The Storm in Isger: The Devil's Hole

Game Master Sigil

Bryndyn's Attack 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

Brydnyn's Damage 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

I think it is fair to say that Bryndyn does not like these undead mockeries of his kind!

Very true :)

The party prepares for whatever may emerge from the hole. Suddenly 2 skeletal lizardfolk things emerge from the ground. The scratching sound continues so it is pretty clear that more are on thier way.

All party members shall have a readied action, except Bryndyn because he "double tapped".

AC: 17, HP: 9/9, Point Blank Range

Narnel firses at the head of the emerging skeleton.

LB ATT: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 1 = 7
LB DAM: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Fail!

By the Water Mother and all other that is holy to us, What bastard would condemn one of the people to such a heinous existence! Let us end this abomination now!

I would like to attempt to "assume control" if these are summoned creatures.

Let's see the hold your masters have on you.

Assume Control roll when I get home and can look and see what type is called for.

Family commitments all weekend, bleh, done now, so a bit of catching up.

Elinor grins at the Harlynn's outburst.

"Boo."

She startles when the creature on the ground begins to speak and her blow at it is pulled back seeing Bryndyn do such a solid job of it. Instead she turns towards the hole and meets the first creature out of it with a blow from her hammer.

Linguistics: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 161d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

"Is that the knife we came by for? Get it, then we can gan!"

Assume Control check 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10

Bryndyn is late in the cycle, but I'll post my attack and damage for the next round in case I miss it. Today's a busy day

Byrndyn sees that one of the atrocities still moves, so he swings his mace, hoping it connects with as much success as he's had on the previous ones.

Attack 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Damage 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Elinor swings her hammer ferociuosly, and shatters the skull of the first skeleton. It falls backward wence it came and and you can hear the sound of bones breaking and scattering.

The second comes into view as Bryndyn savagely confirms the death of what seemed to call it.

Harlynn draws on his training and attempts to usurp control of this thing, but to no avail, it resists his effort and keeps coming.

Larayn takes her best shot, her outrage is palpable, Serenrae would never let such as these stand! Despite a very solid and centered hit, the skeletal thing seems to shrug off her attack.

1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 211d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 41d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

Narnel goes with his standby, and fires an arrow, but the dark and the movement throw off his aim and he misses. The skeleton faces Bryndyn, and with boney claws slashes at the man. Fortune continues to smile on you as it misses with both hands.

1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 141d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

But now things are getting grimer, as 2 more emerge from the hole, and still the sound of more come.

Bryndyn leans back to avoid the rake of the one in front of him, but in doing so throws off his own aim and misses in return.

Elinor, Harlynn, Larayn, Narnel and then the bone heads.

AC: 17, HP: 9/9, Point Blank Range

Narnel chooses the nearest skeleton that is not engaged with a companion, for a clearer shot.

LB ATT: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 4 + 1 = 20
LB DAM: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

"Draugr!"

Elinor spits out the word.

"Get the knife, boy, and tell us if yon gully might be what we've come here for."

She keeps herself between the skeletons and the squishier PCs, striking with her warhammer at the nearest.

Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 101d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

AC19, HP 7/11

AC 16 HP 20/16

Bryndyn growls, his gutteral inflections reverberating throughout the place. He had to step back and it caused him to miss his undead foe by inches. Nearby, Narnel's arrow finds it's mark but Elinor's warhammer misses it's target. She curses and calls out. "Does she mean me?" he wonders. He tries to ascertain if the dagger is what they are after and then takes a moment to steady his aim and swing at the next monstrosity.

Perception 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Attack 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Damage 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

I am assuming I can't get into any kind of flank position. I will look to see if I can manuever into a flank somewhere.

follow up edit - Ugh, now the d20 hates me

Last time I did pbem I was using Evil DM dice roller, and it treated me just as badly as the Paizo dice roller is treating you. Go back to what we used to do before 1 to 20 d20s, roll a d6 and a d20 numbered 0-9 twice (so, a d10 really, but for the correct effect it has to be a proper icosahedron). Count zero as ten and if the d6 comes up 4-6 add ten.

Wow...that is just WAY too much math for a lawyer!

Elinor swings mightily but fails to connect. Harlynn goes back to an old stand by and hurls acid at the skeleton menacing Bryndyn but his luck is in line with the rest of the party.

1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 81d3 ⇒ 1

Larayn tries agin with her scimitar. Is this place cursed beyond what is obvious? She too misses.

1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 91d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Narnel fires, and his shot hits. He has enough experience to know a good hit from a bad one, and this one was good, so why does his enemy seem unaffected?

Now they push forward, and Bryndyn seems their main target. 2 attack him and one squares off with Elinor. Can this be called good luck? Bryndyn is scratched and so is Elinor, and still they come from down below, though none show their skull, you can hear them moving.

1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 141d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 51d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 221d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 101d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 201d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 171d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 51d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Now Bryndyn swings trying to get some room, but fails to purchase it. Is that the dagger? Who knows, and concentrating on it while thus surrounded is a sure way to be dead quick!

Bryndyn takes 5 points and Elinor 6

Elinor, Harlynn, Larayn, Narnel, and skeletons. Lets hope this round goes more your way!

Stronger than I thought. Let's see if your master hold has loosened its grip

Assume Control 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10

Obviously this isn't meant to happen

AC: 17, HP: 9/9, Point Blank Range

Again, Narnel chooses the nearest skeleton that is not engaged with a companion, for a clearer shot.

LB ATT: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 4 + 1 = 20
LB DAM: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Frustrated that his arrows are not finding their mark, Narnel draws his rapier.

Panicking, time to start using ooc rules knowledge as table talk. I don't know the rules you're using Harlynn, but animated undead aren't normally summoned, so if they've been created by any other means than a 'summon monster' spell even if you succeed it's likely to be futile. Also, skeletons, DR5/blunt - a rapier is going to be pebbles on steel and not much better with sneak damage. And, Larayn, cleric, channel energy, either undead killing or party healing! Help! (Apologies for assertive-bordering-on-aggressive tone, I don't want us to get wiped here and we're about to). In the mean time...

"If that that's the dagger we came for, someone grab it and run. If it isn't, we're aal ganna dee here."

She doesn't sound too perturbed at the prospect and she begins to sing. The language is Ulfen but from the low contralto and stately tune it is clear that it is a death song.

Fight defensively and try to flank with Bryndyn unless this exposes either of us to being flanked ourselves. Are the skellings just surging forwards or are they trying to flank etc. A map might help, I have no real idea how big the room is, whether we can block more of them from coming out etc. (although in another round it won't matter).

Attack: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (14) - 2 = 121d10 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 Late edit. If I got flanking then that's 14 to hit so might be enough.

AC 21 HP 1/11 (call that a scratch? Do I look like the black knight?)

I know that undead aren't summoned but Harlynn doesn't necessarily know that. Therefor me using my class ability was supposed to represent a learning curve for Harlynn. I am just trying to separate player and character knowledge. I can go back to to spamming acid splash if you wish

I am going for the dagger, and I know that the rapier will be about as useless as the arrows. I just have no idea where the dagger is positioned? How far away am I? I assume that I can reach it on my next turn.

I will grab the dagger, and then we must leave.

Kudo's to you Harlynn for doing that. I'm sure you would have gone back to acid after this attack anyway. And Sigil 5 HP isn't a scratch...heh...even with someone with 20 HP's. I'm down nearly 50% :)

AC 16 HP 11/20

Bryndyn sees that Elinor at least is trying to move into flanking position on the skeletons. He actively works to do the same.

"Anyone have healing powers? Elinor is about to collapse."

When it is his turn....

Attack (assuming flank) 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 2 = 10
Damage 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

Definitely Harlynn, I'm right behind you (while I stand in front of you) - up to the point that I reach one hit point.... (I admit it, I'm a fair weather role player, when things get stormy I turn into a wargamer).
And how cool would it have been if it worked??!!

Have we leveled yet?? grin...I think we need the boost to HP's and To Hits. Love these streaks. First I can't hit anything, then everything, then nothing again...

lol Sorry, scratch more refered to the method of delivery than the result. I roared at that black knight comment!

Elinor raises her shield to focus on her defense and swings at her opponent. Failure to connect. This is serious.

Harlynn again tries to command these dead but still alive monstrosities, but they ignore his will.

Larayn recalls those words of power that her matron has caused her to learn. Holding her ankh before her she recites them. In a moment golden motes spray forward and bathe Elinor and Bryndyn. Instantly wounds are closed, and they are made more whole.

Bryndyn heals 1d6 ⇒ 4 and Elinor heals 1d6 ⇒ 2

Narnel puts another arrow into the thing. Another fine shot ignored. The elf realizes that maybe just grabbing the dagger and fleeing is the best course. Narnel can easily get the dagger next turn. fortuneately the daggers bearer has not stirred again.

Now the monstrosities attack, and they contuinue to push forward mindlessly. While Elinor blocks her assailant, Bryndyn is not so lucky. 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 161d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 211d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 31d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 151d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 41d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 41d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 51d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Bryndyn takes 8 points of damage.

And adding to your trouble is the fact that there is another skeleton emerging from the hole.

Both Elinor and Bryndyn may assume flanking.

Elinor, Harlynn, Larayn, and Narnel

Narnel retrieves the dagger and returns to a position behind his companions.

I have the dagger - we can retreat!

Elinor maintains the funerial dirge for a few more bars, the strident tones suggesting that a death is not necessarily something to grieve.

"Halfies on that! Run for it all of ye, Bryndyn you too. I will follow ahint."

Hold action till after the squishies then strike and step back towards door unless this will likely leave Bryndyn unable to escape (when just strike).

Attack 1d20 + 2 - 4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 - 4 + 2 = 31d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Think this means initiative tree now looks - H, L, N(posted), E(posted), Skellings, B

AC 21 HP 3/11 (more healing needed)

Starts summoning a fiendish riding dog to cover our escape and give every on extra time.

Elinor, are you holding back while he casts? I do not have my book, what are the rules for casting wilst moving? Is that what you are doing Harlynn? All that is coming to mind is the concentration skill checks from an edition ago. :)

Okay the PRD seems to be indicating that movement while casting is not possible... Or at least I could not find a place where it is addressed, so Elinor, I guess the onus is on you. Are you waiting for him? Or Harlynn, was this a case of cross posting and you are rethinking? Also I am assuming that Bryndyn goes forward with this plan as well.

Could I move then cast? If not I will just high tail it out of there.

From Harlynn's post with the initiative tree as is I am imagining the following:

Harlynn begins casting (he could make a 5' step during a full round cast, but because I think he'll get another go before the skellings are likely to get to him a 5' step is probably enough). Larayn acts (more channeling??). Narnel grabs dagger (as posted). Elinor strikes (as above, missing). All the skeletons get a go (possibly finishing off Elinor and Bryndyn (hoping for sixes on the channeling)). Bryndyn if still alive runs away (full withdraw). Harlynn's dog arrives and Harlynn safely runs away. Larayn acts (more channeling and runs? just runs?). Narnel runs away. Elinor if still alive runs away. Skeletons get a go but have a dog to occupy them.

It's a good plan if Elinors AC and Bryndyn's hit points are sufficient. It's a pretty rubbish plan for Elinor and Bryndyn if not, but the squishies still get away with the dagger. Bryndyn's stuck suffering another round of skelling attacks regardless so I think this is the most likely chance to get everyone out.

Apologies for 'table talk', Elinor must have an extremely expressive way of wiggling her hips.

If Elinor falls...Narnel will return to drag her out due to his infatuation.

No worries about table talk. If I had it my way, that's how we would be doing this, around my table. Elinor and Shakira both I guess. :)

Elinor swings and misses again, but her intent has changed. As wounded as she is she is seeking to offer the others cover to get out. Harlynn steps back and begins his incantation, seeking aid from beyond. And now Larayn takes her holy symbol up and focusing she calls on Serenrae again. In the dark her goddess hears her, and again the motes fly from her holy symbol but this time towards the 4 skeletons. One of the skeletons attacking Bryndyn simply slumps to the ground, but all of them are hurt. Larayn waits to make sure her companions are going to get out okay. She has some magic still that may aid if needs be, but it is only for dire situations. Narnel is right on her heels, he takes a moment to scoop up the knife the mummified thing held and then moves past Larayn and up the stairs. One safe.

1d6 ⇒ 61d6 ⇒ 51d6 ⇒ 41d6 ⇒ 31d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 41d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 161d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 211d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Now the skeletons have a turn, and the ones you face are not them all for they continue to scratch and climb their way out of the hole, though no more appear this round. The one just emerging from the hole closes with Bryndyn. They again begin their attacks. Bryndyn is hit, and so is Elinor. Elinors wounds are too much for her, and finally she succumbs. The shield maiden crumbles to the ground.

1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 111d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 41d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 71d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 211d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 71d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 221d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 131d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 51d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Bryndyn takes 5 points and Elinor takes 6. It is Bryndyns turn and then Elinor(to stabilize), Harlynn, Larayn and Narnel.

If I was correct in starting at 11 HP's at battles start, I took 8 more (leaving me with 3). I was healed 4..bringing me back up to 7... and then I took 5...so I'm at 2

AC 16 HP 2/20

Bryndyn Bellows at his opponents in a howl of rage and pain, dispair and challenge. Just as he prepares to swing, Narnel announces he has the knife and Elinor says something about retreat. He is intent, however, on taking as many of these monstrocities with him before he succumbs to the long sleep...that is before Elinor falls.

ARGH! Elinor!

Avoiding attacks of opportunity, Bryndyn reaches for Elinor. If he can lift her to his shoulder and full retreat, he shall. If he must, he'll drag her from harms way and then pick her up when he needs to.

Upon hearing Bryndyn's scream of Elionor in danger, Narnel races back down the stairs to aid Bryndyn in dragging Elinor to safety.

Given I've dropped down to 'just before the Skellings' I'll wait to do my stabilise till after the rest of the characters have acted.

Bryndyn makes a desperate move. His loyalty for a companion is heroic. He steps back from his foes and then picks her up and moves toward the stairs. Harlynn has brought help from wherever such things come and the fiendish dog immediately moves to help them with their escape. It tries to bite one of the skeletons that menaced Bryndyn but without luck.

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14

Harlynn himself throws acid another of them, with success. One of these dead falls to the ground unmoving.

1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 131d3 ⇒ 3

Larayn looks to her fallen friend, and the badly hurt Bryndyn, and then back at the skeletons. She makes a decision and holding her ankh before her, she again calls on her goddess to stop these perversions of nature. The motes fell each of the bony warriors.

1d6 ⇒ 51d6 ⇒ 4

Narnel races to Bryndyns side and helps to support Elinor.

Elinor, your roll here.

Meanwhile the advance of these creatures from the hole continues. Another has started to pull himself free.

Bryndyn and then to the top again.

Stabilise: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (8) - 2 = 6

Helpless. After failure HP -4/11. Weight of body plus equipment a a little under 200lb (she dropped her warhammer when she fell).

At negative 4, is she still breathing? Can I tell that? Bryndyn's not sure that he'd stop at this point. He's near death himself, and he's in full flight. He needs to be 'safe enough to check on Elinor' before he stops...

Bryndyn looks to Narnel with appreciation as he lends a hand in managing the unconscious Elinor and her heavy equipment. He glances back, sees several fall to magic and another blocked by the summoned dog, but more seem to be coming and he hisses " Keep moving. We can't stop yet.

I hear ya, Bryn...let's keep moving!

is there a way to set up this site to send and email when something new is posted here?? It would help me out tremendouslly... :)

Second note - I'm going to Origins at the end of the month...yea!

There are no rules for what negative hit pioints look like outside of the abstract. I would assume she is still breathing but it is labored and/or shallow, and that her blood preassure is low. Larayn or Harlynn could likely fill in some of the more specifics.

Bryndyn continues to move with his charge away from danger and up the stairs. Harlynn throws acid one more time at the creature coming out of the hole. But in his haste to get away he misses. After he makes his attempt, he hastens away and with the rest of the group. His summoned dog tries to follow in the same vein as his master, but with no more success.

1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 21d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 141d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Larayn easily catches the group moving Elinor and concentrates for a moment, and then touches the shield maiden. In some way that is hard to measure Elinor's state improves.

Elinor is stable, and recovers 1d4 ⇒ 3 hitpoints.

Narnel continues to aid Elinor.

Now the skeleton that was climbing emerges fully and scratches at the fiendish dog. It hits the creature and cuts it deeply.

1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 31d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20

Behind it, 2 more come from the ground, but blessedly, the sound of bone on rock as they climbed has ceased, a fact that might only be a function of distance though.

Now the party moves to the top of the stairs, and there is the narrow egress to escape by. It looks uncomfortably small, but you came through.

Larayn again fosuses on Elinor, and with another touch full of grace, the shield maidens eyes open, and she weakly finds her feet.

Elinor is healed for 1d4 ⇒ 1 points.

The party starts through the hole, with Narnel to clear the way for any danger and Bryndyn helping Elinor in the middle of the group. And Harlynn next with Larayn following.

Larayn has one final trick up her sleeve, and as the skeletons advance up the stairs she again holds the simple symbol of Serenrae before her, and again the motes shoot out according to her devotion. One of them collapses, but 2 more press on.

1d6 ⇒ 11d6 ⇒ 41d6 ⇒ 11d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 81d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 71d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

And so into the mouth of the tunnel she goes after the others, and it seems that the skeletons are not following past the point of entry (exit?) from the tunnel. And slowing Larayn invokes serenrae for the benefit of the shield maiden. This time the effect is dramatic and open wounds close and color returns to the pale warriors skin and the pallor of death clears. As Elinors stregth returns, Larayn whispers, "I am sorry I forget where my strength was.", looking at both Bryndyn and Elinor.

Elinor heals 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6 more points.

And on the group goes until darkness breaks and the light of the surface can be seen, indirectly shining from the surface above. And here, blessedly, ropes still hang down. And right at the moment when it seems that danger has past, a cold breeze pushes past you from behind and it swirls the leaves and debris on the ground in the shape of a small tornado and then the tornado takes form, and lookes rather like a lizard man comprised of leaves and dirt and treasure, and below him his legs are indistinct as though made of vapor. He stares directly at the party.

Initiative please.

With Elinor likely waking and in better shape then he is, Bryndyn still steps between the group and the construct.

I see you Bryndyn acknowledges as he keeps his mace ready.

Defiant to the last, he wonders if the group has defiled this holy place.

Spirit Father, Please accept our humble apologies if we have caused the spirits of this place displeasure.

Initiative 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12

Initiative: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

Narnel moves to a place of concealment just inside the large room to snipe at the abomination, if necessary, drawing an arrow.

Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

As Sigil says, the rule's aren't terribly specific about what -ve hits looks like. Unless stabilised, the condition is "dying" and I think of Mr Orange - a gradually increasing pool of blood and increasingly pallid skin tone. I would say that at -3/-4 it's reasonably clear that the spark of life hasn't yet gone out; -9 or so and you'd probably find it hard to tell the difference between "dying" and "dead".

Elinor needs physical encouragement from her comrades to get back on her feet.

"Leave us alone. I'm knackered..."

Blood is smeared on the outside of her armour and the mess on the inside doesn't bear thinking about. When forced upright she rallies and smiles wanly at Narnel.

"Please tell me after all that ye dint drop the knife."

"No. No no no no no. We are leaving! I am in a reet bad fettle now so please, just stand out of the way."

Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

I think after all that my hits come to 6/11. AC 19 or 18 flat footed. (11/10 touch).

Initiative 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17

Harlynn looks at the strange creatures and searches his memory for any clue on what this thing is exactly.

kn. Arcana 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20
Kn. Planes 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18

Larayn's Initiative: 1d20 ⇒ 1

Again, if you speak draconic, please make a DC 15 linguistics roll to click the following link. You may use it untrained. The creature is speaking an ancient form of draconic, and so that is why you need to speak draconic AND make the check. It is also why you can make an untrained linguistics check in this circumstance(if you speak draconic).

After he speaks, he looks intently at you, seemingly waiting for an answer.