GM Rednal's Legendary Planet AP (Inactive)

Game Master Rednal

"Manufactured walls, you say. I suppose nobody there was able to make an educated guess as to how old the place might have been?, Phai asks, then turns to Isen and Vincent:"I was considering hitting the Baron's libraries before we journey into the mines, see if there's any information about a previous settlement or structures in this locale."

At the question of age, the man just shrugged. "My advice is get in, try to solve it, get out. Maybe wait a bit before going back in if you want to go twice. Longer you're there, the longer recovery will be."

Nodding in agreement with Phai, Isen looked at the miners again. "What is the greatest length of time someone has been down there?" It might serve as a useful maximum time before returning.

"That's probably a good idea Phai. I need to make a few purchases here in town as well before we head down, since much of my metal equipment got consumed back at the standing stones."

I don't have any further questions.

"Aye, we will not dally for unnecessary amounts of time down there, be assured of that.", Phai responds to the man, then focuses on her companions again:"If we're heading down there tomorrow, I shall attempt to prepare means to counter the effects - possibly prolonging the time we can stay."
Lesser restoration works if it's not drain...question is: Isen has Life Sphere up and running and it may be the better fit for this. I will prepare at least one lesser restoration regardless, but do you guys think we may need more?

"Two or three hours - nobody could stand it longer." the miner noted. "People who stayed longest got sickest, too."

As you talked, you noticed that some of the other patrons - including the pale avian and his companion - were still watching you.

Resisting the urge to wave, Isen nodded. "No more than two hours at a time then."

"Aye, assuming our physionomies are affected in a similar manner.", Phai agreed.
"I will retreat to my room and prepare.", she added - of course, despite the implication of preparations for the next day, she would REALLY prepare to watch over Vincent if he managed to bait their observers into action...

"I think I'm going to go shopping and maybe see if I can find a forge that I can use while in town. I need to pick up a new anvil, some daggers, and other things. I'll meet up with you guys later?"

The town didn't have much, but at the very least, common goods like forging tools and small metal items were available. Probably nothing of exemplary craftsmanship, but going by the status of the town, it would certainly be enough to get by.

I'm just looking to replace the stuff I fed to the lightning gate. Bolas, a pair of cold iron daggers, a cooking pot and an anvil. Plus making friends with a smith to borrow a forge to work on my arms and shield.

Isen followed Vincent's shopping trip from a distance, just in case the new friends they had made decided to follow the Paladin.

Stealth: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19

Phai exited through her window, finding a good spot and observing to see if their fans would decide to act.
Stealth: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16
Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (6) + 14 = 20

I appreciate that Vincent legitimately has no idea about the possible threat, he just wants to make some progress on his shield since he's only a handful of days away from finishing it, unless he botches it again.

The Bolas you'd have to make yourself - they didn't seem to be in use around here. The rest were easily available, and a bit of discussion with the smith was enough to get him to lend his force - like many, he took pride in his work and appreciated fellow craftsmen. The pale avian and his companion, however, didn't follow you out of the tavern... they were interested in you, but apparently not that interested.

Interesting. Either the assassins were waiting until a better time, or weren't interested in killing them. Sadly, until they knew more it wouldn't be safe to find out which...

Phai was relieved that they did not act, and at the same time, had hoped they would. The current state of affairs was...unpleasant.
But then, previous events might have been unrelated, and Paranoia was hardly helpful when analysing dangers...

Spending 15g, 5 silver to replace the items I expended, and purchase the needed supplies to craft a new bolas later, then I'll make a little progress on my shield. Casting Ant Haul in the morning.

After spending the evening in the forge, Vincent returned to the inn to rest for a while and wait for his companions to wake. In the morning, he cast a spell to make it easier to carry his new anvil, then donned his armor. "Phai, ready to head to the baron's library? Depending on how extensive it is, and how well organized he keeps it, we may only be there briefly, so I figured it'd be best to go prepared to head to the quarry right after."

You can expect the same security measures as yesterday, of course. XD But yes, are you ready?

Ready.

All set. 4 more days until I can botch my crafting again. Phai, can I get Crafter's Fortune since I can't cast it without mythic power? If not I'll see about getting scrolls, potions or a wand in town.

Yes, ready to delve in - I may still want to swap out a spell or two, but I'll try and have that done by tomorrow.
@Vincent: I prep spells, but Crafters Fortune is Alchemist/Wizard/Sorcerer - as Shaman, I'm out of luck there, otherwise I'd gladly provide.
Knowledge(Dungeoneering): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
Knowledge(Local): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
Plus whatever bonus the library would provide.

Oh, for some reason I thought that one was like some of the other utility spells that's basically almost every caster. Guess I'll need to pick up some consumeables instead. GM, is there anyone in town that can provide that?

What specific subjects are you researching, Phai?

As Vincent looked around for gear, it became clear that there's really only one place for that - and it doesn't have a lot of magic. This store - labeled Craebin's General Store - contains various tools and equipment, but everything seems in complete disarray, haphazardly placed on scattered shelves, tables, and even the exceedingly cramped floor. There's a chance you'll find most types of mundane gear here, but the middle-aged halfling shopkeeper looked like she might need a bit of time to find anything you asked about.

Phai looked through the books - she had little understanding of history, a subject that required context, something she lacked for this world.

But she did have a keen understanding of medical terms and health issues. Chances were, at some time, miners, adventurers, or explorers opened up some ancient structure and contracted that same disease - Phai hoped to find a name, records about the source, or steps taken by those who came before them. Dungeoneering - e.g. is it an inhaled miasma? a magical aura? is there a source that can be shut down or does it linger?
At the same time, she was looking into the local area and it's history. Certainly, if someone was aware of ancient structures in the area, previous civilizations, or other outbreaks, there would be records. Phai hoped to learn some corner points about whatever civilization that was and more importantly, things about them still relevant today. Local - e.g. are we likely to encounter undead? Constructs? Traps? What can we expect to find in local ruins primarily?

Isen looked to see what rations and food the store had. It was always wise to keep ones diet varied so the pallet didn't tire of what you had to hand.

While Vincent was busy tracking down the supplies he needed for his construction project, Axis decided to follow along with Phai. Ancient histories and things buried in the earth happened to be of particular interest to the wyrd, especially since those types of locations often held new shiny objects it could incorporate into its body. While it couldn't speak, Axis could float about, point and sparkle, usually well enough for Phai to understand when it wanted a book taken off a shelf. Once it's research was done, it planned to relate the relevant information to Vincent, who could share with the others if he wanted.

Axis is looking for any mention of past civilizations, as well as information about the geology of the area to see if there's anything that might interest it personally. He has most/all of the knowledges to some degree, so he can roll pretty much anything, but here's rolls for what I think likely relevant.

Kn. History: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
Kn. Geography: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17
Kn. Engineering: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

Rather than making a new post, Vincent politely requests the shopkeeper to keep a look out for any magical item that will help with his crafting and tells her he'll be back later in the afternoon or the next day to see if she found anything. If she would like a little bit of help around the shop Vincent helps her out for a little while (30 minutes to an hour or so) before rejoining his companions.

There were no records of similar diseases striking the area before - which may have been one reason the local lord was so keen on hiring (expendable) outsiders to take care of the matter. He wasn't trying to hide that, though - and had certainly offered reasonable compensation for the risk. And, not to put too fine of a point on it, the three of you were almost certainly more durable than most anyone else in the area, meaning you really were the best choice for the job.

The oasis areas - like the one you were currently in - seemed to be the economic powers of the area. However, you did find regular mentions of monasteries dedicated to the past. If anyone knew the full history of the region - or at least whatever fragments of knowledge were left - it was them.

That said, one point was clear - most seemed convinced that whatever civilization had been here before was the same one that had created the Gates, and comparable technology might well exist somewhere in the land.

Meanwhile, the rations in the store appeared to be... moss, mostly, but there were granaries in town that provided something approaching biscuits. You also observed what looked suspiciously like beetle-flesh jerky.

Isen bought the rations for variation, and silent hoped the next planet had some non-moss related food stuffs.

After Axis had explained what it had found, Vincent relayed the information to the others. "It seems likely that this old construction could be ruins from the civilization that built the gates. We might even find clues to help our primary mission while we're down there. Are you two ready to go?"

"Aye, I am ready. We tried to be prepared, let's hope the reason we could not find more information is that it's a first, not that nobody returned before us causing generation after generation to seal the places up again and forget."
Phai was eager to learn more, especially about the gates, on one hand - but did not particularily like the idea of not knowing what was waiting for them, preferring meticulous planning over rash action.

You have to travel a few miles further west of Trebelbet to reach the “rock quarry” described by Baron Yacob. A moss-covered track of heavy wagon ruts marks the route as it ventures away from the Seabridge Causeway and into wilder areas of the barony.

Several unworked blocks of brown stone shot through with purple marbling sit in a pile as if someone pulled them from the earth and then abandoned them. A sign with bright blue paint stands outside a small cave, proclaiming: “Quarantined! By Order of Baron Yacob!”

Heading inside - because of course you were, that's why you were here - you see that moss hangs from the surprisingly smooth ceiling of the long corridor leading to this circular chamber. A massive 20-foot-wide pit takes up most of the floor, piled high with gnawed bones of every description. Faint orange light emanates from another passage to the northwest.

Wrapping a scarf around his face - it couldn't hurt - Isen examined the bones. It seemed unlikely this was a coincidence.

Heal: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

"Definitely not what I was expecting from a quarry. How long have those been here, do you think? Are they mining out an old lair, or did something move in after they abandoned it. Or worse.... did they unearth some horrible beast?"

You think they got greedy and dug too deep? The faint orange glow could be explained by a creature of shadow and fire...
"The bones have been gnawed. That is worrysome.", Phai noted as she took a closer look:"The most likely implication is either that something here was ritually fed in such a way, or that something that lairs in this place has been hunting...hopefully the former proves to be true."
Heal: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (16) + 14 = 30 Trying to find out if there's recent additions to the bone pile or if they're all as old as the place. Plus what manner of creatures they are from - (specifically looking if there's humanoid/sentient creatures in the mix or if it seems to be exclusively non-sentients as far as she can tell.)

As you dig a bit, you notice that some of the bones in the pile look very old indeed. What's more, they appear to be from a variety of different species - including quite a few you haven't seen on this world. Some bones towards the top have marks of violence, but those deeper down seem quite clean and undamaged by whatever caused death.

Interesting. Resisting the urge to sigh, Isen began moving down the passageway through the bonepit. Although he suddenly felt a great need to find if anyone on this planet knew of a blunt weapon that could be used with speed and grace...

"Hold.", Phai stops Isen, then casts Detect Magic and scans the area, also on the lookout for traps.
Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (4) + 14 = 18
Jeez...in my home game, I recently had an almost similar setup for the party. Ancient ruin unearthed, 20-feet bone pit in a 30-feet circular room...with a stationary(the aura, the spectre could move freely within) Danse Macabre at it's center. I seriously hope this is not the case here.

"Perhaps it could just be an old burial ritual, where the dead's bones are added to those of their ancestors? Not everything has to be quite so sinister. The gnawed ones could have just met unfortunate ends before being brought here to rest."

After Phai had searched to her satisfaction, Vincent continued on with Isen towards the glowing tunnel.

There was no magic in this area - not at the moment, anyway, though it may have been present in the past.

Heading forward, an overwhelming stench of decay and an orange light fills this chamber. The apparent source of illumination emanates from an area further south, while the smell results from two carrion corpses piled along a ledge overlooking an oval chamber 10 feet below. Two spherical areas also expand to the northwest and southeast completely overrun by layers of vibrant green moss.

Raising an eyebrow, Isen moved towards the corpses, ready for them to be less dead than they seemed. He drew his sword to be safe. "I thought no one had died from this?"

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22

"Well, we know they didn't starve, with all that tasty moss around...", Phai looks around, then continues: "Moss often grows in damp and shady locations...but it's green for a reason. It extracts nutritiens and water from the air, primarily. What I'm trying to say is that despite that light source, an enclosed area should run out of both of that. I expect there to be a source of water, possible an underground river or something similar that prevents the air from going stale and dry - this place may not have been completely isolated from the outside world before being unearthed, so we'd best be prepared for anything."
Being a Xeno-Biologist had some perks...such as knowing which truths usually held true across worlds. Moss, as many 'simple' things, was...pretty univseral.

"Hmm, think these spheres are farm plots for the moss? The whole area seems to rely on moss as a crop, so seems like that might be the case here?" Vincent followed Isen over to the corpses for a closer look, and to check in the chamber they were near. Had they died from the affliction? Injury? Were they brought here after their death? Just in case, Vincent tapped into his divine connection as he started his approach, checking to see if the place had twisted the bodies into unlife.

Seems like a good time to throw up a detect evil (cone variety).

As Isen drew his sword, he caught a faint bit of movement on a ledge on the northern side of the room. That was plenty of warning for you as four malformed, pus-covered corpses leapt over the edge and opened their maws wide.

Init (Enemies): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Init (Isen): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
Init (Phai): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
Init (Phai): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
Init (Vincent): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Aaaaand you're all up. The undead things are about 15 feet away.

"Undead...plant zombies?" How unique. Raising his sword, Isen channeled his powers into it and swung the long blade at the first attacker.

To Hit: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
Damage: 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
Destruction: 4d6 ⇒ (1, 6, 2, 3) = 12

"Hmm, rather not get too close if I can help it and they're all together..." Vincent focused on the air in front of him and quickly sketched out a complex arcane form which rippled before expelling a tiny bead of fire.

Spell failure (10%): 1d100 ⇒ 50

Fireball (DC 18): 6d6 ⇒ (3, 5, 4, 1, 4, 5) = 22

Naturally, targeting as many as possible while not hitting allies.

Phai moved into a forward position, attempting to shield her two companions from the unusual foes. If any seemed to have survived the impressive blast Vincent hurled their way, she issues a challenge to the creature non-verbally, before firing 2 arrows at those enemies seeming closest to death.

Attack 1: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27 Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
Attack 1 Crit?: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23 Damage: 2d8 + 6 ⇒ (6, 5) + 6 = 17
Attack 2: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11 Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Move into position, swift to Challenge(-3 penalty to attack others, +2 versus me, I get +2 attack/damage versus target), standard to barrage.

Darting forward, Isen cut into the first of the foes, sinking his weapon deep into its body. It was clearly going to take at least one more blow to bring it down... but worse, as he hit it, a gout of fluid splashed over him.

Fort DC 14 (Isen): 1d20 + 4 - 1 ⇒ (8) + 4 - 1 = 11 You are afflicted by an unknown disease.

A moment later, Vincent hurled an explosive blast through the air. Alas, only two could be caught without hitting allies, but it was certainly better than nothing.

Reflex: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Reflex: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19

The injured one burst into ash a moment later, while a second foe was merely burned by the blast. Phai darted forward a moment later, stabbing (but not slaying) the injured figure. The pus fluid erupted towards her as well.

Fort DC 14: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

Luckily, she managed to avoid the worst of the nasty goop... and the creatures made a strange cry as they stepped forward to rake at her.

Bite (Phai): 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 9 + 2 = 12
Claw (Phai): 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 10 + 2 = 16
Claw (Phai): 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 10 + 2 = 31 for Damage: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Bite (Phai): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25 for Damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Claw (Phai): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18
Claw (Phai): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

As the second one bit down on Phai, it seemed to grow a little more vital.

The last one wasn't in range to attack Phai, and went for Isen instead.

Bite (Isen): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22 for Damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Claw (Isen): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23 for Damage: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Claw (Isen): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23 for Damage: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

I misread Isens action, I think...I expected him to hold and slash at the first attacker to assail him, not rush into action. Case in point: I want to make use of my Reach weapon, so if I approach and shoot arrows, I will always leave sufficient distance to not allow a 5-foot-step towards me. That said, 2 of those first 3 attacks missed, so I get my reactionary shield bashes against them.

Shield Bash 1: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14 Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Shield Bash 2: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13 Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Ok, not much difference there- also, 8-2+9-2 = 13 went into delayed damage pool, and empties as nonlethal at end of my turn.

Phai realized she had moved too close, and tried to fend the creatures off with her shield...to little effect. Taking a step back, she swiftly fired 2 arrows at the one she had challenged moments before...then steeled her resolve to prevail against these creatures:"So, I find it interesting these were not mentioned...they are not that far from the mines...can't imagine no one noticed them when taking a first look."

Barrage 1: 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 7 + 2 + 1 = 21 Damage: 1d8 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 2 + 1 = 10
Barrage 2: 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 7 + 2 + 1 = 14 Damage: 1d8 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 2 + 1 = 10
Spending swift action to expend a Reserve Poin for 6x2+5=17 temporary HP

Isen made a face of utter disgust as the putrid mess coated him, and he glared at the attacking creature before swinging a blade. Perhaps he could have taunted it, but he doubted the thing would understand - and it would mean opening his mouth.

To Hit: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
Damage: 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Destruction: 4d6 ⇒ (4, 3, 4, 3) = 14