CORE Module - The Master of the Fallen Fortress [Tier 1] - GM Rutseg (Inactive)

Game Master Balacertar

Oh, you guys are the best! he says to the party. We all have a lot of questions I'm sure, but let's give him a little time to eat and drink first.

We're all quite curious what happened to you, perhaps you could tell us all what happened when you're finished eating and drinking?

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

Balenar devours your rations and drinks lavishly from the waterskins "Aah! Thanks hundreds guys. Well... I don't know if you all have heard about the Pathfinder Society. I am in fact a member of that organization, a Pathfinder. We devote our life to thrive by knowledge and try to unveil all the past of our civilization gathering that knowledge." he takes a break to accept another portion of bread "It often involves picking up ancient relics, and even more often to explore unknown areas. And... well, that was what brought me here."

He tries to stand up, his legs failing for a second, but he helps himself with the wall and looks confident at you all "I think I can walk. Well... you probably heard the rumors about the tower being opened by a recent Earthquake. I wanted to impress my Venture-Captain, and thus I decided to come investigate the place. But it turned a very bad idea in the end."

Balenar starts making some exercise softening his legs and arms "During my exploration of the tower I was surprised by this group of troglodytes. Well... they cornered me, I took a couple of them, but there was not much I could do... that beast of Tulok, and their leader with his crocodile... they were just too much. They took me here and maintained me barely alive." the human checks at that point the walls "There was some replicas, and for what I have seen and heard, I understood the stairs collapsed and the troglodytes got confined in the tower."

Suddenly realizing about something, the human looks at you "But sorry... that was too much talking from myself, I even forgot to ask about your names. So... you were contracted by the Blakros Museum? Well... I guess I need to give thanks to that. What were your plans from now on?"

"Well, as names go, I'm Lionel Wynne, but the devout of the Favoured Sting call the Lion. A leader with a crocodile, ya say... I'd say we all gonna sleep a hellalot quietly if he's taken down. Also, I ruined ma shoes comin' here, and crocodile skin sounds daamn outrageous.", says Lionel with the same smirk you saw as he picked up and mended the dolphin banner.

Lionel continues, "So, Balenar, we found some stuff in Tulok's chest. We also got a scroll we can use ta patch ya up, in case ya want to give us some help against the leader. Can ya back us up here, and, ya know, just for information, does rescuin' your hindquarters give a reward of some kind from the Pathfinder Society? Just curious, is all."

Balenar smiles at Lionel "I am ok Lionel. Fortunately they just beat me a bit, but have not really tortured my person. Just some bruises. I see though some of you have real wounds." he approaches Taulinor and starts casting a spell touching his wounds which automatically close up.
CLW: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

He then touches Draylan toning up a song about a rebel boy who fought in the forest against some spiders.
CLW: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

"He then looks at Lionel, come here it is your turn if you wish. I still have some more tricks, and well, that wayfinder is definitely mine, if you wish to know more things about the Pathfinder Society, I can introduce it to you after we get out of this vile tower."

Balenar: 2 level 1 spells spent
Lionel: 7/11, (spend obscuring mist, magic mirror, divine favor, true strike and 1 channel)
Draylan: 13/13
Taulinor: 12/12
Demario: 7/7
Mithrenon: 8/8

Is there anything you could tell us about this 'leader' that might help us in a confrontation with him? Or anything particular relics you think the museum might be interested in?

diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

Oh, pardon my manners. my name is Nigel by the way. No relation to the Nigel who runs the museum.

Draylan bows to Balenar.

"Thank you very much, friend. We came across some nice equipment, would these items be yours, by chance? If so, we still have some parts of this place to explore, there is safety in numbers, would you like to join us?"

"I don't have any interest to play with my life, but you saved me so... Hellas! I will follow you until we are out of this damned tower. And yes, that's my equipment." Balenar turns then to Nigel.

"His name is something like Tassak. I have only seen him a couple of times, but he is the most impresive trog specimen I've ever seen. I don't know much about his powers but he is always followed by a crocodile." he makes a pause then continues "I haven't found any relics, but there were some old and fine weaponry in the second floor I was appraising when the trogs surpised me."

You guys let me know when are you ready to go and where. You can always add some questions as you walk.

Mithrennon gladly returns the bow and arrows, as well as the rapier, to Balenar. "The name is Mithrennon. Glad to meet you, though perhaps next time we can try for more pleasant environments." The wizard considers Balenar's words and what likely awaits them, if they are to finish exploring the tower. "Were any of the weapons back in the second floor worth taking with us? They may come in handy as we finish exploring."

Mithrennon recommends we grab any weapon of masterwork quality or better, and wouldn't mind getting a bow and arrows, or crossbow bolts, if there were some back on the second floor.

"If ya can patch some of ma flesh wounds, I'd be grateful. I, bein' the epitome of selflessness and humility, used all the good will Calistria provided me for today on healin' my companions here.", says Lionel in a self-humoring tone.

"I don't know a lotta 'bout weapons, Balenar, but I did find this here banner, and I liked it, so I took it. The general opinion among ma comrades was that the weapons in there were mostly held together by the sheer stubbornness of the rust on 'em."

If Balenar is certain that we can find better weaponry on the second floor, I'll go with him. Otherwise, I'm all in for going to the top floor and skinning a croco... completing our mission.

"Ah! Thanks!" Balenar gladly accepts his equipment back.

Lionel Diplomacy (help with weapons) DC 3: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (18) - 2 = 16
Appraise: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
"Oh yes, the weaponry... I remember there were a nice dagger and shield, as well as a flaming bird banner, it should have some historical value."

The party goes downstairs and finds indeed what Balenar pointed out after cleaning a bit of dust and observing more calmly the objects. They are a masterwork silver dagger, a masterwork light steel shield emblazoned with a leaping dolphin, and a banner depicting a bird made of living flame.

Lionel Diplomacy (help with wounds) DC 3: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (7) - 2 = 5
Balenar seems not very impressed by Lionel, but still, he feels helpful towards the party for freeing him, and accepts to spend another spell "I only have one more remaining, I guess I should save it, specially if we mind to go against Tasskar."
He touches the gash on Lionel's chest and it suddenly perfectly closes.
CLW: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

After recovering the useful weapons and healing up, the party goes upstairs, back to the 4th floor.
So, what next? So far you only haven't explored the watery room and the 5th floor.

To be fair, Lionel was being mostly sarcastic there.

"Gentlemen, seeing as how the only two places we ain't been to are the watery room and the 5th floor, I suggest we let The Lady in the Room decide again. After all, we don't wanna be rude."

If the party is ok with me rolling, I'll do it.
Calistrian Decision: 1d2 ⇒ 1 where 1 is water room and 2 is 5th floor

"Well, it seems like we shouldn't leave no stones unturned, as they say. The door was even unlocked, so it's not like it's gonna take ages."

When the party enters the room to search it, Mithrennon finally catches out what was the shadow he has seen before through the door. A giant frog jumps out of the water as it feels its lair invaded.

Mithrennon, Taulinor and Demario are ready at the moment the little animal appears through the shallow waters. Taulinor is so fast he even reacts before the frog is out of the waters.

The whole room is covered by water->difficult terrain. Moving through the water pools in the map costs even more, x4 times movement (Swim DC 0) unless you have swimming speed.
Everybody is healed at maximum.
Surprise round:
Taulinor, Frog, Mithrennon, Demario
Round 1:
Taulinor, Draylan, Frog, Mithrennon, Demario, Lionel, Nigel, Balenar

Should it get to him making an action, Nigel will move into the center of the room then fire his fourth Acidic Ray of the Day (Three remaining).

AcidicRay: 1d20 ⇒ 201d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

No idea if you can crit with a ray but if so here's a confirmation roll.

AcidicRay: 1d20 ⇒ 11d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Skipping Taulinor after 24h have past

The frog swims 5 feet and opens its mouth. A long, sticky and stinking tongue goes out of his body and extends 15 feet towards Draylan.
Tongue attack (touch, flatfooted): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
But the amphibian creature wrongly calculates the distance and makes short.

The whole room is covered by water->difficult terrain. Moving through the water pools in the map costs even more, x4 times movement (Swim DC 0) unless you have swimming speed.
Remember, during surprise round only one move or standard action.
Surprise round:
Taulinor, Frog, Mithrennon, Demario
Round 1:
Taulinor, Draylan, Frog, Mithrennon, Demario, Lionel, Nigel, Balenar

Mithrennon takes the opportunity to gauge the frog's location, and sends an acid dart in that direction in response to the tongued attack.

Acid Dart: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22 Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1

"Yet another innocent creature to slay? Frog legs aren't near as tasty as lizard tail."

Draylan moves 5' toward the giant frog and within reach of his glaive, and swings.

glaive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

damage: 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

if the frog moves closer, Draylan will try to trip it and prevent it from moving closer...

AoO: trip: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24 +4 CMD to frog for having 4 legs

I haven't skipped Nigel's action, but it should happen only after the frog's regular turn. And yes, natural 20's are critical with magic too :)

Mithrennon focuses his arcane energy into the tip of his finger. All of a sudden a dart of acid materializes and darts towards the frog. Still half-body into the water, the dart hits on the top part of the frog. The water though dilutes most of the acid leaving just a small burn on the frogs skin.

Draylan approaches with his glaive and delivers an strong blow with it. It mostly splashes water, but still, it is powerful enough to reach the frog through the turbid liquid producing a deep gash on the amphibian creature.

The whole room is covered by water->difficult terrain. Moving through the water pools in the map costs even more, x4 times movement (Swim DC 0) unless you have swimming speed.
Remember, during surprise round only one move or standard action.
Frog: 10 damage
Surprise round:
Taulinor, Frog, Mithrennon, Demario
Round 1:
Taulinor, Draylan, Frog, Mithrennon, Demario, Lionel, Nigel, Balenar

Tuilinnor moves to the other side of the room and shoots an arrow at the frog.
Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6

Taulinnor's arrow pierces through the water with ease and stabs in the frog's throat. The creature sinks into the muddy water.

COMBAT IS OVER!

"Woah. Nice work." says Lionel, barely even noticing the frog before it gets dropped in mere seconds by his party members. He then looks at the murky waters with disdain, and says, "Damn, and Mithrennon just cleaned me up..."

"If ya don't mind, I'll wait for ya here outside."

Nigel searches the room for anything of value.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Anyone else want to search around the pools for anything useful? never know what you might find.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17

Feeling obligated to the mission at hand, Mithrennon braves the waters and casts his discerning eyes about as he roams the water-filled room.

Mithrennon searches a bit under the muddy water and he soon finds a small jade statue of an angelic being lying among the rubbish under a broken sunken table.

appraise: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15

"Doesn't seem to be anything remarkable about that statue. Then again, that's not surprising since I've never heard of riches being found in a frog hoarde."

Daylan chuckles a little, then points up.

"I believe we have another floor to check and Balenar mentioned some sort of leader, Tassak and a pet crocodile. Shall we rid this place of his stench?"

Draylan starts trudging back towards the door and on to the staircase.

Appraise: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

"Bah, nothing but knick knacks here," Mithrennon remarked as the elven wizard pockets the trinket as a scrap of memento from this mission. "Should we head up? Perhaps this leader has scavenged some worthwhile relics Nigel may find worthy."

appraise: 1d20 ⇒ 17

It could be valuable... but I don't see anything particularly special about it. To the final floor we go

app: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

I agree with the wizard, all knick-knacks. Shall we proceed upwards and onwards

After some group thinking, the party finally moves towards the fifth floor. You move carefully through the spiral staircase, trying not to make too much noise, but still armor and weapons hit the walls from time to time. I interpret you take 10 stealth

When you arrive to the top, the air gets fresher all of a sudden. The ceiling is 20 feet high, and the room is fully illuminated by the daylight entering the chamber through big archways.

The four wings of the tower are completely open on this level, forming one great, cross-shaped chamber with arched ceilings. The decayed remnants of a carpet run from the doorways at the end of each wing, meeting in the center, where a spiral staircase drops out of sight below. A large, throne-like chair stands in the middle of the eastern wing next to a big chest.

Behind the throne, standing in the archway and gazing longingly at the city in the distance, probably daydreaming about his future surface empire, stands a huge troglodyte. Next to him is a stunted albino cave crocodile.

Party worst take 10 stealth: Draylan & Lionel 8
Tasskar Perception DC 17 (8+distance+distracted): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
Snapjaw Perception DC 16 (8+distance+distracted): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

They suddenly hear how the fighters set foot in the top of the tower and turn to look at the source of the noise.
"Whom are you? What are you doing here?"

No surprise round.
I have placed a marching order on the side. You all are supposed to be below Draylan in the stairs. In order to get to Draylan square, you need to spend an square movement for each companion you have before you (Lionel comes after Draylan, Taulinor after Lionel, and so on until Balenar whom is the last one).
Round 1:
Lionel, Demario, Nigel, Tasskar, Mithrennon, Taulinor, Balenar, Draylan, Snapjaw
Lionel, Demario and Nigel are up to act!

Free Action: Nigel Shouts:

Draylan! Drink the Potion! Murder the Reptiles

"My thoughts, exactly!"

"Let's ride!", says Lionel, as he steps past from the side of Draylan, and splits into two Lionels waving a spear at the crocodile and the Troglodyte.

2 move actions used. 1 Copycat remaining.

Demario, scampers up the stairs to see what all the commotion is about. Seeing the two enemies, he turns around and moves backwards to stay behind the beefier people.

Move Action: Nigel moves up the stairs and finds himself positioned behind his teammate. If DeMario stepped backwards, I'll be right behind Draylan, otherwise behind DeMario. Whichever is correct.

Seeing the Crocidile and giant reptilian, Nigel's hatred overcomes his general nervous nature.

If any of those disgusting beasts comes close to me I'll show them to fear the Gnomes! he thinks.

Ready Standard Action: Cast Cause Fear on any opponent that comes within 25 feet of Nigel.

DC 15 will save, still shaken if effected creature makes the save, unless their HD 5 or higher, in which case... Butts.

A sudden copy of Lionel appears next to him doing the same movements as he does. As he approaches the crocodile the intense stench to troglodyte goes inside his nostrils.
For DC 13: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
But he has got used to the intense smell and is not affected at all by the stench.

Nigel and Demario retreat, the small gnome readying an action.

Then, the troglodyte starts saying divine words while covering behind the throne.

Balenar starts to sing and oda at his turn inspiring all the allies.
+1 to hit and weapon damage, +1 vs charm and fear saves

Inspire Courage: 1
I have placed a marching order on the side. You all are supposed to be below Draylan in the stairs. In order to get to Draylan square, you need to spend an square movement for each companion you have before you (Lionel comes after Draylan, Taulinor after Lionel, and so on until Balenar whom is the last one).
Round 1:
Tasskar, Mithrennon, Taulinor, Balenar, Draylan, Snapjaw, Lionel, Demario, Nigel
The rest of the party can act now before the crocodile!

Draylan will take the potion (enlarge person) and drink it.

Don't forget that your weapon embiggens with you Draylan. So throw a D12 die for damage

Tuilinnor follows Draylan and Lionel up the stairs and once up he shoots an arrow at the crocodile.
Ranged: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22 Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Draylan drinks a potion and he enlarges to a giant!

Then Taulinor appears in the last floor and shots an arrow at the crocodile. The hit is clean on the croco's head and some scales jump out of him.

Delaying Mithrenon

Not realizing about the danger the crocodile advances towards Lionel.
Acrobatics (avoid AoO) Draylan DC 17: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
Acrobatics (avoid AoO) Lionel DC 18: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
The spear hit is terrible and the animal is instantly knocked down unconscious.

Inspire Courage: 1
Crocodile: 19 damage
Round 2:
Mithrennon, Lionel, Demario, Nigel, Tasskar, Mithrennon, Taulinor, Balenar, Draylan

Demario, moves a little south, and takes a shot at the scaly cast cowering behind the throne.

Come on out and fight like a...ma..err...whatever the hell you are, clearly happy to have a large companion in front of him.

Light crossbow: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 3 + 1 = 17 for damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
-2 attack if there is soft cover

Just a reminder, Demario, Balenar gives us all +1 on att/dmg

As the Lionels knock the Crocodile uncouncious, one of them disappears and the other one repositions by the throne.

Attack+Inspire-Power Attack: 1d20 + 3 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (16) + 3 + 1 - 1 = 19
damage+Power Attack+Inspire: 1d8 + 6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 3 + 1 = 12

EDIT: Just noticed there is a throne on the way. Reworking in progress.

Nigel Moves next to giant companion and continues to keep his cause fear spell ready. Anything within 25 feet of him he will cast it on.

Demario's bolt hits the throne without any effect.

Lionel moves as a cat around the throne and stabs his spear deeply in the troglodyte chest. The druid yells in horrible pain.
Concentration DC 24: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
The creature looks at the cleric totally enraged with a clear determination to end with the offending human.

Nigel moves next to Draylan prepared to cast an spell as soon as anyone enters into his comfort zone.

Delaying Mithrennon

All of a sudden a swarm of spiders appears at the party back. It first moves over Demario just to later move over the packed group composed by Draylan, Taulinnor and Nigel.

Swarm attack (Nigel, Draylan and Taulinnor): 1d6 ⇒ 2
Poison Draylan For DC 11: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
Str damage Draylan: 1d2 ⇒ 2
Poison Nigel For DC 11: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Str damage Nigel: 1d2 ⇒ 1
Poison Taulinnor For DC 11: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Str damage Taulinnor: 1d2 ⇒ 2

Tasskar steps next to Lionel, and once out of his reach, he casts a spell. A flaming scimitar appears at his hand.

The horrible stench of the troglodyte arrives to Draylan and Nigel.
Poison Draylan For DC 13: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
Poison Nigel For DC 13: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
The poor gnome cannot hold it and starts feeling horrible. Draylan seems used by now to the terrible stench.
Sickened, -2 to attack rolls, weapon damage, etc...

Balenar steps out of the stairs, maintaining his oda.

Inspire Courage: 2
Crocodile: 19 damage
Tasskar: 12 damage
Balenar: 7/13 hp
Demario: 3/7 hp
Draylan: 12/14 hp, poisoned (1), -2 Str
Nigel: 6/9 hp, poisoned (1), -1 Str, sickened (10)
Taulinor: 10/12 hp, poisoned (1), -2 Str
Round 3:
Tasskar, Mithrennon, Taulinor, Balenar, Draylan, Mithrennon (x2), Lionel, Demario, Nigel

I take no damage as they didn't end in my square. Swarm Attack: Creatures with the swarm subtype don't make standard melee attacks. Instead, they deal automatic damage to any creature whose space they occupy at the end of their move, with no attack roll needed

The croc is dead right?

Demario, seeing Lionel is close combat with stinky enemy, takes careful aim and fire another bolt at him, hoping to not hit his ally in the process.

crossbow, -4 melee, +1 PBS, +1 IC: 1d20 + 3 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 3 + 2 - 4 = 8
dam: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

My interpretation is they damage you in their first move action, and the others in their second move action. That's the reason of the 2 damage rolls. I should have stated it more clearly, sorry about it.
I came to this idea because it says 'at the end of their move' instead of 'at the end of their turn', but if you have a FAQ or something similar for better ruling, let me know ;)

Demario looks at the croc, still breathing, but laying unconscious on the floor.

He then fires a bolt but his caring makes it hit the throne. The trog looks at him a bit impatient.

Draylan moves closer to Tasskar, and attacks him.

glaive: 1d20 + 4 - 1 ⇒ (16) + 4 - 1 = 19 -2 str = -1 attack

damage: 1d12 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

"Man I HATE swarms! All those spider bites seemed to have drained my strength some! Let's focus on this Tasskar fellow!"

Draylan steps over the floor, the tiles jumping on their place, and moves his enormous glaive over the troglodyte. He tries to stop it, but the massive weapon just past over his flame scimitar and strikes on the shoulder of the creature, causing a big gash.

Even with the terrible injury on him, the druid stands stout, fighting.

Also -1 damage
Inspire Courage: 2
Crocodile: 19 damage
Tasskar: 22 damage
Balenar: 7/13 hp
Demario: 3/7 hp
Draylan: 12/14 hp, poisoned (1), -2 Str
Nigel: 6/9 hp, poisoned (1), -1 Str, sickened (10)
Taulinor: 10/12 hp, poisoned (1), -2 Str
Round 3:
Tasskar, Taulinor, Balenar, Draylan, Mithrennon (x2), Lionel, Demario, Nigel

Disliking the troglodyte going all up in Lionel's face, Lionel discards the spear, then grabs his morningstar with two hands, ducks to the side, and swings the skull-shaped head into the troglodyte's head.

Ducking to the side indicates me trying to give Draylan flanking, and trying to flank as well. Feel free to discard if not possible.

For additional clarification,
Single Action: Attack
Move Action: Draw (doesn't provoke)
Free Action: 5ft Step

Swinging a morningstar+Inspire-PA+flank: 1d20 + 3 + 1 - 1 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 3 + 1 - 1 + 2 = 18
damage+PA+Inspire: 1d8 + 6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 3 + 1 = 15

Sickened, poisoned, and feeling horrendous in general! Nigel is fed up with waiting around.

He moves next to Draylan and casts Cause Fear on the hideous troglodyte with the flaming scimitar.

Not sure what effects being sickened has on a spell? Does it reduce the DC for the check? (It's normally a dc 15 will) and do I need to make a concentration check when I cast it?

Ooh, man, bad time to take that ski trip. Catching up now - will update post shortly.

The elven wizard, caught asleep on the job, hastily makes his way into the room, around the chaos, and ends by their recently rescued friend. "What's going on here?"

Seeing a now-familiar creature likely to be the leader, Mithrennon begins an arcane chant.

A bunch of moves. Please let me know or roll a bunch of saves as necessary. Casting Summon Monster I (1 round casting time).