Morgan breathes a deep sigh of relief. The King in Thorns is dead. Having managed to keep her head despite the sickness from the curse, the changeling looks on at the befuddled states of Bair and Fafrd with a degree of pity. "Rest, the both of you. What ails you will pass."
Rhob reaches Morgan, bringing with him his stench. "Rhob, walk in a circle around our group, and kill anything that tries to get close."
It immediately moves off to obey.
"I am glad magic was able to bring down our foe. And I commend you all for your work. You... have earned my respect," Morgan says. Her tone suggests that this is not a typical occurrence.
I can only echo Bair. This was tough, but fair. Great work, GM!
"Return from whence you came," Morgan mutters darkly, releasing the Combusted from her command. With a haunting cry it dissipates into ash.
"I am very much done with you," the necromancer says, mostly to herself. Her hands move in classical wizardly gestures, and with a series of flourishes six magical missiles appear before her. "Die," she says, a casual flick releasing them towards the King in Thorns.
Morgan maintains her connection with the Combusted, who continues to suffer under the aura.
Will save vs Aura:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
It moves closer to the King in Thorns, releasing another mote at it.
Fire Mote vs Monarch:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24 Damage (Fire):1d4 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5 plus 1d6 persistent fire.
Seeing Fafrd struggle from the magical synestisia induced by the monarch, Morgan works through an abjuration spell that will unravel the magic.
Dispel Magic vs Synestisia (Caster DC):1d20 + 14 ⇒ (7) + 14 = 21
Alas, it's not enough.
Reflex save vs Entangle:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17
Rhob continues to move, albeit slowly.
"On the flying bug thing now," Morgan commands the Combusted, who once more is in the aura of the King in Thorns.
Will save vs Aura:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
It releases two motes of fire at the monarch.
Fire Mote vs KiT:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17 Damage (Fire):1d4 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5 Fire Mote vs KiT:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7 Damage (Fire):1d4 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Morgan once more creates a ray of pure cold, firing it at the same foe.
Ray of Frost vs KiT:1d20 + 15 - 1 ⇒ (7) + 15 - 1 = 21 Damage (Cold):4d4 + 4 ⇒ (4, 2, 1, 3) + 4 = 14
Will save vs DC 25 Aura:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
The Combusted continues to subjected to the monarch's aura.
Nonetheless, it continues to hurl motes at the lone foe.
Fire Mote vs Monarch:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23 Damage (Fire):1d4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7 plus 1d6 persistent fire
Fire Mote vs Monarch:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24 Damage (Fire):1d4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7 plus 1d6 persistent fire
And Morgan intones her own evocation magic, pointing at the King in Thorns as a ray of frost pours forth from her fingertip.
Ray of Frost vs Monarch:1d20 + 15 ⇒ (3) + 15 = 18 Damage (Cold):4d4 + 4 ⇒ (4, 4, 2, 3) + 4 = 17
Will save vs DC 25 (Morgan):1d20 + 13 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (2) + 13 + 1 - 1 = 15
Hero Point
Will save vs DC 25 (Morgan):1d20 + 13 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (17) + 13 + 1 - 1 = 30 Will save vs DC 25 (Combusted):1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
Morgan shakes off the mental effect, her mind filling with resolve, determination, and... stubbornness. Her animated minion is not so resilient.
Of course, the cloud rolls south towards her...
Cloudkill DC 28 Fort:6d8 ⇒ (1, 7, 8, 7, 2, 5) = 30 Fort save vs DC 28:1d20 + 11 - 1 ⇒ (3) + 11 - 1 = 13 FFS
"May Urgathoa bleed from her taint forever," Morgan manages to curse before the succumbing to the poison.
Morgan is Dying 2
Fort save vs DC 28:1d20 + 11 - 1 ⇒ (18) + 11 - 1 = 28 11 poison damage
Reflex save vs DC 22:1d20 + 11 - 1 ⇒ (17) + 11 - 1 = 27 not entangled
Morgan manages to not inhale the poisonous gas, though the noxious fumes still burn her skin. She hastily works through a conjuration spell, and with a pop disappears from where she was.
Cast Dimension Door
Reflex save vs DC 22 (Rhob):1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23
The big zombie, whose last command was to follow its mistress, breaks free of the entanglement and moves to catch up.
Reflex save vs DC 22 (Combusted):1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26
Meanwhile, the Combusted avoids being entangled. It moves outside of the grasping vines and releases another mote of fire.
Fire Mote vs 5:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13 Damage (Fire):1d4 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8 plus 1d6 persistent fire
"You will not be hidden forever, whoever you are," Morgan mutters, once more invoking her dark magicks to dredge up an undead minion.
Animate Dead (4th)
In a burst of seething orange flame north of the necromancer appears a Combusted. It looks at Morgan, who says, "Be heard, and deal with my foes."
The Combusted releases a howl frightful enough to burn anyone nearby.
Blazing Howl, DC 17 Will:4d6 ⇒ (6, 3, 2, 6) = 17 This is a 15ft emanation centered on the Combusted.
The burning cadaver moves, like a delicate dancer, and with a gesture conjures a mote of fire that swirls through the air towards one of the moss men.
Fire Mote vs 5:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29 Damage (Fire):1d4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7 plus 1d6 Persistent Fire
Just the aura itself around the Combusted suggests burning flame...
Intense Heat:
(aura, fire) 5 feet, 2d6 fire, DC 17 basic Reflex. I marked the aura on the map
Reflex save vs DC 28 (Morgan):1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27 62/71hp
Reflex save vs DC 28 (Rhob):1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23 Reflex save vs DC 28 (Rhob) - Hero Point:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32 87/87hp
Reflex save vs DC 22 (Morgan):1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28 No entanglement
Reflex save vs DC 22 (Rhob):1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17 Entangled at start of turn
I am happy to boost the last token. Does this take a roll? If so, not sure what. But here's a roll. Roll:1d20 ⇒ 20
Morgan continues to feel ill, but waves away the Pathfinder clerics. "I would like to study this curse, and the best way to do so is to live through it."
She does spend some time discussing the curse with her familiar Simril, who knew about such things when they were alive.
Morgan urges the flaming skull to pursue the remaining foe, and with another cackle the skull spits fire.
Spitfire vs 2:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13 Damage (Fire):1d12 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Morgan then hustles forward to get within spell range, Rhob following slowly.
"That won't do," Morgan says, irritation at the ridiculous spectacle. She points at the fleeing foe. "Kill that fey creature."
With a cackle the skull complies. It flies closer and spits fire.
Spitfire vs 2:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12 Damage (Fire):1d12 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
And when the skull misses Morgan mutters angrily before conjuring a ray of frost that launches from her outstretched finger.
Ray of Frost vs 2:1d20 + 15 ⇒ (1) + 15 = 16 Damage (Cold):4d4 + 4 ⇒ (1, 2, 3, 2) + 4 = 12
Obviously, she swears some more. It is colourful and varied, showing time spent on ships of late.
"Desna's blood-soaked tears," Morgan curses at the effects of the curse. She grumbles, working through a spell that animates the dead once more.
Animate Dead (3rd)
A skull appears in midair. Unlike Simril, this one is shrouded in green flame. Morgan points, and the skull cackles before flying out attack one of the fishermen.
Forehead vs 2:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21 Damage (B+Fire):1d6 + 3 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 3 + (5) = 9
"Simril the Thriceborn, show yourself," Morgan commands in a tone that brooks no delay.
The floating skull that is her familiar glides over from behind a tree. A tree well over thirty feet away. "Yes mistress? You have need of my keen intellect? My sterling reputation? Diplomatic skills, perhaps? Or perhaps my powers of observation would-"
"Shut up and hold still. I want what is mine," the changeling necromancer says, intoning a word that drains the familiar of a degree of its magic. The skulls eyes flicker during the process.
Drain Familiar to recover Animate Dead (4th)
"I abide your wishes, mistress," Simril replies, tone flat.
Ready
And to add to things, she points at the treant and releases a ray of frost at the creature.
Ray of Frost vs 2:1d20 + 15 ⇒ (2) + 15 = 17 Damage (Cold):4d4 + 4 ⇒ (4, 2, 4, 3) + 4 = 17
She works through one of her most powerful necromantic spells, harnessing dark energy that dredges up the remains of a skeletal giant. Appearing behind Kamil, it signals its presence with a clattering of bones.
"Slay the tree folk, my servant."
It does its best, swinging an incredibly large glaive.
Glaive vs 1:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18 Damage (S):1d8 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14 Glaive vs 1:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18 Damage (S):1d8 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
Skeleton Stats:
AC 17; Fort +10, Ref +8, Will +7
HP 50 (negative healing); Immunities death effects, disease, mental, paralyzed, poison, unconscious; Resistances cold 5, electricity 5, fire 5, piercing 5, slashing 5
Skills means quick successes, but I think we'll have to do a combat at some point. Still, unless there's a lot of other groups doing skills I'm happy to keep doing them.
Morgan, who had prepared magic for this situation, begins her own spellcasting.
Necromancer'Generosity (2nd):2d8 + 8 ⇒ (1, 1) + 8 = 10
She then employs a wand with similar magic in it.
Necromancer'Generosity:1d8 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
And given than the zombie will be in a state for some time, she calls forth her familiar. "Rhob, stay at the camp. Simril the Thriceborn, come with me."
The floating head comes to his mistress. It's obviously not happy about the danger.
Morgan's eyes seem to blaze with fury as her zombie minion is pulverized by the large creature. "A week's worth of work you set me back, you stupid ape!"
She points, speaking a series of arcane words before an electric arc flies out towards the remaining Mega and the smaller creature.
Electric Arc vs 2 & 2, DC 25 Reflex:4d4 + 4 ⇒ (1, 3, 1, 3) + 4 = 12
She then casts another shielding spell to protect herself.
"Nine bloody Hells," Morgan swears, startled by the bestial display. She hastily invokes a spell, a repeat gesture of electricity that arcs out to the nearby foes.
Electric Arc vs 2 & 2, DC 25 Reflex:4d4 + 4 ⇒ (3, 3, 2, 1) + 4 = 13
"Alright, they're close enough. Hit the bigger one Rhob."
The zombie obeys.
Fist vs Mega 2:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32 Damage (B):2d8 + 3 ⇒ (5, 6) + 3 = 14
Morgan points her staff at the nearest megafauna, speaking a command word that releases a ray with the pwoer to sap a foe's strength!
Ray of Enfeeblement on MEGA 2, DC 25:1d20 + 15 ⇒ (12) + 15 = 27
"Don't," she says, and the zombie beside her does not move. She then erects a magical shield to protect herself.
Cast Shield
Morgan concentrates on her connection with the animated zombie, the brute moving slowly towards the two pollen people.
She then works through another spell, magical evocation sigils appearing in mid-air before her while she casts. Upon completion, the sigils disappear, replaced by a crackling electrical charge. With a gesture, the energy arcs towards two of the creatures.
Electric Arc vs 2&3, DC 25 Reflex:4d4 + 4 ⇒ (4, 3, 4, 4) + 4 = 19
Meanwhile, Rhob swings a meaty fist at the pollen creature harrying Fafrd.
Fist vs 1:1d20 + 15 ⇒ (1) + 15 = 16
But the swing is both slow and wide of its mark.
Fort save, DC 22:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29 Will save, DC 25:1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26
Morgan is unfazed and unimpressed by the tricks of these fey creatures.
Rhob is... well, Rhob. I've assumed the zombie is immune to both effects.
"These things are annoying," she says, beginning a spell. Dark, necromantic energies gather as she works through the lengthy spell. Her magic forms behind one of creatures, dredging up a zombie equal in size to Rhob. Animate Dead, Level 3
"Kill these things," she commands with a dismissive gesture. The new zombie works to comply.
Fist vs 2:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22 Damage (B):1d12 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
She then looks at Rhob, but only has time to shake her head as it lumbers forward.
Morgan is not particularly adept at navigating the natural world, unless it is swampland. Still, she does the best she can.
Nature, DC 25:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24Sigh, of course
Fort save, DC 25:1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 11 - 2 = 29
A furious resolve fills Morgan as she fights against the blood drain. Regardless, she's struck by a vine and is bleeding freely. Now 25/71 hp. Assuming the crit success means no damage from blood drain.
Morgan attempts another spell, still struggling against the viney bonds.
Flat check:1d20 ⇒ 18
Electricity flies out once more towards their remaining foe.
Electric Arc, DC 23 Reflex:4d4 + 4 ⇒ (2, 2, 2, 3) + 4 = 13
She then shouts at her zombie companion. "Kill it already!"
Rhob does his best to follow his mistress' command.
Fist vs 1:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24 Damage (B):2d8 + 3 ⇒ (4, 3) + 3 = 10
Morgan shakes her head, seeing how spread out the group's efforts are. "Fine, run amok. I'll take care of this one."
She points at the nearest tuber, releasing a ray of frost at it.
Ray of Frost vs Tuber 4:1d20 + 15 ⇒ (7) + 15 = 22 Damage (Cold):4d4 + 4 ⇒ (2, 1, 1, 3) + 4 = 11
"What are you waiting for? Get in there, Rhob."
The zombie complies, making a single step before swinging a meaty fist.
Fist vs Tuber 4:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30 Damage (B):2d8 + 3 ⇒ (4, 1) + 3 = 8
Diplomacy, DC 23:1d20 + 13 ⇒ (8) + 13 = 21 "Look, do we look like we want this to end in violence?" Morgan says, the massive zombie behind her undercutting the desire for peace. They are obviously far too armed.
Morgan grimaces as Bair speaks, but decides that the path forward is to double down. "He's not wrong. The Thorned Monarch will turn on you. I've seen it a magically-induced vision. We're here to warn you. What you do with that information is your own choice." Deception, DC 24:1d20 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18
C'mon... Hero Point
Deception, DC 24:1d20 + 13 ⇒ (11) + 13 = 24
Happy to conserve her spells, Morgan weaves a quick spell. Lightning begins to form, crackling around her hands. With a malicious grin she says, "All out of lives, kitties."
She releases the electricity, arcing out at the two.
Electric Arc vs 1+2, DC 25 Reflex:4d4 + 4 ⇒ (4, 1, 1, 2) + 4 = 12
Looking at her zombie she says, "Go on. Hurry and kill it already."
Morgan moves up beside Fafrd. "If you can close that portal, now would be a really good time."
She points a finger at the newly arrived feline. A ray of green, crackling energy rushes towards it.
Call of the Grave vs 2:1d20 + 15 ⇒ (2) + 15 = 17 "I really dislike cats. And these are just like my last familiar: annoying, cowardly, and going to be killed by me."
Seemingly sensing its mistress' displeasure, Rhob lurches closer to the other cat. Single Stride, thanks to Mature Animal Companion
Morgan considers the situation, irritated that the flaming bobcat as become a cloud of cinders. She tries to recall what she might know of this thing, however dubious her sources might be...
Nature to Recall Knowledge (w/Dubious Knowledge):1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12
... and comes up empty. Of course
"Forward, Rhob. But not too close," She commands the giant zombie behind her, who lumbers forward. It stops just shy of the cloud.
She speaks an arcane word, erecting an invisible shield of force to protect her. "I'm guessing it won't stay that way forever." Recall Knowledge, Command an AnimalUndead, Cast Shield
Morgan also hands over the cold iron arrows she gets. "I have no need for these. And with luck, neither will you. Of course, we both know that is unlikely to be the case." +13 arrows to Fafrd
Fafrd is a familiar face to Morgan, and Iarann is too. Morgan shares a few words with each, though it's obvious that she's not one for pleasantries. He introductions to the others are simple and polite enough. "I am Morgan Titchwillow. You can probably expect Simril and I to share what needs to be understood if magic is involved. Rhob is muscle, but his job is to protect me."
Inventory - Society:1d20 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18
She looks over the inventory, but finds the task to be beneath her. "Most of this is useless, and the rest can be conjured with the appropriate spell, no?"
Mapping - Nature:1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16
Morgan gives a cursory glance over the maps. "These seem to be in order."
Magical Supplies - Arcana:1d20 + 18 ⇒ (18) + 18 = 36
This task is one that Morgan feels deserves her skill. She quickly mixes ingredients to make a variety of elixirs, potions and other magical tools. "Perfect."
Morale - Diplomacy:1d20 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18
Morgan shares a handful of words, meaning to raise spirits. But the presence of a giant zombie is off-putting to most.
Research - Society:1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22
Morgan quickly becomes annoyed by the tomes related to the fey, finding what's there to be either basic or highly untrustworthy.
Upon seeing Fafrd, she greets the man with an inclination of her head. When she speaks her tone is not warm, but it's also not not warm. "Hello, Grey Mouse. You're right, they are both new minions. The big guy I have named Rhob, though in life they were called Draguela the Phantom Stranger. Rhob is simpler."
"And after Asher perished, Arianrhod was unwilling to give me another cub. So instead I put my old mentor's skull to use. This is-"
The floating skull, who it quickly becomes apparent had been waiting eagerly to speak, jumps into the conversation. "Simril the Thriceborn, master of charms and enchantments. I would say that I am at your service, but that would be a lie: I am at the service of fair Morgan here. Mistress Titchwillow has bound me to her service and, honestly, why not? What else was I going to do? Anyhow, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Fafrd."
Morgan rolls her eyes, but says nothing in response to her familiar's commentary.
The dead frost giant draws many eyes from the large group of Pathfinders as it walks forward. And why not? Though hunched it stands easily fourteen feet tall, and the smell of formaldehyde does more than enough to presage its arrival. Plus, passive zombies are not exactly a common occurence. But, for anyone truly paying attention, they would see that this zombie, whose name is Rhob, follows mindlessly behind its mistress.
That mistress is a short and slender woman with mismatched eyes, one violet and the other a very unusual red. Her clothing is in various shades of black, but is largely hidden by the voluminous robes and elven cloak that sits overtop it all. She holds a twisted and grim-looking staff that is adorned with hideous skull and bone motifs.
Completing her ensemble is a human skull, arcane runes carved all over the bone surface, that floats five feet off the ground. It moves with an obvious independence, chattering away at seemingly anyone who will listen.
