DM Carbide's Core Emerald Spire

Game Master John Woodford

Corbrae switches weapons, taking her light mace in hand, and starts singing, hoping to boost her companions chances

Inspire Courage, +1 to hit and damage

Corbrae moves up and begins to inspire the party.

Round 2:

Initiative order
Joseph
Gorloth
Tibearius
Skeletons
Viridian/Blitz
Corbrae
Mrs. Book

Joseph is up!

Skeleton: AC 16 T 12 FF 14 HP taken - Red: 2
Gorloth: AC ? T ? FF ? HP taken: 1

Don't see Gorloth on the map.

"Take this!"
ranged vs Red inc inspire: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 7 + 1 = 23
piercing: 1d8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 + 1 = 4

Gorloth isn't visible yet. Very soon, though.

Round 2 (ongoing):

Joseph's arrow is on target, but goes through the ribcage without effect. At that point, another skeletal figure in rotting robes emerges from behind the tapestries, a bastard sword in one withered clawlike hand. Once in sight, it casts a spell and conjures a longsword of force next to Tibearius. The weapon misses the Desnan, though.

Corbrae, you realize that this is a bone priest, a freewilled undead with clerical spellcasting abilities. It's resistant to all but magical bludgeoning physical attacks, is immune to cold, and has the ability to drain the life from a dying opponent with a touch.

Tibearius is up!

Tibearius continues to make himself a receptacle of his goddess, bathing the room in blue divine light and filling the ceiling with constellations once more. The cleric smiles, knowing his goddess is watching from the stars.

Channel Energy to hurt undead, 30-ft radius, Will DC 13 for 1/2 dmg: 1d6 ⇒ 2 pts. of positive energy dmg.

Channel Positive Energy (Su) You can unleash a wave of positive energy. You must choose to deal 1d6 points of positive energy damage to undead creatures or to heal living creatures of 1d6 points of damage. Creatures that take damage from channeled energy receive a DC 13 Will save to halve the damage. You can use this ability 5, 4, 3 times per day.

Round 2 (ongoing):

Initiative order
Joseph-acted
Gorloth-acted
Tibearius-acted
Viridian/Blitz
Corbrae
Mrs. Book

The mindless skeleton disintegrates in the wave of holy fire that washes over it.

Viridian, Blitz, Corbrae, and Mrs. Book can act!

Gorloth: AC ? T ? FF ? HP taken: 2

Mrs Book, this undead is a spellcaster, use your wand as soon as you see him using his unholy magic! Viridian, send your wolf attacking the legs, we must bring it down! To all, skeleton are fleshless, use bludgeoning weapons if you have some!

Corbrae continues her song of valor, clutching her mace. The weight of the weapon doesn't alleviate her fears, but she tries to keep a brave face.

None of the spells she knows might help either, and she feels quite useless, apart from the knowledge she can bring to the team. Maybe knowing which spell the undead priest used could be helpful?

She cast a small, protective spell on herself, as a daring and dangerous plan nevertheless springs in her mind

Cast Resistance for +1 to saves

Spellcraft on Gorloth spell: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

"Good idea."

Mrs. book is not much of a tactician, but that does, indeed sound like a good idea. she enters the room and makes ready. If and when the spell caster attempts to cast something she will send a magic missile at it.

mm damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Viridian nods

”We are on it. Blitz! “

Casts magic fang on the wolf and points at the spell casting skeleton

Blitz attacks the undead priest

magic Bite: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 1 = 8 for dmg: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 + 1 = 4 trip?

bleh

Corbrae, it cast a spiritual weapon spell.

Corbrae and Viridian cast spells, Blitz' jaws close on moldering cloth, and Mrs. Book readies her wand.

Round 3:

Joseph is next!

Hearing Mrs. Book's advice Joseph drops his bow and walks up to Gorloth drawing his Heavy flail.

attack with heavy flail: 1d20 + 3 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 3 + 1 - 2 = 19
blugoning damage: 1d10 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Edit: Added IC to dmg.

Don't forget IC (+1 to hit/dmg) and maybe your STR bonus to dmg, Joseph

Joseph is still down some STR from spider venom, I think.

Round 3 (ongoing):

Joseph hits with his flail, but the bone priest's structure is more durable than that of its mindless skeleton minions, and the blow fails to damage it. It straightens and glares at the party, hissing. Everyone, DC 15 Will save or shaken for the next round.

Everyone but Joseph can act!

Viridian moves up behind. Blitz bites again…

can he fit with map? I am getting error on phone opening map.

I didn't see that you hadn't moved Viridian and Blitz last round. Since you should have a reach weapon, the three of you can attack. I've updated the map to reflect that. Note that if Viridian uses a reach weapon, Blitz and Joseph provide cover against your attacks.

Tibearius continues open the divine floodgates. Desna will decide how this day will go!

Channel Energy to hurt undead, 30-ft radius, Will DC 13 for 1/2 dmg: 1d6 ⇒ 5 pts. of positive energy dmg.

Channel Positive Energy (Su) You can unleash a wave of positive energy. You must choose to deal 1d6 points of positive energy damage to undead creatures or to heal living creatures of 1d6 points of damage. Creatures that take damage from channeled energy receive a DC 13 Will save to halve the damage. You can use this ability 5, 4, 3 2 times per day.

will save DC 15: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20

Blitz bites again

magic Bite: 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 4 + 1 + 1 = 18 for dmg: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 1 = 3 trip?

Viridian tries to attack with long spear with cover

Spear 2H: 1d20 + 3 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 1 - 4 = 3 for dmg: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

DC 15 will save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

Mrs. Book is not worried and she is not deterred. She maintains her readiness to cast that magic missile (Not sure if you want to stick with the original damage roll or you would prefer we reroll when a readied action fails to go off and we re-ready, so I included a new roll).

mm damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Hah! doesn't matter if you always role as poorly as possible!

Everyone except Joseph & Mrs. Book, don't forget the Will save. I also forgot something.

Round 3 (ongoing):

Initiative order
Joseph-acted
Gorloth-acted
Tibearius-acted
Viridian/Blitz-acted
Corbrae
Mrs. Book-holding

The floating longsword near Tibearius cuts at the cleric, hitting for 4 HP. In return he unleashes more positive energy at the priest, singing it a bit around the edges. Viridian misses, but Blitz hits and does a little bit of damage to the undead. Roll your trip attempt, Viridian, and Corbrae can act.

Gorloth: AC 16 T 12 FF 14 HP taken: 7

Blitz tries to haul down the undead.

trip,magic, ic: 1d20 + 3 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 3 + 1 + 1 = 16 vs CMD

will save, Resistance: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 4 + 1 = 25

Corbrae casts another spell, and gets closer to the action, looking for an opportunity to strike.

She's still chanting songs of old glory

Not sure if there is room for another person fighting Gorloth. Cast CLW and looking for a touch attack

Corbrae, there's a space open around the bone priest, but to reach it you'll have to go through the tapestries. That's difficult terrain, so from your current position you can't do it in a single move action. You could close partway this round and move in next round, though.

Blitz can't manage to drag down the priest.

Round 4:

Joseph is up!

"You are outnumbered. Just surrender."

Joseph will ready an attack for if Gorloth does something hostile.

Don't forget the inspire courage, Joseph.

Round 4 (ongoing):

It's hard for a fleshless skeleton to sneer, but Gorloth certainly tries. It cuts at the wolf, missing badly, then barely dodges Joseph's readied attack.

Everyone else can act!

Viridian and blitz strike again

Spear 2H, bard cover: 1d20 + 3 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 1 - 4 = 3 for dmg: 1d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 1 = 6
Bite: 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 4 + 1 + 1 = 15 for dmg: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 + 1 = 8 trip?

Mrs. Book is used to doing nothing useful, so she waits once again for the fellow to try and cast something so she can interrupt it.

mm damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

W00t! A 2!

DESNAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

Channel Energy to hurt undead, 30-ft radius, Will DC 13 for 1/2 dmg: 1d6 ⇒ 1 pts. of positive energy dmg.

Channel Positive Energy (Su) You can unleash a wave of positive energy. You must choose to deal 1d6 points of positive energy damage to undead creatures or to heal living creatures of 1d6 points of damage. Creatures that take damage from channeled energy receive a DC 13 Will save to halve the damage. You can use this ability 5, 4, 3, 2 1 times per day.

Touch attack: 1d20 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 + 1 = 7
dmg (CLW): 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Corbrae tries to touch Gorloth, but fails, in the confusion of the fight

Corbrae is unable to connect. Positive energy does a little more damage to the bone priest.

Round 5:

Joseph is up!

Another potentially fruitless attack.

heavy flail: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
blugoning: 1d10 ⇒ 9

Round 5 (ongoing):

Joseph lands a solid hit on the undead, splintering bone under the impact. It continues to focus on the wolf, though, and this time it hits Blitz for 5 HP.

I forgot about the spiritual weapon attack last round, but since it missed it doesn't matter. Everyone but Joseph can act!

Viridian and Blitz continue

Druid Spear 2H: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 3 + 1 = 14 for dmg: 1d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 1 = 8
Wolf Bite: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 4 + 2 = 26 for dmg: 1d6 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 1 + 2 = 7 trip?

Wolf confirm: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 4 + 2 = 20 for dmg: 1d6 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 2 = 4 trip?

Trip vs cmd 2 : 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 4 + 2 = 15

touch attack: 1d20 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 + 1 = 18
CLW: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Corbrae finds an opportunity to touch the undead.

She has to steel her nerves as her hand close on a bone of the ribcage, as her natural reaction would be to recoil in fear and disgust.

The spell unleashes positive energy into the skeleton's body.

Maybe it will be enough?

Probably an AoO, unless Blitz managed to trip/destroy the undead

Since Corbrae cast the spell out of the bone priest's reach and held the charge, the priest won't get an AoO.

Round 5 (ongoing):

Viridian misses again, but Blitz finds a vital spot and Corbrae sends positive energy shooting through the undead. It's still active, though, and Blitz can't pull it down.

Mrs. Book can take a shot; it's looking like one good magic missile will take it down.

Gorloth: AC 16 T 12 FF 14 HP taken: 32

Seing that the creature, if you can call it that, is barely hanging together, Mrs. Book comes out of reserve to send a magic missile at it.

1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 damage

This time the fickle thing enters the bone structure right at the neck instead of the toe or finger as seems to be it's want.

"And that, I might say, is how to do it."

Arcane force shatters enough of the bone priest's structure that it collapses. As it falls, those close enough can hear it whisper out, "Peace...at...last...." Then it's gone, leaving only dust and its bastard sword (a finely balanced weapon).

Out of combat! I'll get the rest of the items in the room described next post.

"Any battle where we all walk out alive is a good one, I'd say. Well done team."

A further search of the bone priest reveals a key identical to the one the party found on the crushed skeleton, and in a pouch around its neck the undead was carrying a vial and something rather unusual: a thumb-sized translucent green cylinder that looks like it's made from the same material as the Spire core. There's a picture of it on the map.

On the table are four longswords, a masterwork dagger, a belt, two flasks, and four pouches. In the pouches are a total of 20 sp, 118 gp, a small emerald, and a pair of bone dice that appear to have been weighted to always roll sixes. The vial, the belt, the cylinder, and one of the flasks all detect as magical.

”So much for the self proclaimed vice-lord of this tower.
I have no skill with the longer blade. Some of these others may be of use. “

perception : 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (19) + 14 = 33 searches the room for other doors or secrets

and combat must be over…1
There is my 19 lol

He will scoop up anything nobody else wants to carry and put in Blitz pack for transport

Viridian finds nothing else in the chamber.

The bone priest did say that they were the viceroy of someone else, not that they were themselves the lord of the spire.

Mrs. Book will do her best to ferret out the magical items purposes. She has detect magic and a mediocre spellcraft skill, so it is worth the try. Particularly curious about the cylinder she uses a scroll of identify on it.

identify vial: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
identify belt: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
identify cylinder: 1d20 + 5 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 5 + 10 = 20
identify flask: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

Since the spell only lasts three rounds, and it takes 3 rounds for a detect magic to get fully effective and it requires concentration, I think I can only get one item with the spell. If I am wrong, and I probably am, add +10 to the vial and belt too.

Mrs. Book determines that the belt is a belt of mighty constitution +2, but can't figure out what anything else is. The cylinder has a moderate conjuration aura.

Identify vial: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
Identify Cylinder: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
Identify flask: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

Corbrae tries her luck too, but her knowledge of the arcane arts ins't enough

The vial is silversheen.

I'm going to treat Corbrae's roll as an Aid Another for Mrs. Book; I don't think that's illegal..

The cylinder is something odd. It apparently allows the user to teleport between open spaces adjacent to the Spire core, if the user knows and speaks the correct identifying rune for the destination space.

Corbrae looks more closely at the cylinder, hoping to translate the rune

Speaks Elf, Draconic, Fey, Goblin, Azlant

Linguistics if needed: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

If she can't read it easily, she uses magic, praying to Abadar that it's not a curse or some mundane message

Comprehend Langage

"Nice belt. This item is commonly used by front line fighters to give them a boost to their health, similar to how the Bear's Endurance spell works. The green shard allows short distance teleportation, but it can only be used to and from a location near to the core of this tower. At least I assume that green crystal stuff is at the core."

”The belt would serve best our brave warrior, Joseph. The green crystal may prove helpful if we can determine how to use it.“