DMB's PbP GD5 "Through Maelstrom Rift" (Inactive)

Game Master Beckett

Rhyol suddenly grows larger as she attempts to leap over the gap and rush at the Protean landing safely as he wills gravity to act "normally", but doesn't seem to be able to land a solid slam against the chaos creature.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (7) + 20 = 27

The Air, Earth, and Water Wysps continue to simply hover in place, and you are not sure if they are really even aware of what is happening, though the Fire Wysp begins to move closer to the party, continuing to amplify those with a connection to the Plane of Fire.

Zypher concludes calling on the power of the storm, and suddenly a massive bolt of lightning strikes, coming directly from the strange electrical ring above you and slamming into the Protean, who seems to absorb much of it's fury.

Krakos draws and drinks a potion, allowing him to take to the air.

The Protean moves a bit closer to the rest of the party, but unleashes a small multitude of strikes against Rhyol. Each and every strike burns, but the creature does not relent. As the creature's tails strike, they wrap around the massive "fire wyrm", easily grabbing him, and yet, seeming to be unhindered by holding Rhyol at the same time.

Bite (AC 16): 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (11) + 19 = 30 <HIT>
Damage: 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12
Fire Damage to Protean: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Bite (AC 16): 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (4) + 19 = 23 <HIT>
Damage: 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11
Fire Damage to Protean: 1d6 ⇒ 6

Tail (AC 16): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (12) + 16 = 28 <HIT>
Damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
Fire Damage to Protean: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Bite (AC 16): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (7) + 16 = 23 <HIT>
Damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Fire Damage to Protean: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Bite (AC 16): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (3) + 16 = 19 <HIT>
Damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
Fire Damage to Protean: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Grab: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (5) + 24 = 29 <Grappled>
Rhyos Will save: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15
Rhyos Will save: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18

ROUND <Prayer, Fire Wysp>
Octaris ()
Ember ()
Rhyol (-51, Grappled, Confused 1 Round)
Zypher ()
Krakos (-8)
Jamila (-16)
Targos (-16)
Protean Creature (-39)

Octaris unleashes another torrent of water at the creature.

Water Blast: 1d20 + 14 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 14 + 1 + 2 = 283d6 + 8 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (1, 1, 5) + 8 + 1 + 2 = 18

The Protean is beginning to look a bit winded, but hardly in mortal danger.

Zephyr quickly casts liberating command on the thoqqua, then attempts to address the air wysp.

I'm not sure what I should roll here. Zephyr has wild empathy, but I don't know if that applies in this case. I'm also working from my phone, so it's hard to check.

"Damn!" Krakos breathes as the Protean unleashes a flurry of attacks on Rhyol. "Hold on, I am coming Rhyol!" he calls as he rises into the air and speeds towards the melee, angling to get to one side of the creature and flank it. As he lands he lashes out with his morningstar, crying, "Your plans will not come to pass!"

Attack (+1 Morningstar; Bane, Destruction Judgement, Prayer): 1d20 + 10 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 10 + 2 + 1 = 20
Damage: 1d8 + 8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 8 + 3 + 1 = 19
Bane Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 6) = 12

Krakos moves to engage and uses Bane as a swift action.

Ember realizing that the wysp is increasing her element she stops singing her Inspire Confidence song. Instead she begins to perform her Fiery Song. She flies closer to the wysp.

Fly: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (14) + 24 = 38

Inspire Confidence is off, but Fiery Song is up. It doesn't buff the group, but my breath weapon now does 5d4 fire damage instead of 1d4

Rhyol will attack the one grappling him

atk: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17

dmg: 2d8 + 11 ⇒ (4, 1) + 11 = 16

-Posted with Wayfinder

Confusion: 1d100 ⇒ 27 Do nothing>
I somehow missed Jamila's healing, so incorporated now. I'm going to say that each roll separately, as I'm not sure.

Octaris unleashes another torrent of water that slams into the Protean, further annoying and distracting it as Ember begins to move in closer. Rhyol simply sits there, overcome by the Protean's chaotic magical "poison" in a sort of stupor. Krakos moves in, hoping to distract the creature long enough to spare Rhyol's life, but isn't able to strike the deft, morphic beast himself.

ROUND <Prayer, Fire Wysp>
Octaris ()
Ember ()
Rhyol (-51, Grappled, Confused 1 Round)
Zypher ()
Krakos ()
Jamila (-10)
Targos (-14)
Protean Creature (-39)

Jamila gently strokes the unconscious form of her hawk. Do not worry I will revive you shortly... She then sets her jaw at the protean before she raises her arms up and her form swells and grows to nearly double her size! Once done she hovers slowly towards the battle, drawing her enlarged sword as she flies towards it.

Standard: use SLA to enlarge person upon herself.
Move: Fly 15' on map. Draw sword as part of move.

Zephyr attempts to reason with the air wysp. "Return to yourself, small one, and be free of this imbalance!"

Check, incl. prayer; +1 if Diplomacy, or +7 if Wild Empathy, or +10 if Handle Animal: 1d20 ⇒ 16

Sorry, my mistake. I completely missed that this was updated somehow.

Zypher goes closer to the Air wysp, putting everything he can into trying to snap the creature out of whatever strange funk it seems to be in, but it doesn't seem to make it through. At the same time, Jamilla suddenly becomes larger. Keep in mind Enlarge Person is a Full Round Action.

Just a warning, Rhyol is very, very wounded.

ROUND <Prayer, Fire Wysp>
Octaris ()
Ember ()
Rhyol (-51, Grappled)
Zypher ()
Krakos ()
Jamila (-10)
Targos (-14)
Protean Creature (-39)

Duly noted GM Beckett. This means she will take her move here and will take just a single attack.

Jamila floats into range and swings her sword at the protean endangering Rhyol.

Longsword, Enlarged: 1d20 + 12 - 1 ⇒ (4) + 12 - 1 = 15; damage: 2d6 + 7 ⇒ (2, 3) + 7 = 12

As he watches his odd worm like companion get crushed by the Protean, Octaris summons another blast of water from his hands.

Water Blast: 1d20 + 14 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 14 + 1 + 1 = 353d6 + 8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1, 4, 6) + 8 + 1 + 1 = 21

Ember continues her Fiery Song, and uses her breath weapon on the Protean.

Fire Damage: 5d4 ⇒ (4, 3, 1, 1, 4) = 13 DC 19 Reflex Save for Half Damage. We get +2 for the Wysp, correct? If that's +2 damage add that to the total.
Recharge Breath Weapon Rounds: 1d4 ⇒ 1

If Rhyol seems to have returned to his senses, Zephyr will use liberating command on him, then move around next to him and tap him with a wand.

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

"Rhyol, retreat if you can!" Krakos calls out, hoping that their companion will be able to free herself from the protean's grip and get away. Realizing that the creature is harder to strike than one might first realize, he calls upon the inner strength granted by his patron to heal his wounds and then attempts to strike the protean again - this time with a more measured blow.

Inner Strength (Persistence Inquisition): 3d6 ⇒ (1, 6, 6) = 13

Attack (+1 Morningstar; Bane, Destruction Judgement, Prayer): 1d20 + 10 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 10 + 2 + 1 = 28
Damage: 1d8 + 8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 8 + 3 + 1 = 14
Bane: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 4) = 7

He then takes a step to the side, angling to maneuver the stubborn creature between himself and the others.

Krakos activates his Inner Strength ability as a swift action to heal 13 HP, which should put him back at 51. He then attacks before taking a 5 foot step to the west. Rhyol, if you're able to break the grapple and withdraw then Krakos might be able to help you out a bit with the healing; there just wasn't really anything I could do to help you immediately during this round :(

Long day at work and spending a bit of family time tonight before bed. Will update tomorrow.

The great mage Octaris, in his supreme arcane might unleashed another blast of pure water and cold, bypassing the Protean's resistance to magic and causing it to appear a bit worse for wear, as Ember moves in closer, first singing a song that seems to call on the serenity of the inferno before unleashing her own upon the creature.

Refl DC 19: 1d20 ⇒ 6 <takes half>

It seems to avoid most of the blast, though, using Rhyol as a shield. Rhyol is up here Zypher, master of the sky first casts a spell to help liberate the Volcano from his perdiciment, and then moves closer to help heal his ally before it's too late. Krakos tries to strike another blow, this time connecting solidly with the chaotic beast, and leaving a searing wound as his divine prayer is heard. After Krakos' strike, the Protean is looking very, very hurt, though you can also see some of it's wounds begin to mend themselves. Finally, Jamilla moves in closer, delivering her own swipe, but fails to find flesh with the swing of her blade.

ROUND <Prayer, Fire Wysp>
Octaris ()
Ember ()
Rhyol (-47, Grappled) Need an action plus a free Escape Artist check with an extra +12 bonus>
Zypher ()
Krakos ()
Jamila (-10)
Targos (-14)
Protean Creature (-83)

@ Krakos, remember, Jamilla used a special item that causes a potion to form a small mist, affecting everyone in a small area with the potion. She already healed you last round. Did you want ot use your ability on someone else, (can you), or that action to do something else?

D'oh, that was a failure to remember on my part! Krakos can't use it on anyone else so I'll use that swift action to change the active Judgement from Destruction to Justice; that'll reduce the amount of damage Krakos did by 3 and give him another +2 to hit instead.

escape artist: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14

-Posted with Wayfinder

DM reroll: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (15) + 15 = 30

-Posted with Wayfinder

Rhyol total with draw and move under ground

-Posted with Wayfinder

Rhyol escapes, only barely, and then moves away, sinking into the ground. The Protean, seemingly hurt by Rhyols natural heat, and now seeming very hurt, avoids attempting to strike her as she retreats.

It does, however, shift closer to Octaris and attempts to strike out at both the great mage and Krakos. All of it's attacks land solidly, leaving their marks upon both victims, and as one of the Protean's tails slams into Octaris, it winds around him as well and begins to squeeze.

Bite vs Krakos (AC 18): 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (4) + 19 = 23 <HIT>
Tentacle vs Krakos (AC 18): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (2) + 16 = 18 <HIT>
Damage (Krakos): 1d8 + 1d6 + 14 ⇒ (5) + (2) + 14 = 21 <plus Confusion 1 Round>

Tail Slap vs Octaris (AC 20): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (18) + 16 = 34 <HIT>
Tentacle vs Octaris (AC 20): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (13) + 16 = 29 <and HIT>
Damage (Octaris): 2d6 + 10 ⇒ (6, 4) + 10 = 20 plus Confusion plus Grab
Grab vs Octaris (CMD 22): 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (13) + 20 = 33 <Grappled>

If you have any rerolls, you may use them here to try to negate this. Either way, please give me a d100 roll in addition to your next action, (which may negate it completely).[/ooc]
Will Save (Krakos DC 22): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26
Will Save (Octaris DC 22): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

ROUND <Prayer, Fire Wysp>
Octaris (-20, Grappled, Confused as F'!)
Ember ()
Rhyol (-47)
Zypher ()
Krakos (-21)
Jamila (-10)
Targos (-14)
Protean Creature (-83)

Ember shifts forward slightly, and uses her breath weapon again. She continues to sing her Fiery Song.

Fiery Breath Weapon: 5d4 ⇒ (4, 1, 3, 2, 1) = 11 DC 19 Reflex Save for Half Damage
Recharge Weapon: 1d4 ⇒ 3
I believe I positioned myself where I'll miss all my allies with the breath weapon attack.

Krakos hisses in pain as the creature turns part of its attention to him, delivering a vicious bite as well as a tentacle slap upside the head. "Ayrzul, aid your faithful servant!" he cries, calling upon his inner strength to mend his wounds.

Inner Strength (Swift Action): 3d6 ⇒ (3, 4, 2) = 9

"Press the attack, I think we almost have it!" he adds as he continues to circle around the creature before taking another swing with his morningstar.

Attack (+1 Morningstar; Bane, Flanking, Judgement, Prayer): 1d20 + 10 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 10 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 17
Damage: 1d8 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 8 + 1 = 10
Bane Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 1) = 4

d100 if Needed: 1d100 ⇒ 74

Zephyr calls down another lightning stroke on the protean!

Lightning damage, DC 18 Reflex save for half: 3d8 ⇒ (3, 5, 6) = 14

Confusion: 1d100 ⇒ 25

Since a water blast isn't an actual spell, and just more of a ranged attack, I'm not sure if he can do it while grappled. I'm guessing no but if he can then his attack would be a +16 total for 3d6 + 10 ⇒ (1, 4, 6) + 10 = 21

Fighting off the confusion, and thinking he's unlikely to break the creature's grasp, he slashes at the beast with his claws.

Claw 1: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 8 + 1 = 261d3 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 + 1 = 4
Claw 2: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 8 + 1 = 221d3 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 + 1 = 5

He has a really terrible CMB, I doubt he can escape.

A few more solid blows leaves the Protean's body sitting there lifeless. Unlike many Outsiders, it doe snot simply begin to fade away, returning to it's home to be "reborn", but rather seems truly dead.

The roiling incursion of color slows and contracts upon itself, forming a vibrating sphere. Although the disruption beyond its otherworldly borders has abated, the tenacious rift remains, allowing you to return to the Plane of Air whenever you desire. However, you also discover that the same portal holds a small irregularity, a weakness or corruption of some sort, and one that might allow another Protean being to find their way here in the future.

With your powers combined,. . .

I mean, perhaps there is a way you might be able to seal it.

The book suggests allowing a Know Planes or Know Arcana check, or casting Air based spells to help bolster the Plane of Air vs the Maelstrom, but also allows for "creative solutions", if you can think of other skills, for example, and how using them might either resist the Maelstrom or boost the Plane of Air.

The sylph contemplates the portal. "To weaken the influence of the Maelstrom, I suggest that those of us who can use order-based magic in the area of the portal, while those of us who are air-based use similar magic. No earth-based magic, though. Jamila, can you also try to remove the chaos taint from the air wysp and the others?"

"Hmmm, I may have a way to work some arcane mastery here. Stand back and let me concentrate a moment. Ember perhaps you could sing me a tune to help me focus?"

UMD: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (19) + 16 = 35

"That largely leaves me irrelevant in this endeavor then," Krakos responds to Zephyr with a wry chuckle. "But I agree that your ideas are sound, especially where the remaining wysps are concerned. Let me see if any other ideas come to mind as well..."

Kn. Planes: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27
Kn. Arcana: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

It takes a little bit of time, but Krakos is able to break the remaining wysps from their hazed control, returning them once more to minor stewards of their respective elemental planes. They, like minor beacons, now grant a measure of power to those near them that also share their elemental affinity.

While that happens, the Great Mage calls on years and years of study and mastery of the arcane, and somehow manages to force some of that power against the Maelstron. As this happens, no one is sure exactly how it happens, but you hear something similar to a lightning storm above, in or perhaps beyond the portal. There are loud claps of thunder, and a cacophony as the Maelstrom seems to push back. At first Octaris's will seems to have the upper hand, but then the Maelstrom takes ground, overwhelming him, only to be beaten back for a few moment. Finally, there is a loud explosion, and Octaris, mentally exhausted is sent to the ground.

Looking up at the portal, you can see that 1 quarter of the portal's circular boundary has changed from the dark shadowy electricity to a clear, gentle breezing wind.

"Well, that's better progress than none," Krakos observes. "Octaris, are you okay?"

Zephyr draws on some of his previously-prepared magic to power a summoning, calling forth a small air elemental. Spontaneous casting; burning resist energy to cast summon nature's ally II. He addresses it in Auran: "Spirit! Do what you can to strengthen the power of Air in the gate!"

Ember begins to sing a song that Inspires Competence in her allies.

Inspire Competence (Su): A bard of 3rd level or higher can use his performance to help an ally succeed at a task. The ally must be within 30 feet and able to see and hear the bard. The ally gets a +2 competence bonus on skill checks with a particular skill as long as she continues to hear the bard’s performance.

OK I am back from my trip and am ready to resume here!

"Good job Krakos!" Jamila smiles, adding "Perhaps I can be of assistance here. While I am no spellcaster I do hold the elements of all the planes in my being. I should be able to lend my efforts here."

Knowledge, Planes: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 12 + 2 = 31

Octaris takes a knee, holding his head in his hands. "I just....need a moment. Some rest perhaps"

Just to be clear, Krakos and Jamila are both attempting to cure the Wysps here and not purge the corruption from the rift, right?

Jamila would do whatever would help here. I assumed all of the Wysps were cured here. If that is not the case then Jamila would try to purge the corruption from the Rift.

Thats correct. You are out of combat, so it shouldn't be a big deal to help them at your leisure. The rift on the other hand, does have penalties for failed attempts, and ooc everyone has to roll something anyway.

I was going with the standard suggested Kn. Planes or Arcana roll actually, wasn't trying to cajole the wysps but since time isn't as much of an issue now then I suppose we could say that he took enough time to finally bring the others around. If neither of Krakos' results turned up anything useful then I'll try to come up with another applicable skill to roll after I've had a bit of sleep.

Yes, the Wysps have all been converted. The main thing is coming up with a good use of those skills in how it related to the Rift and the Maelstrom.

Okay, I misunderstood. I thought you meant Arcana or Planes could be rolled in order to gain more insight into how to close the rift, not 'come up with some sort of explanation about how rolling one of those two knowledges would *actually* help close the rift'.

"I wonder if there might be some way to channel the subjective gravity of this place into the rift, to help seal it?" Krakos finally offers, looking rather stumped. "Or perhaps we could try cracking that stink-plant open that Sisivel gave us...though I don't know if the scent would reach any Sky Serpents from in here."

He shrugs. "Otherwise, I'm afraid I'm running a little low on ideas."

Kn. Planes: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

That's all I could think of that might work, otherwise I'm pretty much drawing a blank.

Jamila's face brightens as an idea occurs to her. "Perhaps the Wysps may be of assistance here. They are the guardians of this place after all!" She motions for Krakos to hold for a moment. "Should this not work then we can try summoning help."

She then turns her attention to the Air Wysp and opens a telepathic channel to it.

DM B, did anything come of Zephyr's summoning?

Can Octaris try UMD again?

DM B, did anything come of Zephyr's summoning?

I'm not sure what you mean? The Lightning? <edit: wow, I completely missed that. Yes, it does, and will update once I get that last check. I'm a little confussed right now on just who is attempting what with the various Know Planes checks. It reads as if you are trying to help fix the Wysps, which is kind of unimportant at this point. If this is incorrect, please let me know.

Can Octaris try UMD again?

He can try more once everyone else gives it their best shot if he likes. However, there is a chance that bad things can happen for trying over again.

The wysps hear Jamila's words and try to help, but seem to be doing all that they can already by boosting you in your endeavors.

Is the the rift we're trying to work on pictured in the top right of the map? That might help me visualize what we are trying to do. If it's to stabilize the rift by offsetting the various elements, I can work on fire. It didn't sound like that was it from DM Beckett's first post, but I think I'm missing something.

Zephyr was going to try to have the air elemental he summoned work on the rift to strengthen the element of Air in its vicinity, unless the act of summoning the elemental near the rift was enough to do that.