The Cartographer - Hangman's Noose

Game Master The Cartographer

"Whoa, heal-y fire. That's... How'd that happen?" Carrie seems impressed by Zinli's cauterizing flames, ironic though it is that they actually burned her, "Actually nevermind, now's not really the time, but now that nobody's dyin', we can focus on, uh... Whatever it was we were gonna do before the janitor decided to press his luck."

Neronius presses his fingers together into a steeple. "Ahem. I do believe it was established that the malevolent spiritual energy manifesting in this courtroom will be assuaged--or at least become incarnate--only when the full scope of its originating cause is revealed? Each clue has been found in the presence of a hazard conjured by the poltergeist. Thus, I believe you brave heroes must again do battle with the so-called 'dancing ghost' upstairs."

Trevor sighs as Zinli manages to heal Sveth. Well at least we avoided another death. If we are going to fight this dancing ghost, how will we fight it? Plain iron doesn't seem to do anything.

"I surmise that enchanted blades would be useful, along with the usual suspects: holy water and the like."

“I didn’t move fast enough…"

"To dodge a bullet? Yeah... No. Sorry."

"Whoa, heal-y fire. That's... How'd that happen?"

"No f&*%ing clue!" Zinli shrugs.

"Well at least we avoided another death. If we are going to fight this dancing ghost, how will we fight it? Plain iron doesn't seem to do anything."

"Maybe I can make it explode!" the gunslinger says jokingly. "And this dagger looks enchanted." She pockets the brandy after taking a large swig. "That'll help for morale," she smacks her lips appreciatingly.

Perhaps Carolyn can wield the dagger while Rekkart uses his blade?

Battle Map

Rekkart, feeling better after Zinli’s healing, speaks up; “My blade is magical. If that is what will help defeat the shadow I can be up front. From what I know my shield will be useless and I can focus everything on attacking the creature.” looking to those around the group; “What about the magics you all possess? Do you have anything that could hurt these things?”

Sveth still lays on the floor and smirks with Zinli’s response.

( What do you do?)

(PCs: Trevor -1 HP -4 Wis ~ Carrie -6 HP -4 Wis ~ Tolbold -1 HP -2 NL -4 Wis ~ Zinli -4 Wis)
(NPCs: Rekkart -2 HP ~ Patrissa -3 HP -2 NL ~ Sveth -12 HP ~ Madge)

Trevor does not claim anything from the loot. Since it is tight quarters where the ghost is, we shouldn't all crowd up there but be ready to lend our aid to those fighting.

"Right," Zinli stands up. "Anyway, someone's going to stay here and watch over our old pal there. Make sure he doesn't start rotting or cutting his own throat or whatever."

She doesn't look very stable on her legs, and even her tone lacks her usual cheerful confidence. If anything, she looks resigned - and uncharacteristically grave. "So it's me, Rekkart, Carrie maybe... Who else?"

She takes the brandy; she can also have the darts if no one wants them. Maybe Carrie should have the potion too?

"Fine, gimme the knife," Carrie sighs, "I'm not that great with a blade, but if you say it'll actually let me fight this thing, I can at least try to make it work."

She walks over to Sveth, narrowing her eyes at him as she snatches the dagger from his person, "Don't you dare try anythin' funny again, wise guy."

Tolbold smiles and says "I think I have a trick up my sleeve that will hurt this thing. It's best that I have a clear shot at it though."

I'll keep an eye on Sveth and make sure no body else vanishes.

"Carry on, carry on. I'll continue my investigations down here and . . ." he adds with a slight grin, "see if any valuables remain undiscovered."

"Then off we go," Zinli nods at Rekkart. "Care to take the lead?"

Battle Map

Rekkart takes his shield off and draws his blade and feels the grip in two hands, nods back to Zinli; “I’ll head up and go wide, let’s try to give everyone space. As soon as you see your clear shot, take it.” he gives everyone a look and begins to climb the stairs.

(I am good with getting everyone up in the room, giving Tolbold a surprise round shot, then initiative will starts. Place your token on the map to where they would be as soon as they make it on this floor.)

Maing your way up the stairs to this small apartment quarters you see again how the furniture has been hacked to pieces, clutter is all over the floor, the slashed up mattress is caked in dried blood. The figure of the dark woman appears once again, dancing amid red scarfs. She begind to dance forward.

Initiative: Round 1
Zinli
Trevor
Carrie
Shadow
NPCs
Tolbold
Neronius

( What do you do?)

(PCs: Trevor -1 HP -4 Wis ~ Carrie -6 HP -4 Wis ~ Tolbold -1 HP -2 NL -4 Wis ~ Zinli -4 Wis)
(NPCs: Rekkart -2 HP ~ Patrissa -3 HP -2 NL ~ Sveth -12 HP ~ Madge)

With little means to attack the ghost head on, Zinli stays behind Rekkart, ready to heal him some more if things go south.

Tolbold moves into the room and places his palm toward the undead creature and a ray of positive energy comes out.

Disrupt Undead: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17 Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Trevor stays downstairs to keep an eye on Sveth and the others.

Carrie stands by with the dagger at the ready, waiting for the ghost to come closer before she strikes.

Readied Action: Attack the ghost when it gets into range.
+1 Dagger Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Battle Map

As the shadow is dancing towards the party, Tolbold thrust his hands out towards the undead creature. As the Ray of Positive Energy comes out from him and hits the shadow. A bit of its darkness disappears. (-5 HP)

(Round: 1)
Zinli holds next to the paladin to aid him in his health. Trevor stays below keeping an eye on Sveth. Carrie, dagger in hand, is ready to strike out against the shadow as soon as it get closer.

The shadow continues to dance forward and Carries attacks out with her dagger. Her comfortability with weapons shows as she misses. Adjusting the dagger in her hands, she knows she can do better.

Twirling with the scarfs spinning around her, she lashes out at Carrie in return. Her arms lash through Carrie and in an instant her muscles waste away. Atrophy sets in and she collapse under the weight of her equipment. Her body loses all muscle mass and cannot function. (-11 STR – Critical hit confirmed, rolled near max. Carrie, I am PMing you.)

Seeing Carrie fall, Rekkart’s frustration burns; “The light of Imoedae guide my blade” (Smite Evil). His blade cuts through the shadow, continuing to remove the darkness that surrounds the shadow. It doesn’t look as effective as it normall would have. (-5 HP)

Initiative: Round 1
Zinli
Trevor
Carrie
Shadow
NPCs
Tolbold
Neronius

( Tolbold & Neronius you are up! What do you do? Once they go, we are at the top of the order.)

(PCs: Trevor -1 HP -4 Wis ~ Carrie -6 HP -4 Wis -11 Str ~ Tolbold -1 HP -2 NL -4 Wis ~ Zinli -4 Wis)
(NPCs: Rekkart -2 HP ~ Patrissa -3 HP -2 NL ~ Sveth -12 HP ~ Madge)

Seeing Carrie fall Tolbold gets desperate and tries to fire another bolt at the creature.

Disrupt Undead Melee: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 6 - 4 = 14 Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

From the ground hear, Neronius hears the sound of combat from above, and continues humming softly under his breath as he assembles the courthouse's valuables in one place.

Battle Map

Tolbold fires off a ray of positive energy and it just misses the shadowed creature. The shadow’s attention moves from the fallen Carrie to Rekkart, whose smite injured the creature.

(Round: 2)

Initiative: Round 2
Zinli
Trevor
Carrie
Shadow
Rekkart
Tolbold
Neronius

( Zinli & Trevor you are up! What do you do?)

(PCs: Trevor -1 HP -4 Wis ~ Carrie -6 HP -4 Wis – 11 Str ~ Tolbold -1 HP -2 NL -4 Wis ~ Zinli -4 Wis)
(NPCs: Rekkart -2 HP ~ Patrissa -3 HP -2 NL ~ Sveth -12 HP ~ Madge)

[spoiler=What is on Sveth]
(Please comment on what you want to take in your post. If there is anything left I will distribute among the other NPCs.)

Trevor keeps watch on Sveth.

"Oh, s+$*!!" Zinli exclaims when Carrie falls to the ground. She rushes forward, getting close enough to touch the fallen warrior - but nothing happens. There's no visible wounds on the young woman's body. "S$+~, s%$%!!"

Sparks come out of her hair and skin, and the tiny flames remain suspended in the air like fireflies, hovering near the fighters still standing. The heat and the flames give them a sudden rush of adrenaline. Cast Bless

Battle Map

The shadow turns it’s attention away from Carrie who is laying lifelessly on the floor and swipes out towards Rekkart who hurt it last. Rekkart dodges its attack. (Carrie, make sure you remember that he has smite activated against the shadow, which also gives an AC bonus)

Patrissa sees that Neronius and Madge have things under control and she double moves to go upstairs. Upon arriving upstairs she gasp at the sight of Carrie on the floor laying on the shreds of the bloodied mattress.

(Round: 2)

Initiative: Round 2
Zinli
Trevor
Carrie
Shadow
NPCs
Tolbold
Neronius

( Tolbold, Neronius… you are up! What do you do?)

(PCs: Trevor -1 HP -4 Wis ~ Carrie -6 HP -4 Wis – 11 Str ~ Tolbold -1 HP -2 NL -4 Wis ~ Zinli -4 Wis)
(NPCs: Rekkart -2 HP ~ Patrissa -3 HP -2 NL ~ Sveth -12 HP ~ Madge)

Rekkart

"By Iomedae's light, begone!" Rekkart yells as he swings his light-wreathed blade through the shadow's form.

Attack Roll: 1d20 + 5 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 5 + 2 + 1 = 18
Damage Roll: 1d8 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 2 + 4 = 14

Tolbold fires another bolt of positive energy at the creature but fails to hit it again. He yells in frustration "I really need to figure out how to hit things in melee combat with my allies."

Disrupt Undead Melee: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (6) + 6 - 4 = 8 Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Hearing Rekkart's shouting, Neronius can't help but thinking the situation must be quite dire up there. Perhaps . . . well, maybe . . . there's something he could do to help. Facing a daunting climb up the stairs, the portly occultist gathers his courage and begins to ascend!

We'll call it a double move to get up the stairs. I still haven't leveled Neronius up (maybe tonight?), so perhaps I can figure out something useful for this battle when I do :)

Battle Map

Tolbold’s energy ray misses the shadow as it continues to dance around, twirling the red scarves. Rekkart sees the opening needed and cuts through the shadow. The creature dissipates like the smoke from a candle snuffed out, leaving the scarves slowly falling to the ground.

As soon as the scarves hit the floor. The wooden toys of carriages, horses, knights, and wizards fly across the room and slam into the wall shattering hitting Zinli along the way. (-1 HP)

(What do you do?)

(PCs: Trevor -1 HP -4 Wis ~ Carrie -6 HP -4 Wis – 11 Str ~ Tolbold -1 HP -2 NL -4 Wis ~ Zinli -1 -4 Wis)
(NPCs: Rekkart -2 HP ~ Patrissa -3 HP -2 NL ~ Sveth -12 HP ~ Madge)

Tolbold sighs and then says "Hopefully she can rest now. Let's search the room for clues."

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

Trevor calls upstairs. What is happening?

"OUCH!! I swear. Why does this place hate me?"

Zinli gently shakes Carrie. "Carrie. Hey. Carrie, wake up. Can you hear me? Come on. S~$@. Rekkart?! Over here!" The gnome tries to think of a way she can get the fighter back on her feet. Heal: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

"What is happening?"

"The ghost is dead, but Carrie is down!" Zinli shouts back.

Huffing, puffing, and red-cheeked, Neronius arrives just as the battle is over. "Most!" . . . "Fortuitous!" he says in between gasps, his hands on his knees. He shakes his head in pity at Carrie before joining Tolbold in looking for whatever clues the ghostly dancer was concealing.

I'll try to Aid Another on Tobold's search.

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10

"Most fortuitous?!?!?!? Carrie may well be dead! You call that fortuitous???" Tolbood yells at Neronius. "GET OUT OF HERE! You worthless pompous greedy ass!"

Battle Map

Zinli begins to examine Carrie. As he gently shakes her, she can feel the muscles that she had have vanished and the gnome can feel her bones through her flesh. It is something that she has never experienced before. There is no life in her eyes or air in her lungs. Carrie is dead.

Tolbold looks around the room and besides the two that the shadow was dancing with, he discovers eight more scarves on hangers on the wall.

Looking around through the rubble of the bed you discover a coin pouch that holds 10 GP & 30 SP. There is a set of knitting needles with yarn. Finally, you discover a key on a oversized key ring to hold a single key.

(Down below)
Madge moves and picks up Sveth’s silver cane.

(What do you do?)

(PCs: Trevor -1 HP -4 Wis ~ Carrie -6 HP -4 Wis – 11 Str ~ Tolbold -1 HP -2 NL -4 Wis ~ Zinli -1 -4 Wis)
(NPCs: Rekkart -2 HP ~ Patrissa -3 HP -2 NL ~ Sveth -12 HP ~ Madge)

Trevor's face slackens and his eyes go blank staring off into the distance as he hears the news about Carrie.

"No way," Zinli says softly. She releases her grip horrified. "Carrie's dead." She seems in a state of utter shock.

Neronius shows no emotion during Tolbold's outburst, but upon hearing Zinli's pronouncement, he says "I am sorry to hear that. But now is not the time for grief--now is the time for survival." He picks up the key ring. "And this may be, quite literally, the key to our escape."

Intelligence Check: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Rekkart

Rekkart sheaths his blade and stares down at the fallen Carrie. Closing his eyes and offering a silent prayer for her soul, he bends down and lifts her body.

"Tragic," he laments, shaking his head, "But with any luck, the forces at play here won't raise her as a monstrosity as they have with our less scrupulous companions."

Carrying the girl's body back down the stairs, he lays her to rest on the nearby couch.

Intelligence: 1d20 ⇒ 16

"I fail to see how," Zinli answers Neronius bitterly.

She casts a weary look around the room, and points a blackened finger at the scarves. "They're really like the ones we found with the moneylending book," she says distractedly. "Weird. Exactly the same."

Phillip looks up with a dull look. Yes, we need to find out how to escape this place.

It appears that the fire and fury has left him and he merely shuffles along.

Tolbold looks up as Ninli speaks and solemnly replies "I wonder if the ones from the moneylender were stolen from her. That may be who orchestrated the tainted jury."

Neronius makes his way down the stairs, humming softly under his breath. He moves to a door that previously stymied his efforts to open it, and inserts the key into the lock.

Trying to open this door.

Battle Map

Patrissa moves to pick up one of the scarves; “They are beautiful.” she takes one and wraps it around her head veiling her face as if at a funeral. She begins to move towards the stairs when jealousy crosser her face as Rekkart picks up the fallen Carrie, but she cast her face away.

As the group makes their way to the middle floor (Where Madge/Sveth/Trevor are). You see Madge gripping the cane glaring at Sveth as if she wants to attack him. But when Neronius makes his way down the stairs she follows behind him, needing a reason to leave her thoughts.

(On the first floor)
(I’ve moved everyone around the door that Neronius mentioned. I’ve also brought Sveth along too, how are you transporting him around since he is captive? Also, are you doing anything specific with Ebin’s corpse?)

Neronius uses the key that is no longer frozen. It works. The door unlocks and creeks open and as your light light pours in it reveals a long hallway. As you look down the hallway you see two doors to the north. One directly as the door opens and one 20 feet further. About 40 feet from the door, you see a set of stairs that leads down. Just beyond that, your light is reflecting off metal bars. You cannot see too much further than that.

(What do you do?)

(PCs: Trevor -1 HP -4 Wis ~ Carrie -6 HP -4 Wis – 11 Str ~ Tolbold -1 HP -2 NL -4 Wis ~ Zinli -1 -4 Wis)
(NPCs: Rekkart -2 HP ~ Patrissa -3 HP -2 NL ~ Sveth -12 HP ~ Madge)

Trevor binds Ebin's ankles and wrists so he won't get up and follow them.

"Well . . ." says Neronius as the door opens. "Not the exit I was hoping for. I suggest those of you stout of heart and sinew take the lead."

"Wait. What should we do with this guy," Zinli points at Sveth. "I'm not sure he can walk."

"If we leave him inside of a locked room, something could happen to him. And I've seen enough deaths."

Drag him along I suppose

Rekkart

"Very well, then," Rekkart nods to Neronius, drawing his blade as he enters the newly-unlocked door. Turning his attention to the next door immediately to the left, he attempts to determine if he can hear anything behind it.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21