Benedic's page

I've revised Benedic back down to level 1 and to use this campaign's rules. He's a cleric/cavalier Child of the Crusade, and not yet a paladin though he will swear the oath to Iomedae at some point in the early levels.

Ooof, I missed that it was my turn again. Sorry!

Benedic accepts the effects of Junior's rage song and swings at the nearby minotaur, ignoring the fact that he is on fire. He simultaneously channels energy again while he is still surrounded by the creatures.

Standard action attack. Inspire courage is a competence bonus, not morale bonus, so it stacks with heroism. I don't think he's adjacent to any of his allies, so he doesn't get the Amplified Rage bonus.

Attack (Radiance), divine favor, encouraging mythic heroism, haste, inspire courage, inspired rage: 1d20 + 9 + 3 + 5 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 9 + 3 + 5 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 38
Damage (cold iron, good, magic, slashing), divine favor, encouraging mythic heroism, inspire courage, inspired rage: 1d8 + 4 + 3 + 5 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 3 + 5 + 1 + 1 = 17

As a move action, he channels energy to harm evil outsiders. All of the minotaurs have to make a DC 19 Will save or become dazed for one round.

Alignment Channel damage: 4d6 + 7 ⇒ (6, 4, 2, 1) + 7 = 20 (halved, no save)

Finally, he channels his holy energy inward to heal some of his wounds.

Swift action lay on hands.

Lay on hands to heal: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Reflex save (DC 12), haste, mythic encouraging heroism: 1d20 + 2 + 1 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 1 + 5 = 10
Reflex save (DC 12), haste, mythic encouraging heroism: 1d20 + 2 + 1 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 1 + 5 = 10
Reflex save (DC 12), haste, mythic encouraging heroism: 1d20 + 2 + 1 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 2 + 1 + 5 = 23

Benedic narrows his eyes at the surrounding minotaurs, then swiftly charges past the eastern one, again slicing at it as he passes.

He uses Fleet Charge again on the blue-bordered minotaur, which is a swift action but provokes attacks of opportunity.

Fleet Charge attack (Radiance), divine favor, encouraging mythic heroism, haste, tier: 1d20 + 9 + 3 + 5 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 9 + 3 + 5 + 1 + 1 = 37
Damage (ignores DR), divine favor, encouraging mythic heroism: 1d8 + 4 + 3 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 3 + 5 = 19

Ending next to another minotaur and flanking with Caliban, Benedic stabs at it with the legendary sword he wields.

He attacks as a standard action.

Attack (Radiance), divine favor, encouraging mythic heroism, flanking, haste, tactical acumen: 1d20 + 9 + 3 + 5 + 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 9 + 3 + 5 + 2 + 1 + 1 = 32
Damage (cold iron, good, magic, slashing), divine favor, encouraging mythic heroism: 1d8 + 4 + 3 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 3 + 5 = 19

Finally, he plants himself behind his shield and releases a burst of holy energy that covers the entire bridge.

As a move action, he channels energy to harm evil outsiders. All of the minotaurs have to make a DC 19 Will save or become dazed for one round.

Alignment Channel damage: 4d6 + 7 ⇒ (5, 5, 1, 2) + 7 = 20 (halved, no save)

Benedic ... casts mythic heroism on Caliban ...

Just a reminder, that's +4 to attack, damage, saves, skills, and ability checks.

Benedic squints into the distance as he prepares and casts spells on the party. "Those look like fiendish minotaurs," he says. "They cannot be surprised, and they love to charge. They are evil and can smite those of us with celestial powers opposed to theirs."

He casts mythic heroism on Caliban, and mythic encouraging heroism, shield of faith, and divine favor on himself. He also activates his scale and his touch of glory power.

"We must bring the fight to them, or their tiefling forces can hold back and throw their splash weapons at us while the minotaurs charge." He glares in the creatures' direction. "Let's take that bridge, my friends!" he suggests. He rushes at the closest minotaur in a sudden flash of movement, swinging his sword in an arc as he reaches it.

He uses his champion's strike (Fleet Charge) as a swift action to run his speed, moving to the space in front of the first minotaur, and taking a swing that bypasses DR as he gets there. Then he makes a full attack.

Bonus attack from Fleet Charge (Radiance), divine favor, encouraging mythic heroism, haste: 1d20 + 9 + 3 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 9 + 3 + 5 + 1 = 38
Damage (cold iron, good, magic, slashing), divine favor, encouraging mythic heroism: 1d8 + 4 + 3 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 3 + 5 = 14
Critical confirmation (Radiance), divine favor, encouraging mythic heroism, haste: 1d20 + 9 + 3 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 9 + 3 + 5 + 1 = 29
Bonus damage from critical (cold iron, good, magic, slashing), divine favor, encouraging mythic heroism: 1d8 + 4 + 3 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 3 + 5 = 14

Attack (Radiance), divine favor, encouraging mythic heroism, haste: 1d20 + 9 + 3 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 9 + 3 + 5 + 1 = 25
Damage (cold iron, good, magic, slashing), divine favor, encouraging mythic heroism: 1d8 + 4 + 3 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 3 + 5 = 18

Bonus attack from haste (Radiance), divine favor, encouraging mythic heroism, haste: 1d20 + 9 + 3 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 9 + 3 + 5 + 1 = 33
Damage (cold iron, good, magic, slashing), divine favor, encouraging mythic heroism: 1d8 + 4 + 3 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 3 + 5 = 15

Merry Christmas to those who celebrate it!

Benedic considers everyone's comments. "Caliban's points are well-made. Let us scout the Paradise Hill bridge. We must also meet with our lieutenants and make sure there were no incidents in the night-time while we rested. Shall we say we will depart in an hour?"

Hope things are okay, everyone! Looking forward to continuing this when holiday distractions clear up.

"It is a shame to lose the time, but I agree, our army would be at a great disadvantage moving forward in darkness."

I suggest we spend our army points to bring both Might and Mobility up to 30. I also suggest that since we're going to rest until tomorrow, we have our allies use their daily powers (since I forgot about them yesterday!)

Recover Mobility (Anevia): 1d4 ⇒ 2
Recover Might (Captain Arles): 1d3 ⇒ 2
Recover Mobility (Aron Kir): 1d4 ⇒ 4
Recover Discipline (Aravashnial): 1d4 ⇒ 3
Recover Discipline (Beatrics): 1d4 ⇒ 1
Recover Discipline (Horgus): 1d3 ⇒ 1
Recover Discipline (Irabeth): 1d6 ⇒ 2
Recover Might (Captain Kamilo): 1d3 ⇒ 1
Recover Discipline (Nurah): 1d4 ⇒ 3
Recover Discipline (Sosiel): 1d6 ⇒ 2
Recover Might (Lay On Hands): 1d4 ⇒ 4

Benedic exhorts the army to stand strong against the evil spells the cultists use against them.

I'm going to assume heroism is still up, but not communal protection from evil. Also, I'm guessing that the Righteous Medal of Clarity (+2 bonus vs insanity/confusion) doesn't apply.

Will save (DC 16), heroism, resistance: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 8 + 1 + 5 = 32

I don't think we can use any of our allies in the army to engage in other activities that we didn't do, right? They only affect the outcome when we are spending points from our army totals?

I'm sorry you're sick, GM! I hope you recover soon, and thank you so much for taking the time to post while you are convalescing!

Benedic moves past the fallen giant to stand at the edge of the tower. He studies the brimorak through slitted eyes, confirming that it is a demon.

Knowledge (planes), heroism: 1d20 + 19 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 19 + 5 = 41

Nodding with satisfaction, he deliberately raises his reliquary shield and releases a burst of holy energy in a circle around himself.

Alignment channel! The demon will have to make a DC 19 Will save or he is dazed for one round.

Channel damage: 4d6 + 6 ⇒ (2, 2, 6, 4) + 6 = 20 (half this amount)

While doing this, he also channels positive energy into his own wounds. (Swift action lay on hands again.)

Lay on hands: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Benedic grunts as he endures the giant's massive swing, and quickly murmurs a prayer to Iomedae. His shield hand glows with heavenly light and some of the damage instantly heals, even as he presses his attack.

Lay on hands: 1d6 ⇒ 6
Attack (Radiance), flanking, inspired rage, mythic heroism, tactical acumen: 1d20 + 9 + 2 + 1 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 9 + 2 + 1 + 5 + 1 = 20
Attack (Radiance), flanking, inspired rage, mythic heroism, tactical acumen (reroll, from Tristan's Rally): 1d20 + 9 + 2 + 1 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 9 + 2 + 1 + 5 + 1 = 26
Damage (cold iron, good, magic, slashing), inspired rage, mythic heroism: 1d8 + 4 + 1 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 1 + 5 = 13

You are correct. Foo you didn't take outflank.

The spell shared training is on both the inquisitor and the skald spell lists at 2nd level... Might be a good way to share the wealth with those of us who are more feat-starved. :)

Benedic gasps at the force of the blow that strikes him, scrambling as it knocks him to the edge of the roof, where he manages to grab purchase before he falls. He attempts to pull himself back up, fighting the weight of his armor.

Climb (DC 10), armor check penalty, inspired rage, mythic heroism: 1d20 + 2 - 5 + 1 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 2 - 5 + 1 + 5 = 14

He climbs back over the battlements and swings the legendary sword he carries at the giant again!

I believe Junior has a polearm and is flanking with him, right?

Attack (Radiance), flanking, inspired rage, mythic heroism, tactical acumen: 1d20 + 9 + 2 + 1 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 9 + 2 + 1 + 5 + 1 = 38
Damage (cold iron, good, magic, slashing), inspired rage, mythic heroism: 1d8 + 4 + 1 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 1 + 5 = 11
Confirm critical (Radiance), flanking, inspired rage, mythic heroism, tactical acumen: 1d20 + 9 + 2 + 1 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 9 + 2 + 1 + 5 + 1 = 36
Additional critical damage (cold iron, good, magic, slashing), inspired rage, mythic heroism: 1d8 + 4 + 1 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 1 + 5 = 15

Benedic Reflex vs DC 10: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Benedic takes 7 Fire Damage, takes 18 points of Bludgeoning Damage, and is sent flying 10 feet off the roof of the 40 foot tower for 4d6 falling damage. (It will take a Full-Round Action for Benedic to reach the top of the stairs again.)

GM, am I right that it was this Reflex save that caused Benedic to fly off the tower? He's got mythic encouraging heroism up, which adds 5 to all of his saves. I think that means he makes it, if I'm reading it correctly.

That Iomedae post was one of the coolest things I've seen in this game. I was not expecting that! :D

Before leaving camp early that morning, Benedic casts mythic encouraging heroism on himself and activates his scale of Terendelev.

When the strike happens, he accepts the inspired rage, moves up the stairs with his move action, and performs a Fleet Charge as a swift action, bringing him next to one of the giants and letting him attack as he passes. Then he attacks again as a standard action.

Attack (Radiance), encouraging mythic heroism, inspired rage, tier: 1d20 + 9 + 5 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 9 + 5 + 1 + 1 = 18
Damage (bypasses all DR), encouraging mythic heroism, inspired rage: 1d8 + 4 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 5 + 1 = 13

Attack (Radiance), encouraging mythic heroism, inspired rage: 1d20 + 9 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 9 + 5 + 1 = 27
Damage (cold iron, good, magic, slashing), encouraging mythic heroism, inspired rage: 1d8 + 4 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 5 + 1 = 16

That night, before retiring, Benedic lights holy incense and casts divination, praying to Iomedae and her intermediaries for advice on tomorrow's battle. How should we deploy the army for tomorrow's assault? he asks.

Correct divination chance 77% (low is good): 1d100 ⇒ 71

When Benedic finishes casting the spell from the scroll, he wearily looks at those assembled at the graveyard to witness the effects. He is startled, pleased, and a little worried to see that Beatrics is among them. She looks away as soon as their eyes meet.

"We have achieved a great victory here," he announces to the gathered crusaders. "This once sacred place had been profaned by an undead creature that has now been completely laid to rest. Its ghoulish servants will trouble us no more. It was your valor and righteous dedication to our cause that saw us through this dark trial! More challenges lie ahead, and so we will be making camp and resting until dawn. Gather your strength and take comfort in the company of your cohorts! You have earned this brief respite many times over." He breathes shakily as he finishes and the tired onlookers cheer, having surprised himself with his spontaneous eloquence-- but he is gratified to see that Beatrics looks at him again before she leaves.

I updated our loot sheet, removing 1000 gp to pay Horgus for the scroll.

Benedic is startled by Horgus's contribution, interrupting his musings. He recovers quickly enough, however. "Excellent," he says. "That is fortunate, for you as well as us. We will see to it that you are reimbursed from the army's coffers, milord Horgus."

The stalwart cleric makes ready to return to the crypt, intending to cast on the building from outside, where they can still see unhindered by the effects of the unhallow. "I must assume I am the best person to activate the scroll, unless anyone knows a better candidate. I can decipher it well enough with a spell, but it is possible I will fail to comprehend this higher level magic. I would be grateful for any assistance we can spare to ensure that I do not ruin this valuable resource."

He'll try to boost his chances by casting encouraging mythic heroism on himself. None of us can cast Hermean potential or have any abilities that allow a reroll, right? Ah well, gotta just roll it and hope I don't get a 1 then. :)

Caster level check (DC 10), encouraging mythic heroism: 1d20 + 7 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 7 + 5 = 26 That's a success!

Once Horgus produces the scroll, Benedic takes a deep breath and prepares himself with a short prayer to Iomedae. "By your will, Iomedae, our valor." Then he begins slowly and confidently reading the mystical runes aloud, though he stumbles slightly on one word about halfway through. He looks up at the group that accompanied him and then back down again, and continues with hardly a pause, though his expression is more worried than usual.

Benedic frowns as Caliban's spell fails. "A pity." He looks to Irabeth. "Do we have any high-level cleric scrolls available? Perhaps we could manage to cast a hallow spell that way, though it is a little risky. Or something like dispel evil, perhaps?" He gazes into the distance with a look of mild discomfort. "I am not as learned in these matters as perhaps I should be," he says slowly, shaking his head.

Benedic looks around at the group. "Does anyone counsel that we should press on the attack? If giving them extra time to prepare for our obvious approach will significantly affect our chances against them, risking fatigue may be worth it." He studies the map while he muses. "These are urban streets and buildings we must navigate-- many twisty alleyways that can make the thoroughfare dangerous, and a few barricades could effectively trap the army for a significant time, if they have the opportunity to set them up." He frowns. "Though, perhaps they have already readied defenses against us while we were dealing with the enemies in the graveyard."

He nods to Selann. "More intelligence might be very useful, especially if we decide to wait."

Knowledge (religion), good hope: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 9 + 2 = 23

Benedic adds, "The crypt has an unhallow spell cast upon it, which lasts for a year. It would benefit us to remove it so that the former crusaders buried here can rest in peace, but I do not know how to do that. I cannot yet cast hallow, which I believe would cancel out the negative influence. Do any of us have ideas for how to accomplish this?"

I hope you can come back some time in the future, but we'll miss you!

Benedic advances on Moxsahbuul, stepping around him to attack the body.

Five foot step and swing!

Attack (longsword), divine favor, good hope, inspired rage: 1d20 + 9 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 9 + 3 + 2 + 1 = 28
Damage (cold iron, good, magic, slashing), divine favor, good hope, inspired rage: 1d8 + 4 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 3 + 2 + 1 = 11

I think these three encounters (two mass combats and one skirmish) have been really good! Your rules seem to work well. I'm certainly enjoying the game immensely.

Benedic channels energy and then follows Tristan through the next chamber, looking for Moxsahbuul's physical remains so that they can destroy them and force the incorporeal version of him to manifest again.

Because of consecrate on his reliquary shield, Benedic has a +6 sacred bonus to the DC of his channels, and all undead within 20' suffer a -2 penalty to attacks, damage, and saves.

Channel energy to harm undead (DC 27): 4d6 + 6 ⇒ (6, 4, 2, 4) + 6 = 22 (halved, Will save or dazed)

Hey Tristan, didn't you identify Moxsahbuul above? I can't tell if your character shared the information with the rest of us, but I think it would be very useful for figuring out what we should do next. :)

Knowledge (religion): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

Benedic narrows his eyes and glares at the ghouls as they step out of the shadows. "Well said, Selann," he mutters as he holds his shield aloft and channels energy again.

Channel energy (DC 27): 4d6 + 6 ⇒ (5, 4, 3, 5) + 6 = 23 (halved, Will save or dazed)

"Beware the ghouls' touch and bite!" he cautions. "They can paralyze and infect, and they can also burrow into the earth to escape."

Benedic prays for guidance for Selann.

Benedic closes his eyes and chants an incantation. "Iomedae, reveal to us the hidden," he intones.

He casts invisibility purge.

Benedic approaches behind Tristan. "Well struck, sir. If you are certain you vanquished the creature, shall we make sure the rest of the crypt is empty? For Iomedae's glory, we should ensure this once holy place does not harbor any other restless dead."

Knowledge (religion): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

Benedic frowns. "What is that creature doing?" he asks the party. "Why is it transparent, and is there anything we can do to affect it?"

He swings his sword at the other ghoul while he ponders the undead general.

Attack (Radiance), divine favor, good hope: 1d20 + 9 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 9 + 3 + 2 = 21
Damage (cold iron, good, slashing), divine favor, good hope, vigor: 1d8 + 4 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 3 + 2 + 1 = 15

Benedic charges forward in a burst of mythic power, slashing at one of the ghouls as he passes.

He uses his Fleet Charge ability to move 20' forward as a swift action, attacking one of the two ghouls on the steps (if one has been injured but not destroyed he will favor that one)

Attack (Radiance), divine favor, good hope, tier: 1d20 + 9 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 9 + 3 + 2 + 1 = 19
Damage (bypass DR), divine favor, good hope, vigor: 1d8 + 4 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 3 + 2 + 1 = 13

If the doors are open, he remains where he was and channels positive energy to harm undead, otherwise he proceeds up the stairs and opens them. This is his move action. As his standard action, he channels positive energy to harm undead.

Benedic holds up his magical shield with Iomedae's holy symbol emblazoned upon it and releases a wave of holy power against the foul creatures hiding within the darkness.

Because of consecrate on his reliquary shield, Benedic has a +6 sacred bonus to the DC of his channels, and all undead within 20' suffer a -2 penalty to attacks, damage, and saves.

Channel energy (DC 27): 4d6 + 6 ⇒ (5, 1, 2, 2) + 6 = 16 (halved, Will save or dazed)
Channel energy (DC 27): 4d6 + 6 ⇒ (5, 2, 5, 2) + 6 = 20 (if twice; halved, Will save or dazed)

Benedic offers a short prayer to Iomedae as he casts several spells.

He activates Touch of Grace, giving himself +7 to his next Charisma check-- likely initiative-- and activates his dragon scale to align his weapon. He also casts consecrate, divine favor, eagle's splendor, guidance, and vigor.

Sweeping through the cemetery they reach a point where going over the vaults is the quickest and easiest. Selann leads the charge, vaulting up and over.

I see what you did there. ;)

"Very well then," Benedic's voice is steely, as if he takes no pleasure in it. He draws Yaniel's holy sword and holds it aloft. "Onward! To Drezen cemetery!"

Yay, we have more options this time. Trying to pick one of them that Benedic seems especially suited for.

As the crusaders descend upon the ghouls, Benedic steps forward at the moment the creatures are thickest. "Now!" he cries, and on his signal a blast of channeled energy sweeps through the enemy, causing many of the ghouls to burn away like ash in wildfire.

Concentration (DC 15), channel energy: 1d20 + 11 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 11 + 4 = 23

Aha, yes that makes sense. Thanks!

How much does it cost to spend points from our pools? Like when an edge says it costs 1 less, does that mean it costs 0 points?

Benedic grunts. "Our cavalry and paladins are well suited to fighting the ghouls in the cemetery, and it may be that by removing these creatures we will open up ways around the many ambushes that no doubt lie in wait for us in Southbank. What say you all?" He sits in council pursing his lips, only barely touching his wine-- enough to not give offense as the crusaders celebrate their victory.

Crap! I forgot that. And there's no where to buy them here.... :(

Perhaps Caliban also learning haste is good for you both after all?

Form up on me! Cha DC 9, Touch of Glory: 1d20 + 4 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 7 = 12

Prestige classes don't get free wizard spells when they level up, right? :/

Always appreciate feedback, Greta! That’s a good point, I’ll have to keep empty spell slots for divination if we want to make use of it.

Benedic doesn't have very many 4th level spell slots, but the spells that are useful at this level are embarrassingly fulsome. Here's what I have in my notes:

air walk (4th): very useful, comparable to fly
crusader's edge (4th): evil outsiders bane 1m/level is great, nauseated on crit is excellent
death ward (4th): essential to have available, via scroll or Inspired Spell
dimensional anchor (4th): necessary vs demons, scroll or Inspired Spell
divination (4th): excellent for learning what we will be facing, use with Inspired Spell or empty slots at end of day
divine power (4th): very good if full attacking, especially with Fate's Favored -- slightly redundant with haste
enchantment foil (4th): hours/level, so eventually good to cast at end of day to last after resting
encouraging heroism+ [mythic] (4th, domain): encouraging increases the bonus to +5
freedom of movement (4th): essential, scroll or Inspired Spell
glimpse of truth (4th): good scroll or Inspired Spell
good hope (4th, from Iomedae): +2 morale for everyone to ability, attack, damage, saves, skills-- redundant with mythic heroism
holy smite+ (4th): ~13 damage to all evil creatures / ~24 damage to all evil outsiders in 20'r, Will save for half or blinded
purify body (4th): mini-heal for emergencies

I'm back from my vacation and starting to catch up on everything. I'll level up Benedic today (he gets 4th level spells and lay on hands). I think I understand your Mass Combat rules, and I greatly appreciate what you're trying to do with them.

Benedic gives Selann a respectful nod and quickly intones a blessing on him, too.

Mythic heroism for everyone! :) Well, at least on Junior and Selann. I hope it helps!

Just FYI, I'm going on vacation this Friday and I will be away with spotty internet access for two weeks. I will try to keep up with the game, but if something happens where you need a quick response, feel free to decide what Benedic does without me. :)

Benedic frowns again. "It seems to me that two of you remaining would offer better chances of both of you escaping. I mislike leaving either of you behind in any case, but if you are confident you can collapse the area and stand a reasonable chance of returning to us, I will withhold my objections. As for how the rest of us might aid your endeavor, I can give you a blessing from Iomedae that will greatly amplify your heroism."

Benedic will spend two uses of mythic power to cast mythic heroism on Junior. (He has it as a domain spell, so he can cast it with Inspired Spell, and then spend another use of mythic power to make it mythic.)