Gods and Monsters and Heroes (Inactive)

Game Master Daxter

"Varocles, errr, Field Agent?"

Kyronai nods at Varocles in confirmation.

Polyoinos eyes the assembled patronage through bleary eyes. Quite soon after arrival he had managed to convince the Quartermaster to show him the stores of ambrosia and wine.

True to form, he had imbibed a sample or nine, and was left slumped and happy whilst his companions continued their orientation. (Figure that accounts for my lack of input lol)

Meeting with Baccus could wait, he trusted the Breaker of Chains and Drainer of Casks would summon him in due time.

Squinting at the question, the rotund skald chuckles;

"Polyoinos. Field Agent and Imbiber Extraordinaire!"

"Amphitryon. Man who gets paid to poke other people with pointy sticks." He responded. It was, afterall, the most succinct summmary of who he was.

We can have the appointment with Bacchus at any time you would like, I just didn't want you to feel like you were holding the game up.

Callie subtly rolls her eyes as the party introduces themselves, especially at Polyoinos' part. "Alrighty then! Good to meet all of you! To let you know a little about myself, I have been here for a little under a decade but it feels like yesterday when I was a newbie here working in the mail room. But enough of that, let's get on with the orientation!" Daphne tells you. For the next hour or so, she tells you the do's and don'ts of working here. It is about as exciting as it sounds. She takes the group on a tour but does not show you anything that you have not already seen. Once that is done with she lets the group go. "I will see you all around the office. Have a great day!!"

The paperwork is pretty standard stuff, though there is a pretty exhaustive non-disclosure agreement with the penalty of divine punishment which may or may not be shocking. You are also given your date to report in which is the following day.

The day passes uneventfully and you show up bright and early and turn in your paperwork. You are given small golden badges to wear so you can walk in and out of the office without hassle. You report in and are told where to go as you are to meet your handler. You arrive to see a familiar site waiting for you. A small gnome woman with purple hair that you recognize from orientation. Calli mouths a curse word as you walk up to her as she begins to recognize you. "I guess I'm your liason which makes you my team that I am responsible for." She sighs.

"Super."

I've gotta say that Varocles' response was perfect.

With only one side of his face curling into a wry smile, Kyronai nods slightly in acknowledgement.

Amphitryon shrugged and then adjusted his badge to make sure that it was as prominent as possible. He looked at the gnome expectantly.

I've gotta say that Varocles' response was perfect.

I'm glad you appreciate Varocles' sense of humor!

Polyoinos nods approvingly;

"One of the fey folk, excellent! Your jocular sense of fun and wild abandon will stand you in good stead Liason Callie. Perhaps some team bonding o'er quart or four of wine would be in order?"

"I assure you that I do not subscribe to any of that nonsense. I am a professional." Callie replies to Poly with some emphasis on that last word. "Anyways, follow me to the briefing room." She turns right around and briskly walks for a minutes, not checking to see if you are following, and ends when she reaches a door. Once she opens the door, you all see a large table with a map. Callie walks over , stepping onto a stool to reach and map and points to a circled section halfway between Sparta and Argos. "Here is an abandoned garrison previously used by the Spartan military. But that was so long ago that even Ares has forgotten about it. We want to use it as a training facility for new field agents. Your job is to clear it out if there are any bandits, animals, or monsters there. The job is simple enough that I'm sure even you can do it. Any questions?"

Kyronai studies the map, calculating how long it will take to travel there.

"It would be faster if we could arrange sea travel across the Saronic Gulf. Can you assist with that?

"Also, once we clear this garrison out, are we to return here or hold it for new agents to arrive?"

"Wow, I am glad at least one of you knows what you're doing. Yes, we can arrange that for you. You report back once you've succeeded and we will send in a crew to take care of the rest."

"Mom gave him the brains."

”And me the looks.” Amphitryon quipped. ”Varocles, we finally get to have a boat ride. One step closer to your dreams, eh?”

"Ahhhh, to feel the salt breeze again!"

Polyoinos nods in agreement, ignoring the stodgy gnomes response to his suggestion for a drinking session;

"Ships have rum! Not quite the holy grape, but it will suffice until we reach our destination..."

He pauses, then eyes their handler with a frown;

"The gnomic folk are free spirited and lovers of frivolity and japes. You strike me as a melancholy sort akin to our gloomy brothers... Tis a shame to have lost your zest for life. Mark my words Callie. I shall make thee laugh. It will be my Herculean Labour!"

"I just take my job seriously. We need more of that around here it seems. If you don't have any other questions, make preparations. You leave in the morning." Callie replies adjusting her glasses.

Are y'all ready to move on?

Ready

Yes, ready.

Onward!

The day passes uneventfully and you board your chartered ship known as the frisky satyr, dutifully arranged by Callie thought not keen on the name. The trip is only a few hours and is rather peaceful as well. Varocles' meeting with Poseidon must have gone well as sea conditions are rather pleasant. "We were told to come back for ya in two days. So you got that long to do what ya need to do." The Captain, a man named Argus tells you.

So you take your leave and the walk is also nice. Apollo must be hard at work though as the sun beats down on you. While uncomfortable though, it is not harmfully hot out. You quickly find a roughly cobbled road so you know that you are headed in the right direction.

A few hours later you come upon a frightening sight. Bright red patches of fresh blood mar the stones that mark the highway’s route. The corpses of two humans, one male in plate armor, one female wearing leathers, are both sprawled face-down in the blood. But before you can investigate, a spectral form rises up from the man's body. It looks to be the spitting image of him, though transparent with lifeless eyes. It seems as Hades is missing a soul. In unholy rage it raises its weapon and charges you!

Varocles and Kyronai are up! Knowledge(Religion) to Identify. The map is up.

Knowledge(religion): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

Aid Another - Know. (religion): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14

Kyonai moves back and to the side while drawing and fitting an arrow. Once he's in position, he fires at the spirit.

Ranged attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
Crit confirm: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 7
Crit damage: 2d8 ⇒ (7, 2) = 9

Argh, I don't have anything that affects undead that requires a d20 roll!

Staying right where he is, Kyronai reaches into his belt pouch and digs out his wand of magic missile.

Force damage: 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (1, 2) + 2 = 5

Kyronai, your line says level 4, did you not level up?

Varocles steps up and attacks the ghost...

+1 Adamantine Trident Hit Melee: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
+1 Adamantine Trident Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

I did, thank you. Forgot to change that 4 to a 5.

I will let you save it for your first saving throw then. Also, the map is up Varocles. I am going to assume you already cast Longstrider because you cannot melee it otherwise.

Kyronai pulls out a wand and sends a pair of force missiles at the ghost. Varocles quickly makes his way up to the creature and is able to do some damage to it.

The vengeful spirit thrust its spectral greatsword through the Varocles' armor and he can feel aches as though he has aged many years.

Corrupting Touch vs Touch AC: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

In its unholy wrath it somehow misses the dwarf.

Ghost-9

Party is up!

Varocles swings again...

+1 Adamantine Trident Hit Melee: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
+1 Adamantine Trident Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Kyronai fires off the wand again. It makes a little "pew pew!" noise that he finds odd.

Force damage: 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (1, 3) + 2 = 6

Hit: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25
Damage: 1d10 + 15 ⇒ (10) + 15 = 25

Amphitryon calmly walked up to the ghost, a spear forming in his hand as he did. With shield now in front and spear held over it, he thrust directly into the spectre, the magical blade cutting deep. "We are on an errand of the gods! Return to Hades and tell him that we sent you."

Both Varocles and Amphitron land blows with their weapons though they both find the ghost's wispy form impedes them. Kyronai activates his wand and finds success as the missiles of force hit hard.

Ghost-28

Polyoinos is up!

Polyoinos moves forward and starts singing his song of might! Inspire Rage!

The ghost shifts over to the one who hurt him the most and slashes at Amphitryon!

Versus Touch: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
7d6 ⇒ (4, 1, 4, 1, 3, 5, 4) = 22
Fortitude: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

The stalwart shadow champion is able to stave off some of the aching wounds caused by the ghost.

Ghost-28, Amphitryon-11

Party is up again!

Hit: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22
damage: 1d10 + 15 ⇒ (5) + 15 = 20

Amphitryon gritted his teeth in pain, unhappy to learn that his armor was about as useful as an anchor strapped to his neck. Still, he refused to drop his shield, for using it was so drilled into him that the thought did not even cross his mind. Falling back on his training, he stabbed out at the ghost once more.

Don't forget to add the rage to Amph's hit and damage!

Varocles continues his assault against the ghost...

+1 Adamantine Trident Hit Melee: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 1 = 12
+1 Adamantine Trident Damage: 1d8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 + 1 = 4

Kyronai continues to use the wand in his hand, seeing as it's moderately effective against this ghost.

Force damage: 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (4, 3) + 2 = 9

Amphitryon scores another hit though his blow is stunted by the whispy nature of the ghost. Varocles's weapon passes through completely, doing no damage. Kyronai's wand keeps doing good work, slowly but surely chipping away at the ghost's form. Polyoinos continues to inspire ferocity in his companions and moves forward to engage.

Longspear, Rage: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 7 + 1 = 13
1d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 1 = 8

The follower of Bacchus joins Varocles in the inaccurate club this round. The ghost continues its unholy fury as it slashes at Amphitryon.

Versus Touch: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
Confirming Threat Versus Touch: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
14d6 ⇒ (2, 3, 6, 1, 3, 3, 1, 5, 2, 6, 3, 1, 5, 5) = 46
Fortitude: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

The ghosts fury cannot be denied as it damages the shadow warrior's very soul!

Ghost-47, Amphitryon-34

Party is up again!

Undeterred by the apparition's evasive abilities, Polyoinos continues to bellow his song, stirring the blood of his companions as he presses home another attack;

"Fell shade of Hades! By spear, song or wand we shall end thee!"

Maintain Raging Song - Free Action; Melee Attack - Standard Action

Melee: +1 Longspear: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 7 + 1 = 14 Burn a Hero Point...
Hero Point Reroll Melee: +1 Longspear: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 7 + 1 = 27
+1 Longspear Damage vs Incorporeal: 1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 1 = 12

Varocles will take a 5' step back and heal Amphitryon...

CMW: 2d8 + 5 ⇒ (1, 8) + 5 = 14

Two more bolts of force dart out from the wand in Kyronai's hand.

Force damage: 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (4, 3) + 2 = 9

But for Varocles, Amphitryon would have felt himself fall to his knees as the chill of the grave froze him from the inside. Forcing himself to stay on his feet, he returned the attack with one of his own.

Rage Song Hit: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20
damage: 1d10 + 16 ⇒ (8) + 16 = 24

Both Polyoinos and Amphitryon score a hit on the apparition. Varocles steps back to heal the shadow warrior's wounds. Kyronai continues pelting it with missiles of magic and it dissipates for now...

Combat over!

Shaking from the chill that went to his bone, Amphitryon dropped his spear, causing it to vanished as it hit the ground. "That was..." He stopped as he saw that the corpses still remained. "...worth it! Will you look at this..." The mercenary immediately fell into the practiced motions of counting the loot.

Making sure that nobody else is looking, Kyronai pretends to blow smoke off of the tip of his wand before stowing it back away in his belt pouch.

Polyoinos flashes a wide grin as the shades dissipate;

"Ho-ho! Our legend grows my friends! Vanquishers of fell biaiothanatoi escaped from Hades itself!"

Clapping the nearest shoulder with a meaty hand, the skald reaches for his wineskin;

"Friend Varocles, perhaps you should consecrate their remains? Let their souls rest? I shall of course imbibe to steady the nerves and toast our victory!"

Varocles will say a prayer to Poseidon to allow their souls to rest, and he will channel some positive energy.

Channel Energy: 3d6 ⇒ (2, 3, 3) = 8 30' radius

"Respectfully, we should bury him and move on quickly. We only have two days for this task."

Whoever is doing the ritual to lay them to rest, give me a knowledge(Religion) check.