GMG's PBP: Series of the Fiend (10-11) (Inactive)

Game Master Tyranius

Ah, no. It only works on humanoids. In which case Drokk has one claw attack unused, which he will employ if necessary to cut down the priority prisoners, if they remain bound.

Actually, GM, Drokk might use the Poisoner's Glove on himself, so the question still stands. Can Drokk make a touch attack with the Glove during a full natural attack sequence?

Gratus runs up as well. The distance was quite far..........

I also have magic circle against Chaos up as well.
Unless it expired....Casting prior to combat before this...

@Drokk- From everything I am researching, I don't see why you couldn't target yourself with it. Though also keep in mind that Enlarge Person is still a 1 round action to complete it's process, so it will complete at the end of your next turn.

@Gratus- Thanks for the reminder. Hopping in this partway I am not fully up to speed on what all you had going or your abilities yet like I normally would.

Gratus and Svetlana run to close the distance as Drokk begins to slice through the bonds of the captives. Benton Grone looks up scared and leaps to his feet. "Wha...what is that?! A retriever you say?" He helps his two companions to their feet and ushers them behind you for safety.

Karzug rushes in as well to keep up as the Retriever skitters across the scaffolding with ease, violently shredding another trio of archeologists. Fresh, sticky blood flows from their bodies and drips 30 feet down into the waters below.

Active Party Buff Reminder
Haste
Prayer
Blessing of Fervor
Bless
Beacon of Luck (30 feet around Gratus)
Magic Circle against Chaos (10 feet around Gratus)

Round 2
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Spider
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Karzug
Gratus (Halberd 11 hardness; 39 hp; Broken)
Svetlana
Doctor Drokk (57/84; displacement; thorn body)

Svetlana jogs to the bridge then lunges across the void with her weapon!
I take it this thing isn't Chaotic and deserving a smite chaos, nor an Outsider (Evil)?

Attack
PA+FF/Lunge/Haste/BoF/Overhand chop
Adamantine weapon
Attack 1d20 + 19 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 19 + 1 + 2 = 35
Damage 1d10 + 11 + 9 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 11 + 9 + 2 + 3 = 27

It is indeed chaotic evil. Construct (Extraplanar), though not an Outsider.

So if I understand you correctly GM, I can apply the Enlarge infusion from the glove as part of my attack routine, but it still takes 1 round to take effect. Seems legit to me.

last combat round Svetlana shakes her head at Drokk; the Doctor shrugs, and applies the needles of the enchanted glove to his own flesh.

So I think that when Enlarged and with Long Arms active I should have 15' reach with my arms, 10' reach with bite. However, it's also possible to see it as 20' reach with arms.

Drokk takes the +2 bonuses from Blessing of Fervour this round.

Drokk aims a bomb at the Retriever before taking a position intended to dominate the gantry.

bomb vs retriever touch AC, 2nd increment, enlarged, heroism, BoF: 1d20 + 9 - 2 - 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 9 - 2 - 2 + 2 + 2 = 17fire damage: 5d6 + 3 ⇒ (6, 1, 2, 5, 3) + 3 = 20 Avoiding -4 for firing into melee by targeting a part of the retriever at least 10' away from Svetlana; Red diamond on map indicates target squarel; bomb released from starting square, range 40'
If that missed splash location: 1d8 ⇒ 4 8 fire damage in splash radius, Ref DC17 for half.

"This creature is highly mobile, and tanglefoot bags will prove insufficient to immobilise it - guard or release the archeologists if you can Brothers!"

cool, wasn’t sure if we were across the CE bit, will apply Smite Chaos next round :)

cool, wasn’t sure if we were across the CE bit, will apply Smite Chaos next round :)

@Drokk- It is 15 foot reach. The -4 for melee is still there no matter what square you target. The only thing that helps is splash damage from not hitting your companions if you don't have the feat.

Svetlana jogs across the bridge with ease and slices off one of the spider's leg's. Just as he begins to grow Drokk whips a bomb into the Retriever's backside. The flames crawl across the alchemical liquid as the Retriever screeches and spins onto the group of Pathfinders.

Active Party Buff Reminder
Haste
Prayer
Blessing of Fervor
Bless
Beacon of Luck (30 feet around Gratus)
Magic Circle against Chaos (10 feet around Gratus)

Round 2
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Retriever (-47)
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Karzug
Gratus (Halberd 11 hardness; 39 hp; Broken)
Svetlana
Doctor Drokk (57/84; displacement; thorn body)

I was going off this, GM

"If your target (or the part of your target you’re aiming at, if it’s a big target) is at least 10 feet away from the nearest friendly character, you can avoid the –4 penalty, even if the creature you’re aiming at is engaged in melee with a friendly character."

Often overlooked rules :)

Ah, gotcha. :) That would be correct.

Karzug and Gratus are up.

Looking to redeem himself, Gratus makes a body double of himself and advances forward to block the other route the retriever could have made.
"Get back foul creature."

Trickery Domain. Copy Cat.
You can create an illusory double of yourself as a move action. This double functions as a single mirror image and lasts for a number of rounds equal to your cleric level, or until the illusory duplicate is dispelled or destroyed.

Karzug roars, and he lumbers (it would be hard to call it a charge, even at that speed) toward the creature, somewhat unaware of the danger that poses. I will be taking an AoO. AC for that will be 30 with shield of faith / haste / barkskin.

Assuming he survives the move, he calls upon Erastil for growth, and once that happens, swings his mighty axe at the bad beastie!

Attack: 1d20 + 13 + 3 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 13 + 3 + 1 - 2 = 26
Damage: 3d6 + 11 + 6 ⇒ (5, 6, 3) + 11 + 6 = 31

Karzug lumbers in as the Retriever turns on him, thick mandibles snap at the orc's chest.

AoO Bite vs Karzug AC 30; PA: 1d20 + 22 - 5 ⇒ (20) + 22 - 5 = 37
Confirm Crit: 1d20 + 22 - 5 ⇒ (4) + 22 - 5 = 21
Damage: 1d8 + 6 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 6 + 10 = 23 + Grab (No grab effect on an AoO as it is not his turn)

The mandibles snap into Karzug's chest, crushing his armor in further. This causes Karzug's attack to miss.

Gratus' form splits into two and moves in to circle the surviving archeologists to help protect them and block the Retriever.

Random Eye effect: 1d4 ⇒ 4

The retriever's wounds slowly stick back together as it's missing limb caps off. A gray beam shines from the retriever's eyes as it encompasses the Hellknight.

Eye Ray vs Karzug AC Tch 16: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (18) + 19 = 37 DC 21 Fort save vs Petrification.

The retriever rears up and fully assaults Karzug as he stands in the path of those injuring it.

Assuming Karzug does not turn to stone it will full attack him. It Karzug is unfortunate enough to turn to stone then the Retriever will move within range (15 feet) of Svetlana and bite at her.

Bite vs Karzug AC 30; PA: 1d20 + 22 - 5 ⇒ (10) + 22 - 5 = 27
Claw 1 vs Karzug AC 30; PA: 1d20 + 22 - 5 ⇒ (8) + 22 - 5 = 25
Claw 2 vs Karzug AC 30; PA: 1d20 + 22 - 5 ⇒ (5) + 22 - 5 = 22
Claw 3 vs Karzug AC 30; PA: 1d20 + 22 - 5 ⇒ (4) + 22 - 5 = 21
Claw 4 vs Karzug AC 30; PA: 1d20 + 22 - 5 ⇒ (1) + 22 - 5 = 18

The Pathfinder's defenses are top notch as they barely hold the strange arachnid at bay.

Active Party Buff Reminder
Haste
Prayer
Blessing of Fervor
Bless
Beacon of Luck (30 feet around Gratus)
Magic Circle against Chaos (10 feet around Gratus)

Round 3
--------------------------------------------------
Retriever (-42)
--------------------------------------------------
Karzug (27/59)
Gratus (Halberd 11 hardness; 39 hp; Broken)
Svetlana
Doctor Drokk (57/84; displacement; thorn body)

Svetlana channels her hatred of Chaos into a powerful smite!

Add smite to the buff circus

Adamantine
PA&FF/Smite +Buffsoup

Attack 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (13) + 25 = 38
Damage 1d10 + 18 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 18 + 9 = 33

Attack 1d20 + 25 - 3 ⇒ (13) + 25 - 3 = 35
Damage 1d10 + 18 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 18 + 9 = 31

Attack 1d20 + 20 - 3 ⇒ (18) + 20 - 3 = 35
Damage 1d10 + 18 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 18 + 9 = 28
Crit? 1d20 + 20 - 3 ⇒ (10) + 20 - 3 = 27
Damage 1d10 + 18 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 18 + 9 = 31

Attack 1d20 + 15 - 3 ⇒ (10) + 15 - 3 = 22
Damage 1d10 + 18 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 18 + 9 = 31

*****

EDIT - Looking at that, I'm going to 5* reroll that crit confirmation
Crit? 1d20 + 20 - 3 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 20 - 3 + 5 = 28

EDIT - Seriously dicebot!?

Drokk tears into the retriever...

DC10 fly check (for flying 5' step, moving less than half speed): 1d20 + 9 - 3 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 9 - 3 + 2 = 22

claw 1, mutagen, heroism, GMF, Bof, enlarge, prayer: 1d20 + 12 + 2 + 2 + 1 + 2 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 12 + 2 + 2 + 1 + 2 - 1 + 1 = 36damage, mutagen, GMF, vicious, thorn body, prayer: 1d8 + 7 + 1 + 1 + 2d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 7 + 1 + 1 + (5, 6) + (5) = 29
claw 2, mutagen, heroism, GMF, Bof, enlarge, prayer: 1d20 + 12 + 2 + 2 + 1 + 2 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 12 + 2 + 2 + 1 + 2 - 1 + 1 = 38damage, mutagen, GMF, vicious, thorn body, prayer: 1d8 + 7 + 1 + 1 + 2d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (8) + 7 + 1 + 1 + (6, 2) + (6) = 31
bite, mutagen, heroism, GMF, Bof, enlarge, prayer: 1d20 + 12 + 2 + 2 + 1 + 2 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 12 + 2 + 2 + 1 + 2 - 1 + 1 = 24damage, mutagen, GMF, vicious, thorn body, prayer: 2d6 + 7 + 1 + 1 + 2d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (5, 3) + 7 + 1 + 1 + (5, 6) + (3) = 31
hasted bite 2, mutagen, heroism, GMF, Bof, enlarge, prayer: 1d20 + 12 + 2 + 2 + 1 + 2 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 12 + 2 + 2 + 1 + 2 - 1 + 1 = 34damage, mutagen, GMF, vicious, thorn body, prayer: 2d6 + 7 + 1 + 1 + 2d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (4, 2) + 7 + 1 + 1 + (1, 4) + (4) = 24

vicious damage to Drokk: 4d6 ⇒ (2, 4, 6, 5) = 17

"Chaos shall not prevail! SCIENCE reigns supreme!"

Surely this thing is about to explode - what we just did to it is horrendo

Both Gratus looks up and with a simple gesture with their free hand pointing towards the beast, their halberds fly from their hands to strike the beast before returning...

Gain a +2 bonus on attack rolls and a +2 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves.
Attack,Fervor, Haste, Prayer, Bles
1d20 + 11 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 11 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 311d10 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 1 = 8

Gratus' halberds fling from his hands as magic carries them to the spiders thorax. With just enough of a distraction Svetlana and Drokk's assault causes the Retriever to stagger as it falls back off the platform, sinking into the murky waters below.

Still need a Fort save from Karzug for petrification.

With your enemies vanquished, you are able to rescue the rest of the archaeologists without any further deaths. Marianix Karn is touched that Maladin Bane was thinking of her enough to send you down after her. Grone warns, "Although Rachikan seems quiet at the moment, thousands of morlocks still creep amid the forgotten city's shadowy ruins. Come this way, I found a secret staircase earlier."

Grone leads you to his find and helps you exit Rachikan's ruins. The staircase steadily rises until it pierces the side of Anferita's central pillar. Here, a boat that Grone uses to reach civilization for supplies and respite is moored to a crude dock. Grone happily ferries you up the Maiestas River and into Belde, from where you can return to Absalom.

Meanwhile, Karn offers to guide the remaining Chelaxian archaeologists back to the Hellknight lift and up to the Hellknight camp.

Congratulations on the end. that last fight can get nasty!

Fort: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27 Yay team!

"Thank you again my fellow Hellknights, but why do I get the feeling this story hasn't ended here?"

Yay!

"It is good to be back my fellow brother and sister Hellknights. I trust that if need be word can be sent to me at the library where I'll be sequestered."

Awesome DPS there.

A hulking half-orc, Venture-Captain Calisro Benarry of the Arcadian Mariner’s Lodge—the official title used by the Pathfinder Society to identify the refitted merchant vessel named the Grinning Pixie—stoops in her lavishly appointed cabin. Her surprisingly soft voice purrs, “Five days, that’s all you got. After that, if I don’t see your pretty faces rowing towards the Pixie, I’m weighing anchor and you’ll have to find your own way home. Nothing personal, but these aren’t the friendliest of waters.” Even with her ultimatum, a genuine look of concern washes over her sunkissed face. Her gaze hardens as she glances to her captain’s chair, currently occupied by a confident Zarta Dralneen. “Just like any trip to Rachikan, this is no vacation,” the half-orc adds before loudly clearing her throat.

Zarta’s dark eyes meet the captain’s before the Chelish woman playfully remarks, “I assure you, I’m here on business. A personal friend of mine, the Pathfinder spy Marianix Karn, has been working in Rachikan as an archaeologist. Up until now, the Society has been content to let the Chelish government deal with the ruins’ morlock infestation; however, as of Karn’s last report, the Society’s stance has changed drastically.” A hand tipped with vibrantly polished fingernails places an envelope on the suspended table. “Here, take a look at this. I think you’ll find it quite interesting." She hands you a missive.

Missive (Link)

Venture-Captain Benarry glances at the letter to double-check its contents before speaking. “The Pathfinder Society charges you to enter Rachikan, and, if Karn’s report is true, find a way through that sealed door. The Society believes that if it is the tomb of Rachikan’s former ruler, she would be buried with a substantial number of golem soldiers. Having several to study would forward our goal to record history. Having them all would be a great help in the Society’s Worldwound expedition."

“Take a jolly boat and row to the eastern edge of the central pillar. Several years ago one of our expeditions discovered
a staircase there that descends into Rachikan’s heart.” Pulling her hood over her head, she adds, “You can use my cabin to plan. If there are no questions, I will ensure the boat is ready.”

*****
Knowledge checks concerning Rachikan’s recent and ancient history.

*****
Knowledge checks concerning Rachikan’s cruel, final ruler: Severina Helsprex.

"A big locked door - we should have bailed a decent thief from one of our Citadels" Svetlana sighs. "Marianix still out there? Can she get us some carts and horses? A golem doesn't usually fit in a backpack - or do you just want the place cleared and you can study them in location?"

"More accursed golems! This time I am better prepared.

And I have made a new assistant."

know.local: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

"We learned in our previous visits to Rachikan that it was a golem-foundry of sorts."

I may still tweak infusion load-out. Also, since we're going at least part-way by ship, Drokk's mutagen will grant a swim speed instead of the typical Scent ability.

"Venture-Captain, what methods have been tried so far to open this door? Is the route to the keep safe to travel or shall we expect more degenerate morlock cultists?"

A tiny, lumpen, grey creature vaguely resembling a monkey opens a hatch on Doctor Drokk's hunchback and emerges with a wet 'pop!' It looks similar to its predecessor, yet slightly different. More serious, with a greater gleam of intelligence in its eyes.

know.history: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18
know.nobility: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (10) + 13 = 23

"Eeek! Ook-ook eek!"

'Nigel says that Severina Helsprex's remains were never found. It is assumed that she perished in one of the earthquakes that ravaged Rachikan."

"If you need to purchase any gear, the Grinning Pixie’s
quartermaster can sell nearly any mundane or alchemical items.Though it isn't much." Magic Items worth 2,500 gp or less.

"Marianix still out there?

“We are not exactly sure. We recently lost contact with her.”

Can she get us some carts and horses? A golem doesn't usually fit in a backpack - or do you just want the place cleared and you can study them in location?"

“The Society has sent you into Rachikan twice before. During your first expedition, we learned the existence of artifacts called ivory batons, which allowed Jistkan artificers to command their golems. During your second trip, we discovered several jet obelisks located within a half-submerged citadel. The agents surmised that the obelisks are connected and may allow for teleportation throughout the city— maybe beyond. Whether you walk the golems out yourselves or use the magic of an obelisk, it matters not. Just get them to my ship.”

"Venture-Captain, what methods have been tried so far to open this door?

“I have no idea, but it’s the Society’s hope that clues within the door’s vicinity should shed some light on the situation.”

Is the route to the keep safe to travel or shall we expect more degenerate morlock cultists?"

"I would expect more trouble, but the morlocks have suffered great losses since their city was invaded. Their attacks have become less frequent. If one can feign a show of force, they tend to back down. If you can get in and out quickly, you should be able to avoid any major confrontations.”

Once Venture-Captain Benarry answers your questions he stands to depart, Zarta Dralneen stands, stretches, and saunters toward the door. As she pulls on her elbow length gloves, a sealed letter drops from her sash. She pretends not to notice, "I'll give you a moment to prepare." and steps outside.

Svetlana checks her seat.

Svetlana checks her seat.

As does Drokk.

The quiet Gratus checks his seat as well as he contemplates on which prayers should he offer to his patron.

Karzug hums a tune he heard in a bar, oblivious to literally everything going on. He thinks he heard that he's going somewhere but he had a big meal and could use a nap.

I auto aid Nigel on knowledge nobility.

"Karzug think he hear name Helsprex before. One of Blakros ladies mention over tea. You know Karzug become hellknight so can marry Blakros, but really like other girl. She very strong and pretty and small and smart. Life very compl... diffi.... hard."

Picking the sealed letter off of the floor you open the message left by Zarta.

Sealed Letter (Link)

Digging underneath the seat cushions Gratus find a sheet of paper. It is a curious, blank sheet of paper with several dozen small, square cutouts.

"We have a job to do then, shall we depart?"

"I am ready. Have you means to swim or fly, brothers and sister? In case out little boat should suffer any mishap?"

Purchasing a Traveler's Any Tool from the ship quartermaster.

When he is sure that there are no eavesdroppers, Drokk adds: "Brother Gratus, the Paracountess' request is unusual. Perhaps a Stone Shape spell or two might come in handy in fulfilling it?"

"I can levitate..."

Take 10.

"I see"

"Ah. That is more like the Dralneen I recognise."

"I can prepare the required spells, Brother however...." He peers at the letter and begins to painstakingly decode the actual letter.

Int check Take 10 for total 11.

He peers at what he has.
"I assume this is what our cunning patron truly wants us to do."

As you are ready, you pilot your dinghy into the Pillars of Anferita, where countless gulls build nests on small perches in the towering, salt-encrusted columns of rock. You have no difficulty finding the stairs— first discovered years earlier by the Pathfinder Benton Grone—hidden partway up the guano-speckled cliff. The claustrophobic stairs lead to lower Rachikan, which resides within a series of huge cathedral-like caverns.

Sloping walls of crumbling rock and protruding Jistkan architecture rise to the ceiling between fifty and a hundred feet above. Masonry walls make up the remains of any ruined buildings, and natural columns stretch from floor to ceiling in particularly large chambers. The only other known means of reaching lower Rachikan is through a vertical shaft and Helllknight-controlled elevator that leads to the surface.

The entire area is unlit, though that matters little as the Pathfinder Society has planned for such an occasion and gathered a group that is able to see well enough in the darkness.

Several decrepit Jistkan buildings protrude from a sea of stone amid an ancient skyline, the building’s original ground floors now buried long ago by frequent earthquakes. The entire floor is buried under yards of debris.

Perception 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32

"Looks like a few buildings have collapsed under there, mind the sinkholes" Svetlana points to the depressions.

Karzug tags along, still very much not the brightest lantern in the ossuary. "What are you all saying? Karzug not understanding you."

"Just that we need to get down there and seal up most of the old city. And don't step on those depressions in the dirt, as you'll singk"

Once the descent into Rachikan is complete and the party has got amongst the ancient buidings, Drokk begins consuming his alchemical enhancements.

'casting' Countless Eyes, false life, barkskin, heightened awareness, and Alchemical allocation + enhanced potion of Greater Magic Fang

perception, take 10: 10 + 15 + 2 = 27

"Sinkholes, yes."

know.nature, HA: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 10 + 2 = 26

"These holes were made by a very large burrowing creature. But the tunnels are buckled. The weight of the earth has collapsed them, I would surmise."

false life temp hp: 1d10 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

Triggering 'Deathwatch' - no more crazy surprises

Despite being cautious, as you travel towards the ruins, you're ambushed as a pair of creature's bursts forth from the ground below. This armor-plated creature’s toothy maw gapes wide as a fin-like dorsal plate rises between its shoulders. (Knowledge (Arcana) to identify.) jump out from below. You were nearly upon them. The terrain is treacherous, and as a result no one gets the leg up.

Everyone needs to make a Dc 15 Acrobatics at the start of their turn or treat all squares as difficult terrain for that turn.

Round 1
Svetlana
Karzug
Drokk (+18 Temp HP)
Gratus
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Enemy 1
Armored shark fin
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