Rise of the Runelords

Game Master Veniir

Donimah watches and listens, and nods. She quietly waves her hand towards the barn. The implication is clear: After you.

Ethan does his best to maintain a stoic demeanor, despite the clear evidence that his invocation of Dead-Eye's power failed to cure one of the men. He was certain he drew on enough divine energy to purge the man of the disease, but for some reason, it failed. He failed.

I can't let it get to me now. We still have a present threat of ghouls, and we have yet to even approach their Master at Foxglove Manor.

He moves with the others toward the house, keeping his bow in hand with an arrow nocked.

Alicia moves one of her gauntleted fists behind here, making a symbol for 3, then one for zero, then making 3 crushing motions

bluff to send secret message: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (10) + 15 = 25

Suceeds, and possible enemies cant see that

Alicia moves one of her gauntleted fists behind here, making a symbol for 3, then one for zero, then making 3 crushing motions

[dice=bluff to send secret message]d20+15

Suceeds, and possible enemies cant see that

** spoiler omitted **

Arrian nods and prepares for combat.

kn religion: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

So close!

Knowledge, Religion: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18

"If there are ghouls hiding inside, they will come out sooner than later. Ghouls are insatiably hungry. They will seek out meat, living or dead, rotting or fresh."

[dice=Knowledge, Religion]1d20+10

"If there are ghouls hiding inside, they will come out sooner than later. Ghouls are insatiably hungry. They will seek out meat, living or dead, rotting or fresh."

"And smart enough to not want to be burned. Perhaps someone else is hiding in there? Only one way to find out."

Arrian nods to Alicia to take the door!

Perhaps we should use the nice warm fire we are about to make out of that barn to properly grill this nice, succulent, Ham, marinated in Minkaian meat sauce! I can already both visualize and taste the sublime mix of meat flavors!

Alicia tries a last ditch attempt to bluff someone hungry into charging out

bluff: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (14) + 15 = 29

[ooc]

Juriya auto-aids, shifting into her hybrid form with a proper bite.... though she doubts she's using such.

Donimah readies her own magical attacks, corrosive gold-green light dancing around the fingers of her free hand.

Both parties are aware of each other as the ghouls charge forward.

There are a total of 6 ghouls and a seventh can be seen in the back of the charge, walking a bit slower.

Doni's readied action can go off, then Ano acts before the ghouls. BTW, all minute/level duration spells have already expired by now. Also, you have 2 very weak farmers with you. Sorry I don't have a map of the encounter since I don't have access to my desktop, but we can theater this.

@GM: Since we suspected a setup would it be reasonable for the group to have interposed itself between the barn and the ailing farmers?

Alicia would seek to be as much in front as possible, if she is not flat footed, here is her AoO

@Arrian: Of course.

Wait does that mean Ano’s bloodrage is over?

If you mean from last fight with the ghoul scarecrow, there were at least 20 minutes that went by from Ethan rolling Heal on the farmers.

So either I had to have her end her bloodrage before this battle, or run out of it completely. Is it okay if I do the former to reenter bloodrage?

Sure! You can end your bloodrage before the end.

Thank you. Decided to take off 2 rounds-1 for ending, another for beginning this round. Also no more reduced person

Rapier Attack, Bloodrage + Power Attack: 1d20 + 11 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 11 + 2 - 2 = 13
Rapier Damage, Bloodrage + Power Attack: 1d6 + 3 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 2 + 4 = 12

Ano prepares to strike at the ghoul charging, but she suddenly returns to normal size, causing her attack to whiff badly as she focuses on maintaining her footing.

Actually their charge gets their AC low enough for you and Alicia to hit your respective attacks

I'm assuming Ano, Arrian and Alicia are forming a forward wall.

The ghouls all charge forward, 2 to each frontliner. The seventh, different ghoul also moves forward, but doesn't get in range yet.

This feels more from a scene out of The Walking Dead than a proper horror scene. There isn't even fire in the background for more drama.

Although the group has already verified that ghouls are weak creatures, the sheer number of them is overwhelming. Alicia does get one of the ghouls down, but Ano and Arrian get hit

Ano take 4 damage, Arrian take 2 hits, 3 and 5 damage. For each hit, roll 2 Fort saves, the first is DC 13 vs ghoul fever. The second is DC 13 vs paralysis (elves are immune)

Party's up

Ethan touches the symbol of Erastil, and calls upon his power.

"May Dead-Eye strike you down!"

Channel Positive Energy, Harm Undead: 3d6 ⇒ (1, 6, 1) = 8 (DC 16)

Arrian? Ano?

Alicia eyes flare red as her teammates take potentially paralysing hits.

Bloodrage on

attack: 1d20 + 6 + 6 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 6 + 1 - 2 = 13
damage: 2d6 + 9 + 6 ⇒ (2, 5) + 9 + 6 = 22

attack iterative: 1d20 + 6 + 6 + 1 - 2 - 5 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 6 + 1 - 2 - 5 = 14
damage: 2d6 + 9 + 6 ⇒ (6, 6) + 9 + 6 = 27

bite secondary: 1d20 + 6 + 6 - 7 ⇒ (15) + 6 + 6 - 7 = 20
damage: 1d6 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 3 = 9

Alicia furiously unleashes a torrent of attacks (iteratives are fun yesyes), and, in her rage, even makes the highly questionable decision of biting one of the charging ghouls

CUKA BLYAD YOU TASTE LIKE DRETCH S@&+ the enraged Paladin snarls in a mixture of Abyssal and common.

4 rounds of rage remaining

Fort Save 1: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22
Fort Save 2: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26

Despite taking some hits, Ano endures, attacking in fury.

Since my Base ATK is +6, does this mean I can make the two attacks with a full round at +6 and +1? Also don’t forget blur is under effect for Ano, which means concealment (20% miss chance)

Fort Save vs. Disease: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 9 + 2 = 23

Fort Save vs. Disease: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 9 + 2 = 14

Fort Save vs. Paralysis: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

Fort Save vs. Paralysis: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

Whew one close cal1!

Arrian growls at being struck by the foul undead and calls upon the power of Cayden Cailean to smite these unholy monsters!

@GM: Swift action for Bane vs. undead. In case Donimah casts Haste I'll roll two attack rolls.
Bonuses:
+1 to hit from Masterwork Falchion
+1 morale bonus from Ferocious Loyalty
+2 to hit, +2+2d6 from Bane
+6 to damage from Power Attack; -2 to hit negated by Furious Focus feat
Possibly +1 to hit from Haste

MW Falchion: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 8 + 1 + 2 = 292d4 + 4 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (4, 1) + 4 + 2 + (5, 2) = 18

MW Falchion: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 8 + 1 + 2 = 202d4 + 4 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (3, 4) + 4 + 2 + (3, 4) = 20

First attack crit?

MW Falchion: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 8 + 1 + 2 = 142d4 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (2, 1) + 4 + 2 = 9

If the 14 confirms (they did charge; it would be 15 with Haste) that would be 27 HP of damage on the first attack.

[dice=Fort Save 1]1d20 + 9

[dice=Fort Save 2]1d20 + 9

Despite taking some hits, Ano endures, attacking in fury.

Since my Base ATK is +6, does this mean I can make the two attacks with a full round at +6 and +1? Also don’t forget blur is under effect for Ano, which means concealment (20% miss chance)

Yes as long as Ano doesn't do anything other than a 5' step, a swift action, or a free action. :)

Ano Attack 1, Bloodrage + Power Attack: 1d20 + 11 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (16) + 11 + 2 - 2 = 27
Ano Attack 2, Bloodrage + Power Attack: 1d20 + 6 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 6 + 2 - 2 = 26

Ano Damage 1, Bloodrage + Power Attack: 1d6 + 3 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 2 + 4 = 15
Ano Damage 2, Bloodrage + Power Attack: 1d6 + 3 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 2 + 4 = 10

Ano Attack 2 Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 6 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 2 - 2 = 7
Ano Attack 2 if Crit Confirm: 1d6 + 3 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 2 + 4 = 12

Ano unleashes her fury, yowling as she plunges her rapier into a ghoul’s skull.

Regardless of the crit fail, that’s 25 damage to her target

Huh Alicia notices

I guess Ano is better at that Bloodraging thing then I am

As at least one Ghoul likely explodes from Anos barrage of precise and deadly strikes

Maybe I should try yowling when raging like she does? But I cant bite if I do that. But then, maybe biting Ghouls isnt exactly the most cleverest thing

Wait, did I bit a Ghoul?

Alicia is a bit unfocused, but thankfully her raging body mostly fights without much concious input from her.

@Ano: Please remind me of all your buffs every time you rage.

Miss chance on Ano, miss if <= 20: 1d100 ⇒ 55

The ghouls go through the meatgrinder and none survive. Only the stronger one is left standing.

Do I need to roll fort saves for biting one?

Juriya hurls a bomb at one of the ghouls, hoping to not damage her comrades too much. This is why I ask. Splash damage is a TEN on the crit.

Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27 WOO CRIT!
Crit Bomb Damage (Fire per usual): 3d6 + 4 + 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4, 2, 1) + 4 + (6) + 4 = 21

I should wait for Juriya to fry them before biting them Alicia says as the fireworks happen.

Will save: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 7 + 2 = 10

Juri crit confirm: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

Between Ethan's divine power and Juriya's bomb to the face, the stronger undead trailing behind also dies instantly.

Combat over

While the 6 ghouls were just normal farmers, the stronger one carried an interesting item. Around its neck, there is an iron key hanging. It bears a heraldic symbol of a curious flower surrounded by thorns.

In the silence of the afternoon, the barn and farmhouse rest unexplored.

"I know absolutely jackshit about nobility, but this seems to be nobility. Anyone have an idea?"

The rage fades away, and Ano’s form is no longer blurred. She leans against the doorframe, catching her breath.

"Wait. Donimah... that blur around Ano, was it a spell? I know that Bloodragers like her are capable of such feat, but that spell... if it is one, seems incredibly useful."

wait

Default Alias strike, Alicia is not actually a Succubus GM

kn Nobility: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

Isnt that the foxglove family crest? Alicia says as her eyes return to her normal color (fatigued for 2 turns).

She pauses

I mean, I am kind of happy that its a flower surrounded by thorns, and not a crown. The latter would mean Nocticulan involvement, and they are ruthless, professional and very capable killers, far more dangerous then these Ghouls She says as she shudders a bit

I would strongly believe that Foxglove manor beckons, yes?

Arrian, if you know anything else about this... Aldern Foxglove, mannerisms, personality She pauses

If we can figure out what made him hate you, then I could one up that, I am quite skilled at hat, and have him go after me, allowing you guys to

Burminate She looks at Juriya

Stab She looks at Ano

Slash She looks at Arrian

Holy energy blast She looks at Ethan

And fireball She looks at Dominah

his ugly ghoul face

"Wait. Donimah... that blur around Ano, was it a spell? I know that Bloodragers like her are capable of such feat, but that spell... if it is one, seems incredibly useful."

"Somewhat," Donimah replies. "There are spells that behave like that, but Ano didn't cast that specific spell...at last not intentionally. Those with power like hers...it seems like in the heightened emotional state of battle the spell essentially...cast itself."

Then she frowns a bit at Alicia's intended pep talk.

"I...actually haven't learned that spell. Most of what I know focuses on changing the battlefield itself and bolstering the rest of you. It's why I consider it uninformed and unfair to just regard Transumtation as the school of greed."

Yay, we found the one Knowledge check Donimah can't make! She's Shoanti, her people don't have nobility, and Riddleport's nobility are glorified ganglords. :P

Arrian spits when he hears the name again, "Foxglove - I knew it! Rotten bastards. This one literally too. I don't think it's Aldern..."

@GM: I'm assuming the undead carrying the key is not Aldern?

To Alicia, "I've told you what I know. Ano, Juriya, Donimah, Zeldrith, Persephone and me supposedly saved him from some goblins. He seemed impressed I used a dagger in the fight. Zeldrith's longsword cut the lead goblin in half - now that was a serious hit. I don't know why that weirdo is fixated on me. I'm not special and I didn't do anything special."

He describes Aldern Foxglove to Alicia:
Aldern Foxglove

Did we want to use the CLW wand or a Channel from Ethan? We don't know how many more undead we have left to fight so I'm thinking the wand.

I rearranged my purchases to get a wand a while ago, as opposed to masses of holy water. Seems like a good purchase.
Also... Juriya as well. She has no ranks in Knowledge Nobility, and that's a very intentional choice for pretty much the same reason as Donimah. Her family is the closest thing medieval societies have to a middle-class: merchants. And they're VERY weird (Ritalin addict and former vivisectionist) ones at that. Nobility isn't in their lesson plan.

Arrian retrieves the group's curative wand and uses its magic on himself and Ano:

CLW Wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

CLW Wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Nice two charges!

Interesting Alicia muses

It may not be based on what you did, but on what he thinks you did

You are an inquisitor of Cayden, he probably thinks that your life revolves about having adventurers, meeting part demon girls and saving incompetent nobles, perhaps its a life he would want to have? As far as I know the Foxglove family isnt exactly in great shape.

Jealousy or envy perhaps? I dont quite get how ghoulification would fit into that.

I think insulting his status, or lack thereoff, could allow me to get under his skin.

Her intonation changes

Oh, the late Lord Foxglove, tell me your *lordship*, did you become a ghoul because vampirization was not within your meagre financial means? I mean, you could have considered taking a loan, even if only few would give the Foxglove family any credit.

She goes through that sentence several times, playing around with the intonation and pronounciation, she then chuckles wryly as she break character

My Lady Kelinahat is not a "use all means available" deity when it comes to war, harming innocents or actively putting them at risk is forbidden, but psychological manipulation of the foe is absolutely allowed, as is encouraging betrayal among the enemies side, ideally by offering redemption, although I dont think I can pull off the latter with a Ghoul pack.

"Could it be connected to what we found beneath the goblin lair? We saw evidence of ritual sacrifice and references to ancient Thassilonian powers; the Runelords, wasn't it? If there was one, could there not be others? Were any of these Runelords associated with ghouls?"

Knowledge, Religion: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17

To Alicia, "As I've said the guy is a weirdo. Who knows what makes him tick? You might be able to get a glimpse inside his mind - literally - because I'm going to kill him for all of the suffering he's put people through."

He ponders for a moment and then looks at Alicia, "Psychological warfare eh? Not a bad idea. This could help too."

Arrian takes his falchion and severs the lead ghouls head - making it easier to retrieve the key in the process.

"We'll take this along with us in case it's a relative of Aldern. Maybe a family reunion will buy us an advantage."

@GM: Is there a Knowledge (Religion) check to determine what kind of undead the lead ghoul is? Could he be the swimmer/murderer from the Sawmill?

To Ethan, "Yes and there's another such Runelord complex under Sandpoint which is causing some strange things. Donimah might know about the Runelords better than most."

I'm guessing Knowledge (History) might help but I don't know.

Donimah thinks on what they'd seen so far, and if any runes and their respective Runelords were included in the Ghouls' display.

Knowledge (history): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (9) + 14 = 23

Donimah thinks on what they'd seen so far, and if any runes and their respective Runelords were included in the Ghouls' display.

[dice=Knowledge (history)]1d20+14

Neither Arrian nor I know if any of the Runelords specialized in necromancy. Hence me wondering if there was a check to be made.

Neither Arrian nor I know if any of the Runelords specialized in necromancy. Hence me wondering if there was a check to be made.

Hence me taking that as my cue! ;)

kn religion: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

I think the demonlord of Ghouls is Kabriri, demonlord of cannibalism, hunger, including hunger for secrets, and forbidden lore.

Could fit with a runelord of greed, but its circumstantial.

My temple teaches some creative insults for certain demonlords, which sometimes drives their hidden followers into acts of revealing aggression.

"Well, what we know for certain is that Lord Foxglove is involved with these ghoul attacks. We should pay him a long overdue visit," Ethan replies.

"Well, what we know for certain is that Lord Foxglove is involved with these ghoul attacks. We should pay him a long overdue visit," Ethan replies.

"I agree. But, once again, we have a complicating issue. What do we do with the survivors while we march on The Misgivings? We really can't delay; we know other lives literally depend on it."