DM Brainiac's Dungeon Crawl Classics

Game Master Brainiac

The skeletons wear chain mail, now ruined with rust, and once carried morning stars, now sunk at the bottom of the pool. A holy symbol hangs from a golden chain around each skeleton’s neck. The holy symbols depict a radiant starburst, the ensign of the primal forces of life and light.

Close inspection shows that the wax seal on the binding stone is composed of five distinct segments placed in a specific order. Mirinde inherently knows that the segments must be gently heated and peeled away in the reverse sequence, and that failing to do so will unleash a deadly trap.

Thieves can learn clues about the order in which the seals were placed with successful DC 15 find traps checks; additionally, PC clerics, elves, or wizards can aid the thief in the study, granting +1 per assistant. Each successful check gives the thief one clue. The thief can continue attempting checks until failing one. There are four clues total.

Clancy's mouth is set in a grim line as he magically inspects the jewels, and then the scene of the ancient sacrifice. "The gems radiate an aura of doom. And Mirinde, be careful. The large stone blocking the passage has a fell aura too." As the group inspects the four skeletons, Clancy points out the holy symbols worn by each - surely a sign of the Law by which they'd each pledged their lives. And, apparently, their deaths as well. "We must be careful if we decide to do this. I will help as much as I can, but I fear that I do not have the steady hands that is required to undo the binding of this seal."

If we're doing this, you're got +1 from Clancy.

Unsure how to be useful, Istevan stands defensively near the edge of the water, trying to keep an eye on both the stone and the entrance to the chamber.

Mirinde nods slowly in agreement with Clancy here and prepares to assist Degan in the grim task of unsealing the binding.

Degan gets an additional +1 from Mirinde.

Let's see how much Luck he has to burn... he used 2 getting in to the dungeon, but we rested and he gets back level/day, meaning he is at full.

Degan takes a deep breath and ventures forward to examine the seals.
I wasn't sure if you burned Luck before or after seeing the roll, but then I saw this post from the GM that made clear it was the latter and that I can roll as I go to see how much I need to burn.

Find Traps, 2 assists: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 5 + 2 = 17
Find Traps, 2 assists: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 5 + 2 = 17
Find Traps, 2 assists: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 5 + 2 = 27
Find Traps, 2 assists: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 2 = 10 plus Luck!: 1d5 ⇒ 5

"Okay, I think I have it."

Luck 11/12.

Yes, you burn Luck after you see the results of your roll, but only once per roll. Nice rolls!

Degan proves his worth as a thief as he examines the symbols. With the aid of Clancy and Mirinde (and a bit of luck), he determines the following:

Assuming the five sections are A through E, from left to right:

Segment C was placed last.

Segment B was placed immediately after segment E.

Segment D was placed before segments A or E.

Segment A was placed after segment B.

Remember that the proper sequence for removing the wax segments is the reverse of the order of placement.

So it looks like the order the segments were placed is:
D > E > B > A > C.

So the order to remove them is:
C < A < B < E < D.

"Should I remove the wax seals now? We'd want a torch, but not too close. We just want to heat them enough to peel them away."

Is that one Disable Trap check or five? Can Degan estimate how difficult it might be (so I can decide how much Luck to burn)? If not, I'll go with one Luck per check (if five checks) or three Luck (if one check).

Clancy grins at Mirinde, giving the elf a nod of respect for deductive reasoning. "That sounds correct to me as well. Here, I'll hold a lantern for you to see by." With that, the cleric uses flint and steel to ignite the lamp and holds it up so that Degan can see well enough to strip away the wax seals.

I'm thinking we've solved the puzzle through those excellent rolls and Mirinde's problem-solving acumen. I'm sure the GM will let you know if more rolls are needed!

Correct, to further rolls are needed. :)

One by one, you remove the wax seals in the proper order. Once the wax is removed, Istevan and Zathra are able to use their strength to roll the stone aside. Those able to see into the pit once the stone is removed see
a sooty grotto below and a long, serpentine tail swishing through the gloom. a moment later, a beautiful young woman with flawless, pale skin wearing a hooded cloak emerges from the grotto! A large raven perches on her shoulder, cocking its head as it regards you curiously.

The woman gives you an icy smile as she steps closer. "For far too long did I languish in that forsaken place. I am grateful for your rescue, mortals. I am in your debt." Though her manner and speech are kind and beguiling, she moves like a spider among flies, every motion invoking a deep-seated aversion in your souls...

Is Detect Evil is still going? I'm like 95% sure that the heavenly alarm bells are going off, but wanted to make sure...

Nice rolling, Degan!

Istevan backs out of the way as the woman emerges, remaining on the defensive while allowing her a clear way out of the room.

"No problem. If you don't mind our asking: who are you and why were you in there?"

Mirinde studies the features of the beautiful woman (and her raven) closely, while she allows the warriors to occupy her attention.

That raven...it could be a spirit companion or even...a familiar...interesting. She may actually be mortal!

"Forgive my companion's bluntness. We mean no offense but our curiosity is quite piqued here."

Yes, detect evil says she is dangerous!

"Why, I am the Carnifex," the woman says. "I am the embodiment of suffering and the transience of the mortal coil. Life is agony, and I am release in the form of exalted death.

"The vile Azazel drove me down here to my innermost sanctum and imprisoned me here for an age. But I am free once more."

From the rooms above, you can hear muffled shouts and footsteps rapidly growing louder. The Carnifex lets out a gentle chuckle. "It seems my enemies have sensed my escape. Will you grant me one last boon, my saviors, and cut a bloody swath through my hated foes? I would be ever so grateful..."

"Personally, I've not yet finished with my suffering through this life. Thanks, though.
Azazel's thataway, if you've unfinished business with him."

"It seems like this Azazel meant to give their life to imprison you, but then reconsidered. Because they still live.
I'm not really built for cutting a bloody swath through anybody. And I'm, uh, not looking for the release of exalted death either."

Mirinde glances behind them before shifting her gaze to the Carnifex, "Your offer is quite...tempting and I am not adverse to your gratitude...although perhaps you have something more to offer..."

Clancy gives Mirinde a look of horror. "This... this creature is evil incarnate! I believe we have made a terrible mistake in unsealing this tomb."

Istevan scratches his temple: "Yeeah... I'm confused. Carnifex does seem evil (no offense), but still somehow more trustworthy than Azazel. All the same, maybe we should crack those jewels after all?"

The Carnifex spreads her arms. "Whether you want to or not, you're going to have to fight to survive. I will grant you my boon. Do with it what you wish."

A cold wind blows over you, and you feel the goddess' power fill your bodies. And just in time, too, as Azazel and a dozen of his followers flood down into the grotto. Azazel stops short as he gazes upon the Carnifex behind you. "You fools! For your transgressions here, you will die!" he cries, the light around him glowing in an almost-blinding radiance!

Everybody may act first. The Carnifex grants you the following blessings for the duration of the final battle:

• +3 to hit and damage
• Critical hits struck on natural rolls of 17 or greater
• While conscious, PCs regenerate at a rate equal to their Stamina bonuses +1/round
• PCs reduced to 0 hp or less fall unconscious but do not die

"Justicia forgive me."Clancy murmurs, conjuring his magic as he readies himself to fight. He asks for his patron's blessing for the coming battle, figuring this to answer his prayer for forgiveness...

Blessing Spell Caster Level Check: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
20-23: +Bonus: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 to attack & damage rolls, saves, skill & spell checks for 1 turn; holy aura radiates out from the cleric to a distance of 5' and all allies within the glow receive the same blessings so long as they remain within the aura

As a heavenly host sings out, and Clancy is bathed in a radiant holy aura that reaches to touch those standing near, the cleric closes his eyes for a moment in silent thanks, then nods. "So be it. Justicia is with us, it seems." Then he draws his mace and charges into the fray!

Sweet! Not sure if this stacks with the +3 to hit and damage rolls granted by Carnifex? If so, we're all at +7 to attack and damage! Even if it doesn't, the +4 bonus will replace that +3 AND apply to saves, skill checks AND spell checks to any that stay within 5' of me for the next 10 minutes. I'd imagine Zathra and Istevan will be on the front line with Clancy. Mirinde, if you want to stick just behind the cleric to receive that bonus to your spell check, feel free to do so!

Nice! I'll add the +4 to my rolls for now, and GM can add the extra +3 if they stack.

Istevan's look of indecision fades quickly as Azazel's minions move in to attack. He instinctively moves to protect himself and his friends:

Longsword: 1d20 + 1d5 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (20) + (5) + 1 + 4 = 30
Damage: 1d8 + 5 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 1 + 4 = 11

Oh damn! That's Istevan's first crit!

Crit: 1d16 ⇒ 1 = Herculean blow

Extra Crit damage: 2d12 ⇒ (8, 8) = 16

So... 27 damage (or 30, if the bonuses stack)
I'd like to say that was against Azazel, but I imagine he's hiding behind his followers

Absolutely Mirinde will take advantage of Justica's blessing :)

As Azazel announces his presence Mirinde feels the presence of the goddess wash over her...bring with it a sense of loss and pain she was well used to. Moving to draw strength from her agony here she cries out, "YOu are the fool Azazel! Life IS Agony and Suffering! Locking up the source of the pain is no way to confront it. It must be dealt with DIRECTLY!!"

She then calls upon her magicks to bring pain and agony to Azazel and his followers!

Cast Magic Missile.
Spell Check: 1d20 + 3 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 4 = 8 Lost, Misfire!
Misfire!: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 Patron Taint (The Lady in Blue).
DM Brainiac: Let me know what form the Patron Taint takes, then I can decide whether to burn a point of Luck to avoid it.

Degan remains next to Clancy.
He draws his crossbow and fires at one of Azazel's followers - anyone to whom he has a clear shot.

With the cowardly thief under the blessing of multiple deities, Beni from The Mummy comes to mind.

Crossbow, Blessing of Justicia, Blessing of Carnifex: 1d20 + 2 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 2 + 4 + 3 = 18
Damage: 1d6 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 3 = 8

LOL! Love that reference, Degan! Didn't mean to leave you out of the offer to join the Blessing, but wasn't sure if you wanted to be that close to the action or not! You're behind a wall of melee types though (if you count Clancy among them), so what could go wrong? Other than a misfired Magic Missile... :p Mirinde's speech made me think of Westley/Dread Pirate Roberts in The Princess Bride. "Life IS pain, highness. Anyone that says differently is selling something."