As you continue to investigate the room, but before you open the door, there’s a low hum, scarcely audible at first, but it makes itself felt. It seems to be coming from the tree… After just a short while of this maddening noise there’s a sizzle and the noise abruptly stops! Unfortunately, two incorporeals remain.
This translucent, ghostly figure fades into view from the damp mist, its face distorted by wrath into a hideous mask. They are wearing the garb of the Uqtaal - the Desnans who built this place. They gather their wits, and attack!
Spectres are evil undead that hate sunlight and living things. Most are the remnants of murdered or evil humans, their anger preventing them from entering the afterlife. Like ghosts, spectres haunt the places of their deaths, and seek to draw others into the lonely abyss of undeath.
A spectre looks much as it did in life and can be easily recognized by those who knew the individual or have seen the individual’s face in paintings or drawings. Spectres retain a strong sense of identity, and even ancient, insane spectres generally remain coherent. Evil historians and necromancers often try to ally with spectres for the knowledge they held in life and retain in undeath.
- - -
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Nope. They're close to the petrified tree at the moment having just been 'birthed' from it, hovering over the water.
They'll move soon though. :)
The tree is a little weird though. What do you have in mind?
Unk's eyes widen as he recognizes the undead before him.
"Spectres! I foresee that touching them is bad. Also force effects help."
Round 1
Mukluk doesn't like the looks of those ghostly not-ghosts.
With a spell, Mukluk offers the party 9 rounds of Moose-Zoomies.
He moves back 30'.
[ dice=Trepanator]1d20+3[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]1d6[/dice] cold iron piercing damage
[ dice=MuleBite]1d20+5[/dice] touch to hit;
[ dice=Divine]1d4+2[/dice] damage
[ dice=MuleKicks]1d20+5[/dice] touch to hit;
[ dice=Force]1d4[/dice] damage
[ dice=Divine Mule Piss]1d20+6[/dice] touch to hit;
[ dice]1d4+4[/dice] divine fire
touch to hit;
acid
Toss some fire at the creature.
touch to hit;
fire damage;
burning for rounds
With a spell, Mukluk offers the party 9 rounds of Moose-Zoomies.
He again casts a spell that turns the ground all oozy and hot, like a fresh mule meadow muffin.
AC: 16/12/14 + 1 w/shield +2 ac vs. evil (Hergie) +1 when hasted
Fort/Ref/Will: +6/+7/+16 +2 vs spells, poison/ +2 vs evil (Hergie)
HP: 47/47
Resist 10 cold/acid
Focus: 0/3
Hero Points: 0/3
Speed: 20'
Luck? 0/1 used
MuleFire: 0/9 used
Rod Extend Lsr: 2/3 used (endure elements MM/Moose alt days, mage armor)
Helgarval
Aid once a day.
Daylight as needed (though only once a day).
Detect evil and know direction at will.
“A cassisian has a lesser form of the protective aura possessed by more powerful angels. This protective aura grants the cassisian a +2 deflection bonus to its AC against evil foes, and a +2 resistance bonus on all saving throws made against evil effects or spells cast by evil creatures. This aura extends to a radius of 5 feet, but can only benefit one additional creature other than the cassisian at any one time”
Aid. temp hp. (The morale +1 won't stack with Ameiko's song.) While Hergarval is nearby, Storm gets "+2 deflection bonus to its AC against evil foes, and a +2 resistance bonus on all saving throws made against evil effects or spells cast by evil creatures."
"I believe I am well prepared with spells today to battle spectres and ghosts."
Durgan casts Death Ward (standard) and moves up while drawing his Lesser Metamagic Rod of Extend (move).
Snowball gives her charge Guidance.
Kisaiya moves closer to the frontline, entering her battle stance and invoking the power of the Empress of Heaven.
HP: 84/84
AC: 23/13/21
Saves: F11/R5/W10
Hero Points: 3
Smite Evil Used: 2/3
Lay on Hands Used: 0/7
Divine Bond Used: 0/1
Resolve Used: 0/1
Challenge: 0/1
Second Chance
Spells/Effects Active: divine bond (holy)
[ dice]1d20+16[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]1d8+7+1d6[/dice] damage.
Durgan blesses himself with a death ward before drawing his rod. Mukluk speeds up the party. Kisaiya prepares for battle, and blesses her weapon. Unk readies a spell, which triggers! Ameiko begins inspiring as she readies a swing, which triggers.
Durgan, on the map you are knee deep in the pool. Are you sure you want to enter this water? I'm assuming not, but if so let me know. :)
Also, Unk, from where you are on the map, you cannot reach the target with your spell I think. Please move on the map.
vs DC 22
And the blue spectre is entombed! It shrieks against its newest prison, trying to scratch at the ball that contains it, but without recourse.
(heroism, inspire, haste)
(inspire)
Sadly, though she hits, she does half damage (incorporeal)...
Blue and red close, though blue doesn’t get far. Red attacks Ameiko after flying far further than 30' to get there and through the petrified tree (cheater!).
for and 2 (!) negative levels
Ameiko is drained, and the life comes out of her sparkling eyes a bit, but she holds firm.
Durgan sheathes his axe (move) and casts Extended Instant Weapon (standard action, 3 encoutners) to conjure a Dwarven Giant-Sticker made of pure force.
He takes a step nearer the other spectre and drops the metamagic rod just outside the edge of the pool, gripping his new weapon in both hands.
"Nobody else needs to risk engaging this foe in melee."
Round 2
Mukluk doesn't like seeing Ameiko attacked, and thus moves quickly to back her up. He casts Mage Armor on her.
"Hergie! Can you protect her!?" Mukluk asks his very weird angelic helmet for help.
Round 2/9:
[ dice=Trepanator]1d20+3[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]1d6[/dice] cold iron piercing damage
[ dice=MuleBite]1d20+5[/dice] touch to hit;
[ dice=Divine]1d4+2[/dice] damage
[ dice=MuleKicks]1d20+5[/dice] touch to hit;
[ dice=Force]1d4[/dice] damage
[ dice=Divine Mule Piss]1d20+6[/dice] touch to hit;
[ dice]1d4+4[/dice] divine fire
touch to hit;
acid
Toss some fire at the creature.
touch to hit;
fire damage;
burning for rounds
With a spell, Mukluk offers the party 9 rounds of Moose-Zoomies.
He again casts a spell that turns the ground all oozy and hot, like a fresh mule meadow muffin.
AC: 16/12/14 + 1 w/shield +2 ac vs. evil (Hergie) +1 when hasted
Fort/Ref/Will: +6/+7/+16 +2 vs spells, poison/ +2 vs evil (Hergie)
HP: 47/47
Resist 10 cold/acid
Focus: 0/3
Hero Points: 0/3
Speed: 20'
Luck? 0/1 used
MuleFire: 0/9 used
Rod Extend Lsr: 2/3 used (endure elements MM/Moose alt days, mage armor)
Helgarval
Aid once a day.
Daylight as needed (though only once a day).
Detect evil and know direction at will.
“A cassisian has a lesser form of the protective aura possessed by more powerful angels. This protective aura grants the cassisian a +2 deflection bonus to its AC against evil foes, and a +2 resistance bonus on all saving throws made against evil effects or spells cast by evil creatures. This aura extends to a radius of 5 feet, but can only benefit one additional creature other than the cassisian at any one time”
Aid. temp hp. (The morale +1 won't stack with Ameiko's song.) While Hergarval is nearby, Storm gets "+2 deflection bonus to its AC against evil foes, and a +2 resistance bonus on all saving throws made against evil effects or spells cast by evil creatures."
”I appreciate your consideration, Durgan. But it has harmed one who I am sworn to, so I must rush to her side.”
Kisaiya empowers herself with the Empress of Heaven’s radiance and moves to strike at the apparition.
HP: 84/84
AC: 24/13/21 +4 all vs smite target
Saves: F11/R6/W10
Hero Points: 3
Smite Evil Used: 3/3
Lay on Hands Used: 0/7
Divine Bond Used: 1/1
Resolve Used: 0/1
Challenge: 0/1
Second Chance
Spells/Effects Active: haste, smite evil, inspire +2, divine bond
[ dice]1d20+16[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]1d8+7+1d6[/dice] damage.
Unk delays. Durgan switches weapons and steps up! Mukluk does what he can to protect Ameiko. Kisaiya steps up and gob-smacks the spectre, nearly out of existence... but not quite. Ameiko tries to withdraw, leaving the spectre to Durgan and Kisaiya.
Having driven off Ameiko, red turns to face Kisaiya and swings!
for and 2 negative levels
Seeing the spectre not disappearing after everyone else piles on, Unk gives it a shot too.
Spell-like Abilities
. 10/11 Diviner's Fortune
. 1/1 Stabilize
Spells Prepared
. 5th 2+1/day {S} Quickened True Strike, Summon Monster V, Wall of Sound
. 4th 4+1/day {S} Arcane Eye, Dimension Door, Resilient Sphere (DC 22), Summon Monster IV, Wall of Ice (DC 22)
. 3rd 5+1/day {S} Tongues, Fly, Haste, Summon Monster III, Summon Monster III, Tiny Hut
. 2nd 6+1/day {S} See Invisibility, Flaming Sphere (DC 20), Glitterdust (DC 21), Glitterdust (DC 21), Levitate, Levitate, Summon Monster II
. 1st 6+1/day {S} True Strike, Celestial Healing, Endure Elements, Enlarge Person, Fastidiousness, Grease (DC 20), Magic Missile
. 0 (at will) Acid Splash, Detect Magic, Message, Open/Close
Durgan attacks the spectre with his Instant Weapon.
Yeah, cant' act after Ameiko, but as she is withdrawing anyway, and you can certainly act after Kisaiya - your attack lands.
I've applied your damage. HOWEVER, I poorly noted Kisaiya's attack as full damage. Incorporealness is not overcome by smite (I think) and so she did half. I was incorrect in applying the smite for full damage in my original post. :)
I'm at -38 and chugging along...
Hahahah! Durgan swoops in and smashes the creature! It wisps away into nothingness on his second attack - using a force weapon.
You may all take one or two rounds of prep/maneuvering before continuing on with the other spectre. Then Unk can dispel the sphere, and I'll move up on you (unless Durgan wants to try and hover)...
Ameiko stops singing, but will start again the round before Unk drops the sphere. Also, she's going to stay well back of this one.
Round of Waiting
Mukluk moves back to cover Ameiko, staying between her and the other ghostly not-ghost. He'll let those able to handle the bad thing.
"I foresee that we have things to help us prepare for the other spectre." Unk explains.
"Anyone want to float?"
Now that Ameiko is no longer in imminent danger and they have time to prepare, Kisaiya stays back with her, happy to let Durgan’s spell protect him from the spectre’s nasty touch.
Unk drops the bubble and the spectre rages against Durgan who no doubt thrashes it with a quick three swings! The creature swats, almost certainly hitting - but doing nothing. Durgan calmly steps back to reach and wallops it again carving the creature up.
In the unlikely situation where the spectre survives, it lunges for the party a bit further back. With a flight speed of 80’ it can surely catch one of them and have a little fun before its destruction. Alas, it bounces as if off another bubble! 20’ from the tree, it can go no further!
Its burning eyes smolder… is that fear? Then Durgan calmly finishes it once and for all with his force weapon and another three swings.
"Ameiko and Kisaiya, I cannot heal your injuries from the spectre today. I may be able to do it tomorrow. There are two ways. One involves the Restoration spell and diamond dust. The other requires no diamond dust, but a two-day trip to Nirvana. One to get there and heal you, and another day to get back."
"Or, we could rely on your natural fortitude to throw off the effect, but that would be risky.
I will plan to prepare two Restoration spells tomorrow. We do have some diamond dust that is communally owned."
- - -
Remember with Plane Shift you don't come back where you left I don't think. You come back, "5 to 500 miles (5d%) from your intended destination"... I'm running into this exact problem in another campaign.
So the return trip could put some of the party back on the high ice. Unless I'm missing something (or you've a teleport or wind walk also handy), the plane shift trick won't work yet.
But yes, restoration will work fine, and as the damage occurred late in the day, a morning restoration will still just cost 100gp in diamond dust each. The party has 2k currently in reserve.
Mukluk makes sure Ameiko isn't going to get attacked again, and then waits for those who need to be healed to be healed.
He examines the tree from afar, wondering if holds more ghostly non-ghosts.
He'll be ready to move up after others are ready and have moved up.
"Unk, would you mind opening that door?"
Durgan takes up position across the pool, but at an oblique angle from the rooms beyond the door.
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"Uh- okay!" Unk says cheerfully after spacing out for a moment.
He walks up right next to Durgan and attempts to open the door at a distance.
Unk casts Open on the door.
The door seems to stick a bit, but a second application of Unk’s cantrip does the job. The door creaks open on rusted metal hinges. You see a hall leading further southwest, but from where you are you see nothing else. Firelight of some kind flickers within - you suspect a continual flame given the age of this place. Nothing comes out to greet you though, and the door was plenty loud.
Ameiko keeps back, a bit, but she does follow the front line into the chamber when you do go. She’s as curious as any to see what lies within - but not so curious that she gets in front of the well protected Durgan, or mighty Kisaiya.
Oh, and now that you’re closer to the dead body by the pool, the front line can see the pack still looks new. Must be magical. Same with the cloak. Maybe other things too.
Mukluk moves up and around as others moves forward. With a sniff to the wind, he casts Detect Magic and takes a look see at the auras nearby.
As Mukluk crosses in front of the door, he can look down the short hall into an octagonal chamber beyond, lit by flickering firelight from a really pretty crystal lamp. However, red demonic faces leer from the walls against a painted background of midnight blue. In the center of the room, seeming almost to swim in a sea of night, a bier of blue-painted stone bears a motionless skeleton, its face concealed beneath a golden mask.
The room is dimly lit, other than the light sources you may bring with you.
There are several items of a magical nature on the deceased by the pool. Rapier, cloak, goggles, pack.
Durgan moves up and looks down the hall into the octagonal chamber.
He re-casts Shield (2 encounters), having recalled it with one of his two Pearls of Power.
Does he recognize any religious significance to the golden mask on the figure on the bier?
”Thank you, Durgan. I will happily reimburse you for any diamond dust you might need to spend on me.”
Kisaiya also tries to draw upon her studies to identify the religious paraphernalia.
Unk gets distracted by the shiny loot and starts inspecting the backpack and cloak.
Durban is pretty sure, and Kisaiya confirms, such headgear, and a separate crypt, almost assures that this is a high priest of some sort.
However as you look in, and confer, the motionless skeleton sits up. No wait, that’s not right, its shadow sits up while the very white bones remain where they are. It’s not a priest, it’s a priestess! She closes, and attacks!
The shadow closes and you hear whispers on the non-existent wind, "Ahhh, more playthingssss... It's been so looooong."
She closes and reaches out to Durgan!
I believe that touch misses Durgan... who may be immune to its touch. We'll see!
Greater shadows are those undead shadows that have come to be particularly infused with negative energy, such as those that have spent vast lengths of time in areas of the Plane of Shadow awash in negative energy, or those that have drained the lives of thousands of victims. These undead monsters are often found with a small band of normal shadows, which typically treat a greater shadow as a leader to rally behind.
- - -
That does in fact miss Durgan with his Shield spell up. AC 15 vs incorporeal touch, but Death Ward should help if the shadow does hit.
"A greater shadow! Beware its touch."
Durgan steps back and strikes with his force weapon.
Round 1
"A greater shadow! Beware its touch."
"Doesn't seem so great to me, especially if you compare it to Moose's shadow. Now that's a shadow, I tell you," Mukluk observes the clearly inferior greater shadow.
Knowing that Durgan believes himself safe and protected, Mukluk readies to move away should more shadows show up or come closer.
[ dice=Trepanator]1d20+3[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]1d6[/dice] cold iron piercing damage
[ dice=MuleBite]1d20+5[/dice] touch to hit;
[ dice=Divine]1d4+2[/dice] damage
[ dice=MuleKicks]1d20+5[/dice] touch to hit;
[ dice=Force]1d4[/dice] damage
[ dice=Divine Mule Piss]1d20+6[/dice] touch to hit;
[ dice]1d4+4[/dice] divine fire
touch to hit;
acid
Toss some fire at the creature.
touch to hit;
fire damage;
burning for rounds
With a spell, Mukluk offers the party 9 rounds of Moose-Zoomies.
He again casts a spell that turns the ground all oozy and hot, like a fresh mule meadow muffin.
AC: 16/12/14 + 1 w/shield +2 ac vs. evil (Hergie) +1 when hasted
Fort/Ref/Will: +6/+7/+16 +2 vs spells, poison/ +2 vs evil (Hergie)
HP: 47/47
Resist 10 cold/acid
Focus: 0/3
Hero Points: 0/3
Speed: 20'
Luck? 0/1 used
MuleFire: 0/9 used
Rod Extend Lsr: 2/3 used (endure elements MM/Moose alt days, mage armor)
Helgarval
Aid once a day.
Daylight as needed (though only once a day).
Detect evil and know direction at will.
“A cassisian has a lesser form of the protective aura possessed by more powerful angels. This protective aura grants the cassisian a +2 deflection bonus to its AC against evil foes, and a +2 resistance bonus on all saving throws made against evil effects or spells cast by evil creatures. This aura extends to a radius of 5 feet, but can only benefit one additional creature other than the cassisian at any one time”
Aid. temp hp. (The morale +1 won't stack with Ameiko's song.) While Hergarval is nearby, Storm gets "+2 deflection bonus to its AC against evil foes, and a +2 resistance bonus on all saving throws made against evil effects or spells cast by evil creatures."
Unk steps closer and begins casting a spell!
Spell-like Abilities
. 10/11 Diviner's Fortune
. 1/1 Stabilize
Spells Prepared
. 5th 2+1/day {S} Quickened True Strike, Summon Monster V, Wall of Sound
. 4th 4+1/day {S} Arcane Eye, Dimension Door, Resilient Sphere (DC 22), Summon Monster IV, Wall of Ice (DC 22)
. 3rd 5+1/day {S} Tongues, Fly, Haste, Summon Monster III, Summon Monster III, Tiny Hut
. 2nd 6+1/day {S} See Invisibility, Flaming Sphere (DC 20), Glitterdust (DC 21), Glitterdust (DC 21), Levitate, Levitate, Summon Monster II
. 1st 6+1/day {S} True Strike, Celestial Healing, Endure Elements, Enlarge Person, Fastidiousness, Grease (DC 20), Magic Missile
. 0 (at will) Acid Splash, Detect Magic, Message, Open/Close
Snowball pounces on Kisaiya to give her Guidance.
Kisaiya enters her battle stance and moves up to spy the undead and confirm whether Durgan should be able to absorb its vile touch. She does.
She takes a defensive posture for now.
HP: 66/84(78)
AC: 28/17/21
Saves: F11/R6/W10 -2 all
Hero Points: 3
Smite Evil Used: 3/3
Lay on Hands Used: 0/7
Divine Bond Used: 1/1
Resolve Used: 0/1
Challenge: 0/1
Second Chance
Spells/Effects Active: haste, inspire +2, divine bond, negative level x2
[ dice]1d20+16[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]1d8+7+1d6[/dice] damage.
Kisaiya takes total defense, preparing just in case. Unk begins a long spell as Snowball provides further aid. Durgan wallops the shadow twice! Mukluk shifts a bit but leaves the fight to Durgan. Ameiko readies an attack, but otherwise holds her ground leaving the fight to the well prepared Durgan.
Durgan is in fact immune to the shadow’s touch! The wind-whispers shriek, er, softly, as the shadow realizes she’s been attacking someone she cannot effect. She sinks into the floor - Durgan gets an AoO as she moves.
Round 2
"Oh, that ain't good," Mukluk says to himself as the less-than-great shadow disappears. He moves closer to Kisaiya and tries to protect her with Hergie.
He will take total defense.
creatures. This aura extends to a radius of 5 feet, but can only benefit one additional creature other than the cassisian at any one time"
[ dice=Trepanator]1d20+3[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]1d6[/dice] cold iron piercing damage
[ dice=MuleBite]1d20+5[/dice] touch to hit;
[ dice=Divine]1d4+2[/dice] damage
[ dice=MuleKicks]1d20+5[/dice] touch to hit;
[ dice=Force]1d4[/dice] damage
[ dice=Divine Mule Piss]1d20+6[/dice] touch to hit;
[ dice]1d4+4[/dice] divine fire
touch to hit;
acid
Toss some fire at the creature.
touch to hit;
fire damage;
burning for rounds
With a spell, Mukluk offers the party 9 rounds of Moose-Zoomies.
He again casts a spell that turns the ground all oozy and hot, like a fresh mule meadow muffin.
AC: 16/12/14 + 1 w/shield +2 ac vs. evil (Hergie) +1 when hasted
Fort/Ref/Will: +6/+7/+16 +2 vs spells, poison/ +2 vs evil (Hergie)
HP: 47/47
Resist 10 cold/acid
Focus: 0/3
Hero Points: 0/3
Speed: 20'
Luck? 0/1 used
MuleFire: 0/9 used
Rod Extend Lsr: 2/3 used (endure elements MM/Moose alt days, mage armor)
Helgarval
Aid once a day.
Daylight as needed (though only once a day).
Detect evil and know direction at will.
“A cassisian has a lesser form of the protective aura possessed by more powerful angels. This protective aura grants the cassisian a +2 deflection bonus to its AC against evil foes, and a +2 resistance bonus on all saving throws made against evil effects or spells cast by evil creatures. This aura extends to a radius of 5 feet, but can only benefit one additional creature other than the cassisian at any one time”
Aid. temp hp. (The morale +1 won't stack with Ameiko's song.) While Hergarval is nearby, Storm gets "+2 deflection bonus to its AC against evil foes, and a +2 resistance bonus on all saving throws made against evil effects or spells cast by evil creatures."
Unk conjures an enlarged Durgan! He then taps Kisaiya on the shoulder with a glimpse of the future!
Spell-like Abilities
. 9/11 Diviner's Fortune
. 1/1 Stabilize
Spells Prepared
. 5th 2+1/day {S} Quickened True Strike, Summon Monster V, Wall of Sound
. 4th 4+1/day {S} Arcane Eye, Dimension Door, Resilient Sphere (DC 22), Summon Monster IV, Wall of Ice (DC 22)
. 3rd 5+1/day {S} Tongues, Fly, Haste, Summon Monster III, Summon Monster III, Tiny Hut
. 2nd 6+1/day {S} See Invisibility, Flaming Sphere (DC 20), Glitterdust (DC 21), Glitterdust (DC 21), Levitate, Levitate, Summon Monster II
. 1st 6+1/day {S} True Strike, Celestial Healing, Endure Elements, Enlarge Person, Fastidiousness, Grease (DC 20), Magic Missile
. 0 (at will) Acid Splash, Detect Magic, Message, Open/Close
Snowball pounces on Unk to give him Guidance.
Durgan moves back and up to cover the group and be able to strike a target that comes out of the ground.
He readies to strike the shadow if it appears again, trying for better aim.
"I've got another option if it won't come out of the ground willingly."
Kisaiya GMPC takes total defense waiting for Durgan to finish the job. Unk enlarges Durgan while Snowball continues to pounce on the party. Durgan readies a swing that triggers as he wears down the undead further, though his AoO did in fact miss. Mukluk helps Kisaiya with his hat while he takes total defense. Ameiko readies an attack as she closes up with the group.
The shadow surfaces next to Mukluk and reaches out!
The breeze swirls around Mukluk as some of their strength is drained away. The air itself seems to sigh with pleasure as the shadow tears through your life force.
Durgan holds position readies another attack (taking a 5' step if necessary)
No need to ready an attack. The shadow is still there. If it had left, you'd get an AoO.
So I think you can full attack the beast... And hope the dicebot doesn't get you on all your swings!
Round 3
Mukluk, prepared for shenanigans, dodges, ducks, dips, dives, and dodges the attack from the not-so-great greater shadow.
He withdraws, hoping the goon squad can take shadow down.
Durgan strikes a solid blow with his ghost-hunting spear.
Durgan drags his force-weapon through the shadow’s body one more time, and the shadow rips asunder! There’s an audible ‘pop’ and a strange greasy smell as the shadow twists into nothingness.
The battle is over.
Unk can complete his investigation of the dead body unmolested.
Rapier +1
Cloak of Elvenkind
Goggles of Minute Seeing
Handy Haversack
And on the floor by the door, Luminous Lockpicks.