[PFS] Nebten's Tangle (Inactive)

Game Master Nebten

"Alright. Those, uh bugs, are uh, dead. Whew!"

Maaarv gladly takes the potions and decides to drink one right then and there.

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

"Boy, we sure showed those stupid beetles what for, didn't we!" Maaarv desperately tries to act tough by nudging whoever is closest to him with his elbow.

Maaarv takes one of the glowing glands, not so much for the light, but out of shear curiosity. "Well, I'll be..."

Something has been weighing on Eadie’s mind for a while that she thought she’d share with the group.

“Mella, do you think I could be paladin-material?”

“When VC Valsin gave me some time off, I visited the Cathedral of Abadar in the Ascendant Court and managed to secure an interview with the Bishop.”

“Wow! He really doesn’t like Pathfinders! He said a tide of them once nearly destroyed his organ … and they didn’t do it silently either.”

“Anyway, he kinda implied I wasn’t … comely … enough to be a paladin, but is that really true?”

“I mean … I’m pretty, right Maaarv? In my own way …” Her voice trails off at the end of this statement.

With dry eyes and a carefully neutral expression, Eadie's sapphire baby blues dart between the faces of Mella and Maaarv, watching carefully for any sign of what she fears might be the truth …

An incredulous expression washes over Mella's face as she listens. "I cannot presume to speak for the ways of Abadar, but those in the church of the Inheritor would never make such an implication. Some, like the followers of Sheyln place a high value on forms of physical beauty. But that has little to do your sword arm. You could be as pretty as you please but if you can't swing that sword I wouldn't take you into my Seventh Sword Knight circle. Aroden knows you could have a face like Maaarv's, but you keep swinging that sword like you do girl and I'd have you any day of the week." Mella's features soften to a smile, and she winks at Eadie. As she walks by further into the tunnel Mella pounds her fist on Eadie's shoulder armor with a thud. "You are beautiful, and never suffer a fool to tell you otherwise."

Mikhaere attempts to field dress the two beetles to retain their glowing guts.

Survival: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16
Survival: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27

Easy as pie.

Did I just get dissed by a paladin?

"Well Eadie, I'd say you're pretty in any way. I mean, uh, your features are, uh, aesthetically pleasing. And I've known some real dogs that are paladins."

Maaarv gives Eadie a smile.

"So, let's find out what the tengus may have found, yes?"

Though the expression on her face doesn’t change, Eadie colors a bit and rejoices inside at Mella’s compliments.

I give you Mella Gbadu – the new iconic paladin!

Sadly for Maaarv though, this is one of those questions. You know, the ones you get negative points for, just by opening your mouth …

Eadie looks at Maaarv with her hand on her hips. “So my features are …” Eadie does quotation mark fingers. “ ‘aesthetically pleasing,' are they? Not attractive. Not beautiful. But definitely ‘aesthetically pleasing,’ huh Maaarv?”

“Oh, but you’ve got no problem dissing Mella, who is the most stunning – sorry – ‘aesthetically pleasing’ woman in or under the Ivy District, if not the whole of Absalom."

She tosses her head. “I’m going to see what the tengu have found, Maaarv. You can do what you like.”

Jarlgur shakes his head with a slight smile. He puts his hand on Maaarv's shoulder as the group heads down the passageway. Sometimes it is better to not say a thing, eh?

"I see the wisdom in that, Jarlgur. I didn't mean Mella when I said that about paladins. I miss my research... alchemical reagents are so much more predictable than people..."

Maaarv busies himself examining the cavern floor. Too embarrassed by his faux pas to face the others, he contemplates how he could improve his station with Eadie while focusing on the ever-important fungus...

After rooting around in the cavern for a while, Rackle caws at the others. "I found something interesting!" he says, returning to the group. He holds out three potions and a scroll. "Found these in the bugs' nests." he says. "Some eggs too."

Mella blushes, but thankfully deep underground and her dark complexion make it very difficult to notice. "I thank you m'lady, but I am not one for boasting of such things. When I earn my right as Fifth Sword Knight, now there is something you'll grow tired of hearing me say."

Very smoothly Mella tries to redirect the conversation, "So...minotaurs have hooves right? I wonder if Torch's mysterious minotaur left any tracks for us to follow?" Mella looks at the ground following the cavern...

Survival: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (8) + 0 = 8

Rackle's Handle Animal: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

Rackle carefully stores one of the beetle eggs in his pack. Mella searches the ground, but doesn't find anything notable remark.

Continuing around the corner, the natural caverns suddenly give way to 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.

The reek of decay, along with a pungent, acidic smell fills the chamber. Heaps of bones and garbage are scattered about the room. On both sides of the bronze doors, numerous small idols sit in niches and nooks. Their clumsy design clearly contrasts the delicate swoops and strokes of the walls and door.

Jarlgur quickly casts a series of spells on everyone in the party.

Cast Guidance and Resistance on everyone.

Give me an order of whom gets what. Keep in mind, by the time you finish your last casting, the first two castings will be exhaust.
12 castings=12 rounds
yet each spell only lasts 10 rounds.

“I say we all advance slowly into the cavern.”

Eadie has her sword drawn and is scanning the chamber for threats.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

This chamber is so weird … can I tell anything about its origins, makers or purpose?

Knowledge (Dungeoneering): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Umm, yeah. For some reason I thought Resistance was 10 min. Just make that Resist. on everyone in this order. Jarl, Rackle, Mikaharea, Mella, Eadie, and Maaarv. (cause we know M needs it the most.)

Mella, sword and shield at the ready, steps forward toward the bones. "Any horns in these unfortunate piles?"

Everybody scans the alcove while Jarlgur casts his spell, but do not notice anything.

Mella moves forward to investigate the pile of debris. Animal carcasses and insect carapaces litter the area.

Mella Heal: 1d20 ⇒ 11

The paladin is unable to make much more out of the piles.

Suddenly, death comes from above. Skin pale as a slug's belly, eyes huge and bulging, this thing pounces down from the ceiling like a spider, but its shape is hideously humanoid. It tries to crack Mella's skull with his jawbone cudgel.

Surprise Round

Mortimer Leap Attack vs Mella FF AC: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 261d6 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + 2 + (2) = 7

Round 1

Maaarv, Mikhaere & Rackle are up!

Maaarv tries to determine if he recognizes anything particular about this creature.

Knowledge (Dung.): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

He rushes forward and hurls an alchemist bomb at the strange creature, using his keen throwing to avoid harming the paladin.

Move to Z.17. Trying to get Maaarv to a spot where he has the clearest shot.

Bomb vs. Touch AC: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 4 + 1 = 16

Damage: 1d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 1 = 8

Maaarv's bomb lands directly on the subterranean creature, nearly taking an arm off in the blast.

Mikhaere also tries to figure out what this thing is.

Knowledge Nature: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
1d6 ⇒ 21d5 ⇒ 31d4 ⇒ 1
"By the look of its skin and how it is able to live among this filth, this creature must be immune to disease and poison. And its hands, those claws are shaped to make it an expert climber," the druid caws.

Otherwise, Mikhaere & Rackle draws their weapons but stay back to defend the rear.

The creature releases a high pitched screech as it holds up its bone club to beat down Mella.

Club vs Mella FF AC: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 121d6 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (5) + 2 + (6) = 13

Mella effortlessly defends the creature's club attack with her shield. A slight surprise appears when it also tries to bite the paladin as well.

Bite vs Mella FF AC: 1d20 ⇒ 201d4 + 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 1 + (1) = 3
Confirm Crit Bite vs Mella FF: 1d20 ⇒ 191d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Mortimer jumps on Mella like a feral cat. Its teeth sink into the paladin causing a fount of blood to erupt from her neck. The weight of the creature causes the unconscious Mella to fall to the ground. Mortimer stands over her bleeding body, teeth dripping crimson.

Mella is down

All Heroes May go now!

Jarlgurl moves up to stand ten feet behind Mella and spits fire at the creature.

Ranged Touch: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Eadie lets out a *gasp* as Mella falls. She grips her sword resolutely and moves AA20-AA21-to-Z21 and attacks the creature.

Greatsword: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
Pot Damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (3, 2) + 4 = 9

Seeing Mella fall, Maaarv quickly mixes up another bomb, using his Frost Bomb recipe.

Frost Bomb: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 4 + 1 = 15

Damage: 1d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 1 = 7

No splash damage to Mella or Eadie (Precise Bombs). Mortimer must make a DC14 Fort save or be staggered for 1 round. 3 bombs left.

Jarlgur moves toward the center of the room. His fiery spit splashes off the side wall.

Eadie's sword sings true as she cuts deep into the creatures right thigh.

Maaarv is finally getting into a rhythm as his frost bomb lands and chills the slug colored creature. The explosion knocks the creature off its feet. This grotesque creature lands unconscious with frost burned wounds pocking his body.

Mella stablize: 1d20 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 - 1 = 19 She's good!

Combat is over

The two tengu pick through the bones and debris near the door. There they find a wealth of small bone and basalt idols crowd the floor around the doors. Though crude, they are nonetheless worth 45 gp each to an academic or collector. There are twenty such idols present. Also among the refuse is a blue wand carved out of a swirling pillar of bubbles.

1d100 ⇒ 20
Unless I'm missing something, nobody is trained in Spellcraft with this group correct?

Eadie’s smile beams at Maaarv, before she says:

“You do remember who took out that second giant centipede, with a little assistance from Jarlgur, don’t you Maaarv? I certainly do.”

“Should we get those two CLW potions down Mella’s throat before she tells us to save them for someone more worthy or some-other paladin-spiel?”

When the paladin comes to, Eadie is quick to re-direct the conversation away from the recent skirmish. “Mella, if you want a hand looking for something, just let us know.”

Mella sputters back to consciousness, looking into Eadie's eyes as she helps Mella back on her feet. "Paladin material, no doubt." Speaking louder, to everyone "My apologies friends. Thank Iomedae my companions are an able sort indeed! You've made quick work of this beast." Mella stands over the frozen slug colored thing, looking at it, studying it.

For the sake of completion.

CLW potion: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
CLW potion: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Jarlgur considers using his Infernal wand of healing on the paladin, but then thinks better of the idea and use his normal healing wand in Mella.

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Jarlgur then picks up the found wand, frowning and cursing himself for always skipping out of Master Kreighton's magic item identification class.

Maaarv regrets not being able to identify whatever sort of wand it is that the party has found. He looks on as Eadie gives Mella the two potions and Jarlgur uses his wand to bring the paladin back to full health.

"I'm just glad you're alright. I'm just a little shocked that I was not in your position. Morlocks are nasty creatures indeed."

Maaarv then moves towards the southern end of the chamber, keeping a close eye out for anything unusual. As he walks past Eadie, he gives her a soft punch on the shoulder.

"Believe me, I know I still have a debt to repay to you over the matter of those...centipedes."

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

Mella thanks Jarlgur for the additional healing. "Eadie, to your point, I've heard that several artists from the Ivy District have recently gone missing. Perhaps these disappearances have something to do with the Tangle, perhaps not. When I saw all these various bones I feared the worst." Gesturing toward the double doors, "What do you suppose did that?"

Eadie smiles at Maaarv. It’s all good! Once he’s occupied on sentry duty, her brow furrows a bit.

I can’t tell if he remembers or not … or maybe I’m not recalling correctly …

I thought Mella and the tengu took down Centipede One in the first six seconds – it seemed like!

Mik and I got the third one.

But it was MAAARV who devastated the second one on his first and second attempt, before Jarlgur finished it off with his longspear.

Gesturing toward the double doors, "What do you suppose did that?"

Eadie responds to Mella’s observation regarding the double doors.

“A Minotaur maybe? Shall we continue on? Armored fighters in the lead?”

She will pause to examine the doorway area for traps before they pass through.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

Mella also examines the door for signs of the missing minotaur.

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

At Eadie's quizzical look, Maaarv confesses, "To be honest, I don't recall much about that incident. My fall to the blasted toxins has clouded my memory."

Jarlgur follows the others to the door, checking for signs of the minotuar prince.

Survival: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

"I, uh...just noticed something about these here remains. Some of them are indeed humanoid in nature - though I can't narrow down the types of creatures any more than that. But, judging by the rate of decomposition, I'd venture that many of these creatures were slaughtered within the last month."

As he stands up from crouching over the detritus, Maaarv absent-mindedly wipes the bits of gore onto his trousers.

"A sign that our minotaur has been through here, perhaps?"

Jarlgur finishes examining the area with a concerned look on his face. It looks as if our minotuar was attacked, defeated, and dragged from here by over a dozen morlocks.

“No traps that I can find. Are we ready to move on?”

Eadie looks at the pile of organic debris with distaste. "Oh, so you're looking for human remains in ... this, Mella? I'll have a look ... Jarlgur, can I have Guidance?"

Heal + Guidance: 1d20 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 + 1 = 11

It looks as if our minotuar was attacked, defeated, and dragged from here by over a dozen morlocks.

Eadie exchanges glances with Jarlgur. “Look, Man, I only need to know one thing ... where they are.”

Jarlgur points through the doors. That way.

Mella takes a renewed interest in the humanoid remains first. "Within the last month, I wonder if these are the remains of the missing artists?" She motions at the idols, "Juding by that work though, I'd say those weren't created by artists."

Eadie finds out nothing more then what Maaarv has already described.

Mella's Knowledge Local + Guidance: 1d20 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 + 1 = 12

Mella is unable to discern by herself if these are the artists she is looking for.

"This city always surprises me with how dangerous it truly is!" Rackle comments, looking at the skeletal remains. He joins Jarlgur in examining the door.

Take 20 on Perception to look for traps. Total 31

Rackle detects no traps. Is there anything else you would like to do in this room before moving on?

Jarlgur looks down at the pile of remains. Mella, perhaps you can gather the remains and have someone else try to identify them ands give them a proper burial, once we get out of here. Jarl then turns his attention back to looking through the doors at the way ahead. Are we ready to go forward?

While not drawn on the battle map, the piles take up 12 squares worth of space. Gathering the mixed remains of humanoids, animal carcasses and insect carapaces would not be feasible. (Unless somebody has a portable hole that I'm not aware of).

Don't have any Knowledge: Local to help out with. Any other skills we can use?

Don't have any Knowledge: Local to help out with. Any other skills we can use?

Survival, maybe......?

If you wish to assist, but don't have Knowledge local, make an Int check.

Int.!: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Jarlgur also sifts through the bones, looking for a skull or something like it.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Feeling he's missing something, Jarl tries sifting through the bones again.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

Rackle looks over the pile as a whole.

Int Check 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (17) - 1 = 16

Hmm … I’ve got my eye on you, Rackle! What’s he up to? Looking for shinys no doubt!

Eadie follows roguish Rackle’s example.

Intelligence: 1d20 ⇒ 8