Carrion Crown - The Haunting of Harrowstone

[Evangline Valeria Aurora]

@Peredur ap Erevel
"Your Welcome."

[Grey Jonas]

Already declared my actions, can I change them or do I have to stick with them?

[GM - Zombie Master]

Actions:

I am glad you are trying to keep ahead just in case. You are allowed to change actions as the fight progresses. I will either asks (as I think I was going to - moving out of combat would have drawn an AoO) or just post the action you were going to take in a spoiler "Posted Action Canceled" make sure to note the round if you have more than one action listed. And then post your new actions for the round.

So the answer is yes as pbp doesn't allow for us to take turns consecutively easily. If you ever wish to cancel an action and post a new one when you are up please go ahead letting me know that is what you are doing.

[Grey Jonas]

GM - Zombie Master wrote:

** spoiler omitted **

Thanks. In that case, these are my actions.

Jonas, seeing that neither his bow and sword are much of use, kisses his amulet. Mother, don't leave me now. His right hand lightens up for a second, and touches the forehead of the undead in front of him.

Spoiler:

I cast brand and touch the zombie engaged in melee with me. Touch attack1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21. This will deal the zombie 2 points of damage, hopefully ignoring his damage reduction. DC 13 Fort ignores. In case zombies are capable of attacks of opportunity, roll for casting defensively. Concentration DC 15: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

EDIT:That looks like a critical. Confirmation roll for 4 damage total: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

[Evangline Valeria Aurora]

Eva attacks a zombie with her dagger.
Atk: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

[Fleisher Montvale]

I'm not sure where everything is on the map. I would like to help Jonas, but I don't know how far away he and his zed are. I need to hold my action until I see what's going on on the map.

"Hang on, Jonas! Try to put some space between you and that horror so I don't catch you in the explosive radius of my bombs."

[GM - Zombie Master]

No map truly needed as it is 5 against 1 - right now Jonas, Eva, and Peredur are in melee with the monster. If you wish to throw behind it you can hit an intersection (AC 5) and get it in your splash damage without worrying about harming anyone.

[Fleisher Montvale]

Fleisher swiftly manufactures another bomb and piches it just behind the action, trying to keep the zombie in the splash of the explosion. (Since I have Splash Weapon Mastery I can actually minimize the danger to my group a little more by setting the intersection back choosing the zombie's square to extend the splash.)

Attack and damage
Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
Damage: 5

[GM - Zombie Master]

Rolls:

Fort1d20 + 0 ⇒ (16) + 0 = 16
Reflex 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (12) + 0 = 12

Zombie attack random (1-2:Eva, 3-4:Peredur 5-6:Jonas) 1d6 + 0 ⇒ (5) + 0 = 5
Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
DMG - jic 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Cyler attack w/flanking 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
DMG - jic 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 2d6 + 0 ⇒ (1, 1) + 0 = 2

The newest combat weaves his way through tombstones to get to the last zombie. Slightly winded his blade swings wide as he tries not to hit the wounded Jonas accidentally.

The witch hunter takes and places a finger on the creatures forehead, the rotten flesh falling from it at the touch. The tip of Jonas's finger then starts to glow and the smell of burning flesh aids to the foul smells in the air. Drawing back to defend against another swing from the creature everyone can see a burning mark in the zombies forehead. The creature seems oblivious to the pain and burning that would probably leave a live person squirming.

Eva moves up as Fleisher mixes up another bomb quickly. The dagger finds it's mark but the wound is superficial and the clearly not enough to slow the undead monstrosity. Fleisher aims behind the fighting group and hits his mark. Another explosion marks the night and the zombie this zombie is engulfed by the flames licking away from the epicenter.

Cyler moves in but gives the creature a wide breath before closing in. His sword breaker fails to connect as the smells and the flames are to much for the man.

Combat:

Peredur - move, attack - miss
Jonas - cast brand (Fort successful)
Eva - move, attack - miss
Fleisher - bomb attack, DMG = 5/2
zombie1(07/12) - attack(Jonas) - miss
Cyler - move, attack - miss

Notes:
Everyone but Fleisher is in melee with zombie
Cyler and Jonas are flanking
I have it that Brand only does 1 pt. of damage. Is there errata somewhere?

End of Round 3

[GM - Zombie Master]

Top of Round 4

The lone zombie seems overly resilient as it doesn't wish to return to the land of the dead alone. It wants someone to come to death's dark embrace with it.

Combat:

Peredur - IS UP
Jonas -
Eva -
Fleisher -
zombie1(07/12) -
Cyler -

Notes:
Everyone but Fleisher is in melee with zombie
Cyler and Jonas are flanking

[Peredur ap Erevel]

Round 4:

Status:

HP: 12/12 AC: 18 Conditions: None

Peredur attempts again to reinter the walking corpse, but in the press of bodies surrounding the undead he is unable to connect.

To hit: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 2 = 7

[Grey Jonas]

brand indeed does only 1 point of damage, but I used the destruction judgement at the beginning of the round, so it's 1 additional damage to every damage I deal until the end of the encounter. And I score a confirmed critical, so this should usually mean double damage. Therefore, 4 points if I'm not mistaken.

Seeing that the undead is much more tough than he expected, Jonas withdraws from this combat, backing up from the thing.

[Evangline Valeria Aurora]

Eva attacks the zombie with her dagger.
Atk: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Damage: (slashing)1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

[Fleisher Montvale]

Seeing that the zombie is surrounded by his new acquaintences and the bomb throwing is getting riskier, Fleisher will opt to pull out his club and try to move to flank the creature.

[GM - Zombie Master]

Peredur takes a chunk out of the zombie but to no avail. The creature seems oblivious that it just lost half it's face from the swing and continues it's assault, a skeletal grin showing through the fresh cut.

Jonas backs away his wounds aching with every step. The man not wishing to become a burden to the others should he fall.

Eva slices and slices. Biu mostly at the air. The few nicks she gets in are not enough to give something no longer alive pause.

Fleisher sees an opening and moves up into Jonas's vacated place. Drawing his club he prepares to pummel the beast into submission.

The zombie lashes out at the alchemist as it continues to swing in that general facility.

Cyler lets the creature have it from behind.

Combat:

Peredur - attack - miss
Jonas - withdrawal to D-15
Eva - attack - miss
Fleisher - move, draw weapon
zombie1(07/12) - attack(Fleisher) 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
- possible crit 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13 - unsuccessful
- DMG 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Cyler - attack - 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
DMG = 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 2d6 + 0 ⇒ (3, 3) + 0 = 6

Notes:
Everyone but Jonas is in melee with zombie
Cyler and Fleisher are flanking

End of Round 4

[GM - Zombie Master]

Top of Round 5

Jonas:

Thanks for the info Pixel Cube. Please list things like that out for me. I am easily confused. Spent almost an hour looking for errata on the spell. But my book says +1 damage to all weapon damage rolls.

Your character can move back into combat (and flank with Eva should you wish to). But your short sword is on the ground at Fleisher's feet.

"Ugh!" Fleisher cries out from the blow that takes most of the wind out of him. Gritting his teeth the alchemist gets quickly back into the fight.

Combat:

Peredur - IS UP
Jonas(04/10) -
Eva -
Fleisher(03/09) -
zombie1(07/12) -
Cyler -

[Grey Jonas]

Jonas will takes his bow out again, hoping to score a more decent hit this time. The fact that his companion are around the undead doesn't help, though...
1d20 + 0 ⇒ (15) + 0 = 151d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Forgot another additional damage, so it should be 8 damage.

[Peredur ap Erevel]

Sorry, read the post on a phone and didn't see enough of it to tell I was up.

Round 5:

Status:

HP: 12/12 AC: 18 Conditions: None

If possible, Peredur will take a 5' step around the zombie to flank it with one of the others attacking it. I didn't add the flanking bonus in case I can't do it. I'll roll damage anyway, just in case I can flank it and that would hit.

To hit: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 2 = 10

Damage: 1d8 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 2 = 11

[Evangline Valeria Aurora]

Eva attacks the zombie with her dagger.
Atk: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
Crit: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
Damage: (slashing)1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Damage: (slashing)1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

[Fleisher Montvale]

Fleisher tries to focus through the pain and think back to the drills he ran at the War College. Tricks to make you focus through pain. How to work as a team even if that meant you put yourself at greater risk. Gritting his teeth, he growls at the undead thing and swings his club at it.

Attack and Damage
Attack: 1d20 ⇒ 3
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6

Forgot to add bonus for flanking, but it REALLY doesn't matter.

[GM - Zombie Master]

COMBAT OVER

The last zombie falls to daggers and arrows as the group deftly surrounds the monster and destroys it.

But after the short battle is over they are left with six corpses, six freshly dug up graves, and one new person standing amongst them.

"Umm..." Cyler says scratching his head, as he looks at Peredur. "You don't look like a necromancer. I wonder what caused them to... to you know, walk."

Reward: 1,200xp

[Grey Jonas]

Jonas recovers his sword, and pokes at the zombies to check if they are really dead this time. He then examines his wound, too see if it's infected. The he speaks to the newcomer: Who are you? What are you doing here?

[Peredur ap Erevel]

Peredur sheathes his sword. "I might be asking you the same question, though any foe of th' walking dead gets the benefit o' the doubt from me." He taps the Pharasmin spiral pinned to his scale armor. "Bein' as I am a polite sort, though, allow me to introduce myself. I am Peredur ap Erevel, most recently out of Almas in Andoran, and I am here in this...fine an' charming little town to pay my respects to an old friend who recently passed. Carriage trouble delayed me so that I missed his interment ceremony, sad to tell. Y'wouldn't by chance know where I might find the grave of Petros Lorrimor, would you?"

[Fleisher Montvale]

The young alchemist nods to Peredur "I understand your travel woes. I've found travel in this benighted country often problematic as well. Fleisher Montvale of Vigil in Lastwall. We can certainly show you to Professor Lorrimor's gravesite as we were his pallbearers."

[Grey Jonas]

Yes, we were. You are late for the ceremony, but right on time to assist to this big mess. Maybe you could help us says Jonas, trying to see if the arrows are still intact and can be recovered. Why are undeads here? Who disturbed their slumber? And can we thrust this Peredul?

[Evangline Valeria Aurora]

in a calm and polite tone
"Thanks for helping, Peredur ap Erevel. I am Evangline Valeria Aurora, but most call me Eva."

[Peredur ap Erevel]

Peredur looks around the group. "What, all o' you knew the Professor as well? For his memory's sake, if what y'need help with is something he'd be proud to own, I'd be pleased t'lend what aid I can after I pay my respects. Oh, an' no need for the patronymic--you can call me Peredur. Or Peri, if you're feelin' less formal."

[Grey Jonas]

Well Peri, looks like we are in this together. You can pay your respect to Kendra, Lorrimor's daughter, after we go back to town. For now, we could use your help. We were about to inspect the crypt when those undeads rose up from the groud.
Jonas then keeps going down, looking for some sort of clue.
Perception:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

[Peredur ap Erevel]

"This place is consecrated to the Lady of Graves. Undead risin' from th' ground...that's a bit out of the ordinary, y'might say. 'Fore we inspect this crypt y'speak of, we should tell th' nuns who tend the cemetery lest they panic at th'sight an' spread the word. Being strangers here, we're th'likely suspects, after all." Though Mother, she'd likely take it in stride.

[Fleisher Montvale]

"We told Father Grimburrow at the church we would come back and talk to him after we finished our inspection of the crypt. We'll detail the attacks to him then. I agree that he needs to know that consecrated ground is being defiled. For now, we should lay these corpses back by the opening of their graves, but not put them in. Father Grimburrow should decide the proper re-interment for the broken vessels." He reaches down and picks up an arm that's still smoldering from one of his bombs and a leg of the corresponding zombie and starts dragging it back to the side of one of the grave holes. After he's done with that, he reaches into his his pouch, pulls out a bottle of cloudy liquid, and tosses it back in a swift gulp. He looks a bit more restored.

Took extract Cure Light Wounds
Healed 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

[GM - Zombie Master]

After laying out what is left of the bodies near their graves, the group heads towards the plot of Professor Lorrimor.

__________________________________

The new gravestone seems out of place among the weathered stones of The Restlands and fresh flowers lay atop it.

The group finds themselves standing speechless for a moment.

OOC:

Will give you all a minute and then SAT night will advance this to the false crypt.

[Peredur ap Erevel]

"So, what's this crypt you're after wanting to look over?"

[Evangline Valeria Aurora]

According to some notes, it's a false crypt that contains a few things the temple stored, but forgot to write down that it was a false crypt.

[Fleisher Montvale]

Fleisher purses his lips and says nothing at the moment... The newcomer is just too much of an unknown quantity to fully take into their trust. Then again, he knew none of these people day before last. They had decided to trust each other based on using the Professor as a link. If that was the case, he had opted to throw in with this group without real reservation... Further, Peri seemed ready to help strangers and asked nothing in return. Maybe, they should be forthcoming with him.

"The Professor thought there was a secret cabal called the Whispering Way that were playing their dark deeds out in the old ruined hulk of the Harrowstone Asylum. He was trying to investigate when he met his untimely end.

[Peredur ap Erevel]

Knowledge (Religion) check for information on the Whispering Way: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

Knowledge (Local) check for information on Harrowstone: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

Peredur looks shocked. "Them? Here? 'Tis a terrible day indeed, when--wait. Fleisher, by 'untimely end,' d'y'mean to imply that Petros was murdered?" Shock is giving way to anger (not directed at anyone in the party), and the half-elf unconsciously sets his left hand to his sword scabbard.

[Cyler Deeks]

"Well the old man wasn't accident prone, that's for sure." Cyler says looking at the grave of their friend. "I've seen him get out of some tough scraps. These cultist must have had something to do with his death. We are looking into what they were doing at Harrowstone, but before we go there we want to see if there is anything to help at this false crypt."

He walks up and pats the professor's gravestone before saying, "Let's be going I hate cemeteries at dark."

____________________________________________________

Advancing...

The group gathers before the only crypt at Eversleep and the Black Path. Cyler walks around the square stone building and then at the door. He takes and finds the lock broken and cries out in amusement.

"Hah! Acid. I taught the professor that trick. Looks like he was here." the rogue says removing the lock and opening the door.

"Steps look clear but it is dark in there."

Light and marching order?

[Fleisher Montvale]

To answer Peri

"We haven't ruled anything out yet, I'm afraid. Although death by misadventure could be the exception to Cyler's observations, such could still be the unhappy case. However, with agents of the Whispering Way engaged in cabalistic activities at Harrowstone... well,it could easily be foul play. Probably easier than an accidental death, I'm afraid."

At the crypt.
"I'll let someone else take lead... I'll hold the light." He rummages around in his pack for a couple of seconds then draws out a sunrod.

[Grey Jonas]

Alright, let's go on...
I'll take point, who wants to follow me closely?

[Evangline Valeria Aurora]

"Let's get going."
Eva will take the middle and casts light on her cestus.

[Peredur ap Erevel]

Grey Jonas wrote:

Alright, let's go on...

I'll take point, who wants to follow me closely?

"I'll have your back, sir. " Peredur readies his shield and again draws his sword.

[GM - Zombie Master]

Marching order:

Jonas
Peredur
Eva - light
Fleisher - sunrod
Cyler

The steps lead down to a large square room below ground level. The walls to your left and right are lined with interment niches but after careful inspection you find them all empty of bodies.

Two doors lay ahead both engraved with the symbol of Pharasma. With the extra light it takes no time to find this room cold and empty.

Cyler takes a good look at both doors before stepping back and saying. "Look clear to me."

[Evangline Valeria Aurora]

"Looks Clear or Is Clear?"

Ah, Pitch Black, great movie

[Fleisher Montvale]

Does anyone have Detect Magic prepared? Otherwise, I'll try a Knowledge (religion) check to see if there are any rituals associated with entering Pharasmin crypts/mausoleums.

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

[Peredur ap Erevel]

Knowledge (Religion) check to Aid Another on Fleisher's check: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Peredur will in any case sign himself with Pharasma's spiral as he enters. "P'raps th' Professor left tracks. 'Fore we get much farther, best we look to the floor. I can follow a trail; Jonas, what of you? I'll help if you take the lead, or look ahead of you."

Survival/Tracking check: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

[GM - Zombie Master]

Peredur spot the trail of someone who in the past three weeks cam eto the temple and went to the door on the right. The trail is overlaid by the same footprints showing them leaving. The dust in the place making for good tracking.

Fleisher comes up empty when he tries to remember a ritual, but then it dawns on him. Pharasmia wouldn't wish for those who worship her to be disturbed and thus not come back once they are sent into death's embrace.

Cyler checks the door on the right once more. Opening it a crack he says triumphantly, "Is clear."

[Evangline Valeria Aurora]

"Then let's proceed."

[Peredur ap Erevel]

Peredur moves up to the other door and opens it enough to see through, checking for more tracks.

Survival check: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

[Evangline Valeria Aurora]

checking the new room.
Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

[Grey Jonas]

Jonas renews his light spell so it doesn't drop in the middle of a nasty situation, and checks the room as well, his bow ready.
Perception 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

[Fleisher Montvale]

Fleisher holds up his sunrod to help it push back the darkness of the room and looks around intently.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24