Chaos in Sarlona (Inactive)

Game Master 137ben

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

Kiana snorts. "How do you know who a shapeshifter is? For all I know, the rock you're sitting on is the bloody shapeshifter..." She says with derision from behind. He knows you're lying, Niko. Next time, keep your bloody tales consistent with mine, then his ogres will back up what was said. Now if they talk, they'll know we told two different stories. "I dunno anything about anything, I'm just hired help. I got my own problems." She blinks, and digs into her pack again. "Hey, you. While you're talking. You ever seen this emblem before?" She holds out the blood stained uniform sleeve. Maybe if I can distract him you can recover.

Aid Another: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14
Narrowed eyes and a slight lilt to the voice. I think he might doubt us, Boss.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 10 + 2 = 17
Indeed. I am sure he does.

Helac's eyes dart between Nik'o and the stranger. Since our original team met a Yuan-ti that appeared as a normal human first and then changed into a larger shape with two snakes for arms and a tail rather than two legs, I think I know of what he means. Though I imagine this one to be a different one, as the last one... fell on Revion's blade.

As it stands... though... the Yuan-ti are clearly the victims in the wall murals we've seen up until now. Helac mentally shrugs and adds, "He is either lying or mentally deficient."

"East. We're all heading east then? I suggest we stick together for the time being. You mentioned keys... I must admit that we could use them as well, especially if it brings our target to us..."

The three humans squint at the uniform Kiana holds.

"No...no I do not believe I have seen it before,"
the woman states coldly.

The eastern passageway is straight and ordinary. There do not appear to be any runes on the sides the way you saw in an earlier passageway.

Before long the path splits: heading south is a narrow passageway which leads into the room where you fought the guardian ghast. A bit further east, the passageway widens out into another chamber.

A large, yellow-tinted wall of energy runs east-to-west along the center of the room. You enter from the southwest corner. In the northern half, is a gargantuan, three legged creature. Its hideous mouth covers most of its body, but tentacles, two tipped with barbs and one with eyes, extend from its sides.

Behind the gargantuan otyugh is a stack of treasure chests, and an archway leading north.

The southern wall of this room is lined with more murals. These again depict snake-people being attacked by hooded, floating eyes from above, and by dark blobs from below. The yuan-ti in the carvings fall underground, and are enveloped by the blobs.

In the southeast corner of the room, there is another door leading further east. This door has no handle, although it does not look overly fortified either.

Here is what the shape of the room (and the other areas you've explored) looks like.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18
K Dungeoneering: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

Nik'o looks in wonder at the wall of energy: It looks like it's keeping the otyugh jailed... I wonder if there is a way to control the wall... Though I'm not suggesting removing it!

K arcana: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

He looks around for some kind of mechanism.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20

The strix gives the woman a bow, and leaves silently.

The tooth is likely past the otyugh, just so you know... The keys probably release the energy

To speed things up, I'll roll Helac's perception:
eroh's perception aid another: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
Helac's perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (8) + 13 = 21

Charivia's perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Nik'o does find a mechanism controlling the energy wall. Unfortunately, he finds it by stepping on it.

With a click, the ground under his feet sinks slightly, and the wall of energy becomes fuzzy. A few moments later, the middle of the wall dissipates entirely, leaving only a few feet on either end. The monster growls and widens its gargantuan mouth, ready to alleviate its hunger...

A closer look at the pressure plate reveals that it could probably be jammed or manipulated to re-establish the energy barrier, and possibly to move the barrier as well.
On the map, the dark green is where the pressure plates are. When standing on or next to them, you can attempt to either bring back the missing portions of the energy wall (disable device 20, and takes two rounds) or move the portions of the wall already formed (disable device 10, takes a standard action).

In the meantime, though, the aberration begins to advance towards the group.
Nik'o initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
Kiana initiative: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
Helac initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

Charivia initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

Otyugh initiative: 1d20 ⇒ 6

Can't find us on the map...

Helac sighs, redraws his mace, and mentally prepares himself to channel energy into some of his allies.

Vigor. Standard Action. 4pp. 3pp for 15 hp to Nik'o and 1pp to echo the effect to himself. The assumption is Kiana will fight from a distance and Charivia will likely try to stay out of the way.

"Crap! Wait, I think I can fix this back! Keep it where it is for a bit..." shouts Nik'o, dropping to the floor and unfurling his tools on the floor. With nimble fingers, he starts to work pins on the edges of the plate.

Disable Device with Inspiration: 1d20 + 9 + 1d6 ⇒ (15) + 9 + (6) = 30

Can't find us on the map...

You guys entered the northeast room via the AL20-21 entrance, so you should be near there. Please specify where you which square you want to be on.

As Helac pumps life into the group, Charivia calls out
"My mind is not strong enough to affect that horror from this distance."
She waits, ready to strike if it gets closer.
Charivia holds her action until after the Otyugh moves closer...
Initiative Order:
Helac--21
Kiana--10+
Nik'o--10-
Otyugh--6
Charivia--6-

Kiana's turn. Everyone please specify where you are.

I'm at the plate.

Prepare to fall back into a tunnel, it's too large to fit down them.

Kiana draws two arrows and fires at the otyugh. AO19 is about right, she's a ranged attacker, she'd not close with a potential enemy if the thing dropped

Flurry: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
Flurry: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 5
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 2

Kiana's arrows clank against the creature's shoulder blades, but the otyugh shakes them off of its tough hide harmlessly.

As Nik'o fiddles with the
The creature slowly lumbers forwards. In spite of its size, or perhaps because of it, it is quite slow.

Charivia steps to the side, and mutters
"It doth appear to move hither quite slowly, allow me to further slow it."
She conjures an ectoplasmic coating of goo right in front of the creature.

Otyugh's reflex save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Amazingly, the gargantuan monstrosity slips over the goo and falls prone on its back. It's about as tall as it is wide, and you can see its tiny legs flailing in front of it, while its gaping mouth points towards the ceiling.

The map has been updated.
Back to Helac's turn.

Noticing the creature has fallen, Helac makes a possibly foolhardy decision. It's on it's back now. Maybe just like a turtle, the aberration will be awkward enough to be unable to strike from that posture. Hunkered down behind his shield, he advances on the creature and takes a swipe with his morningstar.

To Hit/Morningstar: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Yay!

To Confirm/Morningstar: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Aww... probably no confirm for me since Kiana missed with a 16.

Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 4

So it's already passed the wall?

The Otyugh is slightly passed where the wall originally was when you enetered the room. However, Nik'o can cause the wall to reform at any point in the room, provided it doesn't overlap with a creature. Once it is his turn, of course.

Helac: where are you moving to? That affects whether it can take an attack of opportunity, and it affects where Nik'o can put the wall.

Probably the closest spot necessary, so... AP14

Ooh, okay...
As Helac draws near, the creature lashes out with its tentacle. In spite of being closer to Helac's height, lying on its back puts the otyugh in an awkward attacking angle...
AoO tentacle: 1d20 + 5 - 4 ⇒ (11) + 5 - 4 = 12
causing it to harmlessly graze Helac.

Kiana's turn, then Nik'o's.
I aught to clarify how the controls for the wall works. On Nik'o's turn, he can use a standard action to make the wall reform. It can snake accross the room however he wants, as long as it starts at AN11 and ends at AU11.
Once it is formed, Nik'o (or anyone else at the controls) can move it again with another standard action.

If you can force the wall to form in a circle around him, with a small gap, we can coup it. If not, just leaving a small opening (smaller than it's body can squeeze)would work as we could cantrip him to death.

Kiana? Make your move, please.

Sorry

Flurry: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
Flurry, Confirm: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
Flurry: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 7 + Crit: 2d8 ⇒ (8, 5) = 13
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 1

Kiana's first arrow flies directly into a soft spot of what appears to be the creature's foot, causing it to jolt in momentarily intense pain.

Her second arrow, however, rebounds harmlessly off the otyugh.
Nik'o's turn.

Nik'o works the mechanism, and with a wide grin, pushes one of the pins with a single finger. A vibrating sound grows in a flash, and the wall reappears, wrapping around the monster and protecting Helac.

With Nik'o moving the wall to interpose itself between Helac and the beast, Helac back pedals a little Move Action to AN17. Then he concentrates for a moment and attempts to strike an exposed part of the creature with the psychic equivalent of a cantrip. Induce Pain. Standard Action. Ranged Touch. Helac’s eyes burn like points of silver fire for just a moment while an arc of brightly colored light sweeps toward the the aberration.

To Hit/Induce Pain: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
If it hits, which I feel is unlikely.

Damage: 1d3 ⇒ 2

Nik'o wraps the wall around the otyugh, leaving only a small gap (possibly? Kiana suggested it, but it is up to Nik'o.)
The otyugh's eyes grow wild as it is enclosed. It howls and slams angrily against the barrier.
Finally, it manages to stand up, and awkwardly clamps its jaws at the wall, trying to force its way through!

bite: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18
3d6 + 10 ⇒ (5, 3, 4) + 10 = 22

The barrier shakes and crackles for a few moments, but then brightens and reasserts itself, keeping the otyugh trapped.

If Nik'o decides/decided to leave a gap in the barrier, then y'all can attack through the gap. Otherwise, you can't. I'm going to assume Nik'o did leave a gap for the remainder of this post. If he doesn't want to, please correct me!

Charivia steps forwards, glares into the gap, and blasts him with mental energy.
"Foul beast, thou shan't devour us!"
surge blast: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
2d6 ⇒ (6, 5) = 11
Even with her poor aim the halfling's bolt strikes, causing it to jolt somewhat.

Helac's attack roll is enough to hit, since its touch AC is reall low, but the angle gives the otyugh partial concealment, so...
20% miss chance (high=hit, low=miss): 1d100 ⇒ 48
Helac saps a bit of life from the creature.
The map has been updated.
Back to Kiana.

Is the creature considered helpless? Since it's trapped and unable to really resist?

No, it is not helpless. It can still shift around in its space, and is now standing on what appear to be its feet. It just can't walk very far...

Flurry 1: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
Flurry 1: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 8

With a whoosh, both of Kiana's arrows fly straight into the gap and strike the otyugh...
but bounce off harmlessly, not even getting its attention.
Nik'o's turn.

"That thing is tough..."

Nik'o notes the creature's area of weakness from its previous wounds and charges forth with his longspear pointing forward at the opening.

Studied Combat
1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 8 + 2 = 171d8 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 2 = 16

Where exactly is Nik'o moving too? Either way, the otyugh has a 20 foot reach, so...

As Nik'o charges forwards, the creature reaches out with its lumpy, black tentacle, swiping at the changeling before he is close enough to hit with a longspear:
Attack of Opportunity: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14
The creature's tentacle is unable to harm Nik'o, but the beast itself shrugs off Nik'o's attack in turn.

The otyugh bites again at the wall, trying to crack it open:
bite: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31
confirm: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16
6d6 + 20 ⇒ (5, 5, 4, 3, 5, 6) + 20 = 48
With a crackle, the barrier shatters, and sparks of energy fly throughout the room. The otyugh seems to jolt back in pain as the wall is smashed open.

Charivia focuses on the creature, lets her emotions run out of control, and calls out
"Flee tither in terror!"
psychic enervation: 1d100 ⇒ 88
Otyugh's will save: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
As the halfling's mental powers connect with the beast, the otyugh suddenly appears terribly frightened for no apparent reason, and starts to turn around, as if ready to flee.

It is Frightened for 5 more rounds.
The map has been updated.
Nik'o, please specify where you charged to.
Helac's turn is next.

Helac mental catalogs the fight so far. Several of Kiana's shots were solid, yet failed due to... the beast's hide. It even turns aside Nik'o's weapon. Mental and magical attacks seem to hit easily, but I have... little in the way of offensive ability other than my lack of charm, and Charivia, if she is anything like myself, will quickly run dry of psychic power.

What to do?...

Helac mentally flings another cantrip.

To Hit/Induce Pain: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Damage: 1d3 ⇒ 1

...I retract my statement about mental powers hitting easily. Helac projects with chagrin.

It is too large to fit down tunnels, retreat and use ranged attacks until it dies or we run out of arrows. She looks at her dwindling supply. In other words, in a few minutes.

In spite of his lack of confidence, Helac's induction of pain hits the otyugh. As it turns out, it is easily hittable with mental powers.
Kiana's turn. Is she retreating immediately as she suggested, or not?

AO-15

As the wall breaches, his mouth forms a O of terror, until Nik'o notices it's about to turn tail. He uses his spear to strike at the monstrosity one more time.

Studied Combat: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 8 + 2 = 151d8 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 2 = 12

Is it still prone? I might get an AoO as it flees, or it might slip again...

[ooc]No it is not prone, but Nik'o will get an AoO when it retreats (after Kiana's turn and yours.)

Kiana flies back to the tunnel entrance and fires a single arrow at the otyugh. Or vice versa, whichever the GM deems is most proper to get off a shot and get out of harms way

Arrow: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 7

Or vice versa, whichever the GM deems is most proper to get off a shot and get out of harms way

Either works, but there is a miss chance due to partial concealment either way:

miss chance: 1d100 ⇒ 65
Kiana's arrow flies towards the creature, hitting it at the edge of its tentacle, causing it to recoil with a sharp whimper of pain.

The otyugh retreats in fear, leaving itself vulnerable to an attack from Nik'o.

Meanwhile, Charivia holds herself steady, concentrating to recover her focus.

[ooc]The map has been updated.

Back to Helac.

Nik'o takes advantage of the retreating movement to slip his longspear deep under one of the otyugh's appendages.

Studied Combat and Strike AoO: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 8 + 2 = 251d8 + 6 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 2 + (1) = 13

Helac moves to a different vantage point AR17 and takes up a defensive position.

It seems... odd it would already retreat.

It failed a will save and got panic'd

Nik'o strikes at the otyugh, opening a gaping wound in its side. As it runs away, more wounds become visible, and it seems increasingly aggravated by pain. It may not be able to sustain much more before succumbing to its injuries.

Kiana's turn.

Kiana fires another flurry.

Flurry 1: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Flurry 2: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 1
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 5

Kiana's first arrow hits the ceiling and falls down far from its mark. Her second arrow is deflected harmlessly off of the otyugh's foot.

Nik'o's turn.

Nik'o takes his time as he pursues the beast, noting its weaknesses, while avoiding the slippery tiles.

Move to AQ-10, Combat Study.

It failed a will save and got panic'd

Haha... Haha... Ignore me.

Helac continues his cautious advance Move Action. AS13. and focuses a small portion of his will. His eyes burn like points of silver fire again and an arc of brightly colored light sweeps forward. Induce Pain again. Standard Action. Ranged Touch.

To Hit/Induce Pain: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
Damage: 1d3 ⇒ 3

While Nik'o advances, the Otyugh steps forwards and slams against the room's northern wall:
1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16
3d6 + 10 ⇒ (6, 3, 5) + 10 = 24
Cracks appear in the wall. Moreover, the outline of a giant door-frame becomes visible, revealing a previously hidden stone door.

Charivia runs up behind Nik'o. Meanwhile, her ectoplasmic sheen evaporates as its time runs out.

AS13 does not quite put Helac in range to use Induce Pain. Do you mean AS10? Although that would require a double move to reach.