GM mechaPoet's PbP Gameday 2: The Confirmation (Inactive)

Game Master mechaPoet

"Well done!" Aryn moves out of the water and onto the eastern shore. "I say we continue to explore into this direction, you agree?"

"Anyone hurt enough to need some healing?" asks Bobbette concerned that the mite or centipede has seriously damaged someone.

"If you're all OK I think we should move further into the tunnels. But I'm not so very strong, so can we use a rope to help me cross the river."

The centipede startled me more than anything. I believe I heard Vogma shouting though. Anyhow, I have a rope you can hold onto if need be.

Attilio hands Bobbette the end of his rope and then crosses the stream. Once everyone is safely beyond the water, he returns to point and starts down the tunnel once the group is ready to continue.

Bobbette, in Hero Lab if you only have that you are holding the light crossbow with one hand there is a -2 penalty. Using both hands makes it proper.

Thanks Culsar..probably true, I'll check...

Bobbette takes the rope, then finds the river to be a bit cold, but shallow and slow, so goes across quite easily. "Thanks Attillo, most helpful."

Well, that was exciting!Izotu Hyr says as he coils his whip and follows the group across the river.

As the Initiates travel up the tunnel to the east, a series of sharp turns and dips and short climbs, they begin to hear the faint sounds of combat and a familiar woman’s voice half-shouting and half-reciting, “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!”

Please refer to the map at the top called "Deeper in the Cave..." and place yourselves on the map to the left of the green line so I know your marching order.

Perception: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (14) + 0 = 14

Hearing the familiar voice, Culsar blurts out, Sounds as if the halfling is still giving the minotaur a tour of the woods! We should go aid her!

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

"We should! Let's go, quick!" Aryn moves up front, ready to proceed.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Don't rush off blindly into danger people. She knew what she was doing, we won't be of any use to her if we get killed by running into a pit trap on the way, and we don't know for certain that what we're hearing is what we think it is. We need to remain cautious - just because this particular bit of cavern is safe doesn't mean the next bit around the corner will be as well.

Attilio: Please do note that you are in a narrow tunnel--you can fit, but you are currently squeezing (-4 to AC and attack).

Oh. I just chose a square that would still allow me to appear to have been at the front of the group without being in the square Aryn chose.

Bobbette follows her friends, at the back of the group, "Sometimes you don't have the time to be cautious." Attillo hears whispered in her ears.

Perception 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
Casts message on Attillo.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Good advice, Attilo. Izotu Hyr will follow your lead.

"I'd love to fight a minotaur...but I wouldn't want someone butting in on my one-on-one if I told 'em not to."

Vogma will go with the flow...

Well, since none of us see any particular reason not to, Attilio continues moving through the tunnels, looking for hazards and threats as he goes and tries not to worry about the helpful little halfling trying to fight the minotaur all by her lonesome.

What at first seemed to be a carpet of fungi and mushrooms suddenly stirs to life, surging forward with a reek of decay. As Attilio comes forward, it lurches out and slams a portion of its body into him!

Slam vs ff: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Luckily, the blow narrowly glances off, doing no damage (except for leaving the elf somewhat smelly and wet).

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Initiative!
Fungus: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (4) - 1 = 3
Aryn: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Attilio: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
Bobbette: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
Culsar: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Izotu: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Vogma: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

1. Bobbette, Attilio, Culsar, Vogma, Aryn, Izotu
2. Fungus

Effects: Janira's words are sufficiently audible to inspire courage in the Initiates! +1 to attack, damage, and saves vs fear

Feel free to incautiously run forward now if you'd like Bobette. I don't know what this thing is, but it seems quite dangerous.

Bow, Deadly Aim, Courage: 1d20 + 3 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 3 - 1 + 1 = 7
arrow: 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 1 = 4

Now, if you'll all excuse me... Coming through...

After firing his bow, Attilio moves back and to the side of the group.

It might not fit down the narrow corridor. And even if it does, I can shoot it just fine from the back of the group.

Kng(Dungeon): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

What is that! Izotu screams as the sharpened buckle of his whip catches the light while flying through the air.

Attacking with his Scorpion Whip.

Attack: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 2 + 1 = 10
Damage: 1d3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 1 = 5

Well, let's see if this does anything! Culsar grabs his crossbow in both hands and tries to remember how to use it.

XBow: 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (5) + 3 - 4 = 4 for Bolt: 1d8 ⇒ 6

And a few horrible dice rolls later, and we're suddenly the Keystone Pathfinders.

Izotu, you'll have to move forward a bit to attack the creature. Your whip has 15-ft reach, but you're currently 20 feet away. Alternatively, you could ready an action to hit it when you're in range, or wait for Aryn to move. If there's anyone in front of you, they'll provide soft cover, and you'll miss. If you move forward now, though, you'll hit (but be in range for retribution).

Attilio's arrow skims the top of the things, shaving off a mushroom. He must be jumpy from the sudden attack. Although the creature attacked him before, it doesn't seem to realize that he's firing at it. Culsar's attack similarly misses.

I don't think this thing has the intelligence to make AoOs. I also probably shouldn't have had it attack as you approached, for reasons that the proper Knowledge check would reveal. In any case, what's done is done--you can do it, folks!

Just wait till Aryn moves and he'll five foot it to position.

Aryn's silver-white hair begins to move about eerily as her blue eyes turn to white. She moves toward the fungus creature and readies her greatsword, then attacks the creature with a powerful slash of the blade and a mighty roar. "HYAAA!!!"

Two-handed Attack, Bloodrage, Power Attack: 1d20 + 1 + 1 + 6 - 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 + 1 + 6 - 1 = 19 Damage: 2d6 + 9 + 3 ⇒ (1, 6) + 9 + 3 = 19

Aryn slices a huge swath of fungus in front of her, sending slime flying everywhere, filling the air with the rank smell of decay!

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Initiative!
1. Bobbette, Attilio, Culsar, Vogma, Aryn, Izotu
2. Fungus

Fungus damage: 19

With so many people between herself and the slime, Bobbette decides that taking a shot would be useless and too difficult for her. Instead, she waits for one of the fighters to go forward and take on the creature. She follows saying, "If you get hurt, I can help you out, just let me know." She squats down, hiding behind the raging fighter.

Vogma delays.

The amorphous blob of decay lurches forward again--but it doesn't appear to be trying to slam into the aasimar in front of it. Rather, it rises up, filling the narrow cave passage with its bulk, and haltingly surges forward to try to engulf the initiates!

Potential Engulf Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
If you take this damage, also make a DC 16 Fortitude save or contract a disease.

The fungus ooze is trying to engulf Aryn and Bobette! Your options are as follows:
-Make an AoO as the creature moves forward; however, you won't have the chance to get out of the way, and will be engulfed (if it doesn't die).
-Make a DC 14 Reflex save to avoid being engulfed. If you are successful, you are not engulfed, but are instead pushed to the side or back (your choice). Since it's so narrow here, just go back to the nearest open space.

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1. Bobbette, Attilio, Culsar, Vogma, Aryn, Izotu
2. Fungus

Fungus Damage:19

Not knowing anything that he can do to aid the battle, Culsar steps back so that others might have room to fight.

Taking her changes, Aryn swings her greatsword at the ooze.

Two-handed Attack, Bloodrage, Power Attack: 1d20 + 1 + 1 + 6 - 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 + 1 + 6 - 1 = 11 Damage: 2d6 + 9 + 3 ⇒ (3, 5) + 9 + 3 = 20

The ooze then hits her with its attack, and Aryn feels the disease slip into her body.

Fort save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6 What are the disease's effect(s)?

What's this, have I been poisoned?

You have overestimated the AC of an ooze.

As the fungus advances, Aryn's sword cleaves through the slime, splattering two swaths of mold and decay against the cave walls.
Combat is over! No damage, no disease.

As the Initiates move further east, there is a faint light at the end of the tunnel; a shimmer of moonlight on the slick cavern walls. There are only 120 feet to the cave exit, and Janira's voice is even clearer now--as are angry bovine bellows.

That was quite impressive Aryn. I may have overestimated our need for caution. Do lead the charge for our rescue.

Glad that worked out well!

Aryn's eyes turn back to their usual blue shade and her hair, moving like a storm's passing through the tunnel, stop having a life of its own. With a few exhausted huffs and puffs Aryn retrieves three potions from her backpack: one of barkskin, one of shield of faith, and one of vanish.

"I need some time to regain my strength," Aryn replies to Attilio, "Give me half a minute while we move to the cave's exit, and I should be fine." When Aryn arrives at the tunnel's end she ingests the potion of barkskin, which has the longest duration.

That was too close. And if that minotaur's still after Janira, I need to be at my best.

Ending bloodrage. Used it for 2 rounds, so I'm fatigued for 4 rounds = 24 seconds. GM, may I assume this time has passed when we reach the end of the tunnel?

Current AC: 20

The way you use your weapon is fierce, indeed. Izotu says as he places a hand on Aryn's shoulder. It must be tasking on you. Sit and rest; Izotu Hyr and the others will watch out for dangers while we wait.

"Thanks Aryn, your prowess with the weapon is truly awesome." says the impressed Bobbette.

"Thanks guys," Aryn says with a fatigued smile, while walking to the cave's exit. "50 years of militairy training does keep you in shape, and even after I retired I kept my training schedule."

Holding off on drinking the potion of barkskin till the moment just before we exit the cave.

I fear we may not have much time to wait. Our host sounds as if she may be in trouble.

The halfling said she could handle it. But it's up to you guys. You know my axe is ready!

I think we all need to move up ... to get to the next bit and support Aryn, we are stung out over the passage ways at the moment...

I'm ready to proceed when you are.

We'll call it four rounds for Aryn to draw all of her potions, move to the cave entrance, and drink the barkskin--this is purely for counting Janira's Inspire Courage rounds. So far, these rounds included, it's been 6.

The moonlight of the surface world above provides a welcome reprieve from the blue and green fungus of the caverns below, and lunar 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.

Map is up!
-The little shrubby bits on the map are small trees. They count as difficult terrain and sharing a space with them provides partial cover.
-The cliff to the west rises up to 20ft.
-The stream: 10ft wide and 5 ft deep. Rough water (DC 15 swim to navigate). A Large creature can walk through it as difficult terrain with a DC 12 Strength check, failure means no movement. The tree trunk providing a makeshift bridge is slick with water; cross at half speed with a DC 7 Acrobatics check (flatfooted while attempting this); failure means making a DC 13 Reflex save or falling in the water; making the save means being prone on the log instead.
-When you first open the map, scroll down to see the entire battlefield (it is fairly large).

To the south, the minotaur towers over Janira. The minotaur is wounded, but not nearly as badly as the Halfling. She 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!”

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Initiative!
Minotaur: 1d20 ⇒ 19
Janira: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Aryn: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
Attilio: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
Bobbette: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
Culsar: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Izotu: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
Vogma: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

1. Vogma, Culsar
2. Minotaur
3. Izotu, Bobbette, Janira, Attilio, Aryn

Effects: Inspire Courage!

Still deep within the cave, Culsar double moves out into the open.

Bobbette deep within the passageway, urges others forward....

whilst she waits for her go ... :)

Bobbette calls to the large orc-like woman,"Vogma, show us what you can do, FORWARD!"

The minotaur raises its battleaxe in both hands (it's a bit far to tell, but it looks like Janira managed to break it somehow--the handle looks a little loose, and the blade is chipped), then brings it down toward the Pathfinder halfling.
Battleaxe: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
Damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (1, 5) + 4 = 10
Janira goes down, bleeding and unconscious, but still breathing as her blood wets the Kortos dirt. Her tales of valor still echo in your heads, though, spurring you to feats of great courage. Janira's Inspire Courage will continue for 2 rounds thanks to her Lingering Performance feat.

The minotaur lets out a triumphant snort, then turns its attention toward the sounds from the cave. It begins to move toward them, stepping into the river up to its waist. It bellows something in a thick-tongued language:

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Initiative!
1. Vogma, Culsar
2. Minotaur
3. Izotu, Bobbette, Janira, Attilio, Aryn

Effects: Inspire Courage 1/2

Culsar will take his crossbow in both hands and fire at the minotaur from range. He'll hope that his more melee capable companions can approach the minotaur before he tries to close himself.

Xbow: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 3 + 1 = 19 for Bolt: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Izotu moves up with whip in hand. He exams the beast closely and tries to remember if he's seen anything like that in his travels.

Knlg(All): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17 All applicable Knowledge skills have 2 ranks.

Beast, drop your weapon or we will force your submission! Izotu Hyr bellows and straightens to his full six feet height to appear more threatening.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

Attilio hurries out of the cave, and off to the side to get a clear shot at the enormous creature.

bow, 2nd range increment (121'), deadly aim: 1d20 + 3 - 2 - 1 ⇒ (10) + 3 - 2 - 1 = 10
arrow, deadly aim: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Aryn moves forward and drinks the potion of shield of faith. "Keep shooting, I'll attack it when it gets closer!"

Current AC = 22

Bobbette moves forward, smiling at Attilo as she looks deep into the archers soul, filling his body with the presence of confidence. AS Attilo gains this good feeling, Bobbette voice comes clearly to her, "Keep close to me and your god will continue to give you good fortune. For Aryn will need this too. You stay close as well, Aryn." she finishes to the Aasimar.

Casts Fortune Hex on Attilo