GM Kate's Extinction Curse [closed]

Game Master Kate Baker

"Hm. Statues stirring is concerning."

Kennari tries to recall anything he might know about such things.

"Oh, yes, a definite sign of The End. That's, I think, it's the fifth sign? You have demons and devils, of course. That's one. Then plague. A god being ripped apart and their guts dripping all over everyone. That's one people don't talk about a lot, but I definitely think that'll happen," Rova says, ticking signs off on her fingers.

"Maybe if the statues are coming back to life, that's like what's happening with the ghosts," she adds after a minute. "We should go check."

Kennari thinks that these statues sound like clay effigies and stone bulwarks. Both are guardians created by priests or wizards without the failings of flesh. Some are scuplted by master artisans and are true works of art, while others are more crude.

They are immune to a wide variety of conditions due to being constructs. They are resistant to both physical attacks and spells, though adamantium weapons and cold, earth, and water based spells can affect them normally.

Do you all want to check out the tower first and then put on a circus? I'll assume that you wait a day to do so and that people can shop and/or reset spell lists based on what you know.

That makes sense. Thanks! We should also see if there's anything we can buy; not sure the last time we made purchases.

Indeed, the Tower should probably take priority.

"Can yu stop them from 'stirring' Kennari?" Prism asks if the wizard has any tricks she can learn.

After a day or two's rest in Castinlee, you head out for the tower. Meanwhile, your crew is hard at work setting up the circus and spreading some buzz around town.

Uneven ground and sporadic foliage mark the edges of the Sulwen Hills. A break in the scattered copses of trees provides a view of the tower known as the Liferoot Stone just beyond the next ridge. Its basic shape of a stepped pyramid is still discernible, but much of its upper portions have collapsed, leaving only a broken fragment of its former immensity rising above its first tier. Along with this destruction, it’s apparent that the years have not been kind to this structure. Nevertheless, hundreds of feet above the ground, its shining orb still floats in the air completely unsupported, giving off light as a beacon visible for miles in every direction.

How are you approaching the Tower? Sneakily? Checking for tracks? Watching for traps?

"I wonder if there will be xulgaths here too," Rova muses, somehow sure there will be. She gazes up at the orb, looking so much like great Groetus hanging in the sky, and wonders if all of this is His hand.

Rova will be riding Thkrull, so not really able to sneak, so will be watching out for xulgaths from her vantage point.

"Ole Unset here, Sure hope not, he does." The fleshforged man shakes his head. He pauses for a moment. "Could well be. Could.well be.". Then continues, "But sure hope not. Sure hope not."

Unset is pretty decent Stealth, if the party wishes to send a scout.

"Hoping that the Xulgath's contract ended with Mistress Dusklights." Prism's shoulders slump as her stomach isn't able to handle much more of the Xulgath's smell. "I can scout ahead with Unset if we want."

Decent at Stealth as well. Stealth +20

Prism and Unset sneak up ahead quietly and spot several xulgaths with a tyrannasaurus on patrol!

How would you like to handle this? You could try to avoid the patrol or try to ambush it.

We are one Stealthy party!

"I don't want to fight," Rova whispers, "but if they realize we're here, they might attack us later. But I bet we can avoid them!"

Thkrull grumbles, barely stopping himself from trumpeting. He could beat any stupid tyrant lizard. He'd squash it like a bug!

Great! Can I get everyone to make a skill check related to how you avoid the patrol party? Stealth would be an obvious choice, but Nature or Survival to find the best terrain to get through discreetly would work too. Or pitch me something!

Rova Stealth (expert): 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (15) + 18 = 33
Thkrull Stealth (trained): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (19) + 16 = 35

Rova ghosts through the underbrush, barely disturbing it. "Just like Uncle Siberius showed me," she whispers.

Much more surprisingly, Thkrull is even quieter, seeming to have picked up that no one else is brave enough to fight the tyrant lizard.

Prism Stealth: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (15) + 20 = 35

Prism slowly strides through the trees, motioning to the others as she guides a path. "Slow and easy now."

Stealth: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (12) + 16 = 28

Kennari does his best to keep pace with his stealthier allies, trying not to make too much noise in the process.

Unset's form twists and shrinks,altering his humanoid silhouette.
Stealth: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (1) + 16 = 17
Stealth with Hero Point: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (6) + 16 = 22

Stealth: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (6) + 14 = 20

Niksi turns to her skills in precise movement and control of her body to try to remain stealthy.

While Unset almost steps on a loose pile of rocks that would have made a loud sound, he spots it at the last moment and avoids it. With Rova, Prism, and, surprisingly, Thkrull, making almost no noise, you are able to avoid the xulgath patrol as a group.

You reach the clearing surrounding the tower. It is clearly apparent that there are many tracks laid over each other going around the tower, as though something is constantly marching in a perfect circle around it.

Run for it to beat whatever is patrolling? Ambush it? Something else?

"We know there are living statues here. I suspect something like that will keep a regular cadence, and it should be easy enough to avoid."

"As sure as Groetus arrives every night! Hopefully we'll have more luck avoiding this than anyone will avoiding His sight!" Rova declares.

Definitely let's try to avoid this one.

Prism nods her head. "Let's take the scenic route."

"Lead the way," suggests Unset.

Just like the previous one, I'd like everyone to make a skill check that feels appropriate to avoid whatever is patrolling the area! Perception to hear when it's coming, Stealth to hide, Survival to make predictions based on the tracks, Athletics to just sprint through the clearing fast, or pitch me something else!

If the thing patrolling is a golem living statue-thing, as Kennari suspects, would you accept Arcana to know about the limits of its senses?

Unset relies on the others to ascertain the situation, then prepares to sprint accordingly.

Athletics: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (16) + 20 = 36

Prism Stealth: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (10) + 20 = 30

Prism finds a good low area of foliage to hide out in. Her coloring quickly changes like a chameleon as she adapts to her surroundings.

Stealth (expert): 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (18) + 18 = 36
Stealth (trained): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (18) + 16 = 34

Rova continues skulking, with Thkrull continuing on silently beside her.

Kennari, I will absolutely accept Arcana. Would you like to use a hero point on the crit fail?

Yes please! I should have actually looked in the spoiler, lol.

Arcana (Hero Point): 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (11) + 22 = 33

Stealth (trained): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (18) + 14 = 32

Niksi makes a game of sneaking, enjoying the playful rhythm of it.

Kennari studies the tracks, realizing that this is a stone mauler. He gauges speeds and distances, and indicates the best time to move forward.

Rova, Niksi, Prism, and Thkrull sneak forward as much as possible, seeing the stone mauler trace out the circle. When it just rounds the bend out of sight, Unset sprints forward to lead the way to the tower.

You race up the stairs to find...another construct! This one is made of clay! You also seem to have surprised some xulgaths in the yurt.

Initiative!
Rova
Stoneliege xulgath
Clay Effigy
Prism
Unset
Kennari
Blue
Yellow
Niksi

Rova is up first! You can't see the xulgaths in the yurt yet, but you hear someone in there.

Rova's eyes widen as she sees the creature over Unset's head! With no idea what it is, she just fires a couple of arrows.

Actions: Hunt Prey (with free RK), Strike, Command an Animal
Crafting (untrained) to RK: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12

+1 striking shortbow (deadly d10, magical, 60 foot range, reload 0): 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (2) + 19 = 21

Shortbow (iterative): 1d20 + 19 - 5 ⇒ (6) + 19 - 5 = 20
Hunter's edge (precision/piercing damage): 2d6 + 2 + 1d8 ⇒ (2, 4) + 2 + (2) = 10

Thkrull grumbles and considers trampling over everything in his way, but decides that would upset his halfling and just waits for them all to get out of his way. If they let whatever is in the yurt out, he will destroy it!

Rova's arrows go all over the place. The big clay creature steps up to you and casts out a burst of spiritual energy.

One particularly buff xulgath seemingly infused with earth grabs a digging bar and leaves the yurt.

The clay creature descends the stairs, walking right through you!

Everyone except Thkrull needs to make a DC 29 Reflex save or be knocked prone! Unset can take a reactive strike.

Initiative!
Rova, Reflex save or prone
Stoneliege xulgath
Clay Effigy
Prism, Reflex save or prone
Unset, Reflex save or prone, AoO
Kennari, Reflex save or prone
Blue
Yellow
Niksi

Reflex (master, evasion)): 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (10) + 20 = 30

Rova easily dodges aside.

Thkrull trumpets in triumph. Stupid thing didn't even try to knock him down. But now he will knock IT down!!! In six seconds...

Reflex v. Prone: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (10) + 20 = 30

Unset avoids being clayed, but then wheels around like a potter in an effort to plant one on the creature!

Melee striking fist (magical, nonlethal, agile, finesse): 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (8) + 19 = 27
Damage B +1d6 So: 2d6 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (6, 4) + 6 + (5) = 21

Reflex DC 29; Evasive Reflexes: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (9) + 21 = 30

Prism remains on her feet as she anages to get next to the Stoneliege xulgath. "My blade probably isn't much good against the statue but I can cut up the smelly one here."

+1 Striking Sickle (Gang-up): 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (15) + 19 = 34
Damage: 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (2, 4) + 4 = 10
Sneak Attack Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 2) = 8
◇- Debillitating Strike: Enfeebled 1

+1 Striking Sickle (Gang-up): 1d20 + 19 - 4 ⇒ (5) + 19 - 4 = 20
Damage: 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (1, 4) + 4 = 9
Sneak Attack Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 6) = 11
◇- Debillitating Strike: Enfeebled 1

Reflex: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (13) + 19 = 32

Kennari manages to keep his feet, and moves away from the clay figure as he remembers what he recalled earlier about it. Considering his options for a moment, he turns and fires a ray of icy energy at the firgure!

◆Stride, ◆◆Cast frostbite on clay effigy.

Cold damage: 6d4 ⇒ (1, 3, 4, 3, 4, 1) = 16 DC 29 Fort, reduce status bonus vs. magic by 1
On crit failure, vulnerable to Bludgeoning 5 until the start of my next turn.

I see Unset's reactive strike, but not his actual turn.

I see Unset's reactive strike, but not his actual turn.

Oops. Missed that.

Unset advances on the nearest foe and engages with his appendages.
Step
Melee striking fist (magical, nonlethal, agile, finesse) v blue: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (18) + 19 = 37
Damage B +1d6 So: 2d6 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (1, 3) + 6 + (3) = 13
Melee striking fist (magical, nonlethal, agile, finesse) v blue: 1d20 + 19 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 19 - 4 = 33
Damage B +1d6 So: 2d6 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (4, 4) + 6 + (5) = 19

Unset misses the clay construct with his reactive strike, but wails on the stoneliege (crit and a hit). They do resist some of the damage, presumably due to their earthen enhancement. Prism also manages one crit, thanks to ganging up with Unset.

Kennari remembers his book learning!

Fort: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (6) + 23 = 29

The clay effigy takes half damage, but resists none of it.

Initiative!
Rova
Stoneliege xulgath, -57 hp
Clay Effigy, -8 hp
Prism
Unset
Kennari
Blue
Yellow
Niksi, DC 29 Reflex save or prone

Niksi and Rova up!

Rova steps back and fires an arrow into the clay creature as she (needlessly) urges Thkrull to attack.

Actions: Step, Strike, Command an Animal

+1 striking shortbow (deadly d10, magical, 60 foot range, reload 0): 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (5) + 19 = 24
Hunter's edge (precision/piercing damage): 2d6 + 2 + 1d8 ⇒ (6, 3) + 2 + (8) = 19

Thkrull trumpets mightily and shows the stupid thing what it means to push someone else around.

Foot: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (3) + 18 = 21
Hunter's Edge (bludgeoning/precision damage: 2d8 + 4 + 1d8 ⇒ (5, 3) + 4 + (1) = 13

Tusk (agile): 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (10) + 17 = 27
Piercing damage: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (5, 1) + 6 = 12
or Hunter's Edge (piercing/precision damage) if first attack didn't hit: 2d6 + 4 + 1d8 ⇒ (6, 2) + 4 + (8) = 20

Reflex Save: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (3) + 17 = 20
Hero Point Reroll: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (17) + 17 = 34

Niksi draws upon her heroic pride in her reflexes to avoid being knocked prone. Not wanting to be in melee herself, she takes two careful steps away before beginning a protecting performance.

Step, step, inspire defense

The earthern xulgath moves and attacks Prism with a claw.

claw: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (14) + 19 = 33
ouch!: 2d6 + 9 ⇒ (3, 2) + 9 = 14

It then tries to grab Prism with the claw.

Grab!: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (9) + 19 = 28

No MAP as it is a rider on the attack.

But she is too spry to be grabbed!

The clay effigy then steps forward. It pushes out a wave of spiritual energy!

Cast out!: 8d6 ⇒ (1, 6, 2, 4, 3, 5, 1, 6) = 28 spirit damage on everyone but Prism!

DC 29 basic Will save. On a fail, you also take persistent spirit damage. On a crit fail, you instead take 6d6 persistent spirit damage. Besides the normal flat check, the persistent spirit damage will end if you destroy the effigy or move 60 feet away from it.

Initiative!
Rova & Thkrull, Will saves
Stoneliege xulgath, -57 hp
Clay Effigy, -8 hp
Prism
Unset, Will save
Kennari, Will save
Blue
Yellow
Niksi, Will save

Don't forget your bonus from Niksi's song to your saves!

Will: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (9) + 16 = 25

Some dispirited, Unset moves to attack a target.
Stride, Strike x2

Melee striking fist (magical, nonlethal, agile, finesse) v yellow: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (15) + 19 = 34
Damage B +1d6 So: 2d6 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (1, 3) + 6 + (6) = 16
Melee striking fist (magical, nonlethal, agile, finesse) v yellow: 1d20 + 19 - 4 ⇒ (8) + 19 - 4 = 23
Damage B +1d6 So: 2d6 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (1, 4) + 6 + (3) = 14

Prism lays into the Stoneliege Xulgath as her sickle slices into its body. "I'll hold this one off. Maybe if it dies then they stone meanie will too."

+1 Striking Sickle (Gang-up): 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (2) + 19 = 21
Damage: 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (3, 2) + 4 = 9
Sneak Attack Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 3) = 8
◇- Debillitating Strike: Enfeebled 1

+1 Striking Sickle (Gang-up): 1d20 + 19 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 19 - 4 = 19
Damage: 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (1, 1) + 4 = 6
Sneak Attack Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 6) = 8
◇- Debillitating Strike: Enfeebled 1

+1 Striking Sickle (Gang-up): 1d20 + 19 - 8 ⇒ (18) + 19 - 8 = 29
Damage: 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (2, 1) + 4 = 7
Sneak Attack Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 4) = 7
◇- Debillitating Strike: Enfeebled 1

Will: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (12) + 17 = 29

Shrugging off the worst of the spiritual energy, Kennari focuses on a particular type of magic. Conjuring up the image of howling winds and driving snow, he unleashes a sudden blizzard on the far side of the clay figure!

◆◆◆Cast howling blizzard. Marked area is difficult terrain until the start of my next turn.

Cold damage: 10d6 ⇒ (4, 4, 4, 2, 1, 5, 4, 3, 5, 5) = 37 DC 29 basic Reflex, reducing any status bonus to saves vs. magic by 1.