The Forgotten God (Table 2) (Inactive)

Game Master Rednal

"Hmph, it isn't as if I'll need that to kill you. Though I admit you've made things somewhat challenging." Sevia said in a cocksure manner, aiming to mock him into making more foolish mistakes before resuming her attack against him - as he was clearly the most dangerous out of the lot. Though she disliked the loss of so many images, ultimately they were only a stop gap measure to keep her safe.

Attack: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (16) + 11 - 2 = 25 vs AC Damage: 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14
Attack: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 11 - 2 = 27 vs AC Damage: 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
Confirm: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 11 - 2 = 29 Damage: 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
Ki Attack: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 11 - 2 = 19 vs AC Damage: 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

1 ki point for another attack, and 5ft step to try to deny Darilio flanking while staying adjacent

Have you been taking your negative levels into account?

The first two blows managed to strike the man - the last, not so much, as his whirling flail managed to smack it away. The undead moved at his commands a moment later, carefully positioning themselves to make it far harder to escape the flanking.

Melee Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
Melee Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Melee Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8 Blinded.
Melee Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6 Blinded.
Melee Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22 Blinded.
Melee Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11 Blinded.
Melee Attack: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (17) + 16 = 33 on Image: 1d2 ⇒ 2 Destroyed
Melee Attack: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30 Damage: 1d10 + 8 + 2d6 ⇒ (8) + 8 + (2, 2) = 20
Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14 Nope.

After destroying literally every single one of the mirror images - and the undead hadn't helped very much with that - the whirling flail finally managed to slam into you, crackling with chaotic energy. His attacks - when they hit - were heavy, though at least he didn't seem nearly as tough to strike as many of the foes you'd fought lately, even if he did seem more than slightly confident in himself. "Death is nothing to be afraid of. Sooner or later, Groetus will destroy everything." Darilio countered, grinning widely. "In the end, all of your acts are futile!"

"You are a fool to believe that. Groetus will do nothing while mortal life still lingers on the Material Plane." Sevia replied back, mentally sighing at the tired ravings of followers to that miserable god. "And when I send you to Pharasma, you will know fear." she continued with certainty, glad to leave her inheritor to deal with another necromancer.

Meanwhile, some of those undead were becoming a nuisance. She targeted them with strikes from her Mithral wakizashi, which would hurt them worse, while her Cold Iron one targeted Darilio.

Sevia will step toward Darilio and try to get out of flanking

Attack: 1d20 + 11 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 11 - 2 - 2 = 18 vs FF Damage(Silver): 3d6 + 9 ⇒ (6, 1, 6) + 9 = 22
Attack: 1d20 + 11 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 11 - 2 - 2 = 24 vs AC Damage: 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
Ki Attack: 1d20 + 11 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 11 - 2 - 2 = 17 vs FF Damage(Silver): 3d6 + 9 ⇒ (1, 6, 5) + 9 = 21

HP:48

Next round she spends 1 mythic power to use fleet charge and backs away from Darilio. All attacks directed at him. This movement provokes.

Attack: 1d20 + 11 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 11 - 2 - 2 = 19 vs AC Damage: 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
Attack: 1d20 + 11 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 11 - 2 - 2 = 13 vs AC Damage: 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Fleet Charge: 1d20 + 11 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 11 - 2 + 2 = 30 vs AC Damage: 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
Confirm: 1d20 + 11 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 11 - 2 + 2 = 23 vs AC Damage: 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

The Mithral Wakizashi strikes had them lose their dexterity bonus... how?

The two undead almost exploded under the force of the blows, not being terribly resilient to start with - and the strike against Darilio sunk right in. That left just one more of the undead - the one that hadn't been blinded - and the apocalyptic cleric himself. "An 'eternal' paradise won't mean much when Groetus destroys it as well!" the man countered, stepping back and raising a hand.

A moment later, a hammer of chaotic energy smashed down, striking at the only lawful person in the room in an explosion of color and power.

Cast: Chaos Hammer Reflex Half (1 fails, all else succeeds): 1d20 ⇒ 17
Damage: 4d8 ⇒ (4, 5, 3, 8) = 20 Halved to 10.

Attack of Opportunity: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (10) + 14 = 24 Miss.

In your next round of attacks, the first two simply bounced off of his armor without doing harm, while the charging his actually struck him (and confirmed as a critical strike). He was starting to look quite injured now, though he just as obviously had some vitality left - and as you moved away, he clenched one fist, unholy energy spiraling out from him and plunging the room into complete (though not supernatural) darkness.

Sevia almost laughed as the man called upon the darkness, fool. Casting Mirror Image with her last reserves of arcane power, Sevia conjured up more images to hide her true location. "Oh please, do you think Groetus is any stronger than Rovagug? I've been through that song and dance before." Sevia said, vaguely remembering some of the horrendous fighting she'd had against the Rough Beast. Stuff like that was stuff you never quite forgot, even if she were mortal.

Images: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

She didn't know whether or not he could actually see her through the darkness - and she also didn't know how far his invisibility purge went. Therefor she opted to stay in place and use some of her Lay on Hands while waiting for his next move.

Healing: 1d6 ⇒ 1 Man a whole point!

HP:39

Defensive Casting: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (13) + 16 = 29

"Hmph." the man said - and the room abruptly got even darker as he spat out a few harsh words and even Darkvision was rendered useless. After your healing, his flail whirled through the air, even as his remaining minion paid careful attention to listen to you and hear any sounds of movement.

Attack Roll: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (3) + 16 = 19
Attack Roll: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13

Neither attack came particularly close to striking you, though it was hard to tell if that was due to the depths of darkness within the room or not... and it seemed like the man wasn't talking anymore, likely because it would make it so much easier to pinpoint his location.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27 what spells did he cast?

As the insane cleric tried to swing at her through the darkness, Sevia managed to duck his attacks before moving away again. Without being able to see, she couldn't reliably say if she could keep fighting. Fortunately - she had an idea.

Stealth: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (18) + 17 = 35

First she cast Infernal Healing on herself, taking advantage of the lull in the fight to recover her wounds slightly. Then she used her mythic power to cast an ultra fast Summon Swarm spell, placing a swarm of bats right on the head of where her enemy had been.

Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5 + 1 Bleed (to the zombies and darilio)

Screeches filled the air as the blind bats attacked, able to see quite well even within the supernatural dark.

Deeper Darkness. The other power seemed to be spell-like, but not something your arcane knowledge can identify... something quite odd, probably divinely given to help put out the lights in an area.

Fortitude (vs Distraction): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (7) + 15 = 22

Howling and screeching filled the room as the man concentrated, focusing his divine powers instead. A moment later, a burst of negative energy flowed through the room, bypassing the rats - but striking at both the swarm and you.

Channel Negative Energy (Swarm): 4d6 ⇒ (5, 4, 4, 6) = 19 x1.5 = 28 Will 19 Halves: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Channel Negative Energy (Sevia): 4d6 ⇒ (1, 5, 4, 4) = 14 Will 19 Halves: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (19) + 17 = 36

The bats let out a screech as they collapsed to the ground, vanishing into the air as the spell ended. "Such creatures could never withstand the power of Groetus!" Darilio declared, his faith vibrant and strong - kind of awkward for a man who worshiped the Lord of the End Times, but that was clearly not something he was concerned about.

He still bleeds. 39+1-7=33 HP.

As Sevia felt the wave of Negative Energy roll over her, doing some but not a complete amount of damage, she knew the bats were dead and stopped concentrating on holding the spell. Instead, she stepped forward back to where she'd been to try and strike him again - keeping silent to avoid giving herself away.

Miss Chance: 1d100 ⇒ 79 Hit

Attack: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 11 - 2 = 22 vs AC/FF? Damage: 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

34HP

Incidentally, I go with "low" meaning hit, as you'll note from previous posts.

The weapon stabbed into the air, narrowly missing the man - and he turned, whipping out his weapon again and moving it through the air.

Attack: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (6) + 14 = 20
Attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23

Neither of the swings came particularly close to you - regardless of the level of illumination within the chamber. "Tch. This is getting tiresome." he muttered.

Ah, I'd been going with high

Again drawing on her strength, she send a flurry of attacks into the darkness. At the moment, it was the only thing keeping him alive, though she supposed he'd bleed out eventually.

Attack: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 11 - 2 = 16 /miss
Attack: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 11 - 2 = 14 /miss
Ki Attack: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 11 - 2 = 27 vs AC/FF? MC: 1d100 ⇒ 53 Damage: 1d6 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15
Confirm: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (4) + 11 - 2 = 13

35 HP

The furious series of blows pierced through the air, not quite managing to land - even as the faithful of Groetus focused again, sending out a second wave of negative energy that surged through the entirety of the chamber.

Channel Negative Energy: 4d6 ⇒ (3, 4, 6, 3) = 16 Will DC 19 Halves: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (13) + 17 = 30

"I suppose it's true that the simplest solutions are the best ones." the cleric said, stepping away from his previous position and moving further into the darkness. "Trickery means nothing before destruction that sweeps all before it!"

Channel Energy is simply not wide enough to encompass the whole room. Though, his henchmen will be suffering these effects too

Feeling the bite of the cleric's second negative energy attack, Sevia was about to follow up with her own counterattack when she heard him retreat further back.

Instead of pursuing and getting hit by another wave of negative energy, Sevia silently retreated in the opposite direction, out of the cleric's range and toward the wall. She expended another use of lay on hands to help stem some of the tide of damage she was taking. Luckily he couldn't keep doing that and might expend some uses without actually hitting her. Casting Detect Evil Sevia began concentrating to pit point the location of the Cleric.

Stealth: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (11) + 17 = 28

Healing: 1d6 ⇒ 5

35-8+1+5=33 HP

A few quiet squeaks could be heard - and then the voice of one of the druids who were still blocking the exit of the room. "She's moved away from you!" the druid called, a reminder that the powerful cleric was far from alone in this fight. A brief chant rose through the air, too indistinct to identify - but there seemed to be no immediate effects within the room that you could uncover. Nevertheless, it seemed clear that you weren't the only one comfortable fighting in the dark - and if you didn't take this opponent down soon, he might have other nasty tricks up his sleeves.

On the bright side, your Detect Evil power is starting to show the presence of several sources of evil - and one of them is clearly much stronger than the others.

She couldn't be sure what the Cleric had just cast, perhaps a healing spell? It would be the smart thing to do given that he'd still been bleeding out. Concentrating on her spell, the strength and number of the auras was becoming apparent to her, and in a few seconds she'd have their location as well.

Healing: 1d6 ⇒ 6

33+1+6=40 HP 0/7 lay on hands

Upon figuring out the cleric's location, Sevia darted forward to strike.

Attack: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 11 - 2 = 26 vs AC/FF? MC: 1d100 ⇒ 23 Damage: 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

41 HP

The dagger strike connected solidly despite the black depths of the room - a testament to luck as much as skill, and you could hear a hiss of pain from the cleric at the blow. His flail struck out a moment later, bashing through your location...

Attack Roll: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (7) + 14 = 21
Attack Roll: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

...without coming close enough to threaten you despite his skill with the weapon. Darkness was a handicap as much as a boon, it seemed.

Sevia ducked the cleric's attacks, though personally she could do without the blinding darkness. Her own swords replied back with her own attacks.

Attack: 1d20 + 11 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (4) + 11 - 2 - 2 = 11 vs AC/FF? /miss
Attack: 1d20 + 11 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 11 - 2 - 2 = 9 vs AC/FF? /miss

Mythic power for burning hands, everyone in 15ft cone takes damage

Her fingers shot out and threw a wave of flame at her opponent.

Fire Damage: 5d4 ⇒ (3, 4, 4, 4, 2) = 17 DC 19 Ref save for half

Reflex: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (3) + 15 = 18

Flames washed over the area - impossible to see, courtesy of the darkness, but very real and present nonetheless... and they earned a sharp cry of pain from the cleric, who focused his energies as he chanted another spell outside of your ability to view. He took another step back a moment later, apparently trying to prolong things instead of giving you the chance to continue assaulting him with all of your strength.

Smiling as she heard the cleric cry out, Sevia stepped up after him, blades swinging through the darkness at her prey. "You only prolong your demise." Sevia said, pressing her attack and trying to bring an end to this.

5ft step after, full attack, burn 1 ki

Attack: 1d20 + 11 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 11 - 2 - 2 = 24 vs AC/FF? MC: 1d100 ⇒ 23 Damage: 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
Attack: 1d20 + 11 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 11 - 2 - 2 = 13 vs AC/FF? MC: 1d100 ⇒ 85 Damage: 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
Ki Attack: 1d20 + 11 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 11 - 2 - 2 = 18 vs AC/FF? MC: 1d100 ⇒ 20 Damage: 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

Just for clarification, you're attacking versus AC. ^^

The first of your strikes impacted against the cleric, hitting him despite the darkness. The other two were clean misses, not quite able to land on him despite everything going on. But then, nobody really expected accuracy when they were swinging in the dark, not unless they were a very abnormal person. A few things associated with the Dark Tapestry could manage it, and creatures blind to begin with didn't care, but supernatural darkness was the bane of almost everything with sight...

And in response to the blows, the cleric channeled energy once more, resembling your own actions in simply blasting everything when pinpoint accuracy wasn't practical. "Everything will die in the end, but that doesn't mean I care to lose!"

Channel Negative Energy: 4d6 ⇒ (6, 4, 3, 2) = 15 Will DC 19 Halves: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (9) + 17 = 26 Total: 7 damage.

Another wave of negative energy surged at her, but simply wasn't enough to truly hurt her badly. If anything, it seemed the change in tactics had actually been more ineffectual for him than a benefit. But she wasn't about to point out that things were going better for her than for him.

Burn 1 ki, 1 remaining, gain 1 LP

Attack: 1d20 + 11 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 11 - 2 - 2 = 25 vs AC MC: 1d100 ⇒ 80 /miss
Attack: 1d20 + 11 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 11 - 2 - 2 = 22 vs AC MC: 1d100 ⇒ 49Damage: 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
Ki Attack: 1d20 + 11 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 11 - 2 - 2 = 27 vs AC MC: 1d100 ⇒ 33Damage: 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
Confirm: 1d20 + 11 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 11 - 2 - 2 = 24 Damage: 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

Once again, she expended much effort to swing wildly at him, at this point relying more on luck than skill to hit him. But fate was on her side at the moment, and she felt a rather deep strike sink into him.

HP: 41+1+1-7+1=37 HP

The ki-based attack slammed home, pounding into the cleric's body and dealing a heavy stroke of damage to him. He couldn't have had too much health remaining - and fate worked for deities in very curious ways, particularly when it was part of their portfolio...

Attack Roll: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (20) + 14 = 34 Hit Chance: 1d100 ⇒ 85 Hit Chance: 1d100 ⇒ 72 The dice have spoken! Good thing, too... this isn't a guy you want getting a crit on you. XD
Attack Roll: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

Moments after your strike, you felt the ground crater in as the cleric's weapon swooshed through the air - but despite his expertise in fighting under the cover of darkness, it seemed that fate had no intention of allowing him to prevail in this conflict... and he was undoubtedly quite open and vulnerable after making an attack like that one.

"Not quite." Sevia said as the ground crunched beside her. Did his weapon get stuck into the ground? She couldn't be sure. Again she swiped desperately into the air...

Attack: 1d20 + 11 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 11 - 2 - 2 = 15 vs AC MC: 1d100 ⇒ 94
Attack: 1d20 + 11 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 11 - 2 - 2 = 24 vs AC MC: 1d100 ⇒ 96

But found no purchase on her target. Reluctantly, and wanting to hopefully end this here - she used some mythic power to quickly cast a Shocking Grasp spell and reached into the darkness...

Wild Arcana: 1d20 + 11 - 2 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 11 - 2 + 3 = 18 vs TC MC: 1d100 ⇒ 16 Damage(Electric): 5d6 ⇒ (4, 4, 1, 5, 6) = 20

The darkness within the chamber abruptly vanished as the cleric crashed to the ground, his vanishing magic a pretty good sign that he was dead... which left you with just three druids, three unusually large rats, and another undead to deal with in the normal light of the room.

The shuffling undead was the first to act, and it seemed it had been quite close to you this entire time, raising both of its hands as it stepped forward and slashing out with them.

Melee Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Melee Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

One of its hands actually broke off as it flailed ineffectually - you hadn't even needed your still-present Mirror Images to dodge that attack. Chanting filled the air a moment later, and three superdense spheres suddenly surrounded you in the open squares as the druids called forth their allies.

Recognizable as a Summon Nature's Ally spell. And... Knowledge: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20 ...you recognize the spheres as Gravity Elementals, a rare but potent type of extraplanar creature.

Bludgeoning force surged out of the three creatures a moment later...

Slam Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Slam Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
Slam Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

...but despite their ability to flank you, none of them quite managed to hit. The first did come rather close, though - and considering your agility, that was a fairly impressive feat in its own right. The rats, meanwhile, fled behind the druids instead of hanging around.

What size?

Sight filled Sevia's vision again, and with it, a renewed bought of attacks now that the cleric was dead. She sidestepped the flailing undead before weaving through the newly appeared gravity elementals. Those could be trouble she reckoned, but luckily they weren't direct threats - given that they'd disappear within a minute or so.

Instead - she called upon the powers of her invisibility now that the Cleric's magic had ended, and walked straight through the pack of enemies to the druids who'd summoned them.

Attack: 1d20 + 11 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 11 - 2 + 2 = 16 vs FF Damage: 3d6 + 9 ⇒ (5, 3, 5) + 9 = 22 +2 Bleed

41+1+1=43 HP Infernal Healing expired

Even I wouldn't be tossing bigger ones at you right now. XD They're small elementals. Also, why are you healing multiple points...? If it's stuff like Infernal Healing, only one of those works at a time.

The strike impacted solidly against one of the druids, though the attack also dropped your invisibility and exposed you for the druids to see. The elementals and the undead shot forward, joining the druids in completely boxing you in. One thing is quite clear, however - these druids aren't what most people would call sane, and they're not going to give up despite the losses they take.

On the other hand, your evasive ability is enough to help you avoid all but the most accurate attacks, and the mirror images are only making things worse. Quite a few attacks later - and 15 points of damage to you from a pair of abnormally lucky hits - the druids have been finished off, the elementals vanished, and you've finally managed to clear out this group of cultists. With that, it seems like it's finally safe to examine the cells along the wall... and probably loot the bodies of the cultists. Hey, it's not like the lady who hired you cares if you do that...

Because 1) You probably didn't want to roll the dice for ALL of that, and 2) I need to get going. XD 'S a fairly busy day.

Because it's Halloweeeeeeeen! Also, counting the round before that I didn't count

Sevia panted as she stood amidst the bodies of the fallen cultists and the necromatic filth. There'd been a couple times she'd been worried but that long fight had been more tedious than threatening - and it'd taken awhile to finish off the lackeys. Casting Infernal Healing again, Sevia sheathed her swords and began checking the bodies for keys - starting with Darilio. Looking for any loot could come secondary, though she kept an eye out for valuables as well.

After quickly looking over the bodies, Sevia headed for the cells - which if she remembered correctly had been full of people. "Hello? Anyone alive in there?" Sevia asked as she looked into each of the cells. "I'm here to rescue you." she explained as she began unlocking the doors. She just hoped the occupants hadn't died.

If sevia doesn't find keys, she'll use Disable Device

There are several interesting items on Darilio's body, starting with the amulet he was using to control the undead with. It seems like something sacred to Groetus - always a bit worrisome - but the real prize is the flail he was using. Just brushing your hand against it sends a surge of weariness through you - if you'd had one more negative level, that could have been fatal, but the two you currently have are bad enough as it is. (And things I should keep track of more carefully in the future...) You'll have to be extremely cautious while transporting it, but there's no doubt that it's quite a precious item.

It doesn't take long top locate the keys to the cells and unlock them - though it does take a few moments before the people inside can gather their senses. All except for one of them, a young man who's been stripped to the waist and bears signs of unusually lashing. He seems to be in quite a good mood, though, and spends a few moments sizing you up. "Not bad." he said, looking at the spread of bodies and sounding rather impressed. "Name's Cestis. Are you available for hire?"

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 10 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 + 10 = 29 Cast identify. In the future you can roll my spellcraft for me to recognize cursed items and such before I pick them up.

Sevia crossed her arms as she gave Cestis a once over, he looked somewhat worse for the wear. Luckily she'd actually managed to find him, but she was beat and not in the mood to keep on a snipe hunt. "I am now I suppose. Captain Themis sent me to rescue you, and that's done." Sevia said offhandedly, gesturing to the pile of bodies behind her before putting a hand on her sword. "Do you know how many people I've had to kill just to track you down? I'm not getting paid enough for this...Lucky for you I happen to be dedicated to a higher purpose than money." she chuckled as she entered the cell to check his wounds. If she was just in this for money, she'd have given up a long time ago.

"Whatever it is though, it's going to have to wait until tomorrow. I'm in no shape for another fight." Sevia remarked as she cast Infernal Healing first on him, and then on herself - before moving to check the other prisoners, asking if any of them were badly hurt. The prospect of another job didn't appeal to her, and she was quite apt for a rest.

Sevia will make heal checks on anyone else who looks beat up pretty bad. 43-15-5+10=33HP 0/8 1st spells 0/5 2nd spells 1/8 ki

It's not cursed, exactly... XD Don't worry, I'll never force that type of item onto you.

The heavy flail seems to be an enchanted, anarchic weapon - the bane of creatures of order, and just touching it is rather rough on you. Fortunately, however, letting go of it is all that's needed to dispel the effect - its drain on you is far from permanent, though gripping it at all times probably wouldn't be the most sensible thing ever done.

Cestis, on the other hand, just grinned. "She is rather good at getting other people to pay for things, isn't she?" he observed, glancing down at the flail. "Probably said you could keep things like that and sell them on your own? That thing'll sell for nine thousand in any good market - should pay for at least a bit of your time." he didn't even hesitate in attaching a price to it - as was probably expected from someone who spent his time at auctions, looking to get valuable antiques and artifacts at the best price. The other prisoners seemed relieved to be rescued - and though they did look like they'd beaten, none of them were hurt as badly as the Pathfinder had been.

"She did say something to that effect." Sevia chuckled as she carefully grasped the flail with Mage Hand and placed it into her backpack. Themis probably guessed the slavers had enough cash or loot on hand to quell any misgivings from whoever she hired. She WAS right, but it did irk her. "Still, she was awfully on the cheap for this just hiring me. As it turned out she managed to get someone who could do the job, but anyone lesser would be dead by now." Sevia shrugged, wondering what Cestis would think of his employer risking his life on a shoestring budget. He did seem a little blase about it.

"So, what's this job you want to hire me for?" Sevia finally asked as she walked back into the room to check the bodies again - she hadn't searched the druids, and then the crates in the corner of the room. She was curious what he might have in store for her.

After which, Sevia will guide all the captives up to the street.

"Hm? Oh, that was just a general check." he said, helping guide the others towards the street. The druids hadn't had much except for their basic tools - their kind rarely amassed much wealth - but the clubs could be sold for at least a few coins. "We're always looking for people who are good enough to get a job done... and if you work well, the pay will definitely be worth it." he rubbed his chin a bit, waiting until all of the others were gone before speaking again. "Actually, I was working on another project before all of this happened." he grimaced slightly. "We have credible evidence that there's something under the city that's turning normal rats into dire ones. In the wrong hands, something like that could cause a lot of trouble, and we'd like to retrieve it as soon as possible. If you'd like to help, I'll quadruple whatever you were offered for this job, half up front and the other half on completion. Starting tomorrow, of course."

"What? You mean...in the locker?" Sevia asked with intrigue as she listened to Cestis explain himself. Personally, she could care less about Cassomir's rat problem if that was what Cestis was on about, and she was just about to open her mouth to tell him she wasn't interested, when she considered whether or not there might be a connection between the rat cult dedicated to Groteus and whatever Cestis had been investigating.

"Do you have any reason to suspect your investigation is somehow linked to that this cult? I'll be honest, I've no interest in just rats. Or in setting out for another fight so soon. I'll be feeling these injuries in the morning, I can tell you that." Sevia said rather distastefully. Frankly, she wanted a little time to rest up after that nasty fight, and maybe even put in some time to craft an item now that she'd found all this gold. Still, if there were necromancers afoot in Cassomir, she'd not be leaving until they were dealt with - and returning to the cult could wait.

Cestis did raise an eyebrow - there was a reason he'd mentioned starting tomorrow, after all, and it seemed clear he wasn't expecting anything more from you today. You'd already put in a hard day's work, after all. "We do, actually." he said, glancing back towards the chamber where there'd been a chalk drawing of a dire rat alongside the bodies of the dire rat companions that had been with the druids. "The rat population has been growing in strange ways lately, and before our informant passed away, she was talking about a hidden block of buildings underneath the city and the presence of some cultists a lot like these. Whatever they're planning can't be good - I think we have until at least tomorrow, since they weren't planning on moving us until at least then, but I'd really rather not delay past that and give these people any more of an opportunity to prepare."

Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16 anything important to know about who darilio was, what this cult is, or what is below the city?

Sevia sighed as she thought about that, placing a hand on her chin. Cestis did have a point, this wasn't something that could just be delayed - especially now that she'd killed so many of their members. "Very well, count me in then. Now that I know these cultists are using necromancy, I must carry out my sacred duty and eliminate them. And that task would be more difficult if they learn we're onto them." Sevia said rather solemnly as she called on some of her last reserves of mythic power - to cast Infernal Healing again, and using the last bit to infuse her staff with a charge. It was disappointing to not have time to acquire the materials she wanted - but she'd have to make due.

You don't seem to have much familiarity with these local issues - a native would probably know more, but your knowledge of the material plane is sadly incomplete. However, you do know that there is a section of the city known as Cassomir's Locker - a collection of catacombs and passages excavated over time that the locals tend to avoid... and the city tends to guard quite heavily. None of these thoughts are apparent on your face, and Cestis doesn't seem to have noticed your considerations.

"Excellent! Then let's go get the pay you were promised, eh?" he said cheerfully, dropping the trapdoor shut and making his way towards the inner city and the local lodge of his organization. It doesn't take too long to reach your destination - and you're tossed a sack of gold with the promised payment in it only after some rather robust magical examining of Cestis' body. You could stay up, of course, but you'll need to find somewhere to rest if you want to sleep...

As Sevia took her gold, she found herself liking Captain Themis less and less the more she had to deal with the woman. Bidding Cestis a good night and informing him she would be back the next evening, Sevia decided to leave the Pathfinder Lodge to go find an Inn to sleep off her exhaustion at.

The next day Sevia decided to find someone to buy the items she'd recovered, and also some components to craft a scroll - spending an hour or two to craft a scroll of Cat's Grace before she headed off back to the Pathfinder Lodge to meet with Cestis.

Buy:
100gp Scroll Components

Sell:
9000gp Anarchic Flail
?gp 3x clubs
?gp Amulet

+500gp reward

9868.5gp
+9500
-100
=19268.5gp + ?gp

Additionally, Sevia puts another charge into her staff. 7/8 1st spells

1 GP for the clubs. Nobody buys the amulet - they all look very nervous upon seeing it and quickly usher you out the door when it's offered.

Also, you rushed a bit again. XD You still had the EXP reward from that last fight, which brings you up to Level 5... same format as usual, post updates in the Discussion thread.

The building you're in looks much the same as it did yesterday - though now that you know a little more about who you're working for, you can spot the telltale signs of a building belonging to the society. Hestia Themis is waiting there - apparently having no intention whatsoever of doing something like not thoroughly checking to be sure a job was done before paying out gold - as is Cestis, who's looking rather healthier than he did yesterday.

"Ah, welcome!" he said, clapping his hands together. "All right. Captain?"

Hestia merely looked over to you. "A friend of ours, the Countess Arieta Patrizia, is dead. She escaped her capture by the fiends who operate beneath Cassomir only to succumb to disease and wounds incurred in Cassomir’s disgusting sewers. Ordinarily, this would be a matter for the Taldan authorities, but Arieta came to me directly after escaping and recounted a story that leads me to the natural conclusion that only the Pathfinder Society can resolve this issue."

Venture-Captain Themis rises and paces back and forth behind her desk. "Arieta told me of an artifact she saw while in captivity below Cassomir. This artifact, called the jet rat, is known to us, but we must confirm that what she saw is indeed true. She claims to have seen it transform normal rats into something bigger, more vile and mean. If that’s true, the artifact she saw down there is old, evil, and should be stored safely in the vaults beneath the Grand Lodge in Absalom where we can study, catalog, and examine it. Worse, she claims to have seen this object in the hands of the derros, vile Darklands creatures that we have long suspected are responsible for the Cassomir kidnappings. I have a map here that shows the location of the sewer grate Arieta was dropped through when she was kidnapped. She could not, due to her illness, recall much about how she got to the location where they kept her in captivity, but she knows where they dropped her into the sewers and you’ll find that location on this map."

Venture-Captain Themis stops pacing and eyes you across her desk. "Bring me back this artifact — if you happen to free a few captured Taldans along the way, that’s good news, but the artifact is your mission. I've decided to authorize Cestis' offer of payment." she took out a sack of coins and set it on the desk. "Any questions?"

Sevia placed a hand to her chin thoughtfully and leaned back in the chair she sat in as she listened to Hestia brief her on the mission. That was interesting that derros were somehow involved in this, and she imagined it would be easy for them to worship a god like Groteus...given the apparent rat motif of the cult she was now pursuing, collusion seemed likely. As the woman finished summarizing the situation, Sevia nodded.

"Yes, Cestis mentioned his suspicions earlier earlier, but is there any evidence that supports a connection between the cult to Groteus and this?" Sevia asked as she stood up, hoping the Venture-Captain might have something more substantial to give her. And if not...well she'd be there in person, so she'd find out soon enough. Giving both pathfinders her regards, Sevia accepted the payment and left the lodge in good spirits. This was turning out to be quite the detour but it felt good to be making a difference here.

Heading for the sewer grate marked on her map, upon arriving at the area, Sevia dislodged the cover with her crow bar and - upon looking to make sure she wasn't seen - slipped down into the sewers without a sound.

Stealth: 29 = 29

Oh, and...

Save vs Negative Level: 1d20 ⇒ 17
Save vs Negative Level: 1d20 ⇒ 9

You're able to throw off the negative levels and return to full health at the start of the day.

"While we’re not going to discount that, she didn’t describe any human involvement. She saw only derros, rats, and a few creatures she could not name and I could not identify." the Venture-Captain explained calmly.

With that, you're able to secretively slip down the hatch, avoiding the notice of those up in the city. Murky puddles dot the tile floor below, which gently slopes toward the room’s center where some of the puddles are very slowly draining into a large, 10-foot-by-10-foot drain. Thick, sticky webs cover most of the corners of the room, and several large vermin appear to be caught in the webs. The sound of running water can be heard to the north.

Perception + Nature for more information. Map's been updated at the top of the screen.

The lighting in the room is dim, almost to the point of being pitch-black, as there are no lighting sources down here in the sewers. The moment you touch down, however, a glob of webbing shoots through the air and directly towards you!

Ranged Touch (vs FF): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

You're caught by surprise, but as you look up, you do see a dark, twisted arachnid up on the ceiling. It seems like it knew exactly where you were and was completely prepared for your arrival, attacking when you were least ready to deal with it - the sign of a true predator of darkness.

Knowledge (Nature) to identify. The web can be escaped with a DC 19 Escape Artist or Strength check as a standard action - though you will take a -4 circumstance penalty if you're using strength to burst it. Until then, you're entangled.

Initiative (Enemy): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Initiative (You): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18

Knowledge Nature: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22
Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26

Sevia dropped down into the dank, dingy sewer - which of course she was more than accustomed to seeing in. Though, she only had a moment to look around before she felt something wet splat against her leg, which, looking down appeared to be a glob of...web? "Repulsive." she muttered with contempt at the slimy goop, before looking up at its source.

Escape Artist: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20

Luckily, the spider which thought to make her a meal seemed a little too sure of her apparent entrapment and lingered long enough to give her time to twist her leg in the right ways to slip out of most of the gunk.

As she did, she darted down the corridor of the sewer away from the vermin. While not a threat, she could easily kill it with her bow, which she drew out.

Move 60ft away from the spider. On my next turn, Sevia will begin peppering it with arrows

Attack: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28 vs AC Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
Attack: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16 vs AC Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Attack: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16 vs AC Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

In the moments you looked around, you noticed something more than just rats caught in the webs of this massive spider. There was also a derro's corpse contained within the webbing, thoroughly drained of its vital fluids.

Moving sixty feet away required moving either around the corners - making it far harder to get a ranged attack off - or diving straight into the liquid muck. Neither was a terribly pleasant proposition. The spider followed, scuttling along the ceiling at an impressively fast pace - and it had been closer to the tunnels than you to begin with, finding it much easier to keep up with you and snap down with its mandibles.

Bite: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

Despite being used to the depths, it wasn't quite as accurate as it could have been, and you had no trouble at all dodging the snapping mandibles. Arrows shot out a moment later, though only the first sunk into it, and it didn't hesitate to snap down again from its place on the ceiling.

Bite: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26 for Damage: 2d10 + 9 ⇒ (7, 8) + 9 = 24 + Acid Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 2) = 5

The bite barely managed to connect... but it did land, and acid poured out of its mandibles even as it bit into your flesh in a devastating chomp. That was the thing about huge monsters, really - they didn't always hit their foes, but when they did, they hit hard.

What kind of spider is this?

Sevia managed to contain the scream she almost let out as the spider managed to just barely land a bite on her arm. Whatever that spider was, it certainly wasn't normal in anyway as she fought to pull her arm off the thing. Dropping the bow, she draw her swords instead - her good arm stabbing out with her wakizashi with lighting reflexes as she cradled her other.

Attack: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28 vs AC Damage: 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
Ki Attack: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32 vs AC Damage: 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
Confirm: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14 /miss

*Rolls*: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26

It's a Tenebrous Ogre Spider. (Stronger than that statblock - don't use it for reference.) Also...

Fortitude (DC 21): 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (19) + 18 = 37 Eaaaaaasy save versus the poison.

Both of your blows dug into the massive spider's hide, ripping into its flesh and splashing its blood onto the floor. Its bristles lashed out at you as you attacked...

Reflex: 1d20 ⇒ 12
Reflex: 1d20 ⇒ 9

...but you deftly avoided them, slicing out far too quickly for the bristles to threaten you. Its mouth darts forward a moment afterwards...

Bite: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

...only to close on empty air, though some acid does drip down onto the floor and hiss slightly as it eats at the stone. It reared back slightly a moment later, perhaps a bit unnerved by the speed and accuracy with which you struck it.

Stupid paizo deleted my post so now I have to completely rewrite it...uhg

A planar spider linked to the shadow plane? Sevia immediately revised her threat assessment of the thing then. What she'd though was just a common cave spider was actually much, much more dangerous - just like everything else linked with the shadow plane. Still, despite the creature's overly tough hide - it was a clumsy thing and wouldn't be making her its prey.

Stepping aside and letting the bristles hit nothing but the side of her cloak, and deftly dodging the spider's next bite, Sevia struck back.

Attack: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 12 - 2 = 19 vs AC Damage: 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11
Attack: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (4) + 12 - 2 = 14 vs AC Damage: 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14
Ki Attack: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 12 - 2 = 30 vs AC Damage: 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14
Confirm: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 12 - 2 = 30 vs AC Damage: 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9 Two 20s in a row? That'll do.

It seemed like the acid had hurt her arm worse than she'd though, because that second strike was particularly lousy - but her third landed square on one of the thing's eyes, gouging it particularly badly.

I'd say two 20's calls for making use of one of these critical hit generators... *Rolls*

The first two blows failed to penetrate the creature's hide, but the third blow, now - THAT was one heck of a strike, and it literally could not have been better. The blow sunk deeply in, dealing the maximum level of damage (Treating it as two 6's on the damage rolls, total 28 damage done to the spider), and the injury looked like it had actually sickened the creature through the sheer force of the blow...

Sickened for 1d3 ⇒ 2 rounds.

Reflex: 1d20 ⇒ 4
Reflex: 1d20 ⇒ 16
Reflex: 1d20 ⇒ 15

The bristles lashed out again as you swept your weapons across, and though they once got close to hitting you, you were once again able to avoid the damage they would have caused. Perhaps your own link to the realm of shadows was helpful here... experience could be a great guide.

Despite everything, the spider was a powerful beast - it would probably take at least a few more strikes to bring it down, though when it snapped out in what looked like a bit of desperation, its blow wasn't quite as accurate as before.

Bite: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

That was undoubtedly a good thing - had it not been sickened by your brutally powerful blow, it probably would have ripped another large chunk out of your flesh. As it was, the jaws still came far too close for comfort.

Woo. That thing huuurts.

Sevia grimaced as she tried to pull back while the spider lunged at her, just barely managing to evade its nasty bite as it stumbled at the last moment. That had been a relatively close call and she sure as hell wasn't in the mood to feel another one of those stings. Her arm was still throbbing pretty badly from the last one.

Seeing how off balance the spider looked, she pressed her advantage, driving forward at the thing.

Attack: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 12 - 2 = 27 vs AC Damage: 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
Attack: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 12 - 2 = 18 vs AC Damage: 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Ki Attack: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 12 - 2 = 27 vs AC Damage: 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

With another two good strikes from her good arm and a lousy one from her bad one. She just hoped it would be enough as she stepped to avoid the bristles - she only needed to get unlucky once...

Two solid blows and a lot of damage done - the spider probably wouldn't be able to withstand another blow once you actually managed to hit it, though its bristles continued to wave wildly with the power of the Plane of Shadows.

Reflex: 1d20 ⇒ 7
Reflex: 1d20 ⇒ 17
Reflex: 1d20 ⇒ 13

They didn't seem to be doing very much good, though, and the last snap of the creature was closer to the dying struggles of a doomed animal than the forceful blow of a dominant predator. This beast was huge, after all, and clearly wasn't accustomed to facing such small, vicious prey.

Bite: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

...Nor was it able to chomp down in a fate-defying bite. It was still on the closer end, but not as close as before and certainly not close enough to harm you. This was definitely showing the value of the training you'd gone through.

The beast's attacks were starting to feel rather desperate, and the oozing wounds across the spider were a testament both to its natural hardiness and the amount it had been brutalized. Though she supposed it was actually quite tenacious for an animal, most any other predator would have run by now having figured a prey like her was more trouble than she was worth.

swift to recover the LP. 8-3+1=6/8 ki

With one precise move, she stabbed forward with her sword.

Attack: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30 vs AC Damage: 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
Confirm: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29 Damage: 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

...and practically gutted the damned beast.

I'm assuming since you said 1 more hit would kill it, that a crit is going to do the job - ignore this if it isn't dead

As the spider slumped down Sevia moved aside to avoid being buried under its carcass, before hissing in pain at her wounded shoulder and began casting Infernal Healing spells to recover her wounds. Wondering if the derro might have had something on him when he died, Sevia walked back towards the arachnid's nest and cast Detect Magic, examining the room and then the corpse - grotesque as it was.

After making a cursory search, Sevia will double back and head down the corridor.

99-29+30=99 3/8 1st spells.