Runt's rolls:
Kizzy's rolls:
Camil's Diplomacy rolls, helping out!
OK, so with a DC 17, we got
I put the distributions on the treasure tracker so we all know what we have to play with.
Thanks for doing the (g)runt work on treasure tracking.
Someone has to do it and I like math, in moderation at least :)
So Foxglove's old man was a nasty sort. And Aldren was running with the wrong crowd here in town. Most folks thought he was done in by them a while back for his money. Apparently the place is pretty run-down - so we might think that's where his undead state came from. We could look at dealing with more ghouls in there likely... Should we be about it? Camil asks the others.
"Sounds like a plan... perhaps it best to either go at night to avoid notice? or at least act as perhaps interested buyers in the distributed property? Looking to buy and create a Home for Wayward Adventurers?"
I mean technically Aldren was a 'friend' so approaching in the daylight to visit Aldern wouldn't be such a stretch. at least he wanted to be a friend until he got all obsessed and undead... Camil reasons.
I like that idea. We pose as persons interested for historical reasons, which will give us a reason to seek out the current owners and visit the manor. Since it is looking like it is going to ruin, I think that would be a nice cover.
Then, if that does not pan out (or even if it does) we sneak in at night, if you can call what we do sneaking.
"Good idea, Z," responds Runt, who has decided that since they are all friends, shortening names or using nicknames is called for, "Let's pose as buyers and hunt down the current owner. Starting with paying the place a visit."
Since purchase of property begins with discussions with the owner, you head off to the townhouse. The neighborhood is a fine one with stately looking houses cramped together on a well maintained cobblestone road. The houses are surrounded by modest wrought iron fences that are about four feet in height. Most of the houses are identified by monograms of the family crests on the gates. Zherxikas heads to where he believes the house to be and you find a house fitting the ill kept description with the monogram of a gold F on a blue background with falling starts about it. Zherxikas confirms this is the house.
The house by no means is falling down such as the old manor. However, it has obviously been neglected. The small lawn in the front has weeds as high as the fence and there are small repairs that need to be tended such as a hanging shutter, a couple of missing roof shingles, planting boxes with dead flowers and weeds, etc. You try the gate and it is open.
What do you do?
Why we march up and knock, of course. Why break character now?
A man of about thirty wearing the standard outfit of a house servant opens the door. He looks at the lot of you and says, "Yes, may I help you?"
Runt gives Kizzy a nudge and tilts her chin towards the man.
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Greetings! I am Kizzy Ilionescu, singer, dance and entertainer extraordinaire! she does one of her deep flourish-y bows, and continues,
Our group happened to encounter Aldern Foxglove, handsome young man isn't he? But, I digress... we met on the road, and were discussing the entertainment opportunities available in the region. He promised us, well me, some introductions and insisted I meet him here on this day. Kizzy gives a big smile, Is he within perhaps, or could we speak with the head of the estate? without waiting for a response, adds That would be lovely, thank you so much!
"Give me one moment, mum." He says and steps inside closing the door. The delay is long enough you feel you may have been unceremoniously dismissed but then the door opens. "His Lord and Ladyship will see you in the study. If you will please follow me. We have a small foyer so would the last of the party please close the door behind you?" The man says and then leads you on into the house.
Scout growls in the presence of the man but follows Lavanor in. The servant leads you into a hall with numerous mounted animal heads (C2). Most have been damaged or pulled off the wall. "Please forgive us as we clean up. His lordship threw a party for one of his friends who is soon to be married and the crowd became a bit rowdy." He intones as he leads you through another door into a small dining room. A lady with gray hair wearing an apron steps out of the way as you pass through. "This is Mrs Turner, my counterpart in the house." she nods as he mentions her name. Then he leads you into a small study. The desk appears to have been ransacked with the drawers pulled and their contents thrown on the floor. Finally, he leads you through a door into the sitting room. Aldern and Iesha Foxglove sit in front of a fire. They rise from their seats as you come in. "Good day," Aldern says. "My man here says you claim to have met me yesterday but I'm afraid I don't recall said meeting."
Scout bristles and growls.
Thinking quickly, runt pipe up,
"Oh, dear, do you think you were pranked, Kizzy?"
Kizzy flashes Runt an, "I am up to something" smile, and responds,
No my dear Runt, I am afraid it is far worse, and I am now very afraid for you Lord Foxglove! It is just like the Cumberland play where the villain pretends to be a noble - killing him and taking his place!
She turns to "Aldern" You see, if the imposter posing as you told us to meet him here, they had plans to replace you prior to our arrival. No doubt delayed by the events of the prior evening - however, our arrival has put you in grave danger as now we have made contact and they will be forced to advance their plans. We need to alert the city watch to be on guard and keep a very close eye on you to ensure your safety! Fortunately, we carry letters of writ that will help us persuade them to do so!
Fear not Lord and Lady Foxglove, we shall ensure you are kept under guard, constantly watched and protected!
Kizzy reasons if they are legitimate Foxgloves (highly unlikely based on our encounter), then they will welcome protection. If they are imposters the last thing they will do is want us to leave and tell the authorities to watch them.
Aldern laughs and then Iesha picks it up. "It is not us who need protection woman!" Aldern roars as his face melts away and his hands elongate as does his spine. Although you expected something, this wasn't it. The Lord and Lady and both of their servants change and attack. Camil is hammered (dmg 15) by a well places shot and then the thing draws him in close. A worm like appendage comes out of its head and latches onto his trap between neck and shoulder and begins to feed (blood drain 1 CON dmg). Isabella also is hit with terrifying strength (13 dmg). She too is grabbed and a worm like protrusion attacks her as well only this one attaches below her jaw (1 CON dmg). Forest's armor resists the attack from the former servant and Zherxikas manages to dodge the attack by the once former Lord Foxglove.
Round 1
Stalkers done
Heroes
Isabella was about to say something pithy, but this really takes her off guard.
Runt gapes at the sudden outburst, struck by the irony of the ruse reversal. Recovering quickly she yells out divine curses upon her opponents and unleashes the fires of retribution.
DC 16 Blistering Invective
Ahhh! What the... GET IT OFF Camil begins to squirm as the thing latches onto his neck, as he attempts to wriggle free of its grasp. He staggers back, injured from the creature, holding his hand over the neck wound.
Well... that worked TOO well. Kizzy will try to identify the creatures to see if she knows anything useful.
She begins to sing to inspire courage in her allies. Hoping that the warriors may turn the tide of battle in their favor.
Faceless Stalker, they can assume the form of a Medium humanoid at will but requires 10 uninterrupted minutes to alter its body.
In its natural form, a faceless stalker has no discernible facial features. It gains a bonus to resist attacks or effects that target the senses.
It's rubbery flesh is resistant to bludgeoning weapons. (DR)
They can drain blood from those they grapple. (CON dmg)
Because of their knowledge of humanoid anatomies they are adept at precisely striking soft areas of their targets. (sneak attack)
They can supernaturally speak and understand any language.
Tries to cast a spell, calling "attack the one by Forest to open the door! give us room"
Runt calls out from his nice safe cozy corner of the room (after blasting them with the BI spell of course). She saves her breath by not explaining the tongue thing to them or the whole polymorphing thing. That should be quite obvious to anyone paying attention.
"Whoa. Studied up on these things. They are called Faceless Stalkers, for obvious reasons. Do not bother trying to blind or deafen them, as you can see they are missing faces. And blunt objects tend to bounce off them. Though I don't think any of us use anything like that."
Runt's spell affects the two in the same room nearly causing them to catch on fire but for them patting out the hot spots quickly. However, this allows Camil to get out of the grasp of the creature that had him. Zherxikas' magic missile then goes zipping through the lounge door into the study to blast the one blocking the escape route.
Round 1
Stalkers done
Camil: done
Isabella:<<<
Kizzy: done
Runt: done
Lavanor:<<<
Zherxikas: done
Forest: <<<
I put a note somewhere that the two in the main room are intimidated. 3 rds actually.
Isabella casts a magic circle against evil to help protect the team.
Round 1
StalkerL1 demoralized 3
StalkerL2 demoralized 3
StalkerS1 lightly wounded
StalkerS2 grappling
Camil: done
Isabella: grappled <<<
Kizzy: done
Runt: done
Lavanor: <<<
Zherxikas: done
Forest: <<<
Isabella struggles but, with the penalties for being in a grapple, she won't be able to do anything.
Isabella manages to squirm out of the creature's grasp shuddering as the worm like appendage pops off her chin.
Round 1
StalkerL1 demoralized 3
StalkerL2 demoralized 3
StalkerS1 lightly wounded
StalkerS2 grappling
Camil: 31/46, 1 CON dmg
Isabella: 35/48, 1 CON dmg
Runt: 53/53
Lavanor: 54/54 <<<
Scout: 24/24 <<<
Zherxikas: 40/40
Forest: 68/68 <<<
Kizzy: 44/44
Lavanor draws sword and tears into the one before him slashing the thing heartily (dmg 11). Forest does the same to the one nearest the door (dmg 11). The creatures strike back at individuals near them but only one lands a solid blow and that is against Zherxikas (5 dmg). It tries to wrap its grasping fingers about him but he manages to get away.
Round 2
Stalker1 moderately wounded demoralized 2 done
Stalker2 lightly wounded demoralized 2 done
Stalker3 moderately wounded done
Stalker4 done
Camil: 31/46, 1 CON dmg <<<
Isabella: 35/48, 1 CON dmg <<<
Runt: 53/53 <<<
Lavanor: 54/54 <<<
Scout: 24/24 <<<
Zherxikas: 35/40 <<<
Forest: 68/68 <<<
Kizzy: 44/44 <<<
Unable to get into melee herself, Runt opts to, instead, just cast a bless spell.
Casts a spell, concentrating to avoid an attack while doing so, against the stalker by the door.
Kizzy continues her song and weaves the casting of a Cure Light Wounds spell into her song to aid Camil.
Isabella figures that this is probably yet more undead and unleashes the holy power of Reymenda against them.
(DC 16 Will save for half)
"Time to try out my new sword!" Forest exclaims, cutting in to one of the nearby faceless things.
Runt chants out her blessing which invigorates her allies. Zherxikas successfully strikes the stalker through the doorway with a magic missile yet again followed by a pair of excellent attacks from Forest though his shield does not do as much as he would have hoped. Isabella attempts to channel positive energy against the creatures but they seem unharmed by the wash of positive energy.
Round 2
Stalker1 moderately wounded demoralized 2 done
Stalker2 lightly wounded demoralized 2 done
Stalker3 moderately wounded done
Stalker4 done
Camil: 38/46, 1 CON dmg <<<
Isabella: 35/48, 1 CON dmg done
Runt: 53/53 done
Lavanor: 54/54 <<<
Scout: 24/24 <<<
Zherxikas: 35/40 done
Forest: 68/68 done
Kizzy: 44/44 done