Rhesus' first strike drops the wounded Maiden and his backswing sends another flying to lie in a crumpled heap against a wall. Bibic's arrows clang into a shield, causing no real damage.
Two of the maidens shake off their blindness and go after Rhesus
AC 22, touch 11, flat-footed 21
hp 30/30 x4
Fort +5, Ref +2, Will +4; +1 vs. fear
Defensive Abilities bravery +1
OFFENSE
Speed 30 ft.
Melee mwk longsword +8 (1d8+3/19-20)
Round 3, Initiative 21
Weapon Equipped = Bow
Cold Iron Arrows = 27/35
Silver Blunt Arrows = 20/20
Adamantium Salted Arrows = 10/10
Ghost Salted Arrows = 10/10
Reptile Bane Arrows = 5/5
Bardic Performance = 8/18
Shard Major Image = 1/1
Bow Attack Mods: BAB +5, Dex +3, Weapon Focus +1, Bow +1, (Rapid Shot -2), (Deadly Aim -2)
Bow Damage Mods: Composite Bow +2, Bow +1, (Deadly Aim +4)
Bard Spells: (First: 5/5)(Second: 3/3)(CL 7, Con: +10, SR +9, DC: 13+)
0) Detect Magic, Light, Mending, Prestidigitation, Read Magic, Spark
1) Cure Light Wounds, Feather Fall, Grease, Unseen Servant
2) Cure Moderate Wounds, Glitterdust, Heroism
As some of the maidens are shaking the blindness from their eyes, Bibic continues to inspire as he shoots, hoping to pierce their difficult armor. As always, he targets the most wounded first before taking on a fresh one.
Round 3, Init 10
Spasi fires a shot into the scrum of women on Rhesus, only a bit jealous that Rhesus is getting to get his fantasy lived out while Spasi just watches.
Still hot though.
Round 3 Init 18
The Shoanti bruiser keeps at his bloody work.
Round 2 Initiative 5
I think I have this right...
Rhesus AC21 w/aid (AC23 vs first hit with Saving Shield)
Round 1:
5 -3DR = 2 (1 Rhesus, 1 Clem)
Round 2:
8 -3DR = 5 (3 Rhesus, 2 Clem)
8 -3DR = 5 (3 Rhesus, 2 Clem)
Clement continues to work to distract the maidens from injuring Rhesus (and thereby himself).
"Hey! I would'nt even pay you girls! You're not my type!"
Rhesus, Bibic and Spasi, put two more maidens in the ground
The remaining non-blind maiden refuses to relent:
AC 22, touch 11, flat-footed 21
hp 30/30 x2
Fort +5, Ref +2, Will +4; +1 vs. fear
Defensive Abilities bravery +1
OFFENSE
Speed 30 ft.
Melee mwk longsword +8 (1d8+3/19-20)
Round 4, Init 10
Spasi fires a shot into the remaining woman.
Round 4 Init 18
Round 3 Initiative 5
Clement, with one lone remaining maiden left, hesitates while he watches Rhesus's hammer swing in a wide arc down at the woman.
"Ouch.. that's gonna hurt."
He looks to address the blinded contingent.
"Those of you who can't see... err, your friends aren't really in good shape. I can maybe save them, but you'll need to surrender?"
Round 4, Initiative 21
Weapon Equipped = Bow
Cold Iron Arrows = 25/35
Silver Blunt Arrows = 20/20
Adamantium Salted Arrows = 10/10
Ghost Salted Arrows = 10/10
Reptile Bane Arrows = 5/5
Bardic Performance = 8/18
Shard Major Image = 1/1
Bow Attack Mods: BAB +5, Dex +3, Weapon Focus +1, Bow +1, (Rapid Shot -2), (Deadly Aim -2)
Bow Damage Mods: Composite Bow +2, Bow +1, (Deadly Aim +4)
Bard Spells: (First: 5/5)(Second: 3/3)(CL 7, Con: +10, SR +9, DC: 13+)
0) Detect Magic, Light, Mending, Prestidigitation, Read Magic, Spark
1) Cure Light Wounds, Feather Fall, Grease, Unseen Servant
2) Cure Moderate Wounds, Glitterdust, Heroism
Bibic, having gone first, shoots the remaining active maiden twice, but he does stop his inspiration as the fight seems nearly won.
Still blinded, and with two arrows piercing her chest, the remaining woman still swing her sword around in a vain attempt to fight you, "There is no honour greater than to die in the service of Lady Sorshen. Soon you will grovel at her feet."
Rhesus steps up and with look of regret, crushes her skull.
Loots: Each downed maiden has (so x6) full plate armour, mwk longsword, heavy steel shield, light xbow 2 potions of CLW, 30gp
There are a number of supply crates in this room and between them you find another four suits of full plate, 3 mwk longswords, 3 light xbows. There is also a locked chest with a very good lock (DC30).
Another paneled door leads out of this room.
Spasi walks amongst the bodies shaking his head.
"Did she say that she served Sorshen? If she did, why did they attack us? Heck, we were trying to 'serve' Sorshen too. Dang it, we could have been 'serving' Sorchen a few times and in a few different positions!" Spasi shakes his head.
He begins to loot the bodies, thinking.
"Hey, Bibs?" He asks, looking at the elf. "Do you remember what that old witch told us? It was something like 'The way I see it, there's three possibilities. First, Oriana is lying, for whatever reason. The second, Oriana, sad child, is off her nut. And the third, someone or something in there is masquerading as Sorshen the Grand Whore of Thassilon and has tricked Oriana into being her minion.'"
Spasi begins to gather all the loot that they can easily carry.
"Maybe these Grey Maidens are really tricked. However, how did they get in here? Certainly they didn't come in the same way we did. Isn't that weird?"
"Didn't they make a deal or something to just walk past? Of maybe they used magic."
Rhesus quickly gathers up the healing potions and hands them out.
"Let's just pile this all here, we could carry it out later and sell it for some good money."
"What we need is a good pack animal." Bibic muses as he sorts through the gear.
"Hey, Bibs?" He asks, looking at the elf. "Do you remember what that old witch told us? It was something like 'The way I see it, there's three possibilities. First, Oriana is lying, for whatever reason. The second, Oriana, sad child, is off her nut. And the third, someone or something in there is masquerading as Sorshen the Grand Whore of Thassilon and has tricked Oriana into being her minion.'"
Bibic thinks some more. "Yeah, it definitely feels like someone is trying to be Sorshen. I'd bet, from what we've seen, it's the third option there. Hopefully it's someone of little consequence." He thinks some more, "Although, if she's good at what she does..." he leaves the rest to his imagination and smiles.
"Maybe these Grey Maidens are really tricked. However, how did they get in here? Certainly they didn't come in the same way we did. Isn't that weird?"
"I bet there's lots of ways in here. I mean we know of two or three ourselves and we didn't do much research right? This thing is a twisted warren."
Bibic sits down and works the lock with his lock picks, but can't quite manage it.
He stands up after trying for a few minutes and gestures to Rhesus. "If we want to find out what's in here, we're going to have to do it the old way. Smash and grab."
Clement takes a look at the potions liberated from the maidens and uncorks and drinks it.
"Drink up Reese. What I can do is stronger when we're in a fight.
Clement beams at the growing power of his divinity before stepping up to the paneled door and listening.
"Alright Clem."
Rhesus drinks two of the potions and keeps the third for emergencies, should his little friend fall and need healing.
After a lot of trial and error, Bibic manages to spring the lock, it is packed full of gold coins (4178gp).
When you are ready, you open the panel door to the next room (L14), and are hit with a blast of steam. The room beyond is filled by a grand tile bathing pool, the waters steaming hot. Another paneled door stands in the wall opposite you. From the leavings that surround the pool, you can tell that this was where the maidens did most of their washing and bathing.
Next room (L15), This long gallery is striking and gaudy. The walls are painted a shimmering golden hue with similarly gilt columns running down the center. Black marble statues of Sorshen stand to the north and south, on the base of each there is an inscription (Thassilonian) By my touch may you enter the shining glory of my inner sanctum. Each statue holds out a hand as if in greeting. Rich tapestries hag on the walls at the center of the gallery, while set at intervals along the tiled floor are three great golden plates, slightly recessed. The ceiling is made of black marble shot through with a sparkling material. A large oaken door rests in far wall.
Clement rests a hand on Spasi's shoulder, a severe expression on his face.
"Yeah, Spasi. This is where they bathed. Do you need a moment?"
After making sure the gold is secured, Spasi walks around, still looking for maidens but mostly giving up his dreams of finding women who want to treat him right.
"Hey Rhesus," Spasi says, "I don't think we're going to find maidens. If they ain't even here, they might not even be here at all. What is there? Some sort of festival or something where they are all gone? Hookerpoolooza? I dunno. I just don't think they are here."
Spasi sulks a bit, splashing his hands and face in the warm water.
"The good news, though," Spasi continues, trying to find the bright side, "Is that this place is pretty empty. After...after we finish our work with Dr. Toffitt, there is no reason we couldn't rebuild this place to what it was. What it will be again. What do you say? We have the pools, the water, the exotic location, the rooms...we could make this an elite Golarion getaway. And think of the women we could have."
Spasi looks around more, dreaming, and walking to L15.
"By my touch may you enter the shining glory of my inner sanctum," Spasi reads, turning back to the party. "I bet this doesn't mean what I want it to mean. This place has been nothing but a disappointment."
"I ain't looking for maidens anyway. Who wants that? Seems like a waste of money. And why would we want to come back here? It's in the middle of a swamp."
No class that one.
The barbarian looks at the touching gate and wonders.
"Maybe just her hands?"
"I'll give it a shot."
Bibic shrugs and greets each statue formally, making sure to make contact and 'get touched'. Then he'll look for any secret passages if nothing presents itself.
When Bibic touches the first outstretched hand, the three golden plates begin to glow softly. Each addition hand touched causes the plates to glow brighter and brighter.
Bibic will try to manipulate the central golden plate to open what he hopes will be a door or other chamber.
"Hey guys, check this out."
Spasi checks it out.
Know (Arcana) or Spellcraft
"Oh, this ain't women, but it is interesting."
Clement has to glance three times to sort out that Bibic and Spasi aren't fondling the statues, but clearly trying to operate them in a more professional capacity.
He narrows his own eyes as they glow.
Shrugging, Bibic will try to stand on the glowing golden plate - see if that does anything. Might try kneeling on it too...
"I don't know how this works. Anyone have any ideas?"
Spasi continues to stare, trying to figure things out as others fiddle-faddle.
Conjuration, eh? That's interesting. Don't make a lick of sense.
Clement shrugs and gestures at the oak door.
"I know how that should work."
Clement gestures to Rhesus and steps up to take his usual position at the Shoanti's shoulder.
After all the groping is finished Rhesus nods to Clem then moves to each statue. Shaking each hand he the moves to the door.
"Nothing personal."
"Uff. Tough stuff this wood."
Rhesus explodes through the door and skitters in the slimy gunk that coats the floor, but manages to regain his footing at the lip of a giant sinkhole that dominates this room. The whole place stinks like a refuse pit.
Bibic does indeed stand on the golden plate. If nothing happens, he follows the others through the easier to resolve simple door, for now.
I try the central most plate. The one that looks more polished.
When Bibic steps onto the central platform he vanishes and the lights wink out.
You are not alone. Hideous creatures with the torsos of voluptuous women, but with the arms, legs, and heads of nightmarish parodies of human form guard in pairs the two exits of this room.Lust sinspawn One of them lets out a throaty laugh of pleasure and speaks in Thassilonian You have trespassed in the domain of Mighty Sorshen. For your impertinence, you must be punished. The four of them step forward, twirling beautiful polearms.
Init:
Spasi astonishes as Bibic disappears.
"Didn't we see this happen before? With the tonguing?" Spasi asks anxiously concerned that Bibic might have accidentally found the Secret Hidden Harem Hotel of Hedonistic Hottie Harlots.
Spasi repeats what he saw Bibic do.
"I bet he's going to get the one with good teeth first!"
"Not sure why you think any of them will have good teeth but if there are you're last."
With that Rhesus steps on the same plate.
Clement shrugs.
"We didn't get disintegrated last time, I suppose we won't this time. We really should come up with a plan to determine if these things will disintegrate or teleport us..."
Clement hastens up after Rhesus to step on the plate.
Round 1, Initiative 6
Bibic looks at the wide row of teeth, and the unhinged jawline and panics. He drops back 5’ and shoots twice at the closest fiend. He calls out helplessly to his companions (who most assuredly cannot hear him), ”These are not the girls we’re looking for! HELP!”
Rhesus pops into a richly appointed, magnificent marble chamber. Its ceiling is frescoed with an image of a starry night sky, while an thick rug of exquisite manufacture covers much of the floor. A stairway rises to a pair of double doors to the west, while a hallways leads away to the south. Large alcoves decorated with gold tiles extend to the north and to the east (where you appeared). Black marble benches carved to represent coiling serpents, sit on the northeast and southeast walls.
Hideous creatures with the torsos of voluptuous women, but with the arms, legs, and heads of nightmarish parodies of human form, one of which is badly wounded by an arrow in the side, (Lust Sinspawn)are closing in on Bibic, who is doing his best to keep them at bay..
Combat round 2
21 Baddies
19 Spasi (starts round 4)
19 Clement (starts round 3)
6 Bibic
4 Rhesus
The creatures move to swarm over Bibic,
AC 17, touch 12, flat-footed 15 (+3 Armour, +1 Dex, +1 dodge, +2 natural)
hp 19/19 x3, 2/19
Fort +2, Ref +2, Will +3
Immune mind-affecting effects; SR 13
Sinful Bite (Su)
A creature bitten by a lustspawn is overwhelmed with lust (DC 14 Will save negates). These unfettered impulses and emotions are so powerful that the target becomes sickened for 1d6 minutes. An affected target that is bitten a second time is staggered if it fails its saving throw. Additional failed saves increase the duration of this effect but do not increase its severity. Calm emotions, remove curse, or break enchantment negates the effects of sinful bite.
Round 2, Initiative 6
Weapon Equipped = Bow
Cold Iron Arrows = 31/35
Silver Blunt Arrows = 20/20
Adamantium Salted Arrows = 10/10
Ghost Salted Arrows = 10/10
Reptile Bane Arrows = 5/5
Bardic Performance = 8/18
Shard Major Image = 1/1
Bow Attack Mods: BAB +5, Dex +3, Weapon Focus +1, Bow +1, (Rapid Shot -2), (Deadly Aim -2)
Bow Damage Mods: Composite Bow +2, Bow +1, (Deadly Aim +4)
Bard Spells: (First: 5/5)(Second: 3/3)(CL 7, Con: +10, SR +9, DC: 13+)
0) Detect Magic, Light, Mending, Prestidigitation, Read Magic, Spark
1) Cure Light Wounds, Feather Fall, Grease, Unseen Servant
2) Cure Moderate Wounds, Glitterdust, Heroism
Bibic steps back again, trying to avoid their many attacks, as he continues to shoot among them. ”Rhesus, am I glad to see you! These ladies want to party, but not in the nice way…” he trails off as he shoots.
Round 2 Init 4
Rhesus hefts his hammer and moves in.
"Next time I pick the brothel."
Spasi imagines all the womens on the other side, jealous of those going before him.
Bibic drops the wounded spawn and Rhesus moves up behind another and calmly crushes its skull.
One of the two remaining creatures continues to chase after Bibic, while the other turns its attention to Rhesus.
They both miss, and Clement pops into the chaos.
AC 17, touch 12, flat-footed 15 (+3 Armour, +1 Dex, +1 dodge, +2 natural)
hp 19/19 x2
Fort +2, Ref +2, Will +3
Immune mind-affecting effects; SR 13
Sinful Bite (Su)
A creature bitten by a lustspawn is overwhelmed with lust (DC 14 Will save negates). These unfettered impulses and emotions are so powerful that the target becomes sickened for 1d6 minutes. An affected target that is bitten a second time is staggered if it fails its saving throw. Additional failed saves increase the duration of this effect but do not increase its severity. Calm emotions, remove curse, or break enchantment negates the effects of sinful bite.
Round 3, Initiative 6
Weapon Equipped = Bow
Cold Iron Arrows = 29/35
Silver Blunt Arrows = 20/20
Adamantium Salted Arrows = 10/10
Ghost Salted Arrows = 10/10
Reptile Bane Arrows = 5/5
Bardic Performance = 8/18
Shard Major Image = 1/1
Bow Attack Mods: BAB +5, Dex +3, Weapon Focus +1, Bow +1, (Rapid Shot -2), (Deadly Aim -2)
Bow Damage Mods: Composite Bow +2, Bow +1, (Deadly Aim +4)
Bard Spells: (First: 5/5)(Second: 3/3)(CL 7, Con: +10, SR +9, DC: 13+)
0) Detect Magic, Light, Mending, Prestidigitation, Read Magic, Spark
1) Cure Light Wounds, Feather Fall, Grease, Unseen Servant
2) Cure Moderate Wounds, Glitterdust, Heroism
Though still gravely injured, Bibic feels more confident now that the spawn are dying and allies continue to arrive. He steps back (5’ step) and plugs another - or tries to.
”Welcome to the party Clement!”
EDIT
(point blank) (point blank)
Round 3 Init 4
"It's dirty and it smells and the staff are UGLY."
Spasi rubs his hands together, anxious for his chance to get to the women.
Round 3 Initiative 19
Clement winces as he appears and watches Bibic being pummeled and quickly moves to aid his friend.
"What a pleasant smell you've found...."