Shattered Star

Game Master Zesdead

Attack vs Derro, PA: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (3) + 8 + 1 + 1 - 1 = 12

Dmg, PA: 1d8 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 2 + 1 = 7

Arsith attack is clumsy again.
Maybe she was poisoned, after all.

Round 2

"Oh!" Briana gasps with surprise as one of the ghostly women passes through her before returning to the Harrow deck. She smiles, soaking up the encouragement as if she were a sponge.

"Yes, right away!" she calls to Teldon as she focuses on the derro, calling forth stardust to illuminate its movements and hamper its' sight.

Using Wandering Spirit Ability Stardust; as a standard action, the shaman causes stardust to materialize around one creature within 30 feet. This stardust causes the target to shed light as a candle, and it cannot benefit from concealment or any invisibility effects. The creature takes a –1 penalty on attack rolls and sight-based Perception checks. This penalty to attack rolls and Perception checks increases by 1 at 4th level and every 4 levels thereafter, to a maximum of –6 at 20th level. This effect lasts for a number of rounds equal to half the shaman’s level (minimum 1). Sightless creatures cannot be affected by this ability. The shaman can use this ability a number of times per day equal to 3 + her Charisma modifier.

Joanna provokes AoOs from the Darkmantle, if it survives, and the derro.

Joanna steps around the derro, getting out from under whatever it was that was above her and flanking it with Arsith, trusting her armor and toughness to keep her in the fight. Brianna's spell brings a smile to her face as the evil creature begins to glow.

"'And lo, the wicked shall be brought into the light to face their judgement.'"

Attack (Bless and Flank): 1d20 + 11 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 11 + 1 + 2 = 30
damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

I forgot bless... please add +1 to my damage (and to hit if necessary).

Sorry folks... absolutely full on day at work and then went to see my eight year old in his school play - okay, he was just a rat in Cinderella's cellar - but he was a darned good rat!!!

Ziomarra's powers seem to resonate within these ancient and powerful chambers, the derro is transfixed by the harrower and, even through its madness, is left crippled bybself-doubt...

Portioque, Will Save vs Evil Eye: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10, -2 AC for the next 6 rounds.

...a situation quickly taken advantage of by Teldon and Joanna as they slash and thrust at their foe... each blow forcing him back towards the walls of the room. It is only Arsith, still shivering at the poisoning she nearly endured, who misses...

...and, as for the darkmantle that threatened to peel,from the ceiling, there is precious little trace after Shadlah's display of rock mastery. The tide is turned even farther in the favour of the friends when Briana smears the derro with glittering dust... semi-dazzled, its subsequent attacks upon Arsith are woefully wild.

Portioque, Injection Spear vs Arsith (studied target / stardust): 1d20 + 8 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 8 + 1 - 2 = 8, missing

Portioque, Injection Spear vs Arsith (studied target / stardust): 1d20 + 3 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 3 + 1 - 2 = 10, missing

Everyone may take their turn now - note that Arsith is on vacation and shall be GMPC'd as appropriate.

With a grunt, Shadlah steps over the remains of the darkmantle, drawing the rubble from the flattened corpse with a flick of her wrist. It hovers around her, her skin taking on the sheen of marble, a low rumbling stirring in the walls. Then the stone is flying, earth bursting from her outstretched palms, and she takes a knee, panting with exertion.

Five-foot step; gather power (move action); empowered earth blast on the derro (standard action); empowered multiplication added to dice roll.
Earth blast: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28 includes bless, Point-Blank Shot, Deadly Aim
Confirm?: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19
damage: 6d6 + 11 + 24 ⇒ (6, 2, 5, 5, 2, 3) + 11 + 24 = 58

Woah.

Zee watches in awe... and some amount of morbid fascination... as her new friend pummels the derro with earth-magic.

Holds action.

I think that killed him.

Joanna is a mirror of Zee, save she was close enough to get splattered by the derro's blood and gore.

Attack (Just in case): 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 11 + 2 + 1 = 16
Damage(Just in case): 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Briana too looks on with a mixture of amazement and a tiny bit of fear as Shadlah decimates the lone derro with the fury of the earth. Like an earthquake or a sudden volcanic eruption, it serves as a reminder of just how much power can be hidden beneath their very feet - or beneath an amiable, easygoing smile.

Yeahhh, whether that killed him or not I'm willing to have Briana spend a round picking her jaw up off the floor!

Are we certain that a 19 confirms? Earth blast targets regular AC, not touch, so you might want to state what the non-crit damage would be? I don't have time for a real post right now (sadly) so I'll wait to see if its dead.

With a grunt, Shadlah steps over the remains of the darkmantle, drawing the rubble from the flattened corpse with a flick of her wrist. It hovers around her, her skin taking on the sheen of marble, a low rumbling stirring in the walls. Then the stone is flying, earth bursting from her outstretched palms, and she takes a knee, panting with exertion.

The Crit is confirmed... the derro's AC is normally 20 but is dropped to 18 via Evil Eye Hex... But the damage numbers, specifically the static numbers (not the 6d6) seem a little weird to me... Shadlah, could you talk me through the +11 and the separate +24? Sure I am just missing something but I haven't worked out what it is yet...

If folks want to continue rolling attacks against the derro then that'll keep us moving along whilst your slow-witted GM catches up!

...grimacing, the derro whips its spear back once more, a crazed look washing over its visage as it positions itself to stab at Arsith again - and then the earth seems to swallow him whole. A torrent of granite, basalt and marble pouring across the room as the derro becomes little more than a smear on the far wall...

Combat over... and then some!!!

Joanna stands, blade poised to strike at where the derro had been; her eyes wide in amazement. Half of her is covered in the splattered blood of the derro as she stands there.

Slowly, her head turns to Shadlah.

"Thank you. I now know what will happen if we ever become enemies," she says with a nervous chuckle as she falls into a more natural pose.

"Amazing..." Briana whispers as the room falls silent once again. She looks at Shadlah with an expression of awe. "Did I ever mention that I'm glad that you're on our side? Because I am!"

She glances around for a moment before looking at the others. "That was the second derro, right? Then there's still one more around here somewhere. I guess we'd better backtrack and check that other door - once we've had a quick look around here, I mean. I didn't see anything in that other room but I didn't really stop to take a good look."

"Shadlah...I didn't know you could do that...are you all right?"

Buried beneath the rock that killed the derro, the heavily modified spear is smashed and ruined... and, around the remains of the cylinder that was near the tip of the weapon, a hard frost has formed... There is nothing more to be found in this room beyond another collection of notes, written in Aklo and not immediately translatable, they are accompanied by sketches of human dissection.

...retreating towards the room to the south west, the cold intensifies...

Going any closer than the tee-junction towards the south west room will result in non-lethal cold damage... it really is that cold.

Actions?

Briana shivers as the unnatural coldness emanates from the southwestern room. "S-so c-cold...what's causing it?" she gasps as she falls back a few paces.

Knowing that time is of the essence, she shakes her head. "We can come back to this later if need be. Let's head back to that other door; I think the third derro went that way anyway."

She turns and heads back out of the hallway and over to the left-hand door, listening carefully for any signs of trouble.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

Joanna takes her place at the head of the line.

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

Leaving the mysteries of the frost-rimed room for another time, for surely nothing natural could exist in that temperature, the friends troop back into the main hallway where they first encountered the derro... and, with nothing seeming to have changed, they move to the other door in the south end of the hallway.

Listening, there is someone beyond that door... a weak voice calling for help...

Actions?

Map update to follow.

Teldon frowns as he follows his companions away from the mysterious chamber.

Its not safe to leave possible dangers unchecked behind us... plus if we end up far from here it may be difficult to get back... especially if we have survivors in tow...

As she presses her ear to the door, Briana's eyes grow wide and she quickly turns to look at the others. "I hear someone! Calling for help!"

Though her first instinct is to rush to the aid of the mysterious voice, she fights the urge. "It...it might be a trap," she admits, "or it might be one of the derro's prisoners. Let's hurry, but stay watchful. Jo, you and Teldon should probably go first."

I have updated the map showing where the cold room was and where the voice is coming from...

Actions?

Joanna nods and steps back a few strides before charging the door with the boss of her shield leading.

Strength (Charge?): 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 4 + 2 = 15

Teldon opens his mouth to make a suggestion as Jo readies herself. He breaks into a resigned half-smile as he misses his chance, as usual, and graphs his spear in both hands to follow her in if necessary.

"Er okay, that works too," Briana smiles as she readies her own weapon. Joanna's methods weren't always subtle but at least they were also never boring.

The door shatters open... and the voice, suddenly excitable, calls out, "Here... here... up here, quick"... at the end of the corridor, a square room seems to serve a dual purpose as a bedroom and a torture chamber...

...the voice is coming from the darkened chamber - where a familiar figure is chained to the northern wall - Fenster the Blight!!! And, tucked behind a corner where the corridor leads into the room, another derro.

Initiative for Party and Enemy

Shadlah, Initiative: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
Arsith, Initiative: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Briana, Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
Teldon, Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
Ziomarra, Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
Joanna, Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

Atlatia, Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Initiative Order
Ziomarra, Arsith, Teldon, Joanna, Briana, Shadlah then
Atlatia

Everyone may act now.

Round 1

"Fenster! Hold on, we're coming!" Briana cries, drawing her mace as she races up the hallway. "You leave him alone!" she snarls at the derro as she rounds the corner into the room.

Double-move to her current position.

Joanna charges in, hoping to help shield Briana and end the fight quickly.

I'm hoping the GM will let me fudge the numbers a little since Joanna's speed is 20 and it's 45 feet to the derro. If not, she'll go as far as she can and these rolls can be for her next turn.

Attack + Charge: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 11 + 2 = 25
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

-2 to AC until her next turn

Teldon charges in behind Jo with his spear raised high, studying the derro as he moves. A mere moment after she brings her sword down on the wicked creature he follows up with a thrust of his spear over her well armored shoulder.
studied charge: 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 7 + 2 + 2 = 22, for: 1d8 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 2 = 8

Apologies for a couple of quiet days – last Friday was the end of the kid’s school year so lots of family stuff to do then and across the weekend… normal service resumed.

Will keep us moving along with GMPC’s for Arsith and Ziomarra… I can’t GMPC half the party so Shadlah will simply delay this round.

Fixing the derro with a look of malice, Ziomarra concentrates on an image of a card within her mind… and the derro suddenly feels doubt clouding her judgement and impeding her movement somehow…

Ziomarra, Evil Eye Hex vs Atlatia, -2AC for 6 rounds / DC14 Will Save reduces the duration to 1 round.

Atlatia, Will Save vs Evil Eye: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12, Save Failed

Arsith, heavily burdened by her armour, cannot make up the ground between herself and the derro… and, if there had been any stealth before, it certainly disappeared as she clattered up the corridor…

Arsith, double move

...Joanna and Teldon are slightly more fleet of foot, they cover the distance to the derro easily... and strike with devastating accuracy...

Stepping back from Joanna and Teldon, the derro whispers in her unknowable language… and, to Fenster’s dismay, the room starts to dim…

Atlatia, 5ft Step then Darkness and Move Action to study Joanna

The illumination levels in this room are now Dim.

…then, above the noise of the fight and from the corridor to the west, more footsteps can be heard…

Map Update to Follow / Everyone may act now

Joanna presses the attack.

Miss (1-20 misses): 1d100 ⇒ 87
Attack: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24
Damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

Teldon follows Jo as she presses in, readying his spear. He hesitates, calling out, "Briana, my dear, could you please illuminate this troublesome creature?"

readying an action to attack when I can see it properly.
Once he can see it clearly he thrusts at it again...
studied combat: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 7 + 2 = 29, for: 1d8 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 2 = 11
confirmation: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 7 + 2 = 14, for an extra: 2d8 + 10 ⇒ (4, 8) + 10 = 22

Round 2

"Right!" Briana nods as she focuses her attention on the derro and summons another twinkling burst of stardust. Then, hearing the footsteps from the western passage, she moves to stand just around the corner and out of immediate sight of who or whatever approaches.

You won't get us that easily!

Using Wandering Spirit ability Stardust (2/5 remaining) on the derro, then moving to hide around the corner close to where Fenster is chained. I'll move my map token when I get home from work later.

As the derros tarts glistening with Briana's natural light, Joanna, Teldon and then Arsith all catch it with savage blows... enough that, with a cry of "Khrysym", it turns and flees down the tunnel to the west... to where the footsteps were coming from.

Sticking with GMPC for Ziomarra and Arsith / delay for Shadlah

Ziomarra, Evil Eye Hex vs Atlatia, -2 to attack rolls for 6 rounds, Will Save DC14 reduces this to one round.

Atlatia, Will Save vs Evil Eye: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15, saved

Arsith, Heavy Mace vs Atlatia: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26, hitting for 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Atlatia, Withdraw and move down western tunnel - Briana may take an AoO as it runs past her.

...as the derro flees, Fenster implores the friends to unbind him, "Please... Please afores they come back and play in my 'ead again!"

Everyone may act now... Map update to follow.

Round 3 (Derro Flees)

"They move so fast!" Briana gasps as the derro flees with surprising speed and immediately gives chase after it. Although she doesn't want to be lured into an ambush, she doesn't want their foe to be in a position to help who or whatever is approaching either.

Once she's managed to gain some ground on the derro, she focuses and calls forth what look to be ghostly vines in an attempt to ensnare their foe.

Entangling Curse, DC 16 Reflex or be entangled for two rounds. If Teldon manages to trip the thing, I'll edit/make a different Round 3 post as appropriate :)

Joanna follows the Derro as fast as her legs can carry her.

"Sorry Fenster! We'll get you down soon. I promise!"

Where do you think you're going, little fellow?

Arsith follows the derro too,alongside Jo

assuming the map was up to date, this should be valid...

we really need to end this fight before reinforcements arrive...

Teldon charges down the hallway behind Jo with his spear held high and, calling on his extraordinary expertise, stabs down at the derro just beyond her.

spending 2 inspiration for attack bonus
studied charge: 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + 7 + 2 + 2 + (5) = 19, for: 1d8 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 5 + 2 = 15
if bless is still active that's actually a 20 to hit

Ziomarra / Shadlah move with group – and take no other actions.

Chasing after the escaping derro, Teldon stabs it in the back…

…and, as Teldon, Briana, Arsith and Joanna chase the derro into the western corridor and towards a circular corridor lined with cell doors, they become aware of the fact that the fleeing derro is no longer their only foe. Standing in the corridor to the south, a second derro with bright white eyes and long, light hair adorned with a spiked, gem-encrusted coronet… if the other derro seemed unhinged in their babbling and shouting, this fourth creature is positively insane…

Atlatia, Reflex Save vs Entangling Curse: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20, Saved

…as the female derro continues to run, the new combatant brings his palms up to his forehead. His brow furrows and, eyes opening outlandishly wide, screams noiselessly at the friends… the scream builds within everyone’s minds, reverberating and echoing around the skulls of the friends… a horrifically overpowering sensation…

Atlatia withdraw action then Magister Khrysym, Greater Synaptic Pulse

Everyone must make a Will Save DC17 or be Stunned for 1d4 ⇒ 2 rounds – on a successful save, the character is Sickened for 1 round.

Everyone may act now - Map updated

Will: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

Joanna proves to be a juggernaut, shrugging off the scream as if it was nothing, or seeming to anyway.

"That won't work on me," she says, biting off each word as her head swims.

Attack Khrysym, because it sounds like the other Derro ran past him, and Joanna isn't going to leave an enemy at her back if she can help it.

Longsword on Khrysym (Sickened): 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 11 - 2 = 28
Confirm on Khrysym (Sickened): 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (3) + 11 - 2 = 12
Damage (Sickened): 1d8 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 5 - 2 = 11

Round 4

Will (DC 17): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29

Briana's eye twitches as the strange scream fades, leaving her with a raging headache which in turn leaves her feeling a bit green around the gills.

"Won't...work on me, either," Briana groans as she deftly steps into the room and out of the way of the melee. Having already seen some of the tricks the derro can pull, she focuses her attention on making this new foe nice and visible for her friends.

Using Wandering Spirit ability Stardust!

Will save: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Arsith stops dead in her tracks, grimacing under the powerful magical sound that empties and fills her brain at her same time

In quick succession, Briana sets the derro sparkling like the heavens... insane as it is though, it barely notices... whilst Joanna, shrugging off the mental attack, slams straight into the diminutive fellow...

Waiting on actions from Ziomarra, Teldon and Shadlah.

Will: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

Teldon's powerful mind easily overcomes the effect, though it turns his less potent stomach...

Still, he steels himself and, quickly studying the new enemy, he charges in behind Jo.
studied charge (sickened): 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (16) + 7 + 2 + 2 - 2 = 25, for: 1d8 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 5 + 2 = 12

Rolling Saves vs Synaptic Pulse for Ziomarra and Shadlah

Ziomarra, Will Save vs Synaptic Pulse: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10, Save Failed - Stunned for two rounds.
Shadlah, Will Save vs Synaptic Pulse: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10, Save Failed - Stunned for two rounds.

...Arsith, Ziomarra and Shadlah are all unprepared for the sudden mental assault - and, for a few vital seconds, it is all they can do to clutch their heads and stay upright...

Teldon follows up on Joanna's attack - his spear striking hard against the strange derro...

Stepping backwards, the derro fixes Teldon with a mad stare... his eyes seem to entice the spear-wielding human to focus only on him...

Khrysym, Cytillesh Stare vs Teldon

Teldon takes a -3 penalty to Will saving throws plus:

• Allure: The hypnotic stare penalty also applies on initiative checks and Perception checks.
  
• Disorientation: The hypnotic stare penalty also applies on attack rolls.
  
• Sapped Magic: The hypnotic stare penalty also applies to the DCs of spells and spell-like abilities used by the target, and to the target’s spell resistance (if any).
  
• Sluggishness: The target of the hypnotic stare has all of its speeds reduced by 5 feet (to a minimum of 5 feet), and the hypnotic stare penalty also applies to the target’s Reflex saving throws.
  
• Susceptibility: The hypnotic stare penalty also applies to the target’s Sense Motive checks to oppose Bluff checks, and to the DCs of Diplomacy and Intimidate checks made against the target.
  
• Timidity: The hypnotic stare penalty also applies to damage rolls

...and, whilst it holds Teldon's attention with its stare, its mind seems to reach out and, rummaging around in her consciousness, scramble Joanna's senses...

Khrysym, Synesthesia vs Joanna

Joanna must make a Will Save DC16 or, for 6 rounds, her sensory input is processed by the wrong senses, such that noise triggers bursts of colors, smells create sounds, and so on. Joanna moves at half speed, has a 20% miss chance on attacks, and takes a –4 penalty to AC and on skill checks and Reflex saves. Successful spellcasting while affected requires a concentration check with a DC equal to this spell's save DC plus the level of spell being cast.

...and, now safe behind the mentalist derro, Fenster's captor slings a blackened dart at Joanna.

Atlatia, Dart vs Joanna: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16, missing

Joanna, Teldon and Briana may act now - Ziomarra, Shadlah and Arsith are stunned for this round (and may act the following round).

Will vs. Scrambled Brains: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

Joanna blinks and finds herself in a world that is all wrong. She still manages to somehow deflect the dart the derro she'd been chasing flung at her, but she wasn't sure how long she could defend herself like this. She could still fight, if only barely, and she could take whatever punishment she needed to to protect her friends.

Miss (1-20): 1d100 ⇒ 27

Attack: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12

The young paladin strikes out, but is unable to find her mark in the jumble of conflicting senses.

Round 5

A quick glance around her confirms that whatever this new derro just did, it was proving very effective against several of them. Hoping to turn the odds back in their favor, she moves up closer to Joanna before calling upon the spirits to aid them in battle.

Moving to current map position and casting Bless.

Addled by the derro’s interference with her senses, Joanna is overcome by a particular scent that only she can detect – eliciting memories of the Magnimar harbourside and sunlight on her skin, it throws her concentration and, despite Briana’s assistance, the paladin misses with her attack…

Waiting on an action from Teldon.

holy crap... All those penalties as a swift action with no save?!? Why don't we have a mesmerist?

Teldon scowls harshly as he feels the alien influence wash over his mind. For a moment he considers changing tactics to compensate but decides instead to prove the superiority of his own mind by fighting through the attack...

studied attack (bless): 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 1 - 3 ⇒ (16) + 7 + 2 + 1 - 3 = 23, for: 1d8 + 5 + 2 - 3 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 2 - 3 = 7

holy crap... All those penalties as a swift action with no save?!? Why don't we have a mesmerist?

Yeah, the Mesmerist is pretty cool... however the Derro Magister (Occult Bestiary if you were wondering) is the Mesmerist cranked up to Eleven!!! It gets all of the Mesmerist's Stare abilities (a normal Mesmerist would accumulate these over many levels) and also grabs a bunch of pretty hardcore spells... plus there's this...

Teldon, struggling his way to see past the derro's mad gaze, stabs forward... and catches the mesmerising fiend with the point of his spear... Yelping with pain, the derro moves backwards and, yet again, yanks at the strings of Teldon and Joanna's mind...

Magister Khrysym, Id Insinuation II vs Joanna and Teldon.

Joanna and Teldon must make a Will Save DC16 or be Confused for as long as Magister Khrysym concentrates upon them. If a player becomes Confused, on their first round they must roll for the confusion effect twice - taking the worst result (in the order of: Attack Other, Harm Self, Do Nothing, Act Normally).

Watching the sudden puppet show, the other derro relaxes and takes a stoppered vial from her belt... and, gulping it back, flexes her muscles as her upper body becomes noticeably more muscular...

Atlatia, Drink Potion of Bull's Strength.

Everyone may act now - the Stun effect from the previous Synaptic Pulse is now finished.