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Similarly, the Ulfen’s snowball just hits Raining Death , though the ogre’s body seems to be repairing the damage done.
Valjoen looks around for something to throw at the flying creature. He briefly considers Mido, judging his weight and aerodynamics, but thinks better of it and hurls another Snowball infused with Urea at it instead.
Moving around Jillia, Val gets below the creature then hollars up at it.
"Get down here and show me your mettle, you cowardly, flea-ridden pice of camel dung!"
As the once raging battle begins to slow, a strange cloud of translucent smoke appears in the center of the arena, coalescing into the demonic form of Kiang Zhen. The oni raises her hand, and the remaining creatures suddenly fall back and drop to their knees as if to acknowledge defeat.
”Well done, well done!”
”My minions accept your victory, and you have adequately the Emissary. Please, lower your weapons. I congratulate those of you still alive, for you have grown that much closer to qualifying for the Ruby Phoenix Tournament!”
The oni pauses for a minute to study the crowd before continuing, ”Beneath the trapdoors lies a series of subterranean passages. Scattered within the passages I have secured a collection of small, but nearly priceless porcelain vases. Your challenge is to locate one of these vases and return it to me. However, there is a catch – there are fewer vases than competitors. Only those who present me with a vase shall pass on to the next part of the competition.”
With Rika *glowering* over him, Mido awakens with a start. For some reason, the gnome has aching calves and thighs.
After prodding the tender areas, Mido is certain they will develop nasty bruises.
♛ ♛ ♛
Raining Death dodges a bullet from Manius and a snowball from Valjoen, before falling to his knees before Kiang Zhen.
“You have lost again, Raining Death. The mortals would have defeated you in under a minute without a single loss on their side!”
The Oni Paragon impassively announces his fate. “You have failed me for the last time.”
Kiang Zhen removes Pratts’ *glowing* ruby from the folds of her robe and crushes it between forefinger and thumb. While making the sign of ‘the bird’ with her right middle finger, her ruby-dusted left hand describes a circle in the air before her.
Raining Death begins shrinking in an ever-decreasing sphere of keeeeeeeening torment, until his form and screams can no longer be perceived.
“The trap-door the Oni-spawn destroyed leads to your goal. The halfling will also find her dagger at the bottom of the pit – twenty feet below.”
Kiang Zhen has some final advice. “Don't waste any time.”
At the bottom, Rika and Jillia discover a dagger (very familiar to the cavalier) and a rusty pulley, threaded with a worn rope and connected to a wooden lift platform at the shaft’s base. The thick hemp the rope is made of remains strong enough to safely hold about 400lb.
The Pathfinders can make use of this contraption to convey the whole party (including Pratts) to the bottom safely.
Once everyone is down, the serviceable, stone-lined sewer leads to an area containing four large straining tubs for sifting through waste. On the walls hang several rakes, presumably for cleaning the sewers.
A pair of unexplored passageways lead off from this area to the east.
Jillia and Mido lead the others down the path less travelled …
It soon becomes apparent just why that is – everyone is quickly overwhelmed by the stench of sewage.
The chamber turns out to be a dead-end. A walkway encircles a swampy pool of raw sewage and garbage.
☣ ☣ ☣
Muttering “I told them! But did they listen?” Manius leads the party back to the alternative path, which is also a dead-end.
At the end of this hall stands a large iron construct fitted with a series of valves and pipes. The thing is rusty and silent.
You are pretty sure you can figure out how to operate it.
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Mariel follows after the group, feeling just a bit sorry for the ogre mage. I think he was doing pretty OK for himself, wasn't he? When she enters the smuggler's underground sewer system, she takes out her sword again and lets it glow with a golden light, using a small prayer and a bit of magic. She's happy to stay in the back, letting the others pick their way through the sewers.
Her delicate elven nose is quickly overwhelmed by the stench of the sewers, and she finds herself in a corner next to Manius, her blade quickly tossed to the side and her hands keeping her hair out of the way. When the worst of it is over, she takes a swig from her water skin, spitting out the water as discreetly as she can manage. "Right. This was definitely the wrong way." She gets a look of horror. "At least, I hope the rest is better..."
Following Manius, with her sword back in hand, she walks close to the contraption. "There has to be a vase in her somewhere, shouldn't there? They can't all be dead ends... And she said we shouldn't waste time." She pokes at some of the pipes. "Mido, do you know anything about this? Gnomes have a knack for engineering, don't they?"
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Jillia immediately begins regretting her decision, and tries unsuccessfully to hide her retching.
"I really hoped the Diobel sewers were rock bottom. Absalom's on a whole 'nother level of awfulness and offalness-" Her voice is promptly cut off by another bout of retching.
--------
When the other hallway ends in a dead-end as well, Jillia, crestfallen, mutters, "It's in the poop, isn't it?"
Mido studies the contraption.
"Hmm likely a smugglers den..." the smartass Gnome muses.
Then he looks around and discovers some instructions for operating a pump.
When the other hallway ends in a dead-end as well, Jillia, crestfallen, mutters, "It's in the poop, isn't it?"
Mido studies the instructions and then nods to Jillia.
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Fort
As the group enters the tunnel they loose Mido for a while the old Gnome is showing weakness once more and can be heard hurling and then praying for forgiveness:
MAster of Master you test this oldman but rest assured my mind is stronger than my body.
Knowledge Engineering
Reroll with Memory Domain and cast guidance
Finally confronted with the mess before them Mido ponders the situation a bit but then realizes that this is likely the pump for which he found the instructions.
Well we could attempt to utilize the pump that was described under the moss. That is likely the easier way to rid us of this...
With that the old Gnome pulls out a piece of wood with which he seals his nose and gets to work.
It takes a little over 10 minutes but thanks to Mido’s know-how, the sewage is slowly pumped away. As it drains from the room a drain shaft that drops down another 20 feet is revealed. This time however, stone handholds in the side of the shaft allow easy (but still disgusting) descent to a bisecting stone sewer pipe 20 feet below.
One by one the Pathfinders may cram into the sewer pipe and descend below. This cramped, 5-foot-circumference pipe connects to another drain shaft of similar construction, which slopes upwards. Holes in the floor connect to 6-inch-diameter, grate covered runoff pipes that drop into darkness.
Just a little over 20 feet through the tight pipe, Rika leads the party towards a relatively clean, dry room.
This refuge from the stinking wet contains a passageway leading to the north.
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Mariel sheathes her sword and pinches her nose shut as she has to reenter the sewer room. Doing her best to look determined (and failed at that), she skulk along, trying to teach as little as possible in the room and the pipe.
When she enters the dry room after Valjoen, holds out her hands in front of her, hoping to avoid staining herself more. She looks at her armor, that was previously kept in pristine condition. "You wouldn't happen to have more of that magic, would you, Valjoen? I suppose as one of Elven ancestry I would find such magic easy, but it never suited me..."
The small passage leading north opens into a wide room with arched stone ceilings. On either end of the room, three channels allow sewage to flow into a mazelike series of channels that flow beneath stone walkways.
Just south of the center of the room, precariously fixed to the ceiling by a five-foot length of chain hangs a small iron cage. Within balances a small porcelain vase.
It seems another group of hopeful contestants has already found the treasured vase. A team of four adventurers wearing distinctive bronze badges are arguing amongst themselves about the best way to liberate the vase.
From the fight at the Frothing Alembic, you immediately identify one of their number as the Aspis defector Nefti.
Your adversaries' poor noise-discipline allows you the opportunity to take an early advantage ...
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Mariel looks up at Valjoen, very happy that she is presentable again.
--
As they spot the vase, Mariel speak out triumphant. "There it is! No more trudging through these filthy sewers. And I think these Aspis owe us one. We're going to < Chirp, chirp, whistle >" A gust of wind flies acorss Mariel's face, but she sets her jaw and is determined to ignore the spirit's mischievous efforts. Weaving magic as she had done in the arena, she summons forth another burst of brillance to blind the Aspis.
--
Jillia works skilfully with the other Pathfinders to perform dangerous combat maneuvers.
Mariel ⍣casts⍣ Iomedae’s H⬲ly Stun Grenade between Nefti and Seoni.
Neither seem burnt by the heatless light. However, the sorcerer claws at her eyes.
Nefti seems only dazzled as he cries, "YOU LOT, AGAIN!! What are the chances?"
Nefti:
Dazzled: The creature is unable to see well because of overstimulation of the eyes. A dazzled creature takes a –1 penalty on attack rolls and sight-based Perception checks.
Seoni:
Blinded: It takes a –2 penalty to Armor Class, loses its Dexterity bonus to AC (if any), and takes a –4 penalty on most Strength- and Dexterity-based skill checks and on opposed Perception skill checks.
All checks and activities that rely on vision (such as reading and Perception checks based on sight) automatically fail. All opponents are considered to have total concealment (50% miss chance) against the blinded character.
Blind creatures must make a DC 10 Acrobatics skill check to move faster than half speed. Creatures that fail this check fall prone.
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Nefti seems only dazzled as he cries, "YOU LOT, AGAIN!! What are the chances?"
Mido steps into the chamber and looks to Nefti his demeanor earnest and his voice clear.
In fact I would chance a game of chance if you by any chance had the chance to act before your chances dwindle. Or so they say that in a war of words the true master will leave nothing up to chance?
Bluff vs. Nefti
“So, bewildering koan huh, gome? FAT CHANCE it will work on a wunderkind artiste such as moi …”
Shortly after this outburst, Nefti starts singing with ✬✭✯✰ in his eyes.
♪ If you’re all alone
When the Ruby Phoenix’s flown
Kaf’s gone so I’m free
Take a chance on me … ♫
Manius suspects something is up – besides the dripping ceiling.
Rika, Pratts and Valjoen advance ominously on the Aspis party.
Nefti calls to Valjoen, “Yo momma's so old, she call ‘em Great Young Ones.”
He then leers at Pratts and points at Rika. “Yo momma!”
Nefti:
Dazzled: The creature is unable to see well because of overstimulation of the eyes. A dazzled creature takes a –1 penalty on attack rolls and sight-based Perception checks.
Seoni:
Blinded: It takes a –2 penalty to Armor Class, loses its Dexterity bonus to AC (if any), and takes a –4 penalty on most Strength- and Dexterity-based skill checks and on opposed Perception skill checks.
All checks and activities that rely on vision (such as reading and Perception checks based on sight) automatically fail. All opponents are considered to have total concealment (50% miss chance) against the blinded character.
Blind creatures must make a DC 10 Acrobatics skill check to move faster than half speed. Creatures that fail this check fall prone.
Valeros ducks at the last second and Rika’s shot scalps the top of his head! The Aspis looks like a Western monk who’s shaved his tonsure with a broken bottle.
Nefti continues performing the Absalom leg of his farewell tour.
♪ We can go Perform (dancing)
Or maybe double moving
Together in the sewers ... ♫
Seoni skulks slowly to the east and steps off the sewer walkway to the dry channel ten feet below.
Staying on her feet, the sorcerer then feels her way a short distance south along the channel.
Merisiel charges 35’ at Mido, drawing an AoO from Rika.
So surprised by the move is Rika, that she misses the chance to hit the rushing rogue, allowing the latter to stab out at the bewildering krooner with some cutting edge tech.
Valeros: >><<
Nefti:
Dazzled: The creature is unable to see well because of overstimulation of the eyes. A dazzled creature takes a –1 penalty on attack rolls and sight-based Perception checks.
Seoni: -5 NL
Blinded: It takes a –2 penalty to Armor Class, loses its Dexterity bonus to AC (if any), and takes a –4 penalty on most Strength- and Dexterity-based skill checks and on opposed Perception skill checks.
All checks and activities that rely on vision (such as reading and Perception checks based on sight) automatically fail. All opponents are considered to have total concealment (50% miss chance) against the blinded character.
Blind creatures must make a DC 10 Acrobatics skill check to move faster than half speed. Creatures that fail this check fall prone.
Nefti *scoffs* at Mido. “Yo momma so nasty, she turned a ghoul Vegan.”
Mariel and Mido each score a hit on Merisiel. The flat of the oracle’s blade striking a painful blow on the elf’s knee.
She *grimaces* before blowing Mariel a kiss. “At least the bruise won’t show there, Milady.”
With blood from his scalp dripping in is eyes, Val takes a 5’ step and swings wildly at Pratts.
Valeros: >><<
Merisiel: -5 -10 NL
Nefti:
Dazzled: The creature is unable to see well because of overstimulation of the eyes. A dazzled creature takes a –1 penalty on attack rolls and sight-based Perception checks.
Seoni:
Blinded: It takes a –2 penalty to Armor Class, loses its Dexterity bonus to AC (if any), and takes a –4 penalty on most Strength- and Dexterity-based skill checks and on opposed Perception skill checks.
All checks and activities that rely on vision (such as reading and Perception checks based on sight) automatically fail. All opponents are considered to have total concealment (50% miss chance) against the blinded character.
Blind creatures must make a DC 10 Acrobatics skill check to move faster than half speed. Creatures that fail this check fall prone.
Rika’s long lunging blade skewers the Aspis warrior through the gut and out through his back.
He looks down in disbelief as Pratts latches onto one of his meaty thighs. With rapid jerks of his sleek head, the Cretaceous critter shakes the man about the No-Dashi, until what remains of his abdomen is raw and bloody.
Rika barely manages to hold on for the ride.
“PRAAAATS, yooou STOP. Heeeee deeead.”
Merisiel:] -5 -10 NL
Nefti:
Dazzled: The creature is unable to see well because of overstimulation of the eyes. A dazzled creature takes a –1 penalty on attack rolls and sight-based Perception checks.
Seoni:
Blinded: It takes a –2 penalty to Armor Class, loses its Dexterity bonus to AC (if any), and takes a –4 penalty on most Strength- and Dexterity-based skill checks and on opposed Perception skill checks.
All checks and activities that rely on vision (such as reading and Perception checks based on sight) automatically fail. All opponents are considered to have total concealment (50% miss chance) against the blinded character.
Blind creatures must make a DC 10 Acrobatics skill check to move faster than half speed. Creatures that fail this check fall prone.
“You’re not Merisiel, are you.”
Knowing the answer, Seoni sighs. “I’m having such a bad day.”
"All eyes on me."
“I would if I could, but they’re not working right now.”
She hesitates. “I suppose there’s no chance you’re a bard?”
“That’s a pity. You sound like you’d make a good one.”
The sorcerer smiles sadly at a point about 2 feet above Jillia’s head. “I’ll have to report our defeat at the hands of the Society to Rataji.”
“It’s pretty embarrassing telling someone known as ‘The Disgrace’ that you've failed.”
Seoni raises her hands to Jillia and screams, “MERI, GIVE IT UP! Before that Hellknight takes your head.”
Manius steps across the troubled waters and fells Merisiel with a single blow. The elf lies motionless between Mido and the Champion of the Godclaw.
☮ ☮ ☮
“Oh shut it, you selfish bïtch. You abandoned the rest of us here to die.”
Nefti looks pityingly at Valjoen, as the Ulfen's sword misses low. “Meet some halfway decent foe and you’ll get yourself killed, old man. Seriously, have you considered hanging it up?”
The Aspis youth waves various combinations of six fingers – 5 on left, 1 on right; 4 on right, 2 on left; 3 and 3 – right under the Ulfen’s nose.
“You can’t stop this either.”
Fingers of dark energy reach out through the dank miasma, like squid-ink through water.
Mido feels his stab wound close and the unconscious rogue opens her eyes at his feet. “Have we surrendered, team?”
“Not all of us, Meri.” Nefti offers Valjoen the grip end of his own bastard sword and takes a knee before him.
“Now we have.”