GM_PapaSteve's 7-01 Between the Lines for the PbP SuperAlts (Inactive)

Game Master Papasteve08

"I think it just asked us a question," says Bugdip, rubbing the suckers of his fingers over his amphibious pate, "I you? No. You are not us. Look at you, perhaps? Well, don't mind if I do." Bugdip examines everyone in the group and all that lies in the direction the finger was pointing.

"Oh, are you saying 'good looking?' Well in that case, thank you for noticing. I try to keep trim... but those dragonflies are so tempting!" replies the grippli who smells faintly of dragonfly purée, "Possibly 'I am watching you' and then asking if that's okay. Well, I don't know who you are, but watching us is fine. Are you Woo-Less-Ah? You looked better in a mirror, even thought that sparkling display was pretty. You were certainly easier to understand back then.

"Either way," Bugdip notes, "At least the way forwards seems obvious. Is that where we should go?" Bugdip asks the question mark, pointing to the open hallway.

I don't know if I understood the question correctly, but hopefully that's enough interaction to spark something. If not, happy to just head down the hall.

Nice work guys! Particularly Vorathan. Nailed exactly what I was trying to convey. Loved both Nugats and Bugdip's interpretation!

So I am trying to strike a balance between keeping you guys as confused as your characters would be, without making it impossible or frustrating. You are at a point now where I feel you have gathered and deduced enough that I am going to try to be a little more forward/blunt about things to prevent confusion and help you feel like you are moving things along. And just for the record, in case it feels like you are spinning your wheels, you are doing a fantastic job of moving through this story.

The tiles light up in a myriad of monochrome shapes in response to Vorathan, who seems to have hit on the intention of this strange form of communication. The walls begin to form several shapes, leading the group on a mental trip of pictograms and images, guiding them through the charades and confirming for them when they guess correctly the thoughts it is trying to convey.

After only a short time, with flashes of chains breaking and reforging, as well as a justice scale, they are able to deduce that they are being told, I am the Archivist, the arbiter of this collection. I am bound to this place. Any other questions about this strange entity seem to go ignored.

In fact, this strange entity continually deflects questions about itself and its nature, redirecting back to the pathfinders, often blatently ignoring their inquiries otherwise. In general, it seems to say, Tell me about yourselves. I wish to know more about the visitors to my domain.

You may continue to talk to the Archivist if you like, or as Bugdip mentioned, simply going down the hall is a legitimate (and eventual) option as well. The archivist at this point is only interested in hearing about you, and ignores anything beyond information you share about yourself.

@Nugats - Leaping into the purple vortex void is also covered in the scenario. I know you are curious like me, so I will give you my word that it will not cause the death of your character. :)

The youth feels he is there, present in this place, at this time moment. Seconds ago, he could not precisely say if he had been present. Was he somewhere else? Or, maybe, he had not existed at all. As the room changed and folded in on itself, Edgar wasn't sure if he still existed each time, of if he simply faded from sight and form. Again, now, he was back, but for how long remained a mystery.

"My name is Edgar Blackwood," the youth says turning slowly, revolving in a few circles. "And though that be my name, I feel I am truly- Rattus."

He draws his rapier, though not in a threatening way, and holds the slender blade aloft for the Archivist to see. "When I was young, I was with a group beset upon by a massive troll. Surely it would have killed all of us, except as fate would have it, two adventurers happened upon us in that moment. One was small and hooded, and the other was massive and strong. What interested me, was the grace of the smaller one, who ducked and dodge, poked and prodded, wearing the tolls down until his larger counterpart brought down the beast with one mighty swing."

The youth continues to explain that once it was over, the small hooded creature revealed himself to be a ratfolk, and he knew from that moment that these creatures were the most majestic and honorable of all that roamed this world. Lastly, that he had spent his entire life with the aim to be as capable and marvelous as the creature which had save him as a boy. Eventually this calling had led him to the pathfinder society, and by extension into this Achivist's collection.

"Ooh, I am a grippli!" says Bugdip, "From the Kaava lands. My people, the Kihirik tribe were beset upon by evil Aspis Consortium agents who came to us under the guise of honest traders. They tried to slaughter our elders, but a group of heroes - companions of the great Elven Lord Finer-Inn - saved our tribe. When I found that I, too, had magical ability I learned the way of the blade and joined the Pathfinder Society so that I could be more like my hero, Finer-Inn.

"I try my best," Bugdip says enthusiastically, "But sometimes I do not succeed. The woman you hold here, Woo-Less-Ah, is a high ranking member of the Pathfinder Society. We would very much appreciate it if you did not consume her as you add her memories to your archives. Is there anything we can do to persuade you to let her go?"

I know Steve said he wasn't interested, but Bugdip doesn't know that. As a player, happy to head down that hallway whenever the others are.

The youth turns from the others, watching what should have been an empty corner of the room, if there were truly such things as corners in this place, swirl and coalesce into the faintest effigy of two figures, the forms each sitting on opposite sides of a cell door.

"It smells like hot garbage down here," calls a voice from the freer side of the cell door. The form sits down outside the bars and regards his imprisoned companion, "I am sorry, my friend, I had not realized you were still in here. I see you have killed a rat. This is good. I will call upon my mistress to grant it life and break you out of here. Do not object," the figure holds up a hand to forestall prisoner, "This won't take but a moment."

The figure still with its freedom prays and the intention is obvious to any who would care to pay attention, though the arcane words he mutters are pure gibberish. He rubs his amulet as he chants and suddenly, the rat speaks! "I am the demon Rattus," it says, "Kiss me and I will save you from this place!"

The youth stumbles back and turns, spinning to scan the room. Instantly the effigy of the two men divided by a cell door disappears. "Why have you shown me this, Archivist?!" he calls in anger, questioning the intention and peril of what such a vision could mean.

”I am Tybain!” the masked man declares, and bows deep enough for his metal-clad face to touch his knees.

But the words have barely escaped from his lips when a flash of memories conjures. Whether this is a trick of his fragile mind, or something conjured by the minds cape, he cannot know. He is standing again on the stage, breathing and sweating heavily from the effort. His sword rests by his side, slippery from all the sweat and blood. Is the blood his own, or someone else’s? Around him, scores of grotesque creatures lie motionlessly, slain and vanquished. Is it over, did they win this trial? He must gather his senses, his line is coming up. He is just waiting for the cue.

The crowd is somewhere in the dark. He cannot see them, but he can feel their hungry gazes. The crowd wants more, their bloodlust far from sated yet. And he must give the audience what they want, he must makes this the finest performance ever. But what is this? A smell of sulphur and brimstone. A ball of fire expanding. Mad cackle echoing from the darkness. The fire eating away everything. The awful smell of burning flesh, and the unbearable pain. And then… Nothing.

The figment is gone, as suddenly as it appeared. Tybain stands again by his Pathfinder allies, carrying only memories from past events. Memories, and one painful revelation:

Tybain was a character from the play!

I am not Tybain!

Suddenly weak in the knees, the masked man falters and falls against the wall.

The blocks of light and darkness blink, fade, and flicker, giving each pathfinder who has spoken the sensation that this entity is intrigued, and grateful for the shared information. The archivist, speaking through pictures and charades, does not respond other than to acknowledge Tybain, Bugdip, and Rattus. Eventually the room is filled with an awkward silence, as if both the pathfinders and the archivist are waiting for the other to speak up. After a few moments, the glass blocks revert to a checkered pattern, and all is still.

Shrugging their shoulders, Bugdip leads the group down the narrow passageway which slopes downward at a slight angle. He is perhaps slightly annoyed that the archivist didn't respond to his inquiry about Wulessa, but with the grippli's generally optimistic and cheerful attitude, one might not be able to tell.

As the passage curves toward a set of doors, the glass tiles suddenly give way to worked stone. Behind, the structure remains uniform, as though the glowing glass hallway were never there. Curious, as all good pathfinders are, the group spreads out to inspect this hallway. Nugats, Glarifyur and Vorathan find that the hallways goes about 50 feet back in the direction they came and ends abruptly. The doors ahead they were walking towards remain there, with the conspicuous absence of the glass tiles.

Approaching the door carefully, checking for dangerous and unexpected things, the group finds nothing, save for the fact the the set of double doors is unlocked. The doors open onto a balcony overlooking a wide chamber. A winged statue formed out of the stone wall looms ominously from across the room. Catwalks wind around the edges and across the room, leading to a primitive altar in front of the statue. Above and below the suspended middle level of the room, gratings in the floor and ceiling produce a constant upward-moving breeze. While the statue seems crafted to represent a male human-avian hybrid, its face is unmistakably that of Wulessa Yuul.

Tactical updated. The catwalk you are on is 20 feet above the floor. Torches everywhere, so normal light. SOP followed, the main feature of the room aside from the grating and the catwalks is the strange statue across the room. Let me know what you do next.

"Wow, this place is huge!" marvels Bugdip as he easily leaps over the 5ft gap between the group and the altar.

"Hullo Captain Yule!" Bugdip waves a friendly wave, "I take it this is no longer from your childhood. Such a strange room. Strange new body you have there, too. I don't suppose you can speak and tell us a bit more about what we're looking at here, can you?"

Absolutely no idea what to do next other than exactly that... chat to the statue. I'm almost hoping it attacks us and we get a clue on what to do next. ;-)

Perfect!

The face of Wulessa imposed on the statue flickers for a moment then begins to move, responding to Bugdip's approach.

“You are clever, Bugdip," she says with a smile. "I am glad that there continues to be ways for us to communicate. Yes, I remember this. It was my first expedition after joining the Pathfinder Society. We discovered a lost shrine to—I will not speak his name—The King of Wind Demons. We sought a golden icon hidden in the altar. The way down was easier than expected. There were traps, but we bypassed them. The way to the shrine was hidden, but we found the trigger to open it. And then... there were guardians. Here. Two of us died. They came from the air itself. I think you are in danger! Here, take this*; it may aid you against the dangers here.”

Just as she speaks, the sound of wind pouring through the vents greets the pathfinder's ears. At almost the exact same time, a rope drops from the ceiling, landing in a coiled heap at Bugdip's feet.

*this is a potion of your choosing. Wulessa told you that the guardians she fought were things that came from the air itself, feel free to Meta something you think would be helpful. As she eluded to, combat is impending. Please give me your actions 1 round at a time (if you would like, you can start by posting up to 3 rounds of actions) and I will kick off the fight proper when the bad guys arrive. I will also give you an opportunity to retro your actions if you feel necessary should something happen in the lead up to the actual fight that would have altered your decision.

The hope here is to avoid some back and forth that would normally be easy at the table, and try to condense some of this down. If it gets clunky or confusing, I can just roll initiative and just take your actions 1 round at a time. You guys are the players, so what ever makes it more enjoyable and fun for you!

Can anyone think of anything more useful than a potion of fly? Much to his chagrin, Bugdip is not the melee character of choice... at least not for a few more levels. Glarifyur? Tybain? Vorathan? I say the first of you to post chooses the potion and its effect.

"Thank you! Guardians..." Bugdip taps his mouth for a while, thinking hard before licking his eyeballs at some revelation, "Probably air elementals, right? I bet I'm right."

Bugdip ties the rope to the pointy bits on the altar as best he can and tests it for tightness and then throws one end down the chasm.

Standard action to tie the rope, move action to drop it down.

Just when you think this place can't get any weirder...

Vorathan stops mid thought conscious that any thoughts may have a way of materializing, clearing his mind and trying to stay in the present here and now. As Bugdip speaks to the new form and slightly less attractive Captain Yuul, the talk of aerial assault draws Vorathan's gaze upward scanning for shapes. The suddenly appearing rope then catches his eye.

"So am I to guess we are to be assaulted from the air? What's with the rope? Are we to use it to bind something? Can we enchant it to climb up somewhere? Any Dwarven eyes see a ledge or platform to give us a height advantage should the battle turn upward?"

This new concept seems to cause Vorathan to wish a change in tactic, reach is going to be potentially important. He sheaths his sword and prepares his bow for any unwanted guests.

Fly is a good bet. Are any air creatures invisible, other that invisible stalkers? Tybain has some ranged ability with wushu darts. How about Glarifyr?

"Potion? Of magic? Some of you dreamed of flying, now is your chance! Or can we see creatures of air without magic in our eyes?"

Yuul's warning makes Tybain's senses sharpen. Are they about to be attacked? The masked man takes a defensive position behind his shield, and tries to scout for enemies. And just in case the enemies will be flying, he grabs a wushu dart from his belt.

I can fly here. But that is not the best for the group. Remember dummy, clan first, Torag second, you third.

"Good idea, let the little ones fly, and I shall throw my small stones from here. Come you good for nothing air creatures. Come feel the force of Nugats' power!"

Small bits of stone, dirt and dust begin to levitate from the ground hovering under his palms.

"Just a thought," Bugdip adds as he checks the ropes, "Would it perhaps be best to fight these things on the ground? If they can smash us off this ledge, we might as well get to the ground of our own accord. Mind you, the drop doesn't seem too far..." Says the grippli who can simply glide down on his amphibious flaps.

Multiple invisible opponents vs 1st level characters? That would be very mean. Not impossible, just mean. Lower level air elementals don't tend to be invisible, as far as I can recall.

Just want to confirm that a potion of fly is what you want, and who will get it.

As Wulessa exclaims her warning and offering her aid, a potion coelesces into being. It is, strangely, exactly what the pathfinders wanted, though they aren't sure how or why, or when, they realized they wanted it.

Below the group, on the floor that is approximately 20' below them, smokey colored vapors and mists begin swirling, forming two indecipherable, but distinct blobs.

Two rounds left - Whoever has the potion, and whatever it is, you can feel free to drink it. I probably should have mentioned that it could be an oil as well - doesn't have to be a drinkable potion.

Vorathan was first to post. I say he gets it.

Bugdip draws his rapier and flicks a wand out from his wrist sheath. Quick as he can, he casts shield on himself before tucking the wand back away (all that that takes up his remaining 2 rounds).

"I can glide, so I'll guard the high ground," he notes, "But do consider getting somewhere that you can't be pushed off a ledge."

How far is the drop? I am better in the back slinging mud.

20'

-Posted with Wayfinder

Awkwardly, the youth grasps and begins to draw his rapier, but then hesitates. With a shake of his head, he inserts the blade fully into the sheath once more. From his back he draws a coil of silk rope and looks for a place to secure the line, allowing him to descend more safely than jumping.

Not all of us are lucky enough to glide... he thinks, but keeps the words to himself, only smiling at Bugdip.

"Drink up, Vorathan," he says next, crouching near the alter with the length of rope. "I fear something is coming and I hope whatever you've got helps."

Same as Bugdip, Standard action to tie rope, Move action to drop.

@Rattus - I'll let you retcon your actions after this. I should have done this earlier. Its vaguely clear enough that I don't think I am breaking any PFS rules. In fact, I can't imagine a situation where a PC would take the time to investigate with the impending combat, so I am assuming the author wanted you to know what it is and be able to use it if necessary.

"The rope at your feet! It is a rope of climbing! Use that instead!" the disembodied head of Wulessa cries.

The group all on guard, pass the idea of flying around like a fully rolled herbal inhalant. Vorathan accepts this opportunity with at first hesitation then followed by excitement.

Let me think here, a flying archer, where have I heard about that before...I haven't a clue...pity....I hope I have the heart for this!

"I guess flying in this realm is truly possible! If your sure you don't want to Nugats I will be happy to give it a go. At least if I take a face dive into the floor, you can get as good a chuckle as we did at your attempt."

Vorathan turns the potion up and as the bubbly tonic washes down, his head begins to feel lighter and his legs seem to no longer support his weight. With just the mere thought and light lean the rogue finds himself up in the air floating with ease. Not wanting to be bouncing off the ceiling or caught too high up, Vorathan descends back to the floor where he was previously standing however much lighter on his feet. The once wide grin turns serious as he notices the 2 blobs forming down below.

"Anybody else seeing this mist forming shapes down here or am I high of this stuff I just I imbibed?!"

Sorry everyone - I should absolutely be pushing this action along faster and I am not. Vorathan is flying, Bugdip is buffed, Rattus has the rope of climbing attached and dangling to the floor, Nugats is about to gather power, Tybain is ready for ranged or melee. Glarifyur texted me and said he would be catching up and posting tonight. I'll kick the combat off tomorrow.

No trouble at all mate. Golf day yesterday anyway. ;-)

Though I know this is not really ground, I think I will keep my feet firmly planted on it anyhow.

Glarifyur knows he is wasted against aerial combat, so he takes a defensive position alongside Nugats hoping that whatever finds him to be a threat will come down to face him and bring itself within the biting reach of his waraxe. He places his left foot forward in his defensive stance and rolls his wrist around in the grip of his shield so as to give him a better angle against opponents with higher ground. Instinctively, he sways his hips to the right to feel his throwing axe bounce off his right thigh knowing he may indeed need it. A slight smile cracks the bearded face of the dwarf as he remembers an order-barking Durifyur lobbing rocks and blunted spears down at Glarifyur from a rooftop during his aerial defense training. Something about this place; the reliving of Wulessa's pivotal moments have stirred up memories of his own youth and his first steps into becoming a warrior. The thoughts are more vivid than pure memories; it is as if his life were flashing before his eyes, like it has been said can happen after a mortal wound.

"Any details you can give us on what exactly these 'guardians' might be, Wulessa? Information is ammunition, after all. Nugats! Stay as close as you can; if something comes down to stop you throwing stones I will intervene. A good day to fight, eh boy-oh's?"

Glarifyur sharply bangs the side of his waraxe on the face of his shield twice and excitedly searches the air above him for these guardians to manifest.

Good question Glarifyur - Wulessa's answer is likely going to give you a little peek behind the Meta Screen, don't feel guilty for taking it. I have some issues with how some of these encounters are set up, but I am handcuffed by the scenario and the stated tactics. You won't have to look to hard to understand why it bothers me...

"They were Belkers! Air elementals of smoke and evil! Two of the agents died in that fight.." Wulessa trails off, saddened by the memory and simultaneously worried about history repeating itself.

Knowledge Planes for info on Belkers

Armed with the information, the pathfinders grit their teeth as the smoke swirls below, coalescing into two misty, smoky creatures.

"Remember this is all in my mind! Fight back!" Wulessa implores as the smoky monsters ascend from the floor.

The belkers are on the floor 20’ below you currently, you are all on the catwalk (on the catwalk yea).

Next up: Tybain, Nugats, Vorathan, Glarifyur, Bugdip (Round 1)

Budgip shouts "Magic Missile!" and suddenly a bolt flies from his fingertips to strike the first belker unerringly in its wispy side.

Magic missile force damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

"What on Golarion is a 'Belker'" Bugdip asks, confused as he examines the situation to see if his bolt actually damaged the thing..

Can't see anything on the tactical just yet. I reserve the right to move if they appear right over me.

Dull, red eyes, grasping claws, and leathery wings give a demonic aspect to this creature's smoky form. Both of them look up to the catwalks (on the catwalks, yea) as Bugdip looses his magical bolt.

It seems to have come to the inevitable as Bugdip looses his magic towards the shapes.

I guess this means they see them too! Good...for a second there I thought this potion had gone to my head...

"Well let's not repeat history today comrades in arms!"

Taking precise aim at the same smokey figure Bugdip sought to sunder, the rogue draws his bow and lets fly a shot with mal content.

Point Blank Shot: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 4 + 1 = 22
Short Bow Point Blank Damge: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Nugats can feel the earth move towards him like iron to a loadstone. Even here, in this fake reality, the earth called to him like a mother to a lost son.

"To me." he whispered.

From all corners, below the catwalk, behind Wulessa's head, all around him.

The swirling mass of earth strove to be close to him, to whip closer to him.

Grinning maniacally, Nugats laughs and laughs.

Reaching a critical mass, he thrust his arms forward. The mass of earth speeds towards the closest foe, forming a wedge shape.

Earth Blast, PBS: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 3 + 1 = 15
earth blast, P: 1d6 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 1 = 11

I can specify the damage type, if anyone can get monster lore and know if they have DR/ B, S, or P, I will change that. Otherwise, let's see where this goes.

Vorathan's bolt flies true, but manages to pass right through the smoky creature's gaseous form, with nothing for the arrow tip to split and tear.

Nugats is less lucky with his powerful blast, the mass of earth flying wide of its target as the red, evil eyes of the smoke monster bore into the souls of the pathfinders above.

Behind them, Wulessa shouts, "Watch out for their claws! And don't breath that smoke in if they get on top of you!"

Make sure if you have knowledge planes you roll it for me please :)

Next up: Tybain, Glarifyur (Round 1)

"Those things aren't what they seem!" shouts Bugdip from his position on the catwalk, "They're some kind of shadow illusions... when I hit it with the missile, its body did a strange rippling thing. I think that they're real, and that they can actually hurt you, but they're not actually belkers!"

"I think we are going to have trouble with conventional weapons here! My arrow was true but seemed not to find purchase, anyone got any idea?! Wulessa, how did you defeat them before?"

The rogue exclaims with a distinct concern in his voice as his usual confidence as an archer suddenly begins to waver.

I think our group sucks hard in terms of knowledge checks... :)

"Elementals, you say? I... I believe I have fought such enemies before. Somewhere..?"

Reaching down the lane of foggy memories and forgotten past, Tybain tries to remember how to best fight Belkers. And at the same time, he readies himself to deliver punishment should the creature come within striking distance.

Move action to use martial flexibility to gain Dedicated Adversary vs. Belkers. (+2atk/dmg, Bluff, Knowledge, Perception, Sense Motive, and Survival). And if it is a Belker, I can make an Knowledge checks untrained

Knowledge (planes): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 Ha!

Ready action: attack if "belkers" come adjacent

Everybody passes!

Bugdip shouts his warning to his compatriots, and it is as if a veil is lifted from their eyes and minds. Each member of the mindscape strike team notices the forms they saw before are only transparent images superimposed on vague, shadowy forms. These are Shadow Conjurations of Belkers. I have serious issues with setting up a combat like this, so in my frustration and spite for how the author has set this up, I am leaving it up to you if you want to Meta what you are up against. Don't feel like you have to, and I'll apologize if I am overreacting and spoiling the mystery and fun with this encounter. I won't hold it against you if you want to look it up. I will hold it against the author. Just because you nerf a CR6 monster's hit points down to 20% doesn't mean it isn't any less deadly against freaking level 1 characters.

Just so everyone has a base knowledge of how shadow conjurations work, there is still a semblance of something real there. Therefore, it isn't a straight illusion - and can still effect you "for real". However, because you passed your will saves to recognize it for what it is, the "real effect" is also greatly reduced.

Well this brings a whole new meaning to shadow boxing...

Vorathan sees that this foe has a shadow form that seems not affected by physical attacks but something has to be creating these images.

"Something has to be summoning these shadows, we need to find out which is the one who is and focus fire on it! Anyone making a good connect on something solid call it out!"

Glarifyur shrugs off the terror inherent in the appearance of these creatures and then, somewhat ironically, stifles a smirk as Bugdip shouts his warning to the party.

So these are illusions of a creature that exists in our minds only, an illusion of an illusion. Strange indeed...

With the knowledge that these creatures are not as deadly as they seem, Glarifyur reaffirms his defensive stance and tightens his grip on his waraxe, waiting for either of these creatures to make a lunge towards Nugats.

Just noticed we still can't see where they're appearing on the map. I guess Bugdip will stay were he is. Not too many useful move actions I can do with my rapier already drawn. ;-)

Good to have you back and feeling better, Glarifyur!

Bugdip cannot help but give a little leap of excitement as his shouted warning seems to have had the desired effect on all of his comrades.

"Ha! We see you for what you are!" he cannot help but gloat. It may seem cocky, but in fact, the grippli is quite nervous as the shadowy creatures rise rom the floor below.

So I thought I had responded to this, it appears it never posted. I'll recreate the post tomorrow, hopefully before lunchtime. Sorry for making everyone wait!

The malevolent smoke forms glare at the pathfinders with their evil red eyes. Trailing wisps of smoke they fly with unnatural speed from the ground up to the catwalks.

random targets, based on init order: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 1) = 5 Targets are Tybain and Glarifyur

The smoke monsters rush through the grating, surrounding Tybain and Glarifyur, infecting the air they are trying to breath. Glarifyur takes a swing at the creature, but his axe is unable to find purchase in the shadowy creature. Missed its AC this time.

Tybain Fort Save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
Glarifyur Fort Save: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

Glarifyur’s dwarven hardiness helps him to avoid breathing too much of the smoke in, but Tybain is not as fortunate. Gasping for air, he sucks an unfortunate amount of the smoke into his lungs, which begins to start to tear him apart from the inside.

Smoke Claw damage: 3d4 ⇒ (3, 2, 2) = 7 Because you passed your will save, this damage is actually only 20% of what is rolled, which works out to 1.4, rounding down to 1. Tybain, please roll me another Fort save, DC 17 on your turn to cough the smoke out.

Next up: Everybody

Live action shot of this scene.

Well these smoke demons seem real enough to send Tybain gasping for breath, bow don't fail me now!

With a new disdain for these shadow creatures, Vorathan aims his once trusty bow for another strike toward the monster attacking Tybain.

Point Blank Shot: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 1 = 10
Point Blank Shot Danage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

"Daft evil vapor!"

Bugdip joins with Vorathan in freeing Tybain form the shadow creature's clutches.

"We'll save you!" he shouts optimistically while slashing out with his rapier.

Rapier vs Shadow: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
Nonmagical piercing damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1

Playing swords as a boy is not the same as being effective with them. Unfortunately, the grippli often forgets that his rapier is a piercing weapon and not intended for slashing about like some child.

Erm, Vorathan, did you mean Glarifyur? You're a little way away from Tybain.

Glarifyur struggles with the notion that the creature is all around him and he cannot seem to get his shield in front of him. With a slight flash of frustration, he stomps his foot on the ground and twists it slightly, forming a connection with the stone underneath. He snarls and swings at the shadowy creature.

Stonestrike Waraxe: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 3 + 1 = 16
Damage(Magical, Adamantine): 1d10 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 2 + 1 = 10

Edgar springs forward and moves across the narrow ledge, drawing his blade after a few paces. As he turns the corner of the walkway, he watches as the strange creature wreathed in, or composed by, black smoke strikes out at Tybain. The youth cannot help by cringe as the thick cords of smoke lash out, and he yells without thinking. "Hold on, Tybain!" There is not much room to squeeze in next to his allies, each striking out at the nightmare made flesh, and so his balance is off as his wrist pushes the blade in hopes of piercing the thing.

Move Action: Move 25-feet, ending adjacent to Tybain, Bugdip, and black smoke monster *token not yet moved*. Additionally, this movement will take Edgar through the creature's threatened area. If Edgar's movement draws a melee AoO from the creature, he will expend 1 use of his Opportune Parry and Riposte (Ex) ability, to attempt to negate the attack and also attack her in return.

Standard Action: Attack @ black smoke monster from Lost

attack @ black smoke monster, rapier: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

BTW, Tybain also had a ready action to attack. Can I take the swing now? If yes, here goes...
Readied strike, DA: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 2 = 10 Bah...

Fort save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
... GAH ... HH..
The strange smoke burns in Tybain's lungs. No! It doesn't burn, it claws and tears his innards. Only thing he can do against it is cough the smoke out, the masked man bends over and barks and wheezes until the living smoke escapes from the sides of his mask.

Remember, the pain is just an illusion. This is not real. Just shadows.

His lungs beg to differ, but Tybain repeats the thought in his mind like a mantra. He will survive as long as he remember this is not real. In an attempt to retaliate his painful experience, Tybain sends his fist to cut the smoky creature. But soon he realises the futility of the attempt, and digs up an alchemists fire for a more fiery approach.

Unarmed, DA: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 5 + 2 = 25
Damage, DA: 1d6 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 2 = 8

I think it's still in gaseous form, so that damage doesn't go through DR? Use move action to retrieve a alchemist's fire

Stepping back slightly, Nugats joins the fracas.

Summoning more earth around him, the swirling mass of earth elongated into a 4 foot long shaft of earth.

Closely resembling a spear, Nugats wills the earth to shoot forth, impaling the shadow creatures.

Earth Blast, Point Blank Shot, into meele: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 - 4 = 10
earth blast, Point Blank Shot, P: 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

I [bleep] hate this combat. I haven’t had to do this much rules research since I started playing PbP. Screw you author. Screw you. I realized I made a mistake earlier. I went back to see what would be affected, and it turns out Nugats earth blast from before would have hit, although with the DR of gaseous form, would have only done a tiny bit of damage. I’ll make sure that damage gets accounted for, but I won’t retcon any of the description. Sorry for the mistake, good news is that now I think I actually know everything I need to finish this stupid combat.

Yes Tybain, sorry I missed your readied attack. And yes, you are correct on the part where it doesn’t overcome the DR.

Vorathan looses another arrow, but his nerves affect the trajectory, and the bolt goes wide. Bugdip tries to stab at the smoky demon as Tybain coughs it out of his lungs, however his rapier tip goes just wide of it’s target.

Glarifyur’s patron grants him a magical edge to his weapon, and he makes it count. Where the natural armor of a belker would have turned his blade aside, its smoky form offers it no protection from sheer, brute force. A bluish white light flares up in the wake of his axe sweeping through the heart of the shadowy monstrosity. For a split second Glarifyur could swear he saw the visage of Durifyur’s face, opening his mouth wide and swallowing the shadow. He blinks once, twice, and sees neither the bluish flame, nor the shadow in the spot next to him any longer. One down, one to go.

Rattus dances around the catwalk (on the catwalk, yea) trying to provoke the smoke monster into attacking him. It’s current focus on Tybain prevents it from doing so, and Rattus strikes out with his rapier. A perfect balance of form, Rattus’ blade strikes true, however the smoke monster seems to show no ill effects.

Hacking and sputtering, black smoke pours out of Tybain’s mouth and nose like a trail of gaseous vomit. He lashes out at the shadow monster that he is successfully able to cough out of his lungs, connecting with the creature, however the smoky form just rolls around, as if it felt no effects from the attack.

Nugats tries his blast of dirt and stone once again. Just before he releases, Bugdip and Rattus reach with their rapiers to skewer the thing, and Nugats is forced to course correct at the last second to avoid hitting his friends. This correction forces his spear of stone wide of its mark.

Assaulted from all angles, the Belker seems not to care. It narrows its red eyes at Tybain for expelling it, and roils itself up to try again.

Tybain-1, Bugdip-2: 1d2 ⇒ 2

Moving in to infect its enemies lungs again, the smoke creature surrounds Bugdip, swirling over his amphibion nostrils

Fort Save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

The frog is too savvy, however, being accustomed to holding his breath underwater.

Next up: Everybody

Live action shot of this scene.

Feeling extra brave after dispatching the first shadowy creature, Glarifyur moves to position behind the monster facing Tybain. He smirks, sets his favorite defensive position, and twists his left foot into the stone, waiting for a rush of strength. However, he only feels a few pebbles scrape under his boot... All out of Stonestrike for the day! Gritting his teeth, he is determined to at least give this creature something else to think about and swings hard through the thick fumes.

Waraxe (Flanking): 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 3 + 2 = 13
Damage: 1d10 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Feeling no resistance against his axe and not seeing another visage of Durifyur swallowing the smoky beast, Glarifyur snarls, slams his axe on his shield to vent some of his frustration, and prepares for the counter attack.

If Nugats did indeed give his wand to Bugdip, he'll use the wand - shooting it out of his wrist-sheath. Otherwise...

Bugdip steps back (5ft step) from the creature that seems immune to physical attacks, putting the more powerful Tybain between him and another gaseous assault. -- DR 10/magic against 1st level PFS characters? That's f~*~ing diabolical. A magic weapon costs 2,000 GP and we've got at most 1,150 GP total to spend.

The grippli fumbles with the words to "Magic missile!" and a single bolt of magical energy flies from his outstretched hand to smash into the smoky thing that just assaulted him.

Magic missile damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Vorathan watches as his allies attack and sees any non magical offensive prove futile.

It would seem a potion enchanting our weapons may have come in more use, ah, thank you Captain Hindsight...

In effort to at least box the smokey demon in, Vorathan moves to flank the beast with Bugdip hoping his abilities would be more effective against a surrounded opponent. As he moves in, Vorathan shoulders his bow and draws his short sword with the hopes it may fair better in finding its target.

"Box the foul beast in and hit it with any magic you got!"

I will move Vorathan opposite corner to Bugdip, but I have to get to my computer to do it so just use your imagination till then, ;)!

Cyrussed by the Dipper!!