Vindlér Far-seer |
Haha! Way to go, Anthys! You gave Janira just the lift she needed.
"Aye, let's go talk t' Uori. Might as well cross off one o' our objectives before we head down inta the caves too deep." He begins to walk back across the stream, then recalls the pressure plate he had seen on the way in and makes sure to walk down the stream a ways before stepping back on land. "Ah, by the way, there's a plate here that triggered the darts. Meant to mention that before, Anthys. Best avoid that in case there's more darts loaded up in there." He makes his way back up the passage toward Uori and the pool room.
When the group arrives, Vindlér makes sure that the gillman can see him before getting too close, then begins speaking with him in order to find out more about the gillmen and their purposes here. "Uori, you mentioned before that these caves are sacred to your people. Who is it that ya worship and what makes these caves such a holy place for ya?"
GM Fez |
Uori smiles happily upon your return. "Ah, the little creature is dealt with? Excellent! He and his pals from below the surface do like making nuisances of themselves with their constant trap-making."
He briefly pauses to consider Vindlér's question. "It is not who we worship as much as what we worship. You see the waters around this cavern complex have been poisoned with all of the years of war and filth taken upon this island. Outside of your city, the one made here in sculpture, you noticed devastation, yes? There have been great magics and pollutions cast upon this land as well. The water is very dangerous for us that breathe it, yet here we stand in this cave where the water is pure and fresh. It may have something to do with the magic remaining in this miniature city, or it may be something else entirely, but it is a sacred sign, one that we guard, as you might say, religiously."
Uori appears to have winded himself and takes a moment to breathe. "I also wish for you to know that several other land-walkers have come to these caves and had magic imparted on them by performing the rituals depicted in the tablets in the connecting cavern See several forum pages ago. And as a token of my gratitude here is something to help you on your journeys." He hands you a wand made of the ribs of a rather large sea animal. He explains this creates a deflective force around those it touches. Wand of shield of faith (CL 6th, 10 charges)
Vindlér Far-seer |
Vindlér listens closely to the gillman, his eyes lighting with holy fervor at the mention of the pollutions corrupting the island's waters. It was only too familiar. All the evils of the orc hordes of Belkzen were a pollution that Vindlér earnestly hoped to see ended someday, and he could easily understand and appreciate the work of these gillmen to stand guard over the last remaining holds of purity and goodness. "Thank you for this generous gift, Uori. We will strive t' inform our commanders of yer plight and t' make the island and its waters fit for yer people t' inhabit once again. In the meantime, is there anything we can do here to help in this cause? We noticed some further passages beyond the creature down below. Is there something down there that needs attention?"
GM Fez |
Uori shakes his head, "No, you Pathfinders have done more than enough already. Those passages lead to the Darklands, and I'm certain they roam beyond your needs. Other passages are barely explored and I'm certain you could map them out if you wanted to, though I have not done so when my objective lies here."
Anthys |
"Before we go back down there, Vindlér, should we take another look at those carvings? They were of Aroden's holy text, and yet Uori has told us that they seem to still possess some magic. This would be of great interest to the Society!"
Vindlér Far-seer |
Vindlér grumbles slightly, but nods at Anthys, "Hmm...yer askin' a dwarf not to explore a cavern system, lad. Y'know how much that chips m' boulders don't ya? Ah well. I s'pose I can wait. Aye, let's see these carvin's again and see if we can't figure out the rituals Uori here is talkin' about. Like ya said, the Society would surely be glad to hear about 'em, and we are Pathfinders now aren't we." He turns to head back toward the cavern entrance where they had discovered the carvings, but stops for a moment longer to call back to Uori once more, "Thanks again, Uori. You've been a great help." He then heads back up toward the entrance.
Qioté Windrider |
Qioté, wishing he had something of value to offer the kind gillman, says "Thank you! If I have learned nothing else about your people, I at least know you have a generous spirit, and are a friendly people. I can only hope you have learned from us as well."
Then he looks over the city model. "I can see my house from here!"
GM Fez |
The four tablets you were able to decipher are going here for easier access...
The Farmer is depicted plowing four lines in a field, retelling Aroden’s prophecy that humankind would prepare the rocky earth for planting and over generations wear the pebbles down into fertile soil.
The Hunter is depicted slaying a giant serpentine creature and then parading a trophy through the city streets—a sign to all humanity that the wilds are safe to inhabit once the monsters are slain.
The Soldier is depicted bearing a lantern through the streets of a city, following the dead god’s prophecy that the vigilant shall carry light to the darkest corners of the world to banish the shadows.
The Tailor is depicted sewing together a long cloth of featuring many patterns that wraps around a city like a moat, referencing Aroden’s proclamation that when the fate of all peoples is woven together, it shall be humanity’s greatest strength.
Anthys |
A miniature city carved from this same stone occupies nearly the entire surface. Tiny trinkets such as ancient coins, polished semiprecious stones, and ornately braided loops of string are scattered throughout the diorama, and pale cave frogs clamber atop it. The smooth cavern floor is covered in gravel and pebbles along the edge of the pool, and several foot-long centipedes prowl among the gravel in their search for prey.
"Hmm. I don't suppose any of you have training as weavers or tailors? Perhaps I can figure out what the Tailor engraving represents. These strings in the model... Woven together to loop around the city like a moat... Let's see if that works."
Profession Tailor (Improvisation, take 10): 10 + 3 = 13Tying strings in a loop is probably not a Profession check, so Anthys is showing off his Improvisation feat a bit.
Qioté Windrider |
Qioté looks around the cave for a snake or worm or similar creepy crawly to drag through the streets of the model.
GM Fez |
Anthys' improvisation causes the city to glow with light. You each feel a bit of power seep into you, allowing you to coordinate better.
Each of the PCs gain a +1 bonus on a single attack roll made against a flanked target within 24 hours. Added to top bar
There are several large millipedes crawling around the streets of the model city. They will not take rolls to kill.
Vindlér Far-seer |
Vindlér watches the others begin their tasks and smacks himself in the forehead. "Of course! We have to do for this city as Aroden did for the city shown in the carvings. What a fool I am to have missed it." Yes, definitely just Vindlér who had no idea what was going on. Not the player behind him. Not at all... -__-
Recalling the image of the soldier carrying the lantern through the streets and lighting the shadows of the city, Vindlér retrieves the still-glowing sunrod from atop his pack and waves it over the miniature city, doing his best to bring light to every part of the wondrous recreation.
Qioté Windrider |
Qioté grabs a millipede and drags it through the streets. You can hear him making noises under his breath, as if he is simulating a parade crowd cheering.
Vindlér Far-seer |
Sure! I was thinking each of us was going to do one of the tasks, but I can try another one.
Vindler stops to think about the final engraving, depicting the farmer. The image showed a man plowing some rows in a field, but Vindler doesn't see where in the miniature city he could do the same. He then realizes that the farmer wouldn't plow inside the city, but out in the countryside. The dwarf gets an idea suddenly and pulls his large rectangular shield from his back. He turns the shield so that the edges are facing him, then digs the bottom edge into the loose gravel of the cave floor and drags it to create four straight lines, placed an equal distance from one another. When he has completed his work, he looks up at the city to see if he has succeeded.
Vindlér Far-seer |
I'd still be good with the optional encounter.
Infused with the strange divine power of the city, Vindlér gazes at Uori. "That's quite a fascinating artifact you're guarding, my friend. Now, I think it might be best for us to chart some of those passages. That seems t' be of interest t' our commanders, and it's a soldier's duty t' pursue his commander's aims."
Were there any other passages besides the one to the skeleton room and the one down to the Darklands? If so, we could chart some of them, otherwise it might be worth noting to see where that secret passage comes out.
Anthys |
"This is a most remarkable find, that some magic of Aroden's still works, no matter how minor. I will have to tell the Church of Iomedae as well as the Society.
But for now, let us continue mapping these caves."
Fine with doing the optional encounter.
GM Fez |
Randomization: 1d6 ⇒ 3
Mapping the caverns is rather easy and you don't take long to map all of the areas you've visited. In the chamber with the river you follow the passage until it takes a sharp turn down into the earth. Not much more to do here you return to the passage where you found the undead. Cracking open the secret door you found earlier a gust of fresh air pushes past you.
The passage you are following starts getting tighter and smaller, but you also begin hearing the sounds of battle up ahead. The tight tunnels here range from 2 to 5 feet in width and average about 9 feet in height.
Anthys: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Alan: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
Vindlér: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
Qioté: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
The sounds of the fighting become clearer as you continue forward and soon you are able to make out Janira's voice amidst the roaring and crashing of her opponent. "And it was Selmius Foster’s race against a marid and efreeti on the isle of Jalmeray, which taught us that nothing is truly impossible and every situation can end in victory.”
Ahead you hear a slight squelching sound as something gelatinous and round rolls out to attack!
Anthys: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
Alan: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Vindlér: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Qioté: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Note: Hearing Janira's oratory gives everyone a +1 circumstance bonus to attack, damage, and saves against fear effects.
Order: Round 1
Surprise: Anthys, Alan, Vindlér
Surprise: Enemy
Everyone
Enemy
CMD 6
hp 15
Anthys |
Knowledge-Dungeoneering: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
"I have no idea what that is. But if it wants a fight, it shall have one!"
Longsword: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Vindlér Far-seer |
Yes! Finally a knowledge check I can actually use. Haha! Here we go, Monster Lore.
Knowledge (Dungeoneering)+Monster Lore: 1d20 + 5 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 5 + 3 = 21
As Vindlér enters the new room and hears Janira once again, he is filled with hope to learn that she is still alive. The excitement vanishes almost immediately, however, when he sees the strange being that Anthys recklessly moves in to attack. "Be careful, lad! That's a giant amoeba! If you let it, it'll latch on and turn yer bones t' soup. And it may be obvious, but don't bother tryin' ta trip it. It hasn't got legs ya know."
Vindlér runs through his list of tactical options in an instant and determines that it would be better for him to remain back in this fight while those with longer weapons engage the enemy. He turns to Alan and lays a hand on the bloodrager's shoulder. "Go, Alan. Use yer greater reach t' strike down this enemy of Order."
Using Touch of Law on Alan. That's a guaranteed hit in this combat! Hooray!
GM Fez |
Combat over.
The blows of Anthys and Alan reduce the overly large amoeba to quivering, and quickly dissipating goo. Hurrying forward Janira's speech gives out after almost a minute, but the sound of battle continues. A large CRACK is heard before you see light up ahead.
The light of the surface world above provides a welcome reprieve from the blue and green fungus of the caverns below, and light illuminates a stream whose water is hastened by runoff from a recent storm further up the mountains. A ledge to the west rises up to the nearby forest canopy.
Spilling out of the cave you see Janira, whip in hand, heavily bruised and bloody, standing before the Minotaur from earlier today. The Minotaur itself has not gone without injury. Several large cuts and welts criss-cross its torso and the remains of adhesive glue its hair to its hide. The face of its large axe is riddled with cracks and looks ready to shatter given a strong enough blow. Both combatants are huffing steadily, the chase drawing on their last reserves of strength.
Minotaur: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (8) - 1 = 7
Alan: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Vindlér: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Anthys: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
Qioté: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Map will be updated in the next few hours, so stay tuned. Also, the dice gods really hate me at the moment, take advantage while you can.
Order
Qioté, Anthys
Janira, Minotaur
Alan, Vindlér
Vindlér Far-seer |
Before we rush out into the battle, could I use the wand Uori gave us to cast Shield of Faith on everyone? That would give each of us a +3 deflection bonus to AC for 6 minutes.
Anthys |
If we have 3 rounds, I would suggest Vindlér use the wand on himself and Anthys, and the potion of Barkskin on himself, so our front line has AC 25 in a shield wall. Qioté's wolf would be the best target for the potion of Feather Step so they can charge even if there is some difficult terrain.
"Janira! Run to us! By the Inheritor, the shields of Lastwall will not let you down!"
Anthys takes a single move up, and readies to take another move if Vindlér moves past him.
Vindlér Far-seer |
Okay thanks. So I'll do three charges of the wand of Shield of Faith in those three rounds. I'll cast on Anthys and myself since we're front-line, and on Alan since Qioté will probably be defended by his mobility to an extent. Plus he has a higher starting AC. Alan, if you want, you could also grab a couple of the scrolls and wands. Mage Armor and Burning Hands might be particularly useful, and you should be able to use them since they're on the Bloodrager spell list.
Vindlér emerges, blinking, from the cave, and gasps as he sees Janira still fighting hard against the minotaur. "By the Scales! Get out of there, Janira! Yer supposed t' be teaching us, aye? Well teach us the proper way to do a tactical retreat and get behind us."
GM Fez |
Janira only spares a brief glance in your direction before a slash from the Minotaur steals her attention again. "*Gasp* I'm *huh* really glad you're *pant* here. I hate to *groan* admit it, but I *woah!* need some help here," she manages to grit out.
Order
Qioté, Anthys
Janira, Minotaur
Alan, Vindlér
Qioté Windrider |
With his wolf ignoring the rough terrain, Qioté directs him to speed toward the minotaur.
GM Fez |
Janira steps further away from the Minotaur before cracking her whip at its axe.
Disarm: 1d20 ⇒ 11
Her aim is shaky and the Minotaur is able to jerk its axe away from the grasp of her whip. Seeing she would be unable to flee she pulls her last tanglefoot bag from her belt and readies to throw it.
The Minotaur bellows, angry from the chase and this frustrating halfling which has evaded it all day. It steps closer to Janira to swing with its enormous axe.
Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
Janira must have run the Minotaur ragged, for despite her fatigue she is able to sidestep the attack.
Janira is now one 5 ft step north and east of her position, the Minotaur is now one 5 ft step east of its position.
Order
Qioté, Anthys
Janira, Minotaur
Alan, Vindlér
Vindlér Far-seer |
Vindlér rushes toward the log he sees spanning the small stream between him and the massive beast attacking Janira. As he jogs along, he calls out a prayer to Abadar, "Keeper of the First Vault, strengthen your servant against the untamed powers of this wild and dangerous beast. Guide my arm to strike true. Strengthen my shield to be like the walls of a great city. Do not let me fall." The dwarf's short legs do not carry him far, but he feels the power of his god filling him with divine wrath, shoring up his body and healing his minor wounds to face the threat ahead of him.
Double move. Swift action to declare Judgment against the minotaur. Using Judgment of Healing. Fast healing 1 is active. Regained 1 hp.
Anthys |
As Vindlér moves past, Anthys's readied action triggers, and he moves to keep up with the dwarf.
Didn't know if you were going to double move or cast and move.
Qioté Windrider |
Sorry - busy week.
Qioté urges his wolf to charge, and issues a challenge to the minotaur. "Leave my friend alone, or you will suffer! Come face me instead!"
Ride Check: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
If greater than the attack role, the attack is negated.
Charge Attack, Inspired: 1d20 + 5 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 5 + 2 + 1 = 18
Damage: 1d6 + 2 + 1 + 1d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 1 + (3) + 2 + 1 = 11
GM Fez |
Qioté's lance pierces the Minotaur's side, causing it to bellow in pain and rage. Janira sees an opportunity and moving just outside of the minotaur's reach throws a bag that quickly opens full of sticky resin.
Ranged Touch Attack: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21 Now I wish that could actually do damage...
How long?: 2d4 ⇒ (2, 1) = 3
Reflex: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
The resin covers the minotaur's chest and arms, slowing it down, but it is still mobile. In addition you can see the resin very quickly becoming brittle, causing some bits to flake off already.
The minotaur moves to keep Janira in range, swinging wildly between the three targets it can hit.
Axe vs Janira: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Axe vs Wolf: 1d20 ⇒ 5
Gore vs Qioté: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
It's wild swings are doing it no favors as none of its attacks come close to hitting.
Order
Qioté
Janira, Minotaur -11
Vindlér, Anthys
Delay
Alan
AC 11, touch 6, flat-footed 11
CMD 17
hp 38 (1 nonlethal)
Vindlér Far-seer |
Vindlér takes the popular option and double moves across the log bridge. "Blast these short dwarven legs! Janira, we'll be there in a moment. Hang in there!"
Healing judgment heals another 1 hp. Full health, yay!
Qioté Windrider |
Qioté uses his lance to fend off attacks as he turns his mount and moves away from the minotaur, turning to make another pass.
Attack Defensively: 1d20 + 5 - 4 ⇒ (6) + 5 - 4 = 7 AC+2 for round
GM Fez |
The Minotaur takes the opportunity Qioté provides to swipe at him with its axe.
AoO: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
Its wild swing causes it to bellow, allowing Janira to slip away from it without reprisal. She stumbles between Anthys and Vindlér, winded and (relatively) unharmed.
The Minotaur, confused but still angry at Janira gives chase, stopping to take a swing at Vindlér.
Stumbling Fury!: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
As the fight has thus far proven the Minotaur is nearing exhaustion and its swing holds no power allowing Vindlér to stop it cold.
Order
Qioté
Janira, Minotaur -11 (2 rounds of entangled)
Alan, Vindlér, Anthys
Vindlér Far-seer |
Vindlér laughs off the weakened minotaur's attack and advances to make his own attack. "Now yer mine, beastie!"
Swift action to switch to Judgment of Justice (+1 on attack rolls), 5ft step forward (I assume the minotaur attacked from reach), attack with morningstar
Morningstar, Judgment: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 2 + 1 = 8 Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Anthys |
Did the minotaur move up? Anthys will move up and attack. AC 27 if adjacent to Vindlér. It and Janira haven't been moved on the map yet so I just put Anthys next to Vindlér.
"For honor and justice!"
longsword: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Anthys only manages a glancing blow, though it still wounds the beast.