Act 1.4 - Delian Tomb: Hall of the Brave

The stone corridor opens into a vast, dark chamber heavy with dust and the weight of ages. At its center, a painted skull glows faintly on the floor, pulsing with a deep crimson light that seeps from a jagged rune etched above it. The glow throbs like a heartbeat—angry, alive, and wrong.

Lined up along the east and west walls are more than a dozen stone coffins, their lids carved with the features of long-dead warriors. Dust and cobwebs cover their edges, but several appear to have been disturbed—slightly shifted or opened from within.

At the far northern wall, a statue of a proud human warrior stands vigil, spear in hand and gaze fixed eternally ahead. The inscription at its base reads:

"Once this fails, the battle is lost."

Behind the statue, from somewhere within the stone itself, comes the sound of sinister, muffled chanting—a low, rhythmic murmur that vibrates through the floor, as if something ancient and malevolent were gathering strength just beyond the wall.

OOC:

What do you do?

Oct 31, 2025 1:53 pm

Malfina peeks around the corner and comments, "Well that doesn't look safe... Who's going first?"

OOC:

Do I lose all my Essence (my 'heroic resource') out of combat?

Oct 31, 2025 4:56 pm

Do I detect any magic, as a Human?

Oct 31, 2025 7:38 pm

OOC:

PhoenixScientist says:

Do I detect any magic, as a Human?

Not yet. You will receive the "Detect the Supernatural" ability in a future encounter.

Drgwen says:

Do I lose all my Essence (my 'heroic resource') out of combat?

Yes. It is reset after each combat, so use it or lose it =)

[ +- ] Essence Outside of Combat

Oct 31, 2025 7:54 pm

Before we head in I am going to scope out the room, looking for traps, possible ambushes, anything else suspicious... especially those coffins.

Rolls

Alertness - (2D10+4)

(102) + 4 = 16

Nov 1, 2025 3:44 am

Malfina turns to Shrike and says, "Careful! I don't trust those coffins one bit..."

Nov 1, 2025 4:14 am

"Me either. There is too little going on for me to trust it..." Shrike nods to Malfina, but doesn't take his eyes off the details of the room. "I'll take point again ... "
He pauses again, thinking, processing seomething instinctual.

OOC:

And here is where I insert whatever he notices from his check.

Nov 1, 2025 8:58 am

Turn 1
Shrike, you step cautiously into the chamber, eyes flicking from the glowing skull to the coffins lining the walls, every instinct warning that something isn’t right. The air feels thick, heavy with foul magic. For a moment, there’s only silence—then a faint scrape of stone against stone echoes through the room. Another follows, then another. One by one, the coffins begin to shift, their lids grinding open as clouds of dust spill out.

From within the cracked tombs, 6 Ghouls shamble forward, skin hanging in ribbons, their eyes blazing with feral hunger. Around them, 6 Skeletons rise, gripping bows and jagged shards of bone, while two Zombies of former knights drag themselves from shattered coffins, their bodies wrapped in the tatters of burial cloth.

Meta currencies:
Hero Tokens: 6
Malice: 9

Next PCs (in any order):
Vordokov
Malfina Bramblebush
Naercalad
Obsidian Rockcrusher
Marbin
Shrike

Next Monster Groups:
Waiting for PCs - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

OOC:

We are now in combat. What do you do?

Nov 1, 2025 11:41 am

Obsidiad will move to G11 then charge to K11 and use free melee strike and then knockback against G1.b into the line of monsters. Hoping for a domino effect.

OOC:

that is 7 dam and push 2 +2 from ferocity = push 4

Last edited November 1, 2025 11:44 am

Rolls

Ferocity - (1d3)

(3) = 3

Melee weapon free strike (Maul) - (2d10+2)

(19) + 2 = 12

Knockback - (2d10+2)

(91) + 2 = 12

Nov 1, 2025 1:22 pm

OOC:

I didnt notice anything beforehand with that check?
Anything up with those symbols on the floor?

Nov 1, 2025 1:50 pm

PhoenixScientist says:

I didnt notice anything beforehand with that check?

You noticed the undead. PCs can act and were not ambushed. =)

PhoenixScientist says:

Anything up with those symbols on the floor?

As a maneuver during your turn, you can make a Reason test to examine the runes.

Nov 1, 2025 1:56 pm

OOC:

I have to use a maneuver even though I explicitly was looking things over and thinking before I went into the room and we threw ourselves back in danger?

Nov 1, 2025 1:59 pm

OOC:

PhoenixScientist says:

I have to use a maneuver even though I explicitly was looking things over and thinking before I went into the room and we threw ourselves back in danger?

You need to go inside the room to examine the floor more closely. You've already gathered all the information you could from the outside.

Nov 1, 2025 2:31 pm

Obsidian, the ghoul is far more resilient than you thought. Although it was pushed towards the skeleton, that wasn't enough to kill either of them, nor to cause significant damage to the other monsters in line.

After that, both Ghouls fight back, one of them charging. They wound Obsidian. Fortunately, he is not bleeding.

OOC:

Obsidian, take 7 damage.

OOC:

[ +- ] Ghoul's Razor Claws

[ +- ] Bleeding

Stamina lost:
G1.b: 11
S2.b: 4

Next PCs (in any order):
Vordokov
Malfina Bramblebush
Naercalad
Marbin
Shrike

Next Monster Groups:
Waiting for PCs - 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Rolls

Ghoul's Razor Claws - (2d10+2)

(51) + 2 = 8

Ghoul's Razor Claws - (2d10+2)

(91) + 2 = 12

Nov 1, 2025 2:59 pm

OOC:

I think whoever can make a reason test, may e sith a useful skill (Architecture? Magic?) Should go next.
Could be useful info.

Nov 1, 2025 3:17 pm

OOC:

PhoenixScientist says:

I think whoever can make a reason test, may e sith a useful skill (Architecture? Magic?) Should go next.
Could be useful info.

Okay! Whoever enters the room, if you'd like, please use your maneuver to give me a Reason (Magic) test =)

Nov 1, 2025 4:02 pm

Taking the hit Obsidian feels his ferocity building.

Rolls

Ferocity - (1d3)

(2) = 2

Nov 1, 2025 4:20 pm

htech says:

OOC:

PhoenixScientist says:

I think whoever can make a reason test, may e sith a useful skill (Architecture? Magic?) Should go next.
Could be useful info.

Okay! Whoever enters the room, if you'd like, please use your maneuver to give me a Reason (Magic) test =)

OOC:

@Drgwen

Nov 1, 2025 4:29 pm

Seeing trouble arise as she predicted, Malfina steps just inside the room and looks at the magic runes on the ground. Then she looks over at the undead that Obsidian has injured and sends two gouts of searing flame arcing at their rotting bodies! Then she steps back into the hallway, clearing room for others.

OOC:

At the start, Malfina gains 4 Essence (1 from Victories, 2 as usual, 1 from damage dealt). She moves 3 squares to F11, using Maneuver to examine runes, rolling a 12. Main Action for Bifurcated Incineration at the two damaged ones, G1.b and S2.b, dealing 8 Fire Damage to each. Move 2 squares back to E14.

Last edited November 1, 2025 4:30 pm

Rolls

Reason + Magic to examine runes - (2d10+2+2)

(44) + 4 = 12

Bifurcated Incineration - (2d10+2)

(78) + 2 = 17

Nov 1, 2025 4:33 pm

OOC:

Would the religion skill garner any information as well?

Nov 1, 2025 6:08 pm

Turn 1
Malfina, the room is filled with corruption and necrotic energy—wrong, distorted, alive in a way it shouldn’t be.

Regardless, your gaze flicks toward the undead Obsidian just wounded, and without hesitation, you raise your hands. Two gouts of brilliant flame arc across the chamber, spiraling in perfect, practiced unison before slamming into the rotting corpses and bones. The impact is thunderous—the flesh blackens, the skull cracks, and everything collapses in on itself as the flames consume them. Within seconds, both creatures are nothing more than smoldering heaps of ash and bone, their unholy animation snuffed out for good.

As the smoke clears, your eyes return to the glowing skull and its rune. The realization comes quickly—the magic radiating from it isn’t passive. It’s the source. The skull and the rune are what animate the dead within this chamber. You can feel the pulse of the spell, like a heartbeat in the stone itself.

OOC:

This is an object with a lot of Stamina, immune to corruption, poison, and psychic effects, but the party can definitely destroy it, if you want.

Moreover, you get the sense that Vordokov, with his divine insight, might be able to uncover more through his knowledge of Religion.

OOC:

ctme2000 says:

Would the religion skill garner any information as well?

Yes. Get inside and use a Maneuver as well, please =)

Stamina lost:
G1.b: Dead
S2.b: Dead

Next PCs (in any order):
Vordokov
Naercalad
Marbin
Shrike

Next Monster Groups (in any order):
Can act - 2
Waiting for PCs - 3, 4, 5, 6

Nov 1, 2025 7:36 pm

OOC:

Drgwen says:

Malfina gains 4 Essence (1 from Victories...

Sorry, I forgot to mention, but you all have 2 Victories.

1 from the surface battle and 1 from the Goblin Den.

Nov 2, 2025 5:46 am

Vordokov moves next to Shrike, and his eyes are immediately pulled to the rune. He takes a moment to study it before Obsidian's onslaught pulls him back to the battle at hand. Seeing the dwarf handily trounce his side, the orc focuses on tbe opposite end, smiting the undead gathered there.

OOC:

Moving to F12. 10 damage to S2.a, 2 surges to Shrike.

OOC:

piety this encounter: 2+2+2 = 6

Last edited November 2, 2025 5:50 am

Rolls

Reason + Religion skill - (2d10+3)

(28) + 3 = 13

Blessed Light - (2d10+2)

(105) + 2 = 17

Piety - (1d3)

(2) = 2

Nov 2, 2025 9:28 am

Vordokov, the skeleton shatters under the holy light.

As you study the rune, divine clarity strikes—you feel the dark rune recoil from the holy power. Whatever dark magic sustains it, it is vulnerable to the light of Grole.

OOC:

[ +- ] Damage Weakness

Obsidian, you brace yourself as four skeletons rise from the coffins, their hollow eyes locking onto you. In perfect, unnerving unison, they draw their bows and let loose a volley of jagged bone-tipped arrows.

OOC:

Obsidian, take 6+6+6+7+4 = 29 (!!!) damage

The shafts bite into your body and the stone at your feet, splintering into sharp fragments that pin your stance. You can move—but doing so will tear those shards deeper, their cruel intent clear: they’re trying to hold you in place, to bleed you if you dare advance.

OOC:

Obsidian, if you willingly move before the skeletons act again, take an extra 10 damage.

[ +- ] Skeleton's Bone Shards (Signature Ability)

Next PCs (in any order):
Naercalad
Marbin
Shrike

Next Monster Groups (in any order):
Waiting for PCs - 3, 4, 6

Rolls

Skeleton's Bone Shards - (2d10+2)

(58) + 2 = 15

Skeleton's Bone Shards - (2d10+2)

(64) + 2 = 12

Skeleton's Bone Shards - (2d10+2)

(92) + 2 = 13

Skeleton's Bone Shards - (2d10+2)

(1010) + 2 = 22

Skeleton's Bone Shards (extra: critical) - (2d10+2)

(52) + 2 = 9

Nov 2, 2025 11:54 am

OOC:

Boy my stone skin doesn't stop anything. I am at -16 stamina.

Nov 2, 2025 12:33 pm

OOC:

mathias0077 says:

Boy my stone skin doesn't stop anything. I am at -16 stamina.

[ +- ] Dying

[ +- ] Bleeding

Obsidian - Stamina: 33 max, Winded: ≤ 16, Dying: 0 to -16

If Obsidian loses just one more point of Stamina, he dies. That would be game over for mathias0077. Someone save him!

Nov 2, 2025 3:33 pm

Shrike will dash over to J10, and dump a healong potion down Onsidian's throat and say "Come on, I hear Dwarves are more stubborn than that. Prove them right." And pull Obsidian to his feet, hoping that the Potion takes effect.

OOC:

Move to J10.
Use Consumable Maneuver
Main Action Heal with words?

Last edited November 2, 2025 11:07 pm

Nov 2, 2025 5:38 pm

[ +- ] Blessed Light

[ +- ] Healing Grace

"The rune, it's evil is susceptible to the holy power of Grole! If I can concentrate on and destroy it, it should send these abominations back to their eternal hell!"

He begins to focus on that when Obsidian cries out. Seeing Shrike bolt over to help, "Grole, may your light both heal and destroy." as he sends arcs of holy light toward the rune and his companion.

OOC:

spending 1 piety to give Obsidian an extra Recovery, for 2 Recoveries total. Lemme know if you need more. Piety: 5/6

OOC:

As Obsidian can't easily move, giving 3 extra surges to Shrikes for a total of 5. Time to go super saiyan!

Last edited November 2, 2025 5:49 pm

Rolls

Blessed Light - (2d10+2)

(610) + 2 = 18

Nov 2, 2025 11:04 pm

OOC:

PhoenixScientist says:

Shrlike will dash over to J10, and dump a healong potion down Onsidian's throat and say "Come on, I hear Dwarves are more stubborn than that. Prove them right." And pull Obsidian to his feet, hoping that the Potion takes effect.

Obsidian should restore 11 Stamina from the potion (without spending a Recovery) and can recover another 11 Stamina by spending one of his Recoveries, because of Shrike’s Main Action.

Nov 2, 2025 11:11 pm

OOC:

ctme2000 says:

[ +- ] Blessed Light

[ +- ] Healing Grace

"The rune, it's evil is susceptible to the holy power of Grole! If I can concentrate on and destroy it, it should send these abominations back to their eternal hell!"

He begins to focus on that when Obsidian cries out. Seeing Shrike bolt over to help, "Grole, may your light both heal and destroy." as he sends arcs of holy light toward the rune and his companion.

You can speak, even outside of your turn.

But, regarding the main action, movement, and maneuver, you've already acted this turn, so I'll cross out part of your message, okay? But don't worry, we can save those actions and your dice roll for the next round if you want and/or are absent and it's still possible to perform them.

Nov 2, 2025 11:26 pm

OOC:

So I get 22 stamina back?

Nov 2, 2025 11:52 pm

OOC:

mathias0077 says:

So I get 22 stamina back?

Yes. Please spend one Recovery and you'll be back in business, thanks to Shrike. =)

Nov 2, 2025 11:53 pm

Next PCs (in any order):
Naercalad
Marbin

Nov 3, 2025 4:09 am

OOC:

my bad, wasn't paying attention to the turn order.

Nov 3, 2025 8:25 am

OOC:

ctme2000 says:

my bad, wasn't paying attention to the turn order.

No problems. I also forgot to move your character in the board (even though I killed his target). This initiative system is harder in PbP than IRL. Anyway, let's continue.

Turn 1
Another group of ghouls attack, heading towards the larger group of PCs, but encountering Vordokov along the way.

OOC:

Vordokov, take 4+4=8 damage.

[ +- ] Ghoul's Razor Claws

Stamina lost:
None (every undead hurt was already destroyed)

Next PCs (in any order):
Naercalad
Marbin

Next Monster Groups (in any order):
Waiting for PCs - 3, 6

Rolls

Ghoul's Razor Claws - (2d10+2)

(210) + 2 = 14

Ghoul's Razor Claws - (2d10+2)

(104) + 2 = 16

Nov 3, 2025 1:30 pm

Naercalad moves to F14, Marks G4.a and fires Two shot at G4.a and G4.b If only 1 dies, he'll mark the remaining one, if they both die, the mark will move to S5.a.

Rolls

Two Shot - (2d10+2+2)

(32) + 4 = 9

Nov 3, 2025 11:28 pm

Turn 1
Two ghouls surge forward with terrifying, inhuman speed.

OOC:

They have Speed 7

One lets out a shrill screech as it leaps high—too high—sailing clean over Vordokov’s broad shoulders to crash down close to Malfina, claws raking and snapping.

OOC:

Malfina, take 3 damage.

[ +- ] Ghoul's Razor Claws

The other slams straight into the orc mid-charge, its weight driving him to the cold stone floor with a heavy thud. Vordokov hits hard, the stench of rot filling his nose as the ghoul straddles him, snarling inches from his face.

OOC:

Vordokov, you can make a melee free strike against the ghoul (G6.b) but, after that, you are grabbed. See more details for this condition below:

[ +- ] Grab

[ +- ] Escape Grab

[ +- ] Grabbed

Stamina lost:
G4.a: 4
G4.b: 4

Next PC:
Marbin

Next Monster Group:
Waiting for PCs - 3

Rolls

Ghoul's Razor Claws vs Malfina - (2d10+2)

(11) + 2 = 4

Ghoul's Grapple vs Vordokov - (2d10)

(410) = 14

Nov 4, 2025 1:55 am

Before he can react to the onslaught of the ghoul's claws, it slams Vordokov to the floor and pins him down. One hand keeps the abominantion's rotting teeth barely away from his face, the other slams his wooden staff into the side of the ghoul's head.

OOC:

Can I try an Escape Grab now, or is it during my next turn?

OOC:

Stamina 10/18

Last edited November 4, 2025 1:58 am

Rolls

Melee Weapon Free Strike - (2d10+1)

(87) + 1 = 16

Nov 4, 2025 8:16 am

ctme2000 says:

Can I try an Escape Grab now, or is it during my next turn?

During your next turn. It's a Maneuver.

Let's wait a little bit for @Furmyr so we can start Turn 2.

Marbin Marblehill

Nov 4, 2025 9:46 am

Marbin teleports forward, leaving behind his usual sooty cloud. He appears in the middle of two of the ghouls, his daggers piercing out at both sides.

OOC:

Sorry, the thread never marked as unread so I overlooked it when going over unread posts to respond to. Will post now, just have to see how much Insight I have to work with.

Will teleport to E12, and target G4.a and G6.a using Two Throats at Once.

[ +- ] Two throats at once (3 Insight)

Last edited November 4, 2025 9:50 am

Rolls

Insight - (1d3)

(1) = 1

Two Throats at Once - (2d10+2)

(62) + 2 = 10

Nov 4, 2025 11:58 am

OOC:

@mathias0077 If I go before you we can flank this and get a boon for our attacks.
@htech how does flanking work inthe case of Marbi ln. Is the boon for only one, since only one os flanked? I dont think the shared space counts as a flank ?

Nov 4, 2025 11:53 pm

OOC:

Posted early to go before Obsidian next round.

Shrike will land a spinning kick on the Ghoul that just attacked Obsidian, landing so that they surround the thing, grabbing its arms as it steadies itself from the blow.
"Finish this thing off."

OOC:

Shift to H11, as part of Inertial step, then Inertial step attack againat G1a 12 damage.
Grab G1a
Note: Obsidian has a boon for this next attack, does he have two from the creature being grabbed too?

OOC:

Darn, if I knew I would roll that well I would have stayed where I was and used knockback. Eh oh well

Last edited November 4, 2025 11:58 pm

Rolls

Inertial Step - (2D10+2)

(98) + 2 = 19

Grab - (2D10+4)

(107) + 4 = 21

Nov 5, 2025 12:11 am

OOC:

PhoenixScientist says:

how does flanking work inthe case of Marbi ln. Is the boon for only one, since only one os flanked? I dont think the shared space counts as a flank ?

I'm not sure. I'm considering an Edge against G6.a, since Marbin and Malfina are flanking, but he didn't attack G6.b, so I'll postpone that decision until when/if someone attacks the other ghoul. But I'm inclined to consider it flanking as well. =)

Shrike, the last 2 zombies moves and attack you.

OOC:

Shrike, take 4+6=10 damage.

[ +- ] Zombie's Clobber and Clutch (Signature Ability)

Stamina lost:
G4.a: 9
G4.b: 4
G6.a: 7
G6.b: 6

End of turn 1

OOC:

Continues...

Rolls

Zombie's Clobber and Clutch (flanking) - (2d10+2+2)

(28) + 4 = 14

Zombie's Clobber and Clutch - (2d10+2)

(44) + 2 = 10

Nov 5, 2025 12:21 am

Turn 2

OOC:

PhoenixScientist says:

Obsidian has a boon for this next attack, does he have two from the creature being grabbed too?

Nope. The ghoul have a bane to attack anyone but you, but Obsidian doesn't get another Edge.

[ +- ] Grabbed

Shrike, the ghoul snarls and thrashes violently, its strength unnatural and jerky, but your grip holds firm. With a shriek of frustration, it lunges forward, raking its claws across your side in a desperate attempt to break free. The blow lands, pain flaring, but the creature remains trapped—right where you want it.

OOC:

Shrike, take 4 damage from G1a

Stamina lost:
G4.a: 9
G4.b: 4
G6.a: 7
G6.b: 6
G1.a: 12

Meta currencies:
Hero Tokens: 6
Malice: 17

Next PCs (in any order):
Vordokov
Malfina Bramblebush
Naercalad
Obsidian Rockcrusher
Marbin

Next Monster Groups (in any order):
Waiting for PCs - 3, 4, 5, 6

Rolls

Escape Grab - (2d10+2)

(26) + 2 = 10

Ghoul's Razor Claws vs Shrike - (2d10+2)

(25) + 2 = 9

Nov 5, 2025 12:54 am

Malfina scowls at the ghoul confronting her. She side steps and, with a gesture, slams him against the wall next to Naerclad! Then she sidesteps again, giving her line of sight on the room, allowing her to conjure a massive conflagration of flame that engulfs several ghouls, as well as the skull and sigil on the floor. Then she steps back a few steps to get some more distance between her and the ghoul.

OOC:

Gains five Essence at the beginning of the turn. Move one square to D13. Maneuver to use Practical Magic to Knockback the ghoul back TWO squares into the wall in square F13. Then she moves one square to D14, allowing her a better view into the room. Then she spends 5 Essence to cast Conflagration, dealing eight fire to Ghouls S5.b, S5.c, and S5.d, as well as the skull and sigil on the floor. She will make it Persistent, reducing her Essence earned each turn by 2. She places the 3x3 square centered at H6, 9 squares away from her. Then she moves one square to C14.

Last edited November 5, 2025 12:56 am

Rolls

Knockback (Pratical Magic) - (2d10+2)

(39) + 2 = 14

Conflagration - (2d10+2)

(95) + 2 = 16

Nov 5, 2025 1:57 am

Obsidian seeing Shrike grabbing and holding the ghoul will use melee weapon strike on G1.a then move to I10 and bring his maul down with a crushing blow on the floor "BACK OFF!!!" will use catch breath.

OOC:

13 Dam to G1.a and 5 dam to both G1.a, Z3.a,Z3.b

Last edited November 5, 2025 2:00 am

Rolls

Melee weapon free strike - (2d10+2)

(97) + 2 = 18

Back (3 ferocity) - (2d10+2)

(35) + 2 = 10

Nov 5, 2025 5:05 am

[ +- ] Drain

[ +- ] Escape Grab

Slamming his staff once more into the ghoul's head, a tendril of energy emits from the staff into the ghoul and back into Vordokov. He uses the momentum of the strike to try and separate himself from the ghoul.

OOC:

I'll use Drain for a free recovery and regain 6 stamina, 16/18.

Rolls

Drain - (2d10+2)

(58) + 2 = 15

Escape Grab - (2d10+1)

(25) + 1 = 8

Marbin Marblehill

Nov 5, 2025 10:13 am

With his arms out, Marbin spins around, slashing at the northern and southern ghoul. Then he lets out a kick to knock back the third ghoul around him.

OOC:

Will use Hesitation is Weakness to go as early as possible after another PC. Will spend all 3 Insight to use Two Throats at Once. Targeting G4.a and G6.a. Will then use Knockback as a maneuver on G4.b

[ +- ] Two throats at once (3 Insight)

Last edited November 5, 2025 10:19 am

Rolls

Insight - (1d3)

(3) = 3

Knockback - (2d10+-1)

(18) - 1 = 8

Two Throats at Once - (2d10+2)

(41) + 2 = 7

Nov 5, 2025 4:24 pm

Turn 2
Malfina, by moving, you provoked an Attack of Opportunity. Take 1 damage. The Ghoul's free strike is very weak ;)

[ +- ] Opportunity Attack

In any case, you now realize that, somehow, the skull and the symbol on the ground are connected. They share the same energy and will be destroyed together.

OOC:

mathias0077, both Back! and the Melee Weapon Free Strike are Main actions (unless you got something that gave you a free strike and I didn't notice). Should I ignore the free strike roll and leave just your use of Back?

I am assuming yes, but please let me know.

Obsidian, you also moved instead of shifiting (Obsidian can only shift 1 square, see his "Disengage" stat), so receive an Opportunity Attack from Z3.a, Z3.b and G1.a for a total of 5 damage. After that, you're able to destroy G1.a

Vordokov, you realize now that the Ghoul is resistant to Corruption damage.

OOC:

They have Damage Immunity: Corruption 1

Regardless, you're still able to hurt it, but not so much. You're still Grabbed.

Tutorial Notes

[ +- ] Damage Immunity

Marbin, you're able to hurt the first two ghouls and push the third away from you.

OOC:

EDIT: G1.a should not be shown above. It's gone. I fixed it in the next post.

Stamina lost:
G1.a: Dead
G4.a: 14
G4.b: 4
G6.a: 12
G6.b: 9
S5.b: 8
S5.c: 8
S5.d: 8
Z3.a: 5
Z3.b: 5
Skull and sigil: 8

OOC:

Continues in my next post

Nov 5, 2025 4:32 pm

The skeletons move around, avoiding Malfina's Conflagration, then fire their arrows: two against Obsidian, two against Shrike.

OOC:

Shrike, take another 3+4=7 damage. Obsidian, take 3+3 = 6 damage

OOC:

[ +- ] Skeleton's Bone Shards (Signature Ability)

Meanwhile, near the entrance, the ghouls leap and slash with their claws. Two of them against Marbin, two of them against Vordokov.

OOC:

Marbin, take 3+5 = 8 damage. You're also bleeding (save ends)!
Vordokov, take 4+5 = 9 damage. You're also bleeding (save ends)!

OOC:

[ +- ] Bleeding

[ +- ] Ghoul's Leap (Maneuver)

[ +- ] Ghoul's Razor Claws (Signature ability)

Stamina lost:
G4.a: 14
G4.b: 4
G6.a: 12
G6.b: 9
S5.b: 8
S5.c: 8
S5.d: 8
Z3.a: 5
Z3.b: 5
Skull and sigil: 8

Meta currencies:
Hero Tokens: 6
Malice: 17

Next PCs (in any order):
Naercalad

Next Monster Groups (in any order):
Waiting for PCs - 3

Rolls

Skeleton's Bone Shards vs Shrike - (2d10+2, 2d10+2)

2d10+2 : (28) + 2 = 12

2d10+2 : (54) + 2 = 11

Skeleton's Bone Shards vs Obsidian - (2d10+2, 2d10+2)

2d10+2 : (16) + 2 = 9

2d10+2 : (72) + 2 = 11

Ghoul's Razor Claws vs Marbin (flanking) - (2d10+2+2, 2d10+2+2)

2d10+2+2 : (14) + 4 = 9

2d10+2+2 : (97) + 4 = 20

Ghoul's Razor Claws vs Vordokov (flanking) - (2d10+2+2, 2d10+2+2)

2d10+2+2 : (87) + 4 = 19

2d10+2+2 : (56) + 4 = 15

Nov 5, 2025 5:13 pm

OOC:

Question: if I had declared that a "shift" instead of a move, would I have triggered the opportunity attack and taken that one point of damage? Because I don’t think I ever left that ghoul’s "threat range"; I just pivoted to the side so I could push it.

Nov 5, 2025 8:15 pm

Naercalad will Mark and make a Protective Attack against G6.b with his sword.

[ +- ] Protective Attack

Rolls

Protective Attack - (2d10+2+2)

(83) + 4 = 15

Nov 5, 2025 8:19 pm

OOC:

should G6a get an opportunity attack from moving out of Malfina's threat range

Nov 5, 2025 8:32 pm

PhoenixScientist says:

OOC:

should G6a get an opportunity attack from moving out of Malfina's threat range

OOC:

I pushed it with Knockback (via Practical Magic) and I don't think forced movement triggers OAs, does it?

Nov 5, 2025 8:35 pm

OOC:

Drgwen says:

Question: if I had declared that a "shift" instead of a move, would I have triggered the opportunity attack and taken that one point of damage? Because I don’t think I ever left that ghoul’s "threat range"; I just pivoted to the side so I could push it.

If you had declared a shift (and moved only 1-2 squares, as that's your Disengage stat) then you wouldn't take the damage. But your strategy was based on moving more, so I thought you used most of your speed on purpose. =)

Nov 5, 2025 8:36 pm

OOC:

Drgwen says:

I pushed it with Knockback (via Practical Magic) and I don't think forced movement triggers OAs, does it?

I also think it doesn't. =)

Nov 5, 2025 8:38 pm

OOC:

I missed that it was a knockback
My bad!

Nov 5, 2025 8:39 pm

OOC:

Esidrix says:

Naercalad will Mark and make a Protective Attack against G6.b with his sword.

Great. I will resolve this and end the 2nd turn, asap. Posting just to let all of you know. =)

Nov 5, 2025 8:43 pm

htech says:

OOC:

Drgwen says:

Question: if I had declared that a "shift" instead of a move, would I have triggered the opportunity attack and taken that one point of damage? Because I don’t think I ever left that ghoul’s "threat range"; I just pivoted to the side so I could push it.

If you had declared a shift (and moved only 1-2 squares, as that's your Disengage stat) then you wouldn't take the damage. But your strategy was based on moving more, so I thought you used most of your speed on purpose. =)

Pg275 says:

Opportunity Attacks
Whenever a creature has an enemy adjacent to them and the enemy willingly moves to a space that isn’t adjacent to the creature without shifting, the creature can take advantage of that movement to quickly make a melee free strike against the enemy as a free triggered action.
This is called an opportunity attack.
If a creature has a bane or double bane on the power roll against the
enemy, they can’t make an opportunity attack.

OOC:

I interperet the same as Drgwen?

Last edited November 5, 2025 8:44 pm

Nov 5, 2025 9:44 pm

OOC:

Sorry I thought since it was free strike I could make another. So could I have shifted to J10 and used Back?

Nov 5, 2025 9:50 pm

OOC:

A Free Strike is just FREE because every character gets it free.
It is often the strike you can make as an opportunity attack, but still is a main action otherwise.
It isnt a free action.
(Emphasis made because those were my realizations when reading the book.)

Nov 5, 2025 10:24 pm

PhoenixScientist says:

OOC:

A Free Strike is just FREE because every character gets it free.
It is often the strike you can make as an opportunity attack, but still is a main action otherwise.
It isnt a free action.
(Emphasis made because those were my realizations when reading the book.)

Agreed, a bit confusing, could be worded better. It's be nice if the book had an index too. Otherwise, pretty dang neat!

In other news, Bleeding is pretty brutal! What's the Save to end it? (Couldn't find it in the book, see above)

Last edited November 5, 2025 10:28 pm

Nov 5, 2025 10:55 pm

PhoenixScientist says:

htech says:

OOC:

Drgwen says:

Question: if I had declared that a "shift" instead of a move, would I have triggered the opportunity attack and taken that one point of damage? Because I don’t think I ever left that ghoul’s "threat range"; I just pivoted to the side so I could push it.

If you had declared a shift (and moved only 1-2 squares, as that's your Disengage stat) then you wouldn't take the damage. But your strategy was based on moving more, so I thought you used most of your speed on purpose. =)

Pg275 says:

Opportunity Attacks
Whenever a creature has an enemy adjacent to them and the enemy willingly moves to a space that isn’t adjacent to the creature without shifting, the creature can take advantage of that movement to quickly make a melee free strike against the enemy as a free triggered action.
This is called an opportunity attack.
If a creature has a bane or double bane on the power roll against the
enemy, they can’t make an opportunity attack.

OOC:

I interperet the same as Drgwen?

You are correct.

Malfina, please restore that 1 Stamina.

OOC:

Drgwen, I hadn't realized Malfina was always willingly nearby. I didn't understand what you meant by "threat range," that's never mentioned in the book, but now, in retrospect, I understand what you meant.

Nov 5, 2025 11:18 pm

htech says:

Malfina, please restore that 1 Stamina.

OOC:

Drgwen, I hadn't realized Malfina was always willingly nearby. I didn't understand what you meant by "threat range," that's never mentioned in the book, but now, in retrospect, I understand what you meant.

Oh, sorry about using confusing terminology! Not sure what they call it in draw steel. Reach?

Probably one stamina won’t matter, but thanks regardless!

Nov 5, 2025 11:46 pm

OOC:

Drgwen says:

Oh, sorry about using confusing terminology! Not sure what they call it in draw steel. Reach?

Adjacent. =)

That's because everyone have Ranged Free Strikes and most creatures can hit targets up to 10 squares away. If a creature had to move out of your attack range, Opportunity Attacks would become useless. =)

Nov 5, 2025 11:48 pm

OOC:

This is all part of learning a new system.
But I already like this more than a D20 system.

Nov 5, 2025 11:57 pm

OOC:

ctme2000 says:

In other news, Bleeding is pretty brutal! What's the Save to end it? (Couldn't find it in the book, see above)

Tutorial notes

[ +- ] Saving Throws

Nov 6, 2025 4:18 am

Malfina conjures forth a crucible of flame to engulf the ghoul in front of her (dealing 15 fire damage to G6.b, or G6.a if G6.b is dead). Then she steps forward (to D14) and moves her Conflagration to engulf three ghouls (centering it on I5, dealing 4 fire damage to S5.b, S5.c, and S5.d, as well as the sigil/skull). If she is not in danger of receiving an opportunity attack, she moves, back two squares and out of sight of most of the ghouls.

Last edited November 6, 2025 4:19 am

Rolls

The Flesh a Crucible - (2d10+2)

(87) + 2 = 17

Conflagration - (2d10+2)

(15) + 2 = 8

Nov 6, 2025 11:40 am

Turn 2
Naercalad, you mark and kill the ghoul.

Meanwhile, the zombies advanced towards Shrike and Obsidian, trying to Clobber and Clutch them.

[ +- ] Zombie's Clobber and Clutch (Signature Ability)

OOC:

Take 4 damage each.

Shrike, Obsidian, how much Stamina you have?

Moreover, ravenous and rotting undead arms burst forth from the ground in front of the entrance, trying to prevent anyone from entering or leaving. (Green overlay, on the map)

[ +- ] The Grasping, the Hungry (5 Malice)

Stamina lost:
G4.a: 14
G4.b: 4
G6.a: 12
G6.b: Dead
S5.b: 8
S5.c: 8
S5.d: 8
Z3.a: 5
Z3.b: 5
Skull and sigil: 8

Meta currencies:
Hero Tokens: 6
Malice: 12

End of turn 2

Rolls

Zombie's Clobber and Clutch vs Shrike - (2d10+2)

(26) + 2 = 10

Zombie's Clobber and Clutch vs Obsidian - (2d10+2)

(26) + 2 = 10

Nov 6, 2025 3:56 pm

OOC:

Inertial Shield activates so I take 2 damage.
8 stamina.

Shrike will look at this abomination, and, with a will knowing it should not be, his fist will shimmer, and as it streaks towards the thing becaome almost super-real, as if someone had turned the resolution up on specifically that. As his fist colides with the Zombie that effect washes over it just a moment, and his will and belief that this should not be start to raddle this thing apart at the magical seams.

OOC:

Use Arcane Disruptor 73b 18 psychic damage
Catch Breath
(If the Zombie is dead I wil move to I9 to flank with Obsidian.)
If Onsidian wants to activate something with Potency I can activate something to increase the potency by 1. I will doso retroactively.

OOC:

17 stamina

OOC:

As a side note, I think I lost track of rounds for Inertial shield damage reduction ability there in round 2...

OOC:

Edit: Added to previous post: Using hero tokens tk gain stamina.
26 stamina

Last edited November 6, 2025 11:46 pm

Rolls

Arcane Disruptor - (2D10+2)

(105) + 2 = 17

Nov 6, 2025 9:46 pm

OOC:

I am at 2 stamina

Nov 6, 2025 11:51 pm

Turn 3
Malfina, you burn the ghoul and the 3 skeletons. They are all gone now.

Shrike, you destroyed the zombie with your fists and psionic attacks. But the skeleton fires an arrow...

[ +- ] Skeleton's Bone Shards (Signature Ability)

OOC:

Take 6 damage

Obsidian, before you could strike, the zombies drops on the floor and releases rot and dust. Shrike, that also affects you...

[ +- ] Zombie Dust (3 Malice, Maneuver)

OOC:

Shrike, take another 3 damage. Obsidian, you lose 3 Stamina as well, you're now dying, unless you use Hero Tokens or catch your breath as your first Maneuver.

Either way, neither of you are weakened, as your Might is greater than 0.

Next PCs (in any order):
Vordokov
Naercalad
Obsidian Rockcrusher
Marbin

Next Monster Groups (in any order):
Waiting for PCs - 4

Meta currencies:
Hero Tokens: 6 4 (Shrike used 2)
Malice: 14

Stamina lost:
G4.a: 14
G4.b: 4
Z3.a: 5
Skull and sigil: 12

Conditions:
Z3.a: Prone

Rolls

Skeleton's Bone Shards - (2d10+2)

(84) + 2 = 14

Zombie's Dust - (2d10+2)

(47) + 2 = 13

Nov 7, 2025 12:15 am

Obsidian coughing and wheezing a bit will use catch breath than charge to F7 and use melee weapon free strike on S5.a.

OOC:

So that is 4 damage but I will use a surge to a 2 to the damage for 6. I am back up to 10 stamina.

Last edited November 7, 2025 12:17 am

Rolls

Melee weapon free strike - (2d10+2)

(41) + 2 = 7

Nov 7, 2025 12:27 am

OOC:

mathias0077 says:

Obsidian coughing and wheezing a bit will use catch breath than charge to F7 and use melee weapon free strike on S5.a.

I am assuming you shift (1 square, move action) before you charged (main action, can also move your token up to 6 squares as part of it)

This way you dont receive an opportunity attack. =)

Turn 3
Obsidian, you damage the skeleton, but that's not enough to destroy it.

Stamina lost:
S5.a: 6
G4.a: 14
G4.b: 4
Z3.a: 5
Skull and sigil: 12

Conditions:
Z3.a: Prone

Next PCs (in any order):
Vordokov
Naercalad
Marbin

Next Monster Groups (in any order):
Can act - 4

Nov 7, 2025 12:28 am

OOC:

I keep forgetting the dang shift. Also I am rolling like crap in this game!!

Last edited November 7, 2025 12:28 am

Nov 7, 2025 12:32 am

Turn 3
Marbin, Vordokov, once again the ghouls attack you.

OOC:

Marbin, take 5 damage. As you're already bleeding, nothing else happens. Vordokov, take 4 damage

[ +- ] Ghoul's Razor Claws

Stamina lost:
S5.a: 6
G4.a: 14
G4.b: 4
Z3.a: 5
Skull and sigil: 12

Conditions:
Z3.a: Prone

Next PCs (in any order):
Vordokov
Naercalad
Marbin

Next Monster Groups:
None. All monsters already acted or were destroyed.

Rolls

Ghoul's Razor Claws vs Marbin - (2d10+2)

(79) + 2 = 18

Ghoul's Razor Claws vs Vordokov - (2d10+2)

(46) + 2 = 12

Nov 7, 2025 12:43 am

OOC:

@mathias0077 Did you mean to use Devastaring Rush? It is a better move tha the free strike? It lets you move as much as you did and do extra damage for the movement.

Also, we, as a team, should not underestimating the flanking bonuses in the future.

OOC:

Can we use Make Or Assist A Test maneuver to attempt an to remove a condition?

Last edited November 7, 2025 12:45 am

Nov 7, 2025 1:09 am

I would have used it but at first I was going to attack the zombie between us but figured it already attacked and you would be able to finish it. then forgot about it and used charge and attack. I messed that up.

Nov 7, 2025 3:16 am

Naercalad will mark G4.a and fire Two shot at G4.a and G4.b. The mark will move to G4.b if G4.a dies. If both die, then the mark will move to S5.a.

Rolls

Two Shot - (2d10+2+2)

(103) + 4 = 17

Nov 7, 2025 8:32 am

OOC:

PhoenixScientist says:

Can we use Make Or Assist A Test maneuver to attempt an to remove a condition?

Nope. The conditions are meant to stay until the end of the turn or a successful save (depending on how you got them). Nobody can Test to remove it...

BUT there are some special abilities and the Heal main action that lets an ally make another saving throw.

[ +- ] Heal (Main Action)

Nov 7, 2025 8:41 am

Turn 3
Naercalad destroys one ghoul and injures the other.

Stamina lost:
S5.a: 6

G4.b: 12
Z3.a: 5
Skull and sigil: 12

Conditions:
Z3.a: Prone

Next PCs (in any order):
Vordokov
(@ctme2000 )
Marbin (@Furmyr )

Next Monster Groups:
None. All monsters already acted or were destroyed.

Nov 7, 2025 8:43 am

"You really don't know when to die," Marbin says while stabbing the ghoul in front of him. "Here. Let me help!"

OOC:

Will use I work better Alone. So since has no allies next to him I gain a surge which I'll use immediately so the damge will become 8 (and I gain another Insight).

[ +- ] I Work Better Alone

Last edited November 7, 2025 8:48 am

Rolls

Insight - (1d3)

(1) = 1

I Work Better Alone - (2d10+2)

(52) + 2 = 9

Nov 7, 2025 1:49 pm

Assaulted by the ghoul, Vordokov feels like he's on the brink of losing consciousness. He calls upon Grole to heal him, then with a growl slams the staff again into the creature's head, hoping to end it's unnatural life.

OOC:

Spending one Piety for extra recovery, 3/18 > 15/18

[ +- ] Melee Weapon Free Strike

[ +- ] Healing Grace

Rolls

Stop Bleeding - (1d10)

(9) = 9

Melee Weapon Free Strike - (2d10+1)

(62) + 1 = 9

Nov 7, 2025 11:56 pm

Marbin, Vordokov, the last ghoul is destroyed.

There is just one zombie and one skeleton remaining, combat is almost over.

End of turn 3

Turn 4

Stamina lost:
S5.a: 6
Z3.a: 5
Skull and sigil: 12

Conditions:
Z3.a: Prone

Next PCs (in any order):
Vordokov
Malfina Bramblebush
Naercalad
Obsidian Rockcrusher
Marbin
Shrike

Next Monster Groups (in any order):
Waiting for PCs - 3,5

Nov 8, 2025 12:13 am

Shrike kicks the zombie, driving it back into the wall, and then shifts after it and, With that same super-real energy flowing through him the focus shifts to his legs as Shrike stomps down on the Zombie.

OOC:

Knockback distance 3
Shift I 10
Arcane Disruptor 14 damage.

Yeah I know the rolls were out of order, oops..
I just really want this thing gone, spent the last of my Discipline..

Last edited November 8, 2025 12:26 am

Rolls

Arcane Disruptor - (2D10+2+2)

(18) + 4 = 13

Knockback - (2D10+2)

(54) + 2 = 11

Nov 8, 2025 2:59 am

Obsidian will stand his ground and bring his great maul down for a Brutal Slam on the skeleton and then use catch breath to recover some stamina.

OOC:

That is 5 dam and push 1. Damn my rolling sucks!! Down to two recoveries.

Last edited November 8, 2025 3:01 am

Rolls

Brutal Slam - (2d10+2)

(16) + 2 = 9

Nov 8, 2025 3:07 am

OOC:

.@mathias0077 I dont think you used your potion yet? You have a healing potion, pretty much spending a recovery without losing it.

Nov 8, 2025 4:33 am

With the bleeding having stopped, Vordokov slowly gets up and focuses on the scene before him, sending a healing beam of light to Obsidian and a destructive one toward the skull rune.

OOC:

Healing Grace to Obsidian for one free Recovery, and two surges

Last edited November 8, 2025 4:35 am

Rolls

Blessed Light - (2d10+2)

(83) + 2 = 13

Nov 8, 2025 8:23 am

OOC:

@mathias0077
I know youre bummed about youre rolling, but I think youre doing great as a damage sponge. If I didnt have another damage sponge I would be dead.

Nov 8, 2025 12:07 pm

OOC:

Well I guess that is part of my job. Hahaha It would just be nice to do some decent damage once in awhile.

Nov 8, 2025 12:08 pm

PhoenixScientist says:

OOC:

.@mathias0077 I dont think you used your potion yet? You have a healing potion, pretty much spending a recovery without losing it.

I was holding that as a last resort

Marbin Marblehill

Nov 8, 2025 12:37 pm

Marbin rushes up the skeleton and stabs at it, hoping to sever a tendon.

OOC:

Will use my Hesitation is Weakness to go before one of the enemies, hopefully able to take them down before they can act. Assuming the skeleton is pushed back one square I'll move to E6. Then use I work Better Alone.
Edit: That's 12 damage.

Last edited November 8, 2025 12:38 pm

Rolls

Insight - (1d3)

(2) = 2

I Work Better Alone - (2d10+2)

(106) + 2 = 18

Nov 8, 2025 3:11 pm

With your combined assault, the last of the undead guardians crumble.

The glowing rune at the chamber’s center starts to dim as if starved of power. It fades to a dull red, then vanishes altogether.

As the echoes of battle fade, the room grows eerily still—until a low, rhythmic chanting seeps from behind the statue on the northern wall again. Without the clash of combat to drown it out, the words are clearer now—guttural and dark, rising and falling like a twisted prayer from beyond the grave.

OOC:

End of combat! What do you do?

Nov 8, 2025 4:39 pm

After he scans the room for more threats Obsidian say"That chanting doesn't sound good."

Nov 8, 2025 4:50 pm

OOC:

Is this a Reason or Intuition test?
Either way I dont have search. (Though we might be able to swing an Architecture test here?)

Nov 8, 2025 5:03 pm

Naercalad will enter the room and scan the surroundings, especially in the direction of the chanting.

OOC:

Rolling Intuition with High Senses to detect Threats.

Rolls

Intuition + High Senses - (2d10+-1+2)

(19) + 1 = 11

Nov 8, 2025 5:59 pm

Malfina enters the room, examines the sigil as it fades, studies the armor and weapons of thew undead, and overall takes in the details. She is trained in magic, history, blacksmithing, and monsters, after all!

Rolls

Reason - (2d10+2+2)

(28) + 4 = 14

Nov 8, 2025 6:12 pm

OOC:

Can any of us Aid, and would Alertness help this test?

Nov 8, 2025 7:39 pm