IC AoW - Encounter at Blackwall Keep (PF) (Take 2)

[MuffinMan]

Lydia frowns as Olofire's search turns out fruitless, and nods in answer to Frederick's query. "Yes - that one, I think." She points to the nearest door. "Remember, stay together and mind the flanks. The clock is ticking." She takes up a position near the back of the group, intending to act as rear guard while Frederick is in the vanguard.

[Farmerbink]

As Lydia voices his precise thoughts, Frederick steps forward. "Eyes open."

Rather than literally putting his words into effect, he takes one hand off his blade long enough to work the handle. He does, however, shoulder the door in rather roughly to peer inside.

[Gwynfrid]

"Just a second, before you do that..." Marzena's feet don't touch the ground, but she floats above the floor and into the corridor, and her glowing blue eyes look to her left and right, and also check out the door Frederick is preparing to open.

Spoiler

Show

Step to K13, and looks around. Her Arcane Sight spell automatically detects all magic within 120 ft, without having to concentrate.

[Albinobrow]

Mirroring Marzena, Olofire crouched low to the ground to also peak inside the room as soon as the door opened up.

Spoiler: Actions

Show

Looking inside with Deathwatch just as Marzena is doing, but from a low vantage point rather than high.

[JWallyR]

Jan says nothing, aside from the quick casting of a spell.

Spoiler: Actions

Show

Casting Mirror IMage for: (1d4+2)[6] images that will become visible when she does.

Spoiler: Stats

Show

Janstina Silentall
F Chaotic Good Gnome Sorcerer, Level 6, Init 4, HP 45/45, Speed 20
AC 17, Touch 13, Flat-footed 15, CMD 12, Fort 5, Ref 5, Will 5, CMB 0, Base Attack Bonus 3
Acidic Ray Ranged (1d6+1/2lvl, x2)
Dagger Melee (1d3-2, x2, 19-20)
(+4 Armor, +2 Dex, +1 Size)
Abilities Str 6, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 23
Condition Mage Armor: +4 AC, ~1 hr duration
Invisibility: ~6 minute duration
Mirror Images: ~6 minute duration, 6 images

[DarkOne-Rob]

The anti-climax lasts several seconds as Frederick throws open the door and finds an empty, two-soldier sleeping chamber. When nothing appears to leap out and attack the party continues to the next nearest door, moving around the basement in a clockwise direction. The second door opens to a larger room, also empty. The third is also empty, but as they open that door the party can hear the sounds of three other doors being thrown open.

"more soldiers...spread the worms...come meet Kyuss..." gurgle three voices as the wooden doors bang on the earthen walls. From where they stand, Lydia sees the southwestern corner room door open, Frederick sees the southernmost door open, and Olofire see the northwestern door (to the deep storage) open. In the dark Lydia and Olofire cannot see the enemies yet (nothing has left the rooms - its just too dark for the human and halfling to see inside the rooms), but Frederick has no such limitation. What he sees with his darkvision is clearly no longer human - an undead abomination with little segmented worms wriggling out of its now empty eye sockets...

Spoiler: The Spawn of Kyuss

Show

Both enemies and PCs have been watchful and listening for sounds of the other, so no one is surprised. Though the spawn are unaware that you aren't (all) soldiers, they are prepared to attack from their respective spots.

The PCs act first (after the doors are opened). However - all PCs that can see the enemies, are within 40 ft of them, and aren't immune to fear must roll DC 16 Will saves or be panicked for 4 rounds. If they get cornered they will cower until the duration is over. Passing the save means the PC is only shaken for one round.

Once a PC moves to a position where they can see the individual spawns they must roll the saving throw. Each undead has it's own Fear Aura, requiring separate saves for each enemy.

The map is updated.

[Farmerbink]

"To arms!" Frederick calls, clearly heralding the end of any attempts at subtlety. He charges forward through the narrow hallways, carrying eternal flame into the darkness. "Enough of your treachery, Kyuss!"

Spoiler: Frederick, round 1

Show

Frederick Strongarm
M LG Half-Orc Paladin 6 (VMC Barbarian), Level 6, Init 1, HP 52/52, Speed 20
AC 22, Touch 11, Flat-footed 24, CMD 21, Fort 9, Ref 5, Will 7*, CMB +10/+5, Base Attack Bonus 6/1, Power Points -/0
Magic Falchion +1 +11/+6 (2d4+7, 18-20/x2)
Warhammer +10/+5 (1d8+4, x3)
MW Composite Longbow (+3 str) (40 standard arrows) +7 (1d8+3, x3)
Full Plate +1, Heavy Steel Shield (+10 Armor, +2 Shield, +1 Natural, +1 Deflect)
Abilities Str 19, Dex 10, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 16
Condition Irrepressible: Cha isntead of Wis for charm/compulsion will saves
Power Attack
Lay on Hands: 6/6 (2d6, removes fatigue, disease)
Smite Evil: 1/2
Divine Bond: 0/1, Keen applied to his falchion for ~4.5 minutes
Rage: 7/7
Grace: 1/1
Hero's Defiance: 1/1
Things I forgot: Bull's Str, +4 str, ~4.5 mins
Bless, +1 attack, ~4.5 mins

Smite evil on the nearer foe. AC 24 vs him. (+3 deflection supersedes +1)
Move to H/17.
Make with the hurt (shaken this round)

(1d20+12)[16] falchion (11+smite-shaken) +2 BS, +1 Bless = 19
(1d20+12)[13] CC (28+, x2)
(2d4+13)[19] damage (+7, + smite) (should have been +6 more for first smite against undead- will apply on first successful hit) 19 + 6 for first smite, + 3 for BS = 28 damage, if hit


(2d4+13)[18] crit bonus

[Gwynfrid]

Undaunted, Marzena moves forward, in the light of her trusty orbiting pebble, until she sees the leering head of the terrifying Kyuss spawn... Her heart falters at the sight, but this only lasts for a split second. Bolstered by her magic and Frederick's powerful presence, she holds her ground, and her sharp gaze falls on the spawn to promise it a just retribution. She subconsciously touches the card deck hidden her her scarf pocket and says: "This one, I know it, will understand what bad luck is!"

Spoiler: round 1

Show

Move to J16

First things first, Will DC16 including +4 from Aura of Courage, rolling twice and keeping the best thanks to Hermean Potential (1d20+13)[15], (1d20+13)[21]

If failed, then she panics and goes to hide under a bed in M16 (or wherever the DM wants)

If successful, then:
- Knowledge (Religion), rolling twice and keeping the best thanks to Investigative Mind, (1d20+6)[23], (1d20+6)[13] to learn about the Spawn of Kyuss
- Evil Eye Hex over the spawn in H18, -2 penalty to attacks, Will save DC19, if successful the effect lasts for 1 round, if failed lasts for 9 rounds.

[MuffinMan]

Round 1

"Another there - southwest! Move together!" Lydia brings her spear to bear in the direction she heard the doors open, backing up carefully to stay close to Frederick and the others as they charge down the hallway.

Spoiler: Actions

Show

Move to K/15 or so - her intent is to stay at the back of the group as rearguard going down the hallway. Ready an action to attack an enemy coming into longspear range.

Possible Will saves vs DC 16 (+2 Protection from evil, +1 bless):
(1d20+11)[22]
(1d20+11)[31]

Readied attack (bull's strength, bless)
power atk (1d20+10)[18], dmg (1d8+11)[16], cc (1d20+10)[19] (20/x3), cdmg (2d8+22)[31]

AoO if applicable
power atk (1d20+10)[17], dmg (1d8+11)[15], cc (1d20+10)[16] (20/x3), cdmg (2d8+22)[31]

Spoiler: Status

Show

Lydia Constantine Human Cleric 6 LG HP 51 / 51 Speed ft Init 6 AC 21 Fort 7 Ref 5 Will 8 CMB +7 BAB 4 +1 Longspear +8 (1d8 + 5, x3)
Longsword +7 (1d8 + 5, 19-20/x2)
Heavy Mace +7 (1d8 + 5, x2) Str 16 (3) Dex 14 (2) Con 14 (2) Wis 17 (3) Int 12 (1) Cha 8 (-1)

[JWallyR]

Spoiler: Actions

Show

Edit: Just to be 10,000% clear, I am delaying action until Olofire's action.

In the interests of not blocking up the game, here are my contingent actions:
1) Assuming that Olofire moves down with the rest of the group or otherwise vacates the relevant squares, Janstina will cast Create Pit on the square of J-K/12-13 to ensure that we don't get caught from behind. My understanding is that this should not impact her Invisibility, since she will not be targeting an area with a hostile.

2) If Olofire does not follow the group Jan will instead attempt to follow (space permitting) Frederick down into the bottom hallway and cast Grease instead, on the square of F-G/16-17.

3) If Olofire makes the Pit problematic and the bottom hallway is too crowded, Jan will try to move to J,16 (or otherwise staying close to the group) and begin casting Summon Monster 3, aiming at a Lantern Archon to fly above the party and menace a nearby foe, attacking it with light rays or Aid-ing Frederick, other party members that could use the temporary HP.

A few Will saves vs fear, if needed:
(1d20+6)[20]
(1d20+6)[9]
(1d20+6)[16]

Rolls do not count Frederick's aura of courage; net benefit (vs simply Bless) of +3 if that aura applies at the time Jan becomes in range to require the roll.

Spoiler: Stats

Show

Janstina Silentall
F Chaotic Good Gnome Sorcerer, Level 6, Init 4, HP 45/45, Speed 20
AC 17, Touch 13, Flat-footed 15, CMD 12, Fort 5, Ref 5, Will 5, CMB +1, Base Attack Bonus 3
Acidic Ray Ranged (1d6+1/2lvl, x2)
Dagger Melee (1d3-2, x2, 19-20)
(+4 Armor, +2 Dex, +1 Size)
Abilities Str 6, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 23
Condition Mage Armor: +4 AC, ~1 hr duration
Invisibility: ~6 minute duration
Mirror Images: ~6 minute duration, 6 images
Bless: ~6 minute duration, +1 atk/saves vs fear

[Albinobrow]

Round 1

Olofire nods at Lydia's directions and charges down the hall towards the southeast, with an unnatural speed. As soon as he is able to see the first monster, rather than reeling from the grotesque undead figure, he instead charges past the creature into the room and takes a swipe at it!

Spoiler: Actions

Show

Olofire will follow the group down the hall and try to acrobatically get behind the spawn and stand in H,18.
Will save rolled in OOC thread was a 26.

-Initiative (1d20+7)[21]
-Acrobatics to get past spawn without AoO (1d20+16)[34] (IF I fail to avoid an AoO and the AoO misses, I will then use Panache to enter the Spawn's space and stay there instead.
-Piranha Strike style Claw Attack (1d20+11)[25] CC (1d20+11)[17] Damage (1d4+10)[12] Crit x2 (1d4+10)[12] +Sneak Attack (If applicable) (3d6)[13]
-If given the chance for an AoO myself, I will take it: Piranha Strike style Bite Attack (1d20+11)[22] CC (1d20+11)[25] Damage (1d6+10)[13] Crit x2 (1d6+10)[11] +Sneak Attack (If applicable) (3d6)[4]

Spoiler: Stats

Show

Dr. Olofire Lightouch
Male N. Good Halfling Alchemist (Chir./Vivis.) 4/Unchained Rogue 2, Level 6, Init 7, HP 39/39, Speed 60 ft
AC 24 (26 vs Evil*), Touch 17 (19 vs Evil*), Flat-footed 18 (20 vs Evil*), CMD 19, Fort 10, Ref 19, Will 6, CMB +3, Base Attack Bonus 4
Masterwork Scalpel (dagger) +10 (not mutated) (1d3, 19-20/x2)
Sling (Bullets) +10 (not mutated, +12 mutated) (1d3, x2)
only while mutated, Claw +13** (1d4+6, x2)
Mithral Chain Shirt (+5 Armor, +6 Dex, +1 Size, +2 Deflect)
Abilities Str 10, Dex 24, Con 12, Int 16, Wis 8, Cha 9
Condition **Bless: +1 atk and Saves vs fear 5:54
*Protection from Evil: +2 AC and saves Vs Evil creatures 5:42
Magic Vestment 5:59:42
Mutagen 39:42
Deathwatch 39:42
Expeditious Retreat 5:48
-Mutagen Prepared: Dex +4, Wis -2, +2 Nat Armor 0/1
-Extracts prepared: CLW 1/1, Expeditious Retreat 0/1, Shield 1/1, Deathwatch 0/1,
Alchemical Allocation 2/2
-Panache 3/3

[DarkOne-Rob]

Round 1

The party moves like a practiced unit, overwhelming the first spawn. Frederick's holy smite gravely weakens the undead abomination, Marzena hexes it, and the feral Doctor's agile maneuver and precise strike deals enough damage to the late-soldier that it falls in a mass of wriggling worms, otherwise unmoving. Jan conjures a pit to help control the flow of battle while Lydia takes rear guard.

"not soldiers...made a pit..." say the two remaining undead voices as they move towards Frederick. The nearest one attempts to slam the paladin with its arm. Though uninjured by the attack, the power behind the blow (as it was deflected off his armor) cautions the mighty paladin against underestimating the strength of these enemies. The second Spawn, coming out of the hallway to the northwest, sees the paladin and makes a throwing motion. In the thick of combat the half-orc champion can see a little green worm has landed on his arm, near a seam in his armor...

Spoiler: Result of Kowledge (Religion) for Marzena - the other PCs don't know this unless she warns them

Show

• DC 10: Some zombies are just plain harder to kill that others - you can tell the really tough ones by the worms that infest them. Their wounds close up as fast as you can hack them apart. (They have fast healing.)
• DC 15: Worm-infested zombies are dangerous, for there is a good chance they are a Spawn of Kyuss, a disease-festering menace. Their writhing green worms can transform others into undead horrors. (They have the ability to spawn additional Spawns of Kyuss.)
• DC 20: Spawns of Kyuss exude potent supernatural auras of fear. Their touch not only infects victims with a terrible disease (called "Kyuss' Gift" that causes the victim's Wisdom and Charisma to waste away and hinders magical healing) but can also infest others with the worms that gnaw on their bodies. The touch of silver or simple damage can kill them before they begin to burrow and make their way to the victim's brain... (Paladins and anyone else immune to diseases are immune to "Kyuss Gift" but not the infestation and potential death and reanimation the worm infestation can cause.)

The map is updated. Begin round 2!

[Gwynfrid]

The name "Kyuss" didn't ring a bell with Marzena when she heard it for the first time, but upon seeing the rotting, worm-infested corpses, she remembers reading about such creatures. "The worms are very dangerous! They're are easy to kill, just a touch with silver will do, or any blow. But don't let them touch you, they burrow under the skin and turn you into another zombie just like these! And they make their carrier very powerful, too... They strike fear into those who see them, and their wounds will close if you don't finish them!" Her battle-hardened spirit is still with her, but the alarm in her voice is real nonetheless.

She moves forward, to face yet another horror, but blessedly, Frederick's wide back stands between her and the worm-infested terror. "There's one on your arm! Can't have that... Sorry about this Sir, it might singe a bit..." She starts incanting:

"Gare aux ignobles vers
Qui portent une lèpre infâme!
Si je n'ai nul cautère
Je purge par la flamme!"

A torrent of fire surges from her extended palm and washes over both the half-orc and the attacking spawn...

Spoiler: round 2

Show

Made the Will save in OOC, exhausting the uses of Hermean Potential.

Move to I17
Cast Burning Hands, Refl DC17, (5d4)[14] fire damage

Spoiler: stats

Show

Marzena Human (F) Cartomancer Witch 6
CG
HP 38 / 38
Speed 30ft
Init +3
AC 12
Fort +5 Ref +7 Will +9
CMB +2
BAB +3
Harrow Card +5 (1d4+2, 20/x2)
Dagger +2 (1d4-1, 19/x2)
Str 8 (-1) Dex 14 (2) Con 12 (1) Wis 12 (1) Int 20 (6) Cha 10 (0)

Active spells: Hermean Potential (ended, 0/2 uses left), Arcane Sight (8 min), Investigative Mind (60 min, 5/6 uses left), Message (60 min), and the Flight hex up to 6 min)

[Farmerbink]

With a roar, Frederick turns his attention to the new arrival. He ignores the worm (and ensuing torrent of flame) to instead focus on the immediate destruction of the worm's source. With near-animalistic fury, he lashes out, the flaming blade casting bizarre shadows against the walls.

Spoiler: Frederick, round 2

Show

Frederick Strongarm
M LG Half-Orc Paladin 6 (VMC Barbarian), Level 6, Init 1, HP 51/52, 63/64 Speed 20
AC 22, Touch 11, Flat-footed 24, CMD 21, Fort 9, Ref 5, Will 7*, CMB +10/+5, Base Attack Bonus 6/1, Power Points -/0
Magic Falchion +1 +11/+6 (2d4+7, 18-20/x2)
Warhammer +10/+5 (1d8+4, x3)
MW Composite Longbow (+3 str) (40 standard arrows) +7 (1d8+3, x3)
Full Plate +1, Heavy Steel Shield (+10 Armor, +2 Shield, +1 Natural, +1 Deflect)
Abilities Str 19, Dex 10, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 16
Condition Irrepressible: Cha isntead of Wis for charm/compulsion will saves
Power Attack
Lay on Hands: 5/6 (2d6, removes fatigue, disease)
Smite Evil: 1/2
Divine Bond: 0/1, Keen applied to his falchion for ~4.5 minutes
Rage: 6/7
Grace: 1/1
Hero's Defiance: 1/1
Rage: +4 str, +4 con, +2 will, -2 AC
Bull's Str, +4 str, ~4.5 mins
Bless, +1 attack, ~4.5 mins

(1d20+5)[22] reflex vs DC 17
(2d6)[6] self healing with LoH
Rage time!
Make with the hurt, FRA style

(1d20+14)[33] falchion (+11, +2 Bull, +2 rage, +1 Bless, -2 Power)
(1d20+14)[26] CC (28+, x2)
(2d4+19)[26] damage (+7, + 3 for Bull, +3 rage, +6 power)
(2d4+19)[22] crit bonus

(1d20+9)[15] falchion (+6, +2 Bull, +2 rage, +1 Bless, -2 Power)
(1d20+9)[13] CC (23+, x2)
(2d4+19)[26] damage (+7, + 3 for Bull, +3 rage, +6 power)
(2d4+19)[24] crit bonus

[Albinobrow]

Round 2

Frederick's nod and is met only with a slight smirk and a raised eyebrow from Olofire, That was effective. Let's try again. He swiftly and nimbly moves into a flanking position once more.

Spoiler: Actions

Show

-Move to F,17
-Acrobatics to avoid AoOs (1d20+16)[22] (Again if I fail to avoid the AoO but the spawn fails to hit me, I will use Panache to enter it's space. but only the one next to -Frederick, not the other Spawn.. Yet.)
-Will saves for each of the other Spawn rolled in OoC. Rolled a 26 and an 18.
-Reflex Save vs DC 17 if caught in Marzena's Burning Hands Spell (1d20+16)[26] No damage on success.
-Piranha Strike Bite attack (1d20+11)[17] CC x2 (1d20+11)[23] Damage (1d6+11)[14] + Sneak Attack (3d6)[13]

AoO if presented: Piranha Strike Bite attack (1d20+11)[18] CC x2 (1d20+11)[24] Damage (1d6+11)[13] + Sneak Attack (3d6)[10]

Spoiler: Character Stats

Show

Dr. Olofire Lightouch
Male N. Good Halfling Alchemist (Chir./Vivis.) 4/Unchained Rogue 2, Level 6, Init 7, HP 39/39, Speed 60 ft
AC 24 (26 vs Evil*), Touch 17 (19 vs Evil*), Flat-footed 18 (20 vs Evil*), CMD 19, Fort 10, Ref 19, Will 6, CMB +3, Base Attack Bonus 4
Masterwork Scalpel (dagger) +10 (not mutated) (1d3, 19-20/x2)
Sling (Bullets) +10 (not mutated, +12 mutated) (1d3, x2)
only while mutated, Claw +13** (1d4+6, x2)
Mithral Chain Shirt (+5 Armor, +6 Dex, +1 Size, +2 Deflect)
Abilities Str 10, Dex 24, Con 12, Int 16, Wis 8, Cha 9
Condition **Bless: +1 atk and Saves vs fear 5:48
*Protection from Evil: +2 AC and saves Vs Evil creatures 5:36
Magic Vestment 5:59:36
Mutagen 39:36
Deathwatch 39:36
Expeditious Retreat 5:42
-Mutagen Prepared: Dex +4, Wis -2, +2 Nat Armor 0/1
-Extracts prepared: CLW 1/1, Expeditious Retreat 0/1, Shield 1/1, Deathwatch 0/1,
Alchemical Allocation 2/2
-Panache 3/3

[MuffinMan]

Round 2

Lydia grunts in frustration as the foe swings round to avoid Jan's trap. So they are intelligent... She hurries through the corridor, squeezing past Jan and Marzena until she sees Frederick squaring off against another of the monstrosities. "Then... let's finish them!" she acknowledges the battlemage's warning as she prepares to jab with her spear. "For Heironeous!!!"

Spoiler: Actions

Show

Move to I/17 and attack with longspear:
power atk (1d20+11)[15], dmg (1d8+11)[13], cc (1d20+11)[31] (20/x3), cdmg (2d8+22)[37]

AoO if applicable
power atk (1d20+11)[31], dmg (1d8+11)[19], cc (1d20+11)[12] (20/x3), cdmg (2d8+22)[26]

I think I already passed a Will save for this one, but I'll roll just in case I didn't: (1d20+11)[27]

Spoiler: Status

Show

Lydia Constantine Human Cleric 6 LG HP 51 / 51 Speed ft Init 6 AC 21 Fort 7 Ref 5 Will 8 CMB +7 BAB 4 +1 Longspear +8 (1d8 + 5, x3)
Longsword +7 (1d8 + 5, 19-20/x2)
Heavy Mace +7 (1d8 + 5, x2) Str 16 (3) Dex 14 (2) Con 14 (2) Wis 17 (3) Int 12 (1) Cha 8 (-1)

[JWallyR]

Spoiler: Actions

Show

Posting once again to try not to hold up the game.

Will save(s), assuming sight happens:
(1d20+6)[21] (or net +3 if Freddy is close)
(1d20+6)[22] (or net +3 if Freddy is close)

If the nearer enemy is not already dead, Jan will move down to LoS and attempt to Acidic Ray it. Otherwise she will move closer (after waiting for Frederick and other melees to move ahead) and Acidic Ray (or ready an action to do so if the enemy enters LoS for her.

Attack: (1d20+7)[19] vs touch AC
CC: (1d20+7)[10] for x2 on 27
Damage: (1d6+3)[6]
Crit damage: (1d6+3)[9]

Spoiler: Stats

Show

Janstina Silentall
F Chaotic Good Gnome Sorcerer, Level 6, Init 4, HP 45/45, Speed 20
AC 17, Touch 13, Flat-footed 15, CMD 12, Fort 5, Ref 5, Will 5, CMB +1, Base Attack Bonus 3
Acidic Ray Ranged (1d6+1/2lvl, x2)
Dagger Melee (1d3-2, x2, 19-20)
(+4 Armor, +2 Dex, +1 Size)
Abilities Str 6, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 23
Condition Mage Armor: +4 AC, ~1 hr duration
Invisibility: ~6 minute duration
Mirror Images: ~6 minute duration, 6 images
Bless: ~6 minute duration, +1 atk/saves vs fear

[DarkOne-Rob]

Round 2

The battle is over in a flash of fire, a splash of acid, and several well-placed stabbing scalpels. As Marzena roasts the worm and the spawn in front of the paladin, Frederick embraces his heritage and rages, dealing a grievous (and ultimately lethal - again) slash to the worm-ridden zombie. As it falls and Frederick steps towards the remaining spawn of Kyuss, Olofire, still moving supernaturally fast, darts out and begins a deadly dance. The halfling cannot get past the spawn, but neither does it strike him. As the doctor gets inside the undead's reach (and uncomfortably close to the foul, rotting smell of decaying flesh) he stabs it, his sharp blade going deep. Lydia and Jan both attempt to strike the creature, with Jan's acid hitting and Lydia's spear coming up short.

"...too fast...?" growls the monster as it tries to circle around to find Olofire, ultimately incurring another cunning stab by the feral halfling. As it collapses a disturbing amount of worms flow from the corpse, ultimately wriggling in between floorboards and into the earth. Likewise, the other worms covering the floor seem to retreat as well in a display something like water soaking into the earth.

End of combat

In the aftermath there is only silence and the unpleasant smells of recently destroyed undeath. Two of the spawn, now only appearing to be zombiefied soldiers, lay near the charred remains of one that looks only marginally like it was ever human. The burnt rags on this corpse might have once been the uniform of a battle mage, but it is impossible to be sure. Nearly two years on the spawn have left them worm-eaten and filthy beyond measure.

A thorough search of the basement turns up no additional threats. All the doors are opened, including the one to deep storage. It is clear that at one time this door was thoroughly sealed, with a heavy wooden beam and multiple locks. Near the broken wooden door, now off its hinges, you can find the remains of the locks, apparently not noticed during and after the lizardfolk attack (when they must have been broken, releasing the original spawn to terrorize the Keep's defenders).

DING! You leveled up to 7! It's amazing what some solid critical hits and sneak attacks can do to bad guys. It's time to get back out of the basement (remember you warned the soldiers to lock the door behind you) and wrap up this day. Reinforcements to the Keep will arrive tomorrow, so I need posts to direct the role-playing as we begin to wrap up this chapter. Well done!

[Gwynfrid]

Marzena runs forward, steeling herself against the supernatural terror she just felt nearly overwhelming her, a new spell on her lips... And stops at the sight of the deadly doctor's blades, cleric's lance, and gnome acid finishing off the last of the undead. She notices that the burn she just inflicted on Frederick barely left a trace.

"Well. I had a hunch that you guys were a solid team. Gotta say, I wish we had you with us when the keep got attacked." She bows to her companions, genuinely impressed.

Before the group goes back to announce victory, she conducts a thorough examination of the bodies, or what's left of them, and the premises, making sure no further danger lurks.

Spoiler

Show

She's still under the effect of Arcane Sight, so anything magical should be immediately noticed.
In case of need, some rolls:
Perception (1d20+10)[21]
Knowledge(Arcana) (1d20+15)[33]
Knowledge(Dungeoneering) (1d20+12)[29]

[MuffinMan]

Lydia plants the butt of her spear in the earth and leans against it as her breathing slows back to normal. "Yes, well fought. Those things had a supernatural foulness to them, but couldn't stand against the power of the light." After scouring the remaining rooms for more undead, and stomping as many green worms as possible, she returns to the doorway and raps on it to get the soldiers' attention.

"Corporal Howard, you may unbar the door now - we have won the day. Set your men to digging graves for the fallen, and I will perform the burial ceremony at sundown. These men died in the line of duty; their sacrifice will be honored."

[Farmerbink]

Frederick's grin loses the feral sheen as he locks eyes with Olofire and nods. He turns to Marzena and his expression is markedly more formal. "We were where the inheritor needed us," he grunts- somehow both earnest and yet the comment carries heavy hints of feeling like he's making an excuse. After a weighty pause, he adds, "they were not good times for us, either."

Suddenly morose in the wake of their overwhelming victory, Frederick takes his time thoroughly scouring the basement. He wonders for a few moments, holding the tattered insignia of the original spawn. "Lydia, Olofire- huh, Jan and Marzena, you might know- where would such an affliction as this originate? I find myself concerned by the possibilities. This poor soul was barred in for years, and yet...." He lapses into silence, struggling a little with his thoughts. "Are there more? Where? How?" He wonders in silence for a moment longer.

"How many?"

Frederick waits in the dark as Lydia rises to inform Howard of their success and takes charge over the afternoon and evening's recovery.

[JWallyR]

Jan fades into visibility as the party members examine the rest of the basement and declare it free of remaining dangers. "Nasty things," murmurs the gnome with a shudder as she passes the now motionless remains of what once was an honorable soldier.

"Lydia, Olofire- huh, Jan and Marzena, you might know- where would such an affliction as this originate? I find myself concerned by the possibilities. This poor soul was barred in for years, and yet...." He lapses into silence, struggling a little with his thoughts. "Are there more? Where? How?" He wonders in silence for a moment longer.

"How many?"

"I..." stammers the gnome, "I... have no idea. What kind of bug burrows into a living person, kills them, but moves their arms and limbs about like they were still alive??" With another deep shudder, the gnome turns pointedly away from the rotting corpses. "Ugh. I'm gonna go topside and get some fresh air." She pads off to follow Lydia toward the basement entrance.

[Albinobrow]

Frederick's grin loses the feral sheen as he locks eyes with Olofire and nods. He turns to Marzena and his expression is markedly more formal. "We were where the inheritor needed us," he grunts- somehow both earnest and yet the comment carries heavy hints of feeling like he's making an excuse. After a weighty pause, he adds, "they were not good times for us, either."

Suddenly morose in the wake of their overwhelming victory, Frederick takes his time thoroughly scouring the basement. He wonders for a few moments, holding the tattered insignia of the original spawn. "Lydia, Olofire- huh, Jan and Marzena, you might know- where would such an affliction as this originate? I find myself concerned by the possibilities. This poor soul was barred in for years, and yet...." He lapses into silence, struggling a little with his thoughts. "Are there more? Where? How?" He wonders in silence for a moment longer.

"How many?"

Frederick waits in the dark as Lydia rises to inform Howard of their success and takes charge over the afternoon and evening's recovery.

While Frederick's feral qualities seem to come and go as he pleases, Olofire still hunched forward slightly fangs and claws bared breathes low and steady as he continues to scan about the room with the others for more danger. Finding none, he stands upright gaining a little bit of composure but still with those alchemically induced feral qualities.

He speaks, the first time it feels in a while through all of this, "Frederick I'm sorry I don't think I will know the answers to your questions yet. I wonder the same thing. But this battle has proved to give some useful information. For example, those soldiers were very much undead and, as Jan mentioned, being controlled by the worms. The worms themselves however are very much alive. Perhaps there is a hive type situation with how they work together and infect people? I haven't seen a lot of undeath outside of what we've all seen together, but as Marzena mentioned, these were stronger.. Somehow.." He scratches his head. "Still these are only observations from our encounters. Once I have had the opportunity to do some proper research back in the lab. Perhaps a library to learn more about this 'Kyuss'. Then I hope to have more information."

Having said his piece, he follows the others up form the basement to gather his things. Waiting for his transformation to wear off and his mind to clear once more.

[Gwynfrid]

"Agreed. We need a bit of time to rest, and to examine these worms at more leisure. And I will take the time to... make investigations of my own, too." Marzena doesn't elaborate on her intentions. Instead, she finishes her search of the basement, and follows the group back upstairs.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Marzena's search turns up nothing magical of note - the aura of necromancy found on each of the destroyed undead is fading already, and none of their equipment or anything else in the basement shows signs of enchantment. The basement needs extensive repair and cleaning to be returned to military standards, but given the recent battle with the lizardfolk and the depredations of the undead that is no surprise.

At Lydia's confirmation that the basement is clear the sound of heavy wooden barricades being removed can be heard. A bit less than a minute later the sunlight comes into the doorway, a welcome sight after the darkness and gloom. Corporal Howard and several of his men stand nearby, weapons drawn, as the party steps out. When it is clear none of them are infected he orders the men to sheath their weapons and return to their duties. Then he turns and silently waits on the party to address him, clearly expecting more reprimand. Several of the soldiers make their way downstairs into the basement and retrieve the bodies, wrapping them in heavy cloaks and bringing them up into the open air and out the door of the keep, presumably to a grave site for the dead form the battle.

@Everyone - How do you all interact with the soldiers after this, especially Corporal Howard? How do you plan to deal with reporting the events of the last several days (and in the case of the genesis of the undead threat in the keep, the last couple of years) when reinforcements arrive?

Frederick, still in the basement when the men come down to remove the corpses, watches them move with the urgency of military men performing an unpleasant duty. They are efficient and speak little, though they openly look at the paladin with expressions of awe. When he follows them upstairs it is hard to let go of the horrors he just saw...there may be many nightmares in his future in spite of the blessings of Heironeous.

Speaking of nightmares, Jan is one of the first PCs to leave the basement, her discomfort with the terrifying worms and undead apparent. She doesn't ruin the impression the party has made on the soldiers, but the sheltered little gnome is clearly unhappy with what she has been forced to witness.

The soldiers clearing the basement do not look too closely at Olofire, apparently a bit uncomfortable with his feral appearance. They respectfully give him space to recover from his mutagen, but when he leaves the basement there are several soldiers with brooms, shovels, buckets of water, and other cleaning supplies ready to begin work in the space. Over the next several hours the exhausted men remove an enormous amount of gear from the space - mattresses, ruined food stuff from the pantry, and anything else that might be infested with vermin. Outside the Keep a pair of men sort through everything, carefully disposing of anything spoiled or worm-ridden in a large bonfire they have prepared. The salvageable items are returned to the basement steadily, but it is the work of days, not hours. Nearby three small pyres are built and the dead men's corpses are placed on them. It seems that none of the soldiers wish to bury them in either of the larger graves nearby.

These two mass graves are deep and unhappily large, by necessity. The lizardfolk dead, mostly in one piece, have been rather unceremoniously dumped into a hole that has not been covered yet. The soldiers who died in the attack were in generally worse shape - many of them partially eaten by the attacking reptiles. What dignity could be managed was done, and the grave has already been covered so as not to attract scavengers. In spite of their fatigue, the soldiers who look to have this unpleasant duty spend the afternoon covering the mass grave of lizardfolk.

In spite of the busyness demonstrated around the Keep, all of the soldiers walk in a daze with haunted expressions. The events of the last two weeks will impact these men all of their lives. Some, like Corporal Howard, carry grief and shame while trying to live up to high expectations. Leaders have been forced to rise out of the ranks in spite of injury, youth, or previous failures. Others are barely more than automatons going about their tasks - clearly traumatized and in no shape to continue for much longer.

Had the party not arrived when they did and destroyed the three undead in the basement it is likely they would have arrived to an empty Keep...or worse, one manned by a small brigade of undead.

---

@MuffinMan - Feel free to post a funeral service if you like. All of the soldiers will attend.

---

The next day dawns with the Keep looking like an island in the mist. By midmorning the sun has burned off most of it and Blackwall Keep is starting to look a little better - there are soldiers on the wall standing watch while others work to return the basement to a habitable state. There aren't enough men to defend the keep from attack or anything, but they at least show some signs of life again.

Around noon a horn sounds from the north. At the call one of the soldiers runs to that side of the Keep walls and looks off into the distance. "Soldiers! They fly the flag of Greyhawk!" he calls, loudly enough for everyone to hear. The Keep's soldiers, save three still manning the walls, and the PCs all gather to greet the reinforcements. The enlisted soldiers form ranks, demonstrating that there are less than a dozen of them left after all the fighting. Corporal Howard and Marzena take positions in front of the men as the ranking enlisted and commissioned leaders and get ready to greet the arriving forces. All the soldiers wear the uniforms that look the best, though none look good. Signs of wear and tear abound and their injuries remain on display for all to see.

Several minutes later a company of well armed soldiers marches into the Keep from the road in orderly lines. At their head is an older man wearing the brilliant armor of a knight emblazoned with the holy symbol of Heironeous on his tabard. "That is the commander of the garrison at Diamond Lake, Colonel Tolliver Trask...I am both glad and terrified that he is here..." says Corporal Howard quietly as he stands beside Marzena.



The Colonel rides up to a point in front of the soldiers, eliciting a salute from Corporal Howard that is matched a moment later by Marzena. "By the Archpaladin, what has happened here?" he says, projecting his voice only far enough for the party and Corporal Howard to hear. "Wait - don't tell me in front of the other soldiers. My men will take charge and relieve everyone here of duty - it looks like they need rest and more. I will take your reports in the Commander's Room.

STAFF SERGEANT! Take charge! Relieve the soldiers of the Keep and set a watch! I want these men to receive medical attention and seventy-two hours of rest before they are even considered for duties again! Get this Keep secured and see to it that I am not disturbed. I will see Battle-Mage Marzena, Corporal Howard, and the adventurers who sent Allustan back to Diamond Lake in the late-Commander's quarters!"

"Sir yes Sir!" responds a burly man in heavy chain mail. Then with a voice that could easily be heard in the nearby swamp he bellows, "YOU HEARD THE Colonel! MOVE! SERGEANT DOOLER, SEE TO IT THAT..." The reinforcements move with incredible efficiency, relieving the soldiers on the walls and taking over the unfinished jobs as the sizable company begins to set Blackwall Keep to right. Without speaking more Colonel Trask dismounts and walks into the keep, clearly expecting you all to follow.

When making your report, I recommend that one of the first things you say is to inform him of the emissary from the Twisted Branch lizardfolk that should be arriving later today if you want to ensure peace between them and Greyhawk doesn't end before it began.

[Gwynfrid]

After coming back from the terrifying but mercifully short fight with the worm spawns, Marzena, as the most senior officer alive, takes nominal command of the Keep, and does what she can to help with the repairs. She refrains from going after Corporal Howard at any serious length. She's not interested in wasting time dressing him down, and the man seems remorseful enough, as it is. Instead, she has the soldiers assemble in the devastated courtyard, and simply tells them:

"These undead down there were the result of foul magic, something well beyond your ability to deal with. It took all the power of heroes like Sir Frederick, Doctor Olofire, Dame Lydia, Servant of the Archpaladin, Miss Janstina's magic, and my own to take them down, and it was no walk in the park. So... For you not to make the attempt, that was the right call. Now, the years of hiding the truth about Lieutenant Leon, lying to the Commander... Not the right call. At all." She lets a moment of uneasy silence pass. "This isn't for me to decide what to do about. A call for help has been sent. Meanwhile, we will do what we can to clean up the mess. Get going."Not the most inspirational speech, but that never was my job anyway. Damn, I'm done with this place!

In the morning, she's greatly relieved to see the fresh unit reinforce her depleted, discouraged and exhausted men, and especially, to relinquish command of them to Colonel Trask. She follows him to the hastily tidied up quarters, and makes her report to him.

"My written account will be ready for you in the evening, Sir. Let me give you the gist. We were attacked by the Twisted Branch lizardfolk tribe. We were overwhelmed, mostly. I got knocked out early in the battle and taken prisoner, so others will be in a better position to tell you the details. The Commander was killed. The keep was rescued by Sir Frederick here, and his group. Then they came to investigate the Twisted Branch tribe, with the help of a lizardman they have made friends with - the name is Ssyath, decent fellow. They killed the lizard leader, and rescued me. As it turns out, the lizardfolk there were under the influence of a dragon by the name of Ilthane. Having removed the leader, we were able to parlay with their shaman. We helped it with some kobolds and evil magic that Ilthane had left behind. That patched up things a little, and now they're free to decide what they want for their tribe. Namely, they want peace with us. In fact, they're sending an emissary, who will be here tomorrow.

And... That's not all. Turns out that my predecessor here, Lieutenant Leon, was turned into an undead by an evil influence, from some foul worms that can burrow in your body and take control. He, or what once was him, had been hiding in the basement for a long time. Some men had a misguided sense of loyalty to the poor chap, and they just locked the door and tried to forget about it. They didn't dare tell the Commander, and lied to him about the missing battlemage. The undead started to make more spawn from soldiers, so Corporal Howard finally told us what was happening. We went down yesterday, with Sir Frederick's team, we were able to get rid of the undead. These are some sort of zombies, but intelligent, and infested with worms that they can throw at you. Very dangerous. We managed to take them out, and since then we've been trying to repair the place, and to be frank, we waited for you, Sir. That is all, Sir."

[MuffinMan]

After coming back from the terrifying but mercifully short fight with the worm spawns, Marzena, as the most senior officer alive, takes nominal command of the Keep, and does what she can to help with the repairs. She refrains from going after Corporal Howard at any serious length. She's not interested in wasting time dressing him down, and the man seems remorseful enough, as it is. Instead, she has the soldiers assemble in the devastated courtyard, and simply tells them:

"These undead down there were the result of foul magic, something well beyond your ability to deal with. It took all the power of heroes like Sir Frederick, Doctor Olofire, Dame Lydia, Servant of the Archpaladin, Miss Janstina's magic, and my own to take them down, and it was no walk in the park. So... For you not to make the attempt, that was the right call. Now, the years of hiding the truth about Lieutenant Leon, lying to the Commander... Not the right call. At all." She lets a moment of uneasy silence pass. "This isn't for me to decide what to do about. A call for help has been sent. Meanwhile, we will do what we can to clean up the mess. Get going."Not the most inspirational speech, but that never was my job anyway. Damn, I'm done with this place!

Lydia stands off to the side as Marzena addresses her comrades, content to let the other woman handle this part of the talking. "Corporal Howard. A word, please," She beckons the young officer to her side as the rest of the group begins to disperse. Her face remains stony and impassive, and she lets him squirm for a few moments before she continues. Then she takes a step forward so that the two are shoulder-to-shoulder, and speaks softly, not looking at him. "You know the mistakes you made - I don't need to remind you. But you handled the situation well, otherwise. A lesser man would have broke and fled, or let morale deteriorate until the keep was overrun. But you guided your men through it all. If you don't end up in a lizardman's belly you might make a fine captain one day." Then she departs without expecting a reply.

The "burial" ceremony that evening is short and efficient, in typical Heironean fashion. Having gathered the men, Lydia leads them in a group prayer for courage and deliverance, and ritualistically splashes both the mass graves and funeral pyres with holy water. She takes a lit torch, and turns to give a final address before igniting the pyres. "Remember - to perish in fighting for a righteous cause is not defeat; it is the highest form of victory. These men fulfilled their duty to their sovereign, to each other, and to the citizens that rely on them. Rest assured the Archpaladin is pleased with their efforts. It falls to us, now, to remember their bravery and carry their light with us in the days to come. In duty, we find honor. In courage, we find salvation. So let it be." She traces the Heironean lightning bolt through the air and then clasps fist to chest, and the attending soldiers do their best to mimic the gesture. Before she steps out of the spotlight she looks to find Frederick, in case he has anything to add.

---

The next morning Lydia again lets Marzena take the lead in reporting, while she considers Trask himself. They had spoken briefly about her mission when she first arrived in Diamond Lake (which feels like a lifetime ago!), but this was her first time seeing him since. He looked well, although anyone would seem hale compared to the ragged survivors of the keep.

As Marzena finishes her report Lydia clears her throat and speaks up. "All of this is true. Colonel, if you recall the mission that brought me to Diamond Lake, I had been tasked with investigating the doomsday rumors around this Age of Worms... Like everyone I thought it was folly, but after what I have seen the last few days, I'm not so sure... What Marzena didn't mention is that the lizardman leader and the undead in the keep's basement both had a troubling characteristic in common - they were each infected by and seemed to be drawing power from these horrible flesh-eating green worms. That, and the same name came from both of their lips - "Kyuss". Does it mean anything to you?"

[Farmerbink]

As Frederick stomps to the surface- a few steps below the final macabre pallbearer, his shoulders rise and fall with steady, deep breaths. He stops a few paces away from Corporal Howard, and spends a few moments simply watching him, as Marzena addresses the body of gathered soldiers and Lydia singles him out specifically. Frederick immediately notices the young man's obvious relief as Marzena steps into the role of commanding officer, and finds himself empathizing with the young corporal.

Several hours later, Frederick stands near Lydia as she leads the formal rites. At her mention, he steps forward. "Heironeous demands order," he begins, more to frame his words than inspire any newfound epiphany. "Loyalty, honor, bravery. You and these fallen have all shown that. What he does not care for, is sacrificial lambs. There is no justice to be found in demanding punishment for the crimes of another. If it is within my power, I will see to it that none of you take the fall for the mistakes of others- especially those who should have been leading you through this harrowing time. We all wish things could have ended differently, but put that in one hand and stack rocks in the other before you tell me which hand fills fastest." He nods solemnly, and turns from the building flames, leaving the enlisted to their thoughts.

---

Frederick has a bit of difficulty remaining fully polite with Task, recalling their previous encounters. Still, the commander seemed more or less impartial- almost infuriatingly so. "Oh, he'll recall your mission," the paladin grunts, briefly interrupting Lydia. With a gesture of apology, he lapses into silence, keeping his peace while the others effectively convey the events.

[DarkOne-Rob]

The soldiers do not approach Marzena after her address, though several look at the party with open admiration and awe after her explanation of what happened in the basement.

Corporal Howard listens to Lydia's encouraging words with barely contained emotion - it is clear that he is moved by what she says but trying to maintain his military bearing. As Lydia leaves he nods and murmurs his gratitude before finding a quiet place to grapple with his thoughts.

None of the soldiers opt to speak at the funeral ceremony, though many seem to find comfort in the service. As a result of the PCs' words some of the weight of guilt appears to be lifted from them as the smoke rises into the evening sky.

---

Colonel Trask looks at the party with some stoicism, their previous, stressful encounters seeming to have no lasting impact on him. "It is good that I have some experience in the field, otherwise stories such as these would be hard to believe. That said, I know nothing about the various worms you are describing, 'Kyuss,' or their predations. The lizardfolk tribes, on the other hand, I know all too much about. I saw one of the reptiles out in the fort - I assume that he was your guide, Ssayth - but Greyhawk has not had good relations with the tribes in this area for decades. They haven't often attacked this Keep, and never overwhelmed it before, though..." says the Colonel. "I am grateful to all of you for helping rescue our soldiers. Thank you," he says to the party (minus Marzena).

The grizzled old soldier paces the room for a moment, thinking furiously. "Lieutenant Marzena, your tenure here ends soon, correct?" At Marzena's confirmation he continues. "I am accelerating your Honorable Severance from the Army of Greyhawk. Effective immediately you are relieved of Duty and recognized for your valiant role in recovering from that disastrous attack. I am no longer your superior and you are no longer required to remain at this post. I recommend strongly that you and these adventurers travel back to Diamond Lake and meet with Allustan, however. If I know anyone who can help answer the questions you have about this 'Age of Worms' it is him. If he can't, hopefully he knows someone who can..." Colonel Trask pulls out a chair and sits down heavily, his armor creaking loudly as he does.

"As for the Twisted Branch and their emissary, should they approach without violence they will be greeted in kind. Peace will be welcome, though their history will require patience during negotiations. I will supply you with a letter to deliver to the garrison in my absence - I plan to remain here until Greyhawk sends a full brigade to take over in my stead. In the meanwhile, I will meet with the Twisted Branch and begin the negotiations...I assume, since you are all here and bringing this up that you think they are trustworthy enough to seriously consider this? And you don't think this dragon 'Ilthane,' will try and sabotage the peace efforts or attack the Keep?"

After the party answers the Colonel is uncomfortably silent for a long time, nearly two minutes. "I don't really know what to do about the issue with the undead in the basement...behavior like that is unacceptable. These soldiers have gone through so much in the last two weeks that I want to be gentle, but corruption like that is a direct result of their actions two years ago. Men died because they hid LT Leon down there, and for two years! By Heironeous, what a mess this is!" he says angrily. "...Thank you for what you have done, all of you. Please find Corporal Howard and send him in here after you leave. I will have him bring my letter to you before you leave. The Quartermaster will see to it that you all have horses for the trip back. Return them at the garrison when you deliver my report."

Then Colonel Trask turns to his desk, dismissing you all without further ceremony.

[Albinobrow]

Before the party packs and leaves, Dr. Olofire is hit with a sudden realization that he has yet to inspect what potions were in the chest! Yes he noticed the worms but what magical properties were they swimming in? He takes a moment creating an extract that would help him focus on those properties and drinks it, giving his eyes light blue glow, and he picks up each Potion in turn and gives a look.

Spoiler

Show

Spellcraft checks
Create and drink an extract of Identify to give my spellcraft checks a +10. The Identify bonus lasts for 15 rounds if I need to make multiple rolls. But here goes!
Dark Vial Potion #1 (1d20+20)[33]
Dark Vial Potion #2 (1d20+20)[39]
Dark Vial Potion #3 (1d20+20)[28]
Dark Vial Potion #4 (1d20+20)[25]
Dark Vial Potion #5 (1d20+20)[33]
Dark Vial Potion #6 (1d20+20)[32]

Spoiler: Stats

Show

Dr. Olofire Lightouch
Male N. Good Halfling Alchemist (Chir./Vivis.) 7/Unchained Rogue 2, Level 7, Init 5, HP 47/47, Speed 60 ft
AC 20, Touch 16, Flat-footed 15, CMD 18, Fort 7, Ref 13, Will 4, CMB +3, Base Attack Bonus 4
Masterwork Scalpel (dagger) +10 (not mutated, +12 mutated) (1d3, 19-20/x2)
Sling (Bullets) +10 (not mutated, +12 mutated) (1d3, x2)
only while mutated, Claw +13 (1d4+7, x2)
Mithral Chain Shirt (+4 Armor, +5 Dex, +1 Size)
Abilities Str 10, Dex 20, Con 12, Int 16, Wis 10, Cha 9
Condition None
-Mutagen Prepared: Dex +4, Wis -2, +2 Nat Armor 1/1
-Panache 3/3