GM Tyranius The Devil We Know Part: 4 (Inactive)

Game Master Tyranius

"Are we taking them to the surface?... or pressing on?" Elowyn asks the others.

Senach shakes his head in dismay. "We must press on if we are to save the rest of the captives, but I am loathe to leave you here alone.." he pauses, contemplating.
"It is your lives at risk here." he finally says to the prisoners. "What say you? Do you want an escort to the surface, to stay here behind the fight for us to return, or to come with us but stay back from the fighting?"

We should press on. Do they have anything to arm themselves with just in case trouble follows us? inquires the wizard.

Can we arm them with the weapons from these thugs? I would offer one of mine, however I doubt they could use them properly. Mardak looks about and begins to gather up the thug's weapons.

Deciding to leave the group of slaves to their own devices the group of Pathfinders sets out down the spiral staircase.

You take the stairs downward in the crypt and find several ornate burial niches adorn the passage walls. In the passage’s southwest corner, shattered niches reveal a massive set of iron double doors. An image carved on the doors depicts a dispassionate figure holding a gibbous moon.

The group approaches the doors and finds no traps. They open them and see that a purple glow washes over this cold chamber, creating an otherworldly sheen. A large desk adorns the south wall; behind its oaken bulk hangs a large map of Cassomir. Straw-lined cages line the chamber’s east and west walls. In the center of the room, resting on a small pedestal, a black rock absorbs the chamber’s bright torch light.

At the end of the chamber, you see an undead man sitting at the desk, scribbling something as two skeletons stand guard next to him.

Round 1
Quintillus
Kazu
-----------------------------
Delirio
Skeletons
-----------------------------
Mardak
Lady Vulpina
Senach
Elowyn

Kazu agonises over the situation they find themselves in. The passage is long and narrow and is highly unsuitable for his fighting style. Yet on the other hand, he also knows tactically the importance of closing in quickly with the enemy. Seeing not much options, Kazu charges straight at them, hoping to catch them by surprise. Unfortunately, he fails to reach the undead man, and so instead, slams his right claw at one of the skeletons. This time, he aims simply to destroy, not bothering to demoralise them, knowing that is likely useless against undeads.

claw vs red skeleton FF AC, charge: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 9 + 2 = 22 bludgeoning dmg, sneak attack: 1d3 + 6 + 2d6 ⇒ (2) + 6 + (4, 4) = 16

Ah! Scratch that. Kanu can’t charge with people in the way. He’ll just move then ready to attack should anything come within striking range.

Quintillus is up. This is the last fight for this book. Then just the final scenario in this series.

Someone want to post an action for Quint.[/ooc]

Any reason Quint shouldn't/couldn't be summoning a beetle? If not:
Quintillus starts the incantations and frantic arm motions that Vulpina finds ridiculous as a glistening portal begins to seep its way into reality, a spindly leg beginning to probe its way through.

Quintillus begins to summon a beetle from another realm as the rift slowly opens. Meanwhile Kazu moves into place and readies in case the creatures cross his path.

Delirio stands from his chair and points to Kazu. "Get them!" His voice hisses with malice. The undead draw their blades and shamble towards the entrance around the pedestal.

Cause Fear DC 15 (Kazu)

Round 2
Quintillus
Kazu
-----------------------------
Delirio
Skeletons
-----------------------------
Round 1
Mardak
Lady Vulpina
Senach
Elowyn

sorry was away for holiday

Senach gives a mighty roar of defiance as the undead move down the narrow hall towards the Pathfinders. He points at the red tinged creature and calls out. "Erastil will have her due, unnatural fiends!"
Using Smite that didn't get used in the last fight.

Attack: 1d20 + 6 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 6 + 3 = 23
Dmg: 1d8 + 3 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 4 = 11

AC:+3 vs Red

will: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17
Kazu is caught by surprise when the wave of overwhelming fire sweeps over him. He bites down hard on his beak, accidentally biting his tongue, but the shock of the pain gives him the edge to push away the fear, but leaving him shaken nonetheless.

If Senach's blow destroys the red skeleton...
As soon as Senach's smite destroy the leading skeleton, Kazu quickly races past his ally and slams his claw against the second skeleton.
claw vs yellow, shaken: 1d20 + 9 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 9 - 2 = 22 bludgeoning dmg: 1d3 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Vulpina hustles her way forward, but finds that the cramped space leaves her little room to line up a shot-- unless, of course, she doesn't mind shooting through her companions, who up until this point have not given her reason to do so.

Mardak moves up to stand behind Kazu

Mardak and Lady Vulpina move in as Senach sends skeletal fragments hurtling in all directions. The hollow bones clatter lifelessly against the stone wall.

Kazu moves quickly past and places his claws into the remaining skeleton's ribcage and pulls hard. His force is able to split the skeleton open, giving it nothing to remain in standing on.

Round 2
Quintillus
Kazu
-----------------------------
Delirio
-----------------------------
Round 1
Mardak
Lady Vulpina
Senach
Elowyn

Seeing as the area is restrictive for movement Elowyn and Fangtooth will wait for an opening...

delay

The little beetle attacks the remaining skeleton
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

The wizard will cast acid splash at the skeleton
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20 rta
1d3 ⇒ 2

You are too far out of range to attack Delirio. But I moved you up the 30 feet and placed your beetle in front of him as that is also max distance.

Quint's spell completes as the beetle misses Delirio. Looking past his allies in the cramped hallway he has little room to get closer without getting himself injured in the process.

Delirio bites and claws at the little beetle.

Bite: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9 + Disease DC 13 + Paralysis DC 14

Claw 1: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
Claw 2: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Delirio grabs ahold of the beetle and bites it in half, flinging the body against one of the cages.

Round 3
Quintillus
Kazu
-----------------------------
Delirio
-----------------------------
Round 2
Mardak
Lady Vulpina
Senach
Elowyn

Not liking the tight quarters one bit, Kazu decides not to move in just yet, leaving the space for his more martial teammates to attack. He whips out his crossbow and fires a bolt straight at the undead Delirio since he has a clear opening now. He then takes one step forward.

crossbow: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24 dmg: 1d8 ⇒ 2

better the beetle than one of us, lol

The wizard lobs a flask of alchemist fire at the undead
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
confirm 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

1d6 ⇒ 4

Vulpina heaves a great sigh. "All that flailing, just to feed him a bug," she complains, jostling forward, past Senach and Kazu. She slashes with her blade towards Delirio.

Wakizashi Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Wakizachi Confirm: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
Wakizashi Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 1) = 3

Finally I get a crit, and it's for 3 damage???

"Oh, and dear Kazu-- if you wouldn't mind backing up just a step or so, I could use the room to maneuver," she chimes.

All that flailing around to not score a good hit... the wizard responds.

Vulpina's cheeks turn a furious shade of red, but she doesn't respond verbally.

pfffffffff oh my god, Quint

Mardak tries to find a way through to bring his sword to bare on the enemies, but cannot find a way. He reaches over his back, grabs his longbow and draws it. DUCK!!!! he shouts as he looses an arrow.

Comp longbow, -4 for shooting into melee: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 - 4 = 18 Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Mardak calls out as he looses an arrow. unfortunately Delirio has plenty of cover as Mardak's teammates shield the undead.

Lady Vulpina leaps in with he wakazashi. Though she isn't able to land a critical blow she is able to pick off a good chunk of flesh from Delirio's arm.

Quint lobs a bottle of alchemist's fire past everyone and it breaks open against Delirio's chest, catching him on fire. The undead shrieks as a bloated purple tongue falls from his mouth.

Quint. It hit no matter as you rolled a 20 but keep in mind that Alchemist's fire has a range of 10 feet. So you can throw it past that but each range increment has a penalty of -2.

Kazu's lets a bolt fly past Lady Vulpina's shoulder and into Delirio's exposed ribs.

Round 3
Quintillus
Kazu
-----------------------------
Delirio (-9)
-----------------------------
Round 2
Mardak
Lady Vulpina
Senach
Elowyn

Fire and acid can be a pretty lethal combination.

With no viable shot, Elowyn and Fangtooth hang back in reserve until needed for the frontline...

As the rest of the team passes him to keep pressure on the leader, Senach drops his mace in favor of his bow.
"Unless either of you actually have a flail.. DROP!"
Senach bellows, chuckling to himself as Quint and Lady keep going back and forth with each other.

Arrow: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 - 4 = 3

He stops chuckling, however, as the arrow skips off of someones helm, punches through a flying cloak, and shatters against the floor underfoot.

Senach can't find a shot while Elowyn can't seem to get past her allies.

Delirio smiles wickedly. "I will tear you limb from limb young one."

Bite vs Lady Vulpina AC 18: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
Claw 1 vs Lady Vulpina AC 17: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8 + Paralysis DC 14[/dice]

Claw 2 vs Lady Vulpina AC 18: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8 + Paralysis DC 14[/dice]

The undead's claws tear into Vulpina's ribs, nearly eviscerating her.

Round 4
Quintillus
Kazu
-----------------------------
Delirio (-9)
-----------------------------
Round 3
Mardak
Lady Vulpina (0/16; 2 Fort saves)
Senach
Elowyn

Quick note: Delirio is directly adjacent, so that first claw wouldn't have hit... admittedly by the narrowest of margins.

Fort: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

"Can you all give me a little space to maneuver, please?" grunts Vulpina after that claw pierces her armor, knowing that she can have 22 AC and the ability to avoid any future full attacks if she has a space to move into.

Her pistol cracks quite suddenly from Vulpina's off hand, not wasting time to line up a shot in such close proximity, and she lunges forward with her blade-- which, admittedly, she should have taken a moment to line up properly.

Pistol Attack vs. Touch: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Pistol Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 1
Wakizashi Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Melee Shooter burns 1 grit/panache to avoid AoO from a ranged attack. Also, if given space, I'll be using Dodging Panache on any future attacks.

Is it still on fire?

The wizard begins to chant and draw mystical symbols in the air as a small projectile in the form of a bastard sword emerges from his hand and strikes the undead striking the kitsune

Ast dare dar're arpr thonithan [/dice]

[b] The only thing, creature, that is allowed to harm the kitsune, is my wit.

LOL, the spell still does more damage than she did, ha ha ha

My dear, he comments, It appears this flailing and body movements remain more effective than yours.

Kazu snorts at the incessant chatting between the two, wishing they would just focus at the task on hand. However, he does reply to Vulpina, "Space coming right up, milady."

Ducking past her, he takes a flying leap and attempts to somersault over the undead Delirio.
Kazu will attempt to tumble past Delirio's square.
acrobatics vs Delirio CMD +5: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28

Assuming that succeeds
Now that he has flanking the undead, while still clenching his crossbow in one claw, he rakes his other across its back.

claw, flank, sneak attack: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 9 + 2 = 31 dmg: 1d3 + 6 + 2d6 ⇒ (2) + 6 + (1, 2) = 11
crit?: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 9 + 2 = 26 dmg: 1d3 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Lady Vulpina fights off her muscles going rigid as she fires a shot point blank into the undead's chest.

Quintillus draws a quick arcane symbol into the air. It glows for a brief second as a single magical missile arcs through the air and slams into Delirio's shoulder.

Kazu uses the cages and leaps over Deliro's head. As he leaps past the tengu smashes his claw into his back, breaking the creature's spine with an audible crack ending Delirio's second life.

The Pathfinders quickly regroup and examine the area of the cult's leader.

A thorough search reveals a false bottom in the top drawer of the desk at the south end of the room. Inside the compartment, manuscripts describe two sinister plans: the first details Dalirio’s desire to create small bands of skeletons to assault Cassomir, and the second talks of a derro plan to use secret tunnels to infiltrate a major Cassomir building and kidnap everyone inside.

Additionally, the group finds a hidden switch beneath the floor under Dalirio’s desk—pulling that switch rotates the entire room 90 degrees counterclockwise, effectively sealing the door to crypts (as it now faces a blank wall) and opening a new door in the east wall that leads into the Ismacco tunnel system.

A chest under the desk contains several Cassomir trade bars worth 2,500 gp.

With Dalirio defeated, you thwart his plans to send bands of skeletons to assault Cassomir. The surviving engineers and other kidnapping victims praise you for your timely intervention. Hestia becomes worried about the uncovered plot to infiltrate a Cassomir building and make off with all of its inhabitants. She warns Cassomir’s officials about the tunnel system but is unable to provoke any satisfying responses from them. The authorities, in essence, either think the claims are false or simply can’t cut though the bureaucracy to make anything happen about the matter.

Deep under Cassomir, within the maze-like town of Corgunbier, the derros plot their next move. Thanks to Dalirio, they now have a map detailing the intricate Ismacco tunnel system that hides under Old Cassomir. Quietly, the derros explore these tunnels, biding their time until they are ready to hatch their final plan.

To be continued...Will get chronicles out soon.

Hooray

Senach lowers his useless bow as the rest of the team lands blow after blow. After Delirio falls, he rushes over and begins to bandage his friends wounds. Some get a tap or two from the healy stick, and others simply get a gauze bandage depending on the wounds taken. Relieved his friends are not hurt too badly, he quickly takes part in the search of the rooms.

Later that night, he retires to a temple to make his absolutions and prayers. He feels the healing hands of Erastil bless him and his deeds, and feels a newfound strength within his heart, mind, and arm. He cannot wait to see what the next day may hold..

This chronicle will bring Senach to level 3. I may need a day or two to get everything squared away.

Venture-Captain Hestia Themis, a woman of small stature, but great importance within Cassomir, sweeps locks of thick, raven hair away from her face. As she starts to speak, shrill horns bellow an alarm. Hestia pauses for the signal to quiet, and as the trumpeting ring fades, her booming voice continues.

“Colleagues, the city of Cassomir declared a state of emergency this morning. Late last night, a swarm of rats poured into Cassomir’s streets, spilling from every sewer grate within the Old Cassomir district. As the city guards dealt with this infestation, a large assault force of derros penetrated Swift Prison. Within a few hours, the derros emptied the Swift, and marched their new slaves into the Darklands. Normally we defer incidents like this to the authorities, but I offered our assistance. There’s an item of interest, a church bell called the bell of obedience, that may reside in Swift Prison’s chapel. We want to catalogue it and may never have another opportunity to explore the Swift unsupervised. While investigating the derro invasion, head to the chapel and inspect the bell. If possible, I want you to determine whether the Chapel’s bell is in fact the legendary bell of obedience without taking it from the prison. Cassomir’s constabulary is as of this moment fighting Cult of Nature’s Cataclysm devotees at the south entrance to the prison. The constabulary agreed to distract the cultists there so that you might approach the Swift from its north side and enter the prison from the south gate behind the cultists.”

At that moment, a teenage boy enters through the Cassomir Lodge’s front door and Themis gestures him over. “This is Nefti—I believe some of you may know him already. Though he works with the Aspis Consortium, he helped us rescue a fellow Pathfinder when this derro business began. It seems Nefti happened to be serving a debtor’s term inside the Swift when the abductions took place. For his testimony to last night’s events we secured his release. He agreed to escort you to a spot north of the Swift where he will tell you all he knows. Any questions?”

Senach listens to the Venture Captain, arms resting on the shield standing in front of him. When Nefti appears, he nods genially towards the boy, and favors him with a small smile.. until he hears of the boys recent doings and his smile turns to a stern frown. As the Venture Captain finishes speaking, he turns back to her, saying "Ma'am. How are we to know if this bell is the Bell of Obedience? What clues will tell us right? And what are we to do once we have inspected the Bell? The captives, though criminals themselves, should not be left in such dire care. Will there be a rescue mission? I imagine we should be able to follow their trail once we are inside the prison.."

It is clear that although Senach will follow orders to check the bell, he considers the bell to be a secondary priority to any rescue mission.

"It appears young Nefti has a talent for seeing things," smirks Vulpina, favoring him with a wink. "The Aspis are lucky to have him."

A young half elven female enters into the room. She is dressed in studded leather armor and has a mandolin on her back. In her hand is a glaive and she has a warm smile.
Hi, I'm Phoebee but you can call me Phoebee. she says. I'm here to learn new stuff, I am here to explore, cooperate and to help out what is needed. I have some really great stories to tell too

Kazu nods in agreement with Senach. "I agree. We can't leave those prisoners to the derros. Who knows was evil deeds they have planned?"

He then turns to glare suspiciously at Nefti. He didn't trust him when they first met and he doesn't trust him now. "How did you escape?"

"Well met, Phoebee," says Vulpina.

As a side note, she sits today in her kitsune form for the first time since the adventure started, a cross pattern to her fur. "If I am to be fighting my way through hordes of rats and derros, I see no reason to hold back," she will have explained to her comrades, should they have any questions about the kitsune wearing Vulpina's usual outfit.

A FOX! A WALKING, TALKING FOX! she says, amazed. OOOOH, may I please touch your fur! she asks.

Vulpina's brow furrows, and her fur visibly bristles. It takes a lot of willpower to keep from snarling. Say, DC15.

Will Save: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20

Thankfully, she's able to keep from growling.

"Absolutely not."

But I have never met a talking, walking fox before! Maybe I will write a song about walking talking foxes she says grabbing her mandolin and beginning to pluck at the strings.