GM Kate's Extinction Curse [closed]

Game Master Kate Baker

Marilus deftly hops onto the bridge and Balances his way across to the central island to investigate the ruins.

The foundation is now overgrown with weeds and almost entirely obscured. Near the log leading west from this island sprawls a mostly intact halfling skeleton.

One the western island, you see a campfire burning, and you can barely make out a figure resting in the trees next to it.

Moved everyone to the island except Thkrull. LEt me know if he's coming too.

Ignoring the skeleton for now Prism grows excited as she sees someone resting near the trees. Her hair and skin begins to fluctuate colors as she bounces up and down waving with immense glee. "HELLO!" She cups her hands "Hi, Can we join you?"

We'll leave Thkrull back on the mainland for now, keeping an eye out for barghests.

Rova winces a little as Prism's volume but waits to see what the figure will do. I feel like I *should* Hunt Prey, just in case, but Rova wouldn't do that, so *shrug*

Marilus watches the figure to see how they respond to Prism. He figures one of the group's colorful (in many senses of the word) women would probably make a better impression than he would.

A voice comes from the island, though you can't quite make out the shape of the person it belongs to.

"Oh, it's so nice to get visitors out here. Why don't you come join me by the campfire?"

Everyone but Rova thinks this is some kind of a trap.

"Oh, thanks!" Rova says, starting to walk forward. Plenty of people are forced out of cities and towns and have to live in the wilderness, and this poor person must be one of them. Stupid prejudiced people can be so unfair!

Niksi holds out a hand to hold back Rova. "That is very kind of you to offer. But then I sense you are not offering out of kindness, are you?" She switches to her "happy" mask. "Do not kid a kidder, dear. I have been in the strangeness game for a long time, you know."

At Niksi's words, the campfire rises off the ground, and you realize that you are actually staring at two strange creatures, like balls of fire.

The campfire flies over to Prism and tries to zap her!

shock: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (13) + 17 = 30
ouch!: 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (5, 4) + 4 = 13 electricity

shock: 1d20 + 17 - 5 ⇒ (6) + 17 - 5 = 18
ouch!: 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (4, 6) + 4 = 14 electricity

The mysterious voice from the woods does the same to Rova!

shock: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (3) + 17 = 20
ouch!: 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (4, 6) + 4 = 14 electricity

shock: 1d20 + 17 - 5 ⇒ (14) + 17 - 5 = 26
ouch!: 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (2, 3) + 4 = 9 electricity

Initiative
Fire ball 2
Fire ball 1
Niksi
Rova, -9 hp
Prism, -13 hp
Marilus

Occultism to identify

"Ow!" Rova exclaims, jumping back.

Studying her foe, she snaps her bow into place and fires off a shot directly into the center of the light.

Action 1: Step
Action 2: Hunt Prey
Action 3: Strike

+1 Shortbow (deadly d10, magical, 60 foot range, reload 0): 1d20 + 13 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 13 + 1 = 28
Piercing damage: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 3) = 8
Hunter's edge (precision/piercing damage): 2d6 + 1d8 ⇒ (6, 1) + (3) = 10
Deadly?: 1d10 ⇒ 3

Occultism: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11
Hero Point Reroll: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21

Niksi begins singing as she draws her elven curve blade.

Recall Knowledge, Inspire Defense, draw weapon

Prism feels a jolt of electricity burn across her arm. She slowly lowers the free tickets to the circus she was about to offer and instead draws her sickle, slashing it across the once directly in front of her.

Deception (Feint) vs Perception DC: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25

+1 Striking Sickle: 1d20 + 14 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 14 + 1 = 30
Damage: 2d4 + 1 ⇒ (3, 1) + 1 = 5
Sneak Attack Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 4) = 8

◆ Draw weapon
◆ Feint
◆ Strike

Marilus draws his rapier, steps forward, and swings at the ball of fire 1.

Draw weapon
Step
Strike

+1 Striking Rapier: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (1) + 16 = 17
Strike: 2d8 + 3 ⇒ (8, 3) + 3 = 14

Niksi can tell that the creature is an aberration, but she's not sure exactly what kind. Nevertheless, she helps her allies defend themselves and gets ready for the fight.

Rova sends an arrow directly into the ball of light next to her.

Prism can't quite feint against the ball of light, but she does connect with her sickle.

Marilus moves in but has trouble stabbing.

One fire ball zaps Prism, then winks out of visibility and flies off.

shock: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (13) + 17 = 30
ouch!: 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (5, 5) + 4 = 14 electricity

The other first zaps Rova, then Marilus, and then flies off.

shock: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (7) + 17 = 24
ouch!: 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (6, 4) + 4 = 14 electricity

shock: 1d20 + 17 - 5 ⇒ (2) + 17 - 5 = 14
ouch!: 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (7, 6) + 4 = 17 electricity

Initiative
Fire ball 2, -5 hp, invisible, location unknown
Fire ball 1, -18 hp
Niksi
Rova, -26 hp
Prism, -27 hp
Marilus

DC 26 Perception check and a Seek action required to know where #2 is.

I think I should be at -23 hp, GM Kate; 9 the first hit and then 14 this one.

"Stop it!" Rova says, then calls out, "Thkrull, we need you!"

As the elephant makes his way over the tree, his halfling companion aims her bow again at the first light and fires two more arrows at the nearest ball of light Stupid light 1.

Action 1: Command an Animal
Action 2: Strike
Action 3: Strike

+1 Shortbow (deadly d10, magical, 60 foot range, reload 0): 1d20 + 13 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 13 + 1 = 31
Hunter's edge (precision/piercing damage): 2d6 + 1d8 ⇒ (4, 3) + (7) = 14
Deadly?: 1d10 ⇒ 4

Shortbow (iterative): 1d20 + 13 - 5 ⇒ (10) + 13 - 5 = 18
Piercing damage: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 3) = 4

Niksi pauses her singing for a moment. "They are aberrations of some sort!" She then returns to her favorite tune as she begins binding Prism's wounds.

Soothe: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Two actions to cast soothe, one to inspire defense

Niksi, as a follower of the Lantern King, recognizes will-'o-wisps! They are malevolent balls of colored light that can zap you with electricity. A will-o’-wisp is immune to all spells except faerie fire, glitterdust, magic missile, and maze.

Niksi heals Prism's wounds while Rova shoots a will-o'-wisp and calls for Thkrull!

Initiative
Will-o'-wisp 2, -5 hp, invisible, location unknown
Will-o'-wisp 1, -36 hp
Niksi
Rova, -23 hp
Prism, -18 hp
Marilus

That was close Marilus thinks as the creature's zap misses him. Seeing the creature at the edge of the island, Marilus draws his main-gauche, strides forward, and takes another stab at the light ball with his rapier.

+1 Striking Rapier: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (18) + 16 = 34
Poke: 2d8 + 3 ⇒ (8, 8) + 3 = 19
Crit success?: 2d8 + 3 ⇒ (8, 1) + 3 = 12
Deadly?: 1d8 ⇒ 3

"Get it, Thkrull!" Rova says, watching the elephant rumble forward before switching her attention to the second ball. These things may vaguely resemble Great Groetus, but they're clearly evil.

She pulls an arrow and lets it loose.

Action 1: Command an Animal
Action 2: Hunt Prey
Action 3: Strike

+1 Shortbow (deadly d10, magical, 60 foot range, reload 0): 1d20 + 13 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 13 + 1 = 20
Hunter's edge (precision/piercing damage): 2d6 + 1d8 ⇒ (4, 6) + (4) = 14

Thkrull thunders forward, glad to finally have something he can smash. He rears up to bring his foot down -- and misses horribly as he stumbles. He gives vicious side eye to the new person next to him, sure it's his fault. He smells worse than the stinky, hairy one that use to be be one of my halfling's herd! Thkrull thinks.

Foot: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
Bludgeoning/precision damage: 1d8 + 3 + 1d8 ⇒ (8) + 3 + (2) = 13 Because this WoW was Rova's hunted prey when Thkrull was commanded/attacked, he should get hunter's edge. Which is something new I just recently learned! Or I would if I didn't roll a 1 on my attack roll.

Rova actually went this turn already, so you can try again next round!

Marilus stabs the will-o'-wisp, and it falls!

Initiative
Will-o'-wisp 2, -5 hp, invisible, location unknown
Niksi
Rova, -23 hp
Prism, -18 hp
Marilus

Prism is up!

Doh! I got excited! Sorry!

With one will-o'-wisp down Prism looks around. "Wheredid...theother...onego?"

Perception DC 26 (Seek): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

Prism is sure that the creature is gone and lowers her blade. "Great job! The otherone..isgone..as well.

And with those fateful words, the will-o'-wisp flies up behind Prism and attacks! It turns visible again after the first hit.

shock: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (8) + 17 = 25
ouch!: 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (8, 1) + 4 = 13 electricity

shock: 1d20 + 17 - 5 ⇒ (4) + 17 - 5 = 16
ouch!: 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (5, 7) + 4 = 16 electricity

Will-o'-wisp 2, -5 hp,
Niksi
Rova, -23 hp
Prism, -31 hp
Marilus

Prism screams in pain. "Nevermind I was wrong." Her teeth chatter as the electricity convulses her muscles.

She slowly turns at strikes out at the wisp.

Deception (Feint) vs Perception DC: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26

+1 Striking Sickle: 1d20 + 14 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 14 + 1 = 25
Damage: 2d4 + 1 ⇒ (1, 1) + 1 = 3
Sneak Attack Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 5) = 10

+1 Striking Sickle: 1d20 + 14 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 14 + 1 - 4 = 29
Damage: 2d4 + 1 ⇒ (3, 4) + 1 = 8
Sneak Attack Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 2) = 8

◆ Feint
◆ Strike
◆ Strike

"Prism!" Marilus dashes back toward the now visible attacker, raising his blades in a defensive stance, and strikes.

Stride
Parry
Strike

+1 Striking Rapier: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (19) + 16 = 35
Poke: 2d8 + 3 ⇒ (3, 2) + 3 = 8
Crit success?: 2d8 + 3 ⇒ (5, 1) + 3 = 9
Deadly?: 1d8 ⇒ 3

Kate said to redo my turn, since the situation changed.

Rova moves to the edge of the island to get a clear shot at the second wisp, firing a pair of arrows in quick succession.

Action 1: Stride
Action 2: Strike
Action 3: Strike

+1 Shortbow (deadly d10, magical, 60 foot range, reload 0): 1d20 + 13 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 13 + 1 = 31
Hunter's edge (precision/piercing damage): 2d6 + 1d8 ⇒ (2, 1) + (4) = 7
Deadly?: 1d10 ⇒ 4

Shortbow (iterative): 1d20 + 13 - 5 ⇒ (8) + 13 - 5 = 16
Piercing damage: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 2) = 3

Prism's deft sickle takes the will-o'-wisp by surprise, allowing both of her strikes to slice into the creature. Marilus moves in to stab it and Rova follows up with an expert arrow.

The light winks out as the creature falls.

Out of combat.

The skeleton of the halfling most likely fell to these creatures. The skeleton still clutches a leather satchel containing a sodden map of the area indicating the three islands of the swamp and a crumbled keep to the east that isn’t visible from the valley floor. The westernmost island is marked with the words “St. Alkitarem’s Eye?”

The skeleton’s satchel also contains an invisibility potion and 14 gp. Although the skeleton’s leather armor is now merely tatters, it has an intact beckoning cat amulet affixed to it.

On the wisp's island, past a patch of quicksand, you find concealed amid the tree roots a simple silver chain bearing a brass housing with tiny brass wings. At the center of the housing is a clear spindle aeon stone, positioned so it resembles an open eye.

This necklace is known as St. Alkitarem’s Eye. The housing can bear a single aeon stone in the same manner as a wayfinder, allowing the necklace’s wearer to benefit from the aeon stone just as though it were orbiting their head. The necklace can bear only a clear spindle aeon stone, not other types of aeon stones. It allows the bearer to use the aeon stone’s resonant power and doesn’t restrict the wearer from investing other aeon stones (even those slotted in a wayfinder). St. Alkitarem’s Eye otherwise has the same statistics (including Price) as a wayfinder.

"Oh, that's pretty," Rova says.

She turns to Niksi.

"Who's St. Alkitarem?" she asks.

Marilus looks over the sodden map, his eyes lingering on the crumbled keep.

"You think that place might be worth checking out? If the Grinning Goblin went somewhere near by, ruins like that might be somewhere it'd think about using as another lair. Or anything else that lives around here."

He glances up at the sun, low in the sky.

"How soon were you wanting to get this circus up and running? If we have time, it might be better to check out the keep tomorrow."

"That is very nice." Prism says as she shakes the potion of invisibility and slides the small vial into her pocket. "You might be right Marilus. If there are more of those wisps we might run into trouble. Is there a way we can calm The Grinning Goblin down so we don't have to hurt him?"

First Ten Minutes of Treat Wounds
Rova Medicine to Treat Prism: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15

Rova heals Prism for 2d8 ⇒ (5, 5) = 10

Second Ten Minutes of Treat Wounds
Rova Medicine to Treat Prism: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29

Rova heals Prism for 4d8 ⇒ (6, 4, 3, 2) = 15

Third Ten Minutes of Treat Wounds
Rova Medicine to Treat Prism: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27

Rova heals Prism for 4d8 ⇒ (8, 3, 4, 2) = 17

Fourth Ten Minutes of Treat Wounds
Rova Medicine to Treat self: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20

Rova heals self for 2d8 ⇒ (4, 8) = 12

Fifth Ten Minutes of Treat Wounds
Rova Medicine to Treat self: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31

Rova heals self for 4d8 ⇒ (8, 1, 5, 5) = 19

It takes Rova almost an hour to patch up her and Prism's wounds, and it is early evening.

Crumbling keep or call it for the night?

"It's getting late," Rova says. "I can keep going -- Great Groetus can watch us more easily at night -- but if everyone else wants to rest, we can go in the morning. We should probably go back to the circus, though, if we want to do that."

Marilus practices his footwork and parrying while Rova patches up herself and Prism.

When she finishes, he says "You know, since there's still light, we can go over and take a look, at least. It's not too much of a hike and if there's some demon or Rovagug spawn we can always just turn around."

"Oh! If it's a spawn of Rovagug, there's no real point in turning around -- unless you don't want to see death coming," Rova explains, happy she can help their new friend. "At best, you might just get to live a little longer, but it will probably be a pretty horrible little bit, so not really worth it."

Prism shrugs. "Mayas..welltake..alook!" She flashes a smile and begins skipping off ahead. "Maybehe..willjoin..ourcircus!"

"St. Alkitarem...I believe he was one of Iomedae's squires, back when she was mortal. He died at the Battle of Three Sorrows, fighting off undead for hours while carrying Arazni's body in one hand and a bannered-spear in his other. He was Sainted by the Church of Aroden, but he remained a figure of importance in the Iomedaean church."

Niksi fixes her mask. " As for those wisps, next time we run into some of them, I shall have to let them know not to mess with a servant of their master."

I'm cool with continuing

You head for the keep.

As you ascend the stairs, Rova spots a trap! A tripwire is set to release half a dozen spherical thunderstones.

Thievery to Disable, expert proficiency required.

As Rova points out the trip wire Prism peers over to take a look. "I think I can remove those thunderstone and cut the wire."

Thievery (Expert); Wary Disarmament: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17
Hero Point reroll: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (8) + 13 = 21

Rova steps back.

"That probably means something's here," she says. "We always took our traps with us, growing up. They don't do you any good if they're somewhere you're not."

She pulls out her bow.

21 is not a success but also not a crit failure. You are welcome to try again. Just to make it easy, the DC is 27, so you can roll until you hit 17 or less again, which sets it off, or 27.

Thievery (Expert); Wary Disarmament: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16

Well made that easy for you. :)

Prism's palms begins to sweat as she grabs ahold of the orbs. She tries to stack as many into the cradle of her arms as she can.

I'll assume Prism approached alone.

Prism tries to remove the thunderstones from the trap, but with two in each hand, she can't stop the rest of them from falling and setting each other off. There is a loud boom!

sonic: 6d10 ⇒ (3, 3, 5, 2, 4, 9) = 26, DC 24 basic Fortitude save, deafened if you fail the save.

DC 24 Fort Save (Wary Disarmament): 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 10 + 2 = 25

Prism drops the last two and quickly covers her ears as the capsulated sonic booms blast all around her. One might have heard her screaming if they listened close enough.

As the dust settles she looks back up and around, shaking slightly as the burst capsule were flung with the blast and had cut her all over. Prism could use a bit of healing.

"Sooo.Sorry."

"What?" Rova says, her own ears ringing. Then, realizing her friend's hurt, rushes to help.

Medicine (expert, inc. +1 item bonus) vs. DC 20: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24
2d8 + 10 ⇒ (3, 6) + 10 = 19
Medicine (expert, inc. +1 item bonus) vs. DC 20: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26
2d8 + 10 ⇒ (3, 6) + 10 = 19 30 mins elapsed

Marilus covers his ears as several (perhaps literally) deafing booms go off.

"WELL WHATEV... whatever it is knows we're here now," he says, lowering his voice as his ears stop ringing. "Not that we were really sneaking up on this place anyway."

He keeps his swords drawn and waits for Rova to fix up Prism.

An ancient keep stands atop the hill, its crumbled stones blending with the natural granite. The south side of the keep bears a weathered wooden door beneath a squat tower of gray stone.

The door’s lock is long gone, and it’s now held closed by a loop of leather.

Inside, Rova and Prism spot three ratfolks hiding in the debris.

Pausing in case you want to talk to them. If you want to take hostile actions, we'll go to encounter mode.

"Hello," Rova calls out. "Can we talk to you?"

Thanks Rova!

Prism eagerly waves as she doesn't hear a word Rova says, her ears still ringing from the blast. She sticks her fingers into her ear to try and unblock them to hear more once again.

"Who are..." Marilus begins, peering ahead into the debris.