GM Otha’s The Labyrinth of Hungry Ghosts (Inactive)

Game Master Otha

With good teamwork, you navigate the maze as best you can, wondering where it will lead...you hit a dead end or two but backtrack and continue on...

I'll await Boftil's survival check before moving us forward as that could potentially cut the travel time through the maze...you can continue to roleplay and/or make any other checks you may think relevant in the meantime.

Map - The Labyrinth of Hungry Ghosts

Raelene will pause at some point to pull out her wand of Mage Armor and reapply the spell. Otherwise, she will continue to regularly cast Detect Magic, keep an eye on their new friend, and try to track where they are going.

Boftil grumbles under his breath as they make their way through the maze, keeping a wary eye on the strange paladin. "This place is even more annoyin' than I remembered it...more creepy stuff and less stuff to bash...didn't 'ave ta make our way through a maze neither."

Survival (aid): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20

Moving through the eerie maze feels surreal. You have the feeling the place is haunted and you are being watched; however, you encounter no living creatures and you find your way through this part of the labyrinth in a couple of hours you come to a single hallway with no branches. At its end, you stand before a door...

Map - The Labyrinth of Hungry Ghosts

Between watching the "paladin" and watching the "ghosts" who come to the border of wall and reality, Kahwen does not have enough eyes. By the time they reach the end of the maze, he has cut a couple walls and looks frazzled, his feathers partially on end.

"I think I swore never to come back here and now I'm remembering why," he replies to Boftil's comment.

But a door is something he can deal with and he sets to work.

First, he looks for traps. Perception plus Trapfinding: 1d20 + 13 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 13 + 3 = 17

Then, he sets about disarming any traps he found, taking a moment to enjoy the look and feel of his finely crafted thieves' tools as he unrolls the pouch that holds them.

Disable Device plus MW Thieves Tools: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 12 + 2 = 27

Then, he unlocks the lock...if it's locked.

Disable Device plus MW Thieves Tools: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 12 + 2 = 24

Mykel stands ready, in case a threat come through the door at Kahwen.

I'll assume Raelene casts Mage Armor before the door is opened.

Kahwen finds nothing amiss with the door and easily opens it to reveal...

...a chamber resembling a lord’s banquet hall, complete with a fireplace and a long oak dining table. Dozens of ghostly entities fill the chamber. A score of lords and ladies are seated at the table enjoying a feast, a group of minstrels play lively music in one corner, and more revelers dance and cavort in an open area to the south.

Map - The Labyrinth of Hungry Ghosts

"It looks very pretty but I do not trust ghosts." Raelene turns to Kahwen and the others, "Should I call upon Sarenrae to bless them all and put them to rest?"

I imagine these are ghost...but perhaps it is an elaborate illusion? I cannot tell...just a thought. I am not fond of ghosts, either.

Kahwen looks at his sword, then at the phantoms...then at his sword again.

He sighs. "Even here I don't necessarily like just destroying people without giving them a chance. We came to their home, not vice versa. Perhaps you can ready to call upon the Dawnflower if they prove hostile? I'm going to try to talk to them."

"Greetings Friends, and pardon us for interrupting! We are only passing through and do not want to disrupt your revelry," he calls out to the gathered ghostly group.

Mykel non chalantly grabs a flask of holy water...just in case....

Boftil makes an almost involuntary superstitious gesture at the sight and mention of ghosts, his face crinkling up in clear distaste. "Nothin' worse than a ghost in my book. Give me a skeleton or some rottin' zombie any day a tha week. At least ya can smash or squash those bloody buggers!"

As you walk into the banquet hall, Kahwen greets the ghosts. They respond by approaching, one for each of you, with the odd exception of Ilsivinian, bow graciously, and invite you to dance...

Need a Will save from everyone.

Map - The Labyrinth of Hungry Ghosts

WILL: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

"Dance with a ghost? I think bloody not!!" Boftil recoils in disgust at the spectral figure's offer to join it on the dancefloor.

will: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

ugh....can we try the perform check untrained? and how many tines?

Well, it might be rude to refuse...

Mykel, you can make the check untrained once a round; once everyone’s made their check I’ll make it more clear...

Will vs DC 17: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

Jahz can’t stop his feet from tapping either.

Arnold Will: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 2 = 10
Friz Will: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

Arnold is flung from his saddle as mount and rider are each offered a dance, which both accept without question.

Thanks, Arnold. I almost burst out laughing at the image of a waltzing wallaby at work. I'm sure my boss would have been interested to know what was so funny.

Will: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

On the upside, Kahwen's announcement gets them some attention. On the downside, it is not exactly the sort of attention he's looking for.

He feels it would be rude to deny the matronly woman who approaches him one dance since they are interlopers on the party. Her dress displays a great deal of cleavage and has even more plumage than Kahwen does.

And she's likely wearing heels under those long skirts, though there is no way to tell. As she's tallish for a human anyway, the tengu comes no higher than her ample bosom.

She does let him lead, though and he angles toward the other door.

Perform(Dance): 1d20 ⇒ 20

And, as much by luck as anything else dances admirably enough that his partner releases him when he gets there.

Wow...all praises to might Dai Shrolla. I thought for sure I was going to take some Wisdom damage.

Will: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

Raelene is shocked by the invitation and distracted by the obvious exception of the Paladin. What is up with Ilsivinian? That is mighty suspicious, she thinks to herself. In the meantime, her hand is caught up by one of the ghosts and she is pulled into the dance.

All of you graciously except the Ghosts' offer of dancing with the exception of Boftil as he takes exception to dancing and Ilsivinian, who was not even offered. Even the wallaby joins in on the 'fun'...

Makes me want to start singing Waltzing Matilda

As you are literally taken for a spin on the dance floor, a couple of other ghost revelers have a more malevolent intent and move menacingly towards you...

COMBAT! Round 1 - The bold may post!

Mykel (dancing)
Jahz (dancing)
Arnold (dancing)
Raelene (dancing)
Boftil
Ghosts
Kahwen (dancing)

As mentioned in the Will save spoiler, those stricken will be dancing for 10 rounds; during those rounds, you must make a move to the extent of your speed (direction is up to you) but may take a standard, immediate, or free (with the exception of a 5' move). As a standard action, you may attempt a DC20 Perform (Dance) action and if successful, you are free from the dance and may act normally thereafter with no Will damage. Kahwen, on your turn, I'll count your Dance check as your standard action and you can just take your move action only.

Map - The Labyrinth of Hungry Ghosts

”Now we dance, and join these phantoms fair,” Jahz says as his partner whisks him around the floor. ”But our blades join too, striking ghosts most true!” His spear, somehow in his hand, glows with grey light - as do his allies’ weapons.

Starting Weapon Song to grant all allies’ magical weapons the ghost-touch enhancement, then move down the line and back up.

Raelene attempts to follow Kahwen's lead as far as movement on the floor.

"Unhand me! I do not wish to dance!"

Raelene taps into her internal power and calls on Sarenrae, "Sarenrae, I beseech thee to grant these undead your blessing and help them find rest."

Channel positive energy 30 ft burst, DC 15 Will save to halve: 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (6, 3) + 1 = 10
Undead do not add their channel resistance to their saves. Also harms chaotic evil outsiders, worshipers of chaotic evil deities, and evil creatures with light sensitivity or light blindness as if they were undead.

"What infernal nonsense is this?" Boftil grumbles as the rest of the group start to dance with the ghosts. "I didn't know I was stuck with a buncha ghost lovin' freaks! There's only one thing ta do ta vile things like this, and it ain't dancin' a jig!"

The dwarf strides forward and swings 'Regret' at the nearest apparition.

Controlled Rage +4 STR. Power Attack.
Furious Cold Iron Dwarven Longhammer +1: 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 11 + 2 + 2 - 2 = 25 Damage: 2d6 + 10 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (3, 3) + 10 + 6 + 2 = 24 +2 more if the creatures posses spell or spell-like abilities via Boftil's 'Witch Hunter' power.

The crusading pair turn a surprisingly good jig despite bulky armor, but it doesn't help at all towards escaping the effect.

Guess whose Charisma penalty renders them immune to success!

The Friz gambols further away from the fighting, but Arnold twirls back for momentum, then closer to the ghost once more. Stopping for a mere moment beside Boftil, he jabs at a ghost with both hands.

+1 Ghost Touch Lance vs. Purple: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (6) + 16 = 22
Damage: 1d6 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14

Jahz manages to sing inspiringly while he dances and Raelene, even dancing against her will, manages to channel positive energy at the ghosts and both feel the full wrath of her blast...

Boftil marches straight up to the purple ghost and gives his ‘Regret’ for not dancing, smashing devastatingly into the undead creature...with Arnold’s lance piercing into it a split second later, the ghost melts into a pile of ectoplasmic goo...

COMBAT! Round 1 - The bold may post!

Mykel (dancing)
Jahz (dancing)
Arnold (dancing)
Raelene (dancing)
Boftil
Ghosts (Purple dead, Red -10)
Kahwen (dancing)

Map - The Labyrinth of Hungry Ghosts

Mykel tries to twist gracefully away from his ethereal dance partner.

perform dance, untrained: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

The remaining malevolent ghost moves 5’ and attacks Raelene...

Slam: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22
Damage: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Slam: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29
Damage: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

...both slams hit home on her and she fights a sudden feeling of malaise...

Raelene, need a Will save

Both Mykel and Kahwen prove to be excellent dancers and spin away from their ghostly partners. The instant they do, all of your dancing partners fade away and you return to normal...

The haunt ends without any wisdom damage once any two characters make their dancing save.

COMBAT! End Round 1 / Begin Round 2 - The bold may post!

Mykel
Jahz
Arnold
Raelene (-9)
Boftil
Ghosts (Purple dead, Red -10)
Kahwen (move only)

Map - The Labyrinth of Hungry Ghosts

Mykel steps up and slashes at the ghost in a blur of steel.

attack: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 291d8 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7attack2: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 201d8 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 95ft step, attack twice....i assume they are immune to precision damage? if not add 5 per hit....

Boftil moves in to take a swing at the last ghost.

Power Attack
Furious Cold Iron Longhammer +1: 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 11 + 2 + 2 - 2 = 27 Damage: 2d6 + 10 + 6 ⇒ (1, 4) + 10 + 6 = 21

Kahwen guides his lady all the way to the other end of the table, drawing his sword with one hand in preparation of charging the ghost. He keeps his other hand respectfully on the waist of the lady...until she disappears with a smile a bit too coy for a woman of her...maturity.

When he realizes what Jahz has done to his sword, he is about to tell him that he is his favorite student. Then, Raelene calls upon the might of her deity to damage both ghosts.

"I'm beginning to think you don't need my training at all, Students!" he calls out to them both from the other end of the room, instead.

Arnold is glad to see the dancing ghosts take their leave. Although what with how varied his fighting style is, perhaps he could incorporate some dance-fighting. For now, he hustles closer and makes an awkward jab with his lance.

+1 Ghost Touch Lance: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (10) + 16 = 26
Damage: 1d6 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17

Ilsivinian walks forth towards the ghost with blade drawn and strikes at it...

Sword: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14

...and misses. But no matter, with the combination of blade, hammer, and lance, by the rest of you, in addition to the earlier positive energy, the last ectoplasmic reveler fades away along with the haunt...it is now just eerily quiet...

COMBAT Over! Pathfinders victorious!

Raelene (-9; need DC14 Will save or be shaken for two round)

Map - The Labyrinth of Hungry Ghosts

will: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19 forgot the +1 so actually 20

Raelene shakes off some of the effects of the ghosts while quietly giving thanks to Sarenrae.

She looks at Ilsivinian and asks, "Why did the ghosts ignore you? If you have some charm or ability it would be nice to know about it."

Raelene then looks closely at each of her companions to discover if anyone else is injured. Finding them not so, she pulls out her wand of cure light wounds and uses a couple of charges to heal herself.

2d8 ⇒ (3, 6) = 9

Ilsivinian frowns as Raelene asks him about the ghosts. He points to his ears, shakes his head, and shrugs...

Map - The Labyrinth of Hungry Ghosts

"Riiiight," Kahwen says, his eyes narrowing as Ilsivinian provides a rather convenient excuse. "Maybe the ghosts only spoke common and he didn't understand...although there wasn't a lot of talking going on."

He wasn't sure what to do with the man, at the moment though. He hadn't proven himself a danger, yet and Kahwen wasn't one to kill people in cold blood.

He goes to the door out of the room that is still closed and runs the classic Rogue Routine.

Perception (for Traps) Plus Chronicle Bonus: 1d20 + 13 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 13 + 1 = 34

Disable Device (for Found Traps) plus MW Thieves' Tools: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 12 + 2 = 31

Disable Device (to Unlock Door) plus MW Thieves' Tools: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 12 + 2 = 31

While Kahwen deals with possible hazards, Raelene searches the room they danced through.
Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Kahwen's expertise makes short work of the door...opening it reveals a short corridor leading to another maze...

Raelene searches the room...but finds nothing of interest...

Map - The Labyrinth of Hungry Ghosts

Mykel scans the entrance to the room. I think same procedure as last one...mark the walls to prevent getting confused. I'll lead with you, Kahwen...your innate sense for trouble is impressive.

Kahwen nods at Mykel's plan. "Thank you," he says to what he takes as a compliment.

Looking around at the others, he makes sure they are prepared, twists his sword around a couple times to test the weight, as though he doesn't know it exactly by now, and enters the maze.

"It's like this whole level is some kind of labyrinth...of ghosts," he comments.

Jahz shudders, remembering the wight in the first chamber. ”Hungry ones,” he adds, looking around the banquet hall carefully for any hidden surprises.

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13

Well, if they are indeed hungry, they can feast on my blade...I have lots of living to do yet...

"I doubt the wall-following rule will be much good here," Arnold says uneasily, back in the saddle.

Jahz finds nothing of interest either...

With Kahwen and Mykel leading the way, Arnold goes back to his regular dancing partner, Friz, and you proceed into the next part of the labyrinth...

Same as your trip thru the first maze...you can still take actions as you wish but you need either a Survival or Knowledge (Engineering) check to traverse the Labyrinth; you can't take 10 (or 20) on this check but you can use the aid another action. I'll take the highest roll as your base and any others will be aid actions...this will determine how long it takes you to navigate the maze...

Map - The Labyrinth of Hungry Ghosts

Survival: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (6) - 2 = 4

Jahz is absolutely no help whatsoever in the maze-like passageways. ”Is it this way...? Wait, where did everyone go!? Don’t leave me behind!”

Survival: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18

Although Raelene continues to keep an eye on Ilsivinian she does a slightly better job of tracking their path through the next section of the labyrinth.

Survival: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Although Raelene continues to keep an eye on Ilsivinian she does a slightly better job of tracking their path through the next section of the labyrinth.

OK, that was mean. I had 18 on my survival check, the system glitched and when it came back I had 4. Grump, grump.

Edit: And then I post and it shows both! Ah, well.

"At least we can see where we've already been," Kahwen answers Arnold's objection.

He's not much help in the maze either, but tries his best to give advice to whoever is leading the way.

Survival(untrained): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13

We should almost hold hands to avoid getting separated....survival: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

No worries Raelene, I'm counting your first roll...I've had similar issues with posts like that before...