1.1 - In Search of Sanity - Prison of the Mind

In the midst of a strange city, you flee a tenacious citrine fog. Alone, pulse pounding, you find yourself running through the twisted alleys as if unable to muster control over your own body. You realize that you both know this place, yet do not, like a faded memory from a lost childhood, or an overdue echo in a dark cave. You know not where you are, nor how you got here.

All around is a wall of sickly yellow fog, tumbling through the alley’s canyon of crumbling, gray brick walls like some jaundiced flash flood. A strange scent of dusty copper lingers in the air. Ahead, the unfamiliar alley splits, curving to the left and right. Behind, from the silent swell of mist, emanates the sound of footsteps—slow, but somehow keeping pace with the careening, hungry wave. The sound of metal scraping across stone grows louder while remaining muffled by the dense fog.

Racing, you pull around a corner and find yourself at the edge a central plaza. Five figures total, all strangers to one another, arrive at the same time from as many tributaries of his forlorn city, each with a dense wall of fog slowly approaching from behind them - it will be upon you in mere moments.

The only direction that appears devoid of the sinister fog lies to the east - a wide path that appears to twist towards the heart of the city.

OOC:

Here we go! Everyone start with a short introduction of your character, including a physical description, and post one action your character will take. You figure you have likely no more than about a minute before the fog overtakes you.

Feb 12, 2022 3:48 pm

Elias leans against the wall and tries to catch his breath. Tall and with an athletic build, Elias usually doesn't get winded this easily. Yet there's something about this place that exhausts him. Running a hand through his brown hair, Elias wipes the sweat away from his eyes. Reflexively he reaches down and adjusts his tabard, pulling it straight over his chainmail.

Hearing the movement coming up behind him, Elias turns and looks toward the noise, trying to pierce the fog with his gaze, trying to see what's coming.

Feb 12, 2022 6:37 pm

At one of the alleys' mouths appears a robed, gangly half-elf, overburdened by his belongings, perturbed not by his exertion, but only by the situation he finds himself in. "This has the makings of coincidence, and there is no such thing." he thinks to himself.
He straightens up and adjusts his glasses to get a better look at his fellow fog fugitives, then speaks up.
"It appears that the path is already laid out for us. What say you?" he asks them in a striking Varisian accent.

Feb 12, 2022 6:41 pm

Elias turns quickly upon the half-elf speak. Indeed...it's as if it's herding us.

Feb 12, 2022 11:35 pm

Upon peering into the fog, Elias sees the faint flicker of a hulking shadow seem to pass within it, then the shadow is gone.

Feb 13, 2022 12:16 am

'Voices. Voices. Running through my head. Voices..." From the citrine mists at one of the six apertures, appears the tall shadowy figure of a man with a wide-brimmed hat. Smoke spews from the corner of his mouth and a mote of flame brightens only enough to make out the fearues of his face for a moment. His general features are distinctly Varisian, with a close-cropped mustache and goatee gone a few days too long without a shave. A short blade of claw scar mars his rugged good looks along the cheek under his right eye.

His countenance betrays confusion more than fear or desperation, as he moves into the center of the small plaza and taking a look around at the others and their mutual situation. "I know not why I am here, nor who each of you might be, but that something stalks my shadow from the mist and I must therefore wish it gone."

Last edited February 13, 2022 12:19 am

Feb 13, 2022 1:25 am

As he banged into walls during his run, they seemed as alive as the pursuing fog and whatever slunk steadily toward him within it. Maybe that was his terror colouring his senses but he doubted it somehow. Now he saw four others, more unknowns in a miasma of unknowns, though these four were running just like he was. He stopped among them, a tall man in a gray and blue cloak and the clothes of one unused to combat. His hood had flown back in his flight, and visible were the large scar slicing down through his left eye, that milky white eye, and the almost ritualistic radial scars around his forehead, jaw, and chin.

[ +- ] who am i?

"Wish all you want," he said in a breathless Nexian accent to the man in the hat, "but we should also run... east!"

Feb 13, 2022 1:44 am

The fog continues to grow closer, and the sound of metal scraping across stone sharper.

Feb 13, 2022 2:55 am

From the last of the alleyways springs a lithe figure in supple leathers and shoulder-length dark hair. Pale of skin and slender of physique, the odd mists and the foreboding shadows give only enough to the others of this curious convergence to discern them to appear a human female. She turns suddenly to reveal the faint glint of a gently curving blade in her left hand and peers into the foul fog behind her.

"Come-then, creep-er!" She growls through a labored breathing. "Let death em-brace us."

Realizing finally that she is not alone in the nexus of many paths, the pale woman glances toward each of the other four.

Her eyes, glowing slightly from within, are anything but human.

Last edited February 13, 2022 2:56 am

Feb 13, 2022 4:06 am

He raised a hand reflexively... but to do what? She wasn't human but she was being hunted like the rest of them.

"Let death chase us!" he roared as he started off east. "Come on!"

Feb 13, 2022 4:59 am

Like himself they don't know who they are, but he can feel a kinship with them. As he stares into the fog and senses..more than sees movement, the human warrior draws his sword.

Feeling the reassurance of the weight n his hand, the warrior steps forward and looks to their only avenue of escape. It seems that there's some rather...large...something in the fog. Given our current situation, I agree with our movement out of here.

The warrior then follows those who are already leaving the area.

Feb 13, 2022 8:02 am

The fog presses closer, and closer. As it draws near, each of you still looking back can clearly see twisted, shadows of unnatural creatures - large spider-like visages, as big as horses, skittering on forests of legs and horrible, lurching tumor-heaps.

OOC:

I have actions from Elias and Axon. What are the rest of you doing?

Feb 13, 2022 7:09 pm

Razhel follows the others across the plaza toward the East, guarding their rear in defensive retreat, against the nightmarish stalkers threatening to swallow them up like the sickening mist and devour them.

Last edited February 13, 2022 7:10 pm

Feb 14, 2022 7:43 am

Seeing the others move for the wide path to the east, Grim sets his course to join them. Should the five of them need to make a stand against whatever is lurking around them, he stays on constant alert to any narrower path that may present itself. The better to crowd in the lurker in the dark and make a better defensive position.

Feb 14, 2022 7:06 pm

OOC:

Assuming by LoudKid's last post that his intention was to head off down the open path, should the PC's agree.

As your footsteps pound across the cobbled stones and echo through the quiet streets of this forlorn city, the sickly, amber fog remains consistently at your heels. After several minutes staying ahead of it, the alley walls begin to sag, battered brick slumping over the path before you, nearly blotting out the bruised twilight sky.

Again the grimy cobblestone path splits ahead of you. This time one route curves uphill while the other recklessly descends.

Behind, the fog grows ever closer, now also clearly audible the sounds of low, rhythmic humming and the sound of a blade being sharpened across stone. A singular, tall human-like visage can be seen, veiled within the fog, lilting from side to side as it grows closer.

OOC:

One action from each of you please

Feb 14, 2022 7:12 pm

Razhel growls and clenches her blade tight, as she slows and readies herself to face the thing that follows them. She is the slayer; not the prey and one of them must go down.

Feb 14, 2022 7:18 pm

Elias watches as Razhel falls back and take up a fighting stance...to buy the group time. Fight well.. Turning his attention back to the others, Elias looks at the two paths in front of them. I say we head to higher ground, it's easier to defend..if we need to..

Turning one last to watch Razhel, Elias reflexively brings his sword up...in a sort of salute.

Feb 14, 2022 7:53 pm

Feb 14, 2022 8:36 pm

"Up!" Axon shouted as he ran for the hill. "Let me see the sky!"

Feb 15, 2022 1:50 am

"Up is correct, I think! The yellow should not go up... far... although from observation, even natural law seems... not... in this place..."
He slows down as he approaches the aggressive violet-eyed woman, and pauses to put a hand on her sword arm.
"Your instinct is admirable, but I think this action is foolish. The stalkers are uncountable and unidentifiable, not to mention that I do not wish to test what that gas might do to us."
He turns from her to pick up the pace again, heading up the high road with the others and shouts back.
"Come! Survive for now! Fight later!"

OOC:

Sorry for not posting yesterday!

Feb 15, 2022 9:23 am

OOC:

No worries at all, LoudKid. I hope I interpreted your intentions okay with the prior post - I felt it was pretty clear, but if I ever misunderstand something - anyone - please let me know.

Feb 15, 2022 10:25 am

Grim takes several steps down the East path, then stops and turns around. He sees the dark-haired woman standing defiant against the rush of the unknown tormenting their steps. Quickly, he moves to stand beside her with is own blade at the ready. It was not in him at the moment to let the lone woman stand against their stalker while he ran away.

Feb 16, 2022 6:52 am

The mist parts, now mere steps behind. A mask of gray rags emerges, strips of something fleshier than fabric worming and constricting across a body that's almost humanlike - but too lean, and far too flexible. Gauzy gray ribbons reach out like tendrils, each grasping for less doubtful flesh to claim.

The creature takes a measured step forward, out of the mist and points its razor at Razhel, its wicked maw of needle-sharp teeth grinning in lust of the kill.

You all hear a single word - "me" - echo through the mist, echoing upon your eardrums in nightmarish cacophony as the creature rushes forward.

OOC:

Entering combat! For the purposes of this combat, we will using theatre of mind. Future combats will usually use battle maps.

This is how I'll handle the start of combat for future encounters - I'll roll initiative to cut down on the number of back-and-forth posts and speed up combat, then post the order below. Those who beat the enemy's initiative may post their actions in any order. After the enemy has acted, everyone will be free to act.

Axon and Grim - you're up!

Everyone please include a Fear save vs DC 17 in your next post

[ +- ] Initiative Order

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Rolls

Enemy Initiative - (1d20+5)

(11) + 5 = 16

Axon Initiative - (1d20+3)

(19) + 3 = 22

Elias Initiative - (1d20)

(12) = 12

Grim Initiative - (1d20+2)

(19) + 2 = 21

Iosef Initiative - (1d20)

(7) = 7

Razhel Initiative - (1d20+5)

(1) + 5 = 6

Feb 16, 2022 9:58 am

Grim lunges for the nightmarish apparition, stabbing at the sickly flesh with his dagger.

Rolls

Dagger attack, damage - (1d20+2, 1d4+1)

1d20+2 : (4) + 2 = 6

1d4+1 : (4) + 1 = 5

Fear save - (1d20+12)

(10) + 12 = 22

Feb 16, 2022 12:45 pm

He wanted to see the sky but he couldn't just let someone else die behind him. He turned, instinctively raised his hand, and called down a rain of tiny meteorites onto the ravaging flesh!

OOC:

Casting Black Motes (Sp): At 1st level, you can summon a as a standard action to fall in a 5-foot column, 30 feet high, with a range of 30 feet. The meteors inflict 1d4 points of cold damage. A DC 14 Reflex save negates this damage.

Rolls

Black Mores cold damage - (1d4)

(4) = 4

Fear save - (1d20+8)

(8) + 8 = 16

Feb 16, 2022 6:40 pm

OOC:

Axon is Shaken while in the creature's aura of fear. –2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks.

The bandaged creature of terror rushes to attack Razhel, but Grim's quick actions get in the way. The scarred, Varisian-featured man lashes out but the creature knocks his blade aside just as motes of icy meteor plummets atop its head and shoulders, one tearing into its flesh. It howls in annoyance and bares its teeth at Grim before lashing at the man with its serrated razor, twice in quick succession.

The first catches Grim under the armpit, severing nerves allowing the man to hold his blade. The weapon falls to the ground just as the second blade comes around to cut straight across Grim's jugular. Blood sprays across the pavement as the creature grabs Grim, flies upward several feet and rips the man's head from his shoulders. The monster throws the remains to the ground, cackling in delight.

The hole in its flesh where the icy meteor struck earlier stitches itself up, as if the blow never came.

"ME!" the word echoes through the mist again.

OOC:

The rest of you are up, all may act (including Axon again). Everyone should include two DC 17 Fear saves in their next post, except Axon who should include only one.

[ +- ] Initiative Order

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Rolls

Intimidate (Demoralize, to proc Frightful Presence) - (1d20+9)

Attack #1 - (1d20+9)

Attack #2 - (1d20+9)

Damage #1 - (1d4+4)

Damage #2 - (1d4+4)

Feb 16, 2022 7:20 pm

Elias stops in his tracks, something...instinctual causes him to turn around. Seeing the dead body of Grimm causes Elias to instinctively raise his sword and shield. Muscle memory places the sword in an attack position.

With a determined look on his face, Elias moves forward to engage the enemy.

Rolls

Fear (DC 17) - (1d20+6)

(19) + 6 = 25

Fear (DC 17) - (1d20+6)

(9) + 6 = 15

Feb 16, 2022 7:38 pm

OOC:

Elias is Shaken from the creature's frightful presence. –2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks.

He may otherwise take his normal turn actions.

Feb 16, 2022 8:45 pm

The sight of the big man ripped apart made his already fast breathing even more frantic, and he tried to call down more minute meteors with a shaking hand!

OOC:

Oh dear.
Casting Black Motes again. DC 14 Reflex save negates cold damage.

Rolls

Black Motes cold damage - (1d4)

(1) = 1

Fear - (1d20+8)

(1) + 8 = 9

Feb 16, 2022 10:05 pm

"You will die fiend!" Razhel bellows and slashes the monster with her rapier even as the blood splashes upon her. "I am not afraid of you."

OOC:

If this thing's AC is 20 or less, Razhel does 12 pts. damage.

Last edited February 16, 2022 10:19 pm

Rolls

Fear save - (1d20+7, 1d20+7)

1d20+7 : (19) + 7 = 26

1d20+7 : (10) + 7 = 17

Rapier Attack - (1d20+4)

(20) + 4 = 24

Damage - (1d6+2)

(5) + 2 = 7

Crit Roll - (1d20+4)

(16) + 4 = 20

Crit damage - (1d6+2)

(3) + 2 = 5

Feb 17, 2022 6:37 am

Iosef's eyes gaped in horror as he beheld the gory death in front of him. He had never seen anything like this in person before (as far as he knew).
"Running! We should be RUNNING!"
He pulls out his crossbow and readies to take a potshot from his position on the incline if the creature makes any more movement towards him.
"I will be going! I beg you, please, do not throw your life at this creature! If we flee, we have a chance to live!"

Last edited February 17, 2022 6:52 am

Rolls

Kn. Nature - (1d20+2)

(7) + 2 = 9

Will 1 - (1d20+5)

(13) + 5 = 18

Will 2 - (1d20+5)

(10) + 5 = 15

Feb 17, 2022 6:41 am

OOC:

Axon is now Scared from the creature's frightful presence. –2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks. Saves against fear effects are made at -4

Iosef is now Shaken from the creature's frightful presence. –2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks.

The icy meteorites smack into the monstrous body, bouncing off its skin with minimal effect and it lowers itself back to the ground in an approach towards Razhel.

"TAaaaAATaaaTAAAAT!" the sound echoes from the creature's mouth like a terrible laugh just as Razhel closes upon it with her rapier. Her deft movements find purchase as her weapon strikes the monster's stomach. The blade at first seems to resist sinking into its flesh, but then pierces through and sink halfway to its hilt. For the first time the creature seems angry - it's mouth opens impossibly wide and it shrieks into Razhel's face.

OOC:

The creature has Damage Resistance 5; it takes 7 damage

I'll give Squadfather some time to indicate what action(s) Elias is taking. No rush on pacing - we're trucking along pretty good

Rolls

Reflex Save - (1d20+9)

(2) + 9 = 11

Feb 17, 2022 7:17 am

OOC:

Elias willmove up to engage the creature. Will he be close enough to attack?

Feb 17, 2022 7:30 am

Squadfather44 says:

OOC:

Elias willmove up to engage the creature. Will he be close enough to attack?

OOC:

Yes, he may move, then attack

Feb 17, 2022 8:07 am

With a practiced ease, that surprises Elias, he steps up and attacks the creature.

OOC:

The -2 from Fear brings Elias'sroll to a straight d20.

OOC:

The crit range on a longsword is 19-20.

Last edited February 17, 2022 8:08 am

Rolls

Attack - (1d20)

(19) = 19

Damage - (1d8+1)

(1) + 1 = 2

Feb 17, 2022 8:50 am

Elias's sword hits the creature's skin but is shirked to the side. It reaches out and picks Elias up by the throat, pulling the man close.

"Ah'mglw'nafh!" it screams in a language none of you understand, then laughs and flies upward - the motion pulling its body free of Razhel's rapier. Up and up it flies, into the evil, yellow-tinted sky before running its war razer up between the folds of Elias's armor, reaching within then throwing the body several dozen feet to the side where it spats like an overripe orange across the across a brick wall. The monster still holds a mass of Elias's innards - it inspects them casually before dropping them as well and flying down towards Iosef.

Across the wall, where Elias's body had struck, the bloody print of the words "Save me!" are clearly visible to all.

OOC:

Iosef, Razhel, and Axon are up! The creature is again within range to attack - LoudKid if you would like, you may release your held shot and include that (with its rolls) in your next post along with your new actions for this round. Axon and Razhel will need to move before attacking with melee.

[ +- ] Initiative Order

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Rolls

Secret Roll

Feb 17, 2022 12:26 pm

"Damn..." he mumbled. "Damn you..."

The meteors came even more shakily this time, and he ran uphill again as soon as they fell!

"Run!" he shouted to the others.

OOC:

Oh dear. Black Motes again. DC 14 Reflex negates.

Last edited February 17, 2022 12:27 pm

Rolls

Black Motes cold damage - (1d4)

(3) = 3

Feb 17, 2022 6:31 pm

Razhel closes to the ragged razor-wielding thing and takes another slash at its torso. "I may fall to you this night, fiend. But I swear you will regret spilling my blood, when I rise to get my revenge."

Last edited February 17, 2022 6:36 pm

Rolls

Rapier Attack - (1d20+4)

(12) + 4 = 16

Damage - (1d6+2)

(6) + 2 = 8

Feb 17, 2022 6:55 pm

"Gods damnit!"
He can scarcely keep his arm steady as he loses a wild shot at the thing, too distracted by the wet mess below. Words? A coherent statement in the viscera and fluids of the murdered knight?
"This... None of this makes sense..."
There was no time to ponder now, though. He has to flee. And so, he does; up the path after Axon.

Last edited February 17, 2022 10:58 pm

Rolls

Crossbow - (1d20-2)

(14) - 2 = 12

Damage - (1d8)

(5) = 5

Will save to disbelieve - (1d20+3)

(2) + 3 = 5

Feb 18, 2022 9:17 am

The audible THWANG!! of the crossbow sounds as the bolt screams through the air, just past the monster as it dives towards Iosef, blood and gore dripping from its clawed hands.

As it closes upon the robed man, Razhel engages the creature from behind. Her rapier nearly strikes it, but it quickly dodges to the side, twisting it's impossibly lithe body around and grabbing Razhel around the waist. It grips Razhel's sword hand and with immense strength, brings her arm up to it's mouth, as if to tear out a chunk of her flesh with its teeth. Her hand twists around and the symbol branded there becomes clearly shown to the monster. It shrieks and pulls back as if in great discomfort.

Axon's chanting, now for the third time, reaches a crescendo as motes of icy clack stones appear again in the air above the monster. It picks Razhel up by her waist and hoists her above its head before throwing her with great force at Axon. Razhel slams into the man, knocking them both prone.

As the icy meteorites coalesce above the monster's head, it throws its hands up, stalling them in mid-air with some sort of invisible, magical force. They begin to circle and spin above its head as the sound of its cackle grows louder and louder. The meteorites slam into one another, combining to form one massive chunk of icy rock two meters across at the center. It hurtles the boulder forward and it slams into both Razhel and Axon, smashing their bodies to lifeless pulps.

Iosef, running from the scene, turns a blind corner and slams directly into a wall. Upon it, a bloody set of words...

...the sound of metal scraping on stone, as if a blade being sharpened, grows louder behind him with every heartbeat.

OOC:

Only one of you is left standing - Iosef, post your next round and include a Will save w/ DC 20 please.

[ +- ] Initiative Order

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Rolls

Secret Roll

Feb 18, 2022 8:14 pm

"Is this it? The end?" he thinks to himself. In this nonsensical place haunted by a murderous monster? He would at least face his end with dignity. He casts Remove Fear on himself, and turns to face his tormentor.
"I'm sorry, father. Pharasma guide me."
He holds his ankh-embossed gold beetle up and chants litanies in the names of Pharasma, Nethys, Desna, and others, awaiting his end.

OOC:

+4 on the roll if it's fear

Last edited February 18, 2022 8:15 pm

Rolls

Last Will - (1d20+5)

(20) + 5 = 25

Feb 19, 2022 2:47 am

As elements of fear dissipate from Iosef's mind, those emotions are replaced with a single word, echoed in his mind: "Wake!"

The creature, with its menacing grin turns the corner. It walks slowly forward, dragging the tip of its jagged blade across the stone of a nearby wall.

Ahead of him, Iosef sees the word from his mind join those on the wall:

The gangly creature stops and sneers, a short distance away. It lifts a finger, pointing it at Iosef. "Ah'lloigshogg ya!" it shouts as yellowish-black energy leaps from its finger to envelop Iosef and he feels terror sink back in where it had previously fled.

OOC:

Spellcraft success - Iosef recognizes the spell the creature casts is Cause Fear, essentially dispelling/removing the Remove Fear he had cast upon himself a moment ago.

Iosef, next round please :D

[ +- ] Initiative Order

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Rolls

Spellcraft (DC 16) - (1d20+6)

(13) + 6 = 19

Feb 19, 2022 8:06 am

"I am supposed to be sleeping then!?" he he shouts angrily at the creature through his shaky voice. Though he had some doubts before, the implication that this entire experience was a false one (and that none of it mattered) set him off."This like no nightmare I've had before... It's too real!"
He clutches his gilded spiritual focus and calms himself. "I suppose I should at least try to wake up then, yes? Go ahead, take your time tormenting me, you horror!"

Last edited February 19, 2022 8:07 am

Rolls

Will to wake up? - (1d20+3)

(20) + 3 = 23

Feb 19, 2022 10:54 pm

The monster screeches and lunges towards Iosef. As its weapon buries itself into his body, Iosef feels everything go numb, then his vision fades to black.

One by one you all regain consciousness, finding yourselves in grimy cells with enough room to comfortably fit maybe two of you. Unfortunately, whatever circumstance placed you here didn't seem to be thinking of your comfort. While Grim, Elias, and Axon occupy one cramped cell, the other two cells each only contain one person each between Iosef and Razhel. You realize none of your equipment is with you, except the clothes on your back.

You each remember the events of the dream, but aside from minor headaches and sore muscles, you don't seem to have suffered any lasting effects of that horrific experience. That said, you can't shake the feeling that it was more than a normal dream, as you keenly remember the feeling of dying in a way that haunts you.

Your time to peacefully collect yourselves and welcome the real world is cut short, however. As you groggily awake, a voice cuts through the room. "Wake up, damn it!" Bars separate all of you from the stranger, a struggling human with split lips and skin covered in a mapwork of fresh red lines. Heavy ropes lash the man to a splintery worktable.

Another figure, unsettlingly thin and wearing a blood-smeared doctor’s coat, circles the table casually—stopping every so often to scrutinize one of the man’s wounds or select a different object from a sideboard of shiny blades. Currently, she spins one blade of a broken pair of pruning shears, which glints in the dull light of the lamp suspended overhead. With careless cruelty, the doctor draws the blade across the bound man’s bare thigh, releasing a tortured wail.

A small, nearby table displays a number of sharp instruments: a gardening trowel, forks, several long pieces of broken glass and metal, and the other place of the tormentor's shears.

As you gain your bearings, you realize you recognize nobody in the room, except your cellmates and only from the dream you just had. You also realize you have no idea how you got here, or even where here is. Each of you have some foggy memory of a life you must have once experienced, but details such as your name, where you're from, any family you might have, are all just beyond your ability to remember. You're not entirely sure of the extent of this memory loss, but one thing you're sure of - you're not in a safe or happy place now.

The one dressed in the doctor's coat makes another slow cut on the man's forearm and pauses as he screams, "Save me!"

C1NDER sent a note to RageRed,Equinox,Squadfather44,LoudKid

OOC:

You're up, let me know what you do! Regarding the map below, we'll play everything via theatre of mind unless we are actively in combat. During any combat sequences, I will ask each of you to include grid coordinates for movement.

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Feb 19, 2022 11:26 pm

Quietly Grim watches the cruel female cut across the bound man's forearm. He sees the ring of keys and places a finger to his temple, focusing on the keys.

Feb 20, 2022 12:11 am

Something stirs inside the fog swirling in Elias's mind. I must help this man. Grasping the bars of the door, Elias starts tugging on them, trying to gauge how sturdy they are.

Feb 20, 2022 12:23 am

Equinox says:

Quietly Grim watches the cruel female cut across the bound man's forearm. He sees the ring of keys and places a finger to his temple, focusing on the keys.

The keys slowly begin to lift, ever so slightly, before the magic fades and the keys fall back peacefully against the person's waist. It didn't seem to notice, as its attention is still on the table-bound man.

OOC:

The keys are not 'unattended' for the purposes of Mage Hand, since they are worn/carried. Good idea though! This is a prime example of how, even though each you may not even remember how/why you have specific powers or abilities, muscle memory and instinct are enough that you all have access to any such thing on your character sheet.

Squadfather44 says:

Something stirs inside the fog swirling in Elias's mind. I must help this man. Grasping the bars of the door, Elias starts tugging on them, trying to gauge how sturdy they are.

The bars are quite sturdy. You feel as if it would take a great amount of strength to bend or break them, certainly more than you can muster. You do note that your cell's hinged door is fastened closed with a heavy lock with a keyhole.

Feb 20, 2022 2:58 am

Razhel rises from the filthy cot of her cell and shakes her head. Her focus becomes quite clear upon hearing the plea and seeing the scene through the bars of her cell. Moving to the bars, she grips two of them tightly and pulls with all her might, to see if they may be bent by her sheer strength.

Rolls

STR to bend bars - (1d20+2)

(15) + 2 = 17

Feb 20, 2022 3:47 am

"What fresh Hell is this?" he groggily asked no one in particular as he arose and the tortured man's screams focused his immediate attention on the sickening surgery. He had to stop the demented doctor somehow. She would surely use the other tools of torment on the bound man and then her other prisoners... if she could reach them. He inspected the table to see if it was wheeled so he could (how did he know he could do this?) reach out with his will and pull it to the cell. If not, he would focus on bringing the most useful weapons to him starting with the shears.

OOC:

Using Mage Hand.

Feb 20, 2022 6:31 pm

"What layer of Hell have I awoken to now?" he mumbles to himself as he rubs his aching head. He startles momentarily at the feeling of missing memories, but becomes more preoccupied with what his crusted eyes are now taking in. His fellows from the all-too-real nightmare were here in the waking world. "No. I definitely do not like this." he thinks to himself emphatically.
His companions already seem to be eagerly attempting escape, but he figures the least he can do is provide a distraction as some backup. Turning his attention to the torturess, he clears his throat loudly and addresses her in his clear, carrying professor voice. "Excuse me, Miss Kuthite? I wonder if you could please tell me as to where we are, and why we are here, exactly? I'm afraid I'm experiencing some memory loss at the moment."

Last edited February 20, 2022 6:34 pm

Feb 21, 2022 4:01 pm

Razhel, in all her efforts, find the bars to be quite sturdy. It doesn't appear they will budge under brute strength.

Axon finds that his magic is able to lift and slowly pull one of the objects from the table slowly towards him. When the object gets within arm's reach the magic fizzles out and starts to drop to the floor.

OOC:

Any one of the previously-described objects on the table will start floating slowly towards you - you're choice which one. 15ft limit causes it to drop before reaching your location, but it is within arm's reach - Axon, give me a Dexterity check vs DC 10 to grab before it hits the floor.

Meanwhile, Iosef strikes up conversation with the person in the doctor's coat. This catches her attention and she turns towards the lone cell resident, away from everyone else for just a moment. "Pipe down now," she says to Iosef, "You'll have your turn soon enough." She then returns to her grisly work, circling around to the other side of the table.

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Feb 21, 2022 4:27 pm

Perhaps you'd like to come over here and try that. Elias says in the hopes of luring her closer to the bars. With out looking at his cell mates, Elias hopes they catch onto his idea.

Last edited February 21, 2022 4:28 pm

Feb 21, 2022 6:41 pm

He reached for the half-shears... and grabbed them! He pulled them into the cell, looked at them, and quietly asked the others, "Can anyone else use their minds to grab the trowel? We can use this and that against the lock or to chip away at the base of the bars."

Last edited February 21, 2022 6:46 pm

Rolls

Reflex check - (1d20+1)

(14) + 1 = 15

Feb 23, 2022 9:32 am

Grim tries to focus again with the tip of an index finger to his temple. The trowel shudders briefly, as he takes hold of it mentally, and propels it telekinetically at the 'doctor'.

Feb 23, 2022 6:24 pm

As Axon takes the half shear into hand, Elias starts taunting the female figure. She doesn't immediately respond, but almost immediately the trowel is propelled into the side of her body. She immediately stops what she's doing and looks the floor where the trowel now lies.

OOC:

The half-shears, or any of the other objects of torture on the small table can be used as improvised weapons capable of dealing 1d2 points of damage. Improvised weapons suffer a -4 penalty to any rolls to hit.

She wheel around, her gaunt, stretched face sheathed in anger towards the voice she had just heard, "Be STILL, be QUIET -" she passes her eyes to the cell with Razhel in it as well- "ALL OF YOU!" Her voice softens, "You. Will. Have your turns."

Just then the man strapped to the table wrests his leg free of confinement. Desperately, he kicks the "doctor" in the small of her back, throwing her body up against the cell with Grim, Axon, and Elias in it.

C1NDER sent a note to Equinox,Squadfather44,annex

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Feb 23, 2022 6:51 pm

Even though he had the half-shears, he knew his chances of stabbing the doctor were slim so he would hand the stabbing implement over to anyone who wanted to try. In turn, he tried to take the keys from her!

Rolls

Sleight of Hand - (1d20+1)

(10) + 1 = 11

Feb 23, 2022 7:04 pm

As the woman slams into the bars, Elias reaches out and trues to hold onto her. Quickly, grab the keys!

Last edited February 23, 2022 7:04 pm

Rolls

Grapple attack (CMB +2) - (1d20+2)

(16) + 2 = 18

Feb 23, 2022 9:41 pm

With his fellow cellmates grappling for the 'doctor', Grim sees the opportunity and snatches the ring of keys off her. He immediately pushes the key into the key hole and twists it to open the cell door.

Last edited February 23, 2022 9:44 pm

Rolls

DEX (Key grab) - (1d20+2)

(12) + 2 = 14

Feb 23, 2022 10:37 pm

Razhel growls and rattles at the bars of her cell. "Let me out of here! I'm quite ready for my turn NOW! I promise you wont like it, doctor."

Last edited February 23, 2022 10:39 pm

Feb 24, 2022 1:12 am

"Tsk! This is what happens when you are so rude and unfriendly!" he calls in disappointment to the doctor before resting against the wall of his cell. Nothing he can do now but wait and watch.

Last edited February 24, 2022 1:13 am

Feb 24, 2022 9:01 am

As the female form slams into the bars, the inhabitants of the cell are quick to act. Elias grabs at the woman be fails to keep a firm grip on her body as she slips free of his grasp. In the confusion, Axon and Grim try and reach for the keys, with Grim successfully sliding the keys off the hook and into his palm.

The woman doesn't seem to notice as she stands in a huff, looking at them, then over to Razhel nearby. "You will all be PATIENT!" She wheels around to the man on the table. "But FIRST-" she starts, as the man on the table kicks a second time, this time striking his heel directly into the woman's face, sending her sprawling to the floor again just as Grim opens the western-most cell door.

She doesn't seem to notice and quickly pops back up to her feet, moving to the man on the table. Her weapon still in hand, she carefully avoids a third attempt to kick her. All her attention is on him, as she seems intent to finish what she started.

OOC:

Everyone up - no combat at this point, but that could change. For now, she seems singularly focused on the table-bound man. Do you take advantage of her distraction? Intervene?

[ +- ] Reminder: Improvised Weapons

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Feb 24, 2022 9:44 am

With the cell door open Elias slides put and advances towards the sadistic female. With no weapons in easy reach, Elias raises his fists and moves to attack.

OOC:

Elias will move to I6 and attack the female.

Rolls

Attack - (1d20+2)

(2) + 2 = 4

Damage - (1d3+2)

(1) + 2 = 3

Feb 24, 2022 3:40 pm

Elias pushes forward and lunges at the woman. She catches sight of him through her periphery and, recognizing the threat, dodges out of the way with supernatural ease.

OOC:

Now we're in combat - Initiative Order posted below. Everyone can act now except Iosef. Razhel, if she wishes may ready an action in case her cell is unlocked. While we're in combat, please state which cell on the map your character moves to each round, if they move at all. To keep pace, if you do not post a cell movement, I will otherwise move you to where your action makes the most sense.

[ +- ] Initiative Order

[ +- ] Reminder: Improvised Weapons

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Rolls

Enemy #1 Initiative - (1d20+1)

(11) + 1 = 12

Axon Initiative - (1d20+3)

(18) + 3 = 21

Elias Initiative - (1d20+0)

(19) = 19

Grim Initiative - (1d20+2)

(12) + 2 = 14

Iosef Initiative - (1d20+0)

(7) = 7

Razhel Initiative - (1d20+5)

(16) + 5 = 21

Feb 24, 2022 4:43 pm

With the keys secured by one of the others, he stepped back to the wall and instinctively cried, "ደማቅ ጨለማ!"

A burst of light followed by a deep darkness consumed the dread doctor! The light dazzled him briefly but the deep darkness brought the first smile to his face since... since he could remember.

OOC:

Move: H4.
Action:

[ +- ] Flare!

Whenever you cast an evocation spell, you may select one affected target (creepy doc lady) that fails its save to suffer the choking airlessness of the void, silencing it (as silence, but affecting only the target) for 1 round.

Last edited February 26, 2022 5:28 am

Feb 24, 2022 10:39 pm

Grim rushes out of the cell behind Elias and rounds the operating table to place himself at the instrument cart and to cut off the 'doctor' should she attempt to move away. He glances to Razhel and shouts, "Catch!" Tossing her the keys.

OOC:

Moving to K7

Last edited February 24, 2022 10:40 pm

Feb 24, 2022 10:53 pm

Razhel waits at her cell door as she notices two of the others escape and begin to engage the crazy woman who is wielding the broken shear blade. her attention is drawn to the man moving around the operating table as he calls out and reaches to snatch the keys out of the air, as they are tossed her way.

Last edited February 24, 2022 10:53 pm

Rolls

DEX - (1d20+3)

(17) + 3 = 20

Feb 24, 2022 11:36 pm

Elias doesn't concentrate on the fact that he missed, he simply renews his attack on the female. If anything I can keep her occupied until the others can assist.

Rolls

Unarmed Attack - (1d20+2)

(10) + 2 = 12

Damage - (1d3+2)

(1) + 2 = 3

Feb 25, 2022 12:29 am

RageRed says:

Razhel waits at her cell door as she notices two of the others escape and begin to engage the crazy woman who is wielding the broken shear blade. her attention is drawn to the man moving around the operating table as he calls out and reaches to snatch the keys out of the air, as they are tossed her way.

Razhel catches the keys in mid air and is able to swiftly slide them into the lock, freeing the mechanism.

OOC:

@RageRed - Catching the keys and unlocking the door can count as a move action, if you'd like to then take any additional actions.

Feb 25, 2022 8:22 am

Axon's spell bursts a mote of light in front of the enemy's face. It flinches, but otherwise seems unnerved by the spectacle.

Elias continues his own engagement against the woman but to no avail.

As Grim skirts past her, the frenzied "doctor" looks from side to side, quickly realizing she's outnumbered. She turns to her left with the piece of broken shears in her hand. The edge of the blade sinks into table-bound man's abdomen. He screams in pain until the scream becomes a gurgle, then a final release of air as his body goes limp. She laughs maniacally. "Now tell me," she says, "On a scale of 1 to 10, how is the pain?" She pulls the blade free and steps back.

The way she looks around her, it is clear she doesn't like being surrounded and outnumbered. She decides to not await a response and begins to slink away towards the Eastern door, avoiding attacks where she can.

OOC:

Map updated. The enemy attacked and moved her speed - Elias, Grim, and possible Razhel may include an Attack of Opportunity in their next post.

Rage - if you'd like to make an attack of opportunity, include your extra move from above into your next post so as to be closer, then take your turn as normal.

Everyone is up again and free to post in any order!

[ +- ] Initiative Order

[ +- ] Reminder: Improvised Weapons

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Rolls

Enemy #1 Fort Save vs DC 14 - (1d20+4)

(15) + 4 = 19

Enemy attack vs NPC - (1d20+8)

(17) + 8 = 25

DMG vs NPC upon hit - (1d2+4)

(1) + 4 = 5

Feb 25, 2022 9:35 am

Razhel attempts to step in front of the 'doctor' as she flees like a coward. She drops into an instinctual martial stance and cold cocks the crap out of her with a punch that would drop an average man. "My turn!" She says with satisfaction. "Where are you running off to? Not so much with the loud mouth boasts, now that I'm free...huh?"

Last edited February 25, 2022 9:40 am

Rolls

Unarmed (lethal) - (1d20+4)

(18) + 4 = 22

Damage - (1d6+2)

(6) + 2 = 8

Feb 25, 2022 10:28 am

As the evil woman moves to go past him, Grim pulls a trip maneuver, sticking out his foot and gives her a little shove.

OOC:

Would Grim get the bonus +2 for flanking with either Razhel or Elias?

Last edited February 25, 2022 10:32 am

Rolls

AoO Trip - (1d20+1)

(18) + 1 = 19

Feb 25, 2022 5:28 pm

Elias follows the female as she tries to leave the area. A brief look of surprise flashes across his face as she kills the man on the table. Why! He was defenseless and unarmed.

Elias will move and follow her. If he can make it, he'll stop at N8 and attack.

Last edited February 25, 2022 5:29 pm

Rolls

AoO - (1d20+2)

(16) + 2 = 18

AoO Damage - (1d3+2)

(3) + 2 = 5

Unarmed Attack - (1d20+2)

(12) + 2 = 14

Damage - (1d3+2)

(1) + 2 = 3

Feb 25, 2022 5:41 pm

"Excuse me!" he calles out in indignation as she stabs the man on the table. One that seemed so full of life just a second ago giving up so quickly was a bad sign. Was he still hanging on or was he gone completely?

Rolls

Heal to tell the tabled man's status - (1d20+10)

(6) + 10 = 16

Feb 25, 2022 6:50 pm

OOC:

Razhel moves to L6 by the time enemy cuts through - doing some backtracking to correct movement.

@Equinox - He would not. Positioning is right, but flanking bonus is received "when making a melee attack" and the Trip combat maneuver specifies it is made "...in place of a melee attack". I would interpret this to mean Trip /=/ a melee attack. Your combat maneuver also first prompts an AoO from the enemy. The damage causes your maneuver to take a penalty equal to the damage (-6)

** Attacks of Opportunity **

As the woman attempts to flee the newly-unbound prisoners, Elias swings his fist at her. She dodges it effortlessly and skirts past before Grim attempts to trip her up and interrupt her movement. She catches sight of his attempt and swings the half-shears at him in a fury as she passes. The blade cuts deep into the flesh of his arm, causing immense pain to wash through his body.

This slight delay allows Razhel to step in front of her path, blocking her squarely in place, before then punching her in the jaw. The woman's face seems to stretch and discolor from the impact, if only for a moment. She sneers at Razhel and her mocking words before pushing past, kicking the small table of tools over on the way, its contents scattering to the ground.

**Round 2**

Elias chases the woman down and attempts another strike against her backside, but the attack fails to connect.

Though difficult to tell from this distance, Iosef looks for any signs that the man on the table somehow survived the attack against him and finds none.

OOC:

This post was to catch us up through the multiple attacks of opportunity, but I went ahead and rolled Elias and Iosef's round 2 stuff in. I will wait for Round 2 actions from Grim, Razhel, and Axon before the enemy acts again.

[ +- ] Initiative Order

[ +- ] Reminder: Improvised Weapons

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Rolls

Enemy AoO vs. Grim - (1d20+8)

(15) + 8 = 23

DMG vs. Grim if hit - (1d2+4)

(2) + 4 = 6

Feb 25, 2022 9:21 pm

His stomach sank as he saw no signs of life from the tortured man. That he was finally at peace was little consolation to... Who was he exactly? Grappling with his missing identity was an intrusive annoyance in the way of his grief for not saving the man who apparently woke them from their nightmare. What he owed, he could not give. He slumped against the bars in surrender to the situation, giving no heed to the battle pitched in front of him.

Feb 25, 2022 11:38 pm

Razhel quickly catches up to the woman who brazenly tries to breeze past her and slams a fist into the back of her head. "Where are you going?" She screams out.

Last edited February 25, 2022 11:40 pm

Rolls

Unarmed (lethal) - (1d20+4)

(20) + 4 = 24

Crit Roll - (1d20+4)

(14) + 4 = 18

Damage - (2d6+4)

(21) + 4 = 7

Damage - (1d6+2)

(4) + 2 = 6

Feb 25, 2022 11:48 pm

RageRed says:

Razhel quickly catches up to the woman who brazenly tries to breeze past her and slams a fist into the back of her head. "Where are you going?" She screams out.

OOC:

I'll have Razhel move to N7, if that's okay - it appears to be only location she could move to that would allow her to attack the enemy.

Feb 26, 2022 12:28 am

OOC:

Yep! Sorry, I forgot to indicate her cell move.

Feb 26, 2022 12:45 am

OOC:

I was under the impression that was an attack of opportunity.

Feb 26, 2022 1:20 am

Grimjack winces at the sharp sting of the shear's blade cutting into his flesh. He moves to the gate of Iosef's cell and uses the keys to open it.

OOC:

Move to L8. Not much else he can do ATM.

Last edited February 26, 2022 1:22 am

Feb 26, 2022 1:30 am

LoudKid says:

OOC:

I was under the impression that was an attack of opportunity.

OOC:

It was not - unless you have a special feat, you get one attack of opportunity per round. Her last attack was an AoO (her actions was unlocking the gate and stepping out, placing her in position to make the AoO). That was during round 1. The enemy hasn't acted in round 2 yet to prompt any attacks of opportunity.

Grim unlocks the cell holding Iosef without issue and the door swings open.

Feb 26, 2022 5:24 am

He rushed from the room to the possibly dead patient's side and hissed magic words at the fleeing fiend again, "ደማቅ ጨለማ!"

Again came the flash of light and void of darkness though his smile did not come this time.

"Take this!" he said as he offered the half-shears to the grim man in the hat. "Stop her!"

OOC:

Move: K8.
Action:

[ +- ] Flare!

Whenever you cast an evocation spell, you may select one affected target (creepy doc lady) that fails its save to suffer the choking airlessness of the void, silencing it (as silence, but affecting only the target) for 1 round.

Last edited February 26, 2022 5:28 am

Feb 26, 2022 10:55 am

**Round 2**

Razhel rushes forward to exact her anger at the woman and punches her in the base of the skull with incredible fury. The blow lands, causing the woman to stumble and cry out as she lets out a grotesque shriek of pain.

Axon sends up another burst of light in front of the woman's eyes in an effort to disrupt her vision as Grim moves to unlock Iosef's cell. The burst of light again seems to have no affect on her.

The woman throws a look over her shoulder, a mix of both terror and vile hatred as she slips past Elias and Razhel to open the door in front of her.

OOC:

The enemy takes a 5ft step to P8, then opens the door. That's it for round 2, everyone is up!

[ +- ] Initiative Order

[ +- ] Reminder: Improvised Weapons

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Rolls

Enemy #1 Fort Save vs DC 14 (Flare) - (1d20+4)

(15) + 4 = 19

Feb 26, 2022 11:14 am

Clearly the quickest, Rachel squeezes by Elias and confronts the woman as she opens the door, punching her hard in the back and shoving her through the door, to make sure same door can't be closed to prevent her from following.

OOC:

hoping to give Elias space to get in and attack.

Last edited February 26, 2022 11:20 am

Rolls

Unarmed lethal - (1d20+4)

(19) + 4 = 23

Damage - (1d6+2)

(5) + 2 = 7

Feb 26, 2022 11:30 am

OOC:

@ Rage - you can move then attack, or move then bull rush to push her, but not both. With your roll, you would be successful with either. The bull rush would provoke an attack of opportunity. Alternatively, as part of your movement, you could attempt an Acrobatics check to tumble through the enemy's space (moving to Q8) but the DC would be 25 and if it fails you provoke an attack of opportunity - you'd still get your attack though. Let me know which route you prefer to go.

Also - nice job with the punches! She keeps landing some serious Mike Tyson moves :D

Feb 26, 2022 11:37 am

OOC:

With Razhel's Unarmed Combatant Feat she doesn't provoke AoOs when in melee. She'll go for the damage.

Last edited February 26, 2022 11:39 am

Feb 26, 2022 6:50 pm

It took him a moment to come to his senses once again, and he realizes that his cell is now open. Not one for engaging in melee, he figures he could be of better use looking for something else. A way out, some real weapons, anything! He decides to start with that large trunk he caught a glimpse of, at the other end of the hall, and quickly squeezes by the man shooting lights at their opponent.
"Excuse me." he mutters to the man.

OOC:

Double move to D5

Last edited February 27, 2022 4:00 am

Feb 26, 2022 8:10 pm

Elias follows the female as she tries to escape. Committed to bringing the murderer to justice...however that may be, he continues his attack.

OOC:

Elias will move to O8 and continue to attack the female.

Rolls

Unarmed Attack - (1d20+2)

(11) + 2 = 13

Damage - (1d3+2)

(1) + 2 = 3

Feb 26, 2022 8:30 pm

OOC:

Note: Razhel is currently standing in O8 at this moment.

Feb 26, 2022 9:18 pm

OOC:

Sure, no problem

Elias follows the female as she tries to escape. Committed to bringing the murderer to justice...however that may be, Elias follows ger into the next room.

OOC:

Judging from the map, if O8 is occupied, Elias will stay in his current square. When a chance to follow opens up, Elias will head into the next room. If I can hold his attack I will, if not I'll roll again.

Feb 26, 2022 11:24 pm

C1NDER says:

OOC:

Note: Razhel is currently standing in O8 at this moment.

Can you point me to the source for the Unarmed Combatant feat? It seems clear from the text on your character sheet that it was developed, but I am having a hard time finding it referenced anywhere online. Thanks!

OOC:

Its a new Feat listed in the Feat Tax Document you linked in the Character Creation thread.

Feb 27, 2022 1:03 am

RageRed says:

C1NDER says:

OOC:

Note: Razhel is currently standing in O8 at this moment.

Can you point me to the source for the Unarmed Combatant feat? It seems clear from the text on your character sheet that it was developed, but I am having a hard time finding it referenced anywhere online. Thanks!

OOC:

Its a new Feat listed in the Feat Tax Document you linked in the Character Creation thread.

Ty! I completely forgot to check there :)

Feb 27, 2022 2:59 am

Grim accepts the shear blade from the sorcerer and moves up beside the man (N7) following the two women into the narrow hallway. He wonders many things. 'Where are we? How long have I been here? Who are these people?'

Last edited February 27, 2022 3:01 am

Feb 27, 2022 4:01 am

C1NDER says:

@LoudKid Large trunk? What space on the map are you ending your movement on? may you edit that into your post?

OOC:

Edited

Feb 28, 2022 3:43 am

With the blade in the hands of someone better able to use it, he rushed after the fleeing woman. Was she immune to his trick of light and shadow or merely resistant? He had to try again!

"ደማቅ ጨለማ!"

OOC:

Move: Following her but not too closely, staying within 25 feet for the spell to work.
Action:

[ +- ] Flare!

Whenever you cast an evocation spell, you may select one affected target (creepy doc lady) that fails its save to suffer the choking airlessness of the void, silencing it (as silence, but affecting only the target) for 1 round.

Mar 1, 2022 9:23 pm

The woman takes another severe beating, this time the base of her spine. She yelps in pain as another flash of light bursts before her eyes. This time she shakes her head furiously and yells, "Stop that!" She then pushes through the doorway and takes a left turn in full withdrawal from her skirmish with your group. Having been ready for such a thing, Elias launches himself forward and chases after the woman, but when he rounds the corner he finds that she is gone.

The room Elias steps into is a cellar of sorts. A broad chute extends diagonally through one of the room's half-crumbled stone walls. Beneath it lies heaped more than a dozen mutilated humanoid bodies. Nearby, a flight of rickety wooden steps climbs toward the high ceiling - an escape none of the room's current occupants seem capable of employing. The smell of rot and decay in the room is nearly overwhelming, and the buzz of flies hangs in the air.

As the others watch the violence unfold, Iosef moves over to the table in the north-west corner of the room. Upon it, laid half-hazard and in disarray, are a number of items that look of particular value or importance. Among them are Iosef's occult grimoire and his gold-painted ankh.

OOC:

The others will find the following on this table:

Grim: Harrow Deck
Razhel: Masterwork Studded Leather armor
Elias: Chainmail, Signet Ring
Axon: his favorite thing - the nothingness that exists between all things

South of Iosef, he can now more clearly see a part of the room that was previously out of sight.

A cold, iron furnace hunks in the corner of the basement, its four-foot-square door gaping half open. Nearby sprawls a heap of gory clothes and other dubiously flammable trash.

OOC:

Combat is over - what do you do?

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Rolls

Enemy #1 Fort Save vs DC 14 (Flare) - (1d20+4)

(9) + 4 = 13

Mar 1, 2022 10:26 pm

Elias fights the feeling of revulsion as he stands in the room. Looking around he tries to figure out how the female disappeared.

Looking over his shoulder he warns the others..She's gone...disappeared somehow. Be careful if you come in here.

OOC:

Elias will initially move to R8. Then he'll try and search the room...looking for how the female escaped and anything of value in the room.

Last edited March 1, 2022 10:26 pm

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+2)

(13) + 2 = 15

Mar 1, 2022 10:31 pm

Directly on the woman's heels through the door, Razhel quickly glances about the revealed chamber for signs of where the woman has vanished. Barring perceiving her hiding in the shadows or lurking in the piles of bodies, the slayer thinks the obvious and rushes across the room to check the body chute for signs of an escape.

Last edited March 1, 2022 10:32 pm

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+5)

(17) + 5 = 22

Mar 2, 2022 12:47 am

"I believe I have located some of our more important belongings!" he calls to the others as he gathers his things, "although, where the rest might be, I cannot say..." His voice trails off as his attention shifts to the furnace's open door, and his curiosity draws him in that direction.

OOC:

Iosef moves to the furnace to get a closer look.

Mar 2, 2022 3:14 am

Elias and Razhel rush into the eastern room following the fleeing woman. Seeing no immediate signs of her they each search the room.

Razhel rushes immediately towards the chute, quickly surmising it as the most likely source of escape. Despite the fact that the chute's lowest point is 8 feet off the floor, the bodies heaped beneath make convenient -if morbid- stairs. She climbs to the top of the heap of bodies easily enough and looked up the chute's approximate 15-foot length to the top, where she sees the fleeting shadow of a figure escaping through an open metal hatch at the top end. At her feet, Razhel notes the bloodied half-shears the "doctor" had been carried now lies between a couple of the corpses.

OOC:

Razhel to please make a Fortitude save in your next post

Elias similarly checks the area around the bodies and finds it notable that many of them are wearing the same thing: a plain, white uniform that buttons in the front, just like the woman you chased into this room a moment prior.

C1NDER sent a note to Squadfather44

To those in this room, the smell of rot continues to invade your senses.

As Iosef gets closer to the furnace, he finds that it is not currently lit and is quite cold. Several pieces of gear and equipment are thrown haphazardly around in a make-shift garbage pile near the furnace. He approaches and looks inside the open door and quickly identifies several scorched humanoid bones amid the ashes, easily from a half-dozen bodies.

OOC:

Iosef - a perception check please.

Everyone - this is where the rest of your gear has been placed. Each of you can come to this 'garbage' pile in front of the furnace and claim your basic equipment. Between this and the table at the north end of the room, all of your starting gear is accounted for.

Rolls

Secret Roll

Mar 2, 2022 3:29 am

Elias stands there looking at the bodies...simply discarded like a pile of garbage. Seeing the glint of a coin, causes him to pause in mid thought. Glancing over at Razhel, Elias speaks in a normal tone. Looks like most of the bodies here are wearing the same uniform. It also looks like some of them could still have stuff on them. There's at least one coin...possibly more.

Mar 2, 2022 3:29 am

"Nothing!" he said as he followed the others into the next room and didn't see the fleeing woman. "Gone..."

He saw the bodies but didn't linger on them. They were also gone but he was still here.

"The man back in the cells said he found our gear. We should get it then get the hell out of here."

He backed into the torture chamber, cautious or afraid of what might stab him in the back if he turned around completely. Once by the furnace and digging for his stuff, he asked the man there, "Do you know my name?"

Mar 2, 2022 4:12 am

As he scrounges and sifts for anything of value (aided by the Light he naturally evoked from his amulet), he's startled by the magic lights and mini-comets man, nearly hitting his head. "Ah, no... I am afraid not. I do remember you and the other two from a very strange nightmare- if that's even what it was- before being awoken by the tortured man.
Unfortunately I spoke the truth earlier to the Kuthite; I, too am suffering from memory loss. My identity seems solid enough, but major events and details are missing, including my own name..."

OOC:

Oof. Any chance I can take a 10?

Last edited March 2, 2022 4:13 am

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+3)

(4) + 3 = 7

Mar 2, 2022 4:18 am

Most presently, you all recognize and remember each other from the dream encounter with the creature from the mist.

As you begin to finally converse with one another, you will find that while all of you have some recollection of your earlier lives, everything goes blank at a certain point with, as well as you can figure at least several years of memories missing. You have no idea where you are, nor do you remember your names, and only a distant recollection of any past family or group affiliations.

If you remember anything about how you, as a person, would feel or react in any given situation (your alignment), it is only as a fleeting thought in the back of you mind about who you may have been, once, many years ago.

You do, however, retain some instinctual understanding of what you are capable of (your class abilities). While you don't specifically know that 'your gear' = your gear, each of you instinctually collects those items that may once have been theirs (as to match your sheet), as if the objects radiate familiarity as your hands pass them over.

OOC:

LoudKid - per our poll, I am automatically 'taking 10' on all perception checks for passive awareness when people generally explore an area. This should help a lot of back-and-forth rolls that tend to bog games down.

Everyone - on that note, anyone who searches through the garbage pile to retrieve their basic equipment near the furnace may made a Perception roll. If you succeed at the posted DC below, you may reveal the spoiler and act on the information.

[ +- ] Perception vs DC 17

Mar 2, 2022 4:32 am

"That sounds like what I'm feeling. Sky above, did we die in that dream? I can still feel the pain and hear the silence..." he began before he paused for a second, took a breath, and continued, "...but surviving and escaping now is our aim."

Mar 2, 2022 5:28 am

Growling to show her displeasure at seeing the murderer scurry out the top of the chute, Razhel pounds her fist against the wall. "She's escaped up the chute!" She roars and clambers back down from the pile of rotting corpses.

She is livid, but lets the anger slowly subside, as she stomps back into other areas, with word of their belongings having been found. Razhel sighs loudly, picks up the pieces of her armor individually, and takes the time to strap them on. Then, strides around the corner to the cold furnace and searches through the pile of discarded items until she satisfied that all of the things in it which are hers are recovered.

Last edited March 2, 2022 6:04 am

Rolls

Fortitude - (1d20+3)

(13) + 3 = 16

Perception - (1d20+5)

(10) + 5 = 15

Mar 2, 2022 6:15 am

Elias instinctively mutters a prayer for the dead bodies. While it felt natural to do so, Elias wasn't sure who he was praying to or if it even was even worth it.

Walking into the other room, Elias is drawn to the items on the table. Instinct took over and with a practiced ease, Elias put on the chainmail armor. With a pensive look on his face, he picks up the signet ring. Looking it over Elias puts in on his finger and stares at it. I know this...it belonged to my family...I don't know names or how I know it, but I just do.

Walking over to where the others are looking through the gear, Elias picks out the pieces he feels drawn to. Putting a tabard over his armor, Elias traces his fingers on the comet design, it felt strangely familiar and yet unknown to him. Strapping a longsword around his waist offered a measure of comfort to Elias's troubled mind. Picking up a wooden icon of a comet, Elias placed the leather cord around his neck. Again not knowing why, Elias felt strangely comforted by the weight. Quickly grabbing a shield and a full backpack Elias looked to the others. It seems we've all been victims of the same incident. I don't suppose anyone can shed some light on who we are or where we're at?

Mar 2, 2022 7:18 am

Grim lowers the shear blade when hearing the woman has fled. He returns to the scene of the man's murder and tosses the impromptu weapon onto the pile of instruments the woman had been using to torture the poor man. He looks over the dead man and then to his bleeding arm, as if finally realizing he has been injured.

He follows the others to the selected items placed on the chest in the alcove beyond the area with the cells and picks up the carefully wrapped deck of cards. Immediately Grim feels a familiar energy course through his bones. He clutches the divination cards to his chest and rounds the corner. More bodies. More items and gear.

Searching, like the other four, he plucks out various things that have the right feel to him. "White uniforms, a body chute, cells, and a furnace...I'd wager we are in a sanctuary for the criminally insane." He gives his best guess to man in chainmail -Elias.

Last edited March 2, 2022 7:20 am

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+6)

(1) + 6 = 7

Mar 2, 2022 12:43 pm

"Then the patients are in charge of the madhouse," he replied then added to the man donning the chainmail armor and signet ring, "and none of us know who or where we are."

Mar 2, 2022 5:28 pm

Feeling mostly confident that his belongings are in order, he turns to take stock of his companions. They now indeed truly looked like themselves from within the nightmare, and his brow furrowed as he remembered each of their gruesome deaths. He panicked a bit as he saw the state of the man with the wide-brimmed hat.
"Gods, man! Why didn't you tell me you were injured? I'm a... healer...?" he again trails off, trying to put the pieces of himself into perspective. He feels almost as an imposter, pretending to be this person whose memories he has. "Let me take a look."

LoudKid sent a note to C1NDER

Mar 2, 2022 5:49 pm

C1NDER sent a note to LoudKid

Mar 2, 2022 10:57 pm

Grim shuffles over to the healer after his prompting and holds out his slashed forearm for exmination. "Lucky for me. I was not looking forward to bandaging the wound with anything we've found down here. There is nothing clean to dress it with."

Mar 3, 2022 1:12 am

He inspects the man's injury and tries to recall what he thinks he is capable of. "I think for now, I'd better just patch you up. I have a few bigger things up my sleeve, but those are better served for groups. Try to stay behind the knight and the angry one for now; let them take some licks instead of you, yes?" he lays his hands around the wound, and focuses.
Feeling the familiar sensation of his spirit reaching into the other man's body, and making contact with other soul within, he massages the conduit between the man's spirit and the positive energy plane. The sensation is strange, but pleasant and refreshing, as the wound begins to stitch closed, but it suddenly stops partway. "I think this memory loss has affected our very souls. This would have been much more effective before... I'm sorry."

OOC:

Taking 10 with the Healer's Hands feat heals Grim by 1

Last edited March 3, 2022 1:13 am

Mar 3, 2022 8:56 pm

Iosef provides some amount of care to Grim as everyone searches the basement rooms to their content.

OOC:

HP updated in tracker

Checking out the man, now deceased, on the table in the middle of the central room doesn't reveal much. He's wearing tattered clothing and there doesn't appear to be anything on his body that would identify who he is.

When Grim looks over the furnace area, he notes that the vents leading up from the interior appear particularly wide, so much so that any of you might be able to squeeze up through them, but there's no telling where it leads and you would have to crawl inside the furnace to reach the potential escape route.

Otherwise, the only other way you've identified to potentially exit this place is the chute directly over the pile of dead bodies.

You are reminded as well that Elias mentioned seeing coin on one of the bodies - there remains the potential for things of value to be found amongst the corpses.

OOC:

Let me know what you all intend to do from here; you may RP the scene more as you'd like, but eventually you may want to leave the area. Your positions on the map are not important while out of combat - you may narrate freely at this time where you are and what you're doing.

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Mar 3, 2022 9:44 pm

Razhel is anxious to get out the stench and confinement of the area. After collecting her things from both table and pile, she wanders back into the room with the body chute and gives the area another look around, but staying out of the pile of corpses.

"Unless anyone else find a better mode of egress, I think we are all going to need to shimmy up the chute to get out of here." She says aloud for anyone to hear.

Mar 3, 2022 11:27 pm

Agreed. Elias says as he reentered the room. It's the only path that makes the most sense. I'd rather give those bodies the peace they never found in life. So someone else can root through them. I'll climb up first and make sure the room is clear.

Elias moves over to the chute and looks for the easiest way to climb up it.

Mar 4, 2022 12:40 am

"Bless them quickly and climb carefully, priest," he said. "Well, you seem like a priest... a warrior priest."

Mar 4, 2022 12:52 am

C1NDER says:

Nearby, a flight of rickety wooden steps climbs toward the high ceiling - an escape none of the room's current occupants seem capable of employing.

OOC:

Do the stairs go anywhere?

Mar 4, 2022 1:41 am

LoudKid says:

C1NDER says:

Nearby, a flight of rickety wooden steps climbs toward the high ceiling - an escape none of the room's current occupants seem capable of employing.

OOC:

Do the stairs go anywhere?

While the stairs, at first glance, would seem the most obvious exit from the cellar, a fallen wall above has blocked the way out. You can climb to the stair's landing easily enough, but beyond that are heaps of rubble choking the passage above.

Similarly, the tunnel that was once here (just north of the pile of bodies) might have also once been a way to escape, but is now strangled with the a mass of rubble that would seem impassable.

Mar 4, 2022 2:08 am

"Pharasma forgive me, but the dead have no more need of their belongings. Perhaps something can be used by the living."
He begins to search the corpses for anything of note, using the longest of the torture implements to prod, turn, and flip.

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+3)

(19) + 3 = 22

Fortitude - (1d20+2)

(2) + 2 = 4

Mar 4, 2022 8:38 pm

Favoring his wounded arm and keeping it clear of possible objects and filth to cause him more pain and injury, Grim wanders about the available space until it becomes clear that they are all going to be climbing up through the chute. He waits patiently, as the man in chainmail offers to go first.

Mar 5, 2022 1:44 am

Iosef searches through the bodies as much as he can stomach. It takes about 10 minutes, but all-in-all he comes up with a handful of coin and some common jewelry - most from the bodies of those wearing the doctor-like coats.

[ +- ] Loot

In spite of the macabre mound upon which he climbs, and possibly encouraged to hurry by the foul stench of the bodies, Elias finds climbing up through the chute to appear a simple enough task. He begins to climb...

OOC:

Squadfather - a climb check vs DC 5 please.

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Mar 5, 2022 3:07 am

Elias uses what handhold that he can as he makes his way up the chute.

OOC:

...and we're off to a great start...

Last edited March 5, 2022 5:51 am

Rolls

Climb - (1d20+1)

(3) + 1 = 4

Mar 5, 2022 7:27 am

Elias uses the narrowness of the chute to his advantage and climbs near to the top of the 15ft section when his foot finds a slick spot in the material. Before he knows it, he's barreling downwards towards the pile of corpses. The decayed flesh welcomes him eagerly as both a softer landing than otherwise would have been there, but also one he will not soon forget - the force of his body strikes the pile, causing one particularly ripe corpse to split and spill some sort of foul liquid, splashing onto his face.

OOC:

From here, Elias can be assumed to have Taken 10 to climb the shoot - I will ask for only one such Climb vs DC 5 roll from each of you, should you attempt to move up the chute. If you fail, you may narrate your own slide into disgrace as you see fit, but then may then move up the chute without issue and be assumed to have reached the top.

Elias is now above.

[ +- ] Map - Elias - Upper Level

[ +- ] Map - Everyone Else - Lower Level

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Mar 5, 2022 7:44 am

Eager to get out of the basement and hunt down the woman who escaped them, Razhel wasted no time following up the body chute, after Elias clears the tunnel to the top.

Last edited March 5, 2022 7:47 am

Rolls

Climb - (1d20+6)

(5) + 6 = 11

Mar 5, 2022 4:22 pm

Elias gags as he tries to wipe the foul liquid off his face. More embarrassed than anything, he uses the bottom of his tabard to clean his face.

Once he's in the room at the top of the chute, Elias draws his longsword and checks the room. It looks clear for the most part, come on up.

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+2)

(20) + 2 = 22

Mar 5, 2022 6:56 pm

Elias sees nothing of note. He stands in a small, non-descript room. It is rather cold, but not uncomfortably so. He can hear the sound of driving rain outside the walls.

Mar 5, 2022 8:06 pm

"Up is always better," he said before he attempted the climb.

Rolls

Climb - (1d20-1)

(16) - 1 = 15

Mar 5, 2022 8:08 pm

Grim gives the climb a go not wishing to stay a moment longer in the stench of this horrific cellar.

Rolls

Climb - (1d20+1)

(10) + 1 = 11

Mar 5, 2022 8:26 pm

After the search for loot, he gives the chute a go, seeing the others have little trouble.
"Here goes nothing."

Rolls

Climb - (1d20-2)

(18) - 2 = 16

Mar 6, 2022 6:33 am

Everyone manages to climb up after Elias in far less dramatic fashion than the paladin. All of you are standing now at the top of the chute, in a small, dank room. A heavy metal hatch is pulled open over the chute. There is a wooden door, closed, at the south end of the small room. Between the door and hatch, the floor is covered in long, bloody wear marks - undoubtedly from the many bodies that had been deposited prior to your awakening below. The sound of driving rain can be heard on the other side of the walls, but otherwise you hear nothing.

OOC:

Everyone please include a Fortitude save in your next post. Elias and Iosef, please include a -2 modifier on your rolls for your extra time with the corpses. I will reveal the next room as soon as I see someone post they open the door.

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Mar 6, 2022 7:17 am

As horrific as this place was, the sound of the rain calmed him for some reason. Was it because he was closer now to outside, to the sky? He took strength from that as he tried to avoid the blood trails.

Rolls

Fortitude save - (1d20+3)

(9) + 3 = 12

Mar 6, 2022 2:08 pm

Elias is surprised by the calming effects of the rain. The memory of the last few minutes slowly floats away as he stands there listening. Taking a moment to simply e joy the noise, Elias approaches the door andcslowly opens it a crack. Looking through the crack, Elias checks to see if it's safe.

OOC:

The -2 to the Fortitude save, takes out his +2, so it'llbe a straight roll.

Rolls

Fortitude - (1d20)

(8) = 8

Mar 6, 2022 4:52 pm

OOC:

Let's see how this turns out.

Rolls

Fortitude - (1d20)

(10) = 10

Mar 6, 2022 8:10 pm

Razhel glances to Elias. "So? What do you see out there?" She asks, as the flexes her fingers and readies for another fight, which is surely to come.

Last edited March 6, 2022 8:12 pm

Rolls

Fortitude - (1d20+3)

(15) + 3 = 18

Mar 7, 2022 7:17 am

Grim is ready to leave the confines of the small room. "Well then, let's be about it man." He says toward Elias, who is peeking through the crack of the door.

Last edited March 7, 2022 7:21 am

Rolls

Fortitude - (1d20)

(15) = 15

Mar 7, 2022 10:20 am

Elias peers through the crack in the doorway. As he nears, his nose catches the scent of fresh, open air - a welcome thing, considering from whence they came. Beyond are trampled flowerbeds, smeared and squashed across a muddy courtyard. On all sides, stark gray walls climb toward a narrow gap of sunless sky. The rain, as you could previously hear, is coming down hard. While it looks rather uncomfortable outside, you see no presence of immediate danger.

There is a door to your west and in the southeast appears to be the crumbled remains of the upper section of the destroyed stairway from the cellar.

A sudden crash of thunder echoes through the air.

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Mar 7, 2022 2:45 pm

Elias breathes in deep as he catches the scent of fresh air. Doing a quick check of the area, he looks over his shoulder at the others. It appears to be an empty courtyard. There's a door on the western side, that looks to be the only way out of it. I'll go slow at first, to make sure that it is safe.

Elias then opens the door and steps out into the rain. Enjoying the smell and feel of the rain hitting him, Elias let's it cleanse him of the Horrors from below. Moving cautiously Elias makes his way over to the western door.

OOC:

Elias will move to P28.

Last edited March 7, 2022 11:54 pm

Mar 7, 2022 10:30 pm

Unflinching at the sight of rain, Grim loads up his crossbow and steps out into the courtyard to cover Elias and others. "We should keep our eyes peeled. We know there's at least one psycho on the loose out here somewhere." He says looking around.

OOC:

Move to R28

Mar 7, 2022 11:14 pm

Razhel rushes out into the rain and breathes in the fresh air. She moves aside to let others pass, turning her face toward the failing rain and crackin gher knuckles under the wraps bound around the palms of her hands.

OOC:

Go to Q28

Mar 7, 2022 11:21 pm

He stepped into the courtyard, breathed deeply, and looked up. The sky was a welcome sight even if overcast, and his spirit felt renewed by the open air.

"Forward, lady and gentlemen, before we catch our deaths of cold in wet clothes."

OOC:

Move to S28.

[ +- ] Bigger pic for Axon on the map

Last edited March 8, 2022 12:49 am

Mar 8, 2022 12:17 am

Taking a cue from hat-man, he also loads his crossbow, and heads down into the courtyard in a defensive position. The downpour felt nice at the moment, a reprieve from the cramped filth he had just experienced.

OOC:

R30

Mar 8, 2022 7:49 am

The rain beating down on them, everyone exits into the courtyard, with Elias approaching the western door.

As they take a moment to allow the cold, cleansing rain wash over their bodies and they ruminate over continuing through the western door, Grim spurs them on with his statement about psychos being on the loose.

Just then you all hear a loud *THUD* as something quite heavy strikes the roof of the eastern building, some 30-or-more feet above you. You look up just in time to see a large, winged silhouette pass across the moonlit sky. Whatever fell tumbles down the sloped roof, then drops the long distance to land, hard, on the ground only a few feet away from Axon, striking and cracking a wooden bench.

From where he's standing, Axon can now make out the torn and mangled form of a humanoid creature of some sort. It is bald with flesh of an indeterminate color: a pearlescent-like effect mimicking natural skins tones that seems to change as you look at it from different angles. Its skin lacks any fine details or texture and seems almost like an unfinished canvas upon which a face should be positioned. It's eyes are pale, white, and, now, lifeless. It wears the familiar clothing of the female tormentor from the basement.

C1NDER sent a note to Squadfather44

OOC:

Locations updated on the map

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Mar 8, 2022 8:04 am

Whatever that is...is wearing the jacket of our escaped psycho. See the sleeve? It's ripped where I grabbed it when we were back down in the cells. Elias says as he looks at the body. Reflexively he looks up into the sky, trying to see if what dropped it is still around.

Mar 8, 2022 8:16 am

"Yeah. You're right." Grim agrees with chainmail guy and glances over to the feral woman beside him. "Well, that explains why she didn't go down after you pummeled her hard. It's not even human."

Last edited March 16, 2022 7:47 am

Mar 8, 2022 9:07 am

Razhel nods in acknowledgement and gestures toward the stormy sky. "Unfortunate for us the doctor's kind do not appear to be at the top of the food chain here."

Mar 8, 2022 12:52 pm

The impact startled Axon but the thing being dead lessened the shock.

"A shapeshifter? Something wouldn't let it leave, not even by flying," he said, aware now that the open sky was more threat than momentary salvation. "Inside, quickly."

Mar 8, 2022 8:44 pm

"Cayden's tits!" he exclaimed in panic, hearing the clamor behind him. He took some deep breaths to calm himself once more, aware of the threat above, but too curious for his own good about the body. He racked his brain trying to identify anything he could about the now-deceased creature.

OOC:

Arcana, Dungeoneering, Local, or Planes would be +6, Nature (untrained) would be +2

Rolls

Knowledge - (1d20)

(16) = 16

Mar 9, 2022 8:56 am

Neither Iosef, nor anyone else, knows precisely what this creature is, but you all agree that it is inhuman and seems to have some ability to change its form.

A sharp flash of light hits your eyes, then is gone in the blink of an eye. Several seconds later a loud crack of thunder ripples through the air.

While the open air has a quality of freedom to it, you simultaneously cannot shake a feeling of vulnerability.

OOC:

What's the plan?

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Mar 9, 2022 9:36 am

"Agreed. Inside. If you would, please, sir comet-knight." he spoke curtly while keeping the sky and the door under watch, crossbow at the ready.

Mar 10, 2022 10:32 pm

With two of the others wielding loaded crossbows Elias raises hishand and draws his sword. With his other hand he slowly opens the door and peers in. Raising his shield, Elias prepares himself in case there's trouble in the room.

Mar 10, 2022 11:57 pm

He took one last look at the stormy sky, enjoyed the rain on his face, and prepared to defend himself and his new companions against whatever came next.

Mar 12, 2022 12:02 am

Elias cracks the door to the inside. Broken lanterns and several battered doors line this cold rubble-strewn hall running north and south.

Most of the hallway to the north fades quickly into the extreme darkness of a room without light and it is difficult to tell how long the hallway extends in that direction.

C1NDER sent a note to RageRed,LoudKid

To the south, a pair of swinging doors lies shattered upon a 4-foot-high heap of wrecked furniture clogging a broad doorframe. The blockage sections off the northern portion of this hallways from what lies beyond. Lanterns flicker in this direction, casting shadows upon several closed doors and beyond the ramshackle barricade.

Beyond the blockage you can make out at least three individuals. They seem to be casually looking to the north while talking amongst themselves. You're unable to make out much more than that, as the wreckage keeps you from seeing anything from about chest-height down. If they are armored, it must be fairly minimal. They do not appear to notice you yet.

OOC:

Going north, most of you will need some sort of light source to see, it is very dark that direction. Let me know what you guys are doing. We can keep positioning generally vague, but if you wander north down the hall please post a coordinate position so I can reveal more of the hallway as needed

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Mar 12, 2022 12:10 am

Elias leans his head back and let's the others know what he sees. We got a hallway with several doors. I saw three individuals behind some blockage in the south. I say we investigate the trio before we check the other doors.

Mar 12, 2022 12:15 am

"Agreed. They may be like us... but at the first sign of aberrancy, we strike," he suggested.

Mar 12, 2022 1:41 am

"It looks a bit dark in there.Wait a moment."
He approaches the door, opposite the Knight, makes a polishing motion to his focus, and says "WBḪ." strongly as he taps the ankh-embossed beetle to the front of the Knight's shield. It glows with starlight as bright as a lantern, and he gives the man a stern nod, raising his crossbow once again.

OOC:

P29

Mar 12, 2022 1:52 am

OOC:

Map updated

Mar 13, 2022 7:04 pm

Grim listens to Elias gives details of what he sees within the hall, then shields his eyes as the sorcerer uses his magic to light up the man's shield. "Well, whoever is down there, they know we're coming now."

Last edited March 13, 2022 7:05 pm

Mar 13, 2022 7:07 pm

"It's better to get a good look at them than to sneak up on the unknown," he replied, the words somehow resonated with him in ways he couldn't understand but which made him shiver nonetheless. "Let's move forward and announce ourselves... and get out of the rain."

At the grim man's announcement, Axon stood ready for fight or flight but knew the only real option of those two was fight.

Last edited March 13, 2022 7:09 pm

Mar 13, 2022 7:19 pm

Elias nods his head in thanks as the man cast the spell on his shield. As the other one talked about announcing themselves, Elias knew it was their only option.

Moving forward and into the corridor, Elias readied himself for the upcoming fight.

OOC:

Elias will move as far as he can down the corridor towards the 3 individuals.

Mar 13, 2022 7:51 pm

Razhel sighs. She is not ready to squeeze into another tight hallway, but knows that barring climbing the outer walls and potentially facing the winged shadow that deposited the shapechanger's corpse in the small strip of outdoors they were in, it is the only viable choice given to them so far.

Mar 13, 2022 9:43 pm

As the group cautiously enters the hallway, the light emanating from Elias's shield quickly catches the attention of the forms beyond the wreckage.

"Whoa, there!" one of them shouts, "We got more here!"

As you filter into the hallway you note that all three, apparently human, men have crossbows trained on you. A fourth man can be seen further back in the hall, rounding the corner.

"Stay back," one of them threatens as Elias moves close, "you won't get another warning. Who are you?"

A third voice, quieter and directed at his fellows, adds, "Dear gods, how many of them are there? They're going to overwhelm us!" The same voice then shouts back to the fourth person, "Denman, you lout, get the captain!"

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Mar 13, 2022 10:04 pm

"Real people?" he whispered in hope to the others then raised his voice, "We aren't shapeshifting horrors! We've just escaped from one... and it lies dead outside!"

Of course that's what a shapeshifting horror might say but he really had no recourse but the truth.

"We don't want to fight. We just want to know what the hell is going on here."

OOC:

Added a Diplomacy roll.

Last edited March 13, 2022 10:34 pm

Rolls

Diplomacy - (1d20+4)

(12) + 4 = 16

Mar 13, 2022 10:22 pm

Elias is momentarily quiet as one of the strangers asks who they are. How do you tell someone who you are, when you don't even know who you are?

Elias carefully sheaths his sword and raises his hands. Easy...we mean no harm. As my compatriot just said, we're not shapechangers. In fact we have actually just escaped from one. Can you tell us what's going on?

OOC:

I included a Diplomacy roll, in case it'd be appropriate.

Last edited March 13, 2022 10:24 pm

Rolls

Diplomacy - (1d20+7)

(2) + 7 = 9

Mar 14, 2022 11:36 pm

Two of them look at each other, while the third man squints his eyes and readjusts the aim of his crossbow. "Likely story," he says. "If you arent' one of them, prove it - were you staff or patients? both?"

One of the other men says aloud to the man taking point on the conversation, "I don't trust them, Hugh. Look at them clothes. Some of them are wearin' armor, and we're barely holding on in here. Where'd they get the steel?" His eyes dart to where Elias just sheathed his sword.

The man in the far back quickly disappears through the western doors.

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Mar 15, 2022 4:13 am

"We were prisoners," he tried to explain, "trapped in cells a level or two below your feet near a furnace... but we escaped. I don't know any more than that. I don't even know my own name. We won't make any moves to come near you but please tell us what's going on here."

Mar 15, 2022 7:30 am

"Prisoners?", the lead man, Hugh, asks, "This ain't a prison. You mean the solitary rooms?" He shakes his head, "How can you not know your name?" He shifts his gaze across all five of you, "Do any of you know your names? How can you not know what's going on?" He takes a hand from the crossbow and gestures around quickly, "It's pretty difficult to ignore, and you sure as all hells didn't come from off-island."

The nervous man chimes in again, "How could they not know, Hugh? They're playing with our heads, they are. Done come up from near the furnace in the cellar it sounds like. Those creatures have been all over that place, using it for all knows what foul deeds." With shaky hands the man moves his finger to the trigger of his crossbow, pointing it at Axon.

Mar 15, 2022 7:37 am

For once, Razhel remains in the back of the pack. It was difficult enough trying to explain their presence and having no memories, they didn't need to account for why she had the eyes of a dragon.

Mar 16, 2022 7:41 am

Grim clears his throat and lowers his crossbow. In his accented Varisian common, he speaks toward the men at the barricade. "Who is in charge here? May I speak with them? Like my fellow survivors here, I can not remember my own name, but I do remember my last memories were of heading to Thrushmoor to meet with an agent of the Sleepless Agency. I had done some freelance work for them in the past."

Last edited March 16, 2022 7:47 am

Rolls

Diplomacy - (1d20+5)

(18) + 5 = 23

Mar 17, 2022 12:25 am

"The Sleepless Agency?" Hugh says, lowering his weapon slightly and his face cheering up with a glimmer of hope that wasn't there before, "If you're one o' their number, we might actually have a chance to get out of here. Did the Agency find a way through the mist?" The other men look noticeably more comfortable as well, yet still on edge.

At that, the fourth man from down the hall reappears with someone else in tow. The new man is tall and lean with dark, short-cropped hair, beard, and mustache. As he comes closer the fourth man from earlier, Denman, steps aside and motions towards you. "What'd I say?" Denman says, "a whole group of 'em. What should we do, Captain?"

Vaustin York

The newcomer comes closer, the other men splitting to the side, holding the aim of their crossbows on you cautiously. You see clearly his armor is of better quality than that worn by the others, leather instead of cloth. He wears a spiked mace at his hip and a cross bow is held in his hands, aimed to the ground. He carries himself with a confidence that indicates he is comfortable in the armor and in his position. "I'm York," he says to the group, "and I suppose you're going to try and convince me you're not shapeshifting monsters sent to infiltrate and kill us. Beings I'm responsible for keeping the people here safe, you'd best be awfully damned convincing." He stands, pointedly, seemingly expecting you to speak up.

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Mar 17, 2022 12:57 am

Elias keeps his hands away from his weapons as York speaks. How can we prove to you that we are not these...shapeshifters?

Mar 17, 2022 1:08 am

With nothing to add to the conversation of any substance yet, he focused his attention behind his own group. If there were more shapeshifters skulking around here, he didn't want them to get the jump on his companions and himself.

OOC:

Iosef will swap positions with Grim if he allows, and keeps watch to the north.

Last edited March 17, 2022 7:57 am

Mar 17, 2022 7:43 am

"Ah! Captain York. As I was attempting to convey to your guards, I was on the way to a meeting in Thrushmoor with an agent of the Sleepless Agency. I have done freelance for them in the past." Grim reiterates for the captain's benefit. "There are worse things about in these halls than shapeshifters. Some nightmarish horror, which I can only guess stole part of my memories and those of my companions here, walks in the shadows. This fiend has a face of nought but ragged fangs, is dressed in rags, and wields a razor."

"We escaped from a cellar full of corpses and one of these shapeshifting fiends bent on carving us into meat." He holds up his bloodied arm. "It did not foresee that our numbers could overwhelm it and our lot was saved by a man who died by its hand helping us escape those cells down there." He continues on.

"And the mist is filled with even more dangers. Something foul with wings lurks up there in the sky over this place."

Last edited March 17, 2022 8:02 am

Rolls

Diplomacy - (1d20+5)

(18) + 5 = 23

Mar 17, 2022 3:58 pm

Vaustin York

York breathes heavily through his nose, narrowing his gaze over the group after listening to what you have to say. "You make a strong case for yourselves," he says finally. "I just don't know if we can take the risk. For the past two days, this place has been overrun with lunatics and monsters that can look like anyone." He reaches up and scratches his head awkwardly. "I'm sorry, but I'm going to have to ask you to step back from the barricade and leave this place." He starts to turn away.

The other guards wince and look at each other. All of them by now have let their guards down considerably, so much so that if they all decided to shoot, they'd only put holes in your shoes. One of the original three guards at the barricade, a rotund balding man with unfortunate teeth, speaks up. "Captain," he says, "What if they can help? You know, we're not going to last forever here. We have to find a way out, and these people, if they're telling the truth and are with the Sleepless, they could be our ticket off this island."

Captain York places a hand on the man's shoulder. "I hear what you're saying, Ralf," he says, "But I have a million things to do, and I don't know where we'd start, trying to vet these strangers to make sure its safe."

"He's right though," Denman says, "We have to do something. We can't just sit in our little corner of the asylum until our food and water run out. If Winter's right, maybe these are the very folk she suggested might come to help us, even if they can't remember." The other three men nod and intone their agreement.

York turns fully back to your group, pursing his lips and shaking his head. "They're not wrong," he says, "We could use the help, and I don't want to leave you to your deaths if you aren't monsters, but...we have kids here. We have to be careful." He seems to consider Elias's question a long moment. "Maybe. I...I can't imagine those things would kill their own, it wouldn't make sense. You could prove whose side you're on if you can show you're their enemy. Bring back a few of their corpses and we can reconsider."

York appears to be quite set on things and looks eager to return to whatever other duties he has behind the barricade.

OOC:

Grim - Well done on the diplomacy rolls! You managed to move the 4 guards present from unfriendly to friendly, and York from unfriendly to indifferent.

Everyone - what's the plan? Conversation can continue if you have more questions for York - he'll entertain a single round of questions before he leaves.

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Mar 17, 2022 10:46 pm

"Excuse me for yet another moment Captain." Grim calls after the man as he turns to go about his business. "According to your current knowledge of the situation, where would be a place where these shapeshifters may be located so we do not waste time in bringing this proof to you?"

Last edited March 17, 2022 10:47 pm

Mar 18, 2022 12:38 am

Vaustin York

"For all I know, right next to you," he answers back. "We don't know their numbers, or where they are exactly. Large portions of the building have collapsed, and the last group we sent out, nobody returned. We've killed at least three of them, so far."

OOC:

He'll still entertain a couple more questions if anyone has any.

Fair warning, there are some difficult spots ahead, but very doable. I recommend taking a moment, when safe, to figure out any group tactics you want to. While you have some muscle memory of your own abilities, and everyone saw Razhel pummel the woman pretty hard downstairs & Axon use some magic, you don't know too much what each other is capable of.

Mar 18, 2022 12:47 am

"If it's true that we are your amnesiac backup, we'll do what we can... but who is Winter? And what exactly was your mission here before it all went to Abaddon?"

Mar 18, 2022 1:03 am

Vaustin York

"Mission?" York replies with a curt laugh, "I think you misunderstand. Winter's the one keeping us all in one piece here. She's supposedly one of them Royal Accusers. She had some sort of mission here, showed up just a few days ago, before everything went to shit. But me? I was an orderly." He juts a thumb to the round man next to him, "Ralf was one of the cooks. The only mission we all have now is to survive." His eyes flicker to Grim again, a haunt to his look, the same look he had when Grim mentioned the dream-creature in yellow rags a few moments ago.

Mar 18, 2022 1:13 am

Fair enough, if that's what it takes to prove ourselves, we'll set out to do it. Just so we don't waste precious time looking, can you direct us to any pockets of these foul creatures?

OOC:

Edited

Last edited March 18, 2022 2:57 am

Mar 18, 2022 2:55 am

OOC:

You got it...PM sent.

Mar 18, 2022 2:59 am

Fair enough, if that's what it takes to prove ourselves, we'll set out to do it. Can you provide us with any information on who you've sent out? If we come across them, we'll be sure to provide assistance and send them back this way.

Mar 18, 2022 5:27 am

Vaustin York

Any humor in York's eyes seems to fade. "Not much to say. Good men and women, trying to find a route to the kitchens so we'd have more to eat and drink. Yaren, William, Sarea, and Loch. They were dressed somewhat like the rest of us here. If you were to find any trace of them, I wouldn't be the only one grateful." He sighs. "I think it best you be on your way now," he says, "but I do hope to see you on better terms soon."

He turns to walk away, adding, "Men, if our friends here come within touching distance of the barricade before Winter or I've cleared them, shoot them down. Avice, give their descriptions and my order to the others." The last of the unnamed guards nods and walks through the door on the western wall, closest to the barricade.

OOC:

Okay, map updated - what would you like to do? Captain York can still hear you for a few moments, but he's actively walking away.

Note the red area - until you've satisfied the request, that area is considered too close to the barricade and may result in an altercation.

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Mar 18, 2022 8:53 am

Razhel pats her crossbow and turns to face the northern end of the hallway in shadows. "Well, you heard them. We've got killing to do."

Mar 19, 2022 9:48 pm

Resolved to the task put upon them by the orderly, York, Grim turns and follows after Razhel heading north.

Mar 19, 2022 10:33 pm

Nodding his head as York leaves, Elias turns with the others and heads out. We may as well start with the closest areas first and work our way out. What do you guys think?

Mar 19, 2022 11:59 pm

"I concur with the Knight. Lead the way, sir." He'll follow the comet-man.

Mar 20, 2022 2:33 am

"Agreed. Should we haul in the body of that ghastly nurse before we get too far?"

Mar 20, 2022 3:27 am

Elias pauses in thought as he listens to Axon's idea. That's a good idea, we can drag it and leave it by the door. That way we can bring it in on our way back. Good thinking.

Mar 21, 2022 11:23 am

Stepping back into the courtyard, you find that while the rain has gotten worse, you get no sense of the thing in the sky. Working together, you drag the battered body of the slain person-like creature into the hallway and prop it up against the western wall just across from the door to the courtyard.

With Elias in the lead you make your way north. You travel just a short distance before the light from the area around the barricade fades and you are left in the growing blackness of the dark hallway, unable to see much of anything much farther ahead.

There is, of course, the two doors on the western wall behind you, and now within the limits of the fading light you spot two closed doors along the eastern wall.

OOC:

What you can see right now on the map is the limit of what is visible without either enhanced vision or a light source. If we move further north, or into any unlit side room, the benefits of the hanging lantern to the south will not longer be available.

We have two PC's that have enhanced senses - I will send private notes to them when appropriate to show what they can see beyond what is shown on the general map - it will be up to those PC's to use that knowledge how they see fit.

[ +- ] Map

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[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Mar 21, 2022 2:17 pm

Elias approaches the door (O20) and stands by to open it. Once everyone is ready, he carefully opens it and peers inside.

Mar 21, 2022 7:14 pm

After everyone is prepared, Elias opens the door. Inside, it is so dark the normal human eye cannot make out any details.

OOC:

Feel free to post any actions you would or wish to take prior to opening the door. I'm keeping you outside the room right now due to the limited visibility as indicated below.

What you can see right now on the map is the limit of what is visible without either enhanced vision or a light source. If we move further north, or into any unlit side room, the benefits of the hanging lantern to the south will not longer be available.

One PC can currently see well enough into the room, if they step right up to the door, to make out the descrioption, otherwise I will reveal the description once an appropriate light source if provided.

[ +- ] Map

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[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Mar 21, 2022 9:29 pm

OOC:

I can light a torch if no one else wants to go first.

Mar 21, 2022 9:45 pm

Raxhel will enter the room, in the dark, and give the place a quick once over to see that none of the shapeshifters are hiding here and look for possible usable items.

Mar 21, 2022 11:57 pm

The dead skinwalker again made his skin crawl as it was moved, and moving away from it into the dark depths once more did little to ease that feeling. If being exterminators was the only way to remain unexterminated, he was as ready as he could be right now. As the blonde man opened the door, he peered into the gloom and wished he could see into it, understand it. The others who had better vision would see within but he wanted to know. Such strange notions while in the midst of a life and death situation, he thought, but he let the feeling guide him to just behind the dragon-eyed woman.

"Wait a moment," he urged her as he tentatively reached out with senses he was unsure of, "and let me... feel... አስማትን ፈልግ።"

OOC:

Casting Detect Magic.

Mar 22, 2022 12:43 am

RageRed says:

Raxhel will enter the room, in the dark, and give the place a quick once over to see that none of the shapeshifters are hiding here and look for possible usable items.

Razhel doesn't find anything of note with her cursory glance over the upper layer of the rubble and wreckage. It is likely that anything easy to grab has been foraged by the nearby survivors by now.

Axion casts his magic upon the small room and perceives nothing magical in nature.

OOC:

Razhel - While a quick once-over doesn't reveal anything, but there is the potential for things to be hidden under knocked-over shelves and containers, plus rubble. You could take 10 minutes to more thoroughly search the room if you'd like.

Mar 22, 2022 1:10 am

OOC:

Had it already been 10 minutes? Iosef would make sure to keep the front of Elias' shield lit, but I didn't think that would have run out yet.

Last edited March 22, 2022 1:11 am

Mar 22, 2022 1:20 am

LoudKid says:

OOC:

Had it already been 10 minutes? Iosef would make sure to keep the front of Elias' shield lit, but I didn't think that would have run out yet.

OOC:

Thank you for the reminder! Elias's shield continues to glow with the light spell. That works perfectly, if Iosef is planning to keep that lit.

LoudKid & Elias - just let me know if you wish to discontinue keeping the shield lit, otherwise I'll assume you're keeping it going.

Mar 22, 2022 1:27 am

Between Elias lighting up the room from the doorway and Razhel searching within, it is clear that what remains of this room is a mess. Several racks that one may have held things in this storage room now lay tumbled over. The reek of chlorine permeates the air. Broken containers litter the floor.

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Mar 23, 2022 8:18 pm

OOC:

At this time, anyone may step in to help look through the rubble/wreckage of the room if you wish. This will take 10 minutes of time and will involve moving and lifting shelves/containers to look around. This is optional of course.

Otherwise, we may move on to other rooms and/or further down the hall.

Mar 23, 2022 9:33 pm

OOC:

I can stay in the hallway to provide security and shine the shield into the room.

Mar 24, 2022 8:04 am

Finding none of the shapeshifters lurking in the room, Razhel leaves and returns to the hall. "Nothing." She says quietly. "Let's keep moving."

Mar 25, 2022 7:45 am

OOC:

Ok, anyone else want to search the room more thoroughly, or otherwise where are we heading?

Mar 25, 2022 8:17 am

Razhel heads north up the halway, toward the shadows there. If there were shapeshifters in this area, it would likely not be in the broom closet next to the barricade.

Mar 25, 2022 7:55 pm

The group heads north through the hall, the light from Elias's shield continuing to illuminate the path before them.

Ahead of you to the north, in the dim light, you can see that most of the northern section of the hallway has collapsed into a heap of dense gray rubble. Surviving doors lead off to the west and east.

On your right is a toppled wall between this hall and what appears to have one been an office. Debris-cluttered desks and tipped lockers lay strewn about the room along with several bodies.

As you near you hear faint sobbing coming from the office to the east. "Help, please help," a grandmotherly voice calls towards the illumination of Elias's shield. An old human woman, perhaps in her 60's, lays on the ground amidst the rubble, one hand help up to shield her eyes, the other worrying at a gruesomely fractured leg, bone jutting out through the skin. "Please," she calls, "I need medical care. My leg..." Tears stream down her face and she appears to be in a state of desperation, agony, and fear.

OOC:

You can investigate the western door and look more closely in the northern section of the hallway. You may of course also interact with the woman and move into the eastern office to look around more closely. If you do, you can spend 10 minutes to move rubble and debris around to search thoroughly, or otherwise let me know what you're looking at.

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Rolls

Secret Roll

Mar 25, 2022 8:01 pm

Elias carefully enters the room and moves towards the trapped woman. What happened to you? Are there any enemies around?

Mar 25, 2022 8:10 pm

"No," she says between sobs, "I don't think so. I was trapped under the rocks, up the hallway, for so long. I got loose and crawled here, but Gods, my leg. It hurts so terribly."

Mar 25, 2022 9:40 pm

Razhel eyes the bodies strewn about on the floor, keeping up her defenses as she examines them to see if they were human corpses or something else.

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+5)

(6) + 5 = 11

Mar 25, 2022 9:53 pm

Elias still moving cautiously bends down to check the old woman's injuries.

OOC:

I'll do a heal check to see what I can find out.

Last edited March 26, 2022 1:23 am

Rolls

Heal - (1d20+6)

(18) + 6 = 24

Mar 26, 2022 1:12 am

Grim covers Elias and Razhel with his crossbow as he too gives a cursory glance down at the dead bodies.

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+6)

(1) + 6 = 7

Mar 27, 2022 9:55 am

Razhel and Grim both look over bodies. Several appear human, though they bear claw marks and signs of more extreme trauma that in some cases make identifying them difficult.

In total, you also find three bodies of creatures much like the 'doctor' whom you first encountered. Now in their true forms, these creatures are slender and frail with gangly limbs and half-formed facial features. Their flesh is pale and hairless, and their eyes are vacant and white, staring blankly without the hinderance of eyelids. These bodies are riddled with crossbow bolts.

Meanwhile, Elias checks out the wound of the injured woman. "Oh thank you," she says with a relieved sob, "Are you a healer?" Elias finds that the would appears rather typical of a compound fracture, one of the principal legbones jutting out of the skin. He instinctively looks for something to stop the bleeding.

OOC:

Further exploration remains through the western door across the hallway or in the northern end of the hallway. The eastern office can be searched thoroughly if you choose - this will involve 10 minutes of moving rubble and objects out of the way.

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Mar 27, 2022 6:25 pm

Why did that question sound ominous? Why wouldn't it? Everything else was ominous. Ominous was practically bleeding from the walls and bubbling up through the floorboards around the bodies of shapeshifting murderers. The ominous was obvious, that much he knew, and he had tried to know in the other room before but he also had to see. Could he?

"አስማትን ፈልግ።"

He first reached out with the same strange sense as before to try to descry the unknowable in the current room and then in the gloom beyond.

"I'm going to try to... to light our way further than the shield."

Then he made a small motion like lighting a match.

"የዳንስ መብራቶች"

Four ethereal spheres of violet-jade light floated near the doorways ahead of him.

"I think those are mine. Pretty."

OOC:

Casting Detect Magic and Dancing Lights.
Trying to be marginally helpful between intense sessions of sleep.

Mar 27, 2022 6:36 pm

I'm mot sure if I'm a full-fledged Healer, but I do remember some of my lessons. Now when I set this, I'm going to have to put your leg back in place. I'm not going to lie to you, that will hurt. Elias gets up and looks among the rubble fir some splint materials. Once he finds what he needs, Elias returns and kneels down next to the injured woman. As he sets the materials by the woman he speaks to her again. Tell me about yourself? What did you do before all of this went crazy?

OOC:

I'll toss out a Sense Motive check, to try and see if he can catch her in some kind of deception.

Rolls

Sense Motive - (1d20+6)

(18) + 6 = 24

Mar 28, 2022 6:18 am

Razhel, wanting to keep moving, steps over to the door on the left side of the hallway, opens the door, and looks inside.

OOC:

Move to N6

Last edited March 28, 2022 6:18 am

Mar 28, 2022 9:39 am

As Axon summons the spectral lights and places them in an array near the doorways, Razhel moves away from the office room towards the western door. With some extra effort due to rocks on the floor, she is able to open the door and peer inside.

"I was a nurse here, taking care of the patients," the old woman replies to Elias as he prepares to set his leg. Her eyes linger on his face, so full of pain and fear. "'Cept I got separated from the others when the worst of the quakes hit." She cranes her neck to look around the muscular man. "So many friend's you have. Will you be able to get me to the camp before one of those things comes back?"

OOC:

Just a map update and conversation - everyone as you were.

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Mar 28, 2022 4:05 pm

A look of concern appears on Elias's face. As he looks over the woman's injuries. Something doesn't add up. You said you were trapped under the rubble for a while, yet this wound appears to be relatively fresh. Also as severe as your wound looks, there's not nearly enough blood to match its severity.

Elias slowly stands up as if he's stretching sore muscles, when in actuality he's preparing for trouble.

Last edited March 28, 2022 4:05 pm

Mar 28, 2022 10:01 pm

Grim listens to the old woman's story. A lot doesn't add up for him, like if she'd been trapped under the rubble from the beginning, how did she know about a camp? He raises his crossbow and prepares to fire.

Mar 29, 2022 1:33 am

OOC:

@LoudKid What is Iosef doing right about now?

Mar 30, 2022 2:42 pm

Razhel flexes her fists and steps through the doorway, as she listens to try to determine the direction of the noise she hears within the room. She searches the darkness and shadows with her superior vision looking for signs of movement.

OOC:

Move to M6

Mar 31, 2022 8:50 am

The old woman reaches her hand out as if about to ask for help to stand when her eyes lock onto Elias's. Something passes across her face, then her eyes flick over to Grim. Suddenly the woman vaults herself upright, showing incredible poise. She smiles a wide, toothless smile as the skin under her chin pulls tight and her skin grows smoother in many places. "A shame," it says in a voice that fluctuates between grandmotherly and hollow, "We could have been friends, you could have helped me meet those lovelies in the camp." You realize her arms now terminate into terrible claws as she, it, prepares to attack.

OOC:

Okay, combat time! Everyone but Elias is free to post actions.

[ +- ] Initiative Order

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Rolls

Secret Roll

Initiative (Enemy) - (1d20+1)

(7) + 1 = 8

Axon Initiative - (1d20+3)

(16) + 3 = 19

Elias Initiative - (1d20)

(5) = 5

Grim Initiative - (1d20+2)

(6) + 2 = 8

Iosef Initiative - (1d20)

(15) = 15

Razhel Initiative - (1d20+5)

(9) + 5 = 14

Mar 31, 2022 10:09 pm

Grim maneuvers over to the edge of the broken wall to use as partially cover and braces the side of his crossbow's stock against the wall. He fires a bolt as fake granny.

OOC:

Move to O8

Rolls

Lt. Crossbow attack - (1d20+2)

(16) + 2 = 18

Damage - (1d8)

(4) = 4

Mar 31, 2022 10:58 pm

"Dragon eyes! The injured woman is a shapeshifter!" he shouted to their distant companion but stood his ground. He wanted to be protected, he wanted to be stronger, he wanted...

"ማጅ ጋሻ!"

The words sounded as alien to him as to the others but an armor of force momentarily shimmered around him before disappearing! With that added measure of security, he focused on the skincrawler intently and began summoning arcane forces to strike at it!

OOC:

Casting Mage Armor for 15 AC.
Staying put.

Apr 1, 2022 9:51 am

"Oh really!?" Razhel responds to her summons, as she reenters the hallway. "There's three hanging from chains inside that room. Not sure who is alive and who may not be what they seem." She reveals of her finds in the room. She grabs the door opposite the one she had enters and opens it quickly, stepping through and closes to the shapeshifter. "I got just what you need!" She bellows and jumps into a fist slam into the fake woman.

OOC:

8 points lethal unarned damage. I wanted to see if the 20 was stuck after that second one.

Last edited April 1, 2022 9:59 am

Rolls

Unarmed (lethal) - (1d20+4)

(20) + 4 = 24

Damage - (1d6+2)

(3) + 2 = 5

Crit Roll - (1d20+4)

(20) + 4 = 24

Crit Roll (just to see what happens) - (1d20+4)

(8) + 4 = 12

Crit damage - (1d6+2)

(1) + 2 = 3

Apr 2, 2022 7:55 am

(Placeholder, will post soon and take a reasonable action for Iosef. If I do this, i will typically avoid using consumables like items or spell slots)

Apr 2, 2022 4:33 pm

Moments after Axon's spell goes into affect, Iosef lets fire a crossbow bolt. It sails wide and fails to find its mark.

Razhel rushes into the room from the western door upon being called and pummels the creature with surprising ferocity, hurting the creature terribly.

It howls with rage as Grim follows up with his own crossbow shot. The shot sails just past Elias and sinks into the creature. It grits its teeth in pain and hisses at the man in the wide hat.

The enemy turns on Razhel, seeing her as the greatest threat if only for the pain it feels from her fists, and rakes at her with its claws while laughing in an eerily toneless voice. "And what you need is to die!" it screams. The thing's claws dig deep into Razhel's flesh, tearing, shredding skin, and catching an artery. The ferocious woman falls to her knees, then topples to the floor. The enemy takes a quick step back, away from the armed and armored Elias.

OOC:

Rage, I think you might be right about the dice being stuck :( Razhel took a lot of damage. This early in the game I'm ruling her to be at -8 HP at this time. Razhel is dying - on each of your turns, all you are able to do is attempt a DC 10 Constitution check. Upon success you are stable but remain unconscious. Upon failure, you take 1 HP of dmg, then you can try again next round. If she gets to -12 HP, she is dead.

The enemy has taken 12 damage.

Everyone can post for round 2 now.

[ +- ] Initiative Order

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Rolls

Iosef Crossbow Attack + DMG - (1d20, 1d8)

1d20 : (4) = 4

1d8 : (2) = 2

Enemy Attack vs Razhel (Claw #1)(DMG)(Claw #2)(DMG) - (1d20+8, 1d8+4, 1d20+8, 1d8+4)

1d20+8 : (8) + 8 = 16

1d8+4 : (8) + 4 = 12

1d20+8 : (20) + 8 = 28

1d8+4 : (7) + 4 = 11

Confirm Critical (Attack)(Dmg) - (1d20+8, 1d8+4)

Apr 2, 2022 5:58 pm

"Leave her alone!" he shouted! "ጥቁር ሜትሮይትስ!"

Dark particles infused with the cold of outer voids rained down on the skincrawler! Foolishly perhaps, he rushed to dying Dragon Eyes' side and put himself between her and the skincrawler's wicked claws! He couldn't disintegrate the thing or send it hurtling through whatever cosmic gulfs from whence his black motes came but he could protect a fallen... friend? Yes, friend. He knew that shared trauma can do that.

OOC:

Casting Black Motes! Skincrawler makes a DC 14 Reflex save or takes the cold damage below.
Moving, again perhaps foolishly, to be a human shield over Razhel.
And just confirming that rounding down when something calls for 1/2 your level means you get a result of 0 at level 1, right? Otherwise that's DC 15.

Rolls

Black Motes cold damage - (1d4)

(1) = 1

Apr 2, 2022 8:59 pm

OOC:

CON check

Rolls

Constitution (DC 10) - (1d20+1)

(7) + 1 = 8

Apr 2, 2022 10:02 pm

''Curse upon you monster!" Grim growls, while reloading. He aims his crossbow again along the edge of the broken wall and fires. "It is you and your kind who will die this day!"

Last edited April 2, 2022 10:05 pm

Rolls

Lt. Crossbow attack - (1d20+2)

(16) + 2 = 18

Damage - (1d8)

(8) = 8

Apr 3, 2022 8:16 pm

The creature yells, first in annoyance at the miniature meateorites striking down upon it, then louder as Grim's crossbow bolt sink into its chest. It stumbles, obviously very hurt.

OOC:

Elias and Iosef still up begore the creature attacks again. I forgot to have it take its 5ft step in the last round, so added that to my last post. This allowed Grim to not be considered 'firing into melee' and taking the -4 attack penalty that normally comes with that.

Razhel is now at -9 hp

Rolls

Reflex - (1d20)

Apr 3, 2022 9:26 pm

Elias has a determined look on his face as he draws his sword and attacks the creature. Swinging hard he hopes to end the fight.

Rolls

Attack - (1d20+2)

(2) + 2 = 4

Damage - (1d8+1)

(3) + 1 = 4

Apr 5, 2022 2:56 am

"No!" he exclaimed, seeing the fierce pugilist drop to the floor. Iosef had been grappling with his own identity, wondering if he should really be following these urges and instincts that felt familiar yet foreign. Seeing the events in front of him unfold, he realized he definitely should have been following them closer and more expediently this whole time. They were obviously experiences that would serve the current him well, and ignoring them would only court further danger, especially in a situation such as this.

He rushes to Violet-Eyes' side in the doorframe, and allows the second nature of his past to do its thing, aiming to save her life.

OOC:

Move to O6.
Sorry for the absence, guys. I should be able to keep up the normal pace from now on.

Last edited April 5, 2022 3:09 am

Rolls

Heal (First Aid) - (1d20+10)

(10) + 10 = 20

Apr 5, 2022 4:46 am

Iosef quickly moves to the side of the injured and bleeding Razhel, his hands working even before he knows what they are doing - some ingrained training and knowledge putting pressure in just the right places and securing her body from further harm.

Elias's sword swings wide and fails to connect against the creature. In response, it lunges at Elias, hoping to take the armored man down as its own life nears expiration. "No threats from you, you big, strong man!?" she screeches, "Just out to kill are you?!" Her claws find purchase in the space between his armor, near his belly, sinking into his flesh and pulling at the soft bits within. She laughs crazily as the consciousness falls from his eyes and he sinks to the floor.

OOC:

Good play, Iosef! No worries and glad you are healed up a bit from the car accident.

Razhel is now stabilized at -9 HP. She will remain unconscious until brought above 0 HP.

Elias is unconscious and bleeding currently at -1 HP. SquadFather, please roll DC 10 Constitution check to attempt to stabilize this round. If you succeed, you will be stable but unconscious. If you fail, you will try again next round and lose 1 hp this round.

The PC's are up! The enemy has taken 21 damage and is visibly near death.

[ +- ] Initiative Order

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Rolls

Attack #1 & Damage - (1d20+8, 1d8+4)

1d20+8 : (15) + 8 = 23

1d8+4 : (7) + 4 = 11

Attack #2 & Damage - (1d20+8, 1d8+4)

1d20+8 : (6) + 8 = 14

1d8+4 : (5) + 4 = 9

Apr 5, 2022 8:25 am

"Will you DIE already?" Grim seethes and takes another shot.

OOC:

WTF!? The dice roller has got to be broken. What are the odds of any crit confirm roll also coming up a natural 20? That's twice in a row now.

Last edited April 5, 2022 8:28 am

Rolls

Lt. Crossbow attack - (1d20+2)

(20) + 2 = 22

Damage - (1d8)

(1) = 1

Critical Roll - (1d20+2)

(20) + 2 = 22

Damage - (1d8)

(7) = 7

Apr 5, 2022 9:21 am

Grim's crossbow bolt flies through the air and sinks into the creatures eye socket, plunging deep and destroying nerves and tissue throughout its head. The force of the blow knocks it back into the wall as the bolt explodes through the back of its head. The creature's corpse twitches once, then falls motionless, pinioned into a limp, standing position against the wall.

OOC:

I will take it! The enemy was getting too many good rolls in herself, needed to be balanced this way.

Combat is over! Elias is still dying - I'll go ahead and consider him stabilized at -1 HP though since Iosef can reasonably make it so by taking 10 on a Heal check for First Aid.

Grim, Elias, and especially Razhel are hurt pretty bad.

What do you do?

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Apr 5, 2022 9:56 pm

While the fallen are being tended to, Grim puts away his crossbow and grabs the dead shapechanger by the ankles. He drags it down the hallway to the barrier and leaves it there on display, in full view of the men on watch. Then, moves up to the other shapeshifter they propped up in the hall, inside the outer door, and drags it down to pile it on the other.

"Some of us are in bad shape up there fighting for your survival. Here is the proof you need, we are not your enemies." He calls out to the men. "If they die..its on you! And those of us who survive will not soon forget your refusal to aid us."

Apr 5, 2022 10:19 pm

OOC:

Is Elias conscious? I vote for resting somewhere.

Apr 5, 2022 10:38 pm

"Nethys-damned thing!" he shouted at the dead skincrawler before he focused on the unconscious mender and downed dragon-eyed woman whose body he sheltered with his own.

"Never let them know you're the one who patches other people up," he said in the tone of one who knew of such things even though he couldn't remember them fully.

"Well done," he said to the man in glasses. "You saved them. Can you close their wounds?"

Last edited April 5, 2022 10:42 pm

Apr 5, 2022 11:19 pm

Squadfather44 says:

OOC:

Is Elias conscious? I vote for resting somewhere.

OOC:

With currently -1 hp he is unconscious. He needs to heal 2 hp to become conscious.

Apr 6, 2022 12:09 am

C1NDER says:

Squadfather44 says:

OOC:

Is Elias conscious? I vote for resting somewhere.

OOC:

With currently -1 hp he is unconscious. He needs to heal 2 hp to become conscious.

OOC:

Thanks, I was just double checking.

Apr 6, 2022 8:11 am

While Iosef and Axon tend to the unconscious Razhel and Elias, Grim brings to the two bodies of the slain creatures and deposits them before the guards. While maneuvering the body of their recent kill, Grim finds two vials of sweet-smelling red liquid tucked inside a pocket.

"'Aint up to us," one of the guards says, "You best stay where yer at. The cap'n said we was to fire upon you if you come too close." He turns his head and calls back, "Denman, you hear me back there? Go an' fetch the captain, will ya? One o' them folk from earlier are back, brought two bodies of those creatures with 'im."

"Yeah Hugh, I'll go check!" Denman calls back before disappearing through the large door to the south-west.

Hugh looks back to Grim. "You really got those ones, eh? Did a number on them, looks like." He lets out a low whistle. "Just a word of advice, we aren't lookin' for problems, but things have been changin' fast the last few days. There are women and kids back here, and peoples are scared. The cap'n's a good man though, and fair. So's Winter - we wouldn't be alive without both em. They're just bein' careful."

The guard next to Hugh purses his lips like he wants to say something, but stays silent. Like Hugh, he keeps his crossbow weakly aimed toward Grim, though lacking real commitment in the gesture.

OOC:

Grim finds 2 potions of cure light wounds on the body of the creature. I did forget to ask - due to Grim's drawback, please make a DC 13 Fort save. If you fail, you will gain the 'fatigued' status for 30 minutes.

@annex,@LoudKid Anything you two are doing in the meantime while Grim entreats with the guards? If no healing, you could try to carry the bodies back down to the barricade to stay together. Based on your strength stats, you would need to work together to move them, one at a time - this means leaving one unattended for a short bit while moving the first one.

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Apr 6, 2022 12:45 pm

"We stay together no matter what from now on," he said to Glasses. "We fight shapeshifters so we have to be careful, and we can't leave our... our friends here alone like this."

Apr 7, 2022 7:56 am

OOC:

Fortitude save

Last edited April 7, 2022 7:57 am

Rolls

Fortitude (DC 13) - (1d20)

(20) = 20

Apr 8, 2022 4:27 am

"Please ask them if they know of any place with medical supplies around here." he says to Hat-man as the body is dragged down the hall. He then turns to rummage for anything notable in the immediate area, while responding to the magician's question.
"I believe I can. And I will, once our other... companion returns. It's something that's best done with everyone together."

Rolls

Perception - (d20+3)

(14) + 3 = 17

Apr 8, 2022 4:31 am

Axon nodded then stood at the door, ready to let fly something magical should anything else try to get at him or his unconscious compatriots.

Last edited April 8, 2022 4:33 am

Apr 8, 2022 7:49 am

While waiting for Grim to return, Iosef and Axon watch over their fallen comrades. While Axon watches to make sure they both still breath, Iosef starts turning over rubble and fallen shelves. Among the objects he finds are a couple things of note: a wooden holy symbol of Pharasma, a small steel mirror, and a pair of gaudy red leather boots with cat skin lining. As he's about to give up looking, he flips a locker over to find the door closed, but the hinge broken. Inside is an masterwork silver dagger.

Meanwhile, Grim waits for several minutes before Denman returns, alone. He approaches the barricade and addresses Grim directly. "Sorry, the captain's got his hands full right now. I mean, he's, uh, unable to permit you entry. Said there were at least three of them creatures. We don't know their numbers, but we know at least three. Said though, if you're hurt and need a place to rest, you can use the, uh, the 'gatehouse'. That'swhat the captain calls it." Denman points to the door to the west of where Grim is standing. "Should be safe in there, we always have guards posted. We could unlock it for you, and once you bring one more of those things, cap'n said he'd introduce you to Winter."

[ +- ] Loot

OOC:

The room just north and west of the barricade is offered as a safe place to rest, if needed. Iosef has some healing capability and Grim found a couple of healing potions. Might not be a bad time to regroup.

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Apr 9, 2022 12:36 am

"Very well." Grim acknowledges, though he doesn't like it. "Unlock this gatehouse and I will see if we can ferret out this other shapeshifter."

He turns and makes his way back up to where the others are and informs them of the situation. "I did find a couple healing potions on that last shapeshifter." He says and holds them out. "They should get our two companions back on their feet at least."

Apr 9, 2022 3:58 am

"In death there is life! I think that's a tenet of Nethys," he said with a grin so wide it hurt.

"You'd better administer them," he said to Glasses.

As he readied to help Glasses move their fallen comrades into better positions for potion-imbibing, he asked Hat, "What did the guards say?"

Last edited April 9, 2022 3:58 am

Apr 9, 2022 7:04 am

"More of the same old song and dance." Grim replies. "Curious, they seem to have a set idea of how many shapeshifters are in this area, which was 3, but they also want to claim we might be shapeshifters...of which there are 5 of us. There better be children being protected beyond their barricade, or I am of a mind to break those crossbows over their heads, if I find out they are lying to us for the sympathy...and to take care of all the dangers for them." He glances back down the hallway toward the south. "Oh, they did say that the door closest to them on the west side of this hallway goes into a room they are calling the gatehouse and, if we are in dire need to rest or recuperate before wiping out all the shapeshifters for them, they will allow us to use that room to do so."

Last edited April 9, 2022 7:05 am

Apr 9, 2022 7:36 am

"This 'Winter' has lots of questions to answer when we finally get past those guards. Dragon Eyes said she found people chained up ahead. We should check that out once these two are back on their feet. After that, we can see about resting in this 'gatehouse'."

Apr 9, 2022 8:12 pm

Grim loads his crossbow again and goes on overwatch, while the others tend to the wounded, keeping his eyes focused on the open doorway that the feral female had explored before falling to the last shapeshifter.

Apr 10, 2022 8:47 am

After Grim returns and relays his conversation at the barricade, Iosef takes the two healing potions. "Okay," the half-elf says, "I...I think I can help. Stay close - first," he uncorks one of the healing potions and carefully tilts Razhel's head back, pouring the mixture into her mouth. "Now..." he closes his eyes and a glow of brilliant light surrounds everyone in the room. Those that have been injured feel strength flowing back into their bodies.

He shakes his head and another burst of healing energy envelopes them all.

OOC:

I acted for Iosef, doing the minimum in order to get our two other PC's back into the game - hope that's okay LoudKid.

Grim heals 4 HP, now nearly fully healed
Elias heals 4 HP, he is now conscious
Razhel heals 10 HP, she is now conscious

Iosef has 1 remaining channel use available today and you have one more potion - I'll let you all decide what you want do do from here

C1NDER sent a note to annex

C1NDER sent a note to LoudKid

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Rolls

Potion of Cure Light Wounds - Razhel - (1d8+1)

(5) + 1 = 6

Channel - (1d6)

(1) = 1

Channel #2 - (1d6)

(3) = 3

Apr 10, 2022 8:57 pm

Razhel coughs and reaches a hand protectively over her aching body. She opens her eyes and slowly rises to a sitting position. "Ow!" She says in a consciously delayed reaction to the rending from the shapeshifter. "That sucked..."

OOC:

BTW, Razhel's AC is 16. If forgot to change it on her sheet after she found her armor.

Apr 10, 2022 9:34 pm

He bent over next to Dragon Eyes, smiled, and extended a hand to her.

"Welcome back. Feel up to continuing this mad scramble?"

annex sent a note to C1NDER

Apr 10, 2022 9:42 pm

Elias carefully sits up and probes the sore areas on his body. Satisfied with the healing so far, he looks around at his companions. Who do I owe my life to?

OOC:

Should we use the last potion on who still the worst off?

Apr 10, 2022 9:42 pm

Accepting the offered hand, Razhel winces at the pain but manages to stand on her own two feet. "I don't think we have much of a choice, do we? Although, I am unsure how much help I will be in this condition."

Apr 10, 2022 10:03 pm

"Glasses here helped keep you two alive and healed you a bit. Hat over there found two healing potions on the dead shapeshifter and Glasses gave one to you, Dragon Eyes. You seemed the worse off."

Last edited April 10, 2022 10:04 pm

Apr 10, 2022 11:50 pm

OOC:

Lifting the curtain a little bit - the room offered you by the guards at the barricade will, in fact, be a safe place for you to get a full rest in, allowing you to reset any daily preparations. Additionally, there are a couple other doors back down the hallway you haven't explored yet (and the one storage room you did look inside, you never thoroughly searched). Then, of course, there is the room that Razhel told you about with the people chained up (the door to the NW of the hallway).

Apr 11, 2022 7:13 pm

"I think we should check out the people in the room our fisticuffs's companion discovered, so as not to leave the situation hanging, before we take our rest in the gatehouse." Grim shares his thoughts on the matter. "One of you go ahead and drink the potion and the other stay off point for the time being. Toss a coin, if you have to. We don't have all day."

Apr 11, 2022 7:19 pm

OOC:

I say give it to whoever is worse off.

Apr 11, 2022 7:26 pm

OOC:

In that case, it would be Razhel. She only has 1 hp.

Apr 11, 2022 7:27 pm

OOC:

That'll work. If we find another one, Elias can use that one.

Last edited April 11, 2022 7:28 pm

Apr 11, 2022 7:31 pm

Razhel accepts the second potion and quaffs it down. "Thanks for having my back, everyone."

OOC:

I think that puts her up to 5 hps now.

Last edited April 11, 2022 7:32 pm

Rolls

cure light wounds potion - (1d8+1)

(3) + 1 = 4

Apr 11, 2022 7:53 pm

Indeed, thank you everyone. The help you've shown is a debt not easily repaid. I swear to stand by each of you. No matter the situation. Elias says as he stands up and makes ready to leave. I agree, we should check out the room with the bodies that are chained up.

Apr 11, 2022 8:17 pm

OOC:

With a majority of you indicating you want to proceed west, I'll get a post up ASAP to set that scene, also thanks for the laugh Equinox...

Equinox says:

"I think we should check out the people in the room our fisticuffs's companion discovered, so as not to leave the situation hanging, before we take our rest in the gatehouse."...

Apr 12, 2022 2:01 am

"I have no need of debts, Healer. When we get of here and know ourselves, I'd prefer to call you all friends," he said sincerely then added, "just don't tell anyone else suspicious who asks that you can heal, OK?"

"የዳንስ መብራቶች"

Four swirling balls of iridescent light appeared again in the hallway. When everyone was ready, he would move the lights ahead of them into the room with the chained occupants.

"To light our way into the unknown. I have a slight magical shield active... and probably wouldn't be much good in a fight. Let me go first and check on the state of those within while keeping you who can heal me or launch an effective counter attack behind me. Will you stand beside me in taking point, Hat?"

Hat. Glasses. Dragon Eyes. Healer. If only he could come up with a name for himself, preferably his real name.

Apr 12, 2022 10:55 am

Axxon leading the way with his floating orbs of light, the five of you follow Razhel's directions to find exactly what she had described - three bodies hanging and manacled to pipe-like crossbeams that fill this western alcove of the room. The room itself is full of sturdy racks and toppled tables. Linens scattered about, and the layout of the room, leads you to believe this once served as a sizable laundry. Much of the northern end of the room is filled with rubble.

As you near, you are able to make out some details of the three figures. The one to the furthest south is a human man wearing stained yellow sheets in a sort of make-shift robe and bearing a flame-shaped chalk mark upon his forehead. The most northern form is of a creature - smooth-skinned and grey as death, with yellow eyes and razer-sharp teeth. It holds the corpse between it and the man as best it can with manacled hands, gnawing at the dead man's face.

While the creature doesn't immediately seem to notice you, the man sees you approach. Wide-eyed, he splays his fingers and reaches his manacles hands toward you, as if to highlight his imprisonment. "Praise!" he whispers loudly, seemingly on the verge of tears.

OOC:

Alright - what do you all want to do? In case its unclear - from north to south, there are: a creature, a corpse, and a yellow-robed man. Anyone who rolls to pass a DC 11 Knowledge (Religion) check may make use of the information in the spoiler as they see fit. A particularly high roll will yield more information.

[ +- ] Monster Lore - DC 11 Knowledg (Religion)

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Apr 12, 2022 11:10 am

Undead Abomination! Elias shouts as he sees the ghoul. Drawing his sword, Elias moves on instinct and attacks the creature.

Last edited April 12, 2022 11:12 am

Rolls

Knowledge: Religion - (1d20+4)

(8) + 4 = 12

Attack - (1d20+2)

(4) + 2 = 6

Damage - (1d8+1)

(5) + 1 = 6

Apr 12, 2022 12:40 pm

"ጥቁር ሜትሮይትስ!" he shouted to rain down cold particles onto the gnawing thing!

OOC:

DC 14 Reflex save or 1d4 cold damage. Since it's shackled and can't really move... ;)

OOC:

I'm fighting SO hard for 1 possible point of damage. :|

Last edited April 12, 2022 12:47 pm

Rolls

Black Motes cold damage - (1d4)

(1) = 1

Apr 13, 2022 12:36 am

Elias lunges at the monster with his sword, slicing deep into the creatures flesh. It screams in abject terror, pain, and anger at having been interrupted during its meal. An icy meteor falls and clunks into its head. "Yow!" it exclaims. Chained as it is, it snaps its maw towards Elias, though it is unable to come anywhere close to hurting him. "Why?!" it howls and hisses, "You - you will PAY for that, man-meat! We did nothing to you - NOTHING!"

Close-by the man in the yellow robe shrinks back, his eyes darting to the closed door to the south. "Zandalus sees," he says absently, lips trembling.

OOC:

For our purposes here, I am considering the creature to be bound and helpless. It's now hurt, but alive and paying attention more to you than its meal. With a full attack action, you may declare a coup de grace and kill it outright, should you choose.

[ +- ] Monster Image

[ +- ] Monster Lore - DC 11 Knowledge (Religion)

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Apr 13, 2022 2:07 am

OOC:

Atticus already went, so someone else can have the killing blow.

Apr 13, 2022 2:51 am

Who would bind an undead eater of flesh? If it wasn't the people who worked here who did it...

"We aren't shapeshifters. Tell us what you know of them and we'll spare you."

A foolish gambit perhaps but he had to try. He knew this thing couldn't be left unalive.

OOC:

Might as well.

OOC:

Might as well have not. :P

Last edited April 13, 2022 2:52 am

Rolls

Persuasion - (1D20+4)

(4) + 4 = 8

Apr 13, 2022 3:44 am

"Hah!" the creature mocks, "Do you take me for some kind of fool?" It spits towards Axon, a bloody gob of filth sailing ineffectively past Elias to land on the ground in front of the sorcerer. "There are too many of you," it says, "And the doctor is accounted for." The word 'doctor' leaves its gaunt lips like spitting venom. "Only one way out," it sneers.

Apr 13, 2022 3:51 am

"Kill it," he said sadly but added coldly, "but be sure not to free it from its bonds."

Last edited April 13, 2022 3:51 am

Apr 13, 2022 8:21 am

Razhel draws her rapier and runs the ghoul through, before loping off its head. "Gladly..." She says as an afterthought. "It needed killing..."

Apr 13, 2022 5:15 pm

The creature's head lands to the floor, its wicked, mocking laugh gone more quickly than its stench. The corpse next to the dead monster now hangs unattended and nigh forgotten while the yellow-robed man stares with wide eyes at Razhel. "Words fail," he sees, his tone slipping towards one of incredible gratitude, "Praise."

OOC:

There remains a door to the south. The manacles can be opened with either the proper key or a DC 20 Disable Device check - if no longer in use, they could be re-used if needed. The bodies can be searched, as well as the room. The ghoul appears to be wearing a chain shirt.

I'll take this opportunity to point out that your group still has very little in the way of arms and armaments, tools and resources. Making use of everything you find to give you an edge could be helpful. One of you might be able to make sure, for instance, of the silver masterwork dagger that was found earlier.

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Apr 13, 2022 5:36 pm

Grim nods and then cocks his hat slightly in front, as he looks at the hanging man in the yellow robes. "What exactly is a Zandalus?" He asks the man.

Apr 13, 2022 6:42 pm

The man twists his face up to Grim, puzzled. "Zandalus," he says slowly, as if unsure of Grim's question, "Zandalus sees." The look is replaced by one of worry and he looks again to the door to the south. "Words fail," he whimpers, "fail."

Apr 13, 2022 6:49 pm

"Should we risk it?" he asked the others with a nod to the southern door.

Last edited April 13, 2022 6:49 pm

Apr 13, 2022 6:52 pm

Looking over her shoulder to the others, Razhel asks with dripping rapier in hand, "Shall I finish this one off too?" Gesturing the point toward the robed man. "He might be a shapeshifter. Everyone else we've met out in this hallway seems to be...or a ghoul."

Apr 13, 2022 10:09 pm

We can keep him chained for now, while we check out the door. Does anyone know if there's a way to check and see if he's a shapeshifter? Elias says as he stands beside Razhel.

Apr 13, 2022 10:31 pm

"Bleed him."

Apr 14, 2022 7:48 am

Razhel quickly wipes off the blade of her rapier on the dead man's clothes and flicks the tip against the exposed skin of the man in yellow, just enough to give him a minor cut. "That was what you had in mind, right? Or..." She smiles wickedly.

Last edited April 15, 2022 10:22 pm

Apr 14, 2022 9:08 am

The man yowls at the prick of Razhel's rapier. "Words fail!" he shouts, sobbing as tears stream down his cheek. His gaze drops to the floor and he starts mumbling nonsense while quietly whimpering.

C1NDER sent a note to LoudKid

C1NDER sent a note to Squadfather44,annex

C1NDER sent a note to RageRed,Equinox

Rolls

Secret Roll

Apr 14, 2022 9:23 am

OOC:

Heal check DC 14

Rolls

Heal - (1d20+6)

(1) + 6 = 7

Apr 14, 2022 9:33 am

Squadfather44 says:

OOC:

Heal check DC 14

C1NDER sent a note to Squadfather44

Apr 14, 2022 9:12 pm

Grim watches the exchanges between the hanging man and some of his fellows, but keeping a watchful eye on the door to the south.

Apr 15, 2022 9:44 pm

As they deliberate about what to do with the yellow-robed man, they search the body of the beheaded ghoul and find that it was, indeed, wearing an extra durable chain shirt. Also, stuffed into one of its pockets, is a small vial with a yellow-brownish liquid in it.

OOC:

Following up from the poll, a majority voted in favor of auto-searching bodies of slain foes. The corpse in the middle was not slain by you - do you want to search it?

Either Iosef or Axon could cast detect magic and take 10 on a spellcraft check to identify the potion. It is a Potion of Virtue. To save on time and back-and-forth posting, if it wouldn't require a roll I'll generally just auto-identify this kind of stuff (unless someone feels strongly that I shouldn't - let me know)

Other than possibly searching the corpse, what do you want to do next - are we leaving the robed man alive or no? His manacles could possibly be bypassed by breaking them (with considerable noise and effort), a DC 20 disable device check, or locating the key.

[ +- ] Loot

Apr 15, 2022 10:14 pm

"Leave him for now. He doesn't seem in immediate danger of dying. The lead defenders can decide what to do with him."

After identifying the philter and prestidigitating the armour clean and fresh, Axon turned his arcane sight around the rest of the room, especially the southern door.

Last edited April 15, 2022 10:56 pm

Apr 15, 2022 10:21 pm

Razhel carefully searches the gnawed body in the middle. "He's got a point." She agrees with Axon. "Maybe we can find the key to these manacles nearby."

Last edited April 15, 2022 10:21 pm

Apr 15, 2022 10:43 pm

Grim's fingers tingle inexplicably with the mention of talk of manacles and keys. He did find a small case of delicate tools in his belongings earlier, but something doesn't feel right. Its like he knows what they are for, but can't remember how to use them effectively. He shakes it off and nods. "Yes. Let us leave this poor man as he is until we can properly remove him of this predicament."

Apr 15, 2022 11:07 pm

Indeed, it's probably safer for him to be left ihere for now. Elias says as he looks around.

Apr 16, 2022 1:59 am

As Razhel searches the corpse, her hand slips into a pocket and comes across a wad of cloth around a solid, somewhat squishy, round object. She pulls it free and finds a soiled handkerchief wrapped around a disembodied eyeball with an X-shaped pupil. Before she has a chance to drop it, the membrane around the eye blinks at her.

[ +- ] Loot

OOC:

Axon or Iosef, combined with detect magic, you may roll a DC 17 Spellcraft check to identify this. Alternatively, anyone may succeed at a DC 20 Knowledge (Planes) check for the same result.

Apr 16, 2022 2:34 am

"Cover it quickly!" he said as calmly as he could. "Someone may be watching us through it!"

[ +- ] X-Eyes

Rolls

Spellcraft - (1D20+5)

(20) + 5 = 25

Apr 16, 2022 3:24 am

Instinctively, even before the warning, Razhel instantly closes her hand around the eye as it blinks at her. "What exactly did I just see?" She asks the others. "That's not normal..."

Apr 16, 2022 10:45 am

Axon takes a moment to focus on the magic emenating from the object and believes with certainty he understands its nature. Despite the appearance, the item is benign and helpful in nature.

[ +- ] Eye of Horrific Insight (Slotless, Wonderous Item)

Apr 16, 2022 2:38 pm

"Well, that's enough of that for the moment." Razhel says and stuffs the eye, covered in the soiled cloth, into a pouch for later consideration. "Should we all load up and rush the door to the south together?" She asks, with a thumb toward the awaiting door.

Apr 17, 2022 6:00 am

"As revolting as it is, that eye may be useful. It may let the one wielding it better sense spectral entities and perhaps divine the future. The most perceptive among us already should place it near their forehead and let it go. It should float there."

Apr 18, 2022 9:37 pm

With his crossbow ready in hand, Grim moves cautiously to the door in the south wall and listens for any sounds that might be heard coming from the space on the other side.

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+6)

(5) + 6 = 11

Apr 18, 2022 10:15 pm

Grim feels like he can hear the faint sloshing sound of water on the other side of the door. Otherwise, silence.

Apr 18, 2022 10:37 pm

"I agree with leaving the man up there; I believe he is faking his mental malady to feign innocence. He might even want us to open the southern door to let out some new horror." He then turns to Violet-Eyes, and extends his open hand.
"I believe I could make use of the eye, if you please." he requests, then addresses the rest once again.
"If we do plan on continuing instead of resting, I suggest we make use of the silver dagger and the ghoul's armor. I would also like to cast a spell and have someone drink the potion before opening that door..."

Last edited April 18, 2022 10:43 pm

Apr 18, 2022 10:50 pm

While I agree with leaving him chained up for now...I believe that whatever afflicts this man is honest and real, I'm just not sure what exactly is wrong with him. Elias says as he moves up with the others and discuss their options. Let us clear this next room and then we can rest in the guard room. As far as the gear goes, I have no need for either item. Who ever can get the most benefit out of them should have them.

Apr 18, 2022 11:08 pm

"Exactly. Whoever who can use them best should use them... and beware what you may see through that eye, Glasses."

He let his arcane sight roam over the southern door one last time then readied himself to create his lights.

"Arm yourselves and let's do this."

Apr 19, 2022 7:31 am

Razhel grumbles, digs the small bundle back out of her pouch, and hands it over to the man with glasses.

Apr 21, 2022 5:59 am

OOC:

Although it carries a -1 armor check penalty, the masterwork chain shirt would be an AC improvement for both Grim and Razhel. Just something to consider.

It seems we're intent to fo through the door. Since nobody has posted physically doing so yet, but there has been mention of casting a spell / drinking the potion that was found / otherwise preparing, I will wait approximately 24 hours, then I will move us into the room to keep the game moving.

Prepare thineselves.

Apr 21, 2022 3:56 pm

የዳንስ መብራቶች

Four multicoloured lights manifested beside the southern door then coalesced into a single humanoid form.

"Ready when you are. I'll send that in first."

Apr 21, 2022 6:40 pm

Elias steps forward and readies his sword and shield. With a nod of his head he let's everyone know that he's ready.

Apr 23, 2022 10:01 am

(post incoming)

Apr 23, 2022 10:18 am

Stepping into the room to the south you see several wide tables and gigantic washbasins in a laundry equipped to service hundreds. The washbasins line the western alcoves and stand about 6 feet tall and 10 feet in diameter. The place looks as though it were repurposed as a failed surgery, though, with corpses lie discarded in the corners of the room. You can clearly make out both human and shapechanger corpses, the latter riddled with crossbow bolts. A large table before you bears the partial and intact corpses of several people. Space is cleared for one such specimen, a large bald man wearing a gown. A collection of bloody surgery tools lie nearby.

A stained sheet hangs between two of the basins dividing the room roughly in half. A lantern shines on the far side and you can see the lithe silhouette of a humanoid form just on the other side of the curtain. It appears to be standing over something, swaying back and forth slightly, its arms appearing to be working on something about chest-high.

Beyond, from the south-west corner of the room, you hear a sloshing sound, as if something is moving inside of the washbasin down there.

OOC:

Alrighty - you're all up, what exactly is the plan? Please post your actions and feel free to discuss.

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Rolls

Secret Roll

Apr 23, 2022 4:39 pm

The carnage both was and was not what he expected. Was he becoming used to this now?

"Anything useful?" he whispered, pointing two fingers at his eyes then around the immediate room. "I'll pull off that curtain with magic when you're ready."

He eyed the body on the table suspiciously as he swept his arcane sight across the room. Paranoia, perhaps? He'd add paranoia to the long list of other things trying to kill him.

"And be wary of that."

OOC:

Looking around the room with Detect Magic then with normal sight. Also trying to be stealthy.

Rolls

Perception - (1D20+1)

(19) + 1 = 20

Stealth - (1D20+1)

(11) + 1 = 12

Apr 23, 2022 7:36 pm

Razhel enters cautiously with crossbow loaded and ready. She slides left of the doorway and takes up a position; eyeing the bald corpse suspiciously. It was not in her nature to be so reluctant to surge forth to the enemy, but these shapeshifters were tougher than the average street thug and she still had the bruises to prove it.

She nods to suggestion of the man using his magic to remove the curtain separating them from the silhouette.

Apr 23, 2022 7:50 pm

Elias readies his sword and raises his shield as they enter the room. As plans were discussed Eluas nods his head in agreement. As Axon prepares his shell, Elias makes ready to move.

Apr 23, 2022 9:40 pm

Still holding his crossbow, Grim nods in agreement to the whispered suggestion and slides left to clear the path to the door they are entering.

OOC:

Sliding over to M15

Apr 23, 2022 9:46 pm

OOC:

Elias will move up to K19 and stop just short of the sheet.

Apr 24, 2022 7:25 am

OOC:

Moving to K16 to get within 25 ft to move the curtain via Mage Hand.
*eyes the bald corpse*

Apr 24, 2022 4:45 pm

OOC:

I'll plan on posting an update within the day, to give @LoudKid a chance to post.

Apr 25, 2022 4:11 pm

As the group slowly approaches the curtain, Axon finds that the cloth draped across the room is emanating a minor magical aura of some sort, centered near the middle of the curtain where the silhouette is. No aura emanates from the body on the table.

Before he has a chance to speak up you hear a groan from the body on the table, though it doesn't appear to move.

Iosef prepares his crossbow, ready to sheet if needed.

OOC:

Axon, give me a Knowledge (Arcane) roll to try and learn the school of magic for the aura. If you wish to move forward with pulling on the curtain with Mage Hand, let me know.

Otherwise, everyone else can provide their input, particularly in regards to the body that just groaned on the table. Adding a token for the body.

[ +- ] DC 16 Knowledge (Arcana)

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Apr 25, 2022 4:52 pm

As soon as the body groans Elias pauses for a moment. Once he's sure the person behind the curtain isn't coming to investigate, Elias moves to the end if the table and does a quick cursory check on the body.

OOC:

Elias will slide over to L19 and check the body.

Rolls

Heal - (1d20+6)

(3) + 6 = 9

Apr 25, 2022 4:53 pm

"No necromancy," he whispered after almost jumping out of his skin, indicating the corpse, "might be still alive alive."

He once again focused on the flimsy partition.

"The sheet is faintly magical. Give me a second... No. I can't identify it. I'll wait to see if that guy can tell us anything then pull the sheet."

OOC:

Boo. Low roll. :(

Last edited April 25, 2022 5:00 pm

Rolls

Arcana - (1d20+5)

(6) + 5 = 11

Apr 25, 2022 6:25 pm

Elias moves to check on the man. He looks bruised and battered, but Elias doesn't immediately see any major wounds. While looking, the man's face contorts and he groans again, twisting as if in great discomfort. His eyes flicker open, distant at first, as if waking from a long rest, before they find Elias's gaze. "Help me," he says.

The sloshing sound in the far south-east of the room continues and Axon, continuing to focus his attention on the magical nature of the curtain narrows the aura itself to the outline of the figure beyond the curtain.

Rolls

Secret Roll

Apr 25, 2022 9:16 pm

Razhel isn't buying the injured man on the table ploy. "Same old tired routine. Fooled us once, but you know how that old saying goes." She levels the crossbow and takes aim, ready for even the slightest twitch out of place.

Apr 25, 2022 10:00 pm

He blinked.

"The outline is magical? I don't like this. And what's that sloshing? There may be more than one thing in here. Dragon Eyes, you'd better point that crossbow at the corner. Hat, watch the cloth with me. Glasses, H... Watch this guy."

He sighed. Once they all agreed to this or agreed upon other offered options, he'd pull down the cloth.

Last edited April 25, 2022 10:04 pm

Apr 25, 2022 10:05 pm

OOC:

The groaning man is strapped onto the table, right?

Apr 25, 2022 10:15 pm

OOC:

'Space is cleared for one such specimen, a large bald man wearing a gown. A collection of bloody surgery tools lie nearby.'
No mention of restraints.

Last edited April 25, 2022 10:15 pm

Apr 25, 2022 11:42 pm

"Nothing about this seems right..." Crossbow at the ready, and with his disturbing new eye in place, he attempts to ascertain whether the bald man on the table is truly human (and if he is, the extent of his injuries). He addresses the patient as he examines. "Please stay still and quiet."

Rolls

Perception? - (1d20+3)

(18) + 3 = 21

Heal? - (1d20+10)

(20) + 10 = 30

Dungeoneering? - (1d20+6)

(3) + 6 = 9

Sense Motive? - (1d20+3)

(11) + 3 = 14

Apr 26, 2022 12:13 am

OOC:

No restraints are present

Apr 26, 2022 2:40 am

Grim holds his position with crossbow trained on the bald man. "If there was someone behind the curtain, the noise would have drawn them to look out by now. The sloshing is coming from one of those tubs."

Last edited April 30, 2022 4:33 am

Apr 26, 2022 2:48 am

Seeing that the body on the table is covered by his companions, Elias turns his attention back to the man behind the curtain.

Preparing himself mentally, Elias reflexively raises his sword and shield in preparation for an attack.

Apr 26, 2022 11:52 pm

The man on the table groans again, a little louder, as Iosef moves to attend him. As he looks over the body he finds bruises in patterns that don't make sense for any kind of specific injury - some appear to be caused by blunt force trauma, some by wringing of the flesh, and other dissimilar forms, the incongruence of which would pass discretely under all but the most sharp of minds. Iosef, after only seconds of looking the body over, recognizes all too clearly the injuries make so little sense that they must be fake.

Just as this is dawning on him, Axon uses his magic to tug down on the sheet, pulling it free of its weak tether on the east side of the room. The sheet sloughs and falls to the floor revealing an opposite end of the room lacking in any sort of figure that could have made the silhouette as previously displayed so sharply upon the contrast of the sheet.

As the sheet falls, the body on the table swiftly reaches out to grab Iosef's arm. The half-elf, already realizing something was off was prepared and pulls away just in time as the injured form of the large man shrivels and peels away, changing to reveal the monstrous form of a shapeshifting creature dressed in doctor's garb. She starts to move as if to get off the table toward Iosef as she grabs a large knife that had been tucked under her body.

OOC:

Here we go everyone! Watch you roll excellently and I'll eat my words, but this could be a tough fight.

First, Axon upon interacting with the sheet recognizes the silhouette to be a magical illusion.

Next, I will consider the enemy prone during a surprise round in which it may act. Razhel, Grim, and Iosef may also act in the surprise round; whereas Axon and Elias were focused on the curtain and the south end of the room, they will start in Round 1.

Remember, for a surprise round you may ONLY perform one 'move' action OR 'standard action' but not both.

The creature starts 'prone' but I will ignore the normal -4 circumstance penalty for ranged attacks against her due to your caution and having your crossbows ready to fire on the body already for several moments. Additionally, I gave Iosef a free 5ft step back from where I would have thought him to be to tend to the body.

After the surprise round, everyone except Razhel may act (for Iosef and Grim that means your next post can include what you do in the surprise round + round 1. The enemy will spend her surprise round action standing.

[ +- ] Initiative Order

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Rolls

Axon Will Save - (1d20+6)

(15) + 6 = 21

Initiative (Grim, Iosef, Razhel, Elias, Axon, Enemy) - (6d20)

(81811084) = 49

Apr 27, 2022 8:30 am

Razhel fires her crossbow at the shapeshifter as it attempts to rise from the table and attack. The bolts finds its target, with a sickening smack of penetrating flesh.

Last edited April 27, 2022 8:32 am

Rolls

Lt. Crossbow attack - (1d20+4)

(18) + 4 = 22

Damage - (1d8)

(6) = 6

Apr 27, 2022 9:12 am

Grim pulls the trigger, firing off the bolt loaded in his crossbow. He watches it streak across the room and hit the hideous female shapeshifter, even as he quickly loads up a second time and shoots again.

Last edited April 28, 2022 7:43 am

Rolls

Crossbow Attack - (1d20+2, 1d20+2)

1d20+2 : (15) + 2 = 17

1d20+2 : (12) + 2 = 14

Damage - (1d8, 1d8)

1d8 : (2) = 2

1d8 : (5) = 5

Apr 28, 2022 4:37 pm

OOC:

@Squadfather44,@annex,@LoudKid Bumping for others - Iosef gets to post for surprise round + Round 1. Elias and Axon are okay to post for round one. During the surprise round, the shape-changer will only take a move action to stand up from the table (I'll place her in M18)

Apr 28, 2022 4:56 pm

He should have seen through the trick, should have guessed it was a trap. Instead all he can do now is back away from yet another cunning atrocity and try to dumbfound it with light and darkness.

ደማቅ ጨለማ

OOC:

Move: J14.
Action: Flare. DC 14 Fort save or it is dazzled/-1 attack rolls for 1 minute and silenced/can't speak or make any noises for 1 round.

Apr 29, 2022 4:00 am

As the creature's body slides calmly from the table, Razhel and Grim's crossbow bolts fly true through the air, one slamming into the creatures shoulder, the other into its side just below its armpit. Iosef takes another quick step backwards and raises his pre-loaded crossbow to let his own projectile fly. It fails to connect, however, and sails off to the far corner of the room.

Axon throws up his hands while skirting back to the corner of the room, setting of a blinding flash of light against the creature, though it doesn't seem to affect it.

Grim quickly loads his crossbow again and lets off another successful shot, this one plunging into the creature's sternum.

"You!!!" it shouts, "Interlopers!! The Tatterman wants you, but I will have you instead!"

OOC:

You've hurt it pretty good. Grim's second bolt hit it only because its still flat-footed. We still need Elias's action before the enemy goes, then it will be everyone's turn again.

[ +- ] Initiative Order

[ +- ] Enemy Image

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Rolls

DC 14 Fort Save - (1d20+5)

(19) + 5 = 24

Iosef Crossbow Attack + DMG - (1d20, 1d8)

1d20 : (6) = 6

1d8 : (8) = 8

Apr 29, 2022 11:54 am

Elias steps in to the creature with a determined look on his face Bringing his sword up, Elias swings it hard hoping to end the fight.

Rolls

Attack - (1d20+2)

(1) + 2 = 3

Damage - (1d8+1)

(7) + 1 = 8

Apr 29, 2022 3:45 pm

Elias's swing goes wide as he finds his footing, but it catches the creature's attention. It whirls around and takes a stab at him with the long, serrated knife its wielding. The knife cuts against Elias's armor, but he twists in a way that keeps the blade from finding flesh.

She bares her large, yellowed teeth, a long purple tongue dancing as she speaks, "Oh hello there! You are a fine specimen of a man, you'll fit nicely as my next patient. Let's try this, shall we?" It's eyes flash silver for a brief moment and Elias can feel the creature's mind digging into his brain. He pushes it out, but he can't help but feel a sort of perverse touch left behind.

OOC:

Next Round Commence! Everyone may act.

Elias has been affected by the creature's Hypnotic Stare, for the duration he will take -2 to Will Saves

[ +- ] Initiative Order

[ +- ] Enemy Image

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Rolls

Enemy Attack & Damage - (1d20+8, 1d4+4)

Apr 30, 2022 3:54 am

"He wants a second opinion!" he shouted! ጥቁር ሜትሮይትስ

From the aether, he called down another column of stellar fragments onto the malpracticing malefactor!

OOC:

Black Motes! DC 14 reflex save negates the cold damage. If it saves, it is silenced (as the spell Silence but affecting only the target) for 1 round.

Last edited April 30, 2022 3:56 am

Rolls

Black Motes cold damage - (1d4)

(3) = 3

Apr 30, 2022 4:29 am

"Lady, have you looked in the mirror lately? Yeesh!" Grim calls out with a grimace and takes another shot at the ugly thing with the tongue and the big knife.

Last edited April 30, 2022 4:32 am

Rolls

Crossbow Attack - (1d20+2)

(19) + 2 = 21

Damage - (1D8)

(6) = 6

Critical Roll - (1d20+2)

(11) + 2 = 13

Apr 30, 2022 4:33 am

Equinox says:

"Lady, have you looked in the mirror lately? Yeesh!" Grim calls out with a grimace and takes another shot at the ugly thing with the tongue and the big knife.

OOC:

@Equinox You threaten a crit! Roll to confirm.

Apr 30, 2022 4:34 am

OOC:

Yeah. Just noticed and did. No go on the crit.

Apr 30, 2022 5:13 am

Raxhel reloads, as she moves across the room and puts herself physically between the robed guy casting his motes and the shapeshifter. With a better angle on her next attack, she brings up the crossbow and releases a bolt, aimed for the horrid creature. "Say hello to the Tatterman for us, will you?"

OOC:

Move to J15

Last edited May 2, 2022 8:29 pm

Rolls

Lt. Crossbow attack - (1d20+4)

(7) + 4 = 11

Damage - (1d8)

(5) = 5

May 1, 2022 9:00 pm

OOC:

Bumping for LoudKid and Squadfather; I'll move us forward tomorrow regardless.

I posted a new poll with some options for handling critical hits. Take a look at it and vote. If somethings unclear or you have any ideas, post in that thread.

May 1, 2022 9:18 pm

OOC:

I thought I had already gone( I missed and got the -2 to Will saves.

May 1, 2022 9:46 pm

Squadfather44 says:

OOC:

I thought I had already gone( I missed and got the -2 to Will saves.

OOC:

That was for Round 1. We are now in Round 2 - you're ok to take your actions.

May 1, 2022 9:57 pm

Elias renews his attack against the creature. Bringing his sword into position, he swings it in a hard slice.

Rolls

Attack - (1d20+2)

(1) + 2 = 3

Damage - (1d8+1)

(5) + 1 = 6

May 2, 2022 5:42 am

He sighs as the crossbow misses the target yet again. Expected, but disappointing nonetheless.
"Do I know anything about a "Tattterman"?" he thinks as he fumbles through his mind for memories. He skirts his way around the edge of the room towards the tubs, and heads down to position himself behind the Knight while casting a spell.
"HK XW." forcefully said, he taps his golden scarab against the Knight's blade on its backswing. "Apologies. I will remember to do this earlier next time." he says. The sword seems to shine with a certain radiance, despite not reflecting anymore light, and feels better weighted in the Knight's hand.

OOC:

I can't believe I forgot to cast that before we went in! Elias has the benefits of Magic Weapon (+1 to hit and damage, might bypass DR).
Move to J20, swinging around westward to avoid AoO.

Don't know what knowledge it would be to recognize the title;
+6 if Arcana, Dungeoneering, History, Local, or Planes,
+2 if other.

Last edited May 2, 2022 5:43 am

Rolls

Knowledge - (1d20)

(17) = 17

May 2, 2022 8:25 pm

Axon calls down a stream of icy meteorites , each one finding its mark and slamming into the creatures impossibly elastic skin. Strings of icy, white steam wick off the surface of its body and it throws it arms up to shield itself. It opens its mouth as if to shout in anger but no sound escapes its throat as a Axon's magic silences it.

In its distracted state, Grim lets loose another crossbow bolt, this one catching the creature high in the left collar bone with a sickening crunch all but confirming the cracking of bone. She reaches up instinctively to pull at the bolt but it is wedged too tight for her to do anything about in the short term.

Razhel lets another bolt fly as well, but this one sails off into the far corner of the room to land near Iosef's earlier missed shot,

Iosef takes a few steps around, out of immediate danger, but close enough to weave a spell into Elias's sword, empowering it greatly. The half-elf tries to draw on the furthest recesses of his mind to identify any knowledge or understanding about the "Tatterman" that the thing before them mentioned, but comes up with nothing. He is, however, fairly sure, after coming across several of these creatures, that he knows what their immediate enemy is.

[ +- ] Iosef - Monster Lore

Elias swings his magically-enchanted sword at the monster, hoping to catch it off its feet due tot he pummeling it had just received from Axon and Grim, but his blade cuts only air as it slides to the side, out of its way.

In response, the creature slashes at Elias with its knife, the blade biting between the folds of his armor and dropping him to the ground. She takes a quick step back looking back and forth, unsure of where to go or what to do.

OOC:

9 more damage to the enemy! Elias takes 6 damage, so is at -3 and bleeding out.

Elias - you will lose 1 hp per turn until you either stabilize or reach -10 hp and die. With your next post, please roll a DC 10 Constitution save to stabilize, modified by -3 (for your current negative HP total.

Everyone else, Round 3 posts please!

[ +- ] Initiative Order

[ +- ] Enemy Image

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Rolls

Enemy Reflex vs DC 14 (Black Motes) - (1d20+9)

Knife Attack vs Elias vs DC 19 - (1d20+8, 1d4+4)

May 2, 2022 9:34 pm

OOC:

DC 10 Constitution save

Rolls

Constitution save - (1d20-3)

(6) - 3 = 3

May 2, 2022 9:55 pm

"Damn you back to whatever sewer you crawled from!" he shouted! ጥቁር ሜትሮይትስ
More shattered stars fell onto the shapeshifter!

OOC:

Black Motes! DC 14 reflex save negates the cold damage. If it fails, it is also silenced (as the spell Silence but affecting only the target) for 1 round.

Rolls

Black Motes cold damage - (1d4)

(2) = 2

May 3, 2022 7:49 am

Grim sighs and takes yet another shot at the shapeshifter. His bolt streaks through the air and hits the foul creature.

Last edited May 3, 2022 7:51 am

Rolls

Lt. Crossbow attack - (1d20+2)

(16) + 2 = 18

Damage - (1d8)

(5) = 5

May 3, 2022 8:18 am

Razhel adjusts her position and moves over to her left to block the clear path to door for the monstrous woman. They can't let her escape. Their getting beyond the barrier in the hallway south depends on taking this creature down. She pulls the trigger and unloads one more bolt into the shapeshifter's body.

OOC:

Move to K14

Last edited May 3, 2022 8:22 am

Rolls

Crossbow Attack - (1d20+4)

(17) + 4 = 21

Damage - (1d8)

(5) = 5

May 4, 2022 2:49 pm

OOC:

It's morning here, leave some time for any more posts, but will get an update posted tonight regardless. Nice rolls, everyone!

Rolls

Reflex Save vs DC 14 (Black Motes) - (1d20+9)

May 5, 2022 9:14 am

Iosef, seeing his companion down, moves to treat Elias's wounds.

While the half-elf provides first aid treatment to the injured man, crossbow bolts streak through the air. Each bolt, one from Grim and one from Razhel, manages to punch through the monstrous humanoid's stomach. It tries to let out a wail of pain, but still nothing but silence echoes from its maw.

Axon calls down black motes of icy death. While some small pieces strike the creature, it shrugs them off this time without much concern.

Instead, the creature, now slumping and holding its off-hand to its wounded abdomen, lifts its long, serrated knife and presses the flat of the blade against its forehead. The air shimmers and the creature appears to disappear. A short moment later, Razhel feels a rush of air across her body. The skinchanger had apparently attempted to squirm past her without her knowing, but instead bumps into Razhel and is stopped flat in its tracks, rematerializing instantly.

OOC:

10 more damage to the enemy! It is visibly very hurt. Razhel gets an Attack of Opportunity against the creature for failing its acrobatics check to try to move through her square.

Iosef has stabilized Elias. Elias is no longer dying. Because Iosef technically acts first in initiative order, Elias will be stabilized before his turn, at -3 HP. No further roll is needed for Elias.

Otherwise, everyone is up for Round 4 (unless Razhel's AoO kills it)

[ +- ] Initiative Order

[ +- ] Enemy Image

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Rolls

Acrobatics vs DC 16 - (1d20+3)

May 5, 2022 10:17 am

Presented with the foul shapeshifter in her face, as it bumps into her, Razhel growls and backhands the creature with her empty fist. The doppelganger slams into the door frame. The point of impacts with both fist and unforgiving wall ooze petrid ichor. Her adrenaline pumping and enraged by the creature's attack, Razhel stomps on the shapeshifter's head, then jumps on top of it; tears away the bloody serrated dagger and stabbing it several times, before realizing it is dead. "Tell ALL your friends we're coming for them!" She roars at the doppelganger's corpse.

Last edited May 5, 2022 10:44 pm

Rolls

Unarmed (lethal) - (1d20+4)

(19) + 4 = 23

Damage - (1d6+2)

(3) + 2 = 5

May 5, 2022 4:21 pm

OOC:

That does it! Just enough to kill the doppelganger. I'll get a proper post up when I'm not on mobile, but WELL DONE all of you!

Rage, care to narrate your finishing blow?

Lastly, you have all gained a level! Go ahead and adjust your character sheets accordingly.

May 5, 2022 11:00 pm

Ixion's eyes went wide as the grisly slaughter took place right in front of him. He certainly wasn't going to tell Dragon Eyes to stop, that the thing was already dead. She'd run out of steam eventually.

Last edited May 6, 2022 4:10 pm

May 6, 2022 10:47 am

The enemy crumbles under the intense blow from Razhel and lies now, after the carnage that ensued, quite dead upon the ground.

Searching the doppelganger's body you find a vial of bright red liquid similar to ones found earlier by Grim (a potion of cure light wounds) and 48 GP in coin. The dagger she was wielding is a well-made blade with a partially-serrated edge on one side.

The south end of the room, beyond where the sheet had been hung, lies a table with assorted items upon it. Further splashing can be heard from the large basin in the south-east corner of the room.

Iosef once again allows a burst of healing energy to blossom from his inner self and restore his teammates, and hopefully, bring Elias back to consciousness. Seeing it not quite doing the trick, he sets to work mending and treating Elias as best he can, given the resources available. Before long, the very injured Elias's eyes flutter open as he awakes.

OOC:

Everybody gains 3 HP. Elias now has 1 hp. Continue to build out your characters to level 2 - congrats on your victory! You now have the requested three bodies to display to the guards at the barricade. There are still some areas that have yet to be explored fully, including the table to the south in this current room.

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Rolls

Channel - (1d6)

May 6, 2022 10:10 pm

Standing firm with his crossbow in hand, Grim gets a curious feeling that runs through him along with the aura of healing. Faintly, he hears something that sounds like muted whispers coming from somewhere on his person and after a very discrete check, discovers that it is coming from the small slip case containing his deck of cards. He pushes it out of his mind for the moment. A closer investigation can wait until he has a more secure and private moment.

As the others begins to become more active, he moves slowly to the south end of the room to see what might be on the table and keeps one wary eye on that vat where the sloshing is coming from.

May 6, 2022 10:53 pm

Elias stands up warily and slowly flexes his arms and legs. Moving stiffly he stumbles over to the table of assorted items. Slowly he begins to look them over.

May 7, 2022 2:05 am

With the bloody blade gripped in one hand, Razhel glances about the area to see if she can find something to wipe some of the blood off her.

May 7, 2022 3:07 am

ክብር

He flicked his wrist at the wicked blade, and the gore and blood on it sublimated away almost instantly.

"Much better now."

His eyes returned constantly to the dead thing on the ground as if he expected it to rise and attack them anew.

"Undead, whatever these things are, whatever else is out there in the storm... Such a confluence of evil. What nightmare have we awoken into?" he asked in a matter of fact way. He was scared but he kept it under as much control as he could, used it to fuel his survival instinct and his defense of self and others.

"Wherever it is, I'm ready to wake up... and that sloshing is annoying me. Check it out with me, Dragon Eyes?"

If she agreed, he cautiously headed over to the washing pails.

OOC:

Prestidigitation. :)

May 7, 2022 9:34 am

Razhel looks down at the blade and then nods to the sorcerer. "Let's see what other trouble we have in the this room." She accompanies Axon over to the vat where the noise is coming from for a look.

May 7, 2022 11:36 am

Elias and Grim head to the table at the south end of the room and find an oil lantern illuminating many items of varying interest and usefulness. Amongst scraps of cloth and pieces of dirty, broken tools there sits a small key next to the lantern. It appears the kind of key that might fit a object.

One section of the table, much more organized than the rest, has a series of blades laid out, one after the other. Though all of them would make for serviceable weapons, one stands out amongst the others as being particularly well-made, with an intricately carved handle. While it appears quite deadly, it also looks like it could have been designed as a gift for someone, due to the care of workmanship visible upon the item.

Near that is a rolled cloth, that when unfurled displays a collection of well-kept surgeon's tools that could be of use to a practiced hand. Next to the bundle of surgeon's tools is a book with a ragged cover. Opening the cover and reviewing its contents, it appears to be a journal, kept by someone of erratic and sadistic thought, hell-bent on learning about the shapeshifting creatures you've been encountering.

Finally, sitting on the ground near one of the table's legs is a finely-stitched backpack, within which you rummage to find 3 platinum pieces, a small drawstring pouch containing a single, average-sized pearl, and a tiny wooden box affixed to a leather cord. Opening the box reveals religious scripture written within.

Nearby is a six-foot-tall standing mirror, leaned against the wall.

Meanwhile, Axon and Razhel move to investigate the splashing sounds in the south-western basin of water. The ladder there allows one of them to climb up and look inside. Whoever does, finds the living head and torso combination of a creature not unlike the one you found in the prior room chained up before killing it. This one, while alive, is missing it's limbs almost entirely. Everyone once in a while, its head and face bob to the surface of the water as its torso jerks and twists, splashing amongst the liquid. It seems to try speaking, but its mouth is unable to remain above-water long enough to get any meaningful words out.

[ +- ] Loot

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

May 7, 2022 11:50 pm

Grim grabs up the key and holds it up to examine it closer in the lantern light. "I wonder if this is the key to those manacles in the last room?"

Last edited May 7, 2022 11:51 pm

May 8, 2022 6:41 pm

"Ugh! Another undead! This time it's just a torso bobbing in the water!" he said with disgust to the others. "It's trying to speak."

ማጅ እጅ

His spectral hand manifested under the rotting thing's head, cradled it, and tried to keep it at least temporarily above water.

"What have you to say to the living, undead?"

OOC:

Mage Hand might not work but he'll try it.

May 10, 2022 8:30 am

Razhel looks around to see there are paddles or hooks that may have been used to stir or pluck things from the vat nearby.

May 10, 2022 7:29 pm

Studying the key, Grim confirms the key is of the right size, shape, and design to likely fit the manacles in the prior room.

Axon attempts to use his magic to lift the creature's head out of the water enough so that it might speak, but finds the summoned, spectral hand loses its strength once it touches the creature's flesh. He comes away from the experience knowing a little more about the limits of his magic, while Razhel grabs a nearby pole, about 10-feet in length, which must normally be used for agitating the laundry in the basins. This pole could be used to prop the creature's head up as Axon was attempting to do magically.

OOC:

Sorry, had a busy last few days. All caught up now and should be more snappy on the responses. Leaving the loot list here for now, since its lengthy. Also added all to the our treasure thread in the main game forum. What are you all doing next?

[ +- ] Loot

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

May 10, 2022 8:34 pm

"Thanks," he said to Dragon Eyes for her quick thinking with the pole. "Now speak, undead."

If there was anything in the water, he'd try to snag it with his mage hand. If possible, he'd trawl the hand along the bottom to search for anything down there.

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+1)

(13) + 1 = 14

May 11, 2022 7:20 am

After fixing up the Knight (at least to consciousness once more), the Healer once again grappled with his own inadequacy. He was certain there was more to his abilities, but he seemed to keep coming up short on this horrid night. He popped open his grimoire, and the page it opened to jogged his memory immediately, filling him with a sense of both pride and success at remembering more of what he knew in his core he could accomplish, and regret and remorse over not remembering sooner.

He swiftly went to stand between the Knight and the Pugilist, and put a hand on each of their shoulders. He focused for but a moment, and they would each feel their souls and stamina be tugged towards and knitted into his own.
"Your lives are mine, and mine is yours." he said, right as the Knight's wounds began to heal almost instantly, the stress and injuries seemingly transferring themselves across space to his own body in a morbid display of martyrdom."I will make sure you never again fall before me, as long as we are together." he says, not looking them in the eyes, and moves to more closely inspect the items assembled on the table. He had a suspicion about the backpack, and wanted to confirm. "HK JRT" His eyes glowed faintly as he examined the item.

OOC:

Life Link attached to Elias and Razhel. Elias will heal by 5. Iosef takes 5. Detect Magic cast.

Rolls

Spellcraft - (d20+7)

(18) + 7 = 25

May 11, 2022 8:17 am

Axon uses the pole to lift the creature's head from the water. It spits out several mouthfuls of water as it chokes the dirty liquid up from the recesses of its undead lungs. "T-thanks, friend," it says, "I c-couldn't seem to find my legs in here. You'll free me, yes? So hungry, I've been, s-so starving, yes." It gnashes its teeth, ineffectively biting at the air.

Meanwhile, after Iosef binds his lifeforce to both Razhel and Elias, Elias indeed finds his wounds knitting closed. A bond formed, it is now evident that significant wounds suffered by one of his companions may be transferred to Iosef, giving them his own lifeforce in exchange.

The scholarly half-elf then looks to examine the backpack and after several moments of careful study identifies the item as something incredibly helpful for any adventurer of the unknown - the backpack is a magical bag known as a Handy Haversack, and contains the ability to hold all manner of things, far greater than it appears on the outside.

OOC:

Axon - Razhel, you think that if the creature is lead to believe it might win itself free of its prison (it doesn't seem to be fully aware of it's own state of being nothing but a torso and head), that it may be persuaded to answer a couple of questions.

Otherwise please post your plans of action, or feel free to discuss overall next steps you think the group should take. There are other rooms still to explore, but you have now also completed the survivors' request of slaying three of these shape-changing creatures.

[ +- ] Handy Haversack Image

[ +- ] Loot

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

May 11, 2022 8:33 am

Razhel holds the pole steady to keep the undead's head above water. She feels the healer's light touch and odd feelings of the magical bond he has made.

May 11, 2022 8:35 am

OOC:

That is a cool hex btw, and seems like a good fit for this setting.

May 12, 2022 11:52 pm

OOC:

I'll leave this open for the purposes of completing any dialogue with the dismembered ghoul and for you to discuss next steps, but for the interest of pacing would like to get things moving forward within the next day or so.

If needed, we can continue the conversation as a side-bar under spoiler tags while the rest moves forward.

Is the plan to return with the body of the shape-changer and gain access to the survivor's enclave? Or...?

May 12, 2022 11:56 pm

"Of course we'll help you. How did you get in there?" he asked the thing with as much of a forced cheer in his voice as he could muster.

May 13, 2022 3:23 am

The creature lets out a rasping sigh, "The doctor, she took me. Took me, killed most the others. She cut me and toyed with me. Told me I was sick, she would cure me. Then I dreamt of the one in yellow and the hunger took me. GAH!" The creature bites at the air, writhing as if remembering terrible pain. "Please come closer. Closer to me, I have a secret I wish to whisper in your ear." It's unnaturally-long tongue almost hangs out of its mouth in anticipation of you drawing nearer.

OOC:

What next folks?

[ +- ] Loot

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

May 13, 2022 3:37 am

"You don't have to keep secrets. We'll have you out of there soon. You must be hungry."

He held onto the pole along with Dragon Eyes and moved it and the torso around slightly.

"We've got to be careful not to hurt you. Tell us your name and this secret while we help you out of there."

OOC:

Diplomacy because... Why not?

Rolls

Diplomacy - (1d20+4)

(15) + 4 = 19

May 13, 2022 6:52 am

Satisfied with his analysis, he began transferring his belongings into the haversack to take it as his own, along with the pearl, the nice surgery set, and the potion. He also put the strange journal away and made a mental note to review it later, but paused and turned to the bobbing beast when he heard what it said.
"I am sorry to interrupt, but I wish to be certain. You mentioned dreaming of someone in yellow? Could you please describe this dream and figure in more detail?" He moved in preparation to make immediate use of his new tools on the doppelganger's corpse.
"There is a nice juicy thigh in it for you."

Last edited May 13, 2022 7:12 am

May 13, 2022 8:14 am

Seeing the that other things were being taken care of, Grim lowers his crossbow and grabs the dead doppelganger's corpse by the ankles to being the long drag down to the barricade. He stops just outside the door to look at the man still hanging in the manacles over the pipe. "Oh...almost forgot you." He drops the shapeshifter's ankles and meticulously removes the manacles from the two dead bodies, then pauses at the yellow robed man who speaks nonsense. "You ready to tell me who Zandalus is?"

Last edited May 13, 2022 8:15 am

May 13, 2022 8:30 am

Elias follows Grim out of the room. Just as he was about to help him drag the body, Elias sees Grim start to release the man from the manacles. I'll help drag the body.

May 13, 2022 8:36 am

"Give me a hand with this guy first, will you?" Grim asks the paladin. "I'm going to unlock him from the pipe, but keep the cuffs on until we know what's going on with him. I don't want him taking off..."

May 13, 2022 4:45 pm

"So hungy, yes," the creature says in a raspy voice, "but not secrets. My name? My name is, was, Loch. Closer please, I just want a NIBBLE!" It screeches the last word and writhes around in the water again. As it does, something comes loose from within the folds of its clothes and starts to sink before catching again, just below the surface of the wash-water: a small trinket, not much bigger than a coin, flecks of red upon a purple backing.

OOC:

Axon, or anyone else, could reach in and grab this with minimal effort - either by bringing the body closer using the pole, or by reaching for it and passing a flat DC 5 Dex check.

The creature seems distraught and thrashes its torso around, largely ignoring Iosef's questions until the half-elf mentions the gift of flesh. "The yellow one, the man in rags, the one who brings us gifts as we sleep! Yes! Meat now, make good on your promise!"

Meanwhile, Elias and Grim leave the room to the north and step closer to the manacled figures in the western alcove. Grim finds that the key fits the manacles attached to the two dead bodies easily enough and the corpses fall to the floor upon release.

Upon hearing the question, the man, tears still staining his cheeks, looks up - fear and hope a desperate mix upon his face. "Zandalus...sees," he says. Though they can't be brought close the man sticks a finger out towards his face and pulls his face as close as he can to the digit, adding, "words fail." He sobs, distraught in his thoughts.

OOC:

Does Grim take the manacles with him?

What does everyone do from here?

[ +- ] Loot

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

Rolls

Will - (1d20+2)

(10) + 2 = 12

May 13, 2022 6:50 pm

Razhel holds the pole and awaits patiently while the two men try cajoling and lying to the ghoul for information, while she would rather simply bash the thing in the head and move on.

May 13, 2022 8:40 pm

Grim packs the two empty manacles into his backpack. Then unlocks one of the man's hands and re-locks them both behind his back, while holding on to the manacles between. He looks back to the open doorway and wonders what is taking the others so long to gather up the usable items and join them. "We need to get this doppelganger to the barricade." He says, with a gesture of his chin toward the grotesque creature's corpse on the floor.

May 13, 2022 9:50 pm

He saw the flickering thing in the water and certainly wasn't about to put his hand anywhere near the talking torso. He created another magic hand to scoop up whatever it was.

"Nice to meet you, Loch. I'll see about that meat for you. Do you know what this is?"

Last edited May 13, 2022 10:01 pm

Rolls

DEX - (1d20)

(8) = 8

May 13, 2022 10:50 pm

Axon deftly scoops the object out of the water and holds it up. It is an enameled pin, still in nice condition. It bears crimson stars surrounding a tower upon a field of purple, black antlers rising from it. An open eye crowns the top of the tower.

[ +- ] Loot

The creature, upon seeing it, screeches and writhes as if in deep pain. It wails at the top of its lungs as it thrashes around. Axon and Razhel find it difficult to keep the thing afloat using the pole.

The creature shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.

Grim successfully unlocks the cuffs on the man in the robe and, though he struggles weakly at first indication of being re-cuffed, the man's strength is no match for Grim's determination. He puts up little effort to fight further captivity for now and just mutters quietly to himself, the same words said before, in different combinations.

May 13, 2022 10:54 pm

"What's scaring you, Loch? This? Does this scare you, Loch? What is it?" he asked then moved the pin out of Loch's sight.

Last edited May 13, 2022 10:55 pm

May 13, 2022 10:56 pm

The creature continues to thrash madly in the water, refusing to be held aloft any further. Axon gets the sense this creature won't be answering any further questions any time soon.

OOC:

For anyone that examines the pin, I will take Knowledge Nobility or Knowledge Local rolls to reveal what you know about it.

May 13, 2022 11:07 pm

"Leave him. We can ask more later," he said to Glasses and Dragon Eyes. "Let's go to the others."

May 13, 2022 11:14 pm

If we each grab an arm on the dead shapechanger, we can keep him moving ahead of us.. Elias says to Grim as they get ready to depart the room. This should be the last body that we need to get past the barricade.

May 13, 2022 11:21 pm

"Well, the thing we "met" in our shared vision certainly did not seem keen on granting us any gifts... I was hoping for more. Still, I am a man of my word." he severed a strip of flesh from the corpse's thigh and tossed it to the severed savage without much care, willing to let the creature fish for it.
He cleaned the filth off the tool as he walked with the Meteor Man and the Pugilist to meet up with their companions."May I have a look at that trinket?" he asked.

OOC:

Edit: Threw in Knowledge checks; Nobility is untrained.

Last edited May 13, 2022 11:30 pm

Rolls

Kn. Nobility - (1d20+2)

(16) + 2 = 18

Kn. Local - (1d20+6)

(20) + 6 = 26

May 13, 2022 11:54 pm

"Of course," he said then cleansed the signet of mundane filth. ክብር

OOC:

Meteor Man. *giggles in approval*

May 14, 2022 12:33 am

[ +- ] Knowledge (Local) DC 20

OOC:

Anyone else is welcome to make the same check and know the same information any time they inspect the item.

From here, you may all post anything else you wish and I will respond, but my next post will intend to have you all back at the barricade, having completed your grisly task, unless someone suggests otherwise first.

May 14, 2022 1:17 am

"Whose signet is it?" he asked Glasses as they moved bodies back to the check point.

May 14, 2022 1:18 am

"Secrets and mystery are piled to the roof in this place. It seems our hungry laundry fish either belonged to the Ustalavic royal secret police, or somehow managed to get this off of one of them."

Last edited May 14, 2022 1:18 am

May 14, 2022 1:22 am

"Why did it terrify him so? A reminder of his former life surely couldn't be that traumatizing. Still... Could we use this as leverage somehow? Make whoever's in charge here think one of us is actually a state minder? I don't like lying but we don't have any cards to play beyond dragging in changeling bodies, and we can't do that forever."

May 14, 2022 1:43 am

He raised an eyebrow at the scheme."I believe it is best to not be so forward with things like that. Have strings saved in your pocket, and pull them when they scream at you to. And besides, we are already under scrutiny and earning their favor. Throwing something as intriguing as this onto the scales as our own, unbidden, would just court more suspicion.

And, truthfully, I wish us to rest."

May 14, 2022 2:02 am

"Rest would be lovely. We hold onto it and see when and how best to use it. You knew about these minders so you should keep the insignia. Hopefully you can back up any claims we might make with facts."

May 14, 2022 3:02 am

Razhel lingers as the others move back into the previous room, staring down into the vat. Once they are out of sight, she smacks the ghoul hard with the pole in an attempt to put it out of its misery.

May 14, 2022 6:58 pm

Razhel takes a passing blow at the ghoul with the long pole. The creature is still violently thrashing about in the water, but her sharp eyes catch the right moment and the pole strikes the creature's temple, crushing into its skull and lodging about an inch deep into the thing's brain matter. It's thrashing rips the pole out of her hand and the 10-foot stick rolls around in the water with the creature, the sound of it knocking against the side of the tub is near as loud as the sounds of the water sloshing. After about 10 seconds the creature stops moving entirely, having passed from this world to whatever lies beyond for such monstrosities.

Some time later, the group arrives back at the barricade. They deposit the body of this last doppelganger against the wall near the first two. The previously-imprisoned man is in tow. As before, several guards are at the barricade to receive you. This time, however, Vaustin York is already at the barricade, talking to the men on duty.

Vaustin York

He sees you as you approach. "Ho there!" he says, "Well if it isn't a fair sight to see you lot again. Still in one piece, it looks like, and I see clearly that creature's body you brought with you. If anything is going to show you have the minds of friends, then nothing will - as promised we'll allow entry. There are stipulations, though." He motions to the doorway on the western well near you. "We'll unlock the door there to the gatehouse. We'll require you surrender your weapons, at least for now." His eyes scan the manacled man in yellow robes, "And that man will remain with us. He was not part of our deal, but as he is in custody, we'll keep an eye on him until we can be certain he is no threat."

"Come, Winter would like to see you, I'm sure." He gestures to the door and a moment later you hear the sound of a reinforcement being removed from the door.

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

Rolls

Secret Roll

May 16, 2022 3:37 am

The Healer gives a sideways glance at the Pugilist when she catches up to the party, having an idea of what was done out of sight, but he'd keep his mouth shut for now. Similarly, he'd let the more personable among them (and that already had rapport with the guards) do the talking for now, being somewhat more at ease with the knowledge that the seemingly-addled prisoner would be kept under watch. He intends to show the pin to Hat and Knight as soon as they get a moment alone, Hat especially for his detective opinion.

Last edited May 16, 2022 6:52 am

May 16, 2022 5:14 am

He nodded to the guard but couldn't smile with all the emotions and adrenaline running through him. Perhaps now they'd get some answers talking with this group's leader but he doubted any normal beings in this cursed place had all of them.

May 16, 2022 7:13 am

"We have completed your test." Grim points at the three shapeshifter corpses. "As you requested, but any further stipulations may meet with a reluctance on our part. We've proven ourselves to be true. Though, we can't say the same about you. How do we know you wont ambush us if we surrender our weapons? How do we know you aren't doppelgangers? At least two of these shapeshifters pretended to be patients or doctors of this place. Why not an orderly?"

Last edited May 16, 2022 7:16 am

May 16, 2022 7:33 am

"You're right but we need these people as much as they need us," he said to Hat then asked the guard, "Will we be denied entry if we refuse? And some of our weapons are ephemeral. Such power goes wherever we go and cannot simply be handed over."

May 16, 2022 8:25 am

"I don't need weapons. I AM the weapon!" Razhel interjects with a growl.

Last edited May 16, 2022 8:26 am

May 17, 2022 7:59 am

Vaustin York

The man looks as frustrated as he is tired. He runs a hand through his hair and sighs, "Listen, good people, if that is who you truly are, we mean not to sow more distrust than is necessary. We can account for the dangers on this side of the barricade, and we need to try and account for that well as we may.

If you won't relinquish your weapons - and as you say, some you may not have the power to part with at all - then at least stay here in the gatehouse rooms. The day draws late. I'll talk to Winter and see what she will have us do come the morning. As a measure of goodwill, there are some extra supplies in there - take what you may find useful. We'll get this sorted out - maybe if we all work together we can find a way off this accursed island.

What say you?"

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

May 17, 2022 9:37 am

Grim looks to the other four and nods himself. "This is acceptable to me. We very tired and need to sort out a few things for ourselves."

May 17, 2022 9:40 am

I agree as well, we need a place to rest. Elias says as York makes his offer.

May 17, 2022 4:07 pm

"Me, too. Thank you for the kindness," he said, this time managing to muster a small smile.

Vaustin York

May 17, 2022 8:59 pm

Vaustin York

"Right, good," Captain York says, "That way then. Find what comfort you can. Whatever creatures remain outside our camp will need meet our crossbows before they disturb your slumber." He gestures again to the door to the west, just north of the barricade.

As the group heads inside, they find what used to be two rooms, now joined as one via a collapsed portion of wall to their south. The room they enter contains dusty buckets, brooms, and racks of cleaning supplies while beyond the gap in the wall they can make out a small desk and chairs shoved out of the way.

Looking more closely, this northern portion of the room must have once been used to store supplies and cleaning equipment useful to the upkeep of the nearby area, though it appears the majority of the useful or dangerous tools and chemicals once stored here have been absconded with since whatever befell this tragic place.

When you enter, a female guard with short-cropped hair and a wary look on her face stands near the door. Once you file inside, she swiftly shuts the door and locks it from the inside. She approaches the yellow-robed man and, unless stopped from doing so, takes him and gently prods him to the southern room, having him sit down in the south-western corner near the desk.

Another of the guards, this one you recognize from earlier - a man named Avice, approaches, but stays in the southern portion of the room. "York says you're to stay there tonight. We'll watch over ya, me and Mura here. She ain't much for conversation, and she's not very trusting, but nobody will harm ya, or go through your things. Me an' her will be taking shifts tonight. We'll have some supper brought along shortly for you all."

OOC:

Let's use this time to get read for our first night's rest in this place. Standard questions apply - are you setting a watch order? Are there any activities any of you plan to do before sleeping? How about first thing once you wake up?

I'm including below a list of things you can find lying about, if any one of you takes a few minutes to look around - let me know what you take.

Feel free to interact with one or both guards however you'd like before we pass the night.

[ +- ] Northern Room Items, 10 Minutes of Searching

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

May 18, 2022 7:51 am

OOC:

Iosef will attempt Psychometry on the Royal Accuser pin (secret check, +8 mod)
He may share information depending on what he gleans, but he'll at least share what he knows currently and the pin itself with Elias and Grim after the attempt.
Before rest, or possibly during first watch, he'll attempt to read/identity the Oathsday journal.
He will share rations with party members if they don't have any.

Last edited May 18, 2022 7:54 am

May 19, 2022 3:45 am

"Thank you, Avice, Mura," he said. "What were you two before this place went to the Hells?"

He smirked at that question since he didn't even know who he was before this place went to the Hells.

In a private moment later, he looked around the room with this wonderful arcane sight he possessed. The place might have gone to the Hells but there still wonders to be discovered here... or rediscovered.

May 19, 2022 11:01 pm

Razhel enters the space opened to them along with the others. She tests one of the chairs in the ex-office and stakes out a place to sit and relax

May 20, 2022 9:52 am

Finally, Grim finds a moment of relative calm in the eye of the storm. He familiarizes himself with their new surroundings rather quickly with a short circuit about the room and notices the fellow with the glasses studying something. He doesn't interfere, but wonders curiously what the small item may reveal to the man.

May 21, 2022 9:46 am

You settle in for the evening. It isn't long before food and water are brought in, enough for the guards, the yellow-cloaked captive, and your company. It's meager fare, but not terrible - realizing none of you have eaten since...well, since you don't know when, you can hardly complain. Some 3-day-old bread, hard cheese, and fresh stew - it smells great and you're not disappointed.

Iosef takes some time sitting in the corner with the pin they had earlier found, his mind pouring over the object, his thoughts surrounding it like the very air they breath.

At Axon's question, Mura doesn't reply. Avice seems happy to talk for both of them though. "Mura doesn't talk. We think she can, maybe. She has a tongue and can hear just fine, but something's a bit jostled up there." Avice raps at his own head with his knuckles as Mura scowls at him. "Oh, don't look at me like that, Mura. I don't mean anything by it." He smiles at her, obviously not intending to hurt her feelings, and returns his attention back to Axon before adding, "She's just got more healin' to do, that's all. I suppose after all this, we'll all have a fair amount of healin' to do. As to your question, Mura is - was - a patient here. I was an orderly, nobody important. What about you lot? Is it true, none of you remember how you got here?"

Mura walks over to the desk and takes a seat opposite Razhel. She casually pulls out a pack of playing cards and holds them up. She catches Grim's attention and gestures to the last chair near the desk to see if he has interest as well. She pulls out the heavily-used deck and starts shuffling, casting a glance to the other two to see if they'll let her deal them in.

C1NDER sent a note to LoudKid

C1NDER sent a note to Equinox

OOC:

Axon senses nothing magical within the room, save their own equipment found earlier.

Iosef - it'll take an hour to invest into the book. Please give me a Spellcraft check and I'll share what you find.

What is Elias doing? Do any of you take any of the items from the room? It looks like Iosef is offering to take a first watch - what about 2nd and 3rd watch?

[ +- ] Northern Room Items, 10 Minutes of Searching

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Rolls

Psychometry - (1d20+8)

May 21, 2022 1:26 pm

Grim moves over and give Mura a nod. He keeps thinking about that deck of cards in his possessions and the whispering that draws him to it. He will need to investigate that later, when he has a little more privacy.

May 21, 2022 6:26 pm

Razhel simply glances across the table to the mute woman. Then, finally as the cards are brought out she nods slightly, "Sure. Why not?"

May 21, 2022 8:16 pm

"How we got here, who we are... I think we're all a bit jostled up there, Avice," he said with a pained smile. "I hope we can all find ourselves again."

He moved to the final vacant seat and watched the mute woman shuffle the cards. He wanted to ask her what they'd play but realized he'd probably have to tell from how many cards were dealt.

"I'll stay up for the second watch. Maybe some time to quietly think will help jog memories."

May 21, 2022 9:32 pm

Elias looks around the room and settles for a quiet corner. As he gets comfortable, he looks over at the card game. I'll take the third watch.

May 22, 2022 7:11 am

OOC:

A couple housekeeping items and some rolls.

Annex & #Elias - Iosef will be peering over the journal. It remains to be seen if he will identify it after taking the requisite hour reading through it. Do you wish to spend any time, such as during your turn at watch, looking through the book? It could be...enlightening.

Though this may only apply to Iosef and Axel, after reading for 1 hour, it will take a DC 25 Knowledge (arcane) or DC 20 Spellcraft check to learn more of its magical nature.

Iosef - I'll need that roll from you still: DC 25 Knowledge (arcane) or DC 20 Spellcraft

Grim & Razhel - Let's get some rolls from you both for the card game. I'll narrate how the game plays out over the course of multiple hands based on the results. Please roll the following to represent the general flow and outcomes:
1) a flat d20 to represent the luck of the game
2) a bluff check to represent your own natural cleverness
3) a sense motive check to oppose #2 from both other players
4) a perception check
5) (optional) a sleight of hand, only if you wish to cheat.

C1NDER sent a note to LoudKid

[ +- ] Northern Room Items, 10 Minutes of Searching

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Rolls

A Silent Echo Upon the Breeze - (5d100)

(5233826164) = 292

Luck - (1d20)

(15) = 15

Bluff - (1d20-1)

(16) - 1 = 15

Sense Motive - (1d20+4)

(3) + 4 = 7

May 22, 2022 7:16 am

OOC:

Definitely having a look-see during watch!

OOC:

5d100? Oh dear.

Last edited May 22, 2022 7:16 am

May 22, 2022 7:59 am

OOC:

This is what you read, annex:

C1NDER sent a note to Squadfather44,annex

May 22, 2022 8:07 am

annex sent a note to C1NDER

May 22, 2022 8:23 pm

Keeping his cards close to the vest, so to speak, Grim settles in for a few hands to pass the time.

Rolls

Luck - (1d20)

(15) = 15

Bluff - (1d20+1)

(12) + 1 = 13

Sense Motive - (1d20+7)

(13) + 7 = 20

Perception - (1d20+7)

(11) + 7 = 18

May 23, 2022 1:18 am

OOC:

Elias will read through the book on his watch.

Last edited May 23, 2022 1:18 am

May 23, 2022 2:07 am

Squadfather44 says:

OOC:

Elias will read through the book on his watch.

OOC:

Squadfather - I included you in the note in my post from yesterday to read what the journal has to say.

Grim & Razhel - you're welcome to read it as well, of course, but recommended it for the other three because there is a tangible benefit for their characters in doing so. I suspect one or more of them will relay the highlights if you do not.

May 23, 2022 2:12 am

OOC:

My fault, I missed my name in the thread.

May 23, 2022 2:28 am

Squadfather44 says:

OOC:

My fault, I missed my name in the thread.

OOC:

Sorry - I *JUST* included you so you could read it. You didn't miss anything :)

May 23, 2022 2:54 am

OOC:

Sweet! Added and added.

The information in this journal was game-changing. Did he have a better idea of who Dragon Eyes was? Did he have another tool against the changelings?

The guards seemed like nice people but he couldn't discuss this in front of them or the poor demented man in the corner. He had to wait until he was alone with the others, the only ones he could trust, but that didn't mean he could do nothing right now. He was, after all, on watch.

አስማትን ፈልግ።

With a whispered phrase, he opened his senses to the arcane wavelengths again and trepidatiously looked around the room.

OOC:

Casting Detect Magic when it's my watch turn after I've read the journal.

May 23, 2022 6:38 am

OOC:

card game rolls

Rolls

Luck - (1d20)

(7) = 7

Bluff - (1d20)

(17) = 17

Sense Motive - (1d20+6)

(11) + 6 = 17

Perception - (1d20+6)

(11) + 6 = 17

May 23, 2022 9:49 am

Over the course of about half an hour, Mura, Razhel, and Grim play three hands of cards. Grim is the clear winner of the first hand, but the second is a much closer game with Razhel just barely pulling ahead. The final hand has Mura with an incredible hand, but Grim gets the one card he needs to complete his own, otherwise worthless, hand - his win a surprise by the others, but with luck winning out in the end. Mura purses her lips in frustration, throwing her cards down on the table and shaking her head. She makes a hand gesture indicating she was done and goes to find a place against the wall to sleep.

Avice speaks up on her behalf, "I guess I'm taking first watch on our part. Don't take it personally, she's not really mad, just likes to win is all. You all better get some sleep too. Winter usually has us up pretty early with rotation - wouldn't surprise me if they'll want to move on with you folks around then, too."

The rest of the night indeed goes well - no interruptions or hostility.

Annex, after having read the journal, flexes the influx of power by casting detect magic across the room. Mura, who's on guard at this hour, looks at him funny as he casts the spell, she pulls a knife from her belt, unsure of what he's doing, but then settles as he completes the spell and nothing malignant happens. Still, she watches him closely, weapon drawn, for over an hour.

As the spell completes, he notices nothing different from his prior casting. However, he now feels confidence with his current company, including the guards and the man in the yellow cloak.

OOC:

Feel free to add anything else you'd like for evening and night, but you are welcome to also post any morning activities (for the time being, assume nobody has come to relieve the guards yet or come to address your presence - that will come with my next update post).

[ +- ] Northern Room Items, 10 Minutes of Searching

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

May 23, 2022 9:58 pm

Grim is up early the next morning. His night has been filled with the odd whispers of voices that seem familiar, but he can not identify them. He pulls out the Harrow deck and removes the slip case from around it. Then, shuffles through the deck a few times. He can feel the energy in the cards. The cuts the deck an draws one card.

Turning it over, he finds The Empty Throne: A Lawful Good card in the suit of Crowns. Crowns influence charisma and being the first card, is also in the traditional position of a positive past. His past? He hoped so.

There is a sense of loss that is palpable. The depiction of the ghostly image, signifies that those who are gone will always be with us. They taught us important lessons, if only we choose to listen. Were the whispers trying to tell him something?

This card in a reading represents information brought from a far-off or ancient source. Grim placed the card face up in front of him and fanned the rest of the deck facing away from himself. He let his hand glide along the tops of the cards; stopping at one that seemed to call out to his preternatural sense. He drew it forth and placed down beside the first. The Locksmith!

As he gazed upon the second card, the image within seemed to move slightly. He focused on the card. Was it his imagination?

OOC:

Grim gains a +2 to one CHA roll for the next 24 hours.

Last edited May 23, 2022 10:25 pm

Rolls

Card - (1d6, 1d9)

1d6 : (6) = 6

1d9 : (1) = 1

May 25, 2022 3:36 am

He found himself embroiled in the book as the rest played cards. The journal was enlightening, and its implications frightening. He pondered on the mention of the head of the Accusers with strange eyes, wondering if it could be the Pugilist, but that idea didn't sit well with him. Even if pieces were missing, each of his companions seemed to still be themselves, and she didn't strike him as the type to lead an inquisition. Plus, surely one of the orderlies would have recognized her if she was the same one mentioned.

He didn't bother to check on the guards or his companions with the newfound doppelganger distinction, as they had an established difference in personality and urge to attack that would have been obvious after any real length of time. Without much speech or fanfare, he passed the pin and journal to the others to read at their leisure (making a point to the Meteor Man to pay special attention to the magic text on the last few pages) before uneasily falling asleep for the evening.

Though the journal's revelations of the shapeshifter's origins was incredibly disturbing, he was more upset by the lack of evidence of himself or his party. They could possibly be the group under Administrator Lassandro's watch, but there wasn't enough to go on. His troubled mind ached with unanswered questions through his slumber.

Awaking in the morning, he felt marginally better. Ready to take on the rest of this accursed asylum-no-longer and ferret out more clues. He perused his grimoire and ritually called out to the ambient spirits once again to borrow their power as his own as he wondered if the guards would provide breakfast.

OOC:

Sorry for the delay (once again *sigh*); had a few very busy days.
Spell loadout updated on my sheet, GM

May 25, 2022 4:02 am

"Just a prayer that we'll all get through this alive and well and still be ourselves," he said to Mura when his arcane utterance startled her, and that was very close to the truth.

He felt true relief and hope for the first time since waking up now that both he and Glasses could possibly identify these skinwalkers, and he slept as soundly as he could once his watch was over. One brief and fitful rest later, his mood remained more positive even though he felt grimy.

"I'm going to use a minor spell to clean myself up. Don't be alarmed," he said to the others, Mura in particular.

ክብር

As he ran his open palms and spread fingers over every inch of his clothes, an opalescence disintegrated the grime on them. He even waved his fingers over his head and face and open mouth.

"There. Much fresher. That'll do until I can find a nice tub that doesn't have unsavory things bobbing around in it."

May 25, 2022 11:10 pm

Most of you awaken on your own accord, Mura standing guard however many hours later its been. She looks at Axon warily while he magic's the dirty and grime away, but says nothing. The rest was well-needed and well-earned as you all feel the muscles relax despite the lingering soreness from yesterday's events.

It's not long after everyone is awake and situated that Captain York arrives with two other guards in tow. 'Guards' is a loose term, as they appear with little in the way of weapons. Mura and Avice hand their their crossbows over to the men, and Avice the sword at his side. It's clear there are not enough weapons to go around.

York spends a few moments with the yellow-robed man who sits still in the corner, mumbling the same few words over and over when the captain asks him questions. Frustrated, the captain turns to you.

Vaustin York

"Hope you all had a decent night," he says with a weak smile. He looks like he got significantly less sleep than any of you. "It's certainly not what it could be, but it's not much worse than anything else we have right now. Come on," he waves you to follow him, "I'll show you around a bit and introduce you to Winter. She's waiting for you in the chapel." He starts to turn away then turns back. "Thank you, by the way. You really cleaned up - thanks to you I was able to convince a few of my men to go back out and look around. Hopefully we'll be able to pull some more resources into camp soon." He turns back and heads out of the room, expecting you to follow.

As you head out of the room from the south-east door and head south. As you reach the southern end of the hall, you see a large, intricately carved wooden set of double-doors on the western wall and two smaller doors along the southern wall. At the eastern end of the hall, a set of four bedsheets have been clumsily switched together, creating a curtain that obscures the area behind it.

York leads you through the large double doors and into a large chapel. Improvised pallets are clustered beneath sculpted divinities, and cooking fires burn beneath cracked windows. Panes of violet and blue stained glass form spiraling patterns between prisonlike bars, while dozens of candles flicker from modest alcove shrines. Around twenty other people crowd this room. While some of them look familiar to you from their positions as guards, most appear far less able to defend themselves even if there were enough weapons to go around. The majority of them look scared, cold, weak, or injured. True to York's word, three of these survivors appear to be only children, sitting near an armed man in the south-west corner.

York leads you to a woman standing in the center of the room. She is tall with long black hair and pale skin. She wears black leathers with the hint of a chain shirt underneath and a polished dagger at her hip. A long black cloak hangs down her back and a necklace with a spiral-like emblem is around her neck. Her eyes strike you upon first seeing her, as they are of two different colors - one yellow, one green. Her face bears a stoic countenance, but she nods to you as you approach.

Winter Klazcka

"Ah, you must be the gallant warriors Captain York has been telling me about. My name is Winter Klazcka, though I never claimed the title, I suppose I'm what passes for an authority around here, though the Captain does more than he lets on."

"I understand you did us quite the favor in dispatching a few of those fiends north of the barricade. Thank you," she says with another slight tip of her head. "I suppose, given what you've done, you're probably not doppelgangers yourselves. Regardless, you've more than earned the right to be welcome here." She gestures around the room. "Do no harm to these good people, and we will take care of you as our own. Now if you'll excuse me, there is much for me to do. As soon as someone can get around to it, we'll get breakfast together for all."

OOC:

Whew. Big post, lots to take in. So now you know what's been behind the barricade - a lot of scared folk, all holed up in a small room trying to stay warm and alive with only a couple of strong-willed people apparently holding the little community together.

Winter seems warm enough to you, but is ready to move onto the many other tasks she has ahead of her. I'll leave this opportunity open for you to react and engage with the NPC's as you see fit.

Also, you all healed 2 HP from natural healing overnight; the status tracker is updated. Did anyone want to grab any of the supplies from the gatehouse?

[ +- ] Gatehouse Items, 10 Minutes of Searching

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

May 26, 2022 7:28 am

OOC:

Post updated!

May 26, 2022 7:35 am

Elias is a little curious at the fact that Winter was wearing a necklace with the same symbol that's on his tabard. Looking around at their new surroundings he takes in the lack of hope on the faces of the people that are watching them.

As Winter walks away, Elias asks a simple question. What can we do to help?

May 26, 2022 7:39 am

"I hope your people out there return safely, Captain York."

He discussed with the others how to use the supplies discovered, and suggested they split them with Winter.

"I have no doubt we'll be heading into the asylum again soon but these people need these items, too."

He wasn't sure whether to be pleased or saddened that conditions behind the barricades were as described. The poor children.

"Thank you for letting us help, Winter. My name is..." he began, hoping his true identity would flow out naturally but it didn't.

"I don't know what my name is. None of us do. We only know that the things out there have to be stopped."

He paused, considered, and risked it.

"Is it possible to have a word in private here? There are things we've learned which we should discuss with you and Captain York, and I hope you can shed some light on our own situation."

Last edited May 26, 2022 8:15 am

May 26, 2022 8:28 am

OOC:

My apologies, I left out a detail regarding her appearance. This should have been included above.

You also notice that upon Winter's chest is pinned an emblem just like the one you previously found in the tank with the ghoul - the emblem of the Ustalav Royal Accusers.

May 26, 2022 7:12 pm

OOC:

Sorry if I wasn't clear before. Iosef would have quietly made sure the party was aware of the contents of the journal and the organization connected to the pins the previous night.
If you want to edit your post with that information in mind, then I'll wait to post after that's done.

May 26, 2022 7:20 pm

With the brim of his hat pulled down even more than usual and habitually tugging at the scruff of beard on his chin, Grim watches and listens. He notices the emblem on Winter's lapel and his eyes narrow. A royal accuser.

Being Varisian and from the region, he knows the significance and prompted by the fellow with the glasses discussion the previous night, Grim had a strange feeling when seeing it again. Almost as if there was something he could almost remember.

OOC:

I dont think I have seen what's in the journal.

Last edited May 26, 2022 7:21 pm

May 26, 2022 8:08 pm

OOC:

Apologies for not stating it explicitly but Axon would definitely have shared the book with the others.

May 26, 2022 9:32 pm

OOC:

I'll get a proper post up after giving Rage a little more time. For now, for Grim and Razhel, here are some highlights of the journal. The others can, at a later time, fill you in with any other details they feel relevant.

- The journal appears to have been written by a Doctor Oathsday who recounts days leading up to current day.
- At first she seems compassionate and kind, then after an incident a few days ago seems to have undergone a change towards cruelty and malevolence
- Some new patients arrived about ten days ago
- There is a hospital administrator by the name of Lassandro
- About three days ago, a group of Royal Accusers showed up, one of which was a woman with strange eyes
- The legibility of the journal entries devolve from there
- Oathsday appears to have been knocked unconscious during an earthquake about three days ago. She had a dream about a 'yellow man' chasing her and killing her, when she awoke she had powers
- A man freed her from the rubble, but she appears to have subdued him and began experimenting on him

May 26, 2022 9:41 pm

OOC:

I've got 2 points to ponder on.

1. Since we know Winter is wearing one of the pins...could she be the womanwith strange eyes?

2. This...Oathsday was rescued by a guy and then she subdued and started slicing & dicing on him...Could she have been the first creature we saw when we woke up?

Last edited May 26, 2022 9:41 pm

May 27, 2022 5:49 am

[ +- ] Meet Winter Klazcka

May 27, 2022 6:12 am

Squadfather44 says:

OOC:

I've got 2 points to ponder on.

1. Since we know Winter is wearing one of the pins...could she be the woman with strange eyes?

2. This...Oathsday was rescued by a guy and then she subdued and started slicing & dicing on him...Could she have been the first creature we saw when we woke up?

OOC:

1. Most likely.
2. He might be the undead in whose tub we found the pin.

Last edited May 27, 2022 6:13 am

May 27, 2022 8:39 am

OOC:

1. Winter is definitely the leader with the strange eyes
2. The mutilated ghoul in the vat was also one of the Accusers (the one who rescued Oathday most likely) Oathday was the doppelganger through whose stuff the journal was found.

May 27, 2022 8:43 am

Razhel was in a bad mood. Well, in even a more bad mood than usual. It was the dawning of a new day and yet she still didn't know who she was. She had read through the material found in the doppelganger's belongings and didn't help her mood at all. Guess she'll just have go kill some more deserving A-holes until she got the answers she needed.

May 27, 2022 9:30 am

Winter Klazcka

Winter's attention is caught by Axon's attempt at an introduction. She frowns as if frustrated and saddened by your situation. She seems to drink in the man's personage and see him now for the first time. "You bear such scars," she says, "that while you may not know who you are, it must be true that you've led a difficult life." She looks to the rest of you. "We all do, I suppose, just some more visible than others. And yes, whatever is out there must be stopped, but even more important is getting past the fog, off this island, and back to Thrushmoor."

At Elias's offer to assist, coupled with Axon's request for a more in depth conversation with the woman, Winter nods slowly and thoughtfully before replying. "You must understand that I am incredibly busy caring for these people. There are not enough hands to do everything that needs to be done. If you have matters to discuss that might benefit our safety, I trust Captain York can take that information and act on it. However, if your offer to help is sincere, it could free some time and all us to share a meal together. Help around the camp for a couple hours and I'll answer your questions. Now go, if you will, and know that you're assistance is appreciated." She bows her head respectfully, turns, and walks a short distance to kneel over a figure curled up on a sleeping mat nearby.

Vaustin York

York engages with your group again. "We really could use the help. Nothing so dangerous as killing monsters, but these people-" he gestures around the room "-they'll die without us. They - I -wouldn't be here right now at all if Winter hadn't pulled us together. I could point you in the right direction, if you intend to help. Otherwise you're welcome to do as you wish."

OOC:

As Elias has already specifically asked what can be done to help, here are the activities York advises they need help with. For Winter to offer a sit down conversation with you of any length and having her full attention, you'll need to collectively complete the following four categories of assistance:

1. Attend Wounded (two survivors need help with their wounds)
2. Calm and Medicate (a patient needs to be calmed down and convinced to take their medicine)
3. Prepare Firewood (splintered furniture and other debris needs to be made into firewood)
4. Prepare Food (the survivors need help making enough food to go around for a later breakfast)

The faster these are done, the more time Winter will have available to answer questions. Please post which task you wish to tackle, if any, in your next post. More information for the task will be given then.

Please also everyone include a Will save in your next post.

[ +- ] Meet Winter Klazcka

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Rolls

Will vs DC 15 - (1d20+7)

(3) + 7 = 10

May 27, 2022 6:18 pm

Elias politely inquires about where the wounded civilians are located. Looking at his companions Elias nods his head and says..I'll see what I can do for the wounded. I'll be there if you need me.

Last edited May 27, 2022 6:18 pm

Rolls

Will save - (1d20+10)

(2) + 10 = 12

May 27, 2022 10:14 pm

"I will help with the breaking of furniture and chopping it up for fire wood." Razhel offers. "I have a lot of issues to work out."

May 27, 2022 10:20 pm

"The scars show I've been through much, yes, but they show I've survived. I feel like we will survive this, too," he said to Winter.

"In the meantime, I'll see if I can help that man."

He looked over the agitated patient a bit then sat down near him.

"Hi. All this has me nervous. How about you?"

Rolls

Will save - (1d20+7)

(2) + 7 = 9

Diplomacy - (1d20+4)

(17) + 4 = 21

Perception - (1d20+1)

(6) + 1 = 7

May 28, 2022 2:00 am

"I will join you, sir knight; But first, Captain York, are there any medical supplies available? Bandages, ointments, anything?" he asked hopefully. "Or, if not here, perhaps there is a medical wing elsewhere we can clear a path to? My hands may be skilled, but without the right tools, limited. And, I am ashamed to say, I seem to have ventured here without any doctoring items of my own."
His immediate concern was healing the wounded, but the hints of where this place they found themselves actually was began him questioning what he had put off earlier. An island near Thrushmoor? Some sort of fog being an impediment to egress? (hopefully not the same from the shared nightmare) Had he heard of this Briarstone Asylum before?

Last edited May 28, 2022 2:07 am

Rolls

Kn. Local? @Briarstone - (d20+6)

(8) + 6 = 14

Kn. History? @Briarstone - (d20+6)

(10) + 6 = 16

Kn. Geography? (untrained) @Briarstone - (d20+2)

(17) + 2 = 19

Will - (d20+6)

(10) + 6 = 16

May 28, 2022 4:45 am

Continuing to play at the scrub on his chin, Grim chimes in. "I guess that leaves kitchen duty for me. I've never been an accomplished cook, but mayhaps I can help put something on the table that will keep the lot us fed and alive for awhile."

May 28, 2022 5:11 pm

Vaustin York

As you indicate how you'd like to help, York points each of you in the right direction. To Iosef's question, he says, "This whole place is a hospital, there are bound to be supplies all over the place, a lot of them probably buried now. But here?" he gestures around you, "This is about all we have. There are some basic items, like what you asked about, over there." He points towards a mat with a person lying on it. "Help yourself."

Grim

There are several small fires set up about the chapel with cooking implements, collected water and basic foodstuffs. As Grim takes stock of the area, he finds several survivors are trying to prepare meals, but their methods are amateurish and wasteful.

OOC:

A DC 15 Survival check and an hour of time from Grim please. If you have any ideas for creative solutions, you may present them first, if you'd like.

Razhel

Splintered furniture and fallen support beams lay heaped in one corner of the chapel. A crowbar and a handaxe are all the survivors have to break the scrap wood apart though.

OOC:

A DC 14 Strength check and an hour of your time, please Razhel. Additionally, please roll a DC 14 Survival check. Feel free to employ any creative solutions, should you have any ideas.

Axon

You are led to where a large-bodied woman is hedging a wiry man into the corner. As you approach, you immediately begin to calm the man down and it seem to be working. The woman relaxes a little but continues to keep an eye on the man.

OOC:

I'll gladly take that awesome diplomacy roll you already threw out there. Just need an hour of your time, strike up a conversation with them.

Iosef and Elias

You're directed to the southern alcove where you find two injured survivors: a young boy with vicious-looking bites all over his body and a woman who appears battered and severely bruised, particularly around one of her arms. Both of the injured survivors lie calmly on mats, as if the very idea of moving hurt. The silent guard from the night before, Mura, sits nearby.

OOC:

As you approach the southern alcove, you find supplies gathered together to make up enough for 2 full Healer's Kits

Elias, I have you helping the woman, Iosef the boy. Each of you please provide a Perception roll. Also, each please roll a DC 15 Heal check for Long Term Care, or provide healing from a different source. As always, I'm open to creative solutions and clever use of your class abilities.

If you go the route of Long Term Care, it will take 8 hours to complete, but we'll work that in without it slowing anything down.

C1NDER sent a note to LoudKid

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

May 28, 2022 5:50 pm

Elias approaches the woman with a reassuring smile. Hey there, I'm here to take a look at your arm that you're holding. You seem to be pretty bruised up..did that happen when this place started to fall apart?

Elias speaks reassuringly to the woman. Striking up small talk, Elias inquires about her name, what she did here and other questions to keep her mind off of the pain and the examination.

As Elias examines the arm, he feels a soft and warm energy flow through him and into the woman's arm and other wounds. As Elias looks on, he sees some of the wounds close up and heal themselves.

Elias isn't sure whose more surprised himself or the woman.

OOC:

Elias will use one application of Lay On Hands. I've been looking fir a way to describehow he discovers that he has that ability.

Rolls

Lay on Hands - (1d6)

(2) = 2

May 29, 2022 1:24 am

Relief and comfort washed over him as his eyes met the disorganized mess of healing accoutrement. A deep-rooted familiarity with the sight immediately put him at ease, moreso than the value of mending injuries that they signified.
His mind clear, he immediately began inspecting the boy's wounds, not only to analyze the surgery ahead of him, but also to make sure there was no infection."Can you speak?" he asked methodically while gingerly lifting limbs and rolling him to his side.

If the boy responded, he'd ask his name, and to describe the events surrounding his injuries. The more information, the better. After the examination, he'd get to work on surgery immediately, but ultimately this would take several hours of his time today.

Last edited May 29, 2022 1:31 am

Rolls

Perception - (d20+7)

(15) + 7 = 22

Heal (Treat Deadly Wounds, -2 kit uses) - (d20+11+3)

(12) + 14 = 26

Heal (Long Term Care, -1 kit use) - (d20+11+2)

(19) + 13 = 32

May 29, 2022 4:36 am

"Attention everyone! I am here to assist with getting us all fed." Grim announces to those in the area, especially the ones attempting to prepare food on their own. "Why don't we work together and see if we can make something that is filling and edible. I am hardly an accomplished cook myself, but times call for all of us to do our best. What say you?"

OOC:

Here goes nothing. Okay, so I didn't poison or kill anyone with my food.

Last edited May 29, 2022 4:39 am

Rolls

Survival - (1d20+2)

(13) + 2 = 15

Diplomacy - (1d20+6)

(15) + 6 = 21

May 29, 2022 5:23 am

She couldn't remember her own name, but Razhel is sure of one thing. She doesn't like taking orders. She viewed the collection of wooden objects with the same hatred she had for monsters and got to it.

Last edited May 29, 2022 5:24 am

Rolls

Strength - (1d20+2)

(4) + 2 = 6

Survival - (1d20+6)

(7) + 6 = 13

May 29, 2022 5:45 am

"It's a lot to take in, isn't it?" he said to the agitated man. "Honestly? I'm doing my best but I'm scared. What makes you feel less scared? Maybe that'll help me, too."

May 29, 2022 10:33 am

Elias

Elias's words seem to ease the woman's anxiety some, the focus of answering his questions maybe allowing her to take her attention away from the pain momentarily. As he looks her over more closely he finds this woman to have a crushed arm and several broken ribs. "Yes sir," she says, "The first wasn't so bad, but all of a sudden everything started falling apart. A wall fell down over me, nearly crushed me to death, I think sir, landed on my chest and pinned my arm. I don't know how I found the strength to get free."

As his hands work over her body, the warm glow emanating from him envelops her body and the bruises disappear almost entirely. "You-you healed me, sir!" She feels at her previously-wounded arm and sits up without even a wince of pain. She throws her arms around Elias's neck and embraces him, "Thank you, thank you." She pulls back and looks him in the eye, "How did you do that, sir? I'm Airwynn. Airwynn Savoia. Who are you?"

Iosef

"Yessir," the boy replies, wincing at Iosef's touch, no matter how gentle the half-elf tries to be, "Ma'name's Bates. I'm a patient here, cuz o' my fits, sir. The doctor's here give me medicine. Used to, anyway. Some of the other patients 'round here started actin' real funny like. I asked 'em to leave me alone, but they started holding me down an' biting at me." True to his words, Iosef has already found the boy's injuries consistent with human bite marks, many of them, ranging from superficial to deep and infected-looking and spanning a majority of his body. Bates starts coughing, his body wracked with pain as his muscles tense. "It hurts sir. It really hurts. I'm lucky I was saved, sir. My guardian angel pulled me out."

Iosef's keen eyes notes that the nearby silent guard, Mura, watches this boy carefully, though she doesn't make it obvious. Iosef gets the feeling its not a coincidence that she sits so close to the boy.

Axon

The man's breathes become less labored and more even. He still seems a little flighty, but he stops pacing and pulling at his hair like before. "My medicine," he says, "my meds usually help."

The female that had cornered the man in calmly walks a little closer. "That's Loic," she says, "and I'm Naysa. What a way with words you have, sir! I've never seen him react so favorably, so quickly, to a stranger." She produces a small vial of blue-greenish liquid. "His medicine," she explains, "It helps with his hallucinations."

As the light flickers and brightens momentarily from a gust of wind, the man, Loic, catches sight of Axon's shadow. He immediately starts shrinking way from Axon in fright. "W-what are you!?" he asks loudly, pointing.

Axon realizes by the look on Naysa's face that she sees the same thing - a deformed, monstrous shadow being cast, if only for a moment, against the backdrop of the chapel. "Your shadow," she says, stopping in her tracks, "What...what was that? Y-your're one of them, arent' you!? One of the monsters from out there?" She assumes a guarded pose. Axon realizes he has only a moment to react before more trouble is caused.

OOC:

Both passed the Will save to spot your shadow (from your drawback, Umbral Umasking). I've had a couple other rolls for it, but I need to be more consistent with it - these are the first passes so far.

Please roll a DC 20 Bluff, Intimidate, or Diplomacy check

Grim

Grim takes charge of the camp's cooking efforts, corralling the various independent people trying to make meals and forming a cohesive plan to combine their efforts and make several different items that, when combined together into a central cookpot, make a rather hardy and tasty stew. Grim himself, gets a taste of it and finds it to his liking. With hope, the rest of the camp will agree.

Razhel

Razhel spends the better part of an hour cutting, and cutting, and cutting, until she has started to build a sizable pile of firewood.

Sometime about halfway through the hour, a man approaches carefully. "Hello miss," he says, "The man with the hat over there said we need to build the fire hotter to make lunch." His eyes pass over her as she works. "I can see you're working hard here, I hate to bother. If I may, in exchange for a couple pieces, I used to chop lots of wood - I can show you something neat with that hand axe, if you'd like."

OOC:

Does Razhel agree to let the man show her his woodcutting technique?

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Rolls

Will Save - (1d20-1, 1d20-1)

1d20-1 : (17) - 1 = 16

1d20-1 : (19) - 1 = 18

May 29, 2022 6:48 pm

His happiness at calming the agitated man turned to fear at the mention of his monstrous shadow. His bodily scars bore witness to the traumas he'd endured but had those traumas been transcendent enough to mar his shadow?

"I wear the scars of dark things because I fight those dark things with my power, just as I fight the dark things from beyond these barricades. You have your medicine to bring you back to reality and strength, Loic, and I have my scars and my light to do the same. The dark may be frightening but it loses power once you understand it, and my scary shade is little more than a trick of the dark easily dispelled by a trick of the light. Don't be afraid. My light only dispels darkness."

የዳንስ መብራቶች

Four opalescent balls of light floated around him to bathe him in light from all angles, hopefully to erase or at least minimize his shadow.

OOC:

While I may have made things worse with the Dancing Lights, I had to try something. Hopefully they can help make that DC less steep. :P

OOC:

Nope. Just made things far, far worse.

Last edited May 29, 2022 6:54 pm

Rolls

Diplomacy - (1d20+4)

(4) + 4 = 8

May 29, 2022 8:58 pm

Razhel squints and takes in the man suspiciously. Reluctantly, she holds out the handle of the hand axe. "Neat, involves a better way to cut the firewood, yes?"

Jun 1, 2022 8:56 am

Axon

Naysa looks as if she is ready to raise an alarm, but seeing Loic grow more and more frantic she decides otherwise. "I think it best you leave now, mister. Just give us some space, I'll get him calmed down the best I can." It is clear by the look on her face that she expects you to leave.

Razhel

After a few moments, the stranger shares what he knows about chopping wood. Most of it doesn't come as surprising knowledge to Razhel, but some of it is at least a little helpful. By the end of the hour she finds that she has produced likely an excess of firewood, maybe even enough to last them through the entire night.

OOC:

The man, spurred to action by Grim's actions in getting the food together, has Aided in your survival check, giving a +1 and raising your result to 14. A success!

Everyone

Winter Klazcka

After about an hour, Winter comes by and asks you all to come sit and have lunch with her. Everyone is served a bowl of the rather delicious stew concocted by the survivors under Grim's direction. You all take seats near her in front of the central altar. "Now," she says, "We have some time to collect ourselves, thanks to your help. I understand you are all amnesiacs, yes? Can't even remember your names? You must have a lot of questions. Please, go ahead - I'll answer what I can."

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Jun 1, 2022 9:19 am

Elias accepts his bowl of stew with a gracious smile and sits down across from Winter. As he listens to her speak, Elias goes silent as he decides on what to ask her. You wouldn't by any chance recognize us or know anything about us?

Jun 1, 2022 4:30 pm

Winter Klazcka

Winter studies each of your faces for a few moments then shakes her head. "No," she says, "Can't say that I do. Though that's not surprising, as I've only arrived here about three days ago myself."

Jun 2, 2022 5:26 am

He hadn't looked anyone in the eye since his disastrous encounter with the nurse and patient. He couldn't remember but he somehow felt his life was often like this: trying to help but blundering spectacularly through a combination of fate and his own failings. Perhaps his scars were wounds which would fester forever. Perhaps he really was some kind of monster inside and out.

"Why did you come?" he asked without looking up from his stew. "Why did you come to this place of the broken and insane?"

Jun 3, 2022 8:24 am

Winter Klazcka

She takes a long pull of soup from her spoon, careful not to eat the hot, rich broth too quickly lest she burn her mouth, or else just to relish its taste. "My associates and I were helping a Royal Accuser investigate strangeness in Thrushmoor," she answers finally, "I was sent on ahead with a small team to this place, so that I might ask some questions of the staff."

Jun 3, 2022 9:55 pm

"This strangeness you mention in Thrushmoor, was there no one in the Sleepless Agency available to assist in this problem?" Grim asks of Winter. "I do remember assisting the Agency as a free-lancer in my past. Oh..I occurs to me now. What year is it?"

Jun 4, 2022 9:26 am

Winter Klazcka

"Your memories are worse off than I thought, to be asking that," she replies, genuine worry on her face. "It is 4717 AR, sir. Would that I could heal maladies of the mind, I would bring this back to you. As for the Sleepless Agency, we were, in fact, working with them in some fashion. The Accuser had met with the head of the Agency just before sending me and the others here. The Sleepless Building in Thrushmoor is our rendezvous point, should I ever get of this accursed island."

OOC:

Good questions so far, everyone - keep them up, she has plenty more to say. Don't hesitate to ask multiple questions, formatting them into your posts the best you can even if it looks a little disjointed. One question at a time works great at a table, but in pbp i can take a long while.

Jun 4, 2022 5:57 pm

"You remember more than I do," he sadly said to Hat.

"What exactly was this strangeness? And you were helping a Royal Accuser. Who do you trust? Who do you serve?"

Jun 4, 2022 7:19 pm

Winter Klazcka

Winter takes another bite of stew. "We came to investigate the count. Haserton Lowls, the count of Versex, appears to have abandoned his duties as one of the nation's rulers. Accuser Omari had reason to believe that Lowls had regular business here at Briarstone. She sent me along with other associates to investigate the asylum while she went on to Thrushmoor."

She levels her eyes at Axon and raises her eybrows. "As to who I trust - not many, but we find ourselves limited on allies, so I'll take who I can. I trust York. He's a fine man, and I've seen him nearly give his life to protect these people here. Together we've vetted everyone the best we can. Otherwise, I trust and serve my sisters and High Mother Thestia, those who tend the Maiden's Choir Cathedral with me in Caliphas." she raises a hand up to gently touch the symbol around her neck. "And Pharasma, of course."

[ +- ] Caliphas - Free Knowledge

[ +- ] Pharasma - Free Knowledge

[ +- ] Thrushmoor - Knowledge (local) or (geography) vs DC 10" (may make untrained if your character is from Ustalav)

[ +- ] Thrushmoor - Knowledge (local) vs DC 20

[ +- ] The Maiden's Choir Cathedral - Knowledge (local) or (religion) vs DC 10

Jun 6, 2022 8:54 pm

"What has caused people to change into monsters?" Razhel asks out of curiosity. "At least one of the doppelgangers was once a doctor here or at least that's what it appears to be."

Jun 6, 2022 10:22 pm

Winter Klazcka

"I don't know. Wherever they came from, they emerged soon after the revolt. What's strange is that some of the patients and asylum staff say that, in the nights before the uprising, they had nightmares of exactly the sorts of things that stalk the halls now."

Jun 7, 2022 2:03 am

"Tell us more of the revolt, please. Do you think it was related to this Count of Versex? And did you discover what business such a man would have on an asylum island?"

Jun 7, 2022 7:52 am

Winter Klazcka

"I’m not entirely sure, but a patient led an uprising. It wasn’t like any riot I’ve ever heard of, though. It was more like a religious movement. Most of the northern halls are now held by robed patients who call themselves Apostles in Orpiment. Those we’ve encountered are fanatically devoted to a patient named Ulver Zandalus." She considers as to the possible connection between these events and the Count of Versex, Haserton Lowls. "To be honest, we didn't get far into our investigation before things came apart here, but it is a mighty big coincidence. I was meant to meet with the head administrator to inquire about some patients that, rumor has it, Lowls personally had committed not long ago. It was just one of the several oddities in his behavior that Accuser Omari wanted to look into."

Jun 7, 2022 8:23 am

Do you know anything about a creature dressed in rags? It seemed to invade our dreams. Elias says as he works on his bowl of stew.

Jun 7, 2022 8:39 am

Grim sqiunts and tugs at his beard. "Recently admitted patients? Any ideas on who these rumored new arrivals were?"

Jun 7, 2022 1:41 pm

Winter Klazcka

"None, unfortunately," Winter replies to Grim. "Dr. Losandro kept putting off meeting with me, then all this -" she gestures around them, "- happened. I never really got to even start asking my questions. Losandro would know, but we fear the doctor lost."

At the mention of dreams she raises her eyebrows. "This is not the first time I've heard mention of a man in rags or strange dreams," she says, "very curious, that. I don't know much, but some of the other survivors say that sick fog outside is from their dreams, and that they keep expecting it to part and reveal a gloomy city vacant of inhabitants, or a man dress in rags. Some have fallen asleep outside the chapel area and have woken screaming. I don't know what it all means, but here in the chapel, the goddess tends our dreams."

She takes another spoonful of the stew, her bowl now nearly empty.

Jun 8, 2022 3:42 am

"The insane man we brought back rambled about Zandalus in fear and adoration, and we have also had such disturbingly vivid dreams. I believe we all even shared the same dream."

He paused and considered for a moment.

"What of rescue? Will anyone ashore in your order come looking for you? Part of me hopes they do not. I shudder to think what they would encounter on the water in this murk. If not, we continue to help each other. How can we best help?"

Jun 8, 2022 7:22 am

Winter Klazcka

"Yes, the man you brought back appears to be one of the Apostles, and the dreams are, shall I say, deeply troubling. Something very unnatural is going on at Briarstone.

At first I hoped Accuser Omari would lead a rescue party out here, but its now been days and I've given up that hope. It's as if the outside world has turned against us. I don't even know if it's just Briarstone Isle, or it's the whole world. The entire hospice is surrounded by some repulsive vapor. Worse, the weather beyond is like nothing I've ever seen - thunder like laughter, rain like blood. And that's to say nothing of the shapes that scamper and flap within, vague forms that know when we sleep. Things are terrible here, but at least here we can see doom coming and try to mount a defense."

She gently spoons the last of her stew into her mouth and swallows while her eyes dance across your faces. "Help, yes. I wish I could tell you more about what's going on, but I do know we can't stay here. We need a way out. All things considered, you seem able enough. If you can find some way for us to escape, some route that doesn't lead straight into that terrible fog, I'll see that the Royal Accusers reward you well."

Her gaze lingers upon Axon. "You have offered your aid, but what of your friends?" Her eyes plead with the lot of you.

Before you have a chance to respond you hear yelling out the eastern door, shouts of "Stop! Stop! Drop the weapon!", followed by sounds of a scuffle in the hallway beyond.

Winter stands quickly. "Come friends," she beckons and hurries to the door.

Jun 8, 2022 7:45 am

With no hesitation in his movement, Elias quickly follows Winter as she heads towards the shouting.

Jun 8, 2022 8:40 pm

"What now?!"

As the others rushed off, he took a moment to whisper and focus.

አስማትን ፈልግ።

With his senses open to the arcane, he looked around the chapel as he followed the others.

OOC:

Detect Magic & Doppelgangers active!

Jun 8, 2022 11:49 pm

Winter rushes through the Eastern doors and into the hallway with York and your group shortly behind her. Ahead of you, you see a dismal and bizarre scene. The yellow-cloaked man of recent topic is slumped on the ground in the hallway, the previously-suspended bed sheets now torn down and partially covering the man's body. Two crossbow bolts protrude from the still body, blood pooling ever closer to a nearby, bloody knife.

Not but a few feet away lies the body of one of the guards. You recognize him as the rotund balding man by the name of Ralf who had been one of the first to greet you at the barricade the day prior. He had been quick to smile, you recall, but the look frozen on his face in death is one of terror.

Three other guards stand nearby, mixed expressions on their faces but none of them looking better for the situation at hand.

Somehow all of this is the least of the spectacle, as far to the end of the eastern hallway is situated some sort of otherworldly parasitism. A mass of stringy, yellow fungus stretches across the stone blocks that line the hallway. At its heart bulges and blinks a watery eye the size of a wagon wheel, a fanged maw at its center.

Vaustin York

"What in the seven hells happened here!?" York demands, his eyes shifting to the guard to his left, "Denman? What happened, man?!"

Denman snaps out of his shock at Captain York's question. "The robed man. He had been quiet the whole night, hardly a word, until just a few minutes ago. We thought he was sleeping, then all of a sudden he was like a caged animal, screaming and shouting that fanatic's name, Zendalus. When Ralf tried to restrain him, he pulled a knife and took Ralf hostage."

One of the other guards, a woman with long blond hair, still holding a crossbow in the direction of the slain man, adds, "He was acting like he was trying to leave through the east door. Don't think he knew about...that thing. We were shouting for him to let Ralf go, then he just cut him open with that knife, and Ralf...Ralf..." She quiets and moves to lean against the wall. York steps forward and puts a hand on her shoulder in comfort.

It's clear the guards had loosed bolts at the man in response.

Winter Klazcka

"Get the bodies," Winter says with the tone of a defeat. "What a shame, he was a nice man. We'll speak of him over dinner tonight and I will pray to Pharasma that he may pass unhindered to the beyond," she says before turning to you.

She points in the direction of the large eye-like thing at the end of the hall. "Well, there is that. The thing growing at the end of the hall...well, there was a door there once. If you find a way to dispose of what's there now, the asylum's entry hall is just beyond. Maybe out there we can find more supplies, and maybe you can find answers. What say you? Will you help us?"

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Jun 9, 2022 12:31 am

Aye...I'll help you. What can you tell us about that...eye? Elias says as he looks at the weird yellow fungus and eye.

Jun 9, 2022 2:08 am

"Dear gods..." he exclaimed as the group came upon the scene. His initial shock quickly subsumed to anger. "I knew that man could not be trusted... wait a moment..."
He moved to the body wrapped in the sheet to inspect it closer. He found it hard to believe that if the guards had kept him bound and under watch he'd be capable of catching them off guard like this.

Last edited June 9, 2022 2:09 am

Rolls

Kn. Local DC 20 (Thrushmoor) - (d20+6)

(15) + 6 = 21

Kn. Religion DC 10 (Cathedral) - (d20+6)

(12) + 6 = 18

Kn. (Vs eye-fungus) Arcana, Dungeon, Religion +6; Planes +7 - (d20)

(10) = 10

Jun 9, 2022 4:45 am

His gaze went over everyone he could see. He had to know if they were still human.

"What fresh horror is this?" he whispered as he looked upon the grotesque eye with his third eye.

Rolls

Knowledge (Arcana) - (1d20+6)

(19) + 6 = 25

Jun 9, 2022 4:49 am

C1NDER sent a note to annex

Iosef carefully moves the sheet in order to inspect the body of the robed man more closely. He confirms the man's hands appear to be no longer secured with manacles.

Winter Klazcka

At Elias's question, Winter sighs, "We have no idea. We've left it alone and it hasn't bothered us. It's just...disturbing. We've tried to keep it covered, so as not to upset the children or any of our more delicate souls. Things are bad enough without that."

Jun 9, 2022 5:01 am

annex sent a note to C1NDER

Jun 9, 2022 5:02 am

C1NDER sent a note to annex

Jun 9, 2022 8:18 am

Grim grabs up his weapons and hurries to find the source of the commotion along with the others. His eyes narrow upon seeing the nightmarish manifestation on the door. He tugs on his beard and rubs his chin. "Most curious. And..it just starting growing there?" He asks.

Last edited June 9, 2022 8:20 am

Rolls

Knowledge (Arcana) - (1d20+6)

(11) + 6 = 17

Jun 9, 2022 8:53 am

Razhel joins in the rush toward the sound. Her eyes immediately go to the thing on the wall and she snarls. "I say we burn it, but might set the whole place aflame."

Jun 9, 2022 2:08 pm

Winter Klazcka

"That's right," Winter replies to Grim. "Two mornings ago, we just found it like this. If anyone gets close, it tries to attack and makes an infernal racket, so we've been leaving it alone."

Upon closer inspection of the surrounding area, Razhel notes the walls are made of stone and there isn't much nearby that might catch fire. As long as some effort was made to control the flames, its unlikely the fire would endanger the building at-large, or hurt the survivors nearby.

OOC:

Everyone trained in Knowledge (Religion) please give me a roll.

Jun 9, 2022 2:17 pm

OOC:

Knowledge: Religion

Rolls

Knowledge: Religion - (1d20+4)

(1) + 4 = 5

Jun 10, 2022 8:04 am

OOC:

Iosef can still make a Knowledge (Religion) check at his leisure; otherwise what do you all wish to do? You have a little room to maneuver here. There is, of course, the eye (lovingly called the Argus Eye in the book btw). There are also rooms to the north that have no been explored, and two rooms along the southern wall of this hallway.

You can interact with any of the NPC's - if there is a mundane item you wish you had grabbed for your PC, we can work out a chance a survivor has it for trade.

Once the Eye is dealt with, we'll be on Part 2 of this Adventure. Things start getting wild after that :)

The guards follow Winter's orders and start to retrieve the bodies of the fallen men. They pull them away to the west, into the chapel, presumably so they can be prepared for eternal rest. Another of the guards hurries to fix the sheets back over the hallway.

Jun 10, 2022 8:27 am

OOC:

I'm up for checking the rooms out and then dealing with the eye.

Jun 11, 2022 7:04 am

OOC:

Explore, then optometry.

Jun 12, 2022 7:28 am

OOC:

Updating and expanding the map to show unexplored areas - let me know where you want to go next. You can freely come and go from the camp now though.

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Jun 14, 2022 5:33 am

"Odious," he scoffed at the eye.

"If there are more provisions beyond that thing, we'll get past it after we look around some more on this side. May I have a word in private, Winter?"

If Winter assented, he would reveal to her his ability to see the auras of shapeshifters and confirm that none are within their camp right now. He will not mention that Glasses also has this ability.

OOC:

Let's start explore the small room at O22 before we go into the larger unknown at N27.

Jun 14, 2022 5:44 am

OOC:

I'll get a proper post taking you to O22 once able, but until then - Axon, I had you down as using Detect Magic twice: once as a quick 1-round read of the whole chapel (which indicated 'yes, there are magical auras', then another 3-round focus eastward into the hall (which indicated the specifics mentioned previously). That is to say, there may be more gleamed in the chapel itself now that you're not rushing to check out a murder scene.

Jun 14, 2022 5:46 am

OOC:

He'll take a few minutes to do a circuit of areas where/when he's not rushed/fighting for his life and sanity.

Jun 15, 2022 8:32 am

C1NDER sent a note to annex

Winter seems pleased with the overall intent seeming to be agreement to align yourselves to the survivor's plight and help find a way off of Briarstone Isle.

Winter Klazcka

Upon Axon's request she steps to the side and speaks with the man, who steps her through his magical survey of the room and halls. "This method of yours...if it works, it's good, but for now it seems a theory. Let me know when you've successfully identified one of these creatures with it. Until then, I will rest easier, but must remain vigilant."

She turns to the others assembled. "Again, thank you for your help, all of you. The meal was one of the best we've had, and likely will be the last decent meal we get, with Ralf gone - he was a member of the kitchen staff here before all this. And we should have enough firewood to burn to keep us going through the night, not to mention all of our seriously wounded are now fully healthy. I had been using all my energy the last few days to triage and heal the worst wounds among them. Now, come the morning, I will pray for the goddess to bless me and shall retain some of her divine power to heal any wounds your group may suffer. Come find me if you need me."

OOC:

Winter is a 2nd Lvl Cleric - her services are at your disposal, should you need them.

As you part from Winter, York and the others, you determine to clear the northern rooms before dealing with the Eye.

Just north of the barricade, you push a door open into another small storage room. Much like the room to the north, the tremors that shook the asylum seem to have ruined several of the racks found here, which at one time likely held cleaning supplies. The air is scented of chlorine and the floor is heaped with rubble, toppled shelves, and broken containers.

OOC:

A casual glance around doesn't show anything of interest here, but you may search more closely if you wish. This will take 5 minutes of time and require a perception check from anyone assisting with the search. Otherwise, let me know what other room you wish to visit next.

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Jun 16, 2022 5:43 am

"Thank you, Winter," he replied then had one last look around the chapel before his amnesiac troupe continued its search for answers and identity.

"We have to be sure this new sight imparted from the demented doctor's notes actually works," he told the others. "Winter needs to be certain... as do we all. Unfortunately, that means actually encountering one of the things in human form again."

With the newfound phylactery strapped tight, he looked over the small room with both his normal and arcane senses.

Rolls

Pharasma - (1d20+6)

(10) + 6 = 16

Desna - (1d20+6)

(15) + 6 = 21

Perception (storage room) - (1d20+1)

(5) + 1 = 6

Jun 16, 2022 8:22 am

Razhel goes along, but doesn't seem very keen on hashing through the dregs of the area in search of what?

Jun 16, 2022 8:02 pm

Grim holds his crossbow at the ready, as the door to the small room is opened and only slightly lowers it when nothing happens. "Nothing to see here. Shall we continue our sweep across the hall?" He gestures to the door unopened (N27).

Jun 16, 2022 8:36 pm

"Every little thing could help us and those poor people," he said, intent on finding something useful. If not, he'd sigh and continue to the next door and the unknown beyond.

Jun 16, 2022 9:16 pm

A quick search won't take that long. Perhaps we can find some supplies for these people. Elias says as he steps in to do a quick look around.

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+2)

(2) + 2 = 4

Jun 17, 2022 3:45 am

C1NDER sent a note to annex

Searching the rubble-filled storage room reveals little you might make use of. After several moments poking around, you head across the hall and open the door found along the western wall.

Mighty iron boilers crowd the room here, their pipes piercing the walls and ceiling. Shadows and rust fill the narrow gaps between the cold tanks.

[ +- ] Knowledge (Engineering) vs DC 15

As you make your way into the room, Grim, Axon, and Iosef see a faint glow emanating from beneath a boiler toward the rear of the room.

C1NDER sent a note to LoudKid

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Jun 17, 2022 4:40 am

He raised a hand to get the others' attention then pointed with the other at the glow beneath the boiler.

አስማትን ፈልግ።

As he reached out to feel the anagogic auras in the room, he felt less useless than before. He now had a vital skill, one he shared with Glasses, even if he wasn't the strongest or the deadliest with a weapon.

Jun 17, 2022 5:14 am

OOC:

Axon detects no signs of magic in that direction.

Jun 18, 2022 6:58 am

"Well, there is definitely something under the boiler." Grim says crouching down for a better look. he reaches out with his mind and attempts to grab whatever is producing the glow.

OOC:

Using mage hand

Last edited June 18, 2022 7:01 am

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+7)

(16) + 7 = 23

Jun 18, 2022 7:39 am

"It doesn't seem magical," he added.

Jun 18, 2022 8:47 pm

As Grim reaches out to magically manipulate the source of the glow, you notice the glow disappear for a moment, only to reappear a second later. It seems to move in the shadows.

C1NDER sent a note to Equinox

Jun 18, 2022 9:42 pm

Careful..it seemed to move a little bit. Elias says as he watches the others.

Jun 19, 2022 2:00 pm

Razhel looks on as Grim tries to ascertain what is beneath the boiler. She is ready, with fists and a blade.

Jun 19, 2022 2:30 pm

"There's something definitely moving around under there." Grim reveals to the others. "Be on your guard."

Jun 20, 2022 5:40 am

Whatever lies behind the broiler seems content to remain a mystery at this time. Those gathered are left to wonder: should they approach and inspect more closely, or let well enough alone and explore other areas?

Should you stay, or should you go?

Inspect more closely, or

Vote to view results.

Move on to the next unexplored area?

Vote to view results.

(or no preference?)

Vote to view results.

Jun 20, 2022 4:13 pm

OOC:

I have an idea. Let's let those who want to inspect more closely do that, while those who don't leave the area?

Jun 20, 2022 4:28 pm

OOC:

Sure works for me, especially considering the current tie! I'll edit this into a proper post ASAP.

Jun 21, 2022 8:37 am

As some of you exit back into the hallway to leave, one of you approaches the boiler and the glow emanating from behind it. As you get closer, the glow blinks out again for the briefest of moments when you realize that what you are seeing are the blinking of luminescent, otherworldly eyes, a pair of them clearly seen now as you draw nearer. No longer content to hide, the source of the glow rushes out from the pipes.

While two of the three creatures that attack appear to be nothing more than oversized rodents of a typical variety, the third is a strange amalgam of beastly appendages and features: aside from the luminous eyes, it sports a rat’s tail, simian appendages, and tendrils extending from a mole-like nose. Though smaller than the rats, the creature maneuvers carefully, allowing its larger brethren to take the front.

[ +- ] Creature Images

OOC:

Okay, initiative order is posted below - Axon and Grim can go first, then the enemies, then everyone. Since I don't know who intended to approach the creatures and who was planning on leaving, I'll just leave it up to each of you to include in your next post the coordinates for which square you end your turn on.

[ +- ] Initiative Order

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Rolls

Enemy Initiative - (1d20+3)

(9) + 3 = 12

Grim - Initiative - (1d20+2)

(13) + 2 = 15

Razhel - Initiative - (1d20+5)

(5) + 5 = 10

Axon - Initiative - (1d20+3)

(15) + 3 = 18

Elias - Initiative - (1d20)

(1) = 1

Iosef - Initiative - (1d20)

(12) = 12

Jun 21, 2022 4:48 pm

"Even the rats?!" he shouted as he stepped back. የፍላር ፍንዳታ

Light burst around the rat things, threatening to overload their eyes and their vocal cords!

OOC:

Flare Burst!
All creatures in a 10-foot-radius burst from the target point are dazzled for 1 minute unless they make a successful DC 16 Fortitude save. Sightless creatures, as well as creatures already dazzled, are not affected by flare burst.
In addition from my bloodline... One affected target that fails its save suffers the choking airlessness of the void, silencing it (as silence, but affecting only the target) for 1 round. Order of silencing preference: star nosed rat > others.

Jun 23, 2022 9:08 am

OOC:

I'll give it another 24 hours or so for Grim before I move us forward :)

Jun 23, 2022 9:14 am

Grim hears the sounds behind him and turns to see the rats and whatever it is scurrying out to attack. He takes a shot with his crossbow and continues through the open doorway and back into the long hall.

OOC:

Ending in N26

Rolls

Crossbow attack - (1d20+3)

(1) + 3 = 4

Damage - (1d8)

(3) = 3

Jun 24, 2022 9:02 am

Grim's crossbow bolt sails over the creatures and plinks off the wall somewhere in the back of the room just as Axon causes a magical mote of light to burst around them. The two large rats seem to reel back from the light and their footing seems off, while the tentacle-faced rodent-thing seems unaffected. Both rats move their mouths to shriek at the sudden light, but only one of them makes a sound.

The two large rats move forward to bite at Elias, but both of them fail to make contact with the man's skin as he brushes them aside with a parry. The other creature paces in the back, as if contemplating whether it was wise to enter this fight any further.

OOC:

Alright, everyone is up and can post actions now. Please include your coordinates with your post. Where did Axon land after his last turn? Info for the creature is posted below for anyone that can make the knowledge check.

[ +- ] Knowledge (Arcana) DC 16

[ +- ] Creature Images

[ +- ] Initiative Order

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Rolls

Secret Roll

Rat Attacks - (1d20+1, 1d20+1)

Jun 25, 2022 7:22 am

Razhel had moved to the doorway to guard against anything escaping into the hallway and possibly going south to the barricade, she seeing Grim on her heels and steps right through the open doorway, so as not to obstruct they egress of her companions. She holds her blade at the ready in full defense, unless the critters attempt to come into the hallway and will then attack them.

OOC:

Ending up in N28

Last edited June 28, 2022 9:13 am

Jun 25, 2022 7:28 am

He had stayed put, sure that Hat was the better option to take a closer look, and now the rat-things weren't just in the walls.

OOC:

Not moving.

Jun 25, 2022 7:46 am

OOC:

Grim and Razhel are hitting the hallway for defensive positions. Is Axon not taking any actions at all this round? (no attacks or movement or anything?)

What is Iosef and Elias doing?

Jun 25, 2022 8:01 am

OOC:

Mi scusi. I meant that for the last round. Doing this round now...

ጥቁር ሜትሮይትስ he chanted to bring down a stream of cold starlets onto the star-nosed rat-thing! Once that was done, he retreated from the room but kept the rats in his sights.

OOC:

Star-nosed rat-thing (I shall name it Zoogie ^_^ ) must make a DC 15 Reflex Save or take the cold damage below. If Zoogie fails, it is also silenced for 1 round.
Moving to O27.

Rolls

Black Motes cold damage - (1d4+1)

(4) + 1 = 5

Jun 26, 2022 8:34 pm

OOC:

Still need actions from @Equinox,@Squadfather44,@LoudKid

Jun 27, 2022 5:27 am

OOC:

I apoligize. I thought we were still in the first round and Grim acted near the top of the order.

Grim holds his position and fires another bolt.

Last edited June 27, 2022 5:29 am

Rolls

Crossbow attack - (1d20+3)

(8) + 3 = 11

Damage - (1d8)

(5) = 5

Jun 27, 2022 1:52 pm

Elias draws his sword and moves up to the closest creature. Once in position, he attacks the rat-like creature.

OOC:

Atticus will move to I28

Last edited June 27, 2022 1:53 pm

Rolls

Attack - (1d20+3)

(5) + 3 = 8

Damage - (1d8+1)

(7) + 1 = 8

Jun 28, 2022 8:01 am

Iosef takes a shot with his crossbow and backs into the hallway, retreating past Razhel and Grim. It clatters away amongst the pipes, failing to hit the creature he was aiming at.

Razhel holds back in the hallway, securing an exit and defending against any attacker that wishes to pursue those leaving the room.

As the rats attempt to pursue those in the hallway, Elias steps forward to meet them directly. He swings but his sword is unable to find purchase.

Grim's crossbow bolt again sails into the distance past the creatures.

Axon uses his magic to call down icy meteorites from nowhere, appearing miraculously from the very air of the room and hurling as missiles towards the bizarre creature in the back. They pummel into it, beating against its skin like stones striking a wet mattress. It screeches in pain.

The rats bear down on Elias while the creature in the back circuits its way north of the room towards the doorway. It seems to have noted the source of the icy hail that struck it moments ago and is keen to pay Axon back.

Elias is able to turn both the rats' attacks against him away with the use of his sword, just barely managing to avoid the second creature's bite with surprising grace.

Iosef loads and releases another crossbow bolt at the tiny creature now chasing them into the hallway. "It's a zoog!" he says pointedly, "That creature there is not of this world - vicious and smarter than it looks, be wary!" The crossbow bolt, yet again, goes wide and fails to connect.

OOC:

Razhel may make an attack against the odd creature as it is now within her range and she was holding an action.

Iosef's next action is included above. Everyone else may now go (including Razhel again).

I fear we may have lost LoudKid - he hasn't logged in for nearly 2 weeks and he hasn't responded to my PM. I'll assume to bot Iosef for the time being.

SquadFather - I forgot to move the rats forward from the last round as described in the narrative, so I did it now. I put you there on the map, but if you prefer to be on I28, I can move you there instead - let me know :)

[ +- ] Knowledge (Arcana) DC 16

[ +- ] Creature Images

[ +- ] Initiative Order

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Rolls

Iosef Crossbow Attack + DMG - (1d20, 1d8)

1d20 : (4) = 4

1d8 : (8) = 8

Other Creature Reflex Save vs DC 15

Iosef Knowledge (Arcana) - (1d20+6)

(20) + 6 = 26

Rats Bite vs Elias

Rats Damage

Iosef Crossbow Attack + DMG - (1d20, 1d8)

1d20 : (9) = 9

1d8 : (8) = 8

Jun 28, 2022 9:16 am

"Oh no you don't!" Razhel growls and thrusts her rapier at the zoog. She strikes it again, stabbing the eerie little bastard twice.

OOC:

I think that's a total of 11 hps of damage.

Last edited June 28, 2022 9:24 am

Rolls

Rapier Attack - (1d20+4)

(10) + 4 = 14

Damage - (1d6+2)

(2) + 2 = 4

Rapier Attack - (1d20+4)

(19) + 4 = 23

Damage - (1d6+2)

(5) + 2 = 7

Crit confirmation - (1d20+4)

(8) + 4 = 12

Jun 29, 2022 5:49 am

ጥቁር ሜትሮይትስ

Once more meteors materialized over his target, he none too heroically moved behind Hat and Glasses.

OOC:

Zoogie must make a DC 15 Reflex Save or take the cold damage below. If Zoogie fails, it is also silenced for 1 round.
If Zoggie's already dead, please switch the attack to Rat J27.
Moving to O25.

Rolls

Black Motes cold damage - (1d4+1)

(1) + 1 = 2

Jun 29, 2022 8:36 am

Razhel taunts the horrid little creature and thrusts her rapier into it. It shrieks in pain and looks like it might attempt to flee. "Fitay zvartha!" it cries out as Razhel swiftly stabs at it a second time, the point of her thrusting blade piercing its skull and ending its life in an instant.

[ +- ] (Translation: Aklo)

Seeing this creature fall, Axon calls forth his magic once more, raining meteorites of freezing rock onto one of the rats engaged with Elias. The creature, through a mix of reflexes and sheer luck, manages to escape even the tiniest of fragments, living at least a little longer this day.

OOC:

The zoog is indeed dead! Great rolls, Rage! We'll wait for actions from Elias and Grim for this round before moving to the rats once more.

Rolls

J27 Rat vs DC 15 Reflex Save

Jun 29, 2022 9:07 am

Elias renews his attack on the rat-like creature.

Rolls

Attack - (1d20+3)

(19) + 3 = 22

Damage - (1d8+1)

(6) + 1 = 7

Jun 29, 2022 9:16 am

OOC:

Elias threatens a crit! Go ahead and roll again - on a 14 or better it goes through and you do double damage.

Edit: on the other hand, 7 is enough to kill the rat - I say still roll to confirm. You may narrate the kill if you'd like - extra spectacular if the crit goes through?

Jun 29, 2022 11:09 am

OOC:

Critical confirm...

Rolls

Crit confirm - (1d20+3)

(4) + 3 = 7

Jun 29, 2022 4:47 pm

Elias's longsword flashes through the air, slicing the rat in twain. The lone remaining, giant rodent stands before the knight, now dangerously outnumbered.

OOC:

One remaining enemy at J27 and Grim is up.

Jun 29, 2022 7:50 pm

Grim sees the last rat scurrying and fires his crossbow, hoping to pin the varmit to the floor.

Rolls

Crossbow attack - (1d20+3)

(12) + 3 = 15

Damage - (1d8)

(2) = 2

Jun 30, 2022 8:42 am

Grim's crossbow bolt sinks into the flank of the remaining rat. It screeches in pain and turns to flee in fear of the defenders.

As it attempts to get away, Iosef fires off another crossbow bolt towards it, this one also lodging itself deep into the rat's hide and bringing it motionless to the ground. "I...I got one!" Iosef announces with some amount of glee, "I suppose it was bound to happen eventually, in spite of my talents seeming to lie elsewhere." He steps closer to the rat's body and nudges it with his boot, confirming the kill.

Upon looking more closely, and with the rodents now gone, Elias sees a mess of torn cloth, wire, and other debris back near the pipes. Though not easily accessible, you're able to find within it two unused sunrods and a small vial with the word 'antiplague' scrawled neatly upon the label.

[ +- ] Treasure

OOC:

I fast tracked the inevitable ending of that, hope you don't mind. Combat is over, all rooms north of the barricade have been explored. Where to and what would like to do next?

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Jun 30, 2022 7:10 pm

OOC:

We could check the area at the south end of the long hallway.

Jun 30, 2022 10:20 pm

OOC:

Good idea..

Jul 1, 2022 3:07 pm

You head south and open the door into the room at the far end of the long hallway. A nest of cushions and linens squeezes between this room's rear wall and a battered desk covered in folded paper animals. A sculpted emblem of a spiraling comet overlooks the otherwise ransacked room.

Sitting in the corner are three figures: a man wearing a hodgepodge of leather armor and a dagger at his hip and two children, both seemingly intent on creating more of the aforementioned paper animals. They all look up at you as you enter and the man stands, bowing his head.

"Good day," he says, extending his hand, "My name's Tolman. I saw you earlier with Winter in the chapel and hear you're responsible for killing the monsters that have plagued the halls of this hospital. Thank you for that."

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Jul 2, 2022 3:53 am

After some apprehension, he took the 'zoog'.

"Winter should see this creature," he said.

At the next room, he let the others go ahead as he intoned, አስማትን ፈልግ።

With his arcane vision attuned, he looked around the room and its occupants.

Jul 2, 2022 4:22 am

Axon senses no magical auras in this room.

Jul 2, 2022 4:46 am

"You're welcome, Tolman. I'm..." he started, again hoping his name would reflexively follow but it didn't. "I'm just glad to help. And who are you, little ones?"

Jul 2, 2022 9:22 pm

Brenton Lieklan

At being addressed, one of the children, a small boy, reaches to grab a nearby shadow lantern and pulls it closely, dropping an origami orchid he's been working on in doing so. "M-my name's Brenton," he says timidly, "Brenton Lieklan." He snatches the papercraft orchid back and holds it close to himself, watching you closely, a nervous look in his eye.

Maeve Kostenbau

The other child, a girl, stops working on some sort of animal she's trying to recreate and uses her free hand to pull herself closer to Tolman. Her lips tremble looking at you, but she suddenly seems to lose interest altogether. She stares up at Tolman's face, pleading, "Tohmen, when can we go pay outside? I don't wanna pay in here anymore. Pease can we pay outside soon?"

Tolman Leolies

"Not today," Tolman says gently, pointing at her origami, "that's a pretty horse you're making there, Maeve. What's the next step? do you remember?"

He looks back to your group. "Sorry about that. Poor Maeve here must have seen some terrible things when the violence erupted - she never acted below her age before the riot. One of the orderly's pulled her out of a pretty bad situation, as I understand it." He gestures to the boy, "And Brenton - he did fine, better than most, before all this happened. He had his big brother here protecting him. Not many patients had family here with them. Good kids, but his brother Debis went missing when all this started and now the boy is terrified at every shadow.

Winter has me bring the kids here most days - all the people and noise in the chapel stresses them out." He gently gives Maeve a one-armed squeeze to comfort her.

Brenton Lieklan

"We can't sleep here though," Brenton says pointedly, "or we'll get nightmares."

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Jul 2, 2022 9:51 pm

His heart ached at the children's plight. Adults being forced to experience all this madness was bad enough but young ones? He decided not to add to their waking terror by going any further inside, both because of his monstrous shadow and his scars.

"We... We have nightmares, too, but we try to stay brave. You have to stay brave, Brenton. You, too, Maeve."

Jul 4, 2022 9:05 am

Brenton Lieklan

"You should sleep in the chapel, with us then," Brenton says, "We don't have nightmares when we sleep in there."

Tolman Leolies

Tolman laughs nervously. "Like our friend said, I'm sure our friends are very brave and needn't worry about such things."

OOC:

Everyone, please roll for Sense Motive with your next post.

Jul 4, 2022 10:11 am

Elias smiles as he watches the kids. Looking over at Maeve, Elias watches her as she works on her creation. What do you like to play when you're outside? Elias asks politely.

Rolls

Sense Motive - (1d20+7)

(7) + 7 = 14

Jul 4, 2022 6:22 pm

"Talking helps me to not be afraid sometimes. What do scares you in those dreams, Brenton?"

He was loathe to make the children relive night terrors but the information might be useful.

Rolls

Sense Motive - (1d20+1)

(4) + 1 = 5

Jul 4, 2022 8:06 pm

Razhel remains in the back of the group, as the opening door reveals the children. She can only imagine how nightmarish she and some of her unnamed companions appear to these two small ones.

Rolls

Sense Motive - (1d20+6)

(5) + 6 = 11

Jul 5, 2022 10:17 pm

"We should keep moving." Grim suggests. "Finding a way to get through that aberration on the door outside is going to be a challenge I suspect."

Rolls

Sense Motive - (1d20+7)

(6) + 7 = 13

Jul 6, 2022 10:49 pm

Maeve Kostenbau

"I-I don't know," the girl's answers the nice-looking man that addressed her. "I like to look at the butterflies," she after a few moments, then buries her face in Tolman's clothing again.

Brenton Lieklan

"The nightmares? Same as most," Brenton looks more reserved in his answer to Axon, "sometimes of different things, frightful things, but always he comes - the yellow man with the scarred face. We all see him, if we don't sleep inside the chapel."

Iosef Cosmol

Iosef shifts his feet, "I agree with Hat-man. I'd like to take a closer look at the thing. I believe it to be a haunt, a sort of manifestation of spiritual energy. We should be careful, as they can take on many forms and some can be quite deadly."

OOC:

There is a door to the east in this room, which you surmise likely connects to the same room as the other closed door in the hallway. Then, of course, there's the eye.

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Jul 6, 2022 11:06 pm

OOC:

I say give a quick look at the other room. Then we can concentrate fully on the eye.

Jul 7, 2022 2:24 am

Elias and those who join him step into a smaller room to the east. Here, candles array themselves before a violet wall hanging embroidered with the shape of a spiraling comet. A wall of bars divides the room, locking away a row of filing cabinets to the east. The cramped space on the other side of the door appears accessible via a squat door of singing bars. A tug at the door finds it securely locked.

Tolman Leolies

"That's Chaplain Setrakian's private shrine," Tolman says from behind you. "We've kept it unspoiled, hoping the chaplain will return, though as the days pass we lose hope."

OOC:

The door would require a successful DC 20 Disable Device check to unlock or a DC 25 Strength check to break it. Otherwise, it has Hardness 10 and 15 HP - it would be a loud, grueling process to try and beat at it to break it that way.

There likely would be a key somewhere.

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Jul 8, 2022 8:23 am

"Any ideas how we get rid of this haunt." Razhel asks Iosef.

Jul 8, 2022 8:53 pm

Iosef Cosmol

Iosef pushes the glasses up the ridge of his nose. "Well, they're said to be near limitless in how they present themselves, and each unique, but they all have some means by which they can be ultimately banished. Of course, that could be anything - beating it down with an axe, or even, uh, singing it a lullaby. They're sentient, to an extent - the spiritual remnants of a maligned spirit. It will want something."

Jul 8, 2022 9:27 pm

Grim closes to the door and makes an attempt to pick it open, but his skills appear rusty.

Last edited July 8, 2022 9:28 pm

Rolls

Disable Device - (1d20+7)

(2) + 7 = 9

Jul 8, 2022 9:38 pm

Elias watches as the attempts to open the door fail. Eh, perhaps well find a key to fit the lock. Looking around Elias joins the others as they discuss the eye.

Jul 8, 2022 9:54 pm

He joined in the effort to find the key, still trying to stay away from the young ones as best he could.

Rolls

Perception - (1d20+1)

(9) + 1 = 10

Jul 9, 2022 11:03 am

Tolman Leolies

Tolman watches Grim and Axon searching and attempting to bypass the lock on the barred door. "I-I have the key," he says, "found it shortly after Winter had me start holing up in here with the kids. Like I said though, we've put off ransacking the shrine, out of respect that his holiness may return. He left two days ago north of the barricade with his backpack and supplies, hoping to do away with the monsters. He was convinced they were people - our colleagues and patients - twisted and malformed."

Jul 10, 2022 12:31 am

"We won't ransack anything but we must use every resource at hand to survive. Those people out there, the ones still normal or not, need our help," he said. "We only have each other now."

If Tolman handed it over, he'd open the door.

OOC:

No jump scares! :P

Jul 10, 2022 1:24 am

OOC:

Axon may make a Diplomacy roll for this

Jul 10, 2022 1:37 am

OOC:

Can you assist on a Persuasion roll?

Jul 10, 2022 2:08 am

"Let's see what we can find," he said, "together."

Rolls

Diplomacy - (1d20+4)

(14) + 4 = 18

Jul 10, 2022 2:19 am

OOC:

Never mind...lol, that was a good roll.

Jul 11, 2022 8:27 am

Tolman Leolies

Tolman looks at Axon for several long moments then slowly nods his head. "Yes, I suppose you're right." He puts a hand in one of his pockets and draws forth a small silver key. "Just, please keep the shrine itself intact. Be respectful. If there's anything that can aid you, take it - the Gods know we are in dire need of all the help we can get right now."

Taking the key, Axon is able to fit it into the lock and open the small iron-barred door. As was previously visible, on the other side of the bars is the small shrine itself and several cabinets. One cabinet holds three deep purple cleric's vestments, a clean leather lash, and a box.
Inside the box you find: three scrolls and a wand.

Otherwise, you also find hundreds of files documenting past patients and a subset of Briarstone's current population.

If someone seeks to detect magic upon the found items, each of the four items in the box emanate auras.

[ +- ] Loot

Iosef Cosmol

"Once the items are brought forth, Iosef squints at them through his spectacles, studying them closely. "May I see the wand?" he asks. He turns it over. "Hmm..." he says, then hands it back to Axon. "No idea - what do you make of it?"

"As for this haunt, let's see what we can learn of it. As I mentioned, it is a supernatural disturbance of sorts. I could try to speak with it." As you get closer, the sounds of faint sobbing become louder.

"H-hello there, why are you crying?" The sobbing continues without any indication of stopping. The half-elf looks back at the others, "Any ideas?"

[ +- ] Map

[ +- ] Status Tracker

[ +- ] Fear Tracker

Rolls

Iosef - Spellcraft vs DC 17 - (1d20+7)

(7) + 7 = 14

Iosef - Diplomacy vs Argus Wall - (1d20+1)

(9) + 1 = 10

Jul 11, 2022 5:36 pm

He looked over the wand, handled it carefully, and focused on the magic within.

"Its purpose eludes me for now. Most likely a wand of healing if it's with these other curatives."

Last edited July 11, 2022 6:28 pm

Rolls

Spellcraft - (1d20+6)

(8) + 6 = 14

Jul 11, 2022 5:50 pm

OOC:

After a full night's rest, Iosef and Axon can attempt to identify it again.

Jul 11, 2022 6:26 pm

While others fawn over the items found in the cabinets of the shrine, Razhel spends her time searching through the patient files, focusing on the one that have been segregated as current.

Jul 11, 2022 7:59 pm

Razhel rifles through the files for current patients. She finds some files marked clearly with the names of some survivors your group have met in the chapel, but there seem to be nothing in this collection of papers regarding mysterious patients with amnesia, or of anyone matching your descriptions. She does note that the most recent patients on record in these papers were checked into the sanitarium about 3 weeks ago.

Jul 11, 2022 8:04 pm

OOC:

Would there be mention of a Zandalus we keep hearing about, the one who Sees?

Jul 12, 2022 12:25 am

[quote="C1NDER"]

Razhel flips back through the pages, now looking for any mention of the name Zandalus, which you've heard more than once now (several times from the raving, yellow-robed prisoner of the doppelganger, and from Winter, mentioned in passing).

The records themselves tell some little bit about him. It mentions that he was checked into Briarstone Asylum in 4687 AR (at this point decades ago). He had been a promising protégé of a doctor from a place called the Sincomakti School of Sciences out of Rozenport. After returning from a venture with that doctor, Ulver Zandalus began suffering terrifying nightmares and lost many facets of his mental functions, including his ability to speak. He was checked into Briarstone and has been under the direct care of one of the asylum's head doctors, Eliege Losandro (of note, the same Losandro that was most recently the head administrator for this institution).

It notes that Losandro had some success in implementing art threapy to Zandalus's schedule to help calm and distract him during the day, the man remains skittish in the evenings, and fearful of sleep, often waking in the middle of the night screaming unintelligibly.

There is a vague description of the man as well - medium height, thin build, long white hair, steel-grey eyes.

Jul 12, 2022 4:26 am

Since he wasn't getting anywhere with the wand today, he decided to help Glasses with the eye. The irony was not lost on him.

He looked at the eye and said, "Zandalus."

Jul 12, 2022 10:28 am

The eye blinks back at Axon. The sobbing, gentle and constant, continues.

Jul 14, 2022 2:28 am

"That would be too easy," he said then looked around for an unattended piece of cloth or paper.

ማጅ እጅ

He pointed his finger at the detritus, commanded it to rise and go to the eye. He swung his finger side to side and wiped the tears away.

"I'm sorry. It'll be alright. How can we help you?"

He felt ridiculous but he'd try approaching the eye as a person for now despite it being a haunted manifestation.

OOC:

Mage Hand!

Last edited July 14, 2022 2:29 am

Jul 15, 2022 8:34 am

As the words leave Axon's mouth the sobbing stops momentarily, cut by the sudden cries of anguish as the teeth at the center of the eye grow larger. Once it appeared as more a reflection upon the surface of the pupil, the teeth now become a physical extension of the haunt, lashing outwards and tearing into the detritus and ripping it apart. Axon's spell ends as the object becomes dozens of objects in a moment's time and they fall to the floor. "Who am I become?!" it wails in three overlapping, drowned-sounding voices. Smoke hisses as the tears start steaming from the surface where they drip downwards, a heavy smell of ammonia in the air.

Jul 15, 2022 10:44 pm

Razhel backs away from the strangeness. If it wasn't bad enough before, now its dripping tears that smell like cat piss.

Jul 16, 2022 1:43 am

OOC:

I know mysteries and puzzles like this can break up pacing, which isn't ideal, especially in PbP, (it's not like we can spitball ideas around the table with any kind of speed) and I don't want to bottleneck this unnecessarily, as there's more exciting stuff ahead! Let's have the PC's try a 1-2 more possible solutions to get around this and if you want I can use Iosef to help more directly with the solution.

Jul 16, 2022 1:51 am

"Who were you before?" he asked. "Why were you changed?"

Jul 16, 2022 1:59 am

The sobbing continues as the teeth retract and disappear upon the reflective surface of the giant eyeball. It says no more words in response to Axon's questions.

Jul 16, 2022 2:35 am

"What have you become? You are an eye. You see. What have you seen?"

Jul 16, 2022 3:52 am

Still getting no answer, Axon feels notheless that he is on the right track.

Jul 16, 2022 3:56 am

"It seems repelled by the sight of its own hideousness." Grim states from his observation of the fangs retracting in the reflection of the eye. "I have and idea. Beauty in the eye of the beholder. Does anyone have a piece of glass or a mirror?"

Last edited July 16, 2022 3:57 am

Jul 16, 2022 3:57 am

"That might work."

He shrugged and added while a mirror was searched for, "Close your eye."

OOC:

After that, I draw a blank for tonight. :P

Last edited July 16, 2022 3:58 am

Jul 16, 2022 4:01 am

OOC:

Check the loot thread :)

Jul 16, 2022 4:10 am

"Wait... Here!" he said as he pulled a small steel mirror from his pack and gave it to Hat.

OOC:

And here I was thinking telling it to close itself might make it go away. :P

Jul 16, 2022 4:26 am

Grim accepts the mirror and grips it carefully in the palm of his hand. He holds the reflective surface toward the eye thing and moves slowly forward. "See! This is what you have become!"

Jul 16, 2022 7:57 pm

Grim holds the mirror up and the eye begins to shudder violently. The weeping grows louder, more frantic, then the eye and surrounding fungus wither away before your very eyes. Once it disappears completely, the brick wall it was growing on crumbles apart into a pile of rubble in the hallway, which then turns to dust.

Beyond where the haunt stood, there is now a simple, ordinary doorway. The wooden door is shut.

OOC:

Well done, friends! I've read a ton online about what different groups have done to get past the Eye, and many have spent a lot of time doing wacky stuff before they figured out the reflection deal. You all actually figured it out pretty quick.

Beyond this door lies the next section of the asylum, and Part 2 of the Adventure - "The Dead Don't Dream". Congrats on finishing the first part.

Everyone please add 1 Hero Point to your character sheets. A hero point can be used in several different ways. The rules for hero points can be found here.

Feel free to react here to the eye being destroyed. I'll get a new thread up soon to kick off Part 2 as the door is opened.

Jul 16, 2022 10:11 pm

"Nicely done, Hat," he encouraged. "I feel that whatever else lies beyond isn't going to be so easily dispelled."

ማጅ ጋሻ

Spectral armour appeared briefly around him as he warded himself against some physical harm for a while.

"Did you find anything noteworthy in the notes?" he asked Dragon Eyes.

OOC:

Ooooh. These hero points are quite versatile. I like.
Casting Mage Armor. AC = 15 for 2 hours.

Last edited July 16, 2022 10:13 pm

Jul 16, 2022 10:50 pm