LoF: The Carrion King; Securing Kelmarane

[Duniagdra]

OUT-OF-CHARACTER:    Does the tangle foot bag, which fell into F-10, present a problem now for Kroft? Will it interfere or hinder him stepping into that space to attack?

OUT-OF-CHARACTER:    Yes, for the duration of its effect.

[tdsprouse]

Simi swings hard at the foul creature, striking an already open wound. Atk Demon (1d20+9=28, 1d8+3=7) - Confirm Crit (1d20+9=26, 1d8+3=7)

ACTIVE EFFECTS & CONDITIONS for Simi    Lay on Hands: 5/6 Smite Evil: 0/2 Action Points: 7? Spells: 1/1

 

OUT-OF-CHARACTER:    Duni - i think your using Simi at 3rd lvl. Didnt we lvl to 4 recently? I show him to have 45 HP, and +9 to hit.

[larenee]

With one side of the enemy obstructed and a new creature soon to be arriving ont eh other side, Kroft has to switch tactics. He runs back around the rock and picks up his bow (at D-12).

[Duniagdra]

OUT-OF-CHARACTER:    Waiting on Scully. Will someone be covering Erin? This is the second or third time I'm asking. I'm looking for a new player, but I figured that one of you might be willing to cover her to give yourselves one extra chance in beating this thing?

[admin]

OUT-OF-CHARACTER:    Waiting on Scully. Will someone be covering Erin? This is the second or third time I'm asking. I'm looking for a new player, but I figured that one of you might be willing to cover her to give yourselves one extra chance in beating this thing? kk I'll cover Erin till its resolved admin

[admin]

Erin would have tried to go around to E12, and back-stab (ok I'm so 2nd edition ) sneak attack the creature. I'm allowing myself to play her on the previous round to position herself there (since she was inactive from the start), and do a single attack from there (fix this to your convenience if you disagree with it )

If that 'location' requires squeezing, apply the rule as needed.

For ERIN: Flanked sneak attack vs Kez (1d20+8+2=11, 1d8+2+1d6=10)
(Natural 1... *sigh*)

[kabkal]

Scully getting frustrated that nothing he tries has worked will throw an acid splash at the thing, fully not expecting it to do any damage.

OUT-OF-CHARACTER:    Ranged touch attack (if magic attack like this does not have the same penalty as other range attack add 4 to roll) (1d20+3=18, 1d3=2)

[Duniagdra]

OUT-OF-CHARACTER:    rednick90 has offered to take over Erin and join in LoF.

Round 3.5:

6. Kroft Gypsum <--- Full Action
   
7. Scully <--- Full Action
8. Erin Ookapala <--- Full Action

With one side of the enemy obstructed and a new creature soon to be arriving on the other side, Kroft has to switch tactics. He runs back around the rock and picks up his bow. Scully, getting frustrated that nothing he tries has worked, will throw an acid splash at the thing, fully not expecting it to do any damage. While the acid hits the creature and sizzles, the spell effect did not overcome its resistance again. Erin, having been lost from sight for a time, appears in striking range of the demon, slipping into action from between some other rocks that should have been harder to get through. Must be good to be small. In position, she strikes out at the demon, but it heard her somehow and deftly avoided her stab.

Round 4:

1. Laron Jilliet <--- Full Action
2. Wolf <--- Full Action
3. Simi <--- Full Action
4. Ox <--- Full Action
5. Kez <--- Full Action

Laron directs his wolf to continue the assault on the opponent, and gouges it teeth into the calf of one leg, but fails to get a solid bite to trip it. Meanwhile, the Druid continues looking for an opening but soon realizes that his tiny sling bullets would do little more than mildly irritate the beast. He instead opts to continue summoning creatures. Simi swings hard at the foul creature, striking an already open wound. Ox attempts to position himself to flank with the Wolf, and continues his attempt to cripple the creature, this time, finding the right position to strike! While Simi made a bad wound worse, nearly hobbling the creature, Ox sweeps in as the thing bows over in agony and lops it's head off.
(Kezurkian, 9+18 Damage, Dead)

ACTIVE EFFECTS & CONDITIONS    Party: Ox, 17/47 (Fort Save from Halberd (1d20+5=21)) Using Tempest with two-hands Ox AC is 20 Action Points Available: 7 Laron Summon Nature's Ally: Wolf stats (1/3) Kroft, 20/34 Simi, 30/36 Lay on Hands: 5/6 Smite Evil: 0/2 Action Points: 7? Spells: 1/1 Foe: Kez, Dead

 

With the foul thing now and finally dead, you each sigh in relief. Any search of the area or beast only gives up the Halberd the creature was using. The halberd has a soft glow to the blade, but is also coated in a disgusting slime that smells awful.

A scan of the surrounding area reveals no sign of any other creatures passing.

OUT-OF-CHARACTER:    Thank you TD for pointing out my blunder with the Hit Points. I've updated the tokens and DM Tool accordingly.

[admin]

A scan of the surrounding area reveals no sign of any other creatures passing.

“Allright, if there is nothing else about, we should head back to report” Ox suggests. I guess we should get that weapon back as well...
Using a piece of cloth to avoid direct contact, Ox will pick up the sickly weapon to transport it back to town.

PS. Ox will also pick up his shield and place it on his back

[kabkal]

Scully will also take a second look over the body of the thing to be sure nothing was missed. Then will follow the group.

[rednick90]

Erin will follow the others.

[Duniagdra]

OUT-OF-CHARACTER:    I need to know how you intend to return, by what route? You circumvented the cemetery to get here, will you do the same to return, or cut through. What "road" will you take back to the battle market? Use the map for reference. The encounter was WNW from the cemetery about twelve hundred yards off. The Church is #12 and the cemetery is #13. You passed from the south side of the Church and went around the cemetery to find the creature even though there was indication it went through the cemetery.

[admin]

Ox proposes: How about we go back the 'safe' way, get healed by a cleric (a channel energy or 2 would do us good as many are wounded and I don't think we have a Cleric that can do that) - drop off that sickly weapon, take a drink, and come back to the cemetery?

[tdsprouse]

“The cemetery has an unnatural darkness about it, something is not right there. I agree with going around for now. But we should come back and investigate, perhaps at dawn.”

[Benji]

After the battle is over, Laron takes a moment to thank the wolf before it disappears back to its home. At Simi's words, he gives the cemetary a wary look. “I agree. Dawn would be best for that, if at all.”

[larenee]

“My vote is the same. Let's check the cemetary in the morning. By the way: What was that thing?”

[Duniagdra]

With all of the same mind, you circle around the cemetery and recall the demon having fresh wounds, but the party gnolls gave no mention of fighting anything other than what was encountered by all of you.

You reach the market and report to Garavel what you found. “I'll send someone to retrieve the body. It would be nice to know what this thing was and Father Zastoran might be able to tell us. The Princess is in her chambers sleeping. I suggest you do the same. Tomorrow will be busy taking accounting of the citizenry and the state of this town.”

With that, you turn in, finding comfortable lodging in a building near the market (Building B5 on the map). While this structure is in disarray, it still remain sturdy and sound. It contents are in ruin from plunder and vandal. The building stands three stories and temporary bedding of straw and wool filled sacks have been left for you.

OUT-OF-CHARACTER:    For killing the demon, Kezurkian, you each earn 266 Experience. One of you took the Halberd and Garavel took that to be identified. To morrow I will post your beginning of a new day and the results of this day. The thread will remain the same.

[kabkal]

Scully will find a place to sleep for the night, and rest as if he has never slept before.

[admin]

Ox will try to get his wound cleaned & bandaged before going to sleep

[rednick90]

Erin will find a bed out of the way.

[larenee]

While the team gets their rest, Kroft does manage to sleep, but only fitfully. THINKING: Could this building, this room, have been my home? There is nothing particularly familiar about it, so likely not. Still, the old worry crops back up in his mind. THINKING: What happens if I do stumble across something connected to my family? For several minutes, Kroft is deeply aware of his young age, and wonders if he should really be here....

[tdsprouse]

Simi found a spot in the building, knelt and prayed. He removed his armor, and bedded down for some rest.

[Duniagdra]

When you retired to the manor Father Zastoran eventually finds you. He gives those of you he finds awake potions to mostly heal you up, but anyone he finds sleeping he casts a few healing spells on. When you wake in the morning any remaining wounds are well enough healed that they are of no concern. You find a newer table and chairs in the main hall with meats and fruits and bread and cheese as well as decanters of water and wine. Seeing the meat and recognizing it as pork, some of you reflect back on the dire bore you slew not long back and wonder, but seeing that the meat seems fresh and unspoiled you think of that only briefly.

It's mid day now, about just after high noon and you go about what normal routines are normal to you after waking and once everyone is up and stirring you get ready to return to the market to learn anything new. Any of you who would step out the main door for fresh air find three things. The sky is clear, the day is warm, and someone is sitting on the steps waiting. Seeing someone step out, the man rises.

“Ah good. Good day to you and thank you for ridding us of them gnolls. I was sent to let you know, when you woke, that the Princess wishes your company in the market theater. I hope you enjoyed the food and drink we left for you. You all slept through as we brought in the table and chairs and food and drink. We were glad to be as quiet as we hoped to be so not to wake you. The food comes from several of the farmers, the water from the river, and the wine was mine. I kept it hidden from the gnolls for all their time here. Saved it for a special day. This seemed as special a day to wait for. Anyhow, I have to return to some work waiting to be done. The Princess is expecting you.”

You thanks the man, and anyone inside who overhears this conversation who might step out to investigate, he nods to in greeting as he continues. You then realize after he left that he never gave his name but he's gone now so who's to chase. Letting the others know of this, everyone then pulls together and you're all at the market.

This time you enter from the south doors, the doors facing the same street as the manor. Once in, you immediately note a full audience. As soon as someone sees you passing through the bleachers surrounding the battle stage, that person begins to applaud drawing attention in your direction. In steady growth, more join in until all are in unison. Some women shad a tear or two as you pass in gratitude, you even note one man the same. It's not hard to see in their faces the hardship they've endured. You also realize something that you did not any other time before. There's many more people here than you could have guessed. Staying in doors must have been a well adopted survival tactic under Kardswann and his gnolls.

Gravel suddenly appears before you and leads you to the bar. There, at a table is the Princess. She's sitting with a couple and one child. Garavel interrupts her and she looks in your direction. She nods to you and shares a few final words with the couple. Garavel beckons you to her table and you each take a seat.

“I'm sure you've noticed the gratitude these people have for you and us. While they know it's because of me you are here, I made no attempt to conceal the fact that it was you who freed them with your own blood. I've spent the morning taking reports from the people regarding the state of the town and it's surroundings. Unfortunately, your work is not yet done. People fear the cemetery. They say something dark lurks there. Any who go near say there's a chill of death. Father Zastoran has information for you regarding the the demon you fought and its weapon. He's up on the second floor examining that machine. You may go to see him now, but some time this day, I wish that you investigate the cemetery.”

You discuss briefly with Almah your intentions and make for the upper floor to find Father Zastoran. All the bodies you note have been removed. You realize the princess made no mention of Kardswann.

Beginning your way to the stairs, and very old man appears before Kroft touching his armor. “I know this emblem. Long time since I've seen this. My father made this I'm sure. I remember this seal.” The man then traces his finger along another etching just below the symbol on the shoulder. “Here. Yes, this is his mark. My father made this for a man long ago. Yes, Gypsum was his name. How do you ware this?”

Any of you who remain with Kroft will hear anything of this conversation as it develops. Any of you who choose to continue to the second floor find Father Zastoran busy with his new machine figuring it out and trying to get it to work for him.

“Ah yes, the demon. It was a schir demon. Nasty little things. I had a good amount of time to research it. The weapon is of good use to someone able to wield it. I've cleaned off the foul saliva it coated the blade with, so it's of no harm by that anymore.”

From Zastoran's explanation of the demon and it's low probability of summoning others of its kind, you realize the spell it tried to cast in battle that failed must have been that. You feel somehow grateful to this bit of unknown fortune as having another of this thing surely would have meant at least one of you dead in good circumstances.

OUT-OF-CHARACTER:    Kezurkian CR 5 Schir (Book of Fiends 67) CE Medium outsider (chaotic, demon, evil, extraplanar) Init +2; Senses darkvision 60 ft., see invisibility; Listen +7, Spot +15 DEFENSE AC 19, touch 12, flat-footed 17 (+2 Dex, +7 natural) hp 39 (6d8+12) Fort +7, Ref +7, Will +3 DR 5/cold iron or good; Immune disease, electricity, poison; Resist acid 10, cold 10, fire 10; SR 14 OFFENSE Spd 60 ft. Melee +1 halberd +11/+6 (1d10+5/×3 plus disease) and gore +4 (1d6+4) Special Attacks charge 3d6+3, summon demons Spell-Like Abilities (CL 6th) At will—arcane lock, expeditious retreat, jump, protection from good, see invisibility, tongues STATISTICS Str 17, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 8, Wis 6, Cha 6 Base Atk +6; Grp +9 Feats Power Attack, Run, Weapon Focus (halberd) Skills Balance +11, Climb +12, Intimidate +7, Jump +44, Listen +7, Spot +15, Survival +7 Languages Abyssal; telepathy 100 ft., tongues Gear +1 halberd SPECIAL ABILITIES Charge (Ex) A schir that makes a charge attack with its gore deals 3d6+3 points of damage if it hits. A schir may move up to three times its speed as part of a charge. Disease (Su) Schir are very filthy and disease ridden. Using this to their advantage, schirim continually lick the blades of their halberds, coating their weapons with disease-ridden spittle. A creature struck by a schir’s halberd must make a DC 18 Fortitude save to avoid contracting demon fever (incubation period 1 day, damage 1d6 Con; when damaged, the victim must make a second Fortitude save or 1 point of the Con damage is Con drain instead). Summon Demons (Sp) Once per day a schir can attempt to summon 1d3 schirim with a 20% chance of success. This ability is the equivalent of a 2nd-level spell.

[tdsprouse]

Simi smiles and puts a hand on Krofts shoulder as he passes.

After listening to Father Zastoran
“That is a fine weapon, though wicked looking. Someone else might have an interest in it. Or we may be able to get some coin from one of the merchants below.” Simi says. “Have you been able to figure anything about this machine? at least its purpose perhaps?”

[Duniagdra]

Being reminded of the new machine, Zastoran turns back to it. “Ah yes! I'm actually very close to getting put to good use for the princess and the people of this town. If no one in your group can put a fine weapon like this to use though,” he shakes his head, “then selling it or maybe trading it for something that can be useful is best. Keep in mind the nature of things when you arrived though. I expect you may find things hard to sell, but trade may go a long way. Once the neighboring lands learn of Kelmarane's rescue, I'm sure new business will begin to flow in. So maybe, if you can endure the hold-on, you might do well to hang on to what you've won for a month or few. I'm sure Almah will find a way to get you anything to improve what you have now. You're all in great favor with the people and with her and they praise her for bringing you to them and organizing this rescue. I'm sure she'll be able to help you if it's within the ability of Kelmarane.”

[admin]

“Thank you Father Zastoran, this is sound advice!” Ox says
“We'll keep the weapon for now and see later - We were wondering if you had information about the cemetery? We're about to visit that place at High-sun...” Ox asks politely.

[Duniagdra]

“I only know what the princess knows. I haven't been there yet. What ever it may be, from the sounds of what I hear, it's likely to be a thing of unnatural origin; something of power. Based on the wounds that I saw on that demon, and the knowledge that it passed through the cemetery, I'd wager a winning bet that the demon encountered whatever this thing is and suffered for it.”

[admin]

“Woah...” ox exclaims
“That demon was already wounded, and we had a hard time finishing it off.... so what does this say about the creature who did those wounds to the demon!!! It must be even tougher to kill!”
“We need to be serious about this cemetery foe, and prepare ourselves for it - perhaps with Spells to augment our strength and our chances to win?!”

[rednick90]

Erin will wait till everyone is silent before speaking “Friends i must apologize but I have found the adventure i was looking for and completed it. I think i will stay here in Kelmarane and take up a less exciting life. I do wish you all the best of luck on your journey.” With that she will collect her things and exit the building to start her new life.

[admin]

Ox thanks Erin for her help in the adventures they shared so far. Once she is gone: “Quick, everybody - check your purses!!!” he says with a laugh.

He turns back to the others: “We really need to replace Erin.... How about if we check to see if we can find someone in town to replace her?”
Ox will ask around to see if an Adventured wishes to join the group.