GM Fuzzfoot |
A man and a women are in the far corner of the room to the left, crouched behind a bunk. The man has a crossbow pointed at the entrance. Basically, right where Lod is as he pops his head around to take a look.
I have added the people (2) Lod could see to the map. Everyone else may feel free to position themselves anywhere on the map up until the end of the stairs (where Lod is now). Any further, and we will need initiative.
The girl responds, "What is the meaning of this place? Why are you here? We want answers!"
They seem unfriendly, but you notice that they have not yet attacked you.
Lōd Flaxseed |
"It's a sort of testing ground, an obstacle course. We are from the Pathfinder Society. My name is Lod Flaxseed and these are my adventuring companions. We were sent down here to retrieve an amulet, a trinket to prove that we had made it through the course successfully."
He pauses for a moment and tries to put the next part delicately. "It looks as though you folks have had a hard time down here. Nothing to be ashamed of, especially if you didn't know what you were getting in to! But now that you're down here why don't you join us and we'll help you get back out?"
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
Caerwynn |
"We don't bite!" Caerwynn adds, joining Lod at the top of the stairs.
Diplomacy (Aid Another): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 = 0 NOPE
"Well, not much anyway..."
Droghedor Coram |
Diplomacy (aid another): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (6) - 1 = 5
Yeah, no help here either. LOL
Droghedor usually has enough sense not to say anything, but the conversation has him exasperated. We had to come down here — assigned the trip into this death maze, the dwarf intones. But I never thought I'd find anyone foolish enough to come down without needing to! What kind of durn fools are you anyway?
Korvan the Hunter |
Korvan moves with his bow at the ready in case the couple prove to be anything but frightened innocents.
GM Fuzzfoot |
"Why should we believe what you are saying? Why would anyone intentionally enter a death maze. Who would even build such a place?"
Your diplomacy has not yet proved effective.
Lōd Flaxseed |
"Well, yes, that's one way to put it...." Lod muses.
"But it's also a test. We can try out our tactics in places like this before heading out into the real danger where anything can happen. Those with more experience have prepared this place to replicate some common dangers found when delving under ground. All you need is a little more training, you know! And the first step is to calm your nerves and keep a level head. But if you think you can do that, well maybe you'd make a good Pathfinder too!"
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Ugh. Lod is not making a very convincing case.
GM Fuzzfoot |
Boy, you all are not having much luck with diplomacy!
The man's voice, which is very dry and devoid of much emotion, chimes in. "You throw your weapons in here first, and then we will put ours down. Or you can just leave us be."
The women, whispering a little too loud, says to the man "I don't believe them - they put those horrific machine-monsters up there that we barely escaped from! And now they are here to finish the job!"
Korvan the Hunter |
'do we rush in and do non lethal damage to them? do we even need to have dealings with them? can we bypass them? just trying to figure out a way from this impasse.' Korvan tells the others in a hushed voice...
Caerwynn |
"Nonsense!" Caerwynn exclaims! "Clearly, this is part of the test! We should be friendly, and learn all we can about them!" Not holding any weapons currently, Caerwynn approaches and holds out a hand. "No need for fighting! Like we said, we're Pathfinders, here to explore, and my name's Caerwynn! What are your names?"
Droghedor Coram |
Droghedor looks at Caerwyn incredulouly, completely shocked that she would put herself in jeopardy so nonchalantly. She's doomed! he thinks to himself. Have to try and save her now...
He keeps his crossbow held tightly in his hand, but does not advance any further, instead keeping a wary eye on his fellow party members as they move toward the bottom of the steps.
GM Fuzzfoot |
I am going to call this a take-10 diplomacy check for Lod (who has the better skill), with a +2 aid from Caerwyn and a +2 circumstance for putting yourselves in danger to be friendly. Nice job!
Given your actions, both people stand up from their hiding places, and while not lowering their weapons completely, do seem to visibly relax a bit. You can see the woman is injured, and both have blood splatters all over them.
She says, "OK - let's say we believe you. Those machines tore through our friends - surely a practice maze wouldn't be that deadly! What sort of people are you?"
Lōd Flaxseed |
"No, I don't think those machines were supposed to be part of the practice maze. Likely we've all gotten a bit off-course. We're adventurers. We seek out new discoveries and forgotten secrets to preserve them and learn from them. Can we have a look at your wounds? Maybe one of us can help you?"
Do we have any healing to offer them? Lod has a scroll of cure light wounds someone can use on them if we have nothing else.
Caerwynn |
I've also got a scroll, but I blew my only prepared heal for 2 hp on Taidus. I think that's all we have, though, since this is everybody's first adventure.
"Silly halfling, they're playing with us! I bet Valsin put 'em up to this. He did, didn't he? Oof," she says, taking a closer look at the woman, "and that's a real cut, too! Wow, you must be brave Initiates! Here, let me help," the wild-haired woman adds with a wink.
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6 from my scroll
"There, that should feel better now. What did you say your names were again? We must salute your bravery in our report!"
GM Fuzzfoot |
She seems hesitant as Caerwynn approaches, but then, suddenly healed, she seems to soften.
"Thank you. I am Shechera, and this is Meleren. We escaped into here after those things started to come to life and tear us apart. Perhaps we can help each other to get out of here?"
Is anyone Silver Crusade in this group? I don't think so, but wanted to double check.
Lōd Flaxseed |
Lod smiles that the two are finally starting to come around. It took a little work but they've heard the music. "Yes, let's continue on. I'm sure your company will be a great benefit to us and ours to you."
GM Fuzzfoot |
They thank you for your efforts. Merelen, impressed by the generosity, says "Here - I believe this is the amulet you seek. Thank you for your help." With that, he hands Xakon the amulet.
Xakon |
Investigating the chest reveals glowing blue script on the chest’s lid, which says: "The prize lies within! Test your mettle against ours!" The chest is empty except for a parchment note that reads: "Congratulations, you have passed the trial! This amulet is your prize; present it to Venture-Captain Valsin as proof of your success!"
Xakon bows and accepts the amulet around his neck.
"Many welcomes (thanks) kind strangers! My name is Xakon and I will protect you. Can we leave now? We have won says note."
Droghedor Coram |
Droghedor relaxes slightly as the newcomers appear less threatening, but only slightly. Let's press on and get this little "test" over with...
GM Fuzzfoot |
Beyond the door, the monotony of red steel ends in an octagonal chamber. Red metal looms in the background, but is accented by gleaming chrome panels and tables set against every wall. A round table stands upon a plinth in the center of the room. Bronze and brass levers and dials occupy all these surfaces, along with flat bits of glass, some lit, some dark. Beyond the central table, a wide red metal pillar with a door in its southern face stretches from floor to ceiling. More doors open off the south, east, and west walls.
Initiative:
Caerwynn: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
Taidus Raine: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Lod Flaxseed: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17
Korvan the Hunter: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Droghedor: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Xakon: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
Skeletons: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
Skeletons Perception: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (9) + 0 = 9
In addition, you see 4 burning skeletons here, who take notice of you.
Ok, so in PbP, it is a little harder to know exactly when and how you approach each door, so I am going to assume you were trying to do it with some stealth. So each of you can make a Stealth DC 9 check, and if successful, you get to act in the surprise round. If no one acts, then we will begin Round 1 with the following initiative.
Round 1:
Skeletons
Xakon
Lod Flaxseed
Caerwynn
Taidus Raine
Droghedor
Korvan the Hunter
Caerwynn |
Stealth: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15 success
SURPRISE ROUND
Caerwynn hears Droghedor's surprised gasp and steps nimbly behind him to see what's going on, at which point she too gasps audibly. Thinking quickly, she casts a spell. Vines sprout magically from the tiled floor, reaching up with leafy tendrils to ensnare the skeletons!
Casting entangle, lasts for 10 rounds or until I dismiss it. DC 15 Reflex save or gain the entangled condition. Centered at the back of the room, bringing the area of effect right up to the doorway. All four skeletons are caught in the area of effect and the entire area is now difficult terrain.
"Happy hunting!"
Taidus Raine |
stealth: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
Taidus, looks on as the skeletons..are..on..fire. He knows that he is the best bet, to that them down swiftly, but is unsure if the flaming halo, is gonna hurt him.
He quickly draws a shuriken, and flings it just as quickly at the skeleton nearest him.
free action draw, standard to throw in surprise round, -2 range, targeting lower left: 1d20 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 - 2 = 2
dam: 1d2 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Korvan the Hunter |
Stealth: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24... Korvan moves quietly towards the door with his bow out (He would not have known about skeletons)
GM Fuzzfoot |
Droghedor - did you have a surprise round action?
The room fills with vines. See discussion thread Taidus tries to quickly throw a shuriken, but it slips from his fingers and falls to the ground.
#1 Reflex Save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
#2 Reflex Save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
#3 Reflex Save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
#4 Reflex Save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
All of the skeletons appear entangled. Round 1 begins.
Each skeleton tries to break free.
#1 Escape Check: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
#2 Escape Check: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
#3 Escape Check: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
#4 Escape Check: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Three of the undead appear to escape the bond and advance (at half speed due to difficult terrain). While the vines have cost them the chance to attack, the heat and electricity emanating from their bones causes Lod and Xakon some pain.
Again, a strange mechanic - I think this is technically caused at the start of their turn, so depending on the situation, we might retroactively remove it.
Lod Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6 electricity and fire damage.
Xakon Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5 electricity and fire damage.
Round 1: (Bold may act)
Skeletons
Xakon
Lod Flaxseed
Caerwynn
Taidus Raine
Droghedor
Korvan the Hunter
Xakon |
"I cannot take another wound. Retreat into western room to fight them one at a time."
Xakon grimaces with pain and is forced to withdraw. He moves 15 south and then west.
3/11 HP
Droghedor Coram |
Droghedor - did you have a surprise round action?
Oh, yeah — that'd be a good idea, huh? >.<
Surprise round:
Fiery burning bony things! We're all doomed! Droghedor exclaims, loosing a shot from his crossbow.[
1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20
confirm?: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Um, no. LOL
1d8 ⇒ 7
Current round:
Presuming he notices the DR effect
Don't use piercing, they're all but immune! the dwarf groans. Try something different before we all die!
Droghedor draws his waraxe, drops the crossbow, five-foot steps up to the burning skeletons, and attacks!
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
1d10 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Oh no! They're invincible!
Caerwynn |
Caerwynn sends another bolt of lightning at the skeleton ahead (whichever is injured by Droghedor's bolt)!
Arc: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6 electricity
She then follows Xacon into the western room. "Meleren, Shechera, get behind me!"
Any skeletons that broke free must now make another save or be entangled.
Lōd Flaxseed |
Too bad I don't have Lay on Hands yet!
Lod takes a lot of heat from the skeletons but decides to remain in place to shield his companions. Unless someone else wants in, then feel free to take my place.
Lod tries his greatsword for good measure.
greatsword: 1d20 + 4 - 1 ⇒ (1) + 4 - 1 = 4
damage: 1d10 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 3 + 2 = 12
GM Fuzzfoot |
I am just going to put it out there - this is really quite a nasty encounter! I actually think both Lod and Xakon probably should have taken both of those amounts of damage from proximity to each skeleton, but I am not going to back track it now. And I forgot the DR until Mr. Doom and Gloom mentioned it! Yikes!
Droghedor's bolt strikes true, but to limited effect.
#1 - Entangled
#2 - Free, but difficult terrain
#3 - Free, but difficult terrain
#4 - Free, but difficult terrain, damage taken: 2
The one that has been damaged is now entangled.
Round 1 so far:
Xakon retreats successfully, to lick his many wounds.
Lod takes a swing at the skeleton in front of him, but fails to connect.
Caerwynn sends an arc of lighting right into one of the monsters, but it seems to ignore it completely.
#2: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
#3: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
#4: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11 - #4 is now entangled.
(Waiting for an action from Taidus, but I think he can assume that touching one of these things without a weapon will likely result in burns.)
Droghedor's war axe fails to hit the burning skeleton in front of him.
Round 1: (Bold may act)
Skeletons
Xakon
Lod Flaxseed
Caerwynn
Taidus Raine
Droghedor
Korvan the Hunter
Taidus Raine |
I have played this scenario before on regular PFS play. I know that THIS encounter specifically is/can be a TPK. The last boss was a pain too, but more annoying than this which is sheer killer
Taidus, seeing Xakon get burnt to a slight crisp, knows that he would only survive mere seconds should he wade into the fracas.
He considers his options, not enjoying any of them really. He retreats 30' backwards, then grabs a potion from his pack.
move back off map 30', grab potion of enlarge person.
Korvan the Hunter |
"Do any of you casters have create water? Would that work?" Korvan says taking a step back and sending an arrow at the skeleton in front of the halfling...Longbow: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 1 = 9...dmg: 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 2 + 1 = 10
GM Fuzzfoot |
Korvan's arrow shoots right through the skeleton without a scratch.
Skeleton #1 tries to break free of the entanglements.
Escape: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
It fails to do so.
Skeleton #2 moves forward as much as it can, before getting stuck behind the others.
Skeleton 3, entangled, claws at Lod, one hand armed with a metal gauntlet, and the other simply a clawed bony hand.
Attack, Gauntlet: 1d20 ⇒ 15
Attack, Claw: 1d20 - 5 ⇒ (3) - 5 = -2
Lod is able to avoid both attacks, thanks to the entangling vines.
Skeleton #4, not entangled, attacks Droghedor.
Attack, Gauntlet: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
Attack, Claw: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (4) - 3 = 1
He also fails to connect.
You will each take plasma damage at the beginning of your turn, unless something moves you or the skeletons before then...
Round 2: (Bold may act)
Skeletons
Xakon
Lod Flaxseed
Caerwynn
Taidus Raine
Droghedor
Korvan the Hunter
Meleren
Shechera
Droghedor Coram |
I have played this scenario before on regular PFS play. I know that THIS encounter specifically is/can be a TPK. The last boss was a pain too, but more annoying than this which is sheer killer
Yep. This encounter is a doozie.
Lōd! Droghedor says, breathing heavily. We need tactics! Without them, we're all doomed! Use the entry to our advantage!Droghedor attacks with his waraxe!
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
Ugh. Gonna use my shirt reroll w/4 GM stars...
1d20 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 + 4 = 24
1d10 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Then he five-foots back out of the entryway.
Lōd Flaxseed |
plasma damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3
Lod swings at the skeleton:
greatsword power attack: 1d20 + 4 - 1 ⇒ (5) + 4 - 1 = 8
damage: 1d10 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 3 = 11
Then Lod, looking very injured, backs away from the entrance and says, "Yes, we've got them funneled here! But someone help me, I can't hold out much longer!"
Lod had a scroll of cure light wounds he would have given someone else who could use it. Now would be the time!
Xakon |
Steps 5' north and slings a bullet at the southwestern skeleton.
sling: 1d20 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 2 - 4 = 8 includes cover penalty
blunt dmg: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Fetch me my brown pants!
@Lod: I will grant you my folio reroll for your last attack.
Taidus Raine |
With potion in hand, Taidus chugs it. His muscles bulge, his body grows almost instantly. He steps up a moment, then glares at the undead.
I may go down, but I will be DAMNED to go don't without a proper fight! If you can, get back behind me
Caerwynn |
Yep, I was about to ask about that, Lōd! Since I can cast it, I'll assume I took it.
"I got ya!" Caerwynn rushes past the two newcomers (who can move out of the way, maybe?) and pulls out the scroll, getting ready to cast it.
All the skeletons must again make saves or be entangled (if they aren't already).
"Lōd! Droghedor! Get behind ME!" I somehow have the most HP, so I'll step in and take the burns for a while. We're better off with the one doorway rather than two, and Taidus can hit from reach on the other side.
Korvan the Hunter |
Korvan gets out of the way of a large monk...not sure what else to do...
GM Fuzzfoot |
Round 2 Summary:
Xakon slings a bullet at one skeleton, but missed.
As Lod prepares his attack, the continued heat from the plasma takes it's toll. Proximity Plasma burn: 1d6 ⇒ 2
Luckily, it is not bad enough to prevent him from taking a swing and backing away.
Caerwynn gets into position with scroll at the ready.
Skeleton Save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
Skeleton Save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Unfortunately, both unentangled skeletons remain that way.
Taidus grows to fill the stairs!
Droghedor does connect as he also feels the burn (I assume that was the d6 roll you made), and even though the axe may not be best suited to damaging these things, it does the job nicely. The skeleton in front of him explodes as the waraxe blasts through it.
Plasma explosion will hit Droghedor only: 1d6 ⇒ 1
Reflex save vs DC 11 for 1/2 damage.
Korvan, Meleren and Shechera stand aside, looking for a way to be useful.
Round 3:
Skeleton #1 (North) tries to escape the bonds.
Escape: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
He slowly makes his way forward.
Skeleton #2 steps forward, and attacks Lod. (based on the map, I don't think Taidus has an AoO, but I am thinking maybe he got moved too far back, so let me know if you should be up a bit and want the AoO).
Attack, Gauntlet: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Attack, Claw: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (1) - 3 = -2
Apparently, the skeleton has too much plasma in his eye sockets...
Seleton #3 moves up 10 ft, and now out of the entangle spell, can move freely. It swipes at Droghedor.
Attack, Gauntlet: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Wow.
Round 3: (Bold may act)
Skeletons
Xakon
Lod Flaxseed
Caerwynn
Taidus Raine
Droghedor
Korvan the Hunter
Meleren
Shechera