[NostalgiaCon 2021] PFS #8-04 Wardens of Sulfur Gulch (Inactive)

Game Master cmlobue

The glow is not magical, though there is one aura within the room, among the collapsed earth.

Rhiannon shakes her head. "I felt nothing, but I wonder where that fresh air is coming from this far down?" When she learns there is an aura detected among the collapsed earth, the paladin offers. "Let me go and investigate, perhaps there is something buried beneath?"

Unless one of the others offers another plan, Rhiannon crosses the room with sword and shield at the ready, then uses her blade to dig out some of the earth to reveal the source of the aura.

Arin follows cautiously behind Rhiannon, maintaining his magic detection and hoping to zero in on the source, or else identify whatever danger she could unearth.

Rhiannon and Arin enter the room, and the sense of falling spreads to everyone and intensifies. For a moment, you are not sure if you are still on the ground.

Round 1 - bolded may go

Minata
Shrec
Rone
???
Arin
Fahd
Rhiannon

Knowledge (Religion): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

Rhiannon feels mildly ill as the ground suddenly seems to drop away from below her heavy boots, and the paladin has absolutely no idea what's going on...

Not sure what was going on, Minita did what any warrior would, got ready for battle.

Ready action, Attack foe. Power attack, Shield of blades (AC 24)

Thought I posted, but Shrec will delay.

Rone feels the sense of falling for a moment before he is able to steady himself.

Knowledge (religion): 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (8) + 21 = 29

"Take out those rectangle shaped thing there!", he says as he pulls out a wand and fires a few bolts at one of them.

Wand of Magic Missile (CL 3): 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (1, 3) + 2 = 6

Rone calls out to the group to destroy the metal boxes on the walls, then takes one out himself with magic. Minata moves into the room and hacks the other off the wall. The sensation of falling dissipates.

Another vision appears. The wall of earth to the west seems to fall away, revealing a tunnel from which a gear-laden explorer emerges. As the air thickens with yellow-green mist, he pulls a gem from his pouches and smashes it, releasing an air elemental that begins dispersing the mist. The PCs immediately hear a cold, hollow-sounding voice from all around, making several demands all at once.

The robots from the previous vision march into view, prompting the explorer to beat a hasty retreat while throwing a flask. The container explodes, collapsing the tunnel as the vision ends.

The magic aura is emanating from a wand among the rubble.

”What in the world are we in the middle of? I’ve had visions after a night of drinking before but nothing like this!”

For several moments Arin focuses on the visions, forgetting even the rest of his team around him. Fahd's question snaps him back to reality.

I don't know, but that wasn't pleasant.

He notes a magic signature coming from the visible wand, and approaches it.

Detecting magic

spellcraft: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12
spellcraft, eternal hope reroll: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29

This wand creates clouds of fog.

"Did anyone understand what was said?", Rone says as he looks around the room for any hidden passageways.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

Rhiannon shakes her head tightly, her eyes watchful and her muscles tensed. Sword and shield are at the ready, but there is nothing to fight at the moment. She hopes those more magically inclined can make sense of what's going on.

Linguistics: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16
Minata tried to make sense of what the vision had said.

The device is willing to translate the words from the vision for everyone, but does not provide any further information.

With nothing left to do in this passageway, the Pathfinders return to the intersection, then try the tunnel to the north. They come to a large chamber, which is laid out like an auditorium, with rows of seats pointed toward a large pane of black glass set into the curving northern wall.

The black glass on the far wall suddenly lights up, resolving into the image of a dark-skinned woman surrounded by clouds of yellow-green smoke. Her gaze is cruel and imperious, and she exhales poison gas with every breath. “Natives.” Her voice is hollow and cold. “Lay down your weapons and surrender, and perhaps I will permit you to live.”

”Im pretty sure we aren’t going to be doing that, lady.”

I think, it is a good idea for us to surrender. She didn't yell, she said it nicely. Perhaps if we surrender, she will treat us nicely.

"Maybe break glass so she can get out of her cage?" Minata suggested.

Is the gas cloud entering the room or is it just on the screen?

"Arin, show the AI Core the glass with the image. Perhaps she can tell us what this is."

Rone casts Detect Magic into the room.

Rhiannon shouts a challenge to the dark-skinned female. "Death first! Come and fight!" The paladin steps to the fore, shield and sword raised high as she calls upon Ragathiel to lend her luck in battle.

Move forward 15', cast Divine Favor. Wait... is this a movie? :)

Arin looks at the AI Core device and asks If you're in here...

He turns it towards the black glass at the far end of the room before continuing and she's in there, then can either of you affect us here in this room? Her threats seem... symbolic.

The mist was just on the screen, but now..."

Arin speaks to the device. He holds it up so that the screens are facing each other. The device makes a startled expression in Androffan.

Shrec floats the offer to give in to the creature. It looks suprised for a moment, then responds, "You are capable, and I lack assistants. You will aid me in creating a body with..."

However, before it can finish its request, Rhiannon utters a battle cry and enters the room. The creature on the wall screen yells, "Betrayers!" A yellow-green mist enters the room from vents on either side.

One of the mist creatures moved toward Fahs and exhales a cone of corrosive gases. Everyone but Rhiannon takes 5d6 ⇒ (1, 5, 3, 5, 1) = 15 acid damage (Reflex DC 18 half).

Round 1 - bolded may go

Blue
Minata (Reflex Save)
???
Red
Arin (Reflex Save)
Rone (Reflex Save)
Shrec (Reflex Save)
Rhiannon (divine favor)
Fahd (Reflex Save)

Reflex: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15
Minita ignored the pain from the attack as he stepped forward, nodachi raised as he slashed at the treat.

Nodachi PA: 1d20 + 13 - 3 ⇒ (8) + 13 - 3 = 181d10 + 7 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 7 + 9 = 24
Nodachi PA: 1d20 + 5 - 3 ⇒ (5) + 5 - 3 = 71d10 + 7 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 7 + 9 = 23
AC 24 with Shield of Blades

Minata tries to cut apart the creature, but wherever the blade it, the gases are not.

Rhiannon feels the spirit in the screen pressing on her mind, trying to make her betray her allies. Will DC 19 or you are dominated and must attack your allies to the best of your ability.

The other creature moves and breathes out its own cloud of gas. Minata is out of range now, but three of the the other Pathfinders near the door are subject to an additional 5d6 ⇒ (1, 5, 3, 5, 1) = 15 acid damage.

Round 1 - bolded may go

Blue
Minata (-15 HP)
???
Red
Arin (Reflex Save, Reflex Save)
Rone (Reflex Save)
Shrec (Reflex Save, Reflex Save)
Rhiannon (divine favor, Will Save)
Fahd (Reflex Save, Reflex Save)

Reflex save: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10 Ouch!

Knowledge (planes): 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (1) + 21 = 22
I'm not sure how many questions I get, but here are a few:
Weaknesses/vulnerabilities?
Immunities/resistances?
Special attacks/abilities?

Knowledge (religion): 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (9) + 21 = 30
"Beware of the image! It will try to bend you to its will!", Rone yells out as he casts a spell.

Cast Haste on everyone.
Duration: 10 rounds

When making a full attack action, a hasted creature may make one extra attack with one natural or manufactured weapon. The attack is made using the creature's full base attack bonus, plus any modifiers appropriate to the situation. (This effect is not cumulative with similar effects, such as that provided by a speed weapon, nor does it actually grant an extra action, so you can't use it to cast a second spell or otherwise take an extra action in the round.)

A hasted creature gains a +1 bonus on attack rolls and a +1 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves. Any condition that makes you lose your Dexterity bonus to Armor Class (if any) also makes you lose dodge bonuses.

All of the hasted creature's modes of movement (including land movement, burrow, climb, fly, and swim) increase by 30 feet, to a maximum of twice the subject's normal speed using that form of movement. This increase counts as an enhancement bonus, and it affects the creature's jumping distance as normal for increased speed. Multiple haste effects don't stack. Haste dispels and counters slow.

Reflex with Haste 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 10 + 1 = 16
Reflex with Haste 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 10 + 1 = 18

By my count, I take 23 damage with one save.

Fahd enters pummeling style and tries to thrash the blue tinged enemy soundly.

Pummeling flurry with haste 1d20 + 17 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 17 + 1 = 34
Damage 1d10 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19

Pummeling flurry with haste 1d20 + 17 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 17 + 1 = 22
Damage 1d10 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20

Haste attack Pummeling flurry with haste 1d20 + 17 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 17 + 1 = 35
Damage 1d10 + 13 ⇒ (8) + 13 = 21

Iterative attack on Pummeling flurry with haste 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 12 + 1 = 30
Damage 1d10 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18

One question on the caustic stalker. It is vulnerable to wind; it takes damage and cannot use its breath weapon when exposed to a wind stronger than moderate. Gust of wind is considered severe for these purposes.

The haunt is a penetrating demand. It can dominate only humanoids and only one at a time. It cannot target an invisible creature or one under the effect of hide from undead. Damaging the screen or the two boxes next to it can affect its ability to choose or affect a target. It can only be destroyed in the normal fashion for a haunt, however.

reflex: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7 reflex: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
Shrec complains
Guys, what are you going, she just wants to create something. Sure, that something might be bad or it could be good, but we live in exchange for helping her create a creature, even if it is a monster. She offered us a deal. If she if offering to spare us, then she'll make the same deal with anyone else including townsfolk, she will offer to spare their lives in exchange for being her slave, is that so bad? Not sure which one I want to attack yet, I'll relook it over in a couple of hours. Shrec will actually fight, just roleplaying an apathic character who wants to live at all costs.

There is a way to help the creature and complete the adventure that way, but everyone needs to be on board, because it attacks after any aggressive action.

Will Save: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (6) + 18 = 24 (additional +2 if an enchantment spell or effect)

Rhiannon feels the will of the thing trying to dominate her mind, but the paladin pushes free after a moment's pause.

Knowledge (Religion): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

Uncertain of how to defeat this thing, she falls back on her martial prowess and tries to destroy the screen that has spawned it!

Why not? She doesn't recognize this thing, nor how to defeat it, so attack the object that seems to have created it! Of course, if she is given some guidance by the more mystically-inclined of her allies, she would be happy to assist with her other abilities. For now, Charge the screen and attack with Vital Strike and Power Attack.

Magical +2 Adamantine Bastard Sword (Charge/Divine Favor/Power Attack): 1d20 + 16 + 2 - 3 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 16 + 2 - 3 + 1 = 22
Damage (Divine Favor/Vital Strike/Power Attack): 2d10 + 9 + 6 ⇒ (9, 9) + 9 + 6 = 33

Oof, lot of acid.
Reflex (hasted), DC18: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 4 + 1 = 14
Reflex (hasted), DC18: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 4 + 1 = 16

knowledge (planes), DC22: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (14) + 16 = 30 I'll just take the next of Rone's questions that wasn't answered before.

Turn actions incoming...

Arin steps to the side and walks towards mysterious woman, carefully with his head down at the floor until he bumps into Rhiannon.

[move] (hasted) 30'

He then looks up at the ceiling and spreads his arms, releasing a burst of divine energy that should harm haunts or the undead.

[standard] channel positive energy
Damage, DC19: 4d6 ⇒ (3, 1, 3, 3) = 10 arg

Caustic stalkers have DR 5/-, are immune to acid and have the amorphous trait, in addition to traits shared by all elementals. The breath weapon also includes an inhaled poison (not relevant this time) and if they hit you or you hit them with a natural weapon or unarmed strike, it causes a chemical burn (burning, but acid damage).

Arin moves towards the screen an unleashes a burst of positive energy.

Will Save: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

Rone magically speeds his allies.

Rhiannon smashes the screen with her sword. It cracks, and the image on it is degrading, but it is still functional.

Fahs assaults the nearby elemental repeatedly. The slightly increased pressure of the air is the only sign that it might be working at all, but the pain of his hands starting to dissolve is all to real.

The creature, annoyed by Fahd, slams a surprisingly solid appendage into him.

Slam: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (15) + 15 = 30
Bludgeoning Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6

Slam: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (11) + 15 = 26
Bludgeoning Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Fahd must make six DC 18 Reflex saves. If any of them fail, he begins taking 1d6 acid damage per round until he is fully submerged in or doused by 1 gallon of water.

Round 2 - bolded may go

Blue (-58 HP)
Minata (-15 HP, haste)
Haunt (-10 HP, screen -33 HP)
Red
Arin (-30 HP, haste)
Rone (-15 HP, haste)
Shrec (-30 HP, haste, delay)
Rhiannon (divine favor, haste)
Fahd (-31 HP, haste, Reflex Save x6)

FYI, GM, Pummeling Style allows all of Pau’s damage to be added together before DR is taken out by these baddies! Thanks.

Reflex 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27
Reflex 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27
Reflex 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30
Reflex 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13
Reflex 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14
Reflex 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17

Blue realizes that it got punched in the same spot one too many times and evaporates - though not until after enough of its acid gets on Fahd to start dissolving him.

Round 2 - bolded may go

Blue
Minata (-15 HP, haste)
Haunt (-10 HP, screen -33 HP)
Red
Arin (-30 HP, haste)
Rone (-15 HP, haste)
Shrec (-30 HP, haste, delay)
Rhiannon (divine favor, haste)
Fahd (-23 HP, haste, chemical burn 1d6)

Stepping up to the other foe, Minato tried to remove it from the area.
Attack Red: 1d20 + 13 - 3 ⇒ (12) + 13 - 3 = 221d10 + 7 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 7 + 9 = 18

Can someone please move me next to Red. Thanks

step to red and attack hit: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (11) + 15 = 26 dmg: 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

Minata has been moved.

Shrec and Minata both hack at the elemental, and while some of the mist dissipates, both sense they caused some damage.

The haunt turns its attention to Arin. DC 19 Will save or dominated.

Red floats to the south and breathes out acid again, enveloping Minata, Shrec and Fahd in 5d6 ⇒ (4, 1, 2, 1, 2) = 10 acid damage (Reflex 18 half), provoking in the process.

The acid eats into Fahd for 1d6 ⇒ 4 damage.

Round 2-3 - bolded may go

Blue
Minata (-15 HP, haste, AOO, Reflex save)
Haunt (-10 HP, screen -33 HP)
Red (-21 HP)
Arin (-30 HP, haste, Will save)
Rone (-15 HP, haste)
Shrec (-30 HP, haste, AOO, Reflex save)
Rhiannon (divine favor, haste)
Fahd (-27 HP, haste, chemical burn 1d6, Reflex save)

Reflex with Haste 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 10 + 1 = 17

”Someone start healing me! This acid is eating me alive, Fahd yells, knowing he would have to be the one to finish the acid creatures. He moved and swung a fist, knowing it would hurt.

Attack 1d20 + 17 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 17 + 1 = 22

Damage 1d10 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19

Woukd someone move me to the red enemy, please?

Will, DC19: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

He reflexively releases another burst of positive energy and then jogs out to the side away from the haunt.

[standard] channel positive energy Damage, DC19: 4d6 ⇒ (6, 4, 2, 1) = 13
[move] 25'

AOO: 1d20 + 13 - 3 ⇒ (2) + 13 - 3 = 121d10 + 7 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 7 + 9 = 25
Reflex: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15
Miniata tried to slash the creature as it moved past, but to no luck, more so since he caught a full blast of the acid.

Rone casts another spell!

Cast Flaming Sphere.
DC 20 Reflex
Fail? 10 damage
Success? 0 damage
Damage: 3d6 ⇒ (3, 2, 5) = 10

Seeing Arin channeling positive energy, and determining that attacking the big window-like section of wall doesn't appear to be doing anything, Rhiannon joins in, also channeling positive energy to stop whatever is responsible for this.

Channel Energy: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 5) = 8 DC 16 save for half damage

Botting Shrec

Arin and Rhiannon channel positive energy into the haunt.

Will Save DC 19: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16
Will Save DC 16: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

Minata swings at the mist creature, but does not make contact.

Fahd calls for help, but still moves in and hits the elemental trying to dissolve him.

Rone conjures some fire at the elemental.

Relfex Save: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14

The ball of flame smacks into it.

Reflex, Shrec: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

Shrec takes two swings at Red.

hit: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (11) + 15 = 26 | dmg: 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15
hit: 1d20 + 15 - 5 ⇒ (18) + 15 - 5 = 28 | dmg: 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

The second elemental dissipates.

Fahd dissolves for another 1d6 ⇒ 2 of damage.

The haunt attempts to possess Shrec, hoping that his blade is strong but his mind is weak. DC 19 Will save or dominated.

Round 3-4 - bolded may go

Blue
Minata (-25 HP, haste)
Haunt (-27 HP, screen -33 HP)
Red
Arin (-30 HP, haste)
Rone (-15 HP, haste)
Shrec (-40 HP, haste, Will save)
Rhiannon (divine favor, haste)
Fahd (-33 HP, haste, chemical burn 1d6)

Fahd pulls out his water skin and pours it all over himself, trying to make the burn stop.

will save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21 Shrec has control, except it is a haunt and fighters can't do anything about a haunt, he can't slice it in half with his sword.

Glad to see that her channeling seems to have some effect on the evil thing, she again focuses the divine energy she wields...

Channel Energy: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 6) = 10 DC 16 save for half damage