DM Bigrin's Shattered Star (Group B) (Inactive)

Game Master bigrin42

Sorry, couldn't check the map at work last night. Wanted to see if I could get an advantage before just attacking again.

Until one of them drops, Angelica can't get around to a good position to take advantage of her particular skillset. Instead, she just takes another 'stab' at hitting it with the silver dagger. "Come on, Buggy baby, I know you can hit harder than that. Silver be damned! I'm just a slip of a girl," she says demurely and pouting, "I need this special dagger just to hurt it. Show me what you got." She ends with her customary wink and smirk when playfully bantering with her colleagues.

Attack the one in T10 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15, damage? 1d4 ⇒ 2

Google docs blocked at your work?

Harbug prodded at the closest creature with his spear, missing this time as Krass moved into his way. Ducking the magical missiles that flashed past and slammed into the creature directly before her, Angelica cast a witty comment back at the orc, then drove her silver knife deeply into the wounded lemure's neck. The hulking creature fell to the ground, quite dead, and another stepped over the corpse to take its place. Krass landed a solid blow on Angelica's foe, the mithral blade taking the creature's head clean off in a whirl of foul ichor.

No the site isn't blocked. Neither was the view of the person that decided to work late, so I couldn't safely open the image. ;) Sometimes it's all based on who at work still has LoS to my screen.

With some of the chaff cleared, Angelica decides to take up a better position. She tries to dance around to end up opposite of Krass, but is a little distracted by trying to avoid the mess left over by the other two dead ones. Once on the other side she jabs at the thing, trying to discern where exactly she would find a vital area.

Acrobatics to T9 to avoid AoO 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13 *fingers crossed*
Attack with flank 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 2 = 13, doubt that hits, but if so 1d4 ⇒ 3 + 2d6 ⇒ (5, 2) = 7 (with sneak attack)

Ah, I understand...sort of. My work is a LOT more generous when it comes to what you can look at/work on/play with on short breaks throughout the day. Of course, I helped set those policies, so there you go :)

"Remind me to save up my money after this is over," Shabbezz grunts, stepping forward. "I really need to invest in a more powerful wand."

5-foot step to S-12. Not sure if I can hit from this angle, but I can give it a try.

Activating the wand of magic missile (10 charges, CL1, range 110 feet, no attack roll needed) to hit the lemure at T-10.

Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Harbug, you're up. Let's keep this moving while we await the replacements.

"Doing what I can here!" Harbug grunts, clearly frustrated, "Unless you'd like me to stab through you and Krass instead of around!" Harbug moves behind Angelica to try and get a better angle for his spear, but the jumble of bodies still makes his stabs seem clumsy.

5-foot step to S-12, Attack
Longspear: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12; Dmg if hit: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Angelica rolled underneath the creature's swing, coming up behind it. With it between her and Krass, the thing wouldn't stand a chance. Wavering in its defense, the lemure chose to focus on defeating Angelica's attack. It did so at its own peril, as Krass' mithral sword dove into its side. It spun back to the hobgoblin, narrowly avoiding Harbug's spear thrust and taking a small hit from Shabbezz's magic missile. One of its claws scratched Krass on the cheek, laying it open.

Angelica smirks at Harbug, a sparkle in her eye, she looks like she is delighted in getting the big guy riled up. "Are you calling me fat? I can't be THAT big of an obstacle." she adds her best offended pout, as she stabs again at the stupid devil. "This thing is boring me, why doesn't it die already?"

Silver dagger Attack with flank 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 6 + 2 = 20, damage 1d4 ⇒ 3 plus SA 2d6 ⇒ (2, 4) = 6

"Technically speaking, the lemure used to be a mortal before it expired and was sentenced to the Hells, so perhaps it's just not in a hurry to repeat the experience. Regardless--"

The grippli hops to the left and fires a shot past Krass.

5-foot step to T-13.

Activating the wand of magic missile (9 charges, CL1, range 110 feet, no attack roll needed) to hit the lemure at T-10.

Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Harbug tosses aside his longspear in frustration, draws his falchion, and steps in while swinging it viciously at the creature.

Drop the longspear, step to S-11 while drawing Falchion, attack.
Falchion: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7; Dmg if hit: 2d4 + 6 ⇒ (3, 3) + 6 = 12

Sandwiched between Krass and Angelica, the creature spun back and forth, claws flailing in an attempt to bat away any attacks. Unfortunately for it, there were more attackers, and as it blocked Harbug's swing, Shabbezz's magical missile slammed into it once more. It stumbled, and that was the opening Angelica needed. The thief drover her silver blade to the hilt in the area that would have contained the kidneys on most humanoids. It was obviously a critical spot for the lemure as well, as the thing stiffened and then fell forward, gurgling its final breath.

It rolled into Krass' legs and there was a series of audible snaps as the lower bones in both legs broke like kindling. The fighter gasped in pain as he too fell, the others looking on in horror.

Tilara rushed forward, looking closely at Krass' legs as the hobgoblin stoically tried to keep from screaming. One chalky white bone stuck up from his left leg like a small flagpole, waving a grisly piece of meat on the end. "Both legs are broken, in at least two places. I can heal the tissue damage, but I don't think I can heal the bones. Not here."

"Not here, indeed," said a voice. Everyone stared around, but no one could tell where it came from. The beaded curtain swung gently, as if in a breeze...or as if something had just passed through them. "This place is terrible on wounds. I have seen it, yes I have. Take your friend somewhere clean, where he can recover, then come back here. You are obviously great fighters to have come out on top of the lemures so easily. I beg you return here and help me clean out the rest of the filth in this place. Devils, you see, from the seventh level, I believe, have taken over. I have been struggling against them for ages, but have not the strength to truly vanquish them. get your friend some care, and then come back and we shall take care of them."

Shabbezz whips her head around in confusion, looking for the source of the voice, but finds no origin for it.

"...I think we'd better focus on getting Krass out of here and worry about the details later."

Angelica looks around skeptically for the source of the voice, finding and taking issue with some of the claims. "Struggling against them for ages? We got rid of these things in under a minute. If we would be helping you, what would you be doing in all this, if you didn't even have the strength to truly vanquish over the ages you have been fighting them? You just want us to do your dirty work, but what will we get in return?" She calls out the voice on its claims. If she can get it talking, maybe it will help pinpoint where the voice is coming from. She helps get Krass to a point where they can help him out as she talks and listens.

Perception 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

Harbug's eyes narrow when the voice starts talking, but he sets about the important task first--getting Krass' legs minimally fixed. He removes his tunic and tears it into long strips, then grabs his longspear and puts it near Krass' right leg. He then digs into his pack and hands Krass the handle end of his shovel. "Bite down on this." he commands, then prepares to try and set the bone, at least temporarily. He then wraps the leg and longspear together in the scraps of his tunic to hold them in place.

Once he finishes with the first leg he moves to the other and repeats the setting process, this time wrapping both legs and the spear together. "I'll carry him to the boat. Hopefully the spear will at least keep the legs from moving and hurting. Tia--can you come with me to settle Krass in the boat?" Harbug picks Krass up by the underarms, then settles him somewhat roughly onto his own back to be carried. "We can find, question, and maybe help that voice later. Pathfinders watch out for their own, if I recall the lessons correctly."

Taking 20 on a heal check (gets a 19) to try and set the bones/keep them steady with the longspear. Harbug will buy a new tunic in town. Heavy load is 300 lbs, lift off ground 600 lbs--if it's in the 300-600 lbs category, then Harbug loses Dex to AC and moves 5 feet per round as a full round action (but probably wouldn't go much faster regardless since he's carrying an severely injured hobgoblin).

Shabbezz steps out of the orc's way as he sets up Krass for the journey back.

"I have to agree with Harbug, Angelica. Hopefully we'll have the opportunity to parley with it on our return.

Sorry I can't help with the carrying. Small size with Str 8 is doing me no favors, and I've been skirting around my own encumbrance issue since we started looting the place.

The only relevant spell I have for this situation is floating disk at 300 lbs carrying capacity for 3 hours, but it only has a diameter of 3 ft. Still, I could use it to hold Krass and Harbug's gear in order to lighten the load if it would help.

"As a mostly incorporeal spirit, it is sometimes hard to affect the material world, you know. Trying slicing up a devil when your hand simply slides through solid matter as if it weren't there. As for what you get, you get to rid the world of some evil, though if that isn't enough for you, there are some advantages to being invisible and insubstantial. I know where quite a few artifacts and small treasure hordes are down here, as well as the locations of some nasty surprises. I will share my knowledge with you. But, oh look. Your friends are ready to help your injured companion out of here. Heroic brotherhood at its finest. Fare well! I hope to see you soon!"

As the voice speaks, it seems to move about, as if the person speaking was pacing back and forth.

Angelica continues to scowl at the direction the voice seems to be coming from, she replies to the others "Yeah, yeah, I know. let's get Krass out of here. I just don't trust something I can't see." She helps as she can to get Krass out of the building.

The trip back up the Crow was arduous, as Krass didn't exactly have a sylph-like figure. In fact, it was a near-constant subject of debate whether to strip him out of his armor. The hobgoblin protested but the protests came to an abrupt halt when, staggering from all the jostling that Krass was doing, Harbug accidentally rammed the warrior's leg into a support. Krass gave up consciousness at that point, and stopped struggling as well, which made it immensely easier to carry him up and out. The winding stairs were difficult to navigate, but eventually you returned to the surface and the landing boats.

Once you returned to the docks, it was a simple matter to find a rickshaw cart and pay the driver to deliver Krass to the Heidmarch manor, with Tia and Harbug joining Krass on one cart, and the others following in another. Sheila Heidmarch was in the courtyard of her manor when you arrived, with a slight frown on her face and talking to a gnome and a catperson with ebony fur.

She glanced up at you, her frown turning to a look of concern when she say Krass' crudely splinted legs. "Let's get him to the infirmary. We don't currently have a healer in residence, but I am sure either Tia or Zaphomil here can manage." She nodded at the gnome.

Krass was soon tucked away in a bed, with his legs held out straight in an interesting array of metal supports and leather straps. Tia was exhausted from the healing magics she had employed, but she was sure the hobgoblin would recover eventually. "I can heal the tissue damage, but the breaks...well they were bad. Without stronger divine magics, like a Heal spell or the like, I am not sure he will be able to do more than just hobble at a slow walk. Time, exercise, and healing magics. I...well, I am not sure that I can continue. I'm sorry, but this has shown me that I am not cut out for the dungeon-delving, adventuring life. I think my path lies in another direction." She looked tenderly at Krass, and it seemed that her direction would be keeping here by his side...at least for now.

Sheila Heidmarch motioned you all to leave the infirmary and join her outside. When all had gathered, including the black-furred catfolk and the gnome, Zaphomil, she said, "This is an unfortunate turn of events. I know that you were well on your way towards recovering the next shard, and being without a healer and a doorstop will significantly hamper your efforts. I guess it is fortunate that these two turned up this morning. Zaphomil is a cleric of Desna, and has some experience with Thassilonian ruins. He and Jakscar here were just now telling me of an ancient farmhouse or something they found in the countryside, unveiled after a massive mudslide."

"While you were attending to Master Kargoth, I was filling them in on your quest so far, and seeing if they would be interested in filling in, as needed. I had a feeling from the looks of his injuries that Krass would not be returning to the field, and from her looks that Mistress Tialara would not either. Therefore, I ask that Zaphomi land Jakscar return to the Crow with you and aid you in finding the next shard. I am sure that you will find them helpful, and I am likewise sure that they will find you stalwart companions."

Jakscar performs a deep bow.
"Greetings fellow pathfinders, as good lady Heidmarch has indicated, I am Jakscar and this is Zaphomil. I am a swordsman of some repute and you will most likely have heard of me by my Serpent Run title of Steelclaw. I look forward to facing the challenges to come with you all, for what is life without a little risk and companions to see how good you look doing it!"
Jakscar says all this with a smile, a wink and a quick smoothing of his whiskers.

Zaphomil rushes up to Shabezz and Harbug and shakes their hands vigorously, though he pauses when he comes to Angelica and instead choosing to bring her hand up to his lips for a more appropriate greeting for an attractive lady.

Greetings and well met! A pleasure! This is most exciting; I've been told you are exploring heretofore undiscovered sections ofthe Irespan! A fascinating ruin, you know. Immense in scope. It's, well, maybe the history lesson can wait. You have more practical experience than I presently.

He is wearing well-worn but tidy traveling clothes and has the trappings of a cleric of Desna about him. He looks like someone who is ever ready for a journey, and can pick up and leave at a moment's notice.

Shabbezz finishes shaking the hand of Zaphomil and nods back to Jakscar.

"Greeting to the both of you. I am Shabbezz Whorlpad, a scholar on loan to the Society from Quantium. I am sorry that we have to meet under such circumstances, but things being what they are, we'll just have to persevere."

The grippli woman smoothes out her purple and orange robes and continues.

"As for the mission, we have indeed explored areas beneath the great bridge. Twice so far we have entered near the monument known as the Crow, where we encountered a local gang of thieves as well as, from what I suspect, some beings sealed inside that may date back to the days of ancient Thassilon. We recently discovered something right after companion was injured, a disembodied voice, that I am hesitant to identify at this time as friend or foe due to lack of evidence. Perhaps you should accompany us for yourselves and see what you think of it."

As Krass gets settled in, and Tia opts out, possibly staying at least while the big guy heals, Angelica wishes them well. "Now, you stay off those legs, Sweetie. Don't try to be some tough guy. Ladies love a little sign of battle-tested injury, but not some cane-walking old invalid. If you're not careful, you'll be the latter." She looks to the catfolk, "Tia, hon, I know he's in good hands while you're here. I'm gonna miss you, sugar." With that she gives Krass a kiss on the forehead, and a hug to Tia, before returning to the others.

As the two introduce themselves, Angelica can't help but smirk, "What do we have here? Why, aren't you a couple of dashing young gentlemen? It's enough to make a lady feel safe and secure." She bats her eyes, feigning a demure demeanor and a lady-like curtsy that doesn't match her asset-flaunting attire. "My name's Angelica, my talents lie in getting things of importance out of places meant to hold them, and sweet-talking information out of people who don't intend to share it."

Zaphomil nods vigorously, brimming with excitement. Good to hear! Well, so sad to hear about your companions, of course, but when one road is blocked, another path shall be found. I am Zaphomil Collander, follower of Desna. I can share her blessings to those in need.

He responds to Angelica's curtsey with a formal bow, and gives her a smile that seems to say, I'll play this game.

With a smile and a hint of joviality
" Two scholars, oh dear I can't even get this one to shut up! I'm sure you and Zaphomil will have much to discuss, but I will keep to the discussions of swords. And perhaps a little sweet talking.
I am sorry to hear of the disaster that befell your companions and I hope they heal quickly, both in body and mind. Shall we finish this challenge you all started, as fretting over a job not finished can sometimes really hinder recovery which they certainly don't need."

Zaphomil clutches his chest in a show of mock-hurt at being accused of not being able to shut up. You wound me, sir! And here I try to make the journeys enjoyable by recounting the amazing lore of the places in which we travel! This one here would rather walk in sullen silence. He punctuates his statement with a wink to bely the jest.

"Hmph" Harbug seems to not immediately warm to the two new pathfinders. "Glad to have you two along, as long as you can keep up." A small black cat jumps down from the orc's shoulders, then walks over to Jakscar and rubs against his leg.

Squatting on his haunches Jakscar, scratches the cat under the chin.
" Hey little sister, nice to meet you too. What do you say we felines look after this mob?
Standing up again he says with a grin. "Well shall we go and find out? I am curious about this disembodied voice and I never could resist my curiosity. "

"Hey! Fang, get back here." Harbug spits out. The cat ignores him entirely and purrs as Jakscar pets him. "Fine, whatever. Let's just get going." The orc grumbles as he wanders away toward the exit. Shortly after Jakscar stands, the cat runs after Harbug and jumps back onto his shoulders.

Zaphomil bids farewell to Sheila, and throws in one final thanks for the introductions. Then he hitches his pack and hustles after the orc. Yes, indeed! The mysterious disembodied voice. So many possibilities. I don't suppose it was speaking Ancient Thassilonian? If it was speaking modern Taldane, then we have ourselves a clue.

Despite his short stature, the gnome has very little trouble keeping up with the long-legged beings. (Hopefully to Harbug's relief.)

"It was Taldane," Shabbezz offers, keeping pace with the group. "Which, now that you mention it, should have struck me as quite odd, considering the area we had entered had apparently been undisturbed for quite some time. I suppose it could have been using some form of truespeech or a tongues spell to communicate with us, but it was definitely Taldane that we heard. Curious indeed..."

"Could have been some kind of... telepathy or something too."

"Or that, yes," Shabbezz concedes to the orc. "Or even an auditory illusion of some sort."

All wonderful possibilities. I suppose the best way to find out would be to confront the voice again, and see if its source reveals itself.

Zaphomil appears eager to set out to the Crow, though he does not complain while the others go about resupplying.

Angelica is pleased to hear that the others have better ways of checking the veracity of the voice, "I'm ready whenever you all are, unless anybody wants to wait a night and go back replenished."

"No, I think we need to get moving," Shabbezz says, closing shut her spellbook. "We should investigate the source of that voice, and the longer we wait, for all we can tell there might be a lesser chance there it is still in the same location."

After some discussion the companions headed back for the Crow, stopping only to get Harbug a new shirt. The trip back across the bay went a little easier now, with Harbug having more experience with rowing and Angelica with steering. All in all, it was a decent trip and no one was tossed into the water.

Zaphomil was especially entrances by the Crow's carvings, and as you drew closer the little gnome was practically a figurehead of the rowboat, eager as he was to get a good look at the place. His look of delight was only strengthened as you moored the boat and entered the Crow itself.

The trip down to the level where you last left was uneventful, with the members of the original team occasionally stopping to point out an interesting feature, or to explain some of the more interesting bloodstains and piles of gore. It was hard to believe that you had only been in this place for a couple of days, given how much you had seen and accomplished. Like Tia, Jakscar had no particular ability to see in the dark hallways of the ancient structure. Nor did Zaphomil. They resorted to the same glowing rock trick that Tia used.

Pitch black in here, except where noted. Tia was using a rock with a Light spell on it. If you guys want to use something different, let me know.

Once again, the party squeezed past the fiery runes and entered the room with the lemures. The beaded red curtain was as still as the corpses on the floor. The voice again hailed you. "That was certainly quick! You wasted no time in coming back, and I see you have brought some replacements. Good, good. With my information and your...obviously capable physical forms, we should be able to clear this place of those devils in no time at all!"

I also have the light spell available. Plus...

Just before entering the first unlit chamber, Zaph digs into his pocket and produces a small gemstone. Holding it in his fingers, the small trinket erupts in a heatless orange-white flame. He then tosses it in the air above his head and it stays there, slowly orbiting about and providing hands-free light.

Moving through the previously explored chambers, Zaphomil is drawn to just about every nook and cranny, and marvels at whatever statues and artwork they pass. Just a thought -- are there any history checks that I could make?

Encountering the voice, Zaph nods in agreement. That is a good plan. But if I may ask, who are you? How have you come to reside here?

There are many history checks you could make. Primarily, they would tell you that this structure was built and decorated in the height of the Thassilonian empire, and that it is obviously dedicated to Alaznist, the Runelord of Wrath. Basically nothing that the others couldn't have told you. However, keep those history checks in your back pocket, because more is to come!

"I am the great Bayaz, well, formerly great I suppose. My body and I are on somewhat of a separation period after a teleport gone bad. I was trying a new spell, you see, and... never mind that rubbish. The long and short of it is that my spirit has been trapped here for a long time. A long time..." The voice trailed off.

"But, enough about me. There are devils to kill, evils to vanquish, and dragons to be rescued from beautiful maidens!" The voice laughed to itself at that last bit. Apparently Bayaz enjoyed his own jokes.

Angelica listens intently to the answers, especially to questions she hadn't thought to ask it before, and having forgotten to listen with a discerning ear.

Sense Motive 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13

Knowledge: History: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
If the dice roller doesn't hate me, has Harbug heard of "Bayaz?"
"If you were great, you must have had a cache of spells and powerful items. You wanna share where that was so we can use them to kill the devils?" Harbug scoffs a bit at the start, but seems to intend to kill the devils regardless.
Nm, dice roller hates me =p

"Wherever my body ended up, I suppose. I was in northern Kantar, trying to get to Korvosa. A bit far for the spell I was working on, but you see I absolutely had to make it back by Wealday, and I was a little low on supplies....well, again, long story short. But, you don't need any of my stuff to kill devils. Good and silver weapons, my boy. Good and silver. Don't bother with fire, and expect resistance to just about all other elemental magics as well. Mostly, it look slike you are suited for hitting things real hard. Go do that. I imagine it'll work out well for you."

"Devils to kill, I like the sound of that sort of challenge. Ooh that looks interesting, what is behind there?"

Whilst the others are talking Jakscar gets bored and decides to look behind the curtain.

Shabbezz steps out of the catfolk's way while she questions Bayaz.

"If I may ask, why are you so keen on eliminating the devils from here? They've obviously been bound for a while, and in your apparent state of being I doubt that they could cause you much harm. Or do you not have some sort of end goal in mind?"

Knowledge (history): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17 Basically just to tell me if there's anything else beyond what's already been outlined about Bayaz or the structure. If not, no sweat, we can move on.

"Why am I keen on eliminating devils? Who wouldn't be? Evil, foul creatures. Send them all back to Hell, I say! Besides, you got down here, so what's to say they won't head up to the surface world and cause their mischief there? Say, you aren't one of those 'leave vanquishing evil to others' are you?"

"Everything has its place in the multiverse," the grippli begins, slightly miffed. "I see no reason to go out of our way to eliminate the agents of any alignment as long as they pose no real threat to anyone. But having said that, you still raise a valid concern; if we could get in, they could conceivably get out and threaten others. If they cannot be contained, we will banish them back to their home plane through strength of arms."

At the grippli's words, the group learns, finally, that Zaphomil can frown. The devils of Hell and their oppressive, regimental order were about as much an anathema to the followers of Desna as one would ever find. But, not seeking to start an argument in front of the disembodied voice, he simply shrugs and says, Strength of arms and the good graces of the divine. Aided in no small part by the arcane arts, I'm sure. It sounds as though we are in agreement, then. Besides, if we wish to go further, we will likely raise their ire regardless. Especially if they guard any lost relics.

He nods in his best guess as to the direction of Bayaz, then looks to the chamber beyond.

As Jakscar prepares to pull back the curtain with end of his sword, he says over his shoulder
" So Mr Bayaz, are you to be our scout then? Can you tell me where I might find my next challenge. Sorry I meant we, Zaphomil keeps telling me it should be we"

While the others were talking with Bayaz, Jakscar looked behind the curtain to see the room beyond. The walls were covered in an angular script. The scribblings were done in charcoal, and looked repetitive.

To Jacskar's question, Bayaz responded, "I can direct you, for sure, as it isn't difficult. There are several ways there, so no matter where you turn, you can get back to the devil's headquarters. I can't accompany you too far, however. The blasted devil's put up wards that I can no longer pass."