The Carrion Crown (E7 goodness with House Rules frosting)

Game Master Helaman

His thumb still throbbing from the hammer blow he landed earlier, his ears still throbbing from the latest episode of Wife Drama that took place but an hour ago as he left the house, all geared for trouble, and his head pounding from the sun's pounding on his metal helmet, Emmett Escheus makes his way through the streets of Ravengro, looking for the outsiders, looking for trouble.

That damned breastplate has shrunk with time! I used to fit in easily... And this sun!

The air is filled with the scent of charred wood or worse.

So it's true then, it burned down... Looks like Desna Herself is filling the air with omens of change... he thinks, but the pain in his left leg brings him back to the here and now.

It doesn't take long for him to find the usual boys. Always skipping work those two. Not that I've tried to put some sense in them. I guess it's not gonna happen. The two knew of course where to find the outsiders, and they were quick to have him on his way and far from them and their business.

I didn't even have to shake it off them! What in Calistria's name is going on here?!?

Sorry, I think I posted my question and then crashed for night. Yes, Elidal took a round to do the "get it off me" dance and moved away from the swarm.

Elidal's sudden panicked flailing to get the rats off of her is broken by her companion's screams for a retreat as the stirges drain his vitality. Realizing that the situation is dire, she moves to aid Father Toth while hoping that Nighteyes can hold his own for just a little longer. Eyes flashing, she calls to the Inheritor for aid as she slashes at the remaining stirge.

Invoking Judgement - Justice as a swift action, granting her a +1 bonus to attack rolls. Not sure how much time has passed but if Divine Favor is still active, she's currently at a +2 to attack rolls and +1 to damage; if not then it's just the +1 to attack.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 3 + 1 + 1 = 21
Damage: 1d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 1 = 7

She cuts the final Stirge off him.

Simeon. Also those other rats should have double moved last turn... Will fix the map

Breathing hard, Simeon gives Elidal a ghastly smile as she slices the foul stirge from Jaru's body. Turning, his face twisted with revulsion, Simeon smashes his staff down upon the churning rat-swarm

Attack 1d20 ⇒ 7

The sun which beat down on Emmet most of the way to Ravengro fades to a grim dreary drizzle of rain... Not atypical of spring but strange none the less... The way the weather changed after crossing into town.

Sarianna Vai, who runs the highly reputed Outward Inn, waves at the retired watchman.

In town for the trial?

"Kinda..." replies Emmett, taking off his helmet and scratching his plastered hair. "Know where I can find the strangers? I heard they were implicated. Can't be good..." he baits her.

Its a messy situation. They are over at the Professors... I mean Kendra's now. Not sure why they didn't end up staying here but that's Outsiders for you. They also spend a lot of time at Zokar's place - you know 'The Laughing Demon'.

She pauses, and gives a spiteful sniff... actually out of character in the normally pleasant and easy going retired singer.

Haven't seen them in town today so not sure where they are at the moment. Why not have an ale and a talk with ole' Nuendorf there? He can tell you much of whats going on, though it will come with a lot of opinion as well... The posting poles haven't been updated yet - apparently Muricar hasn't written them up yet, or if he has, he hasn't given them to Zokar's boy, Pevrin hasn't put them up.

She cuts the final Stirge off him.

Simeon. Also those other rats should have double moved last turn... Will fix the map

where are we in combat? I think the GM is up.

Simeon

he went right after that post. look up! look up!

Breathing hard, Simeon gives Elidal a ghastly smile as she slices the foul stirge from Jaru's body. Turning, his face twisted with revulsion, Simeon smashes his staff down upon the churning rat-swarm

Attack 1d20

Doh

Simeon moves to stand again on the outskirts of the swarm, whacking away impotently.

End of that round... starting the next

The rats continue to chew on the elf. Nom Nom Nom. The small stream of rats that left the main swarm throw themselves lemming-like into the stagnant water, squeaking and swimming in a wild confused mob.

Damage to Nighteyes 1d6 ⇒ 6 Now 16pts down
Save vs Distraction Will 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (20) + 0 = 20

The elf smashes his fists and feet against the swarm of rodents.
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19 1d3 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

... and scatters the remnants of those that are not dead, who run in twos and threes in varying directions.

Your turn. Stay in combat please - its still the current round as you three have not acted yet.

Emmett winces under the weight of his armour: "He didn't, did he? Well I think I'll go over there just to be sure. Pleasant day!" his coice rumbles at the woman as he takes his leave with a short bow.

Where are they?! Damn drizzle will be the death of me! I can feel my knee swelling...

Jaru sends out a spiraling blast of positive energy that revives and heals his companions. The swarthy Garundi remains pale and drained however. "The vile spirits are sending the vermin of the ruins against us. I heard the dreaded pipes again. Did any of you hear them?

channel: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

1d6+2 right? Or should it be d8? I'll take the roll irrespective

1d6+2 right? Or should it be d8? I'll take the roll irrespective

oops, i think I was channeling a clw ; ).

Others?

"I didn't hear anything, but I believe it! These creatures weren't acting natural..." her voice trails off as she looks at the remaining rats thrashing about in the water. "What are they doing? Why send them into the water instead of against us?"

Seeing that Nighteyes appears to have taken the brunt of the swarm's attacks, Elidal offers up a benediction to the Inheritor to heal the elf's wounds.

Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

"Should we attempt to press on or retreat for the moment?"

Hes only 5 down now

Jaru looks feint, but rallies. "We have come this far today. I have not much more blood to shed, but I feel we should at least investigate the remaining rooms of the ground floor. We should press our advantage before the spirits can gather their resources again."

Simeon wipes sweat from his brow and nods "These haunts while they do direct a significant amount of energy, seem unable to maintain their effect after we've dealt with them. I say press on, we may find more of interest in the rest of the prison."

Perception take 10

You talk among yourselves for a few seconds after the rats attacking the group disperse. You then notice something cresting the water near the rodents thrashing about in panic. A bony claw reaches up and crushes the life from one. Moments later four Skeletons are wading up the bank covered in mud, muck and watery algae.

Initiatives

Nighteyes 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Elidal 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
Simeon 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
Jaru 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Skeletons 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

Your move...

As soon as all the skeletons are in range, Jaru touches the spiral of bone at his throat and releases a whirling phantom blast of silver spires that blast the animate bones. "Blasphemy!" he intones.

staying with the party and channel: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

youd need to double move up and do next round I think, not checking the map, or move then do, otherwise I'll keep the roll set aside for now and trigger it as a readied action later

I guess I'm saying I don't what folks are doing yet and I'm last in line... might be next round anyway, but is this better?

"Let them come to us," Jaru suggests as he readies his channel.

Emmett waddles slowly through the mud. He feels his knee starting to complain even more as he makes his way and pauses to remove his helmet and let the drizzle cool his face. A shiver runs through his body.

Damn it's wet! Why am I going to Murricar in any case? That won't tell me where the strangers are... I'll go see Kendra. Yes, that makes more sense. They're staying there she said, so Kendra might know more where they were headed today. They could be behind the trouble... Good thing I came prepared! he thinks and pats his sword on his hip.

He turns on his heels and bends forward as he heads for the Professor's old house. A few minutes later, he knocks calmly on Kendra's door: "Kendra, It's Emmett! Could I have a word?"

There is a long wait between knocking but the door is opened by a strange somber clad halfling, whose features are made up and a bit heavy on the mascara side of the scale.

Who's Emmett?, she asks.

Kendra... she's having a bad morning - things have been very 'complicated' for her of late. I'm 'Lament', maybe I can help you?

Simeon leand wearily on his staff and watches in fascination as the animated skeletons shuffled their way towards the companions. "No ligaments or tendons, well those that still exist are atrophied beyond use. Does the negative energy of undeath somehow replace these essential fulcrums necessary for humanoid locomotion?" he absentmidedly asks.

Emmett remains quiet and calm, though he doesn't find Lament's explanation to his taste.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

"I'm sorry to hear." he offers, "But I'm afraid it's an emergency. Could you call her to the door?"

She peers up at you curiously then pulls out a deck of Harrow Cards from a hidden pocket somewhere in her skirts.

She shuffles them, eyes never leaving you, then fans them out face down, offering you one.

Maybe - I don't know what this is about and you haven't told me... lets have the Harrow decide. Draw a card please.

Frustrating though it is to deal with a miniature door keeper, Emmett draws a card and without looking at it, flips it around so it faces her.

The Keep? Interesting... Yes. You can speak to her - I'll go you one better. You can come in, she opens the door wide and beckons you into the palour, motioning you to leave your polearm by the door.

Not sure if you are aware but thats a curious card - its card of strength and of goodness. It represents quiet, unshakeable strength that withstands any hardship - The Lady knows we could use some of that around here.

She fusses around Emmett for a moment, getting hum seated before heading off to another part of the house.

The room beyond the palour is a lounge room, replete with stone faced chimney and a small fire. It is in a somewhat unkept situation, with carelessly folded blankets stacked to one side of the sofa. You'd say that you are dealing with a nearly full house here - to the point guests are sleeping outside of any guest rooms this place may offer.

In a few minutes Kendra enters the room, puffy eyed and with only some rudimentary efforts to make herself presentable.

Emmett isn't it?, Kendra asks. What brings you here from your farm?

I guess I'm saying I don't what folks are doing yet and I'm last in line... might be next round anyway, but is this better?

"Let them come to us," Jaru suggests as he readies his channel.

Nighteyes heeds the suggestion...

Elidal mentioned she may have some stuff on so I'll bot her to hold like Nighteyes.

The skeletons drag themsleves out of the waters and close on you at a steady grating walk... their bodies steaming under the rain.

I think Jaru wants to probably wait until they are ALL in radius so I've held your action from going off - it can go off or not this round depending on how you want to do it

Your turn

Emmett's face colours slowly as the warmth of the place slowly works through his body, loosening his joints.

Strength and Goodness! If only you knew... My arms are strong, yes, but what of my heart...

He shrugs and waits for Kendra to show up. Her mention of his farm bring colour again to his cheek, albeit for a different reason.

Farmer! I used to be known as a watchman...

"Kendra, it is a pleasure to see you, and I do apologize for getting you out of bed. But- but... Things have happened! And I need to ask a few questions to the str- to your visitors. Do you know where I can find them?"

Its about 11am

You just met one, Kendra says with a smile. Lament is one of my Fathers friends who stayed on after the funeral.

Kendra looks down the corridor she came from. Lament must be making the bed or something. She's a dear.

She turns back to you.

The rest of them are on an expedition of sorts but they said they'd be back before luncheon... Definitely before Gibbs' trial - what do you want to know?

Emmett takes a deep breath. I never seem to make myself clear...

There is a hint of exasperation in his voice, under some kind of weak control as he answers: "I wish to know where they are at the moment. You said they had an expedition of sorts planned. Do you know where? What kind of equipment did they bring? "

Yes, Elidal would have held action and will continue to do so until the skeletons move within melee range.

At the sight of the skeletons rising out of the water, Elidal's face sets in a look of both anger and determination. Though not a Pharasman, she nonetheless feels both disgust at what has become of these that were once living people as well as fury towards whoever or whatever did this to them. However, she is aware that discretion is the better part of valor. Shifting herself slightly to stand next to Nighteyes, she holds her ground and waits for the skeletons to approach.

Emmett takes a deep breath. I never seem to make myself clear...

There is a hint of exasperation in his voice, under some kind of weak control as he answers: "I wish to know where they are at the moment. You said they had an expedition of sorts planned. Do you know where? What kind of equipment did they bring? "

At your question she gets ain't evasive. We don't talk specifics... There has been a lot of upset around, you know with how the people of Ravengro distrusted my father, so just about everything they do brings comments at best and dark criticism at best, but I tell you Emmett, these are good people - doing good. Stay if you wish, ask Lament what you will and you can meet them shortly.

Use this time to get in game information- the group should be done after the current combat and I can align you all

Kendra speaks briefly with the halfling and she Lament herself down with you for a long talk...

Assume you get the same information as going to the ob portal link as in character information as part of your discussion - link is at top of page

That round ends - new round. If I missed you, give me a retroactive

The skeletons close, two of them within clawing range of Nighteyes.

Jarus's blast of energy goes off.

Will DC14 (correct me if I am wrong)
#1 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16 1pt
#2 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19 1pt
#3 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12 3pts
#4 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9 3pts

They attack
#2 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (8) - 3 = 5 dmg 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
#3 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (9) - 3 = 6 dmg 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Both attacks are ineffectual... you notice that the bones of the skeletons seem to hiss as the rain strikes them and both smoke and steam is coming off them under the drying muck.

You're up.

Nighteyes swings hard with his cestus at #2
Attack 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12 dmg 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7, but the blow is a wide one and fails to land.

Note that these skeletons are unarmed and unarmoured

Will DC14 (correct me if I am wrong)

my bad. something I forgot to update- I think it is only a DC 13 (10+1/2 level= 11 +1 Cha +1 trait; damage should be +1 more though from other trait.

Jaru frowns at the steaming bones and rubbing the rain from his face with a damp sleeve channels divine energy once again.

again!: 1d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 1 = 4
bah. will DC 13 for half

As the skeletons approach, Simeon raises his staff and fends them off.

Frowning, he notices the steam rising, calling out as he smashes his staff down upon the one closest "I wonder if these are representative of those who perished in the fire, preserving the heat of their death in thier un-death."

Attack: 1d20 ⇒ 13
Damaga: 1d6 ⇒ 3

GM Helaman wrote:

Will DC14 (correct me if I am wrong)

my bad. something I forgot to update- I think it is only a DC 13 (10+1/2 level= 11 +1 Cha +1 trait; damage should be +1 more though from other trait.

Jaru frowns at the steaming bones and rubbing the rain from his face with a damp sleeve channels divine energy once again.

bah. will DC 13 for half

The wave of energy pulses out again.

#1 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21 saves and is still up
#2 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9 The skeleton crumbles
#3 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 The skeleton crumbles
#4 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 The skeleton crumbles

Simeon swings but the blow passes through its empty midriff only breaking a rib or two.

Elidal...

Emmett takes a long look at her, his eyes drilling through her mien to get at the motive behind. Satisfied, he looks out the window: "Upset you say. Yeah I've heard some. And yet I'd hear some more. And you say they mean well and are doing good. Well I'll take your word for it."

He sits with Lament and listens to her tale...

Post feedback on questions that arent' answered via the Journal entries and I can cover that with you via RP but the journal entry gives you some good background. PM if you have anything that you'd like to see in Obsidian portal

As all but one of the skeletons crumble, Elidal steps up next to Simeon and swings her sword at the remaining one.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 3 + 1 = 15
Attack: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

And it goes down... The bones smouldering.

Stay in combat and tell me your next round actions

Jaru braces himself against the tree a moment until his dizziness from the exertion subsides. He recovers his crossbow and looks at the others,"We are here so we may as well push into the prison."

I'll wait on the others as we still have somethings that need to play out. After that, I'd rather we move play back to the house so we can include our new players if possible...

Simeon crouches down and stares at the smouldering bones, gently poking one with the point of his dagger. Cautiously he hovers his hand above one, not touching, feeling for any emanations of heat.

The smoking remains explode in a fiery conflaguration of burning bones!

Elidal
DC11 for Half 1d6 ⇒ 5 Save 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (20) + 0 = 20
DC11 for Half 1d6 ⇒ 1 Save 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (12) + 0 = 12
DC11 for Half 1d6 ⇒ 4 Save 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (1) + 0 = 1
Each seperately
Elidal gets some deep burning on one cheek as a burning bone embeds itself temporarily into her flesh... she seems to be attracting fire.
6 Hps + 4 Injury

Simeon
DC11 for Half 1d6 ⇒ 4 Save 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
DC11 for Half 1d6 ⇒ 2 Save 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
Simeon suffers a burned hand
2 Hps + 4 Injury

Nighteyes.
DC11 for Half 1d6 ⇒ 6 Save 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
DC11 for Half 1d6 ⇒ 1 Save 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
Nighteyes avoids the worst of it.
6 Hps + 1 Injury

Jaru, leaning against the tree is spared blast.

Nalun's long walk in the rain and gloom is over, who knew Ravengro was such a far way from the main road. The rumpled looking half elf walks up the lane toward Prof. Lorrimor's abode humming idly to himself.

Hello, Professor? Wait, isn't he dead. Hello, whomever is inside? I hope it isn't the Professor.