NG Female Leshy Champion (Redeemer) 2 HP: 32/32 | AC: 19 (21 w/shield raised) | F: +8, R: +5, W: +7 | Perc: +5 | Stealth: +3 | Speed: 25 ft. | Senses: Low-Light Vision | Focus Point: 1/1 | Active Conditions: Marshal's Aura 10 ft. (+1 status vs. fear)
"That's amazing!" Bee marvels as Qen reinforces the ceiling with ease. "Have you always had a talent for making and working with your hands or did it take lots of studying? Or was it a little of both?"
With Qen's repair, the ceiling looks much more stable. Whatever's up there will stay there for now, and the Pathfinders can safely enter the room.
The statue looks a little damaged, as though they're was some fighting in this room, but the dust has long settled. It's certainly still a valuable relic of the school.
In the southeastern corner of the room rests a large stone statue depicting a chariot wheel wreathed in flame. Good-News-Bee recognizes that the odd design is meaningful in the faith of Iomedae. She notes the similarity to the sign of the Flaming Wheel tavern.
It's damaged, but still in good enough shape that it would certainly count as a relic of the school--and a particularly impressive one. Though it would be quite difficult to carry, and the Pathfinders already have a collection of relics... Of course, the challenge is getting it outside. Quadennillia is confident her repaired wagon can hold it, and with Larraz rescued commanding Desert Wind to pull the wagon is a non-issue.
16 Bulk, but up to six creatures can work together to carry it. It's damaged, but is currently above the broken threshold. If multiple people are carrying the statue and need to put it down, they must coordinate (Ready actions to put it down when the last person does) or drop it and risk damaging it further.
The statue counts as two relics, but you already have five and weren't expected to recover everything.
"Huh? Wait, what?" | CG Male Gnome Oracle 2 | HP 26 | AC 18 | Fort +5; Ref +6; Will +7; | Perception +5 low-light vision | Speed 25 | Spell DC 18 | Exploration (search)
Macondi finishes checking out the gloves and comes up behind Bee. "I think we should make an attempt at it. If we can't get it out, we won't have lost anything more than if we don't try."
"Does anyone want these gloves more than I do? I can heal reasonably well on my own. Though I am half-way out of energy for it today." He looks at the wheel statue again. "Would it take all six of us to carry it? Or could we keep a couple of people at the ready for protection?"
The Pathfinders maneuver the heavy statue from the dean's room to the stairs. Larraz directs them towards the side staircases.
"The spiral staircase in the middle looks pretty, but its got those tight turns, and I'm pretty sure the other ones are wider anyway."
As they start to descend, though, they hear another voice from down below.
"If they're.. upstairs.." a man's voice, out of breath, "have to go through... just wait and ambush them here..."
He quickly comes into sight, a human, clad in dark robes and wearing a black scarf around his neck, a seemingly permanent sneer plastered across his face. He has a morningstar in his right hand, and a loaded hand crossbow in his left.
"Pathfinders!" he crows, "I've *cough* caught up to you at last!"
He's clearly winded, as though he hustled over a great distance and still barely made it in time to catch the Pathfinders as they finish their explorations. He’s huffing and puffing when he meets them, trying to maintain an intimidating air but failing.
The two skeletons positioned defensively in front of him, wearing chain mail and carrying steel shields and longswords that are all in surprisingly good condition, may be a bit more threatening.
The skeleton in the orange helmet steps up to Barak and swings its sword. It fights as a semblance of a skilled warrior, keeping its shield up--though the skill is not visible in its offensive form.
* Stride, * Strike longsword:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12
The necromancer points his crossbow at Barak. Just before he fires, he whispers something. Barak can't quite make it out, but... something about the "fear of Urgathoa"? And then he fires. He curses as the bolt deflects off of the pillar he failed to shoot around.
** Cast fear, DC 21 Will save, * Strike hand crossbow (cover):1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17; even if you critically fail the Will save, the cover bonus means that won't hit.
Good-News-Bee, Barak, Aztryx, Heather, and Quadennillia's turns.
M Ancient Elf Universalist Wizard/Witch 4 | Cook | Staff Nexus | HP 42/42 | AC 18 (mystic armor) | F +9 R +7 W +9 | Perc +7 (+2 initiative)| Stealth +7 |◆◆◆◇↺ | 30" | Hero 1/3 | Drain Bonded Item 1 1/1 2 1/1| spells 1 3/3 2 3/3 | Search |
Aztryx shouts words of power "Acus Spicula!" and multiple slivers of metal fly from his hand and strike the closest skeleton [orange]. Then he casts a defensive Shield cantrip.
◆◆Spell Attack:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20Needle Darts:3d4 ⇒ (2, 2, 1) = 5
◆ Shield
↺ Raise Shield
NG Female Leshy Champion (Redeemer) 2 HP: 32/32 | AC: 19 (21 w/shield raised) | F: +8, R: +5, W: +7 | Perc: +5 | Stealth: +3 | Speed: 25 ft. | Senses: Low-Light Vision | Focus Point: 1/1 | Active Conditions: Marshal's Aura 10 ft. (+1 status vs. fear)
"You know, it's not very nice to try and kill someone without at least giving your name," Bee frowns as she trundles past Barak and takes a swing at Orange Skeleton.
The needle darts bounce harmlessly off of the skeleton's shield.
Miss
Qen's dart hits, though the poison doesn't seem to have any immediate effect..
Fort (Fatigued):1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
The skeleton swings at Scout as he passes it! Its sword cuts into him, which throws off his own attack. Bee is able to protect him a little, though her own attack doesn't connect either. "Ralthis!" the necromancer answers, "I am Ralthis of the Whispering Way! I've been coming for you since one of our scouts reported your arrival!" He seems to be telling the truth; he looks like the trip took a lot out of him.
Attack of Opportunity:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18 for slashing damage:1d8 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
You weren't surprised or anything, so can use your reaction.
Barak's tremor throws him off just enough that the skeleton is able to deflect his first attack with its shield. The second lands with a CRUNCH.
Larraz seems afraid to face the undead, but nonetheless moves down the stairs--and then backs away. He casts a spell that sends a lance of energy into the skeleton.
* Stride, ** cast disrupt undead. Fort:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11positive damage:1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
The second skeleton moves up to Quadennillia and swings its sword at her, or at least waves it menacingly in her direction. It keeps its shield raised.
* Raise Shield, * Stride, * Strike longsword:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13
Brain Drain: 1d8 mental damage with Basic Will save DC 17.
If the target fails, I sift through their surface thoughts. Make one Recall Knowledge check using the target's skill modifier.
I also have Dubious Knowledge if it would be appropriate or interesting.
I also see this as a hook for giving any other non-combat-mechanics scenario lore that would otherwise be missed.
Will (Fatigued):1d20 + 10 - 1 ⇒ (13) + 10 - 1 = 22Oof. Sorry. Half of one.
Macondi picks up images of Ralthis racing down the road to reach Goldenflame before the Pathfinders left... but nothing concrete or useful.
The skeleton finds itself in a target-rich environment. It would be delighted if it had emotions. Although then it might be more concerned about being surrounded...
It slices at Barak, whom Bee is able to protect a little, and at Scout who's cut a little more deeply.
* Raise Shield, * Strike Scout/Barak/Bee:1d3 ⇒ 2Longsword (Enfeebled):1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 11 - 2 = 20 for slashing damage:1d8 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 4 - 2 = 8 but Bee's reaction gives resist 3, * Strike Scout/Barak/Bee:1d3 ⇒ 1Longsword (MAP):1d20 + 11 - 7 ⇒ (16) + 11 - 7 = 20 for slashing damage:1d8 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 4 - 2 = 3
Ralthis casts a spell. Its effects aren't immediately obvious. He moves up between his two skeletons, with a superior smirk, and Qen and Scout feel the effect. Being near him is to be filled with doubt.
** Cast bane, * Stride. This brings Qen and Scout into the bane aura. They (and anyone else within five feet of him) must make a DC 20 Will save. On a failure they take a -1 status penalty to attack rolls while in the area.
Bee, Barak, Aztryx, Heather, and Quadennillia's turns.
"Huh? Wait, what?" | CG Male Gnome Oracle 2 | HP 26 | AC 18 | Fort +5; Ref +6; Will +7; | Perception +5 low-light vision | Speed 25 | Spell DC 18 | Exploration (search)
Macondi sifts through the few images, sounds, and smells that he gets, while also trying to keep watch of the battle around him.
:The smell of rot and decay as a zombie moves out of the way.:
"Hey Barak," Macondi calls out.
GM Super Zero wrote:
The skeleton slices at Barak, whom Bee is able to protect a little, and at Scout who's cut a little more deeply.
"Hold on a bit. Let me catch up."
:The sun beats down. Panting. Running? Many footsteps.:
GM Super Zero wrote:
Ralthis casts a spell. Its effects aren't immediately obvious. He moves up between his two skeletons, with a superior smirk, and Qen and Scout feel the effect.
"I have a plan. And we can finish this together."
Planning a buff spell on Barak. Which will work better if Barak delays to get the buff.
Qen's dart hits the necromancer's side and sticks; he doesn't seem to notice. He must have leather armor under his robe. As she focuses on him, the skeleton's sword comes up at her and manages a cut!
Miss. Red's AoO for Ranged Attack:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22 for slashing damage:1d8 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
Aztryx accounts for that with magically-accurate darts!
Heather doesn't have any particular compensation, but her shot does land better all the same. Scout isn't as fortunate, though he also isn't hindered by Ralthis's spell.
Scout Will:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
Larraz raises his buckler. Staying back from the fight, he casts a healing spell on Quadennillia. "Heather, I can heal Scout!" he calls.
Heal:1d8 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14
NG Female Leshy Champion (Redeemer) 2 HP: 32/32 | AC: 19 (21 w/shield raised) | F: +8, R: +5, W: +7 | Perc: +5 | Stealth: +3 | Speed: 25 ft. | Senses: Low-Light Vision | Focus Point: 1/1 | Active Conditions: Marshal's Aura 10 ft. (+1 status vs. fear)
Seeing an opportunity, Bee takes a step to the side and raises her holy symbol up. "By the light of the Sun!" she cries as there's a bright flash of light that washes over Ralthis and his two skeleton pals.
______________
"Aaaaugh!" yells Ralthis. The skeletons do not verbally react, but the one with the tattered orange hat seems to have lost track of exactly where its enemies are.
The other one continues slicing at Qen, as she conveniently remains within its reach. Bee's spell doesn't seem to have had much effect, as it manages one slice.
* Raise Shield, * Strike Concealment:1d20 ⇒ 12 and longsword:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30 for slashing damage:1d8 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8, * Strike Concealment:1d20 ⇒ 20 and longsword (MAP):1d20 + 11 - 5 ⇒ (2) + 11 - 5 = 8
"Huh? Wait, what?" | CG Male Gnome Oracle 2 | HP 26 | AC 18 | Fort +5; Ref +6; Will +7; | Perception +5 low-light vision | Speed 25 | Spell DC 18 | Exploration (search)
"Oooh. Pretty," Macondi says as the well aimed light display goes off.
He walks over to Barak, making sure to stay out of reach of the skeleton. "Hit and hit and hit and they all fall down." He casts Magic Weapon on Barak's flickmace.
Barak takes a guarded step to where he can reach both the necromancer and the skeletal champion with a loud crunch. He swipes at the Necromancer with the first blow, and then sweeps into the skeletal champion. "Bee, if you want to, you can take a guarded step into flank!"
Don't know if it's relevant now, but Qen has Subtle Delivery, so her poisons can take effect even if her strike does no damage.
Doesn't help, as they were misses. He's an ordinary human, and it is probably unlikely that he has resistances or weaknesses.
Barak finds that blinded enemies are comparatively easy to hit, as his weapon smashes into both the necromancer and the skeleton. The former is bleeding heavily. The latter is not bleeding at all as it lacks any blood or other gooey stuff.
Two hits, and both are bloodied. Barak does need to save against the bane spell, though his attacks here both hit regardless.
The crumbling skeleton swings its sword wildly! The erratic swinging never comes close to Barak, but bad news! Bee finds it sufficiently unpredictable that a swipe gets through her defenses.
* Raise Shield, * Strike Barak/Bee:1d2 ⇒ 2Flat Check (Blinded):1d20 ⇒ 16Longsword (enfeebled):1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24 for slashing damage:1d8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8, * Strike Flat Check:1d20 ⇒ 11Longsword (MAP, enfeebled):1d20 + 11 - 7 ⇒ (1) + 11 - 7 = 5
Ralthis blinks furiously. "Don't have to see you for this!" he snarls. Dropping his crossbow to touch his unholy symbol, he unleashes a wave of dark energy.
Barak wallops him as he does so; he seems very near to collapsing, but then looks slightly better as he finishes his spell. As though he's stealing life energy away from those affected by his curse.
*** Cast harm. All living creatures within 30 feet of Ralthis (everyone) must make a DC 21 basic Fort save against negative damage/healing:1d8 ⇒ 4. Ralthis heals 1 hp from his Sap Life feature, assuming it damages at least one creature. Barak's AoO hits and... he does not like it at all.
Larraz Fort:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Good-News-Bee, Aztryx, Heather, and Quadennillia's turns.
Initiative:
Orange Skeleton (-18, Shield Raised, dazzled 1 hour)
Grey Necromancer Ralthis (-34, bloodied, Fatigued, Heather's Prey, bane 5 feet, dazzled 1 minute)
Good-News-Bee (12/20, DC 21 Fort vs 4 negative damage)
Aztryx (13/13, shield, DC 21 Fort vs 4 negative damage)
Larraz (20/24, buckler raised)
Heather (32/32, DC 21 Fort vs 4 negative damage)
>- Scout (9/18, unaffected by bane, DC 21 Fort vs 4 negative damage)
Quadennillia (38/46, unaffected by bane, DC 21 Fort vs 4 negative damage)
Red Skeleton (Shield Raised)
Macondi (17/17, DC 21 Fort vs 4 negative damage)
Barak (25/30, DC 21 Fort vs 4 negative damage)
M Ancient Elf Universalist Wizard/Witch 4 | Cook | Staff Nexus | HP 42/42 | AC 18 (mystic armor) | F +9 R +7 W +9 | Perc +7 (+2 initiative)| Stealth +7 |◆◆◆◇↺ | 30" | Hero 1/3 | Drain Bonded Item 1 1/1 2 1/1| spells 1 3/3 2 3/3 | Search |
Fort Save:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
Aztryx hates pain, and even a little angers him. He once again shouts words of power "Telum Magia!". Three bolts of pure force fly from his fingers and strike the necromancer squarely on his chest.
Quadennillia is not having a bad day. She's accomplished several things very effectively. But when it's come to fighting, she isn't having a great day. Her specialty isn't useful against the undead, and now that she's facing a human enemy her darts keep missing. The poison should work, but the darts need to hit him first!
Heather's shots prove more accurate, and her bolt strikes a surprised Ralthis in the chest. He crumples like a rag doll.
Retargeting Aztryx's spell...
The magical bolts strike the damaged skeleton. It starts shedding dust from its many cracked bones.
Larraz keeps his buckler raised, but directs some healing energy towards Scout.
* Raise Shield, ** cast heal animalhealing:1d8 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
Good-News-Bee's turn.
Initiative:
Orange Skeleton (-31, bloodied, Shield Raised, dazzled 1 hour)
Good-News-Bee (12/20, DC 21 Fort vs 4 negative damage)
Aztryx (11/13, shield)
Larraz (20/24, buckler raised)
Heather (28/32)
>- Scout (17/18)
Quadennillia (38/46, unaffected by bane, DC 21 Fort vs 4 negative damage)
Red Skeleton (Shield Raised)
Macondi (15/17)
Barak (23/30, affected by bane)
NG Female Leshy Champion (Redeemer) 2 HP: 32/32 | AC: 19 (21 w/shield raised) | F: +8, R: +5, W: +7 | Perc: +5 | Stealth: +3 | Speed: 25 ft. | Senses: Low-Light Vision | Focus Point: 1/1 | Active Conditions: Marshal's Aura 10 ft. (+1 status vs. fear)
Fort (DC 21):1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14
Bee's foliage withers under the onslaught of negative energy but she's not down yet. Following Barak's lead, she takes a step into flanking position and swings at Orange with her sword.
Even attacked from two sides, the crumbling skeleton manages to parry the attack.
The other one continues striking at the foe within its reach. Or at least in her direction, in any case.
* Raise Shield, * Strike longsword:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15, * Strike longsword (MAP):1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Macondi and Barak's turns.
Initiative:
Orange Skeleton (-31, bloodied, Shield Raised, dazzled 1 hour)
Good-News-Bee (8/20, Shield Raised)
Aztryx (11/13, shield)
Larraz (20/24, buckler raised)
Heather (28/32)
>- Scout (17/18)
Quadennillia (38/46, unaffected by bane, DC 21 Fort vs 4 negative damage)
Red Skeleton (Shield Raised)
Macondi (15/17)
Barak (23/30, affected by bane)
"Huh? Wait, what?" | CG Male Gnome Oracle 2 | HP 26 | AC 18 | Fort +5; Ref +6; Will +7; | Perception +5 low-light vision | Speed 25 | Spell DC 18 | Exploration (search)
Macondi stares at a pattern in the dirt and grime of the floor while he pulls out the other scroll of Heal that he got when the group set out. "Well, that's not... No?... Oh, 'baned'. Not 'banned'. That makes so much more sense."
Mystery solved, Macondi uses the scroll to cast Heal on Bee.
Barak steps back out of the spell's area. He flicks his mace towards the damaged skeleton. It blocks his first attack--which leaves it open for the second, which takes its skull off of its shoulders and smashes it against the wall.
↺ Shield Block against Barak's first attack, though a couple points of damage still get through. Second attack defeats Orange.
Heather's attack misses while Red has its shield raised.
Heather's bolt deflects off the edge of the skeleton's shield and doesn't quite hit it. So close!
Good-News-Bee, Aztryx, and Quadennillia's turns.
Initiative:
Good-News-Bee (8/20, Shield Raised)
Aztryx (11/13, shield)
Larraz (20/24, buckler raised)
Heather (28/32)
>- Scout (17/18)
Quadennillia (38/46, unaffected by bane, DC 21 Fort vs 4 negative damage)
Red Skeleton (Shield Raised)
Macondi (15/17)
Barak (23/30, affected by bane)
