GM Rat Sass's Age of Worms

Game Master Governayle

"I agree with checking to the western door first before returning to the glowing green room. Finding anything that can strengthen us against that creature should be a top priority."

"Does it have a command word, Ascaria? Or should I just ask it nicely?" Sol points the wand about, unsure what might set it off.

"Oh, right, sorry. Yes, all wands have a command word. This one is 'pummel'"

Sol goes to the western door and opens it.

Not seeing the door on the map. Happy to move there and open it.

Mortimer dons the ring and swings the makeshift quarterstaff about in practice. This reassures him that it will make for a fine quarterstaff when the time comes. He then preps the key for the West door and joins the others there, awaiting for Tynan to finish listening for Baddies on the Other Side.

Rae readies with the others, though she's got an uneasy feeling about that ghostthing.

"Maybe I should open the door, Mort, since you'll have the weapon that can actually hurt it."

does Rae have one of the holy waters?

Tynan detects no noise at the West Door. Mort brings the key to bear upon its lock, opening it for all to pass again.

As the group advances through the natural chamber where once white-skinned creatures plagued you, you begin to hear the cat-like snarls, emanating from the smaller corridor to the southwest.

Roll20 Map has been updated. Please position yourselves accordingly.

Sol stops as the party begins to exit birdyland.

"Oops! No! We're going the wrong way. I thought the west door was over there!" Sol stops and points into the maze again.

"Rae, we should go get the ghosty thing. I have a wand!" Sol holds up the wand as if Rae might have forgotten.

As Sol mentioned in her last post, she didn't realize where the west door was. She's not up for messing with entire other sector while letting the current baddies regroup...and reanimate.

Well we're clearly confused - sorry for the delay Rat. :) To be clear, the 'West' door is outside the maze. We are/were headed there to search for more tools to use against the ghost. Just in case we have more available to us that we're skipping over like the ring.

By my count, Tynan, Mort, and Ascaria want to go West, while the sisters (Sol and Rae) want to go attack the ghost first.

"Sol, wait. I know you have the wand, and it might be the difference in the upcoming fight, but let's look for more tools we may have missed. We found the ring among the birdmen, what might we find among the creatures on the other side of this door?" he gestures into the darkness beyond.

"We've already killed a few of them, it won't be that tough." Ascaria crosses his fingers, "But I do think we should check out what's back there before proceeding. Rae, what do you think?"

"Maybe I should open the door, Mort, since you'll have the weapon that can actually hurt it."

"Here Raella -- for when the time comes and we fight that specter thing," says Mortimer, handing Raella the flask of Holy Water that isn't Asmodean in nature. He flips open his backpack and pulls out one of two Flasks of Alchemy Fire. "Or would you rather try the Staff and Ring? Either way, take this too," he says, handing her the Alchemy Fire. "You never know when you might need to hurl it at an errant Brawler," he says, giving her a friendly grin and wink. I hope to Sarenreae that Thing can't possess people...

"Oops! No! We're going the wrong way. I thought the west door was over there! Rae, we should go get the ghosty thing. I have a wand!"

Sensing urgency in her voice, Mortimer turns to Sol and earnestly asks, "What is it Sol? What is the hurry to fight the Specter? What is it that worries you into wanting to deal with It now?"

"Sol, wait. I know you have the wand, and it might be the difference in the upcoming fight, but let's look for more tools we may have missed. We found the ring among the birdmen, what might we find among the creatures on the other side of this door?"

"What is it Sol? What is the hurry to fight the Specter? What is it that worries you into wanting to deal with It now?"

Sol balks, but with a patient smile on her face. She explains.

"I already told you...that's the path toward Lamashtu's temple. That way was Asmodeus. And birdyland was that of Urgothoa," Sol points in both directions. "If we leave the birdies alone, they might regroup. They might create more bony warriors. They have time to heal...at the same time we are encountering more foes."

Sol pauses, collecting her minimal thoughts.

"Lamashtu is the mistress of beasts. Do we want to be facing her friends while the birds and the Bad Lady come up behind us? No, we have to finish these other two first."

Sol points back to birdyland.

"If you are worried about the ghosty thing, stay behind me. I have a wand. I'll get it."

"Hrm." Ascaria pouts, looking to the others for input.

Frustrated at finding none, he turns back to Sol. "That was a remarkably well thought out argument Sol. The crux, if I have it right, is that there are smart people prepping for us through the maze, and these other guys seem locked up tight and, for now, harmless." he gestures to the west door.

"OK then. Let's head back though the maze and take out that ghost!" he grins.

"I'll need to be near the front for this one I fear. I need to" shudder "touch it."

The little man looks uneasy... but determined as he pushes his way to the front of the group. He flexes his fingers, grips the wand, and steels himself for what's to come.

I think we should go through the eastern most door to the 'green room', but either is fine with Ascaria.

Rae and Tynan each have holy water, Sol has the magic missile wand, Mort has the shillelagh, and I have healing. Only Pillette is sort of out of this one - but if we see the bad man, she can shoot him at least. :)

"No, we have to finish these other two first."

"OK then. Let's head back though the maze and take out that ghost!"

"O.K.," Mortimer says. "Let's go back and destroy that specter and its 'friends'!" If anyone agrees he relocks the West door to Lamashtu's temple as everyone exits the cave, and falls into line behind Ascaria.

" Psst, Ascaria," Mort whispers at the gnome as they go, "How to activate the shillelagh thing? How much time will I have with it?"

I wonder if the Ioun Torch would have any effect if I have to headbutt It...

Tynan joins the others at the door to the green glowing room, keeping careful hold of the vial of holy water as he readies to use it on the spectral creature.

" Psst, Ascaria," Mort whispers at the gnome as they go, "How to activate the shillelagh thing? How much time will I have with it?"

"Oh, right, you don't know magic do you. Well, it's not too complicated. Here, put on the ring... right. Now, when you're ready, simply will the shillelagh on your staff there. Want it to happen, and concentrate, and it will! Magic."

"Do it just before we open the door. It should last a few minutes - so we have plenty of time."

"Are we ready? Mort? Make it happen!" Ascaria grins as he opens the door and readies to enter with the others...

"Now, when you're ready, simply will the shillelagh on your staff there. Want it to happen, and concentrate, and it will!"

Will? I get to use my Will? Most excellent!

"Do it just before we open the door. It should last a few minutes - so we have plenty of time."

"Thanks Ascaria. However, I think I'll wait until I see the threat before I use my Will. I think the others can distract it well enough while I prepare the staff."

Sol is pleased others have come to their sense and smiles because nothing possibly could go wrong with this plan. It's perfect in every way...much like Rae.

"Oh, I'll stay back here so the rest of you can do your things. I don't think this wand needs me to get too close."

1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17 UMD - "Pommel!" Sol tries a test shot and fails.

Ascaria pulls his hand back from the door knob.

"Pummel Sol!" he hisses, "Pummel!"

He then opens the door.

Door to the Right... So says the gnome...

The giant locks the West Door, and the group returns to the Maze, and the doors that await to the north, opening into the Green Hall, where once roamed a dark soul moaning to itself. As the gnome pulls the door back, bathing the corridor in the greenish light, the chittering can be heard somewhere further into the room. The robed figure previously seen is seen again. He seems to be waiting for your return, as his eyes alight upon you all as the door opens.

Pillette darts ahead, bringing her crossbow up as she passes Ascaria to enter the room.

The robed figure responds to the halfling's movement by looking down on a scroll in his hand. He speaks out as he waits.

"Oni su natrag."

The spectre returns, passing through the wall to the north and left. It stops in its current position, but seems likely to continue advancing shortly.

Round 1
Pillette- 24
AA- 18+
A- 18
Mortimer- 18-
Solrisa- 14
Ascaria- 13
Tynan- 10
Raella- 10

Mortimer, Solrisa, Ascaria, Tynan, and Raella are up!

Round 1, Init 14

Sol nods at Ascaria, committing the word to memory. She tries again when she sees the ghosty thing, aims her wand, and focuses her command.

"Pummel!"

1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23 UMD vs. DC 20 Wand of MMissiles
1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 force damage.

"Rae, look! RAE! I did it!"

Sol jumps and claps with glee as the wand fires.

Round 1, Init 18-

""Pummel Sol!" he hisses, "Pummel!"

"No, me! This staff will work better than a wand for that!"

Mortimer focuses on the ring and holds the staff vertically out in front of himself. O.K., ring! Now's the time! I need a magical partner to dance with! We're going to town!

He imagines being in a forest standing in a circle of maples in the fall, a kaleidoscope of leaves swirling around him. He feels the playful cool breeze on his face, the crisp intoxicating air smelling of sweet fruit.

Activate Ringy thing, Standard

The specter reappears, an Obsenity to all things Natural! There's no room in this World for such abominations! I must protect the World!

He moves up to it, preparing to beat it with the shillelagh.

"AAAAH!" he howls at It.

Moved on map, full round action complete.

Round: 1, Initiative: 13

Wait! he thinks as his own hand opens the door. Damn. You should have blessed fool!

Angry with himself, he stomps into the chamber and Channels Energy to harm Undead (DC 16)
Channel Energy (undead): 2d6 ⇒ (3, 1) = 4

Sigh... the anger continues for the little man, frustrated by his abilities.

Readied Action, Init 18--->14-

As Ascaria enters the room, the robed figure's hand flicks out, as the scroll burns to ash from his hands. A mass of sticky threads erupts from just over Ascaria's left shoulder, spreading out to reach the first four of you. The hall glistens in green, refracting through the threads in quick snips of light.

Ascaria, Mortimer, Solrisa, and Pillette must make a Reflex Save, DC 14, to avoid becoming Grappled.

Squares marked with the webbing are considered Difficult Terrain.

Reflex: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19

Ascaria dances in place, sticking his tongue out at the scroll-wielder.

Round 1, Init 18-

ReflexDC14: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

"AAAAAAHHHHH!!!!" he menacingly howls again at the specter in response to green goo. ' must save the Planet!

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6 Reflex

Sol frowns. She is stuck.

Round 1, Init 10+

Tynan watches as the corridor in from of him fills with webbing, engulfing many of his companions.

That wasn't part of our plan...

Tynan holds tight to the vial of holy water in his off-hand, and begins slashing at the webs with his shortsword, working to clear his way through the corridor.

Reflex Save v DC 14, P: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

Pillette deftly avoids getting snared by so many sticky tethers.

Raella watches as her sister gets mired down in the gossamer threads of the webbing, for a moment a memory stirs in the back of her mind. Mother... She launches forward, hoping to free Solrisa, like she's done countless times before.

Reflex Save v DC 14, R: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Alas, she, too, is mired down in the web. At least she's by her sister's side. She spends the next moments trying to free herself from her tethers.

Break Grapple v DC 14: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

Pillette moves into the room, successfully avoiding the web's intent. Mortimer throws down with the spectre, closing on it, and offering himself as its first target. He too is free from the web's strangle. Solrisa manages to pommel the spectre, before becoming the first fly in the ointment. Ascaria also injures it with a golden surge of his healing energy, deftly dodging several sticky flicks. Tynan begins the slow process of clearing the hall of the webbing, avoiding becoming stuck himself, and clearing the way slightly for the sister. Raella, in her haste, fails to do much more than get stuck herself, then unstuck.

Pillette takes a shot at the robed figure, hoping to prevent him/her/it from producing any further offensive magics.

Heavy Crossbow: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15 for 1d8 ⇒ 3 damage

The man jerks back from being struck by the slip's bolt. He calls to someone unseen. "They aren't all trapped yet. A little help here?"

He waves his hands over himself, bringing a light shimmer that fades almost as soon as it came.

Meanwhile, the spectre begins to lash out at the giant, its chittering unabating. It seems to just miss Mortimer, for all the strands between he and It.

Touch Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Round 2
Pillette- 24
AA- 18+
A- 18
Mortimer- 18-
Solrisa- 14
Ascaria- 13
Tynan- 10
Raella- 10

Mortimer, Solrisa, Ascaria, and Tynan are up!

Round 2, Init 18-

Mortimer tries to glide the Shillelagh into their mutual target.
RHit: 1d20 + 8 - 2 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 8 - 2 - 2 + 1 = 14 -PowerAttack, +Shillelagh! for Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 4 + 1 = 14 +PowerAttack, +Shillelagh!

Maybe Shillelagh wants to lead? He tightly hangs onto it as he lets it twirl into the specter in a second attempt.
LHit: 1d20 + 8 - 2 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 8 - 2 - 2 + 1 = 18 -PowerAttack, +Shillelagh! for Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 4 + 1 = 15 +PowerAttack, +Shillelagh!
Good one Shillelagh!

"AAAAAHHHHHH!" he howls at the specter.

Round 2, Init 14

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8 Spellcraft

"Oh, Rae! Listen! It's a spell like Mum used, I think. Teleprestigjunctionenesis," Sol explains.

Sol points her wand again at the ghosty thing.

1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12 UMD vs. DC 20

"PUMA!"

Round: 2, Initiative: 13

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

Ascaria shrugs and hopes there isn’t a fireball in his future.

He eyes the incorporeal beast and Channels Energy to harm Undead (DC 16), while moving up on the wizard a little so he can see him better through the webbing.
Channel Energy (undead): 2d6 ⇒ (6, 5) = 11

Drop you fiend!

Round 2, Init 10+

Tynan watches as Rae barrels headlong into the webs, getting herself entangled, then breaking herself free.

I suppose that's one way to do it...

Tynan steps forward toward Raella, and clears away more of the webbing around her with the deft slicing of his short sword.

"We'll need to clear this corridor out, in case we need to fall back."

Sorry, I made a boo-boo on the damage roll above. Used a D8 instead of a D6.

Round 2, Init 18-, Damage Redux

Rdamage: 1d6 + 4 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 4 + 1 = 14
Ldamage: 1d6 + 4 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 4 + 1 = 11

CMB: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14 vs DC 14 or get re-stuck in the webs.

Hah!

...and Ascaria remains relatively free - for now.

Raella pushes forward, eager to end the hooded figure where he stands. She utters something just above her breath, regarding life choices, and having to have a little 'talk' with the 'so-n-so'...

Break Grapple v DC 14, R: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

She succeeds, bounding through the webbing like a rat through a maze. Unable to swing once she exits the webbing, she stares daggers into the man in front of her.

Pillette takes a shot at the hooded figure, somehow hitting the man, through the dense cover of the webbing. Mortimer swings twice, and connects once! The chittering switches to shrieks of pain, as the treated wood somehow manages to strike what cannot be struck. Solrisa pumas the specter to no effect. Ascaria radiates again, his vital energies being consumed to destroy what should be dead.

Will Save v DC 16: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

And like that, the gnome succeeds in ending the creature's eternal misery.

Tynan continues his thankless work, clearing a way for the group's inevitable retreat. Raella becomes the first to be free of the web's domain.

Pillette takes another shot from her corner, happy to have work to do. She moves a little closer, to lessen the cover between her and him.

Escape Artist v DC 14: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

Heavy Crossbow: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15 for 1d8 ⇒ 8 damage

The hooded figure pulls back, startled to have someone directly in his face. He waves a quick hand in Raella's face, and a colorful blast of light strikes her.

Will Save v DC 14: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14

Raella seems to be unaffected by the little man's attempt to incapacitate her.

From the west, another robed figure emerges, and approaches the web in a bit of haste and trepidation. "They've killed her!" He throws his hand at Mortimer, specter-slayer.

It Burns: 2d4 ⇒ (4, 4) = 8 damage, Reflex Save DC 14, half damage

As luck would have it, the webbing provides kindling for Mortimer to continue to burn.

It Still Burns: 2d4 ⇒ (1, 3) = 4 damage, no Save

Round 3
Pillette- 24
AA- 18+
Mortimer- 18- (12hp?)
Solrisa- 14
Ascaria- 13
Tynan- 10
Raella- 10

Mortimer, Solrisa, Ascaria, and Tynan are up!

Round: 3, Initiative: 13

Ascaria laughs with relief as the incorporeal threat snuffs out of existence. He watches (and smells!) Mort roast however with less enthusiasm as he absorbs some of the damage.*

He considers his options, and finally decides to do what he should have done before the fight. He casts Bless (+1 attacks & saves vs fear (morale)).

* Mort heals 5hp of damage thanks to Ascaria.

Group spells in effect
Bless (+1 attacks & saves vs fear (morale)) (everyone)

Round 3, Init 14

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10 Spellcraft
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14 Spellcraft

"Oh, Rae! Lookout! I think that's a Feathertickle spell!" Sol explains. "Oh! And maybe a Burping Pants spell! Mum liked those ones!"

Sol points her wand again at the wizardy guy.

1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28 UMD vs. DC 20
1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 force damage.

"PUMMEL!"

Round 3, init 10+

Tynan steps forward again, and begins cutting away the webs entangling Solrisa.

"Let's get you moving again!"

Round 3, Init 18-

ReflexDC14: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

It burns... It STILL burns!!!
Mortimer stews as the odor of singed his own singed hair and webbing permeates the room.

Well, at least I won't have to shave anytime soon.

He spies the new threat to the west, and purposefully accelerates toward it. "AAAAAHHHHH!"
Improved Overrun standard/move

Improved Overrun: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 8 + 2 = 24

He plants himself and squarely faces his foe, preparing to beat him/her with Shillelagh.

Raella takes a slow step forward, her large blade rising then falling across the robed figure's frame, ending him with an interrupted hick of pain.

Bastard Sword: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23 for 1d10 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15 damage

Pillette tries to injure the sulker further, but the webbing and the man's preparations prevent her from doing so. Mortimer overruns the poor man, knocking him to the ground. Solrisa wisely decides to target the robed figure with her wand. Ascaria blesses the group, and bleeds for Mortimer. Tynan removes more webbing, freeing Solrisa from her binds. Raella begins the bloody work of ending the life inhabiting this hall.

Pillette pushes forward, trying to be free of the damnable webbing, and succeeds.

Escape Artist v DC 14: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

The remaining hood screeches out. "They are through!! Ready yourselves!!" From his prone position, he throws out his hands, and attempts to stop Mortimer from proceeding any further. Provokes an AoO, Mort. Otherwise, please make a Will Save DC 14 or be rendered both blind and stunned for 1d4 ⇒ 2 rounds, then stunned for one more round.

Round 4
Pillette- 24
AA- 18+
Mortimer- 18- (-3hp)
Solrisa- 14
Ascaria- 13 (-5hp)
Tynan- 10
Raella- 10

Mortimer, Solrisa, Ascaria, and Tynan are up!

Round 4, AoO

Mortimer, suddenly feeling more articulate while nonetheless still stoked from casting Shillelagh, blurts out,"That's right -- On your knees you disrespectful lout!"
AoO: 1d20 + 8 - 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 8 - 2 + 1 + 1 = 16 -PowerAttack,+Bless,+Shillelagh for Damage: 1d6 + 4 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 4 + 1 = 14 +PowerAttack,+Shillelagh

Mortimer and Shillelagh together try to slam-drop down solidly onto the remaining hood's head.

Mortimer brings the faux quarterstaff across the face of the hooded figure. The jawbone implodes, and the man chokes on his own blood.

Mortimer, Solrisa, Ascaria, and Tynan are up!

Round 4, Init 18-

Watching the gore unfold in front of him as a result of his blow, Mortimer is surprised with his own strength in wielding the staff. He briefly holds it out in front of him regarding it in awe, before moving toward the northwest door.

Aggressively ignoring the stench of death and decay around him, he instead believes he catches the scent of the fresh earth, just after a rain. "Hey guys?! What do you have over there in your neck of the woods?"
He's ready to hit whatever tries to ambush from the north out of the West door. Otherwise, he cautiously continues north for another 30 feet, calling out to the others what he sees.

Round: 4, Initiative: 13

Ascaria smiles as the wizards go down quickly without doing as much damage as they might have. We’ve been lucky… let’s hope it holds

He tries to get out of the webbing himself (not currently trapped, but I’m on the move…).

CMB: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20 vs DC 14

Whew!

His luck holding, Ascaria moves to the north (double move) and free of the webs. He looks around the room from the threshold.

Group spells in effect
Bless (+1 attacks & saves vs fear (morale)) (everyone)

The investigators begin to gain sight lines into the next room, Mortimer from the south, and Ascaria, Raella, and Pillette from the east.

An acrid, almost metallic stink fills the air of this chamber. The walls here consist of a strange, green rock with purple veins that writhe and dance within it.

Six black pillars form two rows along the length of this chamber. They have a tar-like appearance, and what looks like human hands push at their surfaces from within, as if a crowd of humanoid creatures was trapped within each one. A plain, basalt altar rests at one end of the chamber.

There doesn't appear to be anyone in this chamber at present.

Round 4, Init 18- Part II

Mortimer is somewhat surprised to spy Ascaria on the other side of the same room, with the other party members behind him.

In a quiet tone he says, "Oh Hi everyone! Hang on, I'll come over there." He makes his way through the room along the south wall careful not to touch anything, including the edges of the circle patterns on the floor.

Double Move.

As Mortimer attempts to pass the Pillars along the south wall, the first Pillar... reaches out with several, tar-covered hands, and attempts to bind the giant.

Grapple: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Mortimer barely makes it into the room, when he finds himself locked against the first Pillar.

Feel free to use the latter part of your Round 4 action to Break Grapple, if you're so inclined, Mort. :)

Round 4, Init 18- Part II

Mortimer begins the long trek to Ascaria, but is thwarted by Tar Hands. "Aah, no...,", he groans, more irritated than anything.

He tries to escape from the grapple and head back to the (other known grapple threat of) greenish webbing.

Escape Artistry: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

Losing a couple of shocks of hair, Mortimer manages to peel himself off the hands of the Pillar.

Round 4, Init 14

"Oh Tynan! Thank you! That is so sweet!!" Sol cheers as she is cut free. "I promise I'll help you next time."

Sol double moves out of the webs.

1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24 CMB vs CMD

Round 4, Init 10+

"No problem Sol. Lead on!

Escape Artist: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

Tynan deftly follows Sol through the webbing, carefully avoiding the sticky strands. (double move through the webs)