DM Helaman's Dalsine Affair (Inactive)
Game Master Helaman

Uch. Reminds me of that stupid rat dream I used to have.

Hiram moves to the rear, even behind the Sarenrites. "No offense, banned cult, but I prefer to see to my own backside. Besides, rats naturally find my posterior tasty, so I'd to see what they'd do to you just to get to me!"

Ander walks to the back of the party.I think I'll join you in guarding the rear of the party Hiram

"Hmm, rats. That's seems kinda mundane though. There's got to be more interesting stuff down here..." Ernest mutters to himself. "I mean, goblins are dangerous and all, but they're so commonplace." He turns his head to gaze down at the Professor, whom is still visibly upset about not attaining his prize yet. Erenst doesn't seem to notice, however and continues his "conversation." "Open ANY chronicle that happens ANYWHERE within a stone's throw from Varisia, and I bet you platinums to pastries that there's at least one Goblin in there! Now... you know what I bet we'll find down here?" he asks (almost) rhetorically, as he turns his sights to the ceiling.

"Some kind of weird animal. I know my great-great-great grandfather briefly mentions the nobility of the time spending exorbitant amounts of gold on extravagant pets and simply releasing them when they grew tired of them. He personally ran from at least two tigers and a gorilla once." He snaps his head back forward and slams his fist into his open palm. "And I bet that there's nature shamans down here, attempting to preserve the wildlife below such a civilized area!"

"I wonder if they'll be friendly or not. Or even have clothes. Ha, with any luck, it'll be a tale akin to Among the Living. I think they finally got that into theatrical production."

The group sets of down and though the tunnels... The human woman Xene and the halfling woman named Piria seem to be the only cultists privy to the Vault’s location. They navigate the catacombs from memory, often counseling one another privately when unsure which way to go. More than once they double back after reaching a dead end, evidence that their knowledge of the tunnel systems is not perfect.

Is anyone doing anything, attempting anything etc?

Disheartened at the pickled indecisiveness of Piria and Xene, the oracle questions to the party.
Does anyone have a clue exactly where we may be currently under the city? We need some sort of map to allay the possibility of getting lost in these catacombs. I didn't realize how expansive these passages are becoming. Please, can anyone guess where, in respect to the city above, we are?

In a very reduced tone, he speaks in Orc to Harboth.

Do I remember coming across an exit?

While the group travels, Ander keeps wary of any danger and closely scrutinizes the Saranites and the tunnels they are traversing.

9 Eyes and Harboth Only

Ur walks silently, listening to Earnests seemingly constant stream of words as he tries to remember all the twists and turns of the catacombs.

" If there are any Shamans down here I would not expect them to be naked and they should be friendly enough at least to me. "

Oracle implores that the Sarenites keep their eyes out for alternate routes of escape as a safety measure.
Followers of Sarenrae, aid in me finding any doors leading to the surface as we traverse these tunnels. However, don't open anything. If your pursuers are resilient enough, then they may be searching Oppara's underbelly through the same way. So, let us move carefully...and be our eyes and our ears to ensure wary travel.

I ask the same of you, brothers!

Any one wanting to use time to look for tunnels up as we walk may roll upto 3 perception checks. Sarenites don't count for this. That said, each attempt will burn some time... I'll add up all the attempts later. Alternatively you can try aid another on 9 Eyes attempts

Ernest asks, "Now, you said the whole way to the surface, right?"

Hiram, eager to find this so-called sanctuary, nonetheless keeps his eyes open for exits.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20

Ander, hearing what the Oracle says and observing Urthain's actions, smacks his palm to forehead. I have been so stupid. He reaches into his belt pouch and removes a piece of chalk and begins to periodically inscribe small, discrete Pathfinder symbols high on the tunnel walls, describing what direction they have come from. He also continues to keep his eyes open for any signs of exits or the sanctuary.

Percept.1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
Percept.1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
Percept.1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

Harboth keeps his eyes out for exits or the sanctuary.

perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11
perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15
perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

I would like to point out that being lost down here is quite a bit safer than being lost up there. We don’t have the city guard after us down here.

I would like to point out that being lost down here is quite a bit safer than being lost up there. We don’t have the city guard after us down here.

"See, but there's more danger than just guards here. These are ruins, which are prone to collapse. If, by some chance, we collapse the entire district, the doorways and, especially stone gateways, are the most likely structure to keep standing. Plus, they may very well become our sole way out," Ernest states as-a-matter-of-fact-ly, ignoring all grammatical rules of run-on sentences.

"In fact, this building here could be EASILY taken down, given a good thwack on this banister here..." he points out, as he pats an awning's good remaining pole.

Between all of you trying to find exits heading up to the streets you locate three, and make a visual and locational reference for each. It takes over an hour, perhaps even two or more (as its definitely early evening when you find the third).

The Sarenites are eager to find the Vault and you move back into the tunnels. You continue through the darkness, and it seems the Dawnflower Blossoms are seeing some familiar tunnels.

I would like to point out that being lost down here is quite a bit safer than being lost up there. We don’t have the city guard after us down here.

Its at that point that I'll roll initiative.

Buuuuuuuuuuut first I'll have perception checks.

Those who succeed DC15 (no Scent)

Those who succeeded can make a SECOND Check - DC14.

DM Rolls

Then I'll roll initiatives...

Initiatives
Anders + 5 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
Harboth + 2 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Zantir + 8 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19
Hiram + 4 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Urthain + 2 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Ernest + 0 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (9) + 0 = 9
Oracle - 1 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (4) - 1 = 3

GM Thingy +3 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

I don't see it!
For future reference GM, it's quicker if you make these kind of checks for the whole party. Then we can get to the action quicker!

Those who succeed DC15 (no Scent)

Are you referring to any of the Perception rolls made? Or all of them? Or just the first Perception roll?

Noise ahead? Something moving. There's something nearby! ARM YOURSELF!

The oracle takes a defensive posture and arms his flail. Then calls out to Harboth in Orc. Harboth! funny

Harboth - no noise ahead - I'll tell you when you see, hear etc something... wait dude - not so quick on the trigger finger :). You made the first roll... More webs, less vermin - now that you made the first roll, make a second

For future reference GM, it's quicker if you make these kind of checks for the whole party. Then we can get to the action quicker!

Good advice on which I'll follow - first time rookie mistake

I rolled a 14 total web page went wonky.

** spoiler omitted ** Do I have time to comment on what I notice? Those around Ur notice him take a more defensive stance holding his shield higher and readying his spear.

Sure. Urthain or anyone else can say there are more webs and less vermin.

Ernest Perception 1: 1d20 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 1 + 2 = 10
Snouts Perception: 1d20 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 1 + 2 = 8

"Oh, curses!" Ernest yells in a surprised panic. He jumps back from the building he believes he almost knocked down. "No... I think we're good." He then examines the structure deeply. Snouts appears to be at his breaking point, having not eaten for at least an hour.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Hiram rounds about, clearly looking for something, his sword held at the ready should anything pop out...

The half-orc oracle's eyes roll back into his head and mutters a Mwangi witch doctor incantation. The absence of rats and abundance of webs has made the oracle take the precaution of determining if poisonous spiders are present. He casts detect magic in a 5-ft. cube, 25 ft. repeatedly, until he deems the area safe or encounter anything out of the ordinary.

Web. Spiders? Giant Spiders? Poison?

2nd perception roll 9 Eyes

Moving ahead...

9 Eyes 2nd perception check 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18
Urthain 2nd perception check 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

The marching order was thus...

Harboth, 9 Eyes
Zantir, Pilria
Urthain, Ernest
Saren, Snouts
Saren, Saren
Etc
Hiram, Ander.

-----------------------

The Pathfinders and their wards move through the darkened tunnels - several of you noticing the increase in webs and the decrease in rats and other vermin.

The corridor widens ahead for a brief while before looking like it narrows again.

The Oracles keen scent warns him as the scent of something wafts from a collapsed section in the walls, hard to spot in the dim light... but not quick enough to allow him to pull back. Unlike his companion his senses are enough to put him on guard. Urthain also is aware enough of his surroundings and likely denizens that he too is ready.

Ok - Anyone who beat Perception 15 on two rolls gets to make a standard action ONLY during the surprise round (unless you have traits/feats that help). If I have sodded you up let me know

Characters NOT on the map can move onto the map next round if surprised. I deliberately made the map 3 squares wide to allow for movement instead of clogging everything up and not giving anyone other than the front two a chance to shine.

Initiatives (Surprise round)
Anders + 5 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22 Surprised (off board)
Hiram + 4 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21 (off board)
Zantir + 8 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19 - Surprised
Ernest + 0 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (9) + 0 = 9 - Surprised
GM Thingy +3 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8 Hehehe!
Harboth + 2 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8 - Surprised
Urthain + 2 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 - Can Act
Oracle - 1 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (4) - 1 = 3 - Can Act

Piria moves off the map at the end of the round and players should feel free to occupy her space.

The spider, something that looks like a massive Funnel Web spider, darts from the tunnel...

GM Stuff

... and attacks Harboth, who was looking the other way.

1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16 vs flatfooted AC
1d6 ⇒ 4 damage and save (if necessary) vs Fort DC14 Poison.

As soon as I get Urthain and 9 Eyes + Hiram (moving onto the board - Count row A as the first square of your movement) I'll move to Round 1.

This map was not something provided by the scenario (they gave nothing at all) but is something I ginned up... IF I run this game again I'll move the spider hole further down the map but given that Hiram and Ander were playing rear guard? It works

MAPLINK on the Campaign Tab - sorry.

Is there a link to the map? I can't spot it?

Just popped it onto the Campaign info tab

Having seen Harboth bitten and can't cast without provoking from the spider, the oracle takes the offensive and will first try to shift to B4 and attack the spider with his flail.
If you try to perform CM trip, does it do damage as well? Or do you only get to knock the target prone if you're successful tripping? If I can do a trip and deal damage that's what I'd like to do on my surprise turn.
SPIDER! Exclaims the oracle to the party.

Tripping is an Combat Maneuver, which means it does not cause direct damage to a creature. Additionally, tripping (and any combat maneuver) provokes from the target if you do not have the feat "Improved **", with ** being the maneuver in question. The "Trip" tag on the flail means that if you fail by 5 or more, you can drop the weapon instead of getting tripped back. Additionally, this creature has 8 legs. The more legs something has, the harder it is to trip it. In all seriousness, your best bet is to try to just hit it with your pointy thing or full retreat and hope it doesn't have reach.

Is the spider on the ceiling, wall, or floor? Also (especially if ceiling), what's the tunnel height?

Hiram, hearing the cries of SPIDER and finally noticing the giant creature, moves cautiously to B-5, attempting to avoid any attacks of opportunity from the spider.

Dag, missed some good stuff (and I think the chance to make those 2 perception rolls)!

Fort save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

Harboth, shaken from a daze by the spider's bite, rears back and roars at the beast. HAAOARGHH!

Ernst

Surprise round
Ur moves to C3

sorry for holding everyone up it was sleepy time in Australia.

There's no sleep allowed in Australia!

Round 1:
Zantir brings his hammer to bear against the large, foul beast.

Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Damage: 1d12 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

I can’t see the map while I’m at work, but I should be able to swing at the spider with my Hammer, moving as needed or over an ally’s head.

I think Hiram and I go first.

Ander drops his backpack and moves to B4 and attacks spider with his rapier.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6

If I can also do a swift action, I'll expend 1 of my arcane pool to grant a +1 enhancement bonus

Not that it mattered

Round 1:

Harboth looks for revenge.

aaaAAAAAHRRH!

attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
damage: 1d12 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Everyone take a DEEEEEEEEEEEEEP breath. Wait. Its not the only monster you'll ever see, so gimme a chance to order things - when I call Round 1, act round 1. It also makes for better co-ordination.

9 Eyes swings hard but wildly at the spider, while Harboth roars at being bitten. Both Hiram and Urthain move around the outskirts of the battle, making room and creating options.

Round 1

Anders + 5 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22 - Rushes in to B4... and misses with his weapon
* Hiram + 4 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Zantir + 8 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19 - Reaches through the gap with his polearm hammer and BLATS!! the Spider, which is looking very badly affected
* Ernest + 0 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (9) + 0 = 9 -
GM Thingy +3 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8 Hehehe!
Harboth + 2 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8 - Swings hard at the spider and smashes it to pulp.

Urthain + 2 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Oracle - 1 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (4) - 1 = 3

This leaves Hiram and Ernest to act before the spider gets another attack.

Hiram takes a 5 foot step to A-5, flanking with 9 Eyes. He activates his Arcane Strike, stabbing rapidly, opting for power over finesse versus the spider!

Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

The spider dies... horribly.

There is no loot within the spiders lair, just dry web wrapped critters.

Post any healing etc you wish to attempt...

About an hour after the spider ambush, you and the Sarenite refugees finally reach the Vault of Sarenrae.

In the center of this large, natural cavern, easily more than forty feet in height, stands the ruin of a truly ancient temple constructed of chipped grey and white marble. Its domed roof collapsed long ago, but the structure is otherwise in remarkably good shape. Where doors must once have hung, a small campfire now burns, surrounded by piles of ragged but
neatly folded bedding.

Seven people sit huddled around the small campfire to ward off the damp and cold of the cavern. As soon as they spot the approaching party, they pick up wooden clubs and leap to their feet suspiciously.

Seeing the spider managed to bite Harboth, Ur aproaches the Half Orc as they continue on " I have a kit with salves and bandages in my bag. I might be able to ease the pain of that bite if you let me have a look. "

When they reach the vault of Sarenrae Ur looks about the large cavern in awe especailly the ancient temple as the occupants grab weapons and stand Urthain attempts to look non threatening dropping his spear point to the floor.

Hold! We are friends of Sarenrae! Xene and Piria travel with us. No need to be alarmed! The half-orc oracle shouts into the air, as he cannot see past 30 feet. He tries to discern if the strangers are friends or foes, by hearing any religious banter or by detecting the familiar scent of a Sarenite from lit incense or the kind.

If Harboth is still wounded, the oracle bestows a cure light wounds spell on his half-orc companion.

Oracle asks Harboth in Orc tongue. Are these Sarenites, brother?

9 Eyes Dragon

Piria calls out Well met by moonlight, sisters and brothers, but soon the dawn will come!.

Evidently this is some sort of coded greeting and the cultists relax. One of them comes forward and Piria relaxes. Akkuret! We are relieved to see you.

Akkuret is a slim, redheaded human man with pinched features. Evidently someone of some authority.

Religion DC15 shows him to wear the mantle used by Lay Ministers.

Akkuret invites the new arrivals into the ancient
temple, You have our thanks - be welcome here. Have you need of food? Drink? Sit and tell us of how you have come to help us Dawnflower Blossoms. He offers you seats in the recently constructed pews. All who want it are given food and wine.

While everyone, including the rescued Sarenites are eating and drinking, Ankkuret speaks. Maybe we can share information? I may have some pieces of the puzzle you are missing and it may be that you can help me better understand the situation we are in now.

More for you than anything else, I've put a new map up (See Campaign Info) but its assumed you are around the fire area for now.