Out of the Abyss (Pathfinder Conversion)

Game Master EmEss

"The lift will also get us to the cavern floor, but it's a slow process and only a few of us can go at a time. And we would need someone to operate it. So unless some of you don't want to leave, I think jumping into the pool below is our best bet after all. Then just swim the short distance needed to get on dry ground. Like Buppido said, we can hit the guard tower (#10) to get their weapons, then hit the shrine (#6) to get important items. Maybe we get to fight the Mistress. If not, though, unless we have the advantage in combat, it may be time to run."

Talindra draws in the dirt the waterfall, the pool, the cavern floor, and the three exits that lead away from the cavern. "Once we're on the cavern floor, we'll need to figure out which exit to take. Anyone know where these lead?" For that matter, does Talindra know?

Micar nods at Talindra. "I say we avoid fighting the mistress unless we absolutely have to. Priority is getting away. Guard Tower first (#10). If we've been discovered and we lose the advantage, we may not be able to get to the shrine (#6). That's going to have to be O.K. Escape route to here (14). But we'll definitely need weapons to fight off the attacks of the spiders if it comes to that. If you can't keep up, don't come. I'm not in the business of being a hero today. We'll work together, but not at the expense of ALL of us getting caught again." Especially me. "If you have questions, comments, concerns, reservations, bring them up now. There will be no time for hesitation once we leave the pen."

Does Micar count as a drow for crossing the spider silk bridges? I'm ok either way.

All of you who are familiar with the Underdark will know that heading North will eventually lead to Menzoberranzan, the City of Spiders although this would take almost a month of travel. The Northern Tunnel would also be the best way to get to Blingdenstone, a svirfneblin settlement, but that is even further away than Menzoberranzan. West of the Outpost is The Darklake, merely a weeks travel away. Taking the Southern tunnel would be the quickest way to Gracklstugh, the nearest Duergar City, although again it is about a month's travel away. Shuushar suggests making for the Kuo Toa town of Sloobludop on the Darklake and claims to remember roughly the way there from here.

@Micar I'm going to say that Micar doesn't count as drow for this purpose, as knowing how to best keep one's footing on these narrow, swaying rope bridges is as much cultural and borne from long experience as it is racial.

Tanic, of course, wants to go back to his caves and suggests that direction. He has the know direction Orizon memorized and a general direction of where he was taken from.

Thing is, I, as the player, have no idea what direction that would be.

Well, suppose I could summon a turtle or something to drag me out of the water, though it will only stick around for a few seconds. Anyone else have problems with swimming besides the guy made of rock?"

As the discussion seemed to be heading in the direction of the water and questions of who could swim Vinexa spoke up and said, "I'm afraid swimming isn't something I've ever learned. If we go that route, once we get down there, I'll need help."

"I'd sure like to get back to my caves. They are to the north of Gracklstugh, by Neverlight Grove. Could I convince you all to head in that general direction? I'm sure the mushrooms in the grove would be sympathetic and we could all use a little help once we get out of here. We may even run into the druids I'm sure the order is even now sending to rescue me..."

"The best way to get there would be by crossing the darklake, though I'm not sure how easy THAT would be and I've already made my aversion to swimming quite clear. Or we could get there by heading north from Gracklstugh."

"I don't care where we go as long as it t'is away from the Drow."

"I can float and paddle around, that's about it," Akri said with a frown. "Still trying tk figure out a way to fly, but I can't exactly practice here, can I?"

"Which direction we go, once we get to the water doesn't matter much to me. . . Though, if no one knows how to swim, which direction we go might not be up to us, anyhow." At the last part, a tiny smile creeps across his face.

@EmEss: Your ruling on the drow bridges would have been mine as well. I just wanted to clear it up before it came into play. Thanks.

"...But we'll definitely need weapons to fight off the attacks of the spiders if it comes to that..."

"Harro asked me about that earlier and I've been giving that some thought. Though I have no control over vermin myself, I can summon a fey creature called a mite that DOES have influence over vermin. There is a good chance that it will be able to deter the spiders from attacking. The thing is that it'll only be around a few seconds, but it's worth a try."

"Harro asked me about that earlier and I've been giving that some thought. Though I have no control over vermin myself, I can summon a fey creature called a mite that DOES have influence over vermin. There is a good chance that it will be able to deter the spiders from attacking. The thing is that it'll only be around a few seconds, but it's worth a try."

"It's better than nothing," agrees Talindra. "Like I said earlier, I might be able to get the spiders to behave. The spiders have some fear of the drow. Also, I'm sure I can make myself look like one of the drow guards if we take some of them out and I can grab their clothes."

"I'm not much for flying, but perhaps we could procure riding lizards or bats from here or in Menzoberranzan? With this one around after we escape, it could be possible if we are careful," Zaiid would offer the group after a long silence, gesturing toward Talindra at the comment of 'this one'. He hated the idea of working with a drow, but at this point it was either work with one or be a slave to many. That was hardly a decision to be made really. If she could help them all escape, it was worth being civil.

"Harro asked me about that earlier and I've been giving that some thought. Though I have no control

over vermin myself, I can summon a fey creature called a mite that DOES have influence over vermin. There is a good chance
that it will be able to deter the spiders from attacking. The thing is that it'll only be around a few seconds, but it's
worth a try."[/b]

"Finally! Using your brains instead of just y'mouth! Plan for everything to fail however. Drow take much d'lite

Tanic bristles, his stony lumps actially grow pointy, "I always use my brains you verminous annoyance, but creative solutions sometimes take time. Pessimistic doom sayings, on the other hand, usually flow freely, at least to SOME."

Vinexa considered the question of how far the field extended. Magic wasn't her area of expertise but she felt she had an answer at least. Looking at Harro she said simply, "I don't think the field reaches that far. They're relying on people being to weak or afraid to face the spiders down there. The only up side to dealing with the spiders is the fact that their poison won't hurt me if they bite, I've made more enemies beg for mercy because they thought poison would work on me. I can also glide to avoid hurting myself on the way down to the water." As she spoke the half-fiend had another idea pop into her head, "I think we need to try and avoid harming the spiders if we can. Having them and the web between us and pursuit could be a very good thing in helping us get away."

Micar nods at Tanic and Vinexa, "Good idea, distracting the spiders would be better than fighting them. We should avoid fighting as much as possible. Though, we still need to be prepared to fight when necessary. Also, we are going to need weapons once we escape here. I'd definitely feel better with a sword in my hand while traveling down here."

"Do we even have a time to get outta here?" Akri asked as everyone started making plans. "Nothing's gonna work if we don't get outta here first."

"I guess that is up to the ambitious guard. Jorry, I think he said his name was. I have little doubt he will affect our escape, it's staying free that will become the issue. Once we have embarrassed, or I should say Jorry has... anyway, once the current guard leader is embarrassed it would be another feather in his cap... I've never seen a feather you know. Anyway, once freed, Jorry might want to recapture us so he can ensure our silence. There's only one way to do that, you know. If we WERE recaptured and ratted him out he would become the embarrassed one. So either way, once we have done sufficient damage he will want us safely dead and unable to tell any tales. I hear if you cut out the tongue of a corpse, you can't do that spell to make them speak. Not that I'll mind once I'm dead, and I probably shouldn't mind if I were dead, but dang it, I do. So I guess what I'm saying is that we do not need worry about getting out, we need worry about staying alive once we get out without Jorry as an ally. If he offers sanctuary, run."

Blah, blah, blah. I could have said all that in one sentence.

The next day passes quickly and soon the hour of escape is at hand. Feel free to spoiler anything you wanted to do or discuss before the escape . As agreed, when Jorlan brings you your dinner of gruel he leaves the door unlocked before hurrying away.

Tanic will keep an eye out for some stray metal he can pick up and use later. Or were we able to saw off a chunk for him to use?

Do we have a more detailed map of the area we are going through or is this to be done theater of the mind? I figure the first part is trying to get to the guards tower using stealth.

"We should try to lure those guards here first. Remember how we got them interested by starting a fight between me and the . . . Prince here?" The moment's hesitation suggests she had to swallow her pride a bit to utter that honorific. "What do people think?"

Harro will look quickly at the Drow.

"NO. I want out'a here. No drawing them out. We sneak as quickly and quietly as we can at our goal then charge as we
need'ta do to get there. Don't over-think this lass. This is NOT the time to be subtle. It's blood and rage time."

"I'm with Harro here. A commotion is likely to draw extra guards, particularly if it occurs by the slave pens. Lets try to get some distance from here before we engage if at all possible, and get some weapons before it gets nasty. Does anyone have a lump of metal for me to work with?"

Talindra takes the dagger rock from Akri, and hands her own pipe to Micar. "Okay then. To the guard tower -- but quietly." She gives a hard look at Harro the duergar as he says this. "There will be time for blood soon enough. I'll take point. I've traveled these rope bridges enough times."

She looks about quickly to ensure people were ready, and then begins the quiet crossing toward the guard tower. Stealth, assuming dim light: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27 -2 to stealth if in brighter light.

@Talindra: I don't think the guards are distracted yet. I'm assuming your action is when Jorlan distracts the guards during the next change?

If that's the case, yes.

-Posted with Wayfinder

If Harro can splinter a small piece of metal off his scrap of one, he will give it to the Druid, if nothing else just to shut him up.

@ Harro Splintering a small piece of metal off is fine.

The three guards at the watch tower are replaced by one, who seems more interested in an argument that has erupted on the bridge nearest the waterfall than in watching the prison pen.
perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Talindra seizes this opportunity to quickly sneak up the rope bridge to the entrance of the watch tower.

Suddenly alarm horns sound....

...from the South-Western side of the Cavern (Area 1) . A horrible droning buzz fills the cavern, followed by inhuman shrieking. Two hideous winged beasts, appearing like a foul cross between a man and a vulture fly out of the Southern Passage into the cavern, pursued by four enormous flies.

The creatures initially ignore the inhabitants of the cavern as both groups savagely assault each other, while the drow warily watch the aerial battle.

Summary: Talindra at entrance to area 10. One Drow Guard looking out of the doorway towards the South. Two Drow Guards on the bridge south of area 10. Drow unaware of breakout. You all have the initiative.

Hissing in loud whispers Harro move to the fore.

"NOW!! FORM UP!! MOVE WITH PURPOSE PEOPLE!!"

Harro will pull out his metal bar and charge towards the group's target without looking back.

Was there someone who wanted Tanic to form weapon for them? I think Micar, Harro, and Talindra are taken care of at this point so I suppose he will end up making a scimitar for himself. But not quite yet since we are trying to slip quickly across the bridge without being noticed.

Tanic is right on Harro's tail, murmering encouragements to him.

"That's right Harro! Quickly now! You're doing great!"

Knowledge (Planes): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

Micar tells everyone, "Stay away from the demons, both have sound based attacks to disable individuals."

Micar tells the Prince to follow Harro, and Micar follows the quaggoth, pipe in hand.

Stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

Moving forward with the others, Akri tried his hardest to keep from making any noise. He really didn't want to get captured again.

Talindra enters the guard tower. Her specific actions depend on what she sees.

It looks like from the map that the guard is actually at a higher level than the entrance where Talindra entered, which suggests she might not be in the guard's immediate line of sight. If so, her goal is to stay out of sight and find some weapons, preferably a poisoned hand-crossbow or two, followed by something better than a dagger.

On the other hand, if she is in line of sight to the guard, she wants to steal a weapon from his own person to disarm him, and to also use against him. Sleight of Hand: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

Both entrances to the tower are at the same level (the bridge from the cell area is fairly steep). The higher level seen in the side view is a storage area.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Talindra succeeds in removing on of the guard's weapons without him noticing. @Talindra do you go for the rapier or the hand crossbow?

I'm going to move us into Initiative order now.

Talindra 24
Vinexa 23
Zaiid 18
Tanic 18
Akri 13
Other Prisoners 12
Micar 9
Drow Guards 8
Harro 6

The guards are blissfully unaware of your presence as of yet so have a surprise round. @Vinexa are you okay with your sleight of hand counting as your action for the surprise round? I'm going to delay botting Vinexa until the drow are aware of your presence so Zaiid is up followed closely by Tanic.

"Shucks, I know what to do," he murmurs

Tanic will cast Obscuring mist once he gets close to the guard. He wants to cover as much of the tower area as possible.

Stealth: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

I assume you meant Talindra, not me when asking about the slight of hand being their surprise round action.

As they began their escape the half-succubus focused her mind and implanted a hypnotic suggestion into herself, just in case things got a bit on the hair raising side later on. When they reached the guard post Vinexa cautiously moved into range of the nearest guard being as quiet as she could possibly be. Her wings were carefully folded down and held off of the ground so as not to make any noise and her movements were cautious. Once she came close enough to her target she began to glare at the guard, her stare worming into his mind despite the fact he was unaware of her presence.

Stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
Before we reached the guard post I implant my Mask Misery trick on myself. When we are entering the post I move to 30 feet of one of the guards and, as a swift action, activate my Hypnotic Stare.

Not sure if this is beyond what I can do in my surprise round so ignore it if it is.
Having set her sights upon one of the guards Vinexa began to focus on thoughts of her favorite thing in life, lust. She pulled in the emotions involved as she thought the concept through and then, when she fully formed the concept, she pushed the entire mental construct at the subject of her gaze to make him feel that towards one of his companions.

I cast unnatural lust at the victim of my stare and then attempt to make the guard lust after the guard furthest from them. Will save dc 16 negates, the target is at a -2 due to the stare.
Spell Resistance: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Ugh, too bad the SR may fail.

Sounds fine, Talindra takes the crossbow for her surprise round, assuming it's loaded, or she thinks it is.

In a surprise round, unless you have an effect that states otherwise, you get either a standard or a move action, your choice. Not sure about swift actions. Also, are we gonna fight the guards or sneak past?

Whatever it takes. But I can't sneak very well.

You can also do free actions as normal in a surprise round. I looked it up and it didn't say a thing about swift actions, hence why I asked. The movement portion was simply because I assumed we had already reached our desired ranges unobserved from the way the last post sounded.

...only a couple more hours till I get to leave for gencon, the waiting is driving me insane!

So the mist spell I had planned may not work yet since I only get one action. I don't really know how close Tanic is so if he is not close enough for the Obscuring mist spell to cover the guard it will have to wait until after the surprise round and Tanic will move this round. Otherwise that is what he will do.

We will assume that every one was able to move into rough position before the start of the surprise round. I will rule on swift actions in a surprise round on a case by case basis I think. In this case I'm afraid I'll say that activating Hypnotic Stare will count as Vinexa's surprise action but I may possibly allow different swift actions to be used in surprise rounds in future. I might also rule differently for a swift and a move than for a swift and a standard.This is something I'll have to think about if it is likely to come up often.

Summary So far:
Talindra has a loaded crossbow.
Vinexa used hypnotic stare on the nearest guard. -2 to will saves.
Tanic cast Obscuring Mist. The tower is now filled with Mist. The furthest you can see is 5 feet.
Zaiid, Akri, Micar, and Harro are up.

Now that we are covered in mist, Harrow will push ahead as much as possible and find some twisted drow skulls to pulverize...if needed. If he comes across something that might make a better weapon, he'll grab it of course!

Just confirming, we are attacking the guards, right? Otherwise just ignore this.

Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

With a strangled cry, Akri sent a wave of force, noticeable as a waver in the air, towards one of the guards.

Micar will look for any weapons in the guard tower (hopefully before the Obscuring Mist is cast) and will grab a rapier or short sword for his action. If he doesn't see any weapons in the immediatel area, he'll follow Telindra's lead and grab the rapier from the guard.

Sleight of Hand: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

Poor guy, getting robbed left and right.