Agents of the Darklands, Part 2: In Company of Forgotten Evils

Game Master thunderbeard

The now black-eyed cat looked at the armored dragon and nodded.

The phylactery isn't telepathic, so it can't talk when it is being a cat. I really enjoy the weird little limitations of how this character works.

"Statement: I shall consult Master Jiator, when I see him, regarding construction, then."

The dragon said "There is such a spell. I do not know it's exact limitations, but it is likely the material could be transmuted from materials of similar composition and value."

"We'll have to ask about that when our resident genius surfaces again. This Harpy project you have him working on is keeping him busy."

"Thanks again for that! It's really nice of you to help me out."

"I can really see why mortals are sooo hung up on mortality. There are just so many things to do! Any limited time would be way too short."

"Mortality is the first measure of a man," Jiator intones, peering through a doorway. "Accepting it means placing a limit on one's own achievements, and erasing one's marks on the world."

And then, responding to Inubrix's question, "We have already alloted space for the workshop you requested. The city's building plans are a little chaotic at the moment, but our first priority is building appropriate residences and workshops for the city's senior advisors and residents. At the moment, we are building basic housing; but following that, the dragon is building his own lair, the High Priestess requests lodgings of her own. The bards desire a performance space, the Red Lady wishes to see her libraries restored; I can only assume the General will want to construct a barracks, as she has expressed displeasure at letting Hell's embassy train the entirety of this city's army. Your 'generator' will be placed at equal priority with those projects. And it is good to meet you, I assume."

Technically, Monkeygod is the benevolent ruler of our build queue, of course. Jiator's just repeating things that have generally been discussed.

"Polite Response: Understood. I will assist where needed."

"I have the knowledge to craft magical constructs. I believe it would be prudent for all concerned if you and I compared notes, Inubrix."

AKA: Lets talk so that I have an in-game reason to understand the nature of clockwork creations. They seem to be the most cost efficient and rather interesting constructs.

Tuning to the drow noble, Inunrix replies, "Agreement: I concur. The Red Lady spoke highly of the knowledge gathered among councilmembers here, more progress can be made in concert vice solo."

Tuning to the drow noble, Inunrix replies, "Agreement: I concur. The Red Lady spoke highly of the knowledge gathered among councilmembers here, more progress can be made in concert vice solo."

"In due course i'll be setting up a workshop as well. I imagine there will be similarities and differences from yours, but perhaps we can help one another be more efficient and/or combine efforts into something spectacular. "

"Diabolical: Soon, nothing of intelligence will think to attack this settlement."

"Diabolical: Soon, nothing of intelligence will think to attack this settlement."

"That's the plan." Meridian grins wickedly

** spoiler omitted **

Right, right. The zombard probably talks to Illia- and a few other people tied to the city's defense; I'm assuming John or someone like that rallies the party to go investigate it, though Illia- may still be teleporting in ahead.

Meredian stands talking with Inubrix about constructs plus anyone else who may be standing around. When a runner comes in Meredian stops and listens about the Quarry monster.

After she looks to Inubrix and says, "Care to show off your capabilities?"

Regardless she excuses herself and heads to the quarry. In Inubrix comes along she escorts him that way.

"Factual Reply: It will be beneficial to examine denizens of this depth dirst-hand."

"Factual Reply: It will be beneficial to examine denizens of this depth dirst-hand."

Meredian makes a "this way" motion and leads the way.

Inubrix follows, unsure of what the normal modes of transport are in this city.

Inubrix follows, unsure of what the normal modes of transport are in this city.

Meridian is flying, but she stays a few inches off the ground as she doesn't know your capabilities. Also she is moving at 30' unless you seem to be able to move faster.

Dris races ahead of the group in wind form. 1d20 + 34 ⇒ (12) + 34 = 46 Perception to notice anything amiss or out of place

Anaxian the larger pads along next to the construct, saying nothing for now.

"Hello, if you're not an intelligent monster, I'm all alone and vulnerable and I sure hope no big monster comes out and eat me. If you're intelligent, then all my buddies will be coming soon and if you want to take me out before they arrive and we become pretty much invincible as a team, this is your only shot." Illia- wanders towards the deeper part of the quarry, yelling.

Perception, See in Darkness, True Seeing: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (6) + 26 = 32

Illia cracks me up.

Illia- arrives at the quarry first, teleporting directly inside, while Drisquar races through the wind just behind, taking time to examine the caves he passes through.

If you're curious about the monster's response, you can read her spoiler

"Awww... But I wanted to fight... You know, if you had wanted to know more about us, you could have just stopped by Escara. We're pretty chill about people, even if they're people-monsters. But not if they broke our stuff. Not cool, man. I mean, hey, I'm an Erinyes, and they let me hang around." Illia- pouts for a moment, before responding.

"Oh, hang on a second, did you mean I will leave or that you will leave? I mean, sure, they're both gonna happen probably, unless you intend on becoming a permanent resident. Dunno why you'd wanna, quarry doesn't seem special. If it is, that'd be nifty to know. The stuff you broke was pretty cheap, so it probably wouldn't take much to get on talky-terms. Not that we aren't talking." Illia- keeps talking as she begins searching places the sounds aren't coming from. Even Illia- has heard of ghost sounds.

Any thing I can spot that can be used to track where this thing is? Or rather Shim will, as he has ranks in survival, while I do not. He also has blindsense.

"Not bad... I generally prefer my battle more martial, but this is the worst I've been hurt in a long time. But, as long as we're having a spelling duel..." Illia- straightens up, never happy to be wounded despite all her defense, but still happy to fighting again. She points reapy, a beam of profane energy streaking forth, as she retakes her stance.

Swift action adopt Primal Warrior Stance. Armor casts Resist Energy Acid to improve my Acid resist to 30. CL 18. (I added Deathless to my armor since my last update). CMB +1/CMD +2
Ranged Touch Attack: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (17) + 21 = 38
Profane Damage DC 26 fort save or be stunned: 8d6 + 1 ⇒ (2, 2, 4, 2, 6, 2, 4, 4) + 1 = 27

Dris moves around the tunnels, and attempts to pinpoint not his foe, but his ally. 1d20 + 34 ⇒ (15) + 34 = 49 Perception to hear Illia's running commentary

Inubrix wrote:

Inubrix follows, unsure of what the normal modes of transport are in this city.

Meridian is flying, but she stays a few inches off the ground as she doesn't know your capabilities. Also she is moving at 30' unless you seem to be able to move faster.

Inubrix will manifest Sustained Flight, sprouting two solid flat wings out of its back and flying at 40' speed. As it flies, it folds its staff into uneven segments and attaches the mass to the harness on its armor.

Just remember, you can teleport away or back to the party at any time...

Drisquar spends a turn focusing, and is able to pinpoint Illia-, as well as a particular crashing sound. In wind form (or not, he's super fast now), he could reach her after one full round of movement.

Just let me know when we get there.

Full round of movement is 400+ feet, assuming I don't run. Can I take a move action(200+) and then be close enough to teleport via a maneuver?

i am going 80 a round, and can hustle over long distances

A feral grin covers Illia's face as she spies the creature's moment of weakness, rushing in to attack.

Chargey Death: 1d20 + 14 + 7 + 4 + 1 + 2 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 14 + 7 + 4 + 1 + 2 + 9 = 39
Damage: 3d8 + 4d6 + 4 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (2, 6, 6) + (6, 6, 5, 5) + 4 + 10 + 1 = 51

Pouncey Chargey Death: 1d20 + 9 + 7 + 4 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 9 + 7 + 4 + 1 + 2 = 35
Damage: 3d8 + 4d6 + 4 + 10 + 1 + 9 ⇒ (4, 7, 1) + (3, 4, 1, 4) + 4 + 10 + 1 + 9 = 48

Ignores DR btw, and is using a reach weapon. While attacking, Illia- does not have her shield bonus to AC/Reflex.

Armor Healy: 3d8 + 15 ⇒ (4, 7, 4) + 15 = 30

146 HP, I feel confident.

Drisquar: I'd assume your teleportation either requires a line of sight or a tunnel whose shape you know, and this is neither.

Disarm AoO: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (9) + 29 = 38

As Illia- charges the nearby horrifying circle-mouth, one of its tongues snatches her sword out of her hands. New action? (Charge reduces your CMD alongside AC)

Also, I don't think your armor can heal you unless there's at least one ally present/nearby whom you're directly protecting.

How does he take an AoO while stunned?

We're in Escarra's territory and I am fighting off an invader who has been killing its "servants" and damaging its property. If that doesn't count, I'm going to have to rethink my special purpose. I feel like it not working right now would be like "thief bane" weapon not working because the known thief wasn't stealing anything right this second. However, if that's your judgement for now, I'll take +3 hit to hit on the second attack, and +3 damage on both attacks from Divine Favor instead. :P

Also, I said I currently had a +2 bonus to CMD from my stance. My base CMD is 39. +2 -2 is still 39.

Was hoping the 200+ ft move action would put me in line of sight for the teleport

A one-round stun typically ends at the beginning of the stunner's next turn. I missed the stance bit above, so okay, your turn goes through as above.

"A dedicated power operates only when an intelligent item is in pursuit of its special purpose. This determination is always made by the item. It should always be easy and straightforward to see how the ends justify the means." Since technically you're one of the citizens of Escarra it's defending, it'll eventually start healing you even if you have nobody to protect, but right now you don't appear to need its help; and "this thing may have killed some minor servants of a guy we know" isn't quite direct enough for item logic IMO.

Drisquar: No dice; they're winding tunnels with several turns per 200'. You'll get there on the next round though.

The creature slithers backwards into the wall, but its tongues continue to lash out at Illia-. The first grabs her shield, the second grabs her sword, the third knocks her prone, and the fourth hits her in the chest, for 16 damage[/dice], though its tongue barbs fail to grab onto her smooth armor.

Alright, Drisquar and Illia-, you're up.

The rest of the party: Sorry guys! I really wasn't expecting Illia- to fight this thing alone. Since the quarry is 12 miles from the city, they've got a several-minutes head start (approximately 40 rounds), but as soon as they decide maybe it's not a good idea to fight this thing alone, we'll jump everyone in.

"Aw man, I've had enough experience to know where this is going.."

Did you know that I actually refreshed my maneuvers last turn? Defensive Ranged Touch Attack: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (20) + 22 = 42
Profane Damage DC 26 fort save or be stunned: 8d6 + 4 ⇒ (2, 3, 6, 2, 5, 2, 5, 6) + 4 = 35
Oooh crit?: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (7) + 22 = 29
More Damage: 8d6 + 4 ⇒ (3, 6, 4, 1, 1, 4, 5, 5) + 4 = 33

Adopting Crane Style, which gives me a total of +12 dodge AC/CMD against this guy. If I have move action left over and my shield is grabbable, I'll grab it, otherwise I'll stand up after my armor buffs my AC. Armor goes for Shield of Faith +5 Deflection AC/CMD.

Illia-, is there any reason why that ranged touch attack doesn't provoke an AoO? And are you standing up to do so, or ranged attacking from prone, which is impossible with any weapons other than pistols and crossbows?

As soon as the creature enters his field of vision, Dris blinks out of existence only to reappear behind the thing, striking it with a vicious blow. He then teleports away again, two hundred feet behind the monster.

Swift action to adopt Hooded Killer's Stance, then initiating Flicker Strike to teleport, strike the creature's flat-footed AC, then teleport away, all without drawing AoA.

1d20 + 22 ⇒ (8) + 22 = 30 spending a point of Ki to activate Murderous Insight for a re-roll

1d20 + 22 ⇒ (15) + 22 = 37 Ooh, and a possible crit

1d20 + 22 ⇒ (9) + 22 = 31 going to assume normal for 1d6 + 11 + 7d6 + 2d6 ⇒ (5) + 11 + (2, 3, 3, 5, 3, 5, 2) + (5, 2) = 46

Mechanically, it's a ray that I initiate via maneuver. So, in your opinion, can you use a wand of/cast scorching rays while prone? And would firing a ray from melee if the action that generated the ray didn't provoke (say supernatural ability), provoke? I would find it odd that pointing my fingers at him requires me to stand up, but I would not find it at all odd if that provoked an AoO, seeing it is a ranged attack.

Abyssal Lance is a Supernatural Ability: "These can't be disrupted in combat and generally don't provoke attacks of opportunity. They aren't subject to spell resistance, counterspells, or dispel magic, and don't function in antimagic areas."

I've clarified my end of the rules, so if I need to stand up before firing, I attempt so, and if it provokes, I go ahead and provoke it.

Dang, okay then. It's described as "flinging a lance," but the fact that it is technically a Su ability means it never provokes an AoO, and there's no evidence that it actually involves standing up.

Fort: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (20) + 15 = 35

35+33+51+48+27

Alright, here's the drill. Drisquar did, in fact, score a critical hit. (And possibly forgot that he was flanking.

Drisquar: if you deal at least 32 more damage on your critical, it's dead. Otherwise, it's using its turn to teleport away.

Should I fully re-roll, or just roll an extra 1d6+11?

That's not gonna kill it. I sure hope it doesn't have one of those "grab the things you disarm off people" abilities, because if it just escaped with me shield and weapon... GRRRR!

Oh, I missed that it was only 1d6+11 extra. My bad—even if you rolled the max, it would have 2 hp left.

Also, you just used flicker strike against the one creature with the ability to perfectly follow any teleport effect... and if it weren't at 2 hp right now...

The writhing, barbed-tongued creature slides another feet backwards into the tunnel and vanishes, leaving a hundred-foot-long puddle of ichor and fleshy bits pooling on the floor of one of the tunnels.

By the time the rest of the party arrives, it is long gone. Anaxian identifies the bits that remain as belonging to a Neothelid, massive psychic worms from the depths of Orv with generally confusing politics. The skeletons and zombies prove not too hard to replace.

The cat was currently riding inside the Graveknight's chest cavity. It poked it's head out at the base of the Graveknight's neck just above the armor, took a look around and stared at Illia for a moment.

Creature was a Neolithid. The cat said telepathically to Illia. Powerful. Like Zhu Da Tusha in many ways. They colonize with Charm effects much like Deliliath. There are likely more, and they will likely have controlled slaves of varying kinds. Anaxian will want it's corpse.

Because Anaxian's familair can't communicate while in the Catsuit, Illia's the only one who it can relay information through.

"If it thinks it can hide in tunnels below the earth, it is going to be disappointed..." the dragon said, sounding amused.

Smoke and flames licked at the edges of his mouth in something resembling a grin.