The Root of All Evil

Game Master Edward Sobel

"Suuuure you were, which is why you still haven't got it... Though to be fair, there is plenty of beauty there to be distracted by."

Tatsuo raises an eyebrow and their new companion proceeds to turn red. A slight smile tugs at his lips though he doesn't participate in the ongoing banter. He patiently waits for Del to finish unlocking the door.

It takes a little bit of time but Del opens the lock on the gate.

It takes a little bit of effort to open the gate but it is not impossible.

immediately beyond the gate is a stone door. it seems that it is easy enough to open as there is a pretty obvious operating lever by the door.

Once the door opens the small interior seems like it has been ransacked.

the coffins have been destroyed and are piled up at the far end of the crypt.

link to combat map

Group A
Del, Felix, Tat

Monsters

Group B
Miya, Conner

Group A is first once the perception checks are done

Perception, low-light vision: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

"Skeletons. It's like they are watching us."

Per: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24

Perception Tat, low-light: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
Perception Sora, darkvision: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Tatsuo nods at Miya's words, grimacing slightly as his suspicions about undead prove to be true. "Let's force them to come to us. That entrance way should make for a nice funnel." He and Sora move seamlessly together as they line up behind Del. Tatsuo concentrates briefly before throwing a small zap of electricity at the closest skeleton.

Ray of frost -> electricity
To hit vs flat-footed, soft cover: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Damage: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 +1 from bloodline

Sora meanwhile waits for a skeleton to make the foolish move of coming too close.
Readied action to bite the first skeleton that comes within 10 feet of her.
Bite, 10ft reach, power attack: 1d20 + 5 - 1 ⇒ (13) + 5 - 1 = 17
B/P/S damage: 1d6 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 3 = 11

Felix takes a swig from his flask and moves into position (behind Tatsuo and Del) and readies an act to fire at the first skeleton to attack.

They may not be attacking, but they're unnatural and that's a good enough reason to put 'em down.
Kn:Religion: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11
Deadly Aim Musket on touch: 1d20 + 7 - 1 ⇒ (7) + 7 - 1 = 131d12 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

not sure if Del is still with us, I sent him a PM but no response yet

"Sounds reasonable, though I do lack a ranged weapon" he says before beginning to hum to himself a melody of valor and combat.inspiring courage, everyone take your +1 to hit/damage

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7 skeletons? what skeletons??

Suddenly finding himself at the point of the phalanx Delkaneth draws an axe in one hand and a hammer in the other then readies himself to the side of the door, making sure he is between the skeletons and Miya.

Now that theyre aware of us theyre hopefully coming thru the door, so I'll 5' step to the side and ready an action to smash any badguy that sticks its bones out the door.

The Skeletons move toward the door, but stop before going outside. it seems like they are bound to the inside of this crypt.

Del sees an opportunity, and even with the cover provided by the doorway, his weapon still manages to strike the undead.

the blow was definitely a solid hit yet the creature still stands.

The skeleton attempts to claw at Del

claw attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16

but the cover of the doorway serves to protect Del for the attack.

Sora and Tat unleash magic and tooth upon the skeleton. destroying it before it can truly engage the party

skeleton #1 is destroyed

Miyaro notes the protective stance of the man named Del and smiles to herself. Sometimes, it's good to be a girl. Sadly, my magic helps little against these unquiet bones.

She readies her morningstar and shield and steps next to Del. If one steps into reach, she will take a shot, but she lacks the actions to ready an attack.

"now I can strike them down, worry not my friends, this will take but a moment"
1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30 1d10 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17.
confirm 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27
34-5=29 damage after DR if they're more or less normal skeletons

I moved Conner on the map to attack.

Conner moves past the destroyed skeleton and strikes at the one approaching the door. despite its relentlessness, it is no good with the overwhelming power of Conner's attack.

skeleton #4 destroyed

Miya is ready for action should her talents be needed.

back up to Tat, Del, and Felix

link to map

Seeing that Conner is now in the unfortunate position where both skeletons could simultaneously attack him while their other melee focused ally has been cut out of easy reach of enemies, Tatsuo sighs. He moves to the side slightly, hoping to get a clear line of sight on one of the skeletons as he urges Sora slightly closer.

Tatsuo is shooting at #2 with Ray of Frost -> electricty
Ray of Electricity: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
Electricity Damage: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 +1 bloodline

Not sure how corners work with reach, but if she can reach, she's trying to bite #3. If not, it's a readied action against the first enemy she can hit.
Bite, 10ft reach, PA: 1d20 + 5 - 1 ⇒ (4) + 5 - 1 = 8

But the angle is too awkward for her to hit anything. She simply growls in frustration.

"So much for them coming to us.....wish me luck!" Delkaneth says to Miya before giving her a wink and clicking his heels together. Without another word he dives headlong into the room, dodging between his companions and sliding along the floor between the legs of one of the skeletons. Popping back up onto his feet behind the creature he lashes out with his hammer at the thing's back landing a mighty blow.

Free Action: activate Daredevil Softpaw Boots (1 round, 9 remaining) for Acrobatics bonus to avoid AOO
Swift Action: activate Archaeologist Luck (1 use, 5 remaining) for +2
Move Action: Position updated on map. Path; G5 > H5 > H6 > H7 > G8 > G9.
Acrobatics leaving H6 (AOO #3): 1d20 + 10 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 10 + 5 + 2 = 37 vs 15, success no AOO
Acrobatics leaving H7 (AOO #3): 1d20 + 10 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 10 + 5 + 2 = 37 vs 17, success no AOO
Acrobatics leaving H7 (AOO #2): 1d20 + 10 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 10 + 5 + 2 = 25 vs 17, success no AOO
Acrobatics going thru H8 (AOO #2): 1d20 + 10 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 10 + 5 + 2 = 36 vs 22, success no AOO, attack bonus from Boots vs #2
Standard Action: Attack!
Hammer Strike vs #2, Inspired, Luck, Boots: 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 7 + 1 + 2 + 2 = 31
Bludgeon Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 1 + 2 = 9 plus Tat's 3, kind of hoping it drops......

Impressive rolling!

Miyaro steps into the position vacated by Del, readying an action to strike any skeleton that comes into reach.

Morningstar: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Bludgeoning damage: 1d8 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1

AC 17 with shield readied

Impressive rolling!

yeah, I might be done for the rest of the campaign.....

Del manages to get around the skeletons with ease, and squarely lands a blow on one of them. Tat also managed to find a clear path to blast the skeleton with a little blast of electricity.

the combined effort fails to bring it down and it turns to give a retaliatory claw at Del.

claw attack on Del: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

but apparently the skeleton was so impressed at his acrobatic display, he decided that he would as soon destroy a stained-glass window as an artist like yourself, and claws at nothing.

Felix is up. Also the skeleton has Relentless ability allowing it to take an AoO against any that attack it in Melee.

With no target to work off of Felix reloads his musket and moves forward.

Close quarters not too good for Felix

Conner swings his mighty sword down on the third skeleton intent on smashing it to pieces with his blade
1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29to hit
1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20confirm
1d10 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15crit confirmed, 30-5=25 damage

great job Conner, but the monster go first then you can kill it.

The first skeleton (#3) slides over to get a clear shot at Conner, striking at him with both claws.

attack 1: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
attack 2: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

but Conner simply tilts his head to one side to avoid the blows.

Meanwhile the second Skeleton attacks Del,

attack 1: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
attack 2: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

One of the attack hits Del raking across his chest

claw damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Conner returns the attack in a crushing blow destroying the skeleton in front of him. It does not even have the chance to retaliate.

Miya is up

sorry I skimmed the page and saw that you had posted since I had, and didn't realize you were just posting results of other people's stuff

its all good, you were next after the monsters and I kept your crit....

I am not sure who all is in the entry - are they all allies? If so,

Miyaro does not wish to be treated as a shrinking violet, so she moves into the crypt to aid Del.

Move into the flank and swing!

Morningstar: 1d20 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 1 + 2 = 7

Wryly, "Oof, should have stayed back with the rest of the women and children."

"Never!" Delkaneth tries his best to avoid wincing at his wound. "The world is much more interesting from up here!"

Knowing that his axe won't do much against a foe without flesh, he attacks only with the hammer, hoping he can drop the thing before getting slashed again.

Hammer Attack: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 7 + 1 = 21
Blunt Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 1 = 5

With that roll, it may not matter, but you also had a flanking bonus available unless these skeletons are immune for some reason.

Miya moved into the room to flank with Del, but she only succeeeded in distracting it enough to give Del an opening. which he quickly took advantage of.

His hammer sending pieces of bone on various directions.

the skeleton returns the favor with an attack of its own, claw: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
crit?: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

damage: 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (2, 1) + 4 = 7

The skeleton, despite being wounded, manages to take advantage of Del's slight over reach as he swings his hammer. Clawing him for 7 damage.

Conner, Felix and Tat are up

1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24
1d10 + 11 - 5 ⇒ (10) + 11 - 5 = 16
finally not a critical hit but instead I rolled max damage.. The dice love Conner
Conner charges at the remaining skeleton continuing his rampage of divine destruction

In case that doesn't kill the skeleton:
Seeing that they were now down to one final skeleton, Tatsuo and Sora finally enter the crypt, helping to surround the beast and take it down. As before, Tatsuo sends a small jolt of eletricity its way before Sora attempts to take a bite out of it.

Ray of Frost -> Electricty
Ranged touch: 1d20 + 5 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 5 - 4 = 20
Electricity: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 +1 bloodline

Bite, PA, 10ft reach: 1d20 + 5 - 1 ⇒ (7) + 5 - 1 = 11

While the slight jolt flies true, the bite seems to be more for show than actual damage.

looks like the boards ate my post. Tat no need for any combat action... Conner destroyed the last one with his max damage

Combat is over

I'm going to be a bit constrained in tight quarters. Felix comments with a grin But I don't think I'll be needed anyway what with Conner smashing bones to dust with each swing.

Felix takes 20 on Per the room if he can for 29.

Conner tried not to look too proud of himself, but it's clear that the comment pleased him.
"We each do as to the best of our capabilities." is all he says on the matter as he cleans and sheathes his blade.

It will take about an hour to thoroughly search this crypt, The interior is a mess broken coffins and bones are scattered all over the place.

but among the debris there are numerous coins.

Felix also finds a finely carved bone that looks to be a scroll case. It is sealed closed with wax.

gathering all the coins you find:

295 copper coins
146 Silver coins

and 6 gemstones:

Spinel (Fancy)
Chalcedony (Semi-precious)
Jasper (Semi-precious)
Banded Agate (Ornamental)
Amber (Fancy)
Pearl (Fancy)

Tatsuo idly casts Detect Magic and scans the room before looking around for any obvious exits. "Was that it? I kind of expected...well...more." He then looks more closely at the carved bone, holding it as though he expects it to bite him. "Is this really what we were looking for? It seems far too easy given the dark stories surrounding this place. Could it be cursed? Or have some air borne poison inside?"

"Never complain about a lack of troubles. The gods are watching, and many of them have a sense of humor, likewise being ungrateful for your rewards shows a lack of spiritual maturity" Conner recites "though your concerns about the scroll have a point." He then casts a few quick divinations
castig detect evil, poison and magic
Edit: I misread your post

There is Abjuration magic from inside the bone scroll tube

no evil is detected nor any poison

Conner focuses to try to determine the spell effect as he absent mindedly mutters "abjuration magics..."
know (arcana): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
spellcraft: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

Miyaro assists where she can.

"May I look at those gemstones?"

Appraise DC 13: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Unless someone has trained in the skill and can use my check as an aid another, I guess our DM gets to tell me how badly I estimated the value of those gems.

-----------------------

"A scroll tube? Perfect for a map, but why would it have a magical aura?"

She likewise casts detect magic to study the object of Tatsuo and Conner's attention, watching over their shoulders.

Knowledge (arcana) aid: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

Spellcraft aid: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

"Abjurations are typically protection spells, apparently someone felt that this should be protected,"

You think it might be a magical trap?

"May I look at those gemstones?"

Delkaneth returns his weapons to his belt, holding a hand against the slash he received from the skeleton, and moves across to Miya. "I'll take a look as well."

The young man looks up from the gems at Felix's comment. "Not something I've had much experience with but I can take a look. May just be the enchantment on the scroll in the case." As he turns the scrollcase over and over in his hands he mumbles a quick incantation under his breath.

Archaeologists dont get magical traps til 6th level, but he'll also cast Detect and
Perception (physical traps on the case): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
Knowledge Arcana: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

current status, 16/26 HP

Delkaneth returns his weapons to his belt, holding a hand against the slash he received from the skeleton, and moves across to Miya. "I'll take a look as well."

"Of course, here you go - Oh! You're hurt!" She doesn't hand over the gemstones, pointing at his wound, "Let me have a look at that cut before something you need falls out on the floor." She's teasing a little, but concerned all the same.

Heal: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

"Ugh, grave dirt in the wound. We can't leave that untreated."

Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

She examines her work with a critical eye. "I've done better. There's still going to be a scar for you to show the barmaids, so that's not all bad, I suppose." She winks at him and hands over the gemstones.

"Or it could be some kind of protection against the elements; who knows how long that case has sat here. I know abjuration probably isn't the school I'd pick for a trap. ...unless that's exactly what I wanted someone else to think. But still, probably not most people's first choice for a trap."

Aid Arcana/Spellcraft: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14 It's the same bonus regardless of which skill it is.

If nobody else finds any indication of a trap. Felix will want to pop the scroll open to see what's in it.

Ok just to clarify, the magic is detected inside the scroll tube, There are no traps, just a wax seal to break.

opening the scroll tube there is in fact a scroll inside that is Abjuration magic.

the scroll is divine in nature.

1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15