GM Sethran's Gameday Phantom Phenomena! (Inactive)

Game Master Sethran

With your investigations in the backwater village of DUnhob complete, you step out of the Tavern and into the night evening air. The villagers are nowhere to be seen, undoubtedly cowering in anticipation of the horrors released.

There is however a Short Gnome stood before you, though his hair is now a vibrant green. On his back is a rather full pack and a telescope pops out of the top of it.

"Salutations!" he says loudly in the empty village, before looking sheepish at the echo.

"I hope you enjoy fresh air, because I need your skills to protect me in the wilderness tonight. As you may know, strange red lightning often strikes in the foothills near Lantern Lake, and my instruments indicate that another strike is due tomorrow evening.

I’m told this lightning leaves behind ectoplasmic residue, so I would like to collect a few samples in my new ectoplasm field containers before it all evaporates. Hopefully this will provide us with more insights into the strange phenomena of this region. I have attached a map to a local hilltop where I would like to meet. The hill should be close to the next lightning strike but hopefully not TOO close. I’m sure it will be fine!"

Back at the tavern...

Alexis draws from the deck...: 1d6 ⇒ 1

"The Hammer...strife, struggle, and tests of mettle come this way."

Alexis looks around at the shattered skulls littering the floor.

"You don't say."

Harrow: 1d6 ⇒ 1

That's a whole lot o' aces fer one deck pard...
.

Harrow: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Is this once per adventure or just once total?: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Katarina breathes deeply as the group steps back out into the evening air. "Ahh...it's nice to be back outs-oh!" she gasps as she spots the little gnome. "Um, we weren't expecting to see anyone out here at this time of day..." she begins but halts as his own words come tumbling out like a torrent.

"Wha...okay?" she finally responds when she can get a word in edgewise. "I mean, we're here to do some investigating ourselves so I don't see why we couldn't help you out. Do you have a name?"

With a quick glance at Alexis, she then reaches over and draws a card from the deck while she waits for the gnome's reply. "Might as well, right?"

Harrow: 1d6 ⇒ 6 --> Charisma.

The professor looks at Alexis oddly for a moment then looks at at their new hair colour and change of attire before chuckling deeply for a moment. He coughs and stands to attention almost mockingly, obviously fighting hard to keep a straight face.

"A easure to make your acquaintance, I am Dr Quorum, professor at the University and your... Benefactor."

Now that you look twice you can indeed see it is the professor.

Sorry that didn't seem clear, but it was too funny an opportunity not to take up ^^. Just teying to give the mission a more organic feel. As I said before during the Phantom Phenomena Quest, you can draw once per adventure and gain +2 to the corresponding Attribute until the endnof that section.

Hah! I'd wondered since the line about his hair made it sound like we'd seen him before but I didn't think about it being the good Professor, hehe.

"Oh..." Katarina responds, looking rather embarrassed. "Wasn't expecting to see you here, Professor. I like what you did with your hair, by the way. Did the old woman throw horseshoes at you too?"

I hope so. You look like a deranged mummer!

I will move on, if you want to ask the Professor any questions feel free

The professor looks up at his green locks and smiles at the compliment before frowning at the horseshoe comment.

"Why thank you my dear! I thought it time for a change, keep things fresh. No Horseshoes here, why?"

He then shoulders his pack and beckons for you all to follow, leading you out into the Versex countryside and somewhere to camp for the night. It is getting late by the time you arrive at the Professor's location and he directs you in the best places to erect tents he had brought along for the purpose, the bag on his bag seeming to hold more than should be able.

The next morning, Quorom greets you all warmly as he is setting up his instruments for the day's activities.

The sky is perfectly clear and the sun is shining, which provides ample light to view the blackened hilltop that Dr. Quolorum marked on his map and you stayed on the night before.

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, the professor seems oblivious to the odd surroundings as he works.

"Good morning! 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.”

You have twenty minutes or so before the next strike, during that time you can explore the area:

Can the Professor have healed me the night before - or possibly now?

cure light wounds if not: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 :(

Knowledge (Religion): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20

Survival: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

Yeah, me!

Alexis wakes up disturbed.

"Notice that? There's no wildlife here. This place is...was...haunted. I can still feel the angry spirits in the ground, like they're trying to reach out to us."

survival: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13
sense motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

Theoden nods, "I suspect you're right, considering the last haunted place attacked us, we should be ready for danger."

Indeed. At least more prepared than last time. Eldren hopes that he isn't swarmed by tiny skulls again.

With the group now safely out of Dunhob, Katarina decides to call Ashton forth from her consciousness the next morning in order to give him some room to stretch. "And because if we run into more trouble, I want you here with us," she adds once Ashton materializes. Once that is done, she sets about exploring the immediate area with the others.

Survival: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 7 + 4 = 24

"I feel it too," she shivers as Alexis voices what she herself had noticed. "Definitely could be dangerous..."

Once we get very close to time for the next strike, Kat will cast Shield on herself.

"At least there aren't any skulls laying about," the phantom quips, a look of faint amusement on his face.

survival: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

"Spooky."

sense motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Sorry guys, the site was not playing well this morning and I had to wait till now to get to my computer! You will all get a surprise round action as the lightning hits to draw weapons, cast a spell etc.

Also a note for this Encounter: All the squares are difficult terrain

With a harsh crack and a smell of ozone, dark red lightning crashes from the sky, striking the centre of a crater at the bottom of the gorge. Excitedly, the professor looks up from his equipment and points to the centre of the crater.

At the bottom of the carved out landscape, the red lightning has solidified, leaving behind a red goo like substance which gives off a strange light.

"Go fetch me the Ectoplasm! That should help in our investigations!" Dr Quorum cries.

Suddenly, 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.

Combat! Bold Are up!
Eldren
Ashton
Fauxish
Theoden
Katarina
Alexis

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

"Don't let these branches catch you - literally!"

Wounded from last night and not particularly suited to be a gofer, Alexis elects instead to cover whoever fetches the ectoplasm with her crossbow.

Not knowing what to expect, Eldren casts Shield on himself.

survival: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

"Lets not stay here any longer than we need!"

Theoden struggles through the difficult terrain, double moving into the crated.

reflex: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

Round 1

Nodding in acknowledgement of Alexis' words, Katarina edges away from the grasping branches as she draws her crossbow.

"We've got you covered Theo!" she calls encouragingly.

Kat will move one square away from the branches and draw her crossbow.

Round 1

His primary concern being Katarina's safety, Ashton moves to stand beside her and protect her from any potential harm.

Ashton readies to attack anything hostile that gets into melee range.

With a harsh crack and a smell of ozone, dark red lightning crashes from the sky, striking the centre of a crater at the bottom of the gorge. Excitedly, the professor looks up from his equipment and points to the centre of the crater.

At the bottom of the carved out landscape, the red lightning has solidified, leaving behind a red goo like substance which gives off a strange light.

"Go fetch me the Ectoplasm! That should help in our investigations!" Dr Quorum cries.

"Mr. Quorum, do you have a bucket?"

Ectoplasm: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (3) + 0 = 3

Alexis moves forwards tentatively, unsure of the strange grasping claws around them on the trees surrounding them, filling the area with a dreadful taint. Katarina and the summoned Ash stand ready though their prepared nature is for nought as nothing threatens them.

Fauxish asks for a bucket from the professor who looks around at his travelling possessions and realises that no, he had not packed a bucket but did have a few empty vials for samples.

Theoden powers forwards not wishing to spend another moment in this curse infested land when the vines at his feet burst into life, attempting to grasp at his legs, nimbly the brawler keeps his feet and dodges the wrapping vines.

Suddenly, the ectoplasm at the bottom of the crater makes a sickening POP sound as it bursts, the resulting goo splits into three that makes distinctive mann like shapes, they glare at you threateningly,, floating above the vines.

Combat! Bold Are up!
Eldren
Ashton
Fauxish
Theoden
Katarina
Alexis
Ectoplasm-Men

Theoden screams "Ahh!"

and punches green.

unarmed strike: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6

"I could use some help here!"

Theoden's Punch connects with the Ectoplasm turned human, though its springy body allows it to absorb much of the blows lethal force of Theoden's usually bone shattering punch.

Combat! Bold Are up!

Eldren
Ashton
Fauxish
Theoden
Katarina
Alexis
Ectoplasm-Men 1 - 0 - 0

Knowledge (Religion): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18 Special defenses?

Alexi's eyes go wide. "Great Abraxas! Ectoplasmic humans!"

light crossbow vs red: 1d20 ⇒ 14
damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Move action to reload.

Alexis: DR 5/Slashing, Undead Traits

Alexis aims and lets loose with their crossbow, the quarrel is absorbed by the Ectoplasmic creature's spongy hide.

Sorry Theoden, forgot to roll the vines

As Theoden's mighty punch is swallowed by the Man-thing, the vines again once more writhe under his feet and try to grasp at him, though once again he keeps his footing and the cursed land can't get a purchase.

Theoden, Reflex: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

Combat! Bold Are up!

Eldren
Ashton
Fauxish
Theoden
Katarina
Alexis
Ectoplasm-Men 1 - 0 - 0

The alchemist decides to see if these things will burn and throws a bomb at the red-looking manthing!

Bomb: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 5 + 1 = 26 for Fire!: 1d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 1 = 7
Confirm?: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 5 + 1 = 21 for Fire!: 1d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 1 = 9

Though they struggled through the fight with the small skulls, Eldren proves why they are an alchemist as they expertly hurl their flaming concoction into the mass of vines at the ectoplasmic creature.

Both Creature and vines burn away in a swift conflagration, there is an horrific scream as the haunt is torn away from the landscape, though two of the creatures still remain standing.

Combat! Bold Are up!

Eldren
Ashton
Fauxish
Theoden
Katarina
Alexis
Ectoplasm-Men 1 - 0

Fauxish accepts the vials with a bow, and moves closer.

Round 2

"Wow! Good shot Eldren!"

Emboldened by Eldren's devastating attack, Katarina moves closer and fires at one of the remaining ectoplasmic entities.

Attack (Light Crossbow; Into Melee): 1d20 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (11) + 2 - 4 = 9
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 5

"Ash, you'd better get in there and help!"

Round 2

"Right...not every day that you get to see a ghost-fight," the phantom chuckles as he obligingly moves into the circle of grasping branches and attempts to help Theoden.

Attack vs. Green (Slam): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

"Damn!" he swears as his fellow spirit easily dodges his blow. "I've gotten rusty..."

Katarina's covering fire manages to go wide, the swirling melee between the ectoplasm-man and Theoden spoiling her careful aim. Fauxish grabs vials from the confused professor, who seems to be cowering behind his telescope.

Ashton launches his corporeal form into combat with the Ectoplasm-man fighting Theoden but stumbles on the uneven ground and ghostly man's swing goes wide.

In return, the Ectoplasm that was injured by Theoden strikes out in return, catching him just off guard with a mighty blow to the chin, the slam leaves behind a sticky residue which tries to assault the Brawler's mind but he shakes it off.

slam vs Theoden: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18 for damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

will save, Theoden: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17

The other ectoplasmic creature floats forwards, striking out at Ashton, in ghost-on-ghost action. Though Ashton's spongy hide absorbs much of the force.

slam vs Ashton: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18 for damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Combat! Bold Are up!

Eldren
Ashton -2
Fauxish
Theoden -7
Katarina
Alexis
Ectoplasm-Men 1 - 0

Ashton's Hit points are worked out wrong, Animal companions, Eidolons and Phantoms only get half hit dice, not full unfortunately. As per the FAQS

Theoden doubles over with pain for a moment but tries to give as good as he got before needing to retreat.

Mid kick vs Green: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

crit confirm: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
extra crit damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6

Eldren decides move around in order to throw another bomb at the blue enemy!

Bomb: 1d20 + 5 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 1 - 4 = 6 for Fire: 1d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 1 = 8

Round 3

"Oof!" Ashton grunts as the spirit catches him a hard blow on the chest. "At least death...or whatever this is...has its' benefits," he remarks wryly as most of the damage is simply absorbed by his own ectoplasm.

But Theoden's cry of very real pain sobers him quickly and he tries once more to strike at the closest ghost.

Slam #1: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Slam #2: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Ashton is still targeting Green unless Theoden or someone else kills it first. If so, he'll switch to Blue. Also have no idea where I got 12 HP from since even HeroLab has it worked out like it's supposed to be. Adjusted now; sorry!

Round 3

Katarina draws closer to the melee and reloads her crossbow, trying to get into a better position before firing.

Attack vs. Green (Light Crossbow; Into Melee): 1d20 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 2 - 4 = 10
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 7

The light around Alexis mysteriously dims into an eerie gloaming as she points at the less-damaged ectoplasm man, who is suddenly surrounded by a swarm of miniscule pale stars.

Stardust: The less-damaged ecto-man sheds light as a candle, cannot benefit from concealment or any invisibility effects and takes a –1 penalty on attack rolls and sight-based Perception checks, for 1 round.

Fauxish moves up through the dense foliage vials bunched in both hands.

Full Defensive

Not a problem and not accusing your or anything ^^. Yeah Herolab seems to do that, I played a spirtualist once and had to search for some time to see hit points, they haven't FAQ'd it well, in true Paizo style but have mentioned they are treated like animal companions which so far means poor hit point gain.

1d8 ⇒ 4

Theoden's fist connects mightily but again the spongy body of the Ectoplasm creatures absorbs the shock, showing no signs of injury. As before, Ashton cannot quite land a blow on the floating forms, nor can Katarina, the swirling melee causing her difficulty.

Fauxish moves onwards, her arms wrapped tightly around her body and Alexis causes the Ectoplasm to shimmer like the stars in the sky, momentarily distracting the creature. Eldren hurls another bomb, but his aim is poor, more by luck than judgement, the bomb sails over the Ectoplasm's head and lands behind the two of them, the small explosion narrowly missing Theoden.

reflex: 1d20 ⇒ 111d20 ⇒ 9

The two creatures are burned by the alchemical formula but stay formed for now, from his hiding place the Doctor calls out to you.

"You need to cut them! Bolts and fists bounce off their spongy hide!"

The Ectoplasmic creatures then resume their attacks. This time, the creatures misses Ashton, staggering against the flames, the mostly damaged one strikes another blow however.

slam vs Theoden: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18 Damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

slam vs Ashton: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Combat! Bold Are up!

Eldren
Ashton -2
Fauxish
Theoden -13
Katarina
Alexis
Ectoplasm-Men 6 -5

Theoden takes another blow on the chin and then retreats from danger.

Withdraw.

"That's about as much as I can take..."

I use Stardust on the less-injured one again - it looks like you forgot to factor in the attack roll penalty that time (though it apparently wouldn't have mattered).

Round 4

"I'll try and keep them occupied, you lot try and bring them down!" Ashton calls as Theoden is forced to withdraw after taking another heavy blow. Though he's aware that it's not likely to do much good, he swings his fists again at the spirit in front of him.

Attack vs. Green (Slam): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Attack vs. Green (Slam): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

No offense taken Sethran! I'd much rather my character info be accurate :)

Round 4

"Cut them? O-okay, then..." Kat exhales. She fires off one last shot from her crossbow and then drops it before fishing out a small dagger.

Attack vs. Green (Light Crossbow; Into Melee): 1d20 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 2 - 4 = 18
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 5

Crit Confirm?: 1d20 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (11) + 2 - 4 = 9
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 1

Kat will shoot as a standard action, drop her crossbow as a free action, and then draw her dagger as a move action.

Theoden pulls back, the onslaught from the two creatures too much for even the hardy Brawler to handle, stepping up to the plate, Ashton finally has success at striking his foe and what a sucess, the creatures disolve under the blows, turning once more into goo on the floor.

Legitimately, one had. 1 hit point the other 2, scary how well it works sometimes :p. Yeah sorry, I Alexis i remembered the stardust after I hit post then noticed it didn't affect...

Fauxish, vials in hand is now able to fill the two of them with the ectoplasmic residue. The professor smiles at a job well done.

"Wonderful! First your interesting Harrow prize and now the Ectoplasm! A great job indeed! Please take this for your wounds"

The professor fishes round for a potion and hands it to Theoden Cure moderate wounds .

I shall let you all wind down and roleplay, will move it on later today/tomorrow morning ^^

Well, that didn't go quite so badly...

Theoden uses the potion to lightly wet some of the wraps he's putting on various injuries on his body before finally drinking the last of the potion.

CMW: 2d8 + 3 ⇒ (5, 4) + 3 = 12

"Uff, those things really took it out of me."

"Thank goodness," Katarina sighs with relief as she sheathes her dagger and then moves to retrieve her crossbow. "Hand-to-hand combat isn't exactly my area of expertise!"

She then turns her attention to Theoden as he patches his wounds. "I'm glad you're alright. That was some impressive fighting against those things though and you seem like you're able to adapt to a situation amazingly fast. Was that part of your training?"

Cleaning yourselves off and packing away your camp upon the hillside, the Professor thanks you all once more and takes the Ectoplasm samples from the lightning strike.

"Hmm, I am going to go and study these back at my office in the University. I have another lead for you however."

Waiting for you all to be prepared, the Gnome adjusts his glasses on his nose before revealing to you all the next lead.

"I have acquired permission to send a team into the haunted and abandoned Illirigarde manor. I hope you can gain insight into Lady Illirigarde’s research, as she too took an interest in the psychic phenomena plaguing this stretch of the Hungry Mountains. My findings suggest that she was close to a breakthrough when she mysteriously disappeared several decades ago.

It is extremely important you recover any tools that will help as we pick up where she left off - especially something her writings call “etheric compasses.” Also, my design for an ectoplasmic container is ready for field tests. These boxes will hold and preserve ethereal material and may be useful to you in this endeavor. I am almost certain they are risk-free."

The Professor rummages in your pack before handing over a large package and a brass key. The package contains two boxes made of crystalline panels, each about 1-foot cube. He then shoulders his magical pack and makes to leave the area.

You may already know some things about the Manor, checks below. Also don't forget your Harrow Draw for this next bit ^^. You have a few days of travel across Versex to get to the Manor so will have chance to rest up.

On your travels you pass back through the village of Dunhob, though blessedly you are not attacked by Horseshoes this time through. The villagers are more open to you and you can gather information about the task ahead from them whilst you rest up.