GM supervillan's Jarlsblood Witch Saga [Outpost IV] (Inactive)

Game Master supervillan

Grunjar wrote:

I also hope that the 24 from Myth confirms...

I probably missed by 1...coulda used a bit of luck. ;)

Well, I hoped that Ryu could trip him...

I was just talking tongue-in-cheek, Grunjar, wasn’t being serious...it’d be my luck if I missed the confirm by 1...

Rallas steps back, and reaches for a wand.

withdraw...can't take another hit...

The channel healing has been tracked.

Ryu holds for Desna's blessing, which Grunjar bestows.

The brave yojimbo's heavy sword slashes once, twice - breaking the Headless King's arms!

Myth's arrow smashes into the king, and he falls to the ground.

"Cannot rest... dragon..." the king's voice sounds once more, and then he is still.

Combat over!

party status

Ryu, -61hp, 1 negative level
RALLAS, -57hp, 2 negative levels
Lucifer (dead @-44, 2 negative levels)

Active conditions: bless

The king's brutal axe has a strange fetish wrapped around the haft, resembling the two talismans that you found at the effigy site.

Rallas' shoulders sag from the exertion and the sudden realization they might have lost Lucifer forever.

Quickly! The scroll! We have a chance!
not likely i think, but he doesn't know that...

Combat over!

I have to admit I was never happier to read - or hear - these two words than right now... (in the context of RPG, of course)

"Hooray! You did it, guys! Praise Desna!"

Grunjar grabs the scroll Rallas offered and checks on Lucifer...
Heal take 10: 10 + 10 = 20
...who is unfortunately beyond helping. Grunjar does not have access to the magic that is needed here - yet.

"I'm sorry, Rally, it's too late. Would just waste the scroll with no effect. Poor Luci... he never saw the axe coming." he says in a tearful voice. "I wonder... what made this axe so deadly? But first, we should heal our wounds."

Grunjar gets his 'evil-stick' out and offers it to Ryu.

"This is why we always remind each other: 'It's dangerous to go alone! Take this.'" ;-) Link (literally :-D)

"Rally, do you need healing, too?" I don't expect it as Rallas has an evil-stick, too.

Afterwards, Grunjar starts to identify the items, each time casting guidance (duration is 1 minute until used) right before casting detect magic (again).

Spellcraft + guidance DC23, axe: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 5 + 1 = 18 Nope.
Spellcraft + guidance DC18, armour: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 5 + 1 = 20 Yes!
Spellcraft + guidance DC20, cloak: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 5 + 1 = 26 Yes!
Spellcraft + guidance DC22, talisman: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 5 + 1 = 19 Nope.

"Ok... that's a +1 half plate and a +2 cloak of resistance... about the rest I have no clue. Let's try to find out what we can about this headless wayang-murderer..."

Grunjar casts guidance on himself and gives himself a bit of luck.

Heal + guidance DC24: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 10 + 1 = 12 Nope.
Knowledge: Arcana t DC24: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5 Nope.
Knowledge: Religion t DC24: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21 Nope.
BoL Heal + guidance DC24: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 10 + 1 = 16 Nope.
BoL Knowledge: Arcana t DC24: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5 Nope.
BoL Knowledge: Religion t DC24: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17 Nope.

Tossing these damn virtual dice out the window. (c) by Klaus the Phantom

"Yep, he's definitely a headless wayang-murderer..."

After Ryu is healed up (6 charges equal 60 HP and 6 minutes, plenty of time to identify items), Grunjar retrieves his wand of infernal healing.

Bit of Luck used: 6/9
Good Fortune used: 1/1

Rallas screams in frustration and goes over and kicks the fallen killer.

May your afterlife be cursed a thousandfold, you son of a motherless goat! He sits down and tries to relax after letting his anger out. He retrieves his wand and wanders off for a few moments.

I'll be back in a bit..

just going to use my evil stick away from the party..purely for RP purposes...

umd: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22
umd: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (10) + 13 = 23
umd: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17
umd: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29
umd: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22

sorry, Lucifer...we tried to get the spell off...Ryu...I have 2 scrolls of Restoration...if you want to use one that's fine...I think you can replace it under PFS rules...that's the boss' call...4 charges used...40 HP added...will do more after a minute or so..just in case something happens in the meantime...

"Let us hope that this brings peace to the area." Ryunnosuke said as the two deep slices in his body looked like he was near death. Taking the wand, the yojimbo started to heal his wounds as the others looked over the items.

"Thank you Grunjar" he said, returning the wand.

UMD: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28
UMD: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (8) + 13 = 21
UMD: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16
UMD: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20
UMD: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26
UMD: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20
UMD: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26
FYI Grunjar, if the king had been tripped, it would have been harder for ranged attacks to hit (+4 to AC for being prone vs ranged)

I was just talking tongue-in-cheek, Grunjar, wasn’t being serious...it’d be my luck if I missed the confirm by 1...

I figured as much. :-)

FYI Grunjar, if the king had been tripped, it would have been harder for ranged attacks to hit (+4 to AC for being prone vs ranged)

I know. :-) But I hoped for it anyway because Rallas would have been able to hit easier and the king would have had a harder time to hit (-4 to AC vs melee and -4 to attack for being prone), and he would have provoked 3 AoOs if he was trying to stand up...

As the headless king falls, Klaus takes a look around as everyone pants in relief. Without a word, he steps over the headless king, and while doing so, intentionally steps on its chest and pushes down to crush the rib cage.

He gently lifts Lucifer's bloody lifeless body and cradles it in his arms. Klaus closes his eyes, tilts his head back, and lets out a soft howl in honor of the fallen wayang.
WOOOOooooooo.

He somberly carries the body over to Inga.

Junia looks sadly up at Inga.
"He's dead, isn't he."

Yes, he is, dear.
Inga replies with a tear in her eye.
But not for long. The hospitalers of the Society will be able to bring him back to the living - if he is willing to come back.

Jeeves, clear a space in the wagon.
The boy frantically moves items aside in the bed of the tiny Varisian gypsy cart to clear a space. The festive colors now seeming more gloomy in its transformation as a tiny funerary cart.
In case you were wondering, the wagon is the size of a little Red Flyer wagon.

Klaus gently places Lucifer's body in the cart and wraps a blanket around him. In a grisly state and covered in blood, it looks as if the little wayang is sleeping.

Even though the little guy didn't say much, Klaus had a fondness for him. I believe we all did.

Good to see everyone else seems to be alright.

Oof. You two have some bad wounds.
She remarks with a concerned look at Ryu and Rallas.
Someone should definitely put on that talisman of life's breath we found earlier.

After some time of healing and figuring out the current situation, Inga takes a close look at the king's axe and talisman, and tries to identify their macic.
A butchering axe. Very potent, indeed. The orcs use them to slay and butcher large creatures. Most likely dragons, by the look of it.

Spellcraft DC 23, Axe: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23
Spellcraft DC 22, Talisman: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24
Woot!

The fetish is a Talisman of Good Fortune (lesser).
The king's weapon is a +1 dragon bane butchering axe.

"If I may have that talisman of life's breath just in case. I am sure that the Marquis would not be very happy if I got killed again on one of his missions." Ryuunsuke asked. "I will have to pass on the axe, that looks way too unwieldy and something an executioner would use.

Myth silently and glumly assists Klaus in carrying Lucifer's body to the wagon, muttering, "Bloody headless bastard..."

Grunjar, can you use this scroll please? It will help deal with the drain I feel. Myth...you want the other?its a Restoration scroll...i have 2...and ill top off my hp with my bad twig

umdx2: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (18) + 13 = 311d20 + 13 ⇒ (20) + 13 = 33if we need to top off any buffs let me know

I think you mean Ryu again ;) Also if Ryu wants to replace that scroll for you at the end of the scenario I believe that is allowed.

After laying Luci's remains in repose on the sleigh, you return to follow the sounds of combat from deep inside the catacomb.

Wand buffs will need refreshing (unless durations are over 5 minutes.

In the deepest part of the catacomb two ethereal creatures, a woman and a serpentine dragon, are locked in combat, each countering the other’s strikes. The beast briefly looks your way with curiosity, and the woman takes advantage of its distraction to tear its throat open with her axe. The linnorm rears back in pain and sinks into the floor, but the warrior’s apparition remains.

Grunjar, can you use this scroll please? It will help deal with the drain I feel. Myth...you want the other?

"Sure."

Grunjar cast restoration using the scroll(s) offered by Rallas.

CL check for Restoration on Rallas DC 8: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20 success

yeah...meant Ryu again...pardon my derpiness...

Thanks Grunjar...always good to have a priest around... he says as he claps the priest on the shoulder.

so only 1 hegative level...so down 5 hp from max after my infernal maxes out...redoingmmy shield and lead blades...

umd lead: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25
umd shield: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20

That hmust have been the dragon the undead king was going on about... the elf says quietly as he takes in the entire scene.

perception: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (1) + 15 = 16

@Inga (and everyone else, of course): If Grunjar has nothing else to do (=out of combat, mostly) you can always ask for guidance. ;-)
Also, I have 3 uses of bit of luck remaining - Inga, do you want one? I think it's a 3 checks for one use special... :-)

"Countess, don't you think the king was a very unusual undead? I could not make sense of his remains, but maybe you wanna take a closer look..."

Does anybody else want to have a closer look at the king's remains? It's a Heal, Knowledge (arcana), or Knowledge (religion) check, DC 24.

so only 1 hegative level...so down 5 hp from max after my infernal maxes out...redoingmmy shield and lead blades...

Actually, you have zero negative levels, because Restoration dispells all temporary negative levels. :-D

right you are...was thinking they were permanent levels...

Seeing the warrior defeat the serpentine dragon he did a bow in her direction. "You are Kolvi?" he asked. "This battle in the afterlife has gone far enough and has harmed the area, including your family over these last few centuries. We know that you had to kill Alvard the Wolf as he did not honor his agreement with Moss-on-South-Trees and the fey. We know that the Coalbrands did not tell the full story as to what happened. What can we do to put everyone's spirit to rest and to restore your family's honor?" he asked.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 28 ⇒ (8) + 28 = 36

"Kolvi...yes, I am Kolvi" the spirit answers.

"Has it been centuries since I fought Alvard? That coward... I called for him to help against the linnorm's ghost... he never came. Have you answered my call?"

Kolvi leans on her axe, looking weary.

"You want to end this eternal struggle? I have a theory. I am no scholar, mind you. But I think that no shade such as I can permanently defeat the dragon. If I cease the contest, allow the spirit of the linnorm to return to its body and become corporeal again, you can fight it, destroy it before it regains its full strength.

What do you say, warriors? Will you help?"

"Countess, don't you think the king was a very unusual undead? I could not make sense of his remains, but maybe you wanna take a closer look..."

I do not know this type of undead. Obviously, under such unusual circumstances in the way he died, the king became a unique restless spirit. This experience has taught me to strive to learn more on identifying undead. She says, tapping her chin.

A g-g-g-ghost!
Jeeves shouts in panic as he throws the handle of the wagon aside and suddenly begins to bolt away at full speed. Klaus quickly grabs the kid by the collar as Jeeves continues running in place, his legs a blur as they kick up dust.

Annoyed, Klaus rolls his eyes as he lifts the kid, his legs still a high-speed blur, off the ground.
Klaus swings Jeeves around to face him.
Relax, Jeeves. It's not going to hurt us.
The phantom says calmly and pointing a thumb over his shoulder at Kolvi.
Jeeves turns to see the others in conversation with Kolvi and slowly stops running in mid air. Klaus lets him down slowly and gives him a reassuring nod.
Sorry I got a little frightened there.
Jeeves says abashed.
Had to do a Scooby-doo act there.

After the minor interruption with Jeeves, Inga steps forward to stand with Ryu and address the spirit warrior.
Kolvi, it is an honor to make your acquaintance.
She gives a slight nod of her chin and a pleasant smile.
Yes, we do want to end this eternal struggle. However, we have had a most unfortunate casualty while we were in battle with the spirit of King Alvard.
Inga nods in the direction of the wagon and Lucifer's grisly corpse within.
King Alvard has been dealt with. But, we would be better off if we had our full compliment of able warriors.

She looks at Kolvi with sad puppy-dog eyes.
Is there any way you could give life to our friend here? If not, we could take him back to where our friends can bring him back to the living. We will then be powerful enough to destroy the linnorm.
It's a long shot, but, could we do this since we're not on a time crunch?

aye...he died a warrior's death fighting that monster beheaded king... Rallas adds a bit somberly. His desire to go kick the fallen king again rises a bit and it shows on his face.

"A warrior's death is all any of us can wish for" Kolvi answers, though there is a note of sadness in her voice. "I cannot bring him back. But if you swear to return then I shall fight on a while longer."

As if in answer to Kolvi, a distant roar echoes through the catacomb.

I see no reason why Kolvi wouldn't make this bargain. But you will need to go back to Kalsgard to find a cleric capable of Raise Dead. That's 3 days travel each way.

A fair deal...let's give this beast a proper sendoff to the depths! Rallas says as he grabs his bow and nocks an arrow.figure at least one round of ranged combat before close quarters stuff...

Myth...you want gravity bow bast on you? I assume the answer is yes...lol...might as well try my new wand out..

umd grav bow myth: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (11) + 13 = 24
umd grav bow me: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20

Rallas I think Inga is suggesting that you all leave and get Lucifer raised, then return to fight the Linnorm. Kolvi agrees as long as you swear to return - she's not expecting you to fight it now.

"The linnorm will return soon. And if you tarry, so too will Alvard" Kolvi warns.

ah ok...i thought the roar meant imminent combat...

"Then we will travel as quickly as we can to bring our friend back and help you finally put the linnorm to rest." Ryunnosuke said.

Myth nods to Rallas. ”Aye, when the fight comes, I’d appreciate that, my friend...”

The rogue arches an eyebrow. ”We come this far, lose a friend, just to turn back and then come again later? And face the Headless dude again? I prefer we press on and end this now, one way or another...”

Myth’s for staying but he’ll go along with the majority...

"We have his ax and the linnorm's horn." Ryuunosuke said.

Without his weapon and armour he'll be nothing more than an annoying after thought...and we'd be prepared for him this time...and we'll send him to the depths yet again...

”What if others come here while we are away...and the Headless King kills them...would their blood not be on our hands?

“But I am not the leader here...I cannot force you to stay and I cannot face the linnorm alone. If you all judge we should leave and come back later, I will do so...under protest...”

You may recall that you only found this catacomb with the help of fey magic given to you by the Huldra, so no-one else is likely to stumble upon it.

Yeah, but that wouldn’t help my argument... ;)

”What if others come here while we are away...and the Headless King kills them...would their blood not be on our hands?

“We are Pathfinders...every mission we partake has the danger of one, or more, of us dying...and we are still expected to do our duty regardless of that happening. We do not turn back and delay when it suits us...

“But I am not the leader here...I cannot force you to stay and I cannot face the linnorm alone. If you all judge we should leave and come back later, I will do so...under protest...”

Inga ponders Myth's statement.

You are right. We are Pathfinders and must face dangers ahead even if we have lost a fellow adventurer. If you all think we'll be fine fighting the linnorm, then I will press on with you. We should have a funeral pyre for the king and those others we found earlier. Bid them farewell and a safe journey to the afterlife, so they will no longer harm the living.

A fair point, Myth and Inga...but I think we should get Lucifer raised. Strength in numbers...

We'll sort out the raise, if for no other reason than I would like Lucifer to be able to take part in the rest of the scenario.

If you all think we'll be fine fighting the linnorm, then I will press on with you.

Myth shrugs. ”I know not if we’ll be fine fighting the linnorm without Lucifer...nor do I know if we’ll be fine fighting the linnorm with Lucifer. I only know it is what this mission requires of us...”

Just role-playing (Myth doesn’t see the logic of turning back/returning)...but, as a player, I’d like to see Lucifer be able to finish as well...

What if we burn the headless king's body before we leave? Giving him a proper burial with prayers for the departed for a safe journey to the afterlife, etc...?

Taking the quote above as in-character...

The roar of the linnorm echoes through the catacomb again - sounding closer this time. Kolvi readies her axe.

Will resolve Lucifer's raise tomorrow, unless you want to do anything more here first.

"Countess, my advice is that we should not fight the linnorm today. After so many years a few more day will hardly matter. I would like to prepare my spells for such a battle accordingly.
Also, I would very much prefer it if we had a full team against a dragon. We should bring poor Lucifer back to life as soon as possible."

"In addition, now that we have a dragon bane axe and a dragon to fight, I'd like us to reconsider if one of our team, someone strong", Grunjar gives Ryu a pointed look, "should wield it. Ryu, if you still think it's to heavy, I can help with that right before combat."

"I am not sure if I can, but I just thought of something. Excuse me, Korvi, can you use Alvard's axe?" Ryunnosuke asked.

Inga considers Grunjar's words.
I agree. We go get our companion raised from the dead. I do hope we find a competent priest. I've heard stories of people coming back as pixies or racoons. That would be most unfortunate for our little friend here. Although, now that I think about it, I think that was when a reincarnation was performed.
Ahh. The good ol' days of AD&D

Since we're going all the way back to the city, I can stock up on more wands, scrolls, items, or whatever else we need. If any of you have suggestions for what scrolls or wands I should purchase, please do not hesitate to make a suggestion.
(At some point during the journey back, perhaps when Inga offers to pay for everyone's meal at a wayside inn, you notice her coin purse is loaded. Filled with coins, precious gems, and gold trade bars. It must be worth thousands of gold. Almost 10,000 gold, to be exact!)
The Spiritualist's spell list is loaded with awesome arcane & divine spells! So please, make suggestions! (In the discussion thread, of course).

Inga cocks an eyebrow at Ryu's inquiry.
Interesting question, Ryu.
Inga turns to Kolvi.
You do seem to be an expert at battling linnorms. Is there a possibility you could join us to fight it? When we return, that is.

"I am only a shade, lingering between life and death. I battle the shade of the linnorm, though I feel a pull... to somewhere else. In order to end this cycle I must release the linnorm's spirit, let it return to its physical remains. I will not be able to affect it then - but I will help indirectly."

At that, the linnorm spirit reappears, and Kolvi's endless battle recommences.
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As expected, it takes you three days to reach Kalsgard. You have only one encounter along the way, when the huldra reappears. "Miserable mortals! You took my boon and failed!" she cries angrily. But when you show her Lucifer's remains and promise that you intend to return after restoring him, her mood changes instantly. "Hurry along then!"
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We have a few negative level saves to make whilst on the road:
Ryu you have 1 negative level, your Fort save DC is 17.
Lucifer you have 2 negative levels, you need a DC 17 Fort save for each.
Don't forget that each negative level applies a -1 to all your saves, including saves to remove the negative level. Spells and effects that last 1 round can't be used to bolster these saves, since you can't accurately time them , but if you have effects that last at least 30 minutes I'll allow them.

Regarding the King's axe: it's an exotic weapon, but there's a spell for that.

Made of sterner stuff, the attack from the Headless King did not bother Ryunnosuke.
Fort save: 1d20 + 10 - 1 ⇒ (16) + 10 - 1 = 25
Almost made the save on the die,

Fort -2 DC17: 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (3) + 5 - 2 = 6
Fort -2 DC17: 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 5 - 2 = 11

Ouch...
Looks like this is the route I'm going:
Raise Dead: 2450gp and 8 Prestige
Restoration x4: 2560gp and 8 Prestige
Total: 16 Prestige & 5010gp

Rallas offered you a restoration scroll Lucifer. It would save you 4PP or 1280gp.