GM Aram Zey's Rasputin Must Die! (Inactive)

Game Master SwampTing

Map

Init
[dice=tank]1d20+5[/dice]
[dice=42]1d20+5[/dice]
[dice=Mike]1d20+8[/dice]
[dice=Rhon]1d20+1[/dice]
[dice=Exiel]1d20+10[/dice]


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Grand Lodge

Border of War map Reign of Winter map

You have been summoned to a hidden chamber deep underground beneath the halls of the Grand Lodge on Kortos Isle in Absalom. The chamber is stark - there has been little need for furnishings, for this chamber was created by the archmage Ralph Cauthorn for but a single purpose.

Dominating the chamber is a rustic hut on two huge, fifteen-foot-tall chicken legs that kick restlessly at the ground. A stylised beak adorns the front of the hut just above the door. Before the hut stands the archmage himself, flanked by two stranger humanoid figures. On his left is a tall and muscular blue-skinned humanoid with five golden eyes, three of which are situated in a vertical line on his forehead. The other on his right is far more sinister in appearance - a looming, horned, skeletal figure in black robes clutching a crooked bone scythe, with a tall fur hat adorning his head. A seething glow burning in its eye sockets, though it seems for the moment relatively docile. Ralph raises a hand to indicate to the paladins in your group to be at rest.

The Exchange

Male Human Spell Sage 14 | HP:100/100| AC: 16/ FF 12/ T 14 |CMD: 17| Fort: +12 Ref: +12 Will: +13 | Perception: +18| Init: +3 [|] Uses Ring of Invisibility

”There will be no need for hostilities, Rhon and Exiel. The thanadaemon is our ally in this venture, a necessary alliance for the sake of the people of Golarion. I believe your vows to Torag will permit this alliance under the circumstances, and after it is done I rather doubt your paths will cross again."

"You know of course that for some months now I have been researching the winter pockets phenomenon that had been appearing all over Golarion, and have either led or guided ad hoc teams of pathfinders in retracing the steps of Irrisen’s Witch Queen in hopes of finding her and entreating her to close the winter pockets.”

”The Coffin Man,” Ralph continues as he indicates the Thanadaemon with an open right hand, ”calls himself Baba Yaga’s cousin, and it is he who has revealed the next steps that we must take to find Baba Yaga. Needless to say we need to work with him if we are to save Golarion from being plunged into an eternal winter. Coffin Man, if you will.”

Grand Lodge

Border of War map Reign of Winter map

The daemon shuffles forward with the sound of rattling bones, and speaks to you in a dry raspy voice amidst dusty coughs.

”Two siblings. Brother and sister. Mad-monk, murdered-but-living son. Ice queen, regent-daughter on mother’s throne. Long separated by the vastness between stars. But found one another, they did. By magic, colluded. Conspired to bring the Baba Yaga home. Ensnare her with magic and technology. Now son uses the Baba’s power to call the Thrice-Tenth Kingdom. Thrice-tenth for son, and this-world-in-ice for daughter.”

He wheezes out another dry cough at this point, his burning eyes lingering on each of you in turn.

Who among you has chronicles from the earlier Reign of Winter books on the character you are playing? I know Exiel and 42 have them.

The Exchange

attack:
[dice=Null.Scimitar]1d20+13[/dice] [dice=damage]1d6+10[/dice]
Human Magus 14 | HP: 93/93 | Temp HP: 0/0 | 50% miss chance| DR 10/adamantine (140/140) 140 minutes| AC: 28/ FF 22/ T 15| Fort: +14 Ref: +14 Will: +14 | Perception: +10| Init: +5

42 sighs, "Baba Yaga's name has come up again.... listening to their conversations 42 thinks to himself. "I should get some weather gear."

Grand Lodge

HP: 275 (275) | AC: 32; T: 24; FF: 22 |CMB: +22; CMD: 37| Init: +13 | Fort: +27; Ref: +26; WIll: +17 | Perception: +31 | Burn 3 (13) | Internal Buffer: 0 (3) Current Non-Lethal from Burn: 160 | Temp HP from Force Ward: 120 (120); Regen 7 temp hp/min | 50% chance to negate crits/precision damage | Con-Based DC: 21 +Talent Level; Dex-Based DC: 20 +Talent Level

I have not played Reign of Winter in any form. This character is all Emerald Spire credits, with other modules interspersed. Also, this is Vrog's alt. My friend declined to join us.

"Who is Baba Yaga, and how do they relate to a hut with chicken legs?"

The Human male standing before you was dressed in an bespoke suit that would mark him as a successful merchant or high-end government bureaucrat. Standing 6'2" tall, he had a strong built, but was what one could call "forgettably handsome". his close-cropped black hair was well groomed, and silver-gray eyes rounded out his features.

The only thing that stood out about him was the fact that he did not produce a shadow at all.

The Exchange

Class [Paladin2/Oracle1/Sorcerer12] | HP:102/102 | AC: 40/ FF26 (Defensive Strategist)/ T 27 |CMB: +20 CMD: 39| Fort: +32 Ref: +28 Will: +34 | Perception: +8(darkvision)| Init: +13 [|] Lauriel: HP 51/51

Exiel is a man of Tian descent, with a gentle demeanour and an easy grin. He is clothed in simple but well-made white robes in the style of his native country and a plain straw hat on his head. Despite the simplicity of his attire, however, a few pieces of jewelry belie his wealth - an ornate gold ring, a silver bracelet, and a band of gold with blue leather along the top rim, though most of the blue leather portion has been tucked under his straw hat. At his side is a young girl, also clad in white, unassuming and ordinary, save for the wings on her back and the golden helmet on her head with a faceplate made of parchment that completely obscures her face.

"Greetings, friends. Ralph, it has been too long. Good to see you as always, and I am glad that we are continuing our ongoing mission to see this whole matter resoved."

He regards the daemon with apparent unease. He gives Ralph a long hard look, then sighs.

"Mate, I respect your skill and knowledge. If you say this is necessary, I have no reason to doubt you. There is a greater evil to be fought, a battle that will save more lives than the slaying of any... well, most daemons."

"Mike, I am surprised that you have not heard of Baba Yaga. She is dubbed the Queen of Witches, and is the true power behind the throne of Irrisen, though she is usually absent most of the time, and only appears once every century to take the reigning queen of Irrisen away and install a new monarch."

"However, from what I have learned from previous associated missions, she is overdue for her return and the timing coincides with the appearance of these winter pockets Ralph just spoke of."

"As for the hut, it is a powerful magical device that takes you places when you throw certain keys into the cauldron inside the hut. Packs a nasty kick and bite from what i recall too," Exiel explains as he remembers his adventures on Triaxus with 42 and several others.

"And from what this coffin man has told us, it seems that some mad monk with magical abilities colluded with Elvanna to capture Baba Yaga and actually succeeded, and is using her power to call... some kingdom to Baba Yaga's home? Whilst Elvanna freezes Golarion and makes it her domain. Wait. That means we're either going to another planet or another plane, I'm guessing? Ralph, what do you know about this Thrice-Tenth Kingdom and Baba Yaga's home?"

The Exchange

Male Human Spell Sage 14 | HP:100/100| AC: 16/ FF 12/ T 14 |CMD: 17| Fort: +12 Ref: +12 Will: +13 | Perception: +18| Init: +3 [|] Uses Ring of Invisibility

Hey Exiel, time to slip out of GM mode. Let me handle the exposition.

"That is an adequate summation of who Baba Yaga is and what has happened so far. As for the Thrice-Tenth Kingdom, it is a place on the First World, ruled by Baba Yaga. While that would incline one to think that that makes it her home, it makes no sense to call the Thrice-Tenth Kingdom to her home if they were both one and the same, hmm? I would also surmise that whatever she is now, Baba Yaga might have once been human, so her home might refer to where she was born. I cannot imagine that calling one of the darkest realms in the first world to a place where regular humans live will end well for those humans."

"Anyway, the hut will take you where you need to be, and that is what you need to know. It seems that this son of Baba Yaga has captured her, so your mission is to find this son and Baba Yaga, and do what you can to ensure that Baba Yaga will put an end to the winter pockets, whether it is by earning her favour through rescuing her, or whatever means avail themselves. Just keep in mind. Before Elvanna's little stunt with Rasputin, Baba Yaga used to hold an entire nation of powerful witches and beasts in her thrall and in fear of her. I would not cross her lightly."

Grand Lodge

Border of War map Reign of Winter map

We will now wait for Rhon to make a post. Mike and Exiel I require you to enter some information in the discussion thread.

The Exchange

attack:
[dice=Null.Scimitar]1d20+13[/dice] [dice=damage]1d6+10[/dice]
Human Magus 14 | HP: 93/93 | Temp HP: 0/0 | 50% miss chance| DR 10/adamantine (140/140) 140 minutes| AC: 28/ FF 22/ T 15| Fort: +14 Ref: +14 Will: +14 | Perception: +10| Init: +5

Events leading up to 42's appearance.

Unhappy with the fact that he left the last battle with an empty sheath, 42 tracked down a weapon smith to forge him a new scimitar to take the place of his ghost touched one. He spared no expense in the making of this one. He waits patiently in the town while the smithy finishes his new blade and is excited to test it out once it is ready. In one slice, he cuts through the test dummy that the shop owner prepared for him and laughed. "Thank you smithy, This will replace my other blade perfectly." placing it in the empty sheath and they both vanishes. Leaving the shop, 42 is happy and receives word that he is needed once more. But sees a shop that catches his eye. He spots a small garment that he can't leave without. He goes in and grabs it. Placing it over his shoulders and transforms his clothes into that of a fancier man.

The Exchange

Class [Paladin2/Oracle1/Sorcerer12] | HP:102/102 | AC: 40/ FF26 (Defensive Strategist)/ T 27 |CMB: +20 CMD: 39| Fort: +32 Ref: +28 Will: +34 | Perception: +8(darkvision)| Init: +13 [|] Lauriel: HP 51/51

42, I posted something for you in the discussion.

"I've been taught to be wary of making deals with devils..." Exiel mutters to himself. "But we managed to do much good when the hut brought us to Triaxus on the last occasion. If this mysterious son of Baba Yaga is a threat to the people around him, it would be good enough reason to stop him."

Exiel looks at the blue-skinned man.

"And might I ask who you are? Are you also an associate of Baba Yaga and here to aid us?"

diplomacy: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (16) + 22 = 38

Silver Crusade

Active Spells:
Aura's:
Aura of Good (Overwhelming) l Aura of Courage (10 ft) l Aura of Resolve (10 ft) | Aura of Faith (10 ft)
LG Male Dwarf Paladin (Stonelord) 16 | HP 182/182 | AC 43 | T 14 | FF 42 | CMB +16 | CMD 34 | Fort: +20 (+2 poison/drugs, +4 alcohol), Ref: +11, Will: +19 (+1 all saves FF/surprise rd) | 8/adamantine | SR 21 | Fortification 75% | Immune to Blood Drain, Charm, Fear, & Petrification | Perception: +25 (+2 unusual stonework)(darkvision 60 ft) | Init: +1 | Move 20' | LoH 11/11 | DS 38/38 |

Standing before you is a male Dwarf who appears to be approaching his middle years. His green eyes are sharp, appearing not to miss a single detail. His hair is black as night with rings of various metals woven throughout and his beard is intricately braided with rings of varying metals decorating it and held together with a silver beard clasp. His full plate armor is highly polished but dinged and dented from years of adventure and exploration. A pair of golden eagles are etched onto the shoulders of his armor, looking the same as those of an Andoran Eagle Knight. Rhons' shield and ax are leaning up against a nearby table allowing you to easily note the holy symbol of Torag emblazoned upon the shield. A white cloak of Iomedae is wrapped around the top of the shield.

"Well this seems to just be one heck of a right fine mess we are going to be getting ourselves into. Other than ice, cold, and magic are there any other threats we can expect to be facing?"

Grand Lodge

HP: 275 (275) | AC: 32; T: 24; FF: 22 |CMB: +22; CMD: 37| Init: +13 | Fort: +27; Ref: +26; WIll: +17 | Perception: +31 | Burn 3 (13) | Internal Buffer: 0 (3) Current Non-Lethal from Burn: 160 | Temp HP from Force Ward: 120 (120); Regen 7 temp hp/min | 50% chance to negate crits/precision damage | Con-Based DC: 21 +Talent Level; Dex-Based DC: 20 +Talent Level

"I've spend most of my time in the river kingdoms, dealing with a hellknight uprising and a group of vigilantes."

Grand Lodge

Border of War map Reign of Winter map

"This, Exiel, is Zilvazaraat. He is a mercane, a race of extra-planar merchants and some of the finest across the planes."

"With respect, master wizard, this one can speak for himself," the blue-skinned creature says politely as he steps forward to speak to your group.

"This one has had dealings with the Baba Yaga in the past. She was a great customer, trading such exotic goods for the ingredients she required for her spells and brews. This one understands that you would like to see you, and so this one offers to give you the same service as this one gave to that one."

He hands you a small bird statuette made of obsidian stone.

"If you need something and have the coin, simply activate this little trinket and say the name of the item or describe what you desire, and I shall do my best to obtain one for you. For the right price, of course."

The Exchange

Male Human Spell Sage 14 | HP:100/100| AC: 16/ FF 12/ T 14 |CMD: 17| Fort: +12 Ref: +12 Will: +13 | Perception: +18| Init: +3 [|] Uses Ring of Invisibility

While Exiel and the mercane talk to one another, Ralph turns his attention to Rhon and Rand.

"The threats you can expect to face will naturally depend on where the hut takes you. Unfortunately, though I have been able to find out where the hut would have taken you on previous occasions, this time the destination has resisted all my divination attempts. The only thing I can ascertain from that is that you will be going very far away. The only plane I can rule out is the First World, for Rasputin is calling a place on that plane to himself. However, for that same reason you are also quite likely to encounter many creatures from the first world. Enchantments, illusions and vulnerability to cold iron will be par for the course. And since you are following the trail of Baba Yaga, you will also no doubt find a great many fantastic beasts."

"Far more interesting than a hellknight and some vigilantes, wouldn't you say?"

"That is all the information I can offer. If you are ready, I shall send you on your way."

Grand Lodge

HP: 275 (275) | AC: 32; T: 24; FF: 22 |CMB: +22; CMD: 37| Init: +13 | Fort: +27; Ref: +26; WIll: +17 | Perception: +31 | Burn 3 (13) | Internal Buffer: 0 (3) Current Non-Lethal from Burn: 160 | Temp HP from Force Ward: 120 (120); Regen 7 temp hp/min | 50% chance to negate crits/precision damage | Con-Based DC: 21 +Talent Level; Dex-Based DC: 20 +Talent Level

"I am ready."

Grand Lodge

Border of War map Reign of Winter map

Good enough.

Satisfied that you understand your mission, Ralph waves you all into the hut. As 42 and Exiel approach, the hut bows, as if recognising them, and the door swings open to admit your group. Zilvazaraat does not follow you. Instead, having given you the means to summon him, he wishes you good luck, then concentrates, and disappears.

spellcraft DC26:
The mercane has left you with a obsidian raven, which you can activate to send him a message and bid him to come. He will be your merchant for this game.

Rows of wooden coffins lean against the thick timber walls of the room within, with dozens more lying stacked and scattered on the floor. An iron cauldron sits on a dusty fireplace to the south, and on the mantelpiece is an odd two-headed eagle and a rolled-up bear pelt. The Coffin Man is the first to enter, amidst more dry raspy coughs he takes a seat on one of the many coffins on the floor, then waves at you to come inside and do the same.

"Come inside. The hut is ready to leave."

With no other sensible option to take, you comply and the door swings shut behind you. The coffin man throws both the eagle and the bear pelt into the cold brew in the cauldron, and immediately the dusty timbers beneath ignite, bringing the brew to a slow boil. As it boils, you notice the windows going gray. The hut begins to wobble, then lurches. This continues for awhile, and it is not until the the brew in the cauldron begins to bubble that the hut stops moving. Through the window you see a snowy forest. The air is crisp and cold despite the fire and the bubbling brew.

"Ah, we have arrived. My place is here with the hut, so I will await your return..." the Coffin Man begins to say, when suddenly the hut lurches again. It begins to dance excitedly in circles, then bolts through the forest outside, kicking down smaller trees in its path and nimbly darting around the larger ones. Then as suddenly as it began, the hut comes to an abrupt halt, rearing back and throwing the interior of the room into disarray. The door finally swings open as the hut paws the ground restlessly, but goes no further.

The Coffin Man looks around the room, then sighs amidst more wheezing and coughing. "I will put this place in order. Go and see what is outside, where the Hut has taken us, and bring back the Baba Yaga."

Once outside, you can see that the hut has stopped just at the edge of the forest. The forest ends abruptly at a muddy field riddled with snowrimmed craters and punctuated by gnarled trees, twisted coils of barbed wire, and deep trenches. Beyond a high fence, cracked and blackened onion domes hint of a ruined temple reaching for the stormy sky, where dark clouds churn and boil. Eerie gray shadows dance and writhe across the dusky landscape, giving it the appearance of a maggot-riddled corpse.

You are not sure where the hut has brought you, but there is every indication that this is where you need to be.

There is about 1000ft of open field between you and the perimeter fence. In the distance you can see some kind of massive armored construct crawling across the field like a deranged caterpillar of grinding metal and protruding turrets.

Grand Lodge

HP: 275 (275) | AC: 32; T: 24; FF: 22 |CMB: +22; CMD: 37| Init: +13 | Fort: +27; Ref: +26; WIll: +17 | Perception: +31 | Burn 3 (13) | Internal Buffer: 0 (3) Current Non-Lethal from Burn: 160 | Temp HP from Force Ward: 120 (120); Regen 7 temp hp/min | 50% chance to negate crits/precision damage | Con-Based DC: 21 +Talent Level; Dex-Based DC: 20 +Talent Level

When the house began to buck and sprint, Shadow began to pour out of Mike, almost like an exhaled breath that he had been holding in. Once freed, it stayed near him like a child trying to behave, but there was definite movement that did not coincide with the movement of the hut.

Once it ground to a stop, the shadow settled into what would be a normal shadow on anyone else.

Mike moves outside and takes in the cold air. He shivers unconsciously, and turns to the others "It's cold out here. Really cold."

I am okay, because my Inssuit gives me cold resist 5. If you have cold weather gear, you should probably get it on.

Silver Crusade

Active Spells:
Aura's:
Aura of Good (Overwhelming) l Aura of Courage (10 ft) l Aura of Resolve (10 ft) | Aura of Faith (10 ft)
LG Male Dwarf Paladin (Stonelord) 16 | HP 182/182 | AC 43 | T 14 | FF 42 | CMB +16 | CMD 34 | Fort: +20 (+2 poison/drugs, +4 alcohol), Ref: +11, Will: +19 (+1 all saves FF/surprise rd) | 8/adamantine | SR 21 | Fortification 75% | Immune to Blood Drain, Charm, Fear, & Petrification | Perception: +25 (+2 unusual stonework)(darkvision 60 ft) | Init: +1 | Move 20' | LoH 11/11 | DS 38/38 |

"Alright, now what in the Abyss was that all about?" he says in a sarcastic tone.

Rhon steps out into the cold and doesn't seem to even take notice of it. He then takes a moment to call forth a Celestial Large Earth Elemental. Once the elemental is present he hands the elemental an Amulet of Mighty Fists +1.

"Welp, shall we get a move on? Oh and by the way does anyone know what in the nine hells that metal caterpillar is?"

The Exchange

Class [Paladin2/Oracle1/Sorcerer12] | HP:102/102 | AC: 40/ FF26 (Defensive Strategist)/ T 27 |CMB: +20 CMD: 39| Fort: +32 Ref: +28 Will: +34 | Perception: +8(darkvision)| Init: +13 [|] Lauriel: HP 51/51

Snowmask induction, permanent endure elements cold.

Exiel takes a deep breath as he steps aside, enjoying the chill air, but his nose wrinkles as he sees the landscape before him.

"Can't say I rightly know, but perhaps I know someone who might," he says as he looks over to the little winged girl beside him.

"I wonder who that might be. Would you care to describe it?" the girl replies as the papyrus faceplate of her helmet begins to rustle, the writings on the surface shifting rapidly as if it were a book and someone were turning the pages.

Exiel will try to describe to Lauriel what he sees. He will also cast the following spells on himself and Lauriel.

Exiel's spells (CL12):

Overland flight
Threefold Aspect
Heroism (extended)
Barkskin (extended)
Mage Armor
Heightened Awareness - Lauriel

Knowledge (any): 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (18) + 22 = 40

The Exchange

attack:
[dice=Null.Scimitar]1d20+13[/dice] [dice=damage]1d6+10[/dice]
Human Magus 14 | HP: 93/93 | Temp HP: 0/0 | 50% miss chance| DR 10/adamantine (140/140) 140 minutes| AC: 28/ FF 22/ T 15| Fort: +14 Ref: +14 Will: +14 | Perception: +10| Init: +5

42 pats the hut and the raven. "Long time no see." he says. Feeling the cold breeze, 42 searches for his longjohns and puts them on.

Grand Lodge

Border of War map Reign of Winter map

The hut bows to 42 and allows 42 to pet it, though its movements are awkward as if unused to attention of such a nature.

It takes awhile for Exiel to give his partner an adequate description of the contruct, and in that time you see the lumbering beast turn the corner of the compound. However, at around the same time, another almost-identical construct comes around the corner from the other side. It appears there are at least two of these things patrolling the around the fenced-off area.

Eventually Lauriel finds something amongst the tomes in her mask and gives a start.

"Those things are called 'tanks', and from their momvements, they appear to be animated by magic, though they can also be operated by humans. However, the model you described has only ever been observed in passing through extremely powerful scrying, on a magic-dead planet far from Golarion, called 'Earth'. I can't even begin to describe how far from Golarion we are - even Ralph does not have the power to teleport this far by his own power!"

Magic-dead means that magic is no longer native to this planet, but magic still works. But it is incredibly uncommon and almost all the inhabitants have no magic ability or exposure to magic whatsoever.

This means your characters are in our real-world past!

You get 4 questions.

Grand Lodge

HP: 275 (275) | AC: 32; T: 24; FF: 22 |CMB: +22; CMD: 37| Init: +13 | Fort: +27; Ref: +26; WIll: +17 | Perception: +31 | Burn 3 (13) | Internal Buffer: 0 (3) Current Non-Lethal from Burn: 160 | Temp HP from Force Ward: 120 (120); Regen 7 temp hp/min | 50% chance to negate crits/precision damage | Con-Based DC: 21 +Talent Level; Dex-Based DC: 20 +Talent Level

Not one of his questions, per se, but since someone has to ask it:

"Who the heck names their planet dirt?"

The Exchange

Class [Paladin2/Oracle1/Sorcerer12] | HP:102/102 | AC: 40/ FF26 (Defensive Strategist)/ T 27 |CMB: +20 CMD: 39| Fort: +32 Ref: +28 Will: +34 | Perception: +8(darkvision)| Init: +13 [|] Lauriel: HP 51/51

Heh. Quoting Jetfire from Transformers?

"Aye, well, at least it tells us that there is actually dirt under all this snow," Exiel replies as he considers his options.

"You say that those things can be operated by humans. Does this mean, hypothetically, that I could use a dimension door spell to get us inside one of those things, and we could then wreck it from the inside without having to deal with its external weapons?"

That's my first question. If the answer is yes, I'll ask the following other questions:

"And if that's possible, what sort of threats would we need to deal with once inside, if any?"

"What kind of special defences does that thing have, in the sense of damage and magic resistance?"

"Is there any way to disable the animating force in the tank and thus obtain manual control of it?"

Silver Crusade

Active Spells:
Aura's:
Aura of Good (Overwhelming) l Aura of Courage (10 ft) l Aura of Resolve (10 ft) | Aura of Faith (10 ft)
LG Male Dwarf Paladin (Stonelord) 16 | HP 182/182 | AC 43 | T 14 | FF 42 | CMB +16 | CMD 34 | Fort: +20 (+2 poison/drugs, +4 alcohol), Ref: +11, Will: +19 (+1 all saves FF/surprise rd) | 8/adamantine | SR 21 | Fortification 75% | Immune to Blood Drain, Charm, Fear, & Petrification | Perception: +25 (+2 unusual stonework)(darkvision 60 ft) | Init: +1 | Move 20' | LoH 11/11 | DS 38/38 |

"Tanks you say. What more do you know of them? If we have to fight them what do we need to get past their metal exoskeleton?"

Grand Lodge

HP: 275 (275) | AC: 32; T: 24; FF: 22 |CMB: +22; CMD: 37| Init: +13 | Fort: +27; Ref: +26; WIll: +17 | Perception: +31 | Burn 3 (13) | Internal Buffer: 0 (3) Current Non-Lethal from Burn: 160 | Temp HP from Force Ward: 120 (120); Regen 7 temp hp/min | 50% chance to negate crits/precision damage | Con-Based DC: 21 +Talent Level; Dex-Based DC: 20 +Talent Level

It's a joke that's been made quite a bit in pop culture. Although now I want to try talking to the people in the tank by saying bah weep graw, weep nee nee bah.

Grand Lodge

Border of War map Reign of Winter map

Rhon, Lauriel is not an NPC. In rules terms, she's a class feature of Exiel, so the things she knows are limited by what Exiel asks based on her roll. Which fortunately for you was pretty damn high, so I can answer your question as part of answering Exiel's questions.

"There's nothing to stop you from using magical means to get inside the tank, I suppose. However, the inside of the tank is also animated and controlled by the pickled brain inside the tank, so while it won't be as dangerous as the external weapons, you will still be attacked by animated controls and telekinesis."

"Unforunately, the magical hardening of the tank extends to its interior and resists most physical attacks, but adamantine weapons will damage it just fine."

knowledge engineering for Lauriel DC30: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (8) + 22 = 30

"As for disabling the tank, if you can find and destroy the tank's animating-brain, I should be able to figure out the controls. But the ammunition that it fires are conjured by the brain, so even if you take over the tank, all you can do is drive it around."

That is all Lauriel knows about the tanks. Someone else will have to roll a knowledge arcana check if you want to ask me more questions.

Grand Lodge

HP: 275 (275) | AC: 32; T: 24; FF: 22 |CMB: +22; CMD: 37| Init: +13 | Fort: +27; Ref: +26; WIll: +17 | Perception: +31 | Burn 3 (13) | Internal Buffer: 0 (3) Current Non-Lethal from Burn: 160 | Temp HP from Force Ward: 120 (120); Regen 7 temp hp/min | 50% chance to negate crits/precision damage | Con-Based DC: 21 +Talent Level; Dex-Based DC: 20 +Talent Level

"Are the tanks like animated objects?"

Grand Lodge

Border of War map Reign of Winter map

The tanks are constructs animated by magic, but they are their own type of creature.

The Exchange

Class [Paladin2/Oracle1/Sorcerer12] | HP:102/102 | AC: 40/ FF26 (Defensive Strategist)/ T 27 |CMB: +20 CMD: 39| Fort: +32 Ref: +28 Will: +34 | Perception: +8(darkvision)| Init: +13 [|] Lauriel: HP 51/51

Hmm... you said we are 1000ft away from the fence. How far from the fence are the tanks patrolling? Can we see any signs of human movement behind the fence?

"Guys, I have an idea. Could get me and anyone who comes with me killed, but if it works it will make for a really boss story..."

"I'm thinking of using a dimension door spell to get myself, and anyone who cares to come with me, into one of those things, destroy it from the inside and then jump into the next one and do the same. The range of my dimension door spell isn't long enough to cross that distance in one shot, but using the tank as a halfway point, I could get across the whole way."

"Or if I am able to find the brain inside that operates the tank and destroy it, we could use the tank to infiltrate the base more directly as well. What do you guys think?"

"I am confident of my defences, so I am happy to go alone first, then send a signal for you to join me inside if I manage to capture the tank. If things go badly, I can use another dimension door spell to pull back here. I believe 42 is also able to cast the dimension door spell, so if I go alone first the rest of you can still join me in the tank via his spell if I am successful. "

Grand Lodge

Border of War map Reign of Winter map

The tanks are about midway between the tree line and the fence, so about 500ft. There appears to be trenches near the fence and several watchtowers at intervals along the fence. You can see some movement in the trenches but not well enough to see what that movement is. There are humanoid figures in the watchtowers.

Grand Lodge

HP: 275 (275) | AC: 32; T: 24; FF: 22 |CMB: +22; CMD: 37| Init: +13 | Fort: +27; Ref: +26; WIll: +17 | Perception: +31 | Burn 3 (13) | Internal Buffer: 0 (3) Current Non-Lethal from Burn: 160 | Temp HP from Force Ward: 120 (120); Regen 7 temp hp/min | 50% chance to negate crits/precision damage | Con-Based DC: 21 +Talent Level; Dex-Based DC: 20 +Talent Level

"I am game to back you up. If there are living brains inside the tanks, they probably react as well to the void as anyone else, which is not very."

The Exchange

Class [Paladin2/Oracle1/Sorcerer12] | HP:102/102 | AC: 40/ FF26 (Defensive Strategist)/ T 27 |CMB: +20 CMD: 39| Fort: +32 Ref: +28 Will: +34 | Perception: +8(darkvision)| Init: +13 [|] Lauriel: HP 51/51
Mike "Middle Manager" Jones wrote:
"I am game to back you up. If there are living brains inside the tanks, they probably react as well to the void as anyone else, which is not very."

Exiel grins as he prepares to make the jump into the tank. Lauriel sighs as her form changes to that of a small white bird and flies towards Exiel... and then into him, seemingly merging into him.

"Well, Lauriel did say they were pickled... which inclines me to think they might be more akin to undead. But gravity should work against them either way. I guess we'll know once we get in, eh?"

"Rhon and 42, you guys coming? I can usually bring 4 other people with me, but Earl counts as double due to his size, so he might need to follow us from under the ground. And with his size, he might not fit anyway."

This might be a good time to ask, how big is that tank anyway. Pathfinder-size-wise.

The Exchange

attack:
[dice=Null.Scimitar]1d20+13[/dice] [dice=damage]1d6+10[/dice]
Human Magus 14 | HP: 93/93 | Temp HP: 0/0 | 50% miss chance| DR 10/adamantine (140/140) 140 minutes| AC: 28/ FF 22/ T 15| Fort: +14 Ref: +14 Will: +14 | Perception: +10| Init: +5

42 pulls his head out of the either, "Yes, I can cast it and yes, i will be coming."

The Exchange

Class [Paladin2/Oracle1/Sorcerer12] | HP:102/102 | AC: 40/ FF26 (Defensive Strategist)/ T 27 |CMB: +20 CMD: 39| Fort: +32 Ref: +28 Will: +34 | Perception: +8(darkvision)| Init: +13 [|] Lauriel: HP 51/51

"Alrighty. Rhon, I'd suggest you also come with us and instruct Earl to follow that tank from underground and pop up under it if or when it stops moving."

"That said, please note that we could be jumping right into trouble, and I take no responsibility for any deaths, maimings or dismemberments!" Exiel adds with a wry grin.

Silver Crusade

Active Spells:
Aura's:
Aura of Good (Overwhelming) l Aura of Courage (10 ft) l Aura of Resolve (10 ft) | Aura of Faith (10 ft)
LG Male Dwarf Paladin (Stonelord) 16 | HP 182/182 | AC 43 | T 14 | FF 42 | CMB +16 | CMD 34 | Fort: +20 (+2 poison/drugs, +4 alcohol), Ref: +11, Will: +19 (+1 all saves FF/surprise rd) | 8/adamantine | SR 21 | Fortification 75% | Immune to Blood Drain, Charm, Fear, & Petrification | Perception: +25 (+2 unusual stonework)(darkvision 60 ft) | Init: +1 | Move 20' | LoH 11/11 | DS 38/38 |

"Right. Let's do this and hope for the best."

Terran:
"Earl, move underground beneath the big metal worm. We are going to try to get inside it and stop it."

Grand Lodge

HP: 275 (275) | AC: 32; T: 24; FF: 22 |CMB: +22; CMD: 37| Init: +13 | Fort: +27; Ref: +26; WIll: +17 | Perception: +31 | Burn 3 (13) | Internal Buffer: 0 (3) Current Non-Lethal from Burn: 160 | Temp HP from Force Ward: 120 (120); Regen 7 temp hp/min | 50% chance to negate crits/precision damage | Con-Based DC: 21 +Talent Level; Dex-Based DC: 20 +Talent Level

"If we have multiple people with teleportation magic, why not attack two of them simultaneously? I worry that we might lose our surprise when the attack starts, and there may not be enough space for all of us inside either."

Grand Lodge

Border of War map Reign of Winter map

Lauriel will be able to tell you that Earl would not be able to fit inside anyway. I've done some research on the tanks in that period. Basically, four medium-sized creatures will be able to fit in one tank, but you will all be squeezing. You will be squeezing whether there's 1 or four of you inside.

Do you want to split up and take on 2 tanks, or all of you go for 1 tank? If you split, who is going with 42 and who is going with Exiel?

Silver Crusade

Active Spells:
Aura's:
Aura of Good (Overwhelming) l Aura of Courage (10 ft) l Aura of Resolve (10 ft) | Aura of Faith (10 ft)
LG Male Dwarf Paladin (Stonelord) 16 | HP 182/182 | AC 43 | T 14 | FF 42 | CMB +16 | CMD 34 | Fort: +20 (+2 poison/drugs, +4 alcohol), Ref: +11, Will: +19 (+1 all saves FF/surprise rd) | 8/adamantine | SR 21 | Fortification 75% | Immune to Blood Drain, Charm, Fear, & Petrification | Perception: +25 (+2 unusual stonework)(darkvision 60 ft) | Init: +1 | Move 20' | LoH 11/11 | DS 38/38 |

"That is a logical idea and would allow us to all sneak into the compound if we can defeat the brains within the tanks and figure out how to work the darn things."

The Exchange

attack:
[dice=Null.Scimitar]1d20+13[/dice] [dice=damage]1d6+10[/dice]
Human Magus 14 | HP: 93/93 | Temp HP: 0/0 | 50% miss chance| DR 10/adamantine (140/140) 140 minutes| AC: 28/ FF 22/ T 15| Fort: +14 Ref: +14 Will: +14 | Perception: +10| Init: +5

42 is just sitting in a good chair. Bringing a cup up to his mouth, 42 says, "Well, the problem with having two people use their teleportation magic at the same time is that we might not all arrive at the same place. And we can get everyone in our group to the area with one jump. IF we need to leave, we can do one more jump." He takes a sip of the liquid inside. Entering anyplace is easy when walls are of no use.

The Exchange

Class [Paladin2/Oracle1/Sorcerer12] | HP:102/102 | AC: 40/ FF26 (Defensive Strategist)/ T 27 |CMB: +20 CMD: 39| Fort: +32 Ref: +28 Will: +34 | Perception: +8(darkvision)| Init: +13 [|] Lauriel: HP 51/51

"I too think there's an advantage to sticking together. If we jump from one tank, take it out, then another, and then into the camp, that's three spells we are using to destroy two tanks and enter the camp. If we split up, then we each then need to cast a spell to get into the camp separately, bringing the spell expenditure up to 4. I do not know if 42 has enough of the spell prepared, and even if he did, if we can conserve our power, it would be best. We don't yet know what we will be facing behind that fence."

Grand Lodge

HP: 275 (275) | AC: 32; T: 24; FF: 22 |CMB: +22; CMD: 37| Init: +13 | Fort: +27; Ref: +26; WIll: +17 | Perception: +31 | Burn 3 (13) | Internal Buffer: 0 (3) Current Non-Lethal from Burn: 160 | Temp HP from Force Ward: 120 (120); Regen 7 temp hp/min | 50% chance to negate crits/precision damage | Con-Based DC: 21 +Talent Level; Dex-Based DC: 20 +Talent Level

"Well, since I don't cast spells, I will accede to your expertise. As another thought, we may want to make some sort of plan to deal with the towers as well, since they will have the best vantage to spot us moving about the camp."

The Exchange

attack:
[dice=Null.Scimitar]1d20+13[/dice] [dice=damage]1d6+10[/dice]
Human Magus 14 | HP: 93/93 | Temp HP: 0/0 | 50% miss chance| DR 10/adamantine (140/140) 140 minutes| AC: 28/ FF 22/ T 15| Fort: +14 Ref: +14 Will: +14 | Perception: +10| Init: +5

42 laughed.. "I learned my lesson recently.. I also have a scroll of that blasted spell."

Grand Lodge

Border of War map Reign of Winter map

You can discuss the plan for the towers in the discussion thread. I would like to move it along. It looks like Exiel was ready to cast his spell, so let's go with that.
No need for maps. Basically, you are all squeezing, but if you really need a visualization, here it is:

Map:
<- ER
<- 4M

Direction: 1d4 ⇒ 4

You gather around Exiel, and he casts his spell. You feel yourselves pulled through dimensional space, and when it stops, you are in a cramped confined space. Exiel and 42 are next what appear to be seats facing the direction that the tank is moving in. Along the sides and back are small openings fitted with what may perhaps be exotic firearms, though you are not sure for you have never seen their like. In the middle of the 4 of you is a a mass of metal boxes connected by tubes. It is warm to the touch and makes a horrible staccato of noise.

knowledge arcana Exiel: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12 Lauriel is hiding inside you and so cannot help.
knowledge arcana 42: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (8) + 17 = 25

Exiel can't seem to make out which box might hold the brain, but 42 notices that some of the metal boxes in the middle of you are especially designed to conduct magical energy. The brain is likely to be either in one of those boxes or critically connected to them.

What this means for you is that the part of the tank housing the brain is within melee reach of all of you. Now, the question is whether you can deal enough damage to break it before it acts.

Init
tank: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
42: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
Mike: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
Rhon: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
Exiel: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15

Mike, it is up to you. Can you deal enough damage to the engine before the tank reacts to your invasion?

Grand Lodge

HP: 275 (275) | AC: 32; T: 24; FF: 22 |CMB: +22; CMD: 37| Init: +13 | Fort: +27; Ref: +26; WIll: +17 | Perception: +31 | Burn 3 (13) | Internal Buffer: 0 (3) Current Non-Lethal from Burn: 160 | Temp HP from Force Ward: 120 (120); Regen 7 temp hp/min | 50% chance to negate crits/precision damage | Con-Based DC: 21 +Talent Level; Dex-Based DC: 20 +Talent Level

Okay, challenge accepted. I am going to maximize a Void Strike, which costs me both points of my internal buffer.

Mike summons a blade of pure void, which he uses to slice into the box.

Attack Roll vs. Regular AC: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (7) + 25 = 32 that is 148 damage if it hits.

Grand Lodge

Border of War map Reign of Winter map

The arcane machinery in the middle appears to get sucked in on itself with a horrible screeching sound. The tank itself grinds to a halt, and stops moving.

Silence fills the air.

Well done. You've stopeed the tank. It is in between the fence and the treeline. Now what?

The Exchange

Class [Paladin2/Oracle1/Sorcerer12] | HP:102/102 | AC: 40/ FF26 (Defensive Strategist)/ T 27 |CMB: +20 CMD: 39| Fort: +32 Ref: +28 Will: +34 | Perception: +8(darkvision)| Init: +13 [|] Lauriel: HP 51/51

"Alright, that went well. And as an added bonus, the damage looks like it could have bene caused by a magical anomaly. Like a malfunction."

"How about we search the interior, but also keep a lookout for the next tank, or whatever they send to investigate? We might be able to just rinse and repeat what we've done here."

Rhon and Mike have the best perception scores. How about the two of you search the interior and 42 and I keep a lookout to see who comes to investigate?

And since we now know what part of the tank we need to damage to wreck the brain, can we ready actions to smack that part of the tank upon dimension-dooring in?

Grand Lodge

Border of War map Reign of Winter map

You search the tank's interior but find nothing of value apart from the scraps of the mechanism that used to house a pickled brain. The smell of ichor, vinegar and other odors you cannot identify slowly fills the tank. Eventually, you think to look inside the two larger guns on the side of the tank and are able to salvage two rounds of ammunition from within the chambers.

42:

Just as Mike and Rhon are retrieving the ammunition, you see another tank approaching from the rear of the tank.

Exiel:

Just as Mike and Rhon are retrieving the ammunition, you see another tank approaching from the front of the tank.

1d2 ⇒ 2

Rhon:
You happen to be unloading the gun on the side facing the fence. You notice a hunch-backed humanoid on some kind of equestrian beast on the other side of the fence looking at your tank. Moments later, other humanoids start crawling out from within the trench.

Mike:
You are unloading the gun on the side facing the forest, and can still barely make out the Dancing Hut from where you are. However, as you retrieve the ammunition, you see the hut start to back slowly and disappear behind the foliage.

Grand Lodge

HP: 275 (275) | AC: 32; T: 24; FF: 22 |CMB: +22; CMD: 37| Init: +13 | Fort: +27; Ref: +26; WIll: +17 | Perception: +31 | Burn 3 (13) | Internal Buffer: 0 (3) Current Non-Lethal from Burn: 160 | Temp HP from Force Ward: 120 (120); Regen 7 temp hp/min | 50% chance to negate crits/precision damage | Con-Based DC: 21 +Talent Level; Dex-Based DC: 20 +Talent Level

"Umm....guys? It looks like our ride is leaving."

The Exchange

Class [Paladin2/Oracle1/Sorcerer12] | HP:102/102 | AC: 40/ FF26 (Defensive Strategist)/ T 27 |CMB: +20 CMD: 39| Fort: +32 Ref: +28 Will: +34 | Perception: +8(darkvision)| Init: +13 [|] Lauriel: HP 51/51

"We've got company. There's another one of those tanks coming from the front."

"You know, the last time a group of Pathfinders were sent to infiltrate an evil spellcaster's lair, the Pathfinders found themselves in a maze and tried to explore every end of it, at great cost to their resources and severely weakening themselves before the final confrontation. Let's not make that mistake again."

"Besides, if they're gonna be inspecting this here tank, that gives us time to look around, hopefully without being detected or raising too much of an alarm."

Exiel carefully moves one of the pieces of broken machinery over the pickled brain and makes sure to squish it thoroughly.

GM I see there's a new map link up the top. IIRC we are now about 500ft from the fence, right? The range of my dimension door is 920ft, so I can easily reach the buildings behind the fence. Which side are we approaching from? Can you give us editing permission so I can mark a dimension door destination?

Grand Lodge

Border of War map Reign of Winter map

Mike:

You can still just barely make out part of the hut, but if you had not been watching it you'd have thought it was just part of another tree. It looks like the hut is just hiding a little further out of sight.

I was not expecting to need the map yet. I was just setting it up.
You should now be able to edit the map.
You are approaching from the East/right side.
Ignore anything that is not on the grid on the first map for now.

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