabilizes, but I doubt he has that long to live, because Reine is unlikely to be able to do it untrained. Obviously, this would be easier if she'd just used a normal arrow, and not one that does bleed damage every round, but I legit thought she'd be shooting a standing opponent that would potentially run around the corner, and she didn't want him to get back to Vandalus to ask questions. sigh

"I haven't much skill at healing, I'm afraid, but I can try to help you." Desdemona knelt by the man, daintily avoiding the spreading puddle of blood, and did her best to aid Reine's efforts.

Aid another Heal DC10: 1d20 ⇒ 13

Broom's momentary elation at her deception being believed was quickly replaced with horror as Reine took the act way farther than she had expected.

She held her tongue as long as she could not wanting to break the illusion and have an even larger fight and suppressed an urge to apologize profusely to the retreating apostles for what had just happened.

Once the coast was clear she rushed down the stairs as quickly as she could and called upon everything she knew about healing that she had gleaned from watching Xander: she put pressure on the wound.

Healing: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17

We were trying to make them go away so nobody would get hurt"

"We," Reine said, the slight emphasis on the word clarifying that she meant the group, rather than the plural-singular that Broom so often used to refer to herself, "were trying to make sure that they wouldn't become a threat to the people in the chapel. So that we can save as many lives as possible by ending this damned nightmare. I didn't want to have to kill this man, but if we had just sent them back, they would have asked someone about the signs. Asked about what was special about the room that we were 'making ready.' Now, they won't want to come back here. They won't want to tell anyone that they were here at all. Which might buy us a night to rest, so that we can come back and kill Zandalus in the morning."

She shook her head. Whether it was because they had managed to do something helpful, or because he had bled out, Reine thought it looked like the man had stopped bleeding.

"Of course," she said, a little bitterly, "we might just come back to face an army tomorrow. Who knows what anyone will do. Everyone in this place is supposed to be crazy, right?"

Well, if the guy was alive to be saved, it looks like either Broom herself fixed him, or the combination of the three of us (Reine's 11, +4 for each of Des and Broom successfully Aiding = 15) was enough. (Three arrows, three sets of hands pressing on the wounds, maybe?) Doesn't matter, and I'd be happy to see Broom feel special because she had managed to save a life by applying something she'd learned from Xander. The dice-bot says she was good enough to do it :-)

Broom sat quietly thinking about what Reine said while continuing to tend to the wounded man.

She carefully took the pieces of one of Reine's arrows and cast her cantrip to clean them off. She then cast a different cantrip and the pieces of the broken shaft were magically mended returning the arrow to its original condition.

"Are we just going to kill Zandalus? We don't know why the apostles flocked to him. We don't even know what his teachings are, he was just a quiet painter with bad dreams before all of this started after all. He might be just as much a victim to whatever is going on as any of us. Shouldn't we at least try to save him too?" she asked as she handed the newly repaired arrow back to her.

"I guess that's up to Zandalus," Reine said.

She gave a nod of thanks as she accepted the arrow from Broom and slipped it into her quiver.

They needed to get moving. She stood up, lifting the fallen apostle across her shoulders.

"Let's go get some rest."

"Oh," Reine said, as she walked into the Administrator's office, "we should probably close this door, too. Unless we want to move the sign to the door at the end of the hallway."

"I agree."

"Let's head to the chapel and get some rest." John says.

"If that guy is stable enough to survive, we can take him to the chapel and leave him tied up there."

"If we leave him here, he's probably just ghoul food."

They walked a little slower than they otherwise might have, having to carry an unconscious Apostle, but the halls were quiet and still. It was almost like the asylum was trying to stay out of the way of the dangerous group.

The cleared area around the chapel was a welcome sight, with Rostam standing guard just inside the door- a significant upgrade from the orderlies and willing volunteers who had been standing guard there before. He eyed the unconscious Apostle slung across Reine's shoulder and grunted. "Taking prisoners now?"

"That one's crazy .... but he's not a ghoul or a doppleganger." John replies.

"It , didn't feel right to leave him to be eaten by something."

"But he's definitely one of the Zandulus's crazies. He can't be trusted and we'll have to leave him tied up."

"Besides," Reine added, It'll be a lot more unnerving to the rest of them when their companions - or their companions' bodies - just disappear."

She gave Rostam a serious look. "Be ready. They know there's a path out of their camp now. Sooner or later, fear or no fear, they're going to send out scouting parties in force. They have to. They're down to potatoes for food, and those'll run out sooner than later."

Broom set about helping around the camp in a variety of mundane tasks. A sudden thought struck her, as they often did. "Why don't we wake the apostle up and we can use the magic smoke to ask him questions like we did with the doctor?" she asked, carefully unwrapping the little block of partially charred incense.

In reality, she had been looking for an excuse to get everyone together in the mind linking smoke again. She had really enjoyed having everyone's thoughts mingling with hers the last time they used the incense of open thoughts.

John doesn't voice any dissent, but he looks away uncomfortably when Broom suggests another of the weird smoke induced trances.

"We should probably talk to Winter, first," Reine pointed out. "Figure out where she wants us to keep the prisoner, and let her know there might be unwelcome visitors soon. I wouldn't be surprised if letting this guy sleep in the chapel for a while didn't bring him around. I don't know that all of the Apostles are crazy - at least, not brainwashed crazy - and if he's not, maybe some friendly faces that don't threaten him with being choked to death for disobeying Zandalus's whims will lead to something positive."

Then, lest anyone think she'd been replaced by a doppleganger, she added, "And if not, we can always threaten to make him sleep in the hallway, and kill him when he turns into a ghoul later."

Let's not make jokes about turning into a ghoul.....

Ha! Well, if it makes John feel any better, Reine isn't joking...

OK, so go find Winter?

Rostam grunted and nodded at Reine. "I need to find some better backup, then. Mary's been willing to trade off with me, and Adelar, but I don't know if three of us can hold the door against a horde of starving madmen."

He gestured at the chapel, the holy warrior looking uncomfortable at Reine's threating of an unconscious prisoner. "Winter's in there. She can probably find someone to watch him for you."