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

[Farmerbink]

Frederick shrugs, utterly content to remain unreasonably large for the moment. "HEY, UGLY!" he bellows, taking full advantage of his oversized lungs. "Come play out here! I've got something for ya!"

Spoiler: Frederick, round 8

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Frederick Strongarm
M LG Half-Orc Paladin 7 (VMC Barbarian), Level 7, Init 1, HP 43/60, Speed 20
AC 22 20, 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 +12/+7 (2d4+7, 18-20/x2)
Warhammer +11/+6 (1d8+4, x3)
MW Composite Longbow (+3 str) (40 standard arrows) +8 (1d8+3, x3)
Full Plate +1, Heavy Steel Shield (+10 Armor, +2 Shield, +1 Natural, +1 Deflect)
Abilities Str 19 21, Dex 10 8, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 16
Condition Irrepressible: Cha isntead of Wis for charm/compulsion will saves
Power Attack
Uncanny Dodge
Lay on Hands: 3/6 (2d6, removes fatigue, disease)
Smite Evil: 1/3
Divine Bond: 0/1
Rage: 4/8
Grace: 1/1
Hero's Defiance: 1/1
Paladin's Sacrifice: 0/1
enlarge person: 3ish minutes?
Divine Bond: Keen, 4 minutes, 6 rounds

Move as near the door as Olofire's positioning will allow. Ready an action to attack if the undead fugly comes out to play.

(1d20+12)[17] attack
(d120+12)[98] CC (27+, x2)
(2d6+8)[17] damage
(2d6+8)[14] crit bonus Sounds like we're going in.

OOC rolls:
23 to hit
18 damage

[Albinobrow]

Round 8

As the door opens up Olofire rushes past the rest of the group to lay into the one Spawn visible to them in the corner!

Spoiler: Actions Round 8

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Rolled Will save on OoC and got a 23.

Full attack on this spawn Using Piranha Strike

Piranha strike Bite (1d20+10)[13] CC x2 (1d20+10)[11] Dmg (1d6+11)[16] Sneak Attack (if applicable) (4d6)[15]
Piranha Strike Claw 1 (1d20+11)[26] CC x2 (1d20+11)[12] Dmg (1d4+11)[15] Sneak Attack (if applicable) (4d6)[19]
Piranha Strike Claw 2 (1d20+11)[25] CC x2 (1d20+11)[27] Dmg (1d4+11)[12] Sneak Attack (if applicable) (4d6)[16]

AoO If given Piranha Strike Bite (1d20+10)[30] CC x2 (1d20+10)[16] Dmg (1d6+11)[16] Sneak Attack (if applicable) (4d6)[7]

Spoiler: Character Stats

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Dr. Olofire Lightouch
Male N. Good Halfling Alchemist (Chir./Vivis.) 5/Unchained Rogue 2, Level 7, Init 7, HP 33/47, Speed 60 ft
AC 23, Touch 17, Flat-footed 17, CMD 19, Fort 7, Ref 15, Will 3, CMB +3, Base Attack Bonus 4
Masterwork Scalpel (dagger) +10 (not mutated, +12 mutated) (1d3+5 (+7 if mutated), 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, +6 Dex, +1 Size, +2 Deflect)
Abilities Str 10, Dex 24, Con 12, Int 16, Wis 8, Cha 9
Condition -Darkvision for 4:59:12 hours.
-Expeditious Retreat +30ft 4:36 minutes.
-Mutated 49:42 minutes left.
-Infected with Kyuss's "Gift". DC 16 Fort save. Receive half healing. Everyday take 1d6 Con dmg and 1d4 Wis dmg. To remove without magic need two consecutive successful DC 16 Fort saves.
-Mutagen Prepared: Dex +4, Wis -2, +2 Nat Armor 0/1
-Panache 3/3

[DarkOne-Rob]

Round 9

As Frederick shouts a challenge Marzena opens the door and Lydia blesses the party with divine aide, making their aim truer and weapons more deadly. Jan dismisses her enhancement spell on Frederick and both the half-orc paladin and halfling doctor rush into the farmhouse. There they attack at the unprepared spawn on the stairs, cutting its feet out from under him with claw and sword. The rest of the party follows, ready to lay into the destroyed undead or any others that appear.

For a moment it seems like the horror might be over as they look around to find a rustic, well-built farmhouse that doesn't look to have been neglected long, probably less than a week. The home must have been nice when it was occupied by the living, though now there are tell-tale signs that things aren't right. At the edges of vision the party sees movement all over, as if many small things were wriggling about just out of sight. Looking into the nearby sink Olofire sees dishes waiting to be washed with large maggots crawling out of spoiling food on the counter nearby. Finally, there are muddy, earthy tracks all over the floor, leading through doors and around the fireplace in the corner...

...Then the party sees one door burst open (and hears another)! Three more spawn rush out to attack and most of the party feels the overwhelming sense of terror that accompanies the spawn of Kyuss assault their minds. Olofire's defenses are overwhelmed as he is slammed, hard, by one, though he manages to dodge another undead arm swung in his direction (one critical hit for 16 damage and deposit one worm). The wormy corpses stumble and knock over furniture, moaning incoherently as they press forward!

Spoiler: Map

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The door at the top of the stairs is closed. The spawn at N12 opened a first-floor door to attack, allowing Olofire to see into the next room. The other two spawn came around the corner with the fireplace after opening the door at Q14. On of these two had enough movement to attack Olofire as well, but this one hit.

Everyone except Frederick needs to roll three more DC 16 Will Saves. Apply the appropriate bonuses and cross your fingers! Begin round 10!

[MuffinMan]

"For Heironeous!" Lydia cries as this time the undead cannot sway her resolve. Wielding her sword in both hands, she steps forward and swings it mightily against the closest monstrosity.

Spoiler: Actions

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(Will saves passed in OOC.)

Step to N/10 and attack the spawn in O/11:

power atk (1d20+7)[24], dmg (1d8+7)[15], cc (1d20+7)[26] (19-20/x2), cdmg (1d8+7)[8]

Spoiler: Status

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Lydia Constantine Human Cleric 7 LG HP 59 / 59 Speed ft Init 6 AC 21 Fort 7 Ref 5 Will 8 CMB +8 BAB 5 +1 Longspear +9 (1d8 + 5, x3)
Longsword +8 (1d8 + 3, 19-20/x2)
Heavy Mace +8 (1d8 + 3, x2) Str 16 (3) Dex 14 (2) Con 14 (2) Wis 17 (3) Int 12 (1) Cha 8 (-1)

[Farmerbink]

Frederick hops off the steps alongside Lydia, bringing his grand blade to bear, alongside the cleric's emblem of their patron. "Heironeous, end this infestation!"

Spoiler: Frederick, round 9

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Frederick Strongarm
M LG Half-Orc Paladin 7 (VMC Barbarian), Level 7, Init 1, HP 43/60, Speed 20
AC 22 20, 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 +12/+7 (2d4+7, 18-20/x2)
Warhammer +11/+6 (1d8+4, x3)
MW Composite Longbow (+3 str) (40 standard arrows) +8 (1d8+3, x3)
Full Plate +1, Heavy Steel Shield (+10 Armor, +2 Shield, +1 Natural, +1 Deflect)
Abilities Str 19 21, Dex 10 8, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 16
Condition Irrepressible: Cha isntead of Wis for charm/compulsion will saves
Power Attack
Uncanny Dodge
Lay on Hands: 3/6 (2d6, removes fatigue, disease)
Smite Evil: 0/3
Divine Bond: 0/1
Rage: 4/8
Grace: 1/1
Hero's Defiance: 1/1
Paladin's Sacrifice: 0/1
enlarge person: 3ish minutes?
Divine Bond: Keen, 4 minutes, 5 rounds

Gonna use my last smite on O/12.
5-foot step to N/11, as Olofire vacates it. Expeditiously.

Go to work:
(1d20+13)[20] attack (+3 smite, -2 power attack)
(1d20+13)[15] CC (28+, x2)
(2d4+27)[32] damage (counting 6 power attack, and 14 for first smite, doubled)
(2d4+27)[30] crit bonus

continue attacking same one, if it's up. Follow up on O/11 if the first attack did it.
(1d20+8)[17] attack (assumes smite bonuses on O/12. reduce by 3 if O/11)
(1d20+8)[20] CC (23, x2)
(2d4+13)[18] damage (does not include smite, nor doubled smite if first attack misses)
(2d4+13)[15] crit bonus

[Albinobrow]

Olofire finally succumbs to the fear he repeatedly feels at the sight of these unnatural creatures! He stands frozen taking a solid hit that sends him reeling, but thankfully causing another strike to miss.

The hit brings him to his senses, We shouldn't be fighting these things, we have no chance! with a quick thought, his alchemically enhanced speed takes him away from the threat.. And the party...

Spoiler: Actions

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Run Olofire! Run!

Rolled Will saves in OoC failed 2 of them. Double move back the way he came. Out the door, out the gate, and straight on till morning (4 rounds from now).

[Gwynfrid]

"Curses and carnage! How many more of these things?" Marzena yells in fury - mixed with fear. Her mind holds steady this time, though, and she quickly recovers from the surprise. She sees, however, that the good doctor didn't fare so well: A worm is squirming on her unfortunate friend's face, and his eyes fill with panic! Thinking quickly, she takes to the air, hovering above Lydia's head, to immediately cast a spell.

"La flamme purificatrice
Qui tombe du haut des airs
Va te laisser une cicatrice
Mais te débarrassera des vers!"

And a torrent of fire washes over halfling, worm, and undead.

Spoiler: round 10

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(post replaces a deleted post because it turns out Olofire needs help)

3 saves passed in OOC.

Move action, fly to M10, over Lydia's head.

Standard action, cast Burning Hands, catching the worm, Olofire, and the 3 undead behind him. Reflex save DC17, damage (5d4)[14]

Spoiler: stats

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Marzena Human (F) Cartomancer Witch 7 CG HP 44 / 44 Speed ft Init 3 AC 16 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)
Powers per day: Fly 6/7 minutes, Levitate 1/1, Augury 2/week, Harrowed feat: Draw Harrow card for +2 to 1 check 0/1
Reference for Harrow deck rolls

[JWallyR]

Jan visibly starts as doors are flung open, and undead monstrosities shamble toward the party. She flinches in sympathetic pain at Olofire's heavy hit, turning a baleful gaze upon the spawn, but with particular malevolence for the guilty one. "Stupid... ugly... THINGS!!" she shouts, before suddenly beginning to gesture furiously, spitting out syllables of arcane fury. A cloud of uncountable, sparkling particles explodes into being around the spawn.

Spoiler: Actions

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Casting Glitterdust, DC 18 else blinded, on the intersection of O12/P13 to catch all the spawn.

If a space is vacated in front of her for a move action that does *not* leave her unprotected from a direct attack, I'm happy to use that move action to do so.

Spoiler: Stats

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Janstina Silentall
F Chaotic Good Gnome Sorcerer, Level 7, Init 8, HP 53/53, Speed 20
AC 13, Touch 13, Flat-footed 11, 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)
(+2 Dex, +1 Size)
Abilities Str 6, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 23
Condition Frightened, 2 rounds remaining (suppressed) (expired?)
Unbreakable Heart: +4 morale vs negative emotions, suppression of existing Fear affect. ??? rds remaining
Bless: +1 atk, +1 saves vs fear (not stacking with Freddy's aura), 7ish minutes duration

[DarkOne-Rob]

Round 10

The party starts to move and fight like a unit, with one exception - Olofire. Marzena flies into the farmhouse, staying about five feet off the floor, and evokes magic, calling a burst of flame to spread out from her hands, engulfing the halfling doctor and all three undead. While Olofire instinctively dodges the flame, the little green worm wriggling on him is singed to a crisp, as are each of the undead. Olofire flees, his mind overwhelmed by repeated assaults of terror, but Jan steps into the doorway and condemns the undead with her wrathful anger! Motes of light cover the undead, eliciting alien reactions from them as their skeletal bodies seem unaffected but the worms on all three seem to go mad, wriggling about in spasms of tiny shock. Two of the undeads' worms seem to recover over the next several seconds, though neither survive long. Lydia and Frederick cut both of them down with their respective blades, leaving only one spawn of Kyuss still standing.

The spawn blindly lashes out, hitting Frederick (7 damage and depositing a worm) and rubbing at its worm-riddled eye sockets ineffectually.

---

"What is the meaning of all this noise?" calls out a male voice familiar to several of the heroes, though something is different too. Around the corner of the room, next to the fireplace, walks a hooded figure that is...off...somehow. As the man turns and raises his face towards the party those nearest see a sight that isn't supernaturally terrifying - it's just wrong in every way! Instead of a face, they see a swarm of worms - no skull with worms in it, just all worms. As Frederick and Jan watch they notice that certain features fit an enemy they fought several weeks ago...Filge the Necromancer!

"What? You! Not again!" he cries as he begins weaving a magic spell. A moment later five illusory doubles of Filge appear that are, if it is possible, even more disturbing in appearance than he is! Jan, Lydia, and Marzena roll DC 19 Will saves or be shaken as long as you can see Filge or his doubles. If your PC fails, there are additional consequences for striking a Filge-image. Otherwise, to hit him treat each image as if it were a mirror image.

Spoiler: Spellcraft DC 19

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Filge cast Horrific Doubles.

Spoiler: Filge the...Necromancer?

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Filge looks like a cross between these two pictures - Frederick, Jan, and Olofire would all still recognize him, but instead of a human face and other features, he's now made up of worms...

Spoiler: Map

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Begin round 11!

[MuffinMan]

Round 11

“Doctor, wait! Damn!” Lydia vents her frustration with another blow of her longsword aimed at the remaining spawn next to Frederick. She is seemingly unimpressed by Filge’s appearance, horrific visage nonwithstanding. “Wait a minute, you know this guy??”

Spoiler: Actions

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5ft step to M/11 then attack the spawn in N/12:

power atk (1d20+7)[20], dmg (1d8+7)[10], cc (1d20+7)[24] (19-20/x2), cdmg (1d8+7)[12]

[Gwynfrid]

Perhaps she's getting used to the horrific appearance of these enemies, but Marzena sounds unfazed as she asks Frederick: "I never had the displeasure to meet this... person, but I gather you're acquainted? Anyway, if you ever were on friendly terms, I take it that's no longer the case. Never been one for wormface, myself. Interesting little spell, though..." Her voice turns from banter to incantation:

"Qui que tu sois, tu as une sale tête
Peut-être est-ce dû à la malchance
En tout cas, ce n'est pas ton jour de fête
Car ici je déclare ta déchéance!"

"Right. Now, this is not gonna last long, but some bad luck is going to strike him. May I suggest you take advantage?"

Spoiler: round 11

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Casting Ill Omen. No save, but SR applies. On the next two d20 rolls the target makes, it must roll twice and take the less favorable result. A target who can speak and has at least one free hand and who is aware of the spell and its effects (such as from a Spellcraft check to identify the spell as it is cast - DC16) can negate one reroll by spending a move action to utter a brief prayer or good luck charm to appease the spirits of ill fortune.

No move.

Spoiler: stats

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Marzena Human (F) Cartomancer Witch 7 CG HP 44 / 44 Speed ft Init 3 AC 16 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)
Powers per day: Fly 6/7 minutes, Levitate 1/1, Augury 2/week, Harrowed feat: Draw Harrow card for +2 to 1 check 0/1
Reference for Harrow deck rolls

[Farmerbink]

Frederick growls, eying the infested necromancer. "I had hoped you'd learned your lesson."

Spoiler: Frederick, round 10

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Frederick Strongarm
M LG Half-Orc Paladin 7 (VMC Barbarian), Level 7, Init 1, HP 43/60, Speed 20
AC 22 20, 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 +12/+7 (2d4+7, 18-20/x2)
Warhammer +11/+6 (1d8+4, x3)
MW Composite Longbow (+3 str) (40 standard arrows) +8 (1d8+3, x3)
Full Plate +1, Heavy Steel Shield (+10 Armor, +2 Shield, +1 Natural, +1 Deflect)
Abilities Str 19 21, Dex 10 8, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 16
Condition Irrepressible: Cha isntead of Wis for charm/compulsion will saves
Power Attack
Uncanny Dodge
Lay on Hands: 3/6 (2d6, removes fatigue, disease)
Smite Evil: 0/3
Divine Bond: 0/1
Rage: 4/8
Grace: 1/1
Hero's Defiance: 1/1
Paladin's Sacrifice: 0/1
enlarge person: 3ish minutes?
Divine Bond: Keen, 4 minutes, 4 rounds

Attack the spawn:
(1d20+12)[23] attack (nothing special)
(1d20+12)[14] CC (27+, x2)
(2d4+7)[15] damage
(2d4+7)[14] crit bonus

If the spawn is dead, move action into melee with Filge. Use rolls below in case of AoO (with +5 to-hit)
If not, iteratively attack spawn.
(1d20+7)[19] attack
(1d20+7)[17] CC (22+, x2)
(2d4+7)[10] damage
(2d4+7)[14] crit bonus

Dead or not, if it took two swings, 5-foot step to O/11 or O/12 as able.

[JWallyR]

Jan stiffens in visible horror as the necromancer's horrific visage splits, each of the doubles seemingly more awful than the last. Almost reflexively, she makes a shoving gesture towards the worm-ridden deathmage, and a splash of transparent, slippery goo covers the floor beneath his (its?) feet.

Spoiler: Actions

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Failed save in OOC. Cast Grease

If the party is moving further into the room, Jan will move to be no closer to Filge (or other hostiles) than behind, say, Lydia.

Spoiler: Stats

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Janstina Silentall
F Chaotic Good Gnome Sorcerer, Level 7, Init 8, HP 53/53, Speed 20
AC 13, Touch 13, Flat-footed 11, CMD 12, Fort 3, Ref 3, Will 3, CMB -1, Base Attack Bonus 3
Acidic Ray Ranged (1d6+1/2lvl, x2)
Dagger Melee (1d3-2, x2, 19-20)
(+2 Dex, +1 Size)
Abilities Str 6, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 23
Condition Unbreakable Heart: +4 morale vs negative emotions, suppression of existing Fear affect. ??? rds remaining
Bless: +1 atk, +1 saves vs fear (not stacking with Freddy's aura), 7ish minutes duration
Shaken from Filch: -2 atk, saves, skills, ability checks (until Filch is dead, I assume)

[DarkOne-Rob]

Round 11

As Olofire continues to flee, Lydia and Frederick cut down the remaining spawn before turning towards the wormy necromancer and stepping in his direction. Meanwhile, Marzena and Jan do their best to hinder him, one cursing Filge (beyond his already obviously cursed state) and the other causing the...man(?)...to fall on a grease-slick.

"I had hoped you'd learned your lesson."

"What do you mean? Of course I learned my lesson - "Never cross a party led by a holy knight!" I left you all back in that infested hole of a mining town and never looked back! Why are you here? Have you been looking for me?" responds Filge as the robe covering his form moves in totally unnatural ways in the grease. "Come on, luck, I didn't ask for this!" he mutters with a wave of one hand angrily. From his position on the floor he aims the mass of worms that functions as a hand at Frederick and spits out something ugly in foul tongue. A ray of darker-than-black energy lances from his hand to spear Frederick with powerful necromantic magic!

Spoiler: Linguistics DC 20

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Filge spoke Necril as part of the spellcasting process.

Spoiler: Spellcraft DC 19

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Filge just cast and hit Frederick with Enervation.

Spoiler: Map

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Frederick "gains" four temporary negative levels, no saving throw to resist. All the temporary negative levels expire in seven hours.

Begin round 12!

[MuffinMan]

Round 12

Seeing Frederick’s plight, Lydia temporarily ceases calling after the fleeing Doctor Olofire and rushes through the dining room to assail the necromancer. “This is your only chance to surrender!” she bellows as she aims a blow with her longsword. “Where is the girl?!?!”

Spoiler: Actions

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Move to P10 (preferably) or P11 and attack the prone Filge:
power atk (1d20+7)[16], dmg (1d8+7)[8], cc (1d20+7)[13] (19-20/x2), cdmg (1d8+7)[15]

AoO if applicable:
power atk (1d20+7)[19], dmg (1d8+7)[12], cc (1d20+7)[18] (19-20/x2), cdmg (1d8+7)[14]

Spoiler: Status

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Lydia Constantine Human Cleric 7 LG HP 59 / 59 Speed ft Init 6 AC 21 Fort 7 Ref 5 Will 8 CMB +8 BAB 5 +1 Longspear +9 (1d8 + 5, x3)
Longsword +8 (1d8 + 3, 19-20/x2)
Heavy Mace +8 (1d8 + 3, x2) Str 16 (3) Dex 14 (2) Con 14 (2) Wis 17 (3) Int 12 (1) Cha 8 (-1)

[Farmerbink]

"Offer no quarter!" Frederick barks. "He is a blight upon the land! Just look at him!" He shudders forward, straining against his wounds and the vile affliction.

Feeling as if all his strength has been sapped into nothingness, but nonetheless determined to bring a more permanent end to Filge's predations, his gleaming blade rises and falls.

Spoiler: Frederick, round 11

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Frederick Strongarm
M LG Half-Orc Paladin 7 (VMC Barbarian), Level 7, Init 1, HP 40/60 20/40, Speed 20
AC 22 20, 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 +12/+7 (2d4+7, 18-20/x2)
Warhammer +11/+6 (1d8+4, x3)
MW Composite Longbow (+3 str) (40 standard arrows) +8 (1d8+3, x3)
Full Plate +1, Heavy Steel Shield (+10 Armor, +2 Shield, +1 Natural, +1 Deflect)
Abilities Str 19 21, Dex 10 8, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 16
Condition Irrepressible: Cha isntead of Wis for charm/compulsion will saves
Power Attack
Uncanny Dodge
Lay on Hands: 3/6 (2d6, removes fatigue, disease)
Smite Evil: 0/3
Divine Bond: 0/1
Rage: 3/8
Grace: 1/1
Hero's Defiance: 1/1
Paladin's Sacrifice: 0/1
enlarge person: 3ish minutes?
Divine Bond: Keen, 4 minutes, 4 rounds
4 negative levels

5-foot step to P/11, lay on hands for (2d6)[4] HP and removal of the worm
rage
full-round attack Filge:

(1d20+10)[25] attack (negative levels, rage)
(1d20+10)[21] CC (25+, x2)
(2d4+10)[14] damage
(2d4+10)[14] crit bonus
(1d6)[1] or (1d5)[3] or (1d4)[2] or (1d3)[1] or (1d2)[2]: "mirror" images

(1d20+5)[11] attack (negative levels, rage)
(1d20+5)[22] CC (20+, x2)
(2d4+10)[16] damage
(2d4+10)[16] crit bonus
(1d6)[3] or (1d5)[5] or (1d4)[2] or (1d3)[1] or (1d2)[2]: images

[Gwynfrid]

"Sorry love, you heard the boss. And if you ask me, I'll say you deserve all the bad luck there is. Did you transform yourself into this disgusting thing on purpose? Yeech!" A withering glare comes with the sharp comment.

Spoiler: round 12

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Misfortune Hex: For the next round, anytime the creature makes an ability check, attack roll, saving throw, or skill check, it must roll twice and take the worse result. Will DC19 negates.

No move.

Spoiler: stats

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Marzena Human (F) Cartomancer Witch 7 CG HP 44 / 44 Speed ft Init 3 AC 16 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)
Powers per day: Fly 6/7 minutes, Levitate 1/1, Augury 2/week, Harrowed feat: Draw Harrow card for +2 to 1 check 0/1
Reference for Harrow deck rolls

[JWallyR]

Jan gasps as Frederick slumps, weakened by the ray of dark energy. She glares angrily at the worm-ridden necromancer, murmuring arcane syllables in a rising crescendo, punctuated by a sharp gesture of throwing, and another cloud of sparkling particles bursts into being around the hated foe!

Spoiler: Actions

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I think I can cast Glitterdust, Will save vs DC 18 to catch Filch and not impact any friendlies... if not, feel free to interpret Jan as beginning to cast Summon Monster III instead.

Spoiler: Stats

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Janstina Silentall
F Chaotic Good Gnome Sorcerer, Level 7, Init 8, HP 53/53, Speed 20
AC 13, Touch 13, Flat-footed 11, CMD 12, Fort 3, Ref 3, Will 3, CMB -1, Base Attack Bonus 3
Acidic Ray Ranged (1d6+1/2lvl, x2)
Dagger Melee (1d3-2, x2, 19-20)
(+2 Dex, +1 Size)
Abilities Str 6, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 23
Condition Unbreakable Heart: +4 morale vs negative emotions, suppression of existing Fear affect. ??? rds remaining
Bless: +1 atk, +1 saves vs fear (not stacking with Freddy's aura), 7ish minutes duration
Shaken from Filch: -2 atk, saves, skills, ability checks (until Filch is dead, I assume)

[DarkOne-Rob]

Round 12

Lydia and Frederick move adjacent to the worm-necromancer and strike. Lydia's attack misses, but Frederick hits with what should have been a painful slash. Instead his blade seems to pass through the cloak and mass of worms without significant resistance. (Frederick hit the real Filge, but Filge has significant damage reduction that Frederick's attack did not bypass.) Marzena hexes Filge and Jan blinds him with her spell, leaving the enemy prone, blind, and disadvantaged.

“Where is the girl?!?!”

"Did you transform yourself into this disgusting thing on purpose?"

"Girl? You mean Helen? I've been looking for her all night - she's my little sister!" responds the necromancer. "And of course I didn't do this on purpose - what kind of a monster would? I was researching the green worms, and one of my experiments went wrong. I've been trying to get to Greyhawk to try and find a cure for the last week!" As he fumbles on the ground Filge casts a spell, eliciting attacks from both Frederick and Lydia. (Lydia's attack hits an image, causing it to disappear.) "Though this monstrous form has advantages when being attacked, I would much prefer to be human again... " he mutters angrily as he tries (and fails) to stand in the slippery grease.

Spoiler: Spellcraft DC 17

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Filge cast False Life.

Spoiler: Map

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Begin round 12!

[Farmerbink]

Frederick pulls his blade up, after striking the prone necromancer. "You- what?" He scowls deeply, firmly distrusting but dedicated to justice on a level that's hard to define. Standing straight, against the weight of the fatigue and weakness tearing through his huge body, he takes a careful step backwards. "Why should we believe you!?" he demands of the arcanist.

From a few feet away, he sheathes his heavy blade, eyeing the cowled, wormy figure with the divine sight of Heironeous.

Spoiler: Frederick, round 12

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Frederick Strongarm
M LG Half-Orc Paladin 7 (VMC Barbarian), Level 7, Init 1, HP 40/60 20/40, Speed 20
AC 22 20, 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 +12/+7 (2d4+7, 18-20/x2)
Warhammer +11/+6 (1d8+4, x3)
MW Composite Longbow (+3 str) (40 standard arrows) +8 (1d8+3, x3)
Full Plate +1, Heavy Steel Shield (+10 Armor, +2 Shield, +1 Natural, +1 Deflect)
Abilities Str 19 21, Dex 10 8, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 16
Condition Irrepressible: Cha isntead of Wis for charm/compulsion will saves
Power Attack
Uncanny Dodge
Lay on Hands: 2/6 (2d6, removes fatigue, disease)
Smite Evil: 0/3
Divine Bond: 0/1
Rage: 3/8
Grace: 1/1
Hero's Defiance: 1/1
Paladin's Sacrifice: 0/1
Divine Bond: Keen, 4 minutes, 3 rounds
4 negative levels
fatigued for 2 rounds

5-foot step back.
Sheathe falchion,
Detect Evil on Fildge (round 1 is presence/absence)

[DarkOne-Rob]

Spoiler: Mechanics

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Filga has a faint aura of evil, typical of an evil necromancer of mid-level.

Marzena remembers reading about a horrific transformation that sometimes occurs when an evil spellcaster dies and is buried in a graveyard saturated with eldritch magic. As normal vermin and worms begin to eat at the flesh of such an individual a sort of hive-mind can develop, taking on the personality, memories, and powers of the deceased but combining them with characteristics common to a swarm of vermin. Filge has become a worm that walks, though according to him, not in the normal way... (Technically, as a vermin, the knowledge check should have been Knowledge(Nature) but I think that makes no sense. I applied your Knowledge(Dungeouneering) modifier.)

Filge holds what amounts as his arm up, instinctively blocking a blow that might not come as he responds. "Why should you believe me? Look, you are in my family home, attacking me. When I arrived I found them all changed into spawn...all but Helen. I'm a graverobber and a necromancer, sure. I'm pretty sure your church would call me 'evil' and recommend you smite me til I stop moving, but I have a family and friends...or at least I did..." he responds, his voice thick with emotions and muffled by his cloak and the odd way his...biology(?)...allows speech. "I don't give a damn what you believe of what I say, but if you are trying to hurt my sister I will kill you and raise your corpses as servants!

...just as soon as I can see you again...nice move with the Glitterdust, by the way..."

[MuffinMan]

Round 12

Lydia's eyes narrow at the remaining copies of the necromancer, and she makes no move to step back, keeping her blade raised as she searches her instincts for whether to believe this... thing. "You fool, we're here to save that girl from those spawn! If you want the same, why were you lurking in here with them instead of destroying them?!"

Spoiler: Actions

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Lydia will use Sense Motive to try and get a hunch about Filge's veracity: (1d20+12)[28]

Ready an action to attack if Filge casts a spell, runs away, or otherwise attacks (but she'll let him stand up):
power atk (1d20+7)[20], dmg (1d8+7)[8], cc (1d20+7)[9] (19-20/x2), cdmg (2d8+14)[27]

AoO if applicable:
power atk (1d20+7)[26], dmg (1d8+7)[15], cc (1d20+7)[25] (19-20/x2), cdmg (2d8+14)[29]

Spoiler: Status

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Lydia Constantine Human Cleric 7 LG HP 59 / 59 Speed ft Init 6 AC 21 Fort 7 Ref 5 Will 8 CMB +8 BAB 5 +1 Longspear +9 (1d8 + 5, x3)
Longsword +8 (1d8 + 3, 19-20/x2)
Heavy Mace +8 (1d8 + 3, x2) Str 16 (3) Dex 14 (2) Con 14 (2) Wis 17 (3) Int 12 (1) Cha 8 (-1)

[DarkOne-Rob]

"They used to be my family, simple farmers," spits Filge at Lydia, angrily. "I'm a necromancer - I can control them, lock them up, and see if I could restore them somehow. I was looking for Helen when you attacked me!" The worm-that-walks rubs his hands at the spot where his eyes would be, apparently clearing his sight.

When he looks up at Lydia and sees her sword raised he begins casting another spell, this time directed at her! Another ray of magic, this time a sickly green in color, flies at the cleric. Filge misses and Lydia strikes at the necromancer, hitting the mass of worms but appearing to do no meaningful damage. "Lay off! That spell would have weakened you, but it couldn't kill you!"

Spoiler: Spellcraft DC 16

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He cast Ray of Enfeeblement, which would have done exactly what he said.

Spoiler: Results of Sense Motive

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Though it is hard to read his body language or facial expressions (due to the mass of worms that functions as his person), his tone of voice is consistent with an evil necromancer who is upset and struggling with his emotions. He has only cast one spell that could kill, so far, and that was the Enervation on Frederick. That spell is also a significant debuff and could arguably be considered non-lethal as well, at least to high level opponents.

[JWallyR]

The savage grin of satisfaction from her handiwork drains from Jan's face. "..."sister"? "Family"??" she murmurs to herself, disbelievingly, before fixing Filch with the best withering glare she can muster, in her shaken state. "If you mean what you say, stop fighting, and I mean NOW. We're only here because we heard... 'Helen' scream. If you want her safe, surrender!"

Spoiler: Actions

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I don't feel like this is really intimidation, more like diplomacy, but here's the roll: (1d20)[18]
Intimidate is +11, Diplo is +12

Spoiler: Stats

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Janstina Silentall
F Chaotic Good Gnome Sorcerer, Level 7, Init 8, HP 53/53, Speed 20
AC 13, Touch 13, Flat-footed 11, CMD 12, Fort 3, Ref 3, Will 3, CMB -1, Base Attack Bonus 3
Acidic Ray Ranged (1d6+1/2lvl, x2)
Dagger Melee (1d3-2, x2, 19-20)
(+2 Dex, +1 Size)
Abilities Str 6, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 23
Condition Unbreakable Heart: +4 morale vs negative emotions, suppression of existing Fear affect. ??? rds remaining
Bless: +1 atk, +1 saves vs fear (not stacking with Freddy's aura), 7ish minutes duration
Shaken from Filch: -2 atk, saves, skills, ability checks (until Filch is dead, I assume)

[Farmerbink]

Frederick grunts loudly, having finished strapping on his shield and readying his trident (for the possibility that the necromancer refuses to yield). "You know what our promise means," he interjects loudly. "You will come to no harm at our hands this day, if you yield." He reaches out, placing his trident between Lydia and the prone figure, and deliberately gives the "man" a moment to consider and announce his decision.

In the empty space (should any develop), he mutters, "We too came here to find and protect the girl, Helen I suppose. We will not hinder that cause."

[DarkOne-Rob]

"Surrender? Yield? No," growls Filge. "I will consider a cease-fire, but you start by backing up and sheathing your weapons..." continues the worm-that-walks. "I make no promises - you wouldn't trust them anyway. Back up and let me stand..."

[MuffinMan]

Lydia begrudgingly allows Frederick to guide her a step backwards with a gentle sweep of his trident. "You may stand, but our weapons stay out" she growls. "And I promise you this, necromancer - if you cast another spell at me it will be the last mistake you ever make!" She lowers her blade but does not fully relax, closely studying Filge for any sign of duplicity or sudden movements.

[Gwynfrid]

A murderous spell on her lips, Marzena hesitates for a split second, but her pragmatic mind takes over. "All right, you heard Sir Frederick. No killing. For now. Just so you know, still, your luck isn't going to improve until and unless you do surrender. I can keep it down for a very long time." She snarls in an ominous, unsettling manner.

"Now, we want to protect that girl, right. From those awful undead that kill with worms! So, first question: Do you know if there are any left? Second: Was it you who created them? Grave robber and necromancer, sounds to me like you fit the bill for that!"

Spoiler

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She will Cackle during the entire conversation, keeping the Misfortune hex in effect.

[DarkOne-Rob]

"Full of threats and bravado...like so many of us, I suppose," mutters Filge as he lowers his arm and carefully pushes himself up off the floor. "If the little one back there wishes to dismiss her Grease then we can clear the bodies of my family from the house and look for Helen. There is a secret compartment in that room," he points to the door out of which one of the spawn appeared moments before. "As children we practiced using that as a safe hole for attacks and emergencies. If she made it here, then that's where she will be..."

The necromancer carefully makes his way off the greasy patch of floor and slinks to the nearest of the spawn bodies. "Oh Dad...what monsters these Kyuss worms are..." he whispers as he sadly begins to drag the body towards the door. "Feel free to help me or not - just show them some respect, please, and avoid touching any of the worms. If you find any of the vermin, I recommend the touch of silver..." The worm-that-walks continues to go about the kitchen, paying little mind to the demands of the PCs until he has cleared the area of the undead bodies.

When a PC goes and searches the room he indicated they will find a small girl, no older than twelve, hiding in a room no larger than 5x10 ft behind a well-built secret door. She is clearly terrified and doesn't want to leave, clutching a knife and holding it defensively in front of her. "Get back! Leave me alone!" she cries, weeping fearful tears as she does.

When Filge hears her voice he takes a moment to cast a spell, transforming his appearance from the hideous abomination he is into that of his previous, human form.

Spoiler: Spellcraft DC 17

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He cast Appearance of Life, which should only work on undead, though he does not appear to be undead himself...

"Helen! I'm in here - it's Filge, your brother! You can come out now, these people and I have cleared out the house...of...well...it's safe!" he calls before walking purposefully into the room. At the sight of her brother the little girl drops her knife and rushes past anyone in the way to hug him tightly.

"Oh Filge, it was awful! I went into town on a chore and came back - everyone was covered with worms and so frightening! What happened to them all?!?" she cries, before burying her face in the necromancers cloak. For his part Filge just looks sick, his illusion hiding his own horrific form as he holds the little girl gently.

"Did anyone else make it?" he asks Helen as he holds her. When the little girls shakes her head, 'no,' his face grows more grim and he looks to the party. "How many did you...handle?" he asks, his eyes growing more haunted by the moment...

[Farmerbink]

Frederick directs Jan and Lydia to the secret compartment and begins to carefully remove the fallen spawn, following Fildge, but keeping the necromancer in at least peripheral view at all times. Even enervated, he is much stronger and demonstrates astonishing delicacy with the defeated monsters. He pointedly squashes a few of the worms between his heavy, gauntleted fingers, and makes minor efforts to avoid skin contact, though is more concerned with their respectful treatment.

"We can consecrate this place," he offers, recognizing the sentimental value that must be attached to both the farmstead and those who once lived there. "It would at least protect them from rising again, as I understand it." Even as he speaks, Frederick recognizes his own ignorance in light of Flige's mastery of necromancy. "...Or whatever you think would bring their souls respite."

The rest of the work is just that. Though undead, these are not the first deceased he has handled, and he knows how to do so with respect. He starts briefly as Filge takes on the appearance of humanity, and follows the necromancer into the living room once more. He stays back, and flinches visibly when the girl tightly embraces the monster- Filge, before him.

Frederick stands firm under Filge's withering gaze. Though he understands the concerns, he likewise regrets none of his actions. The huge, armored Half-Orc shrugs, neither pleased nor upset. "All that we found."