GM Doug Henderson’s Malevolence (Inactive)

Game Master Fiasko

I did some knowledge rolls for you earlier, but no one was able to make the DC 36 Religion. This is a unique creature. You were able to at least ascertain that it is undead.

After some time, you are able to heal up, and Pavo's poison passes through his system.

What would you like to do next? Research? Explore the cellar? Recover and try again with the monster?

Perhaps research will give us clues. We need to rest overnight anyway

Tuco nods as he rubs his head "Research and then some rest sounds good."

"If it is undead, we can prepare for it. I can have more heal spells, and can cast disrupting weapons for Tuco and Pavo, while Phaed could case magic weapon for them. Perhaps change which cantrips I know as well to help specifically against undead."

Research and then rest? We'll say it's the middle of the afternoon, so you can do 4 hours of research, and then a dream research if you'd like (That would be 3 rolls total, if you're doing 2 hour blocks plus a dream). Just let e know where and what you'd like to research!

Before he takes his night's rest, and prepares to fight the undead abomination again, Shade spends some time researching. He wonders if he has been focusing too much on one thing, so instead tries to see what he can learn about the Order of the Starless Night while in the library He spends two research sessions trying this.

religion: 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 12 + 1 = 16
religion: 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 12 + 1 = 21

However, while dreaming, he does dream of the Starless Scope.
religion: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28

For tomorrow, I will memorize at least two disrupting weapons (for Pavo and Tuco), and will supplement my three divine font heals with two more heals, in place of my spiritual weapons.

Phaed decides to stop obsesing over her ancestor and research that awful creature. Was it part of the Dominion of the Black

Phaed continues researching Ioseff, poring over Zedna's journals.

Occultism (T): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
Occultism (T): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
She dreams about Ioseff fighting the thing from beyond the stars.

Intimidation (E; Vers. Perform): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (11) + 13 = 24

Shade's research doesn't reveal any new information, but that night he settles down to sleep eager to dream.

Shade focuses his mind on the Starless Scope. The clouds part and the night sky appears. Like similar dreams, Shade feels safe and protected as his mind wanders.

Shade dreams of Ioseff and Fulvia in the observatory eagerly opening a large wooden crate with a pair of crowbars. As Fulvia watches, Ioseff lifts a rune covered telescope from the crate. Fulvia slips a special lens into the scope, and then she and Ioseff take turns looking through the telescope in the open observatory, even though it’s a bright, clear day. They excitedly take notes and passionately debate their discoveries.

Upon waking, Shade understands that when one peers at the sky through a starless scope, one always views the sky as if during a clear night. It causes all celestial objects to dim when not directly observed, allowing its user to observe their intended subject more easily.

"Ah! I finally understand it! A perfect telescope, that hides all but what you are looking at!" Shade calls out when he awakens. "The perfect item for a Desnan star-watcher!"

He feels blessed that he will be able to retrieve such an item, assuming that he can. He double checks the lenses that he has, to make sure that they are still intact.

Phaed's research is also unsatisfying, as she does not learn anything new during her studies.

Phaed sleeps peacefully in her master bedroom while the glowing ball of ectoplasm watches over her.

At first, as she dreams, Phaed feels disoriented. She dreams of Ioseff, but not in the manor. He is stumbling, wounded, down an ancient hall made of lavender stones. Carvings of stars, moons, comets, and other celestial objects adorn the ceiling above him. He is bleeding out onto the flagstone floor, and Phaed can sense his fear of death. In his one hand he clutches a large silver telescope covered with glowing runes.

And then Phaed dreams of the alien crab-like creature in the observatory, which is freshly destroyed. The creature is limed in an eerie blue light, and mortally wounded. It shutters one final time and dies, the eyes on its many legs turning a milky white.

Once Pavo has finished patching and being patched, he heads to the library to look for information on the void mirror, which he suspects is in the observatory with the horrible creature.

Occultism (E): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14
Occultism (E): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23

However, since his companions intend to assault the horror tomorrow, he focuses his thoughts on simpler times and things as he lays down to sleep. Forgo dream research so I don't risk a critical failure.

Abella goes to Fulvia’s room and begins doing some research on her.

Occultism: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23
Occultism: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18

She dreams about her the following night as well.

Occultism: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20

Tuco continues to research what he can on the Starless Scope.

Occultism: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26
Occultism: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

No dream research.

Abella spends some time reading through Fulvia’s journals and notes, and discovers quite a bit about her.

She learns that Fulvia is best known today for her lengthy essay: “Nihilism’s Sacred Garrote,” about the Dominion of the Black’s religious practices.

She also learns that Ioseff had Fulvia committed to Darakole Asylum in Vyre after she had a nervous breakdown and attempted to burn the manor down.

With Fulvia fresh in her thoughts, Abella concentrates on the half elven woman, and that night dreams of Fulvia and Ioseff exchanging their engraved rings, and then of a vast devouring black star. Abella drifts through the depths of space while a strangely comforting voice repeats “you have what should be mine” twenty-five times before Abella finally wakes up.

I've posted some artwork of Fulvia and Asethanna on slide 8.

Tuco spends his time in the secret study, and learns all about the starless scope's special abilities!

"Well, I guess we need to find the rest of the scope. And I shall need to be extra careful with it, as we only have 2 lenses."

So, how do we kill that horror upstairs?

Phaed would like to pre-buff with mag weapon on Pavo and herself. Can't get Tuco because unarmed ≠ weapon. Maybe Shade can spam channel since it's undead to keep us up?

That is Shade's plan. If Tuco could use weapon, we could both add magic weapon and disrupting on it. He won't get his monk strikes or flurry of blows, but may be worth it do do 2d4 P/S + 1d4 positive? Or more with a larger weapon like a staff.

You regroup in the kitchen the next morning, to share your dreams and what you learned from your research.

Ezramalkun is very pleased that you aided the corrupt nosois by putting them out of their misery.

And sure enough, those of you who kept watch over night, heard even more nosois singing on the iron fence. The psychopomps no doubt becoming braver as more of the corruption is cleared from the manor.

Heading back to the observatory?

”Before we go back up, does someone have a weapon that Tuco can borrow, so that we can make it more powerful against the undead?”

Before going in, Shade makes sure to cast disrupting weapons on up to four weapons for the team. He gets his Phaed's rapier, and up to three weapons of Pavo... putting it on his starknife should there be any left over.

Just let me know what you want. Just realized it did 2 weapons per casting!

His starknife at the ready and Desna's blessings prepared, Shade follows the team up the stairs.

"Feels a little wrong using Desna's blessings as a weapon, but this abomination must be destroyed."

'And then I can get the Starless Scope!'

Phaed casts magic Weapon on herself and Pavo's weapon(s).

The party returns to the observatory at the top of the manor, and this time a few of you are quicker to act than the undead monster, who has returned to its pile of rubble and, at least for the time being, lacks its phantom brains.

Tuco
Shade
Undead ???
Abella
Pavo
Phaid

Bold may act! I have reset the map on slide 4.

Tuco circles around to the back as he drops into his mountain stance and pummels the creature.

mountain time: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19
b damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

half past mountain time: 1d20 + 11 - 5 ⇒ (7) + 11 - 5 = 13
b damage: 1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 1 = 9

Shade moves so that he can see the abomination, and then casts heal offensively against the creature. "Burn in the light of The Song of the Spheres!"

positive, DC20 Basic Fort: 2d10 + 16 ⇒ (2, 8) + 16 = 26

The creature fortifies itself against Shade's positive energy!Crit save! And Tuco's punches fail to connect.

The creature extrudes a writhing tangle of ectoplasm from its burst blisters. The ectoplasmic strands lash out at everyone! DC 25 Will save from all, and then check the spoiler below!

Seven phantom then brains glow and shimmer where the blisters once were.

The undead creature then tries to take a bite out of Tuco, but misses!

Jaws: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (1) + 18 = 19 From a nat 20 to a nat 1!

Tuco
Shade
Undead ???
Abella
Pavo
Phaid

The party may act! DC 25 Will saves from all.

will save: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23
mental: 4d6 ⇒ (5, 3, 6, 2) = 16

Shade does as planned, and channels.
This would happen after all of the mental damage is taken, so should heal everyone

healing DC20: 2d10 ⇒ (1, 10) = 11

Will (E): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21
Mental: 8d6 ⇒ (1, 1, 3, 5, 6, 5, 5, 6) = 32

"Here we go ag--AH!" Pavo cries out and winces as his brain begins to melt again. He staggers over to the beast where he thrusts his enchanted rapier and then slashes with his enchanted short sword, trying to take advantage of Tuco's distraction.

+1 rapier (T), finesse: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21 vs. flat-footed
magic, piercing, thief: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (1, 6) + 4 = 11
+ sneak attack (precision): 1d6 ⇒ 4
+ positive: 1d4 ⇒ 1

+1 shortsword (T), finesse, agile: 1d20 + 11 - 4 ⇒ (13) + 11 - 4 = 20 vs. flat-footed
magic, piercing/slashing, thief: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (1, 6) + 4 = 11
+ sneak attack (precision): 1d6 ⇒ 6
+ positive: 1d4 ⇒ 1

Yeah, i misread.
more mental: 4d6 ⇒ (3, 5, 2, 4) = 14

Will Save: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

Abella is prepared this time and her brain is untouched.

She steps around the corner and blasts the monster with electricity.

Electric Arc DC 20: 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (4, 1) + 4 = 9

Stride, two actions to electric arc

willsave: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26
mental damage on success: 4d6 ⇒ (2, 3, 5, 2) = 12

Shade almost fully heals Tuco.

Tuco waits for courage from Phaedria then attacks a few times before raising his shield.

mountain slam vs FF: 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 11 + 1 = 26
b damage: 1d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 1 = 6

flurry vs FF: 1d20 + 11 + 1 - 5 ⇒ (11) + 11 + 1 - 5 = 18
b damage: 1d6 + 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 1 + 1 = 7

final fist vs FF: 1d20 + 11 + 1 - 10 ⇒ (17) + 11 + 1 - 10 = 19
b damage: 1d6 + 4 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 1 + 2 = 13

AC 24

Will (E): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
Mental: 8d6 ⇒ (1, 2, 6, 3, 5, 4, 6, 2) = 29

Lingering Composition Perform Check (DC 19): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (7) + 14 = 21 Inspire Courage Lingers 3 rounds

Phaed screams. She hopes Shade can heal everyone. She stumbles over and flails at the horrid creature.

Strikeing rapier, IC: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 8 + 1 + 1 = 22

reaction raise block for 22 AC if targeted by melee

Shade sends out some positive energy to heal his friends, but the undead creature withstands Shade's channel. Another crit success

Pavo feels the pain of the creatures brainlash, but isn't confused! He strikes at the creature but unfortunately is unable to connect with either of his weapons.

Abella sends electricity arcing at the monster.

And the monster is not able to dodge all of the electricity!

Tuco manages to land a slam against the creature!

But the creature immediately absorbs one phantom brain, and grows almost imperceptibly stronger.

Phaed also feels the brainlash, but keeps her wits and inspires her friends. Unfortunately, her rapier does not connect.

Nothing... but death... The creature whispers in your minds before attacking Tuco!

First it bites Tuco:

Jaws: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (12) + 18 = 30
Piercing: 2d10 + 8 ⇒ (8, 4) + 8 = 20 Plus Mind-Rotting Toxin

And then hits him with a claw:

Claw 1: 1d20 + 18 - 4 ⇒ (11) + 18 - 4 = 25
Slashing: 2d8 + 8 ⇒ (5, 6) + 8 = 19

Claw 2: 1d20 + 18 - 8 ⇒ (1) + 18 - 8 = 11
Slashing: 2d8 + 8 ⇒ (7, 2) + 8 = 17

Tuco
Shade
Undead ??? -10, +1 6 phantom brains remaining
Abella
Pavo
Phaed

Party is up! Everyone is inspired. DC 25 Fort save from Tuco vs poison!

-18 HP. 0 level 1 spells left 2 level 2 spells left

Phaed heals Tuco.

2d10 + 8 ⇒ (2, 10) + 8 = 20

She raises her shield. Current AC 22; Reaction: shield block first strike

fort: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

negative: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Tuco continues his mountainous assault.

mountain falls: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23
b damage: 1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 1 = 12

more mountain more fall: 1d20 + 11 - 5 ⇒ (16) + 11 - 5 = 22
b damage: 1d8 + 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 1 + 1 = 9

Tuco then focuses for a moment, trying to flush the toxin from his system.

counteract: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

fort vs poison: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17
more poison: 1d6 ⇒ 5

AC 24, stupefied 1, slowed 1

Shade shakes his head. "Why is this thing throwing off your blessings, Desna?"

He then channels again.
positive Fort DC20: 2d10 ⇒ (5, 3) = 8

Pretty sure this is going to not be effective.

"Desna reveal your light to this abomination!" Pavo prays and then curses as his silver ray of fire appears to be misaligned. He then jabs his rapier toward one of the eyes on the creature's leg joints.

Cast (V/S): moon beam, Strike

Spell Attack: Moon Beam: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17
Fire, Silver: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 3) = 7 + dazzled 1 round on critical success

+1 rapier (T), finesse: 1d20 + 11 - 5 ⇒ (20) + 11 - 5 = 26 vs. flanked target **Natural 20**
magic, piercing, thief: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (3, 3) + 4 = 10
+ sneak attack (precision): 1d6 ⇒ 1
+ positive: 1d4 ⇒ 4
+ Deadly?: 1d8 ⇒ 8

Oh, I hope 26 vs. flat-footed is enough to hit so that 20 makes it a crit.

Abella swipes her rapier back-and-forth three times, firing off a magic missile with each one.

Magic Missile (inspire): 3d4 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (3, 1, 1) + 3 + 1 = 9

Three action magic missile

Oh, shoot. 2 minutes past post edit deadline to add the +1 to hit and +1 damage.

Tuco gets in two good crushing falls on the creature!

the strange creature immediately absorbs two phantom brains, and grows stronger!

Shade channels the healing power of Desna, monster is not able to withstand all of Shade's channel and takes half damage!

Pavo strikes it in a critical spot!

And Abella blasts the monster with magic missles!

The creature turns its milky eyes to Pavo!

Death... all is death...

First it tries to bite Pavo:

Jaws: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (4) + 18 = 22
Piercing: 2d10 + 8 ⇒ (4, 2) + 8 = 14 Plus Mind-Rotting Toxin

And then it tries to slash him with it's claws:

Claw 1: 1d20 + 18 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 18 - 4 = 26
Slashing: 2d8 + 8 ⇒ (2, 6) + 8 = 16

Claw 2: 1d20 + 18 - 8 ⇒ (9) + 18 - 8 = 19
Slashing: 2d8 + 8 ⇒ (5, 4) + 8 = 17

Tuco
Shade
Undead ??? -88, +12 4 phantom brains remaining
Abella
Pavo
Phaed

The party is up! I've adjusted the creature's HP to reflect the missing health from the last encounter.

Phaed heals Paco. Shhhh. I'm sure it won't eat your brain…

Soothe: 2d10 + 8 ⇒ (4, 1) + 8 = 13

She then stabs at the creature!

Stabbity: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 8 + 1 = 16
P: 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (6, 6) + 1 = 13
Positive: 1d4 ⇒ 4

Pavo nimbly dodges (+2 AC = 23) out of the way of the creature's venomous maw! Only to be caught by one of the crab-from-beyond's claws, so his exultation is short-lived.

He makes a paired strike against the monstrosity. "Desna guard me," he prays, and a translucent disc of force manifests in front of him.

Strike, Strike, Cast (V): shield

+1 rapier (T), finesse, IC: 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 11 + 1 = 21 vs. flat-footed
magic, piercing, thief, IC: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (4, 4) + 4 = 12
+ sneak attack (precision): 1d6 ⇒ 5
+ Positive: 1d4 ⇒ 1

+1 shortsword (T), finesse, agile, IC: 1d20 + 11 - 4 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 11 - 4 + 1 = 26 vs. flat-footed
magic, piercing/slashing, thief, IC: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (5, 6) + 4 = 15
+ sneak attack (precision): 1d6 ⇒ 4
+ Positive: 1d4 ⇒ 1

Tuco continues to press the assault.

mountain strike vs FF: 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 11 + 1 = 18
b damage: 1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 1 = 7

mountain strike vs FF: 1d20 + 11 + 1 - 5 ⇒ (5) + 11 + 1 - 5 = 12
b damage: 1d8 + 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 1 + 1 = 7

Tuco then raises his shield.

fort vs mind poison: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14

stage 3

2d6 negative: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 5) = 9

stupefied 2, and slowed 1, AC 24

Again, hoping against hope, Shade channels again.
healing/positive, DC20: 2d10 ⇒ (3, 2) = 5

"Maybe we should run again?"

”I am feeling fit as a fiddle myself.”

Abella drains her arcane bond and fires another set of three magic missiles.

Magic Missile (inspire): 3d4 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (4, 1, 3) + 3 + 1 = 12

Three action magic missile

Phaed calmly soothes Pavo, but her strike misses the creature.

Pavo manages a hit! And the creature immediately absorbs another brain, growing ever so slightly stronger.

Tuco does not manage to hit this time around. Perhaps the poison is getting to him.

Shade channles, but the creature withstands all of the positive energy.

Abella then blasts the creature with magic missiles!

Its carapace badly damaged, the creature angrily attacks Pavo! First with a bite and then with its claws!

Desna cannot hear you...

Jaws: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (20) + 18 = 38 Ouch!
Piercing: 2d10 + 8 ⇒ (3, 4) + 8 = 15 Plus Mind-Rotting Toxin

Claw 1: 1d20 + 18 - 4 ⇒ (13) + 18 - 4 = 27
Slashing: 2d8 + 8 ⇒ (8, 4) + 8 = 20

Claw 2: 1d20 + 18 - 8 ⇒ (3) + 18 - 8 = 13
Slashing: 2d8 + 8 ⇒ (8, 6) + 8 = 22

Tuco
Shade
Undead ??? -120, +13, 3 phantom brains remaining
Abella
Pavo
Phaed

[ooc]Party is up! Although Pavo may be down... The creature is looking very wounded. You may be able to finish it off this round![/ooc[

GET OUT OF MY HOME!

Intimidation (E; Vers. Perform): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (14) + 13 = 27 Glare vs Will DC

+1 Rapier, IC: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 8 + 1 = 24
P: 2d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6, 6) + 1 + 1 = 14
Positive: 1d4 ⇒ 2

She then casts guidance on Pavo to help him with his save against the toxin. Shhhh. Everything will be okay…it'll all be over soon…

Fortitude: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

Pavo's shield shatters under the power of the bite, but even that does not save him when the claw snatches him off the ground and then drops him like a rag doll.

Dying 1, Poison Stage 1, Stupefied 1

Not knowing what else to do, Shade casts heal again, hoping beyond hope that it will have an effect.

healing/positive DC20 : 2d10 ⇒ (5, 7) = 12

The creature trembles under Phaed's gaze, Frightened 1! and Phaed is able to pierce its carapace with her rapier!

The monstrous crablike alien immediately absorbs its three remaining phantom brains, but to no avail.

Shade casts a burst of positive, healing energy and this time the creature is not able to withstand the blast! Nat 1!

The creatures murky eyes roll back, and its many legs shudder as it collapses and dies. Out of combat!

Well done all!