Way of the Wicked: Knot of Thorns [IC]

[Kish]

The front two ghouls, not rising from their prone position, attack Seva. The third ghoul rises and moves to her north; the lone ghoul that didn't fall also moves to flank her and tries to bite her.

Spoiler

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G1 bite attack on Seva: (1d20-2)[5] Critical threat check: (1d20-2)[15] Damage: (1d6+1)[7] Critical damage: (1d6+1)[4] If it hits, roll a Fortitude save.
G1 claw attack on Seva: (1d20-4)[16] Critical threat check: (1d20-4)[0] Damage: (1d3)[2] Critical damage: (1d3)[1] If it hits, roll a Fortitude save.
G1 claw attack on Seva: (1d20-4)[2] Critical threat check: (1d20-4)[3] Damage: (1d3)[1] Critical damage: (1d3)[2] If it hits, roll a Fortitude save.
G2 bite attack on Seva: (1d20-2)[0] Critical threat check: (1d20-2)[15] Damage: (1d6+1)[7] Critical damage: (1d6+1)[2] If it hits, roll a Fortitude save.
G2 claw attack on Seva: (1d20-4)[15] Critical threat check: (1d20-4)[12] Damage: (1d3)[3] Critical damage: (1d3)[2] If it hits, roll a Fortitude save.
G2 claw attack on Seva: (1d20-4)[11] Critical threat check: (1d20-4)[14] Damage: (1d3)[2] Critical damage: (1d3)[3] If it hits, roll a Fortitude save.
G4 bite attack on Seva: (1d20+4)[14] Critical threat check: (1d20+4)[6] Damage: (1d6+1)[4] Critical damage: (1d6+1)[3] If it hits, roll a Fortitude save.

Map is updated. Ilnesh, Ixe, Jeyne, Seva, and Vosnak are up; Jeyne's spell goes off and needs to be placed.

[Ixe]

Furrowing his brow, Ixe raises his crossbow to his shoulder. Squinting one eye, he stares down the sight. He carefully aims, and discharges the bolt at Ghoul 3.

Spoiler: Crossbow attack

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Attack roll: 1d20 +0 (ranged attack bonus) -4 (firing into a melee) = -1 (( Lame ))

Cursing bluntly in frustration, Ixe drops his crossbow unceremoniously, and dashes back to retrieve his staff, which remains propped against the wall in the hallway.

(( Ixe left his quarterstaff in square Y18. If you will allow it, can he grab the staff and then finish his move back in Z20? ))

[Hypersmith]

Taking advantage of the distraction Seva is causing, Ilnesh dips behind one of the dead and attempts to stab it.

Spoiler: ooc

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moving to X20 and attacking X21 (1d20+3)[17] for (1d4)[1] damage and sneak (1d6)[1]

[Silver Night]

Seva attempts to swipe at the one moving to her north as it passes!

Spoiler: AoO

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Attack: (1d20+5)[19]
Damage: (1d10+3)[6]

She attempts to resist the power of their filthy claws as they attack her:

Spoiler

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Fort Saves:
(1d20+4)[10]
(1d20+4)[7]

[Kish]

Seva strikes the one that moves to her north, but she feels her muscles stiffen as she is paralyzed.

[Jopustopin]

Jeyne

[b]
A hail of stones^{CA pg.110} will do (1d6+4)[9] points of damage when it comes into effect. Will choose all pertinent decisions about a spell (range, target, area, effect, version, and so forth) when the spell comes into effect.

With Seva out of the fight, Jeyne makes a calculated decision and released the spell. It spirals into a hail storm above Seva and the ghouls. Wasting no time she moves for a clear shot and with a shout to Pelor she releases a ray of positive energy towards the ghoul.

Spoiler

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Targeting W22/X23 to hit three ghouls and Seva for 9 points of damage each with Hail of Storm.

Round 2:
Move to a square where nothing provides cover for the ghoul. I can't tell if the mushroom is a walkable square but I'm thinking AA22 if it doesn't.
Cast Disrupt Undead on G3 ranged touch attack (1d20)[19] for (1d6+4)[9] points of damage

[Kish]

Ixe grabs his staff and moves back. The hail of stones Jeyne creates from the ceiling knocks out the already-wounded G1 and leaves two more ghouls--and Seva--looking unhappy. Jeyne moves onto the patch of earth where the mushroom stood and fires a beam of energy that causes another ghoul to fall.

Spoiler

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Map is updated; Vosnak is up.

[Cavir]

"I'll summon help. It'll take a few seconds. Keep them off me." Vosnak takes a step towards the door then pauses in concentration. A miniature figure about the size of a thumb starts glowing and forming in front of his forehead.

Spoiler: OOC

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5' step to AA20 then start manifesting Astral Construct. 1 round casting time.

Ilnesh should be in X20?

[Kish]

Timeon fires a bolt that misses the standing ghoul. The fallen ghoul rises and tries to bite Seva. The standing ghoul steps around her and tries to maul Ilnesh.

Spoiler

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G2 bite attack on Seva: (1d20+2)[14] Critical threat check: (1d20+2)[11] Damage: (1d6+1)[6] Critical damage: (1d6+1)[5]
G4 claw attack on Ilnesh: (1d20)[2] Critical threat check: (1d20)[10] Damage: (1d3)[3] Critical damage: (1d3)[2] If it hits, roll a Fortitude save.
G4 claw attack on Ilnesh: (1d20)[20] Critical threat check: (1d20)[16] Damage: (1d3)[3] Critical damage: (1d3)[3] If it hits, roll a Fortitude save.
G4 bite attack on Ilnesh: (1d20+2)[11] Critical threat check: (1d20+2)[9] Damage: (1d6+1)[3] Critical damage: (1d6+1)[5] If it hits, roll a Fortitude save.

Map is updated. Ilnesh, Ixe, Jeyne, and Vosnak are up; Vosnak's spell goes off.

[Jopustopin]

Jeyne

She's not the best shot, but with the ghoul not engaged in melee and attacking a fallen ally she doesn't have that much of a choice. Again she gives a verbal quick prayer to Pelor while casting disrupt undead and fires another positive energy ray. The ghoul tried to avoid it but instead fell into it as it slipped on the grease spell. Then with her allies falling, she's not going to make the same mistake as the last time and tactically retreats.

"I have a wand of lesser vigor, for Seva... if she makes it." She says when she gets to the doorway.

Spoiler

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Standard: Cast Disrupt Undead ranged touch attack (1d20)[10] vs G2 for (1d6+4)[5] points of damage.
Move: She moves behind Ixe at Z19 while pulling out a wand.

[Cavir]

A small humanoid form appears between the two ghouls. It's details are only vaguely a creature but it has what it needs: legs to stand on, arms to attack with, a head to guide itself with, and a torso to connect it all. Creation complete, Vosnak charges at the nearest ghoul with his morningstar, hoping the astral construct on its other side will keep it too busy (or dead) to retaliate. The construct then starts swinging away.

Spoiler: OOC

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Construct in X23. Menu A ability of Cleave. Lasts 2 rounds. Costs 1 PP (5 left)

Vosnak charges to Z21 and attacks G4
Attack: (1d20+5)[22] crit: (1d20+5)[10] (BAB+1, Charge +2, Flank +2)
damage: (1d8)[6] crit: (1d8)[2]

Astral's stats XPH p187. It attacks G4 unless G4 is already down. If so, attacks G2
Attack: (1d20+5)[13] crit: (1d20+5)[14] (+2STR, +1 BAB, +2 flank)
damage: (1d4+3)[7] crit: (1d4+3)[7]

If it drops a ghoul, cleave on the other:
Attack: (1d20+3)[7] crit: (1d20+3)[19] (no flank)
damage: (1d4+3)[7] crit: (1d4+3)[4]

EDIT: Didn't take prone into effect, if pertinent)

[Kish]

Vosnak strikes down one of the ghouls. His construct fails to hit the other ghoul.

[Ixe]

Ixe furrows his brow, shifting his weight from one foot to the other as the battle surges around him. The chaos surrounding him makes him anxious; doubly so the sight of the two ravenous horrors still writhing in their pursuit of their singular goal: to sink their foul fangs into any living flesh. Finally, with the urgent need for action upon him, and not being certain of where he should stand, he takes advantage of a gap in the action. Stepping forward briskly, he takes on one of the remaining ghouls with his trusted staff. His half-hearted swing, together with his crouched posture, suggest that he is more concerned with ensuring that they do not catch hold of him.

Spoiler: Melee attack

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5 foot step to Y21.
Fighting Defensively (+2 to AC, -4 to attack)
Attack roll: 1d20 +1 (strength) -4 (fighting defensively) = 3

(( I'm pretty sure that my mage armor is still in effect. ))

[Hypersmith]

Even as Ilnesh dips under the undead's snapping jaw, the claws catch him full force in the throat and jaw. He practically rushed to meet them. In response, his joints stiffen and he freezes in place, slowly tipping over.

Spoiler: OOC

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Fort save at end of turn? (1d20)[14]

[Kish]

Jeyne's spell strikes down the last standing ghoul.

Spoiler

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You gain 780 XP total each at this point.

Timeon fires at the last standing ghoul, but, perhaps dismayed by the condition of his allies, he gets nowhere near it. The ghoul dodges around the construct and attempts to bite Ixe.

Spoiler

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G2 provokes attacks of opportunity from Vosnak's construct and from Ixe. If it survives them, G2 bite attack on Ixe: (1d20+2)[21] Critical threat check: (1d20+2)[3] Damage: (1d6+1)[2] Critical damage: (1d6+1)[2]

Map updated.

[Jopustopin]

Jeyne

Without hesitating, once the ghouls are down she rushes to Seva's fallen body. "Pelor forgive me." She says dramatically,as she slid down to the ground where the woman lay dying. The small girl only puts one hand on her wound trying to apply pressure. The wand in her other hand, clearly made by a cleric of Pelor, begins to flicker oddly. This continues for almost an entire minute, the girl praying the entire time, before the wand glows faintly as the spell is discharged.

(Rolled a natural 20 on round 7)

Spoiler: UMD attempts

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Round 1: Use Magic Device vs DC 20 (1d20+5)[9] (natural 1 and she can't try again. If that happens her future rolls are to use a heal check to stabilize.)
Round 2: (1d20+5)[7]
Round 3: (1d20+5)[19]
Round 4: (1d20+5)[17]
Round 5: (1d20+5)[9]
Round 6: (1d20+5)[14]

[Hypersmith]

Ilnesh sits up groggily with Seva and Jeyne besides him, Jeyne still praying fervently. He stay sitting and pushes himself towards the wall to lean back on. He absentmindedly tugs his dagger out of a nearby corpse as he watches Jeyne attempt the healing magic.

[Cavir]

The last ghoul falls before the construct can finish its job. Enemies gone, its energies dissolve back to the astral plane. Vosnak quickly drops to one knee next to Seva while fidgeting through his pockets. He pulls out a bandage and applies it to Seva. The bandage glows magic briefly and the bleeding stops. He then stands up to give the others room while also on the lookout for more enemies. "Bo..- I mean Timeon- search that mushroom for anything useful in or under it?"

Spoiler: OOC

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Blessed Bandage on Seva. Have 1 left plus 2 CLWs that I'm trying to save for emergencies.

[Silver Night]

Seva

Seva groans and regains consciousness. She frowns at Jeyne, but still manages a modicum of gratitude, "Thank you, sister."

[Hypersmith]

Ilnesh leans forward, getting to his feet with a grunt and peering around the room, focusing finally on the single visible exit. "Doesn't look like there was any way to avoid that fight."

He steps past Seva into the hallway to the west, looking for the next door.

Spoiler: ooc

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Gonna get to W22 and walk straight west till I get to the next door.

[Jopustopin]

Jeyne

"Battle can be confusing, I apologize." Jeyne says to Seva as she helps her to her feet.

She then flips the wand so that she's holding the tip, and is offering it to Seva, "You're still hurt, please use another charge."

With that she turns to the rest of the group, "I can feel Pelor's blessing on us all. Excellent grease spell Ixe, just like we practiced. Timeon, your rate of fire is impressive. I've seen older men turn tale and run at the sight of a ghoul. Your courage is admirable."

She then winks at Vosnak, for what reason you're not sure.

"The challenges are getting harder. Be on your guard, not all of them have been physical." Jeyne says cryptically as she searches through the rotting clothing of one of the ghouls.

Spoiler: Searching

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She'll search the ghouls for any valuables.

[Silver Night]

Seva

Seva nods to Jeyne and uses the wand.

Spoiler

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This should get her to full HP

She offers the wand back and then proceeds to start a search of the room.

[Kish]

Jeyne quickly determines the ghouls have nothing valuable. Seva finds the room featureless, at least initially, except for the mushroom, which Timeon turns over and then shakes his head at.

Heading down the corridor, Ilnesh finds another door at the end of it, in pieces like the door you just saw the ghouls break through. The square stone chamber beyond it is lit only by a small oil lantern hanging from the center ceiling. It has eight battered wooden coffins that are encrusted with salt brine, barnacles and dried sea weed. Four of them are open, appearing to have had their lids flung off recently. Four remain closed.

You see more doors, intact (at least at a glance), in the north and west walls.

Spoiler

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Map is updated.

[Ixe]

"Excellent grease spell Ixe, just like we practiced."

Ixe smiles at the "Party Leader", clasps his hands in front of his chest, and bows formally.

[Hypersmith]

With a silent curse at the thought of more ghouls, Ilnesh slips back to the room, his eyes darting about quickly.

"Don't make noise. There are more dead." he hissed the words.

With the immediate worry out of the way, he elaborates, voice hushed. "There are eight coffins total, look like they've been dragged out of the sea. Four are open. Noise might wake the other four."

With a critical eye on Sevas armor, he continues.
"I think I'll inspect the two doors and come back to take us through after. Just keep an eye on those coffins while my back is to them."

[Cavir]

Vosnak waits at the door leading to the coffin room, keeping vigilant watch and spoke softly. "Our intel said nine chambers. This is number eight." He thinks some more while his psicrystal also helps keeps watch. The map in the psionist's head wasn't perfect since he hadn't been taken close measurements along the way but it was enough to give a good idea. "The door on the right points in the direction we've been before. The last chamber should be through the other door, or maybe through a secret one on the left side. Who knows, maybe a trap door going down."

"I don't like the coffins remaining unknown either. We don't need something coming out of them as we move on the final chamber. After checking on the doors but before opening them let's deal with these coffins."

The party each hears a single subtle chime in their head. For those looking towards Vosnak, he glows dimly for a second then it is gone.

Spoiler: OOC

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Share pain with Sarin. Lasts 3 hours. 3PP spent.

[Silver Night]

Seva

Seva has largely recovered, thanks to the wand. She heads to stand near the door to the next room as well. "I agree, we should take care not to leave these at our back." She frowns, "Perhaps I will start with the javelin this time."

[Ixe]

Ixe frowns. He again props his darkwood staff against the doorway. After glancing at the "lieutenant", he sets his pack down as quietly as possible, and retrieves his light crossbow. Slowly and carefully, he pulls the string back, and fits another bolt into the groove. Then kneeling, he takes careful aim at the unopened coffins, preparing for the worst.

(( Moving to square U22. Readying an action to fire, if anything should emerge. ))

[Kish]

As you move into the room with the coffins...nothing happens. Both doors appear featureless wood.

Spoiler: Perception 10

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Out of the corner of your eye, you notice part of a word on the shattered remains of what was previously the eastern door to this room.

[Cavir]

Vosnak is ready and watching as the coffin room is entered. "Hmm? Huh." He lowers to one knee and picks up one of the door shards. He looks at it then tries to find other pieces to get the full message.

Spoiler: OOC

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What's on the piece I pick up?

Search for more parts with words
Vosnak (1d20+3)[7]
Vosnak (1d20+4)[16]