GM Turmoil's Cosmic Captive (Tier 1-2) (Inactive)

Game Master ckelley83

As he was anticipating possible flank attacks Artus yells nice job guys
and goes to full offense.

elven curved blade: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 6 + 1 + 1 = 22
damage: 1d10 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 + 1 = 11

The fiendish eagle continues trying to rip into Lutorinus' foes while he fires a bolt into the fray. Pathetic creatures, how could they ever expect to succeed with only two of them?

________

Artus retaliates with his own blade after dodging the construct, and severs an arm. Kronas moves in and slashes with his tiny blade, just as Menarul smashes the celedon to pieces with some help from the witch. Unfortunately, the sounds of battle distracts Zandu enough that he can't make any progress on the last circle.

Out of combat!

At this point you have 2 rounds worth of time for healing and recovering from the battle, and then it's back at the puzzle like before. Four of the circles have been disabled, with only the Fear one remaining.

(Reposting the basics)
- The goal here is to decipher the orb over a period of time. Each passed check will accumulate successes that are then reported to HQ.
- You can attempt to destroy a circle either by attacking it or with a Disable Device check.
- Regardless of whether the circles are destroyed yet or not, you can attempt to solve the puzzle orb via Appraise, Disable Device, Intelligence, Knowledge Religion, Wisdom, or Use Magic Device. Alternatively, a Knowledge (any besides Religion), Linguistics, or Perception check also work, though they won't be as useful. If you speak Abyssal, Aquan, Auran, Ignan, or Terran, add +1 to your check for each language known.

Zandu frowns as he fumbles his last attempt. He tries to ignore the stuff going on around him and try one more time to disable the fear circle.

Artus moves forward and if the fear ward is down he will try to work on the puzzle orb itself. Starting with checking for any traps, then a disable device if applicable.

perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15
disable device: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

High on his contribution to combat, Lutorinus furiously works away at trying to disable a ward. The fiendish eagle eventually erupts in a burst of searing flame.

Disable Device (Auran): 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 11 + 1 = 17

"Ha ha! Teamwork!" Kronas cheers as the second Celedon drops "You really got the balance right that time, Menarul!" he says as he sheathes his sword "You looked just like the legendary heroes from all the best books..." He shuffles a bit closer to Menaral and quietly asks "Can I try some of that stuff? Will it make me tall?"

Unwilling to approach the orb again until the last ward has been deactivated, Kronas stays back and casts a spell to make it easier for the others to see.

Know. Religion: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
______
Casting dancing lights and will try to solve the puzzle with knowledge if the last ward has been disabled.

When he lands the killing blow on the Celedon, Menarul's cocksure smile of earlier comes back in force. "Thanks, Kronas! I did look great there, didn't I?" But when the gnome comes closer and whispers his comment, the smile dims a bit. In a whisper he returns the inquiry"Sorry, I only had the one and it doesn't, uh, 'play nice' with gnome anatomy. If you don't have certain human and elven traits, it tends to wreck one's digestive system..." With a moment's thought he pulls out a different vial filled with a softly glowing purple liquid. [/smaller]"This would make you bigger... but I haven't figured out how to give it to others without it turning into pretty colored water."[/smaller] He then gives a hearty laugh and says in a louder voice, "But I wouldn't worry about your height, you're more than story worthy as is! Isn't that right, everyone?" With this he gives the gnome a broad smile and ruffles the gnome's hair, while giving the rest of the group a hard glance, waiting for their affirmations.

_________
Depending on whether the fear circle has been taken care of or not Menarul will act differently.

Yup, Zandu disabled the last circle.

After seeing the last ward come down, Robyyn eagerly approaches the strange orb, happy to bend his mind towards the challenging task of figuring out its secrets.

Use Magic Device, languages: 1d20 + 9 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 9 + 4 = 29

With the threat neutralized, the Pathfinders get back to work on deciphering the puzzle. Before they do that though, Zandu disables the final protective circle around the polyhedron. Artus and Lutorinus use their tools to tinker with the object, while Kronas recognizes some of the symbols as having religious connotations. Menarul stares at it for a bit, running calculations in his head, and Robyyn uses his familiarity with arcane devices to help the others tinker. With everyone working together they make quite a bit of progress, but they are interrupted yet again by more living statues. The creaking constructs march steadily towards the Pathfinders.

You really crushed some of the DCs and you earned a total of 8 points, which equates to the max of 3 reported successes!

Round 1
Active Conditions: Flag bearer

Red
Blue
==========================
Kronas
Menarul
Robyyn
Lutorinus
Artus (-3)
Zandu

Kronas is no longer shaken, and Artus is still down 3 HP. You easily recognize that these are exactly like the celedons you just faced. Only three rounds have passed since the end of the last combat,
so some of your buffs may still be active.

As the constructs creak out of the shadows, Menarul gives a wolf is smile. "Ah, they couldn't get enough of me! Let's send these fans packing the same way we sent the last group." With this he rushes forward a step, stops and pulls out another one of the large brightly colored flasks. With the violent shake, he tosses it at the closer of the two Celedons. It explodes in a violent flash and boom of purple and green with a few white sparks exploding outwards. As the sparks sputter out Menarul draws his hammer and waits for the enemy to come to him.

_______
I guess the arcane-technobabble was too much?

★ - OVERSEER ANNOUNCEMENT - ★

Sorrina Westyr’s image appears, her hair windblown and a look of wonder on her face. “The Society's discoveries have weakened the prison of the powerful being sealed within Aucturn's Tear,” she pauses, studying a flotilla of crystal balls that hover around her. “Our divinations indicate that it’s now offering a fraction of its power to our forces!”

Behind Sorrina, a small army of Pathfinder mages are studying the floating globes. Then one of them whispers in Drandle Dreng’s ear. Abruptly, Drandle hurries to the forefront, his shaggy head appearing in the center of the Divination window. "ACG Warriors, make a run for it!" Hands gesticulating wildly, he shouts, “NOW!”

Table GMs, the Thunderous Aid condition is now in effect. ACG Tables, you may make a run for it.

We have 78/150 clues!

Ranginori has sensed his saviors are near and attempts to grant them his power and wisdom. During combat, if you are adjacent to the puzzle orb can attempt a Diplomacy, Spellcraft, or UMD check to direct his wrath. If successful, the player can cast one of the following spells as a spell-like ability, using her character level as her caster level and either her own Charisma or 20 to determine the spell’s save DC.

- cure light wounds
- shocking grasp
- summon nature’s ally II (air elemental only)

Drawing his shortbow Artus nocks an arrow and fires at Red.

shortbow: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 4 + 1 = 14 with flagbearer
damage: 1d6 + 0 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 0 + 1 = 2 with flagbearer

Kronas steps forward for a better view of their new attackers and whoops as the pretty explosion lights up the room "Yeah, you'd best run away while you can!" He shouts at the Celedons "We're freeing the Duke if you like it or not!" He then sticks his tongue out and confidently slaps his empty palm to the orb.
________

Lutorinus rolls his eyes as he steps over for a better shot. What are they expect it to do this time?

He reloads and fires his crossbow at the closest one.

Zandu heads around the puzzle, eager to try his hand in battle against these statues. Once he gets a clear shot, a small rock levitates off the ground at his feet and goes pelting off toward the nearest creature, gathering a solid wall of force around it as it goes.

Skipping Robyyn for now

Kronas figures out how to pull an electric charge from the puzzle cube, his hand now crackling with electricity. Menarul tosses a bomb that causes pieces of the metallic construct to go flying everywhere, which seems to stun Robyyn and all he can do is watch. Lutorinus and Artus both fire bows, and each hit one of the celedons, but Zandu isn't as lucky with his rock. The statues march forward, and one is met with Menarul's hammer which smashes it to pieces as the other lazily swings a sword a Zandu.

Blue vs Zandu: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 61d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Round 2
Active Conditions: Flag bearer

Red
Blue (-4)
==========================
Kronas
Menarul
Robyyn
Lutorinus
Artus (-3)
Zandu

Kronas ducks as shrapnel from the Celedon flies over his head "Haha! That's why you don't mess with Pathfinders..." He then scampers around the orb with an outstretched hand, arcs of electricity shooting between his fingers He he, it tingles!
______
40' double move action

Artus drops his bow and moves to alongside Menarul drawing his blade as he does.

Have at thee He yells

elven curved blade w flagbearer: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 1 = 11
damage: 1d10 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10

His pack still on the ground somewhere on the other side of the circle, Menarul rushes up behind Kronas. As he does so the slightly red shimmering armor and symbol form earlier disappear. He shouts out a warning to Kronas and tries to lay into the construct. "Kronas, watch out, I'm coming in over your head!"

______
Move 30' and attack!
Attack, Lucerne Hammer, Mutagen, Flag, Cover: 1d20 + 3 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (11) + 3 + 1 - 4 = 111d12 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 1 = 8

★ - OVERSEER ANNOUNCEMENT - ★

Even as the many-faceted prison spins and reconfigures itself, it cannot keep pace with the combined efforts of the Pathfinder Society. A refreshing breeze pours from the immense orb, restoring the agents' will to fight.

Table GMs, the Winds of Restoration condition is now in effect.

Zandu growls slightly as his last shot goes wide, then ducks an incoming blow from the creature. He takes a small step back, focuses, and another nearby rock goes shooting toward the statue.

Robyyn's gaze drifts to the new celadon's that approach, and his mind wanders as the fight begins. Lost in his thoughts, he finally remembers that there is a distinct goal here. Let them fight, they had the last two; they sure don't need you now.

He continues to work on dismantling the Duke's prison.

Use Magic Device, languages: 1d20 + 9 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 9 + 4 = 16

Robyyn's gaze drifts to the new celadon's that approach, and his mind wanders as the fight begins. Lost in his thoughts, he finally remembers that there is a distinct goal here. Let them fight, they had the last two; they sure don't need you now.

He continues to work on dismantling the Duke's prison.

[dice=Use Magic Device, languages]1d20+9+4

While you were able to work on the circles during combat, the scenario specifically says you can't work on the puzzle itself. I thought I mentioned that, but looking back, I guess I never did.

That roll is good enough to use one of the spell likes if you want though.

As the combat with the constructs continues, you feel a refreshing breeze wash over you. Artus's remaining wounds heal over, and you all feel a bit stronger, regaining some of your energy. You can tell that the puzzle wards sealing the prison are weakened considerably, and it's only a matter of time until the Society breaks through.

Everyone regains one daily use of a class feature. Also, casters recover one or more spells that have total levels equal to his character level (minimum 3).

While he is unable to figure out any more of the puzzle, he does notice a way that he can use the power of the orb to summon aid. Robyyn guides the motion of a couple of the panels, and an elemental being shimmers onto the scene!

Casting Summon Nature's Ally II with the orb

Small Air Elemental

The creature appears on the other side of the remaining celedon, opposite Artus. Hardly more than a swirling disfiguration of the air currents, it strikes at the statuary construct.

Slam, flanking: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 6 + 2 = 19
Damage, B: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

@ Menarul: It's only partial cover, not full so it ends up being a hit.

Kronas rushes forward with his sizzling hand, but can't quite make it all the way to the celedon for an attack. Menarul slams the creature with his hammer, narrowly missing the gnomes head in the process. Robyyn tries calling on the aid of Ranginori, and an elemental appears and slams a windy fist into the construct. Artus just misses with his blade, but Zandu flings another rock, and this one ends up smashing the statues to pieces.

Out of combat!

Same as before, you have 2 rounds worth of time for healing and recovering from the battle, and then it's back at the puzzle.
(Reposting the basics)
- The goal here is to decipher the orb over a period of time. Each passed check will accumulate successes that are then reported to HQ.
- Regardless of whether the circles are destroyed yet or not, you can attempt to solve the puzzle orb via Appraise, Disable Device, Intelligence, Knowledge Religion, Wisdom, or Use Magic Device. Alternatively, a Knowledge (any besides Religion), Linguistics, or Perception check also work, though they won't be as useful. If you speak Abyssal, Aquan, Auran, Ignan, or Terran, add +1 to your check for each language known.

Artus dashes back to the puzzle with a grin on his face. This is fun

disable divice: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29 to solve the puzzle.

Menarul gives a smile as another hit lands on the Celedon. "I told you the hammer wasn't working right earlier. It's working now though." Realizing the enemy might keep popping out every few moments, he keeps his weapon in hand. "Alright, let's see if we can finish saving this orb, with my help we should finish in no time!" Menarul then goes back to contemplating the orb.

________
Int, mutagen, 4 languages: 1d20 + 3 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 3 + 4 = 17

Kronas sees his whole life flash before his eyes as Menarul's mighty hammer misses his head by inches "I'm okay!" he says as he shakily makes his way back to his feet "Missed me by miles..." He shakes his hand, dissipating any residual lightning from his fingers as he shuffles back towards the sphere "But I think you're right... I am definitely the right height!" To distract himself from the harrowing experience, he redoubles his efforts to solve the puzzle of the orb.
________
Know. Religion: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

"I grow tired of this tedium," Lutorinus mutters under his breath as he tries to decipher what he can about the orb. Surely there are better defenses than those things?

________

Seeing the celedon fall, Robyyn wastes no time in returning his attention to the puzzle. Interesting how I was able to manipulate the power within to call that elemental. And the knowledge was simply within me, as if I'd known how to all along. Is the Duke actually communicating with us from inside his prison?

Use Magic Device, 4 languages: 1d20 + 9 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 9 + 4 = 25

Hmm, I was too slow last time those metal things attacked, and I bet they'll try again... the big meanies! Kronas clicks his fingers as inspiration strikes I know what to do! He traces an arcane rune in the air and mutters a few magic words "Mas mabilis kaysa sa bilis ng gabi!" He then squirms to get a better look at the heels of his boots as little translucent wings start to poke out of them. He giggles as they give a little flap I bet I could beat anyone in a race now!
______
Casting expeditious retreat: +30' base speed for 2 minutes.

Grinning with pride as the last creature falls to his rock, Zandu turns back around to the orb once more. He sets to work with his tools again, trying to do what he can to help.

Disable Device: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

★ - OVERSEER ANNOUNCEMENT - ★

With the help of dozens of other Pathfinders, all working together, the last of the circles goes down!

Sorrina Westyr's image manifests to the Pathfinders, standing before a floating metallic polyhedron scribed with countless shifting glyphs. “We have done it! Now how to open this—”

A great crack interrupts the Master of Spell's musings, as an immense three-eyed giant with skin like hewn stone steps through a tear in space, with an army pouring out past her. The giant bellows so that all can hear. “I acknowledge your strength, little ones, for you have angered my benefactor enough to send me. I and my warriors, the Daemon Prayers, honor it with unyielding death. Seize the Vault! Slay them all!”

Sorrina Westyr urgently pipes in. “We just need a few more minutes to secure our prize and escape. Hold them off as long as you can!”

Drandle Dreng’s shaggy head appears once again in the divination window. “You heard her, Pathfinders!” He says, fist raised. “Go get ‘em!”

Table GMs, begin the final encounters.

You earned the max of three successes again on the puzzle, which I reported yesterday. I just didn't push us to another combat because I knew we were about to transition.

As the image of Sorrina fades from your mind, you begin to notice small rifts beginning to open all around you. Not wanting to get surrounded, you retreat a bit, back into the passages outside the puzzle room. But before you are able to find a good defensible position, you are beset upon by a pair of wispy, ghostly humanoid, that seem disturbingly familiar.

Round 1
Active Conditions: Flag bearer

Zandu
Kronas
Robyyn
Lutorinus
Menarul
Artus
==========================
Red
Blue

DC 11 Knowledge Planes to identify

Kronas pulls out his shortword and holds it aloft "The others only need a few minutes to free the Duke. Lets give them hours!" He waves his flag confidently and points his sword at the nearest enemy "We are Pathfinders and none shall pass!"
_______
Now inspiring courage, +1 to hit and damage, +2 when combined with flagbearer.

Unable to recognize the wispy creatures, Robyyn hopes that they have minds that he can work his ill will on. He moves forward just enough to get them in range, and fixes one of them with his potent gaze.

Zandu moves to get a clear shot, and then another rock goes shooting off toward the nearest ghostly figure.

Delay for now.

The game is ending on the 23rd, so pushing forward!

Zandu tosses a rock at one of the creatures, but it doesn't seem to do quite the amount of damage that he's used to. The little gnome continues to keep a positive attitude that is contagious for everyone, but it can't help Robyyn, who stares down on the wispy humanoids to no effect. Everyone else seems to have been caught off guard by the sight of the spirits and freezes in place. They both move in to attack but flail their fists meekly, though the wounds seem to close a bit on the one Zandu hit.

Red vs Artus: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 121d4 ⇒ 4
Blue vs Zandu: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 151d4 ⇒ 4

Round 2
Active Conditions: Flag bearer

Zandu
Kronas
Robyyn
Lutorinus
Menarul
Artus
==========================
Red (-4)
Blue

As the incorporeal creatures step out from the portal, Menarul's mutagen-fueled cocky smile, take on a wooden, stuck on look, his mind racing. He stays stuck like this for a few seconds as the creatures move up and start attacking his companions. Coming to a conclusion, Menarul snaps out the blank eyed stare to find one of the creatures right in front of him. He leaps back with a yelp, and settles down into pulling out his hammer. His cocky smlie comes back a moment later as he gives a derisive snort and tries to land a good hit. "This is for popping out of nowhere!"

_____

Kronas looks around at his frozen comrades "Don't be scared guys! We can take them..." He rushes around in a circle past his friends, giving Lutorinus a wink as he brushes past "Look, they're too slow for us!". Turning towards the ethereal creature attacking Artus, he runs full speed towards it, giggling as he ducks and dodges any attempt from the creature to strike him "Ha ha, see?" He ends up behind the attacker and in a flanking position after briefly sliding on his knees "Now, Artus!" he shouts as he swings his sword, the tip suddenly glowing as it finishes it's arc.
______

Thank you Kronas Artus roars and pulls his blade and makes a mighty swing.

Elven Curved Blade (mw): 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 6 + 1 + 1 + 2 = 25
Damage: 1d10 + 1 + 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 1 + (4) = 7

I have included sneak attack as I have no idea if it works or not

Lutorinus draws his crossbow and fires at the furthest one. They should be able to handle this little matter without issue.

________

Robyyn takes a step back, sheltering himself from any melee attacks behind Menarul. He touches the half-elf on the back as he murmurs a word of arcane power. "ಮಾರ್ಗದರ್ಶನ"

Zandu takes a small step back, and fires off another blast at the spectral being.

I swear one of you had Knowledge Planes

Zandu flings another rock with his mind, that distracts the creature enough for Kronas to tumble by and stab it with his blade. Robyyn passes some arcane aid along to Menarul's hammer blow, as Lutorinus fires a bolt at the other wispy creature. Artus gets in a critical blow to one of the creatures weak areas and puts it down finally, though nobody's attacks really do that much damage. The last one standing takes a swing at Zandu, but he's too quick and dodges it easily.

Blue vs Zandu: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 161d4 ⇒ 1

Round 3
Active Conditions: Flag bearer, Inspire

Zandu
Kronas
Robyyn
Lutorinus
Menarul
Artus
==========================
Red
Blue (-4)