GM Batpony |
As Lutorinus makes his presence known, the man becomes startled. He turns and looks somewhat apprehensive towards the large number of people. His eyes are bloodshot with black rings, indicating he likely has not slept in a while. He speaks fairly soft, as if out of breathe and as polite as he possibly can.
"err..rrr? I am not staring... And wh..ho might you be if I may enquire?"
As you approach closer to the arch, you notice that on the door, there is a sign written in a foreign language.
“Beyond here lies only pain for the enemies of Bakrakhan."
Mr. Copperpot |
Mr. Copperpot cowers behind his bodyguard, afraid of what the black-ringed eyes could be.
"That looks contagious!" he says to his companions.
He pipes up, despite not wanting to take the lead. "We're Pathfinders," he says. "We were supposed to come in and find you...to make sure you're okay. It looks like we did that, so let's all turn around and go home, okay?"
linguistics: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Lutorinus Exsuberia |
Lutorinus shoots a scathing glare at Mr. Copperpot when he suggests leaving and his tail stops moving. LEAVE?! We stand at the threshold of power, the precipice of lost knowledge and the gnome wishes to LEAVE?!
As quickly as his tail stopped moving, it resumes it's gentle swishing again. "Julian, my friend! I am Lutorinus Exsuberia, most profane servant to the Lord of the Nine!"
he exclaims with his arms held wide, as though he were addressing a large crowd.
"You look unwell, perhaps some of His generosity may ease your suffering? Please, tell us of what you have seen here," he coos, a little condescendingly to the lesser priest.
GM Batpony |
"Oh.. I see." He nods sheepishly, and does best to reply as much as he can. But his voice is tired and wary, "You see.. I believe there is sinful magic..that lies beyond this hallways. I have attempt to seal it off, but something beyond has stopped me from doing so." He lets out a heavy sigh, "I have only been able to temporarily ward the place, but have needed to continuously replenish the ward. I cannot leave this place with sinful magic having a chance to escape..."
Lutorinus Exsuberia |
"Sinful magic? We can takeover from here, delve inside, and deal with whatever is stopping you. Head back down the path and you will find guards from the tribe," he offers, attempting to gently guide him away from the door and in the direction they came from. The sooner you get out of here, the sooner we can keep going. This "sinful magic" sounds promising...
Toctep |
Knowledge Arcana: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15
"How where you able to keep this sinful magic at bay? What would it do if we entered beyond that door?"
GM Batpony |
Going to try to keep us moving into the scenario, if you want to ask anything else to Julian we'll retcon as appropriate.
He explains that he essentially is creating a wall of force every ten minutes as a precaution. "I really don't know the nature of the magic and what it does, but I know the history of the Thasillonian empire and what it stands for. I cannot leave this site until I know for sure that the magic is kept at bay." He remains adamant to stay until his job is completed.
As you are currently unsure what "magic" is in therethe, knbut Arcana is not yet appropriate.
We shall now head into the heart of this adventure! A little bit of a dungeon crawl! Link and access to the maps is at the top of the page, as well as on my GM header under W4-5. I've put your tokens on the map but please assign your marching orders.
Opening the double door leads you into a long hall. The wider passageway narrows here and continues to the east. Dim flickering flames dance around the walls, illuminating unadorned polished stone. A door is at the eastern end of the hall.
You can put away your sources of illumination at this point.
Welcome to the Wrathwarped Halls. Of course, your characters don't really know the name given to this place.
GM Batpony |
Also if need be, let me know scouting instructions and I can help speed things up if needed.
Xuan Fung |
Correct me if I'm wrong but I think the idea is that Varuna, Lutorinus and Fung would scout ahead. All three have darkvision. To simplify things, probably just take 10 for stealth checks.
Toctep |
Toctep is right behind the shark-man, he holds a pebble on which he has cast a light spell in his hand.
GM, you can also assume that we turn left at every intersection
GM Batpony |
That sounds great guys! Thanks for that. Will continue to keep us moving with take 10s on perception, stealth, and turn left at every intersection.
Varuna abruptly stops the advancing party of three and points out a makeshift hinge made out of what looks to be a salvaged tabletop, holds a couple of ancient text. It's created in such a way that anyone entering the chokepoint will trigger a tripwire that smashes all the books down on the passer by, unusually the books all are open faced towards the walker.
Varuna DD: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (16) + 14 = 30
Varuna is able to decipher the trap perfectly and disables it with relative ease. The group then continues their journey towards the doors and make their way into the next room after they perceive the door to be untrapped and no funny noises coming from the next room.
New area on map unlocked!
After verifying there are no immediate dangers in the room, they advancing party gives the signal for the rest of the group come to the opened room.
A hallway runs north and south here, its walls carved with images of fire and destruction. Humanoids from many races peer out from the flames in the upper portions of the carvings, their faces alight with excruciating pain. The lower two feet of the carvings show other figures on hands and knees, their faces toward the north, the brutal fires just above their backs.
Near the center of the hallway on a low plinth stands the statue of a cruel-faced woman wielding a ranseur in her right hand. Her left hand gestures to the south, giving the impression it is the source of the carved flames.
A large bronze plaque is affixed to the southern wall of the passage, covered in spiky, spidery runes.
The murals on the wall seem to depict something along the lines of “Humble yourself and show the respect Runelord Alaznist is due."
As usual due to the nature of PBP I've made some assumptions in moving us forward, feel free to retcon anything as appropriate.
Lutorinus Exsuberia |
Appropriate subservience to the powerful? What is this place? If I can discover the source of their power... "How crude. We certainly aren't the first to make our way into this place," Lutorinus notes as he wipes a portion of the charcoal off with his finger.
________
Taking ten is great!
Varuna Varghese |
Sorry about that, I'm back now! Varuna does speak Thassilonian and will readily share any of the spoilers with the group.
As they enter the hallway covered in murals, Varuna takes out his notebook and sketches a rough drawing of what they've found, jotting down notes here and there. "Hmmph, writing on entrance said 'Beyond here lies only pain for the enemies of Bakrakhan.' (From earlier Thassilonian spoiler) Mural seems to show it, hmpph. Maybe have to crawl to avoid flames? Says 'Humble yourself and show the respect Runelord Alaznist is due'." Out of pure curiosity rather than submission, Varuna bows down before the statue.
Xuan Fung |
Fung looks around at the murals, getting rather unsettled. "Um, who is Bakrakhan? And Alaznist? Is that either one of them?" Fung points to the statue.
Varuna Varghese |
Kn History (or any other, all are +9 or 10) to know about those names?: 1d20 + 10 + 1d6 ⇒ (6) + 10 + (1) = 17
Mr. Copperpot |
Mr. Copperpot and his mute dwarven bodyguard take up the rear.
"Are we sure we need to go inside?" he squeaks. "We found the priest, after all..."
FYI, I added my dwarven bodyguard to the map, since he's always up and I'll be using threatening illusion in combat.
GM Batpony |
Welcome back Varuna!
The history of the sinful empire is quite unknown to most people, as far as Varuna is concerned, Bakrakhan was the empire, and Alazanist was a leader, but beyond that he is not aware what they stand for.
When Varuna bows before the statue, and crawls around a little. Nothing particularly interesting happens.
Mr Copperpot - Oh! You seem to dotted with another character and I had assumed he was your bodyguard. I'll remove him from the map then.
Xuan Fung |
Copperpot, did you reveal to the rest of the party that the dwarf is an illusion? For my reference so I know how my character would react to "him."
Lutorinus Exsuberia |
"If you are done submitting to the statue, we have work to do," Lutorinus says snidely as he continues onward. What is with these people and staring at the floor? How unbecoming.
________
Assuming we are still doing the whole taking ten thing here.
GM Batpony |
Lutorinus moves through ignoring the warning read by Varuna. And soon he finds it may be a decision that may haunt him. As he steps past the statue the floor in the room turns with a brilliant light, and roaring flames emerge from down under! The flames eventually reach a height of two feet and die down almost immediately, you hardly feel a tingle or even a singe. The fire is definitely magical, and it seems like age has dampen it's effect. It merely burns the tip of your clothing. A once powerful trap that is likely died in power over the ages.
The next door opens into a very large room. This large room’s walls are decorated with carvings extolling the virtues of wrath: scenes abound of warriors crushing their opponents with a combination of martial and magical skill. Above all these warriors stands the magnificent figure of a striking woman clad in armor and wielding a ranseur. Her face is contorted in a mixture of rage and elation, and she stands atop a veritable mountain of corpses.
In sharp contrast to the intricate beauty of the carvings, the contents of the room are in shambles. Broken tables and chairs litter the floor, once-magnificent banners are torn and strewn about, and several small fires smoulder throughout the room. Anything that can be burned is blackened with soot, and anything breakable has been shattered into tiny pieces. The pungent smell of an animal warren permeates the entire room. This causes a perpetual purple haze to fill the room somewhat, however, it is not disruptive enough to impair anyone's vision.
There is a trail of glimmering, hardened slime on the floor throughout the room.
Several legs from broken tables can easily be detached to be used a clubs appropriately sized for yourselves.
Your entry into the room does not go unnoticed. Blindsense.The room is occupied by three greenish amorphous oozes roughly the size of a very large creature. Oddly, one of them has two perfect pointy ears sticking out of it, akin to those of goblin ears. They do not look very friendly, you note that inside them, you can see bits and pieces of flesh and bones sticking out.
Kn. Dungeoneering DC 13 to identify the creatures.
Init Hungry Flesh: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (12) - 3 = 9
Varuna: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
Fung: 1d20 + 7 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 7 + 4 = 12
Lut: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
I've not rolled initiative for the back group, on the basis that they are still not aware of the threat in the other room at this time.
Combat Round 1
Varuna, Lutorinus, Fung
Slimy looking things
Slamu, Copperpot, Toctep
Varuna Varghese |
Survival: 1d20 ⇒ 10
Kn Dungeoneering: 1d20 + 10 + 1d6 ⇒ (6) + 10 + (4) = 20 Special defenses, special attacks
Want to wait on the knowledge check before acting, not sure Varuna has much to damage an ooze.
Varuna wracks his memory, trying to figure out what these creatures on and how best to approach them.
Toctep |
Survival: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (5) - 1 = 4
"Wait, what?"
Toctep is slow in reacting to the threat.
Xuan Fung |
Fung reacts immediately, releasing a bolt of electricity over the Varuna at the nearest... blob.
electric blast vs touch AC, PBS: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 8 + 1 = 13 electric dmg: 2d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (4, 3) + 4 + 1 = 12
Since Varuna is small, would he still provide cover if I fire over his head?
Lutorinus Exsuberia |
Lutorinus rolls his eyes as the flames lap at his skin to no effect. This is pathetic, my profane blessings easily protect me from such things.
"What are those?" he asks as he starts to conjure up a creature to battle the blobby goblin things.
________
Begin Summon Monster 1. Are both doors to this room open? If so, Lutorinus will spend a move action to close one of the doors before taking a 5ft step back..
GM Batpony |
I've assumed both doors are open.
Varuna does recognize the creature as Ooze beings. He is aware that being near one they can constrict a person, and likely give them some sort of disease. They are amorphous (Don't take precision damage), and is blind and mindless. (Immunity to charm effects, and to poison, sleep effects, paralysis, polymorph, and stunning.) The creature is also known to be able to regenerate itself.
I'll assume it has partial cover from Varuna..
If a creature has cover, but more than half the creature is visible, its cover bonus is reduced to a +2 to AC and a +1 bonus on Reflex saving throws. This partial cover is subject to the GM's discretion.
The bolt of electricity Fung releases hits the large creature with ease. The creature can be seen flinching somewhat, but stands strong still.
Varuna is up.
Varuna Varghese |
Deciding it best not to rush into the room alone, Varuna waits to see how the oozes act.
Varuna will delay
Varuna Varghese |
Deciding it best not to rush into the room alone, Varuna pulls out an extract vial and drinks it down, causing his arms to elongate in a most unnatural way. "Hmmph, oozes. Best to keep distance. Nasty things, hmphm"
Longarm extract
Varuna Varghese |
Seems there are issues with the site, and I'm unable to edit or delete posts at all. Others are having the same problem. My 2nd post is the action I'd like to take.
GM Batpony |
Like a pack of wild animals during feeding time, the oozes immediately make way to the doorway. Lutorinus is smart to close the door off to block their path.
The only thing in between the slimy oozes is Varuna, and the two closest immediately try to get a taste of Varuna. But the little wayang is far too agile and easily dodges the blob's reach.
Red slam: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Blue slam: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Varuna, I suppose with your Dex Mutagen and other buffs your AC is currently 25?
The back party has finally realise that there is danger knocking on the door.
Combat Round 1/2
Varuna (Dex Mutagen, Long Arm), Lutorinus, Fung
Slimy looking things R -12
Slamu, Copperpot, Toctep
Varuna can retrospectively take his AoO
Xuan Fung |
GM, I was referring this this rule on cover. Not that it matters since it seems the ooze are so easy to hit. :)
A low obstacle (such as a wall no higher than half your height) provides cover, but only to creatures within 30 feet (6 squares) of it. The attacker can ignore the cover if he’s closer to the obstacle than his target.
Realising that he might be blocking his allies path to retreat or to engage the creatures, Fung moves further back, while releasing another bolt of electricity at the same ooze.
electric blast vs red touch AC, PBS: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 8 + 1 = 22 electric dmg: 2d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (5, 6) + 4 + 1 = 16 This time, they will get cover as they are closer to Varuna than Fung is.
Big Slamu |
Hearing the sounds of battle, Slamu hustles to the front of the formation. He halts in front of the hideous oozes and slams a huge fist into the nearest amorphous opponent.
Punch (power attack): 1d20 + 9 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 9 - 2 = 20
Damage: 1d8 + 8 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 8 + 4 = 16
Varuna Varghese |
Yes, Dex mutagen and Barkskin has his AC at 25.
AoO vs Red: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 191d4 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
AoO vs Green: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (14) + 13 = 271d4 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10 Yes, he has Combat Reflexes
As the slimes inch their way towards the party, Varuna takes the opportunity to stab at both of them with his extra reach. He spins while taking a step back, and takes a moment to eye his target before striking again with his blade.
Swift action to study target before attacking, red first, then green if it's down.
Attack: 1d20 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 13 + 2 = 261d4 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 7 + 2 = 13
GM Batpony |
I forgot to take into account that the Red slimed regenerated 5 at the start of it's turn after Fung's attack. In case anyone was wondering about the math. -12+5-11+5-16-16-13= -58 (i.e. health is anywhere in between 45 to 58)
Varuna takes advantage of his oddly disproportionate long arms to strike the creatures as they approach. He slashes them, and the blobs sliminess covers the wounds immediately after, but Varuna cuts it deep enough that he is visibly wounded.
From the stat block, this ability is not considered "defensive" but just a special ability. What you are able to observe is the creature regenerates 5hp each time it takes a stab or slash attack.
Fung's next blast does the same effect as the first, hurting the creature but not enough to completely put it out as a threat. Slamu reacts to the sounds of combat and goes in with raw power. His punch is strong and paired with Varuna's next strike it is enough to completely knock the wind out of the red hued slime as it starts to deflate.
Combat Round 1/2
Varuna (Dex Mutagen, Barkskin, Long Arm), Lutorinus, Fung
Slimy looking things R (Unconscious/Dying) G -5 (1G)
Slamu, Copperpot, Toctep
Toctep |
Toctep takes position beside Slamu, his muscles bulging and his claws elongate. His claws glow with eldritch power as they hit the green ooze.
Raging Punch with Arcane Strike: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (14) + 13 = 27
Damage (B/S): 1d6 + 13 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 13 + 1 = 18
AC now 16
Lutorinus Exsuberia |
Lutorinus steps behind Varuna as he completes his incantations. The overbearing scent of brimstone and sulfur fills the room as a fiendish pony erupts in a burst of fire behind the furthest ooze!
The beast announces it's presence with an evil whinny and attacks the foe before her.
Meanwhile, Lutorinus flicks his wrist and a sleek, black wand appears in his hand. "A taste of Asmordeus' power is at hand, this battle shall be ours!"
________
Pony
Hooves vs Blue: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (6) - 1 = 51d3 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Hooves vs Blue: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (9) - 1 = 81d3 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Wand of Bless is in hand
GM Batpony |
Toctep punches as hard as Slamu, but the green hued creature has not taken enough hits that it stands strong still. A handsome dark pony appears before the Pathfinders thanks to Lutorinus spell, and it attempts to kick the slime. The first kick not strong enough, but the second made an impact.
Mr. Copperpot uses magic and fires some force missiles against the enemy. However, his magic comes a little short, maybe because of Mr. Copperpot finds himself shock of how hideous the creatures are.
MM: 3d4 + 3 ⇒ (1, 1, 1) + 3 = 6 :/
The pony unfortunately finds itself standing in a slime infested room, with trails of slime all over the floor. Any living creature that touches this slime with bare flesh must succeed at a Fortitude save DC17(with a +4 bonus) or contract tumor infestation.
Tumor Infestation: Injury; save Fort DC 17; onset 1 minute; frequency 1/day; effect 1d2 Con and 1d2 Cha; cure 2 consecutive saves. Anyone who dies from tumor infestation turns into a hungry flesh 1d4 hours later. The save DC is Constitution-based.
In case anyone was wondering, I did go through and it is only applicable for the slime trail, if you punch the monster with your bare hands, you do not contract the disease. But if the monster makes a successful attack, you can be affected.
The slime-like creatures starts to regenerate and heal some of it's wounds. The Blue one heals back to full health and attempts to attack the pony, but the pony manages to skip away.
Unfortunately not the same can be said about Toctep, as the creature comes directly into contact with him stinging him a little hoping to poison him and eat him. He also attempts to grab Toctep, but the Nagaji is too strong for that.
Blue slam vs Pony: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8 I assume that missed.
Green slam vs Toctep: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 231d6 ⇒ 1 Toctep needs to make a DC17 Fort Save or be affected by Tumor Infestation.
grab: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15
Combat Round 2/3
Varuna (Dex Mutagen, Barkskin, Long Arm), Lutorinus, Fung
Slimy looking things R (Unconscious/Dying) G -23 (1G) B
Slamu, Copperpot, Toctep -1
Lutorinus Exsuberia |
Lutorinus raises the black wand in the air and a sinister, red pulse expands from the tip. You all feel strangely emboldened by the dark feeling of power it fills you with. "Strike again, Death Pony!" he commands his servant.
Obeying, the pony lashes out with her obsidian hooves! Unfortunately, she begins to succumb to the strange slime and one of her hooves jerks back reflexively.
________
Pony
Fort Save (Tumor Infestation), DC 17: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11 Fail
Hooves (Bless) vs Blue: 1d20 ⇒ 41d3 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 TWO 4's in a row? Come on!
Hooves (Bless) vs Blue: 1d20 ⇒ 171d3 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Bless for everyone! +1 attack/saves vs fear
Xuan Fung |
Fung looks on with concern but continues firing his lightning at the ooze.
electric blast vs green touch AC, PBS: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 8 + 1 = 15 electric dmg: 2d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (2, 4) + 4 + 1 = 11 It should get cover bonus.
He particularly examines the one that had fallen earlier to see if it might regain consciousness again.
Big Slamu |
Big Slamu turns his attention and his huge fists on the next flailing ooze.
Punch (power attack): 1d20 + 9 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 9 - 2 = 20
Damage: 1d8 + 8 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 8 + 4 = 14
Flurry: 1d20 + 9 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 9 - 2 = 21
Damage: 1d8 + 8 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 8 + 4 = 18
GM Batpony |
Slamu knocked it out with the first punch, and the some more.
Death pony does his best in it's somewhat poisoned state and manages to kick the creature a little.
Fung does what he can to injure the creature at the door, and Slamu finishes the creature with a quick one two jab. Enough damage to put it out for a couple rounds. Fung gets a little nervous as he notices the red hued slime slowly inflate again.
As they have regeneration, from what I understand, you'll have to do enough damage past it's constitution score and then stop it's regeneration to ensure it's perma-death.
Combat Round 2/3
Varuna (Dex Mutagen, Barkskin, Long Arm),Lutorinus, Fung
Slimy looking things R -53 (Unconscious/prone/2G) G -76 (Unconcious/prone/1G) B -4
Slamu, Copperpot, Toctep -1
For those who walk over the unconscious oozes and are not wearing footwear for some reason, remember you are subjected to Tumor infestation like the pony.
Tumor Infestation: Injury; save Fort DC 17; onset 1 minute; frequency 1/day; effect 1d2 Con and 1d2 Cha; cure 2 consecutive saves. Anyone who dies from tumor infestation turns into a hungry flesh 1d4 hours later. The save DC is Constitution-based.
Toctep |
Fortitude: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13
Folio reroll, 4 GM stars: 1d20 + 12 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 12 + 4 = 20
Fatigued Ranged Touch vs AC 5[/dice: 1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 6 - 2 = 19
Splash damage 1 for each of them
Toctep's muscles seem to shrink a bit again as he takes out a flask of alchemist's fire and hurls it at the spot between the three fleshy growths.
Varuna Varghese |
Is there a Knowledge check to know what stops the regen?
Varuna steps past the two ooze piles not currently moving, to go to work on the one one in the back with his rapier.
Swift action to study target first
Attack vs blue: 1d20 + 13 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 13 + 2 + 1 = 201d4 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 7 + 2 = 10
GM Batpony |
Fire and Acid stops the regen.
Copperport fires another round of force magic, this time at the already fallen enemy (Red) to ensure it does not stand again. It takes more damage this time.
MM: 3d4 + 3 ⇒ (4, 1, 4) + 3 = 12
Toctep throws an alchemist fire right into the fray. Although the heat barely hurts them, it seems to have an remarkable effect of halting their regenerative powers. Without the ability to regenerate, the Green and Red slime disintegrates into a pool of slime, and you know it can never take form ever again.
They need to be at -67 and stop regeneration before they are dead
Varuna goes in for the strike, and hits as usual. But once again finds that a blade is not the most strongest weapon as the slime immediately covers the wounds.
Having already poisoned the pony, the blue hued slime with the ears look towards Varuna. However, Varuna is far too agile for him.
Slam: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
Combat Round 3/4
Varuna (Dex Mutagen, Barkskin, Long Arm),Lutorinus, Fung
Slimy looking things R (dead) G (dead) B -10 (1G)
Slamu, Copperpot, Toctep
their regen is back.