Lazzero rages as the vampire dissipates into mist. He had proven his worth, his power, but his satisfaction at vengeance delivered was all too brief. His enemy had escaped.
Lazzero was never one to let enemies 'go'. But he knew that he couldn't catch the vampire... he just needed the right allies, the right time and the right place. He'll nail the vile manipulator to its coffin and set the thing on fire. He'll chain it with silver in a deep well and leave it at the mercy of the noon sunlight. He'll force its jaw open and pour boiling, blessed water down its forsaken, dead gullet. Then he'll ensure he sends its blackened soul - if it has any shreds of one left - to the depths of Hell such that it will suffer forever for the humiliation it has left on him. Him! Lazzaro Delrava! Favored of Asmodeus! The vampire dares to mock him!
Lazzero rages silently, heedless of the Pathfinders as they recover, just staring at the empty sepulcher with gritted teeth, thinking of all of the punishments he will have in store for Stavros until he calms down.
Lazzero finally closes his eyes and breathes slowly, meditating for a second, in quiet communion with his dark god. When he opens his eyes, he turns to the group and speaks softly... kindly, even.
"It seems the debt I owed you has been paid, Pathfinders. You once saved me from Stavros' control; now I have done the same for you." Lazzero smiles, "A fair contract. Now I must take my leave to prepare to pursue him. Perhaps I may count on your aid in the future if I discover a means to kill the bastard for good?"
Lazzero tips his cowled head.
"Regardless, it has been an enlightening experience, but I cannot afford to remain behind to exchange further pleasantries. Farewell."
Lazzero turns away, but before he's taken a step he turns his head back to look directly at Zarlova with a piercing gaze. He lifts his fingers and snaps them; a crisp, loud sound, and an apparent impossibility under his gloves.
"The wards around your wizard friend have been dropped. You may retrieve him at your leisure. Have a think about what I suggested, mmmh? He's proven his inability to control what's been gifted to him."
Lazzero stops, thinking for a moment.
"And thank you, Zarlova, for the assistance today. May you be the Master of your own fate, and may your enemies be Slaves to theirs."
Lazzero starts his turn.
Blessing of Wadjet is discarded from the Blessings Deck (nonbasic).
Lazzero moves to the Peasant Tombs and explores to encounter the final card of the scenario, and the villain.
Powers
Stavros Nightcrescent is immune to the Mental and Poison traits.
While you act, before any character plays a card, that character must discard a card.
If undefeated, bury your discard pile.
Lazzero grins, joining the Pathfinders at their side as they fight through the wards, spells and undead announcing the presence of the vampire 'hunting' them. His hands are clenched; smoke and droplets of ash escaping from between his gloved fingers as he prepares his spell, bearing down on where he knows Stavros to be.
The vampire doesn't try to hide. Far from it; he steps out into the pale light cast by the party's torches and spells, head held high, a smile on his mouth.
"Stavros!" Lazzero announces, finishing his silent prayer to Asmodeous as he prepares to release his spell, just as Zarlova, Vika and Hayato ready their spells and weapons by his side. Vengeance is so close, he can smell it. But the vampire simply holds his smile. Raises a finger and waggles it.
"How generous of you, Lazzero. You've managed to bring almost all of these little morsels here at once. Ah, but if you wanted to bring me a gift, you could have presented them better. Perhaps on a velvet pillow? Gift wrapped?" Nightcrescent mocks, his voice... soft. Too soft. Vika and Hayato drop their weapons, the proximity of the Vampire and his command overwhelming their resistance, the bite-marks left on them pounding with sensation. Zarlova struggles, magical defenses guarding her mind, but Stavros merely turns his gaze to hers, and she recoils as if physically struck when she meets his eyes. That moment of weakness was enough for him to command her to release her prepared spells.
Even Lazzero, no longer bound to him as a thrall, feels a horrible thudding in the back of his mind. A memory of servitude. Stavros' eyes. His teeth. His eyes lose focus, the amulet around his neck blazing bright. Protection... But the amulet's light fades as Stavros closes in, Lazzero's spell flickering. Stavros doesn't hurry. He steps. Once again. The vampire's awful gaze boring into the Cleric. Approaching.
Discard Longspear to Stavros' power in order to play a card. Recharge Byzantine Lexicon to add a die to Lazzero's noncombat Wisdom check.
Zarlova discards Cleric of Nethys (Stavros' power) and Blessing of the Gods to add another die. Wisdom 6:3d10 + 2 ⇒ (10, 1, 3) + 2 = 16
Something feels... tight on his finger, as the Vampire's will threatens to overwhelm Lazzero yet again, despite all of his preparations and defenses. Stavros is so old, so powerful. The Vampire has proven its will over creatures many times more powerful than a couple of clerics. What hope does Lazzero have?
And what is this blasted feeling on his hand?
The ring, a gift from Zarlova, glows. Lazzero's amulet reignites, blazing bright as a moment of pure clarity covers his senses; the Vampire's command - a million blazing, insistent fires - doused by a sudden flood. Lazzero shouts his triumph as he flings his fiery spell at the Vampire, backing it with the fires of hell itself!
Discard Locate Object to Stavros' power in order to play a card. Set aside Immolate for combat.
Zarlova discards Blessing of Nethys (Stavros' power) and Blessing of Pharasma to add 2 dice to the check.
Radovan discards Thieves' Tools (Stavros' power) and Blessing of the Ancients to add another die to the check Combat 16:4d10 + 5 + 2d4 ⇒ (4, 8, 8, 1) + 5 + (1, 4) = 31 -> Villain Defeated. Scenario victory.
For a split second, Lazzero sees Stavros' utter surprise. No fear, no anger; just shock as the Cleric forces his way past the mind control to drown the vampire under a tide of hellfire, instantly breaking his control over the Pathfinders.
Off turn: Lazzero discards his displayed Imp.
Lazzero displays Sagacity next to Radovan, then attempts to recharge it at the end of turn. Divine 8 (Recharge):1d10 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12 -> Sagacity recharged.
Lazzero wrote:
Hand: Immolate, Spear of the Watchful Guardian, Longspear, Byzantine Lexicon, Locate Object,
On request, during Hayato's turn, Lazzero sets aside Candlelight to re-order the 5 cards on top of the Blessings Discard pile to place Sovereign Court Favor on top. Divine 7 (Recharge):1d10 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8 -> Candlelight recharged.
Lazzero wrote:
Hand: Immolate, Spear of the Watchful Guardian, Longspear, Byzantine Lexicon, Locate Object, Sagacity,
Displayed: Imp,
Deck: 7 Discard: 13 Buried: 2
Notes: Anyone may use Sagacity whenever requested.
Sideboard cards:
At the start of Hayato's turn, Lazzero displays Imp to draw 2 cards (the Imp will be discarded at the end of the turn).
Note: Sagacity was the first card of my recharged pile. Unless I shuffle my deck, my remaining draws are all pre-ordered in the order they were recharged in.
Lazzero wrote:
Hand: Candlelight, Immolate, Spear of the Watchful Guardian, Longspear, Byzantine Lexicon, Locate Object, Sagacity,
Displayed: Imp,
Deck: 6 Discard: 13 Buried: 2
Notes: Use Candlelight at the start of your turn if you think you'll be encountering at least 2 boons during your turn, or if you'll encounter at least 1 and there's a basic blessing on top of the discard pile.
Anyone may use Sagacity whenever requested.
Sideboard cards:
Lazzero starts his turn.
Sovereign Court Favor is discarded from the Blessings Deck.
Lazzero moves to the Catacombs and explores.
Left to his own devices, Lazzero thinks for a moment. In their rush to organize, regain control and prepare to fight, the Pathfinders have uncharacteristically overlooked some valuable materials and weaponry in this damp necropolis. Perhaps they should go to a worthy owner.
A greedy, inspired smile alights Lazzero's face, as he tracks down a poorly-looted room, sensing exploitable magics to gather...
Catacombs Card 1: Augury
Augury:
Spell B
Traits
Magic
Arcane
Divine
Check
Intelligence
Arcane
Wisdom
Divine
6
Powers
Discard this card to choose a type of card and examine the top 3 cards of your location deck. If there are any cards of the chosen type, set them aside. Return the remaining cards to the deck, shuffle it, then put the cards you set aside together in any order at either the top or bottom of the deck.
After playing this card, if you do not have either the Arcane or Divine skill, banish it; otherwise, you may succeed at an Arcane or Divine 8 check to recharge this card instead of discarding it.
Lazzero chooses not to use the bonus 1d12 from the Sovereign Court favor. Uses Divine to acquire. Divine 6:1d10 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15 -> I seem to roll "5"s and "10"s a LOT on Lazzero's Divine checks. Augury acquired. Sovereign Court Favor allows me to draw the random spell Immolate from the box.
I doubt I'll get another turn, and one remaining card is much easier for me to acquire than the other, so I'll set aside Augury, naming Weapon. I place Djinni Quarterstaff on the top and Whip on the bottom of the location deck. Divine 8:1d10 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14 -> Augury recharged.
Lazzero discards Apprentice to explore. Catacombs Card 3: Djinni Quarterstaff
Djinni Quarterstaff:
Weapon B
Traits
Staff
Melee
Bludgeoning
2-Handed
Magic
Elite
Check
Strength
Melee
6
OR
Arcane
Divine
8
Powers
For your combat check, reveal this card to use your Strength or Melee skill + 1d6+1; you may additionally discard this card to add another 1d6.
You may discard this card to shuffle your location deck; if you succeed at an Arcane or Divine 10 check, you may recharge this card instead.
Lazzero uses Divine to acquire, and adds the Sovereign Court Favor bonus 1d12. Divine 8:1d10 + 5 + 1d12 ⇒ (4) + 5 + (1) = 10 -> Djinni Quarterstaff Acquired. Random weapon Torch drawn from the box.
Grr.. Still only deck B cards. I've acquired a lot this game, and all but a single blessing were mere Bs and Cs. Well, one last chance. Lazzero buries the Torch to explore again. Catacombs Card 2: Whip
Whip:
Weapon C
Traits
Whip
Melee
Slashing
Finesse
Swashbuckling
Basic
Check
Strength
Melee
7
Powers
For your combat check, reveal this card to use your Strength or Melee skill + 1d6. If you would fail this check, and you are proficient with weapons, you may discard this card to ignore the result and evade the bane.
Lazzero uses Melee to acquire, and adds the Sovereign Court Favor bonus 1d12. Melee 7:1d8 + 1 + 1d12 ⇒ (1) + 1 + (7) = 9 -> Whip Acquired. Random weapon Blowgun drawn from the box.
Lazzero uncovers a trove of weaponry, throwing most of it aside as worthless. He does find an intriguing staff of a make not dissimilar to his own, and slings it across his back. In addition, he picks up some magical scrolls - minor cantrips, mostly, but they're good for some light study to expand his magical abilities with.
Gah! 6 acquired boons, and still it ended up a completely wasted turn. Lazzero ends his turn. During hand reset he discards Blowgun, Whip, Djinni Quarterstaff, Djinni Quarterstaff 2 and Acid Flask.
Flavor will be edited in later. I appear to have a small issue with my Deck Handler (it thinks there are 2 known cards in my deck, when I think there should be 1) that I'll try to resolve now. Posting in the meantime. Added and fixed.
Lazzero wrote:
Hand: Candlelight, Immolate, Spear of the Watchful Guardian, Imp, Byzantine Lexicon, Locate Object,
Displayed: Deck: 8 Discard: 13 Buried: 2
Notes: Use Candlelight at the start of your turn if you think you'll be encountering at least 2 boons during your turn, or if you'll encounter at least 1 and there's a basic blessing on top of the discard pile.
Sideboard cards:
Favored Card: Spell Hand Size 5 [X] 6
Proficient with: Light Armors // Heavy Armors // [ ] Weapons
Powers:
You may ignore the Corrupted trait on a blessing you play on your ([ ] or any) check.
Instead of the first exploration of your turn, you may allow a character at your location to bury a card; if she does, a character at your location shuffles 1d4+1 ([X] +2) cards from his discard pile into his deck.
Off Turn: Lazzero discards Blessing of Dispater for Radovan's check. No idea why it should feel odd to Radovan - it's a blessing from an Archdevil, and he's got devils fighting over his form full-time. :P
Also, friendly tip. If you want to fail Fire Hydra checks, you can always choose to use your Dexterity skill instead of Acrobatics to give you better odds of failure, which is desirable.
Hayato needs to make his Fire Hydra check. Note that he's at the Stonework Passages, decreasing the damage he could take.
Off turn; Lazzero discards Blessing of Maat so Hayato passes his check against The Evil Eye.
Spoiler:
I probably would have just tanked The Evil Eye and took the scourge. Curse of Vulnerability/Daybane/Withering all have basically no effect right now, and failure banishes the barrier.
Lazzero wrote:
Hand: Candlelight, Blessing of Dispater, Acid Flask, Apprentice, Djinni Quarterstaff,
Displayed: Deck: 12 Discard: 6 Buried: 1
Notes: Use Lazzero's blessings if you need.
Use Candlelight to manipulate the Blessings Discard pile if you want to move a Basic off the top. Note, however, that I would personally like to save it for when we see the Sovereign Court favor appear, since then we can both re-use it as well as avoid Basic blessings.
Next turn, Lazzero intends to move to where he can best provide support and bury Acid Flask to heal himself (or another player, if they have a greater need).
Sideboard cards:
Combat #1 passed by Vika. Lazzero sets aside Holy Javelin for the second combat check. Enemy is a henchman (and Undead), so Holy Javelin adds 2d12. Combat 14:1d10 + 5 + 2d12 ⇒ (8) + 5 + (7, 9) = 29 -> Bheg Defeated. Divine 10 (Recharge):1d10 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10 -> Holy Javelin recharged.
Lazzero draws a random alchemical Item from the box from the Bheg's effect.
Random Item #1: Healer's Kit Random Item #2: Helpful Haversack Random Item #3: Acid Flask
Acid Flask:
Item B
Traits
Liquid
Attack
Acid
Alchemical
Basic
Check
Intelligence
Craft
5
Powers
For your combat check or check against a barrier, banish this card to use your Disable or Ranged skill + 2d6. If the bane invokes the Acid trait, add another 1d12.
Lazzero passes on closing, and recharges Blessing of the Archdevils (more Corrupted blessings are in hand) to explore again.
Embalming Parlor Card #:1d3 ⇒ 2
-> Embalming Parlor Card 2: Blessing of Maat
Blessing of Maat:
Blessing 2
Traits
Divine
Maat
Check
Divine
6
OR
Constitution
Fortitude
10
Powers
Discard this card after any check is rolled to add or subtract up to 3 from the result.
Recharge this card to reduce damage dealt to you by 2.
Discard this card to exchange all dice that would be rolled on a non-combat check with d8s.
After you play this card, if it matches the top card of the blessings discard pile, you may discard any number of cards to allow a character at your location to recharge that same number of random cards from his discard pile.
Once again, it's good to be the Cleric. Divine 6:1d10 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10 -> Blessing of Maat acquired.
Lazzero recharges Blessing of the Archdevils (another Corrupted blessing is in hand) to explore again. Embalming Parlor Card # (2 == 3):1d2 ⇒ 1
-> Embalming Parlor Card 1: Holy Water Grenade
Holy Water Grenade:
Item C
Traits
Liquid
Magic
Divine
Basic
Check
Wisdom
Divine
6
Powers
Discard this card to evade a bane you encounter that has the Outsider or Undead trait.
Banish this card to defeat a bane you encounter that has the Outsider or Undead trait whose highest difficulty to defeat is 12 or lower.
Well... I may as well finish this off so Vika doesn't need to spend another turn here, and give me a chance to see that Spell. Lazzero discards Blessing of Shax to explore again.
Embalming Parlor Card 3: Fiery Glare
Fiery Glare:
Spell B
Traits
Magic
Arcane
Divine
Attack
Fire
Elite
Check
Intelligence
Arcane
Wisdom
Divine
8
Powers
For your combat check, discard this card to use your Arcane or Divine skill + 2d4.
When you would encounter a weapon, a spell, or an item during your exploration, discard this card to banish it; you may explore again.
After playing this card, if you do not have either the Arcane or Divine skill, banish it; otherwise, succeed at an Arcane or Divine 10 check to recharge this card instead of discarding it.
Well it's just a Spell B, but it's something. Lazzero attempts to close the Embalming Parlor after the exploration phase (no cards remaining). Summons and encounters Natron Zombie.
Natron Zombie:
Henchman Monster B
Traits
Undead
Mummy
Veteran
Check
Combat
12
Powers
The Natron Zombie is immune to the Mental and Poison traits.
The difficulty to defeat the Natron Zombie is increased by the current scenario's adventure deck number.
After you act, if your check to defeat did not have the Electricity trait, bury a random card from your discard pile.
Natron Zombie randomly buries Blessing of Ra from Lazzero's discard pile.
Lazzero ends his turn. During hand reset, Lazzero discards Holy Water Grenade. Flavor text will be edited in later.
Lazzero wrote:
Hand: Candlelight, Blessing of Dispater, Acid Flask, Blessing of Maat, Apprentice, Djinni Quarterstaff,
Displayed: Deck: 12 Discard: 5 Buried: 1
Notes: Use Lazzero's blessings if you need - Blessing of Maat can be played after any check.
Use Candlelight to manipulate the Blessings Discard pile if you want to move a Basic off the top. Note, however, that I would personally like to save it for when we see the Sovereign Court favor appear, since then we can both re-use it as well as avoid Basic blessings.
Next turn, Lazzero intends to move to where he can best provide support and bury Acid Flask to heal himself (or another player, if they have a greater need).
Sideboard cards:
Favored Card: Spell Hand Size 5 [X] 6
Proficient with: Light Armors // Heavy Armors // [ ] Weapons
Powers:
You may ignore the Corrupted trait on a blessing you play on your ([ ] or any) check.
Instead of the first exploration of your turn, you may allow a character at your location to bury a card; if she does, a character at your location shuffles 1d4+1 ([X] +2) cards from his discard pile into his deck.
Vika needs to recharge Warhammer +2.
Embalming Parlor closed.
Random Items 1 & 2 were seen. Random Item 3 drawn.
(Off turn correction: Vika shuffles the Embalming Parlor location deck on my request)
Lazzero starts his turn.
Blessing of Nethys is discarded from the blessings deck (nonbasic).
Lazzero remains at the Embalming Parlor and takes his free exploration.
Powers
Bheg is immune to the Mental and Poison traits. All damage dealt by Bheg is Poison damage.
Before you act, succeed at a Constitution, Fortitude, Dexterity, or Stealth 7 check, or you are dealt 1 Poison damage.
If defeated, you may gain a random item that has the Alchemical trait from the box.
If undefeated, end your turn.
Lazzero auto-fails the BYA check and discards Backbreaker Mail to Poison Damage. Lazzero requests Vika take the first combat check.
Lazzero takes the BYA check against the Shasalqu. Wisdom 6:1d10 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7 -> Passed.
Combat check against the Shasalqu. Lazzero reveals Djinni Quarterstaff for combat. Vika recharges Greatclub to add 1d6 to Lazzero's combat check. Combat 9:1d8 + 1 + 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 + (5, 2) + 1 = 15 -> Shasalqu defeated. Close, but no overkill penalty.
A magical creature of frost attacks from the darkness... perhaps this parlor was some kind of wizard's lab at one point? That would explain the icy creatures. Lazzero and Vika unite their marshal prowess to drive the creature back before its magical cold can affect them.
Siiince I have 5/6 cards still in hand, sure, Lazzero will discard Blessing of Ancients to examine the top card of his location deck, then explore.
Embalming Parlor Card 5: Blessing of Ra
Blessing of Ra:
Blessing B
Traits
Divine
Ra
Fire
Check
Divine
6
OR
Strength
Melee
8
Powers
Discard this card to add 1 die and the Fire trait to any check.
Discard this card to add 2 dice to any Strength non-combat check or check that invokes the Fire trait.
Discard this card to explore your location.
After you play this card, if it matches the top card of the blessings discard pile, recharge this card instead of discarding it.
Ah, it's good to be the cleric. Divine 6:1d10 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9 -> Blessing of Ra acquired.
The magical cold caused a layer of frost to grow over various parts of the room, but one section remained curiously dry. On closer inspect, Lazzero finds a holy symbol of an old Osirion god; still carrying some true power. Lazzero shows it a degree of respect, and is amused to find how quickly it reacts to his will.
Lazzero discards Blessing of Ra to explore again.
Embalming Parlor Card 6: Collapsing Scaffolding
Collapsing Scaffolding:
Barrier B
Traits
Obstacle
Bludgeoning
Basic
Check
Dexterity
Acrobatics
Perception
4
THEN
Dexterity
Acrobatics
Perception
7
Powers
If the result of the first check to defeat exceeds the result of the second check to defeat, you are dealt 1d4 Combat damage. Then recharge your hand and end your turn.
Okay, a few choices here, given Lazzero's terrible 1d4 Dexterity. I was considering asking Vika to recharge her Topaz to add an elemental trait (via Parlor's effect) then have Hayato recharge his Blessing of the Elements so Lazzero can pass the first check, then Fire Snake the second...
Then I realized 'multi check' bane rules allow Vika to step in. So Lazzero will once again ask Vika's input, and ask her to take the first check. A normal Dexterity roll is fine, but she can use her Topaz if she elects to. There's no real penalty for failing this barrier; it's just shuffled back in, and there's little risk of her roll exceeding my Fire Snake roll.
BOTTING: Vika makes a Dexterity roll against the bane. Dexterity 4:1d6 ⇒ 6 -> Passed! Lazzero sets aside Fire Snake and takes the second roll. Dexterity/Divine 7:1d10 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12 -> Collapsing Scaffolding defeated. No penalty. Attempt to recharge Fire Snake. Divine 8:1d10 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11 -> Fire Snake recharged.
Some crumbling pillars over a section of the underground looked hazardous, but Vika's expert craftsmanship, combined with Lazzero's and Cordelia's magics, quickly reinforce it before they delve further in.
Lazzero ends his turn, resetting his hand.
Lazzero wrote:
Hand: Blessing of Shax, Blessing of the Archdevils, Backbreaker Mail, Holy Javelin, Blessing of the Archdevils 2, Djinni Quarterstaff,
Displayed: Deck: 11 Discard: 3 Buried: 0
Notes: Once again, my blessings are free to those who need them. Both of my blessings of the Archdevils will recharge on use, and my Blessing of Shax provides 2 dice to any combat Strength/Dexterity check.
Sideboard cards:
Favored Card: Spell Hand Size 5 [X] 6
Proficient with: Light Armors // Heavy Armors // [ ] Weapons
Powers:
You may ignore the Corrupted trait on a blessing you play on your ([ ] or any) check.
Instead of the first exploration of your turn, you may allow a character at your location to bury a card; if she does, a character at your location shuffles 1d4+1 ([X] +2) cards from his discard pile into his deck.
Off turn: Lazzero displays Sagacity for Zarlova, and recharges it at the end of her turn. Divine 8 (Recharge):1d10 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12 -> Sagacity recharged.
Zarlova and Lazzero:
Lazzero takes the ring offered by Zarlova gracefully, giving her another short bow.
"A gift I will accept graciously, noble Cleric." Lazzero smiles, placing the ring on his finger - after a subtle check to ensure it wasn't cursed. He was confident in his own preparations and magical charms to protect him from the wizard's command, but an additional layer of protection is not wise to be turned down.
"So it's the staff that is causing your wizard such grief? With the poorly-maintained power emanating from it I suspect it's causing no shortage of unwanted attention." Lazzero suggests, "Perhaps someone with a greater familiarity with magical artefacts should take control of its power. Someone who's demonstrated a more rigorous will and level of self-control, someone who's proven such commitment through faith and fervour. Like yourself, perhaps." Lazzero suggests with a small smile.
"But of course, we have a shared goal to complete first, hm?"
Zarlova nods, and lights the way for the duo. A horrible moaning sound announces the presence of another cleric... or perhaps former cleric, given the robes and accoutrements hanging from the skeletal figure. Still powerful, though, its skeletal hands rise in a wordless incantation, but Zarlova is faster. Lazzero raises his Archstar holy symbol, feeding more power into Zarlova's spell, and her blaze of light disintegrates their opponent in the blink of an eye. Lazzero grins.
'Yes. This alliance will work out very nicely.'
Lazzero starts his turn.
Blessing of Pharasma is discarded from the Blessings Deck (nonbasic).
Lazzero's combat ability remains minimal outside of my single attack spell, so he'll move to the Embalming Parlor where he has Vika to help him.
The dark Cleric expresses his approval of the display of Nethys' remarkable strength, but elects to split up with Zarlova for the time being. She has proven her ability to resist the Vampire's control, as well as her capacity to fight back, and so instead Lazzero decides to follow the trail of the other Pathfinders to ensure they are all equally able to fight back.
Picking up Vika and Cordelia's trail in the Embalming Parlor, he smiles and introduces himself formally, assisting in their search. He tactfully ignores the fact that Cordelia appears to watch him like a hawk as he moves. He also tactfully avoids mentioning the current status of Ezren; paralyzed in a sarcophagus somewhere.
Lazzero takes his free exploration, encounter the previously examined Compass.
Embalming Parlor Card 3: Compass
Compass:
Item B
Traits
Object
Basic
Check
Wisdom
Survival
4
Powers
Recharge this card to move, then you may examine the top card of your location. You may not use this power during an encounter.
Discard this card to explore your location.
Lazzero uses his Wisdom to acquire. Wisdom 4:1d10 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9 -> Compass Acquired.
Lazzero finds a small mechanical trinket, a compass, in the parlor. What a curiously modern make for a place like this...
Lazzero discards Compass to explore again.
Embalming Parlor Card 4: Shasalqu
Shasalqu:
Monster 1
Traits
Animal
Cold
Elite
Check
Combat
9
Powers
The Shasalqu is immune to the Cold and Fire traits.
Before you act, each character at your location must succeed at a Wisdom 6 check or recharge 1d4 cards.
After you act, if the roll exceeds 15, each character at your location is dealt 1 Cold damage.
Vika needs to make a Wisdom 6 check or recharge 1d4 cards. Posting my half-turn now so she can do so, as whether I overkill or not may impact her decisions.
Lazzero would like Vika to recharge her Greatclub for his combat check, and will happily provide a Blessing of the Ancients to help her pass the BYA check if she wants.
Turn paused.
Lazzero wrote:
Hand: Blessing of the Ancients, Blessing of the Archdevils, Fire Snake, Holy Javelin, Djinni Quarterstaff,
Favored Card: Spell Hand Size 5 [X] 6
Proficient with: Light Armors // Heavy Armors // [ ] Weapons
Powers:
You may ignore the Corrupted trait on a blessing you play on your ([ ] or any) check.
Instead of the first exploration of your turn, you may allow a character at your location to bury a card; if she does, a character at your location shuffles 1d4+1 ([X] +2) cards from his discard pile into his deck.
Lazzero runs with the weakened party, providing no dissent when Hayato orders the party to split up to hamper any attempt at chase that the vampire may provide. Lazzero sticks with Ezren and Zarlova as the team split up among the dark underground chambers, reasoning that they stand a better chance if he can keep the spellcasters alive and mentally prepared to fight.
When the trio finally get a chance to rest, Ezren groans, clutching his head. Lazzero summons a small red light to inspect, noting that Ezren is paler than Zarlova, and Lazzero ungloves a hand to check that Ezren's skin is freezing cold. Ezren offers little resistance as Lazzero checks his pupils, noting that Ezren winces at the light, and his pupils are oddly-shaped and dilated. Lazzero grits his teeth.
"Accursed, weak-willed wizard. Stavros has already gotten to you." Lazzero spits his disappointment, noting that the wizard was dangerously close to being enthralled by the lingering command of the vampire. If Ezren lost this battle of wills, then he'd turn from a potential ally to a certain enemy in Lazzero's quest for vengeance. Not worth the risk.
Lazzero lets Ezren go, standing back. He gives a quick look to Zarlova, noticing how she's carefully observing Lazzero's inspection of Ezren's state of health. Lazzero gives Zarlova a small shake of his head, sending a simple telepathic message to her. She gives the slightest hint of a nod, and that's all Lazzero needs. Lazzero grabs Ezren by the throat, willing magic through his skull, Ezren choking out muffled cries of pain as it feels as though his insides are being cracked open, unable to concentrate to find some protective spell... then the cries stop, and Ezren falls limp. Lazzero holds the unconscious body of Ezren up, stuffing him inside a half-open sarcophagus after ensuring the skeleton inside has no chance of coming to life. Lazzero pushes the ajar sarcophagus lid closed, and inscribes the symbol of Asmodeus along the edge of the stone casket.
"He'll be fine, but this way we don't have to worry about Stavros using him against us. He'll be knocked out for two hours or until I cast another spell to wake him. As long as the sarcophagus remains closed, the vampire shouldn't be able to track him, either, and it'll be hard to open this container." Lazzero indicates with a satisfied smirk. "We'll come back for him once the coast is clear, but it seems its up to us for now."
Lazzero turns, finding the time to make a polite bow to the afflicted - but mentally strong and able - cleric of Nethys that appears to be his only ally for now.
"A pleasure to meet you in less antagonistic circumstances, Zarlova. Asmodeus has always carried a healthy respect towards Nethys' great power, and I look forward for us, as representatives of our respective faiths, working together to uncover this foul plot." Lazzero smiles, extending a hand in offer of friendship for Zarlova to shake.
Well I messed up my previous hand post due to an issue when I made my Deck Handler, so I'm correcting it by posting it here.
Note that I have a Blessing of the Ancients - if Hayato would rather recharge that than discard his Blessing of the Elements, let me know. Also, Hayato needs to draw an Animal ally from his location close effect.
One last thing; Might I suggest if anyone flips over the Sovereign Court Favor, they go to the Catacombs and attempt to clear it out, since it only has boons left? Might end up drawing some nice non-B boons, and I'm still looking for Spells.
Lazzero wrote:
Hand: Blessing of the Ancients, Blessing of the Archdevils, Fire Snake, Holy Javelin, Sagacity, Djinni Quarterstaff,
Displayed: Deck: 11 Discard: 0 Buried: 0
Notes: Feel free to use Sagacity for bonuses to Wisdom, or my Blessing of the Ancients (particularly if it will be recharged).
I'm happy for people to use my blessings quite freely. I can heal myself fine if need be.
Sideboard cards:
Favored Card: Spell Hand Size 5 [X] 6
Proficient with: Light Armors // Heavy Armors // [ ] Weapons
Powers:
You may ignore the Corrupted trait on a blessing you play on your ([ ] or any) check.
Instead of the first exploration of your turn, you may allow a character at your location to bury a card; if she does, a character at your location shuffles 1d4+1 ([X] +2) cards from his discard pile into his deck.
Ezren and Cordelia continued to work together, meeting up with the remainder of the group as they subdued their attackers within the theatre. Finally safe, a co-ordinated search effort uncovered the evidence they'd been searching for, and set the stage for a new journey to an abandoned town between Qadira and Taldor
Cordelia and Ezren appeared to be on speaking terms once more, following the showdown in the Dawnflower's Wink, and the older wizard seemed brighter and better rested for the resumed companionship. Whilst he continued to carry the powerful, though terrible, staff, he grew somewhat more talkative with the remainder of the group, and appeared to sharpen his magical knowledge further under tutelage sessions with Perseis. Curiously, Ezren had even overcome his distaste of religion, and begun to turn to the Cleric, Zarlova, for advice; opening up to her about the nature of his staff and requesting her assistance in unlocking its deeper mysteries. Followers of Nethys rarely shy away from knowledge or power - no matter how dangerous - and so with Zarlova's assistance Ezren found an even greater level of control over the staff that just days ago was threatening to consume his sanity.
Your memories grow blurred around that point. Disjointed memories, colours, scents, sounds. A disoriented stream of not quite recalled events, then darkness.
Then, the group finds themselves at the mercy of Stavros Nightcrescent. You try to attack, then to run, but you can barely overcome his powerful commands over you, feeling his will wash through your very being. For the moment, you know how Lazzero, Linxia and Urgraz has felt, and suffer as they did. Until a blazing halo of awful red pierces the darkness of the sepulcher, causing the gathered Taldans to shriek and lean back, though the Vampire Stavros barely seems to notice.
"Stavros Nightcrescent! We have unfinished business you treasonous filth!" Snarls a vaguely-familiar voice as a Cleric descends into the Sepulcher, seeming to radiate dark fire as his eyes light up in vengeful fury. The symbols of Asmodeus cover his vestments and armaments. Lazzero. Finally, Stavros turns around to face the newcomer, and that movement gives the Pathfinders just enough control over their actions to begin to move; starting to run.
"My dear Lazzero... what unfortunate timing. As much as I'd enjoy a second taste of you; you're interrupting a very delicate moment, and I may have to ask you to remain still." Stavros speaks simply, seemingly unconcerned at your potential escape. Instead, he just stares at Lazzero, almost completely motionless; but as he does some pendant around Lazzero's neck burn a pale, white light, causing Stavros to frown.
"Found something to protect your mind this time? No matter. If you were relying on these Pathfinders to help you with your petty vengeance then you've proven your stupidity - they couldn't strike me right now no matter how hard they tried. That leaves you outnumbered." Stavros points out patiently, licking his fangs as he directs his thralls to charge at Lazzero.
His previous confidence quickly evaporating, Lazzero grits his teeth, summoning a blaze of pure red light, blinding all in the room, ensuring that the Pathfinders have enough time to flee deeper into the crypts. As they do, Lazzero follows them shortly behind, having somehow pushed past enough of the vampire's blinded thralls to cross the room.
"You surprise me again, my dears, but you can’t run from me!" The vampire calls out after them, as the group continues to run further from the voice that seeks to worm its way into their wills once more. Lazzero shouts out shortly afterwards, encouraging the group to keep running harder, to ignore the vampire's voice.
Lazzero knows that he'll need their help to get his revenge upon the vampire that had controlled him in the past. If they can just escape the vampire's gaze for a bit longer, he may be able to help them break its control over them...
What specifically happened/happens to Ezren will be made clear in a future post.
Substitute Character selected.
Ezren sidelined for the Cleric Lazzero (Flavor incoming).
Lazzero is using the Ultimate Magic Add-On deck in addition to the Hell's Vengeance Character Deck 1.
Strategy notes for Lazzero:
Lazzero is capable of healing characters at his location (similar to RotR Kyra) at the cost of any player at his location burying a card. It'll usually be preferable for players to discard blessings and allies to explore, then to have one of us bury a single boon to heal 3-6 back in, rather than bury a card from our decks via the scenario ability.
I've equipped Lazzero with the Candlelight spell, since being able to manipulate the Blessings Discard Pile is basically equivalent to giving us a bonus exploration due to the scenario power. I've also equipped him with the Sagacity spell (+3 to Wisdom), because it's useful for both himself and Zarlova, and helpful in closing 3 separate locations.
Lazzero has all of his skill feats in Wisdom, but only 1 attack spell. He'll have mediocre combat checks and may have to rely on additional bonuses (Vika's power, blessings) at times. He should have strong supporting capabilities, though, and carries weapons.
Loot requests; Lazzero requests the Spear of the Watchful Guardian, as the only Loot weapon we have that doesn't care about Proficiency.
Lazzero doesn't need any other Loot options. He'll take Cordelia Perseis only if nobody else wants her, which seems unlikely.
Lazzero will visit the Sunburst Market, trading his Armor of the Sands for Blessing of the Ancients.
If anyone feels like they're going to need stronger Wisdom checks for this scenario, it might be worth getting the "Osirion History Guide" from the Sunburst Market, particularly as it can help anyone at your location. Whether it's better than another blessing is debatable, of course.
Lazzero will start at whichever location Zarlova starts at, so that he might be able to support her checks better. Starting hand draw is awaiting finalised Loot choices.
Favored Card: Spell Hand Size 5 [X] 6
Proficient with: Light Armors // Heavy Armors // [ ] Weapons
Powers:
You may ignore the Corrupted trait on a blessing you play on your ([ ] or any) check.
Instead of the first exploration of your turn, you may allow a character at your location to bury a card; if she does, a character at your location shuffles 1d4+1 ([X] +2) cards from his discard pile into his deck.
