WR Mummy's Mask

Game Master wicked_raygun

Perception (at the desk): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13

Standing outside of the room, Izra focused most of her attention on the collapsed desk.

Djehuti goes a step further than Izra and steps over to rummage through the desk.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

The Band searches the room thoroughly, but the room is suspiciously devoid of artifacts. The thought occurs that it might have been picked clean by someone.

In fact, Torin discovers that the door to the north shows evidence of having been forced open previously. It is currently locked.

Well we'll just see about that!

Torin having discovered indications that whoever meddled with the earlier lock exited via the northern door, Kwin nodded and brought his skills to bear upon it.

Disable Device: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (18) + 13 = 31

One disadvantage of human alterform is there's no fur to mute the occasional smug smirk.

Kwin unlocks the door to the North to find a small 15-foot hallway that leads to another door.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

Kwin steps aside as he rerolls his toolkit.

Koshu peered over Kwin's head; the dual disappointment of not finding anything worth salvaging, and not finding the ones responsible for that sorry state of affairs so he could wring their necks, was not masked any better for being covered with fur.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10 Oh look, a hallway.

"Bah. Nothing. I would find the thieves responsible and teach them a lesson in proper acquisitions. For instance, whatever they have stolen from us here would be fair game once they were no longer breathing." Disgruntled, he looked to Torin. "Kwin has opened the way for us with great skill. Will you take the lead, or shall I?"

Perc: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13
"Seems all clear, lead on."
Torin uses a bow, never going to be in the front if he can help it.

Koshukhep doesn't notice as a pressure plate halfway down the hallway triggers a scything blade that descends out of the corridor’s western wall.

Trap vs. Koshukhep (FF): 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (7) + 20 = 27; Hit!
Damage: 2d4 + 6 ⇒ (2, 3) + 6 = 11

The blade slices a deep gash into Koshukhep's arm before it automatically retracts back into the wall and resets itself.

Gonna need a Disable Device DC 20 to deactivate the trap. Our ranger has been having a rough day.

DiceBot's gonna have a bad day if it keeps on giving us streaks of inadequate rolls like that. Tough to swallow that none of us spotted that, not even Torin!

"Kosh!" Kwin yelped as he saw the wicked blade lash out. Shouldering past the others, he rushed down the hallway to reach his friend.

"It's okay big guy, just sit and rest," he said as he helped the catfolk to a comfortable position against one wall. "Gonna need some help here," he shouted down the hallway in an overly-loud voice. "He got hit pretty hard!"

Once confident Koshukhep was out of danger, Kwin turned his attention to the floor ahead, moving slowly forward on hands and knees, checking the details of the trigger mechanism.

"Pretty scummy, you ask me," he said as he pulled out his tool roll again, vulpine ears twitching in annoyance. Unlike a door latch, the pressure plate required more forceful -- yet cautious --prying to lift the edge, and a longer tool to get beneath it to reach the linkage.

Disable Device: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26

But once again, the kitsune's cunning served him well --- even where his spotting ability had failed -- and the trap was promptly rendered harmless.

Torin's pronouncement brought to mind one of the golden bits in Pitch Black. "How's it look?" "Looks clear." <Violent screaming death.> "I thought you said it was clear!" "I said it looks clear." "Well... how's it look now?" "Looks clear."

-Posted with Wayfinder

Djehuti watched Koshu with concern as the catfolk backed away from the hallway with a bloody gash in his arm. "Devious, the way the thieves slipped past the trap then reset it behind themselves."

"Careful, Kwin!" Koshukhep held out a paw to stay Kwin as he backed away from the trap, a snarl still on his face and his other arm dangling. Once safely away from the trap, he slumped by the wall with an embarrassed face, nodding to Kwin and Djehuti. "Treacherous snakes! It is well that we have Kwin to deal with such nonsense. I will thank the thieves for leaving the trap unmarked for us. I think I will do it with my fists."

Then he closed his golden eyes, waiting for Izra to tap him on the nose.

Hah. That quote sounds familiar, though I'm not sure I've seen Pitch Black. It also reminds me of OOTS.

"Treacherous snakes! It is well that we have Kwin to deal with such nonsense."

Kwin scoffed. "After the fact! A bit of mechanical aptitude and cleverness mean little without the eyes and ears to spot the traps before they go off."

Hah. That quote sounds familiar...

I think I've cited it before. Though this time I did it from memory and only got close to the actual wording.

... though I'm not sure I've seen Pitch Black.

It's a dark movie (arr arr arr), quite violent in spots. Sort of "Science Horror" à la Alien or Predator. Interesting premise though, and fun for Vin Diesel fans even if not the whole family. :o)

Moving us forward. I believe that Kosh still has a few holes in him from the trap.

The heroes move on to the next room.

Area D11

This octagonal chamber is empty save for a large metal chest against the eastern wall. A series of hieroglyphs are inscribed on the wall above it. Stone doors are set in both the northern and southern walls.

The Ancient Osiriani hieroglyphs on the eastern wall read, “The righteous and the holy have no need of staff, rod, or ring. Place your faith in the Good Magister and walk without fear.”

The chest is unlocked and empty.

Survival: 1d20 ⇒ 8

Survival: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19 +2 v. humans

Koshukhep's lip curled as he focused on something on the floor. "One of them is wounded. Maybe they did not pass the trap so easily." Then he frowned. "But the bloody tracks lead south, while all the other tracks lead north."

"Two different groups, then."

"Let's go after the wounded one first. They might be a little more talkative in regards to why they are jumping our claim."

You guys do have an unexplored section on this floor that is to your south. There next?

"Fine by me. Lead on, Short Round."

Thanks, GM.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Djehuti translates the Ancient Osiriani for those who don't read the old script. "That sounds to me like there may be a trap or some trick to navigating this room," he adds.

The heroes head south through the double doors.

Area D7

A short hallway connects a shallow, empty pool to the west to two curtained cubicles to the east. A wooden bench is bolted to the floor in a small alcove across from the pool.

Two corpses have been dragged to the northern cubicle. One is a pile of bare bones kicked unceremoniously out of the way, and the other is a rotting but still intact cadaver. An old, broken scimitar lies nearby. The bones are scorched and still warm to the touch, and the corpse has suffered a number of recent injuries.

Koshukhep's nose wrinkled at the smell of the rotting corpse. "That can't be the one. That blood was fresh, and these look to have been set on fire recently." He stalked over to the curtained cubicles, tearing the curtains aside with his good arm.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26 +8 scent, +2 v. humans

ETA:
Ooh, a DC10 Knowledge check! Finally something that Koshu has a chance of knowing, haha.

K:religion: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Then again. Is it possible to take 10 on those? :P

Unfortunately you can't take 10 for a knowledge check unless it's a research check.

Koshukhep is convinced that there are additional corpses nearby.

Izra, who'd been in something of a daze, suddenly snapped out of it at the sight of the corpses.

Know:Religion +12 = auto-success.

Her glowing blue eyes narrowed. "Undead." Izra's voice was flat. "If you smell more corpses, Koshukhep, do not be surprised to find them walking."

At some point - either back when Koshukhep was expecting it, or now, Izra will pull out her Wand of Nose-Tapping.

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7 Nice! Love it when the damage cured exactly matches the damage taken.

No problem with me for the Retcon healing. Kosh, make sure to adjust your HP accordingly.

Right after Izra's warning a trio of zombies shuffles into view. They see our intrepid heroes and move in to attack them.

Djehuti: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
Koshukhep: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
Kwin: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Torin: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Izra: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Ahmed: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Zombies: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (6) + 0 = 6
Suri: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Bold is up. Basically everyone but, Suri. Those were some pretty low rolls.

"I mean no disrespect to the dead, but they should remain in their eternal rest, not shuffling about stinking." Koshukhep flexed his claws, then rushed the zombies.

Haha, I love that zombie pic. Koshu will try to stay out of Torin's line of fire.

claw: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 6 - 4 = 22
dmg: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

confirm: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 6 - 4 = 14
dmg: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Djehuti backs up a few steps to give Koshu room to get in front of him and begins muttering in Ancient Osirian, finally gesturing at the second zombie and imperiously commanding it in the same tongue. "Grab the zombie next to you."

Cast Command Undead on the closest zombie not being attacked by Koshu, then command it to grapple the third zombie and keep it from getting into melee.

"I say respect the dead, unrespect the undead! Or... something," Kwin called out, desperately wanting to rush to his friend's aid but understanding the need to keep a path clear for Torin's attack.

Delaying for the moment. I'm trying to figure out: Would our PCs be aware of the back way in? I have half a mind for Kwin to tear off and circle around from the side/rear, but I'm not sure he would see that option. GM?

Kwin - You guys have been mapping the area as you go, so I would say, yes. Go for it.

Will Save DC 18: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

One of the zombies glows bright blue for a moment, as Djehuti's spell to command the undead fails.

This should be interesting...

Then Koshukheo steps in and rips a zombie's head off with a single swipe of his claws.

Round 1

Djehuti: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
Koshukhep: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
Kwin: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Torin: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Izra: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Ahmed: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Zombies: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (6) + 0 = 6
Suri: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Bold is up.

Suddenly and without warning, Kwin tore off down the hallway, slamming through the double doors, echoes of his running footsteps receding in the distance.

I have a suspicion it'll all be over by the time he gets into position and it'll be like, "Where the heck were you while we were trouncing these things!" Still, this sort of strategy worked for me once. And it was glorious...

If you're a stickler about not cutting 45s adjacent to occupied squares, he'll be just about at the square diagonally up from "D1" after a double move. (Can't move tokens with my smartphone, I'll do it this evening). Looks like those columns might be round with a square base though, so maybe those could be jumped across?

"Zombies? How does their flesh stay so moist in this dry desert air? I must have their secrets!"

Pew: 1d20 + 7 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (7) + 7 + 1 - 1 = 14
Damage?: 1d8 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 1 + 2 = 8
Pew: 1d20 + 7 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (4) + 7 + 1 - 1 = 11

Kwin runs off to seek a tactical advantage, while Torin puts two in the chest of a zombie. The zombie seems unperturbed by the arrows perforating its lungs.

Technically only one hit, but I couldn't resist writing "two in the chest". :-)

Round 1

Djehuti: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
Koshukhep: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
Kwin: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Torin: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Izra: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Ahmed: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Zombies: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (6) + 0 = 6
Suri: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Izra and Ahmed are up.

Love the image you used on the map for the zombies, haha

With the zombies still a short distance away, Ahmed turns towards Suri and sees that she wants to rush in. Not because she hated the creatures, nor was bloodthirsty, but because they were here largely because of her, and she'd be damned if anyone died for it. The already dead seemed like acceptable casualties. Putting his hand on hers, he whispers a brief blessing of their people, about the power of the everburning fire within.

Case Guidance, Suri will get +1 to her next roll.

ARRRGGGG! Posted this hours ago, but apparently the boards ate it. Apologies!

Izra moved past the others, her hostility towards the undead clear on her face. Stepping up behind Koshukhep, she touched the leonine warrior on the back, letting the power of her own - and, more importantly, her Mistress's - righteous indignation flow through her and into Koshukhep. The Lady of Graves' guidance flowed into Khoshukhep like a wave of cold clarity, sharpening his senses and strengthening his muscles.

Move up and cast Guidance on Koshu (map updated). Also, I moved Ahmed, based on his stated action, as Guidance has a range of Touch. Apologies if I overstepped.

Ahmed and Izra use their magic to aid their allies, just as the zombies stagger forward towards Koshukhep.

Koshukhep and Suri have guidance. Zombies can only move this turn. Oh, can someone please move the zambos up a square each. Currently on my phone and can't myself.

Round 1 to 2

Djehuti: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
Koshukhep: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
Kwin: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Torin: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Izra: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Ahmed: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Zombies: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (6) + 0 = 6
Suri: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Everyone is up.

Zombies moved.

Pew: 1d20 + 7 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (17) + 7 + 1 - 1 = 24
Damage: 1d8 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 2 + 1 = 8
Pew: 1d20 + 7 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (11) + 7 + 1 - 1 = 18
Damage: 1d8 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 2 + 2 + 1 = 11

Torin plunks a couple of arrows into the chest of one of the zombies. "Undead take all the fun out of shoot things..."

Torin's first shot lands with the force of an explosion. His second shot lands between the undead creature's eyes. The zombie falls down and doesn't so much as even twitch.

One zambo left.

Round 1 to 2

Djehuti: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
Koshukhep: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
Kwin: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Torin: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Izra: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Ahmed: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Zombies: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (6) + 0 = 6
Suri: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Bold are up.

claw 1: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 6 - 4 = 18
dmg 1: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

claw 2 + guidance?: 1d20 + 6 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (9) + 6 + 1 - 4 = 12
dmg 2: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Despite the trepidation the div's curse had planted deep in his heart, Koshukhep tore into the last zombie with his claws, determined to extinguish the mockery of life that held it up.

I don't know if Guidance only works on your first attack, or on any attack? If Koshu downs the zombie, though, he is totally going to say to Kwin, "Where have you been while we were trouncing these things?" ;D
I hope those zombies weren't the moist kind. Koshu's paws will be all gross. D: Hey, he IS a cat.

I don't know if Guidance only works on your first attack, or on any attack? If Koshu downs the zombie, though, he is totally going to say to Kwin, "Where have you been while we were trouncing these things?" ;D
I hope those zombies weren't the moist kind. Koshu's paws will be all gross. D: Hey, he IS a cat.

From the SRD: "The creature gets a +1 competence bonus on a single attack roll, saving throw, or skill check. It must choose to use the bonus before making the roll to which it applies." So it works on the roll you choose.

Suri nods at Ahmed with a smile and gives his arm a squeeze, before moving up with Koshu to the last zombie, each of them slashing at it with their claws, though some more effectively than others.

Attack: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 1 = 13
Damage: 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Suri and Koshkhep's claws of justice cleave the last zombie in twain.

End Combat. And presumably queue Kwin.

Giving Tuich until tomorrow to respond. But the rest of you can feel free to make fun of our furry friend. :-)

Koshukhep shook dusty bits of flesh from his claws with satisfaction. "I do not think the dead should smell so. It is undignified." Looking around, he frowned. "Kwin should not go off on his own. There could still be lurking dangers about."

It's dangerous to go alone! Take this. *tiny chibi Koshu*

Just gonna bot Kwin. He's probably very busy.

Kwin dives around the corner, his sword in hand and unleashes a battle cry that awkwardly dies in his throat when he spots the unmoving zombies on the ground.

"Oh, you got 'em. Good work, team."

Only place left on the map is down. You guys want to continue forward? Or do you want to regroup? Maybe get your ranger uncursed?

The Band of the Black Fire make a tactical decision to return to the city proper. First they arrive at the Grand Mausoleum hoping to find someone who could remove the curse placed on Koshukhep. They are assured that the spellcasting can be arranged for the next morning and that the price will be 150 gold.

The Band returns to their rooms at the Tooth & Hookah and rest for the night.

OK, let me know who's paying and if you guys want to take care of any other business in town. Maybe some potions or scrolls?

Koshukhep sought out the merchant who had sold him his shiniest charm, brimming with righteous indignation, but the man caught wind of his approach and hurried to hide. Fuming, Koshukhep loudly vowed to wind the man's entrails around his ears unless he was given a refund within the next few days, then stalked off to purchase some potions together with Kwin (assuming Kwin doesn't mind).

Slamming his fist on the counter, he growled, "I wish my claws to eviscerate those with magical protections. What can you do for me?"

OK, 150gp on curse removal and 150gp on potions (magic fang x2 and shield of faith). I hope the Sanctum pays off, or he's going to have to wait some time for those MW claw blades he has an eye on...

The merchant pales as he backs away. "But surely Fazeem sells only the finest of goods. If - if you would permit me to explain. The charm is based on your faith in the Old Gods. If did not fail. Only your faith did. You must believe harder, Koshukhep!" he pleads desperately.

Aha! So the snake-oil merchant didn't manage to hide! Koshu's gonna decorate him like a Christmas tree! Only more messy, because entrails.

Sense motive + favored enemy: 1d20 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 1 + 2 = 12 Also, LOL.

"LIAR! Scoundrel! Thief!" Koshukhep charged after the unfortunate merchant, tossing wares to the side left and right in his rage. "My faith is unassailable! If I believed any harder, I would be a cleric, so help me Ra!" He picked up a canteen of crocodile's tears (the finest in the land!) and hurled it at the merchant's head. "For shame, dealing in false trinkets! Your soul weighs heavy on the scale! I'm going to beat you so hard, your ancestors will cry!"

It's like a bull in a china shop, if the bull was very dextrous and the china was primarily amazing curatives, guaranteed magical relics, and shiny, shiny charms for what ails you.