Ustalavian Ravenloft IC

[stack]

With the dying of daylight, a fog creeps across the land, clutching everything in its clammy grasp. Inside the Weary Horse Inn, though, the fire is warm enough, and if the few patrons are sullen and stare at the five strangers a little boldly, at least the food and drink are good. For an inn’s common room, it’s quiet. It holds no more than a handful of customers. They keep their voices low, and even the clink of their mugs seems subdued as the fog gathers outside.

Five men, the subjects of the locals interest, have arrived here. Their attire and demeanor mark them as uncommon men, far from the farmers in experience and capability.

The middle-aged bald innkeeper goes about his duties quietly.

The land you have passed through is largely forest, small farming villages tucked in the clearings and valleys of the rolling hills. The land has become more hilly, mountains visible in the distance. The year grows old, the few leafy trees have given up their foliage, though evergreens are now predominate.

Cast:
{table]Player Name|Character Name| Race| Class (Archetype)|initiative|sense motive|perception
Bhaakon|Salvatore Legatus (http://www.dndsheets.net/view.php?id=29247)|Human | Gunslinger/Inquisitor|7|9|12
Firebeard|Connor Halfhand (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=359399)|Human|Paladin|6|8|-1
Sthalor|Old Timer (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=360084)|Half-orc|wizard (teleportation specialist)|1|11|3
Stormwind|Erin 'Raven' Brujah (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=385188)|Human|Witch (hearth)|6|13|9


(Everyone introduce your characters. You have all received this letter:

Hail to thee of might and valor:
I, a lowly servant of the township of Barovia, send
honor to thee. We plead for thy so desperately needed
assistance within our community.
The love of my life, Ireena Kolyana, has been
cursed by the witches of Lysaga Hill, and even the
good people of our town are powerless to free her from
this enchantment. She wastes away under the witches’
curse and I would have her saved from this menace.
There is much wealth in this community. I offer
all that might be had to thee and thy fellows if thou
shalt but answer my desperate plea.
Come quickly, for her time is at hand! All that I
have shall be thine!

Kolyan Indirovich,
Burgomaster of Barovia

Your reasons for being in the area are your own. Please describe them, then RP until plot happens. Please post within 24 hrs.[/SPOILER]

OOC thread (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/newreply.php?do=postreply&t=229041)

Fortunes:
Holy Symbol of Ravenkind“This symbol is a powerful force for good and protection against the forces of darkness.”

“Seek it in the heart of the wilds, far from human hands.”

“The holiness in this item waits for hands of holiness to touch it once more, but that is not enough to bring its power back to life.”

“You must bring the symbol home, to the last remaining shred of sacred ground in the defiled castle.”

"Regarding the young ladies trinket, the green dragon speaks of the wildness of nature. The symbol is deep in the woods, perhaps guarded by a fey spirit. It must be taken the the chapel on the castle grounds to restore it.”

the Count:"Everything in this land is affected by the ruler of the castle, though not all in his control. Even the mightiest have foes, fears. Which troubles do you lay at the count's feet? If you seek the man himself..."

"You will seek him in the castle, and though he might find you many times, you will find him only once.”

"You will find him where the light lies dead, slain by his own darkness."
“The lord of the castle seeks a lady to reign beside him, but he fears rebellion from his subjects. If you seek him, you will find him in his brother's tomb.”

“There is a very bad influence in this place. The powers of death will strip away your protections should you seek violence.”

Maurgen"Water earth and sky, the hunter now the beast, the hunter now the prey."


Sunsword“Seek it where the river flows into the land.”

“Darkness was born from light. Bring the sword to where that light lies dead.”
"Regarding the sword, the black dragon speaks of elemental forces mingling together. The weapon should be in the marsh downriver from here. To unlock its power, seek the crypt of the lord’s mother, deep beneath the castle.”

Witches "A darkness from Lysanga hill, a calling to a defiled place under the blind moon."

"Seek the ruins of the monastery of Saint Ectarina on the night of the new moon. One who once guarded the mountains now seeks to rule."
"If you have heard the name Baba Zelena, you ought have marked it. She seeks to overthrow the lord of the castle. Her spell can only be complete when even the moon is turned away. You will find her on Lysanga hill, in the ruins, two nights hence. Beware, she is powerful and has attracted followers."

Tome of Strahd “The tome you seek holds knowledge of the ancient and knowledge of the land." “Seek it in the place of blasphemy, where humans plumb their darkest nature.”“This is a card of debasement and debauchery. The tome has become a manual for witches. Convenient for you, since you where going there anyway, I believe."

"If you find the tome and delve into its secrets, you will discover the source of the lord’s strength. If you read it care-fully, you may also discover how to rob him of that strength. You must find the three defiled places described in the tome. At each fane, you must unearth the relic it contains.When you have all three relics, you must destroy what you have created. At each one, keep a vigil through the night and make its power yours”

[Firebeard]

Clad in a shining breastplate with Erastil's forked lightning prominent on the pauldrons and carrying a great bow, Connor Halfhand easily picked up on the outliers in this inn's taproom. His face was weathered by years of travel and battle, the jagged scar running down the right side of his face standing out from the tanned, weathered skin below. His brown hair and gray eyes stand out from a handsome face, scar notwithstanding, and his body is lean with muscle acquired from many years on the road.

He lifts his mangled right hand and waves to the others to join him, the last two fingers on his right hand ending in stumps surrounded by twisting scar tissue, as it seems obvious that they, like he, have likely been summoned here. And, like he, each probably has a letter in his possession from the Burgomaster of Barovia.

"Well met! I am Connor Halfhand, judge-paladin of Erastil. Do I assume correctly that you each have been summoned here by the Burgomaster of Barovia? If so, then it is likely that we will be joining this little adventure together."

Connor studied each of the others without judgement, for judgement is to be made in the face of evidence and law, not in belief and supposition. There might be those, for instance, who would immediately look askance on a half-orc, no matter how he acted. And a dwarf! By Erastil this was going to be an interesting side-trip. I wonder why Old Deadeye sent me to this place, with these people?

[RocketMan]

Konrad

As far as inns go, The Weary Horse isn't a bad one, in Konrad's view. He likes the quiet, and likes that, no matter how interested the locals may be, none come to harass him with questions. Their stares don't bother the mercenary and only go stonily ignored.

Konrad surveys the paladin, Connor, as he speaks. Shining armour and "little adventures," Konrad thinks to himself, shaking his head. If not for the scars, Konrad would simply have dismissed him immediately. As Connor finishes, the mercenary stands.

"My name is Konrad," he says, stepping forwards from the shadows. He is a tall man, with an imposing physique of corded muscles. He is ruggedly handsome, but looks like he's seen better days - his short-cut hair is greying prematurely, his face is scarred, and his nose looks like it's been broken on at least one occasion. He wears a set of full plate armour, though it is tarnished and now is only a dull bronze, and has an enormous greatsword slung over his back. Konrad looks out at the rest of the assembled party stormily with his blue-grey eyes.

"I'm here," he says sharply, "for the money. This may be an adventure for some of you, but I'm not here to play. This is a job, period," he finishes, his voice harsh. He looks about, as if expecting to be challenged.

[Leviathan]

Standing on the threshold of the Weary Horse as the sun fades away and foggy twilight approaches, Pious Bronzeanvil touches a hand to the symbol of Sarenrae hanging around his neck, bidding Her quiet farewell. "Until tomorrow, my Lady," he murmurs, his voice quiet, yet also rich and weighty.

Entering the inn, Pious meets the stares of the local farmers with a clear-eyed, level gaze, then scans the room. Several figures all do not belong: two are, like him, heavily armoured and armed, while two others are less so, but appear equally unusual. One of them, a young man (though they were all young to Pious), waved him over.

Hearing the paladin speak, Pious draws out his copy of the letter, which he has kept safely tucked away in his belt. "Aye, lad, I have been. Your instincts do you credit. I am Pious Bronzeanvil, a servant of Sarenrae." His dwarven features grow grim. "I will be good to have companions in this matter; I fear it will not be a simple one."

When Konrad speaks, Pious bristles, but keeps calm. "Indeed it is not an adventure, and at my age one appreciates professionalism. But do keep in mind, lad, that we will be dealing with people who will be worried and frightened. It would be better to have some sympathy then."

[Firebeard]

Connor simply grimaced at Konrad's words. Fine, if the man was a mercenary, Connor had worked with their like before. In fact, it simplified things many times. "Fair enough, though I take every day as an adventure. It makes my travels more interesting, and keeps me alert. well met, then Konrad. I take it you won't have a problem if I pretend this is an adventure? That way I'll have a good story for the next fem bard I run into on my travels." He said this last with a smirk, and a slight twinkle in his eye. It looked as if there was going to be at least one source of entertainment in the days to come.

Turning to the dwarf, he said "And well met to you, Holy One of Sarenrae. I look forward to working with you as well on this endeavor. It is always a pleasure to meet one of the Dawnflower's children in the field."

[Bhaakon]

Salvatore sits in a dark corner of the common room, the lone occupant of a large circular table. A old, chipped mug of the inn's finest sits off the side, while a collection of silvered and gilded parts sits in front of him. For the perhaps the fifth time since sitting with his drink, he closes his eyes and sends his hands dancing over the the little pile of shiny scrap. As if by magic, a fully assembled flintlock appears in the shadow of his dextrous fingers. Rather than take it apart again, the hands spirit the gun away into its holster and draws the nearby drink to his mouth to drain the final few swallows.

"You may pretend whatever you wish, after the job is done." Salvatore continues, standing, "I'm sure that you can embellish a fine tale of derring-do to woo the nearest string-plucking harlot, just leave my name out of it."

His reproaches complete, Salvator walks over to Pious and extends a hand, "it is always good to meet a fellow professional. This follower of Pharasma has often found an ally in the Dawnflower's flock." As he bends to offer the dwarf his hand, a silver spiral pendant, symbol of the Lady of Graves, slips out from under his collar.

[Sthalor]

Ah, great. Religious folk.

The cloaked figure in the corner lets out a small sigh, slowly rotating his glass and watching the swill left in it slosh around. He quickly downs it, his dark hood falling back as he does so. The man is revealed to be a Half Orc, and a rather ugly one. His hair grows in scraggly, mostly black but with a large portion dominated by wiry grey hairs. What looks like a tattoo seems to spiral up his neck, landing just below his left cheek. His face jingles a bit as he gets up, the multiple piercings both ears and on his face hitting each other noisily. He wears simple dark blue robes, the sleeves hanging well past his hands.

The old Half Orc is hunched over, using a quarterstaff marred with various magical scars and carvings to keep himself up. You can clearly see the signs of age on his face and skin, which is a greyish-green hue that seems unhealthy. He slips the note out of his belt pouch, and turns to the group of men. "Well, gentlemen, it appears we'll all be working together." He turns to Konrad and adds, "I like your attitude, young man. Let's get our money and get the hell out of here, eh?" The Half Orc laughs, which devolves into a wheezing cough. He continues to cough as a small pipe floats into his hand, and he packs it with tobacco, still coughing horribly. Snapping his fingers, the tobacco lights up, and he takes a deep draw. The air fills with the smell of smoke and ozone as the Half Orc exhales.

While this is happening, a raven flies down, perching itself on the top of the quarterstaff. It looks around at everyone, then screeches out an awful language full of clicks and hisses. The old Half Orc replies in the same dialect, seemingly quite agitated with the bird. "Goddamn thing'll be the death of me... You can all just call me the Old Timer. Or just Old Timer."

[Firebeard]

And I thought paladins were supposed to be the sticks in the mud when it came to random groups of people working together for a common goal.

"Well, it would be hard not to leave your name out of it, since you haven't offered one, gunslinger. Perhaps by the time this job is over, you may realize that person doesn't have to walk around looking like they've been sucking on lemons to get the job done."

He turned to the half-orc. "Well met, old-timer." He held out his hand for the half-orc to shake, watching the raven warily.

"So, have any of you actually met this Burgomaster Indirovich before? "

[stack]

As you meet, the d the door swings open. A chill blast of air swirls about the room, causing the fire to leap and sputter. Every head turns to see who has arrived. A human male, varisian by his dress and brightly colored scarf, loudly stamps the mud off his boots in the doorway, then surveys the room. Seeing your group stand out, he strides confidently over.

He speaks in common, with a heavy varisian accent.“The village of Barovia is in need of heroes,” he says in a thick accent. “You’ll do as well as any. They are overrun by undead abominations. Please, ride a day to the west, though do so in the light, the Svalich Woods are not safe after dark.” Without another word, he turns to leave.

[RocketMan]

Konrad

"What the hell was that?" Konrad snarls as the man departs. He glares at the door for a moment, as if hoping for force the strange man back through sheer force of will. When this venture fails, he turns back to his companions.

"We're going to Barovia anyways for the job, so if he was from the village, I don't see the damn point of that little show," Konrad says, his tone less angry, but still bitter. "Still, it's helpful to know the town is full of undead." Konrad laughs darkly.

[Firebeard]

Ah, now I know why Old Deadeye sent me this way...or at least part of it. Undead, the scourge of the natural order. Connor's eyes gleamed with a righteous fervor as he contemplated the implications of undead in the village of Barovia. He thought, just for a moment, that he might have seen a similar gleam in the gunslinger's eyes...or maybe that was just his imagination.

"Undead? Well that explains a lot about this summons from the Burgomaster, and perhaps something about this 'wasting' curse on the lady Kolyana. It is good that we know the cause of some of the village's problems, and I for one am not willing to suffer the undead to walk. I wish that we did not have to wait until the morrow to set out, but perhaps the man was right in his warning. "

Connor thought for a moment then looked at Pious. "I imagine between the two of us we can prepare spells against undead that might help upon the morrow."

[Leviathan]

Pious' face, listening the the strange messenger's grim tidings, grows concerned. So quickly I am cast back into battle... But I do not think this one futile. It is my Lady's will, and that has never gone ill before. He stands abruptly, his armour clanking. "We must go at once, whatever the dangers. Every moment of delay may mean more death: if the town is overrun, I fear for the villagers." The priest's voice sounds urgent and serious, and one hand is clenched around the hilt of his scimitar.

"Trust in the Gods to ward us from evil and do not fear it! he implores his companions.

[Sthalor]

The Old Timer shakes Connor's hand, the Half Orc's scrawny and wrinkled in comparison. He begins to say something, but is interrupted by the man bursting in and imploring their help. The Old Timer continues to puff on his pipe as the others talk, and speaks up when silence falls. "Well, it appears this town of Barovia is in quite a bit of trouble." The raven speaks again, the same grating language that seems to be the verbal equivalent of nails on a chalkboard.

The Old Timer sighs as Pious speaks, taking a long drag from his pipe. The long wooden piece was nearly empty, and he quickly refilled it with more tobacco. "You're a devout one, aren't you there, Master Dwarf?" The Old Timer chuckles, coughing a bit again. "I believe that we take the terrified villager's advice and not traverse the forest tonight. I've been hunting witches in this area, and they're none too friendly. Besides..." He yawns, stretching his back and rising up to his full height before slouching down again. "I'm damn tired. And we're also in Ustalav. I'm a little new, but I thought the general rule was stay inside after dark."

[Bhaakon]

Connor's not mistaken, Salvatore's eyes gleam with the grin his stern mouth won't form, and unconsciously strokes the but of his pistol. With supreme effort, he masters the urge to follow the strange messenger out the door, "no, not at night. Don't fight them on their terms, I've made that mistake before."

The name is Salvatore, by the way."

[Firebeard]

At Salvatore's words about having made the mistake of fighting undead in the dark before, Connor cocked an eyebrow. There was a story there, though not one he thought he'd be able to wrangle out of the gunslinger this night.

He looked both relieved at not having to be the only one arguing against the cleric of Sarenae, and frustrated that they were going to have to leave the Barovians to their own wiles another night. Still, Both the Old One and the gunslinger - Salvatore, he reminded himself - were right. "Looks like we wait. And on the morrow, I shall ask Erastil for powers to aid against the undead."

He turned to the half-orc again, and firmly gripped the hand, backing off on the pressure before he hurt the old mage. "So, you've been hunting witches in the area, have you? Perhaps you can share some of what you know about the local customs and dangers with those of us who are relative newcomers here."

[RocketMan]

Konrad

"A strange man, with no explanation, tells you to do something and what do you all do? Trust him without question? Damn it, are you trying to get killed?" Konrad grimaces.

"Not that it matters much, we've got to go to Barovia as it is. But you're all damned stupid if you're not at least suspicious of that man!"

[Bhaakon]

Salvatore shrugs, "I was already heading there, so his veracity matters not a wit to my plans. We'll discover the truth of it soon enough."

[Firebeard]

"Likewise. What did he tell us that might have affected our plans? We were headeed to Barovia to answer the call of the Burgomaster anyways. We weren't planning on travelling at night originally. It wasn't until he mentioned undead that there was any discussion of setting out at night. And the mention of undead, if false, certainly isn't likely to change our preparations much, if any. I agree that it was suspicious behavior, but there is such a thing as too paranoid, neighbor."

[RocketMan]

Konrad

"Fine," Konrad grunts in response to Connor. "You think that. But I like not being dead." He turns to the rest of the assembled party. "I don't see it making much difference whether we leave now or later. The forest at night is certainly dangerous, but I'm not eager to take the advice of a mysterious stranger who could easily be luring us into a trap."

[Bhaakon]

"Yes, he could. Better, then, to come upon it in the daylight, when we have a chance to spot it beforehand." With that Salvatore goes to find the bald innkeeper and inquire after a room for the night.

[stack]

The night passes. The cold autumn wind whistles past the poorly hung windows, creating an unpleasant draft. You think you may have heard the howls of distant wolves, but you cannot be certain.

Your newly-formed group departs at first light, having made ready in the glow from the east. A quick cold breakfast set you for the road.

Old Svalich Road winds its way through the hills and valleys, farms and homestead growing infrequent until the fail entirely. You ride through ancient woods, the high bright sun often obscured, the trees stealing its comforting warmth.

Black pools of water stand like dark mirrors about the muddy roadway. A pall of thick, cold mist spreads over the ground despite the now-overcast sun. Giant tree trunks stand guard on both sides of the road, their branches clawing at the mists. In every direction the fog grows thicker and the forest seems more oppressive.

As the sun fails entirely and the darkness threatens to be complete, you see something ahead. Gray in the fog, high stone pillars loom up from the impenetrable woods on both sides of the road. Huge iron gates hang from the stonework, dew clinging to their rusting bars. Standing before the pillars are two stone statues of armed guardians with wicked polearms. Their carved heads lie among the weeds at their feet, neatly broken from the stone shoulders.

To keep things moving, I presume you stick to the road. If you want to do something else, let me know)

[Bhaakon]

Salvatore pulls up his horse and dismounts, handing the reins to one of the others. He approaches the gate with a wary eye for trouble--or guardsman--and moves to open it if neither is in sight.

perception: [roll0]

[stack]

The gate creaks open as Salvator approaches, no one visible on the other side, to challenge or greeting called out.

Peering in, you can see that mist blankets the village, smothering the streets and marooning the buildings, forming an archipelago of crumbling masonry in a gray, hopeless sea. At the village’s lonely edge, most structures are
abandoned, burnt-out hulks. Charcoal is thick on the air, but that choking odor can’t overpower the underlying, sickly sweet smell of carrion and spoilage. Claw marks rake some of the vacant homes, ominous not merely because of their presence, but because of the five-fingered, handlike shape they suggested.

Farther inward, as gaps in the mist show, most buildings survive. Doors are barricaded with tables, broken carts, and smashed furnishings. Windows are
shuttered and planked.Silence is thick in the fog-bound streets, as though from cotton stuffed into the ears. Nothing living stirred, nothing breathing walked the streets.

Then the air is pierced by the sounds of battle, faint in the distance ahead.

please give a marching order and general plan of action. The street runs forward a short bit to an intersection, were you could go left, right, or straight.

[Firebeard]

Connor dismounted and drew his bow as the gates swung open. Eyes constantly moving, he scanned the surrounding area for any sign of danger. Concentrating, he attuned his mind to Nature's way, looking for evidence of any unnatural and evil auras nearby.

At the sound of battle, he nods to Salvatore, indicating that he heard it as well. He curbed his instinct to run to the fray, instead continuing to scan the area around them while the others dismounted.


Perception [roll0]

stack, not sure how you are doing the Paladin Detect Evil (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/paladin#TOC-Detect-Evil-Sp-). Are you treating it as a radar - 60ft cone, see everything - or as a designated target? Let me know and I will adjust my posts and play accordingly.

[stack]

Connor: You detect no evil within 30' of the gate. (I assumed you went up to, but not through, the gate.)

The spell requires concentration, a standard action. I believe that the paladin ability also requires it. Just let me know when you want to use it, or if you want to keep it up for a time (losing standard actions until you say otherwise.

[Bhaakon]

Salvatore draws his pistol, uttering the command that makes the barrel glow a dull cherry red. "Lets head towards the sound of battle," he whispers to the others, leading the way through the streets.

Salvatore is fine going first, since he has the best perception anyway.

[Firebeard]

In the same tone, Connor says "There are no undead, or creatures of evil intent in the immediate vicinity. If Salvatore is taking point, I will bring up the rear."

[Sthalor]

The Older Timer had remained rather quiet throughout the journey, making the odd comment and shouting in that same abrasive language to his raven, and smoking his pipe. He offered his Light spell to anyone who wanted it, but his own Orcish Darkvision let him remain without it. When the group approached the front gate, The Old Timer shivered, and his raven flew off into the sky, only to come perching pack on his shoulder, whispering into his ear.

"Careful, gentlemen," he mutters, slowly drawing arcane symbols in the air. Quickly, nigh invisible plates seem to float up from the ground and affix themselves around the body of The Old Timer.

Casting Mage Armor, +4 to AC for 6 hours. I'll put an X next to the spells I've prepared on my character sheet.

[RocketMan]

Konrad

"Mother-of-Monsters," Konrad swears, letting out a low hiss as the ruined village emerges from the mists. In a flash, his greatsword is in his hands and his stormy eyes sweep suspiciously around.

"We had better keep moving. It sounds like someone is still alive in here. Follow me."

Konrad will go first in the marching order.

[Leviathan]

Pious' eyes survey the ruined village. "Sarenrae preserve us," he murmurs, drawing his blade. "But come, we are not yet too late; some may live!" He swings his blade through the air experimentally, then adds with a grumble, "Not that I'll be hacking through the undead... Bloody sword arm."

[stack]

Salvatore Legatus Initiative [roll0] Perception [roll1]
Pious Bronzeanvil Initiative [roll2] Perception [roll3]
Connor Initiative [roll4] Perception [roll5]
Old Timer Initiative [roll6] Perception [roll7]
Konrad Landrick Initiative [roll8] Perception [roll9]

enemy initiative [roll10]

The streets are choked with mist, limiting vision to only a few dozen feet. The buildings here at the edge of town look abandoned, burned out, or
barricaded. Garbage litters the ground, and a carrion stench assaults your nose. Ahead, an overturned haycart blocks the street.

Connor:As you close, you are able to detect the presence of evil in the direction of the cart, which is ~30' from you.

Connor's observation comes too late, his position at the back of the party placing others near the cart before he can warn them. Rotting corpses stagger out from behind their cover, dead eyes fixed on your flesh. They are joined by disturbingly large rat-wolf things, fanged jaws still bearing bits of gore.

Map:http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb438/stack31/E1-round1.png

Knowledge: religion DC 16 They aren't just normal zombies. They bear the marks of a communicable infection

Knowledge: Nature DC 11 the rat-things are called carcass eaters
DC 16 They are known to frenzy around gore and viciously attack the fallen.

Everyone but Pious is in the before monsters group. Please post your actions by Monday morning. Then the monsters will act, followed by Pious's round 1 and everyone else's round 2. Don't worry about posting in order.

[Firebeard]

Connor whipped an arrow from his quiver and nocked it to his bow as he moved to get a clear line of sight. "Watch the zombies, they bear signs of infection. If they bite you, let me know immediately." Lining up a shot on the closest zombie, Connor took a deep breath, then released the bowstring. He was caught now in the flow of hunting. Pull and release, pull and release. He saw at least one of his arrows hit the target, but he knew that arrows weren't the most effective weapons to use on zombies.


Connor is 5' adjusting to 07.10 and firing 3 shots at Z3, using rapid shot, deadly aim, and point blank shot

attack1 [roll0]
damage [roll1]

attack2 [roll2]
damage [roll3]

attack3 [roll4]
damage [roll5]

[Sthalor]

As the zombies and rodent-wolves pour into the street, the Old Timer seems to undergo a change. He slams his quaterstaff on the ground, which somehow lets out a thundering noise, and stands up straight. Any of those attuned with magic can feel the sudden arcane surge that seems to come from him, his raven still on his shoulder, now merely squaking instead of speaking.

The Older Timer's eyes widen as he sees the rodents, crying out, "Carcass Eaters! Stay on your feet! These little bastards will swarm you!" He begins chanting under his breath, and thrusts his arm forward. In a small flash of light, a rather large wolverine appears in front of one of the Carcass Eaters. The wolverine seems to be completely white, with a faint ring of light hovering inches above its head. As it slashes out at one of the Carcass Eaters, it seems to glow a bit.

Summon Monster 3 to summon a Celestial Wolverine into 3.06, which attacks Carcass Eater 2 using its Smite Evil.

Wolverine Rounds Left: 6

[Bhaakon]

Salvatore smirks as he draws a bead on the nearest zombie. Not the ideal weapon, but it will have to do. The inquisitor silently invokes Pharasma's hatred of the undead to strengthen his shots as he pulls the trigger, launching a nearly molten lead ball from the magically heated barrel. His practiced hands reload the gun in a flash, and a second round follows the first before the abominations can respond.

This is going to be complicated, so bear with me. 5ft step to 07.09. Swift action to give the gun bane vs undead, full round action for full attack w/ rapid shot and free to reload. If Z3's still standing, target it first, otherwise aim at Z2, and move on to Z1 if I kill Z2. If first shot is a misfire, cease fire.

shot 1 [roll0] include PBS and bane bonus, vs touch AC within 20 ft., -2 and normal AC at longer range.
shot 2 [roll1] ditto
damage 1: [roll2] B/P damage w/ PBS bonus [roll3] fire, [roll4] bane
Damage 2: [roll5] B/P damage w/ PBS bonus [roll6] fire, [roll7] bane

man, I hope I didn't screw up all those rolls. Separated them out in case of DR.

44 HP, AC 18, touch AC 14

[RocketMan]

Konrad

Konrad grunts as his companions send a flurry of bullets and arrows raining down on the zombies. His greatsword ignites with flame as he hurtles forwards, lunging in amidst the undead.

"Down you go," he snarls as he reaches his first foe.

Konrad will move to 04.05, Power Attacking Z1, using his Lunge feat to give himself 10 foot reach, and using Great Cleave to Power Attack each enemy within reach.

Cleave order: Z1 -> Z2 -> C2 -> C1

Cleave Z1:
Power Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

Cleave Z2 (if Z1 hits):
Power Attack: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]

Cleave C2 (if Z2 hits):
Power Attack: [roll4]
Damage: [roll5]

Cleave C1 (if C2 hits):
Power Attack: [roll6]
Damage: [roll7]

EDIT: of course attack #1 would be the only one at risk of missing!

Note that as a result of using Great Cleave and Lunge, Konrad has a -4 penalty to AC for the round, making his 17.

[stack]

The first zombie falls in a hail of arrows and bullets, the stench of burning flesh filling the air. At the same time the newly materialized wolverine tears a gash in one of the rat things, which falls to the earth, its breathing now ragged.

Conrad's mighty blade scythes across his foes. The dead flesh of the zombies is torn, but they are unchecked, mindless to any peril. The scavengers are, however, both quite dead.

Now with a readily available target, the zombies strike.
Z3 step to 04.04 attack [roll0]
damage [roll1]
fort dc 13 if hit

Z2 step to 05.04 attack [roll2]
damage [roll3]
fort dc 13 if hit

More zombies pour out of the buildings, including one that looks much more 'put together' than the others. It raises a hand, pointing at Konrad.

Will save DC 14 or:hold person
locations zombies @ 04.03, 04.02, & 07.07

the other thing is at 05.02

spellcraft dc 17:hold person
knowledge religion dc 13:it's a deathlok, an undead caster

(everyone goes now)

[Sthalor]

The Old Timer's head whips around as the more put together zombie comes lumbering out, feeling the familiar call of arcane magic being cast nearby. He eyes the thing, and quickly cries out, "It's a Deathlok! Take it down, it's trouble!" Instantly, he whips out his arm and begins chanting again, the air around him growing warm. His hand bursts into flame, and he throws it at the Deathlok. It expands in the air and lands on the caster.

Meanwhile, the glowing wolverine moves around the corner of the building to claw at the zombie standing there.

Cast Flaming Sphere on the Deathlok. Reflex Save DC 19 to negate damage. Wolverine attacks zombie at 4.03.

Flaming Sphere Damage [roll0]
Wolverine Attack [roll1]
Wolverine Damage [roll2]

[Leviathan]

Pious

Pious glares at the oncoming undead, watching as Konrad charges forwards. Locking his shield in front of him, the old dwarf moves forwards. He draws his holy symbol from his neck, brandishing it in the direction of the zombies. "Burn in the Dawnflower's cleansing flame, abominations!" he roars over the fighting. "May your spirits find peace freed from torment!"

Moving to 05.06 and using Channel Energy on the undead. It should hit all of them from this position. Will DC 17 for half damage. [roll0]. And because of the Sun Domain, channel resistance does not apply.

[Firebeard]

Connor heard the old half-orc call out the danger of the caster, and though he knew he had heard the name before, he could not quite place it. He wanted to skewer the thing, but he had more immediate problems. There was a zombie right in front of him, injured, but still moving. "A little busy here, maybe Salvatore is free." he called as he rapidly pulled arrows from his quiver and released them into the shambling form in front of him.


Connor is firing 3 shots at the zombie in front of him, using rapid shot, deadly aim, and point blank shot. If his target is dead before he acts, shoot any other target within 30 feet.

attack1 [roll0]
damage [roll1]

attack2 [roll2]
damage [roll3]

attack3 [roll4]
damage [roll5]

[RocketMan]

Konrad

Konrad grunts as the zombies' claws rake him, but otherwise shows no sign of relenting his attacks. The mercenary whirls about, his blade scything through undead as he lashes out all around him.

First, I'll roll Fortitude saves. I'm not 100% sure that those attacks we directed again Konrad - if they weren't, disregard these.

Fortitude 1: [roll0]
Fortitude 2: [roll1]

Second, his actions for this round. Same as last, Power Attacking all enemies within 10 feet using Lunge and Great Cleave. The order of attacks is Z2 -> Z3 -> new zombie at 04.03 -> C1 -> C2.

Z2:
Power Attack: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]

Z3:
Power Attack: [roll4]
Damage: [roll5]

New Zombie at 04.03:
Power Attack: [roll6]
Damage: [roll7]

C1:
Power Attack: [roll8]
Damage: [roll9]

C2:
Power Attack: [roll10]
Damage: [roll11]

If any of those attacks miss, the ones after it don't happen. Again, his AC is 17 until the end of the round.

[Bhaakon]

Salvatore takes another step forward, firing as he walks. "You're not breaking a sweat over a couple of shambling corpses, are you?" he responds to Connor, clearly enjoying himself.


5-foot step to 08.08, 2 more shots w/ rapid reload at the deathlock (redirect to the nearest standing Zombie if the deathlock dies, stop after first shot if it misfires.

Attack 1: [roll0]
Attack 2: [roll1]
damage 1 [roll2] piercing/. bludgeoning [roll]3d6/roll] fire/bane
damage 2 [roll3] [roll4]

44 HP, 18 AC

[Firebeard]

Connor reach for more arrows as he fired, grinning at Salvatore's comment. "Well, it's not like Fiachtheron here is meant to be used on zombies. She's much better with bandits, rogue animals, and the like. Still," he said as he launched another arrow "we'll get the job done. Now, about that caster?" He continued to load and fire, his mangled hand finding new arrows with practiced ease, arms moving in a continual ellipse of draw, set, release.

[stack]

(The caracass eaters where killed last round)

Konrad feels the ache of the zombie's blow, a cold nausea spreading throughout his body.you are sickened from the disease.
-2 penalty on all attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks Despite this, his blade, combined with the dwarf's holy light, destroy all three zombies within his extensive reach.

The Dawnflower's flame also joins with arcane fire to purge the threat of the deathlock, leaving nothing but charred bones and ash.

The celestial wolverine rushes past Konrad to snap at the remaining zombie, but only tears away filthy cloth. The zombie responds in kind, slamming the creature with dead arms.
wolverine takes 5 damage, fort save 13 or sickened (not that it will matter with a short-duration summons)

The remaining zombie advance on Salvatore and Connor, but the force and flame of bullet and arrow prevent its sluggish limbs from finding their targets.

Okay, you have two heavily damaged zombies. Let's assume you are competent to dispatch them before they can act again.

The last two zombies are summarily finished, the corpses released from the fell power driving them by the exorcism of blades.

600 XP each. There is no obvious gear to take from the undead and the carcass eaters where animals.

How would you like to proceed?

[Firebeard]

Connor pulls his greatsword to help dispatch the last of the zombies, then goes around and hacks off their heads, just in case, as he recovers his spent arrows. Pulling the last of his misses from a doorjamb, he turns to see Konrad, an ashen look on the fighter's face.

"Here, let me see. Yes, it is as I feared, the zombies were carrying some form of infection. Hold on." He laid his right hand on Konrad's shoulder and muttered a small prayer to Erastil. The hand glowed softly and the paladin felt divine power rushing through him. "That should do it."


Lay on hands heals [roll0] damage and removes sickened condition. Also removes disease with a [roll1] check

Also, stack, I have durable arrows, which don't break so I can recover them from both hits and misses.

[stack]

The warrior's skin immediately regains is color as the the sickness is cleansed by Connor's divine power.

The sounds of battle continue from up the road, carried by the mists that limit your vision.

It is possible to search abandoned building, or you can try turning to the side, but the sounds are coming from straight into the heart of the town.

[RocketMan]

Konrad

"Thanks," Konrad says gruffly. It's high praise coming from the dour warrior.

"We should keep moving. It sounds like there are more of these blighted undead up the road - probably finishing off the rest of this town," he surmises grimly.

[Firebeard]

Connor smiled at the warrior's curt response. "Indeed. Let's be on our way then." He nocked an arrow to his bowstring and headed off after the others, towards the sounds of battle.

[Sthalor]

The Old Timer dispells the Wolverine at the end of combat with a wave of his hand, again slouching over and grabbing his quaterstaff to hold himself up. His raven again began screeching in that language before the old Half Orc yelled at it. "Aye, let's me on our way. No telling what the hell we're gonna find here, so keep an eye out."

[Leviathan]

"Aye, every wasted moment may be a tragedy." He shoots a dour glare at Konrad. "I will not believe that we have come too late."

[Bhaakon]

Salvatore doesn't even speak, instead giving his response by marching directly towards the sound of battle.

[stack]

You proceed down the street. The ever present mists clear slightly, revealing a human body lying face down in the street amid the garbage. One of the buildings facing the street has its door smashed in.

Connor:You are feeling the presence of evil in several directions, but nothing that is in sight, so you cannot be certain how close.

As you proceed, zombies shamble forth from the buildings on either side. Then the air is pierced by a shriek.Hideous, distorted human heads suspended from leathery wings swoop down. In place of hair, they are crowned with writhing tendrils, and their eyes burn with a menacing green flame.

Initiative:Salvatore Legatus [roll0]
Pious Bronzeanvil [roll1]
Connor Halfhand [roll2]
Old Timer [roll3]
Konrad Landrick [roll4]

monsters - 14 (rolled elsewhere)

Salvatore, Pious, and Old Timer act before monsters (24 hrs max)

Map:http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb438/stack31/E2R1.png
(I rotated the map so North is up, which is why the road you are going straight down changed directions relative to your screen)

Note: Flying Heads start at EL 20'

The zombies look like the previous ones.
Knowledge planes: DC 12Vargouilles, an evil outsider known for it's paralyzing scream
DC 17they have a poison bite and can turn others into Vargouilles

[Sthalor]

As The Old Timer once again prepares for battle, the shriek coming from the floating heads. His eyes widen as he yells out, "Vargouilles! Don't let them bite you, dammit!" The Half Orc wrenches a pearl from the large necklace around his neck and hurling it at the flying heads. The pearl strikes the ground behind them and explodes into a fiery storm.

Throw 1 Pearl from Necklace of Fireballs (3d6 damage) at 15.01.
[roll0]

[Leviathan]

Pious raises an armoured hand, intoning a prayer in a deep voice, ignoring the screams of the horrific heads. "Find in yourself the strength to do good!" His hand is placed on Konrad; a flash of golden light crackles over the warrior's body.

Casting Bull's Strength on Konrad.

[Bhaakon]

"Don't let the Vargouielles poison you! Pharasma knows, I'd rather not put you down like all the other abominations here!" Shouts Salvatore as the fireball explodes overhead. Not waiting to see the fate of the flying heads, he takes a step forward and fires at the nearest zombie.

5 ft step to 15.06, swift action to use Destruction Judement (+3 damage). Fire at Z1 w/ rapid shot and deadly aim.

A1: [roll0] -2 deadly aim, -2 rapid shot, +1 PBS vs touch AC
A2: [roll1]
D1: [roll2] [roll3] +1 PBS, +1 enhancement, +1 trait +3 judgement, +4 deadly aim
d2: [roll4] [roll5]

[stack]

Oddly, they forgot the Vargouille's save in the AP. Doesn't matter though, saving for half would still drop them to 0. ,sniff. I had high hopes for them too.

The ball of flame engulfs the flying head, searing their tendrils and consuming their wings, sending them falling, bouncing off the roof tops and tumbling to the ground with a sick thud.

The zombies shuffle forward, moving faster than anticipated, oozing fingers reaching for Konrad and Salvatore. They find no chink in the warrior's armor, but the gunman is not so lucky.

Salvatore:7 damage, fort DC 13 or sickened

Behind the wall of walking corpses, two dead-white worm emerge from under the corpse, their segmented bodies writhing with surprising speed toward the fresh meat.

Knowledge nature DC 16:they are dire maggots, a small sized burrowing scavenger.
DC 21: They have a paralytic saliva

Map:http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb438/stack31/E2R2.png

Everyone gets to act, 24 hrs.

[Firebeard]

Connor, watching the varghouilles go up in flame, shifted his aim to the zombie barreling down on Salvatore. He saw the creature, moving faster than he would have expected, land a glancing blow on the gunslinger and then he shot it. And again. And again.

He saw at least one arrow bury itself deep into zombie flesh, but another punched clear through a hole in the rotting thing's torso and the third missed by a wide margin. It seemed that he was not having very good luck with his bow skills today. Perhaps he needed to work on that.

"Salvatore, how badly are you injured?"


rapidshot, PBS, DA @Z3

attack [roll0]
damage [roll1]

attack [roll2]
damage [roll3]

attack [roll4]
damage [roll5]

[RocketMan]

Konrad

"Nine Hells!" Konrad curses, his deep voice ringing out over the battle. "These things just keep coming." He steps forwards into the fray, swinging his blade at the oncoming foes.

5-foot step to 14.06, Great Cleave+Lunge+Power Attack. Z1->Z2->Z3->Z4->M1-M2

Z1:
Power Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

Z2:
Power Attack: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]

Z3:
Power Attack: [roll4]
Damage: [roll5]

Z4:
Power Attack: [roll6]
Damage: [roll7]

M1:
Power Attack: [roll8]
Damage: [roll9]

M2:
Power Attack: [roll10]
Damage: [roll11]

AC17 until next round, and if any attack misses the subsequent ones fail.

[Sthalor]

The Old Timer continues chanting, barely looking up from his constantly moving hands to cast his spell. There's a small explosion in the middle of the horde, and a cloud of golden particles settles in place. "The maggots'll paralyze you, don't get too close!" He calls out, preparing to cast another spell.

Cast Glitterdust on 12.06 to hit everything except Z1 and Z3. DC 19 Will save to avoid being blinded, and anything invisible is revealed. Everything also takes a -40 to Stealth checks.

[Leviathan]

Pious raises his holy symbol once more. "By light be purged! Your torment is at an end!" Once more, a radiant glow illuminates the battlefield, its golden energy scorching the undead.

Using Channel Energy. Will DC17 for half damage. Channel resistance does not apply. [roll0]

[Bhaakon]

"Just a scratch," responds Salvatore to Connor as he backs away from the nearest zombie and opens fire.

Edit:crap didn't notice the nat 1 on Konrad's first attack roll. Oh well, too late to change now.

Salvatore moves to 17.05, provoking AoO. Standard action to fire w/ deadly aim

[roll0]
[roll]1d8+10 edit: 13, rolled OOC, [roll1]

[stack]

The air explodes with shining particulates. The two zombies caught in the blast try to wipe their dead-white eyes, some reflex not expunged by their demise, but continue to stumble forward. The holy light emitting from Pius, reflecting off the dust, makes all squint, the zombies recoiling momentarily, even their mindless hunger temporarily checked.

Connor's hurried arrows have little effect, two going wide in an effort not to hit his companion, a third burying itself into putrid flesh to no obvious result.

The mighty warrior Konrad steps forward, preparing a series of mighty blows. The grasping hands, darkness, and on odd-shaped stone spoil matters. He recovers, but not before losing his opening and being forced back on the defensive.

Salvatore feels a tugging as he repositions, followed by a hammer blow across his back. The zombie clings to him, following him to his new position.

Not actually grappled, that's just flavor. 9 damage and fort save 14 or sickened again.

One zombie stumbles forward, flailing at the dwarven priest, but his years of experience let him easily turn the blows with his shield.

Konrad is yet again surrounded. Fortunately the zombies are still unable to see clearly, the magic affecting even their sight, such as it is. Their blows fail to find a home. The maggots, though they managed to remain below the spell, have no better luck, mandibles clacking to no avail.

Map: http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb438/stack31/E2R3.png

24 hrs as usual.

[RocketMan]

Konrad

Konrad glares around him at the approaching horde of zombies, who now swarm all about the mercenary. "Rovagug's balls," he growls. "That's too damn close." Trying to remedy this, he swings with his sword.

You all know the drill! Z3->Z1->Z2->Z4->M1->M2 (let's try to get them off our ranged people first).

Z3:
Power Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

Z1:
Power Attack: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]

Z2:
Power Attack: [roll4]
Damage: [roll5]

Z4:
Power Attack: [roll6]
Damage: [roll7]

M1:
Power Attack: [roll8]
Damage: [roll9]

M2:
Power Attack: [roll10]
Damage: [roll11]

AC 17

Edit: and there's another natural 1! Well, at least he seems to have hit two of them this time!

[stack]

(Z3 is not adjacent, so can't be included in your chain. Each target has to be adjacent to the previous target, not just within your reach. You could start with either Z1 or Z4.)

[Firebeard]

Connor grunted at Salvatore's reply and moved quickly, backing up to take a position behind the old half-orc and unleashing another barrage of arrows at Salvatore's opponent. He knew the arrows weren't likely to do much good, but was loathe to drop Fiachtheron and draw his sword. After all, if more of those flying heads appeared, he wanted to be ready to shoot them out of the sky if the mage had no more fireballs prepared.


5' adjust to 19.07

rapidshot, PBS, DA @Z3

Edit: ah hells, what is it about this thread and rolls?

Edit2: copied in from OOC thread
attack (1d20+8)[14]
damage (2d6+8)[16]

attack (1d20+8)[23]
damage (2d6+8)[15]

attack (1d20+3)[17]
damage (2d6+8)[16]

[Bhaakon]

Finding his assailant quite dead (again), Salvatore sprints towards the nearest opponent and unleashes a viscous right cross.

move to nearest available enemy, swift action to spend a round of bane (whichever version is appropriate) on my cold iron cestus and use it to attack w/ power attack

attack: [roll0] -2 for PA, +2 for bane
damage [roll1] (1 Str, 3 judgement, 4 PA) + [roll2] bane

[stack]

Time's up, so I'm posting simple actions for Pious and Old Timer. I will try not to use any resources when I do this unless it is necessary.The zombie assaulting Salvatore falls, peppered with arrows. Konrad's blade fells another, though he is unable to follow-through to the others. Salvatore steps up to relieve the pressure on Konrad, but is unable to to any real damage as he ducks the warrior's wild swings.

Pious lends his blade, cutting into Konrad's flanker while the half-orc wizard sends a bolt into the same, sailing over the dwarf's head, though it has little effect.

Konrad fends off the many blows of the zombies, but fails to block the sickening jaws of the maggots, both striking his legs. A cold numbness spreads through his limbs.

Konrad, 7 damage, DC 14 fort save (twice) or paralyzed for 1 round.

Map:http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb438/stack31/E2R4.png

You have until Monday morning to post. I will try and do an update over the weekend if everyone is done before then.

[Firebeard]

Connor tried for a clear shot, but with Konrad and Salvatore weaving about, he was unable to find an opening. Gritting his teeth, he ran for a clear spot, ducking as he passed Pious and the zombie he was fighting. Turning, he flung out a pair of arrows at the maggots trying to tear off Konrad's legs.


Move to 11.07, eating the AoO if necessary
RapidShot, PB, DA

M1 [roll0]
damage [roll1]

M2 [roll2]
damage [roll3]

[Leviathan]

Pious swings his scimitar in a downwards arc, his arm straining as the blade slashes towards the nearby zombie. "I'm too old for this," he grumbles. Still, he fights on stoically.

Attacking Z2. Attack: [roll0] Damage: [roll1]

[Bhaakon]

Salvatore retreats a step and readies his gun, unloading a pair of shots into the nearest zombie.

I'm guessing Konrad is going to manage to not roll a 1 and finish them all off, but just in case: 5ft step to 16.05, full attack w/ rapid shot on Z4

atk1: [roll0] -2 rapid shot, +1 PBS
dmg1: [roll1] +3 judgement, +1 PBS, +1 enhancement [roll2] fire
atk2: [roll3]
dmg2: [roll4] + [roll5]

[RocketMan]

Konrad

"Ugh," Konrad grunts as the zombies claw at him. He readies to swing another time, but feels his body grow rigid. Unable to move, the mercenary looks around frantically at the battle unfolding.

Fortitude #1:
Fortitude #2:
EDIT: forgot to add the bonus to the second fortitude save: that should be 5+8=13. Still, Konrad fails.

If Konrad succeeds both fortitude saves:

Cleave: Z1->M1->Z4->M2 Edit: Never mind!

Z1:
Power Attack: [roll2]
Damage: 1d20+26

M1:
Power Attack: [roll3]
Damage: [roll4]

Z4:
Power Attack: [roll5]
Damage: [roll6]

M2:
Power Attack: [roll7]
Damage: [roll8]

AC 19 until next round (lunge not used this round). Edit: actually 21 since the paralysis prevents Power Attack from being used.

[stack]

Pious swings are unable to find his lurching foe. Connor and Salvatore are more successful, bullets join an arrow in a zombie's chest. The grizzled wizard tries to lend his aid, but his bolt finds nothing but the building wall.


I don't think Connor can get to 11.07 w/ one 20' move. It would take a double move, which would use your standard action. Also, your sheet show +4 dex bonus to AC, when your armor show a max +3 bonus allowed. I re-directed your attack to Z4, then moved you as far as I could, to set you up for next round. We can ret-con this if you want.

The undead pincushion shambles towards its attacker, fortunately leaving the immobile Connor behind. Salvatore tries to fend off the hammer blows, but is less than successful.

Salvatore take 19 damage, fort save DC 13 or sickened. It was a confirmed crit.

The other zombie, still unable to find its prey, strikes at the darkness as it groans. Konrad's luck hods out yet longer as one maggot clacks its mandibles against the trusty steel of his greaves, deadly saliva unable to touch him again as feeling returns to his limbs. The second rears up and strikes, the white bulbous segments swelling and contorting as it lurches forward toward its helpless prey, the terrible cold again seeping in.

Take 7 damage, Fort save DC 17 or die (coup de grace). Your AC is, effectively, 11 (-5 dex mod from effective dex of 0, + 4 attack bonus as if attacking a prone target)

actually CDG auto-hit...you know what, I think we need to discuss this OOC.

If both CDG, then its 13 damage, save DC 17 & save DC 16

Map: http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb438/stack31/E2R5.png

Deadline pending OOC discussion. Head over and weigh in.

[Bhaakon]

"Another hit like that and, *blrargh*," Salvatore chokes back his gorge as some preternaturally fast-moving infection courses through his bloodstream.

He stumbles back a step as his knees nearly give out, but his hands and arm prove as steady as ever as his pistol hones in on his undead assailant.

5 ft step to 17.05, swift to use another round of bane (undead), then rapid shot on Z4

attack1: [roll0] -2 rapid shot, +1 PBS, +2 bane, -2 sickened
attack 2: [roll1]
damage 1: [roll2] +1 PBS, +1 enhancement, -2 sickened [roll3] fire [roll4] bane
damage 2: [roll5] [roll6] [roll7]

Edit: forgot my Judgement. There should be an extra +3 damage on each of those attacks.

[stack]

Z4 drops, filler filler

[RocketMan]

Konrad

"Damn it," Konrad says, wincing, as the paralysis wears off. "I don't care what these things are, nobody gets away with that," he growls as he cleaves at the maggots.

M2->M1->Z2

M2:
Power Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

M1:
Power Attack: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]

Z2:
Power Attack: [roll4]
Damage: [roll5]

AC 19

[Leviathan]

Pious

The dwarven cleric steps backwards as he sees Salvatore falter. He reaches out an armoured hand towards the inquisitor as the man fires at their mutual foes. "You will not fall today, my friend."

5 foot step to 15.06 and cast Cure Moderate Wounds on Salvatore. Concentration vs. DC 19 to cast defensively: [roll0]

CMW (empowered via healing domain): [roll1]

[Firebeard]

Connor moves in the opposite direction of Pious, bringing his bow to bear on the pulsating white bags of flesh that appear to be trying to burrow into Konrad's legs. Taking swift aim, he launches a pair of arrows at the things. "Konrad, if you can hear me, take out the zombie with your next attacks. I imagine between the rest of us, we can handle the moaggots."


Move to 11.07, eating the AoO if necessary
RapidShot, PB, DA

M1 [roll0]
damage [roll1]

M2 (if M1 dies) [roll2]
damage [roll3]

[stack]

Salvatore, though wounded, sends the zombie down in a barrage of withering fire. At the same time, Konrad recovers, quickly dispatching the over-grown larvae before they can strike again. Between his further attacks and Connor's bow the remaining zombie is soon dispatched as well.

The old half-orc stares at a particularly interesting patch of dirt.

800 XP each. Feel free to inspect the body, search the buildings, kick the zombies, or have a poetry slam. (IE, tell me how you wish to proceed.)

The sounds of battle are closer than before, still coming from further into town, though it is too dark and misty to see clearly. The body in the street is half-eaten by the maggots.

[Firebeard]

Connor moved to Salvatore and looked the gunslinger over. Reaching out his hand, he covered the man's worst wound with his palm and spoke a quick prayer to Erastil. He felt once again the holy energy go out from him, healing Salvatore's wounds and working to remove the corruption growing inside him.

Healing done, he moved to the body in the road, yanking his arrows out of corpses and the ground as he walked, and checked it for signs of life or contagion.


Lay on Hands to heal damage.

CL check to remove disease

Heal check 1d20+3

[stack]

The body is bruised, broken, battered, and bitten, but seems oddly unaffected by the contagion.

make a perception roll if you wish.

[Firebeard]

Umm...right. Can I just call for help instead? [roll0]


Connor examined the man, sighing when he found that he man truly was dead. It wasn't unexpected, but there had at least been slight hope. "He's dead, all right. But there doesn't appear to be any signs of infection. Perhaps we can return and bury his body when we have figured out what is going on here and dealt with this undead curse."

[Bhaakon]

Salvatore nods his thanks to the dwarven cleric, then, with the last of their foes fallen, adds a healing incantation of his own.

CLW: [roll0]

His more serious wounds addressed, the inquisitor joins Connor in examining the body.

perception [roll1]

[stack]

On the body are a silver charm in the shape of a maple leaf on a thin silver chain and a leather fold stuffed into a pocket sewn into the man’s pants. Inside, papers reveal the man’s name to be Viktor Litmunova, a carpenter.

Spellcraft DC 20:pendant of good health, removes 1 disease/day from the wearer.

[Bhaakon]

"Litmunova, perhaps he has relation among the survivors... though is sounds like there will be fewer by the minute," says Salvatore, more interested in identifying the man than looting his corpse.

[Sthalor]

The Old Timer approaches the corpse, kneeling down enxt to it and snatching the amulet. He holds it up in the air by the chain and chuckles, saying, "Poor bastard. Had the right idea, but no chance against these abominations." He then stands up, using his quarterstaff to push himself to his feet, and says, "We should keep going. One dead man is nothing compared to what must be going on in other parts of the village.

[Leviathan]

Pious kneels briefly beside the fallen man, laying a hand on his body. "Sarenrae, take this man to your side and shelter him from the evils he knew in life." It is a short battlefield prayer, a small mercy for a fallen soul.

He stands. "We should move on."

[stack]

(Three votes is good enough for me)
You proceed down the street. As you get closer to the sounds of battle, shouts, groans, and sporadic gunfire, you can begin to see the town square emerge through the mist.

Rough barricades block most of the access to the square; however, the eastern barricade, which you are approaching, has been breached and zombies are swarming through the opening. A woman near the center of the town square, her back to the well, valiantly fights the zombies, but she is heavily outnumbered. "Back abominations! Sarenrae's light will cleanse this place!"

One of the creatures is disfigured more than the others and covered in dirt.
Know Religion DC 18:
An entomber, a more powerful undead
DC 23:It can knock foes into the earth, burying them and pulling them back out at will.

Connor:You pick up evil in a number of directions as you travel, though it is hard to get a fix through the walls of the buildings. There are numerous more ahead, toward the square.

Initiative:
Salvatore Legatus [roll0]
Pious Bronzeanvil [roll1]
Connor Halfhand [roll2]
Old Timer [roll3]
Konrad Landrick [roll4]

Monsters [roll5]


ed- Salvatore, Old Timer and Connor are up. Try to act by noon EST.

Map: Not had much luck with maptools, so I guess I'll stick with this method)

http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb438/stack31/sq1.png

[Bhaakon]

Salvatore eyes the disfigured walker for a moment, sure he'd heard of something similar before... but no, he can't quite recall. Shaking his head, breaks into a chant, then reaches out to touch of of the others in turn. "Pharasma will protect us, looks like we'll need it."


standard action to cast Communal Protection From Evil (dividing the duration 5 ways makes for 1 minute per person; +2 deflection AC and save bonuses vs. evil sources), move action to touch each of us and return to same spot (not sure I need this, but it seems reasonable and I didn't plan on moving anyway), swift to initiate Justice judgement (+2 to hit)

[Sthalor]

The Old Timer shakes his head, stretching his back and groaning. "This is ridiculous. You! Sword-Arm! Get over here!" The Old Timer steps forward and grabs Konrad on the shoulder. He chants a few words under his breath, and arcane power surges into Konrad as he doubles in size.

RocketMan, read this.
Cast Enlarge Person on Konrad. +2 Strength, -2 Dex, -1 AC and on Attack Rolls. Konrad now occupies a 2x2 square and has natural reach of ten feet. His greatsword, which deals 2d6 base damage as a medium weapon, deals 3d6 base damage as a large weapon.

[Firebeard]

Connor pushed through the others as they were setting protective spells and advanced wards. His eyes were on the woman fighting alone. He pulled a pair of arrows as he went. Sighting down the first arrow shaft, he aimed directly between the shoulder blades of the zombie between him and the woman. Knowing he had to make every shot count against these foes, he took a deep breath, released half of it, and released the string. His mangled hand found another shaft waiting and, with practiced ease, set ip on the string and fired another shot.


Move to 16.06

attack z1 [roll0]
damage [roll1]

attack z1 [roll2]
damage [roll3]


He watched the arrows fly and called "Konrad, take the breach! Salvatore and I will cover you from a distance."

[stack]

One of Connors arrows sinks into the back of the woman's assailants, causing it to lurch. Your arrival is well marked, however, and a number of the zombies break-off to come after your group. Two lurchingly stumble after the now-enlarged Konrad, inviting his wrath as they flailing to no affect, sturdy armor and divine blessing turning them away. A third takes advantage of the distraction of the other two, striking Connor terribly.

Konrad: you get AOO's vs Z8 & Z9

Connor: take 8 damage, paladins immune to disease, so no extra roll. It was an non-confirmed crit

The golden-haired woman steps to the side, dodging blows, and produces a flare-barreled longarm. Light and thunder erupt from the barrel, engulfing three of the foul undead, their wounds smoking as they recoil from the divine blast. She does not escape unscathed, however, a hammer blow striking her side.

Finally noticing your arrival, the woman calls out, "I am Ashlyn, servant of the Dawnflower. I cannot stand against this tide much longer, give me your aid!"

Map:http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb438/stack31/sq2.png

[Bhaakon]

Salvatore circles Konrad, giving the big man a wide berth to work. "Retreat to our line," he calls to the overrun Sarenite, "we'll try to open gap!" Hoping the woman heard him, he summons forth a dagger of magical force to strike at a nearby zombie.

Move action to 18.09. Standard to cast spiritual weapon to attack Z4 (by RAW, I don't think it takes up a square, but if so, 15.08).

Question: Since spiritual weapon uses my BAB and Wis mod to determine to hit, does it also get the bonus for my judgement? If so, add another +2 to the attack roles.

attack: [roll0]
damage: [roll1] force damage (bypasses DR)

Spiritual weapon duration: 1/5 rounds

[Leviathan]

Pious once again reaches out to Konrad. "Maintain your strength and we will not fail. Fight well!" His benediction infuses the warrior with strength.

Casting bull's strength on Konrad.

[Firebeard]

@stack

Okay, if Konrad had acted, I'd know better what to do. I want to fire to help Ashlyn, and if Konrad had killed one, I would have no problems shooting at z1.

But, if he didn't I would rather channel energy for [roll0] holy damage to all undead w/in 30'. Will save DC17 for half damage.

I am going to go ahead and post as if I am shooting, but can I channel if Konrad doesn't act? I'll retcon the post as needed.



Connor gritted his teeth, while trying to avoid Konrad's flailing swings. He knew that he was likely to take some damage from the zombies before him, but he had no choice. If he was going to be able to help Ashlyn get to them, he was going to have to take a chance. He aimed and ignored the fetid odors of the nearby undead as he loosed a set of arrows at her attackers.


Full attack, RS, PBS @z1, switching if Z1 dies

attack z1 [roll1]
damage [roll2]

attack z1 [roll3]
damage [roll4]

attack z1 [roll5]
damage [roll6]

[RocketMan]

Konrad

"What the blazes?" Konrad yells, startled, as his body begins to grow dramatically larger. "Damn it, tell me next time before you put a spell on me!" he yells to his companions behind him. Still, the mercenary doesn't look unhappy as he cleaves at the zombies with his newly-extended reach.

Cleave and Lunge to give Konrad 15 foot reach.

Z8-> Z9-> Z2-> Z4

Z8:
Power Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

Z9:
Power Attack: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]

Z2:
Power Attack: [roll4]
Damage: [roll5]

Z4:
Power Attack: [roll6]
Damage: [roll7]

AC 17

[Sthalor]

The Old Timer sighs, spinning on his heel, and seems to almost fold in upon himself, winking out of existence. He reappears next to Pious, already chanting another spell as he does so. He flings the spell out in front of him, sailing over the zombies in front of them and lands in the crowd of zombies plaguing Ashlyn. The ground is suddenly covered in a thick, greasy substance, and the zombies shuffling is reduced to slipping around on the now slick ground.

Swift action teleport (Wizard School Power) to move to 19.08 and cast Grease (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/all-spells/g/grease). Hits a ten foot square. Aimed at squares 10.05, 10.06, 11.05 and 11.06. All creatures must make a DC 18 Reflex save or fall prone.

Any creature moving through or within the area must make a DC 10 Acrobatics check. Failure means they automatically stop moving and make a Reflex save or fall prone. Failure of the acrobatics check by 5 or more means they automatically fall prone. Creatures that do not move are not affected.

[stack]

Empowered by Pious, Konrad's huge blade checks the zombies as they close before felling them entirely, his blade ending all but the furthest creature.

I rolled an AOO for Konrad, the extra damage was enough to drop Z8. Z4 is almost done as well.

Salvatore's magic blade fails to find it's target, the zombie knocked and staggered out of position by Konrad's assault.

Two of the zombies attacking Ashlyn tumble unceremoniously to the ground as they slip on the unexpected grease, though the others remain standing, despite Connor's fletched barrage, though Ashlyn finishes one with a flick of her blade before stepping away. She is quickly mobbed by the remaining zombies, including two more of the dirt-encrusted ones that burst forth from the adjacent buildings. Her light armor does little to stay their blows, though she manages to keep her feet as the strange zombies try to drive her into the earth with hammer-like swings of their arms. She does manage to relieve her wounds slightly with a glowing hand as she moves.

The zombies rolled shockingly well on their acrobatics checks. Who knew? z6 is prone, z3 stood up and moved, but didn't attack.

Konrad gets an AOO vs Z4 I'll just roll it here. Anything but a 1 is a kill. [roll0] okay, Z4 is down.

Ashlyn is at 2 HP + lay hands [roll1] = 7

Map:http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb438/stack31/sq3.png

24 hrs to post.

[Firebeard]

From where he stood, Connor could see no way to help the beleaguered woman but to continue firing into the mass of zombies surrounding her and hope that Konrad could get there in time. Fingers moving as fast as he dared, he pulled another trio of shafts from his quiver and launched them into the zombie closest to him. "Konrad, save her, man! We'll cover!"


Full attack, RS, PBS @z5, switching if Z5 dies

attack z5 [roll0]
damage [roll1]

attack z5 [roll2]
damage [roll3]

attack z5 [roll4]
damage [roll5]


Connor spits curses that no cleric of Erastil would condone as he rushes his shots, and sends the arrows wide of the mark.

[Leviathan]

Pious

The dwarf rushes forwards, armour clanking, holding the sigil of Sarenrae high above his white-haired head. It flashes with sunlight, radiating outwards. "Hold your ground, lass! Do not falter!"

Move to 16.09. Use channel energy to heal. It should hit everyone, including Ashlyn: [roll0]

[Bhaakon]

Salvatore takes cover behind the remains of the makeshift barricade and begins firing, hoping to open a path for the Sarenite.

move action to 16.09, standard action to attack Z3 or (if it Konrd kills it) E2 w/ deadly aim.

[roll0] +2 judgement , -2 DA, +1 PBS
[roll1] P/B, +4 D, +1 PBS, +1 enhancement [roll2] fire

[stack]

Connor's arrows wound one zombie while Salvatore's aim is spoiled by the charging Konrad, whose great blows fell two of the zombies and grievously damage the southern-most of the other creatures. The wizards bolt again proves useless, the wall of allies blocking any shot.


The beleaguered woman steps closer to Konrad's cover, taking an ineffectual swipe at the entomber as she moves, though she is able to further heal herself before it follows and strikes again, a glancing blow that could have been fatal had she been slower.
Ashlyn 20/45 HP

The undead close in, the sight of the giant warrior drawing their attention from the young paladin. All three that attack him land blows, managing to avoid his futile counter attack.
Konrad, Take 32 damage (less the 15 healed earlier makes it 17 damage)
A blend of brutal force and dark energy drives the great warrior into the soft earth, churned dirt the only sign he was once where he stood.

Treat an entombed creature as pinned (grapple check result of 20). Succeeding on two grapple checks allows it to stand up from prone on its next round. Two standard actions are required for others to unearth
an entombed creature, which can use its next action to stand; a partially uncovered creature can stand on a single successful grapple check. A creature runs the risk of suffocation (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/environment/environmental-rules#TOC-Suffocation)each round it spends fully or partially entombed.

Map:http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb438/stack31/sq4.png

24 hrs to post. Old Timer is getting close to a nasty accident.

[Firebeard]

Connor stared aghast at the undead forces involved in pounding the giant Konrad beneath the earth. This was necromantic power such as he had never seen before. It shocked him nearly as much as it angered him...nearly. "Erastil, heed my cry and grant me your power to scrape these abominations from the earth!" Connor's plea was answered immediately, and he could feel the god's aid lending him strength and resolve. He fired thrice more at the dirt-encrusted zombie directly in front of him, one that he was sure had buried Konrad beneath the earth.


Smite@E3, +3 to hit, +12 dmg, +4AC, bypasses DR

Full round attack@E3, PBS, RS

attack E3 [roll0]
damage [roll1]

attack E3 [roll2]
damage [roll3]

attack E3 [roll4]
damage [roll5]

[RocketMan]

Konrad

Beneath the earth, Konrad struggles to free himself, thrashing wildly.

Grapple: [roll0]

[Sthalor]

The Old Timer begins twirling his hands around each other, summing forth a familiar looking ball of flame that he launches into the air. The ball expands as he attempts to bring it down on one of the zombies.

Cast Flaming Sphere on E1. DC 19 Reflex save or take 3d6 damage.

Damage [roll0]

[Bhaakon]

Salvatore directs his spiritual dagger to attack the creature that had somehow dragged his ally beneath the ground, then sets to work exhuming Konrad.

move action to direct dagger to E3, standard to help dig up Konrad.

attack [roll0]
damage [roll1]

[stack]

Holy arrows and magic dagger converge on Konrad's north-most assailant, leaving ragged holes in rotting flesh. Necromantic energy fighting to keep the corpse moving, the dark force barely maintained. It is dispelled entirely as Pious raises his holy symbol, brilliant light engulfing the area. The entomber bursts into flames as it falls, the other two nearby undead flinching and weakening.

With Salvatore's aid, Konrad works free of the loose earth, returning to his feet as dirt and mud fall off his enlarged form in all directions.
I had Salvatore's action occur first, allowing the successful grapple check get you to your feet.

The ball of flame leaping from Old Timer's hands strikes true, filling the air further with the sick scent of scorched rot. Ashlyn finishes her attacker, already heavily damaged.

The regular zombie manages to strike Konrad as he rises, though the combination of blows prevents the remaining entomber from joining in. The other zombie continues to slide and stumble on the pool of grease.

Konrad - 7 damage, save vs disease fort DC 13 or sickened

Map:http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb438/stack31/sq5.png

24 hrs. You should be able to wrap things pretty quick.

[Bhaakon]

Salvatore sets his summoned blade on the nearest remaining enemy.

I suspect E1 and Z5 won't last the turn, but just in case

[roll0]
[roll1]

[Sthalor]

The Old Timer continues to wave his hands, trying to fan the fire on the flaming sphere he had summoned. He doesn't bother moving it, and tries to slam it back into the entomber.

Leave Flaming Sphere where it is. DC 19 Reflex or take 3d6 damage.

[roll0]

[Firebeard]

Connor sighed in relief as Konrad busted through the ground and the Old Timer's spell scorched through the zombies around Ashlyn. The divine power that had so driven his attacks on the powerful undead left his body in a rush, leaving behind that hollow feeling that Connor had come to know so well over the years. His numbed fingers pulled forth another trio of arrows as he took aim at the nearest standing zombie, knowing that it was likely all going to be over vey soon.


Full attack, RS, PBS @z5, switching if Z5 dies

attack z5 [roll0]
damage [roll1]

attack z5 [roll2]
damage [roll3]

attack z5 [roll4]
damage [roll5]

[stack]

(Rather than roll it all out, I'll assume the combined force of all of you suffice to finish them off.)

The three remaining undead are unable to stand against the onslaught of blade, bullet, arrow, and spell. The broken mockeries of life fall to the dirt, unmoving. The night grows eerily quiet, the still mist only occasionally broken by distant shuffling or a muffled cry.

Ashlyn carefully reloads her firearms and wipes then sheaths her blade as she approaches. "I am in your debt. I have held out here for some time, but I have no doubt that I would have fallen without your aid. I am Ashlyn, servant of Sarenrae, of the order of the Lightbringers. My companions and I came here, having heard that the villagers were beset by the undead, which my order are sworn to destroy. May I ask what has brought you here in so timely a fashion?"

(A break from the zombie-athon! Actual RP opportunities!)

[Firebeard]

"Milady Ashlyn, I am Connor Halfhand, servant of Erastil. I have some healing powers available if you have need. We are actually on the way to Barovia under the auspices of the Burgomaster, who reported that there was need. It appears that the need is indeed great, though somewhat different than what we original presumed. It seems that we have arrived in time...though not nearly in time to save all."

[stack]

"Thank you, I can tend to my wounds sufficiently for now. I last saw the acting burgomaster at the tavern, there." She points to a rambling building. A sign hanging precariously askew reads “Blood on the Vine Tavern.” A thin skein of smoke curls up from a wide chimney. The structure appears to have once been finely appointed, though it has suffered from poor upkeep over the years.

"He was of little help, a boy lost in a cup of wine, afraid to come out. Ismark the Lesser is his name. With him in the tavern are most of the survivors, though a singularly unhelpful merchant is holed up in his shop, there." She indicates another building with a scornful nod. Sparse light gleams from gaps in the boarded-up windows of this building. A sign over the door creaks on its hinges, proclaiming “Bildrath’s Mercantile.”

"There may be others scattered about, but I have had no time or strength to find them. Those who stood with we in the square are either lost, fled, or retreated to the tavern. My companions, Thendrick and Mathilda, wanted to check out the church to the northwest. The townsfolk believe that’s where the zombies arise. Everyone told them to talk to Madam Eva first—she’s some sort of wise woman who lives west of town, the same one who apparently knows about the Sunsword which we seek. But they wouldn’t listen, the stubborn fools. They went to the church, confident they could handle whatever they found. That was three days ago. I haven’t heard from them since, and haven’t been able to venture beyond this square.”

“It seems our aims likely coincide. Will you help me find my companions and free this town?”

[RocketMan]

Konrad

"I doubt," Konrad snorts derisively, "that our aims are much the same, unless yours is gold. Now, I don't rightly know who the devil this 'acting Burgomaster' is, but I'm betting by his title that it means Kolyan Indirovich is dead - or at least not here. And he's the one offering to pay us," the mercenary concludes, looking dispassionately at Ashlyn.

[Sthalor]

"I'm inclined to agree with the sword arm," the Old Timer chimes in, coming up behind everyone, staff in one hand, pipe already lit in the other. "Although I imagine if we talk to this Acting Burgomaster, we can still receive our payment for services rendered. I imagine the man's replacement wants these things gone as badly as he would." He exhales a cloud of smoke, and smiles at Konrad. "Maybe even more so, if we play our cards right."

[Bhaakon]

Salvatore snorts derisively at his fellows' money-grubbing, "we should at least check in with this Ismark, but I doubt you'll get you money from him. Even if Indirovich is alive, there are greater problems here than anything mentioned in the letter. "

Turning to Ashlyn, "I am Salvatore, and my gun is for Pharasma. In the matter of putting down the scourge of undeath in this town, rest assured that we are of like mind. Before we hunt down the source, though, what is this Sunsword you mentioned? If this blade is near and would help us, it may be wise to seek it out."

[stack]

Ashlyn shares Salvatore's derision. "If you have seen wealth in this beleaguered place, your eyes are better than mine. As for the fate of the old burgomaster, I have heard he is past, his son taking his place. I believe there is a daughter as well, though I know little more. I have been occupied."

She nods to the inquisitor. "Well met, Salvatore. The attention of the Lady of Graves is much needed here. As for the Sunsword, it is a mighty weapon against evil, especially undead. It is most potent against vampires. It fell out of histories long ago, but I’ve determined that it was last seen and used in these lands. If you wish to aid my search, perhaps this Madam Eva would know more. I know not why, but all here seem to speak of her wisdom. I am loath to leave the town while this scourge persists, however."

[Bhaakon]

"I'd hoped it would be nearer at hand. You are right, we can't afford to time to track down a legend with this threat in front of us.We... I will help with the church once I've spoken with the townsfolk." The Pharasmite is tactful enough to keep his last thought to himself, though your friends have almost certainly been judged by the Lady by now.

If Ashlyn has nothing to add, Salvatore heads for the tavern.

[stack]

"I will keep watch here. If you can find any to aid in rebuilding the barricade it may prove helpful. Those left have little stomach for battle, but they may be convinced to do that much."

As Salvatore approaches, he hears a mutter of voices, a clatter of dishware, and the squeal of a poorly played wind instrument usher from the tavern.

Perception DC 18:The sign originally read “Blood of the Vine Tavern,” but an N has been scratched over the F.

Entering in to the warm, fire-lit room you can see numerous villagers, weary and strained, tucked into every nook and cranny. Behind the bar a mind mindlessly cleans glasses as if the ritual will transport him to better times. Three in the colorful garb of varisian wanderers sit at a small table playing cards. In a corner booth a young man sits alone, clutching a goblet, an empty bottle beside.

Your entrance is marked by heavy eyes. No one does more than nod a greeting, most only watch, desperation and despair strangling hope.

[Firebeard]

Connor shared Salvatore's disdain at the mercenary attitude shown by the warrior and mage, but he held his tongue. There were times to comment, and time to keep quiet, and seemed as if Salvatore and Lady Ashlyn were more than happy to do the commenting. Instead, he said "I also will volunteer to go with Salvatore to the church to look for your lost brethren. Perhaps we may yet find them whole and simply in need of assistance. If not..." Connor trailed off.

"In any case, we can certainly rouse the village-folk to come out and rebuild the barricades. It is their lives on the line too, after all. And if the young burgomaster is inside, perhaps Konrad and the Old One can be talking to him about their payments." He looked at the shattered barricade and suggested "Konrad, perhaps you can use your giant size to geed effect and help get the barricade repair started while I roust those inside out to help you."

With that, Connor nodded his head to Ashlyn and followed Salvatore inside the tavern. The dimly lit interior caused him to stare about upon entering. He took in the crowd and noted their brow-beaten, worn appearances. These were not just folk who feared to fight. These were a people reconciled to their own deaths, having seen many of those they loved pass before them.

He spoke loudly in the entrance, "Greetings to you, people of Barovia. I am Connor Halfhand, Paladin of Erastil, and I - along with my companions - have heard your call for aid. We have come to help rid you of this undead curse, and have smashed many of the foe aside on our journey here, but we cannot defend this town and all its survivors while searching for the source of this scourge. We have just beaten off an attack that breached the barricades outside. Will you not make common cause with us and come out to help rebuild the barricades? A few minutes' labor will help restore the balance, and prevent another onslaught from taking you unprotected. Come, join us in our efforts. Work alongside us, and strengthen your hearts with the sweat of your brows."

As he spoke, Connor made eye contact with every person in the tavern that would meet his gaze. He returned fear with hope, cowardice with strength, and apathy with righteous fury. His stance and gaze made it clear that he intended to help stave off this menace, and he dared anyone in the room to hide inside while he worked on their behalf. Connor knew his words sounded archaic, and maybe a little pompous, but he also knew that sometimes the thing to pull people out of self-absorption was rousing words. After all, it worked for the bards, did it not?


diplomacy [roll0]

[Bhaakon]

"Conrad here, Ashlyn, and I, and the others we've brought with us, risk our lives to help you. The least you can do is provide a modicum of simple labor to ease that task." Salvatore adds.


aid another: [roll0]

[Sthalor]

The Old Timer follows the two men in, keeping silent as they speak to the audience. He instead slips past them into the tavern, sitting down at the nearest table with a small groan, and begins refilling his pipe, not really paying attention to the goings on behind him.

[stack]

Two of the varisians and a number of the remaining men meet the paladin's gaze and shuffle out the door. The main hands make the barricade go up quickly. The town square is as secure as it can be given the situation and materials at hand.

[Firebeard]

As the locals stood to help outside, Connor gave them a smile and a nod of thanks. Turning to Salvatore, he said "Perhaps you can see if our erstwhile employer is in here somewhere. Maybe find out if there's any information about the undead curse that Ashlyn hasn't already told us?" Connor nodded towards the bartender and then turned to follow the rest outside. He worked beside the men and women from the town, not shirking to do his part, even while watching Konrad lift the burdens of 6 men. Finally, the barricades were back in place - perhaps better than before - and he was able to talk with the others.

He started with the Varisians. Given that they were obviously not townsfolk, it was likely that they would be more forthcoming with information about the town's woes than those who lived here. "Gentlemen, thank you for your aid. Escpecially since I gather you don't live hereabouts. Can you tell me anything about the ill fortunes of this town? "


Diplomacy, as needed [roll0]

Oh,and a sense motive as well, just in case [roll1]

[stack]

The varisians only shrug. One speaks, heavily accented, "Trapped in town by dead. You go to encampment west of town. Talk to Madam Eva. Knows much, maybe she read your fortune."

[Bhaakon]

Salvatore nods his agreement and goes searching for Ismark the Lesser.

[stack]

The barkeep sullenly directs Salvatore to the well-dressed man in the corner booth, staring into an empty goblet.

[Bhaakon]

Salvatore draws the scroll bearing the original summons by Indirovitch from his pack as he walks towards the man in the corner. He places it on the table beside the empty cup and leans forward, "five of us have come because of this document, though now I see that it vastly understates the threat. I've been told that you've inherited the late Burgomaster's position, so you'd be be wise to tell me what has happened since these were sent out."

Salvatore takes a seat across from the man and begins the post-battle ritual of cleaning his pistol, "skip no details for fear of frightening us off. Though some are greedy--and already intend to see the color of your gold--I don't travel with cowards."

[stack]

The man is listless and withdrawn. He mumbles without lifting his eyes from his cup. "No, no gold here. Nothing left. The town is lost. Ireena..."

"The drink is gone too."

[Sthalor]

The Old Timer had stood up when Salvator made his way over, and now stands behind the Paladin, using his staff to support him in one hand, his lit pipe going in the other. His raven is oddly quiet, instead just looking around the tavern, cawing lightly occasionally. When the burgomaster speaks, he retorts, "Come now, that's no way damned leader to speak. No wonder these people look beaten, with a man like you leading them." With that, he takes a seat next to Salvatore and stares at Ismark intently, still smoking his pipe.

[stack]

He shoots a glance at the wizard before tipping back his goblet, hoping to get one more drop.

You need to do something to get him to talk. Diplomacy checks are one option, you may find others.

[Bhaakon]

Salvatore's right hand whips across the table, sending Ismark's goblet clattering across the bar; his left snakes forward to grab the man's collar. "If you're resigned to death, I see no reason to wait for those shambling corpses to return--though I can promise that it won't be as quick an end as they'd provide. If you think the others would stop me, they won't. Most are too frightened to care, and the rest know that they'd be better off without a drunken coward in charge."


intimidate [roll0]

[stack]

The man blinks, as if waking up from a long and terrible nightmare. "I am Ismark the Lesse. Far lesser, it seemsr. My father is—was— Kolyan Indirovich, the burgomaster of Barovia. But the burgomaster is dead! His body lies these ten days and more in the mansion. My sister remains with him, barricaded there against the zombies."

"The plague began in the church. Danovich the priest used to ward the church and the village, but his vigil lapsed when his son Doru was slain by brigands on Old Svalich Road. No one knows what became of Danovich, but soon afterward, the zombies began to walk. If they aren’t stopped, we’ll all be dead in days." The old resignation threatens to return. "We had hoped the Lightbringers could root-out the cause, but the two who went to the church never returned."

[Firebeard]

Connor re-entered the tavern and saw Salvatore talking to the thin man in the corner. He hurried over and said "Konrad and the volunteers made short work of the barricades. It is as safe as it can be while the undead are still out there. I think the townsfolk and Ashlyn can hold their own if we need to depart. Some of the travelers, Vistani by the look of them, said to go talk to a Madame Eva west of town. Said she could tell our futures, but they had no idea about what is causing the curse. Did you find out anything?"

[Sthalor]

The Old Timer leans over to Connor and quickly summarizes what Ismark had told them. "I don't know much about this area. It's obscure, even for Ustalav." He looks back at Ismark the Lesser, grimacing a bit, and smokes his pipe for a moment. He then turns back to Salvatore and Connor, saying, "Alright, well I'm here already, might as well see this through. I'm no holy man, but I suppose I have no problem teamin' up with a few." He laughs, ending in a coughing fit and more pipe smoke. "Aye, you'll have my magic, gentlemen. I'll follow you until the job's done."

[Leviathan]

Pious shakes his white-haired head sadly. "This is grim. The priest is likely dead, as are the Lightbringers. But that doesn't change things much; we remain duty bound to help these people." He sighs. "It would seem that getting to the church is our first goal. I see little reason to delay." His voice has an air of resignation to it, underwritten by something altogether more fiery.

[Bhaakon]

"I don't care to wander the streets blindly, though. We'll need a guide or a map to get there." He fishes around his pack for something to write with, but comes up dry, "any of you have a quill and paper?"

[stack]

Writing materials are produced from the back after a brief search. Ismark quickly sketches a rough layout of the town.

http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/Ravenloft_Maps/100570.jpg

He points to various parts of his quick sketch. "Here (E5) is the tavern. (E4) the store. (E7) There is the church. (E11) There...there is my families home. My sister would not leave. She stayed to ensure father would not rise with the others."

[stack]

http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb438/stack31/barovia_playersmap.jpg

[Bhaakon]

Salvatore studies the map, trying to commit it to memory. "Your sister is far from the church, at least, with use standing between them," he observes.

[stack]

He looks away. "The creatures are all over the town. I don't know what has happened to her." He grips Salvatore's forearm. "Please, do something. Quickly."

[Firebeard]

"Well, it looks like the immediate source of threat is whatever's going on at the church. Let us make sure that the townsfolk can hold here, with Ashlyn's help, and then be off. Sooner started is sooner done." Connor hitched his pack up higher on his shoulder and gave Salvatore a questioning look. "Unless you have further questions for the man?"

[Bhaakon]

double post

[Bhaakon]

"Just one last thing. This priest, Danovich, used to ward the village, but from what? There are many towns lacking dutiful clergy, but this," Salvatore waves vaguely to indicate the whole situation, "is thankfully rare. You must have some clue of the cause if you know that Danovich once held it at bay."

[stack]

Ismark shrugs, looking helpless. "I'm no priest. The warding stopped and this happened. You seem to know more of these matters than I."

Okay, if there are no more questions, are you proceeding toward the church? I will rail-road that way tomorrow if nothing else happens.

[Leviathan]

"The priest is likely dead," Pious say sadly. "If the gods are good, he will have left some instruction as to what these wards did, and how they can be replaced."

[stack]

"He was greatly disturbed since his son's death. All of this seems to have started in that direction, so I fear you may be correct about his fate."

Ashlyn enters. "The streets seem quiet for the moment. I will hold here if you wish to brave the church. Watch yourselves, I have already lost two companions there. We cannot afford to lose anyone else, though it will matter little if the plague is unbroken. Your warrior companion out there with the barricades seems resovled to stay as well. Seems intent on ensuring he gets paid, though what he will do with whatever scraps of wealth he finds here if you fail, I do not know."

[Bhaakon]

"Then lets be off," says Salvatore, hopping over the barricade and marching towards the church.

Really wishing I hadn't burned so many judgements and banes now.

[Leviathan]

Pious

"Aye. These people are in danger, and the sooner we can rid them of that, the sooner I will rest easy. But not before." He touches the pendant hanging about his thick neck for comfort. Truly, my Lady, this is your darkest challenge. But I'm made of stiffer stuff that you think!

[stack]

Ismark bows his head. "We are forever in your debt. Thank you."

Ashlyn nods solemnly. "I pray that my companions are not yet beyond your aid. I will hold here, for as long as I have strength."

Some villagers offer torches with their mute encouragement, the flicker a hope starting to come back in their once-dead eyes, though there faces remain masks of reservation and doubt.

Braving the now total blackness, you climb the barricade and start North, toward the church. Connor still feels the fleeting presence of evil, scattered here and there beyond his sight. The light has difficulty piercing the fog.

Ahead, the evil grows nearer. You recon that you should be close to the main intersection shown on the map. A dead horse, surrounded by more zombies, fades into sight through the soupy mists. To the right, to more carcass eaters trot into view as well. There is more evil about, but not in view.

Initiative:Salvatore Legatus [roll0]
Pious Bronzeanvil [roll1]
Connor Halfhand [roll2]
Old Timer [roll3]

monsters [roll4]

Map:http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb438/stack31/E4R1.png

Yes, I re-used a map. Makes no material difference to the encounter and gets it up faster.

24 hours for the before monsters group (Salvatore & Connor).

[Firebeard]

"Salvatore, let us focus on one at range! Every one that we kill here is one less to threaten the remaining villagers." As he stepped forward, Connor drew arrows from his quiver, firing at Salvatore's target in an attempt to bring one of the zombies down before they reached his companions.


5' step to 04.12 and unload on Z3 (or Salvatore's target, if different)

PBS, RS

attack1 [roll0]
damage [roll1]

attack1 [roll2]
damage [roll3]

attack1 [roll4]
damage [roll5]

[Bhaakon]

Taking Connor's advice, Salvatore concentrates on the paladin's target until it falls.

5 ft step to 6.12, full round action to fire twice at Z3 (change target to Z1 if Z3 falls, stop shooting if first shot misfires)

A1[roll0]
D1[roll1] B/P [roll2] fire
A2[roll3]
D2[roll4] B/P [roll5] fire

[stack]

Two arrows bury themselves deep in dead flesh, though their narrow passage slows the creature but little. They are roused, however, and begin their rapid shamble toward the living flesh. Salvatore has less luck, fiery projectile flying wide.

The blows of the first are not enough to faze the canny inquisitor, though the same can not be said for the righteous warrior to his right. The third is unable to take advantage of the distraction provided by the other two.

Connor, 10 damage. You would save vs disease, but....paladin.

The commotion draws more attention, the two carcass eaters flying into a frenzy and rushing in from the mists, while other creatures, previously unseen, three in number, emerge from the buildings. They move quickly, closing close behind the zombies. The sickly , hacking, cackling voice calls out, "Fresh Meat!"

Know Religion DC 14:ghasts, an intelligent undead, noted for there terrible stench.
DC19:Their touch can paralyze their foes.

Connor is unfortunate enough to catch wind of the newcomers.fort save DC 15 or sickened for [roll0] minutes

Map: http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb438/stack31/E4R2.png

Everyone goes, 24 hrs.

[Leviathan]

Pious

The semi-retired holy warrior holds out his hand, conjuring up a ball of holy light. He hurls it towards the oncoming undead. "I'll hold them, lads; you get back and keep firing!" With that, he steps boldly forward, shield at the ready.

Casting Searing Light on Z2:
Ranged touch attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

Then move action to 05.12.

[Bhaakon]

"Ghasts! Breathe through your mouths! There's too many to fight in the open, retreat into a building!" Shouts Salvatore as he reloads. He jumps back a step towards the door of the nearest structure and fires twice more at the nearest zombie.

5 ft step to 7.13, rapid shot at Z1

A1 [roll0]
D1 [roll1] +1 pbs, +1 enhancement, +1 trait [roll2]

A2 [roll3]
D2 [roll4] + [roll5]

[Sthalor]

The Old Timer backs up before whipping out a scroll. The scroll glows slightly as he chants, and in a flash of bright light, a completely white boar with a small halo appears on the battlefield. It stomps its hoof and charges at the nearest Ghast with its head lowered.

5 foot step to 7.14. Use a Summon Monster 3 scroll to summon Celestial Boar. It attacks using Smite Evil on G3.

Attack [roll0]
Damage [roll1]

[stack]

(Giving Firebeard a few more minutes. I know he is usually on during the day.)

[Firebeard]

I'm in an all day meeting. I hate to do this but just have Connor step back behind pious and unload using previous modifiers. I'll catch back up tonight sometime.

[stack]

Pious Light Sears the middle zombie, while the men on either side pepper the others with arrow (only one) and lead (two hits). The celestial boar materializes, but is unable to rend the rotting flesh of the oncoming ghoul, even the strength of the upper planes not enough to overcome the worrisome prospect of having that in your mouth.

You all targeted different zombies. Would have been able to drop one of them if any two of you had hit the same one.

Connor's target, fixed on its goal, follows him, striking again.8 damage, no disease (paladin, duh)

The other zombies flail ineffectively. The ghouls fair no better, mindful of the danger of the celestial beast, and keep on the defensive. One of the rat-dogs has no such qualms and takes a piece of its skin.
3 damage for the boar

Map:http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb438/stack31/E4R3.png

24 hrs

(Sorry Firebeard, between the sickened condition and my terrible rolls, Connor didn't do much. I usually roll crits for players, too.)

Salvatore & Pios:fort save DC 15 or sickened for [roll0]minutes

[Bhaakon]

"In here, quickly!" shouts Salvatore as he empties his pistol into a corpse eater and ducks inside.

I'll eat the AoO to rapid-shot C2 w/ deadly aim. 5-ft step to 08.14. Beat the fort save rolling OOC.

A1 [roll0]
D1 [roll1] + [roll2]

A1 [roll3]
D1 [roll4] + [roll5]

[Firebeard]

Connor backed towards the doorway, still firing despite the cramping nausea in his stomach. Gritting his teeth, he tried to focus his fire on his original target, hoping to bring down at least one foe before entering the cover of the building. Seeing the stout cleric still battling on, he called out "Quickly Pious! Withdraw to the shelter of the building that Salvatore is holding. We can battle from its cover."


Backing up to 06.14, full round attacks, -2 sickened, PBS, RS

attack@z3 [roll0]
damage [roll1]

attack@z3 [roll2]
damage [roll3]

attack@z3 [roll4]
damage [roll5]

[stack]

(We're short 2 people, so I'll wait)

[Leviathan]

The dwarf withdraws, stepping backwards until he is in front of the building's door. "Inside! Quickly!" He then hurls a lance of holy energy towards the oncoming undead. His head reels from the overwhelming smell.

Move to 07.14
Casting spear of purity on Z3.
Attack:[roll0]
Damage:[roll1]

[Sthalor]

The Old Timer spins on his heel, disappearing suddenly and reappearing behind Salvatore. "Get in here, dammit!" he cries out, pulling out a scroll.

Teleportation school power to move to 10.14. Readied action to cast Grease using the scroll as soon as everyone is past the door.

[stack]

Salvatore's first shot punches a small read hole in the center of the carcass eater's skull as it tries to clamp on to his leg. The creature falls to the ground, twitching pitifully. His second shot tears into the ghoul behind as he steps back into the building.

Connor moves toward the door as well, burying two more arrows, to little effect, in the dead flesh of his foe.

The short priest has good reason to be thankful for his armor and shield, the metal turning all but one blow as he withdraw, his light searing, but not finishing the zombie that had pursued Connor.
7 damage from AOO

The summoned boar, though able to power-through the overwhelming stench, is unable to strike as it spins, trying to keep all opponents at bay. It fails, falling to the blows of a ghoul and the carcass eater, who is shocked and disappointed as its body dissolves away as it falls.

The zombies and one of the ghast advance, along with the remaining rat-thing. The other two ghasts hang-back, waiting for the zombies to do their work for them, unwilling to risk there own flesh for what could be easily taken from the mindless corpses. The rat-dog growls and yips, eager to reach fresh meat.

The bolder ghast lands its foul teeth on Pious. Though the wound is shallow, a cold stiffness spreads.Pious - 4 damage and fort DC 15 or paralyzed for [roll0] rounds

The zombies advance, bludgeoning the paladin with arms stiff with rigor.and that's 10 more damage for Connor

Map:http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb438/stack31/E4R4.png

Will our intrepid heroes retreat in time? Will the undead find their next meal? Do dwarves taste like chicken? Find out Monday!

[Bhaakon]

Rushing through a liturgy, Salvator calls on the blessing of Pharasma as the group crams into the abandoned home. The approval of the goddess is palpable to those nearby, inspiring them to complete their task.

5 ft step to 09.13, standard to cast bless (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/all-spells/b/bless)

[Leviathan]

Pious brandishes his holy symbol. "Back, ye damned monsters!" Sarenrae's insignia begins to radiate with light.

Using channel energy on the undead: [roll0] DC 17 will save for half.

[Firebeard]

Connor turned and flung himself through the door, sliding to a halt behind Salvatore and laying a hand on the worst of his wounds. With a quick thought and prayer to Erastil, he felt his pains ease as holy warmth flowed through him.


Move into the building behind Salvatore. Lay on hands for [roll0] worth of healing and no longer sickened.

[stack]

I'm presuming Pious 5'steps into the building and Connor is using the withdraw action to avoid some AoOO's (still provokes from Z1 and G2 (withdraw only prevents AOO's for leaving your current square)

Pious's light burns his foes, though his radiance is partially blocked by the doorway and the sheer mass of death opposed to him. The stout priest holds the door while Connor tries to slip past, receiving a bite from the ghast as he goes.

Connor, 7 damage, fort save DC 15 [roll0] (I rolled it as it determines how the rounds plays out)

The hardy warrior shakes off the creeping stiffness as he pushes past the priest, taking position in the room.

The wizard is finally able to cast his spell, the slick slime spreading from the entrance. The nearby ghast is unfazed, striking at the priest blocking his path with claw and tooth, mouth finding flesh.

one bite lands, Pious take 8 damage, fort save dc 15 or paralyzed, save vs disease fort dc 15 as well

The zombies prove less sure-footed, each tumbling unceremoniously to the ground, a morbidly comical sight 9if your life isn't at stake anyhow).

The carcass eater, seeing its meal not likely to come soon, wanders back to the fallen horse. The remaining ghasts take position, waiting for their opportunity. (IE, the walls are masonry, so not worth breaking through...yet)

Salvatore's spell steadies your hands, ready to strike you blows.

The building turns out to be a small house. You are currently in the main room. There is a kitchen to the back and another room to the side that you can see. The kitchen has a back door, though it is partially barricaded (4 man-rounds to clear). The interior walls look to be wood.


map:http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb438/stack31/E4R5.png

24 hrs

[Firebeard]

Feeling better from the effects of his spell, Connor turned to see Pious at the door. Not wanting to hit his companion, but unable to sit by and wait for the zombies and ghasts to overwhelm them, he moved to the best position he could find and pulled a pair of arrows. With a deep breath, he focused his shots on the leathery skin of the ghast. He waited for an opening and then lanced out the arrows, aiming for the darkness behind the thing's sharp teeth.


I didn't really say where I was wanted to be, so there is fine I guess.

Move to 9.15 and shoot twice at the ghast in the doorway, -4 from cover, PBS, RS

attack [roll0]
damage [roll1]

attack [roll2]
damage [roll3]

Edit: I forgot to factor in the Bless bonuses, so add those in...

[stack]

The ghast falls into the grease, an arrow through the eye.

[Bhaakon]

Without a clear shot out the door, Salvatore instead recites an old prayer to Pharasma and grabs Pious's shoulder. A surge of healing energy flows through the dwarf.


cast CLW on Pious, heal [roll0]

[Leviathan]

Pious shakes off the debilitating paralysis clinging to his body. He swings his scimitar towards the nearest zombie.

Forgot the fort vs. disease in the OOC: [roll0]

Attack vs Z2: [roll1]
Damage: [roll2]

[Sthalor]

The Old Timer chants a quick spell, firing another ball of fire at their enemies. It plants right in front of the door, scorching any of the monsters trying to step into the house.

Cast Flaming Sphere on 7.14, DC 19 Reflex or take 3d6 damage.

[roll0]

[stack]

One of Connor's arrows, streaking through the doorway, drops the ghast poised to make a meal of Pious. Clearing the line of fire (and avoiding the ball of fire) ruins his own aim though, scimitar missing the zombie flailing on the ground, covered in the arcanely summoned grease.

Old Timer's flame burns the one grounded zombie, the mindless creature unable to cope with the heat and oil, flailing awkwardly on the ground. In fact, none of the three are able to stand.

One ghast proves more sure-footed, though it is unable be breach the priests defenses. The other skirts the edge of the grease, but it too is unable to find Pious's flesh. Salvatore's intervention proves helpful as Pious can feel his wounds lessen and fatigue melt away.

(Turns out that ghasts have rather lousy attack bonuses. They do, however, get three attacks in a full attack. Could get interesting. Also, zombies handle grease very poorly with their +0 acrobatics.)

Map:http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb438/stack31/E4R6.png

[Bhaakon]

"'Scuse me, might want to cover your ears," says Salvatore as he fires over the vertically challenge Pious and out through the door.

Rapid Fire at G3 w/ deadly aim

A1: [roll0] +1 PBS, +1 bless, -2 DA, -2 RS
D1: [roll1] +1 enhance, +1 trait, +1 PBS, +4 DA, + [roll2] fire

A2: [roll3]
D2: [roll4] + [roll5]

[Leviathan]

Pious swings his sword again, hoping to stall the undead advance long enough for his companions to take them down.

Attack vs Z2: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[Sthalor]

The Old Timer drops his staff, pulling the crossbow off of his belt and taking aim. "Watch yer heads!" he cries out, firing a bolt at the zombie on the ground.

Free action to drop Quarterstaff, move action to pull out crossbow. Standard action to attack Z2. -4 for firing into combat. If I don't have line of sight over Pious, I can teleport 15 ft as a swift action to 8.13.

[stack]

Slavatore's blasts strike the southern-most ghast through a narrow gap, lead hurtling over the dwarf and angling through the doorway.

Pious hacks down on the fallen zombie, inflicting some damage amidst it's flailing. Old Timer adds his bolt, to no effect.

Scimitars overcome the DR. Bolts, not so much. Nice shot though.

Connor's arrows dispatch the remaining ghast easily, feathers plunging deep into its head and chest.

Two of the zombies manage to stand, though the only one that could reach pious was still too unsteady to harm him.

(With wounded zombies, a puddle of grease, and a choke-point, I think its safe to assume a clean wrap-up)

Your combined efforts end the rest of the zombies, bodies splashing down in the dirt and grease. The carcass eater comes back to the scent of blood, but is summarily put-down.

The street quiets, and the disrupted mist begins to inch forward again to cloak the village in a blanket of hopelessness.

800 XP each (18,500 total). No loot (again).

[Bhaakon]

"No more stumbling over enemies unprepared. I'll scout ahead and see what I can find." says Salvatore.


unless someone stops him, he'll duck out and scout ahead along the path to the church

stealth" [roll0]

[stack]

Salvatore finds the street between the crossroad and the church empty, completely devoid of any sign of life. Or unlife, as the case may be.

He approaches the church, a gray, sagging edifice of stone and wood standing atop a slight rise. Light flickers through holes burned through the roof shingles,and the sound of hoarse chanting is audible within.

He returns to report his findings without incident.

[Bhaakon]

After describing the scene, Salvatore voices his opinion, "we should move now, the roads won't stay clear for long."

[Sthalor]

Reloading his crossbow, the Old Timer nods in agreement. "Aye, it's best we move quickly. I must rest soon, and I'd prefer to get out of this Gods forsaken town as soon as possible." He replaces his crossbow in its holster and walks over to his quarterstaff, picking it up. "Shall we, then?"

[stack]

Your entire party stands before the church. Connor can sense evil coming from inside. pressing your ear against the door lets you hear the sound of a strange and convoluted prayer, though you are unable to identify any spell. The old wooden doors stand before you.

An experimental push reveals the doors to be locked.

[Bhaakon]

Salvatore swears under his breath as the door fails to budge, "another entrance? Perhaps through a cellar or rectory." He runs to the corner of the church, looking around the side to see if there's some other way in.

[Firebeard]

"If not, I am sure we could bash it down, of simply chop through it. It looks old enough to fall pretty easily. I wonder where the other Lightbringers are, though. Look around and see if you can spot any signs of them." Connor wasn't sure that he could crash the door down by himslef, but he could probably hack it apart with his greatsword. His trainers would grimace at treating a weapon so, but sometimes it must be done


Perception to determine presence of lightbringers [roll0]

Also, can Connor tell how many evil sources are inside the church?

[stack]

Salvatore sees only scant light coming out from windows above his head. He is unable to discern anything of use inside the church, shadowy forms of pews casting shadows. He is similarly unable to find another entrance.

Connor can sense seven or eight auras of evil in the direction of the church, scattered to both sides and the front. He can discern no sign of the Lightbringers.

[Firebeard]

Connor waited for Salvatore to report back in, then said "There are seven or eight evil auras inside the building, though they aren't clustered in any one area. If we have to break it in, we're going to have a lot of enemies on us from multiple directions. I have a blessing from Erastil that I can place on my bow that will provide us some aid, as well as light, if it is needed. Let me know if we are going in, and how, and I'll prepare the blessing."


Connor will use a standard action to activate the divine bond for his weapon. +2d6 holy damage to evil creatures, sheds light like a torch for 6 minutes.

So, to avoid wasting the charge, Connor will do this as a standard action immediately before we go in.

[Bhaakon]

"No other entrances to be seen, look s like we'll be busting down the front door," reports Salvatore. "If whatever's in there is as mindless as the others, we can use the entrance as a choke-point. I also have a couple of spells that should give us an edge, but I'll hold off until we're nearly through"

Savatore will cast Bless and Communal Protection from Evil (for +1 to attack and +2 deflection AC vs evil creatures, +2 to saves, +1 vs fear, and immunity from evil summons) once it looks like the door is ready to break. Should be good for 1 and 5 minutes respectively

[Sthalor]

"We'll have some backup when the door falls." The Old Timer pulls out a scroll, unraveling it and preparing himself to cast it. Although..." He turns to his raven perched on the top of his staff and speaks to it in the odd language it speaks. The raven then flies up to the roof, coming down after a minute or so, and speaks to the Old Timer.

Prepare to cast Summon Monster III when the door opens. My raven looks through the holes in the roof and reports back to me what it sees. Sorry about any errors, posting this from my phone.

[stack]

The raven reports back. Through the gaps it is able to see the large main chamber, filled with pews, an altar to the front. There is a slumped form on the far side, the source of the frantic prayers. Is is unable to locate any other signs of movement.

Going to need attack rolls to break the door. Once you start attacking it you'll be able to judge its hardness and HP.

[Firebeard]

Connor slung his bow and pulled his greatsword from its sheath on his back. Looking to the others to make sure all were ready, he brought the heavy blade down onto the door with a terrific crash. The blade wasn't exactly made for this sort of work, but it should do the job.


Should automatically hit, so here are some damage rolls...with PA, obviously

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]


As soon as the door was open, he re-sheathed his sword and grasped his weapon, preparing to call its divine spirit as soon as they entered...or as soon as anything tried to attack them. Whichever came first.

[stack]

Connor's first blow knocks a jagged hole in the door, old wood splintering and flying. His second and third finish the work, the doors, or their remains, slowly creaking open on neglected hinges, the squeals puncturing the night little noticed after the paladin's unconventional knock.

The building is utterly silent as you cast your spells and step in, though you can feel that your presence was certainly marked. There are doors to either side, a narrow hall ahead leading to the main room. A shadowy figure rises behind the far altar.

Connor (if he takes an action to detect evil):evil to the right and left (two either side) and the figure ahead pings as evil as well.

Salvatore Legatus [roll0]
Pious Bronzeanvil [roll1]
Connor Halfhand [roll2]
Old Timer [roll3]

monsters [roll4]

No surprise round (kinda noisy coming in and all that). Salvatore's up, 24 hours.
Map:http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb438/stack31/temple1.png

[Bhaakon]

Salvatore takes a deep breath, then sprints forward, ready to shoot at the first enemy to present itself as he emerges from the hallway.


move up 3 space (no coordinates) and ready an action to fire w/DA at the first undead to present itself (or closest, if more than one).

[roll0] +1 more if it qualifies for point blank shot
[roll1] +1 more if PBS + [roll2] fire

[stack]

As Salvatore advances, a shuffling is heard from behind the doors. Each creaks open slowly, revealing the shambling remains all too familiar to your eyes. Salvatore's shot rings out, catching the first zombie square in the chest before the door behind him opens as well, revealing another Deathlock.

The distant figure calls out, “You can’t take my son from me!”. He then chants as he slowly advances, holding up an object, the details of which are beyond your sight (unless you are Pious, who can see a twisted, hand-made unholy symbol. He comes to a stop just beyond a gaping hole in the floor.

Spellcraft DC 17hold person

Salvatore feels himself stiffening as the magic takes hold.will save DC 15, [roll0] (includes +2 from buffs)

Can't put the summoned monster on the map till I know what it is and where you want it, but assume it was cast 1 round before you entered.

Other badguys used their actions moving to and opening the doors.

Map:http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb438/stack31/temple2.png

[Firebeard]

Connor was somewhat startled when the door beside him was flung open, but he had the presence of mind to keep hold of his bow. He spun and fired arrow after arrow into the zombie beside him, maintaining his awareness of the other evil creatures nearby and wondering if they were going to be able to get out of this one.


Firing at Z2. If his target goes down, switch to Z3. Separating out damage sources for DR (if necessary)

attack [roll0]
damage [roll1] + [roll2] holy

attack [roll3]
damage [roll4] + [roll5] holy

attack [roll6]
damage [roll7] + [roll8] holy

[Leviathan]

Pious yells out as the doors around the party open, more undead emerging from them. Then he spots the shouting figure. "I don't know what you've done," the cleric calls out, "but there is still time for you to undo it!" As he speaks, he weaves a spell.

I'm not entirely sure if Salvatore was paralyzed, so my action is contingent on that:

1. If he has been, cast dispel magic on Salvatore. Caster level check: [roll0]

2. If he hasn't been, cast dispel magic on the shouting figure. Caster level check: [roll1]

[Bhaakon]

Salvatore shakes the stiffness from his limbs before it can take hold and charges forward. Better in open spaces anyway he mutters to himself as he reloads his pistol on the run and fires at the mad priest.


Guess I'll be eating an AoO from the deathlock, but oh well. Move to 8.1, attack Do w/ DA.

[roll0] (I'm assuming he's evil for the +1 bless bonus)
[roll1] + [roll2][/

[stack]

Old Timer fumbles with his scroll, unable to achieve anything useful.

Connor buries two arrows in the zombie at his side, receiving a hammer blow in return for his troubles.
9 damage,
The other zombies swarm him, but are unable to strike effectively.

Pious attempts to break any enchantments on the distant figure. If there is any effect he does not know it, though his target does flinch heavily when struck by Salvatore's running shot, though he is struck from behind as he starts to move.
Saltatore5 damage

He recoils, holding up what looks to be a scroll. A wave of dark energy emanates out. Connor and Salvatore feel a great weakness coming over them.

fort save DC 19 or die

Spellcraft DC 21:Circle of death

At the same time the deathlock emits a piercing shriek, shattering glass and threatening eardrums throughout the building.
everyone 3 sonic damage, ref save DC 14 for 1/2

Map:http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb438/stack31/temple3.png

[Firebeard]

Connor shrugged off the dark energy, holding onto the light of Erastil as he did so. The wave of dark force broke upon his mind like the sea against a rocky cliffside, and he was free to respond. He ignored the attacks of the nearby zombies, grabbing another trio of arrows and deliberately slamming them into the closest foe. As more forms crowded around him, he called back "I need some room to maneuver. Can either of you stall one of these?"



Fort Save for Death spell (you are evil) [roll0]
Ref save for sonics [roll1]

Firing at Z2. If his target goes down, switch to Z3. Separating out damage sources for DR (if necessary)

attack [roll2]
damage [roll3] + [roll4] holy

attack [roll5]
damage [roll6] + [roll7] holy

attack [roll8]
damage [roll9] + [roll10] holy

[Sthalor]

Fumbling with his scroll, The Old Timer finally manages to bring another glowly boar onto the scene, cursing his frail bones under his breath. It immediately charges the nearest corpse, trying to distract it from Connor.

Summon Celestial Boar to 6.07, attacking Z3 with Smite Evil.

Attack
[roll0]
[roll1]

Reflex Save
[roll2]

[Bhaakon]

Salvatore power through the wave of darkness emanating from the Priest, emerging unscathed. As he reloads and fires once more, he spends some of his waning magical energy to make his weapon more effective against the man.


rapid shot w/ DA. Spending the last round of bane for hitting the priest (I'm assuming he's human).

A1: [roll0] -2 DA, -2 RS, +2 Bane, +1 PBS, +1 Bless
D1: [roll1] +1PBS, +3 enhance, +4 DA, +[roll2] Bane +[roll3] fire

A2: [roll4]
D2: [roll5]+[roll6] Bane +[roll7] fire

[stack]

The priest crumbles to the ground, dead before he hits. He bounces enough to send his torso over the gap in the floor. A few planks give way, sending him tumbling down, a wet thump signaling his discovery of the floor below.

[stack]

The zombie to Connor's left drops, peppered with arrows, its arms still reaching to strike as it falls. The canny paladin also dodges the blows from the other zombie, deftly weaving its clumsy swings.

Old Timer finally turns his scroll right-side up and casts, a celestial boar appearing in the midst of the undead. It is to beset to do any actual damage, spinning in place try to keep its foes at bay. The wizard receives a series of blows for his trouble.

Old Timer 15 damage (combined from AOO & regular attack)

Pious swings ineffectually at the other zombie, crowded out by his fellow warriors.

The deathlock withdraws a step, obviously not wanting to engage the boar, then send arcane streaks into Salvatore's side, the force ignoring his armor and attempts at evasion completely.

Salvatore, a whopping 5 damage

Spellcraft DC 16:the mighty magic missile!

Map:http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb438/stack31/temple4.png

24 hrs as usual

[Bhaakon]

Salvatore sees the Deathlock's magic missiles, and raises it a pair of lead ones.

full attack DL, RS and DA

A1: [roll0] +1 bless, +1 PBS, -2 RS, -2 DA
D1: [roll1] +1 enhance, +4 DA, +1 trait, +1 PBS [roll2] fire

A2: [roll3]
D2: [roll4] [roll5]

[Firebeard]

Finally. I thought I was never going to get room to maneuver thought Connor, raising the bow again. This time, three arrows went flying at the zombie to the other side of him. He hoped his flight would relieve some of the pressure on the Old Timer, and trusted to his armor to hold off the other zombie. "Salvatore, you have the deathlock?"


Attacking Z3, switching to Z1 if the other falls.

attack [roll0]
damage [roll1] + [roll2] holy

attack [roll3]
damage [roll4] + [roll5] holy

attack [roll]1d20+5)[9]
damage [roll6] + [roll7] holy

[Leviathan]

Pious swings his blade again at the zombie, the tight quarters uncomfortable at best. ""Damn this," the dwarf cries. "I must have been daft to come," he complains.

Attack vs. Z3: [roll0]
Damage:[roll1]

[Leviathan]

Pious swings his blade again at the zombie, the tight quarters uncomfortable at best. ""Damn this," the dwarf cries. "I must have been daft to come," he complains.

Attack vs. Z3: [roll0]
Damage:[roll1]

[Sthalor]

The Old Timer doubles over, clutching his stomach. Hoping his boar will cause enough of a distraction, he vanishes, appearing in the room opposite Connor, still seeming rather out of it.

Teleportation School power to teleport to 8.08 as a swift action, does not provoke AAO. Boar will attack Z3, or Z1 if it's already dead, or take a five food step and attack the Deathlock if the previous two are already dead.

[roll0]
[roll1]

[stack]

Salvatore's bullets tear into the deathlock. It staggers, but keeps its feet, launching more arcane energy toward the gunfighter.

10 damage
Spellcraft DC 16:magic missile again. Duh.

Connor's arrows leave holy gashes in one zombie, joined by a glancing blow from Pious's blade. The ragged corpse, now short and arm as well as a significant portion of its mass, keeps moving, though it is too damaged to do any real harm. The same can not be said for the other one, slamming into Connor's side as he peppers his target.

Connor, 5 damage, immune to disease (takes all the fun right out :smallfrown:

The boar is again unable to actually harm the dead flesh, merely tearing away rotten skin and putrid clothing, the stinking remains clinging to its tusks as its master disappears into the side room.

(Don't need a map, only one that moved is Old Timer. Z3 and DL are quite damaged.)

[Firebeard]

Connor grunted in pain as his uninjured adversary managed to get a blow through his armor. The steel plates were taking quite a beating now, and he knew that there would likely be more to come. He gritted in pain, smiling slightly as he saw Salvatore's volley blasting into the deathlock. At least he didn't have to worry about trouble from that quarter for the moment. Apparently, all he could do at the moment was try and knock down the zombies and hope that the gunslinger could handle the magic user. He sent another volley of arrows at the two zombies closest him and wondered how much more of this they could take.


Attacking Z3, switching to Z1 if the other falls.

attack [roll0]
damage [roll1] + [roll2] holy

attack [roll3]
damage [roll4] + [roll5] holy

attack [roll6]
damage [roll7] + [roll8] holy

[Bhaakon]

Flashing a savage grin, Salvatore continues firing.

5 ft step to 7.2, full attack w/ RS and DA on DL (or Z1 if DL falls)

A1[roll0]
D1[roll1] [roll2]

A2[roll3]
D2[roll4] [roll5]

[stack]

The deathlock falls for good under a storm of lead while the wounded zombie goes limp, an arrow piercing through to the back of its skull.

(Rather than wait for the others, I will move things along. Four against the one remaining zombie shouldn't take long.)

The remaining zombie is dispatched, the entire force of your party easy overwhelming it's grave-slowed reactions.

The only sound now is the occasional scratch or shuffle from below. Could be mice?

The whole still gapes in the floor, the altar just beyond. Though human eyes cannot pierce the shadow below, Pious can see the flash of a twisted body backing away from the fallen priest.

Pious only: Amid the litter of the collapsed floorboards is a dank understory. A partially smashed laboratory work bench stands in the northwest portion of the cellar, including an iron slab surrounded by a clutter of broken equipment of incomprehensible complexity. Circumnavigating the opening allows you to see two more zombies, a human skeleton (standing), and ...something else. This creature appears like a corpse surgically modified by a lunatic. Skeletally thin, its arms are too long, while its head is wide and wedge-shaped, with a mouth split so that it is able to open wider than a normal humanoid. Its teeth glitter like shards of black, steaming ice.

know religion DC 28:Infectious Blaspheme, a strong, tough, and virulent undead created from a corpse by an unknown dark ritual.

Connor:evil below, four sources, one particularly strong


Searching the building? Jumping down the hole? Going home? Having a picnic?

[Bhaakon]

Inquisitors can detect evil (and law, chaos, and good) at will too, you know.

The last of the undead at hand finished off, Salvatore examines the building with an eye divinely enhanced towards flushing out any more abominations.

"I don't like this," he mutters, and edges towards the hole--taking great care not to step on a rotten floorboard and follow the priest's corpse--before fishing a bullet out of his belt pouch, casting a light spell on it, and tossing it below.

[Firebeard]

Yes, but I have a standing action with the DM to periodically check DE the entire time. That's the only reason he is singling that out to me.


Connor said, "There are more of them below, including something that exudes far more of an evil aura than anything we have seen yet. There must be an easy way down there, rather than taking the previous fellow's path." Connor begins searching for the entrance to the level below.

[stack]

Salvatore can see the shapes visible to Pious below, but not with enough detail to identifying them as they back into the shadows.

You all look around the area, searching for another way down.Salvatore Legatus [roll0]
Pious Bronzeanvil [roll1]
Connor Halfhand [roll2]
Old Timer [roll3]

If there is any way down, you are unable to find it in your weary and jumpy states. You do, however, find a much-stained journal in the hollow of the altar.

If you read it:

Really sure you want to read it? The first half of the journal contains only sparse notations, spanning months or years with hardly a word. Two entries catch your eye:

• “There is a book, the Tome of Strahd, that might shed light on the steps necessary to destroy the monster of the castle. It is well known that Strahd kept meticulous notes from ancient times on all he did or said. Perhaps some weakness of his could be found there. This tome was once located in Ravenloft’s library, but now I’m not sure where it is. I asked Madam Eva about it, and she mumbled something indecipherable.
Why do seers always speak in riddles?”

“Ireena Kolyana is not the natural daughter of Kolyan Indirovich. Ireena never knew, but old Kolyan found her one day at the edge of the Svalich Woods near the very foot of Ravenloft’s crag. She was but a girl then and had no memory of her past. Kolyan adopted her as though she were his own and loved her dearly.”

Treasure: Atop the altar is the fragment of the Liber Blaspheme, which describes how to create a blaspheme from a recently dead human corpse. The process is lengthy (1 week) and requires 15,000 gp worth of materials. It can be attempted only on the corpse of a close blood relation of the creator (parent, grandparent, child, or grandchild).

The hollow in the altar contains other valuables: a gold chalice worth 700 gp, two silver bells each worth 50 gp, and three potions.

[Leviathan]

Pious whispers darkly to his companions, looking down into the hole. "Four in there... skeletons, zombies. Something else. If we're clearing this out, best get down there. Unless we want to fire down on them from the high ground."

[Sthalor]

"Takin' 'em down from the high ground ain't a bad idea. I'd like to figure out what those potions are first." The Old Timer shakes the bottles a few times, his eyes glowing a faint blue as he uses his Detect Magic. "I'd also appreciate some help with this..." He gestures towards the gash across his stomach created by one of the zombies.

[Firebeard]

"Sorry, Old Timer. I didn't realize you had been injured." Connor moved over to Old Timer and laid a hand on the half-orc's shoulder. "By Erastil's power be healed" he murmured, feeling the wash of energy flow out from him. His own knees felt weakened by the healing, a sign that he had endured much this day. Nevertheless, he shook off the weakness and turned back to Salvatore.

"Any chance we could fill them with lead and arrows from up here, without endangering ourselves? I don't like the look of that floor, but perhaps if we had a decent angle we could reduce their numbers some. In any case, our time is running out. The celestial spirit inhabiting Fiachtheron will fade soon." He lifted his bow for clarification.


Total of 6 minutes on the celestial spirit (from when we broke down the door), oh great DM.

[stack]

Its only been a few rounds (plus breaking the door, say 1 minute, and searching, say another 1), you have plenty of time if you don't sit around identifying item (it would take 3 rounds each, so just shy of a minute).

The angles involved preclude effectively attacking those below, as they have withdrawn from the light. There are also columns in the way that grant cover from this angle. You could try getting closer to the edge, but the floor may not hold.

Or you could try searching again. Did anyone bring rope?

[Firebeard]

"How in the world did I make it here without a rope? I always have a rope in my pack. Well, perhaps we can find the real way down there."


Perception (hah!) [roll0]

[Bhaakon]

"I've a line," says Salvatore, taking care to find a secure spot to tie it off, "but lets make sure we're in fighting shape before going down."


rolling for my wand of CLW. Take however many rolls you need to get back to full health.

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3] - I'll be taking these
[roll4]
[roll5]
[roll6]
[roll7]
[roll8]


If no one has any other plans, Salvatore will case Divine Favor on himself and head down (gulp).

[Firebeard]

I'll take the next 3.

Old timer, I realize that I forgot to roll my Lay on Hands healing for you [roll0], and you are no longer sickened.

[stack]

Thanks to the light spell, Salvatore can see quite well as he descends the rope, though the narrow pillars cast strange shadows about the room.

initiative:
Salvatore Legatus [roll0]
Pious Bronzeanvil [roll1]
Connor Halfhand [roll2]
Old Timer [roll3]

monsters [roll4]

He easily descends the rope, touching down next to his glowing bullet, his own shadow dancing across the room.

Amid the litter of the collapsed floorboards is a dank understory. A partially smashed laboratory work bench stands in the northwest portion of the cellar, including an iron slab surrounded by a clutter of broken equipment of incomprehensible complexity.

His arrival does not go unmarked. The priest remains quite dead and immobile. His other company, however, is not so stationary. A human-looking skeleton stands to one side, near a pair of stairs leading upward. Two zombies mill about in the corner. Closer, and of greater concern, is a creature appears like a corpse surgically modified by a lunatic. Skeletally thin, its arms are too long, while its head is wide and wedge-shaped, with a mouth split so that it is able to open wider than a normal humanoid. Its teeth glitter like shards of black, steaming ice.

know religion DC 28:

Infectious Blaspheme, a strong, tough, and virulent undead created from a corpse by an unknown dark ritual.

Connor and Salvator are before monsters. Descending by rope is a full-round action, jumping a move action. Those above can shoot anything within 10' of any edge of the opening (directly above the pile of debris).

Map: http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb438/stack31/templeunderstory1-1.png

Yellow circle is normal light, beyond is dim, but no penalty. It was shadowy (20% miss chance), but a mere orision fixed that.

[Bhaakon]

"What fresh abomination is this?" Says Salvatore as he empties his pistol into the grotesquely modified corpse, but comes up empty after racking his brain for some explanation. The others had better follow, or this could be a problem.

44/44 HP, 18 AC. a few minutes of Bless left and a minute of Divine Favor (cast it just before descending), but protection from evil should have expired while we were searching upstairs.

Anyway, full attack on D w/ RS and DA

A1: [roll0] +1 PBS, +1 bless, +1 divine favor, -2 DA, -2 RS
D1: [roll1] +1 enhance, +1 PBS, +1 DF, +4 DA, [roll2] fire

A2: [roll3]
D2: [roll4] [roll5]

Now lets hope all the crappy rolls got used up on initiative.

Edit: I keep forgetting the extra +1 damage versus undead for the undead slayer trait. Assuming that D is undead (seems safe, considering the description), please add it to both damage rolls.

[Firebeard]

Hearing Salvatore's exclamation, Connor threw caution to the winds and leaped into the hole. He landed near Salvatore, stumbling to one knee on the rubble. He spun to see what the gunslinger was looking at. "Erastil lead us!" he exclaimed as the pieced-together corpse leered at him. He pulled a pair of arrows and fitted them to the bowstring. "Lead us all!" he cried as he released the pair of arrows at the undead beast.


Jump to 06.03. Rapidshot on B.

attack [roll0]
damage [roll1]

attack [roll2]
damage [roll3]

[stack]

Salvatore's snap-shot lands a solid hit as the creature charges forward. The bullet is joined by a pair of arrows as Connor leaps down. The creature staggers, but presses on, tearing a chunk from the inquisitor's arm as he reloads, forcing his second shot wide. The bite and loss of blood makes him lose focus momentarily, able to do little more than raise an arm to ward himself from his assailants.

Salvatore takes 20 damage, Fort DC 22 or sickened, no save dazed 1 round

Dazed
The creature is unable to act normally. A dazed creature can take no actions, but has no penalty to AC.

Connor:take [roll0] + [roll1] falling damage, acrobatics DC 15 to negate the first and make the second non-lethal

The skeleton follows close behind, clawing at the stunned hero, adding its own marks.8 more damage, 28 total

The zombies converge on Connor, but are less skilled, slowed by their rotting flesh, and strike only air. On their gear you spot the remains of a now familiar symbol, that born by Ashlyn the Lightbringer.

Map:http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb438/stack31/templeunderstory2.png
Everyone goes, 24 hrs.

[Firebeard]

Connor saw the thing rush Salvatore and tear a huge chunk from his companion. The speed of th beast, and it's obvious ferocity made it one of the most vicious opponents he had ever seen. It was time to call on Erastil's aid one more. As he stepped o the side, he opened tha special line of communication with his god. He felt holy power focus again this crime against nature, and he grinned to himself as he drew a flight of arrows.

Acrobatics [roll0]

Step to 07.02 and activte smite on blaspheme.
+4 to hit, +12 dmg, +4 ac

Attack [roll1]
damage [roll2] + [roll3] holy

Attack [roll4]
damage [roll5] + [roll6] holy

Attack [roll7]
damage [roll8] + [roll9] holy

[Bhaakon]

fort save: [roll0]

"Gaah!" gasps the inquistor before he stubbornly clamps jaw and grits his teeth against the wounds.

[Leviathan]

Pious raises his holy symbol as he sees the dangerous blow that strikes Salvatore, severely battering the inquisitor. "You shall not have him," the dwarf shouts.

Channeling energy to heal: [roll0]

[Sthalor]

The Half Orc looks down through the hole, shaking his head. "Look out below!" he calls out, grabbing a scroll. He quickly unravels it, chanting a few words and thrusting his hands at the Skeleton and Zombie.

Scroll of Grease cast on 6.04/7.05, Z2 and Skeleton must make a DC 18 Reflex save or fall prone.

Any creature moving through or within the area must make a DC 10 Acrobatics check. Failure means they automatically stop moving and make a Reflex save or fall prone. Failure of the acrobatics check by 5 or more means they automatically fall prone. Creatures that do not move are not affected.

[stack]

Connor sinks another divinely-charged arrow into the unholy monstrosity, put in return receives a bite of his own.

Connor:confirmed crit on the AOO, 38 damage, dazed 1 round (no save) (Pious acted before the monsters (actually he acted after them, but in the previous round) so the healing only counts to damage from before.

Dazed
The creature is unable to act normally. A dazed creature can take no actions, but has no penalty to AC.


The beast turns back to its immobile initial victim, biting again. Salvatore cannot regain his wits before the skeleton, ignoring the slick floor, claws him again. He remains standing, but only by the strength of Pious channeled energy.

Salvatore: 16 damage and 8 damage, you can't get anymore sickened, so that's good news, right? I have you at 1 HP, let me know if you have a different total.

One zombie pursues Connor, but stumbles on the rubble. The other tumbles to the floor as its unsteady feet lose purchase on the greased stone.

Map: http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb438/stack31/templeunderstory3.png (wouldn't change the appearance, so you get the 'classic' look today)

24 hrs. For those who can act, anyhow.

[Bhaakon]

"Dam... bast...go and..." the incoherent inquisitor mumbles as he reaches out for the bizarrely assembled blaspheme.

not sure if he's still dazed or not, since he was hit again. If Salvatore can act, then use Gentle Rest domain power on the blaspheme (touch attack to stagger (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/conditions#TOC-Staggered) for 3 rounds, no save)

[roll0] vs touch AC

[Firebeard]

Connor staggered as the thing slammed into him and tore a huge gash in his arm. He knew the first arrow had sunk deeply, glowing with the holy green-white aurora of Erastil's power. But, the creature blasted through it anyway, and now the paladin was reeling. From the corner of his eye, he saw Salvatore take another massive blow from the thing, but though he was right beside the gunslinger, he couldn't collect his wits enough to intervene.

[Leviathan]

Pious steps towards Salvatore, laying a hand on the wounded inquisitor. "Sarenrae, I believe this is the darkest hour I've yet lived. Let's not make it any darker, shall we?"

Cure Moderate Wounds on Salvatore, moving even if I need to take AoOs to do it.

CMW (empowered by healing domain): [roll0]

[Sthalor]

The Old Timer, panicking a bit, whips out another scroll and begins chanting softly. In a flash of light, a large albino snake appears next to Connor, already in mid-pounce at the Blaspheme. The snake attempts to wrap itself around the arms of the creature, hoping to incapacitate it.

Grapple check against the Blaspheme by my Celestial Constrictor Snake. Provokes AAO from Blaspheme.
[roll0]

Snake Stats (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/bestiary/monster-listings/animals/snake/snake-constrictor/summoned-creature-constrictor-snake)
Grapple Rules (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/combat#TOC-Grapple)

Both on the SRD, just in case you need the references.

[stack]

Pious leaps heedlessly down, falling heavily on the rubble and the old priest's corpse. Undeterred, he reaches out to Salvatore, warm light closing the worst of his wounds. His casting leaves him open to an attack from the zombie, but his armor protects him. Further blows are equally ineffective.

Salvator heals 14 HP (5 +9 (6=3 from empower))
Pious loses 9 from the fall

The creature snatches-up the snake, its body dissolving into the ether as it is bitten in half.

It the bites Salvator again. If not for Pious's timely intervention he would never have survived, though he falls to the ground, unconscious from blood loss nevertheless.


The skeleton tumbles back to the floor, mostly foiling its attempts and finishing the inquisitor.

16 damage. You were at 1, +14 gives you 15. 15-16 = -1. Another -9 from the skeleton puts you at -10. Good thing you die an -CON in PF, eh? DC 20 CON check to stabilize please. Still sickened.

Connor shakes free of his disorientation, regaining his wits enough to act normally.

Map:http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb438/stack31/templeunderstory4.png

I'm really excited to see how this plays out.

[Firebeard]

Connor shook the fuzziness from his head and stepped back from the Blaspheme. It was usually right about now that he really wished he had an armored fighter on his side to hold the big gribblies off of him while he filled them full of arrows. And yes, here it was, as Salvatore fell to the ground.

Connor looked at his companion, brave and true and something burned behind his eyes. He had only known the man for a short while, and though he could hardly claim friendship, there was a connection there: of honor, of duty, and of good deeds. Yes, there was something he could do here, and that was end this nightmare. In an instant, a trio of arrows were flying out at the Blaspheme. Connor had no hope that killing the thing would save his companion - for Salvatore looked beyond saving now - but perhaps he could finish this one last duty. "Erastil, help us!"



Step to 06.01 and shoot the blaspheme.
+4 to hit, +12 dmg, +4 ac

Attack [roll0]
damage [roll1] + [roll2] holy

Attack [roll3]
damage [roll4] + [roll5] holy

Attack [roll6]
damage [roll7] + [roll8] holy

C'mon dice roller, don't fail us now!

[Bhaakon]

+2 Con, -2 Sickened = have to roll a natural 20

[roll0] edit: figures.

[Firebeard]

Shouldn't be sickened. Didn't I hit you with a lay on hands?

[Bhaakon]

Not that I can see

[Sthalor]

Whipping out another scroll, yet another glowing boar appears, this one near the skeleton. It rears its head back, charging the undead with the hopes of killing it.

Scroll of Summon Monster 3 to summon a Celestial Boar to 10.04, charges the Skeleton using Smite Evil.

[roll0]
[roll1]

[Leviathan]

Pious once again lets out his healing light. "Damn, me, but we have to end this: I don't have much power left!"

Last channel energy (to heal): [roll0]

[stack]

Pious healing awakens Salvatore, though any strenuous motion risks re-opening his wounds. Connor to is invigorated. Connor & Salvator both heal 10. Salvatore no longer bleeding, stable at 0.

Connor uses his newfound vitality to plunge two arrows into the creature. It reels and staggers, but still moves forward, trying to sink its teeth into the troublesome paladin. It is too off-balanced to overcome the divine censure from the holy warrior, giving Connor a moments respite.

with your smite evil AC bonus, he missed! Rolled a 2. Which could easily decide the battle.

Old Timer's summoned boar is less effective, though it distracts the skeleton before perishing, leaving the dead creature only time to bite the now-conscious Salvatore, rather than slaying him outright.

Back to -7 and bleeding. Would have been dead if not for the boar, skellie rolled REALLY well.

The standing zombie again strikes Pious ineffectively, while the other is unable to reach the prone Salvatore as it wallows in the grease.

Map:http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb438/stack31/templeunderstory5.png

Could be a turning point. Better drop him this round though.

[Firebeard]

The feeling of the blaspheme's bite glancing off his armor shocked Connor into a ferocious action. He smoothly slid backwards and nocked an arrow. In a strange distillation of calm in this chaotic mess, he drew the nocked arrow back to his cheek and sighted on the creature's chest; the heart would be there on a normal creature, but perhaps this thing was held together by nothing more than meat and hate. He calmly released the string, then drew two more arrows in a smooth motion. Draw, loose. Draw, loose. he didn't allow himself to be distracted by the consequences of failure, of Salvatore dying at his feet, of the actions of Pious and the Old Timer. All that was important was the cadence of the bow.


5' step to 05.01 and attack! Only add the additional +6 smite damage to the first attack that hits.

attack [roll0]
damage [roll1] + 6 smite + [roll2]

attack [roll3]
damage [roll4] + 6 smite + [roll5]

attack [roll6]
damage [roll7] + 6 smite + [roll8]

[stack]

(smite applies to all the attacks, it only applies double to the first attack when smite is declared against certain foes)

Three holy shafts blow through the creature. It staggers backwards, twitching and flailing as it lets out an unholy shriek, threatening to collapse what is left of the floor above. Finally it falls and lies still.

As soon as it falls, the other undead collapse, the fell power animating them gone. The relief is palpable, as if a dark shadow had been banished by the noon sun.

2800 XP for the two encounters! That should put you at 20,500 XP (still shy of the 23,000 for level 7 on the fast track).

The room is now completely still, illuminated by Salvatore's glowing bullet and Connor's bow. The smell is...unpleasant.

[Firebeard]

Connor shook the sweat off of his face and bent to see to Salvatore. The gunslinger was in bad shape, but at least he was still alive. "Deadeye, you have guided my hand in combat, now guide it in mercy." He touched the fallen man and a divine healing spread to cleanse the foul taint and heal the broken body.

When Salvatore sat up, Connor sighed with relief. Then, he looked up and shouted "It's dead. And when it fell, so did the rest of the undead. I'd like to see if that was the case for the rest of the village as well, but first, let's see if we can't find what caused this mess. Look around up there for a relic, or book, or anything that might explain this. And I found the stairs we were looking for earlier. Probably a trap door leading up to one of the rooms the zombies came out of. Hold still and we'll be up there in a minute, once we've searched down here."

To Salvatore and Pious, he said "I am pretty sure these two were the Lightbringers that Ashlyn sent here before us. If possible, I'd like to search down here and verify that the cause of this plague isn't in the basement, then carry their bodies back to their leader. She may have something in mind for their care and eternal rest."



Lay on hands twice for Salvatore, removes sickness as well [roll0]
[roll1]

Search the lightbringers first, then the blaspheme, then the skeleton, then the room. I am assuming that the staircase leads up to the ground floor?

[stack]

The staircase leads to a trap door, emerging in one of the side rooms. It was covered by an old, soiled rug and missed in your search.

Seriously, the DC was over 20. I think the DCs to find stuff run high in this module.

Salvatore Legatus [roll0]
Pious Bronzeanvil [roll1]
Connor Halfhand [roll2]
Old Timer [roll3]


Anyone who beats DC 21 perceptions check while searching:in the southwest corner of the room you find a cache, which includes a suit of half-plate armor, a suit of chainmail, a greatsword, and three scrolls.

In the corner is the remains of an alchemist's lab. The reagents appear unusual the the gear is of high quality.

Appraise DC 20: worth 2,000 GP

Identifying Items (you have to find them first):


The chainmail and greatsword appear magical.

Spellcraft DC 18 - chainmail:+1
Spellcraft DC 18 - greatsword:+1

Spellcraft DC 16 scroll 1 - CLW
Spellcraft DC 16 scroll 2 - CLW
Spellcraft DC 18 scroll 3 - lesser restoration

[Sthalor]

The Old Timer happens upon the cache of magical weapons, quickly shuffling through them as his eyes glow a light blue. "Got some decent equipment over here. And some scrolls that should be of use." He dumps the loot in the middle of the room, as well as unloading the three potions he discovered earlier. "It'd be best if the healing went to the three of you. I haven't taken too many hits, I'll be fine."

Appraise Check

[roll0]

[Bhaakon]

"Thank you, Connor. That was too close... too close..." he shudders at the thought of meeting his deity in person. He quickly adds another pair of healing spells to the Paladin's efforts.

CLW x2
[roll0]
[roll1]

He breaks off his own search of the basement at the Old Timer's exclamation, "looks useful..." he says, muttering a spell to enhance his vision and examining each object in turn. "Looks like three healing scrolls, I've no idea what enchantments the equipment holds."


spellcraft checks
chainmail: [roll2]
greatsword: [roll3]
scroll: [roll4]
scroll: [roll5]
scroll: [roll6]

[Sthalor]

"The equipment carries a basic enchantment. Makes it easier to hit things, and hits 'em harder. The Half Orc's raven has continued it's grating whispering, being ignored by the Old Timer. "So... do you think they've fallen? The other undead." He busies himself by leafing through the small book they found.

[Firebeard]

"I would have to believe that to be the case. I mean, these fell once the Blaspheme was destroyed, though they had taken no significant damage. Also, if the priest here," he indicated the fallen form, " was somehow responsible, then it seems likely that his death in conjunction with the other would likely set things aright."

"My question is what to do now. Should we try and haul all of this." he indicated the goods and the alchemy equipment, " back to the town center in hopes that we can recoup some gold, perhaps towards outfitting ourselves to further seek the source of the deadly mists in this place? And what of the area above?"

"Old Timer, did you find aught upstairs that might reflect as to how this undead plague might have started? There was nothing down here but some gear and a few scrolls."