[PFS CORE] Mists of Mwangi (Inactive)

Game Master Deane Beman

After his beautifully executed death blow with the scythe, Murdoch calms down from his frenzy and finds the point of the weapon embedded in the wall. Shaking his head with a smile, he quickly pulls it out and makes a single mark on the handle. "Now that was an excellent swing right there."

He wanders up to Ledt and pats him on the back. "Aye, I told you I was on your side, now wasn't I?"

Without time to rest or enjoy the spoils Ledt nods at Murdoch "You are right, but look the ape is looking again at us, let's run before he reduces and can chase us easier! From what the Venture Captain told us that door must lead us to the offices, perhaps the director can help us with the ape. Now! Run! I think he is coming!" the halfling opens the door in a rush and goes in pulling Murdoch with him without waiting just a second after the undead drops.

And Murdoch will be pulled along by the 5 strength halfling in comical fashion

The Offices

The door to this chamber was once a pane of expensive frosted glass, which now lies in broken shards on the floor. Within, several desks lie overturned, papers in disarray, and chairs smashed to kindling. A sturdy steel cabinet sits against the back wall, its doors much battered and dented. The mist here roils near the floor and ceiling, creating a strange patch of visibility stretching from knee-height to a few feet overhead. The smoky tendrils flow up and down the walls unnaturally and savage visages swirl to life, fanged mouths agape, before dissolving into mist once more.

As you enter the room Radagast notices two ape-men scurrying toward the party. The apes will spend the surprise round moving toward you…remember they're on the ceiling.

Suprise Round
Ape 1
Ape 2
Radagast

Round 1
Abaal We'll say four rounds of enlarged person remaining…
Ape 1
Ape 2
Radagast
Murdoch
Ledt

Radagast is up in the surprise round…then Abaal to start Round 1.

Do the ape look akin to Abaal (other mist-tainted folk)?

How high is the ceiling in here?

Murdoch looks to the people and then to Abaal. "Oi mates, try not to kill the wretches. It seems like they are still people underneath all that fur." Frowning at the apparent morality of that statement, he quickly adds, "And if we can find a way to fix them, I'm sure that they would pay us handsomely. A corpse doesn't exactly seem like the sort of thing that would give us much gold in gratitude."

The apes do appear similar to Abaal...perhaps further along in the transformation process. Nothing in the scenario spells out ceiling height...suffice to say that if Abaal can get under them while enlarged he can reach them.

Richard steps forward (5' step), and prepares to swing with the flat of his scythe at the first ape-man to come within range.

Scythe: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 - 4 = 16, for 2d4 + 6 ⇒ (4, 4) + 6 = 14 non-lethal damage.

I'll put Abaal on delay for now...

The apes pounce from the ceiling...the first is met by the flat of Radagast's blade which apparently packs quite a whallop. The apes slam their bodies into Radagast and Murdoch but, aside from their feelings, the Pathfinders aren't hurt by the attack.

Slam vs. Radagast: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
Slam vs. Murdoch: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Everyone is up!

Initiative Order

Abaal
Radagast
Murdoch
Ledt
Ape 1
Ape 2

"Ah no! More apes!" the panicked halfling points towards the new apes and says more arcane words. All of a sudden the floor under their feet is covered by a thin layer of grease. Ref DC 15, see map for placement

Ledt then retreats out of the room going underneeth Abaal's legs "You and your friends will not catch me!"

AFTER they make their reflex saves, Murdoch will attempt to nonlethally swimg his scythe at one of the ape's legs.

Attack: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 - 4 = 3

And forgrts the important rule of attacking with a scythe. You hit them with the pointy end.

Abaal grabs the halfling and uses him as bludgeon to--- sorry, fast motion combined with puppy-mind and the fact that everything looks the same from up here...

Instead Abaal 5-foots-forward, reaches over and grabs (grapples and probably provokes) the gorilla in front of Murdock.

CMB (enlarged and mist-tainted): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

"OOK!"

Reflex: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Reflex: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

Both man-keys slip to the floor...unfortunately Murdoch's swipe lands where one of them used to be. Abaal gets down and dirty with one of them and holds him down.

AoO: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Radagast is up.

Initiative Order

Abaal (grappled)
Radagast
Murdoch
Ledt
Ape 1 (-14 non lethal)
Ape 2 (grappled)

Heading out into real life. So Abaal plans on doing the following in my absence:

PS did not account for Man-key prone-ness. In the above spoiler.

Radagast continues to use the haft of his scythe to knock the injured one silly, hoping to render it unconscious.

Scythe: 1d20 + 4 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 + 4 - 4 = 19, for 2d4 + 6 ⇒ (2, 3) + 6 = 11 non-lethal damage.

Murdoch will also continue his nonlethal attack.

Attack: 1d20 + 4 - 4 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 - 4 + 4 = 16

nonlethal damage: 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

I was waiting to see the result of the actions, but just in case you are waiting for me:
Ledt, seeing how Abaal has grappled the ape, aims to the creature saying "You fool! You are not going to eat that fellow accomplice of yours! You aren't going to become crazier or stronger!" then he releases a bolt towards the ape.
Light crossbow+PB-PS (grappled, cover): 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (3) + 6 - 4 = 5
Piercing damage+PB: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
And reloads the crossbow while stepping farther away from the door.

Radagast knocks out the standing ape...and the group quickly subdues the grappled mankey and renders it unconscious as well. After a few moments the ape-like features melt away and you are left with the sight of two men laying on the ground.

"What's going on? Is it safe to come out?" A voice screams from a nearby filing cabinet.

"Safe is a relative term; there is still an ape-man out here, but it is (nominally) friendly - the two that were already in here have been rendered unconscious... Who are you?"

"I am...I am S-s-s-saldak." the clearly nervous man offers while looking at the ground and pointing. "And they are Kadarnik and Yannis. Are....are they d-d-d-dead?"

"No old boy, they've just been introduced to the concept of an enforced nap. They should wake up in a few hours or so. Tell us, what has happened here?"

"Get out of there man, we have to run out before all the damn Mwangi Expanse apes tribes go over us!" exclaims the small halfling impatient.
Intimidate: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

@Ledt: Just so you are aware, as per the Intimidate rules, if you are smaller than the thing you are trying to intimidate, you take a -4 penalty on the intimidate check (probably relevant here, since I doubt that he is a halfling or gnome)

Radagast sighs.

Ah, the rambunctiousness of youth!

"Now now, there's no need to be angry.. the poor chap is clearly utterly terrified, and you yelling at him won't help matters... let's try to be pleasant."

I knew, but my thought was, he cannot see me, can he? ;)

"Ook." Abaal says sagely, nodding his concurrence with the massive druid.

Murdoch leans his arm on Ledt. "Aye, you have nothing to fear from us. These folk are just, uh... sleeping, right. It's funny what could happen when you repeatedly bash the blunt part of a weapon against someone's head, eh? Reminds me of my work as a basher. Come to think of it, that was also in Cheliax... I might have to pay a visit once I get paid for being a massive hero..."

The quivering man names his two coworkers currently lying on the floor as Yannis and Kadarnik. Saldak is a scribe, his jowls quaver and shake with terror as he recounts his tale.

"The offices suddenly flooded with a strange mist early this morning, and that tendrils of it seemed to pour down Kadarnik’s and Yannis’ throats moments before they went stark mad!" Nigel was examining some artifacts in another area of the museum and Saldak is certain that these Tik Taan idols are responsible for the museum’s current predicament. “I smelled something wrong with those hideous monkey-faced things as soon as Lugizar brought them out of his pack. I’ve a nose for trouble, I do! No one listens!”

Saldak rummages through one of the desks and produces some scraps of Mwangi cloth inscribed with strange writing. He interprets the script on the cloth which reveals not only a warning against the idols’ corrupting powers, but also a powerful chant that dispels their influence over men. (Treat as a scroll of break enchantment.)

He looks down at his companions. "Will they be alright?"

"I honestly don't know - they at least look human now, so that is a definite step in the right direction... I suppose only time will tell..."

After regaining consciousness the museum employees wish you well as they timidly leave the building in search of a physicker who keeps late hours. Feel free to retcon any last minute actions before leaving this room. The makeshift scroll can used by anyone who has Break Enchantment as an available spell and it will remove the curse from one person.

East Exhibit Hall

The party moves across to the East Exhibit Hall. A large placard above the entryway to this hall reads “Hunting the Beasts of Legend” in great block letters. This gigantic chamber is relatively free of mist, and darkness is held at bay by braziers of radiant light. Behemoths occupy these halls, great taxidermy nightmares such as a two-headed bear easily taller than an ogre; a great desiccated beetle, its carapace larger than the face of the clock tower of Absalom’s Clockwork Cathedral; a massive specimen of chimera, its jaws open in a mock roar; and an assembled skeleton of a tyrant lizard. The walls here are studded with strange masks, staves, spears, and other implements of long forgotten cultures, most likely used in ritual hunts of the beasts preserved here.

Well, I wouldn't mind searching the room before we leave it ;-)

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20.

Just curious... do any of these masks look subtle (small) yet really cool? It would be... interesting if one of them were to disappear.

In addition to a sack containing 500gp, Radagast finds a leather case contains three scrolls. A scroll of cure moderate wounds, a scroll of false life, and a scroll of dispel magic.)

*Raises an eyebrow* Stealing from the people we are here to help? Tsk, tsk ;-)

Radagast looks around, appearing moderately bemused.

"What a lurid collection... and they still get it wrong - what a mish-mash of ecological niches! I'll have you know that beetles like that are native to Osirion and Rahadoum, whilst bears of that ilk come from up near the Crown of the World - and the weapons on display near both come from the Mwangi Expanse! Tsk, tsk. If they are going to make displays, at least have them accurate..."

He then moves over to inspect the tyrant lizard skeleton.

"I haven't seen an articulated specimen on display before... At least their anatomist/taxidermist is top-notch."

I know the title of this hall is 'Hunting the Beasts of Legend', but Radagast is just nit-picking ;-)

Call it... taking part of my reward early. I'll even put a few gold pieces where I took it from... I'll have to make a guess (probably underpaying due to my HORRIBLE appraise skill)

Murdoch groans "You naturey folk are sticklers for sure. Can't you appreciate something for how it looks?" He struts over to one of the masks, a simple black one that seems oddly similar to the holy symbol of Norgorber. Smiling, he picks it up and places it on his face. "Now this is culture. The Reaper of Reputation would certainly love this..." Counting about five gold coins from his pouch, he stacks them on the floor near where he picked up the mask. "For the trouble of course."

After regaining consciousness the museum employees wish you well as they timidly leave the building in search of a physicker who keeps late hours. Feel free to retcon any last minute actions before leaving this room. The makeshift scroll can used by anyone who has Break Enchantment as an available spell and it will remove the curse from one person.

Alas break enchantment is not on my spell list. So I may have to wait until post adventure to again out do Ledt on Knowledge (arcana) rolls. Wisdom however might key Abaal into determining if the misty danger has passed. If someone were to cure me now would there be further (apparent) danger of turning back into a beast while in the museum?

"The offices suddenly flooded with a strange mist early this morning, and that tendrils of it seemed to pour down Kadarnik’s and Yannis’ throats moments before they went stark mad!" Nigel was examining some artifacts in another area of the museum and Saldak is certain that these Tik Taan idols are responsible for the museum’s current predicament. “I smelled something wrong with those hideous monkey-faced things as soon as Lugizar brought them out of his pack. I’ve a nose for trouble, I do! No one listens!”

Tik Taan idols, what would it take to recognize such art skillwise? Abaal got the 'monkey-faced' bit--a term he is finding exceedingly tiresome today, but what else did he see? Abaal asks S-s-s-saldak (you know, some fantasy names have way too many hyphens and apostrophes in them) for a detailed description (size, material, etc...).

East Exhibit Hall

The party moves across to the East Exhibit Hall. A large placard above the entryway to this hall reads “Hunting the Beasts of Legend” in great block letters. This gigantic chamber is relatively free of mist, and darkness is held at bay by braziers of radiant light. Behemoths occupy these halls, great taxidermy nightmares such as a two-headed bear easily taller than an ogre; a great desiccated beetle, its carapace larger than the face of the clock tower of Absalom’s Clockwork Cathedral; a massive specimen of chimera, its jaws open in a mock roar; and an assembled skeleton of a tyrant lizard. The walls here are studded with strange masks, staves, spears, and other implements of long forgotten cultures, most likely used in ritual hunts of the beasts preserved here.

Abbal inspects the masks as if experiencing deja vu.

"Freaky. Ook."

@Abaal: I thought you were a fighter - why do you even have a spell list?

@Abaal: I thought you were a fighter - why do you even have a spell list?

Back @ ya, Radagast:

I have the "standard Fighter spell list" which is to say I have a big weapon that when waved around, magically makes problems disappear. However, I am also well-read, and when my Intelligence isn't nerfed by enchanted mist I am one of the smarter members of the party.

Edit: Correction, after looking, I find that I am the smartest member of the party on straight stats. Which I suppose explains everything that has happened in the adventure to this point. How's that for a sub-optimized fighter? ;)

I never said I was cribbing off Sylvester McCoy - I took my inspiration from the original source material, thank-you very much :-P

Also, fighters don't have spell lists ;-)

Ledt tries to finish Abaal with the break enchantment.
Caster level DC 10: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
"Sorry, that's beyond my abilities."

Then, Ledt takes the false life scroll "Mind you?" and casts it.
Caster level DC 4: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21
A sudden magical explosion shrouds around the halfling transforming his vital energy.
False life (assuming CL 3): 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

He then loads his crossbow and goes inside the hall.

EDIT: Scroll mishap DC 5: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (16) - 2 = 14
Thanks Radagast ;)

@Ledt: Since you failed the CL check to activate the first scroll, you need to make a Wisdom check to avoid suffering a spell mishap...

As Murdoch contemplates larceny and Abaal considers life as an ape, two of the stone faced helms hanging on the far wall begin to crackle loudly as shards of stone begin breaking away from what appears to be flesh underneath.

Surprise Round
Radagast
V1
V2

Initiative Order

Abaal
Murdoch
Radagast
Ledy
V1
V2

Radagast may take a surprise round action after which the two creatures will fly toward the ceiling, which is about 50 feet high in this room. After that everyone post their first round actions.

Radagast moves towards the creatures, scythe in hand.

I understand as we already know their actions (fly), we can come up with ours without waiting for GM input.
No k. planes trained until next level. Big drawback of sorcerer.

Ledt moves to the center of the room and shots his crossbow at the red mask yelling "Ah you creatures of the Avern! Go home!"
Light crossbow: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Piercing damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2

I was thinkimg about buying a bow, but thought 'I wouldn't need it'. :/ Murdoch is going to atand with his allies, bangimg the scythe on the ground and ready an action to swing at one if it comes within reach[/ooc]

With a groan, Radagast shakes his scythe at the floating heads, and then pulls out and loads his sling.

On his turn, Abaal rushes forward drawing his falchion as he does. He leaping upon the table awaiting the inevitable attack.
Depending upon how you are adjudicating Acrobatic movement he either gets to the square at the end of the line (30 total feet), or the square right before it (25 feet, including the 10 feet of move needed to hop up on something half his height) leaving five feet left to move which he can't take because it would involve a second diagonal). Depending on the ruling and how high the table is (I'm guessing that's what it is) he needs a 12 or a 10 respectively to get on top of it via Acrobatics... So...

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

PS Items on the table may render it difficult terrain, further hampering movement.

Floating high above your heads, one of the creatures meets the business end of a crossbow bolt courtesy of Ledt; after which each of the grotesque creatures emits a high pitched shriek. Abaal and Murdoch stand parlayed by the effect!

Initiative Order

Abaal - Paralyzed 4 rounds
Murdoch - Paralyzed 4 rounds
Radagast
Ledy
V1
V2

Assuming the creatures are higher than 30 feet. If they are that high though, the shriek probably doesn't arrive that far also.

Ledt reloads his crossbow and fires again over the red mask while yelling "Aaaaaaaah! stop that horrible sound!"
Light crossbow: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
Piercing damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2
Confirm crit: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
Piercing damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3
The little halfling steps then valiantly closer to his allies.