[PFC] GM Granta's The Delirium's Tangle (#45) (Inactive)

Game Master Granta

Khellek staggers back, bleeding from multiple cuts.

"These beetles... they are immune to mind magic - unsurprising given their small brains I suppose. Those antenae may provide illumination for us for some time to come though.."

He curses slightly under his breath.

"Back in 4512, when imperial Cheliax troops were conducting "punishment raids", their troops faced a cabal of druids who summoned such creatures. They found the most effective way to deal with the vermin was.."

He fumbles around for the hook on his belt where hangs his crossbow. "I'm sure I could design a quick release for this..."

5' step back; Inspire courage +1 to hit and damage. Move action to draw crossbow.

Apologies for the delay, busy evening!

Ember had quietly hung back, content to let his companions investigate while gathering his thoughts. His eyes widen in surprise as a number of large insects burst forth from the fungi, and one hand instinctively reaches for the battered crossbow slung across his back before deciding against it when Khellek and Ironshanks sustain some nasty looking wounds. Charred beetle it is, then.

The half-orc rushes to the historian's side, struggling to suppress a smile at his reminiscing. "Now is no time for stories, friend," he rumbles as his blackened hands erupt into flame, further singing the sleeves of his cloak. The skin beneath is painfully torn as his fingers elongate into talons and the remainder of his hands are enveloped in slick black scales, but Ember's attention is on the ugly bugs. With a flick of his wrists the searing fire is released from his grasp...

Burning Hands vs Pink/Red/Green, DC16 Reflex Halves: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Barbecued! Morning exercises payed off...

"You are wounded, Ironshanks. Defend yourself! Show us what that axe can do," he calls out with a tusky grin, hoping to rally the dwarf's fighting spirit.

Move action to move up. Free action to manifest claws. Standard to set stuff on fire.

Farlen seeing Ember roast beetles in front of him, shifts 5 foot back, speaks a strange sound like a sneeze and points at the beetle behind Ironshanks. "Die, beetle vermin!". A red missile erupts from his index finger and streaks into the side of the (yellow) offending beetle.

mm damage (spell casting version): 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

While Ironshanks was busy trying to see this supposed pile of equipment in the corner he edged up and bumped one of the mushrooms and immediately regretted the decision. A herd of beetles erupted beneath him and started snackin n attackin. "We've fallen into some sorta trap! Fall back inna that narrow spot n keep askin Desna to heal us!"

He swings at the orange beetle then takes a step backwards just after a gout of flame erupts from the half orc "I saw that! Tryin ta roast me!"

Melee 1H War Axe + Power Attack + Inspired: 1d20 + 7 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 7 - 1 + 1 = 171d10 + 4 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 2 + 1 = 14

@Khellek: Did you forget to roll Knowledge (nature)?

Maps

Round 2
Effects inspire courage +1

Khellek took ten on it (can as a bard) a few posts further up

Now badly wounded, the scholar keeps up his history lesson.
"Of course the druids responded with adaptations to their summons. Why the battle of red Creek saw devil vs bear battles on a scale never before witnessed"

The scholar does continue is back peddling as the beetle takes another chomp out of him.

maintains inspire courage, 5' steps back again and casts CLW
CLW: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Farlen shifts West 5 feet and pulls his beautifully crafted brand-spanking-new wand out leveling it at the same beetle. He whispers the command wand 'zappo'

'This has got to kill this giant abomination.' Farlen half prays, half states in his head.

mm damage on yellow: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
charge 1 of 50, 49 remaining

Another beetle slips his pincers behind Ironshank's shield, drawing yet another source of blood and flesh. "SONOVAH B%#%+ these things are taking me down soon! Stomp these f+~*ers, 'cept you pretty lady.. you keep healin!"

He lashes out at the yellow beetle next to Ember if it still lives Green if Farlen has killed it
1H War Axe + Inspire: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 7 + 1 = 201d10 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 1 = 11 After downing the beetle he turns to Ember and yells "Buuurrrnnn emmmmm! but not me... Then get your ass back! as he takes another step back towards the narrower tunnel.

Ember if you delay one of us has that yellow threatening you DED and you can cast and move without fear.

Hellena pushes forward and heals Ironshanks again

CLW 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Good idea

Ember winces as a pair of pincers tear through his cloak and pull away a chunk of greenish skin. A grim smile finds its way onto his face when a streak of red energy narrowly misses his torso and collides forcefully with the offending creature. If an axe was to follow, the half-orc was certain it wouldn't be moving again anytime soon.

"Thank you friends," he says calmly as his claws are engulfed in flames just as bright as before. Sweeping his arms violently to the left he channels the heat towards three of the remaining beetles before retreating, this time making doubly sure not to set the dwarf's beard alight.

Burning Hands vs Pink/Red/Green, DC16 Reflex Halves: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Perhaps too careful about the beard... Will delay until after Ironshanks

"And which side was victorious, Khellek? The diabolists or the druids?"

I made several adjustments to the initiative and characters' movements, in order to best make sense of the teamwork.

@Khellek: Ah, I didn't realize you were using the previous roll. In general, please let me know when you do that. I will rarely mind, but there's always the off chance it might conflict with something.

Maps

Round 3
Effects inspire courage +1

Farlen whispers a strange sound and extends his palm towards the nearest (purple) beetle. A dart of acrid liquid issues forth toward the creature.
attach +dexterity +point blank +inspire -melee penalty
touch attack with acid dart: 1d20 + 2 + 1 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 2 + 1 + 1 - 4 = 10
damage with point blank and inspire: 1d6 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 + 1 + 1 = 9
I can't remember if inspire courage aids damage of rays and such, so I included it. Dart 1 of 7, 6 remaining

"These things just keep coming even when you kill half or more."

With a step to the right, Khellek takes a moment to load his crossbow and then deliver a point blank range bolt to the beetle with a red carapace.

attack, into melee: 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 3 - 4 = 14
damage: 1d8 ⇒ 1

"Young man, it is rude to interrupt a lecture..." comments Khellek, somewhat losing the narrative of the battle he had been describing.

"Suffice to say that Cheliax is still around, as are any number of forests. There were however for a few years in the area, a shortage of both bears and apprentice devil-binders."

While I just realised that Khellek was moving into difficult terrain so he couldn't five foot step, so unless you can combine a move with a load (like drawing a weapon), he won't have an action free to actually fire his shot this round. I'll leave the roll in and either use it this round or next depending on GM ruling.

"Because they are just vermin, probably not thinking about retiring and opening an Inn by the sea shore" Hellena jokes as she positions up to begin aiding Ironshanks, swinging her morningstar menacingly.

Aid another - attack 1d20 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 + 1 = 10

Aided, +2 on your next attack

@Farlen: Check the last question in the "Combat" section of the CRB FAQ. The short answer is that paragraph two says magic missile gets the damage bonuses from both point-blank shot and inspire courage.

@Khellek: You can't load during a movement, but you had an unspent move action last round, and I think it makes more sense for Khellek to spend that action loading the crossbow than to just waste it.

Maps

Farlen and Khellek each take out one of the last two beetles.

Combat is over. Please check the status spoiler for damage that needs healing. The other spoilers are for the treasure in that pile Hellena saw earlier.

"My... that was quite the battle. I've faced winter wolves and had less bites taken out of me." huffs the perturbed scholar.

Thanks for thinking of my move from last turn, I'd completely forgotten about that

He has a quick look at the magical items to see if he can work out what they do.

spellcraft -scroll: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16
spellcraft -potion1: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12
spellcraft -potion2: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26
spellcraft -potion3: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20

"I'm not too sure about the scroll or the first potion, but those second two look to be healing potions. Potions I suspect several of us should imbibe before we continue."

He takes out a knife and cuts some of the glowing bits from the beetles.

"Light sources for everyone. Works in area subject to magical disruption too!"

Ironshanks gives the boot to any remaining beetles that don't look to be already VERY dead, spraying anyone within 10' with beetle guts, including the intrepid historian as he harvests whatever he's harvesting. "Best to be sure they be dead, sometimes ye find a sneaky orc playin dead, can't have that can we now!" He says as he stomps another bug head to smithereens.

Once that fun is finished he'll pull out a pink swirly looking wand and hand it over to Hellena "Here, use this fer healin. Some jackoff at the Lodge said I 'earned' it after my trip to the North. Its a healin' wand he says, but not to take it out o the box till the next mission he says... won't work if I do he says... I'm startin to think he's just a dick."

He'll have Hellena use it on whoever if needed, but he'll take a hit at least, unless you plan on channeling. Cure Light Wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

He'll also have a go at the potion Khellek can't get Perception Potion ID: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

Farlen will take a turn at examining the scroll.
"Very interesting, very interesting indeed...
spellcraft of scroll: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20
"It's as I thought...I have no idea."
"This may have to wait for another day and I prepare read magic or perhap you will have better luck, Hellena?"

Ember pushes himself unsteadily to his feet and makes his way over to join the others, pulling his now even-scrappier-than-scrappy cloak tightly around his body to hide and pressure his wounds. It'll heal, in time. "I did not mean to interrupt, teacher. I was merely curious as to on which side of the creek we stand. Perhaps the answer is neither. Well fought, friends."

He peers over Farlen's shoulder with burning eyes as he passes, invoking the knowledge of his ancestors. Read magic "It is a restorative scroll, Farlen. One that may cure ailments of both body and mind. I suggest you keep a hold of it, for it will undoubtedly find use at some point on our journey."

The half-orc comes to a stop before Hellena and Ironshanks, bowing his head briefly. "I would be grateful for any aid you can spare, Hellena. The Tender will have my thanks this night. As she should yours, Ironshanks," he adds with a small smile, before turning away to survey the rest of the cavern now that it was peaceful once more.

Let's hope there's not another ambush lying in wait for us...
Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17 to hopefully check for any more sneaky bugs

Khellek fusses about a bit over the other younger pathfinders, making sure bandages are applied, securing his crossbow back to his belt and distributing the beetles glowing bits.

He also drinks one of the healing potions
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

"Well, I'm not sure how much of a tangle this is, but we should press onward. There are surely more obstacles yet to find our prince.."

He chuckles to himself. "Perhaps a wall of thorny roses will be next!"

If necessary, we can retcon healing after Hellena posts.

Maps

After healing up and making sure the cavern doesn't hide anything else of interest or danger, you start checking the tunnels exiting from here. After a few quick searches, you find a chamber of worked stone and metal fixtures.

Dangling glass balls flicker and cast a weak, greenish glow across the chamber. Ahead, a series of green-tiled, wide, terraced stairs slope up to an imposing bronze door, partly torn from its hinges. The stairs bear hundreds of symbols that seem to warp and flicker, and heaps of bones and garbage are scattered around the room. On both sides of the doors, numerous small idols sit in niches and nooks.

Please move yourselves about as you wish, and roll any desired skill checks to investigate the area.

"That was ugly - so many of them!"

Hellena uses the wand on Ironshanks, then taps Ember as well...

Wand
CLW Ember 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Hellena moves forward cautiously looking for traps or signs of danger...she throws one of the glowing beetle parts ahead of her to maintain the illumination.

Perception 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (18) + 13 = 31

"No wall of thorny roses, but this looks just as curious"

"Interesting.. very interesting.." says Khellek.

First he checks the area for any magical auras, and then he starts to look at the various symbols, trying to identify whether they are religious, arcane, cultural or of historial significance.

Khellek is take ten kind of a guy, so Arcana, 22; Geography 24; religion 21; planes 22; history 28. Yes, he is the only PFS character in history with skill focus(knowledge(history))!

@Khellek: Could you put your take 10 results in a second stat bar, please?

Maps

Round 1
Effects none

• Hellena
  
• Farlen - staggered, 11 damage
  
• Ember
  
• Bad Guy - -2 AC
  
• Ironshanks
  
• Khellek

An ugly creature suddenly runs out of the stonework by the doorway, landing a crushing blow to Farlen's skull.

Hellena, Farlen and Ember are up.

Once Hellena finishes with the 'fru fru' healing wand Ironshanks buries it once again deep in his pack so it doesn't embarrass him any further. He also snatches up one of the cure light potions for a little self healing. "I'll hold on to this here potion, that wand don't do me no good cept if someone else uses it. Speak up if you need it."

Was there anything else of interest in the pile of loot? Or just the scroll and potions?

As they head up into the next room Ironshanks continues to do his best to check for traps and inconsistencies in the stonework. Take ten for 17, 19 in stone

He watches as something charges the group, taken back in surprise as he pulls some bug guts out of his beard. "Holy f%+& what's that thing! It just brained Farlen!"

Hellena steps across and heals Farlen... a little...

CLW 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

"Curious indeed."

Ember's attention is mostly drawn to the hanging glass and strange markings until something hostile attacks Farlen from the shadows. He narrows his eyes and tears a beaten crossbow from its bindings across his back, quickly loading a bolt and aiming it squarely at the vaguely humanoid creature.

Crossbow, into melee: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (2) - 3 = -1 Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 5

Unfortunately his aim is poor and the loading mechanism rusty, and the shot nestles itself into a pile of bones. "Bah! Farlen, get away from that creature!"

5ft south, move action to load, standard to accidentally disturb the deceased

Farlen, no longer staggered, but with stars and lights dancing in his vision, retreats away from the blow 5' shifts north. He reflexively pulls the colored sand and emits a sound like 'kachoo' and brilliant colors erupt out of his hand.

casts color spray in cone to southwest, dc15 will save. Hope this works.

@Ironshanks: No, nothing else to find. And I recommend keeping the wand in your belt, not a pack. If you do, it can be drawn as a weapon instead of a stored item, which is a huge difference.

@Farlen: I moved you so that the cone doesn't hit Khellek, too.

Maps

Round 1-2
Effects none

• Hellena
  
• Farlen - 8 damage
  
• Ember
  
• Bad Guy - blind (3), stunned (4)
  
• Ironshanks
  
• Khellek

Hellena heals Farlen just in time to bring him fully conscious, then he blinds the creature with a brilliant flash of rainbow lights. Ember tries to shoot the senseless creature, but fires too quickly and misses.

Everybody is up.

Khellek takes a moment to take note of the strange creature.

"Ahh, I believe it is a Morlock. Uncannily good jumpers so watch out. They have an almost supernatural ability to spot your organs, so don't let them gang up on you, or well, you won't be around for long."

He steps backwards, unhooking his crossbow as he loads a bolt into it.

Stardard, ready a weapon, move, load a crossbow bolt into it. Free tell everyone how much he knows about the things that are trying to eat them. Also free, putting some space between himself and said partaker of pathfinder buffet.

"Thanks for that Hellena. I thought my head would explode."

Farlen pulls out a vial and drinks it quickly.

potion of CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Hellena starts swinging at the thing whilst it is incapable of attacking back..

Attack vs Flat Footed
Attack 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21
Damage 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
Crit? 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
Add Damage 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Sorry for the short post but heading out for the day

Ironshanks holds his axe high and charges the creature bringing his extra momentum into the swing, generating both cutting power and armor penetration. 1H War Axe + Charge + Power Attack: 1d20 + 7 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (3) + 7 + 2 - 1 = 111d10 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 4 + 2 = 16

I made a mistake and forgot it was a move action to draw a weapon. I'll pretend the shot was taken this round if that's ok since the conditions are more or less the same.

Ember's eyebrows raise as a rainbow of color shoots from Farlen's hand, and his look of surprise quickly changes to one of grim satisfaction when Hellena and Ironshanks pile into the frozen creature. "Something tells me it's the one who wont be around for long." What interesting and effective magic. I'd better take notes...

He gets down on one knee to better wrestle with his old crossbow and load a second bolt, before drawing once more to a stand and grinning at Hellena's heavy hit.

Move action to reload

I believe to 'draw a weapon' is a move action that does not provoke an AO and if you have a BAB of 1 or better you can combine it with an actual move too. To 'draw a hidden weapon' is a standard action without sleight of hand.

"My aching head...it feels like the effects of alcohol times 10. Could someone turn that ringing off too?"

@Ember: Once you know an area has potential threats, i.e. you were just attacked one room away, I assume each character keeps their primary weapon in hand. Cities are the main situation where I have a problem walking around with weapons drawn.

@Farlen: You got that backwards. It is a standard action with Sleight of Hand. They never actually say what it is without the skill, although the implication is it would be more difficult.

Farlen chugs a potion, while Hellena and Ironshanks finish off the morlock.

Out of combat!

"Well done!" says the scholar, as he pokes at the odd creatures body.

"Look at those legs! Most impressive!" he takes out his sketch book and draws a quick image of the creature, and then adds any recurring symbols from the area.

"Now let us return to the study of these symbols.."

His eyes are distracted however by the idols.

"The idols are crude, but potentially valuable. They are obviously of different origin than the delicate swoops and swirls on the floor and walls. I wonder it the Morlock created them? The bones are presumably the result of the Morlock's victims."

He glances up at the big doors.

"I suspect our fallen ambusher was wise enough to not try and attack a minotaur. Otherwise there would be larger bones here. Or likely no Morlock."

Khellek does a quick check to make sure none of the bones would be of a larger sized creature.

Farlen searches through the two bone piles. Doing something seems to lesson the throbbing of this aching head.

"I'll search these piles of bones for inadvertently discarded valuables."

perception to search the bones: 1d20 ⇒ 4

...but alas his attention is continually disrupted.

He then tries detecting magic in the room concentrating longer if he detects its presence starting with the walls and then the floor and finally the bone piles.

@Khellek: Thank you.

Khellek's search doesn't find any bones large enough to be from a minotaur, and Farlen simply gets refuse all over his hands and the hem of his robe.

We can move forward as soon as Farlen is healed and Appraise is rolled.

Thanks for giving me the benefit of the doubt, I'll try and be more clear about that stuff next time :P

"Well done indeed," Ember echoes, heartily patting one of Farlen's shoulders before nodding to the rest. I feel sorry for whoever next ends up on the bad side of that morningstar...

He rests his battered crossbow on one shoulder of his own after removing the loaded bolt, returning the metal to a small quiver strapped to his waist and covering it with his cloak. Content to leave the others to their rummaging, Ember turns his attention to the flickering symbols lining the stairs and the large bronze door at the top of them.

"I have to agree, Khellek. Not many creatures of intelligence would willingly pick a fight with a minotaur. Our friend Nuar must have passed through these doors not so long ago, unless there is a path we have missed. If these bone piles are of previous victims as you say, then this... Morlock, is no simple hunter. I would not doubt it's ability to create runes of this kind. Let's see here..." Ember's eyes flare as he examines the runes for any hints as to the purpose they serve.

Detect magic and Knowledge Arcana: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

Hellena casts another healing spell on Farlen.

CLW 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

"I'm down to two more channels of healing - I suggest we all refrain from being in the middle of the battle - thats what we have a Dwarf for" Hellena chuckles.

"Don't you worry! Ironshanks will lead you us into the fray, so long as you keep me livin' to collect the paycheck at the end of this trip. If you wanna be usin' that wand Hellena to help then so be it!"

Ironshanks wipes his axe off on the dead murloc then goes about helping look around the area.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

After browsing through the refuse he'll help someone with a better eye for value determine worth. Appraise Assist: 1d20 ⇒ 10

Since we don't seem to have someone with appraise ranks, someone with an int bonus lead the charge and we'll try to help.

"Hellena, that ready did the trick. The ringing has stopped and I only see one of you." "You truly are an angle."

"Ironshanks, what are you looking so intently at?" Do you want me to help? I craft jewelry and have a decent eye for valuables."

I really can't find what needs appraising above. Is it the idols?

Farlen will appraise the item assuming Ironshanks shows him.

appraise of item called for above: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

"Ah, yes these idols show very fine chisel work and they have a unique style to them. I believe they would sell for around 45 pieces of gold to the right collector/buyer and there are 20 of them." "But on the down side, there are 20 to carry." "Maybe if we find our Minotaur friend, he will be happy to heft them for us."

How much do these things weigh?

@Farlen: The idols are pretty small, they could all fit in a single backpack.

We're moving into the maze proper now. 4 hours have elapsed so far.

The curving, branching halls of this structure are lined with the same stone as the natural caverns outside, and the arched ceiling meets high overhead. Nearly every surface boasts inscribed text--some of it delicate and flowing, but surrounded by a tangle of jagged and hastily etched scribbles. The endless twisting passageways inspire a faint sense of vertigo, as if the floor were swaying underfoot.

Navigation of the maze has been abstracted into skill checks. Each check represents one hour of travel. Anyone can aid another, but one person must be designated as the leader for each check. The possible navigations method are:

• Follow the Minotaur's Trail (Survival)
  
• Princely Perfumes (Perception): Nuar wears way too much cologne (really!)
  
• Solve the Maze (Knowledge [dungeoneering]): PCs may willingly suffer 1d4 Wisdom damage for a +5 bonus.
  
• Understand the Maze (Knowledge [arcana]): PCs may willingly suffer 1d4 Wisdom damage for a +5 bonus.

"These runes are foreign and ancient, but harmless to us as they are. Their meaning remains unclear; perhaps remnants of a forgotten, darker age." Ember sketches some of the clearer symbols onto a few pieces of paper before nodding at Farlen in agreement. "Yes, friend, hours have passed and we have yet to find signs of Nuar's travel through these caverns, but there is no maybe. We will find him. Let us continue if we are ready." He strikes up another torch with his fingertips as they step through the doors and into the halls beyond.

Ember's eyes are drawn to the scribbles that pattern the walls around them. He wrinkles his nose, frowning slightly at the faint scent of something sweet and doing his best to keep the morning's breakfast down as the ground appears to shift beneath his feet. "Now this is a maze," he rumbles, grinning a little. "To think such a place has gone unexplored for so long. Who knows what treasures and secrets are held within. And dangers, of course, but I believe they'll be little trouble for us. So, left or right?"

Ember'll happily assist with Perception or the Knowledges, or multiple if that's allowed and you guys want him to

To clarify: there is a leader for each hour, not for each skill. For example, the first hour Ironshanks decides to lead with Survival. The rest of you may aid him, but that is the only action you may take.

Hellena is running with a +13 perception, thats a pretty good base to build from. With a few assists we could get a decent number before the dice is thrown :) thoughts?

Ahh cool, makes sense. I agree with Hellena. I'd vote tracking down our lost minotaur is probably highest priority, and Perception looks like our best bet.