PrP: Haunted House

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Log Info

  • Title: Haunted House
  • Emitter: Cressida
  • Characters: Alice level 5, Godwyn level 5, Kiroth level 6, Orion level 5, Zoob level 4
  • Place: Alexandria - An Abandoned House
  • Time: September 20, 2014
  • Summary: The long ignored spookiness of an abandoned house has gotten worse after a mysterious ritual. But, who's afraid of ghosts?
  • APL: 5
  • Encounter 1: Attic Whisperer CR 4, Gibbering Mouther CR 5, Scribbling Allip CR 4, Skeletal Mage CR 5
  • Encounter 2: Hound of Tindalos CR 7

The house has been abandoned for some time, but other than the usual spooky sounds that come from an abandoned house, it hadn't been a problem. Until recently. The people in the area didn't think much of a couple nights of chanting, as the house did get its occasional group of teenagers holding sceances and the like, all trying to impress each other. But, things have been escalating and a spooky light has been noticed the last couple nights, so the city has contacted the Guild to investigate this officially and resolve the problem.

The time is shortly before dusk and the heroes are gathering in front of the house, ready to go in and discover if this is just more kids goofing around, or a problem that needs to be put to rest.

Zoob trundles up, the stock of his thunderbelcher waving in the air from his back holster. His wide green ears flap as he prattles excitedly. "Oh boy, a haunted house! I've never seen a real ghost before, is it true that they wear sheets and say 'Boo!' a lot? I'm told they are really scary like owls and are really sneaky like owls and can fly like owls.... hey, maybe the house just has an infestation of termites. That could be it, couldn't it? Or maybe owls too, that could also be it."

Godwyn stood before the house, staring upward at the upper windows. "You know... you tend to talk quite a bit when you're excited." She peered, trying to get a glimpse of that light if she could. "It's cute." She closed her eyes and touched her breastplate, just on the blue rose silhouette. "Althea guide us."

Alice looks over to Zoob, "If ghosts are anything like zombies and other undead things, then it isn't really anything to be joking about. It could be very dangerous."

Kiroth moves up with a grim look on his face under his helmet. He spots the others and nods to them, "Let's hope that it's just someone playing a prank. I have encountered real ghosts before and they are harder to fight then one would realize." He nods in agreement with Alice, "I have a scroll that can make them vulnerable, but only for a short time."

Orion arrives in his full plate armor, he unsheathes his great sword then looks to Zoob, "My first haunted house as well." He now looks to everyone, "Assume there is no problem if I take lead." If no one objects Orion will try to open the door then walk inside.

The house could certainly be in better condition. It's not a danger, but the few broken windows make it clear no one is taking care of it. But, with the sun low in the sky, there does seem to be a faint glow coming from inside the house. It's not bright, but it is barely noticable.

Godwyn glancees over at Orion with a nod. "Right, take point then." With that, she follows him, bringing her weapon to bear as she makes her way inside. With any luck, they won't be ambushed immediately by whatever is in here. Zoob frowns at Alice. "If you can't make jokes about the really dangerous stuff why bother with this line of work? Humour makes life worth living. I assure you I take survival very seriously, I just plan to have some fun along the way. Besides, it really could be owls, some of them are huge. And glow in the dark, or so I've been told. Or was that bats? Anyway, I say we push ahead with all speed before night falls, lets do this whie we have a place to retreat to if it really is ghosts." He gestures Orion toward the door and prepares to follow.

Kiroth nods, "I'll bring up the rear." He says as he hefts his shield and he draws his sword. He hmms, "Give me a moment." He opens up his banesight and takes a look at the house to see what he can see.

Alice shakes her head slightly, "Normal owls and bats don't glow in the dark." She looks to the house and looks it over as she moves to follow Orion inside.

Zoob wrinkles his brow in thought. "Really? How do they see at night then? I figured they had to glow in the dark or they'd get lost."

Orion gives Kiroth the time he needs for his banesight, Orion also takes the time to detect evil before going in.

The trio of paladins look at the house and there's a definite sense of something evil within. Something of moderate intensity... moving around at about the level of the floor, or just below it.

Godwyn grimaced as she entered the building. As she suspected. This had gotten out of hand, and now it was time to finish it. They had to clear the building and re-purpose it somehow, keep people away from it until they could. "This could get ugly, Orion."

Kiroth hmmms as he concentrates for the full banesight to take effect, "Looks like something is going on in the basement." He looks around to the others, "Stay sharp if you see anything out of the ordinary speak up." He says as he nods to Godwyn and Orion, "When you two are ready."

Orion looks to Alice and Zoob the two that can't sense evil, "There is cleary something evil in this house, be on your guard." He nods to Godwyn, "Odds are it will, but whom better then us to deal with it?" Orion looks to Kiroth "Lets do this." Orion now makes his way to the basement.

Alice nods slightly as she looks around, "Well that isn't a surprise if there is really undead and that sort of thing here. Though there is a lot of evil things in the world."

Zoob looks at the Wall o' Paladin and then at Alice. "Well, at least we're not likely to be the main targets for whatever's in there. Let's go!" He follows the paladins inside and downstairs.

The inside of the house is pretty unremarkable. The house opens into a fairly sizable room, a gathering hall for a small party. There's a set of stairs up to the second floor in the back corner, a wallway with a few doors raised in the back of the room. The back wall also has a door, and there is a door on the right side of the room, as well as the crumbling remains of what would have been a cloak check in the bottom right corner. The floor is dusty,

But, the most noticable thing in the room is the faintly glowing... words? Hanging in the air, wispy ike cobwebs, but there definitely looks like a pattern within it, although it is a little difficult to make out from a distance. Within the words hanging in the air, there is... it could be a person, perhaps, collapsed on the floor in a heap.

Upon looking around the room Orion notices the words, he looks to Alice, "Can you make sense of what this says?" He looks to what could be a person on the floor using his ability to detect evil on it, many an undead have tried to ambush him in the past trying to appear as a simple body.

Zoob levels his thunderbelcher at the glowing pattern. "Okay, that doesn't look at all like an owl. I can't make out what it is from back here, can we all move closer? I don't really feel comfortable going first in this company. I hope you all understand."

<OOC> Alice says, "does read magic help at all?" <OOC> Cressida says, "The body does not radiate evil. Read Magic might help, but you'll need to get closer to make out the words."

Kiroth keeps his banesite on as he moves bringing up the rear of the party. He frequently looks behind him his sword and shield ready.

Godwyn grimaced as she looked around, watching for threats. Definitely nothing creepy about the spider webs, or the dead bodies. Her hands tightened on her weapon. She could feel Althea's presence, giving her courage, but other than that and the spells, she was on her own. That was fine with her.

Alice carefully looks around, checking to make sure it is safe before looking to the others. "Well lets be careful." She then slowly starts to move a little closer.

Orion places a hand on Zoob shoulder, "We shall move closer, and no worries I have point on this. If things do get bad, do know that I can send out waves of positive healing energy, I believe Godwyn can do that as well." He then nods to Kiroth, "While I have not adventured with my fellow Sunblade before, I am sure he has healing abilities as well." Orion moves with Alice as she gets closer to the words.

Zoob grins widely showing many needle-sharp teeth. "That is very reassuring. Let's have a look at this stuff, I've travelled a lot and know a bunch of languages, at least to recognize them."

<OOC> Zoob does have Linguistics which should help in recognizing written languages I think. <OOC> Cressida says, "It may. But, Alice and Zoob can make Will saves." GAME: Zoob rolls will: (12)+-1: 11 GAME: Alice rolls will: (12)+11: 23 GAME: Cressida rolls 2d4: (6): 6

Upon closer examination, the words are in a couple of languages, and some are probably not any language. The end result is a rambling, babbling mess of words that almost look like they could mean something, but Alice is pretty sure it's just insane ramblings. Zoob is finding it fascinating, however, sure that there is something to it.

As they study the words, the body twitches, though not quite in a human way and Kiroth can sense the evil in the floor rising up, as well as something else stirring in the rubble.

Godwyn grimaced. Even she can see that the body moving is not a good sign, and she readies a combat stance. "Here we go..."

Kiroth frowns, "Hope up there is something coming from the floor." He says as he holds his sword ready, "Be careful with that sign." He says as he holds his sword out before him.

Zoob points at the glowing letters. "Look here, that's Kulthian I'd recognize it anywhere. That bit there looks like Khazdul although I'm not sure what that word means in that context. I think some of this is maybe Sylvan and something weird that might be celestial or maybe undercommon. They are so easy to confuse when you don't rad either one at all. Oh, and the syntax looks like it... well, somewhat garbled. Maybe if I swap some words? Gimme a minute."

Alice looks closely for a moment then shakes her head slightly. "It looks like it is just jibberish. There isn't any sense to it at all. I don't think it has any meaning at all." She steps back slightly when the body moves though. "Looks like trouble."

"I am on it." Orion says, he now goes to the body that is suddenly moving, he has his great sword out and is ready to attack. He looks over Zoob, "We should be able to handle this one." He briefly looks over Alice, "Are you sure, Zoob seems to be able make some sense of it."


GAME: Zoob rolls initiative: Roll: 10 + Bonus: 6 = Total: 16 GAME: Orion rolls initiative: Roll: 15 + Bonus: 1 = Total: 16 GAME: Alice rolls initiative: Roll: 8 + Bonus: 2 = Total: 10 <OOC> Cressida says, "You can place on the map, too. The edge of the map is are the walls of the room. Rows 14 to 18 are full of that wispy, web-like writing. Alice and Zoob should be in row 12 or 13. The railing is the edge of the upper level, about eight feet up, and there are stairs in that corner where there's an opening." GAME: Kiroth rolls initiative: Roll: 10 + Bonus: 1 = Total: 11 GAME: You roll initiative for Body: Roll: 8 + Bonus: 3 = Total: 11 GAME: Orion places himself on the map as Or at location I15 (Medium). GAME: You roll initiative for Ghost: Roll: 13 + Bonus: +5 = Total: 18 GAME: You roll initiative for Skeleton: Roll: 11 + Bonus: 6 = Total: 17 GAME: Zoob places himself on the map as Zo at location J13 (Small). GAME: You roll initiative for Cloaked: Roll: 19 + Bonus: 8 = Total: 27 <OOC> Cressida says, "The word web starts at row 14." GAME: Note Fascinated added to Zoob with a duration of 6 rounds. GAME: Cressida advances the initiative order.

     Round One - Init 27.
     It is now Cloaked's turn! Ghost is next!

GAME: You move Cloaked to location J11 (65 ft). GAME: You move Cloaked to location G11 (15 ft). GAME: Cressida advances the initiative order.

     Round One - Init 18.
     It is now Ghost's turn! Skeleton is next!

GAME: Cressida advances the initiative order.

     Round One - Init 17.
     It is now Skeleton's turn! Zoob is next!

GAME: Godwyn rolls initiative: Roll: 5 + Bonus: 1 = Total: 6

GAME: Cressida rolls +4: (6)++4: 10

<OOC> Cressida says, "Orion, Kiroth, and Godwyn can also make Will saves now." GAME: Godwyn rolls Will: (6)+9: 15 <OOC> Cressida says, "It is DC 15, so you exactly made it." GAME: Kiroth rolls will: (4)+11: 15 GAME: Orion rolls Will: (19)+8: 27

Things progress quickly from that first sign of trouble. As Kiroth sensed, a shadowy cloud rises from the floor, forming a vaguely humanoid shape, a skeletal form in a cloak of shadows. It starts to speak, words that eminate the madness of the form, forming semi-solid wisps in the air as it speaks, suggesting that it may be responsible for the webbing of words in front of you.

On the raised hallway, a door opens up and a skeleton moves into view. Once it has you in sight, rather than running to attack, it starts to speak arcane words, apparently casting a spell!

From the rubble of the cloak check, a small, dusty figure rises, wrapped in a cloak. As it moves, it looks like a child, grey and emaciated, but as it gets close, it looks like it has an animal skull for a head. Around it, like an aura, can be heard the unnerving sounds of childlike whimpers, songs, and sobs.

The ghostly figure lunges for Kiroth, but he is quick enough to move back out of its reach.

GAME: Cressida advances the initiative order.

     Round One - Init 16.
     It is now Zoob's turn! Orion is next!

GAME: Note Flat-footed on Zoob ended.

<OOC> Zoob says, "Okay, there was an attack, am I fascinated or what :)" <OOC> Cressida says, "Zoob is still fascinated, but can pose as such, as chaos happens around him. :)"

Zoob is still concentrating on the wispy writing, his head slowly tilting to the left as he tries to put it together. "Almost have it... I think that these words.... bah! No, lemme..."

GAME: Cressida advances the initiative order.

     Round One - Init 16.
     It is now Orion's turn! Kiroth is next!

GAME: Note Flat-footed on Orion ended. GAME: Zoob rolls linguistics: (15)+5: 20

<OOC> Orion says, "The body that is now moving I can get to it with no trouble?" You paged Zoob with 'There's a strange fascination with corners in the words. Like they're important, somehow.' <OOC> Cressida says, "When you enter the mass of words, you'll have to make a combat maneuver check or an Escape Artist check." <OOC> Orion says, "I will try attacking the ghost instead." <OOC> Cressida says, "You will have to move past the cloaked figure to do so." <OOC> Orion says, "Oh did not notice him, will go for the cloak figure then."

<OOC> Cressida says, "You have -1 to attack rolls, damage rolls, and Will saving throws within 10 feet of it. The sounds around it are just so depressing."

GAME: Orion rolls weapon10-1: (19)+10+-1: 28 <OOC> Orion says, "confirm crit" GAME: Orion rolls weapon10-1: (6)+10+-1: 15 GAME: Orion rolls 1d10+4: (7)+4: 11

GAME: Cressida advances the initiative order.

     Round One - Init 11.
     It is now Kiroth's turn! Body is next!

GAME: Note Flat-footed on Kiroth ended.

<OOC> Cressida says, "Kiroth, you are currently within 10 feet of the cloaked monster child." <OOC> Kiroth says, "Is there still a ghost in front of me?" <OOC> Cressida says, "There is." <OOC> Kiroth says, "i'll take a 5ft step back and cast protection from evil on myself" GAME: Kiroth casts Protection From Evil. Caster Level: 6 DC: 15

GAME: Cressida advances the initiative order.

     Round One - Init 11.
     It is now Body's turn! Alice is next!

Things are happening so fast, a moment ago the group was looking over words and now they are just about ambushed. Orion with his bulky full plate armor will have trouble moving past the mass of words, he knows with the situation at hand it is best to take down any of the enemy numbers as soon as possible. He attacks the cloaked child monster, despite the depressing and distracting sounds coming from it he manages to strike it.

Kiroth moves back as he hears the music and he dodges the ghost. He casts a spell of protection from evil on himself to help to tune out the influences of evil.

<OOC> Cressida says, "Everyone can make another Will save. The effect is not evil." GAME: Zoob rolls will: (15)+-1: 14 GAME: Godwyn rolls Will: (11)+9: 20 GAME: Kiroth rolls will: (2)+11: 13 GAME: Orion rolls will: (17)+8: 25 GAME: Alice rolls will: (9)+11: 20

GAME: Note Confused added to Kiroth with a duration of 1 rounds. GAME: Cressida rolls +7: (10)++7: 17 GAME: Cressida rolls +7: (17)++7: 24 <OOC> Cressida says, "What is your CMD, Alice?" <OOC> Alice says, "14" GAME: Cressida rolls +7: (18)++7: 25 GAME: Cressida rolls +7: (13)++7: 20 GAME: Cressida rolls +7: (5)++7: 12 GAME: Cressida rolls +7: (16)++7: 23 GAME: Cressida rolls +7: (11)++7: 18 GAME: Cressida rolls 4d4: (10): 10 GAME: You damaged Alice for 10 points. 39 remaining. GAME: Cressida rolls 6: (2)+6: 8

<OOC> Cressida says, "Zoob, you can make another Will save now." <OOC> Cressida says, "Actually, no, you are just un-fascinated now." <OOC> Zoob says, "Me? OK."

As the body starts to lunge forward, it starts to babble an obviously insane, maddening and incoherent string of words... and then several more as mouths open up all over its body. As it starts to lunge, and then roll forward, it's clear that the body must not have bones and that it is covered in eyes and mouths, each mouth talking in a discordant combination. It lunges at Alice, mouths biting viciously at her as it grabs hold, trying to engulf her. Even as all that is happening, a jet of some sort of fluid sprays at Zoob, finally pulling his attention from translating the words to the danger around him.

<OOC> Cressida says, "Alice is grappled, Kiroth is confused."

GAME: Cressida advances the initiative order.

     Round One - Init 10.
     It is now Alice's turn! Godwyn is next!

GAME: Note Flat-footed on Alice ended.

<OOC> Alice says, "what is the roll for casting while grabbed?" <OOC> Zoob says, "Concentration: DC 10 + the grappler's CMB + the level of the spell you're casting." <OOC> Alice says, "I am going to try to drop a flaming sphere on it" <OOC> Alice says, "the one that grabbed me"

GAME: Alice rolls 1d20+5+6: (5)+5+6: 16 GAME: Alice casts Flaming Sphere. Caster Level: 5 DC: 18 <OOC> Alice says, "I guess I fail"

GAME: Cressida advances the initiative order.

     Round One - Init 6.
     It is now Godwyn's turn! Cloaked is next!

GAME: Note Flat-footed on Godwyn ended.

Alice tries to focus and chant as she moves around, trying to make the hand gestures while fighting off the monster. A bit of flame starts to form for a breif moment but doesn't fully form into a sphere.

<OOC> Godwyn says, "Right, good strategy. Ghost is the weak link. Circling around and using Ghostbane Dirge!" GAME: Godwyn casts Ghostbane Dirge. Caster Level: 5 DC: 14 GAME: Cressida rolls 4: (3)+4: 7 GAME: Note Dirged added to Ghost with a duration of 5 rounds.

GAME: NEW ROUND!

     Cressida advances the initiative order.
     Round Two - Init 27.
     It is now Cloaked's turn! Ghost is next!

<OOC> Cressida says, "It attacks Orion." GAME: Cressida rolls 9: (13)+9: 22 GAME: Cressida rolls 4: (19)+4: 23 <OOC> Cressida says, "Orion, make a Will save." GAME: Orion rolls will: (8)+8: 16

GAME: Cressida advances the initiative order.

     Round Two - Init 18.
     It is now Ghost's turn! Skeleton is next!

<OOC> Cressida says, "The ghost goes for Godwyn."

Godwyn grimaced and took a look toward the ghost. Definitely not the best place to be right now for him. She manages to make her way behind and around Kiroth, point her right hand at the ghost, and declare, "Return to the mortal plane and face your judgment!"

The ghost wavers... blinks in and out... and it seems more real, more phyiscal. "Kiroth, the ghost! Get him!"

GAME: Cressida rolls 4: (9)+4: 13

<OOC> Cressida says, "What is your touch AC, Godwyn?" <OOC> Godwyn says, "12, you beat it. Barely." GAME: Cressida rolls 1d4: (4): 4 <OOC> Cressida says, "Ouch. It does 4 Wisdom damage."

GAME: Cressida advances the initiative order.

     Round Two - Init 17.
     It is now Skeleton's turn! Zoob is next!

<OOC> Cressida says, "A small earth elemental appears and attacks Kiroth." GAME: Cressida rolls 6: (12)+6: 18 <OOC> Cressida says, "For all the good that does it." GAME: Note Summon added to Skeleton with a duration of 4 rounds. GAME: Cressida rolls 6-4: (20)+6+-4: 22 GAME: Cressida rolls 6-4: (6)+6+-4: 8

<OOC> Cressida says, "And a scorching ray from the skeleton." GAME: Cressida rolls 4d6: (15): 15 GAME: You damaged Orion for 10 points. 45 remaining.


<OOC> Godwyn says, "Keying up Smite Evil + Power Attack + Furious Focus"

The cloaked child thing grabs at Orion, trying to bite him. He can feel its hand on his chest, but it doesn't manage to sink its teeth in and he manages to fight off the magic he feels eminating from it.

The ghostly figure, finding itself solidifying, lunges for the person apparently responsible and claws at her. Its hands pass through Godwyn's body and, rather than phyiscally injuring her, its madness seeps into her starting to eat at her sanity.

The skeleton in back completes its spell and a small creature of rock appears nearby, charging at Kiroth, its rocky punches bouncing off his armor. It moves forward, casting once again, and firing a ray of fire at Orion, hitting his directly, though not having as much of an effect as one might have guessed.

GAME: Cressida advances the initiative order.

     Round Two - Init 16.
     It is now Zoob's turn! Orion is next!

<OOC> Cressida says, "Zoob, you get to act freely!" <OOC> Zoob says, "I'd like to 5' to the right and shoot the skeleton as it isn't in melee. Rapid Shot, Deadly Aim." <OOC> Cressida says, "Sure. Go for it."

GAME: Zoob rolls ranged +1 -2 -2 (Deadly Aim, Rapid Shot, touch attack): (17)+11+1+-2+-2 (Deadly Aim, Rapid Shot, touch attack): 25 GAME: Zoob rolls ranged +1 -2 -2 (Deadly Aim, Rapid Shot, touch attack): (14)+11+1+-2+-2 (Deadly Aim, Rapid Shot, touch attack): 22

<OOC> Cressida says, "You very hit, twice."

GAME: Zoob rolls 1d10 +5: (5)+5: 10 GAME: Zoob rolls 1d10 +5: (8)+5: 13

<OOC> Cressida says, "What kind of damage is it?" <OOC> Zoob says, "B&P." <OOC> Cressida says, "It is very shot up, but still standing."

Zoob snaps out of his concentration. "Just you wait, words, I'll get back to you. Bessie?" He raises his firearm and unloads both barrels at the skeleton knocking off several ribs. "That's right Bessie, good thunderbelcher."

GAME: Cressida advances the initiative order.

     Round Two - Init 16.
     It is now Orion's turn! Kiroth is next!

<OOC> Orion says, "Can I get to the ghost?" <OOC> Cressida says, "Yes, you can step over to it at H11 without an AoO." <OOC> Orion says, "He will give it a nice power attack." <OOC> Cressida says, "You are still -1 to hit and damage, from the sobbing." GAME: GAME: Orion moves to location H11 (5 ft). <OOC> Orion says, "Ok will smite it with a power attack."

GAME: Orion rolls weapon10+2: (9)+10+2: 21 <OOC> Cressida says, "Your sword is magic, yes?" <OOC> Orion says, "Yes."

GAME: Orion rolls 2d6++20: (4)++20: 24

GAME: Cressida advances the initiative order.

     Round Two - Init 11.
     It is now Kiroth's turn! Body is next!

GAME: Note Confused on Kiroth ended.

<OOC> Cressida says, "Kiroth, you want to attack the Earth Elemental, for daring to attack you."

Orion spots the opening that Godwyn gives him by making the ghost physical, as Orion goes to the ghost he points his great sword at it and says, "You!" He then slams his sword into the ghost aided by the power of his god, despite the attack being a powerful one the ghost is still standing.

<OOC> Cressida says, "Well, Kiroth will attack the Earth Elemental, on his turn."

GAME: Cressida advances the initiative order.

     Round Two - Init 11.
     It is now Body's turn! Alice is next!

GAME: Cressida rolls 7: (4)+7: 11

<OOC> Cressida says, "The body doesn't engulf Alice... yet." GAME: Cressida rolls 6: (7)+6: 13 <OOC> Cressida says, "What is your touch AC, Zoob?" <OOC> Zoob says, "18 I think."

GAME: Cressida advances the initiative order.

     Round Two - Init 10.
     It is now Alice's turn! Godwyn is next!

<OOC> Alice says, "I try to put a flaming sphere on it again" GAME: Alice rolls 1d20+5+6: (12)+5+6: 23 GAME: Alice casts Flaming Sphere. Caster Level: 5 DC: 18

The body continues to crawl up on Alice, but as it oozes and grabs at her, it is finding it more difficult to wrap itself around her completely. Another spray of some sort of fluid shoots in Zoob's direction, but it again splashes on the ground with a soft hiss.

<OOC> Cressida says, "That succeeds. What are you doing with it?"

GAME: Alice rolls 3d6: (8): 8 GAME: Cressida rolls 4: (11)+4: 15 <OOC> Cressida says, "Looks like it burns. Some of its mouths howl."

GAME: Cressida advances the initiative order.

     Round Two - Init 6.
     It is now Godwyn's turn! Cloaked is next!

<OOC> Godwyn says, "Here comes the big combination"

Kiroth turns to face the rocky being that charged up behind him, madness in his eyes. It will pay for daring to attack him!

Alice tries to fight off the strange creature as she chants and casts a spell and this time a burning sphere appears right on top of it and burn at it's flesh as she tries to push it away from her.

<OOC> Godwyn says, "Smite Evil + Power Attack + Furious Focus" GAME: Godwyn rolls Melee+3: (1)+9+3: 13

Godwyn gasps as the ghost reaches *inside* her... and then shrieks as a part of her mind quails. She stumbled backward a few steps, clutching her chest. With a hiss, she raises her weapon toward the ceiling. "Althea... guide me forward, unto destiny!"

Her weapon glows. Her armor glows. Even her blue eyes almost have a sheen to them as she is graced by divine will.

Then she sets herself and swings. It misses, but she doesn't seem to care. Just as long as he can't do *that* again.

GAME: NEW ROUND!

     Cressida advances the initiative order.
     Round Three - Init 27.
     It is now Cloaked's turn! Ghost is next!

<OOC> Cressida says, "It goes for Orion again."

GAME: Cressida rolls 9: (8)+9: 17 GAME: Cressida rolls 4: (7)+4: 11 <OOC> Cressida says, "It misses."

GAME: Cressida advances the initiative order.

     Round Three - Init 18.
     It is now Ghost's turn! Skeleton is next!

<OOC> Cressida says, "The ghost also goes for Orion." GAME: Cressida rolls 4: (11)+4: 15 <OOC> Cressida says, "What is your touch AC, Orion?" <OOC> Orion says, "Think 11, it is smitted so I think it gets -5 to hit Orion." <OOC> Cressida says, "That's a deflection bonus to your AC, which counts for your touch AC. So, it will miss, since your touch AC against it is 16."

GAME: Cressida advances the initiative order.

     Round Three - Init 17.
     It is now Skeleton's turn! Zoob is next!

<OOC> Cressida says, "The skeleton just magic missiles Zoob." GAME: Cressida rolls 2d4+2: (5)+2: 7 GAME: You damaged Zoob for 7 points. 30 remaining.

The cloaked child thing grabs at Orion again, but it is still having trouble dealing with his armor.

The ghost turns to face the person that cut it so severely, its claws grabbing for him in an attempt to drag him into madness, but the aura of his godly power repels it, that madness it continues to babble only getting louder in frustration.

The skeleton was rcoked by those shots from Zoob, so it turns its attention to him. With a few quick words, two magic missiles fly from its hand and strike Zoob solidly.

GAME: Cressida advances the initiative order.

     Round Three - Init 16.
     It is now Zoob's turn! Orion is next!

<OOC> Zoob says, "I will shoot it back."

GAME: Zoob rolls ranged +1 -2 -2 (Deadly Aim, Rapid Shot, touch attack): (19)+11+1+-2+-2 (Deadly Aim, Rapid Shot, touch attack): 27 GAME: Zoob rolls 1d10+5: (4)+5: 9 GAME: Zoob rolls ranged +1 -2 -2 (Deadly Aim, Rapid Shot, touch attack): (19)+11+1+-2+-2 (Deadly Aim, Rapid Shot, touch attack): 27 GAME: Zoob rolls 1d10+5: (5)+5: 10 <OOC> Cressida says, "You destroy it."

Zoob rloads his firearm, fingers twinkling with speed. "Okay, let's have an artillery battle. See how you like it." He unloads both barrels again, the capacitors flaring with arcane energy, and the skeleton goes down in pieces. "There, see? You don't."

GAME: Cressida advances the initiative order.

     Round Three - Init 16.
     It is now Orion's turn! Kiroth is next!

<OOC> Orion says, "Same combo as before." GAME: Orion rolls weapon10+2: (3)+10+2: 15 <OOC> Cressida says, "That hits." GAME: Orion rolls 2d6+15: (5)+15: 20

Orion slams his great sword into the ghost once more, this time the ghost does not survive this attack, he notices Zoob take out the skeleton mage, "Excellent job people, we are almos through this."

GAME: Cressida advances the initiative order.

     Round Three - Init 11.
     It is now Kiroth's turn! Body is next!

Kiroth simply growls, he and the elemental in a mortal one on one battle to the death!

GAME: Cressida advances the initiative order.

     Round Three - Init 11.
     It is now Body's turn! Alice is next!

GAME: Cressida rolls 7: (16)+7: 23 <OOC> Cressida says, "Meanwhile, the squishy body engulfs Alice." GAME: Cressida rolls 6d4: (15): 15 GAME: You damaged Alice for 15 points. 24 remaining. <OOC> Cressida says, "It also does 2 points of Constitution damage as it drains her blood." GAME: Cressida rolls 6: (5)+6: 11

The boneless body sizzles as the ball of fire hits it, but that seems to only spur it on. It flows over Alice, completely covering her with its mass, eyes looking for something. Perhaps a new target. Some of its eyes remain fixed on Zoob, but its continued attempt to hit him with some sort of fluid are met with failure.

Godwyn taps Orion on the right shoulder and, once she gets her attention, begins to make a few hand signs. She points to herself and then him, then pointed two fingers toward Alice, drawing a line through the center of the creature that had a hold on her.

He might understand or might not, but the point was that they would have to work together.

GAME: Cressida advances the initiative order.

     Round Three - Init 10.
     It is now Alice's turn! Godwyn is next!

<OOC> Cressida says, "Alice, you are swallowed. You can try to cut out, fight it like a grapple, or do anything else you can do, though you can't see anything but the inside of it." <OOC> Alice says, "can I shoot it with a spell?" <OOC> Cressida says, "If you can cast successfully." <OOC> Alice says, "I will do produce flame" <OOC> Cressida says, "It won't help you get out, but you will be hard pressed to miss, I think." <OOC> Alice says, "if it dies I get out though hehe" GAME: Alice rolls 1d20+5+6: (8)+5+6: 19 <OOC> Cressida says, "True!" GAME: Alice casts Produce Flame. Caster Level: 5 DC: 17 <OOC> Cressida says, "You can make your attack, too." GAME: Alice rolls 1d6+5: (1)+5: 6 GAME: Alice rolls melee: (13)+2: 15 GAME: Cressida rolls 4: (16)+4: 20 <OOC> Cressida says, "But, it avoids the sphere, this round."

Alice summons forth a small flame in her hand and hits the inside of the monster, burning at it as her sphere swirls around the outside, trying to burn it from every direction.

GAME: Cressida advances the initiative order.

     Round Three - Init 6.
     It is now Godwyn's turn! Cloaked is next!

<OOC> Godwyn says, "Attempting a charge. Power Attack, Furious Focus." <OOC> Cressida says, "You can charge it, but the Cloaked thing will get an AoO." <OOC> Cressida says, "Not that it's hit anyone yet." <OOC> Godwyn says, "Gonna try to beast through it with armor."

GAME: Cressida rolls 9: (3)+9: 12 <OOC> Cressida says, "It misses."

GAME: Godwyn rolls Melee: (15)+9: 24 <OOC> Godwyn says, "I do not." GAME: Godwyn rolls 2d6+1: (9)+10: 19 <OOC> Godwyn says, "Well that had to hurt XD"

GAME: NEW ROUND!

     Cressida advances the initiative order.
     Round Four - Init 27.
     It is now Cloaked's turn! Zoob is next!

The cloaked figure ducks down and starts to run, making for the stairs. Maybe it sees the fruitlessness of its efforts and is looking for an escape.

GAME: Cressida advances the initiative order.

     Round Four - Init 16.
     It is now Zoob's turn! Orion is next!

<OOC> Zoob says, "I'll move and shoot once. F15." GAME: Zoob rolls ranged +2 -2 (PSB, Deadly Aim, touch attack): (12)+11+2+-2 (PSB, Deadly Aim, touch attack): 23 GAME: Zoob rolls 1d10+6: (10)+6: 16

<OOC> Cressida says, "It cries out in a child's voice as it's shot. Clearly, that hurt, but it's still moving."

Zoob bounds forward, ears flapping, and looses a shot at the fleeing cloaked figure. "Take that! Oh, you took it, I wasn't expecting that. Never mind then!"

GAME: Cressida advances the initiative order.

     Round Four - Init 16.
     It is now Orion's turn! Kiroth is next!

<OOC> Orion will charge and flank the body that has Alice. <OOC> Cressida says, "You can't charge and you can't quite flank, but you can move to a position to let Godwyn flank on her turn." <OOC> Orion says, "Ok power attack though." <OOC> Cressida says, "You can do that. :)" <OOC> Orion says, "with the cloak leaving no more -1?" <OOC> Cressida says, "Correct." GAME: Orion rolls weapon10-2: (12)+10+-2: 20 <OOC> Cressida says, "Hit!" GAME: Orion rolls 2d6+11: (7)+11: 18 <OOC> Cressida says, "It is more damaged, but still moving."

GAME: Cressida advances the initiative order.

     Round Four - Init 11.
     It is now Kiroth's turn! Body is next!

GAME: Cressida advances the initiative order.

     Round Four - Init 11.
     It is now Body's turn! Alice is next!

GAME: Cressida rolls 6d4: (17): 17 GAME: You damaged Alice for 17 points. 7 remaining. <OOC> Cressida says, "And 2 more points of Con damage."

<OOC> Cressida says, "It also bites at Orion and Godwyn" GAME: Cressida rolls 7: (17)+7: 24 GAME: Cressida rolls 7: (19)+7: 26 GAME: Cressida rolls 7: (14)+7: 21 GAME: Cressida rolls 7: (16)+7: 23 GAME: Cressida rolls 7: (20)+7: 27 GAME: Cressida rolls 7: (6)+7: 13 GAME: Cressida rolls 2d4: (5): 5 GAME: Cressida rolls 2d4: (7): 7 GAME: You damaged Orion for 5 points. 40 remaining. GAME: You damaged Godwyn for 7 points. 41 remaining. GAME: Cressida rolls 6: (4)+6: 10 <OOC> Cressida says, "And spits at Zoob, but he's nimble."

The boneless body is getting surrounded, but it doesn't seem concerned. Internal mouths bite at Alice, while external mouths bite at Orion and Godwyn as they try to kill it. It is getting frenzied, that maddening gibbering rising in pitch as it draws blood. So muhc blood. Another gob of something flies past Zoob, the man too nimble to be bothered by such things.

Kiroth lets out a roar as he smashes that elemental to pieces, but the effort he's expended seems to have been rather overwhelming as he collapses to the ground, apparently exhausted but otherwise healthy.

GAME: Cressida advances the initiative order.

     Round Four - Init 10.
     It is now Alice's turn! Godwyn is next!

<OOC> Alice says, "I cure light wounds on my self" GAME: Cressida rolls 4: (19)+4: 23 <OOC> Cressida says, "Wow, and it avoids the sphere again." GAME: Alice rolls 1d20+5+6: (3)+5+6: 14 <OOC> Cressida says, "Looks like being inside of it disrupts the spell."

Alice is still having a lot of trouble inside the stupid thing, trying to cast spells. Though it's annoying mouths distract her.

GAME: Cressida advances the initiative order.

     Round Four - Init 6.
     It is now Godwyn's turn! Cloaked is next!

GAME: Godwyn rolls Melee+2: (8)+9+2: 19 <OOC> Godwyn says, "Successful flank. ^^" GAME: Godwyn rolls 2d6+6: (6)+6: 12 <OOC> Cressida says, "Indeed. You cut it open, Alice is free and it appears to be dead."

Godwyn shifts just slightly to the right, being chewed on by various sets of teeth. Armor does not necessarily make for a good thing to chew on, but it does irritatte her enough to set her stance, narrow her eyes... and without a word or a cry of battle, cut the thing *open*.

The creature's screams silence all at once as it sloughs off like so much slime. "Are you all right, Alice?"

GAME: NEW ROUND!

     Cressida advances the initiative order.
     Round Five - Init 27.
     It is now Cloaked's turn! Zoob is next!

The cloaked figure runs across the raised hallway tot he door the skeleton came out of. Opening the door, it looks inside, then falls to pieces, its cloak shredded by... something. It's not clear just what is there, but whatever it is, it's growling.

GAME: Cressida advances the initiative order.

     Round Five - Init 16.
     It is now Zoob's turn! Orion is next!

GAME: You roll initiative for Hound: Roll: 8 + Bonus: 9 = Total: 17

Godwyn glanced over toward the door, her blade pointed toward the entrance. She peers into the darkness, attempting to make some sense of what is in there. <OOC> Godwyn says, "Detect Evil." <OOC> Zoob says, "I'll delay and see what happens? :)"

GAME: Cressida advances the initiative order.

     Round Five - Init 16.
     It is now Orion's turn! Kiroth is next!

<OOC> Orion says, "I am going to channel heal." <OOC> Cressida says, "Okay." GAME: Orion rolls 3d6: (7): 7 GAME: You damaged Alice for -7 points. 14 remaining. GAME: You damaged Orion for -7 points. 47 remaining. GAME: You damaged Kiroth for -7 points. 70 remaining. GAME: You damaged Zoob for -7 points. 37 remaining. GAME: You damaged Godwyn for -7 points. 48 remaining.

GAME: Cressida advances the initiative order.

     Round Five - Init 11.
     It is now Kiroth's turn! Alice is next!

GAME: Cressida advances the initiative order.

     Round Five - Init 10.
     It is now Alice's turn! Godwyn is next!

Kiroth groans, laying on the ground semi-concious as he recovers from the madness he was suffering from.

<OOC> Alice says, "I heal my self" <OOC> Cressida says, "Go ahead." <OOC> Godwyn says, "Is there anything evil in that door XD" <OOC> Godwyn says, "Trying to find out XD"

Orion notices how hurt Alice is, and he has taken some damage himself, he sends out a wave of postive energy healing those around him, he then looks to Alice and says, "This is not over yet so be careful."

GAME: Cressida advances the initiative order.

     Round Five - Init 6.
     It is now Godwyn's turn! Hound is next!

GAME: Alice casts Cure Light Wounds. Caster Level: 5 DC: 17 <OOC> Cressida says, "There is something evil over there, you can sense." GAME: Alice rolls 1d8+5: (3)+5: 8 GAME: You damaged Alice for -8 points. 22 remaining.

Alice hand glows slightly as she touches herself and her wounds start to heal. She nods slightly as she looks around, "I think I am okay."

Godwyn grimaced. "Definitely not over. Orion?" She nodded toward the door. "Get ready."

GAME: NEW ROUND!

     Cressida advances the initiative order.
     Round Six - Init 17.
     It is now Hound's turn! Zoob is next!

As everyone looks to that doorway, something jumps out of the corner of the room, on the same level as the party. A gaunt, long-limbed quadruped with huge, soulless eyes and a toothy maw, something like a huge wolf, though its legs are too long. It charges forward and bites at Orion...

GAME: Cressida rolls 15: (11)+15: 26 GAME: Cressida rolls 2d6+3: (6)+3: 9

GAME: You damaged Orion for 9 points. 38 remaining.

...and bites his shoulder, teeth getting through his armor with a shearing sound.

GAME: Cressida advances the initiative order.

     Round Six - Init 16.
     It is now Zoob's turn! Orion is next!

<OOC> Zoob will move to where it doesn't have cover, J16, and shoot the hound once. <OOC> Cressida says, "Something about its eyes, Zoob. They look deadly. Gaze attack deadly." <OOC> Zoob says, "I am foolhardy. I'll ignore that." <OOC> Cressida says, "Okay. Make a Fort save." GAME: Zoob rolls fort: (15)+7: 22 <OOC> Cressida says, "You are foolhardy and it has no effect on you."

GAME: Zoob rolls ranged +2 -2 -4 (PSB, Deadly Aim, into melee, touch attack): (5)+11+2+-2+-4 (PSB, Deadly Aim, into melee, touch attack): 12 <OOC> Cressida says, "That misses." <OOC> Zoob says, "I do not have precise shot yet. :P"

Zoob scampers back across the floor, loading Bessie as he goes. "Okay, one more beastie, just a dog, we've killed those before..." He misses wide.

GAME: Cressida advances the initiative order.

     Round Six - Init 16.
     It is now Orion's turn! Alice is next!

<OOC> Orion says, "POwer attack +smite" <OOC> Cressida says, "Do you avert your eyes at all?" <OOC> Orion says, "No." <OOC> Cressida says, "Fort save." GAME: Orion rolls fort: (3)+13: 16 GAME: Cressida rolls 5d6: (13): 13 GAME: You damaged Orion for 13 points. 25 remaining. <OOC> Cressida says, "Its gaze cuts into you. Literally." <OOC> Orion says, "Ok going to add a lay upon hands on myself first." GAME: Orion rolls 2d6: (12): 12 GAME: You damaged Orion for -12 points. 37 remaining. GAME: Orion rolls weapon10+3: (19)+10+3: 32 <OOC> Cressida says, "Well, roll to confirm." GAME: Orion rolls weapon10-2: (13)+10+-2: 21 <OOC> Cressida says, "That confirms. So, good start." GAME: Orion rolls 4d6+42: (19)+42: 61 <OOC> Cressida says, "Well. It's still alive. But, ow."

The creatures bites Orion deeply into Orion, when he looks to attack it, the very gaze of it hurts Orion even more then the bit, "Not bad, but now it is my turn!" Orion aided by his god slams his great sword into the creatures head doing a massive amount of damage to it.

GAME: Cressida advances the initiative order.

     Round Six - Init 10.
     It is now Alice's turn! Godwyn is next!

<OOC> Alice says, "I do produce flame" GAME: Alice rolls ranged: (18)+5: 23 <OOC> Alice says, "its a touch attack" <OOC> Cressida says, "Also a Fort save. That will hit." GAME: Alice casts Produce Flame. Caster Level: 0 DC: -95 <OOC> Alice says, "also flaming sphere on it" GAME: Alice rolls fort: (5)+8: 13 GAME: Alice rolls 1d6+5: (6)+5: 11 GAME: Cressida rolls 12: (11)+12: 23 <OOC> Cressida says, "It dodges the sphere." GAME: Cressida rolls 5d6: (19): 19 GAME: You damaged Alice for 19 points. 3 remaining. <OOC> Cressida says, "But its gaze is cutting as you burn it. Again, literally." <OOC> Cressida says, "But, it is burned and looking bad. Probably."

GAME: Cressida advances the initiative order.

     Round Six - Init 6.
     It is now Godwyn's turn! Hound is next!

<OOC> Godwyn says, "Right. Smite Evil, Power Attack, Furious Focus, with an attempt to flank." <OOC> Cressida says, "You can't quite flank without provoking an AoO." <OOC> Godwyn says, "Might provoke it then..." <OOC> Godwyn says, "let's see if he can hit me. XD" GAME: Cressida rolls 15: (14)+15: 29 <OOC> Godwyn says, "He can." <OOC> Godwyn says, "Does that stop me?" GAME: Cressida rolls 2d6+3: (5)+3: 8 GAME: You damaged Godwyn for 8 points. 40 remaining. <OOC> Cressida says, "But, Fort save, if you're looking right at it." <OOC> Godwyn says, "Flanking + Smite + weapon bonus" <OOC> Godwyn says, "First, rolling fortitude" GAME: Godwyn rolls fort+3: (19)+11+3: 33 <OOC> Godwyn says, "Divine Grace has pulled through!" GAME: Godwyn rolls Melee+6: (9)+9+6: 24 <OOC> Cressida says, "You are not impressed by its gaze." <OOC> Cressida says, "I think your Divine Grace is automatically factored in, but you still make it." <OOC> Godwyn says, "Successful flank." <OOC> Godwyn says, "Adding Power Attack to the mix..." <OOC> Cressida says, "And that does hit it. And, since it's an evil outsider, you get to add twice your level for damage." GAME: Godwyn rolls 2d6+18: (3)+18: 21 <OOC> Cressida says, "Boom, you finish it off."

The sound of *thunder* shakes the room.

The beast simply stops what it is doing, a shocked expression on its features, before it falls to the floor in a pool of its own blood. Standing behind him is Godwyn, her face in a mask of resolution. She doesn't even seem angry or frustrated.

Her armor, her weapon, and once again even those blue eyes, glow. "Return to that whence you came. Pay for your misdeeds in the next life."

Orion lets out a long breath and takes a moment to relax after Godwyn finishes off the creature, "Wow, that was intense. Lets heal up a bit before we go onwards." He looks to Alice, "You know my good berry idea would come in handy about now."

The hound almost seems to react to that command, its body shifting slightly, then sliding through what might be a small gap in reality, blood flowing after it, the whole of it disappearing entirely in just a second. With it gone, the house is quiet. The setting sun illuminates the room and it already seems less oppressive, the shadows less frightening. There are some remains scattered about, a pile of flesh, a broken skeleton, and a pile of junk where the cloaked figure was, but they are easily disposed of.

Zoob looks around. "Hey! Where dod those words go? I almost had them figured out before we got interrupted!"

Alice looks to Orion and nods as blood runs down her arms and legs, "Yeah, I think I could go for some healing." She then glances over towards Zoob. "Those words didn't mean anything."

"I'm sure you'll find out some other time." Godwyn cleans off her blade before sheathing it again. "Let's go, we need to find out what caused this." With that, she volunteers to take point without another word, advancing further into the house if possible.

A search of the house reveals it to be otherwise unoccupied and uninteresting, aside from the attic. The attic appears to have been built to be a round room, rounded off where the walls meet the floor and the ceiling. Faded markings cover the walls, hinting at some sort of madness ravings, but they are visibly fading from view. Whatever was going on here, it seems to be fading from existance. With that, the only traces of anything unusual, undead, or evil of any sort are gone. The house appears to be clean.

Godwyn sighed. "Clear." She looked toward the others. "We need to get this place re purposed for something. I'm not sure if that'll help, but anything is better than nothing."