DM Bob and Carla - ”The Abbot’s House” Friday November 24th, 2023 12:15:11 AM Beatrix and Isaac speculate about the purpose of the ward on the door to the stone cottage. Was it some sort of warning for them, or simply an alarm against intruders?
Benni pushes the door open, his brightly lit buckler before him, and steps to the left. Jasper, scimitar in hand, follows, scanning the room carefully. Beatrix enters cautiously. The cleric’s light flashes across a multipurpose room with a sitting area by a fireplace. Against one wall a cupboard with a table and chairs nearby. Against the other wall some shelves and a desk. There is a dark opening to another room near the desk.
As the trio move forward, making room for those who follow, Isaac enters the cottage. The paladin does not sense any evil as he crosses the threshold, with sword in hand, and a prayer for the Abbot in his heart.
Having retrieved the party’s collection of keys, Snark sweeps the interior of the cottage seeking information of a magical nature. The mage picks up the usual from the very stones and mortar of the building, but also something else. Coming from the desk in the study area the familiar auras of abjuration and transmutation akin to knock and stone shape magicks not dissimilar from those picked up from the floor of the chapter house. Drawing close to the open doorway near the desk, the gnome picks up auras of moderate transmutation and faint abjuration coming from the room beyond. It is however, too dark to see into this other room.
Urist takes to the air, and follows the rest, taking care to duck below the stone lintel at the top of the door opening!
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 52/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Friday November 24th, 2023 10:37:37 AM "We should check the entire house for any dangers lurking before we start trying to search for clues. We don't want something to get the drop on us while we're distracted searching desks." Beatrix suggests.
“Benni” AC 21/11/20 CMD19. HP 48/ 48 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+7=21 ; Friday November 24th, 2023 11:32:38 AM
Onesimos shakes his head. ”If the object of our quest is only in this room, I do not want to disturb the rest of the house. I and others will keep watch while Snark and Isaac search the desk.”
The cleric gets Morningstar and Buckler ready and provides overwatch.
too.
...... Perception: 21 Active Spells: Light (23 of 70min), Ghost Weapon on Isaac (1 of 7hrs)
Benni Spells (** used) a. Calming Touch (1/6), Good Touch (0/6), Channel (5/8) 0. Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Light, Stabilize 1. Prot v Evil. Prot v Chaos. Bless. Magic Weapon. Comprehend Languages. Shield of Faith. 2. Align Weapon. **Less Restoration. Delay Poison. Calm Emotions. 3. Prayer. Invisibility Purge. **Dispel Magic. **Ghost Weapon. 4. Holy Smite. Freedom of Movement.
Jasper (Holly) HP 62/62 AC 21 /13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 d20+21=23 ; Friday November 24th, 2023 4:46:06 PM "If I were a medallion, where would I be?"
Jasper moves closer to the doorway to the other room, placing herself just to one side of the doorway for a bit of cover. She lifts her Lantern of Continual Flame to banish the darkness and peeks inside. (Perception = 23)
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 67/67 AC25/ T13 / FF 22 d4=1 ; d20+4=9 ; Friday November 24th, 2023 11:41:36 PM
Isaac asks "Before we search anything anyone got a light spell?" Isaac we start searching the desk once he has light and looks for anything like paperwork or a journal to help him understand the history of the Abby. He also looks for anything that might be magical.
Perception:9
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Saturday November 25th, 2023 12:53:21 AM
Snark pulls out a human skull with Continual Flame cast on it and sets it on the desk for some light for Isaac while he searches the desk. He smiles at the dramatic effect of the flaming skull. Pointing to where he detected some magic, he tells Isaac, "I detected some magic coming from about there. There's something magic in the other room too - I'll check that out while you're searching the desk."
The little gnome goes up by Jasper and pushes the door all the way open to the other room as he peers inside the now lit room with Detect Magic. He puffs on his pipe as he says, "Now let's see what we got here."
Taking 10 on Perception gives him 25.
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 52/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Saturday November 25th, 2023 10:40:27 AM
Beatrix will shrug and move to stand guard as the others search.
DM Bob & Carla ”The missing piece of the puzzle…?” Sunday November 26th, 2023 11:00:34 PM Isaac searches the desk where Snark pointed out a magical aura, however the paladin finds nothing magical. There are blank pieces of paper and a few writing supplies in a small drawer. The desktop is partly covered by what appears to be a draft report on the activities of the abbey and its occupants. The report includes detailed monthly expenses, lists of acolytes, monks, clerics and visiting scholars, disciplinary actions handed down, lists of plants and fungi catalogued and investigated, as well as health reports detailing illness, treatments, recoveries and deaths. The report details the basic functioning of the Abbey for the period of a year.
The gnome diverts his attention to the other room and joins Jasper in her investigation. Snark immediately detects several magical auras in what appears to be a sleeping chamber. A wardrobe sits in one corner, a bed and a small washstand comprise the rest of the furnishings. Three magical auras are partly obscured by the closed doors of the wardrobe. Alarmingly, a fourth aura emanating from a key on a chain bobs towards him out of the shadows some 20’ away. Jasper quickly recognizes a ghost, similar to the ones in the Great Hall.
Benni and Beatrix remain alert to any potential danger as the rest of the team search the cottage
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Monday November 27th, 2023 2:36:51 AM "Ugh, more of these guys. Maybe there's info around here about how these guys can be laid to rest so they don't keep messing us up."
Snark sees the ghost headed his way, and does his best to avoid the thing.
If the ghost passes him by, Snark will pull out another Continual Flame item and go to the wardrobe to investigate what the source of magic is there.
If the ghost stops advancing, Snark will go to the desk to help Isaac locate the sources of magic there.
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 52/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Monday November 27th, 2023 8:15:35 AM
The group will probably want the key. Beatrix sees if this ghosts notices the party, or if it ignores them until they do something to draw it's attention like the library ones.
Urist (AC19, HP: 57 of 61) (Cayzle) Monday November 27th, 2023 12:17:25 PM
Urist flies over and checks out the wash stand. Is there water? In a pitcher or some other receptacle? How much?
The dwarf is thinking about using her Temperature Control spell to make slippery ice patches, or to pour water into cracks and freeze it to break things open.
Urist also orders her unseen servant to start cleaning the place.
Jasper (Holly) HP 62/62 AC 21 /13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 Monday November 27th, 2023 12:44:06 PM
Jasper takes a good look at the ghost. A key on a chain? Is it a SOLID, material key, or a ghostly one?
She wants to investigate that wardrobe, but she doesn't really want to tangle with the ghost. She casts Guidance on herself and waits to see what it does.
“Benni” AC 21/11/20 CMD19. HP 48/ 48 Onesimos (SteveK) Monday November 27th, 2023 1:36:31 PM
Onesimos keeps watch.
.......... Active Spells: Light (24 of 70min), Ghost Weapon on Isaac (1 of 7hrs)
Benni Spells (** used) a. Calming Touch (1/6), Good Touch (0/6), Channel (5/8) 0. Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Light, Stabilize 1. Prot v Evil. Prot v Chaos. Bless. Magic Weapon. Comprehend Languages. Shield of Faith. 2. Align Weapon. **Less Restoration. Delay Poison. Calm Emotions. 3. Prayer. Invisibility Purge. **Dispel Magic. **Ghost Weapon. 4. Holy Smite. Freedom of Movement.
DM Bob & Carla ”The missing piece of the puzzle…?” 2d4=5 ; Snark=1 Urist=2 Jasper=3 Beatrix=4 d4=3 ; d20+2=22 ; d20+2=7 ; 2d6+2=10 ; Monday November 27th, 2023 11:54:35 PM
The ghost emerges from the back of the bedroom with what Jasper believes to be a material door key hanging from its neck and floats towards Snark, Urist, Jasper and Beatrix who has moved close to the door for a better look. It lets out a soul piercing groan. The four adventurers must make Will saves vs DC 13 or be panicked for 5 rounds. Benni and Jasper are closer to the desk in the front room and hence are unaffected .
The dwarf does manage to get a quick look at the washstand by the bedroom door before the ghost comes closer to them all. The washstand contains nothing more than dust.
Having made its presence known, the ghost swings an incorporeal arm out at Jasper, clearly upset that the Abbots private rooms have been intruded upon. (Hit AC Touch 22 for 10 pts of damage; Fort Save vs DC13 for 1/2 damage). The druid feels her life force being pulled from her body as the ghosts attack strikes true. The flesh on her face sags, her hands wither and take on a mottled appearance and her joints ache with tiredness as the attack seems to prematurely age her.
Corrupting Touch - All ghosts gain this incorporeal touch attack. By passing part of its incorporeal body through a foe’s body as a standard action, the ghost inflicts a number of d6s equal to its CR in damage. This damage is not negative energy—it manifests in the form of physical wounds and aches from supernatural aging. Creatures immune to magical aging are immune to this damage, but otherwise the damage bypasses all forms of damage reduction. A Fortitude save halves the damage inflicted.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 d20+10=30 ; Tuesday November 28th, 2023 1:30:26 AM
(I'm unsure what the layout is here, and if anyone was within 10 of the paladin to benefit from his aura on this save. But this critter might be rough if it's taking two attacks in a round. Or maybe there were two ghosts?)
Snark's will save is 30. "I was really hoping we could avoid re-killing the Abbot here, but it looks like this ghost is gonna attack and I think we're gonna need his key."
Without a map, I'll assume Snark is in a place where he is not easily reached by the ghost - or at least there are other between the little gnome and the ghost. He begins casting a spell (Sum. Monst. IV.)
“Benni” AC 21/11/20 CMD19. HP 48/ 48 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+7=26 ; d100=87 ; d8+2=6 ; Tuesday November 28th, 2023 7:18:35 AM
Onesimos had been lulled by the ghosts in the library, and had not been expecting an attack. Jasper is struck, but Benni notes even though he is quite close to the ghost, the scream doesn't affect him. "The magic aura about the desk must provide some protection!", he exclaims. Which doesn't help physical-to-incorporeal touches evidentially.
Benni isn't good at casting defensively, either, so elects to try to hit the ghost with his morningstar.
.......... Attack: 21, 87% miss chance, 6 damage
Active Spells: Light (24.1 of 70min), Ghost Weapon on Isaac (1 of 7hrs)
Benni Spells (** used) a. Calming Touch (1/6), Good Touch (0/6), Channel (5/8) 0. Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Light, Stabilize 1. Prot v Evil. Prot v Chaos. Bless. Magic Weapon. Comprehend Languages. Shield of Faith. 2. Align Weapon. **Less Restoration. Delay Poison. Calm Emotions. 3. Prayer. Invisibility Purge. **Dispel Magic. **Ghost Weapon. 4. Holy Smite. Freedom of Movement.
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 52/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 d20=11 ; d20=16 ; d6=3 ; d8=6 ; Tuesday November 28th, 2023 8:51:17 AM
Beatrix has already been beguiled by one ghost and isn't going to let this one scare her away (will 17). She'll strike back at it as soon as it turns hostile with her magic weapon (I forget how that works with ghosts, half damage maybe? 28 to hit 12 damage)
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 67/67 AC25/ T13 / FF 22 d20+11=16 ; d8+4=10 ; d20+6=19 ; d20+6=17 ; d20+6=20 ; d8+4=8 ; Tuesday November 28th, 2023 9:43:09 AM
Isaac draws his sword uncomfortable with the idea of laying the abbot to rest through violence but decides to draw it attention from his companions. "Abbot face me. You know not who you strike." Isaac moves up to the ghost and attacks. Attack 1:16 Damage:10 Attack 2:19 Crit threat Crit ? :17 Damage:8 Crit 16
Jasper (Holly) HP 57/62 AC 21 /13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 d20+12=24 ; d20+9=27 ; d20+7=10 ; Tuesday November 28th, 2023 1:09:42 PM
Jasper makes her Will save (24), so she doesn't panic-- although a frission of fear skitters up her spine as she feels her vitality sapped. (Fort 27, taking 5 points of damange) Her back hurts.
She tries to slash the ghost with her scimitar but fails.
Urist (AC19, HP: 57 of 61) (Cayzle) d20+7=22 ; d20+6=18 ; d4=4 ; Tuesday November 28th, 2023 9:47:51 PM
Note that if the fear is a compulsion effect, Troubadour Urist is immune. Urist Will Save 22 = unaffected in any event.
Urist backs away from the ghost -- flying at least five ft up (so as not to be surprised if it attacks from below) and about 25 ft away (move action). The dwarf wizard uses the Transmuter School Telekinetic Fist ability, hoping that it counts as a force effect. It hits AC18 for 6 damage.
DM Bob & Carla ”The missing piece of the puzzle…?” Tuesday November 28th, 2023 10:13:42 PM
The baleful moan of the ghost catches the group unawares, however those within 30’ are all able to shake off its effects, and those closer to the desk are simply too far away to be affected. The follow up attack by the ghost manages to inflict some damage to Jasper but she fights some of that away as well. Snark worries that the apparition might be the undead abbot and hastily prepares a summoning spell.
Benni, Beatrix and Isaac rush forward to attack the ghost. Benni strikes true as does Isaac (incorporeal beings take 1/2 damage from material weapons and attacks and also benefit from a 50% miss chance. Isaac’s sword is ghost touched and so does full damage with no miss chance. Beatrix must roll a d100 vs 50 to determine if her lance connects, as must Urist who’s Telekinetic Fist does bludgeoning damage and not force damage). Regardless, the hapless being is completely disrupted by the paladin’s ghost sword and the key that was around its neck falls to the floor. Jasper manages to get a very close look at the ghost before it is destroyed and sees nothing that would suggest it was anything more than an undead acolyte like its brethren in the Great Hall, perhaps a servant to the abbot in life.
With the demise of the ghost, the Luck Makers can explore the wardrobe in the bedroom and the desk in the front room where magical auras were detected previously.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 67/67 AC25/ T13 / FF 22 d20+16=36 ; d20+4=23 ; Wednesday November 29th, 2023 1:47:35 AM
Isaac says a short prayer for the spirit. But he gets the feeling it will be a temporary solution if they come back. Do ghosts regenerate if destroyed? Know religion: 36 Once done with the prayer he tells the others "I'll check the Wardrobe if that's alright." Perception:23
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 d20+9=26 ; d20+15=28 ; Wednesday November 29th, 2023 2:10:55 AM
Knowledge Religion 26 - what does Snark know about ghosts, particularly if they can be permanently ended through combat?
Snark finishes his summoning spell and calls forth a Hound Archon. He trots over to pick up the key the ghost dropped as he says to the summoned creature, "Greetings. I called you from the Celestial Realms just as our fight with a ghost finished. Please assist us in searching this place. We are looking for any writings that may tell us more about this place, as well as any items that may be of use. In particular we seek a large compass rose, about this big. The gnome gestures to show how big it might be.
He looks at the key for any identifying marks or writing, puffing on his pipe as he does so.
Then he turns his Detect Magic on the desk, seeking to locate the source of magic he noted earlier. He'll carefully search the desk, and if he cannot locate the magic, he'll resort to destroying he desk to find what he seeks. (Perception 28)
Urist (AC19, HP: 57 of 61) (Cayzle) d100=27 ; d20+12=26 ; Wednesday November 29th, 2023 5:54:00 AM
50% roll, low is good: Yes, Urist's fist did help, a little.
Urist tries to assist Snark with her knowledge of secret compartment construction. Know Engineering 26 to aid another.
"Be careful, Snark," says Urist. "He that breaks a thing to find out where it is has left the path of wisdom.”
“Benni” AC 21/11/20 CMD19. HP 48/ 48 Onesimos (SteveK) Wednesday November 29th, 2023 7:34:17 AM
Onesimos breathes hard after the quick battle. He stoops to pick up the key, but Snark already has it. When Jasper mentions the ghost didn't look like any of the abbot statues, the elf nods. "That makes sense; a key and not a medallion about his neck so that he may take care of the house while the Abbot was out. I think the key would have to fit something nearby."
Benni starts looking for a keyhole in desk or chest or wardrobe.
"Urist, I am partially afraid to ask, but was that a riddle or was it a saying?" I'm afraid I'm not catching the reference."
...... Active Spells: Light (25 of 70min), Ghost Weapon on Isaac (1 of 7hrs)
Benni Spells (** used) a. Calming Touch (1/6), Good Touch (0/6), Channel (5/8) 0. Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Light, Stabilize 1. Prot v Evil. Prot v Chaos. Bless. Magic Weapon. Comprehend Languages. Shield of Faith. 2. Align Weapon. **Less Restoration. Delay Poison. Calm Emotions. 3. Prayer. Invisibility Purge. **Dispel Magic. **Ghost Weapon. 4. Holy Smite. Freedom of Movement.
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 52/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 d100=74 ; d100=16 ; Wednesday November 29th, 2023 8:04:02 AM "Oh." Beatrix says as the ghost is quickly dealt with, seeming almost disappointed. She'll start prowling the house to look for any other ghostly dangers (74 so her hit did hit, not that it matters)
Urist (AC19, HP: 57 of 61) (Cayzle) Wednesday November 29th, 2023 10:28:37 AM
Urist chuckles. "Troubadours pick up all kinds of quotes from different stories," she answers Benni. "A wizard said something like that in an old favorite epic of mine. It seemed to fit the situation."
(Well done , Cayzle! - DM Carla)
Jasper (Holly) HP 57/62 AC 21 /13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 2d4=2 ; d20+21=23 ; Wednesday November 29th, 2023 1:37:18 PM
Jasper casts Goodberry to restore some of her drained life force. She feels a little better, but her hands still resemble whithered little talons.
"Could anyone do me a favor and heal me the rest of the way?"
She then goes to the wardrobe. "Now then. What's in here?" (Perception 23)
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Wednesday November 29th, 2023 1:55:06 PM
Snark smiles as he looks at Urist. "Don't just break stuff - says the girl with the the giant flaming hammer.
"Here's another one - you can't make an omlet without breakin' a few eggs. Besides, I left the path of wisdom a long time ago, and it's going great!"
DM Bob and Carla - ”Searching the Abbot’s House…” 2d4(3+2)=5 Wednesday November 29th, 2023 8:30:51 PM
Having dispatched the ghost minding the Abbot’s house, Isaac speculates its disappearance may be temporary. He and Snark discuss what they’ve learned about incorporeal undead spirits, and come to the conclusion that some ghosts are so strongly tied to a place that they would reform a few days after being destroyed. The only way to permanently rid an area of a ghost is by resolving the spirit's unfinished business.
While Beatrix prowls about looking for dangers, Jasper frets about the effects of the ghost’s corrupting touch. However, curiosity compels her to join the paladin and the mage as they search the cupboard in the bedroom. Using light from various magicks, the trio spot the sources of the magical auras:
an intricate gold headband decorated with small blue and purple stones (moderate transmutation) simple looking brown monk’s robes (moderate transmutation) A ring with a shield shaped bezel (faint abjuration)
Further study of the items reveals them to be: Highlight to display spoiler: { a Headband of Vast Intelligence - 4000 GP, a Monk’s Robe - 13,000 GP, and a Ring of Protection +1 - 2000 GP}
Snark retrieves the green key before Benni gets a chance. Gnome and elf recognize it as being similar in size and shape to the key used on the chapter house door, though the teeth are different. Having been in the care of the abbot’s servant, it’s safe to assume the key would work on the door of the abbot’s house!
A small crowd, including the gnome’s recently summoned canine-headed humanoid gather around the work desk. This is where the green mage had previously detected auras of abjuration and transmutation akin to knock and stone shape magicks not dissimilar from those picked up from the floor of the chapter house. Impatiently he threatens to dismantle the furniture when he encounters a locked door. In a moment of rare sense, Urist applies the creative application of scientific principles to the structure and springs the mechanism that held the panel closed - revealing a large jade medallion on a heavy gold chain.
Tasked with searching for writings that would tell the group more about the Abbey, the hound archon points to the papers atop the desk: what appears to be a draft report on the activities of the abbey and its occupants. The report includes detailed monthly expenses, lists of acolytes, monks, clerics and visiting scholars, disciplinary actions handed down, lists of plants and fungi catalogued and investigated, as well as health reports detailing illness, treatments, recoveries and deaths. The report details the basic functioning of the Abbey, and is signed Oswin Heribert, 11th Abbot of the Abby at Heranmar.
“Benni” AC 21/11/20 CMD19. HP 48/ 48 Onesimos (SteveK) Thursday November 30th, 2023 6:30:45 AM
Onesimos, in spite of the haunted surroundings, is able to give a smile and join in the comradery. "Jasper, it may be better to save healing until really needed. I have scrolls and can spontaneously change any spell into a healing spell, but lets see what future obstacles bring."
"Snark, isn't that why you have Isaac, and Jasper, and Urist, and I? To help, each in our own way, to bring just a little forethought into your plans and actions? Yes, I admit that four of us aren't enough, but we will try."
The cleric helps to gather the magical items, and nods at the medallion: Beatrix and Snark were the best to carry it back to the Chapter House. He gives a silent prayer to Flower that the love of common purpose and the hope that their actions will help all good people will enable this medallion in the Chapter House niche will end the threat of uncontrolled magics.
......... Active Spells: Light (25 of 70min), Ghost Weapon on Isaac (1 of 7hrs)
Benni Spells (** used) a. Calming Touch (1/6), Good Touch (0/6), Channel (5/8) 0. Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Light, Stabilize 1. Prot v Evil. Prot v Chaos. Bless. Magic Weapon. Comprehend Languages. Shield of Faith. 2. Align Weapon. **Less Restoration. Delay Poison. Calm Emotions. 3. Prayer. Invisibility Purge. **Dispel Magic. **Ghost Weapon. 4. Holy Smite. Freedom of Movement.
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 52/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Thursday November 30th, 2023 9:36:51 AM
Beatrix is eager to get back to the other room and see if this medallion will have any effect on the giant compass thing they found.
Jasper (Holly) HP 57/62 AC 21 /13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 Thursday November 30th, 2023 12:29:20 PM
Jasper agrees with Beatrix.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Thursday November 30th, 2023 5:12:35 PM
Snark looks up at Jasper and hands her a potion. "Drink this pal. Minor healing, but soon I'm gonna be making a bunch more so I won't need this." (1d8+1 of healing.)
To Benni he says, "We're getting to have a lot of keys for this Abbey. I'll see what I can do to label each one so's we can keep 'em straight. We should probably also keep 'em all together too, and you seem like a good person to carry 'em."
Snark will take the keys and make an Arcane Mark on each one corresponding to which building it opens. Once marked, he'll hand them all to Benni.
He looks at the Abbot's amulet. If it looks like it might fit in that compass rose area of the puzzle in the Chaper House, he says, "Awright, let's go see if this is our key to that puzzle."
With that, he will lead the way back to the Chaper House, activate the rings again, and drop the amulet into the hole shaped for it.
Urist (AC19, HP: 57 of 61) (Cayzle) Thursday November 30th, 2023 11:29:45 PM
Zazu looks at Beatrix and Snark. "You guys have nice headbands, but this one is nicer. One of you can have this new one, and maybe I could get your hand-me-down?"
"I have always depended on the kindness of strangers. And you guys are mighty strange!"
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 67/67 AC25/ T13 / FF 22 Thursday November 30th, 2023 11:55:41 PM
Isaac agrees with snark "We better check if this is the key we need before heading to the crypt."
DM Bob & Carla ”What lies beneath?” Friday December 1st, 2023 12:02:43 AM
After some friendly banter about just how many people are required to guide Snark back to the path of wisdom, Benni collects the magic items. The gnome gathers all the keys they have recovered and marks each one to identify what it opens before handing them back to the cleric.aa He also provides a potion of healing to Jasper to aid in her recovery. Beatrix, Isaac and Jasper are anxious to see if the medallion will indeed fit the receptacle in the floor of the Chapter House. Snark leads the group back to the Chapter House and inserts the medallion into the jade infused stone in the floor while the ever playful Urist provides accompaniment.
The back of the medallion is deeply engraved and when properly oriented, sits perfectly in the depression at the centre of the design on the floor. Once joined, the medallion and the surface of the stone both begin to glow. A glance at the window on the far wall suggests the medallion must be turned to line up its points with key markings on the outer rings. When turned just so, the central plate pops upward ever so slightly and a pulse of stale air is released into the chapter house. Whatever mechanism powers the stone plate has not been activated in a very long time, and it takes a few moments before it swivels to one side, revealing a steeply descending circular stairway leading down into the darkness. There is no sound, no movement, just a foul odour rising from below.
“Benni” AC 21/11/20 CMD19. HP 48/ 48 Onesimos (SteveK) Friday December 1st, 2023 6:56:30 AM
Onesimos accepts the key chain. "Brilliant to mark each Key, Snark!", and watches in fascination at the revealed staircase. Down.
"Ugh! Oh, that is ripe!
"I had been wondering how someone could have caused the very recent disturbance in spite of the many keys and dust over the Abbey, and here we may have our answer. Urist, how easy would it be for someone to mine into the Abbey cellars from below?"
With his boggle morningstar fashioned from driftwood, leather, and sharp rocks, Benni waits for Isaac to take the lead, and then will be right behind the paladin.
......... Active Spells: Light (30 of 70min), Ghost Weapon on Isaac (1 of 7hrs)
Benni Spells (** used) a. Calming Touch (1/6), Good Touch (0/6), Channel (5/8) 0. Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Light, Stabilize 1. Prot v Evil. Prot v Chaos. Bless. Magic Weapon. Comprehend Languages. Shield of Faith. 2. Align Weapon. **Less Restoration. Delay Poison. Calm Emotions. 3. Prayer. Invisibility Purge. **Dispel Magic. **Ghost Weapon. 4. Holy Smite. Freedom of Movement.
Urist (AC19, HP: 57 of 61) (Cayzle) Friday December 1st, 2023 11:46:47 AM
Urist has a bad thought after smelling the miasma.
She wonders if throwing a tantrum would make her feel better.
"Ugh! Who can I complain to about this?" she asks. "Who is the Expedition Leader, anyway?"
Jasper (Holly) HP 57/62 AC 21 /13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 Friday December 1st, 2023 1:08:15 PM
Jasper peers into the darkness. She tries to identify the smell-- Swamp gas? Monsters? The foul scent of decay? She also looks for dust on the steps. Have they been trod upon recently, and by what?
She lifts her Lantern of Continuous Flame with one hand and readjusts her grip on her scimitar with the other. Time to descend.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 67/67 AC25/ T13 / FF 22 Friday December 1st, 2023 11:50:11 PM
Isaac starts to descrnd but addresses the group " it's going to be a tight fit so be mindful of any spells you use."
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 52/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Saturday December 2nd, 2023 12:09:31 AM
Bleh, stairs were always a huge pain. They were so often just not wide enough for her. Still, spirit of adventure and all that. If it was easy it wouldn't be fun. "I'm half expecting a failing ancient seal of some kind myself. Hopefully one we can repair."
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Saturday December 2nd, 2023 2:51:03 AM
Snark winces at the smell. "Whew! Smells worse than a goblin den after a chili cookoff. And trust me, you don't wanna know what they put in their chili to start with." Snark shudders. Then he empties his pipe and puts it away.
"I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm running low on spells. We can go down there, but I'm not gonna be as effective as I have been."
The little gnome will steel himself and casts Expeditious Retreat. He will follow the others down.
DM Bob and Carla - ”Under the Chapter House… Sunday December 3rd, 2023 7:50:06 PM
Unless Beatrix, Jasper or Urist have spent any time exploring underground ossuaries, crypts, or charnal houses - they are unable to identify the foul odour released when the medallion activates the magical portal to whatever lies beneath the Chapter House floor. The light cast by Benni’s magicked buckler and Jasper’s lantern reveals a circular stairway winding downwards. Though it is steep, it is wide enough for the party to descend two abreast, or a centaur (or other ‘monstrous’ creature) to pass singly.
Isaac takes the lead, followed by Benni, then the rest. Snark is game, but warns the group his magicks might be reaching their limits. However, the mage does manage to augment his ability to move quickly, should the need arise.
The stairs wind down some 50ft. before ending on a rough stone floor. The light from buckler (60 ft cone) and lantern (20 ft radius) reveals a corridor at least 20 ft. wide and just as high. Along the walls, shelves packed tightly with skeletal remains - skulls together in one place, long bones in another. Intermittently a decaying wood reliquary, or arched burial vault containing a stone sarcophagus. Some of the sarcophagi show signs of damage. A grey-green mist rises from the floor in some spots - nothing to obscure the view - whilst rats and other small vermin scurry away, avoiding the light.
Just beyond the furthest range of illumination shining down the long hall, two fiery points of light glow in the dark.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 d20+9=13 ; d20+15=31 Monday December 4th, 2023 1:55:18 AM
The little greenmage descends the stairs with the others. He practically has to jump down each step - stupid human sized stairs! He uses his staff to steady himself as he goes.
His amulet with Continual Flame cast hangs from his neck and illuminates his way. As he sees the grey-green mist rising from spots on the floor, Snark tries to determine if the mist might be flammable from it's appearance and smell. (Knowledge Dungeoneering 13)
Then he sees the creepy points of light staring back at him from down in the darkness of the crypt. "WHOA! What in Gargul's name is that? I'll see if I can light it up. Benni - Quick! Tell it about the love of Flower so it's nice to us!" He looks around and listens to make sure nothing is sneaking up on us. (Perception 31)
Snark reaches into his pocket and breaks his Goblin Seal of Faerie Fire. A pale green glow surrounds and outlines the creature, and anything else within it's 5' radius (no save.) The creature sheds light about as bright as a candle, but certainly bright enough to let us see what it is.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Spells/Effects Running: Mage Armor, Expeditious Retreat, source of Continual Flame hanging from the gnome's neck.
“Benni” AC 21/11/20 CMD19. HP 48/ 48 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+7=8 ; d20+7=14 ; Monday December 4th, 2023 10:51:11 AM
Onesimos agrees with Snark and casts Bless on the Luck Makers!
He tries to see any clues to see if the points of light is an undead. ……. Cast Bless. +1 attacks and save vs fear. (1 of 70 rounds) Know Religion. 8 Active Spells: Light (45 of 70min), Ghost Weapon on Isaac (2 of 7hrs)
Benni Spells (** used) a. Calming Touch (1/6), Good Touch (0/6), Channel (5/8) 0. Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Light, Stabilize 1. Prot v Evil. Prot v Chaos. Bless. Magic Weapon. Comprehend Languages. Shield of Faith. 2. Align Weapon. **Less Restoration. Delay Poison. Calm Emotions. 3. Prayer. Invisibility Purge. **Dispel Magic. **Ghost Weapon. 4. Holy Smite. Freedom of Movement.
Jasper (Holly) HP 57/62 AC 21 /13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 Monday December 4th, 2023 1:11:08 PM
Jasper wonders if the sarcophagi look like they were distrubed from the inside.
Her musings are interrupted by a much more pressing concern: What are those lights?!
______
Wildshape: 2/day; current shape: NA Spells Running:
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 52/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Monday December 4th, 2023 7:05:44 PM
Beatrix will follow the group.
Urist (AC19, HP: 57 of 61) (Cayzle) Monday December 4th, 2023 10:19:40 PM
Seeing those eyes, Urist goes on defense! She casts Shield. After the Faerie Fire is cast, she draws her maul and flies up to 40 ft closer, hoping the light from her "flaming" weapon will illuminate the potential enemy.
DM Sanity Info
Spells Cast 10/12: See Invisible (70 minutes) 10/16: Shield (7 minutes) 10/20 Bardic Music (1 round of 7) 10/23 Bardic Music (2/7), Magic Missile scroll (1/3) 10/24 Bardic Music (3/7), Magic Missile scroll (2/3) 10/24 Magic Missile scroll (3/3) 10/25 Magic Missile from arcane focus (1/1) 11/2 Greater Invis (1/2) 11/11 Puts in a claim for set of six 6-sided dice (6 sp each for 36 sp total) 11/20 Stone Shape to make amulet 11/21 Unseen Servant and Temp Control 11/23 Fly (7 minutes) 11/28 Telek Fist (1/7) 11/30 Puts in a claim for a Headband Hand-Me-Down 12/4 Shield, Bless
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 67/67 AC25/ T13 / FF 22 d20+16=19 ; Monday December 4th, 2023 10:47:08 PM
Isaac draws his sword "What in the Wold are you?" He steps out toward the glowing eyes and tries to identify the ghoulish creature. He also casts Bless Weapon on his sword.
Know religion:19
DM Bob & Carla ”Under the Chapter House…” d4=4 Secret DM roll Monday December 4th, 2023 11:46:07 PM
Snark follows his companions down the stairs with whatever grace he can muster, his continual flame lighting the way. He does not believe the mist rising from the floor is flammable, simply a cold, wet damp rising up. When he sees the glowing points of reddish light in the distance he casts faerie fire down the long corridor and illuminates the shape of a withered humanoid in a dark robe.
Benni casts Bless on his friends and wonders whether the creature is undead or not. Without knowing for sure, he could hardly be blamed for thinking it undead, for what else would be lurking in an underground burial chamber!
Jasper shows concern over the sarcophagi but cannot tell what has caused the disturbance - simply that a number of stone lids have been shifted aside, while others have been shattered by some great force.
Perhaps offence is the best defence? Urist casts shield then draws her maul and advances, 40 ft, while Isaac draws and blesses his sword and tries to identify what the creature is. That it is undead is clear. Not a ghost or spectre though. Something material. Beatrix looks on from the bottom of the stairs.
Disturbed by the spells and advancing threat of the dwarf, the creature reacts. One moment it is 70 feet down a dark corridor, and the next it appears behind Urist and immediately in front of the dwarf’s companions. The travel is instantaneous. ”You do not belong down here! OUT!” it shouts in a thick voice. It raises its arms in a violent thrust. Each of the Luck Makers must make a Will save vs DC 16 or Highlight to display spoiler: { be immediately teleported out of the catacombs and find themselves in a location unknown to them }. Any adventurer, other than Urist, that makes the first save, must make a second Will save vs DC 16 against Fear.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 d20+6=18 ; d20+6=22 ; 4d6=14 ; 4d6=18 ; Tuesday December 5th, 2023 2:33:36 AM
(Not sure what happened, but somehow my die rolls disappeared. They were d20+10=13 ; d20+10=22 ; d20+10=30)
As this creature shouts, Snark can feel dark magic pulling him from this place, but he's not about to leave his friends behind. He resists the effect. (Use hero point to re-roll - original roll was 13, re-roll is 22. Then he finds he doesn't even need the +4 from the Paladin as his second save is a natural 20 for a total of 30).
The little gnome backs up on the steps to get a little elevation and points his staff at the creature. "Now look here tall, dark and creepy. We got no quarrel with you. Something in this Abbey is causing underwater earthquakes or some such. It's wrecking the ocean here and we're just trying to stop them. Our search for a solution has led us here and I got no patience for you holding us up. If you want to help us, then we can solve this and get outta you hair. Otherwise, you best back down if you want to live.
"Or, um, if you want to unlive.
"I mean, keep unliving.
"Oh, nevermind!"
The frustrated gnome casts Scorching Ray at the thing. Two fiery rays shoot out at the thing hitting Touch AC 18 and 22 and inflicting 14 and 18 fire damage.
Urist (AC23, invis, HP: 57 of 61) (Cayzle) d20+7=16 ; Tuesday December 5th, 2023 5:35:24 AM
Urist's will save is a 16 (maybe an 18 if dwarfen +2 applies) -- but that is enough to resist the magic!
She casts her second Greater Invisibility of the day. As always when casting (and as I often fail to mention), she uses her swift action and arcane armor training to avoid the spell fail chance her mithril shirt would otherwise require.
Then she flies 30 feet to F7, flanking the monster with Isaac. She is invisible, but the light from the flames on her maul kind of gives her away! Her words also give away her position: "Come on Ike!" she shouts. "Give it your spike! Swing that pike! Take a strike! Make it take a hike! Follow, subscribe, and like!"
Urist (AC23, invis, HP: 57 of 61) (Cayzle) d20+8=12 ; Tuesday December 5th, 2023 5:40:19 AM
Oh, also, not an action, but here's a knowledge check to ID this creature: Know Religion 12?
“Benni” AC 21/11/20 CMD19. HP 48/ 48 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+9=20 ; d20+10=16 ; d20+7=22 ; 3d8=11 ; Tuesday December 5th, 2023 9:21:16 AM
Onesimos resists the compulsion to teleportation and fear, though thankful that he had just cast the Bless spell! He is about to try and talk, but Snark settles what the team should do by sending in a magical attack. Since he was on the fence about what to do, the cleric isn't disappointed.
"We are here in our need. The town is being destroyed by magical effects coming from the Abbey, and we must put it to an end! If there is any goodness remaining in your unlife, do not hinder us but assist!"
Benni cast Holy Smite!
……. Will saves 20, 16 pass pass Cast Holy Smite: all non-Good creatures take 11 damage, Will DC 17 for half Know Religion. 22 Active Spells: Bless (2 of 70 rds) Light (45 of 70min), Ghost Weapon on Isaac (2 of 7hrs)
Benni Spells (** used) a. Calming Touch (1/6), Good Touch (0/6), Channel (5/8) 0. Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Light, Stabilize 1. Prot v Evil. Prot v Chaos. Bless. Magic Weapon. Comprehend Languages. Shield of Faith. 2. Align Weapon. **Less Restoration. Delay Poison. Calm Emotions. 3. Prayer. Invisibility Purge. **Dispel Magic. **Ghost Weapon. 4. **Holy Smite. Freedom of Movement.
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 52/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 d20=5 ; Tuesday December 5th, 2023 10:51:36 AM
Beatrix goes poof (11 will)
Jasper (Holly) HP 57/62 AC 21 /13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 d20+12=26 ; d20+12=26 ; Tuesday December 5th, 2023 2:35:15 PM
______
Jasper isn't intimidated by the undead creature. She thinks, Why did it just try to get us to leave instead of immediately attacking? Wait-- where's Beatrix?
She raises her scimitar defensively but doesn't strike yet-- maybe it will respond to Benni and Snark's request for assistance. Not bloody likely, but possible.
Wildshape: 2/day; current shape: NA Spells Running:
DM Bob and Carla - ”A party divided” CT save vs Benni = d20+8=18 d20+10=12 d8+4=6 d20+10=23 d8+4=12 Tuesday December 5th, 2023 11:42:22 PM
Just before it shouts, Urist and Benni get a better look at the creature. The form is unfamiliar to the dwarf, but the cleric thinks it might just be an undead guardian created by a high level spell caster, and sometimes referred to as a crypt thing. The elf recollects they don’t leave their lairs, be it a single room, passage, or grave complex. They initiate combat only if attacked, or if the threshold of the warded area is broached. He’s pretty sure it has some resistance to damage from non magical attacks, but probably takes normal damage from bludgeoning given its skeletal nature.
Urist is unaffected by the shout, as are Benni and Jasper. Beatrix goes poof and is gone!Snark teeters on a knife’s edge as dark magic reaches for him. The small mage and Beatrix see a 40ft x 120ft room shrouded in darkness due to windows encrusted with filth. Desks, chairs, floor candelabra - the wax of many candles melted into grotesque forms hanging from the branches. Pots of paint and ink and writing implements are scattered about. A cold feeling and sense of dread - that to linger is to invite death is shared by both. Snark resists the effect, and finding himself still in the crypt, tries to reason with the creature attacking the party.
Frustrated, the gnome fires on the crypt thing hitting it with one of his shots. Benni follows suit, smiting the creature, however not as severely as he might have wished. Urist positions herself to flank with the paladin, whilst Jasper pauses - surprised by the disappearance of the centaur, and waiting to see if the creature will listen to reason.
The red flames of the creature’s eyes flare as it claws at the Cleric of Flower (hit AC touch 12 and 23 for 6 and 12 dmg), after which it immediately disappears - reappearing 15 ft away.
Beatrix meanwhile, finds herself on solid ground - but not in the crypts under the Chapter House with her friends. The centaur is in the gloomy chamber of her nightmare, with two skeletal corpses tumbled on the floor and a feeling that something that will sap her strength, the essence of her life, infests the shadows.
(Isaac please roll your 2 will saves per previous DM post. If first is failed - find yourself with Beatrix - DM Carla)
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 d20+7=24 ; d6+2=5 ; Wednesday December 6th, 2023 2:24:25 AM
The gnome climbs down the step, muttering grumpily as he goes. ...stupid human size steps no regard for little folks then they leave behind some weird undead guy and now beatrix is off somewhere that guy's always runnin off...
Once he moves up a bit, he conjures a blob of acid and flings it at the robed figure. He hits Touch AC 24 for 5 magical acid damage.
He tells his friends, "Ya know, for a second I was teleported outta here along with Beatrix. He's probably still there. It was a room shrouded in darkness, windows encrusted with filth. Desks, chairs, floor candelabra - the place was a mess. It had a cold feeling and sense of dread and death. And there was dead guys there too, skeletons. Based on that map Isaac found, I think I know where it is. We're gonna need to go find that boy once we deal with this guy."
“Benni” AC 21/11/20 CMD19. HP 30/ 48 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+8=9 ; Wednesday December 6th, 2023 7:02:29 AM
Onesimos grits his teeth as two claws scrape right through his armor! He agrees with Snark, "yes, this Crypt Thing first. If we retreat to help Beatrix now, it will only keep sending us away. We have to deal with this undead, and I think bludgeoning or magical weapons will work best!"
With those words, the cleric rushes forward and swings with his morningstar, Flower's blessing giving extra accuracy. He still misses badly.
.......... Move to G,8 Attack: nat 1 Active Spells: Bless (3 of 70 rds) Light (45 of 70min), Ghost Weapon on Isaac (2 of 7hrs)
Benni Spells (** used) a. Calming Touch (1/6), Good Touch (0/6), Channel (5/8) 0. Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Light, Stabilize 1. Prot v Evil. Prot v Chaos. **Bless. Magic Weapon. Comprehend Languages. Shield of Faith. 2. Align Weapon. **Less Restoration. Delay Poison. Calm Emotions. 3. Prayer. Invisibility Purge. **Dispel Magic. **Ghost Weapon. 4. **Holy Smite. Freedom of Movement.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 67/67 AC25/ T13 / FF 22 d20+10=14 ; d20+10=15 ; Wednesday December 6th, 2023 8:12:08 AM
Isaac is about to say something but pops out of existence following Beatrix and entering the room with a small pop beside her. "Wait.." he looks around the dingy room and sighs. "So the thing is intelligent and a spell caster. GREAT." He eyes the specters and says a prayer "My Patrons if you listening we're gonna need help" Isaac's sword suddenly catches fire and he hears --We Are Here-- in his mind.
Isaac failed both saves but is immune to fear.Beatrix gets a +4 to saves vs fear since I'm with her. Isaac is using his divine bond on his weapon. It is now flaming
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 52/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Wednesday December 6th, 2023 9:41:46 AM
Beatrix will cast Light on her lance so that she can see and Tinkerbell will fly out to use her blindsight to try to track the enemy. Her blood is up and she's ready to smash some creepy shadow monsters!
Jasper (Holly) HP 57/62 AC 21 /13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 d20+7=23 ; 2d6=10 ; Wednesday December 6th, 2023 12:50:49 PM
Jasper sees the crypt thing attack Benni. Right then-- reasoning is out.
She strides to F8, drawing her quarterstaff and casting Shillelagh as she moves. She thwacks the crypt thing (23) and deals10 points of damage if she hits.
______
Wildshape: 2/day; current shape: NA Spells Running:
Urist (AC23, invis, HP: 57 of 61) (Cayzle) d20+10=14 ; d10+11=20 ; Wednesday December 6th, 2023 1:45:32 PM
Urist magically flies over to F10, activating Arcane Strike as a swift action while doing so. She is confident she will avoid AoOs because you have to see a creature before you can take an AoO.
Then, flanking the Crypt Thing, she wails on it with her two-handed maul. With the bless giving a +1 and flanking for +2 (and invisible for +2, but that's already calculated into her attacks), she hits AC14 for 20 damage. Note: It loses its dex bonus to AC.
She tries to figure out the enemy's armor class, too busy to crack wise!
DM Bob and Carla - ”A party divided” d20+10=26 d8+4=5 d20+10=27 d8+4=10 d20+4=6 d20+6=8 d20+6=21 d6=3 Wednesday December 6th, 2023 8:21:38 PM In the crypts under the Chapter House…
Griping about the lack of accessibility standards in the crypts under the Chapter House, Snark hops down the stairs, advising his companions that he has an idea where they might find Beatrix and Isaac. Sheltered by taller folk, he successfully lobs an acid blob at the skeletal creature in tattered robes.
Benni advises dispatching their current foe, before going in search of the missing centaur and elf. Putting action to words, the cleric moves in on the crypt thing but his swing misses.
Jasper exchanges her scimitar for a quarter staff and casts Shillelagh on her weapon, moving up to stand beside Benni. (OOC: casting a spell is a standard action, so Jasper can cast (standard action), move (move action), but not attack (standard action) in one combat round - however, Shillelagh lasts 1 min per caster level, so will be available for 7 minutes/70 rounds going forward, so count it on future attacks.)
An invisible Urist manoeuvres into a flanking position sandwiching the thing with Jasper. In her enthusiasm, she misses her attack. (Crypt Thing AC 19/touch 13/ff 16)
”Go back!” shouts the creature, but this time it’s voice does not affect those in the crypt. However, its claws do as it rakes first Benni (hit AC 26 for 5 dmg) then Jasper (hit AC 27 for 10 dmg) before disappearing, then instantly reappearing 30ft away!
Beatrix casts Light on her lance, and sends Tinkerbell on reconnaissance. As she readies to smash something, there is a *poof* next to her, and Isaac appears. The paladin hastily bonds with his weapon, and it alights with flames! (OOC: please add spells or other running effects at the bottom of your posts. Note: Bless is still in effect, as is Ghost Weapon on Isaac’s sword!)
The bat spots movement as 3 apparitions fly silently towards Beatrix and Isaac , drawn by hunger to the vitality of the living. The light from lance and sword does nothing to deter their approach, as a chill dread envelops the stranded heroes. Elf and centaur sense that to linger is to invite death.
The Shadows converge on the adventurers with A1 reaching out long incorporeal fingers towards the paladin, however it misjudges (touch attack 6, miss). Silently A2 and A3 flank the centaur. The dark hand of A2 misses (touch attack 8) Beatrix, however A3 strokes her with a caressing touch (touch attack 21, 3 pts strength dmg) that leaves the fighter feeling weakened.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 67/67 AC25/ T13 / FF 22 d20+11=27 ; d20+6=16 ; d8+4=8 ; d8+4=9 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; Thursday December 7th, 2023 12:09:31 AM
Isaac maneuvers around the creature taking a five foot step and giving ms Beatrix a clear shot to the exit. "Lets not stick around here" He attacks the shadow creature. Attack 1:27 Damage:8+6(fire)=14 Attack 2:16 Damage:9+3(fire)=12
Bless weapon:Flaming: 7 minutes Divine bond: 7 min Ghost weapon: ? min
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 d20+7=27 ; d20+7=20 ; 2d6+4=11 ; Thursday December 7th, 2023 2:15:25 AM
Snark is glad for the extra movement Expeditious Retreat gives him. He moves up a ways and lobs another blob of acid. This time, his hit is a crit (confirmed), and he inflicts 11 points of acid damage to the thing.
"Hey ya stupid bag of bones. What kinda crappy guardian are ya anyways, always running away?"
----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Spells/Effects Running: Mage Armor, Expeditious Retreat, source of Continual Flame hanging from the gnome's neck.
Abilities/Items Acid Dart (Sp) 8 - 2 used Gnome (Sp) 1/day - Dancing Lights*, Ghost Sound, Prestidigitation, and Speak with Animals*.
“Benni” AC 23/13/22 CMD21. HP 37/ 48 Onesimos (SteveK) 4d6=12 ; Thursday December 7th, 2023 6:59:33 AM
Onesimos stifles a yelp as he is clawed again. "You were created by evil magics and need to be released. We will not go."
Benni sends a surge of healing to his friends, then defensively moves forward to confront the jumping crypt thing: it has to run out of *poofs* eventually!
.......... Channel Energy: heal 12 hp Jasper, Urist, Snark and Stellaluna, Benni Move to G,12 Fighting Defensively +2 AC Active Spells: Bless (4 of 70 rds) Light (45 of 70min), Ghost Weapon on Isaac (2 of 7hrs)
Benni Spells (** used) a. Calming Touch (1/6), Good Touch (0/6), Channel (6/8) 0. Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Light, Stabilize 1. Prot v Evil. Prot v Chaos. **Bless. Magic Weapon. Comprehend Languages. Shield of Faith. 2. Align Weapon. **Less Restoration. Delay Poison. Calm Emotions. 3. Prayer. Invisibility Purge. **Dispel Magic. **Ghost Weapon. 4. **Holy Smite. Freedom of Movement.
Urist (AC23, invis, HP: 57 of 61) (Cayzle) d20+10=25 ; d10+11=14 ; Thursday December 7th, 2023 9:21:39 AM
Urist has a clear shot to charge, so she does that (after the swift action for arcane strike). Her AC for this round is 21, not 23, though her 50% miss chance remains. She gains a +1 from the Bless and a +2 charging. Her roll is a 25, and her two-handed hammer hits for 14 damage.
"Looks like you got another think coming from THIS maul rat!" she quips.
Jasper (Holly) HP 57/62 AC 21 /13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 d20+7=19 ; 2d6=4 ; Thursday December 7th, 2023 1:08:29 PM
Jasper blinks at the space where the Crypt Thing was. "Oh good. It can teleport."
She hustles to G14 and swings at it again.
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 52/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 d20=13 ; d8=4 ; d100=9 ; Thursday December 7th, 2023 8:52:55 PM
Beatrix strikes back with her lance and reflects she should learn a touch spell that doesn't do necrotic damage sometime. 23 to hit, 9 damage (+2 lance, but failed against percentage dice if that's needed for these)
DM Bob and Carla - ”A party divided” d20+6=14 d6=5 d20+6=21 d6=2 Thursday December 7th, 2023 10:01:54 PM In the crypts under the Chapter House…
Benni calls for the group to press forward their attack on the crypt thing and supports them with a burst of healing energy channeled through his woven holy symbol (don’t forget to update header HP by +12 HP!). Snark lobs a big gob of acid, Urist charges up, swinging her two handed hammer, and Jasper follows, bashing deftly with her quarter staff. The combined onslaught is sufficient to crumple the undead hall monitor into a heap from which it will never rise again.
A quick glance about reveals more alcoves filled with bones and sarcophagi lining the walls, and one arched opening with a new set of stairs spiralling downward - but no trace of Isaac or Beatrix.
§§§§§§§§§§§§§
In a dark chamber in the Abbey complex…
Two strikes of Isaac’s magicked longsword are all it takes to send the shadow to oblivion. The paladin clears the way to the exit for Beatrix and suggest they not stick around. The centaur however, has other ideas, and takes a swipe at one of the apparitions with her lance. Unfortunately, she misses the incorporeal spectre.
Hungering still, the shadows continue to flank Beatrix leaning in to reach with their incorporeal claws to pull at her very essence (touch attack 14 and 21) they feed on her strength and vitality (5 and 2 strength damage). Beatrix feels her muscles quiver and shrivel, and where once there was taught skin over muscle, her hide hangs loose.
Knowledge Religion 15 Highlight to display spoiler: { The incorporeal shadow is difficult to fight in combat, and they prove strangely resistant to positive energy. They cannot inflict physical wounds, but their touch drains the strength from their victims and this can prove fatal. Victims killed by a shadow rise very shortly afterwards as new shadows.}
With five rounds left on the greater invisibility. Urist flies fast down the steps, looking for friends and foes.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Friday December 8th, 2023 12:53:24 AM
Snark is surprised to see the dwarf charge down the stairs. Or, at least he sees the flames from his hammer float quickly down the stairs.
"Urist, where're you going? I saw windows encrusted with filth when I was there for a second. I think we gotta go back UP to the Chapter House, and then to them stairs going up outta the Great Hall. C'mon!"
Usually slow, the little greenmage is moving quite fast under the effects of Expeditious Retreat. With a speed of 50' feet per round he leads the others up the stairs to the Chapter House and on to the Great Hall.
But he's still annoyed by stairs that are rather large for his little legs.
“Benni” AC 20/10/19 CMD18. HP 37/ 48 Onesimos (SteveK) Friday December 8th, 2023 6:54:58 AM
Onesimos echoes Snark, "Urist, the crypt thing would send them AWAY from what it was guarding, not further in. Outside, and hurry!"
Benni sprints up the stairs.
.......... Run x4 movement = 80' up the stair and out the Chapter House towards the Great Hall Lose Dex bonus Active Spells: Bless (5 of 70 rds) Light (45 of 70min), Ghost Weapon on Isaac (2 of 7hrs)
Benni Spells (** used) a. Calming Touch (1/6), Good Touch (0/6), Channel (6/8) 0. Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Light, Stabilize 1. Prot v Evil. Prot v Chaos. **Bless. Magic Weapon. Comprehend Languages. Shield of Faith. 2. Align Weapon. **Less Restoration. Delay Poison. Calm Emotions. 3. Prayer. Invisibility Purge. **Dispel Magic. **Ghost Weapon. 4. **Holy Smite. Freedom of Movement.
Jasper (Holly) HP 57/62 AC 21 /13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 Friday December 8th, 2023 3:38:02 PM
Jasper watches Urist's maul blaze away down the stairs, into the darkness of the crypt. She's a little confused because that is indeed what the thought the Crypt Thing was protecting: It was trying to keep the Luck Makers from going down, not up and out.
Then again, her intelligence is only 10, so.
It doesn't matter in the end, because the team needs to find Isaac and Beatrix, and Snark thinks he knows where they are.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 67/67 AC25/ T13 / FF 22 d20+11=30 ; d8+4=10 ; d8+4=11 ; d6=2 ; Friday December 8th, 2023 9:16:40 PM
Isaac calls out to Beatrix "This isn't the time to play hero Bee we gotta go. If those shadows kill you you'll rise as one."
Isaac moves to the shadow closest to him flanking Beatrix and slashes at it. Attack:30 rolled a 19 bless weapon auto confirms crit Damage: 21+2(fire):23
Bless weapon:Flaming: 7 minutes Divine bond: 7 min Ghost weapon: ? min
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 52/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Sunday December 10th, 2023 7:50:29 PM
Beatrix is in full agreement. This fight is not going well. Unfortunately they have no idea where they are or if these things will follow. Hopefully they don't run right into another set of enemies or a dead end, but staying isn't an option. She withdraws from the enemy (So she doesn't provoke AoO)
DM Bob and Carla - ”A question of life…and undeath!” d20+4=7 Sunday December 10th, 2023 9:39:12 PM
With the Crypt Thing no longer a threat, Urist flys down the corridor towards the arched opening containing the stairs spiralling downward into the unknown that is further below. In an attempt to redirect the invisible dwarf, Snark, Benni and Jasperall call out when they spot the flaming hammer moving in the opposite direction than the one they plan to take.
Snark reiterates that he had a glimpse of a chamber - possibly the Great Hall - before he was able to pull back from the magic push of the Crypt Thing. He’s pretty sure Isaac and Beatrix are somewhere in the Abbey complex ABOVE, and makes his way UP the stairs into the Chapter House followed by Benni and Jasper. Through some feat of magic, the gnome is able to outpace the long legged elf and half elf, who take the steps two at a time. The trio are, however, slowed down by the curved passage of the circular stairs. (Run (4xbase speed) requires a straight line - so Benni and Jasper can double move. Same for Snark with a bonus due to Expeditious Retreat!)
The gnome makes it to the threshold of the Chapter House ready to turn right towards the Great Hall, but hears a commotion coming from an unexplored building just to the left Highlight to display spoiler: { it’s Isaac’s voice saying “This isn’t the time to play hero, Bea. We gotta go!”}
Benni and Jasper are near the top of the stairs (and could be outside the Chapter House at the end of this next round.)
§§§§§§§§§§§§§
Inside the Monk’s Work Room…
A debilitated Beatrix heeds Isaac’s warning, and manages to evade the Shadows and withdraw. Retreating past the skeletons lying on the floor Highlight to display spoiler: { she notes they have tower shaped WLA badge-pins affixed to the rags that clothe their remains. }
Isaac heroically moves in to attack A3, providing a distraction supporting the centaur’s escape. The blade sends yet another Shadow to oblivion!
Drawn by the glowing vitality of Isaac’s strength and vigour, the hungering evil (A2) moves in and reaches out a long fingered hand to grasp at his life essence….and misses! (Touch AC 7, a miss.)
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Monday December 11th, 2023 1:46:20 AM
Snark hears Isaac's voice and says to his friends, "Benni, Jasper, Urist - I hear Isaac. This way!"
If Isaac is telling Beatrix it's no time to play hero and to flee, well, that's a bad sign. He reaches into his pocket to pull out a scroll as he grips his staff in the other.
The now speedy gnome rushes toward the sound of Isaac's voice. As he approaches the unexplored building to the left, he shouts, "Isaac, Beatrix - we're here!" He continues on at full speed.
Urist (AC23, invis, HP61) (Cayzle) Monday December 11th, 2023 5:18:45 AM
Suddenly realizing that this is the wrong way, Urist does an about-face and flies back UP to rejoin the party.
"We're already split two ways! I'm an experimental gal, but three-ways are one way too much for me!"
“Benni” AC 21/11/20 CMD18. HP 37/ 48 Onesimos (SteveK) Monday December 11th, 2023 6:50:05 AM
Benni continues to hustle. Once again, he is not where he needs to be and must spend all his energy moving, like the confrontation with the Oceaniad. Or the wreckers before that. Or the bandits, or the pirates, or the boggles... Not for the first time, the cleric vows that he will get some form of moving faster about a battlefield the next time he visits the Catacombs!
Yet even with his mind full of self-recrimination, he can follow Snark's directions, and feels his ears burning at Urist's last quip.
.......... Hustle x2 movement = 40' up the stair and out the Chapter House towards the noises Active Spells: Bless (6 of 70 rds) Light (45 of 70min), Ghost Weapon on Isaac (2 of 7hrs)
Benni Spells (** used) a. Calming Touch (1/6), Good Touch (0/6), Channel (6/8) 0. Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Light, Stabilize 1. Prot v Evil. Prot v Chaos. **Bless. Magic Weapon. Comprehend Languages. Shield of Faith. 2. Align Weapon. **Less Restoration. Delay Poison. Calm Emotions. 3. Prayer. Invisibility Purge. **Dispel Magic. **Ghost Weapon. 4. **Holy Smite. Freedom of Movement.
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 52/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Monday December 11th, 2023 9:06:35 AM
Beatrix realizes that Isaac isn't following and turns, concerned, but he seems to be winning handily so she just finds something to lean on as she breathes heavily. Her many pockets full of random useful tools are feeling far to heavy on her now.
Jasper (Holly) HP 57/62 AC 21 /13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 Monday December 11th, 2023 12:08:01 PM
Jasper too moves as fast as she can. Even as she runs, her nose wrinkles at "three way." Ew.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Monday December 11th, 2023 7:34:05 PM
Snark begins to worry about the local dwarven clan that inhabits the quarry.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 67/67 AC25/ T13 / FF 22 d20+11=31 ; d8+4=7 ; d8+4=10 ; d6=6 ; d20+6=16 ; d8+4=7 ; d6=5 ; Monday December 11th, 2023 10:14:44 PM
Isaac decides to go all out on the shadow, hoping to slay it and make time for Beatrix to get out. Attack 1: 31 (20) crit Damage:23 Attack:16 Damage:12
With the shadow slain, Isaac hurries over to Beatrix and checks on her "Bee you OK? Those shadows really roughed you up. We better find our way back to the others. I'm not great with healing these types of wounds." He hears snarks voice calling out to them, " Looks like we didn't get sent too far away at least."
DM Bob and Carla - ”Lost and Found” Monday December 11th, 2023 11:03:59 PM
Before the Shadow can reach out again, Isaac puts an end to its miserable existence with a mighty swing of his long sword. The paladin moves over to Beatrix concerned for her well-being. The centaur, significantly weakened, droops a little under the weight of her belongings. Isaac is pretty sure he can hear Snark’s voice calling out.
Staff in one hand, scroll in the other Snark turns left and finds himself on the threshold of a closed door. He can hear Isaac’s voice coming from the other side. Huffing and puffing Benni and Jasper pull up behind the mage.
Realizing she is going the wrong way, Urist reverses direction and flies down the corridor and up the stairs towards her companions.
There do not appear to be any magical auras on the door/entrance to the building.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Tuesday December 12th, 2023 12:54:36 AM
Snark wastes no time trying to find he friends. He opens the door in front of him. If the door is locked, he will read the Knock scroll he holds and open the door. Then he steps back 5'.
Unless one of Benni's keys work here.
---------------------------------------------- Spells/Effects Running: Mage Armor, Expeditious Retreat, source of Continual Flame hanging from the gnome's neck.
“Benni” AC 21/11/20 CMD18. HP 37/ 48 Onesimos (SteveK) Tuesday December 12th, 2023 7:02:49 AM
Onesimos delays for Snark to open or Knock spell the door, and rushes in, his Light spell on his shield casting an additional glow. He seeks to guard the side of Isaac or Beatrix, whichever seem to be under attack.
.......... Delay movement until door is open, then Hustle x2 movement = to the nearest LuckMaker that has attackers Active Spells: Bless (7 of 70 rds) Light (45 of 70min), Ghost Weapon on Isaac (2 of 7hrs)
Benni Spells (** used) a. Calming Touch (1/6), Good Touch (0/6), Channel (6/8) 0. Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Light, Stabilize 1. Prot v Evil. Prot v Chaos. **Bless. Magic Weapon. Comprehend Languages. Shield of Faith. 2. Align Weapon. **Less Restoration. Delay Poison. Calm Emotions. 3. Prayer. Invisibility Purge. **Dispel Magic. **Ghost Weapon. 4. **Holy Smite. Freedom of Movement.
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 52/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Tuesday December 12th, 2023 8:20:41 AM
Presuming that the door opens Beatrix tiredly waves at the group. "Hey."
Jasper (Holly) HP 57/62 AC 21 /13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 Tuesday December 12th, 2023 3:47:41 PM
Jasper stands ready to assist in whatever way she's needed.
"You can waste your scroll and Knock, or I can use my maul and KNOCK!"
If allowed, Urist will cast her Enlarge Person spell on herself and bash the door in by doing damage with her maul. 2d8+12 per hit.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Tuesday December 12th, 2023 7:48:09 PM
Snark holds his arms up to stop the dwarf.
"WHOA! Hey! Hold on there my mighty mistress of mayhem! We got plans to turn this place into the first monastery of Flower on the Southern Continent. But if you go smashing the place up, well, that's just gonna make more work for Benni down the road."
"Let's just see if we can get in there without wrecking the place first."
He regards Urist for a moment and says, "I'm gonna start calling you Eve of Destruction."
DM Bob and Carla - ”the Monk’s Work Room” Tuesday December 12th, 2023 10:06:44 PM
(No longer in combat rounds)
Urist wants to bash the door down, however Snark puts a stop to that nonsense! The blue haired gnome is able to turn the knob on the door, though it is a reach for his short arms, and the mechanism is a bit stiff. Nonetheless, the door swings open, and Snark steps back, allowing others to pass over the threshold first. Jasper peers over the gnome’s shoulder and into the chamber, whileBenni, on guard, slips through the opening and shifts right, moving to Beatrix’s side.
A very tired Beatrix greets the appearance of her friends with a feeble wave and a ”Hey”. Nearby the half-elf paladin with a shaggy mop of dirty blonde hair, leans on his long sword while catching his breath.
The chamber looks like a work room used for writing manuscripts and books and illuminating them with hand drawn decoration or illustrations. There are two skeletons, in adventuring gear, lying on the floor. They have tower shaped WLA badge-pins affixed to the rags that clothe their remains.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Wednesday December 13th, 2023 1:17:53 AM
Snark says to Urist, "Don't worry pal - I'm sure we can find something for you go destroy."
Then he looks at Beatrix. "Holy mother of pearl, Bea - you look like crap. What the heck happened?"
After some discussion, he will continue, "Well, I guess we oughta see what's here. But I want to get back down in them catacombs. We gotta find a way to stop the problem in the ocean, or that sea witch is gonna come back and wreck the town again."
Snark will use Detect Magic to look around this building - especially those two dead WLA folks.
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 52/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Wednesday December 13th, 2023 6:43:14 AM "More ghosts. Shadows? Monsters of the undead variety." Beatrix answer's Snark's inquiry.
“Benni” AC 21/11/20 CMD18. HP 37/ 48 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+11=24 ; Wednesday December 13th, 2023 6:57:31 AM
Onesimos, once he confirms there are no enemies about, turns to give Beatrix a good physical (Heal 24). "Not a scratch, but much weaker than you should be (-10 Strength). It's a good thing you are so strong in the first place! But I have no Lesser Restoration to heal nor a Bulls Strength to counter for a time. Does anyone else?"
The elf is worried for the centaur: so worried that he feels the team may have to retire to heal instead of continuing on. "Even loaning Bea a Belt of Giant Strength could help."
He waits to see what the others have or can find on the two WLA corpses. "They would have to be two of Akoka's companions. We should take the pins for proof, and plan final rites for the bodies. I believe that Isaac and Beatrix have already laid thier souls to rest."
.......... Heal Check: 24 Active Spells: Bless (8 of 70 rds) Light (45 of 70min), Ghost Weapon on Isaac (2 of 7hrs)
Benni Spells (** used) a. Calming Touch (1/6), Good Touch (0/6), Channel (6/8) 0. Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Light, Stabilize 1. Prot v Evil. Prot v Chaos. **Bless. Magic Weapon. Comprehend Languages. Shield of Faith. 2. Align Weapon. **Less Restoration. Delay Poison. Calm Emotions. 3. Prayer. Invisibility Purge. **Dispel Magic. **Ghost Weapon. 4. **Holy Smite. Freedom of Movement.
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 52/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Wednesday December 13th, 2023 10:28:28 AM
Beatrix shakes her head.”Neither of those will help, I’m an expert at enhancement and already improve my strength the same way bulls strength or a belt does”
Urist (AC23, invis, HP61) (Cayzle) Wednesday December 13th, 2023 11:09:00 AM
Urist lowers her maul.
"No? Okay. There will be plenty of things to bash in the future, I predict."
"Speaking of which, have any of you heard about this Yuletide Bash that we've been invited to? That's coming up soon, I think."
The dwarf's ears prick up at the mention of a Strength Belt. "That's what I'm hoping Santy Dwarf brings me for the holiday!"
Jasper (Holly) HP 57/62 AC 21 /13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 2d4=7 ; Wednesday December 13th, 2023 1:03:28 PM "I don't know if it will help much, but here."
Jasper draws a few berries from her belt pouch and cups them in her palm. They glow for a moment. As the sparkle fades, she hands them to Bea.
(Goodberry to restore 7 HP)
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 67/67 AC25/ T13 / FF 22 Wednesday December 13th, 2023 5:47:55 PM
Isaac looks up at the others still catching his breath. "Are we sure we want to go fight that undead in this condition. We were running low on spells but now if feels we're at a major disadvantage. I have no more Powers to call upon and if that creature can keep banishing us to different parts of the temple. It might send us to the catacombs. A good fight is one thing but being sent to a ghouls den will not end well for any of us.We might need to retreat and come back tomorrow." Isaac is unaware of what has happened to the crypt thing.
DM Bob and Carla - ”Regrouping ” Wednesday December 13th, 2023 9:41:44 PM Snark asks Beatrix what happened, but doesn’t get much out of the centaur other than: ”More ghosts. Shadows? Monsters, of the undead variety.”. She actually might not really know what she had been dealing with.
Benni has a good idea what ails the centaur, and is pretty sure they need to get her out of the Abbey where she can be cared for properly and regain her strength. He’s knows Highlight to display spoiler: { barring the use of Restoration spells, the return of Beatrix’s strength could take as long as many as 5-10 days. Recovery could be expedited if she is tended closely by a skilled healer, however. }
The cleric wonders if the dead adventurers were part of Akoka’s party and suggests retrieving their pin badges and performing final rites. He watches as Snark focuses on the corpses. The mage and anyone else looking for magic is able to ignore the now familiar auras given off by the Abbey as a whole and focus in on some of the gear on or around the remains.
a rapier leather armour a quarter staff a belt a ring
detect as magic.
Urist can be patient, knowing there will be opportunities for her in the future. She is distracted by thoughts of Yuletide celebrations and what gifts she might receive.
Jasper doesn’t know if her berries will do any good, but figuring they won’t do the centaur any harm, the druid offers Beatrix some nourishment. If the centaur accepts, she may be the only one of the group who doesn’t feel the hunger pangs of having missed two meals! It’s been a long and very eventful day. The party have made significant progress with their exploration of the Abbey. With this knowledge, Isaac’s map, and Benni’s collection of keys, they shouldn’t loose too much time resuming their investigations at a later date.
Isaac summarises what most of the party are feeling. Folks are low on resources, and will soon be fatigued. To overextend themselves would be to court disaster. The paladin doesn’t fancy facing the Crypt Thing again, but then he doesn’t know what happened to his friends after he and Beatrix got teleported away.
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 52/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Thursday December 14th, 2023 4:22:14 AM
Beatrix tries the berry as she discusses her weakness with the team. It's quite good, though it doesn't help with the strength problem. "I am weakened, but I am a mage not just someone who stabs things. I can support the team at range until my strength returns. It might be a good idea to rest - it's a big place and if we're low on resources we should pace ourselves."
“Benni” AC 21/11/20 CMD18. HP 37/ 48 Onesimos (SteveK) Thursday December 14th, 2023 6:58:56 AM
Onesimos weighs the team's conditions and the unknown parts of the Abbey in his mind, then nods. " Let's retire and recover in Heranmar. We are tired, hungry, low on spells, and have lost a 1/3 of our front line combat strength with Beatrix sapped by the shadows."
"Before we go, we should hide the stairs in the Chapter House, and we will keep the keys, the medallion, and the magic we have found. I can recover the bodies to bring back to Heranmar as well with my Bag of Holding. A final goodbye may help heal Akoka."
After the magic and WLA pins are recovered, Benni sticks the two corpses into his Bag of Holding.
He waits for Snark to close the Medallion Stairway, and then is ready to leave the Abbey and recover.
............... Active Spells: Bless (18 of 70 rds) Light (46 of 70min), Ghost Weapon on Isaac (2 of 7hrs)
Benni Spells (** used) a. Calming Touch (1/6), Good Touch (0/6), Channel (6/8) 0. Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Light, Stabilize 1. Prot v Evil. Prot v Chaos. **Bless. Magic Weapon. Comprehend Languages. Shield of Faith. 2. Align Weapon. **Less Restoration. Delay Poison. Calm Emotions. 3. Prayer. Invisibility Purge. **Dispel Magic. **Ghost Weapon. 4. **Holy Smite. Freedom of Movement.
Jasper (Holly) HP 57/62 AC 21 /13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 Thursday December 14th, 2023 12:23:08 PM
Jasper has no objections to retreating.
"Bea, let me know if you need help walking. I can wildshape into something big enough to help support you."
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 d20+6=10 ; d20+6=12 ; d20+6=21 ; d20+6=14 ; d20+6=9 ; d20+6=23 ; d20+21=37 ; Thursday December 14th, 2023 7:21:34 PM "Hey Bea, sorry about that thing hurting you. We killed the Crypt Thing that teleported you, and sounds like you killed some shadows. Shadows can suck the life outta ya, but I guess you already know that."
"Yeah, I agree we oughta go back to town for a bit. I just hope Cranky Aquagirl don't come back all mad 'cause the ocean problem ain't been fixed yet. Lemme take a look at these items, and then I'll see if we can close up them stairs."
Snarks looks over the magical items more carefully, trying to determine their properties. He gets his bat Luna out to consult with her. (Luna tries to Aid Another - 10, 12, 21, 14, 9 - so last one failed to grant a +2 to Snark's check.)
Snark will apply his knowledge of Spellcraft with Luna's help to identify the 5 items. (Take 10+19+2, so he will identify items with a caster level up to 16 for the first 4 items, and a caster level up to 14 for the ring.)
Once this is done, he'll head back to the Chapter House. He goes down the stairs and checks the Crypt Thing's body and the area we already saw for magic items with Detect Magic. He also looks for any keys on the Crypt Thing and he'll grab the Crypt Thing's skull, and go back upstairs. He sees if he can figure out a way to close the stairs. He again consults Luna before he tries to identify the properties of the magical stairway enough to know how to close it again. (Luna aid anohter 23, Snark Spellcraft 37, so identify up to caster level 21 on operating the magical stairway.)
As we leave the abbey, we make sure we lock up any doors that we have keys for. Did we find a key to the Abbot's House? He grabs the flaming skull he left there and checks for keys.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 67/67 AC25/ T13 / FF 22 Thursday December 14th, 2023 10:27:26 PM
Isaac grins exhausted but glad the creature was slain. "I'm glad that we don't have to deal with that creature when we come back. Send us all over the Abby would get old fast." Isaac is interested in the creatures skull when they come back down to collect it. "So the flames haven't gone out? That doesn't look good."
DM Bob and Carla - ”Homeward bound ” Friday December 15th, 2023 12:29:50 AM Beatrix believes she can be of use to the team should they continue on, but reluctantly acknowledges it might be better to recover and regroup. The decision is unanimous. The party will lock up the Abbey and return to Heranmar for a bit.
Snark finishes his study of the magical items and discovers:
a +1 rapier 2000 GP a +1 leather shadow armour 5750 GP a +1 quarter staff 2000 GP a belt of giant strength +2 4000 GP and a ring of protection +2 8000 GP
Benni retrieves the WLA pin badges and prepares the corpses for transport, and he and the gnome find:
a set of master work thieves tools 100 GP and two pouches containing a total of 2000 GP
The gnome does a quick reconnaissance of the crypt passage and collects a grisly souvenir. He does not find anything else of value, and returns to the Chapter House where he figures out that removing the disc medallion causes the circular cover to rotate back into place. As soon as it settles, the three outside rings spin in opposite directions to each other, scrambling the sigils along their perimeter.
An inventory of their key collection reveals:
a key acquired from the ghostly attendant in the Abbot’s House - opens the door to that building a key acquired from the base of the statue - opens the Chapter House door a key acquired from Talpa’s journal opens the main door to the Great Hall
As well as miscellaneous keys to other out buildings of the Abbey complex acquired during earlier adventures. There is also the large disc medallion on a gold chain used for the Chapter House portal to the crypts.
The party make their way out of the Abbey, locking up as they go, and conversing in low voices. Benni speculates that destroying the Shadows released the souls of the dead adventurers. Isaac states he is happy to learn he won’t have to face the Crypt Thing again. Jasper volunteers to help Beatrix, perhaps by carrying some of her gear for her whilst in animal form?
A backwards glance at the Abbey after crossing the stone wall that encircles the grounds, reveals it has reverted to the ruinous set of buildings with a very faint green glow with which everyone is familiar. Beyond the enclosure, the air is fresh and cold. Overhead the black velvet sky sparkles with stars. Not too distant, the gates of Heranmar
“Benni” AC 21/11/20 CMD18. HP 37/ 48 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+11=20 ; Friday December 15th, 2023 7:28:02 AM
Onesimos is tired and pleased. "I do not think our Oceanid acquaintance would expect results in a day. We, in fact, have no idea how long she journeyed to get to Heranmar. Because we have had no problems with her and Heranmar's fishermen taking any of her friends, I think it safe to assume she lives further out than a ship can go in half a day at the very least."
"Besides, we prepared and helped about Heranmar for several days before our attempt. Another couple days of rest and preparation for a second venture should be an unremarkable amount of time."
Benni is looking forward to a quick wash, a meal, and then bed. Besides the Keys and Medallion (which he carefully stows himself), he is willing to discuss treasure distribution and healing Beatrix for the morning.
Thinking about Beatrix, he settles her with some healing tea and poultice before he seeks his own bed. .............
Heal: long term care for Beatrix: 20
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 52/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Friday December 15th, 2023 8:16:20 AM
Beatrix appreciates the other's offer to help but doesn't take up the offer. "I'm weaker but not that weak. I could probably still carry you all the way back to town" she brags (carrying capacity is now under 76 for light, up to 240 for heavy. Large Quadruped FTW!)
Once back to town she spends the day relaxing and recovering, doing a lot of reading mostly.
Jasper (Holly) HP 57/62 AC 21 /13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 d20+11=26 ; Friday December 15th, 2023 4:34:55 PM
Jasper didn't mean to imply that Beatrix was weak-- just temporarily feeling poorly.
Jasper has a some small skill in healing too. She raids the gardens as soon as they get home and makes an herbal tincture to supplement Benni's poultice and tea.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 67/67 AC25/ T13 / FF 22 Friday December 15th, 2023 10:01:31 PM
Isaac will return with Beatrix to the Luck maker's house, getting a good night's sleep. Isaac is also interested in the treasure distribution. "The belt and ring certainly look useful, but I think I need the money more."
Urist (AC23, invis, HP61) (Cayzle) Saturday December 16th, 2023 9:03:56 AM
If there is anything the troubadour takes seriously, it is her WLA membership. She is sad to see fellow members defeated, but she steps up to help with the remains.
"I would be glad to help take these heroes home, or at least to the local chapterhouse. I would like to check in there anyway and bring my training up to date." She looks around the party to see who else is wearing a WLA badge. "Do we have many members in our group?"
Urist reminds everybody that she is new to the band and still figuring things out. "So, forgive this newbie, but I have the feeling that we have not yet finished our mission, right? What we did was pretty major, but there's still more, I think? We're just taking a chance to step down and heal up?"
"I had used up all my greater invisibilities, so that makes sense, I guess."
She listens, then asks Benni, "Wait, who is the 'Oceanid acquaintance,' and what are we doing for them?"
When it is time to talk about loot, she is very interested in the Strength Belt.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 d4=4 ; Saturday December 16th, 2023 4:14:34 PM
Snark is glad to be out of that place. Back in the real world, under the night sky he takes out his pipe, fills the bowl and lights it. Then he conjures a mount to ease his travel back to Heranmar.
Once there, he will attempt to make a potion of Lesser Restoration for Beatrix. It takes him about four hours, but once it's done he leaves in in a bottle outside the Centaur's door with a note that reads, "Drink Me."
Then he cast Prestidigitation to cleanup the Crypt Thing skull he took and places his new souvenir on a shelf in his room before he climbs into his own gnome sized bed and drifts to sleep.
“Benni” AC 21/11/20 CMD18. HP 37/ 48 Onesimos (SteveK) Sunday December 17th, 2023 10:49:23 AM
Onesimos, his WLA pin prominent on his tunic, will be glad to escort Urist to the WLA booth in the Trade House to introduce her to Miles (and Akoka). He also tries to give the dwarf a quick run-down of the Luck-Makers current mission.
”You recall the storm surge and wave that partially knocked down Heranmar’s wall and flooded the town: the reason we met you. Well, an Oceanid and two escort sharks were hard on the heels, and were mad that the wave also ruined her home and hurt her friends. We calmed the situation down, and learned the Oceanid thinks the source is the Abbey: something is messing with old magic in the Abbey.”
“So, we are at the Abbey to fix the magic problem and to make sure it stays fixed. Then we have a conch shell to blow at the shore to tell the Oceanid the job is done.”
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