The audience cheers as Valgrim deals Auric a deadly blow. He and the golems advance, and while Auric tries to tumble his way into melee, he stumbles and runs into Valgrim's weapon. That's three AoO there.
One of the golems strike Valgrim for 15 points, while Auric misses and is booed by the crowd. Khellek once again manages to disengage from the elemental and hits you all with a Cone of Cold for 37 points of cold damage.
The last golem lumbers on and strikes the elemental for 15 points of damage.
Then something strange happens. A large portion of the ground, just behind Auric and the golems, shakes and bulges up ominously.
Round 2 action: Reflex save: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13
Valgrim screams in pain as the cold batters his skin. He then steps back 5' and full-attacks Auric with his 15' reach. If Auric at any time, signals surrender, apply the remaining attacks to one of the golems.
Looking back looks like I didn't roll will save for confusion Will1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
As the bone chilling cold washes over him Vulcan unleashes a roar of rage, the boom of thunder ripping through the air to strike at Khellek (CONE but since they're both in the air shouldn't affect the ground fight.
Shout, DC 21 5d6 ⇒ (4, 6, 3, 6, 4) = 23damage Deaf for 2d6 ⇒ (3, 2) = 5 (20% failure on all spells with verbal component)
Shivering, he gulps down a potion, dropping the vial to the arena floor [ooc]CMW 2d8 + 3 ⇒ (3, 8) + 3 = 14
Valgrim brings Auric down, and coughing his guts out Khellek resigns too, calling off his precious golems before they get smashed. Functionaries carry the unconscious Auric away as the crowd roars with excitement.
But before anyone has time to declare you victors, the ground bulges again in a quite worrisome way. You have one round to take actions.
Bless (entire party): +1 morale bonus to attack rolls and saves vs. fear. Duration 10 minutes Life Bubble (entire party): Subjects breathe freely, even underwater or in a vacuum, and are immune to harmful gases and vapors, including inhaled diseases and poisons and spells like cloudkill and stinking cloud. Subjects are potected from extremes of temperature (per endure elements) as well as extremes of pressure. Duration 2 hours Barkskin (self): +4 natural armor bonus. Duration 100 minutes Shield of Faith (self): +3 deflection bonus. Duration 10 minutes Bull's Strength (self): +4 enhancement bonus to Strength (Str 18). Duration 10 minutes Bear's Endurance (self): +4 enhancement bonus to Constitution (Con 16). Duration 10 minutes Grease (self): +10 circumstance bonus to Escape Artist, combat maneuver checks to escape grapple, and CMD to avoid being grappled. Duration 10 minutes Alchemical Grease (self): +5 alchemical bonus to Escape Artist, combat maneuver checks to escape grapple, and CMD to avoid being grappled. Duration 4 hours Righteous Might (self): Large size, +4 size bonus to Str and Con, -2 to Dex, +2 enhancement bonus to natural armor (does not stack with Barkskin), and DR 5/evil, duration 10 rounds (expires end of Round 11) Haste: extra attack at full BAB during full attack action, +1 bonus to attack, +1 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex, +30 ft enhancement bonus to all modes of movement. (expires end of Round 10) Inspire Courage: +2 competence bonus to attack and damage, +2 morale bonus to saves vs. charm and fear effects.
Feres' Str 22, Con 20 (Fort +15) Feres' AC: 25, DR 5/evil Feres' HP: 120 w/Bear's Endurance and Righteous Might
The ground finally bursts open, revealing the gigantic horrible yellowish worm that you say earlier imprisoned in the green sphere. Only now it is free and roars with fury.
A moment of stunned silence ensues, but then Talabir points at Valgrim and shouts: "Lo! The Apostle of Kyuss is among us! THERE! THERE ARE THE CHAMPIONS YOU SEEK!”
Meanwhile the audience erupts into a riot of panic.
The monster is surrounded by a cloud of slashing tendrils, which reach out 40 feet around it, making ranged attacks nigh impossible and causing damage.
Male Dwarf Ranger 16/Barbarian 2/Fighter 2/Champion 2 HP: 334/334; AC:34/15/30; F +31 (+33); R +22; W +16 (+18); Init: +11 (+17); Percep: +27 (+29); Hero Points: 5/5; Mythic Power: 7/7; Rage: 14/14
Round 4:
Valgrim looks in horror, as he sees the giant worm erupt from the ground and screams with vile hatred for all things undead, "Foul creature, destruction to all who serve Kyuss!" He then grips his bardiche with both hands, steps 5' forward, and proceeds to attack the creature three times! Assuming, this is the Ulgurstasta, which we know is an evil undead worm, I will add my favored enemy bonuses to the rolls.
Buffs: Barkskin, Bear's Endurance, Bless, Bless Weapon, Bull's Strength, Enlarge Person, Freedom of Movement, Haste, Inspire Courage, Lead Blades, Life Bubble, Resist Energy 10: Fire, Shield
Currently wielding bardiche, 15-20' reach (1d10 jumps to 2d8 with Enlarge and to 3d8 damage with Lead Blades)
HP: 112/122 (+20 w/rage)
AC: 28
Rage Rounds used: 4/7
Seeing the mass of tendrils surrounding the gigantic undead worm, Feres offers a prayer to his Goddess to allow himself to move freely through any impediments. At the same time, he retrieves one of the curative wands from his belt as he prepares to move closer to the creature.
Standard action to cast Freedom of Movement on self. Move action to retrieve Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds.
Active Effects:
Bless (entire party): +1 morale bonus to attack rolls and saves vs. fear. Duration 10 minutes Life Bubble (entire party): Subjects breathe freely, even underwater or in a vacuum, and are immune to harmful gases and vapors, including inhaled diseases and poisons and spells like cloudkill and stinking cloud. Subjects are potected from extremes of temperature (per endure elements) as well as extremes of pressure. Duration 2 hours Barkskin (self): +4 natural armor bonus. Duration 100 minutes Shield of Faith (self): +3 deflection bonus. Duration 10 minutes Bull's Strength (self): +4 enhancement bonus to Strength (Str 18). Duration 10 minutes Bear's Endurance (self): +4 enhancement bonus to Constitution (Con 16). Duration 10 minutes Grease (self): +10 circumstance bonus to Escape Artist, combat maneuver checks to escape grapple, and CMD to avoid being grappled. Duration 10 minutes Alchemical Grease (self): +5 alchemical bonus to Escape Artist, combat maneuver checks to escape grapple, and CMD to avoid being grappled. Duration 4 hours Righteous Might (self): Large size, +4 size bonus to Str and Con, -2 to Dex, +2 enhancement bonus to natural armor (does not stack with Barkskin), and DR 5/evil, duration 10 rounds (expires end of Round 11) Haste: extra attack at full BAB during full attack action, +1 bonus to attack, +1 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex, +30 ft enhancement bonus to all modes of movement. (expires end of Round 10) Inspire Courage: +2 competence bonus to attack and damage, +2 morale bonus to saves vs. charm and fear effects. Freedom of Movement (self): Move normally despite impediments to movement. Duration 100 minutes.
Feres' Str 22, Con 20 (Fort +15) Feres' AC: 25, DR 5/evil Feres' HP: 120 w/Bear's Endurance and Righteous Might
Will begin Channeling Energy next round - that is if Valgrim hasn't killed it by then. Awesome hits, Valgrim!
Male Dwarf Ranger 16/Barbarian 2/Fighter 2/Champion 2 HP: 334/334; AC:34/15/30; F +31 (+33); R +22; W +16 (+18); Init: +11 (+17); Percep: +27 (+29); Hero Points: 5/5; Mythic Power: 7/7; Rage: 14/14
Thanks, Friar, though I have to thank you for the Bless Weapon! I forgot to add the -3 power attack penalty to the 2nd attack (total to hit: 39 instead of 42) and the 3rd attack, though it did not matter since it was a critical threat.
Valgrim cuts deep into the gigantic necromantic worm, despite its tough hide. The flailing tentacles to 5 points of damage to all except Feres and catch Vug's bomb, causing it to do only splash damage.
Then the monster spews out a disgusting mass of necromantic acid in an immense spray, covering Valgrim, Bubba and the elemental. It does 12 points of Con drain. Reflex 18 will reduce that to 4 Con damage.
Buffs: Barkskin, Bear's Endurance, Bless, Bless Weapon, Bull's Strength, Enlarge Person, Freedom of Movement, Haste, Inspire Courage, Lead Blades, Life Bubble, Resist Energy 10: Fire, Shield
Currently wielding bardiche, 15-20' reach (1d10 jumps to 2d8 with Enlarge and to 3d8 damage with Lead Blades)
HP: 87/102 (+20 w/rage)
AC: 28
Rage Rounds used: 5/7
Feres steps toward the giant necromantic maggot and channels a burst of divine radiance to smite the creature.
5 ft step to squares T/U-24/25. Standard action to Channel Energy (Harm Undead).
Channel Energy (Harm Undead): 5d6 + 10 ⇒ (6, 2, 2, 2, 3) + 10 = 25 - Will DC 21 for half damage; undead do not add channel resistance to saves due to Feres' Sun Domain.
At the same time, Feres directs his spiritual scimitar to attack the abomination.
Bless (entire party): +1 morale bonus to attack rolls and saves vs. fear. Duration 10 minutes Life Bubble (entire party): Subjects breathe freely, even underwater or in a vacuum, and are immune to harmful gases and vapors, including inhaled diseases and poisons and spells like cloudkill and stinking cloud. Subjects are potected from extremes of temperature (per endure elements) as well as extremes of pressure. Duration 2 hours Barkskin (self): +4 natural armor bonus. Duration 100 minutes Shield of Faith (self): +3 deflection bonus. Duration 10 minutes Bull's Strength (self): +4 enhancement bonus to Strength (Str 18). Duration 10 minutes Bear's Endurance (self): +4 enhancement bonus to Constitution (Con 16). Duration 10 minutes Grease (self): +10 circumstance bonus to Escape Artist, combat maneuver checks to escape grapple, and CMD to avoid being grappled. Duration 10 minutes Alchemical Grease (self): +5 alchemical bonus to Escape Artist, combat maneuver checks to escape grapple, and CMD to avoid being grappled. Duration 4 hours Righteous Might (self): Large size, +4 size bonus to Str and Con, -2 to Dex, +2 enhancement bonus to natural armor (does not stack with Barkskin), and DR 5/evil, duration 10 rounds (expires end of Round 11) Haste: extra attack at full BAB during full attack action, +1 bonus to attack, +1 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex, +30 ft enhancement bonus to all modes of movement. (expires end of Round 10) Inspire Courage: +2 competence bonus to attack and damage, +2 morale bonus to saves vs. charm and fear effects. Freedom of Movement (self): Move normally despite impediments to movement. Duration 100 minutes.
Number of Channels used today: 2/7
Feres' Str 22, Con 20 (Fort +15) Feres' AC: 25, DR 5/evil Feres' HP: 120 w/Bear's Endurance and Righteous Might
Under your combined assault the worm expires in a spray of noxious fumes. Trumpets sound and the herald of the Invincible Overlord proclaim you the victors of the Champion's Games, and congratulates you to defeating the surprise challenge. Slowly the panic subsides. There is some doubt about the worm really being a part of the games, but noone dares oppose Hygelak openly.
Talabir is led off to a no doubt very unpleasant fate (Raknian is nowhere to be seen) while you are presented with the Champion's belt and 10.000 gp. Auric is the first to congratulate you while Khellek sourly is busy patching up his golems.
You get a standing ovation from the crowd and are greeted by Ekaym who is happy to concede all the prize money to you, as well as your winnings from the betting.
Also you get 10 880 xp each, and three hero points. This is actually the demi-climax of the entire AP and this is as far as I could ever hope we'd get, so I think it calls for some celebration. In case your hero points start to stack up, you can buy a trait for 10 hero points if you like, as well as the awards listed in my profile.
Gargantuan kudos to you all for sticking it out and congratulations for your victory and saving the City State from a necromantic disaster.
Vug lands gracefully and puts one foot gingerly on the dead worm, raising her hands in victory. "I knew it! Valgrim's Vanguard would be victorious, or die trying. Now if we could only get our hands on that bastard Raknian..."
Male Dwarf Ranger 16/Barbarian 2/Fighter 2/Champion 2 HP: 334/334; AC:34/15/30; F +31 (+33); R +22; W +16 (+18); Init: +11 (+17); Percep: +27 (+29); Hero Points: 5/5; Mythic Power: 7/7; Rage: 14/14
Ditto to what Friar said, awesome game and glad it has lasted so long due to your dedication, BT! Now, time for some shopping! I will complete the treasure shares on the OOC thread.
Male Dwarf Ranger 16/Barbarian 2/Fighter 2/Champion 2 HP: 334/334; AC:34/15/30; F +31 (+33); R +22; W +16 (+18); Init: +11 (+17); Percep: +27 (+29); Hero Points: 5/5; Mythic Power: 7/7; Rage: 14/14
Valgrim takes a minute to rest after the fight due to fatigue from his barbarian rage, although he does look satisfied the undead worm was destroyed before it caused any harm to the crowd. He proudly shakes Auric's hand, "We will treasure the Champion's Belt, friend. And sorry for any hard hits, no offense!" He then waves to the crowd along with his fellow friends, collects his winnings in his bag of holding, and goes to rest. He also thanks the Overlord for sponsoring the Games. "Friar, when you have a chance, some healing of my endurance would be helpful, if not today, then tomorrow."Valgrim will be down -4 Con after Bear's Endurance wears off.
"Friar, when you have a chance, some healing of my endurance would be helpful, if not today, then tomorrow."
"Certainly, Valgrim. I will pray to the Healing Flame and prepare the appropriate spells for you and Bubba tomorrow morning. By the Dawnflower's grace we'll have you both right as rain soon enough," Feres promises his friends. "For now, I can at least mend your more physical wounds." Feres raises his holy symbol and summons forth a burst of divine radiance that washes over the group like warm summer sunshine, mending torn flesh.
Channel Energy (Healing): 5d6 ⇒ (5, 4, 2, 4, 3) = 18 - does anyone need additional healing?
"But before we do anything, perhaps we should return to the catacombs below the arena and see if we can recover the Apostolic Scrolls. Raknian's absence worries me..."
There is no trace of either the Scrolls or Raknian in the catacombs. The workers in the arena are busy shoving the remains of the worm back into the hole since that is the easiest way of getting rid of it (or at least getting it out of people's sight before questions get asked).
You can get healed at leisure, but there is more bad news to come. As you make your way back to Eligos you find both him and his butler brutally murdered.
At discovering Eligos's murder, Vug swears, "Dammit! It looks like that damned Raknian is two steps ahead of us again! If we're ever going to be safe, we'll have to hunt him down, rather than vice versa. F-father, is it possible to bring him back to life?"
"Yes, I can try, Vug. But it will require the use and sacrifice of a diamond of great value. If we can find such a gemstone quickly, I can prepare the proper spell in the morning. The spell will only work if he was slain within the past ten days, though."
It looks like Pollard was stabbed in the back. Eligos had his throat slit in his sleep. They look like they have been dead a couple of days, so the spell should work.
