"Here now, what's this?" Korvus asks as he bends down to retrieve a ring from one of the mummy's fingers. The half-orc squints through the lenses of his pince-nez, murmuring the words of a cantrip to reveal magical auras as he studies the iron band bearing a ram's head.
"Ah-ha! Of course! A Ring of the Ram!" Korvus exclaims. "The wearer can command the ring to produce a ram-like force - coincidentally manifested as a vaguely discernible shape resembling the head of a ram or a goat - which can strike a target with considerable power. Would anyone care to wear it?" he asks, offering the ring to his companions.
Male Half-Orc Wizard (Conjurer) 5 {HP 34/34; AC 15, T 11, FF 14; F+3 R+3 W+6/+8 vs. fear effects; Init+1; Perc+12} {Effects: Mage Armor}
Round Four:
Korvus fires another mystical bold from his wand to strike at the mummy. "Alpy! Please help Master Grimsley!" the wizard calls to the Beast of Lepidstadt.
Male Half-Orc Wizard (Conjurer) 5 {HP 34/34; AC 15, T 11, FF 14; F+3 R+3 W+6/+8 vs. fear effects; Init+1; Perc+12} {Effects: Mage Armor}
I'm sorry everyone. We had a death in my wife's family early last week, and I've been out of town and away from the computer for the past week. I'm working to catch up now, but it may be another day or two before I'm fully back in the game.
"Oh dear! It appears the chains in the middle of the room were once wrapped around the other sarcophagus and secured with a heavy lock. Perhaps there is something dangerous in it as well," Korvus warns his friends from the doorway as he shifts his attention to the unopened sarcophagus. With a flick of his wrist the wizard retrieves his wand of magical missiles from his spring-loaded wrist sheath and points the magical stick toward the sarcophagus. At the same time, he reaches into his magical pack to retrieve a scroll.
Swift action to retrieve wand of magic missiles. Move action to retrieve scroll of Protection from Evil from handy haversack. Standard action to ready action to fire wand at anything that emerges from the sarcophagus. If something emerges from the sarcophagus before Korvus' turn in the Initiative count, then Korvus will use his standard action to fire the wand at whatever emerges - Magic Missile Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5.
Male Half-Orc Wizard (Conjurer) 5 {HP 34/34; AC 15, T 11, FF 14; F+3 R+3 W+6/+8 vs. fear effects; Init+1; Perc+12} {Effects: Mage Armor}
Korvus follows Bjorn carefully across the bridge. The wizard studies the various preserved creatures with interest as the Ulfen warrior investigates the northern door.
"That's odd," the wizard mutters aloud from the dining room, "There is a significant amount of dust on the chairs and the floor near their legs. The rest of the room appears to have been cleaned recently, but it's clear that the table and chairs have gone unused for many months. Why would someone have gone to the trouble to clean the room but leave the table and chairs covered in dust?"
Question for DM Haldhin:
In this post from October 9, I succeeded at the DC 30 Perception check to notice: "High above the stone bridge, you can make out the faintest outline of a cloud that seems to be moving very fast... against the wind. As you watch, the cloud changes direction again, then again. After a minute or so, you realize that despite its chaotic path in the sky above, it remains relatively in place over the stone bridge." Where was this strange cloud with respect to the map and in relation to the building we are in now?
As he searches the room, Korvus pauses to gently pat the friendly ottoman, much as one would a friendly dog. "Perhaps your father created this to serve as a devoted pet for both himself and you," Korvus replies to Alpy. "It certainly seems to like you."
Male Half-Orc Wizard (Conjurer) 5 {HP 34/34; AC 15, T 11, FF 14; F+3 R+3 W+6/+8 vs. fear effects; Init+1; Perc+12} {Effects: Mage Armor}
Awww, that's so cute!
Korvus moves up behind Bjorn, adjusting the pince-nez perched on his nose as he gives the moving ottoman a quizzical look. The wizard casts a spell to discern magical auras and studies the piece of furniture in an attempt to determine source of its mobility.
Male Half-Orc Wizard (Conjurer) 5 {HP 34/34; AC 15, T 11, FF 14; F+3 R+3 W+6/+8 vs. fear effects; Init+1; Perc+12} {Effects: Mage Armor}
Korvus lowers his wand as the patchwork hound slinks away from the group. "Alpy? I take it from your expression that you are not familiar with that beast. Have you never seen it before? Is it new to this place?" the wizard asks in a gentle tone.
In case it's needed soon - Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
"Oh dear," Korvus mutters upon spying the patchwork 'hound' at the far end of the bridge. The wizard raises his wand of magical missiles in preparation of an impending attack by the beast.
Is Bjorn still affected by Korvus' Enlarge Person spell? The duration is 5 minutes.
Male Half-Orc Wizard (Conjurer) 5 {HP 34/34; AC 15, T 11, FF 14; F+3 R+3 W+6/+8 vs. fear effects; Init+1; Perc+12} {Effects: Mage Armor}
Sorry folks. I've had some health issues for the past few weeks that prompted multiple trips to the hospital for tests. So far everything's come up inconclusive, but it's been pretty stressful nevertheless. Today is the best I've felt in three weeks, so hopefully whatever I've got is on the mend. Should be back to regular posting now (fingers crossed!).
Male Half-Orc Wizard (Conjurer) 5 {HP 34/34; AC 15, T 11, FF 14; F+3 R+3 W+6/+8 vs. fear effects; Init+1; Perc+12} {Effects: Mage Armor}
Round Three Action:
As the troll retreats from the top of the gatehouse, it continues to be burned by Korvus' acidic arrow. Troll takes additional 2d4 ⇒ (2, 4) = 6 hp acid damage.
Korvus intones the words to a spell to cause Bjorn to grow to the same size as the troll he grapples.
Full round action to cast Enlarge Person on Bjorn - the spell will come into effect just before the beginning of Korvus' turn in the next round. Enlarge Person grants a +2 size bonus to Strength, a +1 size bonus to CMB and CMD, a -2 size penalty to Dexterity, and a -1 penalty to attack rolls and AC. Duration 5 minutes (50 rounds).
Male Half-Orc Wizard (Conjurer) 5 {HP 34/34; AC 15, T 11, FF 14; F+3 R+3 W+6/+8 vs. fear effects; Init+1; Perc+12} {Effects: Mage Armor}
Round Two Action:
Korvus intones the words to a spell and points again toward the troll atop the gatehouse. An arrow of acid springs from the wizard's hand and flies toward the troll.
Standard action to cast Acid Arrow at the troll on the gatehouse.
Acid Arrow Attack (ranged touch): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20 Acid Damage: 2d4 ⇒ (2, 3) = 5; if hit, troll will take additional 2d4 acid damage next round.
Male Half-Orc Wizard (Conjurer) 5 {HP 34/34; AC 15, T 11, FF 14; F+3 R+3 W+6/+8 vs. fear effects; Init+1; Perc+12} {Effects: Mage Armor}
Round One:
Spying the troll at the top of the gatehouse, Korvus murmurs the mystical phrases of one of his newest spells as he points at the giant humanoid. A glowing pea-sized bead streaks from the wizard's finger and strikes the troll, blossoming into a fiery conflagration. The half-orc then reaches into his magical backpack to retrieve a scroll.
Standard action to cast Fireball at the troll on top of the gatehouse. Move action to retrieve scroll of Enlarge Person from haversack.
Fireball Damage: 5d6 ⇒ (5, 2, 1, 3, 2) = 13; Reflex DC 17 for half damage
Male Half-Orc Wizard (Conjurer) 5 {HP 34/34; AC 15, T 11, FF 14; F+3 R+3 W+6/+8 vs. fear effects; Init+1; Perc+12} {Effects: Mage Armor}
DM Haldhin wrote:
Everyone did have time to purchase items before leaving Lepidstadt, so feel free to do so.
For Carrion Crown, having a PC with the MIC feats isn't really necessary. Unless Korvus really wants to take the feat, he would probably get more use out of something else.
Sorry to be taking so long - still updating Korvus. So for purchasing items, are we limited to the items listed in the Lepidstadt Marketplace spreadsheet, or can we purchase other items as well (like a Handy Haversack)?
Male Half-Orc Wizard (Conjurer) 5 {HP 34/34; AC 15, T 11, FF 14; F+3 R+3 W+6/+8 vs. fear effects; Init+1; Perc+12} {Effects: Mage Armor}
Working to catch up now - and to finish leveling-up Korvus. Did we have a chance to purchase magic items with our money before heading out to Schloss Caromarc?
Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32
Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14
Round One:
Korvus retrieves his Wand of Mage Armor and uses it to cast the protective spell upon himself.
Male Half-Orc Wizard (Conjurer) 5 {HP 34/34; AC 15, T 11, FF 14; F+3 R+3 W+6/+8 vs. fear effects; Init+1; Perc+12} {Effects: Mage Armor}
My apologies, everyone. For the past week I've been battling what's turned out to be a case of pneumonia, and this is the first that I've felt well enough to even sit upright and turn on the computer. Can't guarantee much posting in the next several days - very low energy and meds that may start making me feel even worse in different ways (yuck!) but I'll try to keep up. Feel free to 'bot Korvus if need be. Thanks!
Male Half-Orc Wizard (Conjurer) 5 {HP 34/34; AC 15, T 11, FF 14; F+3 R+3 W+6/+8 vs. fear effects; Init+1; Perc+12} {Effects: Mage Armor}
Holding a silk handkerchief over his mouth and nose to avoid breathing the smoke from the Punishing Man, Korvus nods in agreement with Harold's words. "Indeed, Master Grimsley. I believe we still need to learn more about the idol that the Whispering Way stole from the museum - the theft that led to Alpy's capture," Korvus reminds his companions.
Also, not to nitpick, but in this post from Feb. 22, Judge Daramid offered to pay each of us 300 pp following the completion of the trial.
Male Half-Orc Wizard (Conjurer) 5 {HP 34/34; AC 15, T 11, FF 14; F+3 R+3 W+6/+8 vs. fear effects; Init+1; Perc+12} {Effects: Mage Armor}
As the party further secures Vorkstag and Grine and gathers as much incriminating evidence as possible, Korvus makes an effort to inquire of the 'zombies' as to who they are and how they got here.
Male Half-Orc Wizard (Conjurer) 5 {HP 34/34; AC 15, T 11, FF 14; F+3 R+3 W+6/+8 vs. fear effects; Init+1; Perc+12} {Effects: Mage Armor}
Andrezi the Wanderer wrote:
"I'd care to ask you the same question, actually." Andrezi looks warily at the group, but realizes that - if they're asking if he's with these monsters, then in all likelyhood, they're not with them either.
"Name's Adrenzi - been locked up here for I have no idea how long. Just finally escaped."
"Then you are very lucky indeed, Master Andrezi," one of the well-dressed half-orcs - the one with the blackbird perched on his shoulder - replies to Andrezi's statement. "My name is Korvus Slade, and my companions are Bjorn Stonehand, Lucius Cassius, and Harold Grimsley," the half-orc introduces himself and each of his companions in turn. "We are taking these... men... to the authorities to answer for their crimes. Perhaps you would care to join us to add your testimony?"
Male Half-Orc Wizard (Conjurer) 5 {HP 34/34; AC 15, T 11, FF 14; F+3 R+3 W+6/+8 vs. fear effects; Init+1; Perc+12} {Effects: Mage Armor}
Bjorn Stonehand wrote:
"Back to the courthouse", Were-Bjorn says as his fur melts away and his from returns to normal.
"This has got to be evidence they can't deny."
"Indeed, Master Stonehand," Korvus says as he allows the spell he was casting to fizzle out. At the same time, the wizard dismisses the spell of levitation he had cast on the Ulfen. "I suggest we bind and gag them securely. We should also take all of the items and skin-suits we discovered in the wardrobe - as well as the skin of Augustus Heiger this creature most recently wore."
Items in Question:
DM Haldhin wrote:
Inside the wardrobe are nearly twenty flayed skins, all of them hanging like empty sacks of flesh as one might store articles of clothing. Men and women of all shapes, sizes, and ages are within, as is another - more unusual - flesh suit. There is one, near the front, that appears to be nearly eight feet tall and grossly deformed. It is covered in stitching, scales, and fur, with a shock of black hair attached to the bald head. To the casual observer, this suit bears a striking resemblance to the Beast of Lepidstadt.
You discover a small panel in the back of the wardrobe containing the following: 500 gp in assorted coins, a silver drinking cup inlaid with obsidian worth 400 gp, and a syringe with six vials of black liquid.
There is also a ledger containing the names of customers who have purchased "parts" from Vorkstag and Grine. Many of the names are unknown to you, but there are two entries which catch your attention. The first is Doctor Brada, the man who ran the asylum on Sanctuary that burned down - one of the crimes Alpy is accused of committing.
The other entry is the most recent, with a note of "3 crates confirmed". The name listed is Auren Vrood, and the date is a week prior to your arrival.
Male Half-Orc Wizard (Conjurer) 5 {HP 34/34; AC 15, T 11, FF 14; F+3 R+3 W+6/+8 vs. fear effects; Init+1; Perc+12} {Effects: Mage Armor}
Bjorn, since your feet are on the walkway you can still attack and/or move horizontally while under the effect of the Levitate spell, albeit at half-speed. I could dismiss the spell using my standard action, but I was planning to cast a Summoning spell this round to give you a flanking buddy. Plus, if the Skinless Man were to somehow knock you off of the walkway, you might want to still have the Levitate spell active.
Lucius, if you move to the step below me, you may be able to get a shot at the Skinless Man.
With Bjorn delivered to the walkway and engaged in battle with the Skinless Man, Korvus begins the incantation for a spell to summon an ally for the Ulfen warrior.
Male Half-Orc Wizard (Conjurer) 5 {HP 34/34; AC 15, T 11, FF 14; F+3 R+3 W+6/+8 vs. fear effects; Init+1; Perc+12} {Effects: Mage Armor}
"Master Stonehand! Please step to the other side of Master Lucius so I may levitate you to the walkway above!" Korvus instructs his companion. (Requesting Bjorn move 10 ft north of Lucius position on map.)
Once Bjorn moves to the indicated location, Korvus recites the mystical words inscribed upon his scroll. As the runes disappear from the parchment, the wizard mentally wills the Ulfen to rise into the air to the level of the catwalk above.
Standard action to cast Levitate from scroll onto Bjorn. Move action to mentally direct Bjorn upward 15 ft; this should place him adjacent to the catwalk. I assume there is a railing on the catwalk that Bjorn can grasp and use to swing himself over onto the walkway.
Korvus steps up behind Harold and touches the half-orc's shoulder while reading the mystical words inscribed on his scroll. The writing disappears from the parchment, granting the pugilist a protective barrier against the forces of evil. Korvus drops the now-blank parchment and retrieves a second scroll from his jacket pocket.
5 ft. step to square P,15. Standard action to use scroll to cast Protection from Evil on Harold, granting him a +2 deflection bonus to AC and a +2 resistance bonus on saves against attacks from evil creatures, plus the other benefits of the spell. Please note: Korvus used the Wand of Mage Armor on Harold when we escaped the room with the poison gas trap, so Harold's AC is now 22.
Move action to retrieve Scroll of Levitate.
Questions for DM Haldhin:
How high is the ceiling above us in this area? And how high above Lucius and Bjorn's current position is the landing upon which the Dark Creeper is standing?
Male Half-Orc Wizard (Conjurer) 5 {HP 34/34; AC 15, T 11, FF 14; F+3 R+3 W+6/+8 vs. fear effects; Init+1; Perc+12} {Effects: Mage Armor}
DC 15 Reflex save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Korvus grimaces as the bucket of liquid thrown by the white-skinned humanoid leaches away most of the necromantic energy bolstering his own life-force. (8 points acid damage subtracted from the 10 temporary hp from False Life.)
Korvus mutters the words to a spell and points at the small white-skinned humanoid as he touches the badge upon his jacket. Suddenly a cloud of shimmering gold dust appears out of thin air, coating the small humanoid with tiny sparkling motes. With his spell cast, the wizard reaches into his jacket pocket to retrieve a scroll.
Standard action to cast Glitterdust (Extended using Warden Hawkran's Badge) on the small white-skinned acid-chucker; all creatures and objects within a 10-ft radius spread of the creature are covered by the dust, which visibly outlines invisible things. The dust cannot be removed and continues to sparkle until it fades (Extended duration 8 rounds). All creatures in the dust must make a DC 16 Will save or be blinded; each round at the end of their turn blinded creatures may attempt new saving throws to end the blindness effect.
Move action to retrieve Scroll of Protection from Evil.
Male Half-Orc Wizard (Conjurer) 5 {HP 34/34; AC 15, T 11, FF 14; F+3 R+3 W+6/+8 vs. fear effects; Init+1; Perc+12} {Effects: Mage Armor}
Can't make a DC 32 Perception check even with a 20...
DC 14 Int check: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
"There are ladders in the vat room leading to the upper walkway - he is likely trying to cut us off!" Korvus warns his companions.
With a flick of his wrist, Korvus' wand of magical missiles drops into his hand from its spring-loaded sheath on his forearm. The wizard mutters the activation word to fire a bolt of mystical energy at one of the pursuing zombies before continuing to ascend the stairway.
Swift action to retrieve Wand of Magic Missiles from wrist sheath. Standard action to fire at one of the remaining 'zombies'. Move action 30 ft up stairway.
Male Half-Orc Wizard (Conjurer) 5 {HP 34/34; AC 15, T 11, FF 14; F+3 R+3 W+6/+8 vs. fear effects; Init+1; Perc+12} {Effects: Mage Armor}
Korvus follows Lucius up the stairs. Upon reaching the top he turns and points at the Skinless Man as he utters a mystical phrase, firing an arrow-shaped bolt of acid at the strange creature.
Move action up the stairs to square E,11. Standard action to cast Acid Arrow (ranged touch; no save and no SR) at the Skinless Man.
Acid Arrow Attack (ranged touch): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19 Acid Arrow Damage: 2d4 ⇒ (4, 3) = 7 acid, will take 2d4 damage again next round
"I'm afraid I've never seen or heard of a creature such as this before, Master Stonehand. However, considering how it wishes to take our skins and it has an accomplice attempting to sneak up on us from the vat room, I suggest we seek to eliminate it posthaste!"
Did I mention that the skinless people in the Hellraiser movies totally creeped me out?
Male Half-Orc Wizard (Conjurer) 5 {HP 34/34; AC 15, T 11, FF 14; F+3 R+3 W+6/+8 vs. fear effects; Init+1; Perc+12} {Effects: Mage Armor}
"Hmmm... Nothing here is magical, so how does he wear the skins and disguise himself so convincingly? Unless he is some type of magical creature..." Korvus muses.
Knowledge (arcana?) check for something that can wear the skins of others?: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16
As Korvus considers the implications he stows his wand of magical missiles back in its wrist sheath and retrieves a few scrolls from his pack, which he then stows individually in separate jacket pockets for easier access. (Gust of Wind, Levitate, Mount, and Protection from Evil)
Korvus then withdraws one final scroll and reads the mystical phrase inscribed thereon. The writing disappears from the parchment as the unleashed magical power bolsters the wizard's life-force. (Cast False Life from scroll, granting Korvus 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10 temporary hit points for 3 hours.
Male Half-Orc Wizard (Conjurer) 5 {HP 34/34; AC 15, T 11, FF 14; F+3 R+3 W+6/+8 vs. fear effects; Init+1; Perc+12} {Effects: Mage Armor}
At the sight of the horrors within the cabinet, Korvus covers his mouth and nose with his handkerchief as he struggles to contain the gorge rising in his throat.
"I could not have phrased it better myself, Master Grimsley," the wizard concurs with his fellow half-orc's assessment. "Master Radniche 'Rook' did state that the chief scientist of this establishment possessed the ability to cloak himself in the skins of others. And if that large skin does bear the bite marks of Redjaw, then I believe it behooves us to take Masters Vorkstag and Grine into custody. Alive, if possible, but we should not hesitate to use deadly force if necessary. Remember, these ruffians are involved with a mysterious party capable of intimidating a coven of hags."
Korvus steps forward to examine the items discovered by Bjorn, casting his cantrip to reveal magical auras as he studies the syringe and vials of black liquid.
"Indeed, Master Lucius. That jar under the desk most definitely contains a human head. By all appearances we are in the study of another alchemist - not surprising, considering where we are. To the right person, the collection of alchemical goods in this room would be worth approximately 500 gold.
As he did in the previous chamber, Korvus mutters the words to a spell to allow himself to view magical auras and glances about the room.
Male Half-Orc Wizard (Conjurer) 5 {HP 34/34; AC 15, T 11, FF 14; F+3 R+3 W+6/+8 vs. fear effects; Init+1; Perc+12} {Effects: Mage Armor}
"Well done, Master Lucius!" Korvus exclaims softly. "Gentlemen, might I suggest we examine the next room on this floor before ascending higher in this place? I would hate to find our path of escape blocked."
