GM Enchanter's #2-25: You Only Die Twice (Inactive)

Game Master Enchanter Tim

Kuryn shrugs at Lancyn's explanation, but then he shakes his head. "No grave marker. Look for freshly turned earth."

"I can mention your group to others, but Pharasmins are not about to ask a band of undead if they are Pathfinders before attacking. You should be very vocal about who you are if you encounter other groups. There's not really much to help identify you from the next band of undead ghouls."

I'll pause for you to do more healing, but if not, I'll move us along soon

Khorshid shrugs.

“Just great … well we should be happy that nobody was killed. Oh … except our Pathfinder companion of course. But ok. Let’s look for his grave!!“

Khorshid is ready to continue.

Angela hands her wand over to the cleric and has him patch her up for a bit.

ILW wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9 -9
ILW wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9 full

She then gives everyone a nod. "Seems we should go find his corpse if nothing else. I might give us a hint as to where his notes and materials are as well. It truly is a shame, he was great about filing his paperwork and kept meticulous receipts of his expenses. Can't really speak to his character, though."

You move on, allowing Kuryn to to free the living chattel in the pens. Tath decides to help the Pharasmins escort them back to the lands of the living.

Following Kuryn's directions, a twisted, forking path of dry land winds through the swamp here. A low, solitary hill rises from the horizon to the south, an ominous stone cairn marring its smooth crest with a ghastly crown. The area is covered in an unnatural pall, and even natural sounds seem dulled.

**Map**

I realized I may have goofed and there is a marker. Pretend the stone cairn is the marker Kuryn identified.

kn nature to identify any terrain/plants: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
survival to see tracks: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10
perception to see something special: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

Khorshid looks around to see if he discovers something.

Hi GM, I do not see a map or is that only me?

Angela pauses for a moment, curious if anything here is something she'd recognize from her extensive reading.

Knowledge any (plants, Arcana?): 1d20 + 8 + 1d6 ⇒ (13) + 8 + (3) = 24

She then takes a moment to sniff the air and see if she can't truly get any idea of what is happening here.

Perception: 1d20 + 17 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 17 + (5) = 24

Standing amid the rest of the group Lancyn steps forward a number of paces and looks about hoping to see if he is able to catch anything out of norms or if the temple to The Pallid Princess has more to it than meets the eye.

Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 18

Knowledge (Religion) on the temple to see if anything seems off: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

Off to the south, you see the cairn marker that Kuryn mentioned. Angela sees that the plants in the area seem dull and lifeless, like their energy was being drained. Lancyn doesn't notice anything off about the undead temple, other than it being an undead temple.

The eerie quiet is unnerving, but the grave marker stands out on the hill.

**Map**

“Ahh, everything is very dead. Ok, let’s see … “ the purple haired gnome says and approaches the stone.

“Ahh, everything is very dead. Ok, let’s see … “ the purple haired gnome says and approaches the stone.

"Of course. We are in Geb, after all," Golthwur mutters.

The wizard casts detect magic, slowing scanning the area of auras as he joins the others.

Longspear out, but held like a walking stick, Angela slowly approaches the marker, her eyes peeled for any traps or other things potentially hiding in the brushes.

"Right, are we going to exhumed the researcher or leave him be? I personally move for making sure he gets back to family and friends and a proper funeral for them. Having an actual body is not only much easier on them, but the paperwork is significantly easier (and the potential to revive him goes up.) However if you're willing to write statements about finding him dead, we can leave him too."

Khorshid shrugs.

"Angela, of course we get him out of there! We need to examine him!" he says.

Actually, let's forget the map on this one.

As Angela and Khorshid approach the stone, suddenly Golthwur feels the surge of magic. Angela picks up the sound of religious chanting and frantic, sloshing footsteps running through the swamp, giving her just a moment to try and act.

Angela can give me a single action (move or standard). She realizes this is a haunt.

Angela's ears perk as she catches the first hints of a haunt and fumbles for her Wayfinder as she quickly exclaims, "We're Pathfinders, here to find you, Joktan, and the Testaments you were hunting. We won't hurt you if you will leave us alone!"

Diplomacy? Maybe??: 1d20 + 15 + 1d6 ⇒ (15) + 15 + (3) = 33

Knowledge(Religion): 1d20 + 8 + 1d6 ⇒ (6) + 8 + (6) = 20

As Angela tries to reason with the haunt, the chanting reaches a crescendo and positive energy burst out. Angela, Khorshid, and Golthwur are in the area.

Positive energy (Fort Save DC 16 for half): 4d8 + 7 ⇒ (5, 8, 8, 3) + 7 = 31

After the life energy floods the area, the eerie stillness of the cairn returns.

Everyone can give me a new Knowledge Religion check.

kn religion: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

Fort (DC 16): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
Knowledge (religion): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22

"What the devil?!" cries Golthwur as his undead body is wracked with horrid vitality.

will : 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (10) + 14 = 24

Fort Save DC 16: 1d20 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 6 + (5) = 13

Seeing the wave coming for her Angela takes a moment to think as quickly as she can. With a flash of inspiration, she downs a small vial of something hoping to help keep the positive energy at bay. It fails to help at all, though.

Spent 2 inspiration to add her die to the save, still failed. Le sigh

As your undead flesh is eaten away by the effect, Golthwur and Angela realize the haunt is tied to Joktan's death. It must have been created by his failure and the disgrace of being killed by Pharasmin clerics. Both Angela and Golthur believe the haunt can be cleansed by being blessed by a good cleric with 2 vials of holy water and with a solemn apology for his death. They also realize that the haunt will reset in 1 hour, but until then it will not trigger again.

Party Health:
Khorshid 31/47
Angela 14/45
Lancyn 56/58
Golthwur 19/37

"Honestly, one would think a Pathfinder should be more accepting of the prospect of death--whatever its manner--and just move along," mutters unliving Golthwur.

Then, recalling the party's briefing, the undead wizard gets a bit more lively, "Any sign of the Testament?"

He casts detect magic and eagerly surveys the scene.
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

Golthwur senses the dissipating energies of the haunt, but nothing further from the cairn. The cairn stone is a simple unmarked, and unadorned piece. If you hadn't been told what to look for and where, it would mean nothing to you. If Joktan had anything it probably would be on his body.

"Come on, let us dig out our Pathfinder friend and see what he had on him!" Khorshid says.

Angela starts to help dig up the former pathfinder as well, hoping gto finish up as quickly as possible and get away from the haunt before an hour passes and it is primed to go off yet again.

As you dig into the ground, the soft earth gives of a vile stench of rotting flesh. You eventually find bodies of some of those that were with Jotkan, but the body of the Pathfinder scholar seems to be missing! As you dig down to where it might be, you find a mass of wriggling worms that squirm and twist to get away from you. Most burrow back into the mud, but some land on the surface and crawl along the ground towards the Temple of Urgathoa.

kn religion, in case the worms crawling tells us something: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

Khorshid is going to also cast detect magic to be sure that there is nothing else in the ground.

In case there is nothing else to be found: "Okay, I think the temple is where we need to go, right?"

Angela gives a sigh as soon as it's clear that the man they are looking for is in a different hole. "Right, Church of Urgothoa... I guess we should hope that he was only reraised as an undead and not eaten in some horrible feasting/canabalism ritaul."

"Angela that would be the least of our concerns when thinking of Urgothoa. We're in for a long night I would reckon." Lancyn chimes in seeming to shake of a daze one receives after eating to much turkey.

Following along Lancyn takes point in order to provide some sort of protection for anything that may come. While also attempting to interpret the worms movements.

Knw. Religion: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28

"Missing from the grave, eh?" Golthwur observes. "This undead id un-hole-y, indeed!"

Recalling the mention of Urgothoa, the wizard strokes his beard in thought.
Knowledge (religion): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26

All of you realize the vile, putrid worms from the brackish water likely fed on any ambition and frustration Joktan may have felt at the moment of his death. If so, they could have feasted on his soul and multiplied, creating a creature known as a worm that walks, a mass of worms that clings to the vague shape of the body that granted it this new existence, and can wield the powers and magic the spellcaster had in life.

As the worms wriggle their way towards the temple, you realize this was Joktan's goal and his previous ambition may have drawn in the new creature.

You realize that a new Worm that Walks may have issues settling into its new form. While it has Fast Healing and Damage Reduction they may be diminished during this period. Due to its hive mind, it is also immune to mind-affecting effects.

Khorshid uses two charges of his wand of infernal healing.

umd dc 20: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (9) + 15 = 24

umd dc 20: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (2) + 15 = 17

umd dc 20: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (11) + 15 = 26

"Ehh ... should we just destroy it now? Or do we follow?"

The worms wriggling their way to the temple are likely the stragglers. Most of the mass that consumed Jotkan is already there.

Any other prep or healing before we head in?

Khorshid starts to move to the temple on his undead riding dog.

"I will show that worms are just worms!" the Asmodean shouts.

The temple of Urgathoa stands somberly atop the low hill, it’s dark, smooth stone seeming to suck the hollow light from the air into itself, giving off an aura of darkness. Large double doors stand ajar, providing a glimpse into the square sanctuary within. A black altar stands on a raised dais along the south wall, covered in cobwebs and dust. Small torches are set into pillars throughout the room cast an eerie, flickering glow on the entire chamber.

Joktan Heth, once a human Pathfinder but now a vile mass of writhing worms in undulating humanoid form, stands atop the altar. Surrounding him on the temple floor are his undead minions, watching his every move.

The robed figure of slithering worms jerks his head up at an unsettling angle when he senses your approach. “Welcome, Pathfinders. I’m glad you managed to find me, although truth be told, you’re rather late. Still, at least you’ll be able to witness my greatest triumph. I’d take the time to explain things to you, but well, I’d rather just kill you and get this over with.” With that, he motions and his undead surge forward.

“Oh wow! You’re truly ugly! I cannot believe that you even appreciate this new state of yours. Well, you were too weak to fend and off the Pharasmians so no wonders being a worm feels like an upgrade!“ the little gnome with purple hair says disrespectfully.

Round 1
Khorshid
Red
Heth
Green
Golthwur
Lancyn
Angela
Orange

**Battle Map**

I was mistaken earlier. A Worm that Walks is not immune to mind-affecting.

Khorshid immediately moves forward on his riding dog and casts glitterdust on all of the opponents!

Swift Action: Hypnotic Stare (Su) on Heth: A mesmerist can focus his stare on one creature within 30 feet as a swift action. That creature takes a –2 penalty on Will saving throws.
Standard action: Cast glitterdust on all opponents, see map. DC 18 will save where Heth has -2.

~

In case Khorshid is attacked, he will activate mesmeric mirror trick as a free action so that 2 mirror images appear.

Heth shields his eyes from Khorshid's magic and laughs. His undead minions, however, howl at being blinded. Two of them race forward blindly with Heth casting magic to quicken them despite their blindness.

The undead reach for Khorshid, trying to bite at him, but they only grab air with their vile teeth since they can't see him.

Round 1
Khorshid (2 images)
Red (hasted, blind)
Heth (hasted)
Green (hasted, blind)
Golthwur -18
Lancyn
Angela -31
Orange (hasted, blind)

**Battle Map**

Shoot I failed to heal up, didn't I? Hrmm. Defensive elixirs Go!

Angela pulls out a bottle labeled Displacement and downs it before she pulls out her longspear and dances forwards.

Getting close enough to affect the fight, she takes a moment to focus and swiftly interjects her spear into the green undead's space, hoping to help whoever needs it with their next attack,
Longspear aid another, swift: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

"Alas, when you all congregate around our opponents, you prevent me from creating fireballs that would terminate the existence of these former Pathfinders as well as you present members!"[b] laments Golthwur.

[b]"Limited as I may be by such constraints--for the Society has already deemed it necessary, one more than one occasion, to request I do so--I, Golthwur Strath, Exterminator of Ex-Pathfinders and Defeated of Defectors, am far from powerless!" With his declaration, the wizard retrieves his wand and sends a bolt of force into one of the nearest former agents.
MM v red: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Angela harries the undead with her spear, while the powerful wizard uses his mighty magical means to send a miniscule magic missile towards them.

Round 1
Khorshid (2 images)
Red (hasted, blind) -5
Heth (hasted)
Green (hasted, blind)
Golthwur -18
Lancyn
Angela -31
Orange (hasted, blind)

**Battle Map**

Sorry Folks been sick and thought I already posted.

Lancyn rushes forward in a charge towards the minion in the red tabard. shouting out "Seems you have resigned your self to your fate Joktan!"

+1 Adamantine Longsword/PA/Charge: 1d20 + 10 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 10 - 2 + 2 = 27
Adamantine Magical Slashing/PA: 1d8 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 4 = 16

-2AC until next turn

Lancyn charges forward and cuts down one of the undead. The one in the rear leaps blindly forward, seeking out the source of life and meat. It flails around, trying to bit at Lancyn, but only snaps air.

Round 2
Khorshid (2 images)
Red (hasted, blind) -5
Heth (hasted)
Green (hasted, blind)
Golthwur -18
Lancyn (-2AC)
Angela -31
Orange (hasted, blind)

**Battle Map**

Hope you’re better Lancyn!!

Khorshid stares at the worm creature and shakes his rotten undead head.

Swift action demoralize : 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (4) + 19 = 23

“Big mistake … bad timing… you’ll regret that you turned your back on your duty to the pathfinder society!“

Khorshid then 5ft steps back and casts blindness on the intimidated worm.

DC 17 fort save vs blindness with -2 for shaken?

The ghoul who tried to attack Lancyn rubs his eyes and you see him begins to track the Paladin again. Meanwhile, Joktan Heth is taken aback by the power of Khorshid's gaze and then shouts as his world goes dark.

As Heth looks around, however, you see the worms that make up his new form wriggle and extend into the air. He suddenly turns and begins tracking those near him. He leaps off the altar and strides toward Khorshid, knowing that he's responsible for his blindness. "You're too late! Your doom is approaching!" He raises a hand and lightning blasts out at the gnome.

One of the undead, still blind, lashes out at Lancyn, trying to eat the man's undead flesh right off. While there are some nasty attacks, the blindness means that the undead mostly hits air. One bite does land, however, and the Paladin can feel his muscles begin to lock up. Afterwards, Lancyn can see the undead's eyes refocus on him.

Lightning Bolt vs Khorshid (Reflex DC17): 6d6 ⇒ (5, 4, 3, 4, 1, 6) = 23

Green Bite vs Lancyn: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22 Miss chance: 1d100 ⇒ 21 Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 Miss
Green Claw vs Lancyn: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9 Miss chance: 1d100 ⇒ 60 Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 Miss
Green Claw vs Lancyn: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23 Miss chance: 1d100 ⇒ 18 Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 Miss
Green Bite (hasted attack) vs Lancyn: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23 Miss chance: 1d100 ⇒ 57 Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 Hit, possible crit
Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19 No Crit
Possible Paralysis: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Green Glitterdust save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

Round 2
Khorshid (2 images) (Need Reflex Save DC17)
Heth (hasted, shaken, blind)
Green (hasted)
Golthwur -18
Lancyn -4 (Need Fort DC13 or paralyzed for 3 rounds)
Angela -31 (displacement, aiding vs Green)
Orange (hasted)

**Battle Map**

The riding dog jumps away but Khorshid who is riding the dog is off balance and is hit hard by the lightning!

reflex riding dog : 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
reflex Khorshid : 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

temp hitpoints : 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

I forgot about the riding dog!

Round 2
Khorshid (2 images) -23 (3 temp hp)
. . Riding Dog -11
Heth (hasted, shaken, blind)
Green (hasted)
Golthwur -18
Lancyn -4 (Need Fort DC13 or paralyzed for 3 rounds)
Angela -31 (displacement, aiding vs Green)
Orange (hasted)

**Battle Map**

"Not only do you refuse to move, but you risk paralysis?!"[b] scoffs Golthwur. [b]"Fear not, I shall save you! Feel my magical might!"

With a flick of the wrist, the wizards sends a bolt of force into another one of the former agents.
MM v green: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Fort vs. Paralysis: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13 Iomedae be praised!

Feeling his muscle begin to fight off whatever was attempting to lock them up he shouts "Seems we got a biter here!", only in hopes to lighten the mood.

Being harried by the undead in green Lancyn takes his opportunity made available by Angela between the ghouls gnashing teeth and hurried claws the paladin lashes out with his longsword twice.

+1 Adamantine Longsword/PA/Aid: 1d20 + 10 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 10 - 2 + 2 = 28
Adamantine Magical Slashing/PA: 1d8 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 4 = 11

+1 Adamantine Longsword/PA/Aid: 1d20 + 5 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 5 - 2 + 2 = 8

Gonna Use my Folio Reroll, because that was sad.

+1 Adamantine Longsword/PA/Aid/Reroll: 1d20 + 5 - 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 5 - 2 + 2 + 2 = 23
Adamantine Magical Slashing/PA: 1d8 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 4 = 16

Lancyn's first strike finishes off Green, so his second strike will go against Yellow.

Golthwur wounds the first undead, and then Lancyn takes it down with a thrust straight through its chest. Then he pulls the sword out and beheads the other one with a quick swipe!

Round 2
Khorshid (2 images) -23 (3 temp hp)
. . Riding Dog -11
Heth (hasted, shaken, blind)
Green (hasted, blind)
Golthwur -18
Lancyn -4
Angela -31 (displacement)
Orange (hasted, blind)

Round 3
Khorshid (2 images) -23 (3 temp hp)
. . Riding Dog -11

**Battle Map**