[PFS] 8-04 Wardens of Sulfur Gulch by GM Upaynao (Inactive)

Game Master Upaynao

Poor Eadie. I can’t believe she called her an idiotic wretch.;)

Of those skills, I only have Knowledge (Arcana) +8

While GM is clarifying, let Kai get the ball rolling with alchemy since I think he has the highest on that.

Kai scans through all the equipment, gaining some measure of understanding of how everything fits together. He is still somewhat vague about the more technological aspects but he starts to gain some understanding of some of the chemicals that fuel the various parts entire ship. "That seems to be some kind of acid that flows down that pipe. Now, if I can redirect the alkaline fluid flowing through those piping to mix, it would not only neutralise them, but also create an exothermic reaction that burns through that component..."

craft(alchemy), inspiration, heroism, technologist: 1d20 + 15 + 1d8 + 2 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 15 + (3) + 2 + 5 = 30

"People will often tell you that the secret to understanding unfamiliar magic is not to think - to 'feel,' or 'do,' or 'let it just flow,' or whatever. That's all terrible, terrible advice. DO think. Just don't think with your mouth, as it were. It slows you down and inhibits you exponentially. Actually knowing something is infinitely more important than being able to convince someone else you know, and yet usually much easier. Astonishing most people choose being understood over understanding, when you think about it...."

Automatic success to aid both the Knowledge (Arcana) and Use Magic Device checks, whoever makes them.

Eadie taps panels on the console at random until she hazards across a library capable of projecting moving 3D images of aberrations into the air before the group. *Think* Star Wars holograms

While there is an accompanying audio track in Androffan, Eadie turns the volume down in favor of her own commentary.

“Whoa, check this out! It's a Great Old One rising from the depths of Riddleport Harbor, to engage the entire pirate fleet of Northern Varisia!”

“Man, I hope this is some Night Herald’s mad dream and not a documentary about the end of the world shot by a time-traveller.”

She scrolls down some, and taps the panel again, causing another image to form out of the ether.

“Ooh, I know this one. Frogehemoth! The label suggests this is an extra-terrestrial creature found on a planet called ‘Barry Orr Peeks.’ Or maybe the dude who shot this was called Barry??”

Eadie gives Amestra a there-there pat on the shoulder. “Looks like they have a taste for elf, Amy.”

Aid Knowledge (dungeoneering): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

Hmmm, this panel seems similar to the one in the other room, Amestra thinks as she begins carefully adjusting the settings on the strange knurled knobs. Studying it further, she realizes it is somehow related to ... the weather?

As understanding dawns, she looks up at Eadie patting her shoulder and says, "So this panel controls not just the air and vents, but the whole climate of the ship. There's even a 'hydro-ponic-lar' (whatever that is) area for growing food. Isn't that amazing!"

Kn(Nature), Inspiration, Heroism: 1d20 + 1d6 + 15 ⇒ (1) + (4) + 15 = 20

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“Sure is!”

Eadie puts an index finger to her lips as she reads through the list of hydroponically grown plants.

“This one’s got a funny name. CAN-abyss. What was it grown for, Amy?”

Untrained Aid Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (7) + 0 = 7

C’mon +3 roleplay bonus!!! ;)

Insidion smirks at Vanzetti's assessment of magic.

"There is not much thinking involved in some magic. The magic of dragons flows through the blood..."

knowledge arcana aid: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

Eh...I actually like what Vanzetti said better than what I said, but I'm just trying to get an aid going here.

"Eadie, the label says the CAN-abyss is a "Loosen-o'genic." Maybe it loosens up one's spirit." As she playfully swats Eadie's armored butt, she looks up at her big friend and says with a wink, "Like those Kellid brews did to us back in Xol-nomag's tent."

Then swiftly refocusing on the business at hand, Amestra turns her attention to another set of knobs and switches on the panel. "Insidion and V, thanks for the help. There's quite a bit of magical energy stored here. I fear whatever we unleash will be very powerful indeed."

Kn(Arcana), Inspiration, Heroism, 2 x Aids: 1d20 + 1d6 + 19 ⇒ (7) + (4) + 19 = 30

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So you needed to succeed at three checks and the DC was 15... #PlayersobliteratingDCs

The devices respond to your manipulations, aided by Isirah's careful coaching for Kai. Amestra, meanwhile finds that the pictorials associated with the rudimentary translation she is getting are more than enough to power up certain portions of the device. With a deep hum, the central device lights up, and then stops, the hum decreasing in pitch as the lights fade to dark.

And then, the lighting within the room powers out.

"Heh. Heheh."

Emergency lighting quickly picks up the relay, tinging everyone in the room with a shade of red.

"I don't wanna die, oh please we're crashing I don't wanna die."

"Uhm... That's not supposed to happen... At least not normally..." voices AI Isirah.

"I live... I live... I live... I live..."

The emergency lighting grows brighter, ever so brighter as smoke begins to seep from the container. It breaks open, wrenched in two from the inside.

"I LIVE!"

Explanation for the players on how your diplomacy checks affected Isirah in the discussion tab!

Since I'm not sure if Big Isirah (B.I.) has made any threatening moves, I'll post two different courses of action.

Karl takes a step beyond the door, and

Karl you could sense motive her but this is honestly an easy DC to hit. Thus: Yes, she's about to pound you into dust and empower herself with your tormented souls.

It doesn't seem like the arrows do much damage at all, barely scraping away at her ectoplasmic mass. "I HUNGER FOR YOUR SOULS!!!!!" she cries out as she steps up and the noxious clouds within her billow out.

Everyone needs to give me a Fort Save!

Her amalgamated voice, that of a thousand tortured souls, betrays her insanity. "FEED ME! LET ME BE FREE!!!!" she roars before blowing a cloud of even nastier looking gas in front of her.

Amestra, Eadie, Insidion, please give me a Fortitude and a Will Save

Recharging: 1d4 ⇒ 4

Round 1

Karl
Isirah the amalgam - Damage dealt
Lin Kai
Vanzetti
Insidion
Amestra
Eadie

Fortitude save, Sacrificial Boon: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16 note the array of situational modifiers

So what happens?

Stuff! I'll say more when everyone (or almost everyone) has made their save.

Fort: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (1) + 15 = 16
Will: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29

Active conditions: +4 vs charm/compulsion, +5 vs sickness/nausea, +2 vs effects that require hearing

“Amy, Kai, Insidion, can you tell what type of weapons will harm her?”

Hardcopy Folio re-roll Fort + GM star: 1d20 + 15 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 15 + 1 = 18

fort, heroism: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 2 = 11 Rerolling that
fort, heroism, gm reroll: 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 6 + 2 + 1 = 23
Kai tries hard not to breath in the noxious gas, but he has to breath eventually.

knowledge(planes), heroism, free inspiration: 1d20 + 13 + 2 + 1d8 ⇒ (4) + 13 + 2 + (2) = 21 Sigh...

"I'm sorry, Eadie. This is too foreign for me." Kai curses at being stuck in one corner of the room, having too little room to maneuver.

I'll post his actions after seeing the effect of the gas, if any.

Would Karl also be bolded? Also, anyone going to cast haste?

Fort, heroism, Chronicle boon, v poison: 1d20 + 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (8) + (5) + 8 = 21
Will, heroism: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26
Will +1 more vs Mind Affecting
Kn(Planes), inspiration, hat, heroism, Chronicle boon: 1d20 + 1d6 + 22 ⇒ (4) + (2) + 22 = 28
sorry can't post more, gotta shut off phone for flight. She'll brief everyone on what she knows

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Fort Save: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
Knowledge (Planes): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26
Let's see what that gets me

I could have sworn I had made a post last night. Anyway, Amestra and Eadie, you need to give me one more Fort save.

Eadie feels the stifling ire accompanying Isirah’s gaze.

Fort: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (15) + 15 = 30

Insidion braces himself for what is to come, but has no clue how to respond to Eadie about what would hurt it.

The voices screaming inside his own mind merge with those of the thousand tortured souls, and the dragon disciple's defenses are down.

fort save: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12
will save: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
knowledge arcana to ID: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

fort save: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25 I'm going to go ahead and use a folio reroll on that fort save...will was tempting, but I think I've got some defenses up against some mind stuff right now, anyway.

Doh. Stat block confused me. Insidion, Eadie and Amestra, you also get a Reflex save for half.

Seeing a cloud of noxious gas billow from Big Isirah's mouth, Amestra dives out of the way calling on a bit of her luck to avoid the effects.

Reflex, Heroism: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (10) + 15 = 25
Gonna save the hat bonus for one of her weaker saves

If her save is successful, she'll spend a point of panache to gain Evasion on that save, thereby taking no damage.

"Isirah, can you talk to Her? Calm Her down, perhaps?"
Or at least distract Her while we figure out how to deal with Her.

"Guys, for those who missed it, she's some kind of unique composite of haunted souls and an air elemental. Any thoughts? Anyone encountered "normal" air elementals much before?" she asks, wiggling her fingers in the air as she says "normal."

Amestra then takes a couple seconds to study her opponent a bit more Studied Combat, and draws her rapier as she moves just to the other side of Eadie.

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Round #1: AC 26, T 11; S 22, D 12; -1 to Attack rolls

Reflex: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

@GM Upaynao, is it possible to substitute the nat 15 I rolled above, or did you want a Fort, Will, Fort and Reflex from Eadie?

“Massive damage generally works, Amy.”

Eadie draws and drinks a potion of enlarge person, before watching the empty container fly around the room after she’s thrown it away. She also takes a 5’ step.

“Forget flanks and critical hits in vital areas – elementals don't have any.”

I should have asked for a Fort, Reflex, Fort, Will. So I'd let you substitute the 8 your rolled on Reflex for the 16 you rolled on Will based on roll order. Sorry for the mess guys and girls, this is entirely my fault.

Amestra, you get to have a question answered by yours truly. Defenses, Special Attacks, etc...

Those of you who failed the first Fort Save are Vanzetti, Amestra and Karl; You three are Sickened.

Insidion, I would like a Reflex and another Fortitude save. To finish making amends for my mistake, I am open to flipping your roll of 8 on your previous Will save for whatever you roll on your Reflex save.

Everyone, once Eadie and Insidion give me his final save totals I'll reveal the DC and resolve the bad guy's turn. Thank you for your patience! Amestra if you want your Will roll (17) flipped with your Reflex roll (10), just let me know. Again, sorry for the mess.

Round 1

Karl
Isirah the amalgam - Damage dealt
Lin Kai
Vanzetti
Insidion
Amestra
Eadie

V wheezes sharply under his mask, but quickly regains his composure and raises the curtain on his retaliation with one of his hallmark pyrotechnics!

I cast snapdragon fireworks, replicating magnesium (+1 round of duration), ginger extract (+1 to overcome spell resistance), and saltpeter (+1 damage). DC 17 Reflex save for half damage and no dazzling.

firework: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

reflex save: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

While sickened, Amestra manages to ape Insidion and outdo him, avoiding all of the cloud which begins to eat away at the tiefling's flesh.

Breath Weapon Damage: 5d6 ⇒ (3, 5, 3, 2, 3) = 16

Insidion's extra Fort: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19
Rounds Shaken: 1d4 ⇒ 1
Con Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1

The half-elven investigator can only watch in horror as Eadie's skin and armor begin to blotch and tarnish, and Insidion inadvertently inhales the gas, making him cough up blood. Focusing back on the creature, she is certain that it is some sort of elemental first, no matter what else she might be. As such, traits typical to elementals are most certainly at play here.

Amestra, you asked AI Isirah a question. The GM can answer that question, symbolizing that "Eureka" moment Amestra might have. But to do that, you must ask your fabulously awesome (and fresh smelling) GM that same question, forgoing any other, more specific answers about Isirah the Horrible's offense, defense or other things. I certainly hope that I answered your question posted in the discussion tab; in case it wasn't clear: Yes, you can infer that she's mostly elemental. How like your garden variety air elemental she is... Is anyone's guess.

Reflex vs Dazzling Firework: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (11) + 14 = 25

The firework ends in the creature's face, but she chuckles. "Like that would hurt me... You dissapoint.

Round 1

Karl - Sickened
Isirah the amalgam - Damage dealt
Lin Kai
Vanzetti - Sickened
Insidion 8 Dmg - 1 Con Dmg - Shaken
Amestra - Sickened
Eadie 16 Dmg

Amestra then takes a couple seconds to study her opponent a bit more ( Studied Combat,) and draws her rapier as she moves just to the other side of Eadie.
Reposting from earlier post, these are her actions for Round 1. She used her Immediate/Swift to get Evasion on the successful Reflex Save, so will use her Move to Study, and her Standard to move 10'.

Amestra, you asked AI Isirah a question. The GM can answer that question, symbolizing that "Eureka" moment Amestra might have. But to do that, you must ask your fabulously awesome (and fresh smelling) GM that same question, forgoing any other, more specific answers about Isirah the Horrible's offense, defense or other things.

Yes, please. I will forego other specific questions for a Eureka moment and an understanding of how AI Isirah can assist us, specifically by talking to, pleading with, addressing, calming, or whatever Big Isirah. Given the unique nature of this entity and encounter, I feel like it might be wise to pursue a unique solution.

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Much as Kai wishes to down his extract to enlarge to match her size for size, there is just too little space here, and that would prevent him from using his favourite longspear. He spends a quick moment to examine the looming Insirah to some vulnerability, then strikes swiftly with his weapon.

swift action: studied combat

Power Attack, Heroism, Mutagen, Studied Combat
+1 longspear (bless weapon): 1d20 + 11 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 11 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 3 = 26 dmg: 1d8 + 8 + 6 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 8 + 6 + 3 + 3 = 25
Sickening Offensive: if damages studied target, target sickened 1 round.

It occurs to Amestra that while Isirah's shade is but a part of the haunt complex now manifesting it's rage, Isirah is the dominant one. In fact, she may be the keystone to the entire aggregate. And with the looks that she was giving the A.I. core, whether she admits to it or not, she is linked to her "better" if incomplete self. Perhaps shoving the tablet in her "face" while appealing to her better nature mightyield some results.

With the AI core in hand, you may attempt a Diplomacy check to disperse the haunted elemental. I'll rule that if you are adjacent to Lin Kai, you can grab the tablet as a move.

Doh! And I'm trapped in the corner!

There's something wrong here... I feel sick to my stomach... I was trained better than that, what's wrong with me?

Just wasting my time, because my turn is so far away xD

Amestra calls out to Kai, "Show Her the tablet. Let the AI talk to Her."

Then she looks about the room to see if there's any way to reach Kai to assist him.

Damn She's huuuge! I really don't think I'm nimble enough to get all the way around the room without getting beaten to an oozing, bubbling pulp.

Does the cylinder to the west completely block access across that side of the room? Is there space to squeeze thru or pass the tablet thru? Not that I'm insinuating that Kai can't make the Diplomacy DC, just trying to think of options.

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Thanks, Eadie. If GM allows me to re-do my action in round 1 following Amestra's revelation... Otherwise, this would be my round 2 action.

Kai nods and without hesitation steps forward. "Lady Isirah, I had earlier spoke of helping you to become whole. I see that you have gathered many of the souls of your travel companions, and coalesced into the form that you are now. But your re-formation is still incomplete. You are missing the most important piece." He grabs the tablet displaying the form of good-Isirah and thrust it towards the looming huge gaseous form. "The two of you still remain divided, incomplete. Do you not wish to be whole?"

diplomacy, heroism, free inspiration: 1d20 + 15 + 2 + 1d8 ⇒ (20) + 15 + 2 + (5) = 42

42, DAMN! That's high for level 7 IMHO xD

Nice! #playersdestroyingDCs?

I believe that might be appropriate again (no meta, but 42 is soooo damn high!)

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Well, Amestra's revelation would only have been revealed on her turn which is way after yours Lin Kai. However you can absolutely save that as your round two action. Provided of course, you are still capable of taking that action.

Kai stabs at the creature before groaning as Amestra informs him of what he can do using the AI core. Eadie meanwhile reaches for a potion on her, steps up carefully five feet and drinks it, forgetting that their opponent is rather... Large, and that you cannot drink a potion without taking your eyes off your opponent. Fun fact: the GM is barely able to drink and walk.

*Attack of Opportunity jingle*: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (20) + 20 = 40
Damage: 2d6 + 2d6 ⇒ (6, 2) + (4, 2) = 14
*Attack of Opportunity Crit jingle*: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (11) + 20 = 31
Damage: 2d6 + 2d6 ⇒ (1, 2) + (5, 2) = 10

Eadie, some of the damage you are taking is negative energy damage, for which I assume you have no special resistances? Also, give me a DC 23 Reflex save or you begin burning from acid burns. Fun fact:The GM also knows how that feels and it's not pleasant.

Her faceplate severely dented on her left side and dripping with acid, the fighter nonetheless manages to drink her potion.

I was about to bot Insidion, but Amestra never took her actual actions in all that. Please take your actions ASAP!

Round 1

Karl - Sickened
Isirah the amalgam - Damage dealt - Sickened!!!!
Lin Kai
Vanzetti - Sickened
Insidion 8 Dmg - 1 Con Dmg - Shaken
Amestra - Sickened
Eadie 40 Dmg - Pending DC 23 Reflex

Did Kai's sickening offensive go off? If he damages a studied target, it would be sickened for 1 round, no saves. Would at least reduce some damage to Eadie.

Almost forgot that. Yes, so only 22 points of damage. You are at 38 total taken this fight.

Amestra did take her actions, posted during all the saving throw confusion:

Amestra then takes a couple seconds to study her opponent a bit more ( Studied Combat,) and draws her rapier as she moves just to the other side of Eadie.

Reposting from earlier post, these are her actions for Round 1. She used her Immediate/Swift to get Evasion on the successful Reflex Save, so will use her Move to Study, and her Standard to move 10'. Already updated the map.

Does the cylinder to the west completely block access across that side of the room? Is there space to squeeze thru between it and the wall, or not?

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By chance, was any of the damage I took acid, cold, electricity, or fire? I have some resistance to all of them.

Everything inside Insidion wants to lash out at this dangerous haunt, but he doesn't want to destroy any efforts to appease it.

He prepares to attack it if it takes any aggressive action.

I'm just going to ready a magic missile if it attacks us again. If we're trying to get the tablet to talk, I don't want to mess up "negotiations."

Magic Missile: 5d4 ⇒ (2, 4, 4, 4, 4) = 18

Well, considering Kai already damaged it this round... :) Kai's diplo attempt would be in round 2, but not sure how that would work out now.

Yes! All of that breath weapon is acid damage. Apply your resistances as needed!

After some thought, here's how I thin we need to adjudicate this enlarging business. In a F2F game, Eadie's player would probably mention that she would be enlarging and Amestra would probably take a 5-ft step to avoid the situation we're in. So, I'm going to move Amestra's icon 5 feet and scrap that beautiful crit. *snif*

Round 2

Karl - Sickened
Isirah the amalgam - 17 Dmg- Sickened!!!!
Lin Kai
Vanzetti - Sickened
Insidion 8 Dmg - 1 Con Dmg - Shaken - Readying
Amestra - Sickened
Eadie 16 Dmg

i have DR 10 acid...if I took no dmg from that attack, do I avoid any of the other effects?

Noticing his arrows were useless, Karl takes one step back and springs forth his wand of Gravity bow. And uses one charge on himself.
U.M.D. Check DC 20: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23

"Let's see if you like this now, evil Isirah"

Free action: 5-foot step. Swift action: Spring loaded sheath for wand. Standard action: UMD check.

Yes, if you took no damage then none of the effects listed affects you. And Amestra, you cannot squeeze behind the device to reach Lin Kai, although I suspect this will be a non-issue by the time you finish reading my post.

The shade laughs as it begins to withdraw away from Eadie, making it's way through the open door and next to Karl. "OH PLEASE, DO SHOW ME!"

Does that trigger Insidion's readied action? Lin, how long is she sickened for?

Round 2

Karl - Sickened
Isirah the amalgam - 17 Dmg- Sickened!!!!
Lin Kai
Vanzetti - Sickened
Insidion Readying
Amestra - Sickened
Eadie 16 Dmg

Just one round. And Kai's 2nd round action is posed above already, with the diplo check and all.

I am here, but am waiting to see what happens with the others' turns, as per the initiative order.

@GM Upaynao, how close does Kai have to be to interact with Big Isirah? She's been an all-seeing, all-hearing kinda thing up until now, yeah?

"I'm looking forward to a hasty resolution to this encounter. Is anyone able to cast haste?"

@Eadie: This is more of an "Exorcist" type of deal, with Kai essentially shouting a polite, appealing version of "The Power of Christ Compels You". So I'm going to say that he needs to be within LoS, as the action to do that is a full-round action. Also, she's no longer all-seeing. You have the full Monty right there in one big elemental.

Ah, OK.

I'll wait to see if Kai stops her 'running down the stairs upside-down on all fours' before Eadie has her turn.