Tower of the Heavens (Inactive)

Game Master bbangerter

Forgot that it was dusk/nighttime. I will wait until the morning. Unless for some reason we get the indication an attack will occur before that then.

At present there doesn't seem to be any immediate danger.

Heligar, Malaswyn, and Cedric; go ahead and take ten each. Although I don't expect you to use more than three or four, it's better to make sure. I want any you don't use back.

Cedric reaches down to help Markov up. "Ahh... I noticed there was a crack in one of those gems, didn't realize it would have so dramatic of an effect. Was that wise, to drink from an unknown and magical vessel? Are you alright?"

With the images still in his head and still sightly shocked, he grabs Cedric's hand and gets up.
"Sometimes great discoveries are made by reckless decisions."

Once up he quickly examines himself. Seeing nothing is wrong with him, he picks up the chalice and turns towards the group.
"This chalice gave me visions of things that may happen or already happened. I think what ever those men we met at the ruins are doing may have something to do with it. We can explain what I'm about to say to Heligar when she gets back. I want to tell you guys what I saw while its still fresh in my mind."
He then tells them about the visions he had.

"Sounds like to me we need to find this beacon and destroy it. We can't let a world exist on pure anarchy. We owe it to these people to ensure that order governs this land. Perhaps we will be able to find some more clues at the Gray farm. I suggest we head out tomorrow."

If there is time in the morning, I will find a blacksmith to add silver to my sword.

You prepare to wait out the night in the church. Kaym returns about 45 minutes later wearing a chain shirt, and an old tattered cloak with the symbol of Erastil imprinted on the back. "The magistrate is alerting the night watch, and promised to send a some of them over here just in case. If there are indeed werewolves after you, you must take care, their bite is infectious and the cure is not pleasant."

Perking up at the sound, Warren fetches his blade and moves to peek out the door. "Perhaps that is the guard. I can't imagine anyone else coming out here in the middle of the night."

Irina gets into a position near the door, already humming and moving her hand slowly, ready to hex any werewolves with slumber.

"Werewolves do sleep, do they not?" Irina asks the local werewolf experts.

Markov pulls out and loads his crossbow.
"Maybe, but we should still be on guard. We don't know if it is the guard or whatever it is that's after us."

Cedric warily takes out his shortbow, and knocks a silver arrow.
"Better safe than horribly mauled and turned into a mindless beast, I always say."

Warren opens the south door a crack, peering out into the darkness, a sliver of dim light illuminating the path for a short distance. The subdued sounds of the city can be heard in the distance, and the lights of taverns can be seen blinking in the distance between trees and buildings. Wispy clouds pass across the sky, a thin veil shadowing the light of the moon.

Kaym seats himself in one of the front pews and speaks quietly, barely above a whisper, ”Lycanthropes are as much beast as man, but certainly need sleep as much as you or I.” He pauses a moment collecting his thoughts, ”This church was built over the place where Aroale Nulil, priestess of Erastil, fought her last battle, 273 years ago. The summers had been dry and the land was parched. Beasts of all kinds had come down out of the mountains in search of food, either in search of plant life that had not yet perished for the lack of moisture, or to hunt those seeking it. Many thorps and small villages reported troubles with various animals killing their livestock or chewing up the plants of their fields. Many left the villages to seek safety in Coran. Gumlat was just a small village then, the folk here a more stubborn lot. One night as Aroale stood under the night sky, silently praying for aid for her people, wild beasts leaped out of the darkness to consume her. By the blessing and might of Erastil she withstood them for many minutes, her against two dozen or more of the beasts. A dozen creatures she slew before they were driven off, but she took grave wounds in doing so. It is said the great Stag himself appeared and carried her spirit to the heavens, and the wild beasts thereafter left Gumlat alone for fear of his vengeance. Some say that she was attacked by lycanthropes, that such creatures used to infest the mountains like a plague. Whether that is true or not I could not say, but the most we've heard of lycanthropes in these parts is from tales of distant travelers in inns and taverns. Perhaps it is all fancy wives tales, or perhaps Erastil's touch in this part of the world has kept them at bay. If such creatures are indeed come to Gumlat it means for dark times ahead.” The old man falls silent, listening intently for any sounds from outside.

Updated map

A note of panic wavers in Heligar's voice.

We will not see this beast in the dark and my precious arrows will stray! We should have put up fires 'n torches and lured the beast to the ground of our choosing. Irina, can you light up some space when it gets here. Perhaps Alma can challenge the beast and keep the light with it. We'll stay behind cover and fire on it.

Is there a steeple or a rooftop from which to fire? Perhaps the buildings to the South. Are they tall? What would it take to climb one? If feasible, Heligar will run out and climb to the roof. Is there a window facing the church entrance?

Options for Heligar (or others) to possibly choose from.

The building directly north of the church, the orphanage building, does have windows facing south that you could shoot out of. The cottage (the northwest building) only has windows facing east and west, the door to the cottage is on the south.

All of the buildings are single story with slightly sloped roofs, if you can get on top you could easily stand on top and fire from there.

Climbing any of the buildings without a grappling hook or someone to give you a boost would be a DC 20 climb check. With someone standing to give you a boost would be DC 10. Time wise it would take 1 full round action.

Standing at the edge of a building and jumping up to grab the edge of the roof would require an acrobatics DC 10 followed by a climb DC 15. Time wise it would take 1 full round action.

Busting out a window and standing on the window sill to stretch up and grab the edge of the roof would only require a DC 15 climb check. Time wise it would take 2 full round actions, though the window could be busted from the inside rather than standing outside to do it.

Remember with the chain shirt on you would take a -2 to any climb or acrobatics checks. So effective Acrobatics skill level is 0, and climb is +3. If you want to take any of those options go ahead and state which one and make the roll(s).

"I may be able to help with that illumination issue, hang on." Cedric replaces the silver arrow with a normal one from his quiver, casting Light on the arrow as he draws it. He then walks to the door and fires the arrow a ways into the darkness (At the ground on K-28).

Ranged attack to hit square: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

This should be against AC 5, but it doesn't really matter where it lands. Light provides normal lighting in a 20 ft. radius from the origin, and improves 20 ft. of light beyond that.

Markov walks up to the door and looks out examining the area around him.
Perception:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

Casting light on my shield as I did last fight.

"Whosoever stands at the door, show yourself!"

Heligar rushes out to the South building, and runs in. She looks out the windows - focusing on the west. If the coast is clear she'll climb up from the West window's sill and with some struggle - pull herself up onto the roof.
Climb 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 3 - 2 = 16
Round 1 to get to the window. Stop and check. Round 2 to climb.

The south side is the cemetery (I've added labels to the latest map for the different buildings) so I moved you to the north building (cottage) instead.

Anyone in the church or near it gains the following benefits from the hallowed ground.
+2 AC
+2 saves
+1 to attacks
1d8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 temporary hit points.
Currently that is everyone except Heligar.

As Cedric lights one of his arrows and knocks it Heligar moves into the dimness of the night towards the cottage, smashing out one of the windows.

At that moment a savage snarl breaks the near silence and a large black wolf bounds out of the darkness towards Warren. Irina unleashes her hex as the beast comes into view.

Will save vs DC 15: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

The creature stumbles and comes to stop in a heap 15 feet from the door. K23

A second wolf bounds around the north corner of the cottage, nipping at Heligar's feet as she pulls herself onto the roof.

Unless I missed something else Heligar your flat-footed should be 15 (instead of 16)
Bite attack (no dodge bonus): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4
Heligar make a DC 13 fort save.

The familiar snick of a crossbow bolt from the darkness, and Warren takes a scratch to his leg.

Attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 4
The bolt came from the direction of the path.

A mans voice with a drawl speaks out of the darkness, "Looks like we eat well tonight, all bottled up and ready to cook."

Cedric's arrow flies into the darkness, lighting up more of the path.

Updated map

Heligar is on the roof and out of reach of the wolf down below.
The werewolf listed at K21 is actually at K23, sleeping. I updated the map at home this morning (with an expectation of how it might look), but didn't get a chance to post what was happening till I got in to work here.

Init order is Alma, Cedric, Malaswyn, Markov, and Warren.
The lycanthropes.
Irina, Heligar, and Kaym.
Alma, Cedric, Malaswyn, Markov, and Warren state actions now.

I moved outside J21 with quiet determination, ignoring the frozen beast, and utter a fiercely invective prayer to the dawnflower before sending a bolt of flame toward the werewolf who threatens Heligar.

to hit touch AC1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
fire damage1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

"That one won't sleep for long. Kill it now." Irina says.

Alma rushes to the front of the battle next to the sleeping wolf at L21.
"Shall your sleep be eternal!"

Attacking sleeping wolf 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 5 + 1 = 20

Damage 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Cedric runs to the window past Markov, and fires a silver arrow at the wolf near Heligar, hoping to draw it towards the majority of the party, trusting Warren to take care of the wolf at the door.

Attack Roll: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

That could have gone better.

Hearing Irina's warning, Warren steps forward. As he slashes down at the creature's head his blade begins to glow with the wrath of the gods.

Move to K22 (Or J22 if Alma is at K22), activate judgement as swift action (+1 damage), attack wolf 1 (helpless target gets a dex modifier of -5, and I get +4 to hit for prone).
Attack: 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 4 + 1 + 3 = 17
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

Markov will move to I21 and will fire at the wolf attacking Heligar.
Attack:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
Damage:1d8 ⇒ 6

Alma's blade slashes at the beast but draws no blood.

With a yelp the first wolf comes awake as Warren's blade cuts deep.

Update map

Markov is up, then the wolves

fort 13 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8....uh oh...

Thanks for catching the Flatfooted error - I corrected it.

Can Heligar see what's in the grass? If she can see it clearly she will fire at it. If she has no clear shot she will fire at the "sleeping" wolf instead. Silver arrow. 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17 Damage 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10.

One correction, the temp HP should have been +4, not +3 HP.
Heligar is inflicted with lycanthropy, we will worry about what that entails and the solution to it after the combat.

Snarling, jaws drooling, the wolf ignores Heligar and charges Markov,

Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1
Free trip action: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19
Markov make a DC 13 fort save. Remember to add +2 for being on the hallowed ground.

pulling him to the ground.

The first werewolf gets back to its feet (provoking an AoO from Warren and Alma) and seeing Markov downed moves towards him to attack.

If the AoO's don't kill it
Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3
Make a second DC 13 fort save

Another crossbow bolt comes out of the darkness from down the path,

Attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

and embeds itself in Warren's shield.

A second crossbow bolt comes out of the darkness from the northeast at Heligar

Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 7

leaving a nasty gash along her abdomen.

The werewolves got to move before Heligar in init order which puts them both in melee combat, applying a -4 to the attack roll.

Heligar follows the second werewolf as it rushes towards Markov, but for fear of hitting her companions lets the shot go a moment to soon, narrowly missing the beast.

Updated map

Heligar has done her action for round 1.
Everyone else state actions, Irina for her first, the rest of the party for their second.

Almost forgot Kaym
Kaym moves to the doorway of the church and in a clear strong voice offers up a prayer to Erastil. A feeling of warmth fills your hearts.

All party members are now also getting a +1 luck bonus on attack, damage, save, and skill checks. Enemies that were in range are taking a -1.

Irina moves to L20 (if she can see werewolf 2 from there), otherwise she then continues outside to L21, and hums softly at werewolf 2, trying to put it to sleep.

Will save DC 15

You can see it from L20
Will save: 1d20 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (16) + 2 - 1 = 17

The werewolf is unaffected by the hex.

AoO on wolf 1 (+4 for prone): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

Action: attack wolf 1 (If it is dead then charge to I22 and attack wolf 2 (adding +2 to my attack roll).
Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15 (17 if wolf 1 is dead)
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

First fort save:1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 + 2 = 14
Second:1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 + 2 = 14
Markov will drink his mutagen granting him a +4 to dex, +2 to Nat Ac and -2 to wis. he will then stand up.

The first wolf drops to Warren's silver blade as it tries to reach Markov (cancelling the second attack against Markov).

The second wolf growls and yelps, backing off slightly from it's fallen quarry, now wary of the cursed silver.

Once again, I plea to Sarenrae for holy fire to burn away the beast's corruption.

attack vs touch AC 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
fire damage 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Cedric, seeing the crossbow bolt hit Heligar from his vantage point by the window, decides that he should try to lure the unknown attacker closer, at least into the light, so the party has a chance of dealing with him. He runs across the church M18, presses his back to the wall and begins shouting out into the night.

"HEY YOU, YEAH THE COWARD OUT IN THE DARK THERE, WHY DON'T YOU GROW A BACKBONE AND COME OUT TO PLAY? I'VE GOT PLENTY OF MEAT ON MY BONES HERE, STOP HIDING LIKE A SAD HOUSE DOG. WE PROMISE WE'LL GIVE YOU LOTS OF TABLE SCRAPS IF YOU'RE GOOD, HEEERE DOGGY! COME ON BOY!"

Cedric isn't sure that the mysterious attacker is a werewolf, but whether or not it is he assumes that people don't like being called dogs. He is using the Antagonize feat.

Intimidate Check: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

Anticipating that the threat is not over. Alma peers into the darkness to see if there is any clue on where the next threat will be.

Perception 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (13) - 2 = 11

I will ready an action and charge anything if possible that comes into sight.

Between Markov's bolt, Warren's silver blade, and Malaswyn's fire the other wolf drops to the ground unconscious.

With growls and the snapping of teeth two more wolves charge out of the darkness, one each at Warren and Alma.

Alma you may use your readied action to attack the one that charged at you.

Attack (on Warren): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Attack (on Alma): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Another creature steps out of the shadows to the north, half-man, half-beast. The creature stands on two legs but is covered in black fur, it's face beastial in appearance. It is dressed in leather armor with ragged clothes beneath. At its side is a short sword. It holds a light crossbow in its hands. It moves to get a shot at Cedric through the open window. "I will chew your bones and spit them out pup."

Cedric gets partial cover for an additional +2 to AC
Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

The bolt lodges itself in the wood to Cedrics left.

Another bolt from down the path, this time aimed at Malaswyn,

Attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10

lodges itself into the wood above his head.

Updated map

The party may act again

Warren calmly side-steps the new lycanthrope, bringing his blade down onto its back, the weapon blessed silver sizzling as it bites through flesh.

Five-foot step to H22, attack adjacent wolf
Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Cedric, looking out the window, slowly breathes out, shaken from the bolt now lodged mere inches away. I *was* trying to make him mad... With the newcomer in view through the window, Cedric whispers quietly, his bow held in one hand while the other makes a quick gesture towards the wolf-man.

Casting Sleep DC 14

If the spell takes hold, Cedric will try to ascertain what is happening to the east Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10 and also call out to Warren that the larger wolf-man has fallen. If the spell doesn't work, Cedric will run to cover (K20) and alert his allies to the fact that there's something to the east, and that there's a scarier werewolf to the north, if they haven't noticed.

EDIT: Damnit, so close.

Will save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

The half-beast wavers for just a brief moment, but shrugs off the spell.

Waiiiiit, does he have a -1 penalty on saves due to the prayer to Erastil, or was that only the wolves who were right nearby when Kaym prayed?

Anticipating more wolves. Alma reacts quickly slicing at the beast charging him.

readied action Attack: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 5 + 1 = 22
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Next Round:

Attack: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 5 + 1 = 20
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Markov will move to D19 and throw a bomb at the creature standing at A18
Attack:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Damage:1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
"Here lets play a game of fetch."

Ouch! That bolt smarted all right. Heligar glances into the darkness to the North and East, wondering where the assailant is. She sees the creature to her left - and lets fly another silver-tipped arrow.

Heligar only shoots at clear targets. If the creature is already down - select another lycanthrope. Arrow shot to A18 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 3 + 1 = 23 Damage 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

Irina turns her sleeping hex on the wolfman, unless Cedric's right about that save penalty, in which case she targets the closest of the other two wolves.
DC 15

Waiiiiit, does he have a -1 penalty on saves due to the prayer to Erastil, or was that only the wolves who were right nearby when Kaym prayed?

It was outside of the 40' range when the prayer was cast.

New will save vs Irina: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22

Heligar's shot pierces the creatures leg and it lets out a howl, which is cut short as Markov's bomb drops the creature and the smell of burned hair reaches your senses.

Alma slashes at the one gnashing at his legs, drawing blood.

Warren puts a deep gash in the shoulder of the other one.

Malaswyn then wolves are up.

I wheel about and step forward toward Alma K22.
Then I call upon Sarenrae's fire again burning hands, angled to catch dropped wolf in K and Alma's foe in L. DC13 reflex for half damage.

burning hands 1d4 ⇒ 3

The wolf snaps at Malaswyn as he begins to cast his spell.

AoO Attack: 1d20 ⇒ 3

Bright flames spring from the tips of Malaswyn's fingers.

Reflex save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

The wolf dodges to the side and is only singed a tiny bit. The hair of the one lying unconscious on the ground twists and curls at it takes the full effect from the flames.

Wolves turn

The wolves continue their assault, growling and biting.

Attack (at Warren): 1d20 ⇒ 17
Attack (at Malaswyn): 1d20 ⇒ 5
Crossbow bolt (at Malaswyn): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 5 - so 1 point past your temp HP of 4.

Someone can be heard cursing down the path from the direction of the bolt.

The light from the east side of the church grows in brightness.

Updated Map

Party may act again

Five-foot step to G23, attack wolf.
Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Confirm: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

"We need to get rid of the archer, or at the very least find a way to see him."

5 foot step to m23.

Attack 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 1 = 10
Damage 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Ugh. Think that misses.

Irina hexes the wolf in L22 with slumber.