Tetsu no Kurage no Haka - Tomb of the Iron Medusa in Minkai (Inactive)

Game Master Dreaming Warforged

Detect Evil on everything in the immediate vicinity of the body.

Seeing Akiyoshi focusing on his awareness beyond the norm, Tihn follows suit with a quick arcane phrase and searches for mystical auras around the body or coffin. Detect Magic.

His right index finger bears a gold ring etched with the cross-eyed medusa
emblem. Clutched in the corpse’s left hand is a horsewhip. No aura of magic or evil is detected, beyond the lingering one of the area.

I've placed the historical account of the Hanado in the Campaign Info tab.

Seeing no evil present, and getting no notice from Tihn that he has seen anything, Akiyoshi moves on, leaving the body undisturbed. He moves up to the door of the building directly ahead of him, and waits until the group is assembled.

Jiro heads over to the door Akiyoshi is at, still ready for anything.

Tihn will take the ring from the driver and put it in his pouch.

That may help us later. he thinks.

"I think it behooves us to open the coffin before continuing my friends. I am too intrigued to do otherwise, truth be told, plus I need to retrieve my axe," Taizo says moving over and attempting to use his axe as a handle to open the coffin lid...

"I think it behooves us to open the coffin before continuing my friends. I am too intrigued to do otherwise, truth be told, plus I need to retrieve my axe," Taizo says moving over and attempting to use his axe as a handle to open the coffin lid...

Tihn nods in agreement. "If we can tell who this was that died and was to be interred, it may help us as we advance inside."

Jiro keeps his weapon trained on the coffin as they open it up.

As Taizo approaches the coffin and Tihn pockets the ring, a shirrling voice is heard: "Put that back!"

A ghostly figure rises from the grass, the translucent image of the corpse lying face down in the grass. It's bloodshot eyes stare at you as his fingers flex on the grip of his immaterial whip.

Paladin's Sense Evil on the ghost (move action).

As Taizo approaches the coffin and Tihn pockets the ring, a shirrling voice is heard: "Put that back!"

As Tihn takes the ring back out and walks to the remains, he says "Loyal clansman, I intended no disrespect. We have come to help a surviving clan member reclaim honor, and I expected this ring may have been an aid to that end."

As he crouches down to replace the ring, he adds "Is there something we can do to help you find your rest? Can we finish the task you had been carrying out?" At that last comment, he gestures to the ruined carriage and its cargo.

The ghostly figure seems to relax as the ring is put back in place. It sinks to the ground as it feebly says: "My purpose is to guard my dear sister. I suggest you leave while you still can. No honor is to be found here..."

Tha lands around grow silent as seconds pass softly. The wet freshness of the night's grass fills your nostrils, leaving a hint of decay lingering behind.

"Then perhaps we should move on? It sounds like it was this poor soul's sister being escorted, and he risk his wrath if we disturb her."

"This spirit was tainted with a vile darkness. I am not certain that we should not see it banished, to face Pharasma in the Boneyard, and account for the deeds of his life..."

"Perhaps if it remains after we've dealt with what lies within, we can return. For now, I suspect it will harm no one until we can return, and our actions may yet lift the darkness that shrouds this place."

"As you wish. It is an evil thing though, and should not lie forgotten."

Several building lie on the grassy hills around you. Closer is the domed one where Tihn inspected the door.

?

Akiyoshi will move to the front of the central building and open it in the manner he saw the last door opened.

Jiro will cover him from 20' away with his bow.

This dull gray granite building looms in the center of the necropolis.

The door slides with a whisper as Akiyoshi wills it. Its entrance has a domed ceiling that rises to a height of twenty feet, and is decorated with intricate geometric designs. In the center of the chamber’s floor, a carved medusa crest stares endlessly upward. A motto engraved around the circumference of the medusa engraving on the floor reads,

“A Blade Answers Even the Most Vexing Question.”

To the north lies an empty antechamber. A pair of stained-glass windows depicting a handsome man and a beautiful woman look on. The chamber leads on each side to large rooms with domed ceilings.

Map

Akiyoshi ventures into the building with caution, taking in the details of the stained glass and etchings on the floor. His blade is still held at the ready.

Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (11) + 14 = 25

Once inside, he looks down the two side rooms to see if he can determine their purpose and contents.

Jiro backs Akiyoshi up, following him into the building, again staying 20 or so feet away, his bow at the ready.

Can Tihn deduce who is depicted in the stained glass?

Knowledge Nobility 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (16) + 20 = 36

Who else is going in? Staying behind? A bit? A lot?

"I'm guessing Hanado clan depicted here." Tihn says, indicating the stained glass. "Probably siblings."

Taizo?

Akiyoshi will have his comrades forward, indicating that he has not yet seen any signs of threats. He steps through the antichamber, and turns into the room on the left, searching for any signs of threats or traps. Just in case, he hovers off the ground, evenly spaced between the floor and the ceiling.

Round 1 - Bebulec and the Elemental Elders
The elementals dash forward, taking positions around the paladin. Bebulec moves forward, but stays behind the elementals: ”Show him Boys! Show him how well we have been cremating over the years!” He points a finger at Akiyoshi and three rays of fire leap at him.

And with a flick of the finger, he disappears! All but Tihn (I think) can’t see him.

Map
All of you are up! If you can, please add AC and HP info (at least) in your status bar. It helps me figure when I hit you.

Jiro reaches back for an arrow and with great speed and accuracy sends 5 shafts at the elemental closest to him.
Use 1 ki point to increase damage equal to my unarmed strike

Attack-Ranged: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (15) + 22 = 37
Damage: 2d6 + 9 ⇒ (6, 4) + 9 = 19
Attack-Ranged: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (13) + 22 = 35
Damage: 2d6 + 9 ⇒ (4, 1) + 9 = 14
Attack-Ranged: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (3) + 17 = 20
Damage: 2d6 + 9 ⇒ (2, 1) + 9 = 12
Attack-Ranged: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (15) + 17 = 32
Damage: 2d6 + 9 ⇒ (1, 5) + 9 = 15
Attack-Ranged: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32
Confirm Crit: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25
Damage: 2d6 + 9 ⇒ (5, 3) + 9 = 17
Crit Damage: 4d6 + 18 ⇒ (3, 1, 6, 1) + 18 = 29

If I destroy one of the elementals before I run out of attacks, I will shift my fire to the next closest one, if possible

With a pass of his hand and a few arcane syllables, Tihn follows Jiro's barrage with one of his own. The room lights up momentarily as an arc of lightning flashes from Tihn, striking one elemental (in the middle) and then arcing to the others.

Chain Lightning, damage 14d6 ⇒ (6, 2, 1, 6, 1, 2, 5, 5, 4, 1, 4, 2, 3, 4) = 46, reflex DC 23 for half damage.

Akiyoshi summons up a surge of holy energy, pressing a hand to his chest, and healing the damage done to him by these fires.
Lay on Hands/Swift Action: 7d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (2, 2, 6, 6, 2, 6, 1) + (4) = 29

Placing both hands back on the hilt of his weapon, he turns into his sword forms, flowing from one attack to the next. 5 ft step to G9

Power Attack: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (16) + 22 = 38
Damage: 1d8 + 26 ⇒ (4) + 26 = 30
Power Attack: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (3) + 17 = 20
Damage: 1d8 + 26 ⇒ (8) + 26 = 34
Power Attack: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18
Damage: 1d8 + 26 ⇒ (7) + 26 = 33

Confirm Critical on first attack: 1d20 + 22 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 22 + 4 = 40
Extra Crit Damage: 1d8 + 26 ⇒ (3) + 26 = 29
He has the staggering Critical feat, which will leave the foe staggered for 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 rounds. A DC 24 Fort save reduces this to 1 round.

Round 1 - The Tomb Raiders
Jiro reaches back for an arrow and with great speed and accuracy sends 5 shafts at the elemental closest to him. The moving elemental proves a hard target to pinpoint. Fortunately, his training allows him to keep an aim to the fire’s center (thanks to improved precise shot!)

Four arrows land true, but don’t seem to land as deep as they should. The elemental seems barely affected by the barrage. (DR...)

With a pass of his hand and a few arcane syllables, Tihn follows Jiro's barrage with one of his own. The room lights up momentarily as an arc of lightning flashes from Tihn, striking one elemental (in the middle) and then arcing to the others.

Akiyoshi summons up a surge of holy energy, pressing a hand to his chest, and healing the damage done to him by these fires. Placing both hands back on the hilt of his weapon, he turns into his sword forms, flowing from one attack to the next.

The elemental moves quickly, avoiding the paladin’s assault, but then is caught unaware by a vicious shift in speed and the blade sinks deeply in its side. A roar of heat flashes, communicating the monster’s anger.

Round 2 - Bebulec and the Elemental Elders
The elementals now surround Akiyoshi, their fiery arms lashing at him.

You hear laughter behind the roar of the elementals, reminding you of Bebulec's presence.

Map
All of you are up! If you can, please add AC and HP info (at least) in your status bar. It helps me figure when I hit you.

Yikes!!! Jiro attacks act as cold iron/silver, lawful and magic to overcome DR...not sure if that matters, but heres hoping!!

Again Jiro's bow blurs as he fires 6 arrows at the elemental. Same as before...1 ki to do unarmed damage

Attack-Ranged: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (20) + 22 = 42
Damage: 2d6 + 9 ⇒ (3, 4) + 9 = 16
Confirm Crit: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (13) + 22 = 35
Crit Damage: 4d6 + 18 ⇒ (5, 6, 2, 3) + 18 = 34
Also received impact critical shot - Elementals CMD vs. Attack or bull rushed
Attack-Ranged: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (15) + 22 = 37
Damage: 2d6 + 9 ⇒ (6, 1) + 9 = 16
Attack-Ranged: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (2) + 17 = 19
Damage: 2d6 + 9 ⇒ (3, 4) + 9 = 16
Attack-Ranged: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (6) + 17 = 23
Damage: 2d6 + 9 ⇒ (3, 1) + 9 = 13
Attack-Ranged: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25
Damage: 2d6 + 9 ⇒ (4, 4) + 9 = 17
Attack-Ranged: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20
Damage: 2d6 + 9 ⇒ (4, 4) + 9 = 17

I'm in trouble. I can't withdraw without taking an AoO due to their reach. Think I should try it anyway, or press the attack and hope to kill one of them off?

Seeing the burns searing the noble paladin, Tihn acts to give him a reprieve. Tihn advances as he mutters an arcane phrase and traces a line in the distance with a gesture from a claw.

In response, arcane force materializes, blocking Akiyoshi, his allies and a single element on one side and the rest on the other.

Wall of Force, from A to J, along the line between 8 and 9. If the domed ceilings reach 20', he should be able to block that passage with his spell.

Tihn himself moves up to D15, alongside the brave archer.

Thanks a bundle. That's perfect!

Seeing the wall appear, Akiyoshi smiles dispite his pain, and throws himself back into the conflict. He steps to the side, coming a little closer to his allies. Again he drops a hand from his hilt and uses it to heal some of his wounds.
8d6 ⇒ (5, 1, 6, 2, 3, 4, 2, 1) = 24
Then, somewhat reinvigorated, he regrips his blade and uses a san giri waza, three cut technique, to cut, and hopefully destroy, the first of these elementals.

Moves to G10. 5ft step

Power Attack 1: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (16) + 22 = 38
Damage: 1d8 + 26 ⇒ (2) + 26 = 28
Power Attack 2: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (10) + 17 = 27
Damage: 1d8 + 26 ⇒ (4) + 26 = 30
Power Attack 3: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28
Damage: 1d8 + 26 ⇒ (5) + 26 = 31

Confirm 1st Crit; Attack 1: 1d20 + 22 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 22 + 4 = 34
Extra Crit Damage: 1d8 + 26 ⇒ (8) + 26 = 34
Staggered: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 rounds, DC 24 Fort reduces it to 1.

Confirm 2nd Crit; Attack 3: 1d20 + 12 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 12 + 4 = 31
Extra Crit Damage: 1d8 + 26 ⇒ (7) + 26 = 33
Staggered: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 rounds, DC 24 Fort reduces it to 1.

If everything hits (AC 27; fingers crossed) it totals 156 damage. The rounds of Staggering from the critical are cumulative.

Sorry, forgot to include my Reflex Save.

Reflex Save: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28

The elemental is destroyed. Jiro is up.

Jiro will hold his turn until a new target can be attacked. I do not think I can shoot through the wall of force, so I will wait for it to either come down, or get moved.

"These elementals are strong! Thank you for your aid Tihn. If you can hold the wall for a few more moments, I can heal myself, and we can prepare more fully for this battle."

Lay on Hands(Swift): 8d6 ⇒ (2, 2, 1, 2, 5, 1, 5, 1) = 19
Lay on Hands(Standard): 8d6 ⇒ (5, 3, 6, 4, 5, 2, 4, 2) = 31

"Tihn, if you have prepared Resist Energy today, it might now be wisely used. I would appreciate the protection. If we get enough time, I can cast it myself, but I'm afraid that other creature we saw might try to counter your magic..."

I'm not sure how long we have before they break down or circumvent the wall of force, but Tihn will move up and start casting...

Round 1: Cast Resist Energy (Fire) on Akiyoshi.
Round 2: Protection from Evil on himself.
Round 3: See Invisibility on himself.
Round 4: Extended Mirror Image on himself.
Round 5: Stone Skin on Akiyoshi.

The elementals smash with great might at the Wall, but can't beach it.

You have fourteen rounds! Please describe round by round. You can also discuss a bit.

You know what? Forgot about my Shoes of the Firewalker. I have Fire Resistance 10, meaning I wouldn't have been quite as wounded as I feared. Instead of -39 from the Scorching ray and -89 from the Elementals, he only actually took -9 and -39; far less. The first two Lay on Hands I used would have healed me up to full. That resistance will still be replaced by the resist Fire 30 of the spell though, so it is still worth while I think.

After a few more seconds pass, and the elementals only pound on the wall, Akiyoshi allows himself to relax, just a little, though he maintains his combat stance and keeps his hands on his weapon. He talks over his shoulder while keeping his eyes on the threat.

"It appears to be holding. With the Resist Energy spell in effect, these Elementals should be easy for me to defeat; it will be only a matter of time. That other creature however, might cause problems. Did anyone get a good enough look to be able to tell what it was? I suspect that if it could dispel magic, it would have tried it on the wall."

Knowledge: Religion: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

"Being invisible will make it hard to handle. Tihn, if you can direct your attacks there while I handle the elementals, that should help. I'll do what I can to keep trouble away from you. Here, I can lend some of my strength should you become a target."

Round 1 Action: Cast Shield Other on Tihn.

"Jiro, help to keep the attention off of Tihn, and distract anyone who come after him, otherwise, keep up the barrage and we will wear down these fiends. Tihn, if you see the creature, try to figure out what he is; Elementals are not evil, just primal, but he looked like something else. If he is evil, I may be able to track him by watching for his aura. Once the Elementals are destroyed, I will press my attack on him. If you can dispel his invisibility, please do so."

Round 2 Action: Cast Hero's Defiance.

Ok, give me a clear signal when you're ready for the wall to fall.

Jiro has nothing really to prepare, so he will be ready when the others are. Unless they wish to cast some spells on him :-)

I'll update as soon as I can. Sorry for the delay!

The sleeves of Tihn’s robes slide up to his elbows as he quickly goes in rapid succession from one spell to another. He smiles lightly at the joy of manipulating such power, even as the arcane phrases tumble from his mouth and his clawed hands gesture back and forth, hurling arcane power and commands about.