Sorry for the delay, mix of getting settled from the trip back from Denver and wrapping up another play-by-post I'm running.
Between Kegan's and Melisande's alchemy/magic combo, they are able to wipe out 4 of the 5 distinct swarms of spiders surging in the group's direction. The remaining swarm stupidly swarms directly under where Tereze is floating, and uselessly attempts to surge up towards her with no hope of actually reaching that high.
I am perfectly OK calling this encounter if someone can expend another alchemical item/area of effect ability that can deal at least 5 points of damage to get rid of the remaining swarm.
Following the Trail:
Should the group follow the blood trail that leads towards the mound in the clearing, it tracks back to a tunnel into the hill. The tunnel opens into a large cavern. Thick layers of sagging webs choke the room from floor to ceiling. Beyond the mass of tangles, jade flames burn about a rough pyramid-shaped dais, bathing the whole chamber in an eldritch green glow. Gruesome carcasses and human-sized cocoons dangle from ghastly strands. In places, walls are covered with worn-out bas-reliefs and faded markings. The air smells of dust, decay, and death.
M Ifrit CG Swashbuckler 6 | 52/52 HP| AC 26 Tch 15 Fl 21| CMB +7 CMD 21 | F +5 R +10 W +3 Resist Fire 5 | Init +5 | Perc +9 Darkvision | Speed 60, fly 90 | Panache 4/4 | CL 1/4 | Reroll 0/1 | Lucky Number 17 | Active Conditions: Longarm, Shield, Haste
“May I suggest we clean whatever that is on Tereze off first? I doubt she wants to have that effect on spiders.”
Once that is taken care of, Kegan heads towards the cave. When he sees them, he points out the cocoons and says “Any chance those victims are still alive in there?”
Remaining 4th: 4/5, 3rd: 7/7, 2nd: 6/7, 1st: 6/7, Channel Energy: 5/5, Master of Pentacles: 1/1, Energy Body 9/9, Boots 3/3
Yes, while I enjoy attention, ze eight Legged variety is not quite what I was looking for.
Do any of you have ze Prestidigitation Cantrip? Because ze only way I have to do ze cleaning is to drench myself with a rain cloud.
Yes of course, but I'm afraid those clothes are going to be a chore to keep from being totally ruined. You'll have to take them off so I can clean them thoroughly. Don't worry though, I can keep you warm...
Melisande offers Tereze a sultry smile.
Remaining 4th: 4/5, 3rd: 7/7, 2nd: 6/7, 1st: 6/7, Channel Energy: 5/5, Master of Pentacles: 1/1, Energy Body 9/9, Boots 3/3
Tereze look for a moment at Melisande for a moment.
Then she starts to take off her headscarf, letting her hair down.
As she does this, Tereze slinks over next to Melisande with her shawl swaying around her hips.
When she gets close she molds herself to Melisande and says:
Melisande, I zink you are.....
And with that her eyes flash gold, and a small rain cloud appears above both women.
Traveling for most of the day today, posting spoilers for when group is ready to continue forward. See the "Following the Trail" spoiler listed above for detailed area description when ready.
In Cave (Religion DC 20):
The iconography that decorates the cavern and the dais beyond align with the worship of the demon lord Mazmezz, the Creeping Queen.
In Cave (Perception DC 12):
Amidst the flickering light in the cavern, you believe you notice that there is a humanoid creature lurking in the webs around the dais on the far side of the cave.
In Cave (Perception DC 14):
Amidst the flickering light in the cavern, you believe you notice that there is a humanoid creature lurking in the webs around the dais on the far side of the cave. Additionally, there is a spider lurking in webbing on the ceiling near the dais.
In Cave (Perception DC 17):
Amidst the flickering light in the cavern, you believe you notice that there are two humanoid creatures lurking in the webs around the dais on the far side of the cave. Additionally, there is a spider lurking in webbing on the ceiling near the dais.
Melisande gives Tereze a quick squeeze before throwing her head back and laughing uproariously at the deluge. Thank you. Nothing like a bit of levity to remind us that we are all mortal.
Melisande uses Prestidigitation to dry herself, then looks into the cave.
Designs in here are representations of the Demon Lord Mazmezz, the Creeping Queen. She doesn't usually have many followers.
Melisande glances around the room. It looks like there are a couple of friends here though, a humanoid figure behind the dais, and a spider on the ceiling.
Remaining 4th: 4/5, 3rd: 7/7, 2nd: 6/7, 1st: 6/7, Channel Energy: 5/5, Master of Pentacles: 1/1, Energy Body 9/9, Boots 3/3
Tereze laughs together with Melisande.
But when the other woman dries herself off she smirks and says:
And here I was zinking one of ze boys would be more zen willing to help with our wet zings. But I guess your way works too.
Then later when she gets to the cave:
Zis looks like a trap.
She motions for the others to come close and whispers softly.
If we move back a bit, I can create an image zat can walk in zere. It will not have weight or heat, but it might trick ze creatures to see what zey have planned. Do you want me to try zat?
Offering to do Minor Image of someone cautiously going into the cave from a distance.
M Ifrit CG Swashbuckler 6 | 52/52 HP| AC 26 Tch 15 Fl 21| CMB +7 CMD 21 | F +5 R +10 W +3 Resist Fire 5 | Init +5 | Perc +9 Darkvision | Speed 60, fly 90 | Panache 4/4 | CL 1/4 | Reroll 0/1 | Lucky Number 17 | Active Conditions: Longarm, Shield, Haste
Kegan nods his agreement to Tereze’s suggestion and will back out with the others. He keeps an eye on the two hiding near the dias as he backs out, not wanting to lose sight of them.
I don’t think this will work against the things near the dias, but I’ve been wrong before. Best try it her way, but be ready if things don’t work out.
Tereze conjures forth a figment of a human venturing forth into the cavern uncertainly, the illusion advancing forward towards the pyramid-like dais on the other end. The figment reaches the base of the dais without anything emerging to interact with or attack the illusion, the still silence of the cavern only being broken by the breathing of the Pathfinders waiting near the entrance.
Melisande looks wide eyed at Tereze, obviously pretending innocence. We can always get wet again later. I'd prefer not to also be chafed from ducking into a tunnel in wet clothes.
She chuckles at the comment about elementals counting as ranged stuff.
Don't worry Tereze, that elemental will be fire.
She pulls out her hand crossbow. Say hello to my little friend.
Remaining 4th: 4/5, 3rd: 7/7, 2nd: 6/7, 1st: 6/7, Channel Energy: 5/5, Master of Pentacles: 1/1, Energy Body 9/9, Boots 3/3
We are in a cave, Earth Elementals can move anywhere zere is earth..
As soon as the others are ready Tereze casts Summon Monster III to summon 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 Small Earth Elementals, and sends them in to beat the spider on the ceiling.
She uses master of Penticles so they last 8 rounds and they get the stats from augment summoning
I will place you all in initiative at this point. Feel free to adjust your token locations to indicate where your character would advance to prior to initiative; anywhere behind the gap in the webbing immediately near the spider would be fine.
Tereze wrote:
As soon as the others are ready Tereze casts Summon Monster III to summon 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 Small Earth Elementals, and sends them in to beat the spider on the ceiling.
The two earth elementals emerge from the stone ceiling to begin the combat, but the spider seems to be oddly aware of their presence and is not surprised!
Each round the elementals are out of the stone attacking the spider, I will need a DC 10 climb check for them to remain on the ceiling as they do not have a climb speed or spider climb. Burrow speeds or Earth Glide allows movement through earth and stone, but doesn't grant the ability to cling to the outside of it freely.
Initiative Order:
Round 1:
Melisande
Kegan
Tetsudo
Tereze and Elementals (30 feet up)
Aryxis
Other Things
Locke
Spider (30 feet up)
NG M Occultist 6 - HP 45/45 - AC 19+4, T 11, FF 18+4 - F+9, R+5, W+7 (+2 vs Ench, +1 vs P,D & [Fire]) - Init: +1 - Perc +13 (LLV), SM +7 - Spell Slots: (1) 1/5, (2) 3/4, Mental Focus: (Trans) 3/6, (Abj) 1/4, (Div) 2/4, (Ill) 2/2 Active Conditions: Shield
Muttering under his breath while clutching at his weapon, Aryxis' form seems to shiver before he dashes off with incredible speed before stopping near Melisande with his weapon at the ready.
The two elemental slid through the ceiling and pop out of the roof on either side of the spider.
They both slam at the spider.
Elemental 1
Slam - Power Attack + Flanking:1d20 + 8 - 1 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 8 - 1 + 2 = 28 + 1 if spider is touching earth
Damage + Power Attack:1d6 + 7 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 7 + 3 = 13+ 1 if spider is touching earth
Elemental 2
Slam - Power Attack + Flanking:1d20 + 8 - 1 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 8 - 1 + 2 = 24+ 1 if spider is touching earth
Damage + Power Attack:1d6 + 7 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 7 + 3 = 11+ 1 if spider is touching earth
Tereze calls out.
Drunken Hero hear my Plea.
Against zis demon's servants be.
Give us strength of spell and arm.
Zat ze Spiders come to harm!
Cast bless on all of the characters, elementals are too far away.
HP 66 AC 24, touch 10, flat-footed 24 (+10 armor, +1 natural, +3 shield)Int 1/ Fort +10, Ref +3, Will +6
Testudo and Roshi rush around, though the spiders are far to high up to strike, he hopes they make the mistake to get close enough to the ground for him and Roshi to run them down.
Melisande moves up and casts Grease on the ceiling where the spider is clinging.
The spider's grip on the ceiling slips as the greasy splat of oil manifests under its legs, causing it to tumble to the ground below with a loud splat!
Tetsudo wrote:
Testudo and Roshi rush around, though the spiders are far to high up to strike, he hopes they make the mistake to get close enough to the ground for him and Roshi to run them down.
As the turtle knight advances forward, he hears the sound of something snapping as a large stone block hidden amongst the webs above him come crashing down on top of him and Roshi!
Assuming a 26 hits both of you, resulting in 11 points of bludgeoning damage.
Rocky and Rockette, Earth Elementals wrote:
The two elemental slid through the ceiling and pop out of the roof on either side of the spider.
Since their target is now on the ground, will make an assumption on their actions.
The elementals now without a target on the ceiling each perform a power bomb downwards on the unsuspecting spider below! The resulting wrestling maneuver squishes the spider, sending insect guts splashing in all directions.
Intentional fall reduces fall damage by 1d6, one elemental makes the acrobatics to reduce by another 1d6. One takes 4 points, the other takes 6 points. If you want them to earth glide after their power bomb, feel free to adjust their locations if desired.
Two hideous humanoid creatures lurking in the webs, with the misshapen face like a spider's and claws curved like a sickle, launch web bolts from their mouths at Tetsudo and Roshi. The one aimed at Roshi splats on the floor directly in front of the turtle, while the other hits Tetsudo in the chest and entangles him with its stickiness!
If one wishes to move through the webbing that these creatures are hiding in, a DC 8 Escape Artist or DC 12 Strength check is required for each square of movement through the web to avoid being entangled.
Knowledge (Dungeoneering) DC 13:
The humanoid creatures are ettercaps, cunning abberations that have an affinity towards spiders and being very creative with the webbing that they can shoot out of their mouths. May ask 1 question, plus 1 additional for each 5 points above the DC.
Remaining 4th: 4/5, 3rd: 7/7, 2nd: 6/7, 1st: 6/7, Channel Energy: 5/5, Master of Pentacles: 1/1, Energy Body 9/9, Boots 3/3
Tereze feels two bruises appear on her and knows immediately that Testudo is in trouble.
Life Link: Tereze -10 HP, Testudo and Roshi both heal 5 HP
So she moves to get a better view of what is happening.
Double Move
Meanwhile the two elementals slide into the rock and pop back up next to the spider creatures.
Str check Elemental 1 to not be entangled:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17 Str check Elemental 2 to not be entangled:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Then they swing at the creature
Elemental 1
Slam - Power Attack + Earth Mastery:1d20 + 8 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 8 - 1 + 1 = 15 Damage + Power Attack + Earth Mastery:1d6 + 7 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 7 + 3 + 1 = 16
As you quickly scan the area, you do not see any cocoons that appear to hold living creatures near your target. You do notice, however, that there are two cocoons back near the altar that twitch occasionally; leading you to believe that some of the original crew sent here are still alive. You also note that there appears to be shiny objects and treasure suspended next to the cocooned individuals, but you will most likely either need to use magic or climb up to the nest area to reach them.
Locke wrote:
If Locke spots no obvious victims, adding a fire bomb to the arrow.
Locke's arrow speeds through the webbing with a loud fwip noise as it strikes the creature, a loud fiery explosion following shortly afterwards that burns both the creature and the webbing around it!
Melisande wrote:
Melisande pulls out her wand of Magic Missile and shoots the one by the elementals
The magic tennis ball missile darts unerringly around the gaps in the webbing, thudding into the creature's chest with a painful impact.
**Botting Activated**
Tetsudo, effectively glued to his mount with webbing and not minding that overmuch, spurs Roshi to dash around the webbing to perform a ride-by-attack on the creature to the right. He thrusts his lance through the webbing, striking the creature nearby with enough damage to drop it into unconsciousness!
Tereze wrote:
Meanwhile the two elementals slide into the rock and pop back up next to the spider creatures.
The elementals pop up and begin pounding away at the other creature to the left, both of their blows sufficient to knock their target unconscious as well!
M Ifrit CG Swashbuckler 6 | 52/52 HP| AC 26 Tch 15 Fl 21| CMB +7 CMD 21 | F +5 R +10 W +3 Resist Fire 5 | Init +5 | Perc +9 Darkvision | Speed 60, fly 90 | Panache 4/4 | CL 1/4 | Reroll 0/1 | Lucky Number 17 | Active Conditions: Longarm, Shield, Haste
Seeing that the enemy is defeated, Kegan goes over to the human-sized cocoons and carefully cuts them down such that the cocoons don’t just thud to the ground. He then cuts them open to see if any of the victims survived being cocooned.
As he does this, he asks “Is there any fast way to determine if any of the victims survived?”
[HP: 63/63, AC 20/14/14, F+8/R+11/W+5, CMB +6, CMD 20, Perc. +12, Init +4, Bombs 12/12, Temp HP 0/0]
When the 1st is cut out and Kegan is busy with the next, Locke checks the pulse with 2 fingers on the neck, and a wrist for breathing.
For some reason hiding said hand under the mantle while taking off a glove to do so.
Kegan and Locke investigate the cocoons around the cavern, finding that the large majority of the ones at ground level contain a variety of sailors and pirates that are clearly dead. Checking back near the altar, there appear to be two cocoons that are suspended up in a nest near the cavern ceiling that exhibit movement that would indicate something living is within them.
**RP Assumption Initiated**
Locke spreads his wings and flies up to the nest to reach the location 30 feet above the ground easily with his ability. Observing the nests and the sounds coming from within makes it clear that there are two surviving humans within them. With a combination of rope and sweat, Locke arranges for the two to be lowered to the ground cautiously. Afterwards, the alchemist recovers several treasures caught up in the nest as well; finding a panoply of valuable gems, coins, and a very valuable looking silvered shortsword.
Cutting the two humans out of the remaining cocoons reveals two men; one an aged Osiriani man and the other an one-eyed Taldan man with a black eye patch covering part of his face. Both are unconscious, but do not appear to be actively dying at the moment. (E.g. both are stable at 0 hit points)
Detect Magic:
The silvered shortsword recovered by Locke radiates a faint magical aura.
Detect Magic + Spellcraft (DC 18):
The silvered shortsword recovered by Locke is a +1 silver shortsword.
M Ifrit CG Swashbuckler 6 | 52/52 HP| AC 26 Tch 15 Fl 21| CMB +7 CMD 21 | F +5 R +10 W +3 Resist Fire 5 | Init +5 | Perc +9 Darkvision | Speed 60, fly 90 | Panache 4/4 | CL 1/4 | Reroll 0/1 | Lucky Number 17 | Active Conditions: Longarm, Shield, Haste
“So are these the lieutenants we were supposed to rescue?”
He looks around a little and adds “No obvious exits other than where we came in. I suppose we could check the alter area more carefully for secret passages.”
Having said that, Kegan will start looking for any secret doors or passages.
Perception:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
Remaining 4th: 4/5, 3rd: 7/7, 2nd: 6/7, 1st: 6/7, Channel Energy: 5/5, Master of Pentacles: 1/1, Energy Body 9/9, Boots 3/3
Tereze moves over to the two men and calls Testudo and Roshi over as well.
I believe that is everyone who is hurt.
Then she prays over them . As the prayer concludes the air around her glows a gent also gold, refreshing all this who were wounded.
Channel Heal:3d6 ⇒ (6, 2, 5) = 13
As the men open their eyes Tereze flashes a winning smile and asks:
So how did two strong boys like yourselves end up in a horrible place like zis?
