5-13 Weapon in the Rift (5-9) (Inactive)

Game Master Slothsy

"What a lovely smell you've discovered." Vinnie's nose crinkles as the smell of the forge hits him.

Herodotus steps into the room, bow at the ready. "Indeed. But that too shall pass Master Guarini." After ensuring that everyone has made their way in through the circle, Herodotus will begin searching the room for anything of note.

I don't see a map for this room. Not quite sure what to investigate, but I'll Detect Magic around.

Stepping through the portal, Tomas stares in marvel at the armoury spread around them and immediately sets about searching through the weapons hung around for anything of significance.

perception: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (2) + 15 = 17

Stepping off the portal pad, Ionwe slings her bow and draws her cutlass, making sure the buckler strapped to her arm is secure. Looking around the room, she says "I suppose a forge within this tower would make sense, but do we know where exactly we are? If we are even still in the tower?"

She looks for a window or a map.

Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15

"Perhaps underground? Forges don't strike me as an airy art."

This room appears to be the same building as the original teleportation circle; the walls are made of the same stone, and the same blue-white pipes line the ceiling. A teleportation circle is faintly visible in the floor. There are no windows, but there is a sturdy wooden door. The ventilation pipes near the forge are clogged with soot.

Among the weapon racks, Herodotus and Tomas find three crossbow bolts, four sling bullets and a set of steel cauldron engraved with images of charging bulls. Fatima's spell shows that these items also shine brightly with magic.

I set up a minimap in the slide show, so as not to spoil your actual location in the tower.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20

Fatima examines the magical items, and explains their properties to her allies.

"It seems we are still in the tower. I'm curious if this forge is integral to the operation of the weapon; it seems strange to include an ordinary smithing shop in such a specialized structure." Can we make any kind of Knowledge check on that?

Fatima examines the ventilation pipes, to see if they can be easily unclogged. Is it something that could be cleaned with Prestidigitation?

The pipes appear to be clogged with years of non-magical soot. A quick prestidigitation wipes it clear. The ventilation pipes, however, end at solid rock created by the tower's defense.

I'll say that it'll be a Knowledge (Engineering) check to determine the purpose of the forge in this structure.

"That is a good question."

Knowledge (Engineering): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16

The forge seems to be a standard forge, mostly meant for forging metal. It does not seem to be connected to any other mechanisms.

Tomas takes their finds within the racks and passes them out to any who wish them, of no one else takes them, he will affix the pauldrons to the plate taken from earlier in the tower. With no new information apparent he turns to his allies.

"Shall we press on?"

"Yes, let's."

"Tomas, perhaps you should search the door for traps first? You seem to have a knack for that sort of thing."

"Of course"

Take 20 on Perception for the door = 35

Herodotus nods and stands ready by the door. "Wow, this is sooooooooooooooo exciting. Like that time Kalks went to pray to Iomedae for guidance for FOUR hours. Hey Herod, why can't you be more like that Guarini guy?" opines Gamin in a whiny tone.

"Always liked that sword." Vinnie nods, drumming his fingers on the wall.

You see no traps on the door. Assuming you're going in...

Two long countertops and a workbench occupy this workshop. The work surfaces are covered with religious symbols, quills, broken glass, and small metal components as well as with dusty alchemical supplies that have not seen use in years. A niche in the southeast wall holds a gold-capped prism that glows with blue-white light. Doors lead to the north, south, and east, and a heavier iron door stands in the room’s northwest corner.

Sihir points to the glowing prism (the bright light strangely failing to bother him). "Ah! Another one of those! Let's take it this time!"

That out of the way, he proceeds to look around what is no doubt an exceptionally magical room.

detect magic/Spellcraft: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (19) + 16 = 35
Knowledge (Arcana): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (11) + 16 = 27
Craft (Alchemy), untrained: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

"I humbly suggest we save the heaviest door for last. The others are likely closets or such."

Does that glowing prism look similar to the one that powered the Holy Smite trap from before? Is it connected to anything?

Fatima casts a spell to search for magical auras.

It does. It is sitting in a socket but could be easily removed. An identical prism was in the room with the hound archons.

The shimmer of magic glints on some of the equipment buried under the dust. Concentrating and ignoring the tower's abjuraction field and the magical equipment carried by fellow Pathfinder, it's clear the magic comes from three vials, two funnels, a flask and the prism, with the strongest aura coming from the prism.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25

I'm not seeing anything about the flask, or is that in the DC 32 spoiler?

Fatima examines the potions, and describes their properties to her allies. "I'm afraid the effects of the prism are beyond my capabilities to identify. Perhaps the wizard will have better luck?"

"What? We've already seen one of those. It is a conduit by which the power of a goodly conscience may lend itself directly to the power of magic."

This is a sacred prism, as sort of battery capable of storing the essence of good for later use.

In addition to its use as a battery, a PC can use a sacred prism to augment spells he casts with the good descriptor, expending 2 charges to increase the spell’s caster level by 1, 4 charges to increase the caster level by 2, or 8 charges to increase the caster level by 3. A PC can also throw a prism as a splash weapon that destroys the prism and replicates a holy smite spell (Will DC 16) with a caster level equal to the number of remaining charges.

A PC can recharge a prism in several ways. The prism absorbs spells with the good descriptor cast directly at it, regaining a number of charges equal to the spell’s level. When affected by a channel energy effect augmented by the Alignment Channel feat to harm evil outsiders or heal good outsiders, a prism regains a number of charges equal to the number of dice the PC would roll for the effect. Finally, a good-aligned creature can grasp a prism and concentrate as a full-round action to restore 1d4 charges, though doing so also gives the PC 1 temporary negative level for 24 hours. Prisms cannot hold more than 8 charges.

Whilst those of an arcane mastery investigate the items saved from the towers decay, Tomas begins examining the doors on the north, south and east walls, leaving the heavier door until later, when they may press through.

take 20 for 35 on each door?

Yes, the flask is in that DC 32 spoiler. Information about the prisms has already been shared, so I didn't think to repeat it.

Tomas checks over the doors, examining their frames, their locks and hinges. As he takes his time, he finds nothing of interest with these doors.

You're probably right, Sihir. The description of the prism having the strongest aura threw me off, and made me think that was in the DC 32 spoiler. Can you go ahead and try for that one?

"These magic baubles are lovely and will fetch a good price, but this place gives me the creeps. Can we get this 'weapon' and get out? Unless the weapon is shiny crystals, in which case, yay?" Vinnie looks increasingly bothered by the atmosphere around them....

Can you go ahead and try for that one?

I already made a Spellcraft check with a result of 35 above before the DM posted those - can we say that was it?

failing that...: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (5) + 16 = 21

Hopefully, DM will accept my original roll. :/

Hmm, I'll allow it.

Herodotus looks down at his sheathed sword, annoyed, for a few minutes, as if his withering look of disappointment could somehow affect Gamin. Sighing he lifts his head back up and moves into the alchemy lab towards the easternmost door with a look towards Vinnie. "Indeed you should have "the creeps" Master Guarini. This tower is located inside a blasphemy to all of creation. Cheating, deception, theft... Those, while morally reprehensible, are dwarfed by the intent of the current masters of this land: utter annihilation, wanton death and destruction." he inspects the door quickly, motioning for Tomas to step forward. "Your creeps are your body warning you of the abhorrent nature of the land. An altogether natural response, one that I share after a fashion. Apologies if I sound dismissive or condescending." he finishes with a respectful bow before turning to Fatima and Sihir.

"Lady Fatima, Master Semesta, what can you tell us of the vials and devices contained herein?"

Assuming that a summary description of the potions and other things found in here has not been given. If the characters would have, please disregard. Just to keep momentum going, if Tomas seems otherwise preoccupied, Herodotus will open the door he is standing right next to.

Tomas nods to Herodotusin support of his words as he finishes examining the last door, he tolls his shoulders to keep them loose and adresses the group.

"That is all but the large door checked and they all seem clear, I suggest investigating them before we go through this route, I shall check it before we are ready to proceed. If there are no objections, let us press on?"

Happy with any of the wooden doors

"I suggest we begin with the door to the right." East?

"Right's good for me." Vinnie shudder, wondering how much holy lectures he can stand before the urge to kill rises...

Okay, opening up the East door.

The door opens into another small chamber, five feet wide by five feet long. An iron door sits at the end of this small hallway.

Herodotus motions to Thomas to check the door and, once satisfied it is not trapped, opens it as well.

"Tomas, please examine this door as well. I'm sure we are all happy to wait."

About how long has it been since we first went in? My buffs only last an hour.

Herodotus, seeing that Tomas is otherwise preoccupied, takes the lead and inspects the door.

Herodotus will take twenty to check the door, for a total of 29. If it isn't trapped he will happily open the door. Apologies if this is rude, but I'm sure everyone wants to keep the ball going.

Doesnt seem rude^^. GM, any chance we can just go to standard operating procedure that, if time allows, Tomas will take twenty for 35 and if it doesn't you roll as there seem to be a lot of small corridors with doors in this tower and i dont want us bogged down ^^

Tomas helps Herodotus check the door over thoroughly, getting into the practice of things now as he checks every edge and hinge, his eyes never leaving the door or its immediate surroundings and his powerful hands moving surprisingly dextrously as he feels around the edges and for hidden panels.

I will be more than happy to accept that from here on out. Let me know if you ever decide not to take the additional two minutes to do check.

A long coat rack laden with baggy leather suits and a wooden wardrobe comprise the only furnishings in this room. A desiccated body lies slumped against the north wall, cradling a glowing prism in its limp arms. A second prism lies at the body’s side. Iron doors lead to the north and west.

A malignant cloud of a man boils in the middle of the room, its maw constantly moving. Its eerie babble buzzes through the air, it digging in deep to the very center of your mind.

Initiative!

Round 1
23 - Monster
21-11 - Vinnie, Herodotus, Sihir, Ionew, Tomas, Fatima

init, Vinnie: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
init, Herodotus: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
init, Sihir Aneh: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
init, Ionwe: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19
init, Tomas: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
init, Fatima: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (2) + 15 = 17

Will Saves V. Babble

Vinnie: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29
Herodotus: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
Sihir Aneh: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Ionwe: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Tomas: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
Fatima: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

Fatima is fascinated.

The creature's babble turns into discernible speech for a moment as its eyeless sockets turn to Tomas. From its maw falls the command, "Halt". It falls over the room with severity.

Everyone must make a DC 20 Will Save or Halt, as per greater command. Those that fail their save may attempt a new save at the start of their next turn.

Will: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (15) + 15 = 30 "No." Vinnie calls out. "You first."

He draws a wand from his pocket and aims at the creature! Scorching Ray: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17 for 4d6 ⇒ (6, 1, 4, 3) = 14 fire damage!

Will save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

Knowledge Religion: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (20) + 14 = 34

Will: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

Efffff! Why do the dice gods hate Fatima?

Also, wouldn't Greater Command break the fascination effect? Maybe the monster has some built-in immunity, but I thought I'd check.

Yes, you are right. However, you'll have to make the save again, as you're only immune from Babble 2: Electric Babbloo if you've made the save. For those halting, duration is 10 rounds. Keep in mind if you failed Greater Command, you have the save from the spell being cast, and then an additional save at the beginning of your turn.

The creature sees Vinnie's blast approach and dodges out of the way. Although its dodge is not fast enough to miss it, a field around the creature seems to turn the bolt at the last moment.

Will: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 5 + 2 = 21 Elven blood save me!

Ionwe feels the power of the command wash over her, freezing her momentarily before she manages to push through it.

"What manner of foul creature is this?" she yells as she raises her cutlass towards the creature.

"Cut this thing down!" she exclaims, and then drops her cutlass, quickly drawing her bow and letting loose an arrow.

Attack w/ Deadly Aim and Point Blank: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (15) + 14 = 29
Damage is Magical: 1d8 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13

Attack +/-0 = -3 Deadly Aim, +1 Point Blank, +2 Freebooters Bane
Damage +12 = +2 Strength, +1 Magic, +2 Freebooters Bane, +6 Deadly Aim, +1 Point Blank Shot
Move Action action to direct Freebooters Bane. All individuals attacking the target get +2 (Untyped)Bonus to Weapon Attack and Damage. Lasts until target is dead or new target is called.

Will (Command): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
Will (fascinate?): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

Not sure if that beats the DC of the fascinate.

Yes, it does. You're good.

Huzzah!

Fatima snaps out of her stupor and springs into action. She casts a protective spell from her wand, then drops it to the ground as she charges into battle, draws her blade, and enhances its magic.

Standard action, wand of Shield. Swift action, arcane pool to boost wakizashi to +3 Agile. Move action, move into melee range while drawing wakizashi.

Incorporeal touch AC right now is 30. I would dare you to take your best shot, but we all know how that turned out with the arrow trap.

If he tries to make a melee attack against me, I'll attempt a parry/riposte.

[dice=Will Save vs "Halt" nonsense]1d20 + 8[/dice]

Knowledge:Religion: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

"A foul Alip?!? Bearing Iomedae's symbol?!? Cursed undead, your tainted existence shall be purged from this world, the Inheritor be my witness!" shout Herodotus as he moves closer to Vinnie. His eyes take on a particular glow as Gamin intones "Hoo boy, here we go again...

"AND THE INHERITOR GAZED INTO THE FELL EYES OF THE LORD OF BARROWOOD, AND HER WORDS WERE LIKE THUNDER! "NEVERMORE SHALL YOU COMMIT SUCH EVIL, BY THE LAST OF THE FIRST!""

Declaring smite on Mister Fancy Jewelry.

Longbow vs Allip, Deadly Aim, Point-Blank Shot, Smite: 1d20 + 11 - 2 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 11 - 2 + 1 + 4 = 27
Longbow attack #1 damage: 1d8 + 3 + 4 + 1 + 6 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 4 + 1 + 6 + 6 = 23

Didn't factor in cover from Tomas; if that hit, my buddy Vinnie gets all the benefits of precise shot until the end of my next turn, so long as he stays within ten feet.

Ionwe and Herodotus's arrows both rip through the creature, passing through its misty form and clanking on the ground behind it. The arrows lay covered in shadowy essence and a few holes dot the allip's garments.

Round 1
23 - Monster
21-11 - Vinnie, Herodotus, Sihir, Ionew, Tomas, Fatima

Sihir and Tomas are up!

Sihir, remember that you have two saves versus the command.

Will save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

and if that failed: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

Is this what being afraid of the dark is like? Hmm!