[OutPost 1] PFS 2-18 GM supervillan's Forbidden Furnace of Forgotten Koor (Inactive)

Game Master supervillan

Wembly, the only one of your companions who couldn't easily make it over the obsidian columns is Gratus.

Gratus, you think that as long as you're not distracted you can get over the columns on your own. You've trained in acrobatics, the distances are small.

Going to move you on a little - we're in a dungeon crawl segment and that can bog down a pbp.

Party status:
Rocky -1hp
Gratus -11hp

The pathfinders, even Gratus in his heavy plate armour, all make their way carefully over the magma river using the obsidian columns. Entering the cave network, you hear a strange noise echoing through the tunnels.

"..mmmm...slurp...mmm-mmmm....nom...."

The noise comes from deeper within the eastern tunnels, but because of the echoes you cannot tell the direction any more precisely.

Korai do you want to sneak ahead and see what that slurping is? If you get into trouble run back. Paicho whispers to his fellow tengu.

I'm trained in Acrobatics? I never noticed. lol
Oh wait! I have 3 ranks!
3 charges of Infernal Healing used.

"Do not worry my friend, it is but a small thing, magma won't hurt me too much." A Man's got to have his pride ya know. as he uses his wand to heal himself with his patron's blessing.

Korai silently nods and checks his pepperbox.

"If you hear my gun, come running."
With that he deftly moves around the corner to find the source of the noise.

Taking 10 on stealth/perception.

Korai creeps down the tunnel....

The obsidian passage leads to a large vaulted cavern where a series of jet glass stairs rise ten feet to a round platform. (The platform itself is currently out of your view). A large mass of coils lies motionless at the stair’s base next to several rolled up, elaborately patterned rugs.

The slurping noises seem to be coming from the top of the stairs.

Korai has the sunrod. The rest of the party have dim light from the fiery magma flow.

Korai slips back and beckons for his allies to join him before venturing in further to identify the serpentine obstruction.

Rocky takes lead as we investigate the mysterious carpet monster.

Wembly and Whiskers follow along, behind their tengu and rocky guides.

I've put you in your previously agreed marching order.

Rocky and Korai go a little way ahead, with the rest of the pathfinders following not far behind.

The slurping noises stop, and a sibilant voice echoes through the tunnels. Its meaning is unclear, but again it seems to come from the top of the jet glass stairs.

Both the coils and the carpets remain motionless. You cautiously advance to investigate.

You find that the coils are in fact a naga. Gratus' enchanted eye-lenses, even behind his Hellknight mask, confirm that it is a dead naga.

"Come, come! Don't be shy. Welcome to my home! How may I help you?"

A feminine voice, the same voice that uttered unknown words a few seconds earlier, beckons to you from the top of the stairs...

Well milady, are you the keeper of this furnace? Paicho asks.

We were expecting to meet you as the legends say. Now the reason we are here is we search for our friend, Zahra Kadamiz, an explorer, who also came to look for you. You see, she never returned to us and we long to know if she is okay.

Have you seen her? Paicho inquires as he holds his ground.

Heal 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

Gratus kneels to examine the body, noting its wounds and how it was killed.

"Oh yes," the voice responds, “I am the protector of Koor, descended from a long line of guardians; it is my duty to see to it that no one releases Moukadeem from his imprisonment. I am sorry, I do not know anyone named Zahra.”

The speaker is certainly somewhere at the top of the stairs, but you cannot see her from the bottom because the stairs go up 10 feet.

Wembly calls out in wonder.

Totally cool! So how long of a line of guardians were there before you? How do you get to be a guardian? Is it by ancestry or like elected or what?
Could I become a guardian? Do you ever get to leave? That might be boring if you have to stay here. Are you by yourself?
Do you know if Moukadeem is still imprisoned after all this time?

Paicho gets the measure of the guardian's response regarding Zahra.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (8) + 18 = 26

He then waits for the responses to Wembly's questions, before asking more of his own.

"My, ssso many questionss! My line extendss back as far as the imprisonment of the mad marid over seven centuries ago. Moukadeem remains imprisoned, but beware! Thisss place is not .... mmmm... slurp... not sssafe. Moukadeem's presence contaminatess the entire city. You could not become a guardian. Unlessss... are you a naga, in fact? Come, let me sssee you, little voice. I am alone now. Or I was. Now you are here."

Rocky will move up.

"No. Not Naga. Pathfinders."

At the top of the stairs Rocky comes face to face with your interlocutor, another guardian naga. This one, very much living, has a feminine, human-looking face (albeit she is entirely devoid of hair). She is smaller than you expected.

Rocky sees why you all heard slurping noises. The naga is devouring large eggs. A thick mucus covers the floor, and Rocky sees numerous broken eggshells. There are in addition two eggs that are intact.

"Pathfindersss is it? And which path do you wish to find, O finderss of pathss?'

"Generally the most dangerous one. Hey, Nature isn't really my thing but don't snakes lay eggs? It looks to me like you killed the other naga and are eating her kids. Or am I misunderstanding this?"

"Oh, you are obssservant, Finder of Paths. Indeed, the Madness of Moukadeem took poor Bourondor. I told you it is dangerouss here. I fear the bindings on the Seals are weakening. I caught Bourondor eating my eggsss. To protect my children I was forced to kill him. But it was in vain! The eggss are already sspoiled. They are contaminated by Moukadeem’s insanity and must be destroyed, though it painss me greatly; I hope that ingesting his foul essence may prevent it from harming anyone else.”

Perhaps there is a way to contain the madness of Moukadeem? Where is the lamp kept, I have considerable knowledge and may be able to find a way. Paicho asks as he moves up behind Rocky.

A muffled, Oh boy emanates from his scabbard.

Previous sense motive regarding Zahra?

Sense Motive on the egg story: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (14) + 18 = 32
Know Dungeons is this a guardian naga: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29

"Well I'm not a Naga but I've certainly been called a snake before. Anyhow... how does this madness affect others?"

Korai's tone changes, and he begins to speak like he's working out a business arrangement.

"If it is so dangerous as you speak, I fear this site may no longer be safe. Many have uncovered the location, and I fear others with darker goals in mind may pay a visit. Perhaps we can work together to ensure the safety of this relic?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (12) + 15 = 27

I made some initial Sense Motive rolls for you guys behind the GM screen earlier. If this were a face to face game I'd have asked you all for a bunch of Perception and Sense Motive rolls in advance.

Paicho, you believe this naga was being sincere regarding Zahra. She is certainly a guardian naga (knowledge checks for naga were made during your mission briefing). You are suspicious of the 'egg story' though. This naga is eating her own eggs and seems to have killed her own mate.

“The lamp restss ahead, but I warn you that while the doorss open easily, the area iss trapped. If you touch the lamp under the effectss of any spell, the lamp’sss magic creates a painful backlash. It’ss best to approach the lamp without using any magical wardsss Oh, it'ss not safe, no. Not safe at all. But you shouldn't seek the lamp, little voice. If Moukadeem's madnesss claimed Bourondor, what hope could you have to withsstand it?”

Wembly stays back, not sure what to think, and not liking the sound of a mother devouring her own eggs.

That part just doesn't sit right. he muses to himself.

So you are the guardian, but you would so easily let us go and see the lamp. Not saying we would, but what if we did try to remove it. What would you do?

Paicho tries to see if the naga is telling the truth about the magical wards.

"Did I not jusst caution you againsst seeking the lamp little voice? The trapsss, the madnesss that would overwhelm you, little voice? As this stony one said, you Finders of Paths ssseek the greatest danger. If you did remove the lamp I would have to desstroy you. After all, I am the guardian."

Paicho, something is definitely up. Why would the guardian naga tell you about traps ahead when she's supposed to prevent anyone from taking the lamp? It doesn't make sense to you.

Yeah... I was gonna say even with a SM check...

Korai approaches, deftly maneuvering his pistol in such a way that he gives the illusion of showing both hands, when in fact with a careful twitch of the claw and flick of the wrist, he can be armed at a moment's notice.

"Sorry, not sure if I'm just uncertain about your physiology, but usually you wink and nudge when you say stuff like that."

sense motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29

"I'm thinking you are lying to us. About several things."

And since those kind of statements can potentially lead to a fight Rocky will ignore the warning about magic defenses, pull his wand of Shield, and try to activate it.
umd: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (10) + 13 = 23

Wembly overhears the exchange and gulps in the hallway.

Oh oh, Whiskers. Now we are about to step into it.

"What is your duty here." Gratus steps forward now, his figure imposing.
"You seem Sincere yet your words rings differently from your actions." He now thinks back on what the Naga is saying.

"How do you know tha the eggs are contaminated?" his hand on his symbol ready to cast a spell.
Protection from Chaos, Communal

"What isss my duty? I am the protector of Koor, as I said. I know the eggss are contaminated because I ssensse the corruption, little voice. I am of a long line of guardian naga, who came here to protect this place and ensure the mad marid never leavesss. Who else could ssensse his taint but me? It iss my purpossse."

Rocky activates his wand of shield. The naga does not react, although she clearly notices.

Gratus, you're readying to cast?

Naga let me sing to you of the tales of the Pathfinders,

Paicho clears his throat a bit and begins,

In Katheer grand, a travelling band was carefully assembled,
From Hellknight might, to gnome so bright, to Rock so elemental.
Add tengus two whose talents differ, but bravery is not questioned,
To forbidden Koor they all did go to where there path was destined.

Pachio sings out.

Begin Bardic performance, Inspire Courage

Yes ready to cast unless the party would like Blessings of Fervor instead?

"Was the slain naga not a guardian as well? Your actions make little sense to me... you insist you are a guardian whose sole task is to prevent the mad marid from escape yet you readily tell us of it's location and the wards that protect it. That leads me to but two possible conclusions. One is that you mislead us about these traps. While my work thus far has been less than exemplary, I can assure you that a little deception is more easily pierced than silence. That would lead me to believe you are a fool and a coward, and no sacred guardian."

He looks for a reaction as he continues. "The other is that the slain naga at the foot of the stairs is the true guardian and you have succumbed to this madness of which you speak. Neither of these conclusions bode well for you... so out with it! Which is it? Or do you have another truth you hide that may yet spare you."

Intimidate: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (12) + 17 = 29

I have an ability that I somewhat regret taking, but it does seem as though it could be used now. If a discussion devolves into combat, I may make a Sense Motive check to try to get a sleight bonus on initiative using my Rogue Skill Unlock for Sense Motive.

Sense Motive (Skill Unlock): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18

"Ssspare me? Ssspare me, little voice? Such insultss!"

The naga slithers back and cracks open another egg.

Are you initiating combat? Korai, your skill unlock will certainly apply if combat begins here.

That was intended as intimidate to force cooperation. The skill unlock is for in the event that combat breaks out, in advance so you can figure out the numbers ahead of time. I'm still hoping to pull this out, but I'm quite aware of what harsh words usually lead to.

OK, that's a bit clearer, Thanks Korai. Btw, somebody healed you with a clw wand earlier and you are at full hp.

"Bourondor wass my mate, little voice. But he sssuccumbed to the madness of Moukadeem, not I. We were both guardians of Koor, like all those who came before usss. Now only I remain. Iss that truth enough? Isss my grief not sufficient for you? Sluuuurp."

The naga begins devouring the egg she has just broken open.

"Your mate? So those eggs you devour are your own? Curses and madness can be healed, albeit with powerful magics... Would you be amenable to attempting to save your remaining young?"

With Korai now making it clear that she is eating her kids Rocky springs into action.

"Crazy or no you need to stop that right now."

He will 5ft step and try to grab her.
grapple vs flatfooted: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (3) + 18 = 21

Going to use my folio reroll on that.

grapple vs flatfooted: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (8) + 18 = 26

Combat initiated. Post will be up soon.

Ok, lots of abilities to keep track of. No surprise round occurs, since all combatants are aware of each other and are suspicious. This means Korai's Underhanded rogue talent has no particular effect, except that his pepperbox pistol is already drawn. Korai's Sense Motive skill unlock does apply, but he does not succeed in the attempt. Darned shifty that naga! Both Paicho and Rocky expend Heightened Awareness for initiative bonuses. I have placed Rocky back in his starting position - if he beats the naga on initiative he can go for his grapple as planned.

Initiative

Korai init: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Wembly init: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Whiskers init: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Rocky init: 1d20 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 2 + 4 = 16
Paicho init: 1d20 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 4 = 13
Gratus init: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
Alfashti init: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

"Crazy? Me? Why, that's madnessss!" says the slithering serpent.

Combat round 1

Wembly
Whiskers
Gratus
Alfashti
Rocky Shield spell
Paicho Inspire courage
Korai

The bold may act!

Active conditions: Inspire Courage

Paicho, you have spent one round of bardic performance 'pre-combat.'
Gratus, you readied components for a spell, but this has no mechanical effect since you can only 'ready an action' during combat.
Rocky, you did not win initiative so keep your folio reroll. You are free to change your action from attempting to grapple when it comes to your turn.

Barring something stopping him I'll keep the action and the reroll. Modified for any bonuses that may apply by then. And of course no longer vs flatfooted.

Wembly moves forward and casts haste upon the party including Whiskers.

I knew something was up, didn't I say it Whiskers! Quickly, stop her! She's nuts!

Gratus will continue to 'cast'
Gratus hand already on the pentagram speaks but a single word.
It's indistinguishable as it echoes within everyone and yet its effects can be felt.

Gratus turns to his companions and grins. It can't be seen you big lummox!

Wembly and Gratus cast their spells.

Alfashti, Protector of Koor, also casts a spell. Shimmering glyphs of golden lights weave around her as she speaks ancient words of power, and then the lights and the naga are gone.

Combat round 1/2

Wembly
Whiskers
Gratus
Alfashti
Rocky Shield spell, -1hp damage from earlier
Paicho Inspire courage
Korai

Active conditions: Inspire Courage +2, Haste, Blessing of Fervour. Note that Haste and Blessing of Fervour extra attacks and increased speed do not stack, but you can benefit from the other bonuses the Blessing of Fervour provides. Remember to choose your benefit at the start of your turn. Click on Gratus' spoiler for your options.

Party is up.

Spellcraft v DC19: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25

So is that like greater invisibility?

Paicho continues his song weaving his casting into the performance.

The naga went invisible it could not be seen, then the golden dust rained down on thee!

A shower of golden glittery dust covers the dias. Paicho begins to waves his flag.

Choose the +2s from BoF, Harmonic spell to maintain performance, Standard - Cast Glitterdust (DC17 Will or blinded if caught in spells 10' radius), move - draw flag, so inspire courage + flagbearer.

Showing my age there. Improved Invisibility = Greater Invisibility..

Can you sneak attack a glitterdusted invisible foe? I'm sure I've gone through this a few times and I never remember the answer.

Edit: Found a http://paizo.com/threads/rzs2kvto?Glitterdust-Effects#20 that says yes, but dev post != official binding FAQ. Anyone know of one?

I'm going to say Yes, Korai, you can sneak attack a glitterdusted opponent. It is outlined by the spell and effectively visible, therefore does not have concealment. I consider the coating of glitter sufficient for you to be able to pick out a vulnerable spot.

save vs glitterdust: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25

The naga is now visible, but has not been blinded.

Rocky chooses the +2 option from Fervor.

He takes the long way around and tries to grab her.

After the reroll it was a 6 on the die. Plus 18, +2 from Fervor, +2 from Inspire +1 from Flagbearer = 29 vs her CMD. DC 40 to escape if she is grabbed. Rocky's AC is 36 with the Fervor.