Deus Est Machina: Dragoncat's Iron Gods (Inactive)

Game Master Dragoncat

I'll do it.

Looking back down at the corpse, Tabitha nods. "Right... Give me a few minutes and I will prepare the spell." She sits down nearby and pulls out her spell book and looks through its pages.

After about fifteen minutes, Tabitha stands and dusts herself off. Walking over to the corpse, she frowns. "Um, so... Do I just splash him a couple times?"

Jasper shrugs his shoulders and says I guess so.

Tabitha: You can certainly try.

Tabitha frowns as she looks at Jasper then back to the corpse. "Al-alright... This doesn't seem right though." She focuses on the body with a grimace. Ew... This doesn't seem right at all... I... Am I desecrating a corpse? This just does not feel right, even though it is to prevent something bad pop.... Ew! Bad thought! She shakes her head as she begins casting her spell.

Acid Splash Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7 Should hit with it being a non moving object...
Acid Splash Damage: 1d3 ⇒ 2

The glob of acid hits and sizzles a bit, Tabitha continues to frown as she casts a couple more times.

Acid Splash Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Acid Splash Damage: 1d3 ⇒ 3

Acid Splash Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Acid Splash Damage: 1d3 ⇒ 3

Acid Splash Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Acid Splash Damage: 1d3 ⇒ 3
They all hit, and that is 11 acid damage right there.

Tabitha turns away from the sizzling corpse, nearly vomiting at the sight. "Tabi.... Tabitha doesn't feel right doing that. I hope that was enough." She walks over to the nearby wall to clear her mind.

When Tabitha throws the first blob of acid on Gerrol's corpse, it heaves violently and thrashes around a bit. The subsequent doses of acid cause the corpse to expel russet-coloured effluvium from its nose & mouth.

The odour surrounding the corpse becomes nigh-unbearable. A trail of liquid mould runs down from the body's mouth and pools underneath it.

"No need to wait and see what happens, is there?" Kadosh says, looking at Dejah I know her player's sick, but she's clearly the leader of our little band. :). "We should keep moving, once Tabitha's ready.

"Come on, girl. He was dead already, his spirit gone, so no need to worry about what you've done," he adds to the young women after a few moments.

Tabitha shakes her head as she rests her head against the wall. "But... Theories suggest that the spirit is still connected to the body after death. Or at least linger near where they died. With all the various undead creatures out there, Tabi-I wouldn't be surprised if that was the case." She coughs a couple times, recalling the sight. "And that was... Disgusting. He was also an ally to Master Khonnir. We... When we leave, I think we should bring the body with us. So he can have a proper burial."

Tabitha covers her mouth as she turns around, not trusting herself to hold it down with her fortitude alone. Nodding, she agrees that she is ready to continue.

Untrained Heal (DC 15): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16

Having lifted her kercheif over her nose and mouth when the discharge came from Gerrol Sonder's nose and mouth, she waited until the odour was not so pungent and drew a little closer to the body. Having no training in the healing arts but using enough common sense, Dejah carefully examined the corpse with her eyes. "It appears the russet mould has been purged."

She heard Kadosh speak of moving on and his suggestion had merit. But before she could say a word, Tabitha had responded.

Looking to Tabitha, she simply and quietly instructed, "If you want to search the body, do so carefully and swiftly now and then we move forward. And aye, the body will remain here, to be returned topside when our expedition is done. He has family and his betrothed, Emilia Otterbie, who would lay him to proper rest."

GM Ironcat: From Dejah's previous Know Local re Gerrol Sonder, would she know if he had family back in Torch who would be keen to have his body returned?

Headed to bed. Will check the board in my morning.

Dejah: You remember that Gerrol did have some family back in Torch: that, and his fiancée Emilia Otterbie would likely wish to know the fate of her beau.

"I wonder if any of the previous parties, yours excepted, have survived this dark place. Only a thorough exploration will give us certainty, I fear."

Dejah heard the android speak of the possibility of other survivours and she gave a nod, "For the sake of Val and the town, I do hope we find Khonnir Bane alive."

When the others we ready to move on, Dejah gave the quiet word to proceed and held her pike readily before her. She attempted a semblance of quiet as she moved and she kept her eyes and senses open for any traps, would-be obstacles and hidden enemies.

Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

The android keeps his blade at the ready, but otherwise attempts to mimic Dejah's actions.

stealth: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

The trek through the rest of the caves is uneventful as the party proceeds, stepping back through the great doors of the buried 'Habitat Module'. The repair drone from before is still moving back and forth between broken pipes and bits of rubble, scanning them, BEEPING, and moving on. It pays the party no attention as it works.

The air of the great dome is still as the party steps onto its sand dunes. The great expanse of the habitat dome stretches before them--all that's left to do is pick a direction and begin exploring.

...as the party steps forward, everyone notices a large mound of sand in the distance slowly moving towards them. There's a *rumbling* noise as it approaches!

You've got about 1 round to prepare before whatever's approaching arrives.

Please refer to the Habitat Module Beta 19 map.

Kadosh looks around.

"Huh. Looks a bit like outside. Strange to find this down here," he says.

He pulls his morningstar as the creature approaches.

"Spirits, protect us," he rumbles.

Casting resistance on himself.

Tabitha nods. "Yes, it is interesting though. With such space down here, who would have thought they were underground." She replies.

When they notice a creature comes towards them, Tabitha pulls out a scroll and casts it upon herself.

Move Action: Pull out a scroll of Mage Armor
Standard Action: Cast Mage Armor on herself

Also, that is a good idea Kadosh. I am going to borrow it.

GM Ironcat, are there any nearby ledges/rocks to climb up? I know the middle (light brown) section is where Dejah climbed last time. But I was thinking the rock closest to them - is that just a rock wall/passage or other?

Dejah: Unfortunately, no. It's just a rock wall.

Thanks for the info.

Dejah took a 5 ft step back and raised her pike (being careful not to pierce Triax with the sharp tip) toward the incoming sand mound and waited for now.

The archaeologist concentrated on its movement and form and contemplated what manner of creature it could be, hoping she had encountered or even heard/read of such a creature.

Did Tabitha complete Dejah's scroll of Heightened Awareness before they came below? Tabby Cat said she was working on her own scrolls, but I didn't hear anything about Dejah's scroll.

You have your scroll Dejah before we came down. I think it was when I gave you the refund of 2.5 gold.

And Tabitha would do her own knowledge checks as well.

...Wow, I might know what it might be. O_o

Not sure what the nature of the danger is, Triax logically defaults to a defensive approach. He pads forward, sword out, and prepares to strike at anything that might surface, already assuming it to hostile in this foreboding place.

ready! P.A: 1d20 + 5 - 1 ⇒ (17) + 5 - 1 = 21
words hurts. swords hurt more.: 1d8 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 2 = 8

Jasper does the same thing, moving up with Triax and readying his sword to lash out at whatever appears.

Attack with Nodachi, Damage: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 211d10 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

Malin pads up behind Jasper, waiting to spring around behind whatever enemy it is to attack from behind.

The moving sand dunes advance closer and closer to the party before the creature beneath them bursts forth in a spray of sand and dirt!

Looming before them is something that appears to be a large, white, coral-like rock formation, with purple tentacles emerging from it. The tentacles trace whirled patterns in the surrounding sand, and it lets out an alien *GURGLING* noise.

Initiative (Dejah): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Initiative (Jasper): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Initiative (Kadosh): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11
Initiative (Tabitha): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
Initiative (Triax): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19

Initiative (Ghelarn): 1d20 ⇒ 3

Round 1: The party is up!

Trix changes his tactics quickly, moving in a long arc to circle the creature from behind. The android, however, knows nothing of the dangers of the beast, and plunges straight into the quagmire.

k(dungeoneering): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
It seems from the bestiary universal monster ability that saving vs. an entrapment effect is a fortitude roll?
fort vs. entrap: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

Tabitha looks on in wonder, then in horror as she recalls the journal of her Master, Khonnir. The Carapace, harder than steel. Writhing mass of tentacles to entrap. And hatred of loud noises. Clearly this thing is not of this world! What was written down!? Grela? No. Gelarn? No! Looking at the thing once again, she recalls what it is truly is. "Its a Ghelarn! The rocky carapace is as hard as steel and has tentacles to entrap their prey! If any of you have a way to... Shout at it? Er. Make burst of sound, it will hurt it greatly!"

Spells run through her mind as she turns her ring around with her thumb. But no spells that would truly harm it come to mind. Instead, Tabitha pulls out a scroll and casts it. A slightly glowing oval disk appears before her, before fading away.

And once her spell is cast, she looks towards the others. Maybe if one would be bigger might help? It might work. Jasper would be the prime choice for such a spell. He looks rather strong after all. Concluding her thoughts, Tabitha hurriedly speaks. "Jasper, want to be bigger? It might help!"

Move Action: Pull out scroll of Shield
Standard Action: Activate scroll and cast on myself

Triax: You would be right.

Triax feels the sand become marshy and sodden under his feet, and his boots sink into the dunes. However, he presses on unhindered.

Dejah, Jasper & Kadosh are up!

Dejah felt too exposed once Triax moved away as the Ghelarn revealed itself. She had no immediate recourse against the creature, so she took a five foot step back (to the side of Kadosh) and pike in hand, kept a defensive stance in case the creature targeted her directly.

Total Defense as a standard action. You get a +4 dodge bonus to your AC for 1 round. Your AC improves at the start of this action.

Jasper nods and says Bigger definitely is better! Isn't it ladies?!? he finishes, waggling his eyebrows at them. Looking over at the cat he says Malin, Attack!

Move 15' forward and attack, flanking with Triax: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 6 + 2 = 251d10 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

Malin moves in a wide arc around the creature to end up flanking with Jasper. She attempts to sink her teeth into the creature.

Bite attack, flanking with Jasper w/Outflank feat: 1d20 + 7 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 7 + 4 = 261d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Free Trip with successful bite, if applicable: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20

Jasper, give me Fortitude Saves for you and Malin.

Also, I just realized something:

AoO vs. Triax: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Welp... I'll wait until I get the results of your saves before I continue.

Ah, I thought it didn't aoo due to flat footed - en garde!

"I don't think it'll get too close to us with all that," Kadosh reassures Dejah as she steps to his side. "But let's see if we can't help them..."

He steps up behind Jasper and intones a quick prayer, throwing a small bone at the feet of the big warrior. Casting resistance on Jasper; +1 to saves for 1 minute.

Fort Save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

Fort Save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

Alrighty then!

Jasper & Malin feel the ground beneath their feet turning to a sodden mix of sand and mud, threatening to root them to the spot. They navigate the strange earth with ease and strike at the bizarre beast, carving great bloody wounds into its tentacles.

The beast *keens* in what appears to be a blend of pain and rage before withdrawing all of its tentacles and other fleshy bits into its rock-like shell.

It now has Total Cover from all attacks until the beginning of its next turn. You can target the shell to try and break it.

Round 2: The party is up!

[spoiler=Quick stats]
HP 19/19
AC 18, touch 11, flat-footed 17 (+1 vs. robots)
Fort +4, Ref +3, Will +5; CMD 13 (+1 vs. robots)
Orisons: daze, detect magic, light, resistance
1st: bless [], hydraulic push [], sleep [], detect undead []
Channel (1d6): 0/4
Healing hex used: Dejah [], Jasper [], Tabitha [], Kadosh [], Triax [], Malin []
Effects: Resistance (+1 to saves, 2/10)
[spoiler]

"The creature's scared!" Kadosh crows, stepping up and swinging at its shell.

His blow glances off the hard surface as his brow furrows in realization that it's tough than it looks.

Mwk morningstar (+1 vs. robots): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Whoops; I reread the map before and realize now I couldn't have gotten to Jasper last round to cast resistance on him so ... I guess I would have targeted Dejah instead.

Jasper waits for the creature to emerge, his sword poised to strike if anything emerges.

Looking at the thing retreat into it's shell, Tabitha turns her ring with her thumb. Bringing to mind a spell, she begins to cast. She focuses the spell upon Jasper as he begins to grow slightly.

Casting Enlarge Person on Jasper. Will be large size by my next turn.

Forgot to mention above that it was a readied action to attack if it emerges from the shell at all.

Nodachi Attack and damage, flanking with Malin with Outflank: 1d20 + 6 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 6 + 4 = 211d10 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

The android attempts to get to the heart of the matter and crack the shell of the beast, throwing his weight into his attempts - this only after studying his foe.

1d20 + 5 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 5 - 1 + 1 = 21
1d8 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 2 + 1 = 9

Still waiting on GM's clarification on the fort save vs entrapment on discussion board...but I'll post for this round not to hold up the game. Answered. :)

Not daring to move forward more than 5 ft from her current position for her constitution was delicate - moreso than her companions, Dejah transferred the pike to her off hand and drawing the scorpion whip from her belt unfurled the leather with its bladed/fanged tip and readied an action to strike at the Ghelarn once it showed itself from its carapace.

Readied Melee Attack with Scorpion Whip - 10 ft reach: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
Damage, if hits: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

I believe that keeps Dejah out of the space of doom err I mean entrapment around the Ghelarn.

GM Ironcat, once out of its carapace, can this creature be tripped?

Dejah: You can try.

Kadosh's morningstar bounces off of the ghelarn's shell without making even so much as a dent, but Triax's sword and Jasper's nodachi cause the beast's carapace to crumble and shatter under their blows. Within the shell's remains is what can only be described as a writhing mass of purple tentacles & feeling stalks, bleeding heavily from its wounds.

It tries to burrow underneath the ground, but a quick strike from Dejah's whip rips open a final wound that proves to be fatal for the unnatural beast, turning the sand a dark violet from the blue blood that rushes out. The tentacles stiffen briefly before going limp.

Combat over.

I'm going to say I think you've got a VERY good chance to knocking it prone...

"Ha," Kadosh says. "That thing wasn't so tough."

He grins at his companions.

"Where to now?"

Tabitha sees that combat is over and tries her best to cease the spell being cast.

GM, Can I keep my arcane bond use or is it still expended?

Tabitha: Sure, I'll allow it.

Tabitha lets out a sigh of relief as she ceases the spell. "Um... Yeah. Though it was scary though." After a bit, the oval disk reappears before her and disintegrates before her, the spell ending. "Ah... The shield spell ended. Anyway, might be a good idea to get a closer look at those bones that we saw the last time we came down here... I think they were over there....?" She points towards the large rock hill in the center of the cavern.

Tabitha, we already did on the first expedition, per below.

Through the message spell link, she whispered her observations to Tabitha and Val, since the males were non-responsive.

"The bones do not appear to be from Golarion. They look almost human but the skull is oval shaped and is too long. Also, it has an extra set of arms."

After a quick pause, the archaeologist continued in whisper to her two female companions, "I cannot note any traps in the area of the bones. But be careful, if you decide to draw closer to them. Something killed that creature and it may still be in here for all we know. I'm coming down."

Using her climbing claws, Dejah quietly made her way down with little fuss/trouble.

Climb check down the ridge: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (20) + 18 = 38 Climb speed 10ft.

"Right, we'll meet you back at the bottom of the ridge." As Tabitha replies back in the whisper. She looks towards the rest of the group and speaks quietly with them. "We should meet up with Dejah, lets do so and then see about those strange bones. Might be related to those skeletons we heard about." She points towards the bottom of the ridge Dejah climbed.

Then the group decided to return to the surface. What other information are you now looking for?

I don't think we examined the bones before we headed back up, right? We just know where they are, and that we only saw them from a distance. And we never determined if they are related to those four-armed skeletons we heard about. Unless the GM says otherwise. If it is otherwise, I guess we can go towards the direction that gleharn came from.

We all moved to them. But then the GM moved us back up so we can meet Kadosh and Triax in game. But we have some information on them and I presume we did look at the bones before we returned to Torch. We just didn't get any further info at the time. As to comparisons to the 4 armed skeleton, that can be done via checks? Or we don't have enough information at present to be able to compare the two.

The archaeologist cleaned the barbed end of her whip using the sand and then carefully furled her scorpion whip and placed it back on her belt. With pike in her true hand now, she heard Tabitha's suggestion.

Dejah's brow furrowed and her mismatched eyes gleamed mysteriously for a second before her quiet voice responded, "By all means, let us look at them, again."