Motteditor's Strange Aeons PBP (Inactive)

Game Master motteditor

Al smears dirt on his newest wounds and continues the attack.

Dirt On It: 8d6 ⇒ (4, 6, 4, 6, 1, 4, 3, 1) = 29
HP: 52/102

curve blade, power attack with focus: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (14) + 21 = 35
damage: 1d10 + 5 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 5 + 12 = 25

curve blade, power attack with focus: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (20) + 16 = 36
damage: 1d10 + 5 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 12 = 19

curve blade, power attack with focus: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19
damage: 1d10 + 5 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 12 = 19

possible crit on 2nd attack...

curve blade, power attack with focus: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (5) + 16 = 21
damage: 1d10 + 5 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 12 = 23

Round 6, Init 24

Tristain shoots at the remaining polyp.

5d6 + 5 ⇒ (3, 5, 6, 4, 4) + 5 = 27 force damage
1d20 + 18 ⇒ (17) + 18 = 35 SR

Tristain's Haste: Round 6/14. You feel an urgent need to bonk your head on a wall, this can be overcome by acting quickly and decisively. If you choose to act quickly and decisively, then get +1 to attx/reflex yadayadayada. Otherwise, choose to enjoy a nice wall bonk, which is also lovely.

Bleeding in more ways than he’d like to admit, he’ll swiftly convert a spell to a cure critical wounds.
CCW: 4d8 + 14 ⇒ (4, 7, 6, 8) + 14 = 39

Then he’ll swing away!

”C’mon Teralindar's Honor! Do your thing!”

Scimitar: 1d20 + 16 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 16 + 4 = 30 (favor)
damage: 1d10 + 17 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 17 + 4 = 26 (favor)

Scimitar: 1d20 + 11 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 11 + 4 = 28 (favor)
damage: 1d10 + 17 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 17 + 4 = 24 (favor)

Starflit moves close enough to let her goddess' power free Al and Kyffin, helping prevent them from taking further harm as the pair heal themselves, while still swinging away. Unfortunately, the polyp's constantly flickering and shifting body make it hard to hit, as multiple times blades and arrows seem to just pass through space where the polyp was moment before. Al hit once, but then the crit missed due to its ability; same with Kyffin (who I think is forgetting the bane property, which would make the second blow a hit). Lothan would have hit twice, but one missed due to miss chance.

The creature looks like it's badly hurt, but still about to lash out again at the two nearby swordsman when Kaklatath fires the last charge from the lightning gun -- and hits directly in the creature's face! There's a horrible sound of sudden silence, as if the wind itself where holding its breath, and then the thing explodes in a burst of air and flesh!

I remembered K's lightning gun and it finally hit!

Oh yeah, I totally was not adding bane - sorry about that! I’ll make a note and try to remember…

Kyffin is very pleased they got out of this one, ”What a mess.” he comments as he gets the goo off himself. He’ll bestow fast healing on himself and Al (30hp healed each), and apply the wand for topping up. Please heal yourself and I’ll track wand charges.

CLW: 3d8 + 3 ⇒ (4, 2, 8) + 3 = 17

After a brief rest and while everyone is healing, he says, ”OK then, I think I can handle another fight or two yet today, if you are all up to it. What do you all think? We are in a hurry after all. I don’t want to break for a rest if we can avoid it. At the same time, I want to be somewhat careful. There are real challenges here.”

"Oh man, that was a mess, wasn't it? Say Loudmouth," Tristain tries to get the attention of the loudmouth, but then feels the need to clarify. "Say *Swordy* Loudmouth, your slicable honor, sir? Are there more of them around here? Or do we think that was all of them?"

He will cast Detect Magic and look around for fun stuff, happy to be alive.

Lol!

Lothan halfway turns his head toward Tristain before quickly playing it off as looking around; it registering a tad late that that was an insult. Riiiight. Sword. And me and you are the best of friends too, Bonk boy, he thinks to himself sarcastically.

CLW: 12d8 + 12 ⇒ (7, 4, 5, 6, 2, 2, 5, 4, 4, 3, 7, 6) + 12 = 67

Hp's 116/118

'One more fight....'

Seeing how many charges from the healing wand it takes to get Lothan back to full power, 'Flit decides to use up some of her daily spells to start healing herself. Once she feels recovered, the inquisitor sits with her back propped against a wall and again casts ears of the city, this time trying to discover if Lowls spoke to someone (an underling, perhaps) about his plans once he reaches Carcosa.

Starflit cure moderate wounds (self): 2d8 + 10 ⇒ (5, 4) + 10 = 19
Starflit cure moderate wounds (self): 2d8 + 10 ⇒ (3, 1) + 10 = 14
Starflit cure moderate wounds (self): 2d8 + 10 ⇒ (6, 2) + 10 = 18
Starflit cure moderate wounds (self): 2d8 + 10 ⇒ (5, 7) + 10 = 22
Starflit cure moderate wounds (self): 2d8 + 10 ⇒ (6, 4) + 10 = 20

Starflit Perception Check (Gather Information): 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (18) + 21 = 39

"SO MANY MORE ABERRATIONS! WE SHOULD DESTROY THEM ALL!"

Despite the sword's ... encouragement ... it quickly becomes clear that there seem to be innumerable flying polyps here. Kaklatath warns that even if you were to kill more of the creatures here, the violence would only rouse dozens more that would inevitably overwhelm you in a battle of attrition. The only certain way to keep the polyps from pursuing you and destroying the world is to seal them underground once more.

Kaklatath observes that psychic wards left by the yithians long ago are still strong enough to subdue the polyps were someone to physically seal the fissure here. The yithian says it can also contribute its own magic to strengthen the wards. Closing the fissure requires an extensive act of earth magic, such as dozens of stone shape spells, several applications of transmute rock to mud followed by transmute mud to rock, or something even more dramatic like move earth or earthquake.

Kaklatath also advises that expending any remaining power from the lightning gun could allow someone to melt the nearby stone like wax, causing it to clog the rift.

I believe you already know that Lowls went to Carcosa after activating the star stelae. You've activated two of them but have one more to go. Plus if you can seal away the polyps you can go set Upianshe to rest.

Kyffin wrestles his 'Honor into its sheath. "Later!" he offers.

Then to the group, ”I have some thoughts on how we might approach this. Maybe others have some spells too.”

Kyffin doesn’t have most of those spells, but tomorrow he could prepare two wall of stone (link) spells and five stone shapes (link). Maybe by placing the two walls of stone and anchoring them with the stone shapes we can get it done? I dunno, but I think we should try.

”Though I’m eager to follow Lowls, let’s back off and find a place to rest. Then let’s seal this fissure!”

”I have some thoughts on how we might approach this. Maybe others have some spells too.”

Tristain nods thoughtfully, thinking what he might contribute to the project. He takes out his quill pen, and thoughtfully writes two words which will symbolize his ability to help.

On his right palm, he will write "dick".
On this left palm, he will write "all".

And whenever someone asks how Tristain might contribute, he will open his palms to allow what is written there to explain his contributions. He wishes he could provide more, but his magics are more cerebral than earthy.

That is, unless some cleverly placed Disintegrate spells can do something, eh Motte?

Yeah, I'd allow that.

The group finds a safe place to rest -- though it's hard to be comfortable knowing so many polyps are slumbering so close, just waiting to wake and kill you all -- and in the morning returns to seal the fissure, using some of your most powerful magics. Lets say you use the two walls of stone, all five stone shapes, and five disintegrates.

With that accomplished, you return to find Upianshe, who thanks you for finding her sword and sealing away the evil of the polyps. "Now you must swear to me that you will destroy the evil that lives within the lake, and then finally I shall be able to rest."

So you have another star selae to find and align so you can perform the ritual to follow Lowls to Carcosa, with just four days to do so, plus whatever evil is in the lake if you want to do that. Upianshe definitely makes it sound like you'll not want to already be down a number of spells before dealing with the evil in the lake.

"We'll do as you ask Upianshe. But we'll need to prepare differently."

"Rather than head into the lake without some of our most powerful spells, let's find the last star selae at least today. We don't need to align it, let's just make sure we know where it is. Then we start on the lake evil tomorrow. Agreed?"

Kyffin wonders what leads they may have for the last selae.

Starflit nods at Kyffin's words. "I can listen again to the ...consciousnesses of this place to see if I can learn any extra little tidbits about the last star stela or the evil in the lake."

After casting ears of the city for (hopefully) the final time in twisted Neruzavin, the inquisitor sits down and goes into another fact-finding trance.

Starflit Perception Check (Gather Info--Last Star Stela): 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (11) + 21 = 32

Starflit Perception Check (Gather Info--Evil in the Lake): 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (10) + 21 = 31

"I can't believe that worked," Tristain says as he dusts off his dusty hands after a few choice disintegrations. "Nice stonework there, Kyff. Couldn't have done it without you. Really. I couldn't. Not a chance." Tristain seems pleased to have contributed something.

"I'm not okay with going underwater after the day we've had today. Let's take a day to get the dirt out from under my fingernails," Tristain suggests, thinking that he could also use some time to bonk the dust from his hair as well.

"Oh yeah, Starflit, that would be keen. Maybe get some info on the lake denizens."

Given any choice, Tristain will rest for the night, with the idea of going to the lake in the morning, and doing the Stellae the next day.

Kyffin shakes his head, "You'll 'rest' us right into failure! We've done nothing today but cast a couple spells to seal the rift. I'll need different spells for the water to be sure, but we can at least find the last thing we need today before stopping."

"It's the least we can do. We're running out of time. Lake tomorrow, but we find the star selae today so we know where we're going later when we deal with it in a couple days."

Starflit again learns from the city, again with it somewhat sickening her as the foul answers come back.

To find the star selae, seek the the Oraculum, the shrine atop the eastern mesa. None know who first carved the Oraculum from the shapeless basalt and wrought its form with magic, but the skywatchers three slither there, calling it their own.

The creature in the lake is the husk of a recovering Great Old One, the source of suffering in the region since Earthfall. It lured Count Lowls to Neruzavin, and is on the verge of awakening and threatening Golarion in earnest.

Daily Prep: False Life 1d10 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16 temp hp, Extended Heroism (Tris & Kyffin), Life Bubble (about 5 hours each), Overland Flight (13 hours).

Tristain notes that the somewhat long lasting Life Bubble will help with the underwater breathing needs, and can offer a Freedom of Movement to both Al & Kyffin (Starflit? Do you need? Sadly, doesn’t help archers, but can offer to Lothan if it will help).

He will cast the necessary spells when the party gets closer to the lake if that’s where we are going and we should go there.

I think the plan is to head to the oraculum, unless you want to change it.

Tristain and Kyffin put their heads together and try to figure it out.

We did a ton of fighting and figured out how to seal the nasties in. We slept. We woke up and cast 5 disintegrations and 5 stone shapes and 2 wall of stones to seal them in. So it's like mid morning more or less. We’re low on some spells, so we don’t want to go to the water yet. However, we're not quite done with this day and time is pressuring us.

If that paragraph is true, we'll head to the oraculum (Tristain agrees per OOC conversation). We might only nibble on the fringes and withdraw, but we'll at least know where it is and what we might be up against there.

Tomorrow, first thing, we head to the lake and vanquish the old one!

I'm sure nothing will go wrong...

CLW wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
CLW wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
CLW wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
CLW wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
CLW wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
CLW wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
CLW wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
CLW wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
CLW wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Al heals up and cleans his armor while the party discusses logistics. When they're ready to fly to the Oraculum he stretches briefly then leaps to the air. "Two days and then we can depart this twisted city!" The old man seems joyful at the thought, plus his prune supply is running dangerously low.

"We'll do as you ask Upianshe. But we'll need to prepare differently."

"Rather than head into the lake without some of our most powerful spells, let's find the last star selae at least today. We don't need to align it, let's just make sure we know where it is. Then we start on the lake evil tomorrow. Agreed?"

Kyffin wonders what leads they may have for the last selae.

Shrugging, "Sure. Works for me. Let's go kill this evil lake thing. I've really got nothing else going on, so, why not?" he responds, grinning wryly.

It takes you much of the day, moving through the twisting streets, avoiding -- or quickly dealing with -- the various dangers of Neruzavin. Eventually, though, you find what you think must be the Oraculum atop the eastern mesa.

Massive staircases scale the sides of this short, basalt tower ringed with unadorned columns. Open doors at street level lead to a chamber below.

Kyffin asks, ”OK, we ready?” He’ll cast a Bull's Strength and also line up for heroism.

When everyone is ready, he’ll head in looking for trouble, his sash blazing with light to illuminate his path if need be - and because Kyffin thinks it's cool.

Tristain bonks his head a few times more in preparation for going down.

”Yeah, sure. Let’s go.” Yeah, that’s a pretty cool light.

Al uses his new, shiny plate mail to relfect the light from the sash, adding to the coolness as they stride in looking for trouble.

As Kyffin leads the way in, he suddenly is wracked with pain! 21 hp, Will DC 22 for half Backing up, a little investigation reveals the area is warded with a forbiddance spell! You can also figure out that it's likely warding against anything that's not chaotic neutral/evil or neutral/lawful good.

6d6 ⇒ (2, 6, 4, 2, 4, 3) = 21

Will: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (7) + 17 = 24 vs DC 22 for 10hp damage.

Kyffin stands still, waiting to see if there's further injury, "Owie. That hurt. Hang on a moment... I think once you're in it's OK."

He'll tap the wand to counteract the harm done. The wand is nearly empty, but they have plenty more.

CLW: 2d8 + 2 ⇒ (2, 5) + 2 = 9

"Well, ain't that a load of stupid. Who puts that kind of spell here, in the middle of an ancient undead evil city? Seems pretty redundant," Tristain says, as he tries to figure out a good way around the annoying effect.

1d20 + 25 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 25 + 2 = 39 Know (Arcana) or Spellcraft Known ways around Forbiddance? Ways to bypass?

Tristain knows it's possible to include a password, which could allow creatures to enter safely.

"I dunno..." begins Kyffin slowly. "What about Oraculum? Not much of a guess, but it's all I've got I'm afraid. Not terribly good with head games." he chuckles.

Would love to see some input from Starflit and Lothan, even if it's just to remind us they are still playing and engaged. Daily posting, even if a null post helps us all.

Tristain looks to see if people have ideas. He bonks while he waits.

*bonk!*
*bonk!*
*bonk!*

Al suspects the ancient spell omits modern day protections and states the obvious. "Password", then if that doesn't work he repeats it in Azlanti and Elvish.

"I think it's 'Eat <bleep> and die.' Because it's trying to kill whoever enters and laugh about it at the same time. At least, I would laugh. And also, that'd be my password," he admits freely, shrugging and grinning wryly.

I'll point you to a couple of clues, one from Starflit's spell: To find the star selae, seek the the Oraculum, the shrine atop the eastern mesa. None know who first carved the Oraculum from the shapeless basalt and wrought its form with magic, but the skywatchers three slither there, calling it their own.

Two, you know much of this awful place still seems to be inhabited.

Kyffin waves his healing wand about. "Or just step over. It's a little painful sure, but once you're in it seems OK." he says unsurely.

He waits for the others.

Starflit thinks for a bit but doesn't seem sure of how to proceed. Gritting her teeth against the possibility of impending pain, the inquisitor says the place's name aloud and steps through the spell's barrier..."Oraculum!"

"Oraculum!"

Tristain pauses his bonking briefly to see if Starflit's guess has any effect, or if some good idea has been bonked free by his recent efforts.

And if nothing has, he will continue to bonk and hope for the best.

*bonk!*
*bonk!*
*bonk!*

*bonk!*
*bonk!*
*bonk!*

As you enter, you realize you have not guessed the password, and you're each wracked with pain. Starflit takes 25; everyone else takes 43; DC 22 Will save for half

Eight broad skylights in the domed ceiling connect this spacious room to the sky above. At the center of the chamber stands a familiar, cylindrical monument with a single flat face inscribed with several runes.

Before you've had a chance to do anything more including healing, however, a booming voice calls out. "Who is here disturbing me now?! I have been promised this time, and I will not brook any further interruptions!"

12d6 ⇒ (2, 5, 2, 5, 5, 6, 3, 1, 4, 3, 2, 5) = 43

Kyffin groans, Oh. Now someone shows up! He isn’t much of a priest, but he does have a trick or two. He’ll channel energy, healing his allies, while calling out, ”Oh, just a minute! Er, while we have this time together, do you support Lowls? Might as well cut to the quick - we’re trying to stop him.”

Channel healing: 5d6 ⇒ (4, 1, 3, 4, 3) = 15 on everyone

He moves deeper in, trying to locate the booming voice.

Starflit yelps as the damaging energy wracks her body, but a moment later Kyffin's channeled healing removes some of the damage. She starts when the voice calls out and readies detect evil, planning on aiming the spell-like ability in the voice's direction.

Starflit Will Save: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (1) + 14 = 15 (May as well not have the stalwart ability at all; Starflit's never made a save when it could've come into play.)

1d20 + 14 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 14 + 2 = 17 Will. And let no one say that Starflit isn’t a leader, Tristain follows her and wants to be just like her.

Tristain cringes as he follows the party into the painful place. He freezes when the voice voices things, and flies away from the party (but not out of the forbidden zone).

He hopes the voice will just return to work.

Not sure what map we are on, but this probably a place for Tristain to cower.

DC 22 Will save: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (18) + 18 = 36

Al gets smacked by the barrier, than heals quickly thanks to Kyffin. "We'll happily stop disturbing you for an answer or two. Do you know anything about Lowls and his danged rituals?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (4) + 22 = 26

Will: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16

Lothan is just about to respond with a snarky remark but pauses due to Kyffin's and Al's questions. Next time, stupid voice creature idiot, next time, he vows within his mind.

Hp's 88/118(including Kyffin's healing)

"Lowls!" the voice rumbles. "He left here after interrupting MY time in the observatory! I have no more patience for interruptions! I was promised this time!"

No map at the moment.

Uncertain that he should be the one speaking, Tristain keeps quiet. He’s just sure that whomever or whatever that could work in this annoying forbidden zone is probably a joke.

But as he can see anything or anything, and that logically means he probably can’t be seen, he will draw and drink a potion of CSW.

3d8 + 5 ⇒ (7, 6, 2) + 5 = 20 CSM

Kyffin hopes that Al will say something - he has such a deep sonorous voice. People just like him.

So he waits for the moment.

"He interrupted our time too! If you can help us, we'll promise to stop interrupting your time, and to make Lowls pay for interrupting you. The sooner we get what we need we'll be gone and you can be undisturbed again."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (6) + 22 = 28

what is it we need from the Oraculum?

This is where the third star stelae is, which you need to do the ritual.

"Why should I help you!" the voice demands, and moments later it reveals itself, a huge humanoid form stepping out from the shadows. "You are intruding on MY time! Go away and you can negotiate with the nagas when my time is done!"

He throws a large rock over your heads to punctuate his words. It's clear it was an intentional miss, a warning shot to stop bothering him.

Pic is on the combat map.

Base Monster Knowledge roll; real post later!

Starflit Base Knowledge Roll: 1d20 ⇒ 12

+19 for every category except Local (humanoids), which is +16.