Davo edges just close enough to get a better view of the vats of liquid. As he does so, he hears semi-coherent echoes of the owbs’ thoughts in Dark Folk, and any creature adjacent to the vat can hear these promises of power, offers of secrets, and blasphemies against light. Clearly this must be an esoteric remnant left behind by the owbs’ transformation.
Nothing else in this room jumps out or attacks you and nothing interesting is found in the desk.
The next door leads to a small room made of interlocking natural stone blocks and has a low, claustrophobic ceiling, as if to discourage individuals from lingering here.
On the south wall, nine of the stone blocks are merely panels arranged in a 3-by-3-panel matrix.
F Nagaji "Paladin 14" | HP 114/157 DR 10/Adamantine (130) | AC 32* T 15* FF 30* (50% fort) | CMD 31 | F +13 R +12 W +12 (+2 vs. mind-affecting effects, poison & cold) Slippery Mind | Init +8 (Roll 3x, always act in surprise) | Perception -2 ll
Archivist 15 hp 123/123 | F +12 (14) R +17 (19) W +17 (19) | AC 29 (32) T 16 (19) FF 26 CMD 24 Perception +26 (28)
"I am not quite sure what to make of this mechanism, colleagues, but do recall our earlier researches, in particular Professor Kramolag's notes: “To access the god lab, remember that when in the ethereal southeast, the lurker at the threshold shall be mine. Perhaps this arrangement leads to the god lab?”
This is the southeast room, right? I had see invisibility at one point, as did someone else. Not sure how long research took, but I'll read the scroll if necessary. Do we see see anything in the ethereal plane?
Male Human, Reroll: USED Ranger Lord 16 (HP: 106/208), Init: +8* (+10 mountains/Hills/Jungle, +14 Urban), AC: 25 T: 18, FF: 20, Perception +25, +31 v Humans, +27 v. Undead/constructs), F: +21, R: +23, W: +14, CMB: +18, CMD: 36
"We are also Seekers with younger agents counting on us." The ranger does crack a smile as he adds, "Besides, I never leave a foe alive if it's seen fear in my eyes."
Sorry, I had a thesis committee meeting to prepare for and have had three other lab meetings this week on top of that. I should have warned you but I thought I would be able to post and then couldn't. Sorry about that!
Although the taller members of the party feel quite cramped, the dwarves and gnomes feel right at home in this room.
You don't see anything unusual at first until Davo takes a closer look, his see invisibility spell allowing him to make out ethereal runes on six of the panels: they seem to be stylized words and phrases in Aklo.
See the map link for pictures of the runes.
Translating them, from left to right and beginning with the top left-hand panel, the runes translate to the following. Panel 1: at the; Panel 2: threshold; Panel 3: mine; Panel 4: shall; Panel 5: be; Panel 6: the lurker.
F Nagaji "Paladin 14" | HP 114/157 DR 10/Adamantine (130) | AC 32* T 15* FF 30* (50% fort) | CMD 31 | F +13 R +12 W +12 (+2 vs. mind-affecting effects, poison & cold) Slippery Mind | Init +8 (Roll 3x, always act in surprise) | Perception -2 ll
Male DEMON LORD OF THE RASPING RIFTS, God of Commerce, Electricty, and Insects Sorceror(Crossblood[Draconic, Orc]) 15 (HP 67/92) (AC 21/15/17) (CMD 20) (Fort +16, Ref +16, Will +12) (Init +14) (Perception +29)
Nikolai frowns for a moment, then grins.
"Razer a simple cipher..."
He then confidently touches the panels in a specific order.
Nikolai touches the panels... and nothing happens. He then realizes that they need to be moved and rearranged in order and does so.
You also find during this process that there is a hidden tenth panel on the west wall which conceals a compartment containing several magic items. This includes a cloak of the bat and a headband of mental prowess +2 (Wis and Cha). At the back of the niche is a metal switch.
When the movable stone panels are arranged to spell out the passphrase, the stones on the room’s floor blink out of existence, revealing a permanent teleportation circle that instantly transports everyone away!
An acrid tang fills the air in this tall, lightless chamber. A series of metal rebar platforms connected by steel staircases descend in a counterclockwise spiral from corner to corner. A faint circle of amber light glows on the surface of the uppermost platform.
The stairways are 5 feet wide, have railings, and descend at a steep angle; they are considered difficult terrain. Each platform is approximately 30 feet lower than the last, is suspended by several metal supports from the adjoining walls, and lack safety railings. Your starting point on the largest platform is about 120 feet above the surface of acid at the bottom.
Male DEMON LORD OF THE RASPING RIFTS, God of Commerce, Electricty, and Insects Sorceror(Crossblood[Draconic, Orc]) 15 (HP 67/92) (AC 21/15/17) (CMD 20) (Fort +16, Ref +16, Will +12) (Init +14) (Perception +29)
Nikolai glances dubiously at the acid.
"I hope zat we are not expected to go swimming in zat..."
He then casts Resist Energy(Acid) on all of the PCs (as well as the wolf).
Since I assume that it has been more than 20 minutes since we originally buffed, and the communal resist energies have run out...
Archivist 15 hp 123/123 | F +12 (14) R +17 (19) W +17 (19) | AC 29 (32) T 16 (19) FF 26 CMD 24 Perception +26 (28)
"Perhaps some may accuse me for lack of imagination, but how is this place a "god lab"? Is her god some manner of enormous piscine creature with a predilection for toxic sludge?" The gnome frowns. "I suppose we should take a sample."
The Professor does give pause though, looking over the edge in hopes of spotting lurking dangers or hidden traps in the lower platforms.
F Nagaji "Paladin 14" | HP 114/157 DR 10/Adamantine (130) | AC 32* T 15* FF 30* (50% fort) | CMD 31 | F +13 R +12 W +12 (+2 vs. mind-affecting effects, poison & cold) Slippery Mind | Init +8 (Roll 3x, always act in surprise) | Perception -2 ll
Yes, most buffs from earlier will have run out. You spent several hours researching before the owb fight.
The party cautiously descends into the room. Kahl' Heel flies about but doesn't notice or sense anything more until the party reaches the bottom platform above the acid. At this point it becomes all too clear that something is lurking in the pool, observing you, and the telepathic powers emanating from the pool are becoming overwhelming to everyone but Tamerius, who seems completely oblivious to the rising danger....
F Nagaji "Paladin 14" | HP 114/157 DR 10/Adamantine (130) | AC 32* T 15* FF 30* (50% fort) | CMD 31 | F +13 R +12 W +12 (+2 vs. mind-affecting effects, poison & cold) Slippery Mind | Init +8 (Roll 3x, always act in surprise) | Perception -2 ll
GMW 30h, Magic Vestment 14h, Ext Communal Resist 30 Fire, Cold, Electricity 40m. Stoneskin 140m, Life Bubble 4h, Heroism 50m, Cop:Evil 140m, Air Walk 140m
I had been guessing more like an hour or so, Chun Hei will refresh some more buffs.
Chun hei will also refresh her extended bull's strength and Air Walk as well then.
buff notes:
Header should also be accurate.
My Greater Magic Weapon and Magic Vestment have plenty of time remaining.
Life Bubble should still be up.
Bull Strength, Weapon of Awe, Air Walk have been refreshed.
Stoneskin and communal fire have worn off.
Communal resist acid is new, as is divine favor.
Trusting in her airwalk and her acid resist Chun Hei casts Righteous Might.
Male DEMON LORD OF THE RASPING RIFTS, God of Commerce, Electricty, and Insects Sorceror(Crossblood[Draconic, Orc]) 15 (HP 67/92) (AC 21/15/17) (CMD 20) (Fort +16, Ref +16, Will +12) (Init +14) (Perception +29)
Ah. In that case, I would have recast Heroism, as well.
Unsure what, exactly, is lurking below, Nikolai casts a spell, causing three balls of crackling electricity to pop into existence, floating directly above the acid level.
Thorgan, axe always in hand, takes a step forwards.
"Be ready lads! Somethins' risin' from th' dark, n' ah bet ye a pint 't ain't friendly!"
Thorgan would've reapplied heroism if his extended heroism ran out. He'll use the surprise round to apply freedom of movement, suspecting something large and tentacled is rising up for a visit.
@Tamerius: I think familiars are different in that they usually only act on their master's initiative, unlike animal companions who can act on their own initiative. Correct me if I'm wrong though!
Sure enough, a gleaming purple ichor rises just to the surface of the acid pit. A terrifying fog starts to fill up the space around the party as it broadcasts a telepathic message that sounds more like a searing cacophony of grinding blades and screeching insects than it does anything natural.
“Filthy mortals! For far too long was I slave to lesser souls—those grease stains on the palms of beasts. No longer! Sweet, pitiless voracity! Yes, I have consumed them, and on the fruits of their panic I feed, and I grow, and I shall rise to heights of divine glory! Bow before a god reborn, or be the first of mortalkind to know your doom!”
DC 20 Will save or take a –10 penalty on Wisdom checks and Will saves. This penalty remains for as long as you are in the fog and for 2d6 rounds after you leave.
The fog is thin and does not significantly hamper vision.
DC 27 Knowledge (dungeoneering):
This is a unique extraplanar ooze, likely related to the immortal ichor. It will regenerate unless damaged by good-aligned spells or weapons. It is also amorphous and not greatly harmed by weapon damage in general (DR/-). It is resistant to fire.
DC 32 Knowledge (dungeoneering):
Immortal ichors are generally completely immune to acid, bludgeoning damage, electricity, mind-affecting effects, and piercing damage. They are, however, vulnerable to cold.
Initiative:
1. Thorgan, Nikolai, Davo, Bishop, Tamerius, and Chun Hei
2. God Fount
F Nagaji "Paladin 14" | HP 114/157 DR 10/Adamantine (130) | AC 32* T 15* FF 30* (50% fort) | CMD 31 | F +13 R +12 W +12 (+2 vs. mind-affecting effects, poison & cold) Slippery Mind | Init +8 (Roll 3x, always act in surprise) | Perception -2 ll
Archivist 15 hp 123/123 | F +12 (14) R +17 (19) W +17 (19) | AC 29 (32) T 16 (19) FF 26 CMD 24 Perception +26 (28)
Lore master for a 35 dungeoneering
Davoliznakamushka frowns deeply "Oh dear oh dear! Good weapons and spells, or it will regenerate! Use cold, not fire! Don't bother with lightning, acid, piercing weapons, or things that effect the mind."
The gnome quickly responds to Chun Li's request and casts haste, after starting his normal naturalist ramblings.
will:1d20 + 18 ⇒ (13) + 18 = 31
Slide updated with current bonuses AFAIK. I can automatically castt defensively if needed.
Male DEMON LORD OF THE RASPING RIFTS, God of Commerce, Electricty, and Insects Sorceror(Crossblood[Draconic, Orc]) 15 (HP 67/92) (AC 21/15/17) (CMD 20) (Fort +16, Ref +16, Will +12) (Init +14) (Perception +29)
Nikolai frowns.
"Zat is extremely annoying!"
With a shrug, he tries tossing force effects at the creature.
F Nagaji "Paladin 14" | HP 114/157 DR 10/Adamantine (130) | AC 32* T 15* FF 30* (50% fort) | CMD 31 | F +13 R +12 W +12 (+2 vs. mind-affecting effects, poison & cold) Slippery Mind | Init +8 (Roll 3x, always act in surprise) | Perception -2 ll
Before I had mentioned that Bishop was hanging back to cover the party from the top of the stairs. I moved him back, but if there was a reason I should be down there, feel free to move him back.
HP162/162 | AC27 (26FF, 15T) | Perception +14, Sense Motive +24 | +2 Init | Fort +20*, Ref +12*, Will +28* | Channel (Su) 5/5 Firebolt : 12/12
@EF Kahl' Heel is not a familiar but the equivalent of an animal companion. He has his own skills and thoughts.
@Davoliznakamushka is not Loremaster a standard action ?
@Bishop is a bow crit x3 rather than x2 ?
The problem with the vague research rules is that it doesn't specify time but you guys made the checks pretty easily so I'll say less than four hours. Bishop can be back at the top of the stairs.
So... did I miss something or are Thorgan and Chun Hei wading into the acid pool? It's 20 feet deep so Thorgan is basically swimming and Chun Hei in enlarged form can nearly walk but not quite (so also swimming). That's what it seems like based on the movements and descriptions, so: acid damage:10d6 ⇒ (1, 2, 5, 2, 3, 5, 6, 2, 1, 5) = 32 fire damage:5d6 ⇒ (1, 3, 4, 6, 1) = 15 Also DC 18 Fortitude save against the fumes or take 1 Constitution damage.
---
Ref:1d20 ⇒ 17
Davo speeds everyone up and Chun Hei fearlessly leads the charge against the ichor creature. Chun Hei discovers that hacking at the creature is somewhat effective, and although it is evil it is clearly not an outsider like she suspected. Furthermore, it is just plain hard to damage with weapons. With her third swing she also discovers just how hard it is to even hit this amorphous blob....
Nikolai does his best to harm the thing with pure force but his first blast misses. His other attacks seem to wound it though.
Bishop's pointy arrows seem to have no effect at all.
Tamerius hits the ichor with a fireball as Thorgan also bravely leaps down to engage the monster.
The monster seems to effortlessly cast a spell, trying to telepathically throw Nikolai from the stairs and into the acid below.
bull rush:1d20 + 22 ⇒ (11) + 22 = 33
And if you fall in: acid damage:10d6 ⇒ (5, 6, 6, 4, 2, 4, 5, 1, 3, 1) = 37 fire damage:5d6 ⇒ (6, 3, 2, 1, 6) = 18 Also DC 18 Fortitude save against the fumes or take 1 Constitution damage.
Initiative:
1. Thorgan, Nikolai, Davo, Bishop, Tamerius, and Chun Hei
2. God Fount (100 dmg)
Male DEMON LORD OF THE RASPING RIFTS, God of Commerce, Electricty, and Insects Sorceror(Crossblood[Draconic, Orc]) 15 (HP 67/92) (AC 21/15/17) (CMD 20) (Fort +16, Ref +16, Will +12) (Init +14) (Perception +29)
I currently have Resist Energy(Acid) 30 running, so that will reduce the damage somewhat.
Fort: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24.
Hissing in annoyance, Nikolai flies up out of the acid (well, 5' steps, at any rate), and tosses more force missiles into the weird monster.
Archivist 15 hp 123/123 | F +12 (14) R +17 (19) W +17 (19) | AC 29 (32) T 16 (19) FF 26 CMD 24 Perception +26 (28)
Tamerius Nalmois wrote:
@Davoliznakamushka is not Loremaster a standard action ?
.
If you do the take 20 option. If you take 10 (like I did) it is a normal (free) action; lore master does also grants the ability to take 10 in all situations.
Davo adds a spell of good hope to potent mixture of magic already in effect.
F Nagaji "Paladin 14" | HP 114/157 DR 10/Adamantine (130) | AC 32* T 15* FF 30* (50% fort) | CMD 31 | F +13 R +12 W +12 (+2 vs. mind-affecting effects, poison & cold) Slippery Mind | Init +8 (Roll 3x, always act in surprise) | Perception -2 ll
GMW 30h, Magic Vestment 14h, Ext Communal Resist 30 Fire, Cold, Electricity 40m. Stoneskin 140m, Life Bubble 4h, Heroism 50m, Cop:Evil 140m, Air Walk 140m
Chun Hei refreshed air walk before heading down this last set of stairs and Throgan activated his winged boots. I presume we're both quite close to the acid, should we take that damage?
Assuming I'm not missing anything life bubble should prevent any issues with the fumes, although my notes say PCs only, not companions. Also Life Bubble is totally OP and one of my favorite higher level buffs.
Bolstered with Good hope, Chun Hei cuts into the ooze god repeatidly.
