What Aiyana just said makes me curious about the design considerations behind this module. Almost all of the monsters we have faced so far deal some form of ability damage. This presents an interesting dilemma when coupled with the sense of urgency from preventing the Reborn from capturing the Cradle....Most 8th level parties can be expected to have plenty of hp healing available, through wands and channels, but only have a couple of restoration spells and potions. This creates the temptation to stop and rest we’re in now, but we’re also motivated to push on....Neil, was this a conscious design decision or a byproduct of using shadow-themed monsters?
Under the Designer's Hat:
Spoiler:
It was a conscious design decision from the beginning. Haramil's spirit is divided into 3 distinct apparitions. The first is a greater shadow, capable of dealing Str damage (representing Haramil's hunger). The second is a festering spirit, capable of dealing Con damage (representing Haramil's corruption). And the third is a caller-in-darkness, capable of dealing Wis damage (representing Haramil's madness). All pose a significant threat to an unprepared party, especially if there's no cleric actively spamming channel positive energy to damage them as undead creatures. And, of course, there are tenebrous worms at the entrance, capable of dealing Str damage. And deathweb spiders down a side corridor, capable of dealing Con damage. So, collectively, the encounters are meant to slow down the party and force them to carefully consider their tactics and their haste in trying to catch up to/stop the Reborn.
It also purposefully puts the PCs in a very specific dilemma. Do they take on ever greater risk to themselves by pressing forward over and over again? Or, do they risk losing the Cradle to the Reborn by moving at a slower, more deliberate pace to ensure they're at full strength when they finally catch up? Of course, there's no way to truly know (outside of divination spells) whether or not the Cradle still remains in the tomb. And, there are enough signs along the way that it becomes progressively clearer that the Reborn have already been there (especially when Zyler is encountered). So, eventually, the adventure assumes the PCs will realize the mission's goal is shifting from "retrieve the Cradle to keep it from the Reborn" to "find out as much as we can about the Cradle and the Reborn (and Haramil) so we can take it back"...
I'm not sure I did enough justice to that last part, as I was still trying to make things seem "mysterious" and hold out hope to the PCs that the Cradle might still be there to keep up some of the pace via a PbP game. That said, there's another "kicker" written into the adventure to put a sense of urgency back into the PCs. Namely, if they do pause to rest and haven't yet eliminated all three of Haramil's apparitions yet, the others will respawn in 24 hours. And, obviously, that'll present a whole new battle that risks further ability damage if the PCs don't learn from their mistakes. So, all in all, Haramil's tomb is meant to be a very challenging adventuring location crammed within a fairly small space/timeframe for 8th level PCs who'll obviously need some good resource management and tactics to push through. For the purposes of PbP, however, I did alter some elements of the adventure (to accommodate more than 4 PCs)...and trim some stuff that didn't add much to the story for a slower paced online game.
...given the general drop in activity, I understand that a break may be needed. Hopefully, we can revive the game again down the road. Thanks for the ride so far.
Lydia the Liberator wrote:
...Maybe we can revisit things later on.
Daehalya Shadowsun wrote:
...Definitely hit me up with a PM (or email) if the game gets going again.
Thanks, guys. I'll definitely reach back out if/when I revisit the game and bring it back from hiatus.
Oceanshieldwolf wrote:
If I ever actually get it together to run a game here on the PbP-ness I’ll be PMing each and all of you here, including you Neil.
Certainly let me know if you do. Playing in a game takes a lot less time than GMing one, so I can probably still manage that much despite my hectic schedule/homefront obligations.
The game seems to have slowed down considerably of late. Instead of daily posts, player participation is down to once-a-week posting at times (except for a couple of more active folks). Even my pace is suffering with my day-job work and family responsibilities at home with the kids. At this point, I'm thinking we should put the game on hiatus.
Definitely some kind of dogs...big ones...and more than just one. Based on Bastian's prior experience within Nidal, he suspects they're shadow mastiffs, commonly used by Umbral Court agents during dream hunts for Desnan heretics.
After a bit of fruitless searching by Lesska, Bastian is finally able to discern a reasonable trail of nidarrmar tracks leading east and downward, away from the hill country. By all impressions, it appears the horses were moving swiftly...likely chased off as the shadow dragon must have terrorized them. Lesska shares that Nidalese mounts are quite intelligent and well-trained. As such, it's entirely possible they may be returning to Gioret's ranch on their own. So, with a bit of discussion on how best to aid Ailis along their path, the party sets off to find them, if they can.
Trudging through the night, everyone except Ailis, Aiyana, and Zyler continues to marvel at just how vibrant everything looks, despite the darkness and overcast sky. The few stars peeking through the clouds are tiny beacons of light piercing the night like luminous rain tracing its way to the ground. And, in many ways, it proves harsher to the eyes than when you look away and focus only on the shadows instead. You can't help but wonder if this is how the dark folk and other creatures of the Darklands feel when they visit the surface. Describing the effect to Aiyana, she and Zyler confirm that it's very similar to their experiences, though Aiyana seems to relish the starlight, drawn to it in the same fashion as her affinity for Desna.
Hours go by. The rough hill country proves tiring to traverse and everyone is feeling a bit footsore as the horizon begins to lighten with dawning sun. Suddenly, Bastian calls for everyone to halt. Narrowing his eyes, the darkness becomes even more visible for him as he examines the horse tracks more closely.
Bastian:
Spoiler:
It's clear to you now that some other creatures have crossed the path of the horses and now seem to be following them. You can make a DC 14 Survival check to identify them.
With the party in agreement that it would be best to put some distance between them and Haramil's tomb, everyone prepares to ride back to Gioret's ranch. The only problem is no one can seem to find the horses you left outside. Thankfully, you don't find any remains of slain mounts lying about the hillside. Instead, Lydia is able to determine the beasts somehow managed to break free from their tethered reins...most likely in reaction to the appearance of the shadow dragon, Thelamistos. That means everyone proceeds on foot...already weary from your prior exertions.
OOC: I'm going to rule everyone is fatigued and this is basically a forced march situation, further slowed by the fact that Ailis needs to move at half speed due to her blindness (even with someone helping to lead her through the hill country). The ride from Gioret's ranch to Haramil's tomb was 3 days. Returning on foot would normally take 6 days, so I'll rule it takes 8 with Ailis slowing you down. Of course, you could also spend some time trying to locate and reclaim some of the horses. Even if you find only one of them, it would enable Ailis to ride, and that would trim the journey back down to 6 days.
How much distance do you want to put between you and the tomb before you make camp?
If anyone wants to search for the horses, you can make a DC 15 Survival check to pick up a decent trail for at least a few of them...though it seems they didn't all run off in the same direction.
"...Ailis, would you be safe settled at Gioret's? Perhaps he can help us find a cure for your blindness. Or even our...chang'd vision." Lesska finishes, scrunching her eyes almost in an attempt to clear her sight.
"I believe so, yes..." Ailis replies, "Assuming the rancher would be willing to look after me and keep the Nidalese hunters away. I can only imagine what kind of torture would await a blind dwarf in their hands..."
Hey, guys...apologies for being incommunicado for a bit. Work and homefront issues sidetracked me, especially with 4 kids and their myriad end-of-year school activities, most of which took place immediately upon getting from work every evening. And then, this weekend, my wife also scheduled an all-day campus tour of a couple of colleges for us and my two oldest girls.
Regardless, I'm glad to see that a bit of intraparty roleplay has taken place. I'll get a new post up soon...
"Can you tell us any more of those they serve?" she asks, mind racing on to other matters at the same time.
Only dark silence greets Daehalya's question. And, indeed, it seems even the dragon's silhouette has faded fully to black. Even the enhanced dark sight effects from the planar energies of Haramil's tomb can no longer discern the beast. It is simply...gone...leaving everyone to wonder if they just hallucinated the entire encounter.
You believe that whatever arcane words the dragon spoke during the middle of its conversation with everyone were actually a shadow walk spell. Thelamistos has apparently used the spell to depart by way of the Shadow Plane.
This taint we may have inherited from Haramil. Is that why the light looks different to our eyes? And Haramil in turn inherited the taint from the Cradle, I suppose.
"Yes. It's often a side effect of such exposure. Planar corruptions of outsiders take many forms, but I've seen this one in those who linger in the realm of Shadow too long. The Cradles were also made there. So, it stands to reason they might impart such gifts or curses to those who handle them unprepared."
Bastian Garmont wrote:
Is there a way to remove it, without offending the ones you serve?
The dragon laughs long and deep. "Without offending those I serve? I believe I said I was an ally of those the Reborn serve, little man. I myself am far more than they."
Words of power spill forth from the dragon's mouth and, as Thelamistos continues to speak, its form blurs and darkens as if it's changing into just a silhouette of itself. Even then, the beast's immense shape begins to fade from sight, receding into the darker shadows of the treeline.
"As for removing the corruption," he says with a faint whisper, "That should be well beyond your meager capabilities. Enjoy what little remains of the life you've known..."
"No, my dear..." Thelamistos replies, "Though I am an ally of the one they serve. Fortunately for you, that doesn't necessarily make us enemies. Not for now, at least...and perhaps never, so long as you avoid creating a reason for us to be."
Suetonius bows politely. "What is your interest in all of this, if I may ask?"
"I am merely an observer here," the dragon replies, "Eyes and ears for another..." It shifts its bulk down the mountainside, moving exceptionally cat-like for such an immense beast and creating almost no tremor from its light steps as it reaches ground level and slowly circles the party. "I am Thelamistos."
Lydia the Liberator wrote:
"Umbral dragon. Native to the Plane of Shadow. I get the sneaking suspicion that's where we've ended up," Lydia whispers to the others.
Again, the dragon's ears prove exceptionally keen, easily discerning Lydia's words to everyone. "Indeed, I am." Thelamistos cranes his long neck behind him to regard the half-elf inquisitor even as his steps continue to carry him in a slow circle. "You're more well-informed than most to know my kind," he says, "But less skilled in comprehending planar rifts, it seems. This is not the Shadow Plane, though you're closer to it than ever given the energies you absorbed within the tomb. And, in time, perhaps it'll draw you there eventually? Much like Haramil himself, I suppose..."
"I was of half a mind to slay all of you when you exited the tomb," he finishes, cocking his heavy head as if reconsidering his options, "But now...I see there's no need. You'll meet your end soon enough. Except perhaps these two..." Thelamistos settles his gaze upon Aiyana and Zyler. Both can't help but subconsciously cower before the dragon. "The dark folk. Scions of Lyrudrada. You're a bit far from home, aren't you? No matter. Your attempt to retrieve the Cradle of Night was all for naught. Even if you return home, you'll be empty-handed. Thus, I believe there's no need for conflict between any of us here."
"Indeed, I would have departed already if I wasn't so curious to see what would become of Haramil's spirit should it be left unchecked. You seem to have eliminated that problem. And, inherited a bit of his taint in the process, I suppose. Alas, that's the risk which comes to those who meddle in things best left alone..."
Heeding Aiyana's request, Daehalya casts detect magic again, directing her unimpeded gaze about the clearing just outside the tomb, focusing first on the same location where she saw the shadows emerge when they first attacked the party. The tear between planes seems much diminished now, as if putting Haramil's spirit to rest may have started the process to healing the gap. Or, perhaps, it was only a matter of time before it closed?
"I see nothing where the shadows crossed into our world..." she announces to the rest of the party, and then she steps outside, directing her gaze back towards the tomb itself as everyone gathers around her.
Even the light-affecting nature of the planar energies roiling within the mountainside are starting to diminish, much to everyone's relief. But then, something catches Daehalya's eyes upon the mountain itself.
A smoky haze which she originally thought had drifted up from the shadows leaking from the tomb begins to clear. But now it reveals something far different. Resting high above the entrance to the tomb a massive, dark shape separates itself from the rocks. Giant wings unfurl to stir the smoky shadow and two large, bluish eyes open to gaze down on you.
"Well now," a deep voice issues forth from a maw of razor sharp teeth, some nearly as large as the small pine trees at the base of the mountain, "I didn't expect any of you to survive exposure to such raw planar energy. But then again, I assume you're a bit hardier than typical surface folk, correct? And I suppose this means Haramil is finally and truly laid to rest? There will be no further return of the ancient warlord?"
The huge figure begins to shift its heavy bulk across the mountainous landscape. Smoky shadow drifts from its scales and between its massive wings as it glides silently among the trees.
GM notes:
Spoiler:
Will saves: Aiyana's Will save vs. fear:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9 Bastian's Will save vs. fear:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19 Daehalya's Will save vs. fear:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23 Lesska's Will save vs. fear:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4 Lydia's Will save vs. fear:1d20 + 14 ⇒ (9) + 14 = 23 Suetonius' Will save vs. fear:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27 Zyler's Will save vs. fear:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
Both of you recognize this creature as an umbral dragon. While Daehalya has only read of such things and knows little more about them than typical dragons, Lydia is aware they make their home on the Shadow Plane and sometimes in large underground caverns. She's also heard that at least one of them lairs in the Darklands beneath Nidal, and is on good terms with the Umbral Court. While this one is quite large, it seems too young to be the ancient wyrm in league with the Nidalese.
"That sounds like a dragon's voice," Ailis hisses a warning as softly as she can to everyone, then curses yet again that she can't see it to confirm.
"Indeed, I am, little dwarf..." the monstrous creature responds. Apparently, its ears are quite keen. "But not like any you may have encountered before, I think."
Now more fully revealed upon the mountain, the winged serpent's presence fills everyone with dread, making even the strongest adventurer's heart give pause. Every rational thought screams that you should run, flee, hide! Some of you are able to fight off that feeling better than others, but it still lingers as you warily watch the dragon's approach.
OOC: Aiyana, Bastian, Lesska, and Zyler are shaken by the dragon's frightful presence, but everyone else is unaffected.
Daehalya, Lydia, and Suetonius notice the same effect, exactly as Bastian and Lesska have described it. Although it is clearly night-time with only a scant few stars in the sky, everything is sharp and clearly visible, even if it's in darker lines than usual.
"It's like my elven sight," Daehalya exclaims, "But with far more clarity..."
Even Bastian notes that it's different than the darkvision provided by his magical potion. Colors are still discernible, although muted somewhat...as if cast in shadow.
Ailis allows Lesska to regale her with her own tale-telling of their exploits, clearly amused and perhaps somewhat delighted to hear it. "A strange turn of events that you'd be the one to tell me a story," she scoffs, but listens attentively, actually pleased for any distraction from her disability.
Daehalya helps those who secure the treasure from behind the sarcophagus, checking each item for any magical emanations. Surprisingly, none of them seem enchanted...though, there is a faint dweomer on the weapons. They appear to bear the same preservation magic she previously detected on the tapestries and other decorations about the room. So, while they're all of exquisite craftsmanship from another age...and quite serviceable and valuable, as a result...none of them bear the same level of power as the horselord's lance that somehow cursed Ailis.
Once everything is squared away, Lesska helps lead her dwarven friend back thru the upper level of the tomb, keeping close to her within the middle of the group. Bastian is the first to emerge in the open air again, and he notes that it's nighttime outside. The stars are somewhat dimmed by an overcast sky, but one or two still peek through the clouds, softly illuminating the hillside. Even though the party's light sources are somewhat further behind him and muted by the planar energies at play within the tomb, he's surprised by just how clearly he's able to perceive everything. It's as if the entire terrain is highlighted and sharpened somehow...almost otherworldly in a way.
The rest of the party gathers behind him and they too notice this effect...all but Ailis, of course, as she's still unable to perceive anything in her current state. The effect seems to get stronger the further everyone moves away from the light sources carried among you. Aiyana and Zyler (and Ailis), however, seem unaware of the changes...
”Ailis?” comes a muffled call, then the Kellid’s head rises again. ”Ailis! It’s over, we’re safe!”
Deprived of Zyler's invisibility spell, both the dark dancer and Ailis lie on the floor next to the obsidian pedestal, slowly stirring from some kind of catatonic state...an after effect of what ever supernatural power had lain within the vortex of Haramil's spirit.
"I'm okay..." Ailis responds a little unsteady as she regains her feet, "Well...as okay as I was before. I still can't see anything."
"I'm fine, as well," Zyler announces, "Kept her safe like I said I would..."
Bastian Garmont wrote:
The Cradle...it literally tore his soul to pieces. Such terrible power...and now in the hands of the Reborn.
"Indeed," Aiyana replies, "It would seem they claimed their prize. Perhaps that's what unleashed Haramil's spirit and created the planar effects at play here..."
Suetonius Voltaire wrote:
"I suppose we will now have to make a little sortie into the Down Below..."
Daehalya Shadowsun wrote:
"Rest....They have the Cradle, but disaster hasn't happened yet. We can still stop them. We have to stop them!"
"I agree," Aiyana states, "One way or another, I have to find a way to stop them. Perhaps they're still in Nidal and haven't yet re-entered the Darklands? We might yet head them off...if we can find them..."
Suetonius Voltaire wrote:
"I would suggest resting, but not in this place; I doubt that we would manage to get adequate sleep in these unholy halls. Perhaps up under the stars?"
"That's probably for the best. Let's search this chamber for any remaining clues or information, and then we should venture to the upper floor again and exit this place. If we truly put Haramil's spirit to rest, then hopefully it's safer, even if we simply make camp close by. But, Daehalya? You should probably check the entrance again to ensure no more of those shadows will cross over from the Shadow Plane again..."
With Aiyana's direction, the party uses the remaining light provided by Suetonius's spell to search the lower chamber. The far side of the room holds a simple coffin. Looking inside, you find a simple skeleton devoid of any armor, weaponry, or decoration. If this is Haramil's remains, it would seem he was buried without the traditional honors afforded a Kellid horselord. His people truly must have despised him in equal measure to their fear of his rule.
The only other decoration in the chamber is the jet-black pedestal on the far wall near the lift you used to access this tomb. As Ailis and Zyler described it, there's a concave indentation in its bowl like surface that could easily have held a fist-sized orb. Aiyana acknowledges it's probably the resting place of the Cradle, which is now missing. Daehalya further confirms that assumption by casting detect magic and discovering substantial traces of shadow magic which is slowly dissipating now that whatever caused it is no longer present.
Venturing back upstairs, the lift carries everyone to the fake tomb again. As the platform locks back into place, everyone can see that several pieces of treasure are still piled within the easternmost alcove across from the sarchophagus. They include a well-crafted shortbow that seems to have survived the passage of centuries fairly well, in addition to two daggers, a longsword, a spear, a trident, five bejeweled necklaces, three thick silver rings carved with stylized tree symbols, and three carved opals (depicting a mounted horselord, a rampaging hill giant, and a fire drake).
"It's up to you if you want to take these thing," Aiyana notes, "It would seem Haramil's people left these things to fool others into believing this was his final resting place, tempting them to take this stuff and leave the lower tomb...and the Cradle...undisturbed. If there was a curse on anything, it would seem limited to the lance Haramil wielded against us. I doubt the rest carries such an enchantment...and it would seem like worthwhile compensation for your troubles. Even if we didn't find the Cradle, some of this stuff might help us against the Reborn...assuming we can find them before they reach Lyrudrada..."
"Lesska? What do you think? These are items that belonged to your people. And these are your traditions we either honor or violate..."
Suddenly surrounded on all sides, Haramil is beset by everyone at once. Following Suetonius's strike, Bastian smashes the vortex with his enchanted flail. Then Lesska follows up with a solid spear thrust. And finally Lydia arrives to slash with her curve-blade. The attacks finally shred and fray the swirling disembodied faces. The vortex breaks apart into just a cloud of dark mist. It feebly tries to coalesce into the silhouette of an ancient, armored horselord. And, for just a moment, the dark mist lightens from within...enough to brighten the face of Haramil as he must have once looked in life...before the Cradle twisted him into the dark tyrant he became. Recognizing a fellow Kellid, he reaches his hand toward Lesska...
"The Cradle..." he says, "It must not..."
But before he can finish, the mist comprising his body begins to drift apart on an unseen wind until he completely fades away.
OOC: Round 3 of combat Some of the readied actions aren't used, as Haramil's retreat takes a round to move underground and beneath the floor to take up a new position. But, I'm going to reset Suetonius to the top of the order with his delayed action, and put Haramil immediately after him. Everyone else stays the same.
Having delayed until just the right moment, Suetonius is the first to see Haramil's spirit arise once again from the chamber floor. He quickly sprints forward to face it, leading with a tremendous blow from his weapon. The swirling vortex of faces snarls in anger at the impudent priest and utters a few words of magic in return, but seems to target Bastian on the far side of the room rather than Suetonius.
Spellcraft to cast defensively:1d20 + 18 ⇒ (7) + 18 = 25(success!) Bastian's Will save vs. mind-affecting divination:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20(success for half damage) Psychic damage:10d8 ⇒ (2, 4, 7, 3, 7, 8, 4, 3, 4, 7) = 49(Bastian takes only 24, but he's also fatigued with a -2 penalty to Str and Dex)
A barrage of memories drawn from every failing or insecurity Bastian has ever felt in his life suddenly overwhelms his mind, some drawn from his youth, others more recent, but each one tearing at his sanity. Standing near Haramil's spirt, Suetonius can tell that the swirling vortex is somehow energized by whatever mental assault it created upon his friend. At the same time, the images of Zyler and Ailis suddenly reappear, outlined within the vortex of spirit.
Zyler's Will save:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7(failure! affected by depression for 1d4 ⇒ 1 round) Ailis's Will save:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8(failure! affected by depression for 1d4 ⇒ 2 rounds)
Their faces go completely slack and they stand transfixed, unable (or unwilling) to move as the cloud continues to move over them.
OOC: Bastian, Aiyana, Lesska, Lydia, and Daehalya may take their actions now
Lesska and Daehalya both miss the retreating spirit, but Bastian seems to land a telling blow as it disappears beneath the flagstones underfoot. Thereafter, the only sounds of continuing battle emanate from Aiyana as she continues to threaten and attack those who are near her.
As Lesska calls out for Ailis, the dwarf interrupts her war chant to respond unseen from somewhere near the back of the room by the northern wall and the obsidian pedestal. "I'm safe! I'm back here with...Zyler!" she calls out, "This pedestal...it looks like there's a concave indentation here in the stone...about the size of a fist...or, perhaps an orb such as the Cradle. If it was here, it's gone now. Someone must have taken it..."
Zyler also speaks up from somewhere in the same vicinity as Ailis's voice. "And those scorched areas...around the crumbled statue...they look like they could be from the death throes of the dark stalkers among the Reborn. They must have found their way here! They must have the Cradle!"
As sudden as that revelation comes, Haramil's spirit reappears, rising out of the floor around the pedestal, much to the fear of Ailis and Zyler. "TAKEN!" Haramil cries, "You'll all pay for your treachery! Once you DIE, I'll raise you again as shadows to track down the usurpers and THIEVES! You'll return what's mine! And only then will you find rest in the DARK OBLIVION!"
No one is within reach of Haramil to execute a readied attack, but Suetonius did delay, so he gets an action before Haramil can act...
Bastian wades into battle, maneuvering until he can help Lesska and Daehalya pin in the monstrosity that is Haramil's mad spirit. He swings his heavy flail and strikes a telling blow against it as multiple mouths scream in anger, pain, and...defiance.
"You'll PAY for that!" Haramil screams. The swirling vortex of shadow and faces seems to smash back at Bastian.
Tendrils of shadow not only lance through Bastian's body, but his mind immediately comes under an intense assault. Images and memories of his own life flash before his eyes as if they're taken from him in a dizzying array of violation. The entire experience leaves him confused and mentally drained. The cloud then withdraws, escaping through the cracks in the broken flagstones underfoot and disappearing somewhere further below ground.
Move action through the floor as an incorporeal creature. Lesska, Daehalya, and Bastian may take an AoO.
Back at the lift, Aiyana continues to scream and slash at everyone in misguided attempt to defend herself.
With a target finally in view, Lesska moves slightly ahead of the rest of the team, but still keeps her distance so she can strike within the reach of her longspear. (No flanking as of yet.) The magic-enhanced spearpoint punches through the storm of shadowy faces, piercing one of them between its eyes and causing it to howl in agony.
Daehalya:
Spoiler:
Your Knowledge (religion) check is sufficient enough to identify this creature as a variation of a caller in darkness, most likely enhanced by some kind of Shadow Plane energy due to the Cradle of Night. At its core, it's clearly an undead spirit formed from the psychic energy of a violent death, compelled to visit the same horrors it experienced upon anyone it encounters. Its touch can consume the minds of living creatures and it has many other mind-affecting abilities, most of them drawing upon fear and illusion. As it absorbs more and more minds of its victims, it grows ever stronger.
Armed with new insights about their foe, Daehalya uses her magic to shapeshift into a sleek, jet black dragon. The form is still small enough to fit easily within the chamber and doesn't crowd her companions overly much. With a flap of her new wings, she moves in to support Lesska.
With Aiyana's sword swings becoming wilder and less predictable, everyone around her seems to be a potential target...including poor Ailis who's still blind to the threat. Luckily for the dwarven Pathfinder, familiar words of magic are intoned from somewhere nearby and she starts to fade away...turned invisible by the same magic Zyler has used to preserve his own safety. Together, he helps lead her back and away from the fray before any harm can come to her. Yet, even as they go, the bard keeps up her war chant, doing all she can to aid her allies with the strength of her voice.
Perhaps those inspiring words manage to reach Bastian's ears as he uses his own self-will to regain his senses and shake off whatever mental trickery Haramil's spirit managed to inflict upon him. The big warrior readies his flail again and sees his companions Lesska and dragonform Daehalya already in melee.
Bastian can take his action now, then I'll follow up with Haramil and Aiyana before everyone else goes...
FYI, I'm headed out of town for an early Mother's Day visit with my family and my brother's family. Once I get back in the evening, I'll get a new post up and move things along now that everyone's taken their turn in the current round.
Neil, be aware that Bastian has a hefty bonus (+5) on fear-based Will saves and if he makes it, he gets a combat bonus for one round, thanks to his Focused Discipline feat...
I did notice that and double-checked before posting. It turns out this particular spell effect doesn't carry the fear descriptor, though it is still mind-affecting. Even if it had been fear-based, the +5 bonus wouldn't have succeeded...though, it would certainly matter on the additional checks you'll need to make over the next few rounds. Basically, this is an illusion that occupies your mind and forces you to deal with an imaginary monster from your worst nightmares, but there isn't a fear effect wrapped around it like phantasmal killer...
By channeling his hope into a divine focus, Suetonius stretches forth his hand and calls forth a sudden light. It flares brightly even as it struggles against whatever supernatural darkness has cloaked this chamber. The immediate glare is harsh enough that it puts an unexpected strain on everyone's eyes.
OOC: Though it's not a typical effect of the brightest light spell, everyone suffers the dazzled condition, including Suetonius. That means all of you suffer a -1 penalty to attack rolls and Perception checks for the duration of the spell. There's an in-game reason for this, but it'll be explained after you leave Haramil's tomb.
Even as you squint against the light, the darkness seems to be fighting it back, decreasing its radius to that of a torch. Nevertheless, it's enough to illuminate the burial chamber, as well as your adversary. A roiling vortex of animate darkness hovers above a simple coffin in the southern portion of the room. Multiple ghostly faces...all of them bearing the visage of Haramil...swirl within it, and they too appear to be vexed by the intensity of the light Suetonius has shone upon them.
"NOOOOOOooooo!" Haramil's faces scream in unison, "No light can prevail against me! The CRADLE can withstand any..."
Haramil's eyes widen in disbelief as the swirling faces look beyond all of you and towards the jet black pedestal by the northern wall. "WHAT?!?! Where has it gone?!?! What have you DONE with it?! All of you will pay with your LIVES for this...!"
In that moment of distraction, Lydia swiftly tries to cast a spell to return Aiyana to her senses so the party doesn't have to fight the caligni, but sadly it seems to have no effect on her as she continues to swing her sword wildly in an attempt to keep everyone away from her.
Lydia:
Spoiler:
It turns out Aiyana is suffering from a mind-affecting illusion rather than an enchantment (charm) or (compulsion), so protection from evil can't help her in this situation. But, it was definitely a good idea to try it as she's now protected from any follow-up compulsions Haramil might try to use on her weakened mind during the rest of the combat. So, it wasn't a wasted spell...
OOC: Lesska and Daehalya still have actions they can take...
Because of the circumstances of this particular chamber and the various extraplanar energies from the Shadow Plane, I'm going to rule that even darkvision is hampered beyond the 5-foot square next to you. So, you can see 5 feet, but that's it. Think of it as an unusual version of obscuring mist but it's more like obscuring shadowmist. For some reason, Aiyana and Zyler are unaffected by it, but that's likely got something to do with the fact that dark folk have the "see in darkness" ability, and the caligni species has a certain connection to the Cradle of Night which the rest of you lack...
With the oppressive darkness just beyond the edge of the limited light you've brought with you, Bastian and Daehalya are unable to see the source of the warlord's taunting voice. Rather than rush into the dark alone, Bastian simply sets his stance, ready to strike out at the first thing that shows itself. In the meantime, Daehalya tries to defend against Aiyana's increasingly fear-driven aggression.
"The shadows MOVE! The darkness WRITHES! And they CALL to us!" Haramil continues, his voice echoing and magnified as if repeated by more than one person saying the same words at the same time. "Your weapons are NOTHING against me! But the darkness IS a weapon to those who know how to WIELD it! You must FEEL its power! It will become a PART of you! And you will JOIN it as I have!"
Suddenly, a nightmarish horror reaches from the dark, grasping for Bastian. His readied action results in him feverishly trying to defend himself, raising and smashing his flail again and again into its seemingly impervious hide. No one else sees this apparition. Much like Aiyana, he seems to see something that isn't fully there, terrified and frantic.
Bastian:
Spoiler:
In game terms, you've been hit with a mind-affecting illusion (phantasm). Each round, you're forced to make a full-attack action against this nightmare creature (which takes a form from your darkest imaginings). At the end of each round, you get a chance to end the effect by making another Will save. If you fail, you take 1 point of Strength damage. If you succeed...or once the spell ends...you'll also need to make a DC 17 Fortitude save or be fatigued for a number of minutes equal to the number of rounds you were affected by the spell.
Likewise, Aiyana continues her own unhinged paranoia...
"Stay back! Or, I'll kill you where you stand!" she threatens.
Random target:1d6 ⇒ 4
She spins and turns on Suetonius this time, seemingly convinced that the nearby priest was trying to sneak up on her.
Once the platform comes to a halt, you can see another stone floor stretching away in all directions, but the wall of darkness at the edge of your feeble lights prevents you from perceiving anything beyond that range. Nevertheless, the two dark folk describe what they're able to see to everyone else.
"It's a large chamber," Aiyana explains, "Several stone pillars support the ceiling. And there are huge tapestries hanging from every wall, each depicting landscapes and battles among various hills and plains."
"Behind us...there's a jet-black pedestal of carved rock standing empty near the north wall," Zyler adds.
"And I see a closed stone coffin to the south..." Aiyana continues, "There are three scorched areas on the floor, surrounding the crumbled remains of a stone statue. It looks like it might have been one of the same kind of guardians we saw above...and the scorch marks could be...wait! What is that? Oh, no...god, no!"
"Get back!" the caligni gasps, draws her longsword, and then screams, "Stay away from me!"
Random target:1d6 ⇒ 1
Aiyana then wildly lashes out with real fear in her eyes...but not at any kind of adversary the rest of you can see. Instead, she swings her weapon at Daehalya!
Caught completely off guard, the elf suffers a minor slash across her arm...face to face with their suddenly crazed and very paranoid benefactor.
In the darkness, there's a deep chuckle of satisfaction and pure evil...
"I told you ALL...there is only DEATH here!" the familiar voice of Haramil booms and rebounds off of walls you cannot see, but the volume swells and reverberates in your ears. "What's mine is MINE! None but HARAMIL can claim it!"
OOC: Round 1 of combat For the purposes of this battle (which represents the final encounter in Haramil's tomb, I'm going to assume all of you healed any hit point damage fully by using the resources you had available. Initiative order: Zyler, Ailis, Bastian, Haramil's Madness, Aiyana, Suetonius, Lesska, Lydia, Daehalya
Eyes widening once more in fear at something only he (and Aiyana) can see, Zyler backs away from the platform, retreating to the north and reciting the familiar words to activate his wand. (OOC: Move action, casts invisibility)
Ailis then swiftly recites a dwarven verse to encourage her allies to stand fast in the face of unknown horrors...
War Chant - sharing Outflank and Precise Strike to everyone.
Casting haste - everyone gets +1 to hit, AC, Reflex, +30ft. speed, and gets an extra attack when you take a FRA.
"I don't know," Zyler replies, "They look authentic...and I don't see any traps...so, I guess there's really on one way to find out..."
The dark dancer pulls the latch and within the bowels of the tomb...somewhere much further below ground...the party can hear the sound of stone grating upon stone. Just as suddenly, the 10-foot section of floor upon which the sarcophagus lies begins to slowly descend, bringing all of you with it and into an area so dark that even the weakened lights you brought with you begin to dim even further until they're as small as the blink of a firefly.
"But without my eyes, I'm little help with that..." Ailis replies. "I fear we may blunder into another trap...or encounter a lock we cannot open..."
Then Zyler speaks up again. "Well, I may not be much of a fighter, but I can certainly help with those things. My apologies for avoiding the fights earlier. My number one concern has always been survival...even in Lyrudrada. If I weren't a dark dancer, and afforded some measure of societal protection because of it, I'd have been dead long ago. But, by hiding in the shadows...and finding ways in and out of trouble spots...it's allowed to live far longer. Perhaps that's why fate brought us together?"
With that, Zyler leaves Ailis for a moment to examine the sarcophagus. When satisfied that the exterior seems safe, he pushes on four, fist-sized squares of stone extruding from the corners of the coffin's lid. They sink in and the dark dancer is able to slide the lid away. A skeletal figure rests inside, long decayed and withered to the point that the bones aren't even joined together anymore. Nothing else is inside except a fine layer of dust coating everything.
Perception check:1d20 + 14 ⇒ (8) + 14 = 22
"Aha!" Zyler announces, "There! You see that latch? It's carefully hidden. Someone meant to fool those who came here into thinking this was the final resting place of the ancient warlord. But that latch probably opens the way to the real tomb. Shall I pull it?"
Ailis makes it clear to everyone that she's not staying behind. The dwarven Pathfinder still wants to see things through, despite the loss of her eyes. "Time isn't a luxury we can afford right now," she replies, "If someone can help me along, I'll provide what aid I can...even if it's just a dwarven warchant to lift our spirits..."
Zyler emerges from the shadows as his invisibility spell wears off and the dark dancer comes alongside the dwarf. "I know I haven't been much help so far," he acknowledges, "But I can look after her...whether here or as we continue on. I'll make sure no harm comes to her, even if it's just to help her vanish. It's one of the few good tricks I know, and it's always helped me survive..."
Lydia calls upon the power of her goddess and a spinning, scintillating starknife winks into existence and hurtles through the tortured spirit's essence, once again spraying putrid ectoplasm across the chamber. Haramil grimaces and stares down at the Desnan inquisitor with cold fury burning in his eyes. Daehalya tries to add to his misery, but the shot from her bow sails wide.
Sensing it's now or never, Lesska and Bastian both close on the horselord from either side. The daughter of the Atteran Kellids strikes first, jabbing with her longspear with the last of her waning strength. At first, her aim is off, but the follow-up strikes punch twice more through the spirit's body.
"NOOOOooooo!"
Haramil's essence begins to unravel and fray. More nauseating droplets cascade downward like rain on the tomb's flagstones. As the horselord begins to fade from sight, Bastian rolls his huge flail back through the specter, further dissipating the mist that once marked their enemy's presence. More ectoplasm collects upon the weapon and gets flung far and wide, splattering everything within 20 feet.
"Noooooo...I...I cannot die..." Haramil's disembodied voice sounds faintly once more and then recedes, "The night...is...mine..."
OOC: Combat is over!
"My eyes!" Ailis wails with sudden alarm. The warlance she stole away from Haramil falls to the floor with a loud clang and the dwarf covers her face with hands that are coated in ectoplasm. "I...can't see!...I can't see! What has that foul spirit done to me?!"
Lesska jabs forward with her lance as Haramil's spirit is just within her reach. Though weakened, her aim proves just true enough to pierce the enemy's form, plunging through the roiling, nauseating form of her enemy.
Bastian's giant arm then lashes forward, as well, trailing the heavy chain and ball of his flail. The weapon clashes with and then entangles the horselord's lance, wrenching it from his grasp and sending it crashing to the chamber floor. His enhanced speed then whips the flail back across Haramil's ghostly form, not once, but twice, causing huge splashes of ectoplasmic ooze to spray through the air.
Seeing the spirit disarmed, Ailis races forward and retrieves the weapon, carrying back and away from the fray as Haramil snarls in frustration. She circles behind Suetonius who readies his own attack should the horselord follow after her.
Round 3 of combat begins...
"FOOLS! I don't need weapons to DEFEAT you! I AM a weapon!" Haramil screams and then urges his warhorse to carry him forward, so he can confront Bastian. The valiant warrior presents a large target for him, and the horselord's arm proves long enough to strike at him, two titans clashing.
OOC: In game terms, you're both Large creatures with 10-foot reach, so there's no AoO. With his lance, Haramil normally has 20-foot reach, but you guys have trimmed that down a bit via the disarm.
Incorporeal touch melee attack vs. Bastian:1d20 + 13 ⇒ (17) + 13 = 30(hit!) Con damage:1d4 ⇒ 2 Bastian's Fortitude save vs. slime:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26(success!)
A wave of putrefying sludge spreads across Bastian's armor, threatening to overwhelm his senses, but he just manages to keep down the bile rising in the back of his throat. Nevertheless, Haramil's threat proves true and the spirit's touch still leaves him weaker than before. (2 Con damage)
Aiyana continues firing her bow from behind everyone.
With Suetonius pierced once more by Haramil's lance, Lydia manages to revive him where he's fallen to the chamber floor. As the priest's eyes focus once more, he sees Daehalya's roiling mass of shadow magic reaching again for their enemy.
Unfortunately, the nimble horselord manages once again to evade the elf's spell.
"WITCH! I'll mount your CORPSE on a pike for ALL to see! And then I'll RAISE you to live among the TRUE shadow under MY command!"
(OOC: Still awaiting actions from Bastian, Lesska, and Suetonius. For expediency, we'll say Bastian's enlarged nature and Lesska's reach weapon are capable of targeting Haramil, so proceed with your attacks. I'll resolve Ailis' action depending on yours...)
Perfect! Thanks for checking back in, Suetonius. With that, I think we've still got the crew to move things forward. I'll NPC Ailis until we get through Haramil's tomb, then we'll see where things go from there in terms of potentially recruiting someone else or carrying on with just a team of 5 (plus Aiyana).
I've got some family obligation stuff today and into the afternoon (taking the kids to see Avengers), but after that I plan on moving us along through the current combat scene sometime this evening. So, everyone be on the lookout for a new posting tonight. Thanks.
PM sent. We'll see if he's able to make his way back. If not, I think it's imperative that the team have a cleric along, so I'd definitely look to recruit one.
Alright. Looks like we might be down two then. Ailis is departing and I haven't seen Suetonius check in for a few weeks now. I checked his last post and it was pretty recent on his other alias. I just don't know why he hasn't found his way here yet. Thoughts?
Family beach trip is done. Turns out I couldn't get my laptop to connect to the condo's WiFi. It would "connect" but then indicate there was "no internet" due to the DNS server being unavailable. So, apologies that I couldn't keep things moving. I'll be rectifying that tomorrow, so hopefully everyone's still on standby. If you're still committed to carrying through with the game, please chime in here and I'll prepare accordingly. And if I need to recruit anyone new or NPC some folks, I'll adjust to that, as well. Thanks.
Well, "theater of the mind" definitely means there's going to be GM interpretation of the character/monster positioning since we're not using a map. I'm not sure I'd call that GM fiat or GM whim, since dice rolls still matter. But, if you're not comfortable with that, I understand. That type of game isn't necessarily for everyone. So, if you want to drop out now that you have a better understanding, I certainly won't hold that against you.
In the meantime, I haven't seen Suetonius weigh in with any additional thoughts. I'm prepared to move the game along tomorrow if he doesn't chime in. FYI for everyone, I have a family beach trip this weekend, but I believe I'll still have wifi, so I plan on bringing my laptop with me to keep things going. If something unforeseen happens and I can't get a connection, I'll return on Sunday evening.
FYI, I'm monitoring the discussion. All good points. Completely agree on the "not waiting for clarification" and trusting the process/GM. I'm not going to arbitrarily wipe out anyone due to any sub-optimal combat choices or AoO/positioning issues. So, I hope no one has concerns around that. I'm not what you'd call a "killer" GM or someone who revels in TPKs.
I also support the notion that roleplay (especially intraparty roleplay) can take place at anytime, not just during social situations. So, despite the early part of the adventure feeling like a combat-heavy dungeon crawl of one ambush encounter after another...and that's a valid criticism...I think the character interaction can still take place, whether among yourselves or the NPCs that are traveling with you. Haramil's tomb is meant to be an exploration mystery hampered by poor lighting conditions, and that tends to cloak/mask your adversaries a bit further than usual, resulting in the ambush impression, but it's also meant to heighten the tension/fear factor a bit. Maybe too far? I don't know. I'm still assessing as we go...
Regardless, I'd love to hear from the rest of the crew if anyone else wants to chime in...
Looking at everything in front of me as the GM right now, I think I've come to the conclusion that it's going to be pretty much impossible to run this game as "theater of the mind". There are just so many tactical positioning concerns arising that it's straining my ability (and probably yours, as well) to keep up with it under this type of game. From adjacent Bodyguards and AoO's due to the sharing of Combat Reflexes to reach weapons on top of reach weapons along with enlarge effects, I really need a map to lay everything out for it to make sense. Otherwise, many of you are left waiting to take your actions based on rulings from me on how close the various opponents are to your PC. And that's all fair and valid. I know you guys spent a lot of time (and imagination) on crafting your character builds, and these are the characters you want to play...some of which depend on those abilities and combat tactics. However, what drew me to select all of you for the game was the story behind your characters, not their particular stats and abilities.
Bottom line, this isn't how I wanted to run a play-by-post, story-over-combat kind of game. But now the combats are dominating the posts and I don't know how everyone else is feeling, but the roleplay doesn't feel especially robust yet...in story terms, at least. Intra-party roleplay and NPC interactions haven't developed very much over the course of the game. There's been a little of it, but not a lot. Some of that might be the slow posting rate, and some of it may be that the story hasn't really drawn anyone's passion (other than mine) yet. I don't know. What do you guys think? How should we proceed from here? Many of you have GM'ed play-by-post here on the boards. What advice do you have? I'm going to hold off advancing the current combat round until we've had a chance to discuss it here.
Like this: We know that at least Lydia is in reach of Suetonius, and Suetonius is the one getting attacked. Probably Bastian, too? So when Suetonius gets attacked, both of them can expend an AoO to aid another on Suetonius' AC. Each success grants +2 to his AC.
Oh, I see now. That's an incredible amount of potentially stackable +2 AC bonuses, especially if someone is flanked on either side and then others have reach weapons standing behind them. That feels a bit overpowered to me, but I do better understand the interpretation of the war chant with Combat Reflexes and Bodyguard combo now. If I'd fully understood that combination, I'm not so sure I'd have been comfortable approving it during character generation...but I don't fault you at all for wanting to build the character that way.
Ailis Slagdam wrote:
Also, please remember that Aiyana gets haste as well - +1 to hit and an additional attack.
Will do. Thanks for the reminder. There's a tremendous amount of bonuses to track in these combats. It's very easy to miss something. :)
Please update your status tracker, especially your hit points. If possible, paste it into your avatar's header like everyone else has done so it's clear on each of your posts for me.
Also, I just realized something. I know Suetonius normally has 59 hit points. For some reason, it currently lists 40 in his profile. Was that due to lingering damage from the spiders? If so, on Round 1, he was hit for 53...which would have dropped him into negatives (-13 hp), correct? Then, Lydia healed him for 13...so he would have regained consciousness at 0 hit points and that would have left him stable, but disabled.
So, I'm not sure he could have remained conscious after summoning his ancestral gift...i.e., as a standard action, it would have dropped him back to -1 hp, and he'd have gone unconscious and started dying again. If so, Haramil's attack (see below) will be directed against someone other than Suetonius.
If, on the other hand, Suetonius was actually at his full 59 hit points at the beginning of the round, Haramil's initial attack would have left him with 6 hp, Lydia would have healed him up to 19 hp, and he could have summoned his ancestral gift with no problem. Haramil will then target Suetonius with his next FlyBy Attack (see below) which will drop him back into the negatives this round. This is my baseline assumption, but if I need to adjust to a different target, let me know.
Lesska moves forward to engage Haramil where the apparition hovers in the air on the far side of the chamber. Though she closes the distance, she fails to pierce her ancient kinsman.
Round 2 of combat begins...
"Why do you fight me, SISTER? You should honor your LORD and chieftain of ALL our clans! Only by pledging yourself to ME can your true potential be realized! TURN upon your friends and I might yet SPARE your life!"
Haramil then spurs the ghostly warhorse and it rises over and past Lesska on its way to charge Suetonius again, just outside the reach of her weapon.
Flyby Attack vs. Suetonius with reach:1d20 + 15 ⇒ (8) + 15 = 23(I believe that's just enough to hit, despite the +1 AC bonus provided by Ailis' haste.) Damage:1d8 + 10 + 2d6 ⇒ (3) + 10 + (3, 6) = 22 (No AoO is available on Haramil from Lydia or enlarged Bastian, as the horselord has 20-foot reach with his lance and is combat-savvy enough to keep his distance in an effort to wear everyone down.)
The vicious horselord once again deftly thrusts his lance into the priest who falters next to Lydia and falls to the ground, unconscious and bleeding as Haramil flies past. He then turns and hovers once more over his sarcophagus, sneering down upon the gathered heroes.
Everyone may take their actions now. Haramil is 10 feet above the floor and 10 feet away from everyone's horizontal positioning, as well. This puts him within reach of enlarged Bastian. Initiative order: Haramil's Corruption, Zyler, Lydia, Aiyana, Daehalya, Lesska, Bastian, Ailis, Suetonius
Neil: can I attack with Full Round Action using reach weapon or do I need to move to engage?
(For this round? You gotta move to engage, so no FRA. Standing still, and if it's hovering next to you, full blown FRA. If it does another Flyby Attack, no FRA.)
Lesska Thrice-shamed wrote:
Neil: did Haramil actually drain/gain power from Suetonius as far as we could see?
(Not enough visual evidence to know definitively, but Suetonius didn't suffer any kind of energy drain or ability damage. It would take a more careful arcane examination of Haramil's lance by someone like Daehalya (outside of combat) to know more.)
Lydia's quick action helps to stanch the worst of the bleeding from Suetonius's wound as they stand together, awaiting Haramil's next move. Daehalya then summons multiple strands of writhing shadow, seeking to impede the horselord's apparition.
(No Perception check needed and no spell resistance involved, but non-damaging spells carry a miss chance against incorporeal creatures before a Reflex save would be necessary, so high is good, low is bad...) 50% miss chance check vs. incorporeal:1d100 ⇒ 16(spell fails!) (Note: The duration is "concentration" so you can try again next round by moving the strands into his square again. You can also grab for his corporeal weapon if you want to change the target, and that won't carry a miss chance...)
While the arcane strands certainly discover the spirit's presence floating above the chamber floor, they seemingly can't find purchase on its insubstantial form and Haramil scoffs.
"Don't think to turn shadow against ME, girl!!! I've known it FAR longer than the likes of YOU!!!"
Bastian then drinks his potion, causing his form to grow to the size of a near-giant, and this effect draws Haramil's eyes away from Daehalya as he assesses the potentially greater threat of a warrior who can reach him. As Bastian bellows his challenge, the sheer volume of his voice rattles the upper reaches of the tomb and a fine dust drifts downward in response.
"Power isn't a DELUSION if it's entirely REAL," the apparition responds, "And soon you'll know the difference, UPSTART!!! Now that you've made yourself a larger TARGET, I'll show you TRUE freedom when the dark closes all around you and makes you MINE!!!"
But before Haramil can charge again, Ailis loudly rallies the party with her dwarven-inspired story. Suetonius also catches his breath and adds his own insult before casting a spell to summon a more dangerous weapon from his divine patron. Upon its manifestation, the spirit's attention shifts momentarily from Bastian back to the priest.
"You should have had the good sense to DIE on my FIRST pass!"
Suetonius:
Spoiler:
Your Knowledge (religion) check successfully identifies this creature as a festering spirit. You know it's incorporeal like a ghost and exudes a debilitating slime and stench. You're also aware they can spawn more of their kind from the bodies of those they manage to slay, much like an undead shadow.
(Still awaiting Lesska's action before moving to Round 2...)
With the magical lance resting atop the sarcophagus, Aiyana reaches forward to move it aside so Haramil's coffin can be opened. Before she can touch it, however, a ghostly green hand reaches through the lid from inside, lifting the weapon itself. A familiar body then follows as another apparition of Haramil swiftly rises from the coffin and into the air. He sits astride a ghostly warhorse, also translucent green and dripping with ectoplasm as a wave of nauseating putrefaction assaults everyone's senses.
Ailis, Daehalya, Lesska, and Suetonius are all sickened by the stench (–2 penalty on all attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks). But, the rest of the party manages to draw back just enough and steel themselves against the smell of rot and decay to keep focused.
"THIEVES!!!BETRAYERS!!! Jealous usurpers seeking to claim what is MINE! You will RUE the day you ventured here! And you will DIE upon the lance of the Timeless King! The SHADOWS will it so! And I will it so!"
OOC: Round 1 of combat Surprise round was basically a move action whereby Haramil's spirit/warhorse rises out of the coffin and takes to the air, where it now hovers 10 feet above everyone. Initiative order: Haramil's Corruption, Zyler, Lydia, Aiyana, Daehalya, Lesska, Bastian, Ailis, Suetonius
With a sharp whistle, the apparition spurs the ghostly warhorse and charges from above, passing over Suetonius. Haramil holds the lance aloft, and then brings the corporeal weapon to bear against the priest.
Another wave of nauseating stench blows past everyone as Haramil skewers Suetonius with a powerful thrust. Necromantic energies play across the weapon's cruel barbs, further savaging the priest's life force and sending a surge of invigoration through the spirit as it rises once again into the air before anyone can react. It moves quickly enough to reach the far side of the chamber and the warhorse/warlord turns to face everyone again with Suetonius's blood dripping from the lance as he points it back down at the adventurers.
"You will take NOTHING from this place! I will bend your wills to make you MINE and add your SOULS to an ARMY of shadows to make WAR once more! I will crush ALL who stand in my way, destroy ALL that you love, and rein SUPREME again!"
Seeing and hearing this incredible display causes Zyler to pale and cower with fear. As a result, the dark dancer swiftly waves his wand and once more vanishes from sight. (casts invisibility)
Aiyana curses her cowardly kinsman, and made of sterner stuff, she draws her bow and fires at the apparition.
Aiyana's ranged attack:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
Her aim seems true, but the arcane-empowered arrow is deflected away by the energies surging around the festering spirit, who raises his lance in defiance and then points it again at the caligni.
"I know YOUR kind! Cowardly, sick little things, HIDING in the earth! It was I who razed your city, threw down your FALSE gods, and claimed your POWER! You will NOT have it again! It is MINE now! Mine ALONE to command!"
(Everyone can take their full turns now. To keep the action moving, I went ahead and took Aiyana's action ahead of Lydia's, as it seemed unlikely they'd conflict.)
Ailis is able to examine all of the statues, from the standing warriors to the armored warhorses. Aside from the secret door she already found behind the southernmost warhorse, the rest seem perfectly normal. No traps. No concealed switches, doorways, or compartments. And, perhaps more reassuring, none of them animate like the others you've seen. Combined with the fact that Daehalya had found them to be utterly devoid of magical enchantments, it would appear they're perfectly mundane and entirely ornamental.
That leaves just the easternmost part of the chamber where a short flight of steps reaches the dais where Haramil's coffin resides...surrounded by treasure with the distinctive lance lying atop it. The entire party begins moving in that direction, spreading out across the wide floor, checking for traps or other signs of concern...such as any signs that the Reborn may have passed this way. Ailis's keen eyes do discern what she believes to be a recent scrape upon the flagstones, likely from a booted foot. It seems someone may have preceded them here. The dwarf finds no other impediments barring their path to the coffin. If there are any traps here, either someone already triggered them or they're too well hidden for her to find.
The tapestries don't seem to bear any particular images of note...or, if they did, they've faded over time. There are vestiges of small symbols represented along their edges, most of which you would interpret as ancient heraldry probably used at the height of Haramil's power. Like the shields...which have stood the test of time a bit better...some of the symbology has incorporated a black orb and a field of blue. Daehalya recalls the arcane auras she discerned when she checked the room for magic. Whatever spell energy is woven into the tapestries was likely meant to preserve them similar to a substance she's studied before...unguent of timelessness...but it's now dry and brittle.
As the party moves back into the brightly-lit chamber, the statues once again come to life, raising their weapons against you.
"You tread upon corrupted ground," they say in unison, "Turn back now, unless you come before us with the sacred sign of whispering wind and rippling waves in hand."
Initially, Bastian seems to escape their notice, the painted symbol of Gozreh on his armor sufficing to meet their requirement. However, as he looks down, he sees that the image is beginning to look less and less recognizable due to the dripping blood he used to make it, as well as the recent combat exertions he's undergone.
Regardless, Daehalya recognizes that the rest of the team has no such advantage any longer, so she raises her hand and a ring on her finger begins to glow with arcane power as she casts another illusion. One by one, each of you are able to cross the chamber to the door leading back to Haramil's coffin. Daehalya is the last to go, using the image of Gozreh's holy symbol to hold the statues at bay. And, once she rejoins everyone inside the tomb, the magic ends and the secret door closes to safely seal them away.
On the other side, everyone now stands around the large statue of an armored warhorse, and venturing past it, you're standing once again in the middle of the chamber. The vaulted ceiling arches twenty feet overhead. Rich but aged tapestries hang from the walls along with several shields depicting a black circle on a field of blue. More life-sized statues occupy the edges of the main floor. Four represent armored warriors holding lances and two...including the one you moved around...represent armored warhorses. To the east, a short flight of steps ascends to an alcove containing a stone coffin surrounded with weapons and other treasures. A long lance with a cruel barbed tip lies atop the coffin.
The party treks back across the way they'd just come, crossing the main entrance area, then venturing back through the spider cave until they reach the secret door again. Opening it, you can see the stone guardians have resumed their original positions, but will likely still bar your way unless Daehalya is able to reproduce her original illusion to fool them.
OOC: You've visited every room on this level, but you haven't fully explored all of them yet. Most notably, the actual burial chamber with the coffin.
A thorough search of the chamber fails to reveal any additional concealed or secret doors. Even Lesska's attempt to abuse the alcoves fails to reveal anything further.
