GM OfAnything's Phenomenon - Lightning (Inactive)

Game Master KingOfAnything

Lightning

.

.ity..

Dot

A few days after returning from Dunhob with your notes and the Harrow deck, you receive another mysterious note from Dr. Quolorum.

You all have refreshed spells and full hp at the beginning of this quest. Arrange yourselves on the map as you like, but we are not using it quite yet.

If you wish to Draw from the Deck, please make a note of which card you drew here or in Discussion. So far, Fran and Estra each have +2 enhancement bonuses to Charisma for the adventure.

The group stands at the base of the hill. Tonight the sky is clear, and the stars are out, which helps provide ample light to view the blackened hilltop that Dr. Quolorum marked on his map. A scorched crater sits at the summit of the hill surrounded by a ring of tortured earth. Agonized faces and grasping hands are formed in the dirt around the crater, as if the ground itself were once alive and in great pain. Stunted shrubs covered with red thorns are scattered across the hill. Dr. Quolorum is nowhere in sight.

Estra calls Honaire, suspecting that something bad will be happening, or already has. "Oh my, this doesn't look good, and Dr. Q's absence is foreboding to say the least. Where could he be and where are the containers he wanted to use? It's not like we can collect ectoplasm without them. He has to be here! Somewhere... or somewhen."

"Oh my, this doesn't look good, and Dr. Q's absence is foreboding to say the least. Where could he be and where are the containers he wanted to use? It's not like we can collect ectoplasm without them. He has to be here! Somewhere... or somewhen."

Elena looks around for Dr. Quolorum, hand on the hilt of her longsword. In a deep and heroic voice, Elena states: ”Careful everyone! There may be evil afoot!” She holds her shield at the ready, as if the mere symbol of Iomedae is enough to ward off enemies.

Elena looks ahead, calling out for the doctor. ”Dr. Quolorum?” Elena moves one square forward and calls out again, ”Dr. Quolorum?!”

Perception: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (7) + 0 = 7

"Why would he ask for our help and not be here?" Elena frowns. Very curious.

This whole situation makes Mathos very uneasy. The ground looks strange and as if once alive and now that doctor has not even bothered to show up. Why did he leave his desk in Cheliax?

That doctor dragged us all out here and he has not even bothered to show up. I knew I should have solidified the agreement between us with a contract. I am writing one as soon as we are back indoors.

Mr. Sunshine pauses, nose in the air, ears pricked, tail twitching. Crouching low in the grass, he looks around for something to pounce upon. Where's the squirrels? I need to drop a dead one on Fran's pillow tonight.

'Ey, quit your yammerin' an' yellin'! 'E clearly ain't he'e and ye scarin' off the food!" bellows Gulch as Elena betrays their position to all the surrounding wildlife. He wipes the resulting spittle from the outburst with his gnarled claw before he continues his search for small prey, his prodigious bulk crouched low to the ground. I bet there we'e all mannah of rodents 'round he'e 'fore that broad scared 'em off...

By his side is a bleachling gnome whom you have grown to learn is called Wormling. He winces when Gulch talks and is frequently knocked around by Gulch's carelessness, but rarely chooses to leave the beast's side. "Maybe he got lost? Or... or worse..." the gnome says as his mind runs wild with all manner of ways a life could end in the wilderness.

Rhasuel's perpetual disapproval intensifies at tyre sight of the literally tortured earth. Someone is either a very talented sculptor with a nasty streak or there is magic here I don't want to get anywhere near... He mutters.

Shadows shift in the starlight as a stiff wind sways the branches of gnarled trees. The forest around you seems eerily quiet for a clear night in Ustalav. No chirps or buzzing or other animal sounds, but for a single, distant howl in the east.

A few hundred feet up the hill, you hear merry humming from the bushes just off the trail. You all recognize the gnome who hired you, Dr. Quolorum, by his flaming hair and round, delicate glasses.

Dr. Quolorum emerges from the underbrush dressed for research in the field and examining an instrument of some kind in his hand. He almost runs into your group before he looks up from his readings, recognizes you all, and exclaims, “Hello! Good to see you’ve arrived. Make yourselves comfortable because the next strike shouldn’t occur for a while yet. In the meantime, let me know if you have any questions.”

Seeing the doctor emerge from the scrub Mathos draws himself up to his full height.

How much danger money are you paying me to be out here? Do you see this earth? I am putting my life in danger just to be out here instead of you. Not to mention that debacle at the tavern.

Mathos is clearly indignant at being here in the dangerous situation.

Estra gives Dr. Q a stern look. "You call us out here and then don't show up on time... gave me a fright! Don't DO that to an old lady! Now where is this strike supposed to take place and how do you collect ectoplasm from it?"

"Don't be so cross everyone," Fran pipes up. "I'm sure Dr. Quolorum was just looking around to make sure the area is safe! Although...after what happened at Dunhob, I think I'll prepare a little better - just in case." As she speaks, she conjures up shimmering, translucent armor that encases her body before slowing fading from sight.

She peers at the pained faces formed in the dirt, though her expression is more one of curiosity than fear. "Did the lightning cause that? I wonder if they're in pain or if they just don't like being stuck in the ground? To be honest, I don't think I'd like being stuck in the ground either."
_________

Fran casts Mage Armor on herself.

Dr. Quolorum looks down his glasses and generally upward at the indgninant Mathos. "You are out here with me. You'll have to tell me about what happened in Dunhab, but you were clearly up for the task. As you are this one."

His face brightens at Estra's questions, "Well, you se-" he cuts off when he notices her ectoplasmic companion. "Oh! What have we here?" Dr. Quolorum circles Honaire and mutters while he examines his instrument. "I should be able to account for the presence of this gentleman. Don't worry about the readings going off."

He pauses seeming to wait for more questions before suddenly remembering he hadn't yet answered Estra's, "When the lightning strikes, we will hurry to the strike crater. At the top of the hill, see? You adventuresome folk can protect me on the way and make sure the site is safe when we arrive. When you give the all clear, I will use my ectoplasm containers to gather some samples from the crater. After that, we can all head back to our warm beds."

He turns to Fran and continues, "Good question! I don’t know. I suspect that ectoplasmic residue from red lightning imparted this area with necrotic energy after it struck long ago. Of course, we will find out if this theory is true when the next strike occurs. Exciting, isn’t it?"

Dr. Quolorum emerges from the underbrush dressed for research in the field and examining an instrument of some kind in his hand. He almost runs into your group before he looks up from his readings, recognizes you all, and exclaims, “Hello! Good to see you’ve arrived. Make yourselves comfortable because the next strike shouldn’t occur for a while yet. In the meantime, let me know if you have any questions.”

Elena breaths a sigh of relief. Thanks be to Iomedae, the doctor is safe! I thought we were going to need to launch a search party.

As she speaks, she conjures up shimmering, translucent armor that encases her body before slowing fading from sight.

She peers at the pained faces formed in the dirt, though her expression is more one of curiosity than fear. "Did the lightning cause that? I wonder if they're in pain or if they just don't like being stuck in the ground? To be honest, I don't think I'd like being stuck in the ground either."

Elena would have commented about Dunhab if Fran's actions hadn't caught Elena's interest. That's a fancy trick, but where did it (the armor) go? Elena walks over to stand beside Fran, curious to see what the woman is talking about. Elena sees if she detects any evil in the area while looking.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5 Nope.

Knowledge (Religion): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

Elena narrows her eyes and frowns at the sight of the agonized faces and senses the fear and negative energy at the site. The image insulted her and her god! "What poor souls, it looks like they never found peace. We need to avenge their deaths! At minimum, cleanse and place flowers at the graves." Elena's face is resolute. Elena draws her sword, "Something unholy used to prowl here and I think it still may be here - dormant." If it tortured these innocents, it needs to repent.

He pauses seeming to wait for more questions before suddenly remembering he hadn't yet answered Estra's, "When the lightning strikes, we will hurry to the strike crater. At the top of the hill, see? You adventuresome folk can protect me on the way and make sure the site is safe when we arrive. When you give the all clear, I will use my ectoplasm containers to gather some samples from the crater. After that, we can all head back to our warm beds."

He turns to Fran and continues, "Good question! I don’t know. I suspect that ectoplasmic residue from red lightning imparted this area with necrotic energy after it struck long ago. Of course, we will find out if this theory is true when the next strike occurs. Exciting, isn’t it?"

"Necrotic energy?" Sounds like my services will be needed! I'd better assure the doctor of my abilities as a loyal paladin of Iomedae. Elena angles her head downward to get a better look at the gnome. The movement strains her neck muscles, since Elena stands at over six feet in stature. "I can assure you that no evil escapes justice while I'm around." Elena heroically places her fisted hands on the sides of her hips, standing tall (as best she can with her weapons drawn.) Elena relaxes her pose, "Although, I am curious to know - aren't you afraid the ectoplasm may soak up some remaining evil - from the red lightning strike? Have you not concescrated the land?" To Elena, heading back to their "warm beds" seems unappealing at the moment.

If your character finds Elena's heroic streak obnoxious, feel free to try and quell her.

Mathos is still unsure of this Doctor and his motives so he watches to try to determine what he is up to.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

I sense some sort of presence here, and it seems upset. That would gel with the Iomedian's words.

SM: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
know:rel: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
You mean beyond yours truly. Rhasuel says. I'm glad to see you're not dead, Dr., but if what the Asmodean says is true (and, in his defence, he had yet to be wrong) then I suggest you not get to comfortable.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15

Mr. Sunshine stares at the faces of the screaming humans in the dirt. Their faces look interesting, just like Fran's does when he claws her curtains. But there aren't any curtains around here, or mice, or any interesting birds.

So he yawns and looks around for someone new to pet him. He headbutts Elena. "MROW!"

You may pet me. NOW.

The professor looks somewhat taken aback by Elena's outburst, “I think it is best to prepare for anything. I’m told wild animals and plants react strangely to these lightning strikes. Furthermore, ectoplasm can be dangerous and is often accompanied by ghosts or restless spirits, but it isn't evil in itself. It’s a fascinating substance, really; the best way to describe it is that ectoplasm is the material that forms along the veil between our world and the Ethereal Plane. Fascinating, isn’t it?”

"Well...in Dunhob we investigated an old tavern where Lady Illiregarde used to give Harrow readings," Fran explains. "Inside we talked to a Denizen of Leng who gave me...us?...a reading from the Harrow. I didn't really understand all of it but there was talk about a strange creature and danger." She frowns. "Danger was right, we got attacked by floating skulls after the reading! It was worse than the old woman throwing horseshoes at us. And I still don't know where or what 'Leng' is, either!"

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 1 + 2 = 9

"So...you mean you sometimes get someth-er someone like Honaire who isn't bad but other times you might get angry ghosts that actually have something of a presence and can really hurt people?"

Fran frowns again, shaking her head. "I don't like it...but Elena and Mathos are both right, if there's something angry here then we should try to fix it if we can. Hopefully we'll learn more about it tonight."

Sense Motive DC16: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Hmpfh. If I didn't know better, I'd say They-She had already arrived.

He gently kicks an arm in the existing crater, probing for resistance. He glances at the sky.

Lucky bastards. At least you're beyond suffering any more.

Quolorum muses, ”Leng, you say… It is strange to meet a visitor from the Dimension of Dreams, or perhaps the Land of Nightmares, and escape to tell the tale. Do try to recall what it said, my girl. A warning from such a visitor must hold a clue to these phenomena.”

As he finishes speaking, a bolt of red lightning strikes a nearby copse of trees. Dr. Quolorum excitedly yells, “This is it, people!” and hurries off in the direction of the disturbance.

Three overgrown walking paths divide this copse of trees and converge at its center. The dense undergrowth is difficult to navigate, and obscures your vision. The lightning crater is directly at the center of the three walking paths, and a red glow emanates from that area.

A chorus of wailing screams comes from somewhere inside these trees, and a red glow casts a baleful light over the area. The smell of ozone hangs heavy in the air, and crackling arcs of electricity jump between the plants here and there. The forest is filled with the sound of rustling branches.

The whole map is considered difficult terrain and provides 20% concealment. If your base speed is more than 20ft, you can catch up to or even overtake the professor, otherwise arrange yourselves 10-20ft behind him as you hurry along behind him.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

Rhasuel notices the trees getting suspiciously clawed. This is wholly inappropriate behaviour for trees, so something must be going wrong, as he expected. He warns his companions, Eyes on the trees! They're growing claws!

Perception DC16: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

Survival DC16: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

'Ware the branches as well! What evil permeates this perimeter that allows trees to be perturbed so?

He makes a threatening gesture at the nearest tree.

Let's just hope they're not particularly perambulatory.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Mr. Sunshine doesn't notice anything but the fact that Elena isn't petting him. He turns his back on her.

I'm ignoring you. See?

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10

"Aw, don't be that way Mr. Sunshine! I'm sure there'll be lots of pets as soon as we're done here," Fran says, attempting to cajole her fussy feline friend.

Then she actually registers what the old folks in the group are trying to warn the rest of them about and jumps, clearly startled. "Oh! They're growing claws? W-well...keep your hands to yourselves!" she addresses the foliage around them, trying to sound brave.

Gulch is too busy trying to scrounge out some rodents to pay attention to what the Professor is saying. When the strike of lightning occurs, he stands up with a start.

"Oy, wha's 'at fo'?" he grumbles, further convinced that all this group can do is make noise. Seeing them run off, he gives chase. "Wormling, le's go!", his long strides easily keeping up with the Professor's pace.

Poor Wormling is left in the dust, doing his best to keep up with the group. When everyone stops, he doubles over, breathing hard. "That... that was too... too much... warning please!"

Perception Gulch: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
Perception Wormling: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

Both are unaware of anything out of the ordinary until their companions announce it to them.

Estra hurries to keep up with the group, Honaire by her side...

perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
survival: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Estra puffs a bit as she catches up, looks at the trees curiously and spots nothing out of the ordinary, but heeding the warnings, stays clear of them for now. "Trees you say? branches? they look just like trees and branches to me... "

Lightning arcs from the crater, jumping between the writhing branches as the claws start reaching for you all!

Bold are up! This is a surprise round. The whole map is difficult terrain.
Initiative: Rhasuel, Mathos, Dr. Quolorum, Honaire, Estra, Writhing Branches, Fran, The Herald, Elana, Gulch, Wormling

If you aren't up in initiative, send your feedback to the GMing 101 Discussion thread. =D

Mathos draws upon his religious knowledge to try to understand what is going on here. There is clearly something strange in this neighborhood
Does that make us Ghostbusters?
Kn Religion: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

This area will try to entangle you. Be aware. I certainly don't want to unduely endanger myself and I don't think you should either.

Mathos moves to try to place the doctor between himself and the lighning strike.

I am not putting myself on the line again for this crack pot. I may have been sent here by the Society but I am not going to die here.

Mr. Sunshine, miffed at being left out of initiative, crouches and hisses at the claws that suddenly appear, fur standing on end.

As a familiar, Mr. Sunshine has the privilege of acting on his mistress's initiative. The GM humbly apologizes for omitting him from the list. :)

Mr. Sunshine, nose in the air, nods only the barest acknowledgement of the GM's apology and washes his paws while he awaits Fran's turn.

Ha! Apology accepted.

Earlier:

So he yawns and looks around for someone new to pet him. He headbutts Elena. "MROW!"

You may pet me. NOW.

”What a regal animal! Do you like to be scratched behind your ears?” Elena coos, crouching down to pet the length of Mr. Sunshine. Elena has to sheath her longsword in order to pet the little furry warrior. Elena listens to the others talk as she pets Mr. Sunshine.

As he finishes speaking, a bolt of red lightning strikes a nearby copse of trees. Dr. Quolorum excitedly yells, “This is it, people!” and hurries off in the direction of the disturbance.

Elena stands up abruptly, pulling out her longsword in a dramatic flourish, ”Forward!”

----------

Now:

Perception: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (15) + 0 = 15 Nope.

“Eyes on the trees! They're growing claws!”

Elena is slightly behind Mathos, Wormling, and Professor Quolorum because she was crouched when she heard the news.

Knowledge (Religion): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

"This area will try to entangle you. Be aware. I certainly don't want to unduely endanger myself and I don't think you should either."

Elena nods, seeing what Mathos is talking about. "I am the first into battle, and the last to leave it," Elena loyally quotes. Elena attempts to move herself in between the ghast and the professor. Elena is holding her sword in one hand and her shield in the other.

Rise! Rise, Pathfinders! To battle! Rhasuel cries and magic bursts forth upon his words.

Activating Inspire Courage, +1 attack and damage for everybody!

Mathos and Rhasuel notice the plant life around the crater becoming active. Mathos moves forward to protect his charge, while Rhasuel inspires the group to action.

DC 13 Reflex to avoid entanglement
Dr. Quolorum: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (5) - 1 = 4
Elana: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14
Mathos: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17
Gulch: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Dr. Quolorum and Gulch are each entangled by the grasping hands and take 1 point of damage as the sharp claws grasp at them.

The area outlined in green is under the effects of an entangle spell. Characters entering or ending their turn in the are must make a DC 13 Reflex save or become entangled. A DC 13 Strength or Escape Artist check as a move action is enough to break free. Failing either check results in 1 point of damage.

Everyone is up! The Herald gets a surprise round action as well as normal action. The whole map is difficult terrain.
Round 1 Initiative: Rhasuel, Mathos, Dr. Quolorum(entangled, -1), Honaire, Estra, Fran + Mr. Sunshine, The Herald(plus surprise round), Elena, Gulch(entangled, -1), Wormling

it's wood... moving living wood, but wood... it won't like this! Estra stops outside the area of entanglement and lights a torch. Honaire stops by herside, ready to defend her if anything threatens her.

Dr. Quolorum struggles as the wicked claws grasp his legs.

"Ouch! It's got me!"

Strength: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1

"I can't break free! The thorns just dig into my skin. Oh, but we must collect a sample of the ectoplasmic residue while it still lingers." he says with a resolve to rival Elana's. He stows his paranormal instrument in his pack and eyes the writhing mass with an analytical air.

Having an epiphany about the situation Mathos does not dare move. He calls to The Herald Hey, god botherer, get up here and make some positive energy. Quick, before they grab me too.

Mathos, ending your turn in the area will require a Reflex save or else become entangled and suffer a point of damage. He can move out of the area safely.

Mathos doesn't know that he can move. I am struggling a little with the RP so want to try to stay really, really in character. I'll roll the save.

Reflex: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Ahhhhhh, They have me now. HELP!!!!!

Surprise round

Herald moves up to place himself between Dr. Quolorum and the crater, grumbling the whole while.

Reflex DC13: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

What the...? Get away from me!

HP 7/8, entangled

First round

I'm more bothered than botherer, but I get your point.

He raises his shield, embossed with multitudinous equations, poems, charts, and graphs.

Have I told you the Bad News about She-They-He? We only have 10,000 years to prepare before It-He-She arrives. It is not enough! It is NOT ENOUGH!

Channel Positive Energy: 1d6 ⇒ 5

I think I have to choose between damaging my enemies or healing my friends, correct? If so, I choose damage.

CPE 5/6

Round 1:

After Rhasuel, Mathos, Dr. Quolorum, Honaire, Estra, Fran + Mr. Sunshine, and The Herald, it’s Elena’s turn.

Standard Action: Elena attempts to cut away at the vines entangling Professor Quolorum. Elena shouts ”Dr. Quolorum, you’re so brave!” while she swings her longsword at the malicious plant.

To hit: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 1 = 6 (+1 from Inspire Courage)

Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 2

As her blade misses, Elena continues in her loud voice, ”Mathos!” An awkward pause. Then, “you smell nice!”

Move Action: Not sure. To turn and get a better angle for helping Professor Quolorum?

Reflex Save (13): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9 10/11 HP

Elena is entangled, but she's facing the others.

Fran watches with dismay as half of their expedition enters the danger zone and are promptly ensnared by the grasping plants. "Oh no! Mr. Sunshine, I have to help them!"

She swallows and takes a step forward, putting her dangerously close to the plants herself and points at the trapped Dr. Quolorum.

"Lady of Fate, look the other way
On this night let the Lady of Luck hold sway!"
___________

Fran uses her Fortune hex on Dr. Q. The witch can grant a creature within 30 feet a bit of good luck for 1 round. The target can call upon this good luck once per round, allowing him to reroll any ability check, attack roll, saving throw, or skill check, taking the better result. He must decide to use this ability before the first roll is made. At 8th level and 16th level, the duration of this hex is extended by 1 round. Once a creature has benefited from the fortune hex, it cannot benefit from it again for 24 hours.

Mr. Sunshine's eyes flash with approval as Fran shows off the arcane powers gotten from him. Meanwhile he waits, tail twitching.

Yeah, nothing he can do against the haunt...