Iron Gods: Forged into Legends

Game Master polyfrequencies

"I can summon a giant bat to find it. Can you dismiss Gauntlet to summon something that flies to chase after it? Or can you fly after it like you did with that Manticore?"

Thawm holds up the holy symbol around her neck and begins chanting.

FRA to start casting SM3
That's Thawm's turn xD

I can do it either way: Grow Wings or Summon something. Which would you guys prefer? Gauntlet or no Gauntlet?

Re-posting from Discussion.

Keldor tries to be prepared for anything, keeping his Detect Evil constantly in use as he looks around.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

Oh well...them's the breaks.

Gauntlet's look around, while in the hall. Does not detect any evil within its area of effect.

A giant bat appears in the northern chamber. Flapping around pinging the walls around it. It does not strike out at anything.

The bat can still move or standard action, since it just appeared there then didn't do anything, since it didn't sense anything

Realized the area around Basil was still dark. I revealed more.

Basil can see into another room. Along with more bodies there are large solid cilindars. It looks like this should have blinking lights, based on what you have seen before, but everything seems dead here. There is also a a hole that looks like it must have held some sort of device. Metal tracks to slide in something.

The creature is still missing.
If you want to do half a round based on what you see, let me know

Round 6
Bat, Thawm*, Gauntlet, Basil* <--
Monster (-50)

I just realized that it's DC 25 to push and I get -2 from pain... can I just rely on the old wording of SM and tell it to "come"? xD
Assuming not:
Handle Animal -pain vs DC 25: 1d20 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 4 - 2 = 3 lol

"Here, bat." Thawm says, beckoning the celestial dire bat.

Keldor will move down the hallway to get the most perspective on the new area.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

Basil moves further into the complex, not wanting to give the creature time to hide properly.
I moved over there because I did not want to vanish in the blackness...basically do a full move into the unknown, look around, then move some more if no translucent shapes spring into sight.

The bat flies around in the tunnels, but flaps back to Thawm.

Gauntlet moves down the hallway did you move on roll20? I think that means you move further. I will move you a bit.

Basil moves into the unexplored area. In this chamber seems to be a strange structure, it looks like it was once a scupture, made of scrap, that looks like a upward facing claw. Though it seems to have broken down quite a bit.

But Basil, with her see invisibility sees this creature curled up inside the remains. Almost treating it like a strange nest. The creature seems to be trying to lay low. Likely assuming it's not seen.

Round 7
Bat, Thawm*, Gauntlet, Basil* <--
Monster (-48)

I was a little busy and forgot. Sorry. Thanks for moving me. Shoot the dang thing Basil.

Sorry if I did not clarify, but I was basically holding my action(s) to allow Basil to shoot first. Especially since she's the only one who sees it until she let's us know somehow that its there. Does that make sense?

Yup that make sense. If she can see invisible, the creature is pretty much surprised. So if she can hit it in 1 hit, it might be down. Will see how her rolls.

Basil takes note of the creature but advances towards the bridge ignoring its presence. The moment she feels she is close enough, she raises her gun while turning to face the creature, and fires a single shot at the center of the creatures mass. "There - Gauntlet, smash down into the center of the claw sculpture."
Attack: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 9 + 2 = 30 Damage: 1d6 + 4 + 2 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 2 + 2 + (1, 6) = 21

Judgement=>Destruction, maintain Bane

Technically, does Gauntlet still have a 50% miss chance for just knowing the space? I mean, maybe it gets up fast enough while he rushes there, but even invisible, "curled up in the claw" seems accurate enough to only be, like, 20% miss? :)

As the creature sits, assuming it is hidden, Basil's see invisibility spots the creature. Running forward and shooting straight at the target, the bullet strikes the creature's strange exterior and flies straight through it burying itself into the strange metal sculpture.

The creature's limp body falls down to the ground, its skin becomes visible and the limbs twitch slowly till going still.

Combat over with that near crit

Suddenly ignoring her bat, Thawm comes running around the corner. "I heard a shot."

Then she sees the corpse of the aberration and nods appreciatively at Basil's handywork.

"Nice shot on the Rhu-Chalik, Basil. Next time I'll cast something to deal with invisibility first and ask questions after.
Think there's anything else around here? Seems like the floaty-squid killed everything before we got here."

and another of those blasted claw statues reaching up. Just like that room with the gargoyle...

As the creature falls down, Basil reflexively shoots it once more, if only to make sure it would stay down. There were plenty of creatures that faked their death to survive, after all.

"Hm? The invisibility is limited to the visual spectrum of light. If you simply tune your eyes into the wavelenghts above 120 feet, then there is not sufficient distance to break the existing pattern, enabling you to see through it out to...approximately 60 feet. It is slightly taxing to enter the mode, but once accustomed, it requires little effort to maintain."
Yeah, yeah, she used magic. Divine one, too. But to her, it's all technology and logic. Because we had something going there ;)

Looking around, Basil nods: "It seems this Rhu-Chalik killed most if not all others around here. We should still approach with caution. While it is prudent to take this opportunity to further explore, I feel compelled to inform you that I feel - drained. I believe certain Nanite-based Assistance-Modules require replenishment. I will need some time before returning to peak performance levels."

Approaching quickly, Keldor slows once he sees the corpse. He then leans over to heal the android's wounds.

Lay on Hands(Healing+Fatigue Mercy): 2d6 ⇒ (5, 5) = 10

"So...what is this Roo-Chuckle thing? I've never seen or heard of anything like it before. It was trying to contact our minds before, correct? My god's grace saved me from the creature's awful intrusions. Stay back, I will check the 'nest' to make sure it is dead."

Keldor will drag what is left of the creature out of the 'alter' to examine it more closely, then see if it left anything behind of value.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

"Rhu-Chalik." Thawm corrects Keldor.
"It's an evil, thought-reading, floating, pain-loving squid from who-knows-where. Somehow it reflexively transmits thoughts it reads somewhere. Probably to wherever it comes from. Usually I get more out of the Akashic Record when I use that power."

Thawm shrugs. "It must be a very rare breed of abomination."

Turning to search the room, she adds "Anyway, let's see if we can't find anything useful here. If we encounter more trouble, I can hasten our retreat."

This creature does not seem to have anything of value. The sculpture was once made out of various scrap. Looks like this creature might have been using it as a test, and it is somewhat falling appart.

With careful searching you don't find anything else of damager here. The only thing of value you can find is the mundain weapons carried by the dead bodies around.

You do see an area with a variety of cables and tubes, that Basil entered eariler. In that room there seems to be an area for power collection. Maybe some form of storage unit for power.

Above you is the large dish. You can piece together that this is the location that the array was sending power to from torch. Though the equipment that received it on this end seems to be missing now that it is not accepting power.

It almost looks like this place was abandoned by people then the Rhu-Chalik settled in here.

Thawm sighs. "Looks like we came here for nothing. Why don't we head back to the clocktower?"

Keldor nods.

"Agreed. We need to go over what we have found so far."

Let me know if I can chime in with any info you would know

I think we just go visit the ratfolk on the way to our nap xD

Thawm, mildly annoyed at summoning something fruitlessly for the second time today, leads the way back to the headquarters of the rat-people.

The group gathers their things, and heads back out. Following their last path through this area. They are't approached by anything this time. They make their way into the secret tunnel and pass by the old Manticore cave. Eventually making their way out.

Soon after exiting they start to spot Redtooth people watching from hills and caves. Just watching, ready, but hidden behind objects.

Approaching where they believe the Warren of the Redtooth is located. Outside a small cave are 5 armed Ratfolk and a Dire Rat with a collar stand at the front.

"Ah! You lot. Do you come in peace? Redtooth wishes to speak to you. if you are willing to discuss an alliance"

Keldor steps up, still clad in Gauntlet's form.

"We are most amenable to such discussions. Alliance is a word not spoken of often in these lands from what I can tell. Please lead on."

Thawm, still just a bit grumpy, nods and follows Keldor's lead.

The lead you into the Den. In through some cave areas. They do flank you as you go in, but its mostly out of rigorous training.

One of the first things you notice is the tunnels are only 4 feet high. All of you, and Gauntlet most of all, are needing to duck in to fit into these tunnels.

The rats move into a slightly wider area. You see more ratfolk scattered about. They move up to a rock wall, and press on a small rock formation and a tunnel opens up into a deeper area.

This new chamber has 6 more ratfolk guards stationed here. Only slightly alarmed by you entering.

You move through to one more chamber. This is a bit taller, though Gauntlet still can't stand tall. A crouch or a wide stance will do. Inside this last chamber is a throne made of junk and scrap metal. It is the only furnishing in the room. 4 guards stand around the throne, but sitting on it red fured Ratfolk, with tight braids resting over both shoulders.

She speaks up, "Greetings travelers. You have made a bit of a name for yourself around our fine city. I am sure you have heard of Hellion. I am curious what your thoughts are on that entity... Because I want to stop it before the Lords of Rust gain too much power. Do your desires align with mine?"

She does not detect as evil -because I know you will check

Smart man.

Keldor will glance at the others, then reply.

"We believe the Lords of Rust to be a cult of evil design, whether by intention or not. Hellion has already put Torch at risk for its own ends, and we believe it is up to no good here. They intend to spread this Hellion's control and worship in some format, and therefore they call danger upon innocent bystander's heads because of it. How would you suggest we proceed? You know more of this place than we do."

"He means 'yes'." Thawm says with a nod.

"And 'any suggestions you have are welcome'. For the record, Basil and I are of the same mind." Thawm looks at Basil for confirmation.

"Accurate. Our Desires align. My thoughts on Hellion are mixed - curiosity is one strong feeling - he seems to be able to grant divine magic to followers, which implies a minor divine spark. I would very much like to perform a Vivisection on him to analyze further.",
Basil responds, while her eyes rapidly cycle through a variety of colors before returning to normal.

And just to complete the cycle: does she detect as chaotic, good, or lawful?

You detect Chaotic on her

With a nod "Yes, I worry about Hellion.. Though my more immediate concerns are of the gangs that follow it. Or at least rival gangs that cause us trouble."

With a softer voice, one of saddness, "I am not sure how much you have delth with the Smilers gang.. They captured my brother. I wish to get them back. And if in the process take down their gang, it would bring much peace of mind to myself and my people"

Looking up, "I know you have your own desires and I wish to offer you choice.. The large array. The one in the old Thralls of Hellion territory. I know that the Lords of Rust have used it in the past to gain power of some kind. I wish to destroy it. Full destruction. It would be a big step in removing possible power from The Lords. I have a lead on explosives that could be used to destroy it. I know not what the array looks like now. Though I assume with the destruction of the Thralls, it could be anything. Its only a matter of time before the Lords of Rust take over that territory."

"What say you. Are you willing to help us out? We just want this town to be a place of safety. While people like the Smilers and Lords run around, it may never be. I do not have the most to give. Though I do have some items that might be of use to you. If you prove yourself, I would be happy to provide some additional support. A few of my men and women would gladly work with you"

"We're already at odds with the Smilers. We'd be happy to cause more trouble for them."
Thawm looks to Keldor and then Basil as she adds "I'm not sure how much we mind picking a fight with the Lords."

"What did you say might be of use to us? And what constitutes 'proof' of ourselves?" she asks at last.

"Could you arrange for information to be leaked to Hellions servants that you plan on taking the Array in force? Wishing to fortify the position against the Lords of Rust? If we can lure them into acting to send in combat-experienced troops to repel your expansion attempt, we may blow them up together with the booby-trapped array. We have a handle on an alchemist. I am quite certain she could create chemical timers of a variable lenght that could ignite the explosives. So all we would need to do is scout for the approach of the Lords, set the timers, hide the explosives well, then vacate the Array as if we were fleeing. They assume position inside while we return with a larger force to block the exit, and they get vaporized. Elimination of a significant number of combat veterans will make our own objective of access to Hellion itself significantly easier."
Basil suggests without significant emotion in her voice.
"If you prefer, we can also retrieve your brother first. We might be on a tighter time schedule on that."

She lowers her head thinking about what you said. "Well. First, what I meant by proof, was doing one of these tasks for us. While a bit of an abstract concept here, your scrapworth, among all the gangs would go up if you performed these tasks. Likely bringing more attention your way"

"As for luring Hellions servants there. I like that, in theory... My people tend to be more visual spies. We don't interact, at least in a meaningful way, much with the other gangs. They like to torment us. Not sure how useful seeding rumors would be."

Then with a chuckle she pulls out a small device "Not sure you will need to work with this Alchemist. I have this detonator. The thing I lack is explosives. I believe there would be some in the strange haunted structure at the furthest east point in the city. There is a valley that ends in a strange vessel. It almost looks like a crashed bird. Years ago someone brought back a block of material from there. When provided a strong charge it exploded unlike anything I have seen before. We have not been able to acquire more. But if you wish to attempt it, I can give you these remote detonators."

She holds it out for you to see.

"If you were to help get my brother back.... or at least proof of his body.. I can work on trying to spread a rumor. Might take a few days. "

Pulling out a wand "as a gift of good faith I can give you this. It might help you, or help my brother".

Wand of cure moderate wounds with 18 charges left

"We will make ready today to rescue for your brother early tomorrow." Thawm says with a smile as she approaches to accept the wand.

Amazed at the gift of such powerful magic they themselves could use, Keldor dismisses gauntlet and allows his normal form to show as a gesture of good faith and trust.

"We thank you for your intelligent cooperation, and can only try to meet or exceed your expectations as allies. Explosive you say? I would love to see a detonator up close...do you think they work with the same energy/distance technology as the transmitter from Torch?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

Engineering: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28

The detinator is handed over. It is a small handheld device can be keyed up to certain types of explosives. Once keyed, you can move up to 1000 feet away and pulling the trigger to cause the explosive to go off.

"Of course. If you need a night that is fine with us. You can stay here in our cave if you wish, though it looks like you may not fit as well as you would like." she chuckles a little.

"Thank you, that would be nice."

If no one sees us leave, they won't necessarily realize we're working together...

Not wanting the Ratmen to think Keldor ungrateful, he quickly makes a diplomatic excuse to move out.

"I think a quick retreat to the Temple of Brigh might be in order if we want to plunder a haunted 'structure' for explosives. The priestess might have some suggestions or knowledge about it that you might not."

Thawm whispers loudly while using one hand to hide her mouth from Keldor's view. "He likes the priestess who lives there."

Then, without mock pretense of hiding information from Keldor, she says "I think we should ask her about it, at least. Perhaps it would be safer for your people as well."

Ready to leave but not wanting to go first, Thawm waits for Keldor or Basil to lead the way out.

"Technically, I do not require rest. Alas, it would allow me to return to making use of my full capabilities. Regardless of the explosives, I believe we should first free the brother - I very much doubt that the Smilers are hospitable jailors. Do we need to consult the Priestess on that matter?"
Basil seems perfectly fine with staying. Small spaces did not scare her and laying down, there was plenty of space to rest in the cave.
Alas, she was aware of her difficulties with reading intent and was ready to follow her allies lead if she somehow read the information wrong.

I see no reason not to stay - IC - but I'm fine if you want to head back to the priestess.

I am thinking any info we can get the better, and I thought we wanted to blow up the enemies when we rescue the brother? Or something like that? Either way I'm fine rescuing the brother or getting the explosives first. In the end Keldor just would rather not stay in a 'rat-hole' for the night. Just his personal opinion.

Lol, lead on then. Perhaps with an affirmative nod to Basil?
xD
As much as I like the sound of blowing up parts of the smiler HQ, I'd worry too much about hurting the brother accidentally unless we have some gloves of reconnaissance and just want to open an extra entrance

Just for the info sake. The explosives are all the way to the east, just past where the array is. The smiles are to the northwest, you will need to go past the temple to get there. The rats want you to explode the array, not explode the smilers. 2 Very different quests. Redtooth also wants you to rescue her brother first, but i letting you pick because she knows it isn't great not giving people their own choice

I think Basil wanted to lead the Smilers to the Array to blow them up with it at the same time I thought. Then the Brother will undoubtedly be less guarded then and we could more easily retrieve him. I'm assuming of course...if the 'rumor' idea works? I don't know. Its Basil's idea. What do we want to do here?

I will tell you getting the Smilers from their lair, through the Lords of Rust's territory, is unlikley. Maybe possible with more local gangs to the array. I had assumed she meant getting the Lords of Rust to come to the array. The smilers are very unrelated.

As I noted in the comments, I'm now leaning toward rescuing the Brother first. Then we get the explosives and take out the array however we want. Thanks for clarifying the situation DM Nex. Should head back to the Temple, rest tonight, then hit the Smilers early tomorrow? Rescue OPS!

The group politly says they will travel to the temple tonight, and head into the Smilers in the morning.

Redtooh "Please let some of my guards travel with you there. Don't think we can spare an attack on the smilers, but we can make sure you are not harassed tonight"

With a few Ratfolk in tow the group heads back to the temple. Dinvaya is working on something when you enter "Ah.. not dead yet I see. Anything I can help you with? Seems like you are making a name for yourselves."

YAY rescue ops!

Thawm manages to speak up first. "Hello Dinvaya. We're going to stage a rescue tomorrow in Smiler territory. Got any tips that might help us turn a frown right-side-down?"

"Tips of the pointy object variety are welcome, of course." she adds with a smile.

She juts her hip out and rests her arm on it, and uses the arm with a wrench to clean her forhead. "Well, the smilers are terrible people.. Most of them live in strange huts and shacks throughout their territory. If you plan on attacking their headquarters though.. Hmm" The thinks things through. Pulling off her gloves and creating some water via spell into a cup.. Downing the whole thing.

"I believe the building they live in is an ancient Medical Facility. So its not just a cave or wood structure. It is made of sky metals. Their leader is a Hobgoblin necromancer named Marrow. You can put the pieces together, medical lab, necromancer, ancient tech.. Those things do not lead to a happy place."

I can't tell you much of the layout of in inside, though I do know that there are defenses on the outside. Strange fire rays can be fired out. So maybe prepare for defense of fire. I can prepare some Resist Energy for you in the morning, if you wish"