The tomb

Game Master loc

The horses on the pathfinder seem to contain little of note. A small note in one of the packs has the same message that was left at the scene of the crime in Caliphas "If you wish to dance with the dead, be prepared to sink into an early grave."

Two sets of trail rations are available after searching through all of the packs, along with a Wayfinder. There does not appear to be any information as to where or why the pathfinders have come to this spot.

Handling the Wayfinder, Lie's eyes roll back in his head and he inhales deeply of the crisp evening air. When he comes to about a minute later, he gathers his composure and sets the device to the side. "The Pathfinder who owned this was an elf. By their choice of weapon and spell-book, I would venture they may be a magus."

It would almost certainly not change Lie's preparations the next day, but it was good to know 1) what tactics had not worked in getting out alive, and 2) what sorts of enemies they might encounter within if their predecessors had been dominated or turned to undead.

Lie reaches out into his bag and pulls out a large wooden board and a bag that clinks around with the sound of bamboo. He uncinches the cloth bag and pours out over a hundred painted bamboo tiles. "Would anyone like to play a game of mahjong?" he asks, waving his hand over the makeshift board.

Just for RP purposes; no need to actually roll anything.

Matilda glances to the graveyard once more before turning her eyes to the mass of tiles. "I've never played, but something to get my mind off our grim revelations would be welcome."

"I do have some spells that could aid in searching... but such magic tends to have a relatively short range. Mine wont do much good until we're actually in the midst of it."

(Searching Shadows and Detect Magic are options, but with limited range. Though Searching Shadows can also be used to disarm enemies or steal items.)

Lie begins to explain the rules of Mahjong to Matilda. "We'll need at least one more, preferably two," he says in invitation to the others as he sets up the tiles.

"Once we are there, I do wish to see what you can do," Lie says, glancing up. "Geniekin have always surprised me."

Searching Shadows is such a cool spell!

"Huh, that is a handy ability Lie, I might have to research into doing it... a bit out of my purview but compelling for an archivist as myself. Once you've finished with the Wayfinder, might I hold to it? I have connections with the Society, if they are dead within I can at least see it is sent to its next of kin for notification. ...I also wish to sketch it into my notes for the journey."

As the Mahjong is set up, "I'll try, I knew a groundskeeper who loved the game. He died before I got the nerve to ask him to teach me. Let me set up the area first however-"
Afterwhich, he lingers slightly looking at the game, happy that someone brought something for the purposes of enjoyment. Moving on, Malik sets up an alarm network once again. Taking care to set up one instance around the Old Cabin-but not including the old cabin in their base alarm So the old man can't walk into our camp w/out alarms for Malik. But also so Malik has an alarm around the old man's cabin in case they need help or have visitors.
Having finished that, Malik performs a slower counter clockwise walk staring off to the distance and seemingly chatting to nothing.

5 Alarm spells used to make a network again. 1 slot retained. Additionally, Malik will walk the general area using Detect Undead at Will.

Lie hands the Wayfinder over to Malik. "Of course. Pathfinders have all manner of useful technology."

The dhampir waits patiently for Malik to return so that he only has to explain the rules once, and also looks at the halflings to see if either of them are interested. Bruce might not--he didn't seem like the gaming type--but Griswald, perhaps?

As Malik returns from his walkabout, Lie thinks a bit more on the archivist's earlier comment. "I would be inclined to show you how to use psychometric techniques. It has become like second nature to me, but really only requires that one's mind is psychically attuned." He pauses, looking between Malik and Matilda, and then over to Bruce. He focuses his comments to Malik, though since he is talking about the others he invites their comment after he finishes his spiel.

"Her magic," indicating Matilda, "Is clearly arcane and innate. Or at least I have not seen her studying a spell book each morning. His magic," pointing at Bruce, "Seems to involve some sort of communion with his skunk. Might be arcane or divine. I would need to observe more. But he did suggest that he had prepared spells, and without a spellbook. Might be a witch, but more likely some sort of divine connection. And you," he nods back to Malik, "Have produced neither somatic nor verbal components for your spell work. This leads me to conclude that your mind is like mine."

He nods, satisfied with his observations, with the game of mahjong now set up. "Ah, now for the rules. Mahjong is a game of strategy, skill, and perhaps most importantly, luck."

Just a few in-character observations from the dude with a +15 to Spellcraft to tide me over before the night watch.

Bruce did not get involved with the game and also didn't care if this seemed rude to the others. It's not that he wasn't the playful type, but it was apparent that his interests lay elsewhere. Quite the contrary, actually. To a keen observer, Bruce and Rosemary were sitting on the far edge of the Grove and sometimes moved on and out, were already playing. Like five-year-olds they hunted after several tiny glowing and flying spots. Fireflys

Whenever Bruce caught one, he spoke murmered something before happily releasing it into the night sky.

After unpacking his things to camp for the night, he then settles in to play with his travelling group. "Tha lot o' ye, wit yer majiks migh' 'ave it easier tha' most. Some'imes, I envy tha powe' ye all 'have, then I remember a simple rule. If ye can'nae cas', tha' be the en' o' ye, mos'ly." Nodding towards Lie, Griswald continues "Some ain' sole focused on majiks, an' get other trainin' as well. I dinnae 'ave a bone in me body tha' can cast, and tha's where I specialize wit me knives." Listening in on Yau Lie's talk of the game, the halfling joins, "'Eard abou' thi' one 'efore. Dock worker seem'd ta be qui'e cu'throat 'bout it." His eyes kept on shifting between the house and Bruce at the edge of camp while he listened to the rules. Sleep was not going to come to him easily, so he needed some sort of distraction, which a game new to him would hopefully provide.

Just to confirm, is the plan so far to have someone fly over it alone while the rest of the group sets up camp near the home?

I don't think so.

Bruce, I assumed that that was your plan based on Thursday's post, so I was sort of figuring that you were doing that.

flashback before setting camp
Nobody responded to Bruce's suggestion and he didn't want to do it himself. He wasn't the most daredevil halfling himself and preferred resting and not splitting the group. Nevermind, just a loud thought I guess

"Does anyone have access to magic that can arrest a fall? Just in case a flyer is targeted, it might be useful to have. Or else, if someone has experience with flying--I do not, but I am willing to try--then I am willing to fly over. I am fairly perceptive."

"I have that ability. Its made for some fun cliff jumping or tower hopping. What I do not have however-is the ability to see perfectly in the night. I do have a handy lantern that lights only for me-but its not the most distance. I can also feel most undead.. but that would be within range of arrows, bolts, magic--and maybe anything with empowered hops." Malik states as the plan is re-brought up again.

"Oh, I can also make the flier invisible.I've flown before, not a specialty but I've managed alright."

Filing through his gear, pulling a latnern, and looking through for anything else that is useful....
"If we want to scout now-I can fly lower, invisible, with my Reading-Lantern, and sweep around and see if I feel undead. What are we looking for exactly for tonight? Or just a general scout?"

Malik gives a thumbs up, "I'm game. If something goes strange, go near the old man's cabin and I"ll get a ping."

This is assuming of course, that you can cast level 1 spells with level 2 slots. AFAIK I can RAW and all. But I did just use all lv 1 slots on Alarm.

Flying high into the sky, you quickly make your way a mile forward. You see after the crest of the hill it drops down, the path leading to a large fenced in graveyard. A single Mausoleum stands at the front of the grave yard, with rows of graves lining behind it. You see no undead roaming the graveyard, or any signs of distress.

Completing his loop, Malik returns to the group and lands less gently than he'd prefer. "Landing speed is always difficult. Don't know how birds do it on water....." dusting himself off, even if not terribly dusty, he continues "Seemed pretty peaceful, not much going on, I'm guessing anything is in the mausoleum or otherwise hidden."

"Or at the very least, nothing untoward is happening during the remaining daylight," Lie comments. He shrugs. "It was a worthwhile plan. Let us get some rest and be prepared for our exploration come morning."

Ready to move on.

"That's one blessing for us then. Contained undead are better than undead trying to rummage through our packs in the night."

Matilda pauses a moment, thinking quietly.

"A dim and dark mausoleum should fit my magics, as well. I've learned more than one trick to make the shadows to my bidding. Not that I get to use it much around townsfolk. Tends to unsettle them."

random: 1d5 ⇒ 1

As everyone settles in for the night after the aerial view of the graveyard the evening gives way to night without incident. A full moon hangs heavy in the night, the horses making only dull noises as they sleep.

Bruce, you are jolted awake upon hearing the cry of a horse. In the dull light of the moon, you see in the distance it laying on the ground. Its neck is slit deeply, dark blood rushing out in the moonlight. Behind you, another screech goes out before a dull thud is heard. Another horse lies dead. You catch the glint of metal in the corner of your eye, but when you look closer there is nothing. That's when you feel a sharp pain in your throat, a masked figure looming over behind you as it slits your throat.

You wake up in the crisp morning air, dew on the sparse grass.

The old man is out smoking his pipe, waving at your group as you all begin to wake and prepare for the incursion into the graveyard.

Lie spends part of the morning sitting half-naked meditating with his sword, shield, and cloak in front of him. His expression twists and ripples as his implements speak to him: praising, castigating, warning. The spirits eventually quiet down, and the dhampir feels ready to press on for the day's exploration. "I look forward to seeing what each of you bring today. If someone can help me with the final straps of my armor, we can be on our way."

Let's do this!

will vs fear: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (8) + 15 = 23

Malik helps Lie with his armour, "I knew some folks who wore heavy armour like yours. They ultimately ended up slowed down in a hoarde. If we have to run from a wave of undead, be sure not to trip Okay? "

Malik will help prepare breakfast, opting for more light food than heavy. But otherwise prepares to go. "I'm good for this now. Sooner done, sooner over."

Lie laughs ruefully at Malik's comment. "Worry not for my speed, Malik of No House. When I need to run, I am quick as wolf giving chase. But thank you for your concern."

Bruce while the nightmare was disturbing, you don’t feel any negative effects as you begin to prepare for the day.

As the group finishes their preparations and gets ready to face whatever is under the graveyard, Bruce halts and stares at the horses.
"How did you all sleep? I had a terrible nightmare. Made me wake up and shake." He waited until he had their attention and continued with answering their questioning eyes. "Someone killed the horses... And then me." While he addressed his story at the others, he looked at no one in particular and his mimic showed he was still rattled.

need to adjust spells prepared for potential undead. Not sure what the shaman list has to offer here.

Cleaning his blades, and setting them at his hips, the halfling also sets his ioun torch to float by his left shoulder. Picking small vials from his pack, Griswald then starts packing various vials and a light mace into the belt pouch before muttering an elvish word before closing the pouch. "I' any o' ya need ta 'ide anyt'ing, ask fer me. Gots many o' pockets an' 'idin' 'oles." Looking up towards Bruce he grins with a toothy smile, one of his teeth flashing a dull silver. "Slept li'e a babe meself, though me bones don' li'e thi' place much. Bein' along wit all ya spell slingin' scare me the mos', so I be keepin' an eye fer you and on ye."

Perking up at Bruce's commentary concerning dreams,"I slept well enough last night, on the way here though I had some nightmares. Sounded similiar, but I have a history with undead hoardes. It isn't uncommon for me to transpose current with the past setting. We are about to enter a pretty rough situation. Dread is normal."

if everyone would like to finalize their prepared spells and cast any, I will have the party begin their exploration of the graveyard tomorrow..

I am not prepared caster. So i'm good to go~

No need for the magics on my end!

The only thing that could change for Lie from day to day is the distribution of his focus points, which he won't do because they're ideal for getting his attribute bonuses. There would need to be remarkable circumstances for my build to alter.

"My dreams have been peaceful," Lie notes, looking from Bruce to Malik, who both confirm unpleasant dreams. "It sounds as though we may be being targeted. There are spells that can affect one in one's sleep. There are also protections that one can use, though such spells are beyond my knowledge. If we are canny today, we may have no need for sleep before we recover the artifact." Thought that was a big if.

With his implements secured, Lie raises his enormous blade to point to the graveyard. "We will cleanse that which seeks to disrupt the Cycle of Souls. Onward."

Everyone's call makes me a perception check. This is to avoid being surprised.

As the party begins the walk down the road they crest the hill overlooking the graveyard. Below the morning fog hangs at the bottom of the hill, shielded from the sun. As you begin your descent down the hill, noise can be heard behind you. The gallop of hoves grows louder and louder as a rider shimmers into existence on the crest of the hill. The horseman wears dark clothing, his skeletal horse shimmering with green ectoplasm. In one hand he holds a flaming jack'o lantern. With the other hand, he wields a scythe one-handed.

Cackling rings out from the skeleton as it begins to run you down. "You will never reach the safety of the graveyard!"

In your current position on the road, it's about 300 feet from the entry gate of the graveyard. Everyone can roll initiative as well.

This is also a haunt in terms of your ability Yau.

Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (14) + 14 = 28

Clarifying that Lie's name follows Chinese naming conventions: Yau is his family name, and Lie is his given name. So calling him Yau is a bit confusing. It's like calling Matt Smith "Smith" instead of "Matt." Not a big deal; just something to point out.

If there is a surprise round, I can act in it thanks to the Hauntist ability.

Would it be possible to put a link to Roll20 in the campaign header? That'll just save a couple of steps each time. Also, I do still have a token that I can upload if given permission/a place to send it. I don't see much on Roll20 yet. So can you please clarify: are we 300 feet from the graveyard, or is the (headless?) horseman 300 ft from the graveyard?

Perception: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (7) + 16 = 23
Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Knowledge (religion): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (15) + 15 = 30

Lie may not be naturally fast, but he knows a haunt when he sees one. "And you shall find your eternal rest this day!" the dhampir says, clanging his nodachi against his shield. "It's a Haunt," he says to those near him. "I will study its aura to find a weakness."

What can I determine about this haunt from a 30 religion check? I would in particular like to know if it can be damaged by methods of attack other than positive energy damage, along with any clues about destroying it beyond initial neutralization. If the check is really good, knowing its effects would be swell.

The haunt itself can be damaged only with positive energy, holy water, etc. The haunt itself is moving as well but seems simple to land a touch, not seeming to have much self-preservation as it launches towards you all. You have heard tales of haunts such as these as well. In those situations, they have been laid to rest by tricking the haunt into either charging over a buried holy weapon, or over certain consecrated areas.

As the party reaches the top of the hill overlooking the graveyard, Bruce halts. This a haunting sight, graveyards always give him a chill. I better prepare. He begins casting the same spells he did few days ago.
Casting Heightened Awareness and False Life (1d10 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14)
I'm a language not understandable to anyone in the party he speaks to the satchel buckled to his vest. "Are you OK, in there? I think it's better to keep you save. If everything is clear, you can come out and walk around." The Skunk answered in the same cryptic language, but it did not sound happy.

perception: 1d20 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 13 + 2 = 27
Ini: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
Knowledge Religion: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 4 + 2 = 24

"He's right!" Bruce shouts in agreement with Lie while assuming a defensive position. Why would the graveyard be considered a safe place?

Apologies as well. The haunt is about sixty feet away from you when it manifests. As of right now, you are not quite on the map prepared but I will link to the d20 site when I get home and have access my main computer.

perception: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (18) + 23 = 41
fair shot not surprised here
join battle: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

"Fight or Run? I can calm it... but I can't do that often.."
I do have 1/day calm spirit from my class. but if we want to just run I"m fine with it.

Perception:: 1d20 ⇒ 1
Initiative:: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Matilda will cast Arcane Pocket at the start of the day. Also feel free to use her picture here for the token. I like the idea of making a custom one, but haven't had time.

Matilda readied herself for the day to come, cleaning a staff shaped like a pair of serpents and adjusting her hat.

-----

"I can certainly try. My magic should work against the average spirit, at least!"

Bruce you are up first in the surprise round. The only one who can not act is Matilda, but the haunt will go directly after you.

Griswald didn't roll Initiative, so he might also be acting.

"We put the spirit to rest," Lie shouts back. "If you have positive energy at your disposal, or even holy water, use it!"

I'll have Bruce go first, and if Griswald has not rolled by then I will roll his initiative for him.

"Ok." Bruce confirms briefly. He moves slightly behind the group to not be the first in line. His hands are raised in the air and small clouds seem to form, but don't do so just yet.

ready action Storm Burst, when the haunt comes within 30 ft.

Initiative: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
Ok so I will give him until the end of the day to take action then will just run him for that round.

Sorry, been busy with house things! Here we go!

"Wasn' expetin' 'aunts! Blasted undead! No offence Lie!" Griswald calls out as he pulls out a small vial of red liquid with a small red cross on it.

Surprise round (One Action): Move action to pull out a potion of Cure Light Wounds from his handy haversack.

The headless horseman cackles as it it rushes towards you.
target: 1d5 ⇒ 4

The horseman passes through your bodies, its insubstantial form sending chills through your skin as it tries to chop into Matilda.

Attack: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (20) + 16 = 36
confirm: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (1) + 16 = 17

For a moment it looks like the scythe is heading towards her neck but instead digs into her shoulder.

damage: 4d6 + 3 ⇒ (3, 5, 1, 3) + 3 = 15
Matilda you take 15 points of force damage as it charges by, shimmering out of view before suddenly appearing back at the top of the hill, mid charge towards you all again.

"Bloody..... Just run! We ca' deal wit' it la'er!" he shouts, moving his legs as fast as they would take him down the hill towards the cemetery. Never been good with haunts! I should have known when undead were mentioned. "Som'one git tha' thing! I dinnae 'ave tha 'ools fer 'aunts!"!

Full withdraw towards the cemetary, in hopes to outrun the haunt.

Huh, so the rest of us can't act during the surprise round at all? Was it able to charge, attack, and teleport as a single action? Rough. It feels like the rest of us got skipped then.

"No offense taken. My father can burn in Hell," Lie says sidelong to Griswald.

Mature, son.

As the haunt lays into Matilda before Lie can do anything about it, he balks and shouts to the others. "If you can consecrate the ground, bury a holy weapon in it, or channel positive energy, then stand with me and prepare. Or else flee," Lie commands. He stows his blade and holds up his hand, taking a step ahead to put himself in front of the others. "Come to me, spirit," he shouts.

Readied Action* Haunt Channeler Touch: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16 Haunts theoretically have an AC of 10 for effects that require contact, so hopefully that hits.
Positive Energy: 3d6 ⇒ (5, 1, 3) = 9

*Trigger: the haunt comes within his reach. If the attack hits, Lie asks the haunt why it is restless.

As the haunt rushes towards Matilda, Bruce released a storm cloud from his hands that wrapped around the ectoplasmic being.
theoratically it has a 20% miss chance now for two rounds. But it rolled a Nat 20, so this is ignored for its first attack sadly.

I don't think a nat 20 negates concealment, so the haunt should still roll unless it has an ability to ignore. Does that concealment affect us, too?