Academy of Secrets (Inactive)

Game Master mathpro18

Spring was in full bloom and the last of the winters snow was starting to dissipate from the land of Korvosa. It was getting to be late into Desnus now and some of you begin to worry that, once again, you will be passed up as participants in the infamus Breaching Festival. Days pass and yet still no word from the academe is received when finally, on the last Saturday of the month(the day before the festival begins) there came a knock at each of your doors. As you open the door before you stands a rather young female elf that looks at you and smiles. ”Greetings sir she says and then curtsies a little politely. ”Due to your history and great reputation as an adventurer I am proud to let you know that Headmaster Toff Ornelos of the Acadamae requests your participation in the Breaching festival this year. If you could head over to Ornelos Hall on the Acadamae grounds immediately, Master Ornelos wishes to speak to you. With that she hands you an ornately decorated envelope. As you open it and read the letter inside it’s a formal invitation to the festival signed by Toff himself. He regrettably informs you that the festival is to begin tomorrow and that he needs to speak to you today. He does apologize for the lateness of the notice and he promises that you will be greatly rewarded for your participation.

After you’re done reading the woman speaks again ”If you need it I have a scroll of greater teleport that I can use to get you to the meeting in time”

Everyone can make me knowledge arcane or local checks if you have those skills to gain information on The Breaching Festival. Check the following spoilers for the desired results. Characters who have spent some time in Varisia gain a +10 bonus on this check, while those who have actually spent time in Korvosa gain a +20 bonus. NOTE: If you meet DC 25 you also get the DC 15 information.

Knowledge Arcana 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (18) + 25 = 43

Rodolpho carefully considers teh invite, but there was no doubt what his answer would be. "Thank you, my dear, but I have no need for the scroll," the mage had been closeby hoping that this year would be his year to conquer the Test.

He quickly stwoed the invite, and headed out toward Ornelos's office. Won't they be jealous when they see me as the victor of the Breaching. That'll teach them to make me the butt of their jokes.

Knowledge Arcana 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (16) + 15 = 31

Antionus smiles at the young woman as he graciously accepts her offer of teleportation.

"You are very young to work directly for the headmaster. Can I assume that you excel at your studies?"

The cleric studies her response, seeing if her reaction imparts any clue as to why things are being done differently this year. In his years of experience, born from fleeing Cheliax at a young age, deviation from the norm usually is the first sign of trouble.

Sense Motive 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14

Knowledge Arcana1d20 + 19 ⇒ (10) + 19 = 29

Blinks, rubbing his eyes, having been woken up by the messenger in his home, a large house, outside of a small town, tho seems to have been built for something large to live in it as well. Wearing some pajamas, he takes the envelope from the elf girl Huh? He opens the envelope, reading it, a smile creeping upon his face. "Haha! I didn't think it'd happen!" He calls back into the house. "Hey Tylonick! We finally get to show those pompous fools what we can do!" He grins at the girl. "Yup, we'll use that teleport, girl. Just give me a few minutes to get ready!" He shuts the door. The messenger can hear lots of noises inside, including loud growls, roaring, something large moving about inside! After a few minutes, a door opens, seems the door the that was first opened was part of a larger door! Out comes Jorge, dressed in a multi-colored robe laying over armor, a bag over his shoulder, and a cane in his left hand. Behind him, towering over the two humans, is a large scales creature! Draconic like muzzle, a lithe long pure white scaled body, a long wiry tail, scaly paws with retractable claws. A floofy long pure black mane of fur runs down his neck, down his back to the tip of his tail. The creature huffs over Jorges hair, nuzzling it. "We go now?" He rumbles. Jorge nods, smiling broadly at the messenger. "Well, lets get going! We ain't got all day! Don't want to keep the Master Ornelos waiting!" Though he is wondering why the invite came from the Master specifically.

Knowledge local: 1d20 + 28 ⇒ (18) + 28 = 46
"Interesting", Iorec replies after carfully reading through the invitation with an ambiguous glitter in his eyes. "I hate to keep you waiting, but please do bear with me for a few moments while I collect my necessities", he adds with a winning smile.
After returning from the room the Varisian has currently rented in some backwater inn to recuperate from his last adventures, he nods to the young elf: "If you would be so kind now, I'd love to ask your Master Ornelos some questions!"

Figured instead of making everyone wait I would just post now and Soul can jump in when/if he sobers up...

Since the party isn't together yet I'm going to keep my posts in spoilers. Fell free to respond in spoilers if you wish or you can respond normally.

Grins at Tassera. Sorry there. Tylonick here can be a bit scary when first met, but don't worry, he's a real softy. He pats his eidolon on the neck, waiting for the teleport. Once he arrives, he takes the offered seat, while Tylonick circles for a few moments like a dog, accidentally knocking over another chair. Oops. Sorry. he rumbled sheepishly before curling up, yawning, showing off a heft sized toothy maw. Jorge notices the other people in the room, the dwarve and Antinous. Greetings to you both!

Dearest Heldra,
It's coming to the end of the season and I fear that once again the breaching ceremony will pass me over. Most of my other leads have grown as cold as a yeti's backside, so I'll be returning home to you soon. Contained with this letter should be some of the gold I got from fighting off those bandits. Please prepare a big dinner for when I get back! I really miss your cooking out here.

Love,

Knock-knock-knock-knock-knock! There's a loud rap on the door to his room, interrupting his writing before he could sign it. "Oi, jus' a moment, jus a momen'... Keep your britches on!" Babkas gets down from his writing desk and meanders over to the knock. He peeks out the chest-high peep hole to see who it was, "Ahem, one second."

He grabs his hat of the rack on the wall and puts it on his head. He gives it a tug and out from under the hat clothes seem to fall and somehow knit themselves over him. His face slowly changes shape as he runs for a mirror to watch his handiwork. By the end of it he looked about ten years younger with a fancy red robe on. He opens the door and greet the young lady, "Why, hello there."

She curtsies and begins her little speech. Babkas looks on and nods, at first, but quickly registers what the young woman is saying. "Wha? Yes... Yes! YES!" Babkas jumps so high in his excitement that he very nearly lodges his head in the ceiling of the inn. The bump sobers him up enough to rush into his room and grab his already packed bags, leaving the door open. "I thought that scrawny bastard was gonna leave me outta tis again! Oh, but not this time, no sir. The breaching festival, Dogis always says he did that it was even tougher'n the Dwarven olympics" He starts rambling on as he starts equipping everything. "Why he always... Dogis is my son, by the way, partook in the festival aboooout... Uh, forever ago."

A tug of the hat causes Babkas to assume his normal adventuring appearance, the hat itself a taking on the form of a hood around him. "Ye have no idea what this means to me lass... thank ye. " Babkas smiles at the girl and nods, "But lets go. No time to waste. And if you see him before me do me a favor and give that scrawny bastard of a magician a big wet one on me!" He lets out a bawdy laughs and holds out his hand, waiting to be teleported.

Dolph:

Tessara smiles polietly as she waits for Babkas to gather his things. I know toff is getting a little desperate for people to compete in this but really...this one seems crazy... she thinks as she is waiting. Once he's ready she pulls out the scroll. I will be doing no such thing... she says before casting her spell. You arrive as and the dwarf behind the desk points to a chair and says in a rather monotone voice "Please have a seat she then takes a quick head count and then sighs and looks at Tessara "Looks like you missed one deary..." the dwarf gets cut off by Tessara who insists rather loudly "I did not...he wanted to walk...I'll go see if I can find him"

Dolph

Dolph.

Jorge smiles at everyone in the room, relaxing in his chair, leaning forward on his cane. The frail looking man looks at the group. Seems like we are going in as a group. Which is good. I hear it gets pretty nasty inside! Going inside with just me and Tylonicks, we wouldn't enjoy, that's for sure." He chuckles. I'm Jorge Hashten, and this is my friend, Tylonick." He motions to the curled up 'dragon-looking' creature, who opens an eye up. "Hello."

Totally understand dolpho...I've been there my self so I understand your pain. Ended up going to the hospital last time I had one.

After a few minutes Tessara returns with another man in toe. "Everyone's here now Tessara says to the dwarf behind the desk who sighs and then gets up, her joints creaking as she stands. She looks over at the group. "Everyone follow me" she says and then leads the group into the headmasters office.

The room is filled from floor to ceiling by bookshelves and a large oaken desk. A man sits in a chair, glancing out a window in his office. The smell of pipe smoke can wafts through the air. Sir, the first team of adventurers is here the dwarven woman says before turning to leave, shutting the door behind her.

A wizened old man stands and then turns to face all of you, a long white beard hangs from his face. He motions for you to take a seat in the chairs laid out in the room.

“Welcome, and thank you for answering my invitation. As I’m sure you well know, the Breaching Festival is a longstanding Acadamae tradition, with prizes both material and magical. You might also know that entry in the contest is traditionally reserved for only the best and bravest of our students and a select few representatives of other Korvosan institutions. This year, though, we’re changing tradition and expanding the invitations further than ever—we want the most powerful, qualified individuals to compete, in other words. It has been a century and a half since the last—the only—winner of the Breaching Festival won the prize! One of you surely must bring glory to yourself and the Acadamae by enduring the traps and tricks in the Hall of Wards. I’m even willing to bend the rules to allow a team of allied competitors like yourselves to cooperate as a single unit—whatever it takes to get a winner tomorrow. Please feel free to ask any questions you have of me at this time.”

As he speaks he still has the pipe in his mouth and he takes several breaks to take a draw from it.

Iorec acknowledges Jorge's greetings with a polite little bow and examines his companion with curiosity rather than fear or surprise. He sure has seen stranger things in his line of work. "Well met. My name is Iorec Zilu and I am very pleased to make your acquaintance", he replies to both of them.

After the headmaster has finished his address Iorec waits a moment for someone else to go first but then courteously asks: "Headmaster Ornelos, I thank you very much for considering me as a worthy participant in this time-honored challenge. I am however quite surprised of this sudden change of rules. If I might be so bold, why is it that you now allow a whole group of outsiders in? How come you are so keen to see someone emerge of the Breaching victorious again?"

If necessary:
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (17) + 19 = 36

He looks at Iorec and then laughs a little bit. "It has been far to long since we've hand someone win and my days are limited so I wish you see a true champion win while I still can."

Iorec chuckles himself a little before he begins again: "I understand, though you will hopefully have a few more chances to accomplish that. By the way, who actually did win this prestigious festival? Though I have lived in this city for a while I can't, for the life of me, remember anyone... It must have been a very savvy and capable character."

"I'm surprised you are making so many changes. It seems the school would prefer no winner, since that shows the power of your magics and minds. Not to mention the interest the school earns each year on the winnings. Aren't you worried about the effects this will have on the school's traditions?"

Sense motive on headmaster 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27

Jorge nods, listening to the Headmaster, as Tylonick curls back up, but watching the going ons. Well, looks like you did get quite capable group this time, just from what I'm seeing." He glances at the others. "Just does seem rather odd at the sudden change...Though I'm not complaining about better chances at winning!"[/b]

Tylonick will be doing a sense motive on the headmaster.
1d20 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19

He seems to get slightly angry at your question but answers it none the less. "I wasn't even born yet when the last winner won but from what I've heard a man named Dyson Fordyce was the last winner...though some suspect that he cheated. He managed to make it into the Hall of Wards but just as quickly made his way out. From that day on the Breaching Festival has required entry into the Hall of Wards by one door and exit from one on the opposite side of the building."

He takes a long pull from his pipe and then continues "Personally I believe that Dyson cheated to win and that fact doesn't sit well with me. That is another reason that I want to see a true winner. One that doesn't have to cheat to win." He pauses and takes a long draw from his pipe before he continues "It has become clear over time that for a winner to be found certain traditions needed to be changed. While I don't like the idea of non-students being declared the winner I think its better than letting Dyson keep the fame of being the only winner.

Iorec seems satisfied with the headmaster's answer as he asks with badly hidden eagerness: "I see. Well, what is it that you would like us to do now? Where and when do we start?"

"You have the night to prepare for tomorrow the challenge of a life time starts. I've seen to it that you have access to any buildings that aren't used in tomorrows breaching festival and I've also set up housing for you in our guest dorm's."

Waiting to see if anyone else has any more questions before we move on.

Babkas had found a seat in the room as they waited. His earlier outburst had robbed him of most of his energy. Now he was putting on his proverbial game-face, waiting, meditating, contemplating. He knew he'd need all his cunning to get through this.

Tessara returns and Babkas is riled from his contemplation with a loud groan. He hops off the chair and follows the group out towards the headmaster, and he listens to his speech. Towards the end of it, Babkas was visibly getting antsy, fidgeting in place. He couldn't wait, that was for sure.

"Bah! I won't get a lick o' sleep tonite, you realize? Hah, s'pose that's a problem enough beer'll solve, right lads?" Babkas lets out a hearty laugh. "T'be honest I barely know what to expect in that marble hell but I'm lookin' forward to it--forward to finding Dogis and making sure a Hammerheart wins this blasted thing. And make sure you get a proper display for our pictures and stuff after we come back, up thar wit' the important people. Don't be stingy, now! Hah."

Sense Motive on the Headmaster: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (6) + 25 = 31

"Winning is the only thing on my mind. I like the confidence the rest of you seem to have. We might all walk out as victors after all," the newcomer adds, listening to the group's questions.

Antinous nods as the headmaster dismisses them, eager to get out of the room. As soon as he and the others are out of earshot, he'll turn to the others.

"So, who's up for a visit to the school library? I want to learn every last thing about this Dyson Fordyce and the breaching that we can. I"m sure no one will mind since the headmaster said we were welcome here."

If the library is an out of bounds area, Antinous will explain he doesn't want to cause any trouble, just to learn more about the school.

Diplomacy check 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (20) + 24 = 44
Perception check if needed 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (11) + 21 = 32

"The library?" Iorec raises a brow. "I'd rather ask around a bit. If Dyson was the only winner in history I am sure there are stories of his victory abound. I'll be in the dorm after sunset if you would like to share findings. So long!" And with these words Iorec hastens to scour the Acadamy grounds for someone who's willing to gossip.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (11) + 19 = 30
Kn(local): 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (18) + 18 = 36

Before Iorec can get out of the door a stout dwarf burts into the room and pushes his way past the cleric. He looks back and then stops eyeing the man he almost knocked over. He then looks to study the rest of the group. "Bah not much in the way of competition this year" he says brashly. He is followed into the room by a male halfling, a female human,and a male human. "Look at the competition boys...nothing here but a bunch of limp wristed mages from the looks of it...no offence Maganrad." The male human glares at the dwarf but doesn't speak. the female halfling steps up "Escuse my friend here...he has taken far to many blows to the head to be polite..." the halfling says looking over his shoulder at the dwarf who just snorts and continues into the headmasters office.

As the rest of you are left to ponder what just happened another human dressed in wizards clothing comes in. He is dressed in purple robes and he bows in front of you all. "Greetings my name is Jandar Lilswin but you can just call me Jandar. I will be your escort around campus today. Is there anywhere specifically you would like to go?

"I still remember my way around this place quite well enough, thank you. However, I think a trip to the library might interest this one," he nods at Antinious. The Mage waits to see if the others have interests yet to be discussed.

Iorec quickly regains his composure after the sudden entrance of what appears to be the competition. He replies to Jandar: "And greetings to you, Jandar! My name is Iorec. I am not very well-versed in the arcane arts so all I would like to do is go some place social. Maybe you have a common room where students and teachers go to relax?"

The cleric nods in agreement with the mage.

"Yes, I would very much enjoy the chance to visit your library."

Babkas exits with the rest of the party. He moves aside as the other party--the competition--bursts into the room. He waits for them to go in, jaw a bit agape, then turns around in a huff. "Tha nerve of dem! Ya see tha? Just barreling in here loud and obnoxious like tha own the place. Oh boy, I'm gonna enjoy beating their faces into the pavement." Babkas grins and punches one fist into the other.

"The library? Now I aint much one for books, I admit, but if this Dyson Fordyce won before I can reckon a reason for lookin' into him..." Babkas pauses, and looks to the wizardly man. "Ah, wait... What'cha gonna do if we all wanna go in like, different places? I dunna think you can keep up with all us, now can ya?" He laughs.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (5) + 25 = 30 is this man keeping an eye on us for our benefit or to keep us from something? If the latter, I'd like to keep an eye on his behavior to see what he doesn't want us to do.

Babkas you have a feeling that its a little of both. He is here to help guide you around campus but he also wants to keep you out of the area's that are set up for the festival tomorrow.

The mage nods and then laughs at Iorec's request. "Yes I know just the place...though it might be a little wild for your tastes tonight. Us students have been under a lot of stress preparing for the festival and tonight is our night to blow off all the pent off stress...but I think you'll enjoy it either way." He nods in Babkas's direction No worries sir, I'm sure a group of adventurers with the reputations that you all carry won't need much watching." He then turns and walks out of the room, wanting everyone to follow him. "Well looks like we're off to the library first.

You all begin making your way towards the exit with Jandar leading the way. Just as your about to leave the hall you hear a blood curdling scream followed by what sounds like a large explosion. Dolpho you recognize the screaming voice from this morning. A few seconds after the scream dust rushes out into the hallway from one of the class rooms. You see that one of the doors has exploded. What do you do?

Iorec doesn't hesitate for a second: "What was that? Hurry, someone might be in danger!" Running towards the entrance he draws his rapier, this is a magic academy after all, anything could simply just appear. Once he gets to the door, Iorec tries to make out what happened from the hallway without actually entering the room first.

Perception: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (6) + 22 = 28
If needed:
Initiative: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

Iorec you see a huge spider that looks to be metalic as well as a girl in purple robes passed out on the floor. There are burn marks on her robes and arks of electricity jump across her body.

If others want to check out what happened and try to save the girl(she looks in pretty bad shape) I will need initatives from you. Otherwise state your actions while staying out of the situation.

Note that Jandar runs off to get the headmaster.

For the moment Jorge has been quiet, listening and following te group, Tylonick taking up the rear. Tylonck's ears perk up when he hears the scream, Jorge winces, but they both hurry towards the sound.

perception for tylonick: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (14) + 13 = 27
initiative for Jorge: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
For Tylonick: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

Initiative 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (3) + 15 = 18

Dolph gets close to the disturbance as casts a quick spell, allowing his vision to become even more perceptive to magical auras, to see if the student had some foul effect on her.

Cast greater Arcane Sight.

The cleric moves up as quickly as he can to heal the young woman with a touch. If he cannot reach her, he'll channel positive energy to affect the student and not the spider. If he can do neither, he'll cast Stablize on her at range. He'll cast the spell defensively and cannot fail the check on any of the spells.

Init 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
Channel 7d6 ⇒ (3, 1, 3, 1, 5, 4, 1) = 18
If cure is used instead 2d8 + 10 ⇒ (1, 1) + 10 = 12 plus 50 percent equals 18 points of healing
Admonishing Ray sacrificed for healing

Given his initiative, Antinous will cast Breath of Life if the student dies before he can reach her. The spell only works if she has died last round or this round.
Breath of Life healing, in addition to the rez effect 5d8 + 13 ⇒ (4, 2, 5, 7, 5) + 13 = 36
For the spell to bring back the dead, the healing must raise the target's HP above negative con score.

Babkas doesn't need an invitation. As soon as he hears the explosion he rushes towards it, full-speed!

He sees the girl, and assumes the more magically inclined members of the party will handle her. No, he focuses on his body, strengthening his skin with the wisdom of fine granite before rushing headlong into the room, hoping to hold off whatever foul beast besieged the girl. He pulls out his trusty home-made Meteor Hammer, swinging it around his body as he rushes into the room.

Spending a point of Ki to get Barkskin as my standard action. Note that I do not have Mage Armor or Greater Magic Weapon, so -4 AC from what I have listed and other penalties to attack I'll factor in. Then moving until I see whatever is going on, and then just move right next to it ideally setting up flank and preventing it from moving out of the room.

Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (7) + 19 = 26 to avoid AoO

Thanks for your patience in waiting for an update...decided to spend yesterday watching the Packers loose to the Giants instead of going online...*goes to store all his packers gear for next season*

Just a few notes while I'm waiting for the map to be created(thanks again Ioric):

1. When in combat(which we all are now) I would like you to state 2 possible actions for you to make on your turn. Jorge I need 4 actions from you(2 for you and 2 for Tylonick).

2. If you're going to cast a spell please link the spell name to its description. I don't DM at this level usually so I don't know all the spells.

3. As per suggestions in the discussion thread I'm going to be rolling everyones saves for them as needed, that way battle can flow a little better.

So I need actions from Tylonick and the map and then we can get started.

Upon seeing the girl hurt and the huge creature. "Oh my...this won't do at all!" Jorge then motions to Tylonick to deal with it, and the large creature charges, lunging at the spider. Meanwhile, Jorge murmurs some words.

Tylonick with either charge if he can, pouncing, or moving up to the spider and attacking once with his bite + vital strike.

Combat Map

Looks like I'm still waiting on actions from Iorec but I figured I'd throw up the combat map. You won't need to do it for this round but in future rounds place post what position you're moving to.

Thanks again Iorec for the map, I modified it slightly but you did most of the work lol.

Iorec tries to sneak into the room undetected by the spider by taking cover behind the chairs and tables and making good use of the shadows. He'll use two move actions to get as close to the prone girl as possible.
If someone else already goes after the girl he will try to sneak behind the spider.

Take10 on Stealth: 36 (Skill Mastery)
Speed: 30' (Fast Stealth)

Sorry, didn't realize I was still behind on the actions

don't worry I didn't either until I was writing up my round 1 wrap up post lol.

Round 1 wrap up

The party enters and the spider's head lifts and its eyes glow blue. A second later ice shoots out of them towards Tylonic, Antinos, and Jorge. Tylonic, Antinos, and Jorge get hit for 22 damage each as the ice slams into them. The spider then moves up to F-8 and attacks Tylonick, striking at the creature with its legs. Three of the legs connect for a total of 44 damage. Tylonic, getting angry at taking damage, charges the spider and pounces on him. Unfortunately only a wing and two claws connect with the beast. Randolpho's eyes glow blue as he casts a spell that allows him to see any magic in the room(see below for the results of the spell). Ioric you go undetected as you move behind the spider and you take up a position to flank it with Tylonic(You're at I-10). Antinos stabalizes the girl and she stops dying(she'll remain unconscious for simplicity). Babkas moves up next to the spider and is able to move out of the way of the spiders leg as it tries to slam into the dwarf(you're now at F-8). Jorge casts haste on the party. See the below spoiler for the results of the knowledge check. With that the next round begins

Congradulations you've all survived round 1 lol. Just a few notes to keep this moving smoothly:
1. Please post links to descriptions of any spells you cast.
2. When/if you move(you now have the map) please put your new position in your post. I'll try and figure a way to update the map.
3. Please post your current ac, current hp, and reflex bonus in your posts so I don't have to go fishing for them.

Relieved that the girl seems to be in good hands with Antinos, Iorec uses the spider's lack of attention granted by the flanking and looks for a weak spot in its metallic hide to pierce with his rapier.

Full-Attack-Action, haste in effect (+1 attack and 1 extra attack), +2 attack (flanking), sneak attack +7d6(flanking):
Attack: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (17) + 20 = 37
1d20 + 15 ⇒ (9) + 15 = 24
1d20 + 20 ⇒ (10) + 20 = 30
Damage: 8d6 + 4 ⇒ (1, 3, 5, 6, 1, 1, 1, 4) + 4 = 26
8d6 + 4 ⇒ (6, 1, 1, 1, 1, 3, 2, 2) + 4 = 21
8d6 + 4 ⇒ (1, 3, 6, 3, 3, 5, 6, 1) + 4 = 32
Crit Confirmation: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (14) + 20 = 34
Possible additional crit damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

AC 29 (+1 haste) HP 130/130 Ref +17 (+1 haste)

Satisfied no other foul magic was being used, Dolph prepared to help the group. Not wanting to damage the surroundings, if possible, he fired off three quick blasts of fire at the huge monster hoping to penetrate its defenses.

Scorching ray:

Ranged touch attacks with haste firing into melee
Ray one1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Ray two 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
Ray three 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Damage
Ray one 4d6 ⇒ (5, 2, 3, 4) = 14
Ray two 4d6 ⇒ (3, 1, 6, 3) = 13
Ray three 4d6 ⇒ (2, 1, 1, 3) = 7

Using Prescience ability for first of Twelve available rounds per day. Will replace ray attack one with this d20 roll.

New roll 1d20 ⇒ 2

Seeing that so many have taken damage, the cleric channels positive energy to heal the party, taking care to avoid healing the monster.

I cannot load the map ATM, so if I need to move to do this, please move me.
AC 32, +14 Reflex, 160/182 HP
Healing done 7d6 ⇒ (4, 6, 2, 6, 4, 6, 4) = 32

"Oh boy... Laddies, I donna think I brought a big enough book for this'un!" Babkas exclaims as he dodges out of the way of the spider's leg. His movements become more sinuous, despite his stout frame. He'll work on keeping the spider just where it's at, and wait for the proper moment. Whenever he spots an opening, he goes for the beast's eyes, those large blue orbs, trying sweep a kick and some debree into them to blind the foul beast.

"So I guess I'll jus' borrow the school's!" When and if Babkas gets the advantage, he holds his Meteor Hammer in one hand and then reaches over to the nearby table with the other. He attempts to lift the table--books and all--and slam it down on the spider. Legs down, not to crush it, but to trap it. Only once he's exhausted his options will he start going after the blasted thing with kicks and elbows, trying shut it down before it can harm his allies.