GM Sphen Rise of the Runelords: (Clever Subtitle)

Game Master Sphen86

Loth focuses on the shadow in front of him, keeping his guard up. Fighting defensively

Shortsword +1: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (17) + 7 - 4 = 20
Damage: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Zenaida staggers as the strength drains out of her, but manages to stay on her feet. All of a sudden her armor feels as though it weighs a hundred pounds. She drops her shield- useless against this foe- and forces her weakened body into a guard position. "Falayna, ward me from evil!" Magic shimmers around her for a moment. Now somewhat better protected, Zenaida swings her glowing sword at the nearest shadow. "If a shadow drains all of your strength, you will die and rise as another shadow. If you are becoming too weak to fight, run and save your soul!"

Oof, that's a big Str drain. Drop shield (free), use Fervor to cast protection from evil (swift, no AoO), and attack nearest shadow. She now has +2 deflection AC and +2 on all saves.

Attack: 1d20 + 7 - 3 ⇒ (20) + 7 - 3 = 24

Damage, Physical: 1d8 ⇒ 3

Damage, Holy: 1d6 ⇒ 4

WILL Saves vs. Channeling
Dots-
Will Save: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 4 + 2 = 15
Dash-
Will Save: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 4 + 2 = 24
Solid
Will Save: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 2 = 8

The heroes strike back, their magic weapons cleaving through the shadows, leaving them lessened, but not yet dissipated. Tarphrex still has a turn before they go, let's see what the little dragon can do.

Oh, decisions, decisions! I assume I have to make my decision about targets all at once. Well, looking at positioning, I think I really only see the one attacking Zenaida, so that decides my action.

"No! Leave the Zenaida alone!!"

Tarphrex steps forward alongside the dwarven cleric. He shouts, "Moten raketni napad!" and with a snap of his wrist, seems to fling pearlescent green orbs from his seemingly empty hand at the shadow menacing the warpriest (DOTS).

Magic Missile, two missiles: 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (2, 3) + 2 = 7

The orbs hit the shadow menacing Zenaida, tearing into it but leaving just enough left of it for another turn of attacks. The shadows reposition slightly, seemingly edging closer to Dol, with one getting close enough to strike at him. They move in complete silence, so the only sounds of this fight are the grunts of pain and exertion from your side, mixed with the creaking of leather and the scrap of metal from your armors.

-vs. Dol
Touch: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

-vs. Zenaida
Touch: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
STR damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4

-vs. Loth
Touch: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

The shadow nearest Dol swings out at him, but fails to realize so much of its substances has faded away as the limb is much shorter than needed to hit the dwarf.
The one in front of Loth laughs at the pathetic pig creature trying and failing to make contact and is so amused it isn't even looking at Loth when it strikes at him.
Zenaida, however, takes another slash, so used to her armor for protection that these creatures simply ignore, draining her Strength even more.

__________________

Dots has very little left in it, the other two are "injured" but still going. Good luck on this round.

Dol glances with concern at the new friend among them, worried moreso by the prospect of attempting to defeat these creatures without her aid.

"I didn't prepare spells to heal this kind of damage, but try to hold on. Back out, if the situation is desperate."

Dol channels again, hoping to drop some of them.

Channel: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 5) = 9 (DC 13)

Raz swings his axe again, he works to quiet his mentor's voice in his head talking about the futility of hitting a flame with an axe.

Swing Axe at dash: 1d20 + 4 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (18) + 4 + 1 - 1 = 22
Slashing: 1d8 + 2 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (7) + 2 + 1 - 1 = 9

WILL Saves vs. Channeling

Dots-
Will Save: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 4 + 2 = 20

Dash-
Will Save: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 4 + 2 = 15

Solid-
Will Save: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 4 + 2 = 25

So good news, bad news. Bad news is obvious. They all made their saves.
Good news is that one of them still succumbs.

With a plea to heavenly forces for a sliver of their power, Dol sends energy once more rolling through the room. One of the shadows, the one closest to him, seems to hiss like water on a hot pan as its form evaporates.

Raskiv strikes again, his axe cutting more of the shadowy substance away, but the creature still remains.

Zenaida reels from the shadow's attack. She can barely lift her sword anymore, although years of training keep her fingers locked around the hilt. "Tarphrex... I need your armor spell. I can hardly move, I have to withdraw." The warpriest staggers back, her tan complexion now beaded with sweat and taking on an unhealthy grayish tinge.

Withdrawing, although she can only move 5 ft carrying more than her maximum load. Hopefully the shadow will miss its AoO, or it's lights out and good luck getting her back to Sandpoint.

Wait! Let Tarphrex come to you with the mage armor before you step away. Better miss chance on the AoO.

”Yes! Tarphrex help the Zenaida!”

Post forthcoming, but you know what I’m planning.

This is why I should double check my posts when I do this at night, lol! Zenaida will wait to step back until Tarphrex’s spell takes effect.

If you are withdrawing, there is no AoO anyways

If you are withdrawing, there is no AoO anyways

This. If it changes your proposed actions (Tarphrex), let it. But a withdraw protects you from AoO's for the first 5 feet of movement, which is all your moving anyway. Then we'll see what Loth does and go from there.

@Bumbo: I know it is not much, but I did look through your sheet and want to remind you about your guidance spell. Again, not much, but it may make a difference, if you're willing to risk getting closer.

Since that's the case, can I retcon Zenaida's request for mage armor away?

Loth strikes again!

Shortsword +1: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
Damage: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

If Zenaida retreats and the shadow is down, Loth will move into her current space to cover her retreat. But with this roll, I doubt I'll be dealing damage.

Since that's the case, can I retcon Zenaida's request for mage armor away?

I shall consider it away. I thought Zenaida was saying her encumbrance would prevent a withdraw action.

The kobold releases two more of the magical orbs at the shadow that dared attack Zenaida! They weave among his allies and unerringly strike the creature.

Magic Missile x2: 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (2, 2) + 2 = 6

Ah, right, there is that! Bumbo will cast guidance on Raz, since he has some big swings and seems to be drawing away some of the shadowy stuff.

@Loth: You did indeed miss, but not by much.

So I moved Zenaida backwards a step. Bumbo, you'll need to move up to reach Razkiv, your choice of spots.

And Tarphrex blasts another one to non-existence and it hisses as it deflates like a spent balloon.

Only one left, and it will continue to try and hit Loth, who has dodged it so far.....

---Shadow---

-vs. Loth
Touch: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
STR damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1
.... and even though he finally fails to dodge this swipe, it is still for the minimum amount. Lucky Loth for this fight.

______________

This last shadow is almost depleted. Can you do a bit more damage before its next turn?

Do we move our characters, good DM, or do you do that for us? Whichever is the case:

Tarphrex slides into the room (far northwest corner, please) and unleashes two more bolts of force with a snap of his tiny clawed hand. "Moten raketni napad!"

Magic Missile x2: 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (4, 3) + 2 = 9

Dol will delay to see if the shadow can be taken out by Melee

Do we move our characters, good DM, or do you do that for us? Whichever is the case:

Tarphrex slides into the room (far northwest corner, please) and unleashes two more bolts of force with a snap of his tiny clawed hand. "Moten raketni napad!"

[dice=Magic Missile x2]2d4 + 2

You move them. Please.

Raz feels an infusion of energy from Toot the tint of the world changes, for just a moment he thinks he sees the world the same way Toot does.

Swing Axe: 1d20 + 4 + 1 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 1 - 1 + 1 = 6
Slashing: 1d8 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (5) + 2 - 1 = 6

If the magic missiles don't, Loth will try to deal the finishing blow.

Shortsword +1: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Damage: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Zenaida takes another laborious step back, muscles screaming in protest.

Channel or wand? Average channel is 7hp, Average CLW is 6 and requires a melee strike. I guess the math goes with channel.

Channel: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 6) = 8 (DC 13

@Dol: I was actually going to advocate holding your action. Your channels are more valuable than my missiles.

I want this thing dead. It is doubtful we'll run into more shadows and I have plenty of healing capacity for the time being. Hopefully that takes it out.

Zenaida is pretty useless right now, so we're going to have to rest and wait for Dol and/or Razkiv to prepare some lesser restoration before she can do much.

I want this thing dead. It is doubtful we'll run into more shadows and I have plenty of healing capacity for the time being. Hopefully that takes it out.

Apologies. You are right, of course, and to do otherwise smacks a bit of metagaming. You have no reason to believe Tarphrex has any more missiles, so it’s only right that you would continue to use what Torag has granted you.

Bumbo looks on in dismay, unable to help his friends. He wrings his hands in fear and clutches at Loth's arm, hoping to give a bit of help.

Guidance

Toot roars in anger, kicking, biting, and stomping with abaondon.

Definitely giving him a magical bite next level...

Good news, I don't even have to roll to resist the channel, because even 4 damage would be enough to destroy the final, remaining shadow.

Congrats folks. I actually considered pulling this fight, or reducing to 1 shadow. Instead, I'm going to up the exp reward. So that's an even 1,000 exp I just added to the total. Almost to the next level up already.

For those of you who look back, you see Orik huddled over a hysterical Lyrie, who is sobbing breathlessly and trying to claw at her cheeks while Orik holds her wrists. It is a quiet struggle, but one that they are both focused on.

After you've had a bit to collect yourselves (just let me know), what do you do next? I presume someone will search for the GIANT, OBVIOUS S that you totally can't see on the map....

Zenaida sheathes her sword and leans against the wall, breathing heavily. "Well done... everyone." She drops her pack on the floor. "I'm afraid I'll need magical healing before I can be of much use in a fight. The shadow drained so much of my strength, I feel as weak as a newborn kitten." Given that she previously moved near effortlessly in full plate, with a heavy shield and full pack, the shadow must have done quite a number on her.

Funny that you should mention the glaring S. I think it would be glaring even without the tag there.

Dol looks with concern at Zenaida, but feels helpless at the moment. "Perhaps if you lighten your load a bit? I can carry your pack, or even the armor, if need be.

You could wear my breastplate for now, if that would be better."

Dol looks about the room as well. "I doubt there will be anything left in these sarcophagi, but we should take a look." He starts to move toward one, but his face scrunches up. "Odd. The symmetry of the room is all off. That alcove in the center of the wall should have another sarcophagus. Razvik, maybe your eyes might pick out something hidden there?"

Dol begins moving from sarcohagus to sarcophagus, taking 10 to search each one. Perception T10 = 13

YAY!!!

Tarphrex frets over his knightly friend's condition. "Tarphrex is not strong, so Tarphrex buy magic to help carry more. But with friends, not carry so much." He pauses, concerned that his words are conveying the message worse than usual. With visible efforts, he restates, "I have magic ...," thinks a moment, "scroll. Scroll to help carry more weight. Would it help you?"

Very much a random purchase during character creation, but he's so weak that I have a scroll of ant haul which would triple your current carrying capacity. Doesn't help with armor-caused encumbrance, but maybe the rest of your load?

Zenaida looks at her reptilian friend. "Do you know how long the magic in the scroll will last, Tarphrex? That sounds like the best option, as long as it lasts long enough for us to finish up here."

What do you guys think, can we finish up and get out of Thistletop within two hours?

Sounds feasible

Zenaida looks at her reptilian friend. "Do you know how long the magic in the scroll will last, Tarphrex? That sounds like the best option, as long as it lasts long enough for us to finish up here."

He grins and nods, happy to feel useful. Setting his tiny pack down, he opens the flap and looks in, but gives Zenaida a slightly worried look. Then "Ah!" He nods to himself, closes the pack, and makes hand motions like he's describing the size and shape of a scroll tube. This time, he opens the pack and pulls a scroll case out. He looks over several pieces of parchment, muttering to himself and shaking his head, until he finds what he is looking for.

When any other business has been attended to and we are ready to move on:

As he reads the arcane words from the parchment, they seem to burn from the page, leaving a fresh piece of parchment in his tiny clawed hand. He reaches out to put his other hand on her knee. She has the disconcerting feeling of tiny insects crawling across her skin, or maybe it's just goose bumps, starting from that point of contact and covering her body for just a moment. Then it's gone and she feels like the weight on her shoulders is a bit more bearable.

He looks at her expectantly. "Yes? Yes?"

This feels really clever to me and I am all for it
Loth zones out for a bit, reeling from the fight, but eventually snaps out of it when Dol announces his intent to check the sarcophagi.

"I'll do some looking around too," Loth says, and he starts looking over the room.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

Razkiv takes Dol's guidance and heads to investigate the nook.

"I was only brushed once and I feel as weak as a foal. If needed I can carry more."

Perception + Stonecunning: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 11 + 2 = 33

Zenaida takes a deep, relieved breath, standing up straight. "That's much better. Thank you, Tarphrex." She picks up her pack, resettling it on her back, then goes to pick up her shield. "Here's hoping we can clear this place before the spell wears off."

The kobold bobs his head in agreement. As he returns his scrolls to his pack, he stops and looks at one of them closely. "Oh! Tarphrex has two! No, Tarphrex has one. One is not scroll now..."

He seems to be puzzling this out, muttering to himself, as he re-packs and shoulders his tiny load.

@Dol: You move to one of the sarcophagi, and carefully break the seal of the lid. Dry, dusty bones slump forward in their wrappings, almost smacking you in the face as you dodge to the side. Sightless eyes stare up at you as the body crumbles, disturbed for the first time in what you can only presume has been many centuries.

@Loth & Razkiv: Loth runs his hands along the wall, tracing the line of the door he found, looking for the mechanism to release it. When he reaches it, Razkiv's hand is already there, having found the thing right away. The door is located and seems to be ready to open.

Orik's voice comes from the other room, in a quiet shout, "What happened in there? Everyone okay?"

Tarphrex scurries in to the man and stage whispers, ”Bad black shadow-things! Make the Zenaida very tired! But the Dol-magic made them fall apart! We ready go more! How good is lady friend?”

He studies the woman, eyes bright with excitement.

Dol looks back, having missed the struggle between Lyrie and Orik in his worry over his teammates.

Leaving the empty crypt, he rushes back and tries to speak soothingly to Lyrie.

"What is it, Lyrie? What caused this reaction? Was it the shadows? The undead are gone now. There is nothing to fear."

As Dol speaks to Lyrie, Loth turns to Orik. "Orik, what happened? Did she say anything?"

@Tarphrex: Orik looks at you in confusion. It seems like he understood the words, but doesn't understand for some reason.

@Dol: Lyrie seems to be particularly out of it right now. She's still breathing, but her eyes are unfocused and she doesn't respond. You can see scratch marks on her face near her eyes and on her cheeks.

@Loth: Orik answers all the questions that you've been trying to ask.
"She just started stammering, then attacked her own face with her nails. She was saying something about 'Slaves of the slaver.' and 'Kill them so I can be free.'. I had to hold her wrists so she wouldn't gouge out her own eyes, but she didn't seem angry. Once you all defeated them, she near collapsed. I think she might be crazy.

Zenaida walks over to Lyrie, concerned. "I never heard of such a reaction to shadows before. If there is a malevolent force imprisoned here and influencing her mind, taking her away from Thistletop would be for the best. If you go to Magnimar and Lyrie isn't any better, ask for Bevaluu Zimantiu at Cynosure Tower. That's the temple of Desna. Mother Bevaluu is a powerful cleric, she might be able to tell what's wrong and do something about it. You could also try the Temple of Iomedae, but Chaplain Ronnova isn't quite as powerful a spellcaster as Mother Bevaluu."

”Collapse? Too tired? Or.... what is word, suddenly feeling of better? That way?”

He tries to get close to stare into the woman’s eyes.

What skill to see if she is exhausted or relieved or something else?: 1d20 ⇒ 19

Perception would be a 22, Sense Motive would be a 20. Not sure what else might apply.

"Yes, getting her out of this castle is the best possible scenario. Perhaps we can find if there is an enchantment confusing her.

Perhaps if we get her up to see the sunlight, that would have a positive effect on her state of mind."

"I imagine this voice is Malfeshnekor, possessing her? Whatever it is, I wager it's bound to this place, hence its desire to be freed. Maybe we just need to get Lyrie out of its reach? Move her out of the castle, maybe Thistletop entirely. Either way, I think we can all agree we need to get her out as soon as possible."