Price of Immortality: Masks of the Living God

Game Master polyfrequencies

The others were generally so good about reminding her about things that she had left behind that Nicolette hadn't even realized she left her rope behind when she used it as a pillow the night before. They were in such a hurry to set forth for the day and rescue the young maiden that she must have missed it.

That night, after the work, she would return to the pool for a quick dip and dry to sooth herself, and then would redress. The fire could dry her out and in time ensure she was warm enough.

When the group finally settles in for the night inside the tomb, she will do her part to ensure others are as healed as possible, aiding Kayle in his efforts this time. She will also strip the skeletons of their old and dusty chain shirts to see if the others can use their magic to repair them. If they do, she will try on one and adjust it with her gear maintinence kit to fit her perfectly.

Could one of you prepare mending and repair these suits of armor to full?

Heal Aid 1: 1d20 ⇒ 5
Heal Aid 2: 1d20 ⇒ 12
Heal Aid 3: 1d20 ⇒ 2

Upon waking, Nicolette will clean up her sleeping pile, perform her normal devotions in nature outside (this time casting tears to wine), and have a small breakfast. When Cal approaches her and the others, she listens intently to his explanation. She shrugs with a faint smile and responds:

"Sounds good to me. I didn't particularly like getting laid out like that."

Calaithes can take Mending to repair equipment. It takes time though. 10 minutes casting time for minor repairs.

Spending some time in the morning, Calaithes uses his newfound magic to repair one of the ancient chain shirts into working order. With preparations complete, the group traces their way back to the room previously occupied by bloody skeletons, now all put to rest, and descends down the stairs.

At the bottom of the stairs is a circular chamber with three passageways leading from it. In the center is a small stone pedestal. The sound of dripping water can be heard coming from the eastern passageway, while the stench of rot emanates from the west.

The floor bears an inscription spiraling out from the pillar and written in Common. It reads: "To the south you might take your ease, to rest and reflect on Kassen’s deeds. To the east lies the wheel, to open the gate. To the west is the resting place of Kassen, hero of the Fangwood."

The map has been updated. What do you do?

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Bohrs pauses a moment and listens for the moaning the heard previously. If he can still hear it, he tries to determine which passage it is coming from.

Calaithes reads the inscription and looks around. Like Bohrs he is listening for the moaning or any sounds of movement other than themselves.

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31

Using his new magic to keep Dancing Lights active, he sends it to each room exit to light it up for a short look.

"South to a place of rest? We don't need a rest right now, but maybe we should have a look in case we need to retreat again?"

"but East or West? East to a wheel to open a gate? I think we should find the gate before we open it. I vote we go West first. Kassen's tomb! If our objective was still the Everflame that's where we'd go.... I think."

"I think to the West sounds fine."

She enjoys these dancing lights and how fast they can fly ahead to scout out the darkness. Coupled with her low-light vision, they make short work of spying out distances. As she heads west, she keeps herself mindful of traps.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

Seeing Nicolette moving into the hallway to the west Calaithes quickly steps in behind her. He sends the dancing light ahead.

"Ah, OK. We can check out whatever the place to the south to 'take ease' later. Come on guys!" He studies the area ahead hoping there aren't any traps....

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20

As they decide which direction to take, employing their senses of differing sharpness, Nicolette and Calaithes both hear a strange echoing gurgle coming from the east, accompanying a persistent dripping noise that is much louder here than it was upstairs. They don't hear any further moans. But everyone, including Bohrs, is assailed by the stench of rot coming from the west, getting stronger as you get to the mouth of the corridor. Unfortunately you don't hear anything further coming from that direction, no matter how much you strain your ears.

It's kind of like that weird thing where you turn the radio down in your car so that you can see better. The smell is so bad that it's causing sensory overload, so paying attention to sounds is hard. Or at least that's how I'm reading the "nothing can be heard from that direction" in the book.

The party forges ahead through the corridor, which opens up into a winding catacomb. The walls are skillfully carved with deep recesses where bodies might have once lain. All that remains now are cobwebs, dust, and the tattered remains of ancient clothing. The stench of rotting flesh is overpowering here, but the source is not immediately evident.

Go ahead and move yourselves (up to your speed) into the room, and while you're at it, roll for Initiative. The three structures in the middle are several feet tall, provide total cover, and have to be moved around. You can also attempt to jump over them with Acrobatics or scale them with Climb.

Nicolette rounds the corner, and seeing a place ahead where she can get an aerial view, she hops up on top. Whether she makes it or not, as she peers into the room, she hopes to see the cause of this disgusting smell.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25 (Low-Light for sight)
Climb: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9 (You didn't state the height, so I'm unsure if climbing or jumping would be better for the DC. She'll do whatever is easier and quicker. Jumping is a +8)

The stench is horrific, and hopefully rising above it will help. Surely it cannot come from these dead bodies after so many years?

Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

(Looks like I'm going last!)

Initiative: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

Stepping into the room Calaithes is practically gagging over the smell. He wishes there were some way to vent the stench, but that would be later. Was there some sort of undead that reeked like this? Know-Religion Untrained?: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 He didn't know, but he knows that the smell of rot fades over years!

Stepping past Nicolette he calls for the power of his new hex to cover her in case something comes and attacks....

Nicolette tries climbing on one of the crypts, but has a hard time getting a good grip and good balance to hoist herself up. Kayle moves around the corner with Owens close behind him, commenting about a pool of dried blood that he passes. Calaithes puts a hand on Nicolette, casting his new hex to protect her, before he walks around the corner. There he sees the source of the smell: a bloated, suppurating corpse dressed in tattered, decaying clothing, ambling towards him. He looks up to see one sunken eye fixing on him before it opens its mouth in a snarl. Kayle screams out at about the same time from off further in "What is that thing?" as Owens growls.

The creature in front of Calaithes steps forward and slashes out with a leathery claw.

But the creature is clumsy, and Calaithes is easily able to swing its way out of the attack.

Round One
Kayle & Owens
Zombie (Red)
Calaithes
Nicolette
Zombie (Blue)
Bohrs
Zombie (Green)
Map

Calaithes & Nicolette are up!

Hearing Cal easily recognize the smelly corpse on the other side, she forgets the climb, grabs her hammer and rushes around to the far side. There, she gets behind the creature and wallops it on the head.

Melee Attack: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 6 + 2 = 21 Flanking
Damage: 2d6 + 9 ⇒ (5, 3) + 9 = 17

I can't get the game to load on roll20. Not sure if it's their issue or what.

Seeing the bloated creature fills Kayle with dread. All the odd undead they had encountered thus far only made the grotesque form raise up his hackles. He had to remind himself it was just one shambling corpse though. Drawing closer to the melee with his own club drawn he tries to get the things attention away from Calaithes by swinging high and getting his club directly into it's line of sight. "Here monster!" he beckons, "Swing at my shield you mindless puppet."

Aid Another: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22

Alternatively, if he doesn't have the movement to do that he will move forward and try to get Owens to come attack.

Handle Animal: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21

"Bohrs? Do you know what these things are?"

Glad to see Nicolette slam the beast that had attacked him Calaithes renews the magic protecting her. "I can't put my luck shield on myself, but with you crushing those things I'll just keep it live on you!"

Range of Protective Luck is 30'. The rules don't say it but I assume that I have to see the target. So, If Nicolette moves away or looks like she'll be going around a corner I will try to follow!

Knowledge, Religion: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

"Uh, zombies, I think," Bohrs answers in a less-than-certain tone.

"Zombies? They must be pretty new then.... Maybe they dry out and aren't so, ripe? stinking later!?!"

Sorry to waste that 20, Kayle, but I botted you and had you double move until you saw one of the zombies, with Owens moving behind you. You'll come up again next round. Please let me know if Roll20 is still giving you issues.

None of you are sure exactly what kind of zombie this is, but Kayle and Nicolette are welcome to try their own untrained rolls.

Nicolette rounds the corner and nearly caves in the zombie's rotting head with her hammer. It's snarl turns into more of a gurgle, but it still stands, turning to face her. Behind her, another zombie lurches out from the shadows, charging at her.

Despite Calaithes' best efforts, the zombie manages to twist fate in its own foul direction and slams into Nicolette, growling as it harms her for 9 points of damage.

Round One
Kayle & Owens
Zombie (Red) (-17)
Calaithes
Nicolette (-9)
Zombie (Blue)
Bohrs
Zombie (Green)
Map

Bohrs is up!

"Cayden Cailean, grant us your courage!" Bohrs cries out.

(Casting bless.)

Bohrs channels the might of the Accidental God even as Kayle finds himself quickly surrounded by more of these slavering zombies. One staggers around the corner, while another steps up to Kayle and takes a swing!

It clobbers the druid in the face with a well-timed, putrid swing, taking 5 points of damage.

Kayle, you're shortchanging yourself two points of AC.

Round Two
Kayle (-5) & Owens
Zombie (Red) (-17)
Calaithes
Nicolette (-9)
Zombie (Blue)
Bohrs
Zombie (Green)
Map

Kayle & Owens is up! Bless is active for 2 minutes.

Retcon: Nicolette's AC increases by 1 when she is adjacent to two (or more) foes. When the second zombie went to flank her, her AC increased to 17. The creature charged and was in a flanking position and got results of 24 and 18, which still hits by just 1. So Nicolette is still damaged, but it was very close (and a good roll). Please include a quick note in your header near AC like "+1 when adj to 2+ enemies".

Round Two
Kayle (-5) & Owens
Zombie (Red) (-17)
Calaithes
Nicolette (-9)
Zombie (Blue)
Zombie (Yellow)
Bohrs
Zombie (Green)
Map

Kayle & Owens are still up! Bless is active for 2 minutes.

Kayle finds himself turning pale as he is suddenly surrounded. He swallows hard, lifting his chin defiantly and readying himself for what was likely to be another terrible experience. He wasn't even receiving Bohr's blessing where he was! He kept his shield high and half-heartedly swung at the enemy he and Owens both were facing. Focusing on his defense.

Aid Another (Attack), fighting defensively: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (15) - 2 = 13

"Get em boy." he calls to Owens, not confident he could goad his dog to attack.

Handle Animal: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

The DC to get Owens to attack undead is currently 20, so no success this time. That's also a hard corner that he could not attack around, so aiding another doesn't make much sense. Do you want that to just be a regular attack? If so, roll your damage. You are correct though: you are just out of the range of Bless.

As the druid and his dog try desperately to deal with the dead they face, the caved in zombie lurches back towards Nicolette and misses her entirely.

Round Two
Kayle (-5) & Owens
Zombie (Red) (-17)
Calaithes
Nicolette (-9)
Zombie (Blue)
Zombie (Yellow)
Bohrs
Zombie (Green)
Map

The three structures in the middle are several feet tall, provide total cover, and have to be moved around. You can also attempt to jump over them with Acrobatics or scale them with Climb.

Nicolette and Calaithes are up. Bless is active for 2 minutes.

Calaithes faces a dilemma.... He had planned to keep the Protective Luck active on Nicolette, but then spotted Kayle. They had to put these two monsters down quick! He was also surprised that the thing had survived a hard hit! He slashes at it with his dagger hoping to finish it so Nicolette can crush the other....

attack: 1d20 + 1 + 3 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 1 + 3 + 1 + 2 = 16
damage if that hits?: 1d4 + 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + (5) + 1 + 1 = 11

With Cal's strike finding its way into the caved zombie's head, she sees its body go lifeless. The strike intended for it she makes go wide, then, with the momentum, she turns to uppercut the one behind them.

Melee Attack+Power Attack: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 6 + 1 = 19 *bless
Damage: 2d6 + 9 ⇒ (4, 5) + 9 = 18

If it drops, she will move to flank Green

Now that she's had some experience with these undead, she tries to think on what they are.

Knowledge Religion: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1 I keep forgetting

Calaithes stabs his dagger out and the zombie's distended abdomen explodes, showering both him and Nicolette with the rotten contents of its stomach. Ignoring this, Nicolette whirls around and slams her hammer into the next zombie. It barely stands after the resounding blow, but settles back to its feet, head barely hanging on by straps of flesh.

With their honed defenses, both Nicolette and Kayle dodge out of the way of follow up blows.

Round Two
Kayle (-5) & Owens
Calaithes
Nicolette (-9)
Zombie (Blue) (-18)
Zombie (Yellow)
Bohrs
Zombie (Green)
Map

Bohrs is up!

Bohrs shifts his position to a more equidistant position from all the combatants.

"May the Drunken Hero smite these shambling corpses!"

Channel Energy, Harm Undead: 1d6 ⇒ 4

With a wave of positive energy, the last zombie explodes once again, showering Nicolette with yet more gore. Kayle watches the other two shake, but they stand still. One of them swipes at Kayle, but the druid bats the leathery hand aside with his club.

Round Three
Kayle (-5) & Owens
Calaithes
Nicolette (-9)
Zombie (Yellow) (-2)
Bohrs
Zombie (Green) (-2)
Map

Kayle, Calaithes, and Nicolette are up! Again, Owens cannot attack around the corner, but he could try to climb up the sarcophogi.

Calaithes moves ahead, seeing Kayle's situation. He can't reach the enemy but he can make them less effective. He steps out of the way for Nicolette and targets his brother with his protective hex. "Pound them Kayle! Help is on the way!"

Protective Luck hex on Kayle for one round.

With Owens again having trouble getting into the fight he beckons after the dog again. "C'mon boy." he calls, "You're a tough boy. You can rip them to shreds."

Handle Animal: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27

Much to his surprise, this time Owens surges forward. Kayle takes a swipe at the nearest zombie, and then has to stumble back to get out of the dog's warpath.

Club: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 121d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

With undead again threatening his person, Owens needs little pushing. He leaps forward into the space abandoned by his master and snaps at the bloated belly of a zombie from below. The dog can't tell the threat killing them bears, and likely wouldn't heed it even if he did know.

Bite: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 241d4 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Nicolette rushes over. Her new hammer follows in suit. Upon seeing Owens in trouble, she feels a rage inside! That passion from within bubbles up and she is faster and more deadlier than before.

Adjusted numbers for the masterwork silver hammer. I forgot!
Rage +4str. 1 Round used.
Melee Attack: 1d20 + 9 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 9 + 1 + 2 = 16
Damage: 2d6 + 11 ⇒ (1, 1) + 11 = 13

With a fleeing blow, Kayle shatters the zombie's left arm with the club. Owens heedlessly wrenches at the shambling creature's right leg, tearing it clean off. Finally, Nicolette swings her silver hammer down and cleaves through its skull, sending a spray of guts once again against her and for the first time into Owens.

The final zombie teeters towards the dog, striking poor Owens for 6 points of damage.

Round Four
Bohrs
Kayle (-5) & Owens (-6)
Calaithes
Nicolette (-9)
Zombie (Yellow) (-2)
Map

The party is up!

Climb: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

Nicolette climbs up the side and shuffles to get at a better angle on this zombie. Now, she is above it and moves to come down on him with tremendous force with her hammer.

Rage Continuing
Melee Attack+Power Attack: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 9 + 1 = 30
Damage: 2d6 + 11 ⇒ (3, 4) + 11 = 18

Confirm Critical: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 9 + 1 = 25
Damage: 4d6 + 22 ⇒ (6, 6, 3, 5) + 22 = 42 x3 Weapon

The cold, Pale Hammer swings downward in a large arc, hoping to gain momentum. She is not full of rage and eerily calm. The only hint of emotion on her contorted face is twisting her hammer in such a way it does not harm Owens before it strikes.

Bohrs moves closer to the group, as he sees the tide turning against the watery corpses.

"Cayden bless your efforts, my friends!" he cries.

Channel Energy, Heal Allies: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Calaithes moves quickly around to attack the zombie from behind....

And gets a spray of gore as he arrives.

He considers sheathing the dagger, but decides that first he should clean it. Don't want his new favorite weapon rusting because he didn't treat it right! Glancing around he watches for any dangers. Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18

"Ah, That wasn't nice. These things are disgusting!"

What is that red thing beside Kayle on the map?

Nicolette climbs deftly atop the stacked sarcophagi and swings her hammer down. The force of the blow against decayed flesh is sickening. There might not be a time for a both, but it might be sorely desired after being covered in such muck.

Combat is over! Congratulations!

Someone please give me a Heal check.

As Bohrs sends a fresh wave of healing to mend his allies' wounds, Calaithes steps past Kayle to see a large bloodstain coming from a recess in the southest corner of the room. Opening the pack, there is a horrendous smell as the half-elf withdraws (and promptly discards) a few rotten rations. He also finds a map detailing the area, similar to the one that you all had received from the Mayor, which the entrance to the Crypt circled. There is a vial of red liquid labeled "moderate curative" (Potion of Cure Moderate Wounds), a pouch with 13 gold pieces, and a small handbill of a type typically found posted in taverns. The handbill is faded, but clearly reads as a notice of employment, telling all those interested to meet at "The Ranger's Lament."

Give me a Knowledge (local) roll to try to recall anything about this.

There is also a closed door to the south.

Kayle was considering how to keep going at it with Owens when Nicolette suddenly interjected her hammer and blew the zombie apart. While he and Owens kept the remaining zombie at bay they were soon rewarded as Nicolette brought her hammer down in a powerful arc that was astonishing. Kayle watched in awe a moment, almost missing the injuries sustained and Bohr's healing.

Not sure the specifics of the heal check, but Kayle can certainly oblige with a check.

heal: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28

Knowledge Local, Trait: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

My heal skill is untrained +1. Looks like Kayle has a good number!

Know-Local: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

Calaithes hands the potion to Nicolette. "In case you're hurt and out of reach from any healing. You take the front for our battles so it makes sense." He studies the handbill and nods his head in anger. "Somebody hired folks to break in here? Probably treasure hunters! I'll bet they broke into something trapped with a curse. And now it's released! Stupid tomb raiders!"

Looking over the destroyed bodies, Kayle realizes they are probably only a few months old. Further, their tattered clothing is similar to that worn by
the man you all found near Gray Lake.

When Calaithes reads the handbill, Bohrs' ears perk up. The Ranger's Lament, he recalls, is a popular tavern in Tamran, thr capital city of Nirmathas, about 130 miles to your southeast.

What do you do?

"So, at least two adventurers from Tamran came here on a job of some sort. Were they trying to steal the Everflame, or is there other valuables in here worth looting?" Bohrs wonders aloud.

Calaithes holds the handbill out to whoever wants it. "Adventurers? Or common sell swords! Grave robbers that are only concerned about what coin they can steal."

"Who in Tamran would know of this tomb or the EverFlame? It's been too long to stand any chance of tracking them. But whatever they stole at least we have a clue where to go to take it back!"

"Well, I would guess robbers of some kind, but we won't know." She sighs and flicks some of the gore off of her with a disgusted shiver. "Do any of you have a cleaning spell? I think we might need it in this venture. If nothing else, can you dump some of that spell water on me? Gross..."

When they are ready, she will wait for Calaithes to lead the way.

"Maybe this necromancer was connected to the tomb, and wanting to summon an army, sent an advertisement to various places to meet here...then he killed them."

"I can douse you with water until your heart's content, but I can't heat the water, so it will be a bit brisk," Bohrs replies.

(Casts create water as many times as needed or desired, as I have unlimited uses of the spell.)

Kayle smiles at Nicolette and idly swats some gore off his hide. He had thankfully swapped places with Owens, and with a look down his amusement lessened as the dog whined plaintively. "Alright, I'll clean you up." he explained before conjuring water and letting it rain down on the dog. Owens danced about under the water, snapping at it as if trying to drink it as much as get washed. Most of the looser fluid and gore was washed away, but the thicker stuff was still seeped into his coat.

Kayle chuckled again as his silly dog played, and reached down toe pet him between his wetted ears. "You really are a good boy." he reasoned, "I'll brush you out tonight."

Turning back to Nicolette and Bohrs he watched for a moment before offering, "You may want to limit it to your hair. I doubt it would feel better having water carry that bile down inside your armor."

"I think it's mostly on my outer chain. I'll just slip that off and rinse it off." Granted, he was right, that some of it was on her face and in her hair, and in the end, she would just wash her face and hair again. It would be a quick job with her soap and would leave her smelling nice again considering. Not long after, she will want to leave the putrid-smelling room and not return. Fortunately for Bohrs, he wouldn't have to cast so very much to get her clean enough again. The real challenge was getting the bits out of her armor, but once they were picked out, she would just have him rinse it down with his spell once and it'd be clean enough. "Let's hope that if we face more undead...they are less...explodey"

Calaithes accepts the water to clean his face, hands and weapon. "You're right. And it's definitely likely that we'll face more undead. Gotta hope for less messy, and I hope this muck doesn't carry any sickness. It'd be bad to make it back home only to carry a plague with us!"

He turns to the next door. "But for now, let's see what awaits behind the next door. Somebody have the gear from the dead tomb raider?"

Perception to examine the door: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14

Must have had some muck in his eye! Unless the door is locked he'll check that the team is ready and open it. Unless anybody wants to do more healing? Bohrs channeled for 4. Nicolette was down 9 and would still be down 5. ??

With pure frustration, she groans, "Oh THANKS, Calaithes...now I have the fact I'm diseased on my mind..." She then smirks to show she's just joking about the severity of her frustration, but if he's attentive, there is a hint of worry in her eye due to the fact she now is thinking about being diseased.

Bohrs pulls out the chalice and whispers a quiet prayer, ending in "Cheers!" He turns and hands it to Nicolette. "Drink up. You'll feel a better!"

Hallowed Chalice Healing: 1d6 ⇒ 5