GMTrex's 5-09 The Traitor's Lodge PbP (Inactive)

Game Master Andrew Trexler

Detect Magic:

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10 (If the axe is)

For those that remain unidentified (presumably those for which Druthane rolled < 20)

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

Between the two of you, you manage to identify all of them (the axe is not magical). They are:

oil of magic fang
oil of magic weapon (x2)
potion of cat's grace
potion of fox's cunning
potion of cure moderate wounds

Two identical doors stand against the western wall (as well as the unopened door in the first room with the vats). What next, Pathfinders?

"One particular ledger contains decades of tables resembling a shopkeeper's records, which seem to track fluctuations in the price of larvae -- which Ober recognizes as a valuable planar trading good among the evil planes -- and indicating that Thurl himself actively participated in the larvae trade."

"Blech!" Munk grimaces. Imagining larvae transactions makes Munk feel sick. "This Thurl guys only gets creepier and creepier."

But the party's hour spent in the library makes Munk impatient. He's always felt like he's had good intuition, but has never cared much for reading. Mostly, he feels like dense texts don't speak to him.

"Well, since they're identical... shall we try to open this door?" Munk points to the door to the left. He tries to open it.

Strength: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

The unlocked door smashes open at Munk's heavy-handed push.

Glass cases, each a three-foot cube, line the walls of this L-shaped five-foot-wide stone hallway. Each sealed alcove contains the slowly wriggling form of what appears to be an oversized insect larva that has a vaguely humanoid head wrinkled in pain.

"we should take as much proof as we can carry, just in case. Also either one of the arcane casters should take the Fox's Cunning." Druthane then begins a thorough inspection of this room.

-Posted with Wayfinder

T'Orca uses detect evil on each of the larvae, and also scans the room entirely for several minutes using the same spell and generally looks around.

perception: 1d20 ⇒ 9

Trifle will also look around for interesting ... trifles.

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

"My inclination is to burn this repository to the ground, but I'm sure some purer soul than me could find some good within these tomes to make the worth saving."

Ober begins to look over the Larva, praying for Guidance as he does.
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23

And wonders if they are what he thinks they are, again asking the Goddess to guide him in his endeavors.

Know Planes: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24

A number of small alcoves line this hall, each covered with a thick glass case sealed by numerous latches and clasps. Inside each alcove is a wriggling larva, each of which DOES detect as evil. There is little else of interest in the room besides the door at the far end.

While you poke about the room, Valais stands before one of the glass cases for a quiet while, possibly wearing sad expression (it's hard to tell with her face). Eventually she muses, "I guess... I am made of one of these?" She turns to you, expectant uncertainty laced into her voice. "Am I, am I still Valais? Am I still a... a Pathfinder?"

"Yes," The young War Priest responds immediately. "We are judged by our actions, not the actions of others. We are judged by our decisions. You have fought valiantly and held firm to your sense of self. Do not let these things cast a shadow on the victories you have won."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

T'Orca has made a life of chasing down and smiting evil, but believes more than anything in the possibility of redemption for all creatures. T'Orca steps back from glass tanks and speaks quietly to Valais:

Our past belongs to nobody else but us. No matter what was done to you, the choice to be a Pathfinder in body and soul is yours alone. However I can, I keep my word to serve you in that quest until those beetles eat the flesh from my bones.

diplomacy, aiding Ober: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27

Druthane is far less concerned about such questions, but he does not enjoy the suffering of others. He lets the more silver-tongued party members sooth Valais

-Posted with Wayfinder

After some kind words from Ober and T'Orca, Valais nods slowly and turns back to watching the larva wriggle in its cell. A steely determination now marks her expression.

There's the door at the other end of this hallway, as well as two unopened doors in your rear. Where to, Pathfinders?

Let us continue through the Larva chamber and explore what lies behind that door. I'm sure it's nothing terrible.

Also I'll cast guidance and resistance on myself right before we open the door, lol.

Ober opens the door, leading to a large, multi-level chamber.

The popping and fizzing of bubbling liquid echoes throughout this rectangular chamber. In front of you on the west side, a platform towers fifteen feet over the rest of the room. A steel grate extends from this platform like a bridge to a large metal cauldron suspended by rusty chains above the floor. Steep steps descend around support pillars to the level below and a pair of iron doors stand on the eastern wall.

"I remember waking up here," Valais says in a hoarse whisper when she steps into the room. "The traitor Thurl! stepped up and told me, 'It seemed like you wanted to learn what I was up to, Pathfinder. Think of this as the first step in teaching you. Ah, but your growth is not yet done...' ... I looked down and saw, well, this." She stares at her feet. "The next time I awoke was in one of the vats."

Ober scouts out ahead.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28

Tip-toeing out onto the platform and peering into the suspended cauldron, Ober spies a pair of hooked noses poking out of the bubbling reddish-brown goop.

Oops, too late, but if nothing jumps out at us, I'd prefer to check out the parts we missed.

If it's okay with the party, Druthane will soon quaff the Fox's Cunning.

Druthane, I wouldn't mind turning back at some point, but until we decide as a party, I'm going to explore a little.

Munk runs forward and does some scouting, too.

"Gonna see what's down those steps." He takes the steel steps on the left and makes his way down. He looks for anything strange.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

Munk approaches the eastern end of the room, where he sees several shelves full of what looks like alchemical reagents. Some may be fairly valuable.

However, since Munk (nor Ober) made any real attempt at stealth, the creatures enjoying the heat in the cauldron soon hear the sounds of your exploration -- even through the bubbling and fizzing of their environs. Two imp-like stitched creations burst out of the cauldron!

Initiative! We'll say everyone is aware of each other for this one (and Druthane quaffed Fox's Cunning).

Druthane: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
Trifle: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
Ober: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11
Sigrun: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
Munk: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
T'Orca: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
Baddies: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
Valais: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

Initiative Order
Trifle: CURRENT
Valais:
Druthane:
T'Orca:
Baddies:
Sigrun: (Delay)
Ober:
Munk:

Trifle never goes first!

Trifle runs forward and throws out her hand, murmuring, "Color spray!" A burst of rainbow colors bursts from her hand, making everyone feel as if they are in a hyperactive 1970s disco of the human world.

Will save (negates) is DC 15. 2 HD or less: The creature is unconscious, blinded, and stunned for 2d4 rounds, then blinded and stunned for 1d4 rounds, and then stunned for 1 round. (Only living creatures are knocked unconscious.) 3 or 4 HD: The creature is blinded and stunned for 1d4 rounds, then stunned for 1 round. 5 or more HD: The creature is stunned for 1 round.

Sightless creatures are not affected by color spray.

I'll let you roll based on the hit die.

Round I

Will 1: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9 FAIL
Will 2: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24 AUTO-SUCCESS

One of the creatures (top-most, mini is upside down) is shocked by the array of bizarre colors and stands stunned. The other doesn't even flinch.

Valais gathers her courage and takes a tentative step forward, loses said courage, and steps back again. No bawling this time, though.

Druthane!

Round I Update
Trifle: color spray
Valais: hesitates on the edge of action
Druthane: CURRENT
T'Orca:
Baddies:
Sigrun: (Delay)
Ober:
Munk:

Druthane will take a swift action to enchant his blade and advance forward to slice the closer beast.

1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19 DMG if hit: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

T'Orca can only move 20 feet in medium armor...:(

Unsheathing Greatsword, T'Orca moves closer to the imps and shouts:

STAND DOWN FIENDS! and in a growled whisper ...get off my lawn

Demoralize: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21

Round I

Druthane makes a good swing but the blade is turned just enough by the creature's tough hide. T'Orca gives a terrifying yell and strikes fear into the imp-things.

One doesn't move, still staring at the pretty colors, but the other attacks Druthane as though enraged. It swings with two claws before attempting to bite.

Claw 1: 1d20 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (4) + 8 - 2 = 10 MISS
Claw 2: 1d20 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 8 - 2 = 24 HIT
DMG: 1d3 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + (1) = 3 DMG 3 (2 normal, 1 fire)
Bite: 1d20 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 8 - 2 = 24 HIT
DMG: 1d4 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + (5) = 7 DMG 7 (2 normal, 5 fire)

As it strikes you, the reddish-brown muck it's covered in burns your skin beyond the normal weight of its attacks. After the bite the creature slides deeper into the suspended cauldron and stretches its wings, as if about to take flight.

Ober!

Round I Update
Trifle: color spray
Valais: hesitates on the edge of action
Druthane: enchants sword but misses
T'Orca: intimidates
Baddies: strikes Druthane for 10 dmg
Sigrun: (Delay)
Ober: CURRENT
Munk:

Move action activate wrists Heath move action cast bless, free action drop wand, swift action cast divine power using fervor.

swift action cast divine power using fervor.

Divine power is 4th level cleric spell?

Munk!

Munk takes a five-foot step back, draws two shuriken, and flicks them both at the closer of the two baddies.

Flurry of Blows 1: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 61d4 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Flurry of Blows 2: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 131d4 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Favor, my apologies

Trifle, hating her inability to employ her greatsword, regretfully pulls out her crossbow ad shoots the lower creature.

Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Favor, my apologies

No worries! That makes more sense.

Munk and Trifle lay on some ranged attacks, landing one blow each.

Valais continues her hesitations.

Round I Summary
Trifle: color spray
Valais: hesitates on the edge of action
Druthane: enchants sword but misses
T'Orca: intimidates
Baddies: strikes Druthane for 10 dmg
Sigrun: (Delay)
Ober: buffs
Munk: shuriken

Round II
Trifle: crossbow bolt
Valais: hesitates on the edge of action
Druthane: CURRENT
T'Orca:
Baddies:
Sigrun: (Delay)
Ober:
Munk:

My move is predicated on the ability to still hit it, not sure the relative heights of everything. Also, did T'Orca successfully demoralize?

Druthane slides forward and tries again with his blade. The magus's wounds clearly show, but his determination trumps it.

1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22 DMG: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

My move is predicated on the ability to still hit it, not sure the relative heights of everything. Also, did T'Orca successfully demoralize?

Druthane slides forward and tries again with his blade. The magus's wounds clearly show, but his determination trumps it.

The black steel platform stands adjacent to the suspended cauldron, and both are 15 feet above the eastern side of the room. Sliding forward to attack will involve stepping onto/into the cauldron. I'll let you keep your rolls either way, but please let me know if that is in fact what you are doing before we proceed.

(T'Orca was successful at demoralizing.)

Screw it. Assuming the ledge isn't THAT narrow, I'll try the balance. If I die, it'll be awesome.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

After making the slash, Druthane will purposefully fall back onto the ground. Acrobatics check to lessen the impact: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22 (No damage)

Screw it. Assuming the ledge isn't THAT narrow, I'll try the balance. If I die, it'll be awesome.

Whoa. That was ballsy.

Druthane puts a foot out onto the cauldron's edge, testing its balance, and it seems to hold. He advances towards the foe -- with the chains suspending the whole structure creaking angrily at the unbalanced weight, and sloshing some burning-hot goo all over the magus's boots Fire: 1d4 ⇒ 4 DMG 4 -- but *just* keeps his balance enough to make a powerful slash before adroitly tumbling away and landing gracefully on the floor below.

That could have been much, MUCH worse. Well done.

T'Orca!

whoops didn't realized how high up the cauldron was suspended. I was hoping I could reach over and stab into it.

T'Orca will sheathe Greatsword and switch to the composite shortbow as a move and free action, and then fire at the one that Druthane slashed.

attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

whoops didn't realized how high up the cauldron was suspended. I was hoping I could reach over and stab into it.

With a reach weapon, you could. Otherwise, not so much.

T'Orca fires off an arrow and hits the creature in the ribs.

Meanwhile, one creature shakes off the effects of color spray and fling a handful of boiling muck at the party, which splatters in a sanguine burst of red all over Ober.

Boiling Blood @ Ober (Touch AC): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14 HIT
Fire Damage: 2d4 ⇒ (4, 1) = 5 DMG 5 (Fire)

The other creature perches itself on the edge of the cauldron and goes nuts on the chain suspending it, clawing and biting his way through. The cauldron dumps its entire load (including the imp-things) onto the floor below and creating a pool of burning-hot blood-goo.

Munk Reflex: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11 FAIL
Druthane Reflex: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6 FAIL

Munk and Druthane both take 2d6 ⇒ (5, 4) = 9 DMG 9 (Fire) and are now entangled (as a move action, DC 15 Escape Artist or STR check to become unentangled). The stitched imps, meanwhile, are prone. The entire area is difficult to traverse due to the stickiness of the rapidly-cooling surface. (Area marked in red on map.)

Round II Update
Trifle: crossbow bolt
Valais: hesitates on the edge of action
Druthane: slash and snazzy acrobatics
T'Orca: arrow
Baddies: flings muck, dumps mucks
Sigrun: (Delay)
Ober: CURRENT
Munk:

Ober and Munk to finish Round II!

PFS shirt reroll?

Valais! Join us! Begin the path towards vindication and revenge! Everyone, rally our new friend to the cause!

PFS shirt reroll?

Go for it! Don't forget your +3. DC 15 for half damage and no entanglement.

REF: 1d20 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 + 3 = 17 BOOM!

Ober leaps down toward the prone imps.

Non-lethal: 1d6 ⇒ 1

And then attacks.

Bonuses for Attack: +1 Bless, +4 STR, +1 Weapon Enhancement, +1 Weapon Focus, +3 BAB, +2 Divine Favor, +1 Fate's Favored Trait -1 Power attack, total of +12

Power Attack: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30

Guessing that will hit.

Damage Bonuses: +1 Weapon Enhancement, +6 STR, +2 Divine Power, +1 Fate's Favored, +3 Power Attack, total of +13 Magic

1d8 + 13 ⇒ (8) + 13 = 21

Bonuses for Attack: +1 Bless, +4 STR, +1 Weapon Enhancement, +1 Weapon Focus, +3 BAB, +2 Divine Favor, +1 Fate's Favored Trait -1 Power attack, total of +12

You also get the +4 for attacking a prone creature, so yeah probably. Lol. On the damage, though, are you using a two-hander? I thought you had a longsword.

In either case, Ober takes a leaping swing and delivers a massive blow to the fallen foe; though the creature still breathes its twisted, mismatched innards are now well exposed and it appears to be on its last legs (figuratively speaking).

Munk to end Round II and Trifle to begin Round III.

On the damage, though, are you using a two-hander? I thought you had a longsword.

Btw, the bonus list is super helpful, so thanks. Though I'm not sure you've got enough buffs... ;)

I do have a longsword, I wield two-handed. So I get the 1.5 bonus

Ah, gotcha. For some reason I thought you needed a bastard sword for that, but you are correct. Big swings!

Round II

Using a move action, Munk attempts to get disentangled with a STR check!

Strength: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17 Whew! That should do it...

Once again, Munk throws two shuriken at the same baddie.

Flurry of Blows 1: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 161d4 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Flurry of Blows 2: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 31d4 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Encourage Valais!

Trifle will follow Ober's lead by jumping down -

Nonlethal: 1d6 ⇒ 5 Yowch!

- and attempting to make her way to the creature who is furthest away.

Reflex: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

Assuming she makes it, she will draw her longsword and swing at the downed stitchling.

Attack: 1d20 + 6 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 6 + 4 = 21

Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

When jumping down purposefully you can make a DC 15 Acrobatics check to lessen the fall by 10'. Anyone can use acrobatics.