Caverns of Azlantia

Game Master Dread

Opening the east door reveals a 40 foot diameter circular room is beyond. It looks like some sort of chapel. within are two Deathwalker guards as youve fought before. Further in are 2 priests, their hellish outfits and facial tatoos declaring them Priests of Zon-Kuthon. both carry spiked chains. Its obvious they knew you were here, as there is no look of surprise on their faces.

Besides the four cult members the center of the room holds a 5' basin of water set on a 3' high pillar of human skulls. The north end of the room holds a curtained off area 20 feet up to where the ceiling is.

Breaks in the curtains show the pedestal and sides of some sort of statue

Initiative
21 Dr. Ocellus
21 Deathwalker (x2)
16 Gideon
16 Flash
13 Priests (x2)
11 Jenna
5 Urtar
4 Arronus
4 Souldbound Puppet
4 Necromantic Servant

Active Spells/Conditions
Necromatic Servant- 267 Rounds (Arronus)
Soulbound Puppet- 167 Rounds (Arronus)
Barkskin 268 Rounds +2 AC (Natural-Gideon) AC20

Wielding his trusty spade Dr Ocellus rushes forwards a little fool hardily, to engage one of the Death Walkers hoping the others would be right with him. "Take that you blackguard!" he cries before swinging the spade with a blow that would have been vicious if it had actually hit anything.

Spade!: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7Damage: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Ok, as I understand GMMichael's process, we don't wait for the init order, rather we post and he makes sense of it in the round summary. So despite being last, I am posting actions. This may mean that GMMichael may have to rearrange the map, and account for flanking... and whatever it is I am closing with.

Arronus and his minion join the tail end of the rush, closing with the foe...

To Hit, Skeleton Claw: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 + 2 = 19
+2 bab +2 str
Damage, skeleton claw: 1d4 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 1 = 6
+2 str +1 necromantic servant bonus

To Hit, Arronus: 1d20 + 2 + 4 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 2 + 4 + 2 + 1 = 28
+2 bab +4 str +2 flanking +1 MW longsword

Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 2 = 11
+4 str +2 Haunted Implement (champion spirit)

Edit: Possible Crit, Arronus

Crit Confirm, Arronus: 1d20 + 2 + 4 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 2 + 4 + 2 + 1 = 24
+2 bab +4 str +2 flanking +1 MW longsword

Extra Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 2 = 13
+4 str +2 Haunted Implement (champion spirit)

Gideon steps in the door and assists Dr O in his attack on the native leaving the other bodyguard for Arronus and his minion. "We need to get to those priests before they start casting spells."

fauchard, PA: 1d20 + 8 - 1 ⇒ (8) + 8 - 1 = 15
fauchard dmg, PA: 1d10 + 5 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 5 + 3 = 13

Jenna lines up the leftmost Priest and shoots at him.

Crossbow: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
damage?: 1d8 ⇒ 2

I assume Arronus and his pet cut the deathwalker's head off.

Urtar moves in and gets ready to attack the rightmost priest.

Double move. Oreads have only 20ft move ffs.

Dr. Ocellus was quick to react and charge within, shovel at the ready. Shouting at the native as he swung the spade, The warrior easily deflected it with his shield.

The Deathwalker stabbed his spear at the man charging him and the spear plunged into his upper thigh.

The other Deathwalker moved to intercept the doctor adnd stabbed him in his upper arm, just inches away from his throat.

Gideon moved right next to the Deathwalker who had just stabbed Dr. Ocellus, pointing Arronus to attack it, as he swung his Fauchard at the warrior further away. The blade slammed into his shoulder and chest, cutting him deep.

Flash, even hearing shouts and grunts, and metal clanging on metal, stood still under the burning torch looking around.

The Priest on the left began chanting and then an emanation of energy pulsed out, bolstering the will of their soldiers.

The other looked at Arronus readying himself to enter the fray and clutched the skull symbol around his neck, speaking words to generate fear in the mind of an opponent. Arronus felt the grip and shook it off easily.

Jenna raised her crossbow and fired it at the priest to the left, the bolt skinned her arm, leaving a slight furrow. keep this bolt

Urtar moved towards the priest on the right, threatening him with the longspear, receiving a chance attack from the Deathwalker as he passed, which the Oread easily avoided.

Arronus pointed and his servant moved past him and positioned himself opposite Gideon where his master pointed and claws into the side of the warrior.

Then Arronus moved up, flanking with Dr Ocellus and disemboweled, the warrior between them.

Round 2

Initiative
21 Dr. Ocellus
21 Deathwalker (x2)
16 Gideon
16 Flash
13 Priests (x2)
11 Jenna
5 Urtar
4 Arronus
4 Souldbound Puppet
4 Necromantic Servant

Active Spells/Conditions
Necromatic Servant- 266 Rounds (Arronus)
Soulbound Puppet- 166 Rounds (Arronus)
Barkskin 267 Rounds +2 AC (Natural-Gideon) AC20
Deathwalkers Blessed +1 to hit, +1 to fear saves

Gideon kicks at the warrior before him. Catching the man in the gut he hears the crunch of bone and the man drops. Gideon then moves past the downed man to threaten the nearest priest. "Stay on the priests. Don't let them cast anything else."

Unarmed strike: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
dmg: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

The big well between myself and the leftmost priest... Is it passable? In other words, would I need a check to walk and attack him? If not, then I move and attack him. If I need a check, then I just attack right hand side priest.

Urtar pokes with his spear, working with might rather than precision.

Longspear, power attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
Piercing damage: 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

The thrust strikes true, but is not as strong as the cleric would like.

Besides the four cult members the center of the room holds a 5' basin of water set on a 3' high pillar of human skulls.

Not a well. With all rooms you encounter, if they have obstacles in a square, treat as hindering terrain unless I mention otherwise in the description..so those square cost double to move through

"Oooh You SAVAGE!" grunted Dr Ocellus as the Deathwalker attacked him. He lashed out again with his spade, but his anger made his movements predictable and the Deathwalker dodged aside.

Spade!: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9Damage: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Assuming Doc Occ survives to Lvl 4, he'll be looking forwards to studied combat.

A surge of Arronus's will has the skeletal warrior moving to flank the second deathwalker, whereupon it slashes brutally with it's claws...

skeleton 5' step
skeleton full attack, flanking with Ocellus

To Hit, Skeleton Claw A: 1d20 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 + 2 + 2 = 17
+2 bab +2 str +2 flanking

Damage A: 1d4 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 1 = 7
+2 str +1 necromantic servant bonus

To Hit, Skeleton Claw B: 1d20 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 + 2 + 2 = 19

Damage B: 1d4 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 1 = 6

Arronus himself pivots, and closes with one of the priests, slashing with his longsword...

move - 30', following the pink line to avoid AoO.
standard - attack with Longsword

To Hit, Arronus: 1d20 + 2 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 2 + 4 + 1 = 22
+2 bab +4 str +1 MW longsword

Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 2 = 13
+4 str +2 Haunted Implement (champion spirit)

Ill give Jenna until tonight to post, the npc her

Since Gideon is attacking the left priest Jenna shoots at the rightmost one.

crossbow + PBS: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 5 + 1 = 16
damage + PBS?: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Dr. Ocellus took another swipe at the injured Deathwalker and a second time the native deflected it with his shield.

The warrior stabbed out with his spear yet again, who this time swatted the spear to the side with the shovel in his hands. Then the warrior took a step to the rear at the shout of the priest behind him in the native tongue of Mwangi

Gideon moved quickly around the edge of the room, coming up beside the native and kicked him in the stomach with a booted foot, knocking the wind out of him and snapping a few ribs, The warrior fell into the basin of skulls and caused it to slide a few inches.

Outside Flash continued to stand vigil. ears twisting this way and that, nostrils flaring. unsure of what else to do til his master came to get him.

The priest near Gideon took a step to the rear as he uttered the same spell his partner had vs Gideon. The big Man grinned not afeared at all.

The other priest did the same except he wove a dark spell that brought negative energies into the room and swirling about his head. he pushed both hands out in front of him and beam of pure blackness and evil shot from them at Urtar. enveloping him and lessening his life energy. he felt the blackness on him like a dozen knife pricks. bood was oozing out his pores.

Jenna fired her crossbow at the priest who had just blasted Urtar and it struck him in the hip, staying there.

Urtar stabs the priest that fired the dread bolt at him in the stomach, drawing blood. The priest babbled in an unholy tongue.

That caused Arronus' skeletal aide to glance at him. Just then Arronus issued a command to it to attack, and it moved towards the priest on the left, coming into contact and grabbing at it. Bony fingers penetrated clothing and scratched his chest. Meanwhile Arronus rushed forward and coming up on the side of the other priest hacked into him severely with his longsword, the priest wavering on his feet. The straw rat stayed on Arronus shoulder whispering in his ear.

Round 3

Initiative
21 Dr. Ocellus
16 Gideon
16 Flash
13 Priests (x2)
11 Jenna
5 Urtar
4 Arronus
4 Souldbound Puppet
4 Necromantic Servant

Active Spells/Conditions
Necromatic Servant- 265 Rounds (Arronus)
Soulbound Puppet- 165 Rounds (Arronus)
Barkskin 266 Rounds +2 AC (Natural-Gideon) AC20
Deathwalkers Blessed +1 to hit, +1 to fear saves 39R

Wincing from pain, Urtar pushes on against the priest that cast a spell on him.

5ft step + poke with longspear. No power attack this time.

Longspear: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 101d8 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

Unfortunately the dark energies weakened him and he missed the attack.

Doc Occ shook his fist towards the priest in front of him, and he rushed towards him and took a swipe with his spade.

Spade!: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13Damage: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
Dice bot says no!

With mindless ferocity, the skeleton claws at the priest in front of it...

Skeleton - full attack

To Hit, Skeleton Claw A: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 + 2 = 22
+2 bab +2 str

Damage A: 1d4 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 1 = 5
+2 str +1 necromantic servant bonus

To Hit, Skeleton Claw B: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 + 2 = 13

Damage B: 1d4 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 1 = 4

Arronus slashes at his own problem...

standard - attack priest with Longsword

To Hit, Arronus: 1d20 + 2 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 2 + 4 + 1 = 25
+2 bab +4 str +1 MW longsword

Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 2 = 10
+4 str +2 Haunted Implement (champion spirit)

Gideon stepped to the side of the skeleton and then slashed at the far priest with his fauchard.

fauchard, PA: 1d20 + 8 - 1 ⇒ (6) + 8 - 1 = 13

fauchard dmg, PA: 1d10 + 5 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 3 = 11

Round 3

Dr. Ocellus moved forward swinging his shovel at the Priest before he could cast another spell and caught him in the side. The blow was so hard it pushed the native into the curtains that surrounded a statue barely visible behind them.

Gideon sidestepped and lopped the head off the skeleton near Arronus.

The Priest looking around, had a look of resignation on his face and he prayed to Zon-Kuthon, and a burst of inky blackness flashed out from him, enveloping everyone with a cold so profound it reached into your bones. Jenna stood outside the burst of blackness and felt the cold even there, but was unaffected. The blackness had 1 interesting effect though, the sinew and bones on the Skeleton knitted back together.

Channel negative energy DC 14. rolls on roll20

Jenna fired her Crossbow at him. and missed, the bolt shattering on the back wall. cross that bolt off your inventory

Urtar stepped beside Gideon and thrust out with his spear at the priest, who kept his shield in front blocking it.

Then the priests luck ran out as the newly healed skeleton ripped him apart.

End of Combat

Active Spells/Conditions
Necromatic Servant- 264 Rounds (Arronus)
Soulbound Puppet- 164 Rounds (Arronus)
Barkskin 265 Rounds +2 AC (Natural-Gideon) AC20

Once the combat was over Dr Ocellus remarked, "Well that was unpleasant. I guess we'd better patch ourselves up in case there's more lurking about."

He then started checking the corpses to see if they carried anything of note.
Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

Theres nothing of note on the two Deathwalkers bodies, but each of the priests have 2 potions: 1 he recognizes right off as a potion of cure moderate wounds, as they are well known. The other is a dark brown potion.

plus each have a well made spiked chain.

2 mw spiked chains, 2 potions cure moderate wounds, 2 unknown potions.

"Arronus, Jenna, or Urtar, can you determine what these other two potions do? " Gideon asks. Then he follows up with, "You'd have thought the priest at least would have had some gold on him."

"Doctor O, why don't you chug one of these healing potions. I'm going to bring Flash in here and we can collect ourselves before moving down the hall." Gideon then steps out into the hall and gathering Flash's reins he draws the animal into the room.

@DM: did you roll for them trying to identify already?

Flash follows Gideon into the room. Urtar laces all the bodies against the wall Jenna steps into the room and watches the hall.

No I ddnt roll for identifying them.

Urtar focuses on healing the group after they deal with the cultists.

Channel Positive Energy: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 6) = 10

Afterwards he says "I wonder what's behind those curtains. We should open them. Also, I wouldn't know what's in these potions. Not my forte."

Doctor Occellus nods to Gideon and almost unstoppers the potion before Urtar channeled healing energy. He felt much better and said, "On second thoughts, perhaps we should save this for combat use?"

He then examines the other potion, trying to figure out what it is.
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25 That's lucky, the DC to identify a potion without detect magic is 25, IIUC.

both are potions of barkskin

Dr. Ocellus looks over the Potion...smells it...nods knowing he's figured it out

"Bracing little fight, not bad..." comment Arronus, and continues "Thank you for the healing, Urtar"

Leaving looting the bodies to the others, Arronus sets his skeleton to watching the entry doors to the room. Then he starts carefully working his way into the curtained off area (checking for traps)

Perception, rat, aid another, take 10: 10 + 3 + 3 + 1 = 17
3 ranks (master's) +3 trained +1 wis

Perception, Arronus: 1d20 + 3 + 3 + 2 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 3 + 2 + 4 + 2 = 18
3 rank +3 trained +0 wis +2 racial +4 Skill Focus+2 aid another

Arronus carefully pulls back the curtain to look inside seeing a basalt statue with large citrines for eyes. As he looks at the statue within he feels a sense of impending doom seizing him and suddenly Arronus and the Straw Rat on his shoulder both stop moving and freeze. A look of terror is on Arronus' face. He feels all-Consuming Dread.

Statue of Dominik The Unquenchable

will save for arronus: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5 soulbound puppet will save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

length of stun Arronus: 1d6 ⇒ 4 puppet stun: 1d6 ⇒ 1

just keeping the summary near.

Active Spells/Conditions
Necromatic Servant- 262 Rounds (Arronus)
Soulbound Puppet- 162 Rounds (Arronus)
Barkskin 262 Rounds +2 AC (Natural-Gideon) AC20
Arronus stun 40R
Puppet stun 10R

@GM Michael, is there a Knowledge check for Dominik the Unquenchable?

Religion DC20

Let's go religion: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

Urtar looks at Arronus and is startled by the man's sudden paralysis. He goes check on him.

Heal, diagnosis on Arronus: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14
Heal, diagnosis on puppet: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

@RNG: Those nat 20s would be useful in combat!

Urtar moved to look at the statue, and recognized one of the Servants of Zon-Kuthon, Dominik the Unquenchable. A shiver ran down his spine as he saw her displayed in all her evil glory. Dominik is a vampire who was tortured and mutilated by Kuthites, and who is plagued with the inability to quench her undying thirst due to a permanent wound which removed her digestive organs. Now she serves The Midnight Lord as an ambassador of Murder and Undeath.

He sees the two large Citrine's in the statues eye sockets.

after looking over Arronus he cannot tell what occurred but once he looks at the straw imitation rat, Urtar discerns, its a magical effect coming from the eyes of the statue. He knows the stunning will be temporary but does not know how long. Its not paralysis as the bodies do move ever so slightly, more just a lack of mental command to move.

urtar will save: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

Urtar shakes his head to dispel the feelings of dread that comes from the statue. He tells the others "This is a depiction of Dominik the Unquenchable. She is a vampire that was a victim of Kuthites. They removed all her digestive organs, so in her undeath she in incapable of satisfying her hunger. I remember reading about her in my younger years and seeing her statue is much more uncomfortable than reading about her."

He starts to think whether this vampire is somewhere in these caverns and rubs his temples as they started to hurt. He says "Don't worry, Arronus is well, just magically stunned. Don't look directly into the statue's eyes, it has a magical effect that paralyses you, as you can see. They should be removed for safety. Also, because they can be sold, I bet. However, it does require the expertise of someone else."

So who has trapfinding in our group?

...

So who has trapfinding in our group?

The guy who's stunned for one... That said, I am not sure that messing with said statue is a good idea. At very least, the statue and the citrines aren't going anywhere, so I'd say clear the rest of the area, and then come back...

After Tessai filled Jack in on what transpired topside as well as below before Tessai decided to part ways with the group, Jack and Sparkwing go through the door. Jack casts light onto the tether around Sparkwing'right anklet, then the two of them attempt to quietly descend the steps.

The group standing in the room with the statue, looking at Arronus' stunned figure, begin to debate with Urtar about removing the Citrine's on the statues eyes. Jenna considers things for a moment and says. Look guys. I think Tessai has the right of this. This cult is a little too dangerous. Im going out with her. Good Luck. and she heads for the bridge.

Meanwhile Their guide who brought them from Bloodcove, Rabbit Jack, enters the narrow stair case with Sparkwing his hawk. He makes it down the stairs to a turn and can see out into the chasm where the rope bridge is crossing. He thinks he sees Jenna across the way.

Active Spells/Conditions
Necromatic Servant- 261 Rounds (Arronus)
Soulbound Puppet- 161 Rounds (Arronus)
Barkskin 261 Rounds +2 AC (Natural-Gideon) AC20
Arronus stun 39R
Puppet stun 9R

Jack speaks a mixture of Polyglot and bird sounds when using his beastkin speak with animals ability with Sparkwing (and other Terwa Uplands hawks). If Jack and Sparkwing make it to 4th level, Sparkwing will comprehend Polyglot.

Jack says a blend of Polyglot and bird sounds to Sparkwing, <"I think that is Jenna from the group we brought here. She's coming this way. Let's wait here so she can tell us about any new dangers they have encountered since Tessai decided to head topside.">

Gideon walks back to the bridge with Jenna. "Hopefully those flying things have settled back down." He says as they walk and then he will watch as she attempts to cross assuming there is nothing busily flying around trying to throw her off. He left Flash with Urtar.

Gideon looks around, it seems the giant bats are just settling down.

He can see the guide that brought them here across the way. His Hawk is emitting light.

Active Spells/Conditions
Necromatic Servant- 261 Rounds (Arronus)
Soulbound Puppet- 161 Rounds (Arronus)
Barkskin 261 Rounds +2 AC (Natural-Gideon) AC20
Arronus stun 39R
Puppet stun 9R
Sparkwing Light 299R

Upon seeing who appears to be Gideon coming into view by Jenna, Jack deduces the woman is definitely Jenna, <"That is two of the group we led through the jungle. With me, Sparkwing.">

Jack makes a single wave with his left arm at the two people of the group he led through the jungle as he attempts to quietly approach the rope bridge with Sparkwing flying above his head.

Gideon puts his finger to his lips to motion for silence and points at a giant bat if any are moving. Assuming, no other issues he claps Jenna on the back and then motions for Jack to come across.

Jack extends his right arm, and Sparkwing lands on the falconry gauntlet.

Jack looks around to make sure none of the large flying creatures are looking towards the bridge.

Perception +9: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

Waiting until none of the flying creatures seem to have the rope bridge in their view, Jack makes his way across, trying to be as quiet as possible.

Stealth +10: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22

Jack moves to the edge of the hall and looks across at the well made rope bridge, sees how it branches to the right and goes into another hall. and across the way he sees Gideon and Jenna standing over a native corpse.

Moving quickly and quietly he makes his way across and into the hall. and Jenna crosses the other way after acknowledging Jack.

Active Spells/Conditions
Necromatic Servant- 259 Rounds (Arronus)
Soulbound Puppet- 159 Rounds (Arronus)
Barkskin 259 Rounds +2 AC (Natural-Gideon) AC20
Arronus stun 37R
Puppet stun 7R
Sparkwing Light 297R

Jack, keeping a watchful eye for any of the flying creatures in case any decide to come towards them, lowers his voice and speaks to Gideon, "I see from topside and here," Jack indicates the corpse near their feet,"and from what Tessai told me, that it did not take long for trouble to find you."

Jack steps past Gideon so he is not adjacent to the ledge of the chasm, "I discovered something after I parted ways with your group that made me reconsider your offer to join you. Is that offer still good?"

"Of course, safety in numbers, right? Come on." Gideon says to their guide and leads the way back to the others.

Dr Ocellus follows along without comment.

Urtar is very confused by the comings and goings in the group. He says "Well, thank you for coming Jack, your help is certainly welcome. There's just the matter of waiting for Arronus to recover from a trap here. It should wear off shortly. In the meantime, do not look into this statue's eyes."

Maybe we wait for the stun to wear off, then move on?

"Once our boy is ready, we need to check out some more doors. Anyone have a preference? I recommend we check the door down to the east. Once we clear that then we can head west and see what the pillars are guarding."

Jack, Gideon and Dr. Ocellus returned to the room, entering and all were very careful not to look at the statue. A few minutes passed then Arronus and his Unnatural puppet became free of its hold.

Active Spells/Conditions
Necromatic Servant- 222 Rounds (Arronus)
Soulbound Puppet- 122 Rounds (Arronus)
Barkskin 222 Rounds +2 AC (Natural-Gideon) AC20
Sparkwing Light 260R