Carrion Crown Session 53

Session 53

 DUNGEON MASTER: [GAME STARTS HERE]

 DUNGEON MASTER: The party is just settling down for bed in the (mostly) abandoned manse. The only sounds that can be heard within the building are the unseemly hooked beast below the stairs, and the occasional door opening and closing in the hands of the invisible servants.

 JOHAN D’ALMENTA/MESODIAS: The party sets up camp in the central bedroom on the secnod floor, setting up watchs during the night.

 GRUNDIG: perception 1d20+14=17 (grundig watch)

 GRUNDIG: solars perception 1d20+1=13 (Solar's watch)

 DUNGEON MASTER: The night passes without incident, except the occasional unsettling noises of doors opening and closing, and the stamping feet of the monster below.

Morning dawns fairly clear. The invisible servants come in just before dawn to douse the torches and see to the bed warmers.

 GRUNDIG: grundig performs his usual ritchels as well as cooking a meal for everyone

 GRUNDIG: so anyidears for the bridg i burnt dowm yesterday

 JOHAN D’ALMENTA/MESODIAS: "I think if we can grapple hook across to the other side we might be able to secure some kind of rig up to shimmy across," replies Johan to Grundig's query.

 GRUNDIG: ok shell we give it a go

 JOHAN D’ALMENTA/MESODIAS: The party moves over to the alchemist workshop. Johan stands at the edge of the collapsed rope bridge with grapply hook and rope in hand.

 JOHAN D’ALMENTA/MESODIAS: He spins the hook around a few times to build up speed before hurling it across the gap.

 GRUNDIG: solar loads his heavy cross bow at the ready

 JOHAN D’ALMENTA/MESODIAS: "You guys stand watch, you know the drill."

 DUNGEON MASTER: Johan sucessfully strings a rope between the two sides of the gap.

 GRUNDIG: he also loads his light cross bow and places it next to him as he takes a knee

 JOHAN D’ALMENTA/MESODIAS: Johan loops his legs around the rope and grags himself across with his arms. He hangs precariously over the rapid below as he crosses the impromptu rope bridge.

Climb check: 1d20+8-1 = 22

 GRUNDIG: grundig moves to the hole in the wall ready to act at the first sighn of danger

 DUNGEON MASTER: Johan sucessfully shimmies across the chasm.

 JOHAN D’ALMENTA/MESODIAS: Johan inspects the statue, slapping it in the face to see if anything unusual happens like it attacking him.

 DUNGEON MASTER: Johan assaults the statue. It is quite solid, but shows no signs of fighting back.

 JOHAN D’ALMENTA/MESODIAS: "Looks safe, the statue hasn't killed me yet which is nice!" Johan calls out to Grundig, "Can you do me a favour and secure Shadow with a rope harnass so we can pull him across safely?"

 GRUNDIG: grundig makes a harness out of his silk rope tying it off to his grapeling hook to hook over the rope spanning the casum he then tyes off more rope to the grapling hook to pull across the gape and throws it across to Johan

 JOHAN D’ALMENTA/MESODIAS: Johan secures the rope to the wooden posts from this side of the rope bridge.

 GRUNDIG: he then casts speek with anamals and trys to coaks splatter face into the harness before hooking it on the rope

 GRUNDIG: handel animal 1d20+7=15

 DUNGEON MASTER: Splatterface looks quizzically at Grundig and then saunters forward, tail wagging. He lifts his front paws and puts them into the harness.

 GRUNDIG: grundig asks masodious to lift it on to the rope

 DUNGEON MASTER: Mesodias, then the others cross the chasm one by one, using the ropes and the makeshift harness to aid them

 DUNGEON MASTER: Before long, the party is gathered together on the oppostie side, ready to see what else Caromarc has to offer them.

 JOHAN D’ALMENTA/MESODIAS: Johan kneels down and peers into the lock on the door and inspects it for any traps before attempting to open it.

Perception check (traps): 1d20+12+3 = 24

 GRUNDIG: grundig undose the rope and puts back the rope an harness with his gear

 DUNGEON MASTER: Johan disovers that there does seem to be a spell effect in place--an alarm spell, unless he's missed his guess.

 DUNGEON MASTER: It seems to be keyed to the door.

 JOHAN D’ALMENTA/MESODIAS: "There is an alarm spell on the lock. Unless this statue is set to activate when the spell is triggered I'm not that worried about the spell. Give me a second to disable it."

 GRUNDIG: "ok" grundig looks nirvisly up keeping an eye for any danger form above

 JOHAN D’ALMENTA/MESODIAS: Johan inspects how the spell has been cast on the lock as he attempts to remove it's magical effects.

Disable Device: 1d20+17 = 31

 DUNGEON MASTER: The spell is a permament effect; however, Johan easily finds a way to bypass the spell by spreading dust over a couple of key runes.

 JOHAN D’ALMENTA/MESODIAS: Johan test the handle to open the door now the alarm spell had been removed.

If the door is secured he will use his lockpicks to unlock the door.

Disable Device (open lock): 1d20+14 = 26

 DUNGEON MASTER: The handle turns easily in Johan's hands--it does not appear to be locked.

 GRUNDIG: Solar casts mage amour upon himself. and readys his heavy cross bow taking a knee with his light cross bow beside him loaded and ready to use.

 JOHAN D’ALMENTA/MESODIAS: Mesodias casts a Light orison on Johan's belt buckle to illuminate their way forward into the dimly lit manor.

 GRUNDIG: solar casts dancing light and once the door opens he will direct them into the room.

 GRUNDIG: grundig stands at the ready

 GRUNDIG: grundig casts bark skin apon himself

 DUNGEON MASTER: Johan opens the door. Within, the party sees a room that is crammed with cabinets full of weird, alchemically preserved creatures, including a pair of ice mephit wings, several large spiders, parts of a dissected giant slug, and the digestive tracts and proboscises of three stirges.

 JOHAN D’ALMENTA/MESODIAS: Johan shivers at the sight of the room before them. "Does anyone else find this really creepy or is it just me?"

 GRUNDIG: grundig casts detect magic as he looks arround toe room

 GRUNDIG: most defenitly i just take the finger

 DUNGEON MASTER: Grundig spots no unattended sources of magic within this room.

 JOHAN D’ALMENTA/MESODIAS: Mesodias readies his heavy mace, more interested in crushing insects then studying them. He has his priorities right.

 JOHAN D’ALMENTA/MESODIAS: Johan briefly looks at the floor for any tell tale signs of raises floorboards or tripwires.

Perception check (traps): 1d20+14+3 = 24

 DUNGEON MASTER: Johan discovers no signs of any traps.

 JOHAN D’ALMENTA/MESODIAS: "Let's move in and check this room out first," says Johan as he moves forward to the opposite wall.

 GRUNDIG: grundig serches the room and cabnets

perception 1d20+14=17

 DUNGEON MASTER: Grundig confirms that there is a wide assortment of strange pickled and stuffed creatures housed within this room.

 JOHAN D’ALMENTA/MESODIAS: "I'd prefer if you didn't disturb that strange stuff unless necessary," replies Johan as he looks to Grundig.

 JOHAN D’ALMENTA/MESODIAS: He keeps an eye on him, knowing what he is like.

 GRUNDIG: grundig smiels whirly at Johan

 GRUNDIG: as he prods and poks arround the shelves

 DUNGEON MASTER: A few jars of insects seem to still be alive--lightning bugs, by the look of them.

 JOHAN D’ALMENTA/MESODIAS: "Interesting and yet I still think we should leave them in the jars for the time being."

Johan recalls what these ligntning bugs are capable of.

Knowledge (nature) check: 1d20+10 = 21

 DUNGEON MASTER: Lightning bugs emit a small glowing light from their abdomens during the night time, esspecially during the summer season. These bugs appear to be half dead due to neglect.

 GRUNDIG: grundig checks the door for traps he also listens at the door to see if there is anything moveing on the other side perception 1d20+14=32

 GRUNDIG: door to the north

 DUNGEON MASTER: Grundig discovers no traps.

 DUNGEON MASTER: Grundig hears nothing but the rush of water outside.

 GRUNDIG: "good to go no traps and i cant here anything on the other side" he trys the door

 DUNGEON MASTER: The door opens to reveal a wide chamber. This room is filled with weird-looking preserved creatures. Two elaborately carved and painted sarcophagi stand against the east and west walls. A pile of chains lies in the center of the floor.

 GRUNDIG: solar still stands at the ready with his cross bows

 GRUNDIG: grundig casts detect magic

 DUNGEON MASTER: Grundig detects the faint glow of magic from the western sarcophagus

 JOHAN D’ALMENTA/MESODIAS: Johan runs his hand through his hair, "This looks troublesome to me." He looks at both sarcophagi in turn looking before turning his attention to the chains on the floor.

 DUNGEON MASTER: Both saphogai look rather ancient and perhaps valuable.

 GRUNDIG: "theres a faint magic glow comming from the one to the left

 JOHAN D’ALMENTA/MESODIAS: "If I'm going in this room I want Mesodias, you standing on this side of the door and Shadow on the other." Johan refers to Grundig and Solar, "Both of you behind us ready for grease, just no fireballs in such close quarters."

 GRUNDIG: solar picks up his light cross bow ready to move

 GRUNDIG: grundig looks to see if he can see where the chains might have been origanly

 JOHAN D’ALMENTA/MESODIAS: Johan removes the superior lock and key from his backpack.

 GRUNDIG: peception 1d20+14=32

 DUNGEON MASTER: The chains could reasonably have come from either sarcophagi, or perhaps from one of the cabinents on the wall.

 DUNGEON MASTER: Both of the sarcophagi do show scuff marks as if they had been chained closed at sometime in the past.

 JOHAN D’ALMENTA/MESODIAS: Johan inspects the wooden floorboards to see if there are any signs of scratch marks from the sarcophagi being moved in the past.

 DUNGEON MASTER: Johan discovers no such marks on the floor.

 JOHAN D’ALMENTA/MESODIAS: Johan rushes into the room, picking up one of the chains as he goes and loops the chain around the sacophagi to the left, padlocking it shut as quickly as possible.

 DUNGEON MASTER: Johan sucessfully loops the chain around the sarcophagi and locks it shut--albeit somewhat loosely and hastily. For the moment the chain touches the sarcophagi, something stirs from within, and pushes violently against the hinged lid on the front.

 JOHAN D’ALMENTA/MESODIAS: Mesodias rushes forward into the room, collecting the last length of chain and assist Johan securing the coffin shut.

 DUNGEON MASTER: Together they suceed in wrapping a second length of chain around the sarcophagi.

 GRUNDIG: grundig moves foward into the room covering the other sarcofigi wrapping his rope arround it and tying it off with Solars help. just in case

 DUNGEON MASTER: Grundig puts a length of rope around the second sarcophagi--but what appeared to be an ancient holding place for the dead suddenly and violently comes to life as it grows long, glistening tentacles and a number of sharp teeth.

[Initiative Please]

 JOHAN D’ALMENTA/MESODIAS: Johan Initiative check: 1d20+4 = 14

Mesodias Intiative check: 1d20+4 = 12

 DUNGEON MASTER: Long sharp teeth slash at Grundig, inflicting 12 damage. Worse, a strong sticky substance glues Grundig to the horrible creature, limiting his movement and combat options.

[Grundig is now grappled.]

 JOHAN D’ALMENTA/MESODIAS: Johan quick draws his longsword as he rushes over to slash at the metal beast (power attack)

To Hit (+1 keen longsword): 1d20+12-2PA = 21

Damage (+1 keen longsword): 1d8+7+6PA = 16

 DUNGEON MASTER: Johan's sword strikes the creature, slicing through its horrible skin. Unfortunately, the sword also touches the sticky substance covering the creature... [DC 17 reflex save or lose the weapon.]

 JOHAN D’ALMENTA/MESODIAS: Johan Reflex save: 1d20+7 = 20

 JOHAN D’ALMENTA/MESODIAS: Johan commands Shadow to stand his guard.

 DUNGEON MASTER: Johan sucessfully wrenches the sword free of the subastance.

 DUNGEON MASTER: The sarcophagi to the left continues to rattle unsettingly.

 JOHAN D’ALMENTA/MESODIAS: Mesodias not wishing to get ensnared by the creatures touch summons a Spiritual Weapon to attack from a distance.

To Hit (spiritual weapon): 1d20+7 = 24

Damage (spiritual weapon): 1d8+2 = 6

1/7 rnds

 DUNGEON MASTER: The magical sword attacks the sarcophagi, dealing full damage.

 JOHAN D’ALMENTA/MESODIAS: Mesodias repositions himself into the centre of the room.

 GRUNDIG: solar takes a 5 ft step back and casts grees upon the creatur then moves to a safer location

 DUNGEON MASTER: The creature is immediately coated in grease--unfortunately, Grundig does not notice himself becoming any freeer.

 GRUNDIG: grundig atempts to brake the grapple cmb 1d20+4=13

 DUNGEON MASTER: Grundig does not suceed in breaking the grapple.

 DUNGEON MASTER: The toothed creature lashes out at Johan, dealing 14 points of damage.

[Johan is now grappled.]

Meanwhile, it continues to crush the life out of Grundig, dealing 9 points of damage to the ensnared gnome.

The sarcophogus on the far side of the room continues to rattle--the chains are perilously close to breaking.

Furthermore, from somewhere down below comes an awful growl, and a door slams at the bottom of the stairs.

 JOHAN D’ALMENTA/MESODIAS: Hero Point: As the creature lashes out with its tentacles, Johan ducks out of the way at the last second.

 JOHAN D’ALMENTA/MESODIAS: "Fuck you!" Johan spits the curse at the creature as it smashes into Grundig (power attack)

To Hit (+1 keen longsword): 1d20+12-2PA = 24

Damage (+1 keen longsword): 1d8+7+6PA = 17

Reflex save: 1d20+7 = 17

To Hit (+1 keen longsword): 1d20+7-2PA = 15

Damage (+1 keen longsword): 1d8+7+6PA = 15

Reflex save: 1d20+7 = 22

Johan retreats five foot after striking at the beast. "We need to retreat out of here and quickly!"

 DUNGEON MASTER: Johan's second attack misses, but the first one hits. Fortunately, Johan's skill is enough to keep from losing his weapon onto the creature's sticky skin.

 JOHAN D’ALMENTA/MESODIAS: To Hit (spiritual weapon): 1d20+7 = 19

Damage (spiritual weapon): 1d8+2 = 5

2/7 rnds

 DUNGEON MASTER: The spiritual weapon continues to deal damage to the horrid creature.

 JOHAN D’ALMENTA/MESODIAS: Mesodias casts Inflict Critical Wounds before moving over to strike to creature with his hand.

To Hit (touch attack): 1d20+5 = 25

Damage (Inflict Crit Wounds): 4d8+7 = 30

 DUNGEON MASTER: Mesodias' attack strikes the creature with full force. Holy red light engulfs the creature--it shudders and falls to the ground.

However, Grundig still remains attached to it by means of the incredibly sticky adhesive that covers its skin.

 GRUNDIG: solar trys to figer out what the creature was knowledge dungeoneering 1d20+7=18

 DUNGEON MASTER: Solar decides that this was a mimic--a nasty creature that takes the shape of other objects and traps prey by means of a sticky, irresistable, adhesive.

 GRUNDIG: grundig eyes bigin to glow red flames lick over his skin as he transforms into a fire element and trys to pry himself free cmb 1d20+4=20

 DUNGEON MASTER: The transformation is sufficient to allow grundig to free himself from the thng's sticky adhesive. The stench of burning material fills the air as the flames burn away the residue.

 *** Conference call ***

 DUNGEON MASTER: Meanwhile, the sarcophagi continues to rattle and shake. Likewise, the iron spiral staircase to the northeast of the room trembles as heavy footsteps give evidence to the fact that a very heavy creature is ascending upwards.

Presently, a horrid creature emerges at the top--a hideous faceless monstrosity crafted from body parts stitched together with thick string, wire, and metal staples. Several cat-sized winged devils flit about it, connected to it by leather and chain leashes.

It growls and prepares to attack.

 JOHAN D’ALMENTA/MESODIAS: "What the fuck is that?!" Johan doesn't wait for an answer as he slashes at the faceless horror with his magical longsword. Johan commands Shadow to attack the faceless horror.

To Hit (+1 keen longsword): 1d20+12-2PA = 19

Damage (+1 keen longsword): 1d8+7+6PA = 15

To Hit (+1 keen longsword): 1d20+7-2PA = 22

Damage (+1 keen longsword): 1d8+7+6PA = 16

 DUNGEON MASTER: The first attack misses, but the second attack strikes true. Although the longsword's damage is partially negated by the thing's spongy flesh, Johan's attack does leave its mark.

 DUNGEON MASTER: As Shadowface approaches, the golum deals a crushing attack on the wolfhound, crushing it for 21 points of damage.

 JOHAN D’ALMENTA/MESODIAS: Shadow sprints up to the hideous abomination before biting and tearing at his thigh with tooth and claw.

To Hit (bite): 1d20+10 = 24

Damage (bite): 1d8+6 = 9

Free Trip attempt with Ability Focus (trip)

CMB: 1d20+11+2 = 30

 DUNGEON MASTER: Shadow sucessfully trips the giant creature, viciously latching onto its achilles tendon and bringing it crashing down at Johan's feet. The little devils behind it chitter in surprise and terror.

 JOHAN D’ALMENTA/MESODIAS: Mesodias directs the Spiritual Weapon to attack the prone faceless beast.

To Hit (spiritual weapon): 1d20+7 = 20

Damage (spiritual weapon): 1d8+2 = 7

3/7 rnds

 DUNGEON MASTER: Although Mesodias casts his spell flawlessly, the horrible creature on the ground at Johan's feet somehow proves immune to the spiritual weapon's effects. The mystical blade simply passes through its body without harming it.

 JOHAN D’ALMENTA/MESODIAS: Mesodias moves five foot back before summoning another Spiritual Weapon, this time directing it to attack one of the imps leashed to the beast.

 JOHAN D’ALMENTA/MESODIAS: To Hit (spiritual weapon): 1d20+7 = 26

Damage (spiritual weapon): 1d8+2 = 5

1/7 rnds

 DUNGEON MASTER: The little devils do not prove immune to the spell--a shimmering greatsword appears and shears through the little thing's flesh. It squeals and the others chirp and whimper in sudden panic.

 GRUNDIG: solar  casts enlarge person on mesodias casting time 1 round.

 GRUNDIG: grundig casts burning hands dam 5d4=13 reflex 1/2 dam dc15

 DUNGEON MASTER: Grundig's humble first level spell plays utter havoc with the beast and its minions. The creature itself, while it takes no damage, appears to have been rendered slow and sluggish due to the effect of the flames.

The little creatures, however, are decimated: four of the creatures are killed out right, causing the bloody golem obvious and terriric pain. It roars and screams as its caretakers fall.

The two that remain standing are obviously burnt and whimper and cower behind the still-prone beast.

 DUNGEON MASTER: The thing makes no attempt to stand up, but instead lashes out at grundig's flaming form. Grundig barely dodges aside as the thing's hands snap at his heels.

 JOHAN D’ALMENTA/MESODIAS: Johan impales the creature with a solid strike of his longsword as the thing rises to its feet.

To Hit (+1 keen longsword): 1d20+12-2PA+2 = 31

Confirm Critical: 1d20+12-2PA+1+2 = 22

Damage (+1 keen longsword): 2d8+14+6PA = 28

 JOHAN D’ALMENTA/MESODIAS: Shadow bites at the beast, ripping his head from side to side to tear at the things tough hide.

To Hit (bite): 1d20+10+2 = 30

Damage (bite): 1d8+6 = 11

 DUNGEON MASTER: Although the thing is not in fact rising to its feet, it is subject to Johan's attack. Both he and shadowface deal terriffic damage, causing it to roar, bellow, and beat its fists on the floor. It bleeds and flails, but it is not dead yet.

 JOHAN D’ALMENTA/MESODIAS: Mesodias directs both Spiritual Weapons to finish off the imps.

To Hit (spiritual weapon): 1d20+7 = 15

Damage (spiritual weapon): 1d8+2 = 10

4/7 rnds

To Hit (spiritual weapon): 1d20+7 = 16

Damage (spiritual weapon): 1d8+2 = 4

2/7 rnds

 JOHAN D’ALMENTA/MESODIAS: Mesodias moves five foot to be within melee range next round once the Enlarge Person spell takes effect.

 DUNGEON MASTER: Mesodias' spells deal damage to both of the bloody golem's caretakers. They shriek, yammer, and fall dead under his mystical assault. The golem itself suffers damage too as the last of his caretakers fall, and his dying bellow causes the floorboards to tremble.

Behind the party, the Sarcophagas ceases to rattle and silence reigns.

[End rounds.]

 DUNGEON MASTER: [1600 xp each.]

 JOHAN D’ALMENTA/MESODIAS: Johan breaths a sigh of relief as he rips his blade from the faceless abomination. He stands there breathing deeply for a moment as he watches the sarcophasgas behind them with a look of caustion in his eyes. "I can't believe we just took his fucker down like that. And it seems to have silenced the coffin at the other end, thank Gorum for that!"

 JOHAN D’ALMENTA/MESODIAS: Mesodias uses a charge from the Cure Moderate Wounds wand to heal Shadow. CMW: 2d8+2 = 14

 JOHAN D’ALMENTA/MESODIAS: Mesodias converts Shield of Faith in Cure Light Wounds on Grundig to heal his wounds.

CLW: 1d8+5  = 11 hp healed

 GRUNDIG: grundig serches the room

 DUNGEON MASTER: Among the more unsavory creatures on display in this room are the tentacle of a froghemoth, a pickled intellect devourer, and a desiccated darkmantle.

 JOHAN D’ALMENTA/MESODIAS: Johan removes the beasts head from it's shoulders just to be sure before wiping his blade clean. He joins the others in searching the room for anything of value.

Perception check: 1d20+12 = 24

 GRUNDIG: grundig removes a finger from the beast

 GRUNDIG: and places it in his bag

 GRUNDIG: perception 1d20+14=33

 GRUNDIG: grundig changes back to his normal form

 DUNGEON MASTER: Grundig discovers a crumpled letter crammed in one of the shelves near the mummy. It reads:

My Dear Count, 

I have enjoyed our most recent discourse on the nature of the spontaneous creation of certain types of undead. In my many years of study on the subject, I have also attempted to discern the secrets from my own study of Osirian remains, those hulking mummies so prevalent in that desert environ. Perhaps when I travel back to the north country I will regale you with stories of my exploits in that dusty land. It has been a long time since I have enjoyed your company in person. Although I have grown greatly from the student I once was, the time I shared with you and Petros in study and event disagreement is one I shall always cherish. 

However, I digress from the purpose of this current missive. Some retainers of mine have business in Lepidstadt in the coming weeks, and I was hoping to impose upon your intellect and unique point of view. They will be carrying a rather curious Tome, and I would love to have your learned opinion of it. If it is not too much of an imposition, please expect visitors toward the end of the month. 

Regards, 

Adivion Adrissant

It is dated from about two months ago.

 GRUNDIG: grundig shows the note to solar asking if he recognises any of the names

 GRUNDIG: solar knolage local 1d20+11=30

 JOHAN D’ALMENTA/MESODIAS: Johan tries to recall any prior knowledge regarding a Adivion Adrissant.

Knowledge (local) check: 1d20+0+4 = 11

 DUNGEON MASTER: Solar is quite certain that these are all names the party has encountered before. Petros, in particular, is the first name of Professor Lorrimor--Kendra's father, and good friend to every member of the party.

 DUNGEON MASTER: Near at hand, the sarcophagus suddenly and violently rattles, as if the thing inside is testing its bounds once again; then suddenly goes quiet.

 GRUNDIG: solar gets ready with his heavy cross bow to fire at the creature in the sarcophagus

 GRUNDIG: grundig stands at the ready to cast

 JOHAN D’ALMENTA/MESODIAS: While the Spiritual Weapons still remain, Johan, Shadow and Mesodias move to surround the remaining sacophagus. Johan slips the key into the padlock and removes the chain.

 GRUNDIG: dun dun dun

 DUNGEON MASTER: The chains of the Sarcophagus slip off, and the cover bursts open.

 DUNGEON MASTER: [Dun! Dun! Dun!]

 DUNGEON MASTER: [GAME ENDS HERE]