Where Death Travels

Game Master Signore di Fortuna

Jump goes off of Dex, so Aiden has a +3 to it. We could do this a couple different ways. I could use touch of good on Clyde to give him a +1 to jump. After Aiden get across, Clyde who has strength of 16 can toss me across to Aiden, then jump across himself. Shadow can try to make it on his own if I can't do touch of good on him. Or I can do touch of good on Clyde, and try to make it across with my -3 to jump. It's risky, but then no one's playing toss across with me.

Actually, I really don't like the idea of being tossed across a 10ft gap in the floor by anyone. So here's what we gonna do. I'm gonna do touch of good on Clyde and Shadow if possible, to give them a better chance of success. Then I'm gonna go for it.

Okay, what I'm doing is using touch of good on Shadow, Clyde, and myself. Jump goes off of Dex, so Aiden already has a +3 and the check is a 12, so there's a good chance that he'll make it. Hopefully I get through it and get it posted before doing something stupid and messing it all up.

Emma looks from Clyde to her husband, "I actually might have a way of helping with that."

Going to her husband she looks up into his face, "I've known you a long time and I know what you're capable of, on and off the field. You're fast and you're strong and I believe that you can do this. Some of us might need a little more help though. I believe that with Sarenrae to help guide us, that there is nothing we can't do, even if it is a little scary." Reaching up, she takes his hand and gives it a soft kiss before moving in front of Shadow.

Taking Shadow's face in both her hands she says to the wolf, "You're a good and brave boy and I know you can do this. May the light of Sarenrae guide and protect you." As she finishes speaking, a light blue glow engulfs her hands before spreading into Shadow and then slowly dissipating.

Moving over to Clyde she places a small hand on his arm and looks up at him, "I know you don't feel that you're very good at this particular activity, but you have your youth and bravery on your side and I believe in you and your ability to do this. Do not be afraid as you go forth, for the Dawn Flower goes with you. May her light guide and protect you on your path." As before, the soft blue light spreads from her hand into Clyde before slowly dissipating.

Praying for the best possible outcome as she backs up to give herself room, Emma asks her Goddess for aid in clearing this obsticle as well. The soft light seems to emanate from Emma herself and engulf her before slowly dissipating as before.

Taking a deep breath, Emma starts at a flat out run and jumps at the very last second, letting out a little involuntary scream as her feet leave solid ground.

Leap of Faith: 1d20 - 3 + 1 ⇒ (14) - 3 + 1 = 12

Emma makes it to the other side with a less than graceful landing, as she trips on a rock when her feet land, and tumbles into a roll, letting out a loud 'Oof' as she finally comes to a stop.

With Rosie's help, she gets up off the ground and waves to the others, "Wasn't the most fun experience ever, but I'm okay." Emma calls to them, before backing up to make room for Shadow and the other guys to land.

Between my DEX, the chain shirt and touch of good, it's just a straight d20 roll.

Acrobatics: 1d20 ⇒ 20

Woo!

Taking a few steps back, Clyde inhales deeply. Rushing forward, he leaps into the air and lands safely on the other side. He lets out his breath. "Well, that was a brief glimpse back into childhood."

Emma gives him a smirk, "And you said you weren't so good at jumping anymore. I knew you could do it, great job. You practically made it look easy." She says with a slight laugh of relief.

Looking across at her love and his companion she says, "Okay, you guys got this." She continues to dust herself off after her rough landing, and prays silently to her Goddess for a safe jump for both of them.

I just want to say here as well, when I was working out people's bonuses for Dex for the jump across, I wasn't thinking about armor and the like. So, I just wanna say that if Aiden is wearing the king of armor that would impede his ability to get across safely, that Emma would do the same thing for him that she did for everyone else. It would just mean I use 4/6 of my daily uses of "Touch of Good", rather than 3/6.

I'm scared now, thinking that I might have made a tactical error. *sad/nervous face*

I'm going to assume I not within 20ft of a road to attune myself to the Road Ward to gain a speed enhancement while running right?

Looking up at Aiden, Shadow responds to the barely perceptible nod, baking up, and dashing forward to leap across the gap, landing nimbly beside Emma effortlessly.

Acrobatics (long Jump): 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 2 + 1 = 22

Smiling to himself as Shadow leaps across, Aiden takes a moment to settle his pack more firmly on his shoulders and slings his bow across his back. Taking a few steps back he strides forward, launching into a running jump to land slightly on his feet.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20

Oh thank goodness, I can breath now.

Letting out a breath she didn't even know she was holding, Emma relaxes slightly as everyone finally makes it across.

Putting her arms around Shadows neck, Emma hugs him as she coos at him about what a good boy he is as she watches her dearest love leap across the hole.

Ignoring the slight pain in her knees from her own messy landing, Emma runs to Aiden and wraps her arms around him as far as they'll go, "I knew you could do it. I'm glad we all got across safely." She says, a slight catch in her voice evident as she's unable to hide her true feelings from her love.

Nope, closest road is a ways away.

Aiden runs his fingers through Emma's hair as her embraces her, clearly aware of her unspoken worry. "Nothing to worry about, love. We're all good."

Emma nods, "Alright then, let's continue on." She says after allowing him to comfort her for a few seconds, before letting him go and and resuming their search.

She lets Aiden and Clyde go first, then Rosie, and she takes up the rear with Shadow beside her as Aiden usually has his companion do when they are in possibly dangerous situations.

As Emma walks next to their loyal wolf friend, she keeps one hand in his fur, and both eyes on the lookout for trouble.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

Keeping a sharp eye out for any sign of danger, Aiden leads them on down the tunnel

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

The cracks in the walls become deep gouges and the purple glow begins to gnaw away at your mind as you are bathed in its light. Aiden and Emma spy the skeletal remains of some poor unfortunate souls beneath the fallen debris of the temple.

Make DC 12 Will Saves. This is a fear effect.

Feeling uneasy, Rosie begins to sing a song to ease her fear.

"Darkness all around,
Darkness go away,
The flame of torch's light
Shall allay, allay, allay"

"Darkness all around,
Darkness go away,
May my heart burn bright
To see another sunny day"

Inspire Courage: +1 saves vs charm and fear and +1 to attack and damage rolls.

Only good for 6 rounds, but enough to make the save.

Will Save: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 3 + 1 = 19

Of course, a fighter gets bravery at level 2...

Will Save: 1d20 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 + 1 = 20

Emma had always been daring in her youth, especially when it came to her more mischievous escapades....but this was entirely different and she didn't like it at all.

Hearing Rosie's sweet strong voice puts a smile on her face as she listens, somehow feeling even braver than she thought possible seeing their circumstances.

Taking a breath, she closes her eyes and listens to the song. It's sound giving her a renewed sense of purpose and feeling much braver and capable of dealing with whatever lies ahead.

...I don't know what it is, but whatever it is, I hates it: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24

Aiden feels the utterly unnatural nature of the place grip his spine, filling him with dread.

Will/Inspired: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 1 = 10

What does failure result in Shaken, Frightened, Panicked?

Staying by his master's side, Shadow's hackles raise at the unnerving energy.

Will.Inspired: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 2 + 1 = 11

Seeing the love of her life, as well as their faithful companion overcome with fear does something to Emma. Aiden was one of the bravest people she had ever known, and she knew whatever was happening now was due to the creepy latent magic in this place. He had leapt in front of a wild charging boar before to save her, so there was no question about how brave he was.

Feeling that they could both use some comforting, Emma goes to Aiden and Shadow to offer encouragement.

Putting one small hand on her husband's arm, and the other in Shadow's fur, Emma makes soothing noises and tries to help calm them the best she can, "I know that being down here is unsettling, and there is something not right about this place down here....but none of us are alone. We are all here together to find the answers that we seek to destroy the evil that has infested our homes, our families, and our lives. I know we are all scared and hurting right now, but we can do this if we all stick together. There is nothing to fear, as long as we hold onto one another."

Looking up into the face of her beloved, Emma takes one of his hands in hers, "It's okay love, I'm here. Are you ready to move on? Maybe we can give them a proper burial once we're done here." She says of the remains they saw in the temple, as she tries to help soothe her love's nerves.

You are shaken as long as you are exposed to the light (–2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks).

You walk a little further and the ground seems to level out. The purple glow pervades the area, even overwhelming the torch Rosie carries. You can see a large gap ahead and beyond it, a faint white light.

Perception checks.

Clyde looks around warily.

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18

Rosie looks around as well.

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18

Emma stays close to Aiden and Shadow, knowing that the energy in this area is making them feel uneasy.

She keeps her thoughts to herself as she looks around the area, and tries to see through to the where the faint light is coming from.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

Taking a deep breath as he locks eyes with Emma, Aiden simply nods, moving forward after a moment, though clearly on edge at the sheer wrongness of the cavern.

(Aiden)Perception/shaken: 1d20 + 7 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 7 - 2 = 11
(Shadow)Perception/shaken: 1d20 + 9 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 9 - 2 = 20

Only Aiden does not notice the three skeletal figures clad in the rusted tatters of chain mail and gripping broken maces as they emerge from the shadows. What remains of their clothing identifies them as former clerics of Pharasma.

Initiative:

Emma: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Aiden: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Shadow: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Rosie: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
Clyde: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14
Skeletons: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Round 1: Rosie, Clyde, Shadow, Aiden, Skeletons, Emma

Rosie lets out a cry of fear. She instinctively loads a bullet into her sling and lets it fly at the nearest undead creature.

Vs S3: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15; Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1

Emma puts her arm up in front of Aiden, "Not good, we got company." She says, pointing out the undead clerics to her love.

She then waits to see what the others would do before acting.

Clyde rushes forward, drawing his blade in a downward arc against the skeleton that Rosie hit.

Attack: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 2 = 8

Or that's how Clyde would have liked it to go. Instead, he trips over his own feet and stumbles right in front of the undead horror, his blade loosely held in his hand.

I think if we can properly put to rest the bones of those that died here, that it will help abate some of the evil energy here. It's because they haven't been allowed their final rest. At least that's my guess.

Shadow dashes forward, pushing past the unnatural fear attempting to bite into one of the skeletons and pull it to the ground

Bite/Charge/Shaken vs S1: 1d20 + 5 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 5 + 2 - 2 = 12
Piercing: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Trip: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

The wolf has no success in attacking the skeletons. Aiden takes a moment to orient himself as the skeletons attack.

S1 vs Shadow: 1d20 ⇒ 3
S2 vs Clyde: 1d20 ⇒ 8
S3 vs Clyde: 1d20 ⇒ 5

While uncoordinated, the skeletons could yet pose a threat to the group.

Round 1: Rosie, Clyde, Shadow, Aiden, Skeletons, Emma

Please bear with me, it's been a while since I've played a straight Cleric, so I'm trying to remember how to do stuff. I was gonna CPE against the skeletons, but could remember if it was like an area thing, or if I had to target one, and if I had to roll for concentration check. If I miss anything, or I do it wrong, just let me know and I'll try to fix it.

Knowing the situation was dire, and could become deadly for them at any moment, Emma does what she was trained to do and throws out her arms towards the approaching skeletons.

While holding out her Holy Symbol in front of her towards the Skeletons she says in a strong voice, "Hear me oh ye past servants of Pharasma and find rest. Goddess Sarenrae, help me return these servants of Pharasma to the earth. Let their spirits find rest that they might find the peace they deserve."

A wave of light energy moves forward from her hands towards the skeletons, as she attempts to offer them rest.

CPE 1/5: 1d6 ⇒ 6

S1: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
S2: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
S3: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

The skeleton that Rosie struck crumbles from the wave of energy while the other two look severely weakened by it.

Round 2: Rosie, Clyde, Shadow, Aiden, Skeletons, Emma

Rosie lets another sling bullet fly, grimacing as she hurls it with Shadow and Clyde in the way.

Attack: 1d20 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (8) + 2 - 4 = 6

Clyde moves over to flank with Shadow and attacks a little less recklessly this time.

Attack: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 5 + 2 = 16; Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Shadow snaps forward, biting at the skeleton's leg, again trying to drag it down to finish it.

Bite/Flank/Shaken vs S1: 1d20 + 5 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 5 + 2 - 2 = 17
Piercing: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Trip: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

Clyde cuts down one skeleton and the skeleton in Shadow's jaws goes limp, the animating magic no longer within the old bones.

Combat Over.

Dropping his bow and drawing the quarterstaff across his back, Aiden moves forward, swinging at the skeleton as Shadow attacks.

Quarterstaff/Shaken: 1d20 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 - 2 = 6
Bludgeoning: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Is the purple light still present, or did it dissipate after we finished off the skeletons?

Taking a moment to catch her breath, Emma looks around at the others to reassure herself that they're okay, before she goes over to the skeletons to check for anything of use that they might have had.

While looking over the remains she asks, "Is everyone doing okay? Rosie, how ya doing over there sweetie?" She knew that for at least Rosie and Clyde, this was probably their first time seeing anything that scary so close and personal. She wanted to make sure they were alright, especially Rosie after the trauma of what happened with her folks.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

My concern for Rosie's well being, is making it hard for me to concentrate on anything else.

"Those monsters were people once upon a time, weren't they?" Rosie asks, her voice slowly returning to normal.

"You sure didn't waste time flinging stones at them," Clyde remarks, sheathing his sword. "Though I'm glad you didn't."

Emma nods solemnly, "Yes, they were once Clerics of Pharasma. We don't always know why these things happen. Sometimes it's due to someone using dark magic to control the dead for their own sick and twisted purposes, sometimes it can be caused by unnatural energies that are released either by natural causes like earthquakes and stuff that stir things up, or unnatural causes like people messing with magic that they don't understand. There's a few different things that can create the undead, no matter what the circumstances are that create them though....it's always sad to me, and my sworn duty to give them their final peace." Emma pauses for a moment before looking around at everyone, "I'm sorry, that's probably more information than you were looking for." She says, backing away from what was left of the skeletons, so that someone else that wasn't as distracted as she was, could loot the.

"Better to understand what we're dealing with, and that putting them down is the kindest thing you can do for them." Aiden says grimly, as he checks the corpses for anything of use.