Motteditor's Savage Tide (Inactive)

Game Master motteditor

Sekathral, who has had a great deal of experience (of various kinds) with water, looks slightly less worried.

"We ain't likely to drown yet, shipmates - whatever's happening's a good way away right now. If we want to have a look at the big ****er"

He gestures towards the ziggurat

"Let's do that. I'm fed up with being ankle-deep in trog s**t or whatever this stuff is"

He lifts his foot out of the mud, grimacing and producing a squelching sound. Whether that's down to the mud or something internal to the elf isn't entirely clear.

"Well, if there is time, we should be on with it. Let us go check out the ziggurat. But stay close, so that I can take us out of here when needed."

Khazmia heads toward the ziggurat unless stopped.

Kyson follows, trying to stay up in the air about 40' so he might scout ahead.

"Just be ready to get everyone out of here if we are in danger, Khaz!" Kyson mentions.

"Okay but let's make it quick", Zstelian adds as he follows the princess.

"I hope that the incoming flood will keep the denizens of the ziggurat sufficiently distracted so we can sneak inside", Linah says and moves with the rest of the party.

You begin making your way through the twisted, half-living city toward the ziggurat. As you approach, Kyson can see a flurry of movement, strange creatures -- some snakelike forms with human heads, others more reptilian, and a number of troglodytes -- moving with seemingly intent purpose away and throughout the city.

Creeping closer, you discover amid ruined towers of melted stone and malls of quivering ooze a wide area lies clear of rubble and less wholesome debris. From these cleared acres rises a stone pyramid that looks out of place from the surrounding madness, its dimensions having the look of lucid design and bearing comforting right angles of masonry.

The sides of the ziggurat are festooned with detailed carvings of reptilian and simian monsters wrapped and cradled in endless coils of tentacles. Steep steps rise into the darkened, noxious cavern air to a simple platform at the ziggurat's summit.

Not all seems right, though, as several cracks mar the pyramid's masonry, revealing sections of diseased purple flesh within. In addition, two sides of the pyramid look to be partially overgrown, covered in putrid swaths of pale green mold. In places, great slicks of tacky, dried blood stain the ziggurat's sides.

1d20 + 18 ⇒ (6) + 18 = 24 Know (Planes)

"What an interesting ziggarat," Kyson remarks to himself as he airwalks closer. He ignores the little voice in his head that is telling him to go to one of the exits and seal it over with stone...then run, run as fast as he can, back to the surface, back to the sun...

"Interesting isn't the word I'd use", Zstelian grouses as he approaches with the others. "Is it me or are the walls... alive? What in the Nine Hells is that purple s!$%?"

Knowledge (the planes): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

"Alive but dying, it looks like", replies Sekathral, pistol in hand and eyes alert for danger

Perception: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (10) + 19 = 29

"Alive?Interesting." Khazmia ponders the idea of living construction, not as disturbed by it as she feels she should be. And that disturbs her more.

ignorance is bliss? She can't make that knowledge check

"Do you think we should take a sample of it with us?"

"Kyson, please stay out of sight. We do not want to alert anyone should they be watching", Linah urges the air walking Kyson. Then she turns to Sekathral. "Can you see a way inside?"

You don't see an obvious entrance, though you do see three Large creatures -- similar to the one you fought on the Blue Nixie, when Kyson was being controlled, but larger -- seemingly stationed around a domelike bulge of constricted, bruise-colored muscle at the apex of the pyramid.

The combat map is sort of updated; you can get an idea of what the ziggurat looks like, though it's too small (1 square=20 feet) to use for combat.

"Does it seem to you that those creatures are guarding the .. thing on the top of the ziggurat?" Linah asks. "Do you think that the thing is sentient?"

"They're guarding something", answers Sekathral. "And it's either alive or it's ****ing way in. What do we want to do - just whale on 'em or sneak by?"

"One of those things took over Kyson last time we fought them. Three is too dangerous without protection. Anyone have a spell that can protect our minds long enough to kill those things?"

"One of those things took over Kyson last time we fought them. Three is too dangerous without protection. Anyone have a spell that can protect our minds long enough to kill those things?"

Kyson looks frightened...moreso than usual.

"Are you *sure* we need to go in there? That we even need to go there at all? Why wouldn't we go to the exit and seal it off or make for the surface? We've done what we need to? And we don't need to fight whatever those things are, do we?"

Kyson makes some very good points in Kyson's mind.

"We're not done here", Zstelian explains. "We came to this godless place to make sure no more of the cursed black pearls make it out to the surface. We're not going home until we know for sure the monsters making them are good and dead. Suck it up a little longer Kyson."

"Besides, you've been taking the ****ing place apart so far, mate. *You've* got nothing to be scared of!"

Sekathral gives the cleric a wink and a reassuring slap on the back, then turns to Zstelian and Khaz.

"Here, how about I turn invisible, then get in position? Then you lot can do what you ****ing well like, and when you engage, I..."

He jabs out both arms in a stabbing motion, making a squelching sound as he does so.

"Here, how about I turn invisible, then get in position? Then you lot can do what you ****ing well like, and when you engage, I..."

He jabs out both arms in a stabbing motion, making a squelching sound as he does so.

"I do like the idea of a little protection from them for all of us, but especially for Kyson." She looks to the others to see if anyone has that sort of thing to bring to bear.

Unless something else comes up before everyone else is ready, at the "go", Khaz casts greater invisibility on Sekathral.

Kyson shakes his head, unsure this is a good idea.

"I don't like this one bit...but if we must do it, let's do it right," Kyson worries. "Zstelian, c'mere. You too Linah."

Kyson pulls out a rod and casts Extended Magic Circle of Protection from Evil on Zstelian. 220 minutes of protection. And when the party to move on, he will cast Protection from Evil (11 mintues) on Sekathral, knowing he's likely to stand back or aside or behind the foes.

"We need to stick close to Zstelian for this to have any protective effect," Kyson reminds Linah and Khaz. Kyson uses a pearl of power to recast Magic Circle on himself as well.

He also casts fire seeds on the berries in a pouch.

"Okay, that's about what I can do now."

"Kyson, I can see that you have your doubts. I wish that we did not have to confront this source but I agree with Zstelian that we have no other choice. We do not know every entrance to this city. What if we miss one?"

"Sarenrae has granted me resistance towards outside influence. These creatures can not influence my thoughts. This protection also affects those around me, but it is not as potent. Should you keep close to me the creatures should have difficulty affecting your thoughts as well."

Unless further delays are necessary, invisible Sekathral moves out.

stealth: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (9) + 16 = 25

Perception: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (2) + 19 = 21

Khazmia watches as Sekathral moves out. Waiting a moment, she then nods and moves off, following at a distance, and away so as not to draw attention to her invisible friend.

Spells cast, you begin making your way up to the top of the tower, Sekathral invisible.

Kyson and Khaz can fly, I know. Is everyone else scaling the ziggurat? Any effort to hide Khaz and Kyson's approach?

1d20 + 18 ⇒ (4) + 18 = 22

If there is no effort to hide, we can go straight to initiative. All but Khaz and Linah will be up for Round 1/2; if there is some effort -- which would need to beat a DC 22 Perception check -- you can all get a surprise round action before going into full round 1 with that initiative.

Kyson doesn't need to approach first or with others. However, if given the time, both he and Khaz can approach with the group, just airwalking up instead of climbing.

Kyson has no further preparations. He stays close to the team while they ascend.

Khazmia has Mage armor, overland flight and see invisibility going, and a wand of empowered fireball in one hand. Lina has the slippers, Sekathral is invisible. There was some talk of protection from evil as well.

Right; I was more wondering about your ascent up the ziggurat. Sounds like we'll just begin combat with round 1 -- let's say when you get to 60 feet away. Initiatives are above.

Sekathral will bide his time until the creatures are occupied with the other members of the party, then skewer the nearest foe.

Attk 1: 1d20 + 18 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 18 - 2 = 24

Attk 1: 1d20 + 18 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 18 - 2 = 29

Dmg 1: 1d6 + 2 + 4d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 2 + (6, 4, 6, 1) + 1 = 25

Dmg 2: 1d6 + 2 + 4d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 2 + (2, 4, 4, 2) + 1 = 19

Linah will use her slippers of spider climbing to ascend the ziggurat. She tries to stay out of sight as long as possible.

Stealth roll: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

Kyson moves forward, climbing in the air. When Seka attacks, Kyson springs into action.

Not sure where everyone is on the map. Happy to begin fighting, but need more visual aids to know distance of enemies.

Sorry, will try to get a map up. Let's assume they become aware of you at 60 feet away and start Round 1 there. I assume Seka's circling around, while Linah and Zstelian are scaling the ziggurat. Kyson and Khaz are with them, in the air.

OK, I've got a combat map up. Remember the squares (which are tough to see) are 20 ft.

Because we're kind of depending on this single magic circle to keep us from getting dominated we need to shuffle forward little by little.

Zstelian takes a couple strides forward and calls down his goddess's blessing. "Stay close!" he warns.

Move forward 10 feet and divine favor.

Khazmia glances as her friends all seem to holding cautiously, waiting for someone to step.

"I suppose it's time to get things started."

Using the wand, she releases the tiny sphere of flame, delighting in its path as it heads towards the center creature.

wand of empowered fireball, caster level 9: 9d6 + 4d6 ⇒ (4, 1, 3, 4, 2, 6, 3, 1, 5) + (5, 3, 5, 6) = 48 Dc 18 reflex negates

Round 1

Kyson moves up apace with Zstelian and the party. After their first move he, will cast Blessings of Fervor on the party.

Cast Heroes' Feast: The ambrosial food grants each creature that partakes a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours. 7 Temp HP to all.

A bump and a post to make sure you’re not waiting for me. I’m not up until after the beasties go, right?

Thanks. I was just being slow.

Sekathral casts his spell as he inches forward, Kyson following him both up the ziggurat and in spellcasting.

Seka sneaks up to position on the far side, seemingly ready to take the creatures by surprise. He's able to see each of the three drink a potion and then take to the sky, ready to engage his companions. He can take those attacks as they take off, but didn't want to assume he would reveal he's there, so figured I'll let him tell me in R2 and it can be retconned as needed. If he does, they'll fly up 10 feet; otherwise they fly 30 feet toward the others, putting them 20' away.

Stupid flying monsters

Initiative 12
ac 28 (32 vs AoO provoked by movement), touch 17, fleet-footed 23
fort +14, ref +15, will +15 (immune to charm, disease, fear)
cmd 26
hp 98/98, 7 temp hit points
effects: aura of courage ‘10 +4, aura of resolve ‘10 +4, Heroes feast

Linah sees the hideous creatures take flight with a sigh. ”We need to either ground them or lift us up!”, she says. With one eye on the terrible abominations she reaches out with her paladin senses to search for any supernatural evil imbuded within the ziggurat.

Move action to stay close to Zstelian
Standard action to use Detect Evil on the fleshy ziggurat parts

Motte, you saw Khaz' fireball, yes? Just wanted to be sure it did something before Kyson casts his own fiery effect.

Round 2

Kyson swiftly moves to inspire his comrades (not Seka) in this fight. Heroism:+2 morale to attacks, saves, & skill checks. 4/12

Kyson casts Flame Strike on the two bottom baddies.

12d6 ⇒ (6, 3, 2, 4, 4, 5, 3, 6, 1, 4, 2, 3) = 43 Fire/Divine damage vs. Reflex DC22 for half

As a move, Kyson shrinks in behind Linah lest the baddies attack him first.

Cast Heroes' Feast: The ambrosial food grants each creature that partakes a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours. 7 Temp HP to all.

Khaz wasn't up in Round 1/2, so technically it hasn't happened yet. That said it will have some effect.

Round 2

Yes - Sekathral will have stabbed the nearest one as it took off

Having put six feet of steel as close to his new playmate's kidneys as possibly, Sekathral rolls underneath it as it takes to the air, intent on rejoining his companions, housing his blades and drawing his pistols as he does so

Moving towards the party over the rubbery fleshlike resin - Acrobatics: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (1) + 25 = 26 to avoid AoOh dear

If Khaz's fireball hasn't gone off yet, then I'll wait for the next round after it does.

Zstelian?

Sorry, my busyness threshold has been exceeded as of late.

Zstelian takes a few more strides forward and flings a bladed disk at the nearest of the horrors.

Chakram (range, heroism, fervor, favor): 1d20 + 14 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 14 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 31
Damage: 1d8 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 7 + 2 = 11

Taking the +2 attack/AC option from BoF. Moving forward 10 feet.

Sekathral stabs the nearest creature twice, though its tough scales turn his first blow. It spins around to locate him as Khaz's fireball catches it and its companions in a massive explosion.

Linah detects evil auras as around her as she begins to concentrate, creeping forward with Zstelian, whose chakram catches the central creature, though its effects are quickly lost amid Kyson's spell.

Hovering 30 feet in the air, the creatures spread out, and Kyson and Khazmia feel a tickle in their mind, one that fades after a moment. Their attempts were foiled. Khazmia a moment later feels a searing pain, as if something were stabbing her in the brain. 22 hp; DC 18 Will save for half

will vs DC 18: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18
Spell craft?

You don't think it's a spell or magic you are familiar with.

Round 3, init 20

Sekathral keeps his guard up, weaving this way and that in an attempt to disguise his true intentions

Bluff check to Feint: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (6) + 15 = 21

Round 3

Kyson continues to inspire his comrades (not Seka) in this fight. Heroism:+2 morale to attacks, saves, & skill checks. 4/12

Kyson casts is own little ball of fire at the top baddie.

1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 11 + 2 = 32 touch hit;
1d6 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10 fire damage.

Cast Heroes' Feast: The ambrosial food grants each creature that partakes a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against poison and fear effects for 12 hours. 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14 Temp HP to all.

More flying enemies!

Zstelian flings a volley of blades at the nearer of the flying monsters. "Keep it up! Their tricks aren't going to work this time!"

Chakram (range, heroism, favor): 1d20 + 14 - 2 + 2 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 14 - 2 + 2 + 2 - 2 = 33
Damage: 1d8 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 7 + 2 = 11
Offhand: 1d20 + 14 - 2 + 2 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 14 - 2 + 2 + 2 - 2 = 24
Damage: 1d8 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 7 + 2 = 10

Iterative: 1d20 + 9 - 2 + 2 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 9 - 2 + 2 + 2 - 2 = 22
Damage: 1d8 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 7 + 2 = 13
Offhand: 1d20 + 9 - 2 + 2 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 9 - 2 + 2 + 2 - 2 = 27
Damage: 1d8 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 7 + 2 = 14

Secondary Iterative: 1d20 + 4 - 2 + 2 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 4 - 2 + 2 + 2 - 2 = 5
Damage: 1d8 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 7 + 2 = 16
Offhand: 1d20 + 4 - 2 + 2 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 4 - 2 + 2 + 2 - 2 = 9
Damage: 1d8 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 7 + 2 = 14

Taking the extra attack from BoF.