GM Chyro |
Through the combined effort of Ala'Ihys and Brallenera hiding her axe, the three cautiously come out of hiding. One of the three with big eyes (let's call him Ani) tilts its head at Ala'Ihys' slightly demanding behavior.
It is making gestures with its hands, pointing at its throat and shaking, to indicate it can't speak. It does seem to at least understand common.
Ask away.
To understand their gestured speech, you need to pass a DC 20 linguistics or Sense Motive.
Ala’Ihys the Archer |
did Ala'Ihys pick up anything when he cast detect evil?
looking from the small creatures, back to Brallenera, and then to the door that is locked Ala'Ihys asks "Can any of you open that door over there, or be able to show us where a key is? watching intently to see what the creature does.
sense motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
GM Chyro |
The creatures are NC (neutral curious), but open to 'conversation'.
Ani pouts, making an arc gesture wider than his frame.
He points at himself, then makes a funny face and turns a few rounds.
Ala'Ihys' guess is something about being happy about rainbows?
'gate-big-me-tiny-big man-crazy'
Stuffing his pinky into his nose, he twists it a quarter wise back and then quarterwise again, then retracting. He follows with the hand to his side and walks bent over.
Ala'Ihys' guess is something about picking your nose until you're old and grey.
Key-for-unlocking, in-pocket-old-man.
Toorin |
First Response (Rainbow)
linguistics: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28
Toorin chuckles as he senses the meaning instantly. "He's saying something about being too small. Also a reference to someone big, whose behavior is crazy or frightening."
Second Response (nose)
linguistics: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
"No idea what he's saying there. Maybe the picking of his nose is something to do with the hobgoblins or maybe one of the Pathfinders?"
Toorin tries addressing the little one.
"Are you here because of the Pathfinders? Did you witness the attack on the Pathfinders last night? If so who was responsible for the attack?"
Toorin is not sure there is much more we can get out of them, but hopes they can give us some idea of who is behind it.
Any knowledge rolls we can make to identify these creatures?
GM Chyro |
Kn. Arcana is the one here. Beat it by 5+ and you'll get more specified info.
Homonculi, small humanoids crafted to help in small tasks.
They are created via different materials and some of the creators blood, there after called its master.
As Toorin asks about the attack, all three become frightful as if seeing something terrifying.
2 of them stand next to each other, making wobbly poses.
Ani makes a sneaking movement, then suddenly gestures choking another homonculus. The other, bent over like Ani did, wants to turn around, before Ani comes after him too. Ani holds a small piece of string, swinging it around as he holds it with two hands. The fallen homonculi gestures two fingers up at his ears and an evil sneer. After Ani takes down the fleeing one, he takes his leg and drags him into cover.
People-act-funny, not-pay-attention.
Surprise-attack-kill-people, kill-fleeing-people.
Bigbad-pointy-ears-like-killing. Bigbad-swing-long-weapon.
Drag-away-master.
Brallenera Thalkham |
When Alaynis asks about the key
Sense motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10
Awww, I don't know! A bow? a big bowl?
finger in the nose
Sense motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17
Dirty fingers? You got something up your nose?
About the attack
Sense motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Awww...Something big strangling someone else, I guess. I'm quite sure about the strangling, but that's all. Maybe someone choked on some food, or put on a tie too tight?
Toorin |
Linguistics: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
Knowledge(Arcana): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11
Toorin says, "I'm sorry. We will try to rescue your master. Was Venture-Captain Brackett among those captured?"
To the Pathfinders he says, "I believe these are homonculi. They are small humanoids crafted to help with simple tasks. They call the one who created them their master. Apparently the party-goers were affected by something that made them not pay careful attention, making them susceptible to the ambush. Those who tried to flee were killed and others, including their master, were captured."
GM Chyro |
The little one looks curiously at the name of Brackett, it is likely he doesn't know who you are talking about.
Toorin |
Toorin thinks a moment, then notices the door to the north and wonders, Is there a secret way to get down to where the prisoners are being kept, maybe through that door?
GM Chyro |
Ani looks confused, raising his hands in a 'dunno' sort of fashion.
He holds his hands like cilinders before his eyes and walks around aimlessly, before pointing at a random spot and looking questioningly at you.
He then grabs the two other homonculi and they make a short jump before landing in the same spot.
People-look-around. People-find, yes?
We-stay-here.
Toorin |
Linguistics: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
Toorin shrugs, not understanding this latest performance. "I say, we descend the spiral staircase and look for a way into the lower levels. Perhaps the small one is trying to suggest there is a kind of gate that we need to search for that will transport us or perhaps a secret door. We can search up here later. It does not appear any guests escaped into these chambers before the slaughter."
Toorin |
"It does not appear anyone is in the former sanctuary to see us. The other route might have locked doors which would slow us down. I was hoping the simulacrums could tell us of a way down, but if they understood us they couldn't explain it clearly. I'd rather we not delay any more, since I find it hard to believe the sound of that bell did not alert someone."
Brallenera Thalkham |
Awww, Pointy-Ears, I'm not a big brain like you, so I got a stoopid and evident question about the funny small ones: they can't talk, but they understand what you say....do they know how to write? Or to draw?
GM Chyro |
Downstairs it is then.
As you've descended, you are greeted by he look of books, books and yet more books.
A splendidly carved marble corridor cuts through the center of this chamber, connecting a pair of huge bronze doors to the south to a pair of colorful wooden doors to the north. Freshly painted images of the sun cover the latter, while a massive barricade of broken shelves and upturned tables blocks the southern doors—clearly the main entrance to the cathedral. Oddly, the piled furniture actually cuts through not only the arches lining the corridor but also the columns that support them, as if they were insubstantial. Beyond these arches, two dim stone rooms flank the central corridor, packed with pile upon pile of books, tomes, and scrolls. Although dozens of shelves stand throughout, most of the books are scattered haphazardly on the floor, many torn or otherwise damaged.
With a bland door to the north and a barricaded entrance to the south.
Ala’Ihys the Archer |
Ala'Ihys, bow and arrows at the ready, keeps a keen eye out as they descend the stairs, having heard that hobgoblins raiders and brutes he is not surprised to find the room an utter mess, he turns and asks his fellow pathfinders. "shall we clear the barricade or would you prefer to check the northern door to see if we can find the perpetrators?"
perception: 1d20 ⇒ 1 well that was a waste, lucky he didn't fall on his shoe strings
GM Chyro |
The door is unlocked....
The Cathedral of Aroden’s former congregation hall fills an enormous, high-ceilinged open space, with the rectangular nave opening into a large circular chamber beneath the building’s grand dome.
Along the dome’s ceiling, a fresco depicts Aroden’s apotheosis and his famed battle with the wizard-king Tar Baphon on the Isle of Terror.
Although intricate, the fresco’s crumbling perimeter and fading colors betray the lack of recent maintenance. A narrow wooden balcony, lined by a finely carved balustrade, encircles the dome’s base and the cathedral’s nave.
The balusters depict men following several different professions, while fine calligraphy graces the top railing.
Forty feet below, an enormous altar—itself the size of a small building—stands stoutly below the dome’s apex.
The cathedral’s nave stretches out to the south. Soft blue light streams into the enormous space through dozens of meticulously decorated stained-glass windows lining the nave.
They illuminate trophies of all sorts—from weapons to wands—hung from the hall’s many columns.
Signs of last night’s gala and the massacre that interrupted it are obvious: freshly painted sunburst decorations, tables swathed in fine cloth covered with spoiled food, a portable stage standing empty but bloodstained, and corpses littering the floor below.
Brallenera Thalkham |
Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Brallenera cautiously inspects the place, more or less ready for any ambush.
She's just waiting for an occasion to fight, it's obvious.
Toorin |
Before we proceed to the larger area, Toorin is interested to look at two things in the entrance area/library. He looks at the imagery painted on the north door to try to recognize what it might symbolize.
Knowledge(Religion): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29
If knowledge (Arcana) would be more appropriate, his bonus in that is +8.
He looks at the area described as: "Oddly, the piled furniture actually cuts through not only the arches lining the corridor but also the columns that support them, as if they were insubstantial."
I'm not sure I'm understanding the sentence. If the furniture is meant to block the door, I'm not sure why it would intersect with arches or columns supporting them, otherwise said arches would also be blocking the entrance. Can you clarify?
Are the arches illusions?
Disbelieve (Will): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
I hope the dice-bot will save some of these nat 20's for when Toorin is attacking something. :)
GM Chyro |
Toorin looks carefully and deducting with logic, refuses to believe these arches exist. He sees some flaws and can point out part of the 'fancy' is bogus. You are correct.
Toorin |
Anything about the sun imagery?
"Let's move into the main area and look for clues about what happened and where everybody went."
Edit: Then he waves his hand through a false column and adds, "We need to consider that secret passageways may be hidden behind such illusions."
Edit: Channeling Columbo here:
One more thing. Toorin looks at the empty shelves near the piles of books. Is there evidence that the books were removed from the shelves (dust shadows along the normally exposed section of the shelf) or have they been resting on the ground for some time (dust on the top book of each pile? He is curious if the raid might be related to some search for special texts.
GM Chyro |
Nothing on the sun, it is a mere decoration.
Toorin finds nothing special on the books, they are not dusted.
Toorin |
But the sun motifs were painted since last night? Or by freshly painted did you mean by since the Pathfinders took over the former temple?
GM Chyro |
The pdf doesn't mention it, i assume it's done by the society, since raiders wouldn't take time to decorate the place.
GM Chyro |
Only if they'd destroy or steal said decorations.
But onwards to the exploring of area 3.
As you pass the large wooden piece of furniture towards the altar, a strong gust of wind erupts, as a vaguely humanoid figure composed of swirling wind shows itself.
An air elemental. Creatures made of living air, they are primitive and territorial. Fast and no pushovers.
Ala'Ihys: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
Brallenera: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12
Joseph: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Kravg: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Toorin: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
Elemental: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21
Air elemental, round 1.
The elemental swoops through the air.
Vs Brallenera, FF: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29Windy bump: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
?: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27Windy bump: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Brallenera gets a solid heavy punch.
Joseph & Toorin
Ala'Ihys & Brallenera
Kravg
Brallenera Thalkham |
Can't wait to strike!
Brallenera tastes her own blood happily.
The small alch-comical creatures were funny. And Pointy-Ears attempts to communicate with them were even funnier.
Then Pointy-Ears used his big brain again to see through the deceptions and illusions (well, Elf brains were known for being a far way off the harsh realities that were the everydays of any decent, self respecting, hard working race like... yes, like the dwarves, for example.)
And hobgoblins to kill were promised to Brallenera, but so far no one shown its ugly face.
So this bloody change of pace was more than welcome by the blonde barbarian.
Awwww, you wanna play rough, Windy thingy?? I can play rough too... I'll make you regret the times you were only a small, faint breeze.
RAGE! STR 20 CON 22 HP 30-15+4=19/30, AC 15. Rage rounds used 8/9. DR 1/-
Msw cold iron Dwarf Axe, RAGE!: 1d20 + 5 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 5 + 1 + 2 = 25
dmg, RAGE!: 1d10 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 3 + 2 = 12
Toorin |
The map shows the elemental 20 feet away. But it made a slam attack on Brallenera, so did it move over to adjacent to her?
Toorin will draw his sword, activate Arcane Strike and attack at Brallenera's side.
MWK Longsword: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
Critical Threat: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
damage, arcane strike: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
GM Chyro |
Flyby attack, with a 100ft fly speed.
Plus you guys have access to move your own token...since a while back. Could you please move where you wanted to be?
Brallenera Thalkham |
Don't forget my DR 1 (-1 dmg each hit), so 15 HP left not 14 after you hit.And add +1 to dmg to my foe as long as I am alone to hit it (Axe to Grind trait)
GM Chyro |
Toorin is earlier in init order, fixed the DR.
I placed the elemental back where i set it, since it can attack during its move action, due to flyby attack.
You both still end up within striking range though.
Air elemental, round 1.
The elemental swoops through the air.
Brallenera gets a solid heavy punch.
Toorin moves towards the elemental and hits it.
Joseph's turn
Ala'Ihys & Brallenera (posted actions)
Kravg
Toorin |
That's fine. I noted in Toorin's header listed AC his +1 to AC when only a single foe is adjacent. His AC is 17 for this fight unless someone else joins the fight.
Lord Joseph Wraitheart |
Without meta-gaming I'm sure I don't believe I have any weapon that might hurt that thing.
joseph moves to the south, closer to Toorin and draws his rapier as he attempts to stab this thing.
Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
GM Chyro |
Air elemental, round 1.
The elemental swoops through the air.
Brallenera gets a solid heavy punch.
Toorin moves towards the elemental and hits it.
Joseph joins Toorin in melee and also stabs the air for 4.
Brallenera's path is blocked, but she throws her throwing axe.
1d6 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 2 = 9 *Tchk*, for another 9.
Ala'Ihys' turn.
Kravg
Ala’Ihys the Archer |
as the Air elemental swoops through the air, Ala'Ihys waits for it to come within 30 ft. and quickly releases two arrows.
point blank shot, rapid shot
attacks: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 5 + 1 = 21 for damage: 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 1 = 4
attacks: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 5 + 1 = 26 for damage: 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 2 + 1 = 9
confirm crit.: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 1 = 10 for damage: 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 2 + 1 = 8
GM Chyro |
That too, and to flank, but according to the map you moved so no rapid.
Ala'Ihys shoots an arrow into the whirling figure.
Kravg takes the scenery route to come from the other side.
--------------------------------------------------
Elemental, round 2.
Elemental (-21) 1d3 ⇒ 3
Slam vs Toorin: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20Dmg: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Toorin gets smacked over the head for 6.
Joseph & Toorin
Ala'Ihys & Brallenera
Kravg
Ala’Ihys the Archer |
Plus you guys have access to move your own token...since a while back. Could you please move where you wanted to be?
sorry, I didn't know if you meant to place them for combat or what so I just placed him with the party, but one arrow is fine, I don't think I moved him more that 20ft.
Toorin |
Toorin shifts to make room for Brallinera, activates Arcane Strike, and swings his longsword, hoping to hit nothing but air.
MWK Longsword: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Damage, Arcane Strike: 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 1 = 7
GM Chyro |
Elemental, round 2.
Elemental (-21) attacks Toorin and Toorin gets smacked over the head for 6.
Joseph & Toorin both stab and slash at the whirling figure, both miss however.
Ala'Ihys & Brallenera
Kravg
Bold are up.
Ala’Ihys the Archer |
Ala'Ihys focuses on aiming at the elemental instead of moving about, as the elemental come within range the paladin fires two quick arrows at the creature.
point blank shot, rapid shot
attacks: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 5 + 1 = 21 for damage: 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 1 = 7
attacks: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 5 + 1 = 20 for damage: 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 1 = 7
GM Chyro |
With even the 1st arrow, Ala'Ihys ends the elemental foe.
Combat over.
Toorin |
"Good fighting!" Toorin says, as he sheaths his sword. "That was tough, but at least with an air elemental, there's no blood to wipe off your sword. Let's attend to the wounded and then see if we can see any patterns in the blood on the floor. If any of those taken prisoner were wounded first, we could see a blood trail to the place they were taken. Remember, there may be illusions hiding doors or stairs, as well as traps."