GM Doug Henderson’s Malevolence (Inactive)

Game Master Fiasko

"Will this thing never die?" grumbles Shade. "Desna, bless us with your silver light!"

Heal (1 or 3 action) DC21: 3d10 ⇒ (7, 10, 2) = 19

The woman in the mask wakes up. She performs, stands, and moves away from the thing.

Need to get away or will just eat those reactions every time I cast

Status: 19 HP W1

Tuco returns to full health, Shade's magics healing him faster than the pile of bones depletes it.

Pavo survives the whirling mass of bones ripping across his neck by luck, and Shade releases a wave of healing energy, fortunately, which seals the worst of it. He makes a coordinated pair of strikes and then retreats away from the creature's reach.

Twin Feint, Stride

+1 rapier (E), finesse, IC: 1d20 + 14 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 14 + 1 = 18
magic, piercing, thief, IC: 1d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 1 = 10 + positive: 1d4 ⇒ 3

light mace (E), finesse, agile, IC: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 9 + 1 = 15
bludgeoning, thief, IC: 1d4 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 1 = 8
+ sneak attack (precision): 2d6 ⇒ (5, 3) = 8

When Tuco flurries, the Tanglebones extends an oily, black filament of ectoplasm to slash at the monk!

Slashing: 2d8 + 8 ⇒ (5, 8) + 8 = 21
DC 25 Basic Reflex save

Still, Tuco does land a solid punch.

Phaedria flees!

The tanglebones manages to avoid some of the energy from Shade's heal spell.

Pavo, unfortunately, can't connect with the pile of bones yet again.

Shade
Tanglebones -156 +31
Tuco
Phaedria
Abella
Pavo

Abella is up. The Tanglebones looks like it's starting to crumble, although it may possibly gain some health if the tentacle managed to hit Tuco.

reflex: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

Abella keeps her throwaway skeleton slashing away at the pile of bones and blasts it again with more electricity.

Claw (flank): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
S Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Claw (flank, agile map): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
S Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Electric Arc DC 21 reflex (inspire): 3d4 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (2, 4, 3) + 4 + 1 = 14

The skeleton's claw misses, but the Tanglebones isn't able to entirely dodge Abella's electric arc!

The Tanglebones quivers and collapses into a mass of grisly, but harmless bones.

Out of combat!

It's FAKING!!

The woman in the mask inspires, then flings rubble at the mass of bones that's playing dead.

Telekinetic Projectile: 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 11 + 1 = 30
B/P/S: 3d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (1, 5, 6) + 4 + 1 = 17

"...is it?" Pavo asks tentatively, approaching but on guard.

The Tanglebones quivers once again, then the black ectoplasm truly fades from between the bones and skulls, and the creature is no more.

Well done! It has a feign death ability!

The cave walls glow eerily, but nothing else immediately jumps out of the lake.

A narrow tunnel leads to the north.

"How is everyone feeling?" asks Shade, as he thinks about what spells he has left. He will then work to bandage everyone up with Continual Recovery.

"Not too bad, thank Desna," Pavo answers. He lets Shade bandage what little the magical healing did not address before he goes to search the cave for clues. "We should probably give those bones a proper burial outside," he calls back over his shoulder.

Shade detects magic among the remains of the Tanglebones, and while he takes care of the healing, the rest of the party searches and discovers a gold nodule aeon stone that allows the wearer to understand Aklo.

On the other side of the lake, the narrow tunnel winds through the rock until it opens into 10-foot-high irregular cavern. The walls are adorned with ancient carvings rippling with glowing ectoplasm—images of stars, comets, and moths near the ceiling.

Near the floor, images of monstrous shapes appear buried deep underground.

A 10-foot-wide hole in the ceiling leads up into darkness.

There are notches in the wall for climbing, but the lowest rung is 10' up.

Tuco looks to his allies "With a few jumps I can probably make the rung, not sure what's up above though."

Religion (E): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14

Pavo fails to make any connections among the imagery. "We could go get the ladder," he says to Tuco.

How far underground are we that Tuco/Phaed/Abella can't see up the shaft?

Yes, you can see up it. The shaft climbs up about 30 feet, and there is what looks like some type of metal framework and a domed ceiling above.

Religion (U): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20

The woman in the mask forgot she isn't religious.

She points at the carvings. These represent a strange variant of a common theme. You see, the Moths of Desna stand watch in the night sky to protect it from the Dark Tapestry far above. These are reversed. They watch over a danger below.

She points downward.

Religion(E): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (19) + 13 = 32

"Yes, that is very unusual. One wonders what Mother Moon is doing there."

He looks to the problem. "The ladder might be a good idea."

While you are discussing the mural and the ladder, a creature wrapped in a dusty bundle of cloth, becomes aware of you.

She shakes off a thick layer of dust from her bones and deep blue robes.

Pale green ectoplasm drips from her bones and causes her long, white hair to writhe about her head as if underwater.

“I am Yianyin, harvester of souls.” She spreads her arms wide as if to invite you into an embrace and says, “Step forward and become one with the Lord Below!”

Pavo
Yianyin
Phaed
Abella
Shade
Tuco

Pavo gets a chance to react first! DC 30 Religion to identify.

Religion (E): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (14) + 13 = 27 Dubious Knowledge

"Wha-! A psychopomp?" Pavo exclaims dubiously. He hustles across to one of the natural alcoves and presses against the cave wall.

Recall Knowledge, Stride, Take Cover

"Lay down your arms, and release your souls to the Lord Below!"

Yianyin has an unnerving presence! Pavo and Tuco need to make a DC 22 Will save and then see below.

She changes her appearance to that of a beautiful skeletal woman and compels Pavo to approach her! DC 25 Will Save and then see below.

Pavo
Yianyin
Phaed
Abella
Shade
Tuco

Party is up! Dc 22 Will save VS Yianyin's Unnerving Presence if you're within 30' of her.

Lingering Composition Perform Check (DC 20): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (20) + 15 = 35 Inspire Courage Lingers 0 rounds

The woman in the mask sings! How unlike her, normally she acts. remember Inspire gives you a +1 status vs fear effects

She then moves in and glares at the old woman.

Intimidation (E; Vers. Perform): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (9) + 15 = 24

"Yes! That is a catrina!" Pavo remarks. "Don't let them kiss you. Their skeletal bodies are susceptible to bludgeons."

Will (E) vs. DC 22: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22
Will (E) vs. DC 25: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14

He is unnerved by the otherworldly force looking out through those eyes. Then his own eyes glaze over.

Will wait for everyone else to position and act, since that may change his actions.

Shade moves in.
will DC22: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (17) + 13 = 30

"I don't think we will be doing that."
He casts moonbeam.

Spell Attack, IC: 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 11 + 1 = 15
Moonbean (fire,silver): 3d6 + 1 ⇒ (3, 5, 2) + 1 = 11

will: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15

Tuco trembles with fear as they raise their shield and drop into their stance.

AC 25

Abella hears they are fighting a paychopomp and is in no rush to make herself a target. ”Help is on the way!”

She summons a zombie brute into the room from the safety of the other end of the hallway. ”Your name will be Babs. Go fight the psychpomp, Babs.”

The large zombie starts punching at the psychopomp, grunting wordlessly as it exerts its decaying muscles.

Attack with Fist: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16
Bludgeoning Damage: 1d12 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Attack with Fist (map): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Bludgeoning Damage: 1d12 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

Three actions to cast animate dead, prepared at level 3

Pavo mutely strides forward, his arms hanging limply at his sides, and stands passively in front of the catrina in an act completely devoid of reason.

Stride

Yianyin is not intimidated by Phaed's glare. And unfortunately, Shade's moonbean misses, as do the large zombie's strikes.

"Find peace in our Lord Below!"

Yianyin strikes twice at Pavo, hitting once.

Fist 1: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (12) + 18 = 30
Bludgeoning: 2d8 + 2 ⇒ (5, 8) + 2 = 15 plusCorrupted Touch: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 1) = 2 Negative Damage DC 22 Fortitude save or drained 1, drained 2 on a critical fail.

Fist 2: 1d20 + 18 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 18 - 4 = 15

She then tries to compel Shade to approach. DC 25 Will save vs Compel Condemned

Pavo
Yianyin
Phaed
Abella
Shade
Tuco

Heroes are go! I believe if you haven't crit succeeded against the Unnerving Presence, you need to make a DC 22 Will save each round you begin your turn within 30' of Yianyin.

Will: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20

Phaed is slowed as she flings another piece of rubble at the catrina.

Telekinetic Projectile: 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 11 + 1 = 26
B/P/S: 3d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (5, 4, 4) + 4 + 1 = 18

Current IC round: 2/4

The rubble flying hits! But doesn't seem to do any additional damage.

Pavo
Yianyin -18
Phaed
Abella
Shade
Tuco

Bold may act. If you haven't crit succeeded against the Unnerving Presence, you will need to make a DC 22 Will save each round you begin your turn within 30' of Yianyin.

will save DC25: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (19) + 13 = 32
will save DC22: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17 Slowed 1

"I don't think so."

Slowed by the aura, he chooses to case a single spell.

Assuming she is undead based on what we've been told
disrupt undead(positive) DC21: 3d6 + 1 ⇒ (4, 1, 3) + 1 = 9

Shade throws a lance of positive energy at Yianyin, but the lance has no effect!

She's a psychopomp, extra-planar not undead! It's safe to assume that she has been corrupted by the malevolence from the glowing green ectoplasm that you saw on her.

unnerving: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27

Tuco raises their shield before squeezing into melee and striking twice.

mountain fist: 1d20 + 14 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (18) + 14 + 1 - 1 = 32
b damage: 1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 1 = 12

flurry: 1d20 + 14 + 1 - 1 - 5 ⇒ (1) + 14 + 1 - 1 - 5 = 10
b damage: 1d8 + 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 1 + 1 = 11

AC 25

Fortitude (E) vs. DC 22: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30
Will (E) vs. DC 22: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22

Pavo stands there staring even as the catrina tries to pound him into the afterlife. He blinks and starts as the enchantment wears away. "Wha-!?" He is still unnerved by the entity peering through the psychopomp's eyes.

He drops his short sword and pulls the mace from his belt. "Oh, we'll purge you like the nosoi!" He leads with his rapier and then follows with the mace.

Drop (free), Interact, Double Feint

+1 rapier (E), finesse: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (14) + 14 = 28
magic, piercing, thief: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

light mace (E), finesse, agile: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22 vs. Flat-footed
bludgeoning, thief: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
+ sneak attack (precision): 2d6 ⇒ (3, 2) = 5

Tuco lands a punch on Yianyin, and Pavo strikes with his rapier!

Pavo
Yianyin -37
Phaed
Abella
Shade
Tuco

Abella is up!

Abella moves in a bit closer, conjuring a shield to protect herself. ”How is it going in there? Babs taking care of things?”

Babs tries to slam into the psychopomp twice more.

Attack with Fist: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27
Bludgeoning Damage: 1d12 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

Attack with Fist (map): 1d20 + 11 - 5 ⇒ (10) + 11 - 5 = 16
Bludgeoning Damage: 1d12 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Not counting cover

Stride, shield, sustain spell. She should be outside of the range of the psychopomp still

Even with cover, the large zombie hits!

"Turn your backs on the River of Souls and join our Lord Below!"

Yianyin strikes at Pavo!

Fist: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (19) + 18 = 37
Damage: 2d8 + 2 ⇒ (7, 4) + 2 = 13 plus Corrupted Touch: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 4) = 9 Negative Damage DC 22 Fortitude save or drained 1, drained 2 on a critical fail.

She gestures oddly at Tuco and makes a confusing noise.

Casting Confusion! DC 25 Will save.

"I sense his embrace on you already!"

Pavo
Yianyin -50
Phaed
Abella
Shade
Tuco

Party is up!

Fortitude (E) vs. DC 22: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20

The corrupted psychopomp nearly caves in Pavo's chest with her punch and the death energy nearly steals the last of his energy. "Ow..." He makes a pair swift strikes and then withdraws from the catrina.

Twin Feint, Stride

+1 rapier (E), finesse: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (2) + 14 = 16
magic, piercing, thief: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

light mace (E), finesse, agile: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14 vs. Flat-footed
bludgeoning, thief: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
+ sneak attack (precision): 2d6 ⇒ (1, 5) = 6

Well, at least that 1 waited until an attack roll and didn't appear for the Fort save!

Unnerving: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

Tchekuth's empty eyes watch us from below!

Telekinetic Projectile: 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 11 + 1 = 30
B: 3d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (1, 6, 3) + 4 + 1 = 15

unnerving will DC22: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22
"Ok, so she's not undead. That is good to know." mumbles Shade.

He moves to get a better line of sight, and then casts divine lance

Spell Attack, IC: 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 11 + 1 = 30
divine lance (good), IC: 3d4 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (1, 1, 3) + 4 + 1 = 10

Oh yeah. Unnerving presence.
Will vs. DC 22: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26

confusion: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18
unnerving presence: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12

Tuco is confused and then stunned, striking out randomly at any adjacent targets.

mountain: 1d20 + 14 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 14 + 1 = 33
b damage: 1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 1 = 11

flurry: 1d20 + 14 + 1 - 5 ⇒ (3) + 14 + 1 - 5 = 13
b damage: 1d8 + 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 1 + 1 = 8

more strike: 1d20 + 14 + 1 - 10 ⇒ (1) + 14 + 1 - 10 = 6
b damage: 1d8 + 4 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 1 + 2 = 14

end of turn new confusion save: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20

Pavo's attacks miss, Phaed hits with a projectile, Shade throws a lance of good aligned energy, She is neutral... but also evil having been corrupted by Tchekuth! and Tuco flails around in confusion, but lands a hit on Yianyin! Sadly, 33 is not a crit though.

Pavo
Yianyin -86
Phaed
Abella
Shade
Tuco

Abella is up!

Abella maintains her control over the zombie, pausing to grant herself some extra protection should she need to enter the fray herself.

”You are doing great, Babs! The old one-two punch. I cannot see most of you, of course, but I can just tell you are doing great. Oh and the rest of you, too. Move back behind Babs if you need some cover. You know this psychopomp is screwy in the head because I have just dropped a giant zombie in front of her and she hasn’t touched it! Going to have report you to your psychopomp supervisor, missy.”

Attack with Fist: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26
Bludgeoning Damage: 1d12 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Attack with Fist (map): 1d20 + 11 - 5 ⇒ (8) + 11 - 5 = 14
Bludgeoning Damage: 1d12 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Two actions to cast false life, one to sustain spell

"Frog blast the vent core!" yells Tuco

Unfortunately, Babs isn't able to land a hit this time with the cover.

Frustrated that the cleric is so defiant, Yianyin tries to demoralize Shade.

"You WILL surrender your soul to our Lord Below!

Demoralize: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (14) + 17 = 31

Yianyin then sends a phantasmal image of the most fearsome creature imaginable to kill the cleric!

Casting Phantasmal Killer! DC 25 Will save

And then!

Xarrwin's ghost lurches through the cave wall in front of Abella and takes a swipe at her with his spectral hand!

Spectral Hand: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (10) + 17 = 27
Neative: 2d6 + 7 ⇒ (5, 5) + 7 = 17 plus Drain Memory, DC 23 Fortitude save or become stupefied 1!

"You have it! Don't keep me waiting!"

Pavo
Yianyin -86
Phaed
Abella
Shade
Tuco

Heroes are go! I believe Tuco is still confused, and remember your saves against the Unnerving Presence if you haven't yet crit succeeded. Oh, and Xarwin is back!

Will (E): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29

The lingering performance fades. The woman in the mask performs again. Be brave!

Telekinetic Projectile: 1d20 + 11 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 11 - 1 + 1 = 26
B: 3d6 + 4 ⇒ (3, 5, 5) + 4 = 17

If shade is dead she will scream and fling the rubble at the corrupted psychopomp.

unnevering: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17

Slowed Tuco continues his confused assault.

mountain: 1d20 + 14 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 14 + 1 = 31
b damage: 1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 1 = 11

more mountain: 1d20 + 14 + 1 - 10 ⇒ (7) + 14 + 1 - 10 = 12
b damage: 1d8 + 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 1 + 1 = 14

new confusion save: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

"They're everywhere!"