Miteke's Legacy of Fire

Game Master miteke

Tarak considers for a few moments then shrugs. ”Nothing in particular, I have a few that are neigh worthless against ghosts, but will work fine for any zombies or whatever so they won’t be wasted.”

Looking to the sky for a long beat, ”We can head on in.”

Malgrim nods as his swirling water shield appears and he prepares to head into the oasis.

Hearing Tarak's reassurance that he was ready, Gnasher turns to the Garavel, giving a toothy grin, "We'll be back, guards set up camp."

As they move towards their objective, Gnasher takes out one of the healing potions, drinking it. Dropping the flask, he grips his bardiche in both paws, keeping a keen eye out as they go.

Taking 10(20) on perception
CMW: 2d8 + 2 ⇒ (4, 7) + 2 = 13
I'm also assuming he had used the infernal healing wand twice on he way here, which would max him out.

Indeed, Gnasher should be back to full.

The group heads in and it is not long before they see a broad pool. As they get closer the corruption becomes evident. Even from a hundred yards away a stench unlike any other drifts towards you. Rot, sulfur, and bile, and another, more toxic stench hangs in the air, offensive and sickeningly sweet. The teeming desert plants recoil from the waters, circling the pool with a sandy beach. As you get closer you notice a sickly, oily hue swirls beneath the deep blue surface. A foaming waterfall cascades into the pool from a steep nearby rise, and two small rocky islands float at its center, the sparkle of metal obvious upon their slick stones.

See linked map at top for an aerial pic and please put your icons on the Shore of the Corrupted Oasis as you near the oasis for investigation.

I am getting an error when I try to click on the Shore of the Corrupted Oasis.

All better. My copy missed the last character of the link.

Wrinkling his nose at the smell of the corruption, Gnasher notices where the land slopes down towards the water. Moving to that side, he cautiously moves down the natural ramp, keeping a keen eye out as he goes.

taking 10 (20) on perception

Tarak follows along behind Gnasher and Malgrim, retaining human form for the time being.

Ill also take 10 for perception for a 26

So far you notice nothing. A little rustling from the wooded area as you approach the oasis, but that could be the breeze or something innocent. From where you are you can see the larger structures depicted in the Aerial view.

Thanks for the heads up on the aerial view, I didn't even think to look there. About where on the 'aerial view' map is the corrupted oases battle map?

Moving down closer to the water, Gnasher gazes across the corrupted water. Pointing towards the standing building 5 with his bardiche, "Gnasher think tribe should start there." Without waiting for much dialogue he begins to work his way around the water that direction, keeping a keen eye out as he goes.

Taking 10 (20) on active perception, I realize it means were working at half speed but I'm ok with that.

I put a red X on the map where you are, at the east end of the oasis.

Malgirm follows along and hopes that Tarak and Urah will be able to figure out what is happening.

As you approach the beach a pack of slimy undead erupt from the waters and the woods behind them. As seems to be the case with undead they are single mindedly focused on your demise.

Init(Tarak): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Init(Gnasher): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
Init(Urah): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
Init(Malgrim): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
init(Undead: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

Combat Card Round 1
Ongoing effects not mentioned below:
Bold may go.

Malgrim Gryh (-0 HP)
Gnasher (-0 HP)
Urah Pyr (-0 HP)

Undead

Tarak (-0 HP)

Malgrim gathers power and then lobs a mighty bolt at the undead closest to Urah.

5 ft step. Gather Power, Empower and fire at the Teal one which I think is the one closest to Urah. No cover with the ability to lob. And no PBS as they are all too far or behind boulders.

Water Blast w/Elemental Overflow : 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 9 + 2 = 12

Damage, B, Water Blast w/Elemental Overflow: 3d6 + 10 + 4 ⇒ (4, 2, 3) + 10 + 4 = 23

That misses.

Knowledge (Religion) 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14
Move and cast Bane. Will save DC 15

Urah moves towards his companions for protection as he incants a spell of blessing to all....well not actually.
His spell was aimed to be a bane to all of his foes.

Seeing the slimy undead erupt from the waters, Gnasher tries to maintain his head. Stepping back, he readies the bardiche waiting to see if any of the undead from the water would charge them.

5ft step, readied attack: brace + 1 bardiche, PA: also, with combat reflexes two possible AOO's
readied attack: brace: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 12 - 2 = 22 for damage: 2d10 + 12 + 2 + 12 ⇒ (6, 3) + 12 + 2 + 12 = 35
1st possible AOO: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 12 - 2 = 22 for damage: 1d10 + 6 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 1 + 6 = 14
2nd possible AOO: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 12 - 2 = 19 for damage: 1d10 + 6 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 + 1 + 6 = 22

You may all open the spoiler. Urah also knows that ghouls are famous for paralyzing their foes, an ability that makes them scary as heck, even if they are a bit fragile for heroes of your level.

@Urah, you would know that undead are immune to mind affecting spells, of which bane is one.

Urah rushes towards the safety of his friends but finds his rear end still figuratively painted with crosshairs as he is the closest of the four to 6 of the ghouls. It does not look good. Of course, being surrounded is not an ideal situation for him.

Combat Card Round 1
Ongoing effects not mentioned below: Lacedon's have undead traits. They paralyze when they hit.

Bold may go.

Urah Pyr (-0 HP, move action taken, standard action available)

Lime Lacedon (-0 HP)
Dark Green Lacedon (-0 HP)
Cyan Green Lacedon (-0 HP)
Red Lacedon (-0 HP)
Brown Lacedon (-0 HP)
Purple Lacedon (-0 HP)
White Lacedon (-0 HP)
Blue Lacedon (-0 HP)
Yellow Lacedon (-0 HP)

Tarak (-0 HP)
Malgrim Gryh (-0 HP)
Gnasher (-0 HP)

I'm switching out bane for invisibility for Urah and moving on

Urah vanishes from sight and you hear the hurried patter of feet as he hurries towards the safety of the group, his footprints all too obvious in the sand from where you all are. Three ghouls rush in on Gnasher and 3 ghouls quickly perish. Apparently these particular undead make up in number for what they lack in endurance.

With a howl of hunger, rage, and desire, the ever-wanting ghouls rush the group as one.

claw to hit red on Tarak, charge: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 2 = 10
claw to hit red on Tarak, charge: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 3 + 2 = 13
bite to hit red on Tarak, charge: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 3 + 2 = 19
damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Combat Card Round 1
Ongoing effects not mentioned below: Lacedon's have undead traits. They paralyze when they hit.

Bold may go.

Urah Pyr (-0 HP, may take an AoO)
Tarak (-3 HP, need DC 13 save vs. paralysis and disease)
Malgrim Gryh (-0 HP, no flank unless Urah shows himself)
Gnasher (-0 HP)

Lime Lacedon (-0 HP)
Dark Green Lacedon (-0 HP)
Cyan Green Lacedon (-0 HP)
Red Lacedon (-0 HP)
Brown Lacedon (-0 HP)
Purple Lacedon (-0 HP)

As Gnasher drops the three undead charging him, he realizes he'd gotten too far in front of his tribe. Turning he steps towards the others, chopping twice at the nearest brown undead. Growling, "Fight me!" hoping the other creatures would try and attack him.

5 ft step, full attack: + 1 bardiche, PA: also, with combat reflexes two possible AOO's
attack: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 12 - 2 = 11 for damage: 1d10 + 6 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 1 + 6 = 19
attack: 1d20 + 7 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 7 - 2 = 20 for damage: 1d10 + 6 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 1 + 6 = 17
1st possible AOO: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 12 - 2 = 16 for damage: 1d10 + 6 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 1 + 6 = 18
2nd possible AOO: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 12 - 2 = 28 for damage: 1d10 + 6 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 1 + 6 = 18

Malgrim steps back Gathers Power, and then empowers a water baton to the closest undead's head!

Gather Power, Empower and create a Kinetic Blade. No Burn is gained.

Kinetic Blade w/Elemental Overflow: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 9 + 2 = 21

Damage, B, Kinetic Blade w/ Elemental Overflow: 3d6 + 10 + 4 ⇒ (4, 1, 4) + 10 + 4 = 23

If AC 21 hits the undead takes 34 Magical Bludgeoning damage.

DC 13 save vs Paralysis: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27
DC 13 save vs disease: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
I assume fort, but with those rolls...

Not particularily wanting to be surrounded by ghouls Tarak swiftly steps back behind the raging gnoll.

Withdraw action. If i go straight back I think only one will get an AOO after my first 5'

Is Gnasher raging? I do see any mention of that. Right now there are only two ghouls in range of Gnasher and Malgrim. Not that it matters so I will move on.

Urah keeps very, very quiet as he waits for the lacedons to be put to rest. Meanwhile Gnasher totally wastes every enemy that comes within range
leaving a lonely and still hungry pair faced off against Malgrim.

claw to hit on Malgrim: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
claw to hit on Malgrim: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
bite to hit on Malgrim: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
bite to hit on Malgrim: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Their efforts are futile and after the group moves in on them they are destroyed easily.

Combat over.

I even added three of them to make it a bit more challenging. I have a feeling even 20 would not have been much of a challenge unless they got lucky and paralyzed Gnasher. Heading towards building 5?

Awww you say the nicest things. Yep heading towards building 5

Watching the last of the odd undead fall Gnasher moves slightly closer to the water. Cleans the undead gore off of his bardiche by waggling it in the water, then wiping it off on the brown dead grass. He gestures toward the building on the south side of the putrid water. "Tribe go to building?"

Not really waiting for a response the gnoll, setting his bardiche on his shoulder, begins to proceed clockwise around the water towards the building. Keeping a keen eye out as he goes.

Active perception is half speed right? Not in a hurry so taking 10(20) on perception

The group cautiously makes there way along the shore, splitting their attention between the waters and the woods, wondering where the next threat will come from. Urah repositions himself towards the middle of the pack instead of his usual pattern, which is to lag behind where it is normally more safe. The recent attack, however, puts the lie to that tactic, at least in this case. After a couple of hundred feet of trudging through the sand while being assaulted by the putrid smells coming from the pool, you find your way blocked by a 30 foot bluff. The hill is steep, but navigable (DC 15 climb).

If you attempt the climb, which I know you will, makes some rolls. Each failure means you will take a little damage. Each success moves you forward 1/4 of your move speed. Each failure mean you fall back 5 feet and take some damage. There are, of course, things you can do to improve your chances. Urah is still invisible by the time you get there.

Malgirm pauses and looks for more signs of undead.

Perception: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (18) + 18 = 36

At the moment, you seem to be very much alone.

Finding themselves at the base of the bluff, Gnasher looks at the steep climb while Malgrim looks watches for more undead. Gesturing towards the hill, "Gnasher have knotted rope in pack, Gnasher climb hill and toss end of rope down."

ONce he gets to the top, he will take a quick look around then thrust his bardiche tip into the ground, and drop his rucksack. Quickly taking the knotted rope out of his pack, he ties off the end and tosses the other end of the knotted rope down to his companions.

climb DC15 : 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
climb DC15 : 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
climb DC15 : 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
climb DC15 : 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
climb DC15 : 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
climb DC15 : 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
climb DC15 : 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
climb DC15 : 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
Looks like he slid back twice. What damage?

Unseen by everyone. Urah trembles like a leaf at the close call he has had.
What made him advanced so far in front of the group? He must have being crazy!

Now looking at the group trying to climb he ponders what spells he might have and comes up with nothing...........

Looks like he slid back twice. What damage?

2d6 ⇒ (5, 5) = 10

Gnasher gets a bit unlucky and stabs himself on some pointy objects on the way down, plus some nasty spikey bushes give him a good raking. He takes 10 points of damage and 5 non-lethal from the scrapes and bruises from the slope, but he makes it to the top though he sure could use a prestidigitation spell about now (not to mention healing). With the rope in place it becomes a DC 5 challenge, which means that unless you have a negative climb skill you will make it up without injury.

Malgirm climbs up.

I take 10 and easily make it up with an 9.

I looked it up and yo can all make the climb without risk. Which then leaves the question as to whether Gnasher if healed before you move on to explore the area.

Atop the overgrown and slightly pointy bluff stands a bubbling pool of pristine water and the ominous shell of an abandoned mosque. Crumbling and scarred by the soot of some ancient fire, the interior is thoroughly burnt out, reducing the once gleaming edifice to nothing more than a forlorn husk. Nearby lie the broken bones of numerous humanoids, ravaged as if some great beast made a meal of these unfortunates long ago.

Looking up at the hill, and remembering his near mauling by the ghouls, Tarak casts a quick spell (Barkskin) and shifts into the form of a small air Elemental and simply flies up.

Cast Barkskin for 70 minutes, +3 enhancment to my NA. In Elemental form that's 21 AC
As the group moves on I'm going to float about 15' above the group where possible. Stay away from those nasty undead fingers and claws.

Is the mosque 3 or 5? I assumed it's 5, especially with the cliffs, but I thought I should ask just to make sure

As he waits at the top of the incline, Gnasher draws out his wand of infernal healing, tapping himself, he begins to feel the wounds mend. Seeing Tarak turn into a small air Elemental, Gnasher turned to Malgrim and asks, "Tribe search the mosque first?" gesturing towards the 'bubbling pool of pristine water, he asks, "How water so sweet here, but so putrid down there?" Without waiting for a reply to either question, bardiche in hand, he begins to skirt the pools edge. Keeping a keen eye out as he heads for the burned-out mosque.

Not in a hurry so taking 10(20) on perception

#5 since you went clockwise.

Malgrim nods at the question about going to the mosque and then follows Gnasher as he heads out.

"That sounds fine." Tarak assents, his voice sounding like a harsh winter wind blowing, yet somehow perfectly understandable to the group.

I'm assuming nobody heals Gnasher so he is still at -10 HP and another -5 NL.

you skirt the pool and approach the entrance to the ruined mosque. A mass of scratched stones and shattered glass, painted with blasphemes to some vile goddess.

The floors of the minaret that once rose from the mosque have all burnt or fallen away, making it little more than a massive, empty stone cylinder. From the opening that once served as a doorway, Gnasher sees the large skeleton of an Ettin defying the laws of gravity as it stands there in the dimly lit corner.

Peering in the doorway, Gnasher growls slightly as he tells the others, "Old temple desecrated." Seeing the large skeleton, Gnasher turns to the others. "skeleton in cornier, maybe undead? Tribe try and lure it out?"

Knowledge (religion) 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (2) + 16 = 18

"Hmmm. Urgathea, Goddess of diseases, plagues, and undeath." Urah remarks.

"The skeleton? Let me see if my spell affects it." Urah moves forward to get a better vantage and lets loose a spell.

Disrupt Undead 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 221d6 ⇒ 3

Hearing Urah speak the name of the goddess, it tickles the back of Gnasher's mind. It sounds like someone a gnoll should have heard of, but being raised by humans, he didn't really have a proper education about such things.

Raising an eyebrow in a very human manner, Gnasher notes that Urah is moving forwards. Not wanting his friend to put himself in danger, Gnasher moves with him, keeping an eye on the large skeleton.

I didn't notice Urah being moved on the map, but wherever Urah goes, Gnasher will stay beside him to protect him.

Sorry about that. Hard to move icons on mobile.

Malgrim follows along and keeps an eye out for more undead.

Urah gets about halfway into the room, not yet in range of the skeleton when a coupld of things happen. First, a ghostly appendage reaches out from the floor and takes a swipe at Urah. Scond, the skeletal ettin begins to move.

to hit: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

And, miraculously, Urah avoids the attack thanks to his mage armor (which I am going to be nice and say he cast). The hand disappears beneath the floor before anyone can act. It then emerges once again, and once again attacks Urah who HAS to be questioning his sanity for leading the charge right now. When will he ever learn? And once again it vanishes beneath the floor.

to hit: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24
damage: 1d8 ⇒ 6, and two levels of energy drain.

Init(Tarak): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
Init(Gnasher): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Init(Urah): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
Init(Malgrim): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Init(ghostly undead): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
Init(skeletal ettin): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19

Combat Card Round 1
Ongoing effects not mentioned below: energy drain causes negative levels.
Bold may go.

Malgrim Gryh (-0 HP)
Gnasher (-0 HP)
Tarak (-0 HP)
Urah Pyr (-16 HP, 2 negative levels)

Ghostly Undead (-0 HP, 10 temp HP)
Skeletal Ettin (-0 HP)

Knowledge religion rolls to identify the ghostlie, or to get information on the skeleton template, knowledge nature for into on ettins.

Whatever Urah might have being thinking or might have being thinking crumbles as he feels himself being drained and he lets loose a mighty scream and flees!!!

Knowledge (Religion) ghostie 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Knowledge (Religion) skeleton 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

Only after his mad rush for safety is done away from the creatures does he pause to take stock of what they are.

Believing he saw a ghost-like arm reach up from the floor swiping at Urah, Gnasher turns and watches Urah flee the temple. Still not sure of what he saw, Knowing he had no defense against an arm reaching up from the floor, Gnasher follows Urah, until he is back outside the 'temple' asking "What was that?"

Withdrawal, avoiding the location of where the arm manifest.

Urah has no clue what that thing was, but the monstrous ettin is definitely an animated skeleton. He knows that skeletons gains DR 5/bludgeoning and immunity to cold. It also gains all of the standard immunities and traits possessed by undead creatures.

@Urah, you have a clear path to run away and get a faster move speed if you would like. With Cinder Dance that is a LOT of movement. Basically you can put your icon wherever you want as long as it is in a straight line from where you started.

And you have the heat aura ability that can do a little damage and give you a tiny bit of concealment.

Combat Card Round 1
Ongoing effects not mentioned below: energy drain causes negative levels.
Bold may go.

Malgrim Gryh (-0 HP)
Tarak (-0 HP)

Ghostly Undead (-0 HP, 10 temp HP)
Skeletal Ettin (-0 HP)

Gnasher (-0 HP)
Urah Pyr (-16 HP, 2 negative levels)

Knowledge religion rolls to identify the ghostlie, knowledge nature for into on ettins. Urah already knows about skeletons, though he may be too busy running to tell you anything.

Knowledge Nature: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21
I'll wait for further actions until I know about the ettins. Immunities, resistances, special defenses would be any questions I might get, in that order.

[dice=Knowledge Nature]1d20 + 9

I'll wait for further actions until I know about the ettins. Immunities, resistances, special defenses would be any questions I might get, in that order.

On a 21 you know that Ettins have a 10' reach and are excellent two-weapon fighters due to the two heads. Other than that there is not much to say. You can safely assume that, though it will hit hard, it is a minor threat next to that life sapping apparition.

Note: As a player I've fought things that use walls and floors to their advantage and what you have to do is delay and attack when it appears, hoping you are next to it when it does. Or, er, perhaps not. Maybe Urah has the right idea :)

So if it's attacking from the floor does it have a 'miss chance'?