GM Enchanter's #5-08: The Confirmation (Inactive)

Game Master Enchanter Tim

"Thank you for the offer Ford, but I feel fine. I'm sure your studies gives you more insight into the undead. Are these creatures and Gillmen typically able to coexist in the same area? Something doesn't seem right, and it IS going in my report!"

Draylan scribbles a couple sentences down on his crumpled pasges

I am fine, Master Ford. she says with a slight bow. mayhaps I was a little too over zealous.

Now that you are not in combat, you realize the zombie corpses are those of Gillmen. The skeletons are much harder to tell without flesh, but you do see some resemblance too. Inspecting the corpse, Ragnar is surprised to find it is a Dhampir, a Half-vampire.

On the corpse, among other mundane items are a long sword and a ring. There is also a note on the body. It talks of creating an undead army starting with the "fish people" who have been visiting the cave.

As the others look over the corpse, Ragnar notes an oddity in the northern cave wall. He finds a concealed entrance to a smaller tunnel.

Brayden chuckles as he cleans his sickle, "Quite fitting that he would violate the sanctity of this place and its priests, then in turn be destroyed by his own evil works." Turning and looking to the now resting corpses of the gillmen, "We should let Uori know what became of the others of his order, and that the foul villain was punished fittingly for his heinous crimes."

"Thank the gods the killing of innocent gillmen has found an end and the killer got what he deserved." Ragnar says while reading the note. After a while he continues "Hey, look! There is a concealed entrance to a small tunnel in this wall. Should we check what's behind?"

"By all means, open it up!"

Ragnar opens it and enters.

Ragnar rolls a heavy stone aside and enters the passage. It's dark and dank, but he can see the passage opens up farther down. Suddenly he begins hearing a voice too.

"As the legendary Gregaro Voth successfully battled the wild beasts in the deepest reaches of the Mwangi Expanse, so shall I defeat you, foul servant of Lamashtu!" It's Janira! Her voice echos through the cavern.

"Come fast, it's Janira! I can hear her voice so there must be an exit. She didn't manage to loose the minotaur in the woods. Maybe she needs our help!"

Draylan secures what he can of his belongings and moves as fast as he can down the cavern!

Ford blinks as Janira's voice echoes from within the cavern Ragnar discovered. Readying his spear, he quickly follows after the group, ready to lend his powers to their aid. "Servant of Lamashtu? That's sounds bad. Hurry, if Lamashtu or her underlings are involved, we need to quell it fast"

Making a Knowledge (Religion) check to see if there's anything about Lamashtu I could recall that would make this a smarter way to approach danger.
Knowledge (Rel.): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

Servant of Lamashtu could easily refer to the minotaur both as an actual worshipper or simply as a misshapen creature. Lamashtu is a common god among minotaurs, but it certainly is possible Janira is fighting some other monster too. Other creatures associated with Lamashtu are gnolls, medusae, goblins, harpies, and any number of twisted demons.

-Posted with Wayfinder

"Let's move then! Hurry now!" Brayden heads up the tunnel with the others, drawing his mutagen and morningstar as he moves.

As the group moves through the maze of tight passageways, they can hear the distant sounds of a battle echoing through the caves, intermixed with inspirational tales of famous Pathfinders and heroic deeds. The tunnels in this area range from 2 feet to 5 feet in width and about 9 feet in height. Additionally the moisture from the caverns have made the floor slick.

New Map

You can hear enough of Janira to benefit from her Inspire Courage bonus. +1/+1 to hit/damage. -4 to any Acrobatics checks due to the slick floor.

Ragnar moves Forward into the undiscovered parts of the cave.

As Ragnar moves forward, he spots a huge blob down one of the branches. It's mostly translucent, but has dark spots as well as dirt and grime sticking to it. It starts to reach out to him with a pseudopod.

Ragnar, Brayden, Ford, Kaneka
----------------------
Blob
---------------------
Draylan

Ragnar, Brayden, Ford and Kaneka are up. Remember you benefit from Inspire Courage currently. Also, I think Kaneka is still at 8/13 hps, correct?

Ragnar takes a 5-ft. step back, takes his crossbow and shoots at the blob.

Attack: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 5 + 1 = 17 Damage: 1d10 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 + 1 = 5

I initially put the wrong initiative modifier for the blob. Kaneka beats it's initiative too. Edited initiative order above.

Brayden moves up and past the gap, looking for Ragnar's target. Seeing the horrific blob, he quickly mixes and throws a bomb at the creature!

ranged touch: 1d20 + 3 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 3 + 1 + 1 = 14
bomb damage (fire): 1d6 + 3 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 1 + 1 = 8

Delaying

Both Ragnar's and Brayden's attacks hit home. The blob does not seem to have much capability to dodge attacks at all. Nevertheless, it still remains.

Ford is up. Kaneka can jump in any time.

Ragnar, Brayden, Ford, Kaneka
----------------------
Blob
---------------------
Draylan

Ford moves up to the fray, tapping Ragnar's shoulder and imbuing him with more magical power. "I'm choosing you to enact my will. Dispatch this creature with haste so that we may progress."

Using Bit of Luck on Ragnar.

The blob moves closer and tries to strike at Brayden. Luckily he is able to avoid it's clumsy attempt. Suddenly, however, he realizes a second blob has emerged from the shadows and is quickly approaching him. This one fares no better though, Brayden easily avoiding the pseudopod.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Damage: 1d3 + 1 + 1d3 ⇒ (3) + 1 + (1) = 5

Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Damage: 1d3 + 1 + 1d3 ⇒ (3) + 1 + (3) = 7

Ragnar, Brayden, Ford, Kaneka
----------------------
Blobs
---------------------
Draylan

Party is up. Everyone this time.

Maps are blocked for me at work. Please move me behind a melee attacker, and swing away with my reach melee at any already damaged blob.

melee reach: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

damage: 2d4 + 6 ⇒ (2, 4) + 6 = 12

Ragnar shoots another bolt at the blob which just appeared (red).

Ranged Attack: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 5 + 1 = 20
Ranged Attack Luck RR: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 5 + 1 = 26
I take the crit one
Damage: 1d10 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 1 = 3
Crit Damage: 1d10 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

Thanks Ford, that helps!

Kassi will move up faking the attacks
1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11 if successful +3 Draylan AC

Ragner, hate to tell you, but loading a Heavy crossbow is a full round action, and you don't have Rapid Reload. I'll give you the roll if you can find another way to attack this round.

Draylan reaches past Ford in a masterful strike and slices the first blob. It deflates and dissolves to the ground.

Ragnar, Brayden, Ford, Kaneka
----------------------
Blobs
---------------------
Draylan

Ah, stupid, I forgot. I usually use a longbow with my rangers. Well, another attack depends on if I can attack from the field north of Brayden, is there enough space to stand and attack? If so...

Ragnar drops his crossbow, draws his longsword and swings it at the remaining blob.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8 Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

knowledge(arcana): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Taken aback by the hideous amorphous monsters, Brayden searches his memory for knowledge of such things and ways to harm them. Drawing his morningstar, he swings it two handed at the creature in front of him.

morningstar attack: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 1 = 6
damage: 1d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 1 = 10

I'll let Ragnar stand there, but he'll have to squeeze. That gives him a -4 to attack and AC.

Brayden smacks the gooey blob with his morningstar, but Ragnar's awkward positioning causes him to miss. The amorphous blob is leaking clear fluid, but still a threat.

Ragnar, Brayden, Ford, Kaneka
----------------------
Blobs
---------------------
Draylan

Ford scowls as he steps forward. The quarters were tight, the tougher ones were restricted, and this blob of goo wouldn't go down; it was time to flex his divine might!

Stamping his staff into the rocky ground beneath him, waves of harmful energy seared forth from the contact point, weaving around his allies and targeting the slimeball. "Creature! From darkness you have spawned, and to darkness I shall return you! Impede my path NO MORE!"

Channel Neg. Energy: 1d6 ⇒ 6
Channeling negative energy, using Selective Channel to prevent any ally from taking damage (yay, 18 CHA!). 6 channels left. The save DC is 17; hopefully, the blob isn't too perceptive to beat it...

Wasn't expecting that...

Will Save: 1d20 - 5 ⇒ (16) - 5 = 11

The blob withers and deflates at Ford's proclamation. Within seconds it has dissolved. Shining a light forward, you see the tunnel appears to be clear of any more blobs. Janira's voice continues to echo through the tunnels, but is it louder than when you first heard it. You must be getting closer.

"Great job, Ford!" Ragnar says.

"Very impressive Sir Benett! Now come, let's see how our mentor is faring."

Draylan picks up speed as he dash in the direction of Janira's voice

The group continues its climb through the slick tunnels, but it can see a glimpse of moonlight. The light of the surface world above provides a welcome reprieve from the blue and green fungus of the caverns below, and light illuminates a stream whose water is hastened by runoff from a recent storm further up the mountains. A ledge to the west rises up to the nearby forest canopy.

You emerge from the caverns at the base of the mountains into a 40 foot clearing. The slope to the west rises up to 20 feet over the clearing. Patches of woodland dot the area and a stream is up ahead. On the other side, you spot Janira and the monstrous minotaur!

You mentor is bleeding considerably from many wounds, but she still shouts, "You vile beast! I know not what drives your black heart, but I shall not fail in my duty. I shall see you driven from this forest, back to the hills from whence you came!" You can see several cracks in the minotaur's axe.

Draylan, Brayden, Ragnar, Ford
-------------------------------
Minotaur, Janira
--------------------
Kaneka

New Map

Dark spots on the map are difficult terrain, but also provide partial cover.

Draylan, Brayden, Ragnar, and Ford can go.

double move toward the log bridge

Brayden hurries forward, drawing forth his most potent of elixirs. He drinks it down fast while holding his morningstar at the ready. The liquid courses through his veins, sending power and might raging in his muscles. His skin thickens and the hunger for violence grows in his soul.

move action - move; standard action - drink mutagen

Double move towards the river

Also, Janira continues to Inspire Courage.

Ford races ahead, spear at the ready as he calls out to Janira. "Milady! Fall back! We shall handle this beast from here!" he orders, before calling to his allies. "Try and draw the minotaur away! Or at least see Janira to safety!"

Janira looks over at Ford's shout, her eyes going wide at the sight of her charges reappearing. She turns back to the minotaur in time to duck a swing from his massive battleaxe, enough to have decapitated her. A return stroke strikes her armor, but is deflected off. Luckily she is also able to avoid the sharp horns of the bull-headed creature.

Battleaxe: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
Damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (5, 5) + 4 = 14

Battleaxe: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (3, 1) + 4 = 8

Gore: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

The halfling grits her teeth, but maintains her defiance. "My students are here, foul beast, and they are on the road to become great Pathfinders! You will be the first challenge they destroy, even if I don't see the end of this!" She steps back out of his reach and hurls a tanglefoot bag at the minotaur.

Touch attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Reflex Save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

The goo sticks to the minotaur's fur on his arms and legs, but he manages to avoid the worst of it. Still, it covers much of his torso impeding his movements. He bellows in rage.

Draylan, Brayden, Ragnar, Ford
-------------------------------
Minotaur, Janira
--------------------
Kaneka

Before I charge in, are we wanting to try and lure the minotaur to the river?

Double move towards the Minotaur, when she is able Kassi will attempt to charge and wrestle the Minotaur.
1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 + 2 = 23

Kaneka, I moved you 60 ft toward the minotaur, with the intention of jumping the stream next round to get there.

Brayden moves up to the stream's edge before drawing another one of his alchemical wonders and hurling it at the minotaur. "Hey ya big furry beast - ready to burn?!"

move action - move, standard action - bomb attack

bomb ranged touch: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 3 + 1 = 21
bomb fire damage: 1d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 1 = 7

double move across bridge

Draylan, give me an Acrobatics check and a Reflex Save just in case. Also, you can go at half speed or full speed across it.

As Draylan approaches the fallen tree trunk, he realizes it's wet from the stream underneath. Still, at 3 feet across it shouldn't be too hard to cross...

Brayden's flask strike the minotaur squarely on the chest. The fire sears him, burning a large patch of fur. He turns to the alchemist. You clearly have his attention now.

I'm not in a hurry, i'll go half speed. I backed token up to reflect.

in case they are still needed

acrobatics: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

reflex: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Draylan slows as he cross the tree trunk, which is a very good thing. A few feet from the end, the warrior's foot slides out from under him, but he hasn't put his weight on it yet and he is able to catch himself and leap to the end.

That was exactly what you needed. Anyone else crossing, it's Acrobatics DC 7 at half speed.

Ragnar takes his heavy crossbow and loads a bolt.

Ford moves closer to the river, before stamping his spear into the ground and bellowing at the minotaur. "BEAST OF LAMASHTU! You cannot comprehend the foe you have made today; not an agent of the divine, but the divine itself! I do not judge the deformed, but to those who would turn their ire on the weak and injured, I will see you driven before me!" Ford felt himself in prime form; not only was the minotaur threatening his comrades, but he had injured a lovely lady like Janira. Both his old and new self were in agreement; this thing was going down.

Ford stomped his spear into the ground once more, a wave of energy unfurling his vestments and pushing away the nearby grass and pebbles. "My name is Ford Benett! The successor of Aroden! God of the weak and downtrodden! Those in my care who are attacked will earn my wrath: this means YOU!"

Taking a move action and then standard action to make an Intimidate check on the minotaur to get it's attention and possibly shaken it.
Intimidate: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5