Iron Gods: Forged into Legends

Game Master polyfrequencies

"We'll have to prevent the blasted hum one way or another." Thawm nods.

"Aye, we are still willing to blow up the array, and as many of the Lords as possible. We had a brief talk with your brother regarding the smilers - maybe it would be a good idea to coordinate with the Steel Falcons to permanently lay them low? No need for a formal alliance, just agree not to get in each others way and coordinate strikes to prevent them from reforming. If you are willing to do so, and send an envoy to them, namedropping us should be beneficial to the cause, and we should request the assistance of an Alchemist who temporarily took residence with them. Between her prowess and the clockwork priestess, I believe we may be able to enhance the volatile nature of whatever explosives you know about significantly.", Basil answers Redtooth.

Rubbing her hands together, "While that might help, I have some intel that some ancient explosives, from the falling stars, are ripe for the picking. There is what the people around here have been calling the haunted wreck to the east. At the most extreme end of the city there is, what kinda looks like a boat with wings, but it is crashed into the side of the city. I believe it houses some explosives. I do have detonators that should work with these explosives. Not sure if your friends would be able to enhance it even more. I have yet to be able to send anyone that way to dig into the ruins. Is this something you would be willing to do?" She seems eager and looks over your group.

"As for the Steel Falcons, I can send an envoy to discuss with them. They have never been at odds with us. Maybe we can work together to keep the worst gangs down a bit. Even if I am not a fan of working with any other gang. As for the Clockwork priestess.. not sure she would want to leave her little tower. She has helped us in the past, but is rather aloof"

Thawm wrinkles her nose at the thought of fetching the explosives herself.
"We can acquire the contents of this haunted wreck. Is it a long walk?"

Keldor automatically defends the priestess.

"Aloof? I think you misjudge her. She is merely dedicated to her god and her craftsmanship, which is just another aspect of her worship as well in the end. Judge her on her direct words and actions, not her lack of attention to certain details or any strange mannerisms."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

Continuing to rub her hands together, a rather rat like action, "Well Allies are never a bad thing. We can send a envoy to her with a request a meeting."

Looking at Thawm "It is to the far east of the city. Though still inside the scrapwall. You will need to go through the old Thralls of Hellion's Territory. They are seemingly destroyed, so I don't imagine they will cause a problem. Then you need to go through the canyon.. There are very likely undead there. Though if you dealt with the smilers, you likely know how to deal with the unlife. Once you get to the crash, I am pretty sure you can find some explosives. Some of the old records call them Cylex."

Looking over all of you "Also, you are all welcome to sleep to recover from rescuing my brother..." She seems to have an air of worry in her voice over your appearance.

Keldor nods, but begs off.

"I think we should go talk to the Priestess first and let her know what is going on, and what is happening next. She has been very helpful, and the least we can do is keep her informed. Not to mention her advice has been spot-on so far."

"...and her beds are clean and probably less flea infested, and she's MUCH prettier..."

Frowning, Keldor berates himself internally as he finds such un-nice thoughts coming from him as disturbing.

Thawm sighs, but then immediately perks up, intent on needling Keldor.
"Fine. Have it your way, Keldor. Let's go sleep over at your girlfriend's house."
Turning to Redtooth she adds "We thank you for your offers of hospitality, but someone should let her know that you're on our side before your envoy arrives anyway."
Thawm looks to see that no one has anything else to add before bowing out.

Turning to go, Keldor nods again.

"Yes let us get going...wait did you say...?"

Keldor stumbles and nearly impales himself on a nearby piece of sharp scrap-metal as he falls.

"I...WELL...I never....NEVER! NOT here...need some air..."

He then moves quickly out the passageway into the open area near the gang-tribe's front door.

"He may be biased. I believe he intends to breed with the priestess. Or at least run some compatibility tests on that matter.", Phai excuses Keldor storming off.
"As for the others, I am not asking that you clearly cooperate with any others - simply that you coordinate to both of your benefits, and to not get in each others way. A respectful distance with a common purpose - the smilers wronged both of you in a significant way, keeping them from reforming under new leadership seems a reasonable goal for both sides."
Turning to leave as well, she adds:"We'll follow your directions and retrieve this Cylex as soon as reasonable, tomorrow, so that we still have some time to prepare the trap. If you could send some scouts to your borders in that direction that can update us on anything of notice when we pass them, that would be helpful."

She nods to Basil "I see the logic in working together.. There is just the history of violence between all of us gangs. We have survived by keeping to ourselves. But sometimes the enemy of my enemy is my friend, so they say. I can do what you say. See if it works out"

"I can send a few our. Look out for red flags in the rubble. You will find a scout there. They will hopefully have some info as you pass them. I wish you luck. And tell the human man I hope he has a large litter." She chuckles to herself.

-- Forward

As you move back up to the clockwork temple. You are given some space from others. You are left alone, but are given looks as you go. As you enter the temple, she greets you "Ah yes.. You again? I hear you have done some impressive things. I suspect that the Lords of Rust are going to invite you soon. What can I do you for?"

Blanching at the woman's words, Keldor blushes and stammers.

"We hope to rest...here again, and...go over our plans with you. Your advice...so far...has been spot on..."

Cleaning off her greasy hands off on her apren. "Of course. Do tell, I have an idea of what you have done.. I believe the Smilers are in some sort of disarray.. What is your side of the story and how I can help"

She gestures to places to sit. She sits down and listens.

You have a place to rest and discuss. Feel free to RP as much as desired, but you can also skip to the next day if you wish

Keldor will keep his mouth shut from here on out. I'm OK with skipping ahead if the others are. NOTE: I will summon Gauntlet and heal him up fully before sending him back to the ether so he's ready for the next day and my spells will be fully charged and ready to go.

I also don't mind skipping ahead xD

Thawm explains about their raid on the Smilers and the rescue of a ratman. After also explaining about the planned looting, she asks "...and would you kind enough to prepare that spell for hiding from undead tomorrow? It sounds like we'll need it."

She nods "I can prepare hide from undead, but it will only last a bit more than an hour. By the time you get over to the other side of the city, it might be running out. UP to you."

Then with a wink to Keldor "Any requests from you? Anything I can do to help you sleep?" She holds more eye contact than her normal communication.

Embracing the awkward. Let me know if this crosses any lines

LOOOOOOL
Also, how about Lucky Number? It's on the cleric spell list and it lasts 24hrs :D
I guess there aren't a lot of hr/level buffs. I can only think of mage armor xD

Eyes flashing with excitement, and without embarrassment Keldor immediately seizes the opportunity...

"Absolutely! I've been dying to ask about your clockwork golems here! How do they function? Are the magically powered by your god or do they have another source of energy...?"

He will then proceed to bombard the pretty woman with question after well-thought out question until well after sundown, and until everyone is tired and ready to nod off.

No lines crossed... =)

Basil knows no 'shame' - I was very close to asking Keldor if he now wanted his sexual release in front of her, but that would be just cruel.

"If you'd be willing to provide us with spells once more, I would suggest providing one of us with a ward against radiation, and possibly allow others to delay the effect of poisons until such time as we return. I would also be willing to submit to a Status - if one of us were taken down, it would be helpful to know if they are dead or prisoners.", Basil calmly suggests. "Additionally, providing one of us with Ant Haul would allow us to more easily retrieve the explosives and anything else that seems helpful. Finally, Redtooth asked me to wish you and Keldor a large litter. I would second that, but I am unsure if you might instead prefer sequential delivery in which case..." muffled "...what are you....why do you .... my mouth..."
I am gently assuming either of my comrades shuts me up at this point, if neither is so inclined she'd probably finish her well-wishes and not notice any awkward pause caused by it.

Without hesitation, Keldor uses his magical cloak's prestidigitation ability, and causes a bunch of chicken feathers to burst in front of her mouth! As such things go, they get everywhere... including Basil's mouth.

Almost angry, Keldor waves at the air vehemently.

"Are we quite finished taking advantage of poor Keldor the Paladin? Let's go get some rest please. We have ancient 'space-explosives' to retrieve tomorrow, and I for one do not want to be tired while doing so."

He then turns on his heel and marches off to a room other than the one everyone is in.

I'm sure the sound of at least two girls' twitters will follow him out.

Thawm's tittering follows Keldor out.

"Now about those spells..." she begins.
Once plans are laid, Thawm also retires for the night.

With a bit of a chuckle Dinvaya points at Basil "Clean those up. I don't want those getting into any gears or intakes.. I am sure you two can find any accomidations you need. And yes, I will prepare whatever you need for tomorrow. Happy to assist.. But for now, I am going to follow our poor Paladin friend" She spins and walks into the room with Keldor.

---- Scene goes black.. Feel free to go as far as you wish.. She is down, and happy to be a driving force in the evening. Middle aged Half-elf has some energy in her step ----

In the morning she as disheveled. She is found tinkering early. Seems she tends to wake up early to offer her prayers over her gear works.

She prepares Protection from Radiation, Status, and Delay poison communal.

"Status might help me know how you are doing. Stay safe, and help out this god forsaken city"

Keldor whistles as he wanders the halls looking closer at the golems and gears arrayed everywhere. He takes the lady's hand before summoning Gauntlet.

"Your chapel is a virtual cornucopia of wonders! Thank you for letting us stay here...and other things. I hope my friends and I were no trouble to you. Now...let me show you my friend...Gauntlet."

Spending the requisite time and materials, Keldor summons the now fully-healed Inevitable eidolon, stepping back dramatically to fuse with it.

With wisps of steam escaping his joints, and fantastical gears spinning, Keldor waves Gauntlet's hand around.

"Now may lady, Guantlet and I am ready for your spells and incantations. Protection from Radiation you say? Can such energy harm us here? I've only learned a small matter about such things personally."

I'm just throwing this out there now, just in case: Are we anywhere near leveling again? I just hate going into a fight under-powered if I can help it.

those are all 2nd/3rd level spells, so we can all get Lucky Number too, right? :D
Also, is she CL 6 or higher? status only gets 1 person per 3 caster levels...
also, maybe Delay Poison x3 is better than splitting the hours between us xD

Thawm cuts in before Dinvaya can answer, but doesn't really speak to Keldor. "Thanks, Dinvaya, a Radiation Ward would be helpful. Who knows what altered that manticore we fought, we might walk near it while searching for those explosives."

"Your help is appreciated greatly. While we are there, is there anything you would want us to look for? Anything that might be of use to you? You are very skillfull with crafting and repairs, but no doubt you need some materials from time to time as well. If there is a way we could repay you for your help by salvaging something you need, this might be a good opportunity. If the explosives are indeed still there, chances are it has not been thoroughly looted yet.", Basil responds with a monotone voice, while accepting whatever spells are placed on her.

Keldor wouldn't dream of using Detect Evil on his compatriots unless he felt there was a reason for it, or it was an 'accident.' It would be rude otherwise.

That was spoilered 'GM', actually. I did not expect you to scan directly, but it is a cone-shaped emanation and you only get to pinpoint auras on round 3+. So in or out of combat, there may be situations where Basil causes a random ping by wandering into or being in the cone - especially in a (near) combat situation that may also cause a false positive so it felt necessary to point it out from a player perspective.
As there were no problems with it so far, Basil IC sees no reason to discuss it - if it doesn't come up, all good, if something happens/it does come up during the day, then in the future she will give IC notice. As in, not trying to mislead you guys, she simply doesn't consider that it may be relevant to tell you.

Leveling soon, but not quite yet

Walking over to Gauntlet, Dinvaya is a bit surprised. She starts to get very analytical with the summon. "Is this extraplanar? Or constructed? What is the origin? Are you merged together or is it a suit? Fascinating"

She does reach out and casts a few spells on the group.

Castings:
3x Radiation Ward (7 hours)
2x castings of Status (split between 3 people) (7 hours)
3x Delay Poison (7 hours)

"There is definitely radiation around in the scrap here. If you will find it on this mission is unknown.. As for things for me. I am always willing to take in interesting scrap. Something unique I can use or tinker with. I will leave that to your discretion."

Understood Basil. Will be fun if it comes up, otherwise no worries

After all preparations you gather your stuff and head out. It is a long trek through the city. You spot a few people here and there dodging your path. Seems like you have a name for yourself here now. As you move through the area that the manticore lived, then north through the Thralls of Hellion used to live after being destroyed. You see the area that is called the Haunted Canyon. It is shrouded in strange mist that makes it hard to see beyond 5 feet. They feel clammy and very unpleasant. What is your group plan?

Thawm takes a moment to cast Detect Radiation, Barkskin, and finally Mount.
Mounting the conjured steed, she says "I'll know if we get close to areas of radiation. Hopefully we can avoid any that we find entirely rather than hoping that Dinvaya's protective magics are enough."

3 of 5 channels from last night for anyone who was injured, lol: 6d6 ⇒ (3, 2, 2, 4, 4, 6) = 21

Glad he could finally impress the beautiful woman, Keldor fills her in as she casts her magic.

"I'm sort-of unsure of the exact details, but he IS extra-planar. A living creature of some sort, but we bond physically. He's not like other Eidolons too...he's basically related to 'Inevitables' too which explains his appearance: A combination of technology and living creatures."

"Do we know it this mist is natural in this area? Or is it magical in nature?", Basil inquires, expecting Thawm to be able to determine the answer.
If there was trouble waiting for them, it would be adapted to the local circumstances - as such, it seemed reasonable to release additional adrenaline to heighten the level of readyness.
Heightened Perception, dismissing in case of combat for the +4 Init.

Perception: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 12 + 2 = 32
And Detect Evil in a sweeping forward scan.

Thawm casts Detect Magic and examines the fog.
I think I might need a knowledge arcana or spell raft check...

Keldor let's the others examine the fog, and allows his vision to slip into the spectrum of 'evil detection', just in case.

"Let's assume the worst either way even if we cannot tell. Follow behind me, but not too close once we enter."

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

He awaits his comrade's results/decisions before entering.

These mists seem to radiate faint necromancy magic. It does seem to be based on magic somehow, though not sure how.

Basil looks into the mists. Unable to see far into it, she can hear things moving in the mists. Knowing something is out there and likely coming for you as you hear a collective "Eeeeehhhhhh eeeeehhhhh" as multiple things shift forward.

You are able to pick up 4 evil auras coming your way.

2 large rocks and debris fly forward striking out at Basil and Thawm.
P3 vs Basil: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
P3 vs Thawm: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18

Damage vs Thawm: 3d6 ⇒ (3, 1, 3) = 7

Round 1
P3, P4
Thawm <--
P1
Basil
P2
Gauntlet

New Map via google slides

So lets use google sheets. See how it goes. I can go back to roll20 if needed. No grid on this map, but we can just go with trust on this. Everything beyond 5 feet is currently fully obscured, and they are also invisible. So avoid meta. Going to try to be easier on the tactical for this. All critique is welcome

unless these guys have some sort of mist-sight or other shenanigans (which they probably do) I demand a reroll for miss-chance due to concealment! And maybe some sort of perception check to pinpoint our location... possibly a low DC 'cause Thawm is noisy... and on a horse...

Which reminds me, she's on a horse. I'll just make her token bigger xD

"Blasted rocks." Thawm says before casting Shield.
She slowly advances into the mist.

only 10' or 15' depending on if I grew Thawm in the correct direction...

They don't have issues in this mist :). Yall are the ones who are going to have difficulty

Another 75 clump of rocks comes flying out of the mists.

P1 vs Thawm: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Damage: 3d6 ⇒ (2, 2, 3) = 7

"വീട് .. വീട് ... സ്വയം നീക്കംചെയ്യുക."

Round 1
P3, P4
Thawm
P1
Basil <--
P2
Gauntlet

Definitely taking cover this time, now that I'm not flat footed...

ride to hide behind horse (DC 15): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Thawm quickly swings herself over the side of her horse to dodge the debris.
I'm not 100% sure, but I think I just have soft cover for all attacks now...

Actually the cone is another 5 feet larger than I made it, but I wouldn't hit any more guys with it so I'll leave it as-is.
Basil takes note of the direction she and Thawm were attacked from, then starts swiftly moving forward while disengaging the safety on her weapon.
Not able to make out an enemy in the dense fog, she raises her weapon regardless and fires off a wide-spread blast of shrapnel. The stones were thrown, it was unlikely their assailant was far away, unless it was a giant playing with pebbles.

Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8 Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Attack(Reroll Determination to avoid Misfire): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26
Miss Chance: 1d100 ⇒ 65

There was no sound indicating she hit any creature, but maybe the blast would have some impact on the visibility regardless.

As said it should be a 25 feet burst, I think that's reasonable to try, especially if there's any chance that the blast manages to clear some of the fog away.
Also, with some movement the aura positions should be able to be estimated due to picking up the direction - since the angle changes as she moves, she should be able to estimate about how far away enemies are, at least initially, as it takes concentration which she will drop when firing.

Basil's shot strikes one of the creatures.

Basil? I am still unsure based on your sheet. Is your gun magical? if so it does half damage to the creature. Otherwise nothing

As the shot strikes the creature it flashes into the visible spectrum for a second, and you hear a scream in the mists. For a second the area that was struck by the blast clears, though it seems to be filling back in quickly. The creature struck seems to disappear again instantly as the bullet goes through it.

Basil's Area is clear for 1 round

Another rock flies out toward the horse.
P2 vs Horse: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Damage: 3d6 ⇒ (3, 4, 6) = 13

Round 1
P3, P4
Thawm
P1 (-2?)
Basil
P2
Gauntlet <--

horse at 2/15 xD

Casting a quick Protection from Evil Spell on himself, Keldor strides into the edge of the mist toward one of the figures, hoping and praying for the best results.

As Gauntlet walks forward in the mists, unable to see very far. Reminder they are invisible

Shifting and eering noises come from the mist as 2 more rocks fly out. One at Basil and another at Gauntlet.

P3 vs Basil: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
P4 vs Gauntlet: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Both fly wide and strike into the debris.

You have briefly seen one flash into existance, but it just feels like rocks and clumbs of scrap are flying out of the mist.

Round 2
P3, P4
Thawm <--
P1 (-2?)
Basil
P2
Gauntlet

Thawm climbs back on her horse and casts Bless as she continues to advance very slowly into the mist.
move to climb up and standard to cast... I don't think I can 5' step in the mist, but I'm pretty sure I can auto-succeed at guide-with-knees and the horse can move up to half its speed...

I hate to say this, but one of us may need to use a Channel Energy to get rid of these pest-full poltergeists.

Suddenly right in front of Basil and Thawm a skeletal creature with strange remnants of clothes. Flashing a terrifying visage in your form. It then goes invisible again.

DC 14 will save or be Frightned for Rounds: 1d4 ⇒ 4

The cleared mist seems to shrink back down.

Round 2
P3, P4
Thawm
P1 (-2)
Basil <--
P2
Gauntlet

is that for Basil & Thawm but not Keldor?
Thawm is never scared! though she should be...: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

Aura of Courage: Immune to fear (magical or otherwise). Each ally within 10 feet of her gains a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against fear effects. This ability functions only while the paladin is conscious, not if she is unconscious or dead.

Keldor gets frustrated with all of this blather and dire warnings.

Actually, it's only Thawm. Android: Immune to fear effects and all emotion-based effects. The flip side of not getting morale-bonuses, either.
Attack(Pistol Whip: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19 Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Free Knockdown Attempt: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

Basil is unimpressed by the creatures sudden appearance. Unsure what exactly she is facing, and reluctant to step back and risk missing her mark, she instead whirls her gun to hold it with the barrel, then slams the stock down on her enemy, trying to knock it to the floor.

Spending one grit to pistol-whip, it also gets the +1/+1 for being magic.