[PFS PbP Gameday V] GM Karma's #7-17 Thralls of the Shattered God (Inactive)

Game Master -Karma-

Did you want to split the arrows Isabella, one of each?

"Sweet," Adeah tells the men, hoping to stay in their good graces. "So tell me more about this tree-god I'm now loyal to."

"I think it is best that you take the arrows Shonne. I am not bad at archery, but my true strength is with my sword. I will take point and move slowly so we do not run into anything that might have been avoided."

Isabella retrieves a gem from her pack. It seems to burn like a torch but without the heat. She fastens the gem to a strap on her armor and then moves slowly into the tunnel.

Detect evil active. 60 ft cone ahead of me. Taking single move actions to move, standard actions to maintain concentration. The gem is a gem with a continual flame on it, heightened to lvl 3

"Sweet," Adeah tells the men, hoping to stay in their good graces. "So tell me more about this tree-god I'm now loyal to."

"Oh, gladly," Iosef proclaims, and keeps talking about their quest and their god. However, there isn't much detail he had not already told earlier. Lakhtaris is the god of their ancestors, and all the Sarkorians here are quite recent converts. The original worshippers fled Dredarin when Worldwound shattered Sarkoris, and much of knowledge was lost then.

The entrance to the temple is uncovered, and the brave adventurers descend into earth-covered darkness. The Sarkorian cultists are eager to follow, but wait until the Pathfinders have cleared the way. An earthen tunnel leads to an elaborate door, shaped like an open mouth baring jagged fangs. The surface of the door is smooth except for six dials, each surrounded by spiked runes. Isabella detects an evil aura emanating from the door.

Picture of the runes

"Careful, that door radiates evil. Can anyone decipher those runes?"

Linguistics: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

"Those are Abyssal runes. I don't know their meaning, tho."

Turns to Valais.

"Girl, do these ring a bell?"

Valais shakes her head, confused. "No... This doesn't feel familiar. But, somehow, I can read those runes.. That one means Lamashtu... I think they are all.."

Isabella can fill in the answer, I'll allow player knowledge this one time :)

"Outstanding," Adeah says, unenthused. She unslings her musket and holds it at the ready. "Good thing we've got those anti-demon arrows, right?"

Bunk scratches his beard.

"I have a bad feeling about this."

Bunk casts bless.

Inspecting the runes, Iskar replies, "They are definitely abyssal, but...the wording doesn't make any sense."

Turning to Bunk, he adds. "Demons are tricky but they aren't bad in my experience. Now the past, that's something you don't want to tangle with."

Reaching out, Iskar touches Zaas' flank "Luck guide you my friend."

Cast Guidance on Zaas

Shonne casts message. She targets the group minus the eidolon. She also accepts all the arrows. She readies her bow. Did anyone claim the potions (cure mod. wounds)?

Isabella interrupts Valais "That is it! I recognize some of them as being sigils of demon lords. That one is Aldinach's rune, that is the one from Lamashtu. There is the rune of Sifkesh and that one belongs to Areshkagal."

She suddenly stops "Sorry Valais, I completely barged over you there. I was just being glad that I for once recognized something that the people at the Grand Lodge have been trying to get me to remember. I guess that study time was not wasted after all. And do you notice that some icons are depicted twice while others only once? I have no idea what that means though...

See this link for my attempt to couple all pairs of icons. I did not see other pairs. But what to do next? We might have icons in between the others that are not correct, but which ones? I assume we need to set the dials to a certain icon, but my little exercise did not get us that much farther. Does somebody have an idea?

I will take one of the CMW potions

I would happily take a potion. Gives me more HP to sacrifice to my pet.

"Hm..." Adeah peers at the runes. "I guess this one does look like the Lamashtu symbol, now that you mention it. Was never one for studying those kinds of things, myself. Maybe we have to line them up somehow?"

I notice that each horizontal pair and each vertical pair have exactly one rune in common. But it doesn't appear that they can all be matched up with each other simultaenously. Is it possible to rotate them so that each corresponding symbol is in the same position as each other?

"Good idea Adeah"

Perception take 20: 20 + 8 = 28

Isabella checks the door for traps and then carefully turns the upper left-most dial one notch clockwise.

Do the symbols around the dial turn or only the dial? I fooled around a bit with turning (see earlier link), but there does not seem a way to get all pairs next to each other. I also do not think that there is a way to get all the symbols in the same position as the other one of each pair. I put the loose dials on slide 2. Please duplicate it to try for yourself

I noticed that too. We can't get them to line up next to each other, but maybe we can get them to all be in the same positions? (i.e. both blue circle runes at the top, both Lamashtu-rhombus runes on the right, etc.)

Edit: Nope, doesn't look like that's possible either.

Isabella doesn't detect any traps on the door, but the very moment she touches the dial, she feels the door is covered with some adhesive substance. As she realizes her hand is stuck on the door, she thinks she can hear something... like something very hungry is drooling.

Central part of the door starts moving, like lips. And a powerful voice shouts: "DROP TO THE GROUND, MAGGOTS!". Adeah and Iskar are so awed by this command, they cannot help but obey. The other four hear the power in the words, but are able to resist the command.

That was surprise round, now to initiative
Adeah initiative: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
Bunk initiative: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (9) - 2 = 7
Isabella Isabella: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
Shonne initiative: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11
Iskar & Zaas initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
???Door???: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

The words seemed to come from the door. It still looks like a door, though.

If you made the kn. dungeoneering roll, you can roll Kn. (planes)

@Adeah&Iskar You must use a move action to drop prone. Starting from round 2, you can try to make will save DC 17 to ignore the command and get up

@Isabella Your hand is stuck in the door, and you count as grappled. You cannot get free except by the means mentioned in the spoilers

Combat, round 1
=>Adeah
=>Shonne
=>Isabella
??door??
Zaas
Iskar
Bunk

Next up: Adeah, Shonne, Isabella

Drop to the ground. That seems reasonable. Adeah lays her musket in front of her and drops prone. Wait... Why is that reasonable? "Get away from the door!"

Uh... Yea, I really got nothing here.

Knowledge Dungeoneering: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19
Knowledge Planes: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (13) + 16 = 29

Bunk's swift action is informing his comrades.

"IT’S A DEMONIC MIMIC! Mimics are covered with adhesive slime, that holds any creatures or items touching it. Strong alcohol or universal solvent dissolves the adhesive. They can resist spells, cold, electricity and fire, as well as immunity to acid and poison. Non-magical weapons might not do the effect desired on him!"

Remember the bless on you people!

"Would killing it help dissolve the adhesive?" Isabella asks while she quickly draws her blade.

Isabella slashes at the door, hoping she is quick enough to pull back her blade before it gets stuck.

Attack, bless, grappled: 1d20 + 14 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (8) + 14 + 1 - 4 = 19
Damage: 1d8 + 9 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 9 + 5 = 20 subtract 5 if immune to precision damage
Reflex, Charmed Life: 1d20 + 10 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 10 + 3 = 22 assuming same mechanics as a normal mimic

Attack, bless, grappled: 1d20 + 9 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 9 + 1 - 4 = 25
Confirm?: 1d20 + 9 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (14) + 9 + 1 - 4 = 20
Damage: 1d8 + 9 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 9 + 5 = 22 subtract 5 if immune to precision damage
Additional Damage on crit: 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10
Reflex: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

Isabella strikes the door, and the blade is not met by metal as it seems. Instead, it cuts into demonic flesh, making a sizable wound. However, the fabled Aldori weapon falls pray to the same substance that is holding it's wielder.

@Isabella: Your weapon got stuck after the first attack. Please make a DC23 Strength check to see if you can make the other attack. And if you succeed, make another check to see if you can get the weapon free after the other attack. (Yes, the DC's are higher than normal mimic). Precision damage seems to work just fine

@All: As demonstrated by Isabella, if you hit the mimic with a weapon, you need to make a DC 23 REF save or the weapon is stuck

Combat, round 1
Adeah (prone)
=>Shonne
Isabella (glue-grappled, slashing the mimic)
??door?? Mimic (-20hp, maybe more)
Zaas
Iskar
Bunk

Next up: Shonne

In that case

Isabella lets go when her sword becomes stuck, quickly draws her new cold iron morning star and lashes out with it.

Attack, bless, grappled: 1d20 + 8 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 8 + 1 - 4 = 25
Confirm?: 1d20 + 8 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 8 + 1 - 4 = 12
Damage: 1d8 + 1 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 1 + 5 = 13
Additional Crit Damage: 1d8 + 1 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 5 = 7

Reflex: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17

Unfortunately for her the morningstar is also stuck to the mimic...

time to start stabbing it with arrows ;-)

Looking back at his half-orc companion, then at the door Zaas hollers, "Let him be!" and proceeds to charge into the fray.

A flurry of horn, teeth, and claws fly at the door.

Bite with Power Attack & Guidance: 1d20 + 8 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 8 + 1 - 2 = 17
Bite Damage: 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11
Ref to pull back: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

PA Claw 1: 1d20 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 8 - 2 = 15
Claw 1 Damage: 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11
Ref Claw 1: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

PA Claw 2: 1d20 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 8 - 2 = 25
Claw 2 Damage: 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
Ref Claw 2: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

PA Gore: 1d20 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 8 - 2 = 21
Gore Damage: 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
Ref Gore: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

Woot! 1 claw broke free.

Feeling an uncontrollable urge to drop to the floor, Iskar lowers himself to the ground, holding on to his axe.

This isn't right! I should be helping Zaas...He needs me!

Bellowing at the mimic, "You COWARD! You hide from those that offer you a fair fight and use petty parlor tricks?! HAVE YOU NO HONOR? My friend and I have eaten your kind before and we shall again. RUN WHILE YOU STILL CAN!"

Attempt to Intimidate/Demoralize as a standard
Intimidate: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (11) + 15 = 26

My apologies, missed that Shone hadn't gone yet

Yes, Shonne goes first, then the mimic. I'll apply Zaas' and Iskar's actions if they are sensible after mimics turn. If I don't hear from Shonne in couple of hours, I'll put her on delay

"IT’S A DEMONIC MIMIC! Mimics are covered with adhesive slime, that holds any creatures or items touching it. Strong alcohol or universal solvent dissolves the adhesive. They can resist spells, cold, electricity and fire, as well as immunity to acid and poison. Non-magical weapons might not do the effect desired on him!"

"...."

+1 composite longbow (fiend-bane arrow, bless, through traffic, point blank shot): 1d20 + 7 + 3 + 1 - 4 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 7 + 3 + 1 - 4 + 1 = 15 damage: 1d8 + 3 + 1 + 2d6 ⇒ (7) + 3 + 1 + (3, 4) = 18

Bunk touches every member of the party near him.

His shield begins to glow.

"Oh, glorious P'tah, protect your servant from this fiend."

Protection from evil, communal.

Isabella manages to wound the mimic again, by a lighting-fast switch of weapons. But now the morningstar is also stuck on the creature.

Shonne fails to find a clear shot, with her allies standing in the way. As a result, her arrow ricochets harmlessly off the target.

--

Smite good 1: Isabella, 2: Zaas: 1d2 ⇒ 2

”BWAHAA!! TASTY MORSELS! COME HERE! FEED ME!” The mimic’s gargantuan mouth booms, and it’s long tongue tries to lick Isabella, splashing spit all around her. Excited, it moves to attack, goring and pushing the stuck swashbuckler as it goes. It is greedy, it is not sated with just one skinny human. It wants all! Isabella is dragged on as the mimic slams into Zaas. Zaas feels some dark power manifesting on him, but luckily it doesn't affect him.

Gore @Isabella: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (7) + 15 = 22
Damage: 2d6 + 10 ⇒ (1, 5) + 10 = 16
Slam @Zaas: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (12) + 16 = 28
Damage: 2d6 + 10 ⇒ (4, 4) + 10 = 18
Grapple @Zaas: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (10) + 16 = 26
Constrict damage: 2d6 + 15 ⇒ (3, 1) + 15 = 19

16 damage to Isabella, 37 to Zaas

The mighty slam sends Zaas to unconsciousness, it's limp body stuck into mimic. I believe life link can only be used to prevent eidolon from being sent back to it's own plane, right?

—
Even if he's shouting his threats from the ground, Iskar's voice is truly intimidating. The mimic pauses is assault for a moment, and it seems... shaken.

Bunk prays his god for protection, and everyone is glad to have Ptah’s blessing between them and the drooling monstrosity. Spell also bring a new clarity for Adeah and Iskar, giving them willpower to resist the diabolic command. Adeah and Iskar can try a new will save. If those fail, you can still try another during your turns

Round 2
=>Adeah (prone, new will save)
=>Shonne
=>Isabella (-16, stuck, two weapons stuck)
Mimic (-33hp, shaken)
Zaas (-37)
Iskar (prone, new will save)
Bunk

Next up: Adeah, Shonne, Isabella

Will Save: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 1 = 12
+1 additional from Bunk protection spell.

you are correct regarding life link

PfE gives you +2 deflection bonus to AC and +2 to resistance bonus on saves. Both these bonuses apply against attacks made or effects created by evil creatures.

I have a cloak of resistance +1 so the protection spell only gives me an additional +1 resistance. They are the same type of bonus. Am I misreading it?

GM, that gore vs AC22 should be a miss. Current AC is 23: base 23 -2 for grapple (-4 to dex) +2 deflection from PfE

Iskar, you are correct for saving throws. PfE also does not stack with a ring of protection for AC.

"Does anyone have a spare dagger they can hand me?" Isabella asks surprisingly calm for the situation.

Bunk handles Isabella his mace.

"There you go!"

"......."

+1 composite longbow (fiend-bane arrow, bless, through traffic, point blank shot): 1d20 + 7 + 3 + 1 - 4 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 7 + 3 + 1 - 4 + 1 = 21damage: 1d8 + 3 + 1 + 2d6 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 1 + (4, 5) = 15

So much for 'Dwarven black arrows'.

I assume that accepting the weapon is a move action

"Thank you!"

Isabella accepts the heavy mace and finds a place just beside her own weapons on the 'door'. She does not even try to get it loose but holds her free hand to her companions, ready to accept the next weapon.

I am so filling my efficient quiver with a lot of light weapons when I get back to a city!

Attack, bless: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 6 + 1 = 27
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 6

Confirm?: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 1 = 11
Additional Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 1

Reflex DC23: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15

Unarmed Parry: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16 Never mind

Please note the initiative order. Isabella didn't have protection from evil last turn because Bunk's spell goes off after the mimic's turn. Bunk can give Isabella his mace, but again that happens after the mimic's turn. So Isabella needs to delay after the mimic if she wants to attack with the mace. (but I accept those rolls), if the action is still feasible after mimic's turn

When a group of PC's are next in initiative, you can act in order you happen to post. But to avoid confusion, please do not post an action when there's a monster or npc before your turn. The "Next up" at the end of my combat post tells who should post next :)

This time, Shonne's aim is better, and the bane arrow sinks into the demonic flesh. The mimic screams as the magical arrow burns into his essence.

Round 2
=>Adeah (prone, new will save)
*Shonne
Mimic (-48hp, shaken)
Zaas (-37)
Iskar (prone, new will save)
Bunk
[D] Isabella (-16, stuck, two weapons stuck)

Next up: Adeah

Will: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

No, dropping to the ground was a bad idea, she thinks, and stands. Taking aim at the door-creature, she fires.

Musket shot vs mimic (touch): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23
Even with soft cover, that should hit.
Damage: 1d12 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Getting her head straight, Adeah points her musket towards the mimic, and fires. At this distance, hitting is no problem. But unreliable as the firearms are, the bullet leaves the barrel with weak force, and makes only a minor dent on the creature. Did Adeah get up or is she still prone?

Since Isabella and Shonne are the ones causing most damage to the mimic so far, the creature assaults the ladies. Already-stuck Isabella gets gored again, and then the creature reaches and slams into Shonne. And then the barely-conscious elf is stuck into the mimic like the rest of it's victims.

Gore @Isabella, shaken: 1d20 + 15 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 15 - 2 = 33
Damage: 2d6 + 10 ⇒ (2, 3) + 10 = 15
Slam @Shonne: 1d20 + 16 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 16 - 2 = 27
Damage: 2d6 + 10 ⇒ (4, 1) + 10 = 15
Grapple @Shonne: 1d20 + 16 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 16 - 2 = 29
Constrict damage: 2d6 + 15 ⇒ (1, 2) + 15 = 18

Gore crit confirm: 1d20 + 15 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 15 - 2 = 15
Damage: 2d6 + 10 ⇒ (4, 4) + 10 = 18

15 damage to Isabella, 32 to Shonne
—

Bunk passes his mace to Isabella, who smashes the blunt weapon into the demonic door. Unfortunately, the unnatural skin of the creature absorbs most of the blow. ie. only a little damage goes through DR

Round 2 & 3
=>Adeah (prone?)
=>Shonne (- 32, grappled)
Mimic (-54 hp)
Zaas (-37) (bleeding, grappled)
=> Iskar (prone, new will save)
*Bunk
*Isabella (-31, grappled, two weapons stuck)

Next up:Iskar (Round 2), Adeah,Shonne (Round 3)

I couldn't find what kind of action is giving a weapon to other character. Perhaps it goes to category "manipulate an item". So if Bunk had the mace in hand, he can give it to Isabella as a move action. This would leave him a standard action in round 2

Stood up as a move, fired as a standard.

With practiced speed, Adeah throws another paper cartridge into her musket, aims at the door, and pulls the trigger.

Musket shot (touch): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28
Damage: 1d12 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

-Posted with Wayfinder

Will Save: 1d20 + 5 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 5 + 1 + 2 = 15
+1 prot, +2 adjacent to eidolon

Hmmm...this things may have a point. The ground is fairly comfortable

Iskari draws a wand from his thigh and with a flick taps Zaas on his hind leg.

"I'll wake you soon, my friend"

Drew wand of shield as move and gave Zaas +4 Shield bonus as standard

"Isabella, I have a dagger and a falchion you may use if needed. I can't grab them just yet though."

stabilize check: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

Shonne drops her bow snatches out her sword, bringing the weapon down upon the creature.

mwk cold iron longsword (grappled): 1d20 + 7 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 7 - 2 = 19 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Fair enough GM!

"Thanks Iskar, dagger please!"

Shonne brings down the sword with all her might, and cuts into the mimic. Unfortunately, it doesn't appear to do as much damage as she would have hoped. Still, a small cut is better than none.

Shonne: DC 23 Ref save, or the sword is stuck

Next up: Standard action from Bunk

Bunk, shield in hand, mutters something.

Chooses his allies not to be affected by the effect of the negative channel.

"Oh mighty PTah bring balance to this foul place!"

Negative Channel: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 2) = 8

DC Will Save 19.

Mimic will save: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28
Bunk channels P'tah's might to damage the demonic mimic, but the creature's mighty will seems to resist part of the damage.

Valais, who has been thus far lurking in the shadows behind the party, carefully approaches the battle. "Keep it up! We are close, I can feel it! Tell me if I can help somehow. I dare not fight, I fear such SWEET AGGRESSION would give the demon more control over me."

The mimic seems only to get more excited as more flesh arrives to the site. It trashes to every direction, trying to get everyone on its lunch menu. The Pathfinder's who are already stuck in the mimic provide some cover against the attacks, as the mimic stretches its body to strike over them. This saves Bunk from a terrible fate, but Iskar is easy target, being prone in the ground.

1: Bunk, 2: Iskar, 3: Isabella, 4: Shonne: 1d4 ⇒ 2
Gore @Iskar, target in cover: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (11) + 15 = 26
Damage: 2d6 + 10 ⇒ (1, 2) + 10 = 13

1: Bunk, 2: Iskar: 1d2 ⇒ 1
Slam @Bunk, target in cover: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (8) + 16 = 24
Damage: 2d6 + 10 ⇒ (1, 2) + 10 = 13
Grapple @Bunk, target in cover: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (12) + 16 = 28
Constrict damage: 2d6 + 15 ⇒ (2, 5) + 15 = 22

Round 3 & 4
=>Adeah
=>Shonne (- 32, grappled)
Valais
Mimic (-61 hp)
=>Zaas (-37) (bleeding, grappled)
=>Iskar (prone, -13)
=>Bunk
=>Isabella (-31, grappled, two weapons stuck)

Next up: Everyone

@Iskar: Since Zaas is down, it doesn't provide cover for you. So you are in the mimic's threatened area.

"Sorry Isabella, something more pressing needs my attention. I can't hand it to you, but here it is "
Iskar draws his dagger and drops it at her feet.

"Wake my friend! I give you my life force"

Iskar casts Life Conduit as a standard and gives Zaas some of his health as a swift. Draw Dagger as a move and drop as a free.
This would Provoke

If spell goes through...HP donation: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Will Save: 1d20 + 5 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 1 + 2 = 11
+1 Prot, +2 Near pet

This stone floor really is much softer than I expected.

Concentration Check if needed: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

If Iskar's spell goes through, Zaas will do the following. If not, he's still unconscious but stable

Zaas wakes up and looks around.

Well, this isn't going well...

Taking his free claw, he buries it into the mimics flesh.

Magic Claw attack (Grappled): 1d20 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (16) + 8 - 2 = 22
damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Ref Save; +2 Prot spell: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 7 + 2 = 16

Bunk casts positive energy this time, using selective channel again to avoid healing the mimic.

Positive Channeling: 3d6 ⇒ (4, 6, 2) = 12

"Oh PTah, in your fairness, heal the wounds of my brethren!"