Curse of the Crimson Throne

Game Master Whack-a-Rogue

This chamber (and the other six that I've revealed) appears to have once contained all the amenities of a luxurious bedroom, except that now all the furnishings are crumbling, decayed, and spotted with patches of mold.

There are a total of 10 wraiths spread throughout these rooms. They're not really a threat to 12th-level gestalt characters, so we can handwave the fight.
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The area at the end of the hall appears to have once been a parlor of some sort. A pair of sagging, velvet-covered divans sit against the walls beneath a thick layer of dust. Standing against the northern wall is a marble statue of a man clad in elegant nobles' robes, though his head is hidden beneath a rough leather sack.

On a completely unrelated note, as you finish going through the rooms and dispatching the wraiths, Usawoti suddenly realizes he's taken 4 INT damage, 1 WIS damage, and 1 CHA damage.

The battle against the wraiths was not one that would be sung about by bards, but that did not mean it wasn't dangerous. Knowing that this was where Usawoti's powers shone through, Torsten stood by the man's side and protected him as he channeled his power. The lesser spirits could not withstand his channeled energy, but still they came. For the few that got close enough, Torsten was there to ensure that they did not last long. When all fell quiet, he turned to look at his friend and said, with some concern "Ye look somewhat pale. Need to take a rest? There be a parlor over here where ye can catch your breath."

Pleased that the wraiths were reasonable easy to return to the dead, Usawoti pauses outside the double doors, he suddenly feels, 'less than.' Nodding dumbly to Torsten's question, he says dumbly. "Rest good, me not feel right." As he moves back he begins to rummage through his pouch. Finding bottles of 'lesser restoration' he begins guzzling them down.

His head clearing a little bit, he frowns, "I wonder what caused that?" Having return down the hall a little he points towards the northern door they hadn't opened yet. "Shall we finish the hall before we open the double doors at the end?"

Moving toward the northern door, he investigates it for locks and traps. Once he believes it's clear, he attempts to open it.

Taking 10(26/32) on perception and 10 (33/39) on disable device if needed.
lesser restoration: 1d4 ⇒ 1
lesser restoration: 1d4 ⇒ 3
lesser restoration: 1d4 ⇒ 3

This vast, grand ballroom is constructed in a floral shape with a high, vaulted roof of intricately wrought glass panes bearing a slight rose tint but still providing a breathtaking view of the sky. Clover-shaped pillars support key portions of the roof above the polished floor of stained cherry, and a wide dais provides room for an orchestra to play or stage performance to occur. A few broken chairs have been pushed into the corners, but otherwise this room is empty.

As you enter, ghostly figures fade into view - all dancing in a formal manner. You slowly begin to hear music. It's quite the catchy tune. Surely there's no harm in joining in the dance.

Will DC 27 (visual, sonic, mind-affecting, compulsion) vs 1d4 CON drain. On a failed save, you also begin to dance (-4 AC, -10 Reflex, lose any shield bonus, can't take any other actions).

will dc 27: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19

Having opened the door, Usawoti is unable to keep his feet from moving. As his hands come up into the air he looks at Torsten wide-eyed and shrugs.

Will DC 27: 1d20 + 16 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 16 + 2 = 25
Is this an enchantment effect? If so, Torsten saves. If not...

This

It is an enchantment effect. XD

As Usawoti begins to dance, Torsten sees a sinister figure among the eerie crowd of dancing spectres: a dark-cloaked entity holding a scythe.
Enemy Initiative: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (8) + 13 = 21
Your Initiative: 2d20 + 8 ⇒ (13, 15) + 8 = 36 (average 18)
The figure attacks Usawoti with his scythe!
vs Touch AC: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (10) + 18 = 28 Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 3) = 5
vs Touch AC: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17 Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 2) = 6
It an attack hits, Fort DC 23 vs 1d6 CON drain
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@Usawoti: You can attempt a DC 27 Will save as a full-round action to stop dancing.

All attacks are ghost touch

Standard action Vital Strike: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (17) + 22 = 39
Magic, cold iron, silver, lawful and good aligned Damage add 4 if foe is prone: 3d8 + 16 ⇒ (1, 5, 7) + 16 = 29
Force: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Sonic: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Untyped vs evil: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 4) = 9

Reposition if hit: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (11) + 27 = 38

Trip if Reposition happens: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (3) + 27 = 30
AOO if tripped: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (16) + 22 = 38
Magic, cold iron, silver, lawful and good aligned Damage: 1d8 + 18 ⇒ (8) + 18 = 26
Force: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Sonic: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Untyped vs evil: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 6) = 10

Free action Flurry: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (7) + 22 = 29
Magic, cold iron, silver, lawful and good aligned Damage add 4 if foe is prone: 1d8 + 16 ⇒ (5) + 16 = 21
Force: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Sonic: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Untyped vs evil: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 5) = 6

Free action Flurry: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (18) + 22 = 40
Magic, cold iron, silver, lawful and good aligned Damage add 4 if foe is prone: 1d8 + 16 ⇒ (5) + 16 = 21
Force: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Sonic: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Untyped vs evil: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 3) = 6

Confirm: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (9) + 22 = 31
Crit: 2d8 + 32 ⇒ (8, 5) + 32 = 45

The music was catchy, Torsten gave it that. It was enough to want to make him tap his feet and hum along (off tune) to it. But something in his blood allowed him to resist the siren lure of the dance, which was just as well, given that another angry specter was present. Seeing it hone in on his friend, Torsten charged at it with lethal intent. Or at least as lethal as possible when considering that it was already dead.

forgot the con drain: 1d4 ⇒ 3

Fort DC 23: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (1) + 14 = 15 vs CON drain: 1d6 ⇒ 5

will DC 27: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14

The wounded Skoan-Quah Bone Caster continues to dance,

Torsten deals immense damage to the spirit, turning its attention away from Usawoti.
vs Touch AC (torsten): 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (12) + 18 = 30 Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 2) = 7
vs Touch AC (torsten): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17 Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 1) = 5
If an attack hits, Fort DC 23 vs 1d6 CON drain
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@Usawoti: You can attempt a DC 27 Will save as a full-round action to stop dancing.

will DC 27: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17

As Torsten fights the spirit, all Usawoti wants to do is Dance.

Fort: 1d20 + 16 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 16 + 2 = 31

Ghost touch

Move action reposition: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (10) + 27 = 37
Magic, cold iron, silver, lawful and good Damage add 4 if foe is prone: 1d8 + 16 ⇒ (2) + 16 = 18
Force: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Sonic: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Untyped vs evil: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 3) = 6

Trip if Reposition happens: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (11) + 27 = 38
AOO if tripped: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (13) + 22 = 35
Magic, cold iron, silver, lawful and good aligned Damage: 1d8 + 18 ⇒ (4) + 18 = 22
Force: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Sonic: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Untyped vs evil: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 3) = 4

Standard action Vital Strike: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (15) + 22 = 37
Magic, cold iron, silver, lawful and good aligned Damage add 4 if foe is prone: 3d8 + 16 ⇒ (6, 8, 1) + 16 = 31
Force: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Sonic: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Untyped vs evil: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 1) = 5

Reposition if hit: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (18) + 27 = 45

Trip if Reposition happens: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (8) + 27 = 35
AOO if tripped: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (5) + 22 = 27
Magic, cold iron, silver, lawful and good aligned Damage: 1d8 + 18 ⇒ (2) + 18 = 20
Force: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Sonic: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Untyped vs evil: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 1) = 4

Free action Flurry: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (19) + 22 = 41
Magic, cold iron, silver, lawful and good aligned Damage add 4 if foe is prone: 1d8 + 16 ⇒ (3) + 16 = 19
Force: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Sonic: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Untyped vs evil: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 3) = 9

Confirm: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (2) + 22 = 24
Crit: 2d8 + 32 ⇒ (5, 7) + 32 = 44

Free action Flurry: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (19) + 22 = 41
Magic, cold iron, silver, lawful and good aligned Damage add 4 if foe is prone: 1d8 + 16 ⇒ (8) + 16 = 24
Force: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Sonic: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Untyped vs evil: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 3) = 6

Torsten grimaced as the scythe passed through him, though he resisted the worst of it. Moving to the best of the music, he proceeded to tear the ghost into ethereal pieces.

Torsten destroys the ghost, and as it vanishes, so do the spectral dancers. They'll reform eventually, but probably not for a day or two.

Usawoti no longer feels compelled to dance.

I missed that the 17 hit so I need to roll another save.
Fort DC 23 vs 1d6 CON drain: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (2) + 14 = 16 vs CON drain: 1d6 ⇒ 4 So con drain was - 12

As Torsten destroys the ghost, Usawoti stops spinning. Leaning over, fists on his knees, he coughs twice. Looking up at his friend in a glower, he growls, "I hate dancing."

Realizing the ghost has left him sickly, he rest his earth-breaker on the maul-like head, Touching himself he calls on the life giving ability to restore the soul.

Restoring soul: Heals 1d4 points of ability damage to one ability score of your choice.
con: 1d4 ⇒ 4
con: 1d4 ⇒ 1
con: 1d4 ⇒ 1
con: 1d4 ⇒ 2
con: 1d4 ⇒ 2
con: 1d4 ⇒ 4
Ok I think that covers it.

Torsten nodded. He wasn’t in the mood to jest, not even to lighten the mood. The castle had a on aura of despair that seemed to be seeped into the very stones of the fortification. ”Ye alright to carry on, lad? With the specter gone, this is as good a place to catch our breath as any.”

Realizing he'd let his brain wander, Usawoti nods, "Yes, I'm good to carry on." Gesturing towards the room, "Let us check this place to see if there is anything of value." Gesturing towards the door, "Then we can check the doorway facing north back down the hallway."

He'll take 10 (26/32) on perception to quickly check the room.
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Once done in the room he nods towards Torsten and heads back down the hallway, stopping at the last door. Checking the door carefully, he deals with any traps or locks, eventually opening the door.

He'll take 10 (26/32) on perception He'll take 10(33/39) on disable device if needed.

This room was once a fine accommodation, but the bed and other furniture succumbed to mold and decay long ago. The air seems musty and foul, despite the wind blowing across three narrow arrow slits to the north that look out over the crater lake. Staring out the central arrow slit, lost in thought, is a female orc holding a large axe.

Cassian Knowledge (divine): 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (17) + 24 = 41
Usawoti Knowledge (divine): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14
Usawoti can tell that the orc is undead. Torsten's familiar realizes that it's a fext: undead military commanders that can only be destroyed by glass or obsidian weapons.

"Fook." Torsten cursed. "See that lad? Called a fext. Can only be destroyed using glass or obsidian weapons. Or so I've been told." After a moment, he said "Wait a moment. Going to go break a window."

Here is my idea. The Idea

Would this work on giving Torsten 'glass' for his fists? I was thinking that Torsten would use one of the 2x Stone Salve that was found earlier. Apply it to his fists, giving him stoneskin, and covering it in shards of broken glass. The stoneskin would protect him from the glass shards, and the shards would get through the DR

Not sure he believed that his energy couldn't kill the creature, Usawoti smiles. "Destroyed isn't the same as out of commission. We can cut it up into pieces, drag 'em to an exterior wall and bash 'em against the window till its dead." Shrugging, "Or we can toss it out an arrow slit, by the time it gets back we'll be gone." He nods towards the steps, "Or we can shut the door, jam its lock and head upstairs."

Are we in the hall with the stairs or the room north of it? The grease glass knuckles works for me if you want to. I'm easy. I remember a lot of arrow slits. I'm not sure I remember a glass window, how about a wine bottle from somewhere. Heck you could just break it like they do in the movies and thrust it in her throat.

@Torsten: Nice Baki reference. XD That would work.

@Usawoti: You're in the room north of the stairs. The stair room has nothing notable (same with the small room to the east), so I combined the descriptions. XD

"Wait a moment." Torsten said. Quietly, he moved away and pulled a jar out of his backpack. He tossed one to Usawoti.

Opening the other, he applied a salve to his hands, and once they were covered, he broke a nearby window. Rolling his hands in the shards of glass, when he was done his hands were covered. "Rock salve." He said. "Will last a wee bit, but it makes yer skin as hard as stone. So this here glass won't be cutting me up. Expensive shyt, but it beats dying. So let's go do this, before it wears off. Ye got dusters for it? If so, use it as well."

Than you YBD. And for Usawoti, Torsten has 2x rock salves. So one goes to you as well. Take away the enemy's resistance and give us DR. Should really turn this fight around

Nodding, Usawoti accepts the salve, asking, "Should I put it on the hammer?"

Not sure what's best to do, wouldn't positive energy still have an effect? Will the salve work with weapons or is it only for skin?

@Usawoti: Torsten's referring to stone salve. Positive energy will not destroy a fext, only glass or obsidian.

Taking off his Klar, Usawoti following Torstens example starts to smear the stone salve on his right hand.

"Right." Torsten said. "Let's make the most out of this. Those salves were worth a fook ton of gold." With a frown he rolled his shoulders and hopped up and down to loosen his muscles. "Let's punch that fooking thing back to death."

Feeling as ready as he can, Usawoti asks, "Shall we question it, or just attack?"

”Kill it, move on.” Torsten said, striding in. ”These salves won’t last forever, and this place is very much a hostile environment.”

As you stride closer, the undead slowly turns toward you and brandishes a large axe.
Enemy Initiative: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
Your Initiative: 2d20 + 8 ⇒ (6, 20) + 8 = 34 (average 17)

She advances in eerie silence before swinging the axe. It makes no noise as it sails through the air.
Target?: 1d100 ⇒ 38 (Torsten)
Battleaxe: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (13) + 22 = 35 Damage: 1d8 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11
If this hits, Fort DC 23 vs 1d4 temporary negative levels

AC 36

The axe sailed through the air, and came within a hair's breath of impacting with Torsten. At the last second the axe turned away just enough to miss him, forced off course by his enchantments. With glass covered fists he retailiated...

Move action reposition: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (5) + 27 = 32
Magic, cold iron, silver, lawful and good Damage add 4 if foe is prone: 1d8 + 16 ⇒ (8) + 16 = 24
Force: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Sonic: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Untyped vs evil: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 5) = 10

Trip if Reposition happens: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (3) + 27 = 30
AOO if tripped: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (13) + 22 = 35
Magic, cold iron, silver, lawful and good aligned Damage: 1d8 + 18 ⇒ (6) + 18 = 24
Force: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Sonic: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Untyped vs evil: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 2) = 4

Standard action Vital Strike: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (13) + 22 = 35
Magic, cold iron, silver, lawful and good aligned Damage add 4 if foe is prone: 3d8 + 16 ⇒ (3, 1, 6) + 16 = 26
Force: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Sonic: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Untyped vs evil: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 3) = 9

Reposition if hit: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (9) + 27 = 36

Trip if Reposition happens: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (3) + 27 = 30
AOO if tripped: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (5) + 22 = 27
Magic, cold iron, silver, lawful and good aligned Damage: 1d8 + 18 ⇒ (4) + 18 = 22
Force: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Sonic: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Untyped vs evil: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 2) = 7

Free action Flurry: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (17) + 22 = 39
Magic, cold iron, silver, lawful and good aligned Damage add 4 if foe is prone: 1d8 + 16 ⇒ (6) + 16 = 22
Force: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Sonic: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Untyped vs evil: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 2) = 8

Free action Flurry: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (4) + 22 = 26
Magic, cold iron, silver, lawful and good aligned Damage add 4 if foe is prone: 1d8 + 16 ⇒ (4) + 16 = 20
Force: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Sonic: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Untyped vs evil: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 6) = 11

Relieved that the axe missed his friend, Usawoti tried to emulate the dwarves 'glass attack' as best as he can.

moves forwards, Is it considered an unarmed attack?
attack: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (8) + 20 = 28 for damage: 1d3 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

@Usawoti: it's considered an unarmed strike that deals lethal damage

Torsten only manages to strike the undead twice, but the attacks deal heavy damage. Usawoti's punch narrowly misses (don't forget to activate studied target and make feint attempts to add sneak attack). The fext silently responds with more attacks.
Demoralize (both of you) vs PSD: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (15) + 20 = 35 (gives a -4 penalty instead of the normal amount)
Battleaxe (torsten): 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (5) + 22 = 27 Damage: 1d8 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17
If this hits, Will DC 23 vs your next attack has disadvantage
If this hits, Fort DC 23 vs 1d4 temporary negative levels

Fext: 89pts damage

Move action reposition: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (1) + 27 = 28
Magic, cold iron, silver, lawful and good Damage add 4 if foe is prone: 1d8 + 16 ⇒ (1) + 16 = 17
Force: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Sonic: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Untyped vs evil: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 2) = 6

Standard action Vital Strike: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (13) + 22 = 35
Magic, cold iron, silver, lawful and good aligned Damage add 4 if foe is prone: 3d8 + 16 ⇒ (7, 6, 6) + 16 = 35
Force: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Sonic: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Untyped vs evil: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 4) = 9

Reposition if hit: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (11) + 27 = 38

Trip if Reposition happens: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (14) + 27 = 41
AOO if tripped: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (16) + 22 = 38
Magic, cold iron, silver, lawful and good aligned Damage: 1d8 + 18 ⇒ (7) + 18 = 25
Force: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Sonic: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Untyped vs evil: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 6) = 12

Free action Flurry: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (7) + 22 = 29
Magic, cold iron, silver, lawful and good aligned Damage add 4 if foe is prone: 1d8 + 16 ⇒ (2) + 16 = 18
Force: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Sonic: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Untyped vs evil: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 1) = 3

Free action Flurry: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (13) + 22 = 35
Magic, cold iron, silver, lawful and good aligned Damage add 4 if foe is prone: 1d8 + 16 ⇒ (8) + 16 = 24
Force: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Sonic: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Untyped vs evil: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 1) = 6

Immune to fear

Unmoved by the horror inherent in the undead creature, Torsten went about methodically taking the creature apart. Where his fists landed wounds opened up and did not heal, thanks to the glass that covered them.

Will DC 23: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (8) + 13 = 21

Stepping to the side, Usawoti studies the undead and feints with the hammer, and then punches with the 'glass fist' Realizing it may not have an effect, he felt better attacking again, even if it didn't hurt the thing he felt better. Swinging the hammer again, intent to hit the dead orcs shoulder then punching again with his fist.

Demoralized (- 4) Studied target: Feint attack: Expert Feint/Feint strike/dual opportunity Two weapon Attack: Human-bane Achemical silver Earth breaker/fist with glass shard TWF, sneak attack, fatal thrust
feint: Earth Breaker: 1d20 + 21 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (5) + 21 + 3 - 4 = 25
Feint strike: glass fist: 1d20 + 20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 20 + 3 - 4 = 39 for damage: 1d3 + 3 + 4 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 4 + 3 - 4 = 8 SA: 3d6 ⇒ (4, 5, 6) = 15
Earth Breaker: 1d20 + 20 + 3 - 2 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 20 + 3 - 2 - 4 = 35 for damage: 2d6 + 3 + 4 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (4, 5) + 3 + 4 + 3 - 4 = 15 SA: 3d6 ⇒ (3, 3, 3) = 9 FT: 3d6 ⇒ (3, 5, 5) = 13
glass fist: 1d20 + 20 + 3 - 2 - 4 ⇒ (6) + 20 + 3 - 2 - 4 = 23 for damage: 1d3 + 3 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 4 + 3 = 11 SA: 3d6 ⇒ (1, 2, 6) = 9 FT: 3d6 ⇒ (4, 3, 3) = 10
Feint strike: glass fist: confirm crit: 1d20 + 20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (9) + 20 + 3 - 4 = 28 for damage: 1d3 + 3 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 4 + 3 = 12

Working together, you manage to down the fext. As she falls, she speaks a single word - the first sound she's uttered.

Loot
conductive battleaxe

Watching the undead orc fall, Usawoti raised an eyebrow as she spoke her sole word. Shaking his head, "A strange time to thank someone."

Bending over he picks up the battleaxe with his glass coated hand. Looking at the weapon for a moment he places it in his magical ruck sack. Then looking at the hand again, he asks Torsten, "So will the glue come off on its own?"

As they talk he heads back out the door they came in and gestures towards the stairs "Shall we?"

Torsten nodded. ”Aye. It should just slide off. Until then, it’ll keep us somewhat protected.”

DR/10 adamantine, lasts 40 min or until 40 damage is prevented

”As for the orc? I’d thank someone for ending having me soul enslaved.” He was silent for a moment, the heavy pall of the price for failure hung over his head. ”Can sell that axe. Otherwise, let’s push on.”

As soon as Usawoti touches the axe, he hears the orc's voice in his head. "Revenge. Make them pay for trapping us here."

Hearing the orc's voice in his head, Usawoti nods. There was no love lost between the shoanti and the Belkzen Orcs, But trapping their soul? Usawoti would want revenge too. Turning towards "Yes, she seems thankful for ending her enslavement, and she wants revenge. I hope we can give it to her."

Nodding towards the stairs, he begins to cautiously climb. Keeping a keen eye out as he goes.

Taking 10(26/32) on perception as he cautiously moves up he stairs.

"Makes for a good axe to use. If the soul still speaks with ye, then it might be of help in what is to come." Torsten offered.

So you're aware, as long as you wield the axe, you're considered proficient with it. In addition, as long as you're actively working to lift Scarwall's curse, it has the undead-bane property. As an intelligent item (alignment: Chaotic Evil), it may or may not have additional abilities.

The stairs lead up to a parapet that offers a haunting view of the crater lake and the ragged cliffs beyond.

Nodding in agreement with Torsten, Usawoti knew the dwarf was right, any help the 'soul' could provide may be useful. But as he placed the axe into his pack, he wondered if it was the soul of the undead general, or the soul of the weapon itself. If that were the case, he wondered what kind of weapon would serve an orc.

Trying to shake the thought from his head, Usawoti climbs the stairs to the parapet. Taking a moment he looks over the haunting view of the lake and the cliffs beyond. Setting his mind on the task at hand, he turns to Torsten. "I believe the axe may be intelligent, if we need to we may be able to ask it for knowledge."

Gesturing toward the far wall of the parapet, "Let's explore the parapet then find another way into the castle." Moving towards the north, intent on 'clearing' the roof of any threat.

The door leads to Scarwall's donjon. A tarnished double door stands at the top of a double staircase. Gruesome images of devils and priests cavorting among the corpses and tortured souls of the damned are cast in bas-relief on its exterior. A skull and spiked chain overlook the entire scene from the center of the doors. A heavy wheel is set into the center of each door.

After examination, you can see that the doors have been sealed shut with lead. Short of breaking through them (or magic), there appears to be no way to open them.

Realizing the doors were shut with lead, Usawoti gestures back towards the door they'd passed. "Let's check out the other door as well, before we continue."

Moving back the way they came he checks the door for locks and traps, having dealt with them the best he could he attempts to open the door.

Taking 10(26/32) on perception for the door and taking 10(33/39) on disable device if needed

”Aye. Could probably get through it…in time. But it would also alert everything to us. Your plan be the right one.”

The large room is where the chained spirit is. I'm providing descriptions of the two newly-revealed side chambers to save time.

A once-elegant desk sits to the northeast in one of the rooms, its top strewn with moldy scrolls, a human skull, a tarnished candelabrum, and other ornaments. A tall-backed but moldy chair sits beyond the desk, while several smaller chairs lie strewn in disrepair throughout the room. An immense but sagging portrait of an armored man leading an army through rugged hills hangs askew on the north wall.

Several ratty, ruined couches sit against the walls of the other room, interspersed by small tables or shelves containing broken bottles of wine or serving trays covered with sheets of mold.

Quickly looking from the doorway into the two smaller rooms, Usawoti asks Torsten, "Do you recognize the armored man in the portrait?"

Gestures further down the hall, he begins to move that way. Pausing at the sole door on the southside near the steps, he carefully investigates it, before attempting to open it up.

Taking 10(26/32) on perception for the door and taking 10(33/39) on disable device if needed
What knowledge check to recognize the man in the painting?

K Civilization? Plus 9 and counts as trained if I don't have the right skill: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (20) + 22 = 42

"Oh, him?" Torsten said, his familiar feeding the information to him. "Oh, aye! He is..."

The painting depicts Kazavon leading his army into Belkzen.
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This room's furnishings leave no doubt as to its original purpose - racks, iron maidens, cages, and other implements of torture abound. Disturbingly, these objects are in remarkable condition and appear to be in fine working order, with not a speck of dust or mold to be seen.

Nodding as Torsten explains the painting, Usawoti moves through the room. Gesturing towards some of the equipment, "These seem to be in good condition." Furrowing his brow, "I wonder who's been using them."

If he makes it to the opposite door
Pausing at the door he carefully investigates it, before attempting to open it up.

Taking 10(26/32) on perception for the door and taking 10(33/39) on disable device if needed

”This entire place seems designed to be unsettling.” Torsten said. ”Could well be an illusion designed to unnerve us. Don’t give it too much thought. Besides the reminder to not get caught and to watch each other’s backs.”