GM Lari's Labyrinth of Hungry Ghosts (Core) (Inactive)

Game Master Dhenn

Alchemist with a race that gives a wisdom penalty.
Those awesome will saves, yo

I'm up next, I believe!. So will go!

Seeing the wayang freeze at Jair's words, Doubtful frowns slightly, as if expecting some sort of trick. Still, the strangely burning flames left over from the missile that missed him spurs him out of the corner and away from the workbench.

Guessing Thorn will take care of the smaller humanoid, he moves passed it to close with the large six-legged rat-creature, dodging nimbly to avoid any counter-attacks.

dunno if it has reach, so acrobaticsing in beside it, since I have movement to spare

Acrobatics to avoid AoO: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

Once there, he launches one sturdy booted kick at it's flank.

Is he considered flanking with Dunkel? Anyway, unarmed strike. Lethal this time. That things icky!

Unarmed Strike: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28, for 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10 damage. Add 2 to attack roll if he's flanking

edit: oop... a big kick!
Confirmation: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17, for an additional 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11 damage. and still +2 on the attack if flanking

Doubtful somehow manages to kick the kirrix in several of its shins. It turns towards him, baring its teeth.

The wayang remains frozen in place.

Will: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Thorn and Wyatt are up.

Y: 6 NL, K: 21

Thorn saddles up with a nonchalance that is a bit too much for the work at hand.

Doup de Grace DMG: 2d6 + 6 + 3d6 ⇒ (1, 3) + 6 + (4, 2, 4) = 20 (Fort DC 30 to survive if damage doesn't kill it outright.)

Shouldn't it be Dunkel and Wyatt? =) Not that it matters too much.

Oops, got excited again.

I won't steal Thorn's fun ;-)

Wyatt coolly shoots a pair of arrows at the giant rat.

+1 Mighty[+2]Composite Longbow: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 5 + 1 = 16, for 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 2 + 1 = 9 damage.
+1 Mighty[+2]Composite Longbow: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 1 = 10, for 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 1 = 5 damage.

My bad! Dunkel is indeed up.

One of Wyatt's arrows hits the Kirrix, leaving it looking quite heavily damaged.

Y: 15, K: 30

Dunkel continues to shimmy along the wall like a spider, grumbling something about the ease at which Thorn and Doubtful leapt into action.

Sadly, for Dunkel, it's a double move to get there. He may provoke from the rat-thing as well if its a 10ft high ceiling.

Get where? You're already right beside the rat thing, and the other guy's about to get coup de graced, since he's held =)

smack the rat and this could all be over right now.

Hmm... can you swing a weapon while spider climbing? Have never used the spell! =)

yep, smack while climbing!

-Posted with Wayfinder

Hands need to be free while climbing, barring some sort of GM allowance where Dunkel leaps off the wall, draws his axe while in flight and lands on top of the rat-thing.

Huh, I and definitely incorrect. Old editions coming into my mind.

Ya, I'd never really payed attention to the spell description either. Though slippers of spider climbing have the exact opposite language, which might be part of the confusion, since one would expect the two to work the same.

THAT'S what I was thinking of.

-Posted with Wayfinder

K AOO: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
K Bite: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

The kirrix snaps its jaws ineffectively, once at Dunkel and once at Doubtful.

Thorn proceeds to swiftly decapitate the wayang.

Fort: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Imrana, Jair, and Doubtful are up. I'm pretty confident you can finish off the kirrix, so here's the gear you find in advance. Where are we going next? Options are color coded.

Black? I'd like to avoid jumping over traps, if at all possible ;-)

Ya, seems like purple and black might meet up somewhere, to avoid the floor section issue.

Actually, do we even know about purple yet? Some sort of secret door maybe?

Doubtful scowls at the kirrix and the trail of effluent it left in its wake.

"You guys' probably will wanna get checked out." He says, ominously with a glance towards those covered in the vile stuff.

"Not that it'll help." He adds dourly, keeping his distance from the creature.

He takes a moment to check out the alchemist, holding up the Aspis badge. "Playing catch up, for sure."

"Probably too late for these." He adds, indicating the antiplagues.

"Well, I suppose that this would be an opportunity to autopsy a wayang at least."

She pulls out her journal again and begins sketching the wayang. After about thirty seconds, she notices the rest of the party again and abruptly stops.

"Oh, right. We are in the middle of a mission, yes. Um, perhaps this can wait until later."

We've got some people on both sides of the pit. If we have reason to suspect black would lead us to the rest of the party, then I'm good with it. Our first priority should be getting back together again.

For later when she gets over to the side with the loots:
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21

Thorn can disable the pit. I suggest you come this way...

-Posted with Wayfinder

Thorn has suggested he could disable the trap. I suggest we begin here before going further. After I will prefer we continue our path. blue exit

Says Jaïr

Take 10 disabling the device for 29.

Also a vote for blue

Dunkel takes a deep breath, clearly indicating his "spider-climbing" was exhaustive work.

"Ah need t' get somethin' t' help me move faster. E'er since that weird furry lass, ah've been thinkin' tha..."

Once Thorn has secured the way for the others forward, he trudges ahead with his axe in hand.

To blue. As a caster and a fairly high Fortitude member of the group, he'll defer the alchemist fire and anti-flasks to others who could make better use of them.

Has anyone played Serpent's Rise in Core since I last asked (back in Trouble in Tamran)? Also, one additional thing you can learn from the body:

This large chamber’s walls are covered maps, documents, notes and missives. Pins and daggers jut out of the maps in different spots. A raised stage takes up the southeast corner of the room. Four pillars support its lofty ceiling.

The room is twenty feet tall, and well lit by eight torches arranged around the room. Crates and furniture are piled up against the room's door. Translucent green is difficult terrain

A Tien man stands against the wall, glaring at you. A haughty ratfolk speaks from a raised stage in the southeast corner of the room.

“Welcome, Pathfinders. I can’t say I’m glad to see you. Are you more of Colson Maldris’s lackeys, here on another one of his murderous missions? Everyone’s heard about what you did to Ascalar Vruul. I assure you, no one here has bothered to blackmail that lout with evidence of his many indiscretions. Perhaps instead you are here to pledge your services to a far more lucrative organization? After all, you have shown some skill in locating this place.”

The man turns to her, shocked. "Tseka! You flea-ridden traitor!"

She laughs. “It only took you, what, three years?”

"Still, it is never too late to do some business. You allow me to leave Goka unharmed, and in exchange, you take this traitor of yours back to your Venture-Captains."

Wyatt shrugs.

"I've heard of that Maldris fellow, but I certainly don't serve him - I work for the Society, not some other faction."

He casts an eye over the Tien man, disinterestedly.

"Sorry, we've no idea whom he is - and frankly, I couldn't care less. We were asked to find you, and make you an offer that you couldn't refuse; why should we settle for some lackey we haven't even heard of?"

Wyatt ain't particularly diplomatic, so someone else may wish to speak, as well ;-)

Hrmm... Colson Maldris ... he's the head of the Andoran (now Liberty's Edge) faction guy? Can't say I've had many PC's in that particular faction to get a feel for the guy.

Ascalar Vruul? Hmm.. no clue, not familiar at all.

And going back to our mission briefing... though our goal was to locate the Aspis operative, Tseka... I don't seem to see anywhere where it says what we were actually supposed to do with her if we found her... or am I missing that rather vital bit of info somewhere?

Doubtful moves up cautiously, to see what the fuss is about, looking about suspiciously for the inevitable 'other shoe'.

"We know that she has valuable information, so do everything in your power to bring her back alive, and collect whatever documents you find in her base of operations."

I figured that meant we should bring her back ;-)

I have not played Serpents' Rise in CORE yet, no

Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

Imrana immediately jots down "Ascalar Vruul" in her journal.

"I do not work for Major Colson Maldris. I am a servant of the Great Nex, currently employed by Tahonikepsu, the Diamond Sage."

She looks at the ratfolk, holding up her journal and pen like a reporter.

"Please explain the current situation, as we appear to be at a loss at the moment, and why we would be interested in this traitor instead of you."

Know. Local: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

I'm not working for this fella. I'm here, as well as my comrades, for informations, valuable informations. I don't know what your quarel is with the Major, but I am not one of his lackey.
We are here for a proposition of our own, and even if your suggestion is quite interesting we have a mission.
Would you come with us ? To see our Venture-Captain Amara-Li ? She has numerous questions to asks and she's willing to offer you a lot for your answers.
We would prefer to do it peacefully, as it's both our interest. I'm sure leaving Goka unarmed is one thing in the basket for your cooperation.
You seems a reasonnable person as we are, so lets make a deal

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22 +1 if she could be sexually attracted to my character

I have played Serpent's Rise in CORE with "The Professionnal"

will post properly later. I have NOT played Serpents Rise in Core.

Local: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23

-Posted with Wayfinder

Thorn will stay where he is and try to remain out of sight. He expects this to go bad. Stealth: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14 Just in case he snags some of those antiplague and toxins and downs them.

Thorn and Jair recognize that the maps on the wall are an architectural layout of Goka, a sketch of the interior of the Lantern Lodge, and a detailed drawing of an unexceptional multicolored tapestry covered in abstract patterns—the Hao Jin Tapestry. As does anyone else who makes a DC 15 Local check

Thorn remembers hearing about Vruul as being involved in the conflict with the Aspis over the Hao Jin Tapestry several years ago. He was killed by a team of Pathfinders. The man here doesn't look familiar. I'm not very familiar with the particular scenario where he appears, so on an OOC basis that's all I can provide.

The ratfolk scoffs, "I suppose it isn't surprising that your precious Ten would want to shield you from tales of dissent and defection. Makino has been quite the font of information, though there's little left for us to learn from him. I'm sure Li will want to punish him appropriately, and I'm sure you can obtain quite a bit of information from him. I have no interest in visiting your lodge, though."

The man shouts back, growing red in the face. "You won't get away with this, Tseka! My allies in the Consortium will not let this stand!"

"My dear, you may be overestimating your influence with Adrius" Tseka says with a dismissive wave of her hand, silencing Makino, who stands stunned with shock.

Whispered, "Oi, it's a Taldan number this talk. They're tricking us somehow. Blood begets truth. I'm ready. Do this before they get to the finale of the scene!"

Dunkel, used to working with cunning dwarves trying to get most-than-an-appropriate discount on diggin' work, narrows his eyes at the "scene".

"Ach, ah've heard enough! We'll bring ye both back t' tha' pretty Tien lady fer questioning then!"

Dunkel grips his axe and gives the others a nod, trying to remember he'll want to use the flat side of the axe lest he accidentally sever a head from its body.

"Very well. You'll die like your comrades at the Grand Lodge." she says, grinning. She moves behind one of the room's columns, taking cover.

Tseka is the red wererat. Makino is the odd looking man with the side-profile yes? Do we think Makino could be turned on Tseka? It may have been too hard to gauge with their "theater"?

Dunkel moves in, hefting his axe and commenting on Tseka and Makino's choices to back into corners.

"Ye've nowhere to run! Best ye jess surrender and save some bruisin'!"

Dunkel turns his axe slightly, intending to use the flat of it.

-4 penalty included below to inflict non-lethal.

Waraxe 2H, Non-Lethal: 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 8 - 4 = 16 for 1d10 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

Thorn doesn't want to be the vanguard... Delay (Will go last so as to try to maximize flanking opportunity.)

That's correct, Dunkel. Its clear to you that the whole "betrayal" of Makino was actually some sort of ruse.

Thorn's axe cuts deeply into the ratfolk, who shrieks,

"Tseka! Help me!"

One of the panels in the stage structure slides away, revealing another ratfolk, who steps out, stabbing Dunkel with a dagger.

Blue attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
Dam: 1d3 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + (3) = 5

Imrana is up.

Imrana mouths a voiceless "oh!" at the ratfolk's exclamation.

"A body double of some sort? So this other ratfolk is Tseka? Or perhaps more deception?"

She slams her journal shut and holds it in the crook of her left arm. She begins the motions for a powerful curse, but suddenly stops. Her face assumes an embarassed grimace.

"Oh wait. I forgot to cast False Life, didn't I?"

She rips out the threads of necromantic energy she was weaving and starts again, this time bolstering her own life force.

False Life: 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

She ducks past Doubtful and takes up a position around the other corner.

"We should spread out! There are likely area spells to watch out for."

Thorn swears under his breath with enough force to make a hellknight blush. He runs into the room and stabs wildly at the man in the corner.

Shortsword: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15 Not sure if he's still flatfooted or not. DMG if hit: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5 if flatfooted add DMG: 3d6 ⇒ (3, 6, 1) = 10

Thorn digs his blade deep into the man.

Another ratfolk appears, somehow having been hidden behind the extremely narrow pillar. She jabs out at Dunkel, catching him in the abdomen. His muscles begin to burn with pain almost immediately.

Green: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 9 + 2 = 30
Confirm: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 9 + 2 = 20

Damage: 2d4 + 2 + 3d6 ⇒ (2, 4) + 2 + (5, 3, 6) = 22

Dunkel vs. Poison: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 8 + 2 = 19
Strength Damage: 1d3 ⇒ 3

22 damage and 3 strength damage. We never did a real knowledge check on ratfolk, but you know that they can share squares with other ratfolk, and count as flanking when they do so.

Red: 15, Makino: 15

Jair, Doubtful, and Wyatt are up.

Wyatt steps forward so that he has a clear line-of-fire, and starts shooting at Makino, hoping to drop the man before he has a chance to act.

+1 Mighty[+2]Composite Longbow: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 1 = 12, for 1d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 3 + 1 = 12 damage.
+1 Mighty[+2]Composite Longbow: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 5 + 1 = 26, for 1d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 3 + 1 = 12 damage.
Crit Confirmation: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 5 + 1 = 15, for 2d8 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (6, 3) + 6 + 2 = 17 *ADDITIONAL* damage.

The fight wasn't going that well, so Jaïr decided to help her comrade to fight. She draws her wand of bless and uses it.

May secrets and knowledge of our ennemies guide your hands and fight your fears

Bless : +1 moral bonus to attack and +1 moral bonus to will save against fear effect.

Wow, a 19 fails the poison save? Don't usually see that good a DC's! Ouch!

The other shoe finally drops and Doubtful finds himself momentarily taken aback by the sudden influx of ratfolk. He finally does react to the chaos however, leaping into action with a look of despair.

"Which one's Tseka?" He mutters, trying to figure out who their target is amidst the sudden swarm.

Is there a way to tell which one's which? Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26 if it helps

He rushes in to try to relieve some of the pressure off of Dunkel, lashing out with one hand at what he hopes is a sensitive spot on the ratfolks that he hopes is Tseka... though is pretty sure its the wrong spot on the wrong one.

For now, will assume its the one that did the most damage this round! (aka green) but if his check makes him think it might be red or blue, then will target them instead.
Spending a ki point to gain a +4 bonus to AC for the round, and then striking at the green ratfolk using stunning fist and non-lethal damage

Unarmed Strike, bless: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 8 + 1 = 29, for 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6 non-lethal damage plus stunned (DC 16 fortitude negates)

Edit: and another!
Confirmation: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17, for an additional 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7 damage.

Wyatt's first arrow hits the man in the shoulder, while the second pierces straight through his heart. His lifeless body slumps to the floor.

Doubtful manages a good blow to the most recent ratfolk to appear, but not quite as solid as he would like. It still leaves her reeling. Judging by their relative strength, though, this seems like the most likely possibility for actually being Tseka.

Fort: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

The ratfolk Dunkel attacked retaliates, dealing him another serious wound.

Red: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 6 + 2 = 23
Dam: 1d3 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + (6) = 8

Dunkel and Thorn are up once again.

Yikes, 30 damage. Dunkel effectively was at 55hp with his false life. He now sits at 25/45hp.

Dunkel staggers backwards a few steps in shock.

"Ach, they've been gettin' me in the goods!"

Blushing, the dwarf holds his axe up defensively while he moves back, knowing Doubtful is much, much harder to hit than he is in such a brawl.

Dunkel will sadly withdraw, trusting Doubtful's AC27 is a more solid front-line presence than his AC14.

Yay, something failed a save vs stunning fist! Don't forget, stunned means they drop anything held... so that poisoned blade will be on the ground now!
Does the swarming ability trigger if one of the 'swarmers' is stunned?

Good thing Dunkel has such a high constitution! =) Love taps!
Though technically, I think it was 35 damage total (you missed the first knick)

And hope we weren't supposed to take Makino alive too... Heh.

Thorn steps towards the ratfolk with a murderous look. With both of his blades bare and ready he goes for the kill:

Blade 1: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 8 + 1 = 29 THREAT
Blade 2: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 7 + 1 = 27 THREAT
Blade 1: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 8 + 1 = 28 DMG: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (2, 1) + 6 = 9
Blade 2: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 7 + 1 = 9 DMG: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

So close to being supremely awesome, but I'll take it nonetheless!

Don't forget to add the bless bonus :)

Don't forget to add the bless bonus :)

Added, though I don't think it mattered :-)