The construct is happy to continue talking with Kragg
"I will happily join you in exploring the temple. I have never been allowed past the ritual chamber, but seeing as i am the last surviving priest, I believe I should be allowed to perform the duties of the high priest. Especially if evil has taken root underneath our temple...
We have statues to most of the pantheon here. strange, have you lost the knowledge of the gods? you are a priest as well, yes? but you do not know the gods of this world? Strange...
the woman with the mask is Eyndea, one of Amaznen’s servitors.
the pantheon room has statues of Amaznen, Acavna, Shelyn, Abadar, and Pharasma.
the statue of the woman with the sword is the heroine Savith locked in a battle with Ydersius, god of the serpentfolk.
Derym listens to the conversation, mentally making notes and excited to build on his knowledge.
Lara remains quiet, following along with the conversation in Azlanti but contributing nothing to it.
Lolito follows the conversation and talks as well in Azlanti, which seems a common tongue by now for the party "Ah, these are all old gods, we have found statues and shrines devoted to them scattered all around the islands here. It is good to finally find more registry about them."
Turning to Kragg and the others, he adds "Aoinse seems to have important registry about the events of the past. I propose we secure them, bringing him to Talmandor's Bounty where he is not exposed to thieves and the weather. Maybe Thame has a lot to study with him and use the observatory to read the stars with his help, letting us know more about the dangers of the region. Leaving him in the temple might be dangerous."
The clockwork construct cocks their head to the side in an overly exaggerated version of a human's questioning look.
"Lost? How have the gods been lost? Is such a thing even possible? We warned that Azlant may fall, terrible events were forseen, but we thought the knowledge of the gods would be preserved even if our society collapsed. Have some fo them entirely turned their back on Golarion?"
Unless the group has more questions for it, the construct will stand ready at the door to follow you further into the temple when you are ready to continue.
Lolito shrugs "It is my guess they sacrificed themselves to preserve the few islands that still stand in the Arcadian Ocean"
Happy to move forward, the man will guide Aoinse to the altar room where they installed the ioun stone "Hope you do not mind having a small bath after so many centuries, Aoinse"
Kragg maintains a solemn pose as the talk of fallen gods is discussed. There is much that we don't know and much has been forgotten and lost during the ages between your time and ours. What happened to the 'lost' gods we may never know. It may be like Lolito suggests and they sacrificed themselves to spare Golarion. It may be that upon Earthfall so many of their followers were killed that not enough were left to worship them and they faded away or left voluntarily. Its possible they were weakened by Earthfall and were destroyed by others gods. The gods themselves my not be lost but knowledge of them is. Unfortunately, we may never know the full truth. Hopefully, though, with your knowledge we can piece together enough that we can understand more.
That is an interesting idea Lolito but one that I would pose to Aoinse. What are your plans once we remove this Aboleth? Would you remain here at this temple or would you like to accompany us to our town and meet with Thame. Thame is one of the most knowledgeable people on Azlanti lore that we met. The 2 of you would have countless hours of conversation I am certain.
More pressing matters lie before though. Aoinse, we are unfamiliar with your creation and your abilities and limitations. Are you able to go into the water safely? Other creations we have met here have attacked us with electricity and fire. Are you able to do the same or protect yourself from such blasts?
The construct answers Kragg again
"I do not know what i will do next. We must cleanse this temple, other concerns can wait. but it sounds like this temple is no longer used to worship the gods, and there is much that has happened that I should learn about. Perhaps I will join your companion. we could learn much from each other.
For now, we journey into the lower levels. I am fine in the water, as i do not need to breathe. but i am not a fighter. I can repair machinery that we find, and myself to a small degree. Electricity does not mix well with my sensitive gears.
She also mentions that she knows Aquan and Elven along with Azlanti
She waits for the group to lead the way but is definitely set to follow you into the submerged section when you are prepared
I have been blessed by Abadar with the ability to channel many miracles from him. I can protect us all from electricity damage for a short period of time. I will also create a circle of mental protection around myself that will aid against any spells and abilities from the Aboleth. I would think it safest for you to be in the rear then next to Lara and let the rest of us be in the front when we meet with the enemy.
Kragg uses the pearl of power 3 to get back circle of protection evil.
He then uses the scroll of water breathing when the group is ready to enter the water. Before they arrive at the audience chamber he will cast protection from energy electricity and the circle of protection.
"Ah! If we find my pupil and the other missing colonists, I will be more than happy to help you remove the corruption and any other trace of Dahak's evilness in the temple Aoinse. There is so much the current Golarion can learn from your memories of Old Azlant!" Lolito states with a wide open smile.
Once Kragg prepares the party to go back into the water, the monk will focus his ki to renew his barkskin too, he escorts the construct to the chamber and helps activating the secret door described by him.
After brief preparations the group goes back into the water and heads back to the altar room.
This otherwise round chamber has rectangular alcoves at even intervals, forming a shape reminiscent of a gear. At the center of the chamber stands a grandiose, four-foot high altar shaped like an eye with two cogwheel halves forming the eyelids. Two ten-foot-tall metal rods, each tipped with a silver-hued torus, stand on round platforms on either side of the altar.
This time, there is electricity arcing off of the tips of the metal rods, lighting up the room.
Following after the party back into the water, Lara inspects the now-crackling altar. “Well, Aoinse, what do we do now?” she asks their construct guide.
Giving some time for Aoinse to answer, Lolito decides to put the things on the move in case the construct does not have a direct answer.
"Let's set the ioun stone like we did before" Lolito gives it to Lara so she can set it on the slot they did before.
After that, he meticulously searches the room for secret doors.
Kragg also waits to see if Aoinse has any I formation about how to open the path forward if the ioun stone doesn’t work.
Aonise starts in on a lengthy explanation fo the rituals that were performed in this room
"priests of Amaznen held religious services in this chamber for some members of the general public. The altar bears similarities to the holy symbol of Amaznen- it symbolizes invention, science, and technology, each of which is an important aspect of Artifice, one of Amaznen’s divine domains. The two curved halves of the altar and the round table between them form a shape reminiscent of an eye, which represents Amaznen’s thirst for knowledge. Finally, the two metal rods represent Amaznen’s divine connection with magic.
The priests activated these rods during services, creating arcs of electricity leaping between the two devices. Not only were these arcs of electricity an imaginative way to illuminate the sanctuary, but they also served as a form of religious entertainment for the masses.
During services, the priests wore conductive magic rings, and when they raised their arms, the arcs of electricity would curve downward to touch their fingers. The priests then used their magic rings to weave the electricity into beautiful shapes, inspiring awe in the faithful.
Lay followers knelt between the cogs in the altar to pray to Amaznen, usually asking for flashes of insight and inspiration or knowledge of the secrets of magic and the universe. While praying, the people were symbolically connected to Amaznen, like the cogs of the metaphorical wheel that is humankind."
As she explains in detail, Lolito goes ahead and inserts a stone, and prepares himself for a laborious search of the room. It isn't really needed, however.
As soon as Lolito inserts the stone, the entrance to this chamber slides shut, sealing the room. seconds later another panel slides open, revealing a staircase leading further down.
Derym chuckles, "Less dramatic than what our new friend described... but effective."
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Witht he passageway open before them and the depths unknown Kragg takes it upon himself with his faith in Abadar to lead the party down. He takes a moment to cast extended bull's strength to bolster himself. He also channels power enhancing the protective elements of it.
Stay close to me if we find the Aboleth. Abadar's protection will keep the aboleth from affecting your thoughts.
Shield and +1 shortsword currently equipped
"If the aboleth is there, this might be our last fight. So let me say, thanks for your diligence and protection Kragg" Lolito vows to the dwarf, even below water his words sound distorted.
With that, and having been fully healed, Lolito ventures through the trapdoor shoulder to shoulder with Kragg.
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Derym nods his thanks to the Kragg for the protection spell, then shifts the blade in his hand, feeling its excitement about what may lay below.
I'm trying to figure out if you're overconfident in our abilities, or if you just don't care if I die..
He follows behind the others, using his darkvision to peer into the darkness.
"If this is the last fight let us be ready. I have a wand of shield if any can cast it on themself."
Alyn drinks a mutagen, and casts mage armor on Trick. He will tap himself with shield as they cross the threshold to the new room.
Lara unsheathes her sword—her bow being rather useless underwater—and advances down the stairs. She would much rather be in the rear, but she was still a better scout than anyone else in the group, so she made sure to keep an eye out for traps, her way finder lit up and held aloft like a torch.
You follow the stairs down into a deeper section of the temple. you see that the area below is lit by an eerie green glowing light.
you find a long chamber with pillars spaced through the center fo the room. to the north is a closed double door, and two green fields of some kind on the north east side. the hallway narrows and continues to the east.
In the room you see a group of odd-looking humanoids. they look more human than the skum, but they are definitely not human.
they have not noticed you yet. you have one round to act and position before they have a chance to act.
"What is that?" Lolito blurts underwater at the sight of the strange creatures.
Profiting the group has yet not been noticed, Lolito uses the power of his unfettered shirt, and free of the water viscosity, he swiftly moves forward positioning himself where he can stop the attackers.
[b]Not sure Lolito but maybe...
knowledge gamut as well...
Knowledge (arcana) ,
Knowledge (dungeoneering) ,
Knowledge (engineering) , +5 more if mechanical
Knowledge (geography) ,
Knowledge (history) ,
Knowledge (local) ,
Knowledge (nature) ,
Knowledge (nobility) ,
Knowledge (planes) ,
Knowledge (religion)
Seeing the host arrayed before them Kragg intones a powerful blessing from Abadar to bring in some allies into the fight.
Derym tries to figure out what the creatures are, while casting a spell to protect himself, black blade in hand.
The group pauses trying to figure out what these nasty-looking creatures might be.
Kragg and Derym start casting spells to prepare for combat. Lolito moves forward with the help of his magical shirt.
Kragg and Derym talk together quickly. Kragg rules out a lot of possibilities, as these things are not quite like any creature he has seen before. Derym pieces together that these creatures were once humans, but have been mutated to the point where they are almost unrecognizable. however the differences between the creatures and the remnants of the humans they once were is enough for him to deduce that these humans have been changed and experimented on to form what you face now.
Alyn and Lara move of slowly behind the others, waiting for soemthign to happen.
The creatures react to the spell-casting and Lolito's charge, one of them sounds a warcry that sounds like a hoarse yell mixed with a croak.
Lara, Alyn, Lolito, mutants, Kragg, Derym
Lara burbles out the words to a haste spell, and everyone suddenly feels much faster.
"Licorice root!" Lolito gets excited as he feels the rush of adrenaline produced by Lara's spell, and begins releasing punches and kicks at the mutant in front.
If the mutant is so strong as to be still conscious, Lolito focuses all his remaining power, concentrating his ki into an electrically crackling elemental fist!
7 are electrical
Alyn and Trick are happy to accept the haste and move. Alyn gets into positions to use reach to protect the party. Tack can get in place to make an attack.
Lara gives everyone Haste
Alyn moves up defensively. Lolito and trick combine into the first mutant. it is surprisingly durable, and Lolito's fists do not have the full impact he would expect. between them they do kill the first opponent, however, with an electrical finale.
once combat breaks out, the swarm of mutants is on you!
two get in range of Alyn (both provoke if you have more than one AoO. roll them in your next action), two get in range of Lolito, and one gets between the two (this one provokes from both of you)
they attack with their sharp teeth. still somewhat human-looking but sharpened to razor points
With the haste buff nothing is able to get through the two sturdy front-liners
The party may act
Global Condition: underwater, dark|Derym HP: 45/47 - AC: 22/14/18 Status:
Lara: HP: 47/47 - AC: 17/12/15 Status:
Kragg HP:61/61 - AC: 27/11/27 Status: circle of protection evil, communal resist electricity (20), bull’s strength, water breathing,vindicator’s shield active
Lolito HP: 68/68 - AC: 25/20/22 Status: barskin, freedom of movement
Alyn HP 57/58 40/42 - AC: 22/11/19 Status: -3 CON
Trick HP 41/41 - AC 18/11/15 Status:NPCS:
Blue mutant: HP -67 | AC: <18 | dead
Out of an abundance of caution, Lara burbles out another spell. As she completes the incantation, there are suddenly additional copies of her.
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Kragg has just enough time to finish his spell before the fight comes near him. Once his prayer is answered he calls out to the party to try to use less lethal means if possible. These might be the colonists that have been mutated by the Aboleth. I am not sure if we can reverse the process! Don't risk yourselves though by holding back.
summon celestial octopi!
N Small celestial/ fiendish animal ( aquatic )
Init +3; Senses darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision ; Perception + 1
DEFENSE
AC 15, touch 14, flat-footed 12 (+3 Dex, +1 natural, +1 size)
hp 13 [17] (2d8+4) [2d8+8]
Fort +5 [+7], Ref +6, Will +1
Defensive Abilities ink cloud
SR 6
Celestial – Resist acid, cold, and electricity 5
Fiendish – Resist cold and fire 5
OFFENSE
Speed 20ft., swim 30 ft., jet 200 ft.
Melee bite +5 (1d3+1 [1d3+3] plus poison), tentacles +3 (grab)
Special Attack smite evil/good
STATISTICS
Str 12 [16], Dex 17, Con 14 [18], Int 2, Wis 13, Cha 3
Base Atk +1; CMB +1 [+3] (+5 [+7] grapple); CMD 14 [16] (can’t be tripped)
Feats Multiattack B , Weapon Finesse
Skills Escape Artist +13, Stealth +20, Swim +9 [+11]
SPECIAL ABILITIES
Ink Cloud (Ex)
An octopus can emit a 10-foot-radius sphere of ink once per minute as a free action. The ink provides total concealment in water, and persists for 1 minute.
Jet (Ex)
An octopus can jet backward once per round as a full-round action, at a speed of 200 feet. It must move in a straight line while jetting, and does not provoke attacks of opportunity when it does so.
Poison (Ex)
Bite—injury; save Fort DC 13 [15]; frequency 1/round for 6 rounds; effect 1 Str; cure 1 save.
Smite Evil/Good (Ex)
Once per day as a swift action this creature can add their Cha modifier to their attack rolls (+0) and gain a bonus equal to their HD to damage (+2) against evil/good foes. The smite persists until target is dead or the celestial/fiendish creature rests.
One octopus smites yellow and full attack
bite for and poison save dc 13
tentacle for grab
One smites orange and full attacks
bite for and poison save dc 13
tentacle for grab
Kragg then moves forward with haste to strike purple with the flat of his blade.
attack for
When the mutant squeezes in between, Lolito answers with a quick strike to its backside.
"The sins of the Aboleth are horrible! We need to stop it before it creates more mutants" with a spin, Lolito tries to render unconscious one more of them, striking with a kick on the lower parts.
Leaving what might remain of the mutant for Kragg, he then switches targets to the orange one, empowered by ki, he delivers an stunning fist trying to leave it out of the combat.
"These ones have hard skin, how we bypass it?!" the monk exclaims alarmed his punches are not doing that much harm.
Derym rapidly swims around a mutant, bringing his black blade to bear from an angle, forcing the mutant to split his attention with Alyn.
[OCC]AOOs[/ooc]
red
green
Confirmation
Trick will move into position for a flank.
Alyn drops his reach weapon and draws a great sword.
green
Trick Bites
green
Lara protects herself with mirror image
Kragg sends two celestial octopi into combat. one of them gets some damage thorugh, and both grapple their targets. Kragg however is not able to do much with his weapon.
Lolito puts several punches into the one that passes between him and Kragg. He hits with everything, doing significant damage but not taking the thing down because of its hardened skin. he puts a final punch into a second mutant but is unable to stun it.
Derym swings a bit wide but still hits his target doing some damage.
Alyn puts several strong hits into the Green mutant, killing it. Trick moves on to the red one and gets another hit in
The mutants attack back with tooth and claw. obviously crazed and bloodthirsty
The southern octopus is banished back to its plane
One slightly damages Lolito, but otherwise the old man and Kragg are unharmed
The party may act
Global Condition: underwater, dark|Derym HP: 45/47 - AC: 22/14/18 Status:
Lara: HP: 47/47 - AC: 17/12/15 Status: 6 mirror images
Kragg HP:61/61 - AC: 27/11/27 Status: circle of protection evil, communal resist electricity (20), bull’s strength, water breathing,vindicator’s shield active
Octopus HP: 12
Lolito HP: 61/68 - AC: 25/20/22 Status: barskin, freedom of movement
Alyn HP 57/58 30/42 - AC: 22/11/19 Status: -3 CON
Trick HP 41/41 - AC 18/11/15 Status:NPCS:
Blue mutant: HP -67 | AC: <18 | dead
Yellow mutant: HP -3 | AC <18 | grappled
Orange mutant: HP -3 | AC <18 | grappled
Purple mutant: HP -39 | AC: <18 |
Red mutant HP -35 | AC <18
Green mutant HP -63 | AC <18 | dead
Grey mutant HP ?? | AC <18
Black mutant HP ?? | AC <18
Derym continues to fight the mutated creature, his aquatic nature allowing him to lunge without effort underwater.
That thing's skin won't let me cut it..
Yes, I noticed it seemed a bit resistant..
But that's not sporting..
I'll make sure to complain to the Aboleth, assuming we win here...
Can't we just--
Yes, fine..
for
"Ouch!" Lolito protests as the mutant strikes him hard on the chest, he spins over himself to push the yellow one against the octopus, and focus on bringing that one down before the aquatic animal disappears.
Spending more ki, he strikes one additional time
If Lolito takes out yellow then the octopus will focus on grey, if not then octopus will go for the pin.
Yellow maintain?
pin
Attack on grey?
bite for plus fort save poison
tentacle for grapple
Kragg takes the haste effect to gather himself for a full round of attacks against the purple people eater.
+1 short sword attack w/ flank and haste for
confirm +1 short sword attack w/ flank and haste for
haste for
iterative for
If purple was taken out by Lolito then move to flank against orange and only 1 attack...
+1 short sword attack w/ flank and haste for
The (many) Laras advance toward the skirmish and take a swing (or seven) with her Azlanti longsword.
Lolito punches and kicks many times, but it is still not enough to bring down yellow. the tough hide is really thwarting the damage output of the old monk!
The remaining octopus pins the injured mutant to the ground
Kragg puts several hits into Purple which is enough to end the thing.
Lara hits orange but barely scratches it through it's thick hide.
Derym and his blade switch to electric damage which seems to cut through much better. However, they leave their target alive.
Grey vs octopus
The last octopus vanishes back to its plane
the yellow mutant gets up (provokes), then attacks Lolito
Orange attacks Lara, then 'steps' away
broken image
broken image
Black gets one attack at Lara
Another one shatters
I will assume Alyn and trick probably kill Red. if they don't
Grey vs Derym
The party is up
Global Condition: underwater, dark|Derym HP: 45/47 - AC: 22/14/18 Status:
Lara: HP: 47/47 - AC: 17/12/15 Status: 3 mirror images
Kragg HP:61/61 - AC: 27/11/27 Status: circle of protection evil, communal resist electricity (20), bull’s strength, water breathing,vindicator’s shield active
Octopus HP: 12
Lolito HP: 61/68 - AC: 25/20/22 Status: barskin, freedom of movement
Alyn HP 57/58 30/42 - AC: 22/11/19 Status: -3 CON
Trick HP 41/41 - AC 18/11/15 Status:NPCS:
Blue mutant: HP -67 | AC: <18 | dead
Yellow mutant: HP -40 | AC <18 | pinned
Orange mutant: HP -4 | AC <18 |
Purple mutant: HP -58 | AC: <18 | dead
Red mutant HP -47 | AC <18
Green mutant HP -63 | AC <18 | dead
Grey mutant HP ?? | AC <18
Black mutant HP ?? | AC <18
Kragg uses the blessings of Abadar to move freely in the water as he steps up to attack black.
full round attack for
haste for
iterative for
Lolito tries to smack the yellow mutant as he recovers from the octopus pin.
Without no one apparently knowing how to pierce the skin of the mutants more effectively, Lolito presses trying to pile punch after punch "If Apsu cannot enlighten, Apsu can give the strength. They will go the hard way then!"
And bolstered by Lara's magic, Lolito finishes with a fist that crackles with powerful electricity made of his mystic ki directed at whatever is still standing "Hiaaa!"
Feeling the water to not impede his movement, Lolito steps forward to hit the other mutants once the first one falls.
A new target placed before him, Derym lunges forward, the blade's excitement clear as it moves towards the target.
for
Derym swims up to grey and stabs it, doing some damage.
Kragg hits three times but doesn't do a whole lot of visible damage to the sturdy monster.
Lolito goes for quantity of attacks, and takes down yellow with enough gas in the tank to put a couple of hits on orange too.
Lara, Alyn mutants, Kragg, Derym, Lolito
Attack red previous round for completeness
Trick will move into position for a flank (double move).
Alyn will attack Grey
Alyn finishes red, then moves to attack grey. unfortunately he misses
Lara takes a swing at the closest mutant
the mutants keep fighting even though they are now clearly outmatched. doesn't seem to phase them.
Derym gets smacked around, taking a bunch of damage
Lolito barely avoids 2 shots but still gets bitten once
Lara takes one minor injury
The party may act
Global Condition: underwater, dark|Derym HP: 22/47 - AC: 22/14/18 Status:
Lara: HP: 42/47 - AC: 17/12/15 Status: 3 mirror images
Kragg HP:61/61 - AC: 27/11/27 Status: circle of protection evil, communal resist electricity (20), bull’s strength, water breathing,vindicator’s shield active
Octopus HP: 12
Lolito HP: 55/68 - AC: 25/20/22 Status: barskin, freedom of movement
Alyn HP 57/58 30/42 - AC: 22/11/19 Status: -3 CON
Trick HP 41/41 - AC 18/11/15 Status:NPCS:
Blue mutant: HP -67 | AC: <18 | dead
Yellow mutant: HP -63 | AC <18 | dead
Orange mutant: HP -31 | AC <18 |
Purple mutant: HP -58 | AC: <18 | dead
Red mutant HP -100| AC <18 | dead
Green mutant HP -63 | AC <18 | dead
Grey mutant HP -7 | AC <18
Black mutant HP -15 | AC <18
Shocked by how ineffective his shield has been, Derym swims back a small distance and casts mirror image
Kragg realizes that his damage is minimal on these creatures so decides to try and influence the fight in other ways. Trusting in Abadar's protection he tries to force black north into a flanking position between Alyn and Lara.
reposition maneuver cmb vs cmd
The creature was too slippery to get a good maneuver on and likely left Kragg floundering in the water.
Despite the endurance of the mutants, Lolito finds his punches to slowly bring the creatures down, and so, he cleans the blood from the recent hit received and then keeps carving vital space on the underwater battlefield "*blurp* They are cornered now!"
If orange falls, he steps over its place to give Lara a flank on black, and kicks at that one with his remaining attacks. Otherwise, just positions himself against the wall.